our 25th Denison Reunion

This won't be a play by play post of the weekend.  Our reunion was tearfully good and as I type on Sunday afternoon I simply want to share a few take-aways from the amazing time at our fair college on the hill with really good people.

Here is the link to Denison's photos-they are beautiful!  Most of the events I didn't attend but a great way to see what went on and some of who was there:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/denisonuniversity/sets/72157653675287891/with/18093044509/ 
What I love having is the conversations from classmates about how beautiful the campus and Granville are, how well the events were received, and the pride and alignment of what is happening at Denison today. The reflection on our time on campus 25 years ago was pretty special too!

If you know Byl Cameron you should follow him if you are on social media- his posts and perspective from the weekend are beautiful and insightful.  He has a great eye with the camera. It was great to have quality fun time with Byl.

I so valued the real life time with denisonians- the triple 20th (1994-95-96 my sister!!) fellow volunteers, staff and students! Dr. Adam Weinberg's State of the College was wonderful- the education and experience Denison provides allows students to be the architects of their lives- Allison Bolch Moran the take away that resonated with us.

The deep beauty of this reunion was an invigoration of relationships with 1990 classmates.  Very good people I have seen or not seen in years.  A good sized group together- happy to be here in Granville, on campus and reconnecting.  Our time exceeded my expectations.

Thank you to each person that attended reunion.  Those that didn't not and wanted to- you know who you are- thank you.  Thanks for being part of the months of processing and fundraising to care for Denison and your fellow volunteers.  For my friends that didnt' make it- please take this the right way-you were very missed and you missed out- we had a great time.  I share this to hopefully inspire you make it back for our 30th and beyond.  I loved hearing from people what was the one thing that helped them clear the calender to be able to attend.  Of course children's graduations and other hallmark events are an unfortunate clash of calendars- the best things are always on the same dates and that was just unfortunate.  I love those that followed along on facebook and chimed in with communications doing their best to connect regardless!

I was a bit concerned about the changes in town and missing go-tos from our era would disappoint.  Granville pleased all.  The Granville Inn was a wonderful back drop for Thursday- the larger pub space is beautiful and well poised for conversations.  The porch last night - no better place to be- under the stars. I wasn't happy to see the screened in porch go- but the historic cause and experience now have me a supporter.  The room I stayed in Friday night with girlfriends was simply gorgeous!  Thanks to the late last calls and fun neighborhood bar feel of the Broadway Pub - good times there too!

Thank you Mrs. Weather- the small amounts of rain did not affect events- we loved our outside time all weekend- in particular on the row- the tear drop - with The Ark Band.  We made the right decision there- Terry and Steve!  Thank you David Gewant, David Howitt, Joel Spencer and our SAE hosts- that was a great party and perfect kick-off to the weekend.

And finally-Hooray to Greg Christopher for coming with my sister and niece.  Bonus time with them and extra hands to help throw together the quick drinks party that I valued.

I'm going to wrap this up- those are a few of the reasons my cheeks are sore from smiling and I hold in my heart dear memories from the Denison class of 1990's 25th Reunion.  My life on Newark-Granville Road was full and fulfilled this weekend.

Summer Kick-Off bring the alums and sunscreen!

What says "summer is here" to you?  The kids of course will say - last day of school- that is Friday. Being a stickler you may wait until the summer solstice- regular blog readers know this is a favorite day of the year for me. Joe Leithauser will say it is Derby Party.  For me it is the pool and Reunion Weekend at Denison!

So the pool opening is a very good thing. It is a place I relax, exercise, refresh, see friends, read, renew.  We joined Mound builders Country Club 10 years ago and I've been grateful ever since.  We've made wonderful friends and had a family and friend oasis.  A place to go and be welcomed. It isn't fancy, needs repairs and support, but suits us.  If you are interested in learning more- let us know please.  We added golf to our activities there last year and oh am I glad we did. I found another happy place.  Walking, trying out a new sport- frustrating yes- but when you hit that little ball sweet spot- it keeps you swinging again.  A nice thing to do with the family.

So last weekend at MCC- just what I needed.  We love to be one of the first and one of the last at the pool. We added golf to that on Saturday- I went out three holes with Joe and Peter. I walked back and found Sally. Sally had stayed at the pool with friends but earlier had wanted to play.  She changed and we did the out 10, back 18 routine- love it.  That day ended with dinner on the patio as a family as the sun went down.   Monday was chat and catch-up- all of us- a last hour dip was refreshing.

