The Independent News September 2014

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Volume 5 • Issue 9

In this issue:

Get your music fix at Eagle's Baldapalooza Page 2

No Roundabout for Eagle Page 8

Delivering Community News to Eagle, Star & W. Ada County SEPTEMBER 2014

www.theindnews.com

Idaho 16 extension and bridge offers connectivity amid congestion

representative Kathy Skippen,

By Jennifer Anderson ambassador for the project; Idaho Friday, August 15, 2014 at 10:16 a.m., Senator Chuck Winder who was a State and local officials along with former Idaho Transportation Board media and additional guests gathered Chairman and fielded countless to celebrate the Idaho 16 extension and constituent questions; and the bridge opening. Connecting State Street Central Valley Expressway Coalition, to Chinden Boulevard, the north-south a grassroots initiative formed in Boise River crossing will offer a much 2010 to support the project and needed alternate route to ease ever show the forecasted positive growing congestion and promote growth economic impact of the project. toward the North West of Boise.

The Central Valley Expressway The blue skies of the day belied the Coalition, LLC is also coordinating effort and challenge it has been to get with cities, agencies, communities, the extension started and built, and Governor Otter rode in a fire truck at the head of the parade and legislators, landowners, and others certainly was not indicative of the uphill broke through the event sign officially opening the road for use. to educate and form a backing for challenge still ahead to obtain the funds road three miles. And going through the the project going forward. The Coalition is looking necessary to finish the ultimate project of extendintersection on one end, or where the intersection for alternate ways to fund the project and many ing the highway from Chinden to Interstate-84. were gratified to hear Senator Windor indicate After calling the guests together, attendees were was going to be on the other end almost daily, I was impatient (as I tend to be).” He had reason that there are still $200 million in GARVEE funds instructed to watch the skies for a special event available for use. Senator Windor requested those and soon three parachutes were spotted in the sky. to be impatient as the location for the bridge changed several times while the environmental present and others who support the project to write Skillfully, the parachutists maneuvered their impact of the bridge to different points on the to their representatives requesting the funds be chutes to soar over the bridge, abruptly turn and River was considered. used toward the Highway 16 project. land just to the west of the bridge.

He continued, “Folks you don’t have to look any The Highway 16 extension project is a planned ITD Board Member Ms. Julie DeLorenzo further than the crowds, the clusters, and the 21.5 mile corridor from Emmett, ID to I-84. Dubbed conducted the ceremony which involved a crowding on Eagle Road, and on State Street and the “Central Valley Expressway,” the project hopes spectacular rendition of the National Anthem by on Chinden Road to see that we not only have to to alleviate congestion, increase safety, and provide Julie Voss. Those invited to speak included a plan for the growth that we are going to have, but a high-speed north-south route. Funding for the historical recount of the project by Kathy Skippen, to manage for growth. Today is one of those days. first part of the project came from GARVEE funds. former Representative of the Idaho Legislature; It’s all part of a grand design. Those of us who get At the conclusion of the event, over 40 corvettes Senator Chuck Windor; Lieutenant Governor Brad to stand here and celebrate today do so on the from the Valley Corvettes Club paraded event speakLittle; and finally Governor C.L. Butch Otter. shoulders of those who had the clarity ers, elected representatives and community leaders Governor Otter began by of vision and the dedication to purpose across the new bridge. Governor Otter rode in a fire saying, “This has been quite a to make sure this happened.” truck at the head of the parade and broke through while in coming. I’ve watch with Some of the driving forces behind the the event sign officially opening the road for use. great interest as this whole thing Highway 16 project include former state got started, living just down the For more pictures of the Highway 16 bridge event visit our website www.theindnews.com.

Over 40 corvettes from the Valley Corvettes Club paraded event speakers, elected representatives and community leaders across the new bridge.

Three parachutists skillfully maneuvered over the crowd to abruptly turn and land just to the west of the bridge, kicking off the Highway 16 bridge ceremony.

Governor C.L. Butch Otter said he watched with great interest and impatience as the project unfolded.

Julie Voss offered a spectacular rendition of the National Anthem.

Say you saw it in the Independent News

VISIT AND SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY BUSINESSES

Perks of Life Takes a Stand for Change Page 10

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

ECRWSS

POSTAL PATRON LOCAL

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

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 5 ARTS (THE) Eagle Art Commission Sculpture Invitational, pg 13 Fusions Glass Studio, pg 13 AUTOMOTIVE CARE & TIRES Big O Tires, pg 2 BEAUTY & BARBER Opulence Salon & Spa, pg 19 Star Cuts & Color, Insert Todd Stewart, pg 13 BUILDING SUPPLIES Evan’s Building Center/ ACE Hardware, (E), Insert CAR WASH Sure Clean, pg 19 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Star Chamber of Commerce, pg 14

COMMUNITY & BENEFIT EVENTS Baldapalooza Music Festival, pg 11 Eagle Saturday Market, (E), pg 4 Momz Garage Classic Car Show, pg 17 DENTAL CARE Star Dental, (S), pg 4 & Insert DEPARTMENT STORE Kings, pg 10 DINING & ENTERTAINMENT El Mariachi Loco, pg 3 Westside Pizza, Insert EDUCATION Little Miracles Preschool, pg 5 Stepping Stones Children’s Center, pg 9 FINANCIAL INSTITUTION Eagle Home Mortgage, pg 7 Idaho Independent Bank, (S), pg 11 FOOD Olive and Vyne, pg 7

HEALTH CARE State of Mind Counseling and Wellness Center, pg 15 HEALTH, WELLNESS, FITNESS Down to Earth Health Foods, pg 12 Keller Skin Care, (E), pg 10 Silk Touch Medspa, (E), pg 12 Star Medical, pg 17 HOME IMPROVEMENT Avalanche Glass & Doors, pg 14 Budget Blinds, pg 9 CF Construction, pg 20 LANDSCAPING, IRRIGATION Eagle Landscape, pg 18 Eagle Tree & Shrub, (E), pg 9 POLITICAL CHAMPAIGNS Paul Woods For Ada County Highway District, pg 3 Rebecca Arnold for 4th District Judge, pg 3

REAL ESTATE Maggie Price, Century 21 Realty, pg 15 The Smack Group Realty, Insert SENIOR SERVICES HEALTHCARE-The Idaho Commission on Aging, pg 18 Paramount Parks at Eagle, pg 18 The Cottages, (E), pg 7 VISION CARE Eagle Vision One, (E), pg 8 BUSINESS DIRECTORY, pg 15 Ada Emissions Handyman Can Star Tires Steve’s Auto Care

PAGE 2 • September 2014

UPLIFTING

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com

Eagle’s Baldapalooza Music Festival to Benefit Camp Rainbow Gold

By Philip A. Janquart The second annual Baldapalooza Music Festival is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 5 at Eagle’s Merrill Park. This year’s event includes the bands Fictionist, We Are The Strike, Waking Jordan, the “boy band” Beyond 5 (As seen on ABC’s “Rising Star”) and artists Mimi Knowles, Desirae Bronson and Brook Faulk. The headline act, however, is singersongwriter Ashley Monroe, who has received accolades from music giants Dolly Parton, Guy Clark, Vince Gill and Jack White. Monroe co-founded the trio Pistol Annies.

Gates open at 3:30 p.m. and tickets are $20 for individuals, $50 limited VIP and $100 for a Family Pack, which includes eight tickets.

Baldapalooza Funds from the only “family friendly” music festival in the area go to Camp Rainbow Gold, a non-profit organization that holds summer oncology camps for children with cancer.

Baldapalooza is the brainchild of Dustin Simpson, a guy who came up with the idea while mowing his lawn a couple years ago.

“Dustin approached our family with the idea to throw a benefit fundraiser to help pay for my son’s medical bills,” said Baldapalooza Media Coordinator Lonni Leavitt-Barker. “We weren’t comfortable doing that, but wanted to do something bigger that would benefit children with cancer and their families.”

Barker’s son, Kean, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in July 2012.

Kean, now 5, also has Down syndrome, which has complicated his case. Since his diagnoses, much of his life has involved long hospital stays, sometimes weeks at a time, and hours of chemotherapy at St. Luke’s Hospital in downtown Boise.

St. Luke’s is home to St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital and the Mountain States Tumor Institute (MSTI), the region’s largest provider of cancer services. The institute is also nationally recognized as a leader in cancer

research, according to its “Camp Rainbow Gold has been around for summer oncology camp, a website. about 30 years,” she explained. “But a year sibling camp, and a family Part of the idea behind ago the American Cancer Society decided to camp based in Idaho’s Baldapalooza is to also raise put all their funding into research. Luckily, Sawtooth National Forest. money for a few programs Camp Rainbow Gold had enough support There is also a winter family at the hospital. and they were able to go out on their own. retreat, which Barker says “My son was really sick in That’s why we want the funds from this helped her family in a the hospital and in pain, year’s Baldapalooza to go to them.” special way. and the only thing that The Event “Our family went to that helped him escape that pain Baldapalooza 2013 attracted about 750 camp and it was a wonderful were these wagon rides people and raised just under $15,000, which experience,” she said. “It around the halls, but there went to St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital. recharges your batteries. isn’t much to look at,” “There was a freak storm There were 11 Barker explained. “When that came up and the police families, all of Kean was diagnosed with had to evacuate everyone in whom were cancer, we were in the hosthe middle of the event,” touched with pital for a month. You feel Barker explained. “Everyone, cancer in their isolated and very fearful, including the musicians, took lives and there and we thought there could shelter under the gazebo in was no drama be pictures of other children Merrill Park and it ended up because everyone who battled cancer.” being this cool, “unplugged” is living the same Kean, Hall of Heroes What Barker and her type of concert.” drama. It was other Baldapalooza volunteers came up with The storm let up 45 minutes healing, bonding and carefree, is the “Hall of Heroes,” which will be built on later, but the sound equipment and we were spoiled rotten! It St. Luke’s fourth floor which houses the was wet.

Luckily, the band was wonderful.”

Mountain States Tumor Institute (MSTI), Fictionist unpacked their The oncology camps are divided where patients like Kean go for treatments. equipment and the show Walking Jordan's into age groups. Youth camp “They would be professional portraits of went on.

Trent Koritansky consists of children ages 6 to 12 about 12 children from Idaho who are finishNew this year is the Kids and the Teen camp is for kids ing, or have finished, their battle with cancer,” 13-17. There are all the usual Zone, where children can Barker said. enjoy a bouncy house, games, activities associated with camping On the Baldapalooza website, Barker says and sparkle tattoos. like fishing, hiking, swimming that, “The Hall of Heroes will spotlight the Also new this year was the and even horseback riding, but courageous children who have bravely fought first ever Baldapalooza Sing there is also a full medical staff for their lives on this floor. They all have a Off. A local singer from and a licensed social worker to story to share, a piece of advice to give and a Nampa will take to the stage at meet the needs of the campers. common message to send that when you have Baldapalooza as the winner of Barker’s three daughters cancer, you are not alone in your battle.” the Sing Off. Mossi Watene attended the Sibling camp.

Camp Rainbow Gold beat out singers, guitar players “It’s was almost nirvana for The independent, non-profit organization and a slew of other musicians them because sometimes they started in the mid ‘80’s, offering just a handfrom the region. Mossi is a get ignored because of all the ful of children diagnosed with cancer a camp singer and songwriter who needs of my son,” she said.

Fictionist's where they could get away from the hospital has written songs for several The organization has also Robbie Connolly and enjoy the outdoors. The organization network shows and voices the awarded over $500,000 in college has grown over the years and now offers a scholarships in the last eight years, according little green monster on the Nick Jr. show Yo Gabba Gabba. to Barker, who said teens with cancer don’t Tickets can be purchased in advance at have the same scholarships opportunities www.baldapalooza.org., or at the gate. because it affects their brains.

Fizz, Boom, Read! Eagle Public Library celebrates 2014 summer readers

By Cathy Hardy A carnival atmosphere transformed the Eagle Public Library lawn as more than 700 Eagle residents turned out to celebrate the achievement of the 604 children who completed their Summer Reading contracts and received a special invitation.

Cotton candy, sno-cones, and popcorn were the featured treats, and a live mariachi band provided festive music. Kids tried to “Beat the Dealer,” catch a fish, toss a bean bag through a target hole, send a staff member into the dunk tank, land on a lucky number during the cake walk, and spin a prizewinning number at the Wheel of Fortune.

They also enjoyed choosing temporary hair color stripes and tattoos.

Inside the library, the fun continued where each child was awarded a special certificate of completion and a choice of a free book from among hundreds of new and gently-used donations. During the nine-week “Fizz, Boom, Read!” Summer Reading program, children set their individual reading goals and read a total of 21,840 books.

Judging from the number of smiling faces, prize-filled pockets, and sticky fingers, a great time was had by all.

Joe Prin serves up cotton candy at a record pace.

Catching fish in a wading pond is great fun!

Staff member David Hergenrather waits for his next drop into the dunk tank.

Families line up to choose their favorite sno-cone flavoring.

A Mariachi band entertains the crowd.

A successful throw through the target earns a trip to the prize basket.

COMMUNITY Local high school culinary team ranks top ten at national competition

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com

By Jennifer Anderson Tension and competition were hot’n spicy at this year’s national culinary competition in San Antonio, Texas. Representing Eagle High School: Allison Bingham, Tarah Mehlberg, and Courtney Wohlert faced the pressure with poise and skill earning a top standing.

Accompanied by their coach Ann Boyd, the group left Boise Sunday, July 6 for San Antonio and returned Thursday, July 10.

