Boise Weekly Vol. 26 Issue 27

BOISE WEEKLY LOCA L A N D I N DE PE N DE N T D E C E M B E R 2 0 – 2 6 , 2 0 1 7

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Braille Behind Bars How an Idaho inmate helps a blind woman sing

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Keep Idaho Dark Environmentalists fight light pollution with Dark Sky Reserve

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Movie Madness Check out our annual best-of-the-best bracket

FREE TAKE ONE!

2 | DECEMBER 20–26, 2017 | BOISEweekly

B O ISE WE E KLY.C O M

BOISEweekly STAFF Publisher: Sally Freeman sally@boiseweekly.com Editorial Editor: Amy Atkins amy@boiseweekly.com News Editor: George Prentice george@boiseweekly.com Senior Staff Writer: Harrison Berry harrison@boiseweekly.com Staff Writer: Lex Nelson lex@boiseweekly.com Listings Editor: Jay Vail Listings: calendar@boiseweekly.com Contributing Writers: Minerva Jayne, David Kirkpatrick Interns: Drew Dodson, Sami Godlove, Veronica Lemaster, Gustavo Sagrero, Samuel Wonacott Advertising Account Executives: Jim Klepacki, jim@boiseweekly.com Kathleen Karpal, kathleen@boiseweekly.com Classified Sales/Legal Notices classifieds@boiseweekly.com Creative Art Director: Kelsey Hawes kelsey@boiseweekly.com Graphic Designers: Bingo Barnes, bingo@boiseweekly.com Jason Jacobsen, jason@boiseweekly.com Contributing Artists: Glenn Landberg, E.J. Pettinger, Ted Rall, Jen Sorensen, Tom Tomorrow Circulation Man About Town: Stan Jackson stan@boiseweekly.com Distribution: Tim Anders, Char Anders, Becky Baker, Andy Hedden-Nicely, Stan Jackson, Barbara Kemp, Warren O’Dell, Steve Pallsen, Kara Vitley, Jill Weigel Boise Weekly prints 30,000 copies every Wednesday and is available free of charge at more than 1,000 locations, limited to one copy per reader. Additional copies of the current issue of Boise Weekly may be purchased for $1, payable in advance.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE FEARLESSNESS Dear Readers, As the owner and publisher of Boise Weekly, my byline doesn’t appear very often in these pages. I have worked for more than 17 years to ensure Boise Weekly remains the locally-owned, independent voice in our community, and although you might not see my day-to-day, week-to-week influence on the paper, I see yours. Thank you for continuing to read Boise Weekly. Your heartfelt appreciation is what keeps me going, and I am working on changes that will enable us to continue our dedication to a longtime mission to “celebrate what’s good about Boise and Idaho—including the idiosyncrasies that make them uniquely attractive—while calling attention, thoughtfully and fearlessly, with humor and without pomposity, to what can and should be improved.”

Boise Weekly has weathered tumultuous times, yet remained standing. This has required a lot of adaptability. In response to the reality of increasing paper prices, decreasing print advertising and disappearing slots for free local publications at major retail outlets, we are re-focusing our print distribution efforts.

Effective Jan. 3, 2018, we will only distribute Boise Weekly in the Treasure Valley. Deliveries to Emmett, Idaho City, Jerome, McCall, Middleton, Mountain Home, New Plymouth, Sun Valley and Twin Falls will be suspended until further notice.

I know Boise Weekly is more important than ever as the divisions in our country deepen and corporate takeover of media continues. I am inspired by the savegawker.com project and the message conveyed regarding independent thought and journalism, such as in this quote from the Los Angeles Times: “With journalism increasingly controlled by corporate entities that want to avoid offending advertisers and their readers’ sensibilities, we need Gawker most desperately.” As other alternative news media companies stop printing and the different voices in our communities are silenced, I fear the democracy I love, respect and fight for every week is in grave danger.

Rest assured, Boise Weekly is not going anywhere. We 4 will keep you informed, both in print and at boiseweekly. com, about where you can pick up a copy of Boise Weekly.

Boise Weekly is owned and operated by

COVER ARTIST

Bar Bar Inc., an Idaho corporation.

To contact us: Boise Weekly’s office is located at 523 Broad St., Boise, ID 83702 Phone: 208-344-2055

Cover art scanned courtesy of Evermore Prints... supporting artists since 1999.

Fax: 208-342-4733

E-mail: info@boiseweekly.com www.boiseweekly.com The entire contents and design of Boise Weekly are ©2017 by Bar Bar, Inc. Calendar Deadline: Wednesday at noon before publication date.

Sales Deadline: Thursday at 3 p.m. before publication date.

Deadlines may shift at the discretion of the publisher.

ARTIST: JanyRae Seda TITLE: “Winter Fun at Camelback Park!”

MEDIUM: Oil on canvas ARTIST STATEMENT: Outdoor fun is just a few steps away in Boise, Idaho.

Boise Weekly was founded in 1992 by Andy and Debi Hedden-Nicely. Larry Ragan had a lot to do with it, too.

Boise Weekly is an independently owned and operated newspaper.

ISSN 1944-6314 (print) ISSN 1944-6322 (online)

B OI S E WEEKLY.C O M

SUBMIT Boise Weekly publishes original local artwork on its cover each

week. One stipulation of publication is that the piece must be donated to BW’s annual charity art auction in November. A portion of the proceeds from the auction are reinvested in the local arts community through a series of private grants for which all artists are eligible to apply. Cover artists will also receive 30 percent of the final auction bid on their piece. To submit your artwork for BW’s cover, bring it to BWHQ at 523 Broad St. All original mediums are accepted. Thirty days from your submission date, your work will be ready for pick up if it’s not chosen to be featured on the cover. Work not picked up within six weeks of submission will be discarded.

BOISEweekly | DECEMBER 20–26, 2017 | 3

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE continued With the changes in distribution, you may no longer have easy access to a print edition, but you can always access content at boiseweekly.com. Better yet, you can take advantage of our new subscription program: For only $40 per year, you get the digital edition of Boise Weekly delivered to your email inbox every Tuesday evening before the print copies even hit the stands. Along with the convenience of getting Boise Weekly delivered, subscribing to the digital edition supports us and our mission. Your contributions will propel our ability to doubledown editorially and further our ability to seek out and report the truth and be a loudspeaker for all of the voices in our community. I’m asking you to provide your vote of confidence and show your support by subscribing.

Although the world of media and the way our readers access content is always changing, demand for our content has not waned. It’s stronger than ever. We know you want to be informed, you want different viewpoints and you want to be included in your communities. We will continue to focus our efforts on creating excellent content and ensuring you can find it how and when you need it; and we vow to evolve with the changing world around us while adhering to our core values.

If you love Boise Weekly and want to be part of our future, go to subscribe.boiseweekly.com and pledge your support. And please support our advertisers. Without them, there wouldn’t be Boise Weekly, and I cannot imagine Boise without it. Can you? Even (or maybe especially) if you have been using Boise Weekly to “stoke your fire” for decades, you clearly need us. Let’s keep fueling the fire together.

I like to hear from you, and I always appreciate your input, insights and inspiration. Please send your support, questions, suggestions and tips to me any time at sally@boiseweekly.com. Happy Holidays, friends!

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—Sally Freeman, owner and publisher

OPINION

www.boiseartmuseum.org 4 | DECEMBER 20–26, 2017 | BOISEweekly

B O ISE WE E KLY.C O M

How an expert Braille transcriber—who is also an inmate at the largest prison in Idaho—helps bring a Christmas concert to life

Indian Creek Plaza will “bring new life to downtown Caldwell.”

INDIAN CREEK PLAZA WILL GIVE DOWNTOWN CALDWELL A BOOST

GEORGE PRENTICE The essence of a good Christmas story is often a journey. Consider Ebenezer Scrooge’s life-changing odyssey down memory lane in A Christmas Carol, or the sojourn of Joseph and Mary to the tiny town of Bethlehem.

This Christmas tale also includes a journey, with stops at the Idaho Commission for the Blind and the Idaho State Correctional Center before the final destination: Cathedral of the Rockies First United Methodist Church in the North End, where we hear some of the sweetest sounds in this or any other holiday season.

The cast of characters on this journey includes individuals usually found in a Charles Dickens novel: a blind woman, a man serving a life sentence for murder and an all-female choir.

For the better part of a century, the choir, known as the Boise Choristers, has presented its annual holiday concert with proceeds going toward scholarships to further music education in Idaho. On Dec. 11, the ensemble lifted its collective voice at the Cathedral of the Rockies and performed more than a dozen Christmas songs, including some old (“White Christmas”), some new (“Text Me Merry Christmas”), some sassy (“Santa Baby”) and some sweet (“Christmas Time is Here”). The group opened the concert with a song penned in 1914 by composer Mykola Leontovych known as “Carol of the Bells.”

“Hark how the bells, / Sweet silver bells, / All seem to say, / Throw cares away. / Christmas is here, / Bringing good cheer…”

With its complex time signatures, the century-old song begins with a precise weave of a four-note ostinato (a repeating musical phrase or motif ), but then the melody unfolds into a rainbow of complex patterns. In the hands of accomplished singers, “Carol of the Bells” is a wonderment and never feels old.

“We have some of the most amazing B OI S E WEEKLY.C O M

Donald Young, IDOC Inmate No. 17560, is one of only 40 master-level Braille transcribers in the country.

singers you’ll ever hear, and one of our altos, Dana Ard, is a true asset to the Choristers. She has a gift of perfect pitch, which means even without hearing the pitch from an outside source, Dana could sing it perfectly for you,” said Carole Knight, director of the Boise Choristers.

Knight, who has two degrees in music from Boise State University—including a Master of Music in Vocal Performance—took control of the Choristers five years ago. She starts as early as June preparing the repertoire for the Christmas concert.

“The thing about Boise Choristers is how very, very willing they are to work very, very hard. The hours that these ladies put into our preparation is stunning,” Knight said. “Then there’s Dana with her perfect pitch. Dana is a real leader in her section, because she’s such a strong singer. She’s also very good at learning the music as soon as she receives the sheet music.”

Apart from being pitch perfect, Ard is a senior counselor for the visually impaired and the current president of the National Federation of the Blind of Idaho. She’s an accomplished singer and musician, and an integral member of the Choristers, but her sheet music is unlike that of the other singers: The paper is thicker and much taller, and the sheets are bound in a notebook. At a glance, the pages look blank—but they aren’t. Ard is blind, and her sheet music has been expertly transcribed and printed in Braille.

“As soon as our director selects the music for our Christmas concert, usually by late fall, we then have to send the pages of sheet music to the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired,” said Ard. That’s just the beginning of the journey.

Naturally, ICBVI gets frequent requests from businesses, schools, restaurants and individuals who need materials transcribed into Braille.

What may come as a surprise is that much of the transcription takes place in prison. On a regular basis, ICBVI sends stacks of textbooks and documents to the Idaho Department of Correction, which takes over the responsibility of transcribing the materials into Braille.

THE MASTER-LEVEL BRAILLE TRANSCRIBER

Inside the Idaho State Correctional Center is a modest classroom where qualified inmates learn a trade—perhaps masonry or electrical wiring—or get a high school diploma or GED equivalency certificate. Donald Young, Inmate No. 17560, is a fixture in the classroom.

Young, 56, was convicted 38 years ago for first-degree murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. He received a life sentence. Pointing to a large stack of sheet music and textbooks to be transcribed into Braille, Young said, “This is my life now.”

At any given time, a few dozen 6 ISCC inmates are in the classroom, which is called the Robert Janss School

Judy Subia remembers Christmas shopping in downtown Caldwell when she was a teen.

“There were always people out and things to do … it was a fun place,” she said.

Subia and her husband Vern were both born and raised in Caldwell and have owned Vern’s Tavern (120 S. Seventh Ave.) for more than 30 years. They have witnessed the once-prosperous district deteriorate as businesses moved out, followed by customers, leaving downtown Caldwell largely deserted. However, a plan to revitalize the area with the construction of the Indian Creek Plaza, has brought hope back to a struggling community.

The $7 million plaza, currently under construction at the corner of Arthur Street and S. Kimball Avenue, is scheduled to open in the spring of 2018 and could attract thousands for concerts, ice skating, farmers markets and more. Currently, the city is planning to host about 200 events in the plaza each year. More people means more customers, a prospect local business are eagerly anticipating.

“We expect it to boom and are hoping to reap the benefits,” said Tammy Jones, owner of NU 2 U Collectibles (718 Main St.).

The idea for a new downtown developed when Keri Smith-Sigman launched Destination Caldwell four years ago. She envisioned an area that would serve as a “central gathering place.” She worked with Roger Brooks, a worldrenowned specialist in community revitalization and branding, to create a vision that would provide economic opportunities and promote the area. The plan is modeled after Rapid City, South Dakota, a Brooks project that turned around a struggling downtown community.

Smith-Sigman now works for the city of Caldwell as director of economic development, and the plaza is a selling point for attracting new businesses and investors.

