Getting the Work Done

People often ask how we are going to get our community tasks done, once we are all living at Prairie Hill. It's a good question. And of course even now, in the development stage of our cohousing community, there is plenty of work to be done. We have divided some of this work among various committees: the finance and legal committee, the membership committee, the marketing committee, the building committee, the land committee. Much of the day-to-day business at this stage gets done by the five members on the board of managers. And sometimes we have all-member workdays.

Roxane heading uphill to a workday project

 Membership Committee members in action

Once we actually move into our new homes at Prairie Hill, we'll need to get organized about taking care of the daily, weekly and monthly needs of the community. Some of us learned how other cohousing communities do this when we attended the national cohousing conference in Durham, NC last year. We definitely benefit from all the experiences of others in this area! One of the systems that appealed to me most was what Pioneer Valley Cohousing has adopted. A list was made of all the tasks and how many hours each would take per month. Then they divided the total of these hours by the number of adults in the community, and came up with 6.5 hours per month per adult. Then, instead of assigning tasks to members, they developed "affinity teams" for each area of work, with members choosing what appealed most to their own interests and abilities. Sometimes a person was on more than one team. People could choose where to spend their 6.5 hours of work this way. And the teams became knowledgeable and skilled at their own focus. 

Here are some random points about community work that I picked up from the conference:

• Appreciating people for the jobs they do is of prime importance. This helps us be more observant, validates each member, and builds community
• Children can have specific jobs, like clearing the tables at the end of the meals.
• Being a member of a Community Support Committee that kicks in when someone is in crisis could be part of a person's job.
• Each area of work can have a "replacement reserve" of funds to be used when things break or need to be replaced.
• Gardens are a big part of many cohousing communities. Some have individual gardens as well as a community garden. Some even grow produce for sale. Coordinating gardening could be a job.
• Commonhouse committees can handle anything from cleaning the kitchen, organizing meals, scheduling events, or keeping track of guest room use. Clearly there need to be some sub-committees under commonhouse committee.
• Pioneer Valley Cohousing has 6 general workdays each year. One workday is for deep cleaning the commonhouse. One job during workdays is to prepare food for everyone else.

If you're like me, these little tidbits are enough to make you wonder about many other things in the life of a community. We're very grateful that in the cohousing paradigm, the future residents are also the creators of the development. Not only does that mean that we are choosing what we think is best, but we are building community among the membership before we even move in! This is another reason why, if you are considering the possibility of joining a cohousing community, it is good to join during the development stage. You can have a voice in decisions, can engage in the excitement of creation, and can gradually get to know your future neighbors.

More Valentine's Day Party Pics

Fondue/Valentine's Day Party! Beginning to be an Iowa City Cohousing Tradition

A tasty spread!

And now it's time to eat!

Making Valentines!

A Life-Changing Link!

Here's an article found by Gloria, our newest Prairie Hill member, this past fall. It focuses on how hard it is to find community in modern cities even though as humans we truly need that friendly supportive context. And it mentions cohousing as one of the best ways to provide meaningful community. As Gloria says, she read the article, discovered Iowa City Cohousing, and the rest is history!

 http://www.vox.com/2015/10/28/9622920/housing-adult-friendship

Making Decisions in a Community

When I am excitedly describing the benefits of a cohousing community to someone, it is not uncommon to run into resistance about the prospect of consensus decision-making. Since I grew up a Quaker, consensus is part of my culture. But for most folks, it can sound confusing and difficult. We're used to settling differences by voting.

