KUGLER VISION
PROVIDES A TRANSFORMATIONAL EXPERIENCE
DREW DICKSON, MD
History meets modern elegance at The Farnam
Ooh de Lally serves positive change with every plate
LANCE KUGLER, MD
UPSCALE SENIOR LIVING
Explore. Engage. Thrive.
Your adventure continues here! Ovation is for older adults who wish to maintain the freedom they love while having assistance where needed. Our goal at Ovation Heartwood Preserve is to support an active adult lifestyle by promoting health, fitness, and relaxation.
INDEPENDENT LIVING, ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE
◊ No buy-in – unique in senior living!
◊ Month-to-month rent
◊ First-class concierge services
◊ Multiple in-house restaurants
◊ Fitness center with warm water pool and spa tub
MEMORY CARE BASED ON CONNECTIONS
◊ Connections program featuring music, art, and more
◊ Female-only memory care neighborhood, Meadowlark Independent living opening soon!
REACH US
We want to hear from you. Ideas, suggestions, compliments and critiques, send them to us at Kathy@EdgeMagazine.com
LETTER from the EDITOR Summer
is a time to relax and reconnect with family and friends during a vacation, watching a live sporting event, or attending a backyard BBQ. Sharing stories and creating memories are the glue that binds people together, which is what we try do within the pages of Edge. This issue celebrates the local businesses and individuals whose stories help connect our community.
Our cover story features Dr. Lance Kugler and Dr. Drew Dickson with Kugler Vision, an internationally recognized center of excellence for LASIK surgery. Kugler’s deep roots in Omaha and his team’s detailed, thoughtful approach to vision correction make them leaders within the medical field and our community.
If you’re looking for a staycation this summer, The Farnam will cater to your every need. The hotel may be modern, but it’s filled with elements that pay homage to Omaha’s rich railroad history. Even if you don’t stay overnight, stop by Catalyst for a cocktail or dine at Dynamite Woodfire Grill.
Boutique fitness studio Body20 in west Omaha can help keep you fit beyond the summer months. By wearing a suit equipped with electro-muscle stimulation, you can achieve your workout goals in just minutes per week.
For those who miss Marks Bistro in Dundee, the restaurant’s famous Marks Mac & Cheese is back. And now it helps serve a good cause. Ooh De Lally, located in the former Marks Bistro, is the first local restaurant to fully partner with the Metropolitan Community College (MCC) Re-entry Assistance Program (RAP) 180 curriculum aimed at rehabilitation and transition of those impacted by the justice system.
Wilson Munsterman and Makenzie Kucks are the outstanding youth featured in this issue. Wilson is a recipient of Creighton University’s GRIT Scholarship, and Makenzie is a senior who shines on the volleyball court at Millard North High School.
I hope you enjoy the rest of summer, find time to connect with loved ones, and share a good story or two!
Kathy Rygg Executive Editor
Cover photo by OMAHA HEADSHOT COMPANY
for Kids is at Boys Town
The Boys Town Pediatric Epilepsy Program is the first pediatric-focused program in the region to be accredited by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers as a level 4 treatment center. Our clinic was built specifically to provide quick access to highly specialized epilepsy care.
The First-Time Seizure Clinic ensures quick and accurate seizure diagnosis and management, with appointments available within days of your child’s episode.
Neurogenetic experts are fully integrated in the epilepsy program to ensure the best care for the toughest genetic epilepsy cases.
Magnetoencephalography (one of the most advanced brain imaging techniques in the world) allows our neurosurgeons to pinpoint the area of the brain causing seizures –down to the millimeter. This means a more complete image of the brain prior to neurosurgery!
So when you need the highest level of specialized care for your child, go to the Boys Town Pediatric Epilepsy Program.
To schedule an appointment or LEARN MORE, scan the QR code.
PUBLISHER AND OWNER
Carole Sprunk (402) 587-2259 // Carole@EdgeMagazine.com
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Kathy Rygg (402) 490-3213 // Kathy@EdgeMagazine.com
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER / ACCOUNT COORDINATOR
Kasie Wilcox (402) 957-8780 // Kasie@EdgeMagazine.com
PARTNER / BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Brianna Peitz (402) 699-6384 // Brianna@EdgeMagazine.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Anna Hartman, Shelly Nosbisch, Mike Watkins and Andy Williams
DESIGNERS
Quentin Lueninghoener (402) 517-1228 // Quentin@HanscomPark.com
Ben Vankat Ben@HanscomPark.com
PHOTO STAFF
Omaha Headshot Company (402) 677-3096
Yum Omaha (402) 541-8457
CONTACT US P: (402) 587-2259
Carole@EdgeMagazine.com PO Box 620 Elkhorn, NE 68022
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
SERENITY SEASIDE-STYLE
Originally constructed in 1994, the stately abode at 15722 Burt Street was meticulously renovated from top to bottom in the years following a late 2012 ownership change. According to realtor Staci Mueller, the thoughtful remodel culminated in an expansive, custombuilt two-story addition in 2023. “The owners have literally touched every part of the house, inside and outside, to add space for entertaining and bring a beachy vibe to their Nebraska home,” Mueller said.
