Papillion, NE March 2024

A Letter From The Publisher

Welcome to our Home Issue!

In putting together this magazine each month, I have the distinct privilege of speaking with so many individuals who call Papillion home. In doing so, the number of times that I have had someone tell me that their family has been here for three or more generations, or that they grew up here, left, and then came back is truly astonishing. There is something about Papillion that makes it feel like home for so many of us.

I married into one of those families that has been here for three generations. Little did I know… I was marrying a hometown as well! It didn’t take long for us to be proud Papillion homeowners. I recall the aftermath of a storm one of the first summers in our home. There were large tree branches down everywhere in the neighborhood. As everyone came out to assess the damage, there was this feeling as though we were all one big family. I have witnessed this time and time again since that day, and it really makes me proud of where I am from.

Early on I would have said that I loved my home in Papillion, but now I say something far more meaningful… I love that Papillion is my home.

As we thought about this issue, our goal was to keep ‘home’ in mind with its many meanings. We wanted to include ways that may help you add or restore beauty to your home. We also wanted to show how Papillion has been a multi-generational home and a community to return to. The stories included within these pages bring this to life, and we hope that reading them will make you feel a little bit more at home.

Thank you for letting us be a small part of your home each month!

Have a great March!

KYLER HENDRICKSON, PUBLISHER @PAPILLIONCITYLIFESTYLE

city scene

Want to be seen in the magazine?

1: Omaha Fattie Night at Bureikou Tea & More in Downtown Papillion. 2: Papillion Police and Fire Department Members joined for Papillion Library’s Youth Craft Club. 3: Lots of fun was had at the Papillion Recreation Mother and Son Glow Dance. 4: The UH-1 Huey Helicopter was delivered to the site of the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial. 5: The Papillion Area Historical Society held ‘Soup-uary’ with unlimited soups and salad. 6: Members of the Lions Club served meals to the community at the Lions Spaghetti Dinner. 7: Sarpy County Chamber Ambassadors at the ribbon cutting for Bon Vivant Suites.

OMAHA FATTIE

KELLY WAREHIME

PAPILLION LANDING

CITY OF PAPILLION

DIANE PEAGLER

KYLER HENDRICKSON

SARPY CHAMBER – TARA SIMONS

Dr Taera Kim, DMD, CAGS, MSD

Dr Takanari Miyamoto, DDS, PhD, CAGS, MSD, MBA

Melissa Lang, DDS, MS

business monthly

Pit BBQ is on the Move

The Pit BBQ Lounge goes mobile! After three and half years of operating a brick-andmortar and contemplating another location way out west, Pit BBQ Lounge decided to make it mobile! Keep an eye out for the new food trailer around the metro, serving their top four selling items from Papillion Days this June to the Burt County fair late July. For more information email Mel at pitbbqcatering@gmail.com.

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Pi Day Fun at Mathnasium!

Help kids finish the school year strong with Mathnasium! Mathnasium meets students where they are in their math knowledge and helps them succeed by creating individualized learning plans. They can catch up, keep up, and get ahead! Stop in on Thursday, March 14th (3.14) for a Pi Day tour.

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Absolute Sports Nutrition: New Location, Same Great Service

Absolute Sports Nutrition (ASN) has been serving the Papillion and Bellevue communities for nearly 15 years: the first ten years as Max Muscle and now five years as ASN. They stand out by carrying only American-made and tested supplements. ASN employs nutritionists who create custom meal plans to help with health and fitness goals and answer all questions about food, fitness, and supplements. Visit their new location at 2340 Cornhusker Road in Bellevue.

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to be

Photography by Pit BBQ Lounge

Photography by Mathnasium

Photography by Absolute Sports Nutrition

A BREWMASTER’S RETURN

ARTICLE BY VINCE MANCUSO PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPH SAAID

ZAC TRIEMERT REVITALIZES LUCKY BUCKET WITH PASSION AND ORIGINAL BREWS

On March 23, the iconic brewery and distillery, Lucky Bucket and Cut Spike, will celebrate its sweet sixteen with the return of founder Zac Triemert at the helm. Zac, who originally established the company in 2008, expressed his joy at being part of it again, saying, "I put so much work, soul, and passion into this brand that it never left me.”

