February 2019

FEBRUARY 2019

M A G A Z I N E

Queen of thrillers Meet Nebraska’s

author Tosca Lee

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LETTER from the PUBLISHER

CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY

Shelly Nosbisch, Melissa Minassian, Carole Sprunk, Quentin Lueninghoener, Kathy Rygg, Christopher Tierney and Ben Vankat.

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

I am thrilled

with how much Edge has grown this past year.

Just look at our new staff photo! From adding new editorial, design, and business development staff, we’ve certainly grown. We couldn’t do this without the support and encouragement from our readers, advertising partners, friends and family. So, thank you! We look forward to giving you so much more this year and in the years to come.

This issue is filled with stories of those in our community who inspire others every day in a variety of ways. Our cover story features best-selling local author Tosca Lee whose novel The Progeny is being made into a TV series on the CW network. She is a true inspiration and example of never giving up on your dreams.

Figure by Faith owner Deb Gray helps others find inspiration to transform their bodies, minds, and spirits to heal from within. And our youth feature about 16-year-old Abby Stilley tells the story of someone who mentors and serves as a source for inspiration to hundreds of youth.

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Don’t forget, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Stop by Mode de Vie and ask for the My Concoction feature.

For every drink purchased, Mode de Vie will donate a portion to the Women’s Center for Advancement.

Finally, last month we held our first Inside Edge event at Stirnella. Thank you to everyone who joined us! Be sure to follow our Facebook page for information on future events throughout the year. I hope you will join us in bringing the pages of Edge Magazine to life!

Carole Sprunk Publisher

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V O L U M E

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I S S U E

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FEBRUARY 2019

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 CONTRIBUITING WRITER Shelly Nosbisch DESIGNER Quentin Lueninghoener (402) 517-1228 // Quentin@HanscomPark.com Ben Vankat Ben@HanscomPark.com PHOTO STAFF Christopher Tierney Photography (402) 350-5699 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Melissa Minassian (402) 490-3799 // Melissa@EdgeMagazine.com CONTACT US P: (402) 587-2259 Carole@EdgeMagazine.com PO Box 620, Elkhorn, NE 68022 Edge is published bi-monthly. Content copyright © 2019 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 8

26

OUR leisure

MY concoction

OUR health

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36

48

OUR food

OUR youth

38

58

24

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OUR home

riches Land of

f

inding a house with a view in Omaha is a rarity. Finding one with a view that sits on 100 acres is like a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Which is exactly what it feels like when one follows the winding drive up the hill that leads to this property in Elkhorn.

And the treasures that this home offers are considered priceless to its owners—more than 10,000 sq. ft, pool, hot tub, additional 1,500 sq. ft. guest house, and outdoor entertainment and wildlife that generations of a family can enjoy.

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When the home was built in 2000, the motivation to find ample land was twofold: the owners needed a place to train and house their field trial dogs, and they wanted a place to welcome and entertain kids and grandkids. The main property sits on 13 landscaped, manicured acres. There is 35 acres of land that is rented for farming, and another 50 acres of tall grasses in the back—perfect for the deer, turkey, pheasant, and beavers, to name a few, that enjoy the grounds as well.

Tackett Homes was the builder, and a floor plan from a design book caught the homeowners’ eye right away. The only difference was that the original plan didn’t call for a basement. But that quickly changed, and a walk-out

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|9

OUR home

G R A N D E N T RY

LIVING ROOM

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U P S TA I R S B A L C O N Y

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OUR home

DEN

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basement was incorporated. With the basement came the home theater, exercise room, billiards room, sauna, and steam shower, as well as 1,520 sq. ft. of additional unused space that could be turned into an entire game room or additional living quarters.

The most stunning feature are the views out the windows along the west side of the house. Whether cooking a meal in the gourmet kitchen, floating on a raft in the custom pool, or sitting under the gazebo off the master bedroom watching the sunset, one can see for miles on a clear day. Coupled with the privacy that the property offers, the homeowners admit moving to less land and a smaller home will be difficult, but they look forward to downsizing to a warmer climate. Although their grandkids’ favorite winter activity is being pulled on a sled behind an ATV around the grounds.

“This property is definitely for a family that wants an active lifestyle,” said Michael Maley, realtor with Berkshire.