“Restaurants are the first step,” she said, emphasizing how only locally owned restaurants in the Treasure Valley are being pursued.

A Flying M coffee shop and a new-and-improved Bird Stop coffee house will open soon, joining the popular Indian Creek Steakhouse and several Mexican restaurants located within blocks of the plaza site.

Dillon Wickel, owner of Indian Creek 6 Steakhouse, views the plaza as a “big game changer” that will turn Caldwell BOISEweekly | DECEMBER 20–26, 2017 | 5

G G LO DES IG N

G EORG E PRE NTICE

MUSIC FROM BEHIND BARS

NEWS

CITYDESK

NEWS after an educator who volunteered for years at the old Idaho State Penitentiary.

The school is state-accredited.

“Most of the men here are trying to get high school diplomas or GEDs. We also provide a fair amount of workforce readiness training: carpentry, masonry. We even offer Microsoft Office certification,” said Marshall Bautista, a career technical education teacher for the Robert Janss School, who has worked at ISCC since 2003.

“There’s a lot of good work going on here.

One of the hardest thing for prisoners to learn is Braille transcription. It can take a year or even a year and a half to go through the course,” Bautista said. “When you think of it, you’re actually learning a new language, and it’s not a letter-by-letter replacement of the traditional English alphabet. Plus, a page of text transcribed to Braille turns out to be 50 percent larger than a typical page. I must say, for the few men who have made it through the course, they tell me it’s really about them giving something back to the community.”

A few feet away, Young, who was sitting at his work station, was anxious to share his enthusiasm for the craft of Braille transcription.

“I’m here at this desk every day. This is my passion,” said Young. The classroom is open 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, but Young tries to get as much extra time as possible in order to complete an ever-increasing load of Braille transcriptions. “I would move my bed in and sleep here if they let me.”

Young has been transcribing to Braille for nearly 15 years. He’s not only the best at ISCC, he’s one of only about 40 people in the United States certified as a master-level Braille transcriber. The certification is authorized by the Library of Congress.

“I’ve actually done special projects for the Library of Congress. Add that to all of the textbooks, sheet music, cookbooks, reference books, bestsellers, you name it … and tens of thousands of items have been transcribed to Braille here,” said Young. “Would you like me to show you how I transcribe some sheet music to Braille?”

Young scanned a page of traditional sheet music and opened the image in a proprietary software program for editing.

“In this particular case, I’ve been told that this singer is an alto, so I’m going to take out all of the other parts of the music that won’t affect the singer,” said Young. Serendipiteusly, the sheet music was from the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired on behalf of Dana Ard in preparation for her Christmas concert. “I take out all of the music that this singer doesn’t need, then I’ll come back to the lyrics and put in the appropriate hyphens and key signatures. Then, I come back through all of the music and enter

G L E NN L AND BE RG

G G LO DES IG N

CITYDESK

5

Indian Creek Plaza is a “big game changer.”

into a “thriving community and destination.”

5 Dan and Kathy Norman own Norman Jewelers, which Dan’s father opened in downtown Caldwell 70 years ago. They said the plaza will be a “wonderful addition” and believe revitalizing the area will “bring new life to downtown Caldwell.”

While many are optimistic about the economic impacts of Indian Creek, others have expressed concern for residents and smaller businesses that may be priced out of the downtown area.

In addition to rising property values and rents, downtown businesses will be expected to foot the bill for the revitalization by way of a Business Improvement District tax. While some see it as a small payment in order to reap larger benefits, some local businesses could be hurt.

“I wonder how some of these people will pay for the increased taxes,” Subia said. “They have been holding on for a while, and business has been slow from the construction closures.” She added that a couple places have gone out of business since construction began.

Smith-Sigman admitted there isn’t much that can be done to prevent the displacement of business owners who can’t afford to stay downtown, but she pointed to the positive social impacts the plaza will bring, including reduced crime rates and a “safer, healthier community,” a claim echoed by Dr. Megan Dixon, a Caldwell resident and a professor of Urban Geography and Environmental Studies at The College of Idaho.

“When large crowds gather in an area, there tends to be less crime. There are many downsides to gentrification … But it also involves cleaning up an area and making it more attractive,” Dixon said.

For an area with a history of crime, SmithSigman stressed revitalizing the district would be beneficial for everyone.

“We have a diverse group of board members that includes business owners, farmers and citizens, so we can get a sense of what everyone’s needs are,” Smith-Sigman said.

What local businesses need are, of course, customers. “[Right now] people in Caldwell go to Walmart, the D & B or Nampa to shop,” SmithSigman said. “We want to make downtown Caldwell a destination again.”

—Sami Godlove 6 | DECEMBER 20–26, 2017 | BOISEweekly

Dana Ard (front center) and her fellow Boise Choristers sang to the heavens during their annual Christmas Concert at Cathedral of the Rockies.

special notes that the choir director may have included for the singer,” Young said.

After dozens of detailed edits and additions, Young turned to a large dot matrix-like printer filled with extremely thick paper. Ultimately, a page of Braille sheet music appeared.

“I think it helps quite a bit that I happen to know music. I play classical guitar, so when it comes to octaves, flats, you name it, I really understand that language,” Young said.

Among the many pieces of Christmas music for Ard sitting on Young’s desk was a song written in the 1940s that resonated with American soldiers and sailors at the height of World War II that continues to be meaningful to people who are far from family and friends during the holidays. Watching “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” being transcribed into Braille from inside a prison, though, gave it a whole new level of tenderness: “Christmas Eve will find me / Where the lovelight gleams. / I’ll be home for Christmas / If only in my dreams.”

“No, I won’t ever be able to hear this music being performed. I’ll dream of it,” said Young.

“I’ve been behind bars for 38 years now. How long will I be here? Well, I have a life sentence.” He looked at the stack of Christmas music. “But I have my Braille transcription.

That’s something, isn’t it?”

THE SOUND OF CHRISTMAS

Just prior to the Dec. 11 Boise Choristers concert, Ard stood among her fellow choir

members, getting in one final rehearsal before the big performance. Her seeing-eye dog, a five-year-old yellow lab named Ernest, was curled up near her feet, taking it all in.

“This Braille transcription of my sheet music that comes from the prison is very, very good,” said Ard. “What really impresses me is that the transcriber really goes out of his way to include all of the extra notes from the director, making the Braille that much better. I can truly tell he has experience with music.”

The Braille-transcribed music may have been only one element of the Christmas Concert, but without it, Ard’s gorgeous alto may not have been included.

At ISCC, officials put up a modest Christmas tree in the cafeteria, and one in a room where inmates visit with their families. Apart from those modest touches, and the ham or turkey on the menu, however, Christmas is just another day in the prison.

“But in our own roundabout way, we may have participated in that Christmas concert, helping to bring these wonderful sounds of Christmas that just fill your heart,” said Young.

“I may not ever hear it in real life … but I hear it in my heart, you know?”

Young reached for another piece of sheet music to transcribe into Braille. This time, it was “In the Bleak Midwinter,” written by Christina Rossetti in 1872: “What can I give Him, poor as I am? / If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb. / If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part. / Yet what I can I give Him? / Give my heart.”

B O ISE WE E KLY.C O M

REACH FOR THE STARS

RECREATION

Environmental advocates battle light pollution with Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve

“ALTOGETHER

WONDERFUL!

”

“

PURE ENCHANTMENT.”

“

ONE OF THE FINEST ” MOVIES OF THE YEAR.

A

FILM

LE X NEL SON The Idaho Environmental Forum, an Idaho nonprofit that meets monthly to discuss environmental policy changes in the Gem State, gathered this month in the elegant Crystal Ballroom of the Hoff Building in downtown Boise to hear experts speak on light pollution in the United States, and the steps underway in Idaho to combat it.

The Dec. 12 meeting was dubbed “Bringing the Dark to Light: Dark Sky Designations in Idaho,” and the two speakers—Boulder, Colorado-based astronomer/astrophysicist Matt Benjamin and Stanley Mayor Elect Steve Botti—urged the assembled crowd to support the formation of the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, a 906,000-acre area in which keeping artificial light away from Idaho skies is a top priority.

Benjamin spoke first, laying out a scientific argument against light pollution, which he said disrupts animal navigation, communication and reproduction, and can alter existing ecosystem interactions. For example, mating rituals of North Eastern fireflies can be confused by artificial lights (as confirmed by a 2016 Oecologia article by University of Virginia scientists); and sea turtles in Florida, which look for the reflection of the moon off the ocean during hatching, can be enticed by streetlights onto roadways, a problem detailed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Humans can be impacted too. As Thomas Jefferson University neuroscientist George Brainard and Harvard University neuroscientist Anne-Marie Chang explained in an interview with Scientific American, blue light, like that emitted by phone and computer screens, can disrupt sleep patterns by altering melatonin production.

“It’s not just astronomers saying, ‘Clear our skies, we want to use our telescopes,’” Benjamin said.

There are effects on a cosmic level, as well.

Benjamin explained that a third of the world’s population and 80 percent of people in the United States can’t see the Milky Way with the naked eye.

“We are star stuff,” Benjamin told the crowd.

“When we see the stars in the heavens we see our physical ancestry.”

When Botti spoke, he focused more on the B OI S E WEEKLY.C O M

“A

POWERFUL VISION

OF A CREATIVE MASTER

FEELING TOTALLY, JOYOUSLY FREE.”

“The stars at night / are shining bright / deep in a Dark Sky Reserve.”

economic implications of switching lights off or keeping them shielded—less energy use means less cost, and beautiful skies attract tourism—and the next steps to creating a Dark Sky Reserve under the purview of the International Dark-Sky Association, the global nonprofit that campaigns for dark skies.

“We’re losing the dark in the United States and at alarming rate,” Botti said. “Dark Sky Reserves are a way to address those threats.”

An International Dark Sky Reserve is defined by the IDA as “a public or private land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural, heritage and/or public enjoyment”—and when multiple entities are involved, as is the case in central Idaho, forming one can be a complex process. Unbenowst to Benjamin and Botti, that process that would be completed just six days after the IEF meeting.

When the IDA designated the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve on Dec. 18, it became the first reserve of its kind in the United States, and the third largest Dark Sky Reserve in the world. Each reserve is made up of a naturally dark “core area” surrounded by a populated “peripheral area” of communities dedicated to keeping their skies as free of artificial light as possible. There are 11 reserves nationwide, some in places as far-flung as New Zealand, Namibia and Whales.

The process began in earnest when Ketchumwas designated the first Dark Sky Community in the Gem State on Oct. 31, joining Craters of the Moon National Monument, an International Dark Sky Park, as one of two places in the Gem State where dark skies are officially prioritized.

The city received the designation by adopting ordinances that adhere to the three IDA cornerstones: shielding outdoor lights, shielding unnecessary lights and converting necessary lighting to a warmer light color. It also takes steps to educate citizens on the importance of dark skies, and an IDA press release states that “for the city to maintain its status it must continue to protect the night sky through educational and awareness materials, dark sky events and other exhibits and programs.”

In order to form the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, the cities of Sun Valley and Stanley had to take the same steps, joined by the Idaho Conservation League, Blaine County, Sawtooth National Recreation Area public land managers and a host of businesses and private landowners.

At the IEF meeting, Botti noted that although light pollution may seem like a small issue compared to the pollution of other natural resources like air and water, “they’re all urgent,” and it’s necessary to “address all of the threats to our environment,” rather than just the most obviously detrimental.

Following the designation of the reserve, IDA Executive Director J. Scott Feierabend said in a press release that its creation was “a milestone in the history of [the] IDA International Dark Sky Places Program. That such truly dark nighttime environments still exist in the United States is remarkable, but even more impressive is the effort undertaken to protect them.”

To close the IEF meeting last week, Benjamin noted that in Idaho, “Our world class darkness deserves the same protections as our world class wilderness.” Clearly, hundreds of stargazing Idahoans feel the same.

STARTS FRIDAY, DEC. 22nd

BOISEweekly | DECEMBER 20–26, 2017 | 7

CALENDAR WEDNESDAY DEC. 20 Festivals & Events BISHOPS’ HOUSE VICTORIAN HOLIDAY OPEN PARLORS—See the Queen Anne Victorian home all dressed up during the annual Holiday Open Parlors. Each year, the public is invited into the Bishops’ House to view three floors of holiday decorations, including more than a dozen Christmas trees. Step back in time and enjoy a complimentary cup of spiced warm cider, and browse the Holiday Shop for treats and treasures. Daily through Dec. 23. 4-8 p.m. FREE$5. Bishops’ House, 2420 E. Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, 208-3423279, thebishopshouse.org.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS TROLLEY TOURS—Join the fun aboard the decorated open-air Molly Trolley.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of festive lights and classic holiday music. Depart from the coffee shop

behind Sockeye Grill in the Library Plaza, corner of Cole and Ustick.

Tours will run nightly at 7 p.m., except for closures on Christmas Day. Additional 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. tours will be added closer to Christmas.

