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What Is The Spark – Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce Spark Campaign Initiative

On 11.05.09, In Activism, Iowa City, Politics, by gregorypauljohnson

Effective Living > Iowa City

20091026mo-servcie-sidewalk-chalk-IMG_2064-high-mediumSummary. The Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce has created a new initiative with a publicity website called What Is The Spark.

Sidewalk Chalk. The promotional campaign began in October 2009 with the somewhat mysterious appearance of chalk drawings on the sidewalks of downtown Iowa City. Colorful asterisks were drawn, sometimes accompanied by words such as Service, Knowledge, or Connect. The photo shown here was taken on 26 October 2009. The campaign inspires people to ask What’s the Spark? and search for more information.

Spark Leadership Award. On 5 November 2009, the ICACC announced winners of a Spark Leadership Award.

No US Bank Affiliation. Because a well known US Bank campaign refers to Five Stars of Service, it was thought that this campaign may have been something instigated by US Bank. However, it seems this isn’t true.

Official Website. The WhatIsTheSpark.com website (registered to the ICACC) offers the following list that describes what the Spark is and does.

  • Nurtures leadership in Johnson County
  • Represents all sectors of our community
  • Contributes to the vision of Coralville, Iowa City, North Liberty and Solon
  • Equips leaders with skills to mobilize positive change
  • Reaches decision-makers and influences policy
  • Builds relationships to share innovative ideas, viewpoints and approaches
  • Promotes collaboration and resource sharing
  • Creates opportunities to champion a cause
  • Engages established and emerging leaders
  • Raises awareness of the critical issues and systems that make up Johnson County
  • Develops open-minded, proactive leaders
  • Provides dynamic, meaningful and relevant partnerships
  • Serves as an invaluable resource to your community
  • Introduces individuals to diverse community themes including arts & culture, health care, government, economics, agriculture, human services, education
  • Inspires participants to become actively engaged in their own city
  • Provokes intellectual curiosity and debate
  • Educates constituents about the power they have to make an impact
  • Encourages participants to get involved
  • Generates dialogue about key issues

More Information. If you have more information about the Spark campaign, please contact us so we can update this page.

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The Space of Our Desire – A Story of Smaller and Simpler Living featured in Off Deadline

On 10.27.09, In Activism, Effective Living, Environment, Housing, Iowa City, Relationships, by gregorypauljohnson

Effective Living > Housing > Building Green | Environment

20091026mo-off-deadline-space-of-our-desire-cover-high-small-DSC09697Summary. The Space of our Desire is a compelling story by Kurt Cunningham about smaller and simpler living. The story was featured in the Fall 2009 print version of The Daily Iowan magazine, Off Deadline and appeared in the online edition with the title Tiny Space, big dreams. A photo slideshow is also available.

Excerpt. Below is an excerpt from the story.

Just off Melrose Avenue near the UI’s Boyd Law Building, nestled between two trees and propped up on a trailer bed, sits a house built in inches rather than feet.

This 140-square-foot dwelling is smaller than the average-sized dorm room and looks similar to a tree fort children long to own.

But for nearly six years, it has served as Gregory Johnson’s home.

The UI technology-support specialist doesn’t own a car, nor does he pay a mortgage. Until two months ago, the 45-year-old didn’t have running water or electricity. His tiny home had just the basic necessities — a loft, a place to store clothes, and a porch to read on.

The smell of camping lingers in the walls that span only as far as he can reach, and the cobwebs create an illusion of a log cabin pitched in the middle of the forest. But this small, quaint home sits on the east side of his parents’ property.

Although Johnson recently made the switch to a small apartment roughly twice the size of his tiny home, he said his goal to inform others of the benefits of simplistic living is not over.

“What I’ve learned over the last six years is that the fewer material objects one owns, the less stress one has,” he said. “Something all people can appreciate.”

As Johnson stood next to the porch — only wide enough for a folding chair — he said size was the only issue that kept him and his fiancée, Makur Jain, from continuing to live in the home. She noted with a laugh that she also needed a properly working bathroom.

