Greenbelt Magazine November-December 2017

greenbeltmagazine.com

IT’S A BOISE THING

nov/dec 2017

BOISE

EAGLE

IDAHO POTATO DROP

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS

REPOP GIFTS

The Idaho® Potato Drop Has Big Plans for New Year’s Eve.

A guide to local shopping this season.

Is Treasure Valley’s True Retail Fan Experience 1

CONTENTS

nov/dec 2017

FEATURES

greenbeltmagazine.com

DEPARTMENTS

IDAHO POTATO DROP

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS

REPOP GIFTS

SPIN

ROOTS

CLUTCH

ON THE TRAIL

FLOW

THE VIBE

FREESTYLE

DWELL IT

DOWNTOWN

The Boise Sculptor Turning Steel Pipes into Storied Art.

Greenbelt Magazine Welcomes L.A. Photographer Kimberlee Miller.

SHOP

GARDEN CITY

ENTERTAIN

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

REAL ESTATE

DINING GUIDE

5th year promises to be even bigger and better than the previous ones.

Idahoans are changing the way they approach college costs.

Hunt and Gather Gifts Curates Thoughtfulness.

A guide to local shopping this season.

Boise non-profit delivers education & performance poetry.

It’s all about what kind of legacy you want to leave.

58 BEER & WINE

Geeks, Nerds and Pop Culture Fandom Have a New Headquarters.

Changing Lives Through Benefits of Improv.

What If An Ice Cream Store and a Brewery Had a Baby?

An easy way to find new local businesses and more.

Ghostbusting at the Old Idaho Penitentiary.

Deadliest Catch Star’s Unlikely Nampa Transition.

Browse houses for sale today!

How the brain is inspiring the future of technology – in Boise.

Linen District Gem Curates Cool Stuff from Cool Places.

Skip the tourist traps and head to these gems in instead.

COVER PHOTO CEO of Idaho Potato Drop, Dylan Cline Photo by Kimberlee Miller kimberleemillerphotography.com

Use our guide to find the best new bars and breweries in Boise.

SPOKE As you read this, Greenbelt residents are planning Thanksgiving menus, writing down their Black Friday shopping lists and filling their calendars with dates and times for upcoming holiday celebrations. In this issue of Greenbelt magazine, we’ve curated some great holiday gift-giving ideas, from the pop culture-laden items at Repop Gifts (a great place for selfies) to the charitable giving that comes from Rarity Rugs, to the eclectic pieces at Eyes of the World Imports, D’arcy Bellamy’s sculpture studio, and the customized box10

es from Hunt and Gather Gifts. All price points are covered here, from luxury gifts to stocking stuffers. We’ve also identified some memorable places and events for Greenbelt residents to enjoy, from the rumored-to-be-haunted Old Idaho Penitentiary for our horror fans, to the Idaho Potato Drop on New Year’s Eve in downtown Idaho, which draws thousands every year. Local businesses also get the spotlight in this issue – Cordova Coolers in Nampa, the futuristic Natural Intelligence

semi-conductor chip company in downtown Boise, Recycled Minds improve training and the unique mash-up of ice cream and alcohol at The Stil. We hope this issue informs your holidays with gift ideas and fun activities to make it your most memorable 2017 holiday season! Tia

CONTRIBUTORS

nov/dec 2017

BETHANY MAILE

Her essay “We Sought But Couldn’t Find” was included in How We Speak To One Another: An Essay Daily Reader. She lives in Boise, Idaho with her husband and two daughters.

VERONICA LEMASTER

Veronica is a junior at Boise State University studying journalism and art. She hopes to combine her passions for writing and fashion into a career.

KATIE KAPRO

A writer by day and a mystic by night. She holds her BA in English from Western Washington University and MFA in Nonfiction Writing from Lesley University.

LIZA LONG

Liza’s book The Price of Silence: A Mom’s Perspective on Mental Illness was a “Books for a Better Life” award winner. She is an educator.

CHELSEA CHAMBERS

Chelsea is currently pursuing a B.A. in Rhetoric and Technical Communication. She hopes to combine her two passions-writing and nature in her career.

KIMBELEE MILLER

An ability to capture candid moments has made Kimberlee Miller a sought-after artist. Her clients feel as if they are being photographed by a friend.

DREW DODSON

A senior communications major with journalism emphasis at Boise State, Drew’s passion for traveling has taken this Virginia native to Boise and other places.

JIM PETERSON

A retired North Ada County Firefighter, Jim pursues camera excellence for Eagle Magazine, Flash Point Photography and Sawtooth Photo Pros. He is an avid outdoorsman.

greenbeltmagazine.com

RACHEL HOLT

Recently graduating from Boise State with a degree in International Business and Marketing, Rachel Holt is excited to make the leap into freelance writing.

TAYLOR WALKER

A Treasure Valley fanatic, Taylor enjoys discovering a new shop, eatery or adventure with her husband or friends. She works at a strategic communication agency.

PAMELA KLEIBRINK THOMPSON

A career coach for creative people, Pamela speaks at conferences around the world, and acts up for anyone in Idaho who wears a badge. You can reach her at PamRecruit@Q.com.

MEGAN BRYANT

A comedian and actor, the author of Not My Plan, an Improv Trainer, and a generally good human being. She loves a deadline. Even the best ideas are worthless if they aren’t executed.

IDAHO MEDIA PUBLISHING LLC

Managing Editor Denise Dorman Publisher Tia Crabtree Art Director Kimberlee Miller Art Department Cristian Gomez Advertising Sales Urie Layser Circulation Directions American Classifieds Advertising Inquires 509-671-1543 Mailing Distributor Chelsea Chambers 12

Greenbelt Magazine, Vol. 7, No. 6 is published 6 times a year by Idaho Media Publishing LLC, Po. Box 1878 Eagle, Idaho 83616. Copyright 2017, 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 greenbeltmagazine.com. For editorial submissions please email editor@greenbeltmagazine.com. For advertising, please email sales@greenbeltmagazine.com. 13

Idaho’s Most Famous Potato The Idaho Potato Drop Has Big Plans for New Year’s Eve

BY LIZA LONG PHOTOGRAPHS KIMBERLEE MILLER

“What if we dropped a giant potato from that crane on Eighth Street on New Year’s Eve?” In 2012, a question posed half in jest over a casual dinner set in motion an event that would bring worldwide fame to Idaho’s best-known agricultural product. The Idaho Potato Drop, now in its fifth year, has been featured everywhere from the MSNBC to Readers Digest. With its cleverly designed iconic “GlowTato” and a slate of big-name entertainment and sports events, the event brings together locals and visitors from around the globe to celebrate the New Year in a memorable, unusual, and just plain fun way.

“We wanted to make Boise a world destination for New Year’s Eve—and we’ve done that” Dylan Cline, the entrepreneurial force behind the Idaho Potato Drop, told me when we met at Cline’s chic modern office that also houses Idaho Charitable Events and Key Design Websites. In the first year alone, news outlets from around the world featured the giant potato, eventually introducing as many as 3.7 billion people to Idaho’s famous tuber. Cline’s big idea was met with resistance at first. When he told his girlfriend, Sandi Nahas, about his big idea, she said, “Honey, just because there’s a crane doesn’t mean you have to drop a potato from it.” Others, perhaps thinking about the potato’s resemblance to something less palatable, suggested that Cline should drop a gem for the Gem State instead. But Cline was undeterred by the “tater haters.” One person who immediately recognized the event’s potential to become a worldwide sensation was Frank Muir, the executive director of the Idaho Potato Commission. The organization signed ®

on as a sponsor. The commission’s mascot, Spuddy Buddy, is a popular feature at the event. “Dylan stayed true to what he knew would make people from around the country and the world want to see: a potato,” Muir told me when we spoke by telephone. “The New Year’s Eve Idaho Potato Drop is consistent with everything we and the commission do to promote Idaho’s most famous crop, and we are proud to have been part of it from the start.”

The Idaho Potato Drop’s fifth year promises to be even bigger and better than the previous ones. In addition to world-class fireworks, decadent VIP room, professional wrestling and a new tubing hill, the main stage will again feature a variety of local and nationally-known performers. With its multi-story Toyota Rail Jam built by Ryan Neptune and Gateway Parks, the event is now an official ISSA and USASA-sanctioned competition. Athletes from Idaho and around the country can earn points toward qualifying for the Olympic Games. This year, Mountain America Credit Union will sponsor a free family tent where parents can bring their children out of the cold to enjoy a variety of activities, including a story-telling competition with local award-winning author Elaine Ambrose, whose children’s book, Gaters and Taters, fits perfectly with the event’s theme. Mountain America Credit Union has also sponsored seven local nonprofit booths in the free heated Family Tent, including the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline, the

