Omaha Magazine January/February 2025 - The Health & Wellness Issue

WRITER ELOM AKOTO • CONNECTED THROUGH STRANDS OF HAIR • NEBRASKA SENIOR SOFTBALL LEAGUE • THE GUTSCHEWSKI GOLFERS • CLEAN SLATE

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 | U.S. $5.95

The Health and Wellness Issue THE WEIGHT

IS OVER on n i g n i h Weig ght i e W s ’ Pharma er Drug p Loss Su

WRONGFUL DEATH: a preventable death caused by another person or business’ carelessness.

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The perfect place for high-quality food before and/or after evening events.

Call 402.341.7040 or visit omaha-prime.com to make your reservation.

415 S. 11th St. Omaha, NE 68102 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 //

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TAB L E of CON T E N T S THE USUAL SUSPECTS 004 From the Editor

Happy, Healthy New You

006 Between the Lines 007 Calendar of Events 026 History

Mildred Brown

036 Adventure

Kathleen Merkel

065 Obviously Omaha

Six Unique Workouts in Omaha

082 Explore!

086 Instagram 088 Not Funny

A Whole New World

ARTS + CULTURE 014 Music

Jayde Dorsey

016 TV/Film

Kyle Wullschleger

020 Visual Arts

Margaret Block West

022 Literature

Elom K. Akoto

PE O P L E 042 Gen O

Rapper Sunny Gee

Michael Messerly

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028 COMING INTO RANGE CONNECTED THROUGH 036 STRANDS OF HAIR

Semaglutide Touches off a New Cottage Industry in Weight Loss

Hairstylists Elevate Self-Care

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

044 Sports

Gutschewski Golfers

052 Profile

Chad Brough

GIVING 046 Profile

Miss Amazing

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048 Calendar

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Listen to the entire issue here.

Open the camera on your smart device and hover over the QR code.

read current and previous issues online at omahamagazine.com Aissa Aset Bey

WRITER ELOM AKOTO • CONNECTED THROUGH STRANDS OF HAIR • NEBRASKA SENIOR SOFTBALL LEAGUE • THE GUTSCHEWSKI GOLFERS • CLEAN SLATE

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 | U.S. $5.95

The Health and Wellness Issue THE WEIGHT

IS OVER g in on Weighin Weight ’s Pharma er Drug p Loss Su

A B O U T T HE COV E R

036

Semaglutides have shaken up the diet industry, giving many who thought they would always be heavy a chance to lose weight. Story page 28.

Model: Adrian Robinson

60PLUS

058 Nostalgia

The Special K Diet

060 Active living

Bob Markworth

pe

sci

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Ca

062 Profile

oe

Nebraska Senior Softball League

DINING 066 Chef Profile Joel Walsh

068 Review

Clean Slate Cafe

072 Feature

Dolomiti

076 Dining Guide

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FROM THE EDITOR // LETTER BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN

HAPPY, HEALTHY NEW YOU

I

t’s a new year, and there’s bound to be a lot of “new” happening in 2025—from personal resolutions to the arts scene, it’s going to be an interesting year.

There are so many people doing great things in this community and beyond. In the arts scene alone, we have such a wide variety of interesting subjects. Kyle Wullschleger is a filmmaker from Omaha who got his start here with Minorwhite Studios, but is now traveling back and forth between his work in New York City, and his home in Oregon. Young musician Jayde Dorsey has been rising through the music world—highlighted by a performance at a political campaign stop in 2024. And in the photography sphere, Margaret Block West spends hours with a camera in her hands; that is, when she isn’t at her job as a medical oncologist at Nebraska Cancer Specialists in Omaha.

One inspiring story we have in the article is that of our second feature—the story of how hairstylists help people of diverse backgrounds look, and feel, amazing. Hairstylists such as Aissa Aset Bey and the co-owners of JPalm Hairdressing. Getting one’s hair done is a mental boost for many people, but what if one is uncomfortable having their head touched? What if someone wants to have their hair go completely natural? These ideas are explored in the article.

Omaha is quite the food town, and there are plenty of fascinating people working in the food industry here. The Ashton downtown is home to Dolomiti Pizzeria & Enoteca, which is run by Tim Maides, known formerly as Chef Maides. He curated this restaurant with a northern Italian vibe to make people feel relaxed and welcome, and Maides himself is a large part of what makes that work. Chef Joel Walsh has an incredible story—before coming to Omaha and becoming Le Bouillon’s Chef de Cuisine, he worked in Los Angeles, where he cooked for events such as the Oscars.

Together, the possibilities are endless We make big things happen through real estate - success, purpose, good people doing great things together day after day. al Re

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Speaking of food, with a new year comes a new chance to get healthy—to lose weight, to exercise, and more. Our main feature is about the benefits (and perils) of using semaglutides to lose weight.

These relatively new drugs are helping people shed pounds and feel better about themselves. We spoke to several people, medical professionals and patients alike, to get their perspective on how these “miracle drugs” are shaking up the weight-loss industry.

There are so many people in this town who make Omaha one of the best cities in the Midwest. This opening letter touched on just a few of them. Hopefully, the pages of this magazine will inspire each reader to become better, and healthier, over the next few months.

Happy 2025, and best wishes from everyone here at Omaha Publications.

Daisy Hutzell-Rodman Interim Editor-in-Chief Omaha Publications daisy@omahapublications.com *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.

KEEPING IT COZY

2025 // 5 // VisitWatertownSD.com JANUARY/FEBRUARY TravelSouthDakota.com

Between

THE LINES A LOOK AT TH R E E OMAHA MAGAZINE CO N T R I B U TO R S

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 VOLUME 42 // ISSUE VIII

EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief

KIM CARPENTER Associate Editor & Staff Writer

NATALIE VELOSO

Assignment Editor & Staff Writer

CLAUDIA MOOMEY Content Creator

ISABELLA McATEE

DAWN GONZALES —Contributing Writer Gonzales has been passionate about storytelling since age 5, which naturally led to a fulfilling 30-plus year career in marketing, public relations, and corporate communications. With an eye for detail, she enjoys writing about people and places that may seem ordinary at a glance, but are actually extraordinary stories. Outside of work, she loves strolling through the neighborhood with her dogs, diving into book club reads, or perfecting her needlepoint projects. An Omaha native, Gonzales is married to her high school sweetheart and takes pride in having raised two daughters.

Interim Editor-in-Chief & Content Studios Omaha Managing Editor

DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN Contributing Writers

TAMSEN BUTLER · CAROL CRISSEY NIGRELLI · GREG ECHLIN KYLE EUSTICE · DAWN GONZALES · CHRIS HATCH BRANDI LONG-FRANK · JEFF KOTERBA · SARA LOCKE HOLLY McATEE · DOUGLAS “OTIS TWELVE” WESSELMANN

CREATIVE Creative Director

RACHEL BIRDSALL Senior Graphic Designer

RENEÉ LUDWICK Graphic Designer II

NICKIE ROBINSON Graphic Designer I

JOEY WINTON

CHRIS HATCH —Contributing Writer Hatch is a lifelong Nebraska resident who is thrilled to be contributing to Omaha Magazine once again. When he is not shuttling his kids back and forth to dance practice and football games, he loves spending time with his wife, Anne, and listening to podcasts about grisly crimes. Hatch is a University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate who splits his spare time between watching campy '80s horror movies and running when possible.

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SALES DEPARTMENT Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing

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DAWN DENNIS · GEORGE IDELMAN GREG BRUNS · TIM McCORMACK FRANCINE FLEGG Publisher’s Assistant & OmahaHome Editor Emeritas

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ALICIA HOLLINS

Since retiring as a public relations manager for the U.S. Postal Service in January 2018, Humphries has continued to pursue his passions. A cornerstone of Omaha’s nonprofit community, he serves on several boards, including the University of Nebraska at Omaha Alumni Association Board and the Omaha Press Club.

Humphries is a freelance photographer, capturing everything from headshots to major events and contributing to several metro-Omaha magazines. His love for animals keeps him busy as a top-rated Rover dog walker and boarder, where his furry clients adore him. And when it is time to unwind, you’ll find Humphries at UNO hockey games, proudly supporting the Mavs as a member of the Blue Line Club Board.

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Omaha Magazine Vol 42 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.

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S T AY I N T H E K N O M A H A !

The metro is jam packed with tons to do—art, concerts, theater, festivals—we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive list and highlighted picks!

COMPILED BY ISABELLA McATEE

Concert

WALLOWS

The Astro Theater Feb. 6 8302 City Centre Dr. theastrotheater.com An American alternative rock band from Los Angeles, Wallows, is coming to Omaha. Their first album, "Pleaser," which they recorded independently in 2017 quickly hit No. 2 on the Spotify Global Viral 50 chart. In 2018 they signed with Atlantic Records and released their major studio debut album. Dylan Minnette, the band’s guitarist and vocalist, is also known for acting in shows such as "Grey's Anatomy," Netflix’s "13 Reasons Why," "Supernatural," and more. The tour is to celebrate their newest album, "Model," which was released in March 2024. The album had a short film that accompanied it that was announced at the same time. 531.283.5212

Stage Performance

INSIDIOUS: THE FURTHER YOU FEAR The Orpheum Omaha Jan. 22 409 S. 16th St. o-pa.org

Be transported into the world of the 2010s-2020s horror fi lm franchise "Insidious." The live stage show will use terrifying special effects, revolutionary technology, modern illusions, and more to fully immerse audience members into terror.

The live show is hosted by actors portraying Specs and Tucker, the original paranormal investigators that inspired the movie series, as they accidentally unleash dark horrors. Catch iconic "Insidious" characters such as the Red Face Demon, the Bride in Black, and the Wheezing Man onstage.

The audience will become trapped in a haunted theater and wonder what is a part of the show and what is chillingly real. 402.345.0606

Exhibition

SYNCHRONICITIES: INTERSECTING FIGURATION WITH ABSTRACTION

The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts Jan. 18-May 4 724 S. 12th St. bemiscenter.org Celebrating the fluidity of art and artists navigating the space between abstraction and figuration, "Synchronicities: Intersecting Figuration with Abstraction" will bring a visual art journey to Omaha. Featuring art by Carolyn Salas, Heather Rasmussen, Sheree Hovsepian, Liz McCarthy, Laura Hart Newlon, Sondra Perry, Leia Genis, Amy Pleasant, and Christina Quarles. The artists invite guests to interpret the layered meanings of the pieces. Carolyn Salas’ sculpture work combines geometric lines and organic shapes. Heather Rasmussen uses photography to capture ethereal moments of nature. The showcase of all of the artists together brings the conversation of the human experience to the table. Each work in the exhibit encapsulates the flow of art and natural life intersecting with emotion. 402.341.7130

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» Exhibitions « BEYOND COMBAT: WORLD WAR I THROUGH THE LENS OF “DOC” COOK

Th rough Jan. 12 at The Durham Museum, 801 S 10th St. Explore the untold stories of World War I through the captivating photography of R.H. “Doc” Cook, a military engineer who captured life beyond the battlefield. Th is temporary exhibition showcases images from Cook’s collection, revealing the vital work of the 313th Engineers, from building bridges to restoring war-torn regions. With a dedicated theater area for viewing additional photographs, this exhibition offers a unique and immersive experience of World War I history. 402.444.5071 —durhammuseum.org

EVA LEWITT

Th rough Jan. 20 at Th e Joslyn, 2200 Dodge St. See the whimsy of sculpting come to life through Eva Lewitt’s work. Her goal is to challenge the function of materials and space. The exhibit, within The Joslyn’s Riley Contemporary Artists Project Gallery, encourages visitors to question their expectation of the space. Lewitt’s work is rooted in play and brings together the abstract styles of minimalism and conceptualism.

402.342.3300 —joslyn.org

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

ABRAHAM LINCLON: PRESIDENT, EMANCIPATOR, CORPORATE PITCHMAN

Jan. 25-April 27, at The Durham Museum, 801 S 10th St. Th is immersive and multi-sensory exhibit will bring one of America’s most loved and iconic figures to life. The exhibit will highlight all of Lincoln's roles throughout his life.

The president who led our country through the Civil War, the emancipator who worked to abolish slavery, the lead in modern advertising, and praised American. Merging history with visual art, tactile images, and sound will allow all guests to step into Lincoln’s shoes. Learn more about an iconic American President only at The Durham Museum.

402.444.5071 — durhammuseum.org

GLOW AT THE KIEWIT LUMINARIUM

Through Jan. 26 at The Kiewit Luminarium, 345 Riverfront Dr. GLOW returns to The Kiewit Luminarium for another year. The exhibit explores the science of light around the holiday season. Guests will get a chance to see immersive art installations that use light as a medium, participate in science programming from biology to astrophysics, and even try a glowing drink.

The light art featured is from both local and international artists. GLOW is free with a daytime ticket or general admission ticket. Learn about the wonders of light with the whole family.

402.502.3366 — kiewitluminarium.org

CLÉMENT COGITORE: LES INDES GALANTES

Th rough Feb. 23 at The Joslyn, 2200 Dodge St. Clément Cogitore combines cinema, photography, and installations to comment on all notions of the sacred. Ritual and memory come together through this fi lm, which brings together a moving Baroque soundtrack and dance to tell a moving story. The choreography is K.R.U.M.P., a dance style that was formed in Los Angeles as early as the 1960s. Les Indes Galantes takes its title and music from a 1735 opera-ballet by French composer Jean-Philippe Rameau. 402.342.3300 —joslyn.org

ED RUSCHA: PAPER

Th rough Feb. 23 at The Joslyn, 2200 Dodge St. Discover the world of a celebrated California artist in Ed Ruscha: Paper. Known for his pop art explorations, Ruscha transforms everyday subjects—such as roadside gas stations, consumer products, and commercial logos—into extraordinary art. His fascination with colloquial speech is evident in his use of witty wordplay, puns, and catchphrases, which add a layer of intrigue to his works. These pieces, part of a recent gift to the museum, span over six decades and feature a variety of media and techniques, from ink and acrylic to pencil, pastel, and even gunpowder.

402.342.3300 —joslyn.org

ANTARCTIC DINOSAURS

Feb. 25-May 4, at The Durham Museum, 801 S 10th St. Embark on a thrilling paleontology adventure and witness the latest discovery in Antarctica: Dinosaurs! The now ice-covered frozen continent was once a lush habitat for creatures 200 million years ago. Guests will learn about the dinosaurs that inhabited Antartica with real fossils, engaging elements, interactive activities, and more. The exhibit features a meteorite from Antartica, real Cryolophosaurus and Glacialisaurus dinosaur skeletons, and large-scale replicas from touchable casts to interactive 3D models.

Bring the entire family to learn about the “lost continent” and the life of a scientist explorer.

402.444.5071 — durhammuseum.org

rediscover omaha's expanded & transformed art museum 5,000 years of human creativity across three buildings. Open Tue through Sun, 10 am–4 pm, late until 8 pm Wed and Thu. Free general admission to all, always.

plan your visit today

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Joslyn Art Museum 2200 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 (402) 342-3300 joslyn.org JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 //

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Concerts BIG HEAD TODD AND THE MONSTERS 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

Jan. 9 at The Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. Not all friend groups stand the test of time; however, Big Head Todd and The Monsters have been a band of friends for almost four decades. The quartet of friends has gone platinum for their original rock and roll blues sound. Notably, they played their song “Blue Sky” live at NASA Mission Control, have toured with Neil Diamond, The Eagles, Dave Matthews Band, and more. Th is 40th anniversary tour will highlight their hits and bring their incredible stage presence to Omaha.

402.345.7569 — theslowdown.com

NIRVANI

Jan. 11 at The Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. Formed in 2021, this Nirvana tribute experience lights up stages with nostalgia every time they rock a stage. The band has said that for them it is so much more than a tribute. It’s playing an homage to the golden era of rock music, and shining a light on how much Nirvana marked that era as their own. Each of the three band members are dedicated to accurately portraying both the appearances and the musical styles of Cobain, Novoselic, and Grohl. Grab your tickets to go back in time and see Nirvani.

402.345.7569 — theslowdown.com

ZACH TOP

Jan. 16 at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. Zach Top grew up on Sunnyside, WA, loving classic country music and working on the family farm. He formed a band with his siblings at 7-years-old and is now hailed by Rolling Stone as one of the “hottest acts right now.” His debut album, Cold Beer & Country Music, racked up over 3.5 million streams. He was nominated for New Artist of the Year at the 58th annual CMA Awards. Grab your friends and your cowboy hat to hear Zach Top at Steelhouse in Omaha.

402.345.0606 — steelhouseomaha.com

NOT QUITE BROTHERS

Jan. 17 at The Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. Hailing from Central Iowa, Not Quite Brothers is the fastest growing cover band from the area.

The band formed in 2018 and became known for their ability to light up any party and their show-stopping setlists. The grossing cover band of the younger generation is made up of a set of twins and three not quite related brothers. Watch Not Quite Brothers play favorites of every genre thinkable and be transported to the prime time of the groups.

402.345.7569 — theslowdown.com

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

THE ULTIMATE DOORS: A TRIBUTE TO THE DOORS

Jan. 25 at Th e Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. Formed with the intention of preserving The Doors sound and energy, The Ultimate Doors bring a unique experience to fans young and old. Their intense attention to detail is the key to their perfected replication of The Doors sound.

They even have the exact same equipment as The Doors used in the 1960s, complete with vintage clothing. Be transported back to the 60s and watch the band perfectly portray Jim Morrison, Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger and John Densmore. 402.345.7569 — theslowdown.com

COLLECTIVE SOUL

Feb. 11 at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. Atlanta based post-grunge rock band, Collective Soul, is made up of brothers Ed and Dean Roland, Will Turpin, Johnny Rabb, and Jesse Triplett. They have been active since 1992 and have released numerous albums. In 1994, their single “Shine” got them recognized by Atlantic Records and hit number one on the Mainstream Rock and places fourth on the Mainstream Top 40 chart the same year. The following album caused them to go triple platinum and spend 76 weeks on the Billboard 200. In 2024, the band released their very fi rst double album titled Here to Eternity which they recorded at Elvis Presley’s estate. The nationwide tour is in celebration of the double album and will be alongside Hootie & the Blowfi sh and Edwin McCain. A tour fans and newcomers alike don’t want to miss.

402.345.0606 — steelhouseomaha.com

HIPPO CAMPUS: FLOOD TOUR

Feb. 15 at The Astro Theater, 8302 City Centre Dr. Hailing from Saint Paul, MN, the band is inspired by UK bands Little Comets and King Krule. Their alternative indie pop music has lit up numerous stages. They have performed at Lollapalooza, South by Southwest, Hinterland Music Festival, as well as being on Conan. In 2017 the band was named one of NPR Music’s favorite new artists. The FLOOD Tour is for their new album, Flood, which was released in September of 2024. 531.283.5212 — theastrotheater.com

NEWSBOYS: WORLDWIDE REVIVAL NIGHTS

Feb. 16 at The Astro Theater, 8302 City Centre Dr. The Newsboys are a Christian rock band originally hailing from Australia and formed in 1985. They have released 17 studio albums, six of them have gone golden. They have had featured appearances in the God’s Not Dead movie trilogy alongside their music career. Their Worldwide Revival Nights Tour is their 40th tour, going nationwide. Hear hits from the band’s discography as well as the tracks on the two-part album, only at The Astro Theater. 531.283.5212 — theastrotheater.com

THE BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY

Feb. 20 at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. The Black Jacket Symphony is a group of carefully hand-picked musicians that specialize in rock and roll. They play through entire albums as if the audience just put the vinyl on and listened in entirety. The group has been wowing audiences for the past 13 years, mastering over 40 classic rock albums. The musicians study each album, no small detail or beat is gone unstudied, and they work to perfectly reproduce the tracks. Come hear an album from their rock studded discography like never before at Steelhouse Omaha.

