Edge Magazine - December 2015

DECEMBER 2015

M A G A Z I N E

Doug Dushan helps you get Upklose and personal with art Viewpointe Vision Cares for your eyes and your family Connect with your community through COPE

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE. TRUSTED ADVICE.

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STACEY CHILDERS-REID

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402-880-6056

YOUR

IN WEST OMAHA OVER $125M CLOSED IN 2014-2015.

MORE THAN 500+ TRANSACTIONS.

LETTER from the EDITOR

DANIEL MULLER

The holidays

are in full swing with the hustle and bustle of shopping and planning for parties. Before we know it, we’ll be starting a new year that will be full of new opportunities and a fresh start. Innovation is at the heart of positive change, and this month’s issue features individuals, businesses, and organizations that have taken a leap of faith and come up with innovative strategies to conduct business, connect people together, and help others in meaningful ways.

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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Entrepreneur Doug Dushan is an experienced art collector and gallerist who has years of experience matching artists and buyers. In an effort to bring that process to the online world, he has developed an app called Upklose, which serves as a virtual portfolio in which buyers can see artwork from numerous artists and digitally visualize what a piece looks like on their own wall.

Another story features a true leader in the community, the Christian Outreach Program— Elkhorn, COPE, which serves the entire Western Douglas County area by helping individuals and families in need. Through its unique partnerships with local churches, stores, and other organizations, COPE is able to provide regular food pantries, community gardens, clothing donations, as well as rent and utility assistance and ongoing educational classes year-round.

Through its state-of-the-art technology, brand

new office location, and a commitment to a customized personal approach, Viewpointe Vision is changing the way families receive eye care. It’s about education, prevention, and treatment for the entire family and getting to know each person on an individual level and establishing long lasting relationships with patients.

Innovation is also key for long-time local chef Ryan Gish, who recently launched his latest endeavor, RG Catering & Event Management. His new full-service company takes the stress out of entertaining, and his creative, fresh dishes will make a lasting impression.

This month celebrate the holidays with your friends and families, take the time to help others who may be in need of extra assistance, and embrace the New Year and all that is promises.

Jack Shotbolt Editor in Chief

Make it magic.

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So make it your own.

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DECEMBER 2015

M A G A Z I N E

EDITOR IN CHIEF Jack Shotbolt Jack@EdgeMagazine.com MANAGING EDITOR Kathy Rygg 402-490-3213 // KathyRygg@Hotmail.com DESIGNER Quentin Lueninghoener (402) 517-1228 // quentin@hanscompark.com PHOTO STAFF Valerie Wallace-Camp (217) 519-3245 // vwcphotography@mac.com Maureen Fritts Photography (402) 578-2963 // maureen@maureenfrittsphotography.com Tom Kessler 402-556-4200 // kesslerphotography@cox.net ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jack Shotbolt (402) 250-3325 // Jack@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 © 2015 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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Experience the Magic at

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Christmas Eve:10am - 3pm DECEMBER 2015

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CONTENTS COVER story

OUR home 8

26

OUR leisure

OUR business

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24

42

MY concoction

WORTH the haul

34

50

OUR food

OUR passion

36

52

EXCLUSIVE PROPERTIES

18723 HANSEN STREET, OMAHA • $399,900

105 S 53 STREET, OMAHA • $568,700

4214 N 265TH STREET, VALLEY • $675,000

Beautiful custom built one-owner two-story home in popular West Bay Springs. Features include: 5 true br, 5 ba, oversized three car garage, large open kitchen with ss appliances, granite & walk-in pantry. Finished lower level with large wet bar, Br and bath, and lots of storage. Master suite includes sitting room, double sinks with granite counters, double walk-in closets & whirlpool tub. Professionally landscaped with iron fencing & walk out lot that backs to pond area. Truly wonderful home.

Classic, all brick 2.5 story home in sought after Dundee Memorial Park area. Owners spared no expense in maintenance and updates. Wood floors throughout the house! Open from the kitchen, the family room lends for perfect entertaining. French doors extends living space the backyard patio with a covering pergola. Master bedroom has his & her walk-in closets and en suite. 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms and a large basement with restored brick walls, this is the quintessential family home.

Majestic walkout ranch plan on the lake! Huge great room open to dynamic kitchen w/ granite, stainless appliances, center island, walk-in pantry & plenty of gorgeous cabinets. Fabulous lake views can be enjoyed from inside or the covered deck.

Oversized car garage w/ room for boat, workshop, etc. Enjoy your private 100’ sand beach overlooking the 85 acre, deep water lake. Ideal for boating, skiing & fishing or just enjoy the view.

RALPH MARASCO 402-697-4272 ralph.marasco@cbshome.com

JULIE ERICKSON 402-578-8665 julie.erickson@ cbshome.com

JOHN ERICKSON 402-917-3227 john.erickson@ cbshome.com

DARRYL WIKOFF 402-968-1773 darryl.wikoff@cbshome.com

3855 S 179 TERRACE, OMAHA • $739,900

19404 RUGGLES CIRCLE, ELKHORN • $400,000

15810 S 57TH ST, PAPILLION • $1,130,000

Inviting Oster built Baywood 2Sty backs to the reserve on .68 acres! West facing w/side load garage. 2 story foyer. T-staircase overlooks Hearth room Kitchen w/ maple cabinets, lg center island, walk-in pantry & mudroom. Spacious master suite w/ sitting rm and amazing closet. Lower level rec rm w/wet bar, 5th BR/BA & cedar closet. Storage room doubles as a workshop.

Expansive deck & screened in sunroom overlooks private back yard.

Fabulous Cambridge Homes south facing 2 story situated on quiet cul-de-sac. Welcoming front porch. Main level with open floor plan perfect for entertaining. Beautiful maple cabinets & granite counter tops throughout. Kitchen w/ center island, double ovens, gas cooktop & large walk-in pantry. Main level flex room with walk-in closet offers additional storage. Second level laundry with easy access from master closet & hall complete with granite counters.

Nestled on a hilltop w/a babbling brook running thru this impressive executive retreat is just 25 mins to the airport. Private, circuitous approach. This 2006 1.5 sty has almost 6000 sq ft above grade w/attention to detail throughout. Generous LR & DR rms, remarkable gourmet kitch w/SS, granite, dble ovens, pantry.

Stylish MBR retreat w/spacious closet/dressing rm, soaking tub.

3 addl bedrooms plus library, study, office, gallery, den and so much more. Apprx 21 treed ac.

TERRY STORK 402-657-2067 terry.stork@ cbshome.com

SHARI GRIMES 402-659-6553 shari.grimes@ cbshome.com

TERRY STORK 402-657-2067 terry.stork@ cbshome.com

SHARI GRIMES 402-659-6553 shari.grimes@ cbshome.com

CAROLYN KESICK 402-669-0940 carolyn.kesick@cbshome.com

NEW ON CBSHOME.COM: DISCOVER YOUR HOME’S 1402 S 78 STREET, OMAHA • $575,000 Country French inspired home. Designed by Architect Reinholdt Henning based on accounts of a wounded American Airman who was sheltered by a Normandy family from the German army.

Beautifully restored & enhanced by the current owners w/attention to detail & quality throughout. Imported flooring, antique chandeliers & scones. Gourmet kitchen w/granite, 2 duel convection ranges.

Recently renovated Master retreat w/14x13 closet, chandeliers, scones & inviting FP. 3 spacious BRs, 2 private patios.

CAROLYN KESICK 402-669-0940 carolyn.kesick@cbshome.com

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DECEMBER 2015

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OUR home

natural beauty

l

iving in the Midwest doesn’t come with an ocean-front or mountainside view, but every now and then a hidden gem is tucked away with a view that rivals other parts of the country.

Mary Fitzpatrick’s home in Elkhorn certainly does, with its breathtaking views of the Elkhorn River bluff, Riverside Lake, and surrounding lush woods full of wildlife and offering complete privacy.

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Fitzpatrick’s home-building journey is as unique as the house itself. After spending years collecting antiques at her 150-year old home in Omaha, in 1989 she decided to venture into modern art, which would require a different style of home. She found the perfect lot along Skyline Drive in Elkhorn and bought it within 24 hours. However, it was thick with trees, and a culvert ran through the property. But that didn’t deter her from building her dream home.

“For two years I would come out to the lot with a ladder and move it around to see what the property looked like

STORY BY KATHY RYGG 15-PAGE PHOTO PORTFOLIO

BY SNAP PHOTOS

CUSTOM FURNISHINGS DECEMBER 2015

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OUR home

VA U LT E D - C E I L I N G L I V I N G R O O M

N AT U R A L LY - L I T D I N E T T E

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M U LT I - L E V E L H O M E

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over $500 in cash + prizes dj playing from 8p –12a happy hour specials starting at 1p and going all night

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DECEMBER 2015

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OUR home

M A I N E N T RY

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OUR home

M O D E R N M A S T E R B AT H

P O W D E R B AT H

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G U E S T B AT H DECEMBER 2015

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OUR home

GOURMET KITCHEN

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CO N T E M P O R A RY C A B I N E T RY

since it was all woods,” Fitzpatrick said.

“Then I would sit there with my glass of wine and decide which views I liked.”

She was able to determine how to sculpt out the land and visualized what she wanted it to look like. Fitzpatrick also hand-picked the architects to help her design the home exactly how she wanted it, and three years later, she finally moved in.

The views from the multi-level home can only be described as breathtaking.

The oversized picture windows on the west side of the house overlook the Elkhorn River Bluff, and on a clear day, visibility can go for 15 miles. The house is carved into the lot, with views of trees, deer, turkey, and bald eagles on a daily basis. “The sunset every night is like a piece of artwork,” Fitzpatrick said. “It’s a place to feel like you’re outdoors, even when you’re inside.”

The 4,700 sq. ft. home has three bedrooms, each on a different level. The walk-out lower level includes a kitchen, large living room, and a paved patio for outdoor entertaining. The main level’s gourmet kitchen houses high-end

DOUBLE OVEN DECEMBER 2015

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OUR home

LOWER LEVEL LIVING ROOM

E N T E RTA I N M E N T A R E A

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LOWER LEVEL KITCHEN

Mike Miller, C LU

402.392.5802

HO M E • AU TO • BU SI N E SS • H E A LT H • L I F E

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OUR home

LOWER LEVEL GUEST SUITE

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LARGE MASTER BEDROOM

locally crafted food & drink

STONEHENGE CENTER 1814 N 144 TH STREET CALL 402.493.4743 FOR A RESERVATION

DECEMBER 2015

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OUR home

STUNNING VIEWS

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P R I VAT E W O O D E D L OT

stainless steel appliances, stainless steel convection double ovens, a wine fridge, and a Samsung Smart refrigerator. The main floor living room is striking with its 8’x12’ modern art piece above the couch. In fact, Fitzpatrick’s art collection is displayed throughout the home.

“This home is meant for someone who is visual and artistic,” she said. “Someone who is in tune to a contemporary style will find it very comfortable.”

A master suite sits on its own level of the house, and a large lofted room can serve as an office, media room, or bedroom. In addition to the lower level patio, there’s a deck and a separate screened in porch off the kitchen, as well as an additional paved patio next to the pond water feature toward the front of the house. “It’s a unique home for Omaha,” Fitzpatrick said. “It’s right off of Dodge and merely minutes to everywhere, but as soon as you turn down Skyline Drive it’s totally private. It’s like coming home to your own retreat.”

Fitzpatrick is in the process of remodeling some aspects of the home, such as installing granite countertops in the kitchen and a few bathrooms, but buyers have the option of putting their own style into the home. After 25 years of living there, Fitzpatrick said she’s ready to make a move and plans to retire in the Southwest. “I’m in love with the land, and it was a difficult decision, but I’m ready,” she said. “The person who buys this house is going to buy it for its spectacular setting. It’s like being on vacation every time you come home—total serenity.”

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DECEMBER 2015

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OUR leisure

dynamic Three

D E S T I N AT I O N S

THE MANOR ON GOLDEN POND

BY

land

The Manor on Golden Pond | Holderness, NH When to travel: Year round When to book: 3-6 months in advance Why The Manor on Golden Pond: The Manor on Golden Pond offers a relaxing luxury atmosphere for the traveler looking to get away. Two hours from Boston, MA, and Portland, ME, The Manor is a historic mansion that blends elegance and charm while offering unparalleled views of Squam Lake and the White Mountains. Each of the 25 guest rooms provides a unique, refined atmosphere, with fireplaces, double Jacuzzi tubs, private porches and more. The multitude of relaxing options at The Manor’s Seasons Spa and an evening in the intimate piano bar, the Three Cocks Pub, are not to be missed.

Virtuoso Exclusive Offer*: Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability, full country breakfast served daily in the restaurant, $50 per person USD spa credit for up to two people (must be pre-booked prior to arrival) and early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability.

BY

air

14 Day Australia in Style | Absolute Travel When to travel: Sept.-Nov. & March-May When to book: 12-18 months in advance Why 14 Day Australia in Style: Absolute Travel offers the best in custom luxury travel. From your arrival in Melbourne to your departure in Sydney, you’ll explore Australia in style. At Kangaroo Island—Australia’s Galapagos—you can choose from signature daily itineraries of included, guided island excursions. In Barossa Valley, you will experience the epicurean delights of Australia’s best known wine region. Appreciate the beauty of Sydney Harbor from the deck of a 40-foot yacht, with the option to try sailing it yourself, and snorkel, fish or relax at historic Store Beach. No trip to Australia would be complete without a stay at your choice of two luxurious resorts on the natural wonder of the Great Barrier Reef. Absolute Travel has a personalized Australian itinerary waiting for you.

Travel and Transport Exclusive Offer*: Mention promo code ABTRAV2015 at time of booking and receive a complimentary $300 Travel and Transport Gift Card.

M YA N M A R E X P L O R E R

BY

sea

Myanmar Explorer | Viking River Cruise 402.399.4555 2120 S. 72nd St. | Omaha, NE

travelandtransport.com For over 69 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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When to travel: March-Dec. When to book: 9-12 months in advance Why Myanmar Explorer with Viking River Cruise: Myanmar Explorer offers 15 days of luxury travel through Myanmar. Stay on the Viking Mandalay, an intimate and elegant ship with spacious staterooms and incredible views of the Mekong and Irrawaddy Rivers. You’ll enjoy 13 guided tours during your travels, a traditional Thai puppet show, visits to ancient temples and monasteries, shopping in local open air markets and watching the intricacies of artisan crafters from silk weaving to terra-cotta pottery.

Travel and Transport Exclusive Offer*: Mention promo code VIKMYAN2015 at time of booking and receive a complimentary $250 Travel and Transport Gift Card.

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DECEMBER 2015

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COVER story

o

Entrepreneur Doug Dushan brings fine art online

nline apps are more than just games and entertainment. They help make life easier, and they help people connect. This is especially significant for individuals trying to start a business and make a name for themselves, such as those in the arts who often end up sacrificing time to create in order to promote and market. Art aficionado Doug Dushan has developed and launched an app called Upklose to help artists make connections and get their work in the hands of collectors.

Dushan grew up “with art in his blood.” His mother was a photographer and collector, and his grandmother was an artists with a studio in Hollywood. When he visited, he’d hide underneath the floor boards and watch the artists paint and described it as a magical place.

He started his own art collection during college, and after beginning his career designing smart home technology, would see paintings in clients’ home and recommend other artists’ pieces.

Story by KATHY RYGG | Photos by MAUREEN FRITTS PHOTOGRAPHY

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art ACCE SS I B L E

DECEMBER 2015

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COVER story

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Over the years Dushan sold hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of art, helped artists with their portfolios, and connected them to buyers, often being given pieces in exchange, which helped grow his own collection. In 2001 he took a leap of faith and opened his own gallery in the Old Market so that he had space where he could invite artists to exhibit and where he could express his own creativity while continuing to build relationships between artists and collectors.

“I realized I was at the center of this symbiotic relationship,” Dushan said.

“The artists needed someone to help them get their art in the hands of a collector, but I also knew the impact a piece can have on a person as a collector.

I took that as a very important role.” Almost five years later, Dushan felt he had taken the gallery as far as he could at the time, but continued to facilitate artist/collector relationships when he could. But as the demands of his day job and family increased, it became harder to find the time to take pieces to collectors’ homes to try.

“I was no longer able to be a really vocal advocate for

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DECEMBER 2015

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COVER story

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artists, and I felt like I was letting them down,” Dushan said. “I began thinking, ‘how can I make this more efficient without walking away from it?’” That’s when he started developing the concept for Upklose—an app that could showcase multiple artists’ portfolios and allow collectors to place pieces virtually on their walls. Dushan knew the business world of art, but translating that into a successful online venture was another challenge, and one he realized he needed help with in order to do it correctly.

Dushan and his business partner Jake Wiechman applied to be part of the Omaha Startup Collaborative, a non-profit located in the former Omaha Grain Exchange at the AIM building downtown that is dedicated to helping tech start-ups by offering monthly memberships. This includes community work space, meetings, and events to foster a collaborative environment so that these new companies can grow quickly and have a better chance for success than they would if on their own and didn’t have a network of resources at their fingertips.

“We look for strong entrepreneurs who are leading businesses, teams with a sense of approachability, and who are willing to offer support to others,” said Erica Wassinger with the Omaha Startup Collaborative. “Doug’s team is exciting because he’s working in the art space and has experienced the problem first-hand that he’s trying to solve. He came in early in the product life stage, and all of our businesses have grown 25-50% since we started in June.”

Dushan said coming into the Omaha Startup Collaborative gives him options for growth he wouldn’t have otherwise.

“It’s a fantastic place where we can talk to other startups in other industries and learn from them,” he said. “I didn’t have that when I owned the gallery.” Dushan doesn’t intend the app to replace galleries, rather he said he’s trying to soften the boundary between gallerists and collectors. “I’m not revolutionizing the way art is purchased, I’m just making it more accessible.”

Upklose is already available as a free app for the iPad, and the iPhone and Android versions will launch soon. The app currently features 10 artists, and Dushan wants to add slowly so that the quality of curation remains consistent.

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COVER story

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His focus is on having conversations with as many regional artists as possible. And rather than charge a commission to artists, he charges a small fee for them to showcase their portfolios through the app. “Looking at a piece online starts a dialogue between the artist and collector,” he explained. “That’s what I’m trying to do.”

Dushan welcomes anyone to try the app and hopes that down the road it will become the go-to resource that collectors use to find quality work in any city. In the meantime, his team has plenty of work to continue to refine and make improvements in the app. “Creating something out of nothing is what I love,” he said. “It might not work, but you have to try, and you have to believe in things in order to have it succeed at all.”

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DECEMBER 2015

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MY concoction

Railcar Modern American Kitchen 1814 N 144th Street Stonehenge Center 402-493-4743 railcaromaha.com

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1

5

What you need: • orange wedge • brandied cherries • 2 oz. pecan-infused Woodford Reserve

• 1 oz. brown sugar simple syrup • Ice

2 Make pecan-infused whiskey two weeks in advance by soaking 2 cups copped, toasted pecans, cooled in 1 liter of Woodford Reserve, then strain.

steps

Add simple syrup and ice to whiskey and stir.

3

to the perfect cocktail THE BAR: Railcar Modern American Kitchen THE BARTENDER: Natalie THE DRINK: Pecan Smash

4

5

Finish with splash of soda water

Garnish with orange wedge and cherries DECEMBER 2015

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OUR food

RG CATERING & EVENT MANAGEMENT www.rgcateringevents.com

Chef Ryan Gish takes catering up a notch

p Stress-free entertaining Story by KATHY RYGG | Photos by CHRIS RUHAAK 36 |

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lanning any type of event can be stressful. Whether it’s a corporate function for 500 people or a private in-home dinner party for 12, the one aspect that causes the most worry is making sure the food is perfect. And it’s more than just ensuring the meal is served warm and on time. Providing a menu that’s unique, creative, and tastes exceptional is what will make your event stand out.

Local chef Ryan Gish has been creating dishes for more than 18 years at a variety of upscale restaurants throughout Omaha. Best known for his time as Executive Chef and Curator at Ryan’s Bistro in West Omaha, he developed a number of items that became instant favorites among fans. But the restaurant industry requires long hours, nights, weekends, and holidays, so Gish took a few years off to relax, regroup, and decide what he could venture into next.

N E W Z E A L A N D L A M B T- B O N E & B ROW N S U G A R B U T T E R N U T S Q U A S H DECEMBER 2015

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OUR food

F R E S H LY B A K E D B R E A D

R O A S T E D L A M B R A C K W I T H P O M E G R A N AT E P R O S C I U T TO S A U C E

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PA R M E S A N C R U S T E D L A M B R A C K , P E R U V I A N P U R P L E M A S H , D E G L A Z E D M U S H R O O M S A U C E DECEMBER 2015

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OUR food

GRILLED SALMON, HONEY SAFFRON SAUCE, SWEET PURPLE MASH

SEARED SCALLOPS, GARLIC

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S P I N AC H , M A N G O L E M O N S A U C E A N D B L U E B E R RY E S S E N C E

Catering seemed like the perfect fit.

“I was able to get back to my roots and what I love doing,” Gish said. “Cooking is where my heart lies, and I needed to take a break to make sure I didn’t lose that.” He recently launched RG Catering & Event Management, but he didn’t want to just turn out product or be the caterer someone calls two hours before you need a box lunch delivered. Gish said he wants to be more selective with the events he caters so that he can provide a fresher style.

“I want to incorporate innovative ideas that you won’t see other caterers doing in Omaha, but nothing too overwhelming or intimidating,” Gish said. One example is his purple mashed potatoes. “A lot of people don’t know that purple potatoes exist naturally,” he said. Other items include micro vegetables such as miniature carrots in different colors, and a grilled rack of lamb with a velvety pomegranate sauce with balsamic glaze. “Everything I create is not only appealing to your taste buds, but I’m also bringing color and texture to every item,” Gish explained.

Other signature dishes include caramelized jumbo sea scallops with amaretto sauce, smoked gouda macaroni and cheese with white truffle oil, and osso bucco over herbed polenta, which are lamb shanks that have been roasted all day and served over a creamy polenta with a demi-glace. Box lunches might include a salmon BLT, Cajun steak sandwich, or a mushroom Havarti burger.

In order to serve such original dishes, Gish scours local farmers’ markets and grocery stores such as Whole Foods in order to find the perfect ingredients.

He prepares the food on site and brings portable burners and ovens. “I’m not intimidated to cook for 500 or event 1,000 people as long as I have space to do it,” he said. “I have literally worked out of a closet before.”

RG Catering & Event Management is a full service company with an event coordinator and the capability to provide not just food, but also assist with entertainment, bar and liquor service, and even lighting and décor. As the company grows, Gish said he’d like to add additional event coordinators. “We like to say that we take the stress off our guests,” he said. “What is the point of hiring a caterer if you’re going to worry about things and do half the work yourself? I want you to relax and to enjoy your event.”

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Viewpointe Vision opens its doors and hearts to families

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one are the days when doctors make house calls. But providing care for an entire family on a personalized level is still very much alive and well. Viewpointe Vision (formerly Elkhorn Ridge Vision) recently opened its doors in a new location just south of 180th & Dodge. The practice offers additional exam rooms, stateof-the art technology, and a wider range of eyewear options, as well as two more optometrists, but kept its focus on quality, custom eye care for families.

Dr. Daniel Novak, O.D.

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visionaries TRU E

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Matthew Klemke, O.D., a native Nebraskan, started his private practice in 2005 with a mission to provide a level of care to patient families that included taking the time to educate them about eye health and explain ways to either prevent or delay problems. He also wanted to provide concierge style care without concierge fees, meaning make himself accessible to patients when they needed him, whether nights or on weekends, and didn’t hesitate to give out his cell number.

That philosophy took on a whole new meaning when Klemke was diagnosed with cancer in 2008. Friends and colleagues, many from a network of private practice optometrists called Vision Source, came to his aide and kept his practice afloat while refusing to be paid in return. “It was a life altering event, and after that you feel a need to pay that forward,” Klemke said. “So I tell every single patient, if you need me, call me.

Don’t feel guilty if it’s on a weekend. We’ll take care of you.”

Klemke’s passion for this level of care is shared by his two colleagues, Ariann Brown, O.D., and Daniel Novak, O.D. who recently joined Viewpointe Vision.

Both Nebraska natives as well, Brown and Novak appreciate the emphasis the practice places on getting to know patients.

“What I love most is the personalized care and the service I can provide here,” Brown said. “I see patients at our kids’ activities, at school, and throughout the community. A patient told me she really likes that we know who you are, and we get to know your family too.”

Viewpointe Vision treats patients from infancy through adulthood and participates in two pediatric programs: the Infant SEE program, which is a free eye exam for infants from six months to one year of age, and the See to Learn program, in which any three-year-old in Nebraska can have a free vision assessment. They have a full range of eye wear for all ages, including sports goggles and sunglasses for kids.

The technology available at Viewpointe Vision also sets the office apart.

Novak noted that as a newer graduate, it’s an ideal place to practice. “Technology has changed the industry, and eye care has taken off in the last 15 years,” he said. “The equipment here is state-ofthe art, and it’s a fantastic place to be.”

Brown added that the equipment allows the doctors to see signs of trouble that DECEMBER 2015

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Dr. Matthew Klemke, O.D.

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they wouldn’t necessarily be able to see in a typical exam, such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and more.

The physicians also take into account an individual’s lifestyle and environment. Klemke pointed out that daily routine impacts a person’s vision. It’s important he and his staff understand that in order to make customized recommendations, such as whether or not someone spends a majority of their day in front of a computer or spends a lot of time outdoors in the sun. He stressed that everything they do in their practice takes into account whether or not it will ultimately be good for their patient families. “We truly love taking care of people and doing it in a way that is above and beyond what you’ve experienced elsewhere,” Klemke said. “We want to educate you, get to know you and your family, and take care of you for the rest of your life.”

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Offering the area’s most convenient locations and exceptional service.

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WORTH THE HAUL

8-13 Dec.

Wizard of Oz, The Orpheum Theater, $25-$75

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

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Michael McDonald – This Christmas, An Evening of Holiday and Hits – Holland Center, $35-$65

WORTH THE HAUL

4 9

PINNACLE BANK ARENA 400 Pinnacle Arena Drive, Lincoln (402) 904-4444

Dec.

Motley Crue w/Alice Cooper, $55-$95

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

BAXTER ARENA 67th and West Center Road www.unomaha.edu/athletics/arena

Dec.

Creighton Bluejays vs Nebraska Cornhuskers, 7 p.m.

4 17-19

Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy, $52

Dec.

Dec.

NCAA Division I Volleyball Championship

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a caring COMMUNITY

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Through generosity and respect, COPE helps those in need

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ndividuals and families throughout Omaha need assistance at times. There are many dedicated organizations ready to help, especially throughout Eastern Douglas County. However, for those families living in Western Douglas County communities such as Valley, Waterloo, Bennington, and Elkhorn, options have been more limited.

That’s why the Christian Outreach Program—Elkhorn, COPE, opened its doors more than 10 years ago to help fill that much needed void.

COPE Executive Director Tammy Green

Story by KATHY RYGG Photos by MAUREEN FRITTS PHOTOGRAPHY DECEMBER 2015

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COPE Executive Director Tammy Green has been with the organization for the past two years. She has extensive experience with non-profits, but said she was drawn to COPE because of its organic culture and unique way it’s structured. “It has to do with the respect we give families,” she said. The organization is careful to treat those they work with just like the people they are— neighbors, classmates, and family members. “They’re all hard working and have jobs, they’ve just hit a rough patch,” she explained. All of COPE’s case workers are those who have received assistance in the past, which helps them truly understand the unique positions of the families.

Since COPE is the only organization in Western Douglas County that provides assistance, the organization tries to ensure it’s available to families when they need it. Much of what they do revolves around rent and utility aide, but they also have food pantries throughout the week, seasonal community gardens, and clothing donations. Because space at COPE is limited, the organization has DECEMBER 2015

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formed partnerships with area churches who provide the space for the food pantries, and many local businesses, such as Hy-Vee and Family Fare, make regular donations.

“We have an entire sustainability program,” Green said. This extends to COPE’s partnerships with Cooking Matters, Tomato Tomato, and CHI so that families have fresh fruits and vegetables rather than just high processed boxed foods and are offered classes to teach them how to cook healthier meals with what they have. Other classes include helping individuals understand finances, realistic budgeting, and helping them establish utility level payment plans.

In 2014 COPE helped more than 540 families through 5,700 services. Two of their busiest times of the year are back to school and Christmas. “Both of these could be considered crisis moments 56 |

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financially for a family, and we try to alleviate that crisis,” Green said. COPE supplies backpacks and supplies for kids during back to school. “School supplies can cost $100 per child, and for a family with four children, that’s $400 and doesn’t include school clothing and shoes,” she said.

The adopt-a-family family program at Christmas helps 200 kids and their families each year. Families can enroll their children in the program, providing

their list of needs, which are distributed throughout the community. More than 400 volunteers help put on a celebration in which donations are sorted and distributed to families at a celebration.

This year’s will occur on Dec. 12th from 2:00-4:00pm at the Peace Presbyterian Church in Elkhorn and include a visit from Santa and his elves, music from the Elkhorn South High School Band, and an opportunity for kids to pick out presents for their parents that are

donated from throughout the community as well.

Green said COPE is run solely through volunteers and that they always welcome more. Their goal is to continue to grow so that COPE can increase its hours to serve more families and serve them better. “We’re here fighting poverty one family at a time,” she said. “We want to partner with people for the long haul so they can succeed in life. That’s when we know we’ve done our job.”

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