Issuu

JULY 2020

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SUMMER GET-AWAYS & WEEKEND ESCAPES

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

JULY 2020 PUBLISHER

Greg Gewalt | greg.gewalt@lifestylepubs.com SALES MANAGER

Vince Gewalt | vince.gewalt@lifestylepubs.com

Lazy summer days, spent outdoors in the company of family and friends

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Kendall Houlton | Kendall@boiserivermedia.com AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart LAYOUT DESIGNER

SUMMERTIME IN IDAHO ELICITS IMAGES OF WIDE-OPEN GRASSLANDS AND HIGH MOUNTAINS WHOSE PEAK PIERCE THE CANOPY OF A DEEP BLUE AND SUN SPLASHED SKY. In this issue, photographer, Charles Knowles captures the very essence of Idaho nature at its best.

Dani Moore CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Shelly West, Charles Knowles, Kendall Houlton CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Picnic baskets filled with locally-grown produce and foods are being prepared and

Christina Purcell, Charles Knowles

ready for the weekends at local parks or along the river. Together with family and friends, Treasure Valley residents are ready to explore the outdoors that abound around the valley, throughout Idaho and our neighboring States. Emerging from the past few turbulent months, July promises a return to more normal times. We take pleasure in meeting and getting together once again with neighbors and friends, enjoying visits and social connections.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

In this spirit of reconnection and a renewed sense of belonging, we offer you

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

our summer issues, complete with stories honoring our hometown heroes, local

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

weekend escapes and photos of beautiful places and inspiration on how to spend mid-summer days amidst family and friends.

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Greg Gewalt, Publisher

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Nick and Corrie Butler and their two sons

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINA PURCELL, CAPTUREDBYCHRISTINA.COM 4

Meridian Lifestyle | July 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Meridian

Proverbs 3:5-6 Meridian Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Meridian areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Meridian Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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Take a tour of one of our fully furnished residences or visit us online. TamarackIdaho.com | 208.325.1001 | RealEstate@TamarackIdaho.com The Village at Tamarack “Discovery Visit” package is available to guests who book directly with Tamarack Resort lodging for any of our exclusive luxury lodging accommodations, including The Lodge at Osprey Meadows, Cottages, Chalets, Townhomes, or Custom Estate Homes. If a Tamarack Resort guest purchases a residence at The Village at Tamarack within 14 days of departure, we will credit the cost of your lodging to the sales price of your residence. Terms and conditions may change without notice. WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED, OR QUALIFIED THIS OFFERING.

INSIDE THE ISSUE JULY 2020 FEATURES 12 ‘Bakeher’, Meredith Hodge’s Whoopie Pie, Oh My! Organic Flour and Local Ingredients from Sustainable Idaho Farms Create the Highest Quality Baked Goods

20 Summer Drink Southside Fizz, Locke Edition: Gin, Champagne, and Mint

22 Meridian Deputy Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea Having to Prevail in the Face of Adversity; Courage, Selflessness, Humility, Patience, and Caring

26 Not All Heroes Wear Capes Paramedic Rachel Bachman and

22 26

Emergency Room Nurse, Aja Dina. Local heroes on the front line

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Culinary Creations

Travel Destination

20 Food & Wine 22 Hometown Hero 26 Local Limelight 30 Road Trip 34 Inspired By

With gratitude, admiration and respect We are proud to honor our veterans, and the sacrifices you have made, so that we may live in freedom. We thank you for your bravery and for the example you set for us all. King, Barrios & Bartlett Investment Group 661 South Rivershore Lane, Suite 200 | Eagle, ID 83616 Phone: (208) 389-6812 | Fax: (208) 389-6810 | www.kbbrbc.com

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20-UV-02208 (05/20)

GOOD TIMES 1.

