Meridian Press 2013-12-13

HIGHTECH TEENS

$1.00

AN EDITION OF THE IDAHO PRESS-TRIBUNE // MYMERIDIANPRESS.COM // 12.13.13

inside

COVER: New tech program draws teens to the library Meridian Library was chosen to be part of a state pilot program that encourages interactive and engaging programs at the library. As part of the program, teens can learn how to use a 3-D printer and other fun technologies.

C M Y K

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SPORTS NEWS Team-by-team preview of the 5A SIC boys basketball season. Borah and Capital enter as the favorites.

But Rocky Mountains also in the mix for a conference title.

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BUSINESS NEWS

LOCAL NEWS

Downtown Meridian roads have now become popular routes, making quaint, old houses great spots for emerging businesses. The city hopes to continue creating mixeduse, walkable areas for residents.

This time of year spurs people to give to those in need. There are plenty of great nonprofits and campaigns in the area, some of which we’ve highlighted for you this week.

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12.13.13 // MYMERIDIANPRESS.COM

TRENDING Today’s Forecast

Follow like And us on us on twitter.com/mymeridianpress

(NOAA)

Mostly cloudy with morning flurries or a snow shower

facebook.com/mymeridianpress

Call 465-8137

catkinson@mymeridianpress.com to place your ad here. 846145

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

EXTENDED OUTLOOK

Fog

29/23

Fog

Fog

28/24

29/23

29/20

Weekend weather will depend on whether or not fog forms in the Treasure Valley. If it does, we’ll stay stuck in the 20s. If it doesn’t, than the 30s are possible. We’ll have snow developing Wednesday night.

Vin Crosby Storm Tracker 2

Watching Out for You FORECAST

Meridian teens exposed to important new tech

T

connect hbeech@mymeridianpress.com

eenagers at the Meridian Library have at their fingertips an advancing technology that is changing our world.

The library was recently given a 3-D printer, which is used in a new pilot program, “Make it at the Library.” Teens get to learn how the printer works and see their designs come to life.

3-D printers, originally created in 1984, turn digital blueprints into models constructed by ultrathin layers of plastic, metal or other materials, according to Popular Science.

Around the world, 3-D printers are used to make things like prosthetic limbs, aircraft parts, surgical instruments, quirky knickknacks and household items. Scientists are even exploring the possibility of using 3-D printers to make synthetic organs, incorporating patients’ stem cells into the design.* I’m curious to see how far 3-D printing will advance in the next 10 years. Not only are 3-D printers shaking up the medical and manufacturing industries, but they’re becoming more common as household tools.

“We have a lot of individuals who want one for hobby, … like buying a sewing machine,” said David Ultis of Reuseum Educational, Inc., which made the library’s 3-D printer.

People are pushing the limits of what they thought was possible to construct.** “I really want there to be a cultural shift for people to know that they are the producers,” Ultis said.

Work: 208-465-8193 Mobile: 208-899-6432 Twitter: @HollyBeechMP Facebook: Holly Beech MP

CRIME WATCH

**Check out this Popular Science article from July: “The 10 Coolest Things You Can 3-D Print Right Now.”

The Meridian Education Foundation recently gave grants worth $120,000 to Joint School District No. 2 music programs.

The Foundation was given an anonymous donation of $350,000 to strictly be used for music programs in the district over the course of three years. This is the final year of awards. Music teachers applied for music grants, and those who were chosen by the Foundation will be awarded throughout this month. Surprise awards will occur at December music concerts and programs.

The Meridian Education Foundation has granted funds to teachers and supported students in the Meridian school district for the last 26 years.

Dec. 4 to Dec. 10 1 commercial burglary 2 runaways 7 medical assists 2 battery 1 curfew violation 2 petit theft 2 vehicles accidents 1 disturbance 1 grand theft auto 1 theft 1 residential burglary 1 resisting/obstructing an officer 1 domestic verbal

n

Meridian Press staff

The Meridian Parks and Recreation Department is developing a 2-acre dog park in Storey Park along Watertower Lane, the city of Meridian announced.

“Dog owners have wanted, and needed, a larger place to take their dogs to run around in our community,” Meridian Parks Superintendent Mike Barton said in a statement. “We are happy we’ve finally found the perfect location to make that happen.”

The park will include separate areas for big and small dogs, picnic shelters, agility equipment and doggy drinking fountains.

City officials haven’t finalized when the park will open or how much it will cost.

“We are doing our best to make this dog park happen as quickly as possible,” Meridian spokeswoman Natalie Podgorski said.

The city doesn’t officially own that property yet, but is waiting on final signatures from government agencies — something that could happen any day, Podgorski said.

WEBEXCLUSIVES This week at mymeridianpress.com: n Police ask for help to find runaway Meridian teen

RAY BOWYER COMPUTER CONSULTANT

Kleiner to hold off-leash hours

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© 2013 Vol. 1, No. 46, 16 pages An edition of the Idaho Press-Tribune

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TRENDING 5 BSU new head football coach has local ties



Boise State’s new head football coach Bryan Harsin said he and his wife are thrilled to be returning to Boise State, where Harsin has been both a football player and an assistant coach.

Most recently, Harsin served as head coach for Arkansas State.

“I appreciate the history and tradition of the Boise State program,” Harsin said. “I embrace that success but won’t rest on it. We will build this program every day with a sense of urgency. I can’t wait to get to work.”

Districts, state spar over Common Core test

Meridian dog park will move to Storey Park with 2-acre area

Police also took calls, investigated or assisted: 3 vehicle burglary 4 grand theft 3 agency assists 1 vandalism 1 domestic battery

30+ Years Experience

*From “Playing God?” by Heather Zeiger in the November/December 2013 issue of Relevant Magazine.

Meridian Education Foundation gives $120K to music programs

Meridian Police Department Log

Police made the following arrests or issued charges: 6 warrants 2 batteries 1 destruction of a telecommunication device 2 possession of marijuana 2 possession of paraphernalia 1 tobacco violation 1 domestic battery in the presence of a child 1 driving under the influence 1 driving without privileges and insurance

For example, Ultis is using a 3-D printer this year to make Christmas gifts for his relatives. (I would tell you what he’s making, but I don’t want to spoil the surprise.)

What’s really cool is that Meridian teens can learn about this important technology early on, spurring their curiosity and comfort level with 3-D printers.

Plus, the pilot program has brought several other technologies to the Meridian Library.

“They haven’t been exposed to a lot of the technology that we use, as far as soldering irons, Arduinos, Raspberry Pis, 3-D printers,” Meridian Library Teen Specialist by Holly Beech Nick Grove said. “But they are used to col- hbeech@mymeridianpress.com laborative work and they like to help each © 2013 MERIDIAN PRESS other, which is really fun to see.”

Since 2009, the community has been using the Meridian Police Department’s K9 training area as a temporary dog park. But starting Jan. 2, it will be closed when construction starts on the new Public Safety Training Center.

Through the end of March, dog owners can take their pets to designated areas in Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park to run off-leash. To view a map of the designated areas, visit meridiancity.org/parks_rec.

ROADREPORT

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As the state launches its new Idaho Core Standards, the state and several of its largest school districts are at odds about how to test students this spring.

The district superintendents say the new Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium test will be costly, and gobble up too much classroom and computer lab time.

The state Education Department concedes that the new test will take more time, but it will also yield more comprehensive student data.

The two sides will meet on Dec. 20 to discuss their differences.

SOURCE: IdahoEdNews.org

Idaho ranked as 12th healthiest state

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According to the 24th Edition of America’s Health Rankings, Idaho ranks 12th this year, compared with other states, marking a significant increase from last year when the state ranked 19th. The 2013 report illustrates Idaho has its share of strengths and challenges. Idaho’s strengths include low prevalence of smoking, low rate of preventable hospitalizations and low prevalence of low birth weight.

Idaho’s challenges are low immunization coverage among children and adolescents, limited availability of primary care physicians and a high incidence rate of pertussis infections.

The report ranks Hawaii as the healthiest state and Mississippi as the least healthy. More at americashealthrankings.org.

