The GENTLEMEN'S
Wednesday 17
Thursday 18
The String Beans, Wildlife Encounter, Face Painting, Balloons, Hot Dogs, Kiddie Parade, Duck Paddle, Children’s Vendor Market, & More! 4 - 8PM: Family Fun Night!
Friday19
Market in the Park, Heart of America Shows Carnival, Helicopter Rides, American Legion Post 32 Beer Garden 4 - 10PM: Papillion Days!
Market in the Park, Heart of America Shows Carnival, Helicopter Rides, American Legion Post 32 Beer Garden, Fireworks at Dark 4 - 11PM: Making Memories!
Saturday 20 Celebrate America: 250 Years! Themed Parade at 10 AM, Market in the Park, Heart of America Shows Carnival, Helicopter Rides, American Legion Post 32 Beer Garden, MVF Car Show 10AM - 10PM: Family Fun!
Sunday 21 Boy Scout Pancake Breakfast, Market in the Park, Heart of America Shows Carnival, Helicopter Rides, PAC Band 8 PM Performance at SumTur Amphitheater 8AM - 8PM: Activities!
A Letter from the Publisher
If you ask me, June is the month for men to shine! Not only does Father's Day take place in June, but especially in Nebraska it's the kickoff to summer that begins the grill outs, bonfires, camping trips, and so much more!
As our team was preparing this issue, I was inspired to dust off the old mountain bike and hit the trails myself. I knew we had some good trails here in Papillion but had never taken the time to give them a try. I'll admit to some of that being an excuse, as I thought my kids wouldn't be ready for something like that.
Boy was I wrong! What started with doubt, assuming my kids wouldn't make it ten minutes before giving up, ended with great pride as I watched my ten-yearold down to my six-year-old overcome hurdles and hardships, scratches and falls, and persevere to the end. The best part is they didn't do it while complaining, but instead, with determination and grit!
In this issue, we have an article about mountain biking opportunities here in Papillion, which is what inspired me to hit the trails with the kids. In a similar way, we hope this issue inspires you to push the limits of what you can accomplish. Maybe it's pursuing your dreams despite being "different from the rest." Maybe it's finally taking your health seriously and getting your energy back to complete those bucket list items. Maybe it's finding extra time to enjoy the little moments that will become big memories for years to come.
So, here's to you men... Raise up that glass of whiskey or cold beer, put on that grill master apron, and most importantly, dream big while remembering to cherish the little things at the same time.
Have a great June, Papillion!
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Kyler Hendrickson kyler.hendrickson@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Amy Hendrickson amy.hendrickson@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Amanda Mills amanda.mills@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Kristen Muldoon
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kathy Nickerson, Vince Mancuso, Janette Calabro, Eve Bushman
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Joseph Saaid, Bobbi Jo Beaver, Amy Hendrickson, Brittany Dawn Short
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 Megan Cagle
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.
city scene
1: Rob Halverson with Foundations Business Groups co-hosted an Executive Peer Advisory Roundtable for local business leaders. 2: A proud moment as Lieutenant Jerry Prazan retired after 37 years of dedicated service. 3: Local Artist Holly Carey shared her live painting at the Papillion Arts Foundation Showcase. 4: The community welcomed Prime IV Hydration and Wellness during its ribbon cutting at Shadow Lake. 5: Purple Up Day at Anderson Grove celebrated military-connected students with high fives and community support. 6: The fourth annual LibraryCon brought fans together for a day of comics, cosplay, and fun. 7: H.E.R. Strength was recognized by PLCS Cooperation Best for their first year as a community partner.
PAPILLION LA VISTA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
DR. KARALEE PICARD
JOEY SEARS, CITY OF PAPILLION
AMANDA BALL- PRIME IV SHADOW LAKE
PAPILLION POLICE DEPARTMENT
PAPILLION CITY LIFESTYLE
PAPILLION CITY LIFESTYLE
business monthly
City of Papillion Introduces New Podcast
The City of Papillion recently introduced The Papillion Podcast, which features extended interviews with various community leaders, primarily focused on economic development and business news in the Papillion area. The goal is to provide insight into various developments around town and to spotlight thought leaders in Papillion’s business community. You can find the podcast on the City of Papillion Facebook page or YouTube channel, or on major streaming platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music.
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Trusted Life Choices Supports Familes Through Partnership with Nebraska's GUIDE Program
Caring for a loved one with dementia can feel overwhelming, but families don’t have to face it alone. Trusted Life Choices partners with Nebraska’s GUIDE Program to offer 24/7 care team access, caregiver support, and respite resources. Services such as personal care, housekeeping, and medication reminders are tailored to each family’s needs. Individuals with traditional Medicare and a dementia diagnosis may qualify. To learn more about available support call 402.982.9254 or visit trustedlifechoicesllc.com
Fabric Bash to Host Handi Quilter Hands-On Educational Event
Quilters of all skill levels are invited to the Omaha Handi Quilter Hands-On Van Event, June 25–27. This unique event offers hands-on experience with longarm quilting machines in a mobile classroom setting. National educator Maegan Brewster will lead practical classes designed for beginners and experienced quilters alike. Multiple class options will be offered throughout the event. Visit the classes/events page at fabricbash.com for more information. Space is limited so call 402.884.2096 to reserve your seat today.
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Photography by City of Papillion
NEW YORK TO NEBRASKA
JERRY KAYE OFFERS MEN'S CLOTHING CRAFTED IN ITALY WITH AN AMERICAN DESIGN
ARTICLE BY KATHY NICKERSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPH SAAID
One Sunday morning, during his first year of college, Jerry Kaye woke up bruised and battered from a college football game and had a moment of clarity. “Forget this,” he said. “I’m gonna make dresses.”
A first-generation American who grew up in South Detroit, Kaye felt the influence of his European heritage. He loved architecture and art. He noticed costumes in movies and made clothes for his G.I. Joes.
When he switched from football to fashion, Kaye was accepted to the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York City. He arrived with one suitcase and spent the first month living in the YMCA. Life was different in the fashion world.
“I was the outsider,” he says, “so I just put my head down and went to work.”
Before graduating from Parsons, Kaye already had momentum. After starting with a couple designers, he secured a career-defining role as Creative Director at Perry Ellis. There he began
This Page Left and Right: Clothing from Jerry Kaye Collection. Photo Credit: Iris Images Omaha; Photo Agencies: Sasha Models & Develop Models Opposite: Jerry Kaye and Gina Hansen
crafting clothes in Italy alongside some of the finest makers in the world. “I fell in love with it,” he says. “To think that Prato, where I’ve spent so much time, has been producing recycled fabric for 800 years.”
Gina Hansen grew up on a farm outside Papillion. She studied fashion merchandising at UNL and enjoyed an international modeling career.
They met in Miami in 2002. Kaye and Hansen soon became a couple and settled in New York City. The city felt like a collection of small neighborhoods in those days. But soon, chain stores replaced bodegas, and the cost of living rose.
One afternoon, on a trip to visit family and plan their wedding at the Joslyn Art Museum, Kaye looked around and said, “I could live here.”
He had become a fashion consultant by then, and together they had opened an accessible luxury clothing line at jerrykayecollection.com. They realized they could work from anywhere, so why not Nebraska?
Today, work is based out of their home in Papillion. Inspiration comes from everything they encounter - art, nature, or the slant of the sun on a city street. Hansen focuses mostly on marketing and coordinating with retailers. Kaye travels to Italy to choose fabrics and finishes and works directly with the factories that bring his menswear designs to life.
Their line features jackets, shirts, and knits with a soft, refined finish. They describe it as clothing for “the man who has somewhere to be and nowhere to rush to.” It is available online and in select stores.
