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Delivering Community News to Eagle, Star & W. Ada County MAY 2015
Volume 6 • Issue 5
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EPA Issues Order on ‘Lazy J’ Property Asbestos Contamination Neptune Says Property Clean-Up Should be Finished ‘This Week’
By Philip A. Janquart EAGLE – Local developer Ryan Neptune has hired Pacific Technologies Inc. (PTI) to clean up asbestos-contaminated debris from the partial demolition of several dilapidated buildings at the “Lazy J” property in Eagle. Neptune, of Gateway Parks LLC and Eagle Superparks LLC, told The Independent on April 20 that he was not sure how long the clean-up would take, but that it “should be done this week.” Neptune initiated the asbestos abatement 12 days after receiving an order by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to have it removed within 60 days, or face $37,500 in civil penalties per day per violation, in addition to criminal sanctions. The April 8 compliance order was issued through the EPA’s Office of Compliance and Enforcement in Seattle, Wash., under the Clean Air Act. It followed months of investigations involving Neptune and the property, a cluster of buildings that includes an old sports store and tavern. The site is located on Horseshoe Bend Road (old Highway 55) and Floating Feather Road, adjacent to Neptune’s new snowpark development and the city’s sports complex. Neptune purchased the property in January 2014 and applied for a permit to demolish the buildings on Feb. 19. He received the permit from Ada County Development Services the same day. A subsequent asbestos survey, conducted by Intermountain Construction & Abatement (ICA) in May, found that six of the eight buildings contained a total of 2,500 squarefeet of “regulated asbestos-containing material” (RACM), according to the EPA. The EPA says the particular type of asbestos found at the site is known as “friable” asbestos, referring to asbestos that becomes airborne when disturbed. The six buildings had an asbestos content ranging from 1 to 15 percent, according to ICA’s report, and was “found in vinyl floor tile, ceiling and wall plaster, sheetrock texture, window putty, and roofing materials.” The company provided Neptune with a $13,805 bid to abate the asbestos, but “respondent did not hire ICA to remove asbestos from the site,” according to the EPA’s 12-page order. Neptune told The Independent he did not hire ICA because he was waiting for bids from other companies. The buildings were still standing in June 2014, but a December 24 on-site visit by Ada County Development Services months later found that four buildings had been fully demolished and that a fifth had been partially demolished. A public complaint about demolition activity at the site was filed with the EPA in December 2014, prompting the EPA’s investigation.
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID EAGLE, IDAHO PERMIT NO. 60
ECRWSS
POSTAL PATRON LOCAL
A heavy equipment operator began clearing debris at the old Lazy J property on Horseshoe Bend Road on Monday. A phone call confirmed it belongs to Pacific Technologies Inc., an asbestos abatement company.
On-site visits found asbestos-containing demolition debris lying exposed to the open air. The EPA says it warned Neptune he needed to follow specific protocol for notification and removal of the material, as well as implementation of interim safety precautions designed to protect the public. “On Feb. 25, 2015, EPA Region 10 spoke with Mr. Neptune and informed him that the asbestos National Emission Standard for Asbestos regulations apply to the demolition activity at the site; that advance notification is required for all demolitions, including demolitions in which the owner believes there is not asbestos present; that all RACM must be removed from any buildings still standing before demolition resumes; that asbestos-contaminated waste material must be kept wet until collected for disposal; and that disposal requirements apply to all asbestos-containing waste material picked up and removed from the site,” the EPA said. The EPA said Neptune never complied, ultimately resulting in the April order. The order requires Neptune to immedi-
ately begin “wetting” all the asbestos-containing debris until actual removal procedures take place, but an on-site visit by The Independent on April 17, 2015, did not reveal any obvious signs of “wetting” activities at that time. A crew with Pacific Technologies, however, showed up on the site the following Monday, on April 20. “I don’t know, they didn’t say how long it was going to take, but they said it should be done this week,” Neptune said. “They will handle everything. It’s in their hands right now, it’s in their contract and it’s all liable to them.” The Clean Up The EPA order mandates that, “respondent shall discharge no visible emissions to the outside air during the collection, processing (including incineration), packaging, or transporting of any asbestos-containing waste material unless a specified emission control and waste treatment method is used.” The contaminated material must be deposited in “an approved asbestos waste disposal site,” marking the material in
EHS Grads' Need for Speed, White Boyz Racing,
Unique and new fashion, Mary K. Denton,
pg. 3
pg. 4
“properly marked vehicles” with properly “maintained waste shipment records,” the order states. Neptune must also comply with asbestos emission control procedures for the remaining buildings, granting EPA inspectors full access to the property to take samples and photographs, and to interview any workers or representatives on the site. Finally, he has seven days following completion of the clean up to send the EPA a written notice describing the steps he took to comply with the conditions outlined in the order. The Ada County Landfill is set to receive the material, according to Ada County Board of Commissioners Chief of Staff Larry Maneely, who says the facility has been notified and is aware of the coming shipments. What’s next? The property is said to have been originally slated for use as storage and for possible retail facilities related to the snowpark and sports complex, but Neptune said he isn’t sure what he will do with it after the abatement has been completed. “I don’t know; it’s going to be undeveloped land for right now,” he said. Neptune told The Independent that, “the county asked me to buy it (the land),” and that, “the previous owner was put in jail over it because it was such a mess, as I understand.” Maneely disputed both claims. “No, the county did not ask him to buy it,” he said. “He bought it from a private owner as a supportive move to the city’s (Eagle’s) acquisition of county land. It sat there in limbo for several years since the previous owner died. His estate hadn’t done anything with the property, to clean it up or dispose of it. The previous owner died, he didn’t go to jail.” When asked if anyone from the City of Eagle asked him to buy the land, Neptune said that, “they talked about it and said it would be a good thing, just because it’s such a mess,” he said. “It’s been that way for 40 years.” He did not elaborate further. Continued on page 9
Mickie Park goes Day Trippin' to the Snake, pg. 19
PAGE 2 • May 2015
The Independent News • www.theindnews.com
Beer Can Man, Joe Prin
Sun Valley Beer
Joe’s can cave
How PBR started
The First Beer can
Idaho cans
If there is an artifact from pop culture, politics, history, sports or industry, there is probably someone that collects it. Postage stamps, baseball cards, tractor seats, tools, thimbles, and golf balls all are collectable to someone. Within those collectors and their collections, item details and category specifics are learned and enjoyed. The collector increases his or her knowledge as they get deeper into their hobby. They learn which items have significance, are harder to come by than others, or perhaps which even have monetary value. Collections are started for many reasons. It could be family tradition, or a location that sets off the spark to collect. It may have been a period of time lived through, or a connection to the item, company, or what it represents. And then there are those collectors that in the minds of the vast majority of us have taken their hobby over the top. They have gone beyond what many would call “normal behavior." They appear to be obsessed or infatuated with what they have amassed. Eagle resident and regular columnist to this paper, Joe Prin, is one of those collectors deemed by non-collectors as one who has taken his hobby to the next level - a level that can be appreciated with a stunned smile, generating amazement. Joe is a Beer Can Collector. “I have been at this since 1974. A couple friends and I were hiking in Colorado and I picked up an old Coors can along a trail. I saved it because it looked quite old. I found another old beer can the next week, but it was a different brand so I thought I’d see how many variations I could find. That was over 10,000 cans ago.” Prin’s collection contains cans from the very first beer can made in 1935 up to cans produced in the last week. “A line had to be drawn somewhere so I now only save cans from breweries in the United States. I think the foreign cans I had are now on display at a bar in West
Yellowstone.” said Prin. What is the most common question he gets about his collection? “What is your rarest or favorite can? I hear that a lot. The ‘rare one’ question is easy to answer. I have one can that, although it does not have any real monetary value because it is not in great shape, it is believed to be one of the only examples known. Favorite? That changes every day.” Until recently, Idaho has produced only three canned beers - Aero Club and Sun Valley from Pocatello and Bohemian Club from Boise. There are 13 known variations of these cans and all are very hard to find. With the explosion of Craft Brewing, Payette, Sockeye, Crooked Fence, Slanted Rock and Laughing Dog Brewing have added 49 additional cans to the mix. “The aluminum can is the most environmentally responsible beverage package made. Breweries are embracing this now and new collectors are making contact. A lot of people know can collectors or collected at one time themselves. It is a fun and social hobby. One trip to the grocery store and you can start your collection. But be careful, you might end up being a nerd like me!” Joe cautioned. On Saturday, May 16th, The Gem State Chapter of the Brewery Collectables Club of America will be having their annual Can-vention at Sockeye Grill and Brewery, 12542 W Fairview Ave, in Boise from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. “Anyone is welcome to stop by. We bring out our extras and buy, sell, and trade with other collectors. We also offer appraisals if you have something at home you are curious about. Some people collect bottle labels, some metal signs or coasters, openers, or bottle caps. It is all part of the hobby. I try to limit myself to cans although if I like it, it may find a home in my can room.” For more information, follow Gem State Brewery Collectibles Club on Facebook , or contact Joe at joe@joeprin.com or call 573-1082.
May 2015 • PAGE 3
The Independent News • www.theindnews.com
COMMUNIT Y Eagle High Grads Conquering White Water as ‘White Boyz Racing’
By Philip A. Janquart EAGLE - Speeding down a river at 80 miles an hour can feel like flying a jet fighter, according to 2006 Eagle High School graduate Shay White. White and his brother, Grady, are welders at Western Whitehouse Repair, in Meridian. The business, owned by the boys’ dad, Rick, does metal fabrication for trailers and various other things, but specializes in aluminum jet boats. Their mother, Jayne, is the head secretary at E.H.S. It only makes sense, after a childhood hanging out at the shop and riding in jet boats with their parents on excursions up the Salmon River that the boys would one-day race their own boat. “We’ve been working with him (dad) consistently now for about three years,” Shay said. “Growing up I’d work with him on peoples’ boats and just help him out. That’s why I do what I do, and I love it.” Shay and Grady, the youngest USA “marathon” jet boat racers in the world, have spent their weekends over the last four years on the water, competing in races in the U.S. and Canada as “White Boyz Racing.” The team has seen plenty of success since appearing on the scene, garnering a fourthplace overall finish at the 2012 World Jet Boat River Marathon Championships held on the Salmon River in Riggins, Idaho, followed by second- and third-place finishes. As a result, they have been featured in magazines and news articles, and on television in the northwest. What is Marathon Jet Boat Racing? This specific type of boat racing is based on timed runs, or “legs,” from point “A” to point “B” up a given stretch of river, and then back down. There are twists and turns, white water induced “big air” and, depending on the river, plenty of rapids to negotiate, as well as a lot of engine noise. The Boat The Whites’ sleek, flat-bottomed riverboat is 21-feet long and was made in Canada in 1998. They bought it last year from former boat racer and current race director Darrell Bentz, who started building jet boats in the 1960’s and subsequently broke his back racing them on two separate occasions. The boat has undergone a major cosmetic change thanks to Kryptek, an Eagle-based business that develops camo designs used in various applications. The company allowed Shay and Grady to wrap their entire boat in neon lime-green camo, something that has never been done before. “They are a huge company. They are new, but have just blown up,” Shay said. “This is the neatest thing to happen for the sport. I got to pick the color; they have all different colors for different applications like the tundra or water. They don’t normally do neon limegreen. I think it was the first one they’ve done.” Lots of Horsepower The boats used in Marathon boat racing are “stagger-started” one minute apart from each other at the start of a race. They are powered
by car engines and a jet pump and are put into classes based on the size of the motor, how much horsepower it produces, and how fast it goes. The driver has two controls: steering and throttle. There are no breaks, clutch, or shifter, meaning the driver only has to “stab it and steer it.” The engines themselves range from common Chevy 350 ZZ4s to higher-end Chevy LS3 CT525 crate motors, and their Dodge and Ford equivalents, pumping out around 525 horsepower. Topping the heap are 640 cubic-inch helicopter motors that propel boats to over 135 miles per hour. “One guy here in the U.S. has a 1,300-horsepower helicopter jet engine,” Shay said. “It’s a T-58 General Electric engine out of a Huey helicopter.” He said another boat owner was clocked at 151 miles per hour. “I don’t really want to get into that because it’s dangerous and if the wings on the front end of the boat catch a gust of wind, it will flip you over,” had added. “My boat is in the class with the smallest engine, so it’s a lot slower.” He says one of the advantages of running a smaller, more typical engine is that replacement parts are readily available, and are cheaper to buy. Teams with high-end or exotic engines are not likely to recover and get back into a race quickly if something goes wrong. “The bigger the engine, the more you start stacking hundred dollar bills,” Shay said. “We are blue-collar workers and we can just go to Napa Auto Parts to fix our engine.” The Team Shay drives the boat and brother Grady does the navigating, keeping an eye on the gauges, reading the river and pointing out obstacles like rocks or other boat crews that, for various reasons, may have come to a stop on the water; it’s a dangerous scenario that, in part, keeps the team on high alert. At the end of the day, however, Shay is the one who must read and react. “Everything he tells me is a ‘suggestion,’ because ultimately I have control of the throttle and the steering wheel,” Shay explained. He says skimming across the surface at high speed while negotiating turns and rapids can be unnerving, especially considering there is little more than aluminum separating the water from their rear-ends. The sensation of flying, he added, is enhanced by the wind catching the boat’s frontend “wings,” which give the boat lift. Safety The boat teams are as protected as possible, with racing helmets, five-point harnesses, life jackets, fire suits and custom-fit racing seats. “People can still get hurt, but we take every precaution to reduce the risk of injury,” Shay noted. Team White Boyz Racing is scheduled to race next in St. Mary’s, Idaho in June, followed by three consecutive races in Canada and another on the Snake River in Lewiston. You can find out more about White Boyz Racing on Facebook.
