The Independent News February 2015 issue

Free

Delivering Community News to Eagle, Star & W. Ada County

Volume 6 • Issue 2

In this issue:

New Feature: Everyone has a Story Page 2

Holiday Photo Contest Winners Page 2 & 3

FEBRUARY 2015

www.theindnews.com

Star Man’s Weight Loss Story Appears in People Magazine Pill manufacturer says diet and exercise key

“They kept me in the hospital

By Philip A. Janquart for a week, put me on a treadmill STAR, Idaho – He once wore and hooked me up to EKG masize 60 pants and a 6XL shirt. chines, but I walked away with a Star resident Mark Bryant, clean bill of health,” he said. “It who played water polo in high happened again when we moved school and junior college, says here. At that point, the doctors he gradually gained weight folsaid they were seeing some lowing his sports career, eventhings that could become probtually tipping the scale at over lems and that I wouldn’t see my 450 pounds. daughters get married if I didn’t He eventually lost 264 change.” pounds and was featured in One doctor wanted to write the December 2014 edition of him a prescription for Lipitor, to People Magazine. Bryant says help lower his cholesterol, but he could never have imagined Bryant lobbied for the opportugaining so much weight, but nity to lower it naturally. fell into an all-too typical trap.

“He said he’d write me the “I was never a fat kid growprescription, anyway, but I threw ing up,” he said. “I was into it in the trash as I was walking sports and was pretty fit. I just out the door,” he said. “When I kept eating like I was training.”

Mark Bryant, before and after his transformational weight loss came back the doctor said, ‘it A contributing factor was the looks like the Lipitor is working transition from home-cooked for you,’ and I told him, ‘I never meals to college eating binges. rewarded, in part, with a feature in People took it.’”

“It was the whole freedom of college,” Magazine.

Healthy Diet and Exercise Bryant added. “I come from a pretty poor “It wasn’t my idea,” he said. “It was my Ironically, Bryant works for a company family so the things that were cheap were wife. This all started with a competition at that manufactures dietary pills and aides for brown rice and vegetables and chicken. That’s the gym where I work out, Anytime Fitness. how I grew up. Then suddenly I had a job and They had a contest to win $10,000 for sharing other companies that market the products.

Most television ads include the truth about my own money and I was eating at places like your ‘Anytime’ story. My wife, Rebecca, told diet pills in small print at the bottom of the Taco Bell and thinking, “this stuff is soooo me I should tell my story, and that the money screen: weight loss is usually achieved when good!’ You keep plowing and the next thing would almost cover the $12,000 it was going the product is used “in conjunction with a you know you’ve gained 20, 30, 40 pounds to cost for cosmetic surgery. I don’t like to be healthy diet and exercise.” and you want to do something about it, but the center of attention, so I said no, but she That’s how Bryant did it, no gimmicks end up back at Taco Bell the next day.” entered for me.” and no pills. He started with an assessment Bryant, 40, said his decision to find a The $10,000 went to a former soldier who of the situation and took action from there. solution was similar to a drug addict acknowl- lost one of her legs in Iraq and rehabilitated “When I first started out, I hopped on edging his problem for the first time. at Anytime Fitness. The national media direcGoogle and found a calorie calculator and “The difference is that you have to eat and tor, however, contacted Bryant and said the typed in my height and weight,” he exthere is a dealer on every corner, and it’s company had forwarded his story to People. plained. “It told me I needed 7,000 calories cheap and it’s easy,” he said, admitting the The man who shies from attention was thought of missing his three daughters’ suddenly swept away to Los Angeles and New a day to maintain where I was, but I was still gaining at the time and thought I must be weddings is, in part, what drove him to York for photo shoots and several interviews eating about 8,000 calories per day. I started change his life. “If I didn’t have people who with Good Morning America, Entertainment doing the math, and I thought, ‘man, I am love me, and who I love, I might have said, Tonight, Extra and Inside Edition. eating so much food.’ I decided I couldn’t ‘who cares?’ If it was just up to me, I might “They all asked me the same question, totally switch overnight to broccoli and have continued to indulge myself, but it’s not ‘what happened to make me want to lose chicken, so I cut back my calories to 4,000 all about me.” all that weight,’ but I just told them I was fat and just ate whatever I wanted as long as I Bryant began changing his eating habits and miserable,” Bryant said. didn’t go over 4,000 calories. I didn’t want about three years ago, two years after moving Health Issues to feel like I was depriving myself.” to Star from California.

Bryant says he suffered from a serious Continued on page 2 Fast forward to summer 2014: by then panic attack while still in California, one he had lost 264 pounds, the equivalent of that was so significant that it mimicked a another large human being. His efforts were heart attack.

Say you saw it in the Independent News

Eagle police training hits the 'bullseye' Page 16

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID EAGLE, IDAHO PERMIT NO. 60

ECRWSS

POSTAL PATRON LOCAL

Businesses are noted for membership in the Chamber of Commerce: Eagle (E) or Star (S). Eagle Chamber of Commerce 939-4222, Star Chamber of Commerce 908-5476

ANIMAL CARE Kringle's Korner, (S), pg 13 Spoiled Dog Resort & Grooming, pg 7 AUTOMOTIVE CARE & TIRES Big O Tires, pg 10 BEAUTY & BARBER Opulence Salon & Spa, pg 8 Todd Stewart, pg 2 BUILDING SUPPLIES Evan’s Building Center/ ACE Hardware, (E), Insert COUNSELING State of Mind Counseling, pg 14 DEPARTMENT STORE Kings, pg 4

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT El Mariachi Loco, pg 3 EDUCATION Little Miracles Preschool, pg 11 Stepping Stones Children’s Center, pg 6 FINANCIAL INSTITUTION Idaho Independent Bank, (S), pg 5 FOOD Olive and Vyne, pg 5 FRAMING Frame Works, pg 9 HEARING Eagle Hearing, pg 11

HEALTH & WELLNESS Down to Earth Health Foods, pg 2 Silk Touch Medspa, (E), pg 16 Star Medical, pg 6 HOME IMPROVEMENT Budget Blinds, pg 9 JEWELRY Star Diamonds, pg 14 LANDSCAPING, IRRIGATION Eagle Tree & Shrub, (E), pg 13 ORTHODONTICS Star Dental, (S), pg 7, Insert REAL ESTATE Smack Realty Group, Insert

VISIT AND SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY BUSINESSES

SENIOR SERVICES Edgewood at Spring Creek Assisted Living, pg 3 The Cottages, (E), pg 8 VISION CARE Artisan Optics, pg 13 Eagle Vision One, (E), pg 15 BUSINESS DIRECTORY, pg 11 Ada Emissions Carew Rentals Flowering Fist Tai Chi Handyman Can Ron Bishop, Realtor Star Tire Steve’s Auto Care

FOR PRODUCTS, GOODS OR SERVICES COMPETITIVE WITH ANY TREASURE VALLEY BUSINESS FOR QUALITY & VALUE.

PAGE 2 • February 2015

PEOPLE

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com

EVERYONE HAS A

STORY STORY

Spotlight on: Star resident, Jim Gollyhorn

And the Winner of our Holiday Photo Contest and a gift certificate to Olive and Vyne is...

Janice Pauly, Eagle This was my grandson’s first meeting with Santa.

The look on both their faces was absolutely PRICELESS.

By Melissa Upton Star resident, Jim Gollyhorn, is a champion.

As a Building Construction Technology (BCT) Instructor at Snake River Correctional Institute (SRCI) in Ontario, OR, Gollyhorn is a champion of education, serving those who desperately need the skills and confidence that come with an education to break the cycle of crime. Numerous studies have suggested that education, especially post-secondary education such as the BCT program, reduces recidivism, or repeat offending.

According to the SRCI website, the correctional institute, located in Ontario, OR, is a multi-security facility that opened in 1991.

It is the largest prison in OR, housing approximately 3,000 inmates.

In collaboration with Treasure Valley Community College (TVCC), the BCT program offers inmates an opportunity to earn a one year state certificate in construction. This education counts toward an associates degree. In order to qualify for the program, the prospective student must have 3-7 years left on their sentence; have a GED or high school diploma, but no post-secondary degrees; have no history of escape; and pass reading, writing, and math assessments, as well as go through an interview process. There is a student capacity of 25 inmates; the BCT program is close to capacity. The students learn in a computer-based classroom and then are given supervised hands-on lab experience to practice their newly learned skills.

Praising the BCT program, one student said, “Because of the BCT program, I’ve been given a recommendation to the apprenticeship program at the Pacific Northwest Carpenter’s Institute—and knowing that I have a job prospect when I get out of here is one of the greatest things that I could ever ask for. Through the BCT program, I have developed the skills and the mindset that it takes to succeed. I know that the education that I take from here is something that will continue to help me for the rest of my life.”

When Gollyhorn began his position as BCT instructor/administrator about a year ago, he saw that, although the program was taught from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) curriculum, the students were not receiving the associated certification that came with that education. He worked to change that and did.

Because of Gollyhorn’s efforts, upon successful completion the BCT program, graduates now earn 3 certifications from NCCER in Residential, Light Commercial, and OSHA safety, as well as the college-level state certificate in construction. These certifications are valuable proof of the student’s ability and knowledge in the construction field and give them the opportunity to gain employment after their incarceration.

Gollyhorn has lived in Star for the past 3 years. Prior to living in the Treasure Valley, he was in Pocatello, working in a similar capacity at the Pocatello Women’s Correctional Center. Gollyhorn says there is not a day that he gets up in the morning dreading his workday.

“This is my way of giving back,” he said with a smile on his face. Gollyhorn has over 40 years construction experience and completed PhD work in community college leadership and construction management. He values his work and values the relationships he has formed with his students.

“A lot of people ask me if I’m ever scared working there,” he said. “I tell them…not once have I been scared.” It’s clear that Gollyhorn loves his work and feels a connection and bond with his students.

“These guys have become my friends,” he explained. By educating the incarcerated, Gollyhorn is doing admirable work that has a direct positive impact not only on the lives of those trying to rehabilitate, but also on our society.

To learn more about the BCT program at SRCI, visit http://www.tvcc.cc/about/ locations_maps/northwest_center/.

The BCT computer classroom at SRCI

The BCT shop

Continued from page 1 Bryant lost 15 pounds in the first month. He eventually cut the calories back to about 3,000 and incorporated weight training. Today, he is a slim 178 pounds and still allows himself to eat out everyday, but makes better menu choices.

“I eat pretty clean,” he said. “I start out with a protein shake in the morning and eat Subway every day for breakfast. I have a steak, egg and cheese sandwich. Today we are heading to Panda Express, but instead of having the orange chicken, I’ll have the Teriyaki chicken without the sauce.”

Bryant says he doesn’t miss the days of trying to find clothes that fit, not being able to sit in a booth at a restaurant and people who stared at, and avoided contact

with, him. They are things that can leave lasting impressions, killing confidence and self worth.

He says through it all, his biggest fan, his wife, has always been there.

“People treat you different,” he said.

“Kids are honest, and they just say, ‘that guy’s fat,’ and you have to act like you didn’t hear it, that kind of thing. Now I feel like I go somewhere and people are friendly and engageable, and I think, ‘wow, what a stigma to put on someone.’ I mean, I was the same person I am now. In fact, it makes me appreciate my wife even more because I was already overweight when we got married, then I gained a bunch more afterward, but she took me as I was, saw me as I was, and saw something in me.

It tells me a lot about her.”

Jim Gollyhorn

Mark Bryant’s Weight Loss Journey

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com

PEOPLE

Eagle High School Teacher Resigns Following Suspension

district was postponed and never rescheduled.

By Philip A. Janquart Hatfield refused to say more on the Clay Hatfield, the controversial Eagle High subject, only that he is currently seeking School teacher suspended for saying “cuss” employment. words and confronting students about dress “I’m still working on the job deal,” he said. code violations, has decided to resign.

