dreaming big with our girls….

Work and life blends always make for special days- and tonight was one of those great nights!  I'm proud and pleased to be serving with a wonderful group of women to focus on STEM for girls @ The Works.  We recognize the importance of encouraging girls to follow STEM careers and have confidence in their STEM skills.  Awareness and programming is needed to help prepare our amazing young women.

Tonight a program was presented at the Newark High School- Dream Big: A career Night For Girls" and I loved it!  I loved it for my girls, me, the other girls and women there.  Clare was invited through school- thank goodness I opened the email that invited us! I admit to struggling to keep up with all the comings and goings - no doubt I was meant to be there tonight.  As soon as I realized what the invite was we forwarded to others on the committee- thrilled to say five of us were there- two of us with girls.

The evening had three main components: a screening of a wonderful documentary;  a local successful woman sharing important advice and opportunity for girls to reflect and share. We were able to watch The Empowerment Project- https://indieflix.com/empowermentproject/   strong women on a journey documenting to share remarkable women with the "why" this is important. The women were inspiring- Clare and Charlotte thought so too!  Joan Franks, VP with Park National Bank, encouraged girls to stay positive and choose positive friends and co-workers, to take care of themselves and to engage in success circles.  Taking time to reflect with our girls was an important part of the night and very telling for me.  I'm not sure I encourage my girls to dream big enough.  It wasn't an easy task for them to complete.  It was wonderful to hear many YES Clubhouse young women share their aspirations and learn about their role models.  I so valued our female family being there to support and cheer on the young women confident to stand up and share.

This will be a future blog topic as The Works' programming evolves and I take more actions to share, engage, encourage other girls and women to follow their dreams, dream bigger and develop the important skills they possess to have successful STEM careers!  The Works is key to this as the Works utilizes history and art as part of the model to achieve success in STEM. The remarkable mathematician inspired me tonight- she played the cello for 10 years before pursuing her further math degree and becoming a professor of problem solving. She shared how math and music are their own languages that connect the globe- you can go anywhere and play music with other nationalities and math problems can be broken down and worked on together no matter the language spoken.  I love this.  My girls tonight shared that Jerrie Mock is their role model.  We wouldn't know Jerrie Mock or have read her travel book (her travel log while she circumnavigated the world in her Cessna plane making her the first woman to fly around the world!)  Clare wants to be a doctor, not a pilot, but she admires Jerrie's courage and travel!  I loved hearing about dear friend's role model is a woman I admire greatly and know the positive impact she is having all many children in our community.

Life on Newark-Granville road had an inspiring, thought provoking and positive reinforcing night!  Spending the evening with Clare, Charlotte and Sally and a room full of women 11-70?? dreaming big was good for the soul.  I hope you'll ask me more about it and join me as we find more ways to lift these future female leaders and help them reach their dreams.  In the mean time answer the same question we did tonight- what would you do if you knew you wouldn't fail?

grateful for a visit to one of my "to-dos"…..

What a treat to visit The historic Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, VA. I'm grateful the Omni Hotel and Resorts have taken on this beautifully located gem.  Old hotels need tremendous love and care and the Omni is doing just that- caring for a treasure that provides a wonderful escape and retreat in the majestic Allegheny Mountains.

Yes it is a bit off the beaten path- we headed North from 64 through the winding roads- taking in the Covington Paper Mill-great to reconnect here as this was a path I crossed  when I was younger and heading to camp my siblings made a song about the experience.  I love that 35 plus years later it popped right to the lips!  I think the extra drive time off the highway adds to the charm of the Homestead Experience.

I've been hearing about the Homestead for decades.  Aunt Francis and Uncle Lewis went often in my mind, my parents didn't indulge but other friends' families did and the ski offerings were part of friends college experience.  I'm afraid a recent report wasn't very good and I had that in my mind - happy to report that was not the case for our weekend!  We had a lovely time and completely relaxed and enjoyed the Virginia time.

I love historic places, the grandeur, character and good taste resonates with me. This hotel is intimate despite the massive room collections.  My walk to the indoor pool early Saturday morning was more of a hike but a delightful one.  Modern and antique blend well here.  The property requires great attention and cost and Omni is doing their best.  The spa has incredible offerings and was a treat.  I love the water and outdoors and in 30 degree weather was able to partake! The indoor pool needs attention but was a beautiful start to my day.  Our dining experiences were beautiful- hard working attentive staff- beautiful ambiance and great food- all reasonably priced for a special weekend.

