metroMAGAZINE's MARCH 2013 Issue

live wires

the ladies of “ignition�

features / depaRtMents

metroMAGAZINE • The Spirit of Omaha

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cover stORy

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LIVE WIRES ican: nurturing leadership

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metrospiRit

Q&A: IMPACT! how has ican impacted you?

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32

Q&A: IGNITITON!

DEB BROCKMANN loving yourself

ican grads: what ignites you?

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MARY E. VANDENACK helping others treat you properly

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featured aRticles

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MULBERRY LANE this little light of mine

STAR CHAMBER chamber of commerce hall of fame

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EXCITING TIMES AT QLI quality living, inc.

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CREATIVE STREAK

TRENDING...

beauty • fashion • wellness tips from our local panel of experts

omaha creative intitute

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new!

Q&A: TOO MANY COOKS omaha restaurant association

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TRENDY YET TIMELESS with ming wang

38

featured events

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with pvw law

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DIGITAL DODGE np dodge world premiere

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DANCE FEVER MAGIC!

TODAYS SAVINGS with swartzbaugh, farber & associates

dancing with the omaha stars

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PLANNING MATTERS

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p u b l i c a t i O n s

There is a sense of excitement that I always feel as we transition from Winter to Spring, a “knowingness” that the process of rebirth and rejuvenation is about to begin. As we move into this new renewed state often times it means it is time to let go: let go of behaviors and habits that no longer serve us, relationships that are holding us back. Nothing stays the same, and though change can be scary, with change comes an empty canvas for us to paint the next part of our journey on – an opportunity to explore new ideas.

I believe that letting go is a natural process of life – a process that must take place in order for us to grow and evolve. I encourage others to look at where each may be feeling stuck.

Sometimes a simple declaration to be “unstuck” gets the process of becoming more free in motion, and a simple shift in our mindset allows the flood gates to open.

With the weeks leading up to March 21st, the first day of Spring, it’s my plan to embrace with love and grace the change and rebirth that is now taking place in my life... there is a lot of it... the journey continues!

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metroMagazine • MaR 2013

COVER PHOTO BY ©LAURIE AND CHARLES

cover STORY

live wires nurturing

leadership

LEANN ADKINS, ICAN | MOLLY MEISTER, CREIGHTON UNIV. STUDENT | MARY PREFONTAINE, ICAN | AMY MCLAUGHLIN, ICAN ELIZABETH KAMPSCHNIEDER, CREIGHTON UNIV. STUDENT | MARIA SANDI ESPINOZA, CREIGHTON UNIV. STUDENT

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metroMAGAZINE • MAR 2013

STORY BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ICAN

metro Magazine • The •Spirit Omaha metro MAGAZINE The of Spirit of Omaha

we're doing is allowing people “what to connect in the most meaningful ican's reach and impact continues to grow as this omaha organization engineers innovative new ways to help inspire, inform and ignite leaders

with the

Institute for Career Advancement Needs 30-plus years old now and its annual Women's Leadership Conference celebrating 20 years April 3, the not-for-profit has entered the ranks of established Omaha institutions.

ican's footprint ICAN's reputation as an effective leadership accelerator has led the organization to expand its coaching, mentoring and training into new geographic areas, including Denver, Colo. and Vancouver, British Columbia.

The organization's goal of developing inspired business leaders and equipping them with the tools to transform the communities they serve is carried out in many ways, including Defining Leadership programs.

ICAN’s biggest splash is the all-day women's conference held at the CenturyLink Center, where attendees from around the nation hear national and international thought leaders and innovators. This year's keynote speakers come from vastly different backgrounds but have in common lives and careers built around self-improvement and empowerment.

Model-turned-CEO KATHY IRELAND has become a design mogul, best-selling author and philanthropist. Muslim studies consultant DALIA MOGAHED is a White House advisor and the author of the best selling book “Who Speaks for Islam? What a Billion Muslims Really Think.”

Humanitarian TERERAI TRENT is the founder of Tinogona, which builds and repairs schools in her native rural Zimbabwe, and she's a staunch advocate for education and women's rights as empowering tools to lift people out of poverty and oppression.

More than 2,000 attendees are expected at what is one of the region's largest women's conferences. There's been a surge of partners and sponsors.

ICAN board member KATRINA BECKER says the conference gathers globally connected individuals representing a diversity of thought, behaviors and locations. Participants share a desire to grow and serve. ICAN president and

CEO MARY PREFONTAINE says her organization's leadership programs invite participants "to engage with others regardless of place or space or credentials," adding, "That's a really important principle ICAN stands on. It offers an opportunity to be engaged regardless of career level. It's more about the level of curiosity and interest to evolve one's self."

way around the things most important to them – their values, their life's purpose, their ability to succeed in their organization or career or family or community.

”

~ MARY PREFONTAINE ICAN PRESIDENT AND CEO

core values ICAN's curriculum of emotional intelligence and behavioral science is the framework that guides participants on a self-reflective journey of discovery. Prefontaine says those discoveries are enhanced when participants interact with each other.

"What we're doing is allowing people to connect in the most meaningful way around the things most important to them – their values, their life's purpose, their ability to succeed in their organization or career or family or community."

The curriculum draws on the latest neuroscience and behavioral findings.

"Science has provided us more and more tools we use in our programs that help people assess their emotional intelligence and understand where they're strong and where there are opportunities for growth. Through that we create programs where graduates can step more fully into their own wisdom to impact the results for their company, for the people they lead and for their community," says ICAN board president SCOTT FOCHT. ICAN encourages participants to share their self-inventories with their peers.

Prefontaine says, "The opportunity to have a meaningful conversation within a safe context of peers is a really unusual things for most leaders in business today."

"The curriculum really provides the structure for the dialogue to happen around the networking and the connection. The most important thing that happens is the actual dialogue," says Focht. Why? "Because you learn from that dialogue," says Becker. "You have to talk and dig deep on yourself but you also learn from other people

talking and digging deep around themselves.

There's a two-way symbiosis of learning. Our learning programs teach you how you react, what you value, what's important to you and how to become better at recognizing that in other people, "As important as it is to learn about yourself you have to learn how to pull that out in other people. For people to grow in an organization they need to build to inspire and motivate and align people around common goals and objectives. It can't be all about you. You have to know where other people are coming from.

That becomes important if you're going to take an organization to the next level because you have to help people come together to achieve those objectives."

emotional intelligence The emotional intelligence ICAN teaches strives for harmony.

"The work of ICAN gets participants to look at things from the heart and head levels," Becker says.

"Emotional intelligence is where fact and emotion come together to create something that's real and truthful," says Focht. "So let's say there's an economic issue a company is facing.

There are the facts surrounding that economic issue. There's also the emotions triggered by having to take some action. Well, there's this space where it's not just about the fact or the emotion, but where the two blend together beautifully, where you come up with the right direction to go that is a good balance between the two and that represents and respects both sides.

"When you're pursuing the most wise thing, the results are going to be optimized."

CONTINUED

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nurturing leadership

Focht says it's all about finding balance.

"If I say for example it's just and only exclusively about the bottom line there could be some downstream consequences that are more negative and far reaching than you had anticipated that actually could have a longer term negative effect on the bottom line if you don't pay attention to the emotional side. But if you just go with the emotion you might not be able to manage your way through the financial part of it."

Maximizing potential

core

values

Prefontaine shares a testimonial by a recent graduate that perfectly sums up for her what the organization seeks to do: "You hold a mirror up for me to see who I truly am and who I hope to become."

She says that sentiment is not an isolated experience but expresses "really what occurs for many if not all of our participants in these programs." She adds that many graduates tell her "that without ICAN their career and life trajectory would perhaps have been much more narrow."

Focht says ICAN has proven its worth again and again.

"Thirty years ago a conversation began because a couple of community leaders really saw a need for the leadership dialogue here to shift and to change to really become something about authenticity in leadership and moving away from some older models of leadership.

"And I think the fact the conversation has lasted for so long tells us we have the right conversation going and that is – How do we as leaders show up authentically to make a contribution to impact the communities we serve? People keep showing up and participating in the conversation. It's something people clearly want to have."

Prefontaine terms ICAN's evolution and growth, especially its recent expansion of services outside Omaha and the adoption of its programs within companies, "gratifying and exciting." She fully expects the organization to continue adding value for existing and new customers.

Focht suggests the most fundamental impact ICAN will continue making is the personal and professional transformation its graduates experience.

"I've seen people transformed in terms of not only how they're showing up at work but also how they're showing up in their families and communities and in whatever groups they're serving. It makes them more effective all-around. They understand what they can bring to the table and how they can make a contribution."

For ICAN program and conference details, visit www.icanglobal.net.

CONTINUED

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metroMAGAZINE • MAR 2013

metro Magazine • The •Spirit Omaha metro MAGAZINE The of Spirit of Omaha

emotional

intelligence

ican CONTINUED

live wires

nurturing leadership

winning

combination ICAN and Creighton Women’s Leadership Network

the power of learning, inspiration and connection have been the winning combination for ICAN for more than 30 years and now ICAN is “igniting a legacy” with young women at Creighton University through the Creighton Women’s Leadership Network (CWLN). When ICAN was approached by an insightful Creighton professor with the idea of creating a student organization to support female students in becoming confident and effective leaders ICAN was on board.

Established in the Fall of 2011, NALINI govINdArAjuLu, Ph.d., Associate Professor of Operations Management along with counterpart, jeANNe eIBeS, MPA, Accounting Instructor at Creighton, wanted to make a difference in the lives of undergraduate and graduate women by expanding their personal and professional development through shared experiences and unique learning opportunities with local business networks.

With strong support from deAN ANthoNy heNdrICKSoN, Ph.d., Dean of the College of Business, each school year Creighton School of Business faculty use a careful selection process to determine 10-12 high-potential female students. For the next one to two years, students have the opportunity to participate in professional development activities to help enhance their confidence, communication, teamwork and leadership skills.

One such activity called “Mentoring Connexion” was created in the Fall of 2012 to pair each student with a mentor from the local business community. Mentors are ICAN graduates who are leaders with experience and drive to help students succeed in their endeavors. “Mentoring the talented girls from

Creighton has been a gift. It is a way for women at different points in their lives to learn from each other” says juLIe BurreLL LILLIg, CWLN Mentor, ICAN Manager. “It fits beautifully with the work of ICAN - to develop vital, resilient and balanced leaders who are inspired to make their boldest and best contribution.”

The goal of the Creighton Women’s Leadership Network is to educate and help develop female students’ critical thinking skills, decision-making abilities and self-confidence levels in part by providing a forum to discuss issues affecting business women. Alumni of CWLN, LAurA joNeS has continued her relationship with her mentor even after graduating, “Mentoring Connexion is a valuable experience. My mentor helped me navigate through office politics and encouraged me through major career changes. Her perspective and support have been central to my development.”

The CWLN will participate in the 20th Annual ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference on April 3, 2013. Student and active member of CWLN, MoLLy MeISter, shares of her experience at the 2012 conference, "I met amazing women, had a chance to discuss important issues that affect women around the world, and most importantly, learned a lot about myself and the kind of woman I want to become. I am so grateful for the opportunity!”

The theme for 2013 is “Igniting a Legacy” – the accomplishments women have made around the world and the legacy we will leave for the next generation. “The CWLN girls are remarkable - smart, fun, beautiful and the future,” says MAry PrefoNtAINe, President & CEO of ICAN. “The world is in good hands!”

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metroMAGAZINE • MAR 2013

in “i'vetermsseenof notpeopleonlytransformed how they're showing up at work but also how they're showing up in their families and communities. it makes them more effective all-around.

”

~ SCOTT FOCHT ICAN BOARD PRESIDENT

m

metro Magazine • The •Spirit Omaha metro MAGAZINE The of Spirit of Omaha

nurturing

leadership

ican

feature STORY

IMPACT! gail deboer

susan jacques

president

president/ceo

SAC FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

BORSHEIMS FINE JEWELRY AND GIFTS

While I’ve always been a student of leadership development, it was ICAN that exposed me to the internal reflection necessary to be an effective leader. Through the ICAN programs and conferences I’ve been exposed to different philosophies, experiences and perspectives. All have made me grow and required me to evolve my leadership style. I’m thankful for the opportunities I was afforded through the ICAN programs and truly the results have changed my life.

Because of the opportunities that ICAN provided for me personally, I have encouraged many other managers within the SAC FCU organization to take advantage of these outstanding leadership development programs provided by ICAN.

ICAN has long been an institution of great value to the Omaha community. From training programs, mentoring circles and of course, the annual Conference for Women, which is an exceptional opportunity to network with fellow leaders. ICAN facilitates and fosters connections, which in turn enhances our community. Our business leaders are better for having an organization like ICAN at their fingertips. As a female CEO, I have benefited greatly from the networking that ICAN provides for me and my colleagues, especially at the Conference for Women.

leisa hillman • vice president of human resources • ORIENTAL TRADING COMPANY The great thing about ICAN is the focus on developing each person as an individual.

Typical leadership programs take a cookie cutter approach to all attendees focused on tactics for improvement. ICAN programs focus on helping each person determine what values and beliefs are most important to a person so he or she can be their most authentic self. Once you understand how to be true to yourself, you become a stronger, more natural leader in an organization and in life. The programs I have attended prepared me to meet some tough personal challenges as well as making me a stronger leader in my career. They were truly transformational experiences that will be with me forever. How many other leadership programs can say that?

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metroMAGAZINE • The Spirit of Omaha

how has ICAN IMPACTED you?

