Boise, ID August 2026

At Biltmore Co., every build, regardless of scale, is guided by a singular standard: exceptional quality, delivered with honesty and care.

Building Their Futures

The YMCA is more than a gym it’s where kids and teens build lasting friendships, celebrate achievements, and discover a place they can truly belong. Stop by the Y today to see all the ways your child can get involved and build their community. From babies to teens, there’s a space for your child at the Y.

$30 KidZone for Children 0-6

FREE Youth Activity Center for Ages 6-13

$30 Youth Fit and Sports Conditioning

$30 Enrichment Programs & Swim Lessons

Before/After School & Schools Out Programs

Everyday Leadership Program

Youth In Government

Scholarship Opportunities And So Much More!

The People Behind The Stories

One of the unexpected rewards of publishing Boise Lifestyle is getting to meet so many interesting people. Every month I find myself sitting down with business owners, teachers, parents, coaches, volunteers, and community leaders who are passionate about what they do. What strikes me most is how many of them quietly invest their time and energy in helping others.

That thought stayed with me as we put together this month’s Kids & Pets issue.

As I looked through the stories and photographs, I realized this issue isn’t really about schools or pets. It’s about people. It’s about the teacher who takes extra time with a student who needs encouragement. It’s about the parent trying to make the best decisions for their child’s future. It’s about the volunteer helping an animal find a forever home or the family willing to open their door to a rescue pet.

I’ve always believed that children and animals have a way of bringing out qualities we sometimes forget to practice ourselves—patience, kindness, responsibility, and compassion. They depend on us, yet somehow they often become our teachers.

If you’ve ever watched a child discover a new talent or welcomed a pet into your family, you know exactly what I mean. Some of life’s best moments aren’t the biggest ones. They’re found around the dinner table, at a school event, on a neighborhood walk, or when a wagging tail greets you at the door.

My hope is that these pages leave you with a deeper appreciation for the educators, parents, rescue organizations, volunteers, and neighbors whose quiet efforts help make this community what it is.

Thank you for reading—and thank you for being part of the story.

See you around town,

August 2026

PUBLISHER

Vince Gewalt | vince.gewalt@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Tricia Busalacchi | tricia.busalacchi@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITER

Jordan Gray | editorial@boisecitylifestyle.com

SALES SUPPORT ASSISTANT

Maria Serondo | support@boisecitylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Russell Detablan | editorial@boisecitylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tammy De Weerd, Jordan Gray, Jana Kemp, Ashley Loeb, Pamela Kleibrink Thompson, Kali Kasprzyk

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ashley Loeb, Tammy de Weerd, Kearney Thompson, Janie Jones, Phil White, The 8th Street Studio

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Departments

Learning One Block At A Time

Simple

Idaho

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ZooTeens Evolve Job Skills and Wildlife Experience at Zoo Boise

SAFARI SUMMER

ARTICLE BY JORDAN GRAY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZOO BOISE

As you move amongst Zoo Boise’s penguins, lions, and giraffes, keep your eyes out for the zoo’s newest summer residents: the ZooTeens.

The annual summer volunteer program offers teens aged 13-17 the chance to further their interests in zoology, conservation, and the environment while helping out in the community.

Zoo Boise Director of Education Tierney Ball knows the impact of the program firsthand. Not only does her team lead the program now, Ball was once a ZooTeen herself.

“I found out about the teen program from a friend and was quickly hooked,” she said. “I spent my final three high school summers as a ZooTeen and then transitioned to adult volunteering. I was fortunate to land internships both with the Animal Care department and with the Development team. While I enjoyed my work with both teams, I found I really enjoyed education and have built my career within that team.”

Clad in sky-blue shirts, ZooTeens offer their assistance to patrons throughout Zoo Boise.

“They host our Butterfly in Bloom exhibit, educate with artifact carts, raise money for the teen program through face painting, greet guests as they enter the zoo, and raise money

for conservation projects,” Ball said. “This year, they are fundraising for African hornbills. Throughout the summer, ZooTeens are given opportunities to engage with staff to further their own learnings and gain skills they can transfer to any future careers – like time management, peer-to-peer relationship building, and public speaking experience.”

