Letter to the Editor (Aug. 5)

To the editor:

"Do you have your mask?"

A phrase that, in the past, may have only been spoken to a costume-clad child dashing out the door, eager to begin his candy hunt. Or perhaps Bonnie may have said it to Clyde before carrying out one of their infamous heists. Yet today, it is as ubiquitous as, "Do you have your keys?"

This small piece of cloth has become a necessity to all.

One of our fabulous employees, Yayoi Ide, is helping supply masks to her community and those most in need.

Since April, Yayoi has spent her free time cutting, measuring, and sewing beautiful, handmade masks that she then donates to a local consignment shop. Yayoi began sewing at a young age, in grade school in Japan. She has fond memories of watching her mother sew and learning from her.

The shop, The Hidden Treasure 2, is located on Main Street in Longmont, CO. They feature one-of-a-kind crafts, handmade specialties, and project supplies.

The shop provides Yayoi with the cloth and materials which she then converts into stylish, filter-capable masks. Yayoi averages about 50 masks per week and estimates she has made about 1,000 since April. The shop itself, due to the combined efforts of Yayoi and others, has provided roughly 30,000 masks to local schools and nursing homes.

We are so proud to have Yayoi on our team here at The Niwot Inn & Spa. Thank you, Yayoi, for all your hard work for the Inn and the community!

Best,

Kristina Burgoon,

The Niwot Inn & Spa

Editor's Note: Hidden Treasure 2 (2330 Main St, Longmont) is owned by longtime Niwot resident Betty Aldrich, and her daughter Sandy Noonan.