Boise
JULY 2016
BoiseLifestylePubs.com
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The Men’s
Edition
DIY CAR REPAIR ADVENTURE ON THE EL CAMINO PERSPECTIVES ON BOISE GROWTH
Lifestyle Letter
The Men's Edition
JULY 2016
T
he month of July brings our Men’s Edition—and also a great chance to celebrate the men in your life, whether they are friends, fathers, brothers, partners, colleagues, cousins, or anyone in between. We have some great content this month that our male (and female) readers might enjoy, such as do-it-yourself car repair tips, a review of a BMW, and a discussion of the merits of outdoor kitchens, as well as a few stories from the perspectives of prominent men in the Treasure Valley. I hope you enjoy our story by Boisean Kurt Koontz, who walked one million steps on the historic El Camino de Santiago in Spain and received a few life lessons along the way, as well as one irritating blister. Kurt's story reminds us that sometimes the simple act of walking can help solve many of life's unanswered questions. Another great story is Ken Levy’s interview with Amherst Madison Legacy Real Estate’s Nick Schlekeway, who weighs in on the recent and significant growth in the Boise area and predicts that growth will continue for five to ten years. So take some time this month to celebrate the men in your life, but don’t forget what they say: “Behind every great man…”
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Matthew Perry | Boise@LifestylePubs.com editor
Lettie Stratton | Lettie.Stratton@LifestylePubs.com contributing writers
Kurt Koontz, Ken Levy, Alexandra Lundgren contributing photographers
Mike Bryant, Kurt Koontz, Russ de Ment
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Boise Lifestyle | July 2016
TALK TO US
P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6 Boise Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Boise’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Boise Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
July 2016
Departments
14
14 Big, Bigger, Biggest
8
Good Times
12
Around Town
14
Our Town
18
Renovate & Refine
32
Financial Buzz
34
Driver’s Notebook
38
Lifestyle Calendar
42
Parting Thoughts
Local man weighs in on the city's growth
20 One step at a time
Boise man hikes the El Camino
24 Sheepdogs and Whisky
A tasty, memorable and photo-filled week in Scotland.
32 Savvy saving
Meet a local financial advisor
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Good Times
Betting on a Cure
Indepth Solutions, Inc. presented their annual Betting on a Cure gala featuring A Night in Monte Carlo. All proceeds after event were donated to research to cure cancer through the Leukemia Lymphoma Society (LLS).
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Boise Lifestyle | July 2016
Good Times
Wine, Women & Shoes
The Boise Centre hosted Vintage Glam, Wine, Women & Shoes'Â night of designer shopping with sales benefitting the Idaho Youth Ranch. The evening included wine tasting and a fashion show.
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Boise Lifestyle | July 2016
July 2016 | Boise Lifestyle
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Around Town
AROUND TOWN
SUSTAINABLE SOCKEYE SALMON Sun Valley purveyor Matt Luck, founder of Pride of Bristol Bay,
THE MAX: FREE MOBILE KID BIKE REPAIR Join local nonprofit Boise Bicycle Project for an evening of free bicycle repair Thursday, July 14 from 5-7pm. Kids can come on down to the Boys and Girls Club of Meridian (accompanied by an adult) to work hands on with an amazing volunteer mechanic to repair/maintain their bicycle for free. Event takes place at 911 N Meridian Rd, Meridian, ID 83642. Visit BoiseBicycleProject.org for more information.
BOISE FARMERS MARKET
is offering wild, sustainable sockeye salmon from this summer’s
Stock up on great local produce and say hi to your favorite farmer
catch to seafood lovers in Boise and the greater Treasure Valley
every Saturday from 9am-1pm at 10th and Grove in downtown Boise.
area. Sourced from the pristine Bristol Bay of Alaska and produced
Fill your shopping bags with fresh herbs, veggies, fruits, and more and
by a dedicated group of fisherman who are held to rigorous quality
get specialized recipes or cooking ideas from the knowledgeable and
standards, Pride of Bristol Bay sockeye salmon is prized for its flavor,
friendly vendors. Enjoy live music as you shop and get to know the
firmness and price point. Visit PrideOfBristolBay.com to reserve a
people who grow your food. Vendors include True Roots Organics,
share for fall pickup in Boise.
Purple Sage Farms, Peaceful Belly Farm, Fiddler's Green Farm, and
CALL TO ARTISTS
many more. Visit TheBoiseFarmersMarket.com for more information.
Boise Art Museum invites Idaho artists to apply for the 2017 Idaho Triennial exhibition. Accepted artists will have their artwork presented in an exhibition at BAM from February 18 – July 16, 2017. In conjunction with the 2017 Idaho Triennial, BAM will host an Artist Lab throughout the duration of the exhibition. Four artists whose work is selected to be in the Triennial exhibition will also be invited to participate in the program. The Artist Lab is intended to provide a physical and conceptual space in one of BAM’s galleries for artists to explore new ideas and experiment with new methods in their work. The juror for the 2017 Idaho Triennial is John D. Spiak, who is the Director and Chief Curator of California State University Fullerton’s Grand Central Art Center (GCAC) in Santa Ana. His curatorial emphasis is on contemporary art and society, with a focus on works in social practice and video. Application Deadline: Monday, August 1, 2016. Visit BoiseArtMuseum.org/ Exhibition/2017-Idaho-Triennial for more information.
