Edge Magazine - May 2014

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M A G A Z I N E

Lacrosse takes Omaha by storm

Village Pointe

Celebrating 10 years

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE. TRUSTED ADVICE.

Undeniable results.

GARY GERNHART 402-880-6056 TJ JACKSON 402-618-3526

JILL LEWIS-HARRIS 402-598-9121

STACEY CHILDERS 402-707-9953

MAMIE JACKSON 402-306-7864

DIANE HUGHES 402-218-7489

MORE THAN $100M CLOSED IN 2012-2014.

MORE THAN 415+ TRANSACTIONS.

LETTER from the EDITOR

DANIEL MULLER

This issue, 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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we introduce you to some of the people and places that make West Omaha so vibrant. Celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year, Village Pointe continues to be a destination that offers so much more than just shopping. With summer just around the corner, we can’t wait to once again head to the farmers market, wine festival and outdoor concert series — just a few of the events that make Village Pointe unique.

Our profile of Dr. Joel Schlessinger’s thriving business, LovelySkin, shows how one man’s drive can build a flourishing company with worldwide reach. In our story about Red Basket, an innovative crowd-funding website created by Elkhorn resident Colleen Maciejewski, we see how the simple idea of neighbors helping neighbors can make tremendous impact. And our feature on lacrosse gives you a glimpse of the fastest growing youth sport in the U.S. that’s making

headway in Nebraska.

We know that stories like these — stories that delve deep into the interesting people and places in our community — are what makes EDGE a must-read every month. Message us, email us, call us: We want to hear more about the people who are making a difference in your lives and in your community.

Jack Shotbolt Editor in Chief

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M A G A Z I N E EDITOR IN CHIEF Jack Shotbolt Jack@EdgeMagazine.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Jennifer Matthes A Little Corner of France in West Omaha levoltaireomaha.com 569 N 55th Plaza | (402) 934-9374

Pepperwood Village

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Quentin Lueninghoener (402) 517-1228 // quentin@quenluen.com PHOTO STAFF Daniel Muller (402) 943-7151 // daniel@dpmuller.com J. Leonard Photography ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jessica Freedman (402) 250-2529 // Jessica@EdgeMagazine.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Krystal Overmyer

Authentic Artisan French breads and pastries like no other in Omaha.

We bake all our products according to the exact recipes from France all of them prepared in our imported French deck oven. lepetitparisfrenchbakery.com 567 N 155th Plaza | (402) 934-7676 Pepperwood Village 4|

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TEAM MANAGER Chelsey Rawley // Chelsey@EdgeMagazine.com CONTACT US P: (402) 250-3325 // F: (402) 892-7048 Jack@EdgeMagazine.com 15858 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha NE 68118 Edge is published monthly. Content copyright © 2014 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, 15858 W Dodge Omaha, NE 68118

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CONTENTS COVER story

OUR home 8

28

OUR business

MY concoction

MY two cents

OUR food

48

66

OUR sports

50

72

40

OUR heart

VARSITY corner

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78

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OUR home

L ARGE ISL AND IN GOURMET KITCHEN

w

Sleak & STYLISH hen the Hoskinson family first approached building their dream home, they immediately gravitated toward a ranch-style design. Coming from a two-story home, the family thought a one-story floor plan would offer a more open-yet-cozy atmosphere.

But they couldn’t find a ranch design that provided the best space usage for their family of five.

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Ultimately, the family found the best of both worlds in a story-and-a-half floor plan from Malibu Homes. The custom home in The Ridges showcases contemporary, open spaces on the first level. The upper levels, however, offer a twist. In this home, the master suite is mid-level, nestled between the main floor and the top level bedrooms. The mid-level master suite makes possible another gem in the home: a large, high-ceiling sports area in the basement, where the three Hoskinson boys, ages 4 to 11, can shoot hoops or hit baseballs in a batting cage.

When Jaime and Matt Hoskinson first saw the design, they knew it fit their needs perfectly. “We love having our own space on our own floor,” Jaime said.

Jaime worked with Malibu Homes to customize the space to meet the needs of her active family, yet still reflect her sleek and contemporary style. “I tried to make it a usable space for the boys, but pretty for me,” Jaime said.

Taupe and gray is woven throughout the home, while darker, peppercorn cabinetry offers a contrasting color. In the kitchen, Jaime selected grayish floor

Story-and-a-half floor plan adapts to family’s active lifestyle

16-PAGE PHOTO PORTFOLIO BY J. LEONARD PHOTOGRAPHY STORY BY KRYSTAL OVERMYER

F R O N T E N T RY S TA I R C A S E M AY 2 0 1 4

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OUR home

SUNKEN BAR IN THE BASEMENT

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

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Creating beautiful smiles for the whole family.

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OUR home

F RO N T E N T RY

Plan with the Pros

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Heritance® Hardwood Shutters

Let us show you the light 402.932.9711

Call Donna to schedule your free consultation

ambiancewindowcoverings.com

M A N T L E A RT

DOOLEYGROUP R E A L T O R S T H AT C A R E

ERIN DOOLEY 402-951-5008

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402.319.9678

KATHY FLYNN 402-981-5692

LYNDEL SPURGEON 402-960-7271

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OUR home

visit EdgeMagazine.com

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Let Fashion Cleaners give you more Fun OuTdOOr TiMe with Free dry cleaning service right to yOur dOOr!

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You Dream It… We Build It… You Live It…

carsonenterprise.com 21530 W. Maple Road Phone: 402.676.5579 Fax: 402.933.1923 info@carsonenterprise.com

As Omaha’s premier land and hardscape experts, we pride ourselves in taking your vision and making it reality. Our skilled team will work with you every step of the way to ensure your expectations are exceeded.

