July 11, 2020
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Huron Daily Tribune | Heroes Unmasked
July 11, 2020
Laker Food Services Director Cinamon Marker, far left, and her team have prepared and distributed about 60,000 meals to students since schools closed in March. (Submitted Photo)
Heroes Unmasked: Lakers’ Marker keeping ‘kiddos’ fed during school closure Mark Birdsall
mark.birdsall@hearstnp.com
Marker’s job was to make sure they didn’t go hungry.
The week begins on Monday PIGEON — Wednesday is like for Marker and her team of game day for Cinamon Marker. staff members and volunteers. That’s the day they begin to On Wednesdays, the Laker Schools food services director, prepare and assemble the meals that will be given out her staff of seven and numeron Wednesday. It’s a lot of ous volunteers distribute a week’s worth of breakfasts and work, too much work for one day. That work continues on lunches to “the kiddos,” as Tuesday, as the team prepares she affectionately calls them, who normally would be taking seven breakfasts and seven lunches per child for up to 450 those meals at school. kids per week. Of course, all of She estimates they’ve distrib- this work is done while meal uted about 60,000 meals since preparers maintain proper the middle of March. That’s a social distancing and practice lot of cereal and broccoli. good hygiene. Food workers already are accustomed to Marker is one of the many wearing gloves and hairnets school employees who had to and keeping things sanitized, quickly adapt when schools so they’ve taken things in were closed in March due to stride. the coronavirus. Kids depended on those meals they “At this point, we’re trained normally ate at school, and pretty well,” Marker said.
When meal distribution first began, Thumb Area Transit helped out by dropping off meals in Elkton, Pigeon and Bay Port, Marker said, but meals are now picked up drive-thru style. She added she’s very grateful for the help from teachers, paraprofessionals and secretaries who have pitched in to lend a hand. She credits Superintendent Brian Keim with rallying staff members to the cause.
have been in short supply. Meals are required to contain items with a certain amount of protein, vegetables, fruit, grain and a carton of milk. She has had to improvise by obtaining some foods in bulk and packaging individual servings. Marker also wants to make sure kids are happy with what she sends home to them.
“I’m very fortunate compared to other schools,” Marker said. “There are always extra hands, which is awesome.”
Marker said the USDA has offered to fund meals for kids through the end of the summer, and she plans to apply for the program because she feels it’s so important to the community. She also mentioned the USDA is teaming up with farmers to provide meat, dairy and produce at no cost to the schools this summer. She has secured a refrigerated
Marker said one her biggest challenges during the shutdown has been securing food from their supplier. Many schools in the region are distributing meals to their students, and prepackaged foods that meet meal requirements
“I want to send home something they’ll like and they’ll eat,” she said.
semi-trailer with the help of Kurt Damrow of the Elkton Lions Club to store the food provided by the program. “It’ll be very exciting to see what’s in those boxes,” she said. Marker has always had a passion for food and cooking, having attended culinary school after working for years in accounting, so she takes pride in preparing much of the food she feeds to students. For example, she remembered thinking the ranch dressing the school bought was “the worst” she had ever tasted, and that led to the creation of Lakers Awesome Sauce, a favorite of the kids. “Hands down, they prefer my homemade dressing to the bottled stuff,” she said.
July 11, 2020
Heroes Unmasked: Bad Axe’s Jimpkoski drives ambulance, works security
THANK YOU! WE ARE HUMBLED BY THE GENEROSITY OF OUR COMMUNITY DURING COVID-19
Robert Creenan
robert.creenan@hearst.com
BAD AXE — All Shelly Jimpkoski has wanted to do is help her community out, and with her job at Central Huron Emergency Medical Services, she has been able to do so.The Port Austin native, who now lives in Bad Axe, has been an emergency medical technician for the past 20 years, driving an ambulance around Huron County to pick up those in medical need.Jimpkoski had seen her friends work in similar services. After talking with her friends about it, they pushed her into that direction.“In 2000, five of us got together in an EMT class at the tech center,” Jimpkoski said. “Three of us that took the class are still at Central Huron Ambulance.”Jimpkoski is on schedule for 48 hours a week, leaping into action whenever she gets a call.“If it’s cardiac, you’re wondering what kind of call it is,” Jimpkoski said. “You’re wondering in your head what you’re going to do when going inside the house.”With COVID-19 the major concern for all medical personnel, Jimpkoski has to wear a mask no matter what the patient she picks up has. If the patient is suspected to have the virus, she has to dress up in what she calls “the bunny suit,” where she is dressed head to toe in PPE with goggles and a face mask even before she enters the person’s home.The kinds of medical personnel Jimpkoski can take along in her ambulance can change all the time during this pandemic. Normally, protocol dictated an EMT would either be with a medic or a first responder. Now first responders can ride with medics as well.“Our protocols change all the time with
