Catching up and Sharing....its May 2016

Time to catch-up again.....and instead of simply posting links I'll give you some of the whys....

Symphony of Flavor-  this is an event I try hard not to miss! It is a great cause with a stellar event- fabulous dinner, great pairings, creative outlet, entertainment, good people...and you can participate in the auction and provide more funding and win something special!  Take a look- the theme this year is Italian- yum and just look at the great graphics!!  http://www.ngsymphony.org 

The Blue Coats are back.....who thought Denison slowed down in the summer!  Okay it isn't summer yet, but the semester has ended, the school year is over and the students are on summer break so queue the band.... impressive organization- get the scoop here and I'll share the details on when they present and practice on us.....http://bluecoats.com/about/who-are-the-bluecoats/  We also had the HOBY leadership camp, a huge swim meet- youth program/club swimming; our own Reunion is gearing up for the weekend after Reunion- yeah; June Orientation for the Class of 2020; student researchers- just makes me realize how good it is to have Denison in our community- economy alone makes me #Denisonproud! and pleased with the company...we miss the students when they're gone and it is such a pretty time to be on campus!!

Serious matter- what is your thought on drugs testing in the Granville schools....if you are not from Granville you don't need to chime in on the survey. You're welcome to share with me your thoughts and experiences.  I've had the conversation many times with friends that have kids in schools that offer/require this screening; I've talked with my kids and Joe...I think I may need to re-do my survey. I will say Joe and I value the assistance and partnership in raising our kids.  It has been a month of awards, concerts, banquets, tournaments, etc....none of it happens without partnerships and help. We're so grateful to the coaches, staff, drivers, teammates, teachers, principals, secretaries, friends of all ages- Moms, Dads, kids that have our kids engaged in the way they are.  We see the screenings as another way to hold our kids accountable, and if there is an issue- lets identify it now and get help.  It isn't an easy topic but it is important.  http://www.granvilleschools.org/protected/ArticleView.aspx?iid=6Y0AGUY&dasi=4GI0Y However you feel - if you are a parent of a Granville student I hope you'll take the survey.

And speaking of summer....wood bat league baseball....http://www.lcsettlers.com  Time for the licking county settlers to arrive! Join us at the ball park.....meet the team night is May 31st at 7 pm! I know I've told a few folks new to the area about this and they are excited!

May is always the crazy month and 2016 has been no different. Life on Newark-Granville has been full of games, concerts, banquets and exam prep (high school exam world has Clare studying late on a Saturday and home at 1:30 tomorrow and 9:30 on Wednesday and then she is done?!)  As challenging as it is to fit it in...boy do I love it.  I'm a proud mama and I appreciate all those who have listened and taken interest in these activities with us.  It has been a month of catching up and connecting at beautiful graduation celebrations and tailgates/ while on the sidelines. Thanks for reading and sharing in this full and blessed life on NG Road.

Commence!

Commencement at Denison was pretty powerful for me.  My work truly is cyclical- it ties right into the figure eight image I use to describe life very well.  We don't just have on cycle, we have many that overlap, overlie....the school year, the calendar year, the fiscal year are a few.  As I wrap up a school year with the Class of 2016 parents..sigh..I just get sad- they've been pretty amazing for many reasons.  I'm a closure person and the reality is there isn't closure.  It will be interesting to see what happens...will some just fade away, some stay connected for a bit. One Mom explained that no one was saying good bye- they couldn't...and I get that.   For students moving into alums they'll have a way to connect- reunions, weddings, gatherings...gosh those 1990 gatherings were amazing- wedding showers, visits to keep in touch, road trips!  But parents engaging with Denison...we'll see.....

But that simple means it is time to Commence- begin- new parents to meet, new relationships and roles to play....the awesome parents I've met have volunteered to keep helping as appropriate. They'll do their part to share the Denison story...they support and encourage their children's engagement!!  We commence into a new place and it is good.

