Bucket List Road Trip, A Day in July @ The Races

 

Hosted by Izzi, Sacha, Amanda and Brian, Phil and Marie...what a special wonderful get away to a place we've always wanted to visit- the races of historic Saratoga Springs! https://www.saratogaracetrack.com/about/history-saratoga-race-course/  We also golfed, walked all over Skidmore, enjoyed delicious meals and soaked in time together with the perfect weather to frame the special getaway! Yaddo was a bonus, music with the roses in a beautiful setting. A place to return, a weekend to remember.

Gifts of Summer-in July

You think there is just one special holiday in July...the 4th and I posted about that wonderful jubilee earlier, but the reality is July is full of celebratory occasions captured here in our lives on Newark-Granville Road.

Christmas in July- we acted on gifts- experiences- not things this year: Clare's- the Fever game in Indy (oh what a treat to see that energy, the full house, and yes Caitlyn Clark! We had a wonderful weekend in Broad Ripple and yes, wedding planning happened!  Peter's it was going to a Nats game- somewhere else and he chose Denver. It worked so wel, Yes there is a Santa Claus, as Joe's beloved Reds played the day before the Nats- two for one and they had a great time.  It happened to be the same weekend- back to back travel for Joe.  By the way Sally's gift was going to Amsterdam with her team (in May) and it was also a magical time.

The PFC- parent fundraising conference is a gift to me. I value meeting with professionals from all over the country that basically do what I do. The Family Philanthropy niche is special and inspiring and this year OSU hosted.  A bit different to attend as a commuter, but the joy of seeing these work friends react to Columbus was wonderful. It also provided opportunity fo rme to engage a bit more with presentations. Thank you Cali for joining me with the donor-volunteer panel and Brenda for making my presentation a treat, and Michele for jumping in to your new role.

Sally's 21st birthday was in January and after the holiday, on a Monday, with the launch of internship and living in Indy and in Granville there is a fun way to celebrate birthdays and the 21st- what is better than a flaming tower of Margaritas.  Life on Newark-Granville Road took us there this month (her half birthdya month) with Aunt Ann, Caroline, Amanda and Eliza giggling and toasting and cathing up with salt-rimmed glasses!

I'm also grateful for a special night at the LSCC where I was spoiled by friends who gathered the Summer birthday gals for our toast and catch-up time.

So much more to add with trips, vacation days, golf, swims, farmers market, picnics and the true gifts of summer in our lives on Newark-Granville Road. 

The month ended with a night at the beach, Beach Haven, LBI with dear friends Tina Wayne Berman and her family and with her mother- Janet- Mrs. Wayne! Oh how wonderful to reconnect and catch-up and take in a beautiful sunset and summer evening with good good people that have been very good to me!

Where To...Just Love this piece at a special place!

 

July- Oh Beautiful July, and America, and Granville and Family.....

 July- in life on Newark-Granville Road, July is....

• Fiscal Year Launch (meaning Fiscal Year ended the day before!)  Thank you to all our donors, hosts, volunteers, etc...25-26 was a very good year.
• Birthday- America's- Fourth of July in Granville is special- fireworks from the 18th hole, our parade, the festival is festive and I know so many people love connecting and coming home. It was great to see Sally take it all in. Thank you Kiwanis for being the lead and then Rotary, Granville Foundation and so many more that make it work and happen. Joe and Sally- woo hoo- ran the Firecracker Five (5 miles) and I savored it from the yard with Lucy!
• Birthday- mine and this year all three kids were together,and that was a surprise! It has been great having Peter home a few weeks, Sally is with us all summer, but Clare made a lake detour with dear friend Hannah!! Thanks to all that reached out, gave gifts, dinners, gifts, hugs, text, social media wishes....I loved it all and am grateful. Coffee Cake for Birthday Cake is AWESOME!  I was spoiiled and I loved it.
• Lake Time- thank you Scott and Ann for hosting us, this year the water temp was divine...we did our annual Apple Valley Swim Team swim, were hosted for fireworks by the Parsons, and watched tennis and ate well! 
• Golf/Sports whenever, wherever- Denison, Licking Springs is looking so good...league on Wed, playing 18 is a treat! Date night, time with Peter, Fountainhead, traveling!  Boating, Tennis- watching Wimbleton!! Swimming, lake time, skiiing...SUMMER!