Upon arriving in San Antonio, the group attended informational meetings designed to prepare the participants for the competition as well as a get together with other students competing from the state of Idaho. Monday the team convened at the Culinary Institute of America campus in San Antonio to prepare their required meal. They, as well as all the other competitors in their division, had an allotted list of ingredients as well as a time limit. The Eagle team prepared a wheat berry salad with oranges; cherries and pecans; sautéed chicken breast with mushroom sauce; braised zucchini; and mashed potatoes.

(L-R) Courtney, Allison, and Tarah accepting their award

(L-R) Tarah, Courtney, and Allison enjoying a break at Sea World.

Allison, Courtney, and Tarah during their State Culinary Competition

The team had the ingredients list before hand and practiced the meal at least five times. Albertsons provided the ingredients for their practice meals and the team credits their advanced preparation and cohesive working skills for their success in the competition.

Their work finished, the team enjoyed culinary demonstrations put on by chefs at the institute, and the rest of the trip was more relaxing including opening ceremonies for the conference, a day at Sea World, and a day at Six Flags and the Alamo. Awards were presented Thursday night, but the team left early to allow Courtney to attend her brother’s wedding.

Out of 38 teams participating, the Eagle team received a silver award and a top ten placement. Allison says, “We felt very blessed to even go to nationals and then to place top was incredible! We worked hard and put a lot of time into practicing the meals and all the small details of cooking.”

Allison continues, “I loved the actual competition! It was nerve racking but a lot of fun to cook. I felt like our team was very prepared which allowed us to stay calm and do a good job. I loved being able to be around so many talented people! There were chefs from all over the country there to judge us.

I also really enjoyed spending more time with my teammates and teacher Mrs. Boyd.

We have so much fun together! The entire time I was there I just couldn't help but feel so lucky. Multiple times I would catch myself saying, ‘We are at nationals! Can you even believe it?’”

Courtney Wohlert said of the competition: "I thought the National Culinary Competition in San Antonio, Texas was a wonderful learning experience. We created a wonderful plate of food for very critical judges in under an hour. It gave me a sneak peak of how culinary school will be for me this fall."

“It was one of the best weeks of summer,” says teammate Tarah Mehlberg. "I had so much fun competing. I wouldn't have spent it with any other people and I'm so happy that we got the opportunity to go."

Ms. Ann Boyd expressed, "Nationals was great to attend and an honor to have my culinary students compete at this level.

I enjoyed some classes and seminars. The guest speaker, Consuleo Castillo Kickbush, was fantastic!”

The trip would not have been possible without the support of local business owners, parents, and charitable citizens. Thank you to Stan Boyd from The Refuge; Steve Vincelli from Steve's Cafe in Idaho; Steven and Penny Vincelli from Steve's Cafe in Montana; Bill and Ellen Cooper from Bella Aquila; TriCity Meats; Renaissance High School; David Knickrehm from the American Culinary Federation; and Diane Anderson.

Albertsons also provided ingredients to allow the team to practice for the competition.

This Late Local has a Headstone and a Legstone

Secret Things In Idaho You Didn’t Know Existed

Malaga resident Benjamin Waldron was working as a farmer when he had an accident with a horse-powered thresher. His leg got caught in the machinery, and it was so badly injured that it was amputated. And that’s where the fun begins…

Waldron asked that his leg be buried in Samaria Cemetery under the headstone, “B.W. October 30, 1878.” When he died in 1914, his body was buried in the same cemetery, awarding him two headstones. But, his body is not buried near his leg. http://www.movoto.com/blog/ opinions/idaho-secrets/

September 2014 • PAGE 3

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PAGE 4 • September 2014

COMMUNITY

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com

It’s a Wrap!

Local teen actor/director, Connor Williams

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By Danielle Pryor Local high school student, actor, director and now producer Connor Williams has taken his future in the film industry into his own hands and just completed the filming of his first feature length movie, The Spoilers.

"I got tired of people (casting directors) I don't know dictating my success. I’ve had some highs and a lot of no’s so I put the $15,000 I have made into making this film.

I'm rolling the dice," said Williams.

He had nearly 1,500 young actors and actresses from around the country submit for The Spoilers. After reviewing multiple videos and skypes from his favorite submissions, he was able to narrow it down to a strong leading cast of three guys and two girls. They came from New York, Texas, California, and Chicago. “Awesome Actors!” Williams said.

The film represents a modern twist on a well-known classic, The Breakfast Club. "At first I didn't want to label it a Breakfast Club remake, but I'm more open to it now," Williams admits. "There are many similarities...but this film is way more raw...social bullying, racism, teacher/student conflict, interracial dating, and much more. It’s today’s teen problems." During a day of court-appointed community service, five teenagers intersect and the empty summer halls of their high school become ground zero for conflict, camaraderie, and collective soul-searching.

Jared is trying to figure out if he was born to be a rebel or simply raised to be one; Sara walks the line between woman and girl; Aisha falters between foolish and fearless; Peter learns firsthand that words and actions have consequences; and Tristan, the youngest, has already been deemed a killer. "[The skin head] was the one role I didn't want to play," said Williams. "But I went in with an open mind that I would play the part where I felt I got the weakest auditions. You’re only as strong as your weakest link, so I had to shave my head after years of having long hair."

To add to his already stellar cast, Williams contacted Terry Kiser from Weekend at Bernie’s who was in town filming for another project. Through parental connections, Kiser not only gave his time and name to the film, he also attended the cast party after filming.

The film will premier locally first in November and then be sent out to major film festivals in hopes of getting purchased. Williams already had one of his top five companies

Connor Williams and Terry Kiser

offer to represent and distribute the film, but he gambled again and turned them down to wait and see if he gets a better offer. He's also raising money to attend major festivals in Santa Monica, Hong Kong, France, and Berlin in hopes of selling his movie directly to the Lionsgate and MGM’s of the world.

As for life outside of this new project, Williams is flying to Chicago in late September to shoot a few pick up scenes with Stephen Baldwin and Kevin Sorbo for the movie he shot last year, The UnMiracle. He also is in Jared Hess's (Napoleon Dynamite) new comedy that hits theaters early 2015.

At the age of seventeen, he’s been told he is the youngest director in history ever to make a feature film, although Williams says, “That’s the last thing I care about. It’s really about keeping busy and just going for it. This has given me the confidence that I can do anything.”

If you would like to pre-purchase the movie to help raise marketing funds, go to indiegogo.com/The Spoilers

Cast of The Spoilers - back row (L-R) Brandon Butler, Hunter McCade, Connor Williams. Front row (L-R) Kathryn Jurbala, Shruti Sadana

Eagle Food and Wine Festival September 14

By Philip A. Janquart The 8th annual Eagle Food and Wine Festival is slated for Saturday, Sept. 13 at BanBury Golf Course from 6 - 9 p.m. Tickets are $40 “The Festival celebrates the culinary and viticulture delights of our community by highlighting select Idaho wineries and pairing them with premier local chefs,” said coordinator Mary May. “This unique experience allows the public the opportunity to taste the best that the region has to offer in both food and wine, while also encouraging the growth of Idaho's distinct culinary identity. Live music enhances the evening.”

Past beneficiaries include the International Winter Special Olympics, Meals on Wheels, The Landing Community Center, the Pet Food Pantry, the Eagle Food Bank, the Idaho Domestic Bird Rescue & Sanctuary, the Wyakin Warrior Foundation, and IICACC (Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Coalition, Child Victim Fund).

The Eagle Food and Wine Festival has donated more than $16,000 to these local charities. This year’s proceeds will go to Boys and Girls Clubs of Ada County and the Eagle Food Bank.

This year’s participating restaurants include BanBury, 3 Girls Catering, Bardenay, Bella Aquila, Café Crane, Jakers Bar and Grill, Kanak Attack Katering, Olive and Vyne, Ríce, The Porterhouse, Wild West Bakery & Expresso, Winding Creek Grill, and Chef Dean Fuller of the Boise Hotel & Conference Center/Castle Ranch.

Participating vintners include 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards, Cellar 616, Cold Springs Winery, Fraser Vineyard, Frenchman’s Gulch Winery, HAT Ranch Winery, Indian Creek Winery, Mouvance Winery, Périple, Potter Wines, Sawtooth Winery and Wine Cellars of the Northwest.

For more information, log on to www.eaglefoodandwine.com.

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com

CITY OF EAGLE

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

Idaho Parks and Recreation Director and former Mayor Nancy Merrill retired recently and is leaving government to join her husband, Galen, and do some traveling. As mayor, Nancy led the City through some serious growth challenges and helped create much of what we lovingly call Eagle. Bon voyage, Nancy and Galen.

Spring Valley, M-3 Corporation’s Planned Unit Development began its initial building phase near Highway 16. A public hearing on the first phase was held August 26th. This may be good timing to market homes as we are receiving record numbers of housing applications. It is housing starts that often provide communities like ours funds to run the city. It accounts for around 20% of our annual budget. When that train stops, cities that have not kept up with inflation will again suffer the consequences, as we did in 2009. Meanwhile, the budget passed with no changes from last year.

Eagle Senior Center will be receiving funding for meals directly from the Idaho Commission on Aging after being served for many years by Idaho Council of Government’s Area Agency on Aging. Laurel Jobe, President of the Senior Center, sees no appreciable change in services with ICOA. The Eagle Kiwanis had another successful Mayors Cup golf tournament with thanks to all who participated. These are hard times for many service clubs trying to maintain membership. President Pete Dover announced recently that the Eagle Kiwanis will be closing shop because of low attendance. Sad to see that.

Mrs. Della Smyth, possibly Eagle’s oldest citizen at 101, is moving back to her native Utah to be with her daughter in St. George. Della has been a long-time resident of Spring Creek Manor on Eagle Road. She will be 102 in November.

Go Della! You are an inspiration to us all.

Deputy Sheriff Marlon McGowan and I celebrated National Night Out with several of Eagle’s homeowner associations. National Night Out hopes to help citizens get to know their Police and Fire First Responders and to gain awareness of the value of the Neighborhood Watch Program. Thanks to all those who offered their time and talents in support of the occasion.

Eagle Urban Renewal (URA) is still working with Nick Zenovich and Randy Hetrick, owners of the former meat packing plant on Old State just west of Eagle Road. The URA is offering to assist Nick and Randy in the clearing of their property to provide additional parking for downtown shoppers and diners. Government moves with glacial speed on some issues, and seemingly too fast on others. We are hopeful of clearing it by fall.

Councilman Kunz spoke before a recent ACHD meeting to try to clarify our letter in which the Council reversed its previous decision on the roundabout. After some discussion, ACHD is asking the Eagle City Council to offer an alternative resolution to the growing traffic congestion around Eagle Road and Old State Street. Bob Bruce, owner of the Ye Olde Sweet Shoppe and Eagle Hotel, is among others who have offered their input to help formulate a plan to reduce downtown congestion. There is talk of a citizens group to study the matter. ACHD has already spent more than $212,000 on the previous stakeholder meetings, and has little interest in spending more on the project until we are able to offer an acceptable solution for the intersection. The City has not currently provided any funding for such an undertaking in the 2014-15 budget.

