enthusiasts enthusiasts
VEHICLE CONSIGNMENT
Our sales and management staff have unmatched expertise along with a vast customer database and client network earned over three decades.
UNIQUE Inventory
Our indoor showroom features a variety of exotic, luxury and collectible automobiles you won’t find anywhere else.
WE BUY CARS!
Have a unique, well optioned, low mileage, exotic, luxury, or collectible car? We pay top dollar!
FULL SERVICE Auto Salon
The Treasure Valley’s best in full detail services, paint correction, ceramic coatings, paint protection film, and complete vinyl wraps.
CUSTOM BUILDS
Our experienced team of mechanics can handle engine swaps, suspension, custom electronics and accessories, and so much more.
MAINTENANCE & REPAIR
Certified technicians and parts suppliers with experience in a vast array of unique brands.
Where Character Takes the Lead
Each year, our June issue gives us a chance to pause and recognize the men who make a difference— not always loudly, not always in the spotlight, but in ways that matter.
This issue isn’t just about the twenty men we’re highlighting. It’s about the bigger picture— about the dads, mentors, craftsmen, entrepreneurs, neighbors, and friends who help shape the rhythm of life here in the Treasure Valley.
You’ll meet a sculptor whose work speaks across generations, a ski coach whose love for the outdoors runs deep, and a statesman-turned-wine-advocate whose legacy is as enduring as the vineyards he helped bring to life. You’ll also read about events that bring people together, causes worth championing, and places where community shows up strong.
What ties it all together is a sense of purpose. These are people who care deeply about where they live. They build things—businesses, legacies, friendships, families. They give back, lift others up, and leave things better than they found them. And honestly, that feels worth celebrating.
So here’s to the men who show up. The ones who lead with character. Who find joy in the work. Who remind us that strength isn’t just in what you accomplish— but in how you carry yourself along the way.
Thanks for being part of this issue—and this community.
Happy Father’s Day.
Meridian Lifestyle is available for pick up at the Meridian Chamber of Commerce, 215 E. Franklin Rd.
June 2025
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 | support@boisecitylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Russell Detablan | editorial@meridiancitylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jana Kemp, Chelsea Chambers, Jordan Gray, Denise Llorente, Kimberly Cornelison
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Phil White, 8th Street Studio, Nick Sabin, Bri Sabin, Sandra Whittaker
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
inside the issue
Coming Home to Guitars
Acoustics,
Sculpting History
Master Craftsman Benjamin Victor Brings Form to Historical and Fantastic Figures
Honoring
From Idaho lawmaker to Cabernet connoisseur,
Easton Soule
Photography
Sagebrush Metal Art
Mosaic Essential
MERIDIAN fine art festival RETURNS WITH HANDMADE wonders
Treasure Valley residents can look forward to another vibrant celebration of creativity and community as the second annual Meridian Fine Art Festival returns to Kleiner Park on June 28 and 29. Following the success of its debut, this juried outdoor event will feature 150 talented artists and craftsmen, the majority of whom are local, many from Meridian as well as the Pacific Northwest creatives.
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, attendees can explore a colorful array of handcrafted goods, including paintings, jewelry, furniture, stained glass, pottery, leatherwork, woodburning, and specialty foods. Every item is handmade by the artist, with strict guidelines ensuring authenticity and craftsmanship.
The festival is the combined efforts of mother-daughter duo Sherry and Lauren Kistner, both accomplished artists. Their mission? To create a space where local creators could connect directly with the community, showcase their work, and build lasting relationships right in the heart of Meridian. "What our show offers is a chance for people to see that art in our community is vibrant and growing, and much more unique to your tastes than
A juried outdoor celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, community spirit, and family fun at Kleiner Park
ARTICLE BY STAFF WRITER
Heather Hainsworth
Art of the Matter
what you can find repeated in the big box stores," Sherry said. "We’re much more interested in making sure our guests are inspired to shop local and our artists can continue to create."
Sherry brings decades of experience, having coordinated McCall, Idaho's Payette Lakes Fine Art & Craft Fair for over 35 years. Now, with Lauren’s help, they’re scaling that passion for art and community to Meridian. "Fine art is accessible if you know how to do it," Sherry noted, adding that conversation and customization are at the heart of the event.
