THE EXPLORE
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.
Plan your brunch at arbordayfarm.org.
@arbordayfarm @arbordaywedding @arbordayfarm
2700 Sylvan Road | Nebraska City, Nebraska arbordayfarm.org
A Letter from the Publisher
This month, we celebrate 250 years of the great country we get to call home! Though we may not be perfect, I am especially proud to call myself an American, and I am deeply grateful for all those who have helped shape and protect this country that I love.
When I think about the United States and especially the history of the early settlers, there was certainly a sense of exploration that helped shape our country from the beginning. They were exploring a new land, a new livelihood, a new climate, new plants and wildlife, and the list could go on.
While we may not have the opportunity to explore new lands, the spirit of exploration can still be a big part of who we are today. True exploration isn't just about crossing oceans; it’s about fostering a sense of wonder and awe right where we stand. When we intentionally explore, something changes inside us. It can change how we view the world, how we think, and how we interact with our surroundings. Yet, in our modern lives, it’s all too easy to rush past our surroundings and forget that sometimes it’s a small discovery that matters most.
I was reminded of this last summer while sitting by the pool with my kids. Looking up, I suggested we find shapes in the clouds, as this was something I enjoyed as a kid, but to my surprise they were not interested. After my sons wandered off, I was able to get my daughter to give it a try. Within minutes, she was hooked! Not long after that, her brothers joined us too. Before we knew it, a full hour had passed, and it was one we will never forget!
That simple moment gave my children a completely different outlook on the sky above them. We were not only exploring the nature around us but having a lot of fun at the same time!
We are blessed to live in a community that values providing beautiful outdoor spaces. These give us plenty of opportunities to explore. It is our goal that this issue will inspire you to do just that in some small way this month.
Happy 250th America!
And happy exploring, Papillion!
July 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
Vince Mancuso, Kathy Nickerson, Janette Calabro, Amy Hendrickson, Kali Kasprzyk
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Bobbi Jo Beaver, Lori Conklin, Joseph Saaid, Janie Jones
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
Colin McDermott APRN, FNP-C
Dr. Roni L. Hargis DNP, FNP-C
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Guests gathered for Derby Day, supporting the Papillion Community Foundation and local community initiatives. 2: Senior Olympics at Papillion Landing provided fun activities and community connection for participants. 3: Young athletes raced with enthusiasm during the Papillion Marathon Kids Race and family festivities. 4: Early learning and bonding were celebrated during the library’s popular Baby Lap Sit program. 5: Community members gathered at Hops for Harmony presented by the Papillion Lion’s, benefitting Project Harmony. 6: Papillion La Vista seniors crossed the stage, marking a milestone and beginning new journeys. 7: Titan graduates celebrated their accomplishments and bright futures during Papillion La Vista South commencement.
PAPILLION CITY LIFESTYLE
MINDY BARBER
PAPILLION LA VISTA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
JOEY SEARS, CITY OF PAPILLION
JOEY SEARS, CITY OF PAPILLION
PAPILLION LA VISTA COMMUNITY
JOEY SEARS, CITY OF PAPILLION
with McKayla
business monthly
EMPOWER BREAKFAST TO HEAR ABOUT WATER PARK AND ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
Harrison Johnson, the City of Bellevue’s Director of Economic Development, will discuss the new Bellevue Water Park and Entertainment Center at the July 21st meeting of the Sarpy County emPower Breakfast. The meeting, which is open to all, will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 A.M. on Tuesday, July 21, at the Beardmore Event Center, at 3750 Raymor Parkway. Registration for the breakfast, which costs $22, can be made at sarpycounty.empowerbreakfast.org
DRD Home Services: Transforming Homes with Quality Local Craftsmanship
For over two decades, DRD Home Services has helped homeowners bring their remodeling visions to life. As a locally and family-owned company with 100 years of combined experience, DRD specializes in interior and exterior remodeling, home additions, flooring, countertops, and more. Known for quality craftsmanship, hands-on service, and clear communication, their team works to make every renovation smooth and stress-free for families. Ready to refresh your home? Contact DRD Home Services at 402.669.1100 today.
Papillion Area Community Theatre Presents The Hunchback of Notre Dame
The Papillion Area Community Theatre presents Disney’s epic musical, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, at SumTur Amphitheater this July. Experience this powerful retelling of Victor Hugo's gothic novel exploring love, acceptance, and what it means to be a hero. Performances begin at 8:00 PM on July 10th-12th and July 16th-18th. Secure your seats today! Tickets can be purchased online now at pactheatre.org/get-tickets. Don't miss this unforgettable summer theatrical event!