Random Acts of Kindness Invitation Issued “We have been so grateful for all the acts of kindness... at Saint Alphonsus, and so we are wanting to give back to our generous community," Saint Alphonsus Health System President and

CEO Odette Bolano said. Bolano delivered breakfast burritos to the St. Luke’s employees and challenged three other leaders to do a random act of kindness across the Valley.

1. Odette handing out burritos to St. Luke’s Meridian COVID-19 Screening staff. Photo Courtesy: St. Luke’s Health System | 2. Dennis Mesaros, St. Luke’s VP of Population Health and St. Luke’s Meridian Medical Center care team members. Photo Courtesy: St. Luke’s Health System | 3. Photo Courtesy: St. Luke’s Health System | 4. Photo Courtesy: St. Luke’s Health System | 5. Photo Courtesy: St. Luke’s Health System | 6. Odette issues her challenge to other healthcare leaders and encourages them to do the same. Photo Courtesy: Saint Alphonsus Health System

Meridian Lifestyle | July 2020

Character Story Time EverAfter Enchantments and The Village at Meridian recently partnered to present virtual story times. The princesses read storybooks, sang songs, made crafts, and even taught the hula! PHOTOS COURTESY:Â EVERAFTER ENCHANTMENTS LLCÂ

1. The Fairest Princess (Lauren Caldwell) shared both a story and a song. | 2. The Scottish Princess (Markki Nelson) shared facts about Scotland. | 3. A hula lesson from the Island Princess (Victoria Young). | 4. The Lantern Princess (Eva Young) taught how to paint and read a story in her video. | 5. Snow Princess (Cheyenne Steele) reads to her virtual viewers. | 6. In her video, the Sleeping Princess (Emily Collett))talked about her fairytale friends and offered up her own story.

CityLifestyle.com/Meridian

AROUND TOWN

LIBRARIES BAND TOGETHER TO PRINT FACE SHIELDS Local libraries helped out the Ada County Coroner’s Office with donations of 3-D printed face shields. “I am so grateful for the support

and

encouragement

have received from the community,” Coroner Dotti Owens said. “Limited availability of personal protective equipment risks the health of my staff and the public, and these donations ensure my office can continue to serve Ada County safely and effectively.” Meridian Library District and Boise, Nampa, Caldwell and Eagle Public Libraries created the shields with monetary help from TDS Fiber and Idaho STEM Action Center.

Unmatched Academic Results Visit ChallengerSchool.com to learn more.

MERIDIAN FOOD BANK NETS $500 PRIZE DURING IDAHO GIVES More than 200 donors gave to the Meridian Food Bank during

Boise Bloom (208) 338-9500 5551 W. Bloom Street Boise, ID 83703 Everest (208) 846-8888 2020 W. Everest Lane Meridian, ID 83646

Idaho Gives this year. As the recipient of the donation that put the entire event over the $3 million mark, the Food Bank also received an additional $500 prize. Altogether, the event raised $19,086 for the Food Bank individually, and $3,914,410 for 634 nonprofit organizations across

Meridian Lifestyle | July 2020

the state. The yearly fundraising event is normally confined to one day, but was expanded from April 23 through May 7 due to COVID-19.

CELEBRATING

PERMIT FEES WAIVED THROUGH DECEMBER

20 YEARS

In an effort to assist local busi-

I N T H E T R E AS U R E VA L L E Y

nesses, the Meridian City Council approved fee waivers for three permits at a recent City Council Work Session. The permits provide businesses with additional promotional opportunities and may allow food establishments to expand dining space onto adjacent outdoor areas. “The City recognizes the challenges our business community is facing,” Mayor Robert Simison said. “We want to do whatever we can to help businesses increase their visibility and sales, and ease their cost burden.” Fee waivers for Alcohol Catering permits, Temporary Use permits for Promotional Sales and Limited Duration Sign permits went into effect May 13, and will remain in effect through December 31, 2020. Permits are still necessary in order to ensure compliance with State alcohol licensing rules and Federal ADA accessibility requirements, but these permits, now available at no cost, will allow Meridian businesses to display

Two Rivers Salon & Spa | Prepared by Trademark

special signage and utilize adjacent outdoor space for dining and promotional sales. For questions on the alcohol and promotional sales permits, contact cityclerk@meridiancity.org.