What sets the Meridian Fine Art Festival apart is its emphasis on artist interaction and personalization. Visitors won’t just browse booths; they’ll have the chance to speak directly with artists, request color or design customizations, and learn about each piece’s inspiration. It’s an invitation to understand art not as a product, but as a process.
In addition to fine art, the festival will offer live entertainment by Matt Roos and Friends throughout both days, with local musicians creating a festive soundtrack to accompany the browsing experience. Food trucks will line the sidewalks with savory bites and sweet treats, while Kleiner Park’s splash pad, playgrounds, and open lawns provide kids and families with room to roam.
This year’s festival adds even more family-friendly fun with free keepsake photos from Photo Booth Boise and colorful face painting by Designed for You Face Painting. Whether it’s a superhero mask, a playful animal, or a touch of sparkle, guests of all ages can join the fun.
Meridian continues to earn a reputation as one of Idaho’s most creative communities. With its expanding arts scene, walkable gathering spaces, and welcoming atmosphere, the city offers the perfect canvas for a growing event that’s built on local talent.
The festival’s location—just steps from The Village in Meridian—makes it easily accessible for a full day of shopping, socializing, and soaking in the summer sun.
Whether you're a collector, a casual admirer, or someone looking to support local makers, the Meridian Fine Art Festival promises an inclusive, artistic weekend for the whole family.
Meridian’s Creative Side
Meridian isn’t just Idaho’s fastest-growing city—it’s also becoming a vibrant arts hub. With festivals, murals, local makers, and small galleries, events like the Fine Art Festival reflect a city where creativity and community are thriving side by side.
Bumblebird
Coming Home to Guitars
Acoustics, electric, amplification, demo rooms, and accessories are vibrant parts of Boise’s music scene
Boise has its own “Norman’s Rare Guitars” in the 12th Fret Music shop at 671 South Capitol Boulevard. If you’ve watched the documentary about Norman, you’ll be equally in awe seeing wall-to-wall and ceiling-hung guitars at Rob Ridgway’s 12th Fret Music.
Rob’s passion began when he was 14 or 15 years old, when he first started playing guitar. Rob became a professional musician, with a dream of opening a guitar store. He shared: “I remember I just loved being in music stores and feeling like I was at home.” Creating a sense of home has happened. The low-key atmosphere with a friendly and knowledgeable team invites question asking, staying for a while, and community building.
When Rob purchased 12th Fret Music, it was located off South Broadway. Rob has continued guitar and amp repair work with a passionate team on board. New, used, exclusives, and consignment guitars from more than 30 makers are in the store, plus multiple amp makers.
Selling, setting up, and repairing guitars and amps is a unique offering in Idaho. Want to test guitars and amps? Rob says, “Yes, come on in.
Rob Ridgway’s 12th Fret
Music is an active part of Boise’s music scene drifts between repairs, riffs, and the quiet ritual of return visits. On any given day, someone’s tuning up, someone’s reminiscing, and someone’s learning.
We encourage this 100%. Instruments and sound are very personal to the player and every guitar and amp is going to resonate differently for each player and listener.”
Visitors and customers interact with team members and each other as they explore the store, the acoustic demo room, or the high-end electric demo room. In addition to guitars, you’ll find strings, picks, tuners, straps, accessories, and more. If you want to explore
ARTICLE BY JANA KEMP |
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHIL WHITE + PROVIDED
your collection’s worth, Rob’s team can appraise instruments.
After the 2017 purchase, Rob shares: “We were bulging at the seams and knew we needed more space, but I wasn't quite ready to move. Then, the complex was sold and the new landlords/owners wanted to increase our monthly lease payments by 90%. So, I started looking and was able to find our home on Capitol. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise for us!”
Building a friendly and knowledgeable team that creates a sense of home for customers requires careful hiring. Rob values his team and indicates “It took a while to get to this point and I'm grateful for everyone who has helped get us here. When I hire, I look for a passion for instruments and music, and for people who can be of service to our customers.”
As a Marshall distributor, Rob’s team has built the largest – and loudest –Marshall amp wall in the world and is
hoping to earn a Guinness World Record. This wall will also be a part of a local charities fundraising effort. Stay tuned!