This coming weekend is Denison's Reunion Weekend. Almost 1000 alumni and their guests will be in Granville. I love the 50th Reunion- they are here now- they start early so they have quality time and staff attention! Joe and I celebrate our 25th and I'm giddy to see my dear Friends back in Granville! Come on Friday!  Lots of other wonderful Denisonians will be back including Sarah Stoner Christopher '94- woo hoo! Louisa- my niece- will be with her cousins and all will be good in the world.

Time to donn the white pants, Lily, sundresses, swimsuits and cover-ups summer has arrived on Newark-Granville Road, I can smell the chlorine and sunscreen - life is good!

the week is a wrap…..

I had all sorts of ideas for a fun Friday night outing with the girls. Instead it just felt right to wrap up our week with Friday night baseball under the lights and it was great! We cuddled under the blankets to stay warm, cheered for a great night of ball for our boys- they had great hits and good defense and won the game. I loved the fresh air and family time- we were all there supporting Peter and the 7th grade boys team.  It was a wonderful, exhausting special week on the hill and it wrapped up well.  The farewell reception to honor Seth Patton at the end of the work day was lovely.  Wonderful sentiments from the many ways he worked at Denison and in our community. What a treat to be part of this special event and connect with all those that appreciated Seth and his family. We laughed, we teared and we valued together all of his contributions.

Another special happening for me on my final day of my first week- Denisonian from my era on campus and with his family!  As I walked up the steps of Burton Morgan (out of breath and quite tired from ascending from the lowest level) I noticed the clean cut blue button down and khakis - Peter?  Stoner!!  Class of 1989 Peter Kirshe back for Organizational Studies. Later in the day I met his darling girls and lovely wife- they had a great tour, Denison did not disappoint. I hope our paths cross again soon Peter!

I'm settling in to my new space- a piece of beloved art on the wall, pictures of Joe and the kids, some treasures from the office at S. 1st street. More to bring but it is feeling like home- more on that for another blog post. My orientation is going very well, I valued the time and work of my colleagues. Some planning was achieved to help me move forward in my position- good things to look forward to and make more progress next week.  Lots to learn but amazing help and support along my way- i'm lucky.   It was a wonderful week of welcomes. Life on Newark-Granville Road is in a great place and as I wrap up the week with my family I'm filled with gratitude.

We love you like a love song Nana and Pap……Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary!

That was my highlight- seated in the beautiful historic lower level room at the Martha Washington Inn- my parents anniversary dinner in the place where you enjoy the effort of planning and launch- fruits of labors realized! Ahhhh we did it!  I had the perfect view of the three tables- could see Mom and Dad happily enjoying their six grand kids singing the “we love you like a love son” lyrics with anniversary theme added to honor the special occasion.  

We were all in that happy tired accomplished place after riding 17 miles of the Virginia Creeper Bike Trail.  Peter’s highlight.   I will highly recommend this activity for others and hope to return some day for a repeat!  My Dad/ Pap had riding this trail on his bucket list and it really was an ideal happening as part of the anniversary weekend festivities.  Everyone was successful- Nana and Pap on bikes they’ve prepared for by getting to FHCC’s stationary bikes.  Six year old Louisa on her sweet little bike and those of us a t-t nervous for all of the above including Sally who worries.  Everyone was awesome. The hero of the group was Greg who showed us another one of his passions. He circled back and forth last and first to check in with all. He was in the right place when I noticed Dad’s flat tire.  During a rest break for the happy couple with a coke and hot dog (mile 11 on the path) Greg took off the wheel, patched the inter tube and had the bike ready to go- 15 min tops! Peter wasn’t seen much on the ride- he did enjoy the break we did take creek side but went on ahead on his own. He found himself at the carnival and off the trail. He located a map and rejoined our party. Damascus Adventures were our outfitters- I’d recommend and use again! Advice and my next time riding- pack a picnic, take a bit more time to explore some of the views- planning to do some creeking.  The timing worked for us- early assent- descending just after 9.  Damascus was hopping and had a 2 pm parade- Trail Days- we escaped back to the lovely Abingdon just in time.  We had party prep waiting!!

Cousin time- both Clare and Sally’s highlight.  How fortunate we are to have six cousins who truly love each other- always have. Spending two nights and almost two days together in a beautiful historic Inn with modern amenities including indoor pool opening to outdoor picturesque hot tub, beautiful lawn with fountain complete with ducks.  Add an active exercise to unite and expend energy we made memories and strengthened the bond- joy for all in attendance!

