The Sunshine Report 2024….This Could Be…. Karen and Jay share the belief that 2024 has the potential to be the start of something big, something important, something great – especially if we approach the new year with positive energy and a belief in the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. The ‘Start of Something Big!’ Bounding into the New Year – with optimism and energy – Especially excited about taking the Sunshine Initiative to an entirely new level in ‘24 (Please see below.) And, in so doing, reflecting on a well-known song from an earlier era – which seems so appropriate as we kick off 2024. It was the theme song for the Steve Allen Show, a TV show from the late 1950’s/early 1960’s - that was the precursor to the Tonight Show. And the title of the song literally was ‘This Could be the Start of Something Big.’ To get in the mood for a great start into ’24, please go ahead and click on this link. Definitely going to put you in an upbeat frame of mind. [link removed] As you may know, when Karen and I founded the Sunshine Initiative more than five years ago – we did so as a way to help revitalize my hometown of Newport, New Hampshire. With an outpouring of support from the community, the Initiative has achieved outstanding success. Creating jobs, restoring the historic Opera House on the main street, breaking ground on a new Community Center last week, transforming a dormant mill on the edge of downtown into 70 beautiful apartments overlooking the Sugar River, a robotics program for the high school and much more. Not to mention setting a Guinness World Record for sunflowers – right in Newport, also known for many years as the ‘Sunshine Town.’ In fact, the efforts have been so successful that last year we launched similar revitalization initiatives in four additional New Hampshire communities – that had experienced economic declines and were in need of a rebirth. These include Laconia, Rochester, Claremont, and the west side of Manchester. Progress is ongoing and we are excited about the positive impact and momentum these efforts are achieving. However, here comes the BIG NEWS. We will be dramatically expanding our efforts in 2024. We have formalized our approach, registered our non-profit 501c.3, and are setting our sights on a more expansive vision. I think we’ve all come to realize that there are small towns and communities all across America that have experienced significant economic declines and a fraying of the social fabric. Over the years in these communities, we’ve seen mills closing down, jobs moving offshore – and a sense of hopelessness and decay. In our hearts, we know that this represents a hollowing out of America and a weakening of all that we hold dear. As a result, we at the Sunshine Initiative believe that we need to change all this and are committed to do so. We need to rebuild and revitalize these communities – and we know it can be done. Therefore, we are setting our sights on an ambitious goal. The Sunshine Initiative is setting out on a course to help revitalize more than 1,000+ such communities across this great country. We know it won’t be easy – and it’s not going to happen overnight. But we are committed to this objective and will ensure that it is achieved. So, please stay tuned as we embark on this ambitious effort. As 2024 progresses, we will be updating you on our progress – and most important, will be asking for your support and participation, with specific opportunities for you to get involved. Onwards and upwards – to an exciting and highly impactful 2024 – and a shared commitment to rebuild America – working together to revitalize our small towns and communities that form the backbone of this great nation. Read The Report Embracing 2024: A Year of Transformation Through Positive Change Read More Resolutions – Common Themes – and Making Them Happen! Read More Positive Profile of the Week: Jay Ruais This week we are delighted to highlight a friend and positive spirit, Jay Ruais, the recently elected Mayor of Manchester. We wish him well in his important mission – successfully leading New Hampshire’s largest city to a future of growth, prosperity, and a strengthening of the social fabric of this great community. When you get to know Jay, you learn that he is driven by a positive vision for the city, inspired by his parents' commitment to community service. Growing up, he learned the values of hard work, community engagement, and serving a greater purpose. A graduate of Gettysburg College and American University, Jay discovered his passion for public service at the age of twenty-four when he overcame alcohol addiction. This transformative experience ignited his belief in the potential of every individual, regardless of their circumstances, and fueled his commitment to uplifting those in need. Since achieving sobriety in 2010, Jay has actively fulfilled his promise to give back. His career in public policy has allowed him to address issues like veterans' care and addiction, fostering bipartisan solutions in a divided Congress. Later, he joined a nonprofit dedicated to combating the addiction epidemic, contributing to evidence-based practices for the well-being of patients and families. Jay's personal life reflects his commitment to diversity and inclusivity. He met his wife, Veronica, an immigrant from Peru seeking economic opportunities in the U.S. Their story mirrors the vibrant immigrant presence in Manchester, seen in schools where over 50 languages are spoken. Overcoming obstacles, Jay fulfilled his dream of military service by joining the Army National Guard in 2020. Returning to New Hampshire, he worked at Catholic Charities, supporting programs for homeless veterans and pregnant and parenting women. Residing in Ward 7, Jay actively engages with community organizations, serving as a Knights of Columbus Council member and a board member at Light of Life, a nonprofit aiding women who have experienced abuse and exploitation. His positive vision for a diverse, inclusive Manchester drives his dedication to building a better future for all residents. As he embarks on his journey, we wish him well – and thank Jay for his commitment to Manchester – knowing that his positive energy and vision are certain to have a lasting impact on this wonderful community. Quote of the Week "The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals." — Melody Beattie     Jay Lucas | www.JayLucas.us  Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Jay Lucas | 7 Portwalk Pl, Portsmouth, NH 03801 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]