FREE
Jan/Feb 2021
THE JOSHUA INSTITUTE MICROBE FORMULAS The familiest of businesses
PIGGY BANKS
Create one; win something
Beating learning challenges
BROTHERS AND TRIKES
A bonding experience
Parents Mike and Julianna Maul with their son Stellan, all of Melba
K-12 CLASSICAL CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
NOW MORE THAN EVER, WE NEED KIDS WHO CAN
THINK with depth, BELIEVE with courage, and SERVE with compassion. A recent study conducted by the University of Notre Dame on behalf of Cardus found that when compared to graduates of other types of schools, classical Christian graduates were more likely to take action against injustice, are more involved in organizations outside church, are less likely to be swayed by consensus opinion, and spend more time volunteering in their community. Go to theambroseschool.org for a link to the full study, and learn more about how a classical Christian education can help your child think with depth, believe with courage, and serve with compassion. 6100 N. Locust Grove Rd. | Meridian, ID 83646 | (208) 323-3888 | theambroseschool.org
A C| C E PFamily T I NMagazine G APPLICATIONS 2 JAN/FEB 2021 Idaho
F O R www.idahofamilymagazine.com 2021-22
Contents
Features
Volume 9, Number 1 Publisher J.J. Plew Associate Publisher Adrianne Goff Adrianne@globalpsd.com Cover Photo Blush Artistries Photography Editor Gaye Bunderson editorgaye@gmail.com Sales & Marketing J.J. Plew jj@idahofamilymagazine.com 208-697-2043 Contributors Luke Erickson, Mackenzie Hendricks, Jessie Horney, Cara Johnson-Bader, Dennis Lopez Graphic Design Carol Smiley csmileydesign@gmail.com
Jan/Feb 2021
Joshua Institute
4
Microbe Formulas
6
Brother act
8
From back yard to big success
Follow us on Facebook www.idahofamilymagazine.com
Real Families
14 The Horney Village
Don’t overthink!
In Each Edition 10 Family Events Calendar
Distribution Shauna Howard, Doris Evans
Idaho Family Magazine, published monthly by Gem Production Co., LLC, is committed to providing readers with informative and entertaining information to help them in maintaining healthy families and positive lifestyles. It is distributed throughout the valley as a free publication. Idaho Family Magazine does not assume responsibility for statements or opinions expressed by editorial contributors or advertisers. The acceptance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or information. Idaho Family Magazine does not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without express written consent of the publisher. Reader correspondence and editorial submissions are welcome. Idaho Family Magazine reserves the right to edit or reject all materials submitted. All rights reserved. Copyright 2021 by Gem Production Co., LLC.
5 Real Money, Piggy banks
Beating learning challenges
Riding trikes together
Columns
Caring for others
13
Some family tips
Children’s Photos Wanted Idaho Family Magazine would love to put your child or children on our cover. All photos should be high quality, sharp and clear, and high resolution of around 300 ppi. Color photos are preferred, and all photos need to be vertical not horizontal. Please identify the children in the photos, the children’s ages, and what Treasure Valley community they reside in. (If chosen for the cover, their last names will not be used without permission.) Send the photos to editorgaye@gmail.com.
FREE
Jan/Feb 2021
MICROBE FORMUL A The fami liest of business
Beating learning challeng es
es
BROTHER S AND TR IKES
PIGGY BANKS
Create one; win som ethin
THE JOSHUA INSTITUT E
g
A bonding
experienc
e
Parents Mike and Julian with their na Maul son Stella n, all of Melba
Idaho Family Magazine | JAN/FEB 2021 3
THE JOSHUA INSTITUTE
A place for kids who learn differently By Gaye Bunderson
F
or some students, learning is easy. For others, it’s challenging but doable with some effort. For others still, learning is a constant struggle, even though some students in that group are far from lacking in mental abilities. Connie Risser, founder of The Joshua Institute, was a student in the latter category. Now in her late 50s, Risser can still recall the difficult school days when she was overlooked and often blamed for her lackluster academic performances. It wasn’t until later in her life that she discovered she is dyslexic. Suddenly, her school days were put into perspective. It wasn’t that she couldn’t learn. She just couldn’t learn the traditional way that was comfortable for almost everyone else. Risser has an impressive record of achievement despite her dyslexia. She and her husband Jason are missionaries with Mission Aviation Fellowship. The Risser family – Connie, Jason and their three children – lived and did mission work in Africa for 15 years. In 2004, when Risser’s 9-year-old daughter was unable to read, her mom contacted the Member Care Department of Mission Aviation Fellowship in order to get some help for her child. As it turned out, both Risser and her daughter have the same learning difficulty. Thankfully, the MAF staff members had recently attended a conference for children where dyslexia was discussed. They referred Risser to the National Institute for Learning Development (NILD.org) and told her, “It would be good for you to come and get some training.” She did go through their training – all three levels – and realized in doing so that her own academic challenges could be