Articles Tagged "celebrate"

Boise homes for sale are some of the most desirable in the region, and there's something here for everyone. But our real estate agents know that the decision is even bigger than what property you choose. It's about joining a community where you can truly feel at home.

Take a look at everything Boise has to offer, and you'll see yourself living here!

As the capital of Idaho, one of Boise's unique strengths is its busy social calendar. Whether you love music, art, food, or all of the above, downtown Boise is the happening place to be.

Let's check in with some of the most popular summer events:

• Fridays on 34th Market & Music – 303 East 34th Street, Garden City, ID 83714
  Fridays on 34th Market & Music is a recurring local event that takes place on Fridays near Garden City homes for sale. A recent innovation by the community's active downtown boosters and others, it has already become a local mainstay that attracts families every week. Summer hours run from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and there's always new food and music to appreciate. It runs from June all the way through November and will always be found at 34th Street Market.
  

• Idaho Halloween & Horror Film Festival – Red Lion Boise Downtowner – 1800 West Fairview Avenue, Boise, ID 83702
  Idaho Halloween & Horror Film Festival is now celebrating its second year. Awards will be presented for a variety of categories spotlighting the original work of local filmmakers. Horror, thriller, suspense, and science fiction entries are accepted. Last year was a breakout success that has been lauded as friendly, fun, and a terrific networking opportunity for both fans and filmmakers. Celebrate horror films when the festival is in town from August 12 through 14. 
  
  
• Boise Soul Food Festival – 700 South Capitol Boulevard, Boise, ID 83702
  Another winner slated to brighten Julia Davis Park, Boise Soul Food Festival will return on Saturday, August 13 this year. From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., people from all around Boise will have the chance to savor delicious meals from top local brands and competing culinary masters. You can shop for local food, arts and crafts, and much more while you enjoy live music. There will also be cultural workshops discussing more of the history and traditions behind the fun. It is sure to be a great time!
  
  
• Boise Water Lantern Festival – 700 South Capitol Boulevard, Boise, ID 83702
  Taking place within Boise's delightful Julia Davis Park, Boise Water Lantern Festival has been voted the #1 festival in the local area. Attendees will be provided with an LED candle and have the opportunity to float their own paper lantern, complete with their wishes for health and happiness. The festival area is attended by local food trucks and performers, and the water will be fully cleaned up after the event. It will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 27.
  
  
• Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic 2022 – 1000 South Americana Boulevard, Boise, ID 83706
  Found in Ann Morrison Park every year since 1991, Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic 2022 is one of the Boise area's most successful and beloved family events. Tourists and locals alike gather together to see soaring balloons and hear inspiring music. Launches begin early, typically around 7 a.m., assuming the weather cooperates. By mid-day, dozens of balloons will be gliding over Boise's historic landmarks. Events are scheduled from Wednesday through Sunday, August 31 through September 4.

Contact us to find out more about all Boise has to offer.

DOERS OF GOOD: NORTHERN STAR DOG RESCUE

CBT Realtor® Tom Caples and his wife Amanda put their money where their mouths are. As founders of Northern Star Dog Rescue, the couple saw a need and decided they had to do all they could. We are pleased to feature them as our July Doers of Good.

Both Tom and Amanda have volunteered hundreds of hours at local shelters over the years. As a result, they were witness to the number of dogs – dogs that could have been amazing pets – euthanized because there just wasn't room for them. They may have been "long-timers" or have had some behavioral issues that would have taken a lot of time to correct. They both felt drawn to doing more to help, and NSDR was born in January of 2021.

The mission of NSDR is to assist in saving shelter dogs from euthanasia. "That's about 90% of the dogs we save," says Tom. "The others come may come from hoarding cases or incidents of severe abandonment or abuse. Due to the large number of dogs in shelters, located here in Idaho, as well as in other states such as Utah, Texas, and Arizona, many dogs who are not immediately adopted are being euthanized. Most of the dogs we save have literally minutes left before we swoop in to save them."

The organization is 100% foster-based, meaning there is no actual "shelter" location. The dogs rescued from their dire circumstances are placed in homes, which helps them "decompress from the stresses of being in a shelter or from being neglected," Tom explains. "We believe this helps our dogs be more successful in transitioning to permanent homes."

