Cheers to the Holidays, 2022 Holiday Card Post

Themes work in our lives on Newark-Granville Road! It provides direction and facilitates focus. This year's holiday card is an example- the Cheer- is cheering for our kids, the kids on the field! The photos located are all connected to us in that activity, and this cheer is sports related.  Thank you for finding your way to the blog to learn more about how we put cheer in our year!  Cheers to:

Clare: Senior at College of Wooster (COW) Yes, a senior. 

• Summer Internship- DC, Mayor's Office. Navigated the city like a pro!
• If you know COW you know every student completes IS- Independent Study. Clare started her junior year and is progressing now. When you see Clare with a Tootsie Roll on Social Media or later in the blog- you'll know why! It will be a reason to cheer! If you see her ask her about her work- Olympics, political regime, economics, political science- liberal arts proud!
• Lacrosse and Field Hockey- she has an impact on the field and we're very proud of her accomplishments and how she balances and grows.
• What is next- the job hunt is on- exciting year!

Peter, Junior at Wabash

• Sunday updates are always fun with Peter, from the Delt fraternity house
• Great visit this year, one photo is with Scott and Ann- for Family weekend in the fall.
• Peter joined the Sphinx Club, he is always cheering for the Little Giants so it made sense. It is an honor and we're proud to see him in his "pot" (hat) and stripes (overalls).
• Peter works hard, last summer umpiring and taking an early shift at Home Depot. He seems to be doing the same in the classroom: Rhetoric major and Religion minor.

Sally, Senior- Granville High School

• How can this be our last year in the stands at Hodge Stadium? 
• Field Hockey and Lacrosse delight us, 
• Her hard work pays off, Early Decision to DePauw University, Indiana!
• Denison lifeguard, she has a Denison email, careful you might send an email to Susan or vice versa!
• Camp Alleghany- Counselor- J.C. last year, and returning in 2023 Summer.  Love that her happy place is one of our happy places- West Virginia.

Lucy- LOVES the care and friendships on Newark-Granville Road. Some extra special friends, you know who you are thank you for the care for our pup!

Joe  (Infoverity) and Susan-(Denison) continue to find work rewarding and cheers to Susan's school work at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IUPUI  The in-person classs over the summer really deepened the experience and 2023 will lead to a degree! 

Wishing you and yours a special holiday season making memories.

Continue cheers to lifting a glass to the past, the present, and the future.  There are setbacks and challenges, this life can't be perfect. Faith, family, friends, the love of a sweet pet, a walk in the great outdoors,  Life is truly good on Newark-Granville Road.

Let us know if you are visiting Granville, we'd love to see you! Plan for Derby 2023- Saturday, May 6, 2023!

Thankful for Leithauser Thanksgiving 2022

 It was exactly what I needed, what I think we all needed- family time, traditions, time away from work, and soaking in what life on Newark-Granville provides.  I like to chronicle our life for history's sake, I'll print the year's posts and maybe my family will enjoy it one day. Just as we loved looking at a photo album created by family members for Fannie/ Grandma-Great's birthday. So here was our 2022 Thanksgiving:

It really started with Matthew's visit from Saturday to Monday- he thanked me saying he needed the change of scenery and time together.  I thanked him for giving me one-on-one time.  We talked, reflected, and made plans and memories.  We soaked in Granville and Columbus- so much good here.

Peter arrived home on Sunday- we're always grateful when Gretel makes the trip. On Wednesday Sally was off and with the DU pool closed had more time to be home. I love the day to take the back roads to pick up the fresh turkey and other provisions, adding in some of my favorites along the way. Clare arrived in time for the one family-of-five dinner. The kids chose spicy noodles,  from Joe's repertoire. The evening launched with proper cocktails that included Shelborne Farm cheddar cheese. We ventured to Amanda and Brian's for a nightcap in front of the fire- long overdue!