12th Fret Music has something for everyone: New players; People who have been playing for awhile and want to upgrade gear; People looking for pro-audio equipment; Through to high-end guitar collectors. Rob wants everyone to know “We care about music as much as our customers do and we are here to enjoy the journey together.”
ARTICLE BY CHELSEA CHAMBERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK AND BRI SABIN
A Day Spent Outdoors
From rivers to ridgelines, Nick Sabin makes the wilderness his workplace—and Idaho his playground
"Nature is not a place to visit, it is home." –Gary Snyder
In our digital days spent scrolling wildly from one thing to the next, from one screen to another, it’s easy to forget our roots. For many, the distance feels wider than others and, for some, they choose to live their lives outdoors, working in nature no matter the job.
Nick Sabin was born in Boise and finds his adventures in Idaho’s outdoors. Fly fishing, hiking, skiing, biking, rafting, camping, you name it.
The outdoors means so much to him that he even proposed while on a rafting trip and is now happily married to his wife, Bri. With so many hobbies and interests, it’s no wonder he’s had such a diverse career working everywhere from Roaring Springs to the Payette River. Sabin now proudly holds the title of Head Ski Coach for the Bogus Basin Sports Education Foundation (BBSEF). And, despite being on the road for more than 60 days out of the last four months, it is a career he very much cherishes.
“It is super rewarding work, sharing my passion for skiing with the youth of the Treasure Valley,” Sabin explains. “I have never woken up thinking that I
didn’t want to go to work. I am always eager to get up on the hill and help better the program or better the kids that I coach.”
Sabin started at BBSEF in college, where he worked both there and at a construction company throughout his time in school. “In between, I’ve been a raft guide and safety kayaker for Bear Valley Raft & Co. on the Payette River system. McCu’s ski and snowboard technician, Professional Ski and Mountain bike patroller for Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, Wildland Firefighter, manager at Idaho River Sports, to name a few. Most of my career has been spent in outdoor seasonal work.”
His motto has always been to ‘take what you do seriously, but to not take yourself too seriously,’ which has been helpful for long days on a fire or
after a close shave with nature. “One time while mountain biking in Steamboat Springs, I was charged by a black bear. I don’t think I’ve biked so fast in my life,” he regales. “I’ve been charged by moose on two different occasions, once in particular at Silver Creek while fishing.” He pauses, “I’ve been charged by a lot of animals I am realizing,” he says while he ponders.
One of his many adventurous career paths led him to guiding on the Payette River, a job that gave him an immense amount of respect for the river, and nature in general. One of the many challenges he faced while
in this industry was people underestimating the power of the river. “It’s a lot of fun to spend time on the river, but it is inherently dangerous, and I don’t think a lot of folks give it enough respect.” He adds, “I wish more folks didn’t view wearing a PFD (personal floatation device) as uncool.”
With ski season wrapped up for the year, Sabin plans to go thaw out in the Caribbean and will be going on his first cruise. He plans to continue to help grow the BBSEF ski program, keep enjoying nature and teaching others to do the same. Catch ya on the trail!
MEET THE MEN WHO BUILD, LEAD, CREATE, AND INSPIRE
From entrepreneurs to educators, these men are making moves, shaping lives, and showing what commitment looks like in real time
This month, we turn our attention to the men shaping the Treasure Valley not with noise, but with purpose. These are builders, mentors, visionaries, and doers—men who rise early, stay late, and show up when it matters most. They come from different industries and backgrounds, but they share a common thread: they lean in where others might opt out. Whether they’re leading with quiet consistency or bold innovation, they move with intention—often more interested in impact than recognition. They build businesses, steward communities, and carry with them a deep-rooted sense of responsibility, knowing that legacy isn’t just what you leave behind— it’s what you build while you’re here.
In this issue, we highlight 20 men who embody dedication, resilience, and forward thinking. Some are creating new opportunities; others are preserving what matters most. All of them remind us that leadership isn’t always about spotlight—it’s about substance.
