August Gratitude...an open window...

This post has been brewing in my head for some time and it just didn't have shape. So I'll offer gratitude, an open window the foundation and start...

There was an open window in a house in my view when the Newark-Granville Symphony performed on a Sunday evening in August at Robbins Hunter museum.  It really was a wonderful evening. There are too many people to thank for this, but those close to me or I know....Sue Larson, Joleen Minton, Ben Shirley, the Butlers next door....Joe, the home owner with the open window that caught my attention. This window evokes such lovely memories and thoughts..life on Newark-Granville Road, or Mulford, or Forrest Drive....why I love the screened in porch. Windows share breeze sand fresh air in such special ways and sounds! Ease dropping or messages sent from the universe, or the opportunity to be in that moment with a bird, or a passing car, or the splash from rain....to be in the room with that window hearing the symphony that evening...oh....

I'm opening my windows more often these days- ahhh- car windows too...sitting outside when I can at work, riding the Vespa...ahhhhh wind in my hair, yes I get teary when listening to Ben's composition or the temps are cool...and sharing my thoughts on the blog while sitting on the porch.

Let me know if you want to see the photo I snapped of the open window...

Dancing..Joe and I have danced a few nights away in August...we can say we dance like on one is watching...but people did share a video, we saw some pics...so we know...and we don't care..we love to dance and feel the music, and smile and let the music take over...it was the Cure, it wasn't Friday in Love but something else that indeed motivated Joe out there with me.  Dear beautiful Morgan and Carter's wedding also had me non stop on the dance floor. Grandmother Sandy thanked me at brunch for dancing with her...ha...thank you Sandy for dancing with me...what an honor to share such a special, amazing, beautiful day when time stood still. Nothing else mattered but an afternoon and evening in Columbus celebrating love, commitment, friendship and family!  Town and County's event the next week was similar- Joe and I embraced time at the Villa for a in-town get-away and to experience our club with a different perspective.  Picturesque is the word I use for Licking Springs/Trout Club/Horns Hill area and it is apprapro! Being their first thing in the morning affirms this. Want to know more about staying in a villa let me know!

Denison's year is launched with many events that are meaningful- football welcome, sports move-in, inducition, recruting FLC members, Strawberries on the lawn and first faculty meeting, retreats, drinks at the Inn...such good, smart people, committed to education and our community. Thank you Denison, thank you all that make it so and unite and connect and share.

The Works'Bella Vista event- Summer party was a success. THANK YOU- dear friends that attended, dear community supporters I don't see enough but you were there...it brought back incredible memories of work and partnership that has shaped this life on Newark-Granville Road and others. One special friend could not attend but Venmoed a generous donations- thank you, thank you, thank you- you know who you are and I have such gratitude for you and your beautiful energy and care.

And we said farewell to really important people. Myra Gallant's service was wonderful, hugs to the Price family, Amanda and family's beloved Popa and others not coming to mind at this moment.I've commented or liked anniversaries of passings. These are a time to reflect, feel and remember with gratitude. Lives are legacies. The retirements and new jobs are launching new relationships and journeys, I'm grateful for the reflections and feelings, conversations and connections.

That is enough for this morning moment of Gratitude in August. Of course there is more, thank you to those chatting with me and in the know, those experiencing it live and in person and you reading today. Life on Newark-Granville loved August and all it provided and embraces the transition time of summer to fall September holds.

Phases, Chapters & Transitions

Although not directly in a transition time I feel like I'm swimming in the visnity. I type today waiting on Clare to arrive home from DC, in mid move to Indianapolis, Indiana!
Sally is wrapping up at camp, oh what a treat to see her thriving there. I took my Mom down for a quick visit and to treat Sally to a day away at The Greenbrier- my happy place all the happier sharing with loved ones! She will be home Sunday and then we'll deliver her to DePauw for pre-season field hockey next week!
Peter is settling in- starting new work this week with sports communications and then his graduate school the following week! He is at SEMO in Cape Girdeau, Missouri, Higher Education Management degree!

