Books, Reading and Meeting Authors- Lucky Me!

Some of life on Newark-Granville Road's greatest joys and purpose is to enjoy and share a good book! Today I have two!

Independence Day What I Learned About Retirement From Some Who've Done It and Some Who Never Will.  In my last post, I blogged about meeting and listening to Steve Lopez P'25, the LA Times Columnist and author of several books https://www.latimes.com/people/steve-lopez. I wrote there that I was looking forward to the read, it did not disappoint!  It feels appropriate to start this blog post on Father's Day!

This book's lessons are for all ages and phases! I found the messages about life in general, not just for those contemplating retirement. The book is a treat for me as I valued reading about his journey, which includes his daughter as she decided to attend Denison! He began his talk last week letting the audience know what a fit Denison is and has been for his daughter. This was a special bonus for me with this read!

Anne Lamont, Somehow, Thoughts on Love  I always value the opportunity to hear an author share insights on a book! There is something about real life meeting the world of reading. Introducing mind and thought to voice and sight. The sweet spot of this experience was being the friend who gifted me prior books by Anne!  This was my situation a few months ago in Columbus when Gramercy Books did their usual fantastic work with an event. The communications, the set-up, the locations- they never disappoint. Anne did not disappoint either! Bonus- we received this book as part of the event.  I took my time reading it and savored it.  I'm a page turner- I fold the pages where I find quotables or phrases and concepts I want to discuss or revisit. Here is one:

"They will offer you the sacrament of welcome. But to keep it, you must give it away. Giving and receiving is the economy of our souls. This will fill you, and if you are not careful it will radicalize you" (Lamont, p. 121).  They are people you engage with doing good work, showing love).

This is why I buy books, I would not do this to a library book.  I also enjoy sharing books and sending them out into the world to be enjoyed. This isn't a sweet read about love, it is a real book about love. It is a beautiful part of Anne's journey and we're fortunate she uses her gift of writing relating and being real to share love in these words.

Life on Newark-Granville Road loves to read and values you reading this blog!  Let me know your thoughts on these books, and other recommendations!

Reunion Proved Why I Have the Best Job on Campus!

I'm enjoying every minute of Denison Reunion Reflection! The posts from the alums, the conversations with colleagues, and the over-heards in town...all positive and appreciative.  I echo this- way to go my AFE Colleagues with the charge to reunite and have alumni return to our fair college on the hill in fresh new ways!  Events happened in new and exciting places for reunion including the East Quad for a cook-out, the Academic Quad with food trucks! Ya'll adjusted approaches, the Citation Dinner was a top tier experienced Denison event for me.

Citations you say- what are those:  https://alumni.denison.edu/citations/ https://alumni.denison.edu/citations/  Check it out- click on folks to read why they received this honor! https://denison.edu/news-events/featured/152970   This article calls attention to this year's winners. Some dear friends in here- so deserving- but some of these Densionians are new to me! What fun to ask a classmate who works at the FCC if she knew Beverly Baker '64- the answer was no- we both learned something!

A bonus of this event was, recognizing how many Denison parents are within this esteemed group: Amy Lovett P'18, Rex Elliott P'23, Scott Trumbull to name a few, then a past recipient, Grant Jones was there and is an incoming Parent - class of 2028!  I had fun saying I was playing- count the parents- and then there would be another parent of a Densionian arrive, Charlie and Emily Ingram were right on cue! Knowing the children and multiple generations of Denisonians is quite rewarding to my life on Newark-Granville Road and why I do have the best job on campus.

Speaking of parents, this year the 50th Reunion invited a Denison parent to present their KeyNote! Steve Lopez is an LA Times Columnist and author of several books. https://www.latimes.com/people/steve-lopez  He was asked to present on retirement, a subject of one of his books: Independence Day. I look forward to the read! The audience was treated to more than just the lessons of his research, which aligns with my "it depends" lesson from grad school. We were fascinated by his relationship with an unhomed person that led to the book and movie- The Soloist, as well as, his perspective on access to education and his daughter's engagement at Dension with pre-Os!  He offered advice for all ages, understanding our identity, relationships we have with structure, and reflection on our time with our family! So much more to say, I have a feeling my engagement with his work will resurface on the blog!  I'm grateful the opportunity to say hello and thank you and connect with special Denisonians, Steve and his wife!