Though Johnson knows this is not the most convenient lifestyle, he hopes people can take parts of his life and apply them to their own. He stressed that living with the basic essentials takes some getting used to, but it promotes a rewarding, eco-friendly way of life.

Developing a routine is at the core of successfully living in such a non-materialistic lifestyle. Johnson’s began in the summer of 2001.

“I would wake up, ride my bike to the gym [rain or snow], shower, and get ready there,” he said. “Then, I would go on with my day. I didn’t see the point of paying for something like water.”

Changing where and how he started his day, he was able to stay disconnected from the city’s grid and pay $15 to $30 a month on heat. He maintained a relatively normal lifestyle by taking advantage of utilities from different resources. Because Johnson didn’t have electricity or running water, he powered his appliances at work and showered at the gym.

“I made a few small changes and saved a lot of money,” he said.

Jain, a UI graduate student, said the first time she saw the house, she was taken aback by just how small it was.

“It was so dark the first time I saw his house,” she said and laughed. “I remember thinking, ‘OK, where is the rest of the house?’ ”

A native of Lucknow, India, she shares Johnson’s outlook on life. Her father instilled in her a lifestyle of having only necessary items while she was growing up, she said.

“He always told me if you need two pairs of shoes, OK, or if you need two outfits, OK, but don’t worry about having more than you need.”

Both Johnson and Jain are drawn to what they call the simple “college life” living style, where everything they own has a practical use.

In fact, they recently moved all their possessions into the bathroom at their new apartment in order for a maintenance crew to change the carpeted floor to hardwood.

“I think that is when I realized just how few things we own,” Jain said. In fact, the couple doesn’t even own a bed; they sleep on yoga mats and find it just as comfortable.

Johnson isn’t the first UI employee to live this way. With the help of a former UI art Professor Jay Shafer — now a co-owner of Tumble Weed Tiny House Co. in California — Johnson spent the summer in 2001 building his home and downgrading his way of living.

“I moved things out little by little,” Johnson said. “What I didn’t need I left behind. I wanted to know what it would be like to live as simply as possible.”

Shafer’s home designs have been featured by the New York Times, CNN, and even Oprah Winfrey. [More...]

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Menards Iowa City Information and Direct Departmental Phone Numbers

On 10.08.09, In Effective Living, Iowa City, by gregorypauljohnson

Effective Living | Iowa City

20091008th-800px-Menards-West-LafayetteSummary. Menards is a national retailer specializing in building supplies, hardware, appliances, hearing protection, eye protection, clothing, cleaning supplies, lighting, and numerous other home and garden resources for more effective living.

Phone Numbers. Below are the departmental phone numbers for the Menards store located at 2605 Naples Avenue in Iowa City, Iowa 52240.

  • Building Materials, 319-358-5400
  • Cabinets and Appliances, 319-358-5411
  • Commercial/Contractor Sales, 319-341-9423 / fax 319-341-9502
  • Delivery Coordinator, 319-358-5412
  • Electrical, 319-358-5401
  • Flooring and floor coverings, 319-358-5402
  • Front End Manager, 319-358-5409
  • General Switchboard, 319-358-9708
  • Hardware, 319-358-5403
  • Human Resources, 319-358-5410
  • Main Fax, 319-358-9605
  • Millwork, 319-358-5404 / fax 319-358-9829
  • Plumbing and Housewares, 319-358-5405
  • Wallcoverings, 319-358-5406
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Iowa City Human Rights Commission – Vacancies Announcement

On 09.09.09, In Activism, Iowa City, by gregorypauljohnson
Serve your Community
on the
IOWA CITY
HUMAN RIGHTS
COMMISSION
There are three vacancies to fill, consisting of
three-year terms (Jan. 1, 2010 – Dec. 31, 2013).
The Commission acts to disseminate information and educate the public on illegal
discrimination and human rights through outreach programming and activities
including but not limited to:
 Issues relating to discriminatory practices and policies;
 Facilitating communication between individuals and groups;
 Annual Breakfast;
 Diversity in Dialogue: Community Conversations for Change.
Persons interested in becoming a Commissioner should
contact the City Clerk at 410 E. Washington Street, 356-5043.
Applications are available at www.icgov.org/humanrights.
Applicants must reside in Iowa City.
Applications must be received by Wednesday, October 28, 2009 by 5:00 p.m. at the City Clerk’s Office.

