Think Boise First – CityHarvest Locavore Dinner

Sometimes living in the Treasure Valley, we can take for granted the incredible abundance that we have of delicious food, amazing artisans, and neighbors who passionately love the area. On Saturday, August 30, all of these elements will come together in full force at the CityHarvest Locavore Dinner to benefit Think Boise First.

You will be able to view a public art show happening on the Boise Centre on the Grove Plaza, and then sit down to an amazing feast of either 3 or 5 courses. All food will come from local farms and providers, and it will be cooked by five of the best chefs in the Treasure Valley. The Ben Burdick Trio will be there, too, to set the right tone with outstanding jazz.

This fantastic display of community will help Think Boise First. The organization’s mission is to inform Boiseans about the importance locally-owned businesses have in our economy to create a more sustainable city.

Come together in community with your neighbors to delight all your senses and celebrate Boise.

Tickets are $50 each for the three-course meal (bring your own beverages), or $100 for the five-course meal with wine pairing, and tables for ten may be reserved. Seats are limited so be sure to purchase your ticket soon! To purchase your ticket, contact Karen Ellis at 345-9287 or Tamara Cameron at 433-5675/

Idaho Green Expo

“It’s not easy being green” the saying goes.  However, the Idaho Green Expo is aiming to show you that it is not as difficult as our favorite esteemed amphibian has alleged. 

The free two day annual event on Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18 at the Boise Centre on the Grove will showcase environmentally friendly products and services, and provide information that will help people to lead healthier and more sustainable lives. Over 150 exhibitors will be featured and more than 60 workshops and seminars offered on a variety of green-living topics. Attractions will also include music, speakers, art, food, demonstrations and activities for children.

One innovative impact that the Expo will have on the future of Boise is being promoted by GreenWorks Idaho.  GreenWorks invests in the development of community-based sustainable infrastructures by providing business incubation, shared services, advocacy and education
for the successful exchange of green ideas, products and services.  As one of their initial projects, GreenWorks is planning to build a permanent stage on the Grove with a solar array as its roof, creating an energy-neutral gathering place and performance space for our community. 

You can learn more about the Greening of the Grove project by attending the Green Show concert the evening of Saturday, May 17th, featuring The Fool Squad and the music of Curtis Stigers, Jeremiah James, Bill Coffey, Dale Keys, the Frim Fram Four, Amuma Says No, Rebecca Scott and others.  A fashion show themed “Green is the New Black” by Foxtrot Boutique will be held before the concert.  A raffle will also be held during the Expo to raise money for the Greening of the Grove project. 

The Greening of the Grove project is just one of many that you will learn about by attending the Idaho Green Expo.  In doing so, you will find that it is not so hard after all to make an investment in our future.  Complete information on the Expo is available at  www.idahogreenexpo.com. 

Having a Blast at the Prom

We dressed, we dined, we danced. What fun it was on Saturday night to join Faith in Action at their annual fundraiser, “The Prom.”

We knew when we walked into the Big Easy and saw the 16-piece big band The Kings of Swing set up on the stage that we were in for a treat. This was not your daughter’s prom! Attendees were on the floor dancing up a storm and we Divas were only too pleased to join in.

We enjoyed talking to many of the board members including Dawneen Blakeslee, Sue Saldin, and Charlie Sety and finding out about the excellent work they are doing on behalf of the “senior class” -- senior citizens and families dealing with ailments such as Alzheimer’s.

Speaking of class, this event was all class -- from the décor to the music to the dancing to the attendees. Tables were decorated with red feather boas, red roses, and chocolate. A silent auction and raffle added to the fun of the evening.

We would also like to commend Faith in Action for lining up partnerships with a variety of restaurants such as 8th Street Wine Co., Angell’s Bar & Grill, Barbacoa, Chef Lou’s at 8th Street, and The Melting Pot.

It was an excellent way to help drive people to supporting businesses and encouraging the businesses to offer a special treat such as a complimentary dessert with dinner.

Really, event organizers left no detail unturned. At the end of the evening, they even had Ziploc bags so that attendees could take the flower centerpieces home. Way to give people a nice parting gift without having to repurchase the vases next year! We loved it -- what a great idea!

Everyone in our party agreed that this was one of the most fun events we have ever attended. We’re even looking into taking some dance lessons to prepare for next year’s event. Way to go, Faith in Action!  Kudos to you for putting together such a great event and for all you do for the senior citizens in the area.

In other news, we heard that Ballet Idaho’s Artful Living event was a big success. They plan on adding more tables next year since they sold out this year. It was a great way to build up excitement for new Artistic Director Peter Anastos upcoming move to Boise and for their new theme of “Creating Classics Everyday.”