Joe's work is going well- Denison grad new hire, Denison student intern- and one partner's new baby is checking off key milestones fast!

We even have two new pups on the block!! And congratulations Scott and Ann Leithauser with their move...ch-ch-changes...cue the music....

As I put this in writing I realize these transitions all are accompanied by beautiful growth and development! Joe's business, Sally's confidence, Clare's maturity, Peter's independance- they are all handling important, serious things- loans, firearms, budgets, yards, and navigating change, alone time, boredom, pride, contentness, and parents that want to be in the know!
My own work is steeped in transition and change, supporting families as they launch their children and embrace the new role they have and a new community. I spent the summer welcoming the Class of 2029 up and down the east coast and in Chicago & Columbus. Colleagues have and are moving and retiring. Seniors becoming alums, current parents becoming past parents....it is all part of the land I traverse. And why the quote and mantra I embraced years ago at The Works had to share today:

Sit Loosely In the Saddle of Life, Louis Stevenson   

Life on Newark-Granville Road, I'm happy to be home this month- August- other than the day trips to help with delivery to the new apartment for Clare and Caroline and Sally's sorority house! It is the month students arrive in Granville- football next week, a few days later the other fall sports, then the first years, all the while other campus leaders and programs, with school starting on August 28th!

Oh yes and I'm golfing- transitions there too- new course- red/orange locatinos for tee boxes- learning how to put on slopes, learning how to use the Spark app- yay to pairings- summer love, summer love...it all works out..Licking Springs is lovely. We miss MCC and the quick jaunt over there, but change is good, change is good, it is inevidible so we must sit loosely...

July's transition was travel- here there and everywhere! I posted about the birthday fun with vacation time in MD. I took a week at home to launch the fiscal year then headed east again! NYU hosted our Parent Fundraising Conference, it was accenuated by having two colleagues attend with me! I trained down to Maryland for family time, and a summer welcome reception in DC! This was the opportunity to road trip with my Mom to WVA to see Sally! A plane to Charlotte for another reception and quality meetings with key volunteers and donors in NC! I came home for a weekend, then packed my bag that included Joe and went to Massachusetts. We had two special receptions with President Adam Weinberg, dear colleagues and incredible Denisonians. Yes- lucky my- I recognize that work that happens on the cape and MV makes me extremely blessed. Denison's events and meetings that connect, introduce, inspire, share, update and entertain all happen because of relationships and you can't build relationships if you don't engage, in person. This trip was important and a part of my understanding and reminder how I'm where I am suppose to be, this is the saddle and the path here on Newark-Granville Road, here at Denison and here to support and welcome home and help launch others navigating phases,chapters and transitions.

MV West Chop 2025

Charlotte NC Denisonians

New Happy Place- LSCC

Denisonians- Hosting Class of 2029

Nana's visit to see Sally- WV

Family Time in MD- YAY

Clare and Caroline apartment hunting

Peter's new home -Missouri

A Luxurious Fourth of July and Birthday 2025

Happy Birthday to me and oh what a week celebrating and vacationing. It is such a good time to get away. With Fiscal Year End and a holiday when our constuients really don’t want to engage….and a great time to “go home”.    Putting this post in themes:

Books- reading in the surf is an all-time favorite thing…and I really enjoyed what I was reading. It was our book club’s “classic”   The Shell Seekers by Rosemunde Pilcher. For me it was a treat to visit England, explore family tensions, a walk back in time , connection to art, and I found the writing truly lovely. I look forward to our discussion! I’m not really sure it is a “classic” but that lends itself to discussion for our club!

I bought the next book- The Lost Year by Katherine Marsh at Browseabout Books in Rehoboth! It is such a fun beach shop…it seems silly but a true highlight of any vacation is spending time in an independent book store finding the next read…FYI this was is in the middle read section…it is our YA book.