Their stories speak to the kind of strength that isn’t always seen but is always felt. The kind that mentors the next generation, holds the line during hard moments, and finds purpose in the everyday.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Know someone making a meaningful impact? Email: Editorial@ MeridianCityLifestyle.com
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHIL WHITE, 8TH STREET STUDIO
CONTINUED >
Tyrone Flower, Royal British Motocars
Spencer Wheeler, Hoagland Meat
Adam Pitale and Tony D’Amato, Enzo’s Hand Wash & Detail
Chef Lou, Westside Drive In
Benjamin Wasby, Les Bois Wines
Todd Christensen, CapEd Credit Union
Kelly Woodhouse, Woodhouse Group
Daniel Wallis, Heritage Hardwood Flooring
Dr. John Dewitt, Keystone Physical Medicine
Mark D. McAllister, Sunway Commercial
Daniel Sprague, HB Workplaces
Jim Sterk, Lithia Ford Lincoln
Brandon VanWaeyenberghe, The Boise Phil
Calvert Elliott, Avery Hotel
Nikolai Castoro, Torro Restaurants Group
Gene Zufelt, View Point, Inc
ENJOY MEMBER RATES
· $30 Wellness 30 sessions
· $30 swim lessons
· $30 after-school programs
· $30/month for KidZone
· FREE Kids Night Out
· FREE Youth Activity Center
In-person &
Curt Asmussen, Inn at 500 Capitol
Daniel Wallis, Heritage Hardwood Flooring
Drey Campbell, Lee & Associates
Drake Beaudry, Park Place LTD
Syringa Appetizer Cruise
MASTER CRAFTSMAN BENJAMIN VICTOR
BRINGS FORM TO HISTORICAL AND FANTASTIC FIGURES
Sculpting History
ARTICLE BY JORDAN GRAY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BENJAMIN VICTOR STUDIOS
With a deft twist of his hand, Benjamin Victor can bring a twinkle to someone’s eye, a gentle curve to their hand, or a smile to their face.
The Boise sculptor is the only living artist with four works in the National Statuary Hall Collection in Washington, D.C., showcasing Sarah Winnemucca (Nevada), Norman Borlaug (Iowa), Standing Bear (Nebraska), and Daisy Bates (Arkansas).
“I love the human figure,” Victor said. “As humans, we relate to art. It inspires us.”
Victor won the national competition for Winnemucca’s statue in 2005.
“To enter, you needed three full-size sculptures, and I met the bare minimum, having only completed three at that point in my career.”
But after presenting his Winnemucca maquette to the committee, something resonated.
“And the rest is history. I got to do a sculpture for the U.S. Capitol while I was still in college, so it was a pretty amazing time.”
Following then-Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn’s guidance to ‘strike while the iron was hot’, Victor pursued his sculpting career immediately.
“It turned out to be really great advice,” he said. “I kept getting commission after commission.”
FORM AND FASHION
Before breaking out the clay, Victor researches extensively, like reading Bates’ memoir or walking a portion of the Trail of Tears Standing Bear traversed.
“I study their histories,” he said. “That’s how I decide on the design — how they’re posed, what they’re wearing, and what they’re doing.”
He also collaborates with historians, communities, and descendants.
“I just listen and try to hear what they want to see, how they feel,” he said. “With Daisy Bates, the Black community in Little Rock was so helpful. They just wanted to see (her) shown with the joy and beauty and dignity that she had. That’s what I try to impart in the artwork.”
A GLOBAL SENSATION
For original works, Victor has found inspiration in movement.
“I worked with these beautiful, amazing dancers,” he said. “And Dayna Marshall did this complex, beautiful pose all in the air. I was taken by it. When I was working on the sculpture and the design of it, I saw an angel. I could just visualize these wings on her and visualize her rising up.”
“The Angel” and “Bathsheba,” another sculpture, both went viral.
“I didn’t intend or expect them to be such a sensation,” he said. “I mean, think of the media I use. It’s not like a movie or something that you think, ‘Oh, millions of people are going to watch this movie that I make.’ When you’re making a sculpture, it’s like you’re living in the Renaissance, or a long past time period. It’s an age-old trade, sculpting, and so you wouldn’t think modern people would just latch onto it in that way. It’s just crazy to me as an artist to think this image that I’ve made really hit people so powerfully over cultures all over the world.”