Gem State’s pump prices take biggest monthly dive

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Idahoans are finally getting some substantial relief at the pump, according to Idaho’s AAA. Though the state’s gas prices are nowhere near the lowest in the country, a 26-cent decline in the past 30 days is the nation’s biggest.

Idaho’s average price for regular grade gasoline Tuesday was $3.15, well below the $3.43 average price from a year ago.

The U.S. average price Tuesday was $3.20, up six cents from a month ago. Retail gas prices nationwide moved lower following the end of the summer driving season. By Thanksgiving, plentiful supplies, flat demand and falling crude oil prices combined for a welcome relief for motorists.

Dec. 16 job fair set for Labor’s Canyon office

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Fifth Avenue Southwest at Franklin Road to Pennwood Street, lane restrictions with flagging through Dec. 17 for utility, concrete and asphalt work. n Central Drive from Corporate Drive crossing Stratford Drive, lane restrictions with flagging through Dec. 24 for utility work. n Cherry Lane and Meridian Road at the intersection, lane restrictions through Dec. 21 to repair a sewer line. n The areas of Overland Road and Locust Grove Road will have mobile lane restrictions with flagging through Dec. 20 for tree trimming. n

Thirteen employers will hold a job fair Dec. 16 at the Idaho Department of Labor’s Canyon County office, 4514 Thomas Jefferson St. in Caldwell.

Job seekers are urged to bring their resumes to the fair, which runs from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Participating employers are Sorrento Lactalis Inc., HB Specialty Foods, Franz Family Bakeries, CTI-SSI, Plexus, the Idaho Department of Correction, Maximus, Gem State Staffing, Ace Co., Adecco, Boise Cascade Co., the Bureau of Land Management-Vale District and Dickenson Frozen Foods.

The Idaho Workers Opportunity Network, AFL-CIO will also have representatives available to discuss apprenticeship possibilities, and Labor Department staff will provide information about on-the-job training opportunities.

Meridian Press/IPT Newsroom

Managing Editor: Vickie Holbrook • 465-8110 • vholbrook@idahopress.com Local Editor: Charlotte Wiemerslage • 465-8123 • news@mymeridianpress.com Meridian Reporter: Holly Beech • 465-8193 • hbeech@mymeridianpress.com News Hotline & corrections: 465-8124 • news@mymeridianpress.com Sports Editor: Tom Fox • 465-8109 • sports@idahopress.com Obituaries: 465-8128 (weekdays), 465-8124 (weekends) • milestones@idahopress.com

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Classifieds: 467-9253 • classified@idahopress.com Advertising Director: Ron Tincher • 465-8149 • rtincher@idahopress.com Advertising Manager: Erik Franks • 465-8148 • efranks@idahopress.com Sales & Marketing Executive: Krista King • 465-8204 • kking@mymeridianpress.com

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LOCAL NEWS

Greg Kreller/MP

Front page: Chris Caulfield, 16, left, and Josh Merrithew, 11, take a closer look at 3-D printer at work as part of the “Teen Make it Thursday” event at the Meridian Library.

about‘Make It at the Library’ Idaho Commission for Libraries’ pilot project, “Make it at the Library,” has provided the Meridian Library and four others in the state with materials — including a 3-D printer — to offer creative and tech-focused programs for youth.

The goal is to support access to information and new technologies for teens.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Micron Foundation are helping fund the project.

Meridian Library District Director Gretchen Caserotti said the library is thrilled to be a part of the pilot project.

“It’s very much in line with our philosophy, where we’re trying to transform the library to more proactive, engaging programs and services, instead of just … waiting for people to consume the content that we have,” she said. “We want to be allowing opportunities for people to create content. It’s really exciting, we’re thrilled.”

check it out Meridian Library District teen programs: n Teen Open Hangout, 3 p.m., Wednesdays n Teen Make It Thursday, 3:30 p.m. n Teen Manga & Anime Club, 3 p.m., Fridays n Teen Open Gaming, 12 p.m., Mondays These events are held at the Cherry Lane branch — 1326 W. Cherry Lane, Meridian. Check the online calendar before attending, as some groups are canceled during the holidays. n Visit mld.org n Contact the library: 888-4451

Hands-on projects, new tech draw teens to library

S

ince last year, teen attendance in Meridian Library programs has doubled, Library Director Gretchen Caserotti said.

The secret? Listening to what teens want.

“We found that the kids were already coming here, but they weren’t interacting with the library or going to any of the programs that we had,” Meridian Library teen specialist Nick Grove said. “So instead of trying to get them to come to the programs that we were doing, we created programs for them.”

Take “Teen Make It Thursday,” for example, a new pilot program funded by the Idaho Commission for Libraries and other grants.

Thanks to this project, teens can learn how to use a 3-D printer, build their own video game characters and explore robotics.

Plus, they can make projects using good ol’ supplies like beads, plastic building bricks and colorful duct tape.

“I think it’s fun because you get to do what you want to do — you can make whatever you what,” Meridian Middle School sixth-grader Secilia Bedolla said.

Placing an emphasis on teen programming — not just children’s programming — is essential, library assistant Gabby Gardner said.

“They’re the ones that are the next generation,” she said.

“They’re the next

by Holly Beech doctors, the next hbeech@mymeridianpress.com scientists, the © 2013 MERIDIAN PRESS next engineers, and so that needs to be encouraged and fostered.”

With Teen Make It Thursday, new technology is at teens’ fingertips.

“It’s accessible to all of them — you don’t Photos by Greg Kreller/MP have to be skilled at the technology part, that’s the beauty,” Gardner said. “You can just Top: Meridian Library teen specialist Nick Grove, left, distributes building blocks before the students worked in teams to build a bridge using only the blocks and sheets of paper at the “Teen Make it Thursday” event at learn something new.”

the Meridian Library. Directly above: Grove holds a couple items made with the library’s new 3-D printer at the event. The weekly event allows children to work with robotics, software programs and a 3-D printer.

3-D printers become more accessible

The five 3-D printers used in the pilot program were made by Reuseum Educational, Inc., a nonprofit in Garden City.

The printers can be used to make anything from a coat hook to a robot part to — as Meridian students joyfully discovered — a plastic mustache or Batman logo.

“We actually use our own (3-D) printers to make pieces for other printers,” Reuseum director of research, development and operations David Ultis said.

Industrial companies have been using 3-D printers for three decades, but the printers only became accessible and affordable to the public in the last five years, Ultis said. They’re quickly becoming more popular.

“They’re already ubiquitous,” he said. “They’re everywhere, and no one really knows.”

A person can buy a basic 3-D printer kit for $400 online. Assembled, more robust 3-D printers go for about $1,700.

The most common way Ultis sees 3-D printers being used is for education — like at the Meridian Library.

“You can make anything you want,” Ultis said. “... I learned it

Treasure Valley Children’s Theater presents a limited engagement holiday show for the family

A Spell of Cold Weather Dec. 14 & 21

by Charles Way 11am, 3pm & 7pm Directed by Wendy Koeppl

“

We actually use our own (3-D) printers to make pieces for other printers.”

DAVID ULTIS, Reuseum director of research, development and operations

doesn’t matter what you make on it. What matters is somebody is gaining life experience and skills to be able to make something on their own. It’s personal empowerment, it’s a craft. There’s a skill to it.”

Adult tech programming?

Right now, the 3-D printer at the Meridian Library is primarily used for the teen program. But, Library Director Gretchen Caserotti said, several adults are wanting to sign up for a tech program, too.

“We’re still working on what those programs will look like and where and how we would do it in our space,” she said.

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LOCAL NEWS GOING PLACES Eagle grad recognized for rescuing man trapped in truck Rick Gillespie has joined the D.L. Evans Bank Boise Mortgage Center as a mortgage loan officer. Gillespie has more than 10 years of experience in the mortgage lending and real estate industries.

Rick Gillespie n Buy Idaho announced Kristie Fleeting is the organization’s new office manager.

