www.forsmansfinest.com | V forsmans_finest | B forsmansfinest
Finely Built. Forsman’s Finest.
Forsman’s Finest Decks designs and builds custom decks, patio covers, and outdoor living spaces across the Omaha area. From the design to the final touches, their team handles every step with professionalism and attention to detail. Known for high-quality craftsmanship, clear communication, and clean job sites, they take pride in creating beautiful, long-lasting outdoor spaces that bring families together and enhance the way you enjoy your home.
A Letter From the Publisher’s Son
Hello Papillion! This month’s issue is all about Kids and Pets, and since I’m a kid, I get to write this letter!
I’ve had so much fun this summer playing baseball with my teammates. We've been playing together for the last couple of years, and it's awesome to return to the same team every season because of the bond we’ve created. It’s fun to cheer for one another when big plays happen and to hang out and laugh with my teammates. I’m already looking forward to playing again next summer.
Since it’s still hot outside, there are some popsicle recipes in this issue to make at home. This way you have some ready when you come home from a walk or bike ride, and your kids complain about how hot it is- I sure do that! For pet lovers, there is an article about an animal shelter that helps dogs and cats find homes.
Papillon is the only town I’ve ever lived in, and there’s nowhere else I’d rather grow up!
Enjoy the rest of your summer!
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Kyler Hendrickson
kyler.hendrickson@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Amy Hendrickson amy.hendrickson@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Amanda Mills amanda.mills@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR Kristen Muldoon
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Deb Reinard, Kali Kasprzyk, Addie Kastens, Kyleigh Hughes, Marlie Best, Alexis Bell, Linda Ditch, Pauli Reep, Amy Tinnin
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Bobbi Jo Beaver, Janie Jones, Trey Lovings, Emily Dukat, Taylor Wintle & Mackenzie Westphal
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Messy Play Day encouraged imagination and sensory exploration at the Papillion Public Library. 2: Participants learned outdoor cooking skills with Nebraska Game and Parks. 3: Another successful Papillion Days celebrated the people, traditions, and spirit that make Papillion special. 4: Papillion Days began with a ribbon cutting celebrating the opening of the redesigned City Park. 5: Children laughed, smiled, and enjoyed Rainbow Trout the Clown’s entertaining visit to the library. 6: Parade crowds cheered as the Papillion La Vista Marching Band marched at La Vista Days. 7: McKean’s hosted a golf tournament with proceeds supporting ALS in the Heartland’s important mission.
JOEY SEARS, CITY OF PAPILLION
JOEY SEARS, CITY OF PAPILLION
CITY OF LA VISTA/DON LABRIE
CITY OF PAPILLION
JOEY SEARS, CITY OF PAPILLION
SHANNON MCKEAN
DAKOTA KOCHEN
Sponsored by Debbie Meyer REALTOR®
Hometown Hero Caleb Cluck
Most kids Caleb’s age spend their time playing sports, video games, and hanging out with friends. While the Papillion fifth grader enjoys all of those things, he’s also helping the environment through his own glass recycling business, Caleb’s Curbside Glass.
The idea started with a simple goal: earning a little extra spending money. While brainstorming ideas with his family, Caleb and his mom, Lindsey, recognized a need for more convenient glass recycling options in Papillion. This quickly turned into a subscription-based service that provides residents with a collection bucket and monthly pickup, making it easier for families to recycle glass rather than send it to the landfill.
Since starting the business, Caleb has helped recycle more than 50 pounds of glass each month while encouraging others to think more intentionally about waste.
“If no one recycles anything, the world would look way worse,” Caleb says. “Nothing would get reused so there would be way more trash.”
Lindsey isn’t surprised by her son’s initiative. “He has always had an entrepreneurial spirit,” she says. “It’s exciting to see him step up and serve our community this way.”
At a young age, Caleb is proving that a simple idea, paired with hard work and a desire to help others, can make a lasting impact.
Want to nominate a hometown hero?
402-320-7916
Who Speaks for Your Pet? Why Local Ownership Still Matters
Pets are woven into the story of our lives. They celebrate milestones, comfort us through difficult days and become family. The best veterinary relationships are built when pet parents understand their options and work alongside a team with the same goal: helping every pet live their happiest, healthiest life. That’s the philosophy at Ralston Vet, where local ownership means the people caring for your pet see them the same way you do... as family.
Photography by Ralston Vet
WHERE SECOND CHANCES FIND A HOME
HOW A LOCAL NONPROFIT IS CHANGING LIVES FOUR PAWS AT A TIME
ARTICLE BY DEB REINARD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
BOBBI JO BEAVER
Nestled on the outskirts of Papillion, Town and Country Animal Rescue has been providing refuge for animals for more than 40 years. The organization has quietly gone about its work providing shelter, care, and a second chance to dogs and cats that have been neglected, surrendered, or left without homes.
