Spring, break and family time March 2019.

Last week in my life on Newark- Granville Road as a family we took a break, we welcomed and looked for signs of spring while on Spring Break.   Regular readers know we love to travel and part of the process is "where to?"!  We really thought we were headed to Arizona for Reds Spring Training and a visit to the Grand Canyon- plan A.  Kids wanted Arizona without much understanding of what we'd experience.  When we finally sat down to book the trip, realizing we'd spend X on flights during that last week of March we started on a plan B.

Plan B brainstorming and exploration was fun.  If spending X why not go to California, Iceland, London, and we did look into Florida to see family.  The reality is we only wanted to spend Y, not X and found our destination- Las Vegas.  Never say never- Joe said he would never go to LV with his family and I resolved I was never going.  We embraced what so many had advised for years- get to Zion and Bryce and that became our plan.

It really was a fantastic selection.  Our kids have been to Africa and India but never west of the Mississippi.  What a treat to discover southern Utah's majestic beauty together.  Our National Parks are indeed a treasure.  I love how much we learn about one another, our country, science and knowledge.  Sally was the teacher, transferring recent geology lessons and taking the lead as we made plans to probe the landscape.  We challenged ourselves with hikes and took full advantage of the mother nature's playground created by erosion!  Clare recalled a great song and we had a kid choir every time the word was mentioned.  The infamous Narrows was not accessible due to snow melt/water levels, and Angel's Landing didn't make the list but so many other trails delighted us with fantastic views and endorphin producing activity! The favorites:

• Sand Bench Trail- a friend encouraged us here, giving us a launch tip and the permission to follow a smaller trail beyond a fence further into the smaller canyon. What a treat- Sally's favorite.  We heard the turkey and then found quite flock.  We saw only one other group early and then we had the lush space to ourselves. 
• Canyon Overlook Trail- top rated by Joe and me- I didn't really know what I was getting into- I thought it was a quick jaunt to a fenced observation point.  The half-mile ascent from a high point to take one higher for extraordinary views circles along rocky walls challenged my fear of heights and was worth every step. You access this by car, not the shuttle.  I noticed it on our trip to Bryce and am grateful I did!  It was part of Clare's idea and favorite activity:
• a picnic off the road Rt 9- past the tunnels going east- again giving us a time to find quiet time.  The sand, sun and water (that mighty but small Virgin river) provided the perfect picnic backdrop and time to chill.  Clare wanted to use her hammock and she made it work.  
• Peter loved the Watchman trail taking us up to another fabulous view of the Park, providing exercise and a great sense of accomplishment. You start out saying- how are we going to get there, are we going there?  You keep walking and then indeed you are there.  
• A highlight for me was the arrival of Spring in the canon and the incredible colors- soft and shaded.  Living greens, whites, and grays framed by the layered reds, pinks, and whites of the ancient walls, moving, changing, evolving from the sand base.  It was all softer than I had imagined and so very much alive.

Time in the car was worth the view at Bryce- incredibly different and just as majestic and beautiful.  We called this Spring Break- the trip to see different worlds and these parks are just that.  Snow prevented us from really hiking but the views of colors and hoodoos and this different terrain made it worthwhile.  We were able to return to Zion and enjoy an afternoon hike. Oh did we love and value the shuttle service in Springdale.  Our Hampton Inn was our perfect home base- breakfast and 5 pm cookies delighted the kids, hot tub, and pool a welcome end of day cocktail site for us.  Restaurants were all wonderful.  We enjoyed family favorites: pizza, noodles, tex mex, and a pub, saving our Asian craving for Los Vegas time.  We are already planning how and when to return- maybe with another family, probably in the fall to access The Narrows.  Happy to share insights if you are making your own plans.

Our Las Vegas time fit the theme- we found another world and launched our fitness spring!  I walked 11 miles on our last day finding well-known locations: The Bellagio, The Venetian, Ceasars, The Wynn (my favorite from a design point of view).  We rode the NY NY roller coaster looking for under 21-year-old thrills.  We took in the pool at our hotel- The MGM Grand-my one Vegas to-do.  We were all wowed by Cirque du Soliel's LOVE.  Our meals were delicious, restaurants are a Vegas treat.  I'm glad I've seen what I've only imagined or accessed from pop culture and did so with my family.  I took a break from work, not accessing my phone for days at a time- shocking the kids.  We took a break from laundry and cooking, homework and friends- we were a family on spring break in a different world.  We kept track of declarations from the kids that made us smile.  I'll share them here for prosperity and because that is what I do here: share.

