Why We Love Small Towns
Small towns are where life happens. Where the bonds of community are formed. Where people look out for one another, you get to know your neighbors and really care about your community. In short, throughout our history, small towns have provided the fabric of America.
Today, many of our towns are suffering economically, And, when jobs leave, a host of other problems bubble up in their wake. Depression, despair, opioids – you name it. And that sense of community pride and confidence begins to suffer.
The great news is that we are now turning things around. We are in motion, headed in the right direction and gathering momentum. Newport, my hometown, is on the move! And, so too with other small towns around the state and across the nation. That positive ‘can do’ American spirit is contagious. An irrepressible force that is beginning to sweep the country. Starting out one small town at a time. An exciting time to be part of a national movement.
Newport – Small Town With Patriotic Spirit
Small towns are full of history – as well as patriotic spirit. This is where multiple generations have served in the military and defended our country. They are remembered and revered.
Here in Newport – as one example – we pay tribute with monuments, memorial services, flags and more. The two photos above – show the magnificent statue on our Town Common commemorating our fallen soldiers. It sends a strong message about our patriotic spirit and deep sense of gratitude for all those who have sacrificed to protect our freedom.
Emotional Tribute To All Those Who Have Served
And, as we now move past Memorial Day 2019, it’s worth taking a brief moment to appreciate an especially moving ceremony that took place on the Newport Town Common and thankfully happened to be caught on video. This is a very special moment. Just a small town in America honoring those who have served.
And, you know that this same type of ceremony was being played out in many similar ways in small towns all across the country. And as you think about the many multiple ceremonies, you can’t help but marvel at the depth of loyalty and patriotism that resides deep within the heart of every small town, village and hamlet in this great land.
Next Meeting – Newport Sunshine Initiative
Please join us on Thursday, June 20th at 6pm. It’s going to be an incredible experience as the meeting will be held at the Old Ruger Mill – pictured above. As you may know, the mill has been dormant for more than 40 years and is now in the process of being restored! When completed, the site will be renovated into 47 modern apartments, a health center and a fantastic restaurant with an outdoor deck and riverfront views. The redeveloped site will be known as Newport Mills. We invite you to come to our June monthly meeting, hear an update on the Sunshine Initiative – while also receiving a briefing on the progress of the Newport Mills project and having an opportunity to take a tour of this beautiful historic facility.
Sunflowers – Everyone In Town Now Joining In!
The Newport Sunflower Project is in full swing. 3,000 seed packets have been distributed. That’s 45,000 seeds so far! And, sunflowers are being planted all over town. As one example, earlier this week – planting sunflowers became the key activity one day for the ‘Girls on the Run’ program earlier this week.
As seen above, they took a quick break from running and joined into the effort. Planting seeds and making sure that sunflowers are going to be popping up everywhere imaginable. These young ladies are bettering themselves and their community through running and other activities. They have joined the sunflower frenzy by planting seeds around the elementary school in town as a community project. Thank you girls and thank you Newport for making this project a success! The happiness, the beauty, and the nature these flowers will bring this fall will be incredible and put Newport on the map for sure!
You can check in on our progress by clicking on this link and seeing the map of plantings already completed. So awesome to hear all of the kids talking about how they already planted at home. "Everyone in Newport is doing this!"
92 Years Old – And Still Young, Active and Fit
Every once in a while, you come across a news article that just makes you feel really good about life. Earlier this week, WMUR shared several items of inspirational accomplishment – including the remarkable achievements of two ninety-two (92) year old’s! One who is still playing competitive hockey. The other who has just received his high school diploma.
Even at 92 years old, Gene Wagner is still lacing up his skates. He's an original member of the Bald Eagles, a senior hockey team that practices twice a week. Another senior has waited nearly a lifetime to receive his high school diploma, but that time finally came for 92-year-old Pete Sabedra, just weeks before his grandson graduates.
To see the full story and enjoy the video description, please see: https://www.wmur.com/article/a-92-year-old-hockey-player-is-among-the-people-who-inspired-us-this-week/27602831
Profile Of The Week: Roy Malool
Roy Malool is Newport’s most energetic citizen. He is also 92 years old. With a sense of humor and a gift for lighting up a room, Roy is just plain fun to be around.
He is also a highly successful businessman and founder of Roymal, an international supplier of specialty coatings, located right in Newport.
Most important, Roy, along with his wonderful wife, Eeva, are incredibly generous and for many years, no one has had a more positive impact on the town than Roy – donating money, contributing time, leading efforts to bring people together and quietly spearheading literally hundreds of efforts, often totally behind the scenes.
Roy Malool is truly an inspiration. In all of my interactions over the years, I can honestly say that no one has ever done more to demonstrate the power of the human spirit – still going 92 miles an hour at 92 – than Roy Malool. Newport is blessed to have Roy as a leader in the community – bringing people together and contributing to the town’s bright future!
Quotes: Small Towns
“I speak at a lot of banquets in small towns, because small towns have so many great people.” Woody Hayes
“The nice thing about living in a small town is that when you don't know what you're doing, someone else does.” Immanuel Kant
“There are things about growing up in a small town that you can't necessarily quantify.” Brandon Routh
“A small town is a place where there's no place to go where you shouldn't.” Burt Bacharach
“I grew up in a small town in northeastern Indiana. I had an all-American childhood. And I grew up as an optimist.” Mary Meeker
“A manufacturing resurgence is what will give local communities and small towns across America a fighting chance for survival. Many of today's American entrepreneurs come from those very places but make their wealth elsewhere. We need to change that.” Hamdi Ulukaya
“I'm all about small towns. I think it's a great place to grow up.” Kacey Musgraves