Things I want to do now that I have completed my MA* and after I move offices**!

1. GOLF- I barely golfed once a week this year- The Wednesday league didn't happen nearly enough due to travel, but each time I play I'm grateful.  Played 18 with Joe and Peter, and Bob Otter for 9 though!!

2. READ- Yes I'm back to reading, need to sync up my Good Reads Accounts, love that when I found the right account- the biggest with goals even- "Stoner" by John Williams was top of the list, and then Margot Singer's book listed there.

3. Go shooting with Joe- trap, skeet, sporting clays (never done)!

4. Excercise- have to get back to exercise

5. What I don't want to do as much- is be in the office on weekends, I do like to start Monday fresh, I like the quiet time but I took the full weekend off this weekend and it was so nice, I finished a book!

6. Drive the Scooter/Vespa- I named her Aurelia!  Liscense: check, plates- check, class- in progress, comfort: getting there- I did drive her the first time on NG road last weekend.

7. Back to sending letters- weekly...

8. Casual, easy time with friends...

9. For 2023 FAll-get Joe Leithauser elected to Granville Council!

10. Keep up with LFSOP, TFS, and topics that matter to this important field- join AFC!

Life on Newark-Granville Road is full and fabulous!

*completed the MA- Masters of Arts, Philanthropic Studies, Indiana University, Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IUPUI. I have received notice, the diploma is in the mail!

**I've loved being in Burton Music, on College St/ downhill/South Quad- I was a music minor and took classes here and Peter took Suzuki here.  It has been lovely but it is time to go. This beautiful building-https://denison.edu/map/places/burton-hall read more- will be restored to a residence hall! Isn't that wonderful - Students will live here and this means Denison is doing well and needs the space!

So where will you find me on the hill- Doane for now! More on Doane later- but yes this is a temp move as we'll go to a new building being built near Softball/Bio Reserve for IT, UComm, and Advancement- move in March!  Those in Doane (Adam Weinberg) moved to Beth Eden recently- it is gorgeous- and Whistler!  Have questions, let me know- feels a lot like who is on first!?!

The house is quiet, happy energy in Indiana, Granville Welcome Homes!

 Life on Newark-Granville Road has been filled with emotions during August 2023! On the  16th we loaded up the car and headed west to deliver Sally to DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana.  Peter loaded up Gretel (car) and launched his senior year at Wabash.  We connected for dinner to pass the fridge he needed Martha (the car) to transport, and I was grateful!  

Sally moved in early due to field hockey and we enjoyed the parent meeting to get the lay of the land for the season,  She has chosen a great school and we're super proud of how she has prepared for this exciting time. She reminded us during move-in dinner that she has not loved being the only one at home and she was excited for this transition.  How can we be sad with that statement, proud, missing her, and embracing this new chapter/book in our lives?

We do love sharing special celebrations and enjoyed the night before dinner with the Love-Fullers.  It was extra special as we welcomed Coleen from France, staying with the Love-Fuller family.  As the month progressed we enjoyed connecting with Denisonians returning to Granville to deliver students, including Keith '91 with William '27 from Vietnam.

Time flies, I type this on 8/27 as I catch up with the blog. What a treat to say hello to Senior Annie and her Mom Kirsten for coffee today. Thanks to all those who reach out when coming home to Granville, Life on Newark-Granville Road is all the more rewarding

And now we Facetime on Sundays, watch Social media, and look forward to being welcomed home to Wabash and DePauw where our hearts have ventured from Newark-Granville Road!

Cue the music, Pomp & Circumstance, cue the Pomp and Circumstance....

This is a blog post I've dreamt of writing.  Life on Newark-Granville Road has been pretty consumed with my studies. Today I can type: I have completed my Masters in Philanthropic Studies from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.  I hit submit on 8/6/23 and it was done.  I received notice of the grade in the class.  The officialness will continue, and I'll continue to update this post!  But truly it is done:

In a true academic approach, I'm going to make this post an outline with reflections:

Opening:

a. general feelings: bittersweet, pride, relief, joy, gratitude

b basic- why, what, how  

There was this job I wanted, it said Master's degree was preferred, I asked my boss if I should get a Master's she said- yes and pointed me to a few programs including LFSOP. But she said, ask the VP, the VP said- no you have amazing experience and don't need it, but ask our consultant.  I asked the consultant and she said, get an MBA, know the financial world to work with your donors (I had considered an MBA when I worked for Fed-Mogul and they would have paid 90%)! So there were three different answers, I knew who to listen to- me! The reality is the LFSOP program sounded interesting so I contacted the admission person and met for coffee, I took one class, then the certificate program, then the MA- I did it step by step!

