NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2019
The Season of Giving Inside
Boise Angels Meridian Canine Rescue Giving Tuesday Clean the Clutter & GIVE Recharge Yourself
With 4 offices to serve you, Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Group is YOUR SOURCE for real estate in the Treasure Valley! DOWNTOWN BOISE 208.343.3393 | MERIDIAN 208.336.3393 | EAGLE 208.939.3363 | NAMPA 208.467.5272
Have you started your holiday shopping? Or are you among those who would like to see Halloween and Thanksgiving come and go before experiencing Christmas decorations at every turn? Though "Giving Tuesday" (December 3, 2019) is the official kickoff to the Season of Giving, there is no time like the present to help those in our communities who are less fortunate. This month's issue of REAL Magazine highlights two worthy organizations and outlines other ways you can help this season and year 'round. Do you have any stories you'd like to see? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at REAL@coldwellbankertg.com.
“
No one has ever become poor by giving." ~ Anne Frank
CONTENTS Features
4
Caring for the Children
6
Look What Love Can Do
8
Giving Back
The foster care system in the United States is drastically underserved. Boise Angels aims to change that.
Meridian Canine Rescue staff and volunteers work tirelessly to save the pups. Here's one special dog's story.
Giving Tuesday is a global event designed to bring together the best in all of us.
10
Clean the Clutter for Good
12
Favorite Winter Reads
Do you have stuff in your home that you no longer want or need? Clean the clutter and donate it to help those less fortunate.
This busy season, be sure to take some time for yourself. Grab a cup of tea or cocoa and settle in with a great book.
In Every Issue
14 16 18
Ada County Homes Ada County has some stunners!
Canyon County Homes Consider a move to Canyon County.
Things to Do There's still lots to do - inside and out!
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2019
Caring for the Children
Fostering Love
Working to change the shocking statistics surrounding the foster care system, Boise Angels embraces the children, as well as those caring for them. Amy Curry, Executive Director Boise Angels
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he scenery and environment of the Treasure Valley are beautiful, and you will find the people living there are, too. Where there is a need, there are those who answer. Such as Boise Angels, who respond to the need of supporting those in the foster care community. In the Treasure Valley area of Idaho, on any given day there are over 1,200 children in foster care. Typically, these children are taken from their homes due to neglect. When this occurs, the children are given a handful of minutes to gather what they can and are eventually placed in a foster home.
Foster parents will tell you when a child enters their home, they often lose their support system. This leaves both the children in care and those caring for them feeling alone. Many don’t realize how inadequate the U. S. foster care system is and how damaging it can be for the children. The statistics, in fact, are staggering. 60 percent of foster homes close within the first year due to lack of support. The average child in foster care moves homes seven times, which developmentally regresses them six months each move. 50 percent
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of children in foster care will not graduate from high school, and only three percent who do will attend college. 80 percent of the prison population is comprised of former foster children. 50 percent of the homeless population in America is made of former foster children. 80 percent of human trafficking victims were foster children, as well. Boise Angels is out to change those statistics and to help those involved to not feel alone. Boise Angels offers wrap-around support to those in the foster care system by offering intentional giving, relationship building, and
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Ten Milestones for Success • Building Rapport mentorship. This is done through the two programs Boise Angels offers: The Love Box and Dare to Dream programs.
around the family in tangible ways by bringing meals, helping with other children in the home, and offering emotional support.
The Love Box program volunteer commits to showing up once a month, for a year, with a box full of tangible needs the family has. In return, foster homes are staying open longer because they feel supported.
Research shows relationships are what help us heal. Thanks to Boise Angels, this foster family has relationships with caring members of their community that they may not have had otherwise. Foster parents consistently tell Boise Angels how grateful and encouraged each family member feels thanks to the support they receive.
The Dare to Dream program volunteer commits to helping a youth that will age out of the foster care system meet 10 milestones that will help them successfully live independently. (See box.) Recently, a child that was in a foster home passed away due to a long health battle. The Love Box volunteers wrapped support
Not all are called to foster or adopt, but we can all make a difference in the life of child. If you are interested in making a difference in the life of a child or learning more, visit their website at boiseangels.org or email info@boiseangels.org.