 Joe’s highlight was our dinner as well. The evening with extended family- a number of Mom’s first cousins – gathered with us to make the event more special.  The Martha expanded from a mansion, girls school and now elegant hotel is a wonderful retreat for all ages!  The room we had for our intimate anniversary celebration was perfect- charming, elegant with a darling outside seating area perfect for cocktail hour!  Matt and Dawn wrote a great song using Johnny Cash's  I’ve been everywhere- to recap the past 50 years of great adventures-ups and downs-and all our gifts- numerous verses were fun to present- all involved.  Sarah and Greg with Louisa giving the zinger line- did the “Top Five” that made us laugh and cry. Joe’s dancing made the Newlywed/Anniversary Game all the more festive and appropriate.  The ending questions recounting the advice they live to the fullest and inspire their children and hopefully grandchildren- never go to bed mad and the best thing a father can do for his children- love their mother.

Sarah, Greg, Matthew, Dawn, Joe and I all agree we’re lucky to have Jeanne and Mike as the devoted husband and wife they are and the weekend was one we’ll never forget.  It took some planning and talking for over a year in my life on Newark-Granville Road and it worked! Mom and Dad found a wonderful location to bring us all together under one roof to celebrate and toast fifty fabulous years and a beautiful love.

reunions!

Today's lunch with amazing Denisonians affirmed my decision to return to hill to work and how much I love when alumni visit our beautiful Granville!  What a treat to walk through town with Marty Jones- I met via our volunteer time at Denison- Alumni Council. I met his wonderful daughter last year thanks to Facebook connections.  Haley is a rising junior- wrapping up a good sophomore year at Denido! Brooke Datz- local alum- and I get to cross paths and it is nice to share this connection with these great visitors from Portland.  Although Haley is in Ohio more than Oregon and will spend the summer interning Cleveland.

Life on Newark-Granville Road enjoys a great visit and looks forward to the Class of 1990 25th in 2 1/2 weeks!! The whole Reunion Weekend will be special as it is great to connect with friends we've made over the years- we can't wait to see who is back, May 29-31!  Alums and parents in town for commencement- enjoy- it is a very special time.  Marty, Haley and Brooke- I look forward to the next time and seeing you soon. Thanks for the time and great catch-up in Granville.

Figure Eights and Sets of Five- time to transition….

I seem to do things in sets of five and truly believe life is figure eights.  I spent ten years at Federal-Mogul, five years at Denison with the Alumni Office, five years as a stay at home Mom that didn't stay at home much- I volunteered and engaged at The Works. So five years ago I went to work there.  I have been so fortunate to have that job. I've learned and grown, been challenged, met amazing people and done my part to make a difference in this community. I've laughed, cried, yelled, sat in awe and puzzlement, pure pride, wonder and delight.  The time has come to transition back to the role of volunteer and move professionally back to Denison.

I have been sharing this news in various ways- but it does drain my energy. So if I didn't tell you in person or an email- I'm sorry.  I did post it on my derby page info/update post….

From late April: We will use this party to celebrate exciting news for me….a new job- over ten years ago I left my wonderful job at Denison to stay home. I had five amazing years at home, while taking time with young kids, I fell in love with The Works.  Lucky me- I went to work there five years ago.  In mid-May I'll return to my volunteer role at The Works and go home to Denison in a job with Advancement, working with parents and family.  Life is figure eights and I love my loops and the people I work with along the way.  Come celebrate with me!

So this Thursday will be my last day in the office- May 14th- my parents 50th wedding anniversary! On May 18th will be my first day back at Denison.  I'm looping back and forth with emotions- joy, excitement, fear, sadness- a fair amount of denial mixed in there too. I have a lot of work to do these next three days to put the office in a good place as I leave.  I depart at a good time- as good of time as can be.  HATSOFF is 2016 and in a great place with strong leaders and devoted volunteers.  2014 was a strong year and I go knowing I was part of an incredible team that made that happen. The person who sits at my desk in the future will have an incredible opportunity to experience the 20th anniversary of The Works and partner with incredible donors. This is a job so many should desire and I will be that person's biggest fan and supporter.  The Director of Development @ The Works posting will be on the Works website-attheworks.org- please let me know if you have questions or if I can talk to someone about the role and responsibility.

Life on Newark-Granville Road- never dull, always in transition and movement from one thing to another, retracing steps and applying lessons learned while staying connected- a good life in deed.  I'll keep you posted about my new work life (and volunteer- 25th Reunion Co-chair- big event coming up soon!!) on the fair college on the hill- just down from Newark-Granville Road.

Follow That Car

When I added "the big give" magnet to the back of Martha (Martha is my Sequoia, my parents name cars so I do too) Joe said- we've become that family I didn't want to be. I didn't want to have stickers all over the back of my car.    But each of these items have meaning to me so I thought I'd blog about why what is on the back of my car is on the back of my car.

1. Denison- center lower window-Joe and I are both alums- easy!
2. The Works- lower drivers side corner window-spreading the word about this amazing museum in downtown Newark, Ohio! www.attheworks.org
3.Maryland Crab- just under window driver side-I am a proud Marylander- this one has the MD flag graphic- xmas gift this year- I love this. I spend most of my growing up years in MD. I was born in VA, graduated from high school in PA, but MD is my "home state".
4. CA- Camp Alleghany!  under window, passenger side- I went to CA, Clare goes, and Sally joins the ghany girl status this summer! woo hoo- it is a very happy place for us and we want to share.
5. The Big Give! http://columbusfoundation.org/central-ohio/transformative-grants/the-big-give/  You can support The Works via this amazing, amplifying giving tool- thanks Columbus Foundation!

That is it for now….stay tuned for what else is important enough for the back of Martha! Life on Newark-Granville Road is always going great places and this one way to showcase some fun things in our lives.  Thanks for reading.

Derby 2015- what a day- Derby Love on NG Road.

Love really is the best word to describe the party this year.  I will quickly capture thoughts that have been visiting my brain these past three days for record keeping and reflection.  Joe and I execute this party as true partners and altough we still use the spreadsheet  and lists to track planning it really has become a machine.  It seems hard to beleive the weekend is over and I type on a Monday morning with an update on the "events to attend" section including Derby 2016- May 7th!

Yes looking ahead to Derby 2016…we do this for those that were not able to attend- we really did miss you.  Please put next year's event on your calendar.  This party is only fun if good people attend. Thanks to all that did attend- you were awesome.  Such fun conversations, hats, connections happened this year!!We love the out of town visitors that delight and catch us up in person with visits.  It looked like many many people were happy to see you.  We love the newbies (those that have not attended a Derby party), the newbies with great hats I might add!  We love the kids- Peter's friend walking and bringing his "A" game according to Peter.  Just what we needed- Peter's shorts were too tight and he did not want to change to pants that did fit- not until a pal arrived in cool stylish pants. (note family picture below- Peter's expression?) Of course after the race Peter was in his athletic garb to really enjoy the fun of this party in his eyes- a yard full of kids to play baseball, lax, tag, etc…Sally was in her element with art all around- sidewalk chalk and the basement full of walls to color.  I believed the gorgeous day would preclude activity down there- it is icky.  But upon inspection midway through party and Sunday morning- wow! We need to continue to give our kids these colorful, carefree, blank slate outlets!  I love that the furniture was moved so someone could color on the ceiling.  All four walls covered in written word and image all in color.

What else was new to Derby 2015?  The  Lilly Pulitzer for Target corner delighted me and many young guest!  When I was young I loved to play inside the bushes in Mr. Campbell's yard.  It is an expansive yard with beautiful landscapes-low evergreens that felt like full rooms of cottages.  We have those spaces in our lives on Newark-Granville Road and for Derby I furnished one!  I wasn't sure where the Lilly P beach chair would go, I wanted a reading nook and I found one.  I loved looking over at one point to find the 8th grade posse together inside.  Photos shared show other little ones made their way too.  Our bartender Emily was outstanding.  What a difference hiring a professional does. We had great luck with this last year and will continue to utilize the talent, service and friendship that this provides. Our Denison and High School helpers were amazing and felt like extended members of the family.  It is amazing how it all worked out as the shuffling could of stressed me out- but this was a good year.  Joe says the other things have distracted my stress- even working all of Friday when i usually take off to do flowers and prep (years and years ago I had a full week to prepare with kids in MD)- but this year we were ready and in happy places.  No sports for the kids helped- so they could help.  Although having them at the Denison NCAC Women's Lax championship worked well for the right before the party to-dos….picking up the kids worked well too. Congrats Big Red- I loved hearing your celebration.

I could go on and on but duty calls.  I'll follow the lead of the 2015 Derby post and include updates as I reflect and remember what I want to capture from this year's soiree on Newark-Granville Road.  A few photos below tell their own stories and I'll fill in with the "behind the scenes" at a later post.  Thanks for reading and sharing this party that connects us to you and you to one another and puts us in a place to embrace and enjoy summer on Newark-Granville Road.