At The Stereo Shoppe Integrated Media Solutions, our focus is on you and your experience.
From beautifully integrated design to professional installation of the finest technologies, we’ll guide you through every step of the process.
Our new experience center brings all your options to life. Come in and see, hear and touch it all. We make complex technology solutions simple to choose and satisfying to use.
As we welcome September, I am thrilled to celebrate and explore the fascinating world of style with you. In Boise, style is not merely about the clothes we wear; it encompasses every aspect of our lives. From the vibrant murals in the Linen District to the eclectic sounds of local musicians, from the charming boutiques downtown to the way we engage in lively conversations at our favorite coffee shops, style permeates every facet of our existence. It is the thread that weaves together the rich tapestry of our Boise community.
Style is deeply personal and evolves as we celebrate our quirks, passions, and desires. It’s a form of self-expression that communicates who we are, how we perceive the world, and what we value. In this way, style becomes a powerful tool for connection, enabling us to find common ground with others who share our aesthetic sensibilities.
In Boise, we have the freedom to embrace established styles, blend them together, or forge entirely new paths, becoming trendsetters ourselves. This issue of Boise Lifestyle is designed to inspire you to forge new paths or perhaps explore familiar ones. From featuring local designers to highlighting the creative ways our community expresses itself, we aim to uplift your spirits, boost your productivity, and ignite your creativity.
What I’ve found is that the best style is an authentic expression of who you truly are. And that’s something no one on earth can duplicate.
Here’s to being uniquely you and to celebrating the vibrant style of Boise!
Warm regards,
VINCE GEWALT, PUBLISHER @BOISELIFESTYLE
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
Ashley Loeb, Pamela Kleibrink Thompson, Sabina Dana Plasse, Chelsea Chambers, Denise Llorente, Abbi Sulaski, Leann Parker
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ashley Loeb, Sabina Dana Plasse, Chelsea Chambers, Lance Thompson, Kelsey Huffer, 8th Street Studio, Janie Jones
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise. Boise Lifestyle is available for pick up at the Boise Metro Chamber, 1101 W. Front St.
1: Bronco Shop Director Michal, knows how to represent Boise State in style. 2: September 6-8, Art in the Park, one of the premiere cultural events in the Northwest. @ulikirchler 2023 winner 3: Day 3 of June’s Boise Fashion Week featuring Special Occasion designer @byoxanaake
Ballet Idaho’s 52nd season features a mix of classical and contemporary performances. The season opens with “Sound in Motion,” a collaboration with the Boise Phil, including works by Tchaikovsky, Anna Clyne, and Igor Stravinsky. The holiday season brings “The Nutcracker,” offering a magical experience with its familiar story and Tchaikovsky’s music. The season concludes with “The Sleeping Beauty,” presenting Christopher Stowell’s choreography. The “Anthology” series includes American-influenced short works, such as the revival of “Six Figures” and new pieces by notable choreographers. Artistic Director Garrett Anderson emphasizes a welcoming and inspiring experience for all attendees. balletidaho.org
The James Castle House unveils “Foundations,” an exhibition aimed at enriching the understanding of James Castle’s artistry. Castle, a self-taught and deaf Idaho artist, is celebrated through 36 artworks from Boise’s collection and 20 loaned pieces from the James Castle Collection and Archive. The exhibit meticulously showcases Castle’s varied styles and materials, from soot and spit to color, books, patterns, transcriptions,
collages, texts, and constructions. Beyond a mere display, “Foundations” serves as a window into Castle’s unconventional creative journey, inviting visitors to delve into the enigmatic world of one of the 20th century’s most captivating American artists. Explore “Foundations” exclusively at the James Castle House until February 1, 2025. jamescastlehouse.org
Hotel Renegade, Boise’s latest addition to its downtown landscape at 1110 W. Grove St., brings a fresh fusion of rustic allure and contemporary comforts. With 122 keys, the hotel stands out with its striking brick façade and thoughtfully curated interiors. Offering an array of amenities from a well-equipped fitness center to attentive room service, Hotel Renegade ensures a seamless stay. Guests can savor culinary delights at three distinctive dining venues: the nostalgic Baraboo Supper Club, the elevated experience of The Highlander Rooftop Bar, and the cozy ambiance of Blue Collar Coffee Co. Boasting expansive event spaces, including a rooftop ballroom, Hotel Renegade is primed to host diverse gatherings. Each guest room promises a distinctive ambiance and comes replete with premium amenities for an indulgent retreat. hotelrenegade.com
Photo: September 6 - 8 Art in the Park, one of the Northwest’s most popular arts festivals in Julia Davis Park BAM’s largest annual fundraiser, supporting the Museum with every purchase. BoiseArtMuseum.org
NEWS RELEASE AND STORY IDEAS: We’re always interested to hear about new business openings, upcoming events, local news items, and community members contributing in new and exciting ways. Email: EDITORIAL@BOISECITYLIFESTYLE.COM | @BOISELIFESTYLE
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY LOEB
Lying in the heart of Europe, Switzerland is a glorious landscape of mountains, lakes, rivers, and rolling pastures accentuated with diverse architectural styles, cuisine, and an elaborate public transportation system. A few days is not nearly long enough to experience the three distinct geographical regions within its borders, but honing in on the Swiss Alps provides an ideal glimpse into what makes this destination worth the long trek from home.
