July/August 2012 Omaha Magazine by Omaha Magazine

Faces • Style • Home • Events • Art • Dining

Best of Omaha® Time To Vote

Summer Fun In Omaha Omaha’s

topDentists

Warren Buffett

Heralding The Headmaster Brownell-Talbot’s Dianne Desler

Mentoring America’s ‘Secret’ Entrepreneurs July/August • 2012

GALA

Cover Story: National T.T.T. Society

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PERMIT NO. 5377 DENVER, CO

PAID

Omaha Magazine • 5921 S. 118th Circle • Omaha, NE 68137

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

Luxury Homes CoLLeCtion 3545 S. 228th Street, Elkhorn

$2,250,000

Words cannot describe this home. Seeing it WILL! Spectacular home in The Sanctuary. Modern interpretation of classic European design elements. Absolutely stunning retreat on over 2 wooded acres. Over 6,500 sq. ft.

John Kraemer • 402.689.2233

317 S 92 Street $840,000

Enjoy all of the features and benefits of an executive new construction residence on a beautiful home site in Westchester. Enjoy the nearly 1/2 acre lot with mature trees in a location second to none. Call for details.

Debbie Jensen • 402.670.3471

13341 334 Street, South Bend

$699,000

A private setting with great views located near 4 State Parks & the nationally rated Quarry Oaks Golf Course. The location is between Omaha and Lincoln. 2 master bedrooms, lots of wood and granite counters. Hundreds of trees adorn the property. You must see!

Harold Johnson • 402.740.5400

346 S 243rd $650,000

Perfectly styled walk-out ranch for lake shore living. Best sunsets on the lake. Covered deck w/FP. Lake views from most rooms. Garage will hold many sport boats, outside pad for larger models. Sand beach, dock/ lift station. Beautiful, detailed rooms, many built-ins. Granite, wood & tile finishes.

John Kraemer • 402.689.2233

march/april • 2011

420 Fairacres Road

$1,190,000

Gracious Fairacres home beautifully updated. Hrdwd floors, crown moldings, lovely craftsmanship & architectural detailing. Gourmet kitchen w/Viking appls. Spacious rms, charming all-weather porch overlooks gorgeous landscaped yard. Stunning MBR & BA suite. LL walks out to gardens.

Marvin and Fike • 402.689.2380

5440 S 180 Street

$750,000

15185 Weather End Drive, Other, IA $895,000

WOW! What a view! Approx 68’ of West Lake shoreline and an unobstructed view of the beauty through a wall of new Anderson windows. Updated and open featuring new appliances, roof & vinyl siding, oversized 2 car detached garage, huge back yard with extra back lot. Large deck; includes the dock.

Patrick Lichter • 402.681.0300

18905 Lafayette Ave, Elkhorn $750,000

Superb construction, upscale finishes & details throughout. Innovative open floor plan w/granite/ceramic/stainless steel kitchen. Spacious master suite, 2nd flr family room, impressive finished LL, 20 x 44 in-ground pool w/wrought iron fence & detached 2016 sq ft 2+ car heated out building.

Private lot wrapped in trees to the back & side. Perfect use of paneled wood, granite & tile to create beautiful built-in features. Grand ceilings on the main floor, hearth in kitchen, home theater. Landscaping designed for an ultimate Retreat. Maintained to perfection, this home presents itself as new.

Jim Marriott • 402.681.1181

John Kraemer • 402.689.2233

26621 Taylor Street, Valley

$690,000

The “Casa Marino” is an impressive contemporary beach front lake home designed by Archistructure. This open floor plan offers huge windows, new kitchen design, 10 ft. ceilings & 8 ft. doors on both levels. Concrete deck, theater room, lake storage & dressing room, full bar, oversized garages & so much more!

Brad Brown • 402.510.4262

1877 S 107 Street

$650,000

6852 Eagle Crest Lane, Fort Calhoun $685,000

Beautiful 4 bedroom ranch w/over 5200 sq. ft. Double sided gas FP between living room/hearth room. Stainless appliances, granite counters in kitchen. Master suite features his and hers vanities and Jacuzzi tub. Newly finished LL. Hugh deck overlooking sports pool, mature trees & abundant wildlife. Great for horses.

Kelli Mickeliunas • 402.709.5126

1703 S 213 Street, Elkhorn $650,000

Beautifully renovated District 66 home, 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, with hardwood floors and upper end finishes. The large landscaped grounds with a gorgeous brick patio. Basement finished with custom built in’s, a beverage bar with all the amenities, and guest bedroom and bath. This home is truly one of a kind!

Elkhorn View Estates. Lovely home on corner lot w/walkout basement backing to trees. 6 bedrooms- All bedrooms with connecting bathrooms, 5 bath, theater room, whole house entertainment system. 3 car garage, spacious kitchen with extra-large island and planning desk. Maintenance free deck.

Jeff Rensch • 402.391.5333

Lori Pete • 402.210.3999

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Contents July/August 2012 features

Summer Fun in Omaha

Omaha Fashion Institute

cover

departments

Editor’s Letter

Between the Lines

For Starters

Calendar of Events

Omaha A rt: Thomas Prinz

Style Shot: Janna Peterson

Omaha Home

123

Greater Nebraska Happenings

127

Gen O: Yan Zhang

gala

Warren Buffett Invests in Youth

Dianne Desler, Brownell-Talbot

105

Gala

107

Cover Story: National T.T.T. Society

112

Inside Scoop

114

Gala Calendar

115

Kudos to You!

116

Gala Events

dining out 131 R estaurant R eview: J. Coco

118

Sculptural Style

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

128

Quality Living, Inc.

133

Chef Profile: Chris Daley, Sullivan’s Steakhouse

145

Wine & Food: Chardonnay–Food Pairings july/august • 2012 5

Editor’s Letter

Dear Readers, I

was recently at home one evening browsing

Facebook (wasting too much time, no doubt) when I came across an article shared on the wall of a friend who also calls Omaha home. The article, from Omaha.com, detailed the good news that TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel community and website, had given Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium the title “Top U.S. Zoo.” They’d cited the Lied Jungle and Desert Dome as two of the main reasons for its top honors. To win the #1 spot, the Omaha Zoo beat out other impressive zoos in St. Louis, Memphis, and San Diego. Woohoo! As a big fan and frequent visitor of the zoo (I get my annual family pass renewed every March, like clockwork), I’ve often touted our zoo as “THE BEST!” to visiting friends and family. I was glad to see our hometown venue recognized again on a national level. That same day, another friend had posted on her Facebook wall yet another recognition for Omaha: Kiplinger.com, the personal financial magazine website, had ranked Omaha #1 on their list of “10 Great Cities to Raise Your Kids.” Low unemployment, well-paying jobs with major companies, high average family income, great public schools (specific mention of Millard Public Schools was made), a large number of public playgrounds, and great family venues—including The Rose Theater, Omaha Children’s Museum, and again, the Henry Doorly Zoo—were the many community assets listed. We’d beat out other Top 10 cities, such as Appleton, Wis., Stamford, Conn., East Grand Rapids, Mich., and three great small cities in California to garner the top ranking. Having chosen to raise my children here in Omaha, I received this news as a

Linda Persigehl

personal affirmation of my parenting skills—I was doing something right! And I beamed with pride for the community I call home. The Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce does a good job of advertising Omaha’s high rankings on such lists, compiled by Parenting, Money, Forbes and other national magazines and groups. And there have been many high rankings for Omaha in recent years. Other local media does a fine job as well (including Omaha Magazine). Still, I find social media to be one of the best ways to get the message out about all Omaha has to offer—it’s a wonderful city in which to live, work, and play, and the reasons go well beyond those listed by these national rankings. Upon reading these two articles, I immediately shared them on my Facebook wall in hopes that my Omaha friends would read them and have a feel-good moment just as I had. And if I’m to be honest, I hoped that some of my friends and family living in bigger cities—Chicago, San Francisco, Phoenix, Denver—would read them, too. Maybe they’d come to understand better why I happily stay put here in Omaha, and why in Nebraska, we really are living “the Good Life”!

Omaha Publications Editor

Dear Visitors: Now: check out Omaha Magazine online. Using flipbook technology to give you a whole new magazine reading experience.

Pages 27-122

are included for subscribers only but can be viewed at

www.ReadOnlineNow.com For those visitors interested in reading the rest of this issue of Omaha Magazine, go to www.readonlinenow.com and read the entire magazine as well as past issues of all of our publications. For those interested in subscribing to Omaha Magazine, please visit

www.OmahaPublications.com. Hotel Cover features the Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival. Photo by TLC Photography 6

july/august • 2012

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120 Regency Parkway | 402.391.0400 | borsheims.com

TIME TO VOTE!

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Inaugural College Baseball Collector’s Photo Book

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Showcasing all the special moments and memories you hold near and dear to your heart. See a preview of photos and order online at

PlayingInJune.com @PlayingInJune www.ReadOnlineNow.com

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facebook.com/PlayingInJune july/august • 2012 7 6/13/12 9:33 AM

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J u l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 2 • Vo l u m e 2 9 , I s s u e 3 Editorial & Creative Accounts & Operations omaha publications editor

publisher

linda persigehl

todd lemke

city editor

publisher’s assistant

sandy lemke

sandy besch

assistant editor

sales associate

bailey hemphill

Natural, Organic, and Eco-Friendly Stuff for Dogs and Cats, and a Chill Out Space for You and Your Pet.

editorial interns

publisher’s assistant

vice president

toni furmanski (#22)

greg bruns

lyndsey hrabik (#23)

Your Best Friend Will Thank You!

jessica linhart

vice president of operations art director

72nd & Pacific

tyler lemke

john gawley

At the Shoppes at Aksarben

executive vice president senior graphic designer

sales

katie anderson www.greenspotomaha.com

intern graphic designer

marketing

sales associate

scott mcintyre

YOUR LOCALLY OWNED PET STORE

gil cohen

alicia smith hollins

p r i n c i pa l p h o t o g r a p h y

Interior Design Accent Decor & Floral Design FREE In-Home Consultation

senior sales executive

minorwhite studios, inc.

gwen lemke

scott drickey • bill sitzmann

omaha home

contributing photographers

senior account executive

jess ewald • christian behr

stacey penrod editorial advisors

rick carey • david scott

account executive

paige edwards contributing writers

john fischer

executive sales associate

molly garriott

vicki voet

niz proskocil kara schweiss

accounting

wendy townley

jim heitz

nadine vodicka michael watkins

distribution manager

david williams

mike brewer

Omaha Magazine

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Comments? Send your letter to the editor to: letters@omahapublications.com

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All versions of Omaha Magazine are published bimonthly by Omaha Magazine, LTD, P.O. Box 461208, Omaha NE 68046-1208. Telephone: (402) 884-2000; fax (402) 884-2001. Subscription rates: $19.95 for 6 issues (one year), $24.95 for 12 issues (two years). No whole or part of the contents herein may be reproduced without prior written permission of Omaha Magazine, excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs. Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted, however no responsibility will be assumed for such solicitations. Best of Omaha®™ is a registered tradename of Omaha Magazine.

for advertising & subscription information:

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Owned and managed by Omaha Magazine, LTD

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Omaha Publications

between

the lines

A look at three Omaha Magazine contributors

Gwen Lemke and her husband, Raymond, raised their four sons in Papillion. After

retiring from a distinguished career in real estate, she joined Omaha Publications in advertising sales. “Having been a business owner, I can relate to the budget and advertising goals of my clients,” Gwen says. “This is a business where you have the opportunity of meeting many interesting people who also become your friends.” Gwen enjoys time with her friends and large family, which includes nine grandchildren. Much of her leisure time is spent reading fiction, especially mystery novels with historical context. Gwen Lemke

Senior Sales Associate

A native of Thailand,

Niz Proskocil grew up in Omaha and graduated from the

University of Nebraska at Omaha with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. After spending 10 years as a reporter at the Omaha World-Herald, she decided to pursue freelance writing full-time. For the past two years, she has been a contributing writer for Omaha Publications, where her work appears in Omaha Magazine, B2B Omaha, and The Encounter. She is a correspondent for the World-Herald, where she writes about arts and entertainment, local events, food trends, and dining reviews. She is also a freelance writer for Hayneedle, an online retail company based in Omaha. In her free time, Niz enjoys cooking, reading, watching movies, spending time with friends, spoiling her dog, and traveling. Her favorite destinations include Niz Proskocil

Thailand, Japan, and the Oregon Coast.

Freelance Writer

Scott Drickey is a principal photographer with Minorwhite Studios, with offices/ studio housed in the Mastercraft building, 13th & Nicholas. Minorwhite shoots photos for all of Omaha Publications’ magazines. Scott has a storied past in the beauty and fashion world, where he worked with some of the world’s most notable photographers. He’s also a journeyman with IATSE Local 42 Studio Film Mechanics Division, which enables him to handle significant productions offering more diversity in several formats, including moving image content. His specialties include: Architecture, Construction, Interiors, and Landscapes; Documentary-style short form motion pictures; Still Life; Lighting Technician; and Environmental Portraits. On Scott Drickey Photographer

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

working for Omaha Publications, Scott says, “It affords me the opportunity to get in front of some folks I really admire. I love calling Omaha home.” july/august • 2012 9

Omaha fo This is

Compiled by Lyndsey Hrabik

Credit: Kevin Mahogany Red Sky Music Festival TD Ameritrade Park July 17-22

One of Omaha’s hottest outdoor concert series is back with even bigger concerts. The Red Sky Music Festival makes its return with outdoor festivities this July. The second annual Red Sky Music Festival will feature the sounds of top country music artists, as well as rock ‘n roll legends. Main stage featured bands and musicians include: Rascal Flatts with Little Big Town, Eli Young Band, and Edens Edge (July 18); Brad Paisley with The Band Perry and The Lost Trailers (July 20); and Def Leppard with Poison and Lita Ford (July 21). Quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger with one of the various food and beverage tents located around the festival. Other performances will be given before the main stage shows on stages in the MECA parking lot located in front of the CenturyLink Center and south of the stadium. Tickets range from $30-125. 1200 Mike Fahey St. Main stage acts begin at 7pm. For more information, visit www.redskyfestival. com or call 402-341-1500. Credit: Adam Streur

Jazz on the Green Turner Park at Midtown Crossing July 12 – August 16

Get ready to listen to an eclectic range of tunes in the summer nighttime air during the outdoor concert series Jazz on the Green, presented by Omaha Performing Arts. Jazz on the Green offers a unique experience each Thursday night beginning July 12. From the smooth, upbeat, and Latin sounds of jazz to the traditional Chicago-style blues, there is a fresh sound that is sure to please everyone. Featured bands include: Mike Gurciullo and His Las Vegas Lab Band (July 12); Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers (July 19); Kathy Kosins (July 26); The Lil’ Slim Blues Band (Aug. 2); Marcos & Sabor (Aug. 9); and the Joseph Vincelli Quartet (Aug. 16). Bring along some blankets and chairs to cozy up while listening to diverse musical acts. Turner Park welcomes four-legged friends as long as they are leashed, so bring the dogs, too! Free admission. 3110 Farnam St. 7pm. For more information, visit www.jazzonthegreenomaha.com or call 402-661-8442. 10

july/august • 2012

www.OmahaPublications.com

or starters Riverfront Wine Festival Stinson Park at Aksarben Village August 24-25

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a wine newbie, the Riverfront Wine Festival offers a place to taste and learn about the finest wines while enjoying live music. Urban Events, Inc. puts on this two-day wine extravaganza. General admission tickets include a Riedel wine glass, 10 wine tasting tickets, unlimited craft beer tasting, access to Wine Academy classes, and live music. VIP tickets include additional features such as early entry, unlimited wine tasting, and access to a VIP lounge with assorted wine and foods. From salsa to funk and blues to R&B, this festival features an assortment of live music. Bands set to perform include: Son Del Llano, Chris Saub and the Feel Good Groove Junkies, Joey Gulizia Tropical Band, and Son of 76. The festival offers a variety of safe driving options, including a $10 ticket for designated drivers or a “safe ride home” sponsored by Hauptman O’Brien Wolf & Lathrop, P.C. through Happy Cab. $30 general admission, $65 VIP (pre-registered); $35 general admission, $60 VIP (at door). 67th & Center sts. 4pm. For more information, visit www.riverfrontwinefestival.com or call 402-850-6776. Credit: minorwhitestudios.com

Yoga Rocks the Park Turner Park at Midtown Crossing Sundays Through July 22

Come to the park to connect through yoga, music, and meditation. Yoga Rocks the Park strives to create a mindful, healthy, and enlightened society through community interaction and yoga. Learn from 10 established instructors who are yoga-gurus in the Omaha area. Don’t have a yoga mat? Bring a beach towel instead! While adults participate in Yoga Rocks the Park, kids ages 3-10 can join Camp Yoga Rocks where they will learn yoga poses, have story time, games, and more. Donations offered will help support charities, with 25 percent going to a local Omaha charity and 25 percent to the Colorado-based nonprofit, Yoga World Reach. The Yoga World Reach program offers yoga and alternative therapy programs to those in need around the world. Free admission, $10-15 suggested donation. To pre-register, visit www.guestlistapp.com/events/103368. 3110 Farnam St. Registration at 3:30pm, class at 4pm. For more information, visit www.yogarocksthepark.com or call 623-308-6440. www.ReadOnlineNow.com

july/august • 2012

Calendar of Events 2012 July & August

www.VisitOmaha.com

Maha Music Festival will be at Stinson Park at Aksarben Village August 11. Credit: Zach Hollowell

ONGOING EVENTS Through 7/1: Moo at the Zoo. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo. Join the Henry Doorly Zoo for a fun-filled country and agriculturethemed event at Moo at the Zoo. Savor some country cooking, join in the watermelon and pie eating contests, plus enjoy some games. Free with regular paid zoo admission. 3701 S. 10th St. 9am-5pm. For more information, visit www.omahazoo. com or call 402-733-8401. Through 7/2: U.S. Olympic Team Swim Trials. CenturyLink Center Omaha. The best swimmers in the country compete for their spot in the London Olympics. 455 N. 10th St. For more information, visit www.centurylinkcenteromaha.com or call 402-341-1500. Through 7/8: 26th Annual Shakespeare on the Green: The Comedy of Errors & Julius Caesar. Elmwood Park. Julius Caesar: June 21-24, July 6, 8; The Comedy of Errors: June 28-30; July 1, 5, 7. Free admission. South

july/august • 2012

of 64th & Dodge. Activities at 6pm, pre-show seminars at 6:30pm, performance at 8pm. For more information, visit www.nebraskashakespeare.com or call 402-280-4396. Through 7/26: Moonrise Kingdom. Film Streams. Directed by Wes Anderson, this Cannes Film Festival favorite is set on an island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965. Moonrise Kingdom tells the story of two 12-year-olds who fall in love, make a secret pact, and run away together into the wilderness. As various authorities try to hunt them down, a violent storm is brewing offshore, and the peaceful island community is turned upside down. 1340 Mike Fahey St. For more information, visit www.filmstreams.org or call 402-933-0259. Through 8/31: Sounds of Summer Concert Series. Shadow Lake Towne Center. Featuring Personics (July 6); Chris Saub (July 13); Urban Groove Project (July 14); Joseph Vincelli (July 20); The Innocence (July 27); D*Funk (Aug. 3); Taxi Driver (Aug. 10);

High Heel (Aug. 17); Soul Dawg (Aug. 24), and Hi Fi Hangover (Aug. 31). Free admission. 7775 Olson Dr. 6:30pm. For more information, visit www. shadowlakeshopping.com or call 402-537-0046.

Through 8/31: Con Ojos Propios (With My Own Eyes). El Museo Latino. Contemporary photography exhibit by Jesus Sanchez Uribe. $5 general admission, $4 college students w/ID, $3.50 seniors & students K-12, free for members. 4701 S. 25th St. M, W, F/10am-5pm; Tu-Th/15pm; Sat/10am-2pm. For more information, visit www.elmuseolatino.org or call 402-731-1137. Through 8/31: Rockbrook Village Friday Concerts. Rockbrook Village Shopping Center. Local musicians entertain families every Friday night throughout the summer. Bring Granny, a date, or the kids and a lawn chair for a delightful evening. Recurring weekly on Friday. Free admission. 108th & W. Center Rd. 7pm. For more information, visit www.rockbrookvillage.com or call 402-390-0890. Through 8/31: Batter Up… Baseball at Boys Town. Boys Town. See memorabilia from Boys Town’s baseball history, including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Ted Williams, Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantel, and Johnny Bench. Recurring daily. Free admission. Hall of History, 14057 Flanagan Blvd. 10am-4pm. For more information, visit www. boystown.org or call 402-498-1186. Through 9/2: Mindbender Mansion. Durham Museum. An immersive exhibition full of brainteasers and interactive

challenges guaranteed to test the brainpower and problem-solving skills of even the most experienced puzzlers. Recurring daily. $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children 3-12, free for children under 2. 801 S. 10th St. Tu/10am-8pm; W-Sat/10am-5pm; Sun/1-5pm. For more information, visit www.durhammuseum.org or call 402-444-5071. Through 9/4: Tempo of Twilight Concert Series. Lauritzen Gardens. From all-time favorite cover songs to artistic originals, talented local bands will create a memorable musical experience for visitors of all ages. Purchase delicious and affordable meals from the café or bring your own snacks and beverages. Bring blankets or chairs to relax in the garden. Recurring every other Tuesday. $6 adults, $3 children 6-12, free for members and children under 6. 100 Bancroft St. 6pm. For more information, visit www.lauritzengardens.org or call 402-346-4002. Through 9/3: Great Balls of Fire. Strategic Air & Space Museum. Explore comets, asteroids, and meteors as you never have before in the Space Science Institute’s Great Balls of Fire exhibition. This exhibition lets you attempt to save the Earth from an asteroid, or (even more fun) send an asteroid to your zip code and see what would happen! Watch some of your favorite movie and TV clips to determine if they represent science fact or science fiction. Recurring daily. $12 adults, $6 children. 28210 West Park Hwy, Ashland. 10am-5pm. For more information, visit www.sacmuseum. org or call 402-944-3100. Through 9/9: Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Omaha Children’s Museum. Follow the Yellow Brick Road to 10,000 square feet of Oz fun. The Emerald City comes alive with Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, Dorothy, and www.OmahaPublications.com

C. Stanosheck, D.D.S. Toto, too. Recurring daily except Monday. $8 adults and kids, $7 seniors, free for members and children under 2. 500 S. 20th St. Tu-F/10am-4pm; Sat/9am-5pm; Sun/15pm. For more information, visit www.ocm.org or call 402-342-6164. Through 9/30: DinoQuest2: Trek Through Time. Fontenelle Forest. An immersive exhibit featuring over 20 life-size and life-like dinosaurs along a one-mile, fully accessible, river-view boardwalk with hands-on exhibits, dinosaur digs, and a new Dino Egg Incubator display. $10 per person, free for children 2 and under. 1111 N. Bellevue Blvd. 8am-5pm. For more information, visit www.fontenelleforest.org or call 402-731-3140. Through 10/6: Village Pointe Farmer’s Market. Village Pointe. Drop by and select from just-picked produce along with meat, poultry, eggs, and bedding plants all summer long. Recurring weekly on Saturday. Free admission. 168th & West Dodge Rd. 8am-1pm. For more information, visit www.voterealfood.com or call 402-505-9773.

