The Sunshine Report Our Commitment to Community Karen and Jay celebrate the spirit of community and share thoughts from the Lakeport Opera House immediately following the exciting ‘kick off’ event to the NH Pumpkin Festival in Laconia. Home is where the heart is. Where we grow up, the people we know, the community that surrounds us – these are such critical aspects in shaping who we are, who we become, and what we think to be important. In fact, we have a foundational set of relationships and beliefs that we develop at an early age that helps set our priorities, form our loyalties, and establish connections that last a lifetime. Interestingly, we often find ourselves pulled in directions that support our inner values, helping those around us in our communities – and doing so in a way that on the surface, we would appear to be placing the priorities of others ahead of our own. This is where the story of ‘Bedford Falls’ comes in. I’ve said it before in the Sunshine Report, and I’ll gladly say it again, but one of my favorite movies is the film, It’s a Wonderful Life. Often considered one of the greatest works of American cinema during the 20th century, it’s a wonderful piece of filmmaking that highlights the importance of doing right by others, no matter the circumstances and even when we think we’re not making a positive impact. Though it’s typically thought of as a movie for the holidays, I actually think its message holds true no matter the time of year. If you haven’t seen the film, just a ‘heads up,’ there may be a spoiler or two ahead. The protagonist in the film, George Bailey, played by the famed Jimmy Stewart, is a businessman from Bedford Falls, NY who continues to take care of others at the expense of his own grand ambitions, so much so he wishes he had never existed and contemplates taking his own life. Yet a divine spirit intervenes and shows George how terrible life would be for so many in Bedford Falls had George not been there to take care of them, including his own family. Shocked and grateful for all that he has in his life after this divine intervention, he returns to Bedford Falls, thankful for all he has. If you’re an avid reader of the Sunshine Report, you can probably guess why I love this kind of story. While it may be a Hollywood movie with a bit of a Hollywood ending, the underlying theme in It’s a Wonderful Life has a lot to teach us about our own lives and the power of gratitude, taking time to appreciate what is we have, not what we don’t have. As we see in the film, George gets so caught up thinking about what he doesn’t have or feel he hasn’t achieved, he forgets that much of what makes life so wonderful was always right in front of him. Not to mention the incredibly positive impact his sacrifices made in the lives of others! Oftentimes when we act to serve others or our community, the benefits may go completely unseen to us. Or, when life gets in the way of our ambitions, it’s easy for us to become discouraged, as George did. The unpredictability of life is such that most of what we plan will never be linear, there will in fact always be deviations or setbacks. What’s important is that in these moments, perhaps when we may be feeling a bit like George Bailey, we take a moment for gratitude, take count of our blessings for what he have rather than what we don't. When we make this a regular practice, especially through the most difficult moments, it’s possible to see that this is in fact a wonderful life. Read The Report Celebrating the ‘General Store’   Read More Local Radio - Our Community Neighbor We All Know and Appreciate Read More Positive Profile of the Week: P.J. Lovely - A Man ‘of and for’ Newport This week we are delighted to highlight a terrific friend and inspirational leader in my hometown of Newport, P.J. Lovely. “We never give up,” said Newport Recreation Director P.J. Lovely. He was talking about the Newport Winter Carnival and ensuring that it continued for its 106th straight year but that phrase exemplifies his attitude in life. P.J. is the embodiment of the great spirit that inspires the community known as the Sunshine Town – Newport, New Hampshire. I have known, respected, and admired the Lovely family for many, many years. P.J.’s dad, Peter R. Lovely was a stalwart of the community, a prominent banker, a proud veteran, and a great friend. P.J. has carried his dad’s commitment to the town of Newport forward and has achieved so very much for the community, our youth, our seniors, and all of those he has touched. P.J.’s life has been intertwined with Newport for many years. During his high school years at Newport, he was a star track athlete, a jumper and short-distance sprinter. Then, going on to Springfield College where he started with track but switched to rugby his remaining years there. In 1995, he returned to his high school alma mater becoming Newport’s track coach and has never looked back! In 2021, he was named the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association ‘NH Boys Track Coach of the Year!’ This was quite an achievement as he was recognized by his NH peers including Divisions 1 and 2 and was the only winner from NH. However, P.J. is primarily known in Newport as our longtime Director of Recreation. And he has done an outstanding job – injecting a positivity and enthusiasm that is genuine and infectious. In fact, in 2018 he was recognized as the Southwest Regional Champion for Children. This is an award presented by the NH School Administrators Association to community members who have given distinguished public service to benefit children. The people recommending him had this to say about him and which truly exemplifies where his heart and passion lie… Christy Whipple said, “PJ Lovely has an energy surrounding him that is almost tangible…PJ goes above and beyond to connect with every child and every family so that they feel valued, included and essential to whatever activity is at hand.” Jeff Miller added, “He is the unofficial “Mayor” for young children and families. He goes above and beyond to make sure that every stone gets unturned to provide the best recreational activities for every child in the community. Finally, Ben Gallagher said, “He pushes us to be the best we can be. He encourages us to push ourselves past our limits and work our hardest; both in skills that we are learning and into everyday life. I also think that most of my friends would agree that PJ Lovely is a Champion for kids. Lovely responded to these with this comment… “I’m very humbled with the award as there are many more deserving folks who do a lot behind the scenes, who also should be applauded and thanked. I’m proud to represent our Town – which is filled with the volunteer spirit.” And fortunately for Newport, the Lovely track and sports tradition continues with the Lovely kids outstanding athletes. And as for continuing, so will the Newport Winter Carnival because as P.J. says…“For 106 years in a row, no matter what, we have kept it running. That tradition is never going to stop.” Newport is truly blessed to have the positive energy and spirit of PJ Lovely. Quotes of the Week “Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” Clarence, Angel     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]