402.345.0606 — steelhouseomaha.com

MOLCHAT DOMA

Feb. 24 at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. The Belausian new wave synth pop group, Molchat Doma, will make their way to Omaha this Feb.. Since the band’s orgin in 2017, they have released four albums and peaked at number two on the Spotify Viral 50 in 2018 for their song “Bedpan” from the Floors album. The band has described their sound as “post-punk, new wave, and darker ends of synth-pop” with their drum machine and dystopian sound. Watch Molchat Doma turn Steelhouse Omaha into a gloomy rock atmosphere. 402.345.0606 — steelhouseomaha.com

TYLER BRADEN: THE DEVIL YOU KNOW TOUR

Feb. 28 at The Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. With over 5 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Tyler Braden is the country artist who will set the world on fi re with his sound. The tour will shine a light on his debut EP Neon Grave and his single Devil You May Know. The six tracks within Neon Grave showcase his original and dynamic approach to country sound. The songs bring out his personal experiences and emotions.

Watch Tyler Braden bring Neon Grave to life and light up The Slowdown this Feb.. 402.345.7569 — theslowdown.com

STAGE PERFORMANCES CLUE

Jan. 7-12 at The Orpheum Omaha, 409 S 16th St. Based on the loved 1985 Paramount movie and the classic 1949 Hasbro board game, Clue the stage performance will come to Omaha at The Orpheum. Six mysterious guests come together at the Boddy Manor for an unforgettable night of mingling. The iconic whodunit will play out in front of audiences, as guests decipher whether it was Professor Plum in the library with a wrench or Mrs. Peacock in the lounge with the candlestick live. Grab your friends and family for this comedic show that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last second.

402.345.0606 — o-pa.org

WAITRESS

Jan. 14-Feb. 16 at the Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. The Tony Award-winning musical based off the book by Jessie Nelson, Waitress follows a pie-maker's journey through life’s troubles. Jenna, small town pie-maker, is trapped in a small town and an unsatisfying marriage. She is working hard day and night to open her own pie shop, a lifelong dream, but an unplanned pregnancy may get in the way. Th is musical featuring music and lyrics by Grammy Award winner Sara Bareilles is a must see. Grab your friends and family to come see the musical that Entertainment Weekly called “a little slice of heaven,” grace the stage of the Omaha Community Playhouse. 402.553.0800 — omahaplayhouse.com

KATHLEEN MADIGAN

Jan. 17 at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. Stand-up comedian and tv personality Kathleen Madigan was born in Florissant, Missouri, as one of seven children. Her comedy career has taken her many places, including having a job with The Funny Bone nationwide chain, being on numerous tv shows such as late-night talk shows and Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, and she has done many tours. In 2020, Madigan started her own comedy podcast, Madigan’s Podcast, to bring her humor to more people in a new way. Come one come all to the comedy show you must see, Kathleen Madigan at Steelhouse Omaha. 402.345.0606 — steelhouseomaha.com

SECRET KINDNESS AGENTS

Jan. 17-Feb. 2 at The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St. Secret Kindness Agents follows secret agents Glitter Waffles, Chameleon, Stinger, and Ringleader as they have been recruited by the undercover Agent Sunflower. Agent Sunflower is currently undercover as the Ellis Elementary School counselor. Their mission: to make their school a kinder environment. The spies will battle keeping their identity secret, the winter blues which has swept over the school, and decoding messages from headquarters. Th is show, which The Rose calls a “spy-tastic adventure play,” is a glitter fi lled show for all ages in Omaha. 402.345.4849 — rosetheater.org

MATT MATHEWS

Jan. 25 at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. Photographer and Comedian Matt Mathews will come to Steelhouse Omaha to blow Omaha away. Matthews had always known he wanted to be an entertainer. He sang as a child but found an eventual love in photography and comedy.

Attending nursing school, he did photography on the side for extra cash until he realized it was his true passion. He is touring all across the nation with his comedy special set and will stop in Omaha during his busy tour. Get ready for Matt Matthews at Steelhouse Omaha Jan. 25. 402.345.0606 — steelhouseomaha.com

BROADWAY, MY WAY

Feb. 1 at the Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Tony Award winner Norbert Leo Butz will come to the Omaha Community Playhouse for a night of singing and storytelling.

Butz hailed from a large family, being seventh of 11 children, and has been on the tv screen and plenty of famous Broadway stages. He is one of only nine actors to ever win a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Broadway Musical twice. His signature roles, which he originated, include Fiyero in Wicked and Jamie in The Last Five Years. Don’t miss the chance to hear Butz bring hit songs from his roles back to life and tell industry anecdotes along the way. 402.553.0800 — omahaplayhouse.com

APPROPRIATE

Feb. 6-March 2 at the Blue Barn Theatre, 1106 S 10th St. In this dark comedy show, audiences will watch as the Lafayette family discovers ancestral histories and more about each other after the death of their father. Toni thought that the trip back to Arkansas to clean out his father’s estate would be a time to honor memories and reconnect. Little does he know what is in store.

An estranged brother shows up, disturbing and mysterious objects are everywhere, fights break out, and secrets are spilled in this fast-paced comedy show. 402.345.1576 — bluebarn.org

KIMBERLY AKIMBO

Feb. 11-16 at Th e Orpheum Omaha, 409 S 16th St. The musical which won five 2023 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Kimberly Akimbo, will come to The Orpheum theatre for their Broadway tour. The musical follows Kimberly, a teen girl about to turn 16 and is the new girl in town. The show, which The New Yorker calls a “howlingly funny heartbreaker of a show,” highlights dysfunctional families, teen life with a rare genetic condition, having a fi rst crush, and more. Don’t miss your chance to see the most Tony Award-winning show of the season. 402.345.0606 — o-pa.org

BEN BAILY

Feb. 15 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Comedian Ben Baily will come to perform live in Omaha. Famous for hosting the three-time Emmy Award-winning game show Cash Cab as well as Who’s Still Standing, Ben Baily specializes in observational comedy and satirical jokes. Baily has guest-starred on shows such as 30 Rock, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Brain Games, and more. Prior to starring in Cash Cab and having specials on Comedy Central, Baily began his comedy career as a bouncer for a comedy club and made his way to major comedy festivals across the world.

402.345.0606 — o-pa.org

TAMMY PESATELLI

Feb. 16 at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St. Pesatelli brings her own take on all things from sports, to tv, to family life, and dating. Her sets using tongue in cheek humor are relatable to every audience. Not just sticking to standup comedy, she also dabbles in television with guest star roles on tv and movies. She was a guest star on “Blue Bloods” and will be in the movie “Nonna’s” starring Vince Vaughn and Susan Sarandon. Bring your friends and family to see Tammy Pesatelli bring endless laughter to Funny Bone and leave wishing she was your won best friend and sister. 402.493.8036 — omaha.funnybone.com

DOT

Feb. 21-March 23 at the Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. The New York Times describes this play as “a thoroughly entertaining comedy-drama.” The play follows the Shealy household from West Philedelphia as Dotty Shealy, mother of three adult children, battles developing dementia during the holiday season.

Her children must fi gure out how to care for the woman who took care of them. The play doesn’t miss comedy, showing the amusing parts of family life even through a struggle. Bring your own family to watch Dot at The Omaha Community Playhouse. 402.553.0800 — omahaplayhouse.com

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FRAGGLE ROCK LIVE

VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER

Feb. 23 at Th e Orpheum Omaha, 409 S 16th St. Jim Henson’s 1983 smash hit, Fraggle Rock, comes to life onstage with the Fraggle Rock Live stage show. Everyone’s favorite Fraggles will make an appearance. Doozers and Gorg’s interactive, exciting, musical adventure is perfect for guests of any age. The musical follows the story of Gobo Fraggle discovering the legend of a lost Fraggle treasure called the Song Stone. His pals join him on the journey to fi nd the Song Stone as they discover more about themselves. Lifelong fans and kids of all ages will love Fraggle Rock Live. 402.345.0606 — o-pa.org

JOE GATTO

Feb. 28 at Th e Orpheum Omaha, 409 S 16th St. Joe Gatto, most known for being a part of the four-person comedy show success Impractical Jokers will come to Omaha. After just touring for two years on his Joe Gatto’s Night of Comedy Tour which sold out theaters across the U.S., Canada, and Australia, he is back on the tour circuit. Th roughout his personal tours and tours with the Impractical Jokers, he has sold out venues such as Madison Square Garden.

Grab your tickets before he sells out Omaha too.

402.345.0606 — o-pa.org

FAMILY, FESTIVALS, & MORE

Feb. 14 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. The Lauritzen Gardens hails their dinner as “one of the most beautiful Valentine’s Day dinners in Omaha,” a night of romance and gourmet food for all. Th is three-course meal will feature a fi rst course of goat cheese, pistachio, dried apricot, and sweet potato salad as well as a decadent miniature dessert platter for their fi nal course.

Guests can choose between five different main courses to customize their evening, making it perfect for their taste. Enjoy a romantic and delicious night with your loved one surrounded by the beauty of Omaha’s Lauritzen Gardens.

402.346.4002 — lauritzengardens.org

ODDITIES AND CURRIOSITIES EXPO 2025

Jan. 25 & 26 at the CHI Health Center, 455 N 10th St. The world’s largest traveling oddities event is making a stop in Omaha. The expo will highlight specialized vendors, dealers, artists, small businesses, and weird things alike. Get a look at taxidermy, specimens, artwork, horror, antiques, handcrafted work, funeral collectibles, and more. For lovers of the strange, the 2025 Oddities and Curiosities Expo at the CHI Health Center is the place for you. See all things weird and bizarre for yourself. 402.341.1500 — chihealthcenteromaha.com

FOREVER YOURS BRIDAL SHOW

Feb. 16 at Hilton Omaha, 1001 Cass St. The enchanting evening for future brides in Omaha, the Forever Yours Bridal Show will bring Hilton Omaha to life with love and decor. Guests will be immersed in elegance as they discover the latest bridal trends, rings, gowns, florals, and more. Guests will also get the chance to meet and connect with top wedding professionals from across the country. They will sample gourmet catering, participate in DIY workshops, and explore possibilities for their big day. Just like any wedding, this bridal show is perfectly and precisely planned so that everyone in attendance experiences magic. 402.998.3400 — foreveryoursbridalshow.com

SAPPHIC FACTORY: QUEER JOY PARTY

Jan. 3 at The Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. Grab your friends and dance to the music of Muna, Fletcher, Phoebe Bridgers, Boy Genius, Kim Petras, Marina, Elio, Ashnikko, Girl in Red, Tegan and Sara, and more. The event is collaborating with Plus1 to give a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales to local LGBTQIA+ nonprofits and charities. Put on your sequins, grab your lashes, and celebrate queer joy in Omaha at Sapphic Factory in The Slowdown. 402.345.7569 — theslowdown.com

THE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS

Jan. 9 at Baxter Arena, 2425 S 67th St. Representing over 90 years of trick shots and exhibition, The Harlem Globetrotters will come to Omaha’s Bater Arena to wow crowds. Originating in 1926 from the South Side of Chicago, the team combines entertainment, athleticism, comedy, theater, and more into their play. Their current roster features men and women basketball players showing off tricks as well as their two mascots, Globie and Big G. Whether guests are basketball fans, athletes themselves, or comedy lovers, they will be in awe and laughter throughout a night with The Harlem Globetrotters. 402.554.6200 — baxterarena.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.

// 12 //

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

Editor’s note: He’s back! Jeff Koterba, a friend of Kim Carpenter and Daisy Hutzell-Rodman, has kindly accepted an assignment for Omaha Magazine to produce a cartoon that will appear in each future edition of Omaha Publications. Koterba had a long career as the editorial cartoonist with the Omaha World-Herald and we are elated to have him grace the pages of Omaha Magazine.

We want to start things off by presenting you with a cartoon showing Koterba, and his bio.

J

eff Koterba is the host of Morning Classics on KVNO, Omaha’s Classical Radio, having taken the reins from Otis Twelve.

He’s also an award-winning cartoonist whose work appears in over 800 newspapers worldwide. His original drawings have flown on space shuttle Discovery and have been exhibited in Paris, and elsewhere in France.

A two-time TEDx speaker, he often speaks on creativity, problem solving, and entrepreneurship. He is also a creativity coach.

Entertainment Weekly called his memoir, “Inklings”: “…a powerful and moving portrait of an artist.”

A painter and sculptor, he often finds inspiration for his subject matter by having been struck by lightning.

Koterba writes music, sings, and plays guitar and mandolin in his swing band, Prairie Cats, and has performed at South by Southwest and the World Trade Center in New York.

An avid Francophone, he's the founder of Café et Conversation Midwest, the largest free, weekly French conversation meetup in America.

He’s also a board member of Alliance Française Omaha.

If that isn’t enough to keep him busy, he also serves as a board member of the Omaha’s Public Arts Commission.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 //

13 //

For expanded content, open the camera on your smart device and hover over the QR code above.

A Rising Star in Gospel Music

A/C MUSIC // STORY BY BRANDI LONG-FRANK PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE // DESIGN BY JOEY WINTON

Jayde Dorsey, a 12-year-old talented gospel singer from North Omaha, captivates audiences with her soulful voice and deep emotional connection to her music. With the support of her close-knit family, her vocal journey has been a testament to her resilience and determination to inspire others, particularly young girls with dreams of their own.

Her dedication to gospel music became a powerful emotional outlet, particularly during difficult times.

“A couple of months ago, I had the chance to sing at my grandmother’s memorial. All the emotions I felt just poured out through my singing, and it helped me process what my family was going through. When I sing, I feel like my emotions flow smoothly, and it just feels right,” she explained.

This ability to channel her feelings into her music give Dorsey’s performances an authentic, heartfelt quality that audiences can feel, too.

During her performance at the Harris–Walz campaign rally last August at The Astro in Papillion, Dorsey moved audience members with a powerful rendition of the 1964 R&B song “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke. For Dorsey, the song choice was more than just a selection from her playlist—it was a way to channel her beliefs and emotions into something transformative.

“I really enjoy singing powerful songs, and that’s one of the reasons I chose to sing a version of a song by Sam Cooke,” she shared. “It’s such a powerful piece, and when I perform it, I think of happy moments and pour everything out on stage.

Singing it just made me feel good.”

Dorsey’s journey in music isn’t a solo one. Her family’s unwavering support plays a crucial role in her growth and confidence. She credits her parents for encouraging her to follow her passions, adding that every decision she makes, she wholeheartedly embraces. “My parents have been very supportive of everything I do, and I truly enjoy all of it—I’m not forced into any of it,” she said. This familial foundation also extended to pageantry, a realm where Dorsey’s love for beauty and health intersected with her desire to build self-confidence.

Pageants became a space where Dorsey could refine her poise and grace, and they were instrumental in helping her gain confidence—skills she has carried over to her music career. She explained, “Pageants have taught me so much about confidence. With every pageant, I learn more about myself and gain more self-assurance by meeting new people and learning new things.” Each experience on stage, whether a pageant or performance, she uses as an avenue for self-discovery.

Dorsey also has a deep passion for inspiring even younger generations. “I tell young girls who want to sing that it’s a lot of hard work and requires sacrifices. You must practice and work for it, even if you can't hit a certain note at first,” she said.

“Giving advice to little girls inspires them, and it also makes me feel good to encourage them and help them feel confident about themselves.”

Part of her discipline and preparation for success has involved a strict approach to her health. For Dorsey, taking care of her voice is paramount, and she has incorporated specific routines to ensure she’s always performance-ready.

“Before a performance, I avoid dairy and ice cream— which is hard, because I love it—but it’s worth it to be at my best,” she said with a smile. Dorsey’s commitment to her craft means she’s willing to make these sacrifices, knowing that even small choices can ultimately enhance her vocal strength and control. This mindset, paired with the discipline she built with her pageant background, has led her to approach her music career holistically, with self-care always at the forefront.

Dorsey has her sights set on growing as a gospel artist, continuing to use her music to uplift others and spread positivity to all who are willing to listen. Though her journey is just beginning, her commitment to excellence and passion for making a difference hint at a promising future. Dorsey has proven she’s not just a singer—she’s a source of inspiration and a role model.

"WHEN I

SING, I FEEL LIKE MY EMOTIONS FLOW AND IT JUST FEELS

SMOOTHLY, RIGHT." JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 //

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A/C TV/FILM STORY BY KYLE EUSTICE PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK

Cinematographer Kyle Wullschleger Built a Career On Relationships

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

alley, Nebraska, native Kyle Wullschleger is in Eagle Creek, Oregon, renovating his version of an idyllic dream home. He’s been flying back and forth from New York City to the small rural town for the past two years when his demanding career as a cinematographer allows.

This idyllic home comes with goats. The self-described “animal lover” rescued 15 of them, and they are scattered across the eightacre property.

“My neighbor kind of talked me into it when I moved out here,” Wullschleger admitted. “He does the same thing. He's connected to a rescue organization, and he has, like, 30-something goats. He’s an animal lover, and I was so pleased to move next to somebody else that loves animals.”

Wullschleger’s love of animals started early, and by the time he was in high school, he’d landed an internship at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo with aspirations of being a zookeeper. Although it evolved into a part-time job, he eventually realized he didn’t want a career that involved shoveling manure half the day.

“You’re kind of an animal janitor,” he said with a laugh. “I don’t want to take away from the other parts of what it is, but it’s so much cleaning.”

Drawing from his passion for nature documentaries like “Wild Kingdom” and National Geographic films, Wullschleger pivoted and decided to focus on filmmaking and photography. His initial experience came from an unexpected place: Omaha Public Power District.

“A friend of a friend also worked in that department, and he was like, ‘Yeah, they have internships available,’” he remembered.

“And I think at the time, it was like a $15 an hour journalism internship. So in 2008, it was just like, ‘Oh, wow, this is amazing.’”

Wullschleger was tasked with writing stories about promotions and other internal events happening at OPPD. One day, he expressed interest in filming a story to the company’s communications director, Gary Williams, who happily obliged. The first attempt was a resounding success, and several more followed.

From there, Wullschleger started working with Bill Sitzmann and Scott Drickey at Minorwhite Studios, a digital photography studio, which led to a stint with Drickey's film production company Torchwerks from 2009 to 2012.

But the universe had bigger plans. After a six-month pit-stop in Boston, Wullschleger relocated to New York City, where his career truly began to take shape. Now with credits on television shows—such as “Broad City,” “Saturday Night Live,” “Chopped,” “Russian Doll,” and, more recently, the Hulu series “Only Murders in the Building” starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez—Wullschleger is a seasoned cinematographer. But getting to do camera work on “Saturday Night Live” felt like a pivotal moment.

At 37 years old, Wullschleger is likely looking at a long, fruitful future, although he’s already accomplished so much in over a decade.

“I’m super proud of the work that I’ve done in comedy,” he said. “I think sometimes when you are a director of photography, when you’re a cinematographer, I think a lot of people want to be working on Christopher Nolan films and working with those big directors. I would love to do that as well, but at the same time, I’m so, so happy to be exactly where I am.”

Until “Only Murders in the Building” begins filming season five in January, Wullschleger will take care of his 15 goats and whatever other animals are roaming the grounds of his Oregon home—which may or may not include scooping up some poop.

For more information, visit imdb.com.

“It was unbelievable,” he said. “The first skit I got to work on was ‘The Beygency’ about Beyoncé fans. When you go to New York, it matters so much to people that I’m calm, kind, and inquisitive. They enjoyed working with me.

“I think I’m good at my job, but often I’m a good hang. A big part of my job is to utilize all those wonderful skills my parents gave me from Omaha of being kind.”

By nurturing those relationships, Wullschleger often finds himself in the same room with some of his heroes—including Martin and Short, two comedic geniuses renowned for their illustrious careers.

“Because I was working as a camera operator on season two and building those relationships, both Steve and Martin were really comfortable with me. Selena, too,” he said.

