LIFESTYLE
For the Women in Our Lives
May always gives us a good reason to pause for a moment. With Mother’s Day here, it’s a chance to recognize the women who shape our lives in ways that often go unnoticed day to day. Not just mothers, but the people who show up, offer support, give perspective, and steady things when they need it most.
That influence looks different for everyone.
For some, it’s family. For others, it’s a friend, a mentor, a neighbor, or someone who stepped in at the right time. However it shows up, it tends to leave a lasting mark.
This month is a good reminder to acknowledge that. A quick call, a note, or simply taking the time to say thank you can go a long way.
To all the women across Meridian and the Valley who continue to give their time, energy, and care in ways both seen and unseen, we appreciate what you do and the role you play in the lives around you.
Wishing you a meaningful Mother’s Day.
May 2026
PUBLISHER
Greg Gewalt | greg.gewalt@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Tricia Busalacchi | tricia.busalacchi@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Jordan Gray | editorial@boisecitylifestyle.com
SALES SUPPORT ASSISTANT
Maria Serondo | support@boisecitylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Russell Detablan | editorial@boisecitylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Martha Channer, Jordan Gray, Denise Llorente, Jana Kemp, Pamela Kleibrink Thompson, Tammy De Weerd, Sarah Knieff, Kali Kasorzyk, Amy Tinnin
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kate Ragsdale, Leo Bratenas, Jana Kemp, Phil White, 8th Street Studio, Tammy de Weerd, Spoken Wines, Amy Tinnin
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Meridian Lifestyle is available for pick up at the Meridian Chamber of Commerce, 215 E. Franklin Rd.
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APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS
ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF
Supplies:
• Flowers of your choice
• Scissors
• Twine or floral tape
• Ribbon (optional)
Decorate Your Space With a DIY Floral Design
Spring: the days grow longer, weather turns warmer, and the earth’s greenery starts to make its reappearance. During this time, flowers shoot up from the ground in a ballet of colors and movement. Walking outside becomes a cherished moment to breathe the fresh air and immerse yourself in lush surroundings. Being inside your home turns dreary and dull, everything that thrives is now outside, but this can easily be remedied. Why not bring some life inside? Make a spring floral bouquet to lighten up your space. Flowers add color and character to any room that needs a little lift, and our step-by-step guide will inspire you to create something grand.
• Decorative paper (optional)
• Bouquet sleeve (optional)
“Just remember, whatever way you choose to decorate your bouquet, you will end with a personalized piece made with love and care.”
Directions:
Step 1: When creating a beautiful floral arrangement, the first thing to do is decide on a color scheme and prepare the flowers. Have fun deciding what colors you want to play with. Perhaps go pastel for spring or match the hues to other decor items in your house. Once you have picked your flowers, you need to do a little prep work. First, remove extra leaves and damaged petals from the stems. Then make a fresh diagonal cut to the bottom of all the flowers. This allows each bloom to soak up as much water as they need.
Step 2: Now it’s arranging time — think focal and filler. The best way to start the arranging process is by choosing your most interesting or favorite flowers — this will be your focal point. Hold the focal flower(s) upright and add your supporting blooms around it. Make sure to turn the bouquet as you build so that the design is as desired. Once this is complete, add your filler flowers to finalize the look. Filler options include baby’s breath, ivy, fern, eucalyptus and more.
Step 3: Let’s get ready to tie. Once you’ve arranged your bouquet, tie all the stems together using twine or floral tape. If using twine, we recommend securing it in a small bow in case you would like to rearrange at any given time. Floral tape is easy to move on and off for this purpose as well.
Step 4: Add the finishing touches. At this point, you are almost done with your bouquet and all that’s left is embellishments. There are so many ways to further adorn your creation: one way we love is to wrap it in fun decorative paper or put it in a special sleeve made just for flowers. If this idea isn’t for you, we recommend going to Pinterest for inspiration. Just remember, whatever way you choose to decorate your bouquet, you will end with a personalized piece made with love and care.
WHERE COMMUNITY
T HR IVES
Under Executive Director Lisa Hansen, Meridian’s Senior
Center brings people together in a space designed to keep older adults engaged, connected, and living life fully
To those wandering the paths of Meridian’s Julius M. Kleiner Park, the angled rooflines near the park’s southeast tip might only gather a quick glance. An office, perhaps, or something tied to park maintenance.
But step through the doors, and the Meridian Senior Center tells a different story. Laughter carries from activity rooms, conversations unfold over coffee, and a steady rhythm of movement fills the space throughout the day.
seniors a day. “We have a plethora of activities. Our whole vision is for people to ‘live younger.’ I want them to come here and have a great time. I tell them my door is always open and I’ll try anything once. I don’t know if it’s going to work or not, but we’ll try it.”
