Eagle Magazine July/August 2022

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MAGAZINE

JULY AUGUST | 2022 | VOLUMNE 15 | ISSUE 5

VINEYARDS IN THE FOOTHILLS WHAT DO YOU WANT EAGLE TO LOOK LIKE IN 20 YEARS?

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CONTENTS

JULY.AUG | 2022 | VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 5

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32

12-22 | Features 12 The Buich Family Bonding through adversity

18 Vineyards in the Foothills What do you want Eagle to look like in 20 years?

08 | Departments 08 Community Note

by Tia Markland-Crabtree

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28 What’s New Eagle Jazz Festival

32 Face To Face Meet Alek Lavigne: Art with function and purpose

36 Arts Encore Creative Center instructors pass the creative torch to the community

38 Community

44 Community

Idaho2Fly: Cancer support for men

Insurance Broker Pete Dover gives back to the Eagle community

42 Cuisine

46 Portfolio

Eagle’s best kept dining secret

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Does your small business deserve a bonus?

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WRITERS: Jennifer Brackett Sandy Mann Bavani Tara Marie Chelsea Chambers Catrine McGregor Norah D. Emerson Liza Long PHOTOGRAPHERS: Tia Markland-Crabtree Ashley Fritsche Rase Littlefield Kora Delta Kimberlee Miller Angela Bucchino Victoria Belle Photography DESIGNER: Angela Bucchino

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COVER PHOTO BY RASE LITTLEFIELD

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Eagle Magazine, Vol. 15, No. 5, is published 6 times a year by Idaho Media Publishing LLC, Po. Box 1878 Eagle, Idaho 83616. Copyright 2022, all rights reserved. Content of this publication is the copyright of Idaho Media Publishing LLC and/or respective copyright holders.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

JULY.AUG | 2022 | VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 5

Hello dear readers! We so look forward to sharing this issue of Eagle Magazine with you!

This summer is already starting off strong in the Treasure Valle with events like including Eagle fun Days and the Eagle Jazz Festival (read more about the festival and its founders inside!). Are you a wine fan? Check out our Vineyards in the Foothills feature. Looking to expand your creativity? Read our arts section and learn more about Encore Creative Center.

Meet Alek Lavigne, the next generation of visual effects mastery. We are constantly inspired by the people we get to interview.

Amazing individuals like Pete Dover and his giving spirit and the Buich family, who have bonded through adversities. There is so much inside so get to reading—Coynes restaurant, Idaho 2 Fly, small business tax cuts, and more!

As always, we thank you for your patience, understanding, and endless support. We couldn’t do this without you and this remarkable community we live in! Thank you and here’s to a summer filled with fun, adventure, and really great food!

Tia Markland-Crabtree

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THE BUICH FAMILY BONDING THROUGH ADVERSITY Karen Buich is a long-time Eagle resident, and a force to be reckoned with, whether at home, at her Waters’ Edge Event Center…or on a pickle-ball court.

Buich is fiercely protective of her three grown boys. They are at any point her number one priority hence her license plate: mi3sunz. She and Dave Buich, her ex-husband, gave their children the reins to find their own career paths, but they always emphasized learning, growing, and finding a life that would sustain them financially while bringing them joy.

They have succeeded on all counts, and though they found their own God-given talents, they also overlap in their ventures.

We gathered at eldest son Nik Buich’s striking contemporary home in Renovare, a community he and his father developed and built out from the ground up. Born and raised in the development business, Nik found his niche in both real estate and development. He has an eye for masterfully matching a client with the perfect home, whether it is a custom home or an existing property.

Nik’s first taste of success was in sports. He excelled in everything he was involved with, mainly due to his competitive nature. Give him a scoreboard or a leader board and he’ll make sure that he is the winner. Nik made it to the Little League World Series and has a couple of state championships under his belt. It is this spirit that still drives him.

At the young age of 30, Nik is a successful businessman. His younger brother Jay Laurent says: “There are people who glean a little piece of information and talk about it endlessly filling in the details that they really don’t know anything about, Nik keeps his mouth shut until he can discuss a topic in depth with all the real facts.” Nik Buich backs that statement:” I’m a man of my word. If I say I will do something, I will, and I’ll give it my all.”

BY BAVANI AND CATRINE MCGREGOR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KORA DELTA

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Nik is a born salesman. At the age of 19, he decided to stop playing football, dropped out of college and became involved in network marketing. In his dad’s opinion, this was not a stellar choice. Nik was motivated to succeed by the carrot being dangled in front of him – if he reached “X” amount in sales in a single month, he would receive a car allowance and a license plate that said “Told You So”. He wanted to get that license plate as a message to his dad that he could do more than just be good in sports. He ended up qualifying for the plate within the first week of business, and everything else took off from there.

In just a few short months, Nik was flown out to give a keynote address about successful sales at one of the network marketing company’s national convention. He had become the youngest National Director in the company at the age of 19.

One of Nik’s many accomplishments is being involved in over 200 real estate transactions before his 27th birthday. He is now a partner in two companies – Five Nine Real Estate and MetaLabz. Nik has great praise for his partner in the real estate company. “Sanel Tucakovic” is a rock star. If either one of us needs to lean on the other to make a business decision, we never doubt each other in any way. It’s a rare asset these days.”

His relationship with his key partner in Metalabz is also at

rockstar status: it is his little brother Jay Laurent.

Nik’s mother, Karen Buich, beams as she shows me around her son’s house. It is spectacular and designed to be as stylish, comfortable and practical as possible. My personal favorite is the built-in espresso maker that gets put to good use throughout the day. Oh, the bar isn’t bad either!

I waited for Jay Laurent to be in town for a Mother’s Day visit so that I could get the full Buich family dynamic, Jay Laurent, more famously known as “Sendwires,” attended the former Arts West School in Eagle, where his love for music production and filmmaking was sparked. He was admittedly not a traditional “student.” Jay Laurent had a vision of where he was headed, and he saw no reason to let Algebra and English Lit get in his way.

Many of his teachers saw no future for him, yet now, at the age of 25, he could retire if he wanted to – but he doesn’t want to.

On the contrary, he is always ramping up a new venture. After high school, Jay Laurent headed to LA to attend film school. But again, Jay Laurent got bored. Much of what was being taught were skills that he had accrued on his own years earlier. He just wanted to implement those skills through his own content. His love and knowledge of the – with a dash of chutzpah – are what

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THE BUICH FAMILY

JULY.AUG | 2022 | VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 5

gave him his first break. While walking in Hollywood, he ran across Trippie Redd, a rapper and songwriter. His fourth mixtape, A Love Letter to You (2019), topped the Billboard 200 chart. Jay Laurent approached him and asked if he could direct the artist’s next music video. The answer was “yes” and Jay Laurent never looked back.

Jay Laurent became a sought-after music video director. When asked who his biggest influence is, he quickly responded: “My Mom. I love that girl more than anything in the world. Though there were a lot of haters during my upside-down years, my

“Buich is fiercely protective of her three grown boys.

