The Sunshine Report Remembering the Good? Jay asks you to think about the place where you grew up, the important values you remember and how we can best restore and build upon those core values in our lives and communities today? Do you remember what it was like where you grew up? The place, the time? Were there some things about it that were important to you – that played a big part in shaping the person you are today? Sure, we’ve made major advances in so many ways – but I suspect there were some key aspects from the past that just don’t seem the same to you today? Simple, but important. Like feeling safe, not having to think about crime in our communities. As a kid, being able to ride your bike down to the grocery store – and not thinking twice about it. Maybe not even having to lock your doors. Remember when school was about teaching math, English, history? You knew your neighbors. There was a strong sense of community pride, caring for one another. Achievement was celebrated. Love of county. Hard work revered. Strong families as the building blocks. Do you remember any of these things from your past? The good news is that we have in our power the opportunity to shape the future – with faith and determination we can restore, revive and even improve upon some of the important things you may remember from where and when you grew up. But, to do this, we need to start with a foundational understanding of those values from the past that we cherish. And, ask ourselves the question – where have we seen them eroded today? Where have seen a chipping away of those shared values that we seemingly took for granted. And, meanwhile ask why has there been slippage and what can we do about it? If these questions strike a chord with you, I urge you to write to me. Please send me an email at [email protected] Let me know what you remember from the past – when you were growing up - that you truly value. What are the key elements that made a difference in your life – and gave us all a sense of shared community and a positive sense of well-being. I will collect and digest your input and share back with you in an upcoming Sunshine Report. Together we can recreate much that we value from the past – and shape an even brighter future. Please do let me know. Read The Full Report Our Town Libraries Read More Manchester’s West Side – Building on Strong Traditions Read More Positive Profile of the Week: Bill Greiner We are delighted this to highlight a friend and leading citizen of Bedford, New Hampshire – who continually has ‘given his all’ to his local community, Bill Greiner. Bill Greiner is a businessman who has a laser like focus on working to improve his community and helping others to grow their own businesses. Bill is the Founder and Chairman of the Board of Primary Bank which has a mission statement that is directed just to this point. Primary Bank’s purpose is to always work to perpetuate a culture that encourages small business success. What has this mission brought? Bill's hometown of Bedford has grown and flourished - now one of the most prosperous, safest and most sought-after towns in the state of New Hampshire. Bill’s commitment to his community extends well beyond the banking world. He is also an entrepreneur himself owning several well-known restaurants in the area - creating jobs as well as adding to the attraction and social wellbeing of the community. In addition, he has also committed himself to public service having been a town selectman, including his service as chairman of the board. Furthermore, Bill is also known for his charitable giving, and while he does not boast about his kind acts, they are well known in the area. Bill’s success comes from hard work, a commitment to community, and being persistent and determined in the face of adversity. The greater Bedford community has benefitted greatly from his charitable and economic endeavors, and I know that there will be more great things to come! Thank you, Bill Greiner! Quotes of the Week “In a good bookroom you feel in some mysterious way that you are absorbing the wisdom contained in all the books through your skin, without even opening them.” ― Mark Twain Jay Lucas | www.JayLucas.us  ‌ ‌ ‌ Jay Lucas | 7 Portwalk Pl, Portsmouth, NH 03801 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]