Papillion, NE June 2025 by City Lifestyle

Letter from the Publisher

Alright men, summer is upon us, and it’s time to shine!

I don’t know about you, but summertime is project time. The farm boy in me loves a good outdoor project, and there isn’t a summer that goes by where my wife and I are not finding more projects to do than we have time to complete them in. But in the end, there is something special about stepping back and taking in a finished project done with your own two hands.

In our Gentlemen’s Issue, we focus on residents and businesses that embody the idea of building something with their own hands. These include a plumber who put down roots in Papillion and an eye doctor who decided to open his own practice to provide a true local experience for all those he sees.

But let’s not forget the fun! While we are focused on our men out there, what could be better than a close-up look at Papillion’s newest indoor golf simulator, or a tour of some top menu items for men that can be found around town? If you are searching for a great Father’s Day gift idea, this could be a great place to start!

Finally, we also have the absolute privilege of sharing the story of a local author whose book, about the lessons he himself learned while raising his son, made it to the movie screen!

Not all of us have a story that makes it to the movie screen, and sometimes, as men, we may believe our impact is limited to a select few individuals we encounter regularly. However, if we focus on creating the largest impact on those few individuals, we may be surprised to see how great that ripple effect can be over time.

So, fire up the grill, grab a cold one, and give yourself a toast, because this one’s for you, gentlemen!

Cheers!

June 2025

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

Kathy Nickerson, Vince Mancuso, Deb Grayson Reinard, Chelsea Lyn Agro

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sammie Rodriguez, Joseph Saaid, A2i Photography

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

JUNE 2025

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: PLCS celebrated ‘Month of the Military Child’ along with receiving a district-wide Purple Star Designation. 2: Retirees were recognized at PLCS’s annual celebration for their dedication and commitment through the years. 3: Coffee with a Cop at Café Diem encouraged connection, conversation, and community spirit. 4: Sarpy Chamber PNG Tips Group volunteered to help NeighborGood move to their new location. 5: Papillion Public Library’s fabric scrap event inspired creativity and community through repurposed materials. 6: Wardrobes got a fresh twist at House of Colour Papillion’s fun clothing swap event. 7: Berry Law celebrated 60 years and the grand opening of their new Papillion location.

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PAPILLION LA VISTA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

CITY OF PAPILLION

THERESA GOSCH

JACOB MILLER

SARPY COUNTY CHAMBER

SHELBY JANKE BRODERSEN, ADULT SERVICES LIBRARIAN

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting, The Back Nine offers a welcoming, year-round golf experience

Golf, Your Way, All Year

ARTICLE BY VINCE MANCUSO

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPH SAAID

Opened at the beginning of this year, The Back Nine offers an unparalleled indoor golf experience. It features private and open bays, detailed analytics, and unlimited access for members.

“We offer public tee times and memberships. Members get all the perks of 24/7 access, 365 days a year,” says franchise owner Mercedes Fonte. The Full Swing Golf Simulators give guests and members alike a chance to practice or play courses from around the world.

“It’s the same simulator used at the TGL—Tomorrow’s Golf League,” Fonte explains. Every swing is a learning opportunity, from video playback of your club face to detailed spin and speed data. “At the end of the day, it’s for people to feel more confident in their golf game.”

The Back Nine features three bays—two open and one private. All include a mini fridge and TV, while the private bay also features a putting green, ideal for private parties, employee engagement, or client appreciation events.

As for the experience itself, golfers can play courses like Nebraska’s own Dismal River, complete with simulated wind. “You can practice here, simulate the environment, before spending money to play the real course.”

Starting at $160 a month, Fonte says membership plans are a relatively inexpensive way to enjoy otherwise costly experiences at major golf clubs. In an exclusive reveal, she shares that The Back Nine will soon offer access to official TGL courses. Additionally, golfers can book a 30-minute demo to experience the unique offerings before committing to a membership.

Annual members can also enjoy crossplay, which unlocks access to all Back Nine facilities nationwide.

