Eagle Magazine March/April 2023

Our beautifully delicious stacked salad is perfect for Spring. Brushed with walnut dressing made of only the freshest ingredients.

Alei Merrill grew up working on her family’s egg farm near present-day downtown Eagle. The concepts of working hard and supporting others in the community were instilled from a very young age. These values have stuck with her as she grew up, had her own family, and started a series of successful Eagle-based businesses.

“In 2004, I noticed things in the travel industry were changing quickly due to the internet’s popularity.” Alei shared with us. “I decided it was time to pivot to a career where I could still serve people. Travel and real estate are very similar. You are taking someone through a process with multiple variables and a distinct beginning and ending. It was a natural transition and something that had always interested me. It helped that hundreds of people knew me from the travel business, so the crossover was natural. The Eagle market has always been my focus. I love Eagle and have grown up here. I have watched many of our neighborhoods and parks get created, and like two generations before me, Eagle is my focus and passion.”

Alei is a Top 1% ranked agent, yet there have been struggles to get where she is today. “One of my biggest challenges, like many Moms, is striving to find a work-life balance. I have five kids and it has been my greatest success to watch them grow and branch out on their own. Real estate can be a very demanding career and it takes a lot of time and effort to work through challenging situations. I

often worried if I had the right balance between clients and my family. In retrospect, I can see that it all worked out.”

Over the last couple of years, Alei has had the pleasure of doing what her Father and Grandfather did for her— providing an opportunity to build something together in a family business. Two of Alei’s Daughters work with her in real estate. Lauren has been licensed for four years and Sarah for one year. They assist Alei with first-time homebuyers, marketing needs, and running the clientexperience systems within her brokerage.

After 18 years in real estate, Alei has built a vast network of connections that directly benefit those she works with. Her company, ALEI International, has an office in downtown Eagle (in the same building that was once her travel business). ALEI International is a locally owned, globally powered real estate company with a commitment to the highest level of success. Her international affiliations and premium syndication networks mean your home will be marketing at the absolute highest level and seen by millions of potential buyers. Her agent network spans over 170 countries and includes hundreds of thousands of the world’s most experienced agents, representing a collection of the finest real estate brands in the world.

View some of the homes Alei has sold in Eagle at aleimerrill.com.

WRITERS:

Chelsea Chambers

Liza Long

Jamie Hudson

Cindy Miller

Natalia DiGiosia

Tia Markland-Crabtree

PHOTOGRAPHERS:

Tia Markland-Crabtree

Rase Littlefield

Cherry Bouton

DESIGNER: Angela Bucchino

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Eagle Magazine, Vol. 15, No. 6, is published 6 times a year by Idaho Media Publishing LLC, Po. Box 1878 Eagle, Idaho 83616. Copyright 2022, all rights reserved. Content of this publication is the copyright of Idaho Media Publishing LLC and/or respective copyright holders. Contents may not be reproduced in whole or in part without consent of the copyright owner. For subscription information please visit eaglemagazine. com. For editorial submissions please email em@eaglemagazine.com. For advertising, please email em@ eaglemagazine.com.

Hello Treasure Valley community! We hope you took a moment to rest and recharge during these last few chilly months. After taking time to honor winter’s annual pause, we can now jump back into the swing of spring!

We have a very exciting feature to share this issue that you absolutely can’t afford to miss. Did you know that two of the largest companies in Eagle are working together to expand business this year? Check out Money Metals Exchange and Wright Brothers, The Building Company: An Inside Look at Two of the Largest Companies in Eagle.

Once you’ve learned all about the Money Metals Exchange, take a journey to Star, Idaho and meet the minds behind Proof Kitchen. And of course, we have all the insights on spring fashion to keep you looking fresh all year long! Craving some relaxation? Pattie Sinew of Eagle’s Elements Massage has just what you need to shake off those seasonal blues. Plus an inside scoop on the Wild Women of Art, a closeup of Tasso—a delicious lunch spot with house-cured meats, and so much more.

You’ve got a lot of stories to get through this issue and we can’t wait to share them with you. Happy Spring! And as always, we thank you for your continued support!

Tia Markland-Crabtree

WILD WOMEN ART SHOW

IN EAGLE

RUNS MARCH 1—APRIL 27 AT FINER FRAMES

ART TALK & RECEPTIONS ON LAST THURSDAYS: MARCH 30 AND APRIL 27

As part of Women’s History Month, a new art show opens March 1. Wild Women is a special exhibit featuring 13 top female artists that are shaping the art scene in Idaho.

Hawaii-born, Laurie has grown up with the vivid floral palette of the lush tropics. Laurie’s art reflects her impressions of the areas of the Western U.S. where she has lived: Hawaii, the desert southwest, northern California, western Washington, and Idaho.

Emily graduated from the College of Idaho with a BFA and is our youngest participating artist. Working in acrylic and gold leaf, this collection of paintings highlight inspirational figures from history and present day.