I’m lucky I can read in the car and will enjoy wrapping up vacation lost in this tale of history and family.

Family time and Beach Time-Mom and Michael hosted us so well- dinner party with their friends, hard shell crabs on the porch, soaking at a friends’ pool, Peter helped with some yard work, dog cuddles and play time, such a lovely setting!

Sarah hosted us part 2- what a treat to go to the beach with family. Once upon a time this was a regular part of summer, I’ve missed it.  Of course not the same without Matthew and his girls but that makes us want to be more deliberate in our planning for the future.  Mom took a room on the boardwalk as we were out of room at Sarahs.  It made it easy to remember fond memories of childhood trips to this area and we made new ones.  I’ve been told how crowded it is over the holiday there and they’re right – I might recommend September for our next visit. But I loved it…the morning stroll and as I said above…being on the beach is a treat- talking.  The day prior we were in Delaware at a lovely cove/jetty with a picnic- heaven!

We wrapped up with DC time and Clare and Caroline time. For my actual birthday we were in DC for the Nats game and soaked up time together. We missed our Sally-camp duty calls – proud of her.  Praying for the devastating news from Texas and the flash floods, it is just horrible. Life is so fragile, the continuum of nature’s wrath, beauty, nurture and destruction has saddened me so much.

Golf!! VACATION- ahhh- we played the beautiful and special FHCC to kick things off – meeting Mom there on Sunday.  Joe and I found the links in Delaware on our way to see Sarah. It is fun to try new courses, be out with Joe and delight in progress.

Food! Of course…crabs…great restaurants..Nicoboli…..cocktail hour and appetizers…being around the table together…Oysters a few times… We wrapped up the trip with breakfast at Callyourmother in DC- picnic table, perfect temp…and family dinner next door when we returned!

Friends- the week started around a beautiful outdoor table with delicious food, dear friends and transitioned to many cheers floating and catching up…Thank you April and Amanda for donating a party for mission, pivoting it to summer fun and all that came and spoiled me.

Social media makes bdays all the more fun- the messages and posts were such a treat. AS were phone calls (SALLY) and texts…I’m richer than rich….luxury…..the book has a beautiful discussion about luxury and what it truly is and my birthday week certainly defines my understanding of mine….to have so many memories connected to so many good people in gorgeous places and be able to feel it like the beauty of a cool soft pool, floating carefree, the smell and taste of the ocean at the beach or slurping an oyster…this is luxury and using all of the senses is a key component Rosemunde!!

This is a great week, not only because of birthdays, mine, our countries, celebrations but work is at a place where disconnecting a bit easier…The week has lessons and reminders, delights and conversations that matter.

Now on to 57, to a new year, to the rest of summer. Pictures below inspired by the highlights above…

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Reunion Weekend 2025- Thank you

 Woosh, the weekend is over....what a treat to have our Triple 35th Denison Reunion!  It had been ten years since this group gathered  on campus due to COVID and what a special weekend it was!

First to arrive was Keith Shultz '91 P'27 from Vietnam...he embraced the idea of Whiskey Wednesday Reunion style- so grateful!  Then Matt Stoner '91 arrived in the wee hours of the morning due to a delay- yay Peter for that pick-up.  Thursday more folks arrived and Joe and I launched our similar but different reunions!  Makes sense, we both went to Denison, didn't date there, so we'll have our own groups and preferences at reunion, the blend is the magic when I reflect with photos!

Thursday also included the dinner for the Citation awardees, what a lovely evening that was! Super Denisonproud of our triple reunion honorees: Matt Gillin '89, Patricia Moynihan '89, Skip Nordoff and Jim Reynolds '90!   https://denison.edu/news-events/featured/157514  learn more about them here! I stopped at the Inn for a bevy- no surprise this ended up my top stop of the weekend. Joe hosted on our screened in porch!