Though most of Tom's waking hours are spent in his real estate business, he is active with NSDR in an advisory role and as the treasurer on the 501(c)3's board of directors. "Amanda handles the day-to-day," he tells us. "I take part in the public events where I am needed most. We've also opened our home to foster some of the more challenging dogs. I dedicate a lot of my time outside of real estate to help these dogs transition into a normal life of just being a dog and a companion. It's sometimes difficult and requires a ton of patience, but it's very gratifying to see the progress these dogs make."

He adds, "People sometimes forget that, like humans, many of the dogs we see are traumatized by the 'system' they get caught in. Showing them a loving home life is critical to saving them."

In the very short time the rescue has been operating, 170 dogs have been saved. According to Tom, donations are the "lifeblood of our organization." In addition to donations, NSDR charges a $300 adoption fee for each dog. Though that certainly helps, "it doesn't cover our expenses for vet visits, spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and other medical needs. We have several dogs who have had to have surgeries to improve their sight or correct a deficiency and could have been the reason the dogs were relinquished in the first place. Sometimes, we use our personal funds to cover the costs, and that's one reason real estate has been such a blessing."

Tom goes on to explain that the organization provides crates, beds, food, and supplies to many of their foster parents. "This helps us keep more loving homes when those folks might not be able to afford to do it otherwise."

When asked why the Caples took on such a big task, Tom is quick to answer. "There are too many success stories of dogs that go from no hope to finding amazing families and forever homes. It's almost as if the dogs realize what they've been through and realize they will finally be loved. It's incredibly rewarding."

Of his career in real estate with Coldwell Banker Tomlinson, Tom says, "Coldwell Banker has always been a huge proponent of giving back. It's part of our core values and has given me the opportunity to give back. Coldwell Banker's support and love for animals is longstanding. They have had many national campaigns for bringing homeowners and dogs together. It seems to be a perfect fit for me."

In closing, Tom adds, "It's important to find something that tugs at your heart and contribute what you can, no matter how small. Just do your best to leave this place a little better than you found it."

To help Northern Star Dog Rescue continue its mission, visit them online at https://northernstardogrescue.org/ or on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/northernstardogrescue

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Join us in celebrating our Doers of Good by getting involved in one of the programs we will spotlight over the next several months or tell us in the comments below about what lights your fire when it comes to making our communities better. 

Since 1897, the Western Idaho Fair has been summer's main event near Boise homes for sale. Find out why our real estate agents expect that this year's version, appropriately dubbed "The Big Social," will once again be the highlight of the season.

History of the Fair

Around the turn of the 20th century, Boise was relatively isolated from other cities. The Intermountain Fair was designed as a way for the communities to connect, as Boise showcased their strong agricultural foundation.

In 1936, Ada County appointed a fair board to oversee what was now known as the Western Idaho Fair. The event expanded with the times to include carnival rides and games.

While the fair has generated an increase in local business, financial troubles caused sporadic closings over the years. Since the mid-1980s, the Western Idaho Fair has been entirely self-supporting, with no taxpayer funding. Today, as the fair celebrates 125 years, more than a quarter of a million people attend annually.

Acts and Attractions

From animal exhibits to strolling violinists, the fair features entertainment appealing to all ages and interests. Here's a look at some of the most anticipated attractions:

• 4-H and Future Farmers of America are staging show competitions for a wide range of animals, from horses to guinea pigs (or cava). There will also be a number of educational seminars and displays, such as "Alpaca 101" and the Mobile Dairy Classroom.
  
  
• What's a fair without motorsports? Adrenaline junkies can get their fill at the Octane Addiction shows, featuring top freestyle riders on snowmobiles, motorcycles, and quads. Little ones can join the fun with the kids' pedal tractor races.
  
  
• Are you the BBQ master in your family? How far can you toss a 3.5-pound skillet? You can also show off your skills and win prizes in myriad categories including flower arranging, cake baking, umbrella decorating, photography, and more. Spend time wandering through the exhibition buildings to view hundreds of displays, crafts, and art.
  
  
• Once again, a full selection of carnival rides and games will be on hand for everyone, whether you're a daredevil or you prefer tamer thrills.
  
