Proud of Myself, Grateful as I reflect on 2023

 I pause before posting this and think of Sally's reflections on holiday cards being braggy.  I don't see them that way- I welcome every bit of news and information that updates me and allows me to update others. I am proud of my children, husband, alma mater, and myself.  I want to know what others are up to and enjoy reading other posts and blogs. Do I wish we shared the not so great as pubically yes, it is important to know it isn't all good and I hope I'm respected when I do share that within the relationships I have. I'll try to put some not-so-great out there on social media for balance too.  Oh, it is complicated in today's world right! Life on Newark-Granville Road is messy, far from perfect but wonderful and I am grateful.

For the record books- more on the completing component of my Master's of Philanthropic Studies Degree! I had a robing ceremony on 12-18-23! I received my regalia in the mail and wanted closure and a bit of pomp and circumstance.  Many ideas circulated in my head and I didn't know what to do.  I put out an email to Nan, Greg, and Adam- Nan ran with it. See below- the pictures tell the story and I'm beyond grateful! I loved the opportunity to have this closure and honor.  Nan's remarks were incredible. Having Adam and Greg there, and several incredible colleagues meant so much. Joe made it as well. I'm sorry the kids were not there but I was happy to keep it 'simple".  Nan I really can't say thank you enough for all you have done and who you are.

So why not at IUPUI? They offered the chance to do this in the Spring and it didn't work due to Clare's graduation. I could do it next Spring, that will be Peter's graduation.  I'm so glad Denison's President and Athletic Director did the honors.  All of them supported me in the wonderful journey to this accomplishment. 

Life on Newark-Granville Road with some pomp and circumstance, woo hoo!

And look at this- club champion...Flight 2- only two rounds/matches for the honor but I did it! I loved every opportunity to be on the Moundbuilders Golf Course and participate in Wednesday Leagues- yay me for taking time, thank you to all that played, coached (Linda, I take out the pin now), and supported- Randy, Zeke and so many more! Joe for playing with me, Peter too, Sara, Amanda, Nan...I could go on and on and on. I am competitive. I like to win and I do like to learn and grow- grateful to do so outdoors in this beautiful, special place that is indeed a happy place and sport!

Granville Leithauser's Holiday 2023 Card

 

Wishing you a Happy New Year as we wrap up 2023 and welcome 2024!

For Life on Newark-Granville Road, 2023 has been a productive year! The card notes highlights all covered in earlier posts on the blog, thanks for reading and visiting the site. We hope you'll return for updates for the Derby 2024 party and join us! We use our card to serve as our invite!!

Other things to share, and expand on, including photos of Susan and Peter, I should have marked (not pictured in the fine print like Paula did- well done!):

Joe's election! He was indeed sworn in to embark on this journey to serve, learn, and work at this important time in our history.  December 20th's meeting will have a celebratory feel as it is his first meeting, the kids will join- this is documented on the Post about his campaign, election and concludes with installation!

Clare in DC- yes our working girl- she has a great apartment, walks to work, or rides the metro, she didn't want a car and I don't blame her.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-leithauser/    She also had a great summer with important responsibilities with Junior Camp at Camp Alleghany.  (Update- full time offer accepted she starts in January with same organization!

Peter- Wabash senior! A highlight of our fall was Peter's return to Granville with fellow Wallies for the break and Wabash DU Soccer and Football games.  Yes, he is thinking about his career search...after comps! His summer internship at Denison was special and we're grateful to all who made it happen.

Sally-Blue Ace to DePauw Tiger! She's made the adjustment well and found her school. We loved traveling to see her play and catching up on her DePauw experiences. The trip to Lexington a delight. She too had a great summer at Camp Alleghany as a full counselor.

Susan and Joe are enjoying the new status of an empty nest, open nest- we've seen the kids a fair amount in their new habitats and for Fall Break or gatherings like at DePauw v Wooster weekend! Susan's routine has changed as she isn't studying every weekend, the degree was completed in August! No formal graduation but the degree is framed and see the picture below showcasing a short hoodding ceremony conducted at Denison. Wahoo! Denison's travel and work with families continues to be very rewarding. Joe enjoys Infoverity's colleagues and clients!

Life on Newark-Granville was productive in 2023. We valued every visit with friends and family in Granville. It is one of the reasons we love living here. Trips and travels are part of what we love and we're grateful for hospitality and time together!

Photos on card

cover: Cuba, January 2023- we loved our family trip at the start of the year!

Clare- headshot from LinkedIn

Joe- swearing-in for Granville Village Council

Lucy says vote sign- we put it up so people know her name and vote!