Fonte says she’s thrilled to bring The Back Nine to Papillion. “There wasn’t anything like this here, so we really wanted to bring this to the area.”

402.277.9997

Thebackninegolf.com/papillionne

The Unbreakable Boy

A Papillion man’s memoir becomes a major motion

picture

Early in 2025, Papillion resident Scott LeRette and his family attended the red-carpet premiere of a movie called The Unbreakable Boy in New York City. They weren’t just moviegoers, though. They were the subject of the film. The movie is based on Scott’s memoir about life with his son, Austin, who has a rare brittle bone disease and autism.

Scott grew up in Iowa, went to college in Oklahoma, and met his wife, Teresa, in North Carolina. In those days, he described himself as single, irresponsible, and preoccupied with golf, mountain biking, and drinking. He was a long way from father material.

Once Teresa announced her pregnancy, Scott tried to step up. Marriage and fatherhood didn’t change him, and Austin’s medical challenges were only part of the problem. Eventually, Scott brought the family, including younger son Logan, back to Iowa.

Scott had been jotting down stories to help him process life. He wrote about Austin’s challenges and Logan’s loyalty. About Teresa’s strength and his doubts. Scott wrote about family dynamics, school bullies, and the best strawberry milkshake ever. He also wrote about how alcohol nearly cost him everything, including his sons’ lives.

ARTICLE BY KATHY NICKERSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMMIE RODRIGUEZ

Eventually, Scott wrote about faith and sobriety and how they worked together.

Writing a book was never Scott’s idea, so the process required research. One Friday, he sent fifteen query letters to literary agencies. By Monday, he had an agent. Before long, Harper Collins won a bidding war to publish through Thomas Nelson. They introduced Scott to best-selling author Susy Flory, who helped pull the book together.

The memoir came out in 2014, and Scott did all the usual promotion. The book sold well, but it didn’t change their world.

In his day job, Scott traveled and sold medical equipment. One day in Manhattan, he stepped into a local shop to meet a pharmacist he had connected with online. He was looking for shaving supplies, but he took along a copy of his book.

“You should talk to my brother-in-law,” the man said. “He’s in the movie business.”

Scott left his number, expecting it to come to nothing. Instead, the encounter led to a text from Peter Facinelli in Hollywood. When Scott flew to Los Angeles for business, he met Peter. That conversation led to friendship, which led to Lionsgate, Kingdom Story Company, and writer/director Jon Gunn (House of David ). It also led to standing on the red carpet in New York City beside Zachary Levi (Shazam! ), who portrays Scott in the film.

Before New York, though, the movie opened at Twin Creek Cinema in Bellevue, Nebraska, where Austin has a job.

Building a life for an adult with special needs isn’t easy, but Austin is finding his way. His brother, Logan, is an officer with the Omaha Police Department and is newly married to Alyssa, a physician assistant. Teresa remains the strength of the whole family, according to Scott.

As for Scott, fame hasn’t changed him. He may have movie star friends, but he still works the day job. He and Teresa enjoy life in Papillion, where Scott hosts The Green Pants podcast. He hopes to inspire people to achieve their dreams through his lessons, stories, experiences, failures, and triumphs.

“Underlying everything,” Scott says, “is faith.”

Scott prints 2 Timothy 4:7 on his business cards. “To fight the good fight, to finish the race, to keep the faith.”

“I know I’ll never fail,” he says, “as long as I don’t quit.” The Unbreakable Boy is only the beginning.

Bath/Shower Remodel Decorative Stone

Restoring Commercial Real Estate Value

Rolling Suds, the nation’s leading power washing franchise, dedicates its services to revitalizing and enhancing the value of commercial real estate properties.

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PLUMBING WITH PURPOSE

RELIABLE SERVICE, REAL OPTIONS, AND EXPERT CARE MAKE LOCALLY OWNED PLUMBRITE STAND OUT

ARTICLE BY VINCE MANCUSO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY A2I PHOTOGRAPHY

Matt Simet, Owner and CEO of PlumbRite

“OUR COMPANY MOTTO IS TO BE ORGANIZED, COORDINATED, AND PROVIDE WORLD-CLASS SERVICE.”