Shay and Grady White Speed up a section of the Salmon River
Shop locally for your Mother's Day gifts! Support your local eceonomy!
May 16th-26th, 2015
Visit the majestic display of 600 U.S. flags, set in perfect rows, displaying yellow ribbons with the name, rank and branch of service of veterans and currently serving military personnel. Join us in honoring all those who have sacrificed so much to ensure our freedom and our way of life.
Opening Ceremony: May 16th at 4:00 p.m. at Merrill Park in Eagle Sponsor a flag for only $30.00.
Keep the flag at the end of the event
Free BBQ Dinner (following the opening ceremony) for veterans and currently serving military personnel A $5.00 donation is requested for non-military dinner tickets To sponsor a flag become an event sponsor or for more information, visit:
www.eaglefieldofhonor.org or call (208) 861-7309
PAGE 4 • May 2015
The Independent News • www.theindnews.com
BUSINESS
Are You Really Reaching all of Your Potential Customers? Our advertisers are getting the best exposure for their advertising dollars. ARE YOU? 16,000 distribution Eagle and Star
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Call us today at 794-6858 or visit our website
Everyone Has a Story:
Mary K. Denton
By Melissa Upton Meet Mary K. Denton, the innovative CEO behind Ginger & Mary Ann Clothing Company, a unique niche in women’s fashion. Denton describes her clothing line as “aftersports wear." She explains that it is not her intention to compete with Nike, who makes sportswear, nor Columbia, who makes outerwear. This aftersports wear is intended for the busy, active woman who is able to “squeeze exercise and activity into her busy day” between life’s tasks and responsibilities. This is clothing women can wear from yoga class to coffee with a friend. “This is what you wear to get from the gym to work, to the grocery store, or to meet the cable guy without looking like you were just at the gym,” said Denton. The hashtag on their website, gingerandmaryann.com is #womenwhomove, which perfectly encompasses their target market. Her clothes are all made with performance fabrics, are anti-microbial, and are manufactured right here in the Northwest. Denton says, even though it is more expensive to manufacture in this area, it is important to her to keep things as local as possible. “It’s been a fun challenge to keep things in the Northwest,” Denton remarked. Denton explained that Boise is not really known for this type of fashion designing, but she classified the statement by saying, “Yet.” Her clothing designers are graduates from Oregon, but her newest addition to the clothing team is a sophomore at Boise State who is studying art. In her desire to keep it local, Denton looked to the local art scene when assembling her graphic design team.
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more. My heart wasn’t in it. I needed to let go of conflict and anxiety. I needed that to be the past and needed to move into something that was creative and mind-opening.” Did she ever imagine she’d Mary K. Denton become a fashion designer? with nephew, “No,” she said emphatically. Mason She knew, however, what she Stidham liked and what she wanted. Denton had always been athletic, “skiing in the morning and golfing in the afternoon.” She believes that clothing should not only be fashionable “Hawk Sahlein, one of the two members of and fun, but also practical and functional. She believes that women shouldn’t have to carry Sector 17 (graffiti artists and organizers of Freak Alley), is our Graphics and Art Director. several clothing changes to get from event to Hawk does a great job of incorporating his and event. The Ginger & Mary Ann Clothing Company Collin’s (also of Sector 17) work and commisname derives from two sioning work from guest artists of the characters in the around the country. This popular 70’s show, spring, our guest artists are Gilligan’s Island. from Washington, D.C. and Denton reflected, Salem, Oregon,” explained Ginger and Mary Ann “ Denton. embodied a spirit of Every design used in the cleverness, resourcefulGinger & Mary Ann line is ness, and wit – each in original artwork. her own unique way. The concept of Ginger & Sometimes we feel exotic Mary Ann clothing emerged Original artwork on all and glamorous; other designs. From the from a life-changing experitimes we want a classic, spring 2015 line. ence. Denton’s husband comfortable, girl-next-door became seriously ill. During look. In a broader sense, this famous island his illness, Denton, a successful theme has come to characterize our entire attorney, lessened her caseload so brand.” she could be with him during Their clothing line is fun, bright, and attracdoctor’s appointments in Seattle. tive and yet serves a practical purpose. For Through his illness and subsequent example, the Caponcha is an all-weather passing, she learned that, “life is hybrid of a cape and poncho with sleeves that very, very short” and reassessed her have thumbholes at the cuffs to keep the goals, values, and her future. sleeves in place. In addition, the right cuff “Law is about conflict,” she said. has a hidden pocket which is the perfect size “Even though I was in a part of law to hold a lipstick or even pepper spray. The that was trying to be conciliatory, Motu vest has day-glo features that neatly you’re always trying to carve out fold back into clever zipped pockets when your part, stake your claim, and not needed, according to the website. I found I just couldn’t do that any-
Denton’s inclination is toward opportunity, not obstacles. She is a problemsolver who sees great learning experiences in all that she does. She is certainly forging a new trend in fashion by marrying fashion with function. Why should women have to choose one over the other? With Ginger & Mary Ann clothing, women can have both: the glamour of Ginger and the down-to-earth practicality of Mary Ann. Visit their website: gingerandmaryann.com.
Ginger & Mary Ann’s new spring 2015 line is here!
The RUJA backpack
May 2015 • PAGE 5
The Independent News • www.theindnews.com
Buying a New Home?
Builders are using HERS Scores to show money-saving features in homes. Wouldn’t it be great if you could look ‘behind Are there other benefits?
the walls’ to see how a home was constructed? The HERS Score does just that. It gives potential homeowners the ability to ‘see’ the quality built into a home. Many building companies in the valley have opted to voluntarily hire an independent company to verify efficiency features with a HERS Score. An efficiently-built home means less money spent on utility costs, a more comfortable environment and cleaner air inside the home.
What is a HERS Score?
It stands for Home Energy Rating System. Most people have heard of Energy Star, and HERS is the next generation of Energy Efficiency in homes. Before construction, building plans are submitted to a certified energy services company. Throughout construction, the company inspects and tests the home to verify efficiency practices. Certificates are generated when the home is complete that outline projected energy usage and costs. It even gives an estimated yearly savings on utility costs based on efficiency.
Is there a ‘Good’ HERS Score?
Like golf, the lower the score the better. A home that scores 70 or below is considered a quality-built, efficient home. Some builders are even reaching into the 50’s, which translates into about $1800 savings annually. Over the life of a 30 year mortgage, that could amount to $54,000 in savings – just in utility costs!
How do I know which homes have a HERS Score?
Ask the builder or their agent – What is the HERS Score of this home? If there is no score on the home, how are you going to know the true efficiency of the home? Builders that have made the commitment to HERS Scores are inviting you to ‘see’ every stage of construction.
How about Indoor Air Quality? A home that is not sealed correctly during construction has a high potential for pulling air from the attic or crawlspace into the living area of the home. Breathing contaminants from these areas is not healthy! One of the inspections included in a HERS scored home is an air seal inspection; all penetrations (electrical, plumbing, etc.,) are sealed to prevent unhealthy air leaks and result in an improved HERS Score.
There is no HERS Score, but I really like the home’s design!
Design features are important when making the decision to buy a home. However, 40% of operating costs in a home are utility costs, the next highest cost outside of the mortgage payment! It just makes sense to reduce those costs, have healthier air in the home and peace of mind, knowing the home has been inspected by a third-party.
Look for a builder that lets you ‘see’ how the home was built.
The HERS Score - LESS is Better
Under 70 HERS Score:
Less utility costs Less contaminants in air Less maintenance issues Less warranty complaints
Look for HERS Certified Homes!
Do I have to pay for a HERS Score? No. On new construction homes that are scored, the builder has contracted with an energy company to perform the testing and provide certification. These builders have opted to build above standard building code requirements.
BuildingEnergyInc.com 208.286.0036
WOW (Write on Workshops) Conference to be presented by Inspirational Women Authors
The Inspirational Women Authors (IWA) are honored to present the WOW! Write On Workshops Conference for pre-published and published authors! This conference will be held Saturday, May 30 from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM at First Baptist Church, 204 E. Elm Street, New Plymouth, ID. According to IWA co-founder, Sheila Eismann, this conference brings together two important components of being an author. "The WOW (Write On) Workshops Conference will show participants how to marry the writing and publishing parts of being an author. The seven of us speak from practical experience as we have written and published 40 of our own books thus far." Using their collective writing and publishing experiences, the IWA is pleased to offer the following workshops: • Basic M&Ms (Mapping Your Book & Making it Work): Phyllis Vavold & Sheila Eismann • Writing 101 (What to Write): JoEllen Claypool & Vera DeMay
• Publishing Options: Americus Dotter & Jane Freund • It's Up to You! (Marketing, Social Media and More): Carol Green Attendees will have the opportunity to attend all four workshops throughout the day. The cost of attending this conference is $49 if paid by May 1 and $59 if paid after May 1 up to and including the day of the conference. The fee is non-refundable. Writing and publishing related vendors will have tables at the event. Lunch is included in the registration fee and during the lunch, the women of the IWA will feature their books. Also, door prizes will be drawn at the end of the day and you must be present to win. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit http://bit.ly/wowconference byinspirationalwomenauthors. For more on the Inspirational Women Authors, visit https://www.facebook.com/ inspirationalwomenauthors
Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land. ~ Aldo Leopold
1st Wednesdays in Eagle Announce Patio Party at the North Channel Center on the River
ENJOY A FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENT ALL SUMMER LONG
Spring has sprung and summer is just around the corner so it’s time for a big Patio Party! Just announced, the 1st Wednesday Patio Party at the North Channel Center on the River will feature the businesses at this location in a combined event to showcase services and products for the community of Eagle and the Treasure Valley. Featuring prize give-a-ways, promotional discounts, music, art and artists, wine tasting and fun for everyone - the Patio Party at the North Channel Center on the River will fall on the first Wednesday of the month, May through October: May 6th, June 3rd, July 1st, August 5th, September 2nd, October 7th. The Patio Party will be from 4:30-7:30 p.m. The center, located just off Eagle Road at Highway 44, 600 S. Rivershore Lane, Eagle, has become a destination location and offers a wide variety of businesses including an art gallery with framing and specialty food stores for olive oil, balsamic vinegar, meats, ice cream and even cupcakes. Businesses include: Edward Jones, FrameWorks Eagle Gallery, Joe Momma’s Breakfast Eatery,
Lilly Jane’s Cupcakes, Olive and Vyne, Porterhouse Market, Pes-wies Payroll Services. others TBD Ride your bike - this event is steps from the Eagle greenbelt. The Patio Party will feature live music from local bands. Want to see some local artwork? There will be plenty of artists on hand showing their original artwork and crafts. Promotional give-a-way games await, where you can pull the arm of a vintage slot machine provided by FrameWorks Gallery for discount coupons from each business. There will be Wine Tasting for adults, tasty treats like cinnamon rolls and coffee from Joe Momma’s Breakfast Eatery, and special “Patio Party Prices” discounted food at the various restaurants. Free Tastings at Olive and Vyne specialty Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars and select Baby Cakes from Lilly Jane’s Cupcakes. Located at: 600 South Rivershore Lane, Eagle, Idaho 83616. Contact kellie.allred@gmail.com, 208-939-6775 for more information.
