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Thankful Four Husker greats share their stories
Loving decisions
Understanding the options our parents have post-retirement
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Letter from the editor
daniel muller
With the
REACH US We want to hear from you. Ideas, suggestions, compliments and critiques, send them to us at Jack@EdgeMagazine.com
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changing of the seasons, and the cool fall air, so come the memories of our youth. For me, Thanksgiving has always been a special holiday as I love the smells and sounds that November brings. However, this year my thankfulness extends beyond my friends and family as YOU, our reader, have given me so much more to be thankful for. Edge Magazine started as a vision, one I had hoped would be embraced as special and unique in the Omaha area, and your response tells me we are on the right path. We continue to value your feedback and suggestions as we grow as a publication. In this journey I’ve been blessed to meet great people, learning about their lives, and businesses, all with fantastic stories I’ve enjoyed.
“Thankful” does not begin to express the gratitude I have for the tremendous support our readers and advertisers have given us. Our holiday will be that much more meaningful this year for all of us at Edge Magazine. Happy Thanksgiving! Jack Shotbolt Editor in Chief
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Editor in Chief Jack Shotbolt (402) 250-2529 // Jack@EdgeMagazine.com Contributing editor Jennifer Matthes
Gifts for you & your home
Michael Aram Global Views • Uttermost Caspari • Compendium Waste Not Paper Maximal Art by John Wind Alex and Ani My Saint My Hero Elegant Baby • My Blankee Lug • Spartina • Bella Fiore Mon./Tues./.Wed./Sat. 10-6 Thurs./Fri. 10-8 Sun. 12-4 The Shops of Legacy 169th and West Center Road 402-934-8994
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Creative Director Quentin Lueninghoener (402) 517-1228 // quentin@quenluen.com Photo Staff Daniel Muller (402) 943-7151 // daniel@dpmuller.com Abi Smith (402) 651-9334 // lacyabigailsmith@gmail.com Advertising Account Executives Jack Shotbolt (402) 250-2529 // Jack@EdgeMagazine.com Pat Brannon (402) 250-3325 // Pat@EdgeMagazine.com Contributing writers Krystal Overmyer, Chelsea Cawthon, Kara Schweiss team manager Chelsey Rawley // Chelsey@edgemagazine.com CONTACT US P: (402) 250-2529 // F: (402) 892-7048 Jack@EdgeMagazine.com 15858 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha NE 68118 Edge is published monthly. Content copyright © 2013 Edge Magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, without permission in writing from the publisher, Jack Shotbolt. Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, Edge assumes no responsibility therefore. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Edge Magazine, 19269 Pierce Street Omaha, NE 68130
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contents Cover story
Our home 22
6
my two cents
our weekend
our food
36
56
our pleasure
our business
46
72
20
my concoction
varsity corner
54
78
NOVEMBER 2013
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our home
y
contemporary styling,
timeworn WARMTH ears before moving into their custom home in Elkhorn’s Ranch View Estates, Chad and Michelle Spink were dreaming of the perfect living space. They wanted large open spaces with contemporary styling – but nothing too stoic. They wanted a modern color palate, but with an added dash of lived-in warmth.
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To get ideas, the couple mined websites like Houzz.com and retailers like West Elm. Before long, they had a burgeoning folder of images and inspiration that kept growing after they bought the Ranch View lot more than two years ago. Chad and Michelle took their time, gathering ideas and envisioning an ideal home for themselves and 3-year-old son Mason. “We knew we wanted to do it once and do it right,” Chad said. With the guidance of custom homebuilder Absolute Customs and designer Sallie Elliot, the couple’s dream came to life. Their two-story home exudes contemporary sophistication with earthy grays and the occasional pop of color. In the 20-foot entryway, large crystal orbs bounce light across the walls and the winding staircase. The spacious layout continues to the second floor, where a loft gazes upon the 20-foot great room and kitchen below. Modern touches abound: The windows feature clean lines with no trim. The family had previously lived in a split-level home in Papillion. In their Elkhorn home, Chad and Michelle sought an open floor plan with the great room, kitchen and master bedroom – the areas they spend the most time in – all on the main level. Elliot worked with the couple to translate their many ideas into reality. As part of the custom process, the couple chose everything in the home from tile, granite and paint colors to
Perfect balance of light cabinetry with warm flooring and detailed tile work.
12-page photo portfolio by daniel muller story by krystal overmyer
NOVEMBER 2013
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our home
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our home
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The master bath feature subtle detail.
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our home
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our home
The master bedroom has stunning detail that meshes perfectly.
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NOVEMBER 2013
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our home
The contemporary ceiling fan pairs well with the ceiling detail.
Outstanding fixture choices are found throughout the home.
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our home
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Meet for coffee?
l corkscrew additional assets corkscrew assets Pattern
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How about we meet for a glass of wine at CORKSCREW’S patio instead?
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may be used for The visual “banner” interest icon throughout may be used Corkscrew for visual interest throughout Corkscrew ted and online) materials where appropriate. (both printed and online) where appropriate.
usted length-wise This icon frommay the be native adjusted Illustrator length-wise file from the native Illustrator file e of the edge (preserving “points” andthe angle ofIfthe height edge “points” and “curves”). If height | E D G E“curves”). 18 ary, it also must adjustment be done ishorizontally necessary, itand also vertically must be done horizontally and vertically erve the edgeproportinally “points” and to “curves” preserve the edge “points” and “curves”
funky lighting and plumbing fixtures. To bring warmth into the modern aesthetic, Elliot incorporated elements with a timeworn appearance, such as the rustic wood flooring in the great room. A well-worn dining table – one of Michelle’s favorite pieces – contrasts with more modern lines and colors. “Having a clean, contemporary palate and throwing in some timeworn elements helps soften the feel of the space,” Elliot said. The fireplace in the great room also incorporates hard and soft elements. The 20-foot focal point features marble-like tiles contrasted with charcoal tiles in three opposing bands. Comfy seating and an ivory shag carpet make it a cozy space on a fall day. Other elements in the home incorporate the functional and the fanciful. An iPad wirelessly controls the sound system and security system. The mudroom off the garage features lockers for storage, while counters offer hidden ports to charge devices. An oversized garage gives Mason plenty of space to play as dad watches over (while catching a glimpse of the game on a TV with sur9 The backyard landscape round sound). lends a touch of the nostalgic: The retaining wall was built with 60 tons of limestone from Gene Leahy Mall. The home is also incredibly energy efficient, thanks to a geothermal heat pump system, energy efficient windows and highly rated insulation. These energy saving elements qualified the home for a low-interest loan on the improvements through the Nebraska Energy Office. The investment pays off with incredibly low utility bills. Since moving in six months ago, Chad and Michelle are happy to find they live in a family-friendly neighborhood where kids play in the streets. As the holidays approach, the trio envisions hosting relatives in their open, contemporary home – with plenty of family warmth.
