Sunday Shares on November 7

Sharing on a Sunday feels right for the blog.

Sunday is the day in our life on Newark-Granville Road that we reflect, plan, catch-up. 

Sundays can be stressful, the plans for the upcoming week loom, how will it all get done in my head. I've heard "it is Sunday" when someone says "what is wrong with Mom?"

Sundays can be the bestest, happiest days the ahhhh days.

Sundays are for worship and today's worship was buzzing with energy, activity and the Spirit! Sally served communion, we rang the bell and giggled when it about took Sally on a ride

Sundays are for family talks on Facetime, believe it or not it is often Peter that starts..."what time are we talking, I'm free at X". 

Sundays are for studying.  Today was no different, I spent a chunk of the day with my research and brain trying to create a draft for my Economics of Philanthropy graduate class. Anyone want to weigh in on competition between the nonprofit and for profit higher education sector? Please?

Sundays lately have involved travel to see our college kids, it was good to be home today.

Sundays are for shopping, Joe goes to the grocery.

Sundays are important. Thanks for sharing a bit of my Sunday.

Check back for a picture...I'll post on Social media...

Talking about Voting- Granville's Ballot and our Endorsement of Thomas Miller for School Board

Joe and I are taking time to have conversations about the upcoming election.  It just makes to blog about it!

First, resources we encourage you to review:

https://www.vote411.org/personalized-voting-info  This is a great location to gain perspectives from those running for office!

https://www.facebook.com/events/402270804829208/?ref=newsfeed  This link is for the Candidate Forums- Village Council and Township Trustee, one follows the other.  This one is the school board candidate forum:  https://www.facebook.com/granvillechamber/videos/560440571840044  Both are worth watching and thanks to the Granville Chamber in partnership with the League of Women Voters

We continue to have important conversations with the candidates, friends, and community members and hope you are as well.  Many subjects, like economic development, school finances, and taxes are not easy to discuss. In our lives on Newark-Granville Road, we recognize through conflict comes clarity.  We value and appreciate all those running for office and the engagement our country and community provide through our elections.  Life on Newark-Granville Road is special and those that serve and engage make it so, thank you.

We do call attention to one candidate in particular- Thomas Miller, Granville Exempted School Board Member.

Dear Granville School District Residents,

The Granville community needs to re-elect Thomas Miller to the Granville School District School Board. Not only does Thomas have experience and understanding of the complexities of school finance, he is a fiscal conservative and will balance this critical responsibility with a focus on sustainability and care for the students. Thomas is a dedicated leader with a proven record of thoughtful, balanced discussion serving the Granville Schools and our community well.

Thomas has over ten years of experience on the school board with fifteen years serving on the finance and operations committee.s His long legacy in Granville has been formed by contributions as a teacher, coach, and volunteer. He engages often with Granville community members and collaborates with community partners to find innovative solutions for our schools and their students.

The Granville School District is a point of pride for our community and a contributor to the home values we enjoy. Thomas will ensure our children are supported as they navigate this formative time in their lives and are prepared for their futures. Thomas’ re-election will ensure continued success for all our children and our community. Join us in re-electing Thomas Miller to the Granville School Board.

Sincerely,

Joe and Susan Leithauser
Granville, Ohio
Parents of Clare, Peter, and Sally
Granville Schools alumni and current student

For more information on voting visit: https://www.boe.ohio.gov/licking/

October 2021 is Extra Special

October is always special, but 2021 is extra special. The month started with Clare turning 21! Twenty-one, how is our firstborn, our baby girl, twenty-one?  This year more than ever I was reliving that wonderful year when we became parents, when our family became three.  I had just taken my first role at Denison as a professional. I was to work the 10th reunion (and the 5th and Homecoming) but instead, I was a guest with my parents and this little bundle. Fast forward, that bundle is on her own campus loving her experience at Wooster adding field hockey this season. I'm loving my role second professional role at Denison with parent and family philanthropy.  Oct 1 was the return of an in-person FLC meeting and it was wonderful!

21 roses for the 21 year old

Speaking of BRW, FLC- ahhhh, thank you Mother Nature! What beautiful weather for a backdrop to all our outdoor events. It really could not have been a more fabulous gathering.  It is the people that make it so- the Denisonians that travel and traverse and those that welcome and work- each step led to another conversation with a deep appreciation for the opportunity to unite and catch up.  A highlight for me was time with our FLC Co-Chairs Heather and Dave Ewing P'25 with their daughter Olivia '25! We had a fantastic dinner at the Granville Inn on Thursday evening. Such a nice way to start the weekend.  Thank you to all those that attended, email if you couldn't, and worked to make it happen.  Brenda, an extra thank you to you for all your work and energy.

All good things happen on the same weekend, so HATSOFF! 2021 naturally was the first Saturday in October. Another very special one after time away due to COVID but most importantly the one to honor Marcia Downes.  Search HATSOFF on this blog and you will see it appears just a few times. HATSOFF - History, Art, Technology, & some Other Fine Fare- Danielle, thank you for that and our connection! Thank you neighbor Virginia for inviting us to that first one, thank you Marcia for engaging me that first night, and thank you Janice for taking the helm of the important Works. I know Howard was smiling as Joe and I quickly donned the formal attire in our lives on Newark-Granville Road to partake in this important shindig!

Please join Joe and I in honoring Marica, make a gift to the Marcia W. Downes Future Exhibits Fund! Those that already did at the event on Handbid, thank you! Others,  mail a check to the Works making note to the memo line or call with your credit card! https://attheworks.org/donate/ Saturday's event to honor Marcia and connect with her family and so many dear Works friends was an special and important way to launch October in our lives on Newark-Granville Road.

Update- here is the Work's information on this wonderful fund:

The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology

In honor of the retirement of our Executive Director, Marcia Downes, and her more than 20 years of service at The Works, we are pleased to announce the establishment of the Marcia W. Downes Future Exhibits Fund.

This fund will be used to further The Works' vision to serve as:

· a center of inspiration and creativity

· an energetic educational and cultural resource

· a catalyst for connection and positive change in our community

If you are interested in donating to the Marcia W. Downes Future Exhibit Fund, please visit the link below. Thank you.

https://buff.ly/3AaYnoo

October will be about my research paper for my Economics of Philathropy class, visiting our college kids and reaping the rewards of a beautiful weekend to launch the month! I hope to see and connect with you this month. Thanks for sharing life on Newark-Granville Road.

Sweet Tea Sundays

Recently we've hosted a Denison alum on our porch for an old fashioned catch-up over a glass of tea. I have deep gratitude for these friends for reaching out and making time to sit and chat.

I've also found myself making sweet tea as a reward for class time.  Before I can launch the on-line lectures I want to stomp the lemons to make the sugar roux producing a fabulous afternoon treat.  Today in my life on Newark-Granville Road the tea accompanied both- Economics and Conversation!

What else to share on today's blog?  Yard signs- yep they are back! Regular readers know Joe and I have a casual policy about only putting signs out if we know the person running and or if we are working on an issue. We're not big on too many signs.  We know a number of the people running this year and we're grateful to all willing to serve.  At one point we said, maybe we should take a year off from signs. Over a beer we went the opposite way. We agreed that those that we know and ask us will receive a positive response. It may confuse some people, and if it does, ask us.  We'll tell you why we put a sign in our yard. The easy answer, we are grateful people will serve, will run. We may not agree with everything someone running believes, but if the sign is in the yard we know we can talk. In fact, I'll even stir up some sweet tea and we can talk about it on a Sunday.

Sharing and Caring in our Life on NG Road!

 So much to share, but duty calls. So much has happened since I last posted. Things for the future included today as well!  I'll keep with the bullet list format and post:

-HERTZ Rental Car rocks! In Chicago, I was going to miss a flight, but the return staffer put me back in my car and drove me to drop off. No shuttle stress for me, just a quick dash through the airport. It was for naught as the flight ended up being canceled. Sigh.  Joe enjoyed the Grateful Dead and Co concert without me. I cried and then accepted it. I worked from home the next day instead of hiking with Joe. This is life.

-Taj Mahal in Granville and Newark! This concert, outdoors, downtown Granville after an incredible day taking in DU athletics, made up for the earlier in the week disappointment. Thank you to all that made that concert happen and the whole Bluesfest!

-Clare takes to the field, Wooster Field Hockey! The first game was a W on the road, second game coming up this week: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/wooster/  Follow along here!