PAGE 6 • May 2015
Around Eagle . . . . . . . . . . . . By Mayor Jim Reynolds
Many of the folks from Eagle have commented very positively about the razing of the old Tri-City Meats building, the aged and needy rental houses, and an assortment of trees at the end of their life cycle. “Wow, it looks so open,” has been the usual observation. It is exciting to see the long-awaited renovation in downtown Eagle. It seemed that the abandoned buildings had cast a pall over the entire downtown area for a very long time. The Tri-City property will be graded and surfaced for some 30 parking places to meet the significant need for downtown parking. Eagle Middle School recently engaged their students in a game of life called Reality Town. It is basically a game in which the student players are given a monthly income and then must decide between those things that they must have (food, shelter, etc.), and those things they may want (fast car, beautiful clothes). More importantly, they learned how to make in-course corrections for errors in judgement, like buying that sports car before providing for basic needs, and having to sell the car at a loss in order to free enough cash for rent. It was a great life experience for all. Actually, that kind of exercise is good for kids of all ages. Readers may recall Sage Development which became the Idaho Council of Governments. Both were created to serve the ten Southwestern Idaho Counties in several capacities, including economic development. With the contract for feeding seniors under the Area Agency on Aging being absorbed by the state under their Area Office on Aging, much of the available funding that ran ICOG also returned to the state. ICOG still has a healthy portfolio of small companies taking
Keep Your Community Strong Support Local Businesses Go to www.theindnews.com for updated community events, more photos of events and the news that occurs after we publish each month.
The Briefing
advantage of their Revolving Loan Fund. Compass, the Community Planning Association primarily involved with transportation issues, will consider combining the two organizations and administering ICOG’s economic development activity. The benefit to Eagle could be in the area of spurring and nurturing future economic development in our City. Stay tuned. Perhaps you have seen the rather large structure going up behind Camille Beckman on west State Street. While it began life as a show room with processing center for extracting the essence of various flower petals, it has developed into what will be a stunning event center for weddings and special events. The Chateau des Fleurs will offer a spectacular venue for occasions when an elegant setting is desired. Susan and Foad Roghani, owners of Camille Beckman and developers of Chateau des Fleurs, have engaged a 5-star chef to satisfy the most demanding pallets as they bring a touch of European taste and culture to Eagle. The Eagle High School Baseball team recently cut the ribbon on their new club house. The building has changing rooms and lockers for both the varsity and junior varsity baseball teams. It was built through the efforts of Chris Pecora and other local businessmen and volunteers. Head Coach Frank Wright, now in his 42nd year of coaching, was on hand to thank all those involved in bringing about the much desired addition. Coach Wright has been at Eagle High School for 19 years, and has compiled 706 Wins, 9 State Championship Appearances, 2 State Titles, 3 District Championships, and was honored for the eighth time as Coach of the Year. We are truly blessed to live in such a place.
City of Eagle Meetings
Eagle City Hall 660 E. Civic Lane • 939-6813 www.cityofeagle.org
Eagle City Council Meetings 2nd and 4th Tuesday • 6:30 p.m. Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting 1st and 3rd Monday • 6:00 p.m.
Park and Pathways Development Commission 3rd Tuesday • 6:30 p.m.
Eagle Arts Commission Meeting 1st Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Eagle City Hall
Eagle Sewer District Board Meeting 2nd Monday of the month • 6:00 p.m. District’s administration building 44 N. Palmetto Ave., Eagle, 939-0132 Eagle Historic Preservation Commission Meeting 2nd Wednesday, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Eagle Historical Museum (67 E. State St.) Eagle Government Relations Committee Meeting 4th Wednesday, 9-10 a.m., Bank of the West 47 E. Riverside Drive, Eagle, ID Call Eagle Chamber 939-4222
Eagle Senior Center 312 E. State Street, 939-0475 Monday: Exercise at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday: Lunch & Pinochle at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday: Exercise at 9:00 a.m. Thursday: Lunch & Bingo at 12:00 p.m. Friday: Exercise at 9:00 a.m.
American Legion Eagle Post 127 meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of each month, except for Jun - Aug. Time: 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. Place: Eagle Sewer District Building, 44 N Palmetto Ave in Eagle. Veterans welcome
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Publisher/Editor Melissa Upton PO Box 166 Graphic Designer Mary Shaw Star, ID 83669 Printer Owyhee Publishing (208) 550-3111 Advertising Randy Miskimon (208)794-6858 theindnews.story@gmail.com Reporters Phil Janquart, Mickie Park
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To be included in the next issue all information and ads must be submitted by
May 15, 2015
The Independent News is published monthly, on the 1st. It is a free publication mailed direct to homes in Eagle and Star, with additional distribution in West Boise and North Meridian. Distribution of this publication does not constitute responsibility for products or services advertised. Article submissions, opinions or letters to the editor published in The Independent News do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. The publisher of The Independent News reserves the right to edit material on length and clarity and to reject any material deemed libelous or offensive in nature. Advertising or submissions may be rejected at any time, for any reason. The entire contents of The Independent News is copyrighted by Melissa Upton, Publisher.
with Chief Calley
Last article I addressed “The Most Dangerous Drug” and how to best make ourselves safe from that. In summary, the most dangerous drug is the one before you that could force you to be dependent upon it. This spectrum can be anything from over the counter remedies to the most illicit stuff made in the dirtiest of labs. Narrowing our focus though, let’s address these two extreme dangers: Prescription Medications and Marijuana. In social media or any broadcast news resource, you can find stories about the medical benefits of marijuana. And the danger here is the slope of compromise we step on saying “it can’t be all that bad…it helped them.” Legalization of marijuana in our country is an issue for us to all grapple with. What I ask is to educate yourself and those you love. Anything we put into our bodies can cause harm… Don’t fall for the “it’s just a little weed.” The manipulation of Marijuana and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol: the chemical most responsible for marijuana’s psychological effect on the body is a dangerous trend. A few resources for you: www.drugfreeidaho.org
The Independent News • www.theindnews.com
CIT Y OF EAGLE
May 2015 Contributors:
www.dea.gov www.tallcopsaysstop.com www.odp.idaho.gov Many homes in our community have prescription medications. While these medications were prescribed for the health benefit of one, they are an extreme risk for others. One in five Idaho students report taking a prescription medication without a physician prescription at least once during their lifetime (Idaho Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2011). What can you do? : • Properly Dispose: Bring your unused or expired medications to the Eagle Police Department for disposal. We are located at 1119 E. State Street (Suite 260). • Lock and Inventory Your Medications: It is that simple… • Do Not Share Prescription Medications… ever.
Gretchen Anderson, Patrick Calley, Norma Dawson, Anna Eaton-Merkle, Rita Gambino, Cathy Hardy, Kim Ingraham, Philip Janquart, Trina Kubitchek, Joy Lear, Joanne M.W. Love, Georgia Mackley, G. Leslie Manlove, Mike Olsen, Mickie Park, Joe Prin, Caitlin Straubinger, Tamara Sullivan-Watson, Jessica Tookey, Melissa Upton, Denice Van Doren, Tom Wick Press Release Policy
The Independent News publishes press releases distributed by businesses or organizations. The release should be NO MORE than 300 words in length. If a release is submitted that is longer, The Independent News will either send it back to you for editing, or we will edit it. If you are a new business in town, or an existing one that would like some coverage, The Independent News routinely provides business profiles for our local businesses. Please contact us at 550-3111 or email us at theindnews.story@gmail.com.
Letters to the Editor Policy
Maximum length is 250 words, 600 words for a Guest Opinion. You must identify yourself and include a phone number where you can be reached for verification. We will not publish telephone numbers or email addresses. All letters printed are the opinion of the writer and The Independent News cannot verify the accuracy of the information submitted. Any material submitted that is deemed libelous, offensive or in poor taste will not be printed. All material is subject to editing by this newspaper. Guest Opinions will be printed on a case by case basis and all material submitted will be printed as space allows. You may submit letters to theindnews.story@ gmail.com or mail to PO Box 166, Star, ID 83669.
w w w. t h e i n d n e w s . c o m
The Independent News • www.theindnews.com
May 2015 • PAGE 7
CIT Y OF EAGLE
EAGLE LIBRARY May Events
~~~~~~~~~~~ ON-GOING PROGRAMS ~~~~~~~~~~~
Monday, May 4, 11, 18 Baby Readers: 10:30 a.m. (birth – 18 months) Stories, songs, and fingerplays for babies and their caregivers. Monday, May 4, 11, 18 Knee Deep in Legos: 4:00 p.m. (elementary) Weekly program for children to use their creativity in building/designing with LEGOS. Tuesday, May 5, 12, 19, 26 Toddler Time: 10:30 a.m. (18 months – 3 years) Stories, songs, and crafts for toddlers and their caregivers. Tuesday, May 12 Alzheimer’s Support Group: 2:00 p.m. (adults) Co-sponsored with Alzheimer’s Association Greater Idaho Chapter, the Eagle Public Library offers a place for individuals and families whose lives have been touched by Alzheimer’s to receive support. Wednesday, May 6, 13, 20, 27 Music & Movement: 10:30 a.m. (birth – 5 years) Early literacy skills are built through rhythm and motion in this interactive program for young children and their caregivers. Wednesday, May 6, 13, 20, 27 Tales to Tails: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. (5 and up) Increase your reading ability and confidence by reading to man’s best friend from Helping Idaho Dogs. Registration is required; contact the Youth Services staff at 939-6814 ext. 113. Wednesday, May 13, 20, 27 Teen Advisory Board (TAB): 4:15 p.m. (teens 14+) Earn volunteer hours and socialize with your peers while helping your library in a variety of ways.