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s
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Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes 2 pounds red potatoes, cut into 2-inch chunks 2 garlic cloves, peeled 1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled blue cheese ½ cup 1% low-fat milk 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Place potatoes and garlic in a large saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil; cook 15 minutes or until tender. Drain. Place potato mixture and remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Mash to desired consistency.
HOLIDAY CRANBERRY CHUTNEY 2 1 ½ ½ 1 ¼ ½ ¼ 1-2 3
Daniel Muller
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M cents m y two
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aximino Acevedo’s travels and experience have given him great exposure to a variety of cooking styles that are apparent when you visit his “Simply Delicious Restaurant” located in downtown Valley Nebraska. From Crab Cakes, and French Brie Puff, to Veal Scaloppini Veronese and Crème Brule, Chef Max has it covered for even the most selective of food connoisseurs. After learning he was going to offer an amazing “Thanksgiving Dinner To Go” this year, we asked for a sneak peak and two of his best holiday sides.
(8 oz) cans crushed pineapple in juice (16 oz) bag cranberries * fresh or frozen cup orange juice cup pomegranate juice cup sugar cup firmly packed brown sugar tsp ground ginger tsp salt jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced green onions, finely chopped
Drain pineapple well, pat dry with paper towels. Combine pineapple & cranberries with next 6 ingredients in medium heavy sauce pan. Bring to a boil and simmer over medium heat for about ten minutes until berries pop and mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in jalapeno peppers and green onions. Serve immediately over cold or cool cream cheese or warm brie with rich buttery crackers. May be jarred or kept refrigerated for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Yields about 3 ½ cups * If fresh cranberries are out of season you may substitute a can of whole berry cranberry sauce and omit the white sugar, and reduce cooking time to 5 minutes. Also reduce juices to ¼ cup each. It is often possible to store cranberries in your freezer just as they come from the produce aisle in your freezer for up to 6 months and use as fresh in recipes. This recipe is also great as a side on pork and other roasted meats.
Daniel Muller
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Cover story
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Giving thanks as a Husker By Krystal Overmyer
W
Portraits by Daniel Muller
ith the season of thankfulness near, Edge asked four decorated Huskers to reflect on their careers and
what makes them give thanks. Two football players and two basketball players shared their appreciation for Husker Nation, for family, for opportunities and the chance to give back.
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Cover story
Eric crouch Football | Quarterback | 1998-2001
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’m most thankful for the people I’ve met and the relationships I’ve built through athletics – a lot of great players, teammates and coaches. I’m thankful for the God-given ability that I have. It’s not something I asked for, but it was something that I had passion for and a drive to succeed. There were times in my football career that I may have been close to giving up. I’m glad that I didn’t. It’s easy to give up. It’s so much of a reward when you can look back and say, “I fought through that.” My sophomore year in college at Nebraska, I was faced with a decision that I would not be starting quarterback. I felt like I should have started. I felt like I earned the position. I was really close to either leaving Nebraska or maybe stopping football altogether. But I’m glad I had a close bond with my coaches, family and mentors who helped me get through those tough times. I’m glad I did not leave, that I accepted what my role would be. Two weeks later, I was where I thought I would be. That’s a short window from thinking, “Man, will I ever play again?” to being compared to Johnny Rodgers on the front page of the paper. It’s unbelievable to think about. I have a family. That’s changed me. I
have a wife. That’s changed me. I still have a passion for football, but at the current time, my body is not ready for football. That’s over. I couldn’t stay healthy with my football career. But I have a great business. I have a wonderful family. I got to experience a lot of great things with football, and maybe those things will help me with my broadcasting career. We’re putting in 24 playgrounds on a Cheyenne reservation. These kids have nothing. By putting in playgrounds and recreational areas, it gives kids opportunities to socialize and a safe place to play, have fun and get strong without doing things that are dangerous. It feels good to be a part of building that. I’m thankful for my mom. She was an extremely hard worker. Without that mentality, it would have been very easy to be average. My mom was over-the-top with not allowing us to be average. My daughter sees that in me with her sometimes. I push her because I know she can do it. The path could have been better, but looking back, there is a reason for everything. The challenges are tough, but when you look back, you kind of go, “What’s so bad?” You got through it, you learned something from it, it made you a better person. It made you a better father and a better husband. There are a lot of curveballs in life,
and I think that’s exciting now. It’s knowing when you step up to the plate, you will be able to hit anything. I never liked baseball. I don’t know why I used that analogy. I’d hate to see me swing at a pitch. I’d probably never hit anything. I’ve learned a lot. I’m thankful for all
Eric Crouch Age: 34 Accolades: Record-setting Nebraska quarterback; 2001 winner of the Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to the most outstanding college football player in the U.S. Currently: Big Ten Network analyst; owner of Crouch Recreation
the challenges I was faced with because that makes you stronger. All the tough positions you get put in and you’re able to work through – it gives you more experience. I’m glad I had all those things happen. I look back on it, and there’s a reason why I was doing those things. It was to prepare me for all the other things I will be faced with in life. Who knows what those will be, but I will be ready for them.
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Cover story
steve warren
Football | nose tackle | 1996-1999
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ome people might have seen a lost cause. Before Steve Warren stepped in, the varsity football team at Omaha Concordia High School was in the depths of a 16-game losing streak. Most of those games were lost by big margins: 20, 30 or even 40 points. Former Husker defensive tackle Steve Warren wasn’t daunted by the challenge. Turning things around at the private, Class D-1 school in West Omaha was part of the allure. “It’s easy to take something that’s built or established and keep it at that level,” he said. “But it’s much harder to take something that’s raw and unmanufactured and make it into something successful or workable.” When Warren thinks of thankfulness, he thinks of opportunities. Thanks to Husker football and his NFL career, he now has the opportunity to make a difference for many in the Omaha area. Through Omaha Concordia, the Warren Academy and the D.R.E.A.M. mentoring foundation, Warren is able to build confidence, boost self-esteem and provide guidance to young people throughout the city. “A lot of people have talent,” Warren said. “They just don’t believe in themselves.” Warren’s job is to make them believe. Paying it forward
Warren credits his parents for teaching him to believe in himself. In Springfield, Mo., he grew up with his parents at every game. “They taught me I was a king,” he said. “A lot of kids don’t get that encouragement. They don’t get that fulfillment to know that you have someone behind you who has your back.” Warren’s opportunity to encourage others came as his football career ended. At Nebraska, the 300-pound nose guard played 42 career games, earned second-team All-American honors his senior season and was tapped by Green Bay in the third round of the 2000 draft. But in the pros, injuries plagued him. With his career over and an uncertain future, Warren returned to Nebraska in 2007. From there, “the pieces just started falling out of the sky” for he and wife Heidi Van Ackeren Warren to form D.R.E.A.M. – Developing Relationships through Education, Athletics and Mentoring. The nonprofit organization focuses on at-risk youth at seven Omaha Public Schools, using mentors as role models to support education, values and character. “We are professional dodge ball players, slash professional tutors, slash professional big brothers, slash professional parents,” he said of his team of volunteers. Another project, the Warren Academy, provides a mix of leadership, encouragement and training to young athletes. Friends and supporters of both proj-
ects have stepped up to help Warren at Omaha Concordia. Jamal Lord, starting quarterback for the Huskers in 2002 and 2003, has joined the team for practice, along with former NU players Tony Veland and DeAntae Grixby. Warren’s quest to show his students what they are capable of is already
steve warren Age: 35 Accolades: 1999 First-Team All-Big 12; thirdround NFL draft pick by Green Bay; Nebraska Football Hall of Fame member Currently: Founder of D.R.E.A.M. – Developing Relationships through Education, Athletics and Mentoring; Omaha Concordia High School football coach; leader of the Warren Academy, an athletic training and development organization
seeing results. The team has a few wins under its belt, finally breaking that twoyear losing streak. “Confidence-wise, they’re starting to get to a point where they get it,” Warren said. “You can see it in them. They’re starting to believe it now.” With a coach like Warren behind them, there’s no doubt they will get there.