STORY BY ANNA HARTMAN
PHOTOS BY
YAYLE RONCKA STUDIOS
ELEGANT POWDER ROOM
BREEZEWAY WITH NATURAL LIGHT
This distinctive property is now available, providing a unique opportunity for new owners to experience the spa-like amenities of the 7,676 squarefoot Barrington Park home. From the reimagined, clean-lined front porch stoop flanked with custom carriage house fixtures to the crisp white stucco exterior, this home is designed to provide comfortable luxury for any occasion.
Located in the Millard school district, the resort-style domicile offers six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and heated garage space for five cars. Fresh paint, trim, and wide plank oak flooring in grounding earth tones bring a sense of calm to the
two-story entry staircase flanked by formal living and dining spaces drenched in natural light. Opposite the stairway is a private office space bedecked in soothing dark tones for optimum peace and focus.
The main level custom gourmet kitchen features neutral toned cabinets, quartzite countertops, clean lines, and an abundance of counter space—including a roomy eat-at island and separate informal dining area with built-in butler’s pantry. The double oven, induction cooktop, built-in wine refrigerator, and power humidifier make the space eminently functional for both entertaining and daily living. A separate walk-in pantry supplies additional storage,
COZY LIVING ROOM
and high ceilings provide a wealth of breathing room.
The main level kitchen meets an adjacent great room with floor-to-ceiling mullioned windows that open to the backyard outdoor dining space, softening the divide between indoors and outdoors. Wide mullioned French doors open to a covered deck with recessed heating, a cozy painted brick fireplace for chilly autumn evenings, and capacious room for outdoor screen viewing adjacent to the pool and pool deck.
The primary suite features a completely remodeled en suite bath with soaking tub, walk-in shower, tile floor and coffee bar for leisurely mornings. Coffered ceilings and a fireplace complete the relaxing
feel of the suite, and generous walk-in closets bring a calming sense of organization to the space.
Perfect for entertaining or accommodating extended family, the main floor level of the sweeping addition features a full kitchen, family room, and multifunctional gathering spaces lined with doors that open to the outdoor patio, fireplace and pool. The family room is festooned with wood beams and vertical shiplap, further evoking a seaside feel.
To accommodate indoor guests in the basement of the original structure, a wine room and wet bar with refrigerator and ice maker provide the perfect setup for happy hour. A media room encourages movie and sports event viewing with easy access to snacks.
The second floor addition provides a snug living
PRIVATE WINE CELLAR
WARM PRIMARY SUITE
FIVE-CAR HEATED GARAGE
LARGE HOME GYM
POOL HOUSE LIVING AREA
POOL HOUSE DINETTE
room and peaceful two-bedroom guest quarters with private bath. The vast, well-lit fitness room housed on the opposite side serves not only as an exercise space but provides plenty of room and inspiration for the addition of a golf simulator for at-home practice swings.
Extra wide hallways with floor-to-ceiling windows engender an airy, breezy seaside feel. Mueller shared her favorite part about the home, “I absolutely love the breezeway that connects the two homes—it feels like a resort. The owners added extra-wide hallways with beautiful white oak floors in the addition. It feels airy, bright, and open. Plus, you can access the pool from the entire backside of the house.”
For more information or to schedule a private showing, contact Staci Mueller, realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Ambassador Real Estate at 402699-0067 or staci.mueller@bhhsamb. com.
Kugler Vision provides a complete process for vision correction
from the moment a patient walks into west Omaha’s Kugler Vision for a consultation or a scheduled procedure, it’s clear that every detail—things like little to no waiting, Omaha neighborhood-themed private exam rooms (think Benson, South Omaha, Happy Hollow, and Blackstone), a state-of-the-art testing suite, pre-procedure massage chairs and custom music to calm nerves, and a mobile app to alerts patients when it’s time for post-surgery eye drops—has been designed to deliver much more than modern vision correction at the internationally recognized center of excellence.
Story by ANDY WILLIAMS
Photos by OMAHA HEADSHOT COMPANY
Lance Kugler, MD / Photo by Bill Sitzmann
“Having your vision corrected is a transformational experience,” said Lance Kugler, MD, founder, CEO, and surgeon at his practice. “If you talk to people about transformational experiences in your life—such as having a baby or getting married— there are very few in a lifetime. For people who have had LASIK or other vision correction procedures, it shows up on their list. What we’ve tried to do here is treat the entire process, not just the procedure itself, with that level of respect. We’re able to focus on that because vision correction is all we do. We’re able to provide that transformational experience.”
Since opening the surgical center in 2011, Kugler has honed the practice to become a global leader in modern vision correction procedures. The clinic’s staff has developed its skills to build the first practice in Nebraska or Iowa to offer all seven modern
vision correction procedures available to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses and contact lenses. In addition to LASIK, Kugler Vision can offer other procedures such as EVO ICL (implantable collamer lenses) and refractive lens exchange (replacing the natural eye lens).