“For the organization’s first 35 years, Town and Country was run entirely by volunteers,” said Angela Heim, Executive Director for Town and Country Animal Rescue. “And although we still rely on the hard work and commitment
provided by more than 100 volunteers, we are fortunate now that we can also pay a small staff.”
Heim said Town and Country, a no-kill shelter and a nonprofit 501(c)(3), receives no city or state funding and relies entirely upon the generosity of donors.
Over the years, the rescue has become a place of hope – a haven where dogs and cats who had nowhere else to go can receive care, comfort, and a chance.
Heim has worked in the nonprofit sector throughout her career. When she arrived at Town and Country about a year ago, she brought a heart for those who had been abandoned or displaced and a determination to help them find a second chance.
That second chance extends beyond rescue, foster, and adoption. It also means providing them with safe, modern facilities during their stay. Several buildings on the three-acre campus are showing their age and need to be replaced. With that in mind, a campaign was launched to build a new dog kennel. This project represents an investment not only in the shelter’s infrastructure but also in the well-being of the animals it serves. Currently, Town and Country is caring for more than 60 cats and dogs – some on campus and many in volunteer-based foster care. The new space will provide 22 new on-site kennels, offering both comfortable indoor space and outdoor running space for the dogs. With work underway, Heim said the new space for the dogs is expected to be ready by early 2027.
The shelter’s success, however, is about more than buildings. It is powered by the organization’s greatest asset – its volunteers. Every day, they perform countless tasks providing care, comfort, and companionship to animals awaiting a second chance.
“Our volunteers are the heart of our association,” Heim said.
Most of the organization’s programs are available through the generosity of volunteers and donors. Those programs include Compassionate Care visits, which highlight the power of the human-animal bond that supports mental health, a pet food pantry, and Vets for Pets.
Heim said in addition to sheltering animals, the organization also provides temporary pet boarding services for families in need of short-term placement.
Heim said every animal that comes through the doors of Town and Country has a unique story, but they all have one thing in common - they deserve a second chance. Helping animals find loving homes makes the work all worthwhile. And as she reflected on the shelter’s mission, Heim said, “We don’t just rescue pets. They rescue us right back.”
Photo Credit: Emily Dukat
Introducing all-day brunch
Brunch at Timbers at Arbor Day Farm is now served all day, every day. Gather around the table for sweet and savory favorites, crafted cocktails, fresh coffee, and relaxed mornings that turn into afternoons. Whether you’re meeting friends, celebrating something special, or simply lingering a little longer, brunch is ready whenever you are.
You’re doing the work but who’s challenging you, encouraging you, and growing with you?
Foundations is a monthly mastermind group for small business owners who want to level up with the right community behind them
Rob Halverson Founder
summer is POPSICLE SEASON
KIDS AND POPSICLES ARE THE PERFECT SUMMERTIME PAIR
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
As temperatures rise, children race to the freezer for this frosty treat or wait anxiously for the approach of the musical ice cream truck. Making homemade popsicles is a fun, kidfriendly activity. These recipes feature kid-favorite flavors with an added taste twist. The only tricky part is waiting for them to freeze.
SPICED GRAPE POPSICLES
ingredients:
Makes 18 to 24
• 2 quarts Concord grape juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 12 whole cloves
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 3 tablespoons whole allspice
directions:
Put all of the ingredients into a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to barely a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour the juice through a cheesecloth-lined strainer into a bowl or pitcher to remove the spices. Allow the juice to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.
CHERRY LIMEADE POPSICLES ingredients:
Makes 18 to 24
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup lime juice
• 2 cups tart cherry juice
directions:
In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat. Add the cherry juice and taste. Add additional sugar or water if needed. Let come to room temperature and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.
This Summer Unforgettable...
Colin McDermott APRN, FNP-C
Dr. Roni L. Hargis DNP, FNP-C
ARTICLE BY
ADDIE KASTENS, KYLEIGH HUGHES, MARLIE BEST, ALEXIS BELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY TREY LOVINGS
MORE THAN A Helpful Smile
PAPILLION LA VISTA SOUTH STUDENTS FIND INDEPENDENCE AT HY-VEE
Papillon Hy-Vee is a popular employer for teenagers seeking first-time jobs. Of its 461 local employees, 35% are teenagers, with 76 aged 14-17, and 84 aged 18-19.
Store Director Brandon Williams praised Hy-Vee’s young employees, saying that “they’re excited to work. Which is great! For some of them, this is their first job, and they’re super excited to be out doing their own thing. It’s kind of their first real sense of independence.”
