100 Words Can Make a Huge Difference!

Lucinda Hall’s essay for the Samsung Four Seasons of Hope contest is now in the top three out of thousands of entries. Thanks in part to the many online votes, Maharishi School has a one in three chance of winning the grand prize of $200,000 of hardware and software from Samsung and Microsoft, plus $10,000 of cash and gift awards from Direct TV and Best Buy. The School will receive at least a first prize of $50,000 hardware and software.

The final announcement will be made on March 31, at the Time Warner Center in New York. Lucinda, and Nick, Springli, and Essa Johnson are being flown to New York as the author of the essay, and a representative, parent, and student of Maharishi School.

Lucinda, a language arts teacher at Maharishi School, said that she’s “a bit on overwhelm” from the experience, but is happy to have the chance to give something significant to the School. She looks forward to New York. Her essay is below:

O-o-h-h-m-m-m. The sound of meditating at Maharishi School? No. The whirring of the hard drives from students at work.

Jonina is using Google Earth on a biography of Thornton Wilder. Jay is making a book poster in Quark. Pasha is using blending options for digital art in Photoshop, while Dodie is reading Track Changes in Word to perfect her writing. Eric is creating graphs in Excel, but Angela is presenting a PowerPoint on Edgar Allen Poe.

Why so quiet? Switched to solid state drives? No they’re meditating. The pure state of intelligence–getting ready to go back to their computers!

The Iowa House passed House File 2456 on Monday, which limits the use of cell phones while driving. The House voted 55 to 41 in favor of the measure, with Rep. Curt Hanson, D-District Fairfield voting yes. It now goes back to the Iowa Senate.

HF2456 is a stricter version of a measure approved by both the House and Senate that only banned sending and writing text messages and emails but still allowed talking on cell phones while driving.

The measure goes back to the Senate as lawmakers struggle to end this year’s session by the end of the month.

Under the version approved by the House, drivers with restricted youth licenses (typically ages 14 to 17) would be forbidden from using a cell phone while driving for any purpose, and would also be prohibited from using hand-held electronic devices like mp3 players.

“The Iowa people have spoken loudly about that, reading a text message is a very dangerous thing to be doing while you’re driving,” said Fairfield’s Curt Hanson.

The bill is still not without its problems and disagreements when it comes to addressing industries that affect Iowans. Rep. Hanson noted issues with the the trucking industry, which is going to a paperless manifest system, and public-transit buses, both of which will have data terminals mounted on dashboards. He asked, “Is that reading a text message or reading instructions from the boss? Is this a hand-held device or attached to the dash?”

Additionally, he said in rural Iowa, volunteer firefighters have to check paging devices to get the address they are responding too. “Is this also reading a text message? That is why we originally did not have “reading a text message” in the house bill,” he explained.

According to Rep. Hanson, the bill will now go through a reconciliation process with the Senate. He believes the Senate was not aware of concerns with the trucking and public-transit industries, or rural fire departments.

Opponents on all sides have their opinions about the House bill. Some do not think the House bill is stiff enough, where others feel that government does not have a place in something that is believed to be common sense.

“I have discovered that everything that happens here is much more drawn out that I ever dreamed it would be,” Rep. Hanson said, “but this is good because it means that it’s being well thought out, which is what I think our constituents, would want us to do. We need to address the ramifications and consequences of these things that pass through legislation for all of Iowa.”

Both Rep. Hanson and Fairfield Chief of Police, Julie Harvery agree that there will be serious consequences if a bill is not passed. “If the bill does not pass we’re going to have more dead kids and property damage,” Chief Harvery said. “Eventually, I also believe that it’s going to affect federal highway funding if we do not pass a bill.”

Chief Harvey does not see enforcing the bill as a problem but wants it to be implemented similar to how the seat-belt law was employed. “You can see people texting and talking on the phone,” she said. “If they are going to pass it, it needs to be applied like the seat-belt law where there is a grace period for verbal warnings before we begin ticketing drivers.”

Related articles by Zemanta

• WA House approves tougher texting and driving ban (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• Georgia could become 20th state to outlaw texting for all drivers (taragana.com)

Senator Becky Schmitz (Iowa Senate District 45) has provided a form on her website for her constituents to offer feedback on important budget decisions in the coming months.

