(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers.)

By Matthew McLaughlin
City Council President

During times of crisis people struggle to find meaning in the chaos, which leads to depression, despair and even death. During such times I reflect on Viktor Frankl’s book Man’s Search For Meaning. Frankl was a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor who attributed surviving a concentration camp to finding meaning in everyday activities. He summed up his philosophy with a quote from Frederich Nietzsche: “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”

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While most of us are stuck at home during this difficult and trying time, I decided to go through some recipes I collected over time for ideas when I want to switch things up. Some are healthier than others and some provide a little comfort too. A combination of baked goods, salads, and hot meals are included in the links listed below.

So, we may be dealing with the frightening specter of the COVID-19 virus, but it’s still nice to know that springtime has officially arrived. We anxiously await the balmier days ahead.

One of the finer benefits of New England living is standing witness to the massive explosion of nature’s rebirth and renewal, seemingly amplified here. Grass, trees, wildlife and flowers seems to go forth and multiply at an astounding rate, as if on cue to the call for “Action!”

3 technologies have the potential for bringing people together when they are apart. – Photo © Ridofranz / iStock via Getty Images Plus

When it’s not possible to be near loved ones, being connected becomes more important.

Here are three technologies to feel closer to friends and family, wherever they may be:

Stream in Sync
Streaming services like Netflix are introducing new features allowing users to watch programming in sync with their friends. Whether it’s the latest episode of your favorite reality game show or a movie you’ve all been excited to see, now you can host a virtual movie night or watch-party and share your reactions to the show in a real-time chat room.

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Written on March 14, 2020 – things have gotten worse.

Well, I was going a little stir crazy in my apartment. My cat, Ketz, and I were involved in a staring contest, and I was putting off developing my online courses to sometime later this week.

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Peter Desmond is my tax man and a fine poet. He prepares tax returns for writers, artists, therapists, and academics in the Cambridge/Somerville area. He’s had poems published in Beltway Poetry Quarterly, Compost Magazine, Ibbetson Street Press, The Ledge, Light (A Quarterly), Main Street Rag, and The Raintown Review. Peter is the recipient of three Cambridge Poetry Awards and was a Pushcart Prize nominee in 2004.

It’s a chance to learn the latest since SMC’s doors closed to the public more than a week ago. Somerville Media Center’s Joe Lynch and David Ortega will be chatting LIVE on SCATV Ch 3 tonight at 7:30 p.m.

Photo Courtesy: Jeopardy Productions, Inc.

Adam Smith, a law student from Somerville, Mass., will compete on America’s Favorite Quiz Show® on  March 25 on WBZ-TV (CBS).  You can watch Smith compete on JEOPARDY! on WBZ-TV (CBS). Please check your local listing for additional information or visit Jeopardy.com.

Arrests:
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Nicole Sandoval, of Everett, March 16, 5:42 p.m., arrested at Holland St. on a charge of operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor.

A sign of the times. Social distancing is the new norm. ~Photo by Doug Holder

Earlier today Governor Baker issued a statewide stay-at-home advisory and ordered all non-essential businesses to close effective tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24, at noon. This was the right thing to do. If we don’t take social distancing seriously and stay at home as much as is possible, COVID-19 will overwhelm our healthcare system, creating a crisis for anybody needing medical care.