Fleeting will be responsible for managing the Buy Idaho financials and membership database. She will also lead social media marketing activities, edit the website, Kristie Fleeting assist with special events and update showroom displays. n

E

By MERIDIAN PRESS STAFF news@mymeridianpress.com

agle High School graduate and Boise State student Chas LeBreton was presented with the Eagle Fire Department Life Saving Award Tuesday.

According to the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, LeBreton used his work’s tractor loader to rescue a man pinned in a truck during a storm in September. A large tree had fallen on the truck while the victim, Jim Clarke, was driving along North Eagle Road.

LeBreton’s employer says the young man had just begun training to use the heavy equipment. With verbal instruction from Clarke’s boss, who had also arrived on scene, LeBreton was able to use the loader to lift the tree off of the

truck and move it to the side of the road.

He and others on scene then moved the remaining branches, allowing the fire crews access to the pickup truck to extricate the driver.

Clarke had several broken bones and other injuries. The firefighters credit LeBreton for removing the tree, which allowed them to reach the patient and begin emergency care as quickly as possible.

“Without Chas’ help, it would have drastically increased the time it took our crews to extricate the driver and ultimately could have made a big difference in the outcome of this call,” Eagle Fire Capt. Jeff Krochmal said. “Chas’ quick thinking and ability to operate the loader with precision under extreme circumstances definitely deserves recognition.”

DEATHS All obituaries for Meridian Press must be placed by your mortuary or at selfserve.idahopress.com.

Deadline is 3 p.m. Wednesdays for Friday publication. If you have questions call 465-8128.

Frances Margaret Barr, 92, of Caldwell, formerly of Laguna Beach, Calif., died Dec. 10, 2013. Local arrangements are under the direction of Shaffer-Jensen Chapel, Payette.

208-642-3333

Nile Earl Darling, 90, of Ontar- Linda E. Norland, io, Ore., formerly of Jerome, died Dec. 10, 2013. Services and arrangements are under the direction of Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, New Plymouth.

208-642-3333

Teresa Dennington, 62, of

80, of Parma, died Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, at a local care center of natural causes.

Services are in the care of Dakan Funeral Chapel, Caldwell. 459-3629

Steve Oatman, 60, of Eagle,

died Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at his home.

Meridian, died Monday, Dec. 9, 2013, Services are under the direction of at a local hospital. Arrangements are Accent Funeral Home, Meridian. 888under the direction of Accent Funeral 5833.

Home, Meridian. 888-5833.

Denton, 74, of MeridAlice Boyle, 75, of Boise, died Wayne ian, died Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, at a

Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, at her home. local hospital. Services are under the Arrangements are under the direction direction of Accent Funeral Home, Meof Accent Funeral Home, Meridian. ridian. 888-5833.

888-5833.

James Ingram, 74, of MeridLarry Blaine Brown, 62, ian, died Monday, Dec. 9, 2013 at his of Nampa, died Wednesday, Decem- home. Arrangements are under the ber 11, 2013, at his home. Services direction of Accent Funeral Home, Meare pending Nampa Funeral Home, ridian. 888-5833.

Yraguen Chapel. 442-8171 Joseph Kosakowski, Sr., LeRoy Z Cortez, 92, of Nampa, 68, of Eagle, died Thursday, Dec. 5, died Tuesday, December 10, 2013, 2013, at his home. Services are under at his home. Services are under the the direction of Accent Funeral Home, direction and care of Alsip & Persons Meridian. 888-5833.

Funeral Chapel, Nampa 466-3545

Richard “Dick” Pergande, 76, of Nampa, died Wednesday,

Dec. 4, 2013, in California. Services are pending with Alsip & Persons Funeral Chapel, Nampa 466-3545.

Doris Mae Rhea,

70, of Caldwell, died Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013, at her home. Services are under the direction and care of Alsip & Persons Funeral Chapel, Nampa. 466-3545.

Jean Shay, 91, of Caldwell, died

Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, at a local care facility of natural causes. Services will be held in Westminster, Calif. Local arrangements are in the care of Dakan Funeral Chapel, Caldwell. 459-3629

Submitted photo

Eagle Fire Department presented Boise State student Chas LeBreton (center) with the Life Saving Award Dec. 10. LeBraton and his sister, Tess, (left), helped rescue Jim Clarke (right) when a large tree fell on his truck during a storm in September.

THINGS TO DO Don’t see your event here? Add it and view more events at mymeridianpress.com/calendar.

Today MERIDIAN — Fridays By the Fire, 6-8 p.m., The Village at Meridian. Enjoy s’mores-inspired treats, coffee and cocoa ($1 each) as you listen to local musicians and sit by one of the fire pits located in Fountain Square.

MERIDIAN — Journey to Bethlehem, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1855 Black Cat Road. Walk through the village of Bethlehem 2,000 years ago. Shoppers and dancers, shepherds and wise men. Dress warmly. Donate a non-perishable food item for the Meridian Food Bank.

BOISE — Winter Garden Aglow, through Jan. 5, 6-9 p.m., Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 Old Penitentiary Road, general admission, $8; members and youth 5-12, $4.

Saturday MERIDIAN — “A Spell of Cold Weather” by Charles Way, 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., Treasure Valley Children’s Theater, 703 N. Main St. Appropriate for ages 5 and up. Tickets are $5 for children ages 5-18 and $7 for all others.

Tuesday MERIDIAN — City Council meeting, 6-10 p.m., 33 E. Broadway, City Council Chambers.

Wednesday MERIDIAN — Solid Waste Advisory Commission meeting, 4-5:30 p.m., 33 E. Broadway, City Council Chambers.

BOISE — Winter Garden Aglow, through Jan. 5, 6-9 p.m., Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 Old Penitentiary Road, General admission, $8; members and youth 5-12, $4.

Thursday MERIDIAN — Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, 6-10 p.m., 33 E. Broadway, City Council Chambers.

Dec. 21 MERIDIAN — Christmas at the Ranch for Families, 6-9 p.m., Coolwater Creek Event Center, 7355 S. Eagle Road. Come celebrate a country Christmas with us.

You’ll be transported back to our magical Ol’West town of Coolwater on covered wagons. Take in the decorated streets, buildings and trees twinkling with lights on your way into the Deepwater Dance Hall for a fully catered holiday meal with reserved seating. Santa will make an appearance as well. Admission is $45 for adults, $27.50 for children ages 4-10 and free for children 3 and under.

Go to coolwatercreekevents.com for more information.

Dec. 24 CALDWELL — 29th Caldwell Rotary Annual Christmas Blood Drive, 9 a.m-2 p.m., Church of Christ, South 10th Avenue and Ustick Road, schedule an appointment/more information with Carole at 459-1423 or redcrossblood.org with sponsor code: caldwellid

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SCHOOLS about Sammy Christensen

Teaches special education at Mountain View High School n Married with two kids, ages 9 and 14 n Plays third base and shortstop for the Sonny’s/Miken team in the Amateur Softball Association of America and the United States Specialty Sports Association. n Was recently inducted into the Colorado State University-Pueblo Athletics Hall of Fame.  Learn more at bit.ly/SammyChristensen. n

“

I love the lessons that (softball) taught me — how to work hard and how to fight through diversity and how to face any challenge.”

SAMMY CHRISTENSEN Mountain View High School teacher and Major League Softball player

Mountain View teacher’s athletic career impacts teaching style W

hen Mountain View High School’s Sammy Christensen is teaching, don’t expect a boring lecture. “(The students) love it because I’m different and I’m a high-energy teacher, and I can’t sit still,” he said with a laugh.

He brings energy and team-building skills into the classroom that stem from his lifelong career as an athlete. At age 33, the father of two still plays softball professionally.

“I love it, it fills my void and my competitive nature,” he said. “I enjoy the relationships and the friendships that I build throughout the country.”

In November, Christensen’s alma mater, Colorado State University-Pueblo, honored him by inducting him into the Athletics Hall of Fame. While Christensen played baseball at the university in 2001 and 2002, his team won 88 games — the most in a two-year span in the school’s history. The university’s website describes him as “arguably the top baseball player in program history.”