• Personal/Professional Goals • Support Systems and Healthy Relationships • Physical Fitness and Meal Prep • Drivers License and Transportation • Sex Education and Internet Safety • Interview/Resume Skills • Money Management • College/Trade School/ Military • Living Arrangements cbboise.com
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2019
Look What Love Can Do
Meridian Canine Rescue
Dedicated to giving homeless and owner-surrendered dogs a second chance, Meridian Canine Rescue staff and volunteers walk the walk. Jessica Ewing, Executive Director Meridian Canine Rescue
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hat is going on now? The man and the lady pick me up in the box and carry me to a car. I think the lady is taking me to another new place. I’m so scared…
really thinking. Once I saw Red’s eyes behind the kennel door, I was hooked. I dreamed about him that night." –Judi, MCR Board Secretary & Red’s adopter.
and behavioral support that he needed. We even had someone willing to go pick him up.
That someone was Judi—and she fell in love with Red when she After receiving a phone call from a met him on August 2nd. Two days "The above narrative is what I partner shelter, we decided to help later, Judi and her husband Pete imagine is going through Red’s a fearful dog named Red. took Red home to foster, and it mind during his transition from wasn’t long before everyone in the animal control to the rescue to Meridian Canine Rescue’s staff household decided to make things my home in three days. If we only felt like we could provide him permanent. Red immediately knew what these poor souls are with the housing, medical care, took to their other dogs, Sophie COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
PAGE 7 and Lucy, and started to gain been a process for confidence. everyone. Over the next few weeks, he played. He walked through the doggie door (even though it was terrifying). He met some new people. He may have even chewed a few pillows. Obviously, he just wanted to keep Judi and Pete on their toes. Each day, Red makes more progress. From Sophie and Lucy, he’s learning how to be a dog. From Judi and Pete, he’s learning that humans aren’t so scary. MCR staff has helped the family to accommodate Red’s behavioral needs and to use positive reinforcement methods to help him learn new skills. It’s
This Giving Tuesday, MCR is asking supporters to show their love for dogs like Red—dogs whose lives were saved by the people who love them and who needed a little extra help to find their way home.
Do campaign. The more money we’re able to raise together, the more dogs we can save this holiday season and beyond.
It took a network of people to help Red, and you can be part of that network. Will you show your love To donate, click here. Follow us @ meridiancaninerescue to see more for rescue dogs? dogs like Red and to share We’d be honored if you’d help us his full story with your raise money on Giving Tuesday friends and family on through our Look What Love Can December 3rd.
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NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2019
Giving Back
Giving Tuesday is December 3
rd
Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Learn how you can participate in Giving Tuesday this year. Sharon Lee Coldwell Banker Blue Matter
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e spend Thanksgiving being grateful. A roof over our heads, loving family members, new and old friends, good health, and a delicious Thanksgiving dinner are some of the things we are thankful for. Then we spend Black Friday and Cyber Monday scoping out great deals on goodies, perhaps for the people we are thankful for. Finally, we spend the Tuesday after Thanksgiving giving back to the community. Giving Tuesday is a day dedicated to giving back to your community. Here are 3 ways you can get involved:
Donate Giving Tuesday is the perfect day to make your year-end donations or donate goods to your favorite charities. What are you most passionate about? Are you driven to help end poverty, find a cure for a disease, achieve equality for all, or combat climate change? Whatever your passion may be, you can find nonprofit organizations that can help you make a difference in the world. Do some research on the charity organization before you give. Charity Navigator is a great online tool that evaluates charities. It offers assessments for thousands
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of non-profits across the country. Check out the organization’s rating, mission statement, and fund allocations. Remember, if you decide to make monetary donations: • Find out if your employer offers a matching gift program. Many companies often encourage their employees to give to the community by making a dollar-for-dollar matching contribution to the employee’s charity of choice. • Keep records of your donations. Donations to qualified organizations may entitle you to a charitable contribution
PAGE 9 deduction against your income tax. Volunteer The gift of time is invaluable. Volunteering is a great opportunity to meet and connect with others in your community. Share your knowledge and expertise with an organization that supports the cause you care deeply about. You may even be able to build on your existing skills or learn new ones. Volunteer this Giving Tuesday or on an ongoing basis. Advocate Support a cause by giving your voice. You can be an influencer of political, economic, or social policies and practices. First, educate yourself on the important
issue. Learn the facts on both sides of the issue to gain credibility. Then, start conversations and engage others to share the knowledge. It’s also a good idea to visit your elected officials and let them know why and how they can help with your cause. Find out who your Federal, State and local elected officials are and how to contact them. Make your voices heard!
to do, become part of something bigger and meaningful. There is no better way to warm your grateful heart than to give back to the community.