The program is incredibly popular, with a competitive selection process that starts in December each year. Come February, applicants participate in an open house, a group interview, and a team-building activity. Education team members then make their final selections. Orientation and practice days occur in spring, with the first day of official volunteering on June 1.

“For me, I made so many lasting memories and friendships in the program,” Ball said.

She offered a testimonial from a graduating participant that said, “I really appreciate all the attention that goes into each ZooTeen. I’m going off to college next year and I feel like my experience with the program equipped me with skills I can use later.”

One five-year program participant said, “This program meant the world to me as it watched me grow up and guided me through my teen years.”

Ball and her team mentor the teens in job skills, while also covering animal biology, wildlife habitats, ecology, and wildlife conservation.

“What I most enjoy, being on this side of the program, is watching the growth the participants experience throughout their time,” Ball said. “We had one ZooTeen who was incredibly shy when they first started. A few years later, they were helping lead an orientation day and stood up in front of the entire group, about 70 individuals, and shared their story about how the program helped them overcome their fears. That was such a win!”

While Zoo Boise benefits from the volunteers’ help with zoo programming, the program’s impact on the teen themselves is the main focus.

“This program is incredibly important because it gives a space for teens of all backgrounds, interest levels, and experiences to gather,

learn, and share what they are passionate about,” Ball said. “We have teens who want to be zookeepers, veterinarians, published authors, chefs, athletes, or even aren't sure yet, which is incredibly fair! Everyone can find a place here.”

If you’re interested in the program, other volunteer opportunities, or just checking out Zoo Boise, visit zooboise.org .

Learning One Block At A Time

Simple childhood activities often become powerful tools for learning and personal growth

“Children are born to learn” is a core belief of the Boise-based team behind BLOCK Fest®, and anyone who has watched a young child with a pile of blocks has likely seen that learning unfold in real time.

A tower goes up. A tower falls down. Moments later, it rises again.

What may look like simple play is often much more. As children stack, balance, sort, build, and imagine, they are developing skills that will serve them long after the blocks are put away. Problem solving, communication, hand-eye coordination, creativity, and persistence all begin taking shape through experiences that feel more like fun than formal learning.

Parents and trusted adults play an important role in that process. Making time for block play, asking open-ended questions, and following a child's imagination can transform an ordinary afternoon into a meaningful learning experience. Questions such as “What are you building?” or “What happens next?” encourage children to think, communicate, and explore new ideas.

Those principles are at the heart of BLOCK Fest®, a research-based interactive

exhibit developed through the University of Idaho's Parents as Teachers Demonstration Project. The program introduces families to the educational value of block play while encouraging children and adults to learn together through hands-on experiences.

“BLOCK Fest® was developed to provide an interactive block-building experience for young children ages 8 months to 8 years and their parents,” says Patricia Kempthorne, former Idaho First Lady and founder of Twiga Foundation, home of BLOCK Fest®. “BLOCK Fest® also supports parents and children to form an emotional bond during the learning experience.”

Research behind the program found that children progress through several stages of block play, from simply exploring blocks to building structures, creating enclosures, and constructing bridges and arches. Along the way, they develop early math, science, language, and social skills.

Perhaps that is why blocks have remained a childhood staple for generations. Long before children encounter classrooms, tests, and homework, they are already learning about the world—one block at a time.

Children build more than towers with blocks—they build confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills” “

FOUR-LEGGED ADVENTURES

Idaho offers endless opportunities for dog-friendly exploration, rewarding travelers with scenic landscapes, meaningful companionship, and unforgettable outdoor experiences

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY ASHLEY LOEB

Idaho is ideal for dog-friendly travel. With foothill trails, alpine lakes, river canyons, and small towns that welcome dogs on patios and paths, the state offers countless ways to explore with a canine companion. But bringing a dog changes more than your packing list—it changes the pace, rhythm, and meaning of the trip itself. Some of my happiest days in Idaho have been spent hiking and road-tripping with my two dogs, discovering places that felt restorative not only because of their beauty, but because I experienced them with my dogs by my side. Traveling with a dog has a way of pulling you into the moment and reminding you that the experience matters as much as the destination.