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Through 10/14: Omaha Farmers Market. Old Market and Aksarben Village. Farmers Market offering the best selection of fresh produce and meats, as well as a wide variety of unique specialty items: gourmet foods, organic fruits and vegetables, dairy products, cut flowers and bedding plants, handmade crafts, and more. Recurring every Saturday and Sunday. Free admission. Old Market: 11th & Jackson sts; Aksarben Village: 67th & Center sts. Sat/8am-12pm, Sun/9am-1pm. For more information, visit www.omahafarmersmarket.org or call 402-345-5401. Through 11/4: Sunday Acoustic Music Series. Soaring Wings Vineyard. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and listen to some wonderfully talented local musicians! Rain, shine, or wind, the music plays; and, if possible, we sit outside! Recurring weekly on Sunday. Free admission. 17111 S. 138th St. 2-5pm. For more information, visit www.soaringwingswine.com or call 402-253-2479. Through 11/7: Westroads Kids Club. Westroads Mall. It’s edu-tainment! The Amazing Bubble Show! As the Omaha Children’s Museum’s most popular science show, you will experience giant bubbles that float, bubbles that turn into smoke, and even bubbles you can stand in! The first 220 kids will receive an amazing bubble gift to take home to create their own science! Recurring every fourth Wednesday. Free admission. 10000 California St. 10:30am. For more information, visit www.westroadsmall.com or call 402-397-2398.

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Calendar of Events 2012 July & August JULY EVENTS 7/7: Heart. Harrah’s Stir Concert Cove. American rock band Heart brings their hits “Magic Man,” “Crazy on You,” and “Barracuda” to Harrah’s Stir Concert Cove series this summer! Must be 21+ to attend. Tickets are $47. Harrah’s Blvd, Council Bluffs, IA. Doors open at 6pm. Show starts at 8pm. For more information, visit www.harrahscouncilbluffs. com or call 712-329-6000. 7/7, 8/18: From Expositions to Jazz Musicians Trolley Tour. Durham Museum. Take a trip into one of Omaha’s most historic and influential areas. In 1898, Omaha was the host of the Trans-Mississippi World’s Fair and Exposition. North Omaha continued as a diverse and vibrant community. Stately homes, parks, and jazz halls made this area a cultural center of Omaha. Tickets are $20. 801 S. 10th St. July 7/10:30am; Aug. 18/10:30am. For more information, visit www. durhammuseum.org or call 402-444-5071.

www.VisitOmaha.com 7/9: Drums Across Nebraska 2012. Buell Stadium, Millard South High School. Only drum and bugle corps show in Nebraska, featuring teams from Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Washington, Illinois, and Texas. Tickets from $10-40. 14905 Q St. 6pm. For more information, call 402-715-8525. 7/11: Ingrid Michaelson with Greg Laswell. The Slowdown. Singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson will perform hits, such as “The Way I Am,” “Maybe,” and “Keep Breathing,” at The Slowdown with opening act Greg Laswell. $22 in advance, $25 day of show. 729 N. 14th St. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm. For more information, visit www.theslowdown.com or call 402-345-7569. 7/13-14: 2012 Omaha Riverfront Jazz & Blues Festival. Lewis and Clark Landing. Listen to talented national, regional, and local jazz and blues musicians. Recurring daily. Oneday tickets $38-45, both days $60-80. 515 N. Riverfront Dr. For more information, visit www. omahajazzandblues.com or call 402-884-1214.

7/14: The Color Run. CenturyLink Center Omaha. The Color Run is a 5K run for participants of all different speeds, ages, shapes, and sizes. Wear a white t-shirt, and by the end of the run, you’ll be covered in paint! Each kilometer of the event is associated with a designated color. 1K is yellow, 2K is blue, 3K is green, 4K is pink, and the 5K is a “color extravaganza.” Register online. 455 N. 10th St. For more information, visit www.thecolorrun. com or call 801-372-0894. 7/14-15: Railroad Days. A celebration of all things train and track at Lauritzen Gardens, the Durham Museum, Union Pacific Railroad Museum, RailsWest Railroad Museum, Joslyn Art Museum, and the General Dodge House in Council Bluffs. Sponsored by Union Pacific Railroad. Recurring daily. $15 family (includes admission to all six locations). Sat-Sun/9am-5pm. For more information, visit www.omaharailroaddays.com or call 402-346-4002. 7/17, 8/5, 8/21: Gritty City Trolley Tour. Durham Museum. Takes visitors through Downtown Omaha locating several historic sites, including the former home of Madame Anna Wilson, the Brandeis Building, and the Paxton Hotel, all while highlighting the impact of noted

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individuals and events in our city’s sometime turbulent history. Tickets are $20. 801 S. 10th St. July 17/6pm; Aug. 5/1:30pm; Aug. 21/6pm. For more information, visit www.durhammuseum.org or call 402-444-5071. 7/20: Cox Music & Movies – The Muppets and The Betties. Holland Performing Arts Center. Enjoy live music from The Betties followed by an outdoor screening of The Muppets (2011) on the Holland Center East Lawn. Grass seating is available, and blankets and chairs are welcome. Concessions will be provided. No outside food, drink, or pets permitted. Free admission. 1200 Douglas St. Music starts at 7:45pm, movie starts around 8:45pm. For more information, visit www.omahaperformingarts.org or call 402-345-0606. 7/22: Film Streams’ Feature IV – An Evening with Jane Fonda. Holland Performing Arts Center. Special guest Jane Fonda will sit down for a discussion with Film Streams’ Oscar-winning board member Alexander Payne. Post-party celebration with food, music, and dancing. Tickets from $35-250. 1200 Douglas St. 6:30pm. For more information, visit www.filmstreams. org or call 402-933-0259.

APPAREL, ACCESSORIES & SPECIALTY

Ann Taylor (Opening Fall 2012) . Anthropologie . Borsheims Christian Nobel Furs . Francesca’s Collections Garbo’s Salon & Spa (Newly Renovated) . LOFT . Parsow’s Fashions Pottery Barn . Pottery Barn Kids . Regency Gift & Gourmet Rylan Lang (New Bridal Boutique) . The Linen Gallery . Tilly White House|Black Market . Williams-Sonoma

DINING

Bonefish Grill . Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar . Paradise Bakery & Cafe

7/27-29: Benson Days 125th Anniversary. Various locations in Benson. Founded in 1887, Benson is a historic neighborhood in central Omaha. This year’s celebration includes a parade, street festival, concert and fireworks show in the park, “after dark” music festival, and concludes with a multi-religion church service and potluck picnic followed by a 21+ pub crawl. Recurring daily. Free admission. 6008 Maple St. F/7-10pm; Sat/8am-1am; Sun/10:30am-9pm. For more information, visit www. bensonnebraska.com or call 402-614-0056. 7/27-8/9: Beasts of the Southern Wild. Film Streams. Directed by Benh Zeitlin and winner of the Sundance Film Festivals’ Cinematography and Grand Jury Prize awards, Beasts of the Southern Wild centers around a forgotten but defiant bayou community cut off from the rest of the world by a sprawling levee. Buoyed by childish optimism and extraordinary imagination, a six-year-old girl on the brink of orphanhood believes that the natural world is in balance with the universe until a fierce storm changes her reality. Desperate to repair the structure of her world in order to save her ailing father and sinking home, this tiny hero must learn to survive unstoppable catastrophes. 1340 Mike Fahey St. For more information, visit www.filmstreams.org or call 402-933-0259. 7/29: Weezer. Harrah’s Stir Concert Cove. American alternative rock band Weezer brings their hits “Island in the Sun,” “Beverly Hills,” and “Buddy Holly” to Harrah’s Stir Concert Cove series this summer! Must be 21+ to attend. Tickets are $52.50. Harrah’s Blvd, Council Bluffs, www.ReadOnlineNow.com

july/august • 2012

Calendar of Events 2012 July & August

www.VisitOmaha.com

Beasts of the Southern Wild will be showing at Film Streams July 27 through August 9. on the Holland Center East Lawn. Grass seating is available, and blankets and chairs are welcome. Concessions will be provided. No outside food, drink, or pets permitted. Free admission. 1200 Douglas St. Music starts at 7:45pm, movie starts around 8:45pm. For more information, visit www.omahaperformingarts.org or call 402-345-0606. 8/10-11: Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival. Coventry Campus. Come enjoy some of the best and award-winning wines available to taste with delicious foods, live entertainment, educational programs about wines, pony rides and activities for the kids, and a hot air balloon show. Tickets include admission, 5 wine tastes, and a souvenir glass. 204th & Q sts. For more information, visit www.showofficeonline.com or call 402-346-8003. IA. Doors open at 6pm. Show starts at 8pm. For more information, visit www.harrahscouncilbluffs.com or call 712-329-6000.

$15 members, $20 non-members. 3701 S. 10th St. 6:30-8:30pm. For more information, visit www.omahazoo.com or call 402-733-8401.

AUGUST EVENTS

8/2-5: Cox Classic. Champions Run. The Cox Classic Presented by Lexus of Omaha is the premier event on the Nationwide Tour. Each year, some of the best golfers in the world compete to take that next step to the PGA TOUR. Thousands of fans turn out to not only see these great golfers but also for the 12 charities supported. Recurring daily. Tickets are $10. 13800 Eagle Run Dr. For more information, visit www.coxclassic.com or call 402-399-1800.

8/1: The Black Keys. MidAmerica Center. American rock duo The Black Keys in concert with special guests Tame Impala. The Black Keys’ new album, El Camino, features the hit single “Lonely Boy” and the super-hot smash “Gold on the Ceiling.” Tickets are $49.50. One Arena Way, Council Bluffs, IA. 7:30pm. For more information, visit www.midamericacenter.com or call 712-323-0536. 8/2: Tour de Zoo. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo. Formerly known as the Critter Ride, bring your bike and ride through Omaha’s zoo during this family fun event. There will be dinner, snacks, and refreshments provided, plus special animal encounters during the funfilled evening. Registration required.

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8/5: Gavin DeGraw & Colbie Caillat. Harrah’s Stir Concert Cove. Singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw brings his hits “Chariot,” “In Love with a Girl,” and “Not Over You” to Harrah’s Stir Concert Cove series this summer, alongside singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat, whose hits include “Bubbly,” “Realize,” and “The Little Things”! Must

be 21+ to attend. Tickets are $37. Harrah’s Blvd, Council Bluffs, IA. Doors open at 6pm. Show starts at 7pm. For more information, visit www.harrahscouncilbluffs.com or call 712-329-6000. 8/9: Last Summer on Earth Tour. Harrah’s Stir Concert Cove. The Barenaked Ladies, Blues Traveler, Big Head Todd & the Monsters, and Cracker are all coming to Harrah’s Stir Concert Cove series this summer for the Last Summer on Earth Tour! Must be 21+ to attend. Tickets are $47.50. Harrah’s Blvd, Council Bluffs, IA. Doors open at 6pm. Show starts at 8pm. For more information, visit www.harrahscouncilbluffs.com or call 712-329-6000. 8/10: Cox Music & Movies – The Raiders of the Lost Ark and UNO Faculty Jazz Combo. Holland Performing Arts Center. Enjoy live music from the UNO Faculty Jazz Combo followed by an outdoor screening of The Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

8/11: Back to School Bash. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo. Hey, kids! Before the bell rings for your first class this school year, visit Omaha’s Zoo for one last hurrah. Get in the school spirit by hanging out with local mascots while learning at the Zoo without sitting at a desk. Free with regular paid zoo admission. 3701 S. 10th St. 9am-3pm. For more information, visit www.omahazoo. com or call 402-733-8401. 8/11: Maha Music Festival. Stinson Park at Aksarben Village. Omaha’s signature independent music festival featuring Desaparecidos, Garbage, Josh Rouse, Icky Blossoms, and more! 67th & Center sts. 12pm-11pm. For more information, visit www.mahamusicfestival.com. 8/16-18: Aksarben RibFest. Stinson Park at Aksarben Village. The aroma of world championship barbecue ribs and the sounds of blues, country, and rock will fill the air. Four world-class barbecue www.OmahaPublications.com

teams will each cook up their own distinct styles and tastes. Music artists will be on stage throughout the weekend. Recurring daily. Free admission. 67th & Center sts. Th-Sat/11am-11pm. For more information, visit www. aksarbenribfest.com or call 402-215-1388. 8/17: Creed. Harrah’s Stir Concert Cove. Grammy Award-winning American rock band Creed brings their hits “With Arms Wide Open,” “My Sacrifice,” and “Are You Ready?” to Harrah’s Stir Concert Cove series this summer! Must be 21+ to attend. Tickets are $47. Harrah’s Blvd, Council Bluffs, IA. Doors open at 6pm. Show starts at 8pm. For more information, visit www.harrahscouncilbluffs.com or call 712-329-6000. 8/19: 2012 Corporate Cycling Challenge. Heartland of America Park. A challenge of three tours— 10, 25, and 42 miles long—featuring beautiful scenery and historical landmarks in a blend of urban and rural riding. The event is for all ages and abilities. Start and finish lines are staged in front of the fountain at the Heartland of America Park. 8th & Farnam sts. For more information, visit www.corporatecycling.com or call 402-346-8003. 8/20-25: Omaha Fashion Week. KANEKO. Join the Midwest’s premier fashion event at Omaha Fashion Week down in the Old Market. Featured fashions include Children’s Wear (Monday), Avant Garde (Tuesday), Bridal & Swimwear (Wednesday), Evening Wear (Thursday), Day Wear (Friday), and the finale Best of Show (Saturday). Weeknight tickets from $30-50, weeknight VIP tickets are $65; Saturday finale tickets from $30-60, finale VIP tickets are $120 individual or $1,000 for a 10-person VIP table. 1111 Jones St. Doors open at 6pm, show at 8pm. For more information, visit www. omahafashionweek.com or call 402-599-3283. 8/21-26 Millard Days. Andersen Park. Come celebrate Millard Days with a carnival, auto show, beer garden, and parade! 136th & Q sts. Carnival: Tu-Th/5-10pm; F/5-11pm; Sat/11:30am-11pm; Sun/1-6pm. Beer Garden: Wed-Th/6-11pm; F/6pm-12am; Sat/12pm-12am. Live Music: Wed-Th/7-10pm; F-Sat/8pm-11pm. Parade starts at 11am on Saturday, Auto Show 9am-3pm on Sunday. For more information, visit www.millarddays.com. 8/24: Bonnie Raitt. Orpheum Theater. American blues singer-songwriter Bonnie Raitt performs her hit songs “Something to Talk About,” “Love Sneakin’ Up on You,” and “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” Tickets are $52.50-91.50. 409 S. 16th St. 8pm. For more information, visit www. omahaperformingarts.org or call 402-345-0606. www.ReadOnlineNow.com

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AUG. 17–SEPT. 16, 2012

by TRACY LETTS

This production includes strong language and adult situations and is intended only for mature audiences.

s U n i o J On the Patio happy hour 4pm to 7pm MonDay thru Friday

Overlooking Turner Park, Portovino’s Patio is a hot spot for great summer events like Jazz on the Green!

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Omaha FACES

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lunch . dinner . happy hour . gluten-free • located in historic dundee . www.pitchpizzeria.com . 402-590-coal 18

july/august • 2012

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Summer Fun In Omaha!

Credit: Roger Barnes

his summer, both Omahans and visitors alike will find a wealth of events and attractions to enjoy. Whether you’re a sports nut, a fan of theatre and the arts, a foodie or wine connoisseur, or a music lover, there’s something for everyone in Omaha this season, and many events are family-friendly and free! In town for one event? Why not spend the night (or two) and take in a few!

Get ready to plan your summer of fun in the Big O!

For the Sports Fan 2012 NCAA Men’s College World Series, TD Ameritrade Park, June 14-26. The NCAA Men’s College World Series returns on the Road to Omaha® for the Greatest Show on Dirt®. Since 1950, the College World

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Series has been held in Omaha, and it has become a major event for summer tourists. Starting with the Opening Celebration Day on Thursday, June 14 at TD Ameritrade Park, the College World Series kicks off with team autograph sessions, batting practices, opening ceremonies, and fireworks. The opening rounds begin on Friday, June 15 and are played until either Thursday, June 21 or Friday, June 22, if necessary. The best-of-three Championship Series begins on Sunday, June 24 where teams will bat it out to become the next College World Series champions. Will it be South Carolina again, or will college baseball fans have a new champion to celebrate? Free admission for the openingday celebration. Ticket prices vary per game/seating. 1200 Mike Fahey St. For more information, visit www. cwsomaha.com or call 402-554-4404.

U.S. Olympic Team Swim Trials, CenturyLink Center Omaha, June 25 – July 2. The U.S. Olympic Team Swim Trials are returning to the CenturyLink Center this summer. The weeklong competition will draw the best swimmers in the country—from Michael Phelps to Missy Franklin—to prove their prowess and win a spot in the 2012 Olympics in London. Omaha previously hosted the Swim Trials in 2008. With over 160,000 fans in attendance, the 2008 trials smashed the previous attendance record for a U.S. swimming event. With 1,500 swimmers projected to compete, the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Swim Trials are shaping up to be faster, fiercer, and bigger than ever! Preliminary trials will begin at 10am daily, and finals will be held at 7pm daily. 455 N. 10th St. Tickets are on sale at www.ticketmaster. com. For more information, visit www.centurylinkcenteromaha.com or call 402-341-1500.

july/august • 2012

Summer Fun In Omaha 17th Cox Classic, Champions Run Golf Club, July 30 - August 5. The Cox Classic, presented by Lexus of Omaha, enters its 17th year in Omaha. Again this year, Champions Run Golf Club will host the annual event, which attract some of golf’s premier contenders on the Nationwide Tour. Since the tournament’s inception, more than $1.9 Million has been raised for local charities. With 113,000 spectators in 2011 (Thursday – Sunday), the Cox Classic has become one of Omaha’s most popular annual sporting events, second only to the College World Series. The Cox Classic 2012 schedule of events includes: a Pro-Am Pairing Party, a Subway Restaurant Youth Clinic; an Autograph Day; and daily Michelob Ultra 19th Hole Parties in addition to the pro tournament. Visit www. coxclassic.com for details. For tickets and packages, call the tournament office, 402-399-1800.

For the Music Lover Jazz on the Green, Midtown Crossing at Turner Park, Thursdays, July 5 – August 9. Join Omaha Performing Arts on Thursdays this summer for Jazz on the Green. The cherished concert series is held in Turner Park, located in the heart of Midtown Crossing. Since 1985 more than half a million people have spent Thursday evenings relaxing on the lawn while listening to the music of Jazz on the Green. This year’s concert line-up will feature an assortment of Jazz styles—from boogie woogie and big band swing to Latin rhythms and funk melodies. There is sure to be something that will appeal to all Jazz lovers—and perhaps inspire new fans. Lead sponsors include Mutual of Omaha, Alegent Health and Omaha Steaks. Concerts offer free admission and free parking.  Venue opens for seating at 5pm. Concerts begin at 7pm. For more information and a schedule of performers, visit www. jazzonthegreenomaha.com. Red Sky Music Festival, TD Ameritrade Park, July 17-22. The Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority and Live Nation have come together to bring

top entertainment and breakout artists to Downtown Omaha for the Red Sky Music Festival, now in its second year. The festival will feature all genres of artists on three stages, including winners of the Battle of the Local Bands. Main stage featured bands and musicians, as well as featured bands and musicians on Stages B+C, include some of the hottest touring groups and performers today. Each Main Stage ticket purchase includes a one-day pass for the Festival Grounds, Stages B+C, good for admission on the day listed on the ticket. For more information on Omaha’s premier music festival and names of acts as they’re announced, go to www.redskyfestival.com. Riverfront Jazz & Blues Festival, Lewis & Clark Landing, 515 Riverfront Dr., July 13-14. The rich smooth sounds of jazz and blues will permeate through Downtown Omaha as national, regional and local artist will perform some of the greatest music jazz and blues has to offer. Plenty of food and beverage will be available for purchase. Tickets available for sale at Ticket Omaha box office, Homer’s, Lefores New Look Fashion and Love’s Jazz & Arts Center, or at www.ticketomaha.com. For a list of performers, ticket prices and additional info, visit www.omahajazzandblues.com for more information.