Iowa City | Activism

newsroom

Summary. Serve your Community on the Iowa City Human Rights Commission. There are three vacancies to fill, consisting of three-year terms (Jan. 1, 2010 – Dec. 31, 2013).

The Commission acts to disseminate information and educate the public on illegal discrimination and human rights through outreach programming and activities including but not limited to:

  • Issues relating to discriminatory practices and policies;
  • Facilitating communication between individuals and groups;
  • Annual Breakfast;
  • Diversity in Dialogue: Community Conversations for Change.

Persons interested in becoming a Commissioner should contact the City Clerk at 410 E. Washington Street, 356-5043. Applications are available at www.icgov.org/humanrights. Applicants must reside in Iowa City. Applications must be received by Wednesday, October 28, 2009 by 5:00 p.m. at the City Clerk’s Office.

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Small Car Society – Press Release

On 06.05.09, In Activism, Environment, Good News, Iowa City, Mobility, by gregorypauljohnson

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | 5 June 2009

ResourcesForLife.com Launches the Small Car Society

Iowa City, Iowa |12:18 PM

photo-789662jpgSummary. ResourcesForLife.com announced the launch of the Small Car Society.

After decades in development, the unveiling of the Small Car Society comes at a time when thse use of small cars is on the rise as people are seeking ways to save money and save the planet.

“Small cars represent one of the fastest growing segments in both the U.S. and around the world.” GM President and CEO Fritz Henderson [Source|Print]

The Small Car Society is best known for their Parking Ticket Relief Program. Members of the organization voluntarily pay parking meters and parking tickets for small car drivers. The program is part of an initiative lobby local city governments to allow free parking for smaller cars.

For more information, visit www.SmallCarSociety.org

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University of Iowa Graduate Studies Finance Funding Work Employment Options

On 05.19.09, In Iowa City, by gregorypauljohnson

Iowa City > University of Iowa

Summary. Below are some of the resources avaialble for education financing at the University of Iowa. This list is primarily intended for graduate students, but includes some general resourses for any student.

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Which Wich Iowa City Sandwich Food Restaurant – Review and Information

On 04.24.08, In Iowa City, by gregorypauljohnson

Effective Living > Iowa City

Summary. Which Wich of Iowa City offers fresh baked sandwiches with nutritious ingredients. This review of Which Wich is currently among the top listed items on a Google Blog Search of Iowa City Which Wich. Reviews and additional information are available from Google.

Location. 23 Dubuque Street in Iowa City just south of Prairie Lights Books. See the map at the bottom of this page.

Phone: 319-337-9424 or 319-337-WICH

Fax: 319-337-4197

E-Mail: hawkeyes @ whichwich.net (without spaces)

Wireless Hot Spot: Yes

Local Management. Yes. Although the corporate offices are in Texas, the local Which Which is operated by residents of Iowa City who are native Iowans. One thing that makes Which Wich unique is that a wall is reserved for local public expression in the form of comments and even artwork drawn on sandwich bags. Local newspapers are made available.

Food Options. Which Wich offers amazing fresh baked sandwiches with excellent selection of ingredients and toppings. Also available are chips (including Sun Chips brand), brownies, cookies, rice crispy bars, and milk shakes (with real bananas as an optional ingredient). See the nutritional information downloadable PDF file for a complete listing of foods and ingredients.