Contemporary artist whose vibrant paintings greet you with light and radiant color. Suzanne studied fine art Pennsylvania’s School of Arts at Mercyhurst University and then moved to Boise, Idaho where she received a BFA in painting and ceramics from BSU in 1999. Her work has traveled to international shows and exhibitions as well as museum exhibitions.

Laurie Asahara

Emily Biethman

Suzanne Lee Chetwood

Classically trained painter and illustrator from the Academy of Arts University in San Francisco where Jessica first found her love of plein air painting. She has worked as a full-time freelance illustrator and fine artist for over 10 years, loves new challenges, and can typically be found with her dog Rebel. jahenry-art.carbonmade.com

Bonnie is a landscape painter known for bringing depth, texture, light and mood into her paintings. Working in oils and pastels, the rich pigments give her paintings the brilliance and the bold color we see in the landscapes of the in the western U.S. Currently she serves as the chair for the Meridian Arts Commission. bonniegriffith.com

Renea paints in watercolor to tell intricate stories about her subjects. Her watercolor paintings capture light, shadow and the rich blending of color to make stories come alive. “When you become an artist”, she says, “you see things in an extra dimension almost like an extra sense. You learn how to really see the world around you as you study shape, color and light”. renaehill.net

As an Idaho native, Lauren willingly admits to taking any dirt road to discover the secrets nature holds. She has developed a deep fascination with geothermal activities, topography and other natural phenomenon. You can see the influence of Idaho’s varied landscapes in the layers of paint to achieve ridges, ripples, peaks and valleys. laurentkistner.combonniegriffith.com

Bonnie Zahn Griffith

Jessica Henry

Renae Hill

Lauren Kistner

A native of Idaho, Mary finds inspiration for her paintings in the beautiful scenery and gardens of the Northwest. She is a graduate of Boise State University and has studied in many professional workshops, teaching art for many years herself. Mary works in acrylic and oil for her landscapes and still lifes. Mary loves new challenges, and can typically be found with her dog Rebel. jahenry-art.carbonmade.com

Working in her studio or on location, Tricia takes her inspiration from nature. “I would say my oil paintings are impressionistic with a contemporary flair”. Regardless of the subject matter, her focus is on the quality of light, movement, color harmony and a feeling of joy. triciamay.com

Lisa’s work explores the unique marriage of the static and fluid arts through the ancient practice of glassblowing. Requiring equal measures of dedication and play, finessing the molten glass through old-age techniques, Lisa shapes it to dance and flow into its final, beautiful, and static glory. stoverglass.com

Tricia May

Lisa Stover

Mary Maxam

Erin Pietsch

By working with porcelain, the choices for Erin are limitless for creating unique and interesting pieces. Her goal is to try to combine function with beauty – and that’s not easy to do! She finds tidbits of inspiration in daily outings along a trail or riverbank. The majority of her work is functional, unique and designed to be used on a regular basis. erinpietsch.com

Gia Strang

Gia is a sculptor residing in Boise, Idaho who works primarily in steel. After a career in the Air Force, raising her kids, and supporting her husband’s Navy career, she is now focusing on her passion for creating large-scale sculptures from salvaged steel. giafullertonstrang.com

Anne Sorenson

Canadian-born Anne Watson Sorensen began painting over 25 years ago with watercolor as her specialty. A well-known Boise staple of the arts scene, Anne’s award-winning artwork is in public installations and private collections through the Treasure Valley and worldwide. Her artwork “Funky Town 6” graces the Boise City Council Chambers as the backdrop. aesorensen.comworkshops, teaching art for many years herself. Mary works in acrylic and oil for her landscape and still life works. marymaxam.netartist for over 10 years, loves new challenges, and can typically be found with her dog Rebel. jahenry-art.carbonmade.com

The show concludes on April 27 with Artists Talk and Reception at Finer Frames from 5-8pm.

INSIDE LOOK AT TWO OF THE LARGEST COMPANIES IN EAGLE

MONEY METALS EXCHANGE AND WRIGHT BROTHERS, THE BUILDING COMPANY

NATALIA DIGIOSIA

Two of the largest companies in Eagle are working together to expand business in 2023

You may not be familiar with Money Metals Exchange—a national precious metals investment company based here in Eagle, Idaho. Wright Brothers, on the other hand, is a building company you see signs for all over town. What is the forecast this year for two of the largest companies in Eagle?

We spoke with Stefan Gleason—president of Money Metals, and Trevor Wright, Zach Higgins, Robert Grubb and Mandi Wright—owners of Wright Brothers, about their company’s projections, unique projects, and their connection to Eagle and the Treasure Valley.

What Is Money Metals Exchange All About?

Money Metals Exchange is a national dealer of bullion items—meaning coins, bars, and rounds of gold and silver. Named best overall online dealer in the U.S. by Investopedia, the company has over 500,000 clients around the county, and yet the headquarters is in small Eagle, Idaho.

Stefan Gleason founded Money Metals in 2010, following the financial crisis when interest in precious metals rose. He started his company with one employee – his brother-in-law Clint Siegner – in the old Eagle Hotel. Soon thereafter, Stefan’s brother Mike Gleason joined the company, and the three owners built Money Metals to 100 employees today.

