During a float, you are suspended effortlessly in a supersaturated solution of Epsom salt and water within a light- and sound-controlled environment that reduces sensory stimulation and effectively suspends the effects of gravity on the central nervous system.
FULL-SPECTRUM IR SAUNA
Benefit from Near, Mid, and Far Infrared frequencies covering the full range of health benefits available in the infrared spectrum.
COLD PLUNGE HALO IR SAUNA
Invigorate your senses and stimulate circulation with a refreshing 45 degree cold plunge, enhancing recovery and boosting immune health.
Combine salt therapy and infrared heat to boost respiratory health, detoxification, and relaxation leaving you refreshed and invigorated.
THERAPY
Immerse yourself in healing sound waves that harmonize your body, reducing stress, and promoting cellular health and rejuvenation.
Letter from the Publisher
It’s that time of year again! A time of celebration and giving. A time for family and traditions. A time of excitement and joy. A time of eats and treats. And even a time to reflect on another year that has passed.
We have a tradition this time of year in our family called “Christmas Baking Day!” Three generations pitch in to make caramel corn, cookies, and all sorts of holiday goodies we wouldn’t want to make it through the season without. And let me tell you, we go all out! There are the mimosas in Grinch glasses, the cheese spreads and meat trays, and let’s not forget the matching shirts and assortment of Christmasthemed hats that don our heads! Though exhausting, it is a day we look forward to each year and can reflect on when we take a bite out of the fruits of our labor.
In our Holidays and Giving Issue, we wanted each story to tie back to a common theme: gift. It may be the gift of a magical experience or a gift that helps someone in need. But in the end, there is one who is giving, so another might receive. And when this happens, everyone in our community benefits.
So, as you flip through these pages, we hope that you are inspired to offer a gift to another in some small way during this holiday season—a gift that truly comes from the heart and expects nothing in return. If we all do this in a small way, it will have a big impact on our families and our community.
Sammie Rodriguez, A2i Photography, City of Papillion
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
Celebrate the holidays at Arbor Day Farm with a lineup of festive events! Start the season with a tree lighting at Kickoff to Christmas, indulge in a five-course wine dinner, and unwind with Fireside Fridays. Bring the family to Brunch & Santa for a classic holiday tradition, or enjoy cozy evenings at Holiday After Hours with shopping, samples, and live music at Apple House Market. Make it a holiday retreat with an overnight stay at Lied Lodge.
Plan your holiday getaway today at arbordayfarm.org.
@arbordayfarm @arbordaywedding @arbordayfarm
2700 Sylvan Road | Nebraska City, Nebraska arbordayfarm.org
How
Capturing a Moment of Holiday Magic
Sammie
The
DECEMBER 2024
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Community members participated in Halloween events at the Papillion Landing. 2: Kids wore Halloween costumes and enjoyed pumpkin painting at the Papillion Landing. 3: Cafe Diem presents donations to the Monarchs and Titans from the Crepes Challenge this fall. 4: Local children showed up to trick or treat at Sump Memorial Library. 5: Community members enjoyed attending the Papillion Fire Department’s Open House and learning about fire safety. 6: Twisted Vine’s Spook N’ Sip event gathered friends together to enjoy new wines and beers. 7: The Rosy Clay Co. hosts a kids pottery class in their new downtown Papillion location.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
CITY OF PAPILLION
“Very
“Excellent
-Mark
-Gregg L
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Trusted Life Choices: Fresh New Name, Same Compassionate Service
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Purposed to Give
HOW MATT RICCHINI AND HIS TEAM DELIVER AN EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
For Matt Ricchini, an agency owner of State Farm Insurance in Sarpy County, the goal to give customers a great experience is not a business decision but a lifestyle.
“One of my sole purposes is to choose to give. That’s the way I was brought up,” Ricchini says. This value permeates everything he and his team does, from interacting with customers to their involvement in the local community.
For their customers, it starts with an open conversation and exploration of options and leads to a long-term commitment from Matt and his team to help people when things don’t go as planned or hoped.