Boise is one of the easiest places to begin. The city’s tree-lined Greenbelt stretches along the Boise River and makes an ideal walk or jog, with shady stretches, river access, and dog-friendly patios nearby. For elevation and open views, the Ridge to Rivers system offers trails through the Boise Foothills, from quick neighborhood outings to longer hikes through high-desert terrain. In spring, babbling creeks make Bob's Trail and Hulls Gulch Reserve especially appealing; in summer, heading up to Around the Mountain Trail on Bogus Basin brings cooler air, endless wildflowers, and unbelievable mountain views.

Beyond Boise, Idaho offers dog-friendly destinations in every region. In the Magic Valley, Thousand Springs State Park, including Box Canyon, is a favorite spot that rewards an on-leash stroll with waterfall views and strikingly clear, turquoise water.

Jump Creek Falls, southwest of Boise, is a short canyon hike with a dramatic payoff. In McCall, Ponderosa State Park combines forest trails and lake views, while farther north, Tubbs Hill in Coeur d’Alene offers a favorite lakeside loop. In the Sun Valley area, trails like Trail Creek provide a beautiful summer or fall escape.

No matter where you go, traveling with a dog changes how you move through a place. You begin to think differently about shade, water, trail conditions, and time of day. A route that seems easy on paper feels different when there is no cover and the ground is too hot for paws. Most days, my destination is shaped by where I think my dogs will be most comfortable or what they will enjoy most. Stops also become more deliberate: you look for creeks, cooler morning hours, and places to rest. Even a familiar trail feels new when you are paying attention to what your dog needs instead of focusing only on your own pace.

That shift is one of the best parts of the experience. Dogs keep a trip grounded in the present. They pause to investigate a new scent, leap into cold water with total joy, and make a simple overlook feel like an event.

I remember one summer morning beside an alpine lake when one of my dogs charged straight into the water while the other stopped at the shoreline, carefully considering whether getting wet was worth it. One was fearless, the other cautious. Within minutes, both were happily exploring the edge of the lake. It was a simple moment, but one that captured why traveling with dogs feels different. They each experience

a place in their own way, and you can't help but see it differently too.

When I travel with my dogs, I notice more—the song of a meadowlark, the smell of pine, the change in the wind before a storm. I also get to watch their personalities come alive, each responding to the landscape in a different way.

Their companionship changes the feeling of travel, too. Hikes, walks, and road trips become shared routines that make the journey feel less rushed and more memorable. Idaho’s landscapes—open foothills, alpine lakes, river canyons, and pine forests—seem made for that kind of partnership. With a dog beside you, the state feels less like a checklist of destinations and more like a place to experience slowly.

Of course, dog-friendly travel also comes with responsibility. Preparation means checking leash rules, confirming access, and packing extra water, treats,

The same curiosity that makes dogs such joyful companions can also lead them into trouble, so traveling well with them requires attention and care.

and waste bags. On the trail, it means watching for hot ground, ticks, cheatgrass, wildlife, livestock, and steep descents. The same curiosity that makes dogs such joyful companions can also lead them into trouble, so traveling well with them requires attention and care.

That balance of freedom and responsibility is what makes traveling Idaho with a dog so rewarding. The state offers room to roam, cool water in summer, and trails and towns where a dog can be part of the day instead of left behind. In the end, the greatest gift of exploring Idaho with a dog is the way they enhance the journey, keeping you grounded in the moment and reminding you that simply being together is enough.

