The Sunshine Report We at the Sunshine Initiative are excited to celebrate our 5th Anniversary next week and invite you to celebrate with us! The Sunshine Initiative, founded by Jay Lucas, is an organization that seeks to revitalize small towns and communities throughout New Hampshire and do so with an optimistic, positive spirit. We have four fantastic free events in Newport, Claremont, and Manchester for you to attend, and RSVPs are easy by going to this link. Where Everybody Knows Your Name ‘Karen and Jay share thoughts on the importance of small towns and communities as we embark on Sunshine Week in New Hampshire’ Have you ever lived in a place where you felt special? Where you felt you were more than just another random, anonymous person – but actually a valued, contributing member of the community? Truly participating? If so, you know the importance that our small towns and tight knit communities play – not only in our day-to-day living – but also in how we feel connected to one another and how we feel about ourselves. This feeling is what the Sunshine Initiative is all about. Reinvigorating our sense of pride, positivity, and local connectedness – truly caring about others – and doing all you can to support a renewed vitality for the community in which you live. Back in the February 1942 issue of The Atlantic magazine, an article was written by Arthur Morgan, a civil engineer and former head of the Tennessee Valley Authority, titled “The Community—The Seed Bed of Society.” In it, Morgan made the case for communities and most notably, small towns, which he claimed were becoming, “orphaned in an unfriendly world” to things like commercialism and modern technology. While people made the moves to big cities and didn’t worry about the future of small towns, Morgan argued that small towns throughout history have consistently been at the forefront of society’s evolution. He continued by stating, “it’s in small towns where things like good will towards others, acceptance, debate, and our own humanity not only flourish, but are transmitted throughout other communities and transcend generations.” In short, he made the argument that it’s in small towns where the idea of community begins. Fast forward to 2023, and Morgan’s words still ring true. This coming week in my hometown of Newport, New Hampshire and in other communities across the state, we’ll be celebrating Sunshine Week, a series of events and discussions that honor our small towns and look to the future of how we support them. At a time when small towns across the country are struggling to make ends meet or have been left behind all together, it’s important that we remember, to Morgan’s point, just how essential these communities are to the fabric of the United States. While small towns in most cases may not be the home of massive multinationals or provide the “conveniences” of a big city, what they do provide in return is something we all long for, and that is community. When residents have the chance to say ‘hi’ on the street and truly get to know each other, there’s a unique spirit of pride and cooperation that can take hold. Where there is familiarity, there tends to be trust, and where there is trust, there is positive action and then positive change. The philosopher de Tocqueville even wrote about this during his journey through America. Of the communities he observed he stated that neighbors who at first worked together out of necessity eventually worked together out of choice as a means of ensuring that their community survived and then thrived.  As we look ahead to Sunshine Week, it’s our goal to champion small towns. This means not only building community but building the infrastructure and opportunities that make small towns a viable place to live. Yet this comes with patience, believing that there’s a difference to be made, and making small strides, one day at a time. Where there’s positive energy, there’s positive action – which in turn leads to positive change! Read The Report Newport, NH - Where Amazing Things are Happening! Read More The American Sunshine Movement   Read More Positive Profile of the Week: Hunter Rieseberg – a Man with a Vision! This week we are delighted to highlight a wonderful friend and tireless public servant, Newport Town Manager, Hunter Rieseberg. Karen and I first met Hunter five years ago as we were just embarking on the Sunshine Initiative – and Hunter had just recently signed on as the Town’s full-time Manager – after having briefly served on an interim basis. You couldn’t help but be impressed. Hunter had just completed a highly successful role – leading in the revitalization of White River, Vermont – and Newport was indeed fortunate to have someone of Hunter’s capabilities and experience at the helm to drive Newport in a positive direction. And so, he has! During his remarkable tenure, Hunter has made steady progress on numerous fronts. Revamping the town’s infrastructure with multiple projects – many of which are not highly visible but totally mission-critical. For instance, road paving projects, water sources, wastewater treatment, building repair and more. At the same time, he has been a leader in beautification efforts, providing great wooden benches for the beautiful Newport Town Common – and so much more – including his attracting more than $20 million in outside funding – largely grants to improve the town. And notably continuing the push for the building of a new community center to be provided for the youth and citizens of the town. Newport has been blessed by all that Hunter has helped the town accomplish. And it is a true statement that the Sunshine Initiative could not have achieved such positive and highly impactful results if not for Hunter’s consistent and unequivocal support. Thank you, Hunter! Your efforts have made Newport a rising star in the Granite State and beyond – and thanks in large part to your efforts, the progress continues onwards! Quote of the Week "Small towns may be small in size, but they are mighty in heart. They remind us that true happiness can be found in the simplest moments and in the company of good friends." - Tom Hanks     Jay Lucas | www.JayLucas.us  Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Jay Lucas | 7 Portwalk Pl, Portsmouth, NH 03801 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]