Meridian, ID March 2024

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Heart of Meridian: Your Home

Unlock the essence of Meridian – where every street tells a story, every neighborhood is a chapter, and every resident is a cherished character in the narrative of community. Home, that profound four-letter word, resonates with a unique melody in Meridian. It’s more than brick and mortar; it’s the tapestry woven by the people, places, and flavors that make this city a remarkable haven.

As Wendy Wunder aptly put it, “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.” In our exploration of Meridian’s essence, we aim to shine a spotlight on what sets this community apart for each of you. Beyond the delectable cuisine, captivating aesthetics, and innovative designs, it’s the people who form the beating heart of this city.

As you flip through this issue, envision your community coming to life – your neighbors, local businesses, and the unique charm of your surroundings. Our goal is to inspire and strengthen the ties that bind us, not just as residents of Meridian but as members of an extended family sharing a common home.

Every month, we receive heartwarming messages from readers who treasure this magazine beyond its publication date. It becomes a timeless piece, adorning coffee tables and homes as a testament to the spirit of Meridian. We take pride in crafting a publication that resonates with you, delivering the insights and connections you seek.

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your home, your story, and your Meridian. Embrace the warmth of community, the richness of local experiences, and the undeniable charm that makes Meridian truly special and our home.

March 2024

PUBLISHER

Greg Gewalt | greg.gewalt@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Tricia Busalacchi | tricia.busalacchi@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITER

Jordan Gray | editorial@meridiancitylifestyle.com

SALES SUPPORT ASSISTANT

Maria Serondo | upport@boisecitylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jana Kemp, Jordan Gray, Louis Katz, Chelsea Chambers, Denise Llorente, Leann Parker

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Louis Katz, Leann Parker

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart

DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

Come tour a campus and see for yourself!

Challenger School offers uniquely fun and academic classes for preschool to eighth grade students. Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence. The results are unmatched at any price!

Boise Bloom (PS–G1) (208) 338-9500

5551 West Bloom Street

Boise, ID 83703

Everest (PS–G8) (208) 846-8888

2020 W. Everest Lane

Meridian, ID 83646

An independent private school offering preschool through eighth grade

© 2024, Challenger

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

The annual Idaho Remodeling and Design Show, held in January at the Boise Centre, offers a comprehensive platform for home transformation. As Treasure Valley home values surged nearly 80% in the last five years, this event has become a vital resource for insights into remodeling and design. With a scarcity of affordable new homes, Idahoans turn to enhancing existing homes, making this IBL Events annual show even more valuable, connecting homeowners with knowledgeable experts in the Treasure Valley.

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city scene

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The event featured numerous hours of educational seminars from local professionals, covering various home improvement topics. Attendees delved into subjects such as avoiding pitfalls in remodeling, the evolving nature of kitchens, countertop choices, flooring, window options, and creating beautiful, functional spaces. Experts in cabinetry, countertops, flooring, sunrooms, additions, insulation, smart home automation, energy-efficient windows, exterior products, landscape installations, and home décor shared their knowledge.

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Newsworthy in Idaho

A Roundup of Exciting News from Local Organizations

ARTICLE BY DENISE LLORENTE

HFOT FINISHES BUILD FOR ARMY VET

Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) recently began constructing a specially adapted home for Army SPC Chad Pfeifer. The community kickoff event, hosted at Deer Flat Church in Caldwell, ID, signaled the start of the build process. SPC Pfeifer, injured while serving in Iraq, faced challenges in his daily life due to his existing home’s layout. The specially adapted home, incorporating over 40 major modifications for wheelchair accessibility and safety, aimed to offer him a more comfortable living environment. HFOT, a national nonprofit, relies on donations and community support for such initiatives. hfotusa.org

IDAHO’S FRESH HARVEST

Nurturing freshness in the heart of Buhl, ID, River Road Farm pioneers geothermal greenhouse innovation. Their pesticide-free tangelos and lemons, a winter miracle, showcase the farm’s commitment to sustainable agriculture. Shelly & Mike’s Farm contributes heirloom potatoes, onions, and spinach, cultivated organically for distinctive flavors. Black Fox Farm and Whistlepig Farm supply organically grown winter carrots, while Ferg’s Fabulous Fungi provides nutritious local mushrooms.