traced back to dyslexia. That knowledge, and the subsequent training she received, were a godsend. The now-informed mom returned to Africa and worked with her child. “Within 10 months, my daughter was reading ‘The Chronicles of Narnia,’” Risser said. Risser had already acquired a degree in international ministries from Moody Bible Institute. She then went on to receive her graduate degree beginning with NILD, and eventually a master’s degree in education. Risser was raised in a Christian family in Minnesota and knew from an early age that she was going to be a missionary. Even after leaving Africa and moving to the Gem State, her missionary calling remained intact. After living in Idaho for a few months, someone told her, “There’s an unreached people group here called ‘dyslexic children’.” Helping students who struggle is still part of her God-given purpose. She began working with children with dyslexia from out of her home. “I started in my living room with a handful of children,” she said. A year later, she became the founder and director of the Idaho Learning Center, which later changed its name to the Joshua Institute. In 2008, it became a non4 JAN/FEB 2021 | Idaho Family Magazine
profit organization, now 13 years old. In 2015, the Institute moved to its current location at 2150 W. Cherry Lane in Meridian. It survives through tuition, but also through donations and grants to help those who cannot afford tuition. Seventy-five students attend the Institute (either in the TI Academy or individual services), and Connie Risser 15 professionally trained educational coaches work to help them succeed. Being dyslexic herself, Risser understands the students’ challenges and how they learn best, because they’re just like her. “I am a visionary, a big picture learner. I see the bigger details, with a lot of color and description,” she said. “But memorizing is hard.” She said she would inevitably do poorly on a multiple-choice exam, but when she first conceived of JI, she could visualize the whole thing in her mind – with “description,” as she puts it. She also feels she’s a communicator, and dyslexia only enhances her ability to get her message across to others. Describing the methods at the Joshua Institute which benefit the students most, Risser said, “We use methods known to help students with learning difficulties. But it’s very individualized; it is focused on NILD multi-sensory techniques that are research-based and accredited by the International Dyslexia Association. Testing is required for every student. We then look at the data and design a plan that is tailored for each student’s needs. We thrive at closing the gap between what they can do and what they struggle to do.” The Institute is for any child who’s struggling with learning, according to Risser. She also wants people to know: “The Institute’s Academy is a Christian school.” A child doesn’t have to come from a Christian background to attend. Every child is welcome. But, Risser stated, “We long for every child to know they are dearly loved by God and that He created them ON purpose and FOR a purpose. We get to walk alongside them to help them figure that out.” As with all schools that are dealing with the consequences of COVID-19, JI put some necessary protocols in place according to State Department of Education specifications; and there are never more than 8 students per class, which automatically helps with social distancing, Risser said. For more information about the Joshua Institute, go to www. joshuainstitute.org. It’s an all-year institution with a two-month break in late summer. There are often staff openings. “I will continue to need more educational coaches as we grow,” said Risser. Information about qualifications and other relevant job specifications are also available on the website. www.idahofamilymagazine.com
REAL MONEY, REAL FAMILIES
Piggy banks: childhood dream guardians By Luke Erickson
W
hen my son was younger he asked me why I had to leave and go to work. I told him it was because I had to “bring home the bacon.” Months later my wife was driving him and his little friend through town. His friend pointed to a real estate office and said that his dad worked there and sold houses. He then asked my son what I did for a living. My son replied proudly, “My dad makes bacon!” I’m actually a finance professor, but the title of “Bacon Maker” is equally noble in my opinion. Bacon makes life so much better, doesn’t it? And it’s not just bacon; let’s not forget sausage in a spicy burrito, fried pork chops, a seasoned grilled pork loin, or the ever delectable holiday ham. I haven’t even mentioned the dog yet, as in hot- and corn-, and their bigger, juicer cousin, the brat. These are symbols of ballgames and summertime grilling. I mean, it’s almost patriotic to eat hot dogs on the Fourth of July, am I right? Yes, dogs…FROM PIGS! And that’s what makes the pig a truly a magical animal, my friends. Indeed, we love the pig….when it’s dinnertime, but I’m a little worried that our portly pink pal doesn’t always get the respect he deserves. You see, before the pig
Luke Erickson
With so many children doing some, or all, of their schoolwork from home, or teachers struggling to find fun, educational “distance” activities, the Piggy Bank Beauty Contest can be a fun, hands-on, educational learning activity for individual families or classes.