Thursday's big day was a good one. I woke early to make stuffing and prep the turkey.  The schedule set by me this year was no rush, lots of savor. We walked to town for the Turkey Trot- thank you St. Luke's for this important philanthropic and community activity! I walked, enjoying the sites, conversations, and hugs, stopping to pull the turkey out for the get to room temp step.  The annual neighbor get-together to cheer passers-by and catch up over a beive and homemade scone was heaven!  It really is a perfect morning.

The afternoon allowed me to relish in meal prep, setting the table, and taking in being home with a full house! I watched the recorded parade and dog show. Joe's brother Scott and Ann arrived with their three kids, we're so fortunate to count them as friends and a rich tradition of holiday time. They rounded out the meal with contributed items so everyone would be pleased with the meal. Our menu:

Turkey (15 lb fresh and home made brine) with stuffing inside and separate (made with Granville Bread ciabatta)

Gravy

Cranberry Chutney- Colleen Pitt's recipe or as close to it as I can find

Mashed Potatoes

Sauerkraut

Scalloped Oysters

Peas

Green Bean Casserole (Ann)

A green salad- kale and squash (Cate)

Macaroni and Cheese (Caroline)

Cruiditare and Fruit Kabobs (creative offering as turkey from pumpkin)

Apple Crostini (Ann)

Pumpkin Pie (Cosco)

Chocolates- Goumas and Trader Joe

We hang out well, dinner was ready 4:30 ish, Ann offered a lovely prayer and we enjoyed the meal at the "new" bigger table. It was my great great grandmothers and my mom was right- it does look great in our dining room. We played games- kids before dinner-, mixed group, after. Joe broke a goblet and we are a competitive group so some voices were raised or not the most bucolic of tones maintained but it was all wonderful. Ann and I value our family times and I'm grateful for her partnership and how the kids and brothers embrace it.

The night ended with family movie night, an anticipated Disney film, not as good as I'd hoped but still an enjoyable wrap to a special day.

Friday we headed west to see Nadine and Jim's new place with the kids and then USA World Cup Soccer/Football game with Joe's extended family, a meal for 44- uniting cousins and aunts/uncles for the first time in 10 years- long overdue.  We opted to spend the night at the lovely Sauder Inn and enjoyed sipping and sharing for hours.

Saturday - home for OSU/Michigan tame- Peter downstairs and us in the living room. I am happy when my son is happy.  Joe takes the - he is happy when OSU fans are happy. We enjoyed turkey sandwiches with Utz chips. Dinner out with Hannah (Clare's dear friend from Wooster) before sending them back to Wooster. The slow reversing of family time.  Another Movie- this one met expectations and a good night's sleep.  

Sunday time to wrap up Thanksgiving and embrace the transition to the Christmas/December season, the Grater's peppermint stick ice cream helps!  Peter left early leaving me a bit blue, but church and turkey noodle soup address the melancholy. The afternoon was for school time in my office, also a queit prep time for what will be a robust end to 2023.

Life on Newark-Granville Road- I'm filled with gratitude and grateful for a weekend that is all about family, friends, good food, traditions, and being together. I know how lucky and fortunate I am.

Family Time on Newark-Granville Road

 My director asked me how I was going to relax this weekend?  My answer was, "my brother is coming to visit!"  It was a lovely weekend and one to blog to chronicle the sweet engagement and family time.  A few bonus things like Peter's arrival home and sharing Sally's good news. Life on Newark-Granville Road has family at its core.

the Tree Time subjects

Dawes- cold climb

Tree Time at the Granville Library

Sally's Big News- Early D!

FPC with Grandma Shirley

November- Time to Vote- My Musings

Maybe you already voted early- good for you, thank you. In my life on Newark-Granville Road I like to vote on election day, I value the conversations Joe and I have leading up to the day, I value the conversation our book club (Discussing Books at CVH)  has the eve of the election. Joe and I don't always vote the same way - that is ok. Friends can disagree and discuss, I am thankful that I have friends that think differently and we can discuss without judgement, okay maybe with judgement but we remain friends and maintain respect. I am proud of our college kids voting absentee this year and probably differently. Bottom line- PLEASE VOTE and I encourage you to be a thoughtful, informed voter.