“When I transferred over for season three to be the director of photography, it was pretty seamless.”

“They pulled a budget together for us,” he explained. “We got cameras and an editing station and turned their internal news into a video weekly. They allowed my friend Django and I to make comedy videos about making green power choices based on the Sonic commercials at the time.”

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 //

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

Capturing The Margaret Block West’s Photography

O

Exotic

A/C VISUAL ARTS || STORY BY CLAUDIA MOOMEY || PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN || DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK

n typical weekdays, Dr. Margaret Block West treats patients as a medical oncologist at Nebraska Cancer Specialists in Omaha. When inspiration strikes, she can be found traveling the world, camera in hand.

A practicing physician since 1981, Block West loves working with people and finds her field particularly interesting. “I chose oncology partly because of the intrigue,” she said. “We don’t have all the answers, but it’s constantly changing. There’s so much more known now than when I went into oncology…the knowledge and the number of medicines have exploded in the last five to 10 years.”

While Block West is passionate about her occupation, “everyone needs a hobby,” she opined, “I had a camera from a young age— probably when I was 7 or 8. When I was 14, I took a picture of my sister that won a prize in a local photography contest,” she explained. Now, as a more experienced photographer, Block West has won prizes in several contests.

Her most recent trip was in June 2024, when she and her husband traveled to Slovenia. “If you look at photos of Slovenia, they have tons of fog, which is beautiful for photography,” Block West said. “I knew they had a lot of churches, but there were a zillion churches! The churches on the mountains with the fog was very pretty.

They also have beautiful rivers. Many of them we saw had kind of a light lime green water, which was interesting to me.” Block West’s photography has taken her to places such as Greenland and Cuba, and she has plans to visit Norway in February.

An active member of Omaha Camera Club, Block West finds plenty of opportunity to use her Canon and is continually honing her craft. The local club of photo enthusiasts meets twice a month and welcomes all who are interested in taking photos. This artistic group of Nebraskans regularly holds a “show and tell,” during which members present their work and receive feedback on photos they’ve taken.

According to Nikki McDonald, a member of OCC and chairman of the club’s regional

“She is not afraid to speak up and make a commitment to give that extra time to perfecting her work.”

-Nikki McDonald

competitions, Block West is always improving in the art of photography and is receptive to criticism. “Sharing your ideas and perspectives, and being willing to listen to and accept suggestions on your own work is one of the biggest values of participating in the club,” McDonald noted. “I appreciate that she is willing to spend the time making those suggestions happen; if people have comments that she feels have merit, she will try them.”

Block West’s photography generally centers on nature and landscape scenes, but she is exploring other subjects as well. “I also do a lot of macro photography,” Block West said.

“It’s something I can do at home. In the spring, there are lots of flowers blooming and that lends itself to macro really nicely.”

Slightly deviating from natural landscapes and plants, she also enjoys photographing people. “I am getting a little more into doing portraits,” she explained. “I’m currently taking an online portrait course, and it’s totally different.”

Gallery 1516 recently displayed a portrait she shot while in Cuba, a photo that she improved with help from the OCC. “It’s nice to have feedback—in that portrait I took, it was a nice portrait, but he was in front of a bush,” Block West recalled. "I got comments like, ‘There are little white, lighter patches around that are distracting,’ so I ended up just darkening it, and it turned out to be a lot nicer.”

Wherever Block West’s photography adventures take her, she makes the most of the natural landscape and cultural aspects that find their way into her lens. “She is not afraid to speak up and make a commitment to give that extra time to perfecting her work,” McDonald said.

To learn more and see Margaret Block West’s work, visit margaretwestphotography.com.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 //

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Scribing His

American Story

Elom K. Akoto’s Journey from Africa to Publication A/C LITERATURE STORY BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN

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|

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN

|

DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK

// 23 // JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

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B

etween Ghana and Benin sits the West African country of Togo, a country known for a rich culture and beautiful, coconut tree-filled beaches. It’s also the birthplace of Elom K. Akoto.

Akoto is a quiet man, thoughtful with his words, and polite in his actions as he sits at a cafe table. He’s been a quiet person his whole life, and that pensive aura enabled his schoolteachers to figure out his profession at an early age.

“IT'S SO EASY FOR ME TO

CREATE A

STORY OUT OF NOTHING OR OUT OF

ANYTHING I

WANT TO SAY.”

– ELOM K. AKOTO

“It was in seventh grade that my French teacher back home in Togo, he pointed a finger at me and announced to the class that they are looking at a future writer among them,” Akoto said. “That was after he passed out our essay paper. And then two days later, I went to him, I said, ‘monsieur, why did you say that I was going to become a writer?’

And then he said, ‘the way you write your stories, the way you write your sentences.’”

Back home in his native Togo, Akoto spent much of his time reading and thinking.

“Honestly, stories never left me,” he said. “It’s so easy for me to create a story out of nothing or out of anything I want to say, the simple conversation that we are having can create a story for me. You know, a picture on a wall, a story can pop up in my head.”

What he didn’t think he wanted was the life of a writer.

“I love reading so, but I thought about what he said…what I knew about authors then was that they were poor, they were melancholic, they were sad people, they were weird, awkward, geniuses,” Akoto said.

“I'm like, I don't want to be that, I want a better life.”

Stories, however, have followed him from West Africa to America. In October, Akoto’s first novel, “Blindspot in America,” was published by Red Hen Press. It’s the story of the son of a prominent Ghanian academic and incumbent minister of health.

The son, Kamao, is obsessed with America and American culture from a young age, and, when he is picked for a spot in The United States Diversity Visa Program, is elated. His elation is short-lived, however, as problems begin for him soon after coming to America.

The book is not autobiographical to Akoto, but there are some parallels to the author’s journey. Akoto came here via the The United States Diversity Visa Program, which offers up to 50,000 immigrant visas available annually, selected randomly among individuals who applied from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

“My first stop in the U.S. was Atlanta, Georgia. It was through the church that we attended—it is an international church,” Akoto said. Someone from the U.S. who was member of our church visited our country. And then he told my brother-in-law, if anybody wanted to come to the U.S. legally, he will help them.”

Akoto stayed in Atlanta for several years, attending Georgia State University for a bachelor's degree in education, continuing on at a different college to certify for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. He moved to Tennessee for about 18 months before arriving in Nebraska in 2014.

All the while, stories were being created in him, and coming out of him. Akoto began thinking of the story that became “Blindspot in America” around 2017, began writing it in 2018, and finished his first draft in 2020. He struggled to find a publishing house to look at the book, but took some advice that he might find an easier time getting published if he took an MFA course. He enrolled in an enrichment course, and that’s how he found Kate Gale, who helped him edit the book. A year later, Akoto began looking for an agent, and, when that route was unsuccessful, went back to Gale, publisher of Red Hen Press.

“From the first time I read Elom's book 'Blindspot in America,' I was taken by this story of a young immigrant,” Gale said.

“We like to think coming to America is an adventure, but sometimes the promised land is dangerous, and in this story, our young immigrant must fight to keep his promise to himself, to overcome challenges and more dangers than he had expected.

America isn't easy on immigrants; in 'Blindspot in America,' immigrants are the heroes."

Today, Akoto is studying for an MFA at the University of Nebraska, Omaha, while teaching his native French in high schools and ESL at the community college level.

His story may not be like that of Kamao’s, who moved to Washington, D.C., and became entangled with the daughter of a senator who supports anti-immigration policies, but Akoto hopes that immigrant reading the book can find something in it.

Akoto said, “I mentioned people from all over the world in the story, immigrants from Yemen, from Bosnia, from Nepal, from all over. My intention was to touch every part of the globe so every immigrant can find something that, ‘oh yeah, I can relate to this.’”

Visit elomakoto.com for more.

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PEDICURE, MANICURE, SHELLAC, DIPPING POWDER ARTIFICIAL NAILS, NAIL ART, WAXING, VERSAPRO SUNLESS TANNING

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| History |

Story: Claudia Moomey

Design / Illustration: Joey Winton

Mildred Brown North Omaha’s Star n July 9, 1938, the first issue of the Omaha Star was published. The only newspaper focused on the Black community in Omaha, the Star sought to “bring joy and happiness” by publishing positive stories about its community. Also reporting on local and national news, the paper encouraged its readers to become politically active. The Omaha Star’s banner read: “Dedicated to the service of the people that no good cause shall lack a champion and that evil shall not thrive unopposed.”

Through the newspaper, Brown sought to pave the way for racial equality and provide more opportunities for Black workers. She hired young Black people and provided them with scholarships. The Omaha Star publicly applauded businesses when they included Black employees in their workforces, as Woolworth’s did in 1962: “The store did not discriminate in its hiring policy. It hired people in accordance with their ability to produce and that is the way to put democracy in action,” the paper read.

Brown became a beloved figure in the Black community and beyond, as she caught the attention of President Lyndon Johnson, who commended her on her efforts and the balanced coverage of civil rights issues in the Omaha Star. He also appointed Brown to be a goodwill ambassador to East Germany.

Mildred Brown was that champion. Though the Omaha Star was co-founded with her husband, Edward Gilbert, she took over completely when they divorced in 1943.

Brown was one of the most active members of the Omaha community and a staunch supporter of the DePorres Club. In 1963 Brown joined another Civil Rights group called 4CL, which eventually overtook the DePorres Club. An affiliate of the Congress of Racial Equality, the DePorres Club “foreshadowed the efforts of the civil rights activists throughout the nation in the 1960s.” Founded in 1947 at Creighton University, the club aimed to improve interracial relations on campus and boycotted certain companies that refused to hire Black employees, fighting against segregation. After being booted from the school for controversiality, Brown offered the Omaha Star office as a new meeting place.

As the first African American and one of only three women to be inducted into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame, Brown has earned her renown in the city. After her death in 1989, her niece, Dr. Marguerita Washington, ran the Omaha Star until 2016. Brown was posthumously inducted into the Nebraska Journalism Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Omaha Press Club Journalists of Excellence Hall of Fame in 2008. The Omaha Star building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to the paper’s historical and journalistic significance, as well as its role in the civil rights movement.

In 1952, Brown met with the Omaha City Council to make her argument for the Omaha & Council Bluffs Streetcar Company to hire Black employees and therefore “end their lily-white hiring practices.” With a demanding yet charismatic presence, Brown packed a punch by saying, “If our boys can drive Jeeps, tanks, and jet planes in Korea in the fight for democracy, make democracy work at home.”

The newspaper is still published today by the Mildred D. Brown Memorial Study Center, a nonprofit organization founded

by Washington, with a mission to “provide access to the Omaha Star’s inspirational archive materials and resources, to promote the future of community-based media, and to help area students, especially African Americans, envision career possibilities in journalism and communications.”

For more information, visit mildredbrowncenter.org.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

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2025

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

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Jordan Frum & Forest

FEATURE

COMING INTO STORY BY DWAIN HEBDA // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY RACHEL BIRDSALL

Semaglutide Touches off a New Cottage Industry in Weight Loss

For expanded content, open the camera on your smart device and hover over the QR code above.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

Korina Roberts

If semaglutide could help patients achieve lasting weight loss, it could significantly improve both their quality of life and long-term health outcomes.

This will also reduce health care costs in the long run by preventing cardiovascular disease and other conditions.

-Preethi Polavarapu

M

ichael Messerly sat in his car in an Omaha parking lot furtively working up the nerve to open the door. Through the window, he could see the storefront for Limitless Male, a clinic he’d seen advertising weight loss, but in that moment it might as well have been on the moon.

researchers noticed that these drugs also contributed to significant weight loss, sparking interest in their potential for treating obesity.”

She continued, “As a result, semaglutide was FDA-approved for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy in June 2021. Wegovy is a higher-dose version of Ozempic, which had been approved for diabetes in 2017. The GLP/GIP agonist called tirzepatide was also approved for both diabetes as Mounjaro in May 2022, and for weight loss as Zepbound in June 2023. There are also several agents in the pipeline and we may see them in the market in the future once FDA clears them.”

“My goal weight now is 200 pounds just because I want to have that,” Messerly said. “I know that I'll probably, the rest He had good reason for being there; since of my life, be on this medication to help 2020 he had battled heart issues, diag- me lose weight, if I'm being really honest nosed after he’d gone into the hospital with myself. I can see myself being on a with a gallbladder problem. In the time maintenance dose the rest of my life where I since his atrial fibrillation (AFib) became won't probably need it every week, but like All told, Mounjaro is also prescribed for a hook in his chest, that, when twisted, every two weeks.”

Type 2 diabetes in addition to weight loss would bring the 45-year-old sports and as is Ozempic, the latter also being issued music hospitality professional to his knees. According to WebMD.com, the new drugs for heart disease prevention. Wegovy’s fall under the classification of GLP-1 other use is also in heart disease preven“Over the course of three-and-a-half to four agonist; GLP standing for glucagon-like tion—but not diabetes—while Zepbound years, I had AFib issues that I could not get peptide 1, a hormone produced in the is prescribed solely for weight loss. rid of,” he said. “I had three cardiac abla- small intestine regulating blood sugar. In tions, which are basically heart surgeries. greatly simplified terms, GLP-1 agonists While Polavarapu admitted to some iniI've also been shocked with a defibrillator may make the patient feel less hungry by tial reservations about one drug doing 19 times.” keeping food in the GI tract longer and the work of many, she said she has been may also send signals to the brain that tell intrigued all along about the potential Messerly’s latest heart episodes included it to feel full. for semaglutide in the weight loss space. his doctor prescribing yet another surgical procedure and a spell that caused him to The drugs collectively called semaglu- “As a physician, my initial reaction to semapass out at home just a few hours before tide include the brand names Ozempic glutide being used for weight loss was a arriving in this parking lot, staring at that and Wegovy, while a more recent version, mix of cautious optimism and curiosity,” clinic, ready for a change. tirzepatide, is marketed as Mounjaro and she said. “I was excited about its potential Zepbound. Tirzepatide matches semaglu- to help patients achieve significant weight That is, if could just force himself to open tide’s GLP-1 receptor, while adding a GIP loss which could improve chronic condithe car door. receptor agonist, short for glucose-dependent tions like Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, insulinotropic polypeptide. That hormone sleep apnea, and many others. However, I “The day before, I collapsed at home. I also contributes to the feeling of fullness. was also mindful of potential side effects, was 6’3”, 355 pounds, I was prediabetic such as gastrointestinal issues, pancreatitis, and I was pretty much of the mind that Given the often-plodding pace at which and rare thyroid concerns. if I didn’t do something drastic soon, I'm new drugs are approved and enter the probably not here, or I'm probably on a market, the emergence of this classifica- “If semaglutide could help patients achieve wait list for a transplant,” he said. “At the tion has happened with lightning speed. lasting weight loss, it could significantly same time, I was demoralized; I've done This might be due to the fact that the drugs improve both their quality of life and longother diets. I've done a liquid diet, I've have their origins in other usage, namely term health outcomes. This will also reduce done a keto diet, I've done every single the treatment of diabetes, and most of the health care costs in the long run by preother diet you can probably think of and main agents today are still used for other venting cardiovascular disease and other nothing has worked.” purposes in addition to weight loss. It’s conditions. So, the benefits were clear, but been something doctors in the diabetes, I knew that careful monitoring and patient Messerly sat frozen in his car, his endocrinology, and metabolism realm education would be essential for safe and thoughts spinning. have been watching for years. effective use.

“My mindset was like, is this really going “The first GLP-1 receptor agonist, exento work, because everything I've ever done atide—Byetta—was approved in 2005, and in my life as far as weight loss has failed,” since then, this class of drugs has expanded,” he said. “Honestly, man, I sat in my car for said Preethi Polavarapu, assistant profesfive minutes just trying to psych myself up, sor of medicine, Division of Diabetes, like, I don't know if I can do this.”

Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Messerly found the nerve to make the “However, starting in the mid-2010s, short walk across the parking lot, and, a little more than a year later, is down 135 pounds thanks to Mounjaro, an injectable weight loss drug that is one of a class of pharmaceuticals turning the medical industry on its head one, 10, and even 100 pounds at a time.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

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FEATURE All drugs carry some risk of side effects, and while cautionary headlines were considerable leading up to the drugs’ FDA approval specifically for weight loss, Polavarapu is satisfied the drugs perform their function with minimal side effects in most cases.

This is not just for weight loss, but for overall health, as well.

“Semaglutide offers significant benefits. It can lower HbA1c by 1.5% to 2% in patients with Type 2 diabetes and reduces the risk of cardiovascular events,” she said. “For obesity, semaglutide has been shown to help patients lose up to 15% to 20% of body weight, making it highly effective for both conditions. Overall, while side effects are possible, they tend to be mild and temporary for many patients.

“The benefits often outweigh the risks and regular monitoring and dose adjustments can help mitigate side effects. Overall, I see it as a promising tool in managing obesity, particularly for patients who have struggled with traditional weight-loss methods.”

Many patients also report relatively mild side effects. Jordan Frum, sales manager at Oriental Trading Co., is a former amateur bodybuilder who started taking the drug after gaining weight following a back injury that limited his workouts. He said nothing about his new regimen is hard to manage or gives him any major discomfort now, although he does caution people that the first month is an adjustment.

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“That first month, the body is going to reject a lot of that old toxins and fat and stuff like that,” he said. “I did experience some GI issues, you know, like diarrhea and stuff like that, kind of right out the gate. If you keep trying to just eat the same amount and the same things through that first month, it is going to cause you some tummy problems because your body has had a whole lifetime of getting used to them.”

He continued, “What you’re doing is trying to train your body to not like those things that are bad for you. It's not healthy for us to eat things high in fat or all these processed foods, so the body gets rid of it. Early on, I'd say carry an extra pair of underwear just in case. I was fortunate that I didn't have that issue, but there were times where I was like, ‘Oh, I gotta go to the bathroom.’ After that, you start to adjust; by the end of the month, my body kind of started to normalize.”

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Michael Messerly // 34 //

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

Frum, who’s down more than 50 pounds since March, got onto his program through Absolute Medical & Aesthetics. His monthly regimen includes office visits to monitor his progress and identify any issues, at which time he buys a month’s worth of medications.

“I buy four injections at a time and I take one a week,” he said. “My schedule is every Monday, I take an injection, I give it to myself and that's it.”

Costs vary but Frum put his at $45 per shot in the starter phase and $65 when he stepped up the dosage.

The roughly $200 office visit is covered by insurance.

For some patients, however, the cost of the drug is a concern as it is either not covered by insurance or only covered under narrow medical parameters.

“My insurance doesn't touch it,” said Kevin Reiner, a 47-year-old video producer in Omaha. “[Zepbound] was so cost prohibitive that I didn't even go too far down that path. My doctor was trying to find things for me and he was going to have me go see another place that helps with the price a little. But even at that price, the estimates were $1,000 a month and I probably can't swing $500 a month. I’ve got two kids in high school, you know, and that’s just not part of the budget.”

It’s a budgetary problem that affects many, and cost considerations have led many patients online looking for lower-cost options. This can be a dangerous proposition, said nurse practitioner Kris Epps-Martinez, co-owner of InVita Health & Wellness who has also been taking weight loss medication for the past two years.

“You can go online and people are getting the meds that they have to mix themselves,” she said. “In fact, if you look at the label warning on them, it literally says, ‘Not for human or animal consumption, research purposes only.’ The thing is, people are constantly telling other people, like on Facebook and chat groups, that that's the route they should go because it's cheaper.”

The prohibitive cost prompted the Biden administration to propose an expansion Medicare and Medicaid coverage to include semaglutides like Wegovy and Zepbound.

The initiative, led by the Department of Health and Human Services, would classify obesity as a treatable disease to reduce associated health risks.

FEATURE

“Over the course of three-and-a-half to four years, I had AFib issues that I could not get rid of,” he said. “I had three cardiac ablations, which are basically heart surgeries. I've also been shocked with a defibrillator 19 times.”

-Michael Messerly

Regardless of this proposal, Epps-Martinez said even when checking out local providers, patients should ask a lot of questions about any clinic advertising weight loss drugs. This includes being very specific about both the medical expertise that’s available through the practice and the follow-up regimen that’s involved during treatment.

“It's terrifying to me that people would use a provider who doesn't check on you or who you as the patient don't have access to, or who doesn't expect you to have labs prior to starting the medications,” she said. “We require labs within the last 60 days before you start with us and if you don't have current ones, you have to get current ones."

Epps-Martinez continued, “Our patients have to do 90-day check-ins with us so we can see how it's going.

They have access to our email or (can) text anytime and we'll get back to them. It's just wild to me that these people will go use providers who are like, ‘Oh yeah, sure, you can start, here you go.’”

Epps-Martinez said patients should also be wary of practices that keep pushing higher doses of drugs and never discuss diet or lifestyle with people who aren’t achieving the desired results.

“If a patient comes to me and says, ‘Hey Kris, I'm not losing weight. Is it time to increase?’ I always say, ‘Let's go back to basics,’” said the former collegiate soccer player. “I want to know what you’re doing on your end that is going to help move you forward in this journey, because if you are not doing those things I want you to do them for two weeks and come back to me. I never just go, ‘Oh, yeah, OK, let's go ahead and increase.’”

She stressed that even though it’s the hottest thing in weight loss right now, it’s not an end-all-be-all. “It’s a symbiotic relationship; I'm not giving you a magic medication, I'm giving you a tool in the toolbox. Now I need you to do your part and let's work together to get you healthy. Doing that, it's really amazing to see the changes that people achieve when they’re working towards health.”

Omaha Magazine encourages readers to consult their primary care physicians for more information on any medication, including the semaglutides listed in this article.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

Talking to Kathleen Merkel is like talking to an old friend; she’s warm, engaging and hangs on to every word. It’s that compassion for other people that’s taken the Omaha native around the world dozens of times as a Catholic Relief Services humanitarian worker. But on this particular day, she’s scrambling to remember how to pack for an international trip.

After resigning from her position at CRS in 2022, attending the University of Nebraska Medical Center for nursing school, and landing a position at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center in February, she’s admittedly a little out of practice. Though after 14 years with CRS and traveling to more than 50 countries, it came back to her rather quickly.

I didn't even know you could do humanitarian work as a job, I thought you had to be a nun or join the Peace Corps.

–Kathleen Merkel

ADVENTURE

STORY BY KYLE EUSTICE

CULTURALLY RICH How Catholic Relief Services Gave Kathleen Merkel Her Passport To Living PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN DESIGN BY JOEY WINTON Merkel attended Skutt Catholic High were engaged, making her time away an School, where she says they still have a photo obstacle, but not a deal-breaker. of her “sitting on a rickety boat in Bangladesh,” almost like their poster child of the perfect stu“The twist is he’s from India,” she said. “I got to dent. After graduation, she got her Master of Business meet his family for the first time while I was over Administration at the University of Nebraska at Omaha there without him. Having no sense of, like, any of the before accepting a job at First National Bank, which she cultural norms, I was just tromping all over, but they were called “a lovely introduction to professional life.” There, so gracious. But Arvind and I did all these pre-wedding she met her husband, Arvind Thapar, while working in honeymoon type things, like Angkor Wat in Cambodia. the international group doing trade finance.

We met up in Mauritius, so we did get some really beautiful trips in during that time.”

But there was one problem: deep down, all she really wanted to do was travel and help people—it felt like her true calling.

As Merkel’s international adventures continued, she had quickly evolved into a professional traveler. Her last trip “I didn’t get to go to any of the places that I was emailing,” with Catholic Relief Services was in 2015 to Nepal, where she said. “It was a burning ‘I will perish if I don’t do this’ she was head of the country program after a devastating kind of thing.” earthquake killed 8,962 people, injured 21,952, and flattened entire villages.

So Merkel put her résumé online and spent about six months “contemplating and dreaming.” Then CRS called, “There was a certain amount of equanimity that I had at looking for MBAs. that point, where I had done these shelter projects before, and I knew there was such a human side to the staff. It “I didn't even know you could do humanitarian work as was just so clear how much they were working for their a job,” she admitted. “I thought you had to be a nun or country, their community, and trying to elevate people.” join the Peace Corps.”

Heartbreak and hope were intertwined with every project Merkel happily accepted a job with CRS in 2008 and got Merkel did. Despite the often challenging circumstances, to work. Armed with the organization’s mission to “assist experiencing such strong emotions simultaneously prepared the poor and vulnerable overseas,” Merkel headed for her for a career in nursing.

Bangladesh as the project manager for disaster recovery, her first overseas assignment.

“I used to fly into a very vulnerable stage of a community, when they’re starting to rebuild and pick up the pieces,” “There was a cyclone that had come through, a pretty she said. “It’s a very traumatized community. On my floor, devastating one,” she remembered. “The program was a we work with a lot of post-surgical patients, mostly in shelter reconstruction in these little villages for about oncology…They can get a shocking diagnosis, but then 2,000 houses. I had to track the budget and make sure have hope after surgery. We get to be a part of their first we were doing all the reporting and everything that goes relief efforts.” into project planning and execution. In the meantime, I’m just sticking my foot in my mouth with no idea what I’m Maybe one day, Merkel will take all of the journals she kept doing, but it was lovely.” during her travels and compile them into a book. But not yet—she still has more chapters to write.

For two years, Merkel learned the ropes as she stumbled down her newly forged path. By this time, she and Thapar For more information, visit crs.org.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

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Connected

Through Strands of Hair HAIRSTYLISTS ELEVATE SELF-CARE

ll humans, no matter their ancestr y, are connected through loc’d hair. While people may know this as dreadlocks, dreads, or locks, the preferred term by many who wear them is “locs.” Throughout human history, loc’d hair has been part of cultures the world over from the ancient Greeks, to early American slaves traveling from Africa and the West Indies, to the 1930s Rastafarian Jamaicans, to modern-day Americans.

“Loc’d hair proves we are all one,” Aissa Aset Bey, owner of Loc Legacies, said. “No matter what corner of the planet we come from, if there was not such a thing as a comb, brush, razor, scissors, pick, or blade to cut strands, everyone on the planet would have loc’d hair. All humans, and nearly every animal with hair, would have loc’d hair. I found a lot of solace in that.”

Aset Bey has spent 26 years in the hair industry perfecting the art of loc’d hair. She not only works with clients in her Omaha shop, but also educates others on how to help their clients properly care for their hair naturally. A caregiver at heart, having had early dreams of medical school or being a massage therapist, she went to cosmetology school and wanted to focus on hair as a form of self-care. In the early days of her career, the term “self-care” had not yet been popularized, but Aset Bey knew she wanted less of the toxic aspects of the hair industry and more access to natural hair care, helping others achieve the same.

Loc’d hair is the most natural hairstyle, she said. While Aset Bey identifies as a Black woman, with half of her family Black and the other white, she didn’t feel like she belonged anywhere per the societal agreement and standards. As a stylist, she did some deep diving into loc’d hair and its origins, and found that there is much disagreement about which culture it belongs to. While the majority of her clients are of African American descent, she also works with many who are of European and Asian backgrounds, and they wear locs for a variety of reasons.

“I will say, for my own people, there is a lot of cultural reclamation there. It’s very precious and very sacred,” Aset Bey said.

She explained the term “sankofa,” from the Twi language of Ghana, which means “to go back and get it, don’t forget your past and don’t forget where you came from.”

Aset Bey does not like the term “dreads” because “there is nothing dreadful about my locs!”

Feature

STORY BY DAWN GONZALES PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN DESIGN BY RACHEL BIRDSALL

// 38 //

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

“Locs allow people to reclaim parts of our culture that have been snatched away from us. Spiritual disciplines that have been taken from us. It goes back to Africa, Brazil, Mexico, there’s a broad diaspora that has happened over centuries,” she said. “Being able to go back and get it—and reclaim the past to piece our futures together without confusion, and knowing the rituals and ceremonies that have been attached to our loc’d hair—is important,” she added.

Aissa Aset Bey JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

// 39 //

When meeting with clients, Aset Bey holds a consultation for what their loc’d journey will look like. She asks about the roots for why someone wants loc’d hair, whether spiritual, aesthetic, or cultural. There are many ways for one to get started and carry out loc’d hair. Texture can play into the overall look, whether hair is straight or wavy, thick or thin. She may offer crocheting hair so that it has some structure to begin with.

Many worry that loc’d hair can hurt, but it varies from person to person. For those who are neurodivergent, Aset Bey said that getting hair twisted may feel uncomfortable. To ease her clients and help them to relax, she may use herbal-based products that produce an aromatherapy effect. The self-care component about feeling good and enjoying the space and time being pampered is taken seriously.

“We look at the fact that some people come in already triggered. They’ve had a highly sensitized day or week and I want to be sure that they enter a safe space that feels comfortable, like home,” Aset Bey said.

The products and essential oils she uses are as nontoxic as possible, including aloe vera, flax seed gel, lemongrass, and lavender oil, among others. Clients typically come to Loc Legacies every four to six weeks as they grow their loc’d hair. For those with more mature locs, it may be every three months. “By then they have had enough education to care for their locs on their own,” Aset Bey said.

Much like Aset Bey in wanting clients to have a relaxed salon experience, Jordan Palmer, owner of JPalm Hairdressing, takes ensuring comfort a step further by asking each client which pronouns they use and asking permission to touch them before consulting on a style.

Palmer and wife Alex Bauer run the salon that has racked up nearly half a million TikTok followers and 13.4 million likes on their videos. They receive so many questions and comments—both negative and positive—about the question, “Can I touch you?”

Pinned to the top of their channel, @jpalmhairdressing, is the full video explanation from the gender-affirming, hair cutting specialist. While most assume that someone will need to touch them during the consultation, hair cutting, and styling, Palmer takes it a step further and explains that the simple act of asking can put a person at ease. She also explains that by normalizing this question, in a space where it is obvious and clear that a person will be touched, it will make it much easier for people to say “no” in a situation where being touched is not so clear.

“We filmed and put it on the internet and it went viral. A lot of people are watching and // 40 //

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

While Palmer holds the cosmetology license and Bauer manages the shop, both strive to make everyone feel the warmth, love, and acceptance upon entering the space.

Advertising as a “queer, femme-owned salon” in Omaha, JPalm Hairdressing strives to be accessible for all. Gender-free pricing for haircuts and styles, easy accessibility to the washbowl for those who may be wheelchair-bound, and a vibe that puts their clients at ease helps make them unique in the hairstyling industry.

"Self-care is not just a face mask and a bath. People who choose to come here are going to be safe and affirmed and will leave here more confident than they were coming in.”

—Alex Bauer they are commenting on the consent question,” Palmer said. Their business increased after their videos went viral on Instagram.

“The day the first video went viral on TikTok, all of a sudden the appointments blew up. It was wild! It is the most effective marketing tool,” Palmer said.

Bauer added that the videos nearly doubled their business and their time management got better as the business grew. “Many of our clients are neurodivergent, former military with PTSD, or violence victims, and part of JPalm’s mission is to be accessible.

You can still have the same experience if you are in a wheelchair because accessibility is very important,” Bauer said.

“With TikTok, the clientele got younger, wanted edgier things, and I had to get better at cutting hair faster,” Palmer said.

“We are one of the few salons in Omaha that does genderless pricing. Cutting hair is cutting hair,” Bauer said. Palmer added, “It has no gender. We have limiting ideas if you think about what a girl’s haircut versus a boy’s haircut is. It’s our form of customer service and there are a ton of people who want that experience and want to be taken care of that way in a salon.” She added that people undervalue how delicate it is to have hair done.

“Obviously, I’m going to touch you. But I’m going to take special care to ensure that you are comfortable with me before I touch your head,” Palmer explained. “People deserve to be comfortable with what they see in the mirror. We have a responsibility to our clients to treat them with care. Clients appreciate that we ask their pronouns. Asking before I touch, accessibility, working on clients who are nonverbal, can be barriers to communication. You can get your hair done and be comfortable doing so here and we post normal conversations about hair.”

Videos are regularly posted to their social media sites. Bauer said that when she edits the videos, she can see the change in the smiles once the style is complete. There is always a “before” and “after” photo or video. The smiles clients have after the work is done is what the two are really proud of.

“The tenets of our salon are to be accessible, getting the haircut that you want, not the haircut that you think you should have,” Bauer said.

“They want to have a personal experience.

They are being paid attention to. They are getting a conversation and an explanation.

A lot miss the mark,” Palmer said of other salons. “I’m going to spend money on myself and get the haircut that I want, not the haircut that my spouse or stylist wants.

Self-care is not just a face mask and a bath.

People who choose to come here are going to be safe and affirmed and will leave here more confident than they were coming in,” Palmer continued. “No self-love is bigger than having the hair that you want. You can go to any salon and get highlights and a quick haircut and there a lot of those out there. What makes us different is that we are really taking the time to give you the hair you want. Giving you an experience where you feel affirmed and tailored to give you what you want.”

Jordan Palmer JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

// 41 //

Major ajor M Flow so

13-Year-Old Rapper Sunny Gee Takes the Internet by Storm

r r o n o i MMi n and I'm only a Just do what you do. If you believe something, then go chase after it, –Sunny Gee // 42 //

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

ometimes you gotta pop out and let ‘em know,” Sunny Gee, the 13-year-old rapper and songwriter, declared in a multimillion view YouTube video.

Gee, whose real name is Savannah, has let the world know who she is through her art. She has released eight singles, gone on tour, gone viral on social media, and is working on her debut album.

“Rhymes just come in my head,” Gee said, explaining her writing process. The world around her and her own experiences are what frame her work.

She had an experience with bullying in first grade, which inspired her tour. “I was riding on the bus, and these kids were sitting behind me saying stuff about me, and I didn’t have any friends on the bus,” she recalled. Being tormented on that bus, with no one to stand up for her, Gee realized that bullying needed to be spoken about.

“She came home and we had a discussion about it, and she said that she wants to tell people about bullying and get it to stop,” her mother, Sydney Giddings, said. “So, I asked her how she wanted to do that, and she said, ‘I want to do music.’”

Gee went on the Friends Don’t Let Friends Bully Tour to educate others about bullying. She visited elementary schools across the country with DJ Breezy Bri to spread a message to kids everywhere. The tour meant “making sure that people who are being bullied know they’re not alone and it happens to a lot of people, and there are different ways to fix it,” according to Gee. “It’s what led her to go a little bit further with her music,” Giddings said.

The video that made Gee go viral, a parody of Kendrick Lamar’s “They Not Like Us,” began as a spur-of-the-moment decision while on the tour. It was made in partnership with Dumblit Studios in New Jersey. Her mother said that Gee had followed the studio for a long time on social media and had been a fan.

“We were already going to New York for her antibullying campaign,” Giddings said. “So, she said, ‘Well, let’s just stop there.’” Gee decided to stop in the studio with a recording clip and pitch herself to their team. The leap of faith paid off, and the studio wanted to film the video right away.

People are definitely talking about Sunny Gee. From the virality of the video, Gee has started to work on her debut album, which will be released in early 2025. The album will be produced

by Andy Alvarado of 3rdsiderBeatz, who produced albums for names such as Mary J. Blige and WanMor.

The video, posted on July 6, 2024, blew up on Instagram. It continued to receive engagement months later. “The traction is still going up,” Giddings exclaimed.

As of October 2024, the video had received over 4.1 million views and 16 thousand comments.

“She’ll make an impact on the industry,” Giddings said about the album. “Since the moment she was alive, she’s always been that bubbly personality.”

Unfortunately, with internet fame comes plenty of hate. “For a 13-year-old girl, it’s tough to be able to decipher and not take that kind of thing personally,” Giddings said. “It can be very detrimental if you don’t have a strong base.”

Gee and her support base, composed of her parents and her team, work to keep the artist grounded. “Sometimes we will just laugh at it like it’s funny,” Gee commented.

Learning how to keep a level mind amidst hate is preparation for her future, according to Giddings. “Whether it’s good or bad, they’re still talking about you,” Giddings told her daughter.

Sunny Gee’s career may be growing, but she’s also a normal teenager. She plays basketball, does cheerleading, plays the piano, and hangs out with her friends whenever she isn’t in school, or working on her music and following her dream as an eighth-grader.

“Just do what you do. If you believe something, then go chase after it—don’t matter what nobody else say, because they don’t know nothing about you or anything,” Sunny Gee said, giving advice to anyone with a dream.

To watch her viral video, find updates on her album, and follow her career, follow Sunny Gee on Instagram @real1sunnygee.

GEN O STORY BY ISABELLA MCATEE PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN DESIGN BY JOEY WINTON

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

// 43 //

l-r: Scott and Trevor Gutschewski

SPORTS STORY GREG ECHLIN PHOTOGRAPHY BILL SITZMANN DESIGN JOEY WINTON

Families Who Play Together Stay Together The Gutschewski Golfers

t'd be a challenge for any athletic family to match the golf exploits of the Gutschewski clan in 2024. But there could be bigger things on the horizon this year.

Not long after receiving his Westside High School diploma in May, Trevor Gutschewski will graduate to the highest level of competitive golf, playing among the best in the world at his first U.S. Open Golf Championship.

Golf ’s third major championship this year, following the Masters in April and the PGA Championship in May, will take place June 13-16 at the venerable Oakmont Country Club outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Trevor qualified after winning the 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur championship conducted by the United States Golf Association. To put the rarified air he reached in perspective, the only other Nebraskan to previously win a USGA event was Johnny Goodman, for whom the golf course on South 99th Street is named. That was in the middle of the Great Depression, when Goodman made quite a splash with a title at the 1933 U.S. Open.

Four years later, Goodman followed it up by capturing the U.S. Amateur championship.

“It feels pretty good to be associated with that name, especially by winning a USGA championship,” Trevor said.

With a packed summer competition schedule between his junior and senior years at Westside High School, Trevor rode the momentum of his U.S. Junior Amateur title to the Pinnacle Bank Championship, an August professional event on the Korn Ferry Tour, a step below the PGA Tour. His father, PGA Tour cardholder Scott Gutschewski, got special permission to join his son at the Korn Ferry event.

Scott and his two older sons, Trevor and Luke, were a threesome at Indian Creek during the first and second rounds. It marked the first time since 2004 a father and at least two sons played in an event under the PGA Tour umbrella. But in 2004, when members of one of the biggest names in golf—the Nicklaus family—converged at an event in what was then known as the Nationwide Tour, they played in separate groups. By playing in the same group, the Gutschewski family carved out their own niche in golf history.

Trevor’s reaction was rather understated: “Jack Nicklaus is a pretty good golfer and his family is pretty good, too.” But like his golf game, Trevor’s interaction with the media is maturing. He added, “It’s pretty cool to be in that same conversation.”

The rest of the Gutschewski family also got involved that week in Elkhorn, with Isabelle, a member of the University of Nebraska’s PGA Golf Management program, introducing each of her three family golfers as the official course announcer on the first tee. Eight-year-old Isaiah rotated in and out as a standard bearer on the course.

Amy, the family matriarch and a senior project manager at The Waldinger Corp., absorbed the event as a spectator. Unlike a typical week in the summer when everyone is scattered, she was thrilled to see them all in one place.

Luke, a senior on the Iowa State University golf team, said it meant a lot for him and Trevor to play in their first professional golf tournament with their father.

“I don’t think either of us really ever thought that would happen, especially to be at an event that means so much to our family,” he said. The Korn Ferry stop in Elkhorn has been the most anticipated annual golf event for the Gutschewski family since Scott, now 48, has been one of its regular participants.

“My dad always had a big crowd,” Luke said.

Scott’s best finish in the event was as a runner-up in 2017.

Previously caddies for Scott in their formative years, the older Gutschewski sons got a sampling of what he deals with through the course of a round.“I think they both have pretty big dreams and aspirations to play professionally,” Scott said.

The next goal for Scott and Luke is to join Trevor as U.S. Open participants. Each will be required to go through a two-stage qualifying process in the spring. Scott, with one U.S. Open appearance in 2009, is getting back into shape after the foot surgery he underwent in October 2024.

Amy plans to stick to her family motto when looking forward to 2025: “We’ll make it work.”

“I thought I’d be a little more emotional, but I just wanted all of them to play good, hit good shots, and handle themselves correctly,” Amy reflected, who also meticulously engineers the chaotic family calendar.

“It was kind of surreal.”

“It feels pretty good to be associated with that name, especially by winning a USGA championship.” -Trevor Gutschewski JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

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GIVING PROFILE STORY SARA LOCKE PHOTOGRAPHY SARAH LEMKE DESIGN JOEY WINTON

ss i M

Amy Stoddard

An Amazing Organization Empowering Incredible Girls

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

he ambitious and energetic Amber Norton has been diligently splitting her time between helping organize an upcoming Winter Wonderland dance in western Nebraska, attending existing Miss Amazing organization events, and undergoing treatment for breast cancer. A passionate athlete, she excels in track, basketball, volleyball, and especially swimming. As brave as she is bold, the beautiful brunette doesn’t let things outside of her control determine how she spends her days, and instead chooses to spend them empowering other girls and women.

She is very passionate about making sure that people know she can do anything

“My wife signed Amber up for her first Miss Amazing event in 2015,” John Norton recalled of his then-teenaged daughter. “She was just a shy girl who didn’t really want to engage much. Her disability really kept her kind of introverted; she didn’t want to be the center of attention at all.”

Amber has Moyamoya disease, a rare condition in which blood f low to the brain is reduced and causes complications that lead to cognitive, physical, and developmental delays.

anyone else can

“My first year with the organization, after an event, one of the dads came up to me with a list of demands. Events like the Amplify Event (what some people refer to as the ‘pageant’) tend to be very mother/ daughter focused. He wanted a way for the dads, uncles, and brothers to get involved,” Stoddard explained. “He was very passionate about supporting his daughter, and so the Fairy Tale Ball was added to the calendar.”

“She calls it her ‘different ability’, not her disability,” her father clarified. “She is very passionate about making sure that people know she can do anything anyone else can do, and she can probably do it better—she just has to do it a little differently.”

The ball carries the spirit of a father/daughter dance, but with an eye toward inclusivity to those with differing family dynamics.

Each girl invites a “prince” of her choosing, a dad, stepdad, grandfather, godfather, or any strong male influence they want to include in the enchanting event.

John credits Amber’s experiences with the nonprofit Miss Amazing organization for not only helping her develop socially, but also for teaching her to be a loud and proud advocate for other women.

Stoddard took suggestions from the girls and parents who had participated in past events to grow the organization and what it had to offer.

“Miss Amazing isn’t a beauty pageant where you have 49 losers and one girl who is named ‘the best’ at wearing a swimsuit,” John said.

“There’s no cattiness and no real competition.”

Miss Amazing isn’t about beating an opponent, but about each girl developing important life skills.

“Amber won (in her age group) her first year, and she was crowned 2016 Junior Teen,” John continued. “She went to nationals to represent there, and I got to watch her and all of the other contestants just loudly cheering one another on. I made a joke that my fishing buddy became a girl that day. It is a joke, but something did shift. She came out of her shell, and she took us with her.”

Amy Stoddard, National Director of Chapter Relations and Development for the Miss Amazing organization, remembers her first encounter with John.

“Really (the parents’) only complaint was that there weren’t enough opportunities for the girls to get together. The events are fun, but each one is helping them build their confidence, develop communities and organization skills, opportunities that those with developmental disabilities are often just not getting enough exposure to,” Stoddard said. “But these skills are necessary to everyone—to work, to become a voice that people hear and respect, to lead a full life. They deserve every opportunity, and we are working really hard to create a platform and an environment where they are given an expectation and a goal, and they are exceeding them, taking those skills into their futures, and doing it together.”

The girls find their own voices and their own platforms, and while they’re given abundant support and resources to accomplish their goals through the Miss Amazing organization, it is ultimately up to each girl to drive her own success.

do, and she can probably do it better—she just has to do it a little differently.

-John Norton

“They have to find something they are able to sustain, and bring it to the national stage and continue to represent themselves for the entire year that they are crowned,” Stoddard said. “A national queen from last year made a goal to become an engaged public speaker. She had seen it as a weakness; she didn’t enjoy public speaking and chose to strengthen that skill during her reign. She successfully used that skill to get others involved and excited about the organization. Another one of our young ladies wanted to showcase her cooking. She set up at craft fairs doing demonstrations, and even launched a YouTube cooking show.

We give them a platform, but it’s up to them to utilize it.”

The Miss Amazing organization only works because participants and volunteers are so motivated to provide opportunities for the young women they serve.

Anyone can become involved by volunteering for the upcoming Fairytale Ball, attending events, or supporting the funding efforts. Downloading the free NebraskaMissAmazing app is an easy way to follow the organization.

To learn more, visit missamazing.org/chapters/NE.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

// 47 //

GIVING

CALENDAR JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 COMPILED BY ISABELLA McATEE

Feb.

22

FEATURED EVENT Feb. 22

DANCE TO THE BEAT 2025

Benefits: The Jennie Edmundson Foundation Location: The Mid-America Center — jehfoundation.org

The Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital’s annual cardiovascular fundraiser, Dance to the Beat, will make the cold night warmer through dance. The concert and night of dancing raises funds for the cardiovascular patients at the hospital.

The money raised will work to take the financial burden off of the patients so they can focus on rest, healing, and family. The music is local, and the night includes a cash bar and appetizers, as well as a silent auction and raffle prizes. With February being Heart Month, bring your friends and family to dance the night away for cardiovascular health conditions—the leading cause of death in the United States.

Jan. 4 & 5

Jan. 7

Benefits: Film Streams

Benefits: Open Door Mission

FROZEN

Location: Dundee Film Streams Theaters — filmstreams.org BTC/ORC LAKE MANAWA WINTER SERIES

Jan. 11

Location: North Shore Park at Lake Manawa — omaharun.org

Benefits: The Bodies Race Company

Benefits: Omaha Running Club

Jan.

THE ASCENT

Benefits: Film Streams

Location: The Ruth Sokolof Film Streams Theater — filmstreams.org

Jan. 6

CAROLINA HOTCHANDANI

Benefits: Nebraska Poetry Society Location: Virtual Event —nepoetrysociety.org/readings

Jan. 6

MUSEUM LIVE! GOLD RUSH & MIGRATION

Benefits: The Durham Museum Location: Virtual Event — durhammuseum.org

4

Location: The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts — bemiscenter.org/exhibitions/ synchronicities

Location: Aksarben’s Inner Rail — bodiesracecompany.com

Jan. 18

Jan. 13

Location: North Shore Park at Lake Manawa — omaharun.org

BTC/ORC LAKE MANAWA WINTER SERIES

Benefits: Omaha Running Club

T1D GRANDPARENT CONNECT

Benefits: Breakthrough T1D

Location: Stories Coffee inside Lifegate Church — breakthrought1d.org/ nebraskaiowa/events/ t1d-grandparent-connect-january

Jan.

13

MUSEUM LIVE! CELEBRATING MLK

LGBTQIA+ SUNDAY FUN DAY

Benefits: Out Nebraska Jan. 21

Benefits: The Durham Museum

LGBTQIA+ BOOK CLUB

Location: Virtual Event — durhammuseum.org

Benefits: Out Nebraska Location: Virtual Event — outnebraska.org

Jan. 18

MIDLANDS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GALA 2025

Jan. 19

Location: The Mint Bar — outnebraska.org

Jan. 13

Location: The Astro Theatre — midlandscommunity.org JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

Benefits: The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts

THE 2025 TIME TRAVEL HALF MARATHON

Benefits: Midlands Community Foundation

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SYNCHRONICITIES: INTERSECTING FIGURATION WITH ABSTRACTION EXHIBIT

Location: Garland Thompson Men’s Center Chapel — opendoormission.org

Jan. 4

Jan. 4 & 5

Jan. 18 through May 4

VOLUNTEER CLUB

Jan.

18

Jan. 23

GOC AFCEA LUNCHEON

Benefits: Greater Omaha Chapter of AFCEA Location: Beardmore Event Center — omaha.afceachapters.org

// GIVING CALENDAR //

COUNSELING CONNECTIONS & ASSOCIATES

Jan. 25 through 29

THE MET: LIVE IN HD: AIDA (VERDI)

Benefits: Film Streams Omaha

Location: Dundee Film Streams Theater — filmstreams.org

Jan. 27

QUEER CLIMBERS CLUB

Benefits: Out Nebraska

Location: MW Climbing — outnebraska.org

Jan. 29

LUNCH & LEARN

Benefits: Release Omaha

Location: Release Omaha Office — releaseinc.org/calendar

eling Servic uns es Co

es Counseli upl ng Co

2025 First Place

2025 First Place

Feb. 1

BTC/ORC LAKE MANAWA WINTER SERIES

Benefits: Omaha Running Club

Location: North Shore Park at Lake Manawa — omaharun.org

Feb. 1

THE COUPLE SHUFFLE RUN

#1 Counseling Services

Benefits: The Bodies Race Company Location: Seymour Smith Park — bodiesracecompany.com

Feb. 3

Benefits: The Durham Museum Location: Virtual Event — durhammuseum.org

Feb. 4

VOLUNTEER CLUB

Benefits: Open Door Mission

Feb. 4

-9 YEARS IN A ROW-

#1 Couples Counseling

OUR TOP PROVIDERS

MUSEUM LIVE! BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Location: Garland Thompson Men’s Center Chapel — opendoormission.org

VOTED FIRST PLACE!

Feb.

4

LISA FAY COUTLEY

Benefits: Nebraska Poetry Society Location: Virtual Event —nepoetrysociety.org/readings

Dr. Kristi Tackett-Newburg Founder/Owner

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

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

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Feb. 8

CUPID’S CHASE 5K 2025

Benefits: Cupid’s Chase

Location: Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park in Council Bluffs — runsignup.com/ CupidsChase5KCouncilBluffs

FEBRUARY IS CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH. VISIT US AND HELP YOUR LITTLE ONES SMILE BRIGHT FOR LIFE.

Feb. 8 & 12

NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE: VANYA

Benefits: FIlm Streams

Location: The Ruth Sokolof Film Streams Theater — filmstreams.org

Marty J. Matz, D.D.S. Kelsey L. Wittorf, D.D.S.

Feb. 10

MUSEUM LIVE! VALENTINES DAY

Benefits: The Durham Museum Location: Virtual Event — durhammuseum.org

Feb.

10

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// 49 //

// GIVING CALENDAR // Feb. 14 & 15

KCAC INDOOR TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIP

Benefits: Omaha Sports Commission ALWAYS LOCAL, ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL.

Location: The Lied Fitness Center at the College of Saint Mary — omahasports.org

Feb. 15 Included with an Omaha Magazine Subscription.

OmahaMagazine.com/subscribe

OPEN ARMS TRANS SOCIAL

Benefits: Out Nebraska

Location: 2nd Unitarian Church of Omaha — outnebraska.org

Feb. 15

BTC/ORC LAKE MANAWA WINTER SERIES

Benefits: Omaha Running Club

Location: North Shore Park at Lake Manawa — omaharun.org

A NEW SEASON OF STORIES

Feb. 16

BEL CANTO DUO - VISIONS OF LOVE

Benefits: Vesper Concerts

Location: Vesper Concerts — vesperconcerts.org

Feb. 16

THE 19TH ANNUAL OMAHA ENTERTAINMENT & ARTS AWARDS

Benefits: Omaha Entertainment & Arts Awards Location: The Admiral — oea-awards.com

Feb. 17

Feb.

16

MUSEUM LIVE! PRESIDENT’S DAY

Benefits: The Durham Museum Location: Virtual Event — durhammuseum.org

Feb. 19 through 24

POTE’S TRIP 2025: HAVEN RIVIERA CANCUN

Benefits: Tangier Shrine

Location: Cancun, Mexico — tangiershrine.com

Feb. 22

HARMONY AND HERITAGE CONCERT

ALL ABOARD! Spend the day with a railroad engineer as he steers along the scenic Loup River!

CATCH THIS STORY AND MORE

COMING IN FEBRUARY!

NebraskaPublicMedia.org/nebraskastories

Benefits: Orchestra Omaha

Location: Simon Concert Hall at the Omaha Conservatory of Music — orchestraomaha.org

Feb. 22

ANNUAL MAKE-A-WISH BALL: A WISH CAN TAKE YOU ANYWHERE

Benefits: Make-A-Wish Nebraska

Location: The Embassy Suites in Lincoln — wish.org/nebraska

Feb. 22

HEARTLAND FAMILY SERVICE 150TH ANNIVERSARY GRAND JUBILEE

Benefits: Heartland Family Service

Location: A View West Shores in Waterloo — heartlandfamilyservice.org

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

Feb. 22

2025 BREAKTHROUGH T1D COMMUNITY SUMMIT NEBRASKA

Benefits: Breakthrough T1D

Location: University of Nebraska Omaha Scott Conference Center — breakthrought1d.org/nebraskaiowa/events

Feb. 24

MUSEUM LIVE! STATEHOOD DAY & NEBRASKA HISTORY

Benefits: The Durham Museum Location: Virtual Event — durhammuseum.org

Feb. 27

GOC AFCEA LUNCHEON

Feb.

27

Benefits: Greater Omaha Chapter of AFCEA

Location: Beardmore Event Center — omaha.afceachapters.org

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

// 51 //

PROFILE story by Daisy Hutzell-Rodman photography By Bill Sitzmann // design by Joey Winton

Shoveling Out a Healthy Life

Chad Brough Finds Friendship in F3

I

t’s early in the morning, so early Venus is still visible in the sky, and Chad Brough of Omaha is performing burpee box jumps while more than half of the population of Omaha is still dreaming, and another small percentage of the city’s population is sipping their first cup of coffee.

Brough starts many mornings this way—exercising with a collective of men through a group known as F3: Faith, Fitness, and Fellowship. He’s been with F3 for more than 10 years, starting in Greensboro, North Carolina, where he had moved for work and was looking for a way to stay fit.

“When I started…I was a runner, and I had injured my foot, so I had been swimming laps. I hated it. It was like running on a treadmill in water,” Brough said. “A couple of guys invited me to F3."

Although he enjoyed working out, there was another aspect he appreciated just as much. “What I didn’t know is what a lot of other guys will say, 'there’s something missing in my life.'”

That something was fellowship.

“I’ve always journaled, throughout my life,” Brough said. “I read some past journals, and I was surprised how many times I journaled about loneliness. I was lonely and I didn’t know it. Men have a hard time admitting that.”

Through this group, he discovered he was doing more than just becoming fit.

“F3 became such an important part of my life in Greensboro,” said Brough, a health care professional. The group provided an outlet for a social life, hosting picnics and other outings on top of outdoor exercise sessions. He found a group of people he could have faith in through the circle of trust, a session held at the end of the workout where the men circle around a shovel flag—a garden shovel with a flag attached to it that is left in locations where F3 workouts are available—and are allowed to share what’s on their mind.

When he needed to move to Omaha, he knew that he would take these foundations of faith, fitness, and fellowship with him to his new home.

“I know what it’s done to change my life,” said Brough, whose F3 nickname is Wait Time.

Nicknames are given to each member at the end of their first workout. “My father died at 60, I think he was a clinically and chronically depressed man. He was successful in business, but he didn’t take care of himself. I just decided I wanted to live differently.” continued on pg. 54

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

// 53 //

continued from pg. 52 He continued, “I grieved losing F3 more than anything else, so when I came to Omaha, I was intent from the very first day I stepped foot in Nebraska to have F3 here.”

That was in 2016, and today, Omaha boasts more than 60 F3 workouts per week, with dozens of locations—none of which would have been possible without Brough’s enthusiasm for the group.

“The very first thing I did when I pulled my car into Turner Park in Midtown Crossing was I got out, opened my trunk, and put a shovel flag in the ground,” Brough said.“I took a picture of it, and that was my way of saying we are going to have F3 in Omaha someday.”

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// 54 //

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

One by one, men began to join Brough.

The first official workout session, in 2018, drew a group of about 20 men, which blossomed to 30. Weekend sessions began to have around 45 men at them. Within two years, F3 was officially registered in Omaha, or at least as official as F3 gets.

They pride themselves on having a decentralized leadership.

“It’s this kind of yin-yang,” said Brough, who is chairman of the board of directors on a national level as well as a leader in the Omaha circuit. “We’re clearly a local operation. We do have a board and we do have a national nantan, but its organized kind of like a franchise system.”

The leader in each city is known as a “nantan,” an Apache word that means spiritual leader. They specifically use this term because, as Brough said, “what really distinguished the Apache from other Native American tribes was that they were decentralized, and they had a number of spiritual leaders that existed.”

While Brough himself is Christian, the group is open to people of any faith.

“We don’t lead with faith, but there’s an element in which we believe there’s a power higher than ourselves,” Brough said.

The national organization gave Omaha a $3,000 grant to cover travel for F3 members to come and teach the group their way of working out, and working. The Omaha franchise has blossomed to over 100 members, and Brough has spread his passion for this group to other areas of the midwest.

The Kansas City group has been in existence for around 5 years, and started, in part, through Brough.

“I found F3 through a an advertisement in Men’s Health,” said Jason Pitsenberger of Kansas City, who started F3 in his area

with a man named Bill Green. “The second time I met Bill, we jumped in a car together, drove up to Omaha on a Friday, booked a hotel, had dinner with Chad and three other gentlemen from F3 Omaha, basically, for the purposes of greeting us, telling us what F3 was about.”

Pitsenberger said Brough is a guiding light in getting people together to not just exercise, but be there for one another. Many men are attracted to F3 (and women to the sister organization, Females in Action) because of the social aspect. Many are former military service people and want the structure and camaraderie they found through there; others need companionship as they have found their circle of friends lessen through divorce, death, children leaving home, and more.

“Chad really pushed that angle of F3,” Pitsenberger said. “People get different things out of F3, but I think the main, main thing is providing some type of community where guys can talk about struggles, about wins, about parenting, about relationships.”

The group has also expanded with a nonprofit branch called the F3 Omaha Foundation, which distributes scholarships in the name of a former member. Creighton baseball standout (and later Creighton baseball administrator) Chris Gradoville was a member of F3 before being killed by gunfire in 2021. Brough was instrumental in helping create the Chris Gradoville Community Leaders Scholarship, which is given to students who live by the credo of F3, especially pursuing strong relationships with others and helping create community.

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Because, no matter if someone needs to lose 20 pounds or wants to gain muscle; if one’s doctor has mandated exercise for 30 minutes a day or simply let one know it’s a good idea to get 30 minutes of exercise a day, in the end, what matters is one’s fellowship with others.

“Every first Friday of the month we get together for lunch,” Brough said. “We have happy hours, we’re fortunate enough to have someone in the Vala’s family, and this year we had 2,000 people there as a part of F3. We do a lot together socially, because that’s where a lot of these friendships bond.”

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// 55 //

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Steven and his team start by utilizing a comprehensive health exam to determine your health, activities, and longevity needs.

He then designs a custom exercise program based on your specific needs, with workouts often being completed at Re-Gen’s on-site fitness center. Steven and his team utilize “guided fitness” which involves each client having an individualized exercise program, video demonstrations of exercises, and regular supervision by himself and his personal training staff. Steven has years of // 56 //

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60+ NOSTALGIA

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A Look Back at

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The

Special K Diet Kellogg’s Bold

Weight-Loss Claim

two weeks.” The meal plan, known as the “Special K diet,” consisted of eating one cup of Special K cereal with a half-cup of low-fat milk for breakfast, the same for lunch, and a small, low-calorie dinner, with fruit and Special K bars or shakes sprinkled in for snacks.

Though not as restrictive as the “eggs and wine diet” printed by Vogue in 1977, the Special K diet was soon deemed an unsustainable “fad diet.” Originally marketed as a “jumpstart” option for meeting an initial weight loss goal, it did help many people shed around six pounds within 14 days, but would also cause users’ A difficult question to answer, considering the impli- weight loss to plateau after that period, making it a cations of the word “healthy” and the fact that it short-term solution that usually backfired. means different things to different people. Cereal giant Kellogg’s claims it can be. With several pages The diet was appealing to many people for several reaon the wkkellogg.com website displaying nutrition sons, including the convenience that cereal provides. information and articles about the health benefits The lack of having to prepare meals ahead of time and of cereal, Kellogg’s has embraced health-conscious decide what to eat proved to be an attractive alternative culture, branding itself as a cheap and healthy option to strict meal plans. Without an accompanying list of for meals, particularly breakfast. According to the specific foods that users can and cannot eat, like most website, Kellogg’s “will ensure families and kids have other popular diets of the time, the Special K diet access to more of what they want and need from the allowed complete freedom for one out of three meals per day. It was also marketed as a particularly inexfoods they eat.” pensive way to diet, as most “healthy” foods tend to be In August 2024, Kellogg’s announced its plans to close higher-priced than fast food or fatty snacks. Kellogg’s their manufacturing plant in Omaha. The plan will touted its Special K cereal as the best of both worlds: phase out the Kellogg’s branch beginning in 2025, cheap and healthy. Phrases like “Helping people be with plans to be closed by late 2026. Following the healthier, happier, together,” populate the Kellogg’s company’s announcement, CEO Gary Pilnick stated in website, advertising its products in this manner. a press release that “actions that impact our people and the communities where we operate are challenging and While Kellogg’s has since deviated from the extreme are made with thoughtful consideration.” Many are diet fad, many still associate the Special K brand with worried how this change will affect Kellogg’s employ- the advertisements’ images of thin women in bright red ees, as it is estimated that approximately 550 jobs will swimsuits. Since Kellogg’s cemented that image in the be eliminated due to the closing of the plant. This is minds of its consumers, it may be difficult for them to not the only negative emotion directed at the company, shake it off. The Kellogg’s brand has since expanded, however, as many people remember when Kellogg’s including a variety of cereals and snacks, and continues doubled down on a dieting campaign that marketed to promote its health agenda by posting recipes on social media that utilize the brand’s products. their signature cereal as a means for weight loss. ereal is statistically the most popular breakfast food across the country. The combination of convenience and numerous flavor options has propelled the product of cooked grains and oats to the status of a pantry staple. This beloved essential has, however, been controversial, sparking a lifelong debate: Is cereal healthy?

Kellogg’s released a diet plan in 2004 that would supposedly cause people to “lose two jean sizes in

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To learn more, visit wkkellogg.com.

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Still At Bat

SECTION // STORY BY XXXXXXX // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK

ollegiate background. She noted his capability to “enforce policies in a consistent manor and make sure our water chemistry is where it needs to be.”

“My hopes are that Robert decides to continue to be a lifeguard, he is a great asset to us and our community,” she affirmed. ently retired administrative assistant shows no signs of theatrical slowing: currently, Lee is working on costuming for a SNAP! theater production, has just been asked to do a play reading for the Great Plains Theater Conference, and, of course, has been looking for potential shows to audition for. Lee is a wonderful example of what poet Maya Angelou suggested life’s mission should be; that is, “not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”

60+ ACTIVE LIVING STORY BY CHRIS HATCH PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK

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Headline Subhead

W

hen Larry Peterson, 77, starts ticking off stats about the Nebraska Senior Softball League, it quickly becomes clear that some numbers matter to him and some do not.

Two. That’s the number of remaining players from when the league was first founded way back in the year 2000. That’s when a fresh-faced, 52-year-old Peterson and his then-60-year-old friend, Joe Barrientos, joined Dave Banghart’s fledgling league.

As one of the remaining two original players, and the league chaplain, Peterson can readily list off the amount of teams in the Nebraska Senior Softball League (17, as of this past summer season), the games that teams play (50-60 in a given season), or any other figures related to the league.

What makes the league unique, however, are the kind of numbers not found on a spreadsheet or on the back of a baseball card or a birth certificate; the kind that have an impact felt on the diamond and off.

“The relationships are what matter,” Peterson said.

“For instance, as a minister, I’ve done about a half dozen funerals for the players that I grew a relationship with. I’ve done one wedding and it’s just really great and I love being a part of that. When Dave Banghart (the league’s founder) asked if I’d be the lead chaplain, I take that seriously.”

Fun, fitness, and fellowship—that’s what Peterson signed on for, back when there were only two teams in the league and Bill Clinton was still the president of the United States.

Those three pillars have endured as the league has expanded, with a little help from word of mouth and, according to Barrientos, a little local political news coverage.

“What happened the second year is that Mayor Daub came in and that got front page coverage,” Barrientos, now 84, recalled. “And all of a sudden it picked up to, instead of having two teams, we had six.”

The players may be aging, but their competitive fire burns as hot as a Nebraska July afternoon.

“People will say, ‘this is a very competitive league,’ and we have people play in their 50s up into their early 80s,” Peterson said. “We’re still playing competitive softball against each other. You can see that each one of us has grown older, but the skills are still there.”

Fun and fellowship are core tenets, but how the game is played still matters in this league.

The league holds a draft for incoming players, after assessing their skill set through a tryout process.

Players are chosen for teams to spread out the talent and, though there are accommodations made

to keep everyone safe, the players to stay active year-round.

“We have batting practice during the wintertime,” Barrientos said, a catcher whose love of the game kept him coming back for 24 years. “A lot of us guys go down Tuesdays and Fridays, just batting practice for an hour. So we have fun for about an hour of playing ball.”

While there may be air quotes around “young” in this league, the youth help to keep things fresh, and the various ages of the players allow for wisdom, as well as stories to be passed on to future generations.

“25 years later, we can look at the new recruits that we’ve had that have joined in their early 50s. We call them ‘the kids,’” Peterson said. “There’re a lot of young people that do look up to the seniors, not only just for their playing abilities, but for the wisdom that they share with them, just about life. But at the same time, the older ones, we look to the youth. Because we love to see it when we break down the barriers that some people would see between the youth and the older people. There’re barriers of just talking, relationship, respect, and certainly the talent is there.”

Both Peterson and Barrientos grew up with softball in their lives and neither show any signs of leaving it behind. Not even with a double knee replacement for Peterson last season or Barrientos’ flirtation with retirement from the game.

“I thought I was going to give it up last year,” Barrientos admitted. “I thought it was going to be my last year, and I said, ‘no, I got to keep going.’”

As for Peterson, he’s going to continue playing the game that he loves and sorting through the numbers, some that, admittedly, matter more than others.

“We’ve had something like 300 different players that have enjoyed at least one season, since the league started,” he said. “I’ve ministered to a bunch of the players. I prayed with them in the stands, with them when they’ve had some family member pass away, or for the player themselves, and to comfort the family when the player passes away. It’s a very positive community.”

For more information, visit neseniorsoftball.com.

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60+ PROFILE // STORY BY HOLLY McATEE // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY RENEE

For expanded content, open the camera on your smart device and hover over the QR code above.

LUDWICK

Keeping the

Bob Markworth’s Mission to Preserve the Art of the Theater Pipe Organ

B

ob Markworth is a retired Union Pacific environmental and mechanical engineer.

While working there, he supported facilities for all terminals and ran the tie treating plants. His love of tinkering and building has also translated into his hobby of rebuilding pipe organs.

Growing up, Markworth’s parents would take him to the Oriental Theatre in Portland, Oregon, where he loved to hear the organists play the Wurlitzer. “I really liked the sound,” he said.

When he was younger, he learned to play the organ and his parents got him a small electric one for entertainment. As time went on, they got him a larger one, and then a larger one.

“I find that the music that’s played on the organ is very inspiring and makes your spine tingle. It makes you feel like you’ve become part of the music. It’s a big sound. It really grows on you,” Markworth said.

Theater organs were at the height of their popularity during the time of silent movies, helping the story unfold for the audience with elaborate sound effects and songs by using windblown pipes to imitate the sounds of an entire orchestra.

The intricate electrical controls allowed a single musician to fill a theater with sound.

As the era of silent movies ended, many pipe organs were boarded up and were no longer used.

According to Markworth, people were then able to buy them for a small amount of money. Some of these organs ended up across the country in pizza restaurants. In the 1970s and 1980s, there were over 100 pizza and pipes restaurants in the U.S., but there are just a few remaining today.

Markworth recommends Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa, Arizona.

Markworth decided in the 1970s that he wanted to buy a large pipe organ to put in his home.

Eventually, he found a 9 Rank Kimball in Pennsylvania. The 3/24 organ has all Kimball and Wurlitzer parts. With the help of The River City Theatre Organ Society, it took three years

to rebuild. “Six to eight guys would come over on Saturdays and we would work all day, and my wife, Joyce, would make lunch. They worked for food,” Markworth quipped.

According to their website, “The River City Theatre Organ Society (RCTOS) is dedicated to the preservation of the theatre pipe organ, its music, and art form. While we welcome members from all walks of life, and organists of all skill levels, the vast majority of our members are simply music lovers, those who appreciate the sound of the mighty theatre organ. A few of our members enjoy in the upkeep and work necessary to keep these large instruments properly operating.”

Joyce was a pianist and fan of the organ as well.

“You have to have a very understanding wife to put up with the hobby, and she was,” Markworth said of the love his life, who passed away in 2014.

As far as his pipe organ, “building the system took a while,” he said. “It was originally built for a theater in 1927. A lot of it had to be repaired.

The valves had to be re-leathered. Things in the chest of the organ had deteriorated and had to be rebuilt. It was a labor of love—a lot of camaraderie amongst the members. The guys became good at this.”

The organ sits inside of a large theater in his basement that seats about 150. Behind the organ are two large rooms that house all the elements of the pipe organ. The pipes emulate every musical instrument in a full orchestra. This is where the real mechanics and tinkering take place. As the organist plays the music, the swell shades open and close, controlling the volume via the organist’s right foot pedal.

Music Alive

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“Organ playing is an art. Our club is trying to perpetuate the instrument; our mission is to show and promote and keep the music alive.” -Jerry Pawlak “I enjoy the mechanics of the organ. I enjoy working on it and fixing it and adding additional features. That’s the engineer in me,” Markworth said.

The RCTOS meets at Markworth’s home a few times a year. They have potlucks and have organists play. Sometimes, they have so many guests over to listen that they need to open the patio doors and seat some people outside.

The RCTOS was instrumental in finding and installing the 3/21 Wurlitzer from California that resides in the Rose Theater.

The organ pieces were heavy, and it took a lot of work to get it put together and working. Every August, the society comes back to maintain and repair it, after which they have a public concert. In August 2024, the featured musician was Pop Theatre Pipe Organist Dave Wickerham.

“The event at the Rose Theatre is a fundraiser for the club,” Markworth explained. “We // 64 //

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bring in a good organist and show a silent movie that the organist plays showtunes to.

It’s a great event for a good cause and it’s open to the public. After the concert, we have an afterglow where guests can meet the artists at my house. We have a light dinner, and the event is casual and fun.”

Jerry Pawlak, secretary and treasurer of RCTOS, has been friends with Markworth for over 20 years. The two met at a club meeting and both worked for the railroad.

“Organ playing is an art. Our club is trying to perpetuate the instrument; our mission is to show and promote and keep the music alive,” Pawlak said.

He continued, “Bob is an engineer, and he knows how to put together the organs to get them to work. He is a great person and he’s been a great friend for 20 years. He’s very knowledgeable, and all-around good guy.”

Markworth wants to keep this art form alive. “It’s still an enjoyment for a lot of

people. Many people don’t know this art form exists, and they are amazed when they see it and hear that organs can produce popular music,” he said.

Markworth often plays tunes from the “Star Wars” soundtrack and songs such as Whitney Houston’s “The Greatest Love of All,” and “The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” It’s a marvel to see the organ with its pipes, bells, and whistles move about while it plays.

It can be challenging to get people to learn about organ music as an art form, but this is the goal for Markworth and the RCOTS. “We would love to have as many people join as we could. We want to increase our membership. You just must appreciate music,” Markworth said. “Our work crew has diminished; many members are no longer with us.

“You don’t need to know how to play the organ or work the organs,” he continued, noting “We need more young people to carry the torch.”

For more information, visit rctos.com.

To see a performance, open the camera on your smart device and hover over the QR code.

OBVIOUSLY OMAHA COMPILED BY NATALIE VELOSO // DESIGN BY RACHEL BIRDSALL

Six Unique Workouts in Omaha You’ll Actually Want to Try

N

ew year, new goals—why stick with a boring treadmill routine?

If your workout could use a shake-up, now’s the perfect time to try something new. From calming stretch sessions to completely pushing your physical limits, Omaha offers plenty of fitness classes that turn breaking a sweat into an adventure. If you’re ready to find a workout you’ll actually look forward to, this list has a class just for you. Happy healthy 2025!

1

PARKOUR & FREERUNNING – NEBRASKA PARKOUR (NEPK)

2828 S. 82nd Ave., Suite 8, Omaha, NE 68124 | nebraskaparkour.com Nebraska Parkour (NEPK) brings the thrill of freerunning and speed climbing to Omaha as the leading parkour spot in the state.

Designed for all ages, NEPK offers indoor and outdoor classes at every skill level, including beginners still mastering basic landings or experienced students tackling advanced moves. Helping participants build confidence in a safe and controlled environment, this approach to fitness is as exhilarating as it is empowering.

2

GOAT YOGA – JAMS YOGA STUDIO & FARM

14211 N. 84th St., Omaha, NE 68122 | jamsgoatyoga.com JAMS Yoga Studio & Farm offers a playful twist on relaxation with its popular goat yoga classes, merging the benefits of yoga with friendly animal companionship. Created as a family tribute (by Jessica, Jay, Art, Michelle, and Matt Swoboda), JAMS is run by animal lovers and dedicated to creating a welcoming experience for ages 10 and up. With options for every yoga enthusiast, guests always leave feeling refreshed—especially after a Saturday “Bagels and Mimosas” session.

3

AERIAL & POLE FITNESS – AERIAL BOMBSHELL DANCE STUDIO

4255 S. 94th St., Omaha, NE 68127 | aerialbombshell.com Aerial Bombshell Dance Studio invites Omaha to “take flight” with a range of pole and aerial fitness classes—no prior experience required. From pole dancing basics to advanced aerial tricks, the studio offers a progression of difficulty in their classes, including hammocks, lyra, silks, and more. With their inclusive approach, Aerial Bombshell creates an empowering fitness experience through strength, dance, and creativity.

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BEAT-BASED CYCLING – ELEVATE CYCLING & FITNESS STUDIOS

5

SHINE SOCIAL STRETCH – GNO FITNESS

6

TAI CHI AND MORE – KARMA YOGA OMAHA

10806 Prairie Hills Dr., Omaha, NE 68144 | elevatefitstudios.com Elevate Cycling & Fitness Studios brings a fresh approach to cycling with classes that move to the rhythm of high-energy music. Their signature sessions, Energy Cycle and Fusion Cycle, offer high-intensity, beat-driven rides packed with quick beat drops for a thrilling workout. The real highlight? DJ Rides. Transforming into “Club Elevate,” the studio turns up the energy with a live DJ and club lights, creating a party-like workout that’s equal parts nightclub and fitness class.

2949 N. 204th St., Suite 108, Elkhorn, NE 68022 | gnofit.com GNO Fitness redefines workouts as a true “Girls Night Out” experience, bringing fun and friendship into fitness. Take it easy with their “Social Stretch” class—a relaxing, 30-minute session where low lighting and soft music set the tone for stretching and socializing. The class actively encourages conversation, making it an ideal place to unwind, connect, and share laughs with fellow members in a laid-back setting.

15761 W Dodge Rd #102, Omaha, NE 68118 | karmayogaomaha.com Karma Yoga Omaha brings a mindful touch to wellness, offering unique classes that go beyond traditional yoga. Their Tai Chi sessions, for example, teach an ancient Chinese martial art and low-impact “moving meditation” that helps relieve tension and promote “qi” flow. Their serene “Candlelight Flow” class invites participants to unwind with gentle movement and breath work for total relaxation.

For a deeper experience, “Silent Yoga” offers participants the chance to practice their poses in complete silence, fostering self-awareness and inner peace.

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LE BOUILLON’S CHEF

Joel Walsh:

CHEF PROFILE

A Chef for Every Season

sk Le Bouillon’s chef de cuisine Joel Walsh what his favorite menu item is, what he loves to cook at home, or what he gets really excited about finding at the farmers market, and he’ll give a grin in response, along with his answer to all three questions: “Well, what season is it?”

It’s a very apt response from a farm-totable chef who delights in the food each season brings.

Guests attending a dinner party with Walsh and his girlfriend, Joyce Hwang, in the summer will likely enjoy grilled steaks and potatoes, eaten outdoors picnic-style. In the fall, it will likely be lamb with pomegranate molasses with freshly shelled beans. A winter meal would probably involve short ribs, onions, and mushrooms with a bottle of red wine and some crusty bread. In the springtime, it’s back to the grill for some squab, fresh greens, polenta, and a hard cheese. Like his menus at Le Bouillon, the food he cooks is always in season.

After spending a great deal of time cultivating strong relationships with local farmers, Walsh is undeniably compelled by the seasons. He changes the Le Bouillon menu four times a year, and “90% of the time, it’s inspired by seasonal produce,” he admitted.

He’s no stranger to farms, as he grew up helping out on his parents’ Fort Calhoun farm. He enjoys working with farmers and building relationships with them.

“Community is really important,” he said.

He has cultivated strong relationships with the farmers who supply Le Bouillon with the fresh ingredients that go into the restaurant’s dishes.

Walsh got his start in the kitchen by cooking for his large family—with his parents busy on the farm, it sometimes fell on him to feed his brothers and sisters. He followed recipe books and quickly discovered that he adored “the organization of it all.”

A graduate of the Arizona Culinary Institute, he spent some time in Los Angeles, where he worked at Bruce's Gourmet and catered for the Emmy, Oscar, and Grammy Awards, among others. He then moved to Las Vegas, where he owned Blue Hen Chicken Co. There, the eatery reached rankings within the top 20 restaurants in town—not an easy feat in Sin City.

Chicken sandwiches are in his blood, he said. His grandfather once owned a chicken fried steak shop. He returned to Nebraska to help his parents on their farm and didn’t waste much time before landing at Le Bouillon.

Walsh makes claims to not be a very complicated guy. “I’m an open book. I love music. I love art. I’m a country boy. I like rodeos, line dancing, and spending time with family.” He admits to being very organized and particular when it comes to cooking, but is vigilant about not becoming one of those chefs who has temper tantrums in the kitchen. “I’m not an angry person. Chefs don’t need to kick and scream.” His staff likely agrees, as the retention rate at Le Bouillon is incredibly high for a restaurant.

“I love being a part of this team,” he said. “I couldn’t do it without them. They’re a strong team.”

When he walks through the dining room, he notices that diners seem happy with the food. “I think they’re loving the food,” he said. “I see a lot of smiles.”

As a successful chef on the Omaha food scene, Walsh offered some advice to aspiring chefs. “Get in a kitchen before you go to culinary school. Get your hands dirty.” He further suggested that prospective culinary students might want to “take that money you’d spend on tuition and go to Europe for a while.” He added that he’d probably be more likely to hire a young chef who spent time traveling abroad over one who went straight into culinary school, because taking a nontraditional route “takes courage. It’s admirable.”

Walsh feels like he’s on the right track, he said. His three-year plan will probably involve starting his own farm and maybe a trip to France with Hwang, where they will sample street food and pastries, and sip lots of wine. But until then, he’ll continue his seasonal magic at Le Bouillon.

For more information, visit lebouillonomaha.com.

“I’m an open book. I love music.

I love art. I’m a country boy. I like rodeos, line dancing, and spending time with family.”

—Joel Walsh

STORY BY TAMSEN BUTLER // PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE // DESIGN BY RACHEL BIRDSALL JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

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DINING REVIEW

A Fresh Take on Fast Food in Millwork Commons

“Fresh, filling, and always flavorful.”

A charming cafe in Omaha delivers on their promise by prioritizing locally sourced ingredients and serving quick, health-conscious meals that are anything but boring. A one-stop shop in the Ashton Building of Millwork Commons, Clean Slate Cafe is the brick-andmortar extension of Clean Slate Food Co., a Lincoln-based food delivery service that prides itself on its quality meal prep cuisine and sustainable practices.

Whether patrons dine in or grab a meal to go, Clean Slate makes it simple to eat well without compromise. This commitment extends to the company’s recent partnership with Joslyn Art Museum to run the museum’s new on-site Durham Cafe, a decision that highlights their reputation for high-quality healthy food.

Clean Slate Cafe caters to the needs of those on the go by offering convenient meals all day, including a breakfast and lunch menu available for dine-in, pickup, or delivery.

The grab-and-go fridge stays consistently stocked, ready to be enjoyed at home or

in the office. While these options allow diners to enjoy Clean Slate's cuisine wherever they are, nothing compares to experiencing the cafe’s dishes hot, fresh, and made-to-order.

Stepping into the cafe feels both modern and inviting, with its wood and plant accents, open seating, and exposed brick walls. Despite its small size—seating around 25 guests at a time—natural light floods through large windows and makes the space feel bright and airy. The layout facilitates easy flow for diners to stop in for an unhurried meal, or beeline toward the fridge for a quick meal to-go.

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CL E A N SL ATE C A F E

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The kitchen menu itself is intentionally limited, with only about a dozen made-to-order offerings throughout the day. This streamlined selection allows the staff to focus on the quality and thoughtful execution for which Clean Slate Co. is known, and rotating menu specials add an extra element of surprise.

After reviewing our options, my dining companion and I started easy with the Avocado Toast from the cafe’s breakfast menu—Clean Slate’s take on this favorite of ours exceeded expectations. With a base of housemade sourdough, the toast was generously topped with creamy avocado, pickled red onion, and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. It's a simple breakfast staple that’s hard to dislike, especially when prepared with such care.

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For our main course, my companion decided on the Focaccia Chicken Sandwich, which featured a tender, braised chicken thigh with pepperoncini and fennel slaw. Though she was unsure about the sauces and requested them on the side, one taste was all it took for her to add the creamy roasted garlic aioli and the zing of the hot honey vinegar sauce to each bite. Served on housemade focaccia, the sandwich was more substantial than we anticipated, especially for the price.

I opted for the Cacio e Pepe, a dish typically associated with comfort food, but presented here with a refined touch. The potato gnocchi was skillfully prepared and coated in a luscious black pepper sauce and a generous shower of pecorino cheese. Though it wasn’t included, I added chicken for an extra $3, which paired beautifully with the fresh ingredients. The broccoli and tomato confit balanced out the heartier elements, while the chervil leaves on top added a delicate herbal note—thoughtful details like these showed the care that went into its preparation.

We also split the White Bean Summer Salad, which, while not intended for sharing, was a refreshing contrast to both of our entrées.

This side salad was a blend of white beans, red onion, and asparagus, all dressed in a bright lemon vinaigrette.

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DINING REVIEW

To round off our meal, we couldn’t resist taking home two servings of the Golden Turmeric Oats, a grab-and-go option that drew our attention for its presentation alone.

The vegan-friendly treat featured turmericinfused oats and creamy coconut milk, complemented by fresh kiwi, strawberries, almonds, and coconut flakes. The colorful ingredient layers made it visually appealing, and the taste was just as good when we enjoyed them later.

While some menu staples remain consistent, our cashier informed us that the chefs are often coming up with new options. Guests at the cafe should always consider taking a moment to check the specials board, as this is where the chefs tend to experiment and showcase their creativity.

The grab-and-go fridge offerings rotate even more frequently, and new selections are available each week. It’s important to note that the cafe kitchen menu is available for ordering only until 3 p.m., though the cafe itself is open until 5 p.m. daily, except on Sundays. After 3 p.m., grab-and-go options remain available.

These meals heat up beautifully in just a few minutes, with containers that clearly label the ingredients and nutrient counts.

As demand grows locally for health-conscious dining options, Clean Slate Cafe proves that nutritious fast food can be as crave-worthy as it is accessible. For anyone aiming to make healthier choices without sacrificing quality or flavor, a meal from Clean Slate is one that satisfies on every level.

For more information, visit cleanslatefoodco.com.

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Dolomiti Evokes Northern Italian Warmth DINING andFEATURE Spirit

DINING FEATURE STORY BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK

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C ommercial kitchens often appear functional more than beautiful. Stainless steel workstations and rubber floor mats prevail in many back-of-house spaces. Dolomiti Pizzeria & Enoteca, however, showcases a pistachiogreen pizza oven that serves as a focal point and is as beautiful as any portrait on a living-room wall.

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That pistachio green carries through to the vintage midcentury modern tiles that line a portion of the floor and serve as a different accent to the reclaimed wood used in other areas. Sitting near the front of the bar area, patrons can view greens being snipped from pots and pizzas being slid in and out of the enormous oven by chef Roberto Garcia, who crafts everything from a traditional pepperoni to the trendy “Zucca,” squash, kale, and red onion topped with cheese (dairy by default, but vegan cheese can be substituted for an extra charge).

It’s a relaxed, but somewhat upscale vibe that matches the relaxed vibe of co-owner Tim Maides, known previously as Chef Maides at Gather and other places around town.

There’s good pizza in this town—after all, Omaha’s home to Godfather’s, and recent pizza joints such as Dante’s or Lyle’s offer upscale cuisines that cater to their neighborhood regulars as well as the occasionally curious. It’s what Maides wanted when he started a pizza place in a burgeoning area of the city.

The heart of this story, however, starts more than four years ago and was disrupted in 2020.

“The property owners were curious about Au Courant, which is my brother and business partner’s restaurant,” Maides said. “This was right before COVID…So, for us, it was like ‘well, this is a new neighborhood, and what’s a food that, if something goes wrong, we can pivot and focus on takeout?”

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Thus, a pizzeria became the idea of the restaurant.

But Maides, being originally from Switzerland, not southern Italy, chose to serve a Northern Italy-style pizza that is a bit different from the Neapolitan style often associated with pizza here in the U.S.

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“We bake it a little differently. Neapolitan is hot, fast, with a light, crispy dough,” Maides said. “We bake ours at a little lower temperature. You still get that nice, charred flavor from the fire, but it has a little more structure.”

Their toppings also reflect a more northern climate.

Mortadella, a Northern Italian meat that differs from its cousin bologna by having fat pieces and sometimes pistachios to break up its texture, is big on the menu.

Maides is hoping his winter menu can include raclette, a potent cheese that has started to catch on in the U.S., especially as it has been seen on TV in a dramatic presentation of charring, then scraping, the raclette onto burgers, bread, and other foods. Their signature pies—including a hearty patata pie made from sliced potatoes, caramelized onions, and pancetta—also represent northern Italian ingredients.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

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Then there’s the drinks. Maides specifically pairs his pizzas with drinks that are lighter, as opposed to the heavier craft cocktails seen around the city at trendy bars.

“I love having a bunch of N/A options,” Maides said. “When I worked in Germany, they sold more N/A beers than anywhere else, because Europeans interact with alcohol different. I’d be at a wedding place, and during the day they would drink nonalcoholic beers, but at night, they would drink alcohol.”

Those options include a Desert Nectar from Saro Cider in Lincoln and a Phony Negroni, bottled by St. Agrestis. Those who enjoy a glass of something boozy with dinner can fear not—the drinks menu includes beers, wines, cocktails, and variety of spritzes (from Aperol to Limoncello).

“I love the rise of spritzes,” Maides said.

“Anytime I was in Europe, I was drinking Aperol Spritz.”

While Northern Italian fare and drinks prevail, diners at Dolomiti can expect a new pizza every week that reflects the seasons of the Midwest through their produce.

“Whatever the farmers are growing, we turn it into a pizza,” Maides said.

It helps Maides that his chef is someone he has known for years.

“Roberto…has more experience in the restaurant world than anyone I know,” he said.

“I wouldn’t trust anyone more. He’s truly the puppeteer behind the scenes.”

That puppet master has truly pulled the strings on Dolomiti's pizza. When Maides offered him creative control of the menu, he dove in and got pie on his face regularly, trying pizzas in a variety of places in town, figuring out the right combination of ingredients in a sauce, the right way to get that unique texture on the crust.

Garcia also created a variety of delectable menu items that don’t have anything to do with sauce, crust, cheese, and toppings.

Appetizers (Stuzzichini, Italian for “nibbles” or appetizer) include hummus made from white beans often found in Northern Italy and “salumi and formaggi for two” an Italian charcuterie made up of seasonally rotating meats and cheese with sides and housemade focaccia.

While Maides has been known for his creations in the kitchen, in this venture, he’s at the front of the house. One would think he’s been front-of-house his whole career, as he greets diners who may not have come in previously, asks a regular about their family, and makes sure everyone who comes to his establishment is well-fed and happy.

“It’s fun for me that, even though I spend so much time here, I still get to engage with friends, family, the community,” Maides said. “I love this because it’s the opposite of a kitchen. It’s calm, it’s relaxing.”

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He’s cultivated that relaxed atmosphere, in part, in the way that he pays his servers to create a team. Maides understands that the front of the house can be cutthroat, with the servers working specific sections and sometimes becoming territorial over a section. The service staff pools tips in order to keep everyone on the same page.

“I do think it helps everyone,” Maides said.

“You know, someone’s struggling that day, another person can just jump in, help them out…And that’s huge for me, because we work too hard in this industry not to enjoy our jobs.”

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The community in the restaurant, and the community outside the restaurant, has learned The Ashton holds a special pizza place in its walls.

“I’ve met more Austrians than ever because of the name Dolomiti,” Maides said. The name comes from the mountain range in Northern Italy. “It’s right on the border, and actually used to be a part of Austria before the war.”

The restaurant has received visitors from Austria, Rome, and more. Maides has appreciated the love they have all had for his restaurant.

This particular night, he didn’t worry about this old addage. On request of the server, he chatted with the family and found out they were from Milan and only in town for a couple of weeks. “The guy was like, this is not only the best pizza I’ve had in Nebraska, but the best pizza I’ve had in the Midwest.”

Mea tba ll s

“We had a family from Milan come in. It was two adults, two kids,” Maides said. “They came in close to the end of the night. The joke is, pizza is like a waffle, your first pizza, your last pizza, they’re never your best ones.”

Maides said that feedback blew his mind.

And he hopes that, as winter in the Midwest hits, the hearty, Northern Italian pizzeria he’s helped create can blow Omahans in his door for warm, comforting food.

“Winter in Omaha is not a lot of fun,” Maides said. “Being in a warm, cozy place with delicious food makes that a little more bearable.”

Visit pizzadolomiti.com for more information.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

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- Sponsored Content -

Omaha

DINING GUIDE AMERICAN 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.

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—djsdugout.com JAMS MODERN AMERICAN- $$ 7814 Dodge St. - 402.399.8300 1101 Harney St. in the OldMarket - 402.614.9333

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 PACIFIC EATING HOUSE - $$ 1130 Sterling Ridge Dr. - 531.999.3777 We have developed our menu inspired by all that touches the Pacific Ocean. Starting with fresh fish flown from Honolulu, locally sourced steaks and natural chicken with an Asian flare and pairing our dishes with tiki libations and Pacific coast wines.

—pacificeatinghouse.com PINE & BLACK BISTRO - $$ 248 Olson Dr., Papillion - 531.999.3777 We opened in March of 2023 to bring a family owned bistro to the community, serving local steaks and fresh seafood. We offer a wide variety of Pacific Northwest wines, local beers, and craft cocktails.

Pinot Noir translates to Pine & Black, our name originates from our love of wine.

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An Omaha staple, our restaurant blends modern American cuisine, craft cocktails, and local beers with elevated service and creates seamless dining, event, and catering experiences. Celebrate life’s moments while embracing the traditions that make us special—where unforgettable meals and memories come together.

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7 METRO AREA LOCATIONS | DJSDUGOUT.COM | // 76 //

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

SAND POINT - $$$ 655 North 114th Street Omaha, NE 68154 —531-466-1008 Sand Point ‘New England Fare’ brings their favorite and unique dishes from New England to the Omaha food community. Freshest seafood, from seared crab cakes, lobster arancini, whole belly clams, New England clam chowder, lobster bisque to charcuterie boards and Angus beef tips and steak burgers, to be topped off with Boston cream pie, blueberry pie or Lemon canna cotta. Full bar to include, specialty cocktails, extensive wine lists, as well as beer and non-alcoholic drinks.

–sandpointomaha.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 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 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

Omaha

DINING GUIDE I TA L I A N SPEZIA - $$$ 3125 S. 72nd St. - 402.391.2950 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 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 DINING GUIDE LEGEND

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Get a Little Saucy.

A Classic Italian Experience SPEZIA SPECIALTIES

an Dining Itali

yH Happ our

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2024 Winner

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FRESH SEAFOOD • ANGUS BEEF INNOVATIVE PASTA • RISOTTO

GNOCCHI • FRESH SALMON DAILY

SATURDAY LUNCH [11am–4 pm] SPECIAL WINTER DINING FEATURES

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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

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. Private Party Rooms . Walk-Ins Welcome

CENTRAL LOCATION • 3125 SOUTH 72ND STREET • EASY ACCESS OFF I-80 • 72ND STREET EXIT

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402.391.2950 . Call today to make your reservation

“Serving World Famous Hamburgers Since 1936” 106 GALVIN RD., BELLEVUE, NE 402-291-6088 OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY 11 AM - 9 PM

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

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Historical Facts

ROTELLA 2nd & 3rd Generation

1988

When father and son became partners in the mid-70s, the bakery’s reach was limited to local grocery stores and restaurants. The father and son team were envisioning a future well beyond Omaha. The bakery first reached into Lincoln, Neb., in the late 70s, and then to Des Moines, Iowa. In the 1980s they entered the nationwide marketplace for the first time.

ek Dining Gre

“We got along so well, my dad and myself. We were true partners,” Louis Jr. said. “By having the same goals and the same ideas – and a willingness to help each other – we were able to do a lot. And it’s not because of me, it’s because of us.

Whatever was the best for the bakery, that’s what we would do.”

2025 First Place

Family Owned Since 1983 CATERING / PARTY ROOM AVAILABLE HOMEMADE, FRESH FOOD, ALWAYS.

3821 Center St. / 402.346.1528 GreekIslandsOmaha.com

Since 1921

Celebrating over 100 Years of Baking Excellence!

Louis Rotella Sr. & Louis Rotella Jr. in October of 1988 inspecting the construction site of their new bakery at 108th & Harrison in La Vista, Neb.

rotellasbakery.com

Serving Omaha for 78 Years

STEAKS • CHOPS • SEAFOOD ITALIAN SPECIALTIES 7 private party rooms Seating up to 400 Lots of parking

h Steak ouse

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1620 S. 10th Street

402-345-8313

www.casciossteakhouse.com

// 78 //

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

Omaha

DINING GUIDE Voted Omaha’s Best Breakfast 18 years in a row!

Staff & Servi ce ait W

2023 First Place

Locally owned and operated since 2001!

Open 7 days a week • 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

156th & Dodge | 402-408-1728 • 177th & Center | 402-934-9914 120th & Blondo | 402-991-8222 • 69th & Pacific | 402-933-2776 LePeepOmaha.com •

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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

SPECIAL DINING 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 ZEN COFFEE COMPANY - $ West - 132nd and Center Downtown - 25th and Farnam One Pacific Place - Drive Thru Kiosk next to Trader Joes 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

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

// 79 //

Omaha

DINING GUIDE

STEAKHOUSES CASCIO’S - $$ 1620 S. 10th St. - 402-345-8313

655 N 114th St, Omaha NE 68154 sandpointomaha@gmail.com 531.466.1008

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 oneof-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 TWISTED CORK BISTRO - $$ 10370 Pacific St. - 531.999.3777 We arrived in Nebraska from Washington intent on purchasing from farmers, ranchers & fishmongers who share our commitment for wholesome, sustainable fare. Our recipes use the Earth’s bounty the way it is intended ~ Wild and Natural ~ We compliment our dishes, pairing them with exquisite Pacific Northwest wines.

–twistedcorkbistro.com

2121 South 73rd St. / 402-391-7440 | www.droversteakhouse.com Lunch Open Monday - Friday 11am - 2pm | Dinner Open Monday - Friday from 5pm Saturday - Sunday from 4:30 pm

// 80 //

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

Omaha

DINING GUIDE

HUNGRY?

MAHOGANY PRIME STEAKHOUSE - $$$$ 225 N. 145th St. - 402.445.4380

TwistedCorkBistro.com

In a town known for its great steaks, Mahogany stands above the rest. Conveniently located in the new Heartwood Preserve Center at 145th and Dodge, our Omaha location provides an intimate and classic fine dining atmosphere.

Voted Best in Omaha. DINNER: Monday Saturday | 5pm - 10pm & Sunday | 5pm - 9pm.

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// 81 //

explore.

co m e a n d

LE T’S PLAN A ROAD TRIP!

COMPILED BY Claudia Moomey and Isabella McAtee

DAYTR IPS I N NEBRASKA , I OWA , K AN SA S, M I SSOURI , A N D SOU T H DA K OT A tells the many bedtime rituals to go to sleep while The Runaway CHRISTMAS AT THE MANSION Jan., Bunny is a tale of a small bunny 3 through 5, at the Arbor Lodge leaving home. The production Mansion in Nebraska City Take will leave audience members yourself and your family back and kids soothed, delighted, Jan. in time to experience Christand entertained. 402 . 472 . 4747 mas as the Mor ton’s did in —https://w w w.liedcenter.org/ this special Christmas expeevent/goodnight-moon-r unr ience. The 52 room A rbor away-bunny Lodge Mansion will be decorated to the nines in vintage decor and RENT IN CONCERT Jan., 18, at The of course surrounded by the trees Lied Center Main Stage In celebraof Arbor Day farm. 402 . 872 . 8717 tion of the Tony and pulitzer prize —https://w w w.arborday farm.org/ winning musical, Lincoln’s Symactivities/events.cfm phony Orchestra will perform the story of RENT through music. With MANIA: THE ABBA TRIBUTE Jan., 9, live vocalists and the direction of at The Rococo Theatre in Lincoln An Broadway ’s own Sammi Cannold.

ABBA tribute that has toured ever y This relatively new concert, right continent successfully and played out of its debut at Kennedy Center, over 3 ,000 concer ts, Mania: The will make a stop in Lincoln as one of ABBA Tribute is the concert to be few cities in America. 402 . 472 . 4747 at. They bring the Swedish super- —https://www.liedcenter.org/event/ group’s hits to life with sound and rent-concert stage presence. Become a “Dancing Queen” for one night and cel- THE HARLEM GLOBETROT TERS ebrate the 70s hits. 402 . 476.65 40 Jan., 13, at Pinnacle Bank Arena —https://rococotheatre.com/event/ Known as the originators of exhimania-the-abba-tribute-2/ bition basketba ll , The Harlem Globetrotters bring the comedy, GOODNIGHT MOON & THE RUN- tricks, athleticism, and drama to basketball. From their star t in AWAY BUNNY Jan., 14, at The Lied 1926 they have traveled to over Center Main Stage The beloved 124 countries and gained fans at children’s book, Goodnight Moon, ever y stop. Don’t miss out on your w ill come to life onstage perchance to see The Harlem Globeformed by the Mermaid Theatre trotters in your state. 402 .904 . 4 4 4 4 of Nova Scotia. Goodnight Moon NEBRASKA

3-5

// 82 //

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

— h t t p s : // w w w . p i n n a c l e b a n k a r e n a . c o m /e v e n t s /d e t a i l / harlem-globetrotters-2025

SYNCOPATED L ADIES Jan., 23, at The Lied Center Main Stage The

one of a kind high-octane tap dance band which was praised

by Beyonce and celebrities alike, Syncopated Ladies, will shake up the Lied Center. Choreographed

by Emmy Award Nominee and protege of Debbie Arnold, Chloe Allen, the group is known as the first dance crew to win FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance. Bring yourself and your girls to watch the Syncopated Ladies. 402 . 472 . 4747 —https://www.liedcenter.org/event/ syncopated-ladies

DIA L M FOR MURDER Jan., 23 through Feb., 2, at the Elder Theatre Center at Nebraska Wesleyan University An updated version of

the original 1952 Broadway play which was inspired by A lfred Hitchcock ’s classic film. The play is about Tony, a man who married his wife Margot for her money and now wants her dead for the same reason. Stay on the edge of your seat the entire play as Tony plays out his supposedly brilliant plan to get rid of Margot. 402 . 465 . 2384 — h t t p s : // w w w . n e b r w e s l e y a n . e d u / t h e a t r e /c u r r e n t - s e a s o n / dial-m-murder

E XPLORE CAL E NDAR

MOULIN ROUGE! Feb., 4 Through 16 at The Lied Center Main Stage

The ten time Tony Award winning musical about aristocrats amidst the revolution, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, is a musical not to miss.

Arranged by Tony Award winner Justin Levine, choreographed by Tony Award winner Sonya Tayeh, and directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, the cast and crew are as spectacular as the stor y of love and defeat. 402 . 472 . 4747 —https://www.liedcenter.org/event/ moulin-rouge

—ht t ps : //ncsm l .org/e x h ibit /t he nat iona l- col le c t ion- 50 -yea r s- ofncsml/

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID Jan., 17 through Feb., 2, at the Des Moines Community Playhouse Diar y of a

that will get ahold of your attention and never let go. 319.335 .1160 — h t t p s : // h a n c h e r . u i o w a . edu/2024-25/hadestown

SHUCKED Jan., 28 Through Feb., 2 at the Des Moines Civic Center The

Wimpy K id the musical br ings Tony Award winning musical that Jeff K inney ’s best selling book was featured in the 2023 Macy's to life with the addition of music.

Than ksgiv ing Day Parade and Middle school may be the worst was called " f lat out hilarious! " w ith the cheese touch, hall

by The Wall Street Journal, monitors, friend drama, and Shucked, will come to Iowa for Jan. more. Watch as Greg Hefeight special performances. f ley ta kes on h i m idd le The corn centered musical sc hool w it h h i s ca r toon will finally stop through the midwest. Grab your friends CZECH NATIONAL SYMPHONY Feb., diar y at his side. 515 . 277.6261 —https://w w w.dmplayhouse.com/ a nd fa m i ly to come dow n 26 at The Lied Center Main Stage events/diar y-of-a-wimpy-kid/ and see Shucked . 515 . 2 46 . 230 0 New York Times called the Czech —https://www.catchdesmoines.com/ National Symphony " brilliance and event/shucked/46378/ infectious exuberance," of sound.

PINK BOOT S AND A M ACHE TE The symphony will make a stop Jan., 21, at the Des Moines Civic in Nebraska at The Lied Center “The female Indiana Jones” OKOBOJI VINTAGE SNOWMOBILE Main Stage for a night of super- Center according to The New York Times, ICE DR AGS Feb., 1 in front of the star Sandy Cameron performing Dr. Mireya Mayor, is a praised The Ritz in Arnolds Park Grab your violin symphonies and Ameriprimatologist, explorer, and winter coat and gloves to watch can Maxim Lando performeven an Emmy Award-nomiJan. t his fast paced w inter racing ing piano pieces. A night nated TV host. National Geoacross 500 feet of shaved ice on of musical wonder for the graphic’s first female wildlife a four lane track . The ice drags whole family. 402 . 472 . 4747 correspondent she has hosted are open and free for the public —https://w w w.liedcenter.org/ dozens of documentar y series to watch and enjoy. Whether you event/czech-national-symphony including her ow n show Wild come to show off your own vintage Nights With Mireya Mayor. Come snowmobile and win a race or come to the Des Moines Civic Center to IOWA to admire all of the snowmobiles, celebrate Mayor as a part of their the Okoboji Vintage Snowmobile BIG HE AD TODD AND THE MON- E x plorer Ser ies . 5 1 5 . 2 4 6 . 2 3 0 0 Ice Drags will be fun for ever yone.

— h t t p s : // w w w . d e s m o i n e s p e r STERS: 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR f o r m i n g a r t s . o r g / w h a t s - o n / —https://w w w.traveliowa.com/calenda r/okoboji-v i ntage - snow mo Jan., 10, at The Hoyt Sherman Place events/2024-2025/explorer-series/ bile-ice-drags/1648361/ in Des Moines The platinum-selling pink-boots-and-a-machete quar tet from Colorado celebrate their 40th year of making blues PRET T Y WOMAN THE MUSICAL SAL VULCANO EVERYTHING’S FINE Feb., rock hits . The band has stuck 11 at the Sioux City Orpheum together through four decades and TOUR Jan., 25, at the Des Moines Based on the award winning and still continues to light up the stage.

Civic Center The comedian known well-loved movie, the musical will Grab your friends and come to for co-creating, executively probring the romance to life through watch the band that stayed friends ducing, and being one of the stars song and dance.

Choreographed for decades on . 5 1 5 . 2 4 4 . 0 50 7 on TBS’s Impractical Jokers, Sal

by Tony Award Winning choreog—https://hoy tsherman.org/event/ Vulcano has hit it as a solo touring rapher of Legally Blonde The Musibig-head-todd-and-the-moncomedian.

His last national tour cal and Hairspray, Jerr y Mitchsters-2025/ sold out shows in 60 markets. Now ell. “If you love the movie, you’ll he will come to Iowa and bring his love the musical!” Buzzfeed News THE NATIONAL COLLECTION: 50 comedy to the crowds. 515 .246.2300 said. Grab your tickets to see the t p s : // w w w . d e s m o i n e s p e r romance of Pretty Woman come YE ARS OF NCSML Through Jan., —f oh rt m i n g a r t s . o r g / w h a t s o n / to life in front if you. 712 . 279. 4850 12, at The National Czech & Slovak events/2024-2025/sal-vulcano —https://w w w.or pheumlive.com/ Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids events/detail/pretty-woman The NCSML has been col lectHADES TOWN Jan., 24-26, at the ing ar tifacts and archival pieces Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City for 50 grand years . Come celThe eight time Tony Award and ebrate the preser vation and see Best Musica l A lbu m Gra m my the highlighted ar tifacts. Major ar tifacts include an original silk- Award Winning H A DESTOW N will make its way to Iowa City's screen by Andy Warhol, historic stage. The stor y two my thic love garnet jewelr y, a fish scale kroj, stories , the tales of Hades and i nt r icate porcela i n a nd gla ss Persephone a nd Eur yd ice a nd pieces, and more. Immerse yourOrpheus. The theatrical experience self into Czech and Slovak hisof HADESTOWN the musical is one tor y at the NCSML . 319.362 .8500

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21

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

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E XPLORE CAL E NDAR

30TH WINTER BLUES FEST Feb., 14 & 15 at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown A two night blues spec-

#OMAHAMAGAZ INE

O N I N S T AGR A M T O B E F E A T U R E D B E L O W

tacular for the jazz and sw ing lovers , Winter Blues Fest w ill bring blues inside and out of the cold . Catch upwards of 20 acts under one roof. Grab your friends and your spirit for two nights of blues for ever yone. 515 . 245 .5500 — h t t p s : //w w w. c a t c h d e s m o i n e s . c o m /e v e n t /3 0 t h - w i n t e r - b l u e s fest/48310/

DRAGONS AND MY THICAL BEASTS LIV E Feb., 21 at the Sioux City

Orpheum Direct from London’s West End and by the creators of Dinosaur World Live, Dragons and My thical Beasts Live brings a new spin on the immersive experience.

Guests will come face to face with dragons , trolls , fairies , griffins , and much more. This fantastical show for the entire family w ill bring together heroes, just don’t wake up the dragon. 712 . 279. 4850 — h t t p s : // w w w . o r p h e u m l i v e . c o m /e v e n t s /d e t a i l / dragons-and-my thical-beasts-live

@sixhexsix

@imaginedojo

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KANSAS

NATIVE FASHION Jan., 1 through 5 at the Spencer Museum of Art in Lawrence The exhibit features a

timeline of native fashion through fou r t hemes . Ga r ment s h ighlighted include pow wow regalia, haute couture, street wear, and accessories. The exhibit not only features garments but also photography and contemporar y ar t.

The exhibit also has an accompanying runway show to shine a light on the design that goes into the ar tistic work . 785 . 8 6 4 . 4710 —https://w w w.travelks.com/event/ native-fashion/33068/

THE 65TH ANNUA L WORLD OF WHEELS Jan., 30 through Feb., 2 at

the Kansas City Convention Center World of Wheels brings together car lovers, collectors, and all to check out hot rods, featured guests, and more. Onto their 65th year, the show never disappoints and always stays fresh to their audience. Whether guests have a dream of collecting or are collectors themselves, World of Wheels will bring ever yone together. 816.513 .5000 —ht t p s : //autor a m a . c om /at tend / kansas-city/#celebrities // 84 //

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

GIVE US A

FOLLOW instagram.com/omahamagazine

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OUTDOOR TRAILS & RIVERS TO EXPLORE

MILES OF HIKING, BIKING,

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E XPLORE CAL E NDAR

BEING MODERN EXHIBIT Through June 2025 at Wichita-Segwick Co. Historical Museum Since Wichita's

beginning in 1870, there has been a desire for modernism. The exhibit directly follows the previous Wichita-Seg w ick Historical Museum exhibit "Ar t Deco on the Plains" to highlight the modern design brought from the 1950s and 1960s.

A part of the Lois Kay Walls Local Visual Ar t Histor y Series, Being Modern, is an exhibit that should be on ever yone's radar. 316. 265 .9314 —https://w w w.travelks.com/event/ being-modern-exhibition/33328/

SH A RK S Feb., 7 Through May, 8

at Exploration Place Museum in Wichita This special exhibit will

bring guests to the sea f loor to learn about sharks through augmented realit y, specimens , lifesize models, video, and more. The immersive ex per ience, created

by Australian Museum exper ts , will teach kids and adults about sharks from their ancient ancestors to their current species which are under threat. 316 .660.0 60 0 —ht t ps : //e x plor at ion .org/event / sharks/g MISSOURI

CHICAGO Jan., 7 Through 12 at the

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts Come to the Kauffman Center

to see All That Jazz and more live onstage. Broadway ’s longest running musical which has captivated audiences for 27 years will come to Kansas City, MO for multiple show dates. Hotter than ever and the perfect place to be. 816.994 .7222 —ht tps://tickets . kauffmancenter. org/23158]

K ANSAS CIT Y SYMPHONY PRESENTS DISNEY’S THE SOUND OF MAGIC Jan., 11 & 12 at the Kauffman

Center for the Performing Arts The

Kansas City Symphony will bring your favor ite Disney animated film score hits to life onstage at this must see event. Hear songs from “Cinderella,” “Beauty and the Beast,”“Aladdin,” “The Little Mermaid,” “The Lion King,” and more.

The original Disney film footage will be projected in synchrony with the symphony musician’s music for a magical evening. 816.994 .7222 —ht tps://tickets . kauffmancenter. org/22274

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

JERRY SEINFELD AND JIM GAFFIGA N Jan., 18 at The T-Mobile

Center The comedic duo will work

together once again, this time in a ten arena tour. The T-Mobile center is one stop on this minted location standup tour. Seinfeld is known for his show, Seinfeld, his work in movies such as The Bee Mov ie, and his standup career which started in the 80s. Gaffigan is the six-time Grammy-nominated comedian known for his specials and tv and movie features. Grab your tickets and your friends for the Jerr y Seinfeld and Jim Gaffigan standup tour. 816.949 .7100 — h t t p s : // w w w . t - m o b i l e c e n t e r . c o m /e v e n t s /d e t a i l / jerr y-seinfeld-and-jim-gaffigan

SIX THE MUSICAL Jan., 21 Through Feb., 2 at the Fabulous Fox in St. Louis

The “SIX” wives of Henr y VIII will tell and sing their stories in this award winning musical. The Broadway album hit number one within its first month of being released.

The New York Times says SIX “TOTALLY RULES”, it’s a musical to go on your bucket list. 314 .535 .1700 —ht t ps : //w w w. fabu lou sfox .com / events/detail/six

KILLERS OF KILL TONY Jan., 31 at The Midland Theatre The number

one comedy podcast from Austin, Texas, K ill Tony, has a new live show, Killers of Kill Tony, which brings your favorite Kill Tony characters onstage to perform longer standup sets. This show will feature comedians Ari Matti, Casey Rocket, David Lucas, and Martin Phillips performing material. 816. 283 .9900 — h t t p s : //w w w. m i d l a n d k c . c o m / events/detail/69184 4

SEBASTIAN MANISCALCO Feb., 22 at The T-Mobile Center Sebastian

Maniscalco comes to the T-Mobile Center with his largest arena tour yet. His “It Ain’t Right ” tour will focus on prices, manners today, and the inanity of social media. Maniscalco told The New York Times that his comedy approach is “rooted in family and observation” and relates to many. His Italian family anecdotes and outlook on the world make his standup. Grab your tickets and your family to watch Sebastian Maniscalco live. 816.949.7100 — h t t p s : // w w w . t - m o b i l e c e n t e r . c o m /e v e n t s /d e t a i l / sebastian-maniscalco

CODY FRY WITH THE K ANSAS CIT Y SYMPHONY Feb., 28 at the Kauffman

Center for the Performing Arts Catch

the Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, composer, and arranger Cody Fr y for one night only at The Kauffman Center. Fr y blends traditional pop with classical cinematic music to create his original sound. Don’t miss the chance to hear Cody Fr y live with the Kansas Cit y Sy mphony. 8 16 . 9 9 4 .7 2 2 2 —ht tps://tickets . kauffmancenter. org/22712 SOUTH DAKOTA

PRO SNOCROSS R ACES Jan., 24 & 25 at the Days of 76 Event Complex in Deadwood Dubbed “ The

greatest show on snow ” by the Deadwood Sout h Da kota web site, a par t of the ISOC Amsoil Championship Snocross Ser ies will come to South Dakota. Watch Snowmobiles f ly over the black hills by over 200 of the renowned professiona ls . 8 0 0 . 3 4 4 . 8 82 6 — h t t p s : // w w w . d e a d w o o d . c o m / event/pro-snocross-races/

BL ACK HILL S S TOCK SHOW & RODEO Feb., 1 Through 3 at Central

States Fairgrounds & The Monument in Rapid City K nown as the

second largest event in South Dakota besides Sturgis Rally, the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo is a night of wild west wonder. Featuring live music, local brews at the Boots and Beers Festival, 14 horse events, and over 400 vendor s to ex plore . 6 0 5 . 3 3 3 . 3 8 61 —https://w w w.visitrapidcity.com/ event / black-h i l ls- stock- show- & rodeo®/4018/

R A SCA L FL AT T S: LIFE IS A HIGH WAY TOUR Feb., 27 at the

Denny Stanford PREMIER Center Celebrating their 25 anniversar y, Rascal Flatts will come to South Dakota for a show stopping performance. Since their creation in 20 0 0, they have performed hits such as “Bless The Broken Road,” “ What Hur ts the Most,” and “Life Is a Highway,” from Pixar’s movie CARS. Come see one of the most awarded countr y groups of the past t wo decades. 605 .3 67.728 8 —ht t ps : //w w w. den ny sa n fordpre m i e r c e n t e r . c o m /e v e n t /r a s c a l f lat ts: -life -is-a-h ighway-tou r/ tm _v v17bzbkgkny5g8r/

Spring is coming to 59TH ANNUAL

omahahomeandgarden.com F R I DAY TH ROUG H SU N DAY

Feb. 28 - Mar. 2

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NOT FUNNY // COLUMN BY OTIS TWELVE // PHOTOGRAPH BY BILL SITZMANN

A WHOLE NEW WORLD

I

t’s a whole new world.

(If you’re suddenly seeing Aladdin and Jasmine on a flying carpet, and now that tune is running on an infinite mental loop in your head and has made it impossible for you to remember your debit card PIN, I am very sorry. Also, I apologize to my youngest daughter, who was traumatized by Jafar at a Disney-Worldcharacter breakfast—not to mention how disappointing the dry French toast and cold sausage was. Besides that, I have my own issues about a meeting with Iago, aka Gilbert Gottfried, outside the Comedy Store on Sunset Boulevard in the 1970s, but that’s another story.)

Anyway, my world was changed forever just last week, when someone who is always right—I know this because he always posts the most awesome miniature Dachshund memes on his Facebook page—told me that “The Algorithm” was in charge. Because, he says, “The Algorithm” knows us better than we know ourselves.

I think my friend thought this was a bad thing. I disagree. This is a good thing.

Before “The Algorithm” came along, I was always sure that “they” were in charge. That was frightening because “they” were “them,” which was not “us.”

“They” were mysterious. Secretive.

Hidden away. Running the world from an abandoned drilling rig in the North Sea, or a tropical island surrounded by a shark infested lagoon, or a typical hollowed out midcentury modern volcano lair, or “they” were over there in the corner of my favorite coffee shop typing away evil plans to take away my Dodge Ram on a Dell laptop festooned with a “Save the Narwhals” sticker.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

// 88 //

2025

By definition, “they” didn’t have our best interests at heart. “They” were intent on sucking up all the world’s resources and wealth so that “they” could gain unlimited power, and immunity from prosecution for official acts like stealing all the gold from Fort Knox. “They” were all super-multi-billionaires who treated the world like their own personal playground, wore monocles, or black hats, and built rocket ships to travel to their vacation colonies on distant planets because owning a private island on this planet was too cliché.

I worried about “them” because “they” seemed so…so…so evil. I mean, anyone who buys Dell laptops must be evil, right?

Well, turns out I need not worry, because indeed, it is true. “The Algorithm” knows all of us better than we know ourselves.

The “They” are mere mosquitoes who imagine they are elephants.

An all-powerful, impersonal cyber-intelligence like “The Algorithm” knows I am looking for shoes that slip on without me having to bend over before I know I want them; that I need healthier ramen noodles; that I don’t need a knee replacement, I need a better cane; that crypto currency is where I should put all my retirement funds; that I should retire to the Villages in Florida before the next Category 5 Hurricane; and “The Algorithm” knows that I have no idea what an algorithm actually is.

And that’s good, because I’m used to not understanding math, so I’m OK with “The Algorithm.” And, while I’m busy buying slip-on shoes and a knee sleeve to wear in Florida, I don’t have to worry about “Them” anymore.

It’s a whole new world and it’s under much better electronic surveillance than ever.

Step out of winter and into spring!

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