Besides providing a first paycheck, Williams says Hy-Vee seeks to build better futures for its teen employees. “We want to make sure they are successful in life when they leave and that they learn a lot of things. When they learn a good work ethic and how to handle different personalities and customer situations, we find it can be really beneficial.”
“They're super excited to be out doing their own thing. It’s kind of their first real sense of independence.” — Brandon Williams
BRODY CARTER, 18 (3 YEARS):
Why did you decide to continue working at Hy-Vee when you start college at UNL in the fall?
“Their transfer process is super easy, and I can continue working the same job.”
Describe a memorable moment when you helped a shopper.
“There was an older veteran, and I helped him out to his car. He tried to give me a $20 tip, but I said no, I don’t need a tip. My grandpa was a veteran.”
What are your plans for the future?
“To be on ESPN or NFL Network as a TV anchor or a sports guy on ABC or KETV.”
KARA HAND, 17 (2 YEARS):
How does your job help you connect with the community?
“I see a lot of regulars there and [have made] connections. I see a lot of teachers and students. I always say hi to everybody.”
Why did you pick Hy-Vee as the job for you?
“I got a job at 15. [I] used to work the cash register, then I moved to Starbucks.”
What impression do you hope to leave on customers?
“Hy-Vee’s a good store and has ‘A Helpful Smile in Every Aisle’ – that’s our motto. I feel a lot of employees are friendly and always willing to help.”
PEYTON BODE, 18 (2 YEARS):
Why did you pick Hy-Vee as the job for you?
“[It’s] very close to where I live and a good job to start out with.”
What are your plans for the future?
“I am planning on going to college at UNO in Business.”
What role has Hy-Vee played in preparing you?
“[It] helped me get a budget so I can get a little bit of money – and found some good life skills talking to different people with different backgrounds.”
What impression do you hope you leave on Hy-Vee shoppers?
“When they feel good leaving with everything they have in their shopping cart.” Article and photography provided by the Papillion La Vista South Journalism Class.
WHAT TO WEAR FOR Fall Family Photos
PHOTOGRAPHY
TAYLOR WINTLE & MACKENZIE WESTPHAL
Ready to style a fall family photoshoot that everyone actually enjoys? House of Colour Papillion has you covered with seven expert tips to help you pair outfits harmoniously, boost your family's confidence, and capture timeless memories.
4. ADD TEXTURE FOR DEPTH
Texture photographs beautifully. Knit sweaters, suede boots, velvet, denim, leather, and corduroy create richness and dimension that flat fabrics often miss. Texture can be just as important as color in creating a polished final look.
1. DRESS MOM FIRST
Mom is often the anchor of the family’s overall look, so start with her outfit first. Choose something she feels confident, comfortable, and beautiful in and then build everyone else around that. This creates a cohesive look that feels intentional instead of forced.
2. CHOOSE COLOR HARMONY OVER EXACT MATCHES
Skip the identical outfits. Instead, choose a palette of three to four coordinating colors that work together. Think rich burgundy, olive, camel, navy, cream, or soft denim for fall. Color harmony creates visual interest and keeps everyone looking connected without feeling overly styled.
3. MIX SOLIDS + PATTERNS
Start with solid foundational pieces, then add one or two patterns for variety. A plaid shirt, floral dress, or striped sweater can bring life to the photo while still feeling balanced.
7 Styling Tips for Effortless, Timeless Images
6. LET INDIVIDUAL STYLE SHINE
The best family photos reflect who you are. If one person loves a dressier look and another prefers something casual, that’s okay. The goal is cohesion, not uniformity.
7. THINK ABOUT THE SETTING
Your outfits should complement your backdrop. If you’re shooting in a pumpkin patch, park, or open field, consider how your colors will play against the natural scenery. Avoid blending in too much with the environment.
5. DON’T SKIP THE ACCESSORIES
Accessories are often the finishing touch that pulls everything together. Think layered jewelry, scarves, hats, belts, or a great pair of boots. These small details add personality and polish.
FINAL THOUGHT
Family photos are about capturing connection. Don’t overcomplicate it; the best moments are often the simplest. When everyone feels comfortable and confident in what they’re wearing, it shows. A little planning goes a long way in creating timeless photos you’ll love for years.
Ready to look your absolute best? Take the guesswork out of your wardrobe with a color and style analysis from House of Colour Papillion to discover the perfect shades, silhouettes, and finishing touches that photograph beautifully on you.
402.676.0650 | Houseofcolour.com
CINNAMON MONKEY BREAD IS A FUN DESSERT FOR CHILDREN TO MAKE AND SHARE!
