In 2010, the Statesman featured an article — called “Becoming Boiseans” — about the Smiths’ decision to move from Dallas to Boise. This feature in Treasure follows the Smiths, who are freelance travel writers, as they get to know their new home.

During our four-day relocation odyssey to Boise in our rented 16-foot truck, we chatted a lot about how we wanted our new lives to look. One thing we were both determined to do was give back — get out and volunteer for organizations we believed in. Now, after two years, volunteering is a huge part of our lives. There are many volunteer opportunities out there — we choose things we thoroughly enjoy doing and that put our skills to good use on behalf of groups we are passionate about.

MARIA

Boise Public Library: I recently called the Library! about donating some books. In addition to gaining storage space, I learned about Friends of the Library, the group that raises money to fund projects not covered by the city budget. This group receives thousands of books each year, some of which make it into the permanent collection. The rest are sold in the bookstore at the Downtown branch or at the huge sales held each April and October.

As a true bibliophile, I knew I had to be part of this group. I sort books and work in the book store, which generates the lion’s share of the money raised by the Friends. But there is a hazard to working at the Library! ... I’m replacing the books I just got rid of!

PRESERVATION IDAHO: One of the things we noticed when we first visited Boise was the varied architecture. Just days after we moved here, the reopening ceremonies were held at the restored Capitol. We even lived in the 101-year-old Idaho Building for our first year. Like most people, we didn’t give much thought to what went into preserving the beautiful homes and buildings we so admire. Then we met a PI board member at the annual Depot Days.

I’m on the Membership Committee (we need members!) and also write or edit much of the organization’s communications. It’s a lot of fun, and it’s helped me learn about PI’s work and its many successes and numerous challenges.

DOWNTOWN Y: We arrived in Boise on Dec. 22, 2009, and joined the Y on Dec. 23. Much as we enjoy using the facility for fitness, I have admired the Y’s commitment to serving all members of the community.

I was especially impressed with the Strong Kids Campaign – the annual drive to provide membership assistance to local children, adults and families. So far in 2011, we have raised nearly $1 million dollars to keep our pledge that no one is turned away from a Y program due to an inability to pay. More than 300 volunteers help raise funds for the SKC. Financially-assisted youth participate in programs such as camp, youth sports, swim lessons, Teen Leaders, among others.

Every time I’m at the Y, I see the value of volunteering there. Jim Everett, CEO of the Downtown Y, says it best: “Community leadership is at the heart of every Y. Our Y volunteers help move people forward, delivering benefits of good health, strong connections, greater self-confidence and a sense of security to all those who seek it.”

MICHAEL

Like Maria, I also volunteer at the Y, but here are some of my other projects:

CAPITAL CITY PUBLIC MARKET: One of the reasons we selected Boise was the farmers market. After our first season, I started nagging (yes, I am persistent) the market director, “Why not have someone in the community ring the opening bell each week?” Long story short, I was appointed the Bell Ringer Coordinator (I even have the jacket) for the experimental 2011 season. Who wants to ring the opening bell at the Market? EVERYBODY! It was the easiest sell ever. And 2012 is already half-booked. Every Saturday, I help with the market set-up. For next year, I am also the market project manager, handling lots of the leg work for the annual Harvest Moon Dinner. I love the market. It is one of the best things about Boise. And I help.

BOISE NOISE COMMISSION: We lived in the Idaho Building for a year, right on 8th Street. We know noise. In short order, a band started playing on our doorstep at dinner time, one neighborhood bar blasted its outside speakers around 1:30 a.m. to announce last call, and a (legendary) opera singer and her trumpet accompanist delivered reveille at 6 a.m. (just once!). I sought out the Noise Commission. Now, it does move at a glacial pace, but it is moving, and concerned citizens and organizations are slowly working to define some sound standards for Downtown. Stay tuned.

TREY MCINTYRE PROJECT: I do data. The Project has a software package to track contacts — subscribers, phone calls, donors, volunteers, etc. If you have ever made an inquiry to or about Trey McIntyre, you are in the database. And I keep it current. Twice a week, I bang away at new contact information, making sure details are entered correctly, and on a timely basis. Although important, it was usually back-burner stuff to the multi-tasking McIntyre folks. Not any more – I own it ... and it is the best database in town!

We love Boise in so many ways, and volunteering gives us an ongoing way to say “Thanks” for being this great place to live — and, not incidentally, to make it a better one, too.

In 2010, the Statesman featured an article — called “Becoming Boiseans” — about the Smiths’ decision to move from Dallas to Boise. This feature in Treasure ­follows the Smiths, who are freelance travel writers, as they get to know their new home.