The finnicky mountain weather makes any trip into the alps a gamble, especially in the late spring and summer.
Part of the excitement of venturing into the alps is never knowing exactly what will transpire. Just be ready to take that chance to venture out when the moment feels right. The impressive public transportation, including the convenient scenic trains, gondolas, funiculars, and boats, takes a minute to grasp, but offers easy access to the many lake and mountain towns with endless experiences amongst these majestic masterpieces!
Before heading up into the mountains, views are aplenty from towns like Zurich, Lucerne, and Interlaken.
Lucerne is a perfect pitstop to enjoy a walk along the shops surrounding a river with historic wooden bridges. Also available is a trek up the hills to the medieval ticking clock tower along the ancient Musegg wall that provided the best views and a great breeze after huffing and puffing to the top!
After a scenic train ride, arriving in Grindelwald is a jaw-dropping feeling of finally stepping foot off the train into the fresh mountain air amongst jagged beauties towering over vibrant green hills dotted with earth-toned chalets. The Belvedere Hotel provides comfortable accommodations with views of this gorgeous backdrop of the Eiger Northface situated in the heart of the perfect mountain town to get the full Swiss alp experience.
Words are also fleeting when standing atop Männlichen, watching the red and white flag flap in the winds as the clouds finally clear to give way to an incredible valley of waterfalls below. Time is of the essence, and the short steep hike to the best viewpoint will take your breath away in more ways than one! The tiny purple and white mountain blossoms peaking their heads out of the dewy mountain grass is surrounded by 360 degree views of snowcapped mountain peaks. The view is even more unbelievable when a rainbow appears before gliding down the steep cliff face in the gondola to gaze upon the soothing yet powerful rush of the 72 waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen Valley.
The incredible Staubbach Falls cascades from 900+ meters and the view gets even better when the
clouds part to reveal the layers of snowy mountains beyond. Opportunities for sightseeing via hiking are endless in the alps, but the ultimate awe-moment trek is to Lake Oeschinensee, a true pinnacle of Swiss alps beauty, that offers obscenely serene turquoise water amongst a backdrop of mountain peaks dotted with waterfalls and pine.
Immersing oneself in the intriguing history of the country is one of the best ways to soothe the rainy day blues when the inevitable precipitous weather shrouds the mountaintops. In the middle of Thun, it’s a true step back in time climbing atop an 11th century wall with flowers sprouting between stones surrounding Thun Castle. Traversing up spiral staircases in and up the narrow wooden ladders into its round stone turrets provide sweeping views of another lakeside town along with a chilly breeze through the open windows.
Perched just outside of town on Lake Thun, Chillon Castle, Switzerland’s oldest and arguably most beautiful castle, offers an endless maze of rooms including the ornately decorated oriental smoke room with view of a manicured gardens below. After exploring, it’s time to shop for Swiss mementos, including numerous watches, Swiss army knives, cuckoo clocks, and greeting cards in German for a relative with a sense of humor. Rain or shine, the worst part about visiting Switzerland is saying Auf Wiedersehen to this beautiful country, a home away from Idahome.
Switzerland offers surprisingly tasty cuisine by its German, French, and Italian neighbors. In Zurich, Germaninspired establishments like Zeughauskeller offer classic sausages and schnitzel alongside beef served on the blade of a sword!
Lindt’s Home of Chocolate in Zurich is also an experience but we opted to sample chocolate on the go while exploring the Romanesque and historic to modern buildings in this economic, cultural, and social center of Switzerland. Our sweet tooth was also satisfied in Lucerne where French chefs bake sweet pillows of chocolate chip brioche and macarons at Aux Merveilleux de Fred.
The delightful ding of cowbells from the carefree Swiss Cattle were a good reminder to enjoy some Swiss cheese! The most unique cheese experience could be enjoyed inside a cozy Gondola at Grindelwald’s Belvedere Hotel. Imagine dunking skewers of fresh bread into a steaming pot of fondue complimented by a glass of Swiss wine or Swiss-made Coca Cola with views incredible mountain views.
The freshest trout is served right near town at Restaurant Alpina, a cozy spot that also offers a scenic dinner. Perched upon the rolling pastures, the most memorable meal was served at elevated Swiss-inspired restaurant at the Alpine Hotel, including an enchanting bowl of leek soup, a monstrously delicious burger and perfectly breaded and crisp schnitzel!