  
• Fair food is the stuff of legends, and the eats at the Western Idaho Fair lead the pack. The award-winning Idaho ice cream potato was named to the "50 Best Fair Foods" list by Food Network. Other mouthwatering treats include hand-dipped Party Pups, onion blooms, turkey legs, and deep-fried Snickers.
  
  
• Strolling entertainers keep you amused as you wait in line for rides or stop for a refreshment break. Watch for violinists, clowns, and Robocars that are real-life Transformers.

Grandstand Shows

Plan to enjoy big-name concerts during fair week. Admission is included with your fair ticket. Seating is first-come, first-served.

• Chris Janson: Monday, August 22
  
  
• Ja Rule and Ashanti: Tuesday, August 23
  
  
• Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo: Wednesday, August 24
  
  
• Stone Temple Pilots: Thursday, August 25
  
  
• Billy Currington: Friday, August 26

All shows start at 7:30 p.m.

Dates and Information

• The 2022 Western Idaho Fair runs from Friday, August 19, through Sunday, August 28.
  
  
• Gates open at 11 a.m. on weekends and noon on weekdays. Closing time is 11 p.m. except on the final day, which ends at 9 p.m.
  
  
• Adult admission is $10 in advance and $12 at the gate, while kids aged 6-11 are $8 and $9, respectively. Carnival wristbands for all ages are $30 and $35. Combo packs are $70 and $150 and may be purchased in advance only.
  
  
• Enjoy free admission from noon - 2 p.m. on opening day with a donation of a non-perishable food item for the Idaho Foodbank.
  
  
• Expo Idaho fairgrounds are located at 5610 N. Glenwood St., Garden City, ID 83714.

Life in Boise is full of fun and tradition. If you're buying or selling a home, contact us.

The theater is alive and well in Boise! Every summer, the Idaho Shakespeare Festival presents classics in a beautiful setting that's only a stone's throw from the Boise River, and the 2022 season is no exception. 

A typical season for the festival includes five or six productions, each shown multiple times between June and September in a spectacular outdoor amphitheater. As always, our real estate agents are excited to see what the Idaho Shakespeare Festival has in store for us this summer. 

About the Venue

Located just minutes from these Boise homes for sale, Idaho Shakespeare Festival events take place at a beautiful outdoor amphitheater surrounded by a wooded habitat reserve. It's a state-of-the-art facility that was designed to naturally amplify the human voice. 

The Amphitheater seats 770, but there's also a spacious general-admission lawn area overlooking the stage. General admission patrons are welcome to bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs. There is also an option to reserve a specific tableside spot with a chair already set up. 

Attendees are welcome to bring their own food and drink as well. The on-site Café Shakespeare also offers a wide range of refreshments, including gourmet deli items, picnic dinners, desserts, and beverage options, including beer and wine.

The Idaho Shakespeare Festival has been going strong since 1977, and attendance over the course of a season often exceeds 50,000 people. After being forced to cancel the season due to COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021, we're thrilled to welcome the festival back for 2022!

Idaho Shakespeare Festival 2022 Season

The Idaho Shakespeare Festival presents a different slate of stage productions every season, and contrary to what some may expect, it's not all Shakespeare! As is usually the case, this season includes some of the Bard's most well-known works, along with several more modern plays.

The 2022 season began with an amazing and now-concluded run of Shakespeare's classic, Much Ado About Nothing. But that was just the beginning! Be sure to catch these upcoming shows (and check out the festival's official calendar for more details): 

• Ain't Misbehavin' (June 17- July 9) - Showcasing the show-stopping music of legendary jazz musician Thomas "Fats" Waller, this Tony award-winning musical features five actors performing some of Waller's greatest songs.
  
  
• Romeo and Juliet (July 15- 30) - Arguably the most famous of William Shakespeare's many classic works, this tale of love and loss between two star-crossed lovers from rival families has resonated with audiences across centuries. 
  
  
• Little Shop of Horrors (August 5- 27) - A classic musical comedy, Little Shop of Horrors, revolves around a florist whose chance for success and romance comes with the help of a giant man-eating plant.
  
