FILMMAKER ALEXANDER PAYNE • JOHNCARL DENKOVICH • JACOB WEASEL CLIMBS TO THE TOP • SHANDY’S SWEDISH BAKERY • VOLLEYBALL SUPERNOVAS
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | U.S. $5.95
THE TENASKA CENTER FOR ARTS ENGAGEMENT BENEFITS ALL OF OMAHA
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FROM THE EDITOR // LETTER BY KIM CARPENTER
NEW YEAR NEW INSPIRATIONS
I
t’s a New Year, and in a world replete with strife and uncertainty, it’s perhaps natural to feel a little trepidation as 2024 takes hold.
But all I have to do is look around our own community for inspiration. There are so many people doing good things—truly great works—that benefit community members. In both the performing and visual arts alone, we have people making a difference. I look at people like Aaron Derell Gregory, who as Omaha performing Arts’ community engagement manager, is making the art of dance available across the metro. Then there’s Oria Simonini, who uses her international background as a point of inspiration for community art. And if you really want inspiring, don’t miss the story of Dr. Jacob Weasel, a surgeon and member of South Dakota’s Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, who made the harrowing summit to the top of Mount Everest. He isn’t one to let anything, including gravity, hold him back. Closer to earth is octogenarian Tom Sitzman, who is still making 80-mile cycling excursions. There are also people like Kristin Lowrey, who works diligently to provide free access to period products to people across the state who cannot afford them. There’s Denise Gehringer, the executive director of Sheltering Tree, which assists people with disabilities like Down syndrome find safe and secure housing. Olivia Larson, a policy fellow at RISE, is working to restore voting rights more quickly to people who’ve served their full sentences for felony charges. And we can’t overlook people like Howard Hawks and Chris Leitner at Tenaska, the 12th largest privately owned business in the US, whose name is a portmanteau of “tenacious” and “Nebraska.” Under their leadership, Omaha will see the addition of the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement to Omaha Performing Arts’ campus. Finally, Tri-Faith Executive Director Wendy Goldberg shares her reflections on how she is dealing with the on-going Israeli-Palestinian crisis with empathy and love. Inspiring, indeed. These are the kinds of people who make Omaha an extraordinary place to live. They uplift others, whether it’s through showing them how to move, providing access to necessary items, focusing on marginalized populations, helping people find housing, or providing new community engagement centers. As you read our inaugural issue of the New Year, may you be inspired by the phenomenal people we’ve profiled in these pages. From all of us at Omaha Magazine, Happy 2024! Kim Carpenter Managing Editor, Omaha Magazine kim@omahapublications.com
state Compa al E ny Re
JANUARY/FEBRUARY
*Note: The hotel edition of Omaha Magazine has a different cover and does not include all of the editorial content included in the magazine’s full city edition. For more information on our city edition, visit OmahaMagazine.com.
state Compa al E ny Re
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2024
TAB L E of CON T E N T S THE USUAL SUSPECTS 001 From the Editor
New Year, New Inspirations
004 Between the Lines 005 Calendar of Events 026 Adventure
Insurmountable Challenges, Jacob Weasel Climbs to the Top
QR
038 History
Malcom X's Nebraska Legacy
073 Obviously Omaha Comedy Clubs
090 Explore! 095 Instagram 096 Not Funny
Chris Leitner
Why Do We Never Get an Answer
ARTS + CULTURE 012 Film
Howard Hawks
Filmmaker Alexander Payne
016 Music
Band Gallivant
018 Dance
Dancer Aaron Derell Gregory
QR
022 Visual
Visual Artist Oria Simonini
PE O P L E 030 Gen O
034
Olivia Larsen's Advocacy for the Formerly Incarcerated
042 Profile
Kristin Lowrey's Access Period
050 Reflection
Tri-Faith Initiative's Wendy Goldberg
054 Sports
FEATURES
034 046 POSITIVE CHANGE
Volleyball Supernovas Gina Mancuso-Prososki and Natalia Valentín-Anderson
WHEN CORPORATE LEGACY BECOMES COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
GIVING
Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement
Veteran Equity Warrior JohnCarl Denkovich
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
058 Calendar QR
062 Feature
Sheltering Tree's Denise Gehringer
read current and previous issues online at omahamagazine.com
Listen to the entire issue here. Open the camera on your smart device and hover over the QR code.
FILMMAKER ALEXANDER PAYNE • JOHNCARL DENKOVICH • JACOB WEASEL CLIMBS TO THE TOP • SHANDY’S SWEDISH BAKERY • VOLLEYBALL SUPERNOVAS
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | U.S. $5.95
THE TENASKA CENTER FOR ARTS ENGAGEMENT BENEFITS ALL OF OMAHA
A B O U T T HE COV E R
018
Changes are in store for Omaha. Joey Winton created this reimagined blueprint of the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement to represent how Omaha’s cityscape will be changing in the coming years. Change, of course, is inevitable, so in this issue we look to inspirational people throughout the metro who are leading the charge for all the great changes to come in the New Year.
60PLUS
066 Active Living
Lifecycles Tom Sitzman
068 Nostalgia
Belle of the Ball Aksarban Foundation
070 Profile
Boomer Radio
DINING 074 Feature
Pour Decision's Meghan Russo
078 Profile
Shandy's Swedish Bakery
080 Review
Salted Edge
084 Dining Guide
028
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Between
THE LINES A LOOK AT TH R E E OMAHA MAGAZINE CO N T R I B U TO R S
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 VOLUME 41 // ISSUE VIII
EDITORIAL Managing Editor
KIM CARPENTER Senior Writer
JULIUS FREDRICK Associate Editor & Staff Writer
NATALIE VELOSO Assignment Editor & Staff Writer
CLAUDIA MOOMEY Contributing Writers
CHRISTOPHER J McLUCAS— Contributing Writer Christopher J. McLucas is an Omaha native, who is invested in the betterment of the citizens and the perception of the greater Omaha community. He’s been writing creative fiction for 15 years. He enjoys knitting and making paper. He is a student of Dr. Steven Langen’s Seven Doctors Project and of the James Gunn Center of Science Fiction of the University of Kansas. He’s published three anthologies, including the children's coloring book, "The Giggle Farm," and his first sci-fi novel, "Canal." Currently he’s the navigator at the local art-non-profit The Asteroid House.
LEO ADAM BIGA · TAMSEN BUTLER · DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN CHRISTOPHER J. MCLUCAS · STEVE JORDON CAROL NIGRELLI · VERONICA WORTMAN PLOETZ KARA WESELY · LISA LUKECART · HOLLY MCATEE SAMANTHA & DAMIAN INGERSOLL DOUGLAS “OTIS TWELVE” WESSELMANN
CREATIVE Creative Director
RACHEL BIRDSALL Senior Graphic Designer
RENEÉ LUDWICK Graphic Designer II
NICKIE ROBINSON Graphic Designer I
JOEY WINTON Contributing Photographer
STEVE JORDON— Contributing Writer Steve Jordon was born in West Virginia and landed in Nebraska with his Air Force family in 1962. He stayed, graduating in journalism from the University of Nebraska and working for The Omaha World-Herald from 1967 until he retired in 2018, covering business most of the time. Steve (percussion) and his wife, Helen (French horn), are members of the Nebraska Wind Symphony and other music groups. After retiring, Steve joined a poetry group and the League of Women Voters, began piano lessons, signed up for watercolor classes, and increased the frequency, but not necessarily the quality, of his golf game.
SARAH LEMKE
SALES DEPARTMENT Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing
GIL COHEN Branding & Digital Specialists
DAWN DENNIS · GEORGE IDELMAN GREG BRUNS · TIM McCORMACK FRANCINE FLEGG Publisher’s Assistant & OmahaHome Contributing Editor
SANDY MATSON Senior Sales Coordinator
ALICIA HOLLINS Sales Coordinator
SANDI McCORMACK
KARA WESELY— Contributing Writer A proud Omaha native, Kara has worked in non-profit development roles for more than eight years. A graduate of the University of Nebraska Lincoln’s journalism college, Kara has always enjoyed writing. Kara and her family enjoy road trips, Nebraska football and volleyball, and weekly Sunday dinners with extended family. Kara is an avid reader and would choose to live in Barnes & Noble if it weren’t illegal.
OPERATIONS Business Manager
KYLE FISHER Ad Traffic Manager
DAVID TROUBA Digital Manager
LUIS DE LA TOBA Distribution Manager
DAMIAN INGERSOLL
EXECUTIVE Executive Publisher
TODD LEMKE Associate Publisher
BILL SITZMANN For Advertising & Subscription Information:
402.884.2000 Omaha Magazine Vol 41 Issue VIII, publishes monthly except February, April, August, December, totaling 8 issues by Omaha Magazine, LTD, 5921 S. 118 Circle, Omaha, NE 68137. Periodical postage at Omaha, NE, and additional offices and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Omaha Magazine, 5921 S. 118 Circle, Omaha, NE 68137
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
S T AY I N T H E K N O M A H A !
Winter in the metro is jam packed with tons do—art, concerts, theater, festivals—we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive list and highlighted picks!
Music
Art
DISNEY: THE SOUND OF MAGIC
OMAHA FASHION WEEK
OMAHA FILM FESTIVAL
Bring the whole family and immerse yourself in the sound of magic! Omaha Symphony's "Disney: The Sound of Magic" brings the enchanting world of Disney to Omaha in a symphonic tribute to a century of Disney music, animation, and cherished memories. This one-of-a-kind concert brings iconic soundtracks from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Disney Parks to life on both the concert hall stage and the grand screen. Prepare for a captivating journey through a century of the most unforgettable songs, scores, and cinematic moments as you enjoy this magical multimedia experience. Join the symphony in celebrating Disney’s legacy with exciting animated sequences on the big screen synchronized to both classic and modernized orchestral arrangements of your favorite songs. Attendees also get the chance to experience behind-the-scenes historical footage, artwork, and sketches. From timeless classics like Peter Pan, Aladdin, and The Lion King to modern hits like Moana and Frozen, and even Disney Parks favorites, this celebration of "The Sound of Magic" promises to be a remarkable experience. 402.345.0202
The fourth-largest fashion week in the nation returns for another exciting season. Omaha Fashion Week began in 2008, with a small gathering in the heart of the Old Market featuring 12 designers, 20 models, and 2,000 attendees. Fifteen years later, its impressive growth has helped Omaha become a nationally recognized name in the fashion industry, providing new opportunities for talented and passionate designers and entrepreneurs. OFW is the fi rst to make show participation completely free of charge for designers, establishing itself as one of the most accessible and exciting stages for blossoming designers or students to see their work on the runway. With designers and fans from all over the world, attendance has grown annually to over 10,000 people, who come to witness growing fashion industry talent be showcased right here in Omaha. Join the fashionable fun this season and come see the latest styles on the Spring 2024 runway. 402.937.1061
Join the Omaha Film Festival (OFF) for its 19th year of showcasing incredible talent! Established in 2005, OFF has been a platform for the local community to embrace the art of independent fi lmmaking. Voted by MovieMaker magazine as one of the 2019 and 2020 “50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee,” this festival celebrates the artistic, educational, and historical importance of motion pictures. It presents new fi lms by emerging artists that might not otherwise be accessible in the region, allowing audiences to access an early look at some of the up-and-coming names worth discussing. The festival's annual event showcases a diverse selection of over 100 fi lms, carefully chosen from nearly 1,000 submissions received from around the globe. Th is lineup includes narrative features, documentaries, short fi lms, and animated shorts, along with a special segment dedicated to Nebraska-made fi lms. Filmmakers whose works are selected have the opportunity to attend the festival and engage with the audience in post-screening discussions. Aksarben Cinema proudly hosts this annual event once again. Bring the whole family and enjoy the show! 402.502.1914
Holland Performing Arts Center January 27-28 Admission: Tickets start at $20 1200 Douglas St. o-pa.org
Omaha Design Center February 21–25 Admission: Tickets start at $65 1502 Cuming St. omahafashionweek.com
Film
Aksarben Cinema February 27–March 3 Admission: Passes start at $65 2110 S 67th St cxcinemas.com
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CREAM OF THE CROP: OMAHA PIONEERS OF THE FOOD SCENE
Th rough February 11 at The Durham Museum, 801 S 10th St. Th is exhibition shines a spotlight on influential women in the Omaha culinary scene. These leading ladies, considered Nebraska's culinary trailblazers, have left a lasting mark by sharing their passion for food through accessible and delightful recipes. Among the featured individuals is Helen Mahammitt, a prominent caterer from North Omaha, renowned for her services at high-profi le gatherings. She also established a cooking school to empower fellow Black women with the skills and confidence needed for successful catering ventures. 402.444.5071 —durhammuseum.org
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EVENTS
» Exhibitions « WHITE CHRISTMAS—THE EXHIBITION
Th rough January 28 at Th e Durham Museum, 801 S 10th St. Experience this festive exhibition before the holiday season comes to an end. It will feature fi lm, costumes created by legendary designer Edith Head, along with props, sheet music, behind-the-scenes photos, archival materials, and more from the classic 1954 fi lm. 402.444.5071. —durhammuseum.org
BART VARGAS: MORE OF THE SAME
February 2 at Petshop Gallery, 2725 N 62nd St. Benson Galleries and artist Bart Vargas present “More of the Same: A Series of Juvenile Collages and Some Paintings by a Middleaged Man” at Petshop, a shared creative space in Benson. The event will also feature local DJ Crabrangucci. 402.203.5488 —bffomaha.org
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
LINDA FLEMING: EXPERIMENTA DE VACUO SPATIO
Th rough February 4 at KANEKO, 1111 Jones St. Th is KANEKO exhibition features Fleming's earlier and recent artworks, delving into the concepts of location, constructs, and substance. It's a thrilling chance to observe the interplay of her artistic evolution right here in Omaha. "Experimenta de Vacuo Spatio" presents an array of sculptures, drawings, and wall pieces that encapsulate 56 years of Fleming's artistry. Her complex pieces have been exhibited in major art museums globally, and featured in public and private collections over many years. The 78-year-old’s sculptures are a must-see in Omaha. 402.341.3800 —thekaneko.org
JULIA CHILD: A RECIPE FOR LIFE
Th rough February 11 at The Durham Museum, 801 S 10th St. Julia Child's boundless curiosity and unwavering determination spurred her to experiment, refi ne, demonstrate, and share the art of creating delectable cuisine. Th is exhibition delves into the fundamental elements that fueled Julia's personal growth and ignited a culinary revolution in America. Explore this exhibition from noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday. 402.444.5071 —durhammuseum.org
NEO-CUSTODIANS: WOVEN NARRATIVES OF HERITAGE, CULTURAL MEMORY, AND BELONGING
Th rough April 2024 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S 12th St. Th is impressive exhibition showcases the work of artists whose practices are informed by African textiles. Learn more about the cultural, social, and political threads woven into their contemporary contexts and belonging within the African and diasporic canon. 402.341.7130 —bemiscenter.org
PAOLO ARAO: REVERBERATIONS
Th rough April 2024 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S 12th St. Arao’s sewn paintings, weavings, and site-responsive installations are rooted in geometric abstractions. Th is exhibition showcases the Filipino-American artist’s work over the past five years, including work he began as a resident at Bemis Center in 2020. 402.341.7130 —bemiscenter.org
HUNGRY? F O O D F E AT U R ES . C H E F P R O F I L ES . R ES TAU R A N T R E V I E W S
OMAHAMAGA ZINE .COM
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Concerts LAURA JANE GRACE
January 2 at Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. Laura Jane Grace brings her unique sound to Omaha. A key figure in today's rock scene, she serves as both a solo artist and the frontwoman of Against Me!, a band she founded in the late 1990s in Naples, Florida. With four solo albums, her music captures her personal journey while maintaining her commitment to themes of political critique, environmentalism, personal and societal liberation, grounded in American musical traditions like country and folk-rock, and marked by a taste for noise and anarchy. 402.345.7569 —theslowdown.com
REVOLUTION: MUSIC OF THE BEATLES
January 20-21 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Join the Omaha Symphony for a captivating journey into the nostalgic world of the Beatles with "Revolution," a mesmerizing presentation paying homage to the iconic band that forever altered rock music. Th is musical tribute to the band showcases renowned vocalists and musicians, with brand-new arrangements by GRAMMY-winner Jeff Tyzik, crafted from the original master recordings at Abbey Road. Experience this nostalgic celebration of the music that reshaped an era! 402.345.0202 —o-pa.org
DISTURBED: TAKE BACK YOUR LIFE TOUR
January 29 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N 10th St. See Disturbed as their 2024 North American Tour graces Omaha. Fresh off a successful summer tour alongside Breaking Benjamin, Theory of a Deadman, and Jinjer, Disturbed is back with 23 "Take Back Your Life” shows nationally. 402.341.1500 —chihealthcenteromaha.com
BIG HEAD TODD AND THE MONSTERS
January 11 at Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. Joining together in 1993, Big Head Todd and The Monsters is a rock band formed by Todd Mohr, Brian Nevin, and Rob Squires from Colorado. The band has released several albums since 1989, and their 1993 release, "Sister Sweetly," achieved platinum status in the United States. 402.345.7569 —theslowdown.com
BROGAN BENTLEY: LIVE @ LOW END
January 11 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S 12th St. Join Brogan Bentley at LOW END, Bemis Center's music venue located in the lower level. Bentley is a California-based electronic music producer, instrumentalist, and vocalist. Bentley's music reflects a lineage of artists and musicians in the Dance & Electronic genre. 402.341.7130 —bemiscenter.org
BEETHOVEN’S EMPEROR
January 12-13 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Led by internationally acclaimed conductor Tito Muñoz, enjoy an evening featuring virtuoso pianist Michelle Cann performing Beethoven's "Emperor" Piano Concerto No. 5. The night continues with Stravinsky's Petrushka, an orchestral interpretation of the beloved ballet, portraying the poignant story of the puppet Petrushka vying for the ballerina's love. Stravinsky's masterful orchestration and Russian folk influences make this can't-miss performance truly captivating. 402.345.0202 —o-pa.org
LEA BERTUCCI: LIVE @ LOW END
January 18 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S 12th St. Experience the artistry of Lea Bertucci, an experimental musician, composer, and performer, who explores the connections between acoustic phenomena and biological resonance. Her practice encompasses woodwind instruments, spatialized speaker arrays, innovative free improvisation, and unconventional uses of audio technology. With a discography spanning over a decade, she has released eight solo albums and participated in various collaborative endeavors. 402.341.7130 —bemiscenter.org
FOY VANCE
January 25 at Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. Experience a new sound with Foy Vance. Hailing from Northern Ireland, Foy Vance is an Irish musician and singer-songwriter. He's signed to Ed Sheeran's Gingerbread Man record label and has not only shared the stage with the British singer-songwriter, but also had his music featured on various television shows. 402.345.7569 —theslowdown.com
JAIME WYATT
January 27 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Jaime Wyatt is an accomplished American country music artist, known for her work as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist. With two albums, numerous singles, and live recordings to her name, she is deeply involved in the Americana and outlaw country music genres. 402.884.5707 —reverblounge.com
ELI WALLACE: LIVE @ LOW END
February 1 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S 12th St. Based in Brooklyn, NY, Eli Wallace is a multifaceted artist—a pianist, composer, and curator. He operates both as a solo performer and collaborates with an array of musicians within the realms of improvisation and creative music. Over the past decade, he has made significant contributions to numerous albums, showcasing his versatile and dynamic talent. Experience his talents in Omaha at this special event. 402.341.7130 —bemiscenter.org
WILLIAM CLARK GREEN
February 9 at Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. William Clark Green is an American country music singer from Flint, Texas, bringing his charming stage presence to Omaha. He has released six studio albums and two live albums. Bring a friend to experience his impressive discography for one dazzling night only. 402.345.7569 —theslowdown.com
SCOTTY MCCREERY: CAB IN A SOLO TOUR
February 10 at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. After nearly half his life in the country music limelight, this North Carolina native comes to Omaha, still dedicated to creative and personal growth. He's on the brink of a new career chapter, headlining his solo tour, aptly named "Cab in a Solo Tour" after his latest single of the same title. 402.345.0606 —steelhouseomaha.com
JOHNNY CASH: THE OFFICIAL CONCERT EXPERIENCE
BRASS TRANSIT
February 17 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. For more than a decade, Brass Transit, the premier Chicago tribute in North America, has been wowing audiences across the continent with impeccable renditions of Chicago's chart-toppers, including classics like "Saturday In The Park," "25 or 6 to 4," and "You're The Inspiration." Watch them team up with the Omaha Symphony for a single, unforgettable evening! 402.345.0202 —o-pa.org
February 13 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. In a captivating presentation, Johnny Cash's timeless songs and narratives come to life in Omaha in a fresh way. With video footage from episodes of "The Johnny Cash TV Show" projected on a screen above the stage, this concert experience rekindles the spirit of the legend through his memorable words and anecdotes. Male and female singers on stage will lend their unique interpretations to Cash's classics, ensuring a continuous flow of music in this exceptional concert event. 402.345.0202 —o-pa.org
BLACK VIOLIN
February 13 at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. Experience how classical music converges with hip-hop with the innovative duo, Black Violin, who bring their unique sound to Omaha. Breaking the boundaries of genre, race, and gender, Will Baptiste on viola and Kev Marcus on the violin combine strings with groove. Their concerts are a vibrant celebration, where they enthusiastically welcome flash photography and a party atmosphere. Get ready for an electrifying performance! 402.345.0606 —steelhouseomaha.com
YO LA TENGO
February 18 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Hailing from Hoboken, New Jersey, Yo La Tengo is an indie rock trio with a legacy dating back to 1984. Their recent triumph, "Th is Stupid World," offers a mesmerizing collection of contemplative songs that stand strong against the relentless march of time. The group’s music doesn't merely transcend eras; it defies time itself. Don’t miss their one-night stop in Omaha! 402.884.5353 —waitingroomlounge.com
VICTORIA KEDDIE: LIVE @ LOW END
February 17 at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. Bailey Zimmerman, an unstoppable presence in the realm of country music, is set to bring his globally acclaimed "RELIGIOUSLY. THE TOUR" to Omaha. His recently released debut album, titled "Religiously. The Album.," achieved record-breaking success. Not only did it become the most streamed debut album of the year across all music genres, but it also earned the title of the biggest streaming debut in the history of country music. 402.345.0606 —steelhouseomaha.com
COREY HOLCOMB AT FUNNY BONE
January 5-6 at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St. From a complex upbringing to performing on the Tonight Show, Corey Holcomb's comedy talent bridges socioeconomic and racial boundaries. His comedy performance is not just about words; it's a full-sensory experience. His facial expressions alone can elicit uproarious laughter from the audience. 402.493.8036 —omaha.funnybone.com
MAMMA MIA!
February 22 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S 12th St. Victoria Keddie, an artist, curator, and educator, explores spaces and reimagines the stories materials and technology embody. Her work focuses on the residual presence of human existence in architecture and discarded artifacts within our media ecosystem. Keddie's art has been exhibited internationally and at prestigious institutions like MoMA, making her a significant figure in the art world. 402.341.7130 —bemiscenter.org
BAILEY ZIMMERMAN: RELIGIOUSLY. THE TOUR.