The ceremony and day yesterday set the tone for this so very well.  The Denison family was under one roof and it was pretty cool. I was sad not to have the beautiful weather and outdoor ceremony. HOWEVER there is a lot to be said to be under that one big roof in Mitchell.

http://www.sisterhelen.org    I am Denison proud of the engagement we have with Sister Helen. Her speech or the delivery and three stories she shared taught and touched me. I look forward to learning more about this impressive woman who shared mistakes, and lessons and a journey an important one about forgiveness, love and compassion.    Sister Helen received an honorary degree and delivered the address to the senior class.  Adam Weinberg and a pretty impressive student shared great words as well.

Truly what moved me on Saturday was the opportunity I had. I was able to sit among the guests of the president- those that support the college with deep engagement, those that children served the college and embody the Denison experience. I was able to meet and say hello to family members sharing this important day. I had a role.  It felt really good to be back, to wrap up this cycle of the school year and bring closure and information to prepare for next go around with a new group!

Life on Newark-Granville Road is all about commencing....starting, moving, ushering, stepping. Thanks for reading. Thanks for the care for the injured Denison students, thanks for support of the Big Red athletes, thanks for being with me in my figure eights on campus, in town and in this life that moves forward oh so quickly.

Further down the street a video was produced....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BBQ4imKYWI&feature=youtu.be

Please watch this video.  I hope you'll be as impressed as I was with these high students from Newark, Ohio.  I  know have a bias after working in downtown Newark for five years and seeing first hand the amazing things happening at the high school there. This video showcases that so very well!  There is so much to be proud of in Licking County. I admit to poking fun of it while a Denison student. When we moved here I thought we'd do so much more in Columbus.  And certainly I love Columbus and am proud of its growth and opportunities.....but here, 8 miles away is Newark.  Our county seat has problems like most similar sized cities in America but there is so much good.  Good work Newark High School students, teachers that care, volunteers that create programs to showcase such films- well done and thank you.

My life on Newark-Granville Road is proud of these students- I know one!!  Proud of the work they did to produce this film....I sure hope they'll look at Denison!!

Mothers Day and Derby Party 2016.....

they go together well! Because...flowers, flowers, everywhere and great prices on roses! Thank you Trader Joe's this year's supplier and Joe found them!  How nice to have Joe find a favorite vase and fill it with beautiful red roses! I then returned to get a few more to pepper the house with them for the party... I admit to using colors beyond red..white for my Works yellow vase,  yellow and pinky red were perfect for the Denison theme.  I sent Joe's Mom home with some, passed out a few more to some mommas I love and look forward to taking some to the office.

And it is now the end of the day and I've taken to the couch.  I napped and haven't left the couch.  It was nice to wake up slowly taking in the pretty room- prettier thanks to the flowers and Derby decor. I do love the Derby season...will keep this all up until after the Belmont. I deserved the nap. Not usually a napper this one was earned with focused prep for two days and a great party I enjoyed. Plus we woke up early to clean, went to church, had a great picnic watching Denison women lacrosse win the NCAC Tourney!!   Tea time quickly turned to cocktail hour and now I type as the family does their duty with grilling, continued post party tasks. I talked to my Mama and caught up with family a bit via texts.

A bonus this year was my mother in law with us for Derby. She was a huge help. All three kids had activities Friday night- good timing to see her grand kids on the field.  She also fed them and gave the attention they don't get as we prep for the party.  She hung late night with friends and was quite beloved. She helped with clean up and joined us for church. I love and value the time to be together in this way.

Another great Derby party in the books. We host this party for many reasons- gets the house ready- check...we enjoy the yard so much post derby.  We love hosting our friends that make our community what it is. We love connecting people- fun swim connections yesterday with Cleveland and Granville folks.  I hope to hear more.  We just love a good party and this one's theme is fun and festive and people embrace it.  Three cheers for the Maryland bow tie and socks..some great hats- even our incredible bar tender had a vintage hat!! Boy she makes this party a treat- last year was our first year with Emily and it made quite a difference, plus her juleps- incredible!  I kept putting mine down and would have to go on a quest to find it.  The nod to Denison to help with decor and entertainment worked! Thanks and shout out to Chowda and Hilltoppers- everyone loved you and we value you sharing your talent.  The Denison students were great- they really embrace the party and their tasks, a friend we've grown up here was on kid duty and excelled.  And yes I loved the serenade- was totally caught of guard but what a treat.