The Hemingway Effect

ARTICLE BY STAFF WRITER | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Downtown Eagle has experienced significant growth over the past decade, but its appeal continues to rest on the qualities that first attracted residents and visitors: locally owned businesses, walkable streets, and a strong sense of community. The Hemingway, a new mixed-use development along State Street, represents the latest chapter in that evolution.

Lions Den Toys & Books

Classic Toys. Timeless Stories. Meaningful Play.

One of the newest additions to downtown Eagle, Lions Den Toys & Books focuses on toys, books, games, and gifts for children and families. Shelves are stocked with a mix of classic favorites, educational activities, and newer discoveries intended to encourage imaginative play and time away from screens. The store reflects a growing interest in hands-on experiences and family-centered activities, offering a place where children can explore, read, create, and engage with toys designed to be played with rather than simply observed.

Iron & Sage Kitchen Co.

Where Great Meals Begin At Home

| @IRONANDSAGEKITCHEN

Opening this summer at The Hemingway, Iron & Sage Kitchen Co. is a mother-daughter venture centered on the kitchen as a place for gathering and learning. The store will feature cookware, bakeware, cutlery, and kitchen tools alongside a dedicated teaching kitchen designed for classes and demonstrations. In addition to shopping, visitors will have opportunities to learn new techniques, attend events, and connect with others who enjoy cooking and entertaining. The concept brings both retail and educational experiences together under one roof in downtown Eagle.

Designed to combine residential living with street-level retail, the project is introducing a collection of businesses that complement the character of downtown rather than redefine it. As storefronts open, visitors will find entrepreneurs and small business owners offering everything from specialty retail and home goods to books, gifts, and lifestyle-focused services.

The development arrives at a time when communities across the Treasure Valley are seeking ways to preserve a sense of place amid continued growth. In Eagle, that often means supporting businesses that emphasize personal

Vessel Kitchen

Fresh Food. Full Flavor.

Among the newest restaurants opening at The Hemingway, Vessel Kitchen offers a menu built around customizable bowls, salads, proteins, vegetables, and house-made sauces. Founded in 2016, the concept combines fast-casual convenience with ingredients prepared from scratch and flavors drawn from a variety of culinary traditions. The menu accommodates a range of dietary preferences while remaining approachable for everyday dining. As downtown Eagle continues to grow, Vessel adds another gathering place for residents, visitors, and those exploring the district on foot.

Soft Landing Soft Serve

Classic Treats. Modern Ingredients.

Soft Landing Soft Serve offers rotating dairy and non-dairy soft serve flavors, housemade toppings, sundaes, floats, and its popular “clean dirty sodas.” The concept grew from a family tradition of weekly ice cream outings and first opened in Boise in a restored 1937 building on State Street. Today, Soft Landing has expanded to downtown Eagle, adding another gathering place for families, friends, and visitors exploring the district. The menu combines familiar favorites with seasonal offerings and housemade additions, bringing a contemporary take to the classic neighborhood ice cream shop.

service, local connections, and experiences that encourage people to spend time downtown.

For residents, The Hemingway adds another destination to explore on foot. For business owners, it provides an opportunity to become part of a downtown district that continues to attract both longtime locals and newcomers to the area.

As the project continues to fill out, The Hemingway is helping expand Eagle’s retail landscape while reinforcing many of the qualities that have made downtown one of the Treasure Valley’s most recognizable and vibrant gathering places.

Your kitchen is more than a room. It's where traditions live, where friendships deepen over a slow meal, and where the people you love most always seem to end up.

Iron & Sage Kitchen Co. was built around that belief.

We're a full-service kitchen retail store in Idaho’s Treasure Valley, carrying a curated selection of cookware, bakeware, cutlery, small electrics, gadgets, and more. Every product on our shelves has been chosen for its quality, performance, and style, because we believe you shouldn't have to choose between a kitchen that works and one that inspires you. We also offer hands-on classes, cooking demos, and vendor events because we think learning should be part of the experience.