They are at any point her number one priority hence her license plate: MI3SUNZ.” Mom convinced me to follow my path – and that was the best advice I could have gotten. My mantra was to ‘never let school get in the way of education,’ and that’s what I did.”

Some of Jay Laurent’s greatest successes have been in involvement with Clubhouse, a massive social media conglomeration based in a $20 million mansion, which generated hundreds of millions of followers. As the manager of the house, Jay Laurent was always intensely aware of not just social media numbers, but more importantly, his relevance. Another of his companies, Instakush, manages the entire process from farms to manufacturing, assuring extensive quality control. The website sells a wide range selection of pre-rolls, vapes, concentrates, topicals, flowers, edibles, and CBD products.

Metalabz is his newest venture, where one of his partners is his big brother Nik. The company works in decentralized finance (defi), which covers cryptocurrency and NFTs. “Nik is the Yin to my Yang – he has a more traditional approach to business while I tend to paint outside the lines. It makes for a perfect team.”

Jay Laurent has seen great success through hard work and good fortune. But has not forgotten that God – intermittently termed ‘the Universe’ – is also hard at work. “If you put out your goals and have a pure heart, the Universe will always respond.”

When I asked what he wanted his future to look like, he didn’t need to think about it. “I have built an amazing Rolodex that can open doors everywhere. There are so many young people around the world who have amazing talents in the arts, but they don’t have the means or the contacts to grow their talent so that they blossom and share their talents with the world. I want to create a true nonprofit that will seek out this kind of talent throughout the world and offers mentorship and the proper platforms to thrive. I will be doing this by the end of the year. I want to provide. I want to ensure that I can always take care of my family and true friends.”

Jay Laurent turns and points to his little brother Nathan who is sitting on Nik’s gorgeous patio, overlooking a pond. “And I want to make sure that that guy succeeds.”

Nathan is the youngest son. His striking good looks and his piercing eyes let me know that this is going to be an intense conversation. which it did turn out to be. At the age of 23, Nathan’s goal is to find his own path the way his brothers did.

Nathan experienced childhood trauma when he was 7 years old.

It sent him into a tailspin that led to drinking and smoking weed at an early age. He knew that his family had expectations, and for years, he wasn’t sure that he would ever meet those expectations. He was fortunate that his parents did not judge him – they nudged him.

At the time, the relationship between Nathan and his brothers was not great. The age difference between him and Nik was substantial.

Though Nathan and Jay Laurent were closer in age, their interests were miles apart.

When Karen and Dave Buich divorced, it affected Nathan more than either of his brothers. He was 11 years old. He already felt somewhat disconnected from the rest of the family, and the divorce solidified those feelings. There were dark times when he contemplated suicide, and the pain he felt was not only mental, but it was also physical.

There were times when it was more than he could bear. This was difficult for Nathan, as he has a natural talent for all things athletic.

He has fought his way out of the chronic pain that plagued his body for seven years, completely rewired his nervous system through years of physical therapy, and is now able to run, jump, and play like he was before the pain came about.

In 2019, one solitary event changed his life. Nathan was on a trail at Payette Lake, where he stopped to write in his journal. A lone man happened by and stopped to watch Nathan as he continued to write. “What’s going on?”. The man, whose name turned out to be “Jerry,” had such an empathetic demeanor that Nathan broke down and released years of pent-up emotion. He told Jerry his story, and Jerry also broke down, telling Nathan about his recent divorce and the pain it had caused. Two complete strangers bonded in the woods – both sharing much-needed solace and empathy. “I never take this trail – but I now know why I took it today.” Jerry looked directly at Nathan. “Do you read the Bible?” he asked. “No,” replied Nathan.

“I need you to get a Bible and read this passage.” Jerry passed a piece of paper to Nathan, who put it in his pocket. He drove back to Boise and went straight to a bookstore, where he bought a Bible, and opened it to Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “They are plans for good and not for disaster – to give you a future and a hope.” A few days later, Nathan accompanied Karen to buy a mattress. As they pulled into the parking lot, Nathan looked across the street at Life Church, where he saw a marquee announcing a youth ministry evening meeting.

Nathan made his way to the church for this event. He settled into his seat, and the service started. “Let’s open our Bibles to Jeremiah 29:11.” This was the day that Nathan turned his life over to God for guidance. Since that time, his mental and physical health have made a complete turnaround. In 2021, Nathan broke a barrier with the Buich brothers: He was the first to graduate from college. Nathan graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship. He also grew his 14/060

world through travel. He has explored Europe twice, with Croatia, Spain and Switzerland being his favorites.

His creativity has broken wide open. He has recorded his first song.

He also loves to dance, go to music festivals, recently began working with Ableton to refine his sound and create music that will express his love and tell his story.

As a writer, Nathan has begun a very personal book about his journey that he feels readers will understand and perhaps receive some of the healing that he has. It is an incredible story of trauma, perseverance, and faith.

Nathan has a bright future, which the whole family is encouraging.

They are excited to see what Nathan will have, who he will help, and most importantly, the difference he will make in this world.

The Buich family is tighter and more supportive of each other than they ever have been. Being around them, love and support for each other are palpable.

Nestled in the city of Eagle is the Water’s Edge Event Center. Water’s Edge plays host to weddings, proms, anniversaries, celebrations of life, conferences, birthday parties and many more events. Set in an idyllic surrounding of peaceful nature, its name is derived from the gently flowing water’s edge that its dreamy, covered patio sits on. Days are magical and nights are aglow with the bistro lights that create an ambiance of love.

Buich cherished the opportunity to be present at home to raise her kids.

She made the choice to be a stay-at-home mom for 18 years after having worked independently in the dentistry and mortgage banking fields.

At the heart of Buich’s success are her strong work ethics and core values of working hard, being honest, and not giving up which she attributes to her upbringing. She says, “if you have that internal drive, self-initiative, and responsibility, you will be successful in anything you do.” It is no surprise that her sons are so accomplished.

Buich expresses gratitude for her team that “makes it happen” whom she refers to affectionately as, “the heartbeat of Water’s Edge.” The team includes the Executive Chef, Mike Pfost, who has 26 years of culinary experience, the Bartender, Brandon Dumas and the General Manager, Ben Draper. They make up the perfect Water’s Edge “Three Musketeers.”

They are not only a flawless team, but they have bonded as far more than co-workers – they are friends. Their sense of humor is contagious, and the result of their passion is probably the reason why Water’s Edge is booked months in advance.

I ask Buich what it means to her being a woman entrepreneur and what advice she would share with young women who are just starting out. She shares that as a woman of the 90s, there were definitely more challenges back then with the gender pay gap and having to work in a man’s world.

Buich emphasizes, “Follow your passion. Don’t feel like you have to settle for a job right away. Experience different things when you are young.

Experience life and people before you get into a committed relationship but believe in yourself and what you want. And one day, something will click and it will work.”

