Search This Blog

Sunday, November 4, 2012

The Saints in our lives.....

During church today, Rev. Karen asked....who are the saints in your life?  We told the kids they'd needed to pay attention to the sermon today as we would be discussing it at family dinner.  I'm pretty pleased that when at dinner, hours later, we asked- "what was the sermon about?"- they were able to answer- Saints!  They were able to talk to the definition pretty well and engage in conversation with us.  When we went around and answered- who are the saints- they immediately gave the answer they thought they should- us, teachers and some others.  We explained- we aren't saints for taking care of them- that is our job.  We even said the same about teachers, however we then explained that teachers that have gone beyond the call of duty, that have stayed in touch with them, that look out for them when they don't even know it- those are saints.  Mrs. Stankunas' name was quickly mentioned. The other names shared around the table: Rev Thom, "remember Ruth- she was the person who made good things happen at church for us"; Rev Karen, Mrs. Miggo, Cannon and Laura, Judge and Mrs. Baldwin, Miss Marcia, the lady that mails us our Halloween cards every year....., Mrs Havill, Mrs. LoRAso, Mrs. Michael- but she moved to Africa but she still thinks about us.   The children's dictionary definition of saint  "2. A very kind and patient person." The subject was soon changed, I know many more names would of been shared  and we could of gone further into the definition but that is life around our table on Newark-Granville road- topics are plenty and paced.

I take the time now to say thanks to those good people that my children know and that know and accept my energetic, individual children and our hurried family bouncing from event to event, showing up late here and there.  I am so grateful for those that are in our hearts and cared for  Joe and I all our lives. The saints of our community and those communities that are in desperate need of saintly actions.  The saints that paved the way, challenged status quo, took their faith to heart and gave us our world we often take for granted.

We're so blessed to have so many people that know our family, assist us, look out for us and model the way to help us all live a more spiritual life because of their care.  Life is all the more special because these saints have been and are in our life on Newark-Granville Road.


Saturday, November 3, 2012

The Little Things

Yes it is the little things that make a BIG difference.  Picking up from yesterday's what makes me happy theme on my blog.  I actually had the idea of happiness is.... pop into my head yesterday morning when for the 2nd day in a row, I put on a winter coat that has been hanging in the hall closet for almost a year, I put my hand in the pocket and voila- a favorite lipstick was there!  I'm not a girl who has to always have her lipstick on- like my mother- however it is the little final touch that does make me feel a bit more "ready to go"- plus my lips are often dry and I like a product that keeps them feeling good!   So yes happiness is.....finding something in your pocket that you've been missing!

The little things often aren't little- they take that extra bit of effort that could easily be skipped.   This fall I realized that all of my lipsticks/glosses really- had gone missing. Now we know where....a business owner friend actually delivered them to my house, so I wouldn't have to take the time from my day and deal with construction. THANK YOU Gloria at Rejeuvenations for the extra effort that meant so much to me!!

Other little things that mean a lot to me.....Kids are you reading...hmm- I don't think my kids to read my blogs....
1. picking up after yourself.  These candy wrappers are driving me nuts.
2. Real Mail- I received two hand written notes addressed to me today!!!
3. Personalized Christmas Cards - just a quick note or signature....I know it isn't the norm and I am so happy to get the card any way (see above)- just a little extra I value.
4. Personalized asks for money.....I try to do this at work and I KNOW it isn't possible and the funds come in without them but I like the personal approach.  Patrcia Finkelman-I've shared this with you before but the Women's Fund's Annual Fund campaign is AMAZING and your note inspires me in so many ways!
5. The passing hello and smile...again often not the norm in today's world but I'll just say how much I value it and it pays off!  The "Denison" hello is what it was called at one point on the hill- passing on chapel walk you always acknowledged the person passing by....

Life on Newark-Granville road is filled with little things that add up to a very blessed life indeed- thanks for the comment Cheri!


Happiness on Newark-Granville Road Is.....

Okay- four minutes to go so I can meet the post every day challenge....however I think I may declare the definition of posting every day as posting before I go to bed, that doesn't put the midnight restriction into my effort.