7 p.m. $5-$18. Evergreen Business Mall-Library Plaza, corner of Cole and Ustick, Boise, 208-433-0849, boisetrolleytours.com.

WINTER GARDEN AGLOW—Head out to the Idaho Botanical Garden for the annual dazzling display of over 300,000 sparkling lights artfully displayed throughout the holiday season. You can enjoy free cocoa, cider and cookies, or visit the on-site food vendors. Open daily rain, shine or snow through Jan. 1, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. 6-9 p.m. FREE-$12.

Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, 208-3438649. idahobotanicalgarden.org/ winter-garden-aglow.

THURSDAY-SATURDAY, DEC. 21-23

On Stage AMBROSE SCHOOL TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM— Brass, strings, children and youth voices create a beautiful evening of Christmas joy. 7 p.m. $15-$25.

Morrison Center for the Performing Arts, 2201 Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise, 208-426-1110, morrisoncenter.com.

BCT: THE STORM IN THE BARN— Eric Coble’s adaptation of Matt Phelan’s graphic novel blends history and fantasy into a quintessentially American fairy tale. Suitable for older children (8 and up). 7 p.m. $10-$35. Boise Contemporary Theater, 854 Fulton St., Boise, 208331-9224, bctheater.org.

BOISE RESCUE MISSION BENEFIT CONCERT: INSPIRATIONS OF CHRISTMAS WITH BLAZE AND KELLY—With Angela Clark, and the Meridian Youth Choir. 7 p.m. $15-$25. Riverside Hotel Sapphire Room, 2900 W. Chinden Blvd., Garden City, 208-343-1871, sapphireboise.com.

If all you want for Christmas is some fun, Boise Brewing, Payette Brewing, Fatty’s and Cowgirls have it all wrapped up. Head to the Boise Brewing Christmas Party on Thursday, Dec. 21, for food truck fare, music, mistletoe and more. Wear a Christmas sweater for free drink upgrades. Over at the We Out Here: Fatty’s Takeover, you can trade canned food donations for raffle tickets and at the Payette Brewing Ugly Sweaters, Tasty Beer event, you and your pooch can enter an ugly sweater contest. Keep the holiday spirits flowing Friday, Dec. 22, at Cowgirls. Dress in your worst holiday wear and compete for a $100 bar tab in the Ugly Sweater Contest and Redneck Santa party. Head back to Fatty’s on Saturday, Dec. 23, for the Fifth Annual Pa Rum Pum Pum BUMP Party, complete with drink specials and a visit from St. Nick.

Times and locations vary. Check out our calendar at boiseweekly.com/boise/EventSearch for details.

8 | DECEMBER 20–26, 2017 | BOISEweekly

HOMEGROWN THEATRE’S 6TH ANNUAL HORRIFIC PUPPET AFFAIR: A VERY HORRIFIC HOLIDAY SPECIAL—Join HGT to ring in the holidays at its biggest Puppet Affair yet, bringing together local playwrights, puppeteers and playmakers for a special holiday puppet cabaret crammed full of original tales of horror. 8 p.m. $5-$10.

Woodland Empire Ale Craft, 1114 W. Front St., Boise, 208-426-0510. facebook.com/HGTheatre.

MURDER AT THE SPEAK EASY: INTERACTIVE MURDER MYSTERY—There’s going to be a murder, and you’ll be there to help solve the crime. You can enjoy a four-course dinner by Romio’s Greek and Italian Restaurant, or just the show. (Dinners must be ordered by 5 p.m. the day before your show.) Doors open at 6:15 p.m. for dinner, 6:30 p.m. for show. 7 p.m.

THURSDAY-MONDAY, DEC. 21-25

Where you can inebriate to celebrate.

HAVE YOURSELF A BOOZY LITTLE CHRISTMAS

BORAH HIGH SCHOOL CHOIRS: THAT’S CHRISTMAS TO ME—Enjoy the Borah High School Choirs for a free winter concert. 7 p.m. FREE. Borah High School, 6001 Cassia, Boise, 208-322-3855, borah. boiseschools.org.

Hilarious and helpful holiday happenings.

YULETIDE CHEER

Around here, Christmas brings with it a bevy of fun festivities: The Laura Little Theatrical Productions musical, Traditions of Christmas, is at the Nampa Civic Center through Saturday, Dec. 23. Enjoy everything from live animals to a “beautifully choreographed kick-line.” On Friday, Dec. 21, it will look like the president of Christmas is in town, as a group of Garden City Police and Ada County Metro SWAT officers escort the St. Nick through town during the Santa Comes to Garden City event. Then, enjoy family friendly funny on Saturday Dec. 23 at the Odd Saturdays Improv Comedy Show: Christmas, where New Ventures Lab will “put the jolly in your holly.” Wrap things up on Christmas Day during Miracle on Idaho Street at Old Chicago, where homeless or displaced Boiseans can get a free meal and gifts, and visit with Santa.

Times and locations vary. Check out our calendar at boiseweekly. com/boise/EventSearch for details.

$15-$20 show only, $24-$50 with dinner. The Playhouse Boise, 8001 W. Fairview Ave., Boise, 208-7790092, playhouseboise.com.

THURSDAY DEC. 21 Festivals & Events

Odds & Ends BOISE RESCUE MISSION CHRISTMAS TREE SALE—Purchase a beautiful Nordmann or Noble fir tree from Boise Rescue Mission and help provide shelter, nutritious meals and a chance for homeless folks to transform their lives for good. Through Dec. 24.

4-7 p.m. Prices vary. Boise Rescue Mission Ministry Center, 308 S. 24th St., Boise, 208-343-2389, boiserm.org.

PAYETTE BREWING TRIVIAL BEERSUIT AT R BAR—Join Payette Brewing Co. for Trivial Beersuit. Enjoy $2.50 pints of Payette Forward IPA after 9 p.m. 9 p.m.-midnight.

FREE. R Bar, 1041 S. Broadway Ave., Boise. 208-629-0029.

BISHOPS’ HOUSE VICTORIAN HOLIDAY OPEN PARLORS—4-8 p.m. FREE-$5. Bishops’ House, 2420 E. Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, 208-342-3279, thebishopshouse.org.

WINTER GARDEN AGLOW—6-9 p.m. FREE-$12. Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, 208-343-8649, idahobotanicalgarden.org/winter-gardenaglow.

SANTA COMES TO GARDEN CITY—Join the Garden City Police and Ada County Metro SWAT as they escort Santa through town.

The procession starts at Learning Lab, 308 E. 36th St., and will pass the following locations (times are approximate): 40th and Adams, 6:20 p.m.; 44th and Adams, 6:40 p.m.; Riverview Estates, 4816 Adams, 7 p.m.; Garden City Police

FRIDAY, DEC. 22

Work off—or freeze off—a few pounds before indulging in holiday fare.

BBP DECEMBER SOCIAL RIDE

Boise Bicycle Project is one of the largest bicycle-oriented organizations in Idaho. Over the years, it has done a great deal of good, from getting bikes to kids in need, to pressing for policies to keep riders safe. The backbone of BBP operations is the community of cyclists and the support of its members. At the BBP December Social Ride, many of those members will warm themselves with holiday cheer when they meet at BBPHQ for a frosty sojourn to the Idaho Botanical Garden to check out the annual holiday lights festival Winter Garden aGlow. This year, the garden has been decked out with more than 380,000 lights, turning the usually staid grounds into an epic wintry Lite-Brite. Tickets for non-IBG members are $12 at the gate—but for the social ride, the price has been slashed to $8.

6 p.m. $8, Boise Bicycle Project, 1027 Lusk St., 208-4296520, boisebicycleproject.org.

B O ISE WE E KLY.C O M

CALENDAR Department, 301 E. 50th St., 7:30 p.m.; Boulder Creek Apartments, 5713 N. Garrett St., 7:50 p.m.; Shannon Glen Apartments, 10140 W. Charlie Lane, 8:20 p.m. FREE.

On Stage

sound of Mannheim Steamroller, along with dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting. 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $37.50-$70. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts, 2201 Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise, 208-4261609, box office: 208-426-1110, morrisoncenter.com.

animals, and over 400 costumes.

You’ll enjoy beautifully choreographed kick-line tap numbers, Santa’s workshop, a heartfelt military tribute performance, and a grand finale. 7 p.m. $20-$33.

Nampa Civic Center, 311 Third St. S., Nampa, 208-468-5555, traditionsofchristmasnw.com.

BCT: THE STORM IN THE BARN—7 p.m. $10-$35. Boise Contemporary Theater, 854 Fulton St., Boise, 208331-9224, bctheater.org.

COMEDIAN SEAN PEABODY—8 p.m. $12. Liquid Lounge, 405 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208-941-2459, liquidboise.com.

BOISE CLASSIC MOVIES: LOVE ACTUALLY—Wrap up the BCM Christmas Series with Love Actually.

This movie has it all: a brilliant ensemble cast, hilarity, tearjerking moments, and Christmas feel-goods. This is a 21-and-older only screening with beer, wine and mulled wine available. 7 p.m. $9-$11. Egyptian Theatre, 700 W. Main St., Boise, 208-345-0454, boiseclassicmovies.com.

COMEDY OPEN MIC WITH SOPHIE HUGHES AND K.C. HUNT—9:30 p.m. FREE. Liquid Lounge, 405 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208-941-2459, liquidboise.com.

Q MORROW BAND: THERE ARE STARS IN BROOKLYN—Originally from Caldwell, guitarist and composer Q Morrow is an active part of NYC’s vibrant jazz and Brazilian music scenes. Q will present two sets of his original music, which is steeped in jazz, Brazilian, Indian and Afro Cuban music, R&B and blues, along with some jazz standards as well as new music from his upcoming album There Are Stars in Brooklyn, due to be released in January. Presented by the Idaho Songwriters Association.

7:30 p.m. $10-$15. Cinder Winery and Tasting Room, 107 E. 44th St., Garden City, 208-376-4023, cinderwines.com

BROADWAY IN BOISE: MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS—Experience the magic as the spirit of the season comes alive with the signature

HOMEGROWN THEATRE’S 6TH ANNUAL HORRIFIC PUPPET AFFAIR: A VERY HORRIFIC HOLIDAY SPECIAL—8 p.m. $5-$10.

Woodland Empire Ale Craft, 1114 W. Front St., Boise, 208-426-0510. facebook.com/HGTheatre.

TRADITIONS OF CHRISTMAS— Traditions of Christmas is a Radio City Music Hall-style show featuring a cast of 60, spectacular sets, live

TUESDAY, DEC. 26

Kids & Teens ASL FOR BABIES—Children ages 0-2 learn American Sign Language through music, dancing and other engaging activities. Snacks and take-home activities will be provided. 11:30 a.m. FREE. Meridian Public Library, 1326 W. Cherry Lane, Meridian, 208-888-4451, mld.org.

Animals & Pets PETCO PRESENTS: TEDDY BEAR HAMSTER—Enjoy an hour of fun as you meet and learn about a Teddy Bear hamster. 4 p.m. FREE. Nampa Public Library, 215 12th Ave. S., Nampa, 208-468-5800. localendar. com/public/nampalibrary.

Food

The Great Boise Church Tour 2017 (someone should make T-shirts).

DOWNTOWN BOISE CHRISTMAS CHURCH WALK

In spite of—or maybe because of—the commercial trappings of Christmas, many still ascribe to a less secular reason for the season. The proof is in the annual Downtown Boise Christmas Church Walk, presented by the Les Bois chapter of the American Guild of Organists. The public is invited to take a self-guided tour of six North End churches: Capitol City Christian, First Presbyterian, Immanuel Lutheran, St. John’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, St. Michael’s Episcopal Cathedral and First United Methodist aka the Cathedral of the Rockies—souped up with Christmas ornaments and special Christmas organ music. The event will end with a Christmas sing-along accompanied by organist Ray Morvant at St. John’s Cathedral, starting at 5:30 p.m. Check the BW online calendar for more info.

3-6 p.m. FREE. Across six locations, ending at St. John’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, 775 N. Eighth St., agoboise.org.

B OI S E WEEKLY.C O M

BOISE BREWING CHRISTMAS PARTY—Celebrate our community and the holidays with Boise Brewing, featuring your favorite holiday tunes, mistletoe, last-minute gift ideas and delicious food from BTown Bistro food truck. Boise Brewing owners, members and anyone wearing their favorite Christmas sweater will get a little extra holiday cheer at no charge. 5-9 p.m. FREE. Boise Brewing, 521 W. Broad St., Boise, 208-342-7655.

UGLY SWEATERS, TASTY BEER—Sport your ugliest sweater and be entered to win a 12 Days of Christmas gift package. Enjoy holiday tunes, beer specials, 12 Days of Christmas deals, and the company of fellow Payette lovers in their best/worst holiday gear. Dogs welcome—especially if they’re wearing ugly sweaters, too. 5-10 p.m.

FREE. Payette Brewing Taproom, 733 S. Pioneer St., 208-344-0011. payettbrewing.com.