Karen Buich is the perfect example of a strong woman who will go to the ends of the earth for her children and is a powerful role model. She is still close to her ex-husband, Dave Buich, and is grateful for his part in helping Karen make Water’s Edge a reality.

A venue for any season.

Contact Karen Buich at Water’s Edge Event Center: watersedgeevents@gmail.com awatersedge.com, 208. 867-5119 Facebook.com/watersedgeidaho 287 E. Shore Drive, Eagle, Idaho 83616

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VINEYARDS IN THE FOOTHILLS

JULY.AUG | 2022 | VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 5

Vineyards in the Foothills

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WHAT DO YOU WANT EAGLE TO LOOK LIKE IN TWENTY YEARS? “Maybe it’s because I’m getting older, I’m finding enjoyment in things that stop time. Just the simple act of tasting a glass of wine is its own event. You’re not downing a glass of wine in the midst of doing something else.”

– David Hyde Pierce This statement speaks volumes.

The simple thought of being at a winery conjures up the calm enjoyment of friends or lovers sharing a good bottle of wine surrounded by vineyards on a sunny day while maybe listening to a Norah Jones playlist. Living in a world of chaos and constant hustle, doesn’t an afternoon at a winery sound really, really good?

If you are reading this article, there is a good chance that you are an Eagle resident, which begs you to think ahead to the community and the environment that you will be leaving to your children and your grandchildren.

William Stanley’s family moved to Southern California from Texas after the depression. “My dad was an independent oil man in Wichita Falls and to put it bluntly, we were extremely wealthy – until the depression. We sold what we could and moved to Southern California for a better life,” reminisces Stanley.

“We had just enough money to buy a ten-acre orange grove with an old house on it. We went from a mansion to a two-bedroom house – and those were the happiest days of my life. We were a family – we worked long hours, but we did it together,” Stanley waves his hand as if inhaling a heavenly perfume,

“If anyone has experienced the scent of orange blossoms, they know how magical it is.”

In the early 1960s, the family was made “an offer they couldn’t refuse,” and sold the ten-acre parcel to developers. “What I would give to still have that property – not so much for the financial value, but for my soul.”

This story is a precautionary tale for Eagle residents. It is only a matter of time before the foothills contiguous to Eagle city will be annexed. At this time, zoning for the construction of homes is a minimum of five acres. These numbers are changing as developers put in access to water and sewer. Once a piece of land has access to both water and sewer, the zoning will change to four homes on a one-acre lot or more. Much like Southern California was during post-depression, Eagle is a destination to move to. A great quality of life, wonderful restaurants, community events, hiking, and many personal freedoms that are absent in so many other places are the pillar of life in Eagle.

Those personal freedoms can put the community at odds, and the quest for permitting of more wineries marches on with both supporters and detractors.

BY CATRINE MCGREGOR

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VINEYARDS IN THE FOOTHILLS

MARK AND LORI PASCULLI, ROLLING HILLS VINEYARD GARY ADN MARTHA CUNNINGHAM, 3 HORSE RANCH VINEYARDS JOHNNA AND TRAE BUCHERT, DUDE DEWALT CELLARS STEVE AND BOBBY COOPER, ONE STONE HILL VINEYARD

VINEYARDS IN THE EAGLE FOOTHILLS

HAILEY MINDER AND HER MOM, MARY PARSONS, 3100 CELLAR

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One legitimate concern is that of people consuming wine in the foothills and then driving home. There have certainly been accidents caused by people driving after consuming too much wine at a tasting room, be it in Napa Valley, the Loire Valley, or Tuscany. This is undeniable. Though wine is not hard liquor, it typically contains 12 percent alcohol. Most tasting rooms offer one to two-ounce pours, and the average quantity of tastings in a flight is six glasses. A restaurant typically pours 5 ounces, which means that if one indulges in one flight of wine, they have on average consumed one and a half to two glasses of wine during the tasting. Though anything meant to be done in moderation is sometimes abused, there are individuals who will forget that the keyword in a “tasting room” is the word tasting.

Obviously, a percentage of people leaving a wine tasting room will have over-indulged, just as they would at a restaurant, or especially, a bar.

Hailey Minder, co-owner of 3100 Cellars, and maker of scrumptious sparkling wines is an advocate for her community. She and her family care more about making a small quantity of great sparkling wines than making massive amounts of bubbly. They care about how their vineyards fit into the community. They are very aware of wanting to protect their neighborhood. “There’s a bit of an irony,” states Hailey, “That the serving of food will be highly regulated. I understand the neighbors not wanting the tasting room to turn into a full-service restaurant, and, trust me – that is the last thing we would want to take on!”.

Researchers at Duke University state: “If one drinks alcohol with food in the stomach, the pyloric sphincter separating the stomach from the small intestine closes to allow the food to be digested by stomach acid. Since the alcohol can’t move into the small intestine immediately, this slows the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream considerably. In fact, a fatty meal can reduce the peak blood alcohol concentration (BAC) up to 50% relative to that produced when alcohol is consumed on an empty stomach.”

Fatty foods are the best type of food to help absorb the alcohol. A charcuterie board with local cheeses and cured meats is a perfect solution. Maybe Ada County should consider making such a snack a mandatory element of the Conditional Use permit (CU).

3100 Cellars’ wines are currently sampled at Telaya Wine Co in Garden City and the plans for making their wines at their vineyard and tasting room in the Eagle Foothills is a future vision.

Mark Pasculli of Rolling Hills Vineyard would very much like to eventually see a small tasting room at his vineyard, also in the Eagle Foothills.

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As I stand overlooking the five acres of vineyards, I can’t help but think of what 20 houses would look like in the surrounding 5-acre lots.

The proposed wineries in Eagle contribute to the preservation of open space meaning less development, which measurably increases property values. For example, using IMLS data for the past 24 months in Eagle, single-family homes on five-acre lots north of Beacon Light, which are surrounded by other five-acre properties, on average sold at prices 33% higher than their counterparts south of Beacon Light, which are surrounded by home on smaller lots.

As I stand overlooking the five acres of vineyards, I can’t help but think of what 20 houses would look like in the surrounding 5-acre lots. Besides the fact that there will certainly be more alcohol consumption and traffic in a 20-home development than there will be at a vineyard/winery/tasting room, I look at the sprinklers going off at surrounding homes and I think of water consumption.

Many Louis L’Amour novels have addressed water wars in the old west – and with the drought situation being severe, water was, is, and will always be a precious asset. When asked how much water his five-acre vineyard uses, Pasculli responded: “I think we used our water system three or four times last season.”

These beautiful properties, providing picturesque landscapes and places for neighbors to gather, contribute to and preserve what makes Eagle stand out in the Treasure Valley”.