Above: Sam Christensen stands in front of the Colorado State University-Pueblo Athletics Hall of Fame — of Even with that resume, Christensen said the which he is now a part — with his family (from left): sister Kaidree Christensen, wife Rachelle Christensen and news of his induction came as a surprise. children, Braden and Gracie. (Photo courtesy Sam Christensen) Below: Mountain View High School teacher “I was really excited. I didn’t expect it,” he said. Sam Christensen plays shortstop and third base in softball major leagues. (softballcenter.com) Experiences on the field, including his two years playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates minor league team after college, impact the way Christensen

by Holly Beech teaches and the way he lives his life. hbeech@mymeridianpress.com “I love the lessons that it’s taught me © 2013 MERIDIAN PRESS — how to work hard and how to fight through diversity and how to face any challenge,” he said. “Because through the sport you have the low of lows and the high of highs, and it’s taught me how to manage those in my life.”

‘Teaching found me’ Christensen teaches special education classes at Mountain View — not a career path he had predicted. He moved to Meridian six years ago hoping to find a job teaching P.E. and health. Instead he landed a special education teaching job.

“I just love it,” he said. “I have a passion for working with kids. … I kind of feel like special education and teaching found me.”

When he coached Mountain View’s wrestling team, Christensen gave his students the chance to be involved.

“They were my assistants, and it changed the wrestlers’ lives. …

It taught them how to be patient, how to care for somebody,” he said.

“... Some of these tough wrestler kids, it was neat to see their change in attitude.”

Christensen said seeing his students progress and work together is what drives him.

“I think I love it more because I learn a lot more lessons than I teach, I feel,” he said.

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MYMERIDIANPRESS.COM // 12.13.13

SPORTS

Crowded field chasing two-time champ Capital, Rocky Mountain, Boise all with legitimate shots to dethrone Borah

Senior wing Kody Olson (7 ppg, 3 rebounds) mans his starting spot from last year. But Mountain View coach Jon Nettleton said the Mavericks will have to battle inexperience on both the offensive and defensive ends.

by Michael Lycklama

mlycklama@idahopress.com © 2013 MERIDIAN PRESS

T-7. TIMBERLINE WOLVES

Borah owns back-to-back state titles. It came within one game of a perfect season last year. And it fields the state’s top player in point guard Isaiah Wright.

Even all those facts can’t earn Borah the status as clear-cut favorite in the 5A Southern Idaho Conference high school boys basketball race. The Lions share co-favorite status with Capital, which only saw one senior play significant minutes last year on its way to the state tournament consolation championship.

Capital took Round 1 on Dec. 10 at Capital High. But those two teams, as well as Rocky Mountain, Boise and plenty more, will have lots to say about it who the true favorite is before March and the state tournament rolls around.

T-1. BORAH LIONS COACH: Cary Cada, 20th year LAST YEAR: 25-1, state title RETURNING STARTERS: Isaiah Wright, sr., G; Nick Reed, sr., G KEY LOSSES: Cody Spjute, Joe Nelson, Patrick Ngalamulume OUTLOOK: Borah enters fresh off back-to-back state titles and with the reigning Gatorade Player of the Year in point guard Isaiah Wright. But graduation robbed the Lions of some of their key players, and this year’s squad doesn’t look quite the same as last year’s.

Borah coach Cary Cada said his club doesn’t field a lot of size and will have to focus on scoring from 15 feet and in to avoid becoming a team that relies on 3-pointers. But the Lions’ trademark remains its defense, something Cada has installed in the program.

T-1. CAPITAL EAGLES COACH: Paul Rush, fourth year LAST YEAR: 16-10, state consolation champ RETURNING STARTERS: Hunter Young, sr., SG; Nick Dow, sr., SF; Derrick White, jr., PG/SG KEY LOSSES: Cam Carlsen OUTLOOK: Capital figures to give two-time defending state champion Borah a run for its money.

And it’s not hard to see why.

The Eagles won the state tournament’s consolation title last season while only playing one senior significant minutes. And that bevy of experience returns with a bigger trophy in mind.

Senior Hunter Young leads that group, and the second-team AllIdaho shooting guard has committed to Division II Fort Lewis in Colorado. He and a guard-heavy lineup will play fast and pressure teams all night, Capital coach Paul Rush said.

“We are going to play teams for 94 feet and really pressure them both in the full court and the half court,” Rush said.

COACH: Bruce Logsdon, first year LAST YEAR: 9-13, missed state RETURNING STARTERS: Gibson Berryhill, jr., G KEY LOSSES: Grant Saetrum, Jake Tate, Tyler Langford OUTLOOK: Bruce Logsdon made the move from Middleton to Timberline and took over the program in August. So he didn’t get a summer to work with and evaluate his talent, making for a feeling-out process in the season’s early weeks.

Logsdon does own a rare feat in the 5A SIC this year though — size. Add in returning junior guard Gibson Berryhill (7 ppg), and the Wolves don’t start with a bare cupboard.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Borah senior point guard, right, enters his fourth year in Borah’s starting lineup and already owns plenty of accolades. The 6-foot-2 Wright owns two state titles, won the Gatorade Player of the Year and the 5A All-Idaho Player of the Year awards last season and signed with the University of Utah in November. Wright averaged 16 points per game last year while shooting 53 percent from the field to lead Borah to its second straight state title. And he etched his name in the records book with his 6.9 assists per game, second best in conference history. With his letter of intent signed, all that’s left for Wright is to add another banner 9. VALLIVUE FALCONS to the rafters at Borah High. “Isaiah Wright is obviously the best player in the state,” Timberline coach Bruce Logsdon said. “He is fun COACH: Scott Moore, fourth year to watch in every aspect of his game.”

5A SOUTHERN IDAHO CONFERENCE PRESEASON COACHES’ POLL TEAM (FIRST-PLACE VOTES) ‘12-’13 W-L PTS t-1. Borah Lions (4) 25-1 91 t-1. Capital Eagle (4) 16-10 91 3. Rocky Mountain Grizzlies (1) 21-5 77 4. Boise Braves 7-15 75 5. Centennial Patriots 12-12 49 6. Eagle Mustangs 13-12 45 t-7. Mountain View Mavericks 19-7 40 t-7. Timberline Wolves 9-13 40 9. Vallivue Falcons (1) 4-16 24 10. Meridian Warriors 1-19 20 * - Top four teams qualify for the state tournament March 6-8 at the Idaho Center.

3. ROCKY MOUNTAIN GRIZZLIES COACH: 21-5, state runner-up LAST YEAR: Dane Roy, third year RETURNING STARTERS: John Sherle, sr., PG; EJ Boyce, sr., W KEY LOSSES: Matt Grooms, Austin Hall, Nate Bruneel OUTLOOK: Rocky Mountain returns two starters from its state championship run — including second-team All-Idaho point guard John Sherle (10 ppg, 4 assists) and wing EJ Boyce (12 ppg) — and figures to make another deep run after its best season in school history.

The Grizzlies feature a seniorheavy roster, but graduation robbed them of their big men inside. They will either have to readjust their strategy or have a new crop fill those shoes down low.

“We must reestablish an inside presence,” Rocky Mountain coach Dane Roy said. “With the loss of our bigs, our new guys have to earn the respect of their teammates.”

figures to be a banner one for Boise. The Braves haven’t reached the state tournament since 1997.

But they have the lineup to this year.

Leading that cast is 6-5 senior forward Sam Simpson, a returning first-team All-Idaho member. His length poses a matchup nightmare for opponents with his ability to stretch defenses and his ability to score around the rim.

Boise also gets senior wing Alex Rant back after he missed most of last season with a broken wrist. But Boise coach Jeff Ulrickson said the Braves were their best with him down the stretch.

Now, they get him for the whole year.