Wyakin Warrior Foundation, the Idaho Humane Society, Neighborworks Boise, Treasure Valley Children’s Theater, IDEAL and the YMCA. They are asking the public to nominate an additional three community nonprofits. Details on the competition can be found on Greenbelt Magazine’s Facebook page. Speaking to the event’s universal appeal, Idaho Potato Commission’s director Muir described that first drop in the Grove Plaza. As the potato dropped, Muir asked a couple standing next to him where they were from. They replied, “New York.” “You’re kidding me!” Muir exclaimed. “You could be watching the crystal ball drop in Times Square, and you’re here instead?” “We can see the ball any time,” the couple replied. “But this is the first time we’ve ever heard of a potato drop.” Cline’s entrepreneurial vision extends into

every aspect of his life. When we spoke, Cline had recently returned from performing a sold-out string of shows, opening for The Head and the Heart. A session musician who plays and does everything, Cline’s current hobbies include building a guitar, surfing and flying airplanes. A few years ago, Cline encouraged his girlfriend and Idaho Potato Drop CFO Sandi Nahas to start playing keyboard and exposed her to Boise’s music scene. Later that year, Nahas made her professional debut with DeVaard, one of Cline’s local musical acts, playing local festivals such as TreeFort, Boise Music Festival and the Hyde Park Street Fair. Another formidable talent behind the event is Idaho Potato Drop Ambassador and former Mrs. Idaho, Natalie Jangula. As a classically trained singer and instrumentalist, Jangula’s last record with Millennial Choirs and Orchestras debuted three songs at #1 on Billboard

Magazine’s Traditional Classical chart. In May, Cline and Jangula performed with Millennial Choirs & Orchestras at the Morrison Center to a sold-out crowd. In addition to running two businesses, the couple also operates a nonprofit organization, Idaho Charitable Events, which helps other nonprofits plan events and fundraisers in the community. But the Idaho Potato Drop is their signature event. “We love being able to throw this free party for the whole community, right in downtown Boise,” Cline said. “Right from the start, the whole point was to have fun.” “Folks sometimes don’t understand the value of having a state that is known for a potato,” Muir told me. “But when we ask people what word they associate with Idaho Potatoes, quality is the first thing that comes to mind. We are really proud of the Idaho Potato.” ¢

IDAHO’S #GLOWTATO BY THE NUMBERS Number of years the Idaho Potato Drop has existed

Size of the foam block used to create the “GloTato” mold: 20 feet by 10 feet by 10 feet

Number of people who fit inside the potato

Number of lights used to illuminate the potato

Number of people who attended the first year:

4 ,

3.7 billi n Number of people who

saw news stories about the Idaho Potato Drop

For more information, or to learn about vendor and sponsorship opportunities, visit https:// idahopotatodrop.com/

Boise’s Unique Holiday Gift Guide

BY CHELSEA CHAMBERS PHOTOGRAPHS KIMBERLEE MILLER

Idaho is home to world-class artisanal, hand-crafted food and drink. Peruse the shops, the Boise Co-Ops or the Saturday Market and you’ll always find something homegrown and unique to try. For the holidays, we’ve taste-tested and curated some of Idaho’s most primo products for you to consider for this year’s hostess gifts, stocking stuffers and family presents. Why not spice up your holidays by treating your loved ones to some of these?

Lampe Granola

Bear Island Brewing

Ironside Roasting

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Three Bar Mix

Potter Wines

Handmade by Dorothy

Boise Kombucha

Acme Bakeshop

LAMPE GRANOLA Cindy Lampe has always been a baker, making different kinds of granola, but it never really occurred to her to sell her granola until her teenage son mentioned it one day in passing. Cindy’s delicious granola—with flavors like pumpkin spice, strawberry apple and blueberry peachnow can be found online at lampegranola. com, at the Saturday Market and soon in local coffee and doughnut shops. THREE BAR MIX The perfect Bloody Mary is typically elusive, but those days are over. Three Bar Mix is formulated with a secret recipe founded in 1935, acquired by partners Patt Duynslager, Robere Kazadi and Leland Smythe. Now it’s being distributing all over Idaho and other states throughout the Northwest. Three Bar Mix is a great addition to any holiday party and is also available in perfect stocking stuffer size. The mix is at all Idaho State Liquor Stores, Albertson’s, Winco, and several other locations across the Valley. Stop in or visit their website at threebarmix.com for a complete list of retailers. ACME BAKESHOP Started in early 2013 by Idaho native owner and head baker Michael Runsvold, Acme Bakeshop has expanded to serve more than 30 restaurants in the Treasure Valley. Runsvold, a James Beard Award nominee, crafts artisanal breads that boast more texture and flavor than one would ever expect. Imagine showing up at your holiday parties this year with fresh Acme Bakeshop bread. Visit facebook. com/acmebakeshop or find Acme Bakeshop selling at both Boise Co-Ops and the Saturday Market.

BEAR ISLAND BREWING Beth Bechtel and her husband Steve both served in the US Navy (as bomb squad veterans) and now work in Beth’s business, Bear Island Brewing. Her flagship IPA (or, Idaho Potato Ale) was crafted initially while Beth was deployed in the Middle East, forced to use russet potatoes from the local market as the starch in her brew. Today their beer can be found all over the Valley. A complete list is on their website bearislandbrewing.com. HANDMADE BY DOROTHY In 1986, Dorothy Baumhoff started her home-based business selling homemade Idaho preserves made with the wild berries she hand-picked in the beautiful Idaho mountains. Today, Handmade by Dorothy offers an expanded preservatives-free product line of hand-crafted jams, jellies, syrups, baking mixes and potato products, featuring a wide variety of wild berries, fruits and other products grown in Idaho or the Northwest. Handmade by Dorothy products can be found at the Saturday market and online at handmadebydorothy.com. BOISE KOMBUCHA Gabe Yeamans started home brewing his own Kombucha 13 years ago, but a 2012 friendly sibling rivalry inspired Yeamans to take it to the next level. His brother had started the rapidly successful Hi Kombucha in Hawaii. Today Boise Kombucha offers flavors like Orange Hibiscus and Pomegranate Cucumber. Boise Kombucha is available at Treasure Valley retailers including Snake River Tea, Zero Six Coffee Fix and World of Nutrition in Nampa or online at boisekombucha.com.

IRONSIDE ROASTING Ironside Roasting exists “Because life is too short to drink bad coffee Tim Seeley’s coffee can be found in seasonal Payette beers, STIL’s gourmet ice cream and several locations across Boise, For the coffee lovers on your list this year, the perfect gift is a gourmet brewing method, like a Fresh press or Chemex, and several bags of Ironside Roasting coffee. More information can be found at ironsideroasting.com or the Saturday Market and the Boise Co-Op. POTTER WINES When Crystal and Von Potter had an overabundance of grapes and far too many jars of jam, Von solved the problem by becoming a vintner. His decision to make a jalapeno wine catapulted their business and today, Potter Wines’ Jalapeno Lemonade can be found in all 49 of Idaho’s state liquor stores, drunk as a stand-alone drink and as a mixer, which is its most popular use with only 2.5% alcohol content. Their wines are available for purchase at several Fred Meyers locations,Whole Foods, both Boise Co-Ops, the Saturday Market and online at jalapenowine.com. ¢

*All Saturday Market vendors can be found at the indoor winter location on the corner of 8th and Fulton Street all season long!

Re-POP! Is Treasure Valley’s True Retail Fan Experience

State Street’s Re-POP! Gifts is as much of an experience as it is a store. When customers walk in, they will be struck not just by the vast inventory—kitschy, humorous novelties, from magnets, socks and mugs to the plaques, pillows and stamps of the flea market-crafters studio mix–but also, by the fandom fixtures that make Re-POP! a shopping encounter unlike any other in the Treasure Valley. BY BETHANY MAILE PHOTOGRAPHS KIMBERLEE MILLER

Geeks, Nerds and Pop Culture Fandom Have a New Headquarters 20

For example, in the center of the store, a to-scale, exact replica of Doctor Who’s tardis dominates as a dressing room. Behind that, shoppers can take a spin—literally—in Captain Kirk’s Star Trek series original command chair. The back wall of the store poses as the signature Stranger Things living room wall, with a meticulous recreation of the famous floral wallpaper with its coded letters and haphazard Christmas lights. Harry Potter fans will delight in the iconic Platform Nine and Three-Quarters constructed in the back corner. This spring, owner Millie Hilgert plans to add a Bilbo Baggins’ hobbit hole from The Lord of the Rings series. Each of these installations is a permanent fixture in the store, and shoppers can stop in to have their picture taken and printed—for free. Hilgert keeps a green screen behind the installations so the final image is a total immersion into the recreated world. These installations aren’t just unique in the Treasure Valley. Barry Hilgert, Millie’s husband, plans and executes the

recreations. “I don’t know anywhere else where you can shop and get a picture on the [Star Trek] enterprise, or hang out in the tardis. It’s the only exact replica in the world,” he explained. He is meticulous in his construction. The tardis is measured in metrics so as to be true to the British show’s standards. He also made an original stormtrooper armor, screen-accurate to the 1977 Star Wars movie. The Hilgerts had to hunt for the now-out-of-production wood paneling for the Stranger Things wall. This attention to detail creates an entire world for fans. “It’s not just a store,” Millie added. “It’s an experience. Our customers bring their friends, they bring their visitors. People come in and just laugh. In the age of Amazon, you have to be excited to go into a store; it ought to be fun.” Fun is at the core of all things Re-POP!, and that doesn’t just apply to the store’s wares. Hilgert is always looking for opportunities to throw a party. Each time an installation is complete, the store hosts a reveal event. This spring, when the