For

questions on the sign permit, contact planning@meridiancity.org.

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CityLifestyle.com/Meridian

CULINARY CREATIONS My first true love is Sourdough. At Bakeher, I use my leaven/starter to create organic, digestible breads & laminated dough such as Cruffins & Croissants. During the long fermentation process, the wild yeast in the sourdough essentially lives on the gluten in the dough mixture. In the end, you get a "gut-friendly" product that is digestible and very low in gluten

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY MEREDITH HODGE

WHOOPIE PIE, OH MY! A SUMMER TREAT

IS THERE ANYTHING MORE DREAMY THAN A SANDWICH MADE OF COOKIES?? And a somewhat healthy sandwich it is - loaded with oatmeal, ground flax seed, raw cacao, & cacao nibs! You can also make these Gluten Free by substituting your favorite GF flour mix. I like to use Cup4Cup or Bob’s Redmill GF flour in the blue bag. It’s a solid swap, so you’ll use the same amount of GF flour as you would All-Purpose Flour. If you don’t have cacao nibs, simply omit them. You can use any cocoa powder you have on hand and if you don’t add the ground flax, simply omit it & add a Tablespoon of the flour you are using.

Meridian Lifestyle | July 2020

WHOOPIE PIES Makes 9 large sandwich cookies - prep time 20 min - bake time 12-15 min

INGREDIENTS For the cookie

+ 1 Cup unsalted butter, softened + 3/4 Cup firmly packed brown sugar + 1/2 Cup granulated sugar + 2 large eggs + 1 tsp pure vanilla extract + 1 1/2 Cup All-purpose flour - or use a Gluten-Free substitute here + 1 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp salt + 1/8 Cup cacao nibs + 1/4 Cup cocoa powder + 2 Tbsp ground flax seeds + 3 1/2 Cups oats

MEREDITH HODGE OWNER OF BAKEHERI use organic flour and local ingredients from sustainable Idaho & Washington farms so as to create the highest quality baked goods. You can find me on IG @bake_her

Whoopie Pies

For the cream filling

+ 3/4 Cup unsalted butter, softened + 2 1/2 Cups confectioners sugar, sifted + 1 tsp pure vanilla extract + 1 Tbsp milk or 1/2 & 1/2 + pinch of salt

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheets with parchment paper. 2. In the bowl of a stand mixer (use paddle attachment) , or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, cream butter and sugars until fluffy - 2-3 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla - mix until combined. 3. In a medium size bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, ground flax, baking soda, & salt. Mix into the wet ingredients until combined. Stir in oatmeal and cacao nibs & mix until everything is incorporated. 4. Scoop about 3 Tbsp of dough formed into a ball and place on baking sheet. Bake in pre-heated oven for 12-15 minutes. Cool cookies on baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before moving them to a cooling rack. Cool completely before making sandwiches.

Jalepeno Cheddar Challah

Cream Filling 1. In the bowl of a stand mixer (use paddle attachment) or using hand mixer, beat softened butter on medium speed for about 5 minutes - this will make your filling extra fluffy. 2. Turn speed down to low and gradually add in the confectioners sugar (powdered sugar) slowly until completely incorporated. 3. Add in vanilla and milk & mix until combined. 4. Turn mixer back to medium speed & beat for an additional 3-5 minutes until fluffy - you can add in more milk if needed 1 tsp at a time until you reach your desired consistency. 4. Assemble your cookies! Spread the cream filling on the flat side of the cookies to make a sandwich. 5. Enjoy! You can find these creations on @bake_her on Instagram & Facebook/bakeher CityLifestyle.com/Meridian