The link on Newark-Granville Road on Mothers Day with Derby Party weekend was our kids in action- their hospitality, shared fun and their embracing and creating traditions. They all had friends here late night (11 for us- party past dark.)  Sally's favorite part of the party- singing on stage (thanks Tom) and flashlight tag- love this! Clare's was the balloons- she says she's never done helium chat0 and the cookies!  Decorate your own is her thing- already knows we'll do C cookies when we combine her graduation party and Derby! And Peter's favorite thing was hanging with friends, playing ball in the yard with friends and winning $10.

That will wrap up Derby for 2016....those unable to join us- we hope you will next year- the first Saturday in May. Those that did attend- thank you for sharing a special part of our life on Newark-Granville Road in 2016 and a thanks to the help from my Moms- the ham was great and your time with us very meaningful Nadine. And thanks Joe, Clare, Peter and Sally for my mothers day attention.

2016's Derby Party- Day before Update.....

This year you'll want to arrive on time.....if you can't (like our own Sally due to a lacrosse game) it is OK but....those that love live music come at 4 for Chowda!  Denison student/alums will be here for an hour- we're grateful! Love the live music side to this party!!

As I mentioned- we're rain or shine- bar and band under tent....dress appropriately I'll have on my rain boots to ward it off!

There was something else I wanted to share....oh well- need to go prep!  Love having ya'll over to share this fun and exciting two minutes of sports and all sorts of traditions! oh that's it! The country ham from Maryland is cooked and ready to be sliced and made into bit sized sandwiches...they go fast...so again come early and make sure to visit the dining room and yes Sally- chocolate covered strawberries will be there too, and yes Clare....horse cookies and cup cakes from Ice.Bake.Roll will be here....and Peter I'll get the root beer!  Life on Newark-Granville Road...day before Derby...out!

http://lifeonnewark-granvilleroad.blogspot.com/2016/04/142nd-run-for-rosesky-derby-time-party.html    For the rest of the details.....

Mother Nature - lets talk Derby....

Mother Nature we know you'll do what you do and we've seen it all on the first Saturday in May....warm, cold, wet, dry, even snow flurries.....We loved the forecast at the beginning of the week- warm and dry. We've watched the temps go up and 70, 71...now the forecast shows 75 with 90 percent rain? Is there a price for the temperature?  The forecast shows storms in the pm...can PM be 11 pm please?  Just sayin' 75 and no rain would be lovely for this party. But do what you will do party on the first Saturday in May, 2016. We'll go on rain or shine, friends will self select, the tent goes up tomorrow to provide shade or rain cover and sets a festive atmosphere (and supports the Kiwanis Granville Scholarship program.  Life on Newark-Granville loves a party rain or shine on the 1st Saturday in May!

Home again, home again.....

Ahhhhh so good to be home....fantastic travel this month, seeing great people, doing Denison work and wrapping up with me time! A CASE conference/seminar- training, development, networking, reflection time and thanks to Facebook a reconnect and add an adventure time!  Miami was good to me for many reasons and I'm grateful for all that made it happen!

While traveling I always have these blog ideas....but when I sat down to update the blog tonight- nothing!  Nothing?  Okay the fingers get my brain going....I thought maybe there was a "rest of the story" behind the scenes photo to share....but that isn't coming to me. Hmmmmm

What to blog about?? how about whats for dinner?  Sally wanted pork chops - so I gave her a lesson. Peter made the homemade mac n cheese, we added fresh green beans.  Yesterday we made "yummy pasta"...I should say Sally did- she is into cooking.  Peter made the salad- great dinner. By the way "yummy pasta" is shrimp and scallops over linguine with simple olive oil wine sauce.  Clare dubbed it that when she was a preschooler and we asked her on a family walk- what do you want for your birthday dinner?  She said- "yummy pasta- you know the pasta with marshmallows."    And Sally is standing behind me with grammar coaching.

There is certainly more to share or reflect on....however it is time for book club and I can go on time, guilt free- baseball game was cancelled.  Life on Newark-Granville Road is in catch-up mode from travel- catching up on quality time with the kids, the piles, the emails, the friend interaction.....hope to see you on Saturday!!http://lifeonnewark-granvilleroad.blogspot.com/2016/04/142nd-run-for-rosesky-derby-time-party.html  Details here! Other blog post...