Zac's journey began with a career shift from pre-med to brewing and distilling, sparked by a revelation about the versatile uses of his degree. Though he went on to start a career as a microbiologist, the idea of brewing fermented through home brews.

He honored his late father in 2000 by crafting a home-brewed beer named Jerry's Pale Ale. “Each family member got two bottles: one to drink and one to keep.” Witnessing the reactions of his family sparked the company’s motto: celebrate, commiserate, and commemorate. “I knew then I had to get a brewing job.”

Taking a risk, Zac became the head brewer at Upstream Brewing Company in Omaha.

Fueling his passion, he pursued a master's degree in brewing and distilling in Edinburgh, UK, focusing on the distillery side. His master's thesis became the basis for the distilling system at Cut Spike.

After graduation in 2006, Zac returned to Nebraska and began work on legalizing craft distilling before opening Lucky Bucket Brewery and Solas Distillery in 2008. He would then sell his equity to launch Brickway Brewery & Distillery in 2012. Zac emphasized the importance of learning from Lucky Bucket's success while building Brickway.

Advantages emerged as Zac reacquired Lucky Bucket in 2023, leading to a complete renovation of the La Vista facility. Zac described the process as a "grind" but worthwhile for the "brand new beer factory," due to the expanded production scale.

Renovations included updates to the tap room, bathrooms, and increased event space, promising the return of Lucky Bucket's Oktoberfest party.

“We told people we’re definitely bringing it back, and we’ve actually put a date to it: Saturday, September 7,” Zac shares.

Reflecting on the journey, Zac emphasized the collective effort, stating, "I have to have people know this isn't just me: it's my team." He also expressed pride and gratitude for the swift support from Mayors David Black and Doug Kindig of Papillion and La Vista, respectively.

Customers can explore Lucky Bucket and Cut Spike through their website, social media, or the tasting room at 11941 Centennial Road, where they can savor old favorites and new brews, soon including Jerry's Pale Ale, the first ever commercially available batch.

With Zac Triemert's return, Lucky Bucket reintroduces original recipes, reclaiming the essence lost since his departure in 2012.

Notably, the Lucky Bucket Pre-Prohibition Lager and Certified Evil Ale, an imperial stout, undergo a revival, returning to their initial complexity and 4.5% and 9.2% alcohol levels. The lager promises familiarity and nostalgia, described as light, crisp, and with a touch more color.

Zac affirms, "It is a session beer, a crushable, drink-allday kind of beer.”

He anticipates their swift availability in Omaha Metro's establishments.

Alongside these classics, Lucky Bucket introduces two new offerings: American Wheat and an IPA, adding diversity to local stores, bars, and restaurants. Embrace the return of beloved favorites and explore the freshness of Lucky Bucket's latest creations.

We

there

a lot of options when it comes to weight loss clinics, we would like to share a few things that set our program aside.

We

Angela Vogel, APRN Jenni Haan, PA-C

The Power of Family

ARTICLE BY VINCE MANCUSO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF KURRUS

Kurt White combines national experience with a local touch in his growing power washing franchise

CONTINUED >

Rolling Suds power washing brings a level of expertise, professionalism, and community to the Omaha Metro area. Kurt White, the local owner, launched Rolling Suds Omaha-Papillion in June 2023, quickly becoming a franchise pioneer with others across the country in tow.

Kurt found the appeal of Rolling Suds in its simplicity and results. Chuckling, he explains, "There's a reason why TikTok is flooded with power washing videos. It's all because people are drawn to the instant gratification of seeing immediate results."

Already planning to expand, Kurt attributes his success to a background in contract-based services, maintaining long-term clients through exemplary service and competitive pricing while developing relationships.

Outside of his business acumen, a key to Kurt’s success has been the support of his wife, Jeanna, and his three sons, Keaton, Austin, and Hayden, all of whom work for the company.

“My launch would not have been successful without my boys; they were my guys; they were running my first truck.”

Between this family bond and new relationships with customers, Kurt shares, "It's been quite a ride, surpassing my expectations in every way. While I did anticipate some success, the joy of building relationships in the community has been truly rewarding."

