Newport Achieves A Major Victory!!!

'Karen and Jay share their excitement as they tour the newly constructed LaValley Family Community Center in Newport, New Hampshire!'

This past week, Karen and I were treated to the thrill of a lifetime. We experienced first-hand the pride that can be generated when a community comes together. After years of diligent study, consensus building, hard work and generous support, the town of Newport, where I grew up – the home of the Sunshine Initiative – is in the process of achieving a major victory. A brand, new Community Center – that will undoubtedly transform the future of this wonderful town. On Saturday, we were given a tour of the new, nearly complete – magnificent LaValley Family Community Center. Breathtaking! Named after Harold and Geraldine LaValley and their wonderful family who has contributed greatly to the overall community. PJ Lovely, Newport’s long time, outstanding Recreation Director, along Town Manager Kyle Harris, Paul Brown and Ken Merrow, guided us through this marvelous new complex – complete with two basketball courts, seating capacity for nearly 500 spectators, a major fitness facility, conference rooms, a concession stand and more. In practical terms, this will give the town a facility that is second to none, where youth, seniors and families can gather for sports, social gatherings and provide a modern, beautiful place to just hang out. As well, it will also help the town become a magnet for the entire, western New Hampshire area, as it will be the largest event center anywhere around, attracting visitors, participants and families who will come to the town for events, buy meals, spend money downtown and may might even just consider relocating to this great New Hampshire town. Likewise, on a more emotional, spiritual level, the new Community Center does even more. It gives the community and everyone who lives there an enormous sense of pride – of achievement – of having accomplished something that will benefit the town and surrounding area for years to come. As demonstrated here, when a community unites around a common purpose, the collective power and positive energy generated can lead to remarkable achievements. This collaborative spirit instills hope and optimism, often transforming the societal landscape. Individuals who may have previously felt isolated or powerless find support and encouragement from their peers, igniting a sense of community pride. In Newport, this effort will leave a lasting imprint on the next generation, fostering values of cooperation, empathy, and resilience among young people. What has been achieved here in Newport is really, just the start of many more successes to come. Children who have witnessed their parents and neighbors working hand-in-hand toward this common goal will develop a sense of identity rooted in community pride. As they grow, these children will carry forward the lessons of collaboration and shared purpose, nurturing the same spirit in their own future endeavors. Ultimately, when a community rallies together like Newport has done, it creates a positive, almost divine energy that transforms lives and bonds individuals, leaving an enduring legacy of hope and inspiration for generations to come. What has been accomplished here, teaches us a valuable lesson about what can be achieved when a community comes together – and serves as a model – and inspiration for us at the Sunshine Initiative as we embark on our mission of transforming the lives of Americans in the next generation – by helping to revitalize small towns and communities across our great nation. Please visit the following link and enjoy the moment that the new Community Center naming was revealed: [link removed]

This week, we are delighted to highlight our dear and wonderful friends, Harold and Geraldine LaValley and actually the whole LaValley family. They have been enthusiastic leaders in the community and great supporters of the Sunshine Initiative. We’re excited to share what this wonderful couple and their amazing family have done over the years to build and strengthen the community - particularly in Newport. Harold and Geraldine have been instrumental in fostering community cohesion throughout town of Newport, New Hampshire and beyond. As founders of LaValley Building Supply in 1962, their commitment to reliable service and honest dealings has not only built a successful business but also strengthened community ties. Their dedication to community development is exemplified by the recent naming of the LaValley Family Community Center in Newport, NH. Seven years ago, when the initial feasibility study for the center was proposed, the LaValley’s made a significant financial commitment that became the driving force behind the project's realization. Their unwavering support and belief in the community have been pivotal in overcoming challenges and securing necessary funding. Beyond this project, the LaValley’s have consistently supported local charities and organizations, including police and fire departments, hospitals, Habitat for Humanity, food banks, senior centers, youth programs, and arts groups. Their deep community involvement reflects a steadfast commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents in the Upper Valley. Their influence extends to cultural preservation as well. In 2022, the LaValley’s provided a matching gift that was crucial in funding the restoration of a historic mural in Newport. This project not only revitalized a cherished piece of local art but also brought together artists, residents, and businesses, strengthening community bonds through a shared appreciation of their town's heritage. Through their business acumen, philanthropic endeavors, and unwavering dedication, Harold and Geraldine LaValley have played a pivotal role in uniting the Upper Valley community. Their legacy of service and generosity continues to inspire collective efforts toward community development and cohesion. Thank you so very much, truly from the bottom of our hearts!

Quote of the Week

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Mead

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