Since opening its doors in 2018, PlumbRite has earned a reputation for providing expert plumbing services with a personal touch. Led by owner and CEO Matt Simet, the company handles “everything”—from plumbing service and drain cleaning to major construction of large buildings.

As Papillion residents, Matt and his wife Sonja, who works alongside him in the business, take pride in providing a high quality, transparent service. “What sets us apart is the way we give homeowners control over the repair process,” Simet says, referencing PlumbRite’s commitment to clear communication with customers.

“We have a whole process, from customer introduction to getting authorization to do the work, and how we perform the work,” says Simet. As a part of this process, PlumbRite offers multiple solutions for each issue, letting the customer decide.

Drain issues are the most common problem, whether it’s a clogged sink, a slow-draining tub, or a major sewer line issue. This is even more prominent when there is an influx of graduation celebrations or holiday gatherings, resulting in more people using your plumbing than usual. Sometimes what seems like a small issue can turn into a major problem.

To help homeowners with this, PlumbRite provides comprehensive solutions including membership plans, from emergency repairs to preventative maintenance. For instance, a VIP Fast Pass Membership includes an annual water heater and sewer line inspection.

“We offer preventative maintenance, updating your plumbing system—a lot of people’s houses aren’t brand-new,” Simet notes. “It’s a mechanical device, no different than your car.”

The membership also includes a water heater flush and sewer power-wash. Simet explains how hard water buildup can shorten the life of a water heater. “All tap water is hard water. When you heat things up, things start to separate and build up.”

Simet also encourages homeowners to check their sump pump systems as Omaha heads into the rainy season. “Save yourself a lot of headaches by making sure that a few hundred-dollar pump works,” he says.

For PlumbRite, whether it is preventative maintenance or emergency service, all customers are treated the same.

“Our company motto is to be organized, coordinated, and provide world-class service,” Simet says. “You’re our number one priority when we’re with you, and the next customer gets the same courtesy. Our employees live by that.”

402.614.1777 | plumbriteomaha.com

Looking Beyond the Lens

EXPERT EYECARE ADVICE FROM THE OWNER OF WALNUT CREEK EYECARE

We have annual exams with our primary care doctor. We visit our dentist every six months for a cleaning. But how often do we see the provider who monitors our vision?

We sat down with Dr. Zach Brown, a comprehensive optometrist at Walnut Creek Eyecare in Papillion, to gain insight into the importance of regular eye exams.

Dr. Zach Brown

Q: WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM AN EYE EXAM?

Dr. Brown: An eye exam is more than just updating prescriptions for glasses and contacts; it’s also a thorough check of your eyes and overall health. Using advanced tools like the Optomap, we track changes that can reveal early ocular signs such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. This can also reveal changes corresponding to systemic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.

Q: WHAT MEASURES SHOULD I TAKE TO PROTECT MY EYES?

Dr. Brown: We can do several things to protect our vision. An important one is to wear sunglasses. UV light exposure damages our skin and is just as damaging to our eyes. Even cataracts develop quicker and sooner for those who do not wear sunglasses. Another measure we can take is to eat a good diet containing lots of fruits and vegetables and, in general, live a healthy lifestyle.

Q: WHAT LIFESTYLE HABITS ARE DETRIMENTAL TO OUR EYES?

Dr. Brown: Smoking affects the cardiovascular system, and our eyes are very vascular. In addition to that, smoking is a major risk factor in macular degeneration formation and progression. Even second-hand smoke is bad for our eyes.

ARTICLE BY DEB GRAYSON REINARD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY A2I PHOTOGRAPHY

Dr. Zach Brown

“Approximately 80 percent of a child’s learning comes through vision, and we want to help those children who are frustrated and may be struggling due to vision issues.”

Q: WHAT SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS SHOULD I IMMEDIATELY REPORT TO MY EYE DOCTOR?

