Continuum of Feelings Today- Peter Launched

 August 3, 2024- historic day- the day Peter left home for his full time work.  Peter is driving to Indy to see friends and then tomorrow checks-in for a year long commitment to work in Sports Information at Central College in Pella, IA.  We're proud of him for discovering the role, being hired and navigating this exciting time.  He will be compensated with a stipend, free housing and meal swipes - it feels like a great way to tranison into the "real world"!  One might say he is "adulting" however I don't really like that term- the activities associated wtih this term are just responsiblities we all must accept as we age.

And age we all do, or hope to do as this is living and life is full of beautiful wonderful things that improve as we age!  As sad as I am to say farewell to Peter, I had a good cry on the evening of our last golf game at Mounduilders together, I am also thrilled for him, and excited for these new stages for all of us. The power of And in play, the continuum in action- happy and sad at the same time- but the overall feeling is great peace knowing we're where we are all suppose to be.

Typing this entry helps me process. Sally's arrival home from camp is a happy cure for the glumness connected to sharing goodbye.  I'll be motivated to plan the trip to see Peter in his new surroundings.  Visiting college towns is always a delight and 'Pella feels like a great destination.

**Sally is indeed home safely and had a wonderful summer at Camp. I'm proud of her too- good day to be a mamma on Newark-Granville Road. Pictures on social media- having some tech issues with Blogger.

Election Season is Here! Friday August 16-Bryn Bird Fundraiser

August 24 Update:

Keep spreading the word- election day is November and early voting starts in October- details here:

https://lifeonnewark-granvilleroad.blogspot.com/

Thank you to everyone that attended, donated and is indeed spending the word! My biggest take away from helping Bryn is the need for everyone to understand this is a county election, this is about the office that impacts how our larger community will develop the timpacts are own smaller community.  Many people do not understand the role of the County Commissioner, even i know only the minimum. What I do know is we need leaders like Bryn- committed, smart, involved, knowledgeable, engaged and ready to serve us, represent us and help us evolve in a healthy way.

July Post:

Let's talk- truly, I hope you will read this blog and:

• Sign up immediately- you want to attend and learn more!
• Recognize you need to know more, why are Susan and Joe hosting an event? So you give me a text or call, or stop me at work or in the IGA (Ross Market)- and simply say- tell me more
• BrynBird.com to learn more, register for the event, make a donation, help in other ways. While considering the donation I hope you'll talk to me or Bryn or the other hosts.

Campaigns are expensive. We're raising money to make sure we reach all 120,000 registered voters in Licking County. 

And some may say, Bryn Bird, the Granville Trustee- is this a re-election? The answer is no, our dedicated, smart, committed, thoughtful public servant is running for  Licking Country Commissioner, the election is in November. This is the most important role in our local government, the way Ohio is structured, commissioners have more impact as we navigate the changing landscape in our community.  Bryn is the right person to have at in place at this time.

Joe and I are both involved  (Granville Chamber of Commerce & Granville Village Council) and seeing first hand impact on zoning, development, growth, policy and funding and so much more- it is our quality of life that we love living on Newark-Granville Road in Licking County. Framework put a spotlight on need to collaborate, support, and address the partnerships across jurisdictions and the requirement of strong leadership at the county commissioner level. 

Bryn has been with us every step of the way- educating, caring, challenging, advocating- she knows her stuff and wants what is best.  Her roots and current work with the family farm provide an important perspective and network to get things done. Her professional work with government, nonprofits and businesses interacting provide the experience we need in our county commissioner.  I'll stop there- let's talk, read her website and make a commitment to learn more about Bryn as we prepare for the November election. I'll post more here as we progress, in the meantime:

• Elections are expensive- sponsorships matter- help Spread the Word Bryn Bird!
• Plan to attend Augusts 16- Friday night 5:30-8:30
• https://www.brynbird.com   to donate and register 

Questions about this exciting happening on Newark-Granville Road, let me know- I look forward to talking to you, seeing you around town or chatting by phone!

Let us Eat Cake!