ICAN has meant a great deal to me both personally and professionally. As a board member and a graduate of their programming, I work each day to further their mission. ICAN programming is highly introspective as they focus on helping individuals lead from a place of authenticity. ICAN has helped me understand that professionally and personally to be successful, I must first and foremost be authentic and true to my whole self. The “Tonya” you meet in the professional world, is the same “Tonya” you meet in the personal world. I live one life, and ICAN has taught me to embrace that.

tonya kaminski • director, talent management • FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF OMAHA

fran marshall chief executive officer GIRL SCOUTS SPIRIT OF NEBRASKA My intimate knowledge of ICAN started with being asked to serve as the Honorary Chair of the Women’s Leadership Conference –and that led to agreeing to serve on the ICAN board and as the board chair. Being close to the organization has had a direct impact on my “view” of life, my work life, and what is important and what is not in terms of the contribution you make to the world. ICAN’s view of a person, enabled me to move from working to make a profit, (bank executive) to working to make a difference (Girl Scout CEO) something much more important and rewarding in the scheme of my life.

jacqueline a. pueppke partner BAIRD HOLM LLP Confidence. That one word sums up how ICAN has impacted my life. Participating in the ICAN Influence program and attending Women’s Leadership Conferences made me feel more confident as a young professional and taught me the importance of networking and building relationships. In 2012, I was a co-chair of the ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference, and it was a life-changing experience that took my confidence to another level and helped me find my voice as a lawyer, as a leader at Baird Holm and in the Omaha community, as a woman, as a wife, and as a mother.

metroMAGAZINE • The Spirit of Omaha

ican CONTINUED

IMPACT! sarah a. waldman

how has ICAN IMPACTED you?

margaret albertson

senior vice president, administration

operations officer 55TH FORCE SUPPORT SQUADRON, OFFUTT AFB

BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEBRASKA ICAN has had a tremendous impact on my life.

Through participation in ICAN programs, my teams are stronger and more effective, making a greater contribution to my company’s success.

ICAN has helped me understand my true self and strengthened my authentic voice, which has played a significant role in my leadership development and my personal relationships.

ICAN provides access to a network of incredible leaders who support each other and the community. I am grateful for the friendships I’ve created through my involvement with ICAN and can’t imagine life would be as rewarding and fulfilling without my ICAN experiences.

I have participated in multiple ICAN programs and have benefitted greatly from them. ICAN's focus on understanding and knowing yourself has helped me to develop as a person and a leader. What I like best about ICAN's programs is that while they focus on you, the focus is also on global citizenry and how your actions or non-actions impact the world. I am a great believer that change grows out of simple conversations between individuals. ICAN supports and facilitates growth for individuals, local and global community.

andrea l. hoig • owner/publisher • ALH PUBLICATIONS, INC. | METROMAGAZINE Life changing would be words that I would use to describe my involvement with ICAN and the impact the organization has had on my life. ICAN continues to be a source of inspiration and growth for me in both my personal and professional development.

And the connections I have made through ICAN programs have allowed me to create a network of lifelong friendships and resources. ICAN continues to encourage me to look at how I am showing up in my business and also in the world.

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metroMAGAZINE • MAR 2013

ican

feature STORY

what andrea adams

katherine dawkins

accounting area leader

operations leader

OLSSON ASSOCIATES

PRIME THERAPEUTICS, LLC

lisa kuehl director of creative services ORIENTAL TRADING

Being part of a positive and passionate team of people that care about the success of others and their organizations ignites me.

In both my professional and personal life, I am energized and inspired when I have assisted or witnessed others experience success.

When I’m part of a team that shares this energy and is working hard continuing to motivate and encourage each other along the way, I am ignited!

New discoveries are what drives me. Trying new things and learning along the way is a feeling I'll never get tired of. Testing new creative for catalog covers and layouts, trying new styles of photography and videos.

Being an ethical and positive role model for others, especially our leaders of the future. I feel a sense of accomplishment demonstrating one can be an influential leader by being their authentic self. Teaching emerging leaders to believe and live that leadership comes from within and radiates outward. Real success comes from always being true to yourself!

Testing new mediums like the recent iPad apps we created. So fun and so well received by our customers! Traveling to new destinations each year with my family. The list goes on and on. The world is full of new opportunities just waiting to be discovered!

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metroMAGAZINE • MAR 2013

adrienne fay director of marketing and advertising BORSHEIMS FINE JEWELRY AND GIFTS Working at Borsheims ignites me! We are in the business of commemorating special occasions in our customer’s lives, which is a wonderful privilege.

Working at a company that stands for integrity and has a high proportion of women in leadership positions is the cherry on top.

metroMAGAZINE • The Spirit of Omaha

nikki kinsey director of integrated marketing & creative NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION As a leader, mentor and teacher, I am ignited by the look in someone’s eyes when they finally ‘get it.’

The excitement and pride gained by seeing the successes of those you lead is immeasurable – and something that continuously drives and inspires me.

drue neisler

marylu steube

senior software development engineer

manager, mid-tier services BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEBRASKA

CSG INTERNATIONAL Making connections as the people in my life ground me, sharing love because it helps my heart soar, laughing and making others laugh because it is the best medicine; generally spreading joy and smiles where I can because that's who I want to be remembered as.

christina nihsen manager, member services PRIME THERAPEUTICS Mentoring women to be strong and confident leaders. I have one individual who sticks out to me; witnessing her growth, spark, pizazz, and confidence grow and flourish has been amazing and it ignites me to want to help more women and continue to evolve myself!

Having the privilege of watching others grow and succeed is what ignites me each day.

Through mentoring and developing others I take great pride in seeing someone accomplish something new or learn a new skill.

As a leader, my success comes from the success of those I lead and that is what makes each day a new and exciting adventure.

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you?

metroMAGAZINE • The Spirit of Omaha

ican CONTINUED

what melissa siedlik manager, human resources FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF NEBRASKA

lori turner kate cornell director, cmo ACI WORLDWIDE Teams with a passion for excellence in execution ignite me.

Having the opportunity to connect with a variety of people, which often times reaches across the company, and at times our community is what ignites me.

I love working for a company that values its customers and employees equally, respects the need for work/life balance, and encourages community involvement.

you?

academic programs associate UNMC COLLEGE OF NURSING Influencing positive change professionally and personally, and encouraging others to search for positive possibilities.

I enjoy putting information and ideas together to come up with new ways to be efficient and effective, and inspiring others to build on their own ideas to move forward.

heather craig enterprise program lead

carie whaley director of human resources BORSHEIMS FINE JEWELRY AND GIFTS Having the opportunity to be a part of the special moment’s in customers’ lives and knowing that I am a part of a great team that went the extra mile to make a customer happy.

FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF OMAHA I am ignited by helping others grow, building strong relationships and living a healthy balanced life.

Preceding are quotes from members of the ICAN Defining Leadership Fall Class of 2012

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feature stoRy

| PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GREATER OMAHA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

mogens c. bay

marshall e. faith

susan m. jacques,

chairman/ceo valmont industries, inc.

chairman of the board the scoular company

chairman president/ceo

MOGENS C. BAY, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Valmont Industries, Inc., joined the company in 1979 as Regional Vice President for Southeast Asia. In 1982, he became Vice President of Sales and later Vice President of Marketing for Valmont International and in 1986, President and General Manager of Valmont International. Four years later, Bay became President and General Manager of Valmont Irrigation. He was named president and chief executive officer of Valmont Industries, Inc. in 1993 and chairman and chief executive officer in 1997.

FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS, MARSHALL FAITH, chairman of the board for The Scoular Company, has demonstrated his commitment to Scoular through his vision, leadership and service. In 1967, he bought a majority interest in the company, then known as Scoular Bishop Grain Company, and served as chief executive officer for 23 years following the purchase. He was elected chairman of the board in 1987.

AS A CHILD GROWING UP in the British colony of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Susan Jacques was always fascinated with colorful rocks and shells.

This childhood enthusiasm paved the way for Jacques’ successful career in the jewelry industry, which includes accolades such as the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Women’s Jewelry Association and induction into the National Jeweler’s Hall of Fame in 1997—an honor held by only two other women at the time.

Bay was born in Vejle, Denmark in 1949. He earned degrees from the EAC College of International Business in Copenhagen and Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program. Prior to his work at Valmont Industries, Bay managed the East Asiatic Company’s office in Beijing. During his first three years, Bay was the only businessman from the western world living permanently in China.

Bay is active throughout the business and civic community. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of ConAgra Foods, Inc., Peter Kiewit Sons’, Inc., Creighton University, Heritage Services, the Omaha Zoological Society, the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute, The Nebraska Medical Center and Lauritzen Gardens. He is Chairman of the Robert B. Daugherty Charitable Foundation and Trustee of the Peter Kiewit Foundation, and serves on the STRATCOM Consultation Committee. He is also a member of the Chief Executives Organization.

Bay and his wife Cindy have a daughter and three grandsons and live in Omaha, Nebraska.

Under Faith’s leadership, The Scoular Company grew from a three-grain elevator operation to the fourth largest grain warehousing company in the U.S., with 75 facilities in eight states.

Faith earned a B.S. in Milling Administration from Kansas State University and began his career in the grain industry with Pillsbury in 1951. He later joined Bartlett & Grain Company in 1962 as vice president.

In addition to four decades of commitment to The Scoular Company, Faith has served in a leadership capacity for numerous industry, educational, and civic organizations, including the Nebraska Leadership Council, Inc., the Strategic Air Command Consultation Committee, the National Grain and Feed Association, the Aksarben Board of Governors, the Aksarben Agriculture Committee, the Boy Scouts Advisory Board, Nebraska Methodist Hospital, Clarkson Hospital, the Joslyn Art Museum, the Salvation Army, the United Way Board of Directors, and Youth for Christ.

Faith and his wife Mona have four grown children and reside in Omaha, Nebraska, and Naples, Florida.

G.G., F.G.A.

borsheims fine jewelry and gifts

Jacques began her career in 1978 when she accepted a position at Scottish Jewelers in Rhodesia, the country’s largest manufacturer and jewelry retailer, earning her Graduate Gemologist diploma from the Gemological Institute of America and became a Fellow of the Gemological Association of Great Britain after graduating with distinction and receiving the Raynor Diploma prize for most outstanding student worldwide in 1982.

In that same year, Jacques began her distinguished tenure at Borsheims as an appraiser and sales associate. In 1986, she was promoted to manager and buyer. She became Senior Vice President in 1991 and was appointed President by Berkshire Hathaway Chairman Warren Buffet in 1994.

Jacques is active in trade organizations, including the Gemological Institute of America, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee and Jewelers for Children.

She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Creighton University and is a member of the Young President’s Organization. She resides in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband, Gene Dunn, and their three sons.

2013 omaha chamber of commerce business hall of fame inductees

star chamber 22

metroMagazine • MaR 2013

chamber of commerce hall of fame william m. thiesen

james r. young

chairman of the board restauranter

chairman, union pacific corporation

WILLIAM M. “WILLY” THIESEN has been in the restaurant business since 1973, when he opened up his first Godfather’s Pizza in Omaha, Nebraska using a Small Business Administration loan and the financial assistance of a loan officer and trusted friend. By 1975, Thiesen sold his first franchise unit and by 1979, Godfather’s Pizza became the fastest growing restaurant chain in the country.

JAMES R.YOUNG began his railroad career with Union Pacific in 1978. Currently serving as chairman of Union Pacific Corporation, a position to which he was elected in 2007, Young held a variety of management positions during his tenure with the company. He was named vice president of customer service planning and quality in 1997, senior vice president and corporate treasurer of Union Pacific Corporation in 1998, and chief financial officer of Union Pacific Corporation in December 1999.

In 1983, Thiesen resigned as chairman and chief executive officer of the company and went on to lead other successful franchises, including GB Foods Corporation, of which he purchased the controlling interest in 1992, and his own Barbecue Ventures, LLC in 2000, which operated the first-of-its-kind barbecue franchise Famous Dave’s. Thiesen sold Famous Dave’s in 2008, and today leads Pitch Coal Fire Pizzeria, a contemporary pizza franchise with one unit in Omaha.

Thiesen was inducted into the Omaha Restaurant Association’s Hospitality Hall of Fame in October of 2002. He is a recipient of the City of Hope’s “Spirit of Life” award and served on the Creighton University Board of Directors. He was a member of the Omaha Airport Authority from 1981 to 1987 and 1992 to 1997, where he was influential in securing additional airline carriers to Omaha, including America West (now US Airways) and Southwest Airlines, and played a key role in arranging for the expansion of airline facilities. In early 2012, Thiesen was appointed to the Metropolitan Entertainment Convention Authority, where has served on the board since May of 2012.

In 2004, Young became president and chief operating officer of Union Pacific Railroad and in 2005 he was elected to be a director of Union Pacific Corporation. He served as president and chief executive officer of the company from November 2005 until March 2012.

MOGENS BAY

MARSHALL FAITH

SUSAN JACQUES

WILLIAM THIESEN

A graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Young is a member and past chairman of the board for both the Association of American Railroads and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. He is also on the boards of the FXE Railroad in Mexico, The University of Nebraska Medical Center, and Creighton University.

Young married his wife Shirley in 1976. Together, they raised three children in the Ralston School District, participating in youth sports and church activities over the years. In addition to their three children, the couple has two grandchildren. m

JAMES YOUNG

metroMagazine • The Spirit of Omaha

STORY BY BRETT HOOGEVEEN | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF QUALITY LIVIING, INC.

health & WELLNESS

exciting times at there is quite a bit going on these days at one of omaha’s most specialized and nationally relevant health care providers. when you drive along sorensen parkway, just east of 72nd street, you may have noticed the sprawling array of red brick buildings to your south on an impressive 60-acre campus – a specialized health care provider called QLI.

looking at QLI’s picturesque campus and manicured grounds from a distance, you don’t realize how much activity, innovation, and plain old hard work is taking place behind those walls on a daily basis. Each day QLI’s more than 350 staff members are working tirelessly to help individuals who have suffered major injuries – brain injuries or spinal cord injuries – to put their lives back together.

Over the last 25 years, QLI – a successful Omaha nonprofit organization – has been a constant innovator and has grown to become the largest specialized center of its kind in the nation. When you ask QLI staff what is on the horizon for their company, they are quick to tell you that this impressive organization has no intentions of slowing down any time soon.

“We are at a very exciting time right now in the growth and history of QLI,” says QLI PresIdent & CeO PatrICIa Kearns. “I don’t believe we’ve ever had a time when we have had more opportunities for growth or when we have been in a stronger business position. We are currently undergoing an exciting expansion to our facilities; we are in the early stages of a significant development effort; we are looking at the possibility of expanding into new service areas; the talent in our organization has never been deeper; the quality of the services we are delivering has never been higher; and our national reputation is growing stronger every day.”

It is an exiting time at QLI indeed. The $4 million expansion currently underway will add 13 private rooms onto QLI’s Summit long-term care program, bringing the total capacity for that program from 60 to 73. The Summit dining room is also being dramatically expanded into a 4,000 square foot vaulted space which makes a striking impression upon entering QLI’s long-term care campus off of Sorensen Parkway.

a national Presence The expansion of QLI’s Summit comes in response to ever-increasing demand for QLI’s extremely unique services. QLI has seen its number of admissions increase nearly 20% annually for the last three years, and prospective clients are seeking out QLI’s services from farther and farther away each year. In just the 24

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previous two years, QLI has admitted clientele from 25 different states, primarily across the central and western United States.

