2020 1/12th - on our way- time to celebrate!

Cocktails by the Fire is one of my favorite events in all of Licking County!  I keep it posted on the "join us" section on the right as it is always the 1st Saturday in February.  And I can pretty much say- no matter what! People are always ready for this par-tay- they come in the worst of weather. They are ready to get out, go on a date, connect with great folks and delight in what the Works offers: art, history, science, food, drinks, camaraderie all for a cause!  Join us- Joe and I are on the host committee with fabulous folks.  Wear your kilt, plaid or don't- be you. Drink a wee dram, or don't- there will be many options.  Who knew Tangeray was manufactured in Scotland!!  Even more special is the date is Feb 1st!  Here is the scoop for this year!  https://attheworks.org/events_posts/cocktails-by-the-fire/  Want to go on a history walk- search the blog for Cocktails by the Fire, I stopped counting at 12 but I did find a previous scotch specialty drink- a scotch mojito!! I think this year's drink will surpass that one...but I love innovation and teamwork.

It has indeed been a full month.  Travel launched for me and I'm getting back into that rhythm.  What a treat to head south. We are so lucky to have so many beautiful destinations in our country. Denison Everywhere- a wonderful tradition that continues to break records- I'm headed to Boston.  Joe will be in Mississippi, Matt and Dawn in Orlando, Scott?, Sarah in an airport and Mom and Dad- Mercersburg- you go!  https://attheworks.org/events_posts/cocktails-by-the-fire/  I just love seeing parents and family members joining are amazing alums at these events.  I wish I could be "Samantha the witch" and twinkle my nose to visit all the sites! Last year I did get to two cities!!

I have also officially started the grad work at IUPUI Lilly School of Philanthropy- more on that in the future.  The best part is learning the technology aspect- it is a steep learning curve and I'm doing my best. I love the content and enjoy being in this learning place.

Life on Newark-Granville Road- never dull, better when shared!  Cheers January and welcome February.

Feeding the 2020 Feed The Dream

Tomorrow- January 20th, the 3rd Monday in July is important- it is MLK, Martin Luther King Jr Day.  A family in our community, the Mintons, launched a special effort 8 years ago.  Feed the Dream's mission is to use the occasion of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday to help alleviate hunger in Licking County through art, education and most importantly - service.     The Holiday offers an opportunity for Granville citizens to help those less fortunate by collecting nonperishable food and money and donating it to the Food Pantry Network of Licking County.    In our life on Newark-Granville Road we do what we can to support the effort and spread the word!  Family Philanthropy at work - thank you Minton Family. Thank you King family, thank you Granville area families!

We hope you will join us tomorrow or on-line with a gift! Some important points to share, the why to engage and give!

·      The Food Pantry Network can purchase many food items for $0.08 a pound

·      Food stamps cannot be used for personal sundries such as: soap, shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream, feminine hygiene products

·      Project Goal - Collect 2 tons of food and $7,500.  We took a look and found 3 bags of food to deliver tomorrow- why do we have two containers of Tang in the pantry?

·      Over the last 8 years FTD food drive has provided FPN with the food and funds equivalent of 400 tons of food!

People can participate in one of five ways

1.     Donate food or funds  on Monday January 20^th from 9 am to 8 pm at Ross’ market

2.     Contribute online to FPN at www.onedayoneton.org. For $12.25 you can feed a person for a week.

3.     Purchase a $1 donation card at Ross’ or buy bagged food at Ross and bring to the food drive!

4.     Share our social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat) content with the hashtags #FeedTheDream and #GranvilleOH

Statistics

• 35% of households served by FPN include children

·      28% of households served by FPN include seniors

·      25% of individuals served are under 18

• In 2018 over 63,000 families and 320,000 individuals requested emergency food assistance from FPN
• In 2018 the amount of food distributed by FPN surpassed 4,400,000 pounds.

·      In Licking County 6,600 children are not sure where their next meal is coming from

·       FPN provides 40,000 meals per month for children

·      1 in 6 Ohioans (1.9 million) struggle with hunger

·      1 in 5 Ohio children (575,000) struggle with hunger

·      In Ohio 43% of Households receiving SNAP benefits (formerly food stamps) have children

·      12.9 million American children lived in food insecure households

·      13.3 million or approximately 18% of American children lived in poverty

·      8% of seniors (just under 5 million) struggle with hunger

·      9% of seniors (nearly 5 million) lived below the poverty line.

