MAY-JUNE, 2015
Take a Hike (or a Ride) — Boise's Ridge-To-Rivers Trail System Managing the Ferals: Explaining TNR Freshen Up Your Home's Curb Appeal Getting Your Home Ready for a New Puppy April Market Report Things To Do Photo by Ben Christenson
With 4 offices to serve you, Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Group is YOUR SOURCE for real estate in the Treasure Valley! D O W N T O W N B O I S E 3 4 3 .3 3 9 3 | M E R I D I A N 336.3393 | E A G L E 939.3363 | N A M PA 467.5272
How has it been a year since our first issue of REAL? My, how time flies! Each month, we try to publish articles that will be interesting, helpful, and fun. Articles that might encourage you to try a new recipe, a new book, or a new cleaning method. Our goal is to create an enjoyable magazine you can read quickly, saving what you find most valuable. We hope we accomplish that. And if we don't, please let us know. If you have any comments or story ideas, we'd love to hear from you. Please email us at REAL@coldwellbankertg.com.
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Nature says thou shalt keep the air, skate, swim, walk, ride, run. When you have worn out your shoes, the strength of the sole leather has passed into the fibre of your body. I measure your health by the number of shoes and hats and clothes you have worn out. He is the richest man who pays the largest debt to his shoemaker. � ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
contents Take a Hike! Boise's Ridge-to-Rivers Trail System offers users multiple opportunities for adventure.
Managing the Ferals TNR, or Trap, Neuter, Return is a humane & effective way to control stray & feral cat populations.
Freshen Up the Curb Appeal 6 quick and affordable ways to boost your home's curb appeal.
Get Ready for Puppy Learn what it takes to prepare your home for your new (and furry) family member.
April Market Stats Here's what's happening in our valley's real estate market.
Ada County Homes The Ada County home market is moving! Take a look at just a few of our listings.
Canyon County Homes Priced right and available homes in Canyon County.
Things To Do The weather is great! It's time to get outside.
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MAY/JUNE, 2015
Take a Hike (or a Ride)
Boise's Ridge-to-Rivers Trail System
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he seeds for Boise's Ridgeto-Rivers trail system were planted as early as the 1940s when city leaders began discussing the future of the hills adjacent to the old Fort Boise military training area. In 1992, the continued desire to protect the valley's foothills led to the formation of the Ridgeto-Rivers partnership which operates under a Memorandum
of Understanding between the City of Boise, the Boise National Forest, the BLM, Ada County, and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, with the City as the lead agency. Because many of the trails cross private land, the full system of interconnected trails and open space would not be possible without the cooperation of the landowners involved.
Today, the 130+ miles of trails are managed by a small, but very dedicated group of professionals who work in close conjunction with volunteers to care for and maintain one of the valley's most prized amenities. Broken into six areas, the network of trails offers something for everyone, whether your wish is for a quiet walkabout with your pooch, or an energetic bike ride.
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Oregon Trail Reserve - views, historical interpretation, easy family hiking, easy mountain biking. Military Reserve - views, fall colors, family hikes, easy-tomoderate mountain bike loops. Camel's Back/Hulls Gulch Reserve views, native grasses, short walks, easy hiking/biking loops, riparian trees, wildlife/waterfowl. Polecat Reserve - views, wildlife, birdwatching, beginner trails for mountain bikers, several loop options. cbboise.com
Shafer Butte Area - views, mountain forests and meadows, cooler temperatures, wildflowers.
areas. The site also offers valuable safety tips and proper etiquette for all users.
Table Rock Area - challenging hiking and mountain biking, stunning views, great sunsets.
The people in the Ridge-to-Rivers organization work tirelessly to keep our foothills and trails beautiful and ready for all to enjoy. If you are interested in getting involved, there are many ways you can help.
The Ridge-to-Rivers website is a treasure trove of information and includes detailed area and trail descriptions, as well as maps and suggestions for all fitness levels. Check the suggested trail information for dog on/off leash, pedestrian-only, family-friendly, mountain bike loops, motorcycle/ ATV, equestrian, and accessible
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In 1992, a variety of local, state, and federal agencies joined together to form the Ridge-to-Rivers partnership with the City of Boise serving as the lead agency.