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Cover story
Eric Piatkowski basketball | guard | 1990-1994
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or 14 years in the NBA, Eric Piatkowski 3-pointers (738) and 3-point percentage (40.2) and ranked struggled to balance his busy schedule second in the team record book with 616 games played with being there for his kids. Birthdays before joining the Houston Rockets in 2002. He earned the were missed. Thanksgiving was skipped. nicknamed "The Polish Rifle" for his surAt Christmastime, Santa came a day earname and three-point shooting accuracy. ly so Piatkowski could board a ChristHe was traded to Chicago in the summer Eric Piatkowski mas Eve plane to his next game. of 2004 and in 2006 to the Phoenix Four years retired from professional Suns, where he finished his career in Age: 43 basketball, 43-year-old Piatkowski now 2008. Accolades: Record-setting forward, relishes ordinary moments with his The first year or two out of the pros nicknamed “The Polish Rifle” for three-point family in Elkhorn. In the mornings, he was tough, he said, even though he shooting accuracy; second-highest career makes his 6-year-old daughter breakfast knew it was time to retire. “It’s hard to points in NU history; averaged 21.5 points and takes her to school; in the afterreplace coming out and having 18,000 per game as a senior noons, he picks her up. He coaches his people cheer for you,” he said. “You Currently: Father of Paisley, Paige and Jace 12-year-old son’s basketball team. He never replace that. Fortunately for me, it plays host to his 15-year-old daughter was never my entire identity.” and her friends at the family home beMore than a basketball player, Pifore homecoming. atkowski is a husband and father. He “I have an extremely healthy, awesome family,” he said. “I’m relishes every minute. “Everything about being a dad makes thankful I get to spend so much quality time with them and be me happy and makes me smile.” a part of their lives. Getting to be involved in everything is just awesome.” As a kid in Scottsbluff, Neb., Piatkowski grew up telling everyone he would be a professional basketball player one day. A seventh grade teacher told his parents he needed a reality check. But Piatkowski was adamant: There was a 100 percent chance he would be a professional basketball player. Piatkowski credits his dad, who played professionally himself, for teaching him how to reach his goals with hard work. “If you know what you want, you’re driven and you work really hard, you can make it happen,” he said. “I lived in the gym growing up. I played and played and played. I put so much time into it from when I was little to high school. In college, I put more time into it than anybody else.” Piatkowski chose to attend NU to contribute to coach Danny Nee’s team right away. At the end of his four years in 1994, he was one of the most decorated players in school history, contributing 1,934 career points – the second-highest in school history. The 6-foot-7-inch guard averaged 21.5 points per game as a senior, including an NU single-game record 42 points in the Big Eight Tournament against Oklahoma. He led the team to the Big Eight title and was named tournament MVP for his efforts. Piatkowski met future wife Kristin as a freshman, but a relationship didn’t blossom until senior year. After college, 16901 Wright Plaza they dated long distance as he settled into a new team, the Los Three convenient (in the Shops of Legacy near Lifetime Fitness) Angeles Clippers. “The more I’d see her, the more I realized Omaha locations! (402) 763-1860 Open seven days a week how much I missed her,” he said. After his first season, they were married. Widest selection 1218 S. 119th Street 1911 Leavenworth In L.A., Piatkowksi became the team’s all-time leader in
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NOVEMBER 2013
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Cover story
karen jennings basketball | forward | 1989-1993
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s a young girl in Persia, Iowa, Karen Jennings was thankful for the few hours a day she could take off her scoliosis brace and play sports like a normal kid. Years later, the awkward tall girl with the back brace went on to record one of the most prolific basketball careers in University of Nebraska history. Her scoliosis? She shrugs it off. “Everyone has a disability in something,” she said. “Mine just happens to be a crooked spine.” Whatever life has thrown at her, Jennings has persevered. Her hard work paid off during her basketball career at Nebraska and beyond, and she has since built a successful career as a realtor with CBS Home. While thankful for these successes, Jennings says feelings of true thanksgiving come in moments of suffering and solitude. “When you
are alone or in times of struggle, then I think you’re very thankful,” she said. Jennings is thankful for many things: her support system, her family’s health and the opportunities she has received. Each of those became clear during periods of personal challenge. For support Growing up in Iowa, Jennings’ parents never let scoliosis get in the way of telling her to go for it. When doctors pushed her toward a less aggressive sport like swimming, her parents let her pursue the basketball she loved. They never missed a game. Close to family, Nebraska was a natural fit for Jennings. During her four years as a starter at NU, the 6-2 forward scored 2,405 points (a record) while adding 1,000 rebounds. Along with holding Nebraska’s career and single-season scoring records, Jennings also owns the Huskers’ single-game
scoring mark with a 48-point outburst in an 87-82 win over Kansas State in Manhattan, Kan., on Jan. 21, 1992. She was also one of the top student-athletes in school history and captured CoSIDA All-American-of-the-Year accolades in both 1991-92 and 1992-93. Her parents never missed a home game. After earning a bachelor's degree in exercise physiology in 1993, Jennings played professional basketball in France during the 1993-94 season. The transition was rough. Back then, there wasn’t Internet, cell phones or Skype. “I went from an environment that was extremely supportive to being the foreigner,” she said. Far away from the family and college that nurtured her, Jennings realized how much she appreciated her support system. “It made me very thankful for my time at Nebraska, for the people that supported me, my family and my country,” she said.