Calendar of Events May

June

U Exhibit Urban Artist Collective II 4&5 U 6pm. JazzAfter5 with special guest Calvin Keys 17 U 5-8pm. JazzAfter5 with special guest Curly Martin Trio 26 U 3-5pm.Jumpin’ Out Young gifted & Talented

1 U 5-8pm. JazzAfter5 with the Zone 1&2 U North Omaha Arts & Culture Expo 15 U 5-8pm.Jazz After5 with Darryl White 23 U 3-5pm.Jumpin’ Out Young gifted & Talented

July

August

6 U 5-8 pm. JazzAfter5 LJAC’s Jazz All Stars

All month Young At Art Youth Exhibit

12 U Young At Art Youth Exhibit

3 U 5-8 pm. Jazz After 5 with In The Gruv

20 U 5-8pm. Jazz After5 with Ben Harris Trio

17 U 5-8 pm. Jazz After 5 with Cymbolton

28 U 3-5pm.Jumpin’ Out Young gifted & Talente

25 U 3-5pm.Jumpin’ Out Young gifted & Talented

For updates on events visit us @ http://lovesjazzartcenter.org/ exhibits U live music U events Tuesday-Friday 11am-5pm U Saturday 11am-3pm 2510 N. 24th St. U 402.502.5291 20

july/august • 2012

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Summer Fun In Omaha! with valid ID to attend. Tickets are $30 general admission; $50 VIP, or $40-$80 for Connoisseur Combo. A Designated Driver is available for $10 at the door. Visit www.omahabeerfest.com for more details. Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival, Coventry Campus, Just south of 204th & Q streets, August 10-11. The Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival Credit: Sherry Schmillen Minge is a unique, two-day event featuring Friday and For Food and Saturday evening hot air balloon Spirits Enthusiasts launches and glows, as well as an array delicious foods, barbeque, 2nd Annual Omaha Beer Fest, Aksarben Viland unique handcrafted wines lage, 67th & Center streets, May 18-19. Enjoy a from some of the best wineries in good brew? Stop by the 2nd Annual Omaha Beer Fest. the country. Included: A Nebraska The festival allows patrons to choose from over 150 beers Wine Showcase, and a Food & Wine from over 40 breweries at tented booths throughout beauExperience VIP Sessions. Music tiful Stinson Park at Aksarben Village. Mix and mingle from local bands and musicians with brewmasters and VIPs in the brewing industry, and a variety of family entertainattend Beer Academy classes, listen to live music from two ment, including Marketplace Vilbands daily, attend the Homebrewer Expo, and enjoy the lage, arts & crafts, feature displays, VIP Experience with the MOJO Lounge. Must be 21+ pony rides, and activities for the kids

will also be featured. Balloons launch by 7:30pm. Gates open at 5pm to give spectators an early glimpse at the hot air balloons as pilots assemble them for their flights. (Weather Permitting) Visit www.showofficeonline.com/ NebraskaWineBallloonFestival for more info. 3rd Annual Omaha Riverfront Wine Festival, Stinson Park, Aksarben Village, 67th & Center Streets, August 24-25. Get ready to raise your glass at Omaha’s biggest wine event of the year! The Omaha Riverfront Wine Festival is a casual, outdoor event featuring food from Omaha’s Dante Pizzeria and Bread Oven French Bakery, a variety of music, including jazz, tropical

Credit: TLC Photography

• Made From Scratch • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner • Daily Specials • No Corkage Fees

The Best Little Café In Omaha

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july/august • 2012

Summer Fun In Omaha! and R&B sounds, and, of course, wine. Fifty wineries will be present, offering guests samples from tented wine booths set up throughout Stinson Park. Beer lovers will also find samples from about a dozen breweries. Attendees can sign up for Wine Academy and take classes on wine and food pairings (including chocolate and cheese), wine mixology, and other topics. Both Grand Tasting and VIP Experience tickets are available by calling 402-850-6776. Must be 21 or older with valid ID to attend. Offered by Urban Events, Inc. Go to www.riverfrontwinefestival.com for more info.

For the Theatre & Arts Lover

Gently Loved Designer Furniture, Vintage, Antiques and Estate Items 10,000 Square Foot Showroom, Open To The Public

38th Annual Summer Arts Festival, Along Gene Leahy Mall, Downtown Omaha, June 8-10. Omaha’s premier destination for art & entertainment, held in Downtown Omaha. Featuring 135 of the nation’s finest visual artists, two stages of continuous entertainment including national performers, and a large, hands-on children’s fair. A free event perfect for art lovers and families alike. For a list of exhibiting artists, performing musicians and food vendors and more, visit www.summerarts.org

Buy-Sell Estate Liquidation Services April 402-578-5051• Gene 402-210-3716 3701 Leavenworth • Omaha, NE 68105 www.MidwestPickersGallery.com www.facebook.com/midwestpickers

Credit: John Nollendorfs Great Smoked Meat Specialties With A Focus on Local and Regional Breweries — Dine In or Carry Out — Live entertainment - Patio Seating

402.504.3776 mojosmokehouse.com

Located in Charming aksarben village. 67th & Center

26th Annual Shakespeare on the Green, Elmwood Park, University of Nebraska at Omaha Campus, June 21-July 6. Elmwood Park will again host the annual Nebraska Shakespeare on the Green, a free, open-air event on the UNO campus. Over the years, Shakespeare on the Green has become a beloved summer tradition, and the festival has gained national recognition for its high-quality productions as well as for the beauty of its park setting. The event is also a wonderful way to enjoy two of the Bard’s plays: Julius Caesar: June 21-24, July 6,8; The Comedy of Errors: June 28-30; July 5,7. Recurring every three days. Free admission. South of 64th & Dodge sts. Activities at 6pm, pre-show seminars at 6:30pm, performance at 8pm. For more information, visit www.nebraskashakespeare.com or call 402-280-4396.

For the Museum Lover

New Items for Summer!

To Live Forever: Egyptian Treasures from the Brooklyn Museum, Joslyn Art Museum, 22th & Dodge Streets, Through June 3. To Live Forever: Egyptian Treasures from the Brooklyn Museum exhibit will explore the ancient Egyptians’ beliefs about life, death, and the afterlife; mummification; the conduct of a funeral; and the different types of tombs. For more information, visit www.joslyn.org or call 402-342-3300.

14909 Industrial Road • 402-334-7556 Open 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. www.pilchersomaha.com

Mindbender Mansion Exhibit, The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th Street, May 26-Sept. 2. Enter the wonderfully puzzling world of Mindbender Mansion this summer at Omaha’s Durham Museum. Created by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Mindbender Mansion is an eclectic place full of brainteasers and interactive challenges guaranteed to test the brain power and problem-solving skills of even the most experienced puzzlers. This magical exhibition is fun for kids and adults of all ages. Go to www.durhammuseum.org to learn more.

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• Dream Catchers • Turquoise Jewelry • Navajo and Sioux Pottery • Bead & Quillwork • Moccasins • Sage, Sweetgrass and other Herbs • Pendleton Blankets • T-Shirts, Books, CD’s and more!

july/august • 2012

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Visit the Union Pacific Railroad Museum to experience “Building America,” an immersive new exhibit featuring innovative video-game technology; to relive the height of passenger rail travel; and to learn how Union Pacific and America’s progress have been inextricably linked for 150 years.

200 Pearl Street • Council Bluffs, IA 51503 Open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free Admission • (712) 329-8307 Find us at uprrmuseum.org, and on Facebook and Twitter.

The Best in Casual Dining 13851 1st National Bank Parkway | Omaha, NE | 402.431.0023

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Bobby Lee

J Medicine Hat

Jo Koy

Josh Blue

Kevin Nealon

Lavelle Crawford

Loni Love

Pablo Francisco

Tammy Pescatelli

Time for a night out with fun, food, and a laugh! We are the fun location for your next meeting, corporate party or just a date night! Full new menu and bar—serving laughs in the metro area since 1988. 17305 Davenport, Ste. 201 Village Pointe Shopping Center Omaha • 402.493.8036

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july/august • 2012 23

Omaha Art Story by David Williams • Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

Neither “This” Nor “That”

Defining the Indefinable in Thomas Prinz’s Collages

he idea of an artist tearing his work to shreds evokes images of soul-crushing

frustration and utter defeat, but it’s a requisite step in the unique creative process employed by collage artist Thomas Prinz. His studio space on Maple Street in the heart of Benson is littered with what are seemingly finished works, but these are instead merely the raw materials waiting to be sliced and diced and then reassembled. His instantly recognizable, signature look is typified by striated fields of vibrant color made up of hundreds of fragments cannibalized from perhaps dozens of individual source works. Correction…hold on a sec. Adding a second layer of irony to the proceedings is the fact that these seemingly “finished” works are almost always anything but. Most await the digital scanner to become giclée prints, ones that have the odd quality of at once affirming and denying any sense of texture or depth of field, elements that were so very evident before the printing process came into play. Confused yet? Then try this one on. Those now “finished” finished works? Not so fast. It is not uncommon for them to, in turn, become fodder to feed a new generation of descendants in forming a crazily convoluted family tree that suffers from an identity crisis, and an incestuous one at that.

july/august • 2012

The ambiguity of it all, Prinz explains, is wholly intentional. “I seek an emergent quality in my collages,” said the architect who has in recent years shifted increasing amounts of energy into his widely collected collages and paintings. “These pieces aren’t meant to be about ‘this’ or ‘that,’ but are instead about both ‘this’ and ‘that,’ if that makes any sense. It’s a hybrid approach where each viewing reveals more and eventually, meaning—whatever meaning you want to assign to it—starts to emerge, to resonate. It’s a very intentional ‘unintentionalness.’” Not surprisingly, the same ambiguity dwells in the design of his singularly fascinating studio, a work of art in and of itself. “In designing and building this studio it was again about process, this time the process of architecture. It was about coming in with no preconceived notion of what it should be. Just as in my collages, it was about using layer upon layer…where line and form ultimately >> Continued on page 26 www.OmahaPublications.com

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<< result in something cohesive yet still somehow jumbled.” Represented by Anderson O’Brien Fine Art and a frequent contributor to shows at the internationally acclaimed Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, Prinz’s collages also adorn the walls of such notable spots as Midtown Crossing’s award-winning The Grey Plume and Dundee’s Pitch Pizzeria. So is he an architect who also happens to be an artist? Or is it perhaps the other way around? “To me, it’s all the same,” explained Prinz, this time with no hint of ambiguity in his words. “Both are about putting things together. Architecture is about putting pieces and parts together on a large scale. My collages mirror that same thinking; that same creative process, but on a different, smaller scale. In the end, it’s only the relationship between all those pieces and parts that matter in either endeavor, art or architecture.” www.OmahaPublications.com

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hen asked what her favorite fashion

splurge is, Janna Peterson has an unusual answer: running shoes! She also loves picking up new workout wear at her regular stops, Finish Line and Scheels. The very fit 44-year-old is an avid runner and weightlifter who begins each day with a 5 a.m. workout at the gym. “I’m a fitness fanatic!” Peterson says proudly. “My workout routine consists of 4-5 days of strength and 6-7 days of cardio. I feel completely energized and stress-free after a great workout.” She also gets her exercise-induced endorphins pumping by cycling, doing core work, and climbing the StairMaster. Peterson has always made staying fit a priority in her life. The former Miss Nebraska Pageant contestant ran her own dance studio for 20 years. She also taught group fitness classes at a wellness center in her hometown of Nebraska City for 12 years. “Exercise brings a great sense of health, wealth, and confidence to me,” Peterson explains. “And I not only enjoy exercise for myself, but I love sharing my passion for exercise with others.” Now living in Omaha, her part-time job as a group fitness instructor at Urban Active allows her to continue motivating others to move. “I’m currently studying for my Personal Training Certification,” she adds. Seems Peterson’s passed her health-minded ways onto her daughter, Jenna, 19, as well. The soon-to-be sophomore at UNL is majoring in Nutrition, Exercise, and Health Science. You won’t always find Peterson in workout clothes and sweats, however. For her job as a technical recruiter at Client Resources Inc., she’s typically dressed in simple yet stylish dresses, suits, and slacks from Ann Taylor and LOFT. For casual wear, she loves shopping at Cache or the Buckle for fun, trendy looks. (She skips most accessories though—too much bother!) With her toned physique, great posture, and confidence shining through, everything Peterson wears looks just a little bit more fabulous!

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Omaha Fashion Institute

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july/august • 2012

hen Nick Hudson launched the first Omaha Fashion Week in 2008,

he was simply hoping to showcase about a dozen designers and maybe generate some interest in Omaha’s small fashion scene. “The whole idea around it was to have red-carpet, glamorous events and show off the talents of young creative people in the city,” Nick Hudson says. “I think everyone, including me, was blown away with how good the designers really were and how much the local community got behind and supported the concept and the talent.” Just four years later, the concept has doubled to include events in March and August, inspired a new nonprofit called the Omaha Fashion Institute, and fostered an ecosystem that helps designers become entrepreneurs and opens up opportunities for models, stylists, hair and makeup artists, photographers, musicians, and other professionals in industries related to fashion. www.OmahaPublications.com

“It started off just as a show, but now it’s a year-round activity to try and nurture this ecosystem,” Hudson says. “An amazing number of people get involved behind the scenes in putting on the show. We actually counted it up one year, and it’s more than a thousand people.” One of the individuals involved in Omaha Fashion Week’s seminal year was Brook Matthews, who worked on the marketing team for one of the sponsors. As the event grew over the next two years, so did her relationship with Hudson. In 2010, the couple married and later that year, Brook Hudson left the corporate world to run Omaha Fashion Week full-time. “We work as a really good team,” Nick Hudson said. “I’m a strategic marketer and Brook’s a really good tactical marketer.” “He provides more of the strategic bigpicture thinking, and I bring his crazy ideas to life,” Brook Hudson adds. “At the end of the day, it’s still a business, and I do know a lot about business. We’ve become a smarter, more efficient organization that’s a lot more focused on our mission. It’s exciting to see some of the changes that have taken place.” The Hudsons not only serve as Omaha Fashion Week producers, but the two are founding board members of the newly launched Omaha Fashion Institute, a nonprofit with the goal of “nurturing young talent and giving them creative and entrepreneurial opportunities they wouldn’t have otherwise,” Nick Hudson says. The organization strives to foster creative, professional, and technical skills; resource provision; and aid business incubation so Midwestern designers can take their talent to the next level. This support could be in the form of providing training on pattern grading or pricing garments; organizing and marketing business operations; or even the logistics behind getting a collection represented on the Omaha Fashion Week runway. As Brook Hudson explains, “It’s a symbiotic relationship.” The upcoming Omaha Fashion Week features 90 designers, all with a Midwestern connection, and runs Monday, Aug. 20 through Saturday, Aug. 25. KANEKO at 11th and Jones will serve as the weeknight venue and the Saturday finale will take place on an outdoor runway along Jones Street. For ticket information, visit omahafashionweek.com or call 402-599-3283. www.ReadOnlineNow.com

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Omaha middle-schooler Jacob Madsen meets with Buffett prior to the SMC’s “Grow Your Own Business Challenge” awards ceremony. His business, Teddy Shreddy, a portable shredding service, earned him a spot as a finalist.

Warren Buffett Invests in Youth The Omaha billionaire shares his words of fiscal wisdom with America’s kids through an animated series, spurring a new crop of ‘Secret’ entrepreneurs. 32

july/august • 2012

hat do Warren Buffett,

Strawberry Shortcake, G.I. Joe, and Inspector Gadget have in common? They are all the lead characters in an animated children’s series produced by Andy Heyward of A Squared (A 2) Entertainment. Heyward knows what kids like. He has produced over 5,000 episodes of award-winning children’s programming which have garnered him an Emmy. He’s also made a short cartoon about financial literacy—Secret Millionaires Club—engaging for children by combining good storytelling with sound fiscal advice. www.OmahaPublications.com

Story by Molly Garriott • Photos by John Gawley A Entertainment and Secret Millionaires Club producer Andy Heyward addresses the crowd at the awards ceremony held in Omaha May 21st. 2

Heyward covered the former criteria; he deferred to Omaha billionaire Warren Buffett for the latter. “I knew the quality of Andy’s body of work and thought a partnership was a good idea,” says Buffett, who’s asked on a regular basis to dole out his financial advice on cable business shows, Sunday morning news programs, and even to those holding the highest office in the country. When broached with the idea of contributing to a kids’ web series, the financial titan was more than happy to share words of monetary wisdom with today’s young people. “Mr. Buffett found time to not only say ‘yes’ [to Secret Millionaires Club], but he read every script and did every recording” for the 26 webisodes, says Heyward. Now the webisodes have made their way to cable television on The HUB Network, increasing the potential to reach even more children with their fiscal management lessons. Heyward describes Secret Millionaires Club as an entertaining and enlightening show for kids, one that introduces youth to fundamental business concepts, the importance of investing, and key points of financial literacy. With Buffett as the lead character, the SMC series was sure to draw some media attention. But how to present the material in www.ReadOnlineNow.com

Mike Dean, left, and Ken Chaplin, right, both with Experian Consumer Direct, present individual winner Aria Eppinger of Pittsburgh with a $5,000 check. Experian owns CreditReport.com, exclusive sponsor of the Secret Millionaires Club Learn and Earn promotion.

Four students from Queens, New York, who won for their business Deals on Wheels, eagerly show off their team-winning check for $20,000. a manner appealing to kids? Buffett was talking to his grandson’s fifth grade class at Dundee Elementary when he happened upon the hook quite by accident. He was sharing his business knowledge and noticed his audiences’ eyes glazing over with apparent boredom. However, interest piqued when he mentioned the “secret” formula behind Coca-Cola, one of his company Berkshire Hathaway’s biggest stock holdings. The secrecy concept captured their fancy. “Their eyes lit up. ‘Secret’ is a magic word” to kids, Buffett discovered. So he suggested that the word ‘Secret’ be added to the Millionaires Club moniker to draw viewers further into the story. Last year, Secret Millionaires Club launched its first “Grow Your Own Business Challenge.” Based on the SMC, children ages 7-16 were encouraged to submit entrepreneurial business ideas in a Learn and Earn national contest, sponsered by CreditReport.com. Entries were judged on three criteria: uniqueness of concept, depth and description of new business, and feasibility >> july/august • 2012 33

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cover feature << of concept execution. Over 3,000 children submitted their entrepreneurial plans. A panel of judges narrowed the list to 25 semifinalists. From this list, eight finalists—five teams and three individuals—were selected. Challenge finalists hailed from California to New York and all points in between. The individual winner was 10-year-old Aria Eppinger from Pittsburg, Penn., with her business “Shine So Bright,” which specializes in light-up sweatshirts for the holidays. The team business winner, “Deals on Wheels,” hails from Queens, New York. Team members were 10-year-olds Charles Cheng, Lucien Mount, Alejandro Astudillo, and Nataniel Natanov. Their concept was a customizable school store on wheels, initially launched to raise money for their schools’ arts programs, which were undergoing budget cuts. A $5,000 grand prize was awarded to each winner. The grand prize winners’ teachers were also awarded $1,000; other finalists’ teachers, $250. At the awards ceremony held May 21 at the Embassy Suites downtown, Buffett surprised all finalists with a gift of 10 shares of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Class B stock, worth approximately $80 a share. One finalist was local boy Jacob Madsen, a sixth-grader at Russell Middle School in Millard. Madsen devised a portable shredding business called “Teddy Shreddy.” Shredding sensitive papers and financial documents at home is one of his chores. So when his father brought the contest to his attention, he thought about the possibility of offering at-home shredding services for others: “One day, my dad was talking about how he had a pile of old files he needed to take to a shredder somewhere, but he kept forgetting to do it. He said that trucks come to businesses to pick up papers, and someone needs to come to neighborhoods for that.” The Teddy of “Teddy Shreddy” is not a Pooh Bear derivative but a nod to America’s 26th President, Teddy Roosevelt, who lived in the White House when the U.S. established itself as a business powerhouse in the world economic arena. Madsen rigged a small trailer with a portable shredder, extension cords, and a generous supply of trash bags. He attached his trailer to a three-wheel bike. On the bike’s basket is his business sign bearing the name “Teddy Shreddy” and Roosevelt’s picture. Convenience and eco-friendliness are two hallmarks of his business. “It’s curbside www.OmahaPublications.com

Thank You for Voting us #1 Six Years in a Row! identity protection for people at their homes. I’ll do their shredding before their eyes, and it is green, convenient, and cheap,” says Madsen. An adult accompanies Madsen on his rounds. Keeping costs down was important to Madsen. Gas was an expense he wanted to eliminate. “I like to ride my bike,” acknowledges Madsen. So he looked for a business that was both kid-friendly and afforded him the chance to do what he enjoys. But he quickly learned that establishing a business is not all fun. It requires a great deal of effort beyond ingenuity. “We had to make a video of the idea, and I learned that it is hard work. We had to reshoot things over and over. It was fun, but it takes a lot of time,” Madsen admits. Lisa Madsen, Jacob’s mother, said he learned about preparedness. Practicing for the judges’ presentation was labor-intensive. And “he learned how a business needs to promote itself (www.teddyshreddy.com) and that a business has to buy equipment to get set up,” she adds. “Teddy Shreddy” is not Madsen’s first step onto the business stage. He has run his fair share of lemonade stands. “Sometimes, I made good money,” admits Madsen, “but other times I just got hot and made no money.” His best piece of advice to fellow kid entrepreneurs is to “just try stuff.” That’s exactly what Warren Buffett did starting at the age of 7. Growing up, his family owned a grocery store in Dundee, and one of his first business ventures was to buy six bottles of soda for a quarter and then sell each bottle for 5 cents apiece. In high school, Buffett established a partnership with two friends to create a used golfball business. He devised a make-shift diver suit by weighting his newspaper carrier bag with barbell plates and purchasing a gas mask from an Army/Navy store. He tested his contraption in six inches of water in his bathtub before his friend dove for golf balls in a golf course water trap. “We did this at 4:30 a.m. so we wouldn’t get into trouble,” chuckles Buffett at the memory. If you are a billionaire investor, chances are you’ve seen your fair share of get-richquick schemes, as well as legitimate business ventures. Yet despite the breadth of Buffett’s knowledge, he is quick to state that the “Grow Your Own Business Challenge” contestants impressed him. “They are terrific projects, >> www.ReadOnlineNow.com

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<< all of them,” he enthuses. Contestants, he remarks, were mature, articulate, and poised. Buffett even quipped as he addressed the finalists at the awards ceremony, “I am feeling inadequate among the kids’ projects.” Buffett believes the contestants are all on their way to bright futures. Citing a study regarding what single determiner most often results in future success, Buffett told attendees at the “Grow Your Own Business Challenge” awards ceremony that it isn’t the obvious list of credentials: business school attendance, socio-economic background, or even grades; it’s the age at which an individual starts his or her first business. Most successful business leaders surveyed had launched their first business at 7, 8, or 9 years old. “Success,” asserts Buffett, “is the product of good habits.” This message is central to every Secret Millionaires Club episode. The show hopes to even the playing field, says Buffett, so that kids from all different backgrounds have the opportunity to learn about financial literacy. In each episode, Buffett reminds his viewers that “the best investment you can make is in yourself” and “the more you learn, the more you earn.” Simple but solvent advice, as is the case with life’s most worthy lessons. And considering the source, future fortune hunters would be wise to take these bits of advice to heart. www.OmahaPublications.com

Omaha feature Story by Nadine Vodicka • Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

Heralding the Headmaster Dianne Desler, a leader in life and education

ianne K. Desler has dedi-

cated her life to education and Brownell-Talbot School. She began her teaching career at Brownell-Talbot as a mathematics instructor in 1970. Throughout the years, she has served in various capacities including Math Department Chair, Head of Upper School, Activities Director, Director of Admissions and Public Relations, Assistant Headmaster, and, since 1988, Headmaster (Superintendent). Desler retired from her duties as Headmaster this June. However, this does not mean that she is retiring from education entirely. As a devoted educational professional, she will make herself available to the school and serve on the Children’s Scholarship Board…among many other things. When you first meet Desler, you immediately see the passion in her eyes and the professional demeanor that she carries so graciously. The tone of her voice is calming yet distinct, and her manner of speech is eloquent and amazingly captivating. “As stated in [Brownell-Talbot’s] mission statement and commitment, our goal is to teach children in a safe, caring community dedicated to academic excellence, character >>

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

july/august • 2012 37

Omaha feature

“

Dianne Desler’s leadership enabled Brownell-Talbot to remain a constant strength in the Omaha community for several decades.

