Welcome! I'm CJ Flynn, also known as Christopher James Flynn,  a dedicated community advocate, technology educator, and lifelong Iowan with deep roots in Hiawatha.

My commitment to our city runs deep, stemming from over three decades of calling Hiawatha home—indeed, I've spent the majority of my life here. This passion for community well-being led me to run for an open seat on the Hiawatha City Council in a special election in 2024. While the outcome wasn't a win this time, the experience further solidified my dedication to transparent governance and active civic participation. It also provided invaluable insights into the needs and aspirations of our neighbors, shaping my continued efforts to make Hiawatha an even better place to live. 

 3 candidates vie for Hiawatha City Council seat in special election  | The Gazette   LINK

KCRG Hiawatha City Council a tight race in special election  LINK 

Jill Weigel narrowly elected to Hiawatha City Council | The Gazette LINK

Beyond the campaign trail, my engagement in Hiawatha has been continuous and diverse. I am currently honored to serve on the Hiawatha Parks Board, working to enhance and maintain our city's vital green spaces and recreational opportunities. For over 15 years, I've also been a proud and active member of the Friends of the Hiawatha Public Library, supporting literacy and community programming. Most recently, I've been focused on fostering local connections by establishing regular community potluck dinners, bringing residents together to share food, stories, and strengthen neighborhood bonds.

Professionally, I am the owner of TechnicallyEasier.com, a consulting business specializing in technology education classes as well as one-on-one in-person and remote tech support. My focus is primarily on empowering the 55-plus community to navigate the digital world with confidence. This venture allows me to combine my passion for service with my expertise in technology, providing practical solutions and fostering digital literacy within our community and beyond.

💡 What I’m Into

• Tech & Repair: I refurbish laptops (mostly Dell Latitudes), often using Linux. I like tools that work and last. See my [non-commercial tech values] page.
  
  

• Libraries & Literacy: I volunteer at several public libraries and support Little Free Libraries. Libraries nourish the mind, body, and soul.
  
  

• Freemasonry: I’ve been a Master Mason for over 15 years. See my Freemasonry page.
  
  

• Unions & Advocacy: I’m a former CWA AFL-CIO member and still value the role of labor and cooperative economics.
  
  

• Self-Education: I’ve attended the Iowa Summer Writing Festival, taken dozens of courses at Kirkwood Community College, and always keep learning — formally and informally.
  
  

🎟️ Organizations & Memberships

I support a variety of causes and communities:

• Lifetime Member of:
  
  

  • Indian Creek Nature Center  Site  https://indiancreeknaturecenter.org/
    
    

  • Tranquility Lodge No. 2000  Site   https://tl2k.org/
    
    

  • Mercy Hospital Auxiliary  Site  https://www.mercycare.org/volunteer-opportunities/auxiliary/membership/
    
    

  • Friends of the Library groups in multiple towns
    
    

  • Genealogy and history societies
    
    

  • Local sportsman’s club
    
    

  • Various food, fuel, and telecom cooperatives
    
    

  • Hostelling International USA
    
    

• Other groups I’ve joined:
  
  

  • Telephone Collectors International  Site  https://www.telephonecollectors.org/
    
    

  • Jaycees Site  https://www.jciusa.org/
    
    

  • Toastmasters  Site  https://www.toastmasters.org/
    
    

  • Moose and Elks lodges
    
    

  • Czech Heritage Foundation Site  https://www.czechheritagefoundation.com/
    
    

  • Sons of Norway   Site  http://www.sofn-cedarrapids.org/index.html
    
    

  • Calyx Institute (privacy/tech)  Site  https://calyxinstitute.org/membership/internet
    
    

  • American Philosophical Practitioners Association
    
    

  • Mindbridge Foundation Site https://mindbridge.org/ 
    
    

🖥️ Tech Stack & Personal Style

I grew up on Dell Latitudes, and 90% of my computers are used or refurbished. I’ve purchased most from Midwest Computer Brokers in Walford, Iowa, or nonprofits like Free Geek.

💻 Linux Love

I’ve been experimenting with Linux and prefer Linux Mint for everyday use. I also support SLAX as a portable OS and appreciate minimalist, free/libre tech tools. I'm aligned with ideas like Luke Smith’s philosophy.

📚 I Read a Lot

Most of my books come from public libraries or were rescued from the discard pile. While I still use eBay and Amazon, I prefer alternatives like Better World Books, which align more with my values.

🧬 Fast Facts

Fact

Detail

Born

1991 in Iowa

Astrological Sign

Taurus

Race/Gender

White Male

Status

Single & Childfree (vasectomy)

Booze/Drugs

Straight edge (No booze since 2019 no drugs ever)

Religion

Secular/agnostic with spiritual values — see [My Credo]

Parents

Married 40+ years; mom passed in 2023

Siblings

Only child

I got the above idea from this site https://www.samkillermann.com/work/you-soup/ 

🎓 Education & Work

• Formal Education:
  
  

  • High school graduate
    
    

  • A.A.S. in Marketing & Management from Kirkwood Community College (cost me under $11k total)
    
    

  • Over 80 college credit hours, including CompTIA Network+ coursework
    
    

• Self-Taught:
  
  

  • Web design, telecommunications, computer repair, civic tech, and beyond
    
    

• Career:
  
  

  • Technical support specialist  from  telephone / telecom  companies to  websites and  POS support
    
    

  • Small business owner helping individuals with tech and digital literacy
    
    

🧭 Class & Philosophy

I was raised upper-middle class, but now live a lower-middle class lifestyle by choice. That choice brings freedom, lower overhead, and connection to community. I believe:

“You can still live most of the good parts of upper-class life without the high costs.”

I try to minimize consumerism, support public goods, and live a values-based life.

🎮 Fun Stuff

• Video Games:
  
  

  • The Sims 2, The Urbz (GBA)
    
    

  • GTA Vice City and San Andreas
    
    

  • SuperTuxKart — Open-source fun!
    
    

• Hobbies:
  Genealogy, reading, history, libraries, Freemasonry,
  
  

🧠 Final Notes

I live simply, stay curious, and try to build a life that reflects both my values and my community.

See also: [My Credo] • [Frugal Living] • [Non-Commercial Tech Values]

💬 Want to connect?

Let people know where to find you — optionally include:

• Email CJFLYNN@CJFLYNN.COM
  
  

• Social media links Page

• https://bold.pro/my/cj-flynn-250710054251