metroMAGAZINE's October 09 Issue

metromag-CVRS-1009 _Layout 1 9/15/09 5:16 Pm Page 1

october 2009

doing it his way

omaha restauranteur

mike simmonds

inform • educate • inspire published by alh publications • proudly serving our community since 1990

metromag-CVRS-1009 _Layout 1 9/15/09 5:16 Pm Page 2

metroMAG-1-9-LEADSECTION-56-NHS-1009_Layout 1 9/21/09 2:12 PM Page 3

metroMAG-1-9-LEADSECTION-56-NHS-1009_Layout 1 9/21/09 2:12 PM Page 4

metroMAG-1-9-LEADSECTION-56-NHS-1009_Layout 1 9/21/09 2:12 PM Page 5

metroMAG-1-9-LEADSECTION-56-NHS-1009_Layout 1 9/24/09 9:00 AM Page 6

metroMAGAZINE

spirit

catch the

features / DEPARTMENTS

of the Omaha community!

Hall

features

special sections 2009 MIKE

GARY

/ 6:30

FOR TICK

cover STORY

10 22

THE THE

MONIES

DOING IT HIS WAY

metro community college

mike simmonds

13 15 17 20

FRIENDLY SKIES jet linx • jamie walker

metroWELLNESS

29

WOMEN WHO TRANSCEND breast cancer survivors

wellness metro

29 22

ETS CALL

HALL

INSTIT

1503 2009 DINNE CUMIN R& INDUC G STREET TION PROGR

TICK ETS PERS ON

/

$65 LISA T 0 TABLE OF OOKE 10 R@ 457-2511

OF F AME

DINN ER IS

AM

SPON SORE D BY

UTE

AT M FOR ETROPO LITAN

THE COMMUNCULINARY ITY C RESTAU OLLEGE ARTS RANT ASSOC BRAND IATIO EIS C N ATER

OMAHA

RAISED

ING

GO

MCC TOWARD THE Culinary BETTERMEN Students T OF

HOSPITALITY HALL OF FAME institute for the culinary arts

A MESSAGE FROM ron samuelson • lisa tooker

2009 INDUCTEES mcc-ica hospitality hall of fame

THE MISSING INGREDIENT jim trebbien

events

departments

25

GS

ALLRO OCKT OM / AILS

$65 PER

THE 2009

10

:

Octob er 18,

5:30 C TIP TOP B

special insert

37

READY 2 SERVE

THE metroSCENE

non-profit & YP profiles

26

YP Q&A • YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

bravo!

if you were granted one wish…

32

THE SOUL’S JOURNEY with dixie clark

TEARS OF A CLOWN opera omaha presents pagliacci

THE PILATES EXPERIENCE with mary e. vandenack

34

57 59 62

SAVE THE DATE with dixie clark

HOROSCOPES with sue moon

.%2.$'0

49

26 on the

cover

COVER PHOTOGRAPH of Mike Simmonds

by Laurie and Charles Photographs shot on location at the Hollywood Diner 6

MODELS Bethany Tatum and David •Spence MAGAZINE OCT 2009 metro TREK TAN

of Fam DIN NER e

REZAC ES , PRESID NDS, ENT FAMO OF S YSCO JOE P US OWNER L LEO F ATANE, FOUN OF MANY O INCOLN ASCIAN MAHA DER ALBERT ELLA , FAMO OF LACASA RESTAURANT , SON US O S OF FOUN MAHA DER CHEF OF A LBERT S DRESSIN

SIMMO

LARRY

INDUCTE

omaha resta

mike s

uran

immonteur ds

inform • educ ate • insp ire

/3$+*1) '& $6 #+)

/3$+*%# 2*.-1 7 /0.3&+6 1'04*-( .30 %., ,3-*26 1*-%'

metroMAG-1-9-LEADSECTION-56-NHS-1009_Layout 1 9/23/09 1:30 PM Page 7

BEST EVENT: 1ST OR 2ND ANNUAL CHILDREN’S RESPITE CARE CENTER Smokey Joe’s Cafe BEST EVENT: THEME OMAHA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM For the Kids Benefit BEST EVENT: FOOD & WINE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES vinNEBRASKA BEST EVENT: MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT CATHOLIC CHARTIES IrishFEST BEST EVENT: SPECIAL GUEST/SPEAKER GIRL’S INC. Lunch for the Girls BEST EVENT: EDUCATION MARIAN HIGH SCHOOL MarianFEST BEST EVENT: HEALTH JUVENILE DIABETES RESEARCH FOUNDATION An Arabian Night Journey to a Cure BEST EVENT: FASHION SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE NEBRASKA CoutURE in the Market BEST EVENT: ART NEBRASKA CHILDREN’S HOME SOCIETY Sand in the City BEST EVENT: AUTHOR NEBRASKA HUMANE SOCIETY FRIENDS FOREVER Lunch with Katz and Dogs BEST EVENT: UNDER 500 IN ATTENDANCE FONTENELLE NATURE ASSOCIATION Feather Our Nest BEST EVENT: OVER 500 IN ATTENDANCE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF OMAHA FRIENDS Micro Brew HaHa

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2009 SPONSORS

BEST EVENT: OVER 1,000 IN ATTENDANCE VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION Art & Soup

VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM THE BIG EVENT 2009 AT WWW.METMAGO.COM

metroMAG-1-9-LEADSECTION-56-NHS-1009_Layout 1 9/23/09 2:36 PM Page 8

from the PUBLISHER

honor due IS

As the fall social season kicks into full gear I am pleased to announce that our 2009-2010 edition of The Event Book and Giving Guide is out! This year “The Little Black Book of Charity and Culture” highlights over 50 non profit organizations, featuring in depth profiles, volunteering and giving opportunities, and organization “wish lists” intended to connect individuals and organizations with common goals. In addition this publication has been designed to serve as a very practical event planning resource, connecting businesses to help non profits plan their events.

The Event Book and Giving Guide 2009-2010 was released on September 22nd at the The BIG Event 2009. For those of you who missed this year’s festivities... it was a wonderful evening!

The mission of The BIG Event is to honor and celebrate the entire metro area non profit and charitable community. This year 65 fund-raising events were recognized and 13 non profit organizations took home the honors of 1st place. (You’ll find the winners listed on page 7 of this edition of metroMAGAZINE.) As we had hoped and labored for, the evening turned out to be a warm and genuine celebration of all of the good works done by members of our community.

We were privileged to recognize those organizations who play such a huge part in transforming the lives of so many, along with the honorary chairs, general chairs and all of the volunteers responsible for producing hundreds of events and fundraisUIDE ers each year. It was also our pleasure to recognize members of the event planning GIVINGG BOOK industry. We have such a talented group of businesses and individuals that go all out in helping bring our community’s philanthropic dreams to fruition.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our cover model Mike Simmonds for graciously agreeing to participate in our cover shoot this month– we had a lot of fun ANDY HOIG WITH MIKE SIMMONDS performing the shoot with Mike, who– along with his family– provides a tremendous example of what giving back to a community looks like. Resources have become more scarce during the economic downturn, and the needs of many have increased, but along with the need, the responses of many such as the Simmonds family, continue to rise to new challenges in serving one another. Mike Simmonds is well suited, not only as our cover “model” but as a LAURIE AND CHARLES PHOTOGRAPHS role “model” for all of us, and I wish to thank he and all who serve with him for that. In this issue we are delighted to include a Special Promotional Section on the Metro Community College Hospitality Hall of Fame Dinner, 2009, where Mike is honored, along with a number of distinguished honorees have made great contributions to the culinary industry. It is our hope that you will enjoy and benefit from these, and many other meaningful features in this edition of metroMAGAZINE, as we do our best to honor those who serve our community.

ANDREA L. HOIG • • ahoig@mmomaha.com THE

vent

10 2009-20

re and of Cultu ck Book’ ttle Bla The ‘Li

Charity

'S AKER MERRYM ROAST AL ANNU

EUM 'S MUS DREN FIT HA CHIL OMA KIDS BENE FOR THE

HOUSE ITY PLAY MUN FARE HA COM WORLD'S OMA ON: DESTINATI

HA OMA UE OF ION SHOW LEAG JUNIOR GIRL FASH ICAN AMER

CIATION T ASSO N HEAR AMERICAHEART BALL OMAHA

FROM

THE

ER OF PUBLISH

inform educate inspire

metroMAG-1-9-LEADSECTION-56-NHS-1009_Layout 1 9/23/09 1:30 PM Page 9

metro

MAGAZINE

lifestyle • culture • philanthropy

OCT 2009 VOL. 21 NO. 10 Press releases and other editorial information may be sent to: P.O. BOX 241611, OMAHA, NE 68124 or e-mailed to: editor@mmomaha.com Publisher Editor-in-Chief

Staff Photographers

Robert P. Killmer

Caroline Hurley Jennifer Parent Linda Shepard Dave Stock Caroline Thompson

Senior Sales Associates

Staff Writers

Teresa Milner Deb Skinner

Stephanie Bell John Dechant Molly Garriott Susan Kuhlmann Randy Taft

Andrea L. Hoig Editor/ Creative Director

Administration

Francesca Peterson Layout/Production

Joe Szczepaniak

Distribution

Loni Craft

Interns

Chris Massara • Sarah Vonk • Shannon Wanna

www.metmago.com metro MAGAZINE is wholly owned and operated by the publisher and is not affiliated with any other publication, operating solely on subscription and advertising revenues and the good will of the agencies and charities we support; all of which are very important to the continuing growth and quality of this publication. Thank you to all who support this publication.

OFFICE/SALES

402-333-7499 ________________ sales@mmomaha.com MISSION STATEMENT The mission of alh Publications is to recognize the ongoing efforts of Omaha-area businesses, organizations and individuals to better the community through their support of charitable and civic causes. alh Publications also encourages people’s desire to give something back to the community through volunteerism and philanthropy.

Contents of this magazine are copyrighted by ALH Publications, Inc. in their entirety. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without the prior consent of the publisher. © Copyright 2009 alh Publications fka Metro Monthly, Inc. All rights reserved.

the future is

now! metroMAGAZINE is seeking highly motivated, goal oriented, positive people to fill the following full & part time positions: • sales • photography • writing • graphic & web design internships available •

metro MAGAZINE

lifestyle • culture • philanthropy

metroMAG-10-21-MCC-HallofFameSection-1009_Layout 1 9/21/09 2:17 PM Page 10

cover STORY metroMAGAZINE

themanwhowould Biting into a hamburger doesn’t change the trajectory of most people’s lives.

But it did for Mike Simmonds.

This first time Simmonds had a Burger King Whopper, he thought it was the best hamburger he had ever tasted. Just one bite cemented Simmonds’s career path. That was back in 1969 when he then sought part-time employment at a Burger King in Alabama where he attended college. “I worked twenty hours a week for a buck ninety an hour as an assistant manager trainee,” Simmonds recalls.

It was an inauspicious beginning of a life-long career with Burger King that would see Simmonds buying Nebraska’s first franchise in the fast food chain and continue to eventually build or acquire 73 Burger Kings, eight Taco Johns, and 10 Jimmy Johns, as well as a restaurant maintenance company.

Simmonds was not a restaurant rookie when he launched his career with Burger King.

During his California high school years, he was a dishwasher, and bus boy; he put himself through college as a short order cook at Denny’s working the 11pm to 7am shift.

Simmonds was stationed in Alabama after the U.S. government interrupted college and work with the draft. There he met his wife Lin and remained after his tour of duty to attend the University of Alabama.

After graduating, Simmonds approached Burger King Headquarters to purchase his own franchise. Corporate told him only two areas were available for purchase at that time; one in West Virginia, the other in Fremont, NE. Simmonds had never been to the Midwest before he landed at Omaha’s Epply Airfield in 1976. “Fremont seemed like a nice town, and it was a good location for the Burger King,” Simmonds acknowledged.

MIKE SIMMONDS OMAHA RESTAURANTER

METRO MAGAZINE COVER STORY

10

metroMAGAZINE • OCT 2009

metroMAG-10-21-MCC-HallofFameSection-1009_Layout 1 9/23/09 5:21 PM Page 11

beKING MIKE SIMMONDS • CEO OF SIMMONDS HOLDINGS INC. by molly garriott So, that spring, he left the Deep South and moved to the Great Plains, leaving his wife and two children in Alabama until he could get established: “I lived out of a suitcase and worked 24/7.”

But it paid off. His wife and children joined him later that fall, and within three years, Simmonds expanded his restaurant ownership to four Burger King locations in Council Bluffs, Omaha and Columbus, NE. He built additional restaurants or purchased existing franchises from owners looking to sell. He even bought eleven Hardees restaurants and converted them into Burger Kings.

Looking to slow down after thirty-plus years in the pressure cooker fast food business, Simmonds sold his 73 Burger King restaurants in August 2008. This past spring, he continued to downsize, selling his Taco Johns.

This summer his son, Kevin, bought the 10 Jimmy Johns developed by Simmonds.

customers are “unforgiving;” if you are served lukewarm food or have bad service, you are not likely to return for a second meal. “There’s no room for error,” acknowledges Simmonds.

When Simmonds was building his empire, he relied on the wisdom of his former Burger King employer in Alabama, Fred Wessel.

Expect high standards, his mentor advised, and remember that not all Burger Kings are created equal. The ingredients are uniform throughout the franchise so it is up to the staff to ensure customers a good experience. “Send expectations out to your people to make a difference in the area of customer service and build a quality product” were the two hallmarks of Simmonds’ business philosophy.

As Simmonds sees it, long hours are part of the package when you own a restaurant. The large number of Burger Kings Simmonds owned necessitated a team of exceptional managers and staff. A feeling of satisfaction came when Simmonds knew he could leave a restaurant in the capable hands of a manager: “It’s not just you anymore.”

Simmonds has retained his restaurant maintenance business, Restaurant Services and Maintenance (RSM), which he initially created as a non-profit enterprise dedicated to keeping his own restaurants in good repair.

If equipment broke or facilities were damaged, he wanted repairs completed immediately. The buyers of his restaurants wanted Simmonds to continue providing maintenance after the sale. RSM quickly became a “for profit” business and now markets its services to all restaurants in the Omaha and Des Moines areas.

He has served on the board of the Salvation Army and chaired a number of its campaigns.

“The Salvation truly takes care of those most in need,” says Simmonds, through food banks, Homeless Prevention Services, Family & Children Services and Disaster Relief Services.

Simmonds thrived on the stress of the fiercely competitive restaurant business. “A lot of energy happens in a restaurant,” Simmonds says. “I like the pressure cooker feeling of striving for perfection.” He says restaurant

Other forgotten members of our society are the elderly. Simmonds is involved with Merrymakers; a music program that makes monthly visits to every nursing home in the Omaha and Council Bluffs area.

As busy as Simmonds was with his restaurants, he found time to give back to the community that was in his own words were “very good to me.”

“The sparkle in their eyes” when Merrymakers plays the music of their younger years is gratifying to Simmonds.

Sacred Heart Elementary School also occupies a special place in his heart. “You have to see it to believe it,” he marvels. It serves a population of inner-city children by building character and providing a first class education, says Simmonds. Also in the realm of education, he is Board Chairman of Bellevue University. A non-traditional college student himself, the flexible hours and on-line learning opportunities Bellevue University offers its students resonates with Simmonds. He is proud of his association with Bellevue that graduates more students with Master Degrees than any other Nebraska school.

Simmonds also serves as Chairman of the Methodist Hospital Foundation Board, which raises money for the hospital and people who need services. He is involved with the building of the new women’s hospital at 180th and Dodge.