“It’s a completely different process now,” said Kugler, one of the founders and the first president of the Refractive Surgical Alliance. “It’s no longer, ‘I came in for LASIK and I’m not a candidate, what do I do now?’ If someone wants to fix their vision, we’ll determine the best way to do it based on their visual needs, what they want their outcome to be, how they use their vision, and the specifics of their eyes and visual system.”
LASIK continues to be Kugler Vision’s most performed procedure, however, Kugler and his
Drew Dickson, MD, and Lance Kugler, MD
Photo
Dr. Dickson examining a patient
associates have ridden the wave of rapid and continuous innovation in the field. Since LASIK was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1998, laser vision correction has become the most studied procedure of any sub-specialty in medicine, according to Kugler Vision surgeon Drew Dickson, M.D.
The developments in LASIK have been as rapid as another must-have device we can’t live without. “Look at a cell phone in 1998 and look at an iPhone 15 Pro now,” Kugler said. “You would be hardpressed to say it’s the same category of
product. And that’s true of LASIK. It’s evolved to the point that you can’t even recognize it from where it was before. You’re not comparing apples to apples.”
Developments in the field and the expertise of Kugler Vision’s dedicated staff has raised the acceptance level for vision corrective surgery to an all-time high and is making LASIK and other procedures a “rite of passage,” according to Kugler. “It’s kind of like braces,” added Kugler, an Omaha native with deep roots in the community. “Many parents know that at some point their child is going
Dr. Dickson administering an eye test
Technician performing a diagnostic test
Ashley Hedden Nikaela Schroeder Darcie Zauha Kirsten Hilt Ashley Bundy
to have braces—it’s simply a life cycle event. That’s what vision correction is becoming. If you survey Millennials and Generation Z who wear glasses, 75 percent of them say they are going to have their eyes fixed someday. It’s just a matter of when.”
Even more reason why Kugler Vision’s staff focuses on creating that life-changing experience for their ever-growing number of patients. “One of the things that’s unique about us is we don’t want it to feel like a regular doctor’s office,” said Dickson, who completed an international fellowship while studying under Kugler. “People expect to have good
outcomes if you’re advertising yourself as someone who can help fix your vision. They accept that. But being able to help them have a good time while they’re here and feel valued and cared for is paramount for us. It’s one of the things that help set us apart. Happy patients are what fuel us. The whole team gets excited the day after surgery when we’re checking on patients who couldn’t see the big letter ‘E’ on the chart and now they’re reading the smallest line 24 hours later.”
To schedule a private vision correction consultation at Kugler Vision, visit KuglerVision.com.
Dr. Kugler and Dr. Dickson consulting on a case
a culture of
MARKS SIGNATURE MAC & CHEESE
Executive Chef Doug Case and Executive
Director Tim Steinbach
Story by ANNA HARTMAN
Can a decadent bowl of macaroni and cheese change your life? It can at contemporary Omaha eatery Ooh De Lally, where a comforting cheesy bowl of pasta sates diner cravings while enabling those who craft the dish to positively change the trajectory of their lives.
Opened in March 2024 in the former Dundee neighborhood spot Marks Bistro, the restaurant’s moniker is inspired by the rallying cry of Robin Hood’s merry band in the 1973 movie—a fitting homage to a tale of camaraderie.
Photos by YUM OMAHA
Inspired by Cleveland eatery EDWINS, Ooh De Lally operates as a 501c3 and is the first restaurant to fully partner with the Metropolitan Community College (MCC) Re-entry Assistance Program (RAP) 180 curriculum aimed at rehabilitation and transition of those impacted by the justice system. Currently funded by grants from the Sherwood and Richard Brooke Foundations, the effort is shepherded by executive director Tim Steinbach. Under the guidance of director Diane Good-Collins, the MCC RAP 180 program provides marketable skills, support, new perspective, and training needed to break negative decision cycles and chart new courses for the
future of program participants and their families. The 12-week training efforts undertaken at Ooh De Lally also benefit the community by providing skilled labor to an industry often short of qualified applicants.
Executive Chef Doug Case orchestrates the kitchen with a calm presence, positive reinforcement, and patience. A self-professed “true Nebraska chef,” Case revels in producing craveable neighborhood comfort food. Steinbach is quick to sing Case’s praises, “Doug is an excellent chef who has a heart for the mission and loves to teach. I keep having to remind people of the mission because the food the team is putting out is that good,” he shared.
Seeing the transformative power food and hospitality have on patrons proves inspirational to those who work at Ooh De Lally, about 50 percent of whom are associated with RAP 180 or in need of some level of assistance. When reviews are published, Case is the first to proudly show the cooks, ensuring they know the plates of food they prepared made a positive impact.
General manager Ben Dabney and assistant general manager Bennet Riley work in concert to foster a front-of-house culture as positive and encouraging as that in the kitchen. Steinbach further elaborated, “The culture here is one of caring—we say you should never have a problem in
SEARED SCALLOPS WITH ASPARAGUS AND BLOOD ORANGES
OOH DE LALLY
this building alone—let someone know and we will help resolve it.”
