Here are positive things happening within our community (4/7/20)

We know that the coronavirus pandemic is an overwhelming and stressful time for everybody, so we’re going to put together some positive things that are happening within our community to help those in need.

Have questions about the spread of the coronavirus? We have an entire section dedicated to coverage of the outbreak. CLICK HERE for more.

It’s apparent that during hard times, the Pittsburgh region always comes together to help one another.

Local surgeon, fashion designer team up to create alternative for N95 masks

N95 masks are in short supply and needed by health care workers across the country.

So, a local doctor and Pittsburgh fashion designer are teaming up to create an alternative.

“We set out to make a reusable, sterilizable mask with a disposable filter insert,” said Dr. Reshma Paranjpe, the surgeon who founded 412PPE.

The filter is key, and Paranjpe said it adds an extra layer of protection.

“You can buy commercially available filters, which will filter down to the micron level. You can cut it to fit the mask and use it as a disposable insert every time you use the mask,” she said.

According to Paranjpe, the mask can be thrown in the washer and reused over an over again.

Diana Misetic, who owns “Little Black Dress” in Shadyside, designs the masks for comfort and seal. And for every mask a civilian buys, one will be donated to a local healthcare worker.

Advocates for this project include Steelers legend Franco Harris and his son.

Misetic and Paranjpe said they will soon be ready to take orders on their website. Find out more here.

Local surgeon, fashion designer team up to create alternative for N95 masks Local surgeon, fashion designer team up to create alternative for N95 masks

Beyond the Laptops challenge benefiting Pittsburgh Public Schools students

The Beyond the Laptops challenge was announced Tuesday with a goal of purchasing and refurbishing more than 3,000 laptops for Pittsburgh Public Schools students and families.

Self-driving car company Aurora, Neighborhood Allies and the Pittsburgh Technology Council are leading the effort. Other companies and foundations are also donating funds, hardware and expertise.

So far, more than $150,000 have been raised with donations from Aurora, Google, RK Mellon, University of Pittsburgh and Gismondi Family Foundation.

If you would like to donate, CLICK HERE.

Beyond the Laptops challenge benefiting Pittsburgh Public Schools students Beyond the Laptops challenge benefiting Pittsburgh Public Schools students

Inmates making masks

Inmates with the Pennsylvania Correctional Industries are making cloth masks for Department of Corrections employees and inmates.

“As part of the Department of Corrections preparedness planning, in mid-March, I directed all of our employees and inmates to wear masks,” Secretary of Corrections John Wetzel said. “We didn’t want to take from the community supply, so we began making the masks in-house at several of our state prisons.”

So far, PCI has made 185,136 masks, officials said Tuesday.

“Over the weekend, at the request of the governor’s office, we manufactured and shipped cloth masks for essential commonwealth employees,” Wetzel said.

97-year-old using Facebook Live to share recipes, take minds off coronavirus

A 97-year-old woman in Latrobe is using Facebook Live to reach people with her baking and cooking recipes during the coronavirus pandemic.

Lucy Pollock is inviting people into her kitchen virtually each weekend to help them unwind.

“Baking with Lucy” started a couple weekends ago when Pollock and her daughter, Mary Ellen Raineri, made a simple dough recipe.

“So, we did another one because people wanted it and then they just went nuts. They loved it,” Raineri said.

Now, “Baking with Lucy” has nearly 13,000 followers from all over the world.

Local 97-year-old using Facebook Live to share recipes, take minds off coronavirus Local 97-year-old using Facebook Live to share recipes, take minds off coronavirus

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