ARTICLE BY CHELSEA CHAMBERS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
+ PROVIDED
CHELSEA CHAMBERS
“There is no uncertainty, there is only adventure.” – Robert Assagioli
The words that make up the vast quantities of inspirational outdoor quotes could create books in and of themselves. But that is so, in in part I believe, because there is something so innately human about being in nature. There is something so awe-inspiring about standing underneath a towering Ponderosa, looking up at the centuries of wisdom jetting into the blue skyline. There is magic in the mossy forest floor. There are mysteries that dance in the desert. There is poetry to be found along the rocky shorelines of the Salmon River.
And you can certainly find your place in nature with simply the shirt on your back and whatever shoes you’ve donned that day. But let’s be honest—it gets a lot easier with the right gear.
In the late 1800s, a man named Francis Bannerman was credited with starting the military surplus industry, purchasing large swaths of civil war supplies and selling them at a discounted rate in his New York storefront. The industry has prevailed today and made its way to the Treasure Valley in 1983. Founded by Pete Darr, transferred to the Turrittins, and eventually making its way to current owners Clint and Emily Thompson.
“We both come from a military background,” shared Emily. “When Clint heard the owners of Boise Army Navy (BAN) were ready to retire, he saw an opportunity to own one of the coolest businesses in Boise. We knew this venture would fit his personality and went for it. We both love the Idaho outdoors and were excited to continue to provide the Treasure Valley with military, rafting, and outdoor gear.”
The walls of BAN are the epitome of an outdoor survivalist’s dream. Tents, ropes, rafts, knives, clothing, cast iron everything. It’s truly a store you have to experience for yourself to understand the full breadth of what BAN has to offer the Treasure Valley. | 4924 W Chinden Blvd, Garden City
Have you ever been frustrated with the process of buying and selling goods online? Yeah, I thought so. Steve Luke had the same irritation and set out to do something about it. An avid outdoorsman with a thrifty side, he resolved to open his own consignment store, filled to the hilt with everything one could need for an adventure.
Family owned-and-operated since 2012, SCORE Outdoors prides themselves on customer-centric service, aiming to find the right gear at the right price, because things can add up quickly. So whether you’re a cyclist with an upgrade in mind, looking to dive into a new winter sport, or simply looking for another kind of lure for your rod, SCORE has it all. Without breaking the bank. | 10422 Fairview Ave
The story begins in the late 70s, with two men working at a bike shop in Corvallis, Oregon. John Platt asked his friend Chris Haunold if he wanted to partner with him. ‘Do you want to start an outdoor store in Boise, Idaho?’
“We Opened Idaho Mountain Touring (IMT) in a little space on Jefferson Street in 1984,” said Platt. “John decided after a few years that he didn’t want to do retail. My wife Jill joined me running the business in 1989 and we have run it together with the help of our three sons ever since.” He continues, “We have a wildly diverse product offering. Everything from jewelry to bikes, to skis and cool clothing. We are constantly looking for new innovative things to share with our customers.”
Fun fact for the history buffs out there. “Our Boise location was an old bottling plant built ‘outside’ the city around 1880 and bottled Pepsi and Acme Beer. And the Meridian location? An old video store. Yeah, you remember those. | 1310 W Main St, Boise | 1739 W Cherry Ln, Meridian
New to the Treasure Valley, Stio opened their Boise location in late 2022, although the business began eleven years prior in Jackson Hole, Wyoming with founder Stephen Sullivan. “A veteran in the outdoor apparel industry, Sullivan aimed to create versatile clothing that could seamlessly transition from outdoor adventures to everyday wear,” explained Sarah Niklas, Stio’s Communications/PR Director.
Some of their featured products for the upcoming season include the Turpin Fleece, Colter Footwear, and Skycrest Outdoor Wear. | 124 S 6th St, Boise
ARTICLE BY STAFF WRITER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAZZ + PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL
THE VARIETY OF SHOPS IS A TESTAMENT TO EAGLE’S UNIQUE CHARACTER
Downtown Eagle, Idaho, is buzzing with activity and charm, and with the latest improvements working to make downtown even more walkable and bikeable. Rest assured, the heart of Eagle remains very much open for business. Now, more than ever, is the perfect time to explore and support this vibrant community.
Downtown Eagle is not just about shopping; it’s a hub of cultural and community events that bring people together. This September, the Eagle Jazz Festival (September 20-21) promises a melodious celebration at various locations around town. For more details, visit eaglejazz.org.
Following closely, the Eagle Plein Air Festival (October 4-12) will see over 80 artists from the Northwest converging to paint in the open air, adding a splash of creativity and excitement to the streets. For more information, check out eaglepleinair.com.