• Peter- in Zion- oh my- this is all so beautiful, almost not real- like a green screen.  He would take in and share thoughts like this often- usually as the light changed on the canyon walls contrasting with the cloudless blue skies.
• Clare- Vegas- this is just Chucky Cheese for adults- commentary on the unending casino spaces.
• Sally- well know I know what marijuana smells like.   Then, Thank you for letting us live in Granville!

It is so good to get away, oh I love captured family time and travel but Sally captured it so well.
I ist good to be home and back to our busy, full, comfortable, challenging different ways life on Newark-Granville Road.  Our trip provided the break we need to launch into Spring and all it brings for our family.

 

 

Friday Fun- Fish Fry and Beer

Always a treat to enjoy the St. Edward Fish Fry on Fridays!  Last week we gathered a fun group for cocktails and then we took a walk.  This week we met Columbus friends at the Granville Brewing Tasting room!!  https://www.granvillebrewing.com/#our-story Another place we encourage you to try out yourself.   We had a great time chatting and then it was time to eat- bonus, they joined us for dinner with the kids at the fish fry.  I just love that on Thursday Clare said- "we are going to the fish fry- right?"    We all love the fish fry- family happening in my life on Newark-Granville Road!  Join us- we'll be back from our vacation and would love to catch-up around the table.

Sharing Stories- Beth Jenkins' Inspiration

I shared this at church this morning and thought it would be good to document on the blog too.  Kids told me- we know this story- that made me happy!  They had not seen a picture, fun to get their reactions. We've laughed and smiled and remembered this St. Patrick's Day 2019!

Who has used the elevator in our church?

Who knew people that were only able to worship in the chapel downstairs?  The chapel that is now our coat room? Allow me to have a church building history review. Our church at one time was two buildings, divided by an alley where heritage hall is and there was no elevator.

I am Susan Stoner Leithauser. I've been a member here for 17 years or so and attended church when I was a Denison student in the late 80s.  I serve on the Commitment and Beyond Committee and the Annual Stewardship committee.  And am grateful for the leadership, service, and gifts at First Presbyterian.  Amazing work happened in 2018. Since this is a moment for gratitude, I must say "thank you"!   Our work continues by the way- the Beyond means we keep going, keep talking and that is why I am here! 

Many of you know I work at Denison in the Advancement Office- many would call me a professional fundraiser. My focus at Denison is Family Philanthropy.  Lately, it has been rewarding to share what I am learning at work with our church. The foundation of this work is: I help people feel good about making a difference.  I also enjoy connecting with people in the community and with one another.  In particular, I am grateful to work with people that like to give, and not just money: but time, perspective and connections. This is what philanthropy is and it does tie to church and faith, as God gives to us and we’re called to share and it feels good to share.

During a recent Beyond Committee meeting, I stated how I want to make sure everyone knows Beth Jenkins' name, as she exemplifies what the Commitment Initiative really is.   A key person involved with financials at First Pres/FPC said she didn't know who Beth Jenkins was.  I was surprised.

So here I am- I really want you all to know who Beth Jenkins was to FPC and the impact she had.

I don't have time to tell the full story but here is a quick summary: Beth had no children, never married, was a sweet older member of the community and this church.

I was introduced to her by Shirley Hale, a current FPC member, and our children's Granville Grandma. Shirley was the house mother/director at my sorority while I was at Denison.  Shirley determined I'd be a fit as an adopted granddaughter for Beth. She knew I went to church (I went once that 1^styear, I sang in the Concert Choir and I was a Pi Phi. What a blessing she was in my life.  Beth and I hit it off and enjoyed tea times, toast and coffee at the Aladdin and sitting together in worship. Beth grew up a Quaker in Indiana and shared her faith, she simply believed: Jesus Loves me, this I know for the bible tells me so. She kept it simple.  She was a dear friend to many many and introduced us to one another around the table.  She cared for shut-ins and others needing holy hospitality. She was very active with parish care and I bet we've all tasted her cookies as her recipes are cherished.  She always felt for those who could not make it up the stairs to worship.

Beth saved her pennies and was frugal. She supported the church with time and treasure and looked forward to making a gift that could make a difference. She included FPC in her estate plans with the designation that it be used to install an elevator at our church.  There is a plaque on the 1st floor next to the elevator- telling the story of her gift.

Beth Jenkins and her story is just one example in the life of our church.  I'm grateful to not only know her story but be part of it. Her story has a lesson-love Jesus and share that love in ways that make you happy. I am grateful that I was introduced to Beth by Shirley and was given the gift of friendships and tea times!  I am grateful for Beth's commitment to the church and that elevator.  I've needed it many times and know others do as well.   I'm going to put Beth's picture up by her plaque to help tell her story and make sure we all know Beth Jenkin's name and one of the impacts she had on FPC.   Thank you God for giving us Beth, she was a blessing.

