April is the perfect time of year to truly enjoy the comfortable, relaxed atmosphere Boise is so famous for. From jazz at a local pub to exhilarating spring skiing, Spring is well under way in the Treasure Valley.
Presented by Boise State University, the ever-popular Gene Harris Jazz Festival returns to the Treasure Valley on April 7th running thru the 9th. Artists such as Curtis Stigers, Ramsey Lewis and Annie Sellich will once again thrill Boise audiences. Tickets for all events are $52 total and available at Select-A-Seat, 426-1494 and idahotickets.com or at the Bank of America box office, 331-8499. Don't miss out on this fabulous Boise tradition. For more information on venues and times, visit www.idahotickets.com. If some spring planting is on your to-do list this month, don't miss the annual Spring Plant Sale at The Idaho Botanical Garden. A wide variety of propagated and divided plants, donated from greenhouses throughout Idaho will be available. These Idaho originals are sure to jump-start any foliage garden. This one day sale is April 23rd from 9am to 4pm. I think it's safe to say that the early bird definitely gets the worm here. For some family fun, take the kids to "play the animal way" at Zoo Boise's Enrichment Play Day. This fun family event is Sunday, April 24th from 10am to 5pm. For more information call 344-4125.
Spring is here and the runs, walks and marathons are on. Join the Sprint Spring Marathon, Friday April 8th. The fun begins at the Julia Davis Bandshell. For more details including start time and registration fees, call Tim Serva at the YMCA @ 344-5501. If you're ready to kick start your heart, join the 5k/10k walk/run for the American Heart Association, Saturday, April 2nd, also beginning at the Julia Davis Bandshell. For more information on this event, call 384-5066. The 2004/2005 Steelhead season is shaping up to be another wild ride, the Steelies are now ranked 4th in the National Conference, West Coast Division. To catch the next playoff game, check out their website for the latest schedule updates at www.idahosteelheads.com.
"US NEWS and WORLD REPORT touted Idaho's entrepreneurs in a story for its March 21st issue." "The surge of entrepreneurialism is being seen in perhaps some unlikely places, such as Idaho." "With a total population of just 1.4 million, Idaho added 18,900 jobs from 2002 to 2004, placing it in the top 10 states for job growth per capita." In addition to mention of the flourishing economy, Idaho's quality of life, including recreation opportunities, education and low crime rates were mentioned favorably. From lodging to housing, the economy powers up, the outlook is very positive. Once again, this month's economic outlook is bright to say the least. The tourism sector is the third largest revenue-producing sector for the state of Idaho and the numbers are already looking good. "Patronage is picking up at hotels in Boise and elsewhere," according to recent surveys. In addition, valley residential construction numbers are jumping. "230 new homes have received approval in Meridian." Meridian has issued 2,819 construction related permits for the first five months of fiscal 2005, up 62%. "Home construction growth in not only Meridian but elsewhere in the Treasure Valley is a reflection of available lots, low interest rates and a flourishing economy," said building official Daunt Whitman. As anyone can see there is much bustling throughout the valley, with new developments popping up on practically every corner. Mountain West Bank plans to expand its Treasure Valley assets, with three new branches, one in Meridian, Nampa and a third in Eagle. Mountain West plans a 4,500 square foot branch on the northeast corner of Venture Street and Fairview Avenue, west of Cloverdale Rd. in Meridian. Combined, this expansion brings 27 new jobs to both Ada and Canyon counties. In addition to Mountain West, WestMark Credit Union plans an additional branch. A 3,500 square foot WestMark Credit Union branch is slated for development in the Silverstone Center on Eagle and Overland Roads. In addition to new construction developments, Boise area residents will soon see several new restaurants popping up, including Donnie Mac's Trailer Park Cuisine. David Hale, said he plans to convert the ex-Goodyear Tire Store on the corner of 15th and Grove Streets into a casual restaurant, and possible two retail spaces. In addition, David Eisenhauer and Heidi Bauknect, owners of Addies Restaurant plan to open The Loft in the old Manhattan Grill on Fifth and Main Streets in downtown Boise. The Loft will consist of a restaurant, bar and dance club and will cater to the business crowd during the day those from 21 to 40 during the evening when the DJ starts playing dance music. No slowing down here, the speedy clip of March heads right into April.
Lori "B", GRI, CRS
Realtor, Premier Properties, Inc.
Office: (208) 562-1650 Cell: (208) 794-4946
Toll Free: 1-877-LORI B RE (1-877-567-4273)
Website: www.LoriBRE.com
Email: lorib@loribre.com
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