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Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Road Trip North

I don't know if I have many Cleveland readers but if I do know I encourage you to get your Christmas Tree from Sugar Pines Farm!  Link below!

http://www.sugarpinesfarm.com

Denisonians from my era- remember Jane Milbourn- now Neubauer- she and her family own and run this beautiful tree farm!  I've seen the website, read the articles and knew it was wonderful- but to see it in person was amazing!  Congratulations and thank you for being an amazing business woman, mom, daughter, wife, friend- yay you!

Can you tell I left Newark-Granville Road and traveled north?  I was in Cleveland for work and was able to connect with friends that are connected to my work- how great is that!  We started the morning with a classmate that is quite the financial whiz and Cleveland aficionado- so good to catch up Rini and thanks for the info for Nancy!  My coworker and I had a lovely time together and I enjoyed introducing her two these amazing women I was lucky to meet at Denison.

It was good to get out and share the good things The Works is doing and be with folks that are connected to my life on Newark-Granville Road.  The bonus was the loaner/rental car while Martha the Sequoia is in the shop- Road Trips are a fun part of life on NGR!


Sunday, October 26, 2014

art all the more meaningful when you know the artist…...

A good weekend for art on Newark-Granville Road.   Friday night's art exhibit opening didn't disappoint!  What fun to get to know Michael McGinn and his family.  His wife is smart, charming and lovely.  Their kids loved the Works- they came for the opening and disappeared into the museum- love when this happen.  Michael's friends were also a great group to meet- it says a lot about someone when their friends support them and Michael was very supported.  We're going to enjoy having Michael and his art with The Works through December!!

At the Newark Rotary Auction- Off to the Races- Joe "won" a beautiful piece of art in the live auction. Dave Ghiloni embraced the theme and placed a lovely "Twin Spires" original of a race at Churchill Downs.  This piece is a perfect fit for this Derby loving house!  Dave is a kind and talented man- his studio is a treat to visit and I'm grateful for this gift from Joe.  The dollars donated go to support wonderful education and community lift-up activities and programs.

Life on Newark-Granville Road values art and the talented people that not only create art but support it. Shout out to Hammond-Harkin Gallery in Bexley and the wonderful folks that purchased Michael's art last week.  Below is Clare and Sally's favorite piece from the show- it makes me smile for many reasons.


Friday, October 24, 2014

lighting is everything.....and my favorite part of the show....

This is a subject I could spend a great deal of time on as it fascinates me.  My father is all about lighting- he is an architect and man who likes to share philosophy and lessons.  A big one is don't put a lamp in front of a window- outdoor light coming into a room is an important factor and you don't need to duplicate the effort. The Works art gallery is providing a beautiful lesson in lighting and I hope you'll come experience it! Michael McGinn's painting is beautiful- he knows how to capture light. 

Most of his work is of Licking County at dark and the lights he was drawn to in our beautiful community.  The Midland's blue marquee, the front porch light of the historic jail, street lamps and traffic lights- he captures it all beautifully.  The light at this time of day or from Michael's perspective showcases things we may also treasure- a store front- or have never noticed- the ironwork on the top of a bridge.  Learn more about the show from The Advocate: http://www.newarkadvocate.com/story/news/local/2014/10/23/artist-paints-nightscapes-downtown-newark/17803107/

but better yet- come see it tonight- the gallery has been set up beautifully for an evening show.  6-8 pm tonight is the opening. Make it a date night, special outing or stop on your way to another activity.   I look forward to seeing you in the light of the gallery!!

Andy by the way- he didn't only paint at night. He captured beautiful scenes in the daylight. I love to spend time with a show in the gallery- the artwork is wonderful company. I have a few favorites right now- we'll see if one takes the lead or others step in and grow on me.  I love to drive country roads and value the time in my car. Michael has captured a key part of my life on Newark-Granville Road and I'd love to show it to you.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

tid-bits and teasers…

Lots I could blog about tonight but I'm tired so I'll just do some general sharing, some of these will get more press time in the future or I'll be happy to discuss- like at book club the night before election.