However, if you really think about it, voting automatically castes the voters into two groups. One group gets the most votes and wins. The other loses. It tends to polarize a population, at least on certain subjects. And with simple voting, the whole group never gets a chance to hear the thoughts of each of its members. Even if there is discussion before voting, it is easy to hang onto your own opinion. In consensus, in contrast, the objective changes. Instead of voting for your own preference, you look for the choice that most benefits the community as a whole. For this outcome, you need to listen to everyone, try to understand from the perspective of people other than yourself. This process strengthens relationships and promotes a thriving interaction and acceptance among members.

discussion at an all-member meeting last month

Cohousing communities in this country and abroad have been using consensus decision-making for most of their decisions since the beginning of the cohousing movement. I imagine that is because community is one of the most important concepts in cohousing. Friendly and comfortable relationships with your neighbors is a priority, and anything to encourage that is a plus. We at Prairie Hill can benefit in many ways from the work that has gone before us, and community decision-making is no exception. At the National Cohousing Conference last May, a number of our group attended workshops on decision-making. We've also sent a delegation to Arbco, a cohousing community in Madison, to attend a consensus workshop. We've drafted our own process of decision-making, and so far we seem to be doing fairly well when we have decisions to make. 

One of the popular ideas in cohousing circles at the moment is governing a community by the principles of "sociocracy". It is a fascinating system in which everyone is of equal importance, everyone has power within their own domain. The aspect of sociocracy that most caught my attention is that when decisions are made, it is for a certain length of time (1 month, 6 months, a year...), at which time the decision is re-evaluated and changes can be made. I love this! It is a bit like a sailboat, tacking with the wind, continually adjusting to the changing environment. 

The good thing is that we have lots of resources out there as we develop our own unique way of living in our own community. It is an exciting process, and we can take it a step at a time.

Nan Fawcett

Home GR/OWN – The Role for Urban Gardens

Check out this event! 

February 4 @ 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Our own organic garden educator Scott Koepke of New Pi Soilmates will be part of this event about how city vacancies and neighborhoods can be transformed with healthy food access and greenspace developments! Open to the public:

http://www.newpi.coop/event/home-grown-the-role-for-urban-gardens/

See What's within Walking Distance of Iowa City Cohousing!

Carolyn Dyer has put together the following Resource Guide to our neighborhood. We are much appreciative!!


As an urban infill development, Prairie Hill will be uniquely close to  nearly everything one needs to meet daily needs. In less than a quarter mile, a distance planners consider ordinarily walkable, there are a general grocery store, two specialty groceries and a convenience store. There are several walkable sit-down restaurants and fine fast food just beyond. Also within a quarter mile, a member could work out, get a haircut, see a lawyer, buy flowers and pet toys, leave a car for service and get a check-up for a pet.

Resource Guide to the Prairie Hill Neighborhood

These resources are listed in order of their distance from Prairie Hill. Distances are measured from either the driveway location at about 951 Miller Avenue or the northeast sidewalk location at about 841 Miller Avenue. Most are in easy biking distance within a half mile; all are within a mile. Several key businesses and services a bit further are noted, as well.

Restaurants (27+)

0.1 miles--Fuji Sushi & Steak House
531 Highway 1 W
(319) 351-2828

0.1 miles—Hudson’s Southside Tap
1022 Hudson Avenue
(319) 499-1058

0.1 miles--La Regia Taqueria
436 Highway 1 W
(319) 341-8226

0.2 miles (by car; overland by foot, shorter) - Culver's
710 Highway 1 W
(319) 333-1321