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Huron Daily Tribune | Heroes Unmasked
Jimpkoski
this virus going on,” Jimpkoski said.While Jimpkoski said she has not picked up anyone who is infected, she said she would not know if they had the virus unless they got tested.Being an ambulance driver is not the only job Jimpkoski has to worry about. She also works as a security officer for Corteva Agriscience’s Harbor Beach facilities, which she has been doing for the past year. She took the job because she describes herself as a workaholic, but she also wanted the extra income.Her duties there include checking all the trucks coming in and doing health screenings for the truck drivers, which includes asking them questions and taking their temperatures. Jimpkoski works up to 12 hours a day there.At Corteva, everyone working there has to wear a mask and observe social distancing, especially as contractors are allowed to go back to work there after working from home.“Corteva is a highly secure place,” Jimpkoski said. “When the virus hit, everything started shutting down. People were working from home that could
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Continued from 3 work from home. Now you’re starting to see more activity at the plant.”The pandemic does have Jimpkoski worried about her family, as she does not get to see her parents in Port Austin.“If I go to visit, I talk through a screen door,” Jimpkoski said. “My dad is a cardiac patient and has health problems. I don’t want to go in in case I infect them.”What Jimpkoski likes the most about being an ambulance driver is that no call she gets is the same and everyone she works with is like family to her. This includes her coordinator giving her employees food over the course of a week, like ice cream on Sundays, breakfast on Mondays, tacos on Tuesdays, and waffles on Wednesdays.“Our coordinator is the bomb,” Jimpskoski said. “She’s trying her best to get supplies for us.”
July 11, 2020
Heroes Unmasked: Social worker inspired to help by sense of community Mark Birdsall
mark.birdsall@hearstnp.com
PIGEON — A local social worker has stepped up during the coronavirus pandemic to help out those who need assistance during a tough time. Cathy Stinson, a school social worker for the Huron Intermediate School District currently assigned to Laker Schools, has spent the last few months volunteering her time by making home food deliveries for Laker’s Wednesday food distribution She has also also volunteered to register people and make deliveries for the weekly pop-up food pantries held at Laker Elementary School. She said when schools closed in March as the coronavirus pandemic reached Michigan, she immediately became concerned about the students who get their main meals at school. Stinson felt compelled to step up and do what she
could to make sure no one would go without during the shutdown. She said this was a common reaction among her fellow members of the Laker community.
delivery route have passed away due to non-virus reasons, but she said it drives home the importance of the work she and her fellow volunteers are doing.
“The Laker crew has been incredible,” Stinson said. “Every single one of them is a hero. They’ve stepped up, stepped in and they’re there through the week getting the meals ready.”
“That was a little bit unnerving for me, but it definitely keeps me moving forward,” she said.
Stinson feels lucky. She said she has one of the best jobs delivering the meals because she gets a chance to see the kids’ faces. She also has the opportunity to see her parents when she makes deliveries for the “pop-up” food pantries. She said even though it’s been an overwhelmingly positive experience volunteering, the seriousness of the pandemic is always driven home by the careful steps they must take to ensure the safety of the food distribution. Unfortunately, a couple of people on her
A self-described transplant from Colorado, Stinson said she’s live here for 34 years and is struck by how tight-knit the community is and is grateful to be a part of it. “The sense of community up here is incredible,” Stinson said. “When people need a hand, you ask, and it’s there.” She said volunteers at the pop-up pantries make sure to check on the well-being, both physical and mental, of those who pick up food and make it clear they are important members of the community and that we’re all in this together.
It’s a message that’s as crucial as ever during these difficult and challenging times, she said. “If you’re starting to feel hopeless and helpless, it’s time to reach out for help,” she said. “And if you notice somebody who sounds hopeless or helpless, it’s time to reach out to them.”
Heroes Unmasked: Joni Reimann donates over 800 masks, sending some overseas By Sara Eisinger
sara.eisinger@hearstnp.com
FILION — Joni Reimann has sewn 804 face masks since the end of March. Most went out to people in the community. Others were distributed between McLaren Thumb Region and Hills & Dales General Hospital. A portion even went to Ethiopia. “I am willing to make more,” Reimann said.