Kaye and Hansen say the sense of community they loved in New York City is still part of the culture in Papillion. They find it in their neighborhood, in local shops, and through various art and music venues. Having an extended family around is also a plus. “We always loved seeing family on holidays,” Hansen says,” but it is great to see them on any random Tuesday.” Kaye and Hansen still enjoy traveling to places like Italy and New York, but they are always glad to come home to Nebraska.
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.
2700 Sylvan Road | Nebraska City, Nebraska arbordayfarm.org @arbordayfarm @arbordaywedding @arbordayfarm
Empowering Men Through Integrative Care
A Men’s Health Q&A with Dr. Roni Hargis and Colin McDermott of Synergy Integrative Health
At Synergy Integrative Health in La Vista, wellness is never a one-size-fits-all approach— it’s personal. Founder, Dr. Roni Hargis, DNP, FNP-C, received her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Creighton University. Colin McDermott, APRN, FNP-C, received his master’s degree from Simmons University in Boston, MA. Together, they have two decades of experience in healthcare focusing on the root cause of illness and integrative healing.
ARTICLE BY JANETTE CALABRO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BOBBI JO BEAVER
Dr. Roni Hargis, DNP, FNP-C
Dr. Roni Hargis, DNP, FNP-C & Colin McDermott, APRN, FNP-C
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START SYNERGY INTEGRATIVE HEALTH?
Dr. Roni: I’ve always known my purpose is to help people. I am passionate about people living their best life. An integrative approach bridges the gap between conventional and functional health to maximize outcomes. Our goal is to empower our patients and prevent illness.
Q: HOW DOES AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH CHANGE THE HEALTHCARE EXPERIENCE FOR MEN?
Colin: We do more in-depth interviews and specific lab testing to determine what the root causes are. We want to help men receive the healthcare they deserve.
Q: DO MEN TEND TO DELAY HEALTHCARE?
Colin: You are correct. Historically, men have been known to ignore healthcare issues. Men deserve to have their concerns addressed respectfully and with the due diligence necessary to maximize healthy outcomes.
Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR TREATMENTS?
Dr. Roni: There are several treatments men can trust. Popular treatments such as testosterone replacement are common, however, you need additional support to achieve the best outcomes. Peptides are incredible because they are anti-aging, muscle building, maximize sleep and improve sexual health. The right supplements are also helpful.
“Our team will treat the whole person, not the symptoms, and work to achieve vitality for every patient.”
Q: WHAT IV THERAPIES ARE POPULAR FOR MEN?
Colin: Vitamin C is great to boost the immune system and to prevent or recover from illness. Several men come in for NAD (a coenzyme present in all living cells). It helps with mitochondrial health (cell powerhouses), energy, sleep, and anti-aging.
Q: WHAT KINDS OF INJECTABLE TREATMENTS PLAY A ROLE IN MEN’S HEALTHCARE?
Colin: Peptides, hormone replacement, weight loss, vitamin B-12 injections, vitamin-D, and liver support formulas are common. We routinely check labs to monitor all therapies for a proper response to individual treatment plans.
Q: ANY MEMORABLE PATIENT STORIES?
Dr. Roni: My husband is a testimonial. He is stubborn. The epitome of the man I want to help! He felt
like these treatments were “cheating.” However, after discovering the true benefits of a comprehensive treatment plan, he is living his best mental, physical, and spiritual life.
Colin: We have so many success stories, it is inspiring! We feel so blessed to be a part of this community helping men and their familier grow stonger.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR MEN?
Dr. Roni: I want men to understand that in healthcare, they deserve to be listened to. There are several avenues to achieve your optimal health. Our team will treat the whole person, not the symptoms, and work to achieve vitality for every patient. There is HOPE!!
Colin: If you invest in your health now, it will pay dividends in the future. You will be hiking mountains in your 70s and 80s!
402.502.5525 | synergyintegrativehealth.net
Colin McDermott, APRN, FNP-C
BUILT TO RIDE
THE STORY BEHIND WALNUT CREEK’S COMMUNITY-BUILT MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL
Papillion’s Walnut Creek Recreation Area is home to a mountain bike trail system not built by a developer or city, but by the people who ride it.
What started as an informal path is now one of the area’s most accessible, community-driven mountain bike trails, thanks in large part to volunteers like Jeff Schram, a longtime Papillion resident.
ARTICLE BY VINCE MANCUSO PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY HENDRICKSON
While originally riding along the paved path, Schram said, “We started riding off the trail. We called those rogue trails.”
That early loop sparked something bigger. In 2014, Schram contacted the City of Papillion and connected with Trails Have Our Respect (THOR), a Nebraska-based organization focused on building and maintaining sustainable trails.
Together with THOR and park officials, Schram mapped out what would become today’s trail system. Volunteers showed up, flagged routes and cut paths, working with the natural landscape.
“We wanted to preserve as many trees as possible.”
Today, the mountain bike trail spans roughly five miles and continues to evolve. Designed to be progressive, it offers approachable terrain with optional technical features, allowing riders to build confidence.
“I made it so kids could enjoy it,” Schram says. “It’s one of the best places in the Omaha area to go to.”
That accessibility has made the trail a hub for local families and youth programs, including the Nebraska Interscholastic Cycling League. High school teams train there, and group rides bring together riders of all ages.
“It’s a sport where the whole family can participate,” Schram says. “Walnut Creek is going to be busy with lots of kids. And I love seeing that.”
A short ride from the trailhead, Sarpy County Bicycles is opening its doors, strengthening the connection between the trail and the local cycling community. Owner Todd Kay brings decades of experience, including his time at Greenstreet Cycles before it closed last year.
Kay emphasizes strong fundamentals. For those new to mountain biking, he recommends a hardtail bike with no rear suspension, this helps riders build strong balance skills. For further help, he encourages taking a fundamental mountain biking course and testing out the Walnut Creek trail.
“I call it a beginning trail,” he says. “Relatively flat with a few technical features that are more or less optional.”
That mindset runs throughout Walnut Creek. From trail days to weekly rides, the focus remains on community, accessibility, and enjoyment.
One of those gatherings happens every Tuesday at 6 p.m., when riders meet for a casual group ride behind The Good Life Sports Bar & Grill, where riders connect off the trail afterward. The turnout varies, but the goal to provide community and a network of individuals with a similar interest stays the same.
That community is what continues to drive Schram’s dedication to the trails. “If I don’t do it, who is?” he says. “I’m about giving back to my community.”
At Walnut Creek, that commitment continues to shape the trail, one ride at a time.
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When in all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
THE QUIET STANDARD:
MIKE JOHNSON
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
MIKE JOHNSON
Schedule with Dr.Brown today
Accepting VSP, EyeMed & Tricare Insurances
walnutcreekec.com | 402.207.2311 2063 Creek Side Dr, Papillion, NE 68046
JUNE 1ST – JULY 31ST
Summer Reading Program at Papillion Library
Papillion Public Library
Keep the reading going all summer long! The Papillion Library’s Summer Reading Program is open to all ages, from babies to adults. Enjoy a reading challenge with prizes, plus fun events throughout the summer. Learn more and get started at papillion.org/795/ Summer-Reading-Program
JUNE 6TH - 7TH
Omaha Potter Faire
Bellevue Berry Farm | 11:00 AM
Step into a magical weekend at the Omaha Potter Faire! Enjoy butterbeer, themed vendors, costumed characters, circus performances, and family-friendly activities. The event runs 11 AM–6 PM each day and includes games, classes, and costume contests for all ages. Join for a fun, immersive experience for Harry Potter fans and families alike. For more information visit omahapotterfaire.com.