Some thoughts and resources I want to promote and have you consider:

https://www.vote411.org/ 

https://ballotpedia.org/Ohio_elections,_2022                      

 

https://www.judicialvotescount.org/

Issue number one on our ballot in Ohio is important. I had the good fortunate to hear Justice Sharon Kennedy (also on the ballot and receiving my vote, call me and I'll tell you more or why) She explained how serious this issue is. Public safety is on the ballot.  We are voting Yes for the Amendment.

We live in complicated times, being informed, thoughtful voters isn't easy The extremisms is of great concern to me, I'm a moderate. I see both sides. I process by asking questions hearing insights and talking.  I miss Sunday dinners where my grandmother (gaga) and father disagreed and shared their passion but loved one another deeply, supported and respected one another.  One of the reasons I liked it when the party wasn't connected to the Judges- we voted for the person not the party.

Craig Baldwin also receives my vote, Craig welcomed us to the community and I've seen how much he cares for all he serves in all the counties, in his district. His commitment to the appeal process and the law is needed on the bench.  I'd like to discuss this election with you, again give me a call, send me an email or stop me.  

Granville School Levy- the other sign in our yard- we limit how many we will put there and we have to know the person well and be involved with the organization/issue. Joe chaired the levy last election and I'm proud of that work.  The Granville Schools are excellent, our children are prepared for life and their next steps because of our school district. The Ohio school funding model is what it is and additional funding streams are critical beyond state dollars.  Explaining taxes to our children is interesting and I'm very focused on fiscal responsibility. Again, it isn't simple. Taxes are part of the fabric of our society and how we support our communities.  This tax matters and makes a difference.  The  opposition in Granville is telling us not to vote for it because it is a permanent tax.  My gut says they wouldn't vote for it and don't want you to vote for it no matter what it is.  Operating a school or any entity takes money. Teachers and personnel and their benefits are the highest cost, our tax dollars ensure we have good teachers and staff and they stay here continuing to make a difference for our students in Granville.  

That said, we do need additional commercial tax income in our area and I hope you'll talk to me about how to make that happen and what role you can play- join the Granville chamber of Commerce to assist!

Okay- way more to discuss but I'll sign off for now, call me, stop me when you see me and let's discuss this ballot, issues and more and we should do this beyond the week of the elections.  I'd appreciate hearing how you are casting your vote and why.  Thank you for reading and sharing in my life on Newark-Granville Road.

Thinking of these things...

 So much to share and encourage readers to engage in life on Newark-Granville Road!

GACC- Granville Chamber of Commerce

• Economic Development, I serve as co-chair of the Granville Chamber of Commerce Econ Development Committee.  Good work is being done here, and not just because of Intel and other growth in our county! But there is more work to be done, we all must keep communicating, listening, sharing, meeting, attending, and being involved.   Related to Intel and Growth in Licking County- 
• FrameWork: https://frameworklc.org/  The Evans foundation has convened an important group to assist, please do your part and follow the link, sign up for the emails and take the 1 question survey being asked now. It is urgent and important and only you can provide YOUR insights.  
• Keep me posted on your thoughts. Thank you to those that do this, I value the text, calls, and coffee related.
• Membership- interested in learning more about what it means to be a Member of the GACC, let me help.  Healthy Economic Development means a healthy chamber. A healthy chamber means members! Members that engage, utilize the services, help other members and lift up our community to be the best it can be!  Use to be a member, come back, now is the time, we need you! Still thinking about it- let's talk!
• https://www.granvilleoh.com/

Art, Amanda Love, my dear neighbor, and friend, has been busy!! 