Meanwhile, Hatfield supporters say he The West Ada School District put the AP Spanish and Native American History teacher should have fought to keep his position. on leave in October 2014 after receiving a let- Those supporters include current and former ter complaining about his behavior and inter- students, and parents. A group of them came together to launch a social media campaign actions with students. through the Facebook page “We Support “Really, all I can say about the separation, my resignation, is that it is effective Jan. 23,” Hatfield,” which had over 2,000 members, and a petition on he told The Independent www.change.org, which, News. “It was presented to as of Nov. 12, garnered over the board and approved, and 1,600 signatures in support of puts to an end any pending lifting Hatfield’s suspension. employment matters between “The district wanted to wait West Ada School District and him out; they prolonged it,” myself.” said Anderson, who has a son Hatfield, 38, was scrutiwho graduated from Eagle nized for his unusual style; High and a daughter who curhe wears “gauges” and rently attends the school. “We sported a Mohawk at one wish he had been encouraged point. to fight. I don’t know what is The letter written to the school district specifically Clay Hatfield and his son. behind all of this, but you like to think the administration is complained about his use of trying to do its best for the school and the “cuss” words and discussions he had with students about dress code violations, accord- students. I think it’s a sad affair when a great educator is let go for a few little things. The ing to former television reporter and The people who liked him and cared for him were Independent News columnist, Gretchen the majority.”

Anderson.

“The letter was written after he said ‘Hell on Earth,’ called himself an ‘ass’ and had a frank discussion about dress code violations,” she explained. “He talked to a girl whose shirt was too low cut and another girl who was wearing a thong that said ‘Sex Bomb.’

Then he tossed a student a book, so he could put it on the shelf, but it accidentally hit him in the face.”

A Nov. 5 hearing between Hatfield, who Clay Hatfield supporters gathered for a formal protest in November. hired legal representation, and the school

Better Business Bureau CEO falls victim to insurance fraud

By Frank Thomasen, Valley Times EAGLE – Dale Dixon’s personal story told at the January 13th Chamber of Commerce meeting drives home how close insurance and other scams are to all of us.

“It’s a story with no resolution yet,” said Dixon, Chief Executive Officer of the Better Business Bureau. “It’s still raw and real to me, losing $16,000.” He said his 14 1/2year-old son is now old enough to be eligible for Driver’s Education.

To compare costs, Dixon visited the GEICO web site to see what that Dale Dixon, speaking at company would charge to add a the Eagle Chamber of third driver.

Commerce luncheon in “I thought it was quite too low, January only half of my existing rate,” he said.

Then he realized he had been overcharged by his insurance company $1,000 a year for 16 years.

But when he tried to complain to his agent, he was referred to an administrative assistant. “There was no level of service there,” Dixon said. “I had convinced myself I had an advocate as an insurance agent as opposed to a vacuum sucking the money out of my pocket.”

The moral of this tale?

Don’t assume things are as they appear.

February 2015 • PAGE 3

Holiday Photo Contest Honorable Mentions...

Janet Blum, Eagle My favorite Christmas picture, when my cat Ivanushka helps with the lights Terry Gerow, Star This picture of my first grandchild born this year. I am so blessed to have him!

Noel and Carol Schoneman, Star This is our favorite Christmas-in-Idaho photo because it was taken during our first winter in Idaho and it is a constant reminder (as if we needed reminding) of the beauty of Idaho and its amazing variety and proximity of wildlife. This photo shows part of a herd of elk grazing in our back yard with the neighbor's decorated house in the background. Nearly every day presented sightings of elk, deer, coyotes, fox, quail, hawks, and turkeys.

It was the most wonderful introduction to Idaho that we could imagine.

Choosing just one winner was difficult.

Thanks to everyone who shared their photos.

Kimberly Parker, Star Our family photo from the Thunder Mountain Line Santa Express.

This is the first holiday photo that we've ever had where all of us are smiling.

This was taken this year.

PAGE 4 • February 2015

INNOVATION

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com

FAA Grants Star Company’s Unmanned Aircraft System Exemption for Agricultural Use

By Philip A. Janquart STAR, Idaho – Advanced Aviation Solutions, LLC (ADAVSO) recently received an exemption by the Federal Aviation Administration to use its Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) in agricultural applications.

ADAVSO is the only company to receive an exemption for agricultural use and only the 13th company in the U.S. to receive a commercial exemption.

Other exemptions for the commercial use of unmanned aviations systems include everything from real estate to film companies.

The technology is useful in agricultural applications because it allows farmers to identify problems with crops in a more accurate and timely manner, according to ADAVSO President and Chief Executive Officer Steve Edgar.

“We provide the service and conduct the flights,” he told The Independent. “The farmer will use ‘cloud’ based technology to access the data. The number of flights over the field differs from crop to crop, season to season. The farmers have to make decisions on what they need to help pinpoint stress on crops, such as bugs and weeds, and soil-related problems. Our system can see that stress and allows us to give the farmer coordinates to locate it. He can go out there, check it out and custom tailor his water system or make other modifications to eliminate the stress cause. This will obviously increase yield per acre and concurrently save on operating costs.”

Edgar says his company does not manufacture the vehicle used for the flights, rather designs the system used to collect the data.

“We don’t manufacture airframes,” he said.

“We chose the eBee Ag vehicle, which is about two and a half feet wide and 1.6-feet long. It’s almost a delta wing and has four different sensors.”

The eBee is a 1.5-pound airframe designed and manufactured by senseFly Ltd., a company based in Cheseaux-Lausanne, Switzerland.

The airframe is constructed of foam and carbon, is battery operated and hand launched, according to the company’s website. It has a 38-inch wingspan and can fly for up to 45 min-

utes, 56 miles per hour and up to 3,000 feet above the ground. That means scouting up to 2,500 acres per flight.

Edgar says it took years to develop the system he has married with the airframe.

ADAVSO Partners form EMPIRE UNMANNED, LLC “This is huge," Robert Blair told the web-based Progressive Farmer. “We are able to fly legally and commercially to provide an imaging service to customers."

Owner of Three Canyon Farms outside Kendrick, Idaho, Blair is also an internationally recognized advocate of unmanned aircraft sysThe tems for agriculture. eBee AG Edgar, Blair and Empire Airlines of Hayden, Idaho, have come together to form Empire Unmanned, LLC, which is moving forward with operations using Edgar’s FAA exemption.

“All three of us make a great company,” he said.

“Empire has vast business and aviation experience. We are proud to partner with them. Their support has been instrumental in getting this off the ground. Empire Unmanned will initially be operating in Idaho’s panhandle in March.”

The UAS is No Drone Edgar steers clear of calling his unmanned aircraft systems “drones,” perhaps due to the negative perceptions attached to the term, but more practically, he says, because there is a real difference.

“Unmanned Aircraft Systems are more sophisticated than drones,” he said. “For one thing, there is linkage communication architecture that doesn’t exist on a drone. There is a ground-based controller. A drone flies a pre-programmed flight without a human in the loop; there is always a human at the controls of a UAS.” Enormous, $17 million weaponized “Reaper” Unmanned Systems have been used by the CIA and the U.S. military for surveillance and in combat. Edgar says unmanned aircraft systems, how-

ever, are a “tool,” which can be used for photography, science and backyard fun, as well as military surveillance or in other military roles.

The “surveillance” aspect is what kicks up dust with many who worry about their privacy.

“There is a lot of skepticism, but I could fly over your house in a plane that has much more technology-based equipment and take a picture of your house and you wouldn’t even know it,” Edgar pointed out. “It goes on all the time. Let’s not get wrapped up in airborne sensors because they are everywhere. The reality is that there is always an emotional reaction to things people don’t have a full working knowledge of. What people hear about drones is connected to the military.”

Edgar says the real issue is data: who is allowed to collect it, how are they allowed to collect it and whether they are using the collected data for authorized purposes.

“The root question is the illegal acquisition of data,” he said. “The collection method is not part of the argument. The reality is that legislating unmanned aircraft systems is not the answer because it’s just another collection method. You couldn’t begin to legislate all possible collection methods. The question is the illegal acquisition.

Cyber war is far more advanced than most realize and the Koreans showed us that,” Edgar said, citing the recent hacking issue at Sony Pictures. “We don’t need knee-jerk reactions; it’s like [playing] ‘Whack-A-Mole.’ You simply cannot write enough laws to cover every collection method. We need to find a way to control data collection without overly restricting technology.”

The FAA is currently working on the development of a regulatory framework for safely integrating small, unmanned aircraft systems into the National Airspace System. Unregulated commercial use could lead to disaster, but the FAA, under Section 333 of it’s 2012 Modernization and Reform Act, provides exemptions for companies looking to take advantage of technology while the

framework is being developed.

“I understand why there is an incremental approach because without it, there would be a fatality somewhere,” Edgar said. “How could you justify a drone hitting a manned aircraft? You can’t have a lot of exemptions. It’s their (the FAA’s) obligation to cover safety. With this exemption, we recognize the responsibility and the trust the FAA has granted us, it is our responsibility to act accordingly.”

Edgar, a retired military and airline pilot, was also an FAA rated Air Traffic Controller. He says his newly formed company, Empire Unmanned, is currently in discussions with Simplot, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management and others who are interested in implementing the company’s system.

“We have a number of actively on-going business discussions, even applications for universities,” he said. “flying for contract on ag research for universities is a business opportunity that has literally popped up in the last week.”

The company has been granted the FAA exemption, but must still be cleared for flight over land through a Certificate of Authorization (COA), also granted through a process with the FAA. ADAVSO currently has COA request under review for areas over the Treasure Valley and others in Idaho, as well as areas in eastern Oregon and Washington.

For more information log on to www.adavso.com, www.empireunmanned.com and www.threecanyonfarms.com.

ADAVSO's system

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com

CITY OF EAGLE

February 2015 • PAGE 5

EAGLE LIBRARY February Events

~~~~~~~~~~~ ON-GOING PROGRAMS ~~~~~~~~~~~ Monday, February 2, 9, 23 Baby Readers: 10:30 a.m. (birth – 18 months) Stories, songs, and fingerplays for babies and their caregivers.

Monday, February 2, 9, 23 Knee Deep in Legos: 4:00 p.m.

Weekly program for children ages 6 – 12 to use their creativity in building/designing with LEGOS. Tuesday, February 3, 10, 17, 24 Toddler Time: 10:30 a.m.

(18 months – 3 years) Stories, songs, and crafts for toddlers and their caregivers.

Wednesday, February 4, 11, 18, 25 Music & Movement: 10:30 a.m. (birth – 5 years) Early literacy skills are built through rhythm and motion in this interactive program for young children and their caregivers.

Wednesday, February 4, 11, 18, 25 Tales to Tails: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

(5+) Practice your reading skills ---- read to a friendly, attentive dog! Sign up for a 15-minute session at the Children’s Reference Desk.

Wednesday, February 4, 11, 25 Teen Advisory Board (TAB): 4:15 p.m. (teens 14+) Earn volunteer hours, socialize with your peers, and enjoy a small snack while helping your library in a variety of ways.

Wednesday, February 4, 11, 18, 25 Pajama Story Time: 7:00 p.m.

(3 – 8 years) Come in your pj’s for stories, songs, a craft, and a bedtime snack.

Thursday, February 5, 12, 19, 26 Preschool Story Time: 10:30 a.m.

(3 – 5 years) Stories, songs, and crafts for preschoolers and their caregivers.

Thursday, February 5, 12, 19 Homeschool Adventures: 2:00 p.m. (elementary) Learning and fun for homeschooling families.

Friday, February 6, 13, 20, 27 Ready, Set, School! 10:30 a.m.

(3 – 5 years) Stories, songs, and crafts, with an emphasis on school-readiness skills.

Friday, February 13, 27 Knitting Club: 10:00 a.m. (adults) Share your passion for knitting, learn new techniques, and enjoy socializing while creating items to be donated to various charitable organizations.

Saturday, February 7, 14, 21, 28 Saturday Stories & Music: 10:30 a.m. (all ages) Children from birth to age 6 and their families will build language and literacy skills through books, songs, rhymes, and movement activities.

Saturday, February 7, 21 AARP Tax-Aid: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (adults) Get assistance with your tax returns.

Monday, February 2 “Oh Yeah, Make Me!” Makey-Makey: 6:00 p.m. (middle/high school) Play with Makey-Makey and experiment with computer programming.

Wednesday, February 11 Computer Class: 2:00 p.m. (all ages) Learn how to use Pinterest.

Thursday, February 12 Second Thursday Book Club: 7:00 p.m. (all ages) The selection for this month is Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand.

Friday, February 13 and Saturday, February 14 Friends Book Sale: Friday 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.; Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Come support your library while finding your next favorite book!

Tuesday, February 17 How to Turn Your Creativity into Profitability: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (adults) Presented by the Small Business Administration Wednesday, February 18 All Things Waffle: 4:30 p.m. (middle/high school) Cinnamon rolls, cookies and cakes. Everything tastes better when it is a waffle.

Monday, February 23 Random Party Game Day: 6:00 p.m. (middle/high school) Party games are ridiculous. But they are hilariously fun! Especially Musical Chairs of Death!

Wednesday, February 25 Computer Class: 2:00 p.m. (all ages) Android Tablet Basics Thursday, February 26 Chat with the Director: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 28 Adult Craft Time: 2:00 p.m. (adults) Create Beautiful Garden Plant Markers

~~~~~~~~~~~ SPECIAL PROGRAMS ~~~~~~~~~~~

Tuesday, February 3, 10, 17, 24 Afterschool Adventures: 4:15 p.m. (elementary) February 3: Whatever Book Club February 10: Learn to make special Valentine treats.