The love we give away is the only love we keep. You may decide to donate, volunteer, or advocate (or all the above) to participate in Giving Tuesday this year, but whatever you decide cbboise.com
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2019
Clearing the Clutter
Helping Those in Need
Charitable organizations make it even easier for you to donate your household items this time of year. Laura McHolm, Co-Founder NorthStar Moving
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is the season of gratitude, giving, and, of course, decorating, parties, feasts, shopping, and more. But before you go down your merry, merry to-do list, think about the needs of your community and all the stuff you don’t need around your home. Perhaps, you have clothing, furniture, kitchen items, or even food you have been meaning to clear out? The jolly news is charitable organizations make it even easier for you to donate your household items to assist those in need this time of year. You can make a difference. This is not just another to-do on your holiday list; it’s very simple, and the rewards are immense. It’s the ultimate win-win! You assist others and get a clutter-free home, all prepped for the holidays. No need to scramble to find a solution for outgrown clothes, furniture, and pantry items you will never use. Simply follow this guide of
“What to Give and Where to Give,” and the process will be Grinchfree! Non-Perishable Food Make room for all of the yummy holiday goodies by donating your non-perishables that have yet to expire. Where to Donate: • Your local food bank • Check with your local fire departments, churches, synagogues, schools, and grocery stores to see if they are hosting food pantry donation drop-offs. • Visit MoveForHunger.org, a non-profit organization that will connect you with a local moving company that will deliver your non-perishable food donations to your local food bank for you. Check out their Find A Mover tool. • Willing to roll-up your sleeves? Start your own food drive. Simply ask local businesses, schools and libraries to put out
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your colorfully decorated food drive donation boxes and use your social networks to get the word out. It only takes 1.2lbs of food to provide a meal to an individual in need, so it doesn’t matter how big your food drive is; every little bit helps. Some food pantries have freezers and/or commercial refrigerators that can accommodate fresh vegetables, dairy products, and meats. Clothing Make room for your holiday sweaters! Bring gently used clothing to the following charities or go online or call them to see if they will come to your door to pick up your donations. Where to Donate: • Idaho Youth Ranch • Goodwill • Salvation Army • Women’s and Children’s Alliance • Epilepsy Foundation
PAGE 11 • Veterans’ organizations • Big Brothers Big Sisters of America • Red Cross • Check with your local fire department, churches, synagogues and schools, to see if they are hosting clothing donation drop-offs.
gogues, and schools, to see if they are hosting toy donation drop offs. • Other places to check include a children’s social services offices and even stores often have a donation bin at the front entrance where you can place donation.
Gift Cards Keep your drawers clutter free! Re-gift the gift cards you are given and turn them into charitable donations. Exchange your retail gift cards for a charity donation. You will receive a tax receipt for the entire full value or residual balance of your card.
Toys Make room for what Santa brings! Get your kids involved in sorting through their things so they get to learn the ultimate gift—the gift of giving!
Household Goods & Furniture Make room for your gifts!
Where to Donate: • CharityGiftCertificates.org
Where to Donate: • Habitat for Humanity ReStore • Goodwill • Salvation Army • Epilepsy Foundation • Veteran organizations • Big Brothers Big Sisters of America • Red Cross
Once you have cleared the clutter and given to those who will actually use and need your unwanted items, well, just like they say in Whoville, your heart will grow three sizes and the true meaning of the holidays will come through, plus two!
Where to Donate: • Toys for Tots. Find your local drop-off locations here. • Local children’s hospitals • Local Ronald McDonald House • Local Boys & Girls Clubs • Many local shelters or children’s charities accept toy donations. Use this Homeless Shelter Directory to find shelters in your area. • Organizations like My Stuff Bags offer children a familiar object in times of crisis. • Check with your local fire department, churches, syna-
Cell Phones Clean out the old gadget drawer! Donate old smart phones & tablets (make sure to clear your data from it first!). Where to Donate: • CellPhonesforSoldiers.com • National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Laura McHolm is an organizational, moving & storage expert and cofounder of NorthStar Moving Company, an award winning, “A+” rated company, which specializes in providing eco-luxury moving and storage services. www.northstarmoving.com
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NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2019
"The Emerald Mile" by Kevin Fedarko — An epic tale of the Colorado River corridor and the Grand Canyon.
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Take Some Time for Yourself
With the hustle, bustle, and general busyness of the holiday season, it's hard sometimes to remember that self-care is important, too. We want to "do" for our families, friends, and communities by giving gifts and giving of our time, and, often, we forget that we can best serve others when we are taking a little time for ourselves. Check out one of these books, and give yourself a well-deserved break.