TRAVEL DESTINATION ARTICLE SHELLY WEST | PHOTOGRAPHY JONNI ARMANI + PROVIDED

A W E E K E N D G E TA W AY IN BOISE IDAHO TAKING TIME FOR YOURSELF

Meridian Lifestyle | July 2020

SOMETIMES YOU NEED JUST TO UNPLUG AND INDULGE IN YOUR OWN COMPANY. One great way to find solitude and reconnect with yourself is to sneak away, but let’s keep it local. Start your adventure early on a Friday morning by taking a stroll in downtown Boise and enjoy the sights of the quaint State’s capital city, making sure to stop by the Capitol building located at 700 W. Jefferson Street. The beautiful white structure’s most notable feature is a domed roof with a bronze eagle perched on top. The building is enhanced by marble pillars and a replica of the Liberty Bell on the Jefferson side. Head inside to the main floor where visitors may enjoy the stunning architecture. Stand in the middle of the rotunda and look up to the dome; you will notice 13 big stars and 43 little stars. The 13 large stars represent the thirteen original colonies, and among the 43 stars one denotes Idaho as the forty-third state of the Union. CONTINUED >

01 Capital Building Start your adventure early on a Friday morning by taking a stroll in downtown Boise and enjoy the sights of the quaint State’s capital city, making sure to stop by the Capitol building

CityLifestyle.com/Meridian

TRAVEL DESTINATION (CONTINUED)

Basque History Another notable stop on your walk is theÂ Basque Museum, devoted to a region between France and Spain, whose people settled in Boise, and helped shape the culture of Boise.

Meridian Lifestyle | July 2020

Another notable stop on your walk is the Basque Museum located

Overnight Getaway

at 611 W Grove Street. Here you can learn about the Basque Country, a

Check yourself into the Boise Guest

region between France and Spain, whose people settled in Boise, and

House, a boutique lodging, or The Grove

helped shape the culture of Boise. We recommend the self-guided

Hotel, Boise’s only AAA Four Diamond

tour where you can view artifacts and images of notable people of the

full-service hotel and spa featuring

Basque community. Make sure to time your day so you can stop by

Trillium Restaurant.

the Basque Market across the street. At noon sharp, they serve their Paella on the patio, where they give you a generous portion of seafood, chicken, and chorizo served with freshly baked bread. Once you’ve had your fill of Paella, if you are up for the exercise, walk up to the train depot located at 2603 W Eastover Terrace. Take a stroll through the Boise Depot Gardens that feature a winding walkway, koi pond, a monument of volcanic rock, and seasonal flower beds. Stop at one of the benches and enjoy the fantastic view of the city. Be sure to take notice of the Spanish style depot building that was once used as a rail station for passengers of the Union Pacific Railroad. Closed in 1997, the Depot now serves as home to ‘Big Mike,’ a retired

Picnic at Julia Davis Park Stop by a’ Tavola and grab a house-made sandwich like a Brisket Frenchie, then take your feast to Julia Davis Park and watch the ducks splash in the pond.

Union Pacific locomotive donated to the city of Boise by the railway in 1956 and moved to his final place of honor in 2007. For a complete getaway, check yourself into one of the six suites at the Boise Guest House, a boutique lodging located in the heart of historic downtown and North End, where you can get away from the distractions of home. You’ll be greeted with a big smile and receive one-on-one service. If autonomy is what you are after, The Grove Hotel, Boise’s only AAA Four Diamond full-service hotel allows you to blend in and be pampered at their spa and health facility, and dine at the quintessential New American cuisine found at Trillium Restaurant. For another unique dinner experience, head down to a’ Tavola for take-away. Located at 1515 Grove Street, you can grab a house-

made sandwich like a Brisket Frenchie, a house-roasted brisket with red onion marmalade, greens, French fried onions, and provolone cheese piled on a Zeppole’s rustic bread. Add a side out of the case

Boise Depot Gardens

like curried chicken salad and don’t forget a cookie, then take your

A winding walkway, koi pond, a mon-

the ducks splash in the pond, and you may even enjoy the balmy

ument of volcanic rock, and seasonal

summer breezes blowing gently over the water.

feast to Julia Davis Park at 700 S Capitol Blvd, where you can watch

flower beds. Stop at one of the benches

As your time away ends, remember that in the fast-paced world

and enjoy the fantastic view of the city.

we live in, nothing is more important to your health and wellness than taking time for yourself.

