Finding Hope – Pushing Forward!
Karen and Jay share an uplifting perspective – as we push forward through the later stages of winter
“Take pride in how far you’ve come and have faith in how far you can go.” As the winter drags on and it’s tough to see even a flicker of ‘light at the end of the tunnel,’ it’s comforting to reflect on these words. Sometimes it’s hard to see the progress, but yes, we are moving in a positive direction. And, if you look really closely – the days are getting longer, it’s staying light later, the pandemic is abating. Day by day, we are on our way. Look closely. Have faith!
I mention this in the spirit of the Sunshine Report. Our spirit is one of positivity, optimism and looking for the opportunity in every challenge. We are rooted in a recognition that we need to start with an objective view of reality; understand the cold hard facts; but also understand that in so doing, we are only at the beginning. It is from there that positive energy, a ‘can do’ spirit and a belief in the possible – can make all the difference.
So, as we find ourselves continuing through another week of a cold and snowy winter – and now enduring nearly a full year of the pandemic, let’s commit ourselves to looking closely. Finding those small almost imperceptible signs of progress. And, link those signs of progress with a belief – really a vision – of a better future – that is ours to have – truly right around the corner, if we will just ‘believe’ while continuing to put one foot in front of the other.
March is almost upon us. Daylight savings time will ‘kick in’ soon. Springtime, flowers and more! Push forward, have faith, and most of all BELIEVE!
Gotta Love Youth Sports!
As many of you know, I am a big sports fan. I grew up playing sports, as have all our kids. And, probably the most important ‘takeaway’ for me is just how important sports can be in a young person’s development - the lessons learned about setting goals, striving to achieve, self-discipline, competition, teamwork and most important, the value of good sportsmanship.
This is why I am so delighted to see all across New Hampshire – and beyond - the amazing work our youth sports leaders, teams and athletes have achieved in adapting to the many challenges of the pandemic. Student athletes have rallied and have consistently demonstrated that they are ready to do whatever needed in order to play the sports they enjoy. For instance, some athletes have been changing in their cars when required, playing with masks and with limited or no fans in the stands and, of course, in some cases have had their schedules reduced or greatly modified. Basketball, indoor soccer, tennis, hockey, are among just a few of the sports that have been able to adapt to the recent changes. Even Little League has begun the process of recruiting coaches and volunteers so players can take the field ready for a great season this coming spring and summer.
Youth sports teach our kids not only the importance of what it means to be a team player, but also provide tremendous opportunities for them later in life. According to the NCAA, (https://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/research/estimated-probability-competing-college-athletics), over 8 million students participate in high school sports and nearly 500,000 college students are affiliated with the NCAA programs. So, let’s celebrate the ingenuity and spirit of our young athletes and the many parents, coaches and supporters who have kept youth sports ‘on the move’ and continuing to play such an important part in of our nation’s progrees during this unusual time.
Dublin, NH - Predicting the Weather for Over 200 Years
Dublin is a small town located in southwestern New Hampshire in what is called the Monadnock Region of the state. This little town is home to some big things though, most notably Yankee Publishing and its famous publication, the Old Farmer’s Almanac. That’s right, the oft-cited weather predictor is based in this small town of approximately 1700 residents. With a publication distribution of over 3,000,000 that’s a little town having a big impact. To this day, the Farmer’s Almanac remains a mainstay of predicting the weather and giving every Granite Stater the opportunity for the obligatory conversation about just how cold the next winter will be.
Not surprisingly, Dublin is named after Dublin, Ireland which was the birthplace of the town’s founder, Henry Strongman, when it was incorporated in 1771. Over its history, Dublin has attracted some famous people, including President William Howard Taft as well as Mark Twain who would summer in the town and enjoy its natural beauty and sense of serenity.
More recently Dublin has been the home of our dear friends, Augusta Petrone and her late husband Ambassador Joseph Petrone, who served under President Ronald Reagan. Ambassador Petrone was a graduate of West Point, a true American patriot and was universally respected as one of the great gentlemen of New Hampshire politics. His wife Augusta still resides there today and carries on this same sense of duty, positive spirit and love of country.
Dublin is wonderful New Hampshire treasure. One of the lesser known gems of New Hampshire, with a scenic lake and small gift shops featuring New Hampshire maple syrup. I am sure that as more people find out about this little town, the more its big story will be told!
Positive Profile of the Week: Dave Wheeler
Hard working, fiscally responsible, and committed to limited government. We are delighted to feature Executive Councilor Dave Wheeler of Milford as our Profile of the Week.
I first got to know Dave in the 90’s when he was a State Senator from southern Hillsborough County, and I was a candidate for Governor. As I got to know Dave and understand his commitment to honest, fair government and our individual freedoms, I developed a great respect for his selfless service to our state and country.
Thereafter, Dave won his first election to New Hampshire’s Executive Council – and is now serving his in his sixth term. Dave brings a dedication to fiscal responsibility and keeping the size of government small.
Dave is also a businessman, entrepreneur and dedicated to his wonderful family. He is the owner of Maranatha Carpet and Miracle Acres Farm where he grows Christmas Trees and produces Maple Syrup. When Dave isn’t fighting taxes and representing the voters in his district, he is working on his tree farm with his sons, or scheduling carpet orders for his installation company. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a 4th of July celebration without Dave towing a patriot float behind his tractor in the Amherst 4th of July Parade.
It’s because of the leadership and dedication of people like Dave Wheeler that New Hampshire is and will continue to be such a special place. We are indeed fortunate to be blessed by Dave Wheeler’s service and commitment – to honor him as a public servant and to know him as a wonderful friend!
Quotes: Finding Hope
“We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction that there is a better life, a better world, beyond the horizon.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt
“There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something better tomorrow.”
Orison Swett Marden
“Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us.”
Samuel Smiles
“Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out.”
Vaclav Havel
“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”
Desmond Tutu