Greenwave Hydroponic Farm in Fruitland adds vibrant hydroponic salad greens and live herb pots. The Seasonal Produce Box, a customizable assortment, weaves together the best offerings from these local heroes, celebrating the diverse and sustainable bounty of Idaho’s agricultural landscape. FarmDeliverBoise.com

CANVAS AND DANCE: ARTISTIC FUSION

Meridian’s Initial Point Gallery unveiled the Dance Studies exhibition with a mesmerizing opening night in early February, featuring Boise Open Studios Collective Organization (BOSCO) artists and live ballet performances by Ballet Idaho. This collaboration seamlessly showcased the synergy between visual arts and dance, highlighting a shared passion and professionalism. The Initial Point Gallery, housed on the third floor of Meridian City Hall, continues to offer diverse art exhibits thoughtfully curated by the Meridian Arts Commission. While the dance performances enchanted the opening night, the exhibit itself will be available for viewing through March 29th. Art enthusiasts are invited to experience the enchanting fusion of visual arts and dance at their leisure. For more information, visit  Meridiancity.org

NEWS RELEASE AND STORY IDEAS: We’re always interested to hear about new business openings, upcoming events, local news items, and community members contributing in new and exciting ways. Email: EDITORIAL@MERIDIANCITYLIFESTYLE.COM | IG: @MERIDIAN.LIFESTYLE

Photo: Idaho Wine Weekends are back! Kick off with comfort food pairings, indulge in dessert delights, and savor a cinematic experience with Wine and Movies.  blog.idahowines.org

Initial Point Gallery BOSCO

oh, SOPHIA!

AND WHAT’S AN ALPACA, ANYWAY?

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOUIS KATZ

We’re having a mild one this year in Boise. Sure, it’s cold enough to curl up by the couch and watch Grace Kelly. But is it cold enough to put on your alpaca socks?

An alpaca’s not a llama, no matter what people say. For one thing, they’re smaller. And cuter. And they won’t spit on you, or bite, or make you itchy if you throw on an alpaca sweater. In fact, if you stick your nose up in an alpaca’s face, and breathe her sweet breath, you’ll find the scent rather pleasant. Did I mention how cute

they are? Those eyelashes, man, and those weird, crooked teeth!

Valerie Dresslar and David Jones run a ranch to rack operation at Sweet Valley Alpacas. They’re less than a half hour from downtown Boise, over by Robie Creek. Valerie claims it’s David’s fault they’re now alpaca ranchers. They certainly didn’t need to become alpaca ranchers. They own a lumber company called Millwood Direct, and Valerie’s the elections director for Boise County. Valerie didn’t even know what an alpaca was back in 2017, when David said “Hey, do you want to stop by an alpaca ranch?” It was love at first sight, and a few phone calls later, Sweet Valley

Alpacas was born, starring two females. Now, they’re up to eighteen animals, including two onboard (pregnant) females.

The first year, the animals didn’t pay for themselves, so the couple had to get creative to generate some income. That’s when they started their yarn company, working with a local mill, as well as going to shows like the Red Chair Lavender Festival, Trailing of the Sheep, and even the Eagle Christmas Craft Bazaar. It only took a couple of years till Valerie and David turned a profit.

And why shouldn’t they? Alpaca fleece is lighter, warmer, and stronger than wool, plus it doesn’t itch. It’s a higher quality

fleece than, say, llama fleece, but Valerie and David have nothing against llamas. As I mentioned earlier, llamas are bigger, and they have those adorable banana ears. Llamas are useful for protecting your herd. They’ll stomp a coyote like nobody’s business, or even a cougar or mountain lion. It’s just that their fleece is nowhere near as desirable as an alpaca’s.

