Letting Go and Moving Forward – Celebrating Our New Community Center!

In the heart of Newport, New Hampshire, a powerful transformation has taken place—one that speaks to the spirit of progress, the strength of tradition, and the beauty of letting go in order to move forward. On March 27, the town celebrated the grand opening of the LaValley Family Community Center, a moment that will be remembered for generations to come. It marked more than just the unveiling of a new building—it marked a powerful act of unity and a shared belief in what's possible when people come together with purpose.

For years, the old community center served as a gathering place, a hub of activity, and a cornerstone of local connection. It was where memories were made and where relationships were built. But as Newport grew, so did its need for a space that could support the evolving spirit of the town. Letting go of a beloved space like the old community center was not about forgetting the past—it was about honoring it while creating space for something even greater to take root. The transition to the new LaValley Family Community Center is a testament to the community’s resilience, spirit, and willingness to grow.

Being there in person for the grand opening was truly a sight to see. The freshly minted gymnasium echoed with the sounds of celebration—laughter, applause, and heartfelt thanks—as members of the community, young and old, gathered together to recognize this extraordinary achievement. There was a genuine buzz in the air, a shared pride and excitement that marked this moment as more than just a ribbon-cutting—it was a moment of real significance. The people of Newport came together to honor the donors, volunteers, and leaders who made the LaValley Family Community Center a reality.

Funded and built by the people of Newport, for the people of Newport, the LaValley Family Community Center stands as a cornerstone of what can be achieved through collaboration. It now stands as a gathering ground for future generations to create core memories of their own. Local elections will be held here. Families will celebrate birthdays, neighbors will host meetings, and lifelong friendships will form inside these walls. It represents not just a physical space, but a symbol of renewal, opportunity, and shared investment in the future.

This transition reflects something deeply human: the willingness to release what has been in order to embrace what can be. Letting go doesn't mean losing—it means making room for growth. In Newport, that growth looks like brighter opportunities, stronger connections, and a renewed energy that will ripple throughout the town for generations. Letting go of the old community center may have felt bittersweet. But in its place now stands something built on the same foundation of togetherness. The heart of Newport has not changed; it’s simply grown stronger. And as the doors of the LaValley Family Community Center open wide, so too does a new chapter for a town that knows the power of letting go in order to move forward together.