Actually I am pretty tired and happy to share what made me happy today, which may be inspiration for a future blog this month...or maybe someoneelse's.  Big thanks to Cheri and her blog and blog challenge....Napleshttp://naplesgirlblog.com/2012/11/02/fellow-bloggers/  She posted these other bloggers to take a look at, they too will be blogging daily!


  1. The Spectacled Bean - Stop on over and check out Ally’s new post on Color & Clarity and then keep checking back each day to see what new things are happening there.
  2. My Happy Nest – See why Sara is so thankful these days and find out what November will bring to her already busy schedule
  3.  Lovellie Commentary – Ellie always has some great opinions to share.  Check out her latest on the CMA Awards.  Good stuff here.  Glad you are joining us, Ellie!
  4.  A Simple, Village Undertaker – Although Ray has been a consistent blogger for some time now, he, too, has accepted this challenge.  You will love reading his stuff and you will find some new blogs to follow as well.
Anyway back to what made me happy today:

-roasting a marshmallow on a beautiful screened in porch, overlooking the lights of Newark-Granville Road.
-sitting around a round table catching up, laughing, sharing, enjoying good wine and yummy food with friends.
-honoring good work, being part of an event put on by our community hospital.
-engaging with caring co-workers.
-sharing the energy of and with business supporters and growers
-fixing a potential health issue- minor- and seeing innovative technology at work by competent caring professionals.
-feeling the energy of shared passion.
-getting dressed for a day that brought all the fun it had the potential to
 bring.
-puppy kisses and hugs.
-cuddling and hugging kids.
-talking with my mom on the phone in the morning.
-smiling at a message from my husband, and the fact he makes me giddy when I think about Friday night date night with him.

Yes I have a very happy life on Newark-Granville Road....

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Daily Posts on Newark-Granvile Road: Welcome to Denison Dr. Weinberg

http://www.denison.edu/theden/2012/11/denisons-next-president/

Cheri- I accept the challenge and will do my best to post a daily blog entry every day in November. I didn't know about the Blog Post but thanks to your blog I do now! http://www.blogher.com/sign-novembers-nablopomo-and-join-blogging-party

So today's big news to comment and share....Denison's new president.  We are certainly sad to be saying farewell to President Dr. Dale T. Knobel.  My first year working at Denison was traveling with Dale and often Tina to introduce the wonderful alumni clubs across the country to him/them. That was a great job.  I so enjoyed the opportunity and seeing Dale in action with the caring, concerned, engaged Denisonians.  He became a Denisonian- or reconnected as one- he spent his first year of college at Denison so very well.  And that is the great news- he'll remain connected as so many of us do. Dale deserves his retirement and we're thankful for all he's done.

Joe and I are both very pleased about the selection of the new president.  The video on the Denison DEN webpage- see link above and please watch the video!  Dr. Weinberg shares the things that excite us about Denison and our lives on Newark-Granville road!! We're big fans of our liberal arts education and what it offers our community and future Denisonians. We love how it aligns with our lives and how we're raising our children.  It is one of the reasons we are so committed to The Works and our church in many ways as well- we learn at church across disciplines- we don't just worship and life long learning is key to Denison. And The Works- Ohio's Center for Art, History and Technology- need I say more.

Another aspect of Dr. Adam Weinberg's perspective that we admire is his global perspective and experience!  We truly value and want to know more about the world beyond Granville, Ohio, the US and we think it is a smart move to have Denison's leadership expanding out beautiful bubble a bit more.  Dale's tenure has embraced that and we're grateful for all the portals he's encouraged and inspired- particularly those in Newark.  We also value his commitment to the liberal arts experience abroad and now we see how that ties to his successor.

Denison creates leaders.  Or better said Denison's education and experiences cultivate, challenge and equip leaders for the world.  My father noted this and will tell you it is one of his favorite aspects of Denison.  All three of his children benefited from the experience and education in ways I can't even begin to describe tonight. No doubt about it future President Weinberg- you'll be at home on the hill and around Newark-Granville Road and we look forward to welcoming you!