TONE + TEXTURE

STYLE YOUR HOME IN TONES AND TEXTURES WITH DESIGN HELP FROM HOUZZ INTERIOR DESIGN EXPERTS

ARTICLE BY NICOLETTE MARTIN

WOVEN + KNOTTED

LIVING BOHO-CHIC WITH WOVEN TEXTURES AND MACRAMÉ

Decorate your space with handmade textures such as the modern, maker revival of 1970s macramé and year-round tropical feel of wicker. MACRAMÉ Made through knotting instead of weaving, macramé can add a unique touch in many various ways. Houzz contributor Laura Gaskill suggests incorporating it as nursery decor, plant hangers, wall hangings and modern fiber arts. WICKER According to Houzz contributor Yanic Simard, “the best way to really embrace the luxury-cottage appeal of wicker and rattan is to combine different forms of the two in one space... Look for other unexpected places to add a natural twist to your home with a new material woven into your palette.”

AGAINST THE GRAIN BRIGHTS + WHITES

TIPS FOR DECORATING WITH NATURAL MATERIALS

Houzz contributor Katie Treggiden offers many ways to incorporate natural materials and natural-state timber into your home, including using wood to cover one wall in a home for a pleasing accent wall; featuring your firewood as a striking, stacked display; and mixing different types of wood and different finishes in the same space. “A simple way to incorporate the wood trend is to expose structural wooden beams already present in your home,” Katie says. “Instead of painting them or boxing them in, leave them raw or give them a coat of wax to enrich the tones.”

ADDING TASTEFUL POPS OF COLOR TO YOUR WHITE ROOM

Do you feel like your all-white room is missing something? Houzz contributor Kelly Porter bets what’s missing is energy.

“The best way to add a spark to any space,” she says, “is with bright color.”

Kelly says green is one of the easiest colors to live with, looking organic even in its more vivid tones.

“When searching for the perfect bright green, think springtime—fresh green grass and newly sprouted leaves,” she says. “These greens have lively undertones that will look comfortable and warm in your white space.

Other colors Kelly recommends adding as accents are yellow, royal blue, orange, blue-purple, red-purple and sky blue.

ARTICLE BY DEB GRAYSON REINARD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPH SAAID

ROOTS RUN DEEP

The seeds of longevity sprout successful generations

Surnames like Roth and Schram are steeped deep in Papillion history, and at the same time, they are loving members of Leanne Sotak’s family. Sotak, a sales agent for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Ambassador Real Estate, is a longtime resident of Papillion and proud of it.

“I’m the fourth generation on my mother’s side to graduate from Papillion High School,” she said.

With familial roots deep in the community, as well as many acres of Sarpy County land farmed by Sotak’s dad, Tom Glesinger, where once stood big farmhouses that were home to Sotak’s grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles, Sotak said she and her husband, Mike, knew, without a doubt, that Papillion was the best place to raise their own family.

“I love our tag line: It feels like home,” Sotak said. “We have such a warm, welcoming community.” Citing Papillion’s annual Winter Wonderland, “Feels like a Hallmark movie,” she said, and the summer’s fun-filled Papillion Days, Sotak said other annual events such as downtown’s Sip and Walk, have become so popular that other communities are taking notice and developing very similar events.

Leanne's mother in the Papillion Days Parade

In addition to local events, Sotak said Papillion offers everything, from doctors, dentists and childcare to great schools, walking trails and lakeside recreation areas. “We really do have it all,” she said. “The SumTur Amphitheater is first-rate, Veterans Park is beautiful, and Werner Park is so fun.”

In her role as a sales agent, Sotak has the opportunity to work closely with families looking to make Papillion their home. “It's important to research the neighborhoods in Papillion. Think about your family’s needs. Do you have kids in school? What activities are they involved in? Those are just a couple questions for a family to consider,” she said. “And talk to a sales agent who

will give you an honest opinion about which neighborhoods have the most to offer you.” Sotak said trust is especially important for out-of-town buyers such as military members being relocated to nearby Offutt Air Force Base. “Oftentimes, they are buying a home sight unseen, so it's important that they trust you to help them find that perfect home.”