February 17: Create a Mexican Inspired Yarn Picture February 24: BINGO !

Thursday, February 5, 19 Spanish Language for Kids: 4:15 p.m. (elementary) Join us for beginning Spanish conversation geared to school-age kids.

Thursday, February 5, 12, 19 Homeschool Adventures: 2:00 p.m. (elementary) Explore and learn about various countries in the continent of Asia.

Friday, February 6, 20,27 Friday Afternoon Movies: 4:15 p.m. (all ages) February 6: Puss in Boots February 20 – Arthur and the Invisibles February 27 – Treasure Planet Monday, February 9 Pizza and a Movie: 5:30 p.m. (middle/high school) Bring a friend and see Wall-E, a great film!

Tuesday, February 10 Tea for You and Your Love: 6:30 p.m. (adults) Terry and Karen Hathaway of Joyful Tea will talk about the history of tea and provide some tasty samples.

The Library will be closed Monday, February 16, for Presidents Day.

www.eaglepubliclibrary.org

Eagle City Council Meetings 2nd and 4th Tuesday • 6:30 p.m.

EAGLE PARKS AND RECREATION

Preschool Yoga Wednesdays, February 4-25 • 10:30-11:15 AM Eagle Performing Arts Center Ages 3-6 • $36.00; preregistration required Valentine’s Parents Night Out Saturday, February 14 • 5:00-9:00 PM Eagle City Hall • Ages 4-10 $24.00 (sibling discount available); preregistration required

Bike Repair Class Tuesday, February 17 • 6:30-7:30 PM Reed Cycle • $9.00; preregistration required

Preschool Dinosaur Party Saturday, February 21 • 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Eagle Senior Center Ages 3-6 • $25.00; preregistration required

Skyhawks Basketball Mondays, February 23-March 16 Ages 4-6: 5:00-5:45 PM Ages 7-8: 6:00-7:00 PM Eagle Elementary of the Arts Gymnasium $40; preregistration required

Skyhawks Soccer Wednesdays, February 25-March 18 Ages 4-6: 5:00-5:45 PM Ages 7-8: 6:00-7:00 PM Eagle Elementary of the Arts Gymnasium $40; preregistration required

For current Eagle Parks & Recreation activities, information and registration visit www.cityofeagle.org/recreation, call 208-489-8784 or visit City Hall.

Around Eagle . . . . . . . . . . . . By Mayor Jim Reynolds

How about those Broncos? For many teams, after an award-winning coach moves on, rebuilding takes several seasons. Filling the shoes of a Coach Peterson would be intimidating, to say the least. Yet, undeterred, Coach Brian Harsin has led the Broncos to a winning season and triumph at the Fiesta Bowl his first season. Wow. The future seems to be bright indeed.

Speaking of contending, we are still doing so with the folks at Laguna Point. The path is fairly complete and the bridge, while expensive, is in and functional. The issue today is intrusion by various homeowners into the path with fencing and plantings. Additionally, some believe they should be able to install barbed wire to discourage any trespassing.

Of course, barbed wire is not allowed in the City for obvious safety reasons, so the litigation will continue.

Eagle Urban Renewal is making some progress with the intersection at Eagle Road and Old State Street. The URA has struck a deal with Nick Zenovich and Randy Hetrick, owners of the former Tri-City Meats property, to raise their building along with the rental homes and scrub vegetation. The URA will rent the property until it is developed to provide significant additional parking for the downtown merchants.

There are still developers seeking to create a pleasing structure on the Southwest corner that would include the old Chevron station.

The question remains how to make it work with the Chevron property owners still asking 3 times the current market price. We remain hopeful.

Some of you will remember the economic development agency Sage, which is now known as the Idaho Council of Governments, or ICOG. It provides small loans for start-up businesses and was largely funded by the Area Agency on Aging that provides meals for SW Idaho's Senior Centers. When they lost the AAA contract, we thought ICOG might close its doors. Now, the Montana Development Corporation has taken a strong interest in using their fairly significant funding to help economic develop through ICOG. As a City, I am hopeful that we may qualify for their assistance in developing commercial, and even a clean industrial component, to support the substantial residential growth we continue to enjoy.

We are delighted to have all the commercial development we can muster that will fit with the beautiful ambiance that is Eagle. Consequently, we welcome the second phase of the Gardner Company's Spring Creek assisted living facility at Eagle Island Crossing. As with all that Gardner Company creates, it will continue to be a first class senior residential facility.

Speaking of buildings, we are currently visiting our daughter, her husband and our first granddaughter, Sophie Mae, in Upstate New York. They have just moved into a 1,600square foot manufactured home on 3 acres in the hill country south of Albany. Their taxes for this humble home are a whopping $6,000 per year. As there is no natural gas in the area, they heat with fuel oil. With the dropping fuel prices,their monthly bill just dropped from $400 to just over $300. Ain't you glad you live in Idaho.

To learn more about the

Eagle Chamber of Commerce: www.eaglechamber.com.

The chamber is active in the community and proactive in helping business members network and better achieve their goals.

PAGE 6 • February 2015

So much is happening in our community every month that we can't possibly fit it all in by the date we publish.

Check our website for more news and events throughout the month.

theindnews.com

SAFETY TIPS

Earthquake Safety Tips

The M 4.9 earthquake that shook the area this past month is a reminder for residents to take steps to protect their family, home, and business before an earthquake hits. The nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)® offers the following easy and affordable earthquake safety tips for residents.

Look Up 1. Support ceiling fans and light pendants with bracing wire secured to a screw eye embedded at least an inch into the ceiling joist.

Look Around Secure hanging artwork and furniture with these easy and affordable steps.

2. Anchor the tops of bookcases, file cabinets and entertainment centers to one or more studs with flexible fasteners or metal "L" brackets and screws to prevent tipping.

3. Secure loose shelving by screwing into the cabinet or with earthquake putty placed at each corner bracket.

4. Secure china, collectibles, trophies, and other shelf items with earthquake putty.

5. Install a lip or blocking device to prevent books or other articles from falling off shelves.

6. Secure televisions, computers, and stereos with buckles and safety straps that also allow easy removal and relocation.

7. Install latches on cabinet doors to prevent them from opening and spilling out their contents.

8. Hang mirrors, pictures and plants using closed hooks to prevent items from falling.

9. Cover windows with approved shatterresistant safety film to protect against broken glass.

Look Down Prevent post-earthquake fires with these easy and affordable steps.

A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history. ~ Mahatma Gandhi

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com

10. Ensure appliances have flexible gas or electrical connectors.

11. Strap the top and bottom of a water heater using heavy-gauge metal strapping secured to wall studs.

12. Locate your gas shutoff valve and ensure you know how to turn off the gas supply to your home with the use of a suitable wrench.

13. Relocate flammable liquids to a garage or outside storage location.

For additional resources for businesses visit the FLASH and FEMA QuakeSmart initiative. For more how-to earthquake information, residents can visit the Protect Your Home in a FLASH video library.

About FLASH Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)®, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is the country's leading consumer advocate for strengthening homes and safeguarding families from natural and manmade disasters. FLASH collaborates with more than 120 innovative and diverse partners that share its vision of making America a more disaster-resilient nation including: BASF, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Florida Division of Emergency Management, The Home Depot®, International Code Council, Kohler® Generators, National Weather Service, Portland Cement Association, Simpson Strong-Tie®, State Farm™, and USAA® In 2008, FLASH opened the interactive weather experience StormStruck: A Tale of Two Homes® in Lake Buena Vista, FL. Learn more about FLASH and gain access to its free consumer resources by visitingwww.flash.org or calling (877) 221- SAFE (7233). Also, get timely safety tips to ensure that you and your family are protected from natural and manmade disasters by subscribing to the FLASH blog – Protect Your Home in a FLASH.

Is it Time for a Brake Repair?

By Steve Green It’s a simple fact: brakes wear down.

When any of the following symptoms occur, call to schedule a free brake inspection with me at Steve’s Auto Care.

• It's important to monitor any strange noises your vehicle makes, including your brakes.

• While some screeching is to be expected, if you have to come to a fast and unexpected stop, standard braking should not result in sounds. Also any type of regular grinding or clicking noises, in addition to frequent screeching, could be a red flag.

• Potholes aside, breaking should be a smooth experience. If you feel anything that seems out of place, such as vibrations, pulls or pulsations, it could be a sign of faulty brakes.

• Other red flags include longer stopping distances or a strange drag during acceleration as if the brakes are still engaged.

Just like any other piece of equipment, brakes have a finite lifespan. The exact length of usefulness depends on your driving habits: Those who cruise around rural highways likely don't wear down the brakes as fast as drivers in a crowded urban setting.

Unfortunately, that means it can be difficult to know when to have brakes checked.

Now newer vehicles are equipped with alerts that clue you in as to when they may need brake repair, but you should be keeping track as well. Consider getting them inspected about every 6 months or so, scheduling the check for the same time as the tire rotation or another action so it is easier to remember.

At Steve's Auto Care, we always offer a Free Brake Inspection. Give us a call and have yours done today. Call Steve at (208) 863-2748 or (208) 286-4039.

Pub House Press, Inc. dba The Independent News © 2015

LLC

Publisher/Editor Melissa Upton PO Box 2541 Graphic Designer Mary Shaw Eagle, ID 83616 Printer Owyhee Publishing (208) 550-3111 Advertising Randy Miskimon (208)794-6858 theindnews.story@gmail.com Reporters Phil Janquart, Mickie Park

DEADLINE:

To be included in the next issue all information and ads must be submitted by

February 15, 2015

The Independent News is published monthly, on the 1st. It is a free publication mailed direct to homes in Eagle and Star, with additional distribution in West Boise and North Meridian. Distribution of this publication does not constitute responsibility for products or services advertised. Article submissions, opinions or letters to the editor published in The Independent News do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. The publisher of The Independent News reserves the right to edit material on length and clarity and to reject any material deemed libelous or offensive in nature. Advertising or submissions may be rejected at any time, for any reason. The entire contents of The Independent News is copyrighted by Melissa Upton, Publisher.