Feature: Pix Theatre Foundation

On January 13, 2008, the Divas featured the Pix Theatre Foundation in their column in Our Towns of the Idaho Statesman.  Additional information from Executive Director, Lila Flatwood, and Vice President of the Board and Chair of Fundraising, Rhea Allen, is shared below:

A Further Conversation with Pix Theatre Foundation:

What are some memories of the Pix Theatre that people have shared with you?
Pam Babbit, the Chair of the Quilt Show, was an usher at the Pix Theatre starting when she was 14 years old.  She remembers loving to make fresh popcorn and how they used to take batches of it over to the police department.  The Pix Theatre means a lot for a large number of people.  We hear stories of how relationships were formed, how it was their first big screen movie they ever saw, and how it was a place to gather with family or friends, etc.  That is what we want to re-create. 

What is a success that the Pix Theatre Foundation has experienced?
The Pix Foundation believes in partnerships with other organizations. In the spring of 2007, a partnership between the Hispanic Cultural Center of Idaho (HCCI) and The Pix Foundation was formed to utilize HCCI's facility to host the first annual Pix Theatre Gala event and assist HCCI with raising community awareness of their facilities amenities. Individuals from throughout the Treasure Valley attended the Pix Theatre Gala and were very impressed with HCCI's facility. The result of this partnership was a very successful Gala event that raised substantial funds for The Pix Foundation and major awareness and increase of cliental for HCCI's underutilized facility.

In the fall of 2006, The Pix Foundation partnered with HCCI again to assist their organization in running the Quinceanera Program. The youth that participate in this program fall into the category of at-risk youth. The Pix Foundation supplied the in kind match required by HCCI's grant requirements through the Idaho Commission on the Arts and ran the programming piece.

What is a challenge that your organization has overcome?
Funding for the renovation project (grants and individual contributions), was used to replace the roof that had collapsed in a huge storm in 2003.  We also had to obtain financing due to cost over-runs. Instead of using the funds for the inside restoration, we had to address that immediate need. But now as a result, the steel beams that were put in place to hold up the new roof and reinforce the structure will now allow us to extend the upper messanine which will increase our seating capacity to 400+ people instead of just 300 to 350 and allow for a meeting, conference, and private area upstairs as well.

What is a challenge that your organization currently faces?
Continously finding the funds to continue.  Although we've accomplished a lot, there is a lot more to do to make it fully functional again. We did just receive a $60,000 donation from a family foundation that will definitely help, but the stipulation is that we have to secure matching funds as well, that is always the challenge, but well worth it because that $60,000 will now turn into $120,000!

What has your organization set its sights on for the future?
We would like to get the facility up and going in less than two years.  We're well on our way, we just have to continue the various fundraising activities to raise awareness.  We need to find those visionary individuals who can see the importance of the arts and what this facility can do for this community by bringing people to the downtown core to aid in the downtown revitalization and bringing art into the lives of our community through Art education programs.

We plan to have our 2^nd annual Gala for the Pix on April 19, 2008. Last year we raised over $70,000 and this year we plan to do even better!  It was amazing to see the community pull together! Our first goal as an organization was to employ a full time director and build and train an effective committed board of directors.  We have accomplished both.  Our next goal was to obtain operating funds for the next 3 years.  We have met this goal as well.  Our current goal now is to pay off the remaining debt for the purchase of the building by spring next year then we will have minimal operating costs and money can go toward funding the renovation of the theatre.

Would you like to share the name and role of someone who has made a great impact on your life?
Art Scholtz, owner of Treasure Valley Engineers.  He's had a lot of influence and impact on creating awareness for the Pix Theatre and many other local organizations.  He's a past Chair for the Nampa Chamber of Commerce, President of TVEI and also the Pix Theatre President. He's a wealth of knowledge, very passionate and committed to his community, and a good friend.

Would you like to share the names of some people who have made a difference for the organization?
From Lila:  Karcher Mall has given space and been very supportive with the quilt show. Vickie Holbrook of the Idaho Press Tribune has been extremely supportive.  Also, Rhea Allen with Peppershock Media is someone without whom a lot of things would not happen.

From past Executive Director, Tina Holbrook:  It would be Rhea Allen.  There is no such word as impossible in this woman's vocabulary.  When she commits, either jump on board, or out of the way, because she is a mover and a shaker....and will make things happen. I have a lot of respect for Rhea and her husband Drew (the artistic talent behind Peppershock).  They are two of the most talented, committed individuals I know.  The amount of energy and hours of time they have put toward this project (at no cost to The Pix Foundation) because they are passionate about it and are visionaries....is amazing!  I am proud to call them friends.