With more than 84 cut out and ready to go, it is clear she has no interest in stopping just yet. Reimann works for Leader Tool in Harbor Beach. Like so many others, she was laid off in April, which left extra time on her hands. Friend Mary Dhyse made notice of all the work Reinmann was putting forth. “She started as soon as they put the call out,” Dhyse said. Dhyse has a daughter-in-law
working the frontlines at the Huron County Medical Care Facility and a son serving with the Huron County Sheriff’s Office. Therefore, she understood the need first-hand. She could not thank her friend enough for leading in a cause that has helped protect her own family. Many more made notice and started donating spare
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Joni Reimann “twinning” with her mother Doris Pfaff. (Courtesy Photo)
July 11, 2020 Continued from 4 materials. “She made it clear she was making them and ran out of elastic, so she asked for donations via Facebook,” Dhyse said. “I went through all my materials in the first 200 masks,” Reimann said. “A lot now are made from donations of other people’s fabrics. That kept me going for quite a while.” Then, a new obstacle arose. Some people could not tolerate elastic masks, due to aging or thinning skin. To help meet their needs, she crocheted masks with buttons on each end. These provided them with comfort and safety. “I did 100 buttoned straps,” Reimann said. “People started donating buttons.” During Reimann’s community service mission, she has gone through four sewing machines and turned the dining room table into a factory. “Old faithful gave up on me,” she said of her first sewing machine. Then, the second machine she tried stopped working. The third one finally did the job and a fourth was generously donated. Reiman shared that she and her husband have been married for 30 years, which meant 30 years of dining together at the family table. That was until the virus spread into the area. “We haven’t eaten off the kitchen table for over a month straight,” Reimann said. “We just started doing buffet-style dinners.” This was considered a very small sacrifice by the Reimann’s. She noted that her efforts could not have been made possible without those who gave to her cause. “I would like to thank everyone for donations,” Reimann said.
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Huron Daily Tribune | Heroes Unmasked
Heroes Unmasked: Harbor Beach therapist goes above and beyond to connect with patients Works full-time and makes mental health videos Aurora Abraham
Jessica Peterson talks about coping with disappointment during the pandemic in one of several videos on her YouTube channel “Mental Health Matters.” They can also be found on the Harbor Beach Community Hospital’s Facebook page. (Courtesy Photo)
aurora.abraham@hearstnp.com
HARBOR BEACH — Jessica Peterson is an Outpatient Therapist at the Harbor Beach Community Hospital. She is also a licensed master social worker and provides service for mental health issues, substance abuse, and family concerns.She was nominated for the Tribune’s Heroes Unmasked by Laura Janks. According to Laura, she has gone “above and beyond” for her patients during the coronavirus.Jessica said the facility made the switch to telehealth during coronavirus shutdowns in mid-March.“It was a little rocky at first,” she said, adding that her patients’ made the transition much easier.“If I had to call them last minute and say, ‘Oh, can we make this a video instead of a telephone?’ — or vice versa — every one of my patients was just very flexible,” Jessica said.Jessica said she encountered challenges with connecting through technology.“Sometimes relying on connecting through a telephone call, or connecting through virtual visits, is very different than in-person appointments,” she said.In addition to her full-time job, she has taken up making videos about mental health. They are posted on her YouTube channel, “Mental Health Matters” but Jessica said they are easier to locate on the hospital’s Facebook account.“When the pandemic started, I was seeing things that we knew were common, so increased stress among a lot of my patients and even family members and people I know,” Jessica said. She said she tries to make a video once per week, but is not always able to, depending on her schedule. Jessica has
seven videos so far. They cover pandemic related anxiety, loneliness, disappointment, stress, and addiction. She said she has received great feedback on them. She also talks about her own struggles, so her patients can relate, something she believes has helped people worldwide during isolation.“The pandemic brought us all together,” Jessica said. “We’re on some sort of level together, sharing some of the same stressors … and feelings.”She said she will “absolutely” continue the videos after the coronavirus pandemic is over. Jessica said her patients have managed very well through the coronavirus.“When you think of a pandemic and how people react, you think of a lot of the negative things,” she said. “What I really saw with my patients was incredible resiliency.”She said many dealt with the same life stressors that would have normally taken place. Jessica said overall, this has made her more adaptive and flexible.“It’s made me realize one day we could be doing things a certain way and then overnight things change,” she said.She said this experience
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HURON DAILY TRIBUNE
Congratulations
Cinamon Marker and Cathy Stinson for being nominated for Heroes Unmasked.
www.lakerschools.org
6 Continued from 5 has also opened her eyes to consider what everyone has available to them.“I never really thought about technology, and people maybe not having access to that,” she said. “This really shook my view and made me pretty humble to the fact that not everyone does have access to that, and we really need to reach out and make things happen for those people.”Jessica has also offered counseling services to employees at the hospital.“Employees are more than welcome to talk to me about things, whether that’s stressors at work or stressors in life, so that is an opportunity that they have,” she said.She said during the pandemic, they have not taken up her offer because everyone is very busy, but in her almost two years of working there, she has had several employees come to her.Jessica said she is starting to see patients in person again with precautions, depending on their comfort level. She wears a mask, does routine temperatures checks, and social distancing is enforced.“I’ve had a lot of patients happy about that, and ready to come back,” Jessica said. “And I’m ready to see my patients again in person.”She said a little less than half of her patients have returned to in-person visits. She said she is also very happy to be retaining new patients.“As the pandemic went along for these months … I had some new but mostly my patients I already had on my caseload,” she said.Jessica said she is happy to be back working with her patients in-person and looks forward to continuing the mental health videos.