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Cover story For health After France, Jennings returned to Nebraska. She transitioned from basketball to physical therapy but later became hooked on real estate. Along with her changing career came greater family responsibilities: She and husband Ron celebrated the birth of their daughter, Claire, when Jennings was in her mid-30s. “I’m very thankful for being a mother,” she said. “I’m thankful we were given that opportunity.” A few years later, health issues rocked the family. Ron was diagnosed with cancer when Claire was 6. The scariest part was the unknown future, but the couple decided the diagnosis wouldn’t control them. “Ron never complained,” she said. “It gave us perspective to remember what was important.” After surgery and an all-clear from the doctors, Jennings again gave thanks. “Time is the most underestimated value we have,” she said. “We have a limited
karen jennings Age: 43 Accolades: Nebraska record-holder for career and single-season scoring; 1992-93 Big Eight Conference Female Athlete of the Year; 1991-92 and 1992-93 CoSIDA AllAmerican-of-the-Year Currently: Realtor, CBS Home
time here on earth, a limited time here with children and loved ones. You never know when that is going away. “Every day you have to get up and thank God to be alive and have the energy to attack the day.” For opportunity Jennings admits that God gave her many gifts of athleticism, like the gift of height and the gift of hand-eye coordi-
nation. Her end of the deal was to work hard. “If I can teach my daughter one thing, it would be to be thankful for God and the gifts you are given,” she said. “But the part you can control is your work ethic.” In pursuit of her goals, Jennings has worked tirelessly – whether spending hours practicing ball or working long nights and weekends for her real estate clients. Success, Jennings says, is about fundamentals. Plant your feet. Aim high and follow through. Work hard. A high level of discipline – even if it’s a struggle at times – will yield results. Throughout her life and its ups and downs, Jennings has leaned on God and prayer to shepherd her through. “Literally before every game at Devaney, I prayed that God would give me the ability and strength to complete the endeavor,” she said. “I focused on giving my best, and that’s all you can hope for.”
Caring
Service
SERVICES AND AMENITIES AVAILABLE • Studio, one and two bedroom apartments available
• Laundry and housekeeping
• Pastoral services
• Physical therapy and massage therapy
• Social and recreation progams
• Medication management
• Located on Champions Run Golf Course
• Excellent staff to resident ratio
• Physician, podiatry and dental services
• Country Club style dining room overlooking Champions Run Golf Course
• Separate, secure Dementia and Alzheimers units
• Hospice care
• 24-hour staff
• Wellness checks and incontinenence care
• All utilities including phone and cable TV
• Eight levels of care
• Three meals daily plus snacks
• Beautiful gardens and walking paths
• Coffee shop area • Beautifully landscaped, enclosed courtyards
402.498.9554 www.ParsonsHouseOnEagleRun.com
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14325 Eagle Run Dr. Omaha, Nebraska Adjacent to Champions Run Golf Couse and St. Vincent DePaul Parish
• In-house pet therapy • Diabetic management
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$100 off per qualifying room with mention of this ad.
www.WhatisFaux.com • 402-491-3289 NOVEMBER 2013
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our leisure
dynamic Three
de s t i n a t i on s
T h e S a n c t u a ry at K i awa h I s l a n d G o l f R e s o rt
by
land
Kiawah Island, South Carolina The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort When to travel: April - Oct. When to book: 6-12 months in advance Why The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort: Southern hospitality meets timeless luxury and serene seaside beauty with this five star resort, nestled along ten miles of pristine beach near Charleston, SC. The Sanctuary, known worldwide for its first-rate spa and five golf courses designed by pros like Pete Dye, offers plush guestrooms as well as private villas. Virtuoso exclusive offer: Upgrade on arrival*, daily buffet breakfast (for up to two in-room guests), $100 USD resort or hotel credit, early check-in/late check-out*.
by
air
Bora Bora with Classic Vacations St. Regis Bora Bora Resort When to travel: Oct. - April When to book: 12 months in advance Why The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort: Imagine your own Polynesian-themed private villa suspended above a peaceful, shimmering turquoise lagoon. Follow wooden walkways to serene white-sand beaches, where you can snorkel and tour a diverse marine sanctuary with more than 100 colorful species. Catamaran tours, refreshing dining, and a lush spa located on a secluded island make this the ideal island getaway. Virtuoso exclusive offer: 20% discount at Spa Miri Miri and 50% discount on roundtrip airport boat transfers, early check-in/late check-out*, upgrade on arrival*. Alaska and the Yukon with Holland America Line
by
sea
Alaska and the Yukon Holland America Line When to travel: May - Sept. When to book: 6-9 months in advance
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travelandtransport.com For over 67 years, Travel and Transport has made vacation dreams a reality. In total, our knowledgeable and seasoned travel specialists have visited over 50 countries, on all 7 continents and have sailed on over 50 cruises. Our global connections allow us to provide our valued clients with the most advantageous pricing and upgrades with leading hotels, resorts, spas, cruise lines, tour companies, rail lines, airlines, and ground operators. Through Virtuoso, we are able to offer exclusive amenities, experiences and privileged access not available to the general public.
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Why Holland America: Alaska’s world-famous scenery and unblemished wilderness are on full display with Holland America. Cruise along the breathtaking Inside Passage and enjoy its gleaming glaciers from the comfort of your elegant stateroom, enjoying personalized service at every turn. Once on land, tour Denali National Park and traverse the Yukon’s secluded mountains with the help of thought-provoking guides. Travel and Transport exclusive offer: Up to a $200 per suite shipboard credit and an Onboard Value Book with a possible savings of up to $350 per person. MUST BOOK BY NOVEMBER 26, 2013. *Subject to availability
NOVEMBER 2013
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our weekend
Junkstock draws thousands in search of one-of-a-kind objects
t
By krystal overmyer
his is Sarah Alexander’s vision: People walk through a Woodstock-like field. Good music, good food and good people abound. The vibe is friendly and peace-loving. And junk surrounds everything. “Peace, love and junk” – that’s what Junkstock is all about, says creator Alexander. The multi-day event draws junk vendors from across the country to hawk their goods. Visitors flock by the thousands to the site, an old dairy farm south of 192nd and Dodge. In June, Junkstock drew more than 15,000 visitors hoping to snag an old Mason jar, a sagging window or a handcrafted necklace. At October’s Junkstock Harvest Edition, Alexander’s list of junk vendors grew by 30; junk scavengers grew to 16,000.