Here is one of the sections from the survey to give you an idea of the areas our legislators are examining:

Difficult choices will have to be made by lawmakers in order to balance the state budget. Which areas of the budget do you feel can least afford to be cut?

• Iowa Power Fund (Development of Alternative/Clean Energy Sources)
• Education (K-12, Community Colleges, State Universities, Early childhood)
• Agriculture (Farm to School, Farmers Market Program, DNR)
• Human Services (Child Abuse Prevention, Mental Health Facilities, HAWK-I, Veterans)
• Public Safety (State Patrol, Drug Enforcement, Fire Marshall)
• Unemployment Services (Unemployment Insurance, Regional Workforce Development Centers)
• Tax Credits (Including Individuals, Non-profits and Businesses of all sizes)
• Transportation (Roads & Bridges/Infrastructure Spending)
• Economic Development (Grow Iowa Values Fund, Workforce Development, State Parks)
• Small Business Incentives
• Other (please specify)

The survey also provides space for you to add your own feedback and opinions and the opportunity to leave your email if you would like to be contacted with a summary of the results.

Iowa State Senators

I hope that other Legislators around the state are providing such accessible ways for their constituents to offer input on important issues!  But even if they don’t have a web form, the questions Senator Schmitz is asking may help you figure out what input and questions you want to communicate to your legislators by phone or email.  This page provides links to contact info for all members of the Iowa House and Senate.

One thing to keep in mind is the Iowa Senate and Iowa House Districts cover slightly different territories and have different district numbers.  For example, while Fairfield residents are served by Senator Schmitz and Representative Curt Hanson who both live in Fairfield, Senator Schmitz serves Iowa Senate District 45, which covers Jefferson, Van Buren, Washington and parts of Wapello and Johnson Counties.  Representative Hanson serves House District 90, which covers Van Buren and parts of Jefferson and Wapello Counties.

If you aren’t sure who your legislators are, this page on the Iowa Legislature website will allow you to look them up quickly.  The results page will also provide you with all the contact information you need to get in touch with your Senator and Representative (both State and Federal).

There are some tough decisions coming up, make sure your voice is heard!

The End of an Ice Age

Not to point out the obvious, but the big thaw has arrived.  Now get ready for the mud!

If you haven’t seen it yet, head over to the alley directly south of the court house and check out the massive ice dams in the process of calving off the top and sides of the two buildings on either side of the alley. Make sure you say behind the barricades!

Your Best of Fairfield Winners Receive Their Awards

Individuals who won our readers poll received their mugs last week. Each mug has enough capacity to keep these winners caffeinated (or hydrated) for a full day of continued greatness. Their name and award titles are printed on the mug for all to see at those water cooler gatherings. Pictured below is your biggest winner (with over 2,000 votes), Mayor Ed Malloy, receiving his mug from Mark Cohen at Revelations (your Best Restaurant Winner).

We’re still in the process of getting out our window stickers to the venues that won the readers poll. Congratulations to your Best of Fairfield Winners!

Francis Thicke Opens Campaign Office

Dan Walker offered to let Francis Thicke, candidate for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture use his front office space as his campaign headquarters. It’s an excellent site: in the Walker Group office on the square and with a lot of front window space. Francis explains that he’s, “trying to not clutter the front window too much right now because they are going to be starting some plants in that window space.”

Along with the new office space Francis has a new campaign manager. Rob Hubler, a 40-year veteran of managing political campaigns, started with the campaign about two weeks ago. Rob Hubler was the 2008 candidate for U.S. Congress in Iowa’s fifth district. This week the campaign team is growing with the addition of Keith Dinsmore, a veteran campaign media specialist. Keith has connections with press across Iowa and will be organizing Francis Thicke’s state-wide media work.

“In the next few weeks I will be traveling to a number of Democratic Party county conventions to speak to audiences about my campaign platform. I also have upcoming appearances at Grinnell College and Iowa State University. I do have one out-of-state event planned for next month, to speak at a national organic farming policy conference in Washington, D.C.”

“We have a local event planned for Fairfield on Saturday, March 27: Blues musician Bill Lupkin will be performing at Morning Star Studio as a fundraiser for our campaign.”

The following is a letter from FACC Board Chairman Bob Moore, as originally posted on the FACC blog.

