Thinking of Lou Mitchell's Family and Friends

A beautiful service for a beautiful man that made a difference.   Our lives on Newark-Granville road are better because of what Lou Mitchell has given.  It was a lovely and sad service- Lou is going to be very missed.  I'm grateful for the friendship and connections with and around this wonderful person.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dispatch/obituary.aspx?n=louis-a-mitchell&pid=158225171

Day in the life of Development Director

I love my job. I'm a lucky person to be learning, applying past experience and skill sets, connecting with amazing people-staff and volunteers on behalf of a place and effort I feel passionate about and believe in it's cause- The Works, Ohio Center for History, Art and Technology! I posted on Facebook that I would "blog" about the fun filled development day I had on Tuesday this week so here it is!

A wise woman once told me- the fun of development is you never know exactly how your day is going to go and most often you're pleasantly surprised and rewarded with what is presented. Tuesday proved her point so well.  On Tuesday @ the Works I:

1. attended a volunteer meeting in the Interuban Car- great place for lots of fun things- birthday parties.  Love that my job lets me say "all aboard" "woooo wooooo"......
2. Toured the Heisey Glass Musuem with good folks!  WHAT A GREAT musuem- lots of learning about Newark history, glass history, glass serving and decorative pieces.  The video is so worth watching! Thank you Janice for coordinating!
3. Curious Kids was extra special- we had goats, a darling favorite well behaved dog named Barnbus and cool learning about equine vetiniary science!
4. Wonderful donors came to visit and purchased a paver- new item in our office- looking forward to helping honor the history they want to place on this big brick!
5.Drive Alive is coming along....new exhibit for September- great committee and staff making this a reality- such a treat to connect with smart talented passionate people!
6. Tweat-up! Got to know the names and posts I see on Twitter- good people again connecting in a fun way!  We even played Hide and Go Seek (my children inspired the idea!!)  Nothing like watching and participating in old fashioned fun @ The Works!
7. But the highlight was hearing from some of the staff directly their connection and inspiration to the musuem- very heartfelt stories that I will share in the future some way some how.....

Yes I slept well that night!! My desk was a mess as the piles only grew and the papers became scattered but it was worth it. I love the days when I return to Newark-Granville Road with connection and inspiration about my work and this wonderful community my familty calls home.

Fun Full Week of Life

ahhhhhh- summer vacation is launched.  Life on Newark-Granville Road was particularly full and beautiful this week and we couldn't of done it without friends.  I'm grateful for the friends that helped execute the week, the friends of VBS, Camp Falling Rock, The Works and my own friends who walked along with me (literally too- am exercise was GREAT!)

My dear friend Tina lost her Dad and I'm sorry not to have been back in Altoona to share this farewell. Jerry Wayne was a good man with a beautiful family and he will be missed.  I know others have been in this situation recently and I keep them all in my prayers.

Not only did the kids have amazing weeks with VBS and Cut Scout Camp at Camp Falling Rock- I enjoyed my moments at both of these places.  I was able to share my prayers of thanksgiving and requests for assistance and guidance in beautiful places that were not planned.  If you ever get the chance to engage at this camp off of rt 79- please do so!!  If you can help in any way with Granville Ecumenical VBS- please do so- my life on Newark-Granville road is all the richer because of my fun full week!

And of course there was much much more going on- the 1st swim meet, baseball- big game today- 3:30 shiner tourney- library board meeting, Works board meeting, Giving Society Party at the Works, friend time, my parents came to visit!!! and so much more.....Thursday night was one of those crazy mom times- car sickness, kids reaction to car sickness, broken down cars, late arrivals and drop-offs.....and I was actually able to smile my way through and embrace the crazy life I live.  People ask how I do it and the answer is simple- friends!  And yes Mr. Dewar is a friend that helps too! We are so fortunate to have such friends in this community.

I hope you all find joy and happiness, comfort in this life full of warmth and love and fun!

As Promised- Great Finds!

Thank you to our wonderful neighbors for so much, but most recently a gift to welcome Griffey George to the neighborhood! "MAX'S T-BISCUITS FOR DOGS" are amazing! They are amazing because:
-they taste yummy- Griffey loves them
-you can just tell they're homemade, delicious and cute too!
-they are made the the Special Education students at Newark-High School!!!  Their teacher Walter Gloshinski, is leading them in an amazing delicious entrepreneurial effort that is expanding to include people food! Be on the look out for "THE SMILING WITH HOPE BAKERY" breads, hand made NYC pizzas, cookies, muffins, bagels, soft pretzels at the IGA and other Newark locations.  
As I learn more I'll keep you posted on how to support this great effort!  If you want to help directly- give Walter a call at 740 670 7400.