STUDIO SWEET STUDIO
Whether it’s a commission or his own piece, you’ll find Victor in his private Boise studio.
Teaming up with local artists, mold makers, wax experts, and metal workers, along with multiple foundries, Victor crafts clay sculptures that become bronze masterpieces.
“They always want to get everything just right up to my standard, because at the end of the day, it’s artwork that I sign,” he said. “They understand it’s got to be something I’m proud of. I love being here
and doing my artwork here. We’re always growing in the arts.”
For those wanting to pursue art themselves, Victor offered this: “I didn’t know I was going to make it in sculpture when I started out, and that wasn’t even the goal. The goal really is the journey. When you’re creating art, you have to love and enjoy doing it. If you look at it that way, you’ll always be a success because you’ll enjoy it.”
To view more of Victor’s art, visit benjaminvictor.com
Sarah Winnemucca
Our State Horse
IDAHO’S ICONIC APPALOOSA HONORS NATIVE HERITAGE, ENDURING STRENGTH, AND A LEGACY ROOTED IN NEZ PERCE HISTORY
ARTICLE BY KIMBERLY CORNELISON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HISTORICAL SOCIETY + APPALOOSA CLUB
Not every state in the U.S. can boast that they have a designated state horse. Having a state horse honors the animal’s cultural significance within that territory. Idaho’s state horse, the Appaloosa, is more than just a symbol of the state’s equine heritage—it represents deep historical ties that date back centuries. The Appaloosa is celebrated not only for its unique and colorful coat patterns, but also for its significant role in the development and history of Idaho, particularly its association with the Nez Perce tribe.
The Chief Joseph Trail Ride. PC: Appaloosa Horse Club
The Appaloosa breed is believed to have originated with the Nez Perce tribe in Idaho, who also inhabited parts of Washington, Oregon, and Montana. The Nez Perce selectively bred the horses for specific traits such as intelligence, stamina, strength, and even the distinctive coat patterns. These horses were crucial to the tribe’s way of life, aiding transportation, hunting, and warfare. The Nez Perce tribe became renowned for their horsemanship and breeding expertise, creating large herds of horses that were admired for their features. Today, the Appaloosa is one of the most popular horse breeds in America, renowned for the qualities designed by the Nez Perce. They are used frequently in a variety of equestrian disciplines, including trail riding, racing, and competition. Appaloosas come in many body types, including stock horses, sport horses, racehorses, and trail horses, and are beloved for both English and Western riding styles.
The Appaloosa played a vital role during the Nez Perce War of 1877, a tragic chapter in the tribe’s history. As settlers flooded the region and tensions mounted, the non-treaty Nez Perce, led by Chief Joseph, used their Appaloosa horses to elude the U.S. Cavalry for several months. The Appaloosas’ speed, agility, and endurance made them essential to the tribe’s efforts to resist displacement. The settlers, who were unfamiliar with the horses, referred to them as Palouse horses, after the Palouse River in north-central Idaho. Over time, this evolved into the name Appaloosa
The Appaloosa Horse Club, founded in 1938, is dedicated to preserving and improving the breed. Headquartered in Moscow, Idaho, the club is one of the leading equine breed registries in the world. It continues to support and promote the Appaloosa horse, ensuring that its legacy endures for generations to come.
In 1975, Idaho officially designated the Appaloosa as its state horse, recognizing the breed’s deep ties to the region’s history and honoring the Nez Perce tribe’s contribution to its development. This designation also highlighted the breed’s importance in Idaho’s cultural identity. Idaho was also the first state to offer a custom license plate featuring the
Appaloosa horse, further cementing its place in the state’s pride.
Located in the heart of Palouse Country, the Appaloosa Museum in Moscow serves as a tribute to the breed and its rich history. The museum offers a self-guided exploration of exhibits, including a theater, a hands-on kid’s area, and a library and archive filled with books, magazines, and videos. The exhibits cover a range of topics, from early depictions of spotted horses in art and literature to the relationship between the Nez Perce and the Appaloosa, as well as highlights from the history of the Appaloosa Horse Club.
The Appaloosa’s designation as Idaho’s state horse was a fitting tribute to the breed’s role in the state’s history and its important connection to the Nez Perce tribe. With its unique appearance and storied past, the Appaloosa continues to be a symbol of Idaho’s rich cultural heritage, and its legacy lives on through a dedicated community of breeders, riders, and enthusiasts.