ARTICLE BY JORDAN GRAY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATE RAGSDALE OF RAGS PHOTOGRAPHY
“I always like to say, ‘We're not your grandma's senior center,’” Meridian Senior Center Executive Director Lisa Hansen said. “Because I think people have a perception in their mind of what a senior center looks like. And we are not that, because we have been blessed by the Kleiners and they built us this gorgeous, beautiful building. And we get to accommodate far more seniors than most senior centers would.”
Hansen has served as everything from the Center’s venue coordinator to bus driver to marketing director. Since taking over as Executive Director in August 2021, she’s seen the Center continue to grow.
“We had just reopened right after COVID,” she said. “We doubled our membership by the end of the year and then the next year it just exploded even more. We have experienced consistent growth each year, ending last year with 982 members.”
The nonprofit operates off memberships and donations, offering a wide span of services to local seniors.
A HAPPENING PLACE
“We're the most happening place in the Valley for seniors over 60,” Hansen said, noting activities draw upwards of 200–300
That spirit shows up in everything from social gatherings and fitness classes to crafts, games, and educational programs. The Center also offers outings to regional destinations and hosts live pre-lunch entertainment, including performances like Radio Days and its take on classic programs from the 30s, 40s, and 50s.
“We strive to provide something for everyone—opportunities to stay active, connect socially, and meet new people.”
MARVELOUS MEMBERS
The sense of connection has made a meaningful difference for many who walk through the doors.
“Some were very isolated in their homes and weren’t doing much of anything,” Hansen said. “But somehow, someway, they realized, ‘I need to go to the senior center.’ We have heard from many of our seniors that coming here saved their life because they wouldn’t have had those social connections otherwise.”
For some, friendships form. For others, new routines take shape. Hansen says many who relocate to be closer to family— what she calls “grand-plants”—find a sense of belonging at the Center during the day.
“But when the grandkids are in school, they often don’t have much to do,” she said. “So they come here and get to experience everything we have to offer.”
Lisa Hansen
FUNDING THE FUN
Volunteers play a key role in keeping the Center running, from helping with activities to managing La Boutique and serving meals.
“My board members are always so sweet because they say, ‘It’s not just Lisa’s passion, she’s instilled it in her family as well,’” Hansen said. “This truly is my passion. When I started working here in 2017, I had a vision for our Center, and I knew this was exactly where I was meant to be.”
In addition to membership fees, the Center relies on donations to its Benevolent Fund, which supports seniors who can’t afford membership, along with fundraising events throughout the year. As a licensed bingo hall, it hosts weekly events open to the public, along with larger gatherings like the May 16 Bingo & Bubbly fundraiser and the October 3 Live Younger Gala.
“WE HAVE HEARD FROM MANY OF OUR SENIORS THAT COMING HERE SAVED THEIR LIFE BECAUSE THEY WOULDN’T HAVE HAD THOSE SOCIAL CONNECTIONS OTHERWISE.”
“There's not many fundraisers you go to where you win money,” Hansen said.
“I’ve talked with people about the Meridian Senior Center who are clearly seniors, but they look at me and say, ‘I’m not going to a senior center,’” she added. “And I tell them, ‘You have to come see ours, it’s different.’”
And for many, that first visit is all it takes to change their perception.
To learn more about the Meridian Senior Center, visit meridianseniorcenter.org
JOAN of ART
ARTICLE BY MARTHA CHANNER PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEO BRATENAS
SHAPED BY LOSS, JOAN EDWARDS TURNS COMPASSION INTO ACTION THROUGH ART, ADVOCACY, AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT
It takes courage to negotiate our way through life. More often than not, it is adversity, not ease, that shapes who we become. The willingness to keep moving forward, to build something meaningful out of difficult circumstances, is what ultimately strengthens communities, fosters generosity, and creates opportunity.
For Joan Edwards, that understanding came early.
As a young single mother with two children and an uncertain future, she was already navigating the kind of challenges that test resilience. Then tragedy struck. Her four-month-old daughter died suddenly of SIDS, leaving Joan to carry that loss while continuing to care for her two-year-old son, Jaymz, and work to support them.
The grief was overwhelming. But in time, Joan began to recognize how deeply those experiences would shape the way she lived her life.
“I wouldn’t wish my young motherhood experiences on anyone,” she says. “But I know that I am not alone in my loss. I see it every day, and I feel a particular obligation to help women and children, especially mothers who suffer from financial challenges or stressful or even dangerous home lives. I know how hard it is when you are on your own like that.”
Determined to move forward, Joan put herself through business school and gradually worked her way out of financial difficulty. But she never left behind the
perspective those years gave her. Instead, it became a guiding force.
She believes that having lived through those struggles carries with it a responsibility to help others facing similar circumstances.