Ooh De Lally’s commitment to community is also evident in the purveyor relationships. Coffee is sourced from nearby Myrtle & Cypress, tap handles crafted by Heimwerker Haus, mushrooms from Flavor Country Farms, and the patio mural and indoor art created by local artist Eduardo Gardea.
According to Case, the menu of approachable new American cuisine is simple, comfortable, and focused while paying homage to Marks Bistro. “Only two of
our kitchen staff are not a part of the RAP 180 program, the level of engagement and pride they take in the food is extraordinary, and they are making it happen through a culture of cooperation,” he added.
Aficionados of Marks Bistro will find familiar flavors in the Marks Signature Mac & Cheese, featuring spiral cavatappi in a four-cheese blend topped with toasted breadcrumbs, or the Brussels sprouts topped with lemon, garlic, and pecorino cheese. Case took extra time developing the well-received ODL Burger, which
uses Snake River Farms beef and bacon from Jon’s Naturals. A robust drink menu includes both mocktails and cocktails, and even the most discerning oenophiles will find a glass or bottle of wine to suit their palate. Bar lead Victoria Albritton enjoys crafting the creative beverages, noting that many components such as syrups, infusions, and foams are made fresh inhouse. The Poire sour is a creative reincarnation of the classic New York sour made with house pear reduction and a Malbec float, and the quaffable Ooh De Lager pairs well with any
DUNDEE DIP WITH BAGUETTE
ODL BURGER WITH HOUSE CUT FRIES AND HOUSE OOH DE LAGER
OOH DE LALLY GREENS
dish in any season.
According to Steinbach, this is not merely a job for those involved in the project. “Everyone here has a story of when they felt the ‘nudge’ from a power bigger than themselves, and there are no egos with which to contend.” The executive director also expressed his gratitude to the Dundee neighborhood for its genuine support of the endeavor, “They’ve been welcoming, receptive, and supportive, presenting ideas with respect and genuine care.”
A spacious outdoor patio invites guests to relax under the shade of umbrellas, and in August 2024, the team will open the downstairs space on Underwood Avenue as La Bodega at Ooh De Lally (La Bo), serving pintxos (light bites), wine, and cocktails. Reservations for Ooh De Lally are recommended and can be made at www.oohdelally.org.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH A QUENCHER/CRUSHER COCKTAIL
What you need:
• 5 blueberries
• 2 lemon wedges
• ice
• 2 oz. sours
• 1 oz. Stolichnaya blueberry vodka
• .5 oz. Absolut citron vodka
• .5 oz. Limoncello
Add ice and next four ingredients
THE BAR: Biaggi’s THE BARTENDER: Devin THE DRINK: Blueberry lemonade
Shake well
Garnish with lemon wedge
THE TIMELESS APPEAL OF CUSTOM FURNITURE
Investing in custom furniture offers the assurance that you will never have to worry about replacing, selling, or giving away your cherished pieces. These furniture items are not just ordinary pieces but rather heirloom furniture that holds a special significance. They are meticulously handcrafted with utmost care and attention to detail, using only the finest quality materials. The craftsmanship and durability of these pieces ensure that they can be passed down from one generation to the next, becoming a cherished part of your family’s history.
In addition to the timeless appeal of heirloom furniture, the same principle applies to other custom-built elements in your home, such as built-in library systems, kitchen cabinets, and bookcases. These custom additions not only enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your living space but also add significant value to your home. Unlike mass-produced furniture or generic installations, these custom-built features are tailored to your specific needs and preferences, ensuring a perfect fit and seamless integration with your home’s overall design. As a result, your home becomes more valuable, both in terms of monetary worth and personal satisfaction.
It is important to acknowledge that disposable products have become the norm. Many furniture items are designed to have a short lifespan, leading to frequent replacements. However, investing in custom furniture breaks away from this throwaway culture. By choosing custom-made pieces, you are making a conscious decision to prioritize quality and longevity. These furniture items are built to withstand the test of time, offering you the peace of mind that you won’t have to constantly replace them. Instead, you can enjoy the beauty, functionality, and sentimental value of your custom furniture for
years to come, creating a legacy that can be treasured by future generations.
The year 1989 hallmarked two brothers—Dennis and Dan Zongker— and their adventure in dedication and preservation of the artistry of furniture making. With no two pieces of furniture alike, your furniture remains original and retains its value for years to come. Experienced furniture artisans nurture each project from beginning to end, assuring you quality, service, and complete satisfaction.
Known as Omaha’s best-kept secret, Zongkers Custom Furniture designs each custom piece exactly how you wish and with quality that can be handed down for generations.
Dennis Zongker of Zongkers Custom Woods
Nancy’s
“I
Discover
Songs of Summer
Story by EDGE CONTRIBUTOR
On Friday, September 6, the 6th annual Shadow Ridge Music Festival will bring the perfect summertime jam band lineup to West Omaha. This year’s headliner, platinum selling band O.A.R. is widely regarded as one of the best live acts around, having sold out shows at the country’s most prestigious venues including Madison Square Garden and Red Rocks Amphitheater. They also have a special tie to Omaha with their hit song “This Town,” which serves as the official song of the College World Series.