ARTICLE BY PAULI REEP
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
There is little more satisfying to your sweet tooth than ooey-gooey cinnamon rolls. Here is an easy and fun way to make this tearable, shareable treat!
aroun d
INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 3 (12 oz.) cans of buttermilk biscuits
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Generously coat the inside of a bundt pan with cooking spray or butter. Melt the butter in a pot or bowl. Mix the sugars and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
Open one can of biscuits, separate, and cut each into four sections. Next, roll each quarter into a ball and then put each one into the sugar mixture to coat. Place the balls in the bundt pan in a single layer and drizzle a little melted butter evenly over the top. Repeat with the other two cans of biscuits. Sprinkle the remaining sugar mixture over the top and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Be sure to let cool for a minute or two before turning the bread onto a plate and carefully removing the pan. If you leave the monkey bread in the pan much longer, it will stick and be hard to remove.
I sometimes make icing by adding a few tablespoons of milk to about a 1/2 cup of powdered sugar with a splash of vanilla. Drizzle over the top while warm and enjoy!
Homemade Dog Food
ARTICLE BY AMY TINNIN
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
My two pugs are more than pets—they’re part of the family. That’s why I started making their food at home, and it’s been one of the most popular posts on my blog. You may be surprised just how easy this recipe is. I add all the ingredients to my slow-cooker to cook, and my dogs love it. If you decide to try this recipe for your pet, please consult your veterinarian. Every dog has different needs based on age, weight, and any health issues. You can even share this recipe with your vet to see if any changes are needed. The ingredients are flexible and can be easily swapped to substitute the turkey for chicken or beef, and even try different dog-safe vegetables. Making dog food at home isn’t hard—it just takes a little planning, and my dogs love it.
Slow Cooker Homemade Dog Food
INGREDIENTS:
• 3 lbs ground turkey (85% lean)
• 1¼ cups frozen sweet potatoes
• 1½ cups frozen peas and carrots
• 1 cup frozen spinach
• 1½ cups uncooked brown or white rice
• 4 cups water
DIRECTIONS:
1. Add all ingredients to a slow cooker.
2. Break up the ground turkey and mix all the ingredients.
3. Cover and cook on High for 3–4 hours or Low for 6 hours, stirring occasionally.
Note: My dog food was ready in 3½ hours on High. Let cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze for later use.
Recipe from Amy Tinnin - A Cup Full of Sass
Markets Rise. Markets Fall. Your Plan Should Hold.
Join Trinity Financial Group at an upcoming workshop to discover how a disciplined retirement strategy should be designed to stay steady through changing markets, so your plan can keep moving forward, no matter the headlines.
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
AUGUST 2026
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 6TH
The Shucks Brothers at SumTur Amphitheater
SumTur Amphitheater | 7:00 PM
Enjoy an evening of live music with The Shucks Brothers at SumTur Amphitheater! Admission is free so bring a lawn chair or blanket and relax under the summer sky as the band takes the stage at 7 PM. Gather your family and friends for a fun night of great music in Papillion.
AUGUST 8TH - 9TH
Defenders of Freedom Air & Space Show
Offutt Air Force Base, Bellevue | 9:00 AM
Experience two days of high-flying excitement from 9 AM–5 PM at the Defenders of Freedom Air & Space Show! Watch the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team, Tora! Tora! Tora!, the U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight, and more. Free base passes are required and available online, with premium seating options also available.
AUGUST 9TH
Papillion
Twilight Criterium
Downtown Papillion | 10:00 AM
Experience the excitement of the Papillion Twilight Criterium! Junior Bicycle Races begin at 10 AM, with Pro Races starting at 2 PM featuring USA Cycling-sanctioned competition. Enjoy live entertainment, children’s activities, and more throughout this day-long event held in the heart of Downtown Papillion. For a full schedule of events visit onecyclingseries. org/papillion-twilight-criterium. Admission is free for spectators.
events
CONTINUED
AUGUST 14TH
End of Summer Celebration
Cabela’s La Vista Parking Lot | 5:00 PM
Close out summer with the City of La Vista from 5–10 PM featuring live music, local food trucks, yard games, and fun for all ages! Enjoy performances by Cover Me Badd and Whiskey River, then relax under the summer sky. Bring your friends, family, and lawn chairs for an evening of great entertainment and community fun.
Kick off the season with the Monarch and Titan pep bands! The free event begins at 7 PM and features performances by both schools’ pep bands, dance teams, cheer teams, and color guard. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy dinner before or after the show at one of Midlands Place’s local restaurants.
AUGUST 23RD
50 Mile March:
Operation Freedom Path Landing Celebration
Werner Park | 9:00 AM
Welcome nearly 200 marchers completing the 22-hour, 50-mile journey from Lincoln in support of veterans facing homelessness and mental health challenges. Join for an unforgettable finish-line celebration, live entertainment, local food vendors, refreshments, and family activities. Arrive early to cheer on the marchers as they cross the finish line at approximately 10 AM!