hobbit hole debuts, Hilgert will offer refreshments and photo opps. Each June, the store throws itself a birthday party, complete with a bouncy house and sweet treats. Pop-up events are standard, too. This fall, Hilgert partnered with a comic book vendor to host a flash comic book sale. Around the holidays, the store holds a men’s shopping party, where staff are on hand to help the reluctant shopper find the perfect gift he’ll be excited to give. This dedication to fun and community has served the store well. “Business is growing,” Hilgert said, “We’ve doubled in the last year.” And they have expanded in-store twice to make room for the ever-growing inventory. No surprise, as Re-Pop! Gifts’ blend of kitsch goods, local fun, and highly hashtag-able Instagram opps is unlike any other in town. That unique quality is essential to RePop! Gifts. When Hilgert opened shop two years ago, she was on a mission to bring cool (though she might say “geeky”), one-of-a-kind inventory to the Treasure Valley. But her love of all things pop 21

doesn’t just drive the store’s curation. Before Re-POP! Gifts opened, Hilgert was a fixture at the Boise Farmers Market. There she sold the Miss Courageous jewelry line. The pieces are all up-cycled and pop-culture driven: bracelets from local breweries’ beer cans, pendants from vinyl records, earrings from Legos. Her artwork, which is now sold in the store, is as imaginative and pop-driven as the rest of the store’s offerings. And of course, it’s all one-of-a-kind. Re-POP! Gifts features over 30 local artists plus several regional and national artists, and all inventory has been judiciously curated. Hilgert stocks only rare, hardto-find items. “I’m careful to make sure things in the store aren’t mass-produced. You won’t find anything here sold in a large retail chain,” Hilgert said. She finds out-of-Idaho vendors through extensive Internet research. “If I love it and I want it, I know there are other people out there that are into it, too. If it makes me laugh while I’m looking at it, then I know it’s a great find,” Hilgert said. The Hilgerts are locked and loaded for the holiday shopping rush. Check them out during Small Business Saturday, when the

weekend after Thanksgiving State Street stores put on a “shop local” event. Hours will also be extended through the holiday season, and custom orders are always welcome. Because Hilgert works with so many vendors, shoppers looking for an imaginative, one-of-a-kind gift would be wise to bring her their idea. She can likely execute it herself or pair you with an artist who can. New inventory, store events, and installation debuts are all posted on the store’s Facebook and Instagram pages, @repopgifts. Hilgert clearly has her thumb on the pop culture pulse, and the result is an always-evolving inventory that feels contemporary and of-the-moment. Take the Stranger Things wall. The show premiered in 2016, and Hilgert understood it would have an immediate cult following. So she and her husband, Barry, imagined and executed the iconic living room wall immediately. Because the1990s television series Twin Peaks was just rebooted, Hilgert recently stocked Log Lady tee shirts and The Great Northern Hotel key chains. If these references elude the reader or customer, never fear. The store’s inventory is so extensive there is likely some-

thing for everyone. And that inside-joke quality is part of Re-POP! Gifts’ magic. Here, people can smile wryly at the pencil with the Ferris Bueller quote, the Big Lebowski coloring book, the “Be Cool, Honey Bunny” tank top. Here, they get to find the rare, special trinket that is sure to delight them or someone they know. ¢

For more information, visit repopgifts.com, visit them in person at 3107 W. State Street in Boise or call them at (208) 991-6112.

“

I’M CAREFUL TO MAKE SURE THINGS IN THE STORE AREN’T MASS-PRODUCED. YOU WON’T FIND ANYTHING HERE SOLD IN A LARGE RETAIL CHAIN”

SPIN The Stil, an acronym for The Sweetest Things In Life, is Boise’s locally owned ice cream shop with a twist: alcohol. Located in downtown Boise’s BoDo between Caffe D’arte and Edwards 9 Cinemas, the shop has been doing a brisk business, thanks to their revolutionary ice cream- liquor mash-up.

What If An Ice Cream Store and a Brewery Had a Baby? The Stil Sells Ice Cream With a Boozy Twist

BY VERONICA LEMASTER PHOTOGRAPHS KIMBERLEE MILLER 24

Owner Kasey Allen and co-owner Dan Sell never planned on opening an ice cream shop. Over a beer, Sell asked Allen the fateful question. “Where’s the ice cream in Boise? Where’s the local spot with unique flavors making everything on site?” Allen recalled, “Dan grew up in Ohio with a lot of places that offered that. Being born and raised in Boise myself, I was like, ‘I don’t really know! We have Ben and Jerrys and a whole bunch of Froyo shops, but no go-to ice cream spot.’” They joked about the idea of opening an ice cream shop, but left it at that. Ten months later, the joke turned into doors opening for The Stil. Their unique spin on ice cream meant creations like beer and wine floats, ice cream and beer or wine flights, and infused ice cream containing two percent beer or wine. The Stil remains family friendly and fun for those under 21, as well, with unique flavors like cream soda butterscotch or honey lavender, which rotate randomly or seasonally. They are always innovating new flavors available for customers to try. Their ice cream is made with locavore ingredients from a range of producers. The churners—who churn ice cream seven days a week to keep up with demand--partner with the farmer’s market

for product.The dairy comes from Reed’s Dairy in Idaho Falls, and the coffee flavors are made with a cold brew concentrate from Iron Side Roasting, made specifically for The Stil. They also look to 3 Girls Catering for making their inclusions, compote and add-ins. The Stil’s ambience includes a wood décor recreating the feel of a cozy brewery, a mural of Boise and florals on the tables. Along with their belief in using local ingredients, the business believes in giving back. “Before we opened our doors, we had two soft openings, which we did as a pay-what-you-want format. We donated it all to charity,” Allen said. They raised about $3,000 for AJ’s Angels and the local Children’s Miracle Network at St. Luke’s. They often donate gift cards, hats and shirts to local silent auctions benefiting non-profit causes. They are also a sponsor for the Boise State vs. University of Idaho hockey game, which benefits the Meals on Wheels program in Boise. Expansion is already on the horizon. “Our goal right now is to open three to five shops in as many years, across the Treasure Valley. We definitely want to grow,” Allen said. Any company who can turn licorice into liquorice has our vote of confidence. ¢

Visit them online at https://www.ilovethestil. com/ or their physical location at 786 W. Broad Street. To call for information, their number is (208) 953-7007.

ROOTS

AT THE OLD IDAHO PENITENTIARY Unexplained Sights and Sounds, As Seen on TV BY RYAN GERULF PHOTOGRAPH KIMBERLEE MILLER

Imagine a place so haunting that it leaves your face ashen and sends chills down your spine—a place dedicated to breaking spirits, and seeking atonement for those who have been wronged. That place is the Old Idaho Penitentiary, a frequent listing on the “Most Haunted Places in Idaho” list, which has even received national attention for its haunted attributes, appearing on Ghost Adventures and most recently, The Lowe Files.

What brings these national shows to Idaho? A facility that has housed some of Idaho’s darkest times. Over 13,000 inmates stayed at the penitentiary during its 101-year existence, and 10 executions occurred on site. These were no normal prison grounds. The prison was designed to create the most inhuman discomfort for its inmates-- the cells were extremely hot in the summer and freezing in the winter. Some cell houses lacked indoor plumbing. Inmates sent to solitary confinement were stuck within a three-foot-by-eightfoot cell. One inmate was sentenced to one of these cells for two years. As Old Idaho Penitentiary Director Amber Beierle stated, “You’re talking about humanity at its lowest. For many of these inmates, being at the prison may have been their lowest point. Their sadness may still reside at the prison in the spirits that visitors sense.” One such experience happened in Cell House Three, where one woman physically felt something brush her hair and then heard the whisper in her ear of, “Pretty.” Other visitors have felt spirits while in the buildings and unexplained, dark, shadowy figures have been seen. With so many frightening stories brewing in the Old Idaho Penitentiary, Beierle decided to start an event nine years ago focused on the Old Idaho Penitentiary’s storied past. Frightened Felons features Idaho’s only confirmed haunted cell house, highlighting actors portraying inmates of the past, co-starring an historic hearse. When starting the event, Beierle was unsure if Frightened Felons would be successful, but it has sold out for the last nine years with more than 2,400 attendees each year. ¢

Other special events for the Old Idaho Penitentiary include night tours on the first three Fridays in November, and a $1 birthday celebration on December 14. More information can be found online at www.history.idaho.gov/oldpen.