Denison parents are impressive and we have a number of authors, two I've been fortunate to engage with:

Mike Trigg -https://www.miketrigg.com/  Both of his books are great reads, it is summer reading time: Burner is the latest, Bit Flip still has me thinking- I'd love to discuss both with you!

Amor Towles- https://www.amortowles.com/ I mentioned top events at Denison above, last year having Amor on campus present at BRW was another highlight and special evening. Gentleman in Moscow is a family favorite, engaging inspired me to read more and I found Rules of Civility to be even better!

So all in all a long way of sharing why I love my job and that Denison parents are the best and therefore I have the best job on Campus!

Way to Go Wabash- Way to go Peter-Commencement 2024

Wabash College held the One Hundred Eighty-Sixth Commencement exercises on Saturday, May 11, 2024. Peter Michael Leithauser officially joined the ranks of Wabash alumni. Wabash has been a fantastic fit for Peter and we had a wonderful weekend celebrating the experience with him! Wabash College's approach worked well for our family.  Chronicling it for the history books, below are some photos with captions to showcase Peter's accomplishment and our pride in our lives on Newark-Granville Road!  We recognize he didn't do this alone and are grateful to the faculty, staff, leaders, friends, advisors, family, and donors from the past four years and well before! The social media love and kind words have been wonderful, thank you, thank you, thank you!!

What is next for Peter? He is headed to Central College in Pella, IA for a year-long Sports Information internship with room and board. He is thrilled to continue to explore this career, his work last summer at Denison was formative. Wabash says they know how to educate the boy's brain and do they! We applaud Peter for recognizing this and embracing what they offered with brotherhood and commitment to a special and unique liberal arts environment.  These four years started in "uncertain COVID times" and provided an important stage for your development, growth, and maturity.  Thank you, Peter, thank you Wabash!

Dinner at Crawfordsville CC

Cocktail hour at the Air BnB

Nana- arrive early for Baccalaurate

Peter Processes from Baccalaureate

The Delts- love these brothers

Saturday night dinner- thanks Nana

Not bad for the last day and little sleep!

Vince and Peter- roommates 1st year, dear friends and brothers the 4th.

https://www.wabash.edu/live/  Here is the link from our very special day not only for Peter, but our family and dear Wabash family!  The music, and remarks from all speakers are worthy of your time, Peter's shining moment is at 1:24!

Derby 2024- Reflection

May 5th, 2024- a day of clean up, reflection and savor.  As I say when folks thank us- it is only fun if fun people attend! 2024 - ya'll didn't disappoint!

Reflections:

• each year is unique and special, yet the formula is the same and it works.
• 2024 was the Bourbon year- we consumed six handles, four for the batched juleps, one extra, one for sipping, then we pulled five .75 liter bottles from our stash
• this thrills me to consume from the stash
• our new bartender did a fantastic job- not an easy feat
• our past bartender did a fantastic job prepping and setting a formula, and coaching.
• this truly is multi-generational and kids grow up with this party, not just ours!
• dear friends brought their grandson and he was a delight
• we met new babies, such beauties. I remembered the year many of us were feeding our little ones in an upstairs room- Peter's age?!
• we missed many of our "older" friends- our parents included. Joe's had -photo below is in honor of two of those we miss at a different level.

Clean-Up:

• It feels so much like Thanksgiving. It takes a fair amount of effort- but again, there is a formula so it isn't hard- and then it is gone in a blink! It is wonderful.
• Doesn't take that long- we have our routine- as I type this and the house is just about back together. (Okay I have not gone through the laundry basket that hid the "piles".)
• Few plates and dishes to find owners for this year- ya'll learning- bring disposable and those that don't thank you for follow-up.