·      63% of senior households served by  the Feeding America Network are forced to choose between food & medical care

·      2.7 million rural American households face hunger

• Individuals utilizing the food pantry are referred and screened carefully.  Individuals use the pantry in emergency and supplemental circumstances situations. A 4-day emergency food allotment is given per visit.  A normal circumstance would limit a client to 15 visits per year. 

Wrapping up with a quote:     “The true greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate acts of its citizens” – Coretta Scott King

Happy New Year from the Granville Leithausers

This card only shows the kids- skim the blog for more photos showcasing our wonderful life on Newark-Granville Road!   We wish you all happiness in 2020!

The picture for the card- Joe's idea for the kids sweatshirts and the kids idea to pose on the road.  I do love the literal interruption to accompany the blog.  I know the photo is small.  Peter is in Wabash- he was admitted ED in November.  Clare is proud and happy with Wooster, first semester a success and she is anxious to return for her first lacrosse season.  Sally is in her Granville High School Basketball sweatshirt.  We're lucky to have happy, comfortable, family oriented kids!

Here is another fun photo from this photo-shoot- the new porch! Life on Newark-Granville Road, 2019's great gift to me- a dream come true.  And you can see sweet Lucy- our two-year old girl is a love!  The porch is off the kitchen that received new walls and windows.


Joe's work with Infoverity is going very well- he enjoys the growth, partnerships and is handling the travel- enjoying the opportunity to reconnect with good folks.  My work at Denison is a joy and has inspired more learning- I'm enrolled in my first graduate classes at IUPUI's Lilly School of Philanthropy!  Family Philanthropy work is inspiring. It is going to take some time to get my certificate and then masters but I'm on my way!  We both are volunteering in the community and enjoying cheering for the kids and their teammates.

Life on Newark-Granville Road is never dull, filled with real-life emotions. We support one another and enjoy sharing it with friends and family and appreciate the opportunities to connect. Please visit us in Granville and stay in touch!  Derby 2020- May 2nd- Peter's Graduation Party a great time for all ages, we hope you will join us.
All the best to you and your loved ones in 2020!
Warmly- Susan, Joe, Clare, Peter, Sally and Lucy the dog!

What is a TreeWhisper?! Find out January 10-March 1 @ Dawes!

I grew up with Sundays not just a church day, but it was also hike day or if the weather was too cold- drive day. Thank you Mom and Dad for these outings.  A key accompaniment to these experiences- trees.  Most hikes were in the forest or woods.  Often we were along the C  & O towpath, lined by trees.  Even when we traversed a farmers field my mind does not recall not seeing trees.  As I type I realize this could be inspiration for a treewhispers round!  Oh, how I've enjoyed the opportunity create these rounds with dear friend and neighbor Amanda Love!  Amanda is the current Artist in Residence at Dawes and has facilitated the Treewhispers exhibit and experiences.

https://dawesarb.org/treewhispers/   Dear readers- I hope you will follow this link and learn more about the Treewhispers exhibit at Dawes Arboretum- the opening reception for members is this Friday evening- Jan 10th! Join us. Not a member? Join now to support a very special community gem and be in the know and have unlimited access to this hallowed ground.    I've been fascinated by Amanda's work and benefited by attending a few of the sessions.  Friday will be a very special evening and I'm looking forward to meeting  Treewhispers Co-Creator, Pamela Paulsrud.  I'm going to do my best to attend her artists talk on Saturday, Dec 11 at 1 pm.  There is so much more to say about what is happening with Treewhispers, I won't do it justice here.

On the Treewhipers website: https://treewhispers.com we are told this experience/exhibit is "Awakening the Stories within us" and this is true for me. What a gift it has been and will continue to be to reflect and ponder so much good from trees in my life on and off Newark-Granville Road. I took a peek back on the blog by searching "tree" so many posts! Too many around Christmas- although the evergreen symbol and tradition is an important one in my life.  I wondered if I'd find mention of the beautiful elm that was close to the point where three proprieties meet in our yard. Oh how we miss that tree, it may have been the most beautiful tree.   The tree had died and needed to be taken down. The day it came down was a sad day, and the universe concurred as it as the same day of Bob Seith's funeral.  But that tree's existence brought joy and shade and a home to so many things- it lived a purposeful life and no doubt the wood went on to have an impact.  Another incredible thing about trees- how they do give and give, transform and transfix!  This is a special component of the Treewhisper experience- making paperrounds with tree/wood pulp-or using one made by an artist and then sharing a tree connection with art.