Over the years, Simmonds introduced many in Nebraska and Iowa to the Whopper and changed the fast food landscape in the process. Perhaps an even more important marker of achievement is his legacy of giving back; Mike Simmonds receives tremendous satisfaction from being able to make a difference in the lives of others- and that is success by anyone’s standards. m

metroMAG-10-21-MCC-HallofFameSection-1009_Layout 1 9/21/09 2:17 PM Page 12

metroMAG-10-21-MCC-HallofFameSection-1009_Layout 1 9/23/09 11:25 AM Page 13

Hall of Fame DINNER

2009 INDUCTEES: GARY REZAC, PRESIDENT OF SYSCO LINCOLN MIKE SIMMONDS, CEO OF SIMMONDS HOLDINGS INC. JOE PATANE, FOUNDER OF LACASA LEO FASCIANELLA, OWNER/FOUNDER OF PASTA AMORE LARRY ALBERT, SON OF FOUNDER OF ALBERTS DRESSINGS

October 18, 2009

TIP TOP BALLROOM / 1503 CUMING STREET 5:30 COCKTAILS / 6:30 DINNER & INDUCTION PROGRAM TICKETS

$65 PER PERSON / $650 TABLE OF 10 FOR TICKETS CALL LISA TOOKER @ 457-2511 OR VISIT CCCNEB.EDU/BISTRO THE 2009 HALL OF FAME DINNER IS SPONSORED BY

THE INSTITUTE FOR THE CULINARY ARTS AT METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

THE OMAHA RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION

BRANDEIS CATERING MONIES RAISED GO TOWARD THE BETTERMENT OF

MCC Culinary Students metroMAGAZINE

• S P E C I A L 13

P R O M O T I O N S

P R O G R A M

metroMAG-10-21-MCC-HallofFameSection-1009_Layout 1 9/21/09 2:18 PM Page 14

metroMAG-10-21-MCC-HallofFameSection-1009_Layout 1 9/21/09 2:18 PM Page 15

a message from

ronsamuelson CO OWNER • MSPUB

|

Good ideas are a dime a dozen. Great ideas, on the other hand, are few and far between. I was lucky to be present for the latter some time during my 1991 stint as the President of the Omaha Restaurant Association when Jim Trebbien pitched his great idea to me and fellow Board members Harold Norman, Linda Anania, and Golden Toque Chef Paul Goebel.

As with all great ideas, it had a simple premise: Honor those in the early years of the Omaha hospitality scene who made a lasting contribution to our industry with a gourmet dinner. Additionally the funds raised, would be used to offer scholarship money to students in the field. Oh, and all of the food was to be cooked and served by these young students, too! Win/win as they say.

After some initial brainstorming (over a few Schlitz beers?), a committee was formed, and we went to work with the help of some luminaries from the hospitality world in Omaha. By-laws were formed, a program was developed and a menu was created. After a year and a half of planning, the first dinner was held in the old dining room on the Fort Omaha campus of MCC in October of 1993. Wine was donated by local wine purveyors, and all of the food was donated and was lovingly prepared by the students of the culinary arts program. It truly was a group effort of the Omaha culinary community, to be sure.

While serving as Maitre d’ for that inaugural evening I witnessed the family and friends of some of the most notable figures from Omaha’s early years laugh, remember good times and hard work, and dine on sumptuous food served up by students, some of whom are now mainstays in the Omaha hospitality industry.

And after being honored with induction, myself in 2006, I could finally share from personal experience the feelings of humility and gratitude expressed year after year by all of those inductees who went before me.

All of this was possible through the tireless efforts from some truly great people, some you know, some you may not know. I want to spend this moment thanking some people who I remember as being instrumental in the early years of refining this “great idea”. The idea was Jim’s who at that time was the Academic Director, and now is Dean of The Institute for the Culinary Arts at MCC. In addition to those named above, I would like to thank Dana Goodrich, Yvonne Nettelmann, Jack Kawa, Vince Finocchiaro, Katherine Holian, Ruth Neilsen, and Ray Mattson, as if I would not have had them to work with, it would not have happened.

Great ideas... they really are only as great as the people who execute them, and the Omaha Hospitality Hall of Fame has been blessed with an abundance of people with great passion, great vision, and great hearts. Oh, by the way, speaking of hearts... as of our last accounting, the “Hall” has generated over $150,000 to help students in need with their culinary education. Not too bad for one great idea!

VIVACE

Julia Child, who I confess, I thought was cool even before the resurgence of our interest in “all things Julia” happened this summer, said, “Find something you're passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it”. As Director of The Institute for the Culinary Arts, I’m lucky to have found something I’m passionate about doing and to get to do it every day. Some people call this “a job”. I’m also lucky to be surrounded by people who aspire to greatness and share my passion— the faculty and staff at the Institute for the Culinary Arts and our Dean, Jim Trebbien. Their passion for food and service excellence is demonstrated every day as they tirelessly share their knowledge and skills in teaching our students. Their passion is contagious in a good way.

When I ask students “why they want to become a chef”, most will say, “my passion for food”, and then they immerse themselves in learning— absorbing all they can, continually creating and then refining recipes, and, developing their service skills.

We fan their spark of passion as they begin their journey towards becoming chefs and service professionals. The discovery of their passion is preparing them to become the industry leaders of the future; some will be recognized one day.

The same can be said about this year’s Omaha Hospitality Hall of Fame inductees. Each one had the same thing in common as they embarked upon their journey. They shared a passion for excellence in everything they did and in serving their customers. Facing challenges, setbacks and successes, they relentlessly pursued their dreams at a level that can only be driven and sustained by passion for what they were doing. By inducting them into the Hall of Fame, we recognize them for their achievements and their dedication as culinary and hospitality industry professionals. In many ways, their passion lives on to this day, as their families and employees follow in their examples, by serving their customers in the restaurants and businesses they built, upon passion.

In addition to being lucky enough to have a “job” that I’m passionate about doing, I’m also fortunate to be involved in the opening of the new Pegler Center for the Institute for the Culinary Arts and Swanson Conference Center at Metropolitan Community College’s Fort Omaha Campus. With the opening of the new facility later this year, we’ll be changing the scope of our industry for years to come, similar to the impact this year’s inductees have had upon it. Whether the passion of these inductees, that of our faculty and staff, the developing passion of our students, or the yet undiscovered passion of those generations to come, the bottom line is— passion drives excellence, and those that aspire to excellence, must be passionate about what they do. I think Julia was on to something! Of course, she also said, “If you're in a good profession, it's hard to get bored, because you're never finished-there will always be work you haven't done.”

–Ron

a message from

lisatooker

DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE FOR THE CULINARY ARTS H O S P I T A L I T Y A N D H O R T I C U LT U R E

–Lisa K. Tooker Chair, 2009 Hall of Fame Steering Committee

metroMAG-10-21-MCC-HallofFameSection-1009_Layout 1 9/21/09 2:18 PM Page 16

Dear Mike:: We wanted to share with you how much your family admires all that you have accomplished in your lifetime.

There are so many facets to who you are and what you do that it is hard to believe at times that you are able manage it all.

We have learned so much from you as we have watched you handle the many challenges that life has presented to you with dignity and grace. You are an inspiration for all of us and this community to go above and beyond the limits that we place on ourselves. You have gone out of your way to support organizations that are near and dear to our hearts and the hearts of others.

You are a mentor to many and we are in awe of how your mind not only considers the present moment while always looking to the future and thinking globally. Thank you for all that you have done for our family, for the community and for the restaurant industry.

Congratulations on being inducted into the Hospitality Hall of Fame!

Love,

Lin, Kevin, Jennifer, Natalie, Shawn, Lance, Lucas, Lauren and Owen

metroMAG-10-21-MCC-HallofFameSection-1009_Layout 1 9/21/09 2:18 PM Page 17

larryalbert

SON OF FOUNDER OF ALBERTS DRESSINGS

joseph patane

FOUNDER OF LACASA

Joseph Patane and his wife Nellie came to the United States in 1914 when they were both 18 years old. He and Nellie, along with their three daughters, opened La Casa Pizzeria at 4432 Leavenworth in 1953. Now 50 plus years later, the family still operates this fine pizza establishment. Joseph apprenticed to become a carpenter at the age of 12 after finishing the 6th grade. His carpentry skills landed him a job with the Omaha Fixture Company. His carpentry skills and his experience in the fixture business eventually helped Joseph convert a house on Leavenworth into the Pizzeria, which is where the very popular La Casa Pizzeria is still located today.

As a 16 year old, Larry, along with his father, started Louis Albert & Son Foods Company.

For over 50 years, Larry has been immersed in the salad dressing business. His love for combining flavors and creating delicious dressings and sauces, has kept him busy helping other entrepreneurs develop their own brands of dressings, salsa and BBQ sauces.

After selling Albert’s Dressings in 1990, Larry stayed on and directed sales as the Division President. He later went on to found the Single Source Ltd where he continues to create and promote new products.

leofascianella OWNER/FOUNDER OF PASTA AMORE

2009 INDUCTEES

PAGE 17 •

Leo was born in San Cataldo, Sicily and while growing up, he had dreams of coming to America. His passion for cooking began at home and grew as he worked in his grandfather’s restaurant in Sicily. Leo and his family came to Omaha in 1972. In spite of now knowing the language, Larry knew what he wanted to do, and started his first job at the Golden Apple where he demonstrated his strong work ethic and was soon promoted to Sous Chef. Leo trained under many great Omaha chefs and in 1986 struck out on his own and opened his very successful Pasta Amore restaurant in Rockbrook Village.

metroMAGAZINE

• SPECIAL PROMOTIONS: 2009 MCC HALL OF FAME DINNER

metroMAG-10-21-MCC-HallofFameSection-1009_Layout 1 9/21/09 2:18 PM Page 18

garyrezac

PRESIDENT OF SYSCO LINCOLN

2009 INDUCTEES

hospitality halloffame A HISTORY

Gary’s rising career with Pegler Sysco started in 1971 when he joined the company as a Sales Trainee. Over the course of the next two years, he played a number of roles, including Customer Service representative, Invoice Clerk and Beverage Specialist. Gary’s first sales territory assignment was in the Grand Island area. With Gary’s demonstrated sales success, he was promoted to District Manager of Western Nebraska in 1981. In 1986, he moved to District Manager of the Omaha market where he and his sales team worked with most of the areas restaurant owners and chefs. In 1989, Gary returned to Lincoln as Sales Manager and in 1995, he became Vice President of Sales, then Senior Vice President in 1997, and President of the company in January 2000. After a long, tireless career, Gary has recently retired.

The day that Michael Simmonds arrived in Omaha was a banner day for the city.

His contributions to the advancement of Omaha’s civic activities speaks volumes to Mike’s strong commitment to the city.

The Simmonds Management Company has operated over 90 restaurants branded as Burger King, Taco Johns & Jimmy John’s.

This multi-million dollar company created employment for over 2,500 people. Mike and his family continue to pursue new business initiatives and civic contributions which have a positive impact on the Omaha area.

In 1991, Jim Trebbien, Academic Director for the Institute for the Culinary Arts approached Omaha Restaurant Association members, Harold Norman, Ron Samuelson, Linda Anania, and Golden Toque Chef, Paul Goebel, to start a Restaurant Hall of Fame.

The purpose was to honor people in the industry that warrant recognition for their lifetime achievements. Along with other hospitality professionals, they developed an induction program, by-laws and an honoree selection process in the categories of Chef, Owner/Manager, Director/Educator, and Purveyor.

Honorees are inducted into the Hall of Fame at a recognition dinner held each October. In addition to honoring the achievements and contributions of those locally involved in the hospitality industry, the event also serves the purpose of leaving a legacy for the future by helping students who need additional assistance while attending culinary school.

The event raises funds through ticket sales and attendees often donate money to the scholarship fund in memory of an inductee.

The first Hospitality Hall of Fame induction banquet was held in October, 1992 and was an immediate success. To date, with over 80 inductees in the Hall of Fame, the event has raised over $150,000 for scholarships which are used for students that have financial need or meet high academic standards.

michaelsimmonds FAMOUS OWNER OF MANY OMAHA RESTAURANTS

PAGE 18 •

metroMAGAZINE

• SPECIAL PROMOTIONS: 2009 MCC HALL OF FAME DINNER

metroMAG-10-21-MCC-HallofFameSection-1009_Layout 1 9/22/09 2:41 PM Page 19

c h

ONGRATULATES

• Gary Rezac, President of Sysco Lincoln • Mike Simmonds, CEO of Simmonds Holdings Inc. • Joe Patane, Founder of LaCasa • Leo Fascianella, Owner/Founder of Pasta Amore • Larry Albert, Son of Founder of Alberts Dressings

2009

ospitality Hall of Fame INDUCTEES

Find-It-ALL!online at metmago.com

metroMAG-10-21-MCC-HallofFameSection-1009_Layout 1 9/21/09 2:19 PM Page 20

James Trebbien has an entertaining view of the restaurant industry’s evolution, as seen through the prism of television. He recalls Mel’s Diner in the sitcom “Alice,” where Mel cooked with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth. Today, an entire channel is devoted to the art of food preparation.

JAMES TREBBIEN INSTITUTE FOR CULINARY ARTS • DEAN | EXEC. DIR.

PAGE 20 •

In keeping with that evolution, Metro Community College’s Institute of Culinary Arts has led the way in training tomorrow’s chefs and will play an even more significant role with the opening of its $14 million facility in November. “This is the missing part to a great need,” said Trebbien, the institute’s Dean and Executive Director.

The building encompasses over 35,000 gross square feet. Its main floor has two kitchens solely devoted to learning culinary skills– where students learn basic techniques from sautéing to knife handling. Trebbien joked, “We don’t really start out with boiling water but we’re not too far from that.”

Students complete four beginning courses before moving on to classes where they learn to prepare food that is sold to others. They gain experience by preparing food used in the colleges catering, special events, and sold at the BrickHearth Café, that is on the campus.

The classes vary from preparing food for large groups in a production class to Garde manger to preparing food ala carte in the fine dining

metroMAGAZINE

class, which is then sold in the renowned Student Sage Bistro. Students learn the skills and timing involved.

Other classes focus on such things as bakery skills to include, chocolate work, plated desserts, and artesian breads.

Trebbien said the facility will benefit students by offering more room to practice, will accommodate more students and provide specialized equipment. The upper level includes a space where 400 can be seated for a meal or conferences. It also houses a great deal of technology, allowing for filming, broadcasting or bringing in renowned chefs and other guest speakers.

“For the last 20 years I thought we’d have something better, but I never imagined it would be anything like this,” Trebbien said. It came about as a result of good people, hard work, amazing faculty and staff and supportive presidents. “Randy Schmailzl, (the current president) has worked behind the scenes on ideas to promote the program and was instrumental in getting the ICA building on the master plan and obtaining funding for it,” he said. Additional funds have come from multiple private sources.

Trebbien’s career began at age 15, with a job in a drive-up restaurant at Lake Okoboji.

A later job at Boys Town’s summer camp allowed him to work and learn from the highly skilled French Chef Pierre Bossant,

• SPECIAL PROMOTIONS: 2009 MCC HALL OF FAME DINNER

metroMAG-10-21-MCC-HallofFameSection-1009_Layout 1 9/23/09 5:21 PM Page 21

themissingingredient AN INTERVIEW WITH JAMES TREBBIEN

Dean and Executive Director • Metro Community College’s Institute of Culinary Arts

by susan kuhlmann

while pursuing a degree in Mathematics. After a stint in the Army, he worked with Golden Toque Chef Paul Goebel. “A lot of people become mesmerized by food,” he said. “I was caught up in the excitement of helping a lot of people enjoy the food and the service.”

Trebbien came to Metro in the mid1980s, when things were changing industry-wide. Historically chefs learned their craft working alongside professionals.