BOISE ROCK SCHOOL SUMMER CAMPS Spend your summer learning to be a rockstar! Get better on your instrument, form a band with other students, choose a band name, learn cover songs and write original tunes. The camp ends with one a legendary gig. Camps are open to students age 6-18 of all skill levels and Boise Rock School also offers multi-camp and sibling 12
Boise Lifestyle | July 2016
discounts. July camp sessions run July 11-15, 10 AM-12:30 PM; July 11-15, 1-3:30 PM (teen only); July 18-22, 1-3:30 PM; and July 25-July 29, 10 AM-12:30 PM. All camps are at Boise Rock School's studio at 1404 West Idaho unless otherwise noted. Unless otherwise noted, all camps are $150. Sign up at BoiseRockSchool.com/?page_id=25 or email Info@BoiseRockSchool.com.
CAPITAL CITY PUBLIC MARKET Help strengthen Boise's local economy and visit the Capital City Public Market Saturdays from 9:30am-1:30pm on 8th street from Main Street to State Street. Hand-crafted art, local food, and value-added products are staples of the Market. Vendors include Boise Art Glass, Calle 75 Street Tacos, Meriwether Cider Company, Potter Wines, and many more. Visit CapitalCityPublicMarket.com for more information.
VISIT US ONLINE! What’s on our Website? PAST ISSUES CURRENT ARTICLES
EAGLE SATURDAY MARKET The Eagle Saturday Market is a community market in the heart of downtown Eagle in Heritage Park. One will find an array of arts
BUSINESS DIRECTORY CONTEST REGISTRATION
and crafts along with local produce, herbs and flowers, woodwork, specialty food items and freshly prepared food. For more information contact the City of Eagle Parks & Rec Dept at CityOfEagle.org To have your announcement included here, email Lettie.Stratton@ LifestylePubs.com for details.
VISIT US AT BoiseLifestylePubs.com
July 2016 | Boise Lifestyle
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Our Town
Schlekeway bullish on Boise’s real estate outlook
ARTICLE KEN LEVY | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
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remendous growth in the Boise area is putting positive pressure on the real estate market here, and Nick Schlekeway, partner in Amherst Madison Legacy Real Estate, sees the trend continuing for some time to come. Boise was named one of the top 20 fastest growing cities by Forbes magazine in March 2016, and was listed No. 5 in the top 10 hottest housing markets by Zillow in January. The Boise Metro Housing Market Monitor bears that out. Its May report said 2016 could turn out to be the strongest year ever for Boise-area real estate. Strong demand is forcing higher prices while available inventory continues to shrink.
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The Intermountain Multiple Listing Service shows home sales in the first quarter of 2016 are up 12 percent compared with the same period last year, with volume of nearly $500 million showing a roughly 17 percent increase. Schlekeway attributes Boise’s draw to its uniqueness as a city and the amenities to be found here. “Development in the valley right now is tremendous,” Schlekeway said, “and we have so many people relocating to Boise, whether it’s for retirement, job relocation or for the lifestyle. It’s amazing all the reasons why people are relocating to the Treasure Valley.”
Home prices have risen 30-40 percent over the past four years, he said, with much of the growth in North and East Boise and the downtown area. Amherst Madison saw 300 percent year-to-year growth in sales in 2015, “and we’re looking for that to continue in 2016,” he said. “We’re starting to see more condo sales, which is really exciting because that’s a place in our market where we traditionally have not had enough options. That’s starting to change, and it’s all part of the same cycle of development and investing in downtown.” Five years ago, investors and first-time buyers dominated the market. CONTINUED > That demographic has changed significantly.