1. I learned today about the Family Services Levy on the ballot. Licking County cares for children who are not being cared for- we must continue this- there are too many children in need of this protection-over 300 and each year it grows. Learn what I did today: http://www.lickingcountyjfs.com/pdf/2014_CS_Levy_Fact_Sheet.pdf

2. Kusmaul Glass is beautiful- but it is not Works Glass.  I love the gallery and shop and the value it adds to downtown Granville.  However I don't buy my glass there- I buy my glass at The Works.  Custom, one of a kind functional art made in downtown Newark @ The Works.  A friend asked me tonight to clarify this- so I thought I'd share.

3.Oh my is the art by Michael McGinn for the new exhibit in The Works Gallery beautiful!! Scenes of Licking County are really beautiful.  Please come to the opening on Friday night 6-8 pm!  Peppermint Farm, downtown Newark, Pennsylvania Station, The Midland, Green Velvet/Downtown Gville highway scenes, barns-and the best is Michael fell in love with our community while spending time painting it!

4. 100 plus women who care- Licking County- great night out!! Want to know more about this group- let me know- we make a difference and we learn about others who make lots of difference.  So glad to spend time with wonderful women tonight- and a potential new member!

5. Old Horeshoe in Johnstown- did a great job caring for 100+WWC tonight- hard working staff and good food in GORGEOUS location. Support this pub please- great beers on tab and snacks!!

That is going to do it for tonight….to be continued on Newark-Granville Road.

Sunday, October 19, 2014

down to the races…..

What a treat to share Keeneland with the kids!  No school on Friday (in October) gave us the perfect opportunity to head south and enjoy a day that connects to our annual Derby Party.  The kids have watched the races on TV but nothing beats the real thing.  I fell in love with Keeneland when I lived in Maysville, KY and a good friend shared this great day out with me.  Over the years it has been a delight to share it with others- Joe when we were dating, Marcia Downs and Works volunteers when our theme was "Off to the Races" and this weekend the kids.

Life on Newark-Granville Road loves an adventure. When you load up the kids and head out- it is always an adventure.  This trip was no different.  We were lucky to friends like the Mattimoes that also enjoy Keeneland trips.  Fun to share our day out and have overlap. Loved having Charlotte with us on the way down and Clare was happy to extend her day in Lexington and having quality time with her other family on the way home.  We arrived early enough to enjoy a southern breakfast at the Track Kitchen.  The website states this is a great secret and I'd agree. Follow signs on the grounds and park for an inexpensive cafeteria style meal.  You see the people that make Keeneland work and you feel like your with the locals. We then walked through the stables to the Grandstands/ClubHouse.  A favorite element of Keeneland is how friendly everyone is- we were so welcomed and encouraged.  The interaction with staff was exceptional and truly like nothing I've experienced.  Peter is our engager- he made friends with many staff - always fun to witness. (He also does this as catcher with umpires- makes baseball watching all the more fun.)

The kids really loved our time together in Lexington. It was a quick trip- we only watched four races. We're all looking forward to a return trip that will allow us to stay longer.  Valuable lessons were learned- odds explained and discussed. Clare and Charlotte were the big winners on race number 3- the rest of us not so much.  I really don't like to bet but will spend a little bit to engage with the race and try my hand at the lessons Joe shares.  We found our take aways that make us smile- my Keeneland pen will remind me of our family outing south of Newark-Granville Road.


Thursday, October 16, 2014

going down memory lane….

We started the Denison Class of 1990 Facebook Group this week and today is "TBT" throw back Thursday. So I went to the attic and found the scrapbook I made freshman year.  Woosh- back came the memories.  Some of them were there but vague- new ones came forth fast. Seeing the window open and the beautiful view from our East Hall room.  I see a glimpse of my first year living away from home, with all sorts of amazing friends that were acquaintance's at that time- decisions, close living quarters, and similar lives would unite us.  I was very lucky- but Denison brings/brought great poeple together back then and now.  More on this later - wonderful blog inspiration on Newark-Granville Road this morning. Pictures coming soon too!

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

love the people in this village!

I heard the forecast for high wind and was worried about the tree in the front yard.  Note to self- schedule the trimming!! (Have I reported that the Generator required for the sewer system install for our house/lot and the back entrance tiling/ powder room spruce up are complete!!  Problem is the back hallway leads to need for other projects- more painting, etc….)  Why do I forget the biggest issue we have with wind and our old house- doors!  Doors blow wide open.  I can't tell you how many messages I've received from people over the years about finding our door wide open.  I so appreciate people who stop and close them for us.  Some have been very concerned- as I use to be when I'd come downstairs in the morning to find the door wide open- that maybe an intruder was in the house- however I think most people by now get it.  Love our town and the people that care and take action.

Today that is what people did yet again but not for the house- for the dog.  Griffey took full advantage of an open door to go on a jaunt.  Who knows how long he was out and where he went.  If he upset your dog or yard I am sorry.  I hope he didn't scare too many people driving on Newark-Granville Road.  Thank you for always driving defensively and with much awareness on our street- runners of all ages, children of all ages and lots of pets (and deer) populate the paths and yards.  A shout out to the folks that saw Griffey and got him home.  Neighbors and friends alerted me directly and through friends about the issue. Of course I was in a meeting without my phone.  Love that coworkers were contacted too to make sure I was in the know.  Scott from McNally's stopped and ensured Griffey would stay home- he secured the door that didn't want to stay closed.  Griffey knows Scott and probably thought he was there to pick him up for a sleep over! What lovely service is that- thank you for helping my neighbor in a tricky situation and keeping Griffey safe.

Life on Newark-Granville Road is always full of exciting times and we so value how it is shared and supported in this wonderful community.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

weekend in review……shout out to Denison!

Thought I'd let you know about the things I said would fill life on Newark-Granville Road this weekend…..

Cross Country- Licking County League Finals- all the cross country teams in Licking County came together for this meet.  Watkins hosted which is a tough but well regarded course.  The trail goes through the woods and ends in the stadium so to me it is an ideal place for finals like this.  Clare took me into the woods to see Peter run- what a treat!  This is where the kids go to cheer on their teammates- neat to see that in action.  One of the many things we love about Cross Country is the camaraderie across grades and gender.  It was also great to get to so many places to see Peter go by- could not do this without Clare- thanks Clare. I also enjoyed seeing the kids battle for their spot just before the finish.  Too bad Clare didn't hear me yelling- watch out for the "green one"….green was a Newark Catholic runner. Clare told me she had no idea the girl in green was so close and she did hear one encouraging word I yelled on the course.  By the way she stayed strong and in front of the close opponent as she crossed the finish line.  Both did OK with their runs- I'm proud of their participation.  I'm very proud of all the runners and grateful for the coaches and families that make up the Cross Country family.  6 years in a row these teams- all 6 have won the league title.  Interested in knowing more- talk to us- we love to help connect kids and family to this program.

Bluegrass in Downtown Newark!  Woo hoo- we love bluegrass and love to support downtown.  Denisonians played a big role in this- alumnus Tom Atha was the coordinator and Andy Carlson, Casey Cook and their incredible students were everywhere yesterday.  What a treat to have this music offered all day yesterday.  Joe took Sally to Nutcracker rehearsal then walked over to spend time. He heard some great music- during the break he went to the Draft House. He enjoyed a $2 Molson Canadian.  After Sally's rehearsal she and Clare went to The Works while Joe and I took in more music and more Draft House time.  We took the girls home and regrouped.  We returned to..The Draft House and Sparta for late night bluegrass.  It has been a long time since I've been a bar that crowded with so much happy energy.  It was a delight to be part of the fun. Shout out to the awesome food trucks- the late night pizza was east cost yumminess.  The Works glass pumpkin pop-up was a great touch too. That block of Main Street was really ideal for such a festival and a big thank you to all the made it possible.

Joe and I left around 9- just too crowded for us- we wanted to give up our good spot at the bar.  We were not ready to go home so we decided to take in the last quarter of the Denison night football game.  We picked up the kids and headed to campus.  Another delightful way to enjoy Denisonians and a fun atmosphere.  Denison has been inviting local high school bands to play during the game.  What a treat to hear Lakewood last night.  They did a great job.  Denison was doing well to come back against Wittenburg- it didn't happen but they gave it a good try.  

I will say I slept very well last night- lots of fresh air- cool crisp and filled with fun.  Today was church time, family breakfast at the favorite coffee house. We met a Denison football Dad while in line. We took in Peter's baseball game with Joe's parents.  Fun to see the team rally and win their game.  Lots of good plays and runs scored to keep it interesting.  Peter loves to be on the ball field and I love to watch him- even it was a bit chilly.  Picture posted on the left is from today's baseball game.

We ended the day with family dinner-big kids ate with church group but joined us for a roll and discussion.  We're in prep mode for a day trip to Keeneland this week!! We talked about analytics and odds - math time!!A lovely weekend in Denison's hometown- how lucky are we to raise our family here and live on Newark-Granville Road.

**adding Friday night Newark-Granville Symphony Concert!  WOW!  The symphony sounded amazing on their own and supporting a fantastic performer-Liz Callaway.  What energy, what a voice and what fun selections.  I loved getting to sing along with DOWNTOWN- I loved that song when we put a dance routine to it at Camp when I was Sally's age!  Seeing Peter Larson in action was something else- he composed one of the songs she sang - an Off Broadway production.  Joe did Granville Football fun with Peter in the band so Shirley Hale - our Granville Grandma- my Pi Phi House mother- went with me- so glad it was the concert not to miss.  Common Thread added an amazing element too- love their music and with the orchestra included- wowza! Thanks to Sue Larson and the amazing team that makes that happen- again Denison plays a key roll with their support and performing arts commitment and outlets!!

Friday, October 10, 2014

places to go, things to do, run, walk, dance, sing along…..

So it is a full weekend.  A weekend where we cry uncle and recognize we can't do it all.  We won't be at the Blue and White Oktoberfest or FPC Rock n Roll Party at the UCC church- on Broadway- education building!! GO TO THIS IF YOU CAN- cheap drinks, great music, fabulous cause-$10 at the door. We  are going to the downtown Newark Bluegrass festival- love to support downtown and adore bluegrass.  There is a pop-up Works glass pumpkin patch there in the afternoon!!!  And what I really wish we could do and the kids to too- Maple Leaf 5K- Race Day Registration 8 am checks and cash $25- GIS 2025 Burg St. Granville- go if you can! This is a great race for kids- all 3 of ours have done it!! This is where we learned how gritty Clare is- Joe ran over her with the running stroller- she got up and kept running- Peter was in the stroller.  We'll be cheering on kids sports teams- Sally soccer and Clare and Peter the Licking County League Cross Country meet!  Tonight I take in the Newark-Granville Symphony performance at The Midland while Joe and kids head to Granville football game- Peter gets band time!

THANK YOU to all the volunteers and staff that make these events happen- what a wonderful community we have to so many options.  Life on Newark-Granville Road will be tapping our toes and getting our exercise this weekend.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

thank you for the invitation….

...what a delight it was to be invited to a really fun gathering tonight that did good!  I love an auction and I really love when people get creative and innovative, and it is all the better when we gather at a place that is all about innovation and entrepreneurship!  Some amazing people put together an outing at Homestead Beer- beer, dinner and a tour.  This was auctioned off at an annual event put on at Moundbuilders Country Club to support SAAS and Breast Cancer Support and Early Dection.  Kay Barton is pretty special and rallys an incredible group to raise funds, awareness and a grand time.  The wonderful couple that bought/won the night out at Homestead included Joe and me.  We could not be more grateful.

So I learned some things tonight about beer.  I tasted some delicious ones- I am a lager girl and so enjoyed the Homestead Octoberfest!  My palate has expanded since marrying my use-to-home-brew guy.  So now I will enjoy a hoppy IPA and found the ten-penny quite delicious tonight.  I appreciated the tour to see what the Homestead process is, where they get their supplies, how well this young start-up business is doing and what the expansion plans are at the Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority!  I learned about oxidation in beer- warm beer being stored will oxidize.  Oxidizing affects flavor- won't harm you.  I also have high regard for these beer brewers. They are quite innovative in their recipes.  These small batch houses are quite the innovators and entrepreneurs. Life on Newark-Granville Road is impressed with the work being done at Homestead.

Life on Newark-Granville Road so values being included with a special group of people honoring, celebrating and supporting an important mission and good people!  It was the perfect month to enjoy an outing like this-October is Breast Cancer Awareness- make your appointment for a mammogram, see your doctor and encourage friends and family.  Cheers to all you survivors and those doing all you can to make a difference.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

art on the big screen!

I've been craving a night at the movies. Rainy days have come and gone and it hasn't worked to escape to the cinema.  When the field hockey game was cancelled due to rain and nothing prevented it- I took my chance.  The kids finished up homework, prepped for tomorrow and then I shared the fun- off to the movies! " What are we seeing?"they chimed in unison.  I explained we were seeing " The Boxtrolls" because I've been anxiously awaiting this release.  I want to see this art on the big screen!

At work @ The Works- we've had lovely company in the gallery. For three months illustrators' art have been in the exhibit- "Storytellers-The Art the Story Book".  I was so happy to see friends seize their free time and take in the show this afternoon!  It ends on Saturday so take one last visit or see it before it leaves!  Graham Annable the artist from Boxtrolls provided a video showcasing Boxtrolls and the art for the big screen in this exhibit- fascinating.  I can't wait to visit his art (for sale!!) tomorrow morning. And I have to say it is an entertaining story with a great message.  The three Leithauser kids give it a thumbs up.  It was wonderful to be alone in the theater with my babies- all of us entranced with this stop animation film.

I have to share the other fun connections to the exhibit!! Boxtrolls is a partner with our Saturday fun in the gallery- Global Cardboard Challenge: http://imagination.is/our-projects/cardboard-challenge/   10-2 at The Works- join the imagination playground! http://www.attheworks.org/visit/calendar-event.aspx?id=1565d3c4-198c-450e-9459-6ceab2677dbd  for details!  Carlo LoRaso did a great job curating this exhibit.  We all enjoyed artist John Skewes in town the week of HATSOFF! It was a treat to see his time here documented on his blog: http://larrygetslost.wordpress.com  I've completely fallen in love with his character Larry- the darling dog exploring wonderful cities and places. I love the experience John Skewes gives children of all ages!

Life on Newark-Granville road is filled with art- it delights, teaches, transports, entertains and comforts us. How fortunate I am to experience art often beyond what is on a wall- I learn the how, why and have it accompany my beautiful life.

Monday, October 6, 2014

date night!

I remember fondly Saturday nights growing up and my parents going out, often dressing up in formal wear. I can remember the scent of perfume, the sound of chiffon or taffeta swooshing and recall the delight in the preparations.  Maybe this is why I enjoy dressing dinner club outings in our life on Newark-Granville Road.  This picture was snapped at Saturday's Alfretta Dinner Club.  Saturday night took a theme of 1951- reflecting on the group's rich history.  (This is why Joe is in a white dinner jacket in October) We had a lovely night with friends and cuisine.  The new Linden Alley (3rd floor of Brews) hosted us well providing an intimate venue and delicious dinner- in particular the antipasto and  mushroom ravioli! If you are interested in learning more about nights out like these I hope you'll contact me as I love to share fun things in our community and this is a delightful way to secure a special evening with my husband and friends.

Friday, October 3, 2014

Newark-Granville Road in the news and in art!

If a picture tells a thousand words- what does a painting say?  I'm delighted with what artist Bridgette Turner captured about life on Newark-Granville Road in oil on linen!

http://www.newarkadvocate.com/story/news/local/granville/2014/10/03/open-air-artists-interpret-granville/16639923/

Did you see all the artists painting outside around town this week?  Did you see "our artist" in our yard on Newark-Granville Road? The Plein Air Society was here for two days and wrapped up the Granville time with a show and reception in the yard at Robbins Hunter Museum.  You may have noticed that too yesterday.  Silly me I was thinking the show would be inside the museum- a group of artists that paint outdoors - of course the gathering was on the lawn.   It was a beautiful event and I hope you'll read this article!!

So how did we get to have an artist set up in our yard and interpret our home? A friend and neighbor connected us with an artist collecting home owners willing to provide access to the plein air artists.  I jumped at the opportunity and recommended other locations as well.  I love the arts and supporting artist anyway I can.   That was the first step- 2nd step was random matching of artists to locations. It is a blind draw and we got lucky. Lucky to be selected and lucky to connect with this wonderful artist.  Not surprising there is more to the story with this artist.  Her studio is down the street from a good friend and colleague in Clintonville!  I love that we were able to figure this out yesterday.  I snapped a picture of the artist car so I would remember her name.  I look forward to visiting the studio and I hope you will too- http://bridgetteturnerfineart.com/works

A few others things to share:
- painting was started on Clare's birthday making it just a bit more special.
-if I were to title this I would call it- "View from the Bus Stop"
-I love that we indeed had our pumpkins on the porch and our bright happy window box geraniums add to the cheer.

Plein air art travels off of Newark-Granville Road…you can enjoy it Sunday in Alexandria- 8am-3pm!! See details below.

http://www.newarkadvocate.com/story/news/local/granville/2014/09/24/open-air-painters-returning-oct/16115233/   or sunbear studio- http://www.sunbearstudio.com/events.php

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

all her favorite things…...

Clare makes birthday fun easy!!  Since it was the first Wednesday of the month we gave her the option of dinner at home, a trip to a favorite restaurant or spaghetti night at the Maennerchor- Newark's German Club.  A girl who loves tradition she opted for Spaghetti Night! And may I say a homemade delicious meal- thanks Bob, Bill and team!!  Of course she was pleased to have Cane's Chicken last night since we were in Gahanna for a field hockey game!  The thing to do is bring extra Canes home and take it to school for lunch.  So she enjoyed a yummy birthday lunch.  She requested that we return home for birthday cake.  This year the request was what Peter celebrated 12 with- Graeter's Raspberry Chocolate Chip cake made by Mom.  We went to Graeters after Canes last night- I presented the idea of picking up a Graeters made ice cream cake or pie with her favorite flavor?  She opted for my rendition- Oreo cookie crust with the ice cream- all formed in a spring form pan.  I was flattered and happy to make the cake.

Sally made the day fun and took me up on the offer to skip soccer practice so we could have family dinner.  We included Charlotte- Clare's best friend - so it really felt like a special family outing.  When we picked up Clare- Charlotte's Mom had homemade chocolate cookies as a treat for Clare. I love that Clare has a 2nd mom caring for her and letting her know how special she is.

It really was the best of both worlds tonight- having the whole family enjoying a Newark favorite and then time around our dining room table on Newark-Granville Road.  I sat back and watched my first born beam with joy as she opened cards and gifts.  She glowed in joy that elephants and thoughtful treats delivered!  Thank you all for helping Clare feel the love we all hold for her.