Did I mention alpacas are smart? They know their own names, and they have distinct personalities. Some are friendly and come right up to you, others are a little

more standoffish. They certainly love to be photographed.

With all these upsides, you’d think that alpaca ranching would be a cutthroat, competitive business. Every mob boss this side of the Sawtooths would want in on the action. The reality is anything but that. Valerie and David are the quintessential alpaca ranchers. They’re in it for the love of the animals, and they’re not unique in that way. According to Valerie, everyone in the business wants to help each other and educate the public about these glorious creatures.

Now, I may be biased. My wife, Penny, has already expressed a desire for me to bring home Sophia, her all-time favorite little camelid. The thing is, these are herd animals. You must bring home at least two. And let’s face it, I couldn’t even fit one in the back of my Volvo. But alpaca socks are another story. I can fit a whole bunch of those in my sock drawer, and even though we’re experiencing a mild Boise winter, a warm pair of alpaca socks is just the thing you want on your feet as you sip your hot cocoa and catch up on your Grace Kelly movies.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE IN IDAHO

Building with New Wisdom

ARTICLE BY CHELSEA CHAMBERS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

“As a lifelong Idahoan, I take deep solace in knowing that we are building not just for the now, but for our future.

If you’ve been in Idaho for longer than even an hour, it becomes immediately apparent that we are one of the most breathtaking, showstoppingly gorgeous states in the U.S. Or maybe I’m biased but I could talk at great lengths about our bountiful rivers, expansive meadows, deep forests, and the beautiful way we incorporate living with nature into our daily lives, even in the bustling metropolitan Treasure Valley.

Nature and the outdoors are a way of life here in the Gem State, and businesses have learned to mirror that in their practices, especially in building and design. It no longer comes as a surprise that Idaho has officially been discovered. Rapid growth and mass influx of people means that there is a greater need for housing and infrastructure. That’s become more than obvious.

So how are architecture firms, engineers, and designers accommodating the increase in demand while balancing Idaho’s nature-minded mentality? Sustainable design.

HEMPITECTURE ( hempitecture.com)

“Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do,” shared owner and CEO Mattie Mead. “In fact, Hempitecture is a Public Benefit Corporation with a mission to benefit both people and planet through offsetting and storing carbon dioxide in long lasting, high performance, plant-based building materials. On a daily basis, our manufacturing team, located in Jerome, ID, is turning hemp fiber into a variety of building materials, ranging from batt insulation to rigid board insulation, as well as acoustic products.”

Every project that Hempitecture sets their sights on incorporates sustainable design as top of mind and many of their clients seek them out to eliminate their reliance on toxic materials. Mattie and his team are able to create products like insulation and long-lasting fireproof, and thermally resistant walls by combining hemp stalk with a mineral binder. Hempitecture helps clients across the country achieve more sustainable outcomes in their building projects by providing building materials solutions that are better for both people and planet.

JSDA INC. ( jsda.com)

Janice Stevenor Dale, owner of JSDA Inc., knows a thing or two about getting creative and by combining the use of sustainable, smart, and artisanal materials, JSDA is able to develop beautiful, eco-friendly designs for the Treasure Valley and beyond. “Our mission is to create personalized spaces that transform workplaces and living spaces, particularly designed to enhance life balance and wellness,” Janice said. “Using sustainable design, we capture the essence of your culture, creating an active, comfortable, and beautiful space that galvanizes the gathering of people.” She continues, “On a project designed to capitalize on sustainable design, we scoured through slab ends and scraps to find the perfect vanity for a colorful, Mediterranean, one-of-kind hand painted sink. Leftovers have never looked better.”