December 13, 2023 Cha-Cha-Cha

 Happy Birthday Denison!  https://support.denison.edu/1831day-give?sid=E241831&utm_campaign=1831&utm_medium=email&utm_source=emma&utm_content=std

Follow the link to join us in making a gift to honor this fair college on the hill, the home we know so well, the place that has indeed fostered incredible and important relationships!  We made our gift in honor of Shirley Hale, Shirley was the house mother at Pi Beta Phi when I was there, she is now our Granville Grandma.

Cha-Cha-Cha- the fun thing to say while singing happy birthday....and

how I feel about life on Newark-Granville Road, all the more so in December!

Keeping it real- I feel like I make progress- some gifts ordered, the holiday cards ordered, plans for holiday work cards, productive days, a beautiful tree hunt and ultimately decorated, then the dreaded question about- are you ready? My answer no, I'm never ready, I'm a December shopper! The count down- only 13 more days...how in the heck will gifts arrive, be wrapped and mailed back out....oh and there are still more to go, but I'll go this weekend, oh the kids are home- yay - they can help but I also need to buy for them...why don't I start earlier....Then a friend sends the perfect message on social media reminding me to breath, Joe and I are delighted by catching up with dear friends and being entertained oh so well at the PEO holiday party and I'm in the moment. It is a Cha-Cha- forward back and maybe add an electric slide spin!  If I'm crunchy forgive, me thank you for Grace, I'm real, I'm me and I'm grateful for all the things that do make December December and keep us cha-cha-chaing in life on Newark-Granville Road. Denison is one of those things and why we give!

Join the Granville Chamber of Commerce!

GACC Membership Page   Follow the link to learn more, we're excited about our new Individual Member! This is for folks that have retired, stepped away from work for a bit (stay at home parent?), or even work for a larger company but are remote and want to engage!   Please give this serious thought and encourage those you know to join! I'm also promoting regular memberships- membership matter, let yours go a bit ago- rejoin- now is the time!

Our community needs a strong Chamber of Commerce. Did you know the fabulous Granville Candlelight Walking Tour and Farmers Market are all coordinated by the GACC? The Economic Development Committee brings important stakeholders to the table to talk update and address important topics in our changing environment.  The Granville Magazine and Maps are fundraisers and an important tourism tools for our community, GACC makes it happen. There is so much more, but most importantly it brings people together to build relationships, trusted relationships to make life on Newark-Granville road and beyond what it is- join us!

The December 13th Holiday Meeting/Lucheon is a great time to get a sense of what we're all about - come with me! Register here and let me know you are attending, we'll sit together!

https://business.granvilleoh.com/events/details/holiday-member-meeting-and-luncheon-17259?calendarMonth=2023-12-01  We'll thank the outgoing board members and welcome the new board mebers. I'm grateful to all who have and will serve.

I look forward to discussing this robust organization with you, thanks for reading.

PS- already a member- thank you, Love to hear your thoughts and insights!

Thanksgiving 2023-Stoner Style

 Happy Thanksgiving, so much to be thankful for in our lives on Newark-Granville Road. Grateful to be hosting my family- all of us- this year! Peter arrived home last weekend, I picked Sally up on Tuesday after a bit of work, Sarah and family arrived in time for lunch on Wednesday, Nana/Mom arrived with Michael end of the afternoon and Clare, Matthew and his girls, Emma and Grace, flew in with general ease for a holiday flight. By 10 pm all had been fed and greeted! Bonus the Love-Fuller family joined us for chili/soup supper- what feels like a tradition now!

What I love about hosting:

• Going to the grocery- truly I do enjoy the grocery store and really don't go as often these days.  This meal required a few extra trips, including 6 am Kroeger run for the fresh parsley- I roast my turkey on top of this.  It has been a joy to see folks and have holiday hugs and wishes galore! Also great people watching.
• Work goes to the back burner, it has to, no way to plan and prep a meal like this without focus.  I heard Joe talking about why he likes to shoot sporting clays, another it was fly fishing, we've discussed skiing does this as well- nothing like the fear of dying rushing down a mountain to take your mind off work- is a statement I'll never forget. Richard was correct!
• I love setting a pretty table, using silver and china, the serving pieces!
• Getting the house ready, this year we hung art that had been queuing up!  Due to office move and a "new" piece- more later in the dining room - this activitiy was a nonnegioable. The room looks bigger!
• Having everyone home- I recognize this is special and it isn't as easy as it was when we started our life on Newark-Granville Road!!  Even our five with Clare working in DC, they do grow up!
• All the traditions- the Turkey Trot, the over under on times, smack talk, the Mattiomoes providing the perfect morning retreat and lovingly welcoming my whole family, the Thanksgiving Farmer's Market, my time to run errands and pick up my fresh turkey....
• Leftovers- oh yeah- more on that too!

