We Choose To Go To The Moon!
'Karen and Jay share thoughts on the importance of setting challenging, and sometimes even seemingly impossible goals, in order to advance and grow.'
As humans, it’s in our nature to explore, to push ourselves, to challenge our capabilities, to continually grow. To choose goals not because they are easy, but because they are hard.
With this thought in mind, recently I had the great good fortune of viewing a clip from President John F. Kennedy’s speech at Rice University in 1962, where he announced the goal of a manned landing on the moon within the decade. It’s known as the ‘Go to the Moon’ speech, and it’s so incredibly inspiring. In fact, I urge you to click on this link below and feel the emotion and excitement of setting this seemingly impossible goal for the nation.
As the young President said in his speech,
“We shall send to the moon 240,000 miles away, a giant rocket, more than 300 feet tall on an untried mission to an unknown celestial body, and then return it safely to Earth. But why some say the moon? Why choose this as our goal? And they may well ask, why climb the highest mountain? Why 35 years ago fly the Atlantic? We choose to go to the moon. We chose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things not because they are easy, but because they are hard. Because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we're willing to accept. One we are unwilling to postpone. And therefore, as we set sail, we ask God's blessing on the most hazardous and dangerous and greatest adventure that man has ever gone.”
His words encapsulate a profound truth about human progress and achievement. The ‘Go to the Moon’ speech wasn't merely a declaration of a national goal; it was a statement on the very nature of ambition. The seemingly impossible challenges we undertake—those that push us beyond our perceived limits—are the ones that ultimately forge our character and define our legacy. Kennedy's emphasis on the inherent difficulty of the moon landing wasn't meant to discourage, but rather to inspire a sense of awe and the determination needed to overcome formidable obstacles.
The inherent difficulty in the task of landing a man on the moon before the end of the decade served to focus and organize the best scientific, engineering and logistical minds of a generation. The sheer magnitude of the challenge spurred innovation and collaboration on an unprecedented scale, leading to technological advancements that had ripple effects across numerous fields, far beyond space exploration. This echoes the sentiments of Kennedy's speech, highlighting how choosing a difficult goal can galvanize resources and creativity in ways that easier objectives simply cannot.
This principle extends far beyond the Apollo program. Elon Musk's ambitious goal of establishing self-sustaining human colonies on Mars by 2050 perfectly exemplifies Kennedy's philosophy. The sheer scale of the endeavor—the technological hurdles, the logistical complexities, the immense financial investment—is daunting. Yet, this audacious goal, precisely because of its inherent difficulty, serves as a catalyst for innovation and pushes the boundaries of human capability in fields such as rocketry, robotics, life support systems, and sustainable resource management.
The human spirit thrives on challenges. Our history is a testament to our inherent drive to explore, to push boundaries, and to conquer seemingly insurmountable obstacles. From scaling the highest mountains to charting unmapped oceans to venturing into the vast expanse of space, our greatest achievements have stemmed from our willingness to take on what initially seems impossible. As Kennedy eloquently stated, it is the hard things, the difficult challenges, that ultimately organize and measure the best of our energies and skills.
This inherent desire to push limits is not just a characteristic of a few exceptional individuals like Kennedy or Musk, it's woven into the fabric of our species. The desire to explore, to discover, to conquer, to push boundaries is a fundamental human drive. By striving for what seems unattainable, we not only achieve extraordinary feats, but we also undergo a profound transformation, developing resilience, ingenuity, and a deeper understanding of our own potential. The challenges we face, and our success in overcoming them, are what ultimately shape us and define our character.
Next Step – Taking on a Challenge – Not Because It Is Easy…
It’s with great admiration and respect that we share this remarkable challenge now being undertaken by one of my dear friends, Mike Dennehy. Many of you know Mike in his professional capacity as a leading advisor on government affairs. I first got to know him when he came on to manage my campaign for Governor in New Hampshire and did a terrific job.
What you may not know about Mike, however, is his passion and devotion to a cause and his willingness to take on a challenging objective. Mike is thoroughly dedicated as an advocate for individuals with disabilities and is working alongside the organization, Next Step, to create a groundbreaking housing development in Concord, NH. This initiative is designed to provide assisted living options for young adults with Down syndrome, addressing a critical need in the community. For many families, finding safe, supportive, and inclusive housing for their loved ones with disabilities is a daunting challenge. Dennehy and his team are tackling this head-on, embodying the belief that every individual deserves a chance to thrive in an environment tailored to their needs.
The importance of housing for individuals with disabilities cannot be overstated. These spaces offer more than shelter—they foster independence, build confidence, and create opportunities for meaningful community involvement. Through projects like Next Step, young adults with Down syndrome can live with dignity, surrounded by resources and peers that empower them to lead fulfilling lives. This endeavor demonstrates the transformative power of vision and determination, overcoming significant obstacles to achieve what many might consider impossible.
Beyond their living arrangements, individuals with Down syndrome are invaluable members of society. Across New Hampshire and beyond, they contribute to the workforce, offering dedication, kindness, and a unique perspective in various roles. From retail and hospitality to office environments, their work enriches communities and challenges outdated stereotypes. In everyday life, they inspire others with their resilience, joy, and unwavering spirit, reminding us of the power of inclusivity.
Dennehy and the Next Step Board's work is a testament to the belief that barriers can be broken, and dreams realized, with commitment and courage. By creating housing that prioritizes the needs of those with disabilities, they are reshaping the future for these individuals and their families. Such efforts not only provide practical solutions but also inspire others to believe in a more inclusive and supportive world.
I urge you to check out this great cause and support the awesome work that Mike and Next Step are doing. Please visit: www.nextstepliving.org
The Housing Shortage Crisis: Challenges and Solutions
New Hampshire, like the rest of the nation, faces a critical housing shortage. This affects families' ability to achieve the American Dream of homeownership, hindering community growth and economic development. Businesses struggle to attract and retain employees without adequate housing. While everyone—communities, families, businesses, and even builders—wants more housing, the challenge persists. This isn't due to a lack of will, but rather a confluence of complex factors.
The challenge of building affordable housing is significant, as JFK's moon-shot analogy aptly illustrates. A developer in New Hampshire's Upper Valley exemplifies this, pursuing a mixed-use approach incorporating affordable, market-rate, and student housing, alongside retail space. This approach underscores the "right thing" to do: creating thriving, inclusive communities.
Defining "affordable" is crucial. Government subsidies are key to facilitating affordable housing projects, but they also impact the costs of market-rate housing. Stringent regulations further inflate costs, especially with labor shortages. The lack of skilled tradespeople (highlighted by the success of the Bring Back the Trades initiative) is a significant factor impacting construction costs for both new and renovated homes.
Representative Joe Alexander emphasizes legislative action to increase affordable housing. The Cato Institute’s data highlights a shift in housing preferences: the demand for smaller homes persists despite a dramatic decrease in their availability since the 1980’s. This necessitates rethinking affordability itself and embracing innovative solutions.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) offer one such solution, providing extra living space within existing single-family homes. This approach addresses the need for smaller, more affordable housing options. Updating outdated zoning laws is vital. Many existing zoning regulations are based on outdated demographics and do not reflect current needs. The significant increase in single-occupancy households highlights this disconnect.
Addressing the housing shortage requires a multifaceted approach:
Rethinking affordability: Exploring diverse housing models beyond traditional single-family homes.
Modernizing zoning laws: Updating regulations to reflect current needs and demographics.
Addressing labor shortages: Investing in skilled trades training and recruitment.
Encouraging collaboration: Fostering partnerships between government, businesses, and developers.
Utilizing data-driven solutions: Understanding and responding to current housing preferences.
Public support is high, with UNH Survey Center data showing that housing is the number one issue for New Hampshire voters, and a significant majority support increased affordable and multifamily housing. Business leaders echo this sentiment, recognizing housing as a top priority. Therefore, a collaborative and comprehensive strategy is crucial to navigate this challenge and create more sustainable and inclusive communities.
Positive Profile of the Week: Suzanne Foley, Founder of Port City Pretzels!
This week we are delighted to highlight a native New Hampshire entrepreneur with family heritage linked to the Granite State - Suzanne Foley of Port City Pretzels!
Suzanne is the embodiment of perseverance and grit. Throughout her life, she has shown what it means to do things because they are hard. At age 60, Suzanne found herself at a crossroads; She unexpectedly became unemployed and was struggling to get back on her feet. Rather than seeing this as a setback, she turned her thoughts to family and better times. Drawing inspiration from cherished family pretzel recipes and a deep appreciation for her New Hampshire roots, Suzanne founded Port City Pretzels. She started the brand from scratch and infused it with everything she believes is important in life.
Suzanne continues to show what it means to do things because they are hard through her business practices. Her mission for Port City Pretzels goes beyond creating delicious snacks; it is rooted in inclusivity and community. When it became time to expand and hire more employees for pretzel production, she looked in a non-traditional direction.
Through non-profit state organizations such as Easterseals New Hampshire and Project SEARCH, Suzanne offered employment opportunities to people with disabilities. She ensures that her company continues to reflect her values of opportunity and dignity for all. In doing so, she’s fostered an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute and succeed.
At this point, Port City Pretzels is experiencing healthy and sustainable growth throughout the country. She could look to pivot, integrate more automation, or outsource warehouse jobs to “increase output”, but Suzanne believes that the impact and connections she’s made with her staff are more valuable than anything, exemplifying what it means to do things because they are hard.
Suzanne’s family heritage spans decades and decades throughout New Hampshire’s political history. Her relatives, Mary Dondero and Eileen Foley, were both pioneers within New Hampshire politics throughout their lives.
Mary became New Hampshire’s first female mayor, taking office in Portsmouth in 1945 in the midst of World War 2. Eileen, daughter of Mary, followed her mother’s footsteps into Portsmouth politics, serving as the mayor of Portsmouth for 8 terms, first serving in 1968. Portraits of Eileen and Mary now hang side-by-side in Portsmouth City Hall.
Suzanne Foley’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to dream big or to take on the hard things that truly matter. Through her resilience, creativity, and commitment to her mission, Suzanne has created not just a business, but a lasting impact on her community and beyond. Suzanne’s remarkable journey embodies the spirit of tackling challenges – not because they are easy – but - because they are hard!
Quote of the Week: Because It is Hard!
"It always seems impossible until it's done."
- Nelson Mandela
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