VY ARCHITECTURE ( vyarch.com)

Scott Yribar and co-founder Hannah Vaughn specialize in delivering products that mean what is called the ‘Passive Building Standard’. “This standard was originally developed in Germany and is the most stringent energy-efficiency standard in the world,” Scott explains. “The main goal behind the Passive House Standard is to create a very well insulated and air-tight building shell so heat either stays in or out of the building.” Projects that align with this standard can require a fraction of the energy that code-built building might use. “Energy consumed by the world’s buildings accounts for a third of the world’s energy use. So, working to increase energy efficiency in buildings is a very important way to reduce overall carbon emissions.”

GGLO ( gglo.com)

Lyndsay Watkins, Architectural Designer & Climate Specialist for GGLO, explains their three-faceted method to sustainability. “Our design ethos functions at the intersection of the built environment, human health and well-being, and ecosystem health. We focus on a holistic approach to carbon accounting

on our projects which includes embodied carbon, operational carbon and carbon sequestration.” Beyond working with the Carbon Leadership Forum and continually fine-tuning their practices, they also put together integrated sustainability workshops with all the players at the table—clients, contractors, consultants, and the design team—so that everyone is on the same page with their goals. “Sustainable management is important to me because I believe that deepening our connections with the land, each other, and the built environment is critical to responsible and equitable growth in our cities moving forward, particularly in Boise. Growing

up here and seeing how the city has developed and how we’ve experienced climate change in the valley, I feel incredibly motivated to help shift our path towards a future that is both resilient and moves beyond sustainability into the regenerative.”

NEIGHBORWORKS ( nwboise.org)

From concept to implementation, NeighborWorks integrates sustainable building in a variety of ways including drought-tolerant gardens, solar panel installation, and community-mindedness. “The design should also include a range of housing sizes that are affordable.”

Left page: Hempitecture | This page, top: Exploring the qualities of natural light and air, and the relationship to the skyline, GGLO | Bottom left: 5th Street Passive House, VY Architecture | Bottom right: Creating innovative housing solutions that contributes to building stronger communities, NeighborWorks

forward SPRING

IDAHO REGIONAL BALLET OPENS SPRING SEASON WITH “A DANCE COLLECTIVE”

ARTICLE BY JORDAN GRAY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICHOL STARR

A pale pink ballet slipper touches the floor, and the performance begins.

With movements shifting from simple to complex and back, the dancers put a story in place with each pas de bourrée, plié, and pirouette.

This is the scene of the Idaho Regional Ballet’s (IRB) “A Dance Collective.” The dancers take the stage each year as part of their spring performance. For 2024, that will be at 7 P.M. March 9 at the Boise State University Special Events Center (1800 W. University Drive, Boise).

“Our spring concert truly showcases the talent of our young dancers,” IRB Artistic Director Liz Keller said. “IRB is Idaho's only pre-professional ballet company.”

While the company performs at multiple venues, the nonprofit dance company calls the Eagle Performing Arts Center home. As part of its mission, IRB aims to promote the art of dance and provide excellence in training for its company members, provide funding and support to enable performing opportunities that enrich the education of their dancers and the community, and to provide the opportunity to work with invited guest teachers and choreographers.

“All of our IRB dancers take their classical ballet technique, pointe, and contemporary classes at Eagle Performing Arts Center,” Keller said. “(They) train anywhere from 15-24 hours a week.”

The dancers, who range in age from 11-18, are divided into senior and junior companies, with additional dancers on board as trainees and apprentices.

“Our dancers are passionately dedicated to the art of dance and their craft,” Keller said.

You’ll be able to see that passion on display as IRB takes on excerpts from Act II of “Swan Lake,” new

“Our spring concert truly showcases the talent of our young dancers!”

— Lisa Keller

works by Keller, Sayoko Knode, and Lydia SakolskyBasquill, and emerging choreography by five of IRB’s student choreographers.

IRB will also be joined by Mid-Columbia Ballet from Richland, Washington. Mid-Columbia and IRB are both members of The Ballet Alliance, an association of pre-professional companies.