Due to rising costs and other factors, that method became costly and restaurants began looking for trained people. Concurrently, there was an increase in eating out, beginning after World War II and enhanced through later decades. Now approximately 50 percent of food dollars are spent eating outside the house so there is a growing need for culinary schools.

Based on those trends, upon arriving at MCC, Trebbien made the decision to eliminate Metro’s hotel, restaurant management program and focus on culinary arts. He discovered that the best high school students were going to schools across the country, from Hyde Park, NY to Johnson County Community College in Kansas City.

A visit to the latter resulted in the dean coming to Omaha to share information about what made his school so successful.

“We followed that advice, and have done well” Trebbien stated.

Efforts to recruit high school students were difficult and the program was in danger of being closed but those in the department worked hard to keep it alive.

Then president, Dr. Richard Gilliland promised Trebbien a new kitchen if he’d stay at the college. “In 1987 we moved into the kitchen we currently have and proceeded to change the curriculum,” he said, adding that he never expected to outgrow that space in the near future.

“As we were moving toward a more professional school, our enrollment dropped to 38 in 1991--mostly, I believe, because we were becoming a more rigorous school,” he said. Previously the program had attracted students who were serious but also those who were in college just to be going to school.

“When we made the program harder, a lot of them dropped out,” he said.

Realizing that the field needed both those who could bring out the flavor in food and those who knew the science behind it, Trebbien worked with ConAgra to develop a new program in what is now called Culinology. This first in the nation program was designed to train research chefs. The program was established in 1997. That has helped increase enrollment as has the extraordinary faculty and stafft the school has had throughout the years “I have always believed in surrounding myself with skilled

people who were experts at what they do,” Trebbien said. In 2007 enrollment topped 500; a year later it was over 600. Students come from 28 states and nine countries.

Trebbien said those in the culinary field need to constantly keep abreast of industry innovations and need the opportunity to experiment. Chefs need to travel a lot and come back with new ideas, especially regarding new food combinations. Although uncertain about what all attracts students to the field, he said, “What keeps them there is passion. You have to love food and developing flavor, and/or love the excitement of the industry.”

The restaurant community– including hospitals, care centers and others--will also benefit from having the new center, he said, because it will provide educated people to fill jobs.

The community as a whole will also reap rewards. “It will enhance Omaha’s role as a city people can go to for great food,” Trebbien said, and will be a reason for students to stay here to be educated and for great job opportunities.

Students will benefit because of the reasonable tuition.. Finally, the benefits to the North Omaha community will soon be obvious.

“Watch and see, this is the start of a revitalization that will go from the college north and south along 30th street,” he said.

metroMAG-22-23-JETLINX-1009-ROB_Layout 1 9/21/09 2:27 PM Page 22

locally OWNED

friendlier

SKIES

flying

by molly garriott

the friendly skies isn’t such a treat anymore. Here are just a few scenes from my family’s travelogue to prove the point. Banished to the absolute rear of the aircraft, my crying toddler slipped off to sleep on my lap (to my relief and the relief of those around us) only to be awakened when the pilot announced we’d be returning to the airport because the plane’s landing gear was stuck in the open position.

Or then there was the time my older child got sick, literally, while going through security.

It isn’t easy holding a bag for your daughter while trying to get your shoes off and belongings in a plastic tub.

And most recently: we missed our Friday evening Newark connection because we were stuck on the Omaha tarmac for an hour and a half (after pulling away from the gate, of course.) As there were no more flights that night, I piled my crying kids who dressed for Florida and not a snowy New York, sans luggage, into a taxi to crash (luckily) at my sister’s Manhattan apartment before catching a 6:30 flight the following morning.

No, flying commercial has sadly become a necessary evil, something to be endured for the trade off of dipping your toes in the ocean, swishing down snowy slopes or spending an invigorating weekend of museums, dining and Broadway plays.

But there is an alternative for the seasoned and frequent traveler: Jet Linx Aviation. Jet Linx founder, Denny Walker, sought to fill a void in air travel when he established the private jet and aircraft management company in 1999. For a year and a half Walker, a travel enthusiast, researched the possibility of purchasing a private jet for his recreational and business travel needs. Shocked at the exorbitant prices but not deterred, he explored partial ownership of a jet and quickly ascertained a market need: fractional ownership of private jets on a local scale.

In 2002, Denny Walker’s son, Jamie, joined the company as CEO. Over time, Jet Linx Aviation expanded into its current

JAMIE WALKER OF JET LINX

membership and aircraft management programs and phased out of fractional ownership, opened sites in Denver, Indianapolis, and most recently Dallas, and increased the number of its jets from six to 24.

Jet Linx services have evolved over the last ten years, “constantly changing and adapting based on consumer demand,” acknowledges Jamie Walker. “It’s a very challenging industry.

22

It satisfies the need of 1 percent of the population. We are dealing with very accomplished clients. We have to be competitive to keep up with the demand.” To this end, Walker founded CoGoJets, an online social networking website. He likens CoGoJets to the Facebook business model, where members coordinate air travel and split the cost of private jet on a perseat, pro-rata basis. “Six different executives

metroMAGAZINE • OCT 2009

metroMAG-22-23-JETLINX-1009-ROB_Layout 1 9/21/09 2:27 PM Page 23

from six different companies could link up” and combine travel to one single destination, says Walker.

CoGoJets is a greener travel option because it diminishes the environmental impact of jet travel by reducing the number of flights. CoGoJets’ members can further offset emissions by making donations to Sustainable Travel International.

Jet Linx also began offering aircraft manage-

ment for individuals who own their own jets. It’s a comprehensive program which provides a hanger in which to store planes, fleet discounts on fuel, pilot training and insurance, and jet maintenance. With the aircraft maintenance program, owners enjoy the convenience of owning their own jet without the hassle of upkeep.

Jet Linx’s client base is a mix of corporate and private travelers. A large majority of the private travelers have second homes and use membership with Jet Linx as a convenient means to dart between residences. It is also perfect for families to use for weekend getaways and extended vacations. Commercial travel, with plane changing, long distances between gates, and lengthy security lines, has become prohibitive for those with health concerns and physical limitation. Walker says an increasing number of his clients maintain that without private jet travel, they would be unable to travel.

Time is a valuable commodity and the savings of it is central to Jet Linx’s appeal. Says Walker: “Time is valuable and limited. Clients can save five hours in a day and make an overnight trip into a day trip.”

Yet its exemplary service is nothing to sniff at either. It’s like first class (even better, actually) all the time. And who wouldn’t want to be one of the golden travelers, sipping complimentary Chardonnay in an actual wine glass and seated in oversized leather seats rather than one of the poor souls trudging back to economy, laden with bags to be wedged, along with their own persons, into tight (pleather) spaces, where they will drink $5.00 Sutter Home from plastic (and like it, thank you very much.)

The amenities Jet Linx offers make first class service look like a shabby country cousin in comparison. Upon joining, members fill out a preference sheet, documenting everything from their favorite bottled water to champagne label. So when passengers board, they settle into the spacious cabin and unwind with their drink of choice, be it a diet Coke with no ice or a Red Breast Irish whisky on the rocks. One of the perks of membership, this is standard with every flight.

And gone are the days of stashing a peanut butter sandwich and apple into your carryon- in case your layover doesn’t allow for a hasty bite

to eat in an airport. Jet Linx will cater in a meal of your choosing from any restaurant. Feel like a kicking off your trip to San Francisco and Napa Valley? How about Pasta Amore’s tortellini in white sauce accompanied by a crisp Cakebread chardonnay? No problem. Just a short jaunt to Chicago? No need for a full dinner; maybe just a Florentine lavosh from M’s Pub with a light pinot noir.

Jet Linx will see that you have everything you need to make your travels stress-free. It also takes care of ground transportation once you reach your destination. Standing in the taxi queue is unnecessary; Jet Linx will arrange for a car service to take you to your hotel or home. It will even book hotel accommodations.

But Jet Linx is more than just a pretty face of the private jet world: all glamour with no substance. Its safety regulations are the highest in the industry. After all, who cares if they are drinking a fabulous glass of wine if they don’t arrive safely? ARG/US, a third party safety auditing company, has granted Jet Linx a platinum safety ranking, the highest rating possible. There are approximately 2300 charter companies in the United States; less than 60, or 2 percent, earn a platinum ranking, says Walker.

Some will say the niceties of life are sacrificed at the altar of progress. Those who remember when flying was a treat, when meals were served on plates with cloth napkins and airlines did not charge for head phones, will probably number within this group. But Jet Linx flies in the face of this belief. It believes progress goes hand in hand with exemplar service and the highest safety standards.

The skies just got a little friendlier. m

jetlinx

PHOTO COURTESY OF JET LINX

metroMAG-24-28-YP-Section-1009_Layout 1 9/21/09 4:17 PM Page 24

metroMAG-24-28-YP-Section-1009_Layout 1 9/21/09 2:44 PM Page 25

metroMAGAZINE

YPconnections

CONNECTING YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION PROFILE

“YP” ORGANIZATION PROFILE

boys&girlsclubofthemidlands

greateromahayoungprofessionals

contact paul haskell, www.bgcomaha.org development.marketing@bgcomaha.org

contact kirsten r. case-penrod kcase@omahachamber.org

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands is one of the Metro area’s largest youth serving non-profit organizations with locations across North, South and midtown Omaha, Carter Lake and Council Bluffs, IA. In order to continue to provide a high level of service to youth, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands is seeking young professionals who want to make a difference in the lives of our community’s children, especially those kids who need us the most. We have a need for true professionals who can commit to working directly with children and/or engage in special management programs and task forces, dedicated to strengthening our core offerings.

DIRECT INVOLVEMENT WITH CHILDREN: • Tutors / Mentors • Technology Advisor • Financial Literacy • Career Exploration MANAGEMENT • Best Practices Research • Outcome Measurements • Evaluation Methodology • Various Systems Task Forces • Fund Raising Event Coordination • Audit Evaluation Committee If you are interested in any of these areas, or have ideas on how to further expand the young professional impact on Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands, please contact Marketing & PR Coordinator Paul Haskell by email at development.marketing@bgcomaha.org or visit the Boys & Girls Club of the Midlands website www.bgcomaha.org for more information.

I serve on the Board of Trustees of the Rose, which provides live theater and dance and arts education for children and families, and is the home of two professional resident companies: Omaha Theater Company and Omaha Theater Ballet.

This fall, I am beginning my sixth year of service on the board. My involvement with the Rose Theater began decades ago, when I attended plays, took acting classes, and appeared on the stage of the organization, which was then the Emmy Gifford Children’s Theater. In my childhood and teen years, theater and dance taught me self-discipline, gave me courage and confidence, and gave me refuge from the challenges of growing up.

Theater and dance help children learn, build confidence and independence, and enhance life generally; I strongly believe in the mission of the Rose. In the fall of 2004, I approached a board member and inquired about joining the board. He advised me that the board would not add new members for several months. I persisted, contacted him again months later, and he put my name into consideration.

LINDSAY LUNDHOLM 33

32 25

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: The Greater Omaha Young Professionals is comprised of next generation leaders 40 and under who want to impact the community and work together to contribute to our city's growth.

The Young Professionals serves as a catalyst organization to retain and attract young professionals to the Greater Omaha area through engagement, opportunity and advocacy.

The Young Professionals is not a membership or dues paying organization. It is a task force led by young professionals dedicated to improving Omaha for the greater young professional community and to attract, retain and engage this age group. Getting involved is as easy as signing up online.

The Young Professionals has developed teams that are working on various projects to make Greater Omaha the top city for young professionals to live, work and play. Projects include our signature event the Young Professionals Summit, Ready2ServeOmaha.org site, the YP Choice Award, community outreach, public policy and more. Anyone interested in making Greater Omaha a great place to live, work and play is encouraged to get involved.

Join us as we work towards building a dynamic, inclusive and integrated community where diverse young professionals want to live, work and play.

To sign up and for more information visit www.omahayoungprofessionals.org.

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

lindsaylundholm PARTNER BAIRD HOLM LLP

Due in large part to the fact that I took initiative and was persistent, I was eventually elected to the board. Had I sat back and waited for an invitation to serve, I might have never had the opportunity.

A few times a month, I pass through the Rose’s doors for a meeting and am welcomed by the sounds of actors rehearsing, children in an acting workshops improvising, a school audience applauding, or the bustle of the box office. The Every Single Child program allows each grade level in participating schools (over 25,000 children in 57 schools) the chance to experience live theater performances and education in both dance and drama. Special acting classes for children with Autism and Down Syndrome use theater to help children grow, learn, and connect. The pre-professional theater, dance and internship programs give Omaha teens the opportunity to reach their dreams. As I watch the faces of my niece and nephew (and thousands of other little girls and boys) light up as the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy begins during the Omaha Theater Company’s magical rendition the Nutcracker, I am grateful that I get to be a part of the organization that makes the magic and wonder of theater and dance a reality in the lives of young people in Omaha.

metroMAGAZINE • OCT 2009

metroMAG-24-28-YP-Section-1009_Layout 1 9/21/09 2:45 PM Page 26

metroMAGAZINE

wish

ifyouweregrantedone

YPconnections

CONNECTING YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

martiecordaro

erikavalentour

VICE PRESIDENT / GENERAL MANAGER OMAHA ROYALS

LINCOLN FINANCIAL GROUP SUPERVISOR - ADMINISTRATIVE RISK SERVICES

IF I WAS GRANTED ONE WISH I WOULD WISH FOR AN END TO CHILDREN BEING ABUSED. Thousands of children are unnecessarily injured or killed by parents and guardians each year.

If these injustices somehow could end, those children would be given more of an opportunity to enjoy childhood and grow up healthy. Children are full of life and curiosity and as members of society it is our duty to foster those qualities through MARTIE engaged education and CORDARO inclusion in society. The more opportunities we can give to children, the more likely we are to have greater amounts of skilled doctors, inquisitive scientists, creative musicians, patient teachers and respected community leaders. An end to abused children would lead to more functional families as child abuse is one of the leading factors in broken homes. Broken homes and divorce distress children more than anything else and often lead to a cycle of family dysfunction and child abuse. If my wish were to be granted, nearly everyone in society would be positively affected one way or another. Most importantly, my wish would give all children a fighting chance at an enjoyable and fulfilling life. My wish…an end to child abuse.

36

jeffslobotski

justintrowbridge

DIRECTOR OF INNOVATION & NEW MEDIA AIM INSTITUTE

OWNER BIG CHAMELEON BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

IF I HAD JUST ONE WISH IT WOULD BE FOR OUR COMMUNITY TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT THE ISSUE OF HOMELESSNESS and outline what we can do to eradicate the strike against the group of individuals that fall within this classification. There is already much being done, and those efforts do not go unnoticed, yet imagine what we could do if all people, from one individuals all the way to our civic leaders, sat down and comprised a master plan to tackle, once and for all, the issues facing our homeless, at the same time outlining clearly defined action items as well as measurable goals. Solving homelessness isn't just of importance to those currently within the community, but to our city's JEFF overall health and outlook.

SOLOBOTSKI 31 Addressing the issue is key to saving lives, important to ensuring public safety at the same time connecting individuals with educational opportunities and resources in our community. I know this wish isn’t as glamorous as asking for a brand new Ferrari, but it is a wish which would leave an exponentially greater, multi-generational impact on not just one individual but an entire community.

WHY DON’T I TELL YOU ABOUT THE THINGS I WOULDN’T WISH FOR, THAT WOULD BE MORE ENTERTAINING DON’T YOU THINK? World Peace: I’m not Miss America…plus there are parts of this world that have been fighting for so long they don’t really remember what started it.