July 2016 | Boise Lifestyle
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Our Town
(CON TI N U ED)
Schlekeway said he’s seen “a ton of activity” from baby boomers and retirees and clients in their 40s-60s. Folks moving to Boise, and those already here but choosing to downsize, comprise the bulk of what he’s seeing in the housing market. Regarding the latter, “they’re going for more quality and less size,” Schlekeway said. He sees current market trends and population growth continuing for the next five-10 years. The livability and lifestyle of the City of Trees is a huge draw, he believes, with access to amenities more often found in bigger cities. Everything from Boise’s unique climate to low crime rates, cleanliness, growth in new restaurants and job opportunities will continue to attract newcomers looking to call Boise home. “The job market in Boise is phenomenal, with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country,” Schlekeway said. He cited the resurgence in tech industries in the Boise area as “exciting to watch.” So, too, are the changes in the market, from traditionally second-home buyers and retirement-home driven trends to those driven by the money and jobs coming into the Boise Valley. 16
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“We’re seeing a lot of national and global companies moving resources to the Boise Valley. That’s going to be a real game changer,” he said. “Boise is growing up right now. There are a lot of things we have to offer, and there’s a reason people want to live here. I see that continuing.” But can another bubble happen in real estate? “Oversupply always creates undersupply” and vice versa, he said, “and we have a drastic undersupply right now.” Eventually, he expects a correction in the market, “but I don’t think it’s going to be anything close to what we had in 2007-2009. It’ll be more of a normal, manageable dip.” But for the long term, Schlekeway said, the growth of the valley will continue, especially with the lifestyle offered here, and the jobs continuing to come in. “We’re seeing a lot of national and global companies moving resources to the Boise Valley. That’s going to be a real game changer,” he said. “Boise is growing up right now. There are a lot of things we have to offer, and there’s a reason people want to live here. I see that continuing.” Schlekeway said Amherst Madison represents quality of exceptional service and a new form of marketing and branding that’s gaining a successful foothold here after less than three years. “That speaks a lot to what people in Boise are looking for,” he said.
Renovate & Refine
s n e h c t i K Outdoor
n o i t c n u F , n u F Add AR TICLE & PHOTOG
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RAPHY PROVIDED
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f your backyard beckons when temperatures climb, an outdoor kitchen may be the perfect answer for your next construction or remodeling project. Outdoor kitchens bring color, style and design to your backyard landscape while adding a fully functional living space to your home. Whether you tend to enjoy your backyard with close family or frequently host a larger group, creating a work zone close to the action lets you keep tabs on all the fun. By bringing the same luxuries and conveniences of interior kitchens outdoors, you can stay in the middle of it all while serving up meals that keep the party going well into the evening. The options are nearly endless when it comes to designing your ideal outdoor kitchen. Consider these key areas as you begin planning your project: Location comes first. A well-designed outdoor kitchen flows from the home and creates a natural transition to the rest of the landscape. As you contemplate the location and orientation, think about how the kitchen will be incorporated into your existing outdoor living space. Let the land guide your design. Seamless style. The aesthetic style of your outdoor kitchen is another vital ingredient to help ensure the design complements your home’s exterior architecture and landscaping. Create a unique, one-of-a-kind look with door styles and powder coat colors and realistic wood grain finishes, such as those offered by Danver Stainless Outdoor Kitchens and
Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens, to capture the exact look you desire. Layout logistics. A grill is an obvious element of virtually every outdoor kitchen, but there are still plenty of decisions to make, such as the best placement of your grilling appliances. Don’t forget to factor in wind, which may force smoke into your house or dining areas, or create the need to incorporate a ventilation hood. Also keep your cooking style in mind, which may help you determine how to lay out other features, such as the work space and other cooking and cooling appliances, so they are in easy reach. Menu options. Think about the types of foods and beverages you’ll want to serve outdoors. For example, a backyard bar may warrant an extra sink, larger refrigerator, ice maker, wine cooler and/or beer dispenser. For interactive kitchen fun, you may opt for a pizza oven that is both attractive and deliciously entertaining. Know the code. Remember that the purpose of an outdoor kitchen is to provide function, which you can only achieve with proper plumbing, gas and electric. Do your research to determine any local building code requirements and be sure to check with your home owners association or any other group that may govern a remodeling project on your property. To get your project started on the right track, enlist the help of a design professional. Find inspiration and more tips for creating your ideal outdoor kitchen at danver.com and brownjordanoutdoorkitchens.com.
July 2016 | Boise Lifestyle
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Boise Lifestyle | July 2016
One Million Steps
The Power of Walking
One man's journey on the El Camino
ARTICLE & PHOTOGRAPHY KURT KOONTZ
B
efore taking one million steps on the historic El Camino de Santiago in Spain, I didn’t give much time or thought to walking. I drove to and from work and the gym. For business trips and vacations, I flew. After retiring early, I pursued adventure travel, often on a bicycle. Then in the fall of 2012, I stepped off airplanes, trains, cars, and bicycles, and walked for 28 days and nearly 500 miles, from St. Jean Pied-de-Port, France to Santiago, Spain. At an average 17 miles per day, I still walked faster than most Camino pilgrims. But even with that push-ahead mentality, the Camino managed to teach me some lessons. Walking forced me to slow down from my usual wheeled pace and to revel in the beauty around me. Crossing the Pyrenees Mountains, I listened to thousands of sheep on the surrounding slopes, their bells clanging on air currents. Across the f lat Meseta, I passed acres of sunf lowers lit by the sun, their faces bobbing up to glimpse at me in the wind. In the villages, storks stood sentinel on bell towers. In Santiago, priests chanted and sent a giant incense burner swinging like a pendulum across the famous cathedral. Camino veterans say that the first third of the trip is for the body. Most Camino walkers suffer blisters along with other aches and pains on the trip. My fitness regime and careful choice of shoes and other gear spared me most CONTINUED > of that, for the first week anyway.