”

-Chip Vrana, President, BrownellTalbot Board of Trustees

july/august • 2012

<< building, and to prepare them for success in upper education and life. Through this academic experience our students learn passionately, think critically, act responsibly, and lead with integrity. Excellence in character is fundamental to a Brownell-Talbot education,” says Desler, with proud conviction and her own gleam of compassion. “Learn, Lead, Think and Act…are commendable life virtues that we instill in our students and I am so proud of every one of them,” beams Desler. To say that Desler’s left her mark on Brownell-Talbot—Nebraska’s only private, independent, co-ed college preparatory day school—is an understatement. Many do not know the breadth and depth of her commitment and dedication to education; it has reached far beyond her main duties as Headmaster. Former students are among the first to sing Desler’s praises. “Miss Desler…always had a positive comment and observation for students, but she also expected your best. Sometimes that’s a hard balance to strike,” comments Dede Allen, a 1980 Brownell-Talbot graduate. Allen also says that Brownell-Talbot prepared her exceptionally well for success in college and in life, teaching her to write a research paper, think critically, and manage her time. She also credited the school with helping her come out of her shell while instilling inspiration to push past her comfort zone to “excel instead of settling for mediocre.” A very commendable former student, Allen is now associate director of athletics and senior woman administrator at the University of Alaska in Anchorage. “Two things had an enormous impact on my Brownell-Talbot experience: the breadth of available activities and some incredible teachers and, of course, Ms. Desler,” states Melinda Knight Cerney, a 1997 graduate who now holds a Ph.D. in Human Computer Interaction and is a member of the Microsoft User Experience Team. “At Brownell-Talbot, I had the opportunity to participate in more activities than would have been possible had I been attending a public school,” added Cerney. “They expected critical thinking and careful reasoning. They expected constant improvement. They wanted to prepare me for a rigorous college experience and a lifetime of learning…and they made it clear that they knew I could succeed.” www.OmahaPublications.com

In an attempt to describe Delser’s professional experience/dossier, one would have to have a very long ledger. She has been very active in the educational community for 41 years and counting. A native Nebraskan, Desler has earned three degrees from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO): Bachelor of Science with a Mathematics major and English minor; Master of Science in Secondary Education; and Education Specialist in Educational Administration. She served as a board member of the University’s Alumni Association and as a presenter for the UNO College of Education Graduate Studies in Educational www.ReadOnlineNow.com

Administration and Supervision. A member of Phi Delta Kappa, education honorary, Desler has served on the boards of the Greater Omaha Council on Youth Leadership, the Omaha Chapter of Freedom’s Foundation at Valley Forge, and on her church council. A Rotarian, she served as Chair of the Literacy Committee. She has been active in the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) of which Brownell-Talbot School is a member. She served a three-year term on the Evaluation and Review Committee. She was elected to the ISACS Board of Directors in 2000 and served for two years. She has served

on and led several school accreditation teams and also served on the search committee for a new president for ISACS. Students aren’t the only ones applauding Desler’s commitment and life-long service to Brownell-Talbot and educational community. “Dianne Desler’s leadership enabled Brownell-Talbot to remain a constant strength in the Omaha community for several decades,” shared Chip Vrana, President, Brownell-Talbot Board of Trustees. “Her dedication to and enthusiasm for education is truly inspiring. A leader exhibiting confidence and unrivaled patience, Dianne truly committed herself to the betterment >> july/august • 2012 39

Omaha feature << of students and the school. Her accomplishments will long be remembered and appreciated at Brownell-Talbot and in the community.” Patty Brown, an Upper School science teacher (also retiring this year after 43 years teaching at Brownell-Talbot), had this to add about Desler: “From the early 1970s, when she was a young math teacher [fondly referred to as ‘Digits’ Desler by her students] until now, Dianne has displayed a commitment to excellence, a belief in the mission of the school, and the determination to succeed. She challenged me to excel, gave me opportunities for growth, and supported my teaching. I’m amazed how she both embodies the tradition of the school, and yet has been a leader in innovation and growth.” Jackie Byers, part-time college counselor and retired English teacher, added, “Dianne is a great communicator. She is the only Headmaster (among five or six) I served under who took the time to let the faculty know what was going on. Her ‘State of the School’ speeches at the annual retreat were full of information and very well delivered. She provided such great and positive leadership. Her themes provided guidance and inspiration. My favorite (as an English teacher) was ‘writing across the curriculum.’ It is still showing benefits today, years later.” When Desler was asked what were some of her favorite moments from her tenure at Brownell-Talbot, she responded with having alums come back and tell her about their successes and how they were greatly prepared for college because of their school experiences. “Those kinds of stories bring smiles to my heart and soul. Many former students now have their children and some even have grandchildren enrolled here,” beams Desler. “Now that is what makes it all worthwhile!” Desler’s retirement “bucket list” includes plans to travel, enjoy leisure time, make her way through some much-desired reading, and spend time with friends and family. It would not at all be an understatement to say that she will extend her boundaries and life experiences even farther than ever before. Come August, when school resumes, Desler will no longer have a daily presence at Brownell-Talbot, but her impact and influences will surely be felt for decades to come. 40

july/august • 2012

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July/August 2012 VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 4

E d i t o r i a l & C r e at i v e omaha publications editor

linda persigehl omaha home contributing editor

stacey penrod city editor

sandy lemke assistant editor

bailey hemphill editorial intern

(#22)

toni furmanski editorial intern

(#23)

lyndsey hrabik art director

john gawley senior graphic designer

katie anderson intern graphic designer

scott mcintyre p r i n c i pa l p h o t o g r a p h y

minorwhite studios, inc. scott drickey

• bill sitzmann

contributing photographers

jess ewald john gawley editorial advisors

rick carey

• david scott

contributing writers

beth keller carol crissey nigrelli lanoha nurseries oppd andy szatko david williams

Omaha Home Magazine appears as its own magazine and as a section within Omaha Magazine. To view the full version of Omaha Magazine, or to subscribe, go to www. readonlinenow.com.

july/august • 2012

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July/August 2012 VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 4

Acc o u n t s & O p e r at i o n s publisher

todd lemke publisher’s assistant

sandy besch

sales associate

publisher’s assistant

jessica linhart vice president

greg bruns vice president of operations

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marketing

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mike brewer Comments? Send your letter to the editor to: letters@omahapublications.com

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All versions of Omaha Magazine are published bimonthly by Omaha Magazine, LTD, P.O. Box 461208, Omaha NE 680461208. Telephone: (402) 884-2000; fax (402) 884-2001. Subscription rates: $19.95 for 6 issues (one year), $24.95 for 12 issues (two years). No whole or part of the contents herein may be reproduced without prior written permission of Omaha Magazine, excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs. Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted, however no responsibility will be assumed for such solicitations. Best of Omaha®™ is a registered tradename of Omaha Magazine.

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Omaha Home: from the editor

Local News

Tidbits

n visiting with my clients and other businesses, I often learn about much going on

behind the scenes that many in the community may not hear about. I want to take an opportunity to make mention of some exciting and interesting things that are happening or have recently happened with some of your local area businesses and homeowners. •

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Recently Ann Etienne’s personal style was featured in the May issue of Traditional Home. Ann is the owner of Voila! Blooms & Decor in Dundee. Beautiful tablescapes were photographed in her home along with numerous dishes and recipes that were prepared by local restaurants such as the Flatiron Cafe and Bliss Old Market Bakery. Chooty & Company, a textile manufacturer out of Council Bluffs owned by Connie Garrett, was recently featured on the “Steals & Deals” segment of The Today Show. Check out their wide selection of linens and textiles at www.chooty.com. Bang For Your Buck, a television show on HGTV that has designers weigh in on whether homeowners will get a good return on their investment for remodeling projects, featured three Omaha homes’ outdoor living spaces. Mike Cassling’s beautiful Baywood home (see our “At Home With” feature on page H22) was one of those featured. See a segment of the program on www.hgtv.com/bang-for-your-buck. Kitchens & Baths by Briggs was recognized as the “2011 Showroom of the Year” by the prestigious Forte Buying Group, which encompasses 96 wholesalers with showrooms in the U.S. and Canada who specialize in decorative plumbing and hardware. The award was based on their significant sales increase. Millard Lumber recently introduced “trugs” to Omaha, which are oblong baskets for flowers and vegetables and have built-in seating. The Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, neighboring groups, and the nonprofit Emerging Terrain have partnered to bring the trug planters to Leavenworth Street. The goal is to draw more attention and customers to this commercial corridor on the way down to the Old Market. Lanoha Nurseries founder and President David Lanoha was recently inducted into the Omaha Commercial Real Estate Workshop Hall of Fame. Consolidated Kitchens & Fireplaces has opened a new retail store called CKF Counter Gallery located one block north of 144th & L St in Oakview Hollow. Sam Marchese, CEO, says this will allow the customers to browse, experience, and enjoy an amazing showroom that reflects ever-changing design trends in a retail atmosphere. Due to great customer response and feedback, Humble Home , the charming “repurpose” home retailer, is expanding and relocating a couple doors east to 5018 Leavenworth.

Congratulations to all of these local businesses and thank you for sharing your success stories! If you have any stories or ideas you would like to share, please feel free to contact me at stacey.penrod@omahapublications.com. Enjoy our Summer issue ~ Happy July 4th! Have a wonderful summer!

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Stacey Penrod Account Executive & Contributing Editor, Omaha Home Magazine stacey.penrod@omahapublications.com www.OmahaPublications.com

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july/august • 2012 H9

Omaha Home: contents departments

features FURNITURE •ART ARTIFACTS • POTTERY scottsdale & omaha LEE Industries Custom Upholstered Furniture Dealer

Visit Our Online Store! The Shops of Legacy 168th & West Center Road 402.932.5999 www.pearsonandcompany.com www.pearsonandcompany.blogspot.com

H18

Real Estate: Housing Sales in Omaha

H12 Architect Profile: Bruce Frasier, AIA Bruce Frasier Architects

H15 Design Profile: Jan Vrana, The French Tangerine

Vote for us again Omaha! Best Home Accessories.

Interior Design Accent Decor & Floral Design FREE In-Home Consultation

H21 Home D•I•Y Project: Café Table & Chairs

H22

At Home: Bali Ha’i in Baywood

H30

H36 Neighborhood Profile:

Landscaping: Pros’ Picks, Perfect Trees

Ponca Hills

H44 Transformations: Contemporary Chic

H48 Hot Products: Luminous Lamps

columns

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H42

Composting: Browning a Little of Your Green Life

H34

H35

Lawn Care: Turf Troubles Solved Energy: OPPD’s A/C Management Program www.OmahaPublications.com

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Omaha Home: architect profile Story by Linda Persigehl • Photos by minorwhitestudios.com and Provided by Kurt Johnson Photography

Known for his high-end residential designs, brimming with elegance, Frasier shares details of some of his favorite projects, his affinity for the arts and anything historical, and his personal eclectic style. H12

july/august • 2012

Q&A: Bruce Frasier, AIA

Bruce Frasier Architects

Q: When did you discover your interest and talent in architectural design? How did you go about pursuing your career?

A: I was born in Omaha and attended Loveland Grade School and Westside High School. My father was in the lumber business, so I grew up going to building sites and saw mills and observing new houses being constructed. I took a drafting class in seventh grade and was hooked. I started sketching floor plans and pictures of the fronts of houses and have never stopped! www.OmahaPublications.com

I graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. I did my internship with the Leo A Daly Company, [working on projects] in Spring Lake Heights, New Jersey, Singapore, and Omaha. While there, I designed several structures for the Henry Doorly Zoo, including the Cat Complex. I began my own private practice Bruce Frasier Architects, in 1977, focusing principally on residential projects. Q: Tell us about your professional practice today. Detail a few of your most interesting projects.

A: Our office consists of three other graduate architects, one of whom, Jackson Martis, is also licensed. Our clients come from all walks of life, from nurses and doctors to CEO’s and teachers, and our projects range from bath and kitchen remodeling to new homes of all sizes. I designed the chapel and the Family Life Center at Countryside Community Church and the office building and entry gates at Forest Lawn Cemetery on whose board of trustees I serve. One of the more interesting aspects of my practice was a three-year tenure as design consultant to the Union Pacific Railroad, representing them in the design/build of the dispatching center in the old freight house in downtown, and overseeing the renovation of all floors of the old headquarters building, now sadly, demolished. As a result of our efforts, at least one old building in the warehouse district, the freight house, was saved when the ConAgra campus was built.

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Q: Tell us a little about your personal Design style. Who and what have influenced you the most?

A: I currently live in Swanson Towers condominiums. My personal style is very eclectic, ranging from very abstract paintings to antique French furniture. I could live in a minimal glass box designed by Philip Johnson or a shingled New England cottage. I love all houses! Growing up, my family always traveled extensively in the United States and visited many historic sites, including homes tours in Natchez, Miss., and Williamsburg, Va., sparking a life-long interest in history. Many architects have influenced me, starting with Thomas Jefferson. >> www.ReadOnlineNow.com

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Q&A: architect profile

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<< Hugh Newell Jacobsen and Robert Stern are current favorites. Cedric Hartman, Omaha’s famous lighting designer, is also a role model for his attention to detail and perfectionism in design. Q: Tell us about a project you’ve been passionate about and why it’s so compelling for you?

A: For several years, I had a historic house, which I restored and for which I received an award from the Galveston Historic Foundation in Galveston, Texas. They have a tour of historic homes every year, and I enjoyed volunteering to chair a house and staff it with volunteers for a day. Serving on the restoration committee for the First Presbyterian Church of Galveston, restoring it after Hurricane Ike, has been a labor of love which continues today. Q: Other interests outside of architecture?

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A: Besides golf and gardening, my other principal interest is in the arts. I have served as the president of the board of the Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney and am currently an emeritus member. I’ve served as a vice president of the Omaha Ballet and the Omaha Symphony, and served as president of the Downtown Omaha Rotary Club, as was my father. Currently, I’m on the vision committee for the Lauritzen Gardens Antiques Show and on the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation Board. As you can tell from my list of interests and activities, if I weren’t practicing architecture, I would be a professional volunteer. I am passionate about the arts and service. It is important to give back to the community that has so generously supported me. I love Omaha! www.OmahaPublications.com

Omaha Home: design profile Story by Linda Persigehl • Photos by Laurie and Charles Photographs

Q&A:

Jan Vrana The French Tangerine

Vrana has a passion for home interior design which she loves to share with others. Her design blog gets 50,000+ pageviews monthly.

Q: What exactly is The French Tangerine blog? What kinds of ideas do you include in your blog?

A: Conceived as a creative outlet, The French Tangerine was created to share and inspire. It serves as a design source where readers can find a collection of images and posts with an intimate look at beautiful interiors, charming gardens, and perspectives on art, entertaining, design, and travel. Q: When did you start the blog? What influences prompted you to do so?

A: I have always been drawn to and inspired by beautiful images, usually from home and garden magazines. After following other blogs, including Cote de Texas and Things that Inspire, I finally mustered up the courage to try out a post of my own in January 2011. I started out slow, www.ReadOnlineNow.com

but I’ve gained confidence and momentum while maintaining the initial excitement. I am self-taught when it comes to blogging. Many hours were spent figuring out the intricacies of Blogger, and I am constantly learning new things. Writing and curating The French Tangerine is my favorite hobby and passion. My hope is that The French Tangerine injects a little inspiration into the daily lives and dwellings of readers. >>

july/august • 2012 H15

Home: design profile << Q: Do you have any education/training in interior design? What kind of research do you do to prepare to write your blog?

A: I have had no formal education or training in interior design; however, I believe a big part of the necessary talent in recognizing good design and being a good designer comes naturally. But I would not be able to without the help of a professional [design]t. Sure, I can pick out a gorgeous fabric for a pillow, I can find a fabulous fringe or tassel, and I can certainly spot gorgeous antiques–that, I am really good at! But beyond that, I need my designer and friend, Richard White, ASID! Preparing posts comes easily. Found fabrics, blooming trees on a walk, charming homes in an Omaha neighborhood, a trip to Chicago… pretty much my life is the subject matter. Q: Tell us a bit about your personal history. How did it prepare you for your design-blogging future?

A: I was born in Jacksonville, Fla., and lived there a decade. I grew up in St. Louis, Mo., living there a decade. My mom, no matter what our living situation was, always reveled in making our home comfortable and beautiful. She took such pride in every detail and welcomed our input. We may not have had top-of-the-line furniture, but we thought it was the best because of my mom’s careful consideration and loving attention. I double-majored in art history and education and had dreams of teaching and inspiring children at museum. In real life, however, my career amounted to teaching 3rd grade at Swanson Elementary, where I feel confident I changed the lives of at least several nine- and ten-year-olds. I retired after one fulfilling year to be a full-time mother and wife. Q: Take us through the evolution of TFT blog. How has it grown?

A: After a few posts were up on my new blog, I began sharing on Facebook. Through similar social networks and word of mouth, I gained a few fans. After bigger, more popular blogs added The French Tangerine to their sidebar, hence giving me their stamp of approval, the numbers grew further. After over 300 posts, I have about 1,400 subscribers, (people who receive posts by email) plus about 350 followers (people who follow through Google Friends Connect). According to Google Stats, I get over 1,500 H16

july/august • 2012

www.OmahaPublications.com

pageviews daily, about 50,000 pageviews monthly, and have had close to a half million pageviews since I started. I’ve received over 2,000 comments and countless emails. These numbers are appealing to interested advertisers. I offer sponsor buttons in my sidebar that link directly to an advertiser’s website, generating steady traffic from thousands of interested visitors…also a sweet perk for me. I’m not doing this to make big money, as evidenced in my advertising fees: $150 for 6-months. I write for love, but money works, too. If my numbers continue to go up, I imagine my sponsor prices may follow. Q: What do you most enjoy about blog writing? What kind of feedback have you gotten?

A: I love the constant satisfaction I find in updating The French Tangerine. I often have up to 40 post drafts waiting (3-4 times weekly) be published! It is the search for beautiful things that connects me to readers. I also have had unusual opportunities come up thanks to TFT. I was recently offered a press pass to the Kentucky Derby and plan to attend next year. That should make for an exciting post or two! The positive feedback I’ve received has been heartwarming and encouraging. How fulfilling and satisfying to know that my passion, my hobby is providing inspiration and joy!

Lincoln • 4131 Pioneer Woods Dr • 402.488.2600

Come Alive

Q: Besides design, what else fills your every day?