Grand Opening

July 25th

Iron & Sage Kitchen Co. was founded by three generations of women who spent years discovering the power of an open kitchen. Through military moves and new communities, cooking for others became the way we built connection, turned strangers into friends, and created home wherever we landed. That's the spirit behind everything we do. Inspired Kitchens. Inspired Lives.

FRESH made from-scratch FLAVORS

Sun - Thurs: 11am to 9pm Fri & Sat: 11am to 10pm

The Company We Keep

ARTICLE BY TAMMY DE WEERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY TAMMY DE WEERD, PROVIDED

Founder and winemaker Eric Dunham rescued Port after the puppy lost a leg in a dog attack. Port became a constant companion at the winery and inspired Dunham’s Three-Legged Red, a wine that still bears his image on the label. Years after Port’s passing, visitors continue to ask about him when they enter the tasting room.

Perhaps they came for all three—the wine, the company, and the dog.

For generations, pets were left at home while families gathered elsewhere. Today, many owners view their dogs as companions, travel partners, and family members. As our relationship with pets has evolved, so have the places where we spend our time.

We were recently relaxing on a dog-friendly patio along the Boise River Greenbelt on one of those perfect Idaho afternoons when nobody seemed in a hurry.

At the table next to us sat a group of friends, laughing and deep in conversation. Stretched out beside one of the women was a beautiful German Shepherd wearing a large collar that cautioned people not to pet him.

Most people walked by without noticing. You could spot the dog lovers from across the patio. Their eyes would drift toward the shepherd. They would smile. Some took a step closer before catching sight of the warning on his collar. The dog lay quietly in the shade as if he understood exactly the effect he was having.

The scene lasted only a few moments, but it captured something increasingly common: dogs are joining us when we gather. They accompany us to outdoor restaurants, brewery patios, coffee shops, community events, and wineries.

Not long ago, Jan and I were visiting Dunham Cellars in Walla Walla. There, dogs are woven into the winery’s story. The current winery dog, Sadie, is greeted by regulars and newcomers alike. Yet it is Port, the original winery dog, whom many visitors still remember.

Patios, parks, and public spaces increasingly welcome dogs as companions rather than visitors left waiting at home

Sarah McLean, co-founder of The Big Damn Dog Co., sees the trend every day through her work with giant breed owners.

“Dogs have shifted from being pets we own to family members we build our lives around,” she says.

McLean notes that more people are planning road trips instead of flights so their dogs can come along, investing in puppy preschool and daycare, and taking a more proactive approach to their dogs’ health and well-being.

“As someone who loves giant breeds, I know how much space a big dog takes up in your home and your heart,” she says. “They become part of everything you do.”

She points to places like Payette Brewing as examples of businesses that understand the important role dogs play in many people’s lives.

That sentiment resonated with me on a recent three-day rafting trip down the Wallowa and Grande Ronde rivers. The owner of Minam Store Outfitters brought his dogs along, and one of the guides brought his as well. Before long, the dogs had become unofficial hosts of the adventure. Guests called them by name, eagerly petted them, and even offered to let them sleep in their tents. The dogs had become part of the experience.

One of the guides happened to be Seven Hills Winery head winemaker Bobby Richards. He observed that many younger adults are delaying parenthood or choosing not to have children at all. Instead, they are building lives that include their dogs in much the same way previous generations centered activities around children.

People want their dogs to fit into their lifestyle and be part of the experiences they share.

Across the Treasure Valley and beyond, businesses are adapting to that reality. Outdoor patios are setting out water bowls, and some businesses even hand out treats. Breweries welcome dogs on their patios. Trails, parks, and gathering spaces are increasingly designed with leashed pets in mind.

What started as accommodation has become something more. Businesses are discovering that dogs often do what people sometimes struggle to do themselves— they create connection.

Today, many owners view their dogs as companions, travel partners, and family members. As our relationship with pets has evolved, so have the places where we spend our time.