Huron Daily Tribune | Heroes Unmasked
July 11, 2020
Heroes Unmasked: Alexander prepares health department for disasters By Robert Creenan
robert.creenan@hearst.com
HURON COUNTY -- Despite not directly dealing with sick patients, Katie Alexander is right on the frontlines when it comes to how the county address disasters. Alexander is the emergency preparedness coordinator for the Huron and Tuscola County health departments, helping both departments and working with other agencies in the event that a disaster strikes the two counties. “A big part of my job was making partnerships, so we already had partners in public health and with emergency managers,” Alexander said. “It’s a good role to bring everyone together.” Alexander has been at her job since 2018, after she received her master’s degree in public administration. She grew up in Kinde and went to Central Michigan University, where she earned degrees in biology and political science. She later took a job in the governor’s office in Lansing. She then returned to the Upper Thumb when she took an assistant teacher job at North Huron High School while completing her master’s degree. Although Alexander’s role of emergency preparedness coordinator began in 2018, her responsibilities expanded the following year when she took on the same role for Tuscola County. Before the COVID-19 pandemic started, the health departments’ main concerns were flooding events and airborne illnesses, so they were preparing for potential flooding and working on the department’s influenza plan. “Then COVID happened and
we put all that stuff on the back burner,” Alexander said. “Once COVID-19 blew up, everything had been different. We went from worrying about communicable diseases to COVID.” The health department’s focuses shifted to calling individuals who were confirmed positive, contact tracing, and gathering all the information, interpreting it, and finding a place for it. “In the beginning, there was a lot of info thrown out at once,” Alexander said. Alexander also had to call a lot of places for masks and hand sanitizer, and work with hospitals to make sure they had enough personal protective equipment. The nature of Alexander’s job is thinking, what if the worst-case scenario happens? One exercise she described the health department taking part in was if a foodborne illness started in a restaurant. They and other agencies involved would learn how to identify which bad food this came from and how to notify the people involved. After a disaster happens in the county and all necessary steps are taken to deal with it, the health department goes through a “hotwash” -- or an after-action evaluation --where it determines what worked, what did not work, how to plan for a similar event, and the staff updates their procedures and policies. When Alexander started going to work during the pandemic, there was a concern about going to work and seeing other people while others stayed home, even though safeguards were in place at the health department. She described coming into an office
Katie Alexander
where only one or two other people were there as eerie, and said it took a lot of adjusting. “Everyone is taking this seriously,” Alexander said. As Alexander’s role involves communicating with the public, she has seen a good response as the community does its part in preventing
the spread of COVID-19. She attributes listening to the health department and people wearing masks in public as to why Huron County has a low number of cases. “It’s been awesome that people have been listening and doing their part,” Alexander said.
July 11, 2020
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Huron Daily Tribune | Heroes Unmasked
Heroes Unmasked: Huron and Tuscola County health officer thrust into the spotlight by the coronavirus pandemic By Scott Nunn
board of health in these two counties have the responsibility of searching for the best UPPER THUMB — Serving as candidate, interviewing and a public health officer whose making recommendations to primary role is to enforce pub- the board of commissioners. lic health laws and regulations The next stage is the that the might seem like a mundane job board of commissioners may to some, but not for Ann Hep- conduct the final interview and fer, who has arguably become then either take the advice of a bit of a local celebrity amid the board of health or start all the coronavirus pandemic. over again. The state must also approve the selection, and then Hepfer is one of the many public faces for the Huron and you are on a one-year probation status with the state.” Tuscola County health departments, and has served as Hepfer said her role is an exthe public health officer since tremely rewarding one, despite 2016. the fact she didn’t intend on becoming a health officer. “The health officer may take scott.nunn@hearstnp.com
any preventive measures that may be necessary to protect and preserve the public health from any public health hazard during any emergency,” Hepfer said.
