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A Letter from the Publisher

Growing up as a small-town farm kid, style didn't hold much meaning for me in my youth. It didn’t matter who you were; you were likely wearing jeans and a T-shirt every day and for every occasion. I don't think I even owned a tie until I moved to college.

Like me, most of us probably think of fashion more than anything else when we hear the word ‘style.’ However, when we look to Merriam-Webster for the actual definition of the word...a particular manner or technique by which something is done, created, or performed...there is a whole lot more to it than that.

Ask yourself the following: How do you do something? How do you create? How do you perform? These are the real questions we should be asking ourselves when it comes to style.

What we will likely find is that each one of us has our very own unique style that permeates through everything we do and that deserves to be celebrated!

That is the inspiration behind our style issue. Yes, we provide some insights on how to style and maintain your home in this issue. Still, we are even more so celebrating the uniqueness of our community, the businesses and individuals who serve it, and each one of us, who, combined, make Papillion a place with a style of its own. And I don't know about you, but I love our style!

Have a great September, Papillion!

September 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

Vince Mancuso, Amy Bailey, Pam Reid

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Joseph Saaid, A2i Photography, Amy Bailey

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

3:5-6

Celebrate spooky season in a way the whole family will enjoy. Stroll through festively decorated grounds, trick-or-treat along the paths, explore seasonal attractions, and take part in activities for all ages. Come in costume, make memories together, and enjoy an autumn evening filled with treats, laughter, and just the right amount of frightful fun.

See what’s brewing at arbordayfarm.org/halloween.

2700 Sylvan Road | Nebraska City, Nebraska arbordayfarm.org @arbordayfarm

Premier Style

Exterior Home Maintenance: Fall Checklist

Nichole

SEPTEMBER 2025

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Matt Ricchini proves insurance can be cool—especially with a snow cone in hand! 2: Papillion Library’s Jigsaw Puzzle Contest featured six teams. One finished in an impressive 12 minutes! 3: “Marvelous Moths” at Sump Library featured crafts and learning with Nebraska Game & Parks. 4: Casting for a Cause brought anglers together to help support local cancer patients and families 5: Ice cream and connection were on the menu at Cones with Cops at Papillion Dairy Queen. 6: Community, conversation, and cones made for a successful and heartwarming Cones with Cops event! 7: Huge thanks to our community—Stuff the Truck brought in over 35,000 items for local kids!

Want to be seen in the magazine?

SHADOW LAKE TOWNE CENTER

CITY OF PAPILLION

ANN WOODFORD

SHELBY JANKY BRODERSEN, PAPILLON PUBLIC LIBRARY

JOHN BRYAN

Winter-Ready Starts with Proper Caulking

Protect your driveway and home before freezing temps arrive! GP Caulking, a family-owned business, specializes in driveway and residential caulking that helps prevent water damage and cracking. Their expert services extend the life of your concrete surfaces and home. With a focus on quality, integrity, and lasting results, GP Caulking offers free estimates, warranties, and competitive pricing. Schedule your service now by calling 402.510.7733 to stay ahead of the winter weather!

PLCS Young Adult Transition Program Opens a New Building

Papillion La Vista Community Schools has opened a new building for the PLCS Young Adult Transition Program (YATP), just west of Liberty Middle School. YATP serves students ages 18-21 with disabilities and helps them grow in skills of independence, including home living and work study programs. The new facility will feature accessible spaces tailored to the YATP curriculum, including an apartment setup with kitchens for hands-on learning in life skills.

Miles Memory Care: Expanding Trusted Memory Care in Papillion

Serving the Papillion community for four years, Miles Memory Care has expanded by opening its second building near the intersection of 84th Street and Highway 370. This new space allows them to extend the same high level of memory care to more families while maintaining the small community atmosphere that residents and families have come to love. They are currently accepting new residents, so families and caregivers can schedule a tour by calling 402.593.5496 today.

Photography by GP Caulking

Photography by Papillion La Vista Community Schools

Photography by Miles Memory Care

ARTICLE BY VINCE MANCUSO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPH SAAID

PREMIER STYLE

Kitchen surfaces, simplified by design

Provided by Premier Countertops

Premier Countertops, just northwest of the 84th and L Street crossing, didn’t set out to be a countertop business, but that might be exactly why they’ve served customers so successfully for over two and a half decades.