is diced up and grilled, he’s commonly referred to in derogatory ways and serves as a symbol of stank, sloth, and gluttony. “You eat like a pig!” “This place looks like a pig-sty!” “Dude, you’re hoggin’ all the bacon!” Oh, the irony of it all. Let’s just admit that we’re jealous that the pig can get away with such egregious manners and still manage to be invited to most of our most celebrated occasions…albeit on a plate. But never fear. There is one area of our society that reveres the uncooked pig as it should, and that is in finance. Yes, for years the piggy has served as the quintessential symbol of financial responsibility. I guess the “lazy,” “stinky,” “gluttonous” pig also happens to be very financially sensible. Who knew? And yet imagine a world without piggy banks – those noble guardians of our wildest hopes and dreams since childhood. Every time you drop another found nickel into its vast abdomen and hear that familiar clank, you know you are one step closer to that glorious financial goal of yours. It feels like nothing can stop you and your faithful piggy from conquering the world. And perhaps best of all, it helps youngsters build a habit of saving, which is at the foundation of all financial success. In deference to the power of the magical, financially responsible piggy, each year the Idaho Continued on Page 12
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MICROBE FORMULAS
6 of 7 family members involved in business By Mackenzie Hendricks
I
t all started in one family’s backyard in Meridian, Idaho, and has grown into a multi-million dollar company. In 2017, two doctors met, after each was battling with personal health challenges. Dr. Jay Davidson and Dr. Todd Watts decided to create the supplement company Microbe Formulas to help others overcome chronic illness. But they needed a CEO to launch the company off the ground. Then Ryan Riley literally came knocking on the door. Since they attended the same church, Riley came to introduce himself to Dr. Watts. Dr. Watts proceeded to explain their new supplement company and their products. Riley admits from the get-go he was skeptical. “I’ve worked for every health and supplement company under the sun,” he says. “I’ve developed the back-end for tons of them. So when I heard about these ‘revolutionary new products,’ I rolled my eyes a little.” But then Dr. Watts gave him access to the store and reports. Riley did his own analysis and noted their potential for success, as well as saw the positive responses from customers. “I am all in,” Riley decided.
We understand your time is valuable. We won’t waste a minute of it.
From there, they operated out of the Riley backyard: creating a website, setting up a manufacturing process, taking calls from customers, and so on. Riley’s wife, Christina Riley, joined the company soon after. She helped handle many of the logistics of a start-up. Now, she works as the Director of Events. And she’s not the only Riley family member to join the Microbe team. A family of seven, six of the Rileys work at Microbe Formulas. Brayden Riley, 21, is the Customer Care Manager. He started out taking phone calls and now manages the Support Team. “I’ve been part of this company since the beginning,” says Brayden Riley. “Starting off in our backyard, then moving into a new warehouse, and then moving to our current bigger location. It’s been incredible to see the company’s growth, and how many lives we’ve touched in the process.” Conor Riley, 20, is currently interning with the media department to cultivate his love for photography. His younger brothers, Davis and Dallan, are still in high school. But that hasn’t stopped them from helping out outside school and lacrosse practice. Davis, 17, works in shipping during the offseason. Dallan, 14, assists the Support Team in the summer and is also interning at the Microbe lab. Hattie Riley, age 6, is too busy bossing around her older brothers and loving all things Disney. But she is the up-andcoming Riley team member. “Working as a family, it’s rad,” Ryan Riley explains. “But it’s also important to take time outside of work to be together. It’s about maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It’s easy to
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6 JAN/FEB 2021 | Idaho Family Magazine
The Riley family stands in the Meridian warehouse of Microbe Formulas. They include, from left, Davis Riley, Dallan Riley, Ryan Riley (CEO/owner), Christina Riley, Hattie Riley and Conor Riley. (Photo by Jed Davis) www.idahofamilymagazine.com
Microbe Formulas aims to put ‘People First,’ including its customers and team members. get caught up in talking shop, which is why we make an effort to set aside family time.” Outside of work, Ryan Riley is an avid skateboarder and enjoys doing that with his kids. As a family, they love to travel, try new foods, and spend time outdoors. “Microbe is family-centered, even as we keep growing,” Christina Riley adds. “That’s why we put so much focus on our core values as a company. We don’t want to lose that identity and what makes us different.” Two of their core values are ‘People First’ and ‘Excellence and Integrity.’ Microbe Formulas aims to put ‘People First,’ including its customers and team members. The company wants to lead from a place of love – and this starts with the people behind the brand. The company also centers on ‘Excellence and Integrity.’ Ryan Riley explains, “We are looking to better our customers’ lives. To do so, we need to create solutions that work. By being 1% better each day, as a team and individually, we get closer to our mission of changing the world.” Microbe Formulas started out in a suburban backyard with only a few team members (including three Rileys). Now, the company has over 100 team members and an astounding
2794.60% revenue growth from 2017 to today. They also have 20 different immune- and gut-support products, including their flagship product, Mimosa Pudica Seed. Besides their rapid growth, they look at another number to measure their success: lives touched. “In our monthly company meeting, we look at ‘lives touched,’” says Brayden Riley. “How many people we have helped with our coaching services, education, outreach programs, products, etc. It doesn’t capture everyone, but it shows some of the difference we’ve made in people’s health journeys.” To date, in 2020 the company touched over 2,484,278 lives. But Ryan Riley explains this level of impact is hard to pin down. Like a ripple effect, the company and its values have influenced far more than they can ever track. Ryan Riley adds, “Our mission statement is, ‘Creating solutions that work is what we do. Restoring hope and health is who we are.’ And that isn’t only limited to our customers. I’ve seen this company bless the lives of team members, including my family.” For more information on Microbe Formulas, visit the conpany website at microbeformulas.com or contact Shawnda Huffman, Director of PR, at shawnda.huffman@microbeformulas.com.