Reflections:

b. true journey valued the journey- James Clear - DU alum, author, and friend reminded us of this at Remix 2023 and it is so true.  Each course, and each assignment was a step in a not-so-easy but rewarding journey a  journey that changed and challenged me, made my life on NG road more interesting

a.  lessons learned- affirmed, strengthened:

-my major- I have been involved in philanthropy my whole life and to study it was a gift, to study it with the liberal-arts approach- providential- perfect-- what is the correct word to describe this? Ideal for me!

-the answer always is "it depends" and you must look at both sides, or many sides...you must find an answer but don't quickly to to yes or no, right or wrong...

-the connection between the sectors, the overlap and relationships- really valued this after 10 years in the for-profit sector, 21 in the nonprofit sector and the view of government with my chamber board hat, practical assisted the lessons of the classroom and the interplay is something I had not really considered.  Well-timed with Joe's run for Village Council in Granville!

d. Internships/Last class - it truly pulled it all together- religion, giving, directions groups can take. I was able to download my papers as my IUPUI google drive goes away! 

Closing:

a. What is next- the question everyone asks...

Are you getting a new job? Answer- not for some time.  This hopefully will support "retirement" when Joe and I want to work less/different- consulting maybe, or assisting consultants, or PT/ interim work, international time, exciting right?!! People ask about teaching and I quickly said no, however after presenting this summer and a conversation with my advisor, the answer is maybe! Not at the academic level but as a person of practice, maybe- the answer I guess here is- it depends!

b. Celebration:

a. Surprise- Amanda is too good!  Pink mortar boards?!!! Charity?!?!- Lori was ready with the Pink Bubbles, Brian that cake, Leigh Ann the sweets, and everyone that attended, reached out, oh my oh my oh my- so much more to say....dear toasts by the kids...and Barbie- what a message and way to celebrate- I went to the move and I read a book that wasn't required reading...(what is next?!!)

b. Ciao Bella...next learning- e- Vespa training (secured lisc. and tags today!!)

c. Will I walk in a Graduation/ Commencement Ceremony- nope- the program offered that opportunity in May it was the same day as Clare's and Denison's so that was out.  When the degree arrives and the regalia we'll find a way to make it official and capture the moments in our own way.  I've heard people talk about it truly being a family degree and it is- I could not have done it without Joe and the kids have all walked it with me. My Mom i pretty proud of me too, another reflection for above- 1st graduate level degree for my family.

I posted about this today- but for the record- picture:

Home from Camp 2023

 

The girls are back! Summer 2023, a success for Sally and Clare! I can't say enough good about what Camp Alleghany provides for our family.  More here later but I wanted to do a quick chronicle that they are home, and it happened.  

It is the first year we have not traveled to Greenbrier County, WV as a family or me as an individual. They came and went on their own, together- happy sigh.  They each had added responsibilities and important milestones- Clare hit 10 years (turtle charm!)  I received only one letter from each of them, but phone calls during days off- life as a counselor is different than the camper-this part of the important life lessons.

Life on Newark-Granville Road, August 7- 2023- dinner for five in the dining room, anticipation and touching base to plan the evening, dessert from Whits. Happiness is....

Ohio- Voting for Aug 8 & Be Informed!

Yesterday  I voted "early" in the August 8, 2023 Special Election. This ballot has one item, Ohio citizens are being asked to approve an amendment to our constitution.

https://www.boe.ohio.gov/licking/  Learn not only how and when to vote, but read both pro and con arguments.

I voted No, I voted no because I see the amendment taking away citizens' involvement and putting more power into the legislators.  https://votenoinaugust.org/   I recognize what other legislature is forthcoming and want the process of how our bills and laws are passed to remain as is. 

That said, we should all be doing more to be involved and engaged in our community and country's governance and there are so many ways to do it that do have an impact! My summer reading is reinforcing this: The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens by Richard Haas  This book affirms my decision to vote no.

This book also magnifies my pride in Joe Leithauser's decision to run for Granville Village Council! He shared the news at our Derby party, is collecting signatures, and will file officially very soon! He is gathering his committee and more will be coming soon, stay tuned!  Life on Newark-Granville Road is involved and committed to our community.  The pursuit of my Master's in Philanthropy has showcased the interplay and reliance between the sectors: market, nonprofit, and government. Yay Joe, Elect Joe Leithauser! Joe Knows!

As always something out here of interest, disagree, do you want to know more or engage- let's have a cup of coffee or phone call to talk about Life on Newark-Granville Road!

Update- 8/11/23- The Election item on the ballot was defeated.

Birthday Day- What a Treat! I'm really 55!

I like to use this blog to chronicle things. I like to use the blog to say thank you and show appreciation. I am a connector and I've found the blog a way to deepen relationships and launch new ones! That is my purpose today. I also like to give backstories- you'll see those with the photos in this post.