Daniel Muller
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treasure trash turned
NOVEMBER 2013
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our weekend Sarah Alexander at her Junkstock Farm where she has managed to draw the masses Daniel Muller
JENNIFER MORGAN T E A M IN 2013
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PERSONAL SERVICE THAT WILL EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS 38 |
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Found at Junkstock Speed limit sign from the 1930s: $65 Six-pack of vintage 7-Up glass bottles: $27.50 Rusty horseshoe: $3 Old window shutter: $30 Bedpost: $12 Retro refrigerator door with a ghost cutout: $125
Of course, items for sale at Junkstock aren’t strictly junk. “It’s junk that’s lost and needs to be re-found,” Alexander said. Thanks to a proliferation of do-ityourself tutorials on sites like Pinterest, more and more people are seeing the value of bringing something old back to life. Vendor Cory Medina of Lincoln helps customers see the possibilities: a pair of 10-pane windows becomes a freestanding photo album if mounted together. For storage with style, nothing beats vintage crates and boxes. “Instead of going to Target to spend $35 on something plastic, you can reuse something and do something green,” he said. The queen of Junkstock didn’t always realize her calling. In college, Alexander was an athlete; it wasn’t until she and her husband gutted a foreclosed home that she discovered her artistic side. Architectural salvage put the home back
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Daniel Muller
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“It’s junk that’s lost and needs to be refound.”
Daniel Muller
You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers. Can I stay at home? How do we handle Alzheimer’s? What do we do about hospice? Long-term care? Private Duty? Driving? Rehab? Medicare? What about assisted living? Encompass Senior Solutions provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of the available options that allow seniors to live safely, independently and with confidence.
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our weekend
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30%
off sale
We invite you to our largest decorative lighting sale of the year. 30% off in stock product, and even greater savings on display models.
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our weekend
BRING ON THE FLAVOR Olive Oil • Balsamic Vinegar Dried Mushroom Sea Salt 10920 Prarie Brook Rd. 402-968-7944
Daniel Muller
together; for example, 150-year-old newel posts support the staircase. A breadbox forms part of a pantry door. A working subway sign is installed in the mudroom. The hunt for junk became Alexander’s obsession. “Driving on the road, I’d see something on the curb and I couldn’t pass it up,” she said. Her collection of junk ballooned, and her husband wanted his garage back. Junque Factory, the Papillion store she opened in 2011, was her way of giving those discarded pieces back their value. After Junkstock took off, Alexander closed Junque Factory to focus full time on the event. As Junkstock grows, Alexander sees it becoming a festival with a full lineup of music, food and family-friendly events – and even a place for RV campers. Future Junkstocks will be bigger and better, but with the same “down to earth, good people” feeling that was there from the beginning. “It’s neat to see people are living my vision,” she said.
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A Refined Experience Pardon our dust... The Brix experience at Village Pointe is being reinvented, improved, remodeled, or simply put, refined. You can now enjoy direct access from the Brix retail store to our bistro, plus additional seating has been added in the retail store for dining or enjoying a glass of wine, cold beer, or cocktail with a good friend, business associate, or significant other. Coming soon is an improved entry to the bistro, an enhanced accessories department, and a draft beer bar in the retail store featuring 20 craft beers from North America and around the world. Refining The Experience you have grown to love in West Omaha.
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our pleasure
By jack shotbolt
ci•gar 1. a more or less cylindrical roll of tobacco cured for smoking, of any of various lengths, thicknesses, degrees of straightness, etc., usually wrapped in a tobacco leaf. Idioms 2. Informal. not being a winning or successful effort, as if not good enough to earn a cigar as a prize: He made a good try at fielding the ball, but no cigar. For centuries, men have smoked cigars. When Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492, he may not have discovered India, but he did encounter tobacco – an artifact he and his men promptly brought back to Spain. Soon, men smoking cigars and pipes were a familiar sight in Europe, and tobacco plantations exploded in America to satisfy the demand.
Daniel Muller
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Cigar
sophistication A centuries-old tradition finds revitalization in an Omaha lounge
NOVEMBER 2013
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Daniel Muller
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Daniel Muller
Jeff Doll inside his impressive Safari humidor.
Safari Cigars and Lounge 13110 Birch Drive 402-884-6702 safaricigarsandlounge.com Hours: Monday through Friday, 2 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
By the 19th century, cigar smoking was common whether rolled in a cigar or smoked in a pipe. Cuban cigar manufacturers were at the top of the industry. By the 1800s, Cuba was widely considered the premier manufacturer of the world’s finest cigars. By the end of the century, many of Cuba’s top cigar producers migrated to Florida and formed Ybor City in Tampa, the cigar capital of the world with an influx of more than 60 cigar factories. In the wake of the 1962 Cuban missile crisis at the height of the Cold War, President John F. Kennedy authorized a trade embargo with Cuba. Because products of Cuban origin were no longer legally available in the U.S., the effects of the embargo were devastating to the Cuban cigar industry. Curiously, another effect of the embargo was to create a lasting affair with this “forbidden fruit.” The cigar boom After years of slow sales and a general lack of interest, cigar sales exploded in the 90s largely thanks to stylish representation in movies and media. While still associated with special occasions like the birth of a child, cigars were also portrayed as a sophisticated habit among a younger clientele – and not just men. Between 2000 and 2004, cigar sales in the U.S. grew by 28 percent. Flavored cigars jumped onto the scene, engaging a new market. Far from the sidewalk cafes and hotels of Miami’s Little Havana, Omahan Jeff Doll delivers a serious tobacco experience at Safari Cigars and Lounge near 132nd and Maple streets. Doll’s clients NOVEMBER 2013
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our pleasure
Daniel Muller
quality Where
counts
www.Lindleyclothing.com Jack Victor | St. Croix | Southern Tide
Fashionable clothing for today’s male. 50 |
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402-491-4000
132nd and Dodge
something so magical it will make everything around them disappear.