Savor:

• We value each person that made it to the party. We love talking about who we engaged with- Joe talked to some and I others. It was fun to have Matthew, my brother, join this ritual. Always fun to say- I didn't know they were here...We also value the new folks- 1st party and those that have been with us almost from the beginning- even know the Omaha event!
• We do miss those unable to be with us that have in the past- part of recap is - oh darn, so and so didn't make it. Oh that is right- graduation weekend! Thanks for checking-in!
• Clean up- I love seeing clues of what has taken place, the chairs pulled up around tables, the sand-cocktail with grass on top, the juleps glass left here and there
• Looking at pictures shared, snapped and posted- thank you!!  By the way we love the photos from the past people were sharing this week as we prepared!
• Each yummy bite we did get to take, and a few extra today!  My office will treated to a few paydays and cookies!! Those deviled eggs- oh my- Mattimoes you are amazing!

For the history books:

• We kicked the Granville Brewing keg, and made a good dent in the Yuengling
• We should get supplies- like bottled water the weekend before- dry good procurement
• Don't need as many sweets/cookies- people bring incredible food- the 4 lbs of ham and 10 doz rolls worked well! Shout out to Ann Leithauser and team for executing assembly with the perfect role to ham ratio. The four containers of strawberries with three dipping containers worked well.
• 200 napkins, also include straws/stirrers!

Here are just a few photos to share the fun of this day and gathering, they tell the rest of the story about this first Saturday in May in our life on Newark-Granville Road.

Keep sharing the connection stories- we just love it! This party theme could be- touch points with the Leithauser- share yours- fun to figure out the overlaps in our lives on Newark-Granville Road!

Granville Chamber of Commerce Commercial- Granville CIC

Spreading the word about Membership with the Granville Area Chamber of Commerce! We need to have a healthy chamber as our community evolves. Take a look, below and please ask questions!

GACC Membership Page   Follow the link to learn more, we're excited about our new Individual Member! This is for folks that have retired, stepped away from work for a bit (stay at home parent?), or even work for a larger company but are remote and want to engage!   Please give this serious thought and encourage those you know to join! I'm also promoting regular memberships- membership matter, let yours go a bit ago- rejoin- now is the time!

Our community needs a strong Chamber of Commerce. Did you know the fabulous Granville Candlelight Walking Tour and Farmers Market are all coordinated by the GACC? The Economic Development Committee brings important stakeholders to the table to talk update and address important topics in our changing environment.  The Granville Magazine and Maps are fundraisers and important tourism tools for our community, GACC makes it happen. There is so much more, but most importantly it brings people together to build trusted relationships to make life on Newark-Granville road and beyond what it is- join us!

Speaking of Community Economic Development. I'm proud of the work of the GACC Economic Development Committee in partnership with the village council, our school district and many others weighing in for moving forward with a CIC! https://www.granville.oh.us/news-announcements/greater-granville-area-community-improvement-corporation-seeking-board-applicants

Take a look, ask questions, and recommend a friend- this is a work board, a volunteer board. It will grow and evolve but it needs to get launched! Thank you David Ball for your guidance, Herb Koheler, Courtney Ruppert, and so many others. Also thank you Granville Village and Township Trustees for the work on the Overlay district with our JED! All of these are things I've learned about during my tenure with the GACC!

I look forward to discussing this robust organization with you, thanks for reading.

PS- already a member- thank you, Love to hear your thoughts and insights!

Derby 2024 Countdown

4/4/24: One month from today we'll be derbying - life on Newark-Granville Road- loves Derby!

4/16/24- Thank you Derby Fairy- gift arrived via campus mail for me! Social media post!

4/17/24- How cool- it is the 150th Run for the Roses- KY Derby 150!! 

4/27/24- Country Ham- check  Bourbon for Juleps- Check- Friendly reminders and deep clean of porch- in progress!

Scroll down for details!

How it started, how it's going...

1997

2022

Our 2nd date- Joe attending my Triple Crown Party in Maysville, KY, not long after I took him to Keeneland! Needless to say, he's embraced the tradition stated in the early 1990s with Ellen in Omaha!