  
• The 39 Steps (September 2-25) - One of the most exciting entries into the 2022 lineup, this fast-paced whodunit packs in both laughter and thrills and has been described as Alfred Hitchcock meets Monty Python!

Whichever shows you choose to attend, be sure to get your seat early. Most dates include pre-show events such as live music and beer or wine tastings, which are not to be missed! Check their website for any schedule changes due to Covid.

Boise has earned a reputation as a hub for arts and culture, and the Idaho Shakespeare Festival is just the tip of the iceberg. Contact us today to learn more about life in Idaho, and be sure to ask our real estate agents about finding your dream home in Boise and the surrounding areas. 

Sweet-Tart: Refreshing & Lemony Recipes for Summer

Summer is here, and it's time to celebrate all things lemony! These refreshing treats are sure to please at your next get-together.

Frozen Raspberry Yogurt Lemonade Pops

• 1 can (12 oz.) frozen lemonade concentrate
• 1 c. water
• 1 c. fresh raspberries
• 1/2 c. plain yogurt
• 10 ice pop molds

In a saucepan, heat lemonade concentrate & water over medium heat just until the concentrate is thawed. Remove from heat & cool. In a blender, place 3/4 c. of the cooled mixture, 1/2 c. of the raspberries, & 1/4 c. of the yogurt. Blend on medium until smooth. If you don't like the seeds, press this mixture through a small strainer to remove them. Divide the mixture among ice pop molds & freeze slightly.

Distribute the remaining raspberries in molds. Combine the remaining lemonade mixture & yogurt and spoon evenly into molds. Return to freezer until firm, about 4 hours.

Perfect Lemonade

• 1/3 c. sugar or 2/3 c. agave
• 1 c. freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 7 c. water

Mix well. Serve over ice with a lemon wedge garnish.

Lemon-Lime Spritzer

• 1 liter lemon-lime soda
• 4 limes, cut into wedges
• frozen cherries
• fresh mint leaves

Mix ice, soda & sliced limes. Add cherries & garnish with mint leaves. Serve immediately.

Adult Lemonade

• 1 shot El Patron Tequila
• 1/4 shot Grand Marnier
• 4 oz. beer
• 4 oz. lemonade
• ice
• strawberries for garnish

Mix together and serve immediately

Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Pie

• 1 9" graham cracker pie crust
• 2/3 c. frozen lemonade concentrate
• 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 c. heavy whipping cream
• 3 Tbsp. powdered sugar
• 1 c. strawberries
• 3 Tbsp. honey
• 1 Tbsp. water

 In a blender or food processor, blend strawberries, honey, & water until pureed. Set aside. In a separate bowl, mix lemonade concentrate with sweetened condensed milk until combined. Set that aside, too.

With a mixer, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar & whip until it stiffens. Gently fold into lemonade mixture. (The pureed mixture is still kept separate.)

Pour half the strawberry puree on the bottom of the crust. Top with lemonade filling, smoothing evenly. Spoon on the remaining puree in evenly spaced dollops and swirl with a toothpick or knife. Freeze at least 6 hours before serving. Store leftovers in the freezer.

What's your favorite summertime recipe? Tell us in the comments! 

DOERS OF GOOD: PAINT THE TOWN

For 40 years, NeighborWorks Boise has been helping our senior, veteran, and disabled neighbors by painting their homes. 40 years. Over 3,300 homes. More than 11,000 volunteers.

We're proud to feature NeighborWorks and Paint the Town as our June Doers of Good recipients. Joining teams of volunteers painting homes across the valley, Coldwell Banker Tomlinson agents and staff made their Saturday morning all about sprucing up the home of a neighbor in need in NW Boise. From drab to dazzling, the home has a shiny new look, the homeowner is thrilled, and our team is pleased, knowing they did something good for our community and had some fun in the process.

Team leader and CBT Boise office manager, Danielle Cullip, says, "I love leading PTT because I am able to bring the CBT team together to help someone in our community that is needing it. Together we increase the homeowner's property value and brighten up not only their homes but their smiles as well."

To Danielle, "being a Doer of Good means I have the opportunity to help within my community. I am able to lend a hand to those that need it, and hopefully make a small difference in their lives."