• https://hammondharkins.com/  Hammond Harkins- go see it before it goes, Nov 12th! A stunning exhibit and a treat to visit the short north, Go!
• Tree Time, Licking County Libraries- Road Trip, I need to get going on this! I adore this installation and am excited for time with these special trees in very special places!  https://www.lickingcountylibrary.org/news-events/tree-time-with-amanda-love/
• Esme- https://www.esmechicago.com/  Art and Fine Dining, Creativity, Inspiration and so much more!! Opens November 4- I'm working on when and with whom I'll make my trip, can't wait!
• Learn more here:  https://amanda-love.com/home

Denison has kept me busy in my life on Newark-Granville Road and I loved every minute! Social media tells the stories. I've been to San Fran, DC, and NYC. We've dedicated the Ann and Tom Hoaglin Wellness Center and the Berlet Family Scoreboard. Engaging with very special friends that are donors and volunteers this month is such a treat! Student interaction a highlight, proud to say Joe and I helped White Team for Golf's Ryder Cup bring home the W!

Leithauser 5 Exciting times for the kids- Clare's senior day was outstanding and they had a great W in OT! That will be the last time I see her with a stick and we're so proud. We had fun making a video to honor her and tell her story. Thank you to the dear parents, players, and coaches that have become friends! GO SCOTS!

Joe and Sally had an important trip to DePauw, she met with both field hockey and lacrosse coaches, went to a class, and spent the night...more later...will Sally be a Tiger? Exciting times! Joe went to see Peter, and that warmed my heart. We both go next weekend for the last parents' weekend of our season.  Congrats to Sally's GHS Field Hockey Team- sweet 16 for tourney time!

Church today's scripture is the way to wrap up this post, as it is so true:

Philippians 4:8

King James Version

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

September Beauty and October Catch-up

October has arrived and brings the true fall. Now life on Newark-Granville Road has to catch up. I finally took the summer, well it really is spring decor, down from the front door and put up a fall wreath.  The glass pumpkins are calling to me from their crates and we're enjoying delicious apples Joe picks up weekly at Lynds.

September was beautiful. It wrapped up with  Big Red Weekend at Denison: Denison BRW Pics and this article: Article @ BRW 22   I'm proud and grateful for the work and relationships.  Joe split the transition with a visit "home" for his high school reunion and we had a great time sharing stories on Sunday.  We sure make great memories living in our college town- see the photos below!

The month started with three weekends in a row of Fighting Scott Field Hockey- oh how I love to sit in that Papp stadium and just be her mom.  What a great group of parents and a fantastic place Clare calls home. 

Sally's senior season is impressive and the inspiration for the post title.  Watching her out there defending is a thing of beauty. Her homecoming style- classic beauty:

Sally and Esme 

I didn't act fast enough to buy the senior day pictures from the official photographer but I did enjoy walking across that field with Joe and Sally.  She is working hard and we're proud of her commitment to school, friends, team, and family. Senior is exciting!

Meanwhile, Peter is happy at Wabash-I'll share a photo to keep things equal with updates on all three kids.  The guys in the red stripes- Sphinx Club members.

The big news in the extended family is my Mom's move to Woodbine, MD with Michale Bolinger. We're happy and grateful for this special relationship.  Packing up and moving wasn't simple but she owned it and did really well. Thanks to Sarah and Matt for their support and help, and Greg and Joe too.  Uhaul drives, and attending real estate closings are the "other duties as assigned" in a marriage. It is a beautiful new house and a very special relationship.  She will miss Hagerstown but will stay engaged and we're grateful for all the love and support she has there.

I traveled to San Fran and DC- our country is beautiful and September provided so much gorgeous weather, truly summer-like or end of summer as Summer does not end until the solstice!  I didn't golf, I didn't swim but I enjoyed open-toe shoes and special fresh-air moments with great people! Hiking the "Stanford Dish" was one example.  

I'll try to post before November! If not you know it is because I'm enjoying this beautiful life on Newark-Granville Road.

Book Club of 2022-23

Every year as the summer transitions to fall, women that enjoy reading, learning and one another's company gather to recommend, select and slate books for a year of reading and discussing the tomes. They also embrace the social aspect by catching up on one another's lives and enjoying shared libations and nosh.  Life on Newark-Granville Road presents this year's list for the Discussing Books at CVH group.  Join us- on the 1st Monday of the month!