Friday was some work, lunch out with the pledge class rep- Koonce, Chee and Leah...with Len and Matt! I added the reunion events for athletes to check in on the Nan toast! How cool that "top O" was happening at the Inn! The Leadership reception for volunteers and donors was super nice- all the hugs and welcome homes were fun.  We then made the call for a small group dinner at the Inn and didn't leave until midnight.  A bit of FOMO knowing folks where in other places and I wanted to connect, but the Inn didn't disappoint.  Joe was supposed to stay on campus, I was happy to have him home with me. Sally was the DD and did her own uber driving- thanks Sally!

Saturday started with a special event to Lift Up Women and a toast to Nan- 10 years of encouragement, coaching, appreciation and friendship- lucky me! Everyone who toasted did a fantastic job, what a special morning.  Ali Gak '20 kicked things off in a most impressive and inspiring way honoring a life long friend. Lucy toasted three women, how cool alum and author Pam Houston was her prof- wowza! and dear Lyn Schweitzer,  Jen toasted amazing staff women- Missy H in particular warmed my heart. Everyone did such a great job. The Convocation is always a treat and we're grateful for all the donors and committees that keep critical dollars flowing to allow Denison to have the impact it does.  Our students and their experiences are exceptional and it only happens with philanthropy.  Adam's state of the college was well done and well received. We paraded down to the East Quad for a picnic lunch and more hugs and hellos and hang-out time, what a delight. Jim Reynolds and Lisa McKnight did a great job with a Brand presentation with James Anderson- Alumni College is always a treat and I didn't get enough of that type of engagement this reunion go-around.  I had no idea where Matt or Joe were- turns out they just stayed on campus. Joe enjoyed a cigar with Steve Brown.  

Evening included a quick regroup with a drink at the Inn introducing pi phis from 2020 and 1991- BIG SMILES!  Then we enjoyed our class dinner at Silverstein and Slivy's...we found a dog leash for Clyde and caught up with great folks and took class photos. We really had a nice turn out. Those not there were certainly missed, but grateful to everyone who did join the fun.  The triple approach is really cool to bring energy.  We made our way to the Common for fireworks, dancing to MoJoFlow and the Janitors- the alumni band! They knocked it out of the park and we had so much fun.  Peter and Sally did the shuttle driving to get my group to Taco Dan's and home safely...laughs, and chats and memories galore! Joe stayed in Silverstein with the squad.

Sally made it to camp today- 7 am departure- breakfast with Matt at the Aladin and Joe came home. We celebrated the life of Professor Dean Dr. David Woodyard- a lovely reminder to be inspired as he was with love and faith, relationships and engagement, learning and challenge. The reflection, prayer, scripture and music was all aligned and a good end to a special way to experience Denison and campus.

Life on Newark-Granville Road is highlighted when Denisonians come home, all the more special when we unite with events and time together.  It makes me want more time with my pledge class and ways to connect with those not able to join. I'm also looking forward to the 40th, which we'll blink and we'll be celebrating again in our life on NGRoad.

Warms my heart pi phi love 2020 and 1990!

Dear ones and fave place!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/denisonuniversity/albums/

Too many good ones to post here- check out the rest, it was an amazing weekend. Denison is just magic, it is the relationships that bind us and how wonderful we have a home on the hill to come welcome us back...any time...come share our Life on Newark-Granville Road! Thank you to each person that did so for Reunion Weekend 2025!

Four Hours without a phone (1st hour) and Other Topics

 1st hour of No Phone:

• Giddy feeling- ahhh four hours of no phone- I'm free- it is like being on a flight- a break.
• I want to take a picture, make a post...can't.
• I want to text someone, I will call- oh I can't..have to wait until I'm at my desk- land line phone!
• I want to rent a car- oh I can't easily- my app is the best way to do it and I may not remember my password and if I have to reset my password, I really need my phone
• Still embracing the no phone, seeing it as a challenge!  Grateful for the lack of distraction.