-Hockey for Homes- the GHS Field Hockey Team Philanthropy Game. Supporting the Licking County Coalition for Housing efforts.  Monday, Sept 20th- come to the 5:30 JV and 7 pm Varsity Games, buy baked goods, donate items and need AND

-Join Joe and Sally as the Home Run, https://www.facebook.com/events/856815668299708/?ref=newsfeed 5K on Saturday, Oct 2 to help homelessness!

Do you know someone looking for a job? The Granville Inn is a great place to work and under new management so a great time to join.  I think of this place as a home away from home and value the role each employee plays in my life on Newark-Granville Road. Personally and Professionally the Inn is important to me.  I know everyone is looking for employees, help us spread the word and increase staffing at the Inn. I'm ready for the return of lunch on the patio, breakfast for guests and excited about new menu items in the works!

We've been grateful for amazing nights at MCC, Apple Valley, and along Newark-Granville Road. FPC continues to delight and support us. Sunday's Youth Service was very moving. Thanks for reading and sharing your lives with ours on NG Road.

I just love this pic of Joe! I posted in Instagram with the quote "hang it up and see what tomorrow brings." GD

August Moves Fast on NG Road!

 Where did August go? I know where August went, it went to preparation and execution of:

• Clare back to Wooster for Field Hockey Pre-Season and then we took her! She loaded up Birdie and off she went.  We followed with the big stuff and somehow more came back than went north? Hmmmm We enjoyed a team family picnic that included an hour to kill at JAFB!

• Peter back to Wabash. Same plan, Peter driving Gretel and Martha to follow with a driver for the trunk and other belongings.  A week before departure, Peter greeted me with puppy-like enthusiasm "Mom-Mom, I can move in two days early, can-I, can-I, can-I?" My reply- yes! Joe's reply, but wait, I'm going to and made plans to see a friend.  I explained that Peter could go two days earlier and Joe could follow at the regularly scheduled time. Amazing by the time Peter had the car loaded, he made everything fit in Getel. There was no longer a need for Joe to visit with Martha.

• Susan reaching out to welcome and recruit Family Leadership Council members for Denison. A highlight of my year. The Class of 2025 is very special and these parents are ready to engage!

• Sally, you ask about Sally. Our dear third child was owning her own preparation. Lucky for me an evening meeting was canceled and I joined for an evening of back-to-school shopping at Easton in late August.
• Susan back to school- Economics of Philanthropy, first quiz- check!
• FPC Faith Formation! The church opened its doors again for worship in the Sanctuary The CEFF committee has met weekly with scripture and meditation at the base of our time together. The Spirit leading our faith formation works as we look to our year of learning. Interested in being more involved, let me know!

We still managed to enjoy great summer outings in August! Days and evenings at MCC are a favorite- golf, swimming, a canon-ball contest and dinners with friends.  We've had some date nights and enjoyed the Granville Inn porch. The Inn was the location of the last Granville meal for a party of 5 this year. The kids walked home together.  Meal planning was fun in my life on Newark-Granville Road these last few weeks. Each child has their favorite and it was my pleasure to delight.  I love that Peter asked for Clare's Pasta- an Insta Pot creation as one of his going away meals.  Sally had to wait until the others were gone for her Stuffed Peppers. Farmer's Market meals have been a treat and this is a favorite for the end of August and into September.

I'm pleased with our work, the preparation and team work paid off. Clare and Peter called in with good reports of the start-up of their school years. Things are not perfect but they are rolling with what is before them.  Prayers for the families and loved ones that passed away too early. The lesson of loving each day starts now for our young adults.  Enjoy the transitions and fading days of summer.

 

Summer Lovin

 I love summer, yes I do, I love summer, how about you!!  How is it August 15? Eek! Summer happenings since the last time I posted:

Work travel returned in August- hooray!

Girls home from camp- delivered an award! YAY! YAY! YAY!

FPC is open, sanctuary is beautiful and safe, we're gathering and celebrating!

Hosts with the most, lake time dinner club!

Pelatonia 2021- Betsy and Susan ring the bells!

And this shows you one of my happy places. Golfing with Peter and Joe at MCC. 3 points- 3 balls on the Fairway!