Her role has never been more prevalent than during emergencies such as the housing crisis and subsequent recession in 2008 and the coronavirus pandemic that is currently ongoing. Hepfer has become the urgent voice speaking to county residents through daily reports on the coronavirus situation in the Upper Thumb. “Public Health works every day, and sometimes around the clock, to promote and protect the public’s health and safety from various ongoing threats,” she said. “My role is to understand and prevent disease and injury across the entire population, and to ensure access for all population groups within the community to health care services.” Hepfer is in a unique position as she works for two health departments as a employee, and was vetted and hired by two boards of health. “I am a hired employee and I work for both Huron and Tuscola County health departments,” she said. “The
“There are hundreds of rewards,” she said. “I am serious. I love public health. I have been in public health as a registered nurse for 31 years. I cannot think of any thing more rewarding than working with so many different individuals and helping through some very tough times like the one we are in right now.” Hepfer said those rewards more than make up for the many sleepless nights, because there are always bright moments every day.
“I am not just saying that, I truly believe that,” she said. “The community-based partnerships have been my absolute honor to be a part of, every one of them brings something to the table for the residents of our community. No one ever says no to filling a need. I am not saying it is easy, and that we always get 100% of what we ask for, but I do know that I count on them to deliver.” Prior to becoming the health officer, Hepfer worked for 28 years with Gretchen Tenbusch, the previous health officer for the area. Additionally, she said she has had the extreme pleasure of working with excellent medical directors such as Dr. Dennis Smallwood, Dr. Russell
Bush and currently Dr. Mark Hamed, each who are remarkable leaders and pioneers in public health. “They provided me with the knowledge, tools and confidence that it takes to do this position,” she said. A common misconception about her role as health officer is that it is a hands-off job that is purely administrative. “This is the farthest from the truth,” Hepfer said. “All the health officers I know are truly invested in what is going on from the ground floor up within their agency and communities.” Hepfer said the recession and the current pandemic certainly serve as memorable moments. During the recession the health department dealt with a surge of unemployed people who had lost their health insurance. “Their jobs were not coming back and they had nowhere to turn,” she said. “I think it was just as bad as it is right now. However, many people right now will have jobs to go back to, and unemployment benefits that will pay better than back then.” Hepfer said the communities are fortunate that there is a huge upswing of local support, such as the various food pantries. “Back in 2008 and 2009 it was not that easy,” she said. “Day after day for months I would log 75 calls just from people who needed prescriptions filled and had no way to fill them. These were diabetics, hypertension, even cancer patients that needed help right then and there. Many people’s lives were changed forever.” However, despite the current positives, Hepfer cannot help but worry about the long-term implications. “I worry about this gener-
Ann Hepfer
ation of children with the mass school shootings, social media impacts, parents losing their jobs and employment uncertainties, fear of contagion, children needing to be homeschooled by parents who already carry such burden, and with the social isolation of being away from their peers,” she said. “Our communities have been working on being trauma informed, but this is just another event that for many children will raise their trauma scores. I know children are resilient, but how much can they really take without being harmed? Once again, many lives will be changed forever.” Despite Hepfer’s efforts and care, she is not without criticism. She said people should trust the leadership that is in the position to look out for everyone’s best interest. “Lately, I have been criticized for not being upbeat about my
COVID-19 messaging, but the reality is it is not my responsibility to be cheerleader,” she said. “It is my responsibility to provide accurate and up to date information and to prevent the community from getting infected. When the data on the number tested and those with probable case status are accurate from the state, I will release that information.” However, despite the criticism, Hepfer still sticks to the task at hand. “I would like to thank my parents for their support and willingness to put up with such a bossy daughter,” she said. “When I said, ‘Stay at home,” they did. The health departments’ teams are absolutely committed and have a vested interest in serving their communities. It is my absolute privilege to be leading these teams in both counties.”
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Huron Daily Tribune | Heroes Unmasked
July 11, 2020
Heroes Unmasked: Harbor Beach native became Huron County Medical Center’s infection control nurse weeks before pandemic hit By Robert Creenan
robert.creenan@hearst.com
BAD AXE — Medical workers’ jobs are very stressed right now due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but imagine how stressful it would be for someone as one of their first tasks in a new position. That is the situation Bette Pierson, a Harbor Beach native, found herself in as she took on the role of infection control registered nurse for the Huron County Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe. Her job is to monitor and track infections in the facility, which she got to work on very quickly. She only accepted her current role in February, two weeks before the COVID-19 outbreak reached Michigan. Pierson got her start as a nurse at the medical care center when she was 20, but left to work at a different facility for eight years to get more experience before returning. “I’ve been a nurse for 12 years and experienced a multitude of situations,” Pierson said. “Taking this role weeks before a pandemic hits is a new one for me.” As a senior residential facility, the Huron County Medical Care Center has taken many measures to ensure its at-risk residents do not come down with COVID-19. All new admissions to the center are being put in a separate section from the rest of the residents. Education is an important aspect of Pierson’s job, as she
has been active in educating residents and the staff on why they are doing the things they are doing, putting out memos and presentations in the process. “In times of uncertainly, I tell people to spread knowledge, not negativity,” Piersons said. They have to wear masks and there is increased disinfecting, including everything that comes into the center, and a strict policy of tracking employees who may have COVID-19 symptoms. As a result of all this, there have been no COVID-19 cases reported at the facility. “I attribute it to being overly cautious,” Pierson said. “Every precaution we can take, we’re doing to keep residents and staff safe.” Residents are allowed to leave the facility to get procedures like dialysis done, but other kinds of travel are highly discouraged. When anyone returns to the Medical Care Facility, whether they be staff or residents, they are only allowed to enter through one building entrance. After that, they have to fill out a questionnaire and have their temperature taken. Bette Pierson Another policy in place is no visitors allowed, so the center has a schedule for residents to make FaceTime calls with their families. As residents are separated from their loved ones, the staff they routinely see becomes their family as well.
