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!