For those who observe, Easter and Passover are beautiful opportunities for reflections on faith, the values that unite us, and the family and friends who give us purpose and  meaning. It is also an occasion for sweets of every kind. Reese’s eggs, anyone? Sweetness has also inspired these good news stories of creative responses to COVID-19.

1. Project 351 Service Hero alum and pastry chef extraordinaire Joanne Chang is much beloved by our community -- and by legions of fans of Flour, Myers and Chang, and her cookbooks and television appearance. Our admiration deepens for her relentless leadership -- alongside her husband Christopher Myers  -- to end hunger, champion women and girls, and support the restaurant community. On Instagram, she reflected on the roots of her love and devotion to her colleagues, “We spend more time with each other than our actual families.” So, when COVID-19 began to devastate the hospitality industry, Joanne went to work! She designates 100% of proceeds of every bag of Flour granola, muesli, cookbook, gift cards, and merchandise to The Restaurant Strong Fund and an Employee Emergency Relief Fund, she established to support her team. In addition, Joanne distributes healthy boxes of produce to her team members and bakes her famous cakes, cookies, and scones to help raise more resources for the Restaurant Strong Fund.

2.Is there anybody who deserves appreciation more than the incredible heroes on the frontlines of this pandemic? Quincy’s Ginger Betty’s Bakery bakes up that gratitude in “Breaking with Betty”, which raises funds to supply sweet treats to local nurses, doctors, police, fire, EMT, and store employees. The team of bakers pour lots of love into their famous icing and gingerbread, as a symbol of thankfulness and as delicious fuel for the tireless efforts of our heroes.

3. Ginger Betty has a soul sister in Chicago --  Sarmie Sister Sweets! Priscilla Gupana is a co-founder, baker, small business owner, Mom  -- and doctor! Together, with her sister, they’ve launched a ‘health heroes cookie series’.  Priscilla bakes these late at night to relieve stress after her shift as doctor and as tribute to her medical  peers. Priscilla reflected, “Who are our new MVPs? It’s the health heroes. People who are working day in and day out to keep people healthy and alive.” With cookies as her canvas, Priscilla creates portraits of inspiring health care workers, as a message of hope and gratitude, “Thank you, from one physician to another, for being a beacon of light in such a dark time.”

4. There’s no shortage of sweetness or generosity at our beloved Dunkins! Yesterday, Dunkin’ announced that $1.25 million in emergency funding has been granted to health and hunger relief organizations across the country. Add to that, Dunkin team members have delivered more than 10,000 cups of coffee and 20,000 baked goods to more than 20,000 healthcare workers.“The heroic people and organizations keeping this country running during such an uncertain time can count on Dunkin’ to have their backs,” says Scott Murphy, president, Dunkin’ Americas.

Love wins.  We know this to be true. But, over the last month, the enduring, unshakable, heart pounding, soul-shaking power of love has reflected the best of our humanity and the importance of beauty found in everyday moments.

1. Our news feeds share heartbreaking images and stories as couples postponed or alter wedding plans -- the culmination of months (and sometimes, years) of training. And, the outward representative of a love story shared by two. That dream dashed can be emotionally devastating. And, exhausting!  Imagine contacting and rescheduling the event site, catering, florist, musicians, photographer, wedding cake baker, and more. Well, a group of the South Shore’s top wedding vendors stepped up to volunteer expertise and support. Kate Murtaugh of Kate Murtaugh Events said, “Over seven days, we’ve had 17 wedding planners provide guidance to over 50 engaged couples impacted by COVID-19. Planners answered challenging questions; shared expertise and creative ideas on postponements; and offered suggestions to manage nearly 8,000 estimated wedding guests at venues across the country. Despite the heartbreak of their situations, these couples were gracious and open-minded and left a lasting impression on us all.” In gratitude, the couples donated to Project Bread, ArtsBoston’s Boston Artist Relief Fund, and Boston Center for the Arts. Paying forward Kate Murtagh and her colleagues’ beautiful acts of kindness.

2. A Boston designer known for the design of his beautiful wedding dresses, has switched gears and shifted resources for frontline health care heroes. “It makes me feel incredibly blessed to be able to help”, said designer Daniel Faucher, who turned his South End studio into a mask-making salon. And, while they may not be his most elegant pieces, we agree they’re beauty to behold.

3. Jen Andonian and Matt Shearer, two epidemiologists on the frontlines of COVID-19 looked forward to a Michigan wedding after seven years of courtship. But, to lead by example for family and friends, they cancelled their wedding -- with hopes for a future celebration. Jen’s co-workers at Mass General Hospital would have none of that! And, despite long workdays, the couple and colleagues created an unforgettable ceremony in MGH’s historic Ether Dome.  Surrounded by flowers and vanilla cupcakes, and the sounds of a music playlist, Jen and Matt were married by Nurse Eileen Searle -- who had applied for a one-day state certificate to perform the ceremony. Their small guest list wore medical masks and stood six feet apart to comply with guidelines on public gatherings. But close enough to hear Jen and Matt vow: "Above all I will give you my love freely and unconditionally. I pledge this to you for all the days of our lives.” And, with a lifetime of love ensured, the new couple and their colleagues went back to to work to ensure our health and safety.

4. And, finally, this romantic gem on dating in the time of COVID. The tale of Jeremy Cohen and the dancing girl on the rooftops of Brooklyn: https://www.cbsnews.com/video/finding-love-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/

He proves that love -- with the help of a drone and plastic bubble -- can conquer all!

Since since social distancing has begin, we have featured "Good New" Bulletins on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, featuring inspiring stories of resilience, hope, and generosity in the face of COVID-19. Our hope is to bring you joy and to inspire other acts of kindness and care.

Today, we turn over our platform to someone with a "slightly" greater reach -- actor John Krasinski, who recently launched #SomeGoodNews. His first report garnered 12,000,000 views!

John cites his inspiration for SGN, “Without question, we are all going through an incredibly trying time. But through all the anxiety, all the confusion, all the isolation...somehow the human spirit found a way to break through and blow us all away.”

Today's report includes an abundance of human kindness -- sure to fill your heart! But, if you can only watch one feature...we highly recommend starting at 8:27 for a conversation with Aubrey, a 9-year-old Hamilton superfan. Devotees of the musical -- and all those who love arts/culture -- are in for a treat at 10:36!

John Krasinski -- you're our Good News! Thank you for your optimism, generosity of spirit, and the hope-fueled mission of SGN. We're so proud you're from one of the 351 -- Newton!