“There’s been a steady increase in the awareness that the monetary system and the Federal Reserve system is not working. We specialize in helping people accumulate precious metals in a seamless and economical way,” Stefan shares.

Stefan talks about the importance of acquiring physical precious metals as a form of financial insurance. Diversifying in gold and silver is a way of preserving savings and protecting it against inflation or financial turmoil.

The U.S. is no longer on any kind of gold standard, but individuals can build their personal gold standard by diversifying some of their savings into gold and silver.

Money Metals believes the average investor should never purchase precious metals that are not priced near their actual melt value – and steer clear of firms promoting supposedly “rare” or “collectible” coins at their drastically marked-up prices.

Money Metals Exchange promotes education and advocacy of precious metals

Money Metals publishes a plethora of podcasts, newsletters, articles, and stats about sound money, public policy, and the larger issues of government debt and spending. The goal is to not only engage those in the industry but to inform newcomers who want to start learning about investing in gold and silver.

Stefan’s company leads the industry in advocating for sound money policies around the country. He shares, “We’re involved in legislation at the state and federal level in almost two dozen states right now and mobilizing grassroot support for these sound money bills.”

Some examples of legislation are removing the state sales tax from the purchase of precious metals, removing income tax from precious metal sales, and encouraging states to hold gold as a reserve asset. Fortunately for precious-metal investors, Idaho does not have this sales tax but it has not yet adopted the latter two policies.

What’s coming soon for Money Metals in 2023?

Money Metals is expanding this year and is in the process of building a two story 40,000 sq/ft headquarters and depository in Eagle. Contracted with Wright Brothers, this massive project will produce the largest precious metals depository in the country, outside of New York and Massachusetts.

“It’s an exciting project not just for the city, but for the state of Idaho.” Stefan says, “Idaho has a strong history of mining precious metals, and people who generally have more affinity and understanding of the importance of gold and silver. It’s a real credit to the entire state, the Treasure Valley, and city of Eagle that we can build a large and successful national business promoting and safeguarding gold and silver right here.”

Wright Brothers is building the largest depository in the Western U.S. for money metals.

Wright Brothers has been working with Money Metals for almost 10 years on construction projects. They are collaborating again for their brand new headquarters set for completion in 2024.

The depository will sit on a unique lot poised on the corner of East State Street and Hill Road. Within an irrigation district, the lot has a canal running along the east to the south end of the property, which adds a layer of complexity. The canal is a diversion off the Boise River, carrying the same cubic feet per second as the river.

“It’s definitely a complex process. Without the option of turning the water off, we had to come up with a system to pump water downstream without affecting the end users as well as not delaying progress on the project due to the irrigation district regulations” says Zach. This tricky situation pushes Wright Brothers to find creative solutions.

“We enjoy the technical challenge with this project, especially when you have an owner like Stefan who’s visionary and forward thinking,” Zach shares. “Working with clients like Money Metals is really enjoyable for us, and we’re proud to be a part of that.” “I’ve worked at Wright Brothers for twenty-seven years, and this is a very logistical project. It’s nice that it’s in close proximity to the office,” says Robert Grubb.

Part of constructing an 8,000 sq/ft vault requires building structural support, which is an intricate and intense process. The next step in the spring is to install the vault which will arrive on 56 trucks. Security is another high priority. Trevor explains, “security requirements of this project are extremely unique, affecting the entire process of construction from day one.”

Once the new headquarters is completed, Money Metals Exchange will be able to expand its team to 150 employees, and Wright Brothers will have another unique construct added to their accomplishments.

What other projects is Wright Brothers building this year?

The rising cost of living here in the Treasure Valley and the availability of housing have driven up the need for multi-family housing, which makes up 60% of Wright Brothers construction. Wright Brothers has projects in 7 other states beyond Idaho. Besides multifamily, Wright Brothers has other community projects lined up soon.

One project is helping the City of Boise with pre-construction services for a new $10 million clubhouse for the Warm Springs Golf Course. Wright Brothers and the City of Boise are also working together on preliminary designs for new and updated community pools.

Another community-based project is for the Western Elmore County Recreation District in Mountain Home, creating an Olympic-sized swimming pool and pool splash pads and slides for families. Zach says, “It’s going to be a great addition to Mountain Home. It will serve the people moving into more affordable areas. Plus, Mountain home is still a close enough drive that it will benefit those in the Treasure Valley as well.”

Wright Brothers is expecting to grow and hire

Along with the expected growth for Money Metals in the next few years, Wright Brothers also expects to continue a strong hiring trend into 2023. Trevor says, “We retained approximately 45 new hires from 2022, and we anticipate hiring about the same amount this year.”

With high-interest rates, large company layoffs, and yet massive hiring sprees across the country, predicting company decisions can be uncertain. However, for both Wright Brothers and Money Metals Exchange, business is on the rise which comes with new hiring.

Stefan Gleason adds “Eagle has a really strong, intelligent workforce. There are skilled employees here. And the city, including the mayor Jason Pierce, is supportive of good employers.” These companies were both founded here in the Treasure Valley as family businesses, and they will continue growing as Eagle expands.