Photos courtesy of SHADOW RIDGE MUSIC FESTIVAL
“O.A.R. has built one of the most committed fanbases in the country because of the popularity of their live shows” said festival founder Justin Shanahan. “I have been trying to book them as our headliner since 2019, and I am really excited we finally were able to bring them here. I feel like they are the perfect fit for the Shadow Ridge Music Festival.” Joining O.A.R. is Colorado’s own Big Head Todd & The Monsters, who headlined the first ever Shadow Ridge Music Festival. “Big Head Todd has been one of my favorite bands since I was 16 years old, and they were the ones to get this whole thing started,” Shanahan said. “They are the first and only band we’ve ever invited back, and it will be awesome to have them play our festival again.”
The Freddy Jones Band, a roots rock band out of Chicago, and Iowa legends The Nadas will open the show. “I am not sure we’ve ever had as cohesive a lineup as this,” Shanahan said. “It is the perfect, late summer, outdoor show.”
In addition to great music and cold beverages, Shanahan shared that a dozen local restaurants and food trucks will be on hand for festival goers to enjoy. “Great food is important, and we always include local food trucks that represent Omaha’s diverse culinary scene. We have some great additions this year that festival
goers will love.”
Once again, the Shadow Ridge Music Festival has partnered with the Lane Thomas Foundation, founded locally by Matt and Melissa Graves, and a portion of every ticket sold will go to supporting families of children in need of life-saving transplants.
“It is important to me that our Music Festival has a bigger purpose in our community, and by supporting the Lane Thomas Foundation, we are making a positive impact beyond just entertaining people.” Shanahan said. I encourage everyone to visit LaneThomas.org and learn about the incredible work Matt and Melissa are doing to support these families who are facing incredible adversity.”
With nearly 6,000 in attendance last year, the Shadow Ridge Music Festival was one of the largest paid outdoor concerts in Omaha in 2023, securing its place on the map as West Omaha’s premier concert event of the summer and the current, longest running major Omaha Music Festival. Shanahan added, “We were the second longest running behind MAHA Music Festival, and when it didn’t return this year, we took over as the longest running Omaha Music Festival. I am proud of what we’ve built, and I look forward to another great show this September.”
The Power of
Knowledge
Story by EDGE CONTRIBUTOR
To her leaders at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE), Raechel Kofoed is known as someone always hungry to pursue the next big thing. With extra time on her hands during the COVID-19 pandemic, she decided to take steps toward something she’s always dreamed of accomplishing: getting her bachelor’s degree.
“Getting my degree has been a lifelong dream of mine,” said Kofoed, agile project manager at BCBSNE. “I decided to take advantage of the opportunities Blue Cross offered while I had the extra time at home.”
Photo courtesy of BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF NEBRASKA
“It’s been a three-and-a-half-year commitment, and my support system helped make it happen.”
RAECHEL KOFOED
BCBSNE offers eligible employees a tuition assistance program that reimburses tuition, fees, and books while they work toward an approved degree. In addition, BCBSNE partners with Bellevue University, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Midland University, and the University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC) to offer enhanced tuition benefits that often include no up-front tuition payment by the eligible employee.
When Kofoed learned she wouldn’t have to pay for anything out of pocket, she discussed the opportunity with her support system at BCBSNE and at home, and she went for it. “I started my first class [with UAGC], and I just loved the environment,” Kofoed said. “When I was looking at the programs available, I decided on business administration because it covered so many different things.”
Kofoed reflected on the other times she’s gone for her degree saying it “just wasn’t the right time, wasn’t right for my life.” With the connections she made with her classmates at UAGC and the support of her coworkers at BCBSNE, she seemed to have the perfect combination of the right time, place, and people.
“My leaders at Blue Cross have been my biggest supporters,” Kofoed said. “They know that I have school on Monday and Thursday nights and make it easy for me to sign off early and make up time when I can. It’s been a three-and-ahalf-year commitment, and my support system helped make it happen.”
At home, Kofoed said her husband embraced the journey from the beginning, and that support is the reason she made it through her undergraduate degree. Now, with the full backing of
BCBSNE and her family, Kofoed is taking classes toward a master’s degree and potentially a PhD after that.
“One of my leaders told me once, ‘You can have a lot of things in life taken away from you, but no one can ever take away the knowledge you have,’” Kofoed said.
“That’s really changed my perspective as I work toward a master’s in business administration.”
Her advice to anyone looking to go after their dreams? “Just try,” Kofoed said. “I’ve tried multiple times, and it just wasn’t right, but you’re not going to know when it’s right until you try. You must have the right time, right place, and right people around you.”
To learn more about BCBSNE, visit NebraskaBlue.com
Raechel Kofoed
Brilliantly Unexpected
IThe Farnam Combines Luxury with Personal Attention to Detail
magine the looks of surprise and delight on the faces of the couple who annually visits The Farnam, Autograph Collection hotel in downtown Omaha when they stepped into their suite for College World Series week and were greeted with meaningful, personal touches, including a Texas Longhorns decal on their shower door and a UT pillow on their bed (they were Texas fans); flights of their favorite spirits in UT etched glasses; specially created art depicting a logo that honored the guest’s recently deceased father; and products from bygone-era companies where the guest’s father used to work, including Butter-Nut® Coffee in the Omaha area.