 Happy New Year to Me! Birthdays- how do you celebrate, honor, recognize the milestone? In Life on Newark-Granville the answer is...it depends! Cake is important- regular readers will find many an ice cream cake as part of a birthday capture.  This year I was honored with a few special cakes!

1st- Blueberry with peach buckle by Ann Leithauser as part of our Apple Valley gathering. It is always a wonderful treat to spend part of the holiday and often my birthday with Westerville Leithauser's. We've created some amazing traditions and have so many fond memories.

2nd- one of those traditions is our swim across the lake, again captured a few times here, and grateful to include it in this post. Merilee Wagner you are something else! The spread you put out for our turn-around break is aways appreciated. This year you out did yourself with the china, coffee and coffee cake that was warm and delicious!

3rd-Boston Cream Pie- on my actual birthday for my birthday dinner at beloved MCC- baked by Brian Fuller. Brian's culinary contributions are becoming epic in my mind.  I always enjoy hearing the behind the scenes process that produce the cake and how fortunate to be a benefactor!

4th- MCC pals had delicious cupcakes on Sunday to honor Debbie and me for our weekend holiday birthdays- what a happy surprise "meeting".

2024's birthday for me was quite lovely- it started with the swim- always a treat. The photos captured are included and beautiful- we have before, during and after to share the energy and tradition! The day continued with delicious meals and time on the golf course, and a few toasts!

The whole weekend has really been lovely- the 4th in Granville is produced by so many- Kiwanis take the lead and are the work horses, Rotary, village, townships, police and fire all deserve kudos and gratitude. The day started cheering runners on the alternative path for the Firecracker Five on NG Road. We walked to town to embrace a new role- Joe as dignitary, breakfast reception at the Inn and walking with Village Council in the parade- he loved it, just as he is loving the role and opportunity to serve at this important time in Granville's history.  I watched from the beautiful porch of dear friends and took in the moment to watch our town in all its glory.  We then made the walk home and prepared to escape the heat for a cool dip and dinner at Apple Valley.

Granville's Fourth of July is such a touch base time with so many people. The hellos around the parade festivals, the music and activitivies at Fair- what isn't to love! Speaking of Love....

Love was in the air for 2024! We kicked off the special week with Will and Caitlyn's wedding in Charleston (Sunday)- pure magic- what a treat to be away and celebrate their love.  Last night (Saturday) was a figure eight moment watching Simon and Kristen unite in matrimony in true beauty. We were honored to witness both and had so much fun dancing, toasting and taking in the multidimensional love.

I've had a lot of cake in my life on Newark-Granville Road this year and I've loved every bit!

Books, Reading and Meeting Authors- Lucky Me!

Some of life on Newark-Granville Road's greatest joys and purpose is to enjoy and share a good book! Today I have two!

Independence Day What I Learned About Retirement From Some Who've Done It and Some Who Never Will.  In my last post, I blogged about meeting and listening to Steve Lopez P'25, the LA Times Columnist and author of several books https://www.latimes.com/people/steve-lopez. I wrote there that I was looking forward to the read, it did not disappoint!  It feels appropriate to start this blog post on Father's Day!

This book's lessons are for all ages and phases! I found the messages about life in general, not just for those contemplating retirement. The book is a treat for me as I valued reading about his journey, which includes his daughter as she decided to attend Denison! He began his talk last week letting the audience know what a fit Denison is and has been for his daughter. This was a special bonus for me with this read!

Anne Lamont, Somehow, Thoughts on Love  I always value the opportunity to hear an author share insights on a book! There is something about real life meeting the world of reading. Introducing mind and thought to voice and sight. The sweet spot of this experience was being the friend who gifted me prior books by Anne!  This was my situation a few months ago in Columbus when Gramercy Books did their usual fantastic work with an event. The communications, the set-up, the locations- they never disappoint. Anne did not disappoint either! Bonus- we received this book as part of the event.  I took my time reading it and savored it.  I'm a page turner- I fold the pages where I find quotables or phrases and concepts I want to discuss or revisit. Here is one:

"They will offer you the sacrament of welcome. But to keep it, you must give it away. Giving and receiving is the economy of our souls. This will fill you, and if you are not careful it will radicalize you" (Lamont, p. 121).  They are people you engage with doing good work, showing love).