She encourages everyone to get involved on some level, however they can. To that end, she says, "Even though the Paint the Town event is over for 2022, NeighborWorks Boise focuses all year to address the housing needs in our valley. From affordable rentals to their Homebuyer Education Program and homebuyer counseling, neighborhood revitalization, and pocket neighborhoods, NWB is a critical member of our community."

To help or donate, contact NeighborWorks Boise at https://nwboise.org/.

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Join us in celebrating our Doers of Good by getting involved in one of the programs we will spotlight over the next several months or tell us in the comments below about what lights your fire when it comes to making our communities better. 

Extending Random Acts of Kindness Day

Random Acts of Kindness Day was last month, and many of our agents and staff marked the day by making an extra effort to help others. Rather than spotlighting a specific charity or cause in March, we asked, why can't this be every day? If each of us did one small thing to help a neighbor, a stranger, a co-worker, regardless of the day, think about the ripples of good that would spread throughout our communities!

On February 17^th, National Random Acts of Kindness Day, agents and staff here at CBT surprised neighbors with yard cleanup, trash pick-up, and groceries. They paid for coffee and food orders for those behind them in the drive-through. One purchased lunch for a group of law enforcement officers in a restaurant. Still others opened doors, complimented clothing, and put shopping carts away.

Small or large, monetary or not, little kindnesses can change someone's moment, day, and, yes, life. Challenge yourself and those around you to do something randomly kind, not only one day a year, but every day.

We'd love to hear about your random acts of kindness! Share in the comments. Who knows what good you will inspire!

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Join us in celebrating our Doers of Good by getting involved in one of the programs we will spotlight over the next several months or tell us in the comments below about what lights your fire when it comes to making our communities better. 

Doers of Good: Leah and Dave Morgan

The Coldwell Banker Tomlinson #DoersOfGood program is designed to shine a light on the givers in our real estate family, and, by doing so, encourage others in our community to help wherever they can.

Our February #DoersOfGood are a very special couple who have made it their mission to support animals in need. Leah and Dave Morgan, Realtors® and leaders of The Morgan Team at Coldwell Banker Tomlinson, work with the Idaho Humane Society doing whatever they can to help.  Leah provided this first-person account:

We have a long-time history of service AND loving animals and like many people, got especially involved when our daughter wanted to get involved as well.  We started with the Idaho Humane Society by fostering animals (cats and dogs) and started helping with the IDAPI (Inmate Dog Alliance Project of Idaho) where we helped bridge the gap between the now-trained dog "graduating" and the family introduction.  It is amazing to see a dog have a purpose, be well trained, AND become a family member! 

As we fostered dogs and cats, sometimes just for a few weeks while meeting possible new owners/family members and helping the dog have good manners with some light training and learning their "issues" and showing them kindness and some structure, we could literally SEE dogs learn they were safe and were going to be treated well. 

On occasion, we would get a call for an entire litter of kittens and their mama who needed a spot until the kittens were old enough to adopt.  We created the "cat" room in our house so we could quarantine them in their own comfy space.  In most instances, we loved every animal and loved the process of helping them find their furever families. When we didn't have fosters, we were happy to just go walk the dogs at the shelter! 

One particular cat that we fostered, an all-black cat, was not cuddly, wouldn't let us or anyone hold him, and over and over the families that came to meet him passed him by. He was very well behaved and rarely would get on the furniture, etc.  By month 13 of fostering him, we knew his quirks and decided to just adopt him ourselves.  That VERY night, he crawled up on the end of the bed and purred loudly – he KNEW he was home!  It turned out that he was our 13^th foster animal, and we renamed him Sirius Black since he was much more like a dog!

We continue to support the Idaho Humane Society by doing the annual See Spot Walk, donating, and fostering whenever possible.  There are so many needs and areas the Humane Society can use our help – from doing laundry at the shelters to delivering supplies, fostering, and of course, adopting a new family member to make your home even more complete! I hope you consider making a donation to them today!

The Humane Society is solely run on volunteer efforts, donations, and fundraisers. The largest fundraiser is See Spot Walk.  We've been donating and participating almost every year since 2009 (and twice while on vacation!).  Donations help tremendously, not just money but things like towels, blankets, food, and supplies, and most importantly time walking the dogs, doing laundry, cleaning cages, sending info, staffing the front desk, delivering items, and fostering, to name just a few. 

