SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
February 3, 2022
Sullivan’s Salvos 2/8/22
In this edition:
*RIP Carol Spaziani
*RIP Dave Tiffany
*Congratulations Dennis Reese!
*DVIP Souper Bowl
*Did You Know?
*RIP Carol Spaziani
Johnson County lost a giant recently with the passing of Carol Spaziani. Carol, 91, came to Iowa City from California with her then-husband Gene in the late 50s. She was contacted almost immediately by the Johnson County League of Women Voters. (I believe Carol told me it was Ruth Becker who originally reached out to her, but don’t quote me on that.) Carol joined in, starting a 60+ year-long run with that organization. Carol was active in the civil rights movement, local politics, and everywhere those two intersected.
Later on, Carol worked at the Iowa City Public Library, where she advocated vociferously on freedom of speech issues. This dovetailed well with her work as a member of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Carol was a feminist who fought for the ERA and started Iowa City’s first female softball league. Carol also became deeply involved in the local chapter of the National Association for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), where she held several leadership roles. Carol was also a major power in the local Democratic Party. Although she was always gentle and kind, Carol’s support could make or break a candidate.
I met Carol doing advocacy work for people with disabilities. We hit it off, and when I decided to run for office, Carol gave me her support. I understand full well how important that was; nobody knew me, but everyone knew Carol!
I remember a meeting many moons ago where a bunch of us were sitting around at the home of Karen Kubby and Joe Bolkcom trying to identify candidates for the IC Council. Carol was there, and someone said, “We have the best possible candidate right here - Carol Spaziani!” Carol demurred, saying, “I’m too old. We need new blood.” I teased Carol about that many times over the years, noting, “Carol, if you’d said yes back then you would have served 8 years today.” Eight became twelve, twelve became twenty; you get the idea.
I remember talking with some friends who were 15 or so years older than me on Election Night in 1992. They were very excited about the election of Bill Clinton. Actually, they were more excited than they expected to be, and they couldn’t quite put their collective finger on it. Carol had the answer: “He is from your generation. I had the same feeling in 1960 with John Kennedy. It felt as though we were now in charge.” Carol nailed it, of course. So it did not surprise me when I felt that same thing in 2008 upon the election of Barack Obama.
More importantly than all her amazing accomplishments, I will remember Carol as someone who was kind, gentle, and generous, but also persuasive and persistent. She usually got what she wanted! Carol was incredibly smart and well-informed. She inspired tremendous trust and loyalty. And she was funny! Really funny! I almost never had a conversation with her when we did not laugh.
Rest in peace, Carol Spaziani. I will miss you terribly. Thanks for all you have done for me personally; more importantly, thanks for all you have done for our community.
*RIP Dave Tiffany
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dave Tiffany of Iowa City. Dave was a longtime prosecutor in the County Attorney’s Office, so our paths certainly crossed there. But I actually got to know Dave through two different avenues.
I met Dave because I worked with his son, Michael. Michael has some significant disabilities, and it was truly a joy to watch Dave interact with his son. Dave was kind, gentle, and patient. But he also made a lot of little jokes, and rolled with the punches. That said, if Dave felt Michael was somehow not getting what he deserved, there was no fiercer advocate!
About that same time Dave and I connected through politics. Dave and I lived in the same precinct, and often found ourselves working on the same campaigns. He was a hard-core Democrat, who believed deeply in the idea that everyone deserved a fair chance.
Then there was Dave’s higher-profile gig as a prosecutor in the County Attorney’s Office. We talked about his job – especially after I was elected as a Supervisor. Dave had put many people away for murder, rape, and other crimes. He felt as though his work gave him an upfront view of the worst that humanity had to offer. And it probably did.
But despite those experiences, Dave was not jaded. He was a true believer in the American system of justice. While he acknowledged it could be improved, he really believed that we have the opportunity to get it right.
RIP, Dave Tiffany. You will be missed.
*Congratulations Dennis Reese!
A very happy retirement to Dennis Reese of Iowa Public Radio! As a regular listener for decades now, I have found Dennis’ voice to be a calming and steady presence in my life. It may seem small, but it matters. In addition, Dennis is a smart, witty, and all-around good guy. Congratulations on your retirement, Dennis! You will be missed!
*DVIP Souper Bowl
The Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP)’s 25th Anniversary Souper Bowl Fundraiser will be held on Feb. 24 at Big Grove Brewery in Iowa City from 2 to 6 p.m. In an effort to keep the community safe, participants may pick up their soup in person at Big Grove or choose contactless delivery. “Soupporters” will be able to choose from 15 soups donated by local restaurants.
The 25th Annual Souper Bowl tickets will go on sale Friday at 9 a.m. Visit dvipiowa.org/events/ to purchase tickets.
Tickets will be available through Feb. 10. Preorder soups and choose from 15 local restaurants in Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty and Washington. Participants will receive a commemorative 25th anniversary mug with each general ticket sold. Come pick up your soup, and if you would like, stay a bit to socialize safely with fellow ticket holders, DVIP board of directors, volunteers, and staff.
To-go soups will need to be heated and enjoyed at home. There also will be family packages and a VIP package that includes free Big Grove beer tokens to be used when you would like, and special gifts. Ticket holders also have the option to have their soup delivered within a 15-mile radius of Big Grove between the hours of 2 and 6 p.m. Those in need of special accommodations should contact communityengagement@dvipiowa.org.
For over 40 years, DVIP has partnered with the community to support victim-survivors and provide safety solutions. As DVIP and other victim service programs face a 25% funding cut, “this event is vital because it provides the financial support to ensure our advocates are there when victim-survivors need them,” said Alta Medea, director of community engagement. “In addition, the Souper Bowl demonstrates that we, as a community, support and believe victim-survivors. This event shows them that they are not alone.”
This community event raises funds for victims of intimate partner violence, human trafficking, stalking, and harassment in the counties that DVIP serves. The “Souper Bowl” was created by Executive Director Kristie Fortmann-Doser to challenge the myth that more violence occurs against women around the NFL Super Bowl.
Ticket options:
• General Souper Bowl ticket — $30
(2) 8oz cups of soup and 1 mug
• Family of 4 package — $75
(5) 8oz cups soups and 2 mugs
• VIP Package — $100
(5) 8oz cups of soup with 2 mugs, 2 Big Grove Beer Tokens and special gifts.
• 12 and up/Student — $15
(1) 8oz cup of soup and no mug
• 12 and under — Free
(1) 8oz cup of soup and no mug
Past years’ attendees are encouraged to share photos and memories from the past 25 years by emailing communityengagement@dvipiowa.org. Images and stories will be shared on DVIP’s social media channels, web page, commemorative photo book, and on the day of the event at the pickup location.
The Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) provides comprehensive services to victim-survivors of intimate partner violence. For over 40 years, DVIP has offered support, resources, and safety to individuals in an eight-county service region. DVIP’s services include a 24/7/365 hotline, safety planning, advocacy, trauma-informed counseling, emergency pet programs, and more. Individuals who need help should call our hotline at (800) 373-1043.
*DID YOU KNOW? Violence against women, men, and children happens every day. 1 in 4 women, 1 in 7 men, and 1 in 15 children will be affected by intimate partner abuse in their lifetime.
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.
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As always, feel free to contact me at 354-7199 or rodsullivan29@gmail.com. I look forward to serving you!
---Rod
posted by Rod Sullivan @ 11:51 AM
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