This is why I buy books, I would not do this to a library book.  I also enjoy sharing books and sending them out into the world to be enjoyed. This isn't a sweet read about love, it is a real book about love. It is a beautiful part of Anne's journey and we're fortunate she uses her gift of writing relating and being real to share love in these words.

Life on Newark-Granville Road loves to read and values you reading this blog!  Let me know your thoughts on these books, and other recommendations!

Reunion Proved Why I Have the Best Job on Campus!

I'm enjoying every minute of Denison Reunion Reflection! The posts from the alums, the conversations with colleagues, and the over-heards in town...all positive and appreciative.  I echo this- way to go my AFE Colleagues with the charge to reunite and have alumni return to our fair college on the hill in fresh new ways!  Events happened in new and exciting places for reunion including the East Quad for a cook-out, the Academic Quad with food trucks! Ya'll adjusted approaches, the Citation Dinner was a top tier experienced Denison event for me.

Citations you say- what are those:  https://alumni.denison.edu/citations/ https://alumni.denison.edu/citations/  Check it out- click on folks to read why they received this honor! https://denison.edu/news-events/featured/152970   This article calls attention to this year's winners. Some dear friends in here- so deserving- but some of these Densionians are new to me! What fun to ask a classmate who works at the FCC if she knew Beverly Baker '64- the answer was no- we both learned something!

A bonus of this event was, recognizing how many Denison parents are within this esteemed group: Amy Lovett P'18, Rex Elliott P'23, Scott Trumbull to name a few, then a past recipient, Grant Jones was there and is an incoming Parent - class of 2028!  I had fun saying I was playing- count the parents- and then there would be another parent of a Densionian arrive, Charlie and Emily Ingram were right on cue! Knowing the children and multiple generations of Denisonians is quite rewarding to my life on Newark-Granville Road and why I do have the best job on campus.

Speaking of parents, this year the 50th Reunion invited a Denison parent to present their KeyNote! Steve Lopez is an LA Times Columnist and author of several books. https://www.latimes.com/people/steve-lopez  He was asked to present on retirement, a subject of one of his books: Independence Day. I look forward to the read! The audience was treated to more than just the lessons of his research, which aligns with my "it depends" lesson from grad school. We were fascinated by his relationship with an unhomed person that led to the book and movie- The Soloist, as well as, his perspective on access to education and his daughter's engagement at Dension with pre-Os!  He offered advice for all ages, understanding our identity, relationships we have with structure, and reflection on our time with our family! So much more to say, I have a feeling my engagement with his work will resurface on the blog!  I'm grateful the opportunity to say hello and thank you and connect with special Denisonians, Steve and his wife!

Denison parents are impressive and we have a number of authors, two I've been fortunate to engage with:

Mike Trigg -https://www.miketrigg.com/  Both of his books are great reads, it is summer reading time: Burner is the latest, Bit Flip still has me thinking- I'd love to discuss both with you!

Amor Towles- https://www.amortowles.com/ I mentioned top events at Denison above, last year having Amor on campus present at BRW was another highlight and special evening. Gentleman in Moscow is a family favorite, engaging inspired me to read more and I found Rules of Civility to be even better!

So all in all a long way of sharing why I love my job and that Denison parents are the best and therefore I have the best job on Campus!

Way to Go Wabash- Way to go Peter-Commencement 2024

Wabash College held the One Hundred Eighty-Sixth Commencement exercises on Saturday, May 11, 2024. Peter Michael Leithauser officially joined the ranks of Wabash alumni. Wabash has been a fantastic fit for Peter and we had a wonderful weekend celebrating the experience with him! Wabash College's approach worked well for our family.  Chronicling it for the history books, below are some photos with captions to showcase Peter's accomplishment and our pride in our lives on Newark-Granville Road!  We recognize he didn't do this alone and are grateful to the faculty, staff, leaders, friends, advisors, family, and donors from the past four years and well before! The social media love and kind words have been wonderful, thank you, thank you, thank you!!