• "Boys in the Boat" by Daniel James Brown • "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt • "The Noticer" by Andy Andrews • "The Emerald Mile" by Kevin Fedarko • "The Thirteenth Tale" by Diane Setterfield • "The Forgotten Garden" by Kate Morton • "Merle's Door: Lessons from a FreeThinking Dog" by Ted Kerasote • "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime" by Mark Haddon • "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein • The "Mitford" series and the "Father Tim" books by Jan Karon • "Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant that Ever Lived" by Ralph Helfer
• • • •
"White Fang" by Jack London "Watchers" by Dean Koontz "Tell No One" by Harlan Coben The "Stephanie Plum" series by Janet Evanovich • "Kane and Abel" by Jeffrey Archer Anything by John Grisham, Jonathan Kellerman, Clive Cussler, or W.E.B. Griffin
• The "Mitch Rapp" series by Vince Flynn • "Standing in the Rainbow" by Fannie Flagg • "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom • "The Girl Who Wrote in Silk" by Kelli Estes • "The Woman Who Heard Color" by Kelly Jones cbboise.com
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Favorite Winter Reads
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2019
Ada County
Featured Homes
851 W. Front St. N Boise Spectacular condo in the heart of downtown Boise. Ideal orientation in the NE corner of the 11th floor. Luxurious retreat in the sky that exudes contemporary style & design with warm, comfortable living space. Floor-toceiling glass walls offer breathtaking views of downtown, the foothills, & beautiful sunrises & sunsets. Chef's kitchen with Viking appliances.
6318 E. Gateway Ct. SE Boise Fresh interior paint, new carpet, new blinds, & updated 1/2 bath on main level. Lots of space with living room/office, family room, & dining room. Gorgeous kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel appliances, new microwave, & newer range. Spacious master suite has mountain views. Master bath features corner soaker tub, dual vanities, & tile floors.
3768 S. Riva Ridge SW Boise Meticulously maintained home with 28x30’ heated shop in private setting. Updates include kitchen, baths, roof, HVAC, exterior paint, & flooring. Abundant windows for natural light, 3 living areas. Kitchen is open to the family room. Master suite features balcony, sitting area, Jacuzzi tub, tile shower, & walk-in closet. Walkout basement with rec room, guestroom & bath.
2148 W. Three Lakes Dr. NW Meridian Beautiful home located on the 3rd hole of the challenge course at Spurwing with water & mountain views. Classically elegant with topof-the-line finishes & perfect layout make this an entertainer’s dream. Chef’s kitchen includes Thermador appliancess, double ovens, huge butler’s pantry, & island. Luxurious master with sitting area & a spa-like bath.
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Ada County
Featured Homes
524 E. Havasu Falls St. NW Meridian This wonderful floor plan will please everyone, from the main-level master to the large bonus room, bedroom, & full bath upstairs. Gorgeous kitchen features granite counters, hardwood floors, & stainless appliances. Master bath boasts travertine counters & heated tile floors. Back yard is peaceful with a large covered patio, rock waterfall, & koi pond.
4260 W. Legacy Ln. SW Meridian Wonderful 4 bed, 4 bath home in a tranquil 2-acre setting! Warm hardwood floors, great room with cathedral ceilings, stone fireplace & overlooks back patio & stairs that lead you to a 20'x40' in-ground pool. Main-level master has its own study, private patio & see-thru gas fireplace. Kitchen has lots of cabinets & huge pantry.
3993 W. Temple Dr. Eagle Stunning custom-built home designed with the finest luxury finishes yet perfect for family comfort & entertaining. Main level includes gourmet kitchen, formal & informal dining, great room, office, huge laundry room, & elegant master retreat. Over 2500 sq.ft. garage with sink, washer/dryer, 3-car garage & RV bay. One acre grounds with 20x40 pool.
11370 W. Lanktree Gulch Star Incredible views from every room that you must see to believe! This multi-gen home greets you with gorgeous cherry Bellawood floors & cherry/ maple cabinetry as you enter the main house. A complete second home with access from inside main home. Special qualities include custom built-in closets, 3 decks, library area, Jack n Jill bedrooms, enormous pantry, & 3 gas fireplaces. cbboise.com
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2019
Canyon County
Featured Homes
1218 Gage Ln. NE Nampa Fully self-contained, 890 sq.ft. mother-in-law quarters with full kitchen, one bedroom, & rollin bath. Wonderful setup for a blended family. Over 2500 sq.ft. main house has four bedrooms, 2.5 baths, family room + living room & formal dining. Main section of the home includes a den & separate sitting room. Master on the main level & three bedrooms upstairs.