“We are really experiencing a boom in our national reputation,” says dIreCtOr Of MarKetIng KrIstIn Custer. “We have had strong demand for our services for well over a decade from all of Nebraska’s bordering states, but over the last few years, the word about QLI has spread nation wide. It has been both exciting and rewarding to see that people from all across the country are recognizing what a tremendous opportunity QLI’s programs can be.” the suMMIt PrOgraM mentioned above is just one of three major components that make up QLI’s expansive campus. On the same grounds are 52 assisted living apartments, designed for younger clientele who may require some amount of physical and/or cognitive support to live as independent and fulfilling lives as possible, as well as QLI’s most wellknown service – its highly specialized Tri-Dimensional Rehabilitation® program.

QLI’s unique and impressive long-term living options are in great demand and an impressive draw in themselves; however, admissions to those programs – the Summit and assisted living apartments – make up less than 10% of new admissions to QLI every year. The most prominent and frequently accessed service at QLI is its 54-bed trI-dIMensIOnaL rehabILItatIOn® program. This specialized post-hospital rehabilitation program is designed to assist clients with the complex process of rebuilding their lives after a traumatic brain injury, stroke, or spinal cord injury.

Clients typically come to QLI 2-3 months after suffering an injury, when they have progressed medically to the point that they no longer need the structured care and supervision provided in a hospital setting. They come to QLI when they are ready and able to participate in an intensive, real-world rehabilitation program that is designed to get them back to doing those things that they value most in life. For some clients that may mean returning to work, school, or returning home with the skills necessary to live an independent and fulfilling life.

Each of QLI’s clients brings with them a unique life script: the set of interests, experiences, and personal history that makes every human being truly an individual. One of the most amazing things about QLI’s TriDimensional Rehabilitation® program is that every client’s program is truly customized around their unique life path and goals.

Statements such as this are easy to make for rehabilitation providers, to the point that words like “customized” and “individualized” have become ubiquitous in the industry. But after spending any amount of time at QLI, it is readily apparent that their individualized programs are the real deal.

future developments QLI is in the early stages of a significant development effort that will ensure that it has the resources to continue to build upon its tremendous reputation as a national center of excellence and to provide services to even greater numbers of individuals in the future.

After the expansion of the Summit is completed this spring, QLI is hoping its next significant construction project will be the development of convenient, on-campus housing for families of QLI clients. As more and more families are making the decision to travel multiple states away to Omaha for rehabilitation services, accommodating those families in lodging where they can be involved and connected with the rehabilitation process is becoming a growing challenge.

In the interest of promoting their long-term development efforts, QLI has made a unique mark on the nonprofit fundraising scene in Omaha as well. QLI holds two regular fundraising events: their annual QLI gOLf ChaLLenge in the early fall and their biennial an evenIng at the faIr event. “The Fair,” as it is often called, has gained in popularity and attendance each of the four times it has been held, attracting almost 800 attendees during the most recent Fair in 2012 at the CenturyLink Center. The event puts a new age twist on an old-fashioned county fair. Fairgoers are met with an evening of unlimited food, drink, and fun for the price of admission.

To find out more about QLI or any of QLI’s events, please visit www.QLIomaha.com or contact QLI at (402) 573-3700. m

rObbIe strOng, dIreCtOr Of exeCutIve OPeratIOns and a lead contributor to QLI’s

ongoing development efforts, talked about QLI’s current capital campaign saying, “We are in the early stages of some exciting plans. The recent Summit expansion and the possibility of adding family housing will be major physical improvements to our campus. But with the uncertainty presented by the national health care reform process, we are also looking into ways to ensure that we are able to cement the terrific legacy QLI has built and that we also have access to the resources necessary to propel QLI forward into an opportunity-rich future.”

“wetimearerightat anowveryinexciting the growth and history of QLI. “

~ PATRICIA KEARNS, QLI PRESIDENT/CEO

STORY BY KIM FORTSON | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF OMAHA CREATIVE INSTITUTE

non profit AWARENESS

streak

omaha creative institute

in 2008, a small but dedicated coalition came together with a common goal: to expand omaha’s art scene. initially operating out of a dining room, the non-profit organization, omaha creative institute (oci), offered creative workshops to the public, gaining interest and sparking curiosity. today, oci’s influence is not only viable; it’s visible. through community projects, artist support, workshops that span from glassblowing to ukulele lessons and a thriving network of collaborators, oci is making a vibrant mark on the city’s canvas.

“when i grew up, omaha basically had movie theaters,dentists and a couple of restaurants.”

Thus Recalls Susan Thomas, OCI’s Like Chalk on Sidewalk “We try to reinforce the ability to be enthusiastic executive director. The Decatur, Nebraska native left home for college at age creative at any point,” Thomas said. At its seventeen and swore she would never return. most basic level, this belief manifests in the bags of sidewalk chalk the non-profit hands But after living outside of the Midwest for out to children lining city parades. “Instead thirty years– the majority of which were of giving candy… we say ‘you know, create spent in New York City– Thomas and her something right here.’” husband decided they wanted to raise their The bulk of OCI’s work takes on a richer children in Omaha. nuance. Back when the organization was “Our kids were beginning to go to private run from Thomas’s dining room table, art classes called “Come Create It Workshops” school in New York and we lived in a fancy comprised the heart of OCI’s work. apartment on Central Park West and I Customers signed up online and arrived thought, ‘you know, we’re going to have to at Thomas’s home to learn from skilled continue working like maniacs to sustain artists, leaving with mementos– tangible or this,’” Thomas said. intangible– of their creations. Artists were In the summer of 2003, Thomas returned exposed to new appreciators and paid for to her roots determined to find an art scene their time. in the burgeoning metropolitan area.

“A lot of times artists are asked to donate “I was thrilled that the Omaha Performing their time and donate their work… what we try to do is make sure that they are paid Arts Center was being built because to me, fully and have broader opportunities,” that was hopeful,” Thomas said.

Thomas said.

Eventually, it was her marketing job at Today, participants can tap into their Alegent Health and her ensuing work on creativity from the fiery forges of “The O! Public Art Project” that connected her blacksmithing or through the shouting of with local artists and executives at The poetry on the sidewalks. Many classes are Bemis Center for Performing Arts and held in OCI’s offices within Alley Poyner brought her into a dynamic arts community. Macchietto Architecture (the non-profit is Now, Thomas dedicates her work to bringing part of the architecture firm’s group of “Creative Collaborators” that lease offices local artists to new audiences.

26

from its workspace in the Tip Top building) and Creighton University classrooms. And as long as there is a breaking down of boundaries and a departure from the norm, OCI has accomplished its goals.

“Here’s what [art] does: it helps people believe they can try anything and it opens their minds; it makes them more willing to take risks… and more open to people that think differently than they do,” Thomas said.

Down To Business OCI’s welcoming environment is ideal for fostering unity in the workforce. In addition to its personal Come Create It Workshops, the organization offers team building events that encourage large corporations to let loose and explore creativity. As a former Wall Street executive, Thomas found art helped her escape pressure at work. “[People] don’t want to take risks at work because failures are punished, so here you could fail or not be the best artist, and it’s really O.K.,” Thomas said.

Team building signifies a company’s openness to new ideas and strengthens ties between co-workers while simultaneously fulfilling OCI’s broader mission.

“A lot of times– and coming from a business background, I can say this with certainty– a lot of people in business…don’t have the knowledge about

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what [art] does: it helps people “here’s believe they can try anything and it opens their minds; it makes them more willing to take risks… and more open to people that think differently than they do.” ~ SUSAN THOMAS, OCI EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

artistic endeavors, therefore they’re not very interested in them because they’ve never experienced [art],” Thomas said. “We give the opportunity for people to experience it, in pretty simple ways.”

Serving The Community If the heart of OCI’s mission is drawing attention to Omaha’s talented artists, the soul of it is accessibility. In collaborating with members of the community, OCI has brought new artistic opportunities to the metropolitan area.

Last summer, OCI worked with Omaha’s Metro bus system in conjunction with the Conversation of Humanities Council and the Nebraska Arts Council to create “Conversations On A Bus”– a collection of photographs and stories of its passengers.

It worked with a group of mothers from Elkhorn to bring summer arts classes to Elkhorn Common Ground, and it continues to collaborate with schools and organizations, such as the North Downtown Alliance, around the city.

“We’ve become sort of this boiling cauldron of the arts,” laughs Thomas.

This year, OCI will bring the global arts project “Play Me, I’m Yours,” to Omaha. The project, founded by British artist Luke Jerram in 2007, puts colorful, artistdecorated pianos in public spaces for passers-by to play. Thomas emphasizes that these kinds of endeavors are not exclusive to the Omaha downtown area.

“Where we really distinguish ourselves compared to some other non-profit arts organizations is our recognition that this… or ideally, the expansion of the arts, goes further East, West, North and South,” Thomas said.

Each initiative forms the fabric of a purpose that transcends even OCI’s mission.

“It’s building an audience and making the art accessible and helping artists be able to show their work to people that might never see it. Humanity is bridged by art,” Thomas said. m

feature STORy an omaha restaurant association event made up of chefs who donate their time and talents to prepare a 5 to 6 course meal with wine pairings for 10 guests returns sunday march 24th at hilton omaha. neither the guests nor the chefs know who will be matched with whom until cocktail hour. the chef then greets his group, and wines and dines them for the rest of the evening. proceeds from this event go to fight hunger and provide for culinary scholarships.

john rea

victor cabriales

m’s pub what is the most unusual request that you have had as a chef?

I once had a person ask if I could “uncook some rice and take the butter out”. It was the way they phrased it that was bizarre.

bellevue medical center

michael rhoades sodexo •

sponsored by blue cross blue shield of nebraska

what is your favorite meal to if you could have a restaurant prepare? to eat? anywhere in the world, where A tie between veal cheeks and would it be? what would it be donuts. I enjoy making and eating both very much. Hard to beat a called? what would be your veal cheek right out of the signature dish? braising liquid or a perfect chocolate iced cake donut, fried not baked of course. Oh, and the blueberry-maple-bacon cupcakes that my fiance, Katie makes.

Omaha, in the Dundee area, called SLO, and specializing in slow cook and braised items.

if you could pick one person in the world to cook for, what is your most who would it be? memorable dining experience? My son: he is adventurous and cooking experience? appreciates good food.

I did a stage at L’Auberge Carmel in Carmel, California. It was an incredible experience. Top notch food, beautiful kitchen and everybody was extremely pleasant.

On my last night I had dinner, it was amazing– the first time I had ever had veal cheeks or fresh truffles.

what do you most treasure about the life you’ve chosen? most regret?

I’m able to create something different each and every day and belong to a strong group of peers.

I regret missing my children’s events earlier in my career.

if you could have a restaurant anywhere in the world, where would it be? what would it be called? what would be your signature dish?

It would be off the Texas coast.

I would name it Tres Cabriales Generaciones (Generations).

The cuisine would be Upscale Tex-Mex.

what is your favorite meal to prepare? to eat?

The list could on and on. To be specific I love using Rack of Lamb as my entrée. I love to eat raw seafood and of course beef filet.

In your opinion, how many cooks in the kitchen are actually too many, and why?

This would largely depend on the size of the kitchen. I have worked in places 3 cooks was way too many cooks. On the other hand I have been in kitchens where we have had 5 cooks on the line at once working. So both sizes of kitchen are fun as long as it is organized.

too many 28

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jeff snow

catering creations what is the most unusual request that you have had as a chef?

I was asked to make a custom meal including the Classic Polish Soup “Czerny”. In English, this is called Duck Blood Soup and is made with about 2 cups of Fresh Duck Blood and Broth. The client brought me a live Duck to get the “Fresh” Duck Blood. Quite an interesting day for me and a not so happy day for the Duck.

what is your favorite meal to prepare? to eat?

My favorite meal to prepare is Thanksgiving Dinner. I prepare a Bacon Sage Turkey and all the fixings. Even though I’m still cooking, it is a great day off.

Great smells fill the house starting early in the morning. I laugh as I prepare and taste items with my kids and wife as we wait for our extended family to arrive. Being surrounded by family, good home-style food and laughter means this is also my favorite meal to eat.

what is your most memorable dining experience?

I had the pleasure of eating at the French Laundry last year in yountville, CA. It was like trying to win a radio contest to set up the reservation. We called repeatedly for days trying to get through, but were only met with a busy signal.

When an actual voice answered, we practically forgot what to say! My wife and I enjoyed an amazing 14 course 3 hour lunch with 2 of our close friends. We had wine pairings suggested by the Sommelier who happened to be a recently relocated Omaha native whose father was good friends with our dining partners.

Combined with Wine Country Scenery and lots of laughter, it was a great day.

abdullah tim methanes galligher ryan’s bistro sodexo •

if you could have a restaurant anywhere in the world, where would it be? what would it be called? what would be your signature dish?

If time and money was no barrier I would open a restaurant with a concept similar to Grant Achras, Next in Chicago, but instead of just changing the theme of the restaurant every few months I would also change the location.

Offering different cuisines using fresh foods from various world regions and countries would be an incredible challenge and opportunity. The opportunity to live and share the cultures in regions from Paris to Tokyo, Shanghai to Caracas would enrich my life experience and allow me to learn while sharing my passion for quality fresh food.

if you could pick one person in the world to cook for, who would it be?

My family, but especially my father. He was my inspiration to become a chef. My father was a chef for the French military and his passion and creativity helped shape my vision in the kitchen. I would love to share with him what I have learned since he left this world. Most importantly, I would love just to hear his voice and thank him again for all he has given me in my life.

sponsored by blue cross blue shield of nebraska

if you could pick one person in the world to cook for, who would it be?

I would love to cook for my late grandmother she passed away recently and I’d love to give her some of the foods of her childhood. Food has always brought my family together and the ability to share it with her again would mean a lot to me.

what is your favorite meal to prepare? to eat?

To cook: anything my 6 year old daughter will eat, as she is a very picked eater and new foods easily scare her away from the table.

To eat: sushi at home with my wife and 10 year old son, he’s very open to new and unusual foods and I love to experiment with sushi.

who is your personal role model and why?

