The Positive Human Spirit
The human spirit is a powerful force – and when harnessing the twin pillars of ‘inspiration’ and ‘aspiration,’ the results for positive change have the potential to amaze. In this short video, I describe how these two words that sound sort of alike – are actually quite different. And how each interacts with the human spirit to contribute to happiness, fulfillment and a sense of purpose. Please enjoy – and think about how these two forces can play a positive role in your daily life and the lives of others.
Graduation Day In A Small Town
Graduation Day is one of those moments that you remember for a lifetime. A demarcation point when you look back to recognize accomplishment – and look forward with ‘inspiration and aspiration’- excited about the future.
In small towns, it can also be a moment when the community comes together to celebrate the moment – bringing together students, families, neighbors and just about everyone. And, so it was this past week, when the whole town of Newport came out to attend the Newport High School Graduation. Not in some indoor auditorium or gym – but instead on Newport’s beautiful Town Common
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It’s moment like these that bonds of community are formed. Taking joy in the graduation of the young adult who lives next door. Congratulating proud parents who live down the street. And taking an active interest in the future plans of the young student you have gotten to know who mows your lawn, bags your groceries or you just happened to see in the senior play.
Chamber Days
Happy Birthday to the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce! The Chamber recently celebrated its 55th year in the community. Lots of things have changed in those 55 years, but the spirit and determination of Newport’s business owners and residents have only grown stronger. Family businesses have been turned over to the next generation and young entrepreneurs aspiring to revitalize and improve the town we all love, have begun opening their own businesses. We owe a big ‘thank you’ to the Chamber for its constant work to strengthen our community, empower our businesses and bring prosperity and optimism to all residents.
Next Saturday June 15th the Newport Sunshine Initiative will be attending the Chamber’s annual “Chamber Days” on the Newport Town Common. Businesses from around the area come together to celebrate what makes Newport, ‘Newport.’ From a bounce house, to ‘Cow Patty Bingo’ and even a Brew Fest, the Newport Common will be rocking with fun and activity. If you’re looking for a way to kick off your summer, come on down and see what the Sunshine Town is up to!
Bicentennial Celebration – True Citizen Government
Fun fact: New Hampshire’s State Capital was not always Concord! For the first 60 years of our State’s history the capital was located in Portsmouth. In 1814, the General Court chose Concord over Hopkinton and Salisbury to be the new State Capital. The building as we know it today was built in 1819 and is the oldest state house building still in use in our country.
But our state legislature is more than just an old building. New Hampshire has a true ‘citizens’ legislature…..the most open legislative body in the country with 400 State Representatives! This means that the people have unfettered access to the democratic process and the people who represent them. It’s one of the many benefits of being a small and open state and who would want it any other way. Our Legislators are paid a whopping $100 a year for their service. It’s refreshing to know that our citizen representatives are certainly not in it for the money.
For two hundred years they have gathered and worked to produce positive outcomes for our state and while they do not always agree, it is exceedingly rare to question the motives of other members. As a former State Representative myself, I learned the lessons of service, duty and importantly, civility from my fellow members and I am proud to be a part of New Hampshire’s now two hundred year old tradition of truly working for the people!
You’ve Gotta Love Dogs
I love dogs and always have. Terrific friends – loyal and selfless. So, it’s not surprising that I would come across a story about a dog and a boy that will truly make you feel good. Please enjoy this touching tale about how one dog has brightened up the life of a young boy…..
Swim With A Mission!
Swim With A Mission – is becoming a New Hampshire tradition. Hosting U.S. Navy SEALs to honor their service and raise funds to support our veterans.
While Children of Fallen Patriots will be all over the Granite State this summer, there is no event we are more excited about than Swim with a Mission's incredible celebration at Newfound Lake on July 13. Bringing in more than 4,000 attendees in 2018, this year is sure to be a home run!
Phil and Julie Taub are the two amazing individuals who lead put this fantastic event every year in support of our veterans, with proceeds going toward organizations and charities that support our nation's heroes. It's truly a fantastic opportunity to spread positive energy, build a stronger community, and come together for an inspirational cause. I hope you will join us for this event and experience the heartwarming day! Let us know you're coming by filling out our sign-up form here: https://forms.gle/pDcGoKJ74khiEbfL9
Profile of the Week – Phil and Julie Taub
When it comes to the ‘movers and shakers’ in New Hampshire, Phil and Julie Taub have certainly earned a spot at the top of any list. As co-founders of Swim with a Mission, this dynamic duo has proven to be a juggernaut for veteran support in New Hampshire. Since its launch in the spring of 2017, Swim with a Mission has raised more $1.3 million dollars to benefit a number of veteran organizations to include Children of Fallen Patriots, Veterans Count, the Navy SEALs Museum and the Bridge House Veterans Shelter. They are leaders in the community and tireless in their efforts to help others succeed.
As if they didn’t have enough going on, Phil and Julie recently opened Meadow Wind, a gorgeous new Bed & Breakfast Inn near the shores of Newfound Lake. The Taub’s are an inspiration by example alone, but their willingness to engage and enrich our lives in so many ways in the Granite State is truly remarkable.
Thanks to the efforts of Phil and Julie, Swim with a Mission presented Children of Fallen Patriots with a donation of $25,000 last year, which is now being used to support the college education of children who have lost a parent in active military service. Karen and I are grateful for their efforts and truly proud to call them friends.
Quotes of the Week: Inspiration and Aspiration
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. If you can dream it, you can do it. It takes a certain level of aspiration before one can take advantage of opportunities that are clearly offered. The most absurd and reckless aspirations have sometimes led to extraordinary success. Eleanor Roosevelt
The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark. Michelangelo
Faith is love taking the form of aspiration. William Ellery Channing
You will become as small as your controlling desire; as great as you dominant aspiration. James Allen Achievement is largely the product of steadily raising one's level of aspiration and expectation. Jack Nicklaus
The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence. Confucius