In recent years, Joan has worked with organizations that support women and families in crisis, including efforts with the Women’s Christian Association to help fund their crisis center. Through Create Gallery, which she owns and operates with her husband Leo Bretanos, she has also hosted events designed to bring the community together in support of those in need.
One of those efforts, her Christmas benefit “Gallery of Gifts,” reflects a tradition that has long been important to her.
“I have always taught my son Jaymz to be compassionate toward others and give back to his community,” she says. “At Christmas time we have traditionally done volunteer work for various charities. In my heart, helping other children has always felt like a tribute to my baby daughter.”
Her commitment to giving extends well beyond a single season. Joan remains actively involved with local arts organizations and initiatives like Women Innovators in Boise, which encourages young women to pursue higher education and explore future career paths. She has also volunteered with SheTech, a program focused on guiding young women toward expanded opportunities in both career and life.
What draws her most are efforts that create lasting change.
“It is not enough to just give money,” she says. “The programs that I like best teach freedom and emotional intelligence, the kind that produces good choices and opportunities. This deeper knowledge allows people to help themselves in a way that builds self-esteem and long-lasting life skills.”
That perspective is reflected in her latest project.
This June, Joan is helping bring together artists and participants for Sight Unseen, a week-long arts program built around a multi-sensory approach to creative expression. The event brings blind and sighted individuals together through movement, workshops, installations, and shared experiences that challenge traditional ways of engaging with art.
The program will culminate in a performance and community gathering, but for Joan, the purpose goes beyond the event itself. It is about connection, understanding, and creating space for people to experience something new together.
“Life itself is the truest art form,” she says. “Art isn’t just something to hang on your wall. It’s a philosophy about how to live a beautiful and authentic life, and that would be incomplete without encouraging others to do the same. Art is a verb, and it’s in the giving that life becomes a work of art.”
For Joan, that idea continues to guide everything she does—finding ways, both large and small, to turn experience into something that can be shared with others.
Joan with WCA team members
FOR THE LOVE OF COOKS
MERIDIAN’S COOKS & BOOKS COOKING STUDIO AND BOOKSHOP BRINGS JOY
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY
JANA KEMP
Alicia Mattera’s love of learning, teaching and cooking prompted her to found and open Cooks & Books in 2025. “Things came together for the cooking school and bookstore concept: the space became available; the permitting lined up quickly; and the build-out of the store and the cooking class kitchen happened rapidly,” said Alicia. As a former high school family and consumer sciences teacher (HomeEc for those of us of a certain age), Alicia knows the ins-and-outs of teaching, classroom management, and making learning fun!
Novels, nonfiction and board books for all ages.
With over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur, Alicia has experience teaching, cooking, backing, parenting, and wellness. Her University of Idaho Bachelor of Science is in Education with concentrations in Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS). Alicia also holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Human Resources from the University of Idaho. In other words, she knows what she is teaching!
Alicia Mattera’s mission for Cooks & Books: To whip up a fun, friendly space where kids, teens, and grown-ups can learn cool cooking skills, boost their confidence, grab a new book, meet new friends, and experience plenty of memorable moments.
Alicia believes that “every recipe has a story and that stories bring us together,” whether it is the story of a favorite dish passed through the generations or a comfort-food meal that is made at the end of a hard week. She shares that “food connects us to our memories, our cultures, and to each other.”
During the Cooking Studio Classes, stories are shared along with laughter and learning. Classes, teas, and special events begin in the cooking kitchen which looks like a home-kitchen. Select from dozens of classes for adults, kids, families, and gluten-free eaters. Every week offers classes, collaborations, and book clubs. Students make foods and enjoy eating them at the end of each class. Students take home memories and full tummies.
Bookshop-Book Clubs. Titles for the book club reading include novels, cookbooks, and non-fiction. Some titles you’ll recognize, some have been made into television shows, and some will surprise you. All of them might make you hungry! Book club details are found online at: cooksandbooksco.com
Alicia says, “Cooking and reading might seem like different worlds, but they both invite us to slow down, learn something new, and share in something meaningful.”
The front of the store is home to a colorful and cheerful bookstore. Alicia curates a mix of cookbooks, wellness reads, and more. There are shelves to explore, tables to sit at and read, and gifts for the readers and cooks in your life. Themed cookbooks range from Candy Land (the game) to Alice in Wonderland to celebrity cookbooks and more. Bookshelves also include toddler board books about food, cooking, nature, and music, as well as books, audiobooks, and novels for readers of every age (kids, teens, adults). Every visit uncovers new reading delights for oneself and for gift shopping.
Cooks & Books is a space for community building, creativity and exploration, and for connection.
When visiting Cooks & Books in person, say “hello” to Alicia, and maybe her husband Nick and their daughters will be there too. This family adventure radiates joy! Alicia signs off with “Let’s cook, learn, laugh, and turn everyday moments into something memorable and extraordinary!”