ONLINE BORSHEIMS.COM | BY PHONE 800.642.GIFT | IN STORE REGENCY COURT |
N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 3 | 51 FACEBOOK.COM/BORSHEIMSFINEJEWELRY
our pleasure
daniel muller
Ridgeview Animal Hospital We love to love your pets 180th & W. Center (near WalMart)
(402) 333-3366
Try our new online scheduling! ridgeviewanimalhospitalomaha.com
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facebook.com/RidgeviewAnimalHospital
· Surgery & Dentistry · Medicine & Vaccinations · In-house lab & radiology · Cold-laser therapy · Ultrasound
· Dog Grooming · Online Store · Online Scheduling · Pet Portals
range from the seasoned cigar expert to the novice. They come to Safari’s for the experience, education and escape offered at this upscale location. Doll’s love for cigars began more than 30 years ago when a friend introduced him to cigars at a wild game cookout. Cigars were a ritual at this once-a-year tradition; the tradition lasted for years until the death of his mentor. Over the years, Doll nurtured his fascination with cigars, expanding his knowledge and visiting cigar lounges on his travels. In 2013, he opened his lounge to share his passion by offering a unique and pleasurable cigar smoking experience in Omaha. “I wanted to provide a place where both men and women can relax and enjoy each other’s companionship,” Doll said. His lounge delivers, with a timeless atmosphere and comfortable seating. A stunning humidor showcases more than 600 variations of cigars. Safari’s offers a place for a night out with the boys or a quiet solo escape. Patrons can grab a stogie, dip it in some cognac, and sit back and relax. daniel muller
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my concoction
16901 Wright Plaza, Open 7 days a week
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1
5
What you need: 1.5 oz Kettle One Vodka 1.5 oz Kinky Liqueur 1 oz Grand Marnier 2 oz Cranberry Juice
Pour ingredients into shaker
2
Squeeze the juice from a fresh orange wedge in
3
steps
to the perfect cocktail The bar: Shucks The bartender: Greg Palmer aka Palmer The drink: The Kinky Cosmo
4
5
Shake well
Strain into martini glass and serve with lemon as garnish NOVEMBER 2013
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our food
o
n a fall Saturday, Biaggi’s chef-partner Aaron King is preparing for an onslaught of homecoming activity. The evening’s crowd includes 20-person tables with teenagers in towering heels and dutiful dates. “Lots of chicken parm,” he predicts.
a a r o n k i n g , c h e f - pa rt e r A B I SMI T H
Inimitable
ITALIAN By KRYSTAL OVERMYER
Fresh ingredients, exceptional service make Biaggi’s recipe for success 56 |
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Biaggi’s, an Italian restaurant now in its 13th year in Omaha, is known for being a great place for special occasions. Located near 137th and Dodge streets, the restaurant serves a brisk crowd of business park professionals for lunch and has earned a loyal base of repeat dinner customers. With its relaxed atmosphere and ability to accommodate large groups, the restaurant has also earned diners that seek an exceptional experience on special occasions – whether for a birthday, rehearsal dinner, wedding or homecoming date. King attributes Biaggi’s longevity to quality and consistency. The Bloomington-based chain boasts 23 locations in 12 states. At Nebraska’s sole location, King strives to offer good food with the freshest ingredients. “Italian cooking is about the freshness of ingredients,” he said. “It’s about letting the ingredients speak for themselves without overcomplicating it.”
black Fettuccine with lobster A B I SMI T H
crab and lobster dip
B r u s c h e t ta C l a s s i c o
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our food
b a c o n w r a p p e d d at e s
A B I SMI T H
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offers the latest fashion in women’s clothing, accessories, handbags, jewelry, dresses, denim, trendy tops, and more! Mon: by appointment only Tues/Wed/Fri/Sat: 10am-6pm Thurs: 10am - 8pm Sun: 12 - 5pm 3612 North 165th Street 402.932.5922 www.statementomaha.com W h i t e C h o c o l at e b r e a d p u d d i n g A B I SMI T H
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On the Biaggi’s menu is a mix of authentic Italian dishes, like spaghetti and meatballs, and Italian-inspired items, like the popular chicken pietro with its balsamic, honey and mustard dressing. Nearly the entire menu is made from scratch every day, King said. The osso buco dish is one item that underscores Biaggi’s made-from-scratch ethos. To make the dish, a tough veal shank is braised in a rich broth of vegetables and herbs. In the Biaggi’s version, the shank is first seared and then braised for five hours to yield maximum tenderness. The roasted beet salad is another dish prepared without any cut corners. Cooks wash, peel and boil fresh beets, toss them with a honey balsamic vinaigrette and then roast them again. “Instead of a beet that could be opened from a can and done in 30 seconds, it’s a two-and-a-half hour, labor-intensive process for one item for one dish,” King said. King has been with Biaggi’s since its Omaha beginnings. After starting as a prep cook at age 18, King learned quickly and was offered a sous chef position at 22. He became chef-partner at 24, the youngest executive chef at Biaggi’s at the time. Through the years, he’s pushed himself creatively with special menus for food-and-wine pairing events. Customers will often find him walking the floor and chatting with guests. His goal is to make every diner’s experience more intimate and special. “I’ve been here a long time, and I’ve made the dishes hundreds and hundreds of times,” he said. “But every day I walk in and I still have a passion to make great food.”
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worth the haul CenturyLink Center Omaha 445 North 10th Street, Omaha, NE 68102 (402) 341-1500 www.CenturyLinkCenterOmaha.com Tickets: www.TicketMaster.com or (800) 745-3000 UNO Hockey: All tickets $15-$25
9 14 11 Nov.
UNO Hockey vs North Dakota @ 7:07 p.m.
Nov.
Brad Paisley with special guests Chris Young and Danielle Bradbery @ 7:30 p.m. $32.50-$65
Nov.
Creighton Basketball vs Missouri-Kansas City @ 8 p.m. $11-$44
Ralston Arena
7-10 13
22
7300 Q Street, Ralston, NE 68127 | (402) 934-9966 | www.RalstonArena.com | Tickets: HomePrideTix.com or (800) 440-3741
Nov.
Autumn Festival: An Arts and Crafts Affair @ 11 a.m. (tix at door) Adults $8, Seniors $7 and kids 10 and under FREE
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Nov.
UNO Mavericks vs Kansas City $9-$21 opening game @ 7:07 p.m.
Nov.
Victory Wrestling Challenge @ 7:30 p.m. $25-$75
worth the haul
8 14 Nov.
Peter Gros from the original Mutual Of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, Holland Center, Kiewit Hall, 8:00 p.m. $15-$30
Nov.
A Night in Treme: The Musical Majesty of New Orleans, Holland Center, Kiewit Hall, 7:30 p.m. $30-$70
Omaha Performing Arts Holland Center: 1200 Douglas St., Omaha, NE 68102 (402) 345-0606 The Orpheum: 409 S 16th St, Omaha, NE 68102 (402) 661-8501 www.omahaperformingarts.org Tickets: www.TicketOmaha.com or at the Ticket Omaha office inside the Holland Center
1924 Nov.
ELF THE MUSICAL, Orpheum Theater, Slosburg Hall. $30-$80
23
Omaha Civic Auditorium 1804 Capitol Avenue, Omaha, NE (402) 444-3353 www.OmahaCivic.com Tickets: www.TicketMaster.com or (800) 745-3000
Nov.