STAGE PERFORMANCES
January 9-14 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S 16th St. Experience the sensational musical tribute to ABBA's iconic songs! Join the 25th-anniversary celebration of "Mamma Mia," the musical that redefi ned jukebox musicals for a new era. Laugh and be moved by the bittersweet tale of single mother Donna, who grapples with her daughter's wedding on a Greek island. Add in three former lovers, any of whom might be the father, and watch the sparks fly as this sunny and heartwarming story comes to Omaha. 402.661.8501 —orpheumtheateromaha.com
NAI-NI CHEN DANCE COMPANY— THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON
January 19 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S 16th St. Embracing fresh talent in dance, choreography, and art, this dance institution seamlessly fuses traditional and contemporary Chinese and Taiwanese dance forms to convey the heritage of dance within the immigrant Chinese-American community. Join Nai-Ni Chen in their telling of numerous stories and narratives through traditional dance infused with modern elements. 402.661.8501 —orpheumtheateromaha.com
WYCLIFFE GORDON
February 23 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Wycliffe Gordon is a prolific recording artist celebrated for his distinctive sound, plunger technique, and unique vocal prowess. He earned the distinction of "Trombonist of the Year" from the Jazz Journalists Association in 2020, marking an unprecedented 13th win. His remarkable talents also earned him the top spot in the Downbeat Critics Poll for "Best Trombone" an astonishing six times. 402.345.0202 —o-pa.org
DEMETRI MARTIN: THE JOKE MACHINE TOUR
January 26 at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. Demetri Martin, a stand-up comedian, writer, and director, boasts three stand-up comedy albums and four one-hour specials, with his most recent, "The Overthinker," available on Netfl ix. Demetri's creativity also extended to his Comedy Central show, "Important Th ings with Demetri Martin." Now, he's set to bring his talents to Omaha. 402.345.0606 —steelhouseomaha.com
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NOEL MILLER: NEW SUPPLY TOUR AT FUNNY BONE
February 9-10 at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St. Noel Miller returns to Omaha! The popular comedian, musician, director, podcaster, and digital sensation brings his sharp one-liners and insightful social commentary that have established him as a formidable presence in the comedy scene. With comedy and music videos garnering over 21 million views, Miller’s witty humor speaks for itself. 402.493.8036 —omaha.funnybone.com
POETRY SLAM—OPEN MIC EVENT
February 10 at the OM Center, 1216 Howard St. Join the OM Center for a poetry open-mic event you won’t want to miss! Doors open at 7 p.m. for this open mic session, where performers will have up to three minutes to share their creative work. An outstanding featured performer and the thrilling poetry slam, comprising three rounds, will follow. Th is event showcases some of the nation's most talented poets. 402.302.0375 —omahahealingarts.com
LA TRAVIATA
KERWIN CLAIBORNE AT FUNNY BONE
January 28 at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St. Kerwin Claiborne's latest comedy venture, "Thees W@#$ Folks Crazy," comes to Omaha. Hailing from the small Mississippi town of Pattison, his remarkable work ethic and wit inspired him to create viral videos, featuring characters from his own life. With over one million social media followers, Claiborne is one to watch for a captivating comedy experience. 402.493.8036 —omaha.funnybone.com
BEETLEJUICE
January 30–February 4 at Orpheum Th eater, 409 S 16th St. Get ready for the eerie world of Beetlejuice. Directed by two-time Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, this Broadway adaptation of Tim Burton's cult classic fi lm promises a spooky and entertaining experience. Join Beetlejuice (Justin Collette) as he helps a recently deceased couple haunt their old home, and follow Lydia (Isabella Esler) as she navigates a world of ghosts and grief. With a darkly whimsical script, gothic set design, and an original score by Eddie Perfect, this award-winning show offers a thrilling night of entertainment. 402.661.8501 —orpheumtheateromaha.com
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
SAM MORRIL AT FUNNY BONE
February 1-3 at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St. Sam Morril is a rapidly ascending stand-up comedian based in New York City, who is widely recognized as one of today's premier joke crafters. His stand-up has graced The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Late Late Show with James Corden, and Conan on multiple occasions. You may even recognize him from a cameo in the Academy Award-nominated fi lm, "Joker." 402.493.8036 —omaha.funnybone.com
NATE BARGATZE: THE BE FUNNY TOUR
February 9 at CHI Health Center, 455 N 10th St. Nate Bargatze, acclaimed as "The Nicest Man in Stand-Up" by The Atlantic, is a Grammy-nominated stand-up comedian hailing from Nashville, Tennessee. With over 10 appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Bargatze has gained widespread recognition for his Netfl ix specials. 402.341.1500 —chihealthcenteromaha.com
February 16-18 at Orpheum Th eater, 409 S 16th St. La Traviata, a renowned opera, narrates a tale of forbidden love between Violetta, a celebrated courtesan, and a privileged young man. Their passionate romance flourishes until societal norms compel Violetta to contemplate the sacrifices she's willing to endure for his reputation. Come see this traditional production of one of opera's beloved classics as it vividly portrays the fervor, optimism, and sacrifices entwined with the complexities of love. 402.661.8501 —orpheumtheateromaha.com
MORE: HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS 2024 WORLD TOUR
January 5 at Baxter Arena, 2524 S 67th St. Don't miss the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters on their global tour! Experience groundbreaking basketball feats, unmatched fan fun, and incredible engagement opportunities at Baxter Arena with the whole family. Witness them in action with dazzling moves against their infamous rivals, the Washington Generals. 402.554.6200 —baxterarena.com
CHRISTMAS AT UNION STATION
Th rough January 7 at Th e Durham Museum, 801 S 10th St. There’s still time to experience another year of holiday delight with Christmas at Union Station, proudly presented by FNBO. The Christmas magic will once again grace The Durham Museum, encompassing Omaha's official Christmas tree, festive concerts, and a special visit from Santa himself. 402.444.5071 —durhammuseum.org
OMAHA TATTOO ARTS CONVENTION
January 12–14 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N 10th St. Experience the artistry of 350 of the world’s best tattoo professionals, featuring premier local, national, and international talents. Meet renowned TV personalities from shows like Ink Master, Tattoos After Dark, and Best Ink, who will be available to tattoo the public. An array of vendors will be offering industrial supplies, clothing, artwork, and jewelry. Don't pass up this must-attend event—there's something for everyone! 402.341.1500 —chihealthcenteromaha.com
FIONA THE FLAMINGO
February 11 at Strauss Performing Arts Center, 6305 S University Dr Rd N. Bring the whole family to join Fiona on her journey of self-acceptance. Experience all of her feelings and colors in this live concert adaptation of the children's book by Rachael Urrutia Chu. Delight in this narrative with the Omaha Symphony, set to music by Beethoven. Arrive early to enjoy engaging lobby activities! 402.554.3411 —unomaha.edu
“JULIA” FILM SCREENING
January 16 at Film Streams, 1340 Mike Fahey St. Prepare for a cinematic experience! The Durham Museum has joined forces with Film Streams to present a showing of the 2021 documentary, Julia. Prior to the screening, you can engage in a lively discussion with The Durham Museum team about significant local personalities from Omaha's culinary past, as highlighted in their "Cream of the Crop" exhibit, in addition to insights into "Julia Child: A Recipe for Life." 402.933.0259 —fi lmstreams.org
COUPLE SHUFFLE
February 3 at Seymour Smith Park, 6802 Harrison St. Join the annual Couple Shuffle with 2-mile, 5k, and 10k run options. Th is Valentine-themed run is perfect for everyone! Enjoy fantastic perks like custom shirts, medals, live results, awards, free photos, a costume contest, delicious post-race food, and much more. Gather your loved ones; this event is a must-attend! —omaharun.org
BABY SHARK’S BIG BROADWAVE TOUR!
February 24 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S 16th St. The underwater world of the hit animated series "Baby Shark’s Big Show!" comes to life on stage in an all-new original story. Join Baby Shark and his fishy friends on an adventure to save the Party Puddle Theatre—they will need your help! Enjoy the show’s unforgettable visual effects and thrilling musical twists on classic Baby Shark tunes with the whole family. The show will be oceans of fun! Tickets start at $29.50. 402.661.8501 —orpheumtheateromaha.com Would you like weekly event recommendations delivered right to your inbox? Open the camera on your smart device and hover over the QR code (left) to subscribe to Omaha Magazine’s Weekend Entertainment Guide online.
OMAHA INTERNATIONAL BOAT SPORTS AND TRAVEL SHOW
February 22–25 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N 10th St. Experience the 76th boat and travel show with the whole family! Plan your entire expedition with top-tier hunting and fi shing outfitters and lodges, or get a fi rsthand experience with the latest fi shing tackle, equipment, and more. See featured exhibitions and explore aisles fi lled with campers, motorhomes, and RVs while consulting with the experts. 402.341.1500 —chihealthcenteromaha.com
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E N Y A P R E D N A X E L A A K S A R B E N S T N E S REPRE S E O G E H R E V E R E WH A+C FILM
BY LEO // STORY
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scar O a h a Om Film w e N ’s Winner vers’ is His ldo ‘The Ho alling Card C Lates t
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fter finding fame, few Nebraska Hollywood talents have historically made their native state home. Filmmaker Alexander Payne, coming off a busy fall promoting his popular new dramedy, "The Holdovers," starring Paul Giamatti, maintains an Omaha residence and has shot all or part of five of his eight feature films in state.
The two-time Oscar-winner welcomed warm receptions to "The Holdovers" at film festivals in Telluride (where it garnered the People’s Choice runner-up), Toronto, and London. Then, he did press for limited and wider theatrical releases, finally returning home for a Film Streams fundraiser in mid November. With audiences and critics falling for the Christmas-themed film, he hopes award love follows. Veteran television producer-writer David Hemingson ("Whiskey Cavalier;" "Kitchen Confidential") is a Best Original Screenplay Oscar contender for his sweet-and-sour story about three misfits harboring deep hurts who are forced to spend Christmas together.
“I would have wanted Paul to play this regardless, but him knowing that world added to his performance. This just felt like a very good part for him.” —Alexander Payne
"I would have wanted Paul to play this regardless, but him knowing that world added to his performance." —Alexander Payne Shot in and around Boston, the film is set in 1970 at a New England boarding school. Hated history teacher Paul Hunham (Giamatti) must babysit smart-aleck student Angus Tully (newcomer Dominic Sessa), who’s been ditched by his mother and step-father. Completing the trio is knowing school cook Mary Lamb (Da’Vine Joy Randolph), grieving her son’s death in the Vietnam War. Their funny, painful bonding plays out on campus and during a memorable “field trip.” Giamatti, who starred in "Sideways," is netting career best notices in a lead written for him. Randolph and Sessa are garnering praise for their strong supporting work. Payne’s sure direction may also help "The Holdovers" be a Best Picture nominee.
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Payne’s longtime editor Kevin Tent cut the "The Holdovers," but he collaborated for the first time with Danish cinematographer Eigil Bryld and production designer Ryan Warren Smith. Tent’s hand is felt in the film’s gentle transitions and smooth flow, while Bryld and Smith’s work contribute to the authentically rendered world its characters inhabit. The praise greeting the film is bittersweet for those involved. The SAG strike prevented Giamatti, Randolph, and Sessa from joining Payne at premieres and press conferences, and representing the film by himself has been disappointing and exhausting, he lamented. Post-production wrapped a year ago. Keeping the film in reserve until now ensured a holiday buildup. After all, Payne said, “It is a Christmas movie.” Still, this
holding pattern felt like another detour for the writer-director, who’s endured setbacks since "Downsizing" left both audiences and critics cold in 2017. That broke a string of critical acclaim from "Citizen Ruth" (1997) through "Nebraska" (2013). In the ensuing six years, he saw intended projects fall apart. The pandemic didn’t help. It’s not the first long span between Payne films. The filmmaker’s deliberate process, Tent said, “involves extended prep work–he never rushes into a project until he feels it's ready, and I think the reason his movies are so good is exactly because of that.” While frustrated by career snags, Payne balked at the notion that he needs a success to recapture any lost mojo. “I’ve never actively aspired to ‘hits.’ I never thought I’ve made those kinds of movies,”
"Alexander was able to push me in certain directions as I was writing. That was invaluable." —David Hemingson
he said. “Sure, I want them all to be ‘successful’ on their own terms–well-made, well-considered, well-acted, well-told stories that people want to see and make more money than they cost.” The idea for the story originated with Payne. He entrusted Hemingson specifically to develop the script about the reluctant holdovers. As a graduate of an Eastern prep school himself, Hemingson is well-versed in that culture. Giamatti, too.
“I would have wanted Paul to play this regardless, but him knowing that world added to his performance. This just felt like a very good part for him,” said Payne, who wanted Giamatti from the jump.
In turn, Hemingson wrote with Giamatti in mind. Payne gave him relatively free rein.
Hemingson suggested several ways the story could unfold. “He started giving me pages and eventually a whole draft, and then I would…give him suggestions, both big and small,” Payne shared. “We would discuss those or execute those. It just kept evolving. I’ve directed every other department, but with David it was my first experience directing a writer, and we had a really good relationship and a good time doing it.”
Hemingson didn’t mind being the student to someone he regards “a master” for his “emotionally resonant comedy penetrating inside the human condition.” “Alexander was able to push me in certain directions as I was writing,” Hemingson said. “That was invaluable. It was mostly him posing questions and then me giving him a result. It was very much a conversation. Sometimes [we were] on the phone when he was in Greece or in Omaha. Sometimes we’d hang out at his place or at mine, have dinner and a glass of wine, and hash it through.” Hemingson did rewrites on set. “There were times I had to adjust the screenplay this way or that based on a location or a certain actor…and he was always available—even just to have someone around to talk it through with,” Payne said.
With "The Holdovers," Payne set out to channel the humanism of ‘70s American films. Critics say its whimsy, irony, and character-based truth may make it the best ‘70s film made outside that decade. He’s also created a film that may stand the test of time with other Christmas favorites. The prospect of "The Holdovers" becoming a holiday staple pleases Payne. “That’s a lovely thought.” For more information about Alexander Payne’s latest movie, visit miramax.com/ movie/The-Holdovers.
A/C MUSIC
F I
ans might say it’s the tube socks and tattered jean shorts. Others will argue it’s the frenzied hair flips and frenetic moshing. Whatever the allure, Gallivant has established itself as an Omaha rock band that doesn’t just shred; it also connects to audiences in a way that keeps crowds chanting, “One more song!” at the end of every performance.
Gallivant, simply put, likes to get loud— and so, too, does its fanbase. The trio, consisting of Sam Hayes, Josh Craig, and Joe Donnelly, styles itself as “a three-piece, party style, riff-based rock band that sets a high bar for the new age of rock and roll music.” Gallivant has an extensive repertoire, which includes covers from head-banging favorites like Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, and Black Sabbath, among others. The band also boasts two original albums, with a third on the horizon. Their debut record, 2017’s "Leavenworth," served as a tribute to one of downtown Omaha’s main drags with lyrics referencing the sights, sounds, and people common along Leavenworth Street. And it's here I make my way around. From 30th to downtown. And It's here I like to get down. The party's happening, so lets make some sound. Two years later, the triple threat continued making sound and added new listeners with "Celestials," an album that showcased more of the band members’ vocal and multi-instrumental abilities. Gallivant’s origins trace to when the founding members were still college students. Hayes remembered, “Josh and I met through our guitar teacher, Guy Somers; we were his teacher’s assistants.” The two rapidly became friends, playing music to advertise for their instructor. “We met Joe in our second year of college at Iowa Western in 2014. He knew how to play, like, every instrument, so our band teacher called him ‘Flex,’” Hayes laughed. Joe joined. “The rest is history,” Hayes reflected. “2015 is when we really started rolling.” Roll they do, or more precisely, rock and roll. Gallivant’s live performances have developed a cult following due, in part, to the band members’ habit of switching instruments. Each of the three plays drums, bass guitar, and electric guitar, with Hayes, Craig, and Donnelly fluidly rotating among themselves on stage. Gallivant performs widely in Omaha, including at popular live music venues like Barnato, the Slowdown, the Waiting Room, and the Reverb Lounge. They // 16 //
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also play nationally with recent shows in California, Arizona, and Colorado, among other states. During road trips that sometimes span as long as 26 hours, the band finds ways to unwind. “I like to go find record stores,” shared Hayes, who has a proclivity for 70s vinyl. “Sometimes we get enough time to go skating,” Craig commented, while Donnelly wryly added, “We went tandem biking, which was a first in life. We jump off rocks into water. Go hiking, then fall down the mountain.” This grueling tour schedule doesn’t come easily. “It’s a lot of work,” Donnelly admitted. “I basically created a template of who we are, and what I do is basically meet people, and I coordinate from there. Then it’s kind of going down a rabbit hole of who to talk to for scheduling.” Gallivant is seeing this strategy pay dividends, with shows already on the band’s calendar for the fall. “We get a lot of offers for shows that we have to turn down, because we’ve already been booked for three months,” Hayes said. The trio’s favorite audience engagement tactic, aside from accepting fan offerings of free beer, involves jumping into the crowd while playing. Craig, often stationed behind the drums when Hayes and Donnelly join the fray, enjoys the spectacle. “I like it,” he confessed. “It’s always fun to see them go out in the crowd and see people getting hyped. I get to people watch a little bit; I feel like they’re watching me the whole night, but then I get to watch them.” Gallivant has teased some new songs during recent shows. “It has been too long, but when it [the new album] comes out, it will be really worth it. This next run of music is going to be our most thought-out, put-together music that we’ve ever done, so we’re taking our time,” Donnelly said. “With our new music, we’re actually going to have a whole new show,” he continued. “We’re going to have even more professional elements to our show that you’re not going to see a lot of around. New, exciting stuff. It’s not going to be just what you think it will. It’s going to be sweet.” For more information, follow Gallivant’s social media @gallivantomaha. Their music can be found on most streaming platforms.
[L TO R] SAM HAYES, JOE DONNELLY, JOSH CRAIG.
STORY BY CLAUDIA MOOMEY // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN //
DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK
Make Some
Let’s
! d n u So Gallivant Brings Omaha Noise to Stages Across the Country
A+C DANCE // STORY BY CHRISTOPHER J. McLUCAS // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY RACHEL BIRDSALL
NEVER TOO LATE/ NEVER TOO SOON
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DANCER AARON DERELL GREGORY aron Derell Gregory never thought he started dancing too soon. In fact, he wants people to know that it’s never too late to start moving.
Whether young or old, Gregory, himself 34, brings his passion for dance to Omaha in multiple ways. He’s the founder of the Love to Groove Movement School, a community-based dance organization that provides classes and workshops in artistry, wellness, and fitness for all ages. He’s also the lead instructor at AP’s Legacy Dance Studio, which trains dancers to be both excellent performers and community leaders. Finally, as Omaha Performing Arts’ community engagement manager, Gregory works to broaden the organization’s community reach through diverse programming and partnerships. Gregory, suffice to say, never sits still. He’s always dancing. He’s always moving. He’s always creating. His love of the artistic medium began at age 16 when he discovered Hip Hop dance on TV and in film. “I did not know this was going to be the lane I was called to be in,” Gregory reflected. “Young men in dance need support. Boys dancing is an anomaly; there are ugly, archaic thoughts about it. I want to give space to boys dancing by creating an environment to foster their talent and create a brotherhood. We must dispel the lie that no one wants boys to dance.” Gregory never lied to himself. “When I found dance, I realized I want to do that and teach for as long as I live,” he shared. Accordingly, he pursued technical training in ballet alongside both West African and modern dance at Spelman College via Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, and then earned his master's in dance education from NYU. He's taught Hip Hop dance internationally for the Alvin Ailey Arts in Education Program, 92nd Street Y, Global Dance Hub, the YMCA, Dance 411, and dozens of inner city schools. He’s also choreographed and performed nationally in the concert and commercial dance industries. “After I got my masters, it opened my mind to performing and creating,” Gregory said. “At Morehouse, they tell us to strive to be tall enough to wear our crown of high expectations, and I’ve grown tall enough to wear it and shoulder the responsibility that comes with it.”
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"We must dispel the lie that no one wants boys to dance. ” —Aaron Derell Gregory
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That responsibility means tireless work in the community. “I’m a believer. I know God sent me home after a dark time in my life in 2019,” Gregory reflected, referring to his time away from Nebraska. “I’m thriving in my hometown and doing amazing work. I didn’t see this coming, I’m living out my dreams and uplifting Omaha’s Black community toward their dreams. I get to curate and connect to the community and show what is possible for the Black artists and professionals of Omaha.” Gregory’s good friend, Raynessha Phillip, is thrilled with the focus he’s found. “He’s happy. I see it. He loves to do for others, he’s associated with so many organizations,” she said. “Prior to moving back home, he hesitated about what to do next in his journey, but seeing him transition to the lane he’s in right now, anyone can sense the happiness he’s in.” Phillip nonetheless does fret that Gregory takes on too much. “I do wish Aaron would take time for himself and give back to himself the way he gives back to others.” If Gregory won’t, the community will. He was named a fellow at the Union for Contemporary Art for 2023, a prestigious honor that allowed him to focus on his artistic expression. In November, Midlands Business Journal designated him as one of the “40 Under 40” in Omaha to watch. Gregory is at times taken aback at where he’s landed. “When I moved back from New York, it was a dream that came true that I never would have expected,” he shared. “And I’m living it.” Phillip isn’t surprised at the accolades Gregory has earned. “He’s a genuine person. It’s difficult to sum him up, he’s deserving of so much,” she said. “He’s like a candle—he could light 100 candles, and it wouldn’t diminish or take away anything from him.” Illuminating others is what Gregory does, and he does so with his own inimitable, contagious joy. “When I’m teaching classes, I get to shake my tail with my students. I’m always laughing from my gut,” Gregory shared. “It’s important to have joy in what you love, because passion is desire in overdrive, and if you don’t know how to sustain it, you’ll burn out. Don’t follow your heart, follow your spirit and keep peace at the forefront of what you do.” For more information about Aaron Derell Gregory, visit ltgmovementschool.com.
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A+C Visual
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Oria S imonini’s Visual A rtis try
n the realm of visual art, Oria Simonini has established herself as a notable Latinx artist and muralist within Omaha’s vibrant arts scene. At the age of 28, she offers an intriguing perspective of artistic evolution, reflecting on the experiences that have influenced her own trajectory. Her path to becoming an artist is marked by untraditional beginnings and a passion for visual expression, yet her affinity for art finds its origins in her formative years. “I always had my little sketchbook as a kid, and I always drew,” Simonini recalled. “I happened to have gone to an elementary school that was an arts charter school. I feel like I was always making art.” Born in French Guiana to Argentine parents, the first two years of her life were marked by a nomadic life spent in a sailboat. The restless winds of adventure carried her family to rural Guatemala, where she spent her childhood from ages 2 to 7. Her upbringing in the lush jungle oasis sparked creativity in her young mind, igniting a lifelong passion. "I think my life has always been about movement and interacting with people who are really different from me, while feeling like I was the 'other,'” she reflected. “I never had a spot that was just my own." Themes of migration and the cross-country journey many individuals take to pursue their aspirations recur throughout her artistic repertoire. She is particularly drawn to elements like water and the ocean, which resonate with the currents that shaped her childhood.
A pivotal project in Simonini’s career was her involvement in a community mural connecting Schuyler, Nebraska, with Santiago Sacatepéquez, Guatemala, in 2023. The ambitious project envisioned two sister murals in different countries, interconnected by the thematic thread of sparking community-wide, progressive change in both places. Though she had only started her mural journey a few years prior, this venture brought her into communion with other Latinx artists to experience the empowerment of people through art. “I thought it would be more impactful to not confine this project to Omaha, but to take it somewhere else,” Simonini explained. “It broke free from being this art form that is not contained by traditional white gallery walls and the elitism that often accompanies what is considered ‘fine art.’” Her memories of Guatemalan towns adorned with similar murals during her childhood lent weight to the endeavor. The project was made possible by funding from The Union For Contemporary Art’s Populus Grant, enabling Simonini to take her art across borders. As one of five 2023 fellows at The Union, the artist described her experience as a quiet year of working and experimenting by utilizing the space and resources offered. Her own artistic inspirations are as diverse as they are profound. She learns from her peers, but also from classic artists like Spanish painter Diego Velázquez and contemporary artists like Jordan Casteel. Her wellspring of creative influence extends to grassroots street artists in Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia.
A+C A+CVisual Visual Simonini Simonini also also credits credits herher inspiration inspiration in in part part to to Byron Byron Anway, Anway, an an artist, artist, educator, educator, musimusician, cian, andand herher former former UNL UNL professor, professor, who who hashas known known herher forfor over over a decade. a decade. Anway Anway recalled recalled getting getting a tip a tip from from Simonini’s Simonini’s high high school school artart teacher, teacher, Mike Mike Trotter, Trotter, about about herher talent talent andand determination, determination, which which ultimately ultimately ledled to to herher becoming becoming Anway’s Anway’s studio studio assistant. assistant.
“I was “I was making making these these large-scale large-scale crowd crowd paintpaintings ings outout of aofdilapidated a dilapidated warehouse warehouse in Lincoln in Lincoln andand recruited recruited herher assistance assistance over over thethe summer summer as an as an intern,” intern,” Anway Anway noted. noted. “We “We worked worked long long hours, hours, andand herher thoughtfulness, thoughtfulness, patience, patience, relireliability, ability, sense sense of of joy,joy, and and tremendous tremendous skill skill helped helped make make it the it the most most artistically artistically fruitful fruitful year year of of mymy career.” career.”