Hathaway Home Services. “It’s elegant, but still comfortable.” The entire home boasts large, open rooms with higher

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OUR home

TROPHY ROOM

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H O M E T H E AT E R

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OUR home

BILLIARDS ROOM

L O W E R L E V E L E N T E RTA I N M E N T A R E A

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OUR home

GOURMET KITCHEN

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DINING ROOM FEBURARY 2019

| 19

OUR home

MASTER BEDROOM

M A S T E R B AT H

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OUR home

CUSTOM POOL

S P E C TA C U L A R V I E W

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P R I VAT E A C R E A G E

ceilings, including in the bedrooms.

Cherry wood is prevalent throughout the home, accompanied by designer details at every turn, such as hand-carved wooden doors that lead into the office, a floor to ceiling limestone fireplace in the living room, and real gold adorning one of the main floor bathroom’s sinks and toilet.

The home offers many amenities as well, such as a Sub-Zero double refrigerator and freezer, along with a warming drawer in the kitchen, full bar off the living room both upstairs and downstairs, and a wet bar in the office. Built-in dressers are in the upstairs bedrooms, and the upstairs office also serves as a vast library. The master bedroom includes a gas fireplace and large, custom walk-in closets.

With 100 acres of land, the property lends itself perfectly to hunting. An avid hunter, the homeowner designed a trophy room off the office that feels just like a hunting lodge, complete with a stone fireplace and loft that displays years of awards from their field trials. But even if one doesn’t have an affinity for hunting, the property can serve as a private respite, but still have access to all the city conveniences. “It’s perfect for anyone looking for privacy near town, whether a family or empty nesters who want a place for relatives to visit,” Maley said.

For more information or to schedule a showing, contact Maley at 402-9817400, Michael.Maley@bhhsamb.com.

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OUR leisure

dynamic Three

D E S T I N AT I O N S

A N TA R C T I C A

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In the winter, venture to the top of the mountain for heli-skiing, moonlit snowshoe treks, Nordic skiing and snowboarding.

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Why Antarctica Christmas on The White Continent: Discover the wonder of Antarctica during the most magical time of the year. This 17-day cruise is a once in a lifetime gift filled with unforgettable shore excursions and gorgeous ocean views. Before embarking, the adventure begins in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a food tour where guests will enjoy authentic empanadas and homemade dulce de leche. As the ship makes its way to Antarctica, guests will enjoy Drake Passage, Deception Island, Yankee Harbour, Half Moon Island and Wilhemina Bay. All offer stunning views with picture-perfect scenery.

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FEBURARY 2019

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COVER story

passion A PROLIFIC

Best-selling local author Tosca Lee debuts on the small screen

i

f there’s one thing you should know about New York Times Bestselling author Tosca Lee, it’s that she is brave.

From tackling novels from the viewpoints of Judas Iscariot or a fallen angel, an heir of “Blood Countess” Elizabeth Bathory or the Bible’s Eve, she has gone where most writers dare not go.

To boot, most celebrated authors would be okay staying in their lane after finding an equation that repeatedly works: historical research plus Lee’s unique imagination and voice have equaled a well-celebrated writing career. But at the height of her success, Lee decided to change lanes, voyaging into the world of thrillers.

Tosca Lee

Story by MELISSA MINASSIAN Photos by CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY PHOTOGRAPHY 26 |

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FEBURARY 2019

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COVER story

“I feel like I have a lot of stories inside me in a lot of genres,” she said. “I started in the Christian market because my first story was about a fallen angel. And then I also had a story about Eve. So it made sense because I relied heavily on Scripture and theology for those books as well as with Iscariot and The Legend of Sheba. But I like the challenge and pleasure of writing in different genres.

Nobody wants to eat cheeseburgers every single day, right? Sometimes you want sushi. Sometimes you want chicken. It’s a completely different animal to do thrillers, and it’s fun.”

Calling them “super intrepid souls,” Lee’s fans have readily trusted her, going along for the ride. She knew it was a 28 |

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“But I like the challenge and pleasure of writing in different genres.

Nobody wants to eat cheeseburgers every single day, right?”

risk to switch genres, even weathering some resistance from publisher Simon & Schuster, but in the end, her gut instinct has proven correct.