CLUTCH

HOW THE BRAIN IS INSPIRING THE FUTURE OF TECHNOLOGY — IN BOISE Imagine only being able to process one thing at a time. For every thought, sight, smell or movement, you would have to process each piece of information, tap into your memory to remember what it means, then perform the appropriate physical response. Sounds both tedious and exhausting, doesn’t it?

and data from memory to perform a certain task, the NNP uses thousands of cell unit circuits working in parallel to each other to process data and share a signal to recognize patterns. This allows the computer to work faster and smarter than ever before. Ask Siri for the answer to a trivia question or request Alexa to find a recipe for dinner and you begin to scratch the surface of what this means for the future of technology. Both personal assistants are continually devouring data – and patterns – to find the perfect answer for you in seconds or less. That requires the elements of faster and cheaper but specifically better – a better, more adaptive processing structure to meet the demands of today and tomorrow. While it hasn’t reached mass production yet, both the company and initial customers are seeing the Natural Neural Processor process data 100 to 1,000 times faster than traditional computing architectures. Its processing capability not only helps solve current problems faster, it opens up endless opportunities in new areas. “Look at the technology advancements in the automotive industry, where you rely on sensors to avoid crashes in a splitsecond or consider life science industries, where identifying a cure relies on the ability to find a pattern quickly,” adds Dlugosch. “The technology we’re developing at Natural Intelligence has far-reaching impacts, from artificial intelligence to cybersecurity to financial analytics.” The Boise-based company sees its processor enabling a leap forward that mirrors the most notable milestones in technology history. And it started with a focus on making technology act more like our brain. ¢

BY CHAD BIGGS PHOTOGRAPH MARISSA LOVELL

Most of the technology that we use every day functions like this. The central processing unit of any computer, including the smartphone in your pocket, accesses data, processes what it needs to do based on the information it received then performs an action according to its programming. Even as different computer components get faster and faster, this limitation remains. “We simply wondered – why aren’t computers modeled to be more like the human brain,” notes Paul Dlugosch, CEO and Founder of Natural Intelligence Semiconductor and an engineer by trade. “The entire technology industry is built on meeting the relentless demand for faster, cheaper and better, but even the pioneers who forecasted technology’s growth curve or designed the foundation of computing never envisioned an era like ours.” This era is marked by more information 28

being produced and consumed than ever. Data is being produced and consumed in rates that defy historical comparisons. One industry estimate claims more data was created in the last two years than the previous 5,000 years of humanity. But the story of Natural Intelligence starts about a decade ago. The founders and several members of the company were working at Micron in its Architecture Development Group. “We were tasked to invent the products of the future,” recalled Dlugosch. “We didn’t forecast the sheer volume of data growth or the specific advancements coming with artificial intelligence or virtual reality or decoding the human genome, but we all realized we were at the beginning of a tremendous curve upward.” Taking advantage of this data had one decades-old roadblock that nobody had solved – the processing framework

mentioned earlier originally designed by John von Neumann. “Put simply, von Neumann did not design computer architecture with our current realities in mind more than seven decades ago,” noted Dan Skinner, vice president of strategy and business development for Natural Intelligence. “But our brains have adapted and endured for centuries, driven by an incredible processing power and a phenomenal ability to identify patterns even when there seem to be none. We sought to replicate the capabilities of the human neocortex, in a practical and costeffective way, and remove that last hurdle of computing architecture.” The result of these efforts is a chip known as the Natural Neural Processor (NNP), a processing unit that functions like the human brain. Where a traditional computer processing system uses the aforementioned sequence of instructions

Natural Intelligence is located in downtown Boise, Idaho. Find out more and connect with Natural Intelligence at www.naturalsemi.com. This story was authored by a contracted creative partner of Natural Intelligence.

ON THE TRAIL

On the positive side, a shift is taking place in local culture, as evidenced by a steady increase in families’ use of the state’s IDeal— Idaho 529 College Savings Program to save for the costs of higher education. Families like that of Susan Miller, from Boise, use its investments and tax benefits to potentially make their hard-earned dollars stretch a bit further.

AVOIDING STUDENT LOANS, ONE STEP AT A TIME Idahoans are changing the way they approach college costs BY NICOLE BARE KINNEY PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF IDEAL

Idaho’s college-going rates are a topic of frequent news and conversation in the community, given that only half of students go on to any form of higher education after high school. Following the Great Recession and rising tuition costs, those who do go on have often turned to student loans to fund education costs. Research shows that high loan balances can stall opportunities for those students after graduation. Additionally, it has been found that people who graduate with student loans are less likely to believe the benefits of higher education outweigh the costs. On the positive side, a shift is taking place in local culture, as evidenced by a steady increase in families’ use of the 30

state’s IDeal—Idaho 529 College Savings Program to save for the costs of higher education. Families like that of Susan Miller, from Boise, use its investments and tax benefits to potentially make their hard-earned dollars stretch a bit further. When her children were born, Susan knew that if she wanted to help them finance college, she needed to start immediately. “We don’t make enough to pay out-of-pocket, but we make too much to qualify for aid,” she says. So Susan and her husband started saving $25 a month—plus the occasional bonus—for each of their two children in an IDeal—Idaho 529 College Savings account. When grandparents would give the children money for birthdays

or Christmas, Susan made sure a portion of that money went to the IDeal accounts, too. By the time her son, Keegan, started college, they’d managed to amass a surprising sum for him. “It only covers a portion of each semester, but it’s one less check that I have to figure out where to get the money,” says Susan. Keegan is a sophomore in college, studying outdoor education. Susan’s daughter, Caeley, is a freshman in high school. With more time to save for Caeley’s college education, Susan recently raised her IDeal account contribution to $30. “Susan Miller’s family is exactly the type of family that IDeal was created to help,” says Christine Stoll, who is

Executive Director of IDeal—Idaho 529 College Savings Program and saves for her own daughters with IDeal. “By starting early, it’s possible to save a little at a time to possibly reduce their students’ dependence on loans. It can potentially add up over time.” Families who use IDeal to save for higher education highlight three key reasons for doing so. First, contributions to IDeal are deductible from Idaho’s state income tax, up to $6,000 for single filers and up to $12,000 for those married filing jointly. Second, growth on their investments takes place tax-deferred, and if the money is spent on qualified education expenses, the growth is never taxed. Finally, funds saved through IDeal can be used at any eligible accredited

institution in the United States, on expenses ranging from tuition and books to housing, meal plans, and technology. Savers can open an IDeal account in fifteen minutes, with as little as $25. Local savers are already seeing the benefits of their choice to save ahead and help their children avoid loans. Julie Robinson, another saver from Boise, saved enough over the years to pay for four years of expenses at the University of Idaho for her son, Scott. “When you have a baby in the crib, that’s when you need to decide, ‘Is education important?’” says Julie. “My answer is, ‘absolutely.’” “Scott’s friends are all terrified of their student loans,” Julie adds, noting that she advised one of her son’s friends to

quit a job that wasn’t advancing his career in the direction he wanted to go. The young man replied that he couldn’t quit due to his student loans. According to Julie, that’s a shame. “You can’t pursue your dream [because of the loans], and yet the whole reason you went to college was to pursue your dream,” she says. After four and a half years of schooling, Scott graduated with a degree in accounting from the University of Idaho. With no looming student loan bills, Scott waited for a job he liked, in a city he loves, rather than taking the first job that came his way. ¢

Info: idsaves.org

FLOW

BIG TREE ARTS Boise non-profit delivers education and performance poetry BY CHELSEA CHAMBERS PHOTOGRAPH KIMBERLEE MILLER

Poetry slam enthusiast Cheryl Maddalena started non-profit Big Tree Arts (BTA) in July 2007 when she saw the local need for more literature and performance art education. (A poetry slam is a competition where oral poets read or recite original work, judged by the audience or a panel of five judges.) Since many of the area alternative school programs had little funding for extracurricular activities, BTA started connecting directly with these schools to bring in teaching writers, touring poets and performers to the classrooms. The educational curriculum is enhanced while also enriching the local poetry scene. Founder Maddalena is still an acting “slam master,” but no longer serves on the organization’s board, having overseen it from 2007 to 2014. I had the opportunity to discuss BTA’s mission with Lydia Havens and Tara Lzicar, two people helping to grow and expand Big Tree Arts. Tara took on the role as president of the board in 2014, and has since transitioned into acting executive director of the non-profit. Tara spends her time managing the amazing people who run the BTA’s educational program, The Loud Writer’s 32

Project, as well as working with poetry events and community outreach. “My day job is that I am a clinical supervisor with Terry Reilly, and the program supervisor for the Family Violence Prevention Program. I am a counselor who specializes in family violence and domestic violence intervention. I don’t believe my career would have taken off the way it has unless I had the skills that Big Tree Arts helped me develop - program management, project organization, public speaking, volunteer management, creativity and leadership skills. As volunteers assist Big Tree Arts over the years, these are the same skills we try to help them develop. But the biggest impact of Big Tree Arts is how I’ve developed as a person. I’ve been a slam poet since November 2007 and because of poetry, I have developed my own craft, met amazing people and artists, worked with incredible local community artists and creators, and traveled most of the United States performing and volunteering with other area poetry events under the national poetry slam organization - Poetry Slam International, Inc.” Lydia first came to Boise to feature at a

slam event BTA was putting on in early 2016. She hails from Tuscon, but fell in love with the close-knit poetry community in Boise and made the decision to move here shortly after. “Not only has it helped me figure out what I want to do career-wise, its helped me strengthen my skills as an organizer and a writer. It really does feel like family here, and I will always, always be grateful for that.” Lydia began working for BTA in September 2016 and has since helped manage workshops, teaching sessions and events. There are several upcoming slams to attend this season. Be sure not to miss the Monday, November 27th event at Goldy’s Corner, featuring Spokane poet Devin Devine. There will several more throughout the winter. ¢

Check their Facebook.com/boisepoetry events page for more details and information. For more information or to get involved in this nonprofit, please visit their website at boisepoetry.com.

THE VIBE

PIPE DREAMS The Boise Sculptor Turning Steel Pipes into Storied Art BY RACHEL HOLT PHOTOGRAPH KIMBERLEE MILLER

Bellamy is currently showing 50 pieces on display between State & Lemp, Coiled Winery and his home gallery. He’s exploring other options for future shows. For more information about D’Arcy Bellamy and his sculptures, check out his website at: http://www.darcybellamy.com/.

98% of Bellamy’s sculptures are made from ‘mild steel’ and 2% stainless steel pieces.