I should really blog about all the great finds that make their way back to Newark-Granville Road.  The farmers market trips always delight me, must haves recently are:
-Green Fix- LOVE IT!  I get the raw (no apple juice) while I walk around and take home my pint for the week!Katie McKivergin-Organic GreenFix  www.organicgreenfix.com (740) 404-9423
-Mrs. Dilbone's produce- I am still craving the Arugula from her garden. She sets up at the Granville Farmers Market all the way at the "back" near Denison entrance.
-Lucky Cat Bakery- I missed them this week- sniff sniff- the sourdough is like no other!
-Village Meats- eggs and pepper bacon!!
I could go on and on but won't- thank you to all our amazing entrepreneurs, farmers who are truly scientist, business people, hardworking labors, creative marketers- you inspire and delight me each week!


So much more I could blog about including the amazing things happening in my life on Newark-Granville Road! Denison's reunion was awesome and reminded me how lucky I am to live in such a wonderful, inspiring place!! 

I'll Have Another.....

Derby Party on Newark-Granville Road! As 2012's was lovely if I do say so myself.  For one - the preparation was a joy!  I like this party, Joe likes this party, the kids like this party and our friends and family enjoy it and value it too and that sets us up for success.  We've also been doing it for a while now and so it is relatively easy to execute.  The patterns work, the supplies can be re-used and we know what to expect.  Mother nature was particularly kind this year with temperatures, lack of precipitation and ahead of schedule blossoms!

Joe and I are both process and people people- we value how they work together. This party proves that and we have many PEOPLE to thank that executed processes!  I have to thank my parents for all their past care of grandkids so Joe and I could figure out these various processes.  This year the kids stayed in Ohio and my parents came early and worked with us to execute!  Joe and I have a tradition of going out for breakfast on the Friday before, then doing errands like flower purchasing, final errand running, etc....It was delightful to include my parents in that this year. Mom worked hard on the flower boxes so I could cross other things off the list and was great company for the errands while Joe moved on to other tasks!  My Dad and I have the wager process down and a special part of the party for me is when he and I disappear to determine our lucky winners and their winnings!  This year we took it a bit further and enjoyed analyzing the data on Sunday morning!  One third of party goers placed a wager, 12 won, most put money on more than one horse.  (Side note- thanks to my Dad for going with me to work at The Works- he was a big help for my afternoon's project and it was great to have his company and show him the Canal project!)

And then there are our friends and what they do to make Derby work so well on Newark-Granville Road.  Kim's arrival with her own cleaning supplies three hours before party commencement was something I'll never forget. She values the quality time together and has become a consistent supporter of our gathering.  Kelly- thanks for coming over on Sunday- the extrovert in me gains much from processing about the day prior! Otters and Mattimoes- we appreciated your time on Friday!  The hospitality for my sister and brother in law meant a great deal to all of us - 1234 Newark-Granville Road holds a special place in our hearts and now the Christophers too! The texts, exercise, beverages, parking logistics, conversations and assistance with kids are deeply valued and I thank each of you for your support- you know who you are!  

Hugh Price, Kevin Plaugher and Tim Hoffemeister- Common Thread's music touches my sole and makes the event truly beautiful. You are so kind to share your gifts of music, time and friendship with us.  "That Kind of Love" transcends couples and extends to our community gathering in my mind. I heard the song while talking with dear friends and it was the first time in the day I realized my cheeks hurt from smiling.

Gray Griesse and the wonderful gentleman of "The Last Resort” you started the live music component of Derby party and we're so grateful!!  The band sounded fantastic and we're hearing so many positive things- keep us posted on where you are playing- we need to hear you again before the 1st Saturday in May 2013! 

Denise and Walter- what are we going to do without you.... we truly couldn't ask for better neighbors and you are going to be missed. Thanks for bringing the supplies without even asking- knowing what we need and beyond! Your good taste and generosity is deeply valued.  Jack and John were wonderful co-hosts!! All the neighbors that tolerate the parking, noise and who knows what else please know I'm grateful. I'm so glad some of you were able to attend- my kids love your kids and really enjoyed your stopping by!

I must thank Joe Leithauser.  His manual labor to pull the yard together brings a huge smile to my face.  We enjoyed the fruit of his labor last night by dining alfresco on the patio- heaven!  The mulching and weeding that man does in 48 hours is nothing short of miraculous!!  I'm a big fan of the journey- the journey to Derby party is very special.  The RSVPs, assistance and labor provided great joy this year.  The party itself always tickles and inspires.   You all out do yourself with wonderful food and festive attire and spirit of commardarie and old-fashioned fun!  

I continue to be delighted with the follow-up questions and conversations.  The connections we're hearing about are very satisfying and we hope you'll continue to share them with us!  Today's big smile was the Louisville Stoneware julep cup in the mail box- thank you!!!  I also had one for the 1957 cups that were delivered to me at Work on Thursday!!!