“When we talk to people about having an excellent experience, it might not be any time soon, it might be very soon, so what we want is for them to have a realistic expectation the day the unexpected occurs.”
According to Ricchini and State Farm data, these unexpected events happen 37,000 times daily across the United States. While Ricchini says some folks prefer a quick and cheap approach, his team at State Farm provides a more comprehensive plan. This involves conversations with potential and current customers to explore their options and assess their risk management fully.
“The excellent experience is demonstrated by asking questions that show we care, we want to help, and most importantly, get you a product that you can afford and deliver on a promise,” Ricchini says.
This level of personalized attention enables Ricchini’s team to curate the right insurance solutions for each customer. “If someone wants thorough, comprehensive insurance, that’s where we come in.”
For his team, Ricchini emphasizes that this approach is more than just his own mentality; it is one adopted and forged into the State Farm team.
“It starts with hiring the right people,” he says. And, much like his own upbringing, he looks for those who have been raised with a giving mentality. “That’s the kind of person I want serving my customers.”
“One of my sole purposes is to choose to give. That’s the way I was brought up.”
- Matt Ricchini
In the office, Ricchini says the team works like “a small family,” eager to step in and help one another and their customers whenever needed. The family feel comes complete with a pet: Philly, the miniature schnauzer. Philly’s calming presence and friendly demeanor have become an integral part of the agency’s customer experience, with many clients delighting in the chance to give him a pat or a treat.
However, the community extends beyond the office, with active involvement in the Offutt Advisory Council, sponsoring a youth coach-pitch baseball team, and other initiatives.
To me, a business should not just receive from the community—it needs to give back,” Ricchini says. “I once heard an analogy that we are designed to take stuff in and give stuff out—not just accumulate.”
As Ricchini looks to the future, his goals remain to continuously improve the customer experience and deepen the agency’s community involvement. “I get up every day and try to help somebody,” he says. This mindset has served him and his team well and is sure to keep them on the path of success for years to come.
teamricchini.com | 402.292.1900
Flooring Backsplash Bath/Shower Remodel Decorative Stone
ARTICLE BY DEB GRAYSON REINARD PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMMIE RODRIGUEZ
Holiday Magic Capturing a Moment of
SAMMIE R. STUDIOS TRANSFORMS INTO THE NORTH POLE TO CREATE A MAGICAL EXPERIENCE AND UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Everywhere you go
Take a look at the five and ten, it’s glistening once again With candy canes and silver lanes that glow.
While we love the thought of the five and ten all aglow this time of year, we can capture that same spirit by visiting Sammie R. Studios where we will be surrounded by all the wonder and splendor of the holiday.
Owner and creative photographer at Sammie R. Studios, Sammie Rodriguez, has built a dream space for everyone who loves Christmas, beginning with a warm and inviting room with a crackling fireplace in the corner and a comfy chair for reading a good book.
Three more Christmas-related rooms offer opportunities for even more great photos as you and your family move from space to space creating memories that will last a lifetime.
“We’ve designed their time with us to be a full experience,” Sammie said, “from making cookies and crafts with Santa, to enjoying a game with him, to checking his Naughty and Nice List.”
Stepping into Sammie R. Studios is like stepping into Santa’s house at the North Pole. With her background in high school theater, Sammie designed and built the North Pole set. From the walls, to the fireplace, and even the custom set of stairs, she created a warm and cozy scene you would expect to see at a local theater.
“I wanted my sets to be more immersive, not just a backdrop,” she said.
CONTINUED >
Sammie said she loves Christmas, and her children, Paisley and Porter, have also caught the Christmas bug and love to help decorate the studio too.
“There’s just something about the holiday, the warmth in everyone’s heart,” she said. “And I enjoy it so much knowing I can take some of the stress off Mom and Dad by offering this experience for the kids or the whole family. I get to make magic for a while.”
Sammie offers 45-minute Christmas sessions and books them well ahead so the photos are ready each year for family Christmas cards.