A Bugatti Veyron: At $1.7 Million it’s almost worth burning the wish. I would hate to see the insurance premiums and would almost be afraid to drive it in public! To Be Taller: I’m already 6’ 2” tall why would I want to be taller?

For those of you reading this wanting to be taller, consider this: I barely fit into a standard airplane seat, I have to “try on” cars before I buy them, and low hanging ceiling fans are a legitimate hazard to your health.

To Be Skinny: As a former lineman the word “skinny” is foreign to me.

When someone says “I’m trying to get down to 135 lbs” I usually say, “I remember 5th grade!”

To have super powers: Sounds good, until you factor in: groupies, liability insurance, special appearances, the whole arch nemesis thing…forget it!

Ok, ok…my real wish?

To have unlimited wishes JUSTIN …then maybe the Bugatti.

TROWBRIDGE 31

IF I WAS GRANTED ONE WISH IT WOULD BE TO ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO GIVE BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY and do their part to make Omaha and our surrounding areas the best place to live and work.

I would love for every person to dedicate at least 40 hours per year to a local non-profit organization. This commitment by everyone in the community would drastically change lives. The power of giving back to the community has an impact ERIKA on everyone involved. That type of VALENTOUR 27 power can create a chain reaction that causes paradigms to shift for the good of humanity. Omaha would lead the way and other cities would inevitably follow suit, which eventually would make a significant impact on the entire world. The non-profit organizations would benefit tremendously from the outpouring of support. But, ultimately the most significant impact would be on the volunteers themselves. Every time I have had the opportunity to support a non-profit; it has opened my eyes to overcoming adversity, challenges, and obstacles in life. I have learned an immense amount about myself from my philanthropic time. If everyone in the Omaha community would spend at least 40 hours giving back, the benefit would be astronomical.

26

metroMAGAZINE • OCT 2009

metroMAG-24-28-YP-Section-1009_Layout 1 9/21/09 2:45 PM Page 27

whatwoulditbe? metroMAGAZINE catch the

spirit

of the Omaha community!

brittanyhanson

INCOMMMON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

I WOULD WISH FOR A CITY-WIDE RETURN TO THE FRONT PORCH NEIGHBORHOODS OF YESTER-YEAR—a resurgence of that space between our public and private lives. In a time when conversation and content may be king (and queen), it makes sense that we re-imagine the importance of connecting with those in our closest proximity. I may live on the best block in Omaha; I had a sneaking suspicion when I moved in, but my suspicion wasn’t confirmed until I spent time out on the porch. Neighbors pass by and occasionally visit.

Some shout directly from their porches. Kids laugh loudly. Vegetables are shared. Jokes are cracked. Friendships have grown.

And I know I am home. But what makes my front porch special? I know it’s not the AstroTurf. I think it’s about my neighbors and the distinct rhythm of the block we share.

Unfortunately, the porch is often a luxury around here these days. Tall apartment buildings in disrepair are interspersed on each block.

BRITTANY Rent is cheap, but for good reason– absentee landlords HANSON 24 and little access to green space, let alone a porch. As for my one wish, I wish we all would and could return to our front porches.

ashleyadams

FOUNDER & VICE-PRESIDENT ELITE GOOD ONES, INC.

IN LIFE, THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS SIMPLE OR EASY AS IT APPEARS, AND TRYING TO DECIDE WHAT WISH I WOULD MAKE, IF I ONLY HAD ONE, IS VERY DIFFICULT! This is something that definitely takes thought. After all, certain wishes can have major benefits as well as great ramifications. Every day I wish for plenty of things. I wish to be more timely and balanced, that every person understood God’s plan and calling for their life, and the sun would always shine. I wish to win the lottery, I could mentor more youth, and even end the war on drugs and all violence. The list goes on and on. As I am thinking about the effects this one wish would have on our lives, our community, or even our world, I get excited and continue to come up with ASHLEY ADAMS 26 more wishes. So for me, if I were granted one wish, it would be to have all the wishes necessary to change the world for a better, brighter, peaceful tomorrow. But with or without wishes, every day I produce actions which will ultimately ensure my realistic present day wishes come alive not only for myself but for my community as well!

metroMAG-24-28-YP-Section-1009_Layout 1 9/21/09 2:45 PM Page 28

metroMAG-29-31-WELLNESS-1009 ROB_2 9/21/09 2:53 PM Page 29

wellness women who transcend

metro breast cancer awareness

by molly garriott

Survivors

• KATE SOMMER

When Susan Komen discovered a lump in her breast in 1979, she did not have all the breast cancer information that a woman facing the disease today has at her disposal.

Compounding the problem was the fact that breast cancer was not a subject openly discussed. Komen subsequently died after a three year struggle which included three chemotherapy and radiation courses and nine surgeries. Before she succumbed, however, she asked her sister, Nancy Brinker, “to help ensure no other woman would have to go through what she did,” says Kate Sommer, a twotime breast cancer survivor and co-chair of this year’s Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure event, to be held October 4th.

Nancy Brinker’s filial promise became the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization. Established in 1982, the organization’s purpose is to raise funds for breast cancer research and educate women on early detection methods, signs of the disease, and treatment options.

Susan G. Komen “exploded in the late 90s,” says Sommer. Coupled with an increased openness about the disease, there “was a cultural and social shift about breast cancer, and Komen just happened to be there,” Sommer remarks. Sommer witnessed this when she and her family were visiting Washington D.C. quite accidentally during the national Race for the Cure.

A friend invited her to join the race, and she accepted. 46,000 people participated in the event. “It was a sea of women in pink” on the mall, remembers Sommer, “a really powerful experience for me.” She returned home and helped organize Omaha’s first Race for the Cure in 1994, a partnership between Susan G. Komen and the Omaha Junior League.

• JACKIE HILL

for breast cancer research through the Komen International Grant Program.

The Nebraska Affiliate serves 91 of the state’s 93 counties. It provides non-profit organizations that provide breast cancer education, screening and treatment with much needed financial backing.

Of particular interest is ensuring free or low-cost screenings for underinsured and uninsured women. Addressing health education among minority populations is also a focus, especially considering the disparity in mortality rates between races. Death from breast cancer in African-American women is 34 percent higher than that of white women.

Even more sobering, Nebraska has the highest breast cancer related mortality rate in African-American women than any other state.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure hosts numerous events during the year. Race for the Cure is the most notable. This year, 20,000 survivors, family, friends, and co-workers will participate in Omaha’s Race for the Cure. All over the United States, hundreds of thousands will pound the pavement in solidarity.

Every three minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in this country.

It is For the Cure’s wish that the many “seas of pink” will one day eradicate such a prolific and virulent threat to women’s health.

Jackie Hill considers May 5th “a lucky day.” It is the day her mother was born. It is also the day she underwent a modified radical mastectomy.

Perhaps most would not deem the day of surgery “lucky,” but Hill believes it was.

Her mother’s spirit with her, she took the first necessary step toward the rest of her life. She’s a “glass is half full” kind of gal.

Hill had always been vigilant about home breast exams and yearly mammograms. So when her doctor felt “a fullness” in her breast, she was taken completely by surprise. The ensuing mammogram revealed a lump which was then biopsied. Doctors found a 5 centimeter tumor deep in the breast by the chest wall. Though there was no lymph node involvement, the size of the tumor dictated aggressive treatment.

Hill had two weeks between the biopsy and surgery. Not one to sit around and dwell on possibilities, she used the lull to her advantage. “I spent time getting informed on the different options. I armed myself with enough information to make good decisions and live the longest life I could,” says Hill.

A month after surgery, Hill began chemotherapy. Every four weeks she went in for treatment. Chemo lasted for three months and was followed by radiation.

CONTINUED

For Sommer, one of the most appealing aspects of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is that 75 percent of money raised by the Nebraska Affiliate stays in the state.

The remaining 25 percent is earmarked 29

metroMAGAZINE • OCT 2009

KATE SOMMER WITH HUSBAND LEONARD AT BOREAS PASS, OUTSIDE BRECKENRIDGE, CO.

metroMAG-29-31-WELLNESS-1009 ROB_2 9/21/09 2:53 PM Page 30

wellness

metro

Survivors CONTINUED

w

• JACKIE HILL (CONT’D.)

“Radiation lasts about a month,” explains Hill, “and involves 33 doses, one for every weekday and then a blitz at the end for the extra doses.” Though treatment is strenuous, Hill says it provided her the opportunity to physically combat the cancer. “You finish radiation and think ‘What do I do now?’”

For Hill, the next step was drug therapy.

Her tumor was hormone receptive, making her a candidate for Tomaxifen. She was grateful. Extending her treatment meant she was proactively fighting the cancer.

After a five year course of Tomaxifen, she began another five year course of Femara.

Hill believes you can not face a condition like cancer and not alter your perspective on life. “You try not to put things off, what you want to do and see,” she states.

Visiting New York City was on list of places to go; she moved it to the top of the list and took in the Big Apple when her strength returned.

Hill also walked away with a need to be “captain of my own ship.” She encourages women to follow suit, especially as it pertains to their health. Says Hill: “I want women to be vigilant, be conscious of their breasts.” Doing so increases chances of joining Hill as a breast cancer survivor.

a

F

s

metroMAG-29-31-WELLNESS-1009 ROB_2 9/21/09 2:54 PM Page 31

metroMAGAZINE catch the

spirit

of the Omaha community!

women who transcend • EILEEN KENNEY When bad things happen, we try to find meaning in them.

We need to find some good in trials and adversity in order to bear the heartache. For Eileen Kenney, her battle with breast cancer helped turn an experimental cancer treatment into standard care.

Kenney was at her annual exam in 2003 when her doctor found what she described as “density irregularity.” She ordered a mammogram; it was inconclusive. Kenney was sent to Immanuel Medical Center for further mammography followed by a sonogram. Doctors had confirmation. Kenney had a growth about 2 centimeters deep inside the breast. A biopsy was performed on Wednesday, and when the surgeon called her on Monday with the news “we found a little cancer,” Kenney responded,” I’ll be there in 20 minutes.” She was tired of waiting.

The news was bleak. The tumor was resting on the chest wall. It was not hormone receptor positive, so Tomaxifen was not an option. Worse yet, the tumor tested positive for Her2 positive, meaning it had an aggressive growth factor. Her surgeon said a lumpectomy was not an option; Kenney requested a double mastectomy. Chemotherapy followed on the heels of surgery.

Then she met oncologist Steven Thome who, after studying her chart, said she might be a good candidate for a drug trial. In the past, Herceptin was given to women with recurrence. The study looked at the role the drug might play in preventing recurrence.

The nationwide study, in which Kenney was a participant, met with such success that the “experimental” use of the drug became standard care a mere into Kenney’s participation.

Eileen Kenney says her diagnosis of breast cancer became “a presence in the house.” After she finished her rigorous treatment, she and her family went out to dinner to celebrate. Her son, who was only 11 at the time, asked during the meal, “Now what?

Now do you just live?” Battling the disease had taken up much of her attention and energy that living outside cancer’s influence was difficult to imagine. But after treatment ended, Kenney know it was time to return to the pre-diagnosis days of “just living.”

Kenney has been cancer free for six and a half years. She likens those early days when the cancer was first detected to “being on a conveyor belt. You meet the people you need to meet. You do what you have to do.” Today she is happy to be doing something other than fighting the disease. In her son’s words, she is happy to be “just living.” m

about breast cancer

Facts

• USEFUL INFORMATION

BREAST CANCER is a risk for all women, but as women grow older, the risk increases. Assuming you live to age 90, your risk of getting breast cancer over your lifetime is about 14%. That might sound scary, because it means that an average of about one out of every seven women will get breast cancer over a 90-year life span. Knowing what factors can increase or decrease your risk for breast cancer is important.

Every woman is at SOME risk for breast cancer—this is merely the "risk" of living as a woman. But there are many risk factors that can make one woman's picture differ substantially from another's. When you understand your own particular risk profile, you are in a better position to manage it and don't have to fear the unknown.

While it's true that the risk of breast cancer increases as we grow older, breast cancer can occur at any age. From birth to age 39, one woman in 231 will get breast cancer (<0.5% risk); from age 40–59, the chance is one in 25 (4% risk); from age 60–79, the chance is one in 15 (nearly 7%). Assuming you live to age 90, the chance of getting breast cancer over the course of an entire lifetime is one in 7, with an overall lifetime risk of 14.3%. High quality, film-screen mammography is the most reliable way to find breast cancer as early as possible, when it is most curable.

.

metroMAG-32-33-metroSPIRIT-MARY V1009_Layout 1 9/21/09 2:56 PM Page 32

spirit pilates

metro

metroMAGAZINE

changethewayyou

moveandlive

“My Back Feels Better.”

“I am fifty two. I went to the doctor and I am taller.

They measured me three times to be sure. I attribute it to pilates.”

www.balancedbody.com

www.stottpilates.com

www.prairielife.com

www.victorypilates.com

www.theworkoutinc.com

“My clothes are fitting better.”

these

are some of the many positive comments that pilates trainers hear from their clients. Joseph Pilates said “Do it because it is good for the body.” Pilates is good for the body. It will change the way you look, the way you move, and the way you feel, and the way you think.

what is pilates?

Pilates is an exercise method designed to accomplish complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit. Pilates develops the body uniformly, corrects the havoc of poor posture, restores energy, invigorates the mind, and raises the spirit. Pilates will be reflected in the way you walk, the way you think, the way you look, the way you play, and the way you work.

In pilates, the mind/body connection is used to exercise the body in a way that uses the whole body in a balanced natural way for overall strength and stabilization of the spine. Pilates strengthens the core, improves balance, increases coordination, improves flexibility, and decreases stress. “Anyone who embraces pilates as part of their weekly or even daily activities will definitely add a remarkable element to their physical and mental patterns,” stated Kathleen Solem, Programming Director with Prairie Life Fitness Center.

The practice of pilates teaches the body to initiate any and all movements with core muscles engaged. A bicep curl begins with core activation. Reaching into one’s cupboard at home begins with core activation. A golf swing begins the same way.

An important part of pilates is “working the core” but pilates is not limited to core work. While a new pilates student may feel like he or she is hearing the term “transverse abdominus” constantly, that same student will soon learn that the core refers to the entire muscle system surrounding the spine. Core work is done in conjunction with working the entirety of the body.

Many approaches to exercise focus primarily on isolating a particular muscle group. The pilates method trains the participant to exercise every muscle in the body. Each muscle is considered to aid other muscles.

Developing minor muscles strengthens major muscles. Participants are taught to use muscles together in a cooperative manner.

Pilates exercises are designed to utilize your own body as part of your resistance training. Your body acts as both the resistance against which you push and pull as well as the actual weight you lift and move.

Pilates can help participants correct some of the damage that comes from modern jobs. Numerous injuries and postural defects result from jobs and activities where arms are reaching for computers, phones are cradled on necks, or where standing is required for long periods of time. Bad habits are combated by teaching the body to assume a well-aligned position.

Well taught pilates focuses on much more than what you are doing while you are engaging in the exercise. The key to pilates is to help participants learn to be more aware of their body. Particpants are taught to change their movements throughout the day to help both body and mind achieve better health and last longer.

Pilates works in conjunction with, and not in competition to physical therapy, chiropractors, massage therapists, specialized sports training, and other forms of assistance for the body and the spine.

principles of pilates

There are several schools of thoughts that have evolved from the original teachings of Joseph Pilates, the founder of the exercise method. All the major approaches rely on “principles” of pilates. While each approach has variations, the key principles are consistent and are the heart of pilates.