BOISEweekly | DECEMBER 20–26, 2017 | 9

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Classic 80s & OTHER PRE-2K MUSIC 80s cocktails at Brat pack prices

FRIDAY DEC. 22

609 W MAIN ST

every Thursday

Festivals & Events BISHOPS’ HOUSE VICTORIAN HOLIDAY OPEN PARLORS—4-8 p.m. FREE-$5. Bishops’ House, 2420 E. Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, 208-342-3279, thebishopshouse.org.

WINTER GARDEN AGLOW—6-9 p.m. FREE-$12. Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, 208-343-8649, idahobotanicalgarden.org/winter-gardenaglow.

On Stage ALLEY REP: GOLDEN GIRLS CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA— The best-selling show in Alley Repertory Theater history is back.

Starring Minerva Jane and Jodi Eichelberger, The Golden Girls Christmas Extravaganza features parodies of two classic episodes bookended by commercials written by the Fool Squad and live musicians and special guest appearances. 8 p.m. $15-$35. Visual Arts Collective, 3638 Osage St., Garden City, 208-424-8297, alleyrep.org.

LIVE COMEDY 6 NIGHTS A WEEK

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COMEDIAN SEAN PEABODY—8 p.m. and 10 p.m. $15. Liquid Lounge, 405 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208-941-2459, liquidboise.com.

Kids & Teens BOWLING WITH SANTA—Let the good times roll with the Jolly Old Elf himself, and Mrs. Claus, too. Kids get unlimited bowling, shoe rentals, cookies and hot cocoa, and plenty of Santa time for just $10. Family members can join in the fun for $10, too. 10-11 a.m. $10. Wahooz Fun Zone and Pinz Bowling Center, 400 W. Overland Road, Meridian, 208-898-0900, wahoozfunzone. com.

Odds & Ends GARDEN CITY PROJECTS NOT YOUR NANA’S HOLIDAY PARTY— Join Nana’s at The Garden City Projects to celebrate this uncomfortable, yet cozy time of year with sultry jazz music from members of St. Terrible. You’ll enjoy 10 percent off any holiday attire. Canned food donation required for entry; all

proceeds will benefit the Idaho Foodbank. 5-9:30 p.m. FREE. Nana’s Boutique, 108 W. 33rd St., Garden City, 208-559-0004. f UGLY SWEATER CONTEST AND REDNECK SANTA—Naughty or nice, head on out to Cowgirls for a visit with Redneck Santa. And go dressed to repulse in your worst holiday attire for a chance to win a $100 bar tab and tickets to Cowgirls’ New Year’s Eve Bash in the annual Ugly Sweater Contest. You can bet it’s gonna get fugly. 6 p.m. $5.

Cowgirls, 353 Ave. E, Kuna, 208922-9522, cowgirlskuna.com.

SATURDAY DEC. 23 Festivals & Events BISHOPS’ HOUSE VICTORIAN HOLIDAY OPEN PARLORS—4-8 p.m. FREE-$5. Bishops’ House, 2420 E. Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, 208-342-3279, thebishopshouse.org/page/events.

BOISE FARMERS MARKET INDOOR WINTER MARKET—The Boise Farmers Market moves to their indoor location at the corner of Eighth and Fulton streets for the

MILD ABANDON

By E.J. Pettinger

COMEDYSPORTZ IMPROV—Two teams of comics battle it out for your laughs. Suitable for all ages.

7:30 p.m. $5-$10. ComedySportz Boise, 4619 Emerald St., Boise, 208-991-4746, boisecomedy.com.

HOMEGROWN THEATRE’S 6TH ANNUAL HORRIFIC PUPPET AFFAIR: A VERY HORRIFIC HOLIDAY SPECIAL—8 p.m. $5-$10.

Woodland Empire Ale Craft, 1114 W. Front St., Boise, 208-426-0510. facebook.com/HGTheatre.

TRADITIONS OF CHRISTMAS—7 p.m. $20-$33. Nampa Civic Center, 311 Third St. S., Nampa, 208-4685555, traditionsofchristmasnw. com.

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BCT: THE STORM IN THE BARN—2 p.m. and 8 p.m. $10-$35. Boise Contemporary Theater, 854 Fulton St., Boise, 208-331-9224, bctheater.org.

FAMOUS IDAHO POTATO BOWL— The Chippewas of Central Michigan face off against the Wyoming Cowboys in the 21st annual Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. 2 p.m. $20-$75. Boise State Broncos Albertsons Stadium, 1910 University Drive, Boise, 208-426-4737. famousidahopotatobowl.com.

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PEABODY

AT 8 PM & 10:00 PM

BUY TICKETS NOW! LIQUIDLAUGHS.COM | 208-941-2459 | 405 S 8TH ST 10 | DECEMBER 20–26, 2017 | BOISEweekly

Sports & Fitness BBP DECEMBER SOCIAL RIDE— Grab your lights and bundle up for this social ride from Boise Bicycle Project HQ to the Idaho Botanical Garden’s aGlow festival. This slowpaced ride is perfect for all ages and families. The Winter Gardens aGlow features beautiful holiday lights, carolers, and the big man himself. Regular admission is $12 (children under 4 are free), but ride with BBP and tickets are just $8 per person. 6 p.m. $8. Boise Bicycle Project, 1027 Lusk St., Boise, 208429-6520, boisebicycleproject.org.

B O ISE WE E KLY.C O M

CALENDAR winter market through Dec. 23. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. FREE. Boise Farmers Market Indoor Winter Market, Eighth and Fulton Streets, Boise, 208-345-9287, theboisefarmersmarket.com.

WINTER GARDEN AGLOW—6-9 p.m. FREE-$12. Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, 208-343-8649, idahobotanicalgarden.org/winter-gardenaglow.

On Stage ALLEY REP: GOLDEN GIRLS CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA—8 p.m. $15-$35. Visual Arts Collective, 3638 Osage St., Garden City, 208-424-8297, alleyrep.org.

BCT: THE STORM IN THE BARN—2 p.m. and 8 p.m. $10-$35. Boise Contemporary Theater, 854 Fulton St., Boise, 208-331-9224, bctheater.org.

COMEDIAN SEAN PEABODY—8 p.m. and 10 p.m. $15. Liquid Lounge, 405 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208-941-2459, liquidboise.com.

COMEDYSPORTZ IMPROV—7:30 p.m. $5-$10. ComedySportz Boise, 4619 Emerald St., Boise, 208-9914746, boisecomedy.com.

HOMEGROWN THEATRE’S 6TH ANNUAL HORRIFIC PUPPET AFFAIR: A VERY HORRIFIC HOLIDAY SPECIAL—8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. $5-$10. Woodland Empire Ale Craft, 1114 W. Front St., Boise, 208-426-0510. facebook.com/ HGTheatre.

ODD SATURDAYS IMPROV COMEDY SHOW: CHRISTMAS—Wanna still love your in-laws by the end of the holidays? Get out of the house and get in a laugh with this hilarious show. Featuring fast-paced, interactive comedy that the whole family can enjoy together, this show will surely put the jolly in your holly. Suitable for all ages. 7:30 p.m. $5-$8.

New Ventures Lab, 38 E. Idaho Ave., Meridian, 208-996-0565, boiseimprov.com.

TRADITIONS OF CHRISTMAS—11 a.m. and 3 p.m. $20-$33. Nampa Civic Center, 311 Third St. S., Nampa, 208-468-5555, traditionsofchristmasnw.com.

Sports & Fitness FALUN DAFA GROUP EXERCISE—Attain a healthy body and mind by learning the five gentle exercises of Falun Dafa, an ancient self-cultivation practice based on truthfulness, compassion and tolerance. 10 a.m.-noon. FREE. Jack’s Urban Meeting Place, 1000 W. Myrtle St., Boise, 208-490-0309, falundafa.org.

YMCA 34TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS RUN—’Tis the season for bells, holiday costumes, carolers and Santa. Join the YMCA for the Christmas Run presented by Saint Alphonsus. The race starts and finishes in Downtown Boise at Boise High School. The annual Christmas Costume Contest will be held at 9:30 a.m. on the Boise High steps. The Reindeer Dash follows at 10 a.m., with the 2-mile and 6-mile runs at 10:15 a.m. Pick up your packet starting at 8:30 a.m. in the Boise High cafeteria. 8:30 a.m. $25-$35. Boise High School, 1010 Washington St., Boise, 208-3445502, ext 280, ymcatvidaho.org.

Kids & Teens

THE MEPHAM GROUP

| SUDOKU

VISIT SANTA AT SMALLCAKES—1-3 p.m. FREE. SmallCakes Cupcakery, 9050 W. Overland Road, Boise, 208-3778300, smallcakesidaho.com.

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! We don't just prescribe medication, we listen and meet you where you’re at.

We provide psychiatric evaluations, therapy, if needed medication management for children, teens, adults and geriatric patients.

Please call 208-319-3513 or book online at www.permamentalhealth.net

Odds & Ends CAREER PATHWAYS—Refugees, immigrants and new Americans can get valuable career counseling through a new program offered by the International Rescue Committee. Career Pathways is geared toward job seekers with valuable skills and training who are unable to use them due to a lack of certification, licensing or networking resources. The goal is to help the underemployed reach their career and earning potential, and secure a more fulfilling job. 1-3 p.m. FREE. Boise Public Library at Hillcrest, 5246 W. Overland Road, Boise, 208-972-8340, boisepubliclibrary. org.

WINTER SOLSTICE MINI POP-UP MARKET—Get last-minute gifts while enjoying hot coffee and local shopping. Form & Function will have espresso and hot chocolate (with homemade marshmallows), along with some of the best makers in town. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. FREE. Form & Function Coffee, 511 W. Broad St., Boise, mini-popup.com.

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk.

Go to www.boiseweekly.com and look under odds and ends for the answers to this week’s puzzle. And don’t think of it as cheating.

Think of it more as simply double-checking your answers. © 2013 Mepham Group.

Distributed by Tribune Media Services. All rights reserved.

B OI S E WEEKLY.C O M

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

SUNDAY DEC. 24 Festivals & Events WINTER GARDEN AGLOW—6-9 p.m. FREE$12. Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 Old Peniten-

14

BOISEweekly | DECEMBER 20–26, 2017 | 11

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tiary Road, Boise, 208-3438649, idahobotanicalgarden.org.

On Stage BOISE STATE PUBLIC RADIO: CHARLES DICKENS’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL RADIO BROADCAST—The Morrison Center continues its holiday tradition and

collaboration with Boise State Public Radio with the rebroadcast of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The program will air on KBSU 90.3 FM in the Treasure Valley and KBSW 91.7 FM in the Magic Valley on Christmas Eve at 7 p.m., and on Christmas Day at 10 a.m. 7 p.m.

FREE. Boise State Public Radio, Yanke Family Research Building, 220 E. Parkcenter Blvd., Boise, 208-426-3663, boisestatepublicradio.org.

COMEDIAN SEAN PEABODY—8 p.m. $12. Liquid Lounge, 405 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208-941-2459, liquidboise.com.

Religious/Spiritual CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE—Celebrate the birth of Jesus with your family and friends in a family-friendly service, featuring

ARTS/EXTRA LOCAL SCREENWRITER/ DIRECTOR/AUTHOR SAMANTHA SILVA PENS NEW CAROL

Samantha Silva usually looks at her work as if through a camera lens. She has sold screenplays to Paramount, Universal and New Line Cinema studios and TNT television, and won the grand prize in the One Potato screenwriting competition at the 2017 Sun Valley Film Festival for The Big Burn. No matter the project, it seems Silva’s mind always starts at the movies—even her debut novel, Mr. Dickens and His Carol (Oct. 2017, Flatiron Books), began life as a screenplay.

“A writing colleague called me years ago and said I ought to write a ghost story anthology film, with A Christmas Carol in mind,” said Silva. “Victorians loved ghost stories. They sat around by the hearth on Christmas and told these wonderful, mysterious tales.”

As romantic a notion as that is, as Silva researched the backstory of A Christmas Carol, she discovered that one of the most famous holiday stories in history wasn’t born by a fireside. Instead, Dickens was inspired following a visit to the Field Lane Ragged School, where half-starved street urchins were sent to learn how to read and write. Dickens was shaken to the core by the experience, as he was in danger of being sent to debtors’ prison. He needed to write something for his publishers, which is how, 174 years ago this month, A Christmas Carol was born.

“I ended up writing four different versions, four different screenplays, sold to four different movie companies and had a few heartbreaking MR. DICKENS AND HIS near misses with turning this into a big-screen project,” said Silva.

CAROL “Eventually I decided I wanted to give [Mr. Dickens and His Carol]

By Samantha Silva $24.99, flatironbooks.com another chance, but this time giving it life as a novel.”