EAGLE LIBRARY September Events The Library will be closed Monday, September 1 for Labor Day.

~~~~~~~~~~~ ON-GOING PROGRAMS ~~~~~~~~~~~

Monday, September 8, 15, 22, 29 Baby Readers: 10:30 a.m. (ages birth – 18 months) Stories, songs, and fingerplays for babies and their caregivers.

Monday, September 8, 15, 22, 29 Knee Deep in Legos: 4:00 p.m. (ages 6+) Weekly program for children ages 6 – 12 to use their creativity in building/designing with LEGOS. Tuesday, September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Toddler Time: 10:30 a.m. (ages 18 months – 3 years) Stories, songs, and crafts for toddlers and their caregivers.

Wednesday, September 3, 10, 17, 24 Music & Movement: 10:30 a.m. (ages birth – 5 years) Early literacy skills are built through rhythm and motion in this interactive program for young children and their caregivers.

Wednesday, September 3, 10, 17, 24 Tales to Tails: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. (ages 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, September 3, 10, 17 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, September 10, 17, 24 Pajama Story Time: 7:00 p.m. (ages 3 – 8) Come in your pj’s for stories, songs, a craft, and a bedtime snack.

Thursday, September 4, 11, 18, 25 Preschool Story Time: 10:30 a.m. (ages 3 – 5 years) Stories, songs, and crafts for preschoolers and their caregivers.

Thursday, September 11, 18, 25 Homeschool Adventures: 2:00 p.m. (all ages) Learning and fun for homeschooling families.

Friday, September 5, 12, 19, 26 Ready, Set, School! 10:30 a.m. (ages 3 – 5 years) Stories, songs, and crafts, with an emphasis on school-readiness skills.

Friday, September 12, 26 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, September 13, 20, 27 Saturday Stories & Music: 10:30 a.m. (all ages) Children from birth to age 6 (with a favorite adult, older siblings welcome) enjoy books, songs, rhymes, and movement activities while building language and literacy skills.

Saturday, September 13 Spectacular Salsa: 2:00 p.m. (adults) Sample a variety of salsas and bring your own recipes to swap.

Tuesday, September 16 After School Adventures: Lava, Lava, Everywhere!

4:15 p.m. (ages 6 – 12) Make your very own “lava lamp” to take home!

Tuesday, September 16 The Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s: 6:30 p.m. (adults) Christine Bubb of the Greater Idaho Chapter, Alzheimer’s Association, will help you learn to recognize the ten signs of Alzheimer’s, either in yourself or in someone you love.

Tuesday, September 23 After-School Adventures: Geodes!

4:15 p.m. (ages 6 – 12) Is it science, or is it art? Learn how to make a beautiful geode!

Wednesday, September 24 Parachute Party: 4:15 p.m. (teens) Play the classic parachute games that you loved in elementary school PE! Thursday, September 25 Author Visit: 6:30 p.m. (adults) Eagle author Gail Chumbley will discuss her book, River of January.

Tuesday, September 30 After School Adventures: Autumn Leaves!

4:15 p.m. (ages 6 – 12) Celebrate fall with creative leaf crafts.

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

www.eaglepubliclibrary.org

City of Eagle Meetings

September 2014 • PAGE 5

Eagle City Hall

660 E. Civic Lane • 939-6813 www.cityofeagle.org

Eagle City Council Meetings 2nd and 4th Tuesday • 6:30 pm

Planning and Zoning

Commission Meeting 1st and 3rd Monday • 6:00 pm

Park and Pathways

Development Commission 3rd Tuesday • 6:30 pm

Eagle Arts Commission Meeting 1st Tuesday, 6:30 pm, Eagle City Hall

Eagle Sewer District Board Meeting 2nd Monday of the month • 6:00 pm District’s administration building 44 N. Palmetto Ave., Eagle, 939-0132

Eagle Historic Preservation Commission Meeting

2nd Wednesday, 5:30-6:30 pm, Eagle Historical Museum (67 E. State St.)

Eagle Government Relations Committee Meeting 4th Wednesday, 9-10 am, Bank of the West 47 E. Riverside Drive, Eagle, ID Call Eagle Chamber 939-4222

Eagle Senior Center

312 E. State Street, 939-0475 Monday Exercise at 9:00 am Tuesday Lunch and Pinochle at 12:00 pm Wednesday Exercise at 9:00 am Thursday Lunch and Bingo at 12:00 pm Friday Exercise at 9:00 am

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.

Read additional stories and articles online at www.theindnews.com

COMMUNITY

PAGE 6 • September 2014

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com

ZIONS BANK, BOISE STATE LAUNCH IDAHO ENTREPRENEUR CHALLENGE TO STIMULATE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 40,000 grand prize up for grabs in statewide business plan competition

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BOISE; August 19, 2014 — With a goal of stimulating entrepreneurship at Idaho’s colleges and universities, Zions Bank and Boise State University today launched the Idaho Entrepreneur Challenge, a series of workshops and events culminating in a statewide business plan competition with a $40,000 grand prize.

The program will be managed by Boise State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship, and all 22 colleges and universities in the Gem State are being invited to participate.

“While all student participants will develop the skills needed to launch new businesses, financial support, in the form of prize money and other resources, will help turn a few of these business concepts and product prototypes into new businesses,” said Zions Bank President and CEO Scott Anderson, who announced the new program

during Zions Bank’s Small Business Conference. “We believe this program will not only contribute to the success of the individual businesses, but will provide economic development to the state of Idaho.”

Zions Bank’s financial support for the program underscores the bank’s commitment to small businesses as the No. 1 lender of U.S. Small Business Administration 7(a) loans in Idaho’s Boise District for the past 12 consecutive years.

The Idaho Entrepreneur Challenge will be comprised of events beginning this fall with a business idea competition and culminating in the spring with a state-wide business plan competition. Participating schools will receive financial resources to support student participation and host affiliate competitions at their locations.

“Zions Bank and Boise State University have

Get Involved in the Community

by Volunteering on a County Board!

CURRENT OPENINGS:

Boise City/Ada County Housing Authority Board

The Board of Ada County Commissioners is seeking two (2) volunteers to serve on the Boise City/Ada County Housing Authority Board. An opening is currently available for a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Services Recipient, and a second general opening is available beginning October 30th. The Boise City/Ada County Housing Authority Board meets on the second Wednesday of each month, and performs other duties and functions as required by the agency’s by-laws and by regulations of the Authority.

Building Board of Appeals

The Board of Ada County Commissioners is currently seeking an individual interested in volunteering their time to serve on Ada County’s Building Board of Appeals. Appointed members of the board must reside in Ada County during their entire term. This is a volunteer opening for an Engineer position. The Ada County Building Board of Appeals consists of five (5) members who each serve four-year terms, and hold meetings on an as-needed basis. Four of the five members are professional structural engineers, architects, or general contractors (from separate disciplines). The primary duty of this board is to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions, or determinations made by the Ada County Building Official.

long been partners and we are pleased to team up with them to launch the Idaho Entrepreneur Challenge Series,” said Boise State College of Business and Economics Dean Kenneth Petersen. “Our aim is to improve the economic vitality in the region by providing real world experiences to Idaho students as part of their college curriculum.

This fantastic opportunity will prepare them to launch their careers and possibly new businesses in the future.”

About Boise State University A public metropolitan research university with more than 22,000 students, Boise State is proud to be powered by creativity and innovation. Located in Idaho’s capital city, the university has a growing research agenda and plays a crucial role in the region’s knowledge economy and famed quality of life. In the past 10 years, the university has quadrupled

the number of doctoral degrees, doubled its masters degrees and now offers 13 online degree programs. Learn more at www.Boise State.edu.

About Zions Bank Zions Bank operates 26 full-service financial centers in Idaho and 100 financial centers throughout Utah. In addition to offering a wide range of traditional banking services, Zions Bank is also a leader in small business lending and has ranked as the No. 1 lender of U.S. Small Business Administration 7(a) loans in Idaho’s Boise District for the past 12 consecutive years. Founded in 1873, Zions Bank has been serving the communities of the Intermountain West for more than 140 years. Additional information is available at www.zionsbank.com.

SAFETY: School zones require reduced speeds, increased awareness

Flashing yellow lights and fluorescent signs clearly identify most school zones and pedestrian /bicycle crossings in Idaho, according to the Idaho Transportation Department.

Drivers who fail to slow down to school-zone speeds (generally posted at 20 mph or slower when children likely will be present) pay enhanced fines of $156.50.

Unless otherwise posted, school-zone speed limits do not apply on non-school days. The posted speed limit signs indicate the school zone, the reduced speed limit and one of the following: • Hours of the day when the speed limit is in effect • The speed limit is in effect when an electrical or mechanical sign indicates, or • The speed limit is in effect at all times on school days

Some schools also use crossing guards at intersections. Motorists are required to slow or stop as the guards dictate.

Drivers accustomed to traveling unimpeded through school zones the past three months will need to renew their vigilance. They also need to watch for inattentive children stepping from curbs, wayward bicycles straying into traffic, and buses stopped for student loading and unloading.

School children also share a responsibility to be aware of increased traffic along primary school routes. Parents and teachers should encourage children to watch for distracted drivers and realize that cars may not slow for flashing lights or crossing guards.

Awareness and anticipation are keys to ensuring the next nine months are free of casualties, enabling children and vehicles to coexist safely.

Ada County Parks, Open Space & Trails Advisory Board

The Board of Ada County Commissioners is currently seeking an individual interested in volunteering their time to serve on Ada County’s Parks, Open Space and Trails Advisory Board. This 7-member volunteer board advises and provides recommendations to the Board of Ada County Commissioners on County parks, open space and trails-related matters, and typically meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 12:00 pm. To qualify, applicants must reside in Ada County, and preferably have a passion for open space preservation. Board members should also have, or be willing to acquire, a good working knowledge of Ada County’s Comprehensive Plan and an understanding of how its guiding principles impact parks and trails operations and open space preservation throughout Ada County.

Historic Preservation Council

The Board of Ada County Commissioners is seeking an individual interested in serving on the Ada County Historic Preservation Council. This is a volunteer position for a term of three (3) years. Professional experience in the disciplines of architecture, history, planning, archaeology, or other historic preservation-related discipline is preferred, but not required.

This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in fostering a sense of pride in the diverse heritage of our community and wishing to help fulfill the Council’s charter of “Preserving Ada County’s Heritage.” The Council promotes historic preservation in a variety of ways: Through public outreach & education, by helping to nominate private and public properties for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places, by participating in various land use planning processes, by helping with fundraising for specific preservation projects, and by recommending enactment of policies and ordinances intended to protect historic properties.

The ten (10) member Historic Preservation Council holds a one-hour meeting at 12:00 noon on the first Tuesday of each month. Council-sponsored events are occasionally held on weekends and evenings throughout the year, and prospective members will be expected to attend some but not all such events. Council members may be asked to serve on subcommittees that focus on specific issues which may require additional project meetings and tasks.

Planning and Zoning Commissioner

The Board of Ada County Commissioners is seeking an individual interested in filling an opening on the Ada County Planning and Zoning Commission. Qualified applicants must currently live in and remain in unincorporated Ada County outside of city limits throughout their term, and must have lived in Ada County for at least two (2) years.

The Ada County Planning and Zoning Commission meets twice per month on Thursday evenings and at other times as needed. The primary duty of the seven (7) member Ada County Planning and Zoning Commission is to ensure development within Ada County conforms to the County’s planning and zoning ordinances.

HOW TO APPLY:

Persons interested in serving on a volunteer board are required to complete a volunteer board application, available at the Ada County Commissioners Office or on the web.

The Commissioners Office is located on the third floor of the Ada County Courthouse at 200 W. Front Street, Boise, 83702. The application is available on the Ada County Commissioners website at www.adacounty.id.gov; from the Commissioners page, click on the ‘Volunteer Boards & Committee’ link, or follow the links below.

Completed applications must be delivered to the Ada County Commissioners Office at the address above, sent via fax to 287-7009, or e-mailed tobocc1@adaweb.net. Most openings will remain open until filled. Those with questions may call 287-7000 for more information.

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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

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September 15, 2014

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, Jennifer Anderson, Michelle Anderson, Allison Bingham, Larry Boyd, Norma Dawson, Cathy Hardy, Kim Ingraham, Philip Janquart, Trina Kubitchek, Joy Lear, Joanne M.W. Love, Melinda Myers, Mickie Park, Joe Prin, Danielle Pryor, Jim Reynolds, Connie Sales, Tammy Sullivan-Watson, Melissa Upton, 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.

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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.

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EAGLE NEWS

“A good time in the old town” at Eagle Senior Center

By Jennifer Anderson Food, friends, and fish stories are the fare Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Eagle Senior Center as locals gather to enjoy a meal together, reminisce about the “good old days” and share a story or two.

Tami Galt, Eagle Senior Center Treasurer and van driver, indicated that while the Senior Center facilitates activities throughout the month, the Tuesday/Thursday lunches are their biggest events. Feeding an average of sixty seniors per luncheon, Tami says that number can increase tremendously depending on the meal. “If it’s liver and onions or chicken-fried steak, the attendance can be between 65-85 seniors,” Tami states. Lunch is provided by Metro Meals on Wheels and is a $4 suggested donation.

Thursdays always draw a large crowd for BINGO.

Eileen Visser (rt) and Senior Center President Laurel Jobe (lt) enjoy a moment after lunch.

Thursdays usually pull a larger crowd as BINGO is played before and after lunch with prizes offered for the winners. Pinochle is also a favorite among the 60+ crowd and regular games are played after lunch on Thursdays and Saturdays as well.

While lunch days bring in the largest crowds, some favorite activities on other days of the week include Fit and Fall Proof Classes, Field Trips, and the Center’s own thrift store.

Fit and Fall Proof Classes are offered weekly at the Senior Center Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 – 10 a.m.