MAY/JUNE, 2015
Managing the Ferals
Explaining TNR
TNR stands for "Trap, Neuter, Return" and is a humane and proven method of reducing feral cat colonies in both Europe and the U.S. by Spay & Neuter Idaho Pets (SNIP)
A
feral cat is a one who has either never had any contact with people or their contact with people has diminished over time. They are not socialized to people and survive on their own outdoors. Most feral cats are not likely to ever become lap cats or enjoy living indoors. Colonies of these cats form in areas where there is a food source and shelter. The traditional approach used by many animal control agencies to manage feral cat populations is trapping and killing the cats. While this approach may temporarily reduce the number of feral cats in
a given area, it does not solve the problem. Intact survivors continue to breed and other cats move into the now-available territory. This phenomenon is known as the "vacuum-effect" and is well documented. Learn more about the vacuum effect. Trap Neuter Return (or TNR) is a humane and effective alternative for controlling the population of stray and feral cats. According to Alley Cat Allies, a national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats, TNR has been in practice for decades in the U.S., after being proven in Europe.
Scientific studies show that TNR improves the lives of feral cats, improves their relationships with the people who live near them, and decreases the size of colonies over time. But, what exactly is this method and why does it work? TNR involves humanely trapping feral cats and transporting them to a veterinarian, where they are spayed or neutered. After a recovery period of about 24-72 hours, the cats are released back to their outdoor homes. While under anesthesia, the tip of their left ear is clipped. Called "ear tipping," this is the universal
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PAGE 7 symbol of a spayed/neutered cat. Ear tipping allows identification of spayed/neutered feral cats from a distance, to make sure they are not trapped or undergo surgery again. When the cats are returned to their homes, they will no longer produce litters of kittens and the population of the colony stabilizes. The lives of the returned cats also improve. Behaviors and stresses associated with pregnancy and mating, such as yowling and fighting, stop. Spay Neuter Idaho Pets, Inc. (SNIP) is one of the few local organizations who implement cbboise.com
TNR projects in Idaho. They are always looking for volunteers to help with all aspects of the project: trapping, transporting, recovering, and returning the cats. In addition, they welcome donations of any
amount to help fund the cost of these surgeries. Anyone interested may visit SNIP's website or email snipit@snipidaho. org.
MAY/JUNE, 2015
Freshen Up
Your Home's Curb Appeal
T
his time of year, everyone spends more time outside, working in the yard, cleaning the patio, getting ready for summer. Improving your home's curb appeal doesn't mean spending thousands. Here are some helpful tips to make your home stand out. #1 Accent your front door and trim. To help your home stand out as guests arrive, consider painting your front door, window shutters and trim. Likely, these areas have
Andrea Davis Coldwell Banker Blue Matter lost their original sheen after a few years and inclement weather conditions. So you can go out, get some paint for about $25 to $50 a can – depending on paint quality — and spend a day or two repainting these areas so they look refreshed. You might use bold colors for the trim and shutters, but steer more towards neutral colors for your door, depending on how it fits with the interior of your home. If your door is really worn down — scratched, cracked, nearly falling
off the hinges — you might need a door professional to make repairs before painting it. #2 Add new house numbers. Buy new numbers to put on the mailbox or the front of your home. You could buy easy stickon numbers, but those could blow away or fall off over time. Consider stainless steel, brass or aluminum numbers you nail onto the home; they will last longer and hold up better against the weather. The cost of numbers will vary depending on the material, but
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#3 Install outdoor lighting. Landscaping lighting not only accents your home, it’s also a good security measure to prevent personal injury and dissuade anyone from breaking in. Pick your lighting fixtures based on budget and what will show off your home the best. You want them to light up areas like your flower beds, front area and the walkway, if you have one. You might want standing lights, a mounted fixture or a security strobe light. Mix and match as needed. The cost to install lighting fixtures is between $150 and $380, depending on the fixtures you choose and if wiring needs to be installed. If you buy solar lighting fixtures that you install yourself, you could pay around $10 to $20 per fixture. #4 Put up some flower boxes. Instead of working to install a whole new garden in your front yard, think about smaller
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improvements like flower boxes on your windows or around the front area. Flower boxes are a cheap alternative that still improves the quality of your front lawn. You can buy flower boxes and the accompanying plants at a home improvement store for about $25 per flower box and $3 to $10 per plant. Then you can hang them, sit them flat, or attach them to your windows or porch, depending on what looks best. They will add that extra touch of nature to your home exterior and increase the visual appeal. They’re also much easier to maintain and keep alive than an entire front garden. #5 Enclose the yard with a picket fence. It might be nostalgic, but adding a picket fence is a way to enclose your yard without detracting from its appeal. Fencing comes in various styles, heights and colors — not just white — so that you can accent your home exterior and show off your landscape. You can either buy picket fence materials for about $30 per foot and build it yourself or have a