July 2016 | Boise Lifestyle
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ONE MILLION STEPS (CON TI N U ED)
On day eight, I had already walked more than 150 miles with no more than sore muscles. I felt like Superman—until one small blister taught me to get over myself in a big way. I was shocked when it appeared. And it hurt! The physical pain was irritating, but the mental anguish was ridiculously devastating. For 90 minutes, I tortured myself with worries about disability before finally looking closely at the spot. It was a small blister—just a soft bump on my right heel. I bandaged the blister and continued walking for several more days before fully understanding that my reaction was not about a sore on my heel. It was about Superman coming back to earth and discovering he is just like everyone else. I realized that I can’t stop the blisters that life will deliver even to me, 6’5” physically fit Kurt. My best health habits won’t stop every disease or injury. I’m going to have other physical and mental challenges in the years ahead. Thanks to my Camino blister, I now feel better prepared for them. The uncertainties of weather and accommodations on a walking trip forced me to let go of other expectations and disappointments. I carried a change of clothing and sleeping bag in a backpack and slept most nights in pilgrim hostels. Some had room for just 20 travelers. Others sheltered hundreds in bunks or beds packed closely together. During any given night, a chorus of snoring rocked the house. If I had tried to control these environments, I would have been a very unhappy traveler. Instead, I appreciated the hostel volunteers and inserted earplugs before bedtime. Heaven became a hot shower and a bunk with room for my size 13 feet to hang over the end. The middle section of the Camino crosses the Meseta, where the wind blows incessantly and the miles stretch on for monotonous days of flat farmland and villages. This part of the trip, they say, is for the mind.
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The Meseta helped me stop worrying about my past or my future. I had 6-8 hours every day to think about my regrets, including my long-unconscious years of alcoholism. That reflection pushed me to develop a new approach to the past. I tried to go in, learn, and get the hell out! I don’t want to be anchored by some event or trauma from my past. The same goes with the future. While hopes and dreams for a bright forecast are always present, I also refuse to walk with eyes solely focused on the horizon. When my mind got stuck—worrying about my relationship with my girlfriend, for example—I used what I call my “Refresh” move. I created this “move” to re-set the moment. I would plant my walking stick in the ground with my right arm fully extended and then proceed to walk in a complete circle around it. Maybe it was the change of scenery or the distraction from discomfort and frustration. Maybe it was a sense of accomplishment from being able to see where I came from that day. Maybe it was a trick to break the walking routine. Whatever it was, this simple and effective move always resulted in a refreshed and positive attitude. The last third of the trip stepped into the lush forests and mountains of Galicia. This section of the trail, they say, is for the soul. For me that meant I learned to deepen relationships and celebrate the joys of life. From the beginning, I treasured my fellow pilgrims. Ages 2-82, they came from all over the world, with their own perspectives and gifts. Massimo and his Mom from Italy reminded me how much I enjoy spending time with my mother. Martin from Germany, who traveled as a mendicant (without money), helped me count my financial blessings. Mikkel, 19, inspired me with the postcards he sent daily to his young handicapped students in Denmark.
On one memorable night at a parish hostel in Grañon, I discovered music as the language of the soul. I took turns singing for dinner with pilgrims from around the world. From that point forward, I sang regularly, unselfconsciously, with my music player while walking the trail. Sometimes my walking stick morphed into an air guitar to accompany my blossoming vocals. My refresh move alternated as a celebration move. When I felt ecstatic, I planted my walking stick at the heart of the trail and danced around it. Pilgrims often liken the Camino trip to a life journey. We started out helpless, not knowing where to go, sleep, or find a meal. Within a week or so, we were like teenagers, thinking that we had it all figured out. Another week, and our inward journey had us questioning everything. And by the time we finished, we were joyfully content to walk more slowly, enjoy the scenery, and share the final days with our companions. Back home now in Boise, Idaho, I’m pleased to report that my Camino lessons have mostly stuck with me. I’m worrying a lot less and appreciating small pleasures every day. My relationships are richer. Questions from friends and family led me to write a book about my Camino trek. Although many readers are interested in making the trip themselves, just as many will never take such a journey. I offer the same suggestions to all: let go of regret and worry, appreciate small moments of beauty, enjoy the people around you, and . . . go for a walk. Kurt Koontz is the author of A Million Steps, a book about his journey on the Camino de Santiago. Website, Twitter, and Facebook.