So why no phone?  We're making the change- cue the music- Bye Bye Bye...AT&T has been good to us for over twenty years?!  But Joe's done the research, we all need new phones- all but Joe. Sally's has not worked for a week and it has caused STRESS and rightfully so- we all need them, rely on them. She heads to camp (work) soon and I'm not asking her to go to the main office to call me from a land line to hear from her. Plus she misses her friends, texting and I'm sure much of what I felt this am.

I wrote down my siblings and key friends phone numbers this morning. What if I lose my contacts in this switch? Seriously think about all that phone holds! I could get it back but it would be an effort.  

Anyway, so Tmobile is the plan- Joe is headed there with all of our phones and we'll see what happens! I'll check back in and update this at some point...to let you know how the other three hours went and status!

We're headed to Cleveland today (will I be able to listen to my book on tape, oh I mean Libby App- Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara.  Loving it!

Why are we going to Cleveland- cheer on Denison Big Red Baseball: DIII College World Series!  Gameday  Join us, tune in, send good vibes- this is program is making history.  The Regionals and Super Regionals hosted in Granville were so special. Alums, parents, parents of alums (even without their kids) were here.  Joe, Peter and Sally all worked in the booth, we're bonding with Carlos and others- all sharing this special time with this special team and the extended family that help make it possible!

And while I'm posting- Congratulations to Denison Men's Tennis on their National Championship! We've seen a lot of amazing tennis this season- inside, outside and same as baseball- love the time with families, loyal alums, staff, etc...love hearing about my brother's text with the coach- his fraternity brother! We watched from the living room- put it on our big screen, moved furniture to be cozy- life on Newark-Granville - real life!

Okay one last thing I've wanted to post and will share more of...The Next Day-Transitions, Change and Moving Forward by Melinda French Gates  I loved this book. I read it on line in the car. Ordered it from Readers Garden as I wanted to see the poetry on paper and have the ability to mark real pages.  More on this but it is a happening in my real life and I quote her so much in my work and volunteer world!

There you go, thanks for sharing my desk time, allowing me to get ideas, thoughts, info out to you. It is interesting how extroverts extrovert in today's world..this is one!

And FYI- here is how I let people know my situation:

no phone. desk phone only 740-587-5547  Calendar Invite- all day so only at top and not blocking other appointments.

6/2/25-Update- it was actually 5 hours without a phone and wasn't too bad, Joe is the hero for making it happen. It isn't simple and we're still figuring out some little things- like wifi access at work today which is how I take calls at work (over wifi), but Peter assisted!  

Mid May Happenings and things to Share

Things to share Mid-May, what I've been up to, join me, yada-yada....

Monday, May 19 6:30 pm- Time with Artist Amanda Love at UNBOUND at Art Access Gallery, 540 S. Drexel Ave, Bexley, OH 43209- Barb Unverferth- artaccessgallery.com  Show ends May 30!  I love the way Anne Sherwood Pundyk and Amanda's work compliment one another in this beautiful gallery in charming Bexley!  Gathering friends- join us!! I have room for one more in my car.

La Bella Vita- An Evening int he Garden August 21, 2025- Sponsorships to be included on invite being accepted NOW! Excited to be back volunteering for the Works. Make plans now to attend this event- new day of the week, a Thursday evening!! And truly if you want to engage as sponsors-let's talk!

GOLF- Mothers Day weekend we played 18 on Saturday at Licking Springs and 18 on Sunday at Denison! Lucky me- this was a first- back to back 18s- I did okay...it feels like it will be a summer of progress as I learn new courses!  Interested in playing- the Women's League at Licking Springs plays on Wedensdays as is reason enough to join the club, not to mention special events, great meals, historic/picturesque location and the people!!  Let me know if you want to learn more!!  Spark Golf League on Tuesdays at Denison- let me know if you want to learn more!