D’Arcy Bellamy’s metal sculptures have been described conversely as dangerous and whimsical. There’s a contrary feeling to many of Bellamy’s metal pieces—shiny surfaces spite rough edges, playful aesthetics meet bold shapes and primitive styles fight contemporary aesthetics. And then there are his signature spiral elements. They’re everywhere. For Bellamy, they pack a powerful psychological punch. “We see them in seashells, tornadoes, galaxies…even human DNA,” he commented, explaining nature’s inherent inspiration. Bellamy moved to Boise seven years ago, and after six months, he decided Boise was home. “I love Boise. It’s the community here. Of the two or three circles I run in, I will go to the store or downtown and inevitably run into someone I know. People here don’t care about what you have or have not. They’re just authentic people.” The largely self-taught Bellamy estimates each piece takes him 30 to 40 hours to create, with the size of any masterpiece determined by what will fit in the bed of his pickup truck, usually five feet to eight feet. One common thread runs through every sculpture--they’re all derived from steel pipes. Bellamy acquires some of his metal pipes here locally from Pacific Recy-

cling, but primarily sources them from Twin Falls. While all the pipes are new, many have been sitting in the pipe yard for a while, developing a rust pattern. Bellamy coats his pieces with a clear powder coating to preserve the natural colors of the pipe rust. “In my most current pieces, I’ve been working with the rust patina from the pipes,” he described. “I’ve started to see the beauty in that material and incorporated it into my style more and more. “I started sculpting 15 years ago. I took classes at a non-profit art school. I quickly discovered I was terrible at painting and sculpting until I faced metal sculpture. While I learned a lot from a particularly helpful instructor, I’ve made my work on my own. It’s always a friendly little burn to the establishment that I am not a formally trained artist,” Bellamy added, chuckling. In addition to the overall beauty of the pieces, Bellamy likes baking an element of surprise into his work, like the delightful shadows his pieces cast. “Depending upon how you light the piece, the shadow is like a whole second piece. Some of the geometric shapes in particular can create really stunning effects on the surrounding area.” His second surprise is movement. Despite a rigid appearance to the metal, each piece actually has springiness to it. “Some of the pieces move only slightly. The spirals are the most kinetic of all the pieces. I really enjoy this part of the sculpture. It’s often a part that most people don’t realize and it adds a playful aspect to it.” In addition to the spiral and geometric shapes he creates, he’s recently started designing human form pieces. “I like doing these because people always make up a story for each piece, such as where they are going. It’s great!” ¢ 35

FREESTYLE As we all know, there aren’t many places like Idaho. More densely populated areas far away from nature make it tough to find even a moment’s peace from the constant stressors, noise pollution and frenetic motion of daily living. With big city commutes boasting several hours, tightly packed buildings blocking the views and the crime threats associated with encroaching populations in the millions, it is no surprise people are making the transition to our beautiful Gem State. Kimberlee Miller spent many adolescent summers vacationing in Sun Valley, so Idaho has always held a place in her heart. She must have conveyed these feelings to her eldest daughter, who decided that Boise State University was where she would take her next step. Miller seized the opportunity for change, packed up her life and family in Los Angeles and moved to a home in East Boise.

GREENBELT MAGAZINE WELCOMES L.A. PHOTOGRAPHER KIMBERLEE MILLER BY CHELSEA CHAMBERS PHOTOGRAPHS KIMBERLEE MILLER

“I came up here and I have not looked back once,” Miller reflected. Miller is a renowned photographer with the enviable ability of capturing more than just the moment–she captures the story, the emotion and the personality behind the fortunate subjects she shoots. With her expertise in bridal photography, it’s imperative that she helps to make more than just memories. Rather, she personally connects with her clients, establishing a relationship and shooting thousands of images–often in a candid fashion -- to encapsulate the natural essence of each person she photographs. While Miller has more than 18 years of experience in the field, she started her career as a paralegal. After the birth of her first daughter, she wanted to spend more time at home. She returned to photography, seeking to alleviate the typical “mannequin style” of shooting. It wasn’t long before her talents and unique vision were recognized and Miller’s business was getting booked out more than a year in advance. Now Miller is fully embracing her life’s changes. She and her three daughters are transitioning into the much slower pace of Idaho life. She looks forward to the days when she can sit down by the river and just escape into a good book. For now, she is still flying back to California every weekend to finish bookings that she had already taken, and will likely do so for the next few years. It comes as no surprise that she is still being sought after, even after moving to East Boise. Miller’s work has been featured in magazines such as Better Homes & Gardens and Pottery Barn. As Greenbelt Magazine continues to grow along with the ever-expanding Boise, we are thrilled to announce that Kimberlee Miller is taking on the role of Lead Photographer, and honing in on the upward mobility of the magazine. Welcome to Boise, Kimberlee! ¢ 36

DWELL IT

“

OUR COOLER IS NOT A PURCHASE, IT’S A LIFETIME INVESTMENT

Ever wonder what the difference is between designing coolers and battling 40-foot seas, gale-force winds and salty crewman? Probably not as much as you might think, if you ask Scott Campbell Jr., retired crab captain and TV’s Deadliest Catch star. Born and raised in Kodiak, Alaska, Campbell grew up in a fishing family and eventually captained his own boat at age 26. After a highly successful 20-year fishing career, Campbell was forced into an early retirement following complications from a back injury. For a man accustomed to working 20-hour days in one of the leastforgiving environments in the world, slowing down wasn’t an option. “After I retired from fishing I was set up in life to where I didn’t have to work again and I was living a comfortable life; but the problem was that I got bored after about two months,” chuckled Campbell. For a time, the retired captain felt hopeless as he searched aimlessly to fill the void of his fishing passion, abruptly gone like cut bait. Then lightning struck. It happened one day while driving his prized MasterCraft boat on the lake with a couple buddies and a few not-so-cold-ones. It was his Eureka moment. After tossing a few beers to his buddies from the built-in bench storage cooler, Campbell was disappointed when the beers were promptly rejected for being too hot after just four hours on the lake. Fortunately, all was not lost. One of Campbell’s buddies had a Yeti cooler on shore, but the remainder of the day was spent with the cumbersome Yeti on deck, ultimately in the way. “My buddies were razzing me and said ‘Well why don’t you go build a better cooler,’ reflected Campbell, so I said, ‘By God, I will.’” The week following the cooler calamity was spent making phone calls and laying the groundwork for the former captain’s latest catch—Cordova Coolers, manufactured in nearby Nampa. Like a greenhorn on a crab boat, Campbell had no idea what he was in for. “There’s so many unknowns, it’s like going out in the Bering sea,” described Campbell, adding, “You don’t know what

COOLER CRABBIN’ Deadliest Catch Star’s Unlikely Nampa Transition BY DREW DODSON PHOTOGRAPHS KIMBERLEE MILLER

type of weather you’re going to encounter, or if you’re going to have to backtrack or veer to the left to find your niche in the marketplace.” Campbell’s initial estimate of four months to get a prototype made turned into nearly two-and-a-half years of learning firsthand how arduous breaking into an already established industry can be. His resiliency, relentless work ethic and intuitive mind propelled Campbell to successfully pitch a cooler insert that fit in all MasterCraft models at MasterCraft headquarters in Vonore, Tennessee. Campbell’s initial cooler was so successful, in fact, that droves of customers began requesting Cordova Coolers design coolers be available to the general public. He and his crew got back to work and unveiled a new line of rugged Cordova Coolers, similar to Yeti coolers, available for purchase in retail stores. But what is it that sets Cordova apart from wildly popular Yeti coolers? For starters, Cordova coolers are 100 percent American made and come with a lifetime warranty.

“One thing I want people to know is that our cooler is not a purchase, it’s a lifetime investment,” emphasized Campbell. Cordova Coolers come fully loaded with superior drain plug technology, a builtin temperature gauge on the lid, built-in bottle openers, molded-in graphics, nonskid feet, billet aluminum handles, greater capacity than Yeti coolers of the same dimensions, and Cordova’s patented lidlocking system to avoid smashed fingers— if there’s anyone who knows the dangers of smashed fingers it’s Scott Campbell, after losing his finger in a fishing accident on the Bering Sea. The patented lid-locking system still isn’t Captain Campbell’s favorite feature; that title belongs to his revolutionary topmount latches. “I can’t believe no other cooler company thought of it, but our coolers come with top-mount latches instead of bottom mount latches, so our latches are attached to the body and are lifted up to lock the lid,” said Campbell. So, what’s the big deal? “Well, no matter where that cooler is sitting, you can still access those latches to get in and out of the cooler without having to move everything around,” explained Campbell. At the beginning of the year Cordova Coolers had just three accounts outside of the private sector, but in just eight months that number has ballooned to 85 accounts and counting. Through it all, one thing has endured in Campbell’s post-fishing career: Bering Sea tenacity. “I wanted to create the bar that no one else could ever meet in fishing,” said Campbell. “Now I want to accomplish in three years what Yeti did in 10 years, making it a lifestyle and by year five, exceeding what they ever thought possible.” With new pioneering products set to hit the market in coming months, Cordova Coolers is an untapped resource on the verge of taking the industry by storm. The cooler industry is full of unexpected obstacles, but over the course of a 20-plus year career Campbell has proven one thing time and time again—he won’t quit until he’s on top of the mountain. ¢ 39

DOWNTOWN

EYES OF THE WORLD IMPORTS Linen District Gem Curates Cool Stuff from Cool Places BY KATIE KAPRO PHOTOGRAPHS KRISTA MELONE

By far, the most striking visuals are found within the store’s 95 feet of jewelry cases. The jewelry collection is a celebration of the world’s most sought-after semi-precious stones in sterling silver settings. Each ring, pendant and earring set is hand-picked and displayed with a card describing the stone’s metaphysical properties– moonstone for new beginnings, black tourmaline for protection and so on. The beauty of each piece isn’t just in the glimmer of the gemstone; it’s also the sentiment behind it.