“Her “Herwork workcelebrates celebratesthethesuccess successofofothers otherswithout without being beingnaive naivetotoinequity, inequity,and andI see I seethat thatininherherlong long standing standingthemes themesofofpeople' people's slives livesand andstruggles struggles both bothhidden hiddenfrom fromview viewand andininplain plainsight. sight.” ” ——Byron ByronAnway Anway
Simonini’s Simonini’s artart transcends transcends language language andand culcultural tural barriers, barriers, engaging engaging viewers viewers in ainprofound a profound human-to-human human-to-human connection. connection. Her Her 2016 2016 study study abroad abroad experience experience in in Germany Germany coincoincided cided with with thethe height height of of thethe Syrian Syrian refugee refugee crisis, crisis, where where sharing sharing physical physical space space with with thethe unfolding unfolding stark stark realities realities leftleft a mark a mark onon herher artistic artistic sensibilities. sensibilities. In In thethe wake wake of the of the tumultumultuous tuous year year of 2020, of 2020, sheshe once once again again witnessed witnessed thethe therapeutic therapeutic power power of of art.art. ThTh rough rough herher friends’ friends’ work work in arts in arts organizing, organizing, sheshe observed observed how how thethe simple simple actsacts of of coloring coloring andand drawdrawinging could could serve serve as as soothing soothing balms balms forfor thethe human human spirit. spirit. “Oria's “Oria's paintings paintings show show thethe bittersweet bittersweet beauty beauty of of people's people's realreal lives; lives; sheshe is so is so empathetic empathetic as as a person a person butbut is also is also a realist,” a realist,” Anway Anway said. said. “Her “Her work work celebrates celebrates thethe success success of of others others without without being being naive naive to to inequity, inequity, andand I see I see that that in in herher long-standing long-standing themes themes of of people's people's lives lives andand struggles struggles both both hidden hidden from from view view andand in in plain plain sight.” sight.” In In herher advice advice to fellow to fellow Latinx Latinx artists, artists, Simonini Simonini emphasized emphasized thethe importance importance of of perseverance perseverance andand community. community. "Although "Although it'sit's thethe hardest hardest thing thing to to do,do, it'sit's thethe most most rewarding rewarding thing thing to to keep keep at at it—you’ll it—you’ll seesee thethe commitment commitment paypay offoff ," she ," she said. said. SheShe stressed stressed thethe value value of of solicsoliciting iting feedback feedback from from peers peers while while also also seeking seeking thethe embrace embrace of an of an artistic artistic community, community, highhighlighting lighting thethe need need forfor a thriving a thriving Latinx Latinx artsarts scene scene in in Omaha Omaha andand beyond. beyond. Simonini’s Simonini’s work, work, deeply deeply interwoven interwoven with with herher cultural cultural roots roots andand personal personal experiences, experiences, serves serves as as a bridge a bridge forfor people people andand narratives narratives of of all all walks walks of life. of life. AsAs sheshe continues continues to navigate to navigate thethe currents currents of her of her artistic artistic journey, journey, oneone cancan only only await await thethe visual visual stories stories sheshe willwill paint paint onon thethe canvas canvas of of thethe world. world. As As forfor herher aspirations aspirations forfor thethe future, future, Simonini’s Simonini’s approach approach is rooted is rooted in in patient patient determination. determination. SheShe plans plans to to continue continue generating generating ideas ideas andand taking taking artistic artistic risks, risks, acknowledging acknowledging that that despite despite repeated repeated failures failures in in thethe creative creative proprocess, cess, something something always always sticks. sticks. In In herher words, words, “You “You might might getget a bunch a bunch of ‘no’s’, of ‘no’s’, butbut thethe ‘yes’ ‘yes’ is so is so worth worth it.”it.” ForFor more more information, information, visit visit oriasimonini.com. oriasimonini.com.
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Insurmountable
Challenges
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STORY BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY JACOB WEASEL DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK
was a cautionary cry that Jacob Weasel heard during one of the toughest, but most rewarding, challenges of his life. The Omaha-raised surgeon was attached to a mountain by ropes, carrying at least 20 pounds of gear on his back, when he heard these deadly words a split second before a stone about the size of a racquetball hit him in the chest. Although bruised, he carried forth with his mission, and within 24 hours, was standing atop the 29,032-foot tall peak known as Mount Everest. It was an ambitious feat accomplished by a man with much ambition, but whose biggest goal is living for something bigger than himself. This is a philosophy that he has long held, even mentioning it in his 2005 commencement address to his class at Papillion-La Vista South High. The Omaha-raised, enrolled member of South Dakota’s Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe has faced challenges ranging from raising a young family while attending college to being hit by avalanches on mountains. With those obstacles, though, come important rewards, such as having three children who are his pride and joy and becoming one of the first Native Americans to summit the world’s highest mountain. “It’s kind of my personality,” Weasel said. “I had never run a race before, but then I decided to run a marathon. I have no desire to run another marathon, but I have a desire to run the Marathon des Sables (the world’s toughest marathon) in the Saharan Desert in Morocco.” His interest in mountain climbing was piqued when he heard that a professor whom he’d befriended at Creighton, Tracy Leavelle, had attempted to summit Mount Rainier. Weasel was particularly interested in a story Leavelle told about a professional football player on his team who considered mountaineering the hardest thing he had attempted. “I always thought when I had the time and resources, that was something I’d like to do,” Weasel said. It first took time. Weasel graduated with degrees in theology and philosophy from Creighton University and then with his medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where he was the only Native American in his class. The emergency and trauma surgeon at Monument Health Facility in Rapid City, South Dakota, had not spent much time hiking or in the mountains before he enrolled in a mountaineering class in preparation of climbing Mount Rainier. That class taught him the basic skills, such as ice ax techniques and traveling in a rope team. He then summited the tallest mountain in Washington state, and one of the highest mountains in the United States, falling in love with the sport of mountaineering in the process.
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“I loved the aspect of learning a new skill,” Weasel said. “I have found that…it’s a microcosm of life, because you are going to encounter hard times, you are going to want to give up, turn back. If you put one foot in front of the other, you will go on to reach the top.” Weasel said the mental aspect is the hardest part about mountaineering, a statement echoed by many extreme athletes. In fact, his journey to the summit of the world’s tallest mountain was accompanied by visions. “I was hearing voices that I thought were my friends who were trailing behind me,” Weasel said of his climb to the top of the world. “Then on the way down from the summit, I had visual hallucinations from the rocky outcroppings of the faces of my wife and children.” The philosopher in him believes he saw and heard the encouragement of loved ones; the practicing medical doctor thinks there may have been some form of hypoxic brain injury or cerebral edema from a lack of oxygen. The man named Dr. Jacob Weasel just thought, “Huh, that’s interesting.” “The honest truth is that you’re so engrossed in the moment that you aren’t thinking about all those other things,” Weasel said. “That’s one of the things I love about mountaineering. I also feel that when I’m in an operating room.” There is at least one other thing he thinks of in preparation of climbing a mountain, and that is the plight of others. Weasel created The Wopila Project, a nonprofit to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and encourage generosity. The two projects he is working on include funding a playground for a Native American housing community in Rapid City, South Dakota, and a women’s health clinic in rural Nepal. “What I wanted to do through climbing Everest was serve as an example to young Native people, and young people everywhere, that no matter what it is they want in life, they are equally capable to achieve their dreams so long as they don’t give up,” Weasel reflected. Visit wopilaproject.com to give or learn more about the nonprofit.
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“I loved the aspect of learning a new skill. I have found that…it’s a microcosm of life, because you are going to encounter hard times, you are going to want to give up, turn back. If you put one foot in front of the other, you will go on to reach the top.” -Jacob Weasel
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-year-old Olivia Larson is a policy fellow at RISE, a nonprofit organization that aims to “end generational cycles of incarceration.” Th rough the fellowship, she focuses on criminal justice reform, particularly voting rights restoration. “I knew that I wanted to be in the nonprofit space,” Larson said of her early career and schooling. Through fellowships with Swing Left and Planned Parenthood, she soon found her passion. “I like to have a cause,” she asserted. “My mom likes to say I’ve always been a fighter.” And a fighter she will remain. “I think I’ve got a lot of gas for this area specifically, so this is where I see myself,” Larson said. “I feel like a little sponge, and I’m just trying to get really good at this.” Jasmine Harris, director of public policy and advocacy at RISE, agrees that Larson belongs in this business. “Olivia brings a light into the work,” Harris stated. “She’s a go-getter, ready to move things forward and to get everyone involved in the process. She has the knack for being able to get people together and see the plan through.” Currently, Larson’s main policy goal is to amend the voting rules for imprisoned Americans. “For folks who have had previous felony charges, Nebraska law says you have to serve your full sentence, another two years, and then you are able to vote,” Larson said. “Our bill is pretty simple–it’s just to remove the two years, because there’s not really a functional or administrative purpose for that.” During the legislative session, Larson is usually lobbying and is present at the
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state capitol every week. Having met most Nebraska senators, she is confident she can influence change in policy. “People aren’t so black and white–just because someone voted one way on an issue doesn’t mean they won’t work with you on another,” she reflected. “It’s like a series of negotiations and relationships, so I’m really liking the fluidity that working with policy issues gives, as opposed to politics, where you work for a specific person or campaign and have to hold all their beliefs.” When asked about costs, usually by government officials, Larson loves to reply with a simple, “Sure, I’ll give you numbers. It costs $45,000 a year to incarcerate a person. Our programming costs $5,000, and studies show that it works. Do you want to invest in people or pay to incarcerate them? It’s a choice.” RISE offers several programs and resources for incarcerated individuals designed to reintroduce them into their communities. Through in-prison education, reentry and employment services, and the RISE Business Academy, the organization hopes to lessen the stigma associated with formerly incarcerated individuals as well as give them the stepping stones needed to reach their goals once outside prison. The success of RISE’s programs can be found within the organization itself. “At least half of our staff have been formerly incarcerated,” said Larson, “and they’re great at their jobs. Every day I go to work, there’s a RISE graduate on staff. It’s really encouraging.” The RISE Business Academy offers classes beyond in-prison education to help and encourage entrepreneurial hopefuls. “Through the business coaching side of things, the folks
doing that programming will help people do a business pitch competition–kind of like Shark Tank–and the winner will get seed money to start their venture,” Larson explained. Many of the business owners are then invited to participate in or cater for RISE events, allowing them to shine in the community. “It’s so wholesome. It’s really cool to prove that we walk the walk, too, and not just say we care as an empty statement,” Larson said. When not actively advocating for human rights causes, Larson can be found shopping at thrift stores or at the Union for Contemporary Art utilizing a pottery wheel. Practicing hobbies outside work, she claims, keeps her fueled. “I think that’s what’s hard about being a young professional,” Larson said of balancing work and other activities. “I think I’ve got a pretty good balance, but it is hard when you’re so passionate about what you do, so it can be hard to say, ‘Ok, I still care about this, but I need to do my laundry. I need to go to this family game night and not talk about legislature.’” Larson plans to finish her next year of policy fellowship and see where it takes her. “With a mission like RISE’s, it’s an ocean. Every single day, the more I get into it, the more I realize that I still have things to learn and there are so many things to do,” she reflected. When she reaches her policy goal, it’s on to the next cause. “She’s overall a great person,” Harris said, “and it’s great to have someone so young interested in this policy work. I’m really glad to have her on the team.” For more information about habilitative programming in prisons and reentry support in Nebraska, visit seeusrise.org.
Do you want to invest in people or pay to incarcerate them? It’s a choice. – Olivia Larson
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feature
WHEN CORPORATE LEGACY BECOMES
COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
Howard Hawks
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STORY BY STEVE JORDON PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN DESIGN BY RACHEL BIRDSALL
Chris Leitner
THE TENASKA CENTER FOR ARTS ENGAGEMENT BENEFITS ALL OF OMAHA JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
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Feature
n Omaha business that has spent most of its time behind the scenes in America’s energy industry is about to take center stage. Tenaska Inc., which 36 years ago wrote its own screenplay rather than follow Enron Corp.’s drama-plagued exit to Houston, will become a star not just for its billions’ worth of electricity plants and energy dealings.
The name that is a combination of “tenacious” and “Nebraska” also will have the title role at Omaha Performing Arts’ new Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement. The Tenaska Center, for short, is due to open in 2026 in a prominent downtown Omaha spot across from the Gene Leahy Mall and attached to the Holland Center at 11th Street with grand entrances on both Dodge and Douglas Streets. How does a for-profit, basic-industry corporation connect with a nonprofit group that provides places for music, dancing, and acting plus a wide variety of family events, community programs, and more?
A company committee started screening ideas three years ago, following tough guidelines. “We wanted to go with an organization that was committed to the community, could deliver without fail, would be sustainable, that would be available for all, and would be in a prominent position,” Hawks said. “All of those things and maybe a couple others like that were critical to the decision that this is it.” The committee settled on the arts engagement proposal after rigorous due diligence. Hawks’ wife, Rhonda, had previously served as a board member of Omaha Performing Arts (O-pa), an experience that she said gave her a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s ethics, structure, and accountability.
“We wanted to have a legacy project, an asset for the community that represents Tenaska’s commitment to Omaha —Howard Hawks “We wanted to have a legacy project, an asset for the community that represents Tenaska’s commitment to Omaha,” said Howard Hawks, who started the company in 1987 rather than accept a job in Texas. Enron soon collapsed in a massive fraud case, while Tenaska, under Hawks’ direction, has grown into what is listed by Forbes magazine as the nation’s 12th largest privately owned business. “We have lots of commitments to Omaha by lots of our people, a lot of personal involvement in the community,” Hawks said. “But we’ve never done anything like this, where the owners and the employees put it together as a symbol representing Tenaska’s presence.” // 36 //
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Also critical to the decision-making, Tenaska said, was O-pa’s record of successfully bringing large projects to fruition and its proven commitment to excellence in ongoing operations once those projects were completed. O-pa’s downtown venues are the Orpheum Theater, the Holland Center, and, opened just this year, Steelhouse Omaha. Counting the $108-million price tag for the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement, funding from major Omaha philanthropists, other donors, and some government money totals nearly $320 million to buy, build, and renovate the facilities. This started with the 2002 renovation of the old Orpheum vaudeville house, which was saved from demolition in 1972.
Omaha Performing Arts’ master plan, drawn up seven years ago, called for a building extending the Holland’s east side with a mission of engaging people in the arts with flexible, varied, and creative spaces —rehearsal halls, classrooms, meeting and event rooms, performance spaces, administrative offices, and other features. That’s the Tenaska Center, which Chris Leitner, chief executive officer of Tenaska, said has parallels with Tenaska, the company. “We’re fundamentally a learning organization, and the new center has an educational aspect,” Leitner said. “We’re also fundamentally a creative organization. We may not create in the same way that you would see in the arts, but we’re creating solutions to problems every day. “And more importantly, we all have connections to the community. Some of my family’s best memories since moving to Omaha have involved the performing arts in some way, shape, or form,” said Leitner, who grew up in McCook, Nebraska. Hawks said the new building may not exactly match Tenaska’s line of businesses. “You can’t get a lot of aesthetic value out of a buried pipe,” he said with a smile. “But this is a people deal. The arts are really important to a lot of us, and to some degree, all of us. So I think it’s more of a representation of a key area of love and interest by the people who work here at Tenaska. “If we were to do something with the arts ourselves, it would probably come out pretty clumsy. But we can do this with Omaha Performing Arts and have it be awesome.” From a community aspect, Leitner said, the Tenaska Center complements what Omaha’s philanthropic, business, and government sectors have done for decades to improve the Omaha area as a place for everyone, including talented young people. “We’re making the investments so we can get the flywheel going, keeping more young people here so you can continue to do more with the city,” he said. “I don’t know if we’ve seen that flywheel fully functioning yet. We might be on the cusp of that right now.” Joan Squires, President of Omaha Performing Arts, said she and her staff talked for some time with Tenaska’s leaders about the concept of the project. “They’ve always had an investment in the community, especially in education,” she said. “As we continued to dialogue, they let us know that they were seeking something significant to feature their name. As we talked about an arts engagement enter, that conversation just continued to develop.
“We let them know about all of our plans. We had the design, and it was vetted by our board, and we were ready to go. We have fully realized what the next three years will do as we build to that. We’ve got our pro-forma budget, we know what the programs will be. We’ve really done the research and the homework behind the scenes to make sure it’s successful. At the end, all of it made sense. “Omaha Performing Arts has needed the building for a long time” she continued. “When we host our educational programs at the Holland, we’ve had students in the stairwells and lobbies and nooks and crannies and the Zinc restaurant. The Holland’s Scott Hall is solidly booked, too. There’s a lot going on, and we have more programs coming.” The Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement will “activate” nearby features, she said, connecting the Capitol District, the Gene Leahy Mall, the Steelhouse, the Holland, and other places to the north, south, east, and west. “As people come into the city on Dodge Street, instead of the backs of buildings, they’ll see a lot more activity in this area. It really fills in and adds to so many other wonderful projects that are happening downtown.” Hawks isn’t disclosing how much Tenaska is donating. Besides the company, individual employees at Tenaska also made donations. Significant support from other Omaha donors will be announced in coming months, Squires said. Private money is paying for the building except for $6.8 million in federal pandemic recovery funds, $3 million from the American Rescue Act through the City of Omaha, and $3.8 million from the ShovelReady Capital Recovery and Investment Act through the State of Nebraska. The new building is designed by Ennead Architects and Holland Basham Architects of Omaha. Builders include Fisher Dachs,
Threshold Acoustics, Kiewit Building Group, and TRI Project Solutions. Hawks and Leitner said Tenaska employees are excited by the new project, which represents their personal commitment to the city as well as the company’s. Even though many Tenaska employees donated individually for the project, they also made record United Way pledges this year to support a broad range of Omaha nonprofits. In a message to Tenaska’s employees when the new center was announced, Hawks said: “Generosity for others is a key value in our culture, and I thank you for all that you do in your areas of support.” In an interview, he added: “All of us that I know are really pumped about it. We think it’s a great thing. It’s ours, which involves everybody. It has completed that campus for Joan and O-pa.” Squires said there will be an entry plaza and some green space outside, possibly with a garden and outdoor performance area, but there’s no room on the property for another building. New programs include the Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts for preschool children and a recently launched Hip Hop Lab to engage hip-hop culture. “We’ve got other plans under way,” she said. “We’re staging it so that we can sustain and build on that growth.” The new building will enhance the performing arts capabilities envisioned by late Dick Holland, who, with his late wife, Mary, provided the key leadership gift to build the Holland Center.
“His original vision has really transformed everything downtown. Now we’ve grown to the point where we’re out of space.” The Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement is an example of “amazing support” for the city’s improvement, she said. “I think Omaha’s really a special place, because the donors and the philanthropic community and the leadership give back and make the city better. We’re playing a role and hope to continue to make this a place where people want to live, what it takes to make a great city. “I think quality of life, whether it’s arts and culture, parks and recreation, sports, the zoo—all those amenities are really key to attracting and maintaining a work force, people who want to raise their families here, and really adding to a robust and vibrant city.” With the recent Gene Leahy Mall and Riverfront redevelopment, she said, downtown is being transformed. “We want to contribute to it. So our role here is programs that don’t exist, continued activation of all that, and yet more things for our community to do to bring people together.” The partnership between Tenaska and Omaha Performing Arts has been “outstanding,” she said. “We are honored to feature their name on the building, a local company with a wonderful reputation. It’s a testament to their giving to the community.” For more information, visit o-pa.org/our-venues/center-for-arts-engagement.
“His vision was that the community needed a true, acoustically fabulous concert hall, not just for the Omaha Symphony but for everybody,” Squires said. “It also allowed the Orpheum Theater to open up its schedule to Broadway shows, dance, and many other things.
H
oward Hawks was born in Bruning, Nebraska, in 1935. He earned an accounting and business degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1957 and an MBA from the Omaha campus in 1971. He worked nine years for General Motors before joining Northern Natural Gas, which became InterNorth Inc. in Omaha. He rose to head several operations until InterNorth became Enron Corp. and moved its headquarters to Houston, Texas. Instead of moving, Hawks recruited some former InterNorth executives and started Tenaska in 1987. Still based in Omaha, employee-owned Tenaska has operations in electricity generation, financing, solar, wind, energy storage and
natural gas transportation, storage, and marketing. About 325 people work at its Omaha headquarters, out of a total work force of nearly 800 around the country. Annual revenues total $25.1 billion and assets total $7.4 billion, making it the nation’s 12th largest privately owned company. Chris Leitner, 50, became Tenaska’s third chief executive in 2023. He has degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Before joining Tenaska in 2003, he worked at Aquila Inc. in Kansas City, Mo., and previously at Koch Industries Inc. He grew up in McCook, Nebraska.
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Protecting Ourselves Malcolm X ’s Nebraska Legacy “I f you have no critics, you’ll likely have no success.”
Malcolm X wrote this line in his autobiography, and while it may not be his most famous quote, it’s nonetheless an observation that the American minister and activist lived by and one that has inspired courage in countless others. His history is fairly well-known. During the tumultuous 1960s, Malcolm X emerged as one of the most revered and controversial activists of the civil rights movement. His imposing stature and charismatic way of speaking allowed him to rise through the Nation of Islam’s ranks and capture the attention of the American public. His strong beliefs, however, made him a lightning rod for controversy, one that he still today remains more than half a century after his assassination. That spark started in Nebraska. Born Malcolm Little in Omaha on May 19, 1925, the young man went from committing crimes to becoming an icon for both the Black community and civil rights activists across the nation. He joined the Nation of Islam under the leadership of Elijah Muhammad, whom he revered and respected, and changed his name to Malcolm X. An undeniably influential voice, he went on to become the most popular spokesman for this religious organization, growing its membership from about 400 to around 10,000, even more by some estimates.
Disillusionment followed. Malcom X learned that Muhammad had illegitimately fathered several children out of wedlock, an act that directly contradicted his own teachings. As a result, Malcolm X reached a turning point. He undertook a pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, an essential part of the Islamic faith, and experienced people of all colors interacting with one another and praying to the same God. The combination of these two events resulted in the decision to
denounce Muhammad and embrace the notion of peacefully creating equality rather than his previous preference for violent revolution. This led to multiple death threats from Nation of Islam members and spokesmen, along with a few reported assassination attempts. Less than a year later, on February 21, 1965, Malcolm X was preparing to speak to a crowd when he was shot 21 times on stage by three members of the Nation of Islam, the organization to which he had previously belonged and represented. Today, Malcolm X is an important figure in the struggle for racial equality. The Malcolm X Memorial Foundation was founded in 1971 by Rowena Moore and now boasts 17 acres of land, including the site of the house in which Malcolm X was born. According to the organization’s mission statement, “the grounds serve the purpose of bringing residents together to remember the legacy of Malcolm X through educational programs, a community radio station, town hall forums, and special events.” Executive Director JoAnna LeFlore-Ejike states the organization’s mission as working “to preserve the human rights legacy of Malcolm X.” She is honored to lead the foundation in her new position. “I was a former volunteer for 10 years,” she said, “so it was kind of a full-circle moment in general because of my commitment to the organization.”
HISTORY “We pride ourselves on being a hub for people to have dialogues and conversations about change.” -JoAnna LeFlore-Ejike
STORY Claudia Moomey DESIGN Nickie Robinson Original photo by Marion S. Trikosko, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
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SECTION // STORY BY // PHOTOGRAPHY BY // DESIGN BY
HISTORY The foundation’s expansive land is used to host events, community workshops, and festivals in collaboration with other local nonprofit organizations. It also features a community garden. “We pride ourselves on being a hub for people to have dialogues and conversations about change,” LeFloreEjike asserted. The organization additionally provides several educational programs and events, which engage people within the Omaha community.