The Central District Health Department provides these classes to help senior citizens remain injury free and independent.

Participants will practice simple exercises for increased strength, balance and endurance.

Exercises help prevent the accidental falls and tripping often associated with age.

(R-L) Oscar Perecz, Burton Johnson, Lee Kaylor, and Eugene Muller gather for their weekly Pinochle game.

Recipe Corner

Carmen Wolfkiel welcomes attendees to the weekly luncheon.

Remaining independent is the goal of most seniors, but many still experience limitations sooner than they expect – especially regarding driving. Arranging transportation for seniors to and from the senior center for weekly activities, doctor’s appointments, and field trips can often keep drivers Laurel Jobe and Tami Galt busy.

Cook Nancy Holberg (rt) and volunteer Judy Tindle (lt) get ready for the weekly lunch. Salmon, wild rice, carrots, and coleslaw are on the menu.

Transportation to doctor’s offices are provided Wednesdays and can be scheduled by contacting the Senior Center several days prior to the appointment. Drivers transport to Boise, Meridian, Star, and Eagle. The Eagle Senior Center van is wheelchair and walker accessible and rides are paid for on a donation basis. Suggested ride donation amounts are $1 for the Tuesday/Thursday lunches at the Center; $2 for doctor’s appointments; and $3 for trips.

Trips are often the highlight of the month and take seniors all over the Treasure Valley and beyond. The van can accommodate up to 14 and often has a waiting list. Favorite trips include other senior centers, plays, movies, and shopping. Many just enjoy the opportunity to get dressed up and go out for the day or evening.

When they are looking for a new outfit to wear, Love Me Two Times, the Center’s own thrift store, is the perfect place to start.

Anyone is welcome to check out the shop or donate and donations can be picked up if needed. All proceeds go back in to the Center’s programs.

The Eagle Senior Center is located at 312 E. State Street, Eagle and is always looking for new, active members. Stop by and enjoy the company and find out what you can do to be a dynamic member of this thriving senior community.

(R-L) Marina Gregory, Mary Biedrzycki, and Peggy Kammerer browse the thrift shop. Peggy and Elaine McEnroe (not pictured) usually facilitate the store.

C r o c k p o t C h i c k e n To r t i l l a S o u p

Serves: 6-8 1/4 t. black pepper 1 T. dried cilantro or 3 T. fresh 1/2 - 1 t. chili powder 1 t. salt 2 c. water 1 t. cumin 1/2 c. onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 - 15 oz. cans chicken broth 1 - 15 oz. can corn 1 - 15 oz. can red enchilada sauce 1 - 8 oz. can chopped green chilies 1 - 12 oz. can diced tomato 2 c. cooked, shredded chicken Combine all ingredients, except chicken, in the crock pot. Cover and cook on low for 6 - 8 hours or high for 4 - 5 hours. Add in cooked chicken about 30 minutes before serving.

Top with optional tortilla chips, sour cream, shredded cheese, and black olives.

Recipe courtesy of: www.yourhomebasedmom.com Send your favorite recipes along with your name to theindnews.story@gmail.com.

Each month we’ll choose a recipe to be featured in our Recipe Corner.

September 2014 • PAGE 7

PAGE 8 • September 2014

EAGLE NEWS

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com

Advocacy Group for The Elderly Opens Office in Eagle

By Philip A. Janquart Ralph Steele was a big “handsome” cattleman from Idaho Falls.

He served for 10 years as a member of Idaho’s House of Representatives and served on the Bonneville County Commission. He was also the first President of the Idaho Beef Council, served as President of the Idaho Cattlemen’s Association and won many farming and ranching awards in his 70-year ranching career.

On Jan. 15, 2013, at the age of 89, he was admitted to a local hospital for a broken femur. Six months later he was dead.

The death didn’t make sense to daughter Carolyn Harrison, an Eagle resident, who went on a quest to get answers.

She eventually discovered the group Foundation Aiding The Elderly (FATE), a Sacramento, Calif.-based, non-profit organization that aims to make reforms in elderly care, particularly in the battle against overmedication.

“My dad was such a big, strapping man,” Harrison said. “He did a lot of things for the state and the region. He went in for a broken leg and ended up being transferred to six different care facilities in six months. We were told he had dementia.”

The real problem, Harrison believes, was overmedication that would make it hard for anyone, regardless of age or mental capacity, to pass a dementia test.

“After mom passed away in 2002, dad was lonely so he got into his old, white jalopy of a pickup and visited anyone and everyone in Idaho Falls, including most of the doctors with his perceived ailments. That’s when he was formerly introduced to the ‘system’: a system that administers a plethora of types and dosages of medication to keep the patients, especially the older patients, either moving through the patient turnstile,

restrained in a wheelchair, or confined helplessly to a hospital bed.”

Overmedication is a growing problem that gets little or no media attention, as America’s seniors continue to move toward their waning years. Harrison says she does not believe the system is run by mean or cruel people, but by staff that has a hard time keeping up with the number of patients that need care.

“The quick fix is pills,” she said.

It turns out Ralph Steele had been prescribed some 15 different medications over six months, which left him in a near catatonic state and “drooling on himself.”

The list of medications included morphine, namenda, risperdal, seroquel, klonopin, ativan and norco, all of which are prescribed for pain, dementia, psychosis or anxiety.

“My dad was reduced to a frail, helpless, humiliated state,” Harrison said. “He held his head very low and kept asking during his coherent states, what ailment he had, what was wrong with him. The problem is that he was being overmedicated.”

Harrison is now the Executive Director of the Eagle branch of FATE. The organization provides “information, counseling, advice, resources, and referrals as a public service, at no charge, to those who need assistance in dealing with care of the elderly,” according to a recent press release.

“We are holding an event September 20 at Cathedral of the Rockies in Boise, celebrating the opening of FATE/Idaho,” Harrison said.

The event starts at 9 a.m.

“It’s time for those in their waning years to receive the kind of treatment they gave us when we were vulnerable,” she said.

To learn more about FATE/Idaho, call Carolyn Harrison at (208) 939-FATE(3283), or at (208) 520-0903, or email her at Carolyn@4fate.org.

The first time I see a jogger smiling, I'll consider it. ~ Joan Rivers

ACHD accepts Eagle’s request to remove Roundabout from CIP

By Jennifer Anderson August 13, 2014, Ada County Highway District (ACHD) convened to discuss and act upon a letter sent from the city of Eagle to ACHD regarding their decision to reverse their previous request for a roundabout and road expansion to Eagle City Councilman Jeff Kunz argues his point five lanes from Plaza to State before ACHD Commissioners.

Street at the intersection of Old State Street and Eagle Road.

ACHD president John Franden opened a letter was sent to us in July.” the floor for comment, and after Eagle When Councilman Kunz finished speakMayor Jim Reynolds declined comment ing, the four present Highway District saying the City’s intent was well qualified in Commissioners deliberated on the best the letter, Eagle City Councilman Jeff Kunz course of action to take. Commissioner opted to approach the stand.

Hansen’s view was to completely honor Councilman Kunz addressed ACHD urging the City of Eagle’s request; however, with them to remove the roundabout from the a vote of 3 to 1, ACHD Commissioners Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) citing safety Franden, Arnold, and Jaurena voted to concerns for pedestrians attempting to cross remove the roundabout as requested, but the intersection, particularly children headkeep the right-of-way build option for five ing to Eagle Elementary and senior citizens lanes from Plaza to State St. President attempting to reach the Eagle Senior Center. Franden also directed the City of Eagle to Kunz indicated that ACHD was not taking hasten their effort to propose an alternate seriously parts of a report warning against solution to the roundabout for the Old putting a roundabout in close proximity to State Street and Eagle intersection, and schools and senior centers. committed ACHD’s coordination with the President Franden expressed some City in determining what that course of frustration at Eagle’s request saying: “You action might be. Expect this to be an characterized this as if it was the idea of the ongoing conversation in upcoming months Highway District, but the City sent us a letas Eagle City Council looks for an answer ter requesting a roundabout. I don’t get it. to a very problematic situation.

The first recommendation from the City To view the ACHD meeting and decision was ‘no build,’ then the City came to us and in full visit: http://www.achdidaho.org said, ‘no, build a roundabout,’ and then /MeetingsAgendas/CommissionMeetings/ another decision was made by the City and Archive/2014/08-13-14/08-13-14_2.asx

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com

PEOPLE

Eagle Homebuilder Turns Horse Rescuer

By Philip A. Janquart He grew up in the Bronx and has a special place in his heart for the underdog. Robert Bruno, an Eagle-based homebuilder, couldn’t stand watching kids get picked on, especially ones with disabilities.

“I got into a lot of trouble growing up because I was always fighting battles for the kids who couldn’t,” said Bruno, who owns BrunoBuilt Homes. “I’ve always had this thing with animals, too. We moved out of the Bronx when I was about 12 or 13 and moved to the suburbs. There were raccoons and skunks, and a lot of times they had been hit by a car, so I’d pick them up and take them to the vet.”

His affinity toward animals grew over the years.

These days, when he isn’t building firstclass customized homes, he’s fighting the battle against animal abuse and neglect. Five years ago he founded Idaho Horse Rescue (IHR), a non-profit organization specializing in rehabilitating horses that might otherwise die or continue to suffer.

According to Bruno, Idaho has the second worst track record among the 50 states for horse abuse and neglect.

“Idaho is very, very bad about its laws regarding abuse of animals,” he said. “It’s a very weak system. The laws are good, but no one will enforce them.”

Case in point Bruno recently rescued three horses that were forced to live together in a horse trailer in Mountain Home. The horses were skin and bones, and had sustained injuries from fights over what little food was available to them.

“One of the horses was kicked in the face,” he explained. “There is a piece of bone missing. They were only fed tumbleweed, so they would fight over the scraps. Consequently, this horse developed a mean streak.

She became fearful and mean. When I first got her, she was scared and starving, had flies all over, her hooves were torn up and infected, and she had a big abscess; there were wounds all over her body.”

Someone complained about the horses in Mountain Home and sheriff’s deputies were eventually called in to intervene. They seized the horses, which ended up at Idaho Horse Rescue where they are steadily improving in health, but Bruno says he is disappointed by the outcome.

A healthy herd of rescued horses

“The sheriff’s department refused to write the guy (owner) a citation,” he bemoaned.

“He is going to have to reimburse me for my expenses whether he gets the horses back or not, but he’s getting no jail time. Clearly, this was a case of extreme abuse and neglect, but they don’t care.”

Operation New Barn Idaho Horse Rescue ranch is currently home to 14 rehabilitating horses. New calls come in every day from people asking for help with abused and neglected horses, but currently there is no more room at the ranch.

The organization, however, has launched a campaign to raise money for an expansion of its facilities.

“We call the project ‘Operation New Barn,’” said Katreece Hattaway, of Idaho Horse Rescue. “The new facilities will offer opportunities for community involvement.

We anticipate a day when we can break ground and make a big event out of it, but first we need the funds.”

The new facility would include 10 to 12 new stalls, which means a laundry list of building materials and supplies the organization is hoping the public will donate.

Some of the materials on the wish list include panels, corrals, stalls, board fencing, plywood, fence posts, smooth wire and more.

Barn supplies include fly spray, feed and grain bins, water buckets and grooming supplies.

Building a new facility also means more permanent volunteers to help run a planned equine-assisted therapy program.

How it all started Bruno rescued his first horse some 20 years ago, an injured thoroughbred that didn’t have a very bright future.

“I had a friend who was a jockey at the horse track in Boise,” he explained. “He said they had this horse that was only two, but was injured so they were going to shoot her.

She had blown her left tendon.” Bruno drove down to the track and was dismayed at what he saw.

“She was a beautiful thoroughbred named ‘Wapello Road,’” he said. “She had been pin-fired: a method where they take a red hot iron, tie the horse up, and sear the side of the pastern in about 12 spots, vertically up and down the leg on both sides, without anesthesia. She had several scars on her leg. It’s some old wives-tail method of fixing a horse’s tendon issues, but they screwed her up and were going to shoot her. I took her and let her rest in the field for about a year, and then I rode her and trained her and ended up keeping her for 20 years. She turned out to be one of the best horses I ever had. I rode her everywhere.

She loved me; she didn’t like to be away from me. She’d come flying across the pasture… and grab me with the bottom of her chin to pull me closer so that I could hug her.

Bruno’s uncanny relationship with animals has earned him the nickname, Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

Continued on Page 13

September 2014 • PAGE 9

Robert Bruno with one of his rescued horses

This horse's hooves were left to grow out of control

The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way it’s animals are treated. ~ Mahatma Gandhi

PAGE 10 • September 2014

BUSINESS

I would counsel people to go to college, because it's one of the best times in your life in terms of who you meet and develop a broad set of intellectual skills. ~ Bill Gates

Advertise in The Independent News and get more bang for your buck: direct mailed to 15,000 households and businesses, web advertising and marketing, social media push and articles about your business.

What are you waiting for ? Call for ad rates today.

Randy Miskimon 794-6858.

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com

What’s it worth to you?

By Jennifer Anderson In a day where even the water you drink has a price tag, it may be difficult to imagine walking into a restaurant and seeing nothing but the menu – no dollar signs apparent.

In some upscale restaurants, that is an indication you had better be prepared to get a second mortgage on your house to pay for dinner, but at the Perks of Life Café in Eagle it just means it’s time for you to really think about the value of a good cup of coffee or handmade pastry, and what it means to support local commerce.

Perks of Life is approaching its seven year anniversary and Heather Andrade, co-owner of Perks, is making a stand for change. July 7, 2014, Andrade, with the blessing of her sister and business partner Andrea Vlaanderen, decided to take the price tags of the menu and operate on a donation only basis. Andrade had heard about other establishments moving to this business model and found it intriguing. Instead of her putting a value on her product and her establishment, she is instead putting that responsibility in the hands of her customers and community.

Her objective is for people to take an interest in supporting each other; to help each other succeed; and to think about what and where they are spending their money.

Communities used to have a vested interest in whether a business in their town succeed or failed; now they don’t think twice about just moving to the next coffee shop.

