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Saturday, February 28, 2015

Community Dinner Time- Fish Fry and Spaghetti!

Last night's Fish Fry at St. Ed's did not disappoint!  Lucky me to have fun things to look forward to on Fridays- just makes the last day of the week all the better!  Last week it was our anniversary dinner, last night the 1st Fish Fry! Although staying at home on a Friday night is usually something I look forward to as well- having something fun on Newark-Granville Road is pretty great!

Fish Fry- if you never been- you should- join us!  Last year I gave tips about fish fry attendance- take a look at blog from 3/14/14- Fish Fry Prep!  We usually go toward the end of the dinner and we walk. You are welcome to walk with us or meet us there.  Or go on your own when it works for you- you do not need to be catholic!!  The remaining dates of this year's Fish Fry at St. Eds are March 6, 13, 20, 27 Time: 4-7:30…4 is for the early bird/ seniors I believe.  It is just such a great community way to have dinner and support a church doing good in the world!  It is also fun to see the great volunteers making this special gathering on Newark-Granville Road happen!

While I'm promoting great community diners- Newark Maennerchor Spaghetti- the first Wednesdays of the month 5- 7 pm, so one this Wed, March 5- Newark, Maennerchor 195 Orchard St, Newark, OH  Want to go with us- let me know. Often we're busy on Wednesdays but I'm always happy when it works to attend. We'll even do take out- quick hellos to the good folks there and then dinner galore!

Life on Newark-Granville Road is always happy to see that Fish Fry sign go up outside of St. Ed's church!  Lent is a time for reflection and fellowship and fish fries!!

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

bonus-get-away time!

It only may be for just over a day but I'm ready! Yesterday's snow/cold day did it.  I need to get out of town! I'm headed to Cleveland- not going south or sunny- but getting a change of scenery!  Taking a break.  I'm headed to a short seminar on Crowd Sourcing! Woo Hoo!

Yes, my work excites me.  This new way to raise funds fascinates me. I've supported a few projects/people this way and I agree with coworkers- we should use this technique at The Works!  The day we discussed it the seminar appeared to our director and she passed it over to me. The date worked and off I go!  Adding time ahead to meet friends, do a bit of shopping does the sole good too!  We started Monday meeting- admin/planning meeting- with how are we getting some flex time after a full weekend of work.  Mine was- going to Cleveland- woot woot!

I usually don't talk about going out of town on social media/the web.  Joe is home with the kids, amazing Barbara and student sitters are around- lots of coming and going from our home on Newark-Granville Road.  It is one night, one afternoon, and one morning- I'll be back in no time to all our activities and my beloved family.  The chance to get away is something I'm really grateful for in today's life on Newark-Granville Road!

Monday, February 23, 2015

NOT A SNOW DAY, smoothies all around….

I had no problem getting up this morning- the kids needed me.  Breakfast on the PARC test day, encouragement on the return to school.  Last week they went one day- 1 holiday, 3 snow/extreme cold days.  Giving up to Mother Nature (or as Sally calls her Mrs. Weather) for making sure the temps were not as cold as last week. Or Mr. Brown for understanding the need to get this learning routine back in gear!

Breakfast for The Leithausers is corn beef hash, smoothies- Joe's birthday gift allows this to happen, oatmeal made stove top with milk, grapefruit- cut in half to be scooped out- fun tool purchased at church holiday sale/grandma's attic- makes this super easy.  I think it was made by Ramco.  Yes Coke is still an option as are sausage patties and links- not to Joe's send off when I was traveling one year of testing long long ago….

So back to the smoothies….we'll keep you posted on the blender.  We did not go with the bullet, Vegemite mixer, or others…when we went to the store I couldn't help but be drawn to the glass pitcher component vs. plastic.  I also liked the price- under 30.00- probably like 29.99.  Yes plastic components and bottom- we'll see how much we really use it.  The last blender I received was in my 20s- great gift from dear friend.  Nice glass pitcher that we used for margaritas- lovely gift- maybe a going away, congrats on a new house gift.  Great idea!  It has been used and loved and worked despite a cracked base.