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Sheepdogs
Dawn on the Isle of Skye 24
Boise Lifestyle | July 2016
and Whisky A P I C T U R E S Q U E W E E K TA K I N G I N T H E G LO R I E S O F S COT L A N D
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY TOM STRONGMAN
CONTINUED >
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SHEEPDOGS & WHISKY
(CON TI N U ED)
The St. Mary’s is the Cathedral Church of the Archdiocese of St. Andrew’s and Edinburgh. 26
Boise Lifestyle | July 2016
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’ve long wished to visit Scotland, to experience the culture and to see up close the ruggedly beautiful countryside and volcanic mountains such as Ben Nevis and Glen Coe. Oh yes, and to sample the whisky. Last fall my wife and I took a weeklong group tour of Scotland, and it was a lowstress, easy way to get acquainted with the country. Bus tours have their drawbacks — you can’t deviate far from the tour itinerary and schedule — but they are also appealing because everything is pre-arranged. Luggage is picked up and delivered to your room each day, many meals are included and there is very little time spent waiting in line at attractions because tours get preference. Our tour started in Edinburgh, and we arrived a day early so we would have time to adjust to the time change. After a day spent touring this ancient city, we hopped on the bus and headed for the mountainous Scottish highlands and our overnight stay at the Laggan Country Hotel near the tiny hamlet of Laggan. On the way we made a quick stop at St. Andrews, the home of golf. Despite a soft rain, being able to stand at the fabled 18th green and visualize Tom Watson waving goodbye from Swilcan Bridge for the final time in 2015 sent a chill up my spine. We arrived at our Highlands hotel by mid-afternoon and after a brief rest we drove to nearby Aviemore for a 45-minute sheepdog exhibition by Neil Ross of Leault Working Sheepdogs. Scotland has more sheep than people and raising sheep is one of the predominant types of farming. Sheepdogs are a crucial part of tending flocks. Ross has more than a dozen dogs, as well as a few pups, on his beautiful farm near the heart of the Cairngorms National Park and he frequently hosts tour groups. With the virtuosity of an orchestra conductor, Ross commanded his dogs with whistles, hand gestures and occasional shouts. The precision with which the dogs rounded up and moved a small herd of sheep was startling. At one point in the demonstration, Ross had four dogs lie down about 20 yards apart while a single dog drove the herd back and forth between the dogs as CONTINUED >
July 2016 | Boise Lifestyle
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SHEEPDOGS & WHISKY
(CON TI N U ED)
1.
if they were weaving through gates. Young pups were just learning and often took their lead from the older dogs. Our visit culminated with Ross shearing a sheep by hand. As the afternoon turned to twilight it was back to the inn for a wee dram of whisky to ward off the late fall chill before dinner. Like sheep, whisky (no e in Scottish whisky) is a staple of Scottish life and has been for centuries. Scotland’s earliest documented distilling of whisky dates to tax records of 1494, when Friar John Cor bought “eight bolls of malt to make aqua vitae (water of life).” The Scotch Whisky Regulations define “Scotch Whisky” as that produced at a distillery in Scotland from water and malted barley, processed, fermented and matured in Scotland for at least three years. Throughout our stay in Scotland I marveled at the vast array of whiskies that come from the more than 100 distilleries in five main whisky-producing regions. A small whisky shop in the mountain town of Pitlochry had an entire wall stacked floor-to-ceiling with boutique brands. CONTINUED >
1. The village of Portree on the Isle of Skye 2. Scotland has more sheep than people. 3. St. Andrews, the home of golf 4. Neil Ross of Leault Working Sheepdogs, put on a spectacular exhibition.
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2.
3.
4.
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SHEEPDOGS & WHISKY
(CON TI N U ED)
The St. Mary’s is the Cathedral Church of the Archdiocese of St. Andrew’s and Edinburgh.
The Glengoyne distillery north of Glasgow was founded in 1833. Our tour included a “wee dram” at 10 in the morning. The Glengoyne visitor center had several displays that demonstrated how whisky changes as it ages. It takes on a darker color from the sherry oak cask in which it is aged, and over time evaporation causes the volume to decrease. That explains why some really old vintages are so expensive. Glengoyne sells its 35-year-old whisky for £2,850 pounds, or about $4,097 a bottle. There are as many sides to Scotland as there are brands of whisky and that means that a weeklong tour is just a “wee dram.” There are many more places to explore the next time, and I especially want to visit some of the smaller villages in places such as the Shetland, Orkney and Hebrides islands. Oh yes, and sample a few more whiskies.
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July 2016 | Boise Lifestyle
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Financial Buzz
TREE CITY ADVISORS ARTICLE ALEX LUNDGREN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
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our experience with investing is simple; everyone makes money on your money except you. And you are convinced this is the way it has to be. Wall Street has its hands in everything; your savings, your investments, your financial security, and your goals. But everyone tells you that you must invest the way you do and hope the result will be different. This is insanity.