32

www.powerpilates.com www.pilateswithchi.com

Breathing is the single most important principle of the pilates method of exercise. Life starts with our first breath and ends with our last. Life depends on the breath. The breath is used to stimulate muscles into greater activity and more connection. Breathing techniques are used to focus the mind, enhance concentration and to activate the deep abdominal muscles.

Increasing Spinal Mobility and Strength is another principle of pilates.

The method seeks to optimize the movement of the spine in all directions.

Other key principles include rib cage placement, scapular movement and stabilization, and head and cervical placement.

pilates for athletes

Many well trained athletes upon first trying pilates experience great difficulty in accomplishing the exercises properly. Such athletes are very strong and very fit in some ways but do not yet understand how to recruit all of the different muscles groups to work together. Pilates is all about connection.

Pilates has become a cross training method of choice for many athletes.

Regardless of your sport of choice, pilates can help you improve it and increase your longevity in the sport. The focus on uniform muscle development enhances efficient movement. The improvements body strength, endurance, technique, balance, and coordination that results from pilates will improve the performance of any athlete.

pilates for kids

No one is too young for pilates. Pilates exercises supports natural growth.

The exercises will help kids feel tall, strong and self confident. Because pilates emphasizes uniform development, kids aren’t trained to develop one “pet” muscle group. The method helps them to develop evenly. Children are also encouraged to be more aware of and in control of their movements. For those children developing as athletes, a distinct advantage can be gained in terms of both control of the body and control of the mind.

no one Is too old

Aging presents a variety of physical obstacles. Pilates is a great tool for the aging body. The method can be customized to assist the aging body with strength, resilience, and balance.

the dance connection

Dancers were among the first professional athletes to turn to pilates for fitness and injury rehabilitation. Many of the original instructors trained by Joseph Pilates were professional dancers. Pilates helps dancers with concentration, technique, form, muscular control strength, and balance.

One of my favorite pilates stories is from a couple who both train in pilates and are competitive ballroom dancers. The couple was working on a particular move where Jerry would lift Dara from the floor and ultimately lower her. She was struggling with a knee issue that she had concluded was resulting from the impact of her being lowered to the floor. She told me that one day while she and Jerry were working on the move, she said “Keep pilates in mind as you lower me. Resist as you lower.” Jerry did so. The move was improved. Jerry “resisted” the weight of gravity to ease Dara to the floor gently. Jerry and Dara were able to use the move in their dance without further knee problems on Dara’s part. metroMAGAZINE • OCT 2009

metroMAG-32-33-metroSPIRIT-MARY V1009_Layout 1 9/21/09 2:56 PM Page 33

by mary e. vandenack

“To neglect one’s body for any other advantage in life is the greatest of follies.” – Schopenhauer

what type of pilates should I consider?

Pilates is taught in a variety of ways. Most fitness centers offer pilates mat classes as part of the group fitness program. Some facilities offer a chair format for older or injured participants as well as specialized classes for children.

Pilates is also taught using various types of equipment such as “reformers” and “chairs”. Apparatus classes are usually private, semi private or group classes and have a cost in addition to the gym membership. Most gyms allow non-members to participate in a pilates training program. In addition, there are several studios in Omaha that focus exclusively on pilates.

Pilates is a different way of thinking and moving. Most gyms and studios offer introductory classes that are well worth while, and sometimes required, for those considering trying pilates.

more than exercise “Physical Fitness cannot be acquired by wishful thinking or outright purchase.” (Joseph Pilates, Contrology). Joseph was avid that participants must be totally committed to physical fitness.

Physical fitness is defined as a harmonious structure reflecting itself in a coordinated and balanced unity of body, mind and spirit.

Joseph taught that exercise must be combined with proper diet, sufficient sleep, fresh air, and periods of relaxation throughout the day. Breathe properly, walk correctly, and become aware of your body.

Fuel your body with only enough food to restore it. When choosing foods to put in the body, have respect for the body. Breathe deeply again and again.

It is tempting to sit on the couch at the end of the day instead of exercising. It is easier to drive through a fast food restaurant than it is to chop vegetables. We may often feel too tired and contemplate taking a night off. Joseph told students “Don’t succumb to this momentary weakness of indecision, or rather, wrong decision.

Decide to remain true to yourself. RETURN TO LIFE.” “Our interpretation of physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily, and satisfactorily performing our many varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure.”

– Joseph Pilates

pilates in omaha

Pilates was slow in getting to the Midwest; however Omaha can now claim master trainers in both Balanced Body and Stott Pilates, two of the well recognized training methods in the United States.

Prairie Life Fitness Center, 132nd and West Center, teamed up with Balanced Body and has two master trainers. Instructor training programs are regularly hosted at the center. Prairie Life offers a wide range of pilates for participants including reformer, chair, tower, mat, seniors and children. Specialty classes for various sports, including golf, racquetball, running and cycling are available. The formats are offered in group classes, private and semi private venues. Various introductory options are available.

Victory Pilates recently opened a training center in Omaha.

Victory has two trainers who are master trainers for Stott Pilates.

Victory also offers a wide range of training options. m

metromAG-34-35-sOUls JOURNEY-1009-ROB_layout 1 9/21/09 2:58 pm page 34

spirit

metro

the soul’s journey • with dixie clark

enoughalready!

there’s

a little game that many of us play called “I’m not enough.” Some of you may be familiar with this. The premise of this game is that, on the deepest level, those of us who are playing believe we’re not enough as we are. So, we need to spend our time overcompensating, getting validation from things and people outside of ourselves, or living in fear that others will see us as frauds. Although these patterns can overlap, they each have certain qualities, or some variation.

Overcompensating:

dixie clark, ms, mss, lpc www.morningstarcenter.com

Actually, we don’t need to change because there’s something wrong with us the way we are. We will change when we’re ready simply because we are so much more. Our soul can’t not continue to expand and move forward.

When we are open and allow it,

“I’m not enough, so I have to do more.”

People involved in this pattern often feel a need to be perfect.

There is a need to do more or be more. Maybe even to be the center of attention. There is never enough success, money, accomplishments to satisfy or convince. It is not okay to relax or to take care of self. Mistakes are not allowed. It’s almost as though we have to prove or justify our existence.

Getting validation from the outside:

“I’m not enough, so I need you to tell me that I am.”

People involved in this pattern believe that others must approve of all they do in order to be okay. If others disapprove, disagree or judge, that can trigger fear, anger, indecision. If we’ve given our power away to another to let us know we’re okay or “doing the right thing,” and they don’t do that for us,, that affects our sense of safety and security. We question who we are and what we do or have done. We’re always seeking to keep the peace, make others happy, or make others like us. We feel a need to control others in order to feel okay about ourselves.

there is always soul energy of enthusiasm and joy working through us. In order to keep that flow open, it’s important to be aware of the motivations behind our decisions and behavior. The question then becomes:

“am I doing this out of fear or am I doing this as part of my soul’s expression?”

When we are truly honest with ourselves, we are able to discern the difference. If we give our power away to others to let us know we’re okay, then we have to constantly be on alert. We are always on guard to threats to our safety and sense of worth.

Paralysis can set in until we get the “green light” from something or someone outside of ourselves that it’s safe to proceed. As those of us who have played this game for awhile know, there is never enough praise, accomplishment, security from outside of us to remove that fear.

There is no safe place to hide.

Fear of other’s seeing who we are: “I’m not enough as I am, so I can’t let people really know me.”

People who are involved in this pattern often live in fear of being seen, heard or noticed. Even if some may be in public eye, there is a concern of being exposed, of people seeing beyond the mask. It doesn’t feel safe to be vulnerable. There’s a belief that if “people really knew who I am, they would leave me.” So, sometimes we become like a chameleon and mirror the other person’s expectations, other times we retreat from relationships and connections . And there are times we may hold back the truth of our expressions out of fear that others will abandon us if they know us on the deepest level.

As part of this belief of “I’m not enough as I am,” we often use judgment as a motivational tool. There’s a fear that if the judgment ends, we’ll get complacent, and forever stay where we’re at.

There’s a concern that if I accept myself as I am, I’ll stop growing.

I’ll continue to do all these crazy things that have made me so unhappy all of my life. Or, I’ll just settle for less than who I am. So, we have some variation of the below conversation with ourselves.

“I need to change because I’m not enough as I am. There’s something wrong with me. When I accomplish more, or lose ___ pounds, or stop doing ___, or start ___, then I’ll be okay. Then I’ll accept myself as I am.

Until then, I must overcompensate, hide or be told that I’m okay by others.”

34

There is only the opening up to the truth of who we are.

There is one prime directive that we all share. And that is to learn to love ourselves and know ourselves as Divine. Everything else is just the path we choose to get there.

From the Soul’s perspective, we are part of the Divine. We are enough just as we are. The soul sees each step of the journey as a joyful, loving adventure. We are here to learn and come in to a place of wholeness.

Sometimes we learn first by experiencing who we aren’t before we can learn who we are. There is no need to hide, defend, or justify. We will stop playing that game when we’re ready to move forward. m

Dixie Clark, MS, MSS, LPC is Director and co-founder of Morning Star Center, a holistic wellness center. A licensed counselor and ordained minister, she holds a masters degree in both counseling and spiritual science. With over 26 years experience in mind/body therapies, she combines psychology and spirituality to help people release emotional blocks, heal past trauma and change limiting beliefs.

metroMAGAZINE • OCT 2009

metroMAG-34-35-SOULS JOURNEY-1009-ROB_Layout 1 9/21/09 4:20 PM Page 35

metroMAGAZINE

cuisine

metro

36

metroMAG-EventsSpreads-1009-JOE.36 36

catch the

spirit of the Omaha community!

metroMAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ OCT 2009

9/23/09 11:15:08 AM

Mike and Jody Briley with Deb and Andy Knutson, Brian and JoEllen Keating, Andy and Shellie Nelson and Laurie and Vince Leisey

Chairpersons Ed and Jane Miller with Jess and Dennis Pate

Zoofari2009 callofthewild

scene

the

metro

Zoofari parade and performers ge on next page

continued covera

EXCITING • PHILANTHROPIC • INSPIRING • FUN

ty ge of chari ra e v o c to o and ph metro area e Highlights th in ts n eve and social

Photos by Dave St ock

Suzanne and Walter Scott with Astrid Buffett and Dr. Lee and Marie Simmons John and Ivel Reed with Scott Wooten and Lisa Hinz

Kimberly Hord, Pam Watanabe-Gerdes, Cindy Hanley, Kim Burkhalter, and Lori Scott, with Crystal Hoogeveen and Marsha Marron

metroMAG-EventsSpreads-1009-JOE.37 37

37

metroMAGAZINE • OCT 2009

Chad, Nicole, and Elizabeth Karloff

9/23/09 3:18:39 PM

Bill and Berniece Grewcock

John and Lynne Boyer

Stacy and Scott Dobry Photos by Dave St ock

▼

Cindy and Wayne Sensor

Ann and Chris Blunk

wild for thezoo

HENRY DOORLY ZOO ZOOFARI 2009: CALL OF THE WILD

the

Ann Crouse and Kari Kudron

Shirley and Jim Young

Henry Doorly Zoo held its biennial fundraiser, Zoofari, on September 11th.

A record attendance of 1,260 people raised just over $2.2 million that will be used towards educational programs, conservation and research efforts, and enhancing visitor experience. Zoofari 2009 was chaired

by Jane and Ed Miller with the assistance of the Gallup Organization. Walter and Suzanne Scott were the honorary chairs for Zoofari 2009.

The “Call of the Wild” theme was showcased as part of the evening entertainment with a parade of animals and children set to the music of Africa. Guests were able to bid on a number of great animal themed items in the silent and super silent auctions. Guest soloists Maurice Marks and Francesca Rose Stessman contributed to a moving musical collaboration that also featured Ernest Richardson, Opera Omaha, Jesuit Middle School, Charles Ahovissi, the UNO Percussion Department, and GranStan Services.

Warren Buffett

metroMAG-EventsSpreads-1009-JOE.38 38

Dave and Sandy Parker

For more information visit www.omahazoo.com.

9/23/09 3:18:45 PM

Bruce LeBlanc and Nancy Schwert with Kevin and Laurie Henzel

Greg and Carol Forrestall with Sue Emery, Jane Olsen, and Margaret Hein

wined anddined

▼

Photos by Jennifer Parent

THE PARTNERSHIP FOR OUR KIDS vinNEBRASKA SUMMER WINE FESTIVAL

the

Lori and Paul Hogan

first Annual vinNEBRASKA Summer Wine Festival, benefitting Winners Circle and All Our Kids, took place August 22nd.

There was a crowd of over 350 attendees and evening activities included wine tasting, live and silent auctions, an exhibition of 30 regional artists and their work, and live music. Channel 6 morning anchor, Jim Siedlecki served as the event’s media chairman and emcee. Winners Circle and All Our Kids joined forces in 2007 to help more disadvantaged students from pre-kindergarten through high school to stay in school and graduate.

For more information visit www.allourkids.org and www.winners-circle.org.

Stephen Corley and Marisa Adamson with Hele Spibach and Per Huffeldt

Jane Olsen and Per Huffeldt

Justin Shanahan, Joe Hefflinger and John Waller with Emily and Dave O’Neill, Monet Schrodermier and Tim Rush

Roger Kadavy and Claudia Moseley with Ed Thompson

Lisa Jorgensen with John and Beth Rutten-Turner 39

metroMAG-EventsSpreads-1009-JOE.39 39

Amanda Muller with Chris and Laura Stanosheck

Sheri Bernhardt with Terry Lisle

Kate Card with Nerris France and Siobhan Duffy

metroMAGAZINE • OCT 2009

9/23/09 3:18:53 PM

Rick and Carol Russell with Wally and Gloria Collingsworth Mary Thommi and Bev Karrer, with Susan Hancock, Debbie Slattery and Megan Slattery Photos by Linda Sh epard

▼

Dana Ernst, Sarah Culberson and Beth Ernst

Diane and Mike Laferla with Sarah Culberson

and Dave Stock

aoflegacy

care

NEBRASKA CHILDREN’S HOME SOCIETY 115 ANNIVERSARY GALA

in

Kim Singletary and Sarah Culberson with Dennis Kenius

Annie Fecci and Sarah Culberson with Josie Platt

celebrating the culmination of the 115th anniversary of the Nebraska Children’s Home Society (NCHS), the 115th Anniversary Gala was held on August 29th, at the Marriott Regency.

The evening began with a patron reception where guests enjoyed cocktails and mingled with special guest, Sarah Culberson, author, television actress and African princess.

Approximately 235 people attended, including many families who have adopted through NCHS over the years. The event was organized with the help of the NCHS Family Guild, led by President Susan Hertzler.

NCHS has served children and families throughout Nebraska since 1893.

For more information visit www.nchs.org or call 402.451.0787.

Barbara Bohi and Jerry Hoberman

Charlene Liesveld and Darlene Mueller with Betsye Paragas

Blake and Kathy Collingsworth with Sarah Culberson (center)

Sarah Culberson and John Sage

metroMAG-EventsSpreads-1009-JOE.40 40

Standing: Carla Patton, Andy Hoig, Melissa Marvin, Betsye Paragas, Mary Ann Bamber and Lisa Turner Seated: Cindy Hoig, Andrea Hoig and Mary Vandenack

9/23/09 3:19:01 PM

Marcy Kerkhoff

Wendy Chapman with Cheryl Wild, Carmen Smith, Cindy Hanley, and Kari Nelson

CHILD SAVING INSTITUTE GUILD POWER OF THE PURSE LUNCHEON

▼

“purse”onality on

August 26th, the Child Saving Institute’s (CSI) annual “Power of the Purse” scholarship luncheon was served to a sold-out crowd of 365 attendees. The event grossed over $40,000 to go towards CSI’s scholarship fund. The CSI Guild presented $2,500 scholarships to Taylor Furgison and Shauntia Schweigart.

Karen Hughes and Shireen Deeds Breanna and Shauntia Schweigart

The event featured guest speaker and author Sondra Shaw Hardy. The “Purses with Pizzazz” silent auction featured over 40 designer purse packages and included an exciting catwalk presentation by models from Select Model Management. Guild Chairmen for the event were Cindy Hanley, Kari Nelson and Carmen Smith. Cheryl Wild and Wendy Chapman, served as the event “PurseOnalities.”

CSI is dedicated to the prevention, intervention and treatment of child abuse and neglect. Since 1892, CSI’s mission has been providing care for abandoned, neglected and abused children. CSI seeks to meet the changing needs for children in the Omaha metro area.

For more information please call402.504.3662 or visit www.childsaving.org.

Sondra Shaw Hardy with Carmen Smith, Kari Nelson, and Cindy Hanley Sondra Shaw Hardy Photos courte sy of

41

metroMAG-EventsSpreads-1009-JOE.41 41

CSI

metroMAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2009

9/23/09 3:19:07 PM

howtospell

success

the

Kevin Regan and Joe Finnegan with Erin and Michael Murnan

▼

LITERACY CENTER FOR THE MIDLANDS 2ND ANNUAL ADULT SPELLING BEE

Literacy Center held its Second Annual Adult Spelling Bee on the evening of August 21 at the Scott Conference Center. Ten teams of three adults battled it out to become the “Best of the Hive” at the event. The center raised over $18,000 for the event with around 100 people in attendance.

During a brief intermission before the final round audience members were encouraged to participate in the “Audience Spell” quiz.

Connie and Bill Lowdes with Howard K. Marcus

Eric Schermerhorn and Mary Finnegan with Lois and Tom McCelderry

Kelley Stuckey with Tiffany Regan

Co-chairs for the event were Kjirsten and Joe Finnegan, and Jodi Lange. The event was emcee’d by the fabulous Mary Maxwell, judges were Columnist Robert Nelson, Robyn Terry, and radio personality Jeff Beals. Creighton professor Bridget Keegan served as pronouncer. The Literacy Center’s mission is to empower adults and families by helping them acquire the literacy skills and practices to be active and contributing members of their communities.

For more information visit www.midlandsliteracy.org or call 402.884.7727.

Event Co-Chair Kjirsten Finnegan with Craig Howell, Suzy Parsons and Event Co-Chair Jodi Lange

Paul and Mary Jessen with Kjirsten and Joe Finnegan ifer Parent Photos by Jenn

roundup!

Photos by Linda Sh epard

’em

KNIGHTS OF AK-SAR-BEN BUCKAROO BASH

Dennis and Jessica Pate

▼

David and Lori Scott

Co-Chairs Dana and Dani Bradford with Co-Chairs Teresa and Fred Hunzeker

celebrating

their 10th Anniversary, the Buckaroo Bash, which serves as kick-off to Ak-Sar-Ben’s River City Roundup (ARCR) and fund-raiser, raised a record amount of donations to send disadvantaged youth to the Justin Boots Championships of the Wrangler Million Dollar Tour during ARCR, from September 24th-27th, 2009 at the Qwest Center. The event, which included a live and silent auction, drew 420 attendees to the Omaha Mounted Patrol Barn on August 15th and included a demonstration by the Omaha Mounted Patrol, a mechanical bull challenge, and a barbeque dinner by Skeeter Barnes.

The event grossed more than $80,000 and will fund contributions to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund (JCCF), the Omaha Mounted Patrol, and provide hundreds of free rodeo tickets to youth organizations.

During the evening Mr. Tony Raimondo, Chairman of Behlen Mfg. Co., was introduced as the 2009 Grand Marshal and Mr. Dennis Pate, Executive Director of the Henry Doorly Zoo accepted the 2009 ARCR Heritage Award on behalf of the Zoo. The event was co-chaired by Dana and Dani Bradford and Fred and Teresa Hunzeker.

Morgan Mowery with Kim Skillett and Holly Soucie

metroMAG-EventsSpreads-1009-JOE.42 42

Jeanne and Tony Raimondo, Grand Marshall

For more info visit www.rivercityroundup.org or call 402.554.9600.

9/23/09 3:19:15 PM

metroMAG-EventsSpreads-1009-JOE.43 43

9/23/09 3:19:17 PM

Mike and Liz Smith with Peg and Mike Odorisio

▼

Brad and Kate Grabill Thad Woods and Deanna Armstrong

Matthew and Gabrielle Mormino, Dave Parker, and Co-Honorary Chairs Sandy Parker and Amy Scott with Jeanie and Lance Jones

behavior

Photos by Linda Shepard

THE PRESENTERS & OPAS BOX OFFICE BASH - BLONDE

more

than 150 guests partied the night away collegiate style at the Box Office Bash hosted by The PRESENTERS on August 22nd at the Orpheum Theater to support Omaha Performing Arts. The Phi Beta Blonde event raised more than $50,000 to support Omaha Performing Arts. Honorary Chairs for the event were Sandy Parker, Amy Scott and Karen Dixon.

Event Chairs were Gabrielle Mormino and Jeanie Jones.

THE PRESENTERS is a volunteer group that supports Omaha Performing Arts by fundraising, building awareness of the organization’s mission, programs and facilities and serving as community advocates.

For more information visit www.omahaperformingarts.org or call 402.661.8492.

▼

good

smashhit!

Photos courtesy of Childre n’s Respite Care Center

CHILDREN’S RESPITE CARE CENTER AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ PATRON GALA

the

Children’s Respite Care Center (CRCC) celebrated its 2nd annual musical revue of Ain’t Misbehavin’, on August 20th along with a gala on August 21st. Over 200 people attended the Gala, and the previous night’s performance had over 300 people. An amount of $80,000 was raised for the CRCC’s scholarship program.

Sandy and Dave Parker were Honorary Chairs for the event. Other significant supporters in attendance include Mike and Susan Lebens, George and Nancy Gilmore, Janet Strauss, Doug and Dawn Buchanan.

Children’s Respite Care Center is a local non-profit organization that has provided nursing services, onsite therapy, educational support and overnight weekend care to medically fragile, developmentally delayed and behaviorally challenged children in two Omaha locations for 20 years.

Back Row: Amber Burk, Nola Jeanpierre, Carole Jeanpierre, Rob Lohman, Gordon Cantiello, Robert Williams, Tiffany White-Welchen, Charles Nelson, Kathy Tyree, Terri Fitzgerald, Ernest Woods, Leon Adams, and Merritt Smith; Front Row: D. Kevin Williams and Patrick Roddy

For more information visit www.crccomaha.org or call 402.895.4000.

Carole Jeanpierre, Kathy Tyree, Robert Williams, Tiffany White-Welchen, and D. Kevin Williams

metroMAG-EventsSpreads-1009-JOE.44 44

Kathy Tyree and Carole Jeanpeirre 44

Robert Williams

metroMAGAZINE • OCT 2009

9/23/09 3:19:22 PM

metroMAG-1-9-LEADSECTION-56-NHS-1009_Layout 1 9/22/09 3:22 PM Page 45

POWERFUL NEW WEB-BASED PRODUCTS TO SERVE YOU!

Find-It-ALL!online! at metmago.com where we’re building incredible new web-based products & tools to assist you!

GE

THE

IVING GUIDE online!

VENT PLANNING RESOURCE GUIDE online!

NON-PROFIT ESOURCE GUIDE online!

VENT CALENDAR online!

R

S

specialty calendars

E online!

• food & wine • arts & culture • fashion • young professionals

L

special LiveOmaha! offers • featuring discounts, offers and premiums from local retailers

metmagoblog.com

O

buyO an MAHANOW!

an invaluable new print & web combination a buyer’s guide to smart spending in the emerging economy!

+

plus

• weekly give-a-ways • art & culture videocasts • podcasts • daily puzzles & games • and more!

Find it ALL online where we’re building all new web-based tools to assist you!

LiveOmaha!online at metmago.com All information in The Event Book 2009-2010 appears exactly as provided by the organizations this publication is intended to serve. ALH Publications assumes no responsibility for either the accuracy or the integrity of any portion of the final published content.

gourmet opera

▼

theart of

OPERA OMAHA GUILD BURGERS & BORDEAUX

Kelly Smith and Marc Oswald with Marcerelino Fransisco Perez and Susan Bonnet

Omaha held “Burgers and Bordeaux,” a fundraiser at Sunset Valley Country Club on August 31st. Over 200 people attended the first time event and where five chefs created a unique burger creation for a culinary grilling contest.

The five chefs were Cory Guyer, Colleen Cleek, Glenn Wheeler, PJ Weiss, John Welch, and Marc Oswald.

Celebrity Judges included Congressman Lee & Robyn Terry, Louis Marcuzzo, Todd Brandt, Kevin Simmonds, and Mike Simmonds. The judges selected the winner, Marc Oswald, as the Judges Choice. Colleen Cleek won the People’s vote.

Event Chair was Janet Syslo, and Honorary Chairs were Eve and Fred Simon.

Karen Fahden and Janet Syslo Jon Welch and Paul Weiss

For more information visit www.operaomaha.org or call 402.346.4398 ext. 110.

Landis True and Corey Guyer Colleen Cleek

metroMAG-EventsSpreads-1009-JOE.46 46

MAGAZINE Photos by metro

9/23/09 2:56:19 PM

The Children’s Hospital table

Sandy Parker Lindy Hoyer with Karen Levin and Sandy parker

Lindy Hoyer with Sandy Parker and Lyn Ziegenbein

Sandy Parker on the carousel

Photos by Caroline Thompson

onefriend

toanother

▼

OMAHA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM GREAT FRIENDS TO KIDS LUNCHEON

the

Omaha Children’s Museum recognized Sandy Parker and Children’s Hospital & Medical Center at its Great Friends to Kids Luncheon on August 31st. The luncheon was held at the museum inside the Sesame Street Presents: The Body exhibit. The event brought together over 170 community members to celebrate those who have worked passionately to enhance the lives of metro-area children.

Last year’s honorees were Karen Levin and Peter Kiewit Foundation. Levin presented the Great Friend to Omaha Children’s Museum Award and Lyn Ziegenbein of the Peter Kiewit Foundation presented the Great Friend to Kids award. The mission of Omaha Children’s Museum is to engage the imagination and create excitement about learning.

For more information on the Omaha Children’s Museum visit www.ocm.org or call 402.930.2353.

metroMAG-EventsSpreads-1009-JOE.47 47

9/23/09 2:56:24 PM

▼

shakeyour Bob Storey and Mary Joe, with Laraine Roberts and William Joe Elise McClintick, Nick Bahe

Jenna Temme and Stacy Seier, with Eryn Wisdom and Melinda Spliethof

Amanda Mueller and Tom Becka with Jeff Beals and Sandy Lemke

groovething

YOUTH EMERGENCY SERVICES DANCE FOR A CHANCE

youth

Emergency Services (YES) celebrated Metro Stars Dance for a Chance on August 28th. The 200 attendees enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and entertainment as seven area stars, who had received dancing lessons prior to the event, showed off their moves. The audience decided the winner for the evening by voting for their favorite star. After each star performed, the guest judges scored the dancers.

The event raised $13,000 for YES. Mayor Jim Suttle was among those in attendance. This event also featured dances from many local “stars:” Nick Bahe, Tom Becka, Alex Henery, Sarah Hollins, Shari Stone, Amanda Mueller, and Bob Storey.

The mission of YES is to serve and protect homeless and at-risk youth by providing shelter, programs, advocacy and education that promote personal and family development.

For more information on Youth Emergency Services visit online at www.yesomaha.org or call 402.345.5187.

Doug Day, Elizabeth and Jason Fleck, and Jill Day with Steve and Nancy Beckwith

Tom Becka, Mayor Jim Suttle, and Trev Alberts

Photos by Linda Shepard

metroMAG-EventsSpreads-1009-JOE.48 48

9/23/09 2:56:29 PM

metroMAG-EventsSpreads-1009-JOE.49 49

9/23/09 2:56:32 PM

HEARTLAND FAMILY SERVICES SAFE HAVEN GOLF EVENT

the

▼

safety celebration

Event Chairs Jim and Rochelle Mullen with Kevin Regan, hole-in-one prize winner.

Acura of Omaha and Superior Honda Team

16th annual Heartland Family Service Safe Haven Golf Event was held at Ironwood Golf & Country Club on June 29th.

The event was hosted by the Heartland Family Service Friends Guild. Golfers enjoyed lunch provided by Arby’s, and followed with an 18-hole event that raised an estimated $50,000 for victims of domestic abuse.

Jim and Rochelle Mullen served as event chairs for the event. Thirty-one teams, with skills ranging from expert to novice, were involved with the event, and was followed by dinner and awards ceremony.

The Heartland Family Service Friends guild provides volunteers and fundraising for Heartland Family Service programs. This annual golf event raises funds for the Heartland Family Service Safe Haven shelter for victims of domestic abuse. In addition to the concealed shelter, services include a 24-hour crisis line, emergency intervention, assistance with medical attention and protection orders, as well as counseling and support groups for women and children.

For more infor visit www.HeartlandFamilyService.org or call 402.553.3000.

metroMAG-EventsSpreads-1009-JOE.50 50

Arby’s Panda, Inc. Team, Event Sponsor

Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather, L.L.P. Team

Hawkins & Friends Team, Women’s 1 Place

UMB Bank Team, Men’s 1st Place ily Services Heartland Fam of sy te ur co Photos

9/23/09 2:56:40 PM

heartlandlatino

leadership conference for

ten years, The Heartland Latino Leadership Conference has lead the way highlighting the realities, voices, lives and dreams of Latinos in the Heartland. Additionally, the conference and expo has served as the pre-eminent resource for area businesses to gain an understanding of and increase their accessibility to the multi-cultural workplaces that exist today. On November 12 and 13, the organization and its supporters will meet to recognize the past year’s highlights and lay plans for future successes.

“Every company needs to be able to improve and thrive in a global economy”, said Cristina Castro-Matukewicz, president of the Heartland Latino Leadership Conference Board of Directors, “This conference is for the whole community, non-Latinos and Latinos alike. We all benefit by coming together to learn to live and work in a productive, healthy atmosphere.”

Each year the Heartland Lati no Leadership Conference provides academic scholarships to Latino youth and adults wishing to pursue a post-secondary education in the state of Nebraska. In 2008, $15,000 dollars in scholarships were awarded to 15 students across the state.

Since its inception, the HLLC has awarded more than $115,000 in scholarships.

Attendees will be exposed to nationally-recognized speakers on topics including leadership, diversity, emotional intelligence and much more. This year’s format will once again feature keynote speakers and small g roup workshops. Confirmed speakers and workshop facilitators include: Dr. Jorge Cherbosque will present two workshops on “How Emotional Intelligence Can Help Us Build Resilience and Cope with Stress in this Difficult and Uncertain Time.”

Pegine Echevarria will present “Carry the Torch…

Building Trust” and “You Are a Gem!” Catrice Jackson is known for her signature programs “Create Your Vibrant Life” and “Take Back Your Life.”

Carlos Ojeda Jr. will present two workshops at this year’s Heartland Latino Leadership Conference, “Power of You!” & “Developing and Cultivating Personal Power.”

Marisa Rivera-Albert will be presenting “Preparing and Marketing Yourself for Leadership Positions,” as well as “Business Etiquette and Dressing for Success in Business.”

