Flying The Grand Canyon
Last weekend, Karen and I had the opportunity to fly the Grand Canyon. And what a great adventure… As we all live and work our daily lives, it’s so important every once in a while to step out and ‘catch the spirit.’ Enjoy a little bit of adventure
As we flew over the Colorado River and with the Hoover Dam in the distance, inevitably you can’t help but develop a sense of awe. So magnificent. So immense. And, soaring above it all.
Each day we all try to do our best and push things forward. But, we also have to ‘recharge’ from time to time and what better way than to so than to try something new – especially if it involves a sense of adventure. Flying the Grand Canyon was a great thrill for us. Think about what might be a good adventure for you – and go out and do it! You’ll have renewed spirit and a redoubling of your energy and productive powers.
Chamber Days And Sun Flowers
Well, the Newport Chamber of Commerce sponsored a terrific event on the Town Common this past week. With representatives of local businesses and organizations hosting booths for hundreds of visitors. And of course, the Newport Sunshine Initiative was well represented. Especially highlighting our Sun Flower Project.
In the above photo, Christine Benner welcomes a couple and explains the background of the Sun Flower Project. How Newporter’s are planting Sun Flowers all over town. More that 2,800 packets of seeds already distributed to every business and household in town. If you have not already received and or planted your seeds yet, please reach out to us at info@jaylucas.us and we will be sure to get you some seeds while it is still not too late to get them planted.
The Importance Of Mentors
Did you ever have a mentor that had an influence on your life? In Newport, as part of our Sunshine Initiative, we know how important it is for young people to have someone who they can look up to…. Someone who can give them guidance… especially at critical times. And in essence, be a positive influence. With this in mind, we are creating a program called ‘Mentors with a Mission’ and will be rolling this out later in the year.
Meanwhile, please enjoy the above video in which I describe an important mentor in my life. It may get you thinking about how you might consider the role of mentors in the community and how you might even get involved.
It Was A Different Time, And A Wonderful Time
One of the great things about small town America years ago was the feeling of community – and the sense of safety. You didn’t have to worry about someone breaking into your house. In fact, you didn’t even need to lock your doors – so you didn’t. There was also a positive, collaborative relationship with the local police. They were your neighbors, your friends, you knew we were all in this together.
There is much about America that feels different today. But we have right in front of us a great opportunity to recapture the many positive elements of an earlier time. In the above photo, it’s so very clear that these youngsters truly respect the local police officer – and there is a genuine and mutual warmth that shines thru every aspect.
Profile Of The Week: Jason Osborne
Jason Osborne is a friend, a successful businessman, an elected State Representative and true leader. Jason is also an engaged family man devoted to bringing positive change to his community. He moved to New Hampshire nearly a decade ago and brought with him jobs from his successful family owned company, Credit Adjustments, Inc. In fact, Jason’s company now provides over 100 jobs to Granite Stater’s and his company prides itself on being a second chance employer giving hope and opportunity back to many who were left behind by society.
Credit Adjustments is also a ‘small town success story’, being based in a rural town in northwest Ohio where the company is one of the largest employers in the area. Their success has led to a spirit of giving back.
One of the company’s mottos comes from Jason’s father, who is also the Chairman of the Board: “Giving back is the most selfish thing we do. It’s about the EROI – the Eternal Return on Investment. CAI believes it is our responsibility to give back to the communities we serve.”
Jason embodies this spirit by putting his money where his mouth is and continuing to work hard and bring positive change to our New Hampshire community. He currently is one of the policy leaders in the New Hampshire House and I am sure we can expect many more great things from Jason in the future.
Quotes Of The Week: Adventure
“Life is either a great adventure or nothing.” Helen Keller
“Instead of trying to make your life perfect, give yourself the freedom to make it an adventure, and go ever upward.” Drew Houston
“For me, the blank page to draw on is a window to adventure.” Eduardo Risso
“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” Jawaharlal Nehru
“I wanted to be a pilot. I loved flying and I loved all the technology and the equipment and the sense of adventure that came with it. I think that feeling still bleeds over into everything I do today.” Graham Brown