 Hmmm I told folks this was me in college, not true- I bought this outfit for Derby in the early 90s...I was a young 20 something here!  Back in Granville visiting dear Beth.

Night Time Fun with the Arts in College Towns.

Soon Denison will be on spring break, then be prepared for a full and fabulous calendar of events.  Last week in my life on Newark-Granville Road I was blown away, inspired and delighted by happenings on the hill.  http://www.granvilleoh.com/pages/member-newsletters   This is one way to be in the know about happenings- thank you Chamber of Commerce!  Visiting the Denison website is another:  https://denison.edu/events  So many events are open to the public, please let me know if you have questions and do not hesitate to attend, supporting and engaging with talented students.

Last week I had the privilege of having lunch with Min Jin Lee- author of Pachincko, a book I very much enjoyed thanks to the Denison book club I do my best to keep current!! The opportunity to meet her, engage in conversation took the reading/listening experience to a whole experience.  My new understanding of her writing fiction with intent to put race and discrimination in the limelight and approachable makes the read all the more fulfilling and interesting.   So many other important topics are revealed: suicide and immigration to name two.   I was also fascinated by the Caroline Kennedy intro, here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kscMU-W7tKU  it also appears in the paperback edition.  This video also has Min's talk with many points she shared with me at Denison- I continue to value her dry  humor, wit and vulnerability.  Enjoy.  Thank you Beck Series- endowed funds and all the coordinators to make it happen.  Have not read Pachincko?  Add it to your list, for the reasons above, the opportunity to travel to Korea and Japan and embrace the saga of across generations of this family and people, thanks to the time with Min I admire and respect.

It isn't possible to attend everything at Denison.  An embarrassment of riches is the appropriate descriptions.  Between the theater, music, dance, athletic events, talks and festivals you can't be in multiple places.  Information for Foreingers by Griselda Gambaro, translated by Marguerite Feitlowitz was something I'm glad I didn't miss. I've been following director, Elani Papleonardos's facebook post and was completely intrigued with her layout, post-its and once I saw it- choreography!  I was sad to miss Tutti this year, but I could not pass on seeing how Monomoy would work as a set and oh was I impressed.  This was a haunting, serious, concerning topic executed to perfection.  I did not know enough about the Dirty Wars in Argentina during the mid 70s, early eights- thank you Denison for continuing my education and supporting my life long learning on campus.  Thank you cast and crew for your work to deliver that education so effectively.

College towns are special and we know I love Granville.  This weekend I experienced a special side of Mt. Vernon- the town close to Kenyon's small college town of Gambier.  Dear friend told me about the dinner theater happening at the Alcove and am I glad we found our way there. It was meant to be- the show was extended as February provided no free date to enjoy.  The restaurant decor is dreamy, dinner was delicious and the "Savannah Sippin Society" provided a sweet story, performed to well end the week.  Girls Nights Out are special and this one was a perfect match- cheers to life on Newark-Granville road and all that share and provide the learning and fun.

 

Gather at the Table

Beautiful weekend that had us gathering at the table. This focus leads to promoting future community meals uniting us as community:
-Mannechor Spaghetti Dinner- we'll go this week early, as I have to get back to town for the play at Denison at 8 pm.
-Fish Frys at St. Eds.  Lent starts this week, the first is always the one with the long lines, we'll wait, with a beverage.   And now back to the weekend!!

First- Caroline's Confirmation.  Always wonderful to celebrate a loved one's faith.  A weekend filled with hard conversations but we celebrate the good- the faith, the love and commitment to God.  We're our own people with our own convictions. The table allows us to talk, share and be together.  My sister in law pulled together an amazing brunch after the service with dear friends and we're lucky to have family close to make it easy to share these important times.

Second- Dinner Club is back and deserves to be documented for the history books.  The Parson hosted us in their new home- a busy day with family celebrations- plural- they could of said nope, doesn't work- them embraced and welcomed us. The the theme Mardi Gras!  Take a look at each course, the beautiful presentations, colors that executed the theme so well.  Lots of special treats in the evening, laughter and catch-up- so good to be together at the table.

Third was family dinner Friday night at the Broadway Pub.  We toasted Clare's basketball career closing - it started when she was in 1st grade. We're proud of her commitment and valued amazing girls and families to share the time in the stands and on the court.

Life on Newark-Granville Road loves to gather at the table, break bread and share the community of family and friends.

Crawfish Dip- Ann!

Italian New Orleans Salad- Susan

Jambalaya- Angela

CAn't even describe this homemade deliciousness- chocolate mouse, whipped cream, bourbon soaked (blantons!!) rasberries in the most incredible praline basket!! Christina- oh and the fleur de le lis chocolate on top!