“We started in 1999, quite by mistake,” says owner Lori Ludwick. Her late husband, a contractor at the time, underbid a job and started making calls. “A friend said, ‘Oh, you can do this,’ and here we are 25 years later,” she adds with a smile.

What began with solid surface countertops and some borrowed equipment has grown into a full-service fabrication shop with a showroom, in-house machinery, and a steady online presence.

If you’re updating your kitchen, Ludwick recommends starting with a rough idea of what you want—or at least what you don’t. “The first question we ask is whether they have a particular material in mind.” That could be granite, quartz, or solid surface, and she walks customers through the pros and cons of each.

Lori Ludwick, owner of Premier Countertops

• Solid surface, most commonly seen in Corian brand, is a plastic-based material that’s seamless, bacteria-resistant, and can be sanded or repaired, though it’s not heat-resistant.

• Granite and quartzite are natural stones; each slab is one-of-a-kind. They require sealing but offer natural heat resistance and visual character.

• Quartz, an engineered stone, is more uniform and stain-resistant, but every slab looks the same.

Once the material is selected, Ludwick pulls samples, offers cabinet doors for comparison, and helps with backsplash and sink selection. While backsplash and sinks are available for purchase, cabinetry is not.

Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Ludwick recommends bringing a rough sketch with measurements if possible. If a drawing is not possible, Premier Countertops offers free in-home measurements in the Omaha-Council Bluffs area.

From first visit to final installation, the timeline runs about three weeks. “Some people know exactly what they want. Others need time. Either way, we’ll walk them through it.”

402.991.7258 | premiercountertops.com

Unlock Your Home’s Equity with a

Are you 62 or older? A reverse mortgage lets you tap into your home’s equity without selling or making monthly payments. Use the funds for retirement, home improvements, travel, or simply to live more comfortably. At Eagle Mortgage Company, we guide you every step of the way with clear, honest advice. Learn if a reverse mortgage is right for you— call us today and start planning a more secure tomorrow.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY A2I PHOTOGRAPHY

Exterior Home Maintenance: Fall Checklist

NICHOLE PORTER, OWNER OF MERRY MAIDS, OFFERS HOMEOWNERS A FALL-SPECIFIC EXTERIOR HOME MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

As the crisp air and vibrant hues of fall arrive, it’s easy to overlook seasonal maintenance tasks. But fall upkeep is not just about curb appeal, it’s also a smart way to avoid costly repairs. Addressing minor issues promptly helps protect your home’s exterior and ensures everything remains in good working order as colder weather approaches. Embracing these tasks also helps keep your home inviting, energy efficient, and ready for the season ahead. Nichole Porter, owner of Merry Maids, offers a fall-specific exterior maintenance checklist to help preserve your home’s longevity.

Inspecting the Roof

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense and a great place to start. Check for loose or damaged shingles and replace them as needed. For visible wear or damage, bring in a professional to make repairs and ensure everything is secure.

Taking care of small issues now helps protect your home’s exterior and ensures everything stays in working order as colder weather sets in.

Nichole Porter, owner of Merry Maids

Clearing Gutters

Inspect gutters and downspouts. Remove debris to prevent water buildup that can damage your roof and foundation. Ensure water flows away from your home and repair any trouble spots to avoid future issues.

Preparing Windows and Doors

Check seals and caulking around windows and doors to prevent drafts and moisture from getting inside. Re-caulk any gaps and clean window frames. Ensure windows open and close smoothly. Wellsealed doors and windows keep your home cozy and energy-efficient. If your home isn’t already equipped, consider adding storm windows and doors for extra insulation and protection.

Exterior Painting and Staining

Examine the exterior paint or stain for wear and address any issues to prevent deterioration that may require more costly repairs. A strong coat acts as a shield against moisture, UV rays, and fluctuating temperatures. Moisture can cause wood rot and mold, while UV rays fade surfaces. If there is peeling or chipping, apply a fresh coat using products for cool weather. Prep surfaces by cleaning and sanding, and paint on mild days for best results.

Landscaping and Garden Care

Rake leaves to protect your lawn and prevent mold. Trim perennials and clear dead plants to reduce pest risk. Add fall color with hardy flowers like chrysanthemums or pansies. Apply mulch to flower beds to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture.

Outdoor Furniture and Accessories

As the temperature drops, don’t neglect your outdoor furniture and accessories. Clean patio furniture with mild soap and water. Store it indoors or cover it to protect against the elements. Inspect decks and patios for loose boards or railings and make necessary repairs. Clean grills thoroughly and store propane tanks properly. For fire pits, remove ash, check for structural damage, and prep for cozy fall nights.

Don’t Forget Your Interior

While you focus on these exterior maintenance tasks, let Merry Maids handle the inside of your home. Our professional cleaning services help keep your indoor spaces just as inviting for the season ahead.

Restoring Life After Loss

Meet the Rainbow Restoration team, whose passion for service rises from the ashes of their own personal experiences

Rainbow Restoration of Southwest Omaha offers more than restoration of a building, but first-hand guidance on how to rebuild a life after loss.

“We really try to have compassion for our customers,” says Rachel Pounders. “Having been through a loss ourselves, we know it’s inconvenient, it’s frustrating—it’s emotional.”

Rachel and her husband Justin launched Rainbow Restoration in 2024, building it on empathy after their fire loss. Now, whether a client is dealing with fire, water, or mold damage, their team works not just to repair property, but to support the people who live there.

“No one is immune to these problems,” Justin adds. “But how we respond makes all the difference.”

From emergency care kits with essentials to helping navigate insurance, rebuild logistics, and even professional grief counseling, Rainbow Restoration offers more than technical service. They provide a steady hand, a compassionate voice, and a path forward.

ARTICLE BY VINCE MANCUSO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY A2I PHOTOGRAPHY

Shannon SmithPhilips: favorite concert, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour

Jeremie Philips: has jumped out of 95+ airplanes

Rachel Naikelis: has a twin

Aden Bush: the Morgan Freeman impressionist

Gavin Vest: fought Darth Vader with a lightsaber

Dan Naikelis: loves golf, fishing, and time at the cabin

Rachel Pounders: lived in Okinawa, Japan

The Pounders’ Story Amanda’s Story

About four years ago, Rachel and Justin had just wrapped up a quiet evening with friends. Unbeknownst to them, one guest put out a cigarette in what he thought was dirt, but it was flammable potting soil.

Hours later, smoke and alarms jolted them awake. With two kids, two dogs, and two cats to get out, the escape alone was traumatic.

But what came next was worse. From theft to poor communication, the process left their family feeling like just another job. “I started thinking there’s got to be another way,” says Rachel.

That frustration sparked their decision to enter the restoration industry—with a focus on doing it differently.

Their biggest advice? Document everything “People should go around their house once a year and take photos or videos,” Justin says. “After a fire, you may not remember what you lost—there’s nothing left but ash.”

They also urge homeowners to work only with certified professionals, whether with the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) or RIA (Restoration Industry Association). These organizations set essential standards for proper restoration.

Finally, they recommend counseling. “We still get faint hints of smoke,” Rachel says. “There is definitely a large trauma piece—especially to fire.”

Amanda Rutherford serves as both Rainbow Restoration’s certified grief facilitator and sales manager. In December 2018, she and her children woke to smoke and alarms.

“It was terrifying,” she says. “My daughter even tried to throw a mattress out the window so we could jump.”

Though the Omaha Fire Department rescued them safely, they couldn’t return to their apartment—or their belongings.

“What people don’t realize with things being lost is that you have such an attachment to them,” she says. That’s why her biggest advice is simple: close your doors. “It cuts off airflow. We closed the door to our kids’ rooms, and they were able to keep all of their belongings. I was not.”

Six months before the fire, Amanda’s mother had passed away, making the loss feel even heavier. “It was a one-two punch that year.”

She also urges others to lean into community. The kindness of strangers—bringing food, beds, and even money—helped her family begin to heal.

Now, Amanda brings that same spirit of compassion to others in crisis, offering not just services, but understanding.

402.403.3223 | rainbowrestores.com/sw-omaha

Justin Pounders: Air Force veteran

Amanda Rutherford: working on a native pollinator yard

G H

P O M O D O R O

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY BAILEY

Enjoy this simple, flavorful food for the soul. ‘Po modoro’ means tomato in Italian, and that’s what this dish is - a fresh tomato sauce with basil, garlic, onion, and olive oil.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Tbsp salt

• 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

• 1/4 cup onion, finely diced

• 4 garlic cloves, finely diced or minced

• 1 lb fresh tomatoes, halved or chopped (I use garden cherry tomatoes if in season or Roma tomatoes are a good choice)

• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

• 3 basil sprigs, divided

• 1 lb. spaghetti

• 1 cup Parmesan, finely grated, divided

• 1 Tbsp butter

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat medium-size Dutch Oven or large skillet over medium heat then add extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt. Once hot, add chopped onion then saute until tender, 2-3 minutes. Add fresh garlic and saute until golden but not brown, another 30 seconds.

2. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan with a pinch of sugar then simmer on medium-low for 20-25 minutes. Stir and press the tomatoes against the bottom and sides of the pan to make saucier. If sauce begins to pop too much, turn down even further. (If sauce starts to thicken too much add pasta water as needed.)

3. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to boil for the pasta and season generously with salt.

4. When sauce is almost ready, add fresh basil leaves torn into small pieces, plus butter, remaining salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Add more salt to taste if needed.

5. Cook the pasta until it’s just shy of al dente then transfer it to the sauce pot with tongs to finish cooking directly in the sauce. Add splashes of pasta water if needed to cook pasta all the way and to keep it saucy.

6. Toss pasta and sauce with 1/2 Parmesan cheese. Serve in pasta bowls and sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Garnish with fresh basil.

Sponsored by Debbie Meyer Real Estate Agent

Hometown Hero Officer Phil Tackett

Officer Phil Tackett, known to many as “OT,” has been serving the Papillion community for 25 years of dedicated service with the Papillion Police Department. Beyond his patrol duties, Officer Tackett has been a cornerstone in shaping our community’s future through his unwavering commitment to youth programs. His distinguished tenure includes vital contributions to initiatives like DARE, Summer PAK Camp, and the Papillion Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council. As a School Resource Officer (SRO), particularly at Papillion Middle School, Officer Tackett fostered strong relationships, serving as a trusted mentor and inspiring role model. His caring approach and consistent support have left an indelible mark on generations of Papillion’s youth, guiding them toward positive paths and influencing many.

Widely recognized for his approachable demeanor and genuine community engagement, Officer Tackett consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to connecting with residents. His leadership, mentorship, and steadfast dedication make him an invaluable asset to Papillion.

“Officer Tackett represents the very best of what it means to serve. His legacy is reflected in the lives he’s touched—and we are all better for it. We’re proud to call him one of our own and grateful for the impact he continues to make each and every day.” — Chris Whitted, Papillion Police Chief

Submit a hometown hero nomination to: kyler.hendrickson@citylifestyle.com

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 12TH

Lucky Bucket’s Oktoberfest Celebration

Lucky Bucket Brewing Company

5:00 PM

Raise a stein at Lucky Bucket’s biggest Oktoberfest yet! Enjoy seasonal brews, food trucks, live polka, games, giveaways, and the return of VendorFest. Don’t miss whiskey barrel fishing, mobile golf, football on the big screens, and more. Advance tickets include a commemorative stein. For more details and ticket information, visit facebook.com/LuckyBucketBrew

SEPTEMBER 17TH

Naturalization Ceremony

Portal School House | 12:30 PM

Hosted by the Papillion Historical Society, this special ceremony will honor individuals becoming U.S. citizens. Held in the heart of downtown Papillion, at the Portal School House, the event offers a meaningful moment of celebration and community. All are welcome to attend.

SEPTEMBER 19TH-21ST & 27TH-28TH AppleJack Festival at

Arbor Day Farm

Arbor Day Farm | 9:00 AM

Celebrate the season at the AppleJack Festival! Enjoy apple pie, donuts, slushies, and a new sparkling cider. With U-pick apples, outdoor adventures, and live entertainment, the farm is full of fall fun. Advance tickets recommended at arbordayfarm.org/ events/applejack-festival

SEPTEMBER 27TH

Core Bank Community

Shred Event

Core Bank Granite Falls (Papillion)

9:00 AM

Core Bank is hosting a free shred event at its Papillion Granite Falls location at the corner of 114th Street and Highway 370. Safely dispose of your confidential documents while protecting your personal information. Open to the community. Stop by between 9 AM and noon to take advantage of this convenient opportunity.