Ultimately, Andrade would like to be able to donate some of the proceeds, above operating costs, back to the community by helping different local families once a month.

She indicated that after a month of the donation only model her business has not suffered, but said it will take some time to really see the impact.

When asked how customers are responding she said, “Some don’t get it at all, and others get it right away.” Andrade says some of her regulars are worried, but she’s seen a lot of

new faces and there is a buzz around town about her new approach. She also understands there may be some who just cannot adjust and may never come back.

Perks of Life is open Monday to Friday 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Saturdays 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; and Sundays 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Their latte art sets them apart from other baristas in the area, and Andrade puts tremendous focus on quality and customer service. They serve breakfast all day, but also have interesting and tasty soups and lunch specials. Fifty percent of their pastries are gluten-free and they have completely removed vegetable oil from their products.

They make their own chocolate and chai and serve wine by the glass.

What is it worth to you to purchase a delicious handmade quiche, freshly ground coffee with professional latte art, handmade chocolate, or fresh pastry? More importantly: what is it worth to you to support local businesses that make the community a priority or value more than just their product. It’s just something to think about the next time you head out of town to make your next purchase. Shop local and make a difference in your community in more than one way.

Perks of Life co-owner Heather Andrade with Tori Thomas, just one of the talented staff members.

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com

BUSINESS

September 2014 • PAGE 11

Paul Davis Restoration putting the “keep” in keepsakes

By Jennifer Anderson The recent flash flood in Rexburg left many college students scrambling for a dry place to sleep and borrowing friend’s clothes to wear. Bucket brigades formed to muck out the water and mud that left some apartments covered in silt and sludge. Most of their belongings were replaceable, but the storm right before finals put added strain on an already stressful situation. Paul Davis Restoration is in the business of handling disaster like this one daily.

The Meridian owned franchise’s General Manager Mike Seidl has made restoration and not just replacement a main focus during their disaster cleanup. With landfills piling up with discarded, yet usable items, Paul Davis Restoration has four top priorities: deodorize, sanitize, and restore; be “green” minded; reduce trash in the landfill; and make sure sentimental items are preserved.

Blaine Tewell Jr., Paul Davis Restoration representative, told of a recent occurrence where a client had just lost her husband a week before a devastating fire wreaked havoc in her home. The item she regretted having damaged the most was a pillow that had been signed by her husband’s hospital staff. With the use of innovative technology, Paul Davis was able to restore the pillow to like new condition. It is this focus on restoring and not just eliminating that sets Paul Davis apart.

Paul Davis Restoration for your cleanup needs call (208) 888-0850 or visit their website at www.pauldavis.com.

The Esporta Wash System can clean and restore most soft content items.

The 13,000 square foot Meridian facility can clean and restore 75% of items others would throw away.

The Paul Davis Restoration team: (L-R) (back row) Albert Canela, Justin Spencer, Shane Guinn, Vance Harris, Andy Peterson, Erin Lovellette; (front row) Blaine Tewelle, Pavel Yaroshchuk; Jim Shemwell, Mike Seidl.

A tour of the 13,000 square foot Meridian facility provides a detailed look at just how their cleaning magic works. Using the Esporta Wash System, developed twenty years ago to clean hockey equipment, Paul Davis can clean and restore most soft content items to almost new condition. Using hydraulic pressure, not vibration, the Esporta Wash System can make items food grade clean.

Michael Pinto, mold remediation expert, recommends the Esporta Wash System; and DuPont indicates the system “successfully preserves the structural integrity of highly sensitive fabrics.” Additionally, it can restore leather, purses, jackets, laundry of all kinds, collectables, and stuffed animals. With up to 20 recipes used to clean different types of products, the system is very versatile and offers a solid alternative to just throwing it away.

Hard content items are run through an ultra-sonic cleaning wash and then heated to 120° to open the pores of plastic enabling odors to be released and eliminated.

For larger items ozone is used and even electronics are washed and restored.

Seidl says, “We can clean 75% of stuff others would just throw away.” He goes on to say, “For us, cleaning the personal stuff for people is most important.”

Part of the Certified Content Restoration Network (CCRN), Paul Davis Restoration has won numerous awards for customer satisfaction and works to preserve the lives and items of their clients.

To reach Paul Davis Restoration for your cleanup needs including water, fire and smoke, mold, trauma, contents cleaning, biohazard, or wind and storm damage call (208) 888-0850 or visit their website at www.pauldavis.com.

Caring for and restoring client’s personal items is a major focus at Paul Davis Restoration.

Joe’s View

I think I could walk into my first house and still know where everything is.

The house was on the edge of Sunset Lake in upper Michigan.

Entering the front door, the kitchen was on the left; dining room right; living room straight ahead; side porch on the right; bedroom, bath, and bedroom on the back left. I was last in that house when I was 7 years old.

As I think about all the homes I have lived in, I think I could easily still find the bathrooms in the dark. I remember how the light came through the windows, or how the carpet felt. I remember the sounds of the neighbors or the kids playing outside.

One home I recall in particular was where my Grandma Sadie lived. She really wasn’t my biological Grandma, but she might as well have been. She raised my Dad from a young boy, and me after we left our lake house when my Mom died from leukemia.

Grandma Sadie’s house seemed odd to me.

Somebody else lived there too. They were upstairs and had their own front door next to Grandma’s. Much later I learned what a duplex was and that Grandma was not just being nice to these people and letting them have part of her house. I also learned about rent.

Her home was very simple: a narrow front room with a window that looked out on the street. Only the right half of the window would open, the left was forever stuck. There was an opening in the wall on the right that went to her bedroom and the bathroom.

I remember that the tub had feet on it that

looked like a dog’s paws. Grandma didn’t like it because it was hard to clean around. I had to make sure to keep the water in the tub and off the floor.

The kitchen was back left and very bright in the mornings. The window over the table was big with red trimmed fluffy white curtains.

The pattern on the Formica table looked like boomerangs and the chrome chairs made a horrible noise when you dragged them across the floor. A plunger was always next to the kitchen sink and it was fun to pop it to the floor and try to lift it off.

And then there were the stairs to the basement. We didn’t go down in the basement.

It was “musty” (whatever that meant). Other people had stuff down there, not Grandma.

It was off limits. Hee-hee. If only she knew how many trips I made down there when she was off to the store. I bet she knew exactly.

Oh, and the light switches had to be twisted, not flipped!

The memories of our homes can be good and bad. I am fortunate so many of mine are good memories. As I talk with my kids now, it is interesting to hear what they remember about the homes in their lives. Things I thought were mundane or common, they feel are special or unique. Also, what I remember is very different than what they remember.

We have photos, but photos can’t reproduce the sounds, smells, and feel of a home. That forever is archived in our minds.

Of all the places you have lived, which is your favorite? Which has the memories?

What details can you recall? Have you shared this with anyone?

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.

PAGE 12 • September 2014

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com

By Gretchen Anderson

Hunters - Hit the Bullseye at Sight In Event

With hunting seasons just around the corner, big game hunters around the region are asking themselves the same question: does my rifle shoot straight?

That question can be positively answered on Saturday, September 13 at the annual Sight In event, to be held at Black’s Creek Public Shooting Range, 2420 E. Kuna-Mora Road east of Boise. From 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, qualified experts will help participants get their favorite hunting rifle(s) – centerfire or black powder – and/or hunting handguns zeroed in on the bullseye.

Cost per shooter is $10, and shooters may bring as many firearms as need to be sighted in. There is no cost for non-shooters.

The Sight In event is sponsored by the Treasure Valley Chapter of the Idaho Hunter Education Instructors’ Association and serves as the Chapter’s primary fund raising event for the year.

For more info regarding the Sight In event, contact Gary Gillespie at 327-0507 or 841-5064.

If I don't write about it, it won't happen, right?

But, it will happen regardless of what I do or don't do.

Two of the three remaining kids at home are about to leave. It's hitting me hard this go around. Helen will begin her third year at a liberal arts college in Utah. It is at most, a six-hour drive to Salt Lake City. That, is somewhat comforting.

Bubba is leaving next week, to begin his freshman year in New York. If I REALLY reason with myself, I can say, "It's a little more than a six-hour FLIGHT to Ithaca."

Not as comforting.

We’re not the only ones going through this. Like most families we know, their kids are heading off to college, joining the military or taking a path to other worthwhile endeavors.

Helen and Bubba are two very large personalities that won't grace our lives daily.

My friend Lisa, once said, "It's a daily energy that is no longer in the house."

Boy, that's an understatement.

With just 17-months between them, Helen and Bubba are quite a pair. Their twosome was interrupted and made better by their baby sister when they were five and fouryears old, respectively.

I asked Margaret, the youngest spawn, if she’ll be okay as an only child? She assured me she will. We reminisced about the various escapades between Helen and Bubba.

Margaret reminded me, "Helen has a power over us." No words are truer.

A few years back, Helen dared Margaret to lick her armpit. Margaret, being very competitive, obliged. We’ve been laughing about that one ever since.

Helen will tell you that she never gets weird pleasures from seeing if her siblings would do certain requests. She just chocks it up to “a test of sorts.” It’s also aided by childhood boredom and lack of parental supervision. One such moment came when Helen decided to see if her little brother would eat one of her boogers, on a dare of course. Again, competitiveness can be a good thing—or a bad thing.

But, the most notable incident was during a play session on the swing set, out back. Helen was swinging and asked a pre-pubescent Bubba, “if she could kick him in the [boy parts]?” He first said no. Then she added a “please.” He pondered this for about a minute, and said okay. But, “Not too hard.

Because I want to have babies some day.”

So, she lined him up, with an intention of “swinging into him.” Back and forth she went and finally she swung into him—but missed the intended target. Thank God. I will miss their energy. And, as in most challenging situations, I try to look for a silver lining: Mr. Man and I will get to have four years of undivided time with Margaret—something we have never had.

Also, Mr. Man helps me keep it in perspective. He’ll remind me, “What’s worse than your kids going off to college? … Not going off to college.”

©September2014 Gretchen Anderson.

Gretchen Anderson is an award winning writer and author of the book on the urban chicken movement.

“The Backyard Chicken Fight,” is currently available at Zamzows.

Contact Gretchen at thebycf@gmail.com.

Believe it or not, lots of people change their majors and abandon their dreams just to avoid a couple of math classes in college. ~ Danica McKellar

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

September 2014 • PAGE 13

The Eagle Arts Commission is pleased to announce the September 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

September Artist - Larry Boyd

I was born and raised in Florida and originally moved to Idaho in 1972. My wife, Charlotte, and I have been married for over 30 years and have three grown children. I am a graduate of Boise State University with a degree in Business Management; I also have a Master of Arts Degree in Behavioral Science specializing in negotiation and conflict management from California State University.

I have had a life-long interest in art, but did not seriously begin painting until 1996. I am principally self-taught, but have taken workshops by several famous artists. In retirement, I am able to devote more time to painting. As a result, I recently achieved “signature status” with the Idaho Watercolor Society. My paintings have won awards and have been in several regional shows, including the Idaho Watercolor Society’s annual Rotunda and Summer Juried Shows.

My paintings have been displayed in multiple galleries including Gaia Gallery, Galerie Belle Ame in Eagle, and the Initial Point Gallery in Meridian. My paintings are also part of private collections throughout the country.

I paint in multiple mediums—watercolor, pastels, acrylics, and pen and ink. I tend to let the subject dictate which medium I use. For example, for the painting “Winter’s Warmth,” I chose watercolor on paper. Watercolor allowed me to capture the warmth of the radiant light bouncing off of the snow on a winter afternoon along the Boise River in Eagle.

I primarily paint landscapes. Living in Idaho, the subject matter for my art is virtually limitless. As an artist, I am moving from a representational rendering to a more impressionistic communication of the essence of the subjects of my art. While a particular scene may inspire an idea for a painting, I do not feel compelled to render it precisely as would occur with a photograph. Rather, the final rendering of the subject will incorporate creative applications of design elements and principles and my painting will offer my feeling and impression of the subject. Hopefully, the end result will be more interesting and entertaining than a strict copying of the scene would offer.

ST LUKE’S GALLERY

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

September Artist - Connie K. Sales

Born in Texas, I received my BFA from Southern Methodist University. I have had the honor to study at the Fort Burgwin Research Center in Taos, New Mexico, and also to study at University College, Oxford England.

My work has been exhibited and honored throughout the United States and is held in private and public collections nationally and internationally.

The materials I choose to work with directly inform and are informed by the imagery itself. Even though I begin with direct observation, I listen for the voice of the drawing. As the subject and mark-making dictate the process, the work becomes abstracted. I am constantly building imagery in a slow and methodical progression.

The process is rough, intense, and my surfaces are often worn and stitched.

My work is simply meant to create a space for conversation and dialogue. When a drawing becomes unfamiliar to me, I know it is finished and ready for others to feel my work in relation to their own experiences.

This is an exciting year as I am honored to be developing relationships with three galleries in the Treasure Valley; Gallery Five18 (Boise), Track 13 Gallery (Nampa), The Gallery at Finer Frames (Eagle). I have also been traveling and look forward to new things in the coming year.

www.connieksalesart.com

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.

Continued from page 9

Horse Rescue