fencing contractor do it for you. Then you can add flowers and shrubs around the edge to help it better blend into the landscape of the front yard. It will look homey, natural, and appealing. #6 Add a walkway or path. A pathway welcomes visitors to your home and will also protect your grass and prevent other landscape elements from being trampled. You could make it out of cement, stones, or pebbles, depending on what is in your budget and what looks best in your yard. Brick pavers, in particular, are a quick and inexpensive option for homeowners looking to add that extra touch to their landscape. It’s going to cost around $20 to $30 per paver, depending on the style you choose. You can also add those solar lamps around the pavers so nobody trips when walking up at night. With a little effort this summer, your home and yard will welcome guest and be the envy of the neighborhood!
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you could expect to pay anywhere between $5 per number or up to $50 for a customized plaque.
MAY/JUNE, 2015
Get Ready for Puppy
Preparing Your Home Sam Shalom Coldwell Banker Blue Matter
W
hether you finally gave in to your children’s seemingly endless requests for a puppy or came to the conclusion on your own, the time has come to finally bring a new member of the family home. So, first thing’s first: home prep is key. That goes for not only inside, but also your yard. Here are some ways to pup-proof your home before Beethoven rolls over! Training can begin right from getgo as the new member of your family becomes acquainted to her new home. Before bringing puppy inside the house for the first time, it could be a great exercise (literally) to take your new pup around the neighborhood for a few blocks to
get her familiar with the sights and smells of her new environment. A little walk can relieve some your new little furball’s pent up energy that has been building up from the stresses of the move. Once inside, lead your newest family member on a tour of every room in the house to slowly get her acquainted with a new environment. This is the time to set boundaries to which furniture or areas are on or off limits. Let her know which furniture is okay by designating one spot as your pet’s area in the rooms she will be allowed. Make sure your puppy doesn’t get into bad habits of chewing your
stuff by removing loose articles such as floor plants, decorations, shoes and clothing from the floor and out of her reach. Be aware of objects on tables and low furniture that are at tail level as well. If your little buddy does have a teething problem, try this trick. Be wary of tablecloths, draping window treatments or long cords which could be a strangulation hazard if puppy panics. Likewise, keep your pup away from electrical cords, which pose a threat, as well. You may also take preventative measures on your floors to make the inevitable first accident easier to manage. If you have wallto-wall carpeting, stock up on products specifically designated
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Puppies are hard work. Know that from the beginning. But learning what it takes to prepare your home for the newest (and furriest) member of your family before bringing her home will help her stay safe and you stay sane! for accidents. Tile, linoleum or hardwood floors sealed with polyurethane are the most pet friendly floors for clean-up. Teach your kids to tidy up their toys and play areas by letting them know that it could be dangerous for puppy if they don’t pick up after themselves. Before bringing your new best friend into the yard, put away any garden hoses, tools or toys hanging around outside that could be a hazard to an untrained puppy. Make sure doors to sheds or the garage where harmful chemicals or heavy machinery are normally stored are closed tight. Designate separate areas outside where your dog will be potty trained. Setting a consistent cbboise.com
routine early on will put your puppy up on the path to success. The fence to your yard should be checked to make sure puppy can’t escape between fence pickets or underneath. Make sure there are no areas large enough that she can poke her head through. Educate yourself and everyone in your household what foods and plants pose a poisoning risk to your puppy. Plan to feed highquality food and treats made specifically for dogs and make “no people food” a rule until you are certain which are safe. Above all, ask your veterinarian what is safe and healthy, and what is not. A great online source is aspca.org. When your little bundle of furry joy comes home, it is imperative
that you are prepared from day one. Set roles for your family for who will be in charge of feedings, walking, and everything else your puppy needs. But the most important thing to prepare for is the endless amount of love that will be entering your house when puppy strides through the door! Haven’t found that perfect puppy yet? Coldwell Banker has teamed up with Adopt-A-Pet to help 20,000 dogs find a home this year. There is nothing like coming back at the end of the day to the excitement and love of “Homes Best Friend.”