Her first novel in the thriller genre, The Progeny, about a young woman with amnesia who slowly discovers she’s a descendant of history’s greatest murderess, Elizabeth Bathory, debuted to rave reviews and a deal to be adapted for television with Edward Burns’ Marlboro Road Gang Productions and Radar Pictures. This past fall, the CW was so excited about the story, the network purchased rights on the pitch meeting room floor, a phenomena in the television world.

“People ask me, ‘Is that weird?’

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COVER story

Because I’m not doing the writing,” Lee said. “‘Is it hard to let go?’ And the answer is no. I have great confidence in our show runner, Chris Roberts, who’s also our writer. He wrote for Orphan Black, which I love. Big fan of that show! And yes, the show is different.

But the book is one thing and the show is another thing. It’s exciting to create a playground and then watch how others play on the playground. It’s fun for me because I also am a consumer of stories.

So I want to see what happens, too.”

Marlboro Road Gang Productions and Radar Pictures so like Lee’s stories and voice, news recently broke that they will likewise be developing her two upcoming novels, The Line Between, newly released January 29, and sequel A Single Light, due for release in September with pre-orders starting this month.

Already into a second printing before it was released, The Line Between takes 30 |

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“It’s exciting to create a playground and then watch how others play on the playground. It’s fun for me because I also am a consumer of stories. So I want to see what happens, too.”

readers on the adventure of a lifetime through the viewpoint of 22-year-old heroine Wynter Roth, a character lovingly named after Lee’s stepdaughter.

In the headline-inspired thriller, an ancient disease re-emerges from the melting permafrost to cause madness in its victims. As the mysterious medical cases spiral toward pandemic and an opportunistic cyber-attack plunges the nation into chaos, doomsday cult escapee Wynter utilizes her survival skills to lead those with her to safety in a harrowing new reality.

A Nebraska resident, Lee enjoyed incorporating familiar state settings into this story. “The Line Between takes place across Iowa, the Chicago area, and across the state of Nebraska into Colorado,” Lee explained. “So that’s fun for me because I get to set it in places that I know and live and where a lot of my readers live too.”

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COVER story

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With former stints in the Omaha Ballet and as Mrs. Nebraska, Lee has a rich history with the state, as well as familial heritage tying back to the state’s original homesteaders. “It’s also been fun to include an agricultural aspect about the state, which was inspired by the fact that my husband is a farmer. I have inside knowledge there now. It definitely informed the story,” she said with a laugh.

Lee voices pride in her home state’s talent. “There’s amazing talent in Nebraska. On the front of The Line Between, there’s a blurb by Alex Kava.

She’s a New York Times bestselling thriller writer who lives in Omaha. It’s really special to me to have that blurb from her on the front of this book. I’m very honored by that.”

But Lee hasn’t always been met with success, support, and applause.

When asked about failures and lessons learned, she recounted the six years of writing and waiting as she worked to get her work published. “You go

“I always tell new writers, be bold in your writing.

There will be other considerations of critiques and reviewers later. But right now, write, be bold, and do it a lot.”

through your rejection letters and some of the names on those letter are agents and editors who are now are my friends,” she said. “And they’re avid readers of my books. So never get bitter.

Stay positive, keep going, and always plug ahead because things turn around.

You have to be very tenacious.”

Asked about advice for people who would love to do what she does, she said, “Before you’re published, you’re in this protected space. So I always tell new writers, be bold in your writing.

There will be other considerations of critiques and reviewers later. But right now, write, be bold, and do it a lot.

Sure, there’s insecurity and fear. I still contend with, ‘Oh no. Am I up to this task? What if this one doesn’t measure up?’ It happened with my new book, The Line Between. Big time! And actually that fear happens with every single book.” But wherever Lee’s journey takes her, she’s sure to be just fine. Because after all, she is brave.

FEBURARY 2019

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OUR wellness

Managing anxiety

By DR. STEPHEN STINN

Unfortunately, anxiety affects so many of us today. Kids and adolescents face a lot of anxiety and social anxieties in school. Adults face a lot of anxiety with running kids around, work, and life stressors. The pace of the world moves fast and sometimes our bodies can’t adapt as well as we’d like.