A: I’ve been married to my high school crush and college sweetheart for almost 25 years and although my husband, Chip, surely thinks I’m crazy when he comes home to find me staring at our bookshelves, hands on my hips, in deep concentration, he seems to appreciate the finished product. He allows me to chase my dreams. Our oldest, Hillary, is 22 and will be graduating from UNL this year. We also have two boys. Brookes will be attending High Point University in North Carolina this fall, and Jonathan will be a sophomore at BrownellTalbot. With only one child living at home, I have been able to recognize and strengthen my passion for sharing inspiration through TFT. Volunteerism is important to me and I am excited about co-chairing the 10th Annual Lauritzen Gardens Antique and Garden Show next September 2013 with my friend, Kyle Robino. I also love to travel, read, and try to make exercise a priority in my day. www.ReadOnlineNow.com

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14306 Giles Road • Omaha, NE 68138 402-896-0900 • watkinsconcreteblock.com/ubc july/august • 2012 H17

Omaha Home: real estate Story by Linda Persigehl

Andy Alloway, Deeb Realty

Tom Helligso, N.P. Dodge

Adam Briley, Prudential Ambassador Real Estate

Housing Sales In Omaha See Major Bump

Local Realtors seeing optimisitc signs

fter several challenging seasons of slumping home sales, Omaha’s

residential market is seeing a flurry of activity this summer. Over the first six months of the year, local real estate agents have seen the market improve rather dramatically as compared to the past two years, and they remain optimistic about the remainder of 2012. “Through April, the inventory of homes [on the market] was 20 percent less, while pending sales (homes under contract waiting to close) increased 27 percent,” said Andy Alloway, a broker/owner with DEEB Realty. “Closed transactions through April were up 16 percent from the same period last year, while new construction has increased over 17 percent. “This is the first increase we have seen in new construction in roughly five years. The H18

july/august • 2012

improvement in activity has been caused by a combination of factors, including historically low interest rates, lower home prices, less inventory, improved consumer confidence, a stronger local economy, and pent-up demand over the last four years.” The perception that there has been a bottoming out in the market and that prices and interest rates will begin to rise again are factors driving activity this summer, Alloway said. Yet another reason: “We are getting farther and farther removed from the federal homebuyers’ tax credit that artificially inflated sales, but had a severe negative effect on the market for 12-18 months after the program ended.” www.OmahaPublications.com

Live Outdoors During the same six months, home prices in the metro have increased slightly, inching up about $2,000 on a home valued at $157,000, the average sale price of a home in Omaha, Alloway said. “This figure represents the highest average sales price through April in at least the last three years,” he added. “In certain places, we have actually seen a need for more inventory, as buyers are having a hard time finding the type of house they want. This has helped prices rise slightly, and helped to increase the number of new homes being constructed. “We are also seeing a lot more multipleoffer situations than we have over the past three or four years. Buyers are having to act more quickly. Many of our agents are setting up itineraries of homes for their buyer clients to view, only to find that several of them are already sold.” Still, Alloway said he would not characterize the current situation as an all-out seller’s market. “It remains important for a seller to price their home appropriately for the area and condition,” he said. “The homes that have been updated with the amenities most homebuyers want today are the properties that are selling the fastest.” The greatest number of homes sales were in the ‘$200,000 and under’ range—more than 75 percent of sales, in fact. “However, we’re seeing a pick-up in higher-priced homes as more move-up buyers are starting to sell,” Alloway added. Tom Helligso, a real estate agent with N.P. Dodge, has seen home inventory in the Omaha metro drop by one-quarter in the past year. “There are about 4,500 homes on the market today, as opposed to about 5,900 homes on the market in June of 2011,” he said. “That’s good news for sellers as the inventory levels have decreased and the amount of pendings has increased about 25 percent during that time. “We now have about a 3.8 months supply of homes on the market, as opposed to six to nine months worth of inventory that has been fairly common for the past six or seven years. A three- to six-month supply of houses is considered a neutral market—neither a buyer- or seller-advantaged market.” With more home sales pending and fewer distressed sale properties on the market, Helligso believes Omaha may have hit bottom in terms of home values. “There seems to be more faith in the economy and a >> www.ReadOnlineNow.com

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Home: real estate

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<< pent-up demand of buyers that have been putting off making a move for a number of years.” Adam Briley, a Realtor with the Briley Home Selling Team at Prudential Ambassador Real Estate, characterized the local residential market in recent months as “Hot, Hot, Hot.” “Our real estate activity has definitely picked up,” Briley said. “I don’t like to use the term seller’s market because to me, that means prices are coming back up. I think we are still a ways out before home prices will start to come back…Keep in mind there are still a lot of homes for sale and there is also a big shadow inventory of bank-owned properties.” On the plus side for sellers, homes are frequently selling for much closer, if not at the listing price, Briley added. “We’ve had quite a few [homes] recently listed with our marketing plan and had them sell within weeks for full asking price, and a couple of them sold for a few thousand over asking price. If you price your home correctly from the very beginning, you should see an offer with in the first 30 days; if not, at an asking price close to it. Again, this depends on the price point you are in.” While homes are being snatched up faster these days, sellers are still being required to make some concessions and work to make their home saleable. “Depending on the price point (normally $300,000 and under), you will still see the sellers paying for the buyer’s closing costs many times,” Briley said. “Staging is also very important. At The Briley Home Selling Team, we have about a two-week prep period for the seller and our stager to meet and go over all the needed updating to get maximum dollar. This normally includes cleaning up the landscaping, maybe some minor exterior paint, touching up interior paint, and changing out simple light fixtures. Kitchen and bathroom hardware can go a long way to give buyers that WOW factor when coming through the home.” Briley’s biggest piece of advice to prospective buyers this summer? Act fast. “What we are suggesting to our purchasing clients is, if there is a home that they have interest in and stands out among others, we suggest writing an offer much sooner than later. In the past, you may have had a couple days to think more on it. Now, in those couple of days, it may sell to another buyer.” www.OmahaPublications.com

Omaha Home: d•i•y project Story by Lyndsey Hrabik • Photos by John Gawley

Mike & Colleen’s

d•i•y Café Table & Chairs Makeover

“We’re so much into recycling and using what you can”.

Colleen Gawley

he Gawleys’ glass-topped outdoor table had a history of

catching in the wind; it had been broken and replaced multiple times. Colleen had previously tried making a mosaic tabletop from broken glass items, like plates and glasses, but with no luck. “When that didn’t work out, it was finding the right material,” she said.

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

Her husband, Mike, had just retiled the bathroom, and there was leftover tile. “We’re so much into recycling and using what you can,” Gawley said. So Mike broke up the tile and Colleen laid it out in a design. Mike searched for a flexible, sturdy border material to hold the round shape of the mosaic in place and came up with weather stripping. All that remained was to grout the design in place and clean it up. When the Gawleys realized the table would be a multi-day project, the husbandwife team came up with a practical idea—use wide masking tape to cover the tiles and slide them off in one fell swoop onto a piece of cardboard to hold the pattern until they could grout the mold. Originally, the table and chairs were purchased for the “old soda fountain ice cream table” feel. While the renovated table still fits that description, the chairs have an updated spin with reupholstered cushions made over in a whimsical fabric. Gawley made a quick trip to a fabric store and cut the material the same size as the previous cushion covers, then staple-gunned the material in place. After a coat of metalwork spray paint to change the color of the table base and chairs, this DIY project was complete. Now, the Gawleys find themselves frequently using the outdoor table to enjoy breakfast and coffee or a glass of wine on the veranda of their Elkhorn home. If you’re a crafty home DIYer and would like to share your projects and ideas, please email them to stacey.penrod@omahapublications.com july/august • 2012 H21

Omaha Home: at home

A poolhouse sits in the rear of the property. The building features a shower, cubbies for guests to store their things while swimming, and a mini kitchen stocked with snacks, a commercial fridge full of pop, a slushy maker, and a freezer for ice cream treats.

Bali Haâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;i in Baywood The Casslingsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; West Omaha backyard doubles as a tropical resort and teen magnet

Story by Carol Crissey Nigrelli • Photos by minorwhitestudios.com Umbrellas and mature trees are scattered throughout the doublelot yard, providing ample shade.

he “wow” factor begins when you first see

An asymetrical concrete natural gas firepit serves as the centerpiece of a large seating area, one of several on the property. Blue glass stones replicate the look of water.

The Cassling daughters, Megan (far left) and Kaila (middle, walking) enjoy some social time with friends on a relaxing summer afternoon.

the Cassling family’s house at the end of a cul-de-sac in the upscale Lake Zorinksy neighborhood of Baywood. The gracious home in shades of taupe with a cedar shake roof and large, expansive windows sits atop a gently sloping, beautifully manicured lawn. Next to the three-car garage stands a wooden archway with a gate. “You have no idea what you’ll see once you enter that back gate,” said interior designer Anita Wiechman, ASID. “Not in a million years.” Anita’s right. Walk through the archway into the backyard and the “wow” factor explodes into a jawdropping revelation: the entire property behind the home—completely shielded from the street by trees— has been transformed into a South Seas resort. The brain can barely digest all the images the eye takes in as it scans this tropical paradise. An L-shaped swimming pool with a bright blue liner and circular water slide sits on the southeast corner >> july/august • 2012 H23

Omaha Home: at home

Aspens, Blue Spruce evergreens, ornamental trees, and an abundance of flowering perennials and shrubs and grasses provide color, texture and variety to the landscaping. Anderson Estate Design and Sun Valley Natural Stone collaborated on the grand landscaping project.

A cauldron natural gas firepits add interest to the small stream that meanders through the yard.

Mike Cassling serves daughter Kaila a refreshing drink on a hot day while manning the outdoor kitchen.

<< of the yard. Behind it, a pool house with a pergola and outdoor living area. To the left of the pool house, high up a hill at the edge of the property, a narrow waterfall begins and gently flows into a small pond. Follow the walkway west through a tropical garden and a visitor comes upon another waterfall, this one so large it acts more like a stream. The rushing water cascades down the hill, past shrubs, trees, and an in-ground trampoline. The flow finally curves around and drains into a pond which, in turn, hops over some stones into a larger pool below it. The re-creation of paradise comes from life experience. “I spent a lot of time in Hawaii. My family owns a house on Maui,” explained homeowner Mike Cassling, CEO of CQuence Health Group. His deep love for the colors and the peaceful beauty of Hawaii is also reflected inside his one-and-a-half story home. Large pictures of the Hawaiian surf in vibrant blues grace the living room and the sunroom off the open kitchen. Both areas offer wallto-ceiling windows that overlook the yard. “What a view. I’ve been a designer for 30 years and I’m still blown away by it,” Anita marveled. Palm trees and natural gas tiki torches from Hawaii, Lava Heat outdoor heaters, a corridor-style outdoor kitchen, multi-level seating arrangements, wooden, metal and glass sculptures, a firepit, a fireplace, a large deck behind the house with a hot tub and >>

Friends take turns showing off on the diving board. Creating the perfect hangout for his teen daughters and their friends— thus

keeping

them

to home—was one of Mike Cassling’s main motivations for the yard.

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

july/august • 2012 H25

Omaha Home: at home << LED lighting throughout the yard as a mood enhancer add up to an entertainment mecca that can be used practically yearround. And to think it all started because Mike Cassling wanted to swim. “I’ve always loved the water. I swam competitively in school,” said Mike, who has two teenage girls. “I bought the house about 15 years ago, and the first thing I did was put in a swimming pool.” To accommodate his wish, Mike purchased the land next door, in effect making his property the size of two large lots. A water main break three years ago in the pool house gave him the opportunity to re-build the structure and make the area around it more gracious. Anita took care of the outdoor sitting area in front of it. “Mike said he wanted a fireplace to give it a ‘homey’ look,” recalled Anita, who recently joined The Interior Design Group after 30 years with The Interior Design Firm. “I told him, ‘We need to create a three-dimensional, sculptural fireplace you can enjoy from both sides.’” Estate Metals provided a sculpture inside the fireplace that represents pieces of driftwood piled up on the beach. A flat screen TV hangs from the top of the fireplace. And instead of a rug on the sitting room deck,

Daughter Kaila sits at the sculptural natural gas fireplace—one of the many impressive features of the Cassling’s outdoor room, featured on the HGTV series Bang for Your Buck. Anita Wiechman, ASID, designed the room with Cassling and appeared on the show with him.

Natural gas tiki torches are sprinkled throughout the yard, creating an island feel at night.

H26

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www.OmahaPublications.com

Anita came up with a clever idea: a large, round pebble mosaic that depicts various forms of marine life. Devotees of Home & Garden Television may have seen a quick clip of the pool area in the popular Bang For Your Buck segment, taped about a year ago with Anita and Mike doing the on-camera honors. HGTV designers intoned that Mike would definitely get back all the money he invested in the project. Wonder what they’d think of the yard now. A lot has changed in a year. “Mike wanted to add more entertainment areas in the backyard, so we started designing the ponds, the landscaping, and hardscape last September,” explained Rob Anderson of Anderson Estate Design who, like Anita, has been working for Mike for years. “It was really a collaborative effort between me and Hugh Morton of Sun Valley Natural Stone. Mike constantly had great ideas and we’d figure out how to do them.” There was a glitch, though. A huge 18-inch gas line runs through the Cassling property. Extra precaution had to be taken when digging the waterfalls and ponds. “We had guys from the state constantly on-site, probing to make sure we stayed far enough away from the gas line,” said >>

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A trio of custom-made glass artwork hangs on the face of the stone outdoor kitchen. Much of the artwork on display at the Cassling home reflects his love of water and the ocean.

Colorful melanine plates and linens add a festive touch to outdoor dining without sacrificing safety poolside.

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

july/august • 2012 H27

Omaha Home: at home

Cassling enjoys some downtime in the seating area off the kitchen. Nearly floor-to-ceiling windows across the room make enjoying the beautiful view and keeping a watchful eye a breeze.

<< Anderson. “We did a lot of hand-digging.” With the weather’s continued cooperation, workers from at least 16 different firms labored together well into December, turning Cassling’s far-reaching ideas into reality— ideas that ran the gamut from practical to artistic. Stainless steel counters with a built-in blender and appliances from Lumberman’s were brought in for the outdoor kitchen, an area where Mike feels at home. He is sole owner of Taste, a restaurant in Rockbrook Village, and he is part owner of Brix Wine Bistro and the eco-friendly Greenbelly at 123rd and West Center. Want dramatic effect? No problem. Steve Kolar from Frontier Fuel Lines invented a remote control that can trigger flames shooting out of the fireplace, the fire pit, and two copper cauldrons floating in the large pond. “I love the idea of fire and water,” enthused Mike. An early spring saw the planting of beautiful Knock Out and Chuckles rose shrubs along the pathways, bathing the yard in a vibrant fuchsia color. Tropical plants weave around bird feeders, steppingstones, and lacquered cedar posts. The sound of rushing water, the rustling of leaves from the aspens and H28

july/august • 2012

lush maple trees, the gentle lighting give Mike and his two beloved daughters, Megan, 15 and Kaila, 17 quite a living space of nature. “I’ll go out there late at night and just walk around. The sound of water is peaceful and relaxing,” said Mike. “We get a lot of wildlife. We have a family of ducks that fly in and swim in the pool and ponds.” Future projects will most likely involve seating arrangements in the back of the yard toward the fence, says Anita, perhaps with Adirondack chairs giving off a comfortable, rustic look. But for now, Party Central is in full swing.

www.OmahaPublications.com

Tropical accents, including these fruits and flowers, are found throughout the home’s decor. Sea turtles, dolphins, coral reefs, shells and other island touches are everywhere—bathroom sinks, paintings and prints on the walls, lighting fixtures, etc.

Professional Landscape Design and Construction Services

www.naturesintent.biz www.foutchenterprises.com

Burton Kilgore UNL Horticulture Alumni 402.926.9790

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

Jake Foutch UNL Horticulture Alumni 402.321.7996

july/august • 2012 H29

Omaha Home: landscaping Story by Linda Persigehl

Pros’ Picks

Perfect Trees for Omaha

rees add beauty, atmosphere, value, and energyefficiency to any home. Selecting the right tree is one of the most important investment decisions a homeowner can make in their landscape design. We asked four local professionals for their picks for easy-grow, beautiful varieties that will add interest to any yard.

Burgundy Belle® Maple, Acer rubrum ‘magnificent magenta’

White Fir , Abies concolor

The Concolor or White Fir is native to North America. This is a medium to large evergreen, 60-100ft tall. Concolor Firs have a great shape—the perfect Christmas tree outline. The needles are flat, green to blue-green in color, and stay flexible. Cones on the Concolor are green or purple, ripening to brown. When the cones are mature, they disintegrate on the tree, leaving no cones on the ground. Concolors are shade-tolerant, making them a versatile evergreen. H30

july/august • 2012

Burgundy Belle® Maples are a lovely medium-sized tree, 40ft tall and 30ft wide. The leaves on this maple are thicker than other maples, making this the ideal tree for harsher climates. When mature, this tree develops a compact, oval crown that is very uniform in outline. Having a compact growth habit, the shade from the Burgundy Belle® Maple is very dense. Summer color is medium to dark green, turning to orange-red then burgundy in fall.

Doug Lembke

Manager, Tree and Shrub Dept. Canoyer Garden Center www.canoyergardencenter.com www.OmahaPublications.com

Ross Denton

Manager, Garden Center Lanoha Nurseries www.lanohanurseries.com

Colorado blue Spruce, Picea pungens

The Colorado Blue Spruce is a very adaptable and drought-tolerant evergreen tree that can grow up to 60ft high and 20ft wide. It can be planted as a specimen, as wind block, or used in the replacement of the pines that are affected by pine wilt disease.

Sugar Maple, Acer saccharum

The Sugar Maple provides nice fall color in reds, yellows, and oranges. At Lanoha, we carry three Sugar Maple varieties: The Green Mountain and Legacy can grow up to 60-75ft high and 40-50ft wide. The Columnar Green Sugar Maple can reach a height of 40ft and a width of 12ft. All three have been selected for their heat-tolerance and adaptability. Each can be planted as a specimen or shade tree. Trees, for the most part, are maintenance-free and don’t like to be in wet soils. www.ReadOnlineNow.com

july/august • 2012 H31

Omaha Home: landscaping

“Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky.”

Author Khalil Gibran, Sand and Foam

Red Oak, Quercus rubra

A great shade tree, planted for the enjoyment of generations. This tree needs its space to grow. Of all the oaks, this is adaptable to our native soils and has a fairly uniform shape if unimpeded by other trees. Fall color varies based on season and ranges from bronze to brilliant red.

Norway Spruce, Picea abies ‘Cincinnata’

Michael Becker

This particular Norway Spruce is a fast-growing evergreen. It’s dark green with pendulous branches. It will get quite large and does extremely well in our climate. It has a sprawling form, which complements the more-defined conical forms of other evergreens.

Owner/Designer Estate Gardeners www.estategardenersinc.com H32

july/august • 2012

www.OmahaPublications.com

Japanese Lilac, Syringa reticulata ‘Ivory Silk’

The ‘Ivory Silk’ Lilac is a small, compact-growing ornamental tree with dark green foliage that can be found in clump form or with a single trunk. Creamy white fragrant flowers appear mid-summer, after other blooming trees are long done. It grows 20-25ft tall with 15-20ft wide and is both deer-tolerant and drought-tolerant, making it a hearty pick for hot Nebraska summers. Royal Star Magnolia, Magnolia stellata ‘Royal Star’

The Royal Star Magnolia is a deciduous tree that provides fragrant, showy white flowers in the early spring, great fall color, and year-round interest to any yard. It’s a moderate grower, ranging from 10-15ft tall and 10-12ft wide at maturity, and is ideal for a landscape border. Best grown in full sun, this tree needs regular watering—weekly, and more often in extreme heat.

Rob Anderson

Owner/Designer Anderson Estate Design 402-895-9125 www.ReadOnlineNow.com

july/august • 2012 H33

Home: lawn care Provided by Lanoha Nurseries

Turf Troubles Solved

ummer brings several stressors to lawn grasses. Heat,

drought, and wear and tear can all take their toll, slowing growth and contributing to lawn diseases and weed growth. Here are two common summer lawn issues and advice on how to deal with them.

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Summer Patch Turf Fungus

Summer patch, sometimes called “frog’s eye,” causes straw-colored spots of dead turf to develop in the summer months. It’s a soilborne fungus that’s very difficult to control once symptoms manifest. Preventive applications of granulated fungicides, such as Fertilome’s “F stop” or Bayers Advanced Lawn Fungus Control, are quite effective against lawn fungus if used in conjunction with recommended cultural practices. The products are systemic and must be watered in well to the depth of the grass roots. Core aeration may be necessary if thatch or hard clay soils exist. Areas of the lawn that are exposed to the hottest part of the afternoon sun, areas of a fairly steep slope, or any other stressed area are most likely to be affected. It may be necessary to make repeated applications.

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Weed Control in Turf

Broadleaf, as well as grassy weeds are common nuisances to beautiful lawns in the Midwest. One of the most frustrating weeds is Yellow Nutsedge. This light green, shinybladed perennial weed is often mistaken as a grass when it invades the lawn in June. Its extensive semi-dormant root system makes permanent removal difficult. Halosulfuronmethyl will effectively control nutsedge that has emerged from its bulb-like underground root system. Contrary to popular belief, pulling is very unproductive and may actually stimulate the tubers to multiply. Two or more applications of Halosulfuron-methyl prior to the end of June/early July are needed to effectively control this nuisance. The nutsedge will start to yellow in 4-7 days, and will usually die within 14 days. For more information on lawn care, visit with a professional at Lanoha Nurseries, 192nd & West Center Road, or visit www.lanohanurseries.com and click on the Resources tab. H34

july/august • 2012

Go Vote, Win Prizes Voting starts July 1st

www.BestOfOmaha.com Media SponSerS www.OmahaPublications.com

Home: energy OPPD’s A/C Management Program

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Echo Systems provides custom design for audio and video products ranging from home theaters to a complete lighting control system. as well as automated window shades for the home. Our superior quality, service and design are what set us apart from the competition.