5. CENTENNIAL PATRIOTS

COACH: Tom Aipperspach, 26th year LAST YEAR: 12-12, missed state RETURNING STARTERS: Hunter Dennis, sr., W KEY LOSSES: Daryl Robertson, Tanner Johnson, John Van Beuren OUTLOOK: Graduation hit the Pa4. BOISE BRAVES triots hard as they return just one COACH: Jeff Ulrickson, sixth year starter. So Centennial coach Tom LAST YEAR: 7-15, missed state Aipperspach, the longest tenured RETURNING STARTERS: Sam coach in the league, cautions the Simpson, sr., F; Alex Rant, sr., W; Patriots may start slow as they Brian Smith, jr., PG grow into the varsity game and KEY LOSSES: None learn a new system.

OUTLOOK: The 2012-13 season “We are very inexperienced

early,” Aipperspach said. “I think we will be fine as time and games go by, but we have a lot of things to work on.”

But the one starter Aipperspach gets back is a nice one to build around — 6-4 wing Hunter Dennis, who can hurt teams with or without the ball in his hands.

His inside-outside game and his size poses matchup problems.

6. EAGLE MUSTANGS COACH: Tom Seifert, ninth year LAST YEAR: 13-12, missed state RETURNING STARTERS: Riley Leavitt, jr., SG KEY LOSSES: Braiden Shaw, Jake Stevens OUTLOOK: Eagle coach Tom Seifert doesn’t mince words. He said his team will live and die by the 3-pointer this year.

The Mustangs return a bevy of guards that can shoot, and Seifert said Eagle will play an up-tempo style with a long bench that will focus on pushing the ball up the court and turning the game into a track meet. Junior shooting guard Riley Leavitt leads a group of bombers. But look for 5-10 junior point guard Spencer Smith, 6-0 junior forward Josh Labrador and 6-3 senior forward Jacob Talbot to all stretch defense.

T-7. MOUNTAIN VIEW MAVERICKS COACH: Jon Nettleton, ninth year LAST YEAR: 19-7, lost state third-place game RETURNING STARTERS: Kody Olson, sr., W KEY LOSSES: Tanner Percifield, Marcus Slocum, Randall Robinson OUTLOOK: Mountain View reached the third day of the state tournament last year. But the Mavericks return just one starter and three varsity members, and they lost three-year starter and first-team all state member in Tanner Percifield (15.2 ppg).

You are cordially invited to attend

10. MERIDIAN WARRIORS COACH: Mike Graefe, third year LAST YEAR: 1-19, missed state RETURNING STARTERS: Bryson Stout, sr., F; Axel Mpoyo, jr., F; Hunter Graefe, jr., G KEY LOSSES: AJ Demond OUTLOOK: The Warriors basketball program hasn’t qualified for the state tournament since 2003.

And it found more hard times last season, winning one game.

But Meridian should improve in 2013-14 with three returning starters in the lineup, including two big men in the front court.

Axel Mpoyo, a 6-7 junior forward, averaged 6.5 points, 7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game last year and remains an eraser on the boards. And 6-1 senior Bryson Stout (7 ppg, 4.5 rebounds, 2 steals) plays bigger than his roster size.

But to take the next step, Meridian coach Mike Graefe said the Warriors will need to find a consisent outside shooting threat.

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Come enjoy milk and cookies, games, Nutcracker characters, live reindeer, miniature horses and MEET SANTA! Bring your camera.

• Large Inventory of Locally Made, Pottery Pieces • Lots of new stuff in for the Holidays • Birthday Parties • Group Events

Sponsored by: Kathy Chambers, Agent State Farm Insurance 3035 W. McMillan, Meridian Corner of Ten Mile and McMillan

208-888-4334 Co-Sponsored by: Dance Allegro Academy, Gino’s, Mercato Coffee House, Gridiron Rehab, Orthodontis at Bridge Tower, Michener Investments LLP, Adderson Healthcare, Dental Care for Kids, Four Seasons Spa & Pool, Salon G and Break Away Cycling.

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Last year: 4-16, missed state RETURNING STARTERS: Brandon Navarro, sr., G; Bryce Schroeder, jr., G; Tanner Vogt, jr., G KEY LOSSES: Taylor Duby, Taylor Pederson, River Franklin, Jaecob Henderson OUTLOOK: Vallivue returns three starters in the backcourt. And it will have to rely on them as the Falcons’ roster doesn’t feature a player taller than 6-3.

To combat his team’s lack of size, Vallivue coach Scott Moore said his team will have to push the tempo and force opponents to play faster than they want. If the Falcons get caught in a half-court battle, their short roster could get exposed on the boards.

“We will need to focus on rebounding and pressuring the ball throughout the year,” Moore said.

(208) 861-4144 www.piggypigspottery.com

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8

12.13.13 // MYMERIDIANPRESS.COM

LOCAL NEWS Old downtown houses make great homes for small businesses

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long downtown Meridian streets, you’ll find beautiful historic homes — some of which have been repurposed for commercial use.

That’s working out well for Becky Logue, founder of Dental R.A.T., which designs handsfree computer controls.

Earlier this year, Logue moved the company into a remodeled, 1920s house on Pine Avenue.

“It’s turned out really nice and works perfect for us,” she said. “... They’re changing the whole section from

by Holly Beech just residential to comhbeech@mymeridianpress.com mercial, so it just kind of © 2013 MERIDIAN PRESS worked out where we got a good deal.”

Plus, the new location is closer to her Meridian home and offers more privacy than the business incubator in Nampa where the company got its start.

Meridian Economic Development Administrator Brenda Sherwood said the goal for downtown is to encourage mixed use and create an “Old Town” feel.

“If you look at ‘Destination Downtown,’ (urban renewal’s outline for downtown), that whole idea is that it’s going to be a mixed use of residential, office and shopping space,”

Adam Eschbach/MP

Becky Logue, president and founder of Dental R.A.T., works in the company’s new office in Meridian. she said. “We did that primarily so that it created that walkable, livable downtown.”

Plus, she said, it gives small businesses a potentially more affordable option.

“Throughout Meridian most of our buildings are less than 10 years old, and so sometimes our office space throughout some of our corporate parks and things are a

little bit higher priced,” Sherwood said. “They’re also a little bit larger than what some of our small businesses need. So this give them a viable opportunity to launch that small business.”

Sherwood hopes to see other small companies like Dental R.A.T. move in.

“These kind of small start-ups, these are the people that actually spend a lot of time at their company,” she said.

“They like to walk around the neighborhood, go to the restaurants, go to the coffee shops. We’d like to see a lot more of those.”

Thanks to Logue, more companies have moved downtown. She leases part of the building to other companies, including a patent attorney, food services company and Bounceboard, a manufacturer of trampoline boards.

Thornton Oliver Keller retail brokerage specialist Bob Mitchell said his company doesn’t track vacancy rates specifically for downtown Meridian. But, he said, as cities change and formerly quiet, country roads become busier streets, it’s common to see old houses transform to commercial space.

“It opens up tremendous opportunities for people to convert some really nice, quaint homes into some nice office or retail space,” Mitchell said.

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ON THE TOWN Winter parade lights up Meridian

BrainSnack

FAMILY HUB

© 2013 PeterFrank t.v. Dist. by Creators Syndicate Inc.

12/14/13

St. Tickets will be $12 for adults presented by the Treasure Valley and $8 for children and can be Children’ s Theater onBrain Saturday Train Your purchased at bctheater.org. leveland Dec. 21. There will be three separate showings at 11 a.m., 3 ‘A Spell of Cold Weather’ p.m. and 7 p.m. casts masterful spell “A Spell of Cold Weather” will be hosted at the Treasure Valley MERIDIAN — When Bob and Children’ s Theater, 703 N. Main St., Betty lose their love for singing, BCT brings ‘Christmas dancing and playing games, their and tickets are $7 for adults and $5 Every Day’ to life for kids niece Holly comes to the rescue to for children 5-18 years old. Tickets BOISE — The Boise Contempocan be purchased at spellofcoldgive them their life back with the rary Theater will be hosting a chilhelp of a friendly fairy. weather.eventbrite.com. This show dren’s reading about a little girl who “A Spell of Cold Weather” will be is appropriate for children 5 and up. wished for Christmas every day, but Christmas every day isn’t what the SOLUTIONS little girl had thought it would be.

