Residents on State Street in Tama came out of their houses to shine flashlights at their neighbors as a way to stay connected while self-isolating during the coronavirus outbreak. News?Herald photo/Allison Graham

While the number of positive cases of the coronavirus grow to 124 statewide in Iowa, including four in Tama County the Tama-Toledo community is finding unique ways to stay connected and help their neighbors.

Flashlight Wave

On Monday night neighbors in Tama and Toledo stepped outside of their front doors to shine flashlights as a way to say hello while maintaining social distancing. The idea came from a State street resident’s friend who lives in the Iowa City area and correlated the action with the Iowa wave.

Sewing face masks

Three woman from Tama County are sewing face masks for health care workers. Chris Drummer, Barb Rund Mason, Leah Slick Driscoll and Sheryl Rutledge are each putting their talents to good work.

Above are 14 facemasks made by Chris Drummer. The facemasks will be donated to healthcare workers at Tama County Public Health. Photo provided

Drummer has been sewing for almost 25 years. In addition to being a sign language interpreter and a cheer coach at South Tama, she own a business, Tama County Quilt Company, making t-shirt quilts for people.

Drummer started to see posts last Thursday on social media. Health care workers were starting to ask for reusable face masks due to a shortage. By Saturday she saw that there were several patterns for masks floating around.

Drummer decided to take action saying, “Seeing the need for our health care workers to be protected that are on the frontlines of this pandemic. I wanted to help.”

Drummer initially didn’t think she would be able to make any, as she did not have elastic. Then a lot of Facebook friends came to the rescue donating elastic hair ties. She got about 150 in all. “I selected an easier pattern that requires two 9″x6″ pieces of fabric with elastic or two hair ties,” said Drummer.

It takes about 15 minutes to make a mask. As of Monday morning she had made 35 and is still working.

The Ledvina family brought their baby goats to Sunny Hill Care Center in Tama on Monday, March 23 to uplift spirits at the care center while no visitors are allowed inside the building. Photo Provided

South Tama County

A few South Tama school employees have gotten creative using their social media as a way to provide instruction and connection with students. STC Elementary preschool teacher, Hannah Mullen, has created a Youtube Channel called Preschool Minutes with Mrs. Mullen. On her Youtube she encourages students to keep active and helps them practice their letters and numbers, etc.

High School Art teacher, Nathan Doran, posts a new daily art challenge for anyone to participate in on his Facebook page. People have shared their creations in the comments.

STC Elementary School Counselor Anita Townsley is using her Facebook to read stories and sing songs for her students.

Also the school continues to offer Grab and Go lunches Monday through Friday.

On March 23 the art project of the day was banana with legs. Photo provided

If you are someone you know is creating ways to help their neighbor and stay connected while social distancing please contact Allison Graham at agraham@tamatoledonews.com.

Sunny Hill

While Sunny Hill remains closed to visitors inside the building they had some four legged visitors visit outside of the building this week. The Ledvina family took their baby goats to visit residents on Monday.

On March 24 the art project was colorful flowers. Above is a picture from Facebook. Photo provided