Contributors for this issue:

Gretchen Anderson, Norma Dawson, Anna Eaton-Merkle, Rita Gambino, Steve Green, Cathy Hardy, Kim Ingraham, Philip A. Janquart, Trina Kubitchek, Joy Lear, Joanne M.W. Love, Caitlin McGowan, John Millstead, Mickie Park, Joe Prin, Jim Reynolds, Michael Rusnakc, Tamara Sullivan-Watson, Bill Towler, Melissa Upton, Denice Van Doren, Tom Wick Press Release Policy

The Independent News publishes press releases distributed by businesses or organizations. The release should be NO MORE than 300 words in length. If a release is submitted that is longer, The Independent News will either send it back to you for editing, or we will edit it. If you are a new business in town, or an existing one that would like some coverage, The Independent News routinely provides business profiles for our local businesses.Please contact us at 550-3111 or email us at theindnews.story@gmail.com.

Letters to the Editor Policy

Maximum length is 250 words, 600 words for a Guest Opinion. You must identify yourself and include a phone number where you can be reached for verification. We will not publish telephone numbers or email addresses. All letters printed are the opinion of the writer and The Independent News cannot verify the accuracy of the information submitted. Any material submitted that is deemed libelous, offensive or in poor taste will not be printed. All material is subject to editing by this newspaper. Guest Opinions will be printed on a case by case basis and all material submitted will be printed as space allows. You may submit letters to theindnews.story@ gmail.com or mail to PO Box 2541, Eagle, ID 83616.

w w w. t h e i n d n e w s . c o m

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com

BUSINESS

Groundbreaking at Spring Creek Eagle Island Assisted Living/Memory Care Facility

By Melissa Upton On January 13, the inversion lifted and the sun shone brightly for the groundbreaking ceremony of the newest Edgewood Senior Living facility located at Eagle Island Crossing adjacent to the Idaho Fine Arts Academy.

Edgewood Management Group has 10 senior living facilities throughout Idaho, three of which are located in Boise, two are in Meridian and, with this new location, two will soon be in Eagle.

Tommy Ahlquist, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Gardner Company, began the ceremony with thanks to Eagle Mayor Jim Reynolds and the City of Eagle staff for all they do for the local and business community. According to their website, The Gardner Company is a builder of commercial, residential, and multi-use buildings with projects throughout Idaho and Utah including the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City; the Adobe building in Lehi, UT; City Center Plaza in downtown Boise (in progress); and Eagle Island Crossing in Eagle.

Ahlquist thanked ALC, the designer and architects of Eagle Island Crossing for their exceptional vision and work on the project.

Russ Kubik, Edgewood Management Group’s COO and Executive Vice President (VP) next spoke, giving a background of the vision of the senior living and memory care facility. He stated that the project began over 3 years ago with a meeting between Edgewood, Gardner Co, and the school system.

February 2015 • PAGE 7

One of the goals of building the new senior care facility was to tie the “business of senior living, particularly memory care, to a student body…who had something to offer and something to contribute to this great group of people that we take care of.” Kubik went on to say that this venture really started with a “heart and soul” to it that has driven the entire project and those involved.

Kubik said the facility being constructed is considered a “boutique” setting. It will feature about 60 units, therefore Kubik stated, “It's not too big and not too small.” The facility will contain 50% memory care and 50% assisted living units. Kubik concluded by saying, “We've built a lot of things into this building that we think will serve the people of Eagle and Idaho very, very well.”

Michael Sharp, Edgewood’s Regional VP for Idaho and Montana, expressed enthusiasm about the partnering opportunities with Idaho Fine Arts Academy and said that the students are “excited to come work with our residents…it’s going to be a unique situation throughout the state in assisted living, memory care, and independent living.”

Mayor Reynolds concluded the ceremony by expressing his appreciation to those involved in the Spring Creek Senior Living/Memory Care facility project.

Those interested in Spring Creek Eagle Island can view floor plans or a virtual tour on Edgewood Management Group’s website at edgewoodseniorliving.com or contact them at (208) 939-6499.

• Competitive Ad Rates

• The Largest Distribution

• A Commitment to Content

Left to right. Eric Anderson - ALC Architecture, Owner & Architect, Joe Jackson - ESI, Owner, Jo Greer - ALC Architecture, Project Manager I AIT, Russ Kubik, Edgewood, Michael Sharp, Edgewood, Tommy Ahlquist - Gardner Company, COO, Tom Ahlquist - Gardner Company, VP Construction, Geoff Wardle - Gardner Company, VP Development/Legal Counsel, Mayor James D. Reynolds - City of Eagle Mayor, Ron Whetter, Edgewood

National Broker Connect Real Estate Grand Opening

By Mickie Park National Broker Connect Real Estate held their Grand Opening open house on January 8, 2015.

Eagle Chamber of Commerce, family, and friends all joined together to welcome Broker Jimmie Miller and his team to the City of Eagle. It was the perfect opportunity to meet and greet the team and welcome them all.

National Broker Connect Real Estate firm works strongly locally and nationally focusing on connecting all consumers to the agents and Brokers who share in the same high

level of customer service that they do. They represent both home buyers and sellers and specialize in all aspects of real estate transactions. The National Broker Connect team is here to help clients buy or sell their homes not only in Eagle but also Meridian, Star, Boise, Nampa, Caldwell, Hidden Springs, just to name a few.

National Broker Connect Real Estate is located at 203 N Eagle Road. Visit their website at www.nationalbrokerconnect.com or call 208-286-1570.

National Broker Connect Real Estate held their Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting January 8th.

Reach a larger audience!

(16,000 distribution) 794-6858 www.theindnews.com

PAGE 8 • February 2015

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com

A Teacher’s

Perspective

Y_s, I @m.

By Anna Eaton-Merkle This “other” life honed in me ninja-like skills “Are you the smart one or the pretty one?” in eavesdropping, spying, and hiding.

Believe it or not, I was asked that question Later on, my time living under the wire more than a few times in the small town afforded me freedoms that I would not have where I grew up. People knew who my parenjoyed were my parents fresh off the parentents were and my brother was the only boy. ing boat. By the time I was ready to venture Besides the obvious lack of tact such a query out into the world, they had figured out that poses, there was this simple fact…there were it was not necessary to make one’s child wear three of us girls. So, given the choice of an orange life vest while floating the river. whether I was the smart one or the pretty Neither was it necessary to interview teachone, I found myself saying awkwardly, “Errrr, ers, chaperone dances, or tail dates. My pretty sure I am the other one.” brother had already been grounded for every Perhaps those experiences shaped me in offense imaginable, so my mere tardiness ways I have yet to encounter; perhaps there here and there was no longer a federal crime. will one day be a point wherein I can In short they were relaxed enough not to (probably with the help of a therapist) trace embarrass me, but busy enough that they a variety of my own idiosyncrasies back to didn’t hover on my every movement. Perfect growing up as the “other” one. But in fairplace to be a teenager. ness, at the moment I can honestly say that I came to realize that being stuck firmly in it didn’t bother me a bit. the middle allowed me to find my own path.

My older sister was an incredibly gifted and I never had to live up to any particular label, driven student. Without a doubt, she earned and I never slowed down enough to wonder her title as the smart one and even today what that label would be if I had one. In promises to increase the average I.Q. of any high school, traditionally an emotional conversation in which she is a part. My battleground, the need for approval rolled younger sister started out as a beautiful baby off me like water off a duck. I am sure I and has never stopped gracing every room she cared what people thought of me, but I really has ever entered. She is as lovely inside as don’t remember ever worrying about it, even out. That left my brother and I, and his status thinking about it. I was just…me. as the only son and an excellent athlete filled Still am. College and jobs and friends and a unique niche to which I couldn’t hold a clubs and kids and years and years later, that candle. So there I was, tucked firmly in the is still who I am. I am not sure if this is a middle. And contrary to what one might good or a bad thing. It is just a thing. But if I think, that position was as comfortable to could ever pass a characteristic on to my kids me as a pair of footie pajamas.

– the ones with my DNA and the ones who There were definite perks in that “other” have to listen to me in class every day – it world: almost new hand-me-downs, a big would be my “other”ness. There is a comfort sister on scary stormy nights, a little sister to in knowing one’s place in the universe, in test theories on (side note: purple crayons accepting all the gifts that are given and all do NOT taste like grape tootsie rolls), and those that aren’t. So if anyone ever asks one perhaps best of all, a brother who managed to of my kids if they are the smart one or the get in enough trouble on his own that almost pretty one, I hope he or she can happily reply anything could be plausibly blamed on him.

“Yes, I am.”

Anna Eaton-Merkle lives in Eagle and teaches English to 10th and 12th grades at Eagle High School. A collection of her essays can be found on her blog, www.thinkinginthemargins.com.

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. ~ Nelson Mandela

Student’s Perspective

By Caitlin McGowan “What do you want to do with your life?” Being a senior in high school, I’ve been asked this question too many times to count. After applying to colleges, I’ve been asked this even more. I almost always answer the question by saying, “I want to change the world.”

That’s a common response, and not a bad one. You see, we as people change the world every day just by living. We already have lived an existence that is changing the world around us. I personally want to have a big impact on the world, but changing the world doesn’t require some complicated plan.

As confusing as this may sound, think about it. There must have been some person who inspired Rosa Parks to not stand up on that bus, someone who pushed any of these famous worldchangers to do what they did. Without the ‘normal’ people, the world would be a different place than it is.

As a teenager, I’m not taken seriously for a lot of my political standpoints or thoughts on how things should be done.

For a while I used to think that my existence in the large sense didn’t matter, as a lot of people do. The thing is, we all have something we contribute to the world as a whole. We, as typical people, have to think on the small-scale with how I change the world, but it still changes the world.

Whether it’s complimenting a random person on the street or helping someone

carry their items into a building, it’s all something that contributes to the world.

Maybe the person you complimented was having a terrible day and felt like they looked horrible. Or maybe the person you helped wouldn’t have been able to present their ground-breaking idea if they hadn’t gotten help into the building. All of these little actions, if acted out, would change the world.

Doing small things contributes to changing the world. Not everyone can be the next Albert Einstein or Frankie Valli. Some people don’t have the resources to make ground-breaking changes to the world, but they still make changes.

You see, as humans, we change the world day by day with the little actions we do. However, there are steps to be taken that amplify these changes we will make.

Instead of thinking that the world doesn’t matter with or without your existence, think about helping that person you see struggling, or think about speaking up about things you want to change. When it’s all said and done, we all change the world.

I, myself, have done things in the past couple of years that I would say changed the world in a sense. I have complimented people more and been more helpful in general. With this, I have seen people around me acting a little nicer and myself acting like a better person. Yes, these little things are just small fragments of the huge world around us, but the small fragments may lead to something big.

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com The Eagle Arts Commission's mission is growing and celebrating the arts to strengthen community.

It was established to promote, educate and develop the arts for the citizens of the City of Eagle.

THE ARTS

February 2015 • PAGE 9

The Eagle Arts Commission is pleased to announce the Artists of the Month at the Eagle City Hall Gallery and St. Luke's Eagle Gallery.

The Eagle City Hall and St. Luke's galleries are open to the public and may be viewed during regular business hours.

City Hall Art Gallery Gallery hours: 8am to 5pm

February Artist - Michael Rusnack

A degreed engineer, Michael Rusnack finds his creative outlet through painting. Experiences in stage set design set him on a path of study in England, where he discovered oil and watercolor painting, and Italy, where he immersed himself in sculpting, rooting his future development as an artist in a trust of the senses and a deep appreciation of art history.

His work is influenced by water colorist Dwight Williams, plein air painter Fred Choate, and the painterly philosophy of John Carlson. Value, mass, color temperature, and perspective form the foundations of Michael's interpretive realism, while he draws inspiration from the sweeping vistas, contemplative moods, and sensual pleasures of the Western landscape. His highkey palette celebrates the light, freshness, and continual change each season brings to mountain and field, sea and sky.

"Don't be afraid of putting on color...paint generously and unhesitatingly, for it is best not to lose the first impression."