We'll keep you posted on our progress of recipes too and would love your suggestions.  The kids were so excited to get this blender for Joe's birthday. They love smoothies- smoothies at River Road and various places.  Joe is excited as am I do do some green smoothies.  We bought all sorts of fruit and jumped into smoothie making for Joe's birthday breakfast.  The kids received the"persistent scientist" lesson I've picked up at The Works STEMfest.  We must keep trying and trying- that is science. Smoothies are science.  Sally tasted her strawberry banana blend and said- it tasted like my green smoothies from the farmers market.  It was the banana- she put a whole banana in hers.  Clare did not like the yogurt in hers.  We also learned liquid first, powered, fruit, yogurt, then ice….makes sense-  weight on top- pull in the ice….

Everyone be careful out there with the cold and ice. and what we hope will be a full week week of school in our lives on Newark-Granville Road.

Friday, February 20, 2015

telling the stories- wedding day stories…..

The love to share "the rest of the story" the story behind the photo…what was going on…why what….so today I made sure I told the kids this story.  I use to worry about repeating blog posts, but now I realize if the stories are retold here- so be it- it means it is important enough to share again. I doubt if I'll tell in the exact same way, same context and if I am….maybe it is time to consider my aging process and needs!!  Here is what was happening when this picture was being taken, or just before is the story I want to share.

Before life on Newark-Granville Road was life on 3rd street in Maysville, KY- this is where I lived when I started dating Joe Leithauser and shifted to his finance.  Wedding planning was amazing and fun- a dream come true.  That is its on blog post entirely. One component of a wedding I wanted thanks to Four Weddings and a Funeral- the group picture after the wedding.  All wedding guests in front of the church- capturing the moment.  And that is what I got- barely.  Confident women know what they want and I wanted the picture!

My Dad hired the photographer. We met, agreed to what photos we'd do when.  Weddings/Events are filled with compromise- give and take- mostly between mother and daughter.  I agreed to pictures- formal ones before the wedding, despite the break in tradition of bride and groom seeing one another before the ceremony.  The picture I would not compromise on was the after the wedding group photo. Our wedding was in February- obviously as I type on our anniversary in February.  It was to snow but the radar and forecast improved as the week went on and the visualizing worked- blue skies. Blue crisp skies with very cool temps.  Not as cool as this winter and current temps but below freezing.  So the photographer looked at me post ceremony and said we talked about no picture if rain- did we discuss temps?  I said no- we're doing the picture.

I was a happy bride and post ceremony kept warm with Joe and wedding party in the balcony of the chapel.  It was a bonus as we were able to wave and greet our guests informally this way.  Mom and I were able to see extra guests room needed to be made for at the reception too- bonus!  The wedding guests moved out to the steps in front of the gorgeous mini cathedral at Mercersburg Academy (another blog update why there) and waited for us once all guests exited.  As you can see in the photo-we're pretty pleased.  We were surrounded by friends and family on a wonderful day- and the sun was shining-what wasn't there to be happy about when someone captured that photo.

As I type I feel a deeper joy and gratitude for the love in my life. It has grown and matured, weathered and reproduced. The friends and family around us in the photo are still connected to us making our life on Newark-Granville Road something to celebrate and it is time to do just that…date night for our anniversary!

Thursday, February 19, 2015

time for STEMfest! Don't miss it!

If you want to see the future of our community, want to feel great about youth of today, want to see mentorship in action and the results of…..come to The Works this weekend!! And bonus- this event is free for all- this is the weekend to visit The Works if you are not a member. If you are a member- you too won't want to miss the special activities- you'll be proud to say you are a member!  I was able to see Knox County STEMfest happen and saw all of this goodness and more last weekend.

In downtown Newark middle school and high school students from central Ohio will showcase their solutions to a challenge- a 3D printer challenge, when they create a plastic egg; a solar cell creation; and the very popular toothpick and Elmer's glue bridge/ civic engineering challenge.  Competitions happen on Saturday for Middle School kids from 12-4 and High School Students from 12-4.  Challenges are in the meeting room, 2nd street gallery and the theater.  And for all ages- STEM activities showcasing STEM skills used in the industrial community. Big thanks to Time Warner for sponsoring this event and sharing activities on both days!!