keep residents safe,” Pierson said.
“The compassion of the staff here is amazing, how they come together as a team to
“If I were to contract the virus, where would I go?” Pierson said.
Pierson does have a husband and three sons who worry about her every day as she goes off to work to make sure the virus does not spread.
In her work preaching and educating the virus guidelines, Pierson feels she is not going to bring the virus into her home because she has been doing everything in her power to make sure that does not happen. Pierson does not regret taking the job at all, but she believes that with everything intensified due to COVID-19,
nothing as to how the Medical Care Facility operates will ever be the same. People will always be on guard now and they are heightened to think a possible illness could be the coronavirus. “I don’t think you can ever go back to normal,” Pierson said. “Every aspect of monitoring has changed.”
July 11, 2020
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Huron Daily Tribune | Heroes Unmasked
Heroes Unmasked: Grocer Heroes Unmasked: Selfless worker goes above and beyond for community Miranda Booms wears a smile under her mask By Paige Withey
By Sara Eisinger
Paige.withey@hearstnp.com
sara.eisinger@hearstnp.com
BAD AXE — Given the current state of the world due to the pandemic, many previously overlooked employees are feeling the pressure now more than ever. Jacob Boggs, a Bad Axe Walmart employee, has been working behind the scenes for two years.
HURON COUNTY – Hardworking college student and Huron’s Finest employee Miranda Booms pushes through the coronavirus pandemic, wearing a smile under her mask. Miranda’s mother, Lori Booms, recognized her daughter’s efforts and hopes her story encourages others.
Jacob was nominated as one of the Tribune’s Heroes Unmasked by his sister-in-law, Shannon Boggs, for the thankless work he does, especially during these trying times.
“Miranda is home from college, while the COVID-19 pandemic is happening,” Lori said. “She continues her schooling and is working 40plus hours at Hurons Finest serving the customers.”
“Jacob is one of the behindthe-scenes heroes in this pandemic,” Shannon said. “Jacob pushes carts full time and is often forgot about due to not dealing with people every day. He is always out doing his job whether rain, snow, sleet, or sun.”
Miranda attends Central Michigan University, where she wishes to earn a degree in biochemistry. In the meantime, she works between 50 and 54 hours each week as a cashier at the grocery store.
“Next time you see him or the other selfless workers, be sure to thank them for doing such a thankless job,” Shannon added.
“After work I come home and complete whatever homework I have to do, which normally takes about four hours to complete,” Miranda said. “I like to stay busy. It’s a bit hard to juggle school and a full-time job, but I make it work.”
For Jacob, it’s not just about pushing carts. He strives to go above and beyond for the community, helping shoppers who need an extra hand. “No one really notices the cart pushers unless we get in the way,” Jacob said. “Most people think of Walmart stockers and cashiers when they think about essential employees. In reality, it’s a physical job and sometimes it can be dangerous due to weather conditions and negligent drivers.” “The most rewarding thing about it would be helping shoppers,” Jacob added. “I try to help elderly customers who need assistance loading their cars or carrying bags. Depending on what shift I’m working, I try to make sure the parking lot is cleared at the end of
Jacob Boggs, a Bad Axe Walmart employee, is a Hero Unmasked. He has been working behind the scenes for two years in a position that was previously overlooked before the coronavirus pandemic. (Courtesy Photo)
the night so the next day can start smoothly. I think it is an overlooked detail that people appreciate.”
bers, including the automotive team and online grocery workers who are taking the work changes and increased Jacob explained that although demands in stride. it’s not a glamorous job, some“Everyone is working really one has to do it and hopes hard to do everything they people will show a little more can right now,” Jacob said. appreciation for the honest, “Everyone, seen and unseen, overlooked employees. Jacob is essential to making the store also expressed his appreciation run smoothly amongst the for other Walmart team mem- chaos.”