Because the stress of life isn’t going anywhere, fortunately, there are ways to make your body more adaptable to the stress you face so you don’t feel those anxious feelings.

There are 3 things I have my patients do to lower their anxiety: Lower inflammation in the body, heal and seal your gut, and optimize how your brain is functioning.

The first thing I check is if the patient has something called Infant (Primitive) Reflexes. These are reflexes we have as an infant, they help build our brain for the first 6 months of life, and then they should mature and go away if everything is developing as it should. The problem is, so many people do NOT get rid of these reflexes. When these reflexes stick around, it keeps the brain and nerve system in a low-grade, subconscious, stress response. This is also known as a fight or flight response. This makes our physiology feel as if we are threatened even when we are not, leading to feelings of anxiousness. Checking for these Infant Reflexes is the first thing I check on ALL my patients because of the devastating effects they have on the body and brain. The good news? They are easy to get rid of and it usually takes about 2 months time. This is our main focus in the office.

Other things you can do at home is eating a low-inflammatory diet. The easiest way I can explain this is eating REAL foods. Stop with anything that is processed because they create an enormous amount of inflammation

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in the brain and body and have large impacts on anxiety. Another thing I recommend is a high-quality omega 3. Preferably one that has twice as much DHA as EPA. Adults should be getting at least 2,500mg of DHA/day! I recommend Nordic Naturals DHA Xtra

and it runs around $30/bottle.

If you have ANY questions on how to go about addressing your anxiety, whether that is through things you can do at home or getting assessed for primitive reflexes, I’d be more than happy to discuss that with you by calling our office at 402.504.4676.

All the best Dr. Stephen.

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S

MY concoction

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1

5

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2 Combine first five ingredients in shaker

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Shake well

3

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4

5

pour over large ice cube in cocktail glass

top with sparkling wine and garnish with orange and fresh rosemary sprig FEBURARY 2019

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OUR food

General Manager Ben Dabney, Head Chef Justin Gipe, and Manager Jeff Hebert

Cajun creations

a

Story by KATHY RYGG | Photos by CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY PHOTOGRAPHY

customary tradition when visiting someone’s home in New Orleans is being offered a cold beverage, hot food, and inquiring about your family. According to Manager Jeff Hebert, that’s also what you’ll find at Herbe Sainte in Aksarben Village—a Cajun style bar and restaurant that offers some of the most authentic New Orleans cuisine in the Midwest.

Hebert, a New Orleans native, said he wouldn’t hesitate to serve the restaurant’s signature dishes to his family back home. In fact, some of the biggest compliments have come from Louisiana locals.

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Herbe Sainte is Omaha’s NOLA neighborhood restaurant

T I L A P I A C A K E S S E R V E D W I T H A T R A C K S TA R C O C K TA I L FEBURARY 2019

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B A C O N W R A P P E D G ATO R

J A M B A L AYA

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P. O . R .T. C I T Y C O C K TA I L

MIND

BODY

Open now for more than two years, Herbe Sainte was one of SamFam Restaurants’ first concepts. Because of its limited space, building out a full kitchen wasn’t an option, so owner Ron Samuelson, corporate chef Jeff Owen, and Head Chef Justin Gipe chose a lighter menu: an oyster bar, salads, and muffuletta sandwiches to compliment the beer, wine, and craft cocktail menu. “Out of the gate, customers wanted food,” Samuelson said. “This style of cuisine was underserved in the area, so we needed to find a way to give them what they wanted.”

When their second restaurant concept, Della Costa, opened nine months later, they were able to utilize its full kitchen and expand the Herbe Sainte menu as well as offer desserts made at Della Costa’s bakery, Café Costa. The result is a robust menu of authentic Cajun and creole dishes such as Nola Shrimp, Gumbo, Etouffee, red beans and rice, beignets, buttermilk drop donuts, and doberge—a cake with multiple thin layers of fruit. “Working in a kitchen this small and without a fryer, we had to be selective about what we serve and think outside the box,” Samuelson said.