Joe and I took in the Jefferson Pools- he wasn't sure how to really spend an hour in a pool.  The mineral waters were indeed restorative and relaxing.  Chilly and not modern (although yes indoor plumbing!) we both were glad we added this to our itinerary.  Joe enjoyed top of the mountain shooting activities that were the highlight of his time in Bath County.  I loved my pedicure and time relaxing at the spa.  We explored a great deal of the property oohing and ahhing at various nooks and crannies with spectacular decor and glimpses to the past.  Everyone there seemed happy and relaxed-fireplace and cozy nooks for tea and cocktails set the tone!

Life on Newark-Granville Road will take me back to The Homestead and I encourage you to consider it for a weekend getaway or stop over on a trip east. It is a wonderful place to gather or find quality time to reflect. Historic inspiration and natural beauty blend to offer southern hospitality in this mountain get-away.

overheards this week…...

here is what is happening around our house:

-the golf course is white- there should be a snow day.
-Granville should have a rule- 1st snow of season means snow day.
-Mom- where would we go today if no school- you have plans?
-Sally's Xmas list went missing- child said- no worries- you have the list on an email…..(what other emails is said child reading?)
-it is OK- I'll do indoor running instead of basketball (proud mama- he was very sad not to make basketball team and reality is he'll play Rec bball!)
-we love you Peter- one sister
-we love you Peter- one sister
-this snow looks like Nutcracker snow!
-it will snow Thanksgiving weekend- at The Midland!
-Is it Friday yet…..

Yes it is Happy Friday and weekend Blog readers- thank you.  Sorry for the lack of posts- time focused on the kids and some me time!! Life on Newark-Granville Road is gearing up for Thanksgiving, so much for which to be grateful.

science day for the girls!

What a treat to represent The Works at Granville Elementary School's Science Day.  We set up our table and made the focus:  Science Fair (March 30th- stay tuned to The Works website- www.attheworks.org for registration details- thanks to volunteers Sandy and Steve Doty and Laura Romano!) and Membership.    Members are important for The Works- they are the folks that engage the most with us and we value input and support.  We want to offer memberships that support the community and we think Membersgetmore is a great campaign- launched today!

My title is "science day for the girls" as Sally and Clare helped me staff the table.  Anytime I can give the girls exposure to science activity I do so.  And my observations today- lots of others did the same. I put my head into one session and was thrilled to see 7 K-1 girls and 3 boys.  And they were all equally answering with great enthusiasm.  Loved seeing all the women science leaders (great to see the Dads) but the role model those Moms serve is important!  Even Laura with her darling sons set an example for all the girls in attendance today.

I don't want to take anything away from the boys or men involved- thank you, yay!  But STEM careers are need of more women-http://www.iseek.org/careers/womenstem.html  Last week I met a woman with a daughter that started out on the career path to be a doctor and ended up as a chemical engineer- woo hoo!  As I type this Clare lays on the floor doing math as a family activity…My proud moment Thursday night was joining a Math Lecture at Denison late to find two 9 years olds in the front row- paying attention- Sally and her friend -granted a Math/ Comp Science faculty daughter!  Math Stats/Sports was the topic.  Clare wasn't excited to just listen and asked if this is what college is all about- she finds the dining hall experience much better- however we're confident it will sink in and in the long run she'll thank us and reflect back on the opportunity with fondness.

Thank you to all those involved in today's event in Granville for K-3 grades- over 200 people were there- making this a priority, teaching science in fun ways- it was a great day- just down the street on Newark-Granville Road.

YES!….bought my 2014 Granville historical Society Raffle Tickets!

Took the time to drop into many holiday open house at some favorite shops- Gallery of Dreams, Matilda Charlotte, Roots and Shoots, visited wonderful stores downtown Granville-Whats In It For Me (awesome store- love how they display/merchandize), Petali Tea, Green Velvet, James Store…Peter got some Whit's, I had a bite of the delicious Buckeye custard…and I went to Kussmaul Gallery- yay!  I went there for a card- they carry a line I so value- sentiments always perfect. I found my brother a little something to send his way for his birthday next week and I BOUGHT MY RAFFLE TICKETS!!! Woo Hoo! I've received emails, seen the posters but hadn't acted- not too late!  Although I don't want to raise the odds of my winning the beautiful Jay Young art- I do want to support The Granville Historical Society- so I encourage you to buy yours too!

Although I'm not ready to jump into Christmas I can admit it is time to start thinking about it.  I love walking through these festive tasteful local business to get ideas and inspiration. My brain needs to get serious about the gifts I'll buy and the additional little touches of decoration I'll add this year.  I love trees and decorate with trees- some good things out there.  Kussmaul again has felt squares and circles stacked to bring charming festivity.

Life on Newark-Granville Road enjoys the beauty all around as the seasons change and we prepare for what it to come and honoring the past.

getting ready for The Nutcracker…..