Brush the sugar bugs away — to keep the smiles in play!
Cheers to 2021!
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Celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month in February!
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Idaho Family Magazine | JAN/FEB 2021 7
TOGETHER AGAIN
Brothers’ boyhoods re-emerge on trikes By Dennis Lopez
If you never have seen or ridden a recumbent trike, I suggest you look into it. For those of us who want and need exercise and have balance problems or simply don’t want to deal with a two-by-four on-end seat of a regular bike, they are terrific. You simply drop into the low-slung seat, put your feet on the pedals and go at any pace that works for you. It’s that simple and a heck of a lot of fun. A few years back, I bought a WizWheelz recumbent trike. Low, yellow, 27-speeds with a seat just a few inches off the ground, it was fast and fun but the needs of a new business venture meant selling stuff to buy equipment. So goodbye trike and riding altogether. Fast forward to last spring. My brother called and told me he had received a trike from the Veteran’s Administration as part of his therapy for Parkinson’s disease. “Still got yours?” “Nope. Sold it. Remember?” “You otta get one. We could ride together.” Ten minutes later he was on the phone again. “I think I found one for you.” And just like that and a thousand dollars later, I was back
8 JAN/FEB 2021 | Idaho Family Magazine
into recumbent triking. Well, not exactly just like that. There was the matter of a helmet, gloves and shoes…and a trailer to haul the thing around. Then later it required snappy “riding pants,” a jersey so colorful that it makes a jockey’s colors look pale, a special highvisibility I-look-like-a-highway-project-flag person jacket and of course rain gear. Throw in a bunch of other odds and ends and my $1,000 trike became one of “those projects” that seem simple at first but the ancillary stuff adds up. But I don’t care. What I really care about is the amazing transformation that takes place today while riding with my brother. In a way I find it very hard to explain but riding together takes us back to our boyhood, back to the uncomplicated times of riding our beat up Schwinn’s on the ditch banks and backroads around our ancestral home in Fruitland. Riding together now on trikes that singularly cost more than all of our cars in high school did collectively, we go back to the easy times before we were beaten down by jobs or family tragedies or failed marriages. Back to a time when we had not yet been to war or college or even much beyond our geographic niche on the Idaho-Oregon border.
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You see, my brother is my best friend. He always has been, even when life and circumstances put both geographic and emotional distance between us. We were dinner-table coconspirators; the guys who had their own cryptic language and inside jokes that I am not sure even we understood. Together we shared a small, hell-hot or arctic-cold room and a them vs. us attitude towards most of the outside world. We probably knew more about one another than our parents ever did, together sharing secrets held to this day. Crashed cars, fuel “borrowed” from our dad’s gas barrel, clandestine meetings with girls, fights at the library; the list was long but by today’s standards, remarkably innocent. Our trike riding unexpectedly proved to be an extension of our closeness as brothers. Our first trike ride together was sponsored by the Boise Veterans Hospital with a group of other disabled veterans. On that ride, my brother and I somehow always ended up at the end of the pack. This was both a function of our riding abilities as well as our inability to stop talking to one another. The group leader spent as much time riding back to find us poking along as he did at the head of the group. Oddly enough, we were invited back to subsequent rides, most likely for comic relief. While riding, we inexplicably always seem to end up laughing at sophomoric jokes we have told over and over throughout the years. Somehow, they remain funny every time one of us tells one. But I suspect they are only funny to us because, like riding, they take us to a place where we were happiest.