Energizing Atmosphere. The atmosphere of Which Wich is all about becoming energized. From the bright icons on the walls and clean surfaces to the upbeat music playing. Most people will probably like this environment. At times, it does make it a little hard to talk on a cell phone or have a quiet conversation. If that’s what you are looking for, you may want to carry out (food is wrapped for easy carry out or eat-in).

Daily Dining. Because of the variety of selection, and fresh ingredients, most people will probably find that Which Wich is enjoyable on a daily basis.

Seating. Inside seating, including window seating, is comfortable and usually available except during peak times.

Cost/Value. For under $6 you can get a filling sandwich that feels like a meal. Such a great value makes it affordable to eat at Which Wich every day.

Double-Punch Tuesdays. On Tuesdays, each sandwich counts as two sandwiches when you request to have your Which Wich card punched. After 10 punches, you get a free sandwich.

Nutrition Assessment. Very few restaurants voluntarily offer comprehensive online nutritional information. In Iowa City, there are many restaurants that provide no nutritional information at all. This makes it very difficult for people trying to keep track of their caloric intake and other nutritional concerns. Which Wich offers their nutritional information as an online downloadable PDF file. This makes it very easy to determine ahead of time what nutritional choices you want to make to optimize protein intake or fiber while reducing calories, sodium, and/or fat. It also makes it easy for those participating in the Weight Watchers program to calculate their points. If you are watching your weight, you may want to avoid the chips, fountain drinks, shakes, cookies, brownies, and rice crispy bars. Choose water as a beverage. The water at Which Wich tastes great and it is available for free from the drink fountain station. For a calorie conscious sandwich, consider a veggie sandwich. Skip the cheese and toppings that are known to be high in fat and calories.

Environmental Impact. Which Wich bakes their sandwiches and this uses some energy. However, the baking system uses a belt conveyor so the oven is relatively small and presumably uses less power than larger ovens. Sandwiches are served using very little waste (wrapped in a paper bag, foil, and then thin paper. The foil is of a quality that it could be taken home and washed for reuse several times over. The “order form” is a bag that goes from customer, to kitchen, and then back to the customer with the sandwich in it. So, a single paper product (renewable) gets used several times. The “napkins” are dispensed from special stainless steel paper towel holders. So, people are free to easily take what they need. Because fresh water is available from the fountain drink station, it’s possible to avoid drinking bottled water or other beverages from containers.

Map. Below is a Google Map showing the location of the Iowa City Which Wich.

View Larger Map

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Style America Hair Cut and Care Salon Iowa City – Review and Information Page

On 04.15.08, In Health, Iowa City, by gregorypauljohnson

Effective Living > Iowa City

Summary. The Style America Hair Care Salon located at 17 South Dubuque Street in Iowa City is part of Regis Corporation which owns a variety of salon chains including: BoRics, Cost Cutters, First Choice Hair Cutters, Magicuts, MasterCuts, Regis Salons, SmartStyle, Style America, Supercuts, and Trade Secret (Beauty Express). The store can be contacted by calling 319-337-3493.

Cost. Some hair salons in Iowa City charge as much as $40 or $50 for a simple men’s hair cut. Style America provides a good looking hair cut for about $15.

Products. Style America offers a variety of product lines including Paul Mitchell, Redken and also the Nioxin brand of hair rejuvenation and scalp treatment products formulated to stimulate new hair growth. The Nioxin website has a search page for salons that sell their products.

Customer Reviews. Below are selected customer reviews.

  • “Today I had my hair cut by Elyssa, the new manager of the salon. She did a great job and was able to recommend a product to help improve the health of my hair. Elyssa had some good advice about what hair style would work best with my face shape. As a graduate of La James in Iowa City, it was clear that she was very skilled and experienced.” Gregory J. (20080415tu1425)

 

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University of Iowa Resources Page for Iowa City

On 03.14.08, In Iowa City, by gregorypauljohnson

Effective Living > Iowa City

Summary. Below are links to resources at the University of Iowa in Iowa City.

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