Dear Patrons, Friends, and Supporters of the FACC,

Last year, under the leadership of Executive Director Rustin Lippincott, the FACC underwent a dynamic and positive shift by presenting a broad variety of affordable events that appealed to a high percentage of our local residents and which attracted approximately 17,000 out of town visitors. One significant result of this management transformation was that Center revenues grew over 400% last year. Mayor Ed Malloy along with many other Fairfield residents, civic and business leaders see the Center as a significant, irreplaceable Community asset for two primary reasons:

Quality of Life

photo by Will Merydith

1. A continuing and broad choice of top entertainment and cultural events for families and adults, without having to drive to Cedar Rapids, Des Moines or Iowa City.
2. A multi-functional, spacious location for parties, indoor markets and wedding receptions.
3. A place to get to know your neighbors better while having an enjoyable, relaxed time.

Economic Impact

1. Out of town visitors that came to Fairfield because of Center events generated an estimated $3,000,000 in additional spending in Fairfield in 2009.
2. Even during a recession and with traffic routed around Fairfield with the new bypass, Fairfield’s local option tax collections rose by 1% last year.
3. Local employers acknowledge the FACC as an important local feature for recruiting and retaining talented and skilled employees.
4. Over 100 local organizations have had successful meetings and events at the FACC.

The FACC building in itself represents our community working together for economic growth and improved quality of life.

Facilities like the FACC generally are constructed and operated to serve the community and rarely break even without community support. If you live in the Fairfield area, you are likely aware that even with our success in 2009, our recent business planning has clarified the need to become debt free and to establish an annual fundraising campaign to operate at breakeven each year.

Debt Free Plan

We are currently underway with a plan to eliminate our debt via a public/private partnership with the City of Fairfield, its residents, Iowa State Bank, the USDA, and our individual and business donors by raising a total of $1.6 million. To date, Iowa State Bank, the Fairfield City Council, the FACC Board of Directors and several key FACC donors have already made firm commitments to this plan.

Annual Fund Plan

photo by Guy Harvey

In December we launched our “300 for 100” Annual Fund Campaign to raise $360,000 by June 30th for needed capital improvements and operating funds in 2010. If only 300 businesses and individuals donate an average of $100 per month, we’re confident that the Civic Center will remain healthy, grow and continue to serve our community. Over the past three months, we have already raised $123,000 (34%) of these funds.

You may be interested to know that by May 1st we plan to insure that the FACC property remains under local control by:

1. Appealing to local businesses and individuals who have the committed vision and resources to invest in Fairfield’s long-term growth. We are raising $950,000 from this group, $550,000 of which has already been raised.
2. Helping more Fairfield citizens see and feel how the Center directly and meaningfully benefits their lives so that on May 4th, they will support passage of the referendum to permit the City to own the Center free and clear through a reallocation of approximately ½ of the 25% portion of its community betterment local option sales tax collections over a 9 or 10 year period ($650,000 in total).

As a patron of The Fairfield Arts & Convention Centerthere are a number of ways you can help secure its future:

1. Continue coming to Center events that appeal to you, and encourage your friends to do so. Also, your patronage is important at Fairfield’s other venues that present live entertainment such as – Morningstar Studio, Café Paradiso Red Rock Tavern, and Revelations. Every venue is an important contributor to Fairfield’s richness.
2. Become more informed about our 2010 business plan and the May 4th referendum by reading this website or contacting Rustin or any of our board members.
3. Support the FACC financially. Make an instant donation, or download a donation card which provides several payment options, including monthly automatic payments.
4. Vote on May 4th in favor of local option sales tax referendum.
5. Help us educate your friends and neighbors about how the Center enriches our community and family life and about the importance of voting Yes on May 4th.

Thank you for your past and future support.

Sincerely,

Bob Moore
President
FACC Board of Directors

On Sunday, March 7 at 1:00pm there will be a peace rally held in Fairfield on the Hwy 1 Bridge (just north of MUM campus on Hwy1). This is a celebration in honor of the resilience of millions of women survivors of war around the world. The organization, Women for Women International (WFWI), has created a global campaign called Join me on the Bridge. This campaign is scheduled to coincide with the 100 year anniversary of International Women’s Day and the 10th anniversary of the UN Millennium Development Goals. We will meet at 1:00pm to celebrate women with song and drumming, write our messages of peace and hope on a large banner that will be sent to the international organization (along with photos and video footage of the gathering), and to sign petitions for peace, which will be sent by WFWI to various governments around the world to encourage them to provide women greater access to education, job training, credit, property rights and support.