Coupled with the food menu is a traditional Nola craft cocktail menu, most notably for its Sazerac. “The craft cocktail movement came out of New Orleans, but we’ve demystified the craft cocktail concept,” Hebert said. “The bar is its own kitchen, with our bartenders creating their own cocktails and layering

SPIRIT

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17825 Pierce Plaza Omaha, NE 68130 FEBURARY 2019

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ÉTOUFFÉE

NOLA SHRIMP

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ingredients. They’re also able to make them quickly, so you don’t have the wait that often comes with traditional craft cocktail bars.” Frozen rose cocktails are also popular, especially in the summer, and are reminiscent of the drive-through daiquiri shops that are popular in New Orleans.

Whether for lunch, happy hour, dinner, or weekend brunch, the popularity of Herbe Sainte is proof of concept.

The steel beams in the restaurant’s ceiling are original to the building, and the brick wall behind the bar as well as the built-in shelving were designed to give it an authentic look and feel, rather than modern, new construction. The lighting, furniture, and seating arrangements, including couches for lounging, are all meant to give customers choices with how to use the space. “The entire Aksarben Village neighborhood is a mixed-use space, and we have an incredible variety of guests we serve,” Samuelson said. The area includes everything from a yoga studio to the world headquarters for HDR. “I’ve never been in a location where everyone who comes in is so friendly and happy,” he added.

With several hotels in the area, many travelers frequent Herbe Sainte, often on a regular basis. “They come here because it’s authentic, hospitable, and you can experience it in a different way each time you visit,” Hebert said. Whether it’s just for dinks before a movie or an event at Baxter arena, brunch on the weekend, or for a relaxing lunch on the patio, according to Hebert, it’s an example of good food, good drinks, and a good atmosphere, New Orleans style.

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WORTH THE HAUL

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Dierks Bently 44 |

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ORPHEUM THEATER 409 S 16th St. Omaha (402) 661-8501

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PINNACLE BANK ARENA 400 Pinnacle Arena Dr, Lincoln (402) 904-4444 FEBURARY 2019

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OUR luxury

Jaguar-Land Rover Omaha, part of H&H Premier Automotive, is Omaha’s preeminent luxury automotive dealership.

Offering a full lineup of Jaguar and Land Rover, H&H Premier Automotive is equipped to exceed expectations of even the most demanding buyers.

PHIL HATTEN SALES MANAGER

H&H PREMIER AUTOMOTIVE

716 N. 102nd St. (402) 393-9700 www.hhpremierautomotive.com

Community spotlight

Q: How did you enter into Automotive?

A: I was managing a shoe store in 1991 and I had a friend in the business. I was ready for a change so I gave it a shot and found my passion.

Q: Land Rover and Jaguar are iconic brands. What do you like best about your products?

A: Aside from the heritage of the brands, I like sharing the uniqueness of the vehicles with our customers. Seeing someone impressed by a new feature is something that never gets old. That’s really just the beginning… these are easy vehicles to fall in love with.

Q: So you love the products you sell… what do you drive?

A: We have a 2016 Discovery Sport. I’ve worked here many years and when you contrast the features vs. value it’s by far the best vehicle we’ve ever owned.

Q: You grew up in St Joseph, but have lived in Omaha the majority of your life. Any favorite local spots you enjoy visiting outside of work?

A: Usually my wife and I will do dinner and a movie. She’ll pick the movie, and we love eating at Kobe Steakhouse.

Q: What are some of your hobbies when not working?

A: I enjoy both hunting and fishing, but really anything that involves family. We have four children and one new grandchild so we try to see them as often as possible.

Q: Ok, last one. Is there one new 2019 model that you’re most excited about?

A: Tough to choose because there are so many. Jaguar has a very impressive lineup right now – they just released their Tesla-beating iPace, but I would say the new Land Rover Discovery is my favorite. Extreme luxury meets extreme capability?

Cmon!

Phil Hatten is the Sales Manager for Jaguar-Land Rover Omaha. Stop in to meet Phil and view Jaguar & Land Rover’s exciting lineup for yourself!

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OUR health

healing Lisa Jones, Deb Gray, Miranda Geist

HEALTHY

a

Transform your body, mind, and spirit at Figure by Faith

new year brings new resolutions, with health and fitness at the top of most people’s list. Increasing your workout routine and making more visits to the gym is always a good idea, but sometimes you might need something more. Someone who listens and understands your current struggles or goals. A small group who gives encouragement at just the right time. Or a place where you can reflect quietly for a few minutes during your busy day. Figure by Faith can be all that—a warm, welcoming fitness studio where you can work out, find a like-minded community, and add a spiritual component to your health journey.