Our community is and will continue to benefit from Treewhispers-this opportunity to participate with art, nature, creating, remembering, reflecting and sharing anchored by trees and artists- is special and good for the body, brain and soul.  Again I cannot do justice to all this exhibit offers, teaches and inspires.  Thank you Amanda for your work, time, care and talent.  Thank you Dawes and staff for hosting and offering all you do.  I look forward to Friday's launch and the next few months with Treewhispers in our community.

I realize some of this may not be translating.  Treewhispers didn't click for me until I attended a session.  Actually fortunate for me my first session was with children.  Amanda and Dawes took the experience to the Boys and Girls Club of Newark, a very memorable day for me in my life on Newark-Granville Road!  I hope you will attend a session yourself and here is how! From the Dawes website:

Tree Whispers Sessions

Monday, January 20 | 1-3pm or

Friday, February 14 | 1-3pm or

Saturday, February 29 | 1-3pm or

Sunday, March 1 | 1-3pm

Included with Admission

Come join Amanda Love, Treeswhispers contributor and Dawes Arboretum’s current artist in residence, and share your tree story with us! Once again, you’re invited to join the forest by decorating your flat handmade paper round with your tree story, poetry and/or art. Register for one of these sessions on our calendar.

Be sure to visit local artist, Treewhispers ambassador and Dawes Arboretum artist in residence Amanda Love during her residency on Tuesdays and Fridays from 12 to 2pm through March 17. Stop by the And Education Center, and learn about the Arboretum inspired art she is creating. Please note, Amanda’s studio will be closed on November 29 and December 23 – January 10.

A long post- and I'll end with a quote about a tree! For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver. Martin Luther

Pictures from time with Treewhispers- the experiences continue to enrich and inspire!  Coming soon

2019 Final Post: Top Posts with Updates and Plans!

How to end 2019 on the blog?  How about recap and follow-up to the top posts? What did readers read the most?  What is the update connected to the topics? What is ahead for these topics in to 2020? Here you go:

• Derby 2019- most hits- and it was a great one! Oh the fun we had celebrating Clare and bringing together great folks for this annual party. The amazing partnership to execute!  The race itself had the wild ending with disqualification. Current status: 146th's Run for the Roses official glasses are in the house- Joe opened them as one of his gifts on Christmas. The color scheme- blue and gold, for Peter- Gville colors, Michigan colors.  2020- May 2nd- Peter's party- woo hoo! Know the derby party color will be primarily Red- for Wabash!  
• College News:  Clare's Wooster news- the college search is always a hot topic. Update- she is so happy. We're proud of her good work and sharing and observing her growth. She has made dear friends from all over including California.  Her success in the classroom can be attributed to her hard work and good time management, engagement with professors, Granville HS prep and what we love about the liberal arts: communication, inquiry, challenge, ah-has, reading, analyzing, trying new things, and so much more. Please ask her about it! 2020 will bring excitement with the lacrosse season kicking off a few days upon her return- she cannot wait! Wooster plays Denison on April 9th.  She (Joe) is looking forward to her math class- the econ conversations last semester made me smile.  Peter's path to Wabash has had your attention and ours!  He is so happy about his decision and theirs making his 2019 ending quite nice. 2020- what fun we'll have supporting his start-up. No major allowed to be declared until 2021 FYI! 
• The family that had the fire early in the year.  Thank you again for the love and support you shared.  Update- they are back in their house and doing great! We had such a nice time with our new friends a few weeks ago catching-up.  Granville is such a special place.  2020 update- my friend is reaching out to another family experiencing a similar tragedy.  We all want to help but connecting with others that have walked the walk is important. I was able to help Nandi connect with Jeanine who helped in ways I could not.  People helping people that is what the blog tries to do.
• Travel- our Spring break trip to Zion National Park with Vegas and Bryce was a popular read. We look back on it fondly and know we want to return someday to do the Narrows Hike!  Vegas- not in any hurry.  2020 update- we planned and are booked for Spring Break. Lesson from last year- don't wait.  We waited and flights were so high and that is why we went to Vegas in 2019. Last year we wanted baseball spring training, this year- we go see the Nationals- Peter's team.  Bonus- they play in south Florida- Palm Beach. Hello Lilly P!  I'm also headed to Keys for work this year. I anticipate a few posts from this area in the new year.
• Books!  No surprise- 2019 had so many great reads and 2020's pile excites me.  I value and hold dear discussions and time with book club members- two groups. Santa helped- Molly O'Neil (DU alum) memoir was in my stocking.  Reading on break: Scott Hylbert's Task Lyst. Yes, two DU alums on the pile!

