Newport
“Growing up in Newport years ago we had this bustling Main Street of shops,” Lucas recalled. “It was so busy and vibrant.”
The Newport he returned to had vacant storefronts, fewer jobs and had been affected by the nationwide opioid crisis.
“You don’t see the same town really,” Lucas, a former Republican candidate for governor, said.
But unlike others who lament the loss of what was and do nothing, Lucas decided to do something.
“You know what?” Lucas recalled thinking. “I’m going to change this. We need to revitalize this town.”
The Newport Sunshine Initiative then was born. The nonprofit organization, not quite a year old, has focused its attention on bringing development, jobs and educational opportunities to the town.
People can learn more about the Newport Sunshine Initiative and how to volunteer for the organization at its Christmas celebration from 5-7 p.m. at Richards Free Library on Main Street. The free event includes food, games and a visit from Santa.
“I had such great opportunities coming out of Newport High School,” said Lucas, who lives in Portsmouth and is the founder, CEO and chairman of The Lucas Group, a consultant firm based in New York City. “I want to make sure those kids and families have the same opportunities that I did.”
Lucas partnered with three digital entrepreneurial firms in New York City to help set up a 12-week digital education course in Newport that could then lead to jobs. The first course, which includes 20 students, is already underway.
“You can live in Newport, stay in Newport, but earn the kind of money you can earn from New York City firms,” Lucas said.
The Newport Sunshine Initiative has also been a supporter of the efforts to build a community center in town and turning the old Ruger Mill on Sunapee Street into apartments and other amenities.
“It’s going to be a magnet for the larger region,” Lucas said.
There is also talk of establishing a bus route that goes from Newport to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center for people who work there.
“With a bus service we can make it really attractive to go back and forth,” Lucas said, adding that Newport provides a good quality of life. “The availability and the real estate prices are so much lower.”
Christine Benner and her husband moved to Newport after he got a job in New Hampshire.
“We just found an adorable house in Newport,” she said. “We absolutely love it. It’s such a great community and the Sunshine Initiative has really helped us get involved which is nice.”
Lucas also lauds the Library Arts Center and the Newport Opera House for the events they bring to the town. He said the care people have for each other in town remains strong.
“Despite the fact that we’ve come upon hard economic times, the Newport people have a spirit that’s full of community support and caring,” Lucas said. “We’re really joining forces to make a big difference in the town.”
Editor’s note: For more information about the Newport Sunshine Initiative, visit facebook.com/NewportSunshine. Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