Another opposition to interspersing vineyards with homes is that it will bring property values down. I would tend to think that anyone saying this has never been to a wine-producing region, where real estate tends to be at a premium. Melisa Cull, of Birch Leaf Realty, tells me:” As a neighbor and local Realtor, I have searched for, but have been unable to find any numbers or analysis to support the idea that wineries decrease the value of surrounding properties. In fact, areas like Walla Walla saw an increase in property value of 23.1% year over year for the last five years as their wine industry boomed.

Bill Lynch, of the Sonoma News, points out another positive impact “Vintners throughout California have witnessed the effectiveness of grapevines as natural firebreaks. In the 2017 fires, there were many reports of fast-moving blazes burning or damaging the first few rows of a vineyard, then stopping.” Mark Pasculli adds: “While this is devastating for the industry, we place more value on human life. This effect, while costly, may have assisted with saving lives, and citizens’ homes and private property.”

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VINEYARDS IN THE FOOTHILLS

Lisa Gandiaga, Hilton Regional Manager, is excited about the boost in hospitality dollars that wineries will bring to Eagle. “I recently met with Martha at Three Horse Vineyards and I was surprised to learn of the number of wineries in the Eagle area,” states Gandiaga. “It’s a unique characteristic of Eagle that will hopefully bring more visitors to our area…I feel the burgeoning wine scene is a great way to promote tourism in Eagle. It will positively impact hotels, restaurants, and local businesses.”

As mentioned above, the vineyards located just north of Homer will most probably be annexed into the city of Eagle within the next few years.

According to the City of Eagle’s Comprehensive Plan, subtitled “Eagle is Home:”

I found this Section through a cursory search, yet many citizens objecting to the development of vineyards and wineries in the Eagle Foothills state that they were unaware of such provisions when vetting Eagle before moving to the area. The city of Eagle’s support of viticulture is not insinuated – it is widely addressed in its comprehensive plan.

When Mark Pasculli first looked at buying the property that Rolling Hills Vineyard is now on, what intrigued him the most was the sign clearly posted on the property: “Eagle Foothills AVA. (American Viticultural Area)” Winemakers in the area don’t have issues with the Ada County verbiage about the wine business – until they try to bring the project to fruition. Literally.

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6:19:1 A. Encourage and preserve active agriculture within the Rural Planning Area. Agriculture related business (roadside stands, u‐pick crops, wine crushing facilities, tasting rooms, equestrian uses, and related meeting facilities) should be considered in concert with agricultural uses.

D. The City should discourage the subdivision or splitting of active and/or irrigated farm land within the Rural Planning area. The City should establish ordinances that limit the development of lands with active agricultural exemptions and prime farmland as established by the USGS. F. Viticulture and associated uses (crushing facilities, tasting rooms, and limited events facilities) should be encouraged in the Rural Planning Area and the Eagle Foothills AVA.

In order to implement the ability to have a tasting room at the vineyard, the property owners need to get a Conditional Use Permit (CU). The CU allows for a tasting room, as long as it is a part of a winery, and does not limit the amount of people that could visit or the hours they could operate.

The CU does limit the number of promotional events on the property to 24 per year with fewer. The permit granted to 3100 Cellars allows for a tasting room to be open to ten people per day on weekdays and 30 people on weekends, five days per week. The tasting room will only be open five hours per day, with conditions on what the hours would be.

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Once the Ada County Planning & Zoning Commission has approved the CU, the vineyard owner needs to get approval for the tasting room from 75% of their neighbors. This can be tricky, as many neighbors are not fans of having a tasting room next door. Ada County is considering removing this stipulation but has not done so as of this writing.

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RESTORATION

HEIRLOOM REDESIGN

Hailey Minder of 3100 Cellars says: “We would like to host two wine pick-ups per year, which typically include a tasting and light bites. Sometimes, we have pairing meals.

The events would require permission to host all of our members – and that number is over 50.

Because of this, Ada County required us to add an “event center” designation to our CU. That designation is what has made our application contentious for the neighbors.”

Neighbors have already reported nuisances with events from other event centers already in existence. No one wants to be disturbed in their home or on their deck by loud voices or music.

These complaints are legitimate.

Nothing in this world is black and white. There are pros and cons to all aspects of life, and the development of vineyards, wineries, and tasting rooms is no exception.

Like everything else in the United States, we are fortunate to have the ability to voice our opinion in an ethical and legal way, and you are all encouraged to do so at county meetings.

JEWELER

GEMOLOGIST

DESIGNER

In doing so, don’t forget to think through clearly what you want Eagle to look like in 20 years.

STUDIO IN DOWNTOWN EAGLE

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

This article does not reflect the opinion of Eagle Magazine.

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WHAT’S NEW?

JULY.AUG | 2022 | VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 5

EAGLE

Jazz Festival BRINGING MUSIC AND CULTURE TO THE TREASURE VALLEY

Join festival co-founders, Stan Eisele and Sean Stevens on Friday September 16 and Saturday September 17, 2022 for the inaugural Eagle Jazz Festival! The festival will feature live musicians, food, drinks, dancing, and more! Performances will be at Heritage Park and supporting local venues in Eagle.

“I wanted to start a nonprofit organization to help young jazz musicians who live in this area and who are dreaming of making a career as a professional musician,” shared Stan, Eagle resident for more than 20 years. “My idea morphed into a community festival where both the musicians performing onstage and the audience can mutually enjoy the experience, because ‘everyone is diggin’ the diggin.’ Since it is organic and home grown, the students of jazz can participate with the professionals.”

Stan became hooked on jazz years ago while attending jazz concerts and festivals in California. During this time he was able to see many of the great jazz musicians, including Dizzy Gillespie. When he came to Idaho, he was surprised to find a thriving jazz community. “I was blown away by their talent and dedication,” Stan said. “That is when I first became inspired to start a jazz festival that we can call our own.”

BY CHELSEA CHAMBERS

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“Jazz washes away the dust of everyday life” – Art Blakey

Alongside Stan and Sean, other key players in creating the Eagle Jazz Festival are former board member Justin Nielsen (music director) and board member Julie Eisele (event coordinator and treasurer).

While their full set is not yet finalized, they promise to bring a wealth of amazing performers guaranteed to satisfy! “All the musicians will have some connection to Eagle. This is a bonafide community event from the inside out. It is truly amazing that so many world class artists are found in our midst.”

PHOTOGRAPH BY ASHLEY FRITSCHE

For the latest up-to-date information on the Eagle Jazz Festival, including fundraisers, set lists, and more, visit them online at eaglejazzfestival.org or on Facebook @ eaglejazzfest. Or subscribe to their newsletter for info on the festival as well as jazz updates from around the Pacific Northwest.

Concert Lineups Coming Soon!