Wednesday, May 6, 13, 20, 27 Pajama Story Time: 7:00 p.m. (3 – 8 years) Come in your pj’s for stories, songs, a craft, and a bedtime snack. Thursday, May 7, 14, 21, 28 Preschool Story Time: 10:30 a.m. (3 – 5 years) Stories, songs, and crafts, with an emphasis on reading-readiness skills for preschoolers and their caregivers. Thursday, May 7, 14 Homeschool Adventures: 2:00 p.m. (elementary) Learning and fun for homeschooling families. Friday, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Ready, Set, School! 10:30 a.m. (3 – 5 years) Stories, songs, and crafts, with an emphasis on school-readiness skills. Friday, May 8, 22 Nutty Knitters of Eagle Public Library: 10:00 a.m. (adults) Local knitters and crocheters provide infant, youth, and adult knit products for those in need. Join them to knit for charity, or to make friends with people with common interests. Saturday, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Saturday Stories & Music: 10:30 a.m. (2 – 6 years) Children will build language and literacy skills through books, songs, rhymes, and movement activities. Year-Round Outside the Box Teen Challenge (middle/ high school) Be part of a challenge to read a book or watch a movie that is outside your usual choice. Challenge trackers are available in The Corner or at www.eaglepubliclibrary.org
Saturday, May 2 Saturday Creations: 2:00 p.m. (adults) Make your very own set of colorful ceramic tile coasters. Monday, May 4 Cinco de Mayo Celebration: 6:00 p.m. (middle/high school) Celebrate Mexico’s independence with festive games and food. Tuesday, May 5, 12, 19, 26 After School Adventures: 4:15 p.m. (elementary) May 5: The Whatever Book! Club Bring whatever book you are currently reading and join a club that is all about good books, good food, good friends, and fun! May 12: Make Mexican inspired treats. May 19: Decorate a pot and plant a seed! May 26: Bingo for Kids Tuesday, May 5 Container Gardening: 6:30 p.m. (all ages) Sandy Turpen will demonstrate how to arrange beautiful potted plants. Just in time for Mother’s Day! Wednesday, May 6 WiiU and Makey-Makey: 4:30 p.m. (middle/high school) Explore with the MakeyMakey and partake in some friendly peer competition with fun WiiU games. Feel free to bring your own games to share. Friday, May 8 Internet Searching: 10:00 a.m. (adults) Internet searching for beginners. Teen Volunteer Applications Due (14+) Applications for all volunteer positions (including Summer Reading) to begin June 1st. Saturday, May 9 Mom’s Day Cupcakes: 2:00 p.m. (middle/high school) Make your mom a special cupcake gift for Mother’s Day. Monday, May 11 Pizza and a Movie: 5:30 p.m. (middle/high school) Bring a friend and enjoy pizza and a movie. This month’s movie: Madagascar
Wednesday, May 13, 27 Eagle Writer’s Group: 6:30 p.m. (adults) Writer and educator Priscilla Stone presents a series of classes about memoir writing, using a balance of lecture, writing exercises and feedback. Wednesday, May 13 Twitter for Beginners: 2:00 p.m. (adults) What is Twitter? What is it for? Come find out. Friday May 15, 29 Eagle Public Library Sewing Club: 12:30 p.m. (all ages) Learn to sew or increase your sewing skills with other sewing enthusiasts. Wednesday, May 13 Teen Volunteer Orientation: 4:15 p.m. (14+) Orientation for new and returning teen volunteers. Thursday, May 14 Second Thursday Book Club: 6:30 pm (all ages) The selection for this month is The Zookeepers Wife by Diane Ackerman Friday, May 8, 15, 22, 29 Friday Afternoon Movies: 4:15 p.m. (all ages) May 8: Disney’s Princess & the Frog May 15: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible No Good Very Bad Day May 22: Monster University May 29: Song of the Sea Monday, May 18 Spring Flower Pots: 6:00 p.m. (middle/high school) Gear up for summer by customizing a flower pot for your summer garden. Wednesday, May 20 Audit Prevention for Small Business: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (adults) Sponsored by the Small Business Association. Thursday, May 21 Chat With the Director: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. (all ages) An opportunity to let the Library Director know your opinions about current and future library services. Saturday, May 23 Computer Basics: 2:00 p.m. (adults) Don’t know the first thing about computers? We can help. Friday, May 29 E-mail for Beginners: 10:00 a.m. (adults) Learn to use email to keep in touch with family and friends.
~~~~~~~~~~~ SPECIAL PROGRAMS ~~~~~~~~~~~
The Library will be closed Monday, May 25 for Memorial Day.
www.eaglepubliclibrary.org To learn more about the
Eagle Chamber of Commerce: www.eaglechamber.com.
The chamber is active in the community and proactive in helping business members network and better achieve their goals.
A man's country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle and patriotism is loyalty to that principle. ~ George William Curtis *For all programs: Preregistration is required at www.cityofeagle.org/recreation
PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS: Bueno Lingo Preschool Spanish Classes Friday, May 1 - May 22 Bring your little ones (ages 3-6) to this fun, energizing Spanish class! Lessons are taught through interactive stories, music, movement, Spanish play, and more. Each class includes an inspired art project for an at-home practice tool and Spanish play stations for vocabulary learning. At Hope Lutheran Church in Eagle 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Cost: $56 Preschool Yoga Thursday, May 5 - May 26 Yoga is for everyone! Boys and girls (ages 2-5) will have fun trying yoga through games and stories. Children will explore their own strength, balance, flexibility, and movement while learning poses through imaginative play. At Eagle Performing Arts Center 10:30 - 11:15 a.m., Cost: $36 Preschool Party: Bubbles! Saturday, May 23 Parents looking for some kid-free time on Saturday mornings may bring their children (ages 3-6) to an engaging, hands-on bubble party! We will have bubble fun with liquid bubbles and bubble wrap, just to name a few! At Eagle Senior Center, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Cost: $25
Little Learners: Jobs! Thursday, May 7 - May 28 This spring, Little Learners will be all about jobs! Children (ages 3-5) will explore grown-ups at work, including the people who keep us safe, people who work with animals, people who make our food, and other exciting positions in our community. A healthy snack will be served each day. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Cost: $36 ADULT PROGRAMS: Beginning Watercolor Tuesday, May 12 Join us for a fun and informative workshop to learn techniques for painting with watercolors. You will enjoy a fun evening learning the secrets for planning a strong composition, mixing, and applying color. Price includes lesson and materials. At Finer Frames 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. Cost: $35 Natural Home DIY Class Tuesday, May 26 Often we associate “going green” with a major expense or sacrificing quality in order to be non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Come learn how to make your own all natural, non-toxic frankincense night cream and all-purpose home cleaner the affordable way! You will learn about common harmful ingredients and their alternatives, and will go home with fun new products. At Eagle Senior Center, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Cost: $20/person or 2 for $35
Add your organization's events to our online calendar and visit regularly to see what's happening in Eagle and Star. www.theindnews.com.
PAGE 8 • April 2015
PEOPLE
The Independent News • www.theindnews.com
Sidewalk Talk
With Mother's Day just around the corner...TIN reporter Mickie Park asked
By Gretchen Anderson
When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That's my religion. ~ Abraham Lincoln
My dear children: With Mother’s Day approaching, I feel the need to write a few words to you. First off, I want to say that I LOVE ALL OF YOU to my CORE. I would have never known how deep a love could run, if it were not for my kids. In my heart of hearts, I always knew I’d be a mom, though there were some doubts along the way. In my twenties, it was all about what I wanted to do, where I wanted to be and the hopes and dreams I had for myself. My career was center stage and I was driven. It took quite a while before babies were even on the radar. Your dad and I were smart and lucky enough to find one another at the time we did. We were both at the same stages in life and wanted the same things—and look what came of it. Your dad is the best husband I could have wished for in my life. We’ve worked together—kind of a yin and yang, good cop/bad cop thing to make you all the best humans we could. So far, so good. I always envisioned having angelic children, who were polite, studious and looked like me. Somehow, my genes didn’t win out—nor did my visions. Did I ever think I would have five colorful kids to call my own? Nope. Am I glad I do? Yep. Would I have had more spawn like you? In a heartbeat. Whitney and Zachary, though I didn’t birth you myself, I count you as my own. I parented you from an early age (both yours and mine). You taught me so much about “having” kids. For this I honor you and love you. I love watching you and marvel in the adults you’ve become. With every week, month, and year, I anticipate brilliant things happening in your lives—you’re that kind of people. My spawn…Helen, Bubba, and Margaret, wow! A friend once said, “it’s so cool when you make something out of nothing.” We made all three of you. But definitely, you all came from love. I remember asking myself, “How am I going to keep this little person alive?” Parenting is the toughest and the most rewarding job. For many years, I’ve had friends come to me (almost in astonishment) and say, “Your kids are all so good together. They really like one another.” It’s true and it shows. Dad and I have told you from an early age, “Be nice to one another. When we’re dead and gone, you’ll just have each other.” Look what’s happened. It brings me so much joy that when something happens in your lives, some of the first people you want to tell are your siblings. Some people would think this is kind of weird. But, those people don’t have the wonderful relationships with their sisters and brothers like you all do. The best times we have are when we are all together. This is not easy, because we’ve been challenged by geography. And, we continue to be challenged. But then, you wouldn’t be the amazing individuals you are if you didn’t follow your dreams, which have taken you far away from us. I’m so proud of the people you are becoming, the relationships you nurture and the love you have for one another. Though I’ve hobnobbed with some heavy hitters and have achieved some pretty cool goals in my time, my best work so far has been all of you…and my marriage. And, for the record, you all are polite, mostly studious and a couple of you look like me. My heart is yours,
©May 2015 Gretchen Anderson. Gretchen Anderson is an award-winning writer and author of “The Backyard Chicken Fight.” It is available on Amazon. Contact Gretchen at gretchen.anderson@me.com.
"What is one of the Best Memories of Your Mom?"
Renee Holland... her best memory of Mom, Linda, is always being there for her. Linda was a stay at home mom and was always there then and now. Renee says, ”Thank You, Mom, you are my best friend; I love and appreciate everything you have done and do.”
Trevor Dinsmore... There isn't one out there like her and her cooking is the best, even though she forgot peppers this morning in her quiche...I love my Mom, Jackie
Taylor Murdock... My mom, Kathy, is my best friend; she always supports me in everything I do. She is always there for me and my younger brother, Chance
Happy Mother’s Day
The Independent News • www.theindnews.com
May 2015 • PAGE 9
BUSINESS
Rustic Reflections Home Decor
By Mickie Park personal signs, decorative ladders, benches, Rustic Reflections owners Michelle and flower arrangements, arbors. The list of what Deejay grew up together. When they were they can do for the home is only limited by young, their parents were best friends. Little the buyer’s imagination. Michelle and Deedid they know that the full circle of life jay welcome and encourage all ideas and viwould bring them to where they are today. sions. The buyer can choose the paint or Deejay joined the Navy for twenty years stain color and the size to fit their taste and where he served in Afghanistan, Kuwait, and their home. Their business has become well Iraq. He had two beautiful known not only throughout the daughters and retired from valley but also across the nathe Navy in 2013. Michelle tion. They ship almost anyraised two wonderful boys thing anywhere. and worked in several high To learn more about Rustic corporate offices in California Reflections, please visit their for many years. Over twenty Facebook page Rustic Reflecyears later, they reunited. tions or find them on etsy.com Their love, their friendship, and Instagram. They will also Rustic Reflections owners their memories, their children be displaying many of their rusMichelle and Deejay. and their families all helped Like them on Facebook! tic treasurers on May 30th at make Michelle and Deejay’s the Expo Idaho Show, What A dreams come true. A little Girl Wants. touch of it all has brought If you would like to consult them together to create Rustic with Michelle or Deejay about Reflections. your home décor ideas, please Rustic Reflections is a feel free to call anytime at 208home décor business that they 631-0832. Rustic Reflections began in late 2014. Their is a place of memories and home décor ideas range from treasures.
EPA Issues Order on ‘Lazy J’ Property
Continued from page 1 Although Neptune said in a television interview that the city asked him to buy the Lazy J property, Councilman Mark Butler stated that the city did not. A conference call with EPA Public Affairs Officer Mark McIntyre and EPA Asbestos Program Manager John Pavitt suggested that Neptune might not yet be in the clear. “This case is still open ended,” Pavitt told The Independent. “Our immediate concern is to make sure we eliminate the health risks caused by the asbestos, but there are still other aspects to this.” Pavitt and McIntyre said they could not comment further because the “investigation will be on-going” once the clean-up is completed, intimating that Neptune could potentially be held accountable for his actions leading up to the EPA’s investigation and final order. Ada County Sheriff’s Office Spokesman Patrick Orr said its investigation would remain suspended until the EPA investigation is complete. “The Ada County Sheriff’s Office has found the property at 12000 N. Horseshoe Bend Road does meet the definition of a 'nuisance property' and has passed that information on to the Ada County Prosecutor’s Office,” Orr said in a statement. “That process is on hold, however, as we wait to see what the resolution will be in connection with the compliance order the EPA sent to Ryan Neptune earlier this month.” He added that, “It is possible that once the EPA process is completed, the property in question will no longer meet the definition of a nuisance property and the county case will be resolved. If that does not happen, we will then determine what to do next. So we are waiting to see what happens with the EPA case before we do anything else.”