Subscribe to Idaho State Historical Society at History.Idaho.gov get involved with Idaho history.
July 20 through July 26, experience riding the Chief Joseph Trail Ride from Jackson Montana to Leadore, Idaho. Aappaloosa.com
The Chief Joseph Trail Ride. PC: Sandra Whittaker
Photo: Nez Perce Tourism
LetMommySleepSanAntonioisanexpert teamofinfantandpostpartumcaregivers. OurCertiedNewbornCareProvidersand BabyNurses(RN/LVN)supportfamilies ofnewbornsandtwins/multipleswith overnightcare,postpartumvisits,baby careclasses.
letmommysleep.com/����� Email: �����@letmommysleep.com (208) 248-1050
SCOTT STALLINGS’ WORKOUT
Like many impressionable kids with giddy enthusiasm for their favorite sport, Scott Stallings discovered his interest for golf at the young age of 3.
But it was the “aha moment” for his LOVE of the game that came in 1997 when Tiger Woods won the Masters and would forever change the entire landscape of the industry, as well as what Stallings would aspire to achieve in his future professional endeavors.
Upon realizing “that Woods wasn’t that much older than him,’’ Scott set himself into overdrive to “get it together” and tapped into his natural drive to be one of the best.
He trained his way through achieving allstate golfer and Dean’s List status in high school. He was a seven-time tournament winner and was an All-American while attending Tennessee Tech, and he has won on the PGA Tour three times as a professional golfer.
In 2016 he learned he had been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and acute adrenal fatigue. It was a result of some unhealthy nutritional habits, both of which affected his ability to continue effectively as a professional athlete.
THE PRO GOLFER’S FITNESS JOURNEY
With the guidance of doctors, surgeons, and his good friend Rich Froning, a four-time Crossfit champion, Scott developed a workout to trim 60 pounds, boasting 10% body fat, revising his daily eating habits, and sleeping healthily through the night.
“I came to the realization that it was no one’s fault but my own. The excuses and finger pointing led back to me, and once you take ownership, you take power in that,” Scott says.
“The voice within gave me some scary realizations that I always hated the doctor, and that they would tell me something was wrong. I learned a little information goes a long way, and that saved my health. Make one change today, and make another one tomorrow, and you’ll never look back.”
Had Scott not gone to the doctor because of that innate fear, he never would have known the diagnosis of sleep apnea that needed to be addressed.
“You only get one body,” he says.
Luckily for Scott, he didn’t have an overwhelming, crazy life overhaul. Instead, he was able to find one small thing, delivering simple systematic changes in his workout that led to his improvement in fitness and quality of life.
He still was driven to be one the best PGA Tour players and the best family guy he could be, and he would do all of the discovery, the surgeries, and the daily changes all over again to continue living his best life.
“I legitimately have some great people push me and stay around me,” Scott says.
Scott has traveled the world over, playing on some of the best courses around, from Augusta National twice, to courses across Asia, Europe, Australia, and the hope to cross the Middle East and more stunning destinations in New Zealand off his global travel list. His next “bucket list” trip?
Today, Scott happily shares healthy time with his wife and kids and is leading up The Scott Stallings Kids Play Free Junior Golf Initiative, a partnership with the Tennessee Golf Foundation to bring free junior golf to the Knoxville area.
THE WORKOUT BASICS :
KETTLEBELLS
Cast iron or cast steel ball with a handle attached to the top; ideal for exercises that combine cardio, strength and flexibility training.
BARS AND WEIGHTS
A long iron bar on which weight plates are placed. Weights come in a variety of styles, including weight plates, barbells and dumbbells.
DUMBBELLS
Short barbells, usually held in each hand
MEDICINE BALLS
Weighted balls roughly the diameter of the shoulders that are used for strength training and rehabilitation
STALLINGS’ PRIMARY EQUIPMENT: HIS TOP EXERCISES:
KETTLEBELL POWER SNATCH:
Uses ground force to leverage the kettlebell upward, then the shoulder, arm and back support the weight as it gets pushed overhead. Also a great cardio exercise and trains the body for a good golf swing.