-Camille Pissarro

ST LUKE’S GALLERY

7am to 6pm, Monday- Friday • Art exhibits are located on the second level

February Artists - Camera Club of Eagle,

The Camera Club of Eagle was established in 2008 by a handful of community-minded photographers as a not-for-profit organization with its sole purpose being to educate, encourage and expand a photographer's knowledge and capabilities of its members by: • Furnishing a meeting place where its members could associate; • Making available equipment required for conduct of its programs; • Presenting lectures, courses of study and demonstration techniques; • Providing for club and member participation in exhibitions and contests; • Sponsoring of activities which further the purpose of the club and the community. Since 2008 the club has grown exponentially with a mix of beginners, intermediates and seasoned professionals in a comfortable environment where everyone can learn and teach at their own pace. With over 20 educational presentations each year, frequent photographic outing events, 4 in-depth workshops, photographic critique sessions as well as our members presenting topics in our bimonthly meetings, the club continues to develop seasoned photographers for the future.

Along with all the educational topics we also provide access to private pages and group space where members can share photos, video presentations, special interest topics and tutorials to further increase our membership's knowledge of photography.

The Camera Club of Eagle supports community efforts by making it our job to give back whenever we can by volunteering to help where and when we are needed.

If you love photography, you will love the friends you'll make at the Camera Club of Eagle.

Our mission is to learn together through great teaching and frequent group outings. Join us each first and third Wednesday of the month at Eagle City Hall which is located between the Eagle Public Library and the Eagle Post office in downtown Eagle. Meetings held at 7PM sharp in the Council Chambers.

The Eagle Arts Commission, comprised of volunteers, serves in an advisory capacity and is established to advise Eagle the City Council on ways in which city government might best serve the public with regard to matters involving the arts.

Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still. ~ Dorothea Lange

The Children Act

by Ian McEwan

Alluring, Descriptive, Captivating, The Children Act is a Great Read

Review by Tom Wick Fiona Maye, a High Court judge of the English jurisprudence system reflects, “Wealth mostly failed to bring extended happiness.”

Her recollection foreshadows two parallel tales in this intriguing drama as Fiona wrestles with her waning and childless marriage to Jack and with her decision to force seventeen year-old Adam Henry to have induced a medical procedure his religious affiliation forbids.

Ian McEwan’s latest novel, the aptly named ‘The Children Act’ reflects the consequences of the United Kingdom’s Children Act 1989, wherein is stated “the child’s welfare shall be court’s paramount consideration.” McEwan masterfully plays out this peril effect in the book’s five parts, vignettes if you will, congruent, but separated by an elapsed period of time. Fiona becomes uncharacteristically attached to Adam, denying his religious freedom for her sake. Perhaps to be a mentor, or a surrogate mother, she justifies her attachment by professing, “I am the one who will be making the decision in his best interests.”

McEwan’s prose well plays out the irony and wit that is not lost on Fiona, a judge in the Family Division. She is the catalyst in her deteriorating marriage, forgoing children for an unmemorable success; surrendering mari-

tal passion to manage marital conflict. McEwan crafts the sentence, “Fiona recognizes in herself the signs of an enveloping misanthropy and makes herself remember her mission.” A mission with no inspiration in its wake; Jack and Adam are the collateral damage.

Fiona belatedly realizes that “she thought her responsibilities ended at the courtroom wall.” Belatedly, but not too late, McEwan wonderfully illustrates her retreat to the man who has never failed to love her. Jack is not without his own weaknesses; unloved, he reacts selfishly, but for their sakes, they are both fortunately remorseful. In the end, as Fiona recognizes her most tragic moment, Jack lovingly “places his hand on her shoulder, drawing her near him.” He promises to hear her regrets; and love her for her strengths and weaknesses.

McEwan, author of the popular film and novel ‘Atonement,’ is not only a prolific novelist, but has also penned stage plays, screenplays, children’s fiction, film adaptations, and even an oratorio. If you’ve never read or seen any of McEwan’s work, ‘The Children Act’ is a great start.

COMMENTARY

Joe’s View

PAGE 10 • February 2015

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com

Technology and evolution can be cruel relatives. These are the kind of relatives that you like to have around for a while, sometimes are glad when they are gone, but yet miss them in a nostalgic way and think of them fondly.

For example: The question of paper bags vs. plastic is not even a question any more. Simply put, we are to feel bad if we choose either.

We are killing owls, choking sea turtles, using up finite resources and making things bad for the children of our children’s children. I know that. The right choice? Neither. Use the reusable bag you brought with you! Yeah me!

I have the right answer. That is as long as my reusable shopping bag is not made out of as much plastic as 100 of those other ones and made by child labor in a far off country.

Foam coffee cups or paper? Neither! Bring your own cup to work! Yeah me! I do this.

Now if I could figure out how to wean the world off bottled water I would feel like something has been accomplished. What a silly thing that is, right? I saw bottles of water for 88 cents that somehow got shipped all the way from Norway, and a melting glacier, to the convenience store on the corner. Really? How much petroleum did that cost the planet?

Makes my Eagle well water taste pretty good.

What an interesting First World problem that is. I think the water we have available locally is pretty good. Good enough that I do not need to drink Norway’s. And who says what is in that water anyway?

So after that “egotistical, self grandstanding, holy-er that thou statement of attitude and how the world should be” mentality, I would

TRINA’S

FITNESS CORNER Drinking Lemon Water

Did you know that one of the simplest things you can do to improve your overall health is drinking a warm cup of lemon water first thing in the morning? With all the new year’s resolutions being claimed I jumped on this one – it is so simple and easy to do.

Here are my top reasons why you should be drinking lemon water: • Lemon helps improve digestion.

It will ease indigestion, heartburn, bloating, and bowel regulation.

Lemon juice naturally hydrates your gut and helps flush out toxins.

• With cold and flu season on the rise; lemon juice helps support your immune system. Not only is lemon juice high in Vitamin C, but it also has the ability to help your body absorb iron from the foods you eat.

• It is important to stay hydrated in the winter months just as much as the summer months. Although people find plain water boring, lemon water makes plain water more interesting to drink.

• Lemons can help reduce inflammation, by removing the uric acid from your joints. Uric acid build up is one of the major causes of inflammation.

• Lemon water helps to reduce mucus and phlegm. People who

drink cow’s milk are often more sensitive for mucus production. So starting your day with lemon water can definitely help lessen mucus if you are not ready to go dairy free.

• Lemon water can help you fight depression and stress. With high levels of potassium and magnesium, it creates mental clarity and focus.

This is a great drink for those of us with a stressful lifestyle.

• Lemon water helps you detox from caffeine. Many people are able to get off caffeine by replacing their morning cup of joe with lukewarm lemon water. It gives you the energy boost to wake your body and boost energy as one cup of coffee would.

• Lemon water fights mouth bacteria.

However don’t drink lemon juice undiluted or brush your teeth with it – it can erode tooth enamel. Drink a glass of lemon water instead.

• Lemon water can assist in fighting cravings, boost metabolism, and give you the feeling of satisfaction. So drink a glass of lemon water in between meals.

Lemon water is easy to make.

Warm up a cup of water first thing in the morning. Squeeze half of a fresh lemon into your water and enjoy.

Add lemon to your water throughout your day; it is good for your mind, body, and soul.

Trina K Kubitschek Certified Personal Trainer. Owner of CrossFit Station.

A proud mom of Kayla, Kasson, Violet, and Evelyn. Trina has more than 14 years of experience and a drive to help individuals find and succeed in their fitness goals.

Visit Trina at http://crossfitstation.com

like to start a revolution. My quest is going to be the elimination of the 9/10 of a cent nomenclature at the end of a gallon of gas.

The 9/10 cent designator is a waste of my brain space. It is antique. It is obsolete. Its reason for being does not exist anymore. It needs to go away!

Think of a world without this visual and mental clutter. No more would you debate with your spouse if the gas is $1.80 or really $1.81. You wouldn’t have to think about buying exactly one gallon and how you would get the 1/10 of a cent back from those thieving oil barons. That’s where they make the money!

Rounding up!

No longer would plastic sign companies have to make the tenth designation character on the inventory of numerical inserts provided to stores nationwide. Signs could be smaller, and it would take less energy to illuminate them. The savings to the planet could be huge! There is a cause I can rally behind!

Who’s with me?!

Letting go. It’s a tough thing to do. For the most part, we do not “dial” a phone number any longer. Can’t dial when there is no dial.

We punch, press, push, or even “speak” phone numbers. No dials anymore. Technological Evolution.

Ask a kid to tell you what time it is off an analog clock. You know, the ones with those old things like big hands and little hands?

Kids know digital clocks. In the coming years, analog clocks will become quaint, quirky, and retro. And I will feel a bit older. Older, as I drink my local well water from a ceramic cup carried in my reusable bag and tell a story to a friend on a phone without a dial at a time determined without hands. Thank heaven you learned about my dilemma in a real newspaper.

Listen to The HomeFix Radio Show with Joe Prin, Saturday mornings, 7-10 AM on 670 KBOI or on your mobile device through Facebook at “The HomeFix Radio Show”.

Email to joe@joeprin.com. Podcasts of previous radio shows and columns are available at JoePrin.com.

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

Confucius

TISSUES

I wouldn’t go as far as to say, I’m a pack rat. After all, “pack rat” is the more polite term for “hoarder.” However, I have been guilty of this one, little thing for quite a long time: collecting used tissues. There.

I said it.

My grandmother, who I dearly loved and to whom I still feel a connection, would always rat hole used tissues. She had them in her handbag, in her housecoat pockets; you’d even find them squirreled away in one sleeve of her winter sweaters. I’m certain it’s inherited. My older brother, Christian, freely admitted to the same thing—though he doesn’t keep them in a housecoat pocket.

It all started with my allergies. Really bad allergies. Before I discovered the Neti Pot and a saline nose gel called Ayr, I used to blow my nose at least 20 times every morning. As a result, I would go through Kleenex like nobody’s business. So back then, I would stockpile tissues that still had some use left in ‘em. I should have purchased stock in Kleenex, long ago.

To my credit, I really only use a small portion of a tissue. I don’t keep the ones that are really gnarly. I am frugal—but have my limits. And, if I were really mindful I’d just tear off and trash the used part and keep the rest of the Kleenex.

Nah… It all came to a head recently. Mr. Man gifted me a treadmill desk for my birthday.

I know, I know. It’s bad juju to buy your woman anything that would encourage her to exercise for her birthday because it sends the wrong message. Like, “Your backside is WAY TOO BIG.” But, to his credit I told him how I was fascinated by a story on

By Gretchen Anderson NPR on treadmill desks. Did you know most of the people working at the Mayo Clinic haven’t sat at desks for months? It was a gift of “good health.”

Back to the Kleenex…

Mr. Man and Bubba decided to move me out of my old desk and set up the new one.

They started by removing the drawers. One after another, they stacked them in the family room for me to unload. It was the last drawer they brought out, that essentially threw me under the bus. It was chock-full of used, wadded up tissues.

No one had known my secret until that moment. I was busted.

I used that collection to grab runaway spiders. If one of the dogs had an accident that's the Kleenex I used (and disposed of it afterward—of course)! And on occasion, if I had to blow my nose, I knew where I could find a tissue in a pinch.

I don’t think there is a 12-step program for my Kleenex quandary. I will just have to kick my habit, cold turkey. So, if you happen to sneeze go ahead ask me if I have a tissue. I promise it will be fresh… or will it? ©February 2015 Gretchen Anderson.

Gretchen Anderson is an award-winning writer and author of “The Backyard Chicken Fight.” It is available on Amazon. Contact Gretchen at gretchen.anderson@me.com.

February 2015 • PAGE 11

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

An affordable way to advertise your business or service!

Over 16,000 copies distribution to Eagle and Star, with drops in N Meridian and W Boise!