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y participating in OPPD’s

A/C Management Program, you can help OPPD keep its rates among the lowest in the nation and get paid to do it. OPPD’s Air Conditioning Management Program helps reduce the need for electricity when the demand for it is at its highest. Reducing this demand delays the need for a new power plant and the cost of building it, saving consumers money. Here’s how the program works: • OPPD will install a free outdoor device near your air conditioning unit or heat pump. • After the device is installed, OPPD will credit your bill $30 and an additional $20 for each year you participate in the program. • On most days, nothing will happen. On some summer days when demand for electricity is at its highest, the device will run your A/C or heat pump in approximately 15-minute intervals (on for 15, off for 15), for 2.5 hours between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. This will not cause additional wear and tear to your cooling system. • A/C Management will occur a maximum of 12 days per year and never on holidays or weekends. Depending on summer weather patterns, it’s possible the device may never be activated. • You will be able to opt out of A/C Management any two days per year with 24-hour notice. • During a management event, your cooling system’s blower fan will continue to circulate air throughout your home. A typical home may experience a 1 to 3 degree increase in temperature. To be eligible to participate in the A/C Management Program you must: • Have a working central air conditioner or heat pump • Own a single-family home • Be willing to have a device installed near your outdoor A/C unit or heat pump Join the 3,240 customers already participating and sign up today! Visit oppd.com/acmgmt or call 402-536-4131 or 1-877-536-4131 outside the metro. july/august • 2012 H35

Omaha Home: neighborhood profile Story by David Williams • Photos by Jess Ewald - jessicaewald.com

Omaha’s Ponca Hills Forested Splendor with Suburban Convenience

sense of shared values is the thread that weaves strong

communities. When Omaha Home magazine spoke to six sources in preparing this profile of one of the area’s singularly distinctive neighborhoods, unanimity of purpose was more than evident. So much so that five of those six people used the exact same turn of phrase in describing their environs. Ponca Hills, they said, is Omaha’s “best kept secret.” Which is a rather odd choice for a label when one considers that the area has seen largely uninterrupted human habitation for more than 1,000 years. >>

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

july/august • 2012 H37

Omaha Home: neighborhood profile << Fur traders first encountered the land’s native peoples in the early 1800s before successive waves of westward-bound pioneers made their way through, including those of the great Mormon Migration who built 800 cabins in the shadows of the hills when they wintered there in 1846. Bordered by Interstate 680 to the south up to roughly the Washington County line, and from the Missouri River to the east and out to 72nd Street, the Ponca Hills area blends breathtaking beauty with suburban convenience. “Ponca Hills is a real melting pot,” said Prudential real estate agent Mamie Jackson. “It’s a place where plots of land that have been home to the same families for several generations sit next to others that have only been recently developed,” all under tightly controlled zoning laws that protect against over-development and the de-forestation of the canopy of oak, walnut, cottonwood, hickory, and a host of other species in the arboreal, densely forested hills. It’s the sort of place where modest frame homes dot a landscape punctuated by milliondollar homes situated on the vast acreages of the upscale Ponca Preserve development. “It’s dangerous to try to size up the guy in the bib overalls down on the corner because he just might be a multi-bazillionaire,” Jackson said of the neighborhood that counts as its residents a veritable who’s-who of the city’s most recognizable names, including Chip Davis, the recording artist behind the multiGrammy-winning Manheim Steamroller. “Not every property has a million-dollar home, but most every homeowner enjoys a million-dollar view.” Being a secret doesn’t mean that the land is not without it’s very public amenities. The City of Omaha’s Dodge and Hummel parks are joined by the Neale Woods Nature Center as magnets for city folk looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Ponca Hills. The arts are also alive in the neighborhood, where children attend Ponca Hills Elementary School. It’s home to the live/work space of John Dennison, whose Dennison Pottery is a stop on the meandering North Hills Pottery Tour. To the southeast, Linda Meigs operates the Florence Mill, a preservation project of the Winter Quarters Mill Museum and the H38

july/august • 2012

Rolling hills, mature trees, and the occasional horse grazing are all you’re likely to encounter on a drive through Ponca Hills. Homes and residents are frequently tucked away from view.

www.OmahaPublications.com

info@lkdesign.biz lkdesign.biz

ArtLoft Gallery. The iconic structure, built in 1846 by the Mormons, is the oldest surviving mill west of the Missouri River. “Many people out here thrive on their privacy,” said Bev Caster, secretary of the Ponca Hills Preservation Association, “but they also really know how to come together for a common cause.” Like many such groups, the association holds a series of annual family events and operates a neighborhood patrol, but they are also ardent advocates in matters of land use, environmental protection, and preservation when it comes to the historic and unique character of the hills. Teaming with wildlife that thrives along the ribbon of life that is the Missouri River, the winding roads of Ponca Hills are best traveled at a slow speed lest one encounter the deer, wild turkeys, and foxes that are the everywhere. The majority of homeowners in the neighborhood keep a pair of binoculars at the ready to track the movements of their favorite prey. And don’t forget those bandit-masked raccoons. They just may be your dinner date, >> www.ReadOnlineNow.com

july/august • 2012 H39

Omaha Home: green design

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The quiet, natural beauty of Ponca Hills, along with the privacy it offers, are what attract new residents to the area. Others have simply had homes in the Hills for generations and continue to stay.

<< chomping on chicken bones separated only by inches and plate glass at the window tables at the rustic Alpine Inn, one of the very few commercial enterprises operating within the Hills, a mere 20 minutes from downtown. But if there is one animal that best typifies Ponca Hills, it is the horse. Shirley Ortman boarded horses at Ponca Hills Farms before she convinced her husband to relocate to Ponca Hills so that they could live the horsy life full-time. “Especially if you know and get along with the broad network of landowners out here,” she said, “you can ride miles and miles of amazing trails, often without encountering another rider for long stretches of time and, for me, that’s probably the best of Ponca Hills’ many secrets.” www.ReadOnlineNow.com

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Home: composting Story by Andy Szatko

Browning a Little of Your Green Life

omposting. I did this

throughout most of my childhood and early teenage years without ever realizing I was ‘composting’. To me I was just throwing away food scraps and piling all our yard waste into one area so that we didn’t have to bag it and haul it out to the curb to get picked up. On top of that, we were able to put what came out the bottom of our pile into our garden and flowerbeds and not have to spend lots of time and money on fertilizers or amendments. Compost, whether incorporated into a lawn or landscape bed, enhances soil structure, mitigates compaction, and creates an ecosystem for the landscape that enhances its resiliency against stresses such as drought. It also allows for greater moisture retention in the soil itself and increases the amount of water that infiltrates, helping to limit the amount of water that runs off your landscaped areas. Simply stated, composting is the decomposition of organic matter. It is a pretty straight-forward process and project that you can undertake to reduce your environmental impact. When getting started with implementing a composting program of your own, learn some basic definitions and follow these steps to help organize yourself and create compost of your own. 1. Where you live makes a pretty big impact on what style of composting H42

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you can do. There are two types of composting that we can look at, ‘normal’ composting and vermicomposting. ‘Normal’ composting is what most people are familiar with, and includes grass clippings, leaves, food scraps, etc. Normal composting is perfect for those with larger yards and who have yard waste and food scraps to compost. 2. Vermicomposting utilizes a bin (sizes and material it is made of can vary) and ‘red worms’, which speed up decomposition of the contents. These ‘red worms’ and bins don’t take up a lot of room, so they can be placed almost anywhere and are perfect for those with small homes or apartments. After you decide what type of composting you are going to use, decide the structure you want to use to compost. • Heaps are, as the name implies, a large heap of yard waste and scraps. It is important to realize that this can attract animals and insects if food scraps are not mixed in and covered when placed into the heap. This will help keep pests away and speed up the process. • Hoops are essentially a contained heap. You can utilize fencing or chicken wire, or buy a pre-made plastic enclosure. This helps keep your compost pile contained, provides a small footprint, and can be fitted with a door towards the bottom to make getting at the compost itself easy to harvest. This setup can be easily moved around the yard as needed and can provide a certain level of protection from animals, even though most hoops typically are not animal-proof. To limit animals, food scraps should be buried in the pile at least 6” to prevent scents that attract them. • Rollers or tumblers are containers mounted on a stand that allows it to be rotated, mixing the contents and filtering out the mature compost from the remaining material. These systems are typically more expensive than other composting bins, but they are fairly compact in size, so they would be great in a small yard. • Worm bins are used for vermicomposting. Using a plastic storage bin is great for a worm bin as it will last for a long time, keeps rodents out, and with the lid www.OmahaPublications.com

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on, it keeps things dark for the worms. There are many commercial worm bins available for purchase, especially from online sources. 3. There are four types of ‘inputs’ for the compost pile: • Green material – This includes new grass clippings, pruned plants, and kitchen scraps. These materials are high in nitrogen, so when they start the decomposition process, they release heat, which in turn helps keep the process going. Before putting this material into the pile, make sure you can get it as chopped up as possible, this will help to speed up the process. It is recommended to avoid meats and dairy products in the compost bin. • Brown material – This is the leaves you rake up in the fall time, dried-out shrub prunnings and weeds, cardboard, or shredded paper. Just as with the green material, chop up the browns as much as possible to help speed things along. These items are high in carbon and help balance the compost with the greens and typically they provide aeration for the compost pile. • Air – The process of decomposition needs air. Good air will aid the microorganisms that feed on this material, because just like us, they need air as well to keep going. • Water – The compost bid shouldn’t be soaking wet, but a damp rag consistency is ideal for compost. Composting is a great way to reduce waste and provide benefits for the landscape. Growing up, my sister and I had lots of fun throwing stale bread into the pile to see who could get the most pieces inside the bin. Bottom line, have fun with the composting process involved the whole family, and reap the rewards from it.

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Omaha Home: transformations Story by Beth Keller, Allied ASID • Photos by Chuck Nolder - www.charlesnolder.zenfolio.com

Contemporary Chic F

rom the beginning of the project it was clear that this young couple was not afraid of color or unique furniture—in fact they demand it. “We want something different”. Taking on this project I kept in mind one thing: keep it simple. It would be easy to overdo a room with a serpentine-shape sofa and throne-like chairs. The overall design is based on clean lines, hard surfaces, and low furniture. I balance the contemporary look with softer edges, bold colors, varied textures, and natural fibers. Upon entering this home your attention is instantly directed to the vibrant green and blue metal sculpture. The organically shaped console below sets the tone for the overall minimal istapproach with “pops” of color continuing throughout the home. The living room is the largest room in the house and the main concern was to keep it cozy so company felt comfortable in the space. Hand-painted Vahallan Papers give a rich depth to the walls and a generous sectional for entertaining was the perfect fit. Two lofty chairs flanking the fireplace added whimsy to the formal room. The accents are simple to keep the focus on the furniture and its surroundings. Metal cornices are fitted on the transom windows to filter natural light while orange accents are balanced with black and white photography. The elegant cocktail table appears to float over the modern wool rug which grounds the extra-long sectional. There will be no boring dinner parties in this fuschia dining room. Leather upholstered chairs allow you to enjoy the space well after dessert. Side-panel window treatments in natural hues soften the lines of the shutter-covered windows and the client’s own black and white photography completes the space with a personal touch and charm.

3 1.

The living room’s contemporary look was designed with softer edges, more colors, varied textures, and natural fibers in mind.

2. 3.

Beth Keller, Allied ASID Interior Designer. Long and curvy, the Menlo Park sectional by American Leather creates a sinuous ‘S’ silhouette. Metal legs create the delightful illusion that the sofa is floating on air, and

a tight back and seat further enhance the modern look. Contrasting back and arm pillows add more visual whimsy.

july/august • 2012 H45

Omaha Home: transformations

4 4.

A natural travertine marble dining table with high-back leather chairs is surrounded by original artwork and the client’s own black and white photographs.

“Wow!” The dining room is a chic showstopper with walls painted in Sherwin Williams’ ‘Forward Fuschia’.” The thing about fuschia is that it’s vibrant as well as unexpected. It speaks of passion and appetite, so it’s really good for rooms where eating occurs,” said Keller.

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6 6.

A minimal approach was planned for the entry space with sleek furnishings and stimulating colors.

It’s hard to miss the Eclipse chair from Carter Furniture, since the back is a towering 60 inches tall. This pair is quite the conversation starter.

7 www.ReadOnlineNow.com

july/august • 2012 H47

Omaha Home: hot products Photos by John Gawley

Luminous Lamps Illuminate your outdoor life with these LED and Solar lights, sure to add beauty,

5 H48

july/august • 2012

ambiance, and flair while being eco-friendly.

6 www.OmahaPublications.com

1-Shimmer Falls Chandelier

This chandelier from Anywhere Lighting will compliment your home exterior with shimmer and style. Durable metal frame design is available in silver with white LED lights, or bronze with yellow lights. Just install 4 AA batteries, securely hang in desired area, and turn on! Features a 5-hour automatic shut-off timer for convenience. $49.99 and $59.99 Available at Mulhall’s, 3615 N.

Your Complete Design Specialist...

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2-Hanging Lantern Saucers

These miniature UFO-like lantern saucers, available in several colors, are the fun way to add nighttime ambiance to your outdoor space. Best displayed in groups of three or more from a tree branch or porch overhang. $15.99 each Available

at Lanoha Nurseries, 19111 W. Center Rd., www.lanohanurseries.com

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3-ColoriScape Solar Garden Twist Pods

Add creative flair your yard with these blownglass forms hand-made by artisans and displayed on metal stakes. Perfect to line a walkway or sprinkle throughout your landscaping. Available in a variety of colors and patterns and large and small sizes. $39.99-54.99 Available at Mulhall’s,

A+ Rating

Office: 402.964.0762 Mobile: 402.670.7566 • www.GloriasElegantInteriors.com

3615 N. 120th St., www.mulhalls.com

4-Faith to Light Your Way Angel Statue

This resin angel, about 18” high, will add warmth and charm to any garden scene. A solar panel on a separate base charges the angel’s lantern light, helping to illuminate your path at night. $84.99. Solar rock-lights add ambiance to the angel. $12.99 each. Available at Lanoha

Nurseries, 19111 W. Center Rd., www. lanohanurseries.com 5-LED Tree Lights

LED lights add a fairytale look to your backyard. Lit branches are durable and flexible. Ideal to dress up planters or just stick into the ground in strategic places for a whimsical touch. $96 Available at Moore’s Landscaping

and Nursery, 11999 Cryer Ave. www. mooresnursery.com 6-Solar-powered Glass Lantern

Iridescent glass tiles create a beautiful mosaic on this globe lantern, perfect as an accent light hung from an eve or on a post hook, or as a beautiful table centerpiece. Solar design means no wires, no fuss! $19.99 Available at Garden Ridge,

12990 W. Center Rd., www.gardenridge. com

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Trees Shrubs Perennials Garden Center Lawn Care Design/Consultation Landscaping Bulk Materials

www.RobertsLLN.com 4 Blocks North of 156th & Fort

402-551-3654 Receive $500 off a Design and Installation contract over $5000.

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Best of Omaha 2013 ®

MAGAZI

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maha Magazine’s Best of Omaha® contest is a pure, popular vote. Omaha loves this contest! It started in the early ‘80s with the staff of Omaha Magazine voting who was the best. Then in the early ‘90s, the public was asked to decide. Last year, just over 20,000 voters cast more than 424,000 votes in the Best of Omaha® contest. The public appreciates a chance to voice its opinions! Best of Omaha’s® media partners are KETV 7 and Valpak. Their participation not only expands our audience, but also increases the number of votes coming in. It truly is a community contest! These days, voting is all done online. Only one ballot per email address is accepted and at least 20 percent of the ballot must be completed. There are no paper ballots, no hanging chads, no primaries, no electoral college, no superdelegates…the simpler the better! The contest is audited by Goracke & Associates, assuring fairness and accuracy. Best of Omaha® categories vary from year to year. Those receiving few votes are dropped while suggestions for www.ReadOnlineNow.com

ons

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new ones are always welcome. Some categories are very popular with the results anxiously awaited. (Think “Best Pizza”!) The top & three vote-getters in each category are given Best of Omaha® 7 Winner’s Circle status for the year. Members get to display the Best of I Omaha® Winner’s Circle logo anywhere they want during that time. We W have seen Best of Omaha® logos on advertisements, employee buttons, stationery, delivery trucks, billboards, store windows, in the phone book, on menus, heard it mentioned on radio spots, and more. And why not? Best of Omaha® Winners earned it! Really, what is better than a customer compliment? The poll results of Best of Omaha® 2013 will be printed in the January/February 2013 issue of Omaha Magazine. Make sure you receive this issue by subscribing or renewing your subscription—newsstand copies have been known to sell out fast! You can start or renew your subscription at www.omahapublications.com. In addition, an Omaha Magazine subscription makes a GREAT GIFT for anyone, especially newcomers to our city! It’s a handy reference to the locals’ most preferred restaurants, specialty stores, hair salons, home remodelers, mortgage companies, and much, much more! Newbies will feel like an insider in no time. We encourage you to support your favorite businesses. It only takes a few minutes to cast your ballot at www.voteomaha.com!

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Go Vote - Win Prizes Voting Starts July 1, 2012

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“The impact of being voted [Best of Omaha®] by our local customers instills great pride in all of our employee-owners and fosters a continued drive to always perform above expectations.” -Bill Tech, President/CEO Travel and Transport july/august • 2012

july/august • 2012

www.OmahaPublications.com

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Call us before noon, we’ll be there the same day. Savvi Formal Wear “Locally” owned Gentleman’s Choice Tuxedos is Your Best Choice for Tuxedos in Omaha

Gentleman’s Choice Tuxedos would appreciate your vote as best Men’s Formalwear Store in Omaha!

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A big Gentleman’s Choice Thank You to all of our loyal and “always Savvi” customers!

We appreciate your vote for best Heating & Air.

We would appreciate your vote for Best Carpet Cleaning

Please Vote for us for Best Lighting & Best home Audio & Video.

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july/august • 2012

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Endodontics Thomas John Beeson

Endodontic Specialists Tobin Normin Drake

Larry Johnson Ellison

Heartland Endodontic Specialists Jacob Lee Fimple

Advanced Endodontic Therapy Michael Scott Hermsen

Heartland Endodontic Specialists

Kenneth P. Hermsen

Creighton University School of Dentistry mong other things, Omaha Magazine is known for being an authority

on the best Omaha has to offer. Beyond our annual Best of Omaha® contest, we also periodically provide lists of the best doctors, attorneys and financial planners in our city. In this issue, we include topDentists™. Like our other lists, topDentists™ is the result of a peer-to-peer survey that asks the question, “If you had a patient in need of a dentist, which dentist would you refer them to?” The results, and a list of disclosures and disclaimers about the contest, can be found on the following pages. We hope you find this list valuable when you search for a provider for your dental needs. This list is excerpted from the 2012 topDentists™ list, a database which includes listings for more than 90 dentists and specialists in the Omaha Area. The Omaha list is based on thousands of detailed evaluations of dentists and professionals by their peers. The complete database is available at www.usatopdentists.com. For more information, call 706-364-0853; write PO Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903; email info@ usatopdentists.com or visit www.usatopdentists.com.

Jose L. Ibarrola

Creighton University School of Dentistry Corey K. Karimjee

Midwest Endodontics LLC Caci I. Liebentritt

Omaha Endodontists David Anthony Maixner

Midwest Endodontics LLC

General Dentistry Wayne W. Barkmeier

Creighton University School of Dentistry William J. Bresnahan Matthew D. Carter

Paragon Dental

W. Thomas Cavel

Creighton University School of Dentistry Francis J. Cavlovic

Montclair Dental Associates PC Amy T. Chadwell

Chadwell Family Dentistry

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

july/august • 2012

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SELECTION PROCESS

“If you had a patient in need of a dentist, which dentist would you refer them to?” This is the question we’ve asked thousands of dentists to help us determine who the topDentists should be. Dentists and specialists are asked to take into consideration years of experience, continuing education, manner with patients, use of new techniques and technologies and of course physical results. The nomination pool of dentists consists of dentists listed online with the American Dental Association, as well as all dentists listed online with their local dental societies, thus allowing virtually every dentist the opportunity to participate. Dentists are also given the opportunity to nominate other dentists who we have missed that they feel should be included in our list. Respondents are asked to put aside any personal bias or political motivations and to use only their knowledge of their peer’s work when evaluating the other nominees. Voters are asked to individually evaluate the practitioners on their ballot whose work they are familiar with. Once the balloting is completed, the scores are compiled and then averaged. The numerical average required for inclusion varies depending on the average for all the nominees within the specialty and the geographic area. Borderline cases are given careful consideration by the editors. Voting characteristics and comments are taken into consideration while making decisions. Past awards a dentist has received, status in various dental academies (Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Periodontology, etc.) can play a factor in our decision. Once the decisions have been finalized, the included dentists are checked against state dental boards for disciplinary actions to make sure they have an active license and are in good standing with the board. Then letters of congratulations are sent to all the listed dentists. Of course there are many fine dentists who are not included in this representative list. It is intended as a sampling of the great body of talent in the field of dentistry in the United States. A dentist’s inclusion on our list is based on the subjective judgments of his or her fellow dentists. While it is true that the lists may at times disproportionately reward visibility or popularity, we remain confident that our polling methodology largely corrects for any biases and that these lists continue to represent the most reliable, accurate, and useful list of dentists available anywhere. DISCLAIMER

This list is excerpted from the 2012 topDentists™ list, which includes listings for more than 90 dentists and specialists in the Omaha metropolitan area. For more information call: 706-364-0853 or email:info@usatopdentists. com or visit: www.usatopdentists.com topDentists has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Copyright 2010-2012 by topDentists, LLC of Augusta, GA. All rights reserved. This list, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without permission of topDentists. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of the information in this list without permission.

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july/august • 2012

Kathy Lynn DeFord

Deford Family Dental 8410 South 73rd Plz, Ste 104 Papillion, NE 68046 402-592-2219 www.defordfamilydental.com Scott C. DiLorenzo

40th & Dodge Family Dentistry

Jeffrey R. Nielsen

Leon Franklin Davis

James Donald O’Meara

Valmont Pierre Desa

Creighton University School of Dentistry Mark J. Panneton

Thomas R. Schierbrock

Bluffs Family Dentistry

Walter J. Fahey Richard A. Stacey Steven J. Franco

40th & Dodge Family Dentistry

Christopher A. Stanosheck

40th & Dodge Family Dentistry

The Smile Design Studio 9202 West Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68114 402-884-1607 www.clearbracesomaha.com

Gerald R. Gemar

Tony D. Stuntz

Theodore Steven Franco

Millard Hills Dental Health Center Paul E. Gilinsky Gregory A. Havelka Stephen J. Hess

Creighton University School of Dentistry Bradley D. Higginbotham

Stuntz Family Dentistry

Mary N. Kelsey

Creighton University School of Dentistry Nicholas B. Kentopp Terry Francis Lanphier

Dundee Family Center Regan Mackintosh Marty John Matz

The Tooth Doc

Stuart Joseph McNally

Millard Hills Dental Health Center

Carol Marie Murdock

Creighton University School of Dentistry

Oral Surgery Associates James Michael Heit

Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons Leonard T. Higgins David S. Marshall

Oral & Facial Plastic Surgery Afolabi Olufolahan Ogunleye

Creighton University School of Dentistry

Oral Surgery Associates

Paragon Dental

Rudy Jay Schneider Brett Hunter Taylor

14707 California Street, Suite 4 Omaha, NE 68154 402-333-0274 www.taylordentistryomaha.com

Dennis R. Higginbotham

David E. Hoover

John Douglas Engel

Robert M. Pfeifle Fred H. Tafoya

John B. Thomas, Jr.