If reading about the Money Metal Exchange caught your interest in acquiring (or securely storing) gold or silver, visit their “News and Resources” page on their website at MoneyMetals.com. For those interested in employment at Wright Brothers, view their QR code for a list of job openings.

Owners Zack Higgins, Trevor Wright, Mandi Wright, and Robert Grubb (not pictured)

The New Wave of Fashion

EM VISITS TWO LOCAL BOUTIQUES, TALKS SHOP AND WHAT’S ON TREND

Hally and Heidi of Intuition: The Art of Apparel, a new retail clothing store in Eagle, reminisce about how they met, and about the choosing of their store’s name. It wasn’t long after meeting through a friend, they connected both their dreams of opening a clothing store. When looking for that special location, they crossed a sign that read Intuition, and knew that this was the perfect name for their new establishment.

The boutique is warm and welcoming, with elevated lines of contemporary clothing for all types of women. “We are providing special pieces for every moment of our clients day and life” said Hally. “We can intuitively help our customers to feel comfortable and stylish, while helping them be on trend,” said Heidi. We have a wide variety of clothing from Boys Lie, to Bella Dahl to SPRWMN. Elevated street wear is very on trend, with the ability to go from day to night. Easy, comfortable and stylish all through your day!

94 N Fisher Park Way Ste B Eagle intuitioneagle.com, @intuition.eagle

208.370.5003

Kelli of Zuzu’s Petals blushes as she discusses the origin of the name. “My husband proposed to me while watching ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ our favorite movie.” The daughter ‘Zuzu’ and the ‘Petals’ in George’s pocket reference a tale of what life would have been had he never existed. The story reminds us to be grateful, to enjoy moments that bring us comfort and joy - and in relation to fashion, make us feel pretty like the flower in this wonderful life.

Zuzu’s Petals has specially curated, high-quality women’s lifestyle clothing and accessories –even shoes. Kelli explains, “Looser fitting denim, detailed denim, mini/maxi skirts, and sheer fabrics are in.” Her brands include, Paige, Rails, Splendid, 7 For All Mankind and more.

6700 N Linder Rd Ste 168 Eagle/Meridian Zuzuspetalsidaho.com 208.576.7370

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URBAN TASTING ROOM

BY CINDY MILLER

EAGLE ARTIST FINDS INSPIRATION IN IDAHO’S PAST & PRESENT

Mark Shawver captures essence of everyday life in acrylics

When Mark Shawver moved to Eagle with his wife, Denise, in 2020, his new community and surroundings inspired him to capture everyday scenes by painting them on canvas. Shawver painted as a hobby for many years, and started painting part time in 2000, then full time in 2011. Over the years, the photos he took throughout his travels became the focus of his paintings, and he began replicating those scenes and compiling collections which would lead to exhibits and shows. Today, Shawver loves exploring Idaho and capturing the beauty this great state offers, and sharing his paintings with local community members.

Original artwork by Shawver is gaining attention throughout Eagle and the Treasure Valley, as the moments

of daily life he captures strikes a chord with those who see his artwork. A member of the Eagle Arts Advisory Committee, Shawver’s work has been displayed locally with exhibits at Boise Art by the River at the Greenbelt Market, the Eagle Art Walk , Eagle City Hall, and various cafes and restaurants. Shawver’s most recent show was at the Initial Point Gallery at the Meridian City Hall. The exhibit titled “Yesterday and Today” included a series of paintings based on photographs from the Idaho Historical Society.

“I believe it’s important to maintain a connection with our heritage and remember the people and places that existed years ago.” Shawver said. “That was my inspiration for that exhibit as well as other paintings I’ve worked on.”

PHOTOGRAPH BY TIA MARKLAND CRABTREE

One particular project Shawver is proud of was a mural he painted for Kaiser Pleasanton Hospital. Shawver responded to a call for artists for this project and out of 47 entries, Shawver was chosen to execute his design. In 2018, he was commissioned to design the four 4’ x 7’ panels that created one massive mural which welcomes visitors to the Kaiser Permanente media offices. Titled “Live Well, Be Well” the mural showcases healthy life choices in iconic Pleasanton location.

Another collection of paintings titled, “The Family Album Redux” includes paintings inspired by his family’s old photo album. Many of those works can be found as part of his exhibits and throughout his Eagle home.

“I knew right away that I had to make paintings based on these wonderful, nostalgic photos of our past. Most of the pictures are of family members. Some include people we don’t even know,” he said.

Words often used to describe Shawver’s work include Americana, Realism, Narrative and Kitsch.

Examples of Shawver’s work along with a list of exhibitions can be found on his website, shawver.com. Those interested in following him on social media can do so on Instagram @shawverart and on Facebook at Mark Shawver Fine Art.

Meeting fresh-faced “glowing” Jodi was a surprising treat today. After a quick tour of her rather roomy place @islandglowspraytans we immediately connected with her charming vulnerability to share life, motherhood (she has 4 children as well), and the reason why she started Island Glow.