In November, the Holiday Shop Hop (November 14-16) kicks off the festive season. This event is a fantastic opportunity to explore 17 local businesses, discover unique gifts, and support the community. Shoppers can fill out their Shop Hop cards for a chance to win $50 gift cards to participating stores, adding an extra layer of fun to the holiday shopping experience.
Walking down State Street, the variety of shops is a testament to Eagle’s unique character. From quaint coffee shops and delicious barbecue joints to charming boutique stores, Eagle offers something for everyone. What truly sets this area apart is the prevalence of locally owned and operated businesses, many of which are run by women entrepreneurs. Supporting local businesses in Eagle means more than just shopping; it’s about preserving the unique character and vibrancy of the community. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect holiday gift during the Shop Hop or enjoying a leisurely stroll through the charming streets, every visit to downtown Eagle contributes to the thriving local economy.
So, next time you’re in the area, make it a point to explore downtown Eagle. With its welcoming atmosphere, diverse shops, and ongoing improvements aimed at making the area even more accessible and enjoyable, there’s never been a better time to shop local and support this wonderful community. Come and experience the treasure that is Eagle, Idaho – a place where history, culture, and community come together to create something truly special.
The intersection of Eagle Road and State Street is the gateway to downtown Eagle, serving vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians alike. As part of the current improvements, ACHD is working closely with the City of Eagle to redesign this vital area, which also includes Olde Park Place, Plaza Drive, and Aikens Street. The project’s primary goal is to safely accommodate future traffic growth while preserving Eagle’s small-town charm and making the downtown area more walkable and bikeable.
Phase 1 of the project, covering segments of Eagle Road, Plaza Drive, and the State Street and 2nd Street intersection, is slated for completion by Fall 2024. Importantly, business access remains open throughout the construction period, ensuring that local shops and eateries continue to thrive.
Now, more than ever, shoppers need to support our small mom-and-pop businesses. Your patronage helps preserve the unique charm and vibrant spirit of downtown Eagle. Let’s band together to keep our community strong and ensure that these beloved local businesses continue to thrive. Come and discover all that Eagle has to offer – it’s a visit you won’t soon forget.
• Acquire and Company, acquireandco.com
• Caci Wood-Fired Sicilian Grill , cacigrill.com
• Crave Kitchen and Bar, cravekitchenbar.com
• Dwell Home Company, dwellhomeco.com
• Elements Massage, elementsmassage.com/eagle
• Elle Phillips Design , ellephillips.com
• Evolution Integrative Medicine , evolutionintegrativemed.com
• Finer Frames , finerframes.com
• Hope Blooms Flowers & Things , hopebloomsflowers.com
• Intuition , intuitioneagle.com
• Maison Blue , maisonblue.com
• Mykala and Co. Salon , mykalaandco.com
• Olive & Vyne , oliveandvyne.com
• One Haute Cookie , onehautecookie.net
• Rembrandts , rembrandtseagle.com
• Roost Gift & Home , roostcollection.com
• “Super Smiles”- Sam Smith Orthodontics , supersmilesortho.com
• Sweet Tea Living , sweetteaidaho.com
• The Chocolat Bar - Eagle , thechocolatbar.com
• The Cottage on Second Avenue , thecottageonsecond.com
• Urban Casuals Women’s Easy Wear, myurbancasuals.com
• Wishing Well Botanicals , wishingwellbotanicals.net
FESTIVAL DE CANNES CONNECTS TO IDAHO AND STORYTELLING WITH HEATHER RAE
It is the world’s most prestigious film festival and the most significant film market, revered by the French.
In the world of film festivals, the Cannes Film Festival reigns supreme. Nestled in the French Riviera resort town of Cannes, overlooking the Mediterranean, its location is sublime. Just mentioning Cannes makes people gush and raise an eyebrow, as it’s a place where film culture exists in all its glory, beauty, and business. Cannes denotes class, and its posh and pomp are revered. To be included in its line-up is an honor of grand proportions, and grand it is to walk the Allée des Étoiles or the Cannes’ Walk of Fame as it is a walk of arrival in more ways than one can imagine. Though the paparazzi is five rows deep, tradition and protocol are met with high standards as there are uniforms and staff who do not waiver in their presence or job.
Embraced and cherished by French culture, the earliest filmmakers were French, the Lumiere Brothers, who the French say invented the cinema. Even though Thomas Edison invented the film camera, no one can deny that the French take the cinema very seriously, and the Cannes Film Festival upholds tradition and respect for cinema and its artists. Since its beginnings, through world wars and other global crises, the Festival has always attracted Hollywood giants, starlets, and studs, as well as the most accomplished European and world cinema directors and actors. It is the world’s most prestigious film festival and the most significant film market, revered by the French. As a rule for attending a red carpet film after 6 pm, you must adorn black tie appropriately. So it’s not surprising to see many men and women in their black tie apparel running around Cannes in the afternoon, wearing flip flops with high heels sprouting from a shoulder bag for the big premiere evening—a priceless slice of Cannes.