When you think how much a furry friend completes the home and family for nearly 75% of Idahoans, it's no wonder the need is so great. 

Coldwell Banker fosters a culture of giving, knowing we are more than real estate agents and that community is in our nature. Being a "Doer of Good" and sharing #CBGoodNews reach far beyond real estate. This is the "good stuff" in life, why we want to give in multiple "causes" and believe that we all can make a difference beyond our expertise of buying and selling real estate. We are only as strong as our community, so it behooves us all to do everything we can.

To learn about The Idaho Humane Society and explore all the ways you can help, please visit https://idahohumanesociety.org/.

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Join us in celebrating our Doers of Good by getting involved in one of the programs we will spotlight over the next several months or tell us in the comments below about what lights your fire when it comes to making our communities better. 

Test Your Valentine's Day Knowledge

Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours!  Today is the day for love and romance, heart-shaped chocolates and candlelit dinners.

What do you really know about Valentine's Day? Here are some fun trivia questions to test your knowledge.

1. When was the oldest-known Valentine's Day message written, and from where? 
2. When was February 14^th first declared as Valentine's Day? 
3. Who invented the first Valentine's Day candy box? 
4. What is the average number of marriage proposals on Valentine's Day each year? 
5. How much on average is spent on chocolate in America for Valentine's Day each year? 
6. How many roses are sold on Valentine's Day each year? 
7. How many Valentine's Day greeting cards are purchased in the U.S. each year? 
8. How many people typically purchase Valentines for their pets? 
9. If you send a snarky insult on Valentine's Day, what kind of "greeting" are you sending?
10. What year were the popular "conversation Sweethearts" not available?

Ready for the answers?

1. The oldest-known Valentine was in 1415, sent by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife from the Tower of London where he was imprisoned. 
2. Valentine's Day was declared an official holiday in 1537 by King Henry VIII. 
3. English entrepreneur and chocolate-maker Richard Cadbury created the first heart-shaped box of chocolates. 
4. 220,000 
5. It is estimated that over $1 billion is spent in the U.S. each year for Valentine's Day. 
6. 189 million 
7. Approximately 1 billion 
8. 9 million 
9. Insulting Valentine's messages are known as "Vinegar Valentines."
10. The ever-popular "Conversation Hearts" were unavailable in 2019 after their manufacturer Necco declared bankruptcy in 2018. Thankfully, the Spangler Candy Company purchased the rights, and the candies returned in 2020.

How'd you do? 

Whether you are celebrating with your beau, your best friends, your pets, or your neighbors, we wish you a day full of love!

Get Ready to Entertain with These Winning Snacks

For the vast majority of Americans, Super Bowl Sunday is a national holiday. Big gatherings, team jerseys, and food. Lots and lots of food. In fact, according to Wikipedia, roughly 28 million pounds of chips are consumed just on this day. Add to that 1.25 billion chicken wings and 8 million pounds of guacamole! 

Perhaps you're looking for some great ideas to add to the menu. Read on! 

Artichoke Dip

• 2 cans of non-marinated artichoke hearts
• 1 c. mayonnaise
• 1/2 c. sour cream
• 1 can of diced green chilis
• 1 c. shredded parmesan cheese

Combine all ingredients in a small baking dish and bake for 20 minutes at 400°. Serve with tortilla chips.

Dill Pickle & Ham Pinwheels

• ½ lb. thinly-sliced ham
• 4 oz. cream cheese
• 4 large whole dill pickles

Pat pickles dry with a paper towel. Cover each pickle with 1 oz. of the cream cheese & wrap with ¼ of the ham. Repeat with the remaining pickles & refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Slice into 1" pieces & enjoy!