Tickets are available for “A Dance Collective” and all IRB performances at idahoregionalballet.com

fine furniture, lighting, art & accessories for your home

ARTICLE BY JANA KEMP

The Meridian Symphony Orchestra will move you! Now in its thirty-third season (2023-2024), this 70-member volunteer musical ensemble dedicates itself to enriching the community’s cultural life by providing quality, family-friendly entertainment in an educationally focused environment.

Begun in the 1990s, when the Meridian School District (now West Ada School District) did not have a student strings program, this community undertaking supported the development of string programs. A group of volunteers and music educators originally formed the string program, including providing lessons to help students get started. Today, the West Ada School District has its own string programs.

The seasonally performing Meridian Symphony Orchestra (MSO) grew out of the March 1990 volunteer work. Since then, the MSO has evolved into an adult community ensemble comprised of 70 to 75 musicians who volunteer to play. Musician skills range from people who are accomplished on their chosen instruments to those who hold master’s degrees in music performance and there are even some retired PhD professors. The musicians come from all walks of life: homemakers, teachers, educators, engineers, attorneys, accountants, physical therapists, dentists, music teachers, full-time parents, and more. All are fulfilling their passions for music. The group’s attitude is one of seriousness and high musical standards that are no different from a full-time musical organization.

Together, they perform at a very high level under the artistic direction of Conductor James Ogle. “They play with passion and emotion, energy and love,” says Ogle. Rehearsals are held Monday evenings, two-hours at a time, with an average of six or seven per concert. Rehearsals are hardworking and fun. The musicians’ energy translates into audiences that feel these ethics and emotions. The annual Holiday Concert is the only two-performance opportunity to experience MSO. About 1500 community members attended the 2023 Holiday Concerts. People from the audience consistently share that they have had fun – that they have been moved.

Music is selected around a theme for each season’s concerts by Artistic Director Jim Ogle. He then works with the musicians on the final selections. On some occasions the musicians share requests and a program is built from these recommendations.

The Meridian Symphony Orchestra Board is also all-volunteer and comprised of symphony members and two from the community at large. The organization is self-governed and has wonderful community support. “For the Love of It” is the motto of the

Meridian Symphony Orchestra. “The musicians love making music – together and for the audience,” says Principal Flute and Board Secretary Jennifer Rhees.

In 2007, the MSO held its first Young Artist competition. The competition is held each January. Students apply to perform in this competition. They bring their own piano accompanist and play one piece for a panel of judges. There is a junior (8th grade and younger) division and a senior (9-12th grades) division, with one winner from each division. A recent winner was 10 years of age and a piano player. The winners perform with MSO, thereby inspiring other young musicians.

MSO member auditions are held annually.  Openings are communicated via the website and word-of-mouth. Auditions are held in front of a committee of peers, with each performer behind a screen so that each person is judged purely on their playing and their ability to contribute to the orchestra. MSO never knows what openings might occur year to year.

Artistic Director and Conductor James Ogle earned a Master’s in Clarinet Performance from the University of Michigan. After he graduated, he realized that conducting was his real passion and he sold his clarinets. In 1974, he entered the Martha Bard Rockefeller Foundation’s competition for an American Conductor to conduct an orchestra. He won the opportunity for a two-year fellowship to conduct the North Carolina Symphony, which turned into a 19-year career with them. Then, in 1987 and the following five years, Ogle commuted between North Carolina and the Boise Philharmonic to conduct both groups.  For 39 years, Jim has conducted the North Carolina Symphony’s The Messiah. “I really grew up conducting the North Carolina Symphony. It has been an incredible ongoing relationship.”

Ogle lead the Boise Philharmonic for 20 years. Then Dr. Bob Kustra asked him to join Boise State University’s advancement team to raise funds for 14 years, including raising monies for the recently opened Center for the Visual Arts building. “Working with the orchestra enriches my life. They share my passion. We work together to play at a very high artistic level and to make the music come alive!” shares Ogle.