There is more, but the day calls. I wanted to get an update out here, move the thoughts from my head to the screen, thank you for reading and sharing this very special life on Newark-Granville Road!

Sunday: And now the pictures that tell the story, not in chronological order...maybe later!  It was a really special Stoner holiday gathering and I miss each of them already! It wasn't perfect but it was real, we're family and we are who we are and I love it that way in this life on Newark-Granville Road.

Life on Newark-Granville Road 2023 Trot Time

FPC pre Trot gathering- impact reminder!

Eve of Tgiving Gathering

Trot Ready!

Friday night Cousins @ Cidery

Mattimoe Fun

Family pic at the Inn

Sunshine Stoners

f

Top Golf fun

Vicki came back to care for us, Greg adds the smiles!

What are we up to on Newark-Granville Road this 1st day of November

 This is also the way I simply chronicle important moments and share news.

1. Tonight- DePauw v Denison in Field Hockey- NCAC Tournament 1st round! DePauw finished 3rd in the Conference, Denison 2nd- so DU hosts- are grateful for this alignment. Who do we cheer for in our life on Newark-Granville Road? A: both/and of course! We can't lose right?? We want Sally and the team to keep playing and play well tonight. We are bleed Red as we cheer GBR (go big red).

Just love that Depauw put Sally on the game day social media post:

$7 entrance fee 5 pm Deeds Field, it will be cold!

2. It is All Saints Day, so of note, we're planning to attend The Memorial Service for Ken and Marcy Loats this Saturday, November 4 at 1 p.m. at Granville First Presbyterian Church.

https://www.newarkadvocate.com/obituaries/pwoo0599780

https://www.mcpeekfuneralhome.com/obituary/Ken-Loats

Ken was my June O advisor at Denison in 1986.  Fast forward we moved to Granville in 2000 to raise our family and The First Presbyterian Church of Granville became part of our home.  The Loats welcomed us.  They are both deeply missed and were indeed treasured members.  I miss reading Marcy's reflections from worship and engaging, she cared deeply about so many things. They both mattered and made a difference in our lives on Newark-Granville Road

Denison Mourns the Loss of Don Bonar as we reflect on important lives of impact, Don's must be included here.  We were so sorry to miss the service honoring his life and for his family and friends. Don was a beloved faculty of Joe's and Don remembered him!  When we bought our home in Granville, he told me that he was going to look back at Joe's grades to see how they related to his success. It was always a treat to engage with Don in town or on campus. He too is missed, he too leaves a legacy.

3. Cheers to all of this, raise a glass to the 10th Anniversary of Granville Brewing! Tonight they celebrate:

Today’s the DAY! This year marks our TENTH year of brewing up the best beer in Licking County And we want to celebrate with YOU! So please, come and join us for our TEN Year anniversary party! We’ll be rockin’ tonight from 3-9pm with $1 off ALL beers, some Bellybombers LLC for dinner, and a toast at 7pm If you haven’t checked us out yet, TODAY is the day! And we can’t wait to see you. Cheers!

From Facebook: 

That is it for now, life on Newark-Granville Road is special, and sharing it with you here on the blog makes the journey all the more rewarding. Thank you for reading.  

One more thing, yes yes- we're in the home stretch of the Joe Knows Granville Campaign to elect Joe Leithauser to Village Council! See the post below for updates. Grateful for each sign placement, conversation, and VOTE!

Peace, Love and Understanding

I am praying for peace and love, the understanding goes beyond praying and I am actively trying to understand more, know more- at home and abroad and certainly in the situation in Israel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAEjbCtZiqw  Israel at War: In the Beginning There Was the Word/ Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, this is an important, hard, sad, hopeful, beautiful video to watch and listen. I did so with tears nonstop and then I went to church. I needed my community of faith and my pastor's words.

I've written before on this platform about the important voice and perspective the Jewish faith has and continues to provide my life on Newark-Granivlle Road.  I thank the Denison parent who reached out and asked questions about our campus' support for students during this horrific time and happening and for sending me this video.

I'm following and listening to others with Palestinian connections, my heart breaks and I struggle to understand so much. At my church, I prayed, and this morning I prayed. I pray for healing, comfort, peace, and love not just for the Middle East, but those close and feeling such deep feelings. So many things happening to those close that need God's love and comfort and ours.  Wanting to be positive, there is also so much to celebrate and embrace- that was my travel for work last week and the weekend for us in our lives on Newark-Granville Road.  We know how fortunate and blessed we are.

Joe Leithauser for Granville Village Council - The Campaign and Installation

Joe was installed- twice! The first time to get things moving so he could vote and engage. It also allows Rob to complete his service, thank you Rob.  And then on 12-20-23 at the Council meeting with his children and wife observing he did it again and participated in his first meeting. We're proud of him on Newark-Granville Road!