Miranda conveyed a full understanding of the risks involved in her job at the present time, but she justified them. She explained that people still need to get food and they should be able to do so safely. “It’s rewarding doing the work that I’m doing because I get to realize that we actually help some people out quite a bit,” Miranda said. “Those that don’t feel safe getting their groceries themselves or don’t have the ability to get into the store now have a safe way to obtain the items they
Miranda Booms
need in these tough times.” Miranda has managed to extract the positive out of a negative situation and remains thankful for everything she has, hoping to spread her optimistic and constructive attitude. This has been easy for her to do, since she considers her place of employment to be upbeat. “I work with such a good group of people that work is fun to go to,” Miranda said. Miranda and her coworkers have been more than happy to work through these difficult times, despite fears relating to the virus. Their goal is to deliver the best customer service possible. “A message I would like to send is to just remember to be kind to all those that work in the food and retail industry,” Miranda said. “We put in a lot of work and it makes it a lot easier to continue to do that work when we have great customers.” As Miranda continues working toward her goals, she would like to share some words of encouragement. “Continue to be patient and keep up the positivity!” Miranda said.
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Huron Daily Tribune | Heroes Unmasked
July 11, 2020
Heroes Unmasked: Kinde woman working behind the front lines to clean up during coronavirus pandemic By Robert Creenan
robert.creenan@hearst.com
KINDE — Lots of attention during the coronavirus pandemic has been paid to the doctors on the frontlines. However, less attention has been made to those who clean up after the doctors’ work is done. Diane Phillips of Kinde has been one such housekeeper, having been part of the housekeeping staff for McLaren Thumb Region for the past eight years, only becoming full time during the past year. Her housekeeping duties include cleaning the patients’ rooms every morning and when they are discharged, the bathrooms, the nurses’ stations, waiting rooms, and anything located on the second floor of McLaren. Phillips became a housekeeper after previously working as a manager of a Sears portrait studio in Warren. She was looking for a job closer to the area so that she would not have to commute so far and so she could spend more time with her husband. “I applied there (McLaren) seven times over the years I lived here and never got an interview,” Phillips said, adding that she was eventually hired as a part-time employee.
Diane Phillips
masks and donated them.” In that hospital environment, it made people more aware of how easily pathogens can spread, like through touching shopping carts and gas pumps. The measures McLaren Thumb Region took included closing the hospital’s cafeteria and closing off an entire hall to make it into isolation rooms.
“I was concerned about the amount of information avail“I’ve always taken great pride in able out there or the lack of that that kind of work,” Phillips said, anyone had on the disease at the calling herself a perfectionist when time,” Phillips said. it comes to cleaning. “In my head, “The information evolving so it has to be perfect. Otherwise, I’m rapidly was my only fear.” not gonna leave the room.” Even as all these changes were McLaren Hospital started taking implemented, Phillips and the rest serious coronavirus measures of housekeeping still did their jobs back at the beginning of March, the best they could, just with a few and Phillips said there was a extra precautions. They would shortage of personal protective sometimes wear the gowns that equipment at the time. hospital patients wear, two pairs “The community has been of gloves at once, and two masks unbelievable in donating things,” at once. Phillips said. “One lady made 800 While Phillips has cleaned the
isolation rooms used for possible coronavirus patients, she does not know for sure if anyone who stayed in those rooms has tested positive for COVID-19. Phillips does acknowledge that the people who clean up after the doctors during this pandemic do not get as much credit as the doctors themselves. But she is also the kind of person who does not expect to get recognition for her work. “I’m not one to expect anyone to say anything,” Phillips said. “I went into this knowing what I was doing, that’s my job. To expect accolades, I’m not that person, it doesn’t matter to me.”
As a former respiratory therapist at Hills and Dales General Hospital, Ruth Whittaker of Cass City understands how important protective masks are for those in healthcare. So far, she has made about 100 masks. (Courtesy Photo)
Heroes Unmasked: Retired healthcare worker making masks By Mary Drier For the Tribune
UPPER THUMB — Although Ruth Whittaker is long-retired from working in the health care field, she is still helping others as best she can.
Still, Phillips loves what she does as she does not consider housekeeping a chore. She enjoys going into something that looks disheveled and working to put a shine on it.
She calculates she has made well over 150 cloth masks for health care workers so far, and she will keep on making them as long as there is a need and she has the supplies to do it.
“One time I had a kid ask me, ‘You like cleaning toilets?’” Phillips said. “Someone needs to.”