Jodi was diagnosed with Melanoma in 2010, was tired of teaching in SoCal, and made Eagle her home in 2011. Like many, she got the entrepreneurial itch and delve into the “why and what” of this new business.

The outcome: Island Glow – a boutique studio offering custom organic spray tans, organic teeth whitening and ear piercing in the heart of Eagle Idaho.

Organic spray tan: Customized tanning that is safe and natural protecting your skin against the potential risk of skin cancer

DaVinci organic teeth whitening: For a beautiful white smile that others will surely notice

Ear piercing: Ultimate care in a boutique environment

A little body glow and a confident white smile can make a great impression and better yet, empower your soul! When you feel good, others feel good around you.

P.S. They also have a boutique in the front that has clothing, accessories and after care products. This boutique is definitely worth checking out.

Boutique • Spray Tanning • Teeth Whitening • Ear Piercings 742 E State St Suite 160, Eagle • islandglowtans.com

QA AND

WITH EAGLE RESIDENT RICH BURGO

MARINE, ENGINEER, MATHEMATICIAN, TO SMALL BUSINESS OWNER

EM: Tell us a little bit about yourself. What’s your most impactful experience?

Rich: My most impactful experience, and that which had the most impact on me, is the time I spent in the Marine Corps. I joined before my expected high school graduation date and served for 12-1/2 years. I loved being a Marine and the many opportunities and experiences that came with it. Through my time enlisted, I crossed paths with some of the absolute best people I’ve ever met. The brotherhood and bond with my fellow Marines is something that I will always value and cherish.

After the Marine Corps, I went to school at the University of San Diego where I earned a BS in Engineering with a minor in Mathematics. My family and I relocated to Eagle for me to go to work as a research and development engineer at HP. Later, I worked at Plexus Manufacturing where we manufactured and tested high-complexity printed circuit boards. I wasn’t finding exactly what I was seeking in either role so I went back to school and transitioned to software engineering. This led me to work at a law firm where I used AI and Machine Learning to build custom software applications for attorneys. Although I felt extremely fortunate to have such great jobs, I had always wanted to own a small business. So, while still working as an engineer during the day, I began stone fabricating at night. This was when I really started feeling satisfaction from my work and decided to take a leap of faith. Now, here I am as owner of Foothills Granite.

EM: How did you get into the construction trade business? Why Granite?

Rich: My family has long been involved in construction trades. When I was young I started in flooring, working with my uncle as a helper. I worked in my family’s interior design center when not deployed. I have always enjoyed putting in a hard day of work while working with my hands so when the opportunity came to learn stone fabricating, I knew immediately that it was my craft. Not only do I get to do fine, tedious work with large, heavy stone, I also get to use the advanced software and technology designed specifically for this trade! There’s something very cool about taking a huge slab of raw material–a unique piece of natural stone–and shaping it into a beautiful product that people will enjoy looking at for years to come.

EM: Tell me about a job install that you enjoyed, the reason you liked it, and the outcome.

Rich: I genuinely enjoy all of my installs. It’s always such a great feeling to see my customers’ reactions to the final product in their homes. It’s almost like the home renovation TV shows where they say “MOVE THAT BUS,” and the homeowners see their home for the first time. Whether it is a complete renovation, a new build, or a counter upgrade, I can’t say enough about how great it is to custom fabricate and install a product that customers are so excited about with the service they expect.

EM: Construction can be a bear.

What’s your take on customer service?

Rich: From my years as a Marine and engineer, collaborating with others is something I’ve really come to value. It’s equally fulfilling to me and my customers to talk through their ideas and visions and then physically develop them. When working with builders and the many demands they have to meet when building a home, it’s been great to be able to take the countertop work off their plate. I’m able to either simplify their process as a trusted subcontractor or by communicating directly with homeowners or other subcontractors. Building these relationships is so important in the Treasure Valley and it’s a community where I’ve enjoyed establishing myself.

EM: Anything else you’d like to add?

Rich: I really consider myself lucky to be growing my business here in the Valley. My family and I are very involved in the school and sports communities and know we are surrounded by great neighbors. As homeowners ourselves, we’re on the same page as everyone else about wanting transparency, integrity, and (very importantly!) reliability when inviting a contractor to our home. As a Marine, these are of top-level importance to provide to my own customers. I aim for homeowner after homeowner to be thrilled with their new countertops and to complete each project knowing I provided a really great service to them, and in turn, our community. I’m very fortunate to have this great intersection of experience from which to develop Foothills Granite and I look forward to the many great people and projects that it’ll bring my way!

Find them on Istagram @foothillsgranite

WHO’S IN CHARGE HERE?

SCHOOL FOOD AND THE OBESITY EPIDEMIC – PART 2

Spending six to seven hours a day or more at school means many children eat breakfast and lunch at school, putting schools in a critical position to encourage healthy eating behaviors. According to local and nationwide rules, school meals are regulated to ensure they meet nutrition standards.

