Masked heroes live in Fallbrook

Christal Gaines-Emory

Intern

When communities go through hard times, such as the coronavirus pandemic, some people react with fear, others with indignance. Then, there are some who decide to do whatever they can to assist others. One such example is Julie Compton and Nancy Heins-Glaser, both of Fallbrook. They began making homemade masks for friends, family and essential workers all over the country as well as connecting with other potential mask-makers.

Heins-Glaser, a retired nurse, worked to connect anyone interested in making masks to various resources and other mask makers. She said she was determined to ensure that “everyone had someone to call if they were in need.”

After seeing just how many people were interested in making masks for themselves and for others all over the community, she said she knew that there had to be someone there for them to contact if they needed resources or help finding others in need of masks. So she found a way to connect mask makers to each other.

Along the way, Heins-Glaser discovered an artist who calls himself “the Mystery Man of Masked Quest.” He was printing his personal art onto the front of masks, creating unique masks and spreading joy with his artistry.

Heins-Glaser has also worked to inspire large companies to join their cause. She called Osprey Backpacks and Bags and asked them how they were contributing to the fight against COVID-19. This call prompted the manufacturing company to start producing masks using the fabric with which they make their backpacks.

Heins-Glaser said she was inspired when she saw those around her, “joining together for one cause and one commitment.”

She said that the coronavirus pandemic reminded her of the fragility of life and how important it is for everyone to come together during these times to help one another.

Compton is a local artist and co-president of the Fallbrook Art Association, and like Heins-Glaser, after seeing how others were contributing, she decided to do whatever she could to help out.

As a quilter, she said that she always has a huge stash of fabric, so when she heard about masks needed for essential workers, she immediately went to her sewing machine and started working. Compton has been making masks for friends, family and essential workers, all free of charge.

She said that her inspiration was, “wanting all people to feel comfortable and safe,” and she also pushed for the accessibility of masks. For this reason, she has given all of her masks away for free and she hasn’t received any compensation. She just wants everyone to feel safe wherever they go, she said.

In total, Compton estimated that she’s made and distributed more than 150 masks personally. Along with her sewing, she has also been active in the Fallbrook Art Association’s upcoming showcase. She said she’s been busy planning art classes for children to take home and making all of the students a package of art supplies that they need for their lessons.

Despite being busy as co-president, Compton found the time to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic through making masks, and she said that this new hobby is a necessity and it is also a “good diversion from the negativity.”