Back on that Greenbelt patio, the German Shepherd never moved. He simply rested in the shade while strangers smiled from a distance and friends carried on their conversation. Yet in those few moments he accomplished something remarkable. He drew people in, sparked curiosity, and created connection. That may be why so many of our favorite gathering places welcome dogs today. Not simply because they are pets, but because they have a unique way of becoming part of the memories, conversations, and experiences we share.

SHAPING TOMORROW’S LEADERS

The Treasure Valley has changed a lot over the past decade.

New neighborhoods continue to appear across Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Kuna, and surrounding communities. Families are arriving from around the country, bringing new energy, new perspectives, and new opportunities. Along with that growth comes an important question for many parents: where will their children learn, grow, and build the foundation for their future?

For families relocating to the area, the search for the right school often becomes one of the first major decisions they make. For others, it begins much closer to home as children prepare for preschool, kindergarten, middle school, or the transition to high school. Regardless of where a family is in that journey, education plays a central role in shaping both a child’s experience and a family’s connection to the community.

Fortunately, families have more educational options today than ever before.

Some students thrive in traditional classroom settings. Others benefit from smaller learning environments, faith-based education, individualized instruction, college-preparatory programs, specialized academic support, or hands-on learning experiences. For many parents, the search goes beyond academics alone. They are looking for a place where their child feels challenged, supported, and encouraged to grow.

Local educators inspire growth, curiosity, and lifelong achievement

ARTICLE BY STAFF WRITER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHIL WHITE, THE 8TH STREET STUDIO

There is no single answer because no two children are exactly alike.

That diversity of choice is one of the strengths of education throughout the Treasure Valley. Public schools, charter schools, private schools, early learning programs, and educational enrichment organizations all play an important role in helping students discover their interests, build confidence, and develop skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

The schools featured in these pages represent a variety of approaches, philosophies, and educational experiences. Some have served local families for generations. Others are newer additions responding to the region’s continued growth. Each brings its own perspective to the learning process while sharing a commitment to helping students succeed.

Of course, education is about much more than grades, test scores, and report cards.

Ask most adults what they remember about school, and they rarely begin with a test score. They remember a favorite teacher, a school play, a science project, a championship game, or a friendship that lasted long after graduation. Those moments often leave a lasting impression long after the details of a particular class have faded.

Many adults can still name a teacher who encouraged them, challenged them, or helped them see possibilities they had not considered before. Those moments stay with us because great educators do more than teach subjects. They help shape confidence, curiosity, and character.

Behind every school are educators, administrators, support staff, and families working together to create environments where students can thrive. Their efforts help shape not only individual lives but also the future of the communities they serve.

The principals, educators, and schools highlighted here represent just a portion of the remarkable educational community found throughout the Treasure Valley. Together, they reflect the dedication, care, and commitment that continue to make education one of the region’s most important investments in the future.

10 REASONS

Famil ies Choose Classical Ch ristian Education

Thousands of families are discovering the lasting value of a classical Christian education.

Imagine what a classical Christian education could mean for your child.

Learn to observe carefully, think deeply, and communicate with confidence.

Develop the skills to become an independent, lifelong learner who thinks critically.

Grow in wisdom, character, and faith while being challenged academically.

Discover the story of history and understand how the past shapes the present and future.

Read rich, challenging literature that builds comprehension, discernment, and a lifelong love of learning.

Develop respect, self-discipline, perseverance, and a strong work ethic.

Be encouraged to discover and pursue the unique gifts and purpose God has given them.

Strive for excellence in a classroom where thoughtful discussion is an essential part of learning.

Build a Christ-centered worldview and gain the wisdom and courage to engage a culture filled with competing ideas.

Learn through the time-tested Classical method, where each stage of learning is age-appropriate and every subject is meaningfully connected.