16723 Woodduck St. NE Nampa Beautiful, well kept home, close to shopping, schools, & I-84 for your commute. 3 beds, 2 baths with a bonus room coming in from the garage. Vaulted ceilings, arched doorway going into the kitchen newer paint, & hard flooring. The tiled gas insert. The back yard leads out to year round Mason Creek with a paved pathway for you & your pets.
219 24th Ave. S. S Nampa Completely updated with two homes on one lot! Front home features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths with new carpet, paint, SS range, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, enclosed front porch, & separate entry to front bedroom that would make for a perfect private entry. Back home is 2 bedrooms, 1 bath with range, microwave, dishwasher, & refrigerator.
2316 S. San Francisco Ln. S Nampa Gorgeous, custom 3 bed, 2 bath in a beautiful neighborhood. 2,397 sq.ft., 11' ceilings, formal dining with built-in hutches, spacious paneled office with French doors, tile flooring in dining & office. Hardwood, granite, custom cabinets, island in wonderful kitchen. Swimming pool with solar heat, hot tub, hobby shed, mature landscaping.
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Canyon County
Featured Homes
615 Meadowbrook Dr. S Nampa Very well-maintained custom home with 3 beds, 2 baths, & 1,220 sq.ft. Spacious living area, open kitchen with upgraded cabinets, vaulted ceilings. Master suite & 2nd bedroom have walk-in closets. Fenced back yard with covered patio & storage shed. Natural light, neutral colors, 2-car garage, no neighbors on patio side of home.
1513 W. Florida Ave. S Nampa Recently remodeled 3 bed, 2 bath home with 1,216 sq.ft. New carpet & flooring, paint, light fixtures, AC/furnace, water heater, & beautiful slab granite kitchen counters & granite composite sink. Fully fenced back yard, sprinkler system, great location close to schools, shopping, & dining.
17735 Liberty View Ct. SW Caldwell Wow! This is a remarkable property overlooking the Snake River Valley, Wine Country, & the Owyhee Range. Set back off the road on a hill, with privacy, a pond & water feature. Sweeping views, beam accents, skylights, light, bright & open. Bring the RV & horses. Beautiful chef's kitchen with granite, 5-burner downdraft oven/ range plus another oven for convenience.
11198 Purple Sage Rd. Middleton Are you looking for a horse & ranch WOW property? This one is move in ready! Huge 40 x 50 barn with separate electric. Electric runs to all heated water troughs, 12 x 12 stalls with paddocks, wash racks, fully equipped tack room/ she shed/man cave. 120' X 80' arena, irrigated pastures, fenced dog area, small livestock pen with shed for sheep/goats, 6 frost-free spigots. cbboise.com
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2019 COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
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Things to Do What will you do today? Boise Farmers’ Indoor Winter Market Saturdays through December 21
Idaho Food Bank Empty Bowls 2019 Friday, November 29, 10:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
9:00a.m.-2:00p.m. 1500 Shoreline Dr., Boise theboisefarmersmarket.com
Capital City Public Market Saturdays through December 21 9:30a.m.-1:30p.m. 8th and Idaho, downtown Boise capitalcitypublicmarket.com
156th Anniversary of the Gettysburg Address Saturday, November 16, 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Idaho State Archives 2205 Old Penitentiary Rd., Boise history.idaho.gov
Boise Holiday Parade Saturday, November 23, 10:00 a.m.
Downtown Boise Starts at 10th/Jefferson boiseholidayparade.org
Boise Festival of Trees November 27-December 1, times vary
Boise Centre on the Grove 850 W. Front St., Boise www.saintalphonsus.org
Winter Garden aGlow November 28-January 4, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Idaho Botanical Garden 2355 N. Old Penitentiary Rd., Boise www.idahobotanicalgarden.org
Grove Plaza, downtown Boise idahofoodbank.org
Canyon County Festival of Trees November 29-December 1, times vary
Ford Idaho Center 16200 N. Idaho Center Blvd., Nampa www.canyoncountyfestivaloftrees.com
Idaho Humane Society/Idaho Steelheads Saturday, November 30, 7:00 p.m.
Century Link Arena 233 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise idahohumanesociety.org
Boise Christmas Show December 6-8, times vary
Expo Idaho 5610 N. Glenwood St., Boise boisechristmasshow.com
Eagle Country Christmas Saturday, December 7, 1:00-6:00 p.m.
Heritage Park 185 E. State St., Eagle cityofeagle.org
Boise Train Depot Open House Sunday, December 15, noon-5:00 p.m.
2603 W. Eastover Terrace, Boise Information
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DOWNTOWN BOISE 208.343.3393 | MERIDIAN 208.336.3393 | EAGLE 208.939.3363 | NAMPA 208.467.5272 Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.