Story by KATHY RYGG Photos by CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY PHOTOGRAPHY 48 |

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OUR health

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With more than 30 years in the personal fitness industry, Omaha native and Figure by Faith Owner Deb Gray discovered that one common thread needed to improve one’s outer self is to heal the inner self. Gray had spent most of her career as a personal trainer traveling to gym’s and client’s homes. Three years ago, a client suggested she open her own facility. “I decided if I was going to do that, I wanted to incorporate faith into the training, so I became certified as a Spiritual Director to help my clients with key elements of mindfulness with the body, mind, and spirit,” she said.

Believing that everything happens for a reason, Gray said the process for opening Figure by Faith fell into place, from finding the space, to hiring Miranda Geist as an independent personal trainer, to having the opportunity to expand the gym to twice its original size just a year after opening. She attributes her good luck not only to her faith, but to all the connections she’s made throughout her extensive career, which has included playing volleyball for the University of Nebraska Omaha, winning Mrs. Nebraska in 2001, and several years in corporate wellness for companies such as Union Pacific.

When opening Figure by Faith, as a busy wife and mother, she knew she wanted to be able to work smarter, not harder, so she brought in Geist whom she knew from her previous days in corporate wellness. “We hadn’t seen each other in years and ran into each other at Target,” Geist said. “I was looking for a new location to train my clients, so this 120 Regency Pkwy, Suite 124

402.509.7650

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OUR health

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OUR health

was meant to be.” She’s been impressed with the transformation she’s witnessed in clients and has been able to implement a lot of Gray’s philosophy into her training for both her clients and personally.

Lisa Jones is a Figure by Faith member who has been training with Gray for the past year. After trying a holy yoga class in Colorado, Jones searched online for “fitness and faith” and found the new gym.

She drove to the facility, walked in, and immediately felt at home. “I was a single mom, in transition with my job, and was looking for a certain level of knowledge, support, and dedication, and Deb provides me with that,” Jones said.

That’s a key distinction at Figure by Faith—it’s a place that can be whatever one needs it to be at that time. If you simply want a welcoming place to work out, either alone or in a small group, it 54 |

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can serve as that. If you want a community to encourage you, that is available as well. Or if you want a more spiritual concept, Gray is willing to listen, lead you in prayer at the end of a workout, or even send you a daily devotion. Encouraging phrases and scriptures are prevalent throughout Figure by Faith, including a prayer wall. “We have all kinds of clients, and not all of them incorporate the faith element,” she said. “We are here for whatever people might need.”

The way Figure by Faith structures memberships is individual as well.

Thirty and sixty-minute personal training sessions are available, as well as small group classes, including faith-based yoga.

You can also purchase a membership just for the gym’s state-of-the-art Free Flex stretching machine, which is a computerized program in which you control the tension for stretching upper body,

lower body, and your back. The gym also features a new Helix low-impact cardio machine, and every consultation includes a complimentary InBody analysis that measures water weight, lean muscle mass, body and visceral fat percentages, among other diagnostic tools. Nutrition is another component that Figure by Faith helps guide clients.

And don’t let the fresh scent and homey décor mislead you—Figure by Faith welcomes men just as much as women.

In fact, Gray said men and women meet their friends, and many couples come in and workout together, and having that support partner is a big key to the success of any health and fitness journey. She welcomes anyone of any age, including kids, to come in and visit and sums up what Figure by Faith is all about with the phrase: “clear your mind, transform your body, nourish your spirit.”

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OUR wealth

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

By LISA M. LEHAN, J.D.

Most people understand trust arrangements are beneficial for their minor children. Until kids are financially mature, parents and grandparents do not want their children and grandchildren to receive an outright inheritance.

However, more clients are beginning to realize the benefits of lifetime trust arrangements, and in particular, “beneficiary controlled trusts”.

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 lisa.lehan@koleyjessen.com or 402.343.3881.

A beneficiary controlled trust is an estate planning technique designed to give a beneficiary substantial control and flexibility over inherited assets, while protecting those assets from the beneficiary’s creditors. Once learning more, adult beneficiaries – even those who are financially responsible – may prefer to receive their inheritance in this type of trust arrangement.