CAUSE OF THE MONTH
Asbestos Facts
Asbestos is a naturally occurring, heat-resistant, fibrous silicate mineral, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and was used for decades in various construction applications including insulation and floor tile, and as a wall texture commonly known as “popcorn” ceilings. The material is classified by the EPA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a “human carcinogen.” It is said to be “friable” when it “can be crumbled with hand pressure and is therefore likely to emit fibers,” according to OSHA. Breathing airborne asbestos can cause respiratory diseases and various types of cancers, such as mesothelioma, and cancer of the stomach and colon. Several factors help to gauge how asbestos exposure might affect individuals, including how much; how long; the size, shape and chemical makeup of the material’s fibers; the source of exposure; and individual risk factors, such as smoking and pre-existing lung disease.
The Dwayne Ellis Agency will donate a $1 per new like on the www.facebook.com/DwayneEllisAgency and $1 per quote to the
Eagle Field of Honor
Honoring Veterans and Currently Serving Men and Women
The City of Eagle will host the 9th annual Healing Field of Honor on May 16-26, 2015. Visitors and volunteers from the surrounding communities will experience an amazing display of patriotism in-cluding hundreds of large U.S. flags atop 8 ft poles in perfect rows on a field of green. This living display of heroism will fly as a temporary patriotic tribute to the strength and unity of Ameri-cans, and will honor all veterans and currently serving men and women who have served and are serving our nation to preserve our security and freedom. Please join us and walk this Heal-ing Field of Honor. This is the perfect opportunity for all of us to unite as a community and to re-member and honor our local and national heroes. www.eaglefield of honor.org Dwayne Ellis Agency, 7950 Horseshoe Bend Rd #101, Boise, ID 83714 208-424-0864 www.DwayneEllisAgency.com
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These are just a few of the comments we hear from our readers.
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Call 794-6858
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PAGE 10 • May 2015
EDUCATION
The Independent News • www.theindnews.com
A Teacher’s
Perspective
WHO’S THAT GIRL?
Or heritage and ideals, our code and standards the things we live by and teach our children - are preserved or diminished by how freely we exchange ideas and feelings. ~ Walt Disney
By Anna Eaton-Merkle When I was a little kid, I had a conversation once with my grandmother about what it was like to be old. What I remember most about this conversation was not an answer to that question at all – rather it was just the opposite. She said she didn’t know what it was like to be old because in her head she was still 19. She confessed that every so often, when she looked in the mirror, she would be surprised to see an old lady looking back at her. At that time, I couldn’t fathom how one could possibly be a different age in the head than in the flesh. But I remember stopping that night to memorize the sunset and the sound of the crickets and what it felt like to be me, age nine, ready to take on the world. So now, a mere 40 years later, I think back to her words. I too am often surprised by the puffy middle-aged woman who keeps showing up in my family photos. She looks vaguely familiar, like a crazy old aunt that I have heard about but never been very interested in meeting. There is a glimmer of the real me in there somewhere, but to be honest, I have a hard time getting past the random, wire-like gray hairs, glasses, and wrinkles. She looks a little strung out and I don’t want to get to know her any better. I totally understand what my grandmother was talking about.
It’s not that there haven’t been signs that the aging process is slowly chipping away at my youth. I broke a tooth biting into a piece of birthday cake for heaven’s sake. It’s just that I forget at times. I think I can easily dash from my car back into the house to retrieve a forgotten phone without pause. In reality, too much of a dash leaves me gasping for air. The part of me that still wonders what I want to be when I grow up is in constant juxtaposition with the part of me whose back hurts from digging too long in the garden. And I wonder when did it happen? As I write this, I am sitting in a chair next to my beautiful 19 year old daughter. We are getting pedicures during my visit to her college campus for mom’s weekend. She is delighted to show me her friends, her room, her favorite restaurants. I quietly marvel at her self-confidence, easy conversation, and smooth skin. This campus used to be my stomping ground, but it is now indelibly hers. I follow her around and can’t help but feel a little but like that crazy aunt from the pictures. How in the world could I be old enough to be the mother of this dynamic young woman? The answer is simple of course. I’m not. Down deep inside, the nine-year old me is still waiting for someone to make me dinner, tuck me in, and explain what it feels like to be get old – and I can’t help but feel like just about anyone is going to be there before me.
Anna Eaton-Merkle lives in Eagle and teaches English to seniors and sophomores at Eagle High School. Her writing can also be found on her blog www.thinkinginthemargins.com. She is currently working on publishing a collection of essays and children’s books.
The Independent News joins with you in honoring our military heroes on Memorial Day.
Thank you for your brave service.
Joe’s View
The Independent News • www.theindnews.com
Letting go of something is a thing I struggle with. I think most of us do. It is a harsh reality when we have to stop doing or participating in something that has become somewhat of a tradition. I can think of several personal examples starting with a church mission activity. I serve on a committee that helps with the communication and scheduling of a bunch of our church’s activities and events. At our last meeting, one of the project area leaders was saying how it was getting very hard to find people for all of the slots needed to make the events happen. They needed sign up people, set up people, clean up people, worker bees, and people to make announcements. They were not signing up! So I told her to cancel it. End it. Nobody wants to support it, so make it go away. Let go of it. Harsh words for her to hear. But it was the truth. If people do not want to support something it needs to stop happening, but it usually comes just a little too late. Seems to me that we should end things just before that point so that people are not so relieved when it is over. Actors want to present themselves at the top of their game. Ever see an actor in one of those “Where are they now” shows? Some of those people should have remained hidden. Wow. Talk about letting go. Athletes want to end their career at the top of their game, not when people are glad when they are gone. Hello, Mr. Manning. We are each faced with letting go in our own ways. I just heard of a community event that has been canceled and at first I thought,
COMMENTARY
“Ahh, there goes all the personality of that festival.” But then I had to think that if it was a huge success that last thing would be to cancel it. It died due to lack of interest. The community evolved and said “no." So there lies our challenge. We need to support the things we hold and cherish as traditions. We also need to recruit new blood into the mix when appropriate, and we need to vote with our feet. I remember driving by a restaurant and said out loud, “Closed! They had great food!” and then I thought that I had not been there in over 3 years. No wonder. I voted. Letting go is emotional and sometimes painful. We each have to deal with it when and how we choose to, but I have always found it better to rejoice in the positive rather than dwell on the past. I can change the future, but the past just is. Add in a bit of guilt or even anger, and letting go requires prayer, soul searching, and meditation. Maybe even counseling. Not that any of this has a lot to do with cleaning out my garage, but it is yard sale season, and there are a few things I could let go of. The basic mental motions are not all that different from some of the above examples. I have a tendency to hang on to some things that are past their figurative expiration date. I can name a couple “things” I just can’t let go of, but yet I know they will never be an active part of my life again. Time to take the leap. The reward is that I do usually feel better after it is gone-endsstops-quits-says bye bye-is given away-is sold-is donated-or is passed on to someone that will appreciate it. Remember this when you keep things you think your kids will want.
Listen to The HomeFix Radio Show with Joe Prin, Saturday mornings, 7-10 AM on 670 KBOI or on your mobile device through Facebook at “The HomeFix Radio Show”. Email to joe@joeprin.com. Podcasts of previous radio shows and columns are available at JoePrin.com.
May 2015 • PAGE 11
PAGE 12 • May 2015
THE ARTS
The Independent News • www.theindnews.com
The Eagle Arts Commission's mission is growing and celebrating the arts to strengthen community. It was established to promote, educate and develop the arts for the citizens of the City of Eagle.
The Eagle Arts Commission is pleased to announce the Artists of the Month at the Eagle City Hall Gallery and St. Luke's Eagle Gallery. The Eagle City Hall and St. Luke's galleries are open to the public and may be viewed during regular business hours.
City Hall Art Gallery Gallery hours: 8am to 5pm
May Artist - Jessica Tookey
I grew up on a farm in New Plymouth, Idaho. My grandfather said that I would write him letters before I knew how to write by sending pictures. I have been drawing for as long as I can remember but life has kept me from sharing my work beyond friends and family. Two weeks prior to my high school graduation in 1996, I had my beautiful daughter, Kaitlin. I was a single mom, in and out of a couple of abusive relationships, before I met my husband in the summer of 1999. We were married in the spring of 2000 and my husband adopted my daughter in 2004. We are still happily married. My entire adult life was dedicated to being a mom and taking care of Kaitlin. Now that she is off to college, I am trying to figure out who I am as a person and an artist. Even while my daughter was an infant, I was working towards my teaching degree which I finally completed in December of 2004 and began teaching at Kuna High School in August of 2005. Beginning in 1998, I taught art in Boise schools (except for the last semester of my education) – first teaching at Rose Hill Montessori School and then at my daughter’s school, Jackson Elementary. I am still teaching art at Kuna High where I work with two other wonderful art teachers. I received the Kuna Grange Teacher of the Year award in the spring of 2013, the Idaho Grange Teacher of the Year award in the fall of 2013, and the Kuna High School Teacher of the Year award in the spring of 2014. Although I love to teach, and love the relationships and guidance I can give to children, art is my true passion and I would love to be able to spend more time on my own work. Artist’s Statement Just as Louis L’Amour stated, “I feel I was put on this earth to find beauty in lonely places”, I draw and paint to share the gift I was given to show the beauty that God has placed on this earth. We are overwhelmed with images every day – many of them very ugly images – with my art, I hope to uplift spirits and give a feeling of peace, hope, or happiness to those who need it.
ST LUKE’S GALLERY
7am to 6pm, Monday - Friday • Art exhibits are located on the second level
May Artists - G. Leslie Manlove
137 years later, Memorial Day remains one of America's most cherished patriotic observances. The spirit of this day has not changed - it remains a day to honor those who died defending our freedom and democracy. ~ Doc Hastings
Born in San Francisco area, George Leslie Manlove was raised in the Rocky Mountains. He discovered photography at the age of 18. Manlove purchased a Pentax film camera with savings from his newspaper route and began photographing his family and landscapes in the 1980's. Manlove went on to shoot around the world, including projects of the Camino de Santiago in Spain, Chinese culture, historic western homesteads, and a recent work-in-progress on Los Angeles inner-city street life. Photography workshops and seminars have been an important part of developing his photographic style and craft. Manlove has had the opportunity to learn from accomplished photographers from National Geographic, Time Magazine, Magnum photo, and Washington Post. Artist’s Statement - “The Lens of Life” There is nothing more remarkable to me than the beauty that is found everywhere on this Earth, in nature, and the creatures that inhabit it. This is why I am passionate about capturing Mother Nature’s true character and incredible diversity. Burning desert sands and mossy riverbanks…brilliant sunbeams and fading alpenglow…silent snowfall and raging summer storms. Each offers an opportunity to create an image that sustains our connection. It is a joy to journey off the beaten path, an escape, if you will. These opportunities are powerful, thus one must have the craft and passion to capture these images to share with others. The reward is the artists’ expression through photography, an image that captures the essence of the Earth and all her beauty.
The Eagle Arts Commission, comprised of volunteers, serves in an advisory capacity and is established to advise Eagle the City Council on ways in which city government might best serve the public with regard to matters involving the arts.
Recipe Corner C UCUMBER M ELON & C ITRUS H ABANERO S ALSA
If you have a favorite recipe you would like to share, email it to theindnews.story@gmail.com
Ingredients: Recipe courtesy of • 2-3 medium fresh tomatoes, stems removed, finely diced • ½ red onion, finely diced • Juice of one lime • ½ cup chopped cilantro • ¼ Cup Olive and Vyne Cucumber Melon balsamic vinegar • Olive and Vyne Citrus Habanero fused olive oil (to taste) • Salt and pepper to taste Directions: Combine in all ingredients in a medium sized bowl. Taste for level of heat you desire. Let sit for at least an hour before serving. This makes for a refreshing and unique Salsa! Serve with chips or elevate your tacos, quesadillas or burritos. Option: You can kick up the heat a notch or two by using Olive & Vyne’s Jalapeno Salt or Chili Lime Salt. So Good!
The Independent News • www.theindnews.com
THE ARTS
May 2015 • PAGE 13
‘The Girl on the Train’ is a Captivating Thriller
By Tom Wick Rachel Watson is a train wreck. She has boarded the crazy train and that train, my friends, has left the rails. “How much better life must have been for jealous drunks before emails and texts and mobile phones,” would be her epitaph. She, I assure you, does not hold back on her thoughts and imbibed inhibitions about herself or anyone. Rachel selfmedicates her woes with her favorite drink of choice: pop cans of gin & tonic. She is so far off line she loses her husband, friends, and her job. And on the verge of eviction, she decides to solve a murder. Paula Hawkins’ debut novel The Girl on the Train will have you page-turning right out of the station. Heading off, slow but powerful, Hawkins weaves the typical thriller into a pastiche of first-person accounts from three different women: Rachel Watson (who refuses to relinquish her married name), Anna Watson (who is married to Rachel’s ex-husband), and Megan Stipwell (an unwilling agent provocateur). And that’s just the beginning. Each woman will tell their own story from their own point of view. Like cops, we the readers pick up clues along the way, piecing together the solution to the murder mystery. And everyone, including Rachel, is a suspect. The stories start about a year apart and then explosively merge at the final destination, a train wreck like Rachel herself. “My life,” she says, “Messy, shabby, small: Unenviable.” Yet Rachel spends every sober
moment fighting for what is hers and watching yours. A voyeur, Rachel learns that Anna’s neighbor Megan has been murdered. Why does Rachel even know who Anna’s neighbors are? Now you know Rachel. And she’s the best of the lot. Rachel decides, in her inebriated state of life, to solve Megan’s murder. When the police ask about her interest in the case, she simply responds, “Because I know.” In reflection of her own chaotic life, Megan says, “I’m a force to be reckoned with.” Anna, who was “just happy to be a mistress,” finds herself domesticated and avoiding neighbors who endlessly “persuade her to join a book club.” She didn’t marry Tom because she loved him; she married him because they both hate Rachel. Tom, either a misanthropic, misogynistic Svengali or the calm in everyone’s storm, seems to be connected to each of the players. The Girl on the Train has no unsuspecting alliances; there are no complicated plot twists. You will simply play the detective, deduce the clues, and arrive at Rachel’s conclusions in a mystery like none other. Hawkins’s first novel is well-written and well-paced. If you enjoy a good mystery you should enjoy getting to know Rachel Watson.
There are so many movie franchises that keep getting worse the bigger the digits get. So it is refreshing when the sequels keep getting better. Oh wait, did you think I was talking about James Bond in Spectre coming out November 6th? Then you would be right. I’ve only seen the trailer but it is delicious: Bond…I always knew death would wear a familiar face. Geez, there should be an Academy Award for movie trailers. But on to other franchises. Furious 7 fantastically ups the ante and you won’t even have to wait for it: it sets the stage for number 8, yes, I know, another “Fast and Furious” movie. How great is that? Sadly, though, some of the regular players are out like Sung Kang as Han Seoul-Oh and Paul Walker as good cop turned bad cop (turned good cop), Brian O’Conner. Also gone is director Justin Lin who decided to take the helm of Star Trek 3 and is replaced by James Wan who cut his teeth on all those Saw movies (you saw what I did there, right?). There is an awesome tribute for Walker at the end of Furious 7 and Wan did a great job with his character. Some characters are gone but the franchise is staying fresh with new characters. Jason Statham, the best villain out there in Hollywoodland, looks like he’ll be back in number 8. Kurt Russell brings in a new story line as the director of a covert ops team (FBI? CIA? Who cares?), and he brings money and toys. So, it’s
definitely worth the ten bucks for all the car action. There were so many great action scenes: watching the cars parachute out of a 1958 Lockheed C-130 Hercules airplane, Paul Walker running up a bus falling off a cliff, and then there’s Vin Diesel driving a $3.4 million Lykan Hypersport sports car off the 30th floor of a skyscraper…twice. Apparently, 230 cars were harmed in the making of this movie. Worth every dollar. On the flip side of all this action was the latest in the Nicholas Sparks’ romance franchise. His latest love story is The Longest Ride. It’s rather long for a romance - it clocks in over two hours - but good entertainment. The “longest ride” is a play on words that plays out rather nicely; however, it’s not worth the ten bucks. But, if you’re into romances like me then it’s worth seeing at the cheap seats. A bull-riding champion falls for an art history girl (for her the 8-second bull-ride is long) and their story is intertwined with an elderly Alan Alda who shares his own love story with his artloving wife (he says being in love is the best, longest ride of all). Sweet. For a Sparks movie the acting is actually pretty good. You’ve got Clint Eastwood’s son, Charlie Chaplin’s granddaughter, John Huston’s grandson, and Alan Alda; can’t go wrong with that cast. And be sure to bring some Kleenex. I had allergies myself, but there were a lot of tears shed in those two hours.
uCr it ic...... By Tom Wick, Universal Critic
2nd Annual Red, White, and Blue Golf Tournament scheduled for June 14th
The second annual Red, White, and Blue golf tournament benefitting the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) will be presented by the “Men’s Crew” at Eagle Hills Golf Course on June 14, 2015 with all proceeds going directly to the WWP. The event, a four person scramble priced at $85 per player, will include a banquet buffet and raffle following the tournament. The “Men’s Crew” is eager to enlist the support of donors, sponsors, and players to make
the event successful for everyone - primarily our military veterans to whom we owe an incredible debt of gratitude. To register and/or to obtain much more detailed information (for donor opportunities and sponsorship tiers, for example), please go online to www.gogolfidaho.com and click on Wounded Warrior Mission, or call Eagle Hills Golf Course at 208-939-0402.
Updated news stories, calendar of events, and the chance to leave your feedback: www.theindnews.com or www.facebook.com/indnews
PAGE 14 • May 2015
The Independent News • www.theindnews.com
TRINA’S
FITNESS CORNER Spring Clean-Up
Revisiting your New Year’s resolution; you are well into 2015. So how has it been so far? This is the time of year I do a cleanse program. A cleanse will reset my body’s clock, rev up my metabolism, and get it ready for summer. By following my guidelines for the next two weeks, you will begin to notice a change in your over-all health. • Eat at least 3–4 ounces of lean protein with every meal and 1–2 ounces with each snack (3–4 ounces is about the size of a deck of cards). • Plan for meals with fresh fruits and vegetables over those in grains. Ingest about 60 grams per day • Use oils with a high smoke point for cooking: oils such as Grape Seed, or Coconut oil. • Do not skip meals. Your body burns fuel during the day when you are busy and stressed, so that’s the best time to give it the nutrients it needs. • Do not eat after 7:00 p.m. This will allow your digestive system to rest while you sleep. • Drink eight to ten 8-ounce glasses (at least 2 quarts) of pure, filtered water each day. • Take a rich multivitamin with calcium and magnesium. I also recommend omega-3 fatty acids and 500 mg of vitamin C daily. • Take a fiber supplement each morning and evening. I recommend buying whole organic flax seeds and a small coffee grinder to grind them up fresh. Sprinkle ground flax seeds on, soups, salads, or steamed veggies — they are
a delicious source of fiber and alphalinolenic acid. • You will also need to take a good probiotic twice a day, 30 minutes before eating or according to directions. • Do some form of gentle exercise each day. I suggest 30–45 minutes of walking (15 minutes after each meal, if you like). • Try to go to bed by 10:00 p.m. If you are not getting a minimum of 7 hours of quality sleep, you will do more harm than good. Foods/Drinks to Avoid • Alcohol • Packaged and processed foods (if it has more than three ingredients don't eat it) • Caffeine • Chocolate and cocoa • Condiments: ketchup, relish, chutney, bbq sauce, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, mayo • Fats: shortening, margarine, canola, corn and other processed oils • ALL Grains: wheat, spelt, barley, kamut, rye, corn • Juices that are not fresh or raw • Processed Meats: canned meats, cold cuts, bacon, pork • Salt in excess: canned veggies, vinegar Soft drinks • Sweeteners: refined sugar/white sugar (sucrose), brown sugar, raw sugar, evaporated cane juice, fructose, high-fructose corn syrup, honey, maple syrup, barley malt A cleanse should be gentle on the body. If it is keeping you locked in doors it may be too aggressive. I recommend doing a cleanse 3 times a year. Please write me with your ideas.
Trina K Kubitschek Certified Personal Trainer. Owner of CrossFit Station. A proud mom of Kayla, Kasson, Violet, and Evelyn. Trina has more than 14 years of experience and a drive to help individuals find and succeed in their fitness goals. Visit Trina at http://crossfitstation.com
The Independent News • www.theindnews.com
STAR NEWS
Star Hometown Celebration Preparations Underway
With just a couple of month’s left to prepare for the July 4th event in Star, the committee is busy coordinating this year’s event, featuring a Parade, BBQ, Talent Show, Live Music, and a Fabulous Fireworks show. All events will be the same as last year, with the exception of the Parade. It will now begin at 3 p.m. so that folks can just head straight over to the BBQ after it ends. The parade route will begin at the east end of town (Estrella Plaza) on Hwy 44/State Street, as in past years. The committee is looking forward to another great parade this year; local businesses are encouraged to join the fun with a float entry! The Raffle committee is hard at work getting donations lined up for the raffle prizes to be drawn at the event. They are looking for businesses or individuals
The Independent News can be found at these and other locations: Eagle: • Albertsons • Burger Den • Busters • Big O • Eagle Chamber of Commerce • Eagle City Hall • Eagle Library • Idaho Athletic • Justos Tesoro • Les Schwab • Perks of Life • Rembrandts • Shady Acres • St Al’s-Eagle • St Luke’s-Eagle • Winco
that are willing to donate an item/service for the raffle. All proceeds from the raffle contribute to this fun evening, so please consider helping out! The Raffle Committee Chair, Diane, can be reached at 406-439-8442 for more information. Star nonprofits have until May 15th to apply for fundraising at the Celebration. This is a terrific opportunity to provide food or drinks to the large crowd that continues to grow every year, and raise money for their group! Application forms are available on the City of Star website or contact Theresa at 286-0734. For a full look at the schedule, please visit staridaho.org and click on the fireworks image on the home page. For more information on the Celebration, please call Theresa at 286-0734.
Star: • Star Library • Star Merc • Star Café Meridian: • Fred Meyer, Linder at Chinden • Stinker, Eagle Road Middleton: • Ridley’s • Sunrise Café • The Cottages If you would like us to add your business to our distribution list, please call 550-3111 or email us at theindnews.story@gmail.com
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BUSINESS DIRECTORY
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M AY E VENTS
To view our current, updated calendar or for event submission information please visit our website at www.theindnews.com.
Library calendars, Eagle and Star city meetings, and Chamber of Commerce information can be found listed separately throughout the newspaper. City of Eagle news, pg. 6 & 7; City of Star news, pg. 16 and on the online calendar at
www.theindnews.com
Food Donation Needed Eagle Foodbank
Distribution Days are the first and third Thursday of every month 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and the last Tuesday 6-7 p.m. 149 W. State St, Eagle, in the rear of the Customedica Pharmacy building. Donations of non-perishable food items may be dropped off at donation bins located in the Eagle Main Fire Station, the Eagle Public Library and in Albertsons. The Eagle Foodbank is also open most Fridays from 4-6pm to receive non-perishable donations. Donations may be mailed to: Eagle Foodbank, PO Box 1081,Eagle, ID 83616.
Hope Lutheran Food Bank
Open Monday - Wednesday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. After-hours by appointment. 939-9181,office@hopeeagle.org www.hopeeagle.com.
May 2015 • PAGE 15
PAGE 16 • May 2015
Saturday May 9th is the American Post Office
STAMP OUT HUNGER FOOD DRIVE.
Remember to put your bags by your mailbox. Star Outreach needs are: tuna, beans, pasta, mac & cheese, fruit, peanut butter, and veggies. Bikes are also needed.
Support Star Outreach on May 7 Visit idahogives.org for more information
We need Volunteers
Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. & Thursdays from 2:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Thank you again for your support. If you need assistance or know someone who does we are open every Thursday 3-5, the third Thursday 3-7 or call 208-779-0046.