Dr. Brown: Call your eye doctor if you suddenly see flashes of light or a large influx of floaters. The retina is the tissue that lives in the back of your eye, and suddenly having flashes or floaters may indicate a retinal detachment or tear.

Q: HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE HAVE EYE EXAMS?

Dr. Brown: For children, we recommend an exam before age three, around Kindergarten, and every one to two years after that. Approximately 80 percent of a child’s learning comes through vision, and we want to help those children who are frustrated and may be struggling due to vision issues. People aged 18 to 40 should see their eye doctor every one to two years. If you are over 40, you should have eye exams annually.

402.207.2311 | walnutcreekec.com

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SO YOU WANT TO BE A COWBOY

DISCOVER THE WHIMSY OF THE WEST AT PAWS UP MONTANA

Favorably referred to as the “Last Best Place” and the “Treasure State,” Montana has captured the hearts of cinematic cowboys like Taylor Sheridan and Harrison Ford and inspired the television series, “Yellowstone” and its prequels, “1883” and “1923.”

Though fictional, they’ve reminded America of its deeply-rooted spirit for adventure and the simple yet rugged way of life that we all crave. Whether its the backdrop of jagged, snowcapped peaks or the endless golden pastures that are peppered with livestock, this Rocky Mountain soil is a breeding ground for dreamers and doers, and the people who call it home are no strangers to the ritual of ranch life. So, you want to be a cowboy? Slipping on some leather and having a little hide in your hat are good ways to start, but visiting a resort that brings the best of this life to the forefront, while also embracing modern luxury, is the experience of a lifetime. Paws Up Montana sprawls the distance of 37,000 private acres of historic estate-land, which houses a working ranch and 10 miles of Blackfoot river. Personalization is key—a divine selection of cuisine for the foodies, awe-inspiring activities for the adrenaline seekers, and world-class lodging that tickles every fancy from stargazing glamping, to timber-style family dwellings, to the uniquely designed green “o hauses” that invite the outside world in.

CHELSEA LYN AGRO

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

WHAT TO DO

To change your attitude, you need a change in altitude. Gain some speed or turn up the adrenaline level with ATV tours, electric biking, mountain biking, go-karts, paintball, rappelling down Lookout Rock or whitewater rafting down the Blackfoot River. Indulge in the western art of living with archery, fly-fishing, hiking or sporting clays. For those who want to immerse themselves in the language of horses, there are horse-related adventures such as lessons, grooming or feeding, horse-whispering workshops or organized trails rides. Riders can also enjoy cattle drives that bring you back to yesteryear—driving a herd of cattle across the famed landscape— and bear witness to mustang gentling, where the Equestrian Manager communicates with a wild horse through body language and tone of voice. Skyline Aerial Adventure Park is another notable warm-weather activity, taking guests on two high-ropes courses.

DRINK & DINE

Montana’s best kept secret? Our hideaway chefs, making waves from the Montana wilderness. Chef Brandon Cunningham, Executive Chef at the Green O, is a James Beard Award finalist whose creations at the Social Haus are highly curated through an 8-course tasting menu. Other highly trained and talented chefs like Chef Brett Edlund, Chef Ben Scott, Executive Pastry Chef Krystle Swenson, and Sunny Jin, the General Manager of Food and Beverage, are part of the intricate patchwork of the culinary experience at Pomp, Trough, Shed, Camp and the notable Chuck Wagon—a summertime treat where guests can ride a hay wagon along the banks of the Blackfoot River for an Old West-inspired chuck wagon dinner. The menu ranges from all-natural chicken and Tomahawk ribeye to fresh vegetables grilled over an open flame campfire.

WHERE TO STAY

Luxury Homes are categorized into preference-based properties that boast the thrill of wilderness living. For larger families and multigenerational groups, consider the Wilderness Estates. At 3,250-square-feet, these estates sleep up to eight guests and feature three large suites with private baths. The Big Timber Homes are available in one-to-three bedroom options and come ornamented with fire places and private decks. The Meadow Homes are 1,100-square-foot single-story homes that sleep up to four guests, situated amid a pastoral and treed setting. For an extra nod of perfection, choose one of the luxury homes that comes equipped with a private tent— ideal for anyone traveling with children (or adults who beckon back their childhood!).

