Outlook 2018: Omaha Then, Now, Next

SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018

OUTLOOK: THEN. NOW. NEXT. A LOOK BACK: 1968

Themes still echo, a half-century later I Michael Kelly COLUMNIST

f 1968 was “the year that changed America,” it also marked the start of lots of changes for Omaha.

World-Herald headlines 50 years ago show that Omaha surely mirrored the national mood, including antiwar protests and racial tension.

And with the headquarters of the Strategic Air Command at Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha always took special note of national security, whether the Cold War or the divisive hot war in Vietnam.

Indeed, the front page of Jan. 28, 1968, shows dramatic headlines that seem still to echo today: » As it often has lately, North Korea topped the news. It had sparked an international crisis by seizing the USS Pueblo, commanded by Lloyd “Pete” Bucher, a graduate of Omaha’s Boys Town. One crew member was killed and the other 82 were held See Back: Page 4

MOVING AHEAD: 2040

Omaha’s future is one we imagine together

By David G. Brown

I

GREATER OMAHA CHAMBER

t’s 2040 and Greater Omaha has emerged as one of America’s great next-generation regions. We’re a technology leader, a voice on the global stage, a region where every resident can get their foot on a rung of the prosperity ladder and climb as high as their ambition and abilities take them.

Such is the vision of Greater Omaha 2040, a Strategic 4Sight (“S4S”) initiative launched in 2017 by the Greater Omaha Chamber, United Way of the Midlands and Urban League of

Nebraska to identify the area’s most critical trends and plausible futures.

From leaders to young professionals, from students to grandparents, this community has remarkably high expectations for what Greater Omaha can become and its residents want to be involved in shaping that future.

In 2003, when I arrived in Omaha, the Greater Omaha Chamber was poised for change. Leadership was calling for a more robust economic development effort — an approach that would move the region toward a greater share of capital investment See Next: Page 5

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• SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD HERALD

In fall 2000, U.S. Sen. Bob Kerrey won approval for $18 million in federal funding for a pedestrian bridge over the Missouri River between Omaha and Council Bluffs — a parting gift, so to speak, from his Senate colleagues as he retired.

Omaha shaped by turmoil

By Michael Kelly

Buffett: “The people around here had the foresight to despise Ken Lay years before the rest of America caught on.”

O

WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

maha doesn’t coast, according to a civic slogan, and it tries not to boast.

But our modest nature doesn’t mean we don’t sometimes argue. Controversy isn’t all bad.

In public policy, planning and decision-making, it’s part of how we reach resolution and eventually come together.

It’s also part of how we build and rebuild a city of 450,000 and a metro area of more than 920,000.

Below are 10 major controversies from the past half-century, all instrumental in creating this place called Omaha.

Surely, the city has seen others — political, business-related, socio-economic, even sports-related. Some even scandalous.

This list represents controversies, some more intense than others, that led to the physical city we call home.

We are sure to experience many others in the decades ahead.

Millard and Elkhorn annexations

Residents of Millard (1971) and Elkhorn (2007) so fiercely opposed their annexations by Omaha that both towns fought all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

A 1917 Nebraska law allows Omaha to annex unilaterally — yes, without asking — abutting urban areas of up to 10,000 population in Douglas County. The law is unusual nationally, and allows the central city to hang on to its tax base as development naturally extends beyond the city limits.

Many cities, such as St. Louis, Cincinnati and Des Moines, are hemmed in, retaining the same boundaries they’ve had for decades. The Des Moines Register once called the Nebraska annexation law “Omaha’s secret weapon.”

Normally it produces an orderly, planned process of Omaha adding suburban subdivisions (called SIDs, for sanitary and improvement districts) and shopping malls almost every year. But emotions run high when it comes to annexing actu-

ConAgra and Jobbers Canyon

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Ninth Street looking north from what is now the Durham Museum. To entice ConAgra Foods to build its corporate headquarters downtown in the late 1980s, Omaha razed more than 20 brick buildings in Jobbers Canyon. It was the largest demolition ever of a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places.

Ask people in those areas where they live, and they still reply “Millard” or “Elkhorn.”

al towns.

Millard and Elkhorn each were nearing 10,000 population, and Omaha said that not annexing them would cut off the city’s westward growth. Townspeople, on the other hand, wanted to keep their own police, fire, street maintenance and other local services —- and to preserve their civic identity.

Feelings ran so high 47 years ago that some Millard folks hanged Omaha Mayor Gene Leahy in effigy.

In 2005, Elkhorn prepared no hangman’s noose, but tried to avoid annexation by announcing it would annex subdivisions to put the town over the 10,000 threshold.

Omaha immediately moved to annex Elkhorn. Suits and countersuits were filed. In 2007, the nation’s highest court declined to hear Elkhorn’s appeal, just as it had refused Millard’s.

The law stood. So Millard and Elkhorn are part of Omaha, no longer separate towns. But each has maintained its proud identity — including landmark water towers and growing Millard and Elkhorn schools.

Kenneth Lay said he had “no plans now” to move corporate headquarters from Omaha. A month later, he announced plans to do just that.

The company was Enron, which years later gained infamy. But before it was Enron, it was a respected Omaha corporation founded in 1930 as the Northern Natural Gas Co., later called InterNorth. Its employees were known for service on civic and charitable boards.

Lay came into the company as part of a merger with his much smaller Houston Natural Gas. He had the merged company renamed “Enteron,” which caused guffaws because “enteron” refers to the alimentary canal — mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, anus.

He settled on “Enron” and gained enough support on the board to move headquarters

in 1986 to Houston, along with about 2,000 well-paying jobs.

His shocking move, so soon after lying about it, was a severe blow to Omaha.

Lay’s coup — the guppy swallowing the whale — haunted Omaha for years. Whenever rumors circulated that a company might leave, it was attributed to an “Enron syndrome.”

Largely as a result of the Enron experience, the Nebraska Legislature passed tax-incentive laws to entice companies to stay.

In Houston, Enron began trading gas futures like they were ag commodities, manipulating the market and expanding like crazy.

The company also hid billions in debt and exaggerated years of profit, causing its stock to drop from $80 to 25 cents. It filed for bankruptcy, and executives went to prison.

Omahans who had held on to their Enron stock lost it all.

Lay, chairman and CEO, was convicted on 10 counts of securities fraud. He appealed and died of a heart attack in 2006.

Said Omaha investor Warren

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Northern Natural Gas Co., Enron and the despised Ken Lay

To entice ConAgra Foods to build its corporate headquarters downtown in the late 1980s, Omaha paid a heavy and painful price — the razing of more than 20 brick buildings in an area called Jobbers Canyon. It was the largest demolition ever of a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places.

ConAgra, originally called Nebraska Consolidated Mills and based in Omaha since 1922, had threatened to leave. With the recent loss of 2,000 Enron jobs to Houston fresh in the minds of city and state officials, Nebraska gave tax breaks.

Heartland of America Park also was created, with its lake and lighted fountains.

So the Fortune 500 company stayed and built its suburban-like campus on the site.

Some local folks, though, felt Omaha got jobbed in 2015 when ConAgra announced it was moving its corporate headquarters to the Merchandise Mart in Chicago.

Omaha sacrificed 1,300 jobs — 300 to Illinois, and 1,000 that were eliminated. About 1,200 jobs remained in Omaha, and another 950 at factories in Council Bluffs and Lincoln.

The loss of a big corporate headquarters was a black mark for a city that had done well overall during the past two decades. Besides the jobs loss, critics lamented the lost opportunity to redevelop Jobbers Canyon if the historic district had been saved in the first place.

The other side to the story is that saving ConAgra headquarters in the late ’80s, and having it for 25 years, was a key to upward momentum of the city and to revitalizing downtown.

Marty Shukert, planning consultant and former city planning director, said the ConAgra campus played a large role in the renaissance of downtown. Other buildings were renovated, he said, and new ones were built.

Said Shukert: “We have a vital downtown, a riverfront that’s developed on both sides of the

OUTLOOK STAFF Project editor Chris Christen 402-444-1094 chris.christen@owh.com Deputy editor Howard K. Marcus 402-444-1397 howard.marcus@owh.com

Additional copies 402-444-1419 Photo reprints 402-444-1014 Advertising coordinator Dan Matuella 402-444-1485 dan.matuella@owh.com

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018 •

J O H N S AVA G E / T H E W O R L D - H E R A L D

Rosenblatt Stadium opened in 1948 and hosted the College World Series starting in 1950. But as the national prominence of the CWS grew, the NCAA pushed for modernization.

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For 75 years, Thoroughbred horses ran at the Ak-Sar-Ben Race Track, a May-August economic engine in the center of the city that drew fans from Kansas City, Des Moines and elsewhere.

JAMES R. BURNETT/THE WORLD-HERALD

The old Omaha Civic Auditorium was built in 1955. In 2000, voters approved a bond issue to build a new convention center and arena. ment that includes offices, retail, dining and entertainment options.

A park in Aksarben Village is named for Ken Stinson, the trust’s longtime chairman. And HDR, the international architectural-engineering firm, is building its corporate headquarters at Aksarben Village. Immediately adjacent is UNO’s Scott Campus. Nearby is the Center Street Campus, which includes the school’s Baxter Arena.

At the final Aksarben member show at the coliseum, Tony Bennett sang about leaving his heart in a city by the bay. The closing of Aksarben left some folks broken-hearted.

But the city got back on its horse and got to work. Where the ponies once ran for part of each year, Omaha created a new, year-round economic engine.

Missouri River, a lot of momentum.”

Omaha still has four other Fortune 500 headquarters, and Conagra remains invested in Omaha. It is participating in plans for a possible redevelopment of the riverfront, and has envisioned a potential $500 million plan to redevelop its campus with offices, apartments, condos, stores and restaurants.

Our public arena, from Civic to Qwest to CenturyLink and beyond

The old Omaha Civic Auditorium served the community for decades — home to circuses, basketball, hockey, politics, Elvis and much more. But the 1955 structure aged, and its size meant it wasn’t attracting certain big events and conventions.

Even after a renovation, people argued that we needed something else. But what?

Over the years, study after study dragged on. But then-Mayor Hal Daub pushed for a $198 million bond issue for a new convention center and arena, and voters approved in 2000.

It marked a turning point in the revitalization of Omaha’s front door — near the riverfront in a previously grimy industrial area that had been the site of a rail yard and a lead-smelting plant.

To help pay for the convention center-arena, wealthy donors contributed $75 million. Various other sources helped pay for the rest of the $291 million structure that opened in 2003. Known in its first eight years as Qwest Center Omaha, the building became the CenturyLink Center Omaha.

The Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority is now working on a new naming rights contract.

The building has welcomed Cher, Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney, Celine Dion, Katy Perry and many other top acts, as well as three U.S. Olympic Swim Trials, a World Cup equestrian championship, U.S. Figure Skating championships and NCAA regional and national tournaments.

It’s home to Creighton University men’s basketball, with average attendance fifth in the nation, as well as Omaha investor Warren Buffett’s annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting, which draws more than 40,000 folks from around the world.

This year it hosts an NCAA men’s basketball regional, with the winner going to the Final Four. (The other cities hosting regionals are Los Angeles, Atlanta and Boston.) And another Olympic Swim Trials will be held there in 2020.

The arena-convention center is the gleaming centerpiece of an area that now includes a Hilton and a Marriott Hotel, a new ballpark and other development, including the Capitol District and north downtown.

The old “Civic” has been razed, with plans for site redevelopment.

West Freeway, ‘The Bridge to Nowhere’ and the North Freeway

If you’ve never heard of the West Freeway, that’s good — because it was never built. But it caused a ruckus.

It was planned as a four-lane divided highway extending from the I-480 “spaghetti interchange” near Creighton University and downtown, taking out more than 1,100 homes.

In the late 1960s, city and state officials were so certain of the freeway’s eventual construction that ramps were built from I-480 to connect with a bridge over North 30th Street.

The bridge would have connected to the start of the West Freeway, which would have sliced through the Cathedral, Dundee and Memorial Park neighborhoods and beyond. The idea was to take traffic off busy Dodge Street and move people more quickly to and from the suburbs.

But angry public rallies by residents stopped the highway plan in the early 1970s. The bridge remained, though, and carried local traffic until it was closed in 1984.

Even after that, the unused Bridge to Nowhere stood ghostlike for a quarter-century until it was razed in 2009.

Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

KENT SIEVERS/ OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

In 2005, Elkhorn tried to avoid being annexed by Omaha by announcing it would annex subdivisions to put the town over the 10,000 threshold. Omaha immediately moved to annex Elkhorn. Suits and countersuits were filed. In 2007, the nation’s highest court declined to hear Elkhorn’s appeal. On March 24, 2007, University of Nebraska at Omaha students display a banner welcoming Elkhorn residents to Omaha.

By contrast, the North Freeway was built, its first section opening in 1970. The freeway’s completion was dedicated in 1988.

Today it takes traffic from the same I-480 interchange near Creighton northward to Metro Community College, also connecting with the northwest-serving Sorensen Freeway.

The North Freeway, through a historical African-American community, required the relocation of people in about 700 housing units. Critics say it physically split a neighborhood and led to deterioration.

Ballparks old and new, from Rosenblatt to TD Ameritrade

Omaha cherished its beloved “diamond on a hill,” Rosenblatt Stadium, which opened in 1948 and hosted the NCAA Men’s College World Series starting in 1950. But as the national prominence of the CWS grew in the 21st century, the NCAA pushed for modernization.

As early as 1963, the chairman of the Chamber of Omaha sports committee had appointed a panel to “investigate the possibilities of a downtown stadium.”

That chairman was former mayor Johnny Rosenblatt, for whom the ballpark was named.

Nothing came of the downtown-ballpark idea — not for a half-century, anyway.

Fans were emotionally attached to the stadium on a hilltop next to the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. The ballpark also was home to the Kansas City Royals’ Class AAA affiliate.

At a public meeting on the possibility of a new stadium, Mayor Mike Fahey was hissed, heckled and booed.

The NCAA, which could have moved the CWS to another city, wanted a stadium near hotels and restaurants, with room outside for related activities.

After debate about where to place the new, 24,000-seat ballpark, it was built in north downtown near today’s CenturyLink Center, opening in 2011.

It cost $131 million. Of that, $43 million was donated by Omaha philanthropists, and the rest came from user fees, hotel taxes and other sources.

In return, the NCAA extended Omaha’s contract to host the eight-team national championship of college baseball for 25

years.

The AAA team, the Omaha Storm Chasers, struck a deal with Sarpy County for a separate, 6,000-seat stadium. Rosenblatt was torn down, the site used for zoo parking — except for a mini-ballpark memorial that retains home plate, kids’ basepaths and the foul poles.

Though missing the old ballpark, fans seem pleased with the beautiful new one.

The Central Park (Gene Leahy) Mall and riverfront revelopment

For decades, Omaha figuratively turned its back to the riverfront, and why not? It was gritty and not very pretty, an industrial zone with railroad repair yards and a polluting lead-smelting plant.

The city had developed rapidly westward into suburbia, but in the early 1970s, Mayor Gene Leahy pushed for a “return to the river” movement.

An early idea, sketched by City Planning Director Alden Aust, was the Central Park Mall — not a shopping mall, but an open-air park and lagoon, several blocks long.

Critics questioned the social, economic and environmental impact. Leahy, after leaving office in 1973, said the critics weren’t facing reality.

His successor as mayor was Ed Zorinsky. Among those opposed to the mall were owners of old buildings that would be razed, including the mayor’s father, businessman Hymie Zorinsky.

Yes, the mayor’s father sued city hall. (The story made the New York Times.)

Meanwhile, the city sued 104 property owners in the mall site and began condemnation proceedings. All parties eventually reached financial agreements, and the mall was built.

Renamed years ago as the Gene Leahy Mall, it remains a centerpiece of downtown. The Holland Performing Arts Center stands along its north side, and much has happened along or near the riverfront in the decades since Leahy announced the vision.

Among the developments are Heartland of America Park, the CenturyLink Center Omaha, TD Ameritrade Ballpark, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, Lewis & Clark Landing, the Gallup

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campus, the Hilton Omaha hotel, the Riverfront Place condominium towers, the Slowdown music venue and Film Streams’ Ruth Sokolof Theater.

All have risen in the formerly grimy industrial zone, along with apartments, retail stores, restaurants, offices and artist studios.

A new committee studying the riverfront, including the Council Bluffs side and the area near Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park, has talked about extending the Leahy Mall to the Missouri River. That would surely culminate Leahy’s return-to-theriver vision.

Aksarben, from a racetrack to an urban ‘village’

For 75 years, Thoroughbred horses ran at the Ak-Sar-Ben Race Track, a May-August economic engine in the center of the city that drew fans from Kansas City, Des Moines and elsewhere.

It seemed like it could last forever, but then it didn’t.

The track was run by the philanthropic Knights of Aksarben — Nebraska spelled backward.

And backward is suddenly how things were going.

New forms of betting, including a dog track and casinos in Council Bluffs, as well as lotteries, caused drops in attendance and betting, and the track closed in 1995. It was a blow to Omaha.

Aksarben is an Omaha institution. In its heyday, its 5,200-seat coliseum attracted top-name entertainers for weeklong shows, and people enjoyed its ice rink and fairgrounds. (Aksarben still raises $1 million a year for scholarships, partly with a glittery coronation and ball honoring civic leaders.)

Three years before the track closed, it was purchased by Douglas County. In 1996, after a contentious debate, the county board approved selling a northern section to First Data Resources, which donated part of the land to the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

That same year, the nonprofit Aksarben Future Trust was formed to coordinate development of the former track property, 300 acres in all.

It took a while, but in 2004 the old track grandstand was demolished, and in 2005 plans were announced for Aksarben Village — a mixed-use develop-

In the fall of 2000, U.S. Sen. Bob Kerrey won approval for $18 million in federal funding for a pedestrian bridge over the Missouri River between Omaha and Council Bluffs — a parting gift, so to speak, from his Senate colleagues as he retired.

It was an “earmark,” the type of appropriation long used in Congress but oft-criticized — funding members’ local pet projects. Earmarks were removed from the federal budgeting process in 2012.

But the sweeping, 3,000-foot cable-stayed bridge with two lighted towers was built for a total cost of $22 million, and it opened in 2008. Kerrey had predicted it would be the “crown jewel” of the riverfront, and it is.

Some critics, though, mainly writers of letters to the editor, criticized it as an unneeded, expensive luxury and an example of wasteful, pork-barrel spending.

It is widely used in good weather by walkers and bicyclists, connecting a plaza on Omaha’s riverfront with the Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park in Council Bluffs and the nearby mixed-use development under construction in the former Playland Park area.

Officials on both sides of the river approved naming the bridge for Kerrey, a Medal of Honor recipient from the Vietnam War and a former Nebraska governor.

One Pacific Place

Not all public controversies relate to major spending on civic projects. Some are old-fashioned arguments over zoning and property values, and one of the largest of that type related to One Pacific Place.

Neighbors in the 1980s sought to block the $70 million shopping center-office-residential development near 103rd and Pacific Streets. They said it posed flooding and traffic problems and would hurt nearby property values.

The development, proposed in 1983, sits on part of the estate of the late Carl Renstrom, inventor of a nationally popular hair curler and owner of the TipTop Products Co. of Omaha.

Over neighbors’ objections, the City Council approved the project after passing a new zoning ordinance that allowed for “conditional-use permits.” Such permits require developers to add or subtract certain features to protect public interests — in this case, conditions included safeguards against flooding.

The controversy dragged on for six years, long after bulldozers began pushing dirt and the developers started construction.

In 1989, the Nebraska Supreme Court unanimously rejected opponents’ challenge of the development. The decision offered strong support for the 1986 overhaul of Omaha’s zoning ordinance.

And because the high court affirmed the power of city officials to issue conditional-use permits in the public interest, the City Attorney’s Office said, the ruling had significance beyond One Pacific Place.

Sitting a mile south of Westroads Mall and the Regency shopping center, One Pacific Place remains one widely recognized and viable Omaha address.

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• SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

Back: 1980s

were trying times for the growing city Continued from Page 1 captive for 11 months, many of them tortured. » Another top story told of the Soviet spy service in western Europe numbering 250,000 seeking information on America.

Today a special counsel investigates alleged Russian interference in the 2016 American election. » North Vietnamese “Ignore Truce, Shell Leathernecks,” read the headline over a report Lloyd “Pete” that the U.S. military Bucher expected a major attack at any time. The Tet Offensive began two days later. Though the attacks were expected, their force and fury were stunning. The attacks lasted for weeks.

The death toll shocked the American public, led influential broadcaster Walter Cronkite to declare that the U.S. was mired in a stalemate and, eventually, forced President Lyndon Johnson to announce he would not seek re-election.

Here in the center of the nation a half-century later, today’s annual Outlook section takes a long view of Omaha — mostly where we are going but also where we have been.

Like the rest of the country in 1968, we mourned the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, the latter of whom had recently visited Omaha.

When segregationist George Wallace brought his presidential campaign to the Omaha Civic Auditorium, it led to protests, a chair-throwing melee and riots. The state high school basketball tournament was moved from Omaha to Lincoln due to fears of violence.

Cultural changes also affected Omaha that year. The first shops were opening in the Old Market, the former fruit-and-vegetable market that became and remains a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors.

Omaha University became part of the statewide University of Nebraska system in 1968, taking the name University of Nebraska at Omaha. (A future graduate, wounded twice in Vietnam that year, is Chuck Hagel, who became a U.S. senator and secretary of defense.)

The Woodmen Tower was under construction downtown, and the Westroads shopping mall fully opened for business in west Omaha. The city expanded westward, and downtown’s heyday as a retail center waned.

That was all a long time ago, and much has happened since. Cities and their metropolitan areas breathe and change, and Omaha has surely advanced into the modern era — but sometimes with two steps forward, one step back.

The 1980s were a trying time with the loss of 2,000 jobs when Enron departed, the threatened departure of ConAgra, the controversy over demolishing 22 buildings in Jobbers Canyon, the recall of a mayor and an embezzlement scandal at a credit union intended to serve the poor.

But Omaha came out of its malaise in the 1990s. The 40-story First National Bank tower was built, and was followed in the early 21st century by the removal of polluting eyesores on the riverfront and the opening of a convention center-arena, a new ballpark for the College World Series, a gleaming performing arts center and more.

The Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium grew to become a world-class facility, and SAC changed its mission and its name, now the U.S. Strategic Command.

The city’s population is about 450,000, part of a two-state metro of 920,000 — demographers say we’ll reach 1 million by around 2025.

The outlook for Omaha is good, but change and surprise always come. So look out.

May the front-page headlines of the future tell the story of a city and metro that continues to grow. michael.kelly@owh.com, 402-444-1132

Front page of The Sunday World-Herald, Jan. 28, 1968.

Above, the first shops were opening in the Old Market, the former fruit-andvegetable market that became and remains a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors. At right, segregationist George Wallace brought his presidential campaign to the Omaha Civic Auditorium, leading to protests, a chairthrowing melee and riots in the streets.