Housed in the Palais des Festivals on the famous Croisette, the Palais is a sleek, giant, modern building set on the beach with several floors, theaters, and a market space that expands the length of the building for those buying and selling films in the world market. There is nothing in the U.S. that compares, and that’s only the Festival infrastructure because surrounding the Palais is a festival scene that incorporates
an international village of tents representing countries, film organizations, and the like, including the American Pavilion that extends the entire Cannes beach, massive yachts are docked on the walkway from the Palais, and large sponsors such as Microsoft have created Bali terraces for parties and meetings to name one of several sponsor venues.
There is an outdoor cinema on the beach across from the Mondrian Hotel that offers free films in the evening. Inside, film industry folks schmooze and drink champagne, and many beautiful people gather. This is the Festival Zone, as there are more theaters and other locations around Cannes that are also part of the experience embraced by the town at The Carlton and other famous hotels and beach spots that have denoted Cannes for decades.
For the 77th edition of the Festival de Cannes, May 13-24, 2024, the jury was chaired by American director, screenwriter, and actress Greta Gerwig. Also, it included American actress Lily Gladstone, among others, who decided on awards for 22 films in competition, including the coveted top prize and prestigious Palme d’Or. Film screenings such as Oliver Stones’ documentary Lula on Brazil’s president, David Cronenberg’s most recent thriller The Shrouds, and the dramatic comedy from India, Sister Midnight, provided a spectrum of stories and filmmaking expected from a festival that prides itself in world cinema, and of course, there were villa parties, industry events, and panel discussions. Rosé wine, along with Aperol spritzers, steak tartare, pomme frites, and baguettes was the choice of many at every al fresco café. It is not as snobby as one might think, but it is still France and a country to love, especially on the Mediterranean with its sea breeze and historic region so close to Provence and Monaco, where a Grand Prix race would take place in a week or so.
As part of an American Pavilion panel event, among many other happenings at Cannes this year, film producer Heather Rae, a Boise resident and Idaho native, was in attendance. For more than a quarter-century, Rae has forged a career as a critically acclaimed filmmaker.
“What is so important about big, international festivals is that they are a world market.”
Her journey is distinguished by her allyship for underrepresented people and stories and her advocacy for emerging filmmakers and artists. Rae produced the Oscar-nominated drama Frozen River and Sian Heder’s Tallulah and has directed three documentaries, including the award-winning Trudell, focused on the legendary Native American poet and activist.
“What is so important about big, international festivals is that they are a world market,” says Rae. “As a consumer and creator of that content and a vendor in that space, in whatever way we participate in the industry, these are critical forums to be engaged. Cannes hits the highest notes as a global forum. I personally love Cannes because it is incredibly glamorous. It is so beautiful, and it is so much fun. It’s a magical event, and you see the industry at work. The red carpet going up to the Grand Palais is like nothing else in the world. It’s iconic. We have seen images of stars since the ‘40s, and it’s an archetypical contribution to world cinema.”
A half-dozen years into a first-look deal with Amazon Studios, Rae currently serves as executive producer of the Amazon Original Series Outer Range, a sci-fi western starring Josh Brolin as a Wyoming rancher. With their shared roots in the American West, Rae spent her days on-set during Season One, working to bring authenticity to storylines in tandem with series creator Brian Watkins and a team of advisors and with veteran showrunner Charles Murray for Season Two. Brolin was a Vision Award winner at the 2023 Sun Valley Film Festival.
“I always see cinema as a mirror,” she says. “The cinema gives us this opportunity. It has the means to see ourselves and understand what it is to understand community. We are in an age of obsessive reflection. We are starting to experience consumer content in many different ways. Europeans and the French uphold cinema in terms of cultural value. It is a way of reflecting on the values within our culture. It’s changing.”
Spotlighting a Native American hustler and her quest to unite her family, the Rae-produced Fancy Dance opened theatrically on June 21st and Apple+ on
June 28th. Starring Lily Gladstone in the wake of her Academy Award-nominated success in Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, the drama has already earned dozens of film festival honors, including a Grand Jury Prize nomination at Sundance, where Rae previously became aware of writer/director Erica Tremblay and praises “the depth of her talent” and the strongly female team engaged in shooting the film in Oklahoma.