On Friday evening, The Heartland Latino Leadership Conference Awards Gala will recognize outstanding individuals for their contributions to the causes and activities that benefit the Latino community and their commitment to excellence in their personal and professional lives. Conference registration is $125.00 The conference on November 13 is held at Embassy Suites LaVista. On-line registration and additional info are available at www.latinoleadership.info or by calling Turner Events and Marketing at 402.614.2399.

metroMAG-EventsSpreads-1009-JOE.51 51

9/23/09 2:56:41 PM

▼

different kind of

angel

ANGELS AMONG US, INC. 4TH ANNUAL GOLF SCRAMBLE

the

Ndamukong Suh with Tim Beardsley and son Cortez Gonzalaus with Ndamukong Suh Photos courtesy of Angels Among Us

4th Annual Golf Scramble benefiting Angels Among Us, Inc. was attended by 172 golfers July 9th. Golfers gathered for the shotgun that started at noon at Tiburon Golf Course where later everyone joined for dinner and a chance to win a car and a “hole in one”. The event was also attended by guest Husker Ndamukong Suh, who personally autographed a football that was donated to the raffle. The raffle raised over $56,000 in prizes and donations. Angles Among Us is a nonprofit organization that financially assists families with a child battling cancer and living in or being treated in Nebraska.

For more information visit online at www.myanglesamongus.org or call 402.934.0999 ex. 21.

Heike and Josephine Beardsley with Ndamukong Suh

▼

marithe anlinatks

h School Photos courtesy of Marian Hig

LEXUS OF OMAHA CHAMPIONS FOR MARIAN H.S. GOLF TOURNAMENT

on

July 13th Lexus of Omaha hosted its 14th annual Champions for Marian High School Golf Tournament at Indian Creek Golf Course July 13th. A total of 152 golfers participated in the annual golf event. After a day of golf in the warm sun the event closed with a dinner sponsored by Tal Anderson, a brief program and oral auction. Marian High School and Lexus of Omaha have been partners since 1996 and have raised more than $700,000 for Marian.This years tournament raised more than $55,000 for the school. Tal Anderson was the tournament sponsor for the event and current Marian parents, Tom O’Brien and Bob Rossiter, co-chaired the tournament.

For more information on Marian High School call 402.571.2978 or visit www.marianhighschool.net.

metroMAG-EventsSpreads-1009-JOE.52 52

Chair Bob Rossiter, Susan M. Toohey, and Chair Tom O’Brien

Kylie Smith and Kayla Knopik with Claire Zach and Elise Danielson

Dan Swartz and Tal Anderson with Susan M. Toohey, Bill Gerber, and Dave Wahlen

9/23/09 2:56:48 PM

metroMAG-EventsSpreads-1009-JOE.53 53

9/23/09 2:56:50 PM

▼

golfat daybreak

CHILD SAVING INSTITUTE GOLF FORE KIDS TAGGE-RUTHERFORD CORPORATE LINKS CHALLENGE

the

Event Chairs Carol Knobbe, Lucy Cummins Dogger, and Jenn Rutherford

Child Saving Institute celebrated its 13th annual Golf Fore Kids tournament July 27th at The Players Club at Deer Creek.

The Tagge•Rutherford Corporate Links Challange for Child Saving institute raised a record $65,000 for the treatment of neglected kids. The event developed a new handicapped two-preson best ball tournament. The winning team of two Tim Kryszack and Timmon Petersen of the Proxibid.com shooting 59 to win the SEI Corporate Cup Trophy. Lucy Cummins Dogger, Carol Knobble, and Jennifer Rutherford served as events Chairmen. The event awards ceremony was hosted by "Live at Daybreak" Anchor Jim Siedlecki who also teamed with Evening Anchor John Knicely on the golf course.

Mike Meridith with Corporate Link Winners Tim Kryszak, Timmon Petersen, and Greg Rutherford

graceful

swings

▼

Photos courtesy of Child Saving Institute

GRACE UNIVERSITY GOLF4GRACE

grace

University held their 4th annual Golf4Grace event at Indian Creek July 20th. 76 golfers and 12 volunteers were there to support the mission of the university.

The event raised over $23,000 to support Grace University’s academic and scholarship programs. Special guest host was former PGA professional Wally Armstrong.

The fundraiser event committee included Doug Troupe, Chuck Sigerson, Scott Miner, Craig Wilkins, Jim Jacoby, Chris Pruitt and John Hundahl.

The event Sponsor was Orizon Group. Grace University has been in operation for the past 66 years.

For more info about Grace University visit www.graceuniversity.edu or call 402.449.2800

metroMAG-EventsSpreads-1009-JOE.54 54

For more information on the Child Saving Institute visit www.childsaving.org or call 866.400.4274.

Chuck and Andrew Sigerson with Wally Armstrong, Ross Berg, and Steve Erdei

James Chalmers and Bob Maguire with Wally Armstrong, Brian Mainwaring, and Robb Clemans

Gary Zessin, Nick Vrba, and Wally Armstrong with Tim Lens and Craig Wilkins

Paul Troupe and Wally Armstrong, with Tom, Rob, and Doug Troupe versity Photos courtesy of Grace Uni

9/23/09 2:56:54 PM

Carol Cosgrove and JoAnn Barmettler with Suzanne McVey and Karen Saenz

Rachel Bierman and Jeanne Vogt with Deb and Dennis McGuire

laughin’ outloud

▼

Photos by Jennifer Parent

NEW FRIENDS OF OMAHA COMEDY NIGHT

the

Ken Jarman

New Friends of Omaha hosted its fall fundraiser entitled, “Live Laugh Love” at the Embassy Suites Hotel La Vista on August 29th.

The evening not only featured a dinner and auction, but also nationally recognized comedians Bob Zany and Keith West. The benefit raised more than $20,000 and was attended by over 200 people with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Douglas County being this year’s designated beneficiary.

Dominic and Carol Cosgrove with Roxanne Cosgrove and Chris and Carol Hodgson

Sally Miller-Cheeks and Katy Green served as event chairmen with special assistance from Amy Mosley, Joanie Salter, Carol Cosgrove, and JoAnn Barmettler.

Bob Zany’s comedic genius kept the laughs coming while he presented the live auction, and Keith West amazed the audience with his sensational comedic magic show.

The New Friends of Omaha is a non-for-profit social club with an open door to newcomers and existing members of the Omaha community.

For more information about The New Friends of Omaha visit www.newfriendsofomaha.com.

metroMAG-EventsSpreads-1009-JOE.55 55

Jeff Dross with Kathy and Brad Koenecke

Ron Mordhorst and Tina Scott-Mordhorst with Charlie Sutton and Michael Berry

Thelma Sanders and President Amy Mosley

9/23/09 2:56:59 PM

metroMAG-1-9-LEADSECTION-56-NHS-1009_Layout 1 9/21/09 2:16 PM Page 56

Look Who’s Sheltering Shelter Pets!

Save the Date: Purses 4 Paws Nov 2, 2009 5pm-7:30pm • Marketbasket Back by popular demand, Friends Forever presents their second annual purse party to benefit homeless animals.

Come have a glass of wine with your girlfriends and nibble tasty hors d’oeuvres as you bid on new and gently used designer purses. All proceeds will provide care for our furry friends as they await their forever homes. What could be better--you get to shop and benefit the animals!

Details at www.nehumanesociety.org.

Pete, Anna, Paige, and Caroline, with Rigby behind

Councilman Pete Festersen and his family Rigby Festersen is the picture of contentment. He flops in the middle of the family room floor and chews on a rawhide like he runs the place. And he kind of does. “He’s our first born,” says Paige, “We adopted him 10 years ago before we had the girls.” Although the kids have impinged on a little of his time, he still gets one-on-one time with his dad, Pete, during their daily run. “He’s been a great dog," reflects Pete, "he’s very affectionate with the kids, will fetch 24-hours a day, and follows me everywhere.” The friendly guy

Save the Date: Holiday Open House Dec 5, 2009 10am-2pm • NHS Our holiday open house is a not-to-be -missed event for the pet lover. Canoyer Garden Center (who brings us Plants for Pooches) will once again be supplying us with vibrant poinsettias, fresh garlands, and aromatic wreaths to get your home decked for the holidays. Come get into the spirit of Christmas

greets people at the door with a wag of his stubby tail, but his real love is his family. Every night he makes

as you shop specials in our retail store, enjoy home-

the rounds to get a little shut-eye with each member. “He’ll start in one of the girl’s rooms and by morning

made goodies, and help the animals. Details at

he’ll be in our room. Or he’ll reverse it.” Rigby knows family comes first--and he clearly appreciates his!

www.nehumanesociety.org.

For more information go to “Programs and Events” on the NHS Website at www.nehumanesociety.org, or call 444-7800 ext 273. www.nehumanesociety.org gives you all the info!

metroMAG-57-58-BRAVO-1009-ROB_New Printco Bravo Quark 9/21/09 2:59 PM Page 57

metro

bravo!

MAGAZINE

celebrating the arts

omaha • lincoln • council bluffs

tears of a clown.

Pagliacci

opens as Opera Omaha’s First Mainstage Production of the 2009-10 Season

PHOTOS COURTESY OF OPERA OMAHA

by kelly blice

O

pera Omaha’s opening mainstage production for the 2009-10 season, Pagliacci, is a fast paced, intense and passionate opera.

Sponsored by First National Bank, performances of Pagliacci, at the Orpheum Theater will run October 16 and 18, 2009. The glamorous and talented Kelly Kaduce makes her Opera Omaha debut and sings her firstever Nedda with critically acclaimed Tonio DiPaolo as her husband, Canio.

about the opera

Written and composed by Ruggiero Leoncavallo, Pagliacci is an opera inspired by a murder the composer allegedly witnessed as a boy. The story follows the behind-the-scenes lives of an Italian traveling theater troupe. The play-within-a-play unfolds as the lives of the characters begin to reflect the lives of the troupe members.

In the troupe’s play, the comic character of Pagliaccio is played by Canio, and Nedda, his wife, plays the role of Colombina. While the character Colombina is having an affair with the character Taddeo, Nedda is actually having an affair with Silvio, who lives in the town. Nedda and Silvio have made plans to run away– however, Canio learns of his wife’s infidelity as the day’s performance is beginning. As the audience of townspeople watch the show, Canio/ Pagliaccio, heartbroken and jealous, murders his wife and her lover.

KELLY KADUCE NEDDA

about the artists KELLY KADUCE AS NEDDA In 2008-09, Kelly Kaduce sang Desdemona in Otello (Kentucky Opera debut), Violetta in La traviata (Malmö Opera), Countess in Le nozze di Figaro (Florida Grand Opera), and in the title role in Salome (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis). In 2009-10 she sings Mimì in La bohème (Portland Opera), Nedda in Pagliacci (Florida Grand Opera), the title role in Suor Angelica (also with Florida Grand Opera), and Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni (Michigan Opera Theatre).

Recent highlights include Mimí (Opera Pacific debut), Marguerite in Faust (Malmö Opera), title role of Rusalka (Minnesota Opera), Cio-Cio-San in Madama Butterfly (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Boston Lyric Opera), title role in Suor Angelica (Teatro Municipal de Santiago), recitals (Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival and Bates College), and Princess/Puppet in Tan Dun’s Tea (Santa Fe Opera). World premieres include the title role of Carlson’s Anna Karenina (Florida Grand Opera/Opera Theatre of Saint Louis) and Rosasharn in Gordon’s The Grapes of Wrath (Minnesota Opera). continued

TONIO DIPAOLO CANIO 57

metroMAGAZINE • OCT 2009

metroMAG-57-58-BRAVO-1009-ROB_New Printco Bravo Quark 9/21/09 2:59 PM Page 58

bravo! celebrating the arts

omaha • lincoln • council bluffs

tears of a clown. continued

about the artists

leading the cast

TONIO DIPAOLO AS CANIO Tonio DiPaolo’s prominent career earns the tenor accolades of praise on stages throughout North America and Europe, including the Metropolitan Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Canadian Opera Company, Houston Grand Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Washington Opera, Seattle Opera and San Francisco Opera. In North America, Mr. Di Paolo most recently earned critical acclaim as Calaf in Turandot with Kentucky Opera and Austin Lyric Opera, Radames in Aida with Opera Carolina and Atlanta Opera, Canio in Pagliacci at the Utah Opera, Cavaradossi in Tosca with Opera Ontario, Duke in Rigoletto at the Arizona Opera, Dick Johnson in La Fanciulla del West with Austin Lyric Opera, and Alfred in Die Fledermaus with Arizona Opera and Austin Lyric Opera.

CONDUCTOR RICHARD BUCKLEY • STAGE DIRECTOR GARNETT BRUCE Maestro Buckley’s career in North America includes performances with the opera companies of Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington, Santa Fe, Seattle, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Toronto, Montréal, and New York City Opera. Abroad, he has enjoyed return engagements at the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden, Deutsche Oper Berlin, L’Opéra National de Paris, Hamburg Staatsoper, National Theatre of Mannheim, Teatro Colon, Royal Danish Opera, Royal Swedish Opera, Göteborg Opera, and De Nederlandse Opera, among many others. Garnett Bruce, Opera Omaha Artistic Adviser and Principal Stage Director, will also direct The Marriage of Figaro for Opera Omaha. Mr. Bruce’s 2009-10 season includes a return to the Lyric Opera of Chicago to direct their season opening production of Tosca. Other productions will include Madama Butterfly for Dallas Opera, Carmen for Utah Symphony & Opera, La Bohème for Austin Lyric Opera, and Rigoletto for Lyric Opera of Kansas City.

cont’d.

TODD THOMAS AS TONIO Verdi baritone, Todd Thomas, recently earned critical acclaim in North America with roles in Falstaff with the Seattle Opera and Rigoletto with the Palm Beach Opera and Austin Lyric Opera, as Count di Luna in Il Trovatore with the Manitoba Opera and Indianapolis Opera, Amonasro in Aida with the Nashville Opera and Opera Carolina, and Iago in Otello and Renato in Un Ballo in Maschera with the Des Moines Metro Opera.

He made his Metropolitan Opera debut as Dr. Metivier in War and Peace, his New York City Opera debut as Scarpia in Tosca, and can be heard on the Naxos recording of Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors.

LEE GREGORY AS SILVIO Lee Gregory is a gifted singing actor with a beautiful, warm, and ringing baritone voice. He has a wide and varied repertoire, and is quickly becoming known for his ability to embody his characters. In 2008-09 Lee Gregory sings Maximilian in a semi-staged version of Candide with Toledo Opera, Wilhelm in Corigliano’s Ghosts of Versailles with Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, and the role of Leporello in Don Giovanni with Eugene Opera. His 2007-08 season included his debut with Opera Pacific as Schaunard in La bohème, and singing the role of Belcore in L’elisir d’amore with Opera Naples.

MARK CALVERT AS BEPPE American tenor Mark Calvert has performed to critical acclaim with numerous European opera companies, including productions with the Stadttheater Gießen, the Schlossfestspiele Heidelberg, the Theater der Stadt Heidelberg, and the Kammeroper Konstanz. Between 2006 and 2009 he was an ensemble member of the Landestheater Linz (Austria), where his repertoire ranged from baroque to contemporary opera. He made his Italian debut with the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano Giuseppe Verdi in Kurt Weill’s The Seven Deadly Sins, and more recently, he sang Vašek in The Bartered Bride with the Aargauer Symphonie Orchester in Switzerland.

extending the opera experience ALL ACCESS PREVIEW New this season, Opera Omaha will offer All Access Previews of the upcoming mainstage productions in the evenings beginning with a reception and commentary on the production followed by attending the first act “sitzprobe” or seated rehearsal. The reception and preview are held in the Orpheum Theater lobby starting at 6:00 pm, with the rehearsal beginning at 7:00 pm. The All Access Preview for Pagliacci is on Friday, October 9, 2009. Admission is free, with the option to purchase a $9 per person box dinner and beverage. FAMILY PREVIEW/DISCOUNT Resident Music Director, J. Gawf gives a family friendly overview of the opera’s storyline and characters. Held in Opera Omaha’s administrative offices at 17th & Farnam, families can park once and then walk over to the Orpheum to catch the live performance. Families can also take advantage of the Family Pack Discount - with the purchase of an adult ticket, receive a free youth ticket (13 years and younger) for the Sunday, October 18, 2009 matinee performances of Pagliacci. PRE-PERFORMANCE DINING Opera Omaha has announced Pre-Performance Dining at The Omaha Press Club. Park once at the OPPD parking garage and enjoy complimentary shuttle service to and from The Omaha Press Club at 1620 Dodge Street.

