Friday to Friday

A couple of fun things you should know about that are going on Saturday in Boise: The first is another WaterShed Weekend Family Day from 10-12 at the Joplin Road location, this one’s called the Science of Snow. They say there will be a “flurry” of snow-related activities, crafts, and games. You can even talk with a scientist to find out about how your kids can become Junior Snow Rangers. This is a super opportunity to do something both educational and entertaining with your kids, and it’s FREE.

Right after that, (if your kids are a little older), you can head over to the Old Idaho State Penitentiary, where from 12-5, admission ‘s just one dollar. A little Old State Penitentiary trivia: the Women’s Ward once held the infamous Lyda Southard, otherwise known as Lady Bluebeard. She was from Twin Falls, married a man named Robert who supposedly died of typhoid fever. Then she married William, who supposedly died of the flu. Then she married Harlen who also supposedly died of the flu, then Edward who supposedly died of typhoid. When Earl Dooley, a relative of Lyda’s first husband, started nosing around, he conferred with experts to discover that the first husband had really died of arsenic poisoning, and that Lyda’s motives had to do with the life insurance policies. They found her in Honolulu, married to fifth husband, Paul. She was escorted to the Idaho State Penitentiary, but later escaped and went to Denver as a maid for a man named Harry, who became husband number six. Harry later called her in, and she was arrested and returned to the penitentiary.

Those stories and more await at the Old State Pen tomorrow, for only a buck.

Have a FUN week, and don’t forget to go like the “Appetite for Idaho” page on Facebook, full of cool things to see and do in the Treasure Valley.

~Amy

Teen Cave Redux
Fri., Jan. 16, 4:30 p.m.
Ada Community Library, Lake Hazel Branch 10489 Lake Hazel Road, Boise
Hey, teens, want a say in what the Teen Cave looks like? This is your chance to use your creativity, skill, and strength towards redesign! Ages 12-18. FREE
208-297-6700

WaterShed Weekend: The Science of Snow Family Day
Sat., Jan. 17, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Boise WaterShed 11818 W. Joplin Road, Boise
Lots of fun, all centered around the white fluffy stuff. Snow activities, snow crafts, snow games, snow kidding. Kids can even talk to the scientist on hand and find out how to become a Junior Snow Ranger. FREE
208-608-7300

$1 Day
Sat., Jan. 17, 12-5 p.m.
Old Idaho State Penitentiary 2445 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise
Dress warm and learn some cool history. (If you take your kids, you can always throw in some sort of random parenting lesson like, “---and this is what happens to children that refuse to make their beds---“) Discounted admission, last group will be let in at 4:15 p.m. For more info, call the office or visit the website. $1
208-334-2844

Historical European Swordsmanship
Sat., Jan. 17, 2 p.m.
Boise Public Library Hayes Auditorium 715 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise
European martial arts instructor, historian, and researcher Ben Smith demonstrates longsword, sword, buckler, and dagger fighting styles. With assistants, he’ll cover grappling arts, with a Q & A following the demo. Suitable for teens and adults. For more info, visit hiltandcross.com. FREE
208-384-4076

Martin Luther King Jr./Human Rights Day
Mon., Jan. 19, 11:30 a.m.
Idaho State Capitol Building 700 W. Jefferson St., Boise
Commemorate Martin Luther King, and join the celebration of human rights as Rabbi Daniel Fink Celebrate of Congregation Ahavath Beth Israel in Boise presents a keynote address. Visit mlk.boisestate.edu/events for a full list of MLK Living Legacy Celebration events. FREE
208-433-9705

After School Fun: Computer Coding for Beginners
Wed., Jan. 21, 4 p.m.
Library at Collister 4724 W. State St., Boise
Hey, kids! Learn to make angry birds that hunt down greedy pigs through the Hour of Code toolset. For beginners ages 6-12. FREE
208-562-4995

Mark Twain: His Life and Times
Wed., Jan. 21, 6:30 p.m.
Ada Community Library 10664 W. Victory Road, Boise
The wit and wisdom of Twain, through impersonator John Heimer. An entertaining and educational way to learn about the author/philosopher’s life. FREE
208-362-0181

Art Endeavor
Thu., Jan. 22, 4:30-6 p.m.
Nampa Public Library 101 11th Ave. S., Nampa
Into art? Want to learn even more? With a program and products geared toward youth ages 8-16 (but everyone’s welcome), you can meet the third Thursday of each month and stretch your skills while learning new ones. FREE
208-468-5803

Legos and K'Nex
Thu., Jan. 22, 4:30 p.m.
Ada Community Library, Lake Hazel Branch 10489 Lake Hazel Road, Boise
Gotta love these toys! The Library’s inviting all ages to take on works of architecture to share some time with friends and family working together on a Lego and/ or K’Nex endeavor.
208-297-6700