Find out how the little girl discovers Puzzles on page 12 what the true magic of Christmas is.

“Christmas Every Day” will be read Bananagrams: at 2 p.m.

Sunday at Where (1-6) will the spider leave its web? the Boise ContemBrainSnack: Solution 12/13/13 LQ. This results in two series of letters that alternate top and bottom and porary are always two places further in the alphabet: BDFHJL and GIKMOQ. Theater, 854 Fulton

GETPUZZLED

Today’s Tip

Always one step more

Adam Eschbach/MP

Mike Armstrong and his granddaughter, Clara Prescott, 3, of Meridian, watch the Meridian Winter Lights Parade Fri., Dec. 6 in downtown Meridian.

Experience quality food and warm hospitality at Steve’s Cafe!

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ON THE TOWN ON

THE SIDE Music What: Treasure Valley Children’s Chorus and Young Artists concert When: 5:30 p.m. Saturday Where: Swayne Auditorium, NNU, 623 S. University Blvd., Nampa Tickets: $25/family, $8/ adult, $5/students/senior

Check it out WHAT: “The Nutcracker,” presented by Ballet Idaho WHERE: The Morrison Center, 2201 Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise WHEN: n 8 p.m., Dec. 20 n 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Dec. 21 n Noon and 4 p.m., Dec. 22

Adam Eschbach/IPT

Ballet Idaho student Allegra Fife stretches during a rehearsal of “The Nutcracker” Saturday, Dec. 7, at Ballet Idaho in Boise.

Ballet Idaho students excited for ‘The Nutcracker’

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even-year-old twins Ellie and by Holly Beech and better at dancing,” Delano said.

Ava Ewing are excited to put The young dancers can learn from and look hbeech@mymeridianpress.com WHO: on their mouse outfits next © 2013 MERIDIAN PRESS up to the professionals, said Ellie and Ava’s weekend and dance for thoumom, Jessica Ewing.

Music by Pyotr Ilyich sands of people during Ballet “The girls talk about all of the fancy tricks Tchaikovsky; choreography by Idaho’s “The Nutcracker” — a favorite local tradition. they see the bigger dancers doing,” she said. “They get to Peter Anastos.

The sisters, who were also mini-mice last year, are see that firsthand.” among about 100 other Ballet Idaho Academy students The community can see the performance Dec. 20-22.

TICKETS: who will perform with 25 professional dancers.

“I think it’s one of those sort of magical Christmas “It was really fun because now we know all the steps to shows, like a traditional thing you can go to with your $38-$58 at boisestatetickit, and we dress up in these mini-mice costumes and it’s family every year, and Ballet Idaho does a wonderful job ets.com/event/nutcracker. really cute,” said Ellie, a student at Chief Joseph School of with it,” Jessica Ewing said. the Arts in Meridian.

Sharing the stage with professionals in front of a huge Performing arts on the rise crowd can be intimidating, 8-year-old Kassidy Delano of Opportunities for kids to be involved in performance Eagle said.

“I only get probably 50 people at my other performances, and my mom said there’s going to arts are increasing in the Treasure Valley. Ballet Idaho recently opened a West Academy off Chinden Boulevard be thousands ... of people here,” she said. That sparks her stage fright. and east of Eagle Road. And Treasure Valley Children’s “Last time I kind of froze,” Delano admits. But she’s found a secret that keeps her in step.

“Sometimes I just imagine nobody’s here and it’s just practice with me and the girls,” she Theater founder Autumn Kersey started a youth theater for young actors this year. said.

As her girls get older, Ewing said she sees plenty of loThis is Delano’s third year to perform in “The Nutcracker.”

“It’s fun and it’s a good experience because you get to learn moves and you get to get better cal opportunities for them to continue performing.

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1. Wahooz and Pinz 1385 Blue Marlin Lane, wahoozfunzone.com Bowling, arcade games and laser tag.

The weather outside is frightful, but inside these five places delightful family fun awaits.

2. Dart Zone 501 E. Scenery Lane, dartzonemeridian.com An indoor alternative to paint ball, for ages 5 and up.

3. Jump Time 1375 E. Fairview Ave., jumptimeidaho.com

Indoor trampoline park.

4. Piggy Pigs Pottery 46 E. Fairview Ave., piggypigspottery.com Paint your own pottery, including Christmas items and gifts.

5. Big Al’s Fun Center 1900 N. Eagle Road, ilovebigals.com Bowling, arcade games and a restaurant.

What: The Piano Guys’ “Home for Christmas” When: 7:30 p.m., Tuesday Where: Taco Bell Arena, 1401 Bronco Lane, Boise Tickets: $25-$125, at 4261766 or tacobellarena.com

Theater What: “Dashing Through The Snow” When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday Where: Stage Coach Theatre, 4802 W. Emerald, Boise Website: stagecoachtheatre.com Tickets: $15 What: “A Christmas Carol” When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday Where: Nampa Civic Center, 311 3rd St. S., Nampa Website: nampaciviccenter.com Tickets: $17/adv., $20/DOS

Show What: Winter Garden aGlow When: 6-9 p.m. through Jan. 5 Where: Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise Website: idahobotanicalgarden.org Tickets: $8/nonmember adult, $4/member adult, $4/children ages 5-12, free/children 4 and under, military discount $1 with ID, $20/car (max.

6) Mondays

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Visit our site:

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© 2013 SelectHealth and St. Luke’s. All rights reserved. 2623 11/13 1016432 IdahoPressTribune-Halfpage.indd 1

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Want help signing up for the health insurance exchange?

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Our Enrollment Center has computers and specially trained staff to help you apply for the new health insurance subsidies, and find coverage that fits you and your family.

Come to a seminar, call for an appointment or see your broker.

Call to reserve a seat at one of our seminars: 1-888-GO-CROSS 6 p.m. December 16 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. December 21 3000 East Pine Avenue Meridian, Idaho Walk-ins Welcome 8 am to 7 pm Monday through Friday

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GET PUZZLED

Solution on page 9

BrainSnack

© 2013 PeterFrank t.v. Dist. by Creators Syndicate Inc.

12/13/13

Train Your Brain level

Which letter block (CV–LQ–AR–WZ–NE–SY) is missing?

Solution on 12/12/13 Solution page 9 3 spots. The first group of dominoes forms the number 9 and contains a total of 9 spots. The second group forms the number 5 so it will contain 5 spots.

Today’s Tip

Two series of letters

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LOCAL NEWS

‘Tis the season: Giving back is just a click away

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he holidays bring by Holly Beech dogs to assist children and about reminders hbeech@mymeridianpress.com adults with special needs. n 621 W. Broadway Ave., to be grateful and © 2013 MERIDIAN PRESS to give back. The Meridian n info@genesisservicedogs.

Treasure Valley has far too many caring and helpful organiza- com n genesisservicedogs.com/donations tions to list here, but hopefully these ideas give you a place to start when it comes to giving back this holiday season and year-round. Meridian Valley Humane Society The group of volunteers that ran the MeMeridian Food Bank ridian animal shelter before it closed in OcThe Meridian Food Bank provides emer- tober have started a new dog rescue to find gency food aid to people in the community homes for dogs. n 191 North Linder Road, Meridian who need assistance during tough economn 794-0944 ic times. n 133 W Broadway Ave., Meridian n meridianhumanesociety.org n 888-5102 n meridianfoodbank.org/donate Boys and Girls Club of Ada County The Boys and Girls Club provides afterGenesis Service Dogs, Inc. school activities, summer programs and Genesis Service Dogs is an Idaho-based mentorship to more than 4,000 Ada County nonprofit that breeds, raises and trains youth.

hundreds more. Your purchase won’t cost more, but the retailer will donate a percentage of your purchase to the nonprofit of your choice.

“Between shopping and direct donations, we’ve raised Wyakin Warriors more than $100,000 for nonprofits since our launch a The Wyakin Warriors Foundation in Boi- year ago,” Social Good Network CEO Russ Stoddard said. se gives wounded veterans college scholar- The network also broadens awareness for causes, ships, mentorship and career guidance. engages the public and creates marketing partnerships n Mailing address: Wyakin Warrior between businesses and nonprofits, he said.

