By Paul Glader
Strolling through the hallways at The King’s College in NYC one day, we discovered one of our students, Bailey Kaufman, wearing a newspaper-patterned Coronavirus mask.
“Where did you obtain that cool mask?”
“My grandma made it!” she said.
We asked if Grandma Geri could make more? And, yes, Bailey spoke with her grandmother, who graciously agreed to do so. Now you can have one of these limited edition masks, while supplies last, for your donation to MPJI of $75 or more here. Each donation supports both MPJI and Grandma Jeri’s thread, cloth and thimble fund.
Meanwhile, we also wanted to learn more below about Geri and why she makes these masks.
Name: Geri Lanc
Birthdate: 1/3/1946
Location: Born in Columbus, Neb. now lives in Lincoln, Neb.
Glader: How did you start making masks and where did you find this newspaper-oriented fabric?
Lanc: I started making masks when virus first hit and Bailey needs masks for going back to New York City. We originally found the fabric at Hobby Lobby and when we went back to make more we found a similar pattern off of Etsy.
Glader: How long have you been sewing and how did you learn how to do so?
Lanc: I have been sewing since 1966. My husband bought me my first sewing machine. Then, I bought a pattern one day and taught myself.
Glader: Please tell us about your sewing machine, sewing room and practice of how often you sew?
Lanc: My sewing machine is called a new home and is in a sewing cabinet with table attached. My sewing room is an all-purpose room and recently I have moved my dogs’ beds in there to keep me company. I only sew when someone in our family needs something hemmed or made for them.
Glader: Do you read newspapers and, if so, which ones?
Lanc: Yes. Columbus Telegraph, The New York Times, and Lincoln Journal Star.
Glader: What is your perspective on news and information in the U.S., especially local news during your lifetime?
Lanc: Living in David City area there wasn’t a lot of access to news. From what I have seen things have gotten hectic and is less relaxing to read compared to 50 years ago. You have to keep up with things or else you’re lost. Back then, the sheriff’s department would have a write up every week in the newspaper and it was big news to us.
Glader: What should friends of The King’s College and McCandlish Phillips Journalism Institute know about you, Bailey and the rest of your family?
Lanc: I am a middle child of 9. I was a farmer’s wife working side by side with him on our farm. Once the farm crisis hit, we were involved with a bank that went bankrupt so I went to work since they froze our funds which led me to go to Columbus to work in an office. My son, Greg, took over our farm after my husband passed away. My daughter, Brenda, is my first born and Bailey’s mother. When my daughter graduated high school and went to college, she left the farm life and went to Lincoln. My daughter gave me three beautiful grandchildren. I believe everyone should learn how to sew and I have bought my first two grandchildren sewing machines as wedding presents. Bailey is my youngest grandchild and I am so proud of how hard working she is and chasing her dreams in New York City. She has been involved in sports, academics, and fashion. She studies Business Administration and minors in Media Studies.
Glader: What message would you like to offer to journalism students (and other majors) at The King’s College as we head into the holidays and 2021?
Lanc: Be safe and wear a mask!
Glader: In your hometown, what is the situation like regarding Coronavirus infection rates and carefulness with masks?
Lanc: It is pretty bad out here. Lincoln is bad, but some of the smaller towns are worse. These small towns around us do not take it as seriously and some of the people here in the city. I refuse to go out to eat in any of those towns since some of the servers do not wear masks.
Glader: How are you doing managing health and safety for you, your friends and family during this pandemic?
Lanc: I don’t see my family often. I have my dogs and will take them for walks out at the acreage instead of city. I just had my yearly checkup and so far, at my age, I don’t take any pills and am perfectly healthy. My social life is down to zero except for the occasional phone calls to my sisters or Bailey. I keep my mask on me at all times and will rarely go to the grocery store, but when I do I pick up necessary items.
Glader: What did you think of Bailey’s decision to attend The King’s College in NYC? And what do you think of her decision now that Bailey has studied here for a while?
Lanc: This was a big opportunity for her and I knew I’d miss her all the time. When she first told me that she was going to go to continue to play soccer in New York City I was excited for her! It’s not like I could drive up and visit her. I love New York so much and wish I could just live with her. Since she has been there for a while I have always worried about her from what I watch on the news. I know she will never come back to Nebraska to live and I will miss that but it is an opportunity to go wherever she desires. Bailey is a smart and determined girl whatever she chooses to do she is committed and puts her all into it.
Would you like a mask of your own? Donate today:
With donation of $75 you will receive a newspaper-printed mask
With a donation of $250 you will receive a a newspaper-printed mask, and MPJI tote bag, and pen
With a donation of $500 you will receive a mask and a choice of book (Blindspot, The City)
Click here to donate and specify MPJI in the dropdown menu: https://www.tkc.edu/donate/
Thank you for supporting MPJI and student journalism!