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You are right, Wall Street does help create many successful people. People who are willing to use you to make gains for themselves. Wall Street feeds on weak, emotional, and hopeless investors who will do what they are told and pay fees for others to take their money. You’ve wished you had the time, Alexandra Lundgren, or interest, to do something about it, but are stuck in a loop. The Financial Advisor best action you’ve made is Tree City Advisors LLC to turn your head and TreeCityAdvisors.com look away. Home of Tree SAApp, a guided My name DIY investor investment strategy is Alex Tree City Advisors LLC is an Lundgren, I am Idaho Registered Investment not your average financial Advisor firm advisor. I am your way out of the loop. I am your educator and your guardian. I helped designed the Tree City Advisors’ Financial Independence Training (FIT) program. I work with you to design a purposeful financial strategy, then I show you how to manage it. I give investors more than savings on fees, I give them confidence to know they are free from the grip of Wall Street. I believe no other financial firm takes this type of approach with their clients.
The first process of FIT is to assess where you are, where you have been, and where you are headed. I will expose and stop the damage of excessive fees, commissions, and hidden charges to your financial life. I will help you clean up the toxic and costly financial world you have and replace it with something designed to be purposeful and for you. I will help you reduce costs by training you to do the management so you can fire your costly financial “professionals” and remove fee laden investments from your accounts. Even better; by the time we finish, you will be empowered, strong, and in control. If you own mutual funds or have a financial consultant, you are likely paying at least 1% per year, too much. On a $100,000, this is $1,000 per year. Over 20 years, you will have paid $20,000 for nothing. I help investors who are ready to stop this. When you are ready to make an investment in yourself, call me. I will help you keep what is yours. I will address your goals, establish targets, create a strategy for all of your insurance, estate, and investment needs, and I will help you understand how to manage it all.
July 2016 | Boise Lifestyle
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Driver’s Notebook
BMW 528i with xDrive ENJOY DRIVING AGAIN
ARTICLE MARK MOODY PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
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On the outside, the BMW 528i is a classically refined sedan that will turn the heads of other drivers.
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ometimes my wife and I don’t see eye to eye. Such is the case when it comes to automobiles. To her, a car is just a mode of transportation—a way to get from point A to point B. To me, a car is not just a way to get down the road, but rather a vehicle for excitement. I love to drive. In my 20s I owned a silver sports car that I drove whenever I had a spare moment. Twenty years and two kids later, I find myself driving an SUV. Now the time has come to look for a new vehicle. I need a family-friendly vehicle that that will still get my heart pumping. After much investigation and many test drives, I found the BMW 528i with xDrive. On the outside, the BMW 528i is a classically refined sedan that will turn the heads of other drivers. It comes standard with 17-inch wheels, automatic and adaptive xenon headlights, LED accent lights and LED fog lights. As soon as I opened the door, I was anxious to get behind the wheel. The spacious and comfortable cabin beckons you to sit in the captain’s chair. When I sit in a car for the first time, I like to familiarize myself with its features. The BMW 528i does not disappoint when it comes to high-tech features and creature comforts, including auto-dimming heated mirrors, automatic wipers, sunroof, dual-zone cruise control, power-tilt-steering wheel and iDrive interface with a 10.2 inch display. For the music lover, it has a 12-speaker sound system, aux-in jack and 20 GB of digital music storage. Now for the best part—I started the engine. As the motor purred, I could almost hear the 40 plus years of refinement that went into its development. I pressed down hard on the gas pedal. CONTINUED >
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Driver’s Notebook
(CON TI N U ED)
I was amazed how quickly this large sedan accelerates. It is truly impressive that this car can hit 60 mph in just over six seconds. The BMW 528i is all of this, while maintaining a sensible mpg—around 30 combined. The 8-speed automatic transmission performs flawlessly. However, if you want a truer driving experience, you can opt for manual drive and use the steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. You will feel like a rock star! This model has the xDrive moniker, which means it exhibits incredible handling in all weather. The finetuned powertrain, suspension and steering system provide driving dynamics that are high precision while still smooth running. I could feel the sporty driving pleasure that the chassis transmitted from the road directly through the steering wheel. The end result is a vehicle that offers an exhilarating combination of sheer dynamism, comfort and everyday usability. When you are looking to buy your next family car, don’t settle for a boring old sedan or an adrenaline inhibiting SUV. Treat yourself to a luxury and pulse-boosting vehicle, the BMW 528i with xDrive. 36
Boise Lifestyle | July 2016
Financial Tip of the Month:
Celebrate Christmas in July
• In the 1940s, Christmas preparations necessarily began in July to gather gifts for missionaries and military personnel deployed overseas. • Christmas in July resurfaced in the 1980s when Irish tourists persuaded an Australian snow resort owner to provide a Yulefeast celebration. • You can manage your gift-giving budget and enjoy a less hectic holiday by starting your Christmas planning in July. For more information on how you can celebrate Christmas in July, go to Peggy’s Pearls at: www.TrustedFinancialAdvisorBoise.com. 208-343-7777 | Peggy.Farnworth@KMSFinancial.com www.TrustedFinancialAdvisorBoise.com 670 East Riverpark Lane - Suite 140, Boise, ID 83706
Securities and advisory services through KMS Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC
July 2016 | Boise Lifestyle
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Lifestyle Calendar
July JULY 4
and general admission starts at $42.50. The concert takes place at
BUILT TO SPILL
the Idaho Botanical Gardens, 2355 Old Penitentiary Rd.