Sotak said she loves her work as a sales agent and also loves volunteering for local organizations. “I am very lucky to be embraced by my community. I’m very thankful,” she said. “We have deep roots in Papillion, so it’s important to give back to this wonderful community that has given so much to us.”

“I am very lucky to be embraced by my community. We have deep roots in Papillion, so it’s important to give back to this wonderful community that has given so much to us.”

Handmade Soap

Add a spa-like feel to your home with this refreshing soap recipe that's simple to make at home.

ARTICLE BY ANGI HOCKETT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

The art of soap making has come a long way since our grandmothers’ day. All the nourishing oils, beautiful colors, scents and exfoliants would have been a dream to her. Today, it is easy to custom make soap for any skin type. Adding oils such as avocado, olive, jojoba, and argon are just a few ingredients to make a rich smooth bar.

Not only do handmade soaps get super-fatted oils to add moisture, they can also include some amazing exfoliants, additives and scents. A few of my favorites are honey, aloe juice, goat’s milk, activated charcoal and clays.

If you want to get started making soap try this simple pour and mold recipe.

ingredients

•2 lb. goat’s milk melt-and-pour soap

•1 lemon rind, zested

•3 tablespoons of dried lavender buds

• 2 tablespoons of honey

•15 drops of lavender essential oil

•6 drops of lemon essential oil

• Jar or bowl for melting soap base

• Silicone mold

directions

lavender honey

lemon soap

Chop soap into smaller pieces. It will melt faster this way. Place in bowl and microwave (or double boil). Be careful to watch soap and not let it burn.  If you are using microwave, heat in 30 second increments, stirring frequently. Once soap is melted add your essential oils first. Once essential oils have been added and mixed thoroughly, add the lavender buds, lemon zest and honey. Have your mold ready to go, on a flat, even surface. You’ll want to move quickly before the soap cools too much. Mix everything thoroughly again, and pour mixture into mold. Let the soap cool for 2-3 hours until bars are completely solid. Wrap or package however you like.

Recipe from Sisoo.com

Graduation Pre-Order Sale

Now

events

EVERY FRIDAY

Bellevue Berry Farm Fish Fry

Bellevue Berry Farm | 4:30 PM

Join the Bellevue Berry Farm for Fish Fry Dinners every Friday throughout March. Dine in or place an order togo. There will be a full bar set up and play areas will be open.

MARCH 13TH

Girl Scout Cookie & Beer Pairing at Heights Draft Room

Heights Draft Room in LaVista

City Centre | 3:30 PM

Heights Draft Room will be hosting an event that pairs a flight of beers with Girl Scout Cookies. Stop by anytime on March 13th to try the pairings. Representatives from the Girl Scouts will be on site selling boxes of cookies and taking orders as well.

MARCH 23RD

2nd Annual LibraryCon

Papillion Landing | 10:00 AM

The 2nd Annual LibraryCon spotlights the love the community has for comics, movies, and art. The event will take place at the Papillion Landing on March 23rd from 10AM to 2PM. There will be food trucks, presenters, vendors, Omaha Corgi Crew, and more!

GET IT DONE RIGHT WITH PLUMBRITE!

MARCH 29TH

Papio Fun Park Spring Fling

Papio Fun Park | 12:00 PM

Papio Fun Park will host a Spring Fling Day on March 29th from noon-9PM. Bring the family out and have some fun! Extreme wristbands will be available to purchase for $15.

MARCH 30TH

City of Papillion Easter Egg Hunt

Halleck Park | 1:00 PM

Wander through the Halleck Park trail with your Easter basket and collect goodies from local organizations placed along the trail! There will be photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny and some of his friends. The event begins at the Halleck Park Shelter.

MARCH 30TH

City of LaVista Easter Egg Hunt and Food Drive

LaVista Sports Complex Soccer Fields | 10:30 AM

Over 20,000 eggs will be spread out between the four LaVista Sports Complex soccer fields.  Enjoy photo opportunities with the Easter bunny before the hunt begins. Don’t forget your cans or cash! La Vista Gives will be collecting food and/or cash donations for the NeighborGood Community Pantry.