For a more primitive experience, Glamping Homes offer the right amount of canvas to create a close-to-nature experience. Available mid-May through mid-October, choose from river settings to creeksides, bluffs or cliffs. Each tent is adorned with something unique—a copper tub, a picturesque view of Lewis and Clark’s famous Lookout Rock and Western-chic furniture throughout. Zip down the windows to allow for the cool nightly breeze, yet enjoy the modern convenience of electricity. Each campsite has a dining pavilion. And don’t miss the s’mores boards around the communal fire pit, offered by your own s’moresologist—yes, you read that right, and yea, it’s a thing.

Lastly, but certainly not least, are the state-ofthe-art accommodations of the Green O hauses. This portion of the property is completely curated for those 21 years of age and older. It’s a resort within a resort, a hidden pearl in an oyster of experience. The Tree Haus is elevated 23 feet in the air and offers unparalleled forest views. The Green Haus includes a skylight above the bed for an unmatched view of pluck-em-from-the-sky stars. The Round Haus has curved, floor-to-ceiling windows that offer 180-degree panoramic views. Both the Green and Round Hauses are dog friendly, too, so Fido can rest in the lap of luxury. The Light Haus is illuminated by skylights and unique glass design.

HOW

TO GET HERE

Airport: Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) Airport transfers from Missoula are complimentary for guests and all luxury home and Green O accommodations come with a Lexus luxury SUV for transportation use on property.

CLOGGED DRAIN?

JUNE 8TH

Family Fun at Ralston Vet’s Summer Shindig

Ralston Vet, 6880 S 78th Street | 1:00 PM

Celebrate summer with Ralston Vet on June 8 from 1:00–5:00 PM. Enjoy food trucks, pet vendors, and family-friendly activities inside and out. Proceeds from the raffle will support K-9 Officer Titan, local pets in need, and Ralston FFA students.

JUNE 11TH

Hops for Harmony

Werner Park | 5:30 PM

Join the Papillion Area Lions Club for their annual Hops for Harmony event at Werner Park on June 11 from 5:30–8:30 PM. This premier beer-tasting event benefits Project Harmony, a nationally recognized child advocacy center. Enjoy local brews, community fun, and support a great cause! For more information and to purchase your tickets in advance visit papiolions.com/ hops-for-harmony.

JUNE 11TH-15TH

Papillion Days

Papillion City Park

The 78th Annual Papillion Days is happening June 11–15! Enjoy the carnival, vendor fair, parade, beer garden, and more in historic downtown Papillion. Purchase wristbands in advance and view the full schedule of events at papillionfoundation.org/ papillion-days

JUNE 14TH & 28TH

Movies at Sundown

SumTur Amphitheater | 7:30 PM

Enjoy a free starlight movie at Sum Tur Amphitheater this summer! Gates open at 7:30 PM with pre-show fun be ginning at 8:00 PM. Catch Moana 2 on June 14th and The Wild Robot on June 28th. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a movie night under the stars with the whole family.

JUNE 29TH

Silent Reading Party & Puzzle Swap

Papillion Public Library | 1:00 PM

Join fellow readers for a quiet afternoon at the Silent Reading Party & Puzzle Swap on June 29 from 1:00-4:00 PM on the Sump Library Lawn. Bring your own book, a lawn chair or blanket, and enjoy a peaceful start to summer. Puzzle enthusiasts are welcome to bring one to swap!

JUNE 29TH

Papillion Youth Talent Show

SumTur Amphitheater | 4:00 PM

The Omaha Mobile Stage Youth Talent Show Series returns to SumTur Amphitheater on June 29 at 4:00 PM! This outdoor event showcases talented youth ages three through high school seniors in a fun, supportive competition. Want to perform? Sign up and view competition rules at omahamobilestage.org/ youthtalentshow