PreK-12th Classical Christian Education

6100 N. Locust Grove Rd. Meridian, Idaho (208) 323-3888

CELEBRATING THE ANIMALS WE CALL FAMILY

Community photographers celebrate the pets who enrich their lives

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Anyone who has ever tried to photograph a pet knows the challenge—and the reward. Whether capturing a playful expression, a favorite nap spot, or a moment of pure mischief, these images reflect the special bond between people and the animals that become part of the family. The seven photographs featured here were submitted by Treasure Valley

residents and celebrate the joy, companionship, and personality pets bring to everyday life. Additional entries from the community Furtography Pet Photo Contest exhibit are on display at Finer Frames through August 31. Looking for another furry family member? Visit CityLifestyle.com/Meridian to view this month’s selection of adoptable pets.

BOISE Acting STUDIO

Art Homegrown in Boise

ARTICLE BY PAMELA KLEIBRINK THOMPSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEARNEY THOMPSON

For years, Boise actor and acting coach April Matson Grady watched local performers search for places to train, collaborate, and develop their craft. Now, they have a home of their own.

Earlier this year, Boise Acting Studio moved into a new location at 2226 W. Main Street in downtown Boise. Designed and built by April's husband, Scott Grady, the space includes classrooms, rehearsal areas, and a 30-seat black box theater intended to support local actors, writers, directors, filmmakers, and storytellers.

“I opened this studio because there are serious artists in this community, and they deserve serious training and a creative home,” says Matson Grady. “This place is more than just a training center. We are a community of artists—actors, writers, directors, filmmakers, and storytellers.”

Before founding Boise Acting Studio in 2024, Matson Grady built a career as a professional actor, appearing on television series including  Kyle XY and  Quintuplets. Since 2015, she has focused on coaching performers while helping cultivate Boise's growing creative community.

For Matson Grady, the new theater represents more than a performance venue.

“With the opening of this space, this becomes more than a studio,” she says. “It becomes a platform for storytellers. A place where talent can be refined, nurtured, and shared with the community.”

Later this summer, the theater will welcome audiences for its inaugural production,  Poison Pen , helping launch a new chapter for the venue and the artists who will perform there.

Her philosophy centers on the belief that storytelling helps people better understand themselves and one another.

“The work of the actor is the work of the self,” she says. “People often think acting is about pretending, but it’s actually a search for the truth.”

As classes, workshops, and performances begin filling the calendar, Matson Grady hopes the studio will become a gathering place for artists across the Treasure Valley.

“I’m thrilled to have a front-row seat to watch so many local artists flourish.”

TREY & KATIE KENNEDY

ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE

Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.

Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.

Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”

Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.

After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”

The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.

FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY

Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.

Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.

A PLACE TO SHINE. A PATH TO SUCCEED.

LET THEM SHINE

Two separate campuses with unique and welcoming atmospheres. K–8 and High School. Every student deserves to realize their full potential. At North Star Charter School, we’re committed to making sure they do.

North Star Charter is accepting applications for enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year.

Boise + Eagle Events

AUGUST 2026

1 — HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2

NNU Little Theatre, 7 PM: Fun-filled summer production! soundandstageacademy.com

1-29 — BOISE FARMERS MARKET

Saturdays, 9 AM: Local produce, food vendors, artisans, and seasonal goods. theboisefarmersmarket.com

1-8 — SWEENEY TODD

Idaho Shakespeare Amphitheatre: Musical thriller of revenge and dark humor. idahoshakespeare.org

1-2 — IDAHO PAINT HORSE

Ford Idaho Center, 8 PM: Horse shows and equestrian events. fordidahocenter.com

1-2 — APEX WEEKEND

Boise Outdoor Fieldhouse: Whitewater Rafting, Wake Surfing, Sailing, Flatwater Paddling, Fly Fishing. challengedathletes.org

2 — SIMPLE PLAN

Ford Idaho Center, 8 PM: Bigger Than You Think Tour! fordidahocenter.com

2 — HUNTER HAYES

Treefort Music Hall, 7 PM: The ‘Evergreen’ Tour!  treefortmusichall.com

4 — NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

Sunset Park,6 PM: Community night in the park. sunsetboise.org

4 — LINDSEY STIRLING

Ford Idaho Center, 8 PM: Duality Untamed Tour!  fordidahocenter.com

5 — THE MARVELOUS MISS GENDER

Egyptian Theatre, 8 PM: A night of sing-alongs, nostalgia, and pop hits. Egyptiantheatre.events

6-27 — ALIVE AFTER FIVE Thursdays, 5 PM: Free outdoor summer concerts in downtown Boise. downtownboise.org

6 — BOISE ART SHOW

Idaho Art Gallery, 5 PM: Opening reception,

‘Alive in the Sun,’  by national artist, Benjamin Childress. IdahoArtGallery.com

6 — SUPER SOAKER SHOWDOWN

Indian Creek Plaza, 11 AM: Water battle with the local fire department! indiancreekplaza.com

6 — FIRST THURSDAY

Downtown Boise, 5 PM: Galleries, shops, dining, and local art. downtownboise.org

7— GREENBELT NIGHT MARKET

The Boardwalk, 5 PM: Live music, local vendors, food trucks. greenbeltnightmarket.com

7-9 — BRANDED BONANZA IDAHO

Ford Idaho Center, 8 AM: Wild horse training & adoption program. fordidahocenter.com

8 — BOISE SOUL FOOD FESTIVAL

Julia Davis Park, 11 AM: African-American culture, food, traditions. boisesoulfood.org

8 — CREATE AND PAINT

Art Source Gallery, 6 PM: Flower arranging & painting workshop. danicafactorart.com

14-29 —THE WINTER’S TALE

Idaho Shakespeare Amphitheatre: Shakespeare’s tale of loss, forgiveness, & redemption. idahoshakespeare.org

15 — TAYLOR SWIFT TRIBUTE CONCERT

Egyptian Theatre, 7 PM: A night of sing-alongs, nostalgia, & pop hits. Egyptiantheatre.events

15 — EMO NITE

Knitting Factory, 9 PM: Fan-favorite songs and guest performers!  knittingfactory.com

15 — TY MYERS: THE LEGAL TOUR 2026

Ford Idaho Center, 7:30 PM: With Brent Cobb and Benny G! fordidahocenter.com

15 — KOREAN FESTIVAL

Gene Harris Bandshell, 10 AM: Celebrating Korean culture and community. kpoptracker.net

18-22 — CALDWELL NIGHT RODEO Rodeo action and western tradition! caldwellnightrodeo.com

20 — BUSINESS BUILDER DAY

Riverside Hotel, 8:30 AM: Connect with business leaders, decision-makers. iblevents.com

21-30 — WESTERN IDAHO FAIR

Expo Idaho: Exhibits, entertainment, food, and shopping.  idahofair.com

21 — SUNSHINE AND SOUNDBITES

Lakeview Park, 5 PM: Food trucks, live music in the park!  nampaparksandrecreation.org

20-22 — SOMETHING ROTTEN

Nampa Civic Center, 7:30 PM: Comedy musical set in Shakespeare’s era! nampaciviccenter.com

22 — TOAST: THE BEST OF BREAD

Egyptian Theatre, 7 PM: Bread’s classic hits and legacy. breadtribute.com

27 — THE BEACH BOYS

Ford Idaho Center, 7:30 PM: 60 years of Pet Sounds!  fordidahocenter.com

27 — SUMMER MOVIE NIGHTS

Indian Creek Plaza, 6 PM: Classic movies under the stars! indiancreekplaza.com

29 — ZOOBILEE 2026

Zoo Boise, 5:30 PM: Zoo fundraising gala for wildlife conservation. zooboise.org

29 — PUBLIC LANDS DAY CELEBRATION  Bogus Basin, 8 AM: Booths, volunteer opportunities. bogusbasin.org

29 — BUGS HARVEST DINNER

BUGS, 5:30 PM: A farm-to-table evening in the garden . boiseurbangardenschool.org

29-30 — SAGEBRUSH’S INAUGURAL SUMMER MARKET

Sagebrush Collaborative: Shop local at Boise’s newest summer market. sagebrushcollaborative.com

Photo: @loeblifephotography