If your organization had a magic wand, and could use it to change or accomplish one thing, what would it be?
If we could wave the wand and have all the rest of the funding we need to finish renovation and open the doors -- that would be awesome.  Then we could start our programs, live theatre, film festivals, conferences, youth theatre programs, media arts education programs, and set up the grant endowment program for our youth to further their education... all objectives that we have in our business plan to implement once the doors open.  Having those in place will bring our community together.

Thank you to the Pix Theatre Foundation for making a difference in the community!

Our Guest: Downtown Boise Association

Kâren Sander, Executive Director of the Downtown Boise Association, joined the Divas on November 24, 2007 to talk about the Giving Tree and Christmas in the City.

About DBA:
DBA was designed to be the steward for the promotion and operation of downtown Boise as an attractive, safe and vibrant place to work, shop, live and play. It was created in 1987 to oversee the City of Boise's Business Improvement District for Downtown Boise Association. This includes providing street level cleaning services, beautification projects, marketing, advocacy and business attraction for downtown Boise.  Their events include: Alive After Five Summer Concert Series, First Thursday, Jazz on the Grove, Fall for Boise, Tree Lighting Celebration, Christmas in the City, Twilight Criterium and a new event for 2008 the Downtown Urban Living Tour.

Upcoming Events:
Downtown Boise Tree Lighting Celebration Presented by Zions Bank was held on Friday, November 23, 2007.  The tree is also the "Giving Tree" providing an opporutnity to benefit the Women and Children's Alliance (WCA).  Community members are encouraged to take a Tag from the Holiday Giving Tree to grant holiday wishes for women and children rebuilding their lives through the WCA.  The WCA provides safety, shelter and support to women and their children escaping the trauma of domestic violence and/or sexual abuse. Your donation will provide hope –the most precious gift of all!   Return gifts with the tags or financial contributions to the WCA at 720 W. Washington Street or any Zions Bank Branch by December 14, 2007. 

The 52ft evergreen tree donated by John & Cami Conners and decked with lights sponsored by JR & Esther Simplot will be displayed through January 1st, 2008 in the Grove Plaza.  According to Mayor Dave Bieter, "Boise's tree has become the centerpiece of our downtown holiday festivities. Each year it is more beautiful than the last. For many families and individuals the tree lighting event has become an annual tradition. We are fortunate to have such a special celebration each year."

As part of the celebration, attendees were treated to live holiday music provided by the Encore Theatre Carolers, The Celebration Band, and God’s Kids led by Gail Bonine. The crowd was encouraged to sing along during the celebration.  Food and beverages were available from the Brick Oven Bistro, the Nut Hut, Murphy’s Mini Donuts and Yerby’s Gator Grill.  The Holiday Tree lighting kicked off by lighting 3000 audience candle cups. Mayor Bieter and emcee’s Maggie O’Mara of KTVB Idaho’s NewsChannel 7 and Ken Bass of 94.9 The River then started the countdown to illuminate the tree, officially kicking off the holiday season.

Attendees were also encouraged to bring a new unwrapped toy for the Marine Corp’s Toys for Tots Program to the event to help bring Holiday cheer to needy children and families throughout the Treasure Valley. 

During the ceremony, Mayor Dave Bieter opened a time capsule buried in The Grove Plaza 20 years ago. The time capsule contained essays written by 40 Boise schoolchildren in which they offer their predictions of what Boise will be like in the year 2006. The time capsule was buried by the schoolchildren on November 16, 1987, underneath the bricks in front of the statue “Keepsies.”  The Grove Plaza was built by Capital City Development Corporation in 1986 to serve as the centerpiece of the redeveloping downtown. Then known as the Boise Redevelopment Agency, CCDC continues to maintain The Grove as the city’s heart, and to promote redevelopment around it. During the ceremony burying the time capsule, then-B.R.A. Chairman Ron Twilegar said, “The Grove is a place for people and celebration, and these young writers certainly are a part of the new life of Boise’s downtown.” At the tree-lighting ceremony, Mayor Bieter will address the essays in the time capsule and reflect on how far the city has come in meeting the young essayists’ dreams.

Other Holiday events provided by the DBA include Christmas in the City which is held from Nov 24-Dec 24, 2007 and an outdoor gallery walk on 1st Thursday.

A Conversation with Kâren:
What is a success that the DBA has experienced?
Our success is a story of downtown revitalization.

What is your proudest achievement with DBA?
The Downtown Gift Card that is now accepted at over 250 downtown stores.

What inspires you?
Strong honest people that go the extra mile to do good in our community.