Ogle has stayed in the Treasure Valley community because “The artistic community has grown in fantastic ways. This has been a great place to raise our family. And the community support for the Meridian Symphony Orchestra continues to grow.”

More information: meridiansymphony.org

Final Regular Season Concert:

MAY 4, 2024 at 7:30 PM | Location:  Check website.

Music from around the globe is featured in: “Here, There, Everywhere.” Music includes Resphigi’s tone poem, “The Pines of Rome”; Strauss’s “Emperor Waltz,” composed as a symbolic toast of friendship from Austria-Hungary to the German Empire; and Gould’s “Latin American Symphonette,” based on dance rhythms of rhumba, tango, guaracha, and conga.

Outdoor Community Concert:

JUNE 8, 2024 at 7:00  PM | Location:  Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park bandshell, 1900 N. Records Avenue, Meridian ID

This family-friendly free concert during the City of Meridian’s annual Gene Kleiner Day, features some of the orchestra’s “greatest hits”. Bring a picnic, a blanket, or a chair and enjoy!

ARTICLE BY STAFF WRITER

FINER DETAILS

Unveiling Design Insights: Experts

Share Tips for Elevating Living Spaces

Judith Balis

Interior designers possess a unique ability to scrutinize every room they enter, an inherent aspect of their profession. This keen eye allows them to notice design nuances that often escape the untrained observer. In the absence of these design experts, how can we identify potential flaws in our living spaces?

To shed light on common design challenges, we've interviewed lifestyle tastemakers over the past year, gathering significant insights into interior design trends.

FURNITURE PROPORTIONS MATTER:

Interior designers readily spot issues with badly proportioned furniture, a detail often overlooked by the untrained eye. Considerations about the room's footprint guide designers in selecting furniture that perfectly complements the space. For instance, Judith Balis of Bungalow Home Furnishings exemplifies her design philosophy, blending contemporary

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Renditions Furniture

Judith Balis

Christa Napier

comfort with cherished antique finds. Achieving proportion extends to other elements like sofas and coffee tables where choosing the right scale is crucial for a harmonious space.

CAUTION WITH PAINT EXPERIMENTS:

The trend of accent walls has its ebb and flow, but many interior designers shy away from this approach. Jamie Batson of Dwell Home Co. shared with Lifestyle, "It's funny thinking back on my first two homes and how many different paint colors I experimented with – some were definitely better than others – and how

my style has evolved over the years." Opting for monochromatic color schemes, where the same color saturates various elements in the room, is often suggested as a better alternative. This approach, when executed skillfully, can transform a room into a cohesive and visually appealing space.

PRECISION IN HANGING CURTAINS:

The meticulous task of measuring curtains is a source of anxiety for designers, but the importance of getting it right cannot be overstated. Correctly hung curtains should be positioned 10

to 12 inches higher and wider than the window opening. This ensures proper coverage and enhances the aesthetic appeal of the room. Attention to details like curtain length and horizontal rod extension contributes to a polished and well-designed space.

ART PLACEMENT: NOT TOO HIGH, NOT TOO LOW:

The placement of art on walls requires careful consideration of height. To achieve optimal placement, the center of the artwork should be roughly 60 inches from the floor. Employing museum putty or security fixings further ensures the stability of the artwork, preventing it from skewing from its intended position. Marlee Drake from the NEST shares that “It's important for balance and well-being for our clients and the way they function in their personal spaces.”

ILLUMINATE WITH LAMPS:

Lighting is unanimously considered a crucial aspect of interior design, capable of transforming the ambiance of a space. Christa Napier from Alloway Lighting Company makes it a point to create a more personal relationship with the lighting needs of her clients. A well-lit room contributes to a cozy and inviting atmosphere, while inadequate lighting can create a cold and stark impression. The strategic use of various light fixtures, including table lamps, picture lights, and floor lamps, is recommended to achieve layered and mood-enhancing lighting throughout a room.