Denison Commencement is this weekend (5/17)- Fireworks tomorrow night as part of our Senior Soiree...so many great Denisonians- I'm embracing every minute and grateful to colleagues that make it all happen.

GO BIG RED

Denison Baseball- NCAA  Come cheer on Denison and see great baseball!  5/16-18- Joe Leithauser will be assisting, as he did for Denison softball (play by play was great to listen to) and Sally is assisting too- music duty!

Other happenings: last weekend was a treat wtih Softball, Men's Tennis (hosted NCAAs now they head to California) and Women's Lacrosse- they won and are headed to Pa to play F&M! We watched the Men's Lax game- great come back to move game to OT, we're sorry it was an L, but Dickinson went on to beat Salisbury- hooray!

Mother's Day Reflection:

First- thank you Jeanne Stoner for being my Mom! It was great to be together for Derby and the week before in Baltimore. Fun plans for summer underway!!  Nadine we love you too- lucky to have two Mom's in our lives!

And then- my kids that made me Mom! Grateful for Sunday calls, texts and updates. I'm proud of my kids for being independant, happy, and launched individuals.  People asked all spring- are your kids coming for Easter, Derby, then Mother's day- same answer- they are busy, Sally in exams, Peter working, Clare has work travel...and I do the same to my Mom! We love the times we are together and stay in touch. It was a great 2025 Mothers Day- thank you for the flowers and gift and  most of all time on the phone.  

Village Flower Basket- Well Done!

Status now: Sally is home until camp- hooray, Peter will be here next week- hooray, Clare we'll see for 4th of July!

And that is your May update for Life on Newark-Granville Road: busy, rewarding, active and honest!

Rainy Day Derby- 2025 Reflection

 As I shared on social media- Derby Party in our Life on Newark-Granville Road is rain or shine! Thank you to those that braved the elements, found their way to our living room to stay dry and made the 151st Run for the Roses Party special!

What did we do different with rain all the night before and day of....

-Tent lay-out- we put the bar in a new spot so there was more standing room space. This meant the water flowed down to the bar, but Joe had sheets of wood boards/planks/sheets to help!

-Kids area was in the the sun room and greenhouse- sandbox and riding horse, etc...Cookie decorating area.

New this year:

-Reuben- a beloved Granville Inn bartender who moved to Texas came back to help. We miss Emily but Reuben took on her recipe and made it all work really well. He is a great mixolgist, truly! Thank you Reuben.-Wine, beer, lemonade table- to keep things moving!

Similar but Different, or return....

-Country Ham, we ordered one from NC, Joe prepped it and we had it sliced- yum, yum, yum!

-Hilltoppers- I think it had been like 10 years, they were great- fun way to kick things off!

-Betting- in the kitchen (weather) and we had a sweet young guest who has been attending since he was a baby assist- he took over from William and even assisted with counting and determining winners! This year we had 5 winners!

-Amazing food- you all out do yourselves- cookies, pies, fish, treats, theme related...yum- thank you! 

-Promoting an event...The Works Summer Party- Thursday, August 21st-La Bella Vista- A Garden Party! Save the date please....more coming soon!

Other things of Note:

-Lucy- loved the attention from the Denison students, and friends- young next gen in particular!

-Always fun to welcome a baby- Sean is a delight!

-Due to the rain the party ended earlier- no late night, 2nd wind, stopperbyers, let's help finish the key.  Joe and I did a bunch of clean up and sat under the tent and recapped- it was lovely!

-We loved having each person that attend! We missed those unable to be with us! Thank you for the texts, emails, and lovely host gifts- you spoil us!!

- Clare attended Will Prophater's party in DC- next generation keeping it going- this thrilled the parents!

-Alexa Minton's shout out to Derby and our tradition and connection touched me so very much!! Thank you JFM!

Once invited, always invited, Save the Date: Saturday May 2, 2026!

Pictures tell the story well: