Letters & Interactions

LV encourages community members, including candidates for office, to submit letters to Editor@LittleVillageMag.com. To be considered for print publication, letters should be under 500 words. Preference is given to letters that have not been published elsewhere.

Trevor lee Hopkins’ Small Stakes

This month Iowa City lost its Swiss Army knife, Trevor Hopkins. “Trigger,” “Sheriff,” sound guy, bartender, drummer, brother, dog dad, cook, uncle, tireless encourager, ray of social media sunshine, nickname artist, husband to wonderful Ashlee, and longtime Little Village distributor, Trevor’s big heart chose a quiet, cold, homebound Saint Patrick’s Day to finally give out overnight. He was 47, and I hope he was at peace.

Following his sudden passing, social media (and his memorial service) overflowed with remembrances from people who had ideas and aspirations that Trevor had put a nickel into at one time or another. Day after day, stories of these small stakes flooded my feed. They started to add up and, as is too often the case, I’m afraid they might have added up to more than he realized.

One of those endeavors that Trevor believed in was Little Village. Like anyone, we’ve had those days when it was hard to know if any of it was landing, or if we should even go on. As he was for so many others, there was a time or two when Trevor was that person for us—the one who was there, and wouldn’t hear it, and wasn’t going to let us leave until we looked each other in the eye and promised to keep going.

Trevor loved us (and, if you are reading this, that means you). I knew him for years and I still couldn’t tell his actual blood family from his chosen family, from new friends, from townies, or from musicians who had come through Iowa City only once or twice, or had one time promised/ indicated that they might. He was serious about all of it—serious about answering the call! And answer he did. Honestly whether you called or not, he was still around every corner, and always making a comeback—your comeback.

His ripples of encouragement spanned at least three generations, and it would be a very good thing in my opinion if they could span a couple more. He had such conviction and consistency, you have to at least consider the possibility that the truth was on his side: Maybe when he told us to keep going, that it was worth it, that we had to, that it mattered—maybe it really did. Maybe it still does. Maybe Trevor was right, but this will be a different place without him. Our family won’t ever be the same. Hold each other close, and keep checking your pockets for Trevor. If you find him, you’ll know what to do: Help him out by putting someone up on stage, at least one more time.

Think of your favorite meal from a restaurant. Is the restaurant still open?

—Matt Steele

Momboy Lauren Haldeman

Personals

Pebbles could tell you stories. She can’t, but she could. She spent her first years as a stray before being fed and welcomed in by her soulmate. Sadly, her human died, leaving Pebbles alone. A neighbor rescued her, and Pebbles came into the Iowa City Animal Center shy and depressed. Gradually, she’s opening her heart again. Do you believe in life after love? Give the shelter a call: 319-356-5295

Send your personals for consideration to editor@littlevillagemag.com with subject line “Personals.”

LV Recommends: Blue Elephant Thai Restaurant in Coralville has all the marks of excellence (March 8)

I agree! Amazing food, great service, and the restaurant is beautiful! —Lisa

H.

My favorite takeout spot, hands down.

—Celine R.

Cristin Mitchell is an amazing food writer!!! Y’all are lucky to have her. —Bryn L.

UI Athletics will reimburse state the $2 million to settle football discrimination lawsuit (March 9)

Structural racism. —Ger

Take it out of Ferentz’s salary, then fire him. —David O.

Can we all just stop pretending that the marketing benefits of college football balance all of the many negatives?

—Stan C.

Thousand Island dressing for success: The Reuben review 2023 (March 15)

Great choices. I’m also partial to Bluebird Diner. —Matt S.

Back Berner Bar & Grill in Tiffin has one of the best Reubens in the area. Made from slow roasted and freshly shredded corned beef. Their Reuben pizza and Reuben mac and cheese are also amazing! —Lance G.

Hilltop Tavern has the best with amazing fries. —Lisa R.

I don’t like Reuben sandwiches but my wife spoke highly of the ones at Thoma’s Meat Market. —Normalice

I’ve found the one at Ox Yoke Inn in the Amanas to be one of the best. I think it’s the fresh kraut that makes the difference.

—Eric T.

If the rye is browned, it’s far too toasted. It should be a notch above warm bread at most. —Ben C.

May I propose the Trumpet Blossom Reuben as a dark horse candidate?

—Greg S.

Iowa governor says ‘it’s not easy for me either’ as she signs laws considered life-threatening by trans care providers (March 22)

*Ron Howard voice* It was actually very easy for her. —G.D.

Then…don’t do it????? This is not hard!

—Molly

Is Brenna Byrd handling the pending lawsuits?? Surely, we aren’t hiring extra outside lawyers to pay for this discrimination agenda by the GOP. Wasting taxpayer $$ to join the cult.

—Sara W.

Cue that scene from shrek: “Some of you may die, but that is the sacrifice I am willing to make.” —Oglesby F.

Isn’t her party also pushing to expand child labor in Iowa? If she cares about the best interests of kids so much maybe she’d like to explain that. —Anna K.

‘We have local acts that deserve to be on a stage of that size’: 100-year-old Hoyt Sherman Place theater to host GDP music festival on April 15 (March 22)

$30 tickets!?! Whoa. That’s a great inclusive price! Such an incredible venue. Be careful with the Slipknot show tho—