Although there are a few real-life characters in Mr. Dickens and His Carol, Silva’s tale is a work of fiction, and much of her prose would make Mr. Dickens proud: “Church bells pealed; the streets thickened with hansom cabs, omnibuses, costermongers and muffin men. Eager children gripped their mother’s hands. Standing in long queues at the butcher’s shop, the poulterers, the bakers, the grocers; all counting the minutes to the long-awaited Christmas feast. A light wind had snow-kissed the cobbled streets of the city, and what had been smog and soot just days before gave way to a soft winter light that tamed all it touched. The metropolis seemed to sigh with one breath, beat as only holy heart. Even birds caroled overhead. Dickens’ own icy breath floated like glitter on the air.”

This is Silva’s first novel, but it’s already attracting raves from literary notables. Idaho author Anthony Doerr, famous for his novel All the Light We Cannot See, calls the book, “a charming, comic and ultimately poignant story about the creation of the most famous Christmas tale ever written,” adding, “I read it in a couple of ebullient Christmassy gulps.”

Silva was just finishing her book when her mother, Beverly, passed away.

“It was quite difficult for me, but I continued to hear her voice,” she said. “She would have delighted in the success of the book.” Silva says she’s grateful for her mother’s influence, in person and in spirit.

“She was so kind, so gentle, so forgiving and loving and sensitive and compassionate,” Silva said. “She was a wonderful woman, very much like one of Dickens’ characters, one of his nice characters.”

—George Prentice 14 | DECEMBER 20–26, 2017 | BOISEweekly

Derringer the live donkey. 7 p.m.

FREE. Wright Community Congregational Church, 4821 W. Franklin Road, Boise, 208-343-0292.

CHRISTMAS EVE MORNING SERVICE—Christmas Eve morning, gather in the pasture with the shepherds and the sheep as they graze peacefully in the night. A night like any other night until they are greeted by a host of heavenly angels who have come to announce the arrival of the Christ child. These simple shepherds are the first to greet the newborn babe. 11 a.m.

FREE. Wright Community Congregational Church, 4821 W. Franklin Road, Boise, 208-343-0292.

Odds & Ends BOISE RESCUE MISSION CHRISTMAS TREE SALE—Through Dec. 24. Noon-7 p.m. Prices vary.

Boise Rescue Mission Ministry Center and Warehouse, 308 S. 24th St., Boise, 208-343-2389, boiserm.org.

TREASURE VALLEY SINGLES DANCE—7:30-11:30 p.m. $6-$7.

Eagles Lodge Nampa, 118 11th Ave. N., Nampa, 208-442-1970.

meal with all the trimmings. New gifts of warm clothing, toys, books, school supplies and blankets will be distributed, and each guest will have the chance to enjoy a visit and picture on Santa’s lap. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. FREE. Old Chicago Pizza Downtown, 730 W. Idaho St., Boise, 208-363-0037, oldchicago.com.

Calls to Artists ARTS IDAHO FELLOWSHIPS IN PERFORMING AND MEDIA ARTS—The Idaho Commission on the Arts is currently accepting applications for fellowship awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in performance or mediabased arts. Idaho artists working in any type of film, dance, theater, music or technologically-based media may apply. Five fellowships of $5,000 will be awarded. Recipients will be interviewed for a short film and featured on the ICA website and social media. Applications and more information can be found at arts.idaho.gov/grants. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, Jan. 31.

Idaho Commission on the Arts, 2410 N. Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, 208-334-2119. arts.idaho. gov/grants.

MONDAY DECEMBER 25

TUESDAY DECEMBER 26

Festivals & Events

Festivals & Events

BOISE PUBLIC LIBRARY HOLIDAY HOURS—All locations will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day. Boise Public Library, 715 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise, 208-9728200, boisepubliclibrary.org.

WINTER GARDEN AGLOW—6-9 p.m. FREE-$12. Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, 208-343-8649, idahobotanicalgarden.org.

ANNUAL BOISE CHRISTMAS CHURCH WALK—Enjoy a Boise holiday tradition at the annual Christmas walk at six local

churches starting at 3 p.m. and ending with a Christmas Music Sing from 5:30-6 p.m. at St. John’s Catholic Cathedral, with Ray Morvant as organ accompanist.

The churches include Capitol City Christian Church, First Presbyterian, Immanuel Lutheran, St. John’s, St. Michael’s Episcopal Cathedral and First United Methodist Church (Cathedral of the Rockies). Maps will be available but all are in walking distance. Organized by the Les Bois Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. 3-6 p.m. FREE. St. John’s Cathedral, 775 N. Eighth St., Boise, 208-342-3511, agoboise.org.

WINTER GARDEN AGLOW—6-9 p.m. FREE-$12. Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, 208-343-8649, idahobotanicalgarden.org/winter-gardenaglow.

Literature STORY STORY NIGHT: STORIES WITH A REAL POINT—The flagship season of Story Story Night gets straight to the point this winter and spring at the all-ages JUMP in downtown Boise on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Exploring themes about life punctuated, featured storytellers and open story slammers speak to experiences that really made a mark. Hosted by Jodi Eichelberger, with live music, beer, wine and appetizers. Doors open at 6 p.m. For all ages. 7 p.m. $12. Jack’s Urban Meeting Place, 1000 W. Myrtle St., Boise, 208-639-6610, storystorynight.org.

EYESPY

Real Dialogue from the naked city

On Stage BOISE BANTER CHRISTMAS SHOW—8 p.m. FREE. Liquid Lounge, 405 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208-941-2459, liquidboise.com.

BOISE STATE PUBLIC RADIO: CHARLES DICKENS’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL RADIO BROADCAST—The program will air on KBSU 90.3 FM in the Treasure Valley and KBSW 91.7 FM in the Magic Valley on Christmas Day at 10 a.m. FREE. Boise State Public Radio, Yanke Family Research Building, 220 E. Parkcenter Blvd., Boise, 208-426-3663, boisestatepublicradio.org.

Food MIRACLE ON IDAHO STREET— Over 1,000 of Boise’s homeless and displaced guests will arrive at Old Chicago for a Christmas Day celebration. Each guest will receive a warm welcome and an extraordinary dining experience, a finely dressed table and a

Overheard something Eye-spy worthy? E-mail production@boiseweekly.com

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BOISEweekly | DECEMBER 20–26, 2017 | 15

SWEET 16

ELITE 8

FINAL 4

Maudie

WONDER WOMEN

Beatriz at Dinner

Movie M

Beatriz at Dinner

The Best A bracket-busting loo

Breathe

AGAINST ALL ODDS

The Florida Project

The Florida Project

THE FLORIDA PROJECT

TOP

Beauty and the Beast

INNER BEAUTY

Lady Bird

THE FLORIDA PROJECT Lady Bird

GET

Dunkirk

BATTLE TESTED

LADY BIRD Star Wars: Last Jedi

Dunkirk

BPM

TRUTH BE TOLD

The Post

The Post

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

ANGER MANAGEMENT

THE FLORID THREE BILLBOARDS

Logan

Three Billboards

The Shape of Water

As you look at my annual Movie M disruptor. Instead of putting togeth fun to put all of the best titles of th choosing the best into a game. So were head-and-shoulders above re

In alphabetical order, my elite eigh Your Name, Darkest Hour, The Flo The Shape of Water and Three Bill My final four are Call Me By Your N Out and The Shape of Water. And, 2017 are The Florida Project and common except their greatness.

Wonder Woman

LEGAL ALIENS

THE SHAPE OF WATER

The Shape of Water

I’ll see you at the movies soon.

I, Tonya

V.I.P. VILLAINS 12 | DECEMBER 20–26, 2017 | BOISEweekly

It

THE SHAPE OF WATER I, Tonya B O ISE WE E KLY.C O M

FINAL 4

ELITE 8

SWEET 16 Wind River

Madness

Wind River

tokofat a 2017 year of movies

DANGER AT EVERY TURN

Split

A Quiet Passion

CALL ME BY YOUR NAME

Call Me By Your Name

P2

Call Me By Your Name

LOVE HURTS

A Fantastic Woman

CALL ME BY YOUR NAME

OUT

The Big Sick

CRITICAL LIST

The Big Sick

Downsizing

PASSPORT TO COMEDY

THE BIG SICK Downsizing

Girls Trip

Molly’s Game

Molly’s Game

DA PROJECT

Madness bracket, think of it as a her a Top Ten list, it’s a lot more he year on the table and turn o, here are the 32 films I thought est in 2017.

Battle of the Sexes

ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

Darkest Hour

GET OUT

DARKEST HOUR Darkest Hour

ht are The Big Sick, Call Me By orida Project, Get Out, Lady Bird, lboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.

Name, The Florida Project, Get , in my opinion, the two best of Get Out, films with nothing in

Victoria & Albert

BEST OF BRITAIN

Coco

Coco

Loving Vincent

LIFELIKE

. Until then, Happy Holidays.

—George Prentice

Get Out

GET OUT Get Out

B OI S E WEEKLY.C O M

Lady Macbeth

FEMME FATALES BOISEweekly | DECEMBER 20–26, 2017 | 13

LISTEN HERE

PATRIC K J E WE T T

MUSIC GUIDE WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 20 ALMOST FAMOUS KARAOKE— 9:30 p.m. FREE. Liquid AMBROSE SCHOOL TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM—7 p.m. $15-$25.

Morrison Center

SLOW HOLLOWS, DEC. 20, NEUROLUX

Los Angeles-based quartet Slow Hollows—guitarist/vocalist Austin Feinstein, trumpeter Daniel Fox, bassist Aaron Jassenoff and drummer Jackson Katz—has been churning out jazz-tinted rock beats since 2014, releasing its debut album, I’m Just As Bad As You Are (Danger Collective Records) in the same year.

Slow Hollows’ sophomore full-length album, Atelophobia (Danger Collective Records), came out in 2015, followed by another LP, Romantic (Danger Collective Records) in 2016.

Since Romantic, Slow Hollows has been crisscrossing the country in a series of small selective tours, and on Wednesday, Dec. 20, the group performs in Boise at Neurolux. Stop by and let Slow Hollows’ laid-back, seductive vocals and punches of bluesy brass chase away the craziness of the holidays.

—Lex Nelson With Raener, and Dan Had It. 8 p.m., $7. Neurolux, 111 N. 11th St., 208-343-0886, neurolux.com.

ANDREW SHEPPARD—8:45 p.m. FREE. Pengilly’s

BREAD AND CIRCUS—6 p.m.

FREE. Highlands Hollow

JACK HALE—5 p.m. FREE. Bar 365

CHUCK SMITH TRIO—7:30 p.m.

FREE. Chandlers

KARAOKE—3-7 p.m. FREE. White Water

KARAOKE—7 p.m. FREE. High Note

KARAOKE WITH DJ BONZ—9:30 p.m. FREE. Busted Shovel

MIKE ROSENTHAL—5 p.m.

FREE. Chandlers

LLOYD AND SAVIOUR TOUR KICKOFF—With Laika the Dog, and Tag Along Friend. 7 p.m. $5.

The Olympic

SLOW HOLLOWS—With Raener.

7 p.m. $7. Neurolux STEVE EATON—5 p.m. FREE. Bar 365

NAOMI KARATE—7 p.m. FREE. High Note

TIM SWANSON—6 p.m. FREE. Divine Wine

BOISE RESCUE MISSION BENEFIT CONCERT: INSPIRATIONS OF CHRISTMAS WITH BLAZE AND KELLY—Plus Angela Clark, and the Meridian Youth Choir. 7 p.m. $15-$25. Sapphire BORAH HIGH SCHOOL CHOIRS: THAT’S CHRISTMAS TO ME—7 p.m. FREE. Borah High

BROADWAY IN BOISE: MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS—3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $37.50-$70. Morrison Center CHUCK SMITH—5:30 p.m. FREE. Chandlers FRIM FRAM FOUR—8:45 p.m.

FREE. Pengilly’s

CHUCK SMITH TRIO—8:30 p.m.

FREE. Chandlers ELECTRIC COCONUT—With Kathleen Williams and Juice. 7:30 p.m. $5. The District FINN RIGGINS—With Dark Swallows and With Child. 8 p.m. $7.

Neurolux

THE HANCOCKS: CHRISTMAS EDITION—6 p.m. FREE. Potter’s Tea House

THURSDAY DECEMBER 21 BEN BURDICK TRIO—7:30 p.m.

FREE. Chandlers

BIG WOW BAND—8 p.m. FREE. WilliB’s

GODFREY PAUL—9 p.m. FREE. Ranch Club

TYLOR AND THE TRAIN ROBBERS—9 p.m. FREE. Grainey’s

Blaze and Kelly

FRIDAY DECEMBER 22

Q Morrow Band Q MORROW BAND: THERE ARE STARS IN BROOKLYN—7:30 p.m. $10-$15. Cinder THUMP: TRAPPY X-MAS—8:30 p.m. $5. 9th St. Parallel at KFCH WE OUT HERE: FATTY’S TAKEOVER—10 p.m. Canned food donation. Fatty’s

HIDDEN HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS—With Skittish Itz, Wicked Bears, Urban Outfielders, Rob Lanterman, and Young, Planetary. 7 p.m. $7. The Olympic JUKEBOX MADNESS—7 p.m.

