New Hampshire Entry – Making It To The Derby!
New Hampshire is proud to be supporting Ted ‘Teddy’ Gatsas and his horse Vekoma at the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. Teddy is not only a successful businessman, former Mayor of Manchester, State Senator and Executive Councilor – but he and his brother, Mike, have been involved in horse racing for approximately the past twenty years. And, now for the first time, are on their way to the Derby.
Vekoma is a very special horse – with enormous heart – and a distinctive, perhaps even peculiar gait. You gotta love this horse. And, even more so, we are proud of Teddy as a positive spirit who lives by example and ‘gets into the race!’ Good luck and god speed to Teddy and Vekoma!
When Volunteering Builds Positive Momentum
The late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is ‘what are you doing for others?’” Civic engagement not only moves communities and societies forward, it also changes the lives of every member living in those communities. In the past year of the Newport Sunshine Initiative, it has been my honor to work with and meet people across the beautiful town of Newport who truly want to make a difference in our community and are doing just that. From the town wide Sunflower Project, to the Newport Women’s Group, to a mentorship program, and a new initiative being launched - a Children’s Cooking Course, so that families can practice great nutrition.
So many wonderful people want to get involved and are offering up their unique backgrounds to do just that. They are bringing their interests to the forefront, volunteering to lead a group, instruct a class, or donate their time. Newport is the epitome of an engaged, active community and it's because of this civic participation, Newport is ‘on the move’ – with a bright future on the horizon.
The Great ‘Taco Tour!’ – Taking To The Streets – For Fallen Patriots
On Thursday, Manchester, NH held its annual ‘Taco Tour’ – closing down the main drag, and welcoming 35,000+ visitors to come in and feast on tacos, enjoy music and have a great time.
With a little planning, it turned out to be a great opportunity for volunteers in support of Children of Fallen Patriots to spread the word about this wonderful organization – that provides educational support for children who have lost a parent in military service.
Hosting a booth, distributing literature and most important encouraging all the passersby to sign a ‘Thank You’ Card – for veterans – that will be delivered to the residents of the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton on Memorial Day. To learn more about this great mission, please visit: www.fallenpatriots.org
Big Things – Start Small – In New Hampshire
Every four years, the Granite State is the backdrop for something that starts small, but through hard work and inspiration, evolves into something much larger. Of course, I’m talking about the First-in-the-Nation Primary. Presidential hopefuls arrive in New Hampshire with a grand vision. But to realize that vision, those candidates need to connect with residents in a way that is genuine and inspiring. It takes time. But once it happens, things spread and people want to be a part of something special.
In essence, New Hampshire provides a testing lab; a proving ground at the grassroots level. And, then when once proven and fine-tuned – can be rolled out across the country.
In a way, that’s exactly what is happening in Newport. It’s spreading. We are creating a template. Like so many communities that are geographically isolated from population centers, Newport for many years has struggled to find its economic footing and a vehicle for growth.
But through a true community grassroots effort, that is changing. The future of Newport is bright and now other communities are taking notice of the model. It occurs to me this approach is so very consistent with the New Hampshire way. We are ‘getting into the race’ at the very local level – applying positive energy to improve the situation. Then creating a template that can be shared with other towns throughout the state and across the nation. So many great things actually do start right here in New Hampshire.
Profile Of The Week: Matt Mayberry
Matt Mayberry of Dover, New Hampshire is an Airforce Veteran who continues to serve well after his retirement from the armed services.
He has devoted his life to the service of others, his community, and especially our veterans. Matt is one of the leading voices in New Hampshire for preventing and addressing the issue of veteran suicide. This is a painful subject and Matt has done a miraculous job illuminating the issue with sunshine and light as only Matt can do. A veteran of our military commits suicide every 40 seconds in America, and Matt is thoroughly and selflessly focused on its prevention.
In addition, Matt is Chair of the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights which is a state agency aimed at preventing discrimination by engaging in outreach, research, training and education all consistent with the promotion of good will.
Matt is also well-known for his fabulous events. His company, New England Events, puts on numerous shows and exhibitions throughout the area, including gun shows and my personal favorite – the Food Truck Festival in Dover!
Thank you Matt for all you do and helping to bring more sunshine into our world!
Quotes of the Week: Getting Into the Race
“We can find meaning and reward by serving some higher purpose than ourselves, a shining purpose, the illumination of a thousand points of light.” George H.W. Bush
“Get in the game. Do the best you can. Try to make a contribution. Learn from today. Try to apply it tomorrow.” Cal Ripken
“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.