We giggled, it was quite, Joe said- just like church- we giggle! It's okay we're happy and engaged, so grateful we all could be together on this special day.

11-8-23  Joe won! I'll share details and data at some point but feel like we should share the results on this post! More soon in the blog about being sworn in on 12-20-23 and how he'll want to engage, share and hear from village and community members!! THANK YOU for making this so, each sign, check, conversation mattered!  Life on Newark-Granville Road is going in an exciting new direction!

11-7-23  Today is the day- we just voted for Joe! Joe is the Way to Go- someone said that, cute tagline!!

Regardless if he wins or loses, he is committed to our community will be involved and will run again. Finding ways to integrate communication into his service.  Going door to door has been affirming and energizing for both of us!  THANK YOU to everyone for support, texts, signs in yards, events, messages, and talking him up we heard it was working when talking with great Granvillians!

FYI, Sally and Peter voted early when home for Fall breaks and Clare was via absentee ballot!

Life on Newark-Granville Road has been very interesting, I'm really proud of Joe.

 10/25/23- Link updated- I didn't get to watch live, but enjoyed reviewing on the YouTube link:

10/22/23   Learn more about Joe's insights, reasons, and experience:

https://www.newarkadvocate.com/story/news/local/granville/2023/10/20/granville-village-council-candidates-talk-development-water-service/71123645007/

Recorded Forum on Monday, Oct 23, 2023   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tghhRWLqgY8

The Granville Chamber Alliance and the League of Women Voters of Licking County will jointly host a ‘virtual’ Candidate Forum from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 23rd. Each candidate was afforded time for a brief opening statement and was asked to respond to two questions from among questions received from the community. Candidates also shared a brief closing statement. Please understand that this is not a debate format. Rather, the intent of this Forum is to allow candidates to share their own perspective and positions on key issues important to voters and to provide non-partisan education and information so that our local electorate is well informed about the upcoming election. Thank you in advance for your interest to become an informed voter!

Youtube Channel

Thank you to all that are learning more, supporting Joe, hosting signs and sharing information about his run for Village Council!

10./15/23- We have heard of the first vote for Joe, by Peter Leithauser!  Peter was home for fall break and the Wabash-Denison sporting events so he participated in early voting! Want to know about voting in Licking County, visit this site: https://www.boe.ohio.gov/licking/  Early voting info:

In Person Early Voting Hours

Board of Elections Office – 20 S. Second St., Newark

November 7, 2023 General Election

https://www.boe.ohio.gov/licking/election-info/early-voting-hours/

Want to know more about candidates and issues:

https://www.vote411.org/  The League of Women Voters is a valuable organization and provides this 411 site for details about issues and for candidates to answer questions and provide information to help you make a decision on how you cast your vote! Or maybe to help you think about questions for the candidates. Joe is ready to hear your thoughts and answer your questions. Communication is key, he knows this and Granville!  However he also needs to work with the other elected officials, volunteers and residents- so we all have an important role to play.

Life on Newark-Granville Road is interesting these days. Our grass-roots campaign appreciates your support! Signs, donations- see below, questions and dialogue- spread the word- Joe Knows Granville, if you can vote in the village Vote for Joe!

Wed Sept 27, 2023:

Yes, Joe is running for Granville Village Council.  Join us on Sunday, October 1, 2023 from 3-5 pm at Wildwood Park to learn more, sign up to assist, and make a contribution! We'll also be planning yard sign distribution and neighborhood canvassing!

If you would like to donate, the maximum donation he can accept is $100 per family member. You can Venmo support to VoteJoeLeithauser or send a check to Treasurer Rob Ley, made out to Elect Joe Leithauser, 726 Westwood Dr, Newark ,OH 43055.

If you can't meet at Wildwood, but want to assist send Joe an email at JoeKnowsGranville@gmail.com or text him at 740 587 0435.

Thank you for the support, interest and care for our community.

Life on Newark-Granville Road- something new and exciting- I'm proud of Joe and his commitment to our community at an important time.  I'll post more here and be sharing on social media!  Joe Knows Granville and wants to serve!

2023-24 Book Club List

 

For over twenty years this group has gathered and selected a year's worth of reading, for discussion! The 23-24 list is a good one. We meet on the 1st Monday of the month- except labor day. Most meetings are in the lobby at Cherry Valley Hotel at 7:30 p.m. Some people get a glass of something and we always discuss the book. You are welcome if you haven't but spoilers happen. We're social too, how could we not be.  It is a wonderful group, still all women, and an occasional guest male joins us. For me, the reading experience is enhanced when I process by talking, listening, and contemplating many elements and perspectives related to a read or listen!! Life on Newark-Granville Road is better when I'm reading with this group, Thank you all!