KETTLEBELL HALO:
Start by holding the kettlebell upside down at chest height, then lift the weight to head height and rotate it around the head like a halo in both directions. This exercise focuses on shoulder mobility— which is important for a good golf swing— and warms up the muscles and soft tissue around the shoulder girdle.
CLEAN TO LUNGE:
First, the kettlebell is lifted from the ground to shoulder height. Then, the foward lunge loads weight into the legs one at a time, which happens from the backswing to the downswing. The exercise increases strength in calves and forearms, which is essential for a powerful swing.
Meridian + Valley Events
JUNE 2025
1-30 — WINE & CIDER MONTH
Throughout Idaho: Wine & Cider tastings, events, and special offers. idahowines.org
1-7 — LITTLE WOMEN
Boise Little Theatre: A stage adaptation showcasing the March sisters’ journey. boiselittletheater.org
6-8 — GEM FAIRE
Expo Idaho: hop gems and jewelry at wholesale prices gemfaire.com
7-21 — BOISE FARMERS MARKET
Saturdays, 1500 Shoreline Dr., 9 AM: local harvest—seasonal produce, artisan goods, fresh proteins, and ready-to-eat food. TheBoiseFarmersMarket.com
7 — TREASURE VALLEY TRIATHLON
Simplot Park, 9 AM: Largest adaptive triathlon in the western United States. ymcatvidaho.org
7 — TREASURE VALLEY RESCUE RUN
Reid Merrill Park, 8 AM: kids, strollers, and dogs welcome! runsignup.com
7 — SUMMER CELEBRATION AND ICE CREAM SOCIAL!
PUP, 2735 E. Kuna Rd., 4 PM: Enjoy dogfriendly ice cream, local vendors, raffles, and free dog swims. pupidaho.com
8 — SAVOR IDAHO 2025
Idaho Botanical Garden: Sip, savor, and stroll through local wine & cider. idahowines.org
11-14 — EMMET CHERRY FESTIVAL
Emmett City Park: Festival events, concerts and carnival. emmettcherryfestival.com
11-14 — EAGLE RODEO
Eagle Rodeo Grounds: Cowboy action and an after party. eaglerodeo.com
13 — ROARS AND POURS
Zoo Boise, 6 PM: Explore the zoo just for adults (21+)! zooboise.org
14 — GENE KLEINER DAY
Kleiner Park Bandshell, 4:00 PM: Music honoring the legacy of Gene and Julius Kleiner. meridiancity.org
14 — FATHER’S DAY CLASSIC CAR SHOW
4037 East Clocktower Lane, 10 AM: Classic cars and community. meridian.touchmark.com
14 — ALIVE AFTER FIVE
The Grove Plaza: Free concert series every Wednesday. downtownboise.org
14 — IDAHO FAMILY SUMMER PALOOZA
Expo Idaho, 10 AM: A day of fun, shows, and activities iblevents.com
14 — IDAHO PET EXPO
Expo Idaho, 10 AM: Vendors and furry friends. iblevents.com
14 — SAW THE MUSICAL
Egyptian Theatre, 7:30 PM: A unique theatrical adaptation on the horror franchise. showclix.com
17-21 — SNAKE RIVER STAMPEDE
Ford Idaho Center: bull riding, barrel racing, and more. snakeriverstampede.com
17 — PETER FRAMPTON – LET’S DO IT AGAIN TOUR
Idaho Central Arena 7:30 PM: Timeless hits and epic solos. idahocentralarena.com
17 — EARTH, WIND & FIRE LIVE
Idaho Botanical Garden, 7 PM: R&B, funk, and soul under the stars. idahobotanicalgarden.org
19-22 — SAWTOOTH VALLEY GATHERING
Stanley Idaho: live performances, camping, workshops. sawtoothvalleygathering.com
20-22 — EL KORAH SHRINE CIRCUS
Expo Idaho: live music, acrobatics, and other entertainment. expoidaho.com
21 — BOISE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Expo Idaho 10 AM: Food trucks, carnival rides, and 12+ hours of music. boisemusicfestival.com
23-27 — PARK EXPLORERS CAMP
Julia Davis Park: Visit a different cultural spot each day. dcidaho.org
24 — POST MALONE & JELLY ROLL
Albertsons Stadium: Two chart-topping artists. boisestadium.org
26 — CODY JINKS
Ford Idaho Center, 7 PM: The Hippies and Cowboys Tour. fordidahocenter.com
27 — ZOO’S LINE IS IT ANYWAY?