Those ultra above and beyond touches are just a few examples of the lengths that general manager Shane Lonowski and his staff will stretch to create a “brilliantly unexpected” experience and you’re with family atmosphere for guests that frequent the top-rated Autograph Collection hotel in North America.
Story by ANDY WILLIAMS
Photos by OMAHA HEADSHOT COMPANY and THE FARNAM
Catalyst Lounge
“We constantly search to discover what we can do to be brilliantly unexpected, whether it’s offerings through our culinary and beverage program, when our front desk staff checks somebody in, or personalized touches when housekeeping cleans a room,” said Lonowski, noting that all guests receive the option of champagne or a seasonal craft cocktail at check-in. “Our team is encouraged every day, if there is a small tidbit of information or a golden nugget and we learn somebody’s preferences or uncover that they like something—a sports team or maybe a musical artist—to have fun with it and celebrate that moment with the guest by personalizing their stay.”
Such unheard of attention to customer detail and unique accents at every turn in the three-year-old locally-owned property has netted The Farnam the highest
customer satisfaction scores in Marriot’s luxury segment, which includes the world-famous Ritz Carlton. The Farnam was also named Hotel of the Year among 140 Autograph Collection hotels, and recently became the first and only hotel in Nebraska’s history to be approved for the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide ratings. “Previously, Forbes wouldn’t consider looking at Omaha,” said Lonowski, a 20-year career veteran of the hospitality industry. “But now, because of The Farnam’s Instagram worthy design and décor, artfully curated food and beverage offerings, and above all, the brilliantly unexpected level of service and hospitality, Forbes has opened their doors to Nebraska for the first time.”
It’s no wonder when you consider the intentionality and special thought given to nearly every nook of The Farnam.
Designed to capture the spirit of Omaha’s industrial boom, the hotel is named after Henry Farnam, who petitioned Abraham Lincoln to drive the first spike in Omaha for the westward half of the original cross-country railroad. The hotel’s bar, Catalyst, reflects the spark that “lit the dynamite for the expansion of the railroads”—with Dynamite the name of the hotel’s award-winning restaurant to encompass fire and explosive flavors that emerge from a wood-fire oven that is one of only seven like it in the world.
The front desk is constructed from repurposed wood from a local church with an upscale and industrial feel. Custom carpet in the hallways depicts an abstract aerial photograph of the Missouri River with golden splashes to represent the Nebraska state flower, goldenrod. Guest room carpets portray a flooded Nebras-
The Farnam lobby
ka crop field. Elevator landings feature wooden inlays that represent a railroad switchyard, pulleys in each guest room reflect an industrial feel, and room televisions hang from leather that is representative of luggage that was popular with travelers in the industrial era. “As much as we tell the story of Omaha’s past, it’s never in your face, nor does it feel dated,” said Lonowski, adding that owners Jason and Angie Fisher greatly influenced The Farnam’s conceptual vision. “Everything is upscale and modern, a contemporary design-forward twist.”
That is especially true of The Farnam’s creativity in culinary and beverage offerings that emanate from the minds of Chef Andy Ribelin and Beverage Director Blake Carter. Ribelin changes locally-sourced ingredients seasonally, creating fresh tastes such as a compressed
General Manager Shane Lonowski / Photo by Omaha Headshot Company
Dynamite Woodfire Grill
watermelon salad, a flavorful Spanish gazpacho soup and Wagyu tri tip accompanied by cowboy beans, grilled vegetables, and chimichurri. Carter crafts inspired cocktails such as a St. Elyx made with Absolut Elyx, watermelon, pomegranate, lime, then topped with foam made from St. Germain, or the Strawberry Kiwi Caipirinha an immensely fresh and mildly tart cocktail, with a balancing act of sweet and salty, finished with subtle earth tones distinctly derived from freshly pressed sugar cane juice. The creativity and talent from Ribelin and Carter come together in events such as the recent exclusive wine pairing dinner with world-renowned Darioush brand wine from Napa Valley.
“We’re always exploring new culinary possibilities while maintaining honest, made-from-scratch ingredients,” said Lonowski. “Our approach is to continuously evolve and innovate. We avoid mass production, ensuring that nearly everything we create begins with simplicity and exclusivity, offering guests a unique experience they can’t find anywhere else. At Dynamite, everything is artfully plated and tastes equally amazing.”
The Farnam is bucking what is becoming a longterm trend in the hospitality industry—high staff turnover—with its hiring and retention approach. Hotel leadership decided early on that to be the best, they needed to lead the market in pay structure to keep the best talent. “We’re extremely competitive, and because of that we don’t have the labor challenges,” Lonowski said. That stability and standard of excellence for all staff roles produces fivestar performers at every stop at The Farnam—such as valet service that even Uber drivers highlight for arriving guests, requested servers like Armondo and Chris, and front-desk associates like Sam, who has received over 100 written compliments from guests.