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Malcolm X’s origins have helped grab the attention of visitors. “They have an introspective moment when they realize his connection to our city,” LeFlore-Ejike reflected. “Once they get that story, it’s kind of an enlightening experience.” For the director, the most powerful of Malcolm X’s teachings comes from the speech by which he popularized the phrase, “by any means necessary.” LeFlore-Ejike explained, “In this speech, he asserts that we, as a human race, should have opportunities to protect ourselves and our democracy and be able to do so by any means necessary. I think that is very powerful.” Malcolm X briefly met arguably the most famous civil rights figure, Martin Luther King, Jr., of which there is a famous photo. Beyond this, however, the two men did not speak directly. They sometimes referred to one another in speeches, which created the perception of conflict between them in the eyes of the public. “Both of their philosophies have more in common than people realize,” said LeFlore-Ejike, defending both men’s characters. “They both emphasized the self-sufficiency of the Black race and building allyship that made sense. Though they came at it from somewhat different angles, they both knew that it wasn’t the white race that we need to be focused on, but rather our own race.” The Malcolm X Memorial Foundation hosts an annual birthday celebration for Malcolm on May 19, which is celebrated with a luncheon, community awards, and panel discussions. This year, the organization will also be celebrating Malcolm X’s induction into the Nebraska Hall of Fame in May.
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The Malcolm X Memorial Foundation hosts an annual birthday celebration for Malcolm on May 19, which is celebrated with a luncheon, community awards, and panel discussions. This year, the organization will also be celebrating Malcolm X’s induction into the Nebraska Hall of Fame in May. The Memorial Foundation has been fighting for Malcolm’s spot in the hall of fame for decades. “It’s been a 30-year process,” LeFlore-Ejike lamented, but she is glad he finally gets this recognition. Malcolm X’s legacy will be preserved by the state of Nebraska with a bust of the monumental man who influenced the lives and thoughts of so many, and continues to do so in 2024. For more information, visit malcolmxfoundation.org.
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KRISTIN LOWREY TAKES ON A
TABOO
O
PROFILE
Accessing the Essential
ne day Kristin Lowrey walked down Underwood Street in Dundee, passing by Hello Holiday, a now closed clothing boutique. “They were sponsoring a period product drive and their front store window was full, period products were stacked to the ceiling, and I remember thinking not only is this a need, but people in Omaha care deeply about this issue,” Lowrey said.
“No one should have to put their life on hold each month because they can’t afford menstrual products. One in four people who menstruate experience period poverty in their lifetime, and that’s not something I am willing to accept.” Lowrey knew she wanted to provide free period products to people who need them. Within a couple months, Lowrey would spend her own money to purchase menstrual products, host two small scale packing parties, and donate the period packs to Partnership 4 Hope and Project Everlast, organizations helping young adults transition out of foster care. “I had a day job, working as the director of communication at Remedy staffing. Owners John and Carol Neff were supportive of my passion and passion project,” Lowrey said. The philanthropist, volunteer, busy mother and wife, supportive best friend and mentor is a recent recipient of the 2023 Midlands Business Journal 40 Under 40 award and serves as the executive director of the nonprofit, Access Period. The organization’s mission is to combat period poverty by providing free menstrual products to anyone who needs them in Nebraska. Described by those who know her as humble, passionate, and authentic, Lowrey brings people, partners, and the community together and leaves those around her feeling appreciated and inspired.
STORY VERONICA WORTMAN PLOETZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN DESIGN BY RACHEL BIRDSALL
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Her passion for community began at the University of Nebraska Kearney as a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. The chapter’s philanthropy, Girls on the Run, strengthened elementary and middle school girls’ social, emotional, physical, and behavioral skills. Lowrey realized the power of concerted effort of a community bound together to solve a problem. After graduation, Gamma Phi Beta alumna and Omaha community volunteer Jennifer Zatechka invited Lowrey and other recent graduates to a Junior League of Omaha recruitment party. The League is an organization focused on voluntarism and developing women into community leaders through fundraising and community service project work. Lowrey joined the League and volunteered for the Project Hope Pack committee, assembling backpacks filled with three to five days of hygiene items, clothing, and comfort items for children being removed from crisis situations. “This position opened my eyes to what access to basic needs looks like and how a community can come together, actually talk to people about their needs, and address them directly,” said Lowrey. She streamlined the logistics of ordering and storing products, designed the workf low for assembling backpacks, scheduled volunteer packing shifts, and learned foundational distribution management. Project Hope Pack delivered more than 7,300 backpacks to children from 2011 to 2019. Word was out and more agencies contacted Lowery for menstrual products. The passion project was filling an undiscovered gap in community services. In 2022, she turned her attention full time to the effort. Volunteers sourced products and scheduled deliveries. In May of that year, Lowrey’s friend and Charles Schwab employee Maggie McGlade was coordinating Volunteer Week at the company. She pitched the company donating supplies and hosting packing parties. “This was bigger than anything I had done before,” Lowrey said. “I ordered enough supplies for three large packing parties, and it all worked out beautifully.” Corporate interest in packing parties increased, and Lowrey found additional agencies to distribute the period packs.
Lowrey needed a name and brand identity for the project. She posted a message to a Facebook group, The Daily Carnage, where marketing and communications professionals exchange ideas. Raj Lulla, co-owner of Fruitful Design & Strategy, responded, intrigued by the concept and looking for a pro-bono project for his team. He admits never thinking about the issue of period poverty prior to meeting Lowrey. “I have two daughters, I see some challenges they face, and how amazing they are. When you hear the period poverty statistics, it immediately feels wrong,” Lulla said. “This isn’t just a women’s issue, or an issue for women to fix for each other. If part of men’s existence is to help protect other people, then it is their role to fix this, too. It goes beyond people who menstruate.”
“This position opened my eyes to what access to basic needs looks like and how a community can come together, actually talk to people about their needs, and address them directly.” ‑ Kristin
Lowrey
When taking a potentially taboo topic and presenting it to the community, the way it’s presented will immediately impact the way the world engages, or doesn’t engage, with it. Fruitful is one of about 35 StoryBrand Certified Agencies in the world. The goal is to position the potential donor or volunteer as the hero of the story. The agency created the brand identity for Access Period and its messaging, website, and print collateral for distribution points known as Access Points. Bre Marsh, a senior designer and the lead on the project, used elements of period products and incorporated them into the art inspired by Michelangelo’s depiction of God on a cloud touching fingertips with
Adam on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. “There is truth in using this art as inspiration. It visually references the sharing and passing of menstrual products while also suggesting the sacred act of caring for one another in time of need,” Lulla said. “The team at Fruitful Designs made something beautiful that people want to be involved with,” Lowrey said. “They framed the concept of period poverty in a way that was comfortable for anyone to talk about. They gave me the visuals and language to engage stakeholders.” The first large sponsor to embrace Lowrey’s vision was Healthy Blue Nebraska, then one of three managed care organizations providing Medicaid health plan coverage. “We totally blew up, because of them,” Lowrey said. “Healthy Blue could see what this was before it was built.” Dave James, Executive Director of Partnership 4 Hope (P4H) was instrumental in supporting Lowrey. The two met by chance at a fundraiser. After learning about his decades of dedication to supporting former foster youth in the Omaha area through mentorship, financial and educational assistance, and household furnishings, Lowrey would become a mentor at Partnership 4 Hope. When Access Period secured their first large source of funding, Lowrey asked James if P4H would serve as a fiscal agent for Access Period, helping the budding nonprofit cut through the red tape and paperwork that can often serve as roadblocks to launching. “I think it is unique that someone so young has taken on a huge challenge and complex project,” James said. “Lowrey navigates through challenges with an effervescent joy.” Lowrey teamed up with Abby Jackson, executive and founding director of The Teen Center at Burke High School. It was the first community site to have a fully stocked Access Period cabinet. “Students and alumni share the stress of finances. Having quality and adequate period products removes one barrier and protects dignity. We have packing parties and conversations so that all students know about the importance of access and reducing the stigma of periods and period needs,” Jackson said.
“If part of men’s existence is to help protect other people, then it is their role to fix this, too. It goes beyond people who menstruate.” ‑Raj Lulla // 44 //
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
ACCESS PERIOD DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS, CALLED “ACCESS POINTS,” INCLUDE:
Brittany Perry, resource coordinator at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands, partners with Access Period to make menstrual products available at many of their programs. “We have completed surveys for Access Period, and 99% of our recipients stated that they were able to pay a bill or buy groceries now that they didn’t have to spend money on period products,” Perry said. The Access Period cabinet at the Union for Contemporary Art is unique, located in a very public space where anyone can walk in off the street and take as many packs as they need, never having to talk to anyone. But if anyone wants to chat, office manager Pearl Lovejoy Boyd is there and often relays anecdotes back to Lowrey.
Omaha: One World Teen and Young Adult Centers and Union for Contemporary Art
While there are many organizations in other states doing similar work, Access Period stands apart in three ways: partner organizations distribute the products to the populations they serve; totally free three-month supply, unlimited, no proof of need required; and consistent service to multiple access points across the state.
Lincoln: Family Health Services Hastings: Courage Advocacy Center Kearney: Choice Family Health Care
Scaling state-wide would not have been possible without Caleb Lowrey, Kristin’s husband, who assembles period packs while watching football and is always willing to make one more delivery to further the cause. As Access Period has taken off, Kristin has transitioned out of the role of primary caregiver to their two daughters, Cora (6) and Elsie (3), and Caleb took on more of the responsibilities. The two parents balance in partnership.
North Platte: People’s Family Health Services
Lowrey feels honored to be the person able to start and grow this initiative. She’s the first to acknowledge the enormous privilege she has, which made it possible to start a nonprofit.
Norfolk: Northeast Nebraska Community Action Partnership
Scottsbluff: CAPWN - Community Action Health Center Fremont: Thriftology
“Even though I work hard, my circumstances afforded me the opportunity to try something experimental,” she said. “If you are someone who has time, money, or social capital to give, the world will be better for it.” Where to grow from here? Lowrey wants to expand distribution to rural areas and support legislation expanding access to free products in all public schools and government buildings. She’s not worried about putting feminine hygiene product companies out of business. “People of means will always purchase products they prefer. But for those who can’t afford it, we make safe, quality, period products available for free,” Lowrey said. For more information, visit accessperiod.com.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
// 45 //
FEATURE // STORY BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN | DESIGN BY RACHEL BIRDSALL
POSITIVE CHANGE r io r r a W y it u q E n a r te Ve JohnCa r l De n ko v ich
W
hen the Omaha ForUs LGBTQ+ resource center opened on July 17 last year, it realized the efforts of many to fill a service void in the community, but for none more so than veteran equity warrior JohnCarl Denkovich, its founder and executive director.
“There had been a previous attempt at a center but to even get something off the ground is such a heavy lift,” said Denkovich, who cultivated intersections and allies in Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert and Heartland Family Service president and CEO John Jeanetta to make it happen. An ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) grant from Douglas County sealed the deal. “The center wouldn’t be in existence without the grant,” said Denkovich. “It funded our mental health program.” Referring to the nonprofit organization at 3337 North 107th St., Omaha ForUs board member Eli Rigatuso, a trans activist and advocate, echoed many in saying, “This is way overdue and indeed a game changer.” Rigatuso added that Denkovich is uniquely qualified to lead the way due to their groundwork building bridges, making connections, and leveraging relationships.
“It’s not like this happened in a vacuum,” Rigatuso said. “JohnCarl has been involved in some pretty instrumental things. Their policy [and] advocacy legwork culminated in making the center a reality.” And none too soon. “Before we opened, we were one of seven of the country’s top 50 cities without a center,” Denkovich said. “The Midwest is very underfunded as far as LGBTQ initiatives go. Our core service area is eastern Nebraska and western Iowa, but it has become more than that very quickly. As the only center between Chicago and Denver, from east to west—and between Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Kansas City, from north to south—we get calls from a large area.” Amanda Crichlow Silva, who’s worked with Denkovich on trans-inclusive policies, saw her colleague bring passion and dedication to creating a city culture that goes beyond advisory boards. “JohnCarl knew that impact was not enough until we had a safe and inclusive physical space for our community.” Denkovich became “so invested” in bringing long-held hopes for a center to fruition, they said, “because of lack of resources for our community.”
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// 47 //
“I knew I had some connections, and I was hoping we could find others to make it happen–it was just too important to let anything stop us from doing it.” Denkovich acknowledges “standing on the shoulders” of many who worked behind the scenes in the LGBTQ equity space. The center is their shared legacy. Not having a facility cost the state dearly. “Most centers are the central hubs in their cities that build community, deliver health access, and provide funding opportunities and pipelines for jobs and skilled training,” Denkovich said. “By not having it here, it showed up in our outmigration and brain drain, which is huge among 18- to 34-yearolds and much more magnified yet in the LGBTQ community. “It manifests in a lack of health resources and the larger magnitude of lives lost. The science is very clear. There are disparate health outcomes in marginalized communities, especially LGBTQ people,” they said. “In the needs assessment we did, one in three did not see a physician in the last year due to cost. Fifty percent had seriously considered suicide at one point. Four in five had serious mental health concerns.” Culturally responsive mental health services are at the core of Omaha ForUs, which also operates a clothes closet and choice food pantry. “I knew we couldn’t have a center without a public health approach,” Denkovich explained. “If we’re not meeting people where they’re at, and we're throwing dollars at other things instead of trying to solve some of the most obvious misses in our community, then we're not taking care of our people the way we should from an economic and a humanity standpoint.” In light of anti-LGBTQ policies and rhetoric getting traction, Denkovich said, there was greater urgency to get a center up and running.
“Most centers are the central hubs in their cities that build community, deliver health access, provide funding opportunities and pipelines for jobs, and skilled training. By not having it here, it showed up in our outmigration and brain drain, which is huge among 18- to 34-year-olds and much more magnified yet in the LGBTQ community.” —JohnCarl Denkovich
“We didn’t have any way in Omaha to build community among LGBTQ people specifically except for bars and maybe high school clubs,” Denkovich explained. “The shelf life is very short for bar culture. If you’re not of age or you’re sober or you don’t like the bar scene, it’s very difficult to cultivate any culture. There are social support systems on campuses but a lot focus on advocacy and activism, which is important, but that’s not everybody’s path.” Denkovich’s own sense of agency has always been building toward this moment. “From an early age, I had service to community instilled in me. I became sort of an accidental activist and fell into this type of work.” The Lincoln native suffered high school bullying and considered leaving a then-hostile Hastings College until deciding to become the change. “My mother used the analogy of being the stone that creates the ripples in a pond. You have to start small. It may not change overnight. It’s looking for progress over perfection and not letting perfection be the enemy of good. I took some time, came home, and went back and joined everything on campus. I helped form The Alliance, an LGBTQ group that met secretly. That was really the tipping point for how I fell into it.” Denkovich took advocacy and activism to new heights by documenting anti-LGBTQ incidents on campus and sharing that data with the college president, who acted on the findings. “It all happened very quickly. By the time I graduated, I was nominated and selected for Who’s Who of Hastings College.” The experience was the first in a string of social justice actions and recognitions that followed.
“What I usually ask is if you can’t be an advocate, don’t be an obstacle,” Denkovich said. A lack of safe, enriching, engaging spaces added to the pressing need.
"This is way overdue and indeed a game changer." -Eli Rigatsu // 48 //
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
“I really fell into this first for myself and then stayed in it for others. It’s hard for me to say no to things I care about.” Denkovich chaired the Omaha Mayor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board, served on the ACLU of Nebraska Trans Rights Advisory team, the GLSEN National Advisory Council, and the GLSEN Omaha Board of Directors, and founded UNO’s Student Agency of Gender & Sexual Orientation. Denkovich was also an outreach intern with Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund. Prior to founding and leading the Omaha ForUs Center, they were director of communications and programming at Holland Children's Movement and Holland Children's Institute. Their work has resulted in a “40 Under 40” mention from the Midlands Business Journal, a “Ten Outstanding Young Omahans" nod by the Jaycees, the Change Leader Award from Heartland Family Service, and Advocate of the Year by Heartland Pride. “I’ve tried to cultivate a reputation for positive change.” Advocacy and activism, Denkovich said, is “certainly an undercurrent that’s been emerging through my entire personal and professional life. There’s a time and a place for both, and we usually make each other better. It’s knowing how to meet the moment and when is the best time to stage a protest and when is the best time for diplomacy to build a place of knowledge.”
“The people who are most affected by the problem are empowered to help solve it for themselves. As [Congresswoman] Ayanna Pressley said, ‘The closest to the pain need to be closest to the power.’ That’s a crucial part of what we wanted. There are no straight people on our board of directors for that reason. There are lots of places where straights can be allies and support our work. Being in leadership isn’t one of them.” Some LGBTQ community partners are co-located at the center. More may follow. An “Our Anthem” declaration of principles and values on the website was curated from interviews. “I love the anthem, and I think it says a lot about what we do,” Denkovich said. “It gives me goosebumps every time somebody reads it aloud or reacts to it.” Settling on the center’s name reinforced the “for us, by us, we’re nothing without us” mantra. “We say ‘for us’ a lot here and in the work we’re doing,” Denkovich said. “It felt right.” Denkovich feels the weight of this startup but wouldn’t have it any other way. “In this position, I feel I’m carrying a large burden in addition to being under a large looking glass because so much of what we do matters so much to so many people. If we’re not doing something well, I want the community to tell us and hold us accountable.”
“One of the biggest strengths the center has is the integrity and accountability that JohnCarl exhibits through their leadership,” Silva said. “We’re nothing if not responsive,” Denkovich added. So far, so good. “We’ve been here a short time, but we’ve had great feedback. Based on the response we’ve received from people who’ve utilized the center, I don’t know where they would be if we didn’t have a center. “What’s most interesting is when people come in looking for one thing and end up finding out the root cause may be something different or they actually need two or three things,” Denkovich said. “Folks may come in for mental health services but say, ‘I feel the need to express myself this way, and I don’t have the financial resources to clothe myself in that way.’ We can help with that.” Denkovich knows the center must build capacity to do more, perhaps even address safe housing needs. However it grows, Denkovich is right where they want to be. “It is one of the most meaningful things I’ve done personally, because it is so public.” Visit omahaforus.org for more information.
Denkovich has worked with stakeholders to create an “intentional community” rooted in collective LGBTQ-generated action.
“JohnCarl has been involved in some pretty instrumental things. Their policy [and] advocacy legwork culminated in making the center a reality.” —Eli Rigatsu
STORY BY JULIUS FREDERICK | ILLUSTRATION BY JOEY WINTON | DESIGN BY RACHEL BIRDSALL
A WORLD AWAY AT HOME A TRI-FAITH INITIATIVE REFLECTION ON THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CRISIS
O
n October 7, 2023, a r me d m i l it a nt s stormed the border between Israel and the occupied Gaza Strip as salvos of rocket fire thundered overhead. Under Hamas, Gaza’s de facto ruling party, insurgents systematically targeted Israeli defenses in a surprise attack, overwhelming them. At frontier towns and kibbutzim in southern Israel, rocket sirens blared. In total, Hamas’ onslaught claimed the lives of more than 1,200 Israeli civilians, including men, women, and children; an additional 240 were taken hostage. In the immediate aftermath of the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning, evoking the rulers of antiquity: “We will take mighty vengeance for this black day. All the places where Hamas hides, operates from—we will turn them into cities of ruin.”
At the time this article was written in late 2023, it had been more than 40 days since the October 7 attack on Israeli soil. According to Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) has jettisoned no less than 10,000 explosives over Gaza City alone; according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 11,500 Palestinians, 4,600 of which are reported to be children, have perished. Numerous humanitarian aid organizations have designated the fallout in Gaza a “humanitarian crisis,” calling for an immediate cease-fire.
Half a world a way, Omahans grapple with what is taking place. Although perspectives vary, a fundamentally human condition binds them, one that transcends both time and place: tears for what’s been lost and empathy where they converge. Tri-Faith Executive Director Wendy Goldberg is one of those people. Overlooking a campus of rolling greenery, walking paths, and a placid lake, the TriFaith Center invites a sense of calm—and for practitioners of all three Abrahamic faiths to worship in harmony. At the crossroads of Temple Israel, Countryside Community Church, and the American Muslim Institute, Goldberg is well versed in matters of ideological difference. It’s a language she encourages everyone to practice. “It’s not surprising to me, we all get our information differently,” she said of the generational divide. “If you’re watching TikTok, you’re going to a have a different response than if you’re watching CNN or Fox, right? We curate our own feeds, we read with our own affinity groups…and what we’re trying to do is counter that, and to help people understand that it’s hard to hate people up close. We want to make this personal; we want to make it local. “We want to counter the media feed that is, ‘everything is on fire,’ and ‘everything is broken,’ and remind you that peaceful proximity is possible—that’s what we’re doing here.”
A fourth-generation Omaha native, Goldberg cofounded the Tri-Faith Initative in 2006 and was present at the signing of the nonprofit’s founding memorandum. She’s served as executive director since 2019. “The Tri-Faith Initiative grew out a response to 9/11, where some members of Temple Israel, the reformed Jewish congregation in Omaha, showed up at a local mosque,” she said. “Not necessarily to pray or solve the issue of 9/11, but to stand with people who were people of faith and to honor that they had no part in the atrocities of 9/11—to stand in solidarity.” Compassion, potlucks, and picnics brought Omaha’s Muslim and Jewish communities closer together. After a time, mutual appreciation would contour a land agreement and the thesis of a grand experiment: the Tri-Faith Initiative. Seventeen years and a Daily Show appearance later, the project has been lauded as an international model for success. Goldberg takes pride in this triumph, but acknowledges it hasn’t always been easy. The events of October 7 and its aftermath have tested Omaha’s inter-faith community like never before. “There is no question that the last few weeks have been the hardest in terms of putting tension on the threads that connect us,” she said. “And I’m pleased to report that we are withstanding the stress. It’s potentially stretching us to some limits, but what I’m learning is that public statements are hurtful and private conversations are hopeful. And I am witnessing Jews and Muslims, and in some contexts Christians as well, disagree and maintain deep, trusting friendships.”
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// 51 //
Wendy Goldberg
Jewish identity is multifaceted and deeply personal, encompassing religion, ethnicity, heritage, and community. For Goldberg, her anguish as a Jewish woman is both embraced and distanced from her leadership role at Tri-Faith. “The hardest part for me as an interfaith leader is walking between those narratives—separating myself from my religious identity and prioritizing peaceful coexistence,” Goldberg shared. “It’s also the most beautiful part of my life, having the privilege to see the nuance and the complexity of what Jewish people are saying and want to hear balanced with what Palestinian people are saying and want to hear. It’s my goal to understand the breadth of that, to not take sides but to understand and help others understand why people are taking sides and how and why it impacts our life in Omaha, Nebraska.” Goldberg flashed a weary smile, then shared an anecdote: “I have a close friend in the mosque who is Muslim, and she was at one rally and I’m at another rally, and her mom wrote me a beautiful note about one of the messages that we [Tri-Faith] put out [about the conflict],” she recalled. “And I said, ‘I want my mom to meet your mom.’ So, last Saturday, the four of us went to lunch. So, you know, we’re in the middle of a war, and we’re showing up for own communities, but in between that? Oh, well, we went to lunch together. And our moms, who had never met before, said: ‘We have so much in common. We both raised peace builders.’” Destructive acts are swift and thoughtless. Building peace, meanwhile, is an arduous, often thankless task. The raw materials— patience, humility, and most precious of all, empathy—demand a certain temperance of mind and heart to reach. While Goldberg endorses a “path to peace and a two-state solution” as a potential // 52 //
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
fix to the broader conflict, she reiterates the value of interpersonal and communal discourse when and wherever generalizations foster hatred. She encourages people on all sides to dig deep. “We don’t have the ability to lead in the Middle East, but we do have the ability to see and know each other in Omaha, Nebraska,” she said. “How do we invite people into a community of care? To open themselves to narrative other than their own? To get curious and courageous to change the paradigm? “Could we change the paradigm of responding with violence to responding with love?” Others in Omaha have been posing similar, and often harder, questions. They’ve been having difficult conversations. Read more of their stories exclusively online at omahamagazine.com. For more information on the Tri-Faith Initiative, visit trifaith.org.
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what % of US adults say they read magazines in the last 6 months?
91
when advertisers were asked which medium offers the highest ROAS, which was the highest overall?
This includes 95% of those under 35 and 95% of those under 25.
THE MAGAZINE ROAS OF $6.51 WAS DOUBLE THAT OF THE TV ROAS OF $3.23, AND MORE THAN DOUBLE OF THE DIGITAL ROAS OF $2.43.
(MRI-Simmons, Fall 2019)
(NCSolutions 2005-Q12019)
HOW MANY ADULTS AGES 18+ READ MAGAZINES?
228.7
MILLION THAT’S AN INCREASE OF 18 MILLION SINCE 2012. (MRI-Simmons, Fall 2012-2019)
THE PRINT MAGAZINE INDUSTRY IS GROWING 139 new print magazine brands with a frequency of quarterly or greater were introduced in 2019 (Samir “Mr. Magazine” ™ Husani Monitor 2020)
PRINT READERS
REMEMBER MORE.
MAGAZINES REACH PREMIUM AUDIENCES IN HIGH-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS*
At a greater rate than newspapers, internet, radio or TV * Household income $250K+ (MRI-Simmons, Fall 2019)
compared to top tech sites MAGAZINES outperform reaching
WOMEN AGES 18+ (MRI Media Fusion)
PRINT STIMULATES EMOTIONS AND DESIRES PRINT IS PREFERRED BY THE MAJORITY (EVEN MILLENNIALS) PRINT READERS EXPERIENCE MORE FOCUSED ATTENTION AND LESS DISTRACTION, WHICH DRIVES SENSORY INVOLVEMENT CONTRIBUTING TO GREATER READER IMPACT, COMPREHENSION AND RECALL. (MPA, Scott McDonald, Ph.D. Nomas Research)
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
// 53 //
GINA MANCUSO-PROSOSKI NATALIA VALENTÍN-ANDERSON
SPORTS STORY BY LEO ADAM BIGA // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY RACHEL BIRDSALL
In Volleyball-Crazed Nebraska, A Pair of Supernovas with Omaha Roots Blaze the Sport’s Next Evolution ust when it seemed like volleyball couldn’t get any bigger in Nebraska, Volleyball Day at UNL’s Memorial Stadium on August 30 last summer set the world’s record for attendance at a women’s athletic event with a whopping 92,003 people turning out to cheer for the athletes. In the lead up, Omaha became home to two pro volleyball franchises. The first, Nebraska Pro Volleyball, competes as the Omaha Supernovas in the new Pro Volleyball Federation. The second team, LOVB Omaha Volleyball, debuts in fall 2025 as part of League One Volleyball. The sport’s local roots are so deep that two key Supernovas, Gina Mancuso-Prososki and Natalia Valentín-Anderson, already called Omaha home before joining the club. The fanbase for volleyball is so large that season ticket sales went like hot cakes. Head coach Shelton Collier is impressed by the high level play and support volleyball enjoys here at club, high school, and collegiate levels. “We will be communicating to our players that we have a responsibility to represent all these people that have done so well for so many years,” he said. Mancuso-Prososki, a metro area native, contributed to two home-grown dynasties–Papillion LaVista South and the University of Nebraska–that older sister Dani Mancuso contributed to before her. Both went on to play professionally overseas. Valentín-Anderson, a Puerto Rico native, enjoyed a standout career at Florida International University. Her pro career was interrupted only by captaining the Puerto Rico National Team in the 2016 Rio Olympics. She and her husband own IG Sports Academy in Omaha. Mancuso-Prososki and Valentín-Anderson were teammates before as pros–the first time a decade ago. The good friends’ sometimes divergent playing paths often separated them. The Supernovas represent a rare chance to compete together for a hometown team. “Here we are playing for the city we now both call home,” Mancuso-Prososki said.
“It’s just kind of unheard of. It’s been a beautiful friendship, and it’s still continuing to blossom throughout this new experience.” “I didn’t think it could blossom more until Supernovas came along, and now it’s like, ‘Wow, we’re really doing this together,’” Valentín-Anderson added. “This is awesome.” The team is leaning on the duo’s charisma, energy, Omaha ties, and experience as the faces of the franchise. “On and off the court, there’re just not two better players to have as franchise players,” Collier remarked. “We were so fortunate to have two right in our backyard. That’s really special. Their impact in the community is incredible.” It’s a full circle moment for MancusoPrososki as well as team president Diane Mendenhall, who helped lay the sport’s foundation in Nebraska five decades ago. The Ogallala native has seen participation, attendance, and skill grow nationally—but nowhere more than here. “What we do in Nebraska is we come together, and we make things great,” Mendenhall said. “The passion and embrace for volleyball here is border to border.” She appreciates having a world-class setter in Valentín-Anderson and an elite outside hitter in Mancuso-Prososki as catalysts for this latest evolution that quickly caught fire. “We’ve made it very clear we live for volleyball in this state. It’s in our blood,” Mancuso-Prososki observed. “We have the
best fans in the entire world. They show up, they show out.” Valentín-Anderson agreed, adding, “The best thing you can feel when you go to the court is when you feel supported.” They even felt the love and anticipation during preseason meet and greets. “The Nebraska volleyball season ends in December, and ours starts shortly after that,” Mancuso-Prososki said, “so, it’s a perfect time for us to fill that void.” Coach Collier knows he’s in the sport’s epicenter. “Nebraska’s been breaking ground in volleyball for years. It’s been such a key element in developing the sport, and now Omaha can be part of that legacy,” he said. “People here want to be part of record-setting crowds for professional women’s volleyball, and that’s exciting.” The team’s goal is winning the inaugural league title—and the $1-million bonus that comes with it. The sport’s growth has attracted big name investors and bucks for both leagues, because pro volleyball is seen as the sport’s next logical step. “Definitely it’s a no-brainer,” MancusoPrososki said. “We not only believe the Supernovas will succeed but also the league. The way they have it built with local ownership is very sustainable. We plan on being here for the long haul.” Only last year, Valentín-Anderson contemplated retiring before the Supernova offer came along. “My husband wanted me to be home more. It’s really hard traveling internationally, having to leave family and friends,” she shared. “I knew at some point I would need to choose, but the fact that I don’t need to choose anymore blows my mind.”
I didn’t think it could blossom more until Supernovas came along and now it’s like wow, we’re really doing this together. This is awesome —Natalia Valentín-Anderson JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
// 55 //
SPORTS // VOLLEYBALL SUPERNOVAS This opportunity comes as both players are in, Mancuso-Prososki observed, “the same season of life” with the desire to be mothers. They look forward to building something they can share with their kids and to say they were part of that first Supernovas team. “It gives me goosebumps every time I think about it,” Valentín-Anderson admitted. “The coolest thing in all of this,” MancusoPrososki shared, “is that Natalia and I are among the trailblazers. My time at Papillion and Nebraska was amazing. I’m very proud to be a part of those legacies. The Supernovas is our time for a new legacy.”
OMAHA’S
THE
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Besides, she added, “It’s not like we’re getting younger.” Knowing this could be their last go-round, Mancuso-Prososki said, “We don’t want to rush this time. We’re very excited, but at the same time, we need to soak it up moment by moment because it’s going to go by so fast.”
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7 pm CT, Sunday, Feb. 25
Valentín-Anderson feels the same. “We do not want to miss out or feel like we should have done more. For sure, we are not taking it for granted.” The players use their platform to spread the volleyball gospel. “A message we are sending when we go talk to girls on club or high school teams is that absolutely this could be you some day,” Mancuso-Prososki said. “We want them to believe that because if that’s what they want, they need to start dreaming it now. It’s definitely achievable.” A message she has for anyone on the fence: “Invest in this team and get in on the excitement, otherwise you’re going to regret it. Come see us and you’re going to want to come back.” For more information about the Omaha Supernovas, visit supernovas.com.
// 56 //
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
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GIVING
CALENDAR JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 COMPILED BY CLAUDIA MOOMEY
Feb.
14
FEATURED EVENT VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER
Benefitting Lauritzen Gardens
Location: Lauritzen Gardens Experience Valentine’s Day dinner somewhere intimate this year among beautiful botanical surroundings. Lauritzen Gardens hosts its annual Valentine’s Day Dinner on February 14, 2024. Guests will enjoy an appetizer, their choice of a main course, a dessert, and one glass of wine. Reservations are required and open January 3. To place a reservation, contact Brittany at 402.346.4002, ext. 201 or b.brice@omahabotanicalgardens.org. -lauritzengardens.org
January 1
January 4
January 16
Benefits: Wisdom House Collaborative and Center for Mindful Living
Benefits: Smart Gen Society
Benefits: OutNebraska
-smartgensociety.org
-outnebraska.org
NEW YEARS DAY HOSTED EVENT
SMART START
Location: Smart Gen Society
Location: Virtual event
-wisdomhouseomaha.org
Benefits: Golden Retriever Rescue in Nebraska
Location: Ruth Sokolof Theater
Location: Nebraska Golf Courses -cancer.org
-filmstreams.org
Jan.
Benefits: Kiewit Luminarium Location: Kiewit Luminarium
-kiewitluminarium.org January 2
TUESDAY TEA TIME WITH DORARENA
Benefits: Women of Wisdom Location: Virtual event
-womenofwisdominc.org
7
January 7
NEBRASKA POETS READING SERIES
Benefits: Nebraska Poetry Society Location: Virtual Event -nepoetrysociety.org/readings
January 12
CASINO NIGHT & HOLIDAY PARTY
Benefits: Professional Remodeling Organization of NE-IA Location: Tiburon Golf Course -proremodelingomaha.org
January 2
January 13
Benefits: Open Door Mission
Benefits: Whitetails Unlimited
VOLUNTEER CLUB
Location: Garland Thompson Men’s Center Chapel -opendoormission.org JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
GRRIN ANNUAL VOLUNTEER TRAINING & LUNCHEON
Benefits: Film Streams
Benefits: American Cancer Society
// 58 //
January 21
THE MET: LIVE IN HD: NABUCCO (VERDI)
NEBRASKA GOLF MARATHON
GLOW
Location: Virtual event
January 6 & 10
January 1
January 1 – 11
LGBTQIA+ BOOK CLUB
WESTERN IOWA DEER CAMP
Location: The Grass Wagon, Council Bluffs -whitetailsunlimited.com/events
Jan.
21
Location: Nebraska Humane Society Auditorium -grrin.org
January 21
MUSICAL JOURNALISM WITH ADAM SADBERRY, FLUTE
Benefits: Vesper Concerts
Location: Presbyterian Church of the Cross -vesperconcerts.org
January 24
MENTAL HEALTH ROUNDTABLE
Benefits: The Wellbeing Partners Location: Virtual event
-thewellbeingpartners.org
// GIVING CALENDAR // January 25
GOC AFCEA LUNCHEON
Benefits: Greater Omaha Chapter of AFCEA
Location: Beardmore Event Center
Jan.
25
Caterer
-omaha.afceachapters.org January 27
COMEDY NIGHT FEATURING DOC PETERSON
2024 First Place
Benefits: Nebraska Quakes and Elkhorn Athletic Association Location: CHI Health Center
-allevents.in/omaha/quakessoftball-presents-comedynight/10000694922721567 January 27 & 31
THE MET: LIVE IN HD: CARMEN (BIZET)
Benefits: Film Streams
Location: Ruth Sokolof Theater
-filmstreams.org January 27
DIAPER WRAP WITH THE JAYCEES
Benefits: Nebraska Diaper Bank Location: Nebraska Diaper Bank
-nebraskadiaperbank.org January 27
42ND ANNUAL REFLECTION BALL
Benefits: Midlands Community Foundation
Location: Embassy Suites in La Vista -midlandscommunity.org
January 29
KOLACE BAKING CLASS
Benefits: Czech and Slovak Educational Center and Cultural Museum Location: Czech and Slovak Educational Center and Cultural Museum -czechandslovakmuseum.org
January 31
CHILI COOKOFF
Benefits: Liberty Elementary School Location: Urban Abbey
-stayhappening.com/e/ chili-cook-off-E2ISW9C0GOY February 7
FAMILY NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: HOLLYWOOD RIDES THE RAILS
Benefits: Union Pacific Railroad Museum
Location: Union Pacific Railroad Museum, Council Bluffs -inrc.law.uiowa.edu/events/familynight-museum-hollywood-rides-rails
oo Parlor Tatt
Visit our store in the Old Market or check out the website to see what makes us an industry leader.
February 8
‘THE POWER OF LOVE’ GALA
Benefits: Foster Love Incorporation Location: Venues at the Granary
-fosterlove402.org
Omaha’s Famous For Quality Tattoos Since 2000
2024 First Place
402.342.2885 | bigbrainomaha.com 1123 JACKSON STREET, OMAHA , NE 68106 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
// 59 //
COUNSELING CONNECTIONS & ASSOCIATES
// GIVING CALENDAR // February 8
SMART GEN LUNCHEON–SOCIAL MEDIA: ITS IMPACT ON A GENERATION
Benefits: Smart Gen Society
Location: Hilton Downtown Omaha -smartgensociety.org
February 9
VILLA MARIE DANCE FUNDRAISER 2024
Benefits: Villa Marie Home & School for Exceptional Children Location: Lancaster Event Center, Lincoln -villamarieschool.com eling Servic uns es Co
es Counseli upl ng Co
Feb.
8
February 10
2024 CUPID’S CHASE 5K
Benefits: Cupid’s Chase
Location: Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park, Council Bluffs -cupidschase.org 2024 First Place
#1 Counseling Services
VOTED FIRST PLACE! -8 YEARS IN A ROW-
2024 First Place
#1 Couples Counseling
Dr. Kristi Tackett-Newburg Founder/Owner
AMERICAN LANDSCAPE CONCERT
Benefits: Orchestra Omaha
Location: Omaha Conservatory of Music -orchestraomaha.org
February 10
2024 WINTER GALA
OUR TOP PROVIDERS Salina Anderson, APRN Geraldine Alexis, LIMHP, PLADC Julie Bierman, LCSW, LMHP Chantel Bruha, LIMHP, LADC Korrie Conners, LMHP, CSAT Kirby Davis, LMHP Peggy Deaver, LIMHP, CPC Davin Dickerson, APRN Beth Farrell, LCSW, LIMHP Dumayi Gutierrez, PhD, LMHP Lucy Hancock, MA
February 10
Benefits: Wings of Hope Charlene Hills, LCSW, LIMHP KG Langdon, APRN Mary Loftis, LMHP, CPC Kim Mueller, LIMHP, CPC Nicole Obrecht, LIMHP Kara Schneider, BA Marty Stoltenberg, APRN-BC Kristi Tackett-Newburg, PhD, LIMHP Greg Tvrdik, LIMHP, CPC Sarah Wenzl, LMHP, CPC Michele Yanney-Wehbi, LIMHP, CPC
* Counseling * Psychotherapy * Medication Management * EMDR Therapy * Online Therapy * Performance / Leadership / Emotional Wellness Coaching * Addiction Treatment * Substance Abuse Evaluations * Couples Therapy 9802 Nicholas Street, Unit 350, Omaha, NE 68114 402-932-2296 | appointments@ccaomaha.com | www.ccaomaha.com
Location: Mid-America Center -wingsofhope.org/gala
February 11
NEON PARTY FUNDRAISER
Benefits: Omaha Mobile Stage Location: Benson Theater
-stayhappening.com/e/neon-partyfundraiser-E2ISW9C4JDS February 12 – 13
KCAC INDOOR TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIP
Benefits: Omaha Sports Commission
Feb.
10
Location: College of Saint Mary Lied Fitness Center -omahasports.org/events
February 15
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We bring the printed word to life! // 60 //
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
DEATH AND THE MAIDEN WITH HERITAGE STRING QUARTET OMAHA
Benefits: Vesper Concerts
Location: Presbyterian Church of the Cross
-vesperconcerts.org/ heritage-string-quartet-omaha February 15
CELEBRITY CHEF 2024 WITH GAIL SIMMONS
Benefits: Food Bank for the Heartland
Location: CHI Health Center, 455 North 10th St. -one.bidpal.net
// GIVING CALENDAR // February 17
DANCE TO THE BEAT
Benefits: Jennie Edmundson Foundation Location: Mid-America Center -jehfoundation.org/events
February 17
MID-YEAR AVIATION STEM DAY
Benefits: Aviation StemAHA
Feb.
15
Location: Oak View Mall -aviationstemaha.org
February 17
ody Rep to B air Au
ody Rep to B air Au
OMAHA HEART AND STROKE BALL
Benefits: American Heart Association Location: CHI Health Center Omaha
-heart.org/en/affiliates/Nebraska February 17
2024 WISH BALL: DARE TO WISH
Benefits: Make a Wish Foundation
2024 First Place
February 18
18TH ANNUAL OMAHA ENTERTAINMENT & ARTS AWARDS
2023 First Place
“We’d Rather Be The Best Than Apologize for Anything Less.”
“Need an estimate? Visit Dingmans.com to schedule your estimate today.”
Location: Embassy Suites Lincoln
-daretomakeawish.org
1 PLACE 19 STR AIGHT YEARS! ST
SETTING THE STANDARD IN COLLISION REPAIR 402.558.3500 Corner of 50th & South Saddlecreek
402-502-8757 Southwest Corner of 144th & Industrial Rd
402.502.5511 Southwest corner of 120th & Maple
402.933.9400 Corner of Washington & Lincoln, Papillion
MECHANICAL REPAIR
Benefits: Omaha Entertainment & Arts Awards
402.991.2848 / Southwest Corner of 120th & Maple
Location: Holland Performing Arts Center -oea-awards.org
February 20
MUDDY PAWS AT APPLEBEE’S
Benefits: Muddy Paws Second Chance Rescue
Location: Bellevue Applebee’s -muddypawssecondchancerescue.com
ENJOY THE NEW YEAR
February 22
2024 WINTER LEADERSHIP ETHICS BREAKFAST
Benefits: Business Ethics Alliance
Location: UNO Scott Conference Center -members.businessethicsalliance. org/events
February 24
CARNIVAL OF LOVE GALA
Benefits: Heartland Family Service Location: Embassy Suites, La Vista -heartlandfamilyservice.org/ events/carnival-of-love-gala
February 24
2024 JDRF TYPEONENATION SUMMIT
Benefits: JDRF Nebraska-Iowa Chapter Location: Scott Conference Center -jdrf.org/nebraskaiowa
Event times and details are correct as of presstime, but are subject to change. Omaha Magazine encourages readers to visit venues' websites and/or calling ahead before attending an event or visiting a museum.
opractor Chir
2024 First Place
KocaChiropractic.com 11420 Blondo St, Ste. 102 | 402.496.4570 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
// 61 //
G IVING PROFILE
Hopes
Fulfilled
GIVING PROFILE STORY BY KARA WESELY PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN DESIGN BY RACHEL BIRDSALL // 62 //
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
Sheltering ree Provides Safe, Secure Housing oving into a place you can call your own is a rite of passage for many adults. Some move to an apartment or dorm. Some look to renting or buying a home. Some go it alone, while others find roommates. This rite of passage brings a range of emotions. Feelings of pride and excitement. Perhaps a sense of being overwhelmed or on edge. Many may sense a feeling of accomplishment.
"WHEN MY SON WAS BORN, ONE OF THE VERY FIRST THINGS I DID WAS CALCULATE IF IT WAS POSSIBLE FOR ME TO OUTLIVE HIM. NOT MANY NEW PARENTS ARE THINKING THAT WAY IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIRTH OF THEIR CHILD." –DENISE GEHRINGER
Now picture that same scenario with one significant difference: the adult who doesn’t get to decide. Rather, someone decides for them. That person may be told that their choice of roommate isn’t suitable or that their preferred location isn’t safe. Sadly, this is a reality that many adults with developmental disabilities and their caregivers face. According to a 2019 study conducted by The ARC and The Council on Quality and Leadership, when asked how they decided where they or their family member with an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD) should live, many participants responded that they did not have a choice. The home where the person with the intellectual or developmental disability lived was the only option available to them or they were placed by external forces and did not have a choice. "It was this, or an institution, or dead," said a study participant with I/DD. Fortunately, the institutionalization of adults with I/DD has ended. But, the where, who, and what of living situations continue to pose challenges to adults with I/DD, their family members, and caregivers.
Denise Gehringer is familiar with that challenge. For her, it began the day her son, Jacob, was born. "When my son was born, one of the very first things I did was calculate if it was possible for me to outlive him. Not many new parents are thinking that way immediately after the birth of their child," Gehringer said. Jacob was born with Down syndrome. Gehringer’s calculations were due to the worry that at some point, after her and her husband’s deaths, Jacob would not have a caregiver or a home. It was Jacob’s birth, 28 years ago, that set the course for Gehringer to meet Shirley McNally. Like Gehringer, McNally has a son with Down syndrome. The two shared the same worry: Will our sons be able to find safe, secure housing after we’re gone? That worry turned into action, which in turn evolved into a grassroots movement. The end result? A new community for adults with disabilities: Sheltering Tree. The McNally family worked tirelessly to bring together the Omaha and Lincoln Orthodox Christian churches, other local churches, private donors, and families for the creation of the first nonprofit Sheltering Tree location in 2008. Sheltering Tree, nicknamed ‘The Tree’ by tenants, realized quick growth and was soon in high demand. It was clear to the McNally couple that the community needed an executive director to spearhead that growth. Enter Gehringer, the Tree’s first official executive director.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
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GIVING PROFILE
“The growth we’ve experienced shows that we are filling a gap for adults with disabilities. We have a wait list of more than 220 people. We started with two buildings, and that grew to four by 2023. We hope to add two more, for a total of six, in the next few years,” Gehringer shared. Gehringer’s first-hand experience with her own son has lent itself to her work as executive director. “This is more of a vocation than a career or a job. I know from my own experience with Jacob that what parents or caregivers of an adult with a disability really want is for their child to live a happy, healthy, and meaningful adult life,” she said. “That really starts with a safe and secure place to live.” Sheltering Tree’s model provides that safe environment and promotes true independence for all tenants. Often times, an adult with an I/DD has a home that is tied to a specific service provider. Sheltering Tree’s model is unique in that it allows tenants to choose their own provider based on their individual needs. Gehringer shared, “Every person who lives at Sheltering Tree has a different level of independence, so supports look different for each person. We encourage each individual to decide what support they need, how they would like to receive that support, and who do they want to partner with. That self-determination fosters a sense of dignity.”
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“We are all excited for what the future holds. We went from a feeling of uncertainty, not knowing where their home would be to a feeling of hope. That is all due to Sheltering Tree,” Julie said. “You couldn’t ask for more.”
FEB 16 & 18, 2024 LA TRAVIATA
Visit shelteringtreecommunity.org for more information.
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// 64 //
Julie and Ed Czepa have two adult sons with developmental disabilities. Stephen, 28, and Matthew, 26, plan to move to Sheltering Tree this fall and look forward to their next step toward independence, toward that rite of passage.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
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// 65 //
Life Cycles Senior citizen pedals with a purpose
60+ ACTIVE LIVING
T
om Sitzman, a self-proclaimed nomadic cyclist, needs to hit the road. The 81-year-old finds little use in “new-fangled electronics,” preferring to memorize the 80-mile route from Omaha, Nebraska, to Hamburg, Iowa. He throws on trusty black cargo shorts, a sun-protective long-sleeve vented shirt, and a neon green reflective vest. His modern blue helmet contrasts with the outdated smooth seat on his silver Bianchi bicycle. The ebony leather saddle supported his bones for 33 years, and the shape now fits his backside like a well-loved baseball glove. Padded underwear underneath protects his bottom on longer excursions. Alpaca socks temper the smell of sweaty rides, while walnut-colored ventilated hiking sneakers add breathability and opportunity for possible rocky climbs on land at campsites. Rather than sporting high-tech road shades, his gold-rimmed glasses transition in the sunlight. STORY BY LISA LUKECART // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK
“I’m not a billboard,” Sitzman joked. “I don’t wear racing jerseys like the Tour de France.”
“Hey, what doesn’t kill you…makes you paranoid,” Sitzman joked.
chugging, chugging. You get a good mechanic to fix it.”
For him, the road calls not for bragging rights about mileage on a watch but for the experience. That doesn’t depend on fancy equipment. Supplies and planning remain an integral part of trips since survival becomes necessary with unexpected weather or injuries prone to happen on journeys. A dusty gray backpack, suspended from a metal frame on the front tire, holds emergency supplies like a raincoat and remains within easy reach during a freak thunderstorm. A tent, sleeping bag, and a few extra clothing items somehow squeeze into a red backpack on the back tire. Food (especially cheese), a pot, and a stove find their way into another backpack, always with a plastic spoon in case an ice cream stop happens. Tire fixing provisions, including a spare tire, fold into a smaller carrier under the seat. An air pump fits under the top tube of the bike, and an extra backpack could even act as a washing machine on the road for dirty items.
Sometimes, depending on the school, the teacher traveled over 20 miles in a day or even further to “take the road less traveled.” Nature beckoned, allowing him to take in the smells, shapes, and sounds of the passing landscape.
Sitzman took that time recovering during the pandemic to start writing a book about bicycle touring and living a nomadic life. When he borrowed Dan’s indoor trainer, his son didn’t seem surprised or worried about his father’s age.
Sitzman handed on this passion for the outdoors, whether canoeing, hiking, or cycling, to his three children. Voyages on his bike with family, friends, or alone tallied up 27 states and almost every province in Canada except Newfoundland. Rainstorms, heat, and wind wreaked havoc during a 561-mile trip back from Green Bay, Wisconsin. His son Dan, 15 at the time, and a then 40-year-old Sitzman acclimated to the conditions. The memories of laughing and challenging themselves bonded them. Dan, now 56, followed in his father’s pedal turns by biking to his jobs at Omaha Public Schools as a science teacher and later as an Experience Coordinator with Kiewit Luminarium.
“I would rather have him biking instead of sitting there watching TV and having a heart attack because he’s not moving around,” Dan said.
After checking the lights and putting on his gloves, the cyclist heads out for yet another adventure…against the wind, unfortunately. No amount of groundwork covers the unexpected shifts in nature, but who would ever leave if one waited for perfect conditions? “The secret to life is to keep moving,” Sitzman said. This motto reflects his time as a physical education teacher with Omaha Public Schools for 29 years, plus a few more at Boys Town, and as a recreation director at the Jewish Community Center. Sitzman’s authenticity for his studies transformed into living what he taught. When gas prices rose to almost 40 cents a gallon in the 1970s, Sitzman ditched the automobile and hitched a ride on his first adult bike to and from work. Sure, hazards such as a car hitting him twice might deter others from venturing out.
Three generational trips meant time together on dirt roads, streets, and trails at Harpers Ferry in West Virginia near the Great Allegheny Passage to the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal Towpath along the Potomac River to the Cowboy Trail in Nebraska. The 330-mile trip from Pittsburg to Washington D.C. turned into a sentimental tribute to his brother and fellow cyclist, Bob, who died after a hard fight with cancer. Age doesn’t matter when packing up and hitting the trails, even as sun damage and wrinkles appeared on Sitzman’s weathered face from time spent in the sunshine. But after two knee replacements, most likely damaged during his youthful days of football, track, and gymnastics, he severed his Achilles tendon a year later, followed by a rupture in his other leg after raking leaves.
Movement played a part in Sitzman’s artwork like his sculpture, “The Leaper,” which graces Catlin Elementary School. He picked up sculpting steel after leaving the classroom behind, opening the Connect Gallery and Studios in 2013, which he closed six years later when he retired. Despite the injuries slowing him down, a solid baseline allowed the biker to recover so rapidly that it shocked his doctors. Even though Sitzman takes his heart rate old school utilizing his analog watch, his wife, Jean, insisted he purchase a smartphone last year just in case. “There is no way I could stop him,” Jean said. “But he comes back with good stories.” Sitzman called her on the 80-mile grueling trip back from Waubonsie State Park in Iowa. Despite camping overnight, the wind shifted. He calculated the deficit from facing the wind head-on, intuitively identified his speed, and realized he would arrive an hour late for dinner. Sitzman thought about his next family trip, possibly Ireland, as he rode into the sunset.
“It’s no hero story,” he said, laughing. “The body is like an old car that is chugging,
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 • 60 PLUS
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Aksarben Foundation’s Storied Past NOSTALGIA 60+ STORY BY KIM CARPENTER DESIGN BY JOEY WINTON
housands gasped, first in surprise and then in pleasure, when they learned the identity of the sixty-first King of Ak-Sar-Ben, Dr. Milo Bail, President of the University of Omaha, crowned on the evening of October 21, 1955. He strode across the throne room while 8,000 loyal Knights and Ladies applauded their new sovereign. In the sea foam green, silver, and white Coliseum, Dr. Bail took ninety-three paces along a Siamese royal flame carpet, and knelt on the stairs before the white and green canopied throne where he accepted the crown set with 1,500 jewels.
// 68 //
60 PLUS • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
2021 Aksarben Ball Courtesy of Aksarben Foundation
T
hus ran the description of Omaha’s main society event of the mid 1950s, according to Arvid E. Nelson Jr. in his 1967 clothbound tome, “The Ak-Sar-Ben Story: A Seventy-Year History of the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben.” There was a time, not all that long ago, when attending the annual Aksarben Ball was the highlight of Omaha’s entire social season. The annual event, marked by the crowning of a king and queen to rule over the mythical kingdom of Quivera, commanded pages of in-depth newspaper coverage, and for a time, even warranted being presented live on local television stations. Successful men basked in recognition for their civic efforts, while women had an opportunity to make their debutante entry into society. It was a glittering gala, where even children participated in the pageantry. Whether princesses, knights, escorts, pages, or standard bearers, countless Omahans have donned the ball’s silken costumes and tailored finery throughout the decades. Sandra Reding, President of the Aksarben Foundation, said, “The Durham is the archive for all ephemera surrounding the Aksarben Foundation, particularly the Aksarben Ball. One of the curators took us through the collection, and we saw the very first page costume and the very first queen’s ballgown. They hold that history around all of the things that represent Aksarben.” Included among those things, for example, is an Aksarben Princess dress from 1968 worn by Suzanne Sullivan and designed by Helen Rose, an MGM costume designer who created the wedding gown for Grace Kelly when she became Princess Grace of Monaco in 1956. That kind of extravagant purchase indicates the level of importance Omaha’s glitterati assigned to the event. The roots of those ephemera lie in the tail end of the 19th century, when civic leaders
convened to figure out a way to keep the state fair in Omaha. The state was moving backwards, they fretted, so they spelled Nebraska backwards for their new organization’s namesake. During a discussion on a train, one of the leaders allegedly said, “Why not reverse the name of our beloved state, since everything seems to be going backwards these days? Nebraska hyphenated and spelled backwards is Ak-Sar-Ben.” Another suggested they become “knights,” since they were saving the city. They adopted the name “Quivera” for the mythical city of gold the conquistadors sought.
Today, the organization continues to honor its past and beloved traditions but has moved to the future. The annual ball, held at the CHI Health Center rather than the Aksarben Coliseum, is still a night of celebration that honors Nebraska and western Iowa citizens for the philanthropic and civic work to embody the Spirit of Aksarben. In 2017 a king and queen ceased to rule over Quivera. Instead, there are now “Most Honored Citizens,” with Dr. Jeffrey Gold, chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, garnering the foundation’s top award last year at the 128th annual ball.
“It’s about leaders coming together to make a difference and make positive impact for the state.”
Reding is gratified at the foundation’s enduring role in Nebraska. “When you think about it, there aren’t many celebrations, much less organizations, that have been around for over 125 years,” she said.
“Aksarben was a play on words,” Reding said. “They wanted to change the trajectory of the state. The name stuck and was very clever.”
And while the racetrack has now slipped into the Omaha of yore, the Aksarben Foundation, unlike its backwards namesake, has continued moving forward toward the future with initiatives like the Nebraska Tech Collaborative, a business-led workforce initiative committed to convening leaders from government, education, and not-for-profit organizations across the state to develop, attract, and retain tech-talent and entrepreneurs to Nebraska. It’s about as far away from what the founders could have envisioned in 1895, yet still in keeping with the original mission.
Inspired by Mardi Gras, the leaders envisioned similar festivals, including a capstone event that became the city’s most famous social gala. While the fair eventually moved to Lincoln, then Grand Island, most famously a racetrack and coliseum/arena that operated from the 1920s through the 1990s became the organization’s centerpieces. Both were demolished in the mid 2000s to make way for what is today Aksarben Village.
“When you think about what Aksarben is doing today, it’s so similar to what the original group of leaders did,” Reding said. “They’re coming together around issues. That one piece has really remained the same. It’s about leaders coming together to make a difference and make positive impact for the state. It’s about recognizing the people who make a difference in Nebraska for Nebraska.”
Since its founding, the organization has awarded over $65 million in scholarships and community grants.
For more information, visit aksarben.org.
-Sandra Reding
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 • 60 PLUS
// 69 //
What’s Old is New Again 60+ PROFILE // STORY BY CAROL NIGRELLI // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK
Boomer Radio
“B
oomer Radio with The Chuckster and that was ‘Turn! Turn! Turn!,’ a huge hit for The Byrds…I really love that song.”
If you’re of a certain age listening to Chuck Yates on Boomer Radio (a tip of the cap to baby boomers), you’re probably singing along with The Byrds, recalling the lyrics word-for-word. You may even remember the first time you heard that “huge hit” and the many other hits from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and early ‘80s played on the station, each song bringing a smile of recognition.
[L to R] Wes Stingley, Chuck Yates, Dave Wingert, Neil Nelkin
Perhaps the next best thing to hearing these oldies again is the privilege of playing them. For the on-air personalities who provide Omaha’s only local, live broadcasts every weekday from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. on 1490 AM and 94.5 FM, Boomer has added another chapter to their already legendary careers. Ranging in age from their late 60s to mid-70s, the radio veterans remember when the songs were brand new Top 40 hits and formed the soundtrack of their young lives. Decades later, they come to work enthused and energized by the same music.
The lineup is impressive and includes: Dave Wingert, known as “Wingy” to his listeners, engages the audience on the all-important “Morning Drive” show, followed by Chuck Yates on “Midday,” Jack Swanda on “The Drive Home,” and Neil Nelkin on “Boomer at Night.” “I do 6 to 10 every weeknight. At my age, I don’t need to do that—stay up every night,” Nelkin cracked. But radio is in his blood. “I like to say radio is a terminal disease. You catch it early, and there is no cure,” said Nelkin, who was only 14 when he hosted a show on a Country station in his hometown of Providence, R.I. He possesses the most varied resume of the group, from working behind the scenes at the ABC Television Network in New York to management or operations at several radio stations throughout Nebraska. The lure of working again as an announcer postponed any thoughts of retirement. Nelkin said he does it for the listeners, not the ego. “We couldn’t find another radio station with live programming until 10 at night,” Dave Wingert interjected. “As a result, Neil’s show is number one in the ratings among listeners 45 and up.”
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 • 60 PLUS
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60+ PROFILE
Wingert, perhaps the best known of the Boomer hosts, arrived in Omaha in 1975 but took a 20-year detour to Seattle before returning in 2007 to the city he loves. He’s worked at several stations here, up and down the radio dial. In addition to broadcasting, Wingert often appears on stage as an actor and stays busy as an emcee. His willingness to speak candidly of past struggles with depression and addiction, along with his very personable and authentic style on the air, has won him a legion of listeners. “To get this position at this point in time, I am so grateful,” said Wingert, who joined Boomer shortly after the new format began in 2015 as both an announcer and in sales. The good vibrations from his new gig immediately set the tone. “The phrase ‘music that makes you feel good’ that Boomer now uses? That was my thing. I would just say it on the air.” “You listen to people who call Dave in the morning and they’re not just radio listeners, they’re his best friends,” observed Nelkin. “And he knows their name and all about their life. That’s the difference between Boomer and every other station.” If Wingert is everybody’s friend, then Chuck Yates is everybody’s uncle. Smiling and jovial with a rich, raspy voice, Yates gets emotional when he recalls a phone call that “saved my life.”
the Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds hit, “Fallin’ In Love,” played in the background. While “The Love Chuckster” ruled the nights at one station, Jack Swanda was getting listeners “Outta Bed with Jack and Fred” at another. Swanda teamed with Fred Brooks in the early 1980s on KGOR before switching their morning show to 96.1 KEFM in 1989. Admired for his smooth style and eloquent delivery, Swanda enjoyed a long and successful tenure until 2004, when the station’s local owners sold KEFM to a broadcast conglomerate. “They let me go,” said Swanda, who started his career as a teenager in Lincoln, where he grew up. “I was 50 years old and had two girls in college and one in high school.” Vowing to never be put in that position again, Swanda decided to become his own boss. He started a financial services company from scratch and worked radio parttime while building his business. A three-year gig at 100.7 The Fish ended in 2018 when the Christian radio station was sold. Almost immediately, Boomer came calling and asked Swanda to take over the afternoon drive slot. The irony? “(The owners of Boomer) had purchased The Fish space when it became available,” he said, referring to the studio on Burt
more active than they’ve ever been in history, and they’re homeowners. Plus, they listen to the radio.” As a result, playing golden oldies reaps golden ratings for Boomer, which is music to advertisers’ ears. “Most ad agencies are stuck in the rut of buying that younger demo of 25 to 54. We’re successfully bucking the trend,” Combs said. “Given the demographics of Omaha and our access to some pretty stellar talent, Boomer is a natural.” That kind of respect flows two ways. While broadcast talent can often be hired, fired, rehired, criticized, nitpicked, and insulted more times in their careers than Elizabeth Taylor collected husbands, Boomer’s on-air hosts revel in ownership that treats them like adults. “They leave us alone,” said Yates, now in his seventh decade of doing radio. “I’ve never had anyone come in here and say, ‘Why did you play that?’ or ‘Why did you say that?’ They don’t micromanage. The freedom is crazy.” The energy in the studio jumps through the speakers. Avid Boomer listeners like meteorologist Jim Flowers, who spent 34 years delivering forecasts on all three Omaha TV stations, feel a deep connection.
“I always have Boomer on. They play the songs that I grew up listening to like The Beatles, Dave Clark Five, Bee Gees, songs from my formative years.” -Jim Flowers “I was general manager at KLNG, a Christian station in Council Bluffs. I was there 19 years, and they got rid of me just as the pandemic started,” Yates said. “I was floundering for three years, did nothing but collect Social Security. I was asleep at 10 in the morning in September of 2022 when I got a call asking if I’d be interested in coming to Boomer.” The Omaha North graduate who “quit playing football at Nebraska” made his bones spinning the heavy sound of Progressive Rock for 25 years on Omaha’s Z-92 where he was known as “The Love Chuckster” to a loyal nighttime audience. He now takes requests by phone and online for songs he never played. “Being so steeped in FM and rock, I’ve missed so much good music because I shrugged them off as ‘pop,’” the father of four admitted while sitting in the studio as // 72 //
60 PLUS • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
Street in Miracle Hills. “I played contemporary Christian music in the exact same studio as Boomer Radio—same console, same equipment.” Swanda’s faith has always been an important part of his life, which is a big reason he quickly said “yes” to working for Boomer owners Steve and Sue Seline of Omaha. “Their Walnut Media is faith-based, so I still get a chance to shine a light on a dark world.” After the Selines added Boomer to their media and digital services company, they didn’t have to dive too deeply into research to know there was a hole in the market, where listeners 50-plus remained an underserved and underestimated demographic. “It’s just common sense,” said Patrick Combs, president and CEO of Walnut Media. “That 50-plus crowd controls more money than any other generation, they’re
“I always have Boomer on. They play the songs that I grew up listening to like The Beatles, Dave Clark Five, Bee Gees, songs from my formative years,” said Flowers, sitting in his car at Black Elk Lake in Papillion with the radio “booming” and fishing gear beckoning. “The music just makes you feel good,” he said, repeating the station’s mantra. Flowers and his wife listen for traffic reports when they’re in the car. Using the moniker Storm Central, Flowers will sometimes call in an accident or tie-up to Jack Swanda, his good friend for over 30 years. True to form, Swanda will tape the call, play it back on the air, and exhort Storm Central, as he does with every caller, to “keep boomin’, my friend!” For more information about Boomer Radio or to listen live, visit myboomerradio.com.
OBVIOUSLY OMAHA // COMPILED BY NATALIE VELOSO // DESIGN BY RACHEL BIRDSALL
Six Local Comedy Clubs You Can't Miss!
ithin Omaha’s vibrant entertainment scene are some hidden gems that are sure to tickle your funny bone. Whether you're looking for a local night of easy laughter or seeking a unique experience, Omaha's comedy clubs offer a diverse range of comedic talent and atmospheres. From intimate and cozy venues to larger, lively spaces, there’s something for everyone. These six comedy clubs have each distinguished themselves with their unique charm and an impressive lineup of comedians ready to deliver an evening of unforgettable entertainment. Bring your date, friends, or family, and enjoy!
1
FUNNY BONE COMEDY CLUB
17305 Davenport St, Omaha, NE | omaha.funnybone.com
Since opening in 1988, Funny Bone Comedy Club has established itself as a recognizable name in Omaha's entertainment scene. With uproarious performances and a wide selection of food and beverages courtesy of their full restaurant and bar, a night at Funny Bone is ideal for any occasion. Budding comedians and seasoned comics alike find their space at this venue. Experience the laughter that has given Funny Bone its national reputation.
2 1618 Harney St, Omaha, NE | backlinecomedy.com THE BACKLINE COMEDY THEATER
From standup, to improv, to sketch comedy, The Backline has it all. Founded in 2011, this comedy club has made a name for itself with its recurring lineup, unpredictable open mics, unscripted sets, showcases, comedy wars, and much more. For aspiring comics, The Backline also offers classes, workshops, and other opportunities for improvement. Shows are 18+ unless stated otherwise. Check out upcoming shows for unique entertainment!
3 3624 Farnam St, Omaha, NE | bigcanvascomedy.org BLACKSTONE THEATER/BIG CANVAS
The Blackstone Theater is home to Big Canvas Comedy, Omaha’s only family-friendly, short-form improv comedy group. A different group of Big Canvas improvisors perform weekly, bringing fresh ideas to each show. Big Canvas proudly calls itself “comedy for everyone.” Come see Omaha’s signature short-form improv comedy show every Friday at 7 p.m. Each performance is a one-of-a-kind experience that comedy lovers won’t want to miss.
4 3548 Center St, Omaha, NE | thebullmoosebar.com THE BULL MOOSE
It’s time for Sunday Funday comedy! Broken Magic presents enjoyable live comedy on the patio of The Bull Moose bar every last Sunday of the month. These monthly shows feature some of the local bests and are hosted by Zach Peterson. Step inside the bar for a cold beverage before enjoying the show on their dog-friendly patio. Comedians include David Louis, Rachel Ware, Brent Bradley, Jason Regan, Sam Hatfield, and more. Tickets are $6 in advance and $12 at the door.
5 721 N 14th St, Omaha, NE | ziplinebrewing.com ZIPLINE BREWING CO.
Unleash the laughter for free at Zipline’s weekly Craft Comedy Showcase. Every third Thursday, bartender and MC Colton Reikofski presents an amazing lineup of stand-up comedians that features the finest local comedians Nebraska and beyond have to offer. The show kicks off at 7 p.m. Best of all, tickets are completely free, and you can enjoy your beer of choice for $1 off for the entire day. Bring your friends and enjoy this cost-free monthly comedy showcase and Happy Hour.
6 1205 Harney St, Omaha, NE | dublinerpubomaha.com DUBLINER PUB
Comedy at the Dubliner Pub is the Old Market’s one-stop shop for laughter. Head to the pub every Monday for an Open Mic night bound to stir a crowd. Enjoy the experience as a guest, or take a chance and give stand-up comedy a try. Sign-ups are at 8:30 p.m., and the open mic starts at 9 p.m. The show is free to watch. Come enjoy local comedians’ refreshing sets and excellent drink specials weekly. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
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DINING PROFILE //
STORY tamsen butler PHOTOGRAPHY bill sitzmann DESIGN renee ludwick
Half Full
Global Wines
Dining Feature
A Glass
Come To Omaha Homes Via Pour Decisions
D
on’t know the difference between a petite Syrah and pinot noir? How about a sauvignon blanc and Gewürztraminer?
No worries if you don’t. Meghan Russo can help. The oenophile turned entrepreneur takes the stress out of deciphering wine labels and teaches taste buds all about vineyards and vintages through Pour Decisions, a business she started in 2023 to help wine lovers who, as she put it, “don’t really know a ton of things about wine.” Russo demystifies the process by bringing wine bottles out of intimidating tasting rooms directly into people’s homes, businesses, and any other places they might want to congregate and amiably enjoy a glass of wine—and learn something with every studious sip. “Wine is one of those things that’s great as a social time with your friends—and it’s a great complement to a lot of different
foods,” Russo said. “Pair the right wine with the right entrée, and it can totally change your experience.” From Russo’s viewpoint, those experiences usually involve the act of gathering. People like to socialize when they uncork a bottle of wine. Often, it’s as much about the conviviality that occurs around that bottle as it is the nuances surrounding the cabernet sauvignon or chardonnay. Russo, a native of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and former resident of New York City, regards drinking wine as a way to communicate with friends. In fact, she started doing wine tastings for family and friends long before deciding to turn wine tastings into a business.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
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Dining Feature “When you’re sharing a bottle of wine with somebody, it’s great because you’re both drinking out of the same bottle of wine, having a very similar experience, but everybody’s tastebuds are different. What you taste isn’t the same as what I taste. So, we’re still having a little bit of a different experience, but experiencing it together.” -Meghan Russo “When you’re sharing a bottle of wine with somebody, it’s great because you’re both drinking out of the same bottle of wine, having a very similar experience, but everybody’s tastebuds are different,” Russo explained. “What you taste isn’t the same as what I taste. So, we’re still having a little bit of a different experience, but experiencing it together.” A certified wine specialist with an education from the vaunted Institute of Culinary Education in New York, Russo said that the year-long certification process, which involved “a big, thick textbook,” was intense and required learning subjects she hadn’t anticipated. "When I was studying wine, I thought it would be like, ‘oh, this grape tastes like this, and it’s grown in this region,’” she recounted. “I studied so many maps, and it’s more about geography and what type of soil and climate and weather patterns and things like that.” When Russo and her husband moved to Omaha in 2017, she left the retail world behind and started working more with wine. She partnered with smaller house distributors in sales and worked with some of the wine bars in town. “Obviously, when Covid hit, I wasn’t really working,” she said. “I was able to do tastings for my friends and neighbors, and I just realized I know I like wine. And I know that I like developing and helping to teach and train people so that we can merge the two things together. That’s where I am probably going to be the happiest. They always say that if you love what you do, then it’s not really work, right?” Russo helps clients discover what types of wine they actually like and offers suggestions for food pairings. If her tasters want to learn about the intricacies of the soil in which the grapes were grown for a particular wine, she can get into that, too. That’s where her wine certification comes into play. The concept of terroir, or the territory where grapes are grown, is critical for producing wine. For example, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which hails from southeastern France, derives its distinctive flavor from the famed galets roulés, or pebbles, that cover the vineyards. They absorb and store heat and water to keep vine stocks at consistent temperatures so grapes ripen perfectly.
“Sometimes people who are pouring wine are like, ‘This is from this region, from this town, with this kind of soil,’ all these very small, nuanced details about wine…I can totally get into that with you, but I think that just for the common person, let’s talk about where it’s from. Let’s talk about some of the tasting notes and what you would pair it with. Let’s figure out if you like it or don’t like it, because if you don’t like it, we’ll move on and find something that you do like,” said Russo, describing her process. “And if you do like it, we can go off that and figure out other things you will like. Let’s try this same grape in a different region and see if you like it.” Russo paused. “I think that 90% of the population doesn’t care about the soil,” she shared. So much for terroir. For the many Omahans who want to move past those kinds of terms, Russo’s services can be a game changer. Neighbor and friend, Amy Krupski, said she frequently turns to Russo for her knowledge of wine. “She speaks our language,” Krupski said. “She doesn’t talk over our heads but keeps it at our level. The tastings are fun, and it feels like Meghan’s just sitting down for some wine with her friends.” Another client, Whitney Wilson, agreed. “Meghan’s very flexible and knowledgeable. I go to her when I want to try something new–it helps me avoid the trial and error of wine shopping at the grocery store.” Wilson estimated that she utilizes Russo’s services around once a month or so. As Pour Decisions continues to grow its clientele roster, Russo sees the potential for a future when clients can come to her location for tastings. But for now, she enjoys meeting people where they are—on their own terroir, so to speak—both in terms of their geography and knowledge base. In this regard, she’s doing her part to keep glasses half full, if not more, with wines that people love. For information about Meghan Russo’s wine tastings, visit pourdecisions-wine.com.
Russo is happy to share this kind of information, but for the most part, she finds that clients simply want to enjoy good wine.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY
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2024
"I just realized I know I like wine. And I know that I like developing & helping to teach & train people so that we can merge the two things together. T h a t ’s w h e r e I a m probably going to be the happiest. They always say that if you love what you do, then i t ’s n o t r e a l l y work, right?” -M egha n R usso
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
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Shandy's
chef profile
Swedish Bakery
Filling Your Soul With Happiness
L
ocated in the northeastern tip of the state, Wausau, Nebraska, is a tiny town. It’s so tiny, in fact, that according to the US census, only 634 called it home in 2010. Shandy Thorell was one of those people. Growing up in such a small community, though, gave her an unexpected edge—or rather, a roll. It’s where her family taught her how to deftly wield a rolling pin to recreate her dearly treasured heritage recipes that she now shares with the public at her West Omaha business, Shandy’s Swedish Bakery.
And these recipes are unlike any other offerings on the market. “The Swedes want to fill your soul with happiness through their food,” Thorell averred. “Food speaks to your soul, your memory, and your mind. It must taste good, but it also must bring wonderful feelings.” Those wonderful feelings are often the result of Nordic know-how. Thorell’s Swedish rye contains molasses and brown sugar, so it boasts a sweeter, richer flavor, while her Scandinavian almond cake (the item, she said, that put the bakery on Omaha’s foodie map) is a dense, rich pound cake. Shandy’s distinctive “Kransekake” cakes, particularly beloved in Sweden during Christmas, boast 12 decorative almond cake rings stacked in the shape of a festive tree. That dedication to Swedish heritage is what distinguishes Thorell’s bakery. There are no cases full of generic cupcakes and cookies, and the shop only produces a limited selection of carefully chosen breads, cookies, and cinnamon rolls. In October, for example, Thorell spent six days making 435 circles of lefsa, traditional Scandinavian flatbread made from potato dough. “I am potatoed out,” Thorell joked on Shandy’s Facebook page. The image she shared of baking racks stacked with perfect rounds of lefsa showed exactly why she might never want to peel another spud. But the effort—and any upper arm soreness from rolling out so many circles of dough—is more than worth it for Thorell.
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
“When you walk into my shop, you walk into a Swedish mother’s kitchen with all the love, smells, and memories that brings,” she said. “We strive to connect with people in ways that aren’t just food. My customers tell me their joys and struggles. I want to be there for their lives. I think that is why my customers are loyal and continue to come back.” That “Swedish mother’s kitchen” is literal for Thorell, who learned to bake at the elbows of both grandmothers and her mother. She made dinner rolls with one grandmother, German chocolate cake with another. Her mother taught her the intricacies of cinnamon and caramel rolls. “Growing up, food was always part of special times with my family, and it is with my kids, too,” Thorell said, emphasizing that if the family had planned a special occasion, special food accompanied it. Although Thorell always loved baking, her business began out of necessity. She had been in the corporate world in HR but left to focus on raising her four children. In 2014, her family was struggling to pay the bills, and there wasn’t enough money to put food on the table. Thorell took to baking cinnamon rolls that the kids sold door-to-door out of a little red wagon. The on-the-side baking business quickly grew beyond its portable storefront. Soon, Thorell was selling her products at farmers markets. In 2018, she opened her brick-and-mortar bakery. Years later, she still sells her baked goods at farmer’s markets. Today, her children continue to help. The older ones, now young adults, return home during school breaks to help in the
bakery at the height of the busy holiday season. “We are working, but it is family time,” Thorell said. “We play Christmas music and hang lights in the store. It’s a fun time for me.” Loyal customer Marilyn Frohloff has been adding Thorell’s baked goods to her regular shopping rounds since the latter was selling out of her little red wagon. Frohloff heard about Shandy’s from a friend and began getting treats for her clients during the holidays. Frohloff is particularly fond of the breads, cinnamon rolls, and pumpkin twinkies—and she always makes certain to serve the bakery's dinner rolls for the holidays. “First of all, she makes everything from scratch,” Frohloff said. “Everything tastes so good. She puts her whole heart into it and is a sweet lady and puts a lot of effort into satisfying the customers.” Frohloff especially admires Thorell’s dedication. “I like the way she taught her children to earn to make a living,” she said. “They have all worked hard to make it work. She is a hard worker and a dear lady…She’s a neat Christian lady, and I enjoy supporting this local business.” Thorell’s faith remains at the heart of her business’s success. Despite the challenges she’s faced, she believes that there was a bigger plan for her. The baker cares deeply about her customers, and she has developed strong bonds with many of them. As she creates custom orders for her clients to help with a time of loss or to commemorate a joy, she prays over the dough for them. “I’m a big faith person,” Thorell said. “There is our plan and God’s plan. When you try to do your plan, sometimes it’s a struggle. As soon as you try to do His plan it takes off. That is what happened in my life.” For more information, visit shandysbakery.com.
“The Swedes want to fill your soul with happiness through their food. Food speaks to your soul, your memory, and your mind. It must taste good, but it also must bring wonderful feelings.” —Shandy Thorell
STORY by Holly McAtee PHOTOGRAPHY by Bill Sitzmann DESIGN by Rachel Birdsall JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
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Dining Review NEW WATERLOO RESTAURANT MAKES FOR UNFORGETTABLE DINING EXPERIENCE
Bison Filet with Butter-Poached Lobster Tail
STORY samantha & damian ingersoll
Faroe Island Salmon
PHOTOGRAPHY bill sitzmann DESIGN rachel birdsall
J
ust outside Omaha, situated on the edge of West Shores Lake just west of 243rd and Dodge streets, lies Omaha’s newest restaurant sensation, Salted Edge. The establishment is operated by Ashley and Gregg Young, who also own Sugared Ledge Bakery in Elkhorn. (Many will also recognize the name from the well-known Omaha dealership Gregg Young Chevrolet.) Upon entering on a sunny autumn Saturday, the space featured bustling servers and hostesses, who were happily preparing to take early reservations to their tables. A cooler stocked with bourbon-aged ribeye stood waiting for arriving guests. This proved an excellent gustatory harbinger of what Chef Joel Hassanali had in store for us. The atmosphere is simultaneously upbeat and peaceful, with a color scheme of dark earthy colors that combine for a relaxed atmosphere, one more akin to swinging by a close friend’s home for a casual dinner party. We joked that the establishment looked as if dining patrons need to make at least six figures to be able to afford it, but the ambiance, which boasts an open-concept kitchen, immediately put us at ease. Make no mistake—this is an upscale, fine dining restaurant, but one that is intentionally laidback and low-key. There are no haughty airs among the servers, who delivered an entertaining monologue regarding the restaurant’s origins.
Salted Edge owes much of its origins—at least its out-of-the-gates rip-roaring success—to Chef Hassanali, who was born in Trinidad and credits his passion for cooking to watching and helping his parents run a restaurant in the Caribbean. He moved to the US when he was 11, grew up amidst New York’s famed foodie scene, and then studied culinary arts before gaining experience working under celebrity chefs like Emeril Lagasse. Omaha is fortunate to have him. Remember we mentioned that dining at Salted Edge is like joining friends around a dinner table? Much of that can be attributed to the chef ’s warm smile and welcoming demeanor. But what about his talent in the kitchen? Hassanali’s menu proved simultaneously creative and innovative. It included the earthy flavors he’s picked up on world travels during his close to 30 years in the industry, and his menu has whispers of influences from places like his country of birth, Tennessee, California, and Florida. We started with the charcuterie board composed of rotating cured meats, local cheeses, dipping sauces, grilled crostini, and pickled vegetables. We were impressed that everything was locally sourced, as is, it’s worth noting, much of the rest of the menu.
Hassanali’s menu proved simultaneously creative and innovative. It included the earthy flavors he’s picked up on world travels during his close to 30 years in the industry, and his menu has whispers of influences from places like his country of birth, Tennessee, California, and Florida.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
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DINING REVIEW
While the salad choices proved challenging, we settled on the “Honey Roasted Beet Salad” and the “Wasabi Caesar.” The former provided for a punchy interplay among arugula, honey-roasted beets, melon, tangerine, and apricot topped with a goat cheese mousse kissed with crushed pistachios. Each bite seemed somehow reminiscent of walking in a forest. There was an earthy roundness to the flavors that all complemented one another beautifully. The latter was a deconstructed salad with individual Romaine stalks, fresh tomatoes, and a dusting of crushed croutons that resulted in a perfect symphony of flavor, with the pungent Wasabi balancing the umami of the anchovies in the Caesar dressing. For our main courses, we sampled the “New Bedford Scallops” and the “Classic Margherita Pizza.” Hassanali paired the scallops with a velvety butternut squash puree, lardon bacon, and Brussels sprouts adorned with pomegranate and citrus herb oil. This delicately crafted combination brought out the natural flavors without being too rich, always a challenge when dealing with decadent scallops. The Margherita pizza was light and delicate with the lactic acid in the mozzarella providing a worthy counterpoint to the aromatic basil. The caramelized crust added the perfect textural finishing touch, one that elevated this dish from humble
pizza to something extraordinary. We additionally ordered a to-go order of the “Lobster Mac + Cheese,” which is quickly becoming a cult favorite among Salted Edge devotees. Featuring a smooth five-cheese sauce, Cavatappi pasta, and a bacon-parmesan herb crumble, the dish was rich and creamy. Our only quibble? A dish featuring lobster could have gone a little heavier and harder on the lobster. Although more than sated, we had to indulge in one more course. The dessert menu proved impossible to resist. We chose an option that was by turns complex yet simple: a rustic donut filled with chocolate ganache served alongside home-made vanilla ice cream. Light and fluffy, it was simply a masterpiece of a dessert. We are usually ones to bypass dessert, but we finished every last crumb of this one. Overall, our evening provided for a top-tier dining experience. Although Salted Edge isn’t in Omaha’s immediate metro environs, anyone passionate about fine food would be well served to fill their gas tank and make the drive. As most locals already know, Chef Hassanali is about to add a culinary pin on Waterloo’s map.
Char-Grilled Chicken Wings
Reservations recommended. For more information, visit salted-edge.com.
SALTED EDGE
110 S. 243rd St., Waterloo 68069
FOOD SERVICE AM BIANCE OVERALL 5 STARS POSSI B LE
Plum Creek Chicken
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
STORY BY JULIUS FREDRICK
La Mesa
Celebrates 30th Anniversary in Style Ch ef-inspired Fa rm to Table Dining, Premier Tequila Tasting, and an Appreciation for Area Diners Unite for an Omaha Staple’s Birthday Fiesta
“A
t the beginning, there’s no way that I could imagine something like this,” said La Mesa founder and owner Francisco Oñate at the conclusion of the restaurant’s farm to table dinner and tequila tasting event. “Not how many restaurants [we have], but how things are working…this nice event, the chefs that want to be part of this, the loyal customers that come to these events. There are some customers that come to every tequila dinner we do.” Two event dinners held in November at La Mesa’s flagship location in Bellevue, celebrity chefs Esdras Ochoa and Chito Arreola conceptualized, prepared, and served a sixcourse meal that included Midwestern spins on traditional Mexican fare. The farm in question? Chef Arreola’s father’s, in Akron, Iowa. The occasion? La Mesa’s 30th Anniversary celebration. “We collaborated, we got together, and we started talking about what can we do? What could dad grow? What does he have in stock?” Arreola recalled, noting that the majority of the dinner’s ingredients were sourced directly from his father’s Akron farm. “He’s been saving all the stuff so that we can just talk about the menu. I was like, ‘Hey, can you grow this, can you grow that?’ With greenhouses, it’s a little easier to grow veggies. So yeah, that’s how we came up with the menu.” With 20 years of culinary skills and leadership, Executive Chef Arreola has overseen high-end service at the Kentucky Derby, the Super Bowl, the Grammy Awards, and most recently, the 2023 NBA All-Star Game. His friend and collaborator, Chef Ochoa, has four restaurants under his belt around the globe and appeared on Netflix’s The Final Table.
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“I was pleasantly very, very surprised in a good way,” Ochoa said. “When I went to x Chito's family for the first time, they treated me like they’re my aunts and uncles; they treated me like family. And when you go to a place like that, then you can’t help but
enjoy yourself and really give the best of yourself, and that’s really what happened here…so really happy to be here and just loving it, really.” Menu highlights included a “Ceviche de Chayote” appetizer (citrus-picked chayote, avocado mousse, tomatillo coulis, shaved epazote), “Barbacoa Hidalguense” main course (pit-braised lamb barbacoa in roasted blue agave planks, chickpea consommé served with frijoles peurcos), and the “Xocolatl Azteca” dessert (edible cacao pod, sweet corn mousse, caramel popcorn, vanilla bean ice cream, amaranth seeds). Naturally, these inspired plates were paired with fine tequila and margaritas. Co-owner and General Manager Jose “Chuy” Salazar was both delighted and impressed with the culinary duos’ creativity and delivery and humbled by the event’s remarkable turnout. “Coming from Jalisco, Mexico, to here in Omaha, Nebraska, when I first got here, I always got the sense that this is a family, community town, and I always said that, ‘You know? I wouldn’t mind putting roots and growing a family here,” Salazar said, now 25 years later. “So, every single time that somebody comes in [to La Mesa], we have an opportunity to showcase our amazing people, the gratitude [for the community], and hospitality that comes along with that.” From unassuming beginnings, La Mesa has gone onto open six area locations throughout the Omaha metro, enjoying 30 years of satisfied customers. In fact, the La Mesa Mexican Restaurant family has been voted Omaha’s #1 Mexican Restaurant for its 19th year in a row. Oñate remains stunned and grateful for the outpouring of support. “It’s been 30 years, and time flies…but it’s been a great source of pride for me,” Oñate said. “Sometimes, at the beginning, it was tough…but there is nothing to regret. I learned a lot, I enjoyed it. Sometimes, I got really tired physically, but never mentally… and without the support of our customers, these 30 years wouldn’t be possible. “If there’s anything I’d like to say, is thank you everybody—thank you, Omaha and the Omaha area, for these 30 years. Because without them, where would we be?” For more information, visit la-mesa.com
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Omaha
DINING GUIDE DJ’S DUGOUT SPORTS BAR - $ Seven Metro Area Locations: Bellevue - 10308 S. 23rd St. - 402.292.9096 Miracle Hills - 777 N. 114th St. - 402.498.8855 Downtown - 1003 Capitol Ave. - 402.763.9974 Aksarben - 2102 S. 67th St. - 402.933.3533 Millard - 17666 Welch Plaza - 402.933.8844 Elkhorn - 19020 Evans St. - 402.315.1985 Plattsmouth - 2405 Oak Hill Rd. - 402.298.4166 Voted Omaha’s #1 Sports Bar, DJ’s Dugout is locally and Vietnam Veteran owned. DJ’s Dugout features delicious burgers, wings, wraps, salads, sandwiches and an impressive drink menu. Plus, DJ’s has huge media walls full of HD TVs and projector screens. Catch all the action at DJ’s seven Omaha-area locations. Dig In... At The Dugout! —djsdugout.com
JAMS- $$ 7814 Dodge St. - 402.399.8300 17070 Wright Plz, Ste. 100 - 402.810.9600 1101 Harney St. in the OldMarket - 402.614.9333 Jams is an Omaha restaurant legacy, an “American Grill” that offers a melting pot of different styles and varieties. The dishes are made with high-quality ingredients that pair well with awardwinning wines or creative cocktails. —jamseats.com
LE PEEP - $ 69th & Pacific - 402.933.2776 177th and Center St. - 402.934.9914 156th St. & W. Dodge Rd. - 402.408.1728 120th and Blondo St. - 402.991.8222 Le Peep puts a wholesome perspective on your favorite neighborhood breakfast and lunch spot. Fresh. Simple. Elegant. Inviting. We put the emphasis on people, both patrons and staff. We focus on providing each of our guests
the fresh food and friendly service that they have come to expect. Open daily 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m. —lepeepomaha.com
STELLA’S - $ 106 S. Galvin Road, Bellevue - 402.291.6088 Since 1936, we’ve been making our world-famous Stella’s hamburgers the same way. The family secrets have been handed down to each owner, ensuring that your burger is the same as the one you fell in love with the first time you tried Stella’s. And if it’s your first time, we know you’ll be back! Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., closed Sunday. —stellasbarandgrill.com
Ralston, Bellevue and Millard. We are truly grateful to have been welcomed into each of these communities and welcome you in for good food, a cold drink and a comfy seat to enjoy the sport of your choosing! Determined to bring only the freshest ingredients, homemade dough and our specialty sauces to the table, we have worked hard to perfect our craft for you. Our goal is to bring the best food service to the area and show the best sports events that you want to see. Pick up and Delivery availalble. Please check website for hours of operation. —varsityromancoinpizza.com
I TA L I A N
TED AND WALLY’S - $ 1120 Jackson St. - 402.341.5827 Come experience the true taste of homemade ice cream in the Old Market. Since 1986, we’ve created gourmet ice cream flavors in small batches using rock salt and ice. We offer your favorites, plus unique flavors like margarita, green tea, Guinness, and French toast. Special orders available. Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.- Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday. Noon-10 p.m. —tedandwallys.com
VARSITY SPORTS CAFE - $$ Ralston - 9735 Q St. - 402.339.1944 Bellevue - 3504 Samson Way - 402.932.1944 Millard - 14529 F St. - 402.505.6660
PASTA AMORE - $$ 11027 Prairie Brook Rd. - 402.391.2585 Pastas are made fresh daily, including tortellini, fettuccine, and capellini. Daily specials and menu items include a variety of fresh seafood and regional Italian dishes, such as linguini amore and calamari steak, penne Florentine, gnocchi, spaghetti puttanesca, and osso buco. Filet mignon is also offered for those who appreciate nationally renowned Nebraska beef. To complement your dining experience, the restaurant offers a full bar and extensive wine list. Be sure to leave room for homemade desserts, like the tiramisu and cannoli. Monday-Thursday 9 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 10 p.m. Reservations recommended. —pastaamore.com
PROUD TO SUPPORT THE CREIGHTON BLUEJAYS! VOTED OMAHA'S #1 SPORTS BAR! Sports Bar
20232 WINNER
2023 1 Place st
Sports Bar
2024 First Place
DINING GUIDE LEGEND
$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
7 OMAHA METRO AREA LOCATIONS | DJSDUGOUT.COM |
Omaha
DINING GUIDE
Get a Little Saucy.
SPEZIA - $$$ 3125 S. 72nd St. - 402.391.2950
Get a Little Saucy. CHANGE SPEZIA SPECIALTIES
an Dining Itali
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ntic Restaura ma nt Ro
2024 First Place
2024 Winner
2024 Winner
FRESH SEAFOOD • ANGUS BEEF INNOVATIVE PASTA • RISOTTO
GNOCCHI • FRESH SALMON DAILY
SATURDAY LUNCH [11am–4 pm] SPECIAL WINTER DINING FEATURES
$10
COCKTAIL HOUR Open 7 Days a Week for Lunch & Dinner
MONDAY – SATURDAY 4 – 6 PM OFF ANY TICKET OVER $25 SPECIALTIES SPEZIA ALL COCK TAILS, GL ASS WINE NO CASH VALUE. EXPIRES 12/31/2011 AND BEERS ARE HALF PRICE WOOD FIRE STEAKS & SEAFOOD
INNOVATIVE PASTA—RISOTTO—GNOCCHI FRESH SALMON DAILY CALL FOR RESERVATIONS • 402-391-2950
. Private Party Rooms . Walk-Ins Welcome
CENTRAL LOCATION • 3125 SOUTH 72ND STREET • EASY ACCESS OFF I-80 • 72ND STREET EXIT
Catering
3125 South 72 nd Street (Easy access off I-80, take 72nd Street Exit)
402.391.2950 . Call today to make your reservation
Hamburger
thanks to our customers for voting us the “BEST BURGER
IN OMAHA 2024 First Place
“Serving World Famous Hamburgers Since 1936”
106 GALVIN RD., BELLEVUE, NE • 402-291-6088 • OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY, 11 AM - 9 PM
Choose Spezia for lunch or dinner, where you’ll find a casual elegance that ’s perfect for business guests, get-togethers, or any special occasion. Exceptional food, wine, and service, with a delectable menu: fresh seafood, certified Angus steaks, innovative pasta, risotto, gnocchi, cioppino, lamb, entrée salads, Mediterranean chicken, flatbreads, and fresh salmon daily. Enjoy a full bar, Italian and California wines, Anniversary/Lovers’ Booth (call to reserve), private dining rooms, and wood-fired grill. Open Monday-Sunday. Cocktail hour 4- 6 p.m., when all cocktails, glasses of wine, and beers are half price. Evening reservations recommended. —speziarestaurant.com
MEXICAN FERNANDO’S - $ 7555 Pacific St. - 402.339.8006. 380 N. 114th St. - 402.330.5707 Featuring Sonoran-style cooking made fresh daily. Catering and party rooms also available. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.- 11 p.m., Sunday 4-9 p.m. —fernandosomaha.com
LA MESA - $$ 158th St. and W. Maple Rd. - 402.557.6130 156th and Q streets - 402.763.2555 110th St. and W. Maple Rd. - 402.496.1101 Fort Crook Rd. and Hwy 370 - 402.733.8754 84th St. and Tara Plaza - 402.593.0983 Lake Manawa Exit - 712.256.2762
DINING GUIDE LEGEND
$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
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Historical Facts
ROTELLA First Generation
1910 Alessandro Rotella first arrived in New York in 1902. After losing his wife and child during child birth, he went back to Italy in hopes to remarry. In 1910 he brought his new wife, Maria, and their infant daughter to America and they settled in Omaha, Nebraska. They went on to start Rotella’s Italian Bakery in 1921.
ek Dining Gre
2023 First Place
Family Owned Since 1983 CATERING / PARTY ROOM AVAILABLE HOMEMADE, FRESH FOOD, ALWAYS.
3821 Center St. / 402.346.1528 GreekIslandsOmaha.com
Ice Cream
Since 1921 Celebrating over 100 Years of Baking Excellence! Bakery
20234 First Place
rotellasbakery.com
Maria Concetta Rotella 1910-Age 22 Francesco Alessandro Rotella 1910-Age 29
Rotella History5 2023 Omaha Mag ad.indd 1
5/18/23 5:02 PM
Serving Omaha for 77 Years
STEAKS • CHOPS • SEAFOOD ITALIAN SPECIALTIES 7 private party rooms Seating up to 400 Lots of parking
h Steak ouse
h Steak ouse
2022 Winner
2023 Winner
1620 S. 10th Street
402-345-8313
www.casciossteakhouse.com
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
2024 First Place
Omaha
DINING GUIDE Breakfast
day Brunch Sun
Staff & Servi ce ait W
2024 First Place
2023 First Place
2024 First Place
156th & Dodge • 408-1728 177th & Center • 934-9914 120th & Blondo • 991-8222 69th & Pacific • 933-2776
Thanks for Voting Us # BREAKFAST YEARS in a Row!
15
1
Drive-Thru Open (Center St. Only) Open Daily 6:30am-2:00pm Serving Breakfast & Lunch All Day!
LEPEEPOMAHA.COM | @LEPEEPOMAHA
h Steak ouse
2024 First Place
@The Drover Restaurant & Lounge | Gift Cards Available 2121 S. 73 St. | (402) 391-7440 | DroverRestaurant.com Lunch M-F 11am-2pm | Dinner M-F 5pm-10 PM Sat 4:30pm-10:30pm • Sun 4:30pm-9pm | Lounge M-F Cocktails Only 2-5pm
Enjoy awesome appetizers, excellent enchilada’s, fabulous fajitas, seafood specialties, mouthwatering margaritas and much more at La Mesa! Come see why La Mesa has been voted Best of Omaha’s 20 Years in a Row! Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Thursday-Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. —lamesaomaha.com
PRIMO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT - $$ 5914 Center St., Omaha, NE - 402.322.8141 930 5th Ave., Council Bluffs, IA - 712.256.5200 Family owned and operated since 2010, Primo’s Modern Mexican utilizes the freshest ingredients to bring both authentic Mexican and Southwest-style dishes to life with flare and unrivaled flavor. With recipes passed down over four generations, a familyfriendly atmosphere, and plates to satisfy cravings at every hour—with breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus offering a variety of Mexican staples—Primo’s Mexican Restaurant is proud to serve the people of Omaha and Council Bluffs no matter the occasion. —primosmodernmexican.com
ROMEO’S MEXICAN FOOD AND PIZZA - $ 90th and Blondo streets - 402.391.8870 146th St. and W. Center Rd. - 402.330.4160 96th and L streets - 402.331.5656 Galvin and Avery roads - 402.292.2028 29th and Farnam steets - 402.346.1110 Romeo’s is your friendly, family Mexican food and pizza restaurant. We take real pride in serving our guests generous portions of the freshest, most flavorful dishes made with the finest ingredients available. Zesty seasonings and DINING GUIDE LEGEND
$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
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Omaha
DINING GUIDE the freshest ingredients combine to ensure the ultimate in flavor. Our savory taco meat is prepared every morning at each location. Make sure to try our chimichangas; they’re the best in town. —romeosomaha.com
SPECIAL DINING BARROCO WINE BAR AND CRAFT COCKTAILS - $$ 2935 South 108th St. - 402.885.8185 (Next to Christian Nobel Furs) Barroco Wine Bar and Craft Cocktails is an upscale bar with an authentic European vibe. Choose from over 200 wines by the bottle, 40 wines by the glass, classic craft cocktails, beer, locally sourced pizza, charcuterie, and other light bites to compliment your beverage experience. —barrocowinebar.com
GREEK ISLANDS - $ 3821 Center St. - 402.346.1528 Greek cuisine with specials every day at reasonable prices. We are well-known for our gyro sandwiches and salads. We cater and can accommodate a party for 65 guests. Carry-out and delivery available. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. —greekislandsomaha.com
STEAKHOUSES CASCIO’S - $$ 1620 S. 10th St. - 402-345-8313 Cascio’s is Omaha’s No. 1 steakhouse. We have been serving Omaha for 69 years. We feature steaks, chops, seafood, and Italian specialties. We have seven private party rooms, seating for up to 400 people, and plenty of parking. —casciossteakhouse.com
THE DROVER RESTAURANT & LOUNGE - $$$ 2121 S. 73rd St. - 402-391-7440 Famous for the original Whiskey Steak. Truly a one-of-a-kind Midwestern experience. Excellent food, wine, service, and value. Rare...and very well done. LUNCH: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., DINNER: Monday-Friday 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 4:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m., Sunday 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m., LOUNGE: Monday-Friday Cocktails only 2 p.m.-5 p.m. —droverrestaurant.com
Omaha NE 68137
Find the best food in Omaha!
Zen features over 50 popular drink options including Butter Beer, Honey Bee, Lavender Lady and Sunshine Daydream. Choose from hot or iced lattes, blenders, fruit smoothies and teas! Grab a flight or double cup to try the seasonal features! Delicious pastries and toasts made in house daily. —zencoffeecompany.com
omahamagazine.com/pages/subscribe
DINING GUIDE LEGEND
$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
4150 South 144th St. 402-894-9411
ZEN COFFEE COMPANY - $ West - 132nd and Center Downtown - 25th and Farnam One Pacific Place - Drive Thru Kiosk next to Trader Joes
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Charlie’s on the Lake
Omaha’s Riverfront Entertainment Venue
168th & •West WEDDINGS PARTIESCenter • EVENTS 11th & Harney motsomaha.com
JAMS OLD MARKET • 1101 Harney St • Happy Hour M-F 3pm-6pm
JAMS MIDTOWN • 7814 West Dodge Road • Sunday Brunch 10am-2pm •
meetings • parties • catering
Call Michelle at 402-676-2214
JAMS LEGACY • 17070 Wright Plaza • Party Rooms & Patios • jamseats.com
OR email events@cutchallmanagement.com
OUR STORY IS A STORY OF FAMILY. THINGS RELATED, BUT DIFFERENT. NATIONS, NORTH AND SOUTH. WE ARE AMERICAN-GROWN WITH MEXICAN ROOTS, PROUDLY CHICANO. FLAVORS, TRADITIONAL AND NEW. WE EVOLVE MEXICAN FAMILY RECIPES WITH OUR OWN MODERN TWIST. CITIES, EAST AND WEST. WITH ROOTS IN COUNCIL BLUFFS AND OMAHA, OUR MEMORIES AND DEDICATION TO THIS COMMUNITY SPAN THE MIGHTY MO. OUR STORY IS A STORY OF COUSINS. OR AS OUR ANCESTORS SAY, PRIMOS. WHERE FAMILY, FLAVOR AND COMMUNITY COME TO THE TABLE.
PRIMO’S OMAHA
5914 Center Street | Omaha, NE 68106 402-322-8141
PRIMO’S COUNCIL BLUFFS
930 5th Ave. | Council Bluffs, IA 51501 712-256-5200
Both locations are open for BREAKFAST AT 7 A.M. PRIMO’S OMAHA OFFERS THE LARGEST OUTDOOR HEATED PATIO IN OMAHA JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
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explore.
come and
LE T’S PLAN A ROAD TRIP!
COMPILED BY Claudia Moomey
DAYTR IPS I N NEBRASKA , I OWA , K AN SA S, M I SSOURI , A N D SOU T H DA K OTA Inclusion, this year’s program will feature a keynote address from a LES MISERABLES JANUARY 9 – 14 high-profile guest and the awardat the Lied Center for Performing ing of the annual Chancellor’s Arts in Lincoln This musical “Fulfilling the Dream” Award. Jan adaptation of Victor Hugo’s -mlk week.unl.edu/home famous novel presents the beautiful yet heart-wrenching journeys of multiple characters K E A RNE Y T OY SHO W FEBin 1800s France. RUARY 2 – 3 at Buffalo - t i c k e t m a s t e r . c o m County Fairgrounds in Kearney les-miserables-lincoln-01-13-2024 -allevents.in/kearney/ kearney-toy-show NEBRASKA
9-14
2024 NE DEER AND GA ME E XPO JANUARY 19 – 21 at the Lancaster
Event Center Fairgrounds in Lincoln
This three-day event will exhibit products and services from vendors with a focus on hunting. Providing a large platform for vendors to engage with potential customers, the hunting expo is sure to be a success for both buyer and seller. 877.738.4915. -nebraskadeerandgameexpo.com
GALVIN CELLO QUARTET JANUARY 28 at the Tassel Performing Arts
Center in Holdredge This fresh string
quartet secured the silver medal at the 2021 Fischoff Competition and exceeds expectations of traditional chamber music. 308.995.2717. -thetassel.org/event/galvin
MLK COMMEMORATIVE CELEBRATION JANUARY 30 at the Nebraska Union
Centennial Room in Lincoln Hosted
by UNL’s Office of Diversity and
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
NEBR A S K A BUIL DERS HOME & GARDEN SHOW FEBRUARY 9 – 11
at the Lancaster Event Center in Lincoln Hosted by the Home Builders
Association of Lincoln, this expo will display products and services from remodelers and landscapers. Admission is $10 per person, or $8 with a non-perishable food item to donate to the Lincoln Food Bank. 402.423.4225. -hbal.org
with special guest Lamb of God. Both metal bands from the ‘80s and ‘90s, these groups are sure to rock the arena and induce plenty of mosh ing a nd headba nging. -pinnaclebankarena.com/events/ detail/pantera
S TA R WA R S : T HE ORCHE S T R A S TRIK ES BACK FEBRUARY 16 at
the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln Dress up as your
favorite Star Wars character for the photo booth at this presentation of John Williams’s iconic Star Wars movie scores. The music will also include selections from various Star Wars stories, including The Mandalorian and Rogue One. -liedcenter.org IOWA
SIP AND S TROLL JANUARY 11 at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden in Des Moines Learn more
T WO RIV ERS VA L EN TINE’S DAY R ACE FEBRUARY 11 at Two Rivers
State Recreation Area in Waterloo -raceentr y.com/t wo-rivers-valentines-day-run/ race-information
about the beautiful Des Moines Botanical Garden from the director of horticulture with a tour of the gardens while enjoying a glass of wine. 21+ only. 515 .323 .6290. -dmbotanicalgarden.com
PA N T ER A WIT H L A MB OF GOD FEBRUA RY 14 at the Pinnacle
DES MOINES HOME & REMODELING SHOW 2024 JANUARY 12 – 14 at the
Bank Arena in Lincoln Heav y and
thrash metal fans can’t pass up this oppor tunity to see Pantera
Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines
Explore the latest trends in home and
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE WITH A SIDE OF COZY COMFORT. COME ENJOY SARPY COUNTY! Courtyard by Marriott Schramm State
a
Recereation Are
Werner Park, Papillion
Ice fishing area lakes and rivers
Stories Coffee
Snowshoeing in Fontenelle Forest
Alamo Drafthouse
Chocolaterie Stam
Stella’s Bar & Grill
Osaka Steak & Sushi
Candlewood Suites
Nebraska Crossing, Gretna
In Sarpy County, the fun doesn’t end in December. We’ve got plenty of wintertime activities to help beat the winter blues! Lift your spirits and hit the trails for some sunshine. Go cross country skiing, rent snow shoes at Fontenelle Forest to explore 19 miles of trails, or do a little ice fishing. You’ll also find numerous stores ready to enjoy, including Nebraska Crossing in Gretna and Shadow Lake Towne Center in Papillion. Or simply get out of the cold and head to one of our premier hotels. All this and more located just south of Omaha and along I-80. For a full list of shopping, restaurants and winter activities, visit us at
GoSarpy.com.
SEPTEMBER 2023
BELLEVUE • GRETNA • LA VISTA • PAPILLION • SPRINGFIELD • OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE • OMAHA METRO
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E XPLORE CAL E NDAR
or travel, this expo will meet attendees’ needs for their next great adventures. Veterans enjoy free admission with a military ID. 319.240.3571. -iowasportshows.com
garden design at this event hosted by the Home Builders Association of Des Moines. Attendees will discover a variety of décor, landscaping, and service providers at this creative design expo. 515.270.8500. -dsmhba.com
in Burlington This free event wel-
in Des Moines At the third largest indoor agriculture show, meet experts, see new products, and attend free seminars on various topics related to the industry. Jan Hosted by the International Traders of Iowa. 515.564.8000. -iowatraders.org
13
PUCCINI’S TOSCA JANUARY 19 & 21
at the Paramount Theater in Cedar Rapids In Giacomo Puccini’s clas-
sic opera tragedy, Floria Tosca and Mario Cavaradossi experience corruption, jealousy, and exploitation as Baron Scarpia attempts to take Tosca for his own. This production of Cedar Rapids Opera will be directed by Carol Vaness, with Daniel Kleinknecht conducting the orchestra. 319.366.8203 . -artsiowa.com
AKC ALL-BREED DOG SHOWS JANUARY 20 –21 at the Iowa State Fair-
grounds in Des Moines The newly
renovated 4-H building at the Iowa Fairgrounds will host two shows on January 20, and one show on January 21. Be ready for a display of adorable talent from various dog breeds at this all-ages event hosted by the Central Iowa Kennel Club. -cikc.net
UNIVERSIT Y OF OKOBOJI WINTER GAMES JANUARY 25–28 at the Iowa
Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce in Arnolds Park Embrace the
WINTER BLUES FES T FEBRUARY 10 –11 at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown in Des Moines Enjoy
this highly anticipated annual event in downtown Des Moines. Featuring notable blues musicians and various food and drinks, this event is a must for blues fans ever y where. 515 . 494 .6033 . - c i b s . o r g /c a t e g o r y / winter-blues-fest
THE PEKING ACROBATS FEBRUARY 17 at the Des Moines Civic Center in Des Moines This Chinese acrobatic
troupe will amaze audiences with their stunning feats and unbelievable physical ability. Accompanied by live musicians playing traditional Chinese instruments, these talented performers put on a jaw-dropping show that is reminiscent of a Chinese carnival, but also brings an air of daring mystery. 515.246.2300. -desmoinesperformingarts.org KANSAS
KINNOR PHILHARMONIC NEW YEAR’S DAY CONCERT JANUARY 1 at the
White Theater in Overland Park
cold and escape cabin fever with these winter games and competitions designed for locals and visitors alike. With events like broomball, flag football, chili cookoffs, polar plunge, a kite festival, and fireworks, this event promises a weekend full of fun and firsts. 712.332.2107. -uofowintergames.com
Hosted by the Jewish Community Center of Greater K ansas Cit y, this “suite” New Year ’s Day concer t will feature Christine Grossman on viola and Israeli composer Marc Lavr y, responsible for modern-day orchestral Israeli music. -t hejkc . or g /e v e nt s/2 0 2 4 /01 /01 / theatre/kinnor-philharmonic-newyear-s-day-concert
IOWA BOAT, RV & VACATION SHOW JANUARY 26 –28 at the UNI-Dome
BM W CCA CARS & COFFEE JANUA RY 6 at Panera Bread in Shaw-
in Cedar Falls Take advantage of
great pre-spring prices on fishing boats, pontoons, campers, and more at this market for all things outdoors. Whether fishing, hunting, // 92 //
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
land Park Convention Center in Overland Park Lower the stress
26-28 of planning a wedding by vis-
IOWA AG EXPO JANUARY 30 –FEBRUARY 1 at the Iowa Events Center
BURLINGTON COMIC & TOY SHOW JANUARY 13 at the Westland Mall comes all ages to learn about and purchase a variety of comic books, toys, and games. With v ideo game tour naments and cosplay showcases, the entire Westland Mall will be alive with fun. 319.753 .2891. -quadcitycon.com
Jan
K ANSAS CIT Y ENGAGED WEDDING SHOW JANUARY 7 at the Over-
nee Meet BM W ent husiasts in the Kansas City area over coffee to talk ever y thing cars. -carcruisefinder.com
iting this display of all things wedding. Learn about wedding trends and find local professionals in the industry at the Spring 2024 wedding expo. 816.229.9333. -opconventioncenter.com
CRE ATIV E LEGACY CONFERENCE JA NUA RY 25 –27 at Life Mission
Church in Olathe A conference for
pastors, worship leaders, and Christian innovators that will reinforce faith and spark creativity while networking with other people in the industry. In-person and online tickets available. 913 . 829 .7511 . -lifemission.church
JOHNSON COUNT Y HOME & GARDEN S HO W J A NU A RY 2 6 –28 at the
Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park This trade show
of decorative greener y, garden equ ipment , a nd la nd scapi ng tools will feature guest speeches from exper ts in related fields. -tradeindia.com/tradeshows/120459/ johnson-count y-home-gardenshow-2024
WINTER FARMER’S MARKET JANUARY 27 & FEBRUARY 24 at Lenexa
City Hall in Lenexa Shop cool-sea-
son vegetables, meats, bakery items, wine, and other farm-produced goods while supporting local vendors. -lenexa.com
PINNERS CONFERENCE 2024 FEBRUARY 2– 3 at the Overland Park
Convention Center in Overland Park Pinterest enthusiasts every-
where can enjoy all things DIY at this conference. Featuring classes on various topics and over 200 vendors, this event will spark creativity in crafting, cooking, home projects, and more. 801.822.1333 . -opconventioncenter.com /event/ pinners-conference-2024
34TH ANNUAL WINTERFEST BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL FEBRUARY 16–17 at the Marriott in Wichita Hosted by
the Kansas Bluegrass Association, enjoy bluegrass performances and activities, including workshops for banjo, mandolin, bass, fiddle, and more. 316.651.0333.
E XPLORE CAL E NDAR MISSOURI
CIRQUE CA RMEN: T ROUPE V ERTIGO JANUARY 19 –21 at the Kauff-
ENGAGED WINTER WEDDING SHOW JANUARY 7 at the Overland Park
Convention Center in Overland Park Get inspired and excited
man Center for Performing Arts in Kansas City Experience a unique
attracts competition car owners and enthusiasts alike. 816.513.5000. -kcconvention.com
Ster n conducts mezzo -soprano Joy DiDonato in this dazzling evening of music. Pieces include “ The Unanswered Question” by Charles Ives, “Transplanted Seeds” by Chen Yi and Zhou Long, and selec tion s by Gustav Ma h ler. -tickets . kcs y mphony.org/ joycedidonato/20572
cirque show that weaves stunJOHNNY CASH: THE OFFICIAL CONning physical feats together CERT EXPERIENCE FEBRUARY 10 with beautiful symphonic at the Kauffman Center in Kansas orchestration. Conducted City Produced in collaboration Feb by Jack Everly w ith with the Estate of Johnny Cash, a classic opera score by this multi-media event brings Georges Bizet. 816.994 .7222. the iconic “Man in Black” back -kauffmancenter.org to life with a live band accompanying his greatest hits. Catch footage and narraDREAM TIME PRINCESS BALL JANU- never-before-seen tion by John Carter Cash while redisARY 27 at the Loretto in Kansas City covering the music of Johnny Cash This children’s event allows particiand his contemporaries. 816.421.7500. pants to have extensive interaction -americantheaterguild.com and photographs with their favorite princesses and includes special memorabilia to take home. Participants MARDI GR AS PAR ADE FEBRUARY are encouraged to dress up like their 17 at Eco Park in St. Charles This favorite princess and enjoy the exclufree, family-friendly celebration sive performances by various prinwill feature local businesses and cess characters that make this magiperformers for a fun Mardi Gras cal event one-of-a-kind. 816.492.1933. event for all ages. 636.949.3200. -lorettoevents.com -stcharlescitymo.gov
ST. LOUIS AUTO AND MOTORCYCLE SHOW JANUARY 12–15 at The Dome
WORLD OF WHEELS CAR SHOW FEBRUARY 2– 4 at Bartle Hall in Kansas
at this all-things wedding expo. Enter to win prizes, meet with professionals, and discover over 150 vendors as the wedding to-do list gets checked off. 913.339.3000. -opconventioncenter.com
Jan
JOURNEY HOME STARRING JOYCE DIDONATO JANUARY 12 – 14 at the
Kauffman Center for Performing Arts in Kansas City M i c h a e l
at America’s Center in St. Louis The
Midwest’s premiere showcase of vehicles, this event features more than 500 new cars, trucks, and SUVs from over 25 manufacturers from around the world. Sponsored by the St. Louis Auto Dealers Association, this display of automobiles also encompasses the St. Louis Motorcycle Show. 314 .342 .5201. -stlouisautoshow.com
7
2-4
City A unique car show that has not
only hot rods, but manufacturing vehicles as well, this annual exhibition
SOUTH DAKOTA
SPOKE-N-SPORT NEW YEAR’S DAY BIK E RIDE JANUARY 1 at Spoke-
N-Sport Bike Shop in Sioux Falls
MONSTER JAM JANUARY 13–14 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City
At this action-packed event, world champion athletes and their 12,000pound monster trucks compete on the dirt and will be on display for audiences of all ages. During the preshow Monster Jam Pit Party, attendees can get an up-close look at the trucks, autographs from the drivers and crews, and an insider look at how the trucks are built. 816.949.7100. -t-mobilecenter.com
K ANSAS CIT Y ACTORS THE ATER’S GASLIGHT (ANGEL STREET ) JANUA RY 17– FEBRUA RY 4 at Union
Station in Kansas City This stage
adaptation of an Academy Awardwinning Victorian thriller tells the tale of a deceitful marriage in which a husband is committed to driving his wife to insanity. 816.361.5228. -w w w.kcactors.org/shows/gaslight JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
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E XPLORE CAL E NDAR
Ring in the new year with a fun winter bike ride. 605 . 275 . 2453 . -spoke-n-sport.com
THE NUTS NUTCRACKER 2024 JANUARY 13 at O’Gorman Performing Arts
Center in Sioux Falls Hosted by Conlin
Choreography, this contemporary take on the classic The Nutcracker ballet takes a unique twist, featuring several different styles of dance. Tickets will be available at the door. -lisaconlin.com
DE A D W OOD S NOCRO S S S HO WDOWN JANUARY 26 –27 at Days of
’76 Event Center in Deadwood Don’t
miss this weekend of snowmobile racing by over 150 of the top professional Snocross racers. 605.717.7642. -snocross.com
BL ACK HILLS STOCK SHOW & RODEO JANUARY 26–27 in Rapid City This
event includes a trade show, livestock sales, competitions, and seminars for farmers, enthusiasts, and the general public. 605 .355 .3861. -blackhillsstockshow.com
EMILY’S HOPE ART SHOW & AUCTION JANUARY 27 at Monick Yards in Sioux
d’oeuvres and desserts will be provided, and wine, beer, and cocktails will be available for purchase. -brandonvalleychamber.com
Falls This fundraiser for Emily ’s Hope will benefit the charity organization named for Emily Groth, a prolific painter whose life was cut short. This event will feaFeb. ture local and regional artists who have donated their work. -emilyshope.charity
16-18
BENSON’S FLE A MARK ET FEBRUA RY 3 – 4 at Expo Building W.H.
Lyon Fairgrounds in Sioux Falls The longest running flea market in South Dakota, this combination of new and old collectors’ items will offer a sense of nostalgia while keeping things fresh and exciting with new vendors. 605 .332 .6004 . -blackincevents.com
CA MP CRE AT E! FEBRUA RY 16–18 at Joy Ranch in Florence
Hosted by LifeScape Center for the Arts, this event is a retreat for ar tists with disabilities. -lifescapesd.org
EVENT TIMES AND DETAILS MAY CHANGE.
Visit omahamagazine.com for complete listings. Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.
AUCTION AMORE FEBRUARY 9 at
the Brandon Holiday Inn Express in Brandon This event will fea-
ture a silent auction, live auction, raff les, and live enter tainment from the Undercover Band. Hors
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DREAMS, DISCOVERIES, AND DESTINATIONS FROM THE METRO AND BEYOND
A ‘JUST RIGHT’ HOME
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NOT FUNNY // COLUMN BY OTIS TWELVE // PHOTOGRAPH BY BILL SITZMANN
WHY DO WE NEVER GET AN ANSWER
V
oltaire, the great philosopher of the Enlightenment, once said, “Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers.” What do you think he meant by that?
I love questions, especially the ones that, though asked years ago, remain unanswered. As Skeeter Davis asked us years ago, “Why do the birds go on singing?” Or as Bob Dylan inquired, “How many seas must a white dove sail?” Is anyone even working on the answers?
Unanswered questions can carry a lot of emotional impact. I remember asking my little brother on one dark, tragic day in my childhood, “What have you done with my parakeet?” The look in his wide, blue eyes was all the answer I could bear... all the answer I would ever get. Yesterday I was talking to a woman I see frequently… my wife. She seems to turn up in my house on a daily basis, and appears to be a generally pleasant type, so we frequently chat. Now, I think the secret to a good relationship is communication, and always finding ways to learn new things about your Significant Other in order to deepen the emotional bond that ties your two wandering souls together. And learning is all about questioning, right? Digression: Is there such a thing as an Insignificant Other? Anyway, one day, when I was meandering around the house, I bumped into the woman near the pet door leading to the deck and before you could say “What time is it?” she beat me to the metaphorical punch with, “When are we going to replace this old sliding door?” There was no, “Hi, How are you?” There were no pleasantries. She didn’t ask, “What have you been up to since this morning when you hit snooze on your alarm fourteen times?” Nor did she wonder, “Did you finish the soy milk and then put the carton back into the fridge?” or “Do you really not know how to read expiration dates?” Digression: An issue regarding anchovies had arisen some weeks before. Standing there, face to face, the silence stretching out between us… Faced with such a quandary, it was finally, at long last unavoidable. I was forced to face a matter I had been unsure of for most of the forty-six years we’ve been married. I shivered as I realized the question I had feared too much to ask had to be asked. I took her hand in mine, looked her straight in the eye, and let the words I had kept buried so very long in my heart of hearts come rushing out. “What’s your favorite thing about shovels?” Let me say right out front, I was willing to accept her answer no matter what it was. I am not a judgmental person. She didn’t say a word. She just gave me a look… you know… that look… and she walked away. So, I still don’t really know what she thinks about shovels. And she doesn’t know when I’m going to replace the sliding door.
*Tip of the Derby to the Moody Blues
JANUARY/FEBRUARY
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