Tequila-Spiked Salsa

• 2 c. chopped, seeded tomato
• 1 c. chopped onion
• 1/2 c. chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/3 c. peeled, chopped avocado
• 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
• 2 tsp. tequila (optional!)
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Combine all ingredients & toss gently. Serve with tortilla chips.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

• 10 oz. chicken breasts, boiled & shredded
• 2 (8 oz.) packages of cream cheese, softened
• 1 c. ranch dressing
• 3/4 c. (or more based on taste/preferences)
• pepper sauce (e.g. Frank's Red Hot®)
• 1-1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Place shredded chicken & hot sauce in skillet & heat over medium heat until heated through. Stir in cream cheese & ranch dressing. Cook, stirring until well blended & warm. Mix in shredded cheese & stir until melted. Transfer to the crockpot to keep warm & serve with tortilla chips.

Oreo Popcorn

• 20 Oreo cookies
• 2 bags of microwave popcorn, popped
• 2 c. white chocolate chips

Place Oreos in a large Ziploc bag and smash. Heat white chocolate chips in microwave on high for 30-second intervals up to 2-3 minutes, stirring until melted. Mix popcorn & melted chocolate in a large bowl until well-combined. Slowly add the cookies & mix. Turn out on waxed paper until cool. Break into pieces & enjoy.

After the big game, when you find yourself wishing for a media room or better entertaining space, give us a call. We will guide you to the perfect home!

Doers of Good: Theresa Laird

We are proud to introduce our featured Doer of Good here in the Treasure Valley for January. Theresa Laird, a Realtor® in our Nampa office, sits on the Advisory Board for The Salvation Army's Nampa Corps. Begun in the 1870s, The Salvation Army is well-known around the world for its work assisting the vulnerable in our communities with shelter, food, utility assistance, afterschool care, youth programs, and more.

Like most of us, Theresa says, "I've always known about The Salvation Army, but I didn't realize the amount of service they provide until I was approached to serve on their Advisory Board."  For the past four years, Theresa has used her connections as a respected real estate professional in the community to help in any way she can.  Through the Board, she works with JustServe.org, an online volunteer base to assist with ongoing projects, and has helped to organize food drives, ring-the-bell Red Kettle donations during the holidays, and Gala events to raise funds. At the beginning of the Covid pandemic, Theresa worked with her church to help supply 40,000 pounds of food to those in need.

"Every day, there are people who struggle; there will always be someone in need," Theresa explains. "If helping just a little provides any kind of comfort, peace, or hope to another human being, then we must do that."

When asked what being a #DoerofGood means to her, Theresa is quick to reply, "It means sharing your light by word and deed. We need to strengthen and support our community. No one can do it alone."

She goes on to tell us that once while handing out food on a cold day, an elderly woman came to her and asked for a hug. "She had recently lost her husband and just needed another human to connect with. That's one reason I do this."

She encourages others to get involved, to help wherever they can. "Whatever kind of service you have a heart for, try to put aside your political views and faith differences to come together for the greater good. Be a bridge-builder!"

To learn more about ways you can help, visit nampa.salvationarmy.org.

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Join us in celebrating our Doers of Good by getting involved in one of the programs we will spotlight over the next several months or tell us in the comments below about what lights your fire when it comes to making our communities better. 

Doers of Good: CBT's Culture of Giving

Coldwell Banker agents, staff, and managers are a special breed, working hard to assist our clients fulfill their real estate goals while keeping our focus on community and on making our cities and towns better places for all of us.

Because of our firm belief that we have an obligation to the people and places that keep our communities strong, we've set an ambitious goal for the next ten years: to give a minimum of $10 million to the organizations that work to help our neighbors in need. We call this our "Doers of Good."

We believe this focus needs to be shared and celebrated – and in a big way – so we are shining a light on those who are bright spots in the lives of others. We know the kind of people we have in our family, and we want you to know, too. Doers of Good will do just that.

Our agents, staff, and managers work in the background "doing their thing," sometimes on their own and sometimes with the help of our entire company. As we close a difficult year and look forward to a bright 2022, we'd like you to meet just a few of our 2021 4^th quarter Doers of Good.

Camp Rainbow Gold

Pamela Carson, CBT Realtor® in our Eagle, Idaho, office, got involved with Camp Rainbow Gold because of her daughter, a nurse practitioner in oncology at St. Luke's and the medical director for the nonprofit. Camp Rainbow Gold "has been able to provide support and companionship to parents of children affected with cancer, giving them connections to other families going through the day-to-day struggles of childhood cancer," says Pamela. The organization even allows siblings to have their own camps. "The children feel safe and normal at camp."

