Central Texas brothers develop app to assist people with gardening at home

Good News Notes: “Two Central Texas brothers are at it again, cross-breeding farming and technology. They’ve grown from helping folks farm at home in a box to cultivating a new app to assist you with gardening. Brothers Luke and Nathan Heath are launching their app called “Smart Garden Assistant” later this month  on Earth Day, April 22….

Addiction recovery programs find new ways to offer support in pandemic

Good News Notes: “At 49, Stephen Deason, of Sandy Springs, Georgia, is now 5-and-a-half years sober. “Recovery has kind of given me an amazing life, and I’m really happy for that,” the non-profit founder says. “Five years in is where they often tell you things start to clear up, and that’s definitely true.” Still, Deason says, the…

Syracuse University addresses food insecurity on campus

Good News Notes: “While it might be tucked away in a small room at Hendricks Chapel, the food pantry fills a great need at Syracuse University. “It’s a pantry for students by students,” said Syeisha Byrd, Office of Engagement Programs Director. It’s well stocked with non-perishable food as well as personal care items. “We try…

Michigan nonprofit to house hundreds of unaccompanied migrant children

Good News Notes: “An Albion nonprofit that specializes in residential programs and child behavioral health programs will house up to 240 unaccompanied migrant children from the southern border. Starr Commonwealth said it is opening its campus in Albion after an urgent request from the U.S. federal government. The plan, according to Starr Commonwealth, is to…

Israeli kidney donation nonprofit hits ‘world record-breaking’ 1,000 transplants

Good News Notes:  “Leading Israeli kidney donation nonprofit Matnat Chaim has continued the legacy of its co-founder Rabbi Yeshayahu Heber, who died at age 55 of COVID-19 last April, marking 1,000 transplants this week. “We broke an unprecedented world record,” his widow and the organization’s co-founder, Rachel Heber, said in a television interview. “I knew this was…

These biodegradable facemasks bloom into flowers when planted after use

Good News Notes: “A Dutch designer has created biodegradable facemasks made from rice paper that will transform into flowers when planted. Face masks are now part of our daily lives and are likely to remain so for months, if not years. But while they may be essential in stopping the spread of coronavirus pandemic, they…