Happy New Year to Me! My birthday plans were hatched sitting on the rise at Moundbuilders Country Club in early June.  Joe and I found ourselves there after a beautiful evening of golf. The subject of my birthday as part of our conversation had to include Joe's convincing me I was actually turning 55. I guess I've been in denial? Or maybe I just wasn't paying attention, I've been busy? Or maybe I am not great at math?! Probably a little bit of all that wrapped up. I'm not upset about turning 55, time is just flying!

So I enjoyed that time in the comfy seating under the tent I booked it for my favorite day of the year, which happened to be a friend's birthday on the longest day of the year and my birthday. Then I figured out it was a Wednesday and Golf League Day, and the pieces started falling into place!  In the end, it was a day spent completely outside... almost! Going backward:

11:30 pm- the girls called from camp- just in time they said! They were both in the office working so they could call. Camp is in West Virginia and they are both on staff/counselors with very limited cell access.

10:30 pm- sitting by a fire, making a samore, chatting, enjoying a special evening that gathers people together over the love of Whiskey, and building relationships. Thank you to our hosts and all that engaged with me.

6-10 pm- sitting with friends, toasting my birthday- turning 55 on the 5th- not a golden birthday but a sparkly birthday- thank you friend for bringing a big bottle of bubbly. Thank you, friends, for the sweet gifts that brought big smiles- you know me well. Thank you, MCC for the great service and appetizers!! What I loved most was the time and communication that unite us. Bonus- Peter came by for a hug- he and Joe had golfed, and he let me know his flowers and card were waiting at home.

2-6 pm- Pool Time- reading, chatting, and floating- ahhhh- I'm a water baby and so grateful for that MCC pool! 150 swim team swimmers this year! There was an away meet so the pool was rather quiet yesterday- ahhhh

8:30 am-2 pm- GOLF LEAGUE- 18 holes with three lovely women (we ate inside due to the heat) and then lunch with those that remain after- such a treat! Most Wednesdays I dash back to work, not yesterday it was my birthday and I was so grateful to have this on the calendar!  I am not the best player, but I'm getting better- kinda- I love the opportunity to be out there, trying, learning, growing, and bonding with special women.  Linda's coaching to pull out the pin seems to be helping, on some holes! The Golf Godness allowed me to stay out of the sand this round on 16- the little things! Joe gifted me with a surprise new driver- yay Joe!

All the lovely phone calls and texts, voice mail signs, and social media greetings- WOW! The day was filled with love- love of relationships, love of sport & swim, relaxing & reading, and time together.  

The birthday celebration continues with continued gestures of celebration, I'm beyond grateful, truly blessed in this life on Newark-Granville Road.

I love ducks!

Peter with Mom

Picture from 9th grade, Mercersburg, in our home on Forrest Drive, ice cream pie!

some of the Ladies MCC Golf League!

Summer reading in my happy place.

Sally's Turn-GHS Graduation 2023 Threepeat

Dear Sally graduated on Sunday, May 28th, we are so proud of our dear Sarah Landis. This felt like a long time coming, not because she is our last child, but because we've been celebrating this class and this year for a year! Senior seasons, magnified by another senior (See post on Clare's college graduation).  Sally wanted things simple, so Sally, and that is what we did.

The ceremony itself was lovely, well done.  Just over an hour but was filled with meaningful messages and performances.  Reflections on this class's experiences and accomplishments- silly bands and musically made me smile. We watched a few of Sally's Musicallys the big kids can access and share- we giggle while watching. Caroline Otter, a dear friend of our family, did a wonderful job with the welcoming remarks.   

We celebrated with lunch at MCC, a long lunch but family and friends caught up and chatted. Sarah, Louisa, and Greg repped the Stoners, and Ann, Scott, Caroline the Leithausers, Love -Fullers were on hand as the family-friend group. Thank you to everyone that was with us that weekend and in celebrations before!

Sally has a great crew that has supported her, entertained her, and traveled on this journey. We wish everyone well as they navigate what is next. We're excited about Sally's decision to venture west to Greencastle, Indiana -DePauw University. She'll play field hockey and is enrolled as a management fellow.  

Pictures from the weekend, our beautiful girl all grown up. The baby of the family no more, it is her turn to shine and journey away from home. Life on Newark-Granville Road will be very different, in a good way. Joe and I have done our job. Sally is proud of herself and we're proud of her. She is independent, loyal, strong, smart, and convicted in her approach. DePauw is lucky to have her, just as we are in our life on Newark-Granville Road.

Honoring Caroline too- she graduated the day before!!! Exciting times as she heads to Clemson this fall!