Once again a daughter is learning wonderful lessons about what it takes to produce and perform in a stage production.  Clare danced in COYB's Nutcracker in downtown Newark for two years and Sally has loved scampering in her mice steps.  Sally repeats the role of a darling mouse not only during the battle scene but also during the "visionary" sequence- she'll be one that scares Clara.  (You know they all look alike on stage so it helps to know what actions they have on stage!)  She'll also dance in the snow scenes as a flurry and queue the music- bamb, bamb, bambbada, bamb, bambabbumb,ba,numb,bump,bump…Puppet…or Shortbread- I think I can do this dance by now! She'll be in this group on Saturday evening and Sunday matinee.

It is a beautiful performance put on by YOUTH- no professional dancers, dancers from many different schools from beyond Licking County.  I love peeking in on the rehearsals and seeing the older dancers prepping the younger dancers. I love seeing how the cast and crew of all ages (parents, grandparents, dear friends) bond as a family as they work hard to bring this holiday tradition to life.  Some tire of the music but I don't - I love it.  I cherish my memory of seeing my sister dance in Altoona and am delighted she and her nieces share the experience.

Life on Newark-Granville Road includes many treks up the stairs and round trips downtown and it is all worth it.  I hope you'll consider attending this year- tickets are available at The Midland Box Office- I recommend stopping in the box office- best way to pick your seat. And while you are there pop over to River Road Coffee and Palumbo's for a treat!  You may also call or go-online: here is the link: http://www.midlandtheatre.org  No doubt you'll know many dancers- keep an eye out for the signs in the yards like we have in our life on Newark-Granville Road.

All Saints Day at Church- my reflection on Beth Jenkins

My life in Granville before I made my way to Newark-Granville Road- here is a reflection on a special friend I made in 1986.

Beth Jenkins- Granville Saint of Hospitality I have such fond memories of Beth Jenkins, my wonderful Adopted Grandmother.  Lucky for me Shirley Hale – the housemother of my sorority noticed I attended church in the spring of my freshman year and knew I sang in the concert choir. Therefore this qualified me to be introduced to Beth to be her Adopted Denison Granddaughter.   Our relationship grew over my next three years at Denison as Beth offered me gracious hospitality.  We started with tea at her house and meeting on Sundays to attend church.  Often we’d begin with toast and coffee at the Aladdin.  Our friendships grew to include parties with her very special friends.  I recall listening to her articulate detailed plans and then see the beautiful execution. She took her hospitality very seriously.  

Beth set beautiful tables and presented delicious and attractive menus.  Beth was a very giving person and always sent “take home” containers.  Many times while on campus I’d receive a call to let me know a take home container was waiting- soup and cookies were my favorite.  Beth would treat me to special outings- the Cats’ Meow in Zanesville and picnics at Dawes Arboretum.  One picnic included an introduction to the adopted Denison granddaughter that preceded me- Heather. What a treat to make a new friend that afternoon. I made many friends with Beth’s peers- we bonded around the table- Beth’s and others.  I remember fondly tea and time with Bob and Coleen Pitt.  Our friendships continued after my graduation when I would return for visits to Denison. Staying in Beth’s home was delightful- coffee would be delivered in bed- she’d sit and we’d talk- a perfect start the day. Of course I wasn’t the only one to receive these beautiful gifts from Beth.

Here at FPC-she was known for her hospitality within Parish Care.  She would take tea parties to those who were shut in and always leave extra for the next few days.  She made extensive plans when hosting coffee hour in Heritage Hall. Her presentations and her cookies for these events and many others were legendary.  It was a treat to help Beth with her Christmas deliveries- she would make packages of baked goods and fresh fruit and I would drive her from home to home.  Beth was beloved by the Granville community and Granville loved Beth.  The gifts Beth gave lived beyond her-when we moved to Granville the welcome we received from friends I made through Beth were extraordinary.  Certainly I knew some Denison folks but I arrived in town knowing gentile generation.  Shirley Hale and I grew closer through Beth so a natural role was for her to serve as my children’s Granville Grandma. The strong foundation I have at FPC that has been key to my spiritual growth as an adult is thanks to Beth.  When I sit down to tea- with new friendships made here I know Beth smiles.  

We all benefit as Beth left our church a beautiful bequest in her estate plans- the elevator.  She always felt for those that would remain in the chapel- our current coat closet because they couldn’t traverse the steps.  Beth the woman who became a saint did not have children; never married- she was devoted to her work in industry as a librarian.  She was a life long learner who shared the lessons of travel, family, friends and work.  Jack Buriss and I met as he helped her preserve her memories. Her faith was simple- she loved Jesus and showed that love in her actions.  She was raised a Quaker and had a loving family.  She spent her days here on earth and beyond making her friends and those in need lives more beautiful. She connected us to one another and to Christ.  Beth is indeed a Saint of FPC and I’m grateful for her life.