My mother has been in the culinary field as long as I can remember– her work ethic, service skills and over all passion for what she does bring inspiration to me daily. This is a tough field. Day in and day out for over 30 years she has proudly and constantly brought a smile to all she encounters, and I commend her for that.

cooks

too many cooks in the kitchen COnTInUED

kimbler harrold

bobby mekiney

liberty tavern in your opinion, how many cooks in the kitchen are actually too many, and why?

A bunch of cooks not willing to work together to produce a great dining experience. Too many of us can be overconfident, unwilling to learn, or not willing to let others show their skills. So any number of them can be too many.

As long as everyone has a specific job, loves what they do and can execute well in position, the numbers could be fun. Just like the Too Many Cooks event.

vivace

cedric fichepain le voltaire

if you could have a restaurant anywhere in the world, where would it be? what would it be called? what would be your signature dish?

Anywhere on a warn beach with fine white sand. I would love to cook only fish on a barbecue under an open shack facing the sea in my swimsuit and no shoes; My wife and I had an awesome with a cold beer next to me. anniversary dinner at Spencer’s I would call it No Worries.

Steaks and Chops. We both are The signature dish would be: picky eaters, my wife more so that I. “Catch of the Day”.

We had dinner there and the great Chef Glenn Wheeler personalized what is your favorite meal to the menu, came out to talk to us and made sure we had a blast even prepare? to eat?

I love to prepare fish and with our tricky dining requests. especially monkfish. This fish is My wife ate food by Chef Glenn very versatile, you can bake it, that she never had, and enjoyed it. sautee it, steam it, poach it, grill it This is quite the milestone. We and more. The flavors are subtle even went back for her college and the meat is delicate. I love to graduation per her demands. eat Indian food and its amazing mix of spices. what do you most treasure

what is your most memorable dining experience? cooking experience?

about the life you’ve chosen? most regret?

I really enjoy cooking and entertaining the guests who visit our restaurant. I’m grateful to give joy to others and provide for my family and to mentor young chefs.

My regret is that I miss time with family. The culinary world and hours are very demanding and you can’t spend enough time with the ones you care for. So we really have a lot of making up to do but we bring our loved ones in when ever and where ever we can– often cooking alongside us.

what is your most memorable dining experience? cooking experience?

An appetizer dish I had in Paris at Le Gamin de Paris. It was warm goat cheese on toast, served over salad with a fresh fig reduction and roasted almonds. Simple but amazing! My most memorable cooking experience happened when all my team from Le Voltaire cooked for my parents and family in France as a thank you. It was great to showcase my Omaha eatery to my relatives.

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what is your most memorable dining experience? cooking experience?

My most memorable dining experience would be eating fourteen courses in Charlie Trotter’s kitchen with my now wife and two great friends. I was fresh out of culinary school and had been following Chef Trotter’s television shows, cookbooks and new articles. He has been a significant role model for me in my aspirations.

what do you most treasure about the life you’ve chosen? most regret?

The thing I most treasure about the life I have chosen is the people around me that I get to live it with. My family, friends, church and people I work with are all so supportive of the passion I have for the food business. I don’t have any regrets really. Everything I have been through has made me who I am, good and bad.

I wish I had more time and resources to travel and eat with my wife. I think experiencing other chef’s cuisine and culture is such a major source of inspiration.

Also participating:

jennifer coco

j. coco

joel mahr lot 2

restaurant and wine bar

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metroMAGAZINE • The Spirit of Omaha

enzo zurlo

zurlo’s bistro italiano if you could have a restaurant anywhere in the world, where would it be? what would it be called? what would be your signature dish?

I would open in the small town where my father was born in Cercemaggiore, Italy, a small village in Molise, Italy. Id like to build a house with different rooms with tables and bars and call it La Mia Casa Trattoria, the signature dish would differ depending on the season being that we have 4 seasons there and weather and climate change frequently, but it would most definitely be local, the resources are so incredible!

what is your most memorable dining experience? cooking experience?

Has to be in Vegas, Bobby Flays place, La Mesa! My brother in law and I were there for a bachelor party and stayed an extra day, we decided to hit the casino and won big on the blackjack table.

We go to dinner before our flight and while we’re eating, Bobby Flay himself and the pit boss (from our blackjack table) approached our table, introduced themselves, bought a very nice bottle of wine and our dinner for us and after we were done had a limo waiting for us to take us to the airport. Unexpected and surreal, food and service were great and hospitality as well!

As far as cooking experience its a a fund raiser competition “Zest for Life”. you never know how difficult it is to be in one of those events until you actually do it! I absorbed a lot of knowledge, experience and training and was flattered to compete with three other top chefs in town, a win/win situation!

glenn wheeler

spencer’s for steak & chops if you could pick one person in the world to cook for, who would it be?

Thomas Keller because he is considered to be one of the greatest chef’s in the world and cooking for him would be one of my greatest challenges.

who is your professional role model and why?

Chef Rick Trimont , because he comes from very humble beginnings and worked very hard to make it to the upper tier of culinary professionals in the US. His culinary knowledge and spirituality is inspirational.

who is your personal role model and why?

My mother: she passed away last year and as I reflect on my life, I realize that she impacted me the most by instilling in me a very hard work ethic and drive and determination.

what do you most treasure about the life you’ve chosen? most regret?

What I treasure the most is making people happy with my food and the people I meet and places I go. The downside to this profession is that I missed out on most of my children’s growing up years and miss out on a lot of family and friend gatherings because of commitment to work.

terry mason

twisted fork

if you could have a restaurant anywhere in the world, where would it be? what would it be called? what would be your signature dish?

It would be in St. Lucia in the Caribbean, I would call it Sweet Plantain. My signature dish: Jerk Caribbean Red Snapper with mango chutney, sweet plantain puree, pea and rice.

what is your favorite meal to prepare? to eat?

Seafood, I grew up on the Atlantic coast. I love Caribbean home cooking, chicken curry, steamed fish, etc.

what do you most treasure about the life you’ve chosen? most regret?

Meeting and cooking for famous people. Cooking in Washington D.C. offers a chance to meet a lot of famous people, so being a chef in a big city can be like being a rock star.

I most regret always working on holidays and weekends.

what is your most memorable dining experience? cooking experience?

Going to the Jean Louis Palladin Restaurant at Watergate in D.C. Showing my family that I can cook, that all those stories about cooking for a living were real.

too many cooks

by deb brockmann

love yourself

Bring Your Happy Home

it’s not just for weirdos anymore...

Deb Brockmann – Intuitive 402.290.4754 info@debbrockmann.com debbrockmann.com

We hear it all the time and in many different Ways, “love yourself first.”

While this is a great concept and We all feel this to be beneficial, most of us grapple With the “hoW”. hoW do We truly love ourselves? What does that “look like”?

Get Your Intuition On It’s January. the gyms will be with full. diet programs will Events! enroll many new members.

Deb’s

Setting Personal Boundaries. this is one of the biggest gifts we can possibly give ourselves. take time today to take a long hard look at your life. Where are you “overgiving”? What events or projects exhaust you and do not give a shot of energy into your life? When you see where you’re being depleted it’s time to set strong personal boundaries.

the standard new year’s resolutions losing weight, gettingyour fit, finding a new job, Do include you want to open finishing the old household projects, and resolving relationships. intuition,learn how to manifest the youyears dream of for or2013. justmake be a part of consider a different approach tolife your new resolutions some intuitive resolutions to shake things up onaa supportive different level. instead of focusingcommunity? on weight loss, debbrockmann.com/events.html or scan focusVisit on some actions and changes that might result in weight loss. this instead of focusing on QR Code to view all offocus Deb’s upcoming Omaha! improving a particular relationship, on changes you canevents make thatincan result in improving many relationships.

say “no” more and without the guilt that so often comes on its tail. resolve to cut out events and projects that no longer serve you and your family. create a short list of criteria that a new event or project must meet before you will accept a role within it.

Book Your One-On-One SOME POSSIBLE “RENEWAL”Session RESOLUTIONS with Deb!

Weeding Your Friend Garden. do you find yourself rolling your eyes when sally calls? but then you continue to answer and listen to her ramble on about the drama in her life? most of us can relate to this on some level with regards to friendships and acquaintances. be honest and really ask yourself if this friendship has run its course.

Dec 1st, 2013, Deb retires from Change your patterns. change the order in which you do things when you get up in the individual sessions and moves into morning. instead of brushing your teeth first, take your shower. many of us have an group sessions, authorship and all unshakeable morning routine. routines aremass part of patterns. if we want to change patterns, things teaching. change routines. this will help break mental patterns. you will you have Visit debbrockmann.com/sessions.html or notice scan things this code tobeen missing – about yourself, about your surroundings, about others. drive a different route to learn more about and set up your session today! work. stop at a different coffee store. try a new drink.

Subtract at least one thing from your weekly schedule and replace it with a “refill”. our lives are full With technology, we are alwaysNew connected.

We have friends, Life ofandabusy.Psychic - Deb’s Blog! spouses, children, extended family, jobs, community commitments, and endless activities.

You’ll laugh, cry and learn when reading the very We spend a lot of our time turned on and using energy. review your commitments and open and honest stories Deb shares in her newest obligations. find just one thing that you can eliminate. replace it with something that refills venture – her blog. Visit debbrockmann.com to read you – a massage, tea with a friend, an hour at the bookstore, or whatever it is that helps you about Deb’s most intimate psychic stories today! to replenish and recharge. schedule that hour in your calendar now for the whole year.

MakeGet some FIRST new connections seekingat out those who have what you want. look around Crack and notice who is keeping weight off despite a crazy lifestyle. notice who has positive Specials relationships and a greatand outlook New despite lifeEvents! challenges. notice whose career path is moving Deb on facebook today! in theLike right direction or who has successfully transitioned to retirement. find some time to Gothose towho www.facebook.com/iawakenyou. include are succeeding at the things that you would like to have in your life.

When you are surrounded by others who are committed to health and happiness, you have a builtTweet in support system healthier lifestyle. andfor abe Tweeted! on twitter @debbrockmann GiveFollow a piece ofDeb your heart rather than atoday: piece of your mind on a regular basis. anger perpetuates anger and fosters resentment. encouragement creates positive shifts. it is easy to be compassionate to someone who has cancer. it is more challenging, but more important, to be kind to those whose wounds are reflected in behavior that you see as Words negative. rememberto thatLive your wordsBy: and treatment of others are likely to be passed on.

When you encourage someone, you lift theireven heart andincreate opportunity for an energy “Ask for what you want, thetheface of losing shift.what in 2013,you supporthave.” positive shifts. encourage. lighten hearts.

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if you find yourself thinking that you’re being a “good person” by allowing these types of friendships, consider the following. if you’re giving time but not heart to someone, you’re actually taking energy from them. you’re taking up the space and time that could be filled by someone who really enjoys them and is excited when they call. so if you’re stuck in the, “oh it’s terrible when people cut others out of their lives,” don’t be. people who consciously choose who they spend time with, love themselves more fully and are better friends to the people they’ve chosen. give yourself the love and permission to spend your time with those who can give and you can reciprocate; love, appreciation and healthy challenge. you deserve it.

Do What’s Best for You. even in the face of seeming selfishness, you must always do what’s best for you. this is not a selfish act, it’s necessary for self-love and happiness. if you have a family, what’s best for you will include your them. your company that you run will benefit from doing what’s best for you, as they are an extension of you. again, this is not a selfish act, but best for all.

Push Back. When you finally decide to love yourself and create a world that is best for you, you will receive “push back”. this resistance may come from within you and it may come from those around you. persevere. do not go back to old habits of over-giving. the gift of self-love is a gift that isn’t apparent right away. give yourself and others time to find the new normal. You’ll love yourself for it.

The Happiness Chick Deb Brockmann - Intuitive debbrockmann.com

metroMagazIne • MaR 2013

metroMagazIne • The Spirit of Omaha

helping others help you making positive changes

by mary e. vandenack

• “May you always be pleased with freedom, both inside and outside of yourself!”

• “We should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once.” you fall in love with yourself, you begin to feel the positive • “When self-esteem that comes when we don’t deflate ourselves.” ~ BARBARA BECKER HOLSTEIN FROM “FOUR GATEWAYS TO HAPPINESS” imagine What a day might be like if everything said to you in that day Was sincerely positive, encouraging or uplifting. What Would you feel like at the end of that day? imagine What the World might be like this Was everyone’s experience all day on a regular basis. all too often, our experience is exactly the opposite. others blame us for their issues. We might do something similar to others in our day.

Recognize your own truth. sometimes those who hurt us do so intentionally. others are simply abusive. it is best to avoid those who are abusive or intentionally hurt us. often however, we are hurt by those who care about us and who are part of our daily lives. typically, we can improve those situations with conscious awareness of the effects of the words of others on us and our words on others.

this little light

of mine...

by “mulberry lane”

“ We have more possibilities available in each moment than we realize.” ~ THICH NHAT HANH

do you remember the lesson you learned in church school or sunday school? “this little light of mine, i’m gonna let it shine.” if your class Was anything like most, your teacher encouraged you to sing it out – and sing it loud! somehow, you must have believed that the louder you sang, the brighter your light would shine. so, perhaps, in your abandoned enthusiasm, you sang it out to the rafters, wanting to outshine that little boy or little girl standing next to you - like the rambunctious preschooler you were.

Fast-forward several years and several lessons. “it only takes a spark…” are the first words of a song that begins the ceremony. you are now one of twenty-nine college girls standing in a circle holding candles. you spot the insecure glances of other brand new freshmen, unsure if it’s really cool to be singing a sentimental song in a sorority living room with a bunch of girls. but then you see the confident glow of a nearly graduated senior. she lights her candle first – with poised certainty - and turns to the girl standing next to her, smiles, and passes it on. her belief in the ritual catches fire along with the flame. slowly one by one each girl lights the candle next to hers and soon you are illuminated in a band of sorority friendship and sisterhood. the look of the room, the feel of the room, and even your own mood changes. there is hope and a feeling of acceptance. as you pass through the college years, you become more like that senior, no need to outshine others. you are gaining the confidence to share your light, your spark with the women coming up behind you.

begin by being more attentive to your conversations. notice if someone is projecting their life pain onto you and blaming you for it. notice if you are saying things that are unsupportive or hurtful. distinguish between “it is your fault that i am not successful because you got in my way” and “i have had a personal struggle with some of my choices”. also notice behavior. it isn’t okay for someone to interrupt you while you are on the phone to get your attention, especially if they have been getting plenty of it.