Photography by City of Bellevue
Photography by DRD Home Services
FIFTY YEARS UNDERWATER
Papillion's Pat Purkhiser Shows Nebraskans the World Beneath the Waves
Papillion’s Pat Purkhiser has spent the last 50 years fulfilling his childhood passion. What surprised him, however, was how many others from Nebraska wanted to dive in alongside him—whether through Diventures, the Henry Doorly Zoo through the Papillon LaVista Zoo Academy, or countless underwater adventures.
“It’s unreal how many people in Omaha are interested in scuba diving,” he says.
For Purkhiser, it began in 1976.
“After I got out of high school, I went into the Army. After that, I went to Florida,” he says.
There, he learned to scuba dive for the first time. After returning to Omaha, Purkhiser says word spread quickly.
ARTICLE BY VINCE MANCUSO PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
1. 3.
7. 6.
4. 2. Photo Credit: Bobbi Jo Beaver
Underwater photography courtesy of Purkhiser’s scuba excursions.
“There are no cell phones, no internet, no one is trying to talk to you ... It’s just relaxing” -Pat Purkhiser
He began instructing in the late 1980s and later joined the early conversations that helped launch Diventures in 2009. Today, he teaches at Diventures, where students can start with a Try Scuba class before pursuing full certification.
Purkhiser estimates he has completed more than 5,000 dives and certified about 1,000 students. What began as a personal passion became a lifelong way of helping people see a wider world.
For Purkhiser, scuba diving is both adventurous and peaceful. He understands why Omaha-area residents golf, ski, or travel for recreation, and he sees diving in a similar light. It is exciting, he says, but also quiet.
“There are no cellphones, no internet, no one is trying to talk to you,” Purkhiser says.
“It’s just relaxing.”
That desire to open doors and to keep moving also shaped his career in education. After a serious medical problem in the early 1990s, Purkhiser began thinking about how he could give back to Nebraska. His answer was teaching.
He helped create the IDEAL School for Papillion La Vista Community Schools and later helped build the district’s partnership with Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. The Zoo Academy allowed students to spend part of the day at the zoo learning life skills and shadowing keepers.
“If you have any desire to work with animals, that’s the place to go,” Purkhiser says. He retired in 2020, but the programs and former students remain points of pride. Some Zoo Academy students became veterinarians, instructors, and zoo employees, giving Purkhiser another reason to believe hands-on education can change a life. His impact extends beyond education and recreation. For the past two years, Purkhiser has helped train the Sarpy County Dive Team as it develops a dedicated underwater rescue and recovery program.
“I was asked to join in about two years ago, which was quite an honor,” Purkhiser says.
“I’m proud of the fact that I’ve been doing this for 50 years,” Purkhiser says.
WANT TO TRY SCUBA?
For those curious about scuba, Pat Purkhiser recommends one simple first step. Diventures offers Try Scuba classes, which allow beginners to experience diving before committing to full certification.
Purkhiser also encourages future divers to learn about destinations, animals, and conservation. He serves on the board of Fins Attached, an organization involved in marine research, including tagging and studying sharks.
Local practice dives may happen in rock quarries, where visibility is limited, but Purkhiser says they serve a purpose.
“It’s a good place to go and get wet,” he says.
Photo Credit: Bobbi Jo Beaver
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.
Prograde Exteriors
ARTICLE BY JANETTE CALABRO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BOBBI JO BEAVER
Peace of Mind After the Storm
When severe weather rolls through the Midwest, homeowners sometimes focus on what they can see—missing shingles, damaged gutters, or dents in the siding. But for the owner and operator of Prograde Exteriors, Juan Castrejon, storm recovery is about much more than replacing a roof. Now celebrating six years in business, Castrejon remains deeply involved in the company’s dayto-day operations, helping homeowners navigate what can often feel like an overwhelming process.
“I always had a passion for the roofing industry,” Castrejon says. “There are so many things you need to look at, like making sure everything’s up to code with today’s standard of construction.”
That passion has helped shape Prograde Exteriors into something more than a roofing company. Castrejon prefers to describe the business as a storm restoration company because storm damage rarely affects just one part of a home.
“The difference with saying we’re a storm restoration company is that when a storm happens, it usually doesn’t just damage the roof,” he explains.
That means handling everything from siding and gutters to window screens, trim paint touch-ups, awnings, and window wraps, which are details that some
contractors may overlook. For homeowners, it means one trusted team managing every aspect of the restoration.