While there, dine amongst friends, enjoy the view and hear a brief opera preview.

Tickets start at $19 and are available online at operaomaha.org, or by calling Opera Omaha at 402-346-7372. Tickets are also available at the Opera Omaha Box Office at 17th and Farnam Streets and through Ticket Omaha at 402-345-0606 or ticketomaha.com.

metroMAG-59-61-STD-1009_Layout 1 9/21/09 3:44 PM Page 59

savethedate

inform • educate • inspire

October 9

October 16

October 16

“EXPRESSIONS OF HOPE” GALA A benefit for Hope Center for Kids This year’s event includes a cocktail reception and Boutique of Hope youth projects, a program featuring a performance from Q. Smith, lead performer from the Broadway show, “Mary Poppins”, and a jazz reception featuring Dave Nabity & the Higher Pursuit Band. The purpose of the gala is to raise awareness and funds for inner-city initiatives and programs.

Downtown Hilton Hotel – Omaha – 6:00 P.M. For more information call 341-HOPE x1003.

ART IN THE BAG A benefit for Leap For a Cure and Candlelighters of Omaha This event, which includes live music and hors d’oeuvres, features a silent auction of handcrafted bags, purses, and totes with dazzling beaded cancer awareness accessories. Beneficiaries are Leap For a Cure, raising funds and awareness in the fight against brain cancer, and Candlelighters of Omaha, providing support for children with cancer, their parents and siblings.

Hot Shops Art Center – Omaha – 7:00 P.M. For more information call 898-3229.

TEAMMATES TAILGATE A benefit for TeamMates Mentoring Program Warren Buffett and country music star Vince Gill will celebrate the mentors and musical influences in their lives at this terrific event. TeamMates is a schoolbased, one-to-one mentoring program that matches adult volunteers with students.

Embassy Suites – La Vista – 6:00 P.M. For more information call 323-6252.

October 10 HEARTS OF HOPE A benefit for Midwest Heart Connection The theme for this year’s event is the “Night for Little Hearts and Big Miracles” and will include a dinner, cocktails, live entertainment, and silent and oral auctions. KETV Newswatch 7 anchor Brandi Petersen will emcee, with all proceeds going to improve awareness, detection and treatment of congenital heart disease.

Holiday Inn Convention Center – Omaha For more information visit www.midwestheartconnection.com.

THE ROYAL COURT SUPPER AND CORONATION BALL A benefit for Ak-Sar-Ben Scholarship Fund In celebration of volunteerism and civic pride the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben host the Royal Court Supper and Coronation Ball. The annual Coronation Ball raises money for the Ak-Sar-Ben Youth Scholarship Fund.

This year, Ak-Sar-Ben will partner with the Horatio Alger Scholarship Program to provide 50 scholarships to deserving students from Nebraska and Western Iowa.

Qwest Center – Omaha – 5:30 P.M. For more information call 554-9600.

59

metroMAGAZINE • OCT 2009

>>>

metroMAG-59-61-STD-1009_Layout 1 9/21/09 3:44 PM Page 60

savethe October 16 TOGETHER AT THE BIG EVENT A benefit for Together, Inc. This annual luncheon benefits Together, Inc., bringing people together to celebrate and support our local community. Keynote speaker is Matt Penland, Team Chaplain for the Nebraska Football Team.

For more information call 345-8047 x206 or visit www.TogetherOmaha.org.

October 22 WINE ‘TIL NINE A benefit for the Arthritis Foundation This evening offers a silent auction, raffle, fine appetizers and music by the Chris Saub Trio. It is a wonderful opportunity for the community to get together to show support for the Arthritis Foundation’s mission to prevent, control and fight the disease.

Champions Club – Omaha – 6:00 P.M. For more information call 330-6130.

October 27 SPIRIT GIRLS NIGHT OUT – AN EVENING IN PARIS A benefit for Methodist Health System Grab your girlfriends, moms, sisters and aunts for a girls’ night out in Paris – no passport required! Enjoy great food, fun and entertainment, featuring live music by The Confidentials. This is a free event providing education on women’s health topics, including breast, heart and bone health.

Embassy Suites – La Vista – 6:00 P.M. For more information visit www.bestcare.org/paris.

October 29 “RAISE THE ROOF” GALA A benefit for Habitat for Humanity This Gala is a celebration of Habitat for Humanity of Omaha’s 25 years in the community. The event includes cocktails, dinner, and silent and oral auctions, featuring a week stay at the Villa Del Palmar in Cabo San Lucas.

Harper Center at Creighton University – Omaha – 6:00 P.M. For more information call 457-5657 x106.

November 4 GOVERNOR’S LECTURE IN THE HUMANITIES Presented by the Nebraska Humanities Council This 14th annual event will feature an evening with Matt Miller, author of the bestseller, “The Tyranny of Dead Ideas” and host of NPR’s “Left, Right, and Center”. Tickets are required for the benefit dinner prior to the public lecture, and include a reserved seat for the lecture.

Joslyn Art Museum – Omaha For more information call 474-2131 x102.

metroMAG-59-61-STD-1009_Layout 1 9/21/09 3:44 PM Page 61

date

inform • educate • inspire

November 4-5

November 12

November 20

CLARKSON SERVICE LEAGUE’S SANTA’S PREVIEW Benefitting The Nebraska Medical Center This annual Christmas boutique features unique gift items and holiday merchandise, with proceeds benefitting programs at The Nebraska Medical Center.

A luncheon is held in conjunction with shopping on the 4th, and shopping continues on the 5th.

The Nebraska Medical Center Clarkson Tower Storz Pavilion – Omaha For more information call 559-4197.

PAINT THE TOWN ORANGE 2009 A benefit for YWCA Omaha This event features keynote speaker Liz Fun, author of “Supergirls Speak Out”, who will provide insight about what we can do to help young women lead healthier, happier lives.

Scott Conference Center – Omaha – 6:00 P.M. For more information call 345-6555.

SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY: MIRACLE ON 10TH STREET A benefit for The Durham Museum The Durham Museum – Omaha For more information call 444-5071.

November 5 WICKER & WINE A benefit for Lutheran Family Services Join Lutheran Family Services for a fun evening with good friends, good food and fine wine. The silent and live auctions include fabulous themed baskets … outbid everyone for a fun gift for yourself or the perfect gift for that special someone.

Omni Centre Atrium – Council Bluffs – 5:00 P.M. For more information call 978-5678.

November 5 MILAGRO DINNER A benefit for OneWorld Community Health Centers This year is the 10th Annual Milagro Dinner, and in honor of the milestone, Dr. Patch Adams is scheduled as the evening’s keynote speaker. Patch Adams, MD, the man who inspired the movie of the same name, is a nationally known speaker on wellness, laughter, and humor, as well as on health care and health care systems.

Livestock Exchange Building – Omaha – 5:30 P.M.

November 6 COTILLION 2009 A benefit for the Opera Omaha Guild This event is the graduation dinner and celebration for Cotillion students. Cotillion provides young people with instruction and practice in courtesy, manners, formal dance, general etiquette, and character education. The program provides the opportunity for each student to mature socially.

Qwest Center – Omaha – 6:00 P.M. For more information visit www.operaomaha.org.

November 14 BEMIS CENTER ART AUCTION A benefit for the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts Join the Bemis Center in celebrating this 11th Annual Art Auction and Exhibitions at their most significant fundraiser.

Bemis Art Center – Omaha – 5:30 P.M. For more information call 341-7130 or visit www.bemiscenter.org .

November 14 2009 REFLECTION BALL benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters This year’s recipient for the annual Reflection Ball, in its 28th year, is Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands.

Embassy Suites – La Vista – 6:00 P.M. For more information call 991-8027.

LAUGH WITH THE ANGELS! A benefit for Angels Among Us Enjoy a dinner with silent and live auctions and entertainment from the fantastic comedy act, The Weisenheimers. The mission of Angels Among Us is to financially assist families with a child battling cancer living in or being treated in Nebraska.

The Georgetowne Club – Omaha – 5:30 P.M. For more information call 934-0999 x21 or visit www.myangelsamongus.org.

November 21 50TH CANDLELIGHT BALL A benefit for Bergan Mercy Auxiliary This event includes a silent auction with unique items, gourmet dinner, and dancing to the sounds of Robert Glaser and Urban Delight. Proceeds from these events will go toward the Bergan Mercy Auxiliary Education/Research Center.

Embassy Suites – La Vista For more information call 398-6199.

metroMAG-62-Horoscope-1009-Joe_layout 1 9/21/09 4:05 pM page 62

vibrations • with sue moon

hittingthetumblers...

findingthe

October is full of very interesting combinations. Now that we are freed up from September’s Mercury retrograde, the ball starts rolling again, and it’s rolling with the energy of change! For us all, it is about changing into who we really are and not just who we say we are. That goes for the work that we do. Is it right or is it just a job? There is a strong force urging us to seek fulfillment in who we are and what we do……and it will not be stilled. Count on institutions of any kind, hospitals to prisons, to be filled with unpredictable and sometimes violent outbursts! If you wish to work hard, you will be helped by Mars making a nice aspect to Saturn. And speaking of Saturn, it goes into Libra on 10/30 for a 2 ½ year stay. Saturn in Libra is about getting those relationships right, seeing what our part is, and taking responsible action. At the same time, Saturn and Pluto square off and that will push us to change some of those relationships, especially in our careers. A hard work month that will pay big dividends down the road.

combinations

www.morningstarcenter.com www.suemoon.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ aries sagittarius leo nov 22 - dec 21

MAr 21 - Apr 19

Find your nitch in home/work/career/institutions. Where do you belong? Relationships can be very rewarding this month as Saturn (tangible/structured) moves into your relationship house. The Sun is already there and when those two meet briefly you may wonder why partnerships are so difficult! But it will pass and leave you the better for it. Illusions re: any type of relationship will be removed for a clearer look and deeper understanding. The Moon is shining beautifully for you this month!

taurus

Jul 23 - AuG 22

You are thinking a lot about getting in shape whether physically or at the workplace. For the next 15 years you will be concerned with your health and work that is fulfilling for you. The New Moon in Libra on the 18th will cause you some strain in the spiritual realms but inspiring none the less. With Saturn’s help you are changing your thinking patterns and old friends may fall away as they don’t know you anymore. New ones coming in will be a better fit.

dec 22 - JAn 19

AuG 23 - sep 22

Apr 20 - MAY 20

Lots of planning and rewards in the work arena towards the end of the month. And pretty Venus, your ruler, sparkles in the area of fun all month long. A short getaway, maybe to a National Park, will bring you deep and satisfying peace. Your home is about to get a burst of energy from Mars, good time to jazz-up the place!

The lovely New Moon in Libra on the 18th will have you feeling many warm fuzzies.

gemini

MAY 21 - Jun 20

You are sometimes lost in the clouds of mental meanderings and lately that has been undergoing a transformation. Look deeper and stay grounded or you will break apart. The New Moon on the 18th asks you to find out what you really need in the areas of fun and creativity. Now that Saturn is leaving your home and moving into the house of fun, you will need to be very clear about what you really want.

cancer

Arguments do not usually solve your problems, and you have a great force in Mars this month that could cause a small accident if you aren’t mindful. The Full Moon in Aries first of the month could bring you a heated discussion with a younger person, but if you take the high road it will turn out well. Finally Pluto leaves your personality and moves into your talents.

Time to dig deep and bring up a few new ones or regenerate the old ones.

virgo

Full Moon on the 4th brings an emotional response to your regeneration. What are you holding onto that you should be letting go of? The New Moon on the 18th gives you an opportunity to restructure your finances and develop some latent talents. Your attitude towards money can use a little help and Saturn is stepping in to do that. Eek!

libra

sep 23 - ocT 22

Your personality will shine this month after a difficult September. Plant a few seeds regarding how you want to be seen by the world at the New Moon on the 18th.

Your career gets a shot in the arm this month and paves the way to manifesting more of what you desire.

Relationships could be emotional around the 4th, let them be happy emotions. You are becoming more aware each day of who you are and what you can let go of.

capricorn

The early Full Moon brings energy into your home, good time for a party! You’ve been the strong one in your relationships lately but near the end of the month that will change and you will be more concerned with renewing some part of your life. On the 18th the New Moon can bring you some career gift, but you have to ask for it. Your achievements in this life will be highly recognizable by all.

JAn 20 - feb 18

aquarius

New talents just keep popping out of you and the changes that are occurring all around you can be a little disconcerting. Hang on, it’s for your highest good.

Step up your efforts to be that great humanitarian, doing your part to heal the planet and its people.

You are about to undergo tremendous clearing of old psychic garbage-let it go, it will be much easier. feb 19 - MAr 20

pisces

Jun 21 - Jul 22

With so much activity in your home you may want to have a family gathering with an Autumn theme. You have changed many of your thoughts/philosophies so that people need to reconnect with the new you. Chiron (wounds) and Jupiter (expansion) start moving forward again at the end of the month and this will directly involve you with the healing of some family issue. Look closely and opt out for a healthier attitude all around. Your relationships will become a little burdensome if you don’t.

ocT 23 - nov 21

scorpio

Your mind is one of your best assets but it needs a little discipline this month. As fiery Mars transits your higher mind, let the wisdom of deeper thinking take you into higher realms. Stay out of ego battles.You will discover something very beautiful about who you really are this month. You have never been more powerful.

You love a good mystery and this month may well unearth a few with the help of Saturn and many other planets moving into your Mystery House. Now that Autumn is in full swing the focus will be on getting your health in shape and the work that you have been doing. There are very positive energies for healing for you towards the end of the month.

Sue Moon has been a student of astrology since 1972 and is an experienced journeyman and practitioner in a number of life enhancement disciplines.

She is locally based at Morning Star Center, 7561 Main St. Ste. 420, Ralston, NE 68127 • 402.884.0621 • info@morningstarcenter.com 62

metroMAGAZINE • OCT 2009

metromag-CVRS-1009 _Layout 1 9/15/09 5:16 Pm Page 3

• Rest

• Relax

• Rejuvenate

OFFERING UPSCALE SERVICES FOR WOMEN & MEN • Hair Services • Extensions • Nail Services • Spa Services • Spa Packages • Gentlemen’s Spa • Skin Care Services • Specialty-Advanced Skin Care • Treatments • Waxing Services • Body Services • Specialty BodyTreatments • Exfoliation Body Treatments • Wraps • Special Occasions • Cosmetic Services

• Revive Thank you Omaha for voting us the #1 Salon for 16 years!

12025 Pacific Street Omaha, Nebraska 68154 | 402.330.5660 | www.creativehairdesign.com

metromag-CVRS-1009 _Layout 1 9/15/09 5:16 Pm Page 4

alh P U B L I C A T I O N S

inform • educate • inspire P.O. Box 241611 • Omaha, NE 68124

PRST STD US POSTagE

Paid PERmiT NO. 776 Omaha, NE