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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