MAY/JUNE, 2015
Monthly Market Stats
What’s Happening in Treasure Valley Real Estate
T
he second quarter of the year continues to show strong market activity in the Treasure Valley. In all categories, we continue to see a strong seller’s market with inventory remaining low, average prices increasing moderately, and home sales activity up over last year.
“Are we starting another bubble?” Because of price appreciation and quick turnover in the market, it almost feels like 2005 again. There are several key differences in the market fundamentals, however, that give us reason to believe that our current market is sustainable.
First, we aren’t seeing the massive The downward trend on “median price appreciation that we’ve seen days on market” indicates that in past cycles. Right now, prices well-priced homes are still selling are increasing at a very moderate very quickly. We’ve seen more 4-8% (depending on location) situations in annually. This increase is very which listings We are still in need of receive multiple more inventory to meet sustainable and nowhere near offers than the demands of our hot as aggressive as we have in market. past run-ups. several years. In short, if you’re considering selling this spring or Also, financing for home loans summer, it’s a good time to start is much more reasonable than it that process. was in the last boom. Lenders and banks today are more stringent One question we hear often in in their financing requirements markets like our current one is: and this in turn is ensuring that
buyers are well-qualified for their purchase decisions in real estate. Finally, the typical buyer in today’s market is not buying solely for financial benefit through appreciation, but rather because a home purchase is part of their overall family and life situation. In other words, people are buying and selling real estate today based on life events and corresponding needs – getting married, growing (or shrinking) families, retirement, etc. – and not just to use their home as an investment vehicle. We are still in need of more inventory to meet the demands of our hot market right now. Who do you know that might be thinking of selling? As always, real estate is most definitely local. Call or email to find out what all of this means for you in your own neighborhood.
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$217,000
HOMES SOLD APRIL 2015*
MEDIAN SALES PRICE
18
Ada County
AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET
2,330 HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*
* Numbers reflect year-over-year comparisons.
361
$139,000
HOMES SOLD APRIL 2015*
MEDIAN SALES PRICE
23 AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET cbboise.com
Canyon County
1,092 HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*
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829
MAY/JUNE, 2015
Ada County
Featured Homes
4715 E. Pegasus Ct. SE Boise Location, location on the Oregon Trail - pathways directly off the cul-de-sac street two homes to the east. Many upgrades added: all granite counters, extra speaker wiring, hickory hardwood. Stainless appliances include convection microwave oven, gas cook stove. Reverse osmosis water filtering system, vaulted ceilings in great room & kitchen. Mountain views.
2716 W. Rose Hill Boise Bench This home has loads of unique features & exudes charm throughout! 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1797 sq.ft. & perfectly located just minutes from the historic Boise Train Depot, downtown Boise, and Boise State. The layout offers plenty of flexibility. Beautiful private back yard will give you your own little get-away to relax or host family gatherings.
1572 W. Par Ct. Eagle Great location adjacent to the Banbury Golf Course. This has been a 2nd home with limited use & shows like new. Split bedroom design with open floor plan. Bathroom accessible from 2nd bedroom or entry on main level. Granite, custom cabinets, SS appliances in kitchen. Hardwood floors in entry, dining & kitchen. Tile floors/counters in all bathrooms & utility.