“Having one point of contact really gives you the trust factor,” Castrejon says. “You have someone you can go to with every phase of the project.”
Castrejon personally connects with customers when they first call and helps assign the right project manager based on their situation, creating a smoother experience from start to finish. The company also tackles complex storm-related repairs, including projects involving multiple layers of siding, lead concerns, or asbestos. “We have training to know the safety protocols,” he says. “We bring out the pros or the abatement companies to handle it as well.”
For Castrejon, the most rewarding moments are helping homeowners find solutions when they feel stuck. One recent North Omaha homeowner had spent nearly a year battling her insurance company without success. After Prograde stepped in, her roof, siding, and gutters were ultimately approved for replacement.
“She was beyond ecstatic,” he recalls.
At the end of the day, Castrejon hopes every customer remembers two things: “We are customer service first, and second, the craftsmanship we bring. We do our best to communicate and be transparent. Everything looks great and functions as it should.”
402.800.8503 | progradeexteriors.com
More Than a Walk in the Park
HALLECK PARK IS A PLACE TO WALK, PLAY, AND EXPLORE
ARTICLE BY KATHY NICKERSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LORI CONKLIN
Last fall, a walk in the park turned into a medical emergency for Papillion resident Lori Conklin. She lives near Halleck Park and often goes there to take photos. On that November morning, though, Conklin suddenly passed out on the sidewalk.
Once she regained consciousness, Conklin managed to drive to the emergency room. (She agrees with the doctor who told her she should probably have called for help.) The scary incident led to her diabetes diagnosis. Now, those walks in the park have become an investment in her health – body, mind, and soul. “With my health diagnosis, I was able to beat my diabetes with a balanced diet and walking at the park,” Conklin shared.
As a former military wife, Conklin enjoyed exploring. She has lived in places like Germany, Japan, Korea, Florida, and Napa Valley. She came to Papillion a couple of years ago to be near her grandchildren and says she found a hidden treasure in Halleck Park. She tries to get there in time to see the sunrise.
Her nature photos capture unique views of park life like a silhouette of an early-morning fisherman, a grasshopper up close and personal, or a squirrel greeting her with what looks like a wave. She posts many of the photos on social media, especially in the Facebook group named “Let’s Talk Papillion.”
Conklin says she always sees friendly people at the park, too. Some regulars walk or run around the same time every day, and they comment if she has missed a day or two. Strangers often take time for a chat, finding common ground in the sense of peace at the park.
“Halleck is my favorite place to walk for lots of reasons,” Conklin says. Besides the friendly people, Conklin appreciates the nice sidewalks and the abundance of wildlife. The park is well-maintained and always feels safe. Sometimes she brings her grandson along, and they love to find the geese and ducks on the lake.
Conklin enjoys taking her grandchildren to other places of interest, too, but she always comes back to the park as her favorite spot. People often ask how she takes such interesting pictures, like the one of the moon caught inside a streetlamp. She says the secret is simply to pay attention. That is how she discovers things other people might miss.
In today’s economy, Conklin says a visit to Halleck Park can be like a free mini vacation for families. Located near downtown Papillion, the park offers plenty of room to stroll, play, and explore. If visitors look closely, they might even see geese dancing or a squirrel waving. If you don’t believe that happens at the park, just watch for Conklin’s pictures online. She has photographic proof for both of those.
Instilling Wonder and Awe
Returning to a Simpler Summer by Exploring Nature Through Play
ARTICLE BY AMY HENDRICKSON
In our world today, we often get wrapped up in the busyness of life happening before our eyes. Our calendars fill with commitments as we’re trying to squeeze in laundry and house projects throughout the week before another busy weekend consumes us. It’s easy to turn to the digital world to keep children occupied. We forget that a child’s sense of wonder doesn’t require a WI-FI connection or an elaborate vacation to Disney World. True awe is found in the quiet moments of a Nebraska summer, whether lying in the yard exploring shapes in the clouds or experiencing the sticky triumph of a backyard popsicle. When we go “back to basics,” we aren’t just killing time; we are building connections with our children and creating wonder as we experience nature together. This summer let’s be encouraged to trade in the glow of screens for exploring the golden-hour glow of our own backyards. By removing noise and busyness, we can invite our children to notice the magic in the mundane, proving that the simplest traditions often leave the deepest imprints on the heart.
8. Kite Flying
5. Mud Painting
11. Shadow Tag
10. Micro-Safari
9. Star Gazing
7. Rock Skipping
4. Stone Stacking
1. Puddle Jumping
6. Cloud Spotting
2. Leaf Racing
Grass Whistling
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
The 10% Target Mindset
Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT
Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.