“We have high caliber players in every area,” said Lonowski. “Our team is encouraged every day to have fun and take great care of our guests. We firmly believe that by taking care of our team members, they’re going to take care of our guests. And if we are taking care of our guests, they’re going to return, and that’s going to take care of our business. Ultimately, you’re family when you’re here, and taking care of people is what we love to do.”
Guests receive complimentary champagne upon arrival
Metropolitan Suite
RISING ABOVE WITH
grit
Story by SHELLY NOSBISCH
courtesy of WILSON MUNSTERMAN
Creighton University GRIT scholarship winner Wilson Munsterman has the passion, perseverance, and initiative toward his goals to make real change in the world. Munsterman, a closed international adoptee from China, was one of four seniors at Westside High School to receive the award, which was previously only available to private school students.
Edge: How did you react when you received the GRIT scholarship?
Munsterman: I was in shock and still am. Creighton is an amazing university with endless possibilities. It’s a dream come true. This scholarship is for kids who were handed a particular un-favorable set of circumstances but didn’t allow themselves to be trapped by them. They were able to show “Grit” by digging their feet in and rising above. To be chosen is a huge honor.
Edge: How have you tried to create change in the world?
Munsterman: I’ve tried setting an example for the younger generation. I try to spend a solid chunk of my time volunteering and asking myself what I can do for others. The biggest thing I have done in my life so far was going down to the capitol and testifying for the resolution LR229, which examines the lack of support for those in foster care and adoption.
Photos
Wilson Munsterman
Edge: What was it like testifying before the state senators?
Munsterman: I was very nervous as I had not done anything like it before. It was an eye-opening experience into what I want to pursue in my future. After testifying, one of the senators said, “Don’t wait for the government to create change. You should create the support groups you wish had been in place for you.” After I heard that, I knew helping the adoption/foster care system was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I also received an amazing opportunity to intern for Congressman Don Bacon, going door-to-door and walking in parades.
Edge: Where do you volunteer your time?
Munsterman: I volunteer wherever I am able to. I have volunteered at the ALS in the Heartland, Partnership4Kids, and The Omaha Marathon. I don’t think of it as “volunteering my time” because our time should be spent helping others. I think of it as me fulfilling my purpose here on earth.
Edge: What change do you want to bring about in the future?
Munsterman: I would like to improve the adoption process. There is a lack of resources and support for adoptees. Someday I would like to start either
Wilson with Don Bacon’s political director Matthew Zacher
a business or non-profit with the purpose to provide therapy, resources, and a sense of community for those in the adoption community (kids and parents). Most of all I would like to leave the world a better place than when I arrived. I think that the Latin term “auxilium allis” is a perfect guide to live life. It translates to help others and that should be the goal for everyone!
Edge: Why do people say you are the “oldest” eighteen-year-old they know?
Munsterman: This term was coined by one of my favorite school counselors at Westside, Vicki Londer. She says I’m an old soul. I collect albums, I prefer my coffee black, and I love old country westerns. My favorite artists include Elvis Presley, Jim Reeves, George Jones, and Patsy Cline. Growing up, I always connected better with the older generation. I guess after years of listening to the wisdom they have to offer, I’ve picked up a couple of their mannerisms as well!
Jonathan Wood, Wilson Musterman, and Paul Wood, volunteering at the annual ALS walk
Shannon Bingham, Mrs. Midwest International, with Wilson at the Omaha Leaders lunch
A workout for EVERY BODY
Story
By MIKE WATKINS Photos courtesy of BODY20
According to owners Mark and Stephanie Boyens, BODY20 is a workout for every body. It’s what differentiates BODY20 from all other business models: it works for the younger highly motivated athletes looking for the extra edge, the working parents with limited time to work out, and the aging population motivated to build muscle mass to maintain an active and healthy quality of life.
With BODY20, clients get full-body strength training in 20 minutes once a week that focuses on the value of time— one-on-one private training that allows for personalized workouts and accountability with results, without the need to pick up a weight or use traditional gym equipment.
“We wanted to bring a unique full body strength training concept to Omaha that could target every body, not just the population that currently works out routinely,” Steph Boyens said. “This revolutionary technology allows all people the ability to have access to a unique method of building lean muscle mass.” The benefits of strength training with EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) are the following: low impact to protect strain on joints and injury, optimized posture, strengthens core and abdominal muscles, reduces fat and cellulite, relieves back pain, increases muscle definition, corrects muscle imbalances, and improves balance and stability.
“As we age, we naturally fight sarcopenia, a gradual loss of muscle mass, strength, and quality, especially in the older population,” Boyens said. It is critical to have a steady diet of strength training to ensure we don’t lose our balance, stability, mobility, and strength to perform our activities of daily living reliably and without injury.”
BODY20, which the Boyens opened last December, is a training program that combines intentional, controlled movements with an electro muscle stimulation (EMS) suit. The suit mimics the impulses your brain sends your body when exercising, creating muscle contractions on a level that would not be normally achieved with traditional modalities of movement. The impulses are delivered to 16 major muscle groups and create up to 36,000 muscle stimulations in a 20-minute period, which is 150 times more than a traditional workout.