In the first part of this series, we explored the dangers of the heavily processed, greasy, sugar filled foods given to children for school meals. Examples include Pop Tarts,

Mini Cinnis, stuffed cheese breadsticks, fat cat scone, and chocolate milk.

There are school food regulations in place regarding calories, saturated fat, and sodium content, but not for sugar content. Pop Tarts and chocolate milk are not a balanced meal and should never be considered a nutritious breakfast for a child. Sugar is very addictive, harmful to the health of children, and should be monitored like other harmful ingredients in school food.

BY JAMIE HUDSON

The Wellness Policy Progress Report for each school in the West Ada School district shows that many schools do not provide annual training to staff on nutrition or physical activity. If staff do not receive any kind of nutrition education, how can they properly provide nutritious food that students need to fuel their brains and bodies? Nutrition education should be a requirement for food service staff.

The Nutrition Education section of the West Ada website states, “West Ada School District and the Board of Trustees will ensure that a comprehensive district-wide wellness policy is implemented that includes goals for nutrition, health (physical, social, and mental/emotional), and physical fitness, as well as nutrition promotion, integrated within the sequential, comprehensive health education curriculum, and coordinated with the district’s School Nutrition Services department.”

Unhealthy school food options should not be commonplace when regulations specify the types of food to be served in U.S. schools. In providing results of a school health policies study, the CDC stated that, “To monitor progress in each of these areas, it is critical to measure periodically the extent to which schools and school districts nationwide have policies and practices in place that address these components.”

These policies are not being implemented district-wide and this must become a priority to help improved the growing obesity epidemic.

The growing obesity epidemic is a national health crisis, and the West Ada School District has both a responsibility and opportunity to make a huge positive impact on the health of the children they serve.

Schools must work to find solutions to help their students eat healthy food, but the burden cannot land fully on schools as parents must take responsibility for teaching healthy eating habits at home. If schools serve vegetables only to have them thrown in the trash, can they be held responsible?

There is certainly a need for schools to serve healthy food, but they also need to serve food kids will eat. With so little funding for nutrition education, how can they teach kitchen staff how to cook and serve nutritious food that is also appealing?

A food service director at a West Ada school (who wished to remain anonymous) stated that it was appalling how much lettuce and produce they throw away each day. Even while trying to make educated decisions on how much to purchase, so much healthy food is being wasted.

This leaves us questioning where is the balance between schools being responsible for serving healthy food, and parents being responsible for teaching their children how to enjoy and eat nutritious, healthy options?

In part three of School Food and the Obesity Epidemic, we will conclude with an amazing success story showing how one local school implemented delicious food nutrition changes on a small budget. We will also examine how parents can step up and help support healthy food choices for their children and advocate for healthy food in their local schools.

If schools serve vegetables only to have them thrown in the trash, can they be held responsible?

PROOF

DEFINING DINING IN STAR, IDAHO

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIA MARKLAND-CRABTREE

BY LIZA LONG

PROOF /proof/

1. The strength of distilled alcohol

2. The art of letting shaped dough rise

3. Star, Idaho’s craft pizza and cocktail destination

Whether you want to enjoy a craft cocktail (or mocktail) with friends or savor a meal fueled by local flavors, PROOF Craft Pizza and Cocktails is your new local dining destination.

PROOF’s location is central to Meridian, Nampa, Eagle, and Boise on State Highway 44 in the heart of Star, Idaho. With a variety of memorable handcrafted drinks and meals from one of the Treasure Valley’s most experienced chefs, Bryan Forcina, PROOF is sure to have something for everyone.

“Our kitchen uses fresh ingredients, focusing on local and sustainable sourcing whenever possible,” Forcina told me when we met in May 2022 to discuss his plans for the new restaurant.

PROOF Craft Pizza and Cocktails is a local, veteran-owned business. The owners and chefs are committed to serving their customers real food at fair prices.

PROOF’s head chef Bryan Forcina is passionate about curating exceptional dining experiences at affordable prices. As the former general manager at Eureka! in downtown Boise, Forcina watched

“Our proof of concept is your total satisfaction with your dining experience. Come celebrate life, love, and food with us!.”

-Bryan Forcina

Head chef Bryan Forcina

the rapid growth in Ada County and saw the need for a unique, upscale but approachable restaurant, the kind of place that could serve everything from business lunches to happy hour snacks to special occasion meals.

A 1998 San Francisco Culinary Academy graduate, Forcina spent several years working in Bay Area high-end kitchens, then traveled to Europe to hone his culinary skills. Forcina, his wife, and their four children relocated to the Treasure Valley several years ago, and Forcina worked as Yardhouse’s first executive kitchen manager when they opened their Village location. Forcina is passionate about local ingredients, which he incorporates into unique flavor combinations in high-end entrees, gourmet salads, and craft pizzas. Forcina welcomes the opportunity to create a new, communitycentered restaurant in the heart of Star.

PROOF’s menu features a variety of unique offerings with an Idaho twist. The menu is seasonal (based on the availability of local ingredients), but some examples include:

• Shareable small plates like loaded potato spring rolls, wild mushroom bruschetta, and house-made falafels.

