Saturday, April 29, 2017

Cohousing: An Antidote to Isolation

We will all experience loneliness at some point in our lives, but it doesn't stem from being alone. It comes from a lack of connection. Loneliness can be the result of our built environments, the very homes we choose to live in, says architect Grace Kim. She notes that many of us live in homes where we don't really know our neighbors, which can contribute to a sense of isolation. An increasing number of people are choosing to live instead in cohousing spaces, where they still have their own home but share indoor and outdoor spaces with neighbors. "It's not a new concept; it's an age-old way of living," says Kim. And in a time when loneliness has been called a public health epidemic, with isolated individuals facing a higher risk of death, the stakes couldn't be higher. "Cohousing could save your life," she says.
From Fast Company: Are Dorms For Adults The Solution To The Loneliness Epidemic?
<https://www.fastcompany.com/40413748/are-dorms-for-adults-the-solution-to-the-loneliness-epidemic>




Grace Kim imagines a future of cohousing as an antidote to social isolation.
Photo by Bret Hartman/TED


She speaks at TED2017, April 26, 2017, Vancouver, BC Canada:
http://blog.ted.com/connection-and-community-the-talks-of-session-7-of-ted2017/

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Cohousers Well Represented on Earth Day Weekend

Barbara Schlacter Run/Walk Fundraiser for Victims of Climate Change, 4/22:
The fun began at 8:30 at City Park. Excitement was high as people of all ages and abilities gathered to first hear Mel Schlacter speak about his wife's unbounded and enthusiastic work on the challenge of climate change. Then the "race" began, runners first and then walkers. We trekked the 4.1 miles from City Park to the Terry Trueblook Recreation Area (some of us wiping out half-way and going the last 2 miles in a shuttle). We were glad to find edibles and drink at the end, as well as various tables displaying information about local environmental organizations including Prairie Hill. And we were inspired about positive steps addressing climate change from several speakers, including Iowa City mayor Jim Throgmorton. By signing the Covenant of Mayors in February 2015, Iowa City has joined mayors of 7,400 cities in committing to take effective climate action.


 Prairie Hill Display

 Mayor Jim Throgmorton speaking to the crowd



New Bo Market Eco Fest - Earth Day Celebration in Cedar Rapids, 4/22:
As some of us were running/walking on Saturday morning, others set up our display in Cedar Rapids outside New Bo Market. This event attracted families with children, who enjoyed doing origami at our table with member Carolyn Dyer and others. We had the chance to tell everyone about how wonderful Prairie Hill will be for parents and children.

 Carolyn folding butterflies

A family looking at Prairie Hill photos

Gloria Zmolek with the new 4-fold display

East Side Recycling Center: Craft Your Environment, 4/23:
And finally on Sunday, we were represented yet again, joining Donna Rupp with her wonderful display of art made from the creative re-use of materials. There was plenty of room to put up our own Prairie Hill exhibit, and we continued to spread the word.

All in all, a busy weekend! And a good one for reaching out to the wider community.

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Iowa City is rated as the second best place to live in the US in 2017!

We know it's a great place to live. That's why we've chosen it as the location of Prairie Hill Cohousing. But it is nice to have that confirmed by Livability. Check out what they have to say about our city: http://livability.com/ia/iowa-city/real-estate/why-iowa-city-iowa-is-a-top-100-best-place-to-live.