On the horizon is a full slate of projects, including those with Sterlin Harjo ( Reservation Dogs), Blackhorse Lowe ( 5th World ), and her husband Russell Friedenberg (Wind Walkers). One deeply personal project allowing Rae to step into the narrative director’s chair is Pony, a feature inspired by her true-life experience as a teen horseback riding in the wilderness with her cousin and getting lost for two weeks due to a forest fire. A powerful story of resilience and courage, Pony is being developed with Rae’s daughter, Johnny Sequoyah, who will act and produce under the auspices of the newly formed shingle Mountain Daughter Media.
Rae’s work as a producer and advocate has taken her all over the world. She is a force behind more than three dozen films, many of which focus on underrepresented communities and the drive toward systemic change. As director, editor, and producer, her 2005 documentary Trudell screened at over 100 film festivals, earning such accolades as a Grand Jury Prize nomination at Sundance and a Special Jury Award at the Seattle International Film Festival.
“International and regional film festivals are the way to travel and experience cinema and a place,” says Rae. “It’s how I have learned about the world, attending hundreds of film festivals. Often, how to get to know a place, is a film festival. It’s available to all, and Cannes is too.”
In 2008 came the drama Frozen River and two Oscar nominations for Best Original Screenplay and Best Leading Actress (Melissa Leo), along with an AFI Award for Movie of the Year, a Producer Award for Rae from the Film Independent Spirit Awards, and inclusion in Variety ’s coveted “Producers to Watch” list at
I always see cinema as a mirror. The cinema gives us this opportunity.
To see oneself as something larger than oneself, particularly as part of a land base. We are part of it.
the Toronto International Film Festival. In 2016, Rae produced Tallulah , the poignant tale of a homeless woman who reunited the Juno team of Allison Janney and Elliot Page under first-time feature director Sian Heder (CODA).
Rae spent her childhood in central mountain Idaho, where her family has lived for generations. Raised by her mother’s side from northern Oklahoma and southern Missouri, Rae grew up with strong family values and a connection to the land, which significantly shaped her identity. During her upbringing in the ‘70s, she spent many years with no electricity, running water, or TV, instead experiencing a childhood informed by her natural surroundings. While still in high school, Rae was scouted by Elite Models and began an unexpected modeling stint in New York City prior to an even more excellent adventure in Japan, which “opened up the world” for her. She returned to the U.S. and studied cultural anthropology and creative writing at Boise State. She discovered the storytelling power of the school’s video classes and expanded on her teenage interest in photography. She transferred to Evergreen State College in Washington, graduating in cinema and multicultural studies.
“I had to train myself to be confident and selfworth,” she says. “I had to understand that I belonged. The film industry has a way of making people feel like an outsider.”
Amid her ascent as a filmmaker, Rae spent six years with the Sundance Institute, subsequently serving as a Sundance trustee, juror, and advisor. “I learned so much about storytelling and supporting the voices of emerging talent,” says Rae, who also served as a founding board member of the Sun Valley Film Festival in her home state of Idaho. More recently, she was invited to join Producers United, a new organization working to pave the way for the next generation of producers, one of the few non-unionized occupations in the entertainment industry.
“One wonderful thing about attending film festivals is that there are always engaging conversations,” says Rae. “It is powerful, and filmmakers are our nation’s storytellers. They are putting something into form, an expression as ancient as we are.”
Throughout her adult years, Rae has championed the work of Indigenous artists, serving as a founding partner for the social justice organization IllumiNative, where she helped create its Indigenous Producers Fellowship with Netflix, as well as an Indigenous Director Shadowing Program with Amazon Studios. She is also passionate about improving the U.S. foster care system and the world of family services. She is pursuing a Master in Social Work program through Boise State University. A devoted photography enthusiast whose landscapes and portraits of the American West have populated nearly a dozen gallery shows, Rae lives in the urban west of Los Angeles with her husband, Russell Friedenberg, and is the proud mother of three.
“My formation had such power,” she says. “At the time, I didn’t recognize it until I went far away and could reflect and came back. I understood where I came from, which had much to do with my relationship with the land. To see oneself as something larger than oneself, particularly as part of a land base. We are part of it. Wherever we are, we are on the land and have a relationship with it, which is important. In September, I will be part of Art of the Park in Boise and present my photography about this relationship.”
Of her body of work, NPR’s Morning Edition said that Rae’s films are “all about discovery.” The filmmaker herself appreciates that Hollywood recognizes audience interest in diverse stories and seeks to leverage this momentum to reach more people through the larger stage afforded by the distribution power of major studios. Bringing a spiritual philosophy to this goal, she knows that it is a journey that requires dexterity for her and others. Rae adds, “We all must be like water and keep moving around the rocks.”
Marva
Don Card transitioning every room to deliver the warm, comfortable ‘Wow-this-is-my-home’
look
I grew up in a home where every room told a story," Marva Don Card reminisced, her eyes lighting up as she shared her journey into interior decorating. "There was something magical about transforming spaces into personal havens." Marva Don has turned that childhood enchantment into a flourishing career, helping clients bring their dream homes to life.