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OUR home

B OYS N F L B E D RO O M

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MASTER BEDROOM

Visit our new, conveniently located office at Methodist Women’s Hospital

visit EdgeMagazine.com

www.midcityobgyn.com

717 N. 190th Plaza, Suite 2100 Omaha, Nebraska 68022 Phone: 402-397-6600

Dr. William Kuyper M.D. Dr. Ann Sjulin M.D. Dr. Sonya Tran M.D. Dr. June Wedergren M.D. M AY 2 0 1 4

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OUR home

M A N C AV E

re[charge] reminisce with these reinvented classics rewind • reimagine • recharge

village pointe shopping center 295 n. 170th st omaha, ne 68118 402-779-2900

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MASTER TUB

KITCHEN AND DINET TE ARE A

OUTDOOR KITCHEN & PATIO 12100 West Center Road 402.333.2282 www.outdoorkitchen.com

The Best in Casual Dining 13851 1st National Bank Parkway | Omaha, NE | 402.431.0023

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OUR home

LakeAllure.com

Lakeside living ... vacation lifestyle!

FIRST FLOOR VIEW

Located four miles north of downtown Ashland, Lake Allure is a new lakefront community featuring a 200+ acre, sand-bottom lake with 187 lake lots, including several off-water lots.

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F RO N T E N T RY C H A N D E L I E R

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A Refined Experience The Brix experience at Village Pointe has been refined.

We invite you to enjoy our new draft beer bar in the retail store featuring 20 craft beers from around the world.

Additional seating has been added in the retail store for dining or enjoying a glass of wine, cocktail, or cold beer.

Refining The Experience you have grown to love in West Omaha.

Yes. More than wine.

168th & West Dodge Road www.brixomaha.com 402.991.9463

Untitled-3 1

1/21/14 3:21 PM

Redesigned CBSHOME.com COMING SPRING 2014 Features include: • Community information provided by our expert agents • Easy location & school district search from the home page • Larger property photos • Redesigned mobile site at m.cbshome.com

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OUR home

M A S T E R B AT H

Get the relief you’re looking for

Dr. Tereshel Johnson D.C.

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omahaheadacheclinic.com 402.933.5392 184th & Center 1 hour massage $40

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LUXURY, VALUE,

AND BORSHEIMS

PRESENT a moment that makes time stop.

Celebrating Moms, Dads, & Grads for over 100 Years.

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Homes designed and built by: 1: Majestic Homes 2: Homestead Custom 3: G Lee Homes 4: the Home Company 5: Grace Custom Homes 6: MK Builders

Brought to you by the Metro Omaha Builders Association. www.MOBA.com | 24

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Enjoy the ambiance and exceptional cuisine of Mai Thai today.

I N D O O R BA S K E T BA L L CO U RT

The experience will have you savoring the distinctive Thai fare, found only at Mai Thai!

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OUR home camelotcleanersomaha.com

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tiles with a wood grain-like pattern — the texture belies the fact that her son’s 11-member baseball team just invaded for an impromptu pizza party. The large, ivory island is where the family most often dines, but an eat-in kitchen area offers space for more formal gatherings. Instead of a tiled backsplash behind the granite counters, Jaime opted for glass plates, giving the space a clean, sophisticated look. A walk-in pantry hides a coffee and appliance bar and a second oven.

Throughout the home, colors and décor suggest modern flair with a hint of whimsy. In the kitchen, pendant lighting emulates blown glass containers with vintage filament bulbs. The kitchen table’s rustic railroad tie design contrasts with a stainless steel base and tempered glass top. Jaime tends toward silver metallic and crisp white in decorative pieces.

Mercury glass apothecary jars make a statement on the island. On another counter, a white deer figurine gazes across the room.

Stylish but functional furniture adorns the adjoining great room. Instead of elaborate shelving or storage along the fireplace wall, Jaime created a clean backdrop where a flat-screen TV hangs. The family worked with Sellhorst Security and Sound to eliminate cords; the DVD players and DVR are located in a basement storage room. From their phones,

visit EdgeMagazine.com Prime Steak Fine Wine Premium Service Private party rooms available for 6 to 40 people.

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the Hoskinsons can play music in various parts of the home; Jaime can listen to country on the deck while the boys play jams in the basement, for example.

The contemporary feel extends to the mid-level master suite. In the bathroom, Jaime selected white quartz counters contrasting with darker cabinetry to lend a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere to the space. A washer and dryer add convenience.

On the top floor, the boys have plenty of space to play in individual bedrooms and a bonus rec room. The Hoskinsons opted to change the original floor plan from four to three bedrooms on the top floor, giving each bedroom more square footage and allowing for a large laundry room.

The walkout basement incorporates more masculine touches. The sunken bar pops with black and white granite counters and metallic wall tiles. While grabbing a drink at the bar, Matt Hoskinson has an unobstructed view to the living area and TV — perfect for the former Husker football player to watch the game.

Married for 16 years, Matt and Jaime are enjoying their first year in their new home. With its unique design, they feel they have a home to stay in until the boys grow up and go off to college. “Both of us truly feel like this is our dream home,” she said.

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COVER story

b

After 10 years, Village Pointe stays fresh with new merchants, engaging events

ack in 2004, when Scheels All Sports selected its future site at 168th and Dodge, the western edge of Omaha was still desolate.

“When we looked at the location, it was basically a cornfield,” said Dale Merkel, manager. “It was hard to visualize what was going to happen. But we hoped that with the growth of the city westward, in a short amount of time it would be the place to be.”

That place to be was Village Pointe, Omaha’s first lifestyle center mixing upscale shopping, dining and entertainment. Scheels’ assessment proved accurate — as West Omaha has grown, so has traffic to the now bustling Village Pointe area.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Village Pointe is still enticing people with a unique blend of merchants and community events.

Story by KRYSTAL OVERMYER Photos by DANIEL MULLER

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paradise SH OP P E R S ’

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COVER story Before Village Pointe opened, many Omahans trekked to Chicago, Denver or Kansas City to get their shopping fix at favorite national retailers. Village Pointe changed the game, offering shoppers first-in-Nebraska retailers such as J.Crew, the Apple Store and Z Gallerie, and restaurants like Cheeseburger in Paradise and Kona Grill.

The lifestyle center concept also set Village Pointe apart from the typical mall. The brainchild of Kansas Citybased RED Development and Omaha-based Quantum Quality Real Estate, the $124 million, 650,000-square-foot development aimed to offer more than just a place to shop. The open-air design replicates a nostalgic Main Street retail district. Shoppers can park in front of their favorite stores and in ancillary parking lots. Lush landscaping accents winding sidewalks with outdoor fireplaces, water features and an amphitheater stage for concerts and community events.

“The thought was to create a space to shop, dine or simply hang out,” said Alicia Peters, general manager of Village Pointe. Located along Dodge, the lifestyle center is easy to access and offers something for everyone in the family, she said.

Over the years, Village Pointe has become a hub of community activity in West Omaha. Events like the upcoming Village Pointe Wine Festival, hosted

by Brix June 6-7, offer entertainment options that don’t require a long drive downtown. On May 3, the popular Village Pointe Farmers Market opens for the summer season, bringing fresh, local food to the neighborhood. The Vibes summer concert series, holiday lighting ceremony and charity events are among the numerous ways Village Pointe sets itself apart from other shopping destinations.

“Our initiative to be part of the community is not just bringing in stores, but also giving more to the community by hosting events, reaching out and getting involved,” Peters said.

Village Pointe retailers have also found success with the lifestyle center concept.

Left to right: Alicia Peters, general manager; Bryan Boyce, operations manager; Kim Jones, marketing director; Tamie Osterloh, senior leasing associate

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COVER story

“People are tired of parking, going to malls and walking around.

Times are changing, and the outdoor lifestyle centers offer better, more upscale stores.”

– Bill Kirshenbaum, owner of Periwinkles for Her Whether it’s dining or entertainment bringing customers to the area, everyone tends to benefit.

“Everybody feeds off each other,” said Bill Kirshenbaum, owner of the boutique store Periwinkles for Her. His shop was among the first tenants at Village Pointe, and the location has proven a boon for business.

“People are tired of parking, going to malls and walking around,” he said.

“Times are changing, and the outdoor 32 |

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lifestyle centers offer better, more upscale stores.”

For Scheels, the focus on community engagement fits well with its own emphasis on active lifestyles and in-store events for kids and families, Merkel said.

Gunderson’s Jewelers, a newcomer to Village Pointe, is also embracing the lifestyle concept. The Sioux City-based jewelry store is partnering with Village Pointe to bring music groups to the amphitheater — and host a pre-concert

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COVER story

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Rehab? Medicare? What about assisted living?

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EDGE Client: Encompass | Job: ESS_056 Omaha Mag 1/2 page horizontal ad | Dimensions: 7.625”x 4.917” | Colors: CMYK

“Our initiative to be part of the community is not just bringing in stores, but also giving more to the community by hosting events, reaching out and getting involved.”

– Alicia Peters, Village Pointe general manager party in the store. The blending of entertainment and community can be a powerful tool for retailers. “The combination of retail merchants, movie theatres and restaurants generates interest and a place for people to congregate, whether they are shopping or going out to eat,” said owner Brian Gunderson.

In 2014, Village Pointe continues to bring new stores to Omaha. Soma, a women’s lingerie and loungewear store,

opened on Main Street in April. The Art of Shaving, a store offering high-end shaving and grooming products, opens in early May. Both stores are unique to Village Pointe.

Looking ahead to the future, Village Pointe will continue to evolve to offer a distinctive experience, leaders said. That includes more tenant announcements in 2014 that will enhance its mix of entertainment, dining and shopping options,

plus a refresh on paint and landscaping throughout the property.

“Over the last 10 years, Village Pointe has brought many first-to-the-market national retailers to Omaha,” said Bobby Johnson, executive vice president of leasing at RED Development. “The newest and most exciting brands are represented there, and we plan to continue that tradition in the months and years to come.”

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OUR leisure

dynamic Three

D E S T I N AT I O N S

TRUMP HOTEL CHICAGO

BY

land

Chicago, Illinois | Trump Hotel Chicago When to travel: April-Oct. When to book: 3-6 months in advance Why Trump Hotel Chicago: The consummate high-rise hotel, towering 92 stories above the Loop and Michigan Avenue, the Trump Hotel Chicago is the only Midwestern establishment boasting a Five-Star Forbes Ratings for both its hotel and restaurant. In addition to its bold style and unrivaled views, the Trump Chicago is ideally located within walking distance of downtown’s hotspots like the Magnificent Mile and Riverwalk.

Virtuoso exclusive offer*: $100 food and beverage credit, once per stay.

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air

Canadian Rockies | Rocky Mountaineer When to travel: April-Sept. When to book: 9-12 months in advance Why the Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer: Enjoy the Rockies from the unique viewpoint of a glass domed train coach with windows reaching to the ceiling, allowing you to enjoy otherwise inaccessible views of snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes and more. Tours are highly customizable; add a helicopter ride, go whale watching, or take extra time in Banff, Whistler, or towns along the way. Relish sumptuous tiger prawns and salmon from British Columbia and recharge overnight in the area’s best chateaux and luxury hotels.

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sea

Adriatic & Greek Isles | Seabourn

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When to travel: April-Oct. When to book: 12-15 months

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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 seven 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 Adriatic & Greek Isles with Seabourn: Exceptional all-suite accommodations, highly personalized service (one staff member per guest), free wine and spirits, and a variety of high end dining options, from formal to al fresco, are just a few of the features that make Seabourn stand out. Seabourn enables you to cruise to unique sites larges ships can’t go, whether it be Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, the spectacular ruins of Ephesus, Greece’s shimmering coast, Italy’s premier artistic centers or Israel’s Biblical sites.

Virtuoso exclusive offer*: Virtuoso Voyager Club amenities including a welcome reception and onboard host are available on select voyages. In addition, add one of the following Virtuoso benefits on any Voyager Club sailing: Complimentary shore excursion, $150 USD Shipboard Credit, or $175 custom credit towards the purchase of a Virtuoso Exclusive Product. *Restrictions may apply.

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OUR business

Dermatologist Joel Schlessinger balances a bustling practice and business

j

oel Schlessinger, M.D., puzzles over Post-it notes.

He’s mapping out a possible warehouse design, tweaking the formula until he’s satisfied it’s optimal. Schlessinger, king of a perpetually expanding skin care empire, is enmeshed in every aspect of his kingdom — including, most recently, the troublesome problem of how to optimize LovelySkin’s supply of cosmeceutical products bound for shipment all over the world.

Story by KRYSTAL OVERMYER Photos by DANIEL MULLER

LOVELYSKIN 2929 Oak View Drive, Suite 100 402-697-6565 www.lovelyskin.com

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skin DOCTOR

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OUR business

SURPRISING, how a gift so affordable makes you feel like a million dollars.

NEW ARRIVALS & YOUR GO-TO-FAVORITES AT JAW DROPPING PRICES

introducing the

at the Nebraska Crossing Outlet Center (855) 823-5542

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Director of Customer Experience Chrissy Kersting and Schlessinger.

ceutical website in the U.S. While he has never taken a business class, Schlessinger said his medical mindset has fueled his success — he aims for zero errors in all of what he does. His wife Nancy offered a simpler explanation: He’s a control freak. His passion and vision, she said, propel him forward.

“He’s got such drive,” Nancy Schlessinger said. “It’s like the energizer bunny.”

Pam Storey, business development manager, echoed the sentiment. “He has a drive that keeps him going,” she said.

“I learned that if you email him at 1 or 2 in the morning, he’ll email you right back.”

When Schlessinger describes his work, it’s clear his razor-sharp focus on all aspects of the business come from an

enthusiastic passion for the job.

“It’s hard not to be excited about a lot of things that we do,” Schlessinger said.

“If you’re not passionate about what you do, you’re lost. I’m very fortunate to have a wonderful career, a wonderful family that has been beside me all the way and has bought into my crazy workload and work ethic.”

Schlessinger remembers feeling his first tug toward medicine as a 4-yearold child. Watching his physician uncle carefully remove a splinter from his finger, he was mesmerized. The impression stayed with him. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Rhode Island. He studied medicine at Brown University and completed clinical rotations at Baylor College of Medicine.

His internship and residency at the Uni-

versity of Alabama Children’s Hospital in Birmingham proved a turning point.

While he had long envisioned becoming a pediatrician, in residency he was confronted with the tragic situations of children facing deadly illnesses. “I couldn’t be happy in a career where I saw so much unhappiness,” he said. Dermatology proved an appealing alternative. “I loved the ability to help people without the accompanying sadness.”

Schlessinger completed his dermatology residency at Barnes Hospital at Washington University School of Medicine, one of the top five medical schools in the country. His wife’s desire to live closer to family brought them to Nebraska. In 1993, he opened Skin Specialists P.C. In the beginning, the practice included several satellite offices in Iowa and Nebraska. As the Internet blossomed, Schlessinger saw an opportunity to streamline his practice into one single location, while reaching a larger audience online.

Wife Nancy remembers how Schlessinger relentlessly analyzed names for the new site. LovelySkin had the right ring — and an available domain. In 1998, LovelySkin.com was born, offering high-quality, medical-grade products for skin care needs.

However, it would take years for the project to bear fruit. Schlessinger remembers in the initial years, the website lost tens of thousands of dollars annually. But he wouldn’t give up on it. Then,

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OUR business

as Google became a household name and online shopping took off, the site turned around. Today LovelySkin.com is the 25th largest health and beauty website in the U.S. It has grown from a few skin care lines to more than 200 brands and 8,000 products shipped to a worldwide clientele.

The site and store reflect Schlessinger’s 44 |

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vision of offering people better products to address their unique skin condition or skin type. Early on, Schlessinger offered specialized products through his dermatology practice — products only available through a physician that provide greater benefits than the usual overthe-counter, drugstore and department store brands. Expanding on this idea,

LovelySkin offers serious skin care products personally vetted by Schlessinger, ensuring they truly offer what they claim. The site has been so successful that the company recently expanded its physical footprint near Oak View Mall to include more warehouse, administrative and retail space.

“People can see the depth of what we

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OUR business have and see how dramatically different this is than a department store or a Sephora,” Schlessinger said.