Every day, countless commuters take 16th Street through downtown Boise’s Linen District. But only those in the know take a left at the red stucco building on the corner of 16th and Grove. While other drivers roll past unaware, these lucky few know they’re about to be transported into an exotic realm of gemstones, clothing, jewelry and decor. They’re the ones headed for Eyes of the World Imports. The store–a sophisticated mix of imported goods and novelty gifts–is one of Idaho’s true hidden gems. This woman-owned-and-operated business rarely goes out of its way to advertise, and has received little media attention over its 23 years in the Treasure Valley. Yet, through simple word of mouth, the shop thrives. According to Mishel VandenBusch, the travel-loving shop’s owner, sales have risen more than 30% in recent years. There are two kinds of people who shop at Eyes of the World Imports: devoted regulars who fell in love with it two decades ago when it was nestled beside the Boise Co-op, and adventure-seeking newcomers. Both are drawn to the eclectic, storied merchandise, the genuinely helpful staff and the sheer unexpectedness of it all. The popularity of the store highlights North Boise’s evolving character. The recent closures of so many chain stores downtown make it abundantly clear that canned style is no longer fulfilling for many shoppers. They want something unique. They want adventure. Mishel wasn’t looking to change Boise when she opened the store in a little house on 16th Street in 1994. It started simply enough. Mishel, a young woman tired of the daily grind of the corporate world, decided to take a year off to go backpacking through Southeast Asia. She found so many cool, artisanal items during her time in Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia that she started shipping boxes home to share with friends and family. This shopping-and-shipping routine developed into a concerted effort to bridge the gap between the third-world cottage industry and her hometown. Soon enough, Eyes of the World Imports was born--a humble place for the local community to find cool stuff from cool places. Today the gentle musk of incense greets every customer as they walk through

the door. When asked what defines the soothing scent, the staff are quick to say it’s “simply the sweet smell of time.” (Ask them, you’ll see.) It’s the kind of delightfully nostalgic aromatic that lingers in your clothes, long after you’ve departed Eyes. By far, the most striking visuals are found within the store’s 95 feet of jewelry cases. The jewelry collection is a celebration of the world’s most sought-after semi-precious stones in sterling silver settings. Each ring, pendant and earring set is hand-picked and displayed with a card describing the stone’s metaphysical properties–moonstone for new beginnings, black tourmaline for protection and so on.

The beauty of each piece isn’t just in the glimmer of the gemstone; it’s also the sentiment behind it. The store has grown beyond the wildest dreams of that young woman who set off to backpack Southeast Asia and bring a few treasures home. Today it’s the guilty pleasure of many shoppers in the know, and a cherished pillar in the local community. In 2017 alone, Eyes of the World Imports won three Best of Treasure Valley awards. As the big box stores blur into bland, vanilla sameness, small businesses like Eyes of the World Imports continue to flourish. Join the adventure–take a left at the red building with prayer flags on the roof and tapestries billowing in the wind. You won’t regret it. ¢

Boise Airport Having a Record Year The Boise Airport is having a record year in 2017 based on several metrics. Through August, over 2.3 million passengers have traveled through the Boise Airport, which is an 8% increase over 2016, and the most passengers to ever travel through the airport in the first eight months of the year. So why the increase? Simply put, the Treasure Valley is growing, stimulating the local economy. In the past year, Boise’s downtown core has seen multiple hotels open, the convention center completed their expansion and new businesses have popped up. This growth is something that really impresses airline network planners, and encourages them to begin new routes for the Boise market. The total number of seats available flying into and out of Boise has grown substantially as well. In 2017 alone, airlines have added several new and expanded nonstop flights in the Boise market. • A merican began service to Chicago and added an additional daily flight to Dallas • A laska began mainline service to Seattle which added approximately 70 seats into that market each day • A llegiant began service to Phoenix-Mesa twice weekly • Southwest began service to San Diego The airport has responded to this growth by adding an additional passenger jet bridge at gate C11 which will accommodate the increase in mainline air service. Focus on sustainability continues to be a key initiative moving forward. The airport installed 12 solar panels in 2017 that produce hot water for half of the airport facility. The airport’s growth trend in air service is expected to continue in 2018. Frontier Airlines announced they will enter the market with service to Denver, and Southwest has already announced new service to San Jose. 43

SHOP

HOW TO GIVE BETTER GIFTS Hunt and Gather Gifts Curates Thoughtfulness BY TAYLOR WALKER PHOTOGRAPHS KIMBERLEE MILLER

Have a themed gift idea, but pressed for time? Boise’s Hunt and Gather Gifts is your ideal behind-the-scenes secret shopper, pulling it all together for you. Hunt and Gather Gifts carefully hand-selects uncommon and interesting items, packaging them in a shippable pine box for a simple-yet-elegant gifting experience. Filled to the brim with unique, quality goods and wrapped in a beautiful bow, the gift boxes are as much fun to give as they are to receive. Have a themed gift idea, but pressed for time? Boise’s Hunt and Gather Gifts is your ideal behind-the-scenes secret shopper, pulling it all together for you. Hunt and Gather Gifts carefully handselects uncommon and interesting items, packaging them in a shippable pine box for a simple-yet-elegant gifting experience. Filled to the brim with unique, quality goods and wrapped in a beautiful bow, the gift boxes are as much fun to give as they are to receive. Owner Drew Dorsch’s natural inclination is to gift others with sincerity by curating thoughtful, diligently researched items that recipients will treasure for a long time. She scours the corners of farmer’s 44

markets and Instagram, seeking the perfect addition for her next box. “Once I pick a theme, I find products with a similar aesthetic,” explained Dorsch. She ensures the items in each box are visually arresting the moment the recipient slides back the lid; each piece appears to have been made exclusively to sit alongside the other items they’re packaged with. Gifting is a skill that doesn’t come easily for everyone, but there are tips for giving better gifts: • Pay attention. If a client mentions they’re into fly-fishing, then that should be the theme of their gift box. Recipients tend to feel more respected and appreciated when someone actually takes the time to listen

and remember their remarks. • Presentation is everything. Gift boxes should look so beautiful that the recipient is almost reluctant to use the products, but not quite. • Handwritten notes matter. In this digital age, handwriting is becoming a lost art. Whether it’s a note, recipe card or quote, the gesture of handwriting something has lasting impact. Hunt and Gather signature gift boxes are inspirational, renowned for their ever-evolving, small-batch, handmade products. There are soft booties in the Baby Box, luxurious masks in the Spa Box, and the wildly popular Home Box – great for realtor gifts or hostess gifts – featuring a harvest of housewarming items. “[The boxes] have all the things you want, but wouldn’t necessarily buy for yourself,” Dorsch commented. In addition to Hunt and Gather Gifts’ signature boxes, Dorsch offers customized boxes for a more personalized gifting experience. These are especially popular for businesses seeking memorable gestures of appreciation for their clients or employees. A branding opportunity, customers even have the option of including their logo either stamped or burned into the side of the wooden box. “It gives local vendors a new way to get their products out there,” Dorsch said. ¢

Fresh Healthy Cafe Festivities are right around the corner…. Halloween, Thanksgiving…. and the most awaited holiday of all, Christmas! And although we all look forward to celebrating with our loved ones, some us might be nervous about all of that “extra” eating, and maybe even drinking, that goes hand in hand with these favorite holidays.

To contact Drew Dorsch, please call (208) 7940731 or email her at huntandgathergifts@gmail. com. You can see samples of her gift boxes on Instagram @huntandgathergifts or at her website, huntandgathergifts.com.

There are many tips you can follow to keep weight off during the holidays. For example, always drinking a glass of water before eating, controlling the carbs, not eating after 8pm, and the list goes on and on. Honestly, who wants to be worrying about gaining weight when we have way more interesting stuff to do, like decorating the Christmas tree with the kids, visiting Santa, missions to the mall and the Toy Store… It’s too hectic, and way to short of a time to be focused on not gaining the weight. We have a suggestion that might help! At Fresh, we are dedicated to giving healthy food choices to those on the go, and we just rolled out our juicing program, that will allow you to detox for 1, 2, 3 days or however many days you would like, without doing all the juicing yourself! We juice it, you drink it! Detox before Thanksgiving, and before Christmas, and your body will be in way better shape to handle all the extra eating! You will likely experience less cravings and make better choices without having to even think about it!