• Classic salads including classic Caesar, balsamic steak salad, and a Caprese.

• Stone-fired pizzas with unique and savory combinations— including The Fig Get About It with Prosciutto, Fig Marmalade, Caramelized Onions, Balsamic Syrup and Arugula

• Fried beignets with chocolate espresso sauce to satisfy your sweet tooth

The restaurant also focuses on providing delicious beverages, including offerings for #sobercurious folks.

“We believe that everyone—whether they drink alcohol or not— should be able to enjoy a craft cocktail, beautifully presented,” Forcina told me.

From classic whiskey sours and old fashions to refreshing signature drinks like our “Pomegranate Moonshine Julep” or “Bee Keeper”, PROOF serves delicious craft cocktails to those 21 and older.

“People who prefer not to drink alcohol still deserve complex and refreshing beverages,” Forcina said. Zero-proof concoctions go way beyond the usual tonic water or diet Coke and include a “Hot Spring” made with cucumber, agave, cilantro, pineapple, and a habanero tincture.

“Our proof of concept is your total satisfaction with your dining experience. Come celebrate life, love, and food with us!” Forcina said. I can’t wait to take him up on the offer.

BY CHELSEA CHAMBERS

CELEBRATING SELF-CARE

ELEMENTS MASSAGE

“IT’S NOT SELFISH TO LOVE YOURSELF, TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, AND TO MAKE YOUR HAPPINESS A PRIORITY. IT’S NECESSARY.”

- Mandy Hale

We all know that self-care is important, essential even. It promotes countless of benefits including longevity, cellular regeneration, and immune support, to name a few. So how come it is so much easier to encourage our friends to take a spa day than it is for ourselves? Why is it so challenging to get into a routine of self-care and personal relaxation? We so often back burner our own needs, especially when it comes to something like massage.

Pattie Seniw came to Idaho during her time as President of Fiberguide Industries. When the company underwent acquisition, Pattie’s position disappeared and left her searching for a new career path.

“I kept coming back to the Elements Massage business as I had been a member for over six years,” shared Pattie. “I love the wellness and healing focus of the business. I love that people leave our studio feeling better. And with the Elements Massage business model, we do not sell any products: our entire focus is on providing the best customized massage experience.”

So, in October of 2022, Pattie opened the doors to her own Elements Massage in Eagle at 228 E Plaza Drive, Suite J!

This dramatic change in career paths for Pattie serves as an important reminder to trust our paths and to take adversity in stride—you never quite know where it will lead you!

Pattie is grateful to share the Elements’ model of health and wellbeing with the Treasure Valley and encourages everyone to start a regular practice of self-care. But Elements is no typical massage studio, instead, they focus heavily on the customization of each individual massage.

“What sets us apart from other places is that no two massages are the same; we tailor the massage to the needs of the person and that can change from session to session,” said Pattie. “We have therapists with a wide range of skills that can perform deep tissue, Swedish, trigger point, sports, prenatal, lymphatic and many other types of massage. Our therapists are also skilled in cupping, Himalayan salt stone and basalt hot stone massage, all of which can be enhanced with aromatherapy or CBD oil treatments.”

Many people will wait until health issues begin to appear before they begin a consistent self-care routine. This is a common mistake as it is much easier to preserve health than it is to cure or fix a problem. So, what are you waiting for?

And just to sweeten the pot a little bit more, Elements offers introductory pricing for first time visitors!

For more information about Elements and to schedule a massage, visit Elementsmassage.com/Eagle.

BENEFITS OF CONSISTENT MASSAGES:

• Increased circulation

• Stimulation of the lymph system, the body’s natural defense against toxic invaders

• Release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller

• Improved range of motion and decreased discomfort associated with lower back pain

• Relaxation of injured and overused muscles

• Reduced muscle spasms and cramping

• Increased joint flexibility

• Help recover from strenuous workouts

• Pain relief from migraines

• Reduce post-operative adhesions and edema, as well as reduced scar tissue

Flour”

ASHLEY GOLDEN IS PASSIONATE ABOUT GUT HEALTH, BRINGING THE EAGLE AND STAR COMMUNITY ORGANIC SOURDOUGH BREADS, ONE LOAF AT A TIME IN HER HOME KITCHEN.

Ashley Golden’s sourdough bread stimulates all the senses: dusted floral designs, warm glow from the oven, crackling crust when it breaks, spongy center, and the tangy flavor of sourdough hitting your tastebuds.

Since posting on Facebook a call for orders, Ashley has been busy stretching, proofing, and scoring sourdough. She can bake 10 loaves daily in her home, and she can’t keep up with her growing waitlist of 50 with recurring patrons. Cinnamon rolls and Swedish buns with cardamom are also big hits. Ashley’s new business “Sour Flower” is rising beyond her kitchen capacity.

BY NATALIA DEGIOSA

“Sour

is all about fermented foods, and it’s rising fast

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHERRY BOUTON

“What’s catching people’s eyes is the designs scored with a lame. It’s bringing awareness to long ferment and what it does for bread. It’s just so much more digestible.” Ashley shares.