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Joe and Susan's Cuban Adventure

What to call this time away from Newark-Granville Road? A vacation- in some ways yes, it was so much more than a trip, our travel south was truly an adventure far away from life on Newark-Granville Road.  Joe and I had the privilege to book with the Licking County Chamber of Commerce a "people to people tour" to Cuba. We are grateful for opportunity to access to this beautiful island Joe had always wanted to visit.  The experience was so much more than what I anticipated.

We were there for 8 days and 7 nights.  We were able to enjoy the afternoon before we departed Miami in South Beach.   Our getaway had some amazing perks that could put it in the vacation category- like swimming in the Atlantic Ocean- sooooo warm and beautiful shades of blues from indigo to midnight, cool white sand with tiny shells; no kids, no reservations to make, our own driver and tour guide and most of all no access to cell, Internet- we both relaxed and slept so well!  However the amount of learning and exploring we did (most with limited access to English- the tour guide did a great job with translation and explanations, however very little written English anywhere.  Even the book we bought on Cuba was in Spanish- oops.  Know Joe did so well- we even ventured off on our own many nights and engaged in rewarding and special conversations with those that wanted to practice some English and were pleased to help Joe with his Spanish!) it was really more of a learning opportunity.

Learning about so much more than a place.  We have a better understanding of political relations and the economic environment there - it weighed on me while we were there and still is to be honest.  It was hard to enjoy the glutenous buffets while seeing the lack of food available to most of the population.  Our accommodations were fine, nice by some definitions if you could look beyond the mold on the bathroom door or shower issues; but compared to the thousands of homes we looked into on streets and alleys and in the countryside we had high end luxury.  Know that we felt extremely safe as we walked dark streets- empty and crowded both in the evenings.  Know that the people were thrilled to talk with us and were happy to engage and host us- there is great pride on this beautiful island.

Despite Cuba's poor run down appearance- so much has been left to just fade to nothing and deteriorate.  The island is filled with riches- items we could not return with I'm afraid- items from the "blockade" as they call the embargo. Rum, sipping rum- didn't even need much lime or mint- although the original daiquiri and mojito are lovely!! Cigars- yes Joe smoked one most evenings- we found the perfect spot at the National Hotel's veranda nothing like what it must of been in the 50s and far from today's Greenbrier - but lovely in its own way.  The visit to the cigar factory, tobacco farm (a small 3 acre homestead with coffee tree, cacao/chocolate tree, peach tree, banana tree) to see the drying barn and smoke a cigar rolled from the tobacco grown and cured there. And the coffee- every morning, every meal the espresso was full and mellow, dark and strong.  Also know the food was really very very good!  We dined mostly at state renovated and owned/operated restaurants. Most in historic buildings and always at well set tables with a welcome rum cocktail, vegetable salad (cabbage, cucumbers and something else), bread with butter (first couple butters a bit off and the dairy farmer from Norway whom we sat with at breakfast one day agreed the milk just tasted different.) The Spanish influence is everywhere in Cuba - feel of the cities, food tastes- much more European than island or Mexican-South American.  We loved the Creole food that was provided a few times- roasted chicken, black beans and rice.  This month's Food and Wine magazine has an article "Havana Homecoming" that summarizes our visit wtih food very very well!  We had a great deal of seafood-warm water lobsters, shrimp, delicious meaty filets.  The beef was always yummy and often had a sauce that accompanied the meal with perfect balance.  I even was treated to soft boiled eggs most mornings on the breakfast buffet!

We traveled to Havana, Santa Clara, Cienfuegos- our favorite and in the best shape as far as we could tell, Pinar del Rio- breathtaking valley! We toured factories, learned a whole lot about the Revelution and Che Guevara- who is everywhere there, much more so than Castro. There was music at every turn and every meal and quite quite good!  Our hotel- the Havana Libre was the Havana Hilton and played a key role during the revolution- Castro and group taking over several floors.  Russian embassay setting up base there too at one point.  Our other hotel was an all inclusive resort that gave us a sample of what we've heard the Europeans enjoy taking in- not our thing but we found ways to enjoy it- primarily the opportunity to get to know our fellow travelers and tour guides, take in the amazing night skies filled with stars. I was able to be the conductor on a steam locomotive- my cheeks hurt from smiling the whole way and yes I did sing "casey jones" both versions Cash and Dead. The art was wonderful- local/nieve and the National Museum of Fine Arts- opened in 1954- Omar the tour guide was a highlight and treat!! Joe was the one who danced with the locals this trip (I LOVED my dance in china) and that happened at one of my favorite stops- the older folks in a community group called- joy of life- shared with us their activities, crafts and way of life in Cuba of today. Positive attitudes are inspiring in a place like Cuba!! At the beautiful cemetery- almost nicest place we visited - I learned about recycling of coffins and burial processes. Hemingway's farm was an inspiration and beautiful change of pace.