Founder Alicia Mattera is ready for class!
Seasonal brightness and cheer!
Cookbooks to feed your heart and soul!
Meridian Main Street Market a cornerstone of downtown life
SATURDAY RHYTHM OF OLD TOWN
ARTICLE BY STAFF WRITER
On Saturday mornings in Old Town Meridian, the day begins early.
Vendors arrive before most of the city has finished its first cup of coffee. Tents rise along the street as tables fill with fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade goods from across the Treasure Valley. Musicians tune guitars. Families wander in with coffee in hand and dogs on leashes. By midmorning, the street has found its rhythm.
For nearly a decade, the Meridian Main Street Market has helped create that rhythm. What began as a gathering place for vendors has become an anchor of downtown life.
“This is my ninth year running the market,” says organizer CheRee Eveland, owner of Eventageous Idaho. “After nine years, it’s still one of my favorite moments of the year to see the street fill up again and watch the community come back together for the season.”
That weekly draw extends beyond the market itself.
“Many guests come down for the market and then visit local shops and restaurants before or after,” Eveland says. “It helps create a vibrant and active downtown on Saturdays.”
The mission has remained consistent: support local entrepreneurs and connect them with the community.
“Our mission has remained the same from the beginning, to support local small businesses, youth entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and local musicians,” she says.
For some, the market becomes a starting point.
“It’s especially rewarding to watch some of those small businesses grow from their early days at the market to eventually having products in local stores,” Eveland says.
It also creates space for younger entrepreneurs.
“We love being able to support youth entrepreneurs and give them a place to learn and grow,” she adds.
Behind the scenes, Eveland sees the market as a shared effort.
“Opening day is always a reminder that the market’s success comes from many people working together,” she says.
This season includes returning favorites like Mutts of the Market, along with an expanded Passport Program supported by presenting sponsor Pella Windows.
For Eveland, the goal remains simple.
“More than anything, we hope visitors feel the sense of community that the market represents,” she says.
On Saturdays in Old Town Meridian, that sense of community begins at the market. MeridianMainstreetMarket.com
QUIETLY BUILDING WHAT LASTS
From businesses to community spaces, these women are part of the work that continues to shape the Treasure Valley
Spend enough time in the Treasure Valley and you start to recognize the people behind it.
Not always by name, and not always all at once, but through the places they’ve shaped, the work they’ve built, and the way things come together around them. A business that feels intentional. A space that draws people in. A project that keeps moving forward because someone stayed committed to it.
This issue brings together women who are part of that ongoing work.
Their roles are different. Some are building something from the ground up. Others are contributing in ways that may not draw attention but still carry weight. What connects them is a sense of follow-through. They show up, do
the work, and keep going even when progress is slow or not immediately visible.
You won’t find one clear path here.
Instead, there is a range of experiences and perspectives that reflect how this community actually works day to day. It is not always defined by big moments. More often, it is shaped through consistency, relationships, and the willingness to stay engaged.
Taken together, these women offer a closer look at what is shaping Idaho right now, not in broad terms, but in the smaller, more personal ways that tend to last.
Editor’s Note: Know someone making an impact Editorial@BoiseCityLifestyle.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
PHIL WHITE, 8TH STREET STUDIO
Meagan Ellis, Treasure Valley Family YMCA
Beth Haney, Eagle Aesthetics
Mona Warchol, Sunnyslope Wine Trail
Anna Marie Aldinger, IBL Events
Marcela Bullen, Château des Fleurs Kathy Humphries, Pi Baby Boutique
Georgia Stokes, The Tile House
Quincy Rainey, Alpine Tree Service
Elizabeth Baggerly, Proletariat Wine Company
Dana Biberston, Clyde Capital Group
Tara Bruner, Olive and Vyne
Dr. Jennifer Jordan, Eagle Therapist Collective
Kathy Rowan, Riverstone International School
Cinda Robbins & Star Moxley, Crazy Neighbor
Suzi Boyle, Castle & Cooke Mortgage
Christa Sutton, K-Counseling & Anxiety Treatment
Kecia Carlson, Madeline George Garden Design Nursery
Barbara Kaylor, R. Grey Gallery
Nicole Diantonio & Julie Tollofson, Hendricks Commercial Properties
Dr. Sarah Quilici, Bishop Kelly High School
A 1924 BANK HEIST IN EAGLE REVEALS THE SURPRISING ROLE OF DORA DOUGLAS, A MOTHER WHOSE STORY QUICKLY DISAPPEARED FROM HEADLINES
THE WOMAN BEHIND EAGLE’S ROBBERY
Career paths rarely follow a straight line. In 1924, they could take an even more unexpected turn.
Prohibition was the law of the land, and headlines were filled with unlikely criminals.
In New York, a bobbed-haired bandit named Celia Cooney captured national attention. Months later, Idaho had its own version of the story.
Her name was Dora Douglas.
How did the mother of two young children end up robbing the Bank of Eagle in broad daylight?
When Dora, a statuesque, slim, ravenhaired woman with cornflower blue eyes, walked into a café where Oliver “Derby” Jones was dining, he asked the headwaiter for an introduction. Dora had “the prettiest smile I had ever seen,” Jones later wrote.
Their connection was immediate. On an early date, the two attended a film in which a character was sent to prison. Dora felt the
KLEIBRINK
character hadn’t been treated fairly. Encouraged, Jones revealed that he himself was serving time for robbery. He had been granted unusual freedom by Warden Cuddy—allowed to work outside the penitentiary, wear his own clothes, and move about the city as long as he reported back on time.
Dora accepted this reality, even visiting Jones at the prison. After his parole, their lives became further entangled when Jones met Chet Langer, who was planning a robbery.
On the morning of August 11, 1924, a Cadillac touring car pulled up outside the Bank of Eagle shortly after it opened. Two masked men entered. A third figure, also masked and dressed in a man’s coat, remained in the backseat.
The robbery was swift. Langer cleared out the vault while Jones held the banker and clerk hostage before locking them inside. The two eventually escaped using tools the banker had kept on hand for emergencies.
The group made off with $2,722—nearly $40,000 today.
Less than a day later, police arrived at Jones’ apartment. Dora, with Luther beside her, briefly resisted before surrendering. She, Jones, and her son were taken in for questioning. Langer had already been captured.
The story quickly made headlines. The Idaho Statesman reported that most of the stolen money had been recovered, though $775 remained missing.
Facing charges, Dora agreed to testify against Jones and Langer in exchange for immunity. Then, in a move that added another unexpected turn, she married Jones—making it impossible to be compelled to testify against him.
Langer was sentenced to six to fifteen years. Jones received ten to twenty.
During one of their early visits, Dora told Jones that police continued to question her about the missing money. Jones, the only one who knew where it was hidden, refused to reveal its location. “I would never talk, no matter what,” he said.
Not long after, he asked Dora for a divorce.
She agreed. After that, she never saw him again.
Dora’s story fades quietly from the record, but the lives connected to it continued forward. Her son Luther would go on to become a pilot, flying 29 bombing missions over Germany during World War II.
The missing $775 from the Bank of Eagle robbery—more than $10,000 today—was never recovered.
It is difficult to imagine today, in a place now known for its quiet neighborhoods and steady growth, that such a story once unfolded here.
But the larger mystery may be Dora herself: a young mother who stepped briefly into a life that defied expectation, then disappeared from the headlines as quickly as she entered them.
Oliver Jones
Dora Douglas
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From contemporary to classic, our passion is to bring out the best in every piece we touch. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized service, expert advice, and highquality materials that elevate your artwork and living spaces.
Create Gallery and Frames is dedicated to fostering a vibrant art community by providing a luxurious and welcoming space for artists to showcase their work and for patrons to discover meaningful pieces. Through exceptional framing services, curated events, and a focus on quality and connection, we aim to enrich lives, support artistic expression, and inspire creativity in every interaction.
ARTICLE BY JORDAN GRAY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WCA
Eighteen Years of Quiet Impact
BEATRICE BLACK’S TENURE REFLECTS A SHIFT IN UNDERSTANDING DOMESTIC ABUSE, AND THE COMMUNITY EFFORT REQUIRED TO SUPPORT HEALING AND LONG-TERM CHANGE
After nearly two decades leading the Women’s and Children’s Alliance, Beatrice Black is preparing to step away.
A certified public accountant with a background in small entrepreneurial firms and a housing nonprofit, she didn’t seem like the most obvious candidate to lead the Women’s and Children’s Alliance (WCA).
“I told the board at that time, you know, I’m not familiar with the subject matter,” she said.
WCA provides support services including crisis hotlines, domestic abuse shelters, safety planning, court advocacy, therapy, and financial empowerment classes for those healing from domestic abuse and sexual assault.
“But I said, ‘I’ve been in this community a long time. I consider myself a translator, a communicator, and this is a topic that is really important to me.’”
Eighteen years later, Black is wrapping up her tenure as CEO.
Creating Hope
Black kept her promise to learn.
“When I first came to this work, I was guilty of something that a lot of folks are. You think of domestic violence as the black eye. Abuse is much more subtle. It knows no socioeconomic bounds.”
She’s also seen the impact of WCA’s work firsthand.
“I believe the most important thing anybody has is a sense of self-worth. At the heart of abuse, it is destroying that. The work we do is helping individuals reclaim it, or find it for the first time.”
“I believe the most important thing anybody has is a sense of self-worth.”
Help and Be Helped
While the subject is difficult, Black says there are ways to engage.
“Whether your time, your talent, or your treasure.”
She said awareness is one of the most important forms of support.
“I can’t think of anything worse than someone being in a destructive relationship and not knowing help exists. Because it does.”
Local Support, Growing Impact
While WCA is an Idaho-based nonprofit, its reach extends beyond the state.
“We serve anybody who comes to us,” Black said. “We’ve had people come from faraway states just to get away from their abuser.”
Closer to home, she’s seen growing support for the organization’s mission.
“When I came, we were about a $1.7 million operation. Today, we’re closer to $4 million. The biggest change is recognition—how prevalent domestic abuse and sexual assault are in our community.”
That awareness has also shifted funding.
“We used to rely on grants for about 70 percent of funding. Now that’s flipped. About 70 percent comes from individual and corporate support.”
Sheltering Those in Need
During Black’s tenure, WCA expanded its shelter capacity, doubling to 30 rooms in 2016.
“We shared the vision and the need, and the community responded,” she said. “Within a year, we raised the funds with no debt.”
She also reflected on the impact of the organization’s work through one family’s experience.
“I could hear the discord and unhappiness when they first came in,” she said of a mother and her three daughters.
Over time, with counseling and support, things changed. The mother found a job and housing, and the family stabilized.
“That’s what happens when someone reclaims their sense of self-worth,” Black said. “You’re not just changing one life—you’re changing several, and potentially breaking a cycle.”
The Next Chapter Black plans to spend more time traveling with her husband and with her children and grandchildren.
As for the future of WCA, her advice is simple.
“Continue to grow support, and continue the basics— safe shelter, counseling, case management, childcare. We have to be here for those in devastating situations.”
If you’re in need of WCA services, contact the 24-hour hotlines at 208-343-7025 for domestic abuse or 208345-7273 for sexual assault, or visit wcaboise.org
Photo courtesy of Destination Caldwell
A DIFFERENT Measure of Growth IN WINE
Inside a family’s approach to building opportunity, supporting people, and redefining what success looks like
ARTICLE BY TAMMY DE WEERD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SPOKEN WINES
We came to Santa Julia to understand the wine.
That is, after all, why most people travel to Mendoza—for the views of the Andes and the wines that have shaped Argentina’s global reputation.
We walked the vineyards and talked irrigation and organic farming. We heard the story of a civil engineer who arrived to demonstrate an irrigation system and ended up falling in love with vines.
But one of the most defining moments of our visit happened behind the winery, where we met Julia. There, in the cultural center, she spoke with a quiet sense of ownership about building upon something her grandmother had started decades earlier.
Beyond the tasting rooms sits a place that reveals a different side of the winery. Classrooms allow employees to complete their education. A sewing workshop provides women with skills and income. A daycare brings together the children of managers and vineyard workers, their parents working just steps away.
Here, support for families is not a separate program. It is part of how the work is done.
To understand why, you begin with Emma.
Emma Zuccardi worked at the winery until she was 94, always focused on the people around her. Many vineyard families had limited access to education or left school early to support their households. Emma believed the way to change that reality was not through charity, but opportunity.
“She always said we shouldn’t just give people money,” Julia explained. “We should give them tools to improve their quality of life. Education was the first step.”
Tasting Santa Julia's organic and natural wines with Winemaking Manager Ruben Ruffo
The cultural centers grew from that philosophy, allowing employees to complete their studies during working hours. Emma also saw that many spouses of vineyard workers, most often women, had few opportunities to develop a profession of their own. Sewing workshops began as training programs and gradually evolved into independent work and additional income for families.
The same thinking shaped the daycare. For families working far from town centers, childcare can be one of the biggest barriers to stability. The solution was simple: bring it closer to where people work.
Julia Zuccardi
Organic farming includes composting Santa Julia vineyards
“In many places, women have to choose between motherhood and their professional lives,” Julia said. “Here they don’t have to make that choice.”
The values behind these programs reach further back in the family’s story.
Julia’s grandfather, Alberto Zuccardi, arrived in Mendoza as a civil engineer developing irrigation systems in a desert climate where water is scarce. To demonstrate the system he was selling, he purchased a small piece of land. That demonstration vineyard became the foundation of the winery.
“He always said that because we depend on nature, we are responsible for giving back what we take from it,” Julia said.
That philosophy guided the family long before organic certification became common. Today, farming practices reflect that same principle.
When Julia speaks about sustainability, she broadens the definition.
“When people talk about sustainability, they often think only about the environment,” she explained. “But for us it has always meant both—land and people.”
Julia did not originally plan to work in the wine industry. She began working at the winery during summer holidays as a tour guide. Over time, the experience shaped her path.
“We were always free to choose what we wanted to do,” she said. “No one forced us to work here.”
That sense of choice continues to shape the family’s involvement today.