The festival will start with a Gazebo Kickoff Concert at Heritage Park at 6 PM on Friday 9/16. Free Friday, 9/16 is Jazz Club Night in Eagle, with up to four local venues hosting live jazz. $10 at the door Saturday 9/17 is Jazz at Heritage Park during the Eagle Market from 10 AM-2 PM. Free The final Main Stage concert at Three Horse Ranch Vineyards in the beautiful Eagle foothills featuring Farayi Sophia Malek starting at 6 PM. Purchase tickets online soon for $35 at eaglejazzfestival.org

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FACE TO FACE

JULY.AUG | 2022 | VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 5

BY JENNIFER BRACKETT

PHOTOGRAPHS BY RASE LITTLEFIELD

MEET ALEK LAVIGNE

ART WITH FUNCTION AND PURPOSE – THE ROAD TO PRACTICAL EFFECTS Our future lies with the young and hungry. As we get older, we learn this. We do not always take the time to stop and think about this as we trudge on with our day-to-day lives. Their journeys are treacherous. They navigate their way through a world we have created for them and carve out a place for their future. In their own humble and timid way, they will find a means to make us see they are the keepers of our tomorrow.

When I first approached Alek Lavigne, he had no idea why I would want to interview him. He said, “I feel like I’m a relatively normal person.” That kind of humility, in a nutshell, is why I wanted to interview Alek. As we talked about his experiences in becoming a practical effects artist, it became apparent to me that his story is anything but ordinary. Everything happened so naturally. It is easy to see why he never saw it any other way. As a door opened, he merely walked through it. When an opportunity presented itself suddenly, there was no time to debate the pros and cons. Sometimes, you just have to live in the moment and life will make itself.

Alek revealed to me when he was in middle school that he struggled socially and academically. His focus seemed to always drift to movies and art. He was always creating, and his mother took notice. “She knew I was different, not in a bad way,” he laughed, “but my

mother understood better than I did.” She chose to pull him out of traditional school and enrolled him in an art school. He remembered having to interview to get into Arts West. He brought in his creations and showed off his skills. Not only was he accepted, but he was also placed into a high school, advanced art class.

Alek Lavigne thrived at Arts West. He was in an environment made up of like-minded children. “Everyone there was very supportive.

All my friends were artists in one way or another, so it was like we were feeding off of each other.” As a child, his life seemed very normal to him. Being able to only experience life through his own eyes, he had no other basis for comparison.

When Alek was 15 years old, he knew he wanted to work in the effects industry. He always had a love of movies, and one, in particular, was Jurassic Park. He was in awe of the effects of the dinosaurs. To see dinosaurs stand next to people would be almost unimaginable without the magic of movies. He wanted to learn more about how the movie had done this. Eventually, he stumbled onto a behind-the-scenes video of how the dinosaurs were built.

“That was my first exposure to that line of work. I thought, ‘That’s a job somebody has and I could do that.’” He became inspired to build more props and costumes.

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In high school, Alek had a passing thought, but it was only that. “Maybe I was a little weird,” he said. “No one else was making movies and miniatures.” During his later years in high school at Hall Academy, he learned real-world applications for his art. He recalled, “Crit Killen came to my school with the Beetlejuice costume encased in a glass box.”

He remembered thinking, “It was really awesome.” Crit Killen was doing exactly what Alek Lavigne wanted to do with his life. Crit has created everything from concept art on Blade Runner to creature effects on Gremlins. His work has been influencing imaginations on the big screen for decades.

This experience only further enforced the drive Alek had to achieve his dreams.

He knew the work he was doing in creating practical effects was an achievable career goal. He held fast to his aspirations saying, “It has always been a dream of mine to work for Legacy Effects or Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.” This was his whole world, but then a shadow of doubt crept in.

Around Alek’s junior year of high school, he seriously thought about his future. He started thinking about what most kids think about. “I worried about my next steps.”

He wondered, “Where am I going to go to college? Am I going to go to college?” He remembered something his dad said to him, “You went to this school for a reason. You’ve invested time into this venture and it’s for a purpose.” He revealed to me, “My parents have always been extremely supportive. They’ve always had faith in me to do what I love and they have always backed me in what I choose to do.”

Alek’s parents relieved his anxieties which allowed him to continue his journey.

At the age of 17, Alek was asked by his cousin to model some work for him at a convention in Utah. His cousin, Walter Welsh, worked with practical effects, in make-up and prosthetics. He was also a runner-up on season 10 of

the show Face Off. Purely by coincidence, one of his teachers was part of a panel at the same convention. This chance meeting eventually led to Alek being introduced to Caleb Chung, an inventor and toy creator. His office just happened to be in the same building as Hall Academy. Caleb Chung is one of the creators of Furby and the inventor of Pleo. After a meeting with Caleb at It’s Alive Lab (IAL), Alek began interning there. Caleb Chung would become his mentor and the workshop would be another nudge in the direction of Alek’s destiny.

“My time at IAL was a little intimidating at first. Everybody else was an adult and a professional in their field. I was only 17 when I started there, but they all made me feel welcome.”

He told me, “I gained a lot of confidence working there with my mentors, Caleb Chung and Patrick Garrity.”

Alek is now 20 years old. He is actively applying for work in practical effects but never stops building his creations.

He said, “I always have a side project going.” He is always expanding his resume with more creations. He recently interviewed with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop and is waiting patiently for a response. He laughed, “I’m willing to drive down there and personally hand them my resume if that is what I need to do.”

As our conversation came to an end, I asked Alek Lavigne two more questions. The first was if he had a favorite project or creation. He said, “I have a special place in my heart for all my projects. It’s a milestone for where I was at the time. When I finish it, I have a sense of pride.” My last question was about reflection. Being able to look back, I asked whether he felt he had missed out on anything in his childhood. He admits he had thought of it. He had never gone to a Homecoming game or a high school party, but he told me, “Maybe I would have had a good time, but what I got in exchange, I cherish much more deeply.” He went on to tell me all the things for which he is grateful. “If I’d gone to a traditional school, I certainly wouldn’t have ended up at IAL. If I hadn’t taken the path I did, I wouldn’t have met the artist who gave me the opportunities I had. I’ve put so much work in, and others have put so much time into me, I’d be letting them down if I did anything else.”

Alek Lavigne is thankful for every encounter he had and the path his parents opened up for him. Their support led him to where his happiness lies. He feels he owes a great deal to those who have supported him and helped him get to where he is now. He thought of his father, “My dad would never say it, but I feel he set aside his dreams for the betterment of his kids. I feel like I owe him by doing this. He always said, ‘If you have a dream, you have to try. If you don’t, you’re going to regret it the rest of your life.’”

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ARTS

JULY.AUG | 2022 | VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 5

BY NORAH D. EMERSON

Joy

THE OF EXCELLENCE

ENCORE CREATIVE CENTER INSTRUCTORS PASS THE CREATIVE TORCH TO THE COMMUNITY You know that awe you get when standing before a masterful painting — that wonder of, how do they take wet mounds of pigment and transform them into such a light filled scene? You know that energy you get from attending a big concert - the power pulsing in your veins so strongly that you find yourself crying and don’t know why? This is passion pure and simple, passion carried through art to your mind and your heart — because art doesn’t just stand there purposeless; it invites you in to its excellence.