0.3 miles--Carl & Ernie's Good Time Pub
161 Highway 1 W
(319) 337-4422

0.3 miles--Milio's Sandwiches
151 Highway 1 W
(319) 337-4422

0.3 miles--KFC
130 Highway 1 W
(319) 351-6180

0.4 miles--Arby’s
3 Highway 1 W
(319) 887-1041

0.5 miles--Mekong
5 Sturgis Corner Drive
(319) 354-4754

0.5 miles--Panchero’s Mexican Grill
965 South Riverside Drive
(319) 887-2600

0.5 miles--Zio Johno's Spaghetti House
953 S Riverside Drive
(319) 358-0011

0.5 miles--Midtown Family Restaurant
1069 Highway 1 W
(319) 351-9323

0.5 miles--Dairy Queen
1015 Highway 1 W
(319) 338-3100

0.5 miles--Panda Express
1035 Highway 1 W
(319) 338-9899

0.5 miles--Subway
805 S. Riverside Drive

0.5 miles--McDonald’s
804 S Riverside Drive
(319) 338-1846

0.5 miles--Breugger’s (Coming soon)
700 S Riverside Drive

0.6 miles--Village Inn
9 Sturgis Corner Drive
(319) 351-9

0.6 miles--El Ranchero Mexican
21 Sturgis Corner Drive
(319) 338-4324

0.6 miles Domino’s Pizza
529 S. Riverside Drive
(319) 338-0030

0.6 miles--Dairy Queen
526 S Riverside Drive
(319) 338-9328

0.7 miles--The Wedge Pizzeria
517 S Riverside Drive
(319) 337-6677

0.7 miles--Timmy Flynn's Red Pepper Deli & Grill
517 S Riverside Drive
(319) 337-5270

0.8 miles--Blimpie Subs and Salads (Inside Casey’s)
1410 Willow Creek Court
319) 358-5522

0.9 miles--Dane’s Dairy (summer only)
1430 Willow Creek Court
(319) 354-7400

0.9 miles—Carlos O’Kelly’s
1411 Waterfront Drive
(319) 354-5800

0.9 miles--Los Portales
1402 S Gilbert Street
(319) 358-1308

A Little Further

1.3 miles—Stella (by car; overland by foot, shorter)
1006 Melrose Avenue
(319) 887-5564

Convenience Stores (3)

0.1 miles--Deli Mart / BP gas
525 Highway 1 W
(319) 337-5623

0.5 miles—Kum & Go/ gas (coming soon)
840  S. Riverside Drive

0.8 miles—Casey’s General Store/ gas
1410 Willow Creek Drive
(319) 358-5522

Grocery Stores (4+)

0.1 miles Modina African Market
399 Highway 1 W
319-855-5211/319-936-4127

0.1 miles La Regia Meat Market
436 Highway 1 W
(319) 358-2333

0.2 miles—Aldi
760 Ruppert Road
(855) 955-2534

0.5 miles Walmart
919 Highway 1 W
319-936-4127

A little further

1.1 miles—HyVee
1720 Waterfront Drive
(319) 354-7601

1.6 miles—Fareway Grocery
2530 Westwinds Drive
(319) 351-6082

General Merchandize (3)

0.3 miles-- Paul’s Discount Store
424 Highway 1 W
(319) 338-7217

0.3 miles--Dollar General
41 Highway 1 W
(319) 338-7217

0.5 miles--Walmart
919 Highway 1 W
319-936-4127

Florists (2)

0.1 miles--Down to Earth Florist
580 Highway 1 W
(319) 354-4153

0.4 miles--Flowerama
817 S. Riverside Drive
(319) 337-5623

Banks (2)

0.1 miles--First American Bank
640 Highway 1 W
(319) 688-9300

0.9 miles--Hills Bank & Trust
1401 S Gilbert Street
(319) 338-1277

Hair Care (5)

0.2 miles Hairport (men)
403 Hwy 1 W
(319) 338-1068

0.2 miles--Style Mi Salon (women)
435 Highway 1 W
319 338-7011

0.2 Michael Tschanz Salon (women & men)
428 Highway 1 W
(319) 337-3015

0.3 miles Avenson Salon & Spa (men & women)
159 Hwy 1 W
(319) 440-6735

0.4 miles Twin Image Salon Spa
121 W. Benton Street
(319) 338-2198

Day Care Centers/ Preschools (4+)

0.6 miles--Good Shepherd Center
603 Greenwood Drive
(319) 338-0763

0.7 miles--Home Ties Child Care Center
405 Myrtle Avenue
(319) 341-0050

0.8 miles--A Two Z Child Care Center
300 Myrtle Avenue
(319) 338-1330

0.8 miles--University Preschool
212 Myrtle Avenue, Iowa City
319-337-7046

A little further

1.1 miles--Melrose Day Care Center
701 Melrose Avenue
(319) 338-1805

1.1 miles--Alice's Rainbow Child Care Center
421 Melrose Avenue
(319) 354-1466

1.2 miles-- Mary Jo Small Child Care Center at Brookland Woods
309 Melrose Avenue
(319) 337-8980