This event doesn't happen without incredible amazing efforts-volunteers, sponsors, staff, advisers, teachers and the kids.  Seeing kids in action, this excited about STEM pursuits- it doesn't get much better! Come see it in action.  We don't always get to see teachers in action- STEMfest lets them shine. I watched a teacher have the back up data in her file, anticipating the judges next question and handing it to the student in the nick of time.  Practice makes perfect…well maybe not perfect but it gets you where you need to go- on the playing field and in the laboratory!  On Sunday at 4 STEMfest awards happen- trophies, scholarships and amazing opportunities all for these problem solving days.  The award I personally love is the Persistent Scientist Award.  This award is awesome - this award recognizes students that keep trying, work hard, don't necessarily win or have success but keep trying.  They are nominated by advisers and teachers and then one person is selected to be the winner- the winner of being persistent.  I love this and can't wait to see the final results. This indeed is a case of all those nominated should be honored!

Life on Newark-Granville Road values all that goes into STEMfest and appreciates all those that make STEMfest happen.  I'm proud of the work the team of volunteers, donors and staff offer our community and this weekend is a shining example.  I hope you'll let me know if you are at The Works this weekend so I can point out and share the fun and learning with you.  Please share and tell neighbors, friends, family and coworkers about this free event.

Ohhhh!!! And Taco Sherpa will be on hand to sell you lunch- amazing lunch! And visit the concession stand in the interurban car (aka train in the courtyard) one of the middle school robotic teams is coming to raise funds for their program!!! Another reason to love love love this event/weekend @ The Works! Need another- on Sunday-Columbus College of Art and Design is bringing their student designed airstream!!  See details here: /http://www.ccad.edu/blog/2014/08/student-designed-airstream-debuted-at-international-design-conference/

Details: http://www.attheworks.org

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

5:30 wake-up….

Shout and admiration for all those early risers.  I use to be one of those. It isn't my nature but for a time in my life exercise with friends was routine in the 5 am hour.  Today I embraced the 5:15 alarm, OK I hit snooze and was happy Joe's alarm at 5:28 motivated me out of bed.  The double incentive helped - getting to a yoga class at 6 I had enrolled in and the need to wake up Clare at 5:30.

Life on Newark-Granville Road. Our oldest is the earliest riser and does so without complaint.  She may voice discontent in general conversation, however no grumbling when the light goes on in her room.  In fact as I type this and reflect on the look she gave me when I illuminated the room at 5:30 this morning- it is the same look she use to give me as an infant looking out from her crib.  Clare hasn't changed much in all these years.

So 5:30- what is happening in our sleepy town?  The lights are blinking yellow, something I miss seeing.  You know you are out late or up early when that shade and pace of yellow greets you. A few lone cars, dog walkers and exercisers are out- but it is dark and today was snowy so fewer than I recall.  The yoga class I took was lovely.  I only did it as that was the class that fits my full kid activity, working @ The Works schedule (STEMfest is this weekend- look for tomorrow's blog to share those details.) Included in my exercise goals are two yoga classes a week- check!  The class, instructor, studio (A place called Om) were wonderful at the 6 am hour. I think I'll need to set my alarm clock earlier in the near future. Starting the day off with the stretches, focus and balance really feel good.

The drive home to start the day with the family on Newark-Granville Road made me smile.  The Cake Lady's car at Palumbo's means delectable yummies are in progress.  River Road coffee gave a welcoming light as people made their way. The traffic lights were back to stop and go directives, I passed two buses on their routes.  (It has been awhile) The day has started. Life on Newark-Granville Road is filled with places to go, things to do, people to see.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

life with my fit-bit on Newark-Granville Road!

I received a fit-bit for Christmas.  Joe asked me if I wanted one while doing the holiday gift planning. I honestly said yes to give the kdis something to get me.  I felt a little late to the party about these things but was curious.  Joe is good about picking technology that works for me so I knew I was in good hands. Here are some general thoughts:

1. I'm not an exact person so it fits me fine.  I don't worry when I start the day with 300 steps and haven't gotten out of bed.