A volunteer and financial supporter for the past five years, Pamela says "it gives me a real sense of pride to be a part of such a worthy cause…I get a feeling of paying it forward for all of the blessings I have in my life.

"Everyone should take a moment to reflect on how they can pay it forward or make a difference in their community, whether it be by contributing to a charity that is near and dear to them, or by reaching out to the charity organization to see how best they can assist in their continued fundraising or manpower needs."

Funding for Camp Rainbow Gold comes from private donations and community partnerships with local businesses. Most of the programs are run by volunteers under the guidance of a few camp staff members.  To learn more about Camp Rainbow Gold, visit https://camprainbowgold.org/.

Idaho Diaper Bank

Did you know that in Idaho, 46% of children under the age of three don't have a consistent supply of diapers to stay clean, dry, healthy, and happy?  This statistic shocked Shawna Walz and her mom, Carol Seiber, CBT Realtor® in our Boise, Idaho, office. Together, they founded Idaho Diaper Bank with the mission of providing diapers through collaboration with other social service agencies and nonprofits.

Says Carol, "IDB was formed to address the silent crisis of diaper need." She goes on to explain that diapers cannot be purchased with food stamps or WIC but represent a significant portion of the monthly budget for the Idaho families struggling to provide basic necessities like food, shelter, and hygiene. Oftentimes, parents feel they have no option other than trying to reuse soiled diapers.

Since its inception in 2014, Idaho Diaper Bank has provided over 4.5 million diapers to babies in need. IDB primarily serves SW Idaho but has worked to expand into eastern Idaho, the Magic Valley, and north Idaho with their Warehouse on Wheels program.

"Passion and empathy drive me to participate in charitable organizations in my community," Carol says. "Our community is growing and with that comes many issues facing our low-income families. Giving back is part of my business plan and along with Coldwell Banker we are able to make positive outcomes for many!"

IDB receives grants and donations from individuals and businesses. Community diaper drives help, as well. To help or learn more about Idaho Diaper Bank, visit http://www.idahodiaperbank.org/. 

Coldwell Banker Tomlinson agents, staff, and managers raised funds for both Camp Rainbow Gold and Idaho Diaper Bank at our annual Turkey Tuesday bowling fundraiser in November. Over $5,000 was raised during our event.

Meridian Elementary School & Meridian Food Bank

For the past several years, Joan Johnston, CBT Realtor® in our Meridian, Idaho, office, has spearheaded a fund and supply drive for underprivileged kids and their families at two different elementary schools in the valley.

Joan explains that one of her dearest friends was a teacher at a school with a high number of at-risk children – children who would oftentimes come to school on a Monday morning having eaten nothing all weekend. With her friend's help, Joan devised a plan to deliver some Christmas cheer, as well as food and gift cards to a grocery store, to these kids and their families.

"I have always felt a great sense of responsibility to care for those who are in need," Joan says.  "Children are often the ones who suffer the most when families struggle financially…Many of the homeless are living in their cars, trailers, or inexpensive hotels.  For whatever reason, they are experiencing hard times."

This year, Joan was joined by fellow Meridian office Realtor® Lindsey Dykstra. Together, the two organized the annual Meridian office "bake sale auction" to raise funds for 13 homeless families with children who attend Meridian Elementary School, as well as for the Meridian Food Bank, which has helped almost 20,000 households this year.   

CBT agents, staff, and managers donated baked goods to be auctioned at the event. In a few short hours, the group raised over $7,000 for the two worthy causes. "The generosity and caring exhibited by our agents, vendors, clients, and others are unparalleled," Joan explains.

Adds Lindsey, "This was my first year getting to help out with the fundraiser and distribution at the school. Being a doer of good means living and giving intentionally, having a purpose beyond just your own personal gain, and being open and available to show kindness and love to everyone. It doesn't have to be anything huge."

Contact your local school district to see how you can assist children in need, and visit https://meridianfoodbank.org/ to learn more about Meridian Food Bank.

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Join us in celebrating our Doers of Good by getting involved in one of the programs we will spotlight over the next several months or tell us in the comments below about what lights your fire when it comes to making our communities better.