Imagine this same passion encapsulated in a building, where all around you can feel the fire of master artistry being transferred to YOU. You feel the joy. You feel empowered because you now have the tools to put the pieces together that have waited in your desires. You now know the why and the how behind what a casual observer calls “talent.”

“It’s time for the world to experience the arts from a fresh perspective.

Starting with our own community, people need a safe place to come where it’s normal to be amazing.”

Imagine being surrounded by master artists, creators of the visual arts, the musical arts, and the performing arts.... imagine them all gathering in one building as friends and team members with one mission. They’re here to inspire and educate others with the tools of their trade. Imagine soul-hungry individuals coming to this place and being filled; imagine whole families coming and staying while each child pursues their own passion in their own class.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ASHLEY FRITSCHE

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This is the vision that one Idaho woman imagined which led her to open what is now known as Encore Creative Center. Danika Starrharrt had already made a successful career for herself as a musician and educator, having been recording, performing and teaching music full time for almost two decades before founding Encore in Idaho. Knowing that her former achievements were only a springboard, she couldn’t stop there. She envisioned impacting thousands more lives than she could by teaching from her own thriving home studio, and she knew it would take a big place and a big team to be able to serve the whole Treasure Valley. She went

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to work gathering local artists, performers, and musicians who were also masters of their work and masters of communicating their joy to others.

Encore opened in Eagle just last year in 2021, and the community received the center so well that the business was able to expand to a second location in South Meridian within a year.

When asked “Why did you start Encore?”

Danika answers, “It’s time for the world to experience the arts from a fresh perspective.

Starting with our own community, people need a safe place to come where it’s normal to be amazing.”

She goes on, “Art is not meant to be ‘touch not’ on a pedestal anymore. We all have it in us to be creative in some way or another. Art is waiting for us to dig in and make the most of it and get messy. The lightbulb wasn’t created by just practicing the same thing over and over — it was created by experimentation.

Masterful music or masterful art that contributes solutions to the world, like a lightbulb, is made the same way. It’s all about the combination of know-how and freedom to explore. People need a physical place to go to learn this way of thinking and experience it for themselves, so they can feel confident to take it home and go make miracles in their lives.”

Not only the founder, Danika is the lead music instructor at Encore, coaching fellow teachers and working with serious students of all ages in voice and choir, flute, songwriting, and piano.

At times you can even catch her teaching other fun skills, like playwriting or balloon twisting.

Parents love her as an instructor because she tows the line and inspires. Kids run to her for hugs, but when it comes to music, she means

business. “It’s not enough to have fun, and it’s not enough to be amazing,” she says, “Joy and Excellence have to meet.”

“Danika is an old soul and a modern genius,” says one of her longtime students Sara Smits, “I don’t think any one person fully knows how musically skilled she is.” Some people know her for her award-winning film compositions, some for the way she sings with her performing group, and some for the fact that she plays over 20 instruments, seven of which she has played at concerto level and in orchestras.

Her passion extends beyond just music, however, and she wanted others coming to the center to be able to explore many different areas of passion as well. When faced with 9000 square feet of space to use for the centers, she thought, why not make a whole wonderland of ALL things creative? With the contribution of 30 professional instructors who are employed part- to nearly full-time at Encore, the center’s current class offerings include filmmaking, acting, musical theater, comedy, ballroom dance, jazz dance, songwriting, all band and orchestral instruments, piano, guitar/ukulele, vocal training, percussion, drawing, painting, sewing, LEGO engineering, sculpting and pottery, jewelry making, and language.

Many of Encore’s instructors are moms and dads themselves, and all have hearts invested in the next generation. “Encore is like a big family with arms always open for new family members,” says Sara, “You sometimes see grandparents enrolled in the same class as their grandkids there, and whole families come to the building for their different classes going on in different studios. The longer you stick around the more you make really good friends at Encore.”

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“My kids love their teachers and being a part of the dynamic learning environment that makes them feel comfortable and allows them to have so much fun while learning!” says Nicole, mom of three kids involved in music and art classes.

Rounding out the vibe of excellence, canvas-printed quotes from Encore instructors and famous artists alike line the walls of the center. “Every child is an artist until he is told he is not an artist,” reads one quote attributed o John Lennon. But Encore’s classes are not only for children.

Danika points to Lennon’s quote on the wall and says, “It seems this would be the same for adults, right? But this quote didn’t mention adults. Why? Because at some point by the time we’re grown we already have been told we’re ‘not’ artists — by someone or by something or by our own selves. It’s just doubt at work in some shape or form. So for adults to freely experience art and music, it’s more of a process of UNdoing.

We have to keep this in mind and be kind to ourselves. It’s about finding our inner child again, this time with wisdom, and listening to that voice inside that says, yes we can create, and yes we should create, because yes it matters to create.

Creating is not just a luxury. It’s a necessity. It brings every part of us into harmony inside and calms some of the chaos in the world around us.”

Want to take a casual class or make a serious long-term commitment to growing as an artist? More information can be found about both the Eagle and South Meridian campuses at encorecreativecenter.com or by calling 208-352-3042.

COMMUNITY

IDAHO2FLY

CANCER SUPPORT FOR MEN BUILDING A COMMUNITY OF MEN WITH CANCER THROUGH FLY FISHING AND MORAL SUPPORT Few words can bring fear and dread like the word “cancer.” At one point or another, all of us are affected by cancer whether personally ourselves or with someone we love. I recently had the privilege of spending time with three gentlemen who volunteer with Idaho2Fly, an organization specifically formed to help men with cancer and their immediate families rise above their disease with support and education all the while fly fishing beneath the beautiful Idaho skies, two of these gentlemen knowing firsthand what being diagnosed with cancer is like.

Idaho2Fly began in 2013 when Dr. Dick Wilson, a local neurologist, saw a need for men with cancer. As few resources are available specifically for men, the idea behind Idaho2Fly was to have something local to help build a community through a fly fishing retreat. Not only could men garner information about cancer and what to expect after being diagnosed, but they could enjoy time fly fishing, no prior experience necessary.

Over the years, the organization has grown into an amazing resource for men currently with cancer or who have recovered from cancer as well as loved ones affected by those difficult diagnoses. They now offer three fly fishing all-expenses-paid retreats per year, one-day fly fishing trips on the Boise River every other month, and a reunion picnic for men and their families in September. In addition, Fly Fishing 101 classes take place weekly on Facebook during March and April. Because retreats went on hiatus during the Covid crisis, Zoom meetings were added as well as a new “Buddy Program” was started to help keep the lines of communication open and fill in between retreats so that participants can have someone to talk with anytime. Recently videos have been added to their website, idaho2fly.org, about specific cancers that are unique to men, with plans to add more videos in the coming years to cover as many cancers as possible. And they are planning a special day at a Boise Hawks game.