Our thanks go out to DBA for the difference that they make in downtown Boise such a unique and vibrant community, including for the WCA with the Giving Tree!

Our Guest: Mary Wilson of Ishi

Mary Wilson of Ishi Boutique in downtown Boise joined us on November 17, 2007 to talk about the Festival of Trees Fashion Show and holiday fashion.  Ishi is located at 224 N. 9th Street in downtown Boise.  Ishi has been in Boise for 10 years and specializes in contemporary fashions at great prices... from comfy casual everyday wear to gowns and cocktail dresses.  As Mary says, "We serve women from age 14 - 90."

A Conversation with Mary
About Style:
What new styles are you seeing coming into the holiday season?
I believe this year will be a bit more casual all around. We aren't seeing as many full gowns as several years ago, with separates taking their place.

Are there any colors that are particularly popular this year?
Chocolate brown, coppers, bronze and animal prints will be big this year. Black is always great, along with a touch of red and hunter green.

What does the word "style" mean to you?
"Style" is an expression of who we really are.... it says so much about us, whether we are shy or supremely confident, conservative or a bit flamboyant, fun or serious and so much more. The way we dress speaks volumes about who we are.

Are there any styles that are popular right now that are only good on a particular body type or for a particular age?
Sweaters and leggings are big this year. Certain shapes of sweaters should only be worn by the tall lean ladies. Leggings can be worn by everyone with attention paid to how we adorn our upper torso. Slim lines are not limited to the lean bodies, for often the straight lines of a garment take pounds and inches off the full figured woman who is going for a smoother look.

What are some classic styles that never go out of date (business and dressy)?
Everyone needs a couple of crisp white blouses and black slacks and sweaters. In Idaho, you can wear jeans just about anywhere, often with a turtleneck and snuggly jacket. The great news is that we can slip into an updated turtleneck by Hanky Panky with a tiny bit of a ruffle at the cuff and collar or a tneck with interesting texture. One of my favorite changes is that animal prints are now considered classic... we had all thought them to be a passing fancy, but after a decade they are here to stay.

What style rules have been broken in the past few years that you are glad to see go away (white shoes before Memorial Day, matching purse and shoes, etc)?
In general, there is a stiffness which seems to have left the world of fashion. With the entrance of more romantic looks these past few years we have loosened things up a bit and allowed women to look like women, feeling natural without looking like a Laura Ashley doll.

Are there any style rules that you think are really worth keeping?
The most important rule for women is to know what is to be familiar with what is flattering on their body and that they FEEL good in. At Ishi we work with women to find that place where they feel good in an outfit and feel beautiful and like themselves. As I always say, "if it's not a YES it's a NO".

What are some good aspects to holiday wear?
SPARKLES... SEXY... GLAMOUR

Are there any challenges to holiday wear?
Figuring out what to wear to your event.

What is your favorite season?
In terms of fashion, I love them all By the time October comes around I am dying to snuggle up in a big sweater with boots and scarves. Come April I want to strip down into a cute little summer dress.

About Downtown Boise:
Is there anything about being in downtown Boise that is unique as a business owner?
I hear it every day.... we have a wonderful downtown that people from all over the country go home and tell their city leaders to emulate. Downtown Boise has a friendly feeling and is clean and easy to navigate. The shopping and dining selections are fantastic. We deeply hope that residents of this city realize what they have and come downtown to participate in and enjoy all that downtown has to offer....

What does being a member of the local community mean to you?
I love this town and am proud to be a business woman in Boise. My husband and I live in Eagle and both have businesses downtown, so for us we have the best of both worlds. Boise is still small enough to feel like a small city, yet big enough that there is so much going on that you can't do it all.

What do you think are Boise’s strengths?
We are a recreational community perched on the edge of the mountains and the desert... it is like Boulder, Colorado twenty years ago. Our economy is good and we aren't too big.... yet.

What are areas that you see need improvement in Boise?
For the small business owner, we are still not there. I have seen so many great businesses come and go in spite of tremendous efforts by wonderful people who take big risks. If any of our stores were in a big city, they would all be hugely successful and thriving. I would ask our listeners that, if they haven't shopped downtown in awhile to take an afternoon and go explore our cool downtown. We have really great shopping and many of the stores are quite reasonable. The other Boise issue is commuter traffic. Aii yaii yaii!

What would you like to see happen in the next few years in the Boise Community?
Speaking as a merchant, I would love to see all of the downtown stores come together and create some fun shopping events for our local women. We used to have lots of fashion shows and other events, but I think we kind of ran out of gas. It would be fun to have a downtown garage sale; and give people super deals from all the stores. I love what Diva for a Difference are doing and I applaud them.