Shepherding LovelySkin and his other projects occupies most of Schlessinger’s time. A typical day starts at 7:30 a.m. treating patients at Skin Specialists P.C. During any downtime and over lunch, he checks in with LovelySkin. After finishing up with patients at 5:30 p.m., he pours over hundreds of LovelySkin. com customer service emails, often responding personally. Usually, his day ends around 11:45 p.m. When asked how he unwinds, Schlessinger balked. “I love what I do,” he said. “There’s no need to unwind.”

His family is closely involved in his work. Wife Nancy is vice president, involved in many aspects of day-today operations at both the clinic and LovelySkin. Son Daniel is co-creator with Schlessinger of FixMySkin Healing Balms, a patented formula containing 1 percent hydrocortisone to heal and repair dry cracked skin, eczema, psoriasis, insect bites and more.

Despite the intensity of his work, Nancy recalls Joel rearranging his schedule to never miss a band concert or sports game while his kids were growing up. Of

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14325 Eagle Run Dr. Omaha, Nebraska Adjacent to Champions Run Golf Couse and St. Vincent DePaul Parish

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From left to right: Pamela Storey, Business Development Manager; Nora Kemmerer, Art Production Manager; Logan Chard, Director, E-commerce; Carolyn Robinson, Marketing Analyst; Joel Schlessinger, MD, President; Nancy Schlessinger, Vice President; Natasha Mohr, Marketing and Special Event Coordinator; Chrissy Kersting, Director, Customer Experience

all his accomplishments, Schlessinger said he’s most proud of his family. Son Daniel is finishing up medical school at Northwestern University. Daughter Claire graduated from Brown University and works in IT in the Chicago area. “I couldn’t have done anything without my family,” Schlessinger said.

Schlessinger and his family also devote time to humanitarian causes. They made two relief trips to Haiti after the earthquake, and he and his staff regularly donate to AIDS charities in Rwanda. He also is engaged in attracting more doctors to dermatology. He founded the Cosmetic Surgery Forum, a continuing medical education symposium for dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons, residents and fellows, and he has financially supported the participation of more than 150 medical residents in the program.

Nancy called her husband’s diverse work in dermatology visionary. His enthusiasm and drive for the work is contagious.

“I’ve seen people change, and I’ve seen myself change in 23 years of marriage,” she said. “People have a different drive or direction because of the time they spend with him.”

Schlessinger’s drive will keep him working on his warehouse layout until he gets it just right. But while he loves handling the intricacies of the business, it’s the patients that keep him going. “The thing that I love about being a dermatologist is that we can bring people to a better state — whether its taking care of a rash like poison ivy or something cosmetic like Botox,” he said. “It all makes people feel better about themselves and their overall health.”

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OUR food

BLUE SUSHI SAKE GRILL 14450 Eagle Run Drive 402-445-2583 www.bluesushisakegrill.com

l GENERAL MANAGER MEGAN SIMPSON

Sushi City

story by KRYSTAL OVERMYER | photos by J. LEONARD PHOTOGRAPHY

Blue entices beginners and experts alike 50 |

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ike many Omahans, Megan Simpson viewed her first sushi experience with trepidation. A sushi novice, she knew she had her work cut out for her when she began serving tables a decade ago at Blue Sushi Sake Grill, 144th and Maple streets. “I was terrified at the menu,” she admits.

But she quickly fell in love with sushi — and so did the rest of Omaha. Sushi has gone mainstream in Omaha, Simpson said, and Blue has been a big part of the shift.

From a single location in 2002, the restaurant has grown to three Omaha locations with satellites in Fort Worth, TX and Denver.

This May, Blue will open its sixth location in Lincoln’s Haymarket.

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Simpson, now general manager of the original location at Eagle Run, attributes Blue’s enduring popularity to its fresh ingredients and swanky-but-comfortable vibe. Its diverse menu offers cooked and raw options aimed to woo a traditionally beef-loving public. A large maki, sashimi and nigiri menu is complemented by Asian-inspired cold plates, hot plates, entrees, soups, salads, desserts and an extensive sake list. The serene blue dining room invites sushi beginners and enthusiasts alike to relax and enjoy a unique environment.

The most popular menu items feature cooked fish: the Crunchy Blue specialty maki, a roll with spicy crab, cilantro, crispy panko and eel sauce; and the Crunchy L.A. specialty maki, with crab, avocado, Japanese cucumber, crispy panko and sweet chili sauce. Adventuresome options include the Hamachi Pop Rocks, a specialty sashimi with yellowtail, shisho leaf and a sprinkle of strawberry pop rocks for a nostalgic surprise. The Spanish Fly specialty maki is Simpson’s personal favorite: packed PEPPERCORN AHI TUNA STEAK

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with kick, the rolls feature yellowtail, spicy crab, tuna, cilantro and serrano. Vegetarians and gluten-free diners will find plenty of options. Servers are trained to hone in on diners’ tastes and preferences, guiding them through the menu options. Blue’s experienced sushi chefs put attention, care and focus into each roll rolled.

Simpson credits Blue’s popular happy hour for enticing diners to dabble in sushi. From Monday to Saturday, 3-6:30 p.m., and Sunday, noon-8 p.m., diners can sample some of Blue’s most-ordered menu items and drinks at discounted prices. The restaurant also offers a reverse happy hour Friday and Saturday from 10:30 p.m.-midnight.

The restaurant also recently instituted Crunchy Thursday, featuring Blue’s four crunchy rolls — Crunchy Blue, Crunchy Red, Crunchy L.A. and Crunchy Cabbage— for $5 each all day Thursday. The bar also serves $2 bottles of Sapporo beer.