CityLifestyle.com/Meridian

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FOOD & WINE ARTICLE KENDALL HOULTON | PHOTOGRAPHY THE DRINK BLOG

A FRIEND OF MINE ASKED ME TO HELP HER COME UP WITH A COCKTAIL FOR A BIRTHDAY PARTY SHE’S PUTTING TOGETHER WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS OF, “HOW ABOUT SOMETHING IN A COUPE?” A classic take on the Southside Fizz is some gin, some mint, lemon, some simple syrup, and club soda (we even did a non-fizzy edition Southside before, but that’s a different article). Since this is a recipe meant for a party, the first thing that I knew I had to do was swap out the club soda for bubbly. If you’re going to celebrate, then celebrate. In this version, anything that’s a brute will work very nicely — though I’ve found that true most of the time. Straight lemon seemed a little tame, so I tested out the triedand-true lemon and lime combo. As I suspected (because I’m not really breaking new ground here, a few people have used lemon and lime in at least one or two drinks out there), it provided a nice balance to the cocktail overall, complementing the gin and champagne. Finally, it was a matter of the mint. In a traditional Southside, you muddle the mint and the lemon, shake your cocktail, then strain it into your glass. That’s all fine and dandy, but when you’re having a party, that’s a bit of extra labor that you shouldn’t have to do when you’re entertaining guests. I opted to go with one of my favorite tricks: make a mint simple syrup. To make your own, all you need to do is take a whole heaping mess (very technical here) of mint and put it in a pot with one-part water and one-part sugar. Bring that to a boil (to dissolve the sugar), then turn off the heat and let it cool. Strain out the mint and you have mint syrup. We’re ready for a cocktail and enjoying everyone’s company! (Oh, the real invention? More than likely a bartender at the Southside Sportsmen’s Club on Long Island, New York invented it sometime in the late 19th century.) Now, onto the Southside Fizz, Locke Edition! (Oh, yeah, so the name — my friend’s last name is Locke.)

Summer

D r i n ks SOUTHSIDE FIZZ, LOCKE EDITION: GIN, CHAMPAGNE, AND MINT. THE FIRST THING I HAD TO DO WAS SWAP CLUB SODA FOR BUBBLY.

Meridian Lifestyle | July 2020

Southside Fizz, Locke Edition INGREDIENTS + 3 OZ. GIN + ¾ OZ. LIME JUICE

+ ¾ OZ. LEMON JUICE + ½ OZ. MINT SIMPLE SYRUP + CHAMPAGNE + SPRIG OF MINT + GLASS TYPE: COUPE

INSTRUCTIONS + Make your mint simple syrup. + Add your gin, lime, lemon, and mint syrup to your shaker with ice.

+ Shake. + Strain into your coupe. + Only fill half.

+ Maybe I should have said that first. + Anyway, take your half-filled coupe and top with champagne.