• Summer Foods- veggies, farmers market, chicken salad, iced tea (with tea from England, Sean's favorite) fruit, crabs, seafood, grilling...ahhhh yum! Gazpacho-Farmers Market BLT, ham salad, bbq, beans..I could go on and on...
• Vacation- always a trip somewhere, somehow and some vacation time....the 4th holiday is a delight.
• Summer Reading- what is your recommendation...it is certainly the time I read the most and love it. Reading on the porch, when traveling, by the pool, the beach!
• Swimming- Water Water everywhere- the lake, the pool, the ocea, floating...I just love the water, Cancer Crabby...
•  Summer Welcomes and Summer Events- looking forward to hitting the road soon to welcome            Class of 2030- thank you hosts and all those joining the fun! 
• Flowers- the flowers of July- farmers market bouquets....so fun- the world in bloom is a good thing.

Future blog material with upcoming travel.... will take some time off to enjoy July and report back on this amazing month in August! Thank you for reading and engaging in life on Newark-Granville Road!

Pictures Tell the story of our July Launch and a special Birthday surprise...note Sally and Peter taking in their good work! I just love to smile so much it hurts!!

Porch fun with kids and guests- UK Sean!! Questions, want to know more, just reach out!!  Enjoy your July.

Before

After

A Top Ten Denison Moment: WO Celebration of Life

The Post of November 18, 2025 shares information and links about the lives of Jane Heller and William Osborne- amazing and inspirational Denisonians.  I was sorry to miss the gathering to celebrate Jane, but grateful for the art exhibit that connected and honored a key component/path of her life. I continue to be grateful to those that attended for sharing their time and take-aways.

I was able to attend the Celebration of Life for WO and am grateful I did. At some point in the afternoon it came to me that I was experiencing a top ten Denison moment for me.  Now yes, that means I have started a draft of a Top Ten list...it may take some time.  No doubt, this concert, reflection, memorial, reunion is on the list.  Here are some reasons why and reflections of note:

The music was stunning. Singers give credit to conductor, current Denison faculty member Harris Ipock...but of course it is their commitment, work and talent as well.  The selection of pieces presented told a story and portrayed the sentiments of commitment, love, learning and impact.

Two that touched me:

"Gently"2001- M. Michael Fauss '72- from PIGS, the sad saga of a wolf who was outwitted by his own dinner.   Tree House Pig...oh my goodensss....I found the composer to learn more- proud Denison moment.

"Pianosong"1985 Paul Halley (b. 1952) performed by Meredith Needham '78, pianist, Donald Armitage, organist.

A number of times there was the piano for two hands, and it took my breath way.

Watching the reactions and emotions from the choir provided a poignant part of the afternoon. These Singers were so beautiful in allowing us to join their grief, it elevated the experience.

Each person that spoke and reflected made us laugh and think, remember and delight in how fortunate each of us and Denison was to have William Osborne. Thank you to all presentors. President Adam Weinberg set the stage by explaning WO demonstrated what is to be a faculty mentor, saying he did it best. It is true and these Singers and Sunday was tesitment.  That said Margaret Padelford Karns '65 reminded us of Wally Chesman and others that did the same and I'm so grateful for this time to reflect on these types of Denisonians. I sat with Larry Murdock, another one. I'm inspired by the sentiment of WO- strive for the unattainable to achieve the improbable- we heard it a few times.   The joy of music, learning, sharing, uniting was the energy of the event, weekend and tenure...Sarah Enterline Roch '02- little Sarah-ensured those of us attending felt it too.

Jeffrey Masten '86, Denison Trustee linked the academic prowess of WO, it took me back to WO as my teacher and the the World Music Class. Jeff's thoughts inspired me and I want to read and know more.

Yes, I took notes, I'm trying to read my own writing and recall more of the WOism that made us laugh and cry. The gift and purpose of Choral music- to blend, giving order to chaos.....teamwork, programs, all valuable lessons that inspire.

Link: https://denison.edu/academics/music/feature/162102  Here is the official well done article about the day wtih photos.  More photos of the full weekend here, thanks Brenda!!  https://www.flickr.com/photos/denisonuniversity/with/55359919042

Enjoy and savor.