Zoo Boise, 6 PM: Hilarious improv comedy meets wildlife. zooboise.org
27-28 — EAGLE FUN DAYS
family activities, live music, local vendors, a car show, parade, food trucks. cityofeagle.org
27-28 — IGNITE GEN Z
Boise Center: Take control of your future! joshlustig.com
28 — WILD WEST BREWFES t
Indian Creek Plaza, 5 PM: 40+ breweries, 12 tastings, live music, and beard contest! indiancreekplaza.com
Artist, Debra Bruner
Policy, Passion, and Cabernet
From Idaho lawmaker to Cabernet connoisseur, a legacy cultivated thoughtfully
ARTICLE BY TAMMY DE WEERD
For Skip Smyser, a gentleman’s life isn’t only built in courtrooms or Capitol chambers—it’s also found in the quiet complexity of a good Cabernet. A former Idaho legislator, respected lobbyist, and lifelong Idahoan, Smyser is known for helping shape state policy. But his lesser-known legacy is just as rich: championing Idaho’s wine laws and cultivating a lasting family passion for wine.
“Back in the early days,” Skip recalls, “Idaho had no laws for wine. Saint Chapelle, Ron Bitner—these guys were pioneers. As the Senator from that area, I carried the legislation that really created the rules for Idaho wine.”
Through trial and error, Smyser worked alongside vintners to carve out the legal space for an industry that today is flourishing.
As his understanding grew, so did his love for wine. “At first, like a lot of people, I started with the sweetest white I could find. Then you evolve. Pinot Noir is the crossover wine. From there, you find yourself at Zinfandel— and eventually, you land in Cabernet and stay.”
This evolution became a family journey. All three of Skip’s children worked in Napa Valley wineries, and his daughter Logan opened a wine-focused restaurant in Boise that was respected for its standout cellar.
“I’ve always said, a great wine makes the food better, and a great dish brings out the best in wine. But when they both elevate each other? That’s perfection.”
A personal cellar filled with vintages from Chateau Montelena and Joseph Phelps is testament to Skip’s lifelong devotion. His oldest bottle? A 1976 Saint Chapelle—among the first numbered bottles ever produced in Idaho.
Today, Smyser sees a bright future for Idaho wine. “We’ve got some incredibly talented winemakers now—Bitner, Telaya, Kerry Hill. Idaho reds can stand with the best of Walla Walla.”
For this gentleman of wine, the journey from politics to Cabernet has been as layered and lasting as a fine wine—best enjoyed slowly, and always shared.
A Gentleman’s Picks
Skip Smyser’s Favorite Wines for the Cellar or the Table
1 | Joseph Phelps “Insignia” Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California | “This wine evolves throughout the glass. It’s the quintessential Cabernet experience.”
2 | Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet
Calistoga, Napa Valley | Rich, structured, and age-worthy. | Pair it with: A perfectly grilled ribeye, medium rare.
3 | Araujo Estate Wines (Eisele Vineyard)
Napa Valley | A rare blend of elegance and power. One of Skip’s go-to bottles when entertaining guests.
4 | Snake River Red –Smyser Estate Blend
Snake River Valley, Idaho | 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Syrah, 25% Tempranillo | Made from Skip’s own vineyard in Roswell with Parma Ridge Winery. | Fun fact: Inspired by European “farmer’s blends”—a wine of place, not pretense.
5 | 1976 Saint Chapelle (Numbered Bottle)
Idaho | Among the first wines bottled in Idaho with a numbered label. | “It’s not just a wine, it’s a piece of history.”
With clean lines and a modern aesthetic, Ultra™ Series fiberglass windows and doors add style to any home. Through a careful design process, Milgard offers these durable, low maintenance, windows and doors that are designed to last. Available in 4 tough exterior finishes, Milgard Ultra features a Limited Lifetime Warranty for complete peace of mind.