Two shows: Disney Live! Three Classic Fairy Tales @ 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. $16.50-$47 www.disneylive.com/ ThreeClassicFairyTales
NOVEMBER 2013
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our elders
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By Chelsea Cawthon
a retirement Life after
Omaha’s senior housing market offers a myriad of options, from luxury apartments to skilled care
woman with snow-white hair whistles as she strolls—walker in tow to steady her steps—down the hallway. A suspender-clad gentleman catches up on the day’s news, his coffee and World-Herald in hand. In the dining room, a party of four flings hearts and spades around a table. Walk inside Elk Ridge Village assisted living community, and a sense of serenity pervades the residence. Yet many picture the road to retirement living as quite the opposite: fraught with uncertainty, stress and a loss of independence. When Roxann Rogers Meyer began her tenure at Immanuel Communities 13 years ago, she realized many families were confused about the senior housing industry and the misconception that all options are akin to a nursing home. “I started to lose sleep about it, that people didn’t realize there are so many choices for seniors today,” she said. “They don’t realize you can move in and have a wonderful independent living lifestyle for many years.”
Dial Retirement Communities Vice President, Travis Taylor outside his Elk Ridge Village facility. Daniel Muller
NOVEMBER 2013
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our elders An Internet search of retirement communities near Omaha yields more than 100 listings, each offering a surplus of services, amenities and levels of care. Senior living is big business. “There’s definitely a demand for these services,” said Jeff Reinhardt, director of public affairs at the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging. “As more and more baby boomers retire, the numbers are going to grow.” In 2011, the first boomers turned 65. By 2030, the number of 65-year-olds in the Cornhusker State is expected to surge 75 percent, according to data from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Even more staggering, Nebraska’s 85+ population is currently the eighth highest in the nation. Suffice it to say that as Nebraska’s aging population grows, the bigger the role of service providers. “You need to be as prepared as you can,” Reinhardt advises families. The problem? People wait too long to explore their options.
Daniel Muller
Parsons House offers a welcoming environment.
A spectrum of choices Independent living is a lifestyle decision, said Travis Taylor, vice president of Dial Retirement Communities. Today’s residents live in “luxury apartment homes” with an attached garage and full kitchen. “Residents will tell us they should have done it sooner,” he said. Serving more than 1,300 residents, Dial Retirement Communities owns Elk Ridge Village and offers both independent and assisted living residences, along with two other properties in the area and several out of state. With assisted living, there’s
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Creating beautiful smiles for the whole family. 1405 N. 205th St. #100, Elkhorn (402) 289-3232 www.skylineortho.com
Daniel Muller
Mike Miller of Red One Insurance at his Millennium Plaza office.
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our elders often a stigma of cranky nurses and big wards, Taylor said. “What people discover is that assisted living is very different; it’s all about independence and dignity and really preserving their social life and their activities.” Physical activity is a big focus. Immanuel Communities has state-of-the-art fitness centers and a lifestyle philosophy, tailoring “an entire mind-body-spirit program” to improve residents’ overall health, Rogers Meyer said. The nonprofit, faith-based company serves more than 850 residents, ranging from ages 57 to 100 and beyond, on five campuses. “We are trying to change the way people think of what happens when you move in to a retirement community,” she said. Offering a diversity of activities and social opportunities is a part of the resident experience at Dial Retirement Communities. “We’re kind of like a cruise ship,” Taylor said. “Everything’s included. We always have stuff going on. We have happy hour, fitness classes, movie theaters—the goal is to really focus on that lifestyle piece and to make every moment count.”
Continuum of care Today’s senior housing often incorporates a concept called “continuum of care,” said Roxann Rogers Meyer of Immanuel Communities. A continuum of care campus includes the following services: • Independent living • Assisted living • Memory care (Alzheimer’s) • Skilled nursing This approach ensures that as health declines, a resident can stay within the same community.
Making the decision For many families, choosing the right place for a loved one, comparing communities and wading through costs can be daunting. Omaha resident Tena Poe facilitated “House Hunting: Retirement Edition” for four family members, including her mother and father. On Poe’s list of must-haves were immediately available,
credentialed nurses. Poe and her family settled on Parsons House in Eagle Run, where executive director Penny Schweitzer and her team offer 24/7 nurses and an atmosphere that preserves residents’ independence. The community features three memory care cottages and 111 assisted living apartments. As families consider their options, Kris Ward, lifestyle director at Dial Retirement Communities, suggests they “look beyond the obvious.” When touring communities, Ward suggests paying attention to staff and resident interactions: Are residents happy? Do staff members seem compassionate? “You can tell a lot just by the overall feeling when you walk in,” she said. Preparing early Monthly expenses for senior housing can range from $2,000 to $6,000 and beyond based on the community, apartment size and level of care. Many times, the fees are all-inclusive, covering food, transportation, utilities, cable, activities and more. But that’s not always the case. To alleviate some of the financial
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our elders
Roxann Rogers Meyer with Immanuel Communities is known for her caring approach to elderly care.
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burden, long-term care insurance is a viable option. At age 50, “you’ve really got to start thinking about it,” said Mike Miller, insurance advisor at Red One Insurance. About 70 percent of people who reach age 65 will need some kind of long-term care, he said. Put off purchasing insurance, and the cost of coverage goes up substantially. A policy for a 55-year-old single adult ranges from $2,000 to $2,500 a year on average, although discounts can apply. Purchase a policy in your 70s and the cost jumps to $3,500-$4,000 a year. Crafting a solid retirement strategy early is also important. “Develop a financial roadmap,” said Mike Sufficool, certified financial planner and divisional vice president at AXA Advisors. Allocations should look different in your 50s than what they were your 20s, he said, stressing the importance of working with at least one advisor familiar with your overall goals. “People need to not only establish a plan but also revisit that plan on an annual basis and make adjustments as needed.” Contemplating the future Above all else, Rogers Meyer at Immanuel Communities urges families to “start the conversation.” After settling several loved ones in assisted living facilities, Poe, now 73, has begun wondering when she and her husband of 40 years may need to move out of their home. She knows it’s a possibility. “Whatever will be, will be,” she said. Thanks to her experiences with relatives, she is aware of her options. She and her six children have had tough conversations about the future, reducing some anxiety. “We’ve laughed about it, [and] cried about it, too.”
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Our business
For decorative painter, walls are her canvas
The blank wall in front
of Sandra Lassley can become anything. With Venetian plaster, she can create a marble palace. With Swarovski crystals, glass beads and mica powder, a luxe master bedroom. With leaf-thin copper pieces, a corporate executive’s man cave. Working from a snippet of inspiration – a color, something a client said, or even a pair of shoes or purse – Sandra takes her canvas and breathes life into a home. Armed with paint, glaze, plaster, wax, stencils or some yet untested, unconventional material, she adds layer upon layer, building a wallsized piece of art. Sandra and husband Jeff are co-owners of Fe Fi Faux, a decorative painting and finishing studio. Together with daughter Sasha Henderson, Fe Fi Faux brings unique colors and textures to walls, ceilings and furniture.
Sasha Henderson, with her parents Sandra and Jeff Lassley now make this a family affair. Daniel Muller
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By Krystal Overmyer
Fawning
faux for
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Our business
Daniel Muller
Red ceiling is glazed creating age and depth.