“I used some of the elastic that I had,” said Whittaker, who lives in Cass City. “It
wasn’t the right size so I cut it down, and some friends have dropped some of it off to me too. My daughter said she has found some elastic and it is supposed to be here soon.” To keep making masks, she has even used some elastic bands used for ponytails. “Never thought that I would ever have to be doing this, but I know how important these masks are,” said Whittaker, who has sewn most of her life. “I used to be a respiratory therapist, so I know how important these masks are in
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July 11, 2020 Continued from 10 the healthcare field.” “We all need to take care of each other,” she said. “I’m just doing what I can to help.” She worked was a respiratory therapist for 32 years at Hills and Dales General Hospital before retiring in 2011. She uses 100 percent cotton cloth for her masks. She said she uses a Genovic sewing machine, which is the preferred machine by those who quilt. She has donated the masks she made to the Hills and Dales General Hospital, to Northwood Meadows Assisted Living facility, and to a few private individuals. Her husband, Gerald, does his part in delivering the masks to those facilities and leaving them at the front door. The Whittakers are taking this pandemic shelter-in-place order by the governor seriously. “I’m scared,” Whittaker said. “I have not been out of the house since March 12.” “We have a very good support from family and friends for getting groceries,” she said, noting she is concerned about those who are not following the order to shelter in place. “I think they are very foolish. They are endangering theirselves and other people.” Despite the fear, danger, and chaos the COVID-19 pandemic has created, Whittaker said she has seen some good come out of this situation. “There are a lot of people out there doing good things without asking,” she said. “They are picking up groceries for other people. There are a lot of good acts of kindness going on now. That is important.” Besides limiting the time outside of their home, the Whittakers are taking some extra vitamin C and zinc to keep their immune system up, and are drinking lots of fluids trying to keep healthy.
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Huron Daily Tribune | Heroes Unmasked
Heroes Unmasked: Hospice aide finds comfort in serving others By Paige Withey
Paige.withey@hearstnp.com HARBOR BEACH — Making the decision to place loved ones on hospice care is never an easy one, but given the current state of healthcare under COVID-19 precautions it can be even more unsettling. Even so, countless nurses and nursing assistants continue to visit patients in need, providing their selfless work. Madison Finkel, a certified nurse assistant from Harbor Beach, knows firsthand just how rewarding being a hospice healthcare worker can be. Madison works for Compassus Hospice and was nominated by her mother Stacy Hiller for the Tribune’s Heroes Unmasked series. Stacy also works for Compassus Hospice as a registered nurse. “She goes into people’s homes and takes care of their daily needs,” Stacy said. “She listens to them and makes sure they have what they need. She loves to listen to their stories from the past. She’s very caring and nurturing to them.” “She will go above and beyond for her patients and her family,” Stacy added. For Madison, the decision to become a certified nursing assistant was an easy one. She credits her passion for helping others to her mother’s 20-year nursing career. After being a nurse’s assistant for four years, Madison plans on continuing her career with nursing school in the fall and hopes to continue her work with hospice patients in the future. “I just love helping people,” Madison said. “I love working with hospice patients. Knowing I can comfort patients and their families during their hardest times is really rewarding.” “A lot of people think nursing aides just bathe patients, but really we are the ones that spend the most time with them,” Madison added. “We form really strong bonds with the people we
take care of and their families, especially through hospice.” While Michigan’s stay-at-home orders have introduced a variety of problems for many workers, hospice health care workers are faced with their own set of challenges. “At this time, we can’t visit hospice patients admitted to hospitals and long-term care facilities,” Madison explained. “We can still help patients fortunate enough to stay in their homes. We often go to food banks and other essential stores for patients who aren’t comfortable going themselves.” “Compassus has been really helpful through everything,”
Madison Finkel poses for a photo with her husband Corey. (Courtesy Photo)
Madison added. “They make sure we have the personal protective equipment we need and
are constantly asking employees if they need anything, even if it’s outside of work.”
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Huron Daily Tribune | Heroes Unmasked
July 11, 2020
Alcohol Use During COVID-19 Meet Michigan’s Alcohol Epidemiologist, Pat Hindman & Michigan Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking Steering Team
Tuesday, July 28th 10 A.M. to Noon Huron County Recovery & Prevention Roundtable RSVP requested.
Direct Questions to Ruth: 989-553-6055 Huron Behavioral Health Online Meeting Link: mcrud.org or visit us on Facebook @HuronCountyROSC Anyone in Huron County facing stress due to COVID—19, who does not currently have insurance, can request 6 free outpatient sessions at no cost and with no obligation, from Huron Behavioral Health by calling 989-269-9293. Residents who have insurance are welcome to call and ask for more information. Don’t let a small problem turn into a bigger one. Call now.