I can't give you all the nitty gritty details of this trip but am happy to answer questions and I encourage you to read our leader's blog:
http://naplesgirl.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/cuba-2012-048.jpg  Cheri is doing an outstanding job sharing her perspective from the adventure!

We didn't get to see baseball directly. We almost did and that will be a story for another day.....know that we loved this adventure, loved being together and would love to answer your questions and discuss this fascinating and beautiful place with you...preferably with rum and a cigar!!  I also must say that more than ever I'm grateful for our freedom- that freedom that is protected daily by our military and government. Life on Newark-Granville road is beautiful and I take way too much for granted. The balance between our public and private sectors have to allow for opportunity and growth amaze, inspire and fuel me more than ever after this Cuban adventure.

Photos can be found on our photo site: http://granvilleleithausers.shutterfly.com/  or email me and I can send you them- ssleithauser@gmail.com

Monday, September 24, 2012

The Good News About Glitter!!

The good news about glitter is it never really goes away.  You find a bit here and there and it takes you back to the fun and festivity! It REFLECTS the beauty and joy of what it was there to do.  On Newark-Granville road HATSOFF has filled our lives for some time.  It is reflected in this blog as so many great things have been happening on NG road but I haven't posted....school start up- see photo, baptisms, important birthdays of dear friends a 1st and a 50th and so much more!

Anyhoo- back to glitter- found this fun quote: Personality is the glitter that sends your little gleam across the footlights and the orchestra pit into that big black space where the audience is.   Mae West 


Reality is I'm not really a glitter girl but I had fun with it for this important event.  I'll update the last blog post with the results and how the top ten things worked out for HATSOFF! this year but what I really want you to know is about the personalities that made HATSOFF the success.  This year we had an incredible team of volunteers leading the effort! We also had an amazing staff supporting and working with this group and being very present to execute the event on Saturday.  And rounding it all out to make it work, more volunteers to help pull it off and then donors- everyone that attended, gave an item, provided in-kind efforts- it all pulled together to create a shining success to highlight and light up our beloved community gem- The Works!

Pat and Linda Jeffries- our chairs!  Wow- what a pleasure to work with these two happy, dedicated, engaging leaders in our community.  They made it easy and fun the whole way.  Pat said he wanted this to be the best and biggest one yet and he did it.  True leader, great team together and with others- my hat goes off to them and I'm grateful. I'm also so fortunate to call them friends.

Dan and Emily Wilson- another dynamic duo!  Dan led production - this team accepted the challenge to grow and develop this event beyond where it was.  His partnership with Dave Fryman and the team (Fred Nickerson, Ted Handel, Dave Shull and many more) was a delight to see in action. The ideas, the conversations, the brainstorming, the execution- pure gifts, talent and creativity in motion!! Dave's history and heritage added an invaluable element. His witt and care brought much success.  Dave made me smile and connected ideas and concepts like no one else!  Emily jumped in and joined the team adding her expertise and access, vision and energy- we lucked out in so many ways. Emily partnered with Kristen Stare- could there be a nicer more talented person! Kristen's style matched Emily and the two executed the theme in away I never could of imagined! Kristen's low key nice approach was so valuable as well!  This whole committee was amazing- Ted Handel's partnership has to be noticed- his love of The Works is so valuable!

Erin Kennedy was a wonderful asset to the team leading by example and inspiring every day! Her presence and perspective never dimmed!  What a joy to have on the team and part of this special journey! Deb Kohman's connections delighted and moved us beyond where we've been. Another impressive person with passion for this wonderful community and county!  Although not on the executive committee- Mary Kurek took ownership and dazzled us with the fun Wall of Wine chance area!! Mary is one of the kindest nicest people I know and supports The Works so very well!

