As all of us struggle to maintain some sense of normalcy in these strange and difficult times, leave it to some inventive Southerners to find ways large and small to lift each others’ spirits, do some good, and stay connected:

—Three Atlanta women got together online over the weekend and decided to help sew masks to assist healthcare workers, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. A few days, a Facebook group, and a website later, they had mobilized 150 people ready to sew, as well as the materials for 60,000 non-surgical masks. A number of area hospitals have already placed orders, and the group is growing fast and still taking volunteers—as of today, their Facebook group hit 4,000 members. 

—In Wake Forest, North Carolina, neighbors rose to the occasion to throw five-year-old Ryder Kalmus a social distancing birthday party. On a walk around his neighborhood, Ryder was greeted by a bevy of birthday signs and balloons on windows and doors, and chalk messages on the streets and sidewalks. One family even serenaded him with “Happy Birthday” from the porch. “Ryder has the memory of an elephant,” his mom, Lindsay Kalmus, told Working Mother. “This one will be one for the books!”

—After the Butler House restaurant in Houston, Texas, was forced to close its dining room, owners Marina and Bryan Frenchak came up with a way to help their employees and bring the community together. As the Houston Chronicle reported, the restaurant is staging free vintage drive-in movie nights, and guests can order food, beer, and wine delivered right to their car windows. 

—University of Arkansas basketball coach Eric Musselman wasn’t quite ready to let the season end. Instead, he gave disappointed fans something to smile about with an energetic video on Twitter that featured him hustling up and down an empty court while keeping up a steady stream of commentary with an imaginary team of players. “Had a great practice this morning,” he deadpanned.

Typically on March 25, Andalusia, Flannery O’Connor’s farm turned museum in Milledgeville, Georgia, welcomes visitors for free public tours to celebrate the beloved writer’s birthday. This year, for what would be O’Connor’s 95th birthday, curators will take to Instagram Live to give a virtual tour of the home and the exhibition “Growing Up Mary Flannery,” which displays more than fifty photographs from the writer’s childhood in Savannah. Tune in at 10 a.m. Eastern this Wednesday on Instagram, @andalusiafarm.  

Outlaw country is alive and well if you know where to listen for it, and savvy fans have been eagerly anticipating hearing more from Jaime Wyatt. After making waves with 2017’s Felony Blues, an autobiographical chronicle of hard time, hard drugs, and redemption through music, the singer-songwriter returns this May with Neon Cross, produced by Shooter Jennings. And Jennings isn’t the only familiar voice to make an appearance on the album: Jessi Colter, outlaw country royalty (and Jennings’s mother), joins Wyatt on the standout track “Just a Woman,” which G&G is proud to premiere today.

We recently asked, “We could all use some good news. What’s yours?” A few of your responses:

On two roads where, in six years, I’ve never seen a kid, I saw boys on bicycles. Seeing all these kids makes me happy. I know they are home for a very uncomfortable reason, but it is heartening to see them getting the sunshine and fresh air. —Angie B.

My azaleas are almost blooming! —Mac M.

Retirement is only 3 months and 13 days away. —Susan V.

The beach renourishment at Pawleys Island is complete. And it’s really amazing. —Cynthia M.

I called an elderly parishioner today to check on her. (I’d never met her; I got a list from the church.) In response to my questions about her welfare or needs, she cheerfully responded, “Honey, I thank you for calling. I’m 96, going on 97. And I’m doing just fine!” —Jane C.

More time to spend with my mom. Long phone calls to friends I haven’t reached out to in too long. Cooking at home and making the food stretch. Makes us all more grateful, more patient, less self centered, more caring. —Linda S.

My unbelievably courageous, strong (and damn handsome) husband finishes six weeks of radiation for prostate cancer next week. Amen! —Ann M.

Good news for our family: We have our second grandchild on the way. A boy, and his name will be James Theodore. —Judy H.

I was trying to think of a way to help the elderly when I realized ... I am elderly (75). If you don't feel old, you are not. —Marilyn B.

Our son is home from Wake Forest University, and we get an extra helping of family dinners and discussions with him that we thought were largely gone. —Brian W.

Since we are no longer allowed to work out in the gym, I have been walking outside and photographing beautiful spring flowers. Enjoying the “workout” so much more. There is an upside to this. —Nancy N.

I adopted this little love bug from a local shelter that was overflowing with animals due to current events. His name is Ollie, and he is my coronavirus puppy. —Jo Ann B.