For more information: www.freshcafeboise.com Call 208.332.9800 Visit Fresh Café Boise at 860 W Broad St, Boise 83702

GARDEN CITY

TREASURE VALLEY’S TRUE RENAISSANCE MAN

Rather than let the rugs sit in a gallery or lay around his home, he started Rarity Rugs, a program that donates 100% of sales proceeds to funding education scholarships for children in Peru. “Not everyone in life is given the same tools,” Johnson says, “so I am just trying to give them more tools to work with.” For the coming year, Johnson plans to continue his busy lifestyle—volunteering with Semilla Nueva, a program that teaches farming practices in Guatemala, and organizing an annual youth retreat in Peru. “You can leave an inheritance, or you can leave a legacy. It’s all about what kind of legacy you want you leave.” ¢

JanyRae Seda

For more information, visit and “Like” his page Facebook.com/RarityRugs.

Rarity Rugs Founder Kent Johnson BY CHELSEA CHAMBERS PHOTOGRAPHS KIMBERLEE MILLER

208 -590 -1321 514 S. 14 Street Boise, ID 83702 th

Kent Johnson first came to our Treasure Valley from Southern California in 1969 as an Industrial Design student attending College of Idaho. The school taught him to further his natural ability for construction and craftsmanship. Halfway through college, he started a demolition company, with the idea of taking down buildings and up-cycling their materials to create something new, with fresh and innovative design techniques. From there, Johnson delved into the construction world, and has built more than 400 buildings in his lifetime. A serial entrepreneur, he has started several companies in the field. “It’s always been an adventure to develop a business,” Johnson said. Throughout his life, he has consistently had a fascination for the fine arts. This affinity took hold of him at age 13, when his mother dropped him off at a book fair for the day. There Johnson got his first taste of medieval literature and the elegance of early printing. He began collecting everything he could find from that era. He filled his home with ancient texts and old relics, enamored with their history. “And somewhere along the line I developed a rug problem,” Johnson laughed, amongst his lofty gallery of rugs. Traveling the world, building schools, hospitals and orphanages, it’s easy to develop the collector’s eye in the midst of so much beauty and culture. “I just love the story that they tell. Imagine if they could talk.” Johnson’s busy life has led him to many different places worldwide, spending his time building, mentoring and learning. Whilele much of his time was dedicated to helping people, eight years ago, he had an experience that would change his direction of his life forever. Johnson was on his deathbed twice before beating a late-stage form of cancer that was discovered during one of his regular trips to Ecuador, where he built a hospital and volunteered there as a translator. “It really changes the way you see things; your priorities change.” From that moment forth, he was determined to ensure that his time was spent in ways that could make a positive difference in the lives of others. 46

ENTERTAIN

Nature’s Charm A modern cabin getaway located in McCall, one of the most beautiful places in Idaho. Just behind the cabin is a wetland forest preserve, allowing you to sit on the deck or in the private hot tub and enjoy the peace and quiet. The cabin accommodates six people. It has three bedrooms, two baths, a wood burning stove in the living room and an adorable kitchen.

CHANGING LIVES THROUGH BENEFITS OF IMPROV BY MEGAN BRYANT PHOTOGRAPHS RECYCLED MIND COMEDY

Back in high school, Sean Hancock discovered the magic of improvisation – that high-energy space where he and his friends felt safe exploring unharnessed creativity in a nurturing, supportive environment. As an adult, improv became the catalyst for his own personal evolution. Hancock wanted to share this fun, freeing discovery with the rest of us, so he and his wife Colleen founded the Boise-based improv company, Recycled Minds Comedy. Together, this dynamic duo combines their skills – Sean’s on stage and in teaching, plus Colleen’s in production management, photography and design. They’ve worked hard to build their edgy-yet-wholesome brand, which welcomes all ages and demographics. Their mission is to “Bring Joy and Transformation” to as many people as they can. While most people’s minds go immediately to thoughts of Second City or Saturday Night Live, improv goes well beyond just being funny, although it is a vessel for joy and laughter. Improv is also about digging deeper into examining our own strengths and weaknesses, working towards overcoming those fears and forging a deeper appreciation while growing relationships with others. Improv flows naturally, giving people license to let their guards down, while building trust in their other improv players. This is the rare place where participants can laugh hard, think hard and feel deeply, all in the same night. Already a team-building staple in the top business schools and the corporate world, learning the improv concept of “Yes, and…” reminds people to use others’ ideas to creatively platform and enhance by adding their own new ideas. There are many business and personal benefits to learning improv that most people don’t realize, such as the following: • It reduces social anxiety, which can be crippling for people. • It builds self-confidence. • It teaches people how to be “in the moment.” • It boosts creative thinking abilities. • It re-teaches people how to listen to others more intently in this distracted world. Together, the Hancock’s have created a robust scope of events here in our community. Recycled Minds Comedy offers various classes throughout the year including improv, storytelling and writers’ workshops. They perform family friendly shows each month, encouraging and then harnessing the spirit of interaction from the audience. They also offer schools and businesses the option of coming on site and teaching team-building events, or they can spice up your holiday parties with a comedy show. ¢ Check out their classes, shows, and community events at www.recycledmindscomedy.com.

Location! The cabin provides you the proximity to town while also being close enough to enjoy Payette Lake, Brundage mountain, Ponderosa Park, golf or whatever adventure is calling you! Get away from it all and enjoy the charm of our modern cabin home. Call 208-703-8838 49

BUSINESS DIRECTORY Shift Boutique 807 W Bannock St, Boise, ID 83702 208-331-7806 Besides bringing quality fashion to downtown Boise, Shift Boutique also brings women together in a playful, respectful and engaging environment. Kelsey Miller recalls, “In March of 2015, somebody asked me, ‘If you could do anything or have any job, what would it be?’ I said that I would love to open a clothing store with my sister.” The following March, the sisters “opened a scrappy retail boutique with the help of family, persuaded by beer and pizza.” Keystone Station 222 N 9th St, Boise, ID 83702 208-371-6666 A locally owned menswear store, Keystone Station sells brands such as RVCA, Toms for Men, Woolrich and Alternative Apparel. Sisters Megan and Kelsey Miller bring seven years’ retail experience in other cities to Boise, their hometown, to pursue their longtime dream. They opened their second clothing store in February 2017. Check their Facebook page for special events on first Thursdays and their monthly happy hours. Piece Unique & Shoez Clothing Co. 205 N 10th St, Boise, ID 83702 208-387-0250 Piece Unique is an exclusive, upscale boutique specializing in designer clothing, shoes and accessories ranging from jewelry, hats, ties, bags and belts. A family run business, Piece Unique offers sleek and trendy men’s and women’s clothing that cannot be found anywhere else. Piece Unique also offers designer consignment items. Owner Natalie Durham shares her 37 years’ experience with her three daughters, who serve as the backbone of Piece Unique. Echelon Fine Home 1404 W Main St, Boise, ID 83702 208-906-0500 Owner Amy Foster Davis’ passion for interior design, combined with her business background, enables her to do what she enjoys most—creating environments people love. Echelon helps each client create a versatile space that’s a perfect reflection of his or her unique personality. From conceptual design to the finishing touches, Echelon streamlines the creative experience.

City Peanut Shop 803 W Bannock St, Boise, ID 83702 208-433-3931 City Peanut Shop creates fresh-roasted, artisan nuts, brittle, flavored corns, wine, cider, local craft beer and cool gift tins. Whether you want sweet, spicy, savory or flaming hot, everything created at City Peanut is handcrafted in small batches. After enjoying a high-tech career that took him all over the world, Dan Balluff opened City Peanut Shop. He remembers his father’s encouraging words: “You should open a peanut shop here. Everybody who comes into a peanut shop is happy.” Idaho Made 108 N 6th St, Boise, ID 83702 208-258-7459 Showcasing unique clothing, art and gifts handcrafted by local artisans, Idaho Made opened on November 11, 2015. A collective of more than 50 Idaho artists and crafters, Idaho Made features an eclectic selection of high quality, handmade treasures and artisan goods. Owner and crochet artist Sara McClaran points out purchases at Idaho Made help local artists follow their passions. Customers will always find one of the artists featured behind the counter. Portsche’s Jewelry 224 N 9th St, Boise, ID 83702 208-343-4443 Portsche’s Jewelry specializes in designing stunning, custom fine jewelry, engagement rings, and wedding bands, featuring the highest-quality, conflict-free, GIA-certified diamonds and precious gemstones. With over 15 years’ experience and classically trained, Philip Portsche stated, “I work collaboratively with my clients, creating art that expresses their individuality, interpreting my client’s desires into stunning custom jewelry that will be enjoyed for generations to come. Designing and creating custom jewelry is not only my specialty, but my passion.” The Chocolat Bar 805 W Bannock St, Boise, ID 83702 208-338-7771 A haven for chocoholics who appreciate handcrafted truffles, turtles, clusters, barks, dipped fruits and other sensational chocolates, The Chocolat Bar provides high-quality artisan chocolates using local, premium and organic ingredients. Chocolatiers Kristi Echols-Preston and Chris Preston conjure adventurous flavors such as champagne truffles, eggnog truffles, creme brulee truffles, port truffles and aromatic pistachio-rose bark made with white and milk chocolates -- all made by hand. “Chocolate is a very sensual food and it brings smiles to people’s faces! That is one of the many things that we love about making chocolate; it makes people happy!”

REAL ESTATE 3961 E Parkcenter Blvd, Boise, ID 83706

3 BED

2.5 BATH

DEN

SHOP

2122 ASF

5 BED

3.5 BATH

3 CAR

GUEST SUITE ON MAIN

O2 Real Estate Group

6129 E Hootowl Dr, Boise, ID 83716

4.5 BATH

This amazing home was the 2014 St. Jude Giveaway which means this home is full of great karma and was loaded with awesome upgrades. You can’t build this home today for this price. From solar panels, surround sound, multi-zoned heating/cooling, and more.