Acknowledge and Respond to Positive Treatment. if you smile and laugh when someone insults or ridicules you, you are teaching them that doing so is okay. instead, look at the person directly and let them know, very kindly, that the insult was not okay. don’t let the conversation reduce into verbal sparring. Just let them know and move on.

Maintain Healthy Boundaries. healthy boundaries can be hard work if they don’t come naturally. some avoid the energy it takes and let themselves be run over. others go to the opposite extreme and forcefully take offense at everything. find the middle ground. it is possible to kindly establish boundaries and let others know what they are.

Focus on Your Own Energy. consistently focus on changing yourself. as gandhi said “be the change that you want to see in the world. be good to yourself. be as kind to yourself as you are to others. focus on feeling better about yourself and raising your standards for your own conduct. be responsible for how you feel about yourself. When you are in good space, it is easy to be clear to others about yourself.

Fast-forward a few more years and a few more lessons. maybe you’ve started a successful business and look for ways to help women who are just starting out. perhaps you chaired an event for a charity or organized a fundraiser for a friend recently diagnosed with cancer. maybe you stood side by side with a woman you just met - very different from you - holding candles in prayer to peacefully right an injustice in the world. maybe you’ve courageously waited through hours of labor - or hours of adoption meetings - and finally see that little glance that sets your heart aflutter. and here you are, raising a little woman of your own.

There is an ancient quote from Buddha that says, “thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. happiness never decreases by being shared.” so, wherever you are in life, let your little light shine, but never forget to pass it to the woman next to you, the woman behind you, or the little woman in your arms.

You can hear “The Mulberry Lane Show,” a music, arts, and lifestyle talk show every Saturday morning on The Mighty 1290 KOIL from 10am – noon, brought to you by Elisa Ilana Jewelry. Visit www.facebook.com/mulberrylane.

Mary Vandenack, while a lawyer by profession, has studied extensively in mind/body areas of fitness and wellness. She is Yoga Alliance RYT-200, Power Pilates certified and ACE certified.

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metroMagazIne • MaR 2013

trendingnOW metroMagazine

trending...

“woman power...”

5 easy steps to a professional style bettia williamson • salon fusion omaha

• Get a Haircut Every 6-8 Weeks: A trim is necessary every 6-8 weeks. Dry ends are inevitable but can be maintained with regular haircuts.

Maintain Your Haircolor: Retouch color every 4-6 weeks. Pre-book your appointment. Put it on your • calendar. Don’t let a busy schedule get in the way of looking your best.

• Deep Conditioning Treatments: Do at least once a month to maintain the protein and moisture in your hair.

Try Pureology Essential Repair Restorative Hair Masque.

• Buy Professional Products:To maintain your salon style use the same products as your stylist. Ask what they recommend. This way they are stylist tested and salon guaranteed.

• Lush Lashes. Bold Lips:Your lashes need a boost? Try LiLash Eyelash Serum. It seems like magic, but it’s real!

Keep the lip color Bold this spring. Vivid pink, classic red or vintage orange. - Mirabella Shine Gloss in Charisma, Reckless, or Pink Tangerine are a few favorites.

utilizing a personal stylist lori stevens • oolala! l.a. boutique

• One of the hottest trends right now doesn’t involve prints and patterns or fads. It involves something as simple as getting a professional opinion on your daily wardrobe. Personal styling appointments aren’t just for the stars anymore! As a business woman, it’s important to feel confident in and out of work, and one way to do that is to concentrate on your closet.

We here at Oolala! suggest utilizing a personal stylist to help you build a versatile wardrobe that can be mixed and matched for work and for play. This can maximize your closet space and save your budget, a win/win situation! These appointments can be made with a freelance stylist at an hourly rate or at specific retail locations for a small fee.

making time your ally gerard stanley, m.d. • sculpt: contemporary cosmetic surgery

• Time! The most common thing that I hear from women is that they don’t have enough time. Whether it is not enough time for themselves, not enough time to enjoy their jobs, or not enough time to spend with their families, the modern woman is pulled in countless directions. The person that most often suffers, however, is her. Women often ask me about surgical down-time and how much time they will need to take off, and thanks to the latest advances in cosmetic surgery we are now performing minimally invasive procedures with little or no down-time. It can still be tricky to find the time, but if you have been considering a cosmetic procedure, having a “spa day”, or even just pampering yourself make the time, because it is your turn. The modern woman can truly have it all…work, play, family, and a sense of harmony.

Be well!

Salon FUSION • 402.934-4747 • www.salonfusionomaha.com | OoLaLa! • 402.614.7779 • www.myoolala.com | SCULPT • 402.884.6700 • www.sculptomaha.com 34

metroMagazine • MaR 2013

metro FASHION • MING WANG

smart shopping: trendy yet timeless

ming wang

A new season may mean new trends, but for the woman looking for timeless style, fashionable and classic need not be mutually exclusive. From eye-catching jackets and tunics to sophisticated dresses and polished basics, Ming Wang was created with functionality and fit in mind. With an array of bold, fashionforward colors to choose from in styles that fit all body types, from Petite’s XS to Women’s 3X, Ming Wang offers a vast selection to fit your needs. Revitalize a plain dress with a classic jacket with modern accents or start fresh with Ming Wang’s best-selling collection of basic tanks, dresses, skirts, and pants.

Best of all, each piece of the Ming Wang collection is designed to be comfortable, classic, and easy to care for so that no matter where you’re going – work, dinner, social event – your style can be fuss-free.

Wrinkle and fade resistant, machine washable, and travel friendly, Ming Wang was created to fit both your wardrobe and your lifestyle.

Join us on March 16th for an exclusive shopping event.

Get a free gift with your full price Ming Wang purchase.

Spend $350 or more and receive a classic Ming Wang tank.

Conditions apply. See Von Maur for details.

Ming Wang is available at Von Maur in Westroads Mall, (402) 390-0381.

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metroMAGAZINE • MAR 2013

business

spotlight

np dodge real estate

metroMagazine | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROGER HUMPHRIES FOR METROMAGAZINE

NP DODGE REAL ESTATE UNVEILS NEW DIGITAL TOOLS

digital dodge ON JANUARY 31ST, SEARCHLIGHTS COULD BE SEEN IN THE SKY ABOVE THE AKSARBEN VILLAGE AS NP DODGE REAL ESTATE PREMIERED THEIR NEW WEBSITE, MOBILE SITE AND APPS AT AKSARBEN CINEMA. After months of planning and development, the next generation of npdodge.com is now live.

NP Dodge’s new site boasts robust search features such as an enhanced Advanced Search, Lifestyle Search, Proximity Search and Site Search – just to name a few. Individual property websites for all NP Dodge residential listings, agent websites, and extensive marketing tools were also introduced.

SANDY DODGE AND NATE DODGE

ROB AND BECKA WIEBUSCH, WITH HEATHER CHANE AND CHARLES AND EMILY LAYNE

ZACH HANSEN, NATE MCCABE, MIKE STORY AND JEREMY CLAUS

DONNA AND VAUGHN WIEBUSCH, SHARI THOMAS AND SANDIE MCPADDEN

LINDA KAWACZ, BETSY PETER AND CORTNEY ANDERSON 36

Nate Dodge, Executive Vice President of NP Dodge Company, said at the premiere, “It is an amazing time at NP Dodge. We are taking you and your clients to a level you’ve never seen before.

Tonight we are making history with the next generation of npdodge.com.” Recognizing the visual revolution of the internet, NP Dodge wanted to capitalize on the phenomenon by featuring large photography on its website. The result is a clean and sophisticated design that highlights both exquisite listings and communities. Large photography was incorporated throughout the site to create a consistent and streamlined look and feel.

Consumers are able to save information to their account area, which syncs with the information already stored from previous searches. This can then be accessed from either a mobile device or computer via the npdodge.com site.

“This is the newest technology for online home searches.

It is truly an extraordinary site for both consumers and our agents,” said Mike Riedmann, President of Residential Sales. “The new npdodge.com represents our ongoing effort to improve online services and 24/7 access to personalized real estate information.”

metroMAGAZINE • MAR 2013

metroMagazine • The Spirit of Omaha

| world premiere

With this launch, NP Dodge continues to position itself as the market leader with the latest technology available to meet the needs and wants of the consumers in the market. ABOUT NP DODGE Founded in 1855, NP Dodge is committed to innovation and remains one of the most prestigious independent firms in the country. With over 500 agents and 10 locations throughout the region, it is also the area’s largest full-service real estate company.

DIDI PACHE AND DON EVANS

BARB BETTIN, MARY MARINKOVICH WITH JUDY AND PAUL VACEK

Highlights of enhancements and new features available on npdodge.com include: • Advanced Search – NP Dodge’s Advanced Search assists consumers who want to search using more of the data offered through the MLS without overwhelming those wanting to do a simple search of available homes. These include property details, interior, exterior, lot & land, and search filters.

• Lifestyle Search – An innovative home search tool that gives consumers a personalized search experience that fits their lifestyle, type of neighborhood, nearby shopping, nightlife, restaurants, and more. The search page includes dropdowns for geographic narrowing depending on the consumer’s unique location.

• Open House Counter – Property Counter and Open House Counter follow up and down the page so consumers know how many listings meet their criteria.

NP Dodge also released its mobile enabled website and mobile apps for both the iPhone and Android, ensuring consumers have quick access to available properties 24/7. The apps are free to all and offer a variety of different search options.

MIKE RIEDMANN WITH ANDEE HOIG

JODEE DRAKE-SOTO AND ROB WIEBUSCH

MIKE STORY, DOUG STEINKRUGER AND HECTOR MARTINEZ

TIM REEDER, MICHELLE SKILLINGS AND MARK MEYERS

you can finally plan

planningMATTERS • with pvw law

estate planning AFTER “ATRA” (THE AMERICAN TAXPAYER RELIEF ACT OF 2012) After a decade of advice to clients such as “If you die this year, then you should do

The $5 million exemption eliminates many

this but if you die in a different year, you should do this….”, we finally have a “permanent set of estate plan rules.” Good planning decisions can now be made.

ATRA establishes a unified credit for estate and gift tax purposes at $5 million, adjusted for inflation. The 2013 exemption is $5,250,000. The generation skipping tax exemption remains $5 million indexed for inflation as well. ATRA also increased the top tax rate and made “portability” (the ability to transfer unused exemption to a surviving spouse) permanent.

estates from estate tax exposure. This allows for planning based on dispositive desires rather than estate tax avoidance; however, income tax planning will remain very important.

Planning the under $5.25 million estate. If your estate is under $5 million, you are free to plan your estate in accordance with by mary e. vandenack your desires as to what happens to your assets when you pass away without worrying about estate taxes. Trusts are valuable planning tools and will be much more flexible. Trusts can avoid probate, an expensive and public process. Trusts allow you to provide for a second spouse while providing for ultimate disposition to your children or other heirs.

Trusts can be used to provide for special needs children, for asset protection or for pets.

Planning for the estate of $5.25 million to $10.5 million.

Estate tax planning remains important in the estate in this range, whether you are single or married. For the single person with an estate in this range, plan similarly to the $10.5 estate for couples. For the couple with an estate in this range, traditional tax planning remains important.

Portability presents some new options in estate planning but has significant limitations. The most important is the fact that the ported exemption does not inflate. If the first to die spouse leaves $5.5 million in a traditional credit shelter trust and the surviving spouse lives on ten years, then the amount in trust will likely grow and the entire amount will pass estate tax free. The ported exemption does not grow.

Another limitation is that portability does not apply to the generation skipping tax. Finally, a decedent will only be able to use the ported exemption of the last to die spouse (although gifts can be made to use the ported exemption in certain circumstances.)

For estates in this range, careful consideration needs to be given to a balance of the estate tax and income tax. Trusts remain important for the reasons identified in the first section of this article regardless of the use of tax planning.

Planning the estate over $10.5 million. For the estate in this range, estate tax planning remains important. ATRA did not eliminate many of the favorite tools of tax planners.

Family limited partnerships, grantor trusts, insurance trusts and many other tools remain viable.

For more information visit www.pvwlaw.com

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metroMAGAZINE • MAR 2013

39-SWARTZ-ROB-3.13_Suzanne 2/25/13 6:46 PM Page 39

todaysSaVingS • swartzbaugh-farber & associates, inc.

wait a minute

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

red

with kevin harrington

AS WITHthe Nebraska weather, the landscape of employee

benefits is constantly changing. While the winds blow and the rivers cut new channels into the land, insurance carriers and our well-intentioned government add things that even many of the experts have difficulty deciphering. Human Resource professionals are being challenged like never before - to offer the most comprehensive benefit packages available to attract and retain the most qualified employees, while staying within budgets that make a skeleton look like a before photo in an ad for a weight loss clinic. An employer’s need to keep costs down while getting a bigger bang for their benefit buck is not a new concept.

However, the addition of Health Care Reform (PPACA) and more regulatory requirements makes any business owner’s head spin and heart beat faster. There are ways to continue to offer benefits to a diverse workforce with varying needs, while managing the requisite to control benefit costs and wrestling with regulatory provisions.

Voluntary benefits give companies the opportunity to expand their total compensation packages. They are a much-needed boost to the employers and a welcome choice for employees. Many traditional voluntary products remain a viable option to manage an employee’s financial wellness. As more employers move towards lower premium, high-deductible plans, an individual’s out of pocket costs can be augmented with critical care, accident, disability and cancer policies that provide value even beyond assisting with cost of medical care. Much of the overall costs associated with an illness or injury will not be paid by health care policies. In fact, individuals often overlook planning for the additional costs of being sick or injured. These voluntary plans step in and pay for the everyday expenses that people often do not consider until it is too late.

Voluntary benefits are just that – voluntary. The employer does not pay for the benefits offered and employees have the option of purchasing any coverage offered.

There are still many advantages to the employee if an employer offers a voluntary benefit plan: underwriting requirements are limited or waived, plan provisions are better and premiums can be lower than if purchased individually. Many voluntary plans can be payroll deducted and some even on a pre-tax basis, making it even more attractive.

By incorporating more non-traditional policies, both employers and employees can greatly benefit. Programs such as group legal plans, financial planning, and employee purchase or discount programs will continue to expand and grow in popularity into viable financial support tools. In the upcoming months, many advisors believe that the voluntary market will expand from the health field and employee purchase programs, to the services industry as well. Look for employee wellness programs, gym memberships and many other life-enhancing products to be available through your employer and the voluntary product system.