JUNE 10TH, 15TH, 20TH & 27TH
Movies at Sunset
SumTur Amphitheater | 7:30 PM
Enjoy summer movie nights under the stars at SumTur Amphitheater! Gates open at 7:30 PM, with music at 8 PM on select nights. Movies will begin at sunset. Lineup includes Zootopia 2 (June 10, Music: Blue Sunday), How to Train Your Dragon (June 15, Music: The Redwoods), Minecraft Movie (June 20, Music: True Blues), and Lilo & Stitch (June 27).
JUNE 14TH
Papillion Youth Talent Show
SumTur Amphitheater | 4:00 PM
Enjoy an evening of local talent at the Papillion Youth Talent Show! Part of the Omaha Mobile Stage Youth Talent Show Series, this outdoor competition gives performers ages 3 through graduating high school seniors an opportunity to showcase their skills on stage. You won’t want to miss this fun, family-friendly event celebrating young performers in the community.
JUNE 17TH - 21ST
79th Annual Papillion Days
Downtown Papillion
Celebrate the 79th year of Papillion Days, one of the community’s biggest traditions! Enjoy a lively parade, carnival, beer garden, open-air vendor fair, and activities for all ages. This beloved event draws thousands each year while supporting the Papillion Community Foundation and local businesses. Visit papillionfoundation.org/ papillion-days for a full list of events.
JUNE 27TH
Mangelsen’s Anniversary Party
Mangelsen’s | 11:00 AM
Celebrate 65 years with Mangelsen’s at their Anniversary Party from 11 AM2 PM! Enjoy free food, fun activities, and a festive atmosphere as the community comes together to mark this milestone. A great way to spend the day with family and friends.
Nice? Is Whiskey On Ice
In speaking to Whiskey lovers (most happen to be men, but do accept me in their brethren as a fellow enthusiast, writer, and educator), I’ve learned a great many opinions on how to drink Whiskey. Specifically, preferences on adding water and ice vary greatly.
A brand ambassador that I had the privilege of listening to recently said the obvious: both dilution and temperature change when you add ice, so if you are going to add something, a little water is best. I personally prefer to use a water dropper, so I can add one drop at a time until I get to the desired taste.
HERE ARE THE DIFFERENCES:
THE BEST WAY TO ENJOY YOUR WHISKEY: ON THE ROCKS, ROCK, NEAT, OR WITH WATER
Rocks: Provides the highest rate of dilution as a lot of ice melts quickly. If you are drinking a barrel proof Whiskey, it kind of defeats the purpose as the distiller didn’t add water as they do in every other type of finished Whiskey.
On the Rock: The single rock, cube, or sphere is the slowest to melt and thought to be the most aesthetic. It’s nice if you want to stretch out your tasting. I often order on the rock if I want my drink to last longer.
Neat: This is the way single malt Scotch is served at a tasting event, in a branded Glencairn or Neat glass so that proper nosing for aromas can be achieved - and a dram of Scotch, smaller than an ounce, fits in them perfectly.
Water: As I mentioned above, quoting the brand ambassador, a little water is better for a fine Whiskey over any kind of ice. Often, if ordered with water, the water is served in a separate vessel on the side so you can add in as much as you want.
Quoting another expert on the subject, Richard Paterson of The Dalmore famously and enthusiastically demonstrates in his Scotch classes how to drink single malt Scotch Whiskey: Paterson fills a lowball glass to the rim with ice, adds Scotch and then ceremoniously throws it over his shoulder onto the carpet of the classroom – because that much ice makes the drink worthless. One more quote, never “add green tea or milk to Whiskey. You can add a little water, but not a lot of ice.”
Ultimately, the reason we add ice can be for aesthetics, to stretch out the time spent on one glass, for cooling, and for dilution. However, the number one reason enthusiasts add water is … drumroll please … because adding a little water actually opens up a Whiskey to show more aromas and flavors.
C b Appeal