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The author (right) and his brother enjoy a trike ride sponsored by the Boise Veterans Hospital. Riding trikes has given them the opportunity to spend more time together and get exercise at the same time. (Photo by Kelly Odell of the VA) Riding side by side, we drop into a pace that allows for a constant stream of words between the two of us. I have heard his stories for nearly three-quarters of a century yet I can, and do, listen to them as though they are brand new. He is equally tolerant of me. Brothers, yes, but also old friends enjoying time together as only those who have shared life can. As winter approaches, our riding is slowing down a bit. Old age and cold do not mix well. I do not know what the future holds for my brother and Parkinson’s. I do know that I will be there with him through the process. And I know that I will be there to ride with him as long as he wants to ride, not only the greenbelt, but down memory lane as well.
Idaho Family Magazine | JAN/FEB 2021 9
CALENDAR JANUARY Foster care informational meetings
Foster parents are needed to provide a safe, temporary home for children and youth who are in foster care. Attending an informational meeting will give potential foster parents a basic understanding of who the children in foster care are, the roles and responsibilities of foster parents, and what’s needed to become licensed to foster. During an informational meeting, participants will hear from an experienced foster parent about the rewards and challenges of fostering, and will learn more about the background of some of the children and the length of time it will take to get a placement. The meetings are being held through Zoom, so anyone can join from the comfort of their own home. Meetings are sponsored by Fostering Idaho through the EWU-Family Resource and Training Center. Visit their website at https://familyrtc. org/fosteringidaho/events for the full calendar of upcoming meetings. If you have questions, contact Monique Layton, recruitment coordinator, at (208) 249-0180 or mlayton4@ewu.edu.
Nampa Recreational Center
With the safety and wellness of the community in mind, the Nampa Recreation Center and Recreation Department will continue to operate with guidelines and protocols to help patrons and members safely access the facility and programs for health and wellness. With the move back to Stage 2 of the Idaho Rebounds Plan as of early November, there is a return to a number of safety measures. But programs are still taking place. Go to nampaandparksrecreation.org for more information.
Area libraries
Many libraries in the area are open for limited services, with limited numbers of patrons allowed in at a time. Social distancing and masks are required. Some libraries are also offering contactless pickup of library items, as well as online programs for all ages. For more information, go to: • Ada Community Libraries: www.adalib.org • Boise Public Library: www.boisepubliclibrary. org • Caldwell Public Library: www.caldwellpubliclibrary.org • Eagle Public Library: www.eaglepubliclibrary.org • Garden City Library: www.notaquietlibrary.org • Meridian Library District: www.mld.org • Nampa Public Library: www.nampalibrary.org
Area parks
There are dozens of parks in the Treasure Valley, and more than one in each local community. Following proper CDC guidelines, families may partake of the outdoors in one of many nearby parks. For more information on what’s available for free, fun, healthy entertainment, go to: • Parks in Boise – https://www.cityofboise.org/ departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/ • Parks in Caldwell – https://www.cityofcaldwell. org/departments/parks-recreation • Parks in Eagle – https://www.cityofeagle. org/174/Park-Locations-Maps • Parks in Meridian – https://meridiancity.org/ parks/ • Parks in Nampa – https://www. nampaparksandrecreation.org/101/ParksFacilities
Zoo Boise
Zoo Boise is doing all it can to keep visitors safe. Advance tickets are required for all visitors. The zoo will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with entry times available every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to reduce lines and allow for physical distancing among guests. There is a set pathway around the zoo, and some exhibits and activities are not open. Zoo Boise is asking visitors to wear masks while at the zoo, and all staff will be wearing masks. For tickets, go to https://zooboise.org/online-ticketing/.
10 JAN/FEB 2021 | Idaho Family Magazine
Boise Art Museum
Boise Art Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. There is plenty of space for physical distancing and quiet contemplation at the museum. For the health and safety of visitors and staff, the BAM experience is now no-touch or low-touch, with enhanced disinfecting protocols throughout the building. The museum highly recommends purchasing tickets in advance online at http://www.boiseartmuseum.org/ bam-admission-purchase/.
Discovery Center of Idaho
The Discovery Center is open to the public for exploring. There are some important changes you should know before your visit, including: advanced tickets are required; hands-on exhibits have been removed for now and the Young Learner’s area is closed; masks are required for your entire visit; cards only please – no cash is accepted at this time. For times and other information, go to dcidaho.org.