The design features of a beneficiary controlled trust typically include the following: • A parent or grandparent establishes and contributes assets to an irrevocable trust, either during their life or at their death.

• The beneficiary of the trust cannot establish the trust, nor can he or she contribute their own assets to the trust.

• Once established, the trust is irrevocable and the assets cannot be withdrawn, except in accordance with the terms of the trust agreement.

• The beneficiary, either immediately or upon attaining a specific age, may serve as trustee; provided, however, depending on specific factors and in certain jurisdictions, a co-trustee or design alternatives may be required or advisable to achieve the desired level of protection from creditors.

• The trustee has considerable flexibility regarding the use and investment of the trust assets. For example, the trustee may acquire assets for the beneficiary’s use and

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enjoyment, such as a vacation home, invest in a business venture of the beneficiary, or lend money to the beneficiary on favorable terms.

• The trustee may distribute income and principal to the beneficiary for his or her health, education, maintenance, and support.

• Trust assets are not subject to the claims of the beneficiary’s creditors, law suits, exspouses, or tax liens; that is, third parties cannot force a distribution of trust assets in satisfaction of a claim against the beneficiary.

• When the beneficiary passes away, the remaining assets pass to his or her descendants, perhaps in continued trust for multiple generations.

Our society experiences a high rate of divorce and also high levels of litigation.

Consider whether your descendants could benefit from a beneficiary controlled trust structure and then work with an experienced estate planning attorney to put the structure in place.

INSIDE Thank you to Stirnella, Butterfish, and Red Lion Lounge for hosting our first Inside Edge event. Thank you also to our partners for contributing to the giveaway bags: Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Clout Coffee, Farm Bureau, Figure by Faith, Koley Jessen, Omaha Physical Therapy Institute, Seven Salon, and Village Pointe. Be sure to join us for our next Inside Edge event in March!

FEBURARY 2019

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OUR youth

example LEADING BY

e

veryone has natural talents and abilities. Sixteen-year-old Abby Stilley happens to have many. On the surface, it may seem like the activities she’s involved in aren’t connected: Sunday school teacher and youth group leader at her church, member of the tech team and film club at Elkhorn High School, cook and server at a restaurant, and instructor at a kid’s gym. But once you dig deeper, you’ll see the common thread—a hard-working, compassionate teen who loves using her endless energy to help others.

Story by EDGE STAFF Photos by CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY PHOTOGRAPHY 58 |

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OUR youth

Edge: How did you become so involved in church?

Abby: When we moved to Omaha three years ago, my aunt invited us to her church, Bethany Lutheran in Elkhorn. I was never involved in church before then, but one day I was asked if I wanted to help prepare for Sunday school. I enjoyed it so much, I’ve been helping ever since.

Edge: What are the different areas you help with?

Abby: I’ve taught Sunday school, the large group elementary, which is about 200 kids, and I act in the weekly Wednesday night Oasis program skits.

Edge: Do you enjoy acting?

Abby: I love it. My mom has a background in theater, so that’s how I got into it. I’m also part of the film club at school, acting as one of the main characters in the movie we’re making. I also love music and singing. I’m in choir at both church and in school.

Edge: What other activities are you in?

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Abby: I’m on the tech team at school.

Technology has always been a part of me, and our team helps troubleshoot and fix the students’ Chrome Books at school. I’ve also worked in the media booth at church, manning the sound board or the slides.

Edge: Do you want a career in technology?

Abby: Actually I want to be a math teacher. In 7th grade I had such an amazing math teacher for pre-algebra, and I love teaching kids, so I knew then that’s what I wanted to do.

Edge: Where do all of these different interests come from?

Abby: I like to think of myself as the perfect mixture of my parents: the math and technology comes from my dad and the creative side comes from my mom.

Edge: Do you work as well?

Abby: I have two jobs. I work at a restaurant with my grandma, serving and sometimes I get to help cook, which I love. I also teach classes at a kid’s gym.

Edge: How do you find time to study?

Abby: Usually late at night after all of my other activities. But I sleep really well and listen to music or read to relax.

Edge: Do you ever feel like you need to cut back?