BY SANDY MANN

“When you’re fishing, you don’t think about your cancer.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RASE LITTLEFIELD

Keith Murphy, Idaho2Fly’s current president, started volunteering in 2016 when Wilson found out that Murphy was an avid fly fisherman who also taught fly tying classes. According to Murphy, approximately 4,400 men in Idaho are diagnosed with some form of cancer yearly. In Ada and Canyon counties, roughly 1,600 men are diagnosed each year. “There is a tremendous need out there for cancer resources for men. Only about three percent of these men participate in Idaho2Fly’s programs.” Murphy adds that it is important that men who’ve had cancer get involved later on as inspiration to men newly diagnosed.

Steve Drabek, who now volunteers with Idaho2Fly, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and participated for the first time in 2019 at a retreat. He said the day he found out he had cancer was one of his worst days. A nurse referred him to Idaho2Fly, and after attending the retreat, the experience was life-changing. He’s been able to communicate better with his wife about his cancer, and his perspective on cancer totally changed.

He’s able to say that cancer may take you one day, but Idaho2Fly helped him see “that you have a lot of life, a lot of friends, and a lot of things you can do.” Likewise, Doug Zamzow, after his bladder cancer diagnosis in 2016 and reading about a bladder cancer survivor in one of Idaho2Fly’s flyers, decided to attend his first retreat. He has since attended every retreat as a Fishing Friend, someone who goes along one-on-one with a guest during a retreat.

Idaho2Fly is an amazing resource for men with cancer as well as being a place where men can get away from their cancer if for just a few short hours in some of Idaho’s most scenic locations. As Drabek says, “When you’re fishing, you don’t think about your cancer.” If you or a loved one is dealing with a cancer diagnosis, contact Idaho2Fly about all the many resources and activities offered. There are men who can walk alongside you during your illness and will always be next to you in the river when you cast that fly. If you would like to participate, volunteer, or donate, please contact them at 208.462.0402, email info@idaho2fly.org, or see their website at idaho2fly.org.

Idaho2Fly PO Box 6363, Boise, ID 83707 208.462.0402idaho2fly.org info@idaho2fly.org facebook.com/idaho2fly

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CUISINE

JULY.AUG | 2022 | VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 5

Eagle’s Best Kept Dining Secret WHY COYNE’S RESTAURANT TRULY IS A PROJECT OF LOVE

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA ALLARD/PATIO AND VICTORIA BELLE

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Gentle heat from the outdoor dining area fireplace warms my back as I sit back in my chair, sip my Peanut Butter Chocolate Coffee and watch rain drops ripple the surface of the serene pond across the street.

I look around and admire the Frank Lloyd inspired architecture which comes across both modern and warm, a rare combination.

I have just finished visiting with Kevin, the owner of this new restaurant in Eagle and begin to think I may have just discovered one of the valley’s best kept dining secrets.

Coyne’s, a family name chosen as an in an Ode to Kevin’s mother and uncle Bill, opened on March 16th, 2020. Kevin also owns the Bardenay es-tablishment which is recognized with wide enthusiasm throughout the Treasure Valley. Kevin recalls how they had to shut Coyne’s down just one day after their opening due to the pan-demic. He describes how they managed to pull through that challenging time and shares how the forced shift to a temporary carry-out dining model turned out to be a blessing in disguise as it gave the team extra time to train and connect with their new staff, become more familiar with the menu and fine tune the daily operation processes. I admire his optimism, a driving quality in the ability of any establishment to weather the unpredictable storms of modern life.

As our conversation continues I am further impressed when I learn that Coyne’s is an employee owned company (EOC), I am intrigued by the concept.

I ask Kevin what it was that moved him to opt for this business model, he replies, “I am not going to be around forever, this will allow my employees to continue the franchise as long as they have the desire to do so, wheth-er I am here or not.” Kevin admits that while it is a bit more complicated to set up this type of company ownership, he hopes the long term reward for his employees will be worth the extra effort.

I am beginning to understand why the energy here is so positive and welcoming, these team members here are personally invested in the success of their place of work. “Brilliant”, I think to myself.

After my visit with Kevin I pour over the breakfast/ brunch menu trying to decide which of the mouth watering entrees I will try first. My lovely, charismatic waitress, Karissa, does not seem at all rushed as she shares her personal favorites and makes thoughtful recommendations based on my personal preferences.

I am surprised to learn she has only been here three weeks, she has clearly been well trained. I also visit with one of the managers, David, who has been in the industry 15 years. Kevin tells me this is the best establishment he has ever worked for, I can feel his passion for the work he does. He talks about the importance of all employees having a positive attitude as they facilitate seamless service and a rich dining ex-perience for all who come to visit. Kevin does not feel like a cog on a wheel here at Coyne’s, but a valuable contributor and impassioned investor in his place of work.

As I slowly awaken from my full sensory indulged experience I scan over the menu one last time to make note of what I will order at my next visit. This time a section of the menu catches my eye and I am drawn to read what turns out to be their mission statement: “Coyne’s Restaurant is a project of love. The Coyne’s experience provides the space to put down the phone and make real connections. Our commitment is to create the environment and meals to liven the spirits and enrich the senses. Coyne’s is more than a restauraunt-it is an emblem of a lifetime love of food, good company and meaningful connections.”

Mission accomplished, I think to myself, as I gather my belongings with a buoyant heart and gratified stomach.

Perhaps I will see you there next week?

Shhh, it’s a secret.

676 E Riverside Dr, Eagle, ID 83616, 208-609-5550 coynesrestaurant.com 20-person private dining room available by reservation

BY TARA MARIE

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COMMUNITY

Assessing Your Life INSURANCE BROKER PETE DOVER GIVES BACK TO THE EAGLE COMMUNITY Pete Dover has one major piece of advice for you: assess your life – in every way.

Dover’s American Family Insurance agency in Eagle is celebrating its 20th birthday. It was important to Dover that readers know how grateful he is to his many clients and to his incredible staff – particularly Joy – for not only their amazing customer service, but most importantly, for holding down the fort while he works with many community organizations, including the Eagle Kiwanis Club, The Eagle Chamber of Commerce and the Eagle Library board. He was instrumental in getting Sunday hours at the Eagle library, so that people would have more access to all the resources it has to offer.

“For working families, this was critical.”

Dover prides himself in the way he is able to manage every aspect of his life in order to live to the fullest and give back to the Eagle community.

Pete Dover’s parents were from the UK. His mother grew up in the country and his father

grew up in London and was evacuated during the WWII blitz. The Dover family eventually moved to Canada, where Dover’s father had taken a banking position. His mother moved to Tasmania (a six week journey by ship), back to the UK, and eventually landed in Canada, where she met Pete’s father at a YMCA dance and married him shortly thereafter. The couple moved from Canada to La Canada in California. Similar names, vastly different cultures. Dover’s mother was an RN. One of Dover’s favorite childhood memories is of his mother regaling him with stories of having cared for Elizabeth Taylor after the family had moved to Southern California. “She was married to Richard Burton at the time, and when her stint was done, the couple gave her a beautiful angora sweater.