1.3 miles--Early Learners Enrichment
735 Westgate Street
(319) 339-0800

1.4 miles--Bright Horizons Family Solutions
109 Westlawn Building
(319) 335-9666

Health Care

Jensen Eyecare Center
640 Highway 1 W
(319) 338-6700

Planned Parenthood
850 Orchard Street
(877) 811-7526

Health Clubs (1+)

0.1 miles--Anytime Fitness
458 Highway 1 W
(319) 594-8331

A little further

1.1 miles--CrossFit Epic
1545 Willow Creek Drive
(319) 853-8477

Pet Care (2)

0.2 miles--Gentle Heart Pet Clinic
Dr. Mary Ebert
1125 Shirken Drive
(319) 354-6696

0.2 miles--Leash on Life (pet supplies)
432 Highway 1
(319) 354-4334

Car Service (12)

0.0 Car Clinic Diagnostics & Repair
961 Miller Avenue
(319) 351-9358

0.3 miles--Spenler Tire Service
140 Highway 1 W
(310) 338-9481

0.2 miles--Deery Brothers Chrysler Dodge Jeep
651 Highway 1 W
(319) 887-9000

0.3 miles--Carousel Nissan
817 Highway 1 W
(319) 337-5000

0.4 miles--Accurate Automotive
1010 Orchard Street
(319) 351-5899

0.5 miles--Tuffy Auto Service Center
909 S Riverside Drive
(319) 341-7720

0.6 miles--Linder Tire Services
632 S Riverside Drive
(319) 337-4163

0.6 miles-- Professional Muffler
606 S Riverside Drive
(319) 337-2191

0.6 miles--Mobile 1 Lube Express
600 S Riverside Drive
(319) 887-1655

0.6 miles--Lovetinski Harapat Auto Services
436 Ruppert Road
(319) 338-6223

0.6 miles--Midas
19 Sturgis Corner Drive
(319) 351-7250

0.9 Miles--Toyota of Iowa City
1445 Highway 1 W
(319) 351-1501

Auto Parts (4)

0.5 miles--O’Reilly Auto Parts
915 S Riverside Drive
(319) 337-3551

0.4 miles--AutoZone
13 Highway 1 W
(319) 354-8224

0.9 miles--NAPA Auto Parts
1411 Highway 1 W
(319) 337-2137

0.7 miles--IWI Motor Parts
270 Ruppert Road
(319) 688-2842

Car Rental (2)

0.5 miles--Enterprise Rent-A-Car
9 Highway 1 W
(319) 358-7000

0.2 miles--Hertz Rent-A-Car/Local Edition
426 Highway 1 W
(877) 654-4867/ (319) 337-6615

Cell Phone Service (2)

0.4 miles--That Cellular Place: US Cellular
19 Highway 1 W
(319) 338-0580

0.4 miles--Z Wireless: Verizon
23 Highway 1 W
(319) 354-2008

Other resources and services within a mile of Prairie Hill

0.0 miles--Iowa City Landscaping and Garden Center
520 Highway 1 W
(319) 337-8351

0.1 miles Anderson Houghton Law
568 Highway 1 W
319-351-8600

0.1 miles--The Back Store
606 Highway 1 W
(319) 248-7814

0.1 miles--Sobaski Abbey Carpet and Floor
600 Highway 1 W
(319) 337-4054

0.1 miles--The UPS Store
450 Highway 1 W
(319) 359-1773

0.1 miles--Time of Your Life Fitness and Physical Therapy
434 Highway 1 W
(319) 354-3824

0.3 miles--Family Video
101 HWY 1 W
(319) 354-2302

0.3 miles--Fin and Feather
125 Highway 1 W
(319) 354-2200

0.4 miles--Johnson’s Dry Cleaner
31 Highway 1 W
(319) 337-4161

0.4 miles--Hampton Inn
4 Sturgis Corner Drive
(319) 339-8000

0.5 miles--Westport Touchless Car Wash
10159 IA-1

0.5 miles--Jo-Ann (fabric and crafts)
1029 S Riverside Drive
(319) 354-3961

0.5 miles--Staples
820 S Riverside Drive
(319) 354-0799