Abby: My parents tell me all the time I’m doing too much, but I often I feel like I want to do even more, especially at church. I’ve gone on a few mission trips in the past, and I’d like to do that again. I’ve also helped out at a friend’s church with vacation bible school, and I hope to do that again this summer.

I’ve made some of my closest friends through church. They’re like a big welcoming family.

Edge: Do your siblings get involved too?

Abby: I have a younger brother and sister, and they love helping me practice the skits for church. That’s the part I love most about teaching and acting in the skits: seeing the smiles I can put on kids’ faces.

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FEBURARY 2019

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VARSITY corner

TRUE

GRIT

Cassie Coltvet | Senior | Elkhorn High School

by Shelly Nosbisch Cassie Coltvet is the definition of grit. Although she started playing softball as a little girl, it wasn’t until she heard that the Elkhorn High softball team won the state championship that she became inspired. “I told myself that at some point, I wanted to win state, because when I was in eighth grade, they won, and I thought we could do that too.” She had two goals: to start on the Elkhorn softball team and to win a state championship with her team.

At first, Cassie had trouble finding a spot on one of the more of the competitive club teams in Elkhorn. “That was a tough pill to swallow. I had coaches that I tried out for, tell me that I wasn’t good enough. That was really difficult, but it taught me that I needed to work that much harder than everyone else to get my shot.” She practiced with a purpose and focused on getting in better shape, including running, CrossFit, and lifting. The persistence paid off for the 5’2” catcher, as she lettered on the varsity team as a freshman, and finally became the starting catcher when she was a junior.

Her senior season was a magical one. The dream of winning a state championship with her team came true, but the last play of the game made it extra-special. It was a little pop-up to Cassie, and she got to finish her high school softball career with the last out in the championship game. “It could not have been better.” The whole team was so excited that they all joined in on a dogpile, but she kept the ball in her glove, where it stayed for a long time after that game was over.

Cassie is also an accomplished student academically, as well as athletically. Academically, she earned All State and EMC All-Conference. Athletically, she earned 1st Team All-State for Class B, 2nd Team Super State, and 1st Team EMC All-Conference this year. She has been involved in student council, peer tutoring, and has also served as manager for the wrestling team.

Cassie feels fortunate to be able to find a home at Rockhurst University, where she signed to play softball starting next year.

She hopes to someday coach high school softball so she can give other girls the same experience she had. “Taking the girls that are in your community, and making something special out of it, is really cool.”

CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY PHOTOGRAPHY

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KEY TO

SUCCESS

Grant Bertucci | Senior Skutt Catholic High School

by Shelly Nosbisch It’s hard enough to just make the varsity basketball team at Skutt Catholic High School, but Grant Bertucci was determined to make and get meaningful playing time on both the varsity football and baseball teams as well. Coach Kyle Jurgens, who has coached Grant in both basketball and football, believes that what makes Grant stand out is his selflessness. “He’s a kid that simply shows up every day, works hard, and is focused on being a great teammate and winning basketball games.

Grant appreciates the team culture and attitude at Skutt Catholic.

“I love all my teammates, no matter what sport it’s in. Our basketball team motto is family over everything.” Although Grant was already playing both basketball and baseball through his sophomore year, his friends challenged him to play football his junior year as well. “I played again my senior year, and got an opportunity to start at wide receiver this year on what turned out to be the Class B State Championship team. Over the last two years, I just fell in love with football.”

In addition to his athletic achievements, Grant has also been named to the Skutt Academic Honor Roll, Academic All-Conference, and Academic All State in multiple sports. He was also selected to join National Honor Society, and is involved with the Leadership Council, Future Business Leaders of America, Big Hawks, Skyhawks in the City, Health Occupation Student Association and has served as an Ambassador of Skutt Catholic High School.

Grant decided to stop playing baseball after his junior year when he realized he needed a break. “There’s obviously quite a balancing act. Between athletic commitments, family commitments, your school work, your friends and working part-time; it’s not always easy to juggle. It’s finding that balance between things you need to do and what makes you happy.”

Grant plans to attend either University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, or University of Nebraska at Lincoln next year, majoring in psychology. He aspires to go to medical school to become a neuropsychologist. He believes that his compassion and desire to help others will help him excel in the medical field.

CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY PHOTOGRAPHY

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