The reception and after the service was key to rating "top ten", seeing Denisonians I have not seen in probably 35 plus year...hearing the connection Scott and Margararet Kruse '89 '86's family have to WO and having them part of the Singers family- truly heartening.  The hug from dear Jeny Dawes '88 and Sarah Leibowits '89- sigh, the happy, grateful sigh, heart on chest- ahhh. I could go on and on...Lauren Kronish Klayman '89, David Zivan '88, Wanda Wilson with her current student daugther...Cookie Sunkle back in town...Denisonians of all generations and types...happiness is..even in a sad time to say farewell and thank you, but joy filled because of WO and all that give of time and talen...and treasure.

https://alumni.denison.edu/stories/a-standing-o-for-wo/  Another beautiful facet to this story, this life, the impact and inspiration..not only WO's scholarship he created, but this one created by alums in WO's name. THANK YOU to all supporting this. I was a music minor, I know the community the arts provides and each dollar matters and makes a difference.

WO, thank you for being you, for loving Denison, music, learning, students, community in such a liberal arts way. Thank you for your philanthropy and generosity and making Denisonians your family.

The music will play on, we will Sing on....

PS- thanks to the staff that made it all happen too....you all rock..you've been busy this Spring- well done!

Making Memories in Delaware- Stoner Style

Pinch me, was it a dream? I'm sitting here in my life on Newark-Granville Road, tan, rested and thinking maybe the week at the beach was just a dream.  It certainly was dreamy to be in a beautiful home rented by my Mom for us, close to the beach, with family. It was not perfect as we did miss Clare, Sally, Louisa, Emma and Grace...it wasn't all the Stoners under one roof, but for those that could be with us it was a treat!

Rehoboth, DE...last year was a fun visit with a hotel stay...this year longer and the house.  The house is nice as we can linger over coffee and chat, make family dinners and enjoy the screened in porch at cocktail time! The beach time was divine- breezy and warm, cool ocean that was exhilarating with just enough waves. I do love lunch break and making a good sandwich!

Bonus, the week started with a stop in Hagerstown to honor Georgina Bruce, beloved cousin of my mother and her dear family. They had their service and then we gathered for lunch with the Ashville family. We added 18 holes at FHCC, because- why not- it is a beloved course and perfect way to launch vacation time.  We made the drive over the bridge to Sarah and Greg's...ending the day with a cocktail and giggles in their welcoming home, and puppy licks!! Peter met Winnie...and of course we adore Remmie.

Matt and Karen flew in, Mom picked them up at BWI, we all united for move-in to the house with the treat of Mom's sand tarts.  A quick dip to launch the beach trip and Coq au Vin for dinner! Second day was beach time and a crab feast on the porch. Small but tasty, beautiful ritual to introduce and share with Karen.

Sunday more beach time, reading time and dinner out in Rehobeth- lovely lovely lovely.

Monday-more beach time, reading time- I finished four books this week:

The Correspondent- finally- I know everyone has read it and told me how good it was, they were right I LOVED IT!  The Academy- had been had this one for a while- great beach read and Garden and Gun's latest edition- again I put it aside to savor on the beach! Boys, Dogs and other things I've cried over....what a treat NYC living, friends and romance and amazing care for these amazing four legged lovies! HIGHLY recommend, and Claire McCardell, the Designer Who Set Women Free the book I finished on the drive home....fascinating non-fiction about an important Woman of Maryland!

Tuesday- rain day, Nicobolis, shopping and steak night!

Wednesday- YOGA on the boardwalk....back to the beach and taco fun...

Thursday- back to the beach- fried chicken, deviled eggs- we start to work to reduce take home inventory....FUNLAND...Matt, Karen and I on the Sea Dragon (I want to call it the Pirate Ship) and Mom and Peter on the Carousel!

Friday- last day...breakfast on the boardwalk with mom, shop, back to the beach and then dinner out in Lewes, bonus- drinks with Amy and Dave...what a great...

Saturday- 6:15 (shooting for 6) am departure to avoid bridge traffic, it worked...great driving by Joe and home....for dinner with Sally who stayed to work (AEP) and the care for Lucy.

This truly is one of my favorite kind of vacations. I did a bit of work (it is fiscal year end) but because of this wonderful getaway truly relaxed, as did Joe- yay! Family time, reading time, outdoor showers, swimming and floating in saltwater, sand in your toes, the surf, the ice in the glass....little things I'm thinking about as I type. Happy to be home and glad we'll end the fiscal year strong, launch the 4th of July fun in our sweet town and make more memories that matter.