Sammie’s love of the holiday extends into the community with her work on past collaborations with Lights of Aksarben, MakeA-Wish Foundation, Girl Scouts of Nebraska Outreach Program and Saint Cecilia Cathedral School. This year Sammie R. Studios will be at ‘A Country Christmas’ at Ditmar’s Orchard & Vineyard in Council Bluffs, with Make-A-Wish on December 6-8th. “There will be a whole Christmas village. The kids can have breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and so much more,” she said.
Sammie R. Studios offers a full range of photography sessions from newborns to brides. And while Sammie said she loves all of it, she really loves Christmas.
“My favorite part is the magic that happens. The light in people’s eyes, the kindness of their faces. I love the whimsy that brings everything to life and brings us all together. The world is more colorful at Christmastime.”
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas …
sammierstudios.com
One MILLION LIGHTS
THE GLOWING TRADITION OF PAPILLION’S HOLIDAY SEASON
ARTICLE BY VINCE MANCUSO
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CITY OF PAPILLION
For over a decade, residents, neighbors, and tourists have witnessed the moment the spirit of autumn departs and the winter holidays begin with the City of Papillion’s Winter Wonderland and the annual Christmas displays, offering more light in the dark winter months. In reality, it’s hundreds of thousands of lights.
“I think with this year, with the extra things, if you counted all the little lights on them, it’s right at a million,” says Casey Ballou, Assistant Parks and Facilities Director for the City of Papillion. “It’s a lot
of handwork, but when the lights click on and you see the kids ooh and ah, you say, ‘Ok, that was worth it.’”
Ballou said the City has expanded yearly since 2012, including lights in nearby Halleck Park’s duck pond path, new light-up trees, and a new display with a 22-foot all-bright-white snowflake tree unveiled this year.
“There’s all kinds of different features. So every year you’ll go, you’ll remember some things, but there’s always something new,” says Ballou.
“It is no small effort to do this, and if we ever wonder if it is worth it, the validation comes with Winter Wonderland and
all of the positive feedback throughout the season,” adds Papillion Mayor David Black. “For many people, I think it is the key thing that transitions from fall and Thanksgiving to Winter, the holiday season, and Christmas.”
Mayor Black and Ballou credit the Papillion Parks Department’s hard work, beginning as early as September, including Parks Director Tony Gowan, who seeks to add more “magic” each year to the display.
“My parks guys, they won’t ever tell you they love it, but they do,” says Ballou with a smile. “I hope they see how big of an impact they make on these families and kids.”
Your Trusted Local Mortgage Resource
ARTICLE BY DEB GRAYSON REINARD | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Angels AMONG US PROVIDES STRENGTH in Numbers
They could be the person next to you at the stop light. Or the man in front of you at the grocery store. Or possibly the woman serving you at the restaurant. They are everywhere, sight unseen yet such a gift they are here. Who, you ask? They are angels among us. They are the donors, the volunteers, the staff, the prayer chains, the friends, the neighbors, everyone who comes together to walk a difficult journey with you.
Two Papillion families are well aware of the angels among us and even more so the organization bearing that name. When Kate and Riley Courtright were expecting their second child in 2018, they never dreamed that their son, Caysen (two and a half years old at the time) would be diagnosed with Leukemia.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Kate said. “This isn’t happening.”
Fortunately for the Courtrights, along with excellent medical treatments, they were quickly introduced to Angels Among Us.
“We provide financial and emotional support to pediatric cancer patients and their families,” said Brittany Friesen, Family Programs Director for Angels Among Us. “We’ve been at work here in the Omaha area since 2006.”
Friesen has a personal connection with Angels Among Us as the organization walked alongside her family during her son’s battle with pediatric cancer from 2017 - 2019.
CONTINUED >
Local non-profit organization helps pediatric cancer patients and their families while they face the unimaginable
The Strickler Family: Matt, Marissa, Grady (6) and Violet (2)
The Courtright Family: Riley, Kate, Caysen (8), Tatum (6), Tristen (4) and Camryn (2)
“Caleb passed away in 2019 at the age of five,” she said. Some of the emotional support offered by Angels Among Us includes family programs geared toward different family members, including siblings. There is a moms’ group that gives moms a chance to recharge and connect with other moms. Several family events occur throughout the year including a family overnight, trunk or treat, and a holiday movie event. All of the programs are at no cost to the families.