“My best friend from high school told me about the Decorating Den Interiors franchise,” recalled Marva Don in explaining her start. “I decided I should follow my passion and go back to what I had wanted to do since I was 18!” she enthused. Originally from Caldwell, Marva Don managed a professional medical practice for 28 years and brought many of those people skills and empathy from her patient-facing role to her interior design business.
“Each design I do is a client’s dream project,” stated Marva Don. Marva tells her clients they only have to do three things: “First, they need to like me as we need to communicate and feel comfortable with each other to achieve their dream design; second, they have to love the design - it won’t hurt my feelings if we need to tweak the design; and lastly, they ensure I have stayed within their established budget.”
ARTICLE BY PAMELA
“Color sets the feel and mood of your home environment. Getting it right can be a challenge. When selecting the color scheme for your room, a good rule of thumb is to begin with the rug and fabrics.”
Marva Don, a certified interior decorator (C.I.D.) opened Decorating Den Interiors to help clients transform their homes into what they envisioned but couldn’t seem to accomplish without a little outside help. During a new client’s complimentary consultation—from the comfort of their own home–Marva Don provides expert guidance on colors, materials, textures, finishes and furniture to craft the perfect solution, which
may include window coverings, custom bedding, floor and wall coverings, upholstery and fine furniture, or lighting and accessories.
“Color sets the feel and mood of your home environment,” she shared, “Getting it right can be a challenge. When selecting the color scheme for your room, a good rule of thumb is to begin with the rug and fabrics,” Marva Don advised. “Since there are infinite shades of paint, but only a few ideal fabrics, don’t make the popular mistake of selecting the wall paint first. You will save yourself a lot of leg work by selecting the wall paint after all the fabrics have been determined.”
“Determine the right-sized light fixture for your room,” she added. “Size matters.” Oversized pendants are appropriate for large kitchen islands and open dining areas. To select fixture shapes, start with the existing furniture, textures and colors in the
room. Consider the dominant shapes, wall covering, and window treatments style. To create a cozy living space, cluster pendants at varying heights.
Marva Don recalled one couple she helped, who needed an objective eye. “We succeeded in transitioning every room in their home to deliver the warm, comfortable ‘Wow-this-is-my-home!’ look they were seeking.
marvadon.decoratingden.com
ARTICLE BY LEANN PARKER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
I love family-style meals such as a crab boil this time of year. The food is the star of the show and a vital part of the tablescape – decor optional! Additional elements included here are a large paper-sail, light blue taper candles, a few large flowers, and heavy white rope as nautical accents. You can also use other elements such as large seashells, coral or seaglass. Use whatever you have on hand that nods to the sea.
White Pasta Bowls
Individual Ceramic Butter Warmers
Linen Napkins
Woven Placemats
Galvanized Tavern Mugs
Crab Napkin Rings
Crab Salt & Pepper
Crab Bottle Opener
Parchment Paper
Paper-Sail Centerpiece (instructions found in Martha Stewart’s book “Handmade Holiday Crafts” page 248) set in a galvanized bucket filled with white sand.
Blue Taper Candles placed in 8oz jelly jars filled with white sand.
Glass Bottles labeled “Let’s Sail Away.” Inside, roll up a handwritten note, joke or riddle for guests to enjoy a chuckle or conversation starter.
Large Galvanized Tray overlaid with parchment paper to hold the crab boil feast.
Fill a large stock pot halfway with cold water. Season with lemon peels, bay leaves, black pepper, red pepper flakes, Old Bay Seasoning, and garlic powder. Bring to a boil and add crab legs, sausage, potatoes, and corn until cooked. Strain water and serve on a large galvanized tray, newspaper or parchment paper – enjoy your meal with guests, family style!
Give each guest a bowl of garlic butter for dipping as well as lemons for squeezing (wrapped in cheesecloth and tied with twine to avoid seeds).
Include special beverages and desserts such as a tiered lemon cake or frozen treat to beat the heat.
For full instructions visit the blog at silvertoothhome.com/blog/crabboil . Enjoy!
• FHA, VA & Home Equity Loans
• Auto & RV Financing
• Term Certificates
How do words work together to allow us to communicate? Why does “Place the brown horse behind the pink pig” make sense but “Horse the brown pig place the pink behind” does not?
Grammar is our tool for clarity in communications. It is essential to writing well, and to understanding what we read.
At Montessori Academy Idaho, a preschooler acts out verbs and builds scenes with The Farm. He learns to mark articles, adjectives, nouns, prepositions and conjunctions with colorful symbols, in response to prompts, such as “which word told you what type of cow?” Later in our Elementary program, he uses other materials to analyze more complex sentences, and has fun playing sentence diagramming relays.