FREE. 127 Club KARAOKE—3-7 p.m. FREE. White Water KODAK BLACK—7:30 p.m. $40$75. Revolution MOJO BOOGIE—7 p.m. FREE. Sockeye-Cole

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MUSIC GUIDE MULE TRAIN—8:45 p.m. FREE. Pengilly’s RENEE ROSS—7 p.m. FREE. High Note SEAN ROGERS—5:15 p.m. FREE. Chandlers WALT AND THERESA HUNTSMAN—7 p.m. FREE. Deja Brew WILSON ROBERTS—5 p.m.

FREE. Bar 365

MONDAY DECEMBER 25

TUESDAY DECEMBER 26

DIING CHRISTMAS NIGHT: DJ BODIE—10 p.m. FREE. Neurolux

BLUEGRASS MUSIC JAM—7 p.m. FREE. Liquid

OPEN MIC WITH EMILY TIPTON—8 p.m. FREE. Pengilly’s

CHUCK SMITH TRIO—7:30 p.m.

FREE. Chandlers

THE SIDEMEN: GREG PERKINS AND RICK CONNOLLY—6 p.m.

FREE. Chandlers

GABE HESS—5 p.m. FREE. Bar 365

SATURDAY DECEMBER 23

MIKE ROSENTHAL—5 p.m.

FREE. Chandlers OPEN MIC WITH NEAL GOLDBERG—7 p.m. FREE. Dwellers

5TH ANNUAL PA RUM PUM PUM BUMP PARTY—9 p.m.

FREE. Fatty’s

THE SUBURBANS—8:45 p.m.

FREE. Pengilly’s

CAMDEN HUGHES 3—8:30 p.m.

FREE. Chandlers GARY TACKETT AND MOONSHINE BROWN—9 p.m. FREE. Ranch Club GENESIS PROJECT BOISE CHRISTMAS BASH—With Po The Rapper and MJD. 7 p.m. $TBA. The Shredder GUILTY PLEASURE—7 p.m.

FREE. WilliB’s JUKEBOX MADNESS—7 p.m.

FREE. 127 Club KARAOKE—3-7 p.m. FREE. White Water NEAL AND FRIENDS—8:45 p.m.

FREE. Pengilly’s

LIKE A ROCKET—7 p.m. FREE. Sockeye-Cole

Wayne White WAYNE WHITE—5 p.m. FREE. Bar 365

V E N U E S Don’t know a venue? Visit www.boiseweekly.com for addresses, phone numbers and a map.

LISTEN HERE

OLD DOGS NEW TRICKS—8 p.m. FREE. O’Michael’s ROLLED INTO ONE—With OK OK, and Lyonsdale. 7 p.m. $5. The Olympic

Sons of Thunder Mountain SONS OF THUNDER MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS SPECIAL—7 p.m. $15-$25. Sapphire WALT AND TERESA HUNTSMAN—7 p.m. FREE. High Note ZACH FORSMAN—5 p.m. FREE. Bar 365

SUNDAY DECEMBER 24 CHUCK SMITH TRIO—7:30 p.m.

FREE. Chandlers NOCTURNUM LIVE INDUSTRIAL DJS—10 p.m. FREE. Liquid PATRICIA FOLKNER—5 p.m.

FREE. Bar 365

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS, DEC. 21, MORRISON CENTER

Mannheim Steamroller started out as a one-man band, only expanding to include a host of classically trained musicians following the release of its first Christmas album in 1984. Today, the group has taken the title from Elvis Presley to become the No. 1 Christmas music artist of all time, with more than 40 million albums sold. This holiday season, Mannheim Steamroller will make a stop in the City of Trees for a Broadway Boise show celebrating its Christmas music as well as the classic rock Fresh Aire series that preceded it. Join the group on Thursday, Dec. 21 for two shows—a 3 p.m. matinee and a 7:30 p.m. evening edition—complete with special effects, thundering sounds and plenty of Christmas cheer. Whether you’re a music buff or just looking to get into the holiday spirit, this show is for you.

—Lex Nelson 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., $38-$70. Morrison Center, 2201 W. Cesar Chavez Ln., 208-426-1110, morrisoncenter.com.

B OI S E WEEKLY.C O M

BOISEweekly | DECEMBER 20–26, 2017 | 17

CITIZEN RANDY-B FUNK

The Christmas Kid sends a holiday S.O.S. GEORGE PRENTICE

A stranger might think Randy-B Funk’s name isn’t real, especially since he writes hip-hop and rap music—but they would be mistaken. Randy Funk’s first and last names are the same as his father’s. That’s why Randy Junior uses his middle initial, B for Burton, as part of his name. This time of year though, it would also be appropriate to call him the “Christmas Kid.” “He’s a really good kid,” said Randy’s mother Michele. “Some people ask me, ‘Is there anything bad about Randy?’ He runs a little late sometimes, but other than that, he’s really responsible, really motivated and has a really loving heart.”

This holiday, Randy will bring smiles to dozens of parents and children with his Sock and Stuffy —aka S.O.S.—drive, where he’s collecting socks and stuffed animals for men, women and children who will be spending their Christmas at a number of homeless shelters. So far, the drive has been a rousing success. As Boise Weekly was going to press, Randy had collected more than 3,300 pairs of socks, 21 jackets, 225 stuffed animals, 30 blankets and hundreds of toys. Before delivering the surprises to the Boise Rescue Mission Warehouse on Friday, Dec. 22, the 14-yearold Funk spent a few minutes with Boise Weekly to talk about his motivations, his music and his dreams for the future.

I understand that you started your Treasure Valley Christmas fund drives two years ago.

In 2015, I collected 400 pairs of socks for homeless men, plus 14 bags of clothes for women and 55 Christmas toys for kids. Last year, we took 60 suitcases and stuffed them with supplies and donated them to the River of Life Men’s Shelter and the City Light [Home for Women and Children]. The donations are really pouring in for new socks and underwear and a lot of kids have emailed me that they want to donate their own stuffed animals to other children.

I was a bit surprised to learn that your fund drive’s press release was written by your mom. It looks like it was put together by a P.R. firm.

Her name is Michele Funk and she’s got a degree in marketing. She helps arrange speaking engagements so that I can tell civic groups about the S.O.S. drive.

18 | DECEMBER 20–26, 2017 | BOISEweekly

Where does all this passion come from?

My faith. When I was younger, my family used to live in Hawaii and every Christmas Eve, we would spend our night bringing food and clothes to homeless people. When we moved to Meridian, I immediately began volunteering at the local food bank and even helped to organize some food drives.

It’s one thing to participate in a fund drive.

It’s a whole new level to organize one.

Absolutely. For instance, when I first approached Fred Meyer about putting some collection barrels at a couple of their locations, I was told that I had to talk to their corporate headquarters. But that didn’t stop me. I eventually was fortunate enough to place some barrels at the Fred Meyer stores on Locust Grove in Meridian and on Linder in Eagle, plus Postal Express on Fairview Avenue and Grade Power Learning Center on Eagle Road.

Let’s talk a little about that name of yours. I see that you put a hyphen in your name, making it Randy-B Funk. That’s a tiny bit edgy and it definitely sounds like a rapper’s name. But again, this is your real name.

I really wasn’t trying to be edgy. I just wanted to distinguish my name from my Dad’s name.

Tell me about your music.

I just love to create beats. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love music. I was lucky enough to go a music camp in Nashville this past June and a bunch of famous musicians spent some serious time with us. I write all kinds of music, but the songs I write more than anything else are usually alternative Christian hip-hop or rap.

Where can we see you perform?

I haven’t done that yet. I’ve only performed in front my parents and a couple of friends.

But sooner than later, you may need to perform in public.

I know. I’m working on it. Believe it or not, I’m pretty shy. But when you care about something so much, your shyness washes away.

B O ISE WE E KLY.C O M

L E X NE L SON

DREAM BIG

SU--MAY - FLIC KR

FOOD

Two young entrepreneurs hope to build community with business LE X NEL SON What do a skateboard-themed coffee shop and a shipping container park with a gluten-free bakery at its heart have in common? Both projects were the brainchildren of young, optimistic Treasure Valley entrepreneurs who hope to give their communities new life.

For Lucas Erlebach, the 25-year-old owner of the new coffee shop Push and Pour in Garden City, building his business meant providing a space for skateboarders and showcasing local artists and musicians—all while serving up what he calls “the best coffee in the world,” sourced by Maps Coffee, a craft roaster in Hailey, Idaho.

Push and Pour has an industrial aesthetic spruced up with vintage touches. “I love skating, and skating is my passion, but I [didn’t] want to open a skate shop because Prestige [Skateboards] is down there and they’re the best people to do that,” said Erlebach, a native of Star, who left professional skateboarding in San Francisco to open Push and Pour. “I really enjoy everything about coffee from the atmosphere to the people to just making coffee every day ... and I feel like this was really needed in this area.”

Located on 34th Street just a few blocks off Chinden Boulevard, the facade of Push and Pour still looks like the autobody shop once housed there. Inside, the shop’s personality and purpose come through in the ‘70s-era skateboards mounted to the walls, the glass-paned garage door that lets in a deluge of natural light and the cherry-red vintage coffee grinder. With his shoulder-length hair, black knit cap and laid-back demeanor, Erlebach himself fits right in, and he’s excited to be at the forefront of what he refers to as “The Garden City Movement.”

“It’s crazy how much stuff is going on down here that not a lot of people know of yet, and I think it’s going to explode in the next year,” Erlebach said, “Out here there are so many workers, doers, artists and musicians from the VAC to The Garden City Projects to Surel’s Place to The Yardarm, there’s just so much cool stuff going on ... I feel like in the next couple years, it’s just going to grow more and more and more, and it’s going to be really rad. I’m glad that we got to come out here at this point, to hopefully help and steer it into that kind of community before it B OI S E WEEKLY.C O M

Lucas Erlebach pours a cup of coffee at Push and Pour (left), and the Pop Box Brixton shipping container park in London (right) was an inspiration for The Yard in Boise.

just becomes a bunch of townhomes.”

Though the shop had its soft opening Dec. 1, Push and Pour has already hosted screenings of two local films, and local art is on display in the form of espresso basket and tamper handles made from fused layers of Erlebach’s old skateboards by Transmigration Woodworking in Eagle.

In January, Erlebach hopes to be roasting on site, and later in 2018, Push and Pour will host events including live music, small art shows, film screenings, coffee roasting classes and more— along with making great coffee.

“We’re just going to try to kind of be a hub for creatives, doers [and] makers,” Erlebach said.

Hilary Lee, the 29-year-old entrepreneur behind the Gluten Free Galaxy food truck, is on a similar mission. She hopes to bring a sense of community to what she said feels like a forgotten section of Boise by building a shipping container business park on the Bench.

Dubbed The Yard, the park will be an “incubation space” and a community hub. Lee plans to rent 20- and 40-foot shipping containers kitted out with walls, floors, doors, windows, power, insulation and equipment to small businesses, and to eventually have 40 renters thriving on the half-acre lot at the corner or Alpine and Garden streets. The Gluten Free Galaxy bakery, which will be housed in a 40-foot container, is set to open in February 2018 and will be the first business in the park, with the rest scheduled to open in June. The company food truck is already parked on the property, and serves up gluten-free sandwiches, soups and baked goods created by Lee’s business partner Richelle Greene.

A tour of the lot revealed a lot of work to be done: A portion of the space was cleared during the summer for block parties, but the majority

is covered in a jumble of half-finished shipping containers, car parts and utility buildings.

Although the task is daunting, Lee comes from a family of entrepreneurs whose help and experience have made her fearless. The plot is family owned, and her uncle is supporting her vision financially. After living in Las Vegas and seeing how successful the Downtown Container Park was there, Lee has no doubt her project will be a hit in Boise.

“I feel like the Bench is lacking its heart, essentially,” Lee explained. “There are so many people out there now that are craving something cultural that they get to call their own that’s not a strip mall.”

Lee plans to stack the containers to create two-story shopping alleys and include green space for food trucks and events. She also hopes to renovate a large garage on the property into a community center that can be rented out for concerts, yoga classes and more, and if the city will allow it, she’d like to plant only edible vegetation, making the area a community garden for people facing food insecurity.

Base level rent (not including power) will be $500 per month for a 20-foot container and $1,000 per month for a 40-foot container, and since Lee will also be working on site, renters will have access to their landlord for help and support. The Yard already is taking applications, and Lee said Sandpoint-based Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters may be the first to rent space.

“I’ve always had little businesses, and so having someone who actually has your back and then having a space that you can actually call your own—it’s night and day,” Lee said. “Basically the concept is, not to sound cheesy, allowing people to actually make their dream come true.”

BEERGUZZLER HOLIDAY BREWS

A beer doesn’t have to have a clever label referencing winter to qualify as a holiday brew.