Simpson said a future remodel will incorporate the Sake Bombers Lounge, a fixture at other Blue locations. As Blue evolves, its patrons keep finding ways to come back for more. “It’s crazy to think about how many people in town are now sushi lovers,” Simpson said.

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WORTH THE HAUL

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Brantley Gilbert “Let it ride tour” at 7:30 p.m., $25-$37

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OUR heart

‘tremendous CREATI N G

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good’

Crowd-funding website offers new way to extend neighborly hand

g

rowing up in rural Nebraska, Colleen Maciejewski witnessed how small acts of charity can raise a barn or help a family in need. Red Basket, her recent venture with Woodmen of the World, is her way of bringing neighborly help to the digital landscape.

Red Basket is a nonprofit, crowd-funding website founded on the principle of community-centered involvement and neighbors helping neighbors. Like other crowd-funding sites, Red Basket allows people to donate directly to individuals and causes. But unlike other sites, Red Basket covers 100 percent of transaction fees, so 100 percent of the funds donated go directly to the specific project a donor selects. And since Red Basket is a registered nonprofit, a donor’s gifts are tax deductible.

Story by KRYSTAL OVERMYER Photos by DANIEL MULLER

LEARN MORE Read stories and learn how you can help at redbasket.org.

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OUR heart

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The initial seeds for Red Basket were planted as Maciejewski, a vice president at Woodmen, explored ways to reenergize the company’s community outreach for members. Informed by her own experiences growing up and her research in micro-philanthropy and micro-lending, Maciejewski created Red Basket as a way for Woodmen members and nonmembers alike to support people and causes they care about. Any visitor to the site can donate to projects, such as funding a North Carolina father’s cancer treatment or an up-an-coming Omaha nonprofit.

“We are touching lives in many ways — the individuals we’re helping and also advocates who are touched by the opportunity,” Maciejewski said. “Bad things happen to good people, and sometimes you don’t know how to help. Instead of making a casserole dish, this is another way that you can help do something

Larry R. King, Chairman, President & CEO of Woodmen of the World, and Colleen Maciejewski.

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OUR heart

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real and tangible for a family that’s suffered through something.”

For Woodmen of the World, the concept is a perfect fit with its mission. Founded in Omaha 124 years ago, Woodmen has long supported charitable projects through its chapter system. Red Basket offered an opportunity to reach a greater audience.

“We care about the community and the people in it,” said Larry King, Woodmen’s president and CEO. “(Colleen) came up with the idea of using modern day social media in different ways to multiply our efforts.”

Red Basket hopes to engage a younger audience. While the millennial generation may not have deep pockets, they do want to give back, Maciejewski said. Put all those $5 and $10 donations together, and the funds become “enough to allow small acts of kindness to add up to something we like to call, ‘tremendous good,’” she said.

Red Basket rolled out across the country from 2013 to 2014, following a beta in 2012. Thus far, donations have totaled $376,000, with an average donation of $79 — higher than Maciejewski expected. “I

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think it tells you people are generous,” she said.

Donors can support individuals overcoming financial hardships in a specific set of situations, including medical conditions, acts of nature or accidents. Community improvement projects are also welcomed. To aid in transparency, an account manager vets each ask to verify its authenticity. Red Basket also works with partner organizations that verify applicants and refer them to the site. Individuals can make up to three asks through Red Basket per year, and up to four in a lifetime.

Red Basket also ensures that the asker receives all the pledged donations, whether or not he or she has met the stated goal.

Askers can also receive more than their goal.

Maciejewski aims to connect more people to the project through the recruitment of skilled volunteers, allowing professional writers, photographers or videographers to select a story and help promote it with their skills. Volunteers can get started at the Red Basket website, redbasket.org.

With the site now available nationwide, Maciejewski hopes to distribute $825,000 to people and projects by the end of 2014. By helping people help people, Red Basket will continue to change the lives of individuals like 34-year-old Tim Jones, who raised more than $20,000 through the site to support his cancer treatment.

“It brought tears to your eyes to see what Red Basket and his advocates were able to do for that young man,” King said. “And we are doing it all across the nation.”

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S

M Y T WO

cents

S

W

ith spring showers (and potential storms) upon us, we sought the advice of our Edge Magazine insurance expert Mike Miller for a few tips on what to look for when considering a new insurance agent and/or coverage.

COMPLACENCY: Many people have their insurance program on autopilot. They may have had their same insurance company and agent for many years and haven’t reviewed their premiums or coverages since they originally bought the policy. Most people with mortgage loans have their homeowner’s insurance paid through their escrow account. They don’t really pay attention until they get a notice from their mortgage company that their monthly payments are increasing due to a rise in homeowner’s insurance premiums and/or property tax. However, with the changes happening now in homeowner’s insurance, this is the time to be proactive.

RISING PREMIUMS: In the last twelve months we’ve seen average homeowner’s insurance premiums increase about 15%, but it’s not uncommon for me to talk to new clients who just received 25% rate increases from their former company. Unfortunately, this has been going on for a few years. Just two years ago, one major company increased homeowner’s insurance premiums 40% in a twelve-month period. Weather related losses have just been brutal in the Midwest in the recent past, and insurers have no choice but to increase rates to pay for it.

Mike Miller CLU Office: 402-392-5802 Cell: 402-618-1202 Fax: 402-392-5814 www.redoneinsurance.com 15858 West Dodge Rd., Ste. 100 Omaha, NE 68118 S

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WOOD ROOFS: The cost of homeowner’s insurance for houses with wood shingle roofs has skyrocketed. In March, the largest insurance company in the United States stopped selling new policies in Nebraska for houses with wood roofs. Many companies are now offering only actual cash value coverage, which takes depreciation into account. There are still some companies that haven’t changed their stance on wood roofs, but they’re getting harder to find.