Winter Garden Aglow
The City of Caldwell’s annual Winter Garden Aglow will be lighted up through January 10 along Indian Creek. Drive by or walk along the path, practicing safe distancing and wearing a mask. For more information, go to indiancreekplaza.com.
American Red Cross Volunteering Virtual Open House
A virtual open house known as “Experience the Mission” is held at 6 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month for anyone interested in volunteering with the American Red Cross. The first program of 2021 will be held January 20. If you are stuck at home, searching for new activities to do during this time, then go online and learn about the impact the Red Cross has made in the community and how you can help. To RSVP, go to https://volunteerconnection.redcross. org/?nd=vms_public_form&form_id=8298. If you have questions, email IDMT.Recruiting@ redcross.org or call 208-488-5231.
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of Events Cinderella
Performances of “Cinderella,� presented by Music Theatre of Idaho (originally set to be performed in May 2020), have been rescheduled for January 28-30 at the Nampa Civic Center. For confirmation, and to purchase tickets, go to nampaciviccenter.org, call (208) 442-3232, or stop by the Nampa Civic Center business office at 311 3rd St. S.
McCall Winter Carnival 2021
The McCall Winter Carnival 2021 will run from January 29 through February 7. While much of the Winter Carnival will remain unchanged, many events will be altered to align with public health and safety best practices due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Large gatherings are of particular concern, and the McCall Area Chamber’s commitment to the health and safety of residents and visitors means that some events will be cancelled. However, carnival-goers can still expect to enjoy snow sculptures, vendors, family fun, and outdoor recreation. To stay up-to-date, watch the McCall Chamber’s Winter Carnival PSA at https://youtu.be/E1hBYPjY5hw and visit VisitMcCall.org online.
21st Annual Idaho Remodeling & Design Show
The annual design show is tentatively set to take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, January 30, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, January 31, at Boise Centre. For more information, go to https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/idaho-remodeling-designshow-tickets-91914321209.
Beginning January, 2021 Please send family-related calendar items to editorgaye@gmail.com
MARCH
Indian Creek Ice Skating Season
The Indian Creek Ice Skating Rink in downtown Caldwell is open through February 13. A COVID-19 Strategic Plan has been implemented to keep skaters safe, but there is still ample opportunity to get out and skate. For more information, go to indiancreekplaza.com.
Spring Sports Madness for Moms and Sons
Nampa Rec Center’s annual event for moms and sons, Spring Sports Madness, is set for 7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 6. There will be pizza, basketball, dodgeball, other games, and a photo booth. Tickets will be limited, so inquire early at nampaparksandrecreation.org.
Caldwell Fine Arts
Caldwell Fine Arts is marking its 60th year; however, many performances were cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. Now, just in time for Valentine’s Day 2021, CFA is tentatively set to present the Side Street Strutters at 7 p.m. Saturday, February 13, in Jewett Auditorium on the College of Idaho campus. The entertaining musical group will perform works from the Golden Age of Jazz. For tickets or more information, go to caldwellfinearts.org. At 7 p.m. Thursday, February 25, also at Jewett, CFA is tentatively set to present “Breach of Peace,� a solo play based on true accounts of participants of the Freedom Rides. Go to caldwellfinearts.org. (Various performances and programs are also planned for March, April and May, closing out CFA’s 2020-2021 season.)
Kids Fair 2021
The annual Kids Fair at Expo Idaho is tentatively set for February 27. Follow the Kids Fair and get updates at expoidaho.com.
Red Shoe Shindig
The 2nd annual event benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, March 11, and will be virtual, with options to host a watch party. Bring on those red shoes! Go to https://www.rmhcidaho.org/ redshoe/.
Boise Philharmonic
Boise Phil has continued to present programs throughout the year, with protocols in place, including masks. The philharmonic has a slate of programs set for 2021 as well. Go to https:// boisephil.org/events/calendar/ for more information. (The schedule includes a Family Concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 27, with a presentation of Peter and the Wolf / Carnival of Animals.)
FEBRARY Daddy Daughter Date Night
Nampa Recreation Center’s annual Daddy Daughter Date Night is set to take place at two different times – 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. or 8:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. – on Saturday, February 6. For more information, go to https://www. nampaparksandrecreation.org/191/ Daddy-Daughter-Date-Night.
Broadway in Boise – “Hamilton�
The Broadway hit “Hamilton� is tentatively coming to Boise February 10-28 at the Morrison Center. For confirmation, and to purchase tickets, go to https://www.morrisoncenter.com/events/ detail/hamilton.