2. I love that it makes me think about extra activity.  I'll easily make two trips with the groceries knowing it will help me get to goal, grow in steps.

3. The big ah-ha for me was the day I stayed home from work on a snow day. I had met my goal of 10,000 steps by 1 pm.  My work days- most of my days- that is far from the case.

4. Other ah-has.  If I exercise, walk the dog again easy to reach my goal.

Kids walked the dog for me tonight….darn….

5. The sleep mode- tracking of my restlessness- is interesting.  Do I think it is a sleep monitor- no. Do I find it great that it does the math- 7 hours of sleep, with four restlessness times- yay 7 hours in bed- that is great! The psychology of it all is fascinating- I feel more rested knowing what was happening- was I tossing and turning and when.

6. I don't like the style of it- I miss gold or silver on my wrist. I don't love wearing it with jewelry  Mine is gray to be more like silver. I'd probably prefer a flesh color or more designer style.  I know there are designer ones out there.  Not sure I care that much.

7. Days I forget to wear it- don't bother me- that much. I do like the weekly summary so that is what bothers me when I forget.  I like to know the average number of steps.  Days I easily meet my goal and surpass it fuel the days I don't- so again I don't like to not wear it.

8. Kids are having fun with it.  We pull into to a parking lot and I park far away- Sally declares- "really mom- you need that many steps?"

So thanks for reading- I appreciate the interaction with you on my blog- activity is high this month!!  Life on Newark-Granville road has lots of steps- some forward, some back, some days more than others.  Steps filled with friends, learning, love and laughter, tears and frustrations but happy steps rule the day and I count my blessing with each one I take.

Monday, February 9, 2015

Cocktails by the Fire@ The Works 2015

The annual event (always the 1st Saturday in February) Cocktails by the Fire has taken up many recent thoughts and hours in my life on Newark-Granville Road. So it makes sense to blog about it!  I listed it in my "events" to attend on the blog so it makes sense to follow-up about it.  Those that attended may enjoy hearing my recap- lots goes on and many don't see it all.  Some dear people had to miss it and I want to help bring them up to speed! Either way I hope to see you there in 2016- the event is always different, unique and special just like the glass it supports!  This year was amazing, I had such a good time for so many reasons!!

Cocktails by the fire was started 10 years ago- we had our 10th event last Saturday night.  Robert Abbott created the concept and has helped execute the design all along- his signature cocktail for the event is just one of many ways he offers excellence. Danielle Ford was the first host committee member to partner with Managing Director- Marcia Downes. Marcia was reflecting last night how the first one was simple with cheese and fruit- boy has it evolved!  We introduced themes a few years ago to meet some volunteer needs, give direction to event design and execution and connect to our mission and exhibits!  Past themes have included Mardi Gras, Mojito/Lemon/Limes, Prohibition (Places of Innovation), Green Revolution-Reuse/Recycle. Last night's MASH 4077 was created with a link to the military with the WWI exhibit in the gallery- proved the success of themes.  The conversation during debrief today was about future themes- I'd love to hear your ideas!!


So how does Cocktails happen- first and foremost with volunteers and donors.  The host committee invite their friends and help us make the evening work.  Volunteers work where the small staff can't- tending bar, refilling supplies, taking care of coats (HUGE!) decorating, slicing lemons and so much more!!  Volunteers came from all over in incredible ways and we're VERY grateful!! Food vendors generously bring samples of their food or offer something tied to the theme.  The food gets better and better! We all so value and appreciate these donations. Last night we had:

  • Clay's Café- I've always heard her strombolis are to die for- and that is correct! her cookies were gorgeous- so tied to the theme- army men, dog tags, stars...MASH letters- and tasty! 
  • Soup Loft- ham and bean- perfect military soup and the beloved tomato with goat cheese- not to mention Kevin's incredible bread!!  These restaurants made up our mess tent!  
  • Taco Sherpa offered yummy mini-bowls. We all need to keep tabs on where this food truck will be next!  
  • New on the scene if volunteer Theresa's son's restaurant- Big Momma's! He had great offering of chicken and fish, plus his bean pie- incredible!  
  • Palumbo's Italian Market- those meatballs- yum, sausage and cup cakes- wow! 
  • Moundbuilders Country Club had grape neigh hi offering with a BLT shot too- creative and delicious. 
  • Eric Mason was on hand promoting his fun restaurants- Pappy's, The Chop House and the Works The Grill Deli! What a great job he does at these places- downtown is grateful for these wonderful offerings!  
  • Lucas from Snapshots gets a gold star not only for his roses and décor, chocolate covered strawberries- but he brought a friend!  
  • Bella Cakes is his wedding and event partner. Her cookies and cupcakes were to die for and she arrived first, only learning about our event two days prior!  
  • The Granville Inn embraced the theme with SPAM sandwiches and we were given heads up about the renovations- thanks Tim, Dena and Chef Chad!!  
  • Red Oak Pub- Mike and Andre returned after a break last year and are we glad they did!  Fun generous people sharing the great food offered at this 21st street gem. 
  • Sweet 23's cookies and cakes were raved about in the glass studio! 
  • New this year was Chris from Sparta and we're so grateful- his energy and support meant the world to us.  
  • Velvet Ice Cream's chocolate peanut butter was the perfect accompaniment while watching glass in the hot shop! A treat in the middle of winter for sure- thank you for delivering the cooler and making this a Cocktails by the Fire tradition!  
  • Bonus for those attending was a raffle from Pugh Designer Jewelry- I hope all attendees put their name in the basket- thanks Kevin for extra fun.  
  • One of my favorite new treats was also on hand-our great education intern passed Double Tree by Hilton chocolate chip cookies!! I love when they are baked bite-sized!!  You can buy a tin of these at the front desk!!

Nothing happens without a sponsor and Matesich Distributing is an incredible partner.  Kelly Dyar and team embrace our theme and help us take it to the next level.  As soon as we had this military plan-Budweiser was the ideal choice.  The Support the Heroes campaign is very meaningful and I'm honored to have connected it to our event and museum.  You also need to know each and every staff member at The Works works on this event. Our guests had a wonderful time- lingered and supported the museum with admission, memberships, tips and purchases, compliments, happy buzz and energy all around. 

However if the guests do not attend, it isn't much of an event. So thank you from the bottom of my heart every person who bought a ticket and attended. The theme was embraced by one and all and made it really fun.  The creativity, camaraderie, innovation and fun was just like the show/movie our theme was based and really what the Works is all about…and that is why it worked so well!  It also worked because this community supports innovation, history, science in art and we're so grateful!


Jon Downes, Joe Leithauser, Kim Downs, M.Taylor Downes and me- one staff with extra special volunteers!! More pictures coming soon, Facebook has great ones- keep them coming!!

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Keeping the Balance….

It happened again so I have to blog about it…..the beautiful full moon was setting while the sun was rising and it was gorgeous.  I had dog walking duty so I was headed down to the bike path.  What a treat yesterday and then again today to have those light giving orbs in my alignment.  Thanks to yoga and moon and sun salutations I recognized the opportunity presented and the balance reflected in these moments.

If you had seen me- maybe gazing from your window looking over the bike path- you might think I'm a crazy old woman.  It is cold so I bundle up in the full length mink that is the warmest most luxurious garment I own, I put on hat and scarf I can find quicky- not worrying about appearence.  On the snow covered bike path (with some ice) I did a little mini salutation, stretch, homage….it felt great and I'm grateful I was able to start two days in a row this way!

Yoga often provides those morseles of philosophy that are just what I need to hear, reflect on, remember as the busy life moves forward.  With Joe's travel I pull back into family first mode- it is easy to let Joe handle many things with the kids and let work take over….I value the oportunity to drop a child at school, put all 3 in the car to run the shuttle, get dinner together, etc….I love my work and it is a big week, the time with the kids grounds me and I'm grateful.