Danielle Ford-I've been lucky enough to know Danielle for years- in fact HATSOFF 2003 (the 1st one) was the start of that friendship. Her commitment, approach to being hands-on where ever needed, her insight and talents make the Works what it is!  The silver she polished didn't outshine her contributions, what a blessing to have Danielle's leadership and elegant inspiration.

Janice and Jenna were key members of the team and their personalities and behind the scenes work served as the glue that allowed the glitter to do what it needed to do!  Both of these women have hit their stride at The Works helping with HATSOFF in their specific ways but in all WORKS efforts- we're lucky to have them interacting, leading and inspiring staff and volunteers!

Marcia Downes- what an innovator, imagineener and leader that reflects what we all want to be- passionate, caring, fun and creative!

I could go on and on but I'll stop- HATSOFF! 2012 was a showstopper thanks to these personalities and their work!!  The event was far from perfect and we'll continue to apply lessons learned as we have in the past.  We are grateful to those that worked so hard to get us to the point of success- past HATSOFF chairs and committee members as well as current and past WORKS board members! We appreciate all the donors and volunteers and staff - we couldn't do it without them.

It is time to put the glitter away but I look forward to finding it again when I least expect it or when I need to dig in for the lessons there and I know the shine of the evening will carry the Works for quite some time.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Top Ten Reasons to attend HATSOFF! Reflection.Imagination. Innovation.

Updating on Sept 24th!!  HATSOFF! was a great success- not only in fundraising, but friendraising and FUN in fundraising!  Funds were raised but the energy and warmth radiating from the Works museum and tent that night were amazing!  Joe and I shared a few favorites yesterday and there they are:

Life on Newark-Granville Road is ALL about HATSOFF! these days! Here are just a few reasons you'll want to join Joe and me on September 22nd for this special event that supports a special place- THE WORKS: Ohio's Center for History, Art and Technology!

10. You might win the raffle for the 1 + carat diamond that Myers and Pugh Designer Jewelers, Inc has generously donated (note you don't have to be present to win but it would be so much more fun if the winner was there! $25 raffle tickets (5 for $100) will available soon! Let me know if you want one- I'll deliver!  Raffle tickets are gambling so no tax benefit BUT you do support The Works and have a chance to win a BIG DIAMOND!

Watching Tammy Nickerson win this was AWESOME! I jumped up and down when I heard her name called!  Tammy does wonderful things in the community and her husband Fred was a key part of the team that took HATSOFF! to the next level. The fun jewelry chance addition was great and we're so pleased to have partners like Mike and Kevin from Myers and Pugh and their great team on board!!  They deserved this win!!!

9. Silent Auction- AMAZING things- things you can't get anywhere else, OK maybe in California or if you go out to Itsy some of the very talented artist have pieces there- but of course the most wonderful thing is if you buy something, you are supporting The Works and you get a tax deduction!  We're so grateful to our donors- by the way if you still want to contribute- I can help you do that- GREAT way to support The Works and connect good folks with your products, services, location, etc....

We broke our own record with income and I have to say it all LOOKED incredible too- what fun to see how they were presented!  Amazing donations, amazing connections and all for a great cause that showcase the good donors and their products and services and support THE WORKS!! And lucky me Joe surprised me with the Ginny Sharkey painting- my first, our YMCA membership woo hoo and Pearly Vine Sweater and scarf I'll be wearing a lot- trading the glitter in for color again!

8. Wall of Wine - we love to play @ the Works and this is a game!  You'll pick a bottle from a wall- you won't see what kind of wine it is...you'll get a chance to go home with something yummy- anything from Dom Perignon to something from a private collectors cellar!  Even if you get two buck chuck you'll be part of the fun!

Okay- WOW this was cool! Mary Kurek made it work- oh did she make it work! The way it was presented was beautiful- another way to showcase our theme! The women working this area sold out their bottles quick quick quick.  I was able to watch the woman who won the Dom Perignon and that was another highlight- she was tickled and so happily delighted- as was her host- Erin Kennedy- if Erin couldn't win (She deserved it) it belonged with her family!!