Star Outreach
Neighbors Helping Neighbors Star Outreach- Neighbors Helping Neighbors is a Public Charity under Internal Revenue section 501 (c) (3)
Check us out at staroutreachonline.com.
May 2015 Star Chamber Calendar
5/7/15 Second Thursday - Star Chamber of Commerce - Out to Lunch at LifeSpring Christian Church – 145 Star Road ~ 11:45am-12:45 P.M. Networking and new business meet and greet!
5/7/15 Second Thursday - Star Chamber Ribbon Cuttings directly after the Luncheon 12:45 – 1:00 P.M.
5/9/15 Chamber & Momz Garage Sponsored - Mother’s Day Charity Car Show Bring 4 cans of food for the Star Food Bank. Classic and Custom Cars, Kids’ play area, Mom’s special raffles, Car Awards and special raffles.
5/21/15 THIRD THURSDAY: Star Chamber GENERAL MEETING
2015 Agenda and Networking: Business/City/Community and Networking 6:30pm Sully’s on the Patio
Committee Volunteers needed:
Event Committee: Tamara Sullivan-Watson Finance Committee: Lavina Gibbs Technical Committees: Tamara Sullivan-Watson Membership Committee: Michelle Glaze Welcome Wagon: April Smith Fundraising Committee: Tamara Sullivan-Watson Education Chair: No volunteers needed: Kyle Kurscheidt Contact the Committee leaders at President@StarIdahoChamber.com Join us online or at one of our meetings as a member to receive the great benefits for your business. For more information: Star Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 72, Star, ID 83669 Phone: 208-908-5476 / Text 208-350-1223 www.StarIdahoChamber.com • President@StarIdahoChamber.com
Star Senior Center
102 S. Main Street, 286-7943 • Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Are you a senior or know a senior in Star? Please Join us this month and meet old and new friends
May 1: May 4: May 6: May 8: May 9: May 11: May 13: May 19: May 20: May 21: May 22: May 26: May 29:
The Independent News • www.theindnews.com
CIT Y OF STAR
May Activities: Blood Pressure by the Firemen Walmart Shopping - Contact Bethe @ 286-7943 Goldmine Newsletter arrives Blue Cross to inform those interested in a medical plan for those on Medicaid and Medicare – starts at 11 a.m. Boise Music Week’s Matinee: Gypsy Outing to Golden Palace - Contact Bethe @ 286-7943 Board Meeting Appointment Day/$12 haircuts, bank, doctor appointments, etc. Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. - Contact Bethe @ 286-7943 Birthday Recognition Appointment Day/haircuts, bank, doctor appointments, etc. Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. - Contact Bethe @ 286-7943 Mark Twain presentation by John Heimer starts at 12:45 p.m. (NO BINGO that day) Outing to New Plymouth Senior Center - Contact Bethe @ 286-7943 Root Beer Floats 11 a.m. to noon – free
Regular Weekly Activities: • Dominoes and pool before lunch each Wednesday and Friday. • Bingo after lunch each Wednesday and Friday. • Pinochle each Friday at 7 p.m. • Books, books on tape, VCR movies, and cassette tapes are available in the office. • Bus is available for pick up if you need a ride to the Senior Center (286-7943). • Lunch and bus rides are available on a donation basis.
Star Parks and Recreation
We, the City of Star Parks and Recreation committee, are dedicated to providing and preserving the highest quality of parks and services for as many citizens as possible with the resources available.
Co-ed Adult Softball 16 and up. Still accepting late registrations through May 15th. Season will take place June 1-July 18. $20 per resident/$25 non-resident. Games played weeknights. Organize your own team of 13 or more or sign up individually. There will be an end of season tournament scheduled for the week of July 20-24 as well. Community Garden benefitting Star Outreach is getting prepped for the season ahead and could use your help. Call Connie at 340-2702 if you would like more info and be involved in the project. Fit and Fall Prevention™Class Sponsored by Central District Health. No Cost – Join Anytime! Held at Star City Hall. 10769 W. State St., 10:30 11:15 a.m., Monday, Wednesday & Friday. Call Kim for more details 286-7247 Pilates Tuesday and Thursday 8:30-9:30 a.m. taught by experienced instructor Julia Hilleary. All abilities are welcome. $25/class per month. Please bring a mat. Yoga for all abilities Monday and Wednesday 9:15-10:00 a.m. in May. Classes will be held at Star City Hall and are led by Allison Larsen. $25/month. A mat is all that is required. 9:00-9:15 a.m. Power Yoga at no additional cost will take place before the regular class for those looking for more intensity. FREE Star Track Tuesdays Every Tuesday through May 19th 6-7 p.m. at Star Elementary Centennial’s Track. Come out for some family friendly activity. Incentive prizes awarded. Sports Scramble ages 4 - 12, Register May 1 thru May 22. The program will run July 8th thru July 31. $20.00 Resident/$25.00 Non Resident. 4 - 5 year olds will meet from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., 6 - 7 year olds from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., 8 - 9 year olds from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and 11 - 12 year olds will meet 11 -12 p.m. on Wednesdays. Tennis 101 in Star for all ages coming in June. Call if interested. 286-7247.
Needlepoint for all ages and abilities taught by the talented Dyan Kastner. Classes will be held on Wednesdays in May, 4:30-6 p.m. at Star City Hall $5.00/class. No experience needed. Summer classes will follow in the daytime hours. Bring project or call for suggestions at 286-7247. Matting & Framing Discussion Workshop May 2, 9-10:30 a.m. This 1½ hour informative discussion workshop will provide information on the various options in selecting matte boards and frames for your artwork. The matting process will be demonstrated and a discussion of the various matting and framing options for drawings, prints, photography, watercolor and oil paintings. FREE- sign up at 286-7247. 3rd Annual British Soccer Camp at Hunters Creek in Star July 20-24 2015. We are fortunate to have the most popular soccer camp in the country return to our town. Their instruction is based upon one of the most innovative approaches to coaching youth soccer in the US and Canada. Our experienced staff study the game at all levels and we have identified the key techniques and skills that your players need to work on and master to reach their true potential. Ages 3-16, prices vary. BRITISH CAMP: https://challenger.mycustomevent. com/ShoppingCart.aspx?com=detailview&imp=f&iid= 60901&&returncom=productlist TETRA BRAZIL CAMP: https://challenger.mycustomevent.com/ShoppingCart.aspx?com=detailview&i mp=f&iid=60912&&returncom=productlist Golf 4 Fun June 6, 2014 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Hunter’s Creek Park, Star. PGA Professional Jon Stein, now directing The First Tee of Idaho, will offer basic golf instruction in putting, chipping, and full swing. The class is intended to be a low-key introduction to the game of golf for children with little or no golf experience. There will be an emphasis on having fun while walking and playing. Class size is limited to 24 children. Registration is $15 and includes prizes, drinks and lunch. For more info and to register www.firstteeidaho.org.
For current Star Parks and Recreation activites, information, and registration http://staridaho.org/parks/activities.php, call 286-7247 or visit City Hall. Be our friend on Facebook for the latest changes and happenings! Or, if you have ideas for new programs we would love to hear from you!!
City of Star Meetings
Star City Hall
10769 W State Street • 286-7247 www.staridaho.org
Star City Council Meetings
1st and 3rd Tuesday • 7:00 p.m. Star City Hall
STAR LIBRARY - May Events
Regular children’s and teen programs will meet during the first week of May, and then we are on break. These programs will resume in June.
Monday 5/4 Preschool Play and Learn Story time, 10:30 a.m. (3–5 years) Art Studio for teens (12 and up), 4:15 p.m., a time to be creative and socialize. Tuesdays 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26 Star Quilters meet at the library every Tuesday, 12:30 3:30 p.m. Open to anyone interested. Make It Challenge (8-12 years), 4:15 p.m. all month. Magnet Play on 5/5, then Free build for the rest of the month. Let your imagination soar! Wednesdays 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27 Star Knitters meet at the library each Wednesday morning, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Open to anyone interested. After-School Adventures (grades 1~6) on 5/6 only, 4:00 p.m. Learn the fine art of puppetry. Thursday 5/7 Babies and Music (0-3 years) on 5/7 only, 10:30 a.m.
Fridays 5/1, 5/8 Music and Movement (all ages), 10:30 a.m. Kids learn rhythm, coordination and other skills while moving to music. Saturday 5/9 “Beyond the Book” discussion for adults, 10:00 a.m. We are reading The Elegance of the Hedgehog, by Muriel Barbery. Pick up May’s selection early and join us for a spirited discussion. Get ready for Summer Reading 2015! Every Hero Has a Story
Online sign ups begin June 1st. Earn prizes just by reading. The Star Branch Library has a program for all ages, from babies to adults. Watch for lots of special programs throughout June, July and early August for babies and toddlers, kids, teens and adults. *Preschools and daycares are welcome to call the library at 286-9755 to schedule a story time visit.
*Preschools and daycares are welcome to call the library to schedule a story time visit!
The Star Branch Library will be closed on Monday, May 25th for Memorial Day. For more information on any of these programs, please call the Star Branch Library at 286-9755 or www.adalib.org. Sign up for our weekly newsletter, too!
Attention Bakers!!! Get ready to bake your favorite pie. Star Celebration Days are coming July 4, 2015. The Star Senior Center will be having their pie contest and auction. Details will be in next month’s paper and flyers around town.
The Independent News • www.theindnews.com
May 2015 • PAGE 17
STAR NEWS
Star Easter Eggstravaganza
By Tamara Sullivan-Watson The Easter Eggstravaganza in Star was a huge hit again this year. Much fun was had by all. The Star Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the City of Star for the Park privileges; Life Spring Christian Church’s Youth Pastor, Larry Osborne, for the Fun and Innovative Devotional; Dr. Kyle Kurscheidt from the Chamber; JT & Smooth Avenue; Georgia Mackley with the Star Lions Club and her crew; Mini Victory, Chamber advisor (retired: ID Independent Bank); Momz Garage for sponsoring the bunny suit and Bounce House by Bouncin’ Bins Inflatables; Kona Ice; K Bravos Pizza; Holly Bartlett (Mary Kay); Dr. Guymon’s Orthodontics; Tonja and Holly from H&R Block; Richard with his parachute; church friends; community helpers and so many more for making our Easter Eggstravaganza a success.
And they’re off!
Over 15,000 eggs were “hunted” by a smaller, but very cold, hardy, and enthusiastic crowd this year of approximately 600-700 people. The bounce house, along with the Bunny Hop, and parachute play were huge hits. The event food was supplied by the yummy gourmet pizza cooked over a wood fired stove by Chamber members, K Bravo’s Pizza (Anna & John Millstead). Kona Ice was a hit with their ice cones and more. JT Tyler with Smooth Avenue rocked the crowd with their blues and classic rock tunes while K Bravos and Kona Ice fed them. Thank you also to the Star Fire and Star Police for their attendance. We love the guys in uniform!
Family Fun
Finally, thank you to the Easter Bunny, (Steve Green of Steve’s Auto Care) for his Easter Bunny skills and finesse.
The Easter Bunny struttin’ his stuff
Overall, even with the light sprinkles of rain early during the event, the sun finally came out. Another great year for the Star Community and the Star Chamber of Commerce’s Easter Eggstravaganza!
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By Mickie Park Yes the fall, winter and spring holidays are over, but that is just when the shopping begins again for Nancy Ross. Nancy Ross has been decorating her houses inside and out for many years. She moved to Star just five years ago from American Falls to be closer to her family and has just loved the community. The community, in return, has been touched and blessed with such a wonderful and sharing individual.
JT & Smooth Avenue rocked it
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Which Holidays Do You Decorate For?
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Sometimes the strength of motherhood is greater than natural laws. ~ Barbara Kingsolver
Nancy and her daughter, Diedre Votaw, live in the Westpointe Subdivision across from Hunters Creek Sport Complex, at the intersection of N Star Road and Floating Feather. For the last five years, Nancy’s yard decorations which are mostly blow-ups in every shape size and color - have lit up the corner of Star Road. One cannot help but be drawn to the colorful and joyful decorations seen from Star Road. Driving by the front of her house allows views of many more festive features.
