SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
October 24, 2019
Sullivan’s Salvos 10/29/19
In this edition:
*RIP June Braverman
*Happy Halloween!
*Local Elections
*Remembering November 1, 1991
*Poor Farm Update
*Solon Political Event
*Did You Know?
*RIP June Braverman
I was incredibly sad to hear of the passing of June Braverman. June was very involved in Senior issues, and we used to speak regularly to discuss her ideas.
June was involved in many charitable efforts, and was an outstanding musician. The many shows she organized raised money for many important community efforts.
Most importantly, June was a person who was unafraid to speak up. She told me when she thought things were going well, and she told me when she felt things could be improved. We need more citizens like her. RIP, June.
*Happy Halloween!
Halloween is right around the corner. That does not mean the same things to me it used to, as my kids are too old to trick or treat by about 15 years.
It does, however, mean we all need to be extra careful as we drive around our neighborhoods. I hope your Halloween is safe and happy!
*Local Elections
Please do not forget to vote in local elections on or before November 5th! This year marks the first ever combined city-school elections; please study up for both races!
Both School Board and City Council are absolutely critical to your quality of life! Please take the time to weigh in!
*Remembering November 1st, 1991
28 years ago on November 1st, a UI post-graduate student named Gang Liu killed four faculty members, a student, and himself.
Faculty members Christoph Goertz, Dwight Nicholson, Robert Smith, T. Anne Cleary, and Linhua Shan were all slain. Student Miya Rodolfo-Sioson was shot and survived but was left paralyzed from the neck down.
If you ask longtime residents of Johnson County, most can tell you where they were that fateful day. (I was working my second job - a Friday night shift in a Systems Unlimited group home.)
I wish I could say that in the decades that passed, something good had come from this horror. Frankly, I simply do not see it. Even bigger mass killings have occurred on other campuses across the nation. Our mental health system is no better, and our gun laws are even worse. The killings make no more sense today than they did 28 years ago.
I hope you will take a moment to reflect upon one of the saddest days in Johnson County history, and pray for the many survivors whose lives were touched by the people we lost that day.
*Poor Farm Update
The growing season is rapidly coming to a close, so I thought it might be a good time to give an update on the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm.
For those who do not know, the Historic Poor Farm lies on the far western edge of Iowa City, where Melrose Avenue becomes IWV Road. It opened in 1855 to care for the indigent, the developmentally disabled and the mentally ill. The concept of the Poor Farm reflected the prevailing attitude that fresh air and work would be good for the “poor unfortunates.” The farm was to be self-supporting and residents were expected to do farm chores to the extent of their abilities. This structure made sense, as many residents had previous farm experience and their labor helped compensate the County for their care.
Johnson County began planning for this area a few years ago, and now the plans are well underway. A few highlights:
Facilities: The West Barn is almost completely restored. It is no longer in jeopardy of falling down; in fact, it has been returned to historic shape, but with a new foundation and modern electrical service. The barn is still a barn – there are no restrooms, and it is not heated. Still, this will be a fantastic space for any number of community events. Expect a grand opening sometime next spring! The asylum is in need of some repairs just to stabilize it; those will be taking place right away. Expect a full restoration sometime next summer. This will include preservation of the writing and etchings on the interior walls that were scrawled by patients (prisoners?) over 100 years ago. The Dairy Barn is full of peeling lead paint, which will be removed. After that, the building will undergo a restoration of its own.
Farming: Several activities are taking place. Grow Johnson County continues to produce tens of thousands of pounds of vegetables for local food banks, shelters, and the like. The Global Food Initiative brings farmers from all over the world together to grow the food their communities want and need. The Land Access program rented two slightly larger plots to two beginning farm operations. Both had great years, and will be using additional land next year! Other producers may join them, as the County is taking applications. All farming activities use sustainable practices.
Other: A beautiful large sign now welcomes visitors to the area. Interpretive signage is on the way. Public restrooms are on site. A parking plan has been approved, and given the weather, will likely be completed next spring. Some historic farm implements are being prepared for display. A trail has already been laid out, and should be paved in the next year or two. A pollinator meadow has been planted, and is going strong. Astig Planning and Iowa Valley RC&D continue to work with a huge variety of groups that have ideas for the area.
These are only a few of the wonderful things taking place at the Historic Poor Farm! I hope you will all take the opportunity to visit next spring!
*Solon Political Event
Solon Senior Advocates is holding an exciting political event on Saturday, November 2nd at the Community Center Auditorium.
It begins with a “Meet the Candidates” event from 3-4pm, which will allow participants to chat with candidates or their representatives. Then from 4-5pm, there will be a “mock caucus” that will allow participants to see how caucuses work.
The event is free and open to the public. There will also be a bake sale to benefit Solon Senior Advocates and Old Gold Dining! If you are interested in volunteering for this event or are a candidate who wishes to host a (free) table, please contact Solon Senior Advocates President Sandy Hanson at sandrahanson@southslope.net or 319-624-2710.
*DID YOU KNOW? Despite over 30,000 students living there, Iowa City has not elected a student to the City Council since David Perret in 1979. And Perret was an Iowa City native at that!
Anyone interested in learning more about County government should take a look at the County website-
"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.
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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 @ 3:10 PM
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