“This business is about creating, thinking outside the box and coming up with something new and different that fits the client,” Sandra said. “Every project is a challenge, but we have fun with it.” Beyond faux Faux, the French word for false, became in vogue with designers in the 1980s as an alternative to paint or wallpaper. Faux finishes sought to copy something naturally occurring, such as marble or parchment, most often on walls.
These days, Lassley says the trend goes far beyond faux. Artists have license to imagine finishes that do not replicate anything organic. Today’s finishes straddle the line between organic and fantasy not only on walls but also ceilings, doors or furniture. While Sandra grew up around paint with her dad, a paint contractor, she never expected to enter the industry. In adulthood, she ran a cleaning business, but she was always redecorating her cus-
tomer’s homes in her imagination. When she and Jeff bought a house, she realized the walls were keeping it from reaching its potential. The walls needed age and personality. She looked at decorator magazines and tried to recreate sponge techniques. “Somehow, my living room turned out beautiful,” she said. Her dad was her biggest supporter, tapping his daughter to paint the entryway of a Street of Dreams home he was painting for a builder. In 1989, Sandra
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Daniel Muller
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Our business
Daniel Muller
Guest room features a multi-layered metallic Venetian plaster glazed with antique mahogany for a jeweled effect.
quit the cleaning business and founded Fe Fi Faux. Her father died unexpectedly in the early ’90s, but not before throwing his support behind his daughter’s work as the wave of the future. “When he saw my walls, he said, ‘I think you should go and learn everything you can,’” Sandra said. She took his advice and studied with decorative painters in New York, France, 76 |
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Morocco and Italy and in 27 other states. As the industry evolved to incorporate more environmentally friendly materials, she honed her skills and experimented with new techniques. Jeff, who she met at age 14 and married in her teens, joined her at Fe Fi Faux and lent his skills as a graphic designer and carpenter. Relying largely on word of mouth, the family
Fe Fi Faux Sandra and Jeff Lassley Website: www.whatisfaux.com
Nix these six 1. Wallpaper borders 2. Over-themed rooms (country, floral, etc.). Think accents! 3. Techniques that reveal the “tool,” such as sponging or ragging 4. Fussy or super dark finishes 5. Marbleized columns 6. Painting each room a different color
business grew. Clients love their finishes because each one is unique, Jeff said. “We can do something for them that no one else will have.” In 25 years with Fe Fi Faux, the pair has installed creamy gold Venetian plaster in a 16,000-square-foot South Dakota estate. They created a copper leaf ceiling studded with thousands of upholstery nails to complement a splendid basement bar, earning magazine attention. They won Fauxcademy of Decorative Finishing Awards for their work. “Our goal is to raise every finish to the level of art,” Sandra said. Daniel Muller
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varsity corner
LINCOLN BOUND
Mick Stoltenberg | Age 17 Gretna High School Walking the halls of Gretna High School, it’s easy to find Mick Stoltenberg with his 6’5” frame and prototypical football build, but his journey has taken a detour since the start of his 2013 season. After a standout Junior season for the Dragons in 2012, the awards began to mount. All-Conference, All-District, and Academic All-Conference honors came rolling in and the hype began. With the size and speed to move to the next level after high school, an invitation to Under Amour’s Rivals Camp in St. Louis for the summer of 2013 was accepted, and Stoltenberg didn’t disappoint. The kid who started playing on the gridiron at the age of 8 in Gretna’s Youth Football League was now on a bigger stage with boys from across the country. He walked away with Top Performer honors. Shortly after, the coveted offer from the University of Nebraska followed and he was quick to accept. “Being a future Husker is a huge blessing and a dream come true,” said Stoltenberg. The path was now set. Digging in on a Senior year campaign was his new focus as Gretna was returning some exceptional depth and was thought to be a serious contender for the Class B crown. In the second game of the season, Stoltenberg was making his presence known. But during a 4th quarter quarterback sack, the season changed. With a twist of the knee and excruciating pain, it was discovered that he had suffered a torn meniscus and articular cartilage tear requiring season-ending surgery. “After the injury, my role on the team shifted. I decided to become as much of a presence on the sideline as I could, being a motivation for our team,” said Stoltenberg. The Dragon’s continue their march toward a championship, and Mick is full steam ahead as the Huskers have maintained their commitment to Stoltenberg. Mick has three siblings: Sam, age 20, plays basketball at the University of South Dakota; Tim, age 19, plays goalkeeper for the Hastings Broncos soccer team; and Sally, age 15, also plays soccer and is a sophomore at Gretna. Stoltenberg is the son of Alan and Sondra Stoltenberg of Gretna.
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daniel muller
varsity corner
GOLD MEDAL DREAMS
Abbie Beckman | Age 13 | DC West Many girls are introduced to gymnastics at an early age, enjoying all the sport has to offer and the friendships built. On rare occasion there is someone who emerges early as a standout, one who shows the drive and discipline to compete, and that’s exactly what Abbie Beckman did. At the age of 3, Beckman started her gymnastics training, and by the age of 5, she began to compete on the national level. When she was just 6 years old, Beckman finished 2nd at the National Championships in Daytona Beach, which further propelled her dedication to gymnastics. She began to focus on tumbling, and it became clear that her future in the sport was bright. Since then, Beckman has managed to rack up many awards, claiming the Nebraska State Champion title for eight consecutive years, Regional Champion five separate times, National Champion in 2010 (held in Virginia Beach, VA) and National Champion in 2013 (held in Kansas City, MO). She has been nationally ranked in the top four since 2008. At this year’s Regional All-Star competition at the National Championships in Kansas City, Beckman had the highest score of all age groups, both male and female, helping her regional team win the overall tumbling award. All of these earned titles culminated into her highest honor to date: she was recently named to the 2013-2014 USA Gymnastics Olympic Development Team after being recognized as one of the Top 3 in the United States in her age group. With this, she has been invited to attend the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Texas and will represent the U.S. in international competition. Abbie also plays volleyball and participates in track for DC West where she is an Honors student and serves on the student council. She enjoys a variety of outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends. She has two siblings: a sister Kassie, age 21, and a brother Tyler, age 19. Beckman is the daughter of Dan and Debbie Beckman of Omaha. daniel muller
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our little secret
p h oto s b y d a n i e l m u l l e r
Ryan and Jenna Anzalone have found the lake near their Rose Garden Estates home a great little escape for the whole family are moving there just three years ago. “Our kids love going there and feeding the geese.� says Jenna, who also found the area as a perfect training spot for her and Ryan to prepare for their occasional half marathon competitions. Their kids Yano, Gianna, and Lucia look forward to riding their scooters to the lake with their Boxer Phoebe not too far behind.
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