Before her sourdough culture kickoff, Ashley and her father were contestants on MasterChef, a televised cooking competition. This experience elevated her love of cooking. Afterward, she started hosting pop-up dinners in San Diego, where she sold limited seats to 5-course-meals at unique venues, such as flower farms with live music. Later with an incoming baby, Ashley took a hiatus and settled in Idaho.

What’s next for Ashley’s culinary career? For her, it’s all about fermentation.

“Sourdough is so much more digestible because it breaks down gluten as it’s fermenting.” Sourdough is one of the healthiest breads in terms of bioavailability and absorbing nutrients. Over the past decade research on gut health has expanded, linking gut health to a prime factor of disease. Since her mother’s passing of cancer and her father’s Crohn’s disease diagnosis, Ashley has taken interest in diets that support a balanced gut microbiome.

One requirement for MasterChef contenders is to have a dream project, and hers was to open a place for gut health. Now, Ashley wants to launch her home baking operation on a larger scale. The goal? Finding a space in the Eagle or Star area to open Sour Flower—a lunch spot, all about fermented foods.

“We’re trying to take things back the old way that has been done for 1000s of years where people naturally ferment food.” And not the store-bought canned pickles, in which vinegar kills off natural bacteria that are good for health.

Sour Flower will serve top-notch fermented foods. Hot sandwiches with sourdough and house-made sauerkraut are just a few unique seeds Ashley has planted.

Ashley is working on Sour Flower branding, playing on images of flour and flowers, drawing to the main point of connecting back to nature, gut health, and tasty foods. “I love watching people’s expressions when they eat something that hits all the marks of what they call umami. It’s like their whole body is blissful.” With fermented foods “we can transport our microbiome back to the way it always has been, and it can taste good.”

In taking the next step, Ashley is open to collaborations, investments, and partnerships with businesses and community members. And while you wait for Sour Flower to find a home, you’ll just have to get on Ashley’s long waitlist for a loaf of bread. For more information, visit sour-flower.com

BY NATALIA DIGIOSIA

tasso

A LUNCH SPOT

SERVING HOUSE-CURED MEATS IN A NEIGHBORHOOD SETTING

“Tasso is just something we run with. It’s a cool, special ingredient.”

Nestled on East State Street and 2nd, you’ll spot Tasso—a family-owned restaurant, serving up housecured meats and lunch items for the Eagle Ranch community.

Dan Carruthers, the owner of Tasso, grew up in the area. “I grew up in Eagle in this same neighborhood, and I love it. I went to Eagle Hills school, and I can’t think of a better neighborhood. I feel fortunate that I get to spend so much of my time here.”

In May, Tasso will have been in their Eagle location for two years. Before then, Tasso was located in downtown Boise, in the BoDo district. But when the peak of Covid hit and their lease was up, it was time to consider moving to a new space. Dan jumped on the old Zen Bento building, and has since created a casual lunch spot for surrounding businesses and neighbors to grab a tasty bite to eat.

Let’s take a step into Tasso. What are the sights and smells? What does Tasso mean? Tasso is a style of ham originating from the New Orleans area. For Dan and his crew, it takes 14 days to cure, dry, and smoke their mouth-watering tasso. The flavor is spicy, salty, and the body tender and juicy. “Tasso is just something we run with. It’s a cool, special ingredient.” Inside the once-residential home, Tasso offers a simple yet inviting menu of sandwiches, fresh salads, and sides. They also offer a catering menu for big parties or intimate get-togethers.

Prior to owning his restaurant, Dan ran the deli program at the Boise Co-op where he enjoyed sourcing high-quality meats. At Tasso, Dan makes the effort to connect with regional farms. Pork comes from Idaho Falls and steelhead from Hagerman.

Food comes first at Tasso, and right behind is the friendly, neighborhood vibe. One perk of the Eagle space is the spacious patio for outdoor seating and occasional summer concerts. Tasso is part of the growth of new restaurants in Eagle. “It’s finally hit that line where there are enough people in Eagle to validate having enough cool restaurants. It’s really fun to see it growing.”

A biking advocate, Dan now bikes to Tasso from his neighborhood. They’re keeping it even more local by dropping Uber Eats to make space for their Bicycle Delivery program, serving businesses and homes in a 1.5 radius.

What’s coming up for Tasso’s third year in Eagle? Dan shares, “This last year we saw a lot of growth. So now we can have more full-time employees. I’ve been able to step back a little.” With more growth comes more opportunities. “We have started wholesale. We sell our cured smoked meats to a few clients currently and we’re trying to grow that this year.”

Most importantly, Tasso will continue providing local families, lunch-goers, and Tasso meat seekers a friendly space to relax and enjoy delicious food. “We made it through the first few years and we’re looking forward to growing with this community. We’re grateful to feel accepted!”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RASE LITTLEFIELD

Grab the kids, pull out the bikes, and mosey through the neighborhood down to Tasso for a tasty lunch.

Tasso | 342 E State St, Eagle | tassoboise.com