“Just getting together gives them a chance to talk about what their families are going through,” Friesen said. “And at the same time, it gives them a chance to relax.”
Marissa and Matt Strickler’s son, Grady, was also just two years old when he was diagnosed with Leukemia.
“It was right at the beginning of Covid, so we had a lot of extra concerns with our son being immunocompromised,” Marissa said. “But our medical team, our families, the community, and Angels Among Us, all stepped in to help.”
Both families received financial resources during their child’s treatment to make their mortgage payments.
“We were so grateful. Those funds were critical to us in keeping our house,” Kate said.
And both families participated in many of the emotional support programs.
“It helps to spend time with other families. They know what we are going through,” Marissa said.
Friesen said Angels Among Us is funded by several very generous donors, along with proceeds from an annual gala, a golf outing, and grants. The organization also hosts numerous smaller fundraisers throughout the year and willingly accepts financial contributions from the community.
And what about Caysen and Grady? How are they doing? “Great”, reports both sets of parents. While they are being monitored for any lasting effects from chemotherapy, both boys are growing, thriving, and have become big brothers. All thanks to the many angels among us.
Angels Among Us walks side by side with these families every step of the way. Visit myangelsamongus.org to learn more about how you can get involved.
ANGELS AMONG US:
• Serves an average of 125 pediatric cancer families a year for an average of 19 months.
• Assists with utilities, car payments, and other critical bills; 80% of payments are for rent and mortgage.
• Believes no family should walk alone. Their emotional support program will make over 700 touch points with families this year.
hello@mysadesigngroup.com
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.org
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
DECEMBER 2ND & 16TH
Visit Santa at Ollie and Hobbes Craft Kitchen
Ollie and Hobbes Craft Kitchen | 5:30 PM
Santa will be at Ollie and Hobbes Craft Kitchen! Enjoy a night off of cooking with some delicious food while also getting to visit with Santa!
DECEMBER 3RD, 10TH, & 17TH
Gingerbread Cookie Decorating with Santa
Santa's Workshop at Shadow Lake (between Hickory Farms and Torrid) | 10:00 AM
Join us in Santa’s Workshop at Shadow Lake to decorate gingerbread cookies with Santa! There will be cookie decorating, holiday characters, Santa, and more for this whole family free event. Please bring one non-perishable item to donate for each person decorating a cookie. Event runs from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM.
DECEMBER 6TH, 10TH, & 13TH
Visit Santa at His Workshop
Santa's Workshop at La Vista Central Park | 4:00 PM
Come walk through the La Vista Wonderland in Central Park, enjoy some free hot cocoa and activities, and then head inside Santa's Workshop for a nice chat and a photo with Santa. As you wait to visit Santa, take a walk around and view the new lights in the park and complete a fun scavenger hunt if you choose.
DECEMBER 14TH-15TH
Stroll Down Gingerbread Lane
Portal Schoolhouse | 1:00 PM
The Papillion Area Historical Society will be hosting their annual stroll down Gingerbread Lane. Interested bakers and builders are encouraged to participate in this event by displaying or donating gingerbread houses. House drop off will be in the afternoon on December 13th. All are welcome to come admire the decorated houses on December 14th and 15th.
DECEMBER 17TH
Cookies and Carols with Live Music from Pluckin' Nuts
Papillion Landing | Chrysalis Ballroom | 5:30 PM
It's time for some Holiday cheer. Come and enjoy cookies and sing along with carols from Pluckin' Nuts at the Papillion Landing.
DECEMBER 21ST
Holidays in Whoville
Ralston High School Auditorium
Accapriccio's annual Holidays in Whoville performance benefits 'Dancers Against Cancer'. Show times are 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, and all shows are held at Ralston High School Auditorium. Last season, Accapriccio raised $33,000 for this great cause!