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Idaho Family Magazine | JAN/FEB 2021 11
Piggy Banks — Continued from Page 5 Financial Coalition sponsors the Piggy Bank Beauty Contest. The Idaho Financial Literacy Coalition is a state chapter of the National JumpStart Coalition that promotes financial literacy nationwide. In short, the contest is for any child in Idaho in grades 3-6. It can be completed individually or as part of a classroom activity. The piggy bank cannot be larger than a square foot, but that’s pretty much
where the limitations end. And just like the pig can transform into a variety of different things like bacon, ham, and even a pigskin (football), the piggy bank doesn’t actually have to be a pig. It can be anything your child’s mind can imagine. The more creative the better. The banks are due February 2226 (America Saves Week) and can be dropped off at any D.L. Evans Bank or Mountain America Credit Union branch. College savings scholarships of $75 will be awarded by IDeal 529 to the Be a legend. winners of each of the following four Insure your life. categories: 1 – funniest, 2 – prettiest, Be a legend. 3 – most creative, and 4 – celebrity Insure your life. look-alike. Each year the winners are With the right life insurance, you can leave a legacy for also invited to the Governor’s ceremonial your family. I’m here to help. LET’S TALK TODAY. office where the students are presented With the right life insurance, KenKen Wells, Agent With the right life insurance, Wells, Agent with you can leave a legacy for their awards. 600600 N NMidland Blvd you can leave a legacy for Midland Blvd Nampa,ID ID 83651 Nampa, 83651 your family. I’m here to help. With so many children doing some, your family. I’m here to help. Bus: 208-466-4162 Bus:www.kenwells.net 208-466-4162 LET’S TALK TODAY. www.kenwells.net LET’S TALK TODAY. or all, of their schoolwork from home, or teachers struggling to find fun, educational “distance” activities, the State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) Bloomington, IL Piggy Bank Beauty Contest can be a fun,
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hands-on, educational learning activity for individual families or classes. All the details about the contest can be found at the Idaho Financial Literacy Coalition website: http://www.idahoflc.org/ piggy-bank-about/ Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go explain to my children that I do not actually “bring home the bacon” by making bacon. I just write articles… about bacon. On second thought…I’ll just grab some bacon on my way home. It’s easier to just own it. Luke Erickson, Ph.D., AFC®, is an associate professor of personal finance for the University of Idaho. He lives and works in the Treasure Valley. Luke and his wife Rachel have been married for 15 years and live in Meridian, Idaho with their four energetic children. Got questions or comments about kids and money? Email them to erickson@uidaho.edu, and he’ll respond in future articles.
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5 SURE-FIRE TIPS
Make caring for others a family habit By Cara Johnson-Bader
W
ould you like to raise a compassionate child? If so, you are not alone. Fortunately, research tells us that kindness and empathy are qualities your child can learn. Practicing kindness gives children better mental and physical health, builds stronger relationships, and helps develop a higher sense of self-worth. These sure-fire tips will make caring for others (and our planet) an everyday habit in your family.
about the importance of giving to others, and encourage your child to donate any books, toys, clothes, sports equipment, or other materials they no longer use.
Read books about kindness and compassion
Lots of people are isolated and lonely right now. Spread cheer by creating “happy” mail for seniors, hospitalized children, Meals on Wheels recipients, our troops, and others.
Read books about kindness and compassion with your child, and use reflection questions to deepen your child’s understanding to create a truly meaningful experience. Here are a few of our favorite books and reflection questions to encourage meaningful conversations about kindness and compassion. • Stone Soup by Jon J. Muth – How does sharing and giving change a community? • Thank you, Omu! by Oge Mora – Can you think of three people you would like to write a thank you letter to? Who are they and what would you say? If you have time, write those letters! • Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud – How can you spot an empty bucket? And what can you do to fill it up? • The Secret of Saying Thanks by Douglas Wood – Can you name three things that you are grateful for or three things that made you smile? • I Can Make a Difference: A Treasury to Inspire Our Children by Marian Wright Edelman – How would you know if someone was having a bad day and may need a little extra kindness?
Host a kindness cleanup. Many people would benefit from receiving things that you no longer use. Talk to your child
Cara Johnson-Bader is the Vice President of Marketing and Parent Experiences at New Horizon Academy and mother of two young boys. Learn more about New Horizon Academy at newhorizonacademy.net.
Pitch in
Helping with chores is your child’s first lesson in contributing to the common good. Doing chores teaches kindness, responsibility, teamwork, independence, and respect. Research says that children who begin helping early (by age 3 or 4) are more likely to be successful as adults.
Tidy your neighborhood
Let your child see you caring for your surroundings. Carry a small trash bag on your neighborhood walks. Move leaves and debris away from storm sewers to keep water moving during storms. When hiking, leave wilderness spots cleaner than how you found them. Talk often about the importance of caring for the planet.