• Ankle- last year at this time I was in surgery recovery- Dr. Berlet is my hero.  He fixed what didn't go well after the break of my right ankle due to a fall- my mobility limited. 2019 recovery has been great. Update- I went ice skating! I wear heals. I climbed the mounds to take the swings. I made a new friend- the Berlets are Denisonians, inspiring and I was lucky to meet the whole family in 2019! 2020 more action and a return to the tennis court, without giving up golf- more golf. 

• Construction! We have a screened-in porch and with that new walls and windows for the kitchen all thanks to John Hays Construction, Joe and friends supporting the journey.  This is a dream come true!   Updated- painting, staining, sanding, furniture in progress. 2020- landscaping and fabric- goal in true use by Derby!

Of course,  there was so much more involving family and friends in this very special life on Newark-Granville Road.  Sally, Lucy, Joe, camp, Denison, philanthropy, pumpkins all repeated words making life on Newark-Granville Road so special in 2019!  Thank you for sharing 2019 with us! Happy start to 2020 to you and your family.

PS- The official final post of 2019 was to be "Leithauser end of year/new year/ in place of Christmas-Holiday card".  I had a plan and not surprising in my life on Newark-Granville Road there is now a plan B.  The cards I ordered- I sent to my sister in Maryland.  I won't bore you with why- I goofed.  I  designed the card and let it wait to check errors and have the kids weigh in- the mistake was me hurrying to get them here.  I had grand plans of starting 2020 working on the cards- sending out our New Year's greetings as close to day 1, 2020 as possible.  Oh well.  Future post!

Christmas Love and Light Launched!

We've arrived- one of the best set of days of the year- Christmas Eve day and into the 12 Days of Christmas!  Note Thanksgiving, 4th of July, the Summer Solstice (regular blog readers will know as this is what inspires posts) are the other best days of the year.  So with the 12 Days of Christmas comes the debate- when are the 12 days, do they end with epiphany- Jan 6, Sally's birthday or the 5th.  When you google this - most agree with Peter's point- however, Jan 6th is still the day we celebrate the arrival of the Magi, Sally's birthday and that is when usually (there have been exceptions) we take down the tree. In the meantime we soak up Christmas. I've worked hard this month and have loved it, I've been in the moment BUT I love this time of year!

Life on Newark-Granville Road 2019 Christmas Day was celebrated with the Leithausers. Ann hosted- thank you so much.

Good work W. Leithausers

this pic sums up the day! Thank you W.Leithausers

Nadine and Jim making the trip from Sherwood, we did miss Alicia and Caiden. The Westerville Leithausers have a beautiful, comfortable home with space and activities galore!  The traditional meal has evolved to make sure everyone is happy and I love how our kids' involvement.  This year Clare contributed with her mac n cheese! She is growing up, I love this stage of our lives- college and college approaching kids. It was great to see Will and catch up on his Cincinnati and co-op work in the DC area!  I'm so lucky to have Ann- we're married to brothers- a week or so ago I was able to stop by and we brainstormed our gathering and menu. I enjoy bringing sides to round out or meet a wish- this year it was take-ahead mashed potatoes (to go with Ann's beef tenderloin), Brussels sprouts with pomegrante seeds- festive (found a yummy recipe with apple cider vinegar) and Ga-Ga shrimp as an appetizer (I've been in a shrimp mode.)   Ann had ham for Will, green bean casserole for Clare, corn pudding. Nadine and Jim provide fruits and veggies that are a treat. Dessert was red velvet cheesecake with amazing cookie selections. Clare is with me- cornflake holiday cookies take the day, in fact, she did take them in the car- they didn't make it home. Yum!  Really a beautiful day because- as Ann said during the toast- she had read the recent article on the importance of cousins- first friends- we're all glad we do like one another and get along and look forward to being together! Next up- New Year's Eve- dinner planning started over dessert! And we're debating the start of the actual decade.  Nadine brought up honest conversation about supporting them as they age, making decisions- she had read that when families unite it is a good time.  She is right and I'm grateful we are able to communicate and be honest.  It isn't easy, it isn't perfect, in fact,  it is just hard.  Nadine and Jim (by the way) look and are great!   Fun holiday gift exchange emceed by Caroline on the new Kareoke machine- what a hit!  I'll wrap up it there- so much more to share but we'll just have to remember ourselves.