Foundation, P.O. Box 9924, Boise, ID 83707 AVENUES FOR HOPE n 888-992-5469 The online Avenues for Hope campaign supports Idaho n wyakin.org agencies that help people afford housing. The 35 nonprofits participating are competing of sorts, because the more donations they get, the better their chances of MORE LOCAL NONPROFITS winning a grant.

Check out these innovative ways to support nonprofits. Last year, Avenues for Hope raised more than $53,000 SOCIAL GOOD NETWORK in individual donations and awarded $47,000 in grants.

You can donate through Dec. 31 at avenuesforhope.org.

Social Good Network makes it easy to give back. Here’s how it works: instead of shopping through a store’s The Home Partnership Foundation, part of the Idaho website, visit socialgoodnetwork.com, where you can Housing and Finance Association, organizes the shop at stores like Target, GAP, Best Buy, Amazon and campaign.

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PLUGGED IN Governor counts Meridian volunteers in your words among Idaho’s brightest stars Meridian is an amazing community made up of talented individuals, many who use their talents to benefit our community in a number of ways. Often referred to as “silent leaders,” these individuals are the faces you see countless times in our community at a variety of projects and events, serving not for recognition but to make their home a better place. It is rare that these people are recognized for their services, so when they are, it is certainly cause for celebration.

Gov. Butch Otter and First Lady Lori Otter presented their 11th Annual Governor’s Brightest Star Awards at the Egyptian Theater on Nov. 13. The annual awards ceremony hosted by Serve Idaho had over 500 in attendance in an effort to honors Idaho volunteers who selflessly provide outstanding public service within their communities.

Individuals and groups throughout Idaho were recognized for their volunteer efforts in categories that included corporation, small business, organization, school, student, senior and individual.

Several dedicated Meridian volunteers shined brightly in this awards program. Among those honored from Meridian were Pastor Mark Thornton of Capital Christian Center; Mary Pridmore of Be Kind Idaho; Spencer Martin,

a Meridian Police & Fire volunteer; 9-year-old Angelyn Wade; Scentsy; Creative Balloons of Idaho; and the Meridian Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council.

Pastor Thornton, Creative Balloons and Scentsy were honored on stage as top-three winners in their respective categories, and the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council took home one of the afternoon’s top volunteer awards — “First Lady’s Choice” winner.

This dynamic group of students in grades 9-12 is dedicated to serving their community.

Through events, volunteerism, and advocacy, MYAC is working to tackle issues impacting our youth and adults alike, such as texting while driving, bullying and serving those in need.

The governor said he appreciated the opportunity to give some well-deserved credit to the folks who make a real difference in our communities and in our lives, and I couldn’t agree more.

In fact, I encourage and challenge each of you to emulate these local volunteers by becoming more involved in Meridian.

Find your passion and use it to make a difference in our community.

Congratulations to all the individuals, organizations and businesses honored as Idaho’s Brightest Stars. You set a shining example for us all!

Tammy de Weerd is mayor of Meridian. n

Success is all about proper execution

What makes one person or team, more successful than another?

Are they more talented, do they work harder or are they smarter than their competitors? In most cases, these aren’t the elements that distinguish the successful from the less successful. They both have dreams and they both desire to succeed.

So why does one person or team succeed more than another? These are the questions I had as a young basketball coach two decades ago.

These questions continued to linger, and I was determined to uncover the answers when I began researching the elements that are present in consistently successful teams and organizations. What I uncovered became a dynamic model entitled The Execution Loop. The Execution Loop describes how to effectively execute an activity and achieve a successful result. The model illustrates the process that champions use to execute

their skills and strategies correctly and effectively.

Execution is the process of effectively using skills, strategies and tactics to successfully perform your activities and endeavors. Why is it important to execute? In the sports world, proper execution helps you to perform your best. This leads to fewer turnovers and mistakes, which leads to success. In turn, success leads to increased selfconfidence and happiness.

In the business world, execution leads to reduced errors, better results, increased profits, happier employees and increased customer service.

This reduction of errors and improved results can be applied to every aspect of life, including reduced errors in hospital operating rooms, better results in trying to lose weight, improved success in your golf game — the list goes on.

The Execution Loop Model is explained in a book I’ve just written entitled “Execute for Suc-

to all the civic and church groups reaching out to those less fortunate to make sure everyone has a Merry Christmas.

UP & DOWN

Thumbs up for the holiday parade, but a big thumbs down to the city for not having officers help parade floats return safely back to Storey Park. It was a very dangerous crossing for many of us at Franklin

cess.” The book uses stories and research findings to help explain the execution process. It explains why passion for your activity or endeavor is important, but it’s not enough. It shows that both outcome and performance goals are necessary for achieving success. But goals without the motivation and determination to attain them will derail many people.

The book continues by explaining the three stages of skill development and why training and development programs are so important for organizations.

It explains why discipline and focus are such critically important ingredients for staying on track for achieving your objective.

But change is an inevitable part of life, and when your environment changes, you need to change quickly. These are the basic concepts and elements associated with executing for success.

In all you do, you’ll want to Execute for Success!

Dr. Howard Gauthier is an associate professor of athletic administration at the Idaho State UniversityMeridian Health Center.

n

Road without any assistance with traffic. to the great job Meridian does at clearing the streets and sanding in just the right places. Thumbs down to the idiot parents who tow their kids in saucers/ sleds behind their vehicles on city streets.

Send your thumbs up or thumbs down to news@ mymeridianpress.com n

REACH 11,000 TARGETED HOMES IN MERIDIAN EVERY WEEK! TO ADVERTISE CALL 208-467-9253 /// M-F 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. /// ONLINE 24/7 MYMERIDIANCLASSIFIEDS.COM

Merchandise

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TO ADVERTISE CALL 208-467-9253 /// M-F 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. /// ONLINE 24/7 MyMeridianClassifieds.com

ADVERTISE HERE If you are reading this, so are your potential customers!

NOW YOUR CLASSIFIED 7+ day ad will hit 11,000 more homes!

PREMIUM Fruitwood $220/cord.

Free same day local delivery.

Cedric 899-5246 or 454-8804

KENMORE HD DRYER Good shape, new element. $75/best offer. 631-9867

Contact us for details.

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CLASSIFIED DEADLINES

Deadline to get your Classified ads in for the following Friday is 4:30pm on Wedneday.

Please call us if you have questions 467-9253.

CHOICE Premium Firewood Cut – Split- and Delivered! $185.00 per cord. Local Only.

Call 318-4819

JAMIS smaller Mountain bike Good condition, blue. $59.00.

695-3793

OAK Entertainment Center with glass door and storage. $100.

965-7287 Single, Adjustable Bed. $20 455-1624.

GUND Peek-a-boo Bear, talks, laughs, NEW, $8 546-0349 Acoustic Research Wireless Speakers, complete with transmitter. Use-Anywhere. $75.

794-2731.

Everyday deals Don’t miss out!

MyMeridianClassifieds.com

3 Cabbage Patch Kids, 1985, NIB, With Papers, $100/all.

461-9569.

THUMBELINA DOLL From 1960”s. Great condition.

Still moves. $35.00.

461-2054

AMMO; Six boxes, 38-Special, $90, 465-8083

WE BUY GUNS. Top prices paid.

2 NEW 12' large towing chains w/hooks-on-ends/2” links. $25/each-$45/both.

870-2300 CHRISTMAS Lights-9 sets white icicle lights-9 sets colored lights-$3.50/each. 870-2300

CLASSIFIED DEADLINES

Deadline to get your Classified ads in for the following Friday is 4:30pm on Wednesday.

Please call us if you have questions 467-9253.

Jigsaw puzzles; Suns Out, assorted sizes. $4 each.

455-9795.

AFFORDABLE!

Piano, Guitar, Violin, Fiddle or Ukulele lessons.

All ages & levels.

Private & fun!

Call 467-6244.

