Author Archive

With a Bachelor’s & a Backpack

By Brian Schmarje • Jan 14th, 2009 • Category: Highlights, Uncategorized

My Grandfather had a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering. He taught classes, was involved in the state legislature and founded a business. My Dad has an M.B.A. I always felt my parents had great expectations for me. At times, my dreams were greater than their expectations. But, throughout most of my adult life they would probably just [...]



God Bless This Porch

By Brian Schmarje • Dec 5th, 2008 • Category: Features, Highlights

On October 14, 2008, seven men slept on a porch huddled under blankets in Iowa City in the cold and rain. Father Ken has lived in the parish house for 12 years, and the porch had doubled as a shelter for the homeless even before he started at the parish.
The porch, located between St. Mary’s [...]



Finding Wonderland: Taking a trip at Camp Euphoria (part two of two)

By Brian Schmarje • Oct 9th, 2008 • Category: Features, Highlights, Uncategorized

Finding Wonderland: Part one of two
The first thing that happened in the morning was I couldn’t find my glasses. I stumbled towards the second stage area and a tripping guy met me. He said I believe that there was some important reason that I was supposed to meet you at this time and he handed [...]



Finding Wonderland: Taking a Trip to Camp Euphoria, part one of two

By Brian Schmarje • Sep 3rd, 2008 • Category: Features, Highlights

I looked around at all the signs in Iowa City. Camp Euphoria in Lone Tree stuck out I was the editor there 3 years ago. I went into John’s to get a piece of Havarti dill and saw the sign that said whiskey tasting tomorrow. I asked them what time. They said in an [...]