Spread good cheer
Share with others
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Idaho Family Magazine | JAN/FEB 2021 13
THE HORNEY VILLAGE
Stop thinking about your kids so much By Jessie Horney
O
bviously this is going to seem like an argument in defense of casual parenting, as most of my essays do, because I am quite often a casual parent (or rather, a parent actively trying to avoid the boredom of life as a caregiver); but I promise it’s not just that. It’s a little that. I’m only 8 years into parenting, which is laughable as far as a “here’s what I do” kind of thing, but I’m part of a big family, married into a big family, and have watched a lot of kids grow up. So really, I promise, this is mostly an argument in defense of raising good people, not good children. There is a difference, and I am passionate about the nuanced direction that splits those paths. My kids’ school district is a bit of a dumpster fire this year, changing pandemic response plans and schedules every few weeks since August. I don’t mind, because I will do anything to have these people in school and if that means staying flexible, then call me Gumby and pass the hand sanitizer. However, it is a lot of scheduling to keep straight, including a new “Monday early release” that started the same week my kids reentered society after the world’s
14 JAN/FEB 2021 | Idaho Family Magazine
longest quarantine due to my own COVID-19 case. (Feeling fine, thanks for asking! Check my Instagram if you want the full scoop, @jessie.horney.) I’m glad to get them home a few extra hours a week, so the early release is great, but remembering to leave two hours earlier than usual for pick up is challenging. I know, I know, “set a phone alarm.” My 8-year-old said the same thing, but I don’t always know where my phone is, to be honest, so even if the alarm is going off I might not hear it anyway. I was at a meeting this week when my phone vibrated in my coat pocket, and against my normal instincts I checked to see who was calling (I would normally check after the meeting) and whaddyaknow, it was the school secretary wondering if I was on my way. By the time I got out of the meeting and pulled into the school parking lot, my 1st and 2nd grader had been waiting 45 minutes in the front office. They shuffled their little walk of shame out to my car, and I called out sincerest apologies through my mask as the principle waved goodbye and we drove straight to the ice-cream shop, where I fed them chocolate sundaes with guilt sprinkled on top and told them that it builds character to
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“Their joy and their pain are meant to shape them into their best selves, into capable people who got left at school sometimes but stuck together and learned how to solve their own problems.” solve problems and ask for help. Like when your mom doesn’t show up at your normal pick up spot in the neighborhood after school and you have to walk back to the office to call her and then wait. “You’re just getting good at finding solutions!” I suggested, as they glared at me with chocolate sauce on their chins. While I don’t plan to make a habit of forgetting my children, I actually do believe it’s good for them to understand a few things in that situation. 1. They are smart and capable. They knew what to do, how to do it, and they solved a problem on their own. 2. They’re not the center of the universe. And they are especially not the center of my universe. When we give in to the temptation to orient our world around our kids, when we worry about their safety and happiness enough that they are suddenly small gods, and us, devout worshippers at the altar of their well-being, their world tilts askew. When the weight of their lives outstrips the weight of everything around them, they’re burdened. They are burdened with themselves, with the heavy permission we’ve given them to be anxious, fretful, selfish beings. Of course this is not our goal! We think we are doing what’s best by protecting them and making their lives beautiful and safe. Wendy Mogel’s book, The Blessing of a Skinned Knee, shook me up as a young parent, and cut into sharp relief how to get the kids I wanted: self-reliant, kind, and strong. While I’m certain she wouldn’t advocate purposefully leaving my kids to languish in the school office with all the other forgotten children, she talks a lot about releasing certain risks and consequences into the hands of our kids because, as she says,
“Real protection means teaching children to manage risks on their own, not shielding them from every hazard.” I am not interested in raising ‘good children’, bubblewrapped kids content to bask in the warm glow of a perfectly curated childhood and upbringing. The world isn’t built for their happiness or safety, and pretending it is does my kids a great disservice. I want them to know that yes, they matter. Yes, they are worth the purest kind of love and affection. But no, their pain is not to be avoided at all costs. No, their suffering is not a catastrophe. Their joy and their pain are meant to shape them into their best selves, into capable people who got left at school sometimes but stuck together and learned how to solve their own problems. I want to raise adults who contribute, who passionately pursue their giftings and calling, and who see the world not as a stage to perform or be adored, but as fertile ground for their creativity and goodness to flourish for the sake of others. And if that means that sometimes I have to hold back my own fear and watch them stumble, then I pray for the fortitude to do so. But yes, I did set a recurring alarm for early-release days. Relax.
Jessie Horney is a freelance writer and poet. Find her at www.horneymomtellsall.com.
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