He calls days later.
That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.
The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.
The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.
“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”
FEATURING JEN COHEN
Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.
1 2
MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS
The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.
STACK THE DECK
Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.
3
DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE
No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.
4
SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP
Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.
5
NEVER MISS A MONDAY
The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.
Rob Cordray Financial Advisor
JULY 2026
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
WEDNESDAYS STARTING JULY 1ST
Papillion Farmers Market
Papillion City Park | 5:00 PM
Spend your Wednesday evenings at the Papillion Farmers Market! Running 5-8 PM each week, this community favorite returns to the newly renovated Papillion City Park. Shop fresh produce, local goods, and enjoy a relaxed summer atmosphere with friends, family, and neighbors.
JULY 10TH - 12TH & 16TH - 18TH
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
SumTur Amphitheater | 8:00 PM
Papillion Area Community Theatre presents The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the acclaimed musical based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel and featuring songs from the Disney film. Performances begin at 8 PM each evening at SumTur Amphitheater. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at pactheatre.org/get-tickets
JULY 11TH, 18TH, 25TH
Papillion Fire
Hydrant Parties
Various Locations around Papillion and La Vista | 1:00 PM
Cool off this summer at Papillion Fire’s Hydrant Parties! Events run from 1–2 PM at various locations throughout the community, including the MCC Campus, Glenwood Hills Park, and Overland Hills Park. Bring the family and enjoy a fun way to beat the summer heat. Visit papillion.org/ calendar to find the full location details of each week’s Hydrant Party.
JULY 17TH
Cones with Cops
Papillion Dairy Queen | 3:00 PM
Enjoy a sweet treat and connect with local officers at Cones with Cops! Stop by the Papillion Dairy Queen from 3–5 PM to meet members of the Papillion Police Department, ask questions, and enjoy a fun, family-friendly afternoon focused on community connections.
JULY 19TH
Storm Chasers
Papillion & Springfield
Community Day
Werner Park | 5:05 PM
Celebrate Papillion and Springfield at Werner Park during this special Storm Chasers Community Day! Enjoy a Family Funday featuring a balloon artist, then stick around after the game when kids can run the bases. A fun-filled afternoon of baseball, family activities, and community spirit for all ages.
JULY 29TH - AUGUST 2ND
89th Annual
Sarpy County Fair
Sarpy County Fairgrounds, Springfield
Celebrate the 89th Annual Sarpy County Fair with five days of family fun, entertainment, exhibits, food, competitions, and community traditions. One of the area’s most anticipated summer events, the fair offers something for all ages while showcasing the best of Sarpy County.
Want to be featured?
GET IN TOUCH AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/ PAPILLION
Summer HVAC Maintenance Tips from John Henry's for a Comfortable, More Efficient Home
A HEALTHY HOME FOR A NEW SEASON
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
As the heat of the summer is upon us, the comfort and safety of your home remains a top priority for John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, Air, and Electrical. Keeping your HVAC system in peak condition is a year-round commitment that ensures your family’s well-being. John Henry’s provides a fresh checklist for maintaining an efficient and healthy home environment this summer.
THE FOUNDATION OF AIRFLOW
One of the simplest yet most vital tasks is to change your air filter regularly, ideally every one to two months. A dirty filter significantly restricts airflow, which does not improve indoor air quality. When airflow is blocked, your system is forced to work harder, leading to decreased efficiency, higher energy bills, and eventually system failure.
EXTERIOR EFFICIENCY
Don’t forget the components outside your home. It is essential to keep your outdoor unit clean and clear. Debris such as leaves and cotton blocking your condensing coil can restrict airflow and reduce system performance. Maintaining at least two to three feet
of clearance around the unit prevents overheating and helps it run efficiently. For a simple refresh, you can clean the unit yourself using a standard garden hose.
PROFESSIONAL PEACE OF MIND
To truly prolong the life of your equipment, schedule an annual professional tune-up. A yearly inspection is the most effective way to prevent unexpected failures and extend the life of your system. This ensures that coils are clean, refrigerant levels are correct, and components are operating properly.
SMART COMFORT CONTROL
Finally, check your thermostat settings to ensure they are functioning correctly. Upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat that connects to your phone can significantly improve comfort while reducing energy costs.
By making these small, steady decisions today, you can ensure a comfortable home for every family member, every time.
402.809.1116 | calljh.com
Kameron Spickert, Lead Service Technician
Photo Credit: Joseph Saaid