Creighton University School of Dentistry

University of Nebraska OMS

Allen Leroy Thomsen

Oral Surgery Associates Harold K. Tu

Children’s Hospital & Medical Center William H. Wood

Oral & Facial Plastic Surgery

Orthodontics

Thomsen Dental Group

Kelly Richard Conway

Brett S. Thomsen

Neil Edward Dunlow

Steven D. Wegner

Thomas J. Huerter

Thomsen Dental Group

11840 Nicholas Street, Ste 210 Omaha, NE 68154 402-498-0400 www.smilesofomaha.com K. Robert Zaiman Brian William Zuerlein

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Dunlow Orthodontics

Huerter Orthodontics Joseph J. Hurd

Exclusively Orthodontics Kort Andrew Igel

Igel Orthodontics

Wayne A. Labart

John D. Andersen

www.drlabart.com 1411 JFK Drive, Suite 101 Bellevue, NE 68005 402-292-4141

Stephen Arthur Coffey

619 Main Street Plattsmouth, NE 68048 402-296-2188

Oral & Facial Plastic Surgery

Oral Surgery Associates

14133 “Q” Street Omaha, NE 68137 402-895-1900 www.OmahaPublications.com

The staff would like to congratulate Dr. Rakes for being voted by his peers as a “Top Dentist!”

Laura Elisabeth Low

Clear Choice Orthodontics David T. Mohs

Creighton University School of Dentistry Barbara Jo Ries Laura Elizabeth Rothe

Skyline Orthodontics

Greg Stuart Samuelson

Omaha

Bellevue

Dental Specialties Bldg. 14133 Q Street Omaha, NE 68137

1411 JFK Drive Bellevue, NE 68005

402.895.1900

402.291.6577

GeOrGe m. rakes,DDS, MS www.RakesPediatricDentistry.com

Samuelson Dental

Kimberley Alden Stafford Wendell R. Stuntz

Southwest Orthodontics Associates Thomas Joseph Weber

Weber Orthodontics Dennis D. Weiss

Clear Choice Orthodontics Michelle S. Wulf

Southwest Orthodontics Associates

Pediatric Dentistry Anne S. Aiello

Creighton University School of Dentistry Carmen Larae Dana

Pedodontics, PC 2521 South 119th St Omaha, NE 68144 402-330-5914 www.pedodonticspc.com Bryan Hohenstein

Smile Station Pediatric Dentistry

“Congratulations to Dr. Labart for being voted by his peers as a Top Dentist”

Wayne A Labart D.D.S, M.S.

saysr y e Ril ep you Ke mper s cho an! cle

Orthodontist

1411 J.F. Kennedy Drive Bellevue, NE 68005 402.292.4141 14133 Q Street Omaha, NE 68137 402.895.1900 619 Main Street Plattsmouth, NE 68048 402.296.2188 www.drlabart.com

Congratulations Dr. Thakker for being voted an Omaha “Top” Dentist™

TAYLOR DENTISTRY Pediatric and General Dentistry

Drs. Mark and Brett Taylor Proud to be Top Dentists® in both pediatric and general dentistry for 2011 and 2012! ANGELI J. THAKKER, D.D.S.

11511 S. 42nd Street, Suite 101 Bellevue, NE 68123 Phone: 402.291.5400 BellevuePediatricDentistry.com www.ReadOnlineNow.com

Great dental care in an informative and friendly atmosphere! 14707 California Street, Suite 4 Call Us: 402.333.0274 www.TaylorDentistryOmaha.com Use QR Code for all our Patient Reviews!

– New Patients Welcome – Most Insurances Accepted – Saturday and Evening Appointments – 0% Financing Available july/august • 2012

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Nicholas J. Levering

Creighton University School of Dentistry Joseph A. Quattrocchi, Jr.

Children’s Dentistry of C. B. George M. Rakes

Mark H. Taylor

14707 California Street, Suite 4 Omaha, NE 68154 402-333-0274 www.taylordentistryomaha.com Angeli Jayesh Thakker

14133 Q Street Omaha, NE 68137 402-895-1900 www.RakesPediatricDentistry.com

Bellevue Pediatric Dentistry 11511 South 42nd Street, Suite 101 Bellevue, NE 68123 402-291-5400 www.BellevuePediatricDentistry.com

Fouad S. Salama

Barry William Webber

Pediatric Dental Clinic Lisa F. Strunk

Pedodontics, PC 2521 South 119th St Omaha, NE 68144 402-330-5914 www.pedodonticspc.com

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Walnut Creek Pediatric Dentistry

Stacy Lynn Moffenbier Martha Elizabeth Nunn

Creighton University School of Dentistry

Prosthodontics Gerald C. Brundo

Creighton University School of Dentistry Dennis Elof Nilsson

Creighton University School of Dentistry Paul J. Sheridan

Millard Hills Dental Health Center

Periodontics William Patrick Kelsey V

Kelsey Periodontal Group

Alvin Gerard Wee Charles W. Wilcox

Takanari Miyamoto

Creighton University School of Dentistry

www.OmahaPublications.com

July/August 2012

GALA

The Inside Scoop Our Preview of Upcoming Events

National T.T.T. Society Sending Girls to Camp for a Century

The Planning, The Details, The Event

Parties that WOW before the first appetizer is passed. The DoubleTree® by Hilton Omaha Downtown will provide your event the special attention it deserves. With our newly renovated Grand Ballroom, the DoubleTree® by Hilton Omaha Downtown is the perfect place for Fundraisers, Benefits and Galas. From beginning to end, we will take care of all the details to ensure an event your guests will remember.

1616 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68102 • (402) 346-7600 www.omahadowntown.doubletree.com Hilton HHonors® membership, earning of Points & Miles®, and redemption of points are subject to HHonors Terms and Conditions. ©2010 Hilton Worldwide

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Cover Story

GaLa

Story by Bailey Hemphill. Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

Camper Neligh Yurk; Marsha Johnson, Vice President of the Nebraska Chapter in Fremont; and Linda Revis, National President.

National T.T.T. T Society Sending Girls to Camp for a Century www.ReadOnlineNow.com

here’s no doubt that when the word “summer” is thrown around, most children’s minds immediately jump to memories of their favorite summer camp. Sleeping in tents under the stars, riding horses on trails through the woods, practicing archery, and making new friends are all part of the experience. But these experiences don’t always come cheap; no matter how much some children want to go, their parents sometimes can’t afford it. Fortunately, there are organizations—like the National T.T.T. Society—that are dedicated to helping children get this experience. >> july/august • 2012

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Cover Story

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<< The National T.T.T (which stands for time, talent, and treasure) Society is a nonprofit, philanthropic women’s organization with chapters across the United States devoted to providing an educational camping experience to girls who might not have the opportunity. The society was started in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, in January 1911 by Bess Cooke Budde and Gladys Stewart Walters, who noticed that boys had plenty to do in the summer while girls did not. Along with a few friends, Budde and Walters established the first T.T.T. chapter and began to raise money to send girls to camp. Each year, the society sends hundreds of girls who have finished the 4th grade to accredited (and society-approved) camps that are owned and operated by qualified organizations, such as the YMCA, Girl Scouts, 4-H, and church groups. A week at summer camp can have a huge impact on the girls, as it gives them a chance to appreciate their own worth, develop leadership skills, and learn to work with others. But the society’s involvement doesn’t stop after helping the girls go to camp. Many members interact with the girls on other occasions, such as birthdays and holidays. Some campers even grow up to become T.T.T members due to this interaction. Though the society is headquartered in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, there are state chapters and area councils that provide additional structure beyond the National Executive Board and National Project Board that govern it. Local chapters—like the Nebraska Chapter—are formed and run by groups that desire to be of service to the national project. Chapters meet at least nine times a year to raise funds and work with campers. Each chapter raises money to buy clothes, equipment, and supplies needed for camp while the overall society maintains a national fund to pay the camp admissions for each girl. Chapter members range from ages 18 to 95 and are united by common ideals of love, loyalty, and charity. Linda Revis, the current National President, lived in Spencer, Iowa, and worked as the Chamber of Commerce Director before she got involved with the Society. “A lady that worked down the hall from my office, who I had coffee with almost daily, talked a lot about T.T.T. and then invited me to come to a meeting,” she says. That was 40 years ago. Since then, Revis has held various offices in local chapters, served on a camp committee, worked on the State Board, served as Nebraska State President, served as Project Administrator, and eventually worked her way through the positions on the National Executive Board to her current position as the National President. As President, Revis sets agendas and conducts National Executive Board conference calls and board meetings. “I am considered the ‘official spokesperson’ for the Society…I write articles for our quarterly publication that is sent to the [society members]…[and] I attend as many state Linda Revis, conventions as I can work into my schedule.” Revis National President adds that she will conduct the 2013 National Convention held in Covington, Ken.

“Many of the girls that we send to camp would not have the opportunity to go. [The national organization] pays all the camp fees, and the local chapters buy any clothing that they need to be away from home for a week.”

www.OmahaPublications.com

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Cover Story

Revis loves being a part of the Society’s work because she loves making a difference in the lives of the girls. “Many of the girls that we send to camp would not have the opportunity to go. [The national organization] pays all the camp fees, and the local chapters buy any clothing that they need to be away from home for a week. It’s so heartwarming to get a letter or an e-mail—and now a Facebook message—from a former camper about how much going to camp meant to them.” Of all her memories with the Society, Revis says one of her most recent is her favorite. “[The Nebraska] Chapter selects eight girls to send to camp. One little girl chosen lives with her grandparents. We met with the girls and their parents or guardians to fill out paperwork. As the grandmother left, she turned to me with her eyes full of tears and thanked us for selecting her granddaughter. She said, ‘We could never do something like this for her.’” Revis believes that particular moment perfectly captures what the society is all about. Marsha Johnson also knows the fulfillment that comes with the Society’s work, as she’s been involved with T.T.T. since she was young due to her mother’s involvement. “I watched her send campers every year and always thought it was a wonderful thing to do,” she says. Today, Johnson is the Vice President of the Nebraska Chapter in Fremont and serves as one of the camp chairmen. “As camp chairmen, we contact schools and 4th grade teachers to help us find names of girls that would be good candidates for camp. We contact families and explain what T.T.T. is and our mission of sending girls to camp. After they make the decision to go, we do the paperwork required for camp and begin shopping for everything that girl will need to attend camp.” Johnson says she gains great satisfaction from her work with the Society because of the connection they make with the girls they help, and also because of the benefit to the community. “We send a lot of girls to camp each year. We have touched a lot of lives…hopefully, [these girls] will realize what they were given and in turn do good for others, too. It’s so rewarding to see the excitement from the girls and know that we gave them >>

Are You Ready For

Summer?

Koca Chiropractic can get you on the right track for boundless energy and a lifetime of wellness.

The first step is to make health your #1 priority.

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

2085 N 120th St, Ste. D6, Omaha, NE 68164 402.496.4570 www.KocaChiropractic.com

july/august • 2012

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Open Your Door

Cover Story

GALA

TO VNA COMPANION CARE Backed by a century of nursing, you can rely on VNA Companion Care for the extra assistance you need to maintain an independent lifestyle — in the comfort of your own home. For a free in-home consultation, contact VNA at 402-930-4240.

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Johnson (right) suggested Yurk (left) to the Society for a camp opportunity.

<< that experience…I’m a teacher and I love when I see the girls at school wearing their camp t-shirts and hear them telling their friends how much fun they had.” One such camper was Neligh Yurk, who went to Camp Kitaki near Louisville, Neb., last July with the help of the Society. Yurk attends school where Johnson teaches and was suggested by Johnson to the Society. “They picked me and my friend, Naomi, and they helped fill out our permission slips,” she says. “They paid for everything, and if I needed anything—like soap or other stuff—they paid for it. It was great.” Yurk says she truly enjoyed her camp experience. “It was fun. We rode horses on trails, went swimming every day, made s’mores, did archery, climbed the rock wall, and we made a lot of new friends.”

Dr. Gamini S. Soori and the nationally recognized Nebraska Cancer Specialists are at the forefront of cancer diagnosis, treatment and research.

Margaret Block, M.D. M. Salman Haroon, M.D. Ralph J. Hauke, M.D. Timothy K. Huyck, M.D. Robert M. Langdon, Jr., M.D.

Kirsten M. Leu, M.D. John M. Longo, M.D. Patrick J. McKenna, M.D. Geetha Palaniappan, M.D. David A. Silverberg, M.D.

Gamini S. Soori, M.D. Yungpo Bernard Su, M.D. Stefano R. Tarantolo, M.D. Peter M. Townley, M.D.

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West Dodge Medical Plaza (402) 445-8010 Plus, Fremont and West Point (402) 941-7030

T.T.T chapters are always looking for new members and additional funds. Women interested can contact the National Office for the location of a nearby chapter, and tax-deductible donations may be made to individual chapters or to the National T.T.T. Society. For more information, visit www. nationaltttsociety.org or call 319-385-7246.

*Nationally Recognized in Clinical Trials and Oncology Research by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)

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2 convenient office locations

Results Matter!

Thank You Omaha for Voting Us First Place—Best of Omaha, Three Years in a Row When Experience Counts... Care after total joint replacement Stroke recovery Strengthening after cancer treatment Care after surgery Recovery from a fall or extended illness

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inspire

Enjoy the Accelerando Coffee House, open to the public, and located at Conservatory.

Omaha Conservatory of Music’s mission is to build an Inspired Arts Community through education and performance. The life skills of creative thinking, goal setting, cooperation, and problem solving, as well as musical ability, are developed at OCM. Through passion, dedication, and excellence, the Artist-Faculty is sparking the brains of learners from early childhood through adulthood on the instrument of their choice.

3504 S. 108 St., Omaha • NE 68144 • 402.932.4978 • www.omahacm.org | www.accelerandocoffeehouse.com The Annette and Paul Smith Performing Arts Center at the Omaha Conservatory of Music www.ReadOnlineNow.com

july/august • 2012

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Gala’s Inside Scoop 3rd Annual OwL Ride Lewis & Clark Landing July 14

oin over 2,000 of your fellow night owls by participating in the 3rd Annual OwL Ride. The “Omaha with Lights” Ride is this area’s only nighttime bike ride. The 16-mile journey passes through Omaha neighborhoods, including the Old Market, Midtown, Dundee, and Aksarben Village. Refreshments and snacks will be provided at five OwL perches, sponsored by Midtown Crossing, Pitch Pizzeria, Jones Bros. Cupcakes at Aksarben Village, Whole Foods at the Field Club, and a new perch sponsored by Metro Health Services Federal Credit Union, which will be located west of Saddle Creek on Farnam Street. OwL Ride is the primary fundraiser for the Meyer Foundation for Disabilities (MFD), which is dedicated to helping thousands of adults with developmental disabilities that need a specialized environment in order to participate in recreational and social activities. In just two short years, this unique ride has become the largest of its kind between Chicago and Denver. Help keep this record by adorning your bike with lights and make it an OwL night to remember. 515 N. Riverfront Dr. Events start at 10pm, ride begins at 11pm. For more information, visit www.owlride.org.

2012 Hope Gala Volunteers

Hope in the Heartland Gala Stinson Park at Aksarben Village July 27

he American Cancer Society is pleased to introduce its inaugural Hope in the Heartland Gala this year at Stinson Park at Aksarben Village. Guests will have the opportunity to experience and celebrate the history of Stinson Park at Aksarben Village with a night at the races. Put on your best Derby attire, sip on a mint julep, play fun midway games, and enjoy great entertainment to help make a difference in the lives of those facing a cancer diagnosis. The event will include simulcast horse racing, live and silent auctions, a wine tasting, food, entertainment by local band Finest Hour, and so much more. “We in the Omaha community have the unique opportunity to help the American Cancer Society save lives from cancer through support and involvement with the Hope in the Heartland Gala,” says Bryan Slone, Event Chair. “Hope in the Heartland is truly about the Omaha community coming together to achieve one goal the day when no one has to hear the words ‘You have cancer.’ The programs and services the ACS provides to the community are vital to helping us celebrate a world with more birthdays.” The Hope in the Heartland Committee would like to thank the major sponsors: Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center, Travel & Transport, Union Pacific, CS & Marilyn Johnson, Bryan & Leslie Slone, Omaha World Herald, Bank of the West, ConAgra Foods & ConAgra Foods Foundation, Deloitte, First National Bank of Omaha, HDR, Inc., TD Ameritrade, Wells Fargo Bank, and Children’s Hospital & Medical Center. Tickets are $150 per person or $2,500 per table. 2285 S. 67th St. 6:30pm. For more information, visit www.hopeintheheartlandomaha.org or call 402-393-0764.

2011 OwL Ride “Bright Bike” winner

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Galas This July/August

GaLa

21st Annual Walk to Cure Diabetes & T1D 5K Dash Lewis & Clark Landing August 11

ore than 4,000 walkers representing local corporations, families, schools, and other organizations are expected to attend the 21st Annual JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes. “We are excited to be back at the Lewis & Clark Landing this year to host one of the largest fundraising walks in Omaha,” says Brevard Fraser, Executive Director, JDRF Heartland Chapter. The goal of the Omaha-Council Bluffs Chapter is to raise $1 million for research to find a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D) and its complications. CenturyLink is the presenting sponsor; and Danny Pate, Vice President & General Manager, is this year’s Corporate Chairman. Entire families, from kids to grandparents, can participate in the Walk to Cure Diabetes. At the Omaha-Council Bluffs Walk, there will be clowns, children’s games, face painting, music, and refreshments. The two-mile walk begins at 9am, circling around Miller’s Landing to the north and returning along the riverfront, and features an optional third mile across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge to Council Bluffs and back. In addition to the walk, JDRF is proud to announce the addition of the T1D 5K Dash. The 5K will begin before the walk, bringing participants back to the landing in time to walk with their own family or corporate team. A registration fee applies for 5K participants. 515 N. Riverfront Dr. Registration for Walk: 8am, 5K Run: 7:30am. For more information, visit www.jdrf.org or call 402-397-2873. Top: Glenn Fosdick & Bud Tice Above:Jeff Schmid, Phil Ruhlman, Eric Magendantz, Scott Wright

42nd Annual Omaha Boy Scouts Golf Invitational Omaha Country Club August 20

oy Scouts of America, Mid-America Council will host its 42nd Annual Golf Invitational (sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Omaha) to provide kids with advantages for the future. The goal is to raise $80,000 for scout programs that focus on leadership, decision-making, and self-sustaining life skills. This year’s Golf Invitational—which will be held at the Omaha Country Club—will include lunch followed by 18 holes of golf, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and socializing. All day long, top golfers will be recognized; a new feature this year will be that celebrities are going to be paired with top event sponsors. Gail DeBoer of SAC Federal Credit Union will chair the event. The Boy Scouts of America, Mid-America Council serves in 58 counties in Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota by instilling them with values and skills that will last a lifetime. The Council is supported by 7,870 volunteers and is headquartered in Omaha. 6900 Country Club Rd. Events begin at 11am, lunch at 12pm, and shotgun start at 1pm. For more information, visit www.mac-bsa.org or call 402-4319272 (ext.230).

JDRF Mascot Lil’ Sneak and a JDRF volunteer at last year’s walk

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

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Galas, etc...

July/August

GaLa

a two-month look at upcoming fundraisers and other charitable events July 9

July 23

August 18

Marian High School Golf Tournament Who: Supports Marian High School

21st Annual “Driving for Excellence” Golf Classic

4th Annual Dance for a Chance

Who: Supports Mercy High School

Who: Supports Youth Emergency Services, Inc.

What: Annual golf tournament, dinner, and awards

What: Golf tournament and dinner with prizes

What: Local celebrities compete in dancing competition

Where: Indian Creek Golf Course, 3825 N. 202nd St.

Where: The Players Club at Deer

Where: Skutt Catholic High School, 3131 S. 156 St.

When: 11am registration, 12:30pm shotgun start

Creek, 12101 Deer Creek Dr.

For more information,

When: 11am check-in, 12pm shotgun start

visit www.marianhighschool.net or

For more information, visit

call 402-571-2618 (ext.167).

www.mercyhigh.org call 402-553-9424.

July 12-13

July 27

Links to a Cure Nebraska

Lunch & Learn

When: 6:30pm For more information, visit www.yesomaha.org or call 402-345-5187 (ext.107).

August 19 2012 Corporate Cycling Challenge Who: Supports Eastern Nebraska Trails Network

Who: Supports Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Who: Supports Hope Center for Kids

What: Largest one-day bicycling event

What: Evening banquet (Thursday)

What: Tours of the Hope Center and free luncheon

Where: Heartland of America Park, 8th & Farnam sts.

and golf tournament (Friday)

Where: Hope Center for Kids, 2209 N. 20th St.

Where: Hilton Omaha and Quarry Oaks Golf Course

When: 12-1:15pm

When: 8:30am registration, 10am shotgun start For more information, visit

For more information, visit

When: 7:30am registration For more information, visit www.corporatecycling.com or call 402-346-8003.

www.hopecenterforkids.com or call 402-341-4673.

www.linkstoacure.org or call 402-330-6164.