Just as with the Nebraska weather, one thing is for certain in the employee benefits world – If you don’t like the way things are right now, wait a little bit and things will surely change.

For more information, please contact your trusted advisor at Swartzbaugh-Farber – ‘Client Centered – Client Advocates™’.

This material is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified attorney, tax advisor or plan provider.

Securities Offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc., a Registered Broker Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Swartzbaugh-Farber & Associates, Inc. is independently owned and operated.

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metroMagazine • MaR 2013

Look Who’s Sheltering Shelter Pets

Dining with Dogs April 27, 2013 This dinner goes to the dogs–literally. You and Fido are invited to yappie hour and dinner at Doubletree Hotel in Downtown Omaha. Valet park and give your pooch red carpet treatment into this event that’s tail-er made for him. Three Dog Bakery provides the finest yappy-tizers and mutt-inis for Fido and then it’s on to dinner and night of fun. Get a table of friends, coworkers or family together and enjoy a doggone great time.

More details on line at www.nehumanesociety.org/diningwithdogs

Camp Kindness Signup Camp Kindness Signup is underway.

Kids who love animals shouldn’t miss camp kindness. These summer day camps run in week long, half day sessions June through July at the Nebraska Humane Society. Children get a behind-the-scenes look at our surgical suite, talk to dog trainers and learn about wildlife rescue and rehabilitation in a fun and heartwarming atmosphere.

Sessions fill up fast, so sign up hassle free on line at www.nehumanesociety.org/campkindness.

Mark and Mary Lou Brasee with Sophie and Simon

Mark and Mary Lou Brasee Simon and Sophie Brasee are a perfect matched set. They are the latest in a long line of cats that Mary Lou has adopted, loved, and nurtured into old age. Sophie is the greeter of guests, while Simon provides surveillance. “His spot is on the dining room chair. He can see everything and maintain a safe distance,” laughs Mary Lou. Although they have distinctively different personalities, they have gotten along from the beginning. “He constantly wants to clean her, and if not playing, they are cuddled up sleeping together.” Simon is a gentle giant with big fluffy feet and a body to match. He will even reach up to give a kiss on command. Sophie is dainty, with tiny feet and a bit braver demeanor with strangers.

Although generally well behaved, cat hijinx are not out of the question. “Their antics keep us entertained.” jokes Mark, “The have been a great addition to the household.” Both Brasees say the cats work well into their busy schedules as self-sufficient, yet loving companions.

www.nehumanesociety.org gives you all the info!

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metroMagazine • MaR 2013

event galleRies

scene AMERICAN HEART ASSOC. HEART BALL

ROSIE ROCKS THE LUAU

OMAHA JAYCEES TOYO

MERCY HIGH SCHOOL FIESTA!

ROSE THEATER GUILD

MWOBC BLACK & WHITE MASQUERADE BALL

DOWNTOWN OMAHA INC. GALA 2013

GIRLS, INC. GIRLS NITE OUT

DUCHESNE ACADEMY CONGÉ

Purchase photos from these events online or from your smartphone, and metroMAGAZINE will donate 10% back to that organization.

Join us in giving back! Enter the code “GIVE10” on the checkout page of your shopping cart.

• please remember to trade with our advertisers, whose support helps make the publication of these important events possible

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metroMagazine • MaR 2013

eVenT

spotlight

dancing with the

metroMagazine

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREA HOIG & ROGER HUMPHRIES FOR METROMAGAZINE

PRUDENTIAL AMBASSADORS REAL ESTATE & OMAHA BALLROOM

dance fever HIGHLIGHTS & HOTLIGHTS Presented by: Prudential Ambassador Real Estate and Omaha Ballroom Overview of event: SIXTEEN local celebrities took to the stage to compete for the MIRROR BALL TROPHY. When it Happened: Saturday, February 9, 2013 Where it Happened: CenturyLink Center Omaha Attendance: 700 Special Guests: Actor Tony Denison from “The Closer”

PATRICK RICKETTS WITH VINTAGE FINANCIAL DANCES THE EAST COAST SWING WITH ELIZABETH EDWARDS

Winners: DR. GERRY STANLEY: DANCE COMPETITION WINNER TERESA ELLIOTT: Sunshine Award for raising the most money JACKI OCHOA: metroMAGAZINE Community Favorite Award A benefit for: SUNSHINE KIDS - a non-profit organization dedicated to children with cancer. Established in 1982, with a commitment to providing positive group activities and emotional support for young cancer patients.

The Sunshine Kids provides a variety of programs and events, free of charge, for kids who are receiving cancer treatments in hospitals across North America.

To learn more visit www.sunshinekids.org.

Save the Date: Dancing with the Omaha Stars February 8, 2014

RANDI STEVENSON WITH THE OMAHA WORLD HERALD DANCES THE SALSA WITH DAVID VIECELI

TIM STIBBS WITH COCA COLA DANCES THE TANGO WITH ELIZABETH EDWARDS 42

metroMAGAZINE • MAR 2013

metroMagazine • The Spirit of Omaha

| omaha stars

TOMMIE FRAZIER AND AARON ROBERTS

JACKI OCHOA OF WOWT DANCES THE CHA CHA WITH CHRISTOPHER OUREN

ELIZABETH EDWARDS FROM OMAHA BALLROOM AND VINCE LEISEY WITH PRUDENTIAL AMBASSADOR REAL ESTATE

absolutely wonderful “anexperience! there is nothing like an event filled with fantastic people working for a noble cause... and you can't beat that it’s so much fun!” ~ GERARD J. STANLEY, JR., M.D. WINNER OF THE MIRROR BALL TROPHY

VANITA LUND WITH MIDTOWN CROSSING DANCES THE FOXTROT WITH DAVID VIECELI conTinued

DR. GERRY STANLEY WITH SCULPT COSMETIC SURGERY DANCES THE EAST COAST SWING WITH ELIZABETH EDWARDS

HANNAH PICKET OF KETV DANCES THE EAST COAST SWING WITH JEREMY WAYMIRE

eVenT

spotlight

dancing with the

metroMagazine

PRUDENTIAL AMBASSADORS REAL ESTATE & OMAHA BALLROOM

JILL KEATING, LORI PAUL AND PARTICIPANT NIKKI BOULAY WITH STAR 104.5 FM

DANCING WITH THE OMAHA STARS PARTICIPANTS, PROFESSIONALS, JUDGES AND SPONSORS

ERIN NATALICCHIO WITH WINNER DR. GERRY STANLEY

JIM ROSE WITH KFAB FM DANCES THE FOXTROT WITH ELIZABETH EDWARDS

MATT PREISTER, OWNER OF MR. GOODCENTS DANCES THE WEST COAST SWING WITH ELIZABETH EDWARDS

CINDY MAHER, WITH PARTICIPANT SHARON HYER WITH GREAT WESTERN BANK AND JULIE POSPISHIL

SEAN HARLEY, OWNER OF “I THINK FIT” DANCES THE SALSA WITH ELIZABETH EDWARDS

CARMEN BUTLER, OMAHA BEEF CHEERLEADER, DANCES THE SAMBA WITH DEREK PASQUALETTO

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metroMAGAZINE • AUG 2012

metroMagazine • The Spirit of Omaha

| omaha stars

DEB AND RON CIZEK, SHELLI AND JOHN KLEMKE, CAROLINE AND MARK HINRICHS

SAM ELLIOTT, PARTICIPANT TERESA ELLIOTT OF PRUDENTIAL AMBASSADOR REAL ESTATE, WITH TED, GINA AND CHAD ELLIOTT

WILLIE GARRETT, DARIN FOSTER, TREVOR PAVICH AND MIKE BALDWIN m

eVenT

spotlight

opera omaha • kaneko

metroMagazine

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROGER HUMPHRIES

SUSAN AND JIM TRACY, CHARLES AND ANDREA TOMLINSON AND BARRON BRELANA

Who: Opera Omaha What: The Magic Flute Gala Where: Bow Truss of KANEKO, 1111 Jones Street When: February 16, 2013 Why: Fundraiser for Opera Omaha; to honor Ree and Jun Kaneko and Opera Omaha’s upcoming production of Mozart’s opera ‘The Magic Flute’ Attendance: 270 Funds raised: Over $120,000 Honorary Chairs: Karen and Robert Duncan Host: Richard Holland ANNE THORNE-WEAVER, MARIAN LEARY, DICK HOLLAND AND JUN KANEKO

Honored Guests: Ree and Jun Kaneko Special Thanks: Linda Andersen and Jan Buckingham Guests enjoyed a spectacular evening starting with a cocktail hour which included sushi by renowned California chef Katsu Michite plus passed hors d’ oeuvres. Dinner was catered by Hap Abraham Catering. Entertainment included a performance by soprano Emily Hindrichs, who will sing the role of Queen Of The Night in Opera Omaha’s performances of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute”. Miss Hindrichs sang “Don’t Be Afraid, My Darling Boy” and “ The Wrath of Hell Within My Breast is Raging” from “The Magic Flute”. She was accompanied by pianist Eric Andries.

Characters from the opera, in costume, joined the guests during cocktail hour. A screening of “Fear and The Magic Flute” by NET/Joel Geyer Productions ended the evening’s entertainment.

MARY ELLEN-MULCAHY, LINDA ANDERSEN AND SHEILA MCNEIL 46

metroMAGAZINE • MAR 2013

| the magic flute gala

PAUL AND ANNETTE SMITH, JENNIFER KATZ AND JAMES JOHNSON

ROGER WEITZ AND ANDY HOLLAND WITH JUN KANEKO

FRANK MATTHEWS WITH ANNE AND ARNIE WEITZ

metroMagazine • The Spirit of Omaha

KATHY AND GARY GATES WITH AMY HADDAD AND STEVE MARTIN

KAREN AND ROBERT DUNCAN WITH ROGER WEITZ

MIKE AND GAIL YANNEY, REE KANEKO AND JOAN SQUIRES

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RockthePalms! rockin’ rosie 2013: Rosie Rocks the luau More than $175,000 was raised for The Rose Theater at Rockin’ Rosie on February 9th at the Hilton Downtown.

The theme was Rosie Rocks the Luau, with a Hawaiian experience for all in attendance. Nearly 450 guests were to treated to tropical cocktails, silent and live auctions, a Polynesian themed dinner, and dancing to the Finest Hour.

JEREMY AND RENEE VOKT WITH TRACY AND BILL PREISTER

VIC GUTMAN, KRISTIN AND CHUCK LEWIS WITH MEGHAN LEWIS

The event was presented by the Rose Theater Guild, a volunteer guild dedicated to supporting the mission of The Rose Theater, to enrich the lives of young people and their families through live theater and arts education.

Mary Maxwell and Scott Moore emceed the event.

Sam Taylor, CEO of Oriental Trading Company, served as honorary chairman, alongside his wife, Stephanie. Matthew Gutschick, the Rose’s new Artistic Director, was also in attendance.

MICHELLE LEITNER, KAREN GRANGER AND MARIE AND DOUG KOOKEN

ERIC AND CONI ALMQUIST WITH SCOTT AND ERICA MOLLER

“I am humbled to serve an organization treasured and supported by a community, in the truest sense of the word,” said Gutschick. “It’s sometimes easy to feel that way in the presence of our audiences at The Rose, but at Rockin’ Rosie, I realized just how many of us in this city are charged with enthusiastically taking care of this precious institution.”

In addition to Sam and Stephanie Taylor, general co-chairwomen were Addie Hollingsworth and Mary O’Connell. Guild President is Kate Schafer.

DAVID AND LIBBY STILES

MARY O'CONNELL, CHRIS PATTON, ADDIE HOLLINGSWORTH, MARIA KOOKEN AND KATE SCHAFER

For more information on how to support the Rose Theater visit to www.rosetheater.org.

Photography by Dan Flanigan

BRANT AND MICHELLE JOHNSON

MAHA

MARY AND CHUCK MAXWELL

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outstandingat80! omaha jaycees toYo The 80th Annual Ten Outstanding Young Omahans (TOYO) Awards were presented at a banquet on Wednesday, January 30th at the CenturyLink Center Omaha.

SARA HILL, KRYSTAL SHIERS, LINDSAY SCHAIBLE, NICK BIDROSKI, TONY MAESER AND SHANE BENNETT

Approximately 200 guests attended the banquet.

Carol Wang served as the evening’s emcee.

Mayor Jim Suttle, a former Jaycee himself, provided opening remarks. Nebraska Jaycee President, Keri Fisher, shared the 80 years of history of the TOYO award. The TOYO award, presented by the Omaha Jaycees, is the longest running Jaycee program in the United States and throughout the world.

Honored this year were: • • • • • • • • • •

Oscar Duran, Habitat for Humanity of Omaha Adrienne Fay, Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts Dan Gilbert, UNO Christian D. Gray, inCOMMON Sarah Helvey, Nebraska Appleseed Center David Patterson, Merck and Company Angie Schendt, Woodmen of the World Meagan Schnoor, HDR, Inc. Angel Starks, Growing Hearts Collaborative Erin E. Swanson, Goodwill Industries, Inc. For more information visit www.omahajaycees.org.

OMAHA JAYCEES MAHA

Photography by Dan Flanigan

JOEL RUSSELL AND ERIN SWANSON WITH ADRIENNE AND PAT FAY

ZACHARY AND NICOLE JILEK, LISA AND CHARLES RICHARDSON, BRUCE MORITZ AND RACHEL LEWIS

WENDY MOORE, AMY HENDERSON, KAREEN HICKMAN AND AMY GROHE

JIM AND MARY PATTERSON, STEVE PATTERSON, ANGELA AND DAVID PATTERSON, WITH ABBY AND MARK BLAIR 50

metroMagazine • MaR 2013

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Photography by andrea hoig

allforthegirls girls, inc. giRls nite out

SHEILA ESTES AND DEE VAUGHN

ROBERTA WILHELM, COMEDIAN KARITH FOSTER AND JENNIFER TRICKER

DARLENE AND LESLIE MUELLER, TARA ARNOLD, TAYLOR KERSCHKE, KARITH FOSTER, CATHY ARNOLD, ALISON JOHNSON, SHEENA DINSDALE AND PAIGE RITTER

On Thursday, January 31st, OPPD presented the 19th Annual Girls Nite Out benefiting Girls Inc. Over 600 women and brave men attended the event, which raised over $75,000. The event took place at the beautiful Mutual of Omaha Dome in Midtown.