Majestic Waterfall Entry into Private Gated Community in The Streams @ Two Rivers. Spectacular custom design wraps around stream and waterfall views from inside windows to outside patios. 2-way fireplace into Great Room and Master Suite. Feels & lives like a larger home.

Spread out in this Eagle dream home on over .5 acre in this tranquil neighborhood with everything you are wanting! Gorgeous kitchen w impressive island, granite, stainless & huge walk-thru pantry. Main level master has spa-style bath & dressing room-sized closet.

Kami Brandt 208.713.1933

$439,900 Front Street Brokers

Phil Mount 208.841.0134

$469,900 Front Street Brokers

10975 W Netherland Boise, ID 83709

1507 N 7th Street Boise, ID 83702

1030 W El Pelar Drive Boise, ID 83702

South Boise home on almost an ACRE!!! RV parking and plenty of room for all the toys. 2 storage sheds in back yard and garden area. This property is loaded with mature landscaping and a back yard big enough for those summertime BBQ”s. Inside home has living room and family room with an updated kitchen.

North End Historical home at its best. Situated on classic North 7th St., this home sits on .13 of an acre. Walk into a beautifully maintained foyer with original and restored doors and hardware. Sellers have updated and maintained this special property in order to preserve all the historic charm of a true Hyde Park Home.

Classic Boise! Close to all that you love in the Highlands-biking,hiking,running,walking,less than 30 minutes to Bogus! Great schools in a sought after location. Awesome tri-level plan,with cedar plank ceilings,hickory floors,tile floors in bathrooms. There is a 14x11 office downstairs that is currently being used as a 4th bedroom.

$341,000 Jennifer Hickey Boise Premier Real Estate 208.724.6124

Kathy Parker 208.869.7537

3898 N La Fontana Way Boise, ID 83702

791 E Harcourt Rd Boise, ID 83702

6052 E Barber Drive Boise, ID 83716

Stunning Colonial home blends old world charm with modern day lifestyles. Elegant formal dining, parlor and gathering room on the main level. Fabulous family/media room in lower level. Lovely home enjoys a tranquil setting with private foothills for a back yard and quiet tree-lined approach.

This gem includes nearly everything new with an inviting great room featuring a front deck with foothills & mountain views. The brand new kitchen is complete with quartz counters, custom rift cut white oak cabinetry, top of the line Jenn Air appliances including a built in refrigerator.

This home lives large and boasts 10’ ceilings and 8’ doors throughout. Impressive master suite with a luxurious master bath is a true homeowners retreat. Hardwood floors, tile, granite and other amazing builder included features. PhotosRenderings similar-BTVA.

$525,000 Core Group Realty

Denise D Thiry $525,000 208.850.6778 Keller Williams Realty Boise

Jace R Skyles 208.871.9912

O2 Real Estate Group

4 BED

2.5 BATH

3 CAR

$519,900 Group One Sotheby’s International Realty

Michael Moir 208.850.7495

$424,900 Woodhouse Group

2355 SF

Sleek and sophisticated Harris Ranch home with edgy curb appeal! Stunning whitewashed brick accent wall compliments elegant gas fireplace in the spacious living room. Open concept kitchen boasts a glistening subway tile back splash, perfectly contrasting the dark counter tops and large island. Incredible master bathroom with impressive double vanity and playful hexagon tile flooring. Huge outdoor patio space and a low maintenance yard. Spacious three car garage and amazing SE Boise location. SEE MORE at TempletonRealEstateGroup.com!

Dawn & Mark Templeton 208.473.2203

Templeton Real Estate Group

Karla Bassett 208.869.6313

$488,700

3022 S. Shadywood Way, Boise, ID 83716

3355 SF

$422,000 Front Street Brokers

2715 SF

Breathtaking Valley views from the Boise Foothills in Harris North! The “Ponderosa Modern Prairie” by Boise Hunter Homes features an open floor plan with large windows throughout that provide never ending appreciation of this beautiful location. Home boasts spacious great room, gourmet kitchen, large game room, and covered balcony accessed from the master suite and bonus room to enjoy the amazing location! Hardwood floors, tile, granite and other amazing builderincluded features. SEE MORE at TempletonRealEstateGroup.com!

5145 W Harker St Eagle, ID 83616

Tia Crabtree 208.484.8215

FOOTHILLS ARE YOUR BACKYARD! The Skyline features a flexible floorplan and designer touches throughout. The amazing gourmet kitchen with stainless appliances, large pantry and ample storage will leave the chef in your life speechless. Spoil your guests with your stunning main level guest suite. And did we mention NO BACKYARD NEIGHBORS? Other than the Foothills, that is! Get ready to fall in love with the natural amenities all around you in East Valley.

$372,800

5 BED

150 W Stone Path Ln. Eagle, ID 83616

5304 W Hakkasan, Boise, ID 83716

The Sutton offers a den / office, an entertainment bar and outside living space! The Sutton is located in the highly sought after Harris Ranch community – The BLVD. The outdoor amenities are second to none: bike along the Greenbelt, take a hike in the Foothills. Fish, swim or float the Boise River! The BLVD is modern, livable and very lovable. All the style, none of the hassles! *Photos similar.

Kami Brandt 208.713.1933

271 S. Barkvine Way Star, ID 83669

Templeton Real Estate Group

Carlette Macklin 208.420.3640

$728,590 Silvercreek Realty Group 55

DINING GUIDE Bacon $$$ American 121 N 9th Street Boise | 208.387.3553 | baconboise.com Café, Vegetarian Friendly. Patio. Everything is bacon-based. Waterfront Grill at the Drink $$$ American 3000 Lakeharbor Lane, Boise | 208.853.5070 | thedrinkboise.com Bar. Pub. Nice setting right on the lake. Chocolate volcano. Open until 2 am Mazzah $$$ Mediterraen 404 E Parkcenter Blvd, Boise | 208.333.2223 | mazzahboise.com Voted Best of Boise for 10 years. Gyros, Baba Ghannooj, Dolmades, Baklava. Lucky 13 $$$ American 23662 South Eckert Rd, Boise | 208.344.6967 | lucky13pizza.com Pizza. Outdoor deck. Perfect bicycle destination near the Greenbelt. Boise Fry Company $$$ American 3083 S Bown Way, Boise | 208.965.1551 | boisefrycompany.com Fries made fresh with peanut oil. Choose from russet, gold, white, sweet, yam, purple and Okinawa potatoes. Café Olé Restaurant & Cantina $$$ Mexican Boise Towne Square | 208.322.0222 - 3284 E Pine, Meridian | 208.887.3888 cafeole.com Authentic traditional dishes have guests leaving with full tummies and happy hearts. Bella Aquila $$$ Italian 775 S Rivershore Ln, Eagle | 208.938.1900 | bellaaquilarestaurant.com Gluten free options, vegetarian friendly. Treat yourself to house made lasagne. The Griddle $$$ American 404 E Parkcenter Blvd #200, Boise | 208.297.7615 | thegriddle.com Made from scratch home-style cooking and hefty portions. Raw Sushi $$$ Japanese 2273 S Vista Ave, Boise | 208.343.0270 | rawsushiboise.com Enjoy sushi, sashimi and maki in zen-like decor. Rice Contemporary $$$ Asian 228 E Plaza St. Suite Q, Eagle | 208.939.2595 | riceeagle.com Flavors of the Far East. Patio. Live music on Thursday night. Sa-wad-dee Thai Restaurant $$$ Thai 1890 E Fairview Ave, Suite B, Meridian | 208.884.0701 | sawaddeethai.com Vegetarian friendly. Delicious dishes with exotic names like shrimp in the mud or salmon in the jungle. Richard’s $$$ Italian 500 S Capitol Blvd, Eagle | 208.472.1463 | richardsboise.com Creative delicious takes on prime rib. Tiramisu Cheesecake. Taj Mahal $$$ Indian 150 N 8th St, Boise | 208.473.7200 | facebook.com/TajMahalBoiseIndian Family made served family style. Standout dishes include chicken biryani and vindaoo lamb.

BEER & WINE BREWERIES

Sockeye Grill and Brewery

3 Horse Ranch Vineyards

3019 Cole Road, Boise | 208-658-1533 12542 W Fairview Boise | 208-322-5200 sockeybrew.com

5900 Pearl Road, Eagle 208-863-6561 | 3horseranchvineyards.com

Crooked Fence Brewing Co. Tasting Room - 5242 Chinden Blvd. Garden City Crooked Flats - 3705 Hwy 16, Eagle 208-258-6882 | crookedfencebrewing.com

High Hollow Brewhouse 2455 Harrison Hollow Lane, Boise 208-343-6820 | highlandshollowbrewhouse.com

Boise Brewing Tasting Room - 521 W Broad St, Boise 208-342-7655 | boisebrewing.com

TASTING ROOMS

Telaya Wine Co. 240 E 32nd St., Garden City 208-557-9463 | telayawine.com

Cinder Wines 107 E 44th Street Garden City 208-376-4023 | cinderwines.com

BodoVino 404 S. 8th Street Boise 208-336-8466 | bodovino.com