Boulevard Guns & Pawn

205 Caldwell Blvd, Nampa

Call 467-7296

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New jobs posted everyday MyMeridianClassifieds.com

Real Estate/Rentals

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7-9253 /// M-F 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. /// ONLINE 24/7 PUBLISHER'S MyMeridianClassifieds.com

If you are reading this, so are your potential customers!

NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.”

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-800669-9777. Hearing impaired call 1-800-927-9275

CALDWELL Near Albersons C of I, 1920 Arthur Street 2 bedroom, 1 bath, 2 car garage, W/D included, fenced yard, NO pets, $650/month + $650/deposit.

(208) 340-9717

DECEMBER FREE! NAMPA 3 bedroom + bonus, 2 bath, 2 car-garage, appliances, 1586 sq ft. $950/Month + $900 deposit Pets ? 3548 Green Basin Way Owners Choice Property Management 467-0027.

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CALDWELL 3 bedroom, 2 bath, garage & fenced yard. $795/month, $700 deposit. No pets. Available immediately.

Call 208-631-9100.

Find Your Perfect Home Logan Park Come & enjoy fun times doing crafts, games, puzzles & potlucks.

We have covered parking, club house & a limited access building.

Serving Nampa/Caldwell

466-4888

1-2-3 Bedroom Units $300-$900 www.qmtrust.com RCE-401

NAMPA 1115 South Maple, 2 bedroom + bonus, 1 bath, 1 car garage, wa/se/tr paid, appliances. $525/month + $500/deposit.

Pets ?

Owner's Choice Property Management 467-0027.

We are close to West Valley Medical Center in a country setting.

Must be 62+.

Has 1 bedroom apartments in country setting. Ready for you to move in.

Low income elderly complex with loving family atmosphere.

Rent subsidized, non medical services, including meals at additional fee.

First response staff on duty 24 hours.

612 West Logan Street, Caldwell.

Call 454-0004 for appointment.

Logan Park is an Opportunity Provider

Call 459-7075 or ITT 800-545-1833 ext. 315 to see your future home.

TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL 208-467-9253 Monday- Friday 8 AM-5PM

EDUCATION

Music Specialist

Challenger School seeks PT Music Specialist. Will teach music fundamentals & appreciation. Piano accompaniment skills a must.

To apply, submit cover letter, resume, & brief essay discussing your view of America to hr@challengerschool.com.

EDUCATION

Teacher Interns (Paid) Have you always wanted to teach? We can show you how! Challenger School seeks teacher interns to develop into extraordinary preschool & elementary teachers. You need not have a degree in education to apply. PT & FT available.

Submit cover letter, resume, & brief essay discussing your view of America to hr@challengerschool.com.

465-5353

SHOP CLASSIFIED 467-9253

FOR LEASE: 6121 Cleveland Blvd #110 Blvd. frontage office space.

Approximately 1,960 sq ft.

Call 208-454-1639 or 208-989-8721

AFFORDABLE HOUSING Sandlewood & Nottingshire Apts.

Caldwell.

Looking to rent?

Equal Housing Opportunity NOTE: The following advertisers have certified that these properties meet the standards set by the Fair Housing Act of 1968; amended on 1989, and therefore qualify as “Housing for the Elderly,” and may be advertised as such.

PROFESSIONAL

DRIVERS

MyMeridianClassifieds.com

Quiet Country Park 2 spaces available.

465-5353

Call 459-4434.

Employment

Post your job online

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MIDWAY PARK

HAPPY VALLEY PARK Double/singlewide lots available.

Quick freeway access.

CDL Dump Truck & Pup Driver.

Salary DOE. 6+ months experience.

Call 466-2402

FOR RENT

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CITY OF CALDWELL Accepting applications for a Deputy Treasurer. Obtain application and job qualifications at www.cityofcaldwell.com Closing: 1/13/2014, EOE

SALES

SALES: Seeking Digital Sales Superstar

The Idaho Press-Tribune is in search of a digital sales specialist with a heavy focus on Daily Deals, Banner Advertising, Online Contests, Social Media and Email Marketing solutions. We're looking for a digitally wired salesperson with a strong desire to succeed.

Successful candidates will have at least one year of sales experience with proven results preferably in a media or technology environment, be a social media users and have a strong comprehension of emerging media technologies. You must be detail oriented, enjoy a fast-paced work environment and be able to work successfully under pressure and deadlines. We hire connected, innovative, and sales-minded individuals with experience in online sales, advertising, and social media.

We offer an outstanding benefits package that includes a competitive base wage plus strong monthly commissions, paid vacation, quality health insurance and a matching 401K plan.

To apply e-mail cover letter, resume and LinkedIn profile to jobs@idahopress.com The Idaho Press-Tribune is an equal opportunity employer. A Pioneer News Group property (pioneernewsgroup.com).

Seeking Dynamic and Innovative

Managing Editor

The Idaho Press-Tribune, a 26,000 daily newspaper located in Nampa, ID, is seeking a superstar Managing Editor. We are a dynamic and innovative media company located just east of Boise with sister weekly publications in Meridian, ID and Emmett, ID. The paper seeks a deadline-oriented all-purpose editor with competency and experience in all areas including staff supervision, reporting, editing, page design, social media, photography and online news presentation.

QUALIFICATIONS: • Candidates must have a proven track record of successfully managing day to day operations of an active newsroom.

• This position requires brilliant news judgment, strong leadership and coaching skills, solid community relations and a passion for both digital and print journalism.

• You must demonstrate extremely innovative thinking all while maintaining a good sense of humor and positive attitude.

• The ideal candidate will have at least five year's experience in journalism with a minimum of two years of experience as an assigning and supervising editor.

• Daily newspaper newsroom experience is a must.

• Strong ability to meet deadlines consistently and perform under pressure.

• Journalism degree from a reputable college or university.

The paper offers an outstanding benefits package that includes vacation, quality health insurance and a 401K plan.

PROFESSIONAL Eastern Oregon University in La Grande, OR is looking to hire two Faculty Positions.

Asst/Assoc Professor of Education and Asst/Assoc Professor of Accounting. For more information please go to: https://eou.peopleadmin.com/

To apply: Send resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, three writing samples, two page design samples and a short paragraph explaining your thoughts on the future of the newspaper industry to Matt Davison at jobs@idahopress.com.

The Idaho Press-Tribune is an equal opportunity employer.

A Pioneer News Group property (pioneernewsgroup.com).

Agriculture/Auctions ADVERTISE HERE

If you are reading this, so are your potential customers!

MyMeridianClassifieds.com

Looking for Hay?

Contact us for details.

MyMeridianClassifieds.com LARGE Corn Bale For Feed.

Quantity 1,500lbs. $50 or/make/offer.

602-2545

Transportation

Greg Granden Custom Haystacking & Retrieving 20+ Years Experience Hay, Grass & Straw For sale 4 Ton Minimum Call 250-1965 Thank You!

STRAW $3.50/bale.

HAY $9.00/bale.

Call 454-5146 or 570-2603.

To place an ad in the Classifieds call 467-9253

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NOW YOUR CLASSIFIED 7+ day ad will hit 11,000 more homes!

Reach 110,000 Canyon County Readers each week!

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2005 Buick Lesabre Limited 3.8 Automatic A.C. Tilt/Cruise, Pwr Windows/Locks-Keyless Entry, Leather Interior/Heated Seats, Dual Climate Control, Tinted Windows, Michellin Radials + More, 30 + MPG, Low Mileage, 77K, $10K Retail, $7,650!

409-3702

2010 FORD FOCUS 4 dr., 2.0 4 cylinder, automatic, power windows/locks, tilt wheel, CD, keyless entry. 50K miles.

30mpg. $7,650.

409-3702

LOW MILES

2004 BUICK CENTURY V6, auto, air, cruise/tilt. Power windows/locks, velour interior.

New Michellin radial. 30mpg.

42K miles. $6150. 409-3702

BLACK MOLDED PLASTIC TRUCK BOX. 5'x2'x22” deep. $100. 466-4706 TWO 215/70/R15 Studded Snow Tires on wheels. $150.

350-8591

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