+ Garnish with a sprig of mint. Source: TheDrinkBlog.com

CityLifestyle.com/Meridian

HOMETOWN HERO ARTICLE KRISTEN LYNCH

A m o d e r n d ay

b r av e k n i g h t “SINCE IT IS SO LIKELY THAT CHILDREN WILL MEET CRUEL ENEMIES, LET THEM AT LEAST HAVE HEARD OF

HEROES EMBODY THE TRAITS NECESSARY TO PREVAIL IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY; COURAGE, SELFLESSNESS, HUMILITY, PATIENCE, AND CARING

BRAVE KNIGHTS AND HEROIC COURAGE.” Writer C.S. Lewis’ famous quote still rings true today, now maybe more than ever. It is a fact; children – and adults alike – will indeed encounter cruel enemies. But how does one defend themselves from the sting of cruelty? Perhaps the answer lies in the form of a hero. Heroes embody the traits necessary to prevail in the face of adversity; courage, selflessness, humility, patience, and caring.

Meridian Lifestyle | July 2020

Though not an exact science, there seems a certain alchemy in the creation of heroes. Often it appears in mixed measures of each trait and perhaps a little sprinkle of others; hardwork, circumstance, and opportunity. Meridian Deputy Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea is a shining example of a homegrown brand of hero. One that our young and impressionable children can recognize and also emulate.

Says Basterrechea, “One thing that has worked well is being able to communicate with our officers in a calm way

Raised in Gooding, Idaho, Basterrechea’s parents

knowing that we’re faced with risk everyday and providing

instilled in himself and his older brothers a hard-work ethic.

them with some calm leadership that tells them we under-

His father’s drive for success was especially impressionable

stand that they [the officers] are putting themselves – and

upon Basterrechea as a young man.

their families – more at risk, but this is a calling [profession]

“My father came to this country when he was 17 years

to do the right things and help the community. We always let

old as a sheepherder and worked his way up to starting

them know that we are looking at the best ways to protect

his own business. My parents worked extremely hard to

them, whether it is providing proper protective equipment

put myself and my older brothers through college. He

or even changing schedules to help during this pandemic.”

taught us the value of actually going out and getting

And Basterrechea has witnessed the way that this

your hands dirty, and that no job is beneath you. That

symbiosis of communication and leadership has unfolded

you do whatever job is out there for you to provide for

within the community.

your family.”

“Some people have made masks for us, other local busi-

As a result of his upbringing, Basterrechea also felt the

ness leaders have come to the police department to feed our

importance of teaching and the desire to reach and educate

officers. We have received a lot of support during this time.”

others in a meaningful way. This vocation became two-fold

Always keeping teaching in mind, Basterrechea has used

under the influence of his brother who was already a mem-

his educational background to improve the quality of officer

ber of the police force.

safety while under his guard.

“Since it is so likely that children will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage.” Basterrechea recalls, “My brother was a police officer

Says Basterrechea, “I drew a lot from my teaching educa-

and had been for some time and he advised me to get a

tion on how to safely do this job. My entire career has been

degree in education regardless of whether I went into law

set to ensure that these officers can be healthy at work and

enforcement. He told me that if I went into another career

healthy at home.”

path the degree would still suit me.”

And when he is not wearing his badge and uniform of blue?

As a result of the many ride-alongs with his brother, the

“I love working with kids. Any cause that helps kids

seeds of law enforcement had been duly planted and after

become a little more healthy and good community mem-

earning his degree in education, years of student teaching

bers, to help them grow. I worked with Special Olympics

and work firefighting with the BLM, in 1996 he began his law

in the past.”

enforcement journey with the Meridian Police Department.

With black belts degrees in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and

“I liked that law enforcement was an exciting job and was

Kodokan Judo, Basterrechea takes his expertise to the

different everyday. But I knew that I could also teach in that

community by teaching martial arts classes to kids. As in

job. I could teach police officers, teaching to the community,

keeping with his day job and teaching police officers, he

and teaching kids at the same time.”

dedicates this time in teaching kids life skills as well.

Using his education background has helped Basterrechea with one of his finest skills: communication - especially during our current health crisis.

“Martial arts teaches them such things as discipline, hard work, and respect for others.” Deputy Chief Basterrechea brings to children - and the community - a modern day version of a brave knight and heroic courage. It is through his actions, his dedication to service and his teaching, that their destiny will be brighter, not darker.

