SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
February 25, 2012
Sullivan’s Salvos 2/28/12
In this edition:
*Johnson County’s Panhandle
*Correction Lines
*My Favorite Rich Guy
*A True Gift!
*Park Stats
*Olmstead Task Force
*Arc Chili Supper
*Did You Know?
*Johnson County’s Panhandle
I love the fact that you can always identify Johnson County on the map – that is because we have a panhandle on our southeast side.
I always find it interesting that our forefathers drew the map the way they did; most counties are just square. Whatever the reason, I’m glad it turned out unique!
Johnson County’s panhandle is otherwise known as Fremont Township. It is roughly the area east of Sand Road and south of Highway 22, and is home to Lone Tree and River Junction.
I know that sometimes folks in Fremont Township feel ignored by the rest of the County. I’ve heard that many times before, and I work really hard to make sure it does not happen.
So, how about a tip of the hat (or pan!) for the people of Fremont Township!
*Correction Lines
Since we are talking about maps – have you ever noticed the small indentation on the far west side of Johnson County?
Look at an Iowa map, and focus on the horizontal row of counties that includes Johnson. You’ll notice small jags in their western boundaries. These are called correction lines, and were created to fix the fact that straight lines do not lay out perfectly on our spherical earth. So every so many miles, the surveyors would do a “correction” of approximately a few hundred feet. It is just enough to show up on a detailed map.
Our correction line falls on the border of Hardin and Washington Townships, and makes Washington Township slightly thinner than the townships to its north.
This mapping quirk also exists in other midwestern states. Iowa even has a town (Correctionville) in Woodbury County named for the procedure.
*My Favorite Rich Guy
The 2012 Presidential campaign looks to be more and more about a single issue: will the voters connect with the super-wealthy but socially awkward Mitt Romney?
I always find it both funny and sad when an ultra-wealthy individual attempts to “connect” with the average working stiff. It is often as foreign to them as putting an average American in Burundi or Indonesia. They are simply lost. And the fact that they have no idea how we live causes resentment among average Joes – as well it should.
Perhaps Romney should take a page from my favorite ostentatiously rich guy - Al Czervik. Put on a Hawaiian shirt, buy some naked lady tees, and crank up the Journey!
*A True Gift!
The Johnson County Conservation Board recently voted to accept a gift from Julie Hausman, Dallas, TX, of her half interest in 52 acres in Section 6, Sharon Township and a reserved life estate from Jim Walters, Iowa City, for his half interest in that property.
This tract contains a beautiful climax oak timber, and will now be available to the people of Johnson County in perpetuity. Thanks to Julie and Jim for their incredible generosity!
*Park Stats
A few interesting statistics on parks from American City and County magazine:
Washington, DC spent $375 per person on parks in 2011, highest in the country. The nationwide average was $84. (Johnson County spent about $11.)
35 million individuals visited Central Park in NYC, making it the most visited park.
South Mountain Preserve in Phoenix is the largest park within a municipal city limits at 16,094 acres. 40% of the landmass of Anchorage, AK is park acres, highest in the country. (Johnson County has about 1,500 acres under management.)
*Olmstead Task Force
Our Mission: Removing barriers to community living for individuals with disabilities and long-term illnesses in Iowa.
Do know someone who would be a good fit to serve on the Iowa Olmstead Consumer Task Force?
In 1999 the United States Supreme Court decided the “Olmstead” case, holding that government must do all it can, within fiscal limits, to assure that individuals with disabilities can live in their own homes and communities rather than in institutions. The Iowa Olmstead Consumer Taskforce was formed to encourage state government to avoid unnecessary institutionalization of individuals with disabilities. The Taskforce has helped keep individuals with disabilities in their homes ever since.
See these websites for more information:
http://iowamhdsplan.org/
www.olmsteadrealchoicesia.org
http://www.dhs.state.ia.us/Partners/MHDSRedesign.html
For more information please contact:
Becky Flores
Iowa Olmstead Consumer Taskforce
DHS, MHDS Division, 5th Floor
1305 East Walnut Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50312
Bflores1@dhs.state.ia.us
515-281-5374
*Arc Chili Supper
The Arc of Southeast Iowa is holding its annual chili supper on Friday, March 3 from 4:30-7:30 PM at the River Community Church in Iowa City.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children, and kids under 3 eat free. Vegetarian selections are available.
Proceeds from this event will help provide services to children and adults with disabilities so they can realize their goals relating to where and how they live, learn, work, and play.
*DID YOU KNOW? There are several little known Leap Year facts – such as this: no year divisible by 100 can be a leap year, except if it is divisible by 400. Thus, 1900 was not a leap year ... but 2000 was!
Anyone interested in learning more about County government should take a look at the County website-
www.johnson-county.com.
"Sullivan’s Salvos" is sent once per week to any interested party. It will give a brief update on issues of interest to Johnson County residents.
These messages come solely from Rod Sullivan, and neither represents the viewpoints of the whole Board of Supervisors nor those of groups or individuals otherwise mentioned.
If you do NOT want the weekly E-mail, simply reply to this message, and type "unsubscribe" in the subject line.
If you know anyone else who might be interested, just forward this message. They can E-mail me at rodsullivan@mchsi.com with "subscribe" in the subject line.
As always, feel free to contact me at 354-7199 or rodsullivan@mchsi.com. I look forward to serving you!
---Rod
posted by Rod Sullivan @ 4:40 PM
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