Innovation remains part of the culture, but not every idea succeeds.
“When you try new things, sometimes they don’t work,” Julia said. “But we like to challenge ourselves and keep learning.”
When asked what she hopes the winery will be known for in the future, her answer is simple.
“I hope we will be remembered as a winery that grew while staying true to its values,” she said. “A winery that respected the land and cared for its people.”
Behind the winery, classrooms fill during the workweek. Sewing machines hum. Children spend their day close to where their parents work.
In the end, the story is not only about what is produced from the land, but about the people who grow alongside it.
Idaho Women Shaping Wine
Leadership Rooted in Growth
As women shape wine regions around the world, Idaho’s industry is being influenced by a new generation of leaders building something of their own.
Meredith Smith, winemaker at Ste. Chapelle and Sawtooth Winery, sees that momentum firsthand.
“From winemaking to vineyard management to marketing and leadership, women are playing a major role across the industry,” Smith says.
For Smith, Idaho’s youth as a wine region is an advantage.
“Idaho is still a young industry, but it has incredible growth potential,” she says. “We’re already seeing national recognition, which speaks to both the talent here and the quality of the fruit.”
“Learning from other regions has shaped how I approach winemaking,” she adds. “It’s about asking why, staying connected, and continuing to raise the bar.”
Meredith Smith, winemaker at Ste. Chapelle and Sawtooth
Building Dream Kitchens Since 1988
Whether you’re planning a brand new kitchen or renovating an existing one, you have a vision of a kitchen that’s uniquely yours. Huntwood Cabinets offers a large selection of doors, woods and finishes... and can accomplish this within your budget and timeframe!
But, why stop at the kitchen when Huntwood has solutions for every room in your home? Create a drop zone for coats, hats and shoes, transform your bathroom with a beautiful new vanity. With Huntwood, there’s no limit to what you can create. If you can dream it, we can build it!
ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
BECKY HILLYARD
From Side Hustle to Style Empire
The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”
She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s, she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.
Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?
A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.
Becky in Splendid x @CellaJaneBlog Spring 2026 Collection
Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?
A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.
Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?
A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.
Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?
A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.
Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?
A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.
This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle Podcast.
“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”
— Becky Hillyard
Patio Days + Tasting Events
Sip Into Spring
at Olive & Vyne
Spring gatherings start here. Visit us for traditional English tea service, patio pours, and seasonal happenings—then shop artisan oils, aged balsamics, and curated wines to elevate every meal.
(208) 939-6775
600 Rivershore Ln Ste 140
Three campuses.
Sample In-Store
Shop Online Anytime
Free Wine Tasting Saturdays
Expert Wine Pairing Guidance
Perfect for Gifting or Hosting
Spring Events + Patio Pop-Ups
THE AMBROSE SCHOOL
PreK - 12th Classical Christian Education
Two educational models.
One classical Christian community.
We invite you to learn more about what a classical Christian education could mean for your family by taking a tour of one of our three campus locations: Locust Grove (Meridian), North (Boise), and Bridge (Garden City).
Sign up for a tour or request more information at TheAmbroseSchool.org/Admissions
Scan for Events & Tastings
BERRY BRUSCHETTA
A RECIPE FROM A CUP FULL OF SASS
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY TINNIN
This Berry Bruschetta is a delightful twist on the classic bruschetta that we all love. This version uses fruit, bringing a sweet element to the traditionally savory dish. With the use of fresh berries, cream cheese, delicious fruit spread, crumbled cheese, and fresh rosemary, it is the perfect addition to your next spring event. This simple, yet beautiful appetizer could be enjoyed at your next brunch, shower or Mother’s Day celebration. But let’s be honest—you don’t need an excuse to enjoy this delectable dish!
INGREDIENTS:
• 12 baguette slices
• Extra virgin olive oil (for brushing)
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1/4 cup Fruit and Honey Triple Berry Spread (or any fruit spread of your choice)
• 1/3 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/3 cup fresh blueberries
• 2 oz fruit cheese (such as Wensleydale with Autumn Fruit), crumbled
• Fresh rosemary for garnish
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Lightly brush the front and back of the baguette slices with Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
3. Toast baguette slices in the oven for 3-5 minutes or until lightly toasted.
4. Once the baguette slices are cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese over each slice.
5. Add the fruit spread on top of the cream cheese.
6. Add sliced strawberries and a few blueberries, allowing the vibrant colors to pop. (A great place to find fresh fruit is our local staple, Crystal & Rich’s Produce.)