Call 794-6858 or email theindnews.story@gmail.com

TAX TALK Affordable Care Act

STAR BLOOD DRIVE

Give Blood - It Saves Lives

Classifieds Help Wanted

School bus driver needed one day per week for the Horseshoe Bend 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) after school program 8-10 weeks, approximately 3-4 hours per day, additional hours may be available. $14/hour and CDL required with school bus and passenger endorsement and good driving record.

Call 793-2225 x1260 for more info.

Help Wanted

Experienced landscape maintenance lead for the 2015 season.

Valid driver’s license required.

Contact Superior Landscape, 985-0687

Food Donation Needed Eagle Foodbank

Distribution Days are the first and third Thursday of every month 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and the last Tuesday 6-7 p.m.

149 W. State St, Eagle, in the rear of the Customedica Pharmacy building.

Donations of non-perishable food items may be dropped off at donation bins located in the Eagle Main Fire Station, the Eagle Public Library and in Albertsons.

The Eagle Foodbank is also open most Fridays from 4-6pm to receive non-perishable donations. Donations may be mailed to: Eagle Foodbank, PO Box 1081,Eagle, ID 83616.

Hope Lutheran Food Bank

Open Monday - Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

After-hours by appointment.

939-9181,office@hopeeagle.org www.hopeeagle.com.

February 10 3-6:30 pm

In the Star Library parking lot.

Please call Rita Gambino to schedule your time 208-286-7153

The Independent News can be found at these and other locations: Eagle: • Albertsons • Burger Den • Busters • Big O • Eagle Chamber of Commerce • Eagle City Hall • Eagle Library • Idaho Athletic • Jacksons • Justos Tesoro • Les Schwab • Perks of Life • Rembrandts • Shady Acres • St Al’s-Eagle • St Luke’s-Eagle • Stinker - State St. • Winco • Zen Bento

H&R Block of Star has teamed with Idaho Independent Bank and Joski Insurance to offer a Tax Talk to speak to the community and help them to better understand the effects of the Affordable Care Act on taxes and some things that may be beneficial to the community as consumers.

TAX TALK Star Public Library Tuesday, February 3, 2015 5:30pm to 6:30pm Light refreshments will be served.

Capacity is 30.

For questions please contact: H&R Block of Star 208-286-7130

F EBRUARY E VENTS

To view our current, updated calendar or for event submission information please visit our website at www.theindnews.com.

Library calendars, Eagle and Star city meetings, and Chamber of Commerce information can be found listed separately throughout the newspaper.

City of Eagle news, pg. 5; City of Star news, pg. 12 and on the online calendar at

www.theindnews.com

Star:

• El Mariachi • Maverik • Star Library • Star Merc • Star Café

Meridian:

• Fred Meyer, Linder at Chinden • Stinker, Eagle Road

Middleton:

• Ridley’s • Sunrise Café • The Cottages If you would like us to add your business to our distribution list, please call 550-3111 or email us at theindnews.story@gmail.com

The heart has its reasons of which reason knows nothing. ~ Blaise Pascal

The Independent News reaches 16,000 Homes

Imagine how your business might grow with that kind of exposure Call 794-6858 for information on advertising with us

CITY OF STAR

PAGE 12 • February 2015

Star Parks and Recreation

We would like to thank everyone for all their support throughout the year.

Our current needs are

canned vegetables, soup, peanut butter, tuna, spaghetti sauce, laundry soap, bar soap, and deodorant.

We need Volunteers

Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. & Thursdays from 2:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Thank you again for your support. If you need assistance or know someone who does we are open every Thursday 3-5, the third Thursday 3-7 or call 208-779-0046.

Star Outreach

Neighbors Helping Neighbors Star Outreach- Neighbors Helping Neighbors is a Public Charity under Internal Revenue section 501 (c) (3)

Check us out at staroutreachonline.com.

STAR LIBRARY - February Events We wish you and yours a warm and wonderful holiday season!

Mondays 2/2, 2/9, 2/23 Preschool Play and Learn Story time (ages 3–5), 10:30 a.m.

Teen Art Studio (ages 12 and up), 4:15 p.m. creative expression and socializing on 2/2 and 2/9 Pizza and Books for teens (ages 12 and up), 4:15 p.m. you bring a book you have read and we provide the pizza – 2/23 Tuesdays 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24 Make It Challenge (ages 8-12), 4:15-5:30 p.m.

Featuring our 3-D printer Star Quilters Meet at the library on alternate Tuesdays of each month, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Open to anyone interested – 2/3, 2/17 Wednesdays 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25 Star Knitters Meet at the library every Wednesday morning from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Open to anyone interested.

Minecraft gaming and activities (grades 3-6), 4:00 p.m.

Thursdays 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26 Babies and Music (ages 0-3), 10:30 a.m.

Stories, songs and fingerplays for babies and a parent.

Winter Fairy Tale Ball Thursday, February 12th from 4:30-6 p.m.

Kids of all ages welcome.

Join us at the library for a magical afternoon of fun. Come wearing fairy tale costumes and enjoy games, crafts, snacks and more!

Fridays 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27 Music and Movement (all ages), 10:30 a.m. – Kids learn rhythm, coordination and other skills while moving to music.

Puppet show (all ages), 2/27, 4:15 p.m.

Saturdays 2/21 “Beyond the Book” discussion for adults at 10 a.m. will feature a “Let’s Talk about It” book selection and guest speaker this month.

On 2/21 we will be discussing The Language of Baklava, by Diana Abu-Jaber with scholar Heike Henderson. Pick up your copy of the book at the Star Branch Library!

*Preschools and daycares are welcome to call the library to schedule a story time visit!

The Star Branch Library will be closed on Monday, February 16th for Presidents’ Day.

For more information on any of these programs, please call the Star Branch Library at 286-9755 or www.adalib.org. Sign up for our weekly newsletter, too!

City of Star Meetings

Star City Hall

10769 W State Street • 286-7247 www.staridaho.org

Star City Council Meetings

1st and 3rd Tuesday • 7:00 pm Star City Hall

February 2015 Star Chamber Calendar

Share the Love of your Business & Network with Others!!!

Feb 5th – First Thursday: Out To Lunch: 11:45 a.m. -1:00 p.m. Lunch at Westside Pizza on the corner of Hercules and Star Road. Lunch specials, networking, Special announcements, Raffles, and so much more.

Ribbon Cuttings: 12:45 p.m. directly after lunch.

Three new businesses have joined us and are opening up for business.

Come show your support for Star’s growing business community.

Meet the new business owners & give some words of wisdom.

Feb 10th 3:30 p.m. - Board / Committee Meeting Place TBA – Contact the Chamber if you wish to set an appointment to speak with us.

Feb 19th General Meeting 6:30 p.m.

Join us for the Chinese New Year Celebration at the Asian Wok. Authentic Chinese cuisine, Chamber specials / Raffles & Networking. Bring possible new Chamber members. Bring your spouse and you may bring teens interested in starting businesses. Kelly, the owner of Asian Wok is making this a special evening with cultural benefits. Thank you to Anna Millstead for her ability to speak Chinese and help putting this event together! You won’t be disappointed!

Please consider getting involved with your Chamber Volunteer on a special committee: Events, Technology, Welcome Wagon/Membership, Financial, and Business/Government Liaisons. Join us at one of our meetings for more information.

For more info contact Tammy: President@StarIdahoChamber.com or 208-908-5476 www.StarIdahoChamber.com or visit us on Facebook·

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com

We, the City of Star Parks and Recreation committee, are dedicated to providing and preserving the highest quality of parks and services for as many citizens as possible with the resources available.

Youth Spring Soccer Registration

Jan 5th through Jan 23rd. $20.00 resident $25.00 non resident 8 years and up (as of July 31, 2014) $17.00 jersey fee, if you don’t already have one.

Optional: $12.00 Professional coaching for ages 6 & older, held on Wed. for 4 weeks.

Tiny Tot Division (3 years): April 1st through April 29th Mondays & Wednesdays from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m.

This is a fun introduction to soccer for the little guys.

Ages 4 and older start around March 16 and through May 16th. Practices are during the week and games are on Friday and/or Saturdays. Ages are as of July 31, 2014. Approx. 50% at Hunters Creek and 50% in other cities like Middleton, Caldwell, Meridian, & Nampa.

Fit and Fall Prevention™Class

Sponsored by Central District Health Held at Star City Hall 10769 W. State St. 10:30 - 11:15 a.m., Mon., Wed. & Fri. No Cost – Join Anytime. 286-7247

Needlepoint for all, taught by Dyan Kastner.

Wednesdays ongoing 4:30-6:00 p.m. at Star City Hall $5.00/class. No experience needed. Bring project or ask Kim for suggestions at 286-7247.

Pilates Tuesday and Thursday

8:30-9:15 a.m. All abilities are welcome. $25/class per month. Please bring a mat.

Yoga for all abilities Monday and Wednesday 9:00 -9:45 a.m. at Star City Hall. $25/month offered through and a mat is all that is required.

Let’s Talk About it

10 a.m. at the Star Branch Library Annex on the dates below. The discussions will be led by a scholar knowledgeable about the culture of the book. These are free events, and the books can be picked up at the Star Branch Library.

2/21 - The Language of Baklava,

by Diana Abu-Jaber (Jordan) 3/14 - The Mistress of Spices,

by Divakaruni (India) 3/28 - The Road from Coorain,

by Jill Ker Conway (Australia)

Bogus Basin Day Trips Saturdays and Sundays 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. bus will pick up at Star Mercantile and leave Bogus @ 5pm. $13 Transportation Only. Call 459-6612 for more details and holiday schedule.

Fly fishing Class- Saturday, January 24,

9 a.m.-12-noon at Star City Hall. Learn the art of fly tying from advance tier and instructor Jim Hunter.

Classes are free but space is limited. Please bring a pencil and pad of paper to take notes. Also, a vise, tying thread and bobbin are tools needed (there may be a few available).Sign up at 286-7247. Hook: dry fly size 12 to 14 Thread: 6/0 or 8/0 tan color Wire: small

copper or brass Body: cream, tan, dubbing, Peacock Herl if you prefer as well Hackle: brown, size to match the hook size (gap) Hair: standard Elk Hair in the light color. These materials are available at any of our local fly shops, Sportsman Warehouse and Cabela's.

U of Idaho Master Gardeners

Wednesday, February 18 6:30-8:00 p.m. Margaret Erskine and Howard Little will discuss starting your own seeds and cutting properly for new plants. 286-7247 to sign up.

Rifle Hunters Safety Classes at Star City Hall.

Details at fishandgame.idaho.gov. Class is $8 for those 9 years old and up. Dates to be announced.

USSF Grade 8 & 9 Recreational Soccer Referee Certification clinic.

Upon successful completion of the Grade 8 and/or 9 Recreational Referee course, the candidate achieves a USSF Recreational Referee certification. This qualifies the candidate to referee at recreational youth games (specific age levels apply). The clinic will be all day on a Saturday in February TBA 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Minimum Age is 12. Cost of the clinic is approximately $15. If the test is passed, there is a approximately $40 fee for the USSF license.

Class held at Star City Hall 10769 W. State St. Star, ID. Call Ron for more information 208-7247.

2015 Star Rec Sports Schedule Registration Date & Season Info Spring Soccer:

Jan 5 thru Jan 23 • March 16 thru May 16

Adult 3 on 3 Basketball:

Jan 5 thru Jan 30 • Feb 9 thru Mar 20

Youth Baseball:

April 1 thru April 24 • May 25 thru July 18

Adult Co-Ed Softball:

April 1 thru May 1 • June 1 thru July 18

**Youth Sports Scramble:

May 1 thru May 22 • July 6 thru July 31

Family vs. Family Games:

June 1 thru June 19 • Aug 3 thru Aug 28

**Youth Wiffleball:

June 1 thru June 19 • Aug 3 thru Aug 28

Fall Soccer:

July 1 thru July 17 • Aug 31 thru Oct 24

Youth Flag Football:

July 1 thru July 17 • Aug 31 thru Oct 24

16 & up Powder Puff Football:

July 1 thru July 24 • Aug 31 thru Oct 24

Youth Basketball:

Sept 1 thru Sept 18 • Oct 26 thru Mar 20 **These activities are during week days, during summer break.