CityLifestyle.com/Meridian

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CityLifestyle.com/Meridian

LOCAL LIMELIGHT HERE IN THE TREASURE VALLEY, OUR OWN BRAND OF SUPERHEROES CAN BE FOUND BEHIND THESE SURGICAL MASKS EACH AND EVERY DAY. ARTICLE KRISTEN LYNCH

“The emergency department is the front line of the COVID crisis and making sure the team has what they need is critical to keep the highly qualified team healthy and ready to care for patients.” 26

Meridian Lifestyle | July 2020

NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES IF COVID-19 COULD BE ENCAPSULATED INTO A SINGLE

about how to provide better care they will not give their patients the

IMAGE, THE PICTURE MIGHT BE THAT OF AN EMERGENCY

best care available. I am always wondering what we can do to pro-

ROOM NURSE, ONE WHOSE FATIGUED EYES ARE THEIR

vide better care to save lives.”

ONLY IDENTIFIABLE FEATURES, AS THE REST OF THE PER-

Though Superheroes seem to all share a story of fate and destiny

SON REMAINS HIDDEN BEHIND A BARRAGE OF PERSONAL

bringing about their previously unknown gifts and abilities to life, so

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT; SURGICAL MASK, EYE SHIELD,

too have been the stories of many frontline healthcare providers.

GLOVES, CAP, AND GOWN.

Says Dina of entering the field of emergency medicine, “After

It is hardly coincidental that the one mark that also identifies a super-

graduating high school, I began my search for a job. Thankfully, I was

hero (Superman and Wonder Woman might be the exception) is that

hired at Saint Alphonsus, as an Emergency Department Registrar.

of a mask. Though fans of Marvel Comic Superheroes know that their

In this role, I was able to soak in all the heroics of the nurses and

personal heroes wear masks to protect their loved ones from retribution,

doctors rushing around saving lives. I knew in the first few months

there also seems an unspoken need to commit their good deeds with a

that I wanted to be a part of this team that could care for anything

sense of altruism and anonymity, as though thwarting evil and protecting

that came through the door. I went on to become an ED technician

the vulnerable is their higher purpose, not the accolades and recognition.

and was able to learn even more about emergency medicine. The

Here in the Treasure Valley, our own brand of superheroes can be

next logical step was nursing school, and I luckily attended nursing

found behind these surgical masks each and every day, stepping into

school at CWI and started in the emergency department as an RN.”

their roles as protectors, caregivers, and sometimes medical war-

And like a scene ripped straight out of a Marvel blockbuster film,

riors. They sometimes find themselves fighting to save lives upon

we have met our own supervillain; the insidious and invisible novel

the floors of a hospital theater and then return home, their efforts

coronavirus which has infiltrated our lives in unprecedented ways,

unknown and unseen.

creating fear and uncertainty on a global level, yet even in our dark-

St. Alphonsus Emergency Room nurse, Aja Dina has seen medi-

est hours we’ve seen our real life heroes step up to this fight. Armed

cal trauma in all its many shapes and dramas throughout her twen-

with years of resiliency and dedication, emergency room nurse Aja

ty-years as an emergency medicine nurse. And over time she has

Dina has taken her adaptability skills onto a whole new level of

been able fine-hone her skills to fit every unpredictable situation.

medical challenges.

Says Dina, “I think my best skills are a sense of humor, calm

Says Dina, “As we learn more about COVID-19 and deal with

under pressure, and curiosity. We see a lot of difficult things each

shortages of PPE nationwide, we’ve had to be flexible and calm to

day, and we see people whose lives have been changed by trauma,

ensure that we think about care in a logical manner. The emergency

illness, or an unexpected diagnosis. Another important skill is a calm

department is the front line of the COVID crisis and making sure the

demeanor. The crazier the situation the more calm emergency med-

team has what they need is critical to keep the highly qualified team

icine professionals become. It is an important skill.”

healthy and ready to care for patients.”