Decorator Nancy Ross and her daughter, Diedre Votaw, spend several days together decorating Nancy's house inside and out for holiday cheer
Nancy has been a collector for years. During the off months of decorating Nancy is shopping for her new yard blow-ups or adding to one of her many collections. She also enjoys sewing, scrapbooking, and beading in her spare time. The Star community appreciates Nancy’s celebratory nature and her holiday displays. Only 8 months until her Christmas display. Be sure to check it out along with the other holiday presentations she creates throughout the year.
PAGE 18 • May 2015
SPORTS
The Independent News • www.theindnews.com
West Valley Little League Spring Ball 2015 is in full swing!
By Mike Olsen Saturday, April 4th marked opening day for West Valley Little League at Duck Alley. A wonderful crowd joined the WVLL baseball players for the official ceremony to kick off the season. Hot dogs were on the grill, parents were cheering on their kids playing exhibition games, and all the players had a great time. The league was really excited to have the first pitch thrown out by James Webb III, star forward with the Boise State Basketball team. Mr. Webb has set records in the MW division, as well as at BSU, averaging 11.2 points per game this season. Mr. Webb was a real hit with the kids, and graciously spent quite a bit of time with the players and parents after the first pitch, signing many hats and shirts.
Softball’s season opened with Bradie Fillmore of the Eagle High Mustang’s softball team throwing the first pitch
hand. She and her catcher, Rachel Menlove, spoke to the girls about the game and having fun; the younger players enjoyed having their mentors on hand. Bradie is a junior, and has already committed to Cal Berkeley. She is a true inspiration to the girls that play for West Valley, as she played for West Valley herself as well. Now that the season has begun, games are being played 6 days a week, at fields all over the Treasure Valley. The schedule and field directions can be found at www.wvll.org. The community is invited, and encouraged, to come The first pitch in the baseball season was watch this wonderful group of young boys and thrown by James Webb III, star forward of girls play their heart out for the sake of the game. BSU Basketball Saturday, May 2nd will be the annual Skills A week later, on Saturday April 11th, the Challenge, held at Duck Alley. This is a fun and softball division of West Valley Little League competitive event that allows the boys and girls celebrated their opening day at the Eagle to showcase their numerous skills, while enjoyNazarene fields. Despite a bit or rain and wind, ing some fun and friendly competition. The the girls were all smiles and put on a great players will compete in various events that show for the parents. As is tradition, the first focus on running, hitting, and fielding. Prizes pitch was thrown by a high school softball will be awarded in several divisions and cateplayer. This year, Bradie Fillmore of the Eagle gories. This is one of the biggest fundraising High School Mustang Softball team was on events of the year, and everybody is welcome to attend. There will be concessions available, as well as lots of fun for all ages. We hope to see you all on the field!
Baseball Exhibition Game
The Little Leaguers are ready and excited for the season!
Softball League
STAR LIONS CLUB – MAY EVENTS
April 7 – May 19: Track Tuesday/Star Parks & Recreation – Star Elementary Track 6–7 PM. All ages welcome. May be prizes for winners May 1, 2, 3: District 39 Convention in Sun Valley May 4: Board Meeting 5:30 p.m. El Mariachi Restaurant May 11: Membership meeting – 6:30 p.m. at El Mariachi Restaurant – Guests are welcome; come see what we’re all about!!! May 22: Flags for Memorial Day – downtown Star and Star Cemetary May 25: Membership Meeting - Noon at El Mariachi Restaurant – Guests are welcome; come see what we’re all about!!! May 28: Pickup from Idaho Food Bank in Boise and deliver to Star Outreach May 29: Participate in Star Mayor’s Golf Tournament to benefit Star Mayor’s Scholarship Program CURRENT PROJECTS: Interviews for Star Mayor’s Scholarship Program – April 22 Banner Sales at Hunter Park Fields to benefit Star Mayor’s Scholarship Program Visit us on our website
www.starlions.org
or call one of our membership committee members: Larry Clucas 286-7686
The Independent News • www.theindnews.com
Day Trippin’. . .
By Mickie Park Starting as a trickle from melting snow packs high in the mountains of western Wyoming, it grows and swells as it is fed by streams, springs, and smaller rivers until at last it is the magnificent Snake River that flows through Idaho. The Snake, as it is known, locally sustains southern Idaho’s agricultural economy. It is the source of water for lives and for livelihoods. It is also a river of recreation. Areas along the river offer giant aquatic playgrounds, havens for boaters, anglers, white water rafters, and those who simply want to get away from it all. Balancing power generation with recreational opportunities has been one of Idaho Power’s primary considerations for decades.
Swan Falls Dam is on the Snake River about 40 miles south of Boise. It was built in 1901 to provide electricity to nearby mines. It is the oldest hydroelectric generating site on the Snake River. Idaho Power built a new power plant in the mid-1990’s decommissioning the old plant which is now a historical display.
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Swan Falls, Birds of Prey, and Celebration Park
Swan Falls area is a favorite with outdoors enthusiasts and provides many recreational activities. The adjacent park is day use only, but there are multiple free camping areas above and below the dam. All camping is on a first-come, first serve basis. Other attractions in the area include boating, hiking, horseback riding, ATV’s, picnicking, and of course excellent fishing. The area has good populations of small and large bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, and sturgeon; anglers also occasionally catch trout directly below the dam.
Urban Farm Girl
By Joanne M.W. Love Amidst the chaos that encompasses the month of May (that is the month I ostensibly abandon a child in town, forgetting to pick one of them up), the due date for our pregnant mare is fast approaching. I remember when my husband first devised this horse-breeding plan, I had but one request when timing the event, “ANY day but May 30th (our first born’s high school graduation date). Through a series of unforeseen events, Cheyenne’s due date is now May 30th. Of course it is. I guess, in theory, the timing of this is truly fortuitous. As the primary recipient of my overprotecting, arguably smothering, motherly love is making his ceremonial walk at graduation, a new recipient will be born. I feel bad for this newborn foal right out of the gate. It’ll have ME (lamenting our oldest’s final days before leaving the nest) and Cheyenne, a first time mom (that’s code for bossy, controlling, and overbearing). For clarification, the parenthetical descriptions of me and of the horse are not interchangeable. What is it about babies that bring out the protector in mothers? I swear, in a pinch, if I had to pick between Batman and a new mother, my money’s on the mom. I’ve witnessed this same phenomenon in our animals. Cheyenne’s mom (when pregnant with her) was overbearing even weeks before she had the baby. If anyone came near her (human or animal), she’d squeal and pin her ears back, giving the appearance of a rhinoceros. It was an effective look. When the time came for mother and baby to join our entire herd in the pasture, it was downright painful to watch the learning curve the other horses suffered as they naively tried to approach her baby. The cow was no different. Not only did Violet control her baby's every move with a quiet groan, she controlled us too. One night, as I pulled into the driveway after dark, I got out of my car to find her standing at the gate, mooing incessantly at me. As I stood there wondering if it was just coincidence, Violet ran from the gate into the dark, mooed, then ran back to the gate to look at me and resume mooing. As I slowly walked toward the gate, she repeated this ritual until I realized she was attempting to coax me over. I quickly followed her into the pasture, discovering her three week-old baby, growing weaker by the minute, from pneumonia. Her compelling performance was right up there with Lassie that night. Over the years, Violet’s mothering intuition, combined with incessant curiosity, has evolved into a nature-made security system for our property. We’ve witnessed this docile, tame animal that runs to the fence when her name is called,
OUTDOORS The Snake River:
Swan Falls Dam also lies within the worldfamous Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area. Crags and crevices, the deep canyon of the Snake River, thermal updrafts, and a broad plateau rich in small wildlife sustain the greatest concentration of nesting birds of prey in North America. Congress established the Snake River Birds of Prey Area in 1993 to protect a unique environment that supports one of the world’s most dense concentrations of nesting birds of prey. The area’s 485,000 acres host some 800 pairs of hawks, owls, eagles, and falcons that come each spring to mate and raise young. The birds are not on display, and for the most part are wary of humans, usually keeping their distance. The best times to look for raptors are mornings or early evenings in mid March through June. The BLM will lead a variety of activities in the Conservation Area from April 18th to June 13th. Explore the Area’s wildlife and history with local experts.
Celebration Park was established as Idaho’s only archaeological park in 1989. It is located on the Snake River at the western boundary of the Snake River Birds of Prey. This area was wintering ground for Paiute Indians along the Snake River. Travelers worldwide have come to enjoy the high desert flora, scenic land features, and unique Indian art dating to 12,000 years ago. Take a self-guided tour or stop in at the visitor center. Experience a walking tour of historic Guffey Railroad Bridge and be captivated by southwest Idaho’s early mining and railroad history. Campsites are available along with boating facilities and family activities. The Snake River is perhaps one of the most beautiful rivers in the West. Take a drive, go fishing, or camping and enjoy what’s simply called the Fun Country.
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transform into an entirely different beast when something foreign is in her land. I remember reassuring a landscape truck driver and his crew as I let them into our pasture, “You don’t need to worry about the cow. She’s really sweet and won’t bother you at all." Words I had to eat within 30 minutes. Violet began following behind the truck everywhere it went. Ok, so she’s a little curious. But when the crew stepped out and began working, I could read her posturing from the kitchen window. With her head bent low to the ground she began hopping back and forth like a rodeo bull, which is exactly what she deteriorated into as I went flying to the barn to grab a halter. Violet began charging and chasing men up into the bed of their truck, and kept them there, until I arrived. I clearly underestimated that her 8 month old, fully weaned baby in a nearby pen, was still “her baby." Note to self...put a barrel and a rodeo clown in the pasture the next time we have work done. I’m no better. There’s a hardwiring that happens when you become a mom, turning even the most introverted woman into an unbridled, overprotector of her child. I look back at some of the things I did and cringe. I can remember my middle child’s first day of first grade at a new school, where he knew no one. I parked across the street during recess and spied with binoculars, worried he’d be all by himself. As I witnessed my worst fear unfolding, I called my husband, sobbing that our son was standing behind a tree, all alone. As he reassured me saying, “He’ll figure it out”, he prevented me from interfering...the worst thing I could have done. It’s a fine line to walk between protecting and over-protecting. I think I’m gaining ground, as I see the deeper importance in my husband’s wise words all these years. It’s not only that they WILL figure it out; it’s that they NEED to figure it out...without the mom interfering. Sounds good on paper, but as I mindfully work harder toward restraint, I hear the questions ruminating louder in my head...What if he forgets to check his gas gauge before he leaves for school and work? What if he forgets the reference page to his senior project that’s clearly sitting on the floor by the printer? What if he forgets his phone? And then there’s the trifecta... What if he forgets his phone, on the way to school, with no gas, as he remembers he forgot the reference page to his senior project which is due at 9 am sharp?! I know, I know…he'll figure it out. And if my husband has to resort to handcuffs in the meantime, so be it. Rest assured, I’ll still find a way to smother that new baby horse with love, even with handcuffs.
© Urban Farm Girl: Raising Critters & Kids, Awarded Idaho Press Club’s Excellence in Journalism for best Weekly General Column.
Mama was my greatest teacher, a teacher of compassion, love and fearlessness. If love is sweet as a flower, then my mother is that sweet flower of love. ~ Stevie Wonder
IT'S NOT TOO LATE!
PAGE 20 • May 2015
The Independent News • www.theindnews.com
HAIL DAMAGE CLAIMS CALL US FOR MORE INFO
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BEWARE
Companies from out of state that “chase storms” and temporarily set up offices are working the area. If they leave when the work is done, how will they provide you with warranty work? Any company with a registration # of 36000 or higher registered with the state after the storm and is not a long established company. There are local contractors that have a Reg. # higher than 36000. PLEASE BUY IDAHO! Please check every contractors registration # and look up thier history on the state website - even local contractors. You want to know how long every contractor has been in business. Go to ROOFINGEAGLE.COM and click on the state links. Some have even established Sub-Company names to look local with the name “Boise” in them. Please check all registration numbers of the subs too. THERE ARE MANY GREAT IDAHO CONTRACTORS - USE US!
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