All sports are $20.00 residents $25.00 non residents.

Youth sports has 1 week late registration for an additional $10.00 per child Family vs. Family Games: $20.00 res $25.00 non res. per family

For current Star Parks and Recreation activites, information, and registration http://staridaho.org/parks/activities.php, call 286-7247 or visit City Hall.

Be our friend on Facebook for the latest changes and happenings!

Or, if you have ideas for new programs we would love to hear from you!!

Star Senior Center

102 S. Main Street, 286-7943 • Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Are you a senior or know a senior in Star - Please Join us this month and meet old and new friends

February Activities: Walmart Shopping – Contact Bethe @ 286-7943 Goldmine Newsletter arrives Blood Pressure taken by Star’s firemen Foot Clinic/Cost $25/starts at 9 am/Call 286-7943 to make appt.

February 7: Bingo at Middleton - starts at 5:30 - cost is $10 for regular games – additional charge for specialty games Contact Bethe @ 286-7943 for a ride February 9: Outing to Jalapenos Mexican in Caldwell - Contact Bethe @ 286-7943 February 11: Hearing Clinic (ear cleaning) – 10:30 - Free Board Meeting February 17: Appointment Day/$12 haircuts, bank, doctor appointments, etc.

Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. - Contact Bethe @ 286-7943 February 18: Birthday Recognition February 19: Appointment Day/$12 haircuts, bank, doctor appointments, etc.

Between10 a.m. and 2 p.m. - Contact Bethe @ 286-7943 February 23: Outing to Kuna Senior Center - Contact Bethe @ 286-7943 February 27: Rootbeer floats – starts at 11 a.m.

Regular Weekly Activities: • Dominoes and pool before lunch each Wednesday and Friday.

• Bingo after lunch each Wednesday and Friday.

• Pinochle each Friday at 7 p.m.

• Books, books on tape, VCR movies, and cassette tapes are available in the office.

• AA Meetings each Monday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Women’s AA Meetings each Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Bus is available for pick up if you need a ride to the Senior Center (286-7943).

• Lunch and bus rides are available on a donation basis.

February 2: February 4: February 6:

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com

STAR NEWS

February 2015 • PAGE 13

Star Adopts the HERS Index

Star, ID – The Star City Council unanimously voted to adopt the national HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Index as an option to building energy code compliance at the City Council meeting on January 6, 2014. Ingo Stroup, representing Building Energy, Inc., a local Energy Services Company, presented information at the meeting.

The RESNET HERS Index is a performancebased energy efficiency verification program.

Homes that are HERS certified receive a score based on the efficiency measures built into the home; a lower score indicates a more energy efficient home. A two-page certificate, detailing consumption and savings, is provided once all of the testing and verification has been completed.

Across the nation, the HERS Index is

increasing in popularity, with over 150 Jurisdictions adopting HERS as an option for code compliance. For builders that construct high performing homes, the HERS Score is a valuable tool to quantify their efforts. Homeowners appreciate receiving this information, knowing that an independent entity is testing and verifying efficiency measures.

“The adoption of HERS as an option for code compliance in the city of Star is a positive step for this city. It will alleviate some of the confusion regarding code compliance and provides options for builders and homeowners. I hope that other jurisdictions in the Treasure Valley will also consider adopting HERS”, said Mr. Stroup.

For more information about the HERS Index, visit www.resnet.us or www.building energyinc.com.

Counterfeit Money Found at Star’s Idaho Independent Bank

By Philip A. Janquart STAR, Idaho - Several counterfeit ten-dollar bills were recently discovered by an Idaho Independent Bank employee in Star, according to bank Vice President Mini Victory.

The bills were discovered by bank Operations Officer Lanette Brooks who said they were present in a night deposit made by a local businessman.

“I was tipped off because they felt different,” Brooks told The Independent. “There is a feel to them (the bills) and you can tell the difference if you are used to handling money.”

Brooks said the three counterfeit tens look like the most recent versions of the bills printed by the U.S. Treasury and distributed into circulation by the Federal Reserve banks.

“They were wrinkled and made to look older, like they’ve been used,” she said.

“We notified the local business owner and he said he never even noticed.”

The bills were mailed to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, at the Federal Building in downtown Boise, according to Brooks, who said the agency would have mailed them back had they not been counterfeit.

“The fact they kept the money means they were actually counterfeit,” she said. “If they weren’t, the feds would have just mailed them back.”

What makes this counterfeiting case a bit more unique is the fact that the bills were tens, instead of the typical $20, $50 or $100 counterfeit bills.

“You wouldn’t expect that, but now they are making tens and even fives because people don’t normally watch those,” Brooks said.

“The scary thing is, someone could give that money as change and if you have it, and someone notices it’s counterfeit, you lose that money because they keep it.”

Bob Harrell, the Secret Service’s Resident Agent in Boise, works on counterfeit cases in

the Treasure Valley. He says the possession, passing and manufacturing of “funny money” is not uncommon here and that people still attempt it despite new security features.

“It happens,” he said. “With today’s technology, all you need to make counterfeit money is an inkjet printer, a good copy machine or three-in-one printer, hook it up to a computer and make copies that are passable.”

Harrell, who gives talks at local schools, banks and other businesses, says the money doesn’t need to be exact because criminals are counting on inattentive employees who don’t have time to think about whether the money they are collecting is counterfeit.

Imagine if McDonald’s employees were required to check for authenticity every time they collected money from a customer.

“I’m not familiar with this particular case, but the money that was found at the bank in Star was most likely passed at a local merchant,” he said. “The bad guys will do this in the evening, in low light visibility, or with new bank clerks who aren’t as familiar with security features in the new currency. A lot of them prey on fast-food businesses where they are taking money and giving change through a drive through.”

Harrell said much of the counterfeit money found in the Treasure Valley is connected to the drug underworld.

“Drugs and counterfeits go hand-in-hand,” he said. “It’s in the drug scene. Some people will get duped into taking counterfeit money for drugs and they end up wanting to spend it at fast food places to pass it on. Businesses get burned, which is unfortunate.”

Some of the things Harrell says businesses should look for, for authenticity, include watermarks that match the president on the bill, embedded security strips, red and blue fibers and color shifting ink.

You can get the full rundown at www. secretservice.gov, or www.moneyfactory.gov.

CALLING ALL LOCAL ARTISTS!

What does the city of Star mean to you?

Show us!

Steve’s Auto Care is offering a $100 prize for the best drawing that depicts the meaning of Star. The submission deadline is March 1, 2015.

Judges will include Star City Council members and Steve Green of Steve’s Auto Care.

Submit your drawing to Steve Green at Steve’s Auto Care, 10915 West State Street, Star, ID 83669. If you have any questions, call Steve at (208) 863-2748.

PAGE 14 • February 2015

Top 7 Warning Signs Your Marriage is in Trouble

In most divorces, one spouse is caught off guard by the delivery of divorce papers. That is why it pays to pay attention to what is going on in your marriage. Getting comfortable with the status quo and taking things for granted is one of the biggest mistakes married couples make. Below is a list of warning signs of a marriage in trouble.

1. You no longer have anything in common.

Do you and your partner spend hours together under the same roof, at social engagements, or performing routine errands, yet rarely engage in meaningful conversation?

Living in silence is a primary symptom of major marital problems.

2. You can do no right.

Do you feel like your every action is being watched and criticized by your partner? Can you do no right in their eyes? Do you feel intimidated or afraid because of your partner’s constant criticism? Too often partners will funnel larger relationship issues into negative criticism of day-to-day tasks.

3. You are the last to know.

Is your partner no longer sharing information with you about his career, personal problems or personal achievements? Is your partner sharing this information with a friend and you hear it second hand? When you become the last to know important information there has been a huge breakdown in communication.

4. A change in appearance.

Over time, your comfort level will inevitably end that desire to look "perfect" for every encounter with your partner. However, a drastic decline in personal appearance and hygiene by your spouse could be a sign they no longer care or are happy in the marriage.

5. Looking for distractions from the problems.

If the television is on constantly, you both sit with your face buried in a book, or you always have something else that needs to be done, there may be a problem. It is common for individuals to find such distractions to avoid dealing with a troubled marriage.

6. Arguing over the same subject repeatedly.

If your arguments become routine with all the same issues and no resolution, then your marriage is either standing still or dying fast.

7. Intimacy is a thing of the past.

A considerable decline in physical affection is one of the most recognized symptoms of a failing relationship. Intimacy is the act that allows us to bond as husband and wife. If your partner is showing no or very little interest in intimacy with you then they are showing little concern for their emotional bond with you as a husband/wife.

What recent clients are saying after completing The Couples Coaching Program: “I wished I’d sought counseling before my divorce…I’m now better prepared for a healthy relationship.”

(Divorced mom of 2 children)

“Lynda’s coaching helped save my marriage.”

(Husband and father of 7 children)

“My wife and I have learned to communicate effectively, thank you Lynda.”

(Recovering porn addict) “I learned that verbal and physical abuse is never ok…I now have solid boundaries.”

(Former abused wife and mother) “We thought there was no hope for our marriage…we just celebrated our 10th anniversary!”

(Husband and wife of 4 children)

INTERESTED IN THE COUPLES COACHING PROGRAM? Give Lynda a call! 208.939.3999 or email her at lsmith@stateofmindcounseling.com Lynda Smith is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor specializing in individual, couples and family coaching, counseling and consulting. She is also Certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Trained in QEEG (brain mapping) and Neurofeedback Therapy. www.stateofmindcounseling.com.

Accepting most forms of insurance including Medicaid.

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com

List Your Business and They Will Come

By John Millstead Are you a small business owner struggling to be found online by customers who need your products or services?

Maybe you watched the 1989 movie, “Field of Dreams” where a small town farmer, played

by Kevin Costner, hears a voice saying, “If you build it, he will come.”

You heard it was important to build a website for your business. Maybe you even paid a good amount of money to get the slickest site out there. But now you are second-guessing yourself and doubting that a website was a good idea. The website is there, but the customers aren't flocking in.

Should you give-up all together? Should you pour more money into it? Maybe even redesign the entire site?

Don't worry, many business owners feel this way. They get excited with their new 'real estate' – only to be disappointed as buyer's remorse kicks in. What now? What can you do without starting over or walking away from it?

In most cases it is not the design of the website turning people away. In fact there are many sites that could use a fresh coat of paint and new siding-- but they bring in tons of business.

Think about the old hardware store you went to as a kid. Remember how boxes were jumbled-up and how you had to walk sideways through the aisles – but, despite the mess, they had what you were looking for.

In their case they had great content, but not curb appeal.

A website's administrator can learn from the hardware store – good content is key. A website with fresh, valuable content will get noticed. A beautiful, shiny website with stale, boring content will not.

When you needed a pipe-wrench for a leaky faucet where did you go? How did you find the hardware store? You opened the Yellow Pages and looked for “hardware stores.” In many cases the hardware store ad you chose was the one that wasn't too small and hard to read and it wasn't the big, flashy one. Instead it was the

respectable one in the middle.

Likewise, it is important to correctly list your information for the local, online directories.

It is also important to note we are talking about local directories and not Internet wide listings.

You will hear many people talk about the merits of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) – and yes, it does have its place, but local Search Engine Optimization is vital to the success of a small business.

If you run a small to medium size business serving a local market, you do not need to be concerned with the entire Internet as if you were a large, multinational corporation.

Here are a few tips to help your customers find you online: • It is a good idea to properly enter your business information in the top directories (i.e., Google Business, Bing Places, Yahoo Directory, etc.). You want to make sure your business name, address, and phone number is listed the same way across all listings. Don't forget adding your business to industry specific directories as well.