I didn't take photos but it doesn't matter- 2012 will be one of those that remain in my memories. And I'm so happy that life on Newark-Granville Road includes this tradition supported by such happiness and love.  There are way more than ten reasons for this party to return in 2013- please remember- once invited, always invites and we hope to see you next year.

Derby Party History

Once upon a time a family in Maryland enjoyed hosting Preakness parties. (The Preakness is the 2nd race in the triple crown, held in Baltimore, MD) The eldest daughter grew up and moved away and enjoyed hosting parties too.  When she moved to a far away land she found a roommate who was far away from her home town of Louisville, KY where the Kentucky Derby is held.

The two women decided it would be fun to host a Run for the Races (name for the KY Derby) and had a grand time doing so and had much success with this party.  There are related stories that include a finance, fresh whipped cream but that is for another day....

When the eldest daughter moved to Michigan she started small and hosted a few friends for appetizers to watch the race in her apartment. The next year she was living with a roommate that owned a horse and liked the idea of a Derby party and once again a good time was held on the 1st Saturday in May.  A few years later the hostess moved to Kentucky and she decided this would be the year she would attend the actual Derby!

A wonderful time was had- dressing up, drinking real juleps from the commerative glass, experiencing  The Churchill Downs, and even winning the wager based on the name- Silver Charm!  However it was cool, wet and horses were hard to see let alone an actual race.  General Admission tickets only get you so far....The young woman decided she liked her party better and would go to Keenland in Oct and April for the live racing experience!!  Because she wanted to keep the party tradition going the daughter hosted a triple crown party since Silver Charm was a contender!  This happened to be the weekend after a very special date to the Memorial Golf Tournament with a classmate from Denison.

The Triple Crown party was a great success and much fun to plan and execute.  Flags from all 3 states that hold a triple crown race were aquired and used for decoration.  And as usual guests (including family!) were introduced and connections were made.  It was a special 2nd date for the the two Denisonians and the party was the launch of special relationship.

The next year the young (still in her 20s) woman went to Columbus to visit her boyfriend.  She made apppetizers and mint juleps for her boyfriend, his roommate and friends while they watched the race and it was declared a party.  By the next year the couple was married and hosted the first Leithauser Kentucky DErby party complete with late night bocci and a pizza run!  The party evolved as children were added with pack n plays.  And then the couple moved to Granville and the party took on a different feel with pony rides, play yards, live music and a tent on Newark-Granville Road.

The party continued to grown and the host couple enjoyed the opporuntity to entertain their friends and their families-watching connections happen across relationships.  The party inspire house projects and spring-summer preration.  A fun twist was added when children were delivered to grandparents so parents could prepare.  One year three children were taken to Maryland and the car returned with two Yuengling kegs instead.  The children did return to attend the party with their grandparents!!

The past parties have been successful thanks to the support of family and friends lending their time and talent in a vareity of ways. The attendance is always appreciated and is the heart of the party's purpose. Surprise visitors, wedding party members with their own julep cups and family make for extra special attendees!

In 2011 the not so young woman, although not middle aged, woman took a trip to a far away land- China.  The trip was swaped for the big party.  Although note mint juleps were enjoyed with a handful of friends (the evening included a trip to the emergency room).  This year the party returns. No pony or carriage rides are planned, but we do look forward to live music, festive beverages and the opportunity to catch up with good friends- please join us on the first Saturday in May to add to a happy life  on Newark-Granville Road.

Derby Party 2012

Top Ten Reasons Derby Party is back for 2012…

10. What else would we do on the first Saturday in May?

9. We love to watch the kids pick-up games and activities in the yard.

8. This year’s Yuengling is from OHIO and we need to celebrate this- thank you Matesich’s!

7.  We appreciate-Common Thread and The Last Resort (friends who offer to provide live music ROCK - really). Making plans for bluegrass this year from Denison students!

6. We’re hoping to entice our niece and goddaughter Louisa from Maryland and get her to bring her parents and grandparents!

5. My father was able to produce his Wager Poster before retiring and turning 70!

4. Once invited, always invited so people may arrive with empty julep cups.

3. We’ll get the window boxes and yard in shape faster!

2.  A good friend will soon be launching his brewery in GRANVILLE- you want to meet him!

1. We enjoy taking time to connect with friends and family in a laid back festive way!                 We hope you can join us:

When:    Saturday, May 5, 2012  4 pm start, race is 6ish….we go until sunset…..

Where: 1142 Newark-Granville Road, park where able and walk…

What else:  bring friends, family, a dish to share if able- dessert/appetizer and your hat! More info on party on Susan’s Blog:

http://www.lifeonnewark-granvilleroad.blogspot.com/

Hosts: Joe, Susan, Clare, Peter and Sally  (and possibly soon to be named puppy)

RSVP to Susan at 587 0435 ssleithauser@roadrunner.com