“Because the sessions are delivered in a one-on-one setting with a person-
al coach, we are able to address any movement restrictions a client may have,” Boyens said. “The suit is objective, so muscles that would normally not be activated due to limitations are consistently contracting, which leads to increased blood flow and improved mobility that results in regained strength, range of motion, and endurance. It is very effective in correcting muscle imbalances and targeting small stabilizer muscles you cannot contact in a traditional workout.”
Boyens said that technology has revolutionized this fitness modality because it now creates a solution for individuals who currently don’t work out or can’t due to varying circumstances. The EMS technology aids where needed across 90 percent of someone’s muscles, whereas traditional workouts reach anywhere between 30-50 percent of your muscles in a single workout routine. “The strength training, endurance, and relax modes for a fitness model are revolutionary, but EMS technology has been around for a very long time in training high-level
athletes and in the therapy and rehab community,” Boyens said.
While BODY20’s focus remains on strength training, the business also offers an endurance and relaxation mode for additional benefits to assist members in their fitness goals. The relax mode provides similar benefits as a deep tissue massage in stimulating your muscles and flushing lactic acid from your body. It also provides specialized workouts targeted at golfers to improve core strength, flexibility, and low back injury prevention and strengthening.
“We are much more than a gym where people workout,” Boyens said. “We are a fitness-oriented physiological health program where individuals find and pursue their true potential. We focus on each client’s ‘why’ and assist them in achieving their goals through strength training, diet, hydration, and additional wellness activities outside of the gym. We routinely say, ‘you just have to experience it.’” To register for a free demo session, visit BODY20/west-Omaha.
Client working out with Sam Lucier. Facing page: Jayden Reifenrath and Sam Lucier
INDISPENSABLE ASSET
Makenzie Kucks | Senior | Millard North High School
Story by SHELLY NOSBISCH
Photo by PAIGE LEE
Playing volleyball is like breathing for Millard North High School senior Makenzie Kucks. “I’m proud I’ll be playing Division 1 volleyball at Lipscomb University,” she said. “I always knew I wanted to play in college, and I’m grateful that I will be able to do that. The volleyball program at Lipscomb is great, and I am so excited I will be living in Nashville. It’s a little scary going that far away, but when I visited the school, I could easily picture it being my home.”
Kucks began playing volleyball with the YMCA as a first grader, but later she tried out for an 11u team at Premier and made her first club team. “My favorite club teams were 13 Black and 15 Red. Both of those teams were so special, and I will remember them forever. I loved my teammates and made really good connections with my coaches on 13 Black. One of them (Meagen Beacom) became my family’s nanny for several years and later on became my high school coach. She isn’t my high school coach anymore, but I still talk to her all the time. I was even a bridesmaid in her wedding. My 15 Red team was special because I love my teammates so much. We had such a great bond that led to us triple qualifying for nationals. Those two club teams helped shape what I think makes a team great.”
Kucks can’t say enough about her club team. “Playing at Premier is just the
absolute best. I can’t even imagine playing for a different club. I have played at almost every level at Premier (1st team, 2nd team, and 3rd team) and it doesn’t matter where you are because you get quality coaching no matter what. We are one of the top clubs in the nation and the number one club in Nebraska, and I love being able to play at a place that is so highly regarded.”
Meagen Beacom, Kuck’s former Premier club coach, stated, “Kenzie is one of the most driven and passionate players I have ever coached. She holds herself to the highest standard (on and off the court) and is always pushing herself to be better. She holds herself accountable, which is why her teammates put so much trust in her. She is always the first one to pick up a teammate when they are down and hype them up when they do something good. I have loved watching Kenzie grow into the player that she is today. She is determined to be the best that she can be. It has been such a privilege to coach her, and I’m so excited to see the amazing things she is going to accomplish at the next level.”
Playing for Millard North has also been a wonderful experience. “Being part of the Millard North team is great. I am confident that this 2024 season could be the year we go to state.” Rian Robison, former Millard North volleyball coach believes in Kucks. “Kenzie is the hardest working volleyball player I’ve ever had the privilege to coach. Her dedication to
the sport is matched by her exceptional coachability, making her an indispensable asset to any team. Kenzie consistently demonstrates a team-first mindset, always prioritizing the collective success over individual accolades. In her sophomore year, Kenzie made a significant switch in positions, moving to libero. Despite the challenges and frustration that a switch like this can create, she embraced it with determination and tireless effort.”
Kucks focuses solely on volleyball and school as well as family. “I take my school very seriously, so when I’m not playing volleyball I am usually doing homework. However, when I do get some free time, I love to hang out with my little brother Maddox. We have a tenyear age gap but we love to get Starbucks together, play board games and video games, and play outside together. When I’m with my friends we usually just hang out, go shopping, or get food.”
Kucks gets her motivation from within, but her competitive streak comes from her family. “I get my motivation from myself. I wouldn’t say anyone has to push me to get up and get some extra reps or go to workouts, but I am definitely surrounded by a great family, teammates, and coaches that make it easy to always want to work though. My competitiveness definitely comes from my family though. Me and my siblings compete in absolutely everything we do. Family games at our house are serious business.”