Here are three very different choices for the beer lover on your gift list: an age-worthy Belgian, a collaborative effort between Canada’s Brunswick Bierworks and Belgium’s La Trappe and another partnering between Boise’s Woodland Empire and the Boise Co-op.

BRUNSWICK BIERWORKS ORA ET LABORA DOUBLE BOCK, $3.99-$4.79 Chestnut brown in the glass, this one sports a thin tan head that fades quickly.

Spicy malt dominates the nose along with an intriguing hit of sassafras. This is a well-balanced brew that combines lightly tart cherry with dark malt. The name is a translation of the La Trappe monk’s motto, Pray and Work, and all proceeds go to fund their support of Kyotera Hospital in Uganda.

GOUDEN CAROLUS CUVEE VAN DE KEIZER, $11.49$14.99 A ruby-tinged ebony in the glass, the two-finger tan head on this pour sticks around. The nose is a complex mix of honey, plum, fig, caramel and creamy cocoa.

Boozy in a good way (11 percent alcohol) with tons of creamy malt, dark fruit and toffee, this is a big, bold sipper. A welcome warmth comes through on the finish that lasts and lasts.

WOODLAND EMPIRE HOPPY HOLI HAZE DOUBLE IPA, $3.19-$3.59 This beer pours a hazy amber topped by an off-white head with decent retention and lovely lacing.

On the nose, it’s a combo of both fruit and resin hops with a touch of toffee.

Those hops are surprisingly subtle on the palate, blending seamlessly with creamy malt and sweet citrus flavors. A bit more bite comes through on the finish, which lingers nicely.

—David Kirkpatrick BOISEweekly | DECEMBER 20–26, 2017 | 19

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89 Woodwind that’s O.K. to play?

93 Something that’s free of charge 94 Weapon seen on the Kenyan flag 95 Big stinks 96 Done, slangily 97 Units for binge watchers 100 Actor Patel of “Lion” 101 “Don’t ____ me” 104 Cupid’s catchphrase?

110 Part 111 Attention hog’s cry 112 Vigilant 113 “The Dukes of Hazzard” spinoff 114 Intimidate 115 One of eight in “The 12 Days of Christmas” 116 Egg-shaped Hasbro toys introduced in 1971 117 Certain soft drinks, informally

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67 Actress Hatcher 68 All skin and bones 69 “I had a dream, which was not all a dream” poet 70 George Eliot’s “____ Marner” 71 Finely decorated 72 Antagonist 74 Much of Mongolia

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45 It may pop on a plane 46 Dietary std.

47 China’s Chiang ____-shek 48 Yes or no follower 49 Light on one’s feet 51 Submissive 52 Fleet 56 “Totally awesome!”

57 Bit of food … or feud?

58 Part of a house

23 Sources of lean meat 24 Comparatively strong, like some French wine?

26 Grime 28 “Yo!” 29 Went by 30 Fearful 32 1998 De Niro thriller 34 Highway noise barriers 38 One who’s in it but doesn’t win it 40 Egyptian leader obsessed with his appearance?

1 Neighbor of Sudan 5 Queen in the “Star Wars” movies 12 Basics 16 Things that people like to have ripped?

19 First sentence of a news story 20 Party animal 21 Comedian who was a regular on “The Steve Allen Show”

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1 Score marking 2 Powerful engine, for short 3 Nighttime Cartoon Network programming block 4 Wipe off the map 5 Start of MGM’s motto 6 Quaint “I believe” 7 Like Wrigley Field’s walls 8 Brave 9 Landon who lost in a landslide 10 Pastoral locale 11 Big name in 1980s-’90s TV talk 12 State capital that’s the setting of “Ironweed” 13 Betty ____ 14 Mean, lowdown sorts 15 Court conference 16 CNN commentator Navarro

loveactually DECEMBER 21 ST BUY YOUR TICKET TODAY

boiseclassicmovies.com 17 The Cougars of the West Coast Conf.

18 Determination in a prenatal exam 22 Holiday meal 25 Came down 27 Long lunch?

31 It’s to be expected 32 Leveled 33 Eleven: Fr. 35 Cheesy dish 36 Seminal symbol of mass production 37 Lose 38 Paul who sang “Lonely Boy” 39 King who said, “Nothing will come of nothing” 40 Woman’s name that means “truth” 41 Disloyalty 42 Loft filler 44 Director of 1991’s “Mississippi Masala” 49 Genesis brother 50 Early Beatle 51 Sam who ran the bar on “Cheers” 53 Unconcerned with right and wrong 54 Parts of supermarkets 55 & 57 Very nearly 58 Topic at the Kinsey Institute 60 32-ounce purchase at 7-Eleven 61 Mining supply 63 Free 64 Chasm 65 It decreases a QB’s rating: Abbr.

66 Busy hosp. areas 67 Best of the best 70 Knee-highs, e.g.

72 Doesn’t know for a fact, say 73 ____ buco 75 Secreted signal 76 El ____ 77 Cricket rival of Harrow

79 Material once set afire and put in a catapult 80 Grasp, informally 81 Human, typically, diet-wise 84 Announcement upon a grand arrival 85 Entertainment with camels, maybe 86 It sank after W.W. II 87 Go cold turkey 88 Said 90 Goaltender Dominik in the Hockey Hall of Fame 91 Wrinkle-free, say 92 Lincoln’s place 96 Wild 98 Old-movie dog 99 ____ Valley 100 Give a beating 102 Go forcefully (through) 103 1979 Roman Polanski film L A S T A T O M

W O W E D

A M I G O

L E E A N N

Z A P E T O N E L S A A T B I N D S T O P T A C O S C K R Y U S E R E N A B I T P A N T I N E O N

104 Inc. relative 105 Win on “Hollywood Squares” 106 “I shall return,” e.g.

107 Des-Moines-to-Dubuque dir.

108 Add years 109 Sentence fragments: Abbr.

Go to www.boiseweekly.com and look under extras for the answers to this week’s puzzle. Don't think of it as cheating.

Think of it more as simply double-checking your answers.

W E E K ’ S

K S H I T A S E V S T A R C HEAD L E A V M O I R C O I L A N CHEST A T D E N Z B O S T A N H E M E I E V A N P H S A L N A R T S G O N E S I G N

E L L I B O K E S E L W S L A J O H N A O N N O P E R A T T E L W A N S A I D M H E T E E I L LIP P V I O R O T R E E T C S U T

A N S W E R S I N N H O T EAR T H A Y L O M LEG U I Z E N O B A N P O R K U N E SHIN G T O V I C H E A L E R T E X T E I O LIVER P P A S H E D T R A S A R

O L A V A L G A N I L S A L T C O D

T I K I

I N I T I M O O O R D O S O K S I L EYE Y A R N A T R I U L T T O S

M E T A L

E S T E E

B I G T O D O

O R B

T E P E E

H A T S A R S

B O ISE WE E KLY.C O M

CAREERS BW CAREERS

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Boise Weekly is hiring a part time

graphic designer! The ideal candidate wishes to work in an exciting, fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. You MUST have good design skills and an excellent working knowledge of Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign.

You’ll be given an Digital Aptitude Test during the interview. We’re a Mac-based, wholly digital production environment. Working knowledge of InDesign is mandatory and familiarity with PDF workflows is an asset. This will be a PARTTIME job, Monday-Wednesday.

We are very deadline driven with tight turnaround times. You MUST be able to work quickly, calmly and under PRESSURE. If you believe that you possess these qualifications, wish to work for Boise’s ONLY locally owned and independent newspaper, and are able to start immediately, please EMAIL your resume and 3 design samples in PDF format to: kelsey@boiseweekly.com Please include Graphic Designer in the subject header.

MIND BODY SPIRIT BW CHILDBIRTH PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Call us first. Living expenses, housing, medical, and continued support afterwards.

Choose adoptive family of your choice. Call 24/7. 877-362-2401

BW MASSAGE THERAPY

*A MAN’S MASSAGE BY ERIC*

Special $30. FULL BODY. Hot oil, 6am-6pm & by appt. I travel. 8805772. Male Only. Private Boise studio. MC/VISA. massagebyeric.com.

COME EXPERIENCE MASSAGE BY SAM

Hot tub available, heated table, hot oil full-body Swedish massage.

Total seclusion. Days/Eves/Weekends. Visa/Master Card accepted, Male only. 866-2759.

RELAXING FULL BODY MASSAGE $40 for 60 mins., $60 for 90 mins.

Quiet and relaxing environment.

Now accepting Visa/Mastercard, Applepay & Googlepay. Call or text Richard at 208-695-9492.

SACRED BODY CARE For a Relaxing Massage Call Ami at 697-6231.

ULM Inc. Accepting new clients.

208-340-8377. Open again Saturday and Sunday.

B OI S E WEEKLY.C O M

PLACE AN AD

VISIT | www.boiseweekly.com E-MAIL | classified@boiseweekly.com CALL | (208) 344-2055

B OISE W E E KLY

SERVICES

ADULT

BW FINANCIAL

BW CHAT LINES

Denied Credit?? Work to Repair Your Credit Report With The Trusted Leader in Credit Repair. Call Lexington Law for a FREE credit report summary & credit repair consultation. 855-620-9426. John C. Heath, Attorney at Law, PLLC, dba Lexington Law Firm.

Livelinks - Chat Lines. Flirt, chat and date! Talk to sexy real singles in your area. Call now! 1-844-3595773

COMMUNITY BW HOME Dish Network-Satellite Television Services. Now Over 190 channels for ONLY $49.99/mo! HBO-FREE for one year, FREE Installation, FREE Streaming, FREE HD. Add Internet for $14.95 a month.

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KISSES PLATINUM BLONDE KITTY SAVER To the platinum blonde in the green car who saved the injured kitten on I84-E on Th 12/15 around 4:15p, I’d like to take you to dinner to reward your heroism. Restaurant of your choice. 208-907-0800 mortsmailbox@yahoo.com

LEGAL BW LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATES OF JAN D. SPITS AND JEANE SPITS, DECEASED. CASE #CV0117-21262 (I.C. 15-3-801) IN THE DISTRICT COURT FOR THE 4TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT FOR THE STATE OF IDAHO, IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF ADA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of the above-named decedent.

All persons having claims against the decedent or the estate are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of the Notice to Creditors, or within 60 days after the undersigned mailed or delivered a copy of this Notice to such persons, whichever is later, or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must be presented to the undersigned address indicated, and filed with the Clerk of the Court.

DATED this 5th day of December, 2017.

A. Denise Penton, Attorney for Personal Representative Penton Law Offices, PLLC 702. W. Idaho Street Suite 100 Boise, ID 83701 Pub. December 13, 20, 27 and January 3

OFFICE HOURS Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Noodle Says...

“Wishing every kitty had a warm, loving home for the holidays!”

MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 1657, Boise, ID 83701

OFFICE ADDRESS

BW HELP WANTED

ADOPT-A-PET

WORK IN ADULT FILMS or on live streaming websites from the convenience of your own home. No experience, all types, sizes, and races. Call United Casting NOW! 212-726-2100

These pets can be adopted at Simply Cats.

www.simplycats.org 2833 S. Victory View Way | 208-343-7177

BW HEALTH

PHONE

MAKE THE CALL TO START GETTING CLEAN TODAY. Free 24/7 Helpline for alcohol & drug addiction treatment. Get help! It is time to take your life back! Call Now: 855-732-4139

(208) 344-2055

FAX (208) 342-4733

E-MAIL

BW PEN PALS My first name is Angel but don’t be deceived. I’m a good girl gone bad and I can give you what you need.

I’m locked up in prison. I’ve got a few years to do and what I’d really love is a letter from you. I’m a feisty sexy Virgo with long curly red hair and I’m down for whatever. We can take this anywhere.

Like I said i’ll be here longing waiting for you. I’m the girl you’ve been dreaming about…I’m your dreams come true. Angel Frisby Unit 2 IDOC #93057 1451 Fore Rd. Pocatello, ID 83204.

We are both incarcerated at PWCC. We are both spit fires, Scorpios, sexy brunettes. 1st one is named Sandy, she has green eyes, 36/24/34 measurements, loves fishing, hiking, camping, romantic candlelit dinners and movies, animal lover, very outdoorsy, outgoing, and loves sex! Getting out the end of September and needs a great pen pal, maybe more?

Write to her at Sandra Shoffer 1451 Fore Rd. Pocatello, ID 83204 Unit 2 #48790. 2nd one is Leah, loves to have fun, fish, camp, dance, and run. I love finding new spots sexually!Love to laugh. 5’3’’, brown hair, brown pretty eyes and 130 lbs. Write me at, Leah McCormack #55092 1451 Fore Rd. Pocatello, ID 83204. Will be released in December sometime.