Years later, when my mother’s dementia was in an advanced state, she would still talk about the angora sweater that Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton gave her.” After 12 years, the family relocated to the Bay Area which Pete calls home.

BY CATRINE MCGREGOR

M AGAZI NE

One of Dover’s jobs had him travelling to two to four cities per week. During one of these weeks, Dover serendipitously took an extra leg of a puddle jumper trip between two California cities. It was on that little jaunt that he met his wife, Twila.

Pete embraced several careers, learning along the way, and Twila pursued her passion: working as a physical therapist.

September 11, 2001 was an auspicious day for all of us, but it was even more so for Pete Dover and his family. Because of company downsizing, he learned on this already awful day that he had lost his job. His personal life was faced with having to think through his family’s future. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

Dover’s wife Twila was raised in North Dakota, and he was raised in California.

Though many components needed to be thought through, one thing was certain: they wanted the best place to raise their young children. After intense research, the couple decided to move to Eagle. That was twenty years ago, and the Dovers have not looked back since.

Pete Dover is as committed to his work with community organizations, as he is to his clients, which says a lot. His clients all have his cell phone number, and he is available 24/7 to help people navigate a crisis. His American Family Agency has one of the highest retention rates in Idaho. Though he works with many community organizations, it is working with Kiwanis projects that really touched his heart.

“While we make an impact on all aspects of the community, the joy I get when I help under-served children is incomparable,” states Dover.

Not only does Dover truly care about his clients, but he cares about everyone’s insurance needs. You do not need to be an existing client for him to do an in-depth analysis of your current insurance coverage. “My job is to evaluate, educate and provide guidance so that you can be as insured as you want to be. You will always get the whole body from us, all the pieces and parts that are available, and their corresponding costs.” It’s no secret that the cost of just about everything has gone up substantially, and your current insurance may not have kept up. If your home’s value has gone up 40% in the past few years, would your insurance cover replacement costs? “This is the number 1 question we get lately.”

When I asked what one of the most common insurance questions is, Dover replied: “Car rental insurance. The car rental companies are really good at putting fear into you. They will especially tell you that your insurance does not cover ‘loss of use’ if the rental car has to spend time in the shop. They would have to prove that there were no other cars available to rent before that argument would fly. You don’t need additional car rental insurance, as long as you have liability and Comprehensive/ Collision coverages.” Dover leans in across the table: “There is one exception that people should know about. There’s a car rental platform called Turo. It is a peerto-peer carsharing company based in San Francisco. The company allows private car owners to rent out their vehicles via an online and mobile interface in over 56 countries. Some insurance companies will not cover Turo rentals, so be sure to check with your insurance agent before you rent through Turo.”

“Education is everything,” states Dover, “Take the time to really understand your insurance coverage and see if it meets your needs. The old adage of ‘better safe than sorry’ could not be more true when it comes to insurance. Feel free to dop in – I’ll look forward to meeting you!”.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ASHLEY FRITSCHE

To contact Pete Dover Agency: PETEDOVER.com 208.938-4901

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PORTFOLIO

BY LIZA LONG

JULY.AUG | 2022 | VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 5

With COVID-19 disruptions, including supply chain shortages and workforce challenges, many small businesses have struggled to make ends meet. But one feature of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) may work in your favor: Bonus depreciation.

Does Your Small Business Deserve a Bonus?

Depreciation has long been used by business owners and their tax professionals to offset the cost of capital investments such as retail or restaurant equipment (usually 7 years), computers (5 years), or land/ landscaping improvements (15 years).

But Section 168K of the TCJA has an important provision that expires at the end of 2022. Under this provision, small business owners can use bonus depreciation to deduct 100% of these costs in a single tax year. Next year, the amount drops to 80% and eventually phases out completely.

WHAT SECTION 168K OF THE TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT MAY MEAN FOR YOU

“The bottom line is

this: Talk to your tax

professional to see if bonåus depreciation is right for you.”

PHOTOGRAPH BY NATALIYA-VAITKEVICH

So when does Section 168K bonus depreciation make sense? According to Langley, “You really need an expert to evaluate your personal situation.”

Under Section 179 of the U.S. Tax Code, business owners can already write off assets up to $1 million at 100%. However, Section 168K has a few advantages over Section 179.

Before we get too far into the weeds, I want to stress that you should not try this strategy alone—and I am not a tax professional. You’ll need a competent tax professional to help you navigate the potential risks and benefits of using Section 168K bonus depreciation to offset your business profits.

I sat down with Susan Langley, a certified public accountant and partner at Coles Reinstein Accounting and Consulting in Boise, to learn more about how Section 168K bonus depreciation can work for Idaho businesses. Langley immediately noted that because Idaho does not follow the federal rules for depreciation, Cole Reinstein only uses this provision in rare cases.

“Let’s say you take a 100% accelerated depreciation for a $10,000 expense,” Langley said. “Idaho will add this amount back into your profits and calculate your depreciation using regular, not accelerated, rates, so while you may be able to deduct the full amount on your federal return, you’ll only be able to deduct a few thousand dollars on your state return, with depreciation spread out over the next 5-7 years.”

Essentially, Langley, said, this means that business owners will need to track the asset depreciation differently for their federal and state returns, which can create a problem if they change accountants or attorneys.

Idaho now has a 6% income tax rate, while the top federal rate is 37%. For lower tax bracket clients, a bonus depreciation may not make as much sense as it does for higher federal tax-rate clients. Additionally, Langley stressed, business owners will need to consider the administrative nuisance of keeping two sets of books to track the asset depreciation.

For example, a business owner cannot claim a Section 179 depreciation if the business has a net loss, but with Section 168K bonus depreciation, business owners can deduct the asset depreciation amount in full even if the business is showing a loss.

Langley gave me one hypothetical example where Section 168K bonus depreciation can dramatically reduce a client’s tax bill. If someone owns several businesses, and one business shows a large profit that places the client in the highest tax bracket, another less profitable business can use bonus depreciation to offset the taxes that would otherwise be owed on the profits from the first company.

For example, one client was running a successful multimillion dollar business and opened a retail store with high up-front capital expenses. The bonus depreciation of the retail store expenses was used to offset taxes on the other business’s profits.

“The thinking behind this provision was to help small business owners with taxes while also boosting the economy,” Langley said, noting that while Section 168K was originally limited to new equipment, it can now be used for used equipment as well.

And in 2022, small business owners can use all the help they can get! The bottom line is this: If you own a business, talk to your tax professional to see if bonus depreciation is right for you.

Cole Reinstein PLC | colesreinstein.com

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Clockwise from top: Julie Clemons - Treemendous | Rachel Teannalach - Stark and Bright - Boise Foothills and River on a Winter’s Evening | Betsie Richardson - Necking | Lisa Cheney - Release | Terry Sauriol - One is never enough

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