7. Crumble the fruit cheese over the top for an added layer of richness and depth.
8. Garnish with fresh Rosemary if desired.
9. Serve and enjoy!
Non-Surgical Facelift
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Meridian + Valley Events
1 — JAZZ NIGHT
Egyptian Theatre, 7 PM: Big band jazz with The Switch in Time Orchestra. boisemusicweek.org
30-2 — SPRING RENDEZVOUS
5668 W. Flying Hawk Ln.: Falconers share wisdom and honor mentors. falconry.org
2-17 SPRING PARADE OF HOMES
Across Treasure Valley: Self-guided showcase of current design and construction. boiseparadeofhomes.com
2 — MERIDIAN MAIN STREET MARKET
Old Town Meridian, 9 AM: Weekly Saturday market, local vendors, food, music. meridianmainstreetmarket.com
1-10 — DRUNK SHAKESPEARE
Boise Little Theater: Shakespeare with a tipsy twist. boiselittletheater.org
2 — MERIDIAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Meridian High School: Dreams and Legends. meridiansymphony.org
2 — EXPLORE OUTDOORS BICYCLE BONANZA
Discovery Park, 10 AM: A celebration of cycling with vendors, clubs, activities. meridiancity.org
2 — GIRL’S DAY OUT EXPO
Expo Idaho, 10 AM: Sip, shop, and celebrate women. iblevents.com
2 — BOISE RIVER MARATHON
Boise River, 2 PM: Celebrate fitness and community along the Boise River. boiserivermarathon.com
2 — MAYPOLE MARKET
Hyde Park, 10 AM: A youth-led spring market. trica.org
2 — DANCING AROUND THE WORLD
Borah High School, 7 PM: Celebrate immigrant cultures! boisemusicweek.org
2-3 — SAILING
Morrison Center: 70s–80s soft rock hits with orchestra. morrisoncenter.com
4 — CUNK! IN CONVERSATION
Egyptian Theatre, 7 PM: An evening with Diane Morgan and Charlie Brooker. egyptiantheatre.com
5 — CINCO DE MAYO
Indian Creek Plaza, 5 PM: A vibrant celebration of Mexican culture! indiancreekplaza.com
5-8 — IDAHO SPORTSMAN SHOW
Expo Idaho: Gear and tips for outdoor activities. idahosportsmanshow.com
7-16 — WORLD JET BOAT CHAMPIONSHIP
Roadhouse at the Mill: Feel the adrenaline as top jet boat racers hit the water! jetboatracingusa.com
8 — MOBILE FIX-IT
CATCH Idaho, 1 PM: Free bike repairs for adults! boisebicycleproject.org
9 — MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL
Meridian Speedway, 6:30 PM: All mothers admitted free for a night of racing. meridianspeedway.com
9 — SCHOOL OF ROCK GRAND OPENING
Chinden Blvd, 10 AM: Join the grand opening for music, food, and activities. schoolofrock.com
9 — MOTHER’S DAY MARKET
Indian Creek Plaza, 10 AM: Artisans, music, and Mother’s Day market finds. indiancreekplaza.com
9 — IDAHO PET EXPO
Expo Idaho, 10 AM: Pet products, services, and live animal demonstrations. iblevents.com
9 — SHEEP IN THE FOOTHILLS
Howell Station, 10 AM: Celebration of agriculture and Idaho heritage. idahowoolgrowers.org
10 — MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH
Zoo Boise, 9 AM: With breakfast, a zookeeper talk, and a gift. zooboise.org
15 — SPRING CONCERT
Kleiner Park, 5 PM: Live bands supporting a great cause. schoolofrock.com
15-17 — GEM STATE COMIC CON
Expo Idaho: Idaho’s biggest fan convention! gemstatecomiccon.com
19-21 — RIVERDANCE 30
Morrison Center, 7:30 PM: Grammy-winning Irish dance and music. morrisoncenter.com
22-24 — MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS
Stage Coach Theatre: Hercule Poirot unravels a murder on stage. stagecoachtheatre.com
22-30 — SHE LOVES ME
Boise Little Theater: A musical of love and mistaken identities. boiselittletheater.org
23 — GONA’S MAGICAL MAY DAY
Downtown Meridian, 2 PM: Spring day with screen-free activities. gonasreadingranch.com
23-25 — ROCK THE RIVER
Riverside Hotel: Free summer concerts. riversideboise.com
29 — ADJUSTAPALOOZA 2026
Kleiner Park, 5 PM: Summer bash with music, food trucks, vendors. holisticmarketplace.com
29 — SPARKLIGHT MOVIE NIGHT
Settlers Park, 7 PM: Free outdoor movie night with activities. meridiancity.org
29-30 — 44TH GREEK FOOD FESTIVAL
Greek Orthodox Church: Food, live music, and Greek dancing. boisegreekfestival.com
30 — 42ND CLASSIC KIDS’ RUN
State Capitol, 11 AM: A one-mile kids’ run! ymcatvidaho.org
30 — ACCESS TO JUSTICE FUND RUN & WALK
Fort Boise Park, 10 AM: Support free legal services for Idahoans. fb.com