Saturday, May 4, 2024

• 4:30 pm start, our house- you'll see the tents (Thanks Kiwanis)
• Post Time- 6:57 pm- yes they keep making it later and later.....
• End time- dark 

We'll continue to post updates about the event here, but I wanted to get started and make sure you're making your plans to join us! Stop by for a bit or come for the whole time! Bring friends and family- especially those new to the area!

https://www.kentuckyderby.com/  Details about the Derby here- so many traditions and fun!

Dress- do your thing, hats encouraged, dress for the weather- we're rain or shine, or snow- ha!

What to bring? Thanks for those who ask- yourselves, your family (or don't but kids are welcome), if you feel like it an appetizer or bit-size dessert to share. We appreciate some of the long-time comer's traditions- deviled eggs- epic, salmon, Kentucky treats Ms. Miller...the thing is- if you made it come let me know so I can have a nibble! In the past when the party was a graduation party we provided pizza, not the plan this year- truly more nibble and graze.

What will be offered to drink: Granville Brewing, Yuenling on tap, Mint Juleps- of course, lemonade and waters- tap or sparkling, some wine...again often you have a favorite wine, bring it with you...but you really should try a julep!  Oh and sipping Bourbon at the bar too...

Entertainment:

Regal Dreamers! This Husband and wife duo blend traditional folk with rock originals influenced by Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Fleetwood Mac, follow at Insta: https://www.instagram.com/regaldreamers/?hl=en

Denison Day of Giving 2024

THANK YOU!- Goals Acheived, amazing support- so grateful to each of donor- my page has community Denisonians, FLC, past parents and colleagues- so touched!!  Reading all the posts and seeing the support is inspiring, thank you! 4-4-24 update

Denison makes life on Newark-Granville Road what it is and it is really good!  Not just because it provided formative educations for Joe and me. It is because of the work environment it provides and the impact on our community. What would life be like in Granville without Denison?  Denison also has connected us with fantastic people and our relationships are centered around this beautiful, impactful place! That is why today, I ask you to consider joining us with a philanthropic gift!

Today is our Day of Giving! A fun way to promote philanthropic support of the college "we love so well". Alma Mater language! 

Here is my page and link to give:  https://giving.denison.edu/s/SusanStonerLeithauser

I hope you'll take time to explore the whole day of giving page and posts- students are sharing testimonials, there are matches, and many ways to support the many places that made Denison Denison!

https://giving.denison.edu/

Take a look at the video I captured on Newark-Granville Road it is on social media- Facebook and Insta- let me know if you can't access it!

Thank you for reading, thinking about a gift, and engaging with Denison! To be Continued!

 A picture is worth a thousand words! This bookcase, in my office in Doane (temp spot, moving to North Campus soon) showcases all that is good with Denison and why a gift on our Day of Giving (or any day) is worthwhile! Highlights:

Heed Your Call- classmate David Howitt- so much great advice in this book and much of it I have used! My call to philanthropy was supported at Denison and continued beyond graduation and led to a career!  Atomic Habits- James Clear- alum and one who walks his talk with philanthropy and guidance, an honor to know you James (and Kristy!), Bit Flip by Mike Trigg- loved the book and value all you do for Family Philanthropy Mike!  Vail Series- many people didn't know I was an usher for the series when I was a student, Joe and I so value attending these FREE concerts- for years and years- to the point above- what would Granville be without Denison! There is so much more to say- take a look and ask me about what you see- I'd love to share the story of why it is here, with me in my life on NG Road. It is thanks to Denison! And Denison is here because of financial gifts and support: https://giving.denison.edu/s/SusanStonerLeithauser

In honor of the opening day and day of giving- a fun pic from the past..Peter's birthday party at a Denison baseball game! GO BIG RED!

THANK YOU for supporting Denison- it is a special place! Thanks for playing along with my Day of Giving posts. I have mixed feelings about "days of giving", as usual, I see both sides and have my own feeling as a donor.  That said- so many new donors, young donors, and a visual way to recognize long-time wonderful donors- the energy and impact was great AND APPRECIATED!