Communities and Families – Strong in the Crisis
Celebrating Easter in Portsmouth’s Market Square – Despite the Virus
Sir Winston Churchill once said, “There is no doubt that it is around the family and the home that all the greatest virtues… are created, strengthened and maintained.” The power and love of family are incredible cornerstones in each of our lives that have helped us build strength and resiliency for moments like this. And as we weather this unexpected disruption of our lives and look optimistically to the future, let's use this moment as an opportunity to express continued gratitude for the love and support of our family that will only help to reinforce our strength and resiliency for the future.
Two months ago, most of us could not have imagined the positions we find ourselves in today. That a global pandemic would have forced us to put most of our lives on hold seemed hard to believe. Yet in moments like these there lie unexpected opportunities, opportunities that can have a profoundly positive impact on our lives and the lives of others for years to come.
With some of our fellow Americans having been tragically affected by this unexpected virus, this reminder of life’s sometimes unexpected fragility presents an enormous chance to express gratitude for those we care for most deeply. Though we have had to physically distance ourselves from some, this is a unique and rare moment we may never have an opportunity to experience again - to truly reflect and give thanks for the things we work for in our regular day-to-day lives, most notably, family.
Newport Rallies to Battle Crisis!
Widmer & Davis Artisan Distilleries, a distillery of high-quality spirits in downtown Newport, is continuing to expand their new hand sanitizer business by creating four new jobs to help meet demand and ‘flatten the curve.’ Working in newly formed partnership with another Newport business – natural skincare company, All Terrain Co., which is helping to fill and package the sanitizer solution. The new jobs, which start at $15 an hour, will help the small business grow their newest product line. This is a great example of a Newport business providing opportunity to recently furloughed workers in their time of need. The jobs are expected to last throughout the remainder of the pandemic and perhaps beyond.
Meanwhile – revitalization initiatives for the Sunshine Town are continuing to make progress. Newport has received a $12,000 community development block grant to study public transportation from Newport to the Upper Valley. The study will determine the need for a bus route that will bring workers, students, patients and shoppers to the Dartmouth/Hanover/Lebanon area. The project is another step towards connecting two regions. Newport provides ample housing and community engagement opportunities for Upper Valley workers and the Upper Valley provides numerous job opportunities for Newport residents in healthcare, high-tech and advanced manufacturing fields. The project, which if successful, could lead to a park & ride coming to Newport. This bus terminal would help bring together Sullivan County and the Upper Valley in ways never before seen in the region.
Big Win for Dogs!
Here is a heartwarming story in some challenging times: Pet adoptions are up! They are up so much so in fact that the Friends of Palm Beach County Kennel have no dogs left to adopt. To celebrate this remarkable achievement, the staff got together (masks and all) to film this inspiring video. Please enjoy. It will make you want to ‘wag your tail.’ A very bright spot in these dark times.
I have written before how I am a huge fan of dogs not only because they are so loving, happy and cute - but also because of their intrinsic qualities of loyalty and unwavering dedication. So, please join me in celebrating this big win for the dogs in Palm Beach County. But equally a win for their new owners. Together now in their forever homes!
Positive Profile of the Week: Dan and Christine Benner
What a wonderful pleasure to honor Dan and Christine Benner as our Profile this week. Dan and Christine exemplify the goodness and spirit of Newport. Although relocating to the Sunshine Town only two years ago, they have become active, leading members of the community.
Christine has been the ‘point person’ – supporting multiple efforts of the Newport Sunshine Initiative. Organizing events, creating a Women’s Group, helping with a digital training program and more.
Meanwhile – Dan has been incredibly supportive, juggling responsibilities in the commercial roofing business and pitching in to make things work. Also, as a leading voice for those with Cystic Fibrosis – and urging safety during this critical time.
Newport is blessed to have Dan and Christine Benner – and others like them – who give generously of their time and efforts to make the Sunshine Town the warm, close knit community that we all love to call home.
Quotes of the Week: Family Strength
“The most important thing in the world is family and love.” – John Wooden
“What is important is family, friends, giving back to your community and finding meaning in life.” – Adrian Grenier
“The single most important factor in our long-term happiness is the relationships we have with our family and close friends.” – Clayton M. Christensen
“You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.” – Desmond Tutu
“The family is the first essential cell of human society.” – Pope John XXIII