What is next for Peter? He is headed to Central College in Pella, IA for a year-long Sports Information internship with room and board. He is thrilled to continue to explore this career, his work last summer at Denison was formative. Wabash says they know how to educate the boy's brain and do they! We applaud Peter for recognizing this and embracing what they offered with brotherhood and commitment to a special and unique liberal arts environment.  These four years started in "uncertain COVID times" and provided an important stage for your development, growth, and maturity.  Thank you, Peter, thank you Wabash!

Dinner at Crawfordsville CC

Cocktail hour at the Air BnB

Nana- arrive early for Baccalaurate

Peter Processes from Baccalaureate

The Delts- love these brothers

Saturday night dinner- thanks Nana

Not bad for the last day and little sleep!

Vince and Peter- roommates 1st year, dear friends and brothers the 4th.

https://www.wabash.edu/live/  Here is the link from our very special day not only for Peter, but our family and dear Wabash family!  The music, and remarks from all speakers are worthy of your time, Peter's shining moment is at 1:24!

Derby 2024- Reflection

May 5th, 2024- a day of clean up, reflection and savor.  As I say when folks thank us- it is only fun if fun people attend! 2024 - ya'll didn't disappoint!

Reflections:

• each year is unique and special, yet the formula is the same and it works.
• 2024 was the Bourbon year- we consumed six handles, four for the batched juleps, one extra, one for sipping, then we pulled five .75 liter bottles from our stash
• this thrills me to consume from the stash
• our new bartender did a fantastic job- not an easy feat
• our past bartender did a fantastic job prepping and setting a formula, and coaching.
• this truly is multi-generational and kids grow up with this party, not just ours!
• dear friends brought their grandson and he was a delight
• we met new babies, such beauties. I remembered the year many of us were feeding our little ones in an upstairs room- Peter's age?!
• we missed many of our "older" friends- our parents included. Joe's had -photo below is in honor of two of those we miss at a different level.

Clean-Up:

• It feels so much like Thanksgiving. It takes a fair amount of effort- but again, there is a formula so it isn't hard- and then it is gone in a blink! It is wonderful.
• Doesn't take that long- we have our routine- as I type this and the house is just about back together. (Okay I have not gone through the laundry basket that hid the "piles".)
• Few plates and dishes to find owners for this year- ya'll learning- bring disposable and those that don't thank you for follow-up.

Savor:

• We value each person that made it to the party. We love talking about who we engaged with- Joe talked to some and I others. It was fun to have Matthew, my brother, join this ritual. Always fun to say- I didn't know they were here...We also value the new folks- 1st party and those that have been with us almost from the beginning- even know the Omaha event!
• We do miss those unable to be with us that have in the past- part of recap is - oh darn, so and so didn't make it. Oh that is right- graduation weekend! Thanks for checking-in!
• Clean up- I love seeing clues of what has taken place, the chairs pulled up around tables, the sand-cocktail with grass on top, the juleps glass left here and there
• Looking at pictures shared, snapped and posted- thank you!!  By the way we love the photos from the past people were sharing this week as we prepared!
• Each yummy bite we did get to take, and a few extra today!  My office will treated to a few paydays and cookies!! Those deviled eggs- oh my- Mattimoes you are amazing!

For the history books:

• We kicked the Granville Brewing keg, and made a good dent in the Yuengling
• We should get supplies- like bottled water the weekend before- dry good procurement
• Don't need as many sweets/cookies- people bring incredible food- the 4 lbs of ham and 10 doz rolls worked well! Shout out to Ann Leithauser and team for executing assembly with the perfect role to ham ratio. The four containers of strawberries with three dipping containers worked well.
• 200 napkins, also include straws/stirrers!

Here are just a few photos to share the fun of this day and gathering, they tell the rest of the story about this first Saturday in May in our life on Newark-Granville Road.

Keep sharing the connection stories- we just love it! This party theme could be- touch points with the Leithauser- share yours- fun to figure out the overlaps in our lives on Newark-Granville Road!