7. Be the first to see Aminah Robison's Life Journal's A Historical Collection exhibit @ The Works!  And Aminah may join us for this special event! This award winning artist aligns with the Works mission to journal and celebrate history and community!  Hammond Harkin Galleries is a special supporter and we're grateful for their partnership for this exhibit in Licking County!

And it is an exhibit you don't want to miss and you'll want to see a number of times- not to mention the events that go along with it. Aminah was wonderful, so gracious and inspiring.  This was a special part of this year's event!! Art deserves a special place for HATSOFF and the gallery made us all proud and represented what THE WORKS is all about- Aminah is a visual historian!!!

6. Night out like no other- the museum will be decorated to showcase the theme and shine- it will be this way only once and you won't want to miss it!  Dinner is provided by LMH and for the first time will be a seated served dinner- you won't want to miss it!! Beverages will accompany the evening and help us celebrate in style! An incredible committee is working hard- we can't do it without these fantastic volunteers!

YUM!!! LMH rocked it like no other- our filet and shrimp, creative and delicious appetizers. What an elegant and special evening.  Not only was it wonderful for guests- great for volunteers and this party planner.  I can't thank LMH's Brian, Colin and Krista enough- they worked hard and made our lives during HATSOFF so much easier!! The same goes for the decorations- wow- the ladies' rooms were killer.  The museum sparkled and just looked gorgeous!!

5. Opportunity to stay at The Newark Metropolitan Hotel for a special rate of $119 that includes brunch the next morning, a shuttle service- what a fun place to return to and keep the party going at Elements!  GREAT HOTEL!!!! Fun to see downtown so alive and well- we stayed Friday and Saturday- the place was happening.  Comfy and updated- what a treat!!

4. Dancing to the The Randy's- Columbus' eclectic band that gets you moving.  The band didn't disappoint- we just didn't get enough time with them....oh well- the auction was fun too!!

3. Live Auction- amazing items to bid on that you won't find anywhere else- dinner parties, boat cruises, artwork, travel opportunities!!  Gail Hogan will be on hand from Daytime Columbus to emcee the event. The support The Works receives on these items is awesome- don't miss it!! Can't get there for some important reason- talk to me or friends and we can help you with bidding in abstention!

OMG- what a night- such support from our community for The Works! Sam and Debbie from Appletree, Gail Hogan from Channel 4 and our own chair- Pat Jeffries made it all work!  But our donors and bidders and cheerleaders raised funds to keep the Works working well!!! The coolest thing was many items ended up being doubled so we had lots of lucky winners and get to say double thanks to our donors!

2. Spend the evening with amazing people! Our wonderful sponsors are filing their tables, the RSVPs are coming in with wonderful folks-it is going to be the place to be on Sept 22nd and you are not going to want to miss this evening.  Pat and Linda Jeffries and their committee chairs be wonderful hosts!!!  Yes sponsorships still available!!!

Amen to this one- we met our goal and filled all our tables- the bigger tent paid off and we're grateful.  The interesting, fun, engaging, beautiful inside and out crowd gave an energy like no other- the leadership set the tone and it all came together!!

1. The Works: Ohio's Center for Art, History and Technology depends on this event and the funds raised- every donation (tickets, auction item, sponsorship, donation, volunteer hour) makes it happen and allows this interactive learning center where people of all ages can have fun and be inspired by the history, technology and artistic accomplishments of the communities we serve. Over 60,000 guests including schools from 16 counties connect with cross discipline learning in fun creative and ways that includes amazing partnerships with industry and businesses in the area!  Be there on September 22nd to experience it first hand and learn more!!

Good things are happening at The Works- but it only can happen if we bring in support like HATSOFF! 2012 did!  We showed a beautiful video put together by Gene Warman Productions- I can't wait to show it to you- it highlights our past, present and future so very well! We played the video at the dining room table on Newark-Granville Road and the kids were pulled in- they agreed with the quotes from those interviewed and added their own thoughts about our very special place, The Works!

For details visit www.attheworks.org or call me at 614 507 0751 and I'll give you all the details and help connect you to HATSOFF! 2012!  thanks for reading!!