THE OLYMPIC Celebrate Independence Day with Boise's own indie rock heroes,
JULY 15
Built to Spill. Presented by the Duck Club, the event also features
JOSH RITTER + JJ GREY & MOFRO
supporting local acts The Hand and Toy Zoo. Tickets are $20 and the
IDAHO BOTANICAL GARDENS
event benefits Boise Hive. 21+.
Don't miss the Outlaw Field Summer Concert Series with Josh Ritter
EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY VOLUNTEER NIGHT
and special guests JJ Grey & Mofro. General Admission to this classic Boise summer event is $35.
BOISE BICYCLE PROJECT
JULY 16
Learn to fix a flat, adjust your hubs, and even build a bike from scratch.
BOISE WOMEN'S CLASSIC
6-8pm. BoiseBicycleProject.org
JULIA DAVIS PARK Come down to Julia Davis Park for the Boise Women's Classic 5K, 10K, and Half-Marathon. Registration includes online training tips and suggestions, a personalized race experience, healthy lifestyle advice, and a great event atmosphere. Participants will enjoy a great course, post-race fruit and juice bar and live music. Vehicle parking and valet bike parking are available onsite.
JULY 6 ALIVE AFTER FIVE BASQUE BLOCK Come down to the Basque Block, on Grove Street between Capitol Blvd and 6th Street, and join in the summer fun of Alive After Five. The popular concert series is celebrating 30 years! Food and Beverage are available for purchase and the event is free to attend.
JULY 7 FIRST THURSDAY DOWNTOWN BOISE Enjoy strolling through unique shops and galleries in downtown
JULY 20
Boise while appreciating in-store entertainment and special
VISIT BY AUTHOR DAN FLORES
events. DownTownBoise.org
REDISCOVERED BOOKS
JULY 14
Join Rediscovered Books on July 20 at 7pm to hear author Dan Flores speak about his book: Coyote America. The history of the
PHILLIP PHILLIPS AND MATT NATHANSON
coyote in the west in both natural and supernatural. Flores is the
IDAHO BOTANICAL GARDENS
A.B. Hammond Professor Emeritus of Western History at the Uni-
Don't miss the Outlaw Field Summer Concert Series with Phillip Phil-
versity of Montana, and the author of ten books on various aspects
lips and Matt Nathanson. Special guests A Great Big World supports
of western U.S. history.
38
Boise Lifestyle | July 2016
JULY 26 BOOKMAKING 101 COLLEGE OF IDAHO Have you ever wanted to make your own book? In Bookmaking 101, you will learn two simple techniques to create fun books for you to fill with anything you can imagine. No experience necessary Registration Deadline: July 11th. Please bring an eraser. All other art materials are included.
JULY 29 EXTREME MUSTANG MAKEOVER FORD IDAHO HORSE PARK See Wild Mustangs at the Extreme Mustang Makeover Anniversary Tour in Nampa, ID. The tour challenges trainers to help wild horses become gentle companions ready for adoption within 100 days. Watch wild mustangs and riders perform amazing feats. You even have a chance to adopt a true living legend as your own. Visit ExtremeMustangMakeover.com to learn more or to register.
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business directory ART & PHOTOGRAPHY HOME BUILDERS Treasure Valley Image & REMODELERS (208) 863-4425 treasurevalleyimage.com
DENTISTS & ORTHODONTICS Boise Smile Design (208) 906-0933 boisesmiledesign.com
FINANCIAL SERVICES & PLANNING Peggy L. Farnworth, CPA, CFP, CSA - Professional Financial Services (208) 343-7777 trustedfinancialadvisorboise.com Tree City Advisors LLC Alexandra Lundgren, Financial Services Professional (208) 559-3316
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Wood Windows Inc. (208) 376-2200 woodwindowsinc.com
HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS
Cornerstone Design (208) 384-1422 cornerstoneinteriordesign.com Dillabaugh’s Flooring America and Design (208) 287-2487 dillabaughsflooringamerica.com Ethan Allen (208) 377-1111 ethanallen.com Model Home Furnishing (208) 939-2699 modelhomefurnishings.com
The Original Boise Co-op (208) 472-4500 boise.coop
HOME SERVICES
The Springs - Hot Springs Retreat (208) 392-9500 thespringsid.com
Franz Witte Landscape, Nursery, Maintenance (208) 853-0808 franzwitte.com
REAL ESTATE
Roe Painting (208) 991-0567 roepaint.com
Amherst Madison - Legacy Real Estate (208) 391-2391 amherstmadisonlegacy.com/
LUXURY AUTOMOTIVE
RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE
Peterson BMW of Boise (888) 295-8415 petersonbmw.com
Sysco - Idaho (208) 345-9500 syscoidaho.com
MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES
SALONS & SPAS
Vita Novu (208) 344-8482 vitanovu.com
OTHER
Foothills Med Spa (208) 286-2327 foothillsmedspaboise.com
J’s Ultimate Hand Car Wash (208) 336-0435 ultimatehandcarwash.com/
SPECIALTY SHOPS
Sit Means Sit Dog Training (208) 888-7978 sitmeanssitboise.com
Is your dog driving you CRAZY? We can help! Call now to schedule your FREE CONSULTATION! www.SitMeansSitBoise.com
I think I’m a Sled Dog Pull, Pull, Pull!
