As our communities come together, special care must be provided to our elderly neighbors. Seniors are especially vulnerable to COVID-19, and the social isolation required can be dispiriting and unhealthy. In response...thoughtful, creative and meaningful ways to keep them safe, comforted, and connected.

Here are some of the heartwarming ways that neighbors and families around the country are uplifting our seniors:

1.  One week ago, a Nevada pre-med student organized 20 volunteers from her medical fraternity to shop for older residents. Jayde Powell’s "Shopping Angels" fulfill a senior’s shopping list with money raised through a GoFundMe account. Seven days later, Jayde’s movement has spread across the country with more than 3,000 “angels” coordinating efforts through her Facebook page. Jayde says, “We're doing this to reach out to people who might feel they are just completely alone."

2.  A worker at an assisted living home took a sweet picture (second photo above) of a visit between a resident and his son. The home isn’t allowing visitors to prevent residents from getting sick. This can be difficult for the patients as they get lonely without their loved ones. This son counters any sadness with daily visits with his dad and long talks by phone separated only by a pane of glass.

3. Nine-year-old Taran Tien wore a suit and his 6-year-old sister Calliope shined bright in pink for their cello performance on Monday. The Ohio siblings wanted to bring joy to their 78-year-old neighbor Helena Schlam, who is self-isolating. So, they brought an orchestral concert to her front porch. And, timed it so Helen’s grandchildren in Israel could join through facetime. Their act of kindness has gained a worldwide audience, with more than 500,000 views of their video performance.

4. The 100 year birthday milestone calls for real celebration! Even if it’s not as originally planned. On Sunday, Millie Erickson of Sterling, wearing a bright blue cowboy hat was serenaded by family and friends outside her window at the Sterling Village nursing and rehabilitation center. A song never sounded so sweet! Listen here.

5. 90-year-old Bob Shellard visits his 88-year-old wife Nancy every day at her nursing home. AS his 67th anniversary approached, the home was closed to guests because of COVID-19. His daughter, Laura said, "This would have been their very first anniversary separated. We were like, nope, we're not going to have any part of that. We'll keep up the tradition." So Bob stood outside with bright balloons and a sign that read, “I’ve loved you 67 years and still do. Happy Anniversary!”  Proving Nothing can stop true love!

Photos are all from linked news stories

Today's Good News Bulletin celebrates local businesses and people who are ensuring food security and a sense of community. The most powerful reaction to the challenge of the coronavirus is the widespread outbreak of inspirational leadership from our neighbors.  In every one of the 351, incredible people and organizations are meeting challenge with creativity, compassion, and commitment. Social media is sprouting with pages dedicated to the myriad, innovative ways neighbors are helping neighbors. In need of grocery shopping and hot meals delivered to quarantined loved ones? There's a  very good chance, there's a page or willing volunteer for that!

1. Community activist Monica Cannon-Grant's love and care for her own family extends far into her community. As leader of "Violence in Boston", Monica seeks to build peace, advocates for families affected by violence, and helps youth get the resources they need to thrive. The COVID-19 challenge is just the latest for which she's created an innovative solution. When she heard that school closures were causing Boston families to worry about feeding their children, she started organized a grassroots meal program. Twice a day, she’s offering hot boxed meals to help families in need of nourishment. You can hear Monica's inspiring commitment here.

2. Our seniors are especially vulnerable to the risk of COVID-19 and require our special care. Even at the grocery store! Out-of-concern for elderly customers, Massachusetts-based Stop & Shop has created special shopping hours for seniors.  Those aged 60+ are invited to shop from 6:00 am -- 7:30 am, when the shelves are stocked, the store is freshly cleaned, and the crowds are lighter. For further convenience and safety, Stop & Shop also provides "contact free" grocery deliveries for seniors -- and customers of every age.

3. The hospitality industry is legend for its generosity and innovative strategies for supporting community. Restaurants like The Farmer’s Daughter in Easton and Marshland Restaurants in Plymouth and Sandwich are offering complimentary take-out breakfast and lunch to school-aged children during school closures. Both restaurants have inspired the generosity of others. The Farmer's Daughter celebrate their vendor Pete Gomes of Coastal Food for donating food in support of their Kids Meal program. On the Cape, Operation #SandwichFeeds invites Marshland's customers to purchase vouchers to underwrite the meals of their neighbors. Across the state, kindness nourishes community. 

Images credits: The Scope: Lex Warner, The Farmer’s Daughter, Marshland Restaurant

Though the playing fields, courts, and rinks may be still, sports still finds a way to bring us joy. In this case, jump-up-and-down-joy! And, double happiness from two outstanding role models.

We're so happy to learn that our 2020 Service Heroes Devin McCourty & Jason McCourty re-signed with the Patriots for next season!

Of course, they're know as elite athletes and Super Bowl Champions...but, more importantly, Jason and Devin are such great men and wonderful role models -- defined by humility, compassion, and decency. They are proud sons, loyal brothers (twins!), loving husbands, devoted fathers...and social justice agents of change. And, we're very proud to add...2020 Service Heroes!

As we celebrate their return to the Pats, we offer our Service Hero tribute from this year's Launch:

"It’s rare for twins to be elite players in the NFL and history-making when they win a Super Bowl as teammates. But, Jason and Devin McCourty aren’t content to be defined by their athletic glory. But rather, by their shared passion -- and determined efforts -- to progress equity and opportunity.

At the foundation of their humanity is a bond inspired by their Mom, who taught them to motivate each other’s greatness and goodness. Jason tributes their hero, “Our Mom raised us to be men that she could be proud of, men that have served their country and their communities to improve the lives around them.”

The McCourty’s impact is far-reaching -- funding a cure for sickle cell anemia, advocating before legislators for educational opportunity and juvenile justice reform, and leading the Players Coalition, to improve social justice and racial equality.

Devin reflects, “People often speak of legacy. I sure hope when they mention our football years, they include fighting for those without a voice, raising awareness for sickle cell, leading youth football camps, and being a part of criminal justice [reform].”

A legacy of social change the McCourty's will richly deserve."