“My friend had an event, with about 100 people, in his back yard and this big German Shepherd came running down the street and got back there, and was freaking out, but then he saw me, came over and laid down. My friend said, my God, you’re Saint Francis of Assisi.”

No Magic Involved Bruno says some people make too much of his ability because animals have a sense for body language.

“I think it’s the look in my eye,” he explained. “It makes me sad to see some poor animal in a state of distress and I think they can read that. When you think about it,

animals communicate by reading body language, so they are constantly reading and analyzing body language.”

Bruno and his staff of volunteers have rescued about 50 horses since Idaho Horse Rescue opened. Once the horses have been fully rehabilitated, they are put up for adoption, but not to just anyone.

“They have to be horse people,” he said.

“You wouldn’t believe how many people think they want a horse not realizing what goes into it, and that’s where a lot of the problems start.”

One of Bruno’s latest adoption success stories included a seven-year-old Arabian that

was given to him by a previous owner that couldn’t handle the horse’s energy.

“My wife, daughter and her trainer went out to take a look at the horse and he is a spooky horse, but we attribute that to lack of groundwork,” said Eagle City Building Official Steve Nash. “They decided right there they wanted the horse and soon after we bought him. Coincidentally his name is ‘Nash;” we found that quite intriguing.”

Nash’s daughter, Natalie, 16, recently rode him at a 4-H event at the Western Idaho Fair

in Boise, earning first place in English Equitation and 2. in Western Equitation and 3. in Ground Poles on 4-H Novice Day. “He is the perfect horse for Natalie because she wanted a challenge,” Nash said. “We all love working with him.”

For information on Idaho Horse Rescue or how you can donate materials or funds, log on to www.Idahohorserescue.org, email Robert Bruno at Robert@idahohorse rescue.org or call him at (208) 941-4908.

PAGE 14 • September 2014

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com

uCr itic...... By Tom Wick, Universal Critic

~SCHOOL SAFETY~

Children who ride bikes to school need to be careful

Children face considerably more challenges — and threats — than their parents and grandparents who rode their bicycles to school when they were young. Cars travel faster.

Drivers have more distractions. And many neighborhoods still aren’t adequately designed for safe bicycling.

At the same time, there is greater emphasis today on providing safer routes to school, and safety equipment has improved significantly, according to the Idaho Transportation Department. Riding bicycles can be a fun, healthy alternative to travel by vehicles. The following tips can help increase safety for two-wheeled school commutes: • Always wear your helmet when riding a bicycle.

• Make sure that your helmet fits correctly. The helmet should fit low on your forehead so that two fingers fit between it and your eyebrows.

Another way to check is to put the helmet on your head and look up. If you can’t see your helmet, it is too far back.

• To ride safely, you need to know the rules of the road. If you don’t, then you should not ride in traffic or without an adult.

• Ride on the right side of the road or trail in a single file line in the same direction as other vehicles and come to a complete stop before crossing streets.

• If you ride in a group, always ride single-file, not with another bike rider next to you.

• Wait for a driver’s signal before crossing the street.

• When you ride a bicycle, wear bright colors during the day and right before the sun rises or sets.

• Focus on riding rather than on your friends if you are riding as part of a group.

• Riding at night can be dangerous. If you must ride your bicycle when it is dark, you should ride with an adult. You should have a white light on the front of your bicycle and a red reflector or flashing red light on the back. You also can get lights and reflective materials to put on your shoes, helmet and clothing.

• Practice makes you more skilled at riding. The more skilled you are at riding, the less likely you will be to crash. Practice riding skills in an empty parking lot or a place with no traffic.

Practice such things as riding in a straight line, looking over your shoulder, signaling with your hands and starting and stopping.

Questions? Visit us online at itd.idaho.gov, follow ITD on Twitter (@IdahoITD) or Facebook and check travel conditions at 511.idaho.gov or dial 5-1-1. Please slow down in highway construction zones and pay attention. Safety for drivers and workers is our highest priority.

What happened to the box office in August?

I was dying for a good movie and…nada. Nothing. I must have said ten times during Hercules, “Curse Zeus if I paid ten bucks for this.”

As far as Greek Mythology movies go, it wasn’t the worse, but there really wasn’t a need for this Dwayne Johnson flick. Again, kudos for being better than Clash of the Titans, but quite frankly, Hercules was boring.

The movie was supposed to have been about the Greek demi-God, Hercules, son of Zeus and some mortal woman (don’t know her name, don’t care); however, the movie spent the whole time trying to convince you there never really was a Zeus or any type of God and that Hercules was just a really strong guy trying to capitalize on the God-thing. He even sold his own line of swordproof vests (yuck-yuck, get it?

Bulletproof vests, but it’s 2,000 years ago, so they had Hercules-branded swordproof vests. lawl). And really, that was the best part.

Bad graphics, bad acting, unmemorable script, campy acting when it wasn’t bad. Hey, I’m a fan of The Rock, but I’d say definitely save this clunker for Redbox.

Marvel took a break from its guaranteed blockbusters to make Guardians of the Galaxy.

The Guardians are definitely no Iron Man and hopefully these misfits don’t show up in any of the Avenger movies anytime soon, but if you’ve got four bucks burning a hole in your pocket, it’s probably okay to spend it here if you’re into lots of special effects and a tired, thin plot.

I would never spend ten bucks on a biopic, so

I’m saving the James Brown biography Get On Up for Redbox.

Another movie worth saving for the cheap seats is the Steven Spielberg/Oprah Winfrey feel-good movie The Hundred-Foot Journey.

Great movie, great acting, unique story, worth watching.

Journey tells the story of an Indian family who are forced to leave their home and restaurant in India and move to Europe. Their van breaks down and so they settle in a very prideful French town and open up their India-cuisine restaurant.

Across the street from their restaurant by one hundred feet (get it?), is a fancy-pants French restaurant that’s so fancy it has actually earned the coveted Michelin star (there’s roughly about 480 restaurants in France ranked with a star).

So you have this French restaurant that serves small portions and sauce drizzled on the plate on one side of the street and on the other side you have mega-sized Indian dishes. And well, food, being the gateway to the soul, sets the feel-good events in motion: humility, peace, and love. Worth watching, but you can wait for this one to hit four bucks.

And what do I say about remakes? It better be better than the original. And the verdict on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles remake/re-imagining/re-telling (whatever) of the 1990 movie, TV series, and etc.? Kids will like it but you don’t need a big-screen to see it. Save it for Redbox and have your kid give you a buck-fifty to cover the charge on your card.

American Legion Eagle Post #127 ready and able

By Jennifer Anderson Eagle’s American Legion Post #127 has been exceptionally active this year, their most recent event their annual Steak Feed Fundraiser with proceeds benefitting the Veteran’s Nursing Home food program. This is their one event all year in which the proceeds do not stay in Eagle and benefit the local community.

Adjutant Commander Chuck Boyer, The non-profit organization Commander Mike Foley, and Chaplain Gary Gillespie are has made an effort in recent the heart behind Eagle's American Legion Post #127. years to increase their presence in the community and find ways to give back. Under the direction of Commander on Flag Day (June 14), the Legion can dispose of Mike Foley and Adjutant Commander Chuck the flags by burning. The Boy Scouts are also Boyer, Post #127 has seventy-two members and permitted to carry out this duty. holds meetings once a month on the second Commander Foley expressed that many do Tuesday at the Eagle Sewer District offices. not know the requirements for retiring the flag.

While their monthly meetings are not always He said, “If it’s soiled or gets dropped on the well attended, their event participation is much ground, you can wash it and reuse it. If it’s better. faded, torn, tattered, or anything, you need to Programs Post #127 participates in vary, but retire it.” their main focus is to help locally and keep In addition to retiring flags, the Legion also funds raised local. This year they partnered has sixty-five flag contracts to hang flags on local with Idaho Youth Ranch to collect shoes. The business during 8-10 federal holidays throughLegion deposited 16 bins throughout Eagle and out the year and are looking for more contracts. was responsible for pick-up and delivery to the They will also come to your house and mount a Youth Ranch. A percentage of the proceeds were flag for $25. The homeowner would keep and donated back to Post #127 to help fund some of maintain the flag thereafter. their local projects.

The Legion also participates in the annual The Legion also sponsors the Eagle High Veteran’s Day Parade held November 11th and School baseball team and splits the earnings lead out the Eagle Fun Days parade, but Post from their pancake breakfast with the team. #127 is always looking for more ways to Also benefitting local high school students, the contribute and more members. Commander Legion participates in sponsoring a student for Foley said, “There’s a lot of veterans right here the State oratorical competition. Two years ago in this community.” The youngest member of they sent a student to Nationals twice.

Post #127 is a 23 year-old female Iraq veteran; Their big push this year, aided by Gretchen there are three members from WWII. RequireGilbert of the Eagle Chamber of Commerce, is to ments for becoming a member of American educate as many as they can on the proper care Legion Post #127 include a membership due of and disposal of the American Flag. During the $35/year; you must be a veteran; you can be any spring, the Legion put flag disposal boxes outage; and you can be active military. side the fire station, City Hall, and Wild West To become part of Eagle’s American Legion Bakery and collected sixty-three flags. Each flag Post #127, contact Commander Mike Foley at must be inspected and cleared for retirement by 208-375-0793, or contact the Legion to provide members of the American Legion. Once a year your next color guard presentation.

The Independent News reaches 15,000 Homes

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

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com

SCHOOL

September 2014 • PAGE 15

9 Signs Your Teen Needs Counseling

There is nothing worse than living with a teen spinning out of control, and no worse feeling than the hopelessness parents experience in the process. It is difficult to know what to do and how to react when your teen daily reaches new lows in disobedience, dishonesty, and disrespect, and chooses every wrong thing.

1. Your teen refuses to abide by anything you say or request, and his or her resulting behaviors put your teen or your family in danger or high risk leading to constant fear or stress in the home.

2. Your teen is displaying behavior that is a marked change from what has been normal (sleeping little or too long, forgetfulness, lack of motivation, aggression, depression, anxiety, grades slipping, hating what they once loved or loving what they once hated, always wanting to be with friends or away from home, or avoiding friends altogether and spending too much time alone).

3. Your teen has become increasingly disrespectful, dishonest, disobedient, and openly displays rebellion, no longer veiling his or her feelings or caring about the consequences.

4. There is a blatant ignorance or profound rebellion toward the boundaries, belief system or rules of the home. This can be shown in passive aggressiveness or open defiance that is unusually excessive for your teen.

5. There are outright or veiled threats of suicide, or self-mutilation/cutting, excessive risk-taking, dangerous drug use or blatant sexual promiscuity–seemingly a loss of a conscience or moral compass.

6. Treatment by your teen of people, pets, or belongings is threatening or out of control.

7. Your teen thinks he or she is the center of your family and shows blatant disregard for the feelings of other family members, their time or their possessions.

8. Your teen refuses to do anything with the family and displays a growing hatred for the family.

9. You cannot keep your teen away from peers who are leading a lifestyle counter to your beliefs and your teen is buying into their destructive behavior and attitudes.

Is your family experiencing the storms of a teenager out of control? Are you walking on pins

and needles around your teen? Does it sometimes seem like he or she is a different person?

Every day we hear from dozens of frustrated parents who share how their once normal and happy child is now dangerously out of control abusing drugs or alcohol, lying, stealing, cutting, or engaging in other destructive or disturbing behavior. They talk about how it has disrupted their home and how they fear for their child’s future and very life. “My child is no longer who she used to be,” is an often repeated cry from these parents.

Your teen needs you to intervene. The downward spiral can have tremendous destructive potential with lifelong consequences, or even bring a young life to a quick end. When teens spin out of control, they need a responsible adult to respond, not react, even if they do everything they can to keep you out of it. Don’t wait and don’t ignore the evidence that your teen is spinning out of control. Act today based on what you know is true - your faith, your own beliefs, and what you know is best for your teen.

State of Mind Counseling and Wellness Center’s therapeutic program can provide your teen with the help and mentoring he or she needs, as well as defined boundaries and continued edification. It will give time for the whole family to heal. State of Mind also provides educational tools to parents and family, so it becomes a family effort to achieve success, not just the burden of your teen. State of Mind therapists help parents learn what to expect from their teen as they move through the program, which sets minds and hearts at ease.

Everyone can then look past heated emotions to focus on healing.

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.

S EPTEMBER 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 (Other events are Eagle, pg. 7; and Star, pg 18) and on the online calendar at

City of Star Meetings

www.theindnews.com 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

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

~SCHOOL SAFETY~

Parents should prepare children before walks to school

A walk to school in the morning can be invigorating, and may help children unwind after spending a day in the classroom. It also brings inherent risks, according to the Idaho Transportation Department.

Programs like Safe Routes to School help schools, cities and counties ensure that routes are as safe as possible. Parents and children need to use caution if they forego buses, bicycles, private vehicles or carpools.

Consider the following: • Be visible to others. Wear reflective material if walking or biking to school in low-light conditions.

If a driver's vision is blocked by a parked car or other obstacle, move out carefully to where drivers can see you and you can see other vehicles. Avoid wearing dark clothes at sunrise or sundown.

• Walk to school as part of a group, if possible, and always have a responsible adult with you.

• Walk on the sidewalk if one is available.

• Walk facing traffic if no sidewalk is available.

• The safest place to cross a street or highway is at a corner or intersection, but watch for vehicles entering the street at an intersection or from driveways.