Christmas Eve day was really special.  I won't go into too many details but want to chronicle the love as Christmas is all about love.  Maybe that is what I hold dear about this stretched out holiday - we do what we love, we buy and give for love- our faith inspires and calls us to action to love. I love traditions, I love gathering around table and the preperation to do so.  Christmas eve for us included our dear neighbors and friends for ice skating (tradition well documented in past posts) and then post church dinner in both our homes- two tables!!  The 6:30 pm service was lovely and I enjoyed seeing so many people and being part of this service that indeed told us- go out into the world caring Christ's light and love- He is Born for Us.  We came home and love and light radiated.

Merry Christmas to all that celebrate.  Happy Hanukkah to our Jewish friends.  Those that celebrate other religious, are spiritual or atheist- it is the season of short days and appreciation for light and love-my wish for you. Light, love and laughter- our world needs and we can all give.  My life on Newark-Granville Road is blessed and loving this 1st or 2nd day of Christmas!   Next up- Stoner Christmas as Nana and Pap arrive tomorrow!

Pictures to tell the rest of the story:

silly kids arguing on Christmas morning- my answer to shut it down.

thank you friend

Clare is loved- Wooster love

He opens this gift last for a reason.

Yes they have to wait until we're ready.  Lucy here too!

A very special Christmas Eve dinner

Just In Time December

Who would have thought my ten-year career with Federal-Mogul would prepare me so well for motherhood in December!  Overheard at the work Christmas gathering- me sharing this logic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._Edwards_Deming  and https://leankit.com/learn/lean/what-is-just-in-time-manufacturing/  Real life approach to my life on Newark-Granville Road in December.
For instance:

-Mail Stoner Christmas Package- focus on those gifts, then wrap, then box, then ship.  Check!
-However didn't included birthday gift, realize this night before special birthday.
-Night before special birthday- on-line order of delivery- Check!  Family memories around conversation and process to order!
-Mail Christopher Package- focus those gifts, then wrap, then box, then ship. One item can't arrive in time to go in a package from Granville- no worries, ship direct. Check! Check!
-New Years Cards plan- not Christmas, one year we did Valentine's cards- take the card's picture when all kids home and available- check!
-Connect with friend about getting together, after reviewing calendar- Sat the 21 was available- friend consults with husband- we make it work. Special gathering time with new friends and our families- check!
-Download and order New Year's Cards- option to arrive on Dec 31- giving me the week of continued Christmas and early in New Year to send-JIT New Years Christmas! Check.
-Gifts for the week- who will open on the 25th- working on those- Joe and I got out today and made sure we're even!
-Who opens on the 27th- working on that....hmmmm may even pick up one more thing on the 26th- think Sale!!


Okay, the reality is it doesn't always work- Friday was the day of forgets. I thought it was still December xteen and I had time.  A party that was often on the 23rd was moved and I missed it.  Sally's dress I thought I ordered- I didn't.  The basketball pie process for delivery had some oops and oh how I love how well customers understood and accepted these oops!  Clare and Sally ended up finding Sally a different outfit and it made up for the non-ordered dress and they had sister time.  There is so much to do in December it just can't be done and JIT is what works for me.

Just in Time also feels like Just when you need it.  Just when the stress of the to-dos, it is time to be. Be with friends, family and the love of the season.  I'm feeling it.  The joy of finding these gifts and moments. Our work lunch felt like time stood still- we just lingered and talked around the table.  The same has happened in so many beautiful gatherings this past week to celebrate the season together.  Even the to-dos in December bring joy and peace and that is what JIT seems to provide for me.  It is a type of mindfulness.

It is the eve of the eve and we're geared up for a very special day in our life on Newark-Granville Road.  We'll keep the tradition of skating started by dear friends going- join us if you can- noon- Gib and Lou Reese Ice Arena in Newark!