Life on Newark-Granville Road is busy and beautiful, reminders of all that is before us seen and unseen, are valuable opportunities.  My morning walk with sun and moon for company were occasions for the record books.

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

getting ready for lacrosse (LAX)

We're not headed to Los Angeles, and basketball season isn't over…but it is time to sign up for Spring Sports!  For 2 of our 3 kids that is lacrosse/lax and for Peter it is baseball!  Get excited- pitchers and catchers report in 15 days! I'm a big fan of helpful reminders to my fellow parents.  And please know I love when the favor is returned!!  And yes- it is Early Release tomorrow- Wed!!!

http://www.granvillerec.org/programs-sports/youth-sports/  Here is the general information page- in Granville about spring sports.  Yikes registration started way back in January and will close soon.  With all 3 of ours playing basketball and work being so happening I just didn't get my head around spring sports. We missed the info meetings- darn. There are minutes/outline from said meeting- click on the meeting announcement and you can download the doc!  You'll see one reasons for my motivation in typing this post- Joe is coaching the 3-4th girls team!! We want to get a great group of girls out for this fun sport. We're also interested in getting all kids out on the Lax field that want to be on the field and want to support all active families!

So I asked Clare today to tell us why she likes to play lacrosse? It is her favorite sport and all she could say is it is fun.  And it is.  It is a great way to stay active, learn team work, develop motor skills and coordination. For you basketball, soccer and field hockey players it is similar and a great way to apply skills from the court/field.  It is fast paced which is fun to watch and it is all about learning.  The girls will advance together and quickly has much of an advantage.

The time to register is now, we're here to help you - we'll find time and place to get a stick in your girls hands to get a feel for it.  I don't know as much about the boys program but happy to help put you in touch with those that do- we want to see lots of lax happening in our lives on Newark-Granville Road- literally and figuratively - the games and practice are at Bryn Du!  Spread the word and help us get as many kids registered for spring sports as want to be in our Granville community!

Sunday, February 1, 2015

Sunday, Sunday…starting in the kitchen….

Time to make the chili!  That was the mantra that got me out of bed….not Sunday School, coffee, a walk with the dog- but the call of chili!  I want to get it put together and then into the crock pot!  Chili to be its best needs to cook and even sit- I like my mom's chili and my own better the next day!  This is why I don't understand chili cook-offs.  I get it you want to see the process but to get a top rate chili you'd have to start cooking at least 10 hours before judgement.  Anyway I have not made chili in quite awhile which is why we're staying home to watch the super bowl and enjoy the meal I associate with this American festivity.

So my day started in the kitchen but not with chili.  First I made coffee, I love making coffee now that we have a grinder. We've had it for years now.  I figured out the love of fresh ground coffee at Apple Valley and the next gift giving opportunity Joe received a grinder.  Because of my cold I bought orange juice and poured myself a glass.  It took me to my parent's house immediately.  When you stay in Hagerstown and arise from bed to sit at the white table- 1st thing to greet you is a juice glass of juice.  And then I made oatmeal on the stove top, not the microwave.  I just felt the desire to cook and not heat- I added a bit of milk to the water base.  Federal-Mogul's corporate HQ kitchen had THE BEST OATMEAL and I know it wasn't just water and oats….so a treat to me is to add a bit of fat and flavor every now and then.

Before I enjoyed said oatmeal I did chop my veggies for chili and put them on the stove.  I poured myself a coup of coffee- love that you can remove the pot and the flow pauses for your pour- technology!!  Now I sit at my other comfort spot- the desk at the front window gazing at the beautiful winter wonderland Newark-Granville road has become over night.  If it is going to be cold and winter I want it to be white with snow!  The trees that I love stand sentinel proud and ever present. We will venture out soon for church, skipping Sunday school for time in the kitchen and to organize the day, the week and even a bit of the month- welcome February!

For now it is time to return to the kitchen to more chili to the crock pot for a nice long flavor producing cook and feed the children that have found a reason to arise from their beds….and have headed to start their day in the kitchen. Life on Newark-Granville Road starting in the kitchen.