My name is Jolene Rae Johnson IDOC# 60374 I’m 43, 140 lb, 5’3” Blondish-Brown Hair. SWF I’m eligible for parole 8-23-18 I’m From Pocatello ID, I like to do a lot of out door activities, camping ,fishing, dirt bike riding, and bike riding. I’m open minded, easy going + have a good sense of humor. I’m looking for pen-pals. Look me up on Facebook. I currently being held in Rigby Idaho, Jeferscon Count y Jail – Jolene Johnson IDOC #60374 200 Courthouse Way, Rigb y ID 83442

Boise Weekly’s office is located at 523 Broad Street in downtown Boise. We are on the corner of 6th and Broad between Front and Myrtle streets.

classified@boiseweekly.com CONAN: I’m independent but adore other kitties. Adopt me as a bestie for your cat!

MACI: I’m a gentle, declawed beauty. I’m a bit frightened of other kitties, but I love people!

SOX: I’m calm and handsome! My senior buddies and I have waived adoption fees this month!

These pets can be adopted at the Idaho Humane Society.

www.idahohumanesociety.com 4775 W. Dorman St. Boise | 208-342-3508

DEADLINES* LINE ADS: Monday, 10 a.m.

DISPLAY: Thursday, 3 p.m. * Some special issues and holiday issues may have earlier deadlines.

RATES We are not afraid to admit that we are cheap, and easy, too!

Call (208) 344-2055 and ask for classifieds.

We think you’ll agree.

LANCE: 1-year-old, 68-pound male Pointer mix. Energetic, playful, shy with strangers. Great running/hiking buddy. No children. (#37055028– Kennel 320)

VERA: 2-year-old, 51-pound female American Pit Bull Terrier mix.

Active, friendly, intelligent.

Eager, great with dogs.

Older kids. (#37287622– Kennel 421)

JACOB: 4-year-old, 40-pound male German Shepherd mix. Likes fetch.

Gentle, affectionate, playful. Training recommended. (#37336112-Kennel 405)

DISCLAIMER Claims of error must be made within 14 days of the date the ad appeared. Liability is limited to in-house credit equal to the cost of the ad’s first insertion. Boise Weekly reserves the right to revise or reject any advertising.

PAYMENT NANI: 1-year-old, 8-pound female longhair. Gentle, sweet. Loves to perch in high places. Best as only cat. A fantastic snuggler. (#37207569–Cattery Kennel 06)

PURRSIFER: 10-monthold, 8-pound male shorthair. Shy, sweet when he’s comfortable. Loves head scratches, being held. (#37368143–Cattery Kennel 03)

CRANBERRY: 1-year-old, 11-pound female shorthair. Friendly, affectionate.

Enjoys belly rubs , ear scratches. Loves people. (#37202915–Cattery Kennel 13)

Classified advertising must be paid in advance unless approved credit terms are established.

You may pay with credit card, cash, check or money order.

BOISEweekly | DECEMBER 20–26, 2017 | 21

PAGE BREAK MINERVA’S BREAKDOWN

#boiseweeklypic

FIND

Advice for those on the verge HOLIDAY HEADACHE DEAR MINERVA,

I love gift giving. I make it a point to choose meaningful gifts for the people in my life. There are a couple of people who, no matter what me or my husband do, are never happy with their gifts. One of them has even had the nerve to complain about an item because it was slightly too big, and then, when we scaled back our gift buying one year, complained about that, too. What should I do?

Sincerely, Holiday Headache

DEAR HH,

It sounds like they deserve some coal in their stocking! I believe it is the thought that counts, and part of that is taking into consideration the taste of the person you are buying a gift for. It sounds like you are already doing that. When you have a person who is impossible to please, keep it simple. Give them a gift card to their favorite store or restaurant, or choose a gift card that can be used anywhere. This will put the responsibility of their contentedness firmly in their own hands. You will also be giving them the gift of an experience. If they are unhappy then, it is all on them. It would be difficult to have a conversation about their behavior, and it would feel mean to leave them out. Just know that this behavior is 100 percent their issue, and it isn’t a failure on your part. If they still complain, seriously consider removing them from any future giftgiving lists.

SUBMIT questions to Minerva’s Breakdown at bit.ly/MinervasBreakdown or mail them to Boise Weekly, 523 Broad St., Boise, ID 83702. All submissions remain anonymous.

QUICK FINLEY BABY HATS

Green, natural, local and quick are key words at Quick Finley LLC, a local business that crafts pixie- and gnome-style hats (as well as other toys and accessories) for babies. Owner Stephanie Alvis, a mother of three, was inspired by her children to start designing and making the sweet little hats, and began selling $10-$21 (plus shipping), availthem in local pop-up shops and able online at etsy.com/shop/ on Etsy in 2011. quickfinley.

Alvis makes all of her Quick Finley products with a material base of “re-purposed cashmere, wool, angora, and mohair sweaters” sourced from local thrift stores. Any leftover material is recycled through the Gemtext Recycling program to keep landfill waste down. Choose from a wide variety of designs from simple, solid colors to hats with embellishments like Peter Pan feathers, cashmere clouds, animal faces or bows. Hats ship quickly and a small selection can be found at the Merry Makers Market in the Lit & Co. Event Space (3017 W. State St.) through Dec. 23, so there’s still time to get a warm, soft Christmas gift for your favorite little one.

—Veronica Lemaster

Taken by instagram user harrisonberry0725.

RECORD EXCHANGE TOP 10

1.

“IDA HO HO VOL. 8,” VARIOUS ARTISTS

2.

“TRIBUTE TO THE TRAVELIN’ LADY: ROSALIE SORRELS,” VARIOUS ARTISTS

22 | DECEMBER 20–26, 2017 | BOISEweekly

3.

“DOWN HEARTED BLUES,” EILEN JEWELL

4.

“REPUTATION,” TAYLOR SWIFT

5.

“CONCRETE AND GOLD,” FOO FIGHTERS

6.

“WOODSTOCK,” PORTUGAL. THE MAN

7.

“BACK IN BLACK,” AC/DC

8.

“GREATEST HITS: GOD’S FAVORITE

BAND,” GREEN DAY

9.

“CTRL,” SZA

10.

“TRAVELLER,” CHRIS STAPLETON

B O ISE WE E KLY.C O M

ASTROLOGY ARIES (March 21-April 19): Your life in the first half of 2018 will be like a psychological boot camp designed to beef up your emotional intelligence. Here’s another way to visualize your oncoming adventures: They will constitute a friendly nudge from the cosmos, pushing you to be energetic and ingenious in creating the kind of partnerships you want for the rest of your long life. As you go through your interesting tests and riddles, be on the lookout for glimpses of what your daily experience could be like in five years if you begin now to deepen your commitment to love and collaboration.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You’ll soon have a chance to glide out into the frontier. I suggest you pack your bag of tricks. Bring gifts with you, too, just in case you must curry favor in the frontiers where the rules are a bit loose. How are your improvisational instincts? Be sure they’re in top shape. How willing are you to summon spontaneity and deal with unpredictability and try impromptu experiments? I hope you’re very willing. This may sound like a lot of work, but I swear it’ll be for a good cause. If you’re wellprepared as you wander in the borderlands, you’ll score sweet secrets and magic cookies. Here’s more good news: Your explorations will position you well to take advantage of the opportunities that’ll become available throughout 2018.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): These days it’s not unusual to see male celebrities who shave their heads. Bruce Willis, Dwayne Johnson, Seal, Tyrese Gibson, and Vin Diesel are among them. But in the 20th century, the bare-headed style was rare. One famous case was actor Yul Brynner. By age 30, he’d begun to go bald. In 1951, for his role as the King of Siam in the Broadway play The King and I, he decided to shave off all his hair.

From then on, the naked-headed look became his trademark as he continued a successful acting career. So he capitalized on what many in his profession considered a liability. He built his power and success by embracing an apparent disadvantage. I recommend you practice your own version of this strategy in 2018. The coming weeks will be an excellent time to begin.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): In the Northern Hemisphere, where 88 percent of the world’s population resides, this is a quiescent time for the natural world. Less sunlight is available, and plant metabolism slows down as photosynthesis diminishes. Deciduous trees lose their leaves, and many evergreens approach dormancy. In the midst of this stasis, Cancerian, you are beginning to flourish.

Gradually at first, but with increasing urgency, you’re embarking on

B OI S E WEEKLY.C O M

BY ROB BREZSNY

an unprecedented phase of growth.

I foresee 2018 will be your Year of Blossoming.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): If you’ve had an unfulfilled curiosity about genealogy or your ancestors or the riddles of your past, 2018 will be a favorable time to investigate.

Out-of-touch relatives will be easier to locate than usual. Lost heirlooms, too. You may be able to track down and make use of a neglected legacy. Even family secrets could leak into view—both the awkward and the charming kinds. If you think you have everything figured out about the people you grew up with and the history of where you came from, you’re in for surprises.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Most of us regard our ring fingers as the least important of our digits.

What are they good for? Is there any activity for which they’re useful?

But our ancestors had a stronger relationship with their fourth fingers.

There was a folk belief that a special vein connected the fourth finger on the left hand directly to the heart. That’s why a tradition arose around the wedding ring being worn there. It may have also been a reason why pharmacists regarded their fourth fingers as having an aptitude for discerning useful blends of herbs. I bring this up, Virgo, because I think it’s an apt metaphor for one of the important themes of 2018: A resource you have underestimated or neglected will be especially valuable—and may even redefine your understanding of true value.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In fairy tales, characters are often rewarded for their acts of kindness. They may be given magical objects that serve as protection, like cloaks of invisibility or shoes that enable them to flee trouble. Or the blessings they receive may be life-enhancing, like enchanted cauldrons that provide a never-ending supply of delicious food or musical instruments that have the power to summon delightful playmates. I bring this up, Libra, because I suspect that a similar principle will be very active in your life during 2018.

You’ll find it easier and more natural than usual to express kindness, empathy, and compassion. If you consistently capitalize on this predilection, life will readily provide you with the resources you need.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Like all of us, you go through mediocre phases when you’re not functioning at peak efficiency. But I suspect that in 2018 you will experience fewer of these blah times. We will see a lot of you at your best.

Even more than usual, you will be an interesting catalyst who energizes and ripens collaborative projects.

You will demonstrate why the sweet bracing brightness needs the deep

dark depths, and vice versa. You will help allies open doors that they can’t open by themselves. The rest of us thank you in advance!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The blunt fact is that you can’t be delivered from the old demoralizing pattern that has repeated itself— until you forgive yourself completely.

For that matter, you probably can’t move on to the next chapter of your life story until you compensate yourself for at least some of the unnecessary torment you’ve inflicted on yourself. Now here’s the good news: 2018 will be an excellent time to accomplish these healings.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In 2018, one of your primary missions will be to practice what you preach; to walk your talk; to be ambitious and masterful in all the ways a soulful human can and should be ambitious and masterful.

Live up to your hype in the coming months, Capricorn! Do what you have promised. Stop postponing your dreams. Fulfill the noble expectations you have for yourself. Don’t be shy about using exclamation points to express your visions of what’s right, good and just.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Years ago, when I started my career as a horoscope writer, my editor counseled me, “Always give priority to the Big Three. Romance, money and power are what people care about most.” After a few months, he was disgruntled to realize that I wrote about how to cultivate psychological health and nourish spiritual aspirations as much as his Big Three. He would have replaced me if he could have found another astrology writer whose spelling and grammar were as good as mine. But his edict traumatized me a bit. Even today, I worry that I don’t provide you with enough help concerning the Big Three. Fortunately, that’s not relevant now, since I can sincerely declare that 2018 will bring you chances to become more powerful by working hard on your psychological health . . . and to grow wealthier by cultivating your spiritual aspirations . . . and to generate more love by being wise and ethical in your quest for money and power.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): What binds you? What keeps you closed down and locked up? I urge you to ponder those questions now, Pisces. Once you get useful answers, the next step will be to meditate on how you can undo the binds. Fantasize and brainstorm about actions you can take to unlock and unclose yourself. This project will be excellent preparation for the opportunities that will be made available to you in the coming months. I’m happy to announce that 2018 will be your Year of Liberation.

BOISEweekly | DECEMBER 20–26, 2017 | 23

Y AWA E V I G ON

Go to @BoiseWeekly on Instagram or #bw12days for great gift ideas from participating businesses DEC 1ST

@boiseweekly Winner: @nessyluvable

DEC 2ND

@flyingmcoffee house Winner: @osprey19

DEC 3RD

DEC 4TH

@boisecoop Winner: @lmr04jones

Winner: @brandyethridge

DEC 5TH

DEC 6TH

DEC 7TH

@idahobotanicalgardens Winners: @shermantracey, @s_e_andrade, @lajelyfish, @skicasey

@ricecontemporary Winner: @kelseysaras

@traditionsofchristmas Winner: @jasonslade

@flyingmcoffeehouse Winner: @luciana_langdon

DEC 9TH

DEC 10TH

DEC 11TH

DEC 12TH

@williesdistillery Winner: @mindyluck

@boiseescape Winner: @kiwimanzanita

@thehumanbean_id Winners: @keithselin, @breanneicolew, @m_festrada

@idahoriversports Winner: @boisebetty

DEC 8th