January 2025

LESLIE JOAN (CHAPIN) LEAF

In Loving Memory of Our much-loved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend peacefully stepped through the veil on January 7, 2025, with her family at her side. Born on August 30, 1932, to Les and Dorothy (Hershey) Chapin, Leslie grew up with a bright and lively spirit that drew others into her realm. She was the devoted and beloved wife of Carl (Ronald) Leaf. Together, Ron and Leslie shared a life full of laughter, adventure, and unwavering love. Leslie regarded motherhood as the most meaningful role of her life, nurturing her three children - Paige (Askeroth) Olson, Todd Askeroth, and Jess Askeroth - with unconditional love. She strived to instill in them an understanding of kindness, an unwavering work ethic and a strong sense of integrity. Her legacy of love extends to her numerous grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life and who deeply adored her in return. A woman of many talents, Leslie was co-owner of Askeroth Interiors and the gift store Something Special, both located in Litchfield. She had a keen eye for design and helped clients create beautiful and welcoming homes through her expertise in decorating, furnishing, and accessorizing. She thrived in this creative environment, bringing joy to those she served. Leslie had a lifelong love for books and enjoyed sharing her passion for reading with friends. She delighted in discussing stories and ideas, especially with her best friend and sister, Nancy Sue (Chapin) Schwers. Leslie’s life was a testament to kindness, grace, and all things beautiful. We love her, we will miss her, and we take comfort in knowing we will be joyfully reunited with her one day. A memorial service for family and close friends will take place at a future date.

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BACK THEN

20 YEARS AGO: NEWS FROM THE ISSUE OF FEB. 3, 2005 History teacher Theresa Nelson kept her classroom television tuned in to the Presidential Inauguration all day Jan. 20, but it wasn’t President Bush her Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City students were hoping to see. The 23 sets of seventh-grade eyes in Nelson’s civics class scanned the crowded Capitol for Shane Hagstrom, ACGC retention coordinator. “He called us from Washington, D.C., while he was waiting for the inauguration to start,” Nelson said. Although a pleasant side effect, treating ACGC students to a long-distance game of “Where’s Waldo” wasn’t why Hagstrom went to Washington, of course. “I always wanted to go to D.C.,” Hagstrom said. “What better time to go than when something big is happening.” Hagstrom has been interested in politics for as long as he could remember. For many years, he has watched the inauguration on TV. Then, just a few weeks before the 2005 Inauguration, he and some friends toyed with the idea of attending. One week before the inauguation, they booked their flight. “It’s a good experience just to be there,” Hagstrom said. “It’s a celebration of freedom and a government that we elect.”

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Like putting lipstick on a pig

Today we will consider words. Words are the building blocks of language. People use words for all kinds of reasons. People use words to convey ideas and emotions, to connect to other human beings, and to navigate, shape and understand the world. It’s like I always meant to say: Words is good, man.

Read MoreLike putting lipstick on a pig