208.888.7978 40
Boise Lifestyle | July 2016
July 2016 | Boise Lifestyle
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Parting Thoughts
5
DIY CAR CARE
PROJECTS ARTICLE & PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
I
t’s no secret that regular maintenance helps prolong the life and performance of your vehicle, but you may be surprised by how many routine maintenance tasks you can complete by yourself at home. Get in the garage this winter and tackle that cabin fever with these DIY car care projects that can be done all at once and not only save money by helping prevent repair costs in the long run, but also help you save big on service fees.
1. AIR FILTERS
Not only do you want fresh air while you drive, so does your engine. If your air filter gets too dirty or clogged, your engine won’t be able to suck enough air into the combustion chambers. Engine performance will be reduced, especially when you are passing or merging onto a freeway. If an air filter becomes sufficiently dirty and damaged, it could also allow harmful, abrasive contaminants into the combustion chamber, accelerating engine wear. Changing an air filter requires no more skill than hanging pictures around the house and is one of the easiest DIY car care projects, regularly taking less than 10 minutes to complete. Changing your air filter every 12,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, will provide better engine protection, but give careful attention to seasonal concerns such as fall leaves, debris hidden in dirty snow and road salt which can clog air filters. Designed and constructed with advanced features to capture and hold more dirt to keep engines cleaner in extreme driving conditions, FRAM Tough Guard air filters are ideal for strenuous driving conditions such as idling in heavy traffic, driving on dirty, dusty roads and towing heavy loads, all of which can put heavy strain on the engine. Learn more at FRAM.com and refer to the vehicle owner’s manual for air filter location and specific instructions. 2. OIL
Oil is one of the most vital components of your engine’s overall health. It allows the engine parts to operate smoothly together, removes heat and prevents accumulation of things like carbon and varnish in the engine. Your owner’s manual will guide you to the right oil for your vehicle, but you may 42
need to do some comparison shopping to find the right performance blend for your specific driving conditions and needs. Today, many auto manufacturers tout intervals of 5,000 miles and longer. However, those change intervals are based on using the correct oil and a quality oil filter, which should also be changed when changing the oil. A qualified repair technician can help you determine the best schedule for your vehicle and driving habits
Boise Lifestyle | July 2016
3. TRANSMISSION FLUID
The transmission fluid is another liquid vital to your engine’s proper operation. Gear shifting, cooling the transmission and lubrication are all critical roles that transmission fluid plays, and all that work causes the fluid to deteriorate over time, particularly with harsh driving conditions. Your owner’s manual is a good starting point; it will tell you the change interval and the specifications for transmission fluid. Transmission fluid is highly specialized now and requires a fluid that meets the original equipment manufacturers’ specifications. 4. CABIN AIR FILTER
A cabin air filter cleans and circulates the air that enters through your car’s ventilation system. Contaminants can enter your vehicle with outside air and become concentrated, exposing passengers to higher levels of dust, dirt and allergens while also potentially limiting the effectiveness of your car’s air conditioner and defrost system, making it important to keep the cabin filter unrestricted. In general, a cabin air filter should be changed every 15,000 miles or once a year, but can vary depending on driving habits. Your owner’s manual may list the recommended service interval for your vehicle, but replacing all of your air filters at the same time is good practice and winter is the optimal season to make a change after catching fall debris and allergens. 5. SPARK PLUGS
Although many spark plugs are designed to last as long as 100,000 miles, certain conditions can damage the plugs, resulting in engine misfires, poor fuel economy and other malfunctions that affect overall engine performance. These performance issues indicate that at least checking, if not replacing, your spark plugs is in order. In addition, used car buyers should check the condition of spark plugs if no service history is available. Replacing spark plugs is a quick job requiring few tools, but it’s important to change one at a time so you do not mix up the plug wires. Take note of the condition of the spark plugs you remove: they should be slightly dirty, but a white or oily appearance may indicate other problems. Choosing the right plugs for your vehicle is as simple as talking with the staff at your local auto parts store; they’ll be able to point you to the right plugs for your vehicle. Always replace spark plug wires or boots that are worn, cracked or oil-soaked and reference your owner’s manual for more information.