By heeding these insights, homeowners can gain a better understanding of potential design pitfalls and elevate their living spaces with thoughtful and intentional choices.

wood & root bar

GETTING CREATIVE WITH WOOD, PLANTS, AND ALCOHOL

ARTICLE BY CHELSEA CHAMBERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY WOOD AND ROOT BAR

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, it is true that with change springs new things. This is exactly what happened with Wood & Root Bar in Meridian (located at 132 East Idaho Avenue).

Owners Niki Hritsco and Shannon Ingle

“The inspiration for Wood & Root Bar came from two friends who wanted to save their businesses!” shared co-owner Shannon Ingle. “Our biggest fear was having to get new jobs away from each other! The economy had really taken a toll on both retail shops, so we knew we had to pivot. By making our businesses more experience-based and adding the bar, we accidentally created a whole new concept that everyone seems to love.”

Alongside her co-owner Niki Hritsco, the pair have brought their natural proclivity for creative thinking to a brand-new kind of business, one that involves everyone’s favorite things: crafts, plants, and alcohol!

Niki, owner of The Happy Hour Homemaker, combined her woodworking experience with her love of the community by partnering with Shannon Ingle and her business, Coffee Plant Repeat. Both entrepreneurs were in danger of losing their businesses, but rather than succumb to the frustration of owning and operating a business, the two made a quick pivot to combine forces. And thus Wood & Root was born!

Combing all the best of their worlds, Wood & Root is a creative space where guests can choose from a variety of fun wood-based projects, art and painting, or terrarium planting, among a myriad of other things. The variety allows the Wood & Root to be more inclusive to those who may want to branch out from traditional paint-n-sips or crafting. And the best part is you are never on your own!

“Niki is the craft expert and Shannon is the plant expert. We are available to help guide you through every single project. Painting, potting a plant, string art or building a terrarium plus many more options to choose from!”

Let’s set the scene a bit, shall we? Personally, I went to Wood & Root for a friend’s birthday party. I was nervous about the whole experience as I have never described myself as crafty. But I love plants and I adore a good drink, so I was along for the ride. When it came to deciding what I’d spend my evening on, I made a snap decision to paint—something I hadn’t done in over 20 years—and I was more than pleasantly surprised! With so many colors to choose from, I had a blast mixing and blending colors of the night sky; Niki and Shannon were never far and offered great tips on how to make cool stars

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and other painting ideas. Across the table, a friend of mine worked on her terrarium and furnished it with some dazzling looking bugs. Other friends crafted earrings and wall-hangings and the whole room was filled with giggles, kudos, and truly amazing art. I knew I’d be back and ever since, I tell everyone that will listen: YOU HAVE TO GO TO WOOD & ROOT BAR IN MERIDIAN!

“We have so much fun with parties! Bachelorette celebrations, birthdays, and corporate events are always on the calendar and we are thankful for that! Some of the best nights happen when groups just walk in with no reservations, to create with us,” Shannon said with a smile. “We want people to know that you can show up ANYTIME and we always have projects to choose from.  No reservations are required but we gladly accept them.”

She continues, “We haven’t really thought of what’s next because we are just celebrating the fact we are still here! We’re celebrating that two small business owners who thought we were going to shut our doors can still go to work every day and do what we love!”

Visit Wood & Root Bar online @woodand rootbar for more information.