• If you are 10-years-old or younger, cross the street with an adult, not by yourself.

• Before you step off the curb to cross the street,

Food Donation Needed Eagle Foodbank

An affordable way to advertise your business or service!

Over 15,000 copies distribution to Eagle and Star, with drops in N Meridian and W Boise - for only $40 a month!

Call 550-3111 or email theindnews.story@gmail.com

Distribution Days are the first and third Thursday of every month from 10am-12pm and the last Tuesday from 6-7 pm.

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.

stop, look to your left, then to your right and again to the left to see if cars are coming.

• If a car approaches, make eye contact with the driver to ensure that he or she sees you.

• Walk, don’t run. This gives time for drivers to see you before you enter the roadway. Running also makes you more likely to fall. Don’t dart from between parked cars or from in front of a car. The driver of the car coming down the street will not be able to see you.

• Obey all traffic signals and/or crossing guards.

Never cross against a "don't walk" light, even if you don't see any traffic coming.

• NEVER accept a ride from a stranger. Report any suspicious contact by a stranger to your parents, teacher or other school official. Give a good description of the stranger and his/her vehicle, including the license plate number. Never accept a ride with anyone unless your parents have specifically given permission.

The Independent News can be found at these and other locations: Star: • Star Library • Star Merc • Star Café Eagle: • Albertsons-Eagle • Big O • Eagle Barber Shop • Eagle City Hall • Eagle Post Office • Eagle Chamber of Commerce • Les Schwab • Perks of Life • Rembrandts • St Als-Eagle • St Lukes-Eagle • Stinker Station – Hwy 55 • The Griddle • Wild West • Winco-Eagle • Zen Bento West Boise: • Stinker Station - State St Middleton: • Ridley’s • Sunrise Café • The Cottages Garden City: • Maverik • 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

CITY OF STAR

PAGE 16 • September 2014

Current Needs:

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com The Star outreach program wants to send a

• Canned vegetables • Soups • Side dishes (pasta, rice, hamburger helper & potatoes). *Additionally, we give out a toiletry bag each month that includes deodorant, soaps, razors and toilet paper.

We need these donation items as well.

Star Outreach Neighbors Helping Neighbors

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

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 LIBRARY - September Events

September is National Library Card sign-up month. It’s the smartest card in your wallet, and the most important school supply for your child!

This is the best deal in town - FREE to those within the library district!! Check out our video games, graphic novels, new books on CD, as well as all your favorite authors, DVD’s, and magazines. Ask us if you don’t see what you want!

Mondays: 9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29 Preschool Play and Learn Story time (ages 3–5) 10:30 a.m.

Kindle Art for teens (12 and up), 4:15-6:00 p.m., with Holly Hudson - a time to imagine, create and socialize.

Tuesdays: 9/2, 9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30 Star Quilters 9/2, 9/16, 9/30 At the library on alternate Tuesdays of each month, from 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Open to anyone interested Make It Time (ages 8-12) 4:15-5:30 p.m. Join us for fun with 3-D printing and the Nerdy Derby!

Wednesdays: 9/3, 9/10, 9/17, 9/24 Star Knitters At the library each Wednesday morning from 10:30 to 12:30 p.m.

Open to anyone interested.

After-School Adventures (grades 1-6), 4:15-5:15 p.m.

Each week features a new activity with art, science, crafts and a mini-make!

Medicare and Social Security 9/10 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Confused? Need the scoop from the experts?

Come and learn everything you need to know.

Special program sponsored by Edwards Jones, featuring Robert Wurster, Don Brown and Jeanne Tyler.

Thursdays: 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25 Babies and Music (ages 0-3) 10:30 a.m. Stories, fingerplays, and songs for babies and a parent.

Make It program for teens 9/4, 9/11, 9/25 (12 and up) 4:15 p.m. – Activities include 3-D printing and a Tech Tear-down!

Pizza‘n Books for teens 9/18 (12 and up), 4:15 p.m.– you bring a book you’ve read, we provide the pizza Friday 9/19 Puppet Show 4 p.m. – all ages welcome.

Saturday 9/13 “Beyond the Book” discussion for adults 10 a.m. Local author Kelly Jones joins us for a discussion of her book, The Woman Who Heard Color. Stop by the library early to pick up a copy of the book! *Preschools and daycares are welcome to call the library to schedule a story time visit! Just call 286-9755.

Bunco Party coming in October!

Wednesday, October 8th, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Register early: $15 donation supports the Friends of Star Branch Library.

Ladies, come and wear your favorite crazy hat!

Prizes for most creative hat, wins, losses, and Bunco's. Drinks and snacks will be provided.

Must be 14 years or older.

The Star Branch Library will be closed on Monday, September 1st for Labor 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!

Star Senior Center

big thank you

to Mayor Nate Mitchell for donating the BBQ beef for the 4th of July to the food bank. The Family Dollar of Middleton donated the Capri Sun drink.

These donations are greatly appreciated. The Star Outreach program helps many families each month and all donations help us help others.

We need Volunteers

for weekly or special events call 779-0046 or stop by the food bank.

Check us out at staroutreachonline.com.

This summer's Star Outreach free lunch program was a big success. Hot dogs, drinks, and a treat.

The Lions Club facilitated the operation Thursdays; Star Outreach volunteers covered it Tuesdays, and this year Kelly Nahas and Sizzler took Wednesdays. Our goal is to not have any kids in Star go hungry. Thanks for the great response, the donations and all the help

Star Parks and Recreation

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.

Fit and Fall PreventionTM Sponsored by Central District Health Star City Hall 10769 W. State St. 10:30 - 11:15 a.m., M,W,F No Cost – Join Anytime!

Call Kim for more details 287-7247 Yoga (all abilities) Star City Hall September 3rd: 9:00-9:45 a.m. M,W $25 per month. Bring exercise mat and see the benefits of this ancient practice.

Needlepoint Classes with Dyan Kastner (All ages and abilities welcome) Star City Hall September 10: 4:30-6:00 p.m. Wed. $5.00/class No experience needed Star Track Tuesdays (all abilities) Star Elementary Track (700 N. Star Rd.) September 2-October 21: 6:30- 7:30 p.m.

No cost or sign up required, prizes awarded.

Tennis Instruction/Play September 2-October 1: Heron River Courts Tuesdays 7-8 p.m. (ages 7-11) Thursdays (ages 12 and up) 7-8 p.m. $20 residents/$25 nonresidents.

MASTER GARDENERS September 18: 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Star City Hall.

Discussion on “Laying your Garden to Rest” and “Round up done right.” Free.

Star Seniors Steppin’ Out September 4: 2:30 p.m.

Cascade float trip down the Main Payette. $45. Call 1-800-292-7238 to reserve your spot with the Star Seniors.

Intro to Fly fishing Monday, September 29th at Star River Walk Park: 6:00-7:15 p.m. FREE. Sign up at www.staridaho.org required by Sept. 15th.

Peter X O’Brien 3rd Annual Watercolor Workshop October 18 & 19: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

18th - “Chickens” and/or 19th - “Landscape Reflections” $85 /day. $85 non-refundable deposit due October 3rd.

Call 286-7247 for more info.

Sport Programming New Basketball Program: Please take note as to age groups and registration dates. *Must be required age by September 1, 2014. Season games are played 2/week on Tuesdays & Thursdays and practices on Monday and/or Wednesdays, except for Adult Men’s & Women’s divisions. Signups are during age division Registration dates only. *$20.00 resident / $25 non resident Ages 6&7 Registration: Sept. 1 - 19; Season: Oct. 20 thru Nov. 14.

The first 32 players to sign up only.

Ages 8 & 9: Registration: Sept. 29 - Oct. 17; Season: Nov 17 thru Dec 19. The first 48 players to sign up only.

Ages 10 &11 Registration: Nov. 3 - Nov. 21; Season: Jan 5 thru Jan 30. The first 64 players to sign up only.

3 on 3 Men’s & Women’s Registration: Jan 1 - 16; Season: Feb 2 thru Feb 28.

Men’s & Women’s is 16 and up, women’s games are Monday & Wednesdays, men’s are Tuesday & Thursdays. 3vs3, 10’ baskets, 2 ea 15 min halves, games start at 6:30 p.m. and last game at 8:45 p.m. 16 teams for each men’s and women division only.

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

September 2014 Star Chamber Calendar

102 S. Main Street, 286-7943

Center's 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

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.

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

• Lunch and bus rides are on a donation basis.

September Activities:

September 3: Goldmine Newsletter arrives September 3: Board Meeting September 5: Blood pressure taken by the Star Firemen September 8: Walmart Shopping - Contact Bethe @ 869-6288 September 10: Music by Bob Comstock – starts at 10 a.m.

September 16: Appointment Day/$12 haircuts, bank, doctor appointments, etc.

Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. - Contact Bethe @ 869-6288 September 17: Birthday Recognition September 19: Bell Ringers starts at approximately 11:15 a.m.

September 22: Outing to Cracker Barrel in Nampa - Contact Bethe @ 869-6288 September 26: Root Beer Floats between 11 a.m. and noon - free September 26: Music by Chuck Aney 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

September 29: Outing to Caldwell Senior Center - Contact Bethe @ 869-6288

9/4/14 Star Chamber of Commerce – OUT TO LUNCH 11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Networking and new businesses meet and greet! Join us at Sully’s on the Patio!!!

9/4/14 Star Chamber RIBBON CUTTINGS: directly after the Luncheon 1:00 - 1:15 p.m.

9/13/14 – Saturday, RESCHEDULED Mother’s Day Charity CLASSIC CAR SHOW: Star Chamber & Momz Garage 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Flyer and registration @ www.momzgarage.com. Star Food Bank Charity: donate canned foods and $$$ and if you have a Classic Car, please drive in and enjoy it as a participant.

Family fun including bounce houses, give-away’s for mothers, and Mrs. Star at the dunk tank. We are expecting many classic cars. Pray for good weather!!!

9/18/14 - Star Chamber Membership Drive Dinner and Celebration Life Spring Community Center 6:30 p.m.

Visit www.StarIdahoChamber.com for more info on our Event’s Page.

Committee Volunteers needed: Event Committee: Tamara Sullivan-Watson Membership & Finance Committee: La Vina Gibbs Education Committee: Bill Homan Welcome Wagon Committee: April Smith Contact the Committee leaders at President@StarIdahoChamber.com Contact Tammy for more info: President@StarIdahoChamber.com or 208-908-5476 www.StarIdahoChamber.com See the Star Chamber of Commerce on Facebook

·

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com

STAR NEWS

September 2014 • PAGE 17

Star’s Hunter’s Creek Park Getting More Parking Spaces

Concession Stand and Restrooms Planned for Fall

By Philip A. Janquart Construction for additional parking at Hunter’s Creek Park is currently underway.

The project comes none too soon, as the 20-acre park is becoming the heartbeat of recreational activities in Star since its completion in spring 2012.

The land was bought by the city from Capital Development for $275,000; another $600,000 was approved by the city council to develop the park. The money to build it came from the city’s general and reserve funds, as well as park impact fees on building permits which, in Star, adds up to about $2,100 per permit.

The cost for the new parking lot is $491,000, which includes the foundation and footings for restrooms and a concession facility, according to Star Recreation Department Director Kim Ingraham, “Looking at the plans, it’s going to be a single building with restrooms attached, some storage and the concessions,” she said.

Star City Councilman Chad Bell said the new parking and the concession facility are both highly needed and that the City wants to get the project done as soon as possible.

“The parking is located over on the far end

of the southeast corner,” he explained. “The parking and the footings and foundation for the building are being done by Lurre Construction, but the actual building is not part of that. We put out a bid to construct the building, but it was way high, so we are in the process of putting that back out to bid.

Our intention is to get it built this fall - at least, that is our hope.”

The sports complex has about 12 acres of grass for flag football, baseball, soccer and other sports.

Ingraham says the park has seen plenty of action since its 2012 completion; that use continues to increase.

“We have three sports upcoming right now,” she said. “We ended up with 340 kids in fall soccer and we had to turn kids away.

We also have about 50 kids in flag football, about 30 women in powder puff football, 50 adult males in fast pitch softball and then there are probably about 70 kids from West Valley Little League. Our poor maintenance guy, who came from Foxtail (Golf Club) said he can’t keep the grass green. It’s hard to water, seed and aerate with so much use.”

Plans for the park also include a splash park, “Tot Lot,” a skateboard park, and a multipurpose building.

Construction on the new parking lot for Hunter's Creek Park is well underway.

Star Outreach Food Bank receives substantial donation from CenturyLink

By Melissa Upton On August 12th, Sheri Davis from Century Link presented Connie Krebs, executive director of the Star Outreach Neighbors Helping Neighbors, with a check for $1445.09. The contribution was made through CenturyLink’s annual Backpack Buddies Food Drive and the CenturyLink Clarke M. Williams Foundation.

Nationally, CenturyLink’s Backpack Buddies Food Drive, which took place in June, collected 666,204 pounds of food and $767, 219. In Idaho, more than 3,855 pounds of food and $6,620 in cash were collected. In addition, the CenturyLink Clarke M. Williams Foundations matched those efforts by contributing an additional $8,269. These funds benefited the Idaho Foodbank, the Emmett Valley Friendship Coalition, and Star Outreach Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food Bank. In total, these food and cash contributions represent the equivalent of more than 93,000 pounds of food.

“We are very grateful to CenturyLink for this donation,” said Krebs. “The generosity of CenturyLink and the Star community will go a long way in helping those in our community needing food assistance.”

The Star Outreach Food Bank, which is

Star Outreach Food Bank shelves

(left to right) Denise Grohne and Connie Krebs at Star Outreach Food Bank receive check from Sheri Davis at CenturyLink

part of Star Outreach Neighbors Helping Neighbors, relies solely on donations and volunteers to serve approximately 75 local families in need per month. The food bank offers frozen, fresh, and non-perishable food items. In addition, the organization supplies toiletry items such as toilet paper, razors, shampoo, deodorant, and laundry detergent – items that cannot be purchased with food stamps. The Star Outreach Food Bank usually has some clothing items that have been donated as well.

While some of their patrons rely on government assistance, Krebs said most families they serve are those that “fall between the cracks.” They are working families, or families whose wage-earners have been laid off, that earn too much to qualify for government assistance; however, do not make enough money to afford basic necessities, such as food.

The Star Outreach Food Bank is open the 3rd Thursday of every month from 3 - 7 p.m.

If a family has an emergency need, the food bank can be reached at 208-919-1100.

2014 EAGLE HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Date Friday, Sept. 5 Friday, Sept. 12 Friday, Sept. 19 Friday, Sept. 26 Friday, Oct. 2 Friday, Oct. 10 Friday, Oct. 17 Friday, Oct. 24 Friday, Oct. 31 Friday, Nov. 7 Friday, Nov. 14 Friday, Nov. 21

Time 5 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

Opponent Capital @ Thunder Stadium @ Centennial High School Rocky Mtn. @ Thunder Stadium Columbia @ Thunder Stadium @ Boise (Donna Larsen Park B.S.U.) Valllivue @ Thudner Stadium @ Meridian High School @ Mtn. View High School Playoff, 1st Round State Quarter Finals State Semi-Finals State Championship