Interesting questions, hands-on materials, and a playful spirit make grammar enjoyable to learn and understand at Montessori Academy Idaho. Children master it and acquire yet another key tool to become capable communicators and clear thinkers—ready to flourish not just in school, but in life.
1 — BAROQUE SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL
Château des Fleurs, 8:15 PM: Live music and a musical instrument petting zoo. boisebaroque.org
2-3 — HIPPIE DEATH CULT + KADABRA
Neurolux Lounge: Discover the vibrant world of rock. neurolux.com
3 — HOZIER
Ford Idaho Center, 7:30 PM: Unreal Unearth Tour. fordidahocenter.com
5 — JERRY SEINFIELD
Morrison Center, 7 PM: America’s favorite comedian. morrisoncenter.com
6-8 — ART IN THE PARK
Julia Davis Park, 10 AM: Contemporary arts and crafts by over 200 artists. boiseartmuseum.org
7 — HOPS & CROPS FESTIVAL
Indian Creek Plaza, 12 NN: Community’s rich agricultural heritage. indiancreekplaza.com
7 — TASTE OF CALDWELL
Indian Creek Plaza, 5 PM: Caldwell’s farmfresh goods. indiancreekplaza.com
11 — SLIPKNOT
Ford Idaho Center, 7 PM: “Here Comes The Pain” 25th Anniversary Tour. fordidahocenter.com
12 — PENTATONIX
Ford Idaho Center, 7 PM: Grammy Awardwinning cappella group. fordidahocenter.com
12 — FARM TO TABLEAUX
Idaho Botanical Garden, 6 PM: Farm-totable cuisine, artisan refreshments, artful auction. idahobotanicalgarden.org
PC: Eagle Jazz Festival
13 — TOBIN BOLTER MEMORIAL KIDS’ DUATHLON
Ada Eagle Bike Park, 9 AM: Race and enjoy crafts, food, and raffle prizes! trisignup.com
13-14 — 21ST INDIAN CREEK FESTIVAL
Indian Creek Plaza: Live music, car shows, and family fun! indiancreekplaza.com
13-15 — HYDE PARK STREET FAIR 2024 Camels’ Back Park: A beloved tradition since 1979. northendboise.org
13-15 — BOISE FESTIVAL
Cecil D. Andrus Park: Celebrating and uniting our diverse communities. boisepridefest.org
14 — 40TH HARVEST CLASSIC FUN RUN
Harward Recreation Center, 8 AM: Receive a t-shirt and a chance to win fantastic prizes. nampaparksandrecreation.org
14 — IDAHO PET EXPO
Expo Idaho, 10 AM: Bring your well-behaved, furry, feathered, and scaly friends. iblevents.com
14 — BABY & TOT EXPO
Expo Idaho, 10 AM: Best baby products and services iblevents.com
14 — SWAP MEET & DRAG RACES
Firebird Race, 7:30 AM: Sell your cars, trucks, parts, collectibles, and more. firebirdonline.com
14 — DRAGONSLAYER WALK
Ann Morrison Park, 9 AM: Honor Sarcoma angels, patients, and survivors. classy.org
20/21 — EAGLE JAZZ FESTIVAL
Downtown Eagle: Celebrating music around town. eaglejazz.org
20-22 — POTATO DAYS
Kleiner Memorial Park: Enjoy spud-tacular
street food, games, art, music, and a french fry competition. familypotatodays.com
20-22 — OKTOBERFEST
Payette Brewing Co., 11 AM: Dress up, bring your thirst, and join a weekend-long German celebration! payettebrewing.com
20-22 — ART BY THE RIVER
Star Riverhouse: Live music and a variety of local food trucks. fairsandfestivals.net
21 — CRATER CRAWL 2024
Idaho Outdoor Association, 10 AM: Run or hike around The Crater Rings. idahooutdoorassn.org
21 — FLYWHEEL FEST
JUMP Boise, 4 PM: Explore agriculture and tractors’ vital role. jumpboise.org
21 — ART ATTACK FESTIVAL
Kuna Square, 10 AM: A celebration of art. kunacity.id.gov
24 — MUSIC & MOVEMENT
Library! at Cole & Ustick, 10:30 AM: Develop music literacy in early childhood. boisemom.com
27 — WINE FESTIVAL
Downtown Nampa, 8 AM: Mood-setting jazz music and wine tasting. facebook.com
27-28 — HARVEST FESTIVAL STREET FAIR
Main Street: Celebrate the community’s agriculture. emmettidaho.com
28 — BOISE OKTOBERFEST PUB CRAWL
Multiple Venues, 4 PM: Bavarian culture and beer. pubcrawls.com
28 — 13TH ANNUAL HARVEST FESTIVAL
Foote Park, 12 NN: A family-friendly afternoon. middletonrecdistrict.org