Meridian + Valley Events

FEBRUARY 2024

2-15 — IDAHO’S 40-YEAR WATERCOLOR EXHIBIT

Capitol Rotunda: Idaho Watercolor Society hosts its 40th Annual Capitol Rotunda Art Show. IdahoWatercolorSociety.org

2-3 — SHEN YUN

Morrison Center: brand-new 2024 production, modern tales of courage spring to life through classical Chinese dance. MorrisonCenter.com

2 — 38TH ANNUAL IDAHO CITY CHILI COOK OFF

Idaho City: Local business owners engaged in a spirited competition, offering a feast on the streets of Idaho City Citylifestyle.com

2 — 65TH ANNUAL ROCK AND GEM SHOW

O’Connor Field House, 10AM: Explore a dazzling array of rocks and gems. RockandMineralShows.com

3 — LOVE/SICK

Boise Little Theater 3 PM: LOVE/SICK by John Cariani offers a darkly comedic take on love, featuring nine twisted and humorous short plays. BoiseLittleTheater.org

5 — CANYON COUNTY BUSINESS BUILDER DAY

Nampa Civic Center, 10 AM: Connect directly with key decision-makers from various professionals in the Treasure Valley. Iblevents.com

6 —  ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN

Morrison Center, 7:30 PM:  Get ready to rock ‘n’ roll and seize the opportunity to revel in One Night Of Queen with Gary Mullen & The Works! Morrisoncenter.com

8 — LINE DANCING AT THE FARM

The Farm Dance Hub and Event Center, 7 PM: Line Dancing fun starts at 7 pm with lessons by Dirt Road Dancing at 7:30 pm. gcidahochamber.chambermaster.com

8-10 — 51ST ANNUAL BOISE ROADSTER SHOW

Expo Idaho: An array of top hot rods, radical customs, wicked street machines, hot trucks, boats, classics, motorcycles, and more. FirebirdOnline.com

8-10 — BROADWAY IN BOISE PRESENTS MEAN GIRLS

Morrison Center: Uproarious tale of a newcomer navigating the antics of a trio of popular frenemies. MorrisonCenter.com

9 — WEDNESDAY NERD NIGHTS

Jack’s Urban Meeting Place, 4 PM: Wizards, Creatures, and magical

beings are invited to join Barbarian Nerd Night to play favorite games (BYOG). VisitBoise.com

9 —  ILLUMIBRATE: DREAMS

Jack’s Urban Meeting Place, 11 AM: A free, dream wonderland with mesmerizing colors, lights, and interactive art installations, a family-friendly event. Jumpboise.org

10 — LANY - A BEAUTIFUL BLUR: THE WORLD TOUR 2024

Revolution Concert House, 8 PM: Melodies and captivating performances of LANY as they embark on a dazzling worldwide adventure. Boise-theater.com

13 — WEDNESDAY BIRDERS

Discovery Park, 1 PM: Discover birdlife including early migrants and wintering songbirds. GoldenEagleAudubon.org

16 — ST PATRICK’S DAY WEEKEND BAR CRAWL

Mulligans’ Pub & Eatery, 4 PM: Get green and search for gold on our Shamrock Stroll! 1009 W Main St

20-24 — TREEFORT MUSIC FEST 20

Downtown Boise: An eclectic lineup of musical performances, engaging cultural events, and a lively atmosphere in the heart of Boise, Idaho. TreefortMusicFest.com

22 — MANIA: THE ABBA TRIBUTE

The Egyptian Theatre, 7:30PM: An electrifying experience for ABBA fans, featuring captivating visuals, and iconic hits. EgyptianTheatre.net

22- 24 — BOISE FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW

Boise Center, 10 AM: Idaho’s largest flower and garden show for a Spring kickoff. Iblevents.com

23- 24 — PAW PATROL LIVE! “HEROES UNITE”

ExtraMile Arena: “Heroes Unite” coming to Boise, ID! PawPatrolLive.com

28 — EXHIBITING CURIOSITY

Idaho State Museum, 5 PM: The behind-the-scenes process of how artifacts contribute to the state’s collections and reveal stories about our shared history. History.idaho.gov

29 — DISNEY PRINCESS THE CONCERT

Morrison Center, 7:30 PM: Broadway and TV stars performing beloved princess songs, accompanied by enchanting theatrical effects. MorrisonCenter.com