SEPTEMBER 27TH-28TH

Dozer Day

Sarpy County Fairgrounds | 10:00 AM

Get behind the wheel at Dozer Day® Nebraska! This family-friendly event lets kids under 48” operate real construction equipment with guidance. Teens and adults can explore handson activities, win prizes, and learn about careers in the trades. A fun, educational event for all ages!

SEPTEMBER 27TH

Oktoberfest at La Vista City Centre

La Vista City Centre | 2:00 PM

Celebrate Oktoberfest with a full day of festive fun with themed games, hearty food, a beer garden, and a Husker volleyball watch party! Enjoy live music from Evans & Moore, Kenny Janak Orchestra, and Heartland Boogie Band. Free admission, all ages welcome. Food and drinks available for purchase.

Want to be featured?

GET IN TOUCH AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/ PAPILLION

OLD WALL,

ARTICLE BY PAM REID

NEW TRICKS

One of my happy places is sitting in front of a museum wall gallery. I can admire art for hours, and if I’m with a friend, there’s no telling how long we’ll sit, reflect, and share our individual perspectives. If you’ve admired gallery wall displays in magazines, catalogs, or on social media and would like to create one in your home, it’s much easier than you might think.

HANG UP THE OLD WAY AND TRY A GALLERY WALL HANGING SYSTEM IN YOUR HOME.

WHY CHOOSE A GALLERY WALL HANGING SYSTEM?

The beauty of a gallery wall hanging system lies in its flexibility and ease of use. Traditional picture hanging methods can leave walls full of holes, making it cumbersome to adjust placements or update the display. A hanging system, however, allows for easy adjustments without additional damage to your walls. This feature is particularly advantageous for renters or anyone who likes to refresh their decor frequently.

DESIGNING YOUR GALLERY WALL

The first step in creating a gallery wall is planning. Start by selecting a theme or color scheme that complements your space. Themes can be as varied as black-and-white photographs, abstract paintings, or a mix of personal and artistic prints.

MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED:

• A gallery wall hanging system, which typically includes mounting rails, cables or rods, and hooks. You can find them pretty much anywhere, online or at your local home improvement store.

• A collection of frames and artwork.

• A level, measuring tape, and perhaps a laser pointer for precision.

CREATIVE ARRANGEMENTS

• The arrangement of your gallery wall can follow several patterns, depending on your taste:

• Linear: Artworks are hung in a straight line at eye level, creating a clean and orderly appearance.

• Grid: Perfect for a collection of similarly sized frames, this layout emphasizes structure and uniformity.

• Salon Style: This more traditional arrangement involves layering pieces closely together, often extending across the wall. It’s ideal for creating a rich, filled look.

Enjoy curating a space that is uniquely yours, evolving with your tastes and lifestyle.

INSTALLATION TIPS:

01 MEASURE YOUR SPACE:

Carefully measure the wall space where you want to install the gallery. Consider the height and width available, keeping in mind furniture and other room features.

02 LAY IT OUT:

Arrange your artwork on the floor to finalize your layout. This “dry run” is crucial to get a feel for how the pieces will interact with one another. I like to use painter’s tape to create a visual of what my display will look like on the walls.

03 INSTALL THE RAILS AND HANG YOUR ART:

Following the manufacturer’s instructions, mount the rails at the top of your wall. Ensure they are level and securely attached. Attach cables or rods to the rails, then use hooks to hang your frames. The beauty of the system is that you can adjust the height and position of each piece easily.

04 BALANCE AND SYMMETRY:

Step back to view your layout from different angles. Adjust the spacing and alignment as needed to achieve visual balance.

AT ONE OF SEVEN NEBRASKA HOME GAMES THIS SEASON!

Scan the QR code or visit Huskers.com/KickoffKid now through November 23, 2025 to enter. Winners will be selected one week prior to each home game.