Like a superhero with the latest gadgets and weaponry, so do the needs of our healthcare providers constantly shapeshift and evolve. Says Dina, “Medicine changes constantly as new technology and science improves the care we give patients. If a person isn’t curious

And when she’s not out fighting the good fight? Says Dina, “I started playing the piano a few years ago. It is a great way to de-stress. I also love riding my bike, it’s another way to take time for myself.”

CityLifestyle.com/Meridian

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Meridian Lifestyle | July 2020

Feels so good to... shop smart

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5777 Glenwood Boise Idaho 83714

208-321-7500

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CityLifestyle.com/Meridian

ROAD TRIP

Quick Escapes In and Around Idaho THERE ARE MANY HIDDEN GEMS AROUND BOISE JUST A SHORT DRIVE AWAY WE HAVE ALL HEARD IT OVER AND OVER - THESE ARE

like to share just a small sample of the visualizations I captured on

UNIQUE TIMES WE ARE LIVING IN. We are all cooped up in our

a few of these trips. Small slices of time preserved forever, showing

chairs, offices, homes and neighborhoods. What we would do just to

that even though we are in the height of a pandemic the beauty of

get out. As a local landscape photographer in the Boise area, I have

our planet continues with or without our intervention.

tried my darndest to get out once a week and just take little solo

I challenge our audience to explore what Idaho has right out our

trips, just me and my camera. Some places I have been to before and

back door. Pack up a lunch and take the family and go on your own

some for the first time. All are within a few hours of Boise. I would

visualization quest, and don’t forget to take a few pictures!

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY CHARLES KNOWLES

1. Shoo Fly Homestead Milky-Way 2. Sunsets over the Boise foothills filled with wildflowers 3. Sun breaches the horizon on the South Fork of the Boise River 4. Morning light and tree frames the Idaho State Capital. 30

Meridian Lifestyle | July 2020

stay cool WI T H YO RK

Enjoy Spring inside the comfort of your home.

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CityLifestyle.com/Meridian

Meridian Lifestyle | July 2020

ACCESSORIES LIGHTING BEDROOM DINING LIVING OUTDOOR Call for Your In-home Design Consultation

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INSPIRED BY

Spencer D . S h aw CEO, RE-BATH ARTICLE KENDALL HOULTON

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE BEST SKILLS YOU BRING TO YOUR JOB? Two things: As an Analyzer, I’m able to recognize shifts in the business well ahead of the curve which helps me navigate the business in my role as CEO and Visionary for the business. Secondly, as I recently wrote about in an online article for Recruiter.com, I hire smart people who can do their one component of the business much better than I can. WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS FOR YOU, PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY? Success for me is health. Health is important physically, emotionally, spiritually and professionally. Being unhealthy in any of these areas impacts [others] and you need all four for success. OUTSIDE OF WORK/PROFESSION, DO YOU HAVE SKILLS OR TALENTS MOST PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW ABOUT? Not really, I’m a fairly open book. Outside of work, it’s less about being really good at one thing and more about experiencing many things. Hanging with the family, seeing friends, golf, fly fishing, and hiking are all important to me, but just doing them is reward enough. I don’t concern myself with how talented I am at any one of them - it’s simply about enjoying the time I get to do them. WHAT ARE SOME CAUSES YOU CARE ABOUT?

+ RECOGNIZE SHIFTS IN THE BUSINESS + HIRE SMART PEOPLE + PEOPLE ENJOYING THE TIME

One thing I’ve been studying and paying close attention to is the use of plant-based medicines to cure conditions like addiction, PTSD, depression, etc. While I’m lucky not to be afflicted with any of these conditions, I’ve had close family and friends who have [been], and I think some of the new research coming out of Johns Hopkins is going to be a game changer on this front.

Meridian Lifestyle | July 2020

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