The Girls Nite Out committee was lead by a team of mothers, daughters and daughter-inlaws. The general chairs were Cathi Arnold, Tara Arnold, Taylor Kerschke, Dawn Dinsdale, Alison Johnson, Paige Ritter, Sheena Dinsdale, Darlene Mueller, Leslie Mueller. Sherrye Hutcherson served as the honorary chair.

"Girls Nite Out was one of the best yet!

We had so many new vendors, most of whom were local. It was possible for every shopper to find something special and unique with over 15 boutiques. The event was every girl’s dream - shopping, cocktails, dinner and laughs”, said Dawn Dinsadale. Karith Foster, comedian, motivational speaker, TV/radio personality, and author provided the laughter.

According to Dinsdale, “Karith's humor provided our audience with a rib-tickling, laugh-a-minute program for nearly an hour!

Her content was relatable to every age attending the event."

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To volunteer or contribute, contact Girls Inc. at 402-457-4676 or www.girlsincomaha.org.

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going Downtown downtown omaha inc. gala 2013

JULIE AND PAULA STEENSON

CURT EDIC AND MIKE MOYLAN

The officers and board of directors of Downtown Omaha Inc. (DOI) held their 2013 Gala on January 26, 2013 at the Downtown DoubleTree, recognizing individuals, associations and corporations for contributing to the growth of downtown.

There were over 200 in attendance and over $16,000 was raised to help Downtown Omaha Inc. in their mission of informing, promoting, and uniting the downtown community.

Recipients included: • Don Prochaska - Old Market Place for Architectural Planning • America First Real Estate Group, DICON General Contractors and Holland Basham Architects L14 Flats for Economic Development • Omaha Children’s Museum for Cultural Arts • Paula Steenson, Paula Presents! for Spirit of the Community • Frank McGree - Goodwill for Visionary/Pioneer • Bobby Mancuso - Taste of Omaha for Special Events/Festivals • Scottish Rite for Adaptive Reuse/Restoration

DON PROCHASKA AND CHRISTIAN CHRISTENSEN

STEVE JENSEN, DOMINIC VACCARO, ROYCE MAYNARD AND TODD MOELLER

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For more information about Downtown Omaha Inc., visit www.downtownomahainc.org.

Photography by Roger humphries

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heartthrobs american heart assoc. heaRt Ball

HONORARY CHAIRS RICK AND CAROL RUSSELL

2013 SWEETHEARTS: MARIA CORPUZ, WITH DR. RALPH CORPUZ; JULIANN HELLMAN, WITH JASON HELLMAN; MAREN STONE, WITH PETER STONE; MICHAELA HIGGINS, WITH TOMMY HIGGINS; REBECCA OLSON, WITH DR. CHARLES OLSON; SADIE RICH, WITH JAMES RICH; KATIE ZHENG, WITH DR. JIALIN ZHENG; LESLIE ATKINSON, WITH TODD ATKINSON; RACHEL RECKER, WITH DR. ROBERT RECKER; ANGIE MURTHY, WITH DR. KRISHNA MURTHY; AND EMMA RUSSELL, WITH JIM RUSSELL. SWEETHEARTS ELLIE KROEGER AND SOPHIE CLARK ARE NOT PICTURED

“Heart Goes To the Silver Screen” was the theme for the American Heart Association Heart Ball held at the La Vista, Embassy Suites Saturday, February 2nd.

More than 600 people in black tie attire showed their support in the fight against heart disease and stroke at the 25th Anniversary Omaha Heart Ball. The event included a silent and live auction; crowning of the Heart Ball King and Prince; dinner and program; Sweethearts presentation; and concluded with dancing at the Pulse Party, accompanied by live music from the band On The Fritz and the Hollywood photo booth.

Rick and Carol Russell were the 2013 Honorary Chairs, and Duane and Barbara Miller and Drs. John and Mary Windle were the 2013 Event Chairs. The Heart Ball raised $400,000, which will go to fund life-saving heart disease and stroke research. Ian Johnson and Isaac Oldridge were the Heart Ball King and Prince. Both boys were born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and underwent open heart surgery within their first few days of life. KETV evening anchor John Knicely emceed the event, while KMTV’s The Morning Blend anchor Mary Nelson emceed the Heart Ball Patron Party.

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metroMagazine • MaR 2013

Photography courtesy of aha

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essentials... essential pregnancy services BeneFit DinneR

KAREN AND GREG VANDYKE

KAREN MERWALD

The Embassy Suites in LaVista was the site of the 17th Annual Essential Pregnancy Services Benefit Dinner on Sunday, January 27th. Over 450 guests attended the program highlighting the work that EPS has accomplished in the past 40 years for women in Omaha and the surrounding community.

The dinner proceeds of $186,000 all go to support these services. Honorary chairpersons for the event were Ray & Patty Neppl. The highlight of the evening was the Annual Awards presentation. Nicholas Manhart received the EPS Special Service Award and Denis Walsh received the EPS Heart of Gold Award. A Spirit of EPS Award was given to Pat Gehringer and also one to Terese Lux, OSM. The evening concluded with an oral auction. Special guests included Archbishop George Lucas and Congressman Lee Terry and his wife Robin.

For more information visit www.essentialps.org.

KATHY KIZER AND JENNIFER CORDES

NICK MANHART, PAT GEHRINGER, DENIS WALS AND TERESE LUX WITH PATTY AND RAY NEPPL

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Photography courtesy of ePs

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spirited... duchesne academy congé

PAUL AND HEAD OF SCHOOL SHEILA HAGGAS, DENISE AND TATE FITZGERALD, TOODY AND KODY MOFFATT AND TRACY AND TED BRIDGES

EMCEE DR. BRITT THEDINGE AND ABBY BONEBRAKE

Duchesne Academy’s annual auction and dinner, took place on Saturday, January 26 at the Omaha/LaVista Embassy Suites Hotel and Convention Center. The event raised more than $400,000 for the school and was attended by more than 500 people. Duchesne parents Tracy and Ted Bridges, Denise and Tate Fitzgerald, and Toody and Kody Moffatt served as co-chairs for the event.

This year’s theme, “We’ve got Spirit” was selected as a celebration of the support and pride so many alumnae, parents, students and friends feel for Duchesne. This spirit can be seen in many facets of the school – on the field, in the classroom and in the community.

The evening’s program was emceed by Dr. Britt Thedinger, who donned a Fairmont plaid kilt, specially designed for the event, and also included an honest, candid video about spirit at Duchesne, produced by Tom Haggas of Cheshire Moon Films. The video featured a variety of individuals who have been and remain part of the Duchesne community, setting the tone for an evening of gratitude and celebration.

DUCHESNE STUDENTS AND MASCOT

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metroMagazine • MaR 2013

Photography courtesy of Duchesne acadmeny

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ohMercy! mercy high school Fiesta Mercy High School’s annual FIESTA was celebrated on Saturday night, February 9th, at the midtown school. FIESTA is an acronym for Friends In Earnest Supporting Tuition Assistance. Four hundred and seventy-five guests attended this event. Dinner was catered by Attitude on Food.

GERALD AND KAREN LENCZOWSKI

DANIELLE KREHER SELZLE AND MELINDA KREHER

All proceeds will support Mercy High School’s Negotiated Tuition and technology updates. Mercy Negotiated Tuition makes a Mercy education possible for all young women who desire it.

The theme this year was “Mercy…Soaring to New Heights.” This theme was in celebration of the over 400 young women we are educating this year, our largest enrollment in over 40 years.

The award presentation was followed by a live auction which included trips, sporting packages, catered dinners and much more.

TODD LYNES AND LARRY REDING

CO-CHAIRS MARY LOU AND PAT PARR WITH ROZ PARR

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Save the date as we honor

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John and Lynne Boyer Monday, May 13, 2013

Happy Hollow Club

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metroMagazine • MaR 2013

Photography courtesy of Mercy high school

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colorBlind metro omaha women’s business center Black & White MasqueRaDe Ball

EMCEE SCOTT VOORHEES

KEYNOTE SPEAKER LYN ZIEGENBEIN

The second annual Black & White Masquerade Ball for the Metro Omaha Women’s Business Center (MOWBC) was held Saturday, January 19th at the Marriott Hotel Ballroom. Early in the evening guests enjoyed perusing the auction items. Omaha City councilwoman Jean Stothert introduced Lyn Wallin Ziegenbein gave an inspiring keynote address. Lyn highlighted the importance of business women assisting women as they strive to achieve their business goals.

BC Clark, President of MOWBC, awarded two Start-up Assistance Grants of $500.00 each to two new women owned businesses.

Candidates were nominated by the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) and the Small Business Association SCORE Program.

The highly successful evening ended with music and dancing!

JEAN STOTHERT

LONDON WOOLMAN AND STEPHANIE FELTUS, WITH BEKA DOOLITTLE AND BC CLARK

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metroMagazine • MaR 2013

Photography courtesy of MoWBc

Photo courtesy of heartstrings

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hearttoheart children’s hospital & medical center heaRtstRings Heartstrings, a new philanthropic women’s group at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, had its kick-off coffee on September 12 at the hospital. The group’s co-chairs are Danielle Bradford, Shelley Homa, Mimi Gleason, Lori Paul and Lynette Singer.

Members enjoyed a breakfast reception before attending a program that centered on the renovation of Children’s Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Dr. Lynne Willett, NICU Clinical Service Chief, spoke about exciting developments on the horizon for the department. A mother, whose son spent 70 days in the NICU and weighed barely two pounds at birth, also shared her positive Children’s experience. He is now a healthy eight-year-old. At the end of the program, members were given a tour of the NICU facilities.

Heartstrings provides its members an innovative means to support the hospital, as well as social and educational opportunities. The annual funds raised by the group will be pooled and granted by a vote of the membership to a program at the hospital to support the life-changing medical care that takes place at Children’s.

For more information www.childrensfoundationomaha.org.

HEARTSTRINGS CO-CHAIRS LYNETTE SINGER, DANI BRADFORD, MIMI GLEASON, LORI PAUL

Forgive our error!

these individuals were mis-identified in our January 2013 issue.

Editor’s Note: We make a painstaking effort each month to correctly identify the hundreds of people featured in “SCENE”.

While we cannot accept responsibility for perfectly identifying every name/spelling each month, our error in this case was so significant we feel compelled to rerun the coverage. Our apologies to the individuals above, the organization involved, and our readers.

browse & buy event photos instantly

from metroMagazine’s SpiritofOmaha.com photo store!

se b_r_o_w__ buy!

Every path requires a step in the right direction.

Whether you’re taking the first step to ear earning ning a degree or you’re ready to continue your education, National American University can help you along the way.

What’s yourr next step?

NAATIONAL TIONAL TION AMERICAN UNIVERSITY Bellevue (402) 972-4250 www.national.edu National Am American University is accredited by The Higher Learning ning Commission and d a member of the North Central Association - www.ncahlc.org www.ncahlc.org

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metroMagazine • MaR 2013

save the date March 1

March 2

RESTORE OMAHA OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION

CATHOLIC CHARITIES IRISH FEST

Scottish Rite Masonic Center | 7:00 pm Join us at The Scottish Rite Masonic Center, a 1914 Neoclassical Revival building designed by John Latenser and completely restored. Attendees will tour all four floors. The reception cost is $25 and includes food and drink along with the tour.

More information: www.restoreomaha.org

CenturyLink Center Omaha | 5:30 pm Every year Catholic Charities holds Irish Fest, our premier fundraiser. The evening includes silent and oral auctions, cocktails and gourmet dinner followed by a great dance band. Seeing your friends and having fun is the best part of the event! Entertainment by The Finest Hour. Event Chairmen are Carrie and John Jenkins, Amy and Bryan Neary, Trish and Ted Walz. Amy and Jeff Schmid will serve as honorary chairs.

More information: www.ccomaha.org.

March 1 thru March 3 AMERICAN GIRL FASHION SHOW Junior League of Omaha Happy Hollow Club | 5:30 pm American Girl celebrates a girl’s inner star … the little whisper inside that encourages her to stand tall, reach high and dream big. At the Junior League of Omaha’s American Girl Fashion show, you will watch the historical American Girls come to life right before your eyes. Each show features several exciting raffles, a silent auction and an expanded boutique. The American Girl Fashion Show fundraiser supports the Junior League of Omaha’s children–minded projects: A Book of My Own and Project Hope Pack.

Join us for a fabulous weekend of shopping, fashion and fun! Cost is $35–$75.

More information: www.jlomaha.org

March 2 STEPHEN CENTER’S CRUISE AWAY TO THE CARIBBEAN Champions Run | 6:00 pm The Stephen Center Guild will be hosting their annual fundraiser on behalf of Stephen Center, Inc. The chairs for this year’s event are Angie & Patrick Bingham, Lisa & Mark Houton and Debbie & James Vihstadt. The theme for the event is Cruise Away to the Caribbean. Cruise Away kicks off with cocktails and a silent auction followed by dinner, an oral auction and dancing. Cost is $125.00 and cruise attire is encouraged.

More information: Angie Bingham at angiebingham2@gmail.com

March 2 NMC ‘EGG’STRAVAGANZA NMC is hosting the first annual ‘Egg’stravaganza on March 2nd from 10 am to 2 pm and all proceeds will benefit Completely KIDS. Tickets are $5/person or $20/family. The purchase of a ticket includes lunch and games: Egg coloring - Coloring pages - Egg Race - Egg Toss - Easter Bunny Photos - Easter Egg Hunt - Raffles and many more! Lunch will be served from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Egg hunts start at 10:30 ages 0-3, 11:30 ages 4-6, 12:30 ages 7-10.

March 3 DECADES OF DANCE: CELEBRATING 50 YEARS! Omaha Academy of Ballet OPPD Atrium | 5:00 pm A gala evening celebrating 50 years of the Omaha Academy of Ballet 5 pm to 7 pm: Hors d’oeuvres & Beverages ~ Boutique OPPD Atrium, 444 S. 16th St. 7:30 pm: Joffrey Ballet Le Sacre du Printemps ~ The Rite of Spring 100th Anniversary Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. More information: www.oabdance.org

UPCOMING

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metroMagazine • The Spirit of Omaha

March 13 HEROES IN THE HEARTLAND AWARDS LUNCHEON American Red Cross Embassy Suites La Vista Conference Center | 12520 Westport Parkway | La Vista | 11:45 am – 1 pm ON ANY GIVEN DAY, YOU’LL FIND OVER 2,000 OPEN CASE FILES on children at Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska (LFS). The Heroes in the Heartland Awards Luncheon honors individuals from Southwest Iowa and the Omaha metro who have saved another person’s life during the past year or who have positiely impacted the quality of life in the Heartland in other ways.