On International Women’s Day, WFWI is bringing thousands of women from Rwanda and the Congo together on a bridge that sits between their two countries to demand an end to war and to demonstrate that women can build the bridges to peace and economic sustainability. In solidarity, both women and men will gather together on bridges throughout the world in a global movement to create peace, inspire strength and give hope.

Women for Women International is a nonprofit humanitarian organization that works in war torn areas of the world (Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Nigeria, Rwanda, DRC, and Sudan). Through a sponsorship program, women survivors of war are able to take back their lives and become productive citizens. First, their basic needs of food, shelter, health care are met and then they begin a year long training program called “Renewing Women’s Life Skills”. Here they gain technical and vocational training, learn about their rights as women, and regain their self esteem. Throughout this year they are encouraged to correspond with their sponsor through letters and sometimes pictures. Once they graduate from the program, these women have new tools to return home with and to help provide for their families and gain a standing in the community, which they otherwise did not have. Through this organization, women are able to change their lives and the lives of their families and rebuild communities that have been completely destroyed by war.

We look forward to you joining us to celebrate and support Women world wide in an effort to build the bridges to a brighter future – You can also stop by and see us at this Friday’s Art Walk (in front Walker Group).

There may still be snow on the ground, but the days are getting longer, the temperatures are creeping up and if you listen, lots of birds have returned from their winter journeys.  That means it’s the perfect time to start planning your garden!  For anyone thinking of starting a garden for the first time, or who wants to learn some new tips and tricks, the At Home Store is hosting a new garden planning series this spring.  Starting next week is a two-part class called Planting a Garden with guest lecturer Moni Hayne.

Here is the information from the At Home Store’s Facebook event page (click to RSVP):

Moni Hayne will be joining us to share her garden knowledge. An organic gardener, with lots of experience gardening in the Midwest, Moni will be lecturing on Garden Planning, and Beneficial Insects. Learn tips on how to plan your garden, how to start seeds (and how many to start!) and how to work with beneficial insects to make a healthy garden.

The first class will focus primarily on garden planning, and the second class will focus on beneficial insects of the garden, and how to enlist their help!

The first class is on Thursday, March 11th from 6:30 to 8:00pm.  The second class is Thursday, April 8th. Cost is $10 per class, or $15 for both classes.  The At Home Store is located at 52 North Main Street, on the Fairfield square.

Once again, here is a link to the event page if you would like to RSVP.

Here is the At Home Store page on Facebook.

Stay tuned to Fairfield Voice for more gardening tips and resources coming soon!

We’re fortunate to have so many great venues for playing and listening to music in Fairfield.

A new website, the Fairfield Music Gallery provides  you with a place to sample the richness and depth of local songwriting and musical talent.

The site provides musicians, songwriters, singers, engineers and the like with personal profiles and a place to store and promote mp3s, videos, podcasts, create discussion forums – and more.

Unlike MySpace or Facebook, this site is only for Fairfield and the surrounding area. Our mission is a simple one, to provide a place for local musicians and their fans to promote themselves, meet each other, and possibly even work together as a result of their interactions on the site.

Sign up as a member and join the appropriate group (songwriter, musician, singer, recording engineer, fan, etc) You can put a few photos on your page, load a few of your original songs (mp3), load a video of your original music performance and redirect people to your own website if you’d like.

Some of the local talent who have joined includes: Sharon Bousquet, David Seagull, Owen Blake, Aaron Blum, David Bordow, Theo Shier, Joe Toth, Mark Soth, Mike Scanlon, Laura Cohen, Beth Payne and Stevie Ray Jeffries.

For those of you who do not have the ability to record your work, Mark Soth of Blue Cat Alley can arrange for the recording of one or two pieces depending on the complexity/ length etc – at no charge -  from his home studio (which provides very decent quality.)  Contact  Mark at mrf@mchsi.com and he can arrange for a recording session.

Please check out the site and enjoy!