WHAT TO DO: Shop around. Use an independent agent with access to multiple insurance companies to make the task easier. It doesn’t take as much time as you might think, and you’d be surprised to learn about the array of different options and prices available. The average household with a home and two cars in Omaha pays between $2,000 - $3,000 annually in auto and homeowner’s insurance. Those are too big of bills to not pay attention to. Also, I don’t recommend being loyal to any one insurance company. That’s like being loyal to one credit card company. Insurance companies exist for one reason: to take more money in premiums than they pay out in claims. The big companies spend millions of dollars a year to perfect that process. Do your homework — make sure you are doing what you can to minimize your costs and understand your coverage.

DANIEL MULLER

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crossing OV ER

w

Fast-paced and physical, lacrosse lures youth to the field

atch out, football. Lacrosse, the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., is making headway in Nebraska.

Nebraska’s youth lacrosse teams have grown in number since the sport first emerged in the state about a decade ago. More than 400 high school boys and girls are playing in over 20 teams in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa — a record-high number, beating the Nebraska High School Lacrosse Association’s own projections. Ten area schools are participating in the league, up from just six a few years ago.

Nationally, the gains are even more pronounced. According to an annual survey produced by the US Lacrosse organization, the number of lacrosse players has more than doubled from 301,560 in 2003 to 750,000 in 2013. That figure includes 290,000 high school players, making it the fastest-growing high school sport in the nation.

Story by KRYSTAL OVERMYER Photos by J. LEONARD

PHOTOGRAPHY

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Michael Minter, senior Elkhorn South captain

While lacrosse is not as widely known in Nebraska as on the East and West coasts, the sport is making inroads with young athletes here. Organizers say the game is safer than other sports, relatively inexpensive and offers a fast-paced style of play that appeals to young athletes.

Unlike the stop-and-start nature of football and other sports, lacrosse is “go, go, go,” said Jake Schneider, lacrosse coach at Burke High School. “Every player on the team has a vital job,” he said. “You rotate players in and out, and nobody is sitting too long. Everybody is engaged.”

Combining elements of more established sports, lacrosse can be an easy transition for athletes. Like football players, lacrosse players wear helmets and padding; like hockey players, they check each other and use sticks to move the ball forward. Lacrosse terminology bears similarities to basketball. And, like soccer, lacrosse is played over a large, open field. The sport’s objective is to score by shooting a small, rubber ball into an opponent’s goal. To do so, players use a long-handled stick with netting to carry, throw, catch, pass and shoot the ball.

Because so many skills carry over into lacrosse, it’s an easy sport to pick up, players say. “If you watch lacrosse, it looks super intimidating and hard,” said 17-year-old Megan Young, a senior lacrosse player at Westside High School.

“But if you just pick up a stick and a ball and practice, it’s awesome.”

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Unlike other sports, lacrosse doesn’t favor larger or taller athletes. “It doesn’t really matter what size you are, you can play on the field,” said Nick Clausen, head coach at Elkhorn South High School. “It’s all about the finesse of it.”

Lacrosse boasts a unique history in America. The sport was originally one of many stickball games played by Native Americans at the time of European contact. Early French settlers dubbed these games lacrosse. The sport quickly gained popularity in Canada through the 1800s and spread throughout the world.

The Nebraska High School Lacrosse Association is working to bring this long tradition to more young Nebraskans.

In addition to its work to coordinate the high school league, the association is working closely with the Omaha Lacrosse Club to offer clinics to middle school students and help young teams acquire funding to get started. The more exposure kids get to lacrosse when they’re young, the more apt they will be to play in high school and beyond, said Stacey Taylor, association president. The

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association also coordinates a state high school championship, planned this year for June 1 at Creighton Prep.

Top players may also earn opportunities to play in college. Joe Burbach, a senior defenseman at Creighton Prep, will head to Rockhurst University (NCAA DII) in Kansas City, MO, this fall with a scholarship to play lacrosse. A longtime hockey player, Burbach didn’t start playing lacrosse until eighth grade.

He quickly realized the fast-paced game offered something he couldn’t get with other sports.

“It’s one of the fastest games in the world,” he said. “The transition between offense and defense makes the game fast.

You’re never standing still. It’s a sport that’s very interactive, and that makes it a lot of fun compared to other sports.”

Burbach attracted Rockhurst’s attention with his aggressive style of defense.

(402) 315-9236 | www.HoopsatHome.com GET INVOLVED Learn more about lacrosse at the Nebraska High School Lacrosse Association website, nebraskalax.com.

“I throw a lot of stick checks, poke checks,” he said. “If someone wants to get around me or beat me, I make them earn it. I respect them if they’re fast or they have good stick skills, but I’m still going to be in their face.”

Like other lacrosse players, Burbach noted that playing lacrosse facilitates a bond between teammates. Still in its early stages in Nebraska, lacrosse attracts athletes because it offers something different than the norm. “What attracted me was that we were the first people doing it,” said Jess Noble, a 17-year-old junior at Westside High School. Westside is home to the only girls’ team in the league.

People are curious about lacrosse, said Helene Simmons, team manager for the Westside girls. “It offers the player the opportunity to show off their athletic skills in a different venue,” she said. “When you mention lacrosse to people, they want to know more about the sport. Many have heard of it, but even fewer have played it or seen a live tournament.”

Lacrosse also has the advantage of offering team members ample playing time. As a club sport, lacrosse is open to all, unlike other high school sports with only so many slots for student athletes.

“You can shine in (lacrosse) and develop yourself,” said Taylor, the lacrosse association president. “You don’t have to feel uncomfortable just trying it out – you’ll make the team.”

In Omaha, interest in lacrosse is contagious. Kurt Carlson, lacrosse coach at Millard West High School, has seen his team grow from one single team to a varsity team and two JV teams. A Boston native and longtime lacrosse player, Carlson says it’s easy to see why lacrosse is so appealing to more and more Nebraskans. “You put a stick in a kid’s hand, and he’ll fall in love with it,” he said.

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MAKING IT

LOOK EASY Sarah Fricke | Age 16 | Millard West

Every now and then we hear the term “natural” when someone is referring to an outstanding athlete who makes their sport look easy. This was the case last year when (then) freshman Sarah Fricke burst on the scene as Millard West’s top sprinter.

Listed as one of Nebraska’s prep girls track leaders in both the 100-meter and 200-meter sprints, Fricke is one of the fastest female sprinters in the state.

When she was younger, Fricke could be found on a softball field, not a track. She competed for the Millard Athletic Association’s “Sizzle” select softball program, where she grew to become a dependable leadoff hitter and was known for quickly working her way around the diamond thanks to her amazing speed. She continued with Sizzle through her eighth grade year.

Then, rather than making the jump to high school softball, she decided to pursue cheerleading. Fricke was selected to the cheer squad her freshman year and has continued this year as a sophomore.

Although she had never participated in track, she was up for a new challenge after years of success on the softball field.

As one of few freshmen to run at the varsity level, she quickly realized that she was meant to be a sprinter for the Wildcats. Fricke found immediate success, steadily improving over the course of the season as she refined her technique. Her performance at Districts garnered her a lane in the 2013 Nebraska State Track Meet where she captured the Class A Bronze Medal in the 100-meter and a fifth place finish in the 200-meter.

She was also an integral leg on the All-Class Gold Medal winning 4 x 100-meter relay team, posting a time of 47.81 seconds, which now ranks third in Nebraska Girls High School history.

Fricke continues to work hard and is off to a great start in now her sophomore season; and while she’s a standout on the track, she’s also a champion in the classroom. Fricke currently holds a 3.96 GPA, takes several Advanced Placement courses, and is ranked 49th out of 563 students in her class. She has lettered in Academics her freshman and sophomore years, something she’s extremely proud of.

Fricke eventually plans to study for a career in orthodontia.

When she’s at home, Fricke enjoys reading, cooking, hanging out with her family and playing with her two yellow labs, Holly and Sammie. She has an older sister, Stephanie, who is a senior at Millard West, and a younger sister, Elise, who is a seventh grader at Russell Middle School.

Sarah is the daughter of Tom and Megan Fricke of Millard.

DANIEL MULLER

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BRINGING THE

HEAT

Nate Fisher | Age 17 | Yutan When a high school produces a once-in-a-generation athlete, one who elevates their level of play in a way that leaves people awestruck, the community cannot help but be proud. Yutan has had the great pleasure of watching Nate Fisher grow and develop into a legendary athlete…in not just one sport, in multiple sports. A gifted student athlete, whose talents were visible at an early age, Fisher stood out in nearly every sport while raising eyebrows of parent spectators.

Fisher has captivated local sports enthusiasts and continues to be the “talk of the town.”

Over the last three years, Fisher has picked up multiple awards, honors and recognition, excelling in football, basketball and baseball. He has strung together one of the most impressive athletic careers in the area.

Now a senior, Fisher is bringing this brilliant career to a close as he steps on the mound for the Platte Valley Baseball Team, the sport he has ultimately selected to continue with after high school. Next year, Fisher will be pitching in Lincoln for the University of Nebraska.

Fisher is a four year letterman in football, basketball, baseball and academics. He has maintained Honor Roll distinction in all semesters of high school with a 4.0 GPA. He was named captain of his baseball and basketball teams for three years and the football team for two years. Fisher was named Student Body President his senior year and has served on the Student Council for four years. He was voted this year’s Homecoming King; he has been a member of the National Honor Society for three straight years; he is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes; and he is currently the President of Future Business Leaders of America.

In his final year of football, he recorded 590 yards receiving, four touchdowns and 130 tackles. He received All State Honorable Mention by both the Omaha World Herald and the Lincoln Journal Star. In basketball, he averaged 20.5 PPG, 8.6 RPG and 41 blocked shots. He scored 62 3-pointers and went on to receive numerous awards for his play. Most notably, he was named to Huskerland Prep Magazine’s All State 1st Team, and the Omaha World Herald named him to 2nd Team All State. In baseball, he has received several awards as both a hitter and pitcher. In 2013, he was a member of the USA Midwest Regional Team and also a member of UBA’s 18U Elite Team. At press time, Fisher is carrying a .554 BA and has 4 HRs, 40 RBIs and 32 runs scored. On the mound he has 6 wins and 71 strikeouts.

The decision to pursue baseball after high school was almost an easy one for Fisher. He’s been attracted to the game since an early age and received great coaching while competing for the Omaha Pacesetter Organization for six years. In addition, Fisher loved watching his older sister Kelli, who was an All-State pitcher for Yutan and had propelled her team to a state championship. She is currently a Redshirt Freshman for the University of Bellevue Softball Team.

Nate is the son of Rick and Nancy Fisher of Yutan.

DANIEL MULLER

M AY 2 0 1 4

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