This signature event, held each year on the second Wednesday in March, originates from the organizations’s belief that quatilies of bravery, commitment, dedicaiton and selfless behavior should be recognized and honored.

The program, now in its 13th year, is based on the organization’s belief that qualities of bravery, commitment, dedication and selfless behavior should be recognized and honored. Past honorees have ranged in age from 9 to 92 and have represented all walks of life and almost every conceivable circumstance.

A record 700 guests attended the Heroes in the Heartland event in 2012. The event was featured in 6 stories aired by media partner WOWT, as well as in articles from the Omaha World Herald and Metro Magazine. Together with our sponsors and guests, we raised more than $175,000 for the American Red Cross. Click here to see photos of Heroes in the Heartland 2012!

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TIME: 11:45 am – 1 pm Julie Mowat is the 2013 Heroes Event Chair and Sandy and Dave Parker are the 2013 Honorary Chairs.

Contact Ashley Farrell at 402-343-7760 or ashley.farrell@redcross.org for more details.

MAKE YOUR RESERVATION by contacting Carol at 402-343-7769.

Event proceeds benefit the work of the American Red Cross in the local community.

RESERVE YOUR SEATS TODAY!

metroMagazine • MaR 2013

save the

March 3

March 7

WALK & ROLL FOR DISABILITIES Meyer Foundation for Disabilities

CELEBRITY CHEF FEATURING ART SMITH FoodBankfortheHeartland

Westroads Mall | 10:00 am The 9th Annual Walk & Roll for Disabilities is sponsored by the Meyer Foundation for Disabilities(MFD).

The purpose of the Walk & Roll for Disabilities is to raise funds for recreational programs for teens and adults with developmental disabilities in the greater Omaha area. Cost is $25 per person.

More information: www.omahadisabilities.org

EmbassySuites Conference Center | LaVista | 5 pm – 9 pm Art Smith is the featured chef at Food Bank for the Heartland’s 12th annual Celebrity Chef presented by ConAgra Foods. Chef Smith has appeared on Top Chef Masters and served as the personal chef to Oprah Winfrey. He was honored with the prestigious James Beard Award for Humanitarianism in 2007. Chef Smith operates awardwinning restaurants across the county.

At Celebrity Chef, guests will enjoy cocktails and appetizers, a cooking demonstration by Chef Art Smith during dinner, a super raffle and an oral auction. The dinner menu is inspired by Chef Smith’s Southernstyle recipes. Cost: $150 Individual | $300 Patron.

More information: 402-905-4810 | www.FoodBankHeartland.org

March 5 – 6 TABLE ART 2013 A KNIGHT AND DAY OF ELEGANCE Omaha Symphony Guild Happy Hollow Club | Omaha An Omaha Spring tradition, this year is “A Knight and Day of Elegance featuring Julia Knight. The preview party features the viewing of beautiful table art creations along with the exclusive opportunity to meet Julia Knight. The luncheon will also feature a presentation by Julia Knight. Festivities for both events include viewing artful tables designed by local designers, florists and merchants as well as displays of heirloom china from local families. Preview Party tickets are $55, luncheon tickets are $70 and Patron ticket for both events are $100.

More information: www.omahasymphonyguild.org.

March 6 SPEAKING OF CHILDREN Project Harmony Century Link Center | Omaha One day to inspire and inform the community in the fight against child abuse. Featured Luncheon Speaker, Ashley Judd. Training presentations will be offered in morning and afternoon breakout sessions. Cost is $50.00 for Lunch and $75.00 for Lunch and Training.

More information: www.projectharmony.com

March 9 CATHEDRAL COMEDY AND CUISINE Saint Cecilia Cathedral Parish Saint Cecilia Cathedral | Omaha | 5:30 pm Enjoy an evening of fine dining at the 16th Annual Cathedral Comedy and Cuisine. This year’s event welcomes all to the Home of the Champions, in the Classroom, on the Field and in the Community. This grand and glorious evening include cocktails, dinner and silent and live auctions. All proceeds benefit the students at Saint Cecilia Cathedral Grade School. Tickets are is $100.

More information: www.stcecilia.omaha.org

March 9 KALEIDOSCOPE The Nebraska Medical Center Embassy Suites Conference Center | La Vista | 6:00 “Every Movement is a Milestone” is the theme for this year’s University Hospital Auxiliary Kaleidoscope event. Kaleidoscope is an annual, philanthropic event organized by the University Hospital Auxiliary.

The evening includes a dinner and silent auction. During the program, the Honorary Kaleidoscope Award will be presented. Funds raised at the event will benefit the new Lifestyle Rehabilitation Center.

The event co-chairs are Nancy Gordon, Janette Garvin and Angie Thorell. Nelson and Linda Gordman are the honorary chairs.. Tickets can be purchased by calling Volunteer Services at 402-559-4150.

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April 5

HEROES IN THE HEARTLAND American Red Cross

MAD FASHION Omaha Law League

Embassy Suites | La Vista | 11:45 am – 1:00 pm The Heroes in the Heartland Awards Luncheon honors individuals from the Omaha metro who have saved another person’s life during the past year or who have positively impacted the quality of life in the Heartland area in other ways. This signature event, now in its 13th year, is based on the organization’s belief that qualities of bravery, commitment, dedication and selfless behavior should be recognized and honored. Event Chair is Julie Mowat. Sandy and Dave Parker are the Honorary Chairs.

More information: Ashley Farrell at (402) 343-7760

Please join us on April 5, 2013 at the downtown Omaha Hilton for Omaha Law League’s premier fundraising event- Mad Fashion! The evening will begin with a Single Malt Scotch tasting sponsored by Spirit World and a Wine Tasting Sponsored by Urban Wine Company. Tickets are $25. At 6:30 pm, a silent auction and fashion show will begin. Mad Fashion tickets are $75. Beginning at 9pm, Dancing with Angel and the Backbeats. Your contributions will enable us to provide transportation for our Douglas County Courthouse tours and civic lessons for more than 1,000 Omaha 4th graders.

March 22

April 6

10TH ANNUAL ARTVENTURE Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska

2013 BLUE JEAN BALL: CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF WISHES Make-A-Wish Nebraska

Mammel Hall-UNO | Omaha | 7:00 – 9:30 pm artVenture is a silent auction fundraiser for Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska. The artwork are collaboration

by Omaha Girl Scouts and area artists.

More information: www.girlscountsnebraska.org

March 22

Mutual of Omaha Dome | 3300 and Dodge Street | Omaha | 6 pm – 11 pm Help celebrate 30 years of wishes coming true at the 2013 Blue Jean Ball benefiting Make-A-Wish Nebraska. Put on your favorite blue jeans and join us for an evening filled with magic beginning with amazing auction items and a very special Make-A-Wish guest. Cost: $125 per person.

More information: 402-333-8999 | www.nebraska.wish.org

THIRD ANNUAL WOMEN ON A MISSION FOR CHANGE The Salvation Army

April 6 NEBRASKA KIDNEY ASSOCIATION KIDNEY CRUISE, “FUNKY PROM” Champions Run

Salvation Army Kroc Center | Omaha | 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Women on a Mission For Change is a non profit organizarion that hosts an annual conference to empower women and girls in the areas of Education, Careers, Life Skills, Wellness, Health and Spirituality through Speakers, Goal Setting and becoming Visionary.

More information: www.womenonamissionomaha.org

March 23 THE GATHERING Christian Urban Education Service Embassy Suites Omaha | La Vista• 6:00 The Gathering, sponsored by the Christian Urban Education Service, is a fundraising dinner to help support Sacred Heart, All Saints, and Holy Name Schools. The theme for the evening is The Hues of CUES and will feature an oral auction of fused glass and metal artwork inspired by art from Sacred Heart School students. A Sacred Heart graduate will speak about the uniqueness of the school and opportunities granted by CUES. Cost is $125.

More information: www.sacredheart–cues.org

March 23 ALEGENT CREIGHTON HEALTH MERCY HOSPITAL HERITAGE AWARDS DINNER Mid–America Center | Council Bluffs | 6:00 pm A fundraiser for Mercy Hospital clinical education, the Heritage Awards are a celebration of the community, honoring four people from Southwest Iowa. The evening includes a cocktail hour, followed by a sit–down dinner and awards presentation. Cost is $100.00.

More information: Christine Gochenour at 712–328–5141 or christine.gochenour@alegent.org

March 24 TOO MANY COOKS IN THE KITCHEN Omaha Restaurant Association Hilton Omaha | 1001 Cass Street 5 – 6 pm Social Hour with Selection of Restaurant 6 –9 pm Gourmet Dinner Executive Chefs from participating restaurants and caterers include: Bellevue Medical Center Catering Creations | J. Coco. | le Voltaire | Liberty Tavern Lot 2 Restaurant and Wine Bar | M’s Pub Ryan’s Bistro | Sodexo Sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops | Twisted Fork | Vivace | Zurlo’s Bistro Italiano .

Entertainment by Michael Walker. Proceeds go to Feed the Hungry and Culinary Scholarships.

More information: 402-493-4739 61

13800 Eagle Run Drive | Omaha | 6 pm – 11 pm Nebraska Kidney Association Kidney Cruise, “Funky Prom” is a time to think back to your own Prom Night....the romance, the atmosphere, the glamor... then think of all the stereotypical prom nights, while magical on the surface, they all contain: Hokey themes, Over-the-top dresses and tuxedos, Lame group dance routines, Big hair styles. Experience all of this and more at “Funky Prom”. Tickets are available on line at: http://www.firstgiving.com/NebraskaKidneyAssociation/2013-kidney-cruise We also welcome Amee Zetzman, a remarkable young woman who donated a kidney to her father, Larry Kavitch. Cost: $100 individual tickets, Corporate tables $1,500.

More information: 402-932-7200 | www.kidneyne.org

April 7 NOTRE DAME SISTERS’ CELEBRATION OF SPIRIT DINNER Notre Dame Sisters Roncalli Catholic High School | 6401 Soresen Parkway | Omaha | 4 pm – 10 pm The Notre Dame Sisters’ Annual Celebration of Spirit Dinner and Silent Auction is scheduled for Sunday April 7, 2013 at Roncalli Catholic High School at 6401 Sorensen Parkway, Omaha, Nebraska. This annual dinner raises funds to support the ministries of the Notre Dame Sisters. The theme of this year’s dinner is Ensuring Dignity, Body and Soul and will focus on recognizing the Notre Dame Sisters who serve in the medical field. The cost of the dinner is $75.00 per person with discounts for seniors. Reservations are required and a wide variety of sponsorship levels are available. To receive an invitation or to make a reservation, contact Melanie Ennen at 402.455.2994 ext. 101 or online at www.notredamesisters.org.

Cost: $75/person.

More information: 402-455-2994 | www.notredamesisters.org

April 10 COMPLETELY KIDS AUTHOR LUNCHEON Hilton Omaha | 1001 Cass Street | Omaha | 12 pm Keynote speaker Dr. Michael Osit, using his book, “Generation Text: Raising Well-Adjusted Kids in an Age of Instant Everything,” will address how parents can work with their children to develop key social skills, a healthy identity, and a strong work ethic despite their entire world being right at their fingertips. *Complementary self-parking Cost: $Patron: 75; Individual: 50; Educator: 30.

More information: 402-397-5809 | http://completelykids.org metroMagazine • MaR 2013

save the date April 11 OMAHA CREATIVE INSTITUTE SPRING FLING Omaha Creative Institute Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture | 1516 Cuming St. | Omaha 6 pm – 8 pm Omaha Creative Institute will host its first-ever Spring Fling on Thursday, April 11 at 6 p.m. OCI’s space in Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture will be transformed into a series of miniature creative workshops, with stations such as ukulele, watercolor, and caricature drawing. Guests will enjoy this foray into multiple mediums and dine on light refreshments as they get to know what Omaha Creative Institute has to offer. Don’t miss out! Cost: $50.

More information: 785-218-3061 | http://omahacreativeinstitute.org

April 13 RONCALLI CATHOLIC’S FESTA DEL LEONE Roncalli Catholic High School 6401 Sorensen Parkway | Omaha | 5:30 pm Roncalli Catholic High School will host its largest fundraising event, Festa del Leone, on April 13. The signature dinner and auction raises important tuition monies for the 350 young men and women of Roncalli Catholic. The cost is $125 per person. Patron table sponsorships, as well as underwriting and advertising opportunities are available and welcomed. The evening will include silent and live auctions, a lottery drawing, special giveaways and the presentation of the Pope John XXIII Award. Cost: $125 per person.

More information: 402-571-7670 | www.roncallicatholic.org

April 14 DUO 5K College of Saint Mary College of Saint Mary | 7000 Mercy Road | Omaha | 2 pm Join CSM for the DUO (Do Unto Others) 5K Run/Walk along the Keystone Trail directly east of campus. Proceeds from the 5K will go to Mercy Beyond Borders, a nonprofit that partners with displaced women and girls in southern Sudan. Cost: $30.

More information: 402-399-2309 | www.CSM.edu

April 14 ALS IN THE HEARTLAND COMMUNITY WALK Stinson Park in Aksarben Village | 2285 S. 76th Street | Omaha | 12 pm Hundreds of people will join together on Sunday, April 14 at Stinson Park at Aksarben Village in Omaha for the ALS in the Heartland 2013 Community Walk. The walk raises awareness for patients and families who suffer with Lou Gehrig’s disease.

No Cost - Donations and pledges accepted.

More information: 402-592-2374 | www.alsintheheartland.org

April 19 8TH ANNUAL KICKS FOR A CURE DINNER Kicks for a Cure, Inc Double Tree Hotel | 1618 Dodge Street | Omaha• 6 pm – 9 pm Benefiting Liz’s Legacy, Kicks for a Cure is a charitable program that supports local cancer research, education and patient care at The University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Eppley Cancer Center and Creighton University’s Hereditary Cancer Center. Cost: $100 per meal.

More information: 402-934-8961 | www.kicksforacure.org

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