Family Events Calendar

CALENDAR

J A N U A R Y 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/Parks-

Facilities

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/. 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.

of Events

Please send family-related calendar items to editorgaye@gmail.com

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. F E B R A R Y 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. 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.

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. M A R C H 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.

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

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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 Be a legend. Insure your life. Be a legend. Insure your life. branch. College savings scholarships of $75 will be awarded by IDeal 529 to the winners of each of the following four Be a legend. categories: 1 – funniest, 2 – prettiest, Insure your life. 3 – most creative, and 4 – celebrity Ken Wells, Agent 600 N Midland Blvd Nampa, ID 83651 Bus: 208-466-4162 With the right life insurance, you can leave a legacy for your family. I’m here to help. look-alike. Each year the winners are also invited to the Governor’s ceremonial

Ken Wells, Agent 600 N Midland Blvd www.kenwells.net Ken Wells, Agent 600 N Midland Blvd With the right life insurance, you can leave a legacy for LET’S TALK TODAY. With the right life insurance, you can leave a legacy for office where the students are presented with their awards.

Nampa, ID 83651 Bus: 208-466-4162 www.kenwells.net Nampa, ID 83651 Bus: 208-466-4162 www.kenwells.net your family. I’m here to help. LET’S TALK TODAY. your family. I’m here to help. LET’S TALK TODAY. With so many children doing some, or all, of their schoolwork from home, State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) State Farm Life 1708145 or teachers struggling to find fun, educational “distance” activities, the Bloomington, IL1708145 and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) Bloomington, IL Piggy Bank Beauty Contest can be a fun, 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.

State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) 1708145 Bloomington, IL

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