Going for the Record! Sunflowers Are Coming to Newport!
As Helen Keller famously said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Take one step into Newport and you will notice the strength, the dedication and the spirit that characterizes the Sunshine Town. What better a way to showcase this commitment to community than by working to set a World Record together!
In partnership with several other groups throughout town, including the Rec Center and the Newport Garden Club, we have decided to start a community project where every Newport family, resident, and/or business will receive a package of sunflower seeds and will be asked to plant them in their yard or in a flower pot for others to see. The goal, get as many sunflowers planted throughout town as possible! Can you imagine it? Fields full of sunflowers, yards sprouting with the happy flower, and a unified mission bringing smiles, cheer, and pride to those who live in the Newport area or simply have a connection with our great town. Not only are the sunflowers beautiful and a great play on our town slogan of the “Sunshine Town”, this project gives everyone something to believe in, something to work together on, have fun with, and most importantly watch succeed as we get Newport into the Guinness Book of World Records.
In addition the World Record, we will have various contests surrounding the project including, “Best Photo”, “Best Oil Painting”, “Biggest Sunflower Head”, “Tallest Sunflower”, etc. Awards and prizes for all of these contests and more will be announced at a festival to be announced later in the season. Using the hashtag #NewportStrong, individuals will be able to post their photos on social media. Pics of the planting, the growing, and the finished product all while teaming up with their neighbors, friends, and family. Residents of Newport know how strong the community is, now the world will know and visibly see how #NewportStrong we really are.
Preserving ‘The New Hampshire Advantage!’
New Hampshire has a tradition of being different – in a special, independent and positive way. One of the many unique aspects has come to be known as ‘The New Hampshire Advantage.’ The competitive advantage that benefits Granite Stater’s in so many ways – the fact that the state has no broad base tax – no sales tax, no income tax – and has a tradition of providing an innovative, welcoming and business friendly environment.
From time to time, this Advantage comes under attack. In fact, just now there is a proposal for a statewide income tax wending its way thru the legislative process. So, in an effort to ‘stop this movement in its tracks,’ I was proud to attend a rally this past Saturday at the State House in Concord. Super pleased to be joined by a group of college leaders, as seen in the photo above.
And, I love the tweet from my good friend, Governor Chris Sununu below – which captures the essence of our effort.
Wonderful Surprise on Saturday Night – D.A.R.- New Hampshire
Saturday evening was ‘one for the ages’ as Karen and I enjoyed an upbeat and touching dinner with the incredible women from the Daughters of the American Revolution. Our good friend, Wendy Jones leads a fantastic organization here in the Granite State that educates our communities on the importance of patriotism, family, and the sacrifices of our founders.
The D.A.R. spends countless hours volunteering in programs for our veterans, the less fortunate, and children in our schools and Wendy and team keep it all together! It was an honor to participate in the dinner as the keynote speaker, where I spoke about the inspiring efforts of Children of Fallen Patriots and even touched upon the awesome stuff we are doing in Newport with the Newport Sunshine Initiative.
To my genuine surprise, I was also presented with the incredible honor of being selected as the D.A.R.. Community Service Activist of the Year! This award and organization mean so much to me and it was a humbling experience to say the least. I hope everyone will take the time to look into the D.A.R. and all of the outstanding work they are doing to bring positive change to our communities!
Profile of the Week: Wendy Stanley Jones
Wendy Stanley Jones is a passionate and dedicated advocate in the Granite State. Wendy ‘IS’ positive energy! Upbeat, ‘can do.’ That’s Wendy
I believe the best way to define her style is the oft repeated saying: “When Wendy says she is going to do something, only great things are to follow.”
Wendy is well-known and highly respected not only in New Hampshire – but throughout the country. Because of her tireless commitment to helping others, she has built remarkable respect and close relationships with leaders across the nation. When political leaders, candidates and other’s come to town, make no mistake about it, Wendy is at the top of the list for who they want to reach out to.
It’s a great pleasure to see what she has accomplished as the 15th State Regent of the New Hampshire D.A.R. Under her steadfast leadership and passion to succeed, Wendy and her fellow members are hard at work, assisting schools and communities in order to provide greater education assistance and support to our children, the future of our great state and country.
Wendy is proud wife and mother. Wendy, thank you for all that you do , have done, and will continue to do. You’re a true leader, advocate, and just plain amazing person!
Quotes of the Week: Going for the World Record!
“When people go to a track meet, they're looking for something, a world record, something that hasn't been done before. You get all this magnetic energy, people focusing on one thing at the same time. I really get excited about it. It makes me want to compete even more. It makes it all worthwhile, all the hours of hard work.” Steve Prefontaine
“I am a dreamer. And what I dream of is to become Olympic champion, world champion, world record holder.” Caster Semenya
“I felt so relaxed. It just felt very easy, and that's why it surprised me that I had broken my world record.” Katie Ledecky