PAGE 18 • September 2014

FITNESS

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com

TRINA’S

FITNESS CORNER Gluten Free: Should I or Shouldn’t I?

You have undoubtedly experienced a headache, sore throat, allergies, or a minor injury from exercise.

Perhaps you have trouble sleeping. Maybe you wake in the morning feeling stiff and achy all over. Perhaps you or someone you know is experiencing bad acne, hair loss, or that last 5 lbs just won’t budge. I know we all have experienced bloating, gas, constipation, and heartburn. Don’t deny it – you yourself or someone you know has experienced some of these symptoms.

Now is the time to get healthier and take charge of your life. Take my challenge and go gluten free for 30 days. It really is not that hard – trust me. What do you have to lose?

What is gluten? Gluten - naturally occurring in wheat, barley, and rye - is a high inflammatory food that agitates the intestine. It was only in 2011 that a first study showed that gluten can be problematic not only for people with celiac disease but also for non celiac gluten-sensitive people. Even if you’re not allergic to gluten, getting gluten out of your diet may improve your symptoms. Here are a few tips to begin my 30 day Gluten Free Challenge: 1. Don’t fall into the trap of consuming lots of commercial gluten-free food. Stick with animal proteins, fresh fruits, and vegetables.

2. Gluten can hide in your standard diet.

Gluten is found in breads, pasta and cereals, soups, granola bars, crackers, baked goods, some yogurts, alcohol, seasonings such as

soy sauces, malt vinegar, and many salad dressings. During this next 30 days it is best to consume animal protein and carbohydrates from vegetables and fruits. Enjoy traditional fats from ghee, coconut oil, avocado, olive oil, and nuts.

3. The idea here is to try and adopt a nutrition plan that allows us to live a life free from chronic diseases and other ailments. Before the advent of processed foods we ate foods as close to nature as possible. We need to learn from our ancestors; it is hard to go wrong when eating REAL food that is unprocessed.

4. Other foods you can try to avoid are sugary drinks and excessive amounts of caffeinated drinks such as coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, and black tea. Try drinking more water, sparkling or other natural flavored water or Rooibos Tea, green tea, or homemade bone broth.

5. Seasonings you can cook with are unrefined salts, apple cider vinegar, chives, fresh herbs, and fresh spices.

6. Eat your fats such as ghee (clarified butter), coconut oil, extra-virgin olive oil, macadamia nut oil, avocado oil, and animal fats.

What is the best way to find out if going gluten free actually works for you? Give it a try! Of course if you have any major health issues or are taking medication, you should consult with your health care provider.

Consuming real, non-processed food to try and improve your health is usually a very safe thing to do. The worst thing that can happen is if after 30 days you don’t see any improvements you can return to your former way of eating.

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

A proud mom of Kayla, Kasson, Violet, and Evelyn. Trina has more than 16 years of experience and a drive to help individuals find and succeed in their fitness goals.

Visit Trina at http://crossfitstation.com.

Fit and Fall Proof™ Exercise Training Workshop

Your ad could be here reaching 15,000 Homes Advertising in the Independent News Gets Results Call 208-794-6858 for more info

Staying fit and active is one of the best ways to stay healthy at any age and a must to retain a quality state of life. Fit and Fall Proof is a program designed to help seniors stay safe and active and is looking for new trainers and volunteers to help local seniors. Participate in a workshop that will provide curriculum based training for volunteers and practitioners providing exercise programs focused on fall prevention for seniors.

Risks for falling include lower body weakness and problems with walking and balance.

Evidence indicates that muscle strengthening exercises can reduce the risk of falling and fracturing bones and can improve the ability to live independently.

Central District Health Depatment (CDHD) is sponsoring a Fit Fall Proof training class October 8, 2014 in connection with IDHW Bureau of Community and Environmental Health. The class will be held at the Boise First Community Center - Nazarene at 3852 N. Eagle Rd, Eagle ID from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. There is no fee and lunch and light snacks will be provided. Comfortable clothes and walking shoes for exercise are recommended for the training class. To become a Master Training Instructor mail, fax, or email your completed registration form by October 3, 2014 to : CDHD, 707 N Armstrong Pl, Boise, ID 83704; Fax to 327-8610; Email: MRice@cdhd.idaho.gov.

For more information: Mike S. Rice (208) 327-8591

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com

OUTDOORS

Preserve the Harvest for Winter Meals and Holiday Gifts

By Melinda Myers The cucumbers have filled the vegetable drawer, you’ve run out of cabbage recipes and your family is refusing to eat one more BLT. Or maybe you just couldn’t resist that special deal on a bushel of tomatoes, potatoes or apples at the farmer’s market. So what is a gardener or shopper to do with all that produce?

Since properly stored vegetables will hold their flavor and nutritional value longer than those left in a plastic bag or set on the sunny kitchen counter, consider preserving some for the long winter ahead using one of several methods.

Storage orchard racks and slatted crates placed in a cool dark location have long been used to store squash, onions and potatoes. The stackable nature or drawers provide ample storage space, so fruits and vegetables do not touch. Keeping stored fruit separated prevents rot from spreading from one fruit to the next. Plus, the slatted sides allow airflow to extend storage longevity.

Those in colder climates can store their carrots and parsnips right in the garden. Once the soil gets a bit crunchy, cover them with straw or evergreen boughs for easier digging in winter.

Then dig as needed or harvest during the first winter thaw. If this isn’t possible or not your style, try out a root vegetable storage bin. The root crops are layered in sand or sawdust and placed in a cool dark location. Just remove and use as needed. No snow shoveling needed.

Drying is one of the oldest food preservation techniques. Most of us have grabbed a few

V<>L:”“RX

bundles of herbs to hang and dry. Expand your drying endeavors to include fruits and vegetables.

The goal is to quickly remove moisture without cooking the food. You can make your own dehydrator or purchase one. Research has shown that blanching vegetables and fruit before drying helps destroy harmful bacteria. Blanching involves a steam or boiling water bath followed by a cold water bath. Timing varies with the fruit or vegetable you are preparing.

Another ancient food preservation technique, fermentation, is experiencing a comeback.

Cultures around the world have fermented fruits and vegetables for thousands of years. Unique flavors, storage options and health benefits have many gardeners revisiting this tradition.

Fermenting cucumbers into pickles, cabbage into sauerkraut, and berries into preserves are just a few options. The ingredients can be as simple as water, salt, and spices. All you need is a vessel, vegetables and fermenting culture. You can jumpstart your efforts with a fermentation crock kit Whatever method you choose, do a bit of Or quickly lock in the flavor and nutrition of (gardeners.com) which includes the crock, cover research before you start. You’ll have greater your fruits and vegetables with freezing.

You’ll and weights to make sure success and a lot more fun. The National need airtight containers or bags that are your veggies stay safely Center for Home Food Preservation website, durable, don’t leak and won’t become submerged in water. brittle in cold temperatures. Some produce http://nchfp.uga.edu, provides all the basic Fermentation is an information for storage and food preservation. does not freeze well and others may need ancient food Gardening expert, TV/radio host, author & to be blanched before they are packed in preservation columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 the freezer bag or container. But frozen technique making a years of horticulture experience and has written items can easily be retrieved from the comeback. over 20 gardening books, including Can’t Miss freezer and included in your winter meals.

Photo by Gardener’s Small Space Gardening and the Midwest GarCanning is a bit more involved, but Supply Company dener’s Handbook. She hosts The Great Courses can be lots of fun. This process preserves “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the nathe food and keeps it safe by preventing the tionally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment growth of undesirable bacteria, yeast and mold. segments.

Myers is also a columnist and conThe sealed jars keep the flavor in and bad V<>L:”“RX tributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. microorganisms out. So gather your produce, Myers’ web site, www.melindamyers.com, offers jars, pressure cooker, canner and friends to gardening videos and tips. create tomato sauce, salsa, jams and jellies to point I belt out, “OH S#@*…..NOBODY enjoy or give as gifts.

MOVE!!!” I walk/run to put myself in front of the mule who’s now trotting around in a slight panic, not sure what to do with herself.

Our deep respect for the land and its harvest is the legacy With Wonder Woman-like strength, I began of generations of farmers who put food on our tables, preserved our landscape, plucking up boys, scooting them towards the and inspired us with a powerful work ethic. safety of the porch. As the situation settled ~ James H. Douglas, Jr. down, I saw looks of amazement on the boys’ faces. At first I thought they were speechless because I saved their lives, but then I realized they were actually stunned by the new fourletter word I just taught them. Oh great.

Chickens and ducks on the loose are a common sight too as they suddenly surprise themselves and fly over the 4-foot fence. The jailbreaks have gradually decreased as they’ve had a sharp learning curve. They now realize the only thing waiting for them on the other side is a German Short Hair dog just dying to “play” with them. The goats, I’m convinced, just find a way to let themselves out.

By far the most potentially frightening animal escape happened years ago in the night.

I had just finished putting our oldest back to bed: a toddler at the time. I was 8 months pregnant and waddling across the upstairs landing headed back to bed myself. Out of habit, I glanced downstairs, which looks straight through our dining room and front door windows. Suddenly, I saw a gigantic shadow start to slowly move across our entire porch. It was headed for the front door! I couldn’t even move to wake my husband.

The only action I could muster was to grab my huge belly and lift it off my bladder to avoid a puddle. Then the shadow stopped at the front door and looked in, filling the entire glass with its face. “Oh S#%*!” Oh wait…. it’s our horse, Otis? He had a look on his face as if asking, “Whatcha doin’ in there?”

Animals on the loose are going to be a reality in our life as long as we have animals.

Yesterday we had to load the pigs in a trailer to weigh them. As we did, one decided to jump out and make a run for it, galloping down the road like she was leaving the neighborhood. Having years of similar situations under my belt now, I did utter “Oh S#%*;” however I’ve learned a very important lesson.

They always realize they have nowhere to go and eventually head back. Maybe life with us isn’t so bad after all?

Urban Farm Girl

HANGIN’ LOOSE

By Joanne M.W. Love It’s a constant, nagging thought hovering in the back of my mind. I’ve woken at 2 a.m. wondering, worrying, and trudging outside to quell my concern. I’ve called neighbors at dawn, as I’m leaving town, to drive to my house and do the same. It’s helped my children learn responsibility and consequences.

It’s also helped my children learn some choice four letter words as they’ve witnessed their mother unravel at the site. I’m talking……. unlocked gates.

With property that looks like Noah’s Ark (2 pigs, 2 goats, 2 sheep, 2 cows, and a smattering of horses & chickens), the odds are stacked against us that every gate will remain safely closed. When you add the element of 3 teenagers that aren’t thinking about gates, but responsible for chores going in and out of them, it has shades of a poker game……..

I’ll see your 2 loose horses from last year and raise you 2 loose goats walking down the road.

We had another “gate reminder” recently as we returned home from errands. While pulling into the driveway, talking on the phone, my eyes instantly focused on the quaint sight of two lovely, pink pigs basking in the cool, green grass of our front lawn.

Then my brain caught up with my eyes and I yelled, “Oh #$%^ the pigs are loose on the front lawn….I’ll call you back!”

I can recall the exact episode in which my vernacular began to expand. It was about 12 years ago; I was in the throws of hosting frequent play dates for all three of our kids.

At any given time, there could be 5 extra kids at the house for the day. As a passel of neighborhood boys were re-enacting war scenes in the yard, I hovered nearby pretending to do yard work, but mostly on intervention standby. You never know when war scenes can escalate into war crimes with little boys.

As I listened to their chatter, I suddenly heard one boy exclaim, “Cool, the horses are out!”

Interesting, I thought, they must be playing cowboys now. Wait a minute…….WHAT?!

My field of vision is filled with several loose horses, but focused directly on the young mule that was now in the middle of the yard, surrounded by running children. Remembering what I’d read about mules and small children/small animals, I freaked. Mules, on occasion, have been known to chase down and stomp the aforementioned if they feel threatened. Hmmm, no threat here….just a bunch of screaming, running boys. At this

September 2014 • PAGE 19

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

HAIL DAMAGE CLAIMS

PAGE 20 • September 2014

The Independent News • www.theindnews.com

MAY END SOON FOR SOME INSURANCE COMPANIES

LOCAL CALL US FOR MORE INFO

CHOOSE A

CONTRACTOR BEWARE of STORM CHASERS

They are from out of state and will leave when the work is done!

If they leave when the work is done, how will they provide you with warranty work?

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Call us for a free inspection before your time to file an insurance claim runs out.

CF Construction provides a 10 year workmanship warranty.

Roofing materials we use have a 30 year (or more)manufacturer’s warranty.

Established in 2003, we live and work in Eagle.

We serve our community and we serve our customers.

CF Construction will be there during the entire process

Obtain a FREE inspection now on Residential or Commercial roofs • Damage is typically not visible without a close inspection.

• There is a time limit to file a claim with your insurer.

CF Construction takes all the hassle out of the claim process With our years of local experience: • • • •

We meet with the insurance adjustor at your home.

We show adjustor all areas of damage; roof, gutters, garage door, etc.

We are your Advocate through the entire process.

We can help explain all the paperwork.

BEWARE

Companies from out of state that “chase storms” and temporarily set up offices are working the area.

If they leave when the work is done, how will they provide you with warranty work? Any company with a registration # of 36000 or higher registered with the state after the storm and is not a long established company. There are local contractors that have a Reg. # higher than 36000. PLEASE BUY IDAHO! Please check every contractors registration # and look up thier history on the state website - even local contractors.

You want to know how long every contractor has been in business. Go to ROOFINGEAGLE.COM and click on the state links. Some have even established Sub-Company names to look local with the name “Boise” in them. Please check all registration numbers of the subs too.

THERE ARE MANY GREAT IDAHO CONTRACTORS - USE US!

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