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Work being done on the Woodmen Tower downtown in 1968.

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‘The biggest small town in the world’

By James D. Fogarty WORLD-HERALD CORRESPONDENT

Omaha once was regarded as “the biggest small town in the world,” but is that still so?

Ask world traveler Peter Gadzinski, a retired employee of the U.S. State Department who lived abroad for 20 years on three continents and a subcontinent.

First he was a student in Tokyo in the late 1960s; then came a stint in Vietnam before starting his diplomatic career in London in the ’80s.

From there, it was back to Japan (Osaka), and next Taiwan, Hong Kong, Nepal and Brazil.

His last diplomatic stop was Washington, D.C., where Gadzinski “descended into commuter hell” with 75-minute journeys to and from work by car, foot and train.

In 2007, Gadzinski settled into a post-retirement job with StratCom. Next stop: Omaha, where Gadzinski trimmed 70 minutes off his

World traveler Peter Gadzinski fell in love with Omaha when he moved here for a job at StratCom. He likes its world-class attractions at small-town prices. “it doesn’t get any better than that.’’ twice-daily commute.

“My most vivid first memory — and the experience that cemented my fondness for Omaha — was driving

to the Holland Performing Arts Center in 20 minutes, parking across the street for free and then enjoying an excellent Omaha Sym-

phony performance in the world-class concert hall for the princely sum of $15.

“While I was seated in the nosebleed section, there are

no bad seats in the Holland, acoustically.”

Five bucks for a glass of wine filled almost to overflowing, plus friendly conversation with former strangers, convinced Peter that “this is a place I could easily get used to.”

Yes, Gadzinski concluded, Omaha is a place that offers spectacular attractions and a commute that doesn’t bring on depression — all delivered with small-town friendliness and low prices.

“In just about any other place I have lived, my evening at the symphony would have involved heavy traffic, combative people and a parking tab alone that would have far exceeded the cost of the whole evening in Omaha,” he said.

That was 11 years ago.

Omaha’s prices have increased, and five minutes of driving now can be more like 20. Parking is a bit more pricey. But, yes, Gadzinski said, Omaha remains the biggest small town in the

world.

Its big-city offerings range from solid big businesses such as Berkshire Hathaway, Kiewit, Union Pacific and First National Bank to major universities, growing as a result of private and public partnerships.

Peter and his family still live in Omaha, despite an early plan to retire in Arizona. They have discovered that occasional weather extremes are more than compensated for by a worldclass zoo, the College World Series, Joslyn Art Museum and Creighton’s Big East sports, major entertainment delivered in the “wonderful” CenturyLink Center Omaha, Orpheum Theater and Holland Center, and the music venues of Benson and a dozen other city hot spots.

World-class attractions delivered at small-town prices with friendly folks to boot.

“It doesn’t get better than that,” Gadzinski said.

Next: Jobs in high-growth sectors could bring best and brightest to Omaha Continued from Page 1 and jobs.

An intentional vision emerged — a vision for tripling the Chamber’s efforts, a vision that meant being aggressive, targeted, creative and focused. This strategy also meant setting high standards, accomplishing goals and rapidly growing the economy.

Then, and now, it was clear the area’s public and private leadership were committed to continuous improvement, and community leaders talked about the future with passion, fueling an attitude of collaboration, collegiality and forward momentum. That attitude ignited a powerful outcome: growth.

In the past 15 years, the Chamber has expanded its regional partnerships from one to six, presenting a variety of sites in urban areas, suburban locations and expanded rural locales. We have become increasingly more targeted in our effort to attract high value-added jobs. We are more engaged

than ever in entrepreneurship. We have aggressively involved ourselves in international trade and direct foreign investment.

We have a dynamic talent development/attraction/ retention initiative that was not in place prior to 2003.

We’ve acquired and developed sites for business and industry, and have engaged in a collection of projects that have transformed Omaha — projects that have included north Omaha, South Omaha, North Downtown and more.

All have ushered in amenities and growth that have improved the quality of life here.

Add to that an extensive branding strategy — the “We Don’t Coast” campaign — that’s shaping our culture and driving accomplishments throughout the region.

These collective achievements emerge as both foundation and springboard for Greater Omaha 2040.

As a community catalyst, backed by 125 years of accomplishment, the Greater

Omaha Chamber is as energized as ever about what’s next, and we are ready to work collaboratively — and tirelessly — to execute strategies to accomplish the Strategic 4Sight initiative.

Here, a glimpse of the future we enthusiastically invite and invent, together.

Greater Omaha 2040

It’s 2040 and Greater Omaha is known for its cultural diversity, and the private, public and civic sector commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship and excellence. The region is a high growth/high tech economy, a net importer of talent that has amassed an impressive record of “best places” accolades.

The area is known as a place that treasures each individual, so businesses attract the talent they need.

The regional economy is robust and growing, with an aggressive startup scene and a diverse collection of internationally recognized businesses, small and mid-size businesses and corporate headquarters

— all of which recognize ethical practices as drivers of profit.

Business leaders, elected officials, social service and philanthropic leaders regularly collaborate and utilize virtual reality tools to develop and test effective solutions to community challenges, ensuring a seamless delivery system of services to those in need.

Prosperity

By 2040, Greater Omaha will be recognized as a region on the rise, a region that is a technology leader, a region that is heard on the global stage.

We foresee a thriving regional economy in 2040. Our GDP growth rate has doubled, and Greater Omaha leads at turning innovation into business success.

The keys to accomplishing this? Collaboration and capitalizing on an intentional, strategic outcome: quality over quantity.

That means focusing our efforts to recruit and retain businesses that create significant wage, investment

and job growth; boosting our startup ecosystem, and creating a more diverse and inclusive economy.

People

By 2040, we are a region where every resident — natives and newcomers alike — can get their foot on a rung of the prosperity ladder and climb as high as their ambition and abilities take them. We will be a region of 1.3 million people; a place where everyone thrives.

Led by jobs in highgrowth sectors, as well as our growing collection of corporate headquarters and tech startups, the region will attract top talent for top employers, a paramount priority for the past 20 years.

We will be a place where the region’s brightest and best choose to live and work, and the world’s best talent comes to live and work.

To accomplish this, we start with high expectations at the preschool level, and continue to facilitate

exceptional educational experiences for every child in the region. Every child experiences several career paths through their education journey and every school, college and university target education offerings that support the state’s high growth and high wage job environment.

Place By 2040, the quality of the communities in our region will be known around the world. Looking forward, with our eyes on excellence, innovation and accessibility in all developments, our region will be recognized as one of the most inspirational places in the country. We will be a model for community ingenuity and a place where your senses — what you see, hear, taste, and touch – demonstrate our innovation and demand for excellence every day.

The author is president and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber.

6Y

• SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

He’s found a life and a voice in Omaha

By Marjie Ducey hane Bainbridge has lived in Iowa, Dublin and New York City.

He loves the way you can make a difference in Omaha.

Bainbridge, 45, moved here in 2006 to take on a new job and is now a partner in the New BLK, a marketing firm and production company.

He’s found a blossoming culinary scene, access to culture and diversity, and a lifestyle that’s perfect for him and his 10-year-old son, Finn.

In New York, he said, he lived in a small box.

“It was extremely expensive, and the struggle was sometimes overpowering,’’ he said. “Here, you have time to focus on living and not just existing.’’

Bainbridge shared what he liked about Omaha on the Omaha Community Foundation’s Voices of the Land-

scape web page.

The project has received around 600 responses to these four questions: What would you say to a friend considering a move to our city?

When people ask you about where you live, what do you tell them you are most proud of in your community?

If you could make any lasting contribution to future generations here, what would it be?

What is your dream for your neighborhood?

Kali Baker, vice president of community relations for the foundation, said after January, the Omaha Community Foundation will analyze responses and prepare a report to share what has been learned from residents who have responded. The feedback could one day help major charitable donors in Omaha decide what projects they want to tackle with their dollars.

“The premise is that in order to make

When people ask you about where you live, what do you tell them you are most proud of in your community?

If you could make any lasting contribution to future generations here, what would it be?

Grassroots reform efforts, the music and food scene, and the philanthropy of many people of all income levels.

— Kris

A high school career center with Metropolitan Community College dual credit, associate degrees, trade certifications, and open to any metro district.

— Cliff

S

Shane Bainbridge and son Finn. Bainbridge moved to Omaha from New York City. He said he loves the way citizens can make a difference in Omaha.

What would you say to a friend considering a move to our city?

Omaha is a city that welcomes, includes, and extends hospitality to all. Our city is vastly diverse of many ethnicities, cultures, heritages, faith traditions and political affiliations. It is a clean city that has a lot to offer.

— Royal It is a safe place to live with growing diversity, volunteer, art and entertainment opportunities.

— Marjorie There’s kind of a philanthropy mafia that chooses their favorites.

So watch for that and get aligned accordingly for your job or where you hang out. Also if you’re coming from a city the same size or larger, don’t expect the same level of public services.

— John Friendly, easy to navigate, overall inexpensive, and a surprise for those that visit the first time.

Great multiple restaurants and places to visit. No longer just an agricultural hub- but now rather widespread diversity industries. Low unemployment.

— Richard

WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Our multicultural residents and opportunities for enjoying natural settings in parks like Spring Lake Park, the botanical gardens and Fontenelle Forest.

— Janet I like to describe Omaha as a “threegeneration city” ... generations of families working together, being together and all working together to continue to improve the culture and growth of Omaha.

— Carolyn Volunteerism. I have become aware of the many volunteer opportunities in Omaha by being involved in them – American Red Cross Disaster Team, Basset & Beagle Rescue of the Heartland, Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, many community bands, etc.

— Phylis

» » » »

More public parks and nature preserves.

— Kim

To tackle the problem of homelessness. I’d like to do my homework to understand the root cause — and then put in the hard work to help everyone get the support they need, to get back on their feet and be wholly healthy.

— Gena To give them a reliable, affordable, accessible public transportation system making them less reliant on individual vehicles to get to school, work, shopping and entertainment.

— Courtney

philanthropic investments in the community, it’s important that we understand the community — both through a data perspective and through the lived experiences of residents,’’ Baker said.

The report will be public information and shared online.

Bainbridge, in responding to the first question, said: “I’d tell them my experience has been one in which the positives have outweighed the negatives, by and large, and that I have faith in the direction the city is going, but they will need patience. I’d say the people here are as great as anywhere I’ve been.’’

Bainbridge said he feels that Omaha is on the cusp of another day in the city’s history. Contributors to the project could help spark that growth.

“Our voices do matter,’’ Bainbridge said.

Here is a sampling of the responses on yourvoice.thelandscapeomaha.org.

What is your dream for your neighborhood?

A safe and friendly place — one where people get to know each other and can work together to make it fun and safe.

— Beckie To be able to walk to stores/ restaurants and have diversified neighbors with both affordable apartments and more single-family dwellings. More parks for children, places to exercise pets and community gardening. Bike trails in all directions.

— Jeanne The dream for my neighborhood would be that Crossroads Mall and the 72nd and Dodge Street area would become a vibrant, peopleoriented unique development that would be walkable, bike-friendly, transit-oriented and be encouraging for multiuse planning.

— Cyndonna Eliminate anything resembling a ban, fine, tax or regulation that keeps humans from integrating with the environment, and being freed of the grid.

— Vlad

SPONSORED FEATURE

FULFILLING DREAMS IN NORTH OMAHA Community development fuels jobs, healthy living, hope; gives momentum to new opportunities

BY MAGGIE O’BRIEN / SPECIAL FOR OMAHA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Beverly Frazier has lived every one of her 72 years in north Omaha. She’s watched once-thriving businesses become boarded-up vacant buildings and witnessed how years of neglect and societal stigma can encourage even the people who live there to venture to other parts of the city to work, shop, eat and play.

But now, Frazier is seeing in north Omaha something she hadn’t expected: Hope.

“I am very proud of north Omaha,” said Frazier, who lives in the Salem Village Apartments at 35th and Lake Streets, “especially the people who have worked to renovate buildings and who have stayed in the community.”

Frazier and others like her have seen the most positive changes happening, thanks to the efforts of the Omaha Economic Development Corporation. The 501(c)3 organization has been working to develop commercial and residential properties that create more jobs, encourage growth of small businesses and entrepreneurship, and provide safe living options for the people who call north Omaha home.

The mission of the OEDC — established in 1977 — is to strengthen the quality of life in north Omaha through community development and economic opportunities.

The Fair Deal Village MarketPlace development, the opening of North End Teleservices and the Learning Community Center of North Omaha are three OEDC multimillion dollar initiatives that are breathing new life into a stretch of 24th Street between Hamilton and Lake. Once filled with local shops and professional offices, many buildings were destroyed during the social justice movements of the 1960s.

An early initiator of affordable housing in the community, including the Kellom Heights complex, OEDC has raised the bar on healthy, environmentally responsible housing for individuals and families within the area. With the restoration of The Margaret, a designated National Historic Landmark, the organization introduced the first completely “green” affordable multifamily facility to Nebraska. With its geothermal wells and solar system as well as modifications made for healthy ventilation, The Margaret received the 2013 Civic Leaf Award from Omaha by Design.

As the organization continued to improve residential life through projects such as the Fair Deal Village East Senior Apartments, organizational leaders saw the need to give residents more reasons to stay in north Omaha for shopping, dining and entertainment.

“We had seen a lack of goods and services,” said OEDC President Michael B. Maroney. “We took a comprehensive approach to development that was more than housing, because it takes more than housing to

ERIC FRANCIS

Phasia Waller, 27, has a new apartment and a car, thanks to a job opportunity at North End Teleservices. “Before, I was temping and never had a steady job or benefits. I was so stressed out. But here, we are a family.”

make a neighborhood a community.”

The $2.7 million Fair Deal Village MarketPlace includes a grocery store owned by the economic development agency. It also became the first developer in Nebraska to use large steel shipping containers as economical retail space, providing a home for eight home-based and web-based businesses. The development includes women’s clothing boutiques, a menswear store, a bundled hair boutique, a nail salon, a shop selling gourmet popcorn, a spiritual gift shop and custom tennis shoe services.

The MarketPlace also features a new and improved Fair Deal Cafe, a prominent gathering place that for decades had been known as “Black City Hall” before it closed in 2003.

Frazier and her late husband, Samuel, ate at the former café on Wednesdays. “I’m so happy they rebuilt it,” she said. “The service is the same and the building is now modern, in this century. If I had my way, I’d go down there every day.”

More than two years ago, OEDC renovated another of its buildings and launched North End Teleservices, a call center and back-office support service located in a 10,000-square-foot office space at 1500 N. 24th St. The company’s opening has created more than 50 new jobs in the neighborhood and has the capacity to grow to 200 jobs.

North End has a partnership with Bellevue University to offer tuition assistance for employees and their families. “It’s not just about having a job,” said Carmen Tapio, president and chief executive of North End Teleservices. “It’s about fulfilling their dreams.”

Since she began working there, 27-year-old Phasia Waller has been able to move into a new apartment and buy a car. Before, she had to take the bus or rely on shared rides to get to work. “Before, I was temping and never had a steady job or benefits,” said Waller, who lives near 46th Street and Redmond Avenue. “I was so stressed out. But here, we are a family.”

Since opening its doors, North End has served more than a dozen clients, Tapio said, including two international clients.

Maroney said the future is bright. OEDC is on the move again. As a result of funding from both federal and local funders, OEDC is looking at building an artists’ lofts mixed-use facility where painters, sculptors and other creatives can live and work in north Omaha while local residents find another new space that fills once blighted parcels.

“The biggest thing is giving people in the community hope they haven’t had in a long time,’ Maroney said.

“Things are changing. Things are getting better, and there are people who do care about this section of Omaha.”

OUTLOOK

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD • SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018

BUSINESS & FINANCE

MIKE WHYE FOR THE WORLD-HERALD

Construction workers staying at Pine Grove RV Park between Lincoln and Omaha have gotten advice on how to survive Nebraska’s winters. “If you forget to turn on the water heater when you go to bed, you wake up to a cold shower,” said North Carolinian Bill Paavola.

They aren’t camping; it’s home

Long-term workers populate the area in their RVs, go where the jobs are

By Mike Whye

T

WORLD-HERALD CORRESPONDENT

ravelers whizzing past Exit 420 on I-80 between Omaha and Lincoln may wonder why about a third of the spaces at Pine Grove RV Park are occupied this time of year, in the middle of a Nebraska winter. After all, aren’t recreational vehicles used by vacationers during warmer months?

Not all the time. Of the 100 spaces for RVs at the park, owners Cathy Kappel-Simms and Scott Simms said 40 are set aside for long-term residents. Of those spaces, 30 are occupied, mostly by construction workers like Danny Parker, whose home is near Atlanta.

For such workers, living in an RV is better than staying in a hotel or renting a place when away from home for months on a construction project like the one they’re working now — the Facebook Data Center under construction in Sarpy County.

After sharing a house with other workers on a construction site in Virginia where rent was $1,200 a month for 17 months, Parker — a heavy equipment operator — didn’t like spending his money that way.

Neither did the others, all of whom are employed by Terry Nix Equipment LLC, an Atlanta firm specializing in earth-moving.

The thought of staying in a hotel also didn’t appeal.

“That’s $400 a week and that’s in small towns,” said Parker, who has been with Terry Nix for 10 years.

Then they hit on a solution: buy recreational vehicles and haul them from site to site. Now, each worker lives comfortably in his own RV at Pine Grove.

The RVs are about 33 feet long by 8 feet wide, and new ones cost between $15,000 and $50,000. Some have slide-out room extensions to provide more living space, and some include washers and dryers.

“Everything in the RV is your own,” said James Scott, whose permanent home is also near Atlanta, where he

MIKE WHYE FOR THE WORLD-HERALD

James Scott, John Garr, Danny Parker, Robbie Fischer and Bill Paavola join RV park owner Scott Simms, far left, for snacks and drinks in the park’s main building. Below, Scott in the RV he bought and then towed to Nebraska before beginning his construction job. bought his 33-foot tow-behind RV. “You just hook it up and pull it to the next spot.”

Parker was sitting at a table one evening after work with other contractors enjoying snacks and beer at Pine Grove’s office. The office also serves as a convenience store, game room and snack bar.

It’s where the men gather at the end of almost every workday, which lasts from 5:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., six days a week.

Sometimes they share snacks and meals made by the RV park owners, or watch sports on the big-screen TV. “As long as they aren’t playing Georgia, I’ll root for Nebraska,” said Parker, who was wearing a University of Georgia hat.

Nearby, Robbie Fischer had on a red Georgia sweatshirt.

“Nebraska has a good fan base, win or See Campers: Page 11

“It’s home on the road. It’s your own bathroom, your own shower, your own everything.”

— James Scott

noun

TEAM-WORK

Going further together.

Bank

pinnbank.com

2073227-01

8Y

• SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

BEYOND CAREERS Meet five baby boomers who aren’t buying the concept of ‘retirement’

By Christine Laue //

WORLD-HERALD CORRESPONDENT

Throw out your preconceived notions about retirees. • For many, modern retirement is less about slowing down and more about gearing up. Less about reflecting on the past and more about shaping the future. It’s about finding purpose and living the rest of life as fully as possible.

Volunteer and musician Joe Cabral: Active, engaged in his community and making a difference

R E B E C C A S . G R AT Z / T H E W O R L D - H E R A L D

Mary S. Thompson after her appearance on TLC’s “Hoarding: Buried Alive” in 2011. Today she calls herself a “reformed hoarder.”

Fun-seeker Mary S. Thompson: At 76, she spends her retirement tackling taxes and her hoarding past — because, to her, that’s fun Thompson worked full time as an IRS taxpayer service representative from 1986 until retiring in 2007. Today, she volunteers as an ambassador at the Holland Performing Arts Center and the Orpheum Theater; works part time in a tax office; owns and operates Hoarder’s Paradise, a shop

she opened to sell her belongings after being featured on TLC’s reality series, “Hoarding: Buried Alive.” She also serves on the board of Downtown Omaha Inc. and is president of the Dahlman Neighborhood Association.

On the timing of her retirement: “A volunteer opportunity gave me more time to help the average American taxpayer for free, and it was time.

Her post-retirement advice to her peers: “Don’t do anything unless it’s fun.” That same philosophy applies to her health. She was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2014, seven years into her retirement. After surgery, she de-

Taxidermy specialistturned-grandkids’ taxi driver Jim Houston: The 71-year-old sees retirement as an evolution, not a final destination Houston was general manager of the St. Vincent de Paul Stores when he retired in 2007. A Creighton basketball season ticket holder, he previously owned Old Market properties, including a taxidermy business. Today, he’s chauffeuring 11 grandkids in “Grandpa’s purple bus” to and from school and other activities and watching them after school and some evenings.

On the timing of his retirement: “I retired to take care of our oldest grandson with a rare illness. I felt that it was important, that I could make a difference, and that it was the right thing to do. I really was not looking beyond this opportunity.

But as time went on and more grandchildren came, I luckily had more opportunity to interact with these children. I ended up with more from them than they from me.”

On taking each grandchild on an out-ofstate trip after second and eighth grades: “My goal is to make a positive difference in each of their lives, reinforce values and rules of their parents and enjoy being around young, ever-changing kids.”

What’s next: “We must ‘make things happen’ — make a reason for grandkids to be with you, and to have an active social life.

Visit capitols, museums, etc. I really believe that relationships, purposeful activities and forward thinking will make for an unbelievable increase in quality and quantity of life. My first reason to retire was easy to make. But as the kids grow older, the travels are fewer. I will have to make more choices for me to stay relevant.”

cided to forgo chemotherapy and treat the cancer holistically. “If a pity party was free, I still wouldn’t have time to go, because it’s not on my bucket list.”

On a typical day: “A typical day for me is not standing still.”

On myths about retirement: “I don’t really think about these things. I am too busy doing only fun things.”

What’s next: “Every day is a new beginning. I check my planner to make sure I have it all covered and rarely turn down an opportunity to try something new that sounds like fun.” Like participating in a senior citizen driving study. “That was a fun thing to do.”

The 80-year-old Ralson resident worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 36 years.

He left his position as facilities manager at age 55. Today he volunteers as building and grounds chairman for the GI Forum, a Mexican-American veterans/family organization. He enjoys golf and performs on occasion with two bands, Mariachi San Juan and the Don Juan Combo.

On the timing of his retirement: “I was offered a buyout which was too good to pass up.” Cabral planned to improve his golf game when he retired. But he did much more. In 1992, he started a golf tournament to raise money for scholarships for South Omaha high students. “As a lifelong musician, I wanted to give kids the opportunity to study music in college.” The tourney and scholarships continue today.

As does his pursuit of a lower golf score.

On a typical day: “My wife and I like to have breakfast out and do something purposeful. As a GI Forum volunteer, I stay active with any issues that arise for the organization. I play the piano every day and practice trumpet. I play an occasional mariachi job with my friends. We talk almost daily with our children in Omaha, Virginia and New Orleans.”

Stereotypes about retirement that bug him: “People think that because you’re retired, you have nothing else to do and you’re available to do things for them. Instead, after retirement, you are so busy you can’t get everything done in a day, and you wonder how you ever had time to work.”

What’s next: “Hopefully to continue in good health, stay active, play more golf and do some more traveling. We have grandchildren and great-grandchildren in Oregon we’d like to visit, plus relatives in New Orleans and Virginia. Also, listening to and playing music and golf will always be a large part of my life.”

Mary Macchietto Bernier, left, with friends Patti Gregor and Anne Carroll on their trip to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Consultant and creative writer Mary Macchietto Bernier: When going part time wasn’t an option, she retired and created her own flexible gig Bernier, 69, worked at the University of Nebraska Foundation from 2000 to 2015, retiring as a senior development director. Today, she’s founder of Inspired Giving: Changing the World Through Philanthropy, a business that consults with individuals to fulfill their philanthropic missions. She also is operations director at Turkey Creek Preserve in Fort Calhoun; a consultant on various projects at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and chair of UNO’s Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies. Add to that editor of Fines Lines Journal; member of the Night Writers Writing Group and two book clubs; board member for Omaha Suburban Rotary and chair of Rotary’s World Service Committee.

On retiring at 67: “Wanting flexibility in my schedule and career expansion, I decided to invent my own job. I retired on a Thursday. On Friday, my largest foundation client called to say that she couldn’t work without me. Hired immediately, my consulting business began.”

On building her business: “Upon founding Inspired Giving, I planned to help individuals structure their charitable giving — how much to give, what charities to give to, writing their agreements. I do this, but more. For example, I’ve been heavily involved in helping the Turkey Creek owner form her own foundation. I’m working with Global Partners in Hope, a nonprofit that builds hospitals in Africa, to design a giving campaign.”

On a typical day: “No day is typical. I rise early, read, meditate and work from home all morning. I meet clients or friends for lunch, and have more client meetings in the afternoon. I pick up grandkids after school a couple of days a week and try to fit in exercise.”

Her loves: “Traveling! My husband and I just returned from Italy. Also, writing creative nonfiction is a passion. I save Fridays for writing. My four children and eight grandchildren are good for my soul. I cook family dinners where we gather to have fun. I volunteer with several groups and regularly audit classes at the university.”

A retirement pet peeve: “Being asked if I enjoy playing bridge and shopping. This tired stereotype needs to be put to rest. So many seniors are doing amazing things in their later years.”

What’s next: In Spring 2019, Bob and I will move to Turkey Creek Preserve. I plan to narrow my responsibilities then so that I can devote more time to this great project. Most days I drive home after a full day’s work thinking how lucky I am to be alive, doing what I do, working with incredible people. Life is good!”

Teacher-turned-traveler Marsha Urban: When life gave her lemons, she got a passport Urban worked in education for 28 years before retiring at age 63 as instructional facilitator at Gomez Heritage Elementary. Now, at 65, she’s a part-time reading support specialist at the school, grandma to seven (soon to be eight), gardener, outdoors lover and traveler.

On her retirement: “My husband, Frank, and I had planned that I would retire at 63.

When he passed away at 63 (I was 61), I kept working as planned. I am so glad I did. My family and co-workers were incredibly supportive and helped me heal.”

On finding her new normal: She and Frank had many plans — attending the Yankees’ spring training, watching grandchildren’s sports, helping with a son’s new restaurant, taking care of her 90-year-old parents. “Life changed my plan. By the time I turned 63, I had lost my husband and both of my parents. I was living alone for the first time in my life.”

What she realized: “I learned a valuable lesson from my oldest daughter, Shelly. I lost her to cancer when she was 24. She was a wife, teacher and a brand-new mom, and despite everything, she never quit. There’s a saying about not being able to control the cards you’re dealt, but you can control how you play your hand. Sitting home alone did not work for me. It was too easy to slip into a ‘poor me’ attitude.”

What’s next: “Spring training in March and Hawaii in April. My bucket list is to travel to every national park. My 16-houra-week-job ends in April, so I’ll see if another opportunity knocks. My spring and summer are full of gardening and grandchildren activities, and I love it.”

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018 •

9Y

Self-starters with bright ideas

By Emily Kerr //

WORLD-HERALD CORRESPONDENT

With so many ways to earn a living, possibilities are limited only by one’s imagination.

Meet eight Omaha entrepreneurs who’ve carved innovative niches with minimal startup costs.

Master organizer

Voice talent

Etiquette coach

Senior caregiver

Lisa Tonjes Moritz owns Helping Organize People/Photos Everyday, or “HOPE.” A member of the National Association of Personal Organizers, she specializes in photo and memorabilia organization. With only the upfront cost of books to hone her craft, Moritz launched her business by trading services with a website developer in exchange for an organized craft room.

For anyone considering professional organization, she recommends becoming involved with an association or group to brainstorm with successful peers.

“When I started in Omaha, I was afraid to reach out to anyone because I thought they would view me as competition,” she said. Because of that, she makes a point of helping others who are just starting out in the business.

Nikki Boulay, a singer and voice actor, was exposed to her trade while working at an Omaha radio station two decades ago.

With a sweeping reach, voice acting is “everything from ‘Thanks for calling PayPal,’ to ‘Tonight, on the Oscars,’ to movie trailers,” she said. Vocal coaching and a demo tape were her only startup expenses.

Boulay said the industry is “feast or famine,” which makes it important to find consistent clients in a competitive and often changeable market.

Kelly Thedinger offers her expertise at the Protocol School of the Midwest, which helps professionals build better relationships and be more successful in their careers.

Offering consulting to everyone from religious organizations to incarcerated inmates, her mission is to teach networking skills, the art of conversation and proper etiquette for everyday interactions in business and personal environments.

Her rates are based on the duration and subject matter of her seminars.

Thedinger said that although many people equate etiquette with being fancy, it really is the action of treating others with kindness and consideration.

Thedinger, who is certified by the American School of Protocol, said that after the appropriate training, the only investment for an etiquette coach is dedication and a client base.

Senior caregiver Valerie Trimble has worked in tandem with her mother, Judy Fleming, for more than nine years. Fleming, a retired nurse, was asked to watch over a friend’s mother, and Trimble joined part time on a temporary basis. Nine years later, they have continued to provide private, in-home care to families throughout Omaha, bringing comfort to older adults who need assistance. Trimble’s work includes light tidying of the house or apartment, providing companionship and assisting with daily tasks.

Trimble’s advice to those considering the work is that “you have to be a people person and a caring person, or you are just going to want to walk out.”

Personal concierge

Photographer Freelance photographer Tiff Ziesel captures important milestones in life such as weddings and senior portraits.

Major startup costs for her business were the creation of a website and a camera.

“You have to start somewhere, whether it’s a basic digital camera or a DSLR,” Tiff said. “It’s really about your eye at the end of the day, and your composition.”

Trends come and go, so Tiff encourages potential photographers to keep an eye out for new ways to encapsulate a moment in time.

Omaha’s Girl Friday Concierge, owned and operated by Juli Bender, provides “your key to more time” by offering an assortment of services such as errand-running, gift-wrapping, proofreading, preparing mailing lists, and house and pet sitting.

To launch her business, Bender prepared by purchasing insurance, setting up a trademark and building a website.

She encourages anyone considering the concierge industry to charge appropriately.

“When you first start out, you don’t realize the operating expenses and paying all your own taxes and the value of your time,” Bender said. “If your prices are too low, you can’t make ends meet without running yourself ragged.”

Copywriter

Family advocate Wendy Andersen’s mission is to help parents of special needs kids. Redefining Normal serves the community through webinars, coaching and consulting.

With a viewpoint of gratitude and advocacy, she meets with families to re-establish what it means to live a “normal” lifestyle. Andersen, who will launch a six-week course in March, teaches concepts such as physical activity and healthy meal planning.

“I have friends who do (consulting) with literally no startup costs and only word of mouth, but I do recommend a website.”

Lauren Bonk makes use of skills she learned as a college student majoring in English and theater.

In establishing The Curtain & Pen website and blog, she focused on learning everything she could about copywriting, and recommends that aspiring writers do the same. She said it is important to know what audience will be reading a particular piece and to cater to it.

By establishing a consistent group of clients, she has built a steady business that continues to grow each year.

Bonk’s startup costs included Internet and a domain name for her blog.

• Greater Omaha Packing Company proudly employs over 1,100 employees, providing high quality Midwestern beef products domestically and to 69 countries worldwide.

• We operate one of the newest, most technologically advanced and safest facilities in the country and were voted by our employees as one of the best places to work in Omaha, Nebraska.

• Our employees and their families have a great opportunity to better themselves through our Scholarship Program which helps college students with tuition and our Citizen Benefit Program that helps employees achieve United States Citizenship.

Located in Omaha, Nebraska since 1920.

3001 “L” Street | Omaha, Nebraska 68107 402.731.1700 | 800.747.5400 Visit our website at

www.greateromaha.com

2070194-01

10Y

• SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

MICHAEL SINCLAIR

A student-staffed design lab led by Min | Day used design features and materials to complement concrete in the reception area of the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts.

Spaces that work Did you get the memo? Portable walls are coming down; comfy lounges rule

By Todd von Kampen

MINIMALISM CONTINUES

Cement — the next cool touch in interior design

WORLD-HERALD CORRESPONDENT

Today’s middle-aged office workers have watched the “bullpen” give way to “cubicle land” — and next, it seems, to the coffee shop — as a dominant ethos in commercial design.

But in businesses’ unending quest for the most productive workspace, the hot new trend can often resemble what once was deemed tried-and-true, three Midlands design professionals agreed.

Driven by the digital revolution and young adults’ preferences for comfortable, collaborative settings, they said, corporations such as Microsoft, General Electric and IBM are dismantling desks, cubicles and even formal conference rooms and private offices.

Their replacements: open-floor concepts, mobile desks and fully wired, lounge-like co-working spaces where employee teams can gather, plug in their laptops or other electronic devices, work together and then dissolve as members move on to their next projects.

“That’s moving away from assigning everyone the same type of space even when they’re not working on the same type of project,” said Gretchen Golter, design director and 31-year employee at All Makes in Omaha, formerly All Makes Office Equipment Co. As employees’ portable walls tumble — except for temporary private areas for concentrated work — they’re also beginning to see more green plants and sunlight, according to Nanci Stephenson and Dana Vaux, who respectively lead interior-design programs with commercial-design emphasis at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha and the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Stephenson has three decades of private-sector and teaching experience in Omaha. Vaux co-owned a design-build firm in Washington state for many years with her husband, Jim, now a UNK assistant professor of construction management.

Metro’s interior-design

By Todd von Kampen WORLD-HERALD CORRESPONDENT

COURTESY ALL MAKES

This recently installed collaborative space at Unico Group in La Vista features components from All Makes. graduates can transfer their credits to UNK to finish their bachelor’s degrees.

The two design educators and Golter agreed it might take some time for the typical Midlands workplace to look more like a Starbucks than the Dunder Mifflin offices in the long-running TV series, “The Office.”

It takes time for trends to travel here from either coast, Stephenson said.

The desire for bosses to see employees at work and also make economical use of floor space drove the 20th-century concept of the “bullpen” — rows of identical desks for workers with private offices for management around the perimeter.

Cubicles began sprouting in mid-century and gave rank-and-file employees more privacy. But by the 1970s, “we realized that people wanted to see each other,” Vaux said.

The late-century development of portable digital technology encouraged further isolation as employees gained the ability to work outside the office or from home.

Employers encouraged them to do so as they scrambled to cut office space and expenses during the Great Recession a decade ago.

Now employers are regathering their workers, Golter said. But they’re finding that employees prefer a homier, more informal setting.

“What companies are talking about is the negative connotation of going to ‘the office,’ ” Golter observed. “Now it’s a ‘workplace’ or a ‘workspace,’ to make it palatable and more inviting (for employees) to come together and produce a body of work.”

The idea of a dedicated personal space for each employee is disappearing, Golter said. Instead of having their own desks, they might have a locker.

During the workday, she said, an employee’s “desk” might be a wheeled unit for a laptop and a few drawers for necessary items. The employee can roll the unit to a “touchdown” station to print a document or into a conference room and plug in to make a presentation.

Conference rooms and even managers’ offices are increasingly becoming equipped with adjustable tables and laptop-friendly furniture.

Younger workers are more comfortable working at the same table as others — again, like the coffee shop setting — than at individual desks.

But both design instructors and Golter noted that some introverted employees don’t thrive in wide-open workspaces, and extroverts may feel boxed in by the confines of cubicles.

Even in an otherwise wide-open collaborative space, a handful of cubicles may remain in the middle.

KENT SIEVERS/THE WORLD-HERALD

At Yahoo in Omaha, employees work and play — in the same space.

“So for the individual who perhaps needs more privacy at times, (companies) allocate ‘headsdown’ spaces that perhaps are not exclusively assigned to one person,” Golter said.

Baby boomers, Vaux said, are bound to recognize other features in new office arrangements.

“Sometimes we revisit things and find ways to do them better,” she said.

The back-to-nature decor trend is an example, Vaux said, given that previous decades have seen an ebb and flow in employer interest in maintaining potted plants.

Now sunny windows, indoor terrariums and outdoor gardens are coming into vogue. Research indicates that employees are less stressed and healthier when they have exposure to the outdoors.

“As my grandmother would say, ‘That’s a no-brainer!’ ” Vaux said.

“We need nature. We need sunlight. We need fresh air.”

Even as office-design experts tout a “green” resurgence in today’s workspaces — in plant life and environmental sustainability — the next trend already is on its way.

Green and living, it is not.

In writing last August about the “Hottest Office Design Trends of 2018,” an Ambius. com blogger took note of a “Cement Everything” trend gaining steam since 2016, even as plant- and sunlight-friendly “biophilic design” reigns supreme.

“No longer relegated to the outdoors, you’ll find cement in homes, restaurants, offices and just about anywhere and everywhere these days,” wrote Zack Sterkenberg. “Traditionally non-cement features such as floors, countertops, plant containers, sinks and shelving are now being built and intricately designed using cement and inlaid with wood, stonework or even paint.”

In singing the praises of cement, the major ingredient in concrete, Sterkenberg called attention to its “simple, minimalist aesthetic, clean and smooth lines, well-documented toughness and surprising versatility.”

To be scientifically accurate, this “cement” aesthetic ought to be called “concrete,” said Dana Vaux, director of the interior design program at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

No matter the name, she added, the trend is reminiscent of Bauhaus design, which emerged after World War I, and the more current mid-century modern movement.

Pairing concrete walls and floors with green plants and neutral colors to break up the light color of the concrete promotes what Sterkenberg called “a stunning juxtaposition that stands out as modern and industrial.”

Reliance on concrete has two important drawbacks in light of the push for more comfortable and healthful workplaces, noted Vaux and Nanci Stephenson, interior design program coordinator at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha.

“A concrete floor is very durable and long-lasting,” Vaux said.

But given the present-day emergence of stand-or-sit workstations, “if you’re standing for long periods of time, it’s a problem.”

If offices have concrete walls and floors, “the acoustics really suffer,” Stephenson added.

Celebrating 100 years of moving business forward.

2558 Farnam St. Omaha, NE 68131 402.341.2413 allmakes.com

2073715-01

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

Campers:

Workers bring home with them Continued from Page 7 lose. I’ll give them that,” said Scott, who has been with Terry Nix since 1999.

Scott said it’s been a learning curve for the weather.

“Cathy’s been very helpful with giving us advice,’’ he said. “It doesn’t get 15-below in Georgia.”

Bill Paavola is also at the table. A construction manager from North Carolina, he said he finally bought some lined pants to help ward off the Nebraska cold at the job site.

To help keep the RVs warm, they are skirted around their open undersides with vinyl panels. They have furnaces and some have a fireplace.

“Everyone thinks it’s cold in a camper, but I stay warm,” Scott said.

He can also cook in his own rig, something you can’t do in a hotel.

“It’s home on the road,’’ Scott said. “It’s your own bathroom, your own shower, your own everything.”

Paavola nodded and smiled.

“You get to suffer your own mistakes, too,” he said. “If you forget to turn on the water heater when you go to bed, you wake up to a cold shower.”

He likes to cook in his full kitchen, everything from steak, seafood, pasta and chicken.

“I have lobster tails in my freezer,” he said.

The men often prepare lunches to take to the job site. It’s cheaper than eating out.

About once a month, the men fly south to visit their real homes for a few days. Occasionally, the families have come to Nebraska. Scott’s wife and two daughters were here for July 4. One couple celebrated their anniversary here.

“You can bring your family, your dogs and your animals and everything else up here, too,” Scott said.

The men and their families also use phones, Facetime and social media to stay in touch.

To familiarize themselves with Nebraska, Scott and Parker arrived in May, a month or so before their jobs began. They visited Nebraska City, Lincoln, several state parks and attractions off Exit 426 near Ashland, including the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum and the Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari.

Scott likes the state parks so much that he bought an annual pass.

Parker enjoys going to the state wildlife management areas to hunt and fish.

“I’ve met a lot of good people out there,” he said.

Simms understands the contractors’ lifestyle. Over the years, he has pulled his own RV from Wyoming to Kentucky while working on pipeline projects.

Kappel-Simms’ parents started the RV park in 1982, and the couple took it over in 2006.

“As owners, we couldn’t have a better bunch of people,” she said of the contractors there now. “We’ve had all kinds of construction people through here. We’ve had roofers, asphalters, all the trades. When the storms come in, we get insurance adjusters.”

Kappel-Simms said the park always has had long-term residents, but not as many as now.

Two RVs hold families whose homes were destroyed by tornadoes in southern Bellevue last June.

Other RVs are occupied by a single mother and her child, a couple with a child and retired people who live at the park year-round.

The RVs are connected to electrical, water and plumbing services.

Propane for furnaces and water heaters is delivered to tanks outside each RV. “Even when you add on insurance, which is about $20 a month, you’re still coming in lower than a house payment,” Parker said.

“Plus,” Scott said, “you get to take the trailer when the job ends.”

SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018 •

11Y

Up, down and all around

By Steve Jordon //

WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Over the next three years, Nebraska faces both promise and challenges, according to the latest projections from the state’s economic forecasters. Their views for 2018, 2019 and 2020:

NATIONAL FACTORS

GDP GROWTH 2.8% in 2018 2.7% in 2019 2.7% in 2020 U.S. JOB GROWTH 1.3% in 2018 1.2% in 2019 1.1% in 2020 INFLATION 1.8% in 2018 1.7% in 2019 1.6% in 2020

NEBRASKA FACTORS

• Faster growth in Europe and Asia.

• Federal deregulation and new tax rules.

• Modest but consistent consumer spending increases.

• Immigrants available with needed skills.

• Limited wage inflation.

• Weak labor force growth.

• Retiring Baby Boomers.

• Mismatched skills in precision production.

• Sagging job applicant quality.

• Foreign trade policy changes.

• New technology and productivity gains.

• Slowly rising interest rates.

RETAIL SALES

SERVICES

Rising by 4.2 percent in 2018, 3.2 percent in 2019 and 3.5 percent in 2020, reaching $257.8 billion, up from $218.1 billion in 2010.

A broad and growing category that includes professional, scientific and technical occupations in health care, hospitality, the arts, recreation and entertainment.

Motor vehicle sales will grow slower; low gas prices may encourage larger, more expensive vehicles.

EMPLOYMENT Job growth of 1.1 percent in 2018, 1.2 percent in 2019 and 1.1 percent in 2020.

1,059,900 workers by 2020, up from 945,000 in 2010.

PERSONAL INCOME

WHOLESALE TRADE Employment remains flat due to improved productivity and slow growth.

Jobs will grow by 200 by 2020, reaching 42,100, up from 40,600 in 2010.

Hourly wages increase by 0.7 percent by 2020, plus inflation and job growth.

RETAIL TRADE

Total income grows by 3.9 percent in 2018, 4 percent in 2019 and 3.9 percent in 2020.

Despite growing online sales and improved labor productivity, retail jobs will grow through 2020, but not in rural areas due to slow growth in farm income.

FARM INCOME Growth of 5.9 percent in 2018, 0.6 percent in 2019 and zero in 2020, following farm price trends.

Improved yields and cost-cutting will help individual farmers.

MANUFACTURING Durable goods, including ag and transportation equipment, metal-bending and machining, continue to see falling demand and improved labor productivity.

Durable manufacturing jobs will drop slightly through 2020, reaching 42,300, up from 41,400 in 2010.

Non-durable manufacturers, especially food processors, are adding jobs, including a poultry facility near Fremont.

Non-durable manufacturing jobs are to grow through 2020 to 56,300, up from 50,300 in 2010.

Retailers will add 2,100 jobs by 2020 to 114,000, up from 103,900 in 2010.

CONSTRUCTION Low interest rates, rising income and growth in population, households and income will boost demand.

Residential construction will be strongest in Omaha and Lincoln.

Health care jobs alone will grow by 1.3 to 1.5 percent a year.

Service jobs are to grow by 1.9 percent in 2018, 1.7 percent in 2019 and 1.6 percent in 2020, reaching 425,800, up from 359,400 in 2010.

INFORMATION Publishing, broadcasting, data processing, web design, telecommunications and other industries are continuing labor productivity gains, limiting job growth.

The sector is to add about 100 jobs a year through 2020, reaching 19,100, up from 17,500 in 2010.

GOVERNMENT Federal employment will add 200 jobs for the 2020 Census.

Budget pressures will limit state and local employment growth to 0.1 percent in 2018, 0.4 percent in 2019 and 0.4 percent in 2020, reaching 157,400, up from 152,300 in 2010.

Commercial construction will follow.

Revenue from higher gas taxes and allocated sales tax revenue will boost road construction.

Job growth of 3 percent in 2018, 2.5 percent in 2019 and 2 percent in 2020, adding 4,000 jobs.

Employment to reach 56,100 by 2020, up from 42,600 in 2010.

Improved farm income may add some tax revenue.

Some retiring government employees may not be replaced because of productivity improvements.

Sources: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Bureau of Business Research and members of the Nebraska Business Forecast Council: John Austin, David Rosenbaum, Brad Lubben and Eric Thompson of UNL; David Dearmont of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development; Phil Baker of the Nebraska Department of Labor; and Ken Lemke and Scott Loseke of Nebraska Public Power District.

2070180-01

12Y

• SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

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2067550-02

OUTLOOK

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD • SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018

HEALTH & MEDICINE

RYA N S O D E R L I N / T H E W O R L D - H E R A L D

The MRI machine at Lauritzen Outpatient Center helps doctors see inside patients without the need for surgery, helping them detect disease and follow its progress.

Research and advances in medicine Curious minds are continually working to solve problems that have a great impact on humans

A LOOK AT THE PAST

By Julie Anderson

M

WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

edical science has made remarkable strides over roughly the past 75 years, beating back many once life-threatening illnesses and helping to extend the life expectancy of a child born in 2016 to nearly 79 years.

By all measures, the pace of change appears to be accelerating. The number of drugs approved by the FDA each year more than doubled between 1950 and 2010. The number of new scientific journals increased 3 percent a year between 1900 and 1996, with some 2 million scientific research articles published in 2012 alone, according to a 2015 study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine. And that doesn’t count changes on the business side of medicine, including the growth of electronic medical records, the increased use of telemedicine or the advent of the Affordable Care Act. “The speed of information, the speed of change is increasing,” said Dr. Lynell Klassen, a researcher and professor of internal medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

With his help and that of several other area physicianscientists, we’re pausing to take a quick glance back, highlighting a few key advances that have brought us to where we are today, and to train our sights on the future and what advances we — and our children — might be able to expect in our lifetimes and theirs.

The list is by no means complete. And it comes with caveats, curveballs and complications we can’t predict. A decade ago, for instance, few experts likely would have predicted that an epidemic of opioid drug use would cut down so many young people that it would factor into reducing the nation’s average life expectancy two years in a row, in 2015 and 2016.

Instead of expecting to live 78.8 years, as babies born in 2014 could expect to do, those 2016

Antimicrobials

In the 1930s and 1940s, hospitals were full of young people sick and dying of routine infections, from tuberculosis to appendicitis. This group of compounds, which includes antibiotics such as penicillin, changed that — literally overnight.

“People take that completely for granted,” said Dr. Mark Rupp, professor and chief of the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s infectious diseases division.

As a consequence, however, antibiotic resistance has become a concern, leading to the need to develop alternatives.

He and other UNMC researchers are involved in a study testing an enzyme used by a type of virus that infects bacteria as one possible option. Several others also are under study.

Vaccines

Vaccines ended epidemics of childhood killers such as polio, diphtheria and pertussis, and provide protection against those such as measles and mumps. The eradication of smallpox, certified in 1979, is considered one of humanity’s greatest accomplishments, said Dr. Ali Khan, dean of the College of Public Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Some estimate that the eradication campaign saved 500 million lives.

Evidence-based medicine

THE WORLD-HERALD

Vaccines, such as for polio, have helped stop the spread of many deadly diseases. babies on average can anticipate 78.6 years.

But Klassen said he tells students they’ve got a lot ahead of them.

“This is really an exciting time to be in medicine,” he said.

“All of the possibilities, the

potential for understanding and altering our life functionality is greater than it’s ever been in the past.”

A key challenge, said Dr. Joseph Stavas, chairman of radiology at Creighton University School of Medicine, will

be figuring out how to make sure the new technologies are made available to everyone and eliminating disparities across regions and ZIP codes.

“There are so many advances, but are we able to share them?” he said.

While this could go by other names, the common theme is the use of data to protect us from unproven and even bogus treatments. This category includes the use of large cohort studies (such as the Framingham Heart Study launched in 1948 to identify risk factors for heart disease), and the ongoing use of controlled studies to test new drugs and other therapies.

Nebraska Medicine physician Dr. Lydia Kang and co-author Nate Pedersen wrote about some dangerous treatSee Research: Page 14

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14Y

• SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

THE WORLD-HERALD

Youngsters in iron lungs at Children’s Memorial Hospital. Thanks to vaccines and other developments, the huge machines used to facilitate breathing are a thing of the past. “The speed of information, the speed of change is increasing,’’ Dr. Lynell Klassen said.

Research: From vaccines to gene editing, medical researchers on the job Continued from Page 13 ments in their 2017 book, “Quackery: A Brief History of the Worst Ways to Cure Everything.” The list includes the mercury-laced pills Abraham Lincoln took for headaches and the strychine-infused anti-gas tablets Adolf Hitler took.

But in other cases, careful research has led to better options. When UNMC’s Klassen began practicing more than 40 years ago, a standard treatment for rheumatoid arthritis involved gold shots and 32 aspirin a day. Today, he said, rheumatologists have 15 different medications from which to choose.

Medical imaging and diagnostics

Imaging technologies of increasing power and precision — X-rays, CT, MRI, PET scans, portable ultrasound, 3-D mammography, endoscopies with pill-sized devices, in some cases coupled with biopsies — have given us the ability to peer into the body, in some instances to the cellular level, without cutting it open, both to detect disease and follow its functions.

Human genome

Beginning in 1990, researchers over the course of 13 years sequenced all 3 billion letters, or base pairs, in the human genome, the complete set of DNA in the human body. Not only did the Human Genome Project provide a blueprint of the body, it set the stage for further efforts to detect, prevent and cure diseases. More on that later.

A PEEK INTO THE FUTURE Medicine meets genetics

The Humane Genome Project gave us the blueprints; the next step involves putting that knowledge to use in medicine. The federal Food and Drug Administration recently approved the first gene therapy in the United States for an inherited disease, a form of blindness, and the first in which a corrective

T H E A S S O C I AT E D P R E S S

This fluorescence-colored microscope image shows a culture of human breast cancer cells. gene is given directly to the patient. An Omaha girl saw improvements in her vision after receiving the treatment in a clinical trial.

Other areas where work has begun:

Epigenetics

If genes and DNA are the hardware, epigenetics is the software, said Dr. Sanjay Singh, professor and chairman of neurology at Creighton University School of Medicine. Essentially, epigenetics is all of the biological processes that determine the expression of genes, including turning genes on and off. If researchers can turn off a harmful gene, he said, it’s like it never existed. Some trials already have occurred in blood cancers.

Gene editing

A bacteria-derived system called CRISPR, a so-called molecular “scissors,” has been hailed as offering a more precise way to edit DNA, potentially offering a way to edit out faulty genes.

THE WORLD-HERALD

A Douglas County Hospital X-ray room in 1941. A key challenge is to make sure future discoveries are available to everyone.

UNMC researchers have devised an easier way to use the system, which has received a significant amount of interest from other researchers.

Personalized medicine

Though researchers today can target some cancer treatments based on the tumor’s markers, true personalized medicine will involve the ability to analyze a person’s genome and treat various conditions, from cancer to epilepsy, based on individual genetic variations.

Such precision will require what’s being called Big Data, the use of computers to sort through and analyze vast amounts of data. UNMC is one of 14 centers testing IBM’s Watson system, which can identify relevant mutations and potential drugs that may be considered in a treatment regime — all based on the patient’s genomic profile and the specific mutations.

Also in the computing realm, scientists are envisioning the future use of

artificial intelligence in medicine, as well as technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality. The first 3-D printed drug, used to treat epilepsy, is already in use, and doctors are using 3-D anatomical models, such as a brain with a tumor, for surgical preparation and other purposes. Jorge Zuniga, a University of Nebraska at Omaha professor, is working to improve the inexpensive, 3-D printed prosthetic hand he has designed for kids. But scientists also foresee the use of bioprinting, in which human cells are used for 3-D-printed heart valves, ears and organs.

Microbiome

Though we’re just beginning to scratch the surface of figuring out how we interact with our microbiome — the many microbes that live in us and how they affect our health — Rupp said we are starting to learn how to use prebiotics and probiotics to enhance it. julie.anderson@owh.com, 402-444-1066

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OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018 •

Attitude, gratitude and chocolate ice cream

By Marjie Ducey WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

H O WA R D K . M A R C U S / T H E W O R L D - H E R A L D

Elaine Jabenis, 97, is hard at work on her autobiography. The longtime Omaha fashion director (who wrote two books on the subject) also had careers in radio, television and theater. For 50 years, she appeared in Omaha Community Playhouse productions, and an award there is named for her.

At right, a photograph of Jabenis interviewing Johnny Carson for WOWT while he was host of The Tonight Show hangs in her office.

R E B E C C A S . G R AT Z / T H E W O R L D - H E R A L D

Elaine Jabenis has never really retired.

It wasn’t until she was 80, she says, that she started writing with passion.

The “grande dame” of the Omaha Community Playhouse was acting in plays until age 84.

Now, at 97, three years after publishing her first work of fiction, she’s working on her autobiography.

“I’ll tell it truthfully and as much as I possibly can,’’ she said. “I’m surprised at how much I remember.’’

Jabenis has lived an exciting life, with successful ventures in writing, radio, television, fashion and theater.

Her outgoing personality has attracted friends everywhere.

When Jabenis once asked her much younger neighbors why they would want to hang out with an “old broad” like her, they replied: “You are more fun than anybody.’’

Jabenis said she’s been lucky to inherit good genes, allowing her to live a full, varied life.

Her social calendar is full. Weekly book club meetings with “remarkable women’’ stimulate her, as well as frequent lunch outings with friends. Two children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren keep her entertained. Or vice-versa.

“I’m a kid at heart,’’ she said.

Attitude and gratitude are the words she lives by.

Wake up with a good attitude and you somehow manage to have a bright day, Jabenis said. She can always find things to be grateful for — 66½ wonderful years with husband Mace (who died in 2011), supportive family and friends, and stimulating work.

Sometimes that work keeps her up late at night. Then inspiration will hit, and she’ll “dash” to her office.

“I’ll gain speed as I go along,’’ she said.

“I get inspired and excited, and my fingers move faster.’’

If she needs fuel to write, she can just gaze around at the walls of her office.

Personalized pictures hang of personalities such as buddy Johnny Carson, Marlo Thomas, Eva Gabor and Vanna White.

Actor George Hamilton once made the girls swoon when he appeared in Omaha as a guest at a fashion show, Jabenis said.

Baseball pitcher Bob Gibson, known for his fierce competitive nature, was a darling. Dancer Ginger Rogers was one of the sweetest women she ever met.

“A lot will be in the book,’’ she said.

She has no secrets to share on how to live a long life. She’s a great nibbler, instead of big meals, but she loves good food.

She was a walker until her beloved dog, Sammy, died in 2014.

Elaine Jabenis played Malayan Princess Oparre in Maxwell Anderson’s “The Wingless Victory” at the Omaha Community Playhouse in 1961.

Sammy was once laying on the floor of her office when she read a paragraph aloud from her 2014 novel, “Georgia’s Secret.’’

She looked over at Sammy afterward, and said, “What do you think?”

“He stood up, shook his head and walked out,’’ Jabenis said. “I laughed so hard.

“You are right,’’ she told the dog. “It needs work.’’

Her faith is important, too. She’ll occasionally have a nice conversation with God. “I’ve learned to let go,’’ she said. “I don’t play God. It doesn’t work.’’

She’s been letting go of the items around her, too. But her dining room still shines, decorated with objects she and Mace brought back from a trip to China.

On a living room chair sits a stuffed black gorilla she couldn’t part with after it was borrowed from a toy store for a fashion show in Wichita, Kansas, years ago.

“I just love it,’’ she said.

Jabenis doesn’t look ahead. It’s not a good idea, she said. Instead, she just takes each day as it comes.

When asked about any vices, she said she was too boring for those.

Then she admitted — it’s ice cream.

“I love any kind,’’ she said, “as long as it’s chocolate.’’ marjie.ducey@owh.com, 402-444-1034, twitter.com/mduceyowh

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‘YOU’RE NOT A GUINEA PIG’

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Every drug that comes to market has a stringent series of clinical trials behind it. And Quality Clinical Research Inc. of Omaha is among the players.

In the past decade, “we’ve helped secure FDA approval for 45 or more drugs,” said QCR vice president Seneca Harrison. Among them: Celebrex (an anti-inflammatory drug) and Viagra (for treatment of erectile dysfunction).

“When you participate in a QCR trial, you’re a patient under the care and guidance of an expertly trained medical staff,” said Harrison. “You’re not a guinea pig, which sometimes is the misconception.”

Some health care professionals running clinical trials for QCR work out of QCR’s Regency offices, while others are affiliated with a major health system or other metro satellite location with specialized doctors, labs or testing equipment, according to Harrison.

HOW QCR LANDS TRIALS

“Pharmaceutical companies approach us to see if we can handle a particular study,” said Harrison, who launched QCR in 2003 with wife, Tricia, as CEO and clinic coordinator. The answer depends on the criteria for the study and the number of qualifying candidates in the clinic’s database.

“We have very stringent criteria for studies,” Harrison said. Follow a clinical trial’s criteria to the letter, and “it’s safe.”

Quality Clinical Research currently is conducting trials for 33 pharmaceutical and health care companies.

Allergan, Novartis and Pfizer are among the more widely known. Study participants might range from a newborn who can’t drink breast milk to a teen athlete who suffers from exercise-induced asthma to an 85-year-old at high risk for influenza. “Pretty much any walk of life.”

The value of clinical studies became personal for Harrison and his family in 2008. His sister died that year from sickle cell anemia, an inherited blood disease traced to abnormal hemoglobin. She was 28 and left behind three children — 6-month-old twins and a 3-yearold.

“My mother has full-blown sickle cell anemia traits,” Harrison offered. “And I carry the trait.” Since 2004, much has been discovered about the disease through clinical studies.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE

Participation in a clinical trial is not a given for everyone who applies. Candidates register online and are screened through an inclusion/exclusion assessment that’s usually done by phone.

Those who meet the baseline criteria are scheduled for lab work and may be asked to keep a seven-day health diary that may knock them out of a particular study.

“Some studies may need patients with an overactive bladder, chronic back pain, etc. Our screening process

confirms that you suffer from the condition specific to the trial,” Harrison explained.

QCR hosts Phase I through IV studies. Typically 20 to 25 different trials might be in progress at any given time, and each study is facilitated by a physician who acts as principal investigator and a nurse coordinator.

Pharmaceutical companies set forth the criteria, train the principal investigator and coordinator of the study, verify the eligibility of each participant, and monitor results for the duration of the trial.

“We stay in close contact with the patient’s doctor, forwarding lab, EKG and other test results as we go,” Harrison said. “We don’t treat patients outside the protocols of a study, and once the trial is complete, the patient is returned to their primary physician.”

A synopsis of the four trial phases: Phase I trials are the first trials to involve people and are small, usually involving 15 to 50 participants.

Phase II trials look at the effectiveness of a new treatment in 25 to 100 people.

Phase III trials are large (some involve tens of thousands of participants) and compare the safety and effectiveness of a new treatment to the current standard.

Phase IV trials usually look at whether a treatment offers benefits or produces long-term side effects that weren’t studied or seen in Phase II or Phase III trials and may involve hundreds of thousands of people.

HOW TO SEE IF YOU’RE A GOOD FIT

A clinical trial might be for you if … » You enjoy the idea of helping others while helping yourself. “You want to do it for the greater good.” » You’re healthy, or you have a chronic ailment or condition and a resolve to feel better. » You’re a minority. “Some blood pressure studies, for

To see if you qualify to participate, call 402-934-0044 or visit qcr-omaha.com

example, are only for the African-American population,” Harrison said. » You’ve lost your medical coverage and suddenly need a bridge. Medications, lab work, tests (including annual wellness checks), equipment and condition management are free for the duration of a study related to your condition. » Your schedule can accommodate weekend, evening or early-morning appointments. » You could use the income — although Harrison cautions that a clinical trial is not a quick cash grab.

Compensation depends on the phase of the trial, the area of medicine or how much a medicine or treatment has already been tested. Risk also comes into play.

“Each study is different,” Harrison said. “Some diabetes and cholesterol studies can take place over an eight-year period. But more typically, a trial will run 18 months.”

To ballpark the compensation: A trial might pay $50 to $100 for a one-time clinic visit, $500 to $1,000 for overnight testing or $1,000 to $1,500 for 15 to 20 visits.

Another value: You can see your primary care physician and request that medical reports be sent to your doctor during the trial period.

Sometimes during the screening process, participants learn of a disease or condition they didn’t know they had, Harrison said. “Lupus. Cancer. We have discovered those conditions.”

QCR patients have an 85 to 90 percent completion rate, according to Harrison. “Our dropout rate is low and our completion rate is high.”

Safe clinical trials are critical to discovering new treatments for cancer and other diseases as well as new ways to detect, diagnose and reduce the risk of disease, Harrison observed. “It’s a forever industry.”

15Y

16Y

• SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

C R A I G C H A N D L E R / U N I V E R S I T Y O F N E B R A S K A - L I N C O L N C O M M U N I C AT I O N S

Dr. Dmitry Oleynikov, a professor and surgeon at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, operates a surgical robot while in the background Shane Farritor, an engineering professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, adjusts the camera on the surgical subject. The two developed the robot for minimally invasive surgeries.

Shrinking technology is future of robotic surgery

By Julie Anderson WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Though doctors have been performing robotic surgery for some time, such procedures still involve using large machines outside the body. The next stage will involve further shrinking that technology.

Dr. Dmitri Oleynikov, a professor of surgery at UNMC, and Shane Farritor, a professor of mechanical and materials engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, have been working to come up with a significantly smaller minimally invasive robotic surgical system with a two-pound robot that can fit into a patient’s abdomen and be remotely directed by a surgeon.

Oleynikov and Farritor formed Virtual Incision Corporation in 2006 to create such a system. Their robot has a set of all-directional “hands” that bear clips, a light, a TV camera and other instruments. John P. Murphy joined the company in 2012 and serves as CEO. Part of the work is sponsored by NASA and the U.S. Army.

“That’s because they do some work in some crazy places,” Farritor said.

Video images from the system can be shown to other physicians in real time to get their opinion on the surgery.

What’s in the far future?

Dr. Lynell Klassen, a researcher and professor of internal medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, said he foresees the development of nanobots — machines built on a molecular scale — that can be deployed inside the body, even inside vessels.

UNMC researchers currently are studying the use of nanoparticles and nanofibers to deliver immune-modulating compounds and antioxidant enzymes. But tiny machines might be able to go inside the body to count molecules in a chemical sample, identify or destroy cancer cells, and even fix damaged organs.

Writer Mike Whye contributed to this story.

Medical marvels

By Mike Whye //

WORLD-HERALD CORRESPONDENT

Technological advancements are in every part of our lives, including the medical field. • X-rays once made on film now are digital and can be transmitted anywhere in seconds. • The amount of oxygen in one’s blood can be measured by sliding a soft, thimble-like device onto the end of a finger. • A pill-size video camera/transmitter can be swallowed to give a doctor an inside look at the digestive system. • Inflatable plastic bags serve as splints for broken bones. • The advancements in medical technology keep coming...

Remote monitoring A company called Eko has created a device that attaches to a regular stethoscope and creates digital displays and recordings for physicians. The information can be transmitted to others for study. Eko also has developed a small monitor about the size of an open flip-phone that can be used in an exam room or sent home with a patient to monitor heart and lung information that can be transmitted elsewhere later.

Glucose detective Echo Therapeutics (not to be confused with Eko above) is working to develop a patch that detects glucose levels in a patient’s blood without having to poke a needle into the patient.

The information is sent wirelessly to a remote unit that collects long-term data and sets off alarms if glucose levels go out of bounds.

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OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018 •

17Y

R E B E C C A S . G R AT Z / T H E W O R L D - H E R A L D

Adam Gray prepares to do an exercise with his 3-D printed prosthetic hand in the Biomechanics Research Building at UNO.

Electronic aspirin

lumbus, Scottsbluff, Alliance and Hastings in Nebraska and Red Oak, Onawa and Denison in Iowa.

“There’s always a point person on the local side who collects vitals and other information. The patient is in a room with a large screen, and we can see each other,” said Eiland, who faces two screens in her office.

One shows the patient, and the other displays the patient’s medical information.

She prefers to work with patients referred to her by their primary care physicians, instead of self-referrals.

“I do try to require that all patients I see are under the care of local primary care physicians so someone can lay their hands on them,” Eiland said.

Autonomic Technologies of California is waiting for approval of its electronic aspirin, which it says will help relieve the pain of migraine and cluster headaches. A nerve stimulator is surgically inserted in the mouth, and when the patient feels a killer headache coming on, the touch of a remote control causes the stimulator to send electrical impulses to a set of nerves, countering the headache. Tests of electronic aspirin on severe headaches have shown about a two-thirds success rate.

Disappearing stents New, biodegradable stents are being developed that will retain their form for two years, then be absorbed into the body, much like dissolvable sutures. The biodegradability is designed to prevent problems caused by traditional stents — the thin tubes inserted into clogged blood vessels that are then inflated to widen arteries and veins — which remain in blood vessels. Clots that form on traditional stents can re-block blood vessels.

JAMES R. BURNETT/THE WORLD-HERALD

Dr. Michael Barsoom, maternal fetal medicine specialist with CHI Health, discusses a live ultrasound during a videoconference consultation with a patient in Norfolk, Nebraska. Remote videoconferencing with patients across the state saves the time, energy and expense involved in driving to Omaha to see specialists.

Tissue analysis For years, surgeons have cauterized areas they cut to stem blood loss. The iKnife, developed in London, analyzes particles in smoke created during by cauterization and provides near-instant feedback on whether the tissue is malignant or benign. The rapid feedback shortens the time a patient must be kept sedated while doctors wait for a tissue analysis.

Body scans For those who have watched “Star Trek” physician Dr. Leonard McCoy use his medical tricorder to diagnose conditions, that time is nearly here. Viatom is working on CheckMe, a device that will monitor blood pressure, blood oxygenation, body temperature, pulse and blood pressure, plus act as a pedometer and serve as a sleep

Biodegradable stents like this Absorb Stent are designed to prevent re-blocking of blood vessels. monitor.

Smaller than a smartphone, CheckMe will be able to transmit information to a patient’s physician or family.

Telehealth In 2004, Dr. Tom Magnuson, who specializes in geriatric psychiatry at UNMC, and others noticed that the state’s telenetwork was being used primarily for service and educational purposes. He won-

Viatom’s CheckMe is a palm-sized personal health monitoring device with a mobile app that tracks vital signs and other important data via Bluetooth.

dered about using it to connect patients in faraway places with Omaha specialists.

“This allows me to see someone who’s in Mullen or at a nursing home somewhere else, just like I do here in the clinic,” Magnuson said. For privacy, the system is encrypted on both ends of the connection.

It allows patients to connect with endocrinologists — specialist physicians who treat conditions of glands such as the

thyroid and adrenal and pituitary glands.

Dr. Leslie Eiland, an endocrinologist, runs a telehealth program that brings such medical care to rural Nebraska and parts of western Iowa, where endocrinologists are in short supply.

From her UNMC office, Eiland visits with about 200 patients a month via the telehealth network, which connects her to community hospitals in Co-

3-D prosthetics UNO researcher Jorge Zuniga wants to improve the beast.

The assistant professor of biomechanics envisions an electronically driven hand that will be more expensive but more effective than his current $50 mechanical hand.

“We have big, big plans,” he said.

Conventional prosthetic hands can cost thousands of dollars. And as children grow, the cost of replacing the devices can be prohibitive for many families, Zuniga said.

Zuniga wrote a manual for how to make his 3-D hand, called the Cyborg Beast, and put it online three years ago, free for anyone to use. The device can be built with 3-D printing technology for about $50 in materials.

The improved, electronically driven hand will cost about $200. Zuniga wants to have a prototype built within a year.

Several scientists from across the NU system will work with him.

Zuniga estimated that 3,000 children used the Cyborg Beast last year. That includes children in Zuniga’s native Chile.

The device can match a child’s skin color or be loud and colorful like the hand of a superhero.

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18Y

• SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018

Your M.D. on demand, for a fee What’s old is new again in concierge medical practices where physicians even make house calls

By Sandra Wendel WORLD-HERALD CORRESPONDENT

Fans of the hit TV show “Royal Pains” swoon when the handsome doctor of HankMed makes house calls to his wealthy patients in the Hamptons. Is having a concierge doctor a luxury out of reach for most Americans?

Actually, no.

The concierge medical practice is growing and thriving in Omaha. Also called retainer or boutique medicine, this specialized option works in conjunction with regular medical care and a patient’s insurance plan.

Concierge doctors are at your beck and cellphone call. Just as the friendly family doctor Marcus Welby, M.D., also of TV fame, got to know his patients and made house calls, concierge doctors get to know their patients and their medical history.

This personal approach has pluses and a price tag.

“The main benefit is direct access to your doctor and medical staff,” said Dr. David Sharp, a specialist in osteopathic medicine who operates Doctors for Health PC in southwest Omaha. His membership practice includes two RNs and a phlebotomist. Doctors for Health operates under the umbrella of Private Physicians Medical Practice, a national hub for concierge medicine.

Members pay an annual fee for immediate access to their concierge doctor. No long waits to get in, no crowds in the waiting room, a great deal of flexibility in scheduling appointments — even house calls for some patients who opt for a higher level of concierge care.

Patients may even receive their doctor’s cellphone number for 24/7 calls.

“There are not a lot of go-betweens for the patient,” Sharp said. “You really reduce your risk for medical errors.

There is more direct access, so if they have a question, we can take care of them a bit easier.”

Eight years ago, Dr. Joel Bessmer, an internist, saw the need for concierge medicine while serving the Omaha

community through his midtown practice affiliated with the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Today MembersMD, his concierge medical office, is near 90th and Dodge Streets, and he has added a partner, Dr. Matthew Bott, a family practice physician who can see children, too.

Bessmer’s MembersMD practice has about 550 patients. Sharp’s practice has about 275 patients. Both are a fraction of a general practice’s approximately 3,000 patients. The smaller count lets concierge doctors spend more time with patients, maintain open access to members and offer a wider range of preventive health services.

Among Bessmer’s patients are people with complicated medical conditions and a handful of elderly individuals in assisted living, but the bulk of his patients are those who are concerned about preventive care.

Also in Omaha are primary care physicians affiliated with MDVIP. Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, MDVIP is a national franchise that provides affiliated doctors with the MDVIP Wellness Program, a comprehensive series of diagnostic tests and advanced

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

health screenings not typically covered by insurance. Patients who join MDVIP-affiliated practices can take part in the program.

The downside of boutique medicine is that concierge practices have a price tag. The upfront annual fee is paid over and above any insurance costs patients incur. The offices run like a regular physician’s office when it comes to filing insurance. Patients are responsible for copays and out-of-pocket costs.

The increased access is typically in the form of an annual fee or retainer.

For example, Doctors for Health annually charges $1,500 for an individual, $2,500 for a couple and $4,000 for a family. MembersMD prices range from $2,500 to $5,000. Prices for the MDVIP Wellness Plan go from $1,650 to $2,200.

Let’s say you fall and are whisked away by paramedics to the ER with a suspected broken hip. Or you’re down with the flu and can’t get to the doctor’s office. One call to your concierge doctor’s cellphone, and you’ll have your doctor by your bedside — or at least, on the phone — right away. Just like on TV. Writer Emily Kerr contributed to this story.

Texting, typing take toll ‘Selfie elbow.’

‘Nintendoitis.’

Yes, they’re real

embrace our passion

By Kelsey Stewart WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Cellphones are practically glued to our hands.

Workdays are spent behind computer screens.

And free time is spent with tablets and gaming systems in hand.

All of that extra time with technology could lead to injuries.

“As much as we’re using our cellphones, and we’re all on computers, especially laptops, we’re seeing a lot of overuse injuries,” said Kim Robinson, a physical therapist at Immanuel Rehabilitation Institute in Omaha.

Aches and pains from all that rapid texting and typing can show up in the obvious places: thumbs, hands and wrists. But it can also take a toll on your posture.

Slouching over your phone or craning your neck to see the computer screen can leave necks and shoulders hurting.

In recent years, conditions have popped up for overuse injuries like “text claw,” “Blackberry thumb,” “selfie elbow,” and “Nintendonitis.” That’s because too much of any particular movement can cause injury, said Dr. Joseph Morgan, an orthopedic surgeon at the Nebraska Medical Center.

“In general for joints, a body in motion stays in motion,” Morgan said. “I wouldn’t guess that our technology today is a setup for bigger problems down the road, but it’s certainly possible. Time could tell.” kelsey.stewart@owh.com, 402-444-3100, twitter.com/kels2

Join Children’s growing team and explore a world of possibilities.

Minimize the damage: Hold your phone in front of you when you’re reading the screen. Use both thumbs to text.

SCREEN TIME TACTICS Dr. Joseph Morgan and physical therapist Kim Robinson offer these tips for alleviating and preventing tech-related pain.

• Hold your phone out in front of you. Keep it out of your lap to avoid hunching over.

• Slow down when typing to prevent overuse of the tendons.

• Use both thumbs to text.

• If your hands need a break, try using voice-activated texting.

• Ask human resources for a computer or workstation assessment. A professional can give you tips for a more ergonomic space.

• While working at a computer, keep your back straight.

• Make sure the computer screen is in your direct line of sight and doesn’t require you to crane your neck.

• Place your keyboard as low to your lap as you can to keep elbows and shoulders relaxed.

• Stand up at least every 40 to 60 minutes.

• If the more you text, the worse your pain gets, take a break from tapping your screen. Use tech in moderation.

• Try over-the-counter pain medication.

• If aches or pain persist, see a doctor.

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OUTLOOK

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD • SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018

ENTERTAINMENT & CULTURE

J O S LY N C A S T L E T R U S T

Girders of the concert hall at Joslyn Art Museum are being set in place and Central High School sits in the background in this photo from Aug. 1, 1929. Architects for the $3 million project funded by Sarah Joslyn were John and Alan McDonald. Peter Kiewit Sons was the contractor.

Joslyn Museum a cultural spark

By Eileen Wirth

I

WORLD-HERALD CORRESPONDENT

n 1920, Omaha was a prosperous city that aspired to create a cultural climate comparable to its business success. City cultural leaders viewed building an art museum as a key to this effort, since the city had a growing collection of paintings that were housed in a gallery at the Public Library at 19th and Harney Streets.

Unfortunately, the permanent collection had to be taken down whenever the Omaha Society of Fine Arts sponsored a touring exhibit. However, securing funding to build a museum proved difficult. Both a bond issue and a private fund drive failed.

But cultural leaders would not give up. They hired Maurice Block, curator of the Chicago Art Institute, to create a museum.

Block got off to a poor start in his new home by stating that cities in the West had neglected the fine arts, antagonizing many Omahans. He spent five years trying unsuccessfully to start an art museum, then left.

Fortunately, Omaha’s greatest proponent of the arts was also its wealthiest citizen, Sarah Joslyn. Her late husband, George, was the city’s first millionaire.

George Joslyn had built his fortune by turning his firm, Western Newspaper Union, into a national giant by supplying small newspapers with print products and syndicated content. He also invested in Omaha real estate and donated generously to local charities. For example, he had contributed $25,000 to build the public library where art exhibits were held and arranged for the premier local architecture firm of John and Alan McDonald to design it.

Sarah Joslyn had long been active in the fine arts society and had volunteered at those art exhibits. In 1922, she told the Omaha Daily News that “I do think the Omaha Society of Fine Arts deserves a home of its own. Each Sunday during the past month, I have been acting as hostess at the art galleries in the city library, and I was surprised at the public interest in the exhibits.�

After George died in 1916, Sarah spent years trying to determine a suitable memorial for him.

She eventually decided to create and finance an art museum, a saga recounted in the book “The

J O S LY N C A S T L E T R U S T

Sarah Joslyn is pictured at the groundbreaking for the museum Oct. 3, 1928. It was the first step in honoring her late husband, George.

Joslyns of Lynhurst� by Daniel Kiper.

She selected a site she owned at 22nd and Dodge Streets just west of Central High School and hired the McDonalds to design it.

When she announced her gift of $3 million (equivalent to $43 million today), on May 4, 1928, The World-Herald’s front page carried the news in a banner headline, “Mrs. Joslyn To Build Memorial� along with an artist’s sketch of the proposed building, a magnificent marble Art Deco structure with columns at the main entrance on the east side.

The massive gift and Mrs. Joslyn’s personal direction of the project ensured that the museum would be first class.

A World-Herald editorial after the announcement reflected on its importance to Omaha’s future. “The Joslyn memorial will give a tremendous impetus to cultural activity in Omaha where

magnificent strides have been made in the past few years. If Omaha can keep its pioneer zest for doing things, retain its vigorous interest in material achievement, and come also to a sympathetic understanding of the highest expression of civilization, it will always be a tolerant, liberal, happy community in which to have a home.�

To fund the project, Mrs. Joslyn sold her majority ownership in her husband’s firm and eventually contributed more than $4 million to the museum.

The building, which in 1938 was listed as one of the 100 best in the United States, opened Nov. 29, 1931. In addition to a concert hall, other features included the beautiful fountain court and galleries.

The World-Herald estimated that about 25,000 people visited on the first day alone.

Opening day activities included a concert performed on the organ that had previously been housed at the Joslyn home (today’s Joslyn Castle), known then as Lynhurst. The 35-room Scottish Baronial castle is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is an Omaha landmark.

Sarah Joslyn died in 1940, but both her museum and Joslyn Castle have preserved her legacy. The castle at 39th and Davenport Streets includes a carriage house that is now headquarters of Legacy Preservation and the Joslyn Castle Trust. The home itself survived the 1913 Easter tornado despite heavy damage to its beautiful lawns and the destruction of its greenhouse.

Sarah Joslyn, along with other members of the entertainment committee of the Trans-Mississippi & International Exposition of 1898 can be credited with laying the foundations of fine arts institutions in Omaha, said Martha Grenzeback, local history librarian for the Omaha Public Library.

Joslyn Art Museum served as a catalyst for the growth of the arts in Omaha and symbolized the city’s increasing embrace of the importance of the arts. Her gift also set a model for future local philanthropists to invest in the arts.

However, even early Omaha offered some cultural opportunities despite the opinions of critics like the Chicago arts curator.

See Joslyn: Page 20

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Five-year-old Joanne Lacey at Joslyn Art Museum in 1953.

J O S LY N C A S T L E T R U S T

Joslyn Art Museum, above, in 1940. At left, the Lininger house and art gallery. George W. Lininger was an implement dealer, art collector, private gallery owner and civic leader in Omaha.

Much of the artwork he collected became the foundation of Joslyn’s permanent collection.

M AT T M I L L E R / T H E W O R L D - H E R A L D

The Jazz on the Green festival was held on the lawn of Joslyn Art Museum for about 25 years. In 2010, the event moved to Midtown Crossing at Turner Park.

Joslyn: Museum served as a catalyst for arts community in Omaha Continued from Page 19 The city’s first opera house was built in 1871, and the Creighton Orpheum Theater that hosted plays was constructed in 1895. In 1898, it was sold to the Orpheum Vaudeville Circuit. In 1927 that building was replaced by today’s Orpheum Theater, featuring a Wurlitzer pipe organ played during silent movies.

Over the decades, however, the Orpheum — once a grand movie palace — fell into disrepair.

During the 1970s, civic leaders decided that it was too magnificent a structure to be demolished. If massively renovated, it could serve as a spectacular venue for concerts, operas and plays in a city that was experiencing an artistic renaissance comparable to that of the 1920s.

The Knights of Aksarben purchased the Orpheum and turned it into a performing arts center for the Omaha Symphony, Opera Omaha and ballet performances.

Today the Orpheum houses Opera Omaha, originally the Civic Opera Society, that was founded in 1985. In the Civic Opera Society’s first season, its premier production, Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly,” was performed at the Joslyn Art Museum’s Witherspoon Concert Hall.

The Orpheum also features touring Broadway shows and other major cultural events. It has undergone additional renovation to ensure its viability.

The Omaha Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1921, now performs at the Holland Performing Arts Center that opened in 2005 to meet the city’s growing need for rehearsal and performance space.

The Holland Center also hosts a wide variety of touring jazz, blues and popular entertainers — appropriate for a city whose rich history in rhythm & blues and jazz produced such noted musicians as Preston Love, Buddy Miles and Luigi Waites.

Though Omaha is proud of its classical arts, it has gained national attention for its contemporary music scene. It has

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“Universe (The)” by John Buck was part of the Kinetic exhibition at Kaneko in 2017.

THE WORLD-HERALD

David O. Selznick’s “Since You Went Away” was a first-run attraction at Omaha’s Orpheum Theater in 1945. sometimes been called the “Indie Rock Capital” of the world as the birthplace of Saddle Creek Records and numerous successful bands.

Similarly, while Joslyn Art Museum remains Omaha’s most noted showcase for the visual arts and classic paintings (including its fine collection of Western art), Kaneko and the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts in refurbished warehouses in the Old Market offer contemporary and innova-

THE WORLD-HERALD

The Orpheum Theater began as a vaudeville house, morphed into a movie theater and now hosts many Omaha Performing Arts programs.

tive art exhibits.

Kaneko, founded by internationally renowned sculptor Jun Kaneko and his wife, Ree, is dedicated to exploring creativity across a spectrum of human activity, including art, science, philosophy, entrepreneurship, urban planning and education.

The museum says its galleries are designed as “open space for your mind.”

Another beloved product of the Joslyn era is the Omaha Community Playhouse, founded

in 1924 and built on land donated by Sarah Joslyn at 40th and Davenport Streets, just west of her home. The theater, which has since moved to 69th and Cass Streets, is often cited as the nation’s largest community theater. Its first president was Alan McDonald, designer of Joslyn Museum. Dorothy “Dodie” Brando, mother of Oscar winner Marlon Brando, starred in its first production, “The Enchanted Cottage.”

Dodie Brando also encouraged

Henry Fonda, son of her friend Herberta Fonda, to get involved in the Playhouse.

When Fonda, also an Oscar winner, died, his memorials were directed to the Playhouse, which named its top award after him and another Hollywood veteran of the Playhouse, Dorothy McGuire.

Omahans have the choice of experimental theater both at the Playhouse and at small venues such as the Blue Barn.

The metro area’s arts environment keeps expanding. In 2017, officials of Pottawattamie Arts, Culture and Entertainment announced plans to create the Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center in downtown Council Bluffs, which is scheduled to open next year. The $18.5 million project will house the Chanticleer Community Theater in addition to Ballet Nebraska and the Kanesville Symphony.

Plans call for renovating the Harvester II building on South Main. When work is complete, the building will include a rehearsal space, classrooms, an area for traveling exhibits, a café and the 245-seat Polina and Bob Schlott Performing Arts Center for plays, ballets and concerts.

The new project’s inclusion of Ballet Nebraska, which recently changed its name to American Midwest Ballet, illustrates the integration of the metro area’s arts world.

Founded in 2009, Ballet Nebraska offers yearly performances of “The Nutcracker” and other classic and modern pieces.

The Ballet has said it will continue to hold performances at the Orpheum and will continue to collaborate with other arts organizations in Omaha and Council Bluffs.

At the Joslyn Art Museum opening ceremonies in 1931, Sarah Joslyn waited in line like everyone else, and refused to take a seat on stage with dignitaries. It was her hope, she said, that among all museum visitors, “men in overalls shall feel the same right and privilege as the socially elite.”

— The author is a senior writer with Legacy Preservation in Omaha.

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Each spring, zookeepers from all disciplines get together to release a new batch of Salt Creek tiger beetles into the wild.

“Every year, we learn something new,” Clevenger said, “and every year, that helps us to improve our technique.”

Salt Creek tiger beetles occupy an unusual habitat.

They live in remnant saline wetlands along segments of the Little Salt Creek and deposit their eggs on exposed salt flats along the banks.

Due to the small number of available specimens, the zoo sought to learn how to manage Salt Creek tiger beetles by working with a related but non-threatened species.

The zoo tested soil mixtures and salt level preferences with the white-cloaked tiger beetle and monitored the breeding results. From

that research, the zoo was able to create welcoming environments for the Salt Creek tiger beetles.

When it’s time to breed, a male and a female are placed into a “breeding box,” a plastic tub containing a soil mix made at the zoo. Females lay eggs in Petri dishes filled with the soil, then the bugs are returned to their habitat once they finish mating. In about two weeks, their larvae hatch.

These creatures are carnivores. To prevent the larvae from eating one another, it’s crucial to get them away from one another as quickly as possible. The zoo devised a plan to do that. It’s called See Bugs: Page 24

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The Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium spends more than $1 million annually helping endangered species around the world. But none hits closer to home than this little bug.

The Salt Creek tiger beetle is just the length of a fingernail. Its habitat is a few sections of the Little Salt Creek and saline wetlands in and around Lincoln. But for the zoo, an endangered local species — no matter how small — is a big priority.

“It’s not something that’s happening on the other side of the world, it’s something we’re always keeping an eye on,” said Traci Clevenger, the zoo’s supervisor of butterflies and insects.

The zoo partners with the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, the City of Lincoln, Saline Wetlands Conservation Partnership and Nebraska Master Naturalist to aid the endangered species.

Since beginning the breeding program in 2010, the Omaha zoo has continuously improved its breeding process over years of trial and error.

The first year the zoo was involved, about 30 beetles were released into the wild.

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Lin-Manuel Miranda, foreground, with the cast during a New York performance of “Hamilton.” A touring performance of the play will be a part of Omaha Performing Arts’ 2018-19 season.

‘Hamilton?’ Maybe.

But there’s more.

The hip-hop sensation is headed to Omaha ... sometime. But don’t think you’ll waste away waiting. From movies like “A Wrinkle in Time” to a packed concert calendar to all the sushi you can eat, Omaha offers it all in the coming year.

PERFORMING ARTS

‘The Mountaintop’

Will this be the year of “Hamilton?” It depends on when it falls in the Omaha Performing Arts 2018-19 season. If it’s a spring or summer show, we won’t see it until next year. Nevertheless, with a hopeful heart, I’m including it on my list of things to anticipate this year if you’re a live theater or classical and jazz music fan.

So here goes:

‘Hamilton’

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hip-hop musical about American founding father Alexander Hamilton is so hot that OPA announced its arrival up to two years before it will be at the Orpheum Theater. No firm date has been set.

We’re dreaming of this Christmas.

ONE Festival

Opera Omaha’s inaugural ONE Festival, April 6-22, various sites. Modeled after successful festivals in other cities, this will feature several innovative and educational events linked to the craft of opera. It also will include the world premiere of “Proving Up,” with music

by Missy Mazzoli and libretto by Royce Vavrek. It was commissioned by Opera Omaha and is set in Nebraska.

“The Mountaintop,” May 4-27, Omaha Community Playhouse. This play, which imagines the final night in the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., continues the Omaha Community Playhouse’s string of thought-provoking shows in the vein of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” about racism in 1930s Georgia, and “Eminent Domain,” about a farm family’s fight against an oil pipeline.

‘Hamilton’

Did I mention that yet? It’s sure to be the most sought-after ticket of the decade.

ABBA

“The Music of ABBA with Arrival from Sweden,” Feb. 10, Holland Center. The Omaha Symphony brings the world’s most acclaimed ABBA tribute band to Omaha for one night only. Take a chance on this one.

Season announcements

Omaha Performing Arts, area community theaters and music ensembles all announce their coming seasons in the first few months of the new year. I don’t

know about you, but I look forward to hearing about those lineups, especially shows from Broadway. A couple I’d like to see here sometime: “Come From Away” and “Dear Evan Hansen.”

‘Newsies’

“Newsies,” June 1-17, Rose Theater. A just-plain-fun Disney musical about the New York newsboy strike in 1899 comes to the stage of Omaha’s only theater company dedicated to families and kids. This show will be perfect for both.

‘Wicked’

“Wicked,” May 16-June 3, Omaha Performing Arts Broadway Series, Orpheum Theater. I’ve never seem this one (yes, I know that’s hard to believe). So I’m especially excited to learn what the fuss is all about ... I can’t wait for the Emerald Curtain to go up!

‘Hamilton’

Did I mention it will be here no later than 2019? And if you’re a subscriber to the 2017-18 OPA Broadway series, you get priority when ticket sales start.

— Betsie Freeman

MOVIES ‘Black Panther’

The 18th entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe follows superhero King T’Challa/Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) as he defends his kingdom of Wakanda from various foes. Directed by Ryan Coogler (“Creed,” “Fruitvale Station”) and co-starring Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Daniel Kaluuya and Angela Bassett. (In theaters Feb. 16)

‘A Wrinkle in Time’

NBC

“The Good Place” stars Kristen Bell as Eleanor and William Jackson Harper as Chidi.

TV The return of ‘The Good Place’

TV’s best comedy is back for the latter chunk of its second season. The series, which you can (and should) start from the beginning on Netflix, stars Kristen Bell as a deeply flawed woman who mistakenly ends up in heaven due to a clerical error. (Airs Thursdays on NBC)

‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story’

FX’s “American Crime Story” follows up its excellent debut season about the trial of O.J. Simpson with an equally sensational (though not as well-known) true crime tale: the murder of fashion designer Gianni Versace by serial killer Andrew Cunanan. The series stars Ricky Martin, Penélope Cruz and, as Versace, Edgar Ramirez.

‘The Alienist’

TNT’s very expensive-looking period procedural miniseries stars Daniel Brühl, Dakota Fanning and Luke Evans as three people trying to catch a serial killer in 19th-century New York City. Based on Caleb Carr’s bestseller of the same name, the series was brought to life by “True Detective” Season 1 helmer Cary Fukunaga.

— Micah Mertes

Ava Duvernay (“Selma,” “13th”) directed this terrific-looking adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s classic novel about three children who are sent to space by a trio of magical beings (played by Reese Witherspoon, Oprah Winfrey and Mindy Kaling) to find a missing scientist (Chris Pine). (In theaters March 9)

‘Isle of Dogs’

Wes Anderson’s first film since 2014’s “The Grand Budapest Hotel” is a stop-motion-animated adventure set in Japan, about a boy’s quest to find his dog on an island full of talking canines. The voice cast is nuts: Scarlett Johansson, Greta Gerwig, Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Ken Watanabe, Frances McDormand, Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Jeff Goldblum, Liev Schreiber, Harvey Keitel, Courtney B. Vance and Yoko Ono. (Will come to Omaha sometime in April, most likely.)

‘Avengers: Infinity War’

The new biggest movie of all time is the new “Avengers” movie — which reportedly cost $400 million to make. Directed by the Russo brothers (“Captain America: Civil War”), the film collects just about every Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero we’ve ever met to fight the unstoppable threat of Thanos (Josh Brolin under lots of computer animation). (In theaters May 4)

‘Ocean’s 8’

Sandra Bullock plays Debbie Ocean (sister to Danny Ocean) in an all-female twist on the heist series.

Her crew includes Cate Blanchett, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, Sarah Paulson, Rihanna, Mindy Kaling and Awkwafina. (In theaters June 8)

DISNEY AND MARVEL STUDIOS

Lupita Nyong’o, left, Chadwick Boseman and Danai Gurira in “Black Panther.”

‘Sicario 2: Soldado’

Benicio Del Toro and Josh Brolin (but not Emily Blunt) return to fight drug cartels and terrorists in an unlikely sequel to the great 2015 film. (In theaters June 29)

‘The Predator’

Acid-witted scribe Shane Black (who had a small role in 1987’s original “Predator”) takes over the action-horror franchise, and with quite a cast backing him: Boyd Holbrook, Olivia Munn, Trevante Rhodes, Keegan-Michael Key, Sterling K. Brown and Jacob Tremblay. (In theaters Aug. 3)

‘The Girl in the Spider’s Web’

Claire Foy (“The Crown”) takes over the role of punk hacker Lisbeth Salander in this sequel to “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.” Fede Alvarez (“Don’t Breathe”) directs. (In theaters Oct. 19)

‘Halloween’

Jamie Lee Curtis returns to the series that helped launch her career 40 years ago. There are a lot of signs that this won’t be schlocky garbage: David Gordon Green is directing the film from a screenplay he co-wrote with Danny McBride. Judy Greer co-stars. John Carpenter is composing a new score for the film. (In theaters Oct. 19) — Micah Mertes

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Run the Jewels headlined the Maha Music Festival last year. The band will perform at Lincoln’s Pinnacle Bank Arena in March. 2018 brings the 10th anniversary of the festival.

MUSIC

It’s going to be another musical, magical year.

Top tours are already scheduling dates in the area, and some of the hottest acts around are planning new releases this year.

There’s a lot I’m looking forward to this year.

New music: Some favorite artists including Justin Timberlake, First Aid Kit, They Might Be Giants, Jack White, Brandi Carlile, Superchunk and The Vaccines are set to release new albums. More good music, please.

Maha Music Festival’s 10th anniversary: For nine years, Omaha’s little indie music festival has brought in a variety of big and small names. After finding its footing in three straight big years, it’s exciting to see what will happen in its 10th year and beyond.

A bigger Maha Music Festival: Yeah, a second shoutout to the fest. But seriously: I’m hoping the one-day, two-stage festival takes the leap. A leap where? Wherever it can grow. To a second day, a bigger venue, a third stage.

A full calendar: It’s becoming harder for musicians

M AT T M I L L E R / T H E W O R L D - H E R A L D

Belle and Sebastian played for a large crowd at Maha last year in Stinson Park. to make money by selling music. More than ever before, they’re turning to touring. The past two years have seen packed concert calendars, and this year looks to be

more of the same.

A Foo Fighters show in Omaha: Many artists are hitting the road this year, and quite a few of them have announced tour dates that don’t include Omaha. I’ve been aching for Foo Fighters to return to town since the day after their last concert, and I hope the next leg of the tour swings through the area.

Lorde and Run the Jewels: One of the world’s biggest pop stars is on tour with one of the hottest hip-hop acts around, and they’ll both arrive at Lincoln’s Pinnacle Bank Arena on March 24.

Another great set of sunny shows: We’re lucky around here to have so many great outdoor venues, including Stir Cove, Pinewood Bowl, SumTur Amphitheater and others, and I know we’ll see a lot more great shows there. For now, I can only dream about what will be on those stages this summer, but I know it’ll be nice to be outside in the sun.

Turnpike Troubadours: The Oklahoma country band returns to Omaha on April 19 to get our toes tapping. If you like country, you ought to join them.

—Kevin Coffey

Half of the Asian Highlands exhibit at Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is expected to open this year.

DIVERSIONS Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

B R E N D A N S U L L I VA N / T H E W O R L D - H E R A L D

Umami Asian Cuisine offers an assortment of sashimi.

DINING

Restaurant openings are hard to predict — I’m hoping for some exciting developments this year — but here’s what I’d wish for, and what I’m looking forward to trying this year, plus a few fun food trends to watch.

Omaha is hitting its sushi stride. Last year brought us both Umami in Bellevue and Yoshitomo in Benson.

I can only hope more interesting, fresh fish is on the way, created at the hands of chefs who want to bring singular experiences and unusual flavors to the table, instead of the rolls we’re accustomed to.

Speaking of Benson, I’m guessing that it continues to grow into a new food-focused neighborhood this year. Ika Ramen, Au Courant, Lot 2, Virtuoso, Bärchen — what’s next? I can’t wait to find out.

Chef-driven casual concepts. Omaha already has many of these — think weekend dinners at Block 16, order-at-the-counter Dante in Blackstone — and I think we’ll see more this year.

More delivery options in Omaha. Skip the Dishes still leads the pack at our house, but there’s GrubHub,

Asian Highlands: The zoo’s next region-themed exhibit opens its first phase around Memorial Day. Modeled after an Asian deciduous forest, the exhibit will be decorated to mimic ruins as you wander past red pandas, Indian rhinos, sloth bears and more. The second phase, to come next year, includes a new home for snow leopards and Amur tigers.

General interest

Uber Eats and others available, too. Restaurants using these services to get their food in our hands via delivery are on the upswing.

I’d wish for more vegan, more regional Mexican and Chinese food, and more Korean gochujang.

A handful of trends on the horizon: More sparkling drinks than just La Croix. There’s sparkling cold-brew coffee, sparkling mineral waters and sparkling waters with flavors derived from plants instead of sugar.

Ancient grains other than quinoa. Eater predicts that by the end of this year we’ll all be eating amaranth, kamut and spelt, among others.

I love the idea of uncommon herbs catching on this year. Think chervil, lovage, lemon balm and papalo, among others.

I ate lots of flowers last year. If the people who predict food trends are right, I’ll be eating even more edible plants and flowers this year.

The Capitol District: A mix of restaurants and bars, the new entertainment district similar to Lincoln’s Railyard will become a new downtown hub for nightlife.

Fun-Plex: Omaha’s water park is debuting a new five-story water slide, Rockin’ Rapids, this summer.

Bugeaters Soccer: A new soccer team, Bugeaters FC, plans to play this year in Lincoln. The amateur team will focus on player development for pro leagues.

— Chris Peters

— Sarah Baker Hansen

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Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium volunteer Kathy Gaines feeds the butterflies.

Feeding, cleaning chores erase this zoo volunteer’s fear of bugs

Kathy Gaines knew she wanted to help with zoo animals but didn’t know where to start.

When she retired from the Siena/Francis House in November 2015, she wanted to try something completely different. So she loaded the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium website and looked for volunteer opportunities for herself and a friend.

Her friend was limited on time, so they needed to find a project to fit their schedule. They were drawn to conservation work, and

beetles had the right time slot.

Gaines now volunteers to feed several types of bugs and butterflies at the Berniece Grewcock Butterfly and Insect Pavilion every Thursday morning for a few hours. When she’s not feeding, she does a bit of cleaning or anything else the staff needs.

“I thought it would be scary,” Gaines said. “But like people, once you get to know them, (the insects) are pretty cool.”

The zoo accepts volunteers as young as fourth grade. Volunteers could find themselves preparing food

for animals, helping with the gardens or making toys — “animal enrichment” — for the animals.

“The volunteer director, Kathy Vires, is really great at sitting down and walking you through, ‘What do you like? What are you good at?

What are your concerns?’ and putting you at ease and introducing you to other opportunities you may not have known about,” Gaines said.

To volunteer, fill out an application on the zoo website, www.omahazoo.com, or call 402-738-2092.

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chris.peters@owh.com, 402-444-1734 twitter.com/_ChrisPeters

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KILEY CRUSE/THE WORLD-HERALD

Kathy Gaines, right, works with Traci Clevenger, the zoo’s supervisor of butterflies and insects, to record the status of Salt Creek tiger beetle larvae.

Bugs: Zoo glad numbers growing

Continued from Page 21

fishing.

When the beetle larvae hatch, they create a small burrow in the soil. To fish them out, zookeepers dangle a small thread into the hole. The larvae grab hold, and the keeper transfers the beetle to its own little plastic cup of dirt.

From there, zoo staff monitor the larvae and manage their food, temperature and other conditions as they grow. Over the winter, each larva has its own cup on a

cafeteria tray in what’s essentially a scientific refrigerator, which replicates the temperature and light cycle of their habitat year-round.

Peek through a window near the SkyFari station at the zoo, and you’ll see into the basement lab beneath the Berniece Grewcock Butterfly and Insect Pavilion where this all happens.

Volunteers help out here by feeding various insects in the complex and cleaning up after the messier ones.

Zoo staff note which critters

are breeding, how many offspring they have and how each is developing.

In the spring, a crew of zookeepers from all disciplines, plus those from other institutions involved in the project, get together at the creek to release the new batch of beetles into the wild.

“We have seen those numbers grow in the last several years,” Clevenger said. “So we’re happy about that.” chris.peters@owh.com, 402-444-1734 twitter.com/_ChrisPeters

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OMAHA WORLD-HERALD • SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018

OUTLOOK

The Omaha metropolitan area landscape is changing in big, bold ways. From the buildup of the Missouri riverfront (on both sides), to the billion-dollar retail and office park planned near Elkhorn, the amount of space under development is expansive. A mix of uses on each site is the trend. Walkable corridors and campuses are the craze. And projects are being built with the goal of becoming destinations, places people seek out to hang out. It’s a momentum not seen in decades.

ONELAPSE PHOTOGRAPHY

Big, bold momentum

26Y

• SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

Omaha is a city on the move Compiled by Cindy Gonzalez //

WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

Construction is underway on the Iowa side of the Missouri River. On the Nebraska side, Omaha civic leaders are holding meetings to imagine revitalization of the riverfront.

Missouri riverfront Construction is in full swing on the Iowa side of the Missouri River, and a committee is trying to come up with a plan to spark transformation on the Nebraska side. In Council Bluffs, Noddle Development and the Iowa West Foundation are leading construction of the River’s Edge mixed-use campus.

A four-story office building, anchored by the new Iowa West Foundation headquarters, and a parking structure are expected to open late this year.

Also on that former Playland Park area, hundreds of apartments are rising — the first of which are scheduled to open late this year. Construction also is to begin this year on the first condominium tower.

Eventually, a total of about 200,000 square feet of office and retail space, as well as more than 350 residences ranging from

for-sale condos in high-rise buildings to low-rise rental apartments, are anticipated. Related amenities include a children’s splash park, a 10-foot-wide bike path through the development and a pedestrian-friendly piazza designed for art fairs, music festivals and other public events. When complete, the private and public investment east of the river and including the old 25-acre Playland Park is expected to reach $170 million.

On the Omaha side, a group of business leaders is holding meetings to imagine how to revitalize the larger and mutual riverfront corridor. Ideas floated so far include an extension of the downtown Omaha Gene Leahy Mall east to the Missouri riverfront and a children’s museum overlooking the river.

Events with a regional draw are envisioned for the riverfront.

The 150,000-square-foot Class A office building that Ryan Cos. plans to build east of Turner Boulevard will sit on the south side of Farnam Street. It is part of a broader effort to build an office complex, hotel and residences in the Midtown Crossing area.

Midtown Conversion of the former Creighton University Medical Center into about 730 apartments will make that the Omaha metro area’s largest single structure of market-rate apartments. The roughly $108 million Landing project will open in phases, with the first residences to be occupied later this year. NuStyle Development’s plan also calls for a construction start this year of a pedestrian bridge across the North Freeway, linking the Landing’s apartments, shops and restaurants to the heart of the Creighton University campus. New walking and biking trails around the area will forge pathways into the surrounding Gifford Park neighborhood to the west and Mutual of Omaha’s Midtown Crossing to the southwest. Just east of Midtown Crossing, the Minneapolis-based Ryan Cos. (working with Mutual of Omaha) has announced a plan to eventually build a mixed-use development called Turner Park East.

The initial phase calls for construction of apartments, a hotel and a city-owned parking structure east of the existing Condos at 3000 Farnam. Mutual of Omaha has been clearing properties in that area in the hope that such new development would fortify its backyard and its Midtown Crossing investment.

Ryan has no set start date, though it’s working with adjacent property owners and others with a goal of finalizing plans this year. Farther west on Farnam Street, near the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the Blackstone District continues to grow.

GreenSlate Development, a leader in the rebirth of that commercial area, this year plans to open the $2.2 million Blackstone Knoll mixed-use project at 39th and Farnam Streets. Other projects spearheaded by GreenSlate and Clarity Development include the $22 million Blackstone Corner apartments and shops, which will begin construction this year at 3618 Farnam St. and open next year.

B R E N D A N S U L L I VA N / T H E W O R L D - H E R A L D

The Founders Row West apartments are part of the Highlander Neighborhood Revitalization Project led by the Seventy Five North Revitalization Co.

North Omaha The new Highlander development, being built on the demolished Pleasantview Homes low-income housing project, this year will continue to fill with residents and new businesses. The first townhouse-dweller moved onto the 23-acre site near 30th and Parker Streets last year, and the remainder of the first phase of 101 rental units amid a dozen buildings are to be occupied by February. The Highlander’s 65,000-square-foot commercial and community center called the Accelerator is to open this year, along with a huge green space next to it that will be used for concerts and entertainment.

Businesses set to move into the Accelerator include an Aromas coffeehouse and a food hub with three micro kitchens. A few area colleges will have satellite locations there, too. The effort to turn around and create economic development on the former crime-ridden public housing development is being led by the Omaha nonprofit Seventy Five North Revitalization Corp. Its overarching $90 million price tag is

CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

Eric Ewing adjusts part of a display at the Great Plains Black History Museum located at 2221 N. 24th St. funded largely by private philanthropists, including Susie Buffett’s Sherwood Foundation, the William and Ruth Scott Foundation, Walter Scott Foundation, Daugherty Foundation, Kiewit Foundation and Lozier Foundation. Next to rise this year at the Highlander campus is

a 64-unit senior structure. At 30th and Fort Streets, 30 Metro Place — a $20 million mixed-use project led

by White Lotus Group on the former Mister C’s restaurant site — is to be done this year, complementing the expanding Metro Community College Fort Omaha campus.

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018 •

M AT T D I X O N / T H E W O R L D - H E R A L D

Skaters make use of the NRG Energy Ice Rink at its new location in the Capitol District. Restaurants and taverns in and around the plaza area open this spring.

North downtown Construction on Kiewit Corp.’s new headquarters — on a site bounded by 15th, 16th, Cuming and Mike Fahey Streets — could start this fall and is key to linking TD Ameritrade Park and other developments to the east with Creighton University to the west. Noddle Development and engineering and architectural firm HDR Inc. are working on the rough-

ly $75 million project to be completed as early as 2020. On a separate tract of land north of Cuming Street, a Peter Kiewit Foundation-led group is poised to continue transforming a former industrial area into a “makers district” for arts and trades. That includes finding “creative” tenants for warehouses that the group has been buying and renovating. At 10th

Street and Capitol Avenue, Shamrock Development this spring starts opening restaurants and taverns in and around the outdoor plaza portion of the $205 million Capitol District redevelopment project. The new entertainment-focused plaza is between the recently opened Marriott Hotel and a 218-unit apartment building. Also opening this year at 12th

The centerpiece of the proposed $500 million redevelopment of the Conagra campus is a plaza that sits on the edge of the lagoon. It would include restaurant space, a deck area and boathouse.

Conagra campus Big change is proposed for the roughly 30-acre Conagra campus now that the food company’s corporate flag moved to Chicago and its Omaha workforce has been consolidated into four office buildings that will stay intact on the campus’ southern end. This year, tenants including Susie Buffett’s Sherwood Foundation and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce will move into leased space in one of the two office buildings Conagra vacated. Another of those vacated buildings is to be razed to help make way for a proposed $500 million redevelopment project led by Conagra Brands and Houston-based real estate developer Hines. Set to break ground next year, the project calls for erecting nine new buildings, mostly on green space throughout the campus. It would add roughly 500,000 square feet of office space, more than 80,000 square feet of retail space, a boutique hotel with up to 200 rooms and about 900 new residences. A highlight of that vision is a proposed extension of Harney

and Cass Streets is Lanoha Development’s $15.5 million office, retail and apartment structure — which will be anchored by the new headquarters of Alvine Engineering. Much of north downtown’s recent development, including the Capitol District project, is rising on what used to be surface parking or open land.

HDR

HDR’s move to its new headquarters at Aksarben Village is expected to be complete by early 2019.

Aksarben Village and Children’s Hospital

A map of the proposed $500 million redevelopment of the Conagra campus.

Street, which currently dead ends at 10th, to create a two-block-long plaza that would be lined with new housing, restaurants, office and green space leading to the Heartland of America lagoon.

Engineering and architectural firm HDR Inc. by year’s end is to begin moving from its current global headquarters near 84th and Dodge Streets into a new 10-story office tower in Aksarben Village. HDR will lease the new $113 million structure surrounded by new shops and entertainment spots from NoddleBradford Partnership. Meanwhile, Children’s Hospital & Medical Center bought the seven-acre campus that HDR will be leaving, and the hospital plans to fill it with administrative and other nonclinical activities.

Children’s also has purchased neighboring land that will increase its total footprint in the area to about 22 acres when the current tenant relocates in 2019.

Construction is underway on a new 10-story clinical facility on the hospital’s existing grounds. That new Hubbard Center for Children is to be done in 2021, growing the hospital from about 140 beds to about 250.

West Maple West Maple Road near 180th and 192nd Streets is an area to watch.

Construction of new residential housing in the general vicinity continues to boom, fueled by new Elkhorn schools. Various commercial developers have focused on the Maple corridor, including Quan-

tum Real Estate and Vann Realty Co., who are working on the roughly $150 million Antler View project stretching about 180 acres. That team plans to open its first phase of nearly 400 apartments on the site in April, and this summer hopes to launch construction on a pair

of commercial strip centers near 192nd and West Maple. A hotel is planned on the site as well. White Lotus Group, another local developer, is planning an estimated $40 million retail center on about 35 acres at the northeast corner of 180th and West Maple.

Construction has begun on Children’s Hospital & Medical Center’s new clinical facility fronting Dodge Street.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

27Y

28Y

• SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

METRO TRANSIT

ORBT buses operate similarly to a rail system. The plan now is for 11 stops on Dodge Street, both east and west, between downtown and Westroads Mall.

ORBT bus, app will cap year of upgrades

By Marjie Ducey WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

I

t’s like waiting for the bus.

You know it’s coming.

It’s just going to take some time.

In this case, the wait should be over at the end of the year. That’s when Metro Transit plans to unveil two projects awaited by bus passengers.

One is an app that will allow riders to follow individual routes, so they will know when their bus will arrive at their stop.

The second is Omaha Rapid Bus Transit, a rapid bus route along Dodge Street.

Both are big deals for passengers, Metro marketing director Linda Barritt said. They’re also complicated and expensive upgrades.

A mobile fare payment system, also sought after by riders, could be installed by the end of the year or the first quarter of 2019.

“We’re making great strides,’’ Barritt said.

The Metro app involves installing GPS systems on all 108 buses that Metro has on the street at any given time. Barritt estimates it will cost from $3 to $4 million to purchase the

software, have it installed and the app developed.

The transit agency has the funds — a mix of federal and Metro monies — and is completing the specifications it needs to find a vendor.

“If everything goes as planned, it will be here by December,’’ Barritt said.

“We recognize it’s extremely important for the public.’’

Lots of work also is being done on the previously reported ORBT, which operates similarly to a rail system. Barritt said it looks like there will be 11 stops in each direction on Dodge Street from downtown to Westroads. Raised platforms will be built at each stop. The 60-foot buses will be powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), which has required building a CNG fueling station at Metro headquarters at 22nd and Cuming Streets.

A lot of juggling is involved with different City of Omaha departments as the infrastructure — from traffic signals to underground work for each station — is planned and installed.

“The construction should be starting by late spring,’’ Barritt said, adding that ORBT is tentatively sched-

uled to begin in December.

Discussions are being held on where the elevated platforms will be built and how ORBT will affect the current No. 2 route.

Price tag on the project is $30.5 million.

Metro has several other projects in the works.

Fifteen to 20 new passenger waiting shelters will be built this year at a mix of new and existing locations, with first priority going to intersecting routes and transfer points.

“We would like to put a lot more out there, but with 4,000 posted bus stop signs, there is no way we could maintain them and keep them up,’’ Barritt said.

Nine new Moby vans should be ready for operation in late March, a project worth $801,000. The vans are used by persons with ADA certification unable to use the regular bus system.

Twenty-three environmentally friendly buses are scheduled for delivery this year. Twelve that run on clean diesel will be delivered either between June and July or in September.

Another 11 buses that run on CNG are scheduled for December delivery.

Each bus must be designed to handle the rigors

of Omaha’s weather, with a total price tag of $11.1 million.

Six remanufactured bus-

es are being added to the fleet right now.

Metro is looking for new drivers, along with me-

chanics and other support personnel. marjie.ducey@owh.com, 402-444-1034, twitter.com/mduceyowh

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018 •

TA C K A R C H I T E C T S

Artist rendering of the City Centre redevelopment project underway in La Vista.

Sarpy County The $235 million City Centre, a redevelopment of 84th Street between Harrison Street and Giles Road, is underway this year in La Vista. City Ventures real estate developer is leading the project, which calls for 384 apartments, 23,000 square feet of offices and 70,000 square feet of restaurants, bars and retailers — overlooking a city park and lake that will replace a golf course. In recent years, that commercial stretch had been occupied by empty storefronts and a worn parking lot. Among other Sarpy development this year is a 350-acre site near Interstate 80 and Nebraska Highway 370. Noddle Cos. and Dowd Properties could start, as early as this summer, auto

dealership buildings that are part of what is envisioned long-term as a $200 million project site featuring retailers, distribution centers and industrial warehouses. Ongoing is construction of the new Facebook Papillion data center, set to be completed around 2020 at Highway 50 and Capehart Road. Also, R&R Commerce Park this summer is to see completion of its first 250,000-square-foot warehouse on a nearly 80-acre site along Highway 50 south of Highway 370. The industrial park is being developed on previously raw land by R&R Realty of West Des Moines. When done, it could cover about 1 million square feet of warehouse space.

JULIA NAGY/THE WORLD-HERALD

Construction continues on Facebook’s new data center in Papillion.

West Farm With a construction start this year, the Applied Underwriters office complex will be among the first structures built at the West Farm site southwest of 144th Street and West Dodge Road developed by Noddle Cos. and Applied Underwriters. Construction of several retail stores and the first office building are likely to start this summer, along with some assisted living and apartment housing. All said, the roughly 500-acre West Farm project site — bounded generally by West Dodge Road, 144th, 153rd and Pine Streets — is expected to take about 15 years to build out. The Applied Underwriters offices are to be ready in early 2020. When complete, the West Farm (formerly the DeMarco family farm and surplus land owned by Boys Town Village) is to be a hub of about 2,100 homes of various shapes and sizes and 2.3 million square feet of planned office, retail and entertainment space with a value of about $1.2 billion.

N O D D L E C O M PA N I E S

Rendering of the West Farm development near Boys Town.

A rendering shows what a street would look like in the Avenue One development, which is planned for 180 acres along 192nd Street, south of West Dodge Road. The area is the equivalent of about 50 square city blocks.

West Dodge Road near 192nd Street Two sprawling mixed-use development projects are poised to change the area around 192nd Street and West Dodge Road. One set of developers, Jasper Stone Partners and Block Real Estate Services, has started grading its Avenue One 180-acre project site that will straddle 192nd Street south of West Dodge. Utility and road construction will be ongoing this year southeast of the intersection. Retail, housing and office space for Avenue One is to start rising next year. The first completed structures are expected in 2020 on the project that developers said could have an economic impact of $1 billion. North of the Dodge corridor, another developer, West Des Moines-based R&R Realty Group, this year is preparing the 60-acre Fountain West office park site that will straddle 192nd Street. Grading and installation of roads and utilities will go on this year, though there is no set date for when the first office building will rise.

WORLD-HERALD NEWS SERVICE

Construction continues on the Interstate 29-Interstate 80 interchange in Council Bluffs.

Council Bluffs

Council Bluffs is seeing a multiyear reconstruction of its Interstate systems, including a 12-lane east-west segment of Interstate 29/80. More than $230 million has been spent on work that began in the early 2000s.

“Everything is running on schedule,” said Mark Pohlmann, design coordination manager for the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Current eastbound traffic on I-80 between the Missouri River and Indian Creek will move onto

new pavement to the south, probably in July, Pohlmann said. It will be about that time when the new pavement and a new bridge over Indian Creek will be completed, allowing for the switchover, he said. Currently, eastbound traffic travels on the future westbound lanes of I-80.

Another traffic switch this year, perhaps in the spring, will be on the eastern portion of I-80 between Harry Langdon Boulevard and the Madison Avenue ramps. The plan is to move cur-

rent eastbound traffic over to the westbound lanes to allow reconstruction of new eastbound lanes.

Other projects involve construction of a new Union Pacific Railroad bridge over I-29 on the west side of town, demolition of some walls around the bridge, and right-of-way property acquisitions along I-29 on the city’s west side. Two-lane, one-way frontage roads along I-29 are planned for access to city streets, including new intersections at West Broadway.

29Y

30Y

• SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

2018 Outlook FORWARD THINKING CONSTRUCTION

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OUTLOOK

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD • SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018

EDUCATION & OUTREACH

JULIA NAGY/THE WORLD-HERALD

Research done by the Nebraska Community Foundation found that many students would like to stay in smaller communities such as Imperial or return home after college.

Imperial draws attorney home He cherishes the lifestyle, opportunities and caring in his small town

By Kevin Warneke WORLD-HERALD CORRESPONDENT

T

yler Pribbeno has a ready response when asked why he returned to Imperial, Nebraska, to live and work.

When asked where the the town in southwest Nebraska is located, he says: “I tell them where it is and what I like about Imperial, and then I invite them to visit.”

Pribbeno’s desire to return to Imperial started long before he actually left the Chase County community to attend college.

He recalls a carefree childhood and high school days where the adults in his community cared about his well-being. “And not

just about the basketball game.” He’s grateful for the financial support he received from the Imperial Community Foundation Fund to help with his college costs.

“That said to me, my community is investing in me. They’re wanting me to succeed,” he said.

And please consider returning.

Pribbeno, 32, said he’s heard the stories of high school graduates who leave their small-town communities for college with no intention to return. He’s even had former classmates question why he chooses to live in Imperial and practice law there.

“I know they haven’t spent much time here,” he said. “Imperial’s cool. It’s where I belong.”

Pribbeno, by returning to Imperial to practice law, bucked two trends: * Rural America has aged during the past two decades and become less populated, according to a report in Atlantic Magazine in 2016. Between 2010 and 2014, rural areas lost an average of 33,000 people a year, and 19 percent of Americans live in areas the Census Department classifies as rural, down from 44 percent in 1930. Yet about 25 percent of seniors live in rural communities, according to the report. * A 2015 report by the Nebraska State Bar Association showed that 31 counties in Nebraska had three or fewer attorneys.

Eleven counties had none.

See Imperial: Page 34

JULIA NAGY/THE WORLD-HERALD

Tyler Pribbeno in front of a mural on the city offices building in Imperial. The mural, commissioned by the Imperial Community Foundation Fund Advisory Committee, was done by Denver artist Jolt. “Imperial is a progressive community,’’ Pribbeno said. “I’m doing fun things here. Getting quality of life.”

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32Y

• SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

EXCERPT

THE BETTER HALF

OUR LOVE LETTERS TO NEBRASKA

By Matthew Hansen Sarah Baker Hansen

and

WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITERS

“Jesus!” she heard me yell. “Jesus!” Sarah stared over at me from the driver’s seat. I was gesturing wildly from the passenger side, pointing maniacally out the window like a man who had been in the car too long.

We were driving east down Highway 92 after a late lunch at the Branding Iron Cafe in Palmer. The cafe’s lone waitress had kept the place open late for the out-of-town strangers, and kindly offered complimentary french fries when she realized the corn had run out on the Wednesday fried chicken buffet.

Now we were on the road again, returning home from one of the several dozen trips we took this year, when we crisscrossed the state searching for Nebraska’s best food, best places and best stories.

We were just outside Brainard when I started yelling like I had seen the face of Christ.

“Why are you screaming Jesus?”

Sarah screamed back at me, possibly wondering why she married this man.

“Not Jesus!” I hollered triumphantly, pointing and cackling.

“Jisa’s!”

I had spotted a roadside sign advertising the headquarters for Jisa’s Farmstead Cheese, which happens to make the best Nebraska cheese nuggets you can find anywhere. We turned down a gravel road and soon

stood inside Jisa’s aluminum-sided cheese empire, where a bemused employee agreed to sell two unreasonably excited customers as much cheddar out of their display case as we had cheddar in our wallets.

That’s pretty much how it went this year, as we drove through nearly every county of Nebraska, on state highways and gravel roads and the occasional ranch driveway.

We discovered, over and over, that the Cornhusker road less traveled can lead you to places that will lodge themselves into your long-term memory, if you let them.

Listen, we know what people say.

They say Nebraska is flat and boring. They say you should stick to I-80 and zoom on through.

We are here to tell you: Don’t believe them. Why? Well, because there’s a place in Nebraska where you can eat authentic Indian food in a small-town truck stop, a place where you can squint and believe you are in a Parisian cafe, and also several places where you can eat an organic free-range buffalo steak raised on a one-of-a-kind Sand Hills ranch.

Because there’s a spot in this state where you can country dance inside a packed barn that time forgot, a spot where you can hike through giant rock formations that look like the surface of an undiscovered planet, and also plenty of breweries where you can sip a tasty local ale after a long day, look around and see the way forward for Nebraska’s most

forward-thinking small towns.

You will find all those stories in “The Better Half: Nebraska’s Hidden Treasures,” and many more tips on where to go, where to stay, and most important, what to eat.

It didn’t surprise the two lifelong Nebraskans who wrote this book that the map dots and far reaches of the state have plenty to offer. Sarah is a suburban Omaha kid who grew up to become The Omaha World-Herald’s food critic. I’m a small-town farm boy from Red Cloud who was terrible at farming and became a World-Herald columnist. We have spent years traversing this state, preparing ourselves to write the book without even realizing it.

After surviving months and several thousands of miles together in a car, what did surprise this married couple were the unintended adventures. We kept bumping into little moments that we will remember long after the pages of the book have faded.

“The Better Half” is the way the sun sets over the stunning Scottsbluff National Monument, and the way the stars twinkle outside Valentine, and the way you can unplug and breathe deeply while sitting on the porch of Red Cloud’s Kaley House. It’s the bad jokes told

by Mike Kesselring over a hearty breakfast at Crawford’s High Plains Homestead, and the way Linda Kesselring shakes her head at each one. It’s the discovery of a Napa Valley-worthy restaurant in Dodge,

‘THE BETTER HALF: NEBRASKA’S HIDDEN TREASURES’

The 164-page hardcover book is available online at OWHstore.com, by phone at 402-444-1014 and at stores around the state. The cost is $29.95.

Prepared with support from the Nebraska Community Foundation.

and great Vietnamese food in central Lincoln, and the small-town waitress who keeps the cafe open late for you just because.

It’s all the times we got lost. It’s all the times we found kindness, and laughter, and pie.

What follows are our love letters to Nebraska. Praise Jisa’s for each one.

EXPLORING NEBRASKA In “The Better Half,” Red Cloud native Matthew Hansen and Omaha native Sarah Baker Hansen explore their home state from border to border. Highlights include the story of the history of Nebraska’s beloved Runza. The story of Two Gun Hart, a larger-than-life northeast Nebraska lawman whose hidden identity included the last name Capone. A story about an Indian-American couple with the audacity and the requisite amount of screws loose to open an Indian restaurant inside a burnt-out truck stop at the Overton Interstate exit. And the story of the High Plains Homestead, a place without TV, radio or cellphone reception that’s also the closest place the Hansens have found to heaven in Nebraska. Along the way, the Hansens found lots of places to eat and see that were too good to not share. In the print version of “The Better Half,” you’ll find more than two dozen pieces about Nebraska, along with photographs, and many more suggestions for places to stop along your own Nebraska road trip.

Western Nebraska

Central Nebraska

Eastern Nebraska

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018 •

Western Nebraska

Central Nebraska

Brush Creek Brewing Company

Eastern Nebraska

The craft beer movement has so permeated Nebraska that it has even reached Atkinson, a town of only 1,245 people which nevertheless boasts its own local beer.

Brush Creek Brewing Company is the sort of place we wish existed in every Nebraska town. The bar is clean, has character and brews its own beer to boot. The beer will not win awards, but it is easy-drinking and served by a friendly bartender and wait staff. It’s the sort of spot where you can walk in for a pint and walk out 90 minutes later having met four strangers who have taught you about the Atkinson area and become friends.

La Herradura Mexican Restaurant Fort Robinson

No trip to northwest Nebraska is complete without a stop at Fort Robinson, a beautiful place from which to discover so much about the history of the American West. Crazy Horse died here in 1877 after being bayoneted by a U.S. soldier. You can go stand on the spot where the famed warrior fell. Fort Robinson was also home to the Buffalo Soldiers, the famed all-black Army unit stationed here in the late 1880s. Today you can stay in the lodge, eat in the restaurant, bike, hike and explore the fort’s preserved buildings. It’s well worth a day trip.

We love O’Neill’s La Herradura’s camarones a la Mexicana, a big pile of sauteed shrimp with tomatoes, onions, cilantro and jalapeños that comes with rice, beans and lettuce for a mere $12. And the torta ahogada arrives fully dipped in a flavorful sauce.

Savannakhet Asian Grill

The Savannakhet Asian Grill in Fremont is serving legit Laotian food; and though it takes a bit of deciphering, the menu is great and full of surprises. We stopped in one afternoon for a late lunch. Though the server advised us we’d ordered way too much — he was right — we had fun sampling fresh spring rolls; spicy, fish sauce-spiked lap beef salad; and two of the house curries, full of flavor and high-quality meat and vegetables.

Monument Shadows Golf

Whoever named Monument Shadows Golf wasn’t kidding.

This public golf course in Gering is literally in the shadow of the Scotts Bluff National Monument, and it’s worth playing for the stunning views alone. Monument Shadows is also simply a nice place to play golf: well-manicured, not too easy or too tough and affordable, too.

The Tangled Tumbleweed

You probably won’t expect a wine bar in Scottsbluff, but the one you will encounter won’t disappoint. The Tangled Tumbleweed has a gift shop up front full of items like tea towels, candles and other rustic home decor items, and the rest of the space is devoted to wine. We enjoyed two glasses of red on the expansive patio; the menu focuses mostly on sweet and semisweet wines, but there are a few drier red selections, too. If you fancy a bite, the menu of small plates features hummus, pulled pork sliders and a cheese board.

Dairy Sweet

People told us about the barbecue at the Dairy Sweet in Crawford long before we pulled up to what looks like your average, small-town ice cream stand. We had our doubts, but it lived up to the hype. The crispy-skinned baked potato topped with pulled pork and melted cheese is worth going back for.

The Rustic Elyria Bar

The Elyria Bar looks a lot like a place where Patrick Swayze might have punched out a few tough guys in the movie “Roadhouse.” When we drove up, it struck me as equal parts small-town Nebraska eerie and Hollywood unreal. It was dusk, and the bar light was the only business shining in the darkness ... most likely because it’s the only business in Elyria, population 51. We parked in the middle of the street — hey, that’s where everyone else was parked — and walked into the aluminumsided dive and, yes, we got a few sideways glances.

But there were no fighters here. No need for Swayze to save the day. All we found inside were some pleasant people eating tasty burgers and drinking cheap, ice-cold domestic beers. It’s totally worth checking out, both for the highly photogenic exterior and those burgers.

Douglas Street Coffee Co.

Hunting out a good cup of coffee, morning or afternoon, was an ongoing theme of our summer road trips. We found a nice batch of iced coffee and a tasty Americano at the tiny Douglas Street Coffee in O’Neill. For those who like their coffees flavored, the shop has a long list of combinations — Twix and Almond Joy among them — they can add to your drink.

Popcorn County USA

The Rustic in Fort Calhoun doesn’t look much different from your average small-town bar. But what makes it stand out is the quality of its homemade, old-fashioned food — dishes like hamburger steak, chicken-fried chicken and chicken-fried steak, and a popular weekend prime rib special. It also serves the best onion rings in the Omaha area: hot, crispy and perfectly seasoned, with a flaky exterior and plenty of onion flavor.

Jisa’s Farmstead Cheese

You can buy this Nebraska cheese in most Omaha grocery stores, but come on, it’s way more fun to go to the headquarters near Brainard and buy it out of a large refrigerator as they make more cheese mere feet away.

I have long been infatuated with Jisa’s cheese nuggets, which my sister-in-law quite aptly nicknamed “cheese teeth” because, well, they really do look like teeth made of cheese. Whatever. Don’t think about it. Just buy ’em and eat ’em. And remember to bring cash. They don’t take any of your darned plastic at Jisa’s headquarters.

The Rogers House

If you get tired of character-free hotels, The Rogers House in Lincoln is the spot for you. It’s a rambling old Victorian bed-and-breakfast in Lincoln’s colorful Near South neighborhood. The innkeepers are insanely nice.

The sitting room off our bedroom was peaceful. And the breakfast they serve is big and tasty.

We are still eating the spoils from the finds we got during a few minutes spent inside Popcorn County USA in North Loup. The corn they sell, grown right in the North Loup River Valley, is some of the best we ever popped. A mere $12 brought home a variety of bags: red popcorn, blue popcorn and classic white, plus the house “yellow tenderflake.” What’s especially cool is that the different hues actually do have different flavors: the blue is denser and richer; the red, earthy; and the two classics, with plenty of salt, will rival any movie theater bucket you’ve had.

Sandstone Grill Bolo Beer Co.

Bolo Beer Co.’s taproom is a very cool spot with very tasty beers. Bolo is the sort of brewery that beer enthusiasts need to build a trip around. You will fall in love with the new taproom, located a few blocks east of downtown Valentine on First Street. It’s a hip-yetcomfortable spot where the walls are reclaimed barn wood, the door is salvaged from an old factory and copies of old newspapers (including The World-Herald) are sealed into the bar top. Drink a beer, and you will realize that co-owner Kyle Arganbright and master brewer Chris Hernstrom know what they are doing. Hernstrom is an alum of Oregon’s famed Boneyard Beer, and his Americus IPA is on par with the best IPAs that famed beer state offers. Other great beers here: the Waggle Scottish Ale and a rotating cast of super trendy (and tasty) sour beers made with local fruit.

Prairie Club

The best public golf course in the state is the Prairie Club, and quite honestly it isn’t all that close. The Dunes, one of the two 18-hole layouts in the property southwest of Valentine, is a true links-style course with wide, hard fairways and massive greens like you find in Scotland or Ireland. Matthew hit four or five of the longest putts ever the day he played. The other course, the Pines, is a more wooded layout with picturesque views of the Snake River and sharply undulating greens. Everything about the Prairie Club is top-notch, including the rooms in the lodge and the lodge restaurant — maybe the best high-end restaurant between Lincoln and the Colorado state line.

The steaks, the cocktails, the views ... it’s all lovely, and all expensive. But if you are a Nebraskan who loves golf, it’s worth every penny.

We ate lunch at the Sandstone Grill in Burwell, one of two spots in the state that serves Nebraska raised, grass-fed and organic bison raised by central Nebraska rancher Dave Hutchinson. The bison burger is always on the menu, and sometimes on weekend evenings so is a bison rib-eye. Don’t miss the pie; our slice was epically good.

Rex and Deb’s River Lodge

Just a few minutes outside of Ord, Rex and Deb Kelley open their lodge-like home to visitors; the semi-private rooms are all on the home’s lower level and overlook the scenic North Loup River. Deb serves a full breakfast in the home’s dining room.

Prairie Grounds Cafe & Gifts

Though the Broken Bow shop’s main room was closed the day we visited, the drive-thru was open; a friendly barista told us if we waited five or so minutes, she’d serve us a scone right out of the oven, and the white chocolate raspberry baked good we got was worth the extra few minutes. Try it like we did, with a latte and an Americano.

We didn’t expect to find a spot like Local House 20 in north central Nebraska.. But the restaurant, in Ainsworth, was great. There’s, of course, all the steakhouse classics. But there’s also surprisingly good appetizers, things like tortilla chips that come with house-made salsa, bacon artichoke dip and pimento cheese for dipping. We also had the pulled pork sandwich, the meat smoked in-house, and a nicely cooked 8-ounce sirloin from the entree menu. The restaurant also has a burgeoning cocktail program — the bartender told us all about it — and we enjoyed what he created, especially a nice Maker’s Mark Manhattan.

The Heartland Elk Guest Ranch is one of those spots that feels so remote and quiet, but it really is just 10 miles outside of Valentine. Go there for the array of outdoor activities, including Niobrara outfitting, and stay for the fire pits and contemplative, quiet evenings in the woods.

Mercury

We have been to a great many Nebraska cocktail bars, and we are here to pledge to you that there is none better than Mercury in downtown Omaha. Want a classic cocktail, an Old-Fashioned, say, or a Manhattan? The bartenders here can do that perfectly in their sleep.

Want to get crazy and drink drinks you have never drunk before? Well, you should, because Mercury’s original cocktail menu is both wildly creative and bound to please.

Mercury also features a killer wine list, and a bunch of good small-plate food options to keep you sated between drinks. But the cocktails are king at Mercury. See you there.

Downtown Omaha Farmers Market

When spring rolls around, we start dusting off cotton totes long before the Omaha Farmers Market usually begins. It’s a pleasure walking from our downtown home a few blocks into the heart of the Old Market, where the brick streets come alive with plants, produce, meat, fresh eggs, local cheese, iced tea and coffee drinks. Those are among the things I most look forward to. The market starts in the spring every year and runs through the fall.

Though there now is a handful of markets all over Omaha, this one remains my favorite.

The Blackstone District

Local House 20

The Heartland Elk Guest Ranch

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Odyssey

Odyssey — a modern, creative dinner spot in downtown Hastings — is maybe the biggest culinary surprise in this part of the state. It serves steaks, of course, but in its own way: paired with a number of “setups,” things like risotto and garlic-spiked Brussels sprouts, and “styles,” wherein you can pair your filet or strip with smoked blue cheese crumbles, bacon-wrapped shrimp or a crab cake.

The rest of the menu includes their takes on classics like Beef Wellington next to Asian udon bowls. The restaurant also boasts a long list of wines and a great, ever-changing list of craft drinks, with the most recent addition being seasonally flavored house-infused spirits.

If you leave room for dessert, don’t miss the made-toorder chocolate chip cookie that comes served in a tiny cast-iron skillet topped with vanilla ice cream.

This is Omaha’s hot new neighborhood, and though we can’t endorse just one business in the area — there are tons to enjoy — we can endorse stopping by if you’re visiting. There’s Stirnella, a lovely locally owned, higher-end restaurant; Nite Owl, a bar that looks like your grandparents’ basement and serves mean cocktails; Corkscrew Wine and Cheese, which has a great patio and fire pit for sipping a glass; Coneflower Creamery, which has the most amazing ice cream sandwich in Omaha; and a handful of other really tasty restaurants and fun bars and shops.

Dante Ristorante

Dante is the one Omaha restaurant we are more than willing to drive across town for. Once we snag a seat inside the restaurant’s comfortable-but-hip dining room, that 25-minute drive seems a distant memory. Chef and owner Nick Strawhecker runs one of the most seasonally driven menus of any restaurant in the city, and his dedication and tenacity to work with so many local producers is admirable. When morel mushroom season rolls around each spring, Nick is guaranteed to make at least one simply irresistible dish. And likely he’ll do that the rest of the year, too.

What’s the Learning Community all about?

Opportunities for children and families in your school district.

VISIT LearningCommunityDS.org 2073023-01

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JULIA NAGY/THE WORLD-HERALD

Elise and Matthew Musgrove grab a beer with Tyler Pribbeno at Broken Arrow Cellars in Imperial. “Imperial’s cool,’’ Pribbeno said. “It’s where I belong.”

Imperial: Pribbeno is helping to form its future Continued from Page 31 Carrie Malek-Madani counters concerns about rural America becoming barren of population with research conducted, in part, by the Nebraska Community Foundation. Malek-Madani, NCF director of marketing and communications, said research featured 5,927 students from 40 Nebraska middle and high schools in rural areas, and found that more than one-half of participants indicated they would like to stay in their communities or return home after they complete college, with family ties as the most important reason. Fifty-one percent could picture themselves living in the area in the future if career opportunities are available.

The progression of Pribbeno’s return began long before he’d heard of rural America’s decline in population and the scarcity of attorneys in some parts of Nebraska.

As a child, Pribbeno had his parents’ permission to go where he pleased. They knew the community was looking out for their son, just as they looked out for his friends. This special arrangement had its drawbacks, he said. “If I misbehaved, my parents knew about it before I had time to pedal home.”

As a high school student, Pribbeno said, he first noticed that adults were interested in his future. They’d ask about his plans, and he’d tell them he was thinking of becoming a radiologist. He headed to Chadron State College with that purpose in mind, but later changed his focus to law and graduated with a degree in justice studies. He spent two summers during his undergraduate years working for Imperial attorney Joel Burke. After the first summer stint,

Burke offered him a job when he finish law school. “I was pretty confident he’d be successful,” Burke said.

Pribbeno’s next stop: The University of Nebraska College of Law, after toying with thoughts of attending out of state.

From Day 1, Pribbeno had something most of his law school classmates lacked — a job offer in his pocket.

The promise of employment didn’t prevent Pribbeno from, at least momentarily, pursuing job opportunities elsewhere. Ultimately, he realized, the opportunity to practice law in a smaller community, which allows him to be a general practitioner rather than a specialist, was worth taking. He also realized that a lack of attorneys in the area meant he’d be busy — and make a decent living. He joined Burke Law Office as an associate in 2010 and became a partner about five years later.

He notes that Chase and the surrounding counties aren’t devoid of attorneys.

Five students who attended law school during Pribbeno’s time in Lincoln practice within 45 miles of Imperial, including one in town. Their arrival, Pribbeno said, offsets the loss of four area attorneys who have died since 2010.

The bonus of residing in a smaller community, he has come to realize, means earlier, and possibly greater, opportunities to get involved and lead.

Pribbeno serves on the Imperial Community Foundation Fund Advisory Committee. The foundation strives to improve the quality of life of Imperial residents and the community’s visitors.

Imperial is a stop on the Good Living Tour, a concert series that visited eight towns in six weekends this summer. The community foundation also funded a

Denver artist who created a graffiti-inspired mural on the city office building.

He also helped create “Smokin’ on Broadway,” a one-day barbecue festival held on Broadway Street. This summer’s event drew 1,500, which Pribbeno applauded while noting Imperial’s population hovers at about 2,000. “We want to give Imperial people something to do.

We want to get them out of their houses and have a good time.”

Pribbeno provided three reasons for his positive outlook on life in Imperial, while acknowledging that his points may be indicative of many Nebraska communities: Imperial is close-knit. “You hear that someone is sick, and that person is automatically on the prayer chain for pretty much every church in town.”

Imperial is safe. “With a niece and nephew living here, it’s (their safety is) something I don’t have to worry much about.”

Imperial is supportive of its own.

“We are all rooting for one another here.

People not only show up, but they’re eager to pitch in.”

Which leads Pribbeno to proclaim he’d be happy to live the rest of his life in Imperial. “Not only do I see myself doing that, it’s my plan. I am perfectly happy with it.

Imperial is a progressive community.

I’m doing fun things here. Getting quality of life.”

Burke is prepared do his part to see Pribbeno have the opportunity. At some point, Burke said, he sees himself turning over the practice to Pribbeno. “That would be the plan. Hopefully, he brings someone younger back (to Imperial), so it perpetuates itself.”

» » »

“If I misbehaved, my parents knew about it before I had time to pedal home.”

— Tyler Pribbeno on growing up in Imperial

JULIA NAGY/THE WORLD-HERALD

Pribbeno works in his law office in Imperial. He started as an associate and became a partner about five years later.

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Celebrating 140 Years of Excellence No. 1 Catholic university in the country for producing Goldwater Scholar recipients From U.S. News & World Report:

No. 1 in the Midwest for 15 consecutive years Top 22 university for internship opportunities One of 42 institutions—and the only Catholic university— to be acknowledged for an emphasis on undergraduate research/creative projects

As we celebrate 140 years of a Catholic, Jesuit education in Omaha, we are also inspired by a bold future that awaits.

Let us move forward together to realize our best Creighton and Omaha.

Historical Photos from Creighton Archives 2073362-01

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• SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

Fourth-grader Sheridan Shockey tests playground equipment at the newly rebuilt Oakdale Elementary School in the Westside district.

Schools transforming across metro

By Erin Duffy WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

T

he building boom for Omaha-area schools isn’t showing any sign of stopping.

Thanks to bond referendums approved by voters, districts like Omaha, Westside, Bennington, Elkhorn, Bellevue and Gretna have been able to fund school construction projects.

Several new and newly rebuilt schools will open this year, and contractors will wrap up renovations to update older schools. Parents, students and staff will notice plenty of new features, including secured entryways, swipe-card door access to help keep intruders out, an emphasis on windows that let in natural light and outdoor spaces where classes can be held during nice weather. In some schools, old boilers, worn carpets and leaky roofs will be replaced.

Computer labs are quickly going the way of the dinosaur — in some schools, kids carry around their own laptops or tablets from class to class or more technology is being installed within classrooms — and architects are carving out separate spaces for gyms and cafeterias so basketball games aren’t interrupted by the lunch period.

More construction could be on the horizon, too. Elkhorn Public Schools is placing a $149.6 million bond issue on the ballot in March, and school boards in Omaha and Papillion-La Vista are considering bond measures as well.

Here are some highlights:

Westside Students moved back into the newly rebuilt Oakdale Elementary this month, and Swanson Elementary students moved out to a temporary swing space so their school can be demolished and rebuilt, too.

A new Sunset Hills building is currently being built alongside the existing school and will open next August.

Large-scale renovations, including an addition, continue in phases at Westside Middle. Classrooms are now clustered by middle school “teams” so students aren’t criss-crossing the school for every class.

Rob Zimmerman, a principal at Project Advocates, the firm overseeing the Westside bond, said community members will notice several new school construction trends.

Storm shelters built at new

schools are designed to be multifunctional — a school, for instance, might reinforce a kindergarten classroom or wing so the rest of the school can huddle in there during a storm warning and still have bathroom access.

New and renovated schools have more “flex” spaces — multipurpose nooks between classrooms or in hallways that can be used for a quick parent-teacher conference or for a small group of students that need extra help in reading. Spaces in hallways might now be equipped with sinks, cabinets and other furniture so teachers have flexibility to hold a lesson in a different part of the school, Zimmerman said.

Some walls between classrooms in Oakdale are made of drywall or are movable so teachers have the option to open up two classrooms and co-teach together.

Westside passed a $79.9 million bond referendum in 2015 to fund the construction projects.

Florence Elementary and Bryan Middle will add spaces for expansions of the after-school Boys & Girls Club program.

Elkhorn Fast-growing Elkhorn will open Blue Sage Elementary, its 11th elementary school, in August. The school is at 216th and F Streets.

Bellevue Projects at Bellevue schools are getting underway after voters approved a $76 million bond issue in 2016. Every school will receive some form of upgrade, and athletic fields and performing arts spaces will be renovated, too.

CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

Sixth-grader Hagen Wray tries out a classroom chair at Oakdale Elementary.

OPS Budding actors at Beveridge Middle will get to practice their craft in a new black box theater, part of a large renovation and addition at the west Omaha middle school, which has a magnet program for the arts and global studies.

Beveridge has also added a wing for sixth-graders — the school previously taught only seventh- and eighth-graders — and has a designated area for a dance classroom.

OPS voters approved a $421 million bond issue in 2014.

Construction workers are busy near 45th and Marinda Streets, where a new building for the J.P. Lord School is underway. The school is for students, ages 5 to 21, with severe disabilities. The new school is designed specifically with state-of-the-art equipment for those special-needs students.

The new building replaces the school’s current crowded space on the University of Nebraska Medical Center campus. It will feature a therapy pool funded by private donors, lifts to help teachers and aides move students in and out of wheelchairs, a sensory garden and a hard-surface play area that is wheelchair accessible.

This month, Belle Ryan and Western Hills Elementary Schools moved into newly rebuilt schools.

Western Hills has space for a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) lab, and Belle Ryan has dedicated outdoor learning spaces.

Who finds more effective ways to treat cancer, Nebraska’s leading cause of death?

NU does. #NUforNE

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Cole Cielocha, left, and Gavin Collins experiment with their new laptops at Beadle Middle School in Millard. Eighth graders were given laptops to use for the school year.

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Community Supported Excellence in Public Schools · ACT Exemplary High School · 600+ business partnerships/career training · Award-winning academics, athletics, arts, and STEM · State-of-the-Art facilities, technology, and other tools · Personalized learning for all students at all levels Learn more about our success stories! Visit us online and on social media.

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Preschool - Grade 12 www.westside66.org

Obed Sanchez’s goal is to have the best bakery in the nation. “Why not?” he said.

From cookies to cakes

By Marjie Ducey WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Obed Sanchez came to the United States from Mexico as a youngster.

Without citizenship, he didn’t see a way to get a regular job after high school.

At 17, he started baking 100 cookies every day after school. He’d sell the treats for 50 cents each after his classes at Omaha South High School.

When the Dream Act passed, he was able to work in the restaurant business. But he never gave up on his baking.

At 20, Sanchez started his own business, Grainolia Bakery, focusing on breads and pastries from around the world.

“Something we can’t really find here,’’ he said.

His Brazilian cheese breads and Salvadoran quesadillas sell briskly at local farmers markets.

After a family friend asked if he could make a wedding cake, he went on YouTube and learned how. Now he’s also gaining recognition for his wedding cakes.

The work helps feed his artistic side.

“I wanted to grow up and make a living off of art,’’ he said. “I was also very intrigued by food and cooking.’’

Sanchez recently began working out of No More Empty Pots in Florence. He’s obtained business insurance, so he’ll be able to hire help and purchase more equipment.

Sanchez, 22, has big dreams.

“I always told myself I wanted to have a brick-and-mortar location by the time I turn 25,’’ Sanchez said.

“That’s the ultimate goal, to have a location and have the best bakery in the nation. Why not?’’ marjie.ducey@owh.com, 402-444-1034, twitter.com/mduceyowh

2072598-01

WELCOME TO OUR CAMPUS (otherwise known as Omaha)

Bridget Parizek turned her upholstering hobby into a side job.

She loves transformation

By Marjie Ducey WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Bridget Parizek already has a fulltime job as a purchaser for the National Park Service.

Then, a year ago, she decided to take an upholstery class at Metropolitan Community College. She was pregnant and wanted a rocker refinished.

“From the first day, I knew it was something I was going to pursue and continue to do,’’ Parizek said. “I just love to see the transformation in front of my eyes. It’s pretty instant gratification that we Americans love.’’

It’s turned into a side job that the 28-year-old hopes to some day build into a full-time occupation. She’s already made a profit in her first year of operation, working from her basement.

She credits Metro teacher Kathy Foust, a local upholsterer, for making Upholstery 101 fun and inspirational as well as instructional. Parizek has taken the class several times with different pieces of furniture and has learned something new each time.

Foust also has helped Parizek with her business, which could expand to drapery. Parizek is also learning that trade.

Daughter Millie is now 1, and Parizek usually does her upholstery work after the toddler goes to bed.

Her husband, Zach Clark, gave her a compressor and staple gun, tools of the trade, for her birthday.

“From there, I haven’t stopped,’’ Parizek said. marjie.ducey@owh.com, 402-444-1034, twitter.com/mduceyowh

Omaha is our campus and classroom. No fences or barriers separate students from the unique hands-on opportunities, internships, service learning, applied research, and other collaborative activities that the greater Omaha area provides. This is the “O” we want you to know.

To learn more about the UNO advantage, visit know.unomaha.edu The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. 0460ADUC0118

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Call 800.432.5852 to schedule a campus visit. Your future begins NOW at Iowa Western.

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• SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

An extra set of hands

By Marjie Ducey

WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

JEREMY TUTINI | PIONEER IMAGES

Tim Maides once planned to be an art teacher. Now, he makes soap.

Cooking up a career in the soap business T

By Marjie Ducey WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Maides works on his business and as a full-time sous chef. using local ingredients. The business has evolved from making four-ounce square bars to producing a popular foaming soap used in establishments around Omaha.

“We’re looking to be the people’s soap of Omaha and/ or Nebraska,’’ Maides said.

Maides still works full time as a sous chef at the Omaha Country Club. But

marjie.ducey@owh.com, 402-444-1034, twitter.com/mduceyowh

It’s never the same day

By Marjie Ducey WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

im Maides of the Benson Soap Mill planned to be an art teacher.

A job in the restaurant industry got in the way before he could finish his degree.

While working as a chef, he noticed a lot of waste, including rendered animal fat. That’s when the 30-year-old’s life took another detour.

He and Ryan Cook decided to try making soap the old-fashioned way with that fat.

“From cooking, I got involved with lots of different things and working with my hands,” Maides said. “This soap mill just started growing.’’

They experimented with several oils before discovering a farmer in Ord, Nebraska, who sells sunflower oil that is 41 percent vitamin E oil.

That’s now the basis of the soap sold by the soap mill, which prides itself on

Jess McCallie will give you a shoulder to lean on.

Or she’ll declutter your house, pack for a move or paint the bedroom.

McCallie owns Giant Girl, a company she formed to help people out in their homes. It’s called Giant Girl, she says, because she’s a big help.

“It’s really interesting,’’ she said.

McCallie, 32, has worked with more than 100 clients since starting her business in 2011, and is able to earn a comfortable living.

She decided college wasn’t for her after a few years, worked briefly at an advertising agency and then left the country. She traveled, worked and took language courses for a year.

“When I came back, the recession had hit, and it was really hard to get a job,’’ McCallie said. “I was living off credit

cards and had free time.’’

Friends and family started asking for help running errands.

One mentioned that people do Jess what she was do- McCallie ing for a living.

“I got a business card and a few tools and put the word out to friends and family,’’ she said. “I’ve only done word-of-mouth advertising.’’

She works mainly with women, from fellow small-business owners to single parents and the elderly — anyone who needs an extra set of hands.

It wasn’t easy at first while she built a client base. Wearing all the hats in the business is still a struggle at times.

But she loves her clients and her lifestyle.

“I like the simplicity of being in charge of myself,’’ she said.

before he reports to duty, he spends four or five hours working in his soap lab in Benson, filling orders or making a new batch of soap.

Cook is still a partner but is working in China.

“I don’t have a lot of free time,’’ Maides said. marjie.ducey@owh.com, 402-444-1034, twitter.com/mduceyowh

Apprentice plumber Ben Childers went to the University of Nebraska at Omaha for a year, but didn’t know what career path he wanted to follow.

Childers had done well academically at Burke High School, but it cost too much to just take random college classes.

So he left UNO and did roofing, siding and a few other jobs. Then he worked his way from stocker to manager at Walmart.

After five years, he was ready for another change.

“I’m a guy who likes to work with my hands more than when I was with Walmart,’’ Childers said.

The 33-year-old decided to try plumbing. After working with a friend’s company for a year, he applied to the union and was accepted.

He’s worked for TSI Mechanical for three years.

It’s not the same thing every day, which Childers likes.

“I’ve done everything from residential houses to great big Ben apartments and Childers dental offices,’’ he said. “The guys are great.

No complaints about that.’’

Once he obtains his license, he’ll earn more than he did as a manager. He’ll also have good benefits.

Plus, he’ll be doing a job he enjoys.

“I feel like I’ve learned a lot of things that can help me in the real world outside of work,’’ he said. “I’ve been able to help my mom and dad three or four different times with things I never would have had the slightest idea what to do before.’’ marjie.ducey@owh.com, 402-444-1034, twitter.com/mduceyowh

SPONSORED FEATURE

BY DAN McCANN / SPECIAL FOR AKSARBEN FOUNDATION

ERIC FRANCIS

ERIC FRANCIS

Doyle Wolverton won an AKSARBEN Foundation scholarship in 1956. Ever grateful, he volunteered as the manager of the AKSARBEN Stock Show for about 30 years and contributed as a long-serving member of its Executive Committee.

Roman Long used his 2015 Career Scholarship from the AKSARBEN Foundation to pay for classes and books at Metropolitan Community College. He graduated with a degree in architectural design and is working at CKF as a computer-aided design technician.

A LEGACY OF IMPACT AKSARBEN Scholarships power recipients into the future; change landscape of education, workforce development along the way When Doyle Wolverton attended Iowa State University, his AKSARBEN scholarship — $200 per year — essentially amounted to a full ride.

“Tuition, at the time, was $77 per quarter,” he recalled.

That was back in the late 1950s. Six decades later, the 79-year-old remains deeply grateful to the AKSARBEN Foundation for the financial boost and the impact it had on his life.

“That scholarship pushed me to stay in school at Iowa State,” he said. “I was the first one in my whole family — that’s aunts, uncles, cousins — to graduate from college.

I was always proud of that.”

The AKSARBEN Foundation’s legacy of impact has only expanded over the decades. Today, it awards $1.5 million annually to deserving students in Nebraska and western Iowa, allowing them to continue their educations beyond high school and develop career skills.

“AKSARBEN Foundation has a long tradition of awarding scholarships, and we’re extremely proud of that.

Moving forward, we aim to utilize our network of business members to connect scholarship recipients to the workforce,” said Sandra Reding, Foundation president.

Annually, the AKSARBEN Foundation awards 200 fouryear State Scholarships to students in need. In 2015, it partnered with Avenue Scholars to launch the AKSARBEN Career Scholarship — the Foundation’s largest and most significant scholarship endeavor to date. Its goal is to help students from low-income families make that seamless transition from career training into full-time

employment.

“The AKSARBEN Scholarship really helped a lot,” said Roman Long, a 2015 Career Scholarship recipient. “It paid for my classes and my books.”

Long, 22, graduated from Metropolitan Community College (MCC) last year with a degree in architectural design. He is working at CKF as a computer-aided design technician. “Ever since I was little, I liked designing and building things,” he said. “It’s fun, and I love to do it.”

Long said pursuing his passion would have been possible without the scholarship, but it would have been a struggle. The Foundation’s support empowered him to succeed. “After I was accepted for the scholarship, everything just changed. I felt like I had more motivation,” he said.

Over the last 2½ years, Avenue Scholars has served more than 640 students like Roman, who received Career Scholarships through the nonprofit’s partnership with AKSARBEN Foundation and MCC. “We are very excited to continue working with business leaders all across the Heartland in helping these young people begin successful careers in their chosen fields,” said Reding. “By fostering these relationships and connections, we are helping bridge the gap — fulfilling the needs of new graduates while addressing the requirements of Heartland businesses. It’s a win-win for all involved and a great way for AKSARBEN Foundation member businesses to become more directly involved in our mission in a very tangible way.”

As it powers into the future, the 123-year-old AKSARBEN Foundation foresees even more impact. In conjunction with numerous business partners, it intends to change the landscape of education and workforce development across the state.

“AKSARBEN has made a huge difference in so many ways in our state and its communities,” said Ken Bird, Ed.D., president and CEO of Avenue Scholars and immediate past king of AKSARBEN. “To have it step out and say our priority is education and training of our young people — that is important, and every educator and parent in the state should be listening.”

Wolverton parlayed his scholarship-fueled education into an almost 40-year career in agricultural extension work. He retired in 1997. Ever grateful to the AKSARBEN Foundation, he gave thanks by donating vast amounts of time and expertise. Wolverton volunteered as manager of the AKSARBEN Stock Show for about 30 years and contributed as a long-serving member of its Executive Committee.

“I have a lot of respect for AKSARBEN. It’s been a big part of my life,” he said. “The things they’re doing are outstanding not only for the Omaha community but for all of Nebraska and western Iowa.”

To serve others, the AKSARBEN Foundation relies on the generosity of others. For more information on how you can support the Foundation as a donor, volunteer or job placement resource, go to www.aksarben.org.

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018 •

D A N P H I L L I P S / C A R E E R PAT H WAY S I N S T I T U T E

In response to area manufacturing companies that have expressed a need for more workers to replace their aging workforce, the Grand Island Public Schools created the Career Pathways Institute five years ago.

Trades given new focus Schools are providing opportunities in all kinds of areas

By Mike Whye WORLD-HERALD CORRESPONDENT

T

he U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported last April that about one-third of high school graduates choose not to go on to college, and plenty of high schools are working with those students to help them achieve careers as they head into the world.

Brandi Petersen, spokeswoman for Westside Community Schools in Omaha, said teachers and staff at the district’s Westside High School help students become successful in whatever they want to do.

“We pride ourselves on our trades programs — welding, architecture, engineering,” she said. “No matter what students are interested in pursuing for the rest of their lives, we’ll help them succeed in that.”

Besides attending trade classes in the high school, Westside Schools students work with local companies, such as the architecture-engineering-design firms of DLR Group and HDR plus Prairie Construction Company, to gain hands-on experience in designing and building various projects.

While the district’s new Oakdale Elementary School was being built, Westside students held a contest to design a desk for its media center using wood salvaged from the old Oakdale school.

“Our students designed it, built it and worked with the architects to make the desk a sound product that would pay homage to the history of the school,” Petersen said.

Welding facilities at the high school are being expanded for students in that discipline.

Other students tour local industries to see how they work. Some travel across Nebraska to visit environments where they may work after earning certificates in fields such as nursing.

“The majority of our courses in the trades are at the high school, but there are always opportunities to learn at other places, which is why some of our students go to Metro Community College to study the culinary arts,” Pe-

tersen said.

No student is the same, Petersen said.

“Some get a perfect ACT score and get every scholarship under the sun,” she said. “And we have other students who — academics is just not their thing but that doesn’t mean they’re any less special.”

Many school districts partner with Metropolitan Community College, which has more than 20 career academies that high school juniors and seniors can attend.

The main academies are in the construction trades, but others offer studies in criminal justice, data center operations, fire science technology, digital filmmaking and more.

“In one program, a high school student can earn a certification in welding,” said Derek Rayment, MCC’s public and media relations manager.

To expand its services, MCC has added a welding lab in the high school in Fremont and started a diesel technology academy on its own campus there.

In the college’s construction academy, on its Fort Omaha campus, students in architecture technology and civil engineering technology classes learn to work together to build structures.

“The high school students can end up with a certificate in a trade, so they get something out of high school besides just a graduation certificate,” Rayment said. “They also can earn credits through dual enrollment.”

He mentioned that the college’s auto collision and automotive technology classes are popular with high school students. Another field that’s taking off is precision machining, in which large machines are used to create almost anything out of metal, including tools and other items down to the size of nuts and bolts. Rayment said operators are in demand for those machines.

In response to area manufacturing companies that have expressed a need for more workers to replace their aging workforce, the Grand Island Public Schools created the Career Pathways Institute five years ago.

Modeling its academies after successful technical programs in other areas of the nation, CPI developed courses in construction, drafting, manufacturing, information technology, automotive and welding for high school juniors and seniors.

“These are half-day programs, so our students spend half of their day with us and the other half back at their home schools,” CPI Director Dan Phillips said. “We’re a Grand Island Public School facility, but we’re open to all the schools in Hall County.”

Students take introduction classes in their high schools during their freshman and sophomore years to help them decide which areas to pursue. Then they go through an application process to be admitted to a program. CPI has about 200 students, of which about 15 percent are not from the school system.

“Our primary mission goal is to get students industry certifications that will make an impact on their employability and ability to start above entry-level positions,” Phillips said.

“Also, we have college dual enrollment where, in every program, they can get at least a semester of college through Central Community College.”

By the time construction students in CPI finish their program, they will have worked with contractors to build two houses and a 20-by-20-foot steel building, gaining experience in plumbing, electrical and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Students in the manufacturing program can earn certifications in manual and computer-controlled mill and lathe machines.

Phillips said many local businesses have stepped up with tuition reimbursement opportunities or sponsorships to help students finish their associate degree.

“That helps make them better employees and create a better strength of loyalty to the company,” he said.

“Our primary mission goal is to get students industry certifications that will make an impact on their employability and ability to start above entry-level positions.”

— Dan Phillips, director of Career Pathways Institute

D A N P H I L L I P S / C A R E E R PAT H WAY S I N S T I T U T E

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OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

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