3530 W. Sugarberry St. Eagle This exquisite "coastal farmhouse"-inspired home is situated on 1 acre with pastoral views. Every detail was designed for the ultimate comfortluxe lifestyle. Custom stained cedar shake & stone exterior, private front courtyard with wood fireplace. Grand great room with soaring beamed ceilings, craftsman built-ins. Indulgent chef’s kitchen with Wolf & Sub-Zero appliances. COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
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Ada County
Featured Homes
603 N. Culver Creek Ave. Star You will love this 2-story open floor plan with main-level master & a kitchen that opens to a huge room! Den/study is located on the main level. Upstairs bonus room allows for get-away moments to visit or for watching that important game. This home is built for an active lifestyle & borders a common area with open space & playground area. All rooms are a nicely sized.
3059 S. Conda Ave. SE Meridian Great location & super functional use of sq ft. Nice entry, den or 4th bedroom off front area with half bath, great room with soaring ceilings, roomy kitchen with granite counters. Main-level master with separate tub/shower. Upstairs has 2 bedrooms & a loft or bonus. 3-car tandem garage with room for RV parking. Amazing landscaping in the rear yard with fire pit & covered patio!
2475 N. Shortridge Pl. NW Meridian Looking for some breathing room? Located on a corner lot & over a 1/3 of an acre, this meticulouslycared-for home lives large! Entertain the whole family in the open concept kitchen, eating area & family room while spreading out in the formal dining & living rooms. Spacious master with dual vanities, walk-in closet & separate tub & shower. Lush back yard & huge covered patio.
2278 W. Maracay Dr. NW Meridian Upstairs bonus + full bath! Beautiful kitchen with slab granite, large breakfast bar, double ovens, homework station, nice pantry, & views toward spacious living room. Hand-scraped hardwood floors & crown molding. Master boasts his/ her closets, slab granite, separate tiled walk-in shower. Extra-large covered patio with northfacing back yard & no back neighbors.
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MAY/JUNE, 2015
Canyon County
Featured Homes
7890 E. Bratton Dr. NE Nampa Better than new! Move-in ready & spacious 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home with upstairs bonus room plus main-level living & family rooms. Open plan, beautiful kitchen with gas range & stainless appliances. Views of the Boise Front out every rear window. Enormous 3-car garage, full sprinklers, lots of room for RV or toys. This home is super clean & neat.
1652 Spruce Creek Loop S Nampa Beautiful 1741 sq.ft., 4 bedroom, 2 bath home in a great neighborhood. Terrific floor plan with vaulted ceilings in living, dining, & kitchen. Sunny, open kitchen with lots of cabinets, pantry, & breakfast bar. Large dining area. Covered back patio, meticulous landscaping, 3-car garage, & nearly 1/4-acre lot.
10303 Boulder Peak St. NE Nampa Better than new! Custom decor, family room, bonus, office or formal living. Kids hidden playroom, kitchen with granite, tile, new appliances, pot rack, large breakfast bar. Soothing colors through the house, immaculate, custom curbing, extra large patio, full window coverings, storage shed, garden area with sprinklers & walkways.
10342 Colorful Dr. NE Nampa Brand new & ready to go! This 3 bedroom, 2 bath, single level home is adorable. The spacious floor plan has plenty of living space with a deluxe master suite with soaker tub, dual sinks & walk-in closet. Huge island kitchen with plenty of counter space & cabinetry. 1805 sq.ft., open great room with fireplace & lots of natural light. Spacious 3-car garage. COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
Featured Homes
420 S. Diamond St. S Nampa Cute! Cute! Cute! Darling 2 bedroom, 1 bath home with 952 sq.ft. in a great location. Fresh paint throughout, newer light fixtures, recently updated bathroom. Tray ceiling in living room, nice covered patio. Large yard with plenty of garden space & 2 sheds.
16872 Lower Pleasant Ridge NW Caldwell Fabulous horse setup! 60x48 barn/shop, 4 horse stalls, loft, shop area & more! A must-see for horse lovers! Gorgeous custom 2,632sq. ft., 4 bed, 2.5 bath with a VIEW! Home includes pellet stove, skylight, hot tub, & many beautiful upgrades. Master suite includes dual vanities, jetted tub & large walk-in closet. Great wraparound porch with 360째 views.