• The next step is to encourage your customers to leave reviews for your company on the directories. Adding a link to a “review us” page can help. Another way is to ask customers to complete a short survey about your business. After completing the survey they will be taken to review site where they can record their experience. Make sure to address negative reviews promptly – this too can add to your customer's positive experience.

• It is also wise to have fresh, valuable content that is also linked to social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Search engines like to 'see' engagement between businesses and their customers.

So you can see, a slick, fancy website will not draw customers by itself. It is important to have fresh, engaging content and to make sure the directories know who you are and where to find you. Build optimized sites with proper directory listings and then they will come.

Please contact me for more information: John Millstead, email: johnmillstead@gmail.com

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com V<>L:”“RX

Urban Farm Girl

OUTDOORS V<>L:”“RX

WHO’S TEACHING WHOM?

By Joanne M.W. Love ber, like yesterday, how I used to want them As I stood at the sink washing dishes one to follow me through the door, not the winday, I was startled by the sight of a cat, sailing dow. I wanted them to dress nicely, take piano through the air from our 2nd story roof. It lessons, and play t-ball after school. The door landed with intention, right in front of me, was the expected way, the way everyone goes into my kitchen window flower box. That ex- when you’re first raising kids. Life lessons plains it! For months my freshly planted win- were straightforward and I happily led them dow box had been slowly looking like a dirt through the path most travelled. bomb exploded. Even more, I’d been dying to As they approached middle school age, it know how this cat was getting down from our seems like overnight, I started hating the door. roof.

The door was still the path “everyone else I’ll back up by explaining . . . every year, for is taking”, only now, I despised what that no apparent reason, this barn cat decides to sit represented. That’s not what I intended for outside our bedroom window at 11:00 pm and them! As I watched their choice to go through meow….and meow. At first we thought she the door be dictated solely by their friends, was simply talking with all the I found myself wishing they’d take cats in the valley. But one night, the window instead. Urging them I realized she was talking to ME! to think more independently, our She had learned my bedtime discussions became focused on peer routine and could see the exact pressure and more figuratively, what moment I crawled into bed. Over the path through the door symbola series of nights and Lassie-like ized. “Just because everyone else is The ‘wise’ cat scenes, this cat coaxed me to go going through the door, doesn’t into our bathroom and open a particular mean you have to!” screen-less window. She would then come This year two of my kids are in high school. through the window and sprawl out on her The decisions they’re making have increasing back to sleep between us for the night. In the consequences. As I hear parents talking all morning, she’d go back to the window and around me of their children’s upcoming wait patiently until I noticed her, opened it, choices and paths, I’ll admit, I get fearful and and she could leave. wonder if the door isn’t the better way. HavAfter finally witnessing how she dismounted ing my senior go through the door instead of from our roof each day I realized this was a the window at this pivotal stage in life would premeditated plan and I was purposefully definitely feel safer and easier. But once again, picked as her fool.

I know that’s not what I want to teach them.

As my husband watches me go to the bathRecently, some unique challenges have unroom window and let the cat in and out each folded for each one of my kids. I feel my anxiday, he shakes his head and wonders why ety grow as it becomes clear that doors are I don’t just refuse and make her come in unexpectedly closing. But as I watch them rise through the door. I know it appears that the to the challenge of these new directions, I see cat has trained ME, but somewhere along the strength and resilience emerging. They’re emway, I chose to let her. I quit worrying that bracing the windows they’re climbing through this isn’t how things are “supposed” to be and making it THEIR paths. They are teaching done and decided to embrace the notion that me that the growth experienced from taking the window can have just as much value as the window really does lend just as much, if the door. not more, value as the door.

That’s an easy lesson to learn with a cat.

As I let that crazy, quirky cat out the bathWhen applied to my kids, it becomes a multiroom window each morning, I smile every faceted lesson that assumes new meaning time and wonder if she might be smarter with every passing year they grow. I rememthan I thought.

© Urban Farm Girl: Raising Critters & Kids, Awarded Idaho Press Club’s Excellence in Journalism for best Weekly General Column.

Check out our website

theindnews.com

for the latest fish stocking reports from Fish & Game

uCr it ic...... By Tom Wick, Universal Critic

And like the sands of time, The Battle of the Five Armies so doth ends The Hobbit/ LOTR sextology. In total, that’s almost 1,200 minutes of Middle Earth epicness, which, if you lined up those seconds end to end, would be long enough to go there and back again from the Dawn of Faerie to the Dominion of Men more than sevenfold times.

Five Armies is the best of The Hobbit trilogy with a captivating storyline and exceptional special effects. Like The Desolation of Smaug, there is too much campiness. While I’d only recommend dropping ten bucks on this film for diehard fans, the opening scene alone is worth your four bucks to see it on the big screen. Absolutely cinematic.

I had high expectations for Taken 3 with Liam Neeson, but sadly, this trilogy ended on a poor note. Where the first two films were high-octane action, Taken 3 failed to deliver anything beyond Neeson’s character cementing his relationship with his daughter and his Special Forces buddies. The characters are all likeable and the acting is even above par, as usual. The storyline was just so lacking. Neeson is framed for the murder of his wife (this should have been in the first five minutes, but doesn’t happen for thirty minutes into the film) and then spends the next ninety minutes running from the police.

Even when the police have a video tape proving his innocence, the cops still keep up the chase. It’s not enough that the film is

void of action, what’s gone is all that ingenuity and improvisation which made the first two films so much fun to watch.

To be frank, you could wait for Redbox to see Taken 3. I never thought I would say that, but I have ☹. But don’t be too sad, the movie poster may tease you with “IT ENDS HERE,” but the ending leaves room to make this trilogy a tetralogy. If there is a Taken 4 let’s hope we see Neeson back at his best.

As you may know, I normally don’t go to the theaters to see biographies, but I did see Angelina Jolie’s Unbroken. Mainly because, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the trailers actually piqued my interest. Plus, you have a script by Joel and Ethan Cohen, based on Laura Hillenbrand’s book (she wrote Seabiscuit), and a score by Alexandre Desplat (his Godzilla score is still one of my favorites). Based on the heartbreaking, real events of POW Louis Zamperini, the most amazing part of this story happens after the movie: his willingness to forgive his tormentors. The movie did so much to bring us emotionally to this point but didn’t show us that. Whether you pay ten dollars or wait to watch it at home, at some point you should watch Unbroken. Surely Zamperini is a hero for serving our country and for his endurance and integrity, all aptly shown in the movie, but to truly forgive the man that tortured you…that’s a hero.

February 2015 • PAGE 15

PAGE 16 • February 2015

COMMUNITY

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com

Eagle Police Building ‘Bridges of Trust’ with Community Through ‘Bullseye’ Training

By Philip A. Janquart If you are going to serve the public, it helps to know a little bit about the people you are protecting.

It’s part of the reason many law enforcement agencies across the country attempt to connect with the community through “bullseye” training.

The Eagle Police Department conducted its own bullseye training in December at a local bank in Eagle – the bank wished to rename unnamed for security reasons – where a team of officers carried out a simulated robbery.

Bank employees were briefed in advance what day the robbery would go down, but did not know what time it would happen.

“It takes us into a fourth dimensional, contextual-type of training,” said Eagle Police Chief Patrick Calley. “Bank robberies are fairly rare, but we still practice them. The goal is to have officers go through a contextual motion in addition to what they learn in the classroom. We make it real, and we make it live, so when the officers get the call, they have more realistic training backing them up.”

The Robbery The mock robbery begins with a plainclothed officer entering the bank and handing one of the tellers a note that reads, “This is a bullseye drill,” according to Calley. He said the note also gives instructions for the teller not to “do anything realistic with your money or your alarms. Now hand the note back.”

“The note will have something saying ‘please call this number.’ It goes to a control guy who answers the phone and says, ‘911

emergency,’” Calley explained. “We do that to avoid tying up 911 dispatchers.”

The officer then walks out of the building and drives off in an unmarked vehicle.

The training not only benefits law enforcement officers, but bank employees who take part. The branch manager of the unnamed bank said the mock robbery gave his employees a taste of what a real robbery might be like and helped them flesh out what they may have done wrong or got right.

“You are never quite prepared for a robbery, even a fake one, but afterward the police debriefed us and we had our own wrap up,” he said. “All the employees said it wasn’t as dramatic as they thought it would be. It was calm. It’s not the shoot ‘em up kind of stuff you see on television, so it prepared us for the real thing. It was a success.”

The Lessons Banks consistently train personnel in response to robbery situations, but the bullseye training helps them to determine what they could have done differently under live circumstances. The police debriefing also revealed information bank employees might not otherwise receive in a real situation, such as the time it took police to catch the criminal and how far he made it before being caught.

Eagle Police were interested to know from the employees the chain of events that unfolded once the robbery took place, how employees responded and the time that had elapsed.

“As in any situation, we (employees) all note different things,” the branch manager of another area bank said. “Some people noticed

Happy New Year! What were your resolutions?

Exercise, financial goals, recreational family time… All worthy of your efforts.

If you are looking for a way to extend all of those, The Eagle Police Department would like to have you be part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Idaho! The Big Brothers Big Sisters is the nation’s largest mentoring network that depends on volunteers and donations.

Big Brothers Big Sisters matches adult volunteers with children in a mentoring relationship.

These relationships build strong futures for our children. The children are those that need it most…those in homes with unique challenges. The Bigs is proven to strengthen lives, in that we have stronger communities.

height and weight, some people hair color.

But it did show us that we need to be more aware of who walks in and out of the branch, to take mental notes on things.”

Calley said there can be pitfalls to the training. A bullseye training event that took place in Washington state ended with a detective driving off with a real bag of money and a dye-pack that exploded inside his car.

“Knock-on-wood, nothing like that has happened here, but in Washington, the bank employee got excited even though he knew what was going on,” he said. “The detective was driving down the road with the bag of money and, “POOF!” The training, however, has already garnered a win for police and the community.

“We had a conversation with Mountain West (Bank) tellers about two people from Florida who were using disguises and going through the outside drive-through lane to cash stolen checks,” Calley explained. “Well, two days later we got a call from the bank saying that it might not be anything, but that it looked like people wearing wigs were at their outside drive-through lane. They started doing this in Florida and got caught in Eagle, Idaho.”

The two suspects, Jennifer A. Gallagher, 31, and Danielle M. Cook, 28, of Pembrook Pines, Florida. pled guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft in U.S. District Court on Dec. 18, 2014.

Applications Bullseye training isn’t limited to bank robbery scenarios. Calley said the Eagle Police Department has implemented the training for

similar scenarios at other businesses like gas stations, but have also applied it to situations like high-speed chases going through Eagle from any of the three state highways that encapsulate the city.

“Eagle has been doing this for as long as I can remember,” he said. They simulate “Everything from an officer down rescue to school lockdown drills, which we do about three times a year in the schools. We’ll put the school on a lockdown and the officers go through and check that doors are locked and kids are hidden. We have conversations with the kids, that in the event something happens, this is what it would look like, and what to do and what not to do.”

Much of the purpose behind the training is to help law enforcement officers become familiar with as much of the community as possible.

“We know the clerks … and if someone walked in and did some kind of high-tech robbery take-over, we would know that the guy sitting there is not really the bank manager,” Calley said. “The Police are constantly interacting with the people in our community in a training environment. That training could be 30 seconds, or it could be a longer event. When we do this, there are bridges of trust that are built, so when things do happen in Eagle, we are better prepared. It’s not a shock to us, and in today’s world, it’s part of the reason we don’t have Ferguson issues, or New York or L.A. (Los Angeles) issues because people here really care about the community and there is that interconnective trust.”

We too want to be part of that!

The Eagle Police is participating in the 2015 Bowl for Kids’ Sake.

We encourage you to show your support for this great initiative.

You can do this by: Donate to our team… You can do this online! http://www.bbbsidaho.org Our team is Eagle Police Department.

Or stop by the station, we will have a receipt for your donations!

Create your own team • Become a Big! • Sponsor by donating gifts to be used as door prizes Business donors, please contact the Eagle Police at 577-3715