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When Is Guinness More Than Simply A Great Beer?


Going For The Gusto!

How about a world record? On September 7th, the Town of Newport will be the site of a ‘world record’ attempt, to be verified by The Guinness Book of World Records. It’s awesome, it’s all about Sunflowers and I can’t wait for the day.


So why are we doing it? Valid question. Why do we do anything? Because human nature allows us to set goals to achieve. It’s a measure of value for effort. It’s a barometer for hard work. Achieving goals we set for ourselves is satisfying because we challenge ourselves. Sometimes we fall short. But that also presents the opportunity to try again. I even wrote about it in my book ‘American Sunshine.’ Aspiration and Inspiration. It’s the best of all of us.


So, plan to come join us on the Newport Common, Saturday, September 7th, starting at 10.30 a.m.   Load up the car, bring the family, it’s going to be a lot of fun.  For more information, please visit: www.newportsunshine.org


Announcing Spectacular Events – Week After Week In Newport

Newport is the place to be this Fall! With the 46th Annual Apple Pie Crafts Fair this Saturday, August 24th, our first ever Sunflower Festival Sept. 7th, the Corbin Covered Bridge Festival on Oct. 12th, and ‘Newport Sound,’ The Newport NH Music and Food Truck Festival Oct. 13th, Newport has something for everyone all autumn long! What's amazing is the community effort and spirit that goes in to every one of these events.


The seeds for the Apple Pie Craft Fair were planted long ago, making it one of the longest running craft fairs in New England. Now, it brings over 2,000 people in to our Town Common for the day. All different groups across town have been baking pies all week to donate to the cause which helps to fund the Library Arts Center and the amazing work they do in the Newport community. Visitors to the Fair enjoy incredible food, live music, and can visit more than 100 booths featuring crafts and vendors from all over the region. So, if you are looking for something to do this weekend, visit Newport and stop by our Sunshine Initiative booth at the front of the Common. We’re proud to be a Sponsor this wonderful hometown event!!


Old Courthouse Spotlight

Our friends at the Old Courthouse Restaurant have built something truly special right here in Newport. Housed in the old District Courthouse (circa 1826), the Old Courthouse Restaurant preserves the history of Newport while showcasing its future. Mother-daughter duo Jane Rastallis and Karen Doucette not only own and operate the Old Courthouse but are dear friends and fellow supporters of the Newport Sunshine Initiative. Make sure to stop by this summer or fall when you’re in the area for a great dining experience in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Children of Fallen Patriots – Momentum Builds


As our team has said time and time again throughout our events and speaking engagements throughout the state, we in New Hampshire are working hard to create ‘best practice’ approaches for Children of Fallen Patriots. Initiating outreach, building grassroots support and getting the word out about this terrific organization.


We are continuing to build momentum for this fantastic mission - creating opportunities for our nation’s most deserving recipients – the surviving children of our fallen men and women in uniform. We have a great group working hard here in New Hampshire and as we continue to grow, we can only hope that the mission spreads to such heights around the country. This past weekend, as we participated in the Londonderry Old Home Days, we were inspired by the optimism and encouragement within our community. This positivity and genuine belief that we can succeed is exactly what we hope to bring to our scholarship recipients so they may live the best possible lives they can. Providing them with the educational foundation and the opportunity for success is what makes this such a special and motivating mission.


Profiles of the Week

This week’s ‘Profiles of the Week’ highlight several Granite Stater’s who continue to make a truly meaningful impact on the landscape of New Hampshire and who are planting the seeds of opportunity in the Granite State.  Quite literally.

Senator Chuck Morse

First is State Senator Chuck Morse of Salem. Talk about a person with tremendous work ethic, passion, and drive. Senator Morse is the owner of Freshwater Farms in Atkinson, New Hampshire. His company specializes in outdoor landscaping, floral arrangements, and so much more. On any given morning you can find Chuck working on a piece of outdoor power equipment, assisting his crew, and getting the job done. Now keep in mind he puts in several hours at his business before jumping in his car en route to Concord where he rolls up his sleeves for the people of New Hampshire. When it comes to fighting for the taxpayers of New Hampshire and crafting budgets, there is no better person than Chuck Morse. His knowledge of the budget and his ability to get the job done is why fellow members if the Senate, have elected him Senate President three times. He's a man with a plan and that blue print is protecting our state. Thanks for all you do Chuck!


Hon. David Wheeler

Next up is someone I campaigned with in 1998, that’s former  State Senator and Executive Councilor David Wheeler of Milford. David owns a truly ‘go-to’ tree farm in Southern New Hampshire. David is always out working on his land, whether it be working on his bee hives or planting the next row of trees. His passion for agriculture and protecting New Hampshire’s way of life is why Granite Staters have elected him numerous times to multiple offices. David, thank you for all that you do for New Hampshire and for planting a seed of success for future generations to come.


Peter Thomson

Last but certainly not least are two amazing brothers up in the North Country, who come from one amazing family. My good friends Peter and Tom Thomson, sons of the late Governor Mel Thomson. Peter and Tom are men who stand up for Granite State values, the common man, and who are always protecting the great outdoors of New Hampshire. After years in state government including serving as his father’s chief of staff, Peter Thomson is the operator of Mt. Cube Farm in Orford. The family farm specializes in Maple Syrup. Karen and I love Mt. Cube maple syrup so much that we are always presenting it to friends and guests as a special gift that symbolizes what’s so special about New Hampshire. 


Tom Thomson

His brother Tom, who operates a massive tree farm on Mt. Cube is a true lumberjack. When he isn’t cutting down trees or planting new ones, Tom is on the front-line protecting taxpayers and cutting down burdensome red tape and continues to “AXE THE TAX". The Thomson brothers come from one of the greatest political families in New Hampshire and even though they aren’t in public office anymore, they are always up for ensuring opportunity for tomorrow.


Four outstanding men all who are always planting the seed of freedom, growth and opportunity. Honored to see them serve, blessed to call them my friends, and thankful for all they have done.


Quotes Of The Week:  Going For The Gusto!

Dale Carnegie

“Today is life - the only life you are sure of. Make the most of today. Get interested in something. Shake yourself awake. Develop a hobby. Let the winds of enthusiasm sweep through you. Live today with gusto.”  Dale Carnegie


“To do anything truly worth doing, I must not stand back shivering and thinking of the cold and danger, but jump in with gusto and scramble through as well as I can.”  Og Mandino


“Ultimately, whenever you have a new opportunity, do it with gusto and fun and be wholly indifferent to what other people think.”  Robert Rinder


“No matter how carefully you plan your goals they will never be more than pipe dreams unless you pursue them with gusto.”  W. Clement Stone


“Be passionate and move forward with gusto every single hour of every single day until you reach your goal.”   Av DuVernay

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