708 Chance St. SW Caldwell Fantastic home in desirable neighborhood. Vaulted ceilings in main living area, new upgraded laminate wood flooring in main living area & upgraded carpet in all bedrooms all within last 18 months. Beautiful kitchen cabinets. Master BD/Bath has 2 separate closets along with dual vanities & walk-in shower. Covered patio, fully fenced back yard.
9568 Hwy 20-26 Middleton Welcome to Idaho Country Paradise! Horse setup on 4 acres. This custom home boasts stained rustic cherry trim & woodwork finishes. 10' & 11' ceilings throughout, 8' interior doors, Viking oven, Sub-Zero, built-in fridge, granite, tile, surround sound, formal office & dining rooms, multiple living areas, huge 4-car garage, covered patio with fantastic views.
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Canyon County
MAY/JUNE, 2015
FARMERS’ MARKETS Capital City Public Market Saturdays; 9:30a.m.-1:30p.m.
8th & Idaho, downtown Boise www.capitalcitypublicmarket.com
Boise Farmers’ Market Saturdays; 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m.
10th & Grove, downtown Boise www.theboisefarmersmarket.com
Eagle Saturday Market Saturdays; 9:00a.m.-2:00p.m.
185 E. State St., Eagle www.facebook.com/eaglesaturdaymarket
Kuna Farmers’ Market Saturdays; 9:00a.m.-noon
Kuna City Park, Main St., Kuna www.kunafarmersmarket.com
Nampa Farmers’ Market Saturdays; 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m.
1350 Front St., Lloyd Square, Nampa www.nampafarmersmarket.com
Caldwell Farmers’ Market Wednesdays; 3:00-7:00 p.m.
On Arthur between Kimball & 7th, Caldwell www.caldwellidfarmersmarket.com
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Things To Do Stay busy this summer with some fun valley events! Anne Frank Memorial Free Public Tours Every Tuesday, 12:15-1:00 p.m.
Nampa Rec Center's Free SPLASHtacular May 30, 1:00-4:45 p.m.
770 S. 8th St., Boise Click for info
Lakeview Water Park and Lincoln Pool SPLASHtacular information
34th Annual Greek Food Festival May 29 & 30, 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Great Garden Escape Thursdays, June 4-September 17
2618 W. Bannock St., Boise http://www.boisegreekfestival.com/
Alive After Five Summer Concert Series Every Wednesday, starting June 3
5:00-8:00 p.m. Grove Plaza, downtown Boise www.downtownboise.org
Boise Little Theater presents “Daisy Pulls it Off” - May 11-June 6
Times/dates vary; check website 100 E. Fort St., Boise http://boiselittletheater.org/
Check times & schedule online Idaho Botanical Garden 2355 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise www.idahobotanicalgarden.org
Nampa Rec Center's Lock-In for Kids June 12, 7:00 p.m.
Nampa Rec Center, 131 Constitution Way nampaparksandrecreation.org
Meridian Dairy Days June 15-20
Main St., Meridian www.dairydays.org
Gazebo Concert Series in Eagle May 28, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Free Movie Night in Meridian Every Friday in June, July, & August
Heritage Park 185 E. State St., Eagle Gazebo Concert Series Info
Idaho Shakespeare Festival “Dial 'M' for Murder” - May 29-August 2
“The Tempest” - June 5-July 24 See website for full schedule 5657 Warm Springs Ave., Boise www.idahoshakespeare.org
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Settlers Park, Meridian & Ustick Roads Movies start at dusk www.meridiancity.org/movienight
Party Like Picasso Summer Art Camp June 22-August 20, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Summer art camps for kids 8-18 4-day sessions Sawtooth Middle School 3730 N. Linder Rd., Meridian http://www.partylikepicasso.com/
D O W N T O W N B O I S E 343.3393 | M E R I D I A N 336.3393 | E A G L E 939.3363 | N A M PA 467.5 2 7 2 Photo courtesy of Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce