Edge - December 2017

D E C E M B E R

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Start your holiday family traditions at Regency Table Grace Cafe gives others a hand up Snowshoe Candy Co. makes your holidays sweeter

M A G A Z I N E

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LETTER from the PUBLISHER

CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY

From left: Christopher Tierney, Carole Sprunk, Quentin Lueninghoener and Kathy Rygg.

REACH US We want to hear from you. Ideas, suggestions, compliments and critiques, send them to us at Carole@EdgeMagazine.com

D E C E M B E R

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M A G A Z I N E

Start your holiday family traditions at Regency Table Grace Cafe gives others a hand up Snowshoe Candy Co. makes your holidays sweeter

COV E R P H OTO BY CHRISTINE BALLARD

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“A hand

up rather than a hand out.” It’s a phrase often used but not always practiced. However, there’s no better time than the holidays to give others a hand up, and many of the stories in this issue reflect that.

Table Grace, our dining feature, invites everyone in for lunch, supper, music and fellowship, regardless of ability to pay. Owners Simone and Matt Weber have dedicated themselves to creating a community that lifts one another up.

Also featured is Ali Yahnke Clark, owner of Snowshoe Candy Co. and the winner of this year’s Get Started Omaha event, which enabled her to purchase the equipment necessary to elevate her candy making business to the next level.

Even our youth are learning the value of giving back. At just 12-years-old, Lilly Maddox organizes an annual shoe drive for her birthday to help others who aren’t as fortunate.

Organizations such as Rejuvenating Women devote themselves to improving the life of even just one person. Founder Julie Shrader and her team are working to help restore women who have been victims of human trafficking. A very real problem that sometimes we don’t want to realize is happening locally.

There is so much good happening in our community, and it’s the result of all of us, collectively, giving others a “hand up” to achieve their goals, which in turn makes our entire community a better place.

Carol Sprunk Publisher

V O L U M E

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DECEMBER 2017

M A G A Z I N E

PUBLISHER AND OWNER Carole Sprunk (402) 587-2259 // Carole@EdgeMagazine.com MANAGING EDITOR Kathy Rygg (402) 490-3213 // Kathy@EdgeMagazine.com CONTRIBUTING WRITER Pat Sangimino DESIGNER Quentin Lueninghoener (402) 517-1228 // quentin@hanscompark.com PHOTO STAFF Christopher Tierney Photography (402) 350-5699 ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Kathy Rygg (402) 490-3213 // Kathy@EdgeMagazine.com Jill Schreck 402-720-2787 // Jill@EdgeMagazine.com CONTACT US P: (402) 587-2259 Carole@EdgeMagazine.com PO Box 620, Elkhorn, NE 68022 Edge is published bi-monthly. Content copyright © 2017 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, Carole Sprunk. 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, PO Box 620, Elkhorn, NE 68022

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CONTENTS COVER story

OUR home 6

48

OUR business

OUR passion

MY concoction

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28

46

OUR food

OUR youth

36

56

20

OUR leisure

VARSITY corner

44

62

We’re about you

Jeff Glosser

Nancy Godfrey

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OUR home

w

L U X U RY

living

hen planning to build a house, most homeowners have certain requirements to meet their lifestyle. For Rebecca and Darrin Jackson, the list was short but important to them: a large mud room with wall-size family organizer; second-story laundry room large enough to accommodate two sets of washers and dryers; an outdoor pool; and a wrestling room where their three sons could train.

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After deciding to work with local builder ADC Homes, the Jackson’s were approached about turning the project into a 2012 Street of Dreams Home, which was being held in their Coventry Estates neighborhood. As soon as they agreed, custom touches were incorporated throughout the two-story, five-bedroom, 5,500 sq. ft. home.

As a former teacher, family organization was imperative for Rebecca. As a result, a wall-size dry-erase master calendar was incorporated into the oversized mud room. “It’s the life center of the house and has been one of the best things we’ve ever done,” she said. There’s also a study/play room for the kids, with

STORY BY KATHY RYGG 10-PAGE PHOTO PORTFOLIO

BY SNAP PHOTOGRAPHY

S T U N N I N G E N T RY WAY DECEMBER 2017

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OUR home

L I B R A RY

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C U STO M WA L L CA L E N DA R

a large desk and three work stations. The lower level wrestling room can double as a gym, and a filtered water drinking fountain sits by the pool entrance for when the kids and their friends come inside.

Attention to detail is evident throughout the home, and interior designer Libby Pantzlaff came up with creative touches in every room. A built-in fish tank adorns one of the second-story bedrooms, and another has double built-in bunk beds with stairs designed to look like stacked books leading up to them. “We always have kids sleeping in the bunk beds on any given weekend,” Rebecca said.

The gourmet kitchen has stainless steel appliances and a stove-top focal point surrounded by stone that matches the stone in the living room’s fireplace. Kitchen cabinets are made of knotty alder, and the granite countertop has a leathered-look finish. The earthy wood and wall tones are extended into the main level guest bath that features a built-in sculpted tree complete with lights in the end of its branches.

The master suite includes heated bathroom floors and black-out shades for the

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OUR home

CUSTOM KITCHEN

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OUR home

MASTER SUITE

M A S T E R B AT H

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OUR home

B U I LT- I N B U N K B E D S

H O M E T H E AT E R

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B A C K YA R D P O O L

large windows, as well as a direct water line to the coffee station—another musthave at Rebecca’s request. The walk-in master closet opens to the laundry room, which was built to house two sets of washers and dryers—a necessity for three boys who are all involved in wrestling.

Other family-friendly features include the lower level home theater with large built-in bar. The bar’s unique top is river stones encased in glass. There’s also a true fifth bedroom and two large storage rooms, one with an indoor sauna.

While all of those features provide the home with unique elements, Darrin is proud of the craftsmanship throughout.

“Even though the home is beautiful, it’s durable and meant to be lived in,” he said. Features such as 8 ft. doors, 10 ft. ceilings in the lower level, and a climate controlled four-car garage top his list.

Although the desk-top in the study room that contains his childhood penny collection is a design detail that holds special meaning for him.

Admittedly, the Jackson’s are going to

miss the home but are ready for their next phase in life now that their sons are older. “This house is ideal for a family,” Darrin said. “We love the neighbors and there are kids of all ages. For us, this house has become the place where all of our kids’ friends hang out, and we love it that way. It’s a traditional home with some neat aspects that’s warm and friendly for everyone.” For more information, contact Teresa Elliott, Elliott Group Omaha, 402-445-4889, Teresa@ ElliottOmaha.com.

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OUR style

right R E N O VAT E T H E

WAY

A renovation that takes a bright, primary colored “BEFORE,” to a soft, neutral “AFTER,” is a drastic change…even for a professional. This particular project happens to be the private residence of one of Interiors Joan and Associates’ own professional interior designers, and when she said she was ready for change, she meant it.

The home, a sprawling ranch with a walk out lower level, boasts an incredible pool, patio area, fire pit lounge, and even a pool house. An original color palette of bright yellows, blues, and reds leant itself to a unique French Country flavor, and the finished renovation created a calming sea of grays, charcoals, textures and metallic.

Perhaps the most drastic change of all was that of the kitchen, in both layout and design. The existing cabinetry was removed to make room for sleek new cabinets crafted of rift cut cherry wood and finished with a custom stain. Open shelving, a custom designed metal hood and a perfectly crafted combination of paints, stains, and countertop materials gives the space a sophisticated, more contemporary aesthetic.

Every element, from the myriad of materials and craftsmen, to the unique lighting and plumbing fixtures, to the statement18 |

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making artwork was carefully planned and delicately balanced to achieve a sophisticated design in this newly renovated home.

While a major renovation or transition from one style to another might seem daunting, the process can be incredibly rewarding, even enjoyable, if you work with a team of professionals. Begin by gathering thoughts and images of your likes and dislikes, then allow your interior designer to assemble resources and materials that will create the perfect end result, all the while guiding you there.

Story by LINDI JANULEWICZ Photography by TOM KESSLER, KESSLER PHOTOGRAPHY

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DECEMBER 2017

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OUR business

Let it Snow Snowshoe Candy Co. makes your holidays sweeter Story by KATHY RYGG Photos by CHRISTOPHER T IERNEY PHOTOGRAPHY

A

li Clark Yahnke’s favorite season for candy making has always been winter. Growing up in Wisconsin, she loved activities that imparted feelings of warmth and comfort such as cooking and knitting and has fond memories of enjoying handmade caramels from her grandfather at the holidays. One year at Thanksgiving she visited her grandparents and Ali’s grandfather taught her the craft of making caramels. Every year from then on, she has made many batches of caramel to share with friends and family, not knowing that one day her hobby would turn into a burgeoning candy business.

After moving to Omaha in 2011, Ali made small batches of caramels that she’d share with her new community.

Having sold at the farmer’s market for her other job as a market farmer, she thought to bring a batch of caramels to the last market of the season. In no time she’d sold out, and soon customers asked how to get them to give as gifts

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for the holidays. Soon she was selling at holiday markets and as sales grew, Ali realized she wanted to turn her hobby into a business. Reflecting back on her love of winter, she recalled a time she had gone snowshoeing in the mountains, and the name seemed to fit perfectly: Snowshoe Candy Company, “a simple way to enjoy winter,” she said.

Ali Clark Yahnke DECEMBER 2017

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OUR business For the first few years Ali made her candy in a stock pot, stirring the caramel by hand. Because caramel melts easily in warm temperatures, she only makes caramels during the cooler months. Batches were small, and demand kept growing. When she heard about Cox Communications’ Get Started Omaha pitch competition to help entrepreneurs, she decided to send in a submission, and was selected as one of six finalists. “The biggest barrier to my growth was using modified home cooking equipment,” Ali explained.

“Winning $7500 in the competition allowed me to buy a commercial cooker.”

After working with a pitch coach, Ali practiced her two and a half minute presentation in front of the mirror.

Following her presentation, a panel of four judges asked questions about her business. “All the pitches were so strong and with good business plans, but I felt good afterward,” she said.

Her preparation paid off—Snowshoe Candy Co. was the winner of the 2017 Get Started Omaha pitch competition.

She won $7500 cash and a $2500 Cox Media package. “I was shocked that I won!” Ali said. Not only was she able to buy a top of the line copper cooker, but she was also able to build out a professional kitchen.

With the Cox Media package, she decided to create a video to use for a crowdfunding campaign to purchase another piece of equipment: a wrapping machine. Raising more than $15,000, Ali plans to buy a wrapping machine that will automate what she has previously done by hand—the tedious process of wrapping caramels with

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small squares of wax paper. “Many of the machines that work for small scale candy businesses today were used to wrap cough drops in apothecaries in the early 1900s,” she said. She has also purchased a stirrer, so she no longer has to endure the pain in her arm of stirring by hand.

With her recent success in purchasing professional equipment, Ali said she will be able to make batch sizes 10 times what she made previously. “Last year my mom helped me with holiday orders,

and we wrapped 12,000 caramels by hand just in the month of November.”

All caramel orders are made fresh within a week of being shipped out. And each year she becomes more efficient. “I’m no longer hand-writing shipping labels,” she said.

Snowshoe’s online store is open through the holidays, and she also does weddings and corporate gifts. In addition to caramels, Ali also makes chocolate covered cherries, nut brittle, and even lollipops. But the sea salt

“The biggest barrier to my growth was using modified home cooking equipment Winning $7500 in the competition allowed me to buy a commercial cooker.”

– Ali Clark Yahnke

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OUR business

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caramels are most people’s favorite.

And no wonder—Ali makes her own vanilla extract and uses locally-sourced butter. She also added sea salt to her grandfather’s original recipe, and heats the caramel two degrees lower. “Mine are a little softer than his,” she said.

Although Ali has experienced rapid growth recently, it took her a long time to get where she’s at and the support of a lot of people. “My husband Scott has been so supportive of everything, and the Omaha Makers community is incredible,” she said. “All new businesses are at a different point in their process, and it requires patience, perseverance, and creativity.” A decadent caramel doesn’t hurt either.

To place your holiday candy order, visit snowshoecandyco.com.

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OUR safety

defense BASIC HOME

How to improve your home safety and peace of mind.

By TREVOR THRASHER, Senior Instructor & COO

ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS AT

BASIC HOME SAFETY DEFENSE MISTAKES

If you came home and noticed something amiss or out of place—an open door, a curtain moved, a broken window—what would you do? Your first instinct is going to be to run in and see who is in your house, but that’s a mistake. Even if loved ones are home, take a breath, keep some distance, then call 911 or call your loved one inside. Rushing in could create more victims and may make matters worse.

Never open the door for strangers. If you read reports on home invasions, you will likely see a phrase similar to “forced their way in.” Most often, this is a polite way to say that someone simply opened the door for the intruder. Knocking on the door is usually either the start of a ruse or a method used to check if the home is occupied. Again, take a breath, see who is there first, gather more information or start a discussion from a position of safety, then decide whether or not to open the door.

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR HOME SAFETY

Look at your lighting, landscaping, and fencing.

Do these things make it easy to approach your home while unseen? If so, change them. Next, look at your doors and windows. Could you breach the door with a few kicks? Could you simply break out a small pane of glass and undo a lock and walk or crawl in? If so, fix it. Main doors into a house and at least one other door leading to a “safe room” should be hardened significantly. The simplest way to do a home security assessment is to think like a 26 |

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criminal and plan how you would break into your own home.

BREAK-INS

What if you discover a criminal breaking into your home before they are actually inside? A lot of people will run and hide, put themselves in a corner and hope for the best. That may work, but 90% of criminals will flee if they know someone is home and hear this phrase: “Stop, I’m armed, the police are coming.” You may not have a gun, but you certainly have some type of defensive instrument in the house. If the bad guys keep coming after that, then they are after more than your flat screen TV. These recommendations are just the tip of the iceberg. In our Basic Home Defense course, we cover: • Hardening the home • How to deal with people at your door • Developing a family emergency response plan • Constructing a safe room • Dealing with a break in • How to deal with an armed criminal already in your home We don’t just talk about it, we make you do it, and prove that a little training and preparation can go a long way toward improving your home safety and peace of mind. In the meantime, avoid the big mistakes and make yourself a harder target.

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OUR passion

Rejuvenating Women helps restore hope for those affected by human trafficking

a

n average of 900 individuals are sold each month in the state of Nebraska for human trafficking.* That’s a chilling statistic that most people might be surprised to learn.

Unfortunately, it’s a reality that has resulted from the ease of online access to sites where people are sold into this type of slavery, and locally Interstate 80 has become a pipeline for transporting individuals. But a local organization is not only bringing awareness to the issue, it’s also helping to restore the lives of those who have been victims of human trafficking and exploitation.

CEO and Founder Rebecca Bender, with the Rebecca Bender Initiative

Story by KATHY RYGG Photos by CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY PHOTOGRAPHY 28 |

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Empowering LIV ES

DECEMBER 2017

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OUR passion

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NEBRASKA GOVERNOR PETE RICKETTS

Rejuvenating Women began as a Facebook page: Shame No More. Founder Julie Shrader, who spent 25 years in the medical field, created the page to help others who shared her struggle in dealing with feelings of shame over events from her past. As she began talking with other women who had been abused, exploited, and raped, she realized there was a deeper need to provide them with support, education, and the faith needed to lead healthy, independent lives. So Julie decided to dedicate herself to helping others and established Rejuvenating Women as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in March of 2013.

Recognizing the issues that women who have been trafficked face are complex and don’t distinguish between race, religion, or socio-economic status, Rejuvenating Women has developed a multiphase, faith-based program. Phase One begins with making sure the women who come into the program are safe. Other common issues, such as alcohol and drug addiction, also need to be assessed and addressed. As women move through the phases, each of which often takes months to achieve, they progress through emotional, cognitive, and behavioral

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OUR passion

R E J U V E N AT I N G W O M E N F O U N D E R J U L I E S H R A D E R

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sessions, all with the goal of learning how to have healthy relationships with others and themselves. At the end of the four phases, aftercare is available as long as the women need it.

“All of the women we see are broken,” Julie explained. “It can take years to build trust back up.

Very often women don’t stay and they either go back to their situation or back to drugs. It’s heartbreaking, but if we can take care of even one person, then it’s worth it.” Last spring, Rejuvenating Women purchased a home for its Restored Wings Program.

Different than a safe house, it’s a restoration home where women can live for up to two years while they are going through programming, with the eventual goal for them to have jobs and live independently. The home is staffed round-the-clock so that the women have support and companionship whenever they need it.

As an extension of that home, Julie said they hope to purchase apartments that can be used as transitional living. Women can graduate from the group home into an apartment and learn how to budget and pay their own bills, all while receiving continued counseling. “It would be another important step before letting them fly on their own,” she said.

The cost to maintain the home isn’t small, and Rejuvenating Women relies solely on donations. Its third annual Beautifully Broken, Road to Freedom banquet this past fall raised more than $155,000, but monthly donors are crucial in order to sustain

services. “Even monthly donations of $20 would help cover the cost of basic necessities such as food,” Julie said.

In addition to helping women who have just been freed from human trafficking, thanks to the awareness that Rejuvenating Women has created, women are coming forward who were trafficked and exploited by family members as children.

“These are men and women who are now adults and leading seemingly normal lives, but who have never addressed the emotional trauma that the years of sexual abuse has caused and are keeping their past a secret,” Julie said. In fact, Rejuvenating Women began a new support group on Monday evenings, designed specifically for victims and survivors of human trafficking.

Because awareness of human trafficking is key to its prevention, Rejuvenating Women recently started local awareness groups. Staff is happy to speak to small groups of friends at a home or employees in an office setting and discuss signs to look for in human trafficking, and ways they can help. “No matter what you’ve been through, however dark it may be, there’s always hope for every person,” Julie said. “There’s an answer to the chaos in life. We can be healed from anything and can find happiness again.”

SAVE THE DATE Next Year’s Rejuvenating Women Gala September 13, 2018 with keynote speaker Jerome Elam, child trafficking survivor.

*Statistics provided by the Human Trafficking Initiative

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DECEMBER 2017

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OUR luxury

THE NEW Jaguar XE

ICONIC DESIGN This form has been rigorously optimized to cut through the air – every element exploits the exterior’s maximum aerodynamic potential while preserving the stunning proportions of the Jaguar XE. INCONTROL TOUCH PRO The next-generation hardware and software of InControl Touch Pro™ advances connectivity and entertainment to the very highest level. Touch Pro provides a 10.2” touchscreen with lightning fast response times. Touch Pro features include a connected navigation system, door-to-door route planning, and a Wi-Fi Hotspot.

JAGUAR INNOVATION From comprehensive multimedia technology to precision-built sound systems and intelligent driver aids, the XE is home to a wealth of innovative and seamlessly integrated technologies.

5

AWD AND INTELLIGENT DRIVELINE DYNAMICS The available All Wheel Drive (AWD) system delivers confident handling on most surfaces. The system uses a unique Intelligent Driveline Dynamics control strategy software developed by Jaguar that features sophisticated algorithms to react intelligently to road conditions. Predictive as well as reactive, the system helps prevent you from losing traction instead of working to regain it.

ADVANCED DRIVING DYNAMICS Dynamic Mode enlivens XE’s sporting character. It sharpens throttle response, increases steering weighting and performs gearshifts more quickly and at higher engine speeds.

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features

of the perfect sedan

H&H PREMIER AUTOMOTIVE 716 N. 102nd St. 402-695-7020

jaguaromaha.com

DECEMBER 2017

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OUR food

Food with heart

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i

TA B L E G R A C E C A F E O W N E R S S I M O N E A N D M AT T W E B E R

Story by KATHY RYGG | Photos by CHRIS TIERNEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Table Grace cafe caters to a community in need

f you’re not familiar with the small, community restaurant tucked along Farnam Street between 16th and 17th Streets downtown, you need to be. The concept is simple: provide healthy food for anyone who walks in the door, and you can either make a monetary donation in any amount, or you can volunteer in the restaurant. Either way, you’re guaranteed a warm, delicious meal and a place to connect with others in the community.

I TA L I A N B E E F P I Z Z A DECEMBER 2017

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OUR food

P OTATO B A C O N C H O W D E R I N A D E L I C ATA S Q U A S H B O W L

MIXED GREEN SALAD WITH POPPYSEED RANCH DRESSING

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We’re looking for stories about Our Youth!

Kids of any age who are outstanding in: • Academics • Athletics • Music/arts • Community involvement • Volunteering • Other unique activities

Share your stories with us!

Kathy@EdgeMagazine.com 402-490-3213

DECEMBER 2017

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OUR food

A S I A N G R E E N B E A N A N D B O K C H OY S A L A D

TOASTED PECAN BLUE CHEESE PIZZA

Owners Matt and Simone Weber, both musicians who first met at a music camp in high school, have always been mission minded. After attending the University of Nebraska Lincoln, they moved to New York City where Matt studied at the Natural Gourmet Culinary Institute and interned at the James Beard House. Knowing that food was healing, he wanted to cook with more purpose rather than just food for entertainment.

Simultaneously, Simone was pursuing her passion for song writing and singing, and wanted to use her talents to help those in need. After deciding to move back to Nebraska to be closer to family. She became the Director of Music 40 |

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at First Lutheran Church in downtown Omaha. When a parishioner named Grace learned that Simone wanted to professionally record her music, Grace offered to finance the project. “After that we started thinking about additional projects and began to dream bigger,” Simone said. “We wanted to combine music and food to help people in need.”

The couple decided they needed to start their own non-profit, and once again Grace offered to help them financially. In 2008, they offered 200 meals per week to families out of the church kitchen. “It was a way to give families more time around a table while eating healthy food,” Matt said. A year and a

half later, Matt visited a restaurant in Denver called SAME Café (So All May Eat). He liked the idea of a community restaurant and decided to create the concept in Omaha.

When the Webers found the space at 16th and Farnam, they knew it was the right location. “It’s a crossroads for people of all walk of life,” Matt explained.

Within walking distance of the restaurant there’s a homeless shelter, bus stop, the courthouse, and professional office buildings. They felt the blend of people was important. “We believe healthy giving is based on relationships, and there’s no better way to do that than to have a meal with someone,” Simone said.

B E E F B R I S K E T A N D C R U C I F E R O U S V E G E TA B L E S T E W

Table Grace is a way to give a “hand up” rather than a “hand out,” such as simply giving someone money on the street.

Seventy percent of those served at Table Grace are either low or no income. Ten to 20% of those volunteer their time in the restaurant, while the remaining are able to pay a few coins up to $3.00 for a meal. Thirty percent of customers pay generously when they come in. Because there is such a gap, Table Grace has to diversify where they receive their income. Simone released a CD of songs to tell their story and performs them locally. She’s also working on putting together a musical to perform at local theaters. In addition to cooking at the restaurant, Matt provides catering, and next spring he’s launching the Table Grace food truck.

Although the menu is small—pizza, salad, and soup is the core of it—all food is made fresh, with 90% of ingredients being donated from organizations such as Saving Grace. Every day there is a new gourmet pizza and soup, and on Saturdays Matt makes brunch that may include croissant waffles, breakfast enchiladas, or home made cinnamon rolls. He also provides gluten-free and vegan options. The catering menu is more extensive for weddings, conferences, and corporate meals.

The Webers want Table Grace to serve as a vehicle for change, which can only be accomplished if more people decide to make a difference by enjoying a meal at the restaurant for a donation. “The people who are trying to get out of poverty value a place like Table Grace so they can get to the next step in their life,” Simone said. “Sometimes problems seem too large to make a difference, but simply by having a meal here you can be a positive impact on someone who needs it right in our community.”

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Subs, sandwiches and chips

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DECEMBER 2017

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OUR leisure

dynamic Three

D E S T I N AT I O N S

THE BRANDO, TETIAROA

BY

land

Nobu Ryokan Malibu | Malibu, CA When to travel: Year-round When to book: 3-6 months before Why Nobu Ryokan Malibu: This Malibu retreat will make you feel like you’re on the other side of the Pacific Ocean, with its homage to traditional Japanese Ryokan, from teak soaking tubs, serene outdoor patios and an elegant Japanese minimalist aesthetic. The tranquil landscaping creates a luxurious, indulgent oasis in the midst of a busy world. Each room has enchanting views of either serene garden or ocean surf. The intimate retreat offers fine Japanese-fusion cuisine, oceanfront access to one of the most beautiful private beaches in California and quick access to world-class shopping, arts and entertainment in Malibu.

Travel and Transport Exclusive Offer*: Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability; complimentary breakfast for two daily; $100 USD equivalent resort or hotel credit to be utilized during stay; early check-in/check-out, subject to availability; complimentary Wi-Fi.

BY

air

7 Nights at The Brando, Tetiaroa | Pleasant Holidays When to travel: May to Oct. When to book: 12-18 months before Why The Brando with Pleasant Holidays: The Brando is the ultimate in luxury resorts in the colorful and exotic French Polynesia. Located on the private island of Tetiaroa on a sparkling lagoon, you’ll stay at one of 35 villas on impossibly pristine white-sand beaches. At the Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa, you will experience true tranquility with holistic treatments inspired by ancestral Polynesian techniques. Enjoy Polynesian dishes, East/West fusion and classic French cuisine at the two restaurants on site, a treat for your taste buds. From paddleboarding to whale watching, you won’t lack for fun activities to fill your days at The Brando.

Travel Design Lounge Exclusive Event: Join us on Thursday, December 7 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for a formal presentation from our partners at Pleasant Holidays as they showcase vacation experiences to Tahiti and Hawaii. RSVP required to TDLEvents@TravelDesignLounge.com or call us for details at 402.548.3280.

N O B U RYO K A N M A L I B U

VISIT US AT OUR NEWEST LOCATION

402.399.4555 2120 S. 72nd St. Omaha, NE travelandtransport.com

844.548.3280 16950 Wright Plaza, Suite 151 Omaha, NE traveldesignlounge.com

For over 71 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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BY

sea

8-Day Renaissance and Retreats (Monte Carlo, Monaco to Barcelona, Spain) | Oceania Cruises When to travel: Oct.-Nov. When to book: 10-12 months before Why 8-Day Renaissance and Retreats: Oceania has a reputation for elegance and luxury, offering mid-sized ships with personalized service, and the eight-day Renaissance and Retreats is no exception.

Start in glamorous Monte Carlo, Monaco, and enjoy stops in four total countries before ending your journey in vibrant Barcelona. With unique and memorable shore excursions ranging from wine tasting in Nice to visiting the haunts of Pablo Picasso in Antibes, the options are varied and plentiful. On board, Oceania offers the finest cuisine at sea, an intimate setting, an acclaimed spa and much more.

Travel and Transport Exclusive Offer*: Book your eight-day Renaissance and Retreats voyage with Travel and Transport and receive complimentary Virtuoso Voyager Club amenities. On select voyages only. Please contact an advisor for details as amenities vary.

*Restrictions may apply.

DECEMBER 2017

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MY concoction

Stirnella 3814 Farnam St. (402) 932-0444 Open daily

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1

5

What you need: • 1 oz. house made simple syrup with cinnamon, maple, and cloves

• 2 oz. Cut Spike Rum • 5 oz. Ditmars Orchard Apple Cider • Grated fresh cinnamon Combine simple syrup and rum

steps

2

Add apple cider

3

to the perfect cocktail THE BAR: Stirnella THE BARTENDER: Sam THE DRINK: Holiday Spiked Cider

4

5

Shake well and strain into glass, add grated fresh cinnamon on top

Serve in a mug with cinnamon stick DECEMBER 2017

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WORTH THE HAUL

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Dec.

Dec.

Physicians Mutual Omaha Symphony Christmas Celebration

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

OMAHA COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE

17-23 6915 Cass St., (402) 553-0800 omahaplayhouse.com

Nov.

Dec.

“A Christmas Carol”

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

ORPHEUM 409 S 16th St. (402) 661-8555 omahaperformingarts.org

Creighton basketball Throughout Dec. and Jan.

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!

G N I N E P O D N A R G 180th & Pacific Spiritual Direction

Individual Personal Training Small Group Training Group Classes

Call Today! 402-680-6020 17825 Pierce Plaza Omaha, NE 68130

Cell: 402-680-6020 DGray@FigureByFaith.com

DECEMBER 2017

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COVER story

Regency’s rich history as a holiday tradition for families

f

or more than 40 years shoppers have made Regency a favorite destination, especially at the holidays.

With its brick-lined interior and enclosed store-fronts only steps apart from each other, Regency was originally designed as a small-town village as part of the overall Regency development. Locals who lived in the housing division and worked in the adjacent business park could walk over to shop and dine as an extension of their own neighborhood.

Story by KATHY RYGG Photos by CHRISTINE BALL ARD & CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY PHOTOGRAPHY 48 |

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Family Tradition

DECEMBER 2017

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COVER story

STO RY T I M E W I T H M R S . C L A U S

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Today, Regency appeals to a much wider audience with its emphasis on one and only retailers unique to Omaha.

National merchants such as Williams-Sonoma, Anthropologie, Pottery Barn, and Pottery Barn Kids provide a wide draw.

Local retailers such as Borsheims, Parsow’s Fashions, Tilly, and Christian Nobel Furs bring an additional niche clientele.

Fleming’s, Bonefish Grill, and Paradise Bakery offer a variety of dining options so there’s something for everyone.

But what unifies all of these merchants are the family-friendly events they host throughout the year. “We aren’t what we used to be,” said Regency’s General Manager, Alicia Peters. “We are doing much more to appeal to younger families and our stores have events centered around them.” These include junior chef classes at Williams-Sonoma, weekly story time at Pottery Barn Kids, and character visits at Learning Express from Peppa the Pig and others. During the summer months Regency holds its Kids Funfair every Thursday, which draws up to 300 families and includes activities such as magician shows and performances by Omaha Street Percussion.

Other special events during the year include bringing in local pop-up shops, fashion trunk shows, Borsheims’ wedding showcase and Berkshire Days, American Girl cooking classes at Williams-Sonoma, and special event stylings at Garbo’s Salon. Both Fleming’s and Bonefish Grill have popular happy hours as well. But one of Regency’s most notable events is when Santa comes to town.

In his eighth year as Santa Claus, Lynn Hendrix, joined by his wife Jackie as Mrs. Claus the past two years, will bring his love and enthusiasm for the holiday to Regency once again.

“He’s so popular as Santa because of his personality,” Alicia said. “He’s no different in and out of character. They are both

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COVER story

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so genuine, which is what makes him so popular. He’s the driver behind the magic we have at Regency at the holidays, and we are so lucky to have it.”

When first approached to play Santa, Lynn admits he was hesitant. But his wife and family encouraged him to try it. “I don’t like to shave, so the beard was natural,” he said. After giving it a try the first year, he was hooked. “The first time you hold an infant and look into their sweet eyes, it’s so special,” Lynn added. He’s grown into the role over the years, to the point where even his own grandchildren didn’t recognize him when they were little and visited him at Regency. “I curl his beard, and he has a natural twinkle in his eye and a reddish complexion—he literally is Santa!”

Jackie said.

When Regency asked her if she’d like to play Mrs. Claus, Jackie said she was honored. During the holiday season, she holds a weekly story time at Pottery Barn Kids where she reads Christmas books to toddlers and preschoolers.

They also sing songs, have treats, all complete with “snow” inside the center courtyard. “The kids stick their tongues out and try to catch snowflakes,” Jackie said. “It’s such a joy.”

This will be the second year that Regency has held a “Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus” contest. One family is chosen out of all those who enter to enjoy breakfast with the couple at Paradise Bakery. The Hendrix’s plan to continue their roles as long as they can at Regency. And despite their popularity creating long lines to visit Santa, most say it’s a smooth process and worth the wait. “I always focus just on the children I have in front of me at the moment and devote my whole attention to them and that family,” Lynn said. And it’s not just children who come to visit Santa. He’s held cats, dogs, and even a baby pig wrapped up in a blanket.

Adding to the magic of the season at Regency are its decorations, special touches like hot cider from William-Sonoma, and the high-end window shopping. “We’re not New York City, but we take a lot of time and care to make our windows and stores beautiful at the holidays,” Alicia said.

“The customer service of our merchants is also unlike anywhere else, with special touches everywhere you go.”

Whether it’s to shop for unique gifts, visit Santa, or enjoy a meal with friends and family, Regency aims to be the destination for all of your holiday family traditions.

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DECEMBER 2017

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OUR wealth

The “write” plan a column on estate and financial planning for everyone

By LISA M. LEHAN, J.D. This is the fifth part of a six-part series examining estate planning needs that coincide with life’s milestones.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR About the author: I am a shareholder of Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., located in One Pacific Place. My practice is focused on estate and tax planning. Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our three children.

For help with your family’s estate planning needs, please contact me directly at 402.343.3881.

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As your family grows to include adult children, their spouses, and your grandchildren, you should evaluate whether your estate plan provides for each beneficiary in your life in a way that meets your objectives.

Including a lifetime trust arrangement may be something you want to consider in order to protect a child’s inheritance from creditors, including a potential ex-spouse. Some clients are hesitant to include this much “dead hand control” in their estate plan, but your adult children may actually desire the benefit of a lifetime trust arrangement.

If your grandchildren are minors, or even young adults, you should consider holding their inheritance in trust until they reach a financially mature age.

Trusts are often more appealing than custodial accounts, because you may delay large trust distributions beyond the age of majority, which is only 19 in Nebraska. You may designate who has financial management of the trust by choosing a trustee and/or an investment manager to serve until full distribution of the principal. If one of your beneficiaries has special needs, state aid qualification considerations must be evaluated. You’ll want to consider a special needs trust to hold and manage their inherited property.

Many grandparents have a specific desire to pay for the costs associated with their grandchildren’s college education. This may be done during your lifetime with a special gift tax exemption for tuition payments made directly to a qualifying educational institution and also with annual gifting for the benefit of your grandchild. To

meet these objectives within your estate plan after you pass, your trust could include specific provisions related to distributions for educational expenses.

Perhaps you want to limit distributions to an amount equivalent to the cost of tuition charged by an in-state university.

Maybe you want to pay for a new laptop or a car for your college-aged grandchild. You may also include incentives for achieving certain grades, for the attainment of a bachelor’s degree, or for graduating with honors.

While tax considerations are often secondary to non-tax considerations in estate planning, introducing beneficiaries at a generation below that of your children brings up the possibility of the federal generationskipping transfer tax. You should work with an attorney who is knowledgeable in this area to assure you are leaving your assets to your beneficiaries in a taxefficient manner.

Visit Santa

November 24th – Christmas Eve See holiday shopping hours, times to visit Santa and more magical event at RegencyCourtOmaha.com

Stores Ann Taylor | Anthropologie | Borsheims | Christian Nobel Furs | Evereve Francesca’s Collections | Garbo’s Salon & Spa | Learning Express Toys | LOFT Parsow’s Fashion | Pottery Barn | Pottery Barn Kids | Rhylan Lang Tilly | White House Black Market | Williams-Sonoma

Dining Bonefish Grill | Flemings Steakhouse and Wine Bar | Paradise Bakery and Café

120 Regency Parkway | Omaha

OUR youth

w

hen Lilly Maddox turned 9-years-old, her parents opened up their home for foster care. To Lilly’s surprise, some of the kids arrived without shoes. Wanting to help other kids who might not have shoes, she decided instead of receiving presents for her birthday, she wanted her friends and family to donate shoes so that she could ensure kids of all ages had a good pair of shoes to wear during the upcoming winter and fall months.

Lilly Maddox

Story by KATHY RYGG Photos by CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY PHOTOGRAPHY 56 |

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A caring “sole” DECEMBER 2017

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OUR youth

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EDGE: How did you go about asking for donations?

LILLY: We told my school’s principal about it, and she liked the idea. So we sent home a flier with students asking them to donate new or gently used shoes. I also ask my soccer team to donate each year.

EDGE: What type of shoes do you accept?

LILLY: We want all sizes and types, from the smallest to adult. But we prefer tennis shoes. My birthday is in September so it doesn’t make sense to ask for flip flops.

EDGE: How many pairs of shoes are donated?

LILLY: We got about 120 pairs the first year. This is our third year doing it and have close to that again.

EDGE: That’s a lot of shoes! What do you do with them?

LILLY: My mom (Dasiti Maddox) has a whole spreadsheet she does that goes by size and gender.

Then we divide them up and give some to Children’s Square and some to New Visions (Homeless Services).

EDGE: You hold the shoe drive once a year for your birthday. Do you volunteer during other times of the year?

LILLY: My whole family started volunteering at New Visions when I was 7-years-old. We’d help with their Christmas celebration from beginning to end, with collecting toy donations in front of

ELKHORNSOCCER.ORG 402-452-3655

Elkhorn Soccer Club leads the community in providing players with an opportunity to play competitive or developmental soccer. Our mission is to unlock the full potential of every child in a safe, positive and educational environment.

Koley Jessen is proud to congratulate Shareholder, Lisa Lehan, on being selected as one of the Midlands Business Journal 40 Under 40 winners for 2017

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DECEMBER 2017

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

Voted top 100 Restaurants in America by OpenTable!

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402.445.4380 13665 California Street Omaha, Nebraska www.mahoganyprime.com

stores, then wrap the toys and hand them out to families.

EDGE: It sounds like you really enjoying volunteering and helping others.

LILLY: I like seeing the surprises on kids’ faces when they get something new.

DASITI MADDOX: When our family began volunteering at New Visions, Lilly was one of the youngest to ever volunteer. She’s a great example of how you can start volunteering at a young age and do it as long as you can.

LILLY: There’s a volunteer bus driver at New Visions who is 105!

DASITI: It’s heartwarming that she wants to give up her birthday every year, and makes so proud.

LILLY: The CEO of New Visions said I can take over her job when I’m older and she can move to Hawaii, so that’s what I plan to do!

SATURDAYS IN

Dec.

DEC.

8-10

community OUR CARRIAGE RIDES AT VILLAGE POINTE

Holiday shoppers can enjoy complimentary horse and carriage rides throughout the center on Saturdays in December from 1 – 5pm.

WINTER WONDERLAND AT SYCAMORE FARMS Winter Wonderland at Sycamore Farms is a new event brought to you by the creators of Junkstock!

On December 8-10 & December 15-17 Sycamore Farms will fall under a captivating spell and magically transform into a Vintage Winter Wonderland. Adorned in a twinkling array of lights and holiday decorations the century old farmhouse and barns will come alive with the anticipation of the holidays and take your breath away. It is a unique holiday experience for the whole family to enjoy the beauty of the farm both indoors and out.

Sycamorefarmsne.com.

DEC.

9

FROSTY’S UGLY SWEATER 5K WINTER RUN Frosty’s Ugly Sweater 5K will be a wintery wonderful time. A fun out and back and flat trail (we love those, don’t we!) With your registration, you

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT Have an event you want listed here? Drop us a line with the details: Kathy@EdgeMagazine.com

will receive your bib, a warm and cozy race scarf, drawstring bag, a picture with Santa, breakfast from THE INFAMOUS PANCAKE MAN!!! And a custom finishers medal! Come and get in the holiday spirit and spend the morning with us! You are sure to be smiling all the way! Don’t miss the early registration to save some bucks! Dasher and dancer may even make an appearance! Come have some fun and run! Contest for “Ugliest” Sweater wins a SWEET PRIZE! Jingle your way out to Frosty’s 5K! To register, visit freedomrunningcompany.com.

DAILY THROUGH DEC.

24 31

DEC.

VISIT SANTA AT REGENCY Visit Santa and get your picture taken with him by Mary Kay Photography. M-F 2-8pm; Sat 12-8pm; Sun 12-6pm. See live reindeer on Dec. 2 1-4pm. Join Mrs. Claus for story time on Dec. 7, 14, 21 at 10:30am at Pottery Barn Kids.

NOON YEAR’S EVE Party with the animals and celebrate New Year’s Eve at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium on Sunday, December 31, 2017, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Have a wild time with entertainment from Joe Cole’s Magic Show, fun activities and an early countdown to 2018 complete with a beach ball drop at noon. Enjoy this fun family event without having to stay up until midnight. Event activities are free to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium members or with regular paid Zoo admission.

DECEMBER 2017

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VARSITY corner

DIGGING

IN

Lindsay Krause | Skutt | Freshman

by Pat Sangimino Last July, nearly a month before Lindsay Krause attended her first class at Skutt Catholic High School, she verbally committed to play volleyball at the University of Nebraska.

“It just felt right,” said the 6-foot-3 high school freshman.

“I have watched this program growing up. I love it and I love the fan base.”

No one knows her better than her mother, JoAnna Draper, who wasn’t surprised by her daughter’s decisiveness.

“When she makes up her mind, her mind is made up,” Draper said. “Once she makes that commitment, she’s all in.”

Virtually overnight Krause had drawn the attention of more than three dozen namebrand volleyball schools nationwide. Two years ago she wasn’t sure if she was skilled enough to be considered a blue-chip recruit. She remembers sitting inside a sold-out CenturyLink Center two years ago, when the Cornhuskers won a straight-set victory against Texas to capture a national championship.

“It was unbelievable being there and seeing it,” she said.

“At that point, nothing had really started for me. I was wondering if I was good enough to play at that level. I was still pretty awkward — I was still trying to grow into my body — and I wasn’t very good.”

Her transformation was quick. Six months of hard work in the weight room and on the court paid dividends with improved athleticism. It showed the following summer, when at the age of 13, she took part in a college camp at the University of Iowa. “The coach there was telling me I shouldn’t be this good at that age,” she said. “That is what kind of lit that fire for me. Believing you can do it is a big part of all of this.”

Skutt won its third straight Nebraska Class B crown last month and Krause was integral in the victory. She had 18 kills in the four-set victory over Omaha-Duchesne. Now Krause, an honor roll student, will spend the winter months juggling games in high school basketball and club volleyball. But Krause will approach it with her signature level of commitment. “It will be a challenge to do both,” she said. “But we’ll make it work.”

CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY

62 |

EDGE

GAME

CHANGER Moses Bryant | Elkhorn South | Senior

by Pat Sangimino The first time Elkhorn South senior Moses Bryant played football was as a young boy, when he took a handoff and began running in the opposite direction — toward the wrong goal line.

Football, much like America itself, has become a game that is now second nature to Bryant, whose name has been etched throughout Nebraska’s high school football record book. In November, Bryant became Class B’s all-time leader in rushing yard (5,452) and 11-man’s leader in touchdowns (105).

It was only a decade ago that he was rescued from a Sierra Leone orphanage and brought to Waterloo, Nebraska, by Darrell and Diana Bryant, who battled bureaucratic red tape from two countries over four years to finally adopt him and make Moses their fifth child. “It’s pretty amazing that we have him,” Diana says. “Nobody worked so hard to get someone here.”

Life in Sierra Leone “was definitely a hard time,” he remembers. “But as a little kid, you didn’t focus on that or think about those things. You just wanted to have fun.”

He was good at soccer — the game he grew up playing in Africa — but his newfound American friends convinced him to give football a try.

“I didn’t know what the heck it was,” he said. “I went out for the team just because it looked like it was fun. At first, it was difficult to learn the plays and run the right way, but after a while, I caught on.”

That’s an understatement. Bryant topped 1,000 yards rushing in all four seasons at Elkhorn South and is the state’s career leader in touchdowns. Both the University of Iowa and the University of Nebraska have shown interest in Bryant, and he’s focused on making sure his grades meet NCAA standards.

“I feel really good about my schoolwork right now,” he said. “This is the last semester to get my grades and get offers. I am going to make sure there’s no way it slips by.”

As Bryant prepares for this next chapter, there’s no doubt he’ll approach it much like he has other phases of his life—with a willingness to try something new, a determination to do his best, and a mindset for enjoying it along the way.

CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY

DECEMBER 2017

| 63

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