Who is that masked (maker) man?

In the wake of the epic COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of people are looking for ways to protect themselves and protect other people from getting coronavirus by wearing face masks and face shields. Photos courtesy of Jim Boyd

Bob Pranis, who owns a 3D printer and has a big heart, has been very busy making face shields for first responders and health professionals. Now they have enough, and Bob is offering to make them for business folks who come face-to-face with their customers. The shields would offer one additional level of safety, on top of face masks and other protective measures.

While Bob is offering the face shields for free, the materials in each one cost $3, and he would very much appreciate donations to help cover his costs.

You would need to craft your own elastic or other bands to hold the face shield in place. Bob reports that he has had success with large rubber bands, elastic and other materials.

If you would like to order face shields, please contact Jim Boyd at the Cook County Chamber of Commerce: phone 218- 387-2079 or email ccchamber@boreal.org.

If you would like to make donations to Bob Pranis, please send a check made out to the Cook County Chamber, and they will ensure that Bob gets the money. Checks can be sent to P.O. Box 805, Grand Marais MN 55604. If you are one of these people and in need of a first rate face shield, Bob Pranis will manufacture one for you. Although he doesn’t charge for his super duper face shields, Bob does spend about $3 to produce each transparent mask. To learn more, contact the Cook County Chamber of Commerce at 218-387- 2079.