July 16 Swing 4 Kids Golf Benefit

July 29 T’eez Annual Dog Wash Who: Supports Nebraska Humane Society

Who: Supports The Partnership For Our Kids

What: Dog washing ($10 per dog)

What: Golf tournament (must pre-register)

Where: T’eez, 15805 W. Maple Rd.

Where: Field Club of Omaha, 3615 Woolworth Ave. When: 7:45am or 1pm tee times For more information, visit

When: 10am-1pm For more information, visit www.teezsalon.net or call 402-397-9500.

www.partnershipforourkids.org or call 402-930-3002.

August 23 Passport to the Cure

July 20

Who: Supports American Cancer Society

Charity Golf Outing 2012 Who: Supports Angels Among Us

What: Golf scramble and cocktail event

What: Annual 4-person golf scramble

Where: Field Club of Omaha, 3615 Woolworth Ave. When: 12pm

Where: Tiburon Golf Course, 10302 S. 168th St.

For more information, visit

When: 11am registration, 12:30pm shotgun start

www.gala.acsevents.org or call 402-398-0764.

For more information, visit www.myangelsamongus.org or call 402-885-4840.

August 23 Green Tie Gala 2012 Who: Supports Keep Omaha Beautiful, Inc. What: Cocktails, dinner, and awards 3rd Annual Joslyn Castle Car Classic Who: Supports Joslyn Castle Trust, Inc. What: Classic car and motorcycle show (invitation-only) Where: Joslyn Castle, 3902 Davenport St.

Where: UNMC Sorrell Center for Health Science Education, 42nd & Emily sts. When: 6:30pm For more information, visit

For more information, visit www.joslyncastlecarclassic.com.

www.keepomahabeautiful.com or call 402-444-7774.

July 22

August 13

August 27

Feature IV with Jane Fonda

DVCC 4th Annual Golf Outing

Great Friends to Kids Luncheon 2012

Who: Supports Films Streams

Who: Supports Domestic Violence Coordinating Council

Who: Supports Omaha Children’s Museum

What: Jane Fonda discusses her career

What: Golf tournament

What: Luncheon recognizing individuals and organizations

Where: Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St.

Where:Stone Creek Golf Course, 6220 N. 160th Ave.

Where: Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St.

When: 6:30pm

When: 12pm

When: 12-1pm

For more information, visit www.filmstreams.

For more information, visit

org or call 402-933-0259.

www.dvccomaha.org or call 402-210-2195.

www.ocm.org or call 402-342-6164.

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Kudos To You!

GALA

To those making a difference in the community, Omaha Magazine recognizes you for your dedication with some much-deserved kudos!

Dr. Jorge Garcia-Padial

C.G. “Kelly” Holthus

Michael T. DeFreece

2012 Father of the Year Awards Gala

enefiting the American Diabetes Association, the 2012 Father of the Year Awards Gala was held at Hilton Omaha in June to identify and honor fathers who have demonstrated the ability to balance their personal lives, serve as a role model for their children, and help make a positive difference in the community. This year’s honorees were Frank J. Barrett, Michael T. DeFreece, Dr. Jorge Garcia-Padial, and C.G. “Kelly” Holthus. Frank J. Barrett is an attorney of counsel with Lamson, Dugan, and Murray, LLP. Barrett also served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955, including service in the Korean War. He was married to his late wife, Ruth, for nearly 54 years with five children and nine grandchildren. Michael T. DeFreece is Chair of the Board and owner of Hap-X, an investment and merchant banking firm. DeFreece is a retired CPA and was a partner

with Arthur Andersen, where he worked from his college graduation in 1967 until his retirement in 2001. He and his wife, Marcia, will celebrate 40 years in November with four children and four grandchildren. Dr. Jorge Garcia-Padial is an OB-GYN with Metro OB GYN, LLC. Dr. Garcia served as Director for Laparoscopy courses at Creighton University and has written a book, in addition to 16+ publications in medical literature. He and his wife, Margie, have been married for 45 years with three children and six grandchildren. C.G. “Kelly” Holthus is President and CEO of Cornerstone Bank. Holthus also served as the president of the Nebraska Bankers Association and was elected the American Bankers Association President in 1990. He and his wife, Virginia, have been married for 58 years with four children and 13 grandchildren.

Completely KIDS named Nonprofit of the Year

Greater Omaha Chamber Chairman Nate Dodge, Completely Kids Executive Director Penny Parker, Greater Omaha Chamber President and CEO David G. Brown www.ReadOnlineNow.com

he Greater Omaha Chamber named Completely KIDS as the Nonprofit of the Year during the Big O! Excellence Awards Luncheon in May. The award recognizes an organization for its excellent stewardship of resources and exceptional outcomes. “We are thrilled to be the recipient of this award,” said Completely KIDS Executive Director Penny Parker. “It’s a testimony that members of the Omaha community acknowledge the needs we are trying to meet daily, and that they value the work we do.” Completely KIDS disaffiliated last year with its national organization, Camp Fire USA, as a way to ensure that the money the organization raises stays in Omaha. The name Completely KIDS more closely reflects the services the organization provides and presents opportunities to grow programs for the families of the children it serves. Annually, Completely KIDS serves more than 2,000 children and teens through out-of-school programs in eight schools, three homeless shelters, and at the Completely KIDS building, addressing the needs of the whole child by building on four components— youth development, nutrition and healthy meals, academic support and school partnerships, and family. For more information about Completely KIDS, visit www.completelykids.org. july/august 2012

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Red Riders at Tour de Cure. Photo by Mark Cullinane, Action Studios

Community-360 Board of Directors 2012

Tour de Cure

Anniversary Dinner

Courtesy of American Diabetes Association

ver 550 cyclists from around the region participated in the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure at the Sarpy County Fairgrounds in Springfield in June to help raise funds to change the future of diabetes. Individuals and teams composed of co-workers, family, and friends took the ride of their life by helping to raise over $160,000 for diabetes research, education, and advocacy. Tour de Cure was designed for anyone, from the occasional to the experienced cyclist, with various route lengths to choose from. The routes featured rest stops with snacks to fuel the journey and volunteers to cheer riders on.

Kathy and Jim Quinlan, Mary Lou Brasee, Ian Prosser, and Connie Kinnear

Courtesy of Community-360

esert Ministries held an event at Lauritzen Gardens in March to celebrate their new name, Community-360, in front of over 125 guests. Though the organization’s name has changed, the mission to create opportunities for elderly people in long-term care facilities remains the same. Jack Vetter, CEO of Vetter Health Systems, emceed the event, and Mary Maxwell provided entertainment. Sabra Mackey from Douglas County Health Center was presented with the award for Activities Director of the Year. Other presentations included Community Partner of the Year to the ad agency Bozell, and the Robinson Life Achievement Award to board member Diane Thomas.

KETV’s John Oakey, Sue and Jeff Putnam, Mary and Hal Daub. Photo by Creative Reflections Photography

Annual Spring Luncheon and Lecture

Annual On the Move Luncheon

Courtesy of Lauritzen Gardens Guild

ver 400 guests attended the two-day Annual Spring Luncheon and Lecture sponsored by the Lauritzen Gardens Guild, featuring Ian Prosser, owner of the Botanical International Design Studio in Tampa, Florida. The first event, “First Impressions,” allowed guests to meet and visit with Prosser and take part in the scotch sampling provided by the Dundee Dell and cocktail buffet provided by Hap Abraham. The following day was “Petals with Personality,” where Prosser created 10 unique floral arrangements during his lecture that were later up for auction. Over $59,000 was raised to support the educational programs at the Gardens. Honorary Chairs were Kathy and Jim Quinlan, and Event Chair was Mary Lou Brasee.

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Courtesy of National MS Society – Mid America Chapter

he National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Mid America Chapter held its annual On The Move Luncheon in May at the Happy Hollow Country Club. Senator Mike Johanns, 2012 Senator of the Year for the National MS Society, was honored for his legislative commitment to enhance and improve lives of those living with a chronic illness or disability, specifically multiple sclerosis. Singer/songwriter David Osmond, who was diagnosed in 2006 with MS, was the keynote speaker. KETV Channel 7’s John Oakey was the event emcee. More than 200 attended the event, raising over $25,000 for research and local programs and services. Kathy Langdon and Kathleen Polodna served as this year’s On The Move chairs. www.OmahaPublications.com

GaLa

Featured speaker Kennedy Watson

Tin Man, Dorothy, and Lion

CASABlanca

2012 For the Kids Benefit

Courtesy of Nebraska CASA Association

ASABlanca was the theme for the Nebraska CASA Association’s first-ever fundraising gala held in April at Champions Run in Omaha. Over 200 people enjoyed a buffet dinner, listened to the musical stylings of Tommy Swanson, bid on silent and live auction items, and heard from former foster youth Kennedy Watson as she told her compelling story about the difference her CASA volunteer made in her life. Jeff Degan served as master of ceremonies for the Gala. Event Co-chairs were Kathleen Langdon and Katie Zulkoski. Attendees, sponsors, and donors raised over $42,000 to help train volunteers and support CASA’s continued work in communities across Nebraska.

Mel Stuart, John Harlow, Danny Pate, Kevin and Shari Munro, Dr. Jeff Carstens, Gary Honts, Nicole Bianchi, Mary Kay Miller

Courtesy of Omaha Children’s Museum

hemed “There’s No Place Like Omaha Children’s Museum” in honor of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz exhibit, the Omaha Children’s Museum’s 2012 For the Kids Benefit was held in May with more than 500 people in attendance. The event raised more than $250,000 for the museum’s programs and exhibits. The evening featured silent and live auctions, cocktails, and a dinner by Catering Creations. This year’s chairpersons were Kara Krehbiel, Christine Stokes, and Samantha Wahl. Honorary chairpersons were Amy Haddad and Steve Martin. Auctioneer Scott Moore and emcee Malorie Maddox of WOWT led the evening’s festivities.

Front - Catherine Mello, Lori Gigantelli, Meredith Weitz, Carla Kloeckner, Deidre Ochsner, Kali Landmark, Back - Alanna Schenken, Susan Pape, Kate Weitz, Megan Longo, Regan Mackintosh

2012 Heart Walk

Countdown to Cinco de Mayo

Courtesy of American Heart Association Omaha

he 2012 Omaha-Council Bluffs Heart Walk exceeded its fundraising goal by $75,000 to raise more than $650,000 for the American Heart Association’s research, education, and advocacy efforts. More than 6,000 people turned out for the two-mile walk at Stinson Park at Aksarben Village in May. Local mascots, bounce houses, a children’s obstacle course, face painting, and performances by the Papillion La Vista High School Drumline and Sue’s Stepper-ettes entertained the crowd before the walk. Kevin Munro chaired this year’s event. Munro volunteered to chair the walk to honor the memory of his brother, who died from a sudden heart attack. www.ReadOnlineNow.com

Courtesy of OneWorld Community Health Centers

neWorld Community Health Center’s 2012 Countdown to Cinco de Mayo took place in May at the Historic Livestock Exchange Building. Over $20,000 was raised by the Friends of OneWorld Board to benefit OneWorld’s prenatal care program, which helped care for 1,171 prenatal patients last year. Participants celebrated with festive music, beverages, and appetizers and were entertained by The Pat O Show Band. Vendors included: Cilantro’s Mexican Bar & Grill, Hector’s Mexican Cuisine, Julio’s, Roja Mexican Grill, Premier-Midwest Beverage Company, Republic National Distributing Company, and Quality Brands of Omaha. july/august • 2012

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rom daytime c a s u alw e ar to evening for-

malwear, this year’s summer fashion is all about color. Color blocking, graphic prints, and iridescent sequins are also on trend. Set against the bold artwork of the Discovery Sculpture Garden at Omaha’s Joslyn Art Museum, these stylish dresses and separates, modeled by local talent, make bold artistic statements all their own.

sculptural

STYLE photos by christian behr . styled by john gawley . story by linda persigehl located at the joslyn art museum, discovery sculpture garden fashions provided by winning crown boutique, and bcbg, dillards

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Left, Model Eva wears a colorful floral print dress by Dell, $178, paired with a coral cropped jacket by Preston, $178, both from BCBG Max Azria. Above, Model Cara wears a flowing, sleeveless dress in vivid “Begonia” by BCBG Max Azria, $398. Right, Theressa models a Cassandra Stone oneshoulder halter dress in a striking blue peacock print by Mac Duggal, from Winning Crown Boutique.

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

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Above, Elisa wears a hot pink formal with an iridescent, sequined bodice, and a black waistband by Jovani, from Winning Crown Boutique.

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Right, Eva wears a full-length formal with a sequined bodice and ruffled skirt by Sherri Hill, from Winning Crown Boutique. www.OmahaPublications.com

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

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Below, Eva wears a color block ensemble: a Nydia blouse in black, $148, a “Curney Red” knit skirt by Alexa, $148, and a “Royal Blue” jacket by Glen, $268, all from BCBG Max Azria.

Above, Theressa wears a “Red Berry C” color block skirt from Joelle, $148, and a Kei scarfprint poncho top in “Dark Ink Combo”, $198, both from BCBG Max Azria. 122

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Greater Nebraska happenings Source: www.visitnebraska.gov, website for Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Travel & Tourism Division.

July & August JuLy eVeNts July 1-31 madison, madison county: 2012 Rails and trails event: unique Agriculture exhibit. Madison County Historical Society Museum, 210 W. 3rd St. Display of the Madison County Fur Farm, game farm at Enola, farm machinery, and Madison County Fair history. M-F/1-4pm. Free admission. 402-992-1221. www. madisoncountyhistory.org July 3 york, york county: Firecracker Frenzy. County fairgrounds. York’s official Independence Day. Celebration features entertainment, children’s Activities, and spectacular fireworks display. 8-11pm. Free admission. 402-3625531. www.yorkchamber.org. July 3-4 sutherland, Lincoln county: July 4th celebration and Rodeo. Rodeo grounds and downtown. Enjoy rodeo competitions along with 4th of July activities. 308-386-4721. www. ci.sutherland.ne.us. July 4 chambers, holt county: 4th of July celebration. City-wide. Parade, digital dare, turtle races, BBQ, talent show, games, fireworks, and more. 402-336-1504. www.holtcountynebraska.com. July 4 comstock, custer county: 4th of July celebration. City-wide. Parade at 10:30am followed by a BBQ at the community hall. Homemade ice cream and pie, children’s games and races, sand volleyball, and fireworks. 308-6284311. www.comstock-ne.com.

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

July 4 ewing, holt county: 4th of July celebration. City-wide, Fireworks, water fights, games, BBQ, and more. 402-336-1504. www.holtcountynebraska.com. July 4 grand island, hall county: 1892 independence day celebration. Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, 3133 W. US Hwy 34. Enjoy a parade down the center of Railroad Town, a patriotic program, pie eating contest, and more All-American family fun. 9am-5pm. $8-$10. 308-3855316. www.stuhrmuseum.org. July 7 Louisville, cass county: First shots. Platte River State Park, 14421 346th St. Introduction to rifles and handguns for first time and novice shooters. 9am-noon, Free admission. 402471-5547. www.outdoornebraska. org/education.

Sarpy County Fair and Offutt Air Show. August in Sarpy County will be full of excitement! First, stop by the 76th Annual Sarpy County Fair where there will be a rodeo, carnival rides, live entertainment, and a tractor pull. The fair is located at the Sarpy County Fairgrounds in Springfield, August 1-5. For more information, visit www.sarpyfair.com. Next, Off utt Air Force Base will host their annual Open House and Air Show. This year, the Defenders of Freedom Show will include performances by the Red Steel Jet Team, the John Klatt Max Adrenaline Show, and the U.S. Army Golden Knight Parachute Team. Also you will see the Super Hornet Demo and the Harrier Demo. There will be tons of food and special exhibits for all ages, including the Tuskegee Airman, Cornhusker Corvette Club, and more. The show is located at Off utt Air force Base in Bellevue and admission is free. The show is August 25-26. For more information, visit www.off uttairshow.com.

July 7-8 syracuse, Otoe county: germanFest. Downtown on 5th St. Celebrate German heritage. German dancers and singers, weiner dog races, ribfest, twoblock beer garden and more. 402269-7489. www.GoSyracuseNe.com. July 11-15 grand island, hall county: hall county Fair. Fonner Park, 700 E. Stolley Park Rd. Concerts, rides, 4-H events, and more. 308-379-1653. www. hallcountyfair.com. July 12-15 comstock, custer county: comstock Rock Fest. 46095 Sargent Ord Rd. Nebraska’s party in the pasture. Four-day music festival with your favorite rock artists. Camping available. 308-225-4843. www.comstockmusicfestivals.com.

Take the 'Follows The Rails Art Trail'. The trail is a self-guided art tour in 11 host communities with 18 stops along the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway between Grand Island and Alliance, held October 19-21. This tour offers you a truly unique experience with over 100 artists displaying their work along the 272-mile route of Nebraska Highway 2. You are invited to travel at your own pace, shop, and see the World Class Natural Wonders along the Byway including the beautiful Sandhills and meet the friendly people who call this magical place home. For more information, visit www.sandhillsjourney.com

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So Near, So FUN!

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Bellevue Papillion Offutt AFB La Vista Gretna Springfield w w w. g o s a r p y. c o m www.OmahaPublications.com

Greater Nebraska Happenings July 13-15 Fremont, dodge county: John c. Fremont Days. 400 E. Military Ave. Community festival celebrating the history of Fremont and its namesake, John C. Fremont. Activities for all ages including crafts, vendors, historic encampments, tours, concerts, and more. 402-727-9428. www.johncfremontdays.com. July 14 Lincoln, Lancaster county: star city Pride. N Street near Panic Bar, downtown. 402435-8764. www.starcitypride.org. July 14-21 Lincoln, Lancaster county: usA Roller sports inline speed skating championships. Pershing Center, 226 Centennial Mall S. 402-483-7551. www.usarollersports.org. July 15 Papillion, sarpy county: mayor’s triathlon. Walnut Creek, Hwy 370 & 96th St. 7:30am. July 16-19 grand island, hall county: state 4-h horse show. Fonner Park, 700 E. Stolley Park Rd. Qualifiers from across the state compete for the honor of winning best in the state in their class. 402-472-6414. www.4h.unl.edu. July 20-21 Bellevue, sarpy county: RiverFest. Kramer Site (North Haworth Park). Good food and BBQ, good times and great music! Two nights of live music and the Nebraska State BBQ Championship. www.bellevuenebraska.com. July 20-22 gretna, sarpy county: gretna days citywide. www.gretnachamber.com. July 20-22 Roca, Lancaster county: southeast Nebraska Wine Pairing event. Southeast Nebraska Winery Trail towns. Visit all eight wineries to enjoy a food paired with special wines from each winery. F-Sat/12-9pm; Sun/126pm. $25/person. 402-328-3494. www.senewinetrail.org.

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

July 20-29 Lincoln, Lancaster county: cornhusker state games. Various venues throughout town. Multi-sport athletic festival with competition in more than 60 sports. State-wide torch run and Olympic-style opening ceremonies. 402-471-2544. www.cornhuskerstategames.com. July 22-Aug 5 Lincoln, Lancaster county: usA Roller sports Artistic Figure skating championships. Pershing Center, 226 Centennial Mall S. 402-483-7551. www.usarollersports.org. July 25-30 North Platte, Lincoln county Lincoln county Fair Fairgrounds, 5015 Rodeo Rd. A showcase of Lincoln County along with accomplishments in agriculture, 4-H, and youth activities. 308-534-8191 www.lincofair.com.

Kool-Aid Days and Hasting Museum. Come see what Hastings has to offer! KoolAid was invented by Edwin E. Perkins in 1927. This year marks the 85th anniversary of this timeless soft drink. Join in the celebration by going to the 15th Annual Kool-Aid Days in its birth town of Hastings, Neb. Events include a Kool-Aid Jammers boat race, the Grand Parade, the World’s largest Kool-Aid stand, live entertainment, fireworks, and more. Also new this year will be the Miss Kool-Aid Pageant. Come celebrate 85 years of greatness, August 10-12. For more information, visit Kool-AidDays.com. And while you’re in Hastings, stop by the Hastings Museum, the largest municipal museum between Chicago and Denver, to see the Tylosaurus: The T-Rex of the Cretaceous Sea 3-D film and the Grand Reopening of the Kool-Aid: Discover the Dream! exhibits. Also check out the planetarium and 3-D shows. For more information on all that the museum has to offer, check out www.hastingsmuseum.org.

OLD

July 26-28 Wahoo, saunders county: 58th Annual Professional Rodeo cowboys Association Rodeo. Featuring cowboys and cowgirls from 10 states and some of the best western entertainment acts in the country. 8pm. www.wahoosaddleclub.com.

July 28 Lincoln, Lancaster county: Brews & Blues at the Zoo. Lincoln Children’s Zoo. This adult-only evening will feature beer tasting from premier local brewers and live music from the Kris Lager Band. Enjoy delicious food and take in the sights and sounds of the zoo. 6-9pm. 402-475-6741. www. lincolnzoo.org. August eVeNts Aug 1-5 springfield, sarpy county: sarpy county Fair. 100 Main St. Tractor and pickup pulls, Mid-States Rodeo, demolition derby, entertainment, and more. Free admission. 402-253-2453. www.sarpyfair.com. Aug 1-31 madison, madison county: 2012 Rails and

Parmele House. This 1905 home is a wonderful example of Dutch Colonial architecture. Relax in this Bed and Breakfast's large, comfortably furnished rooms, complete with rocking chairs for all sizes. Antiques blend into a southwest setting featuring the art of Russell and Remington—artists from the same era as the home. The Parmele House’s wrap-around porch and 100-year-old oak trees invite everyone to enjoy the good company and great hospitality offered here. Enjoy breakfast on the porch with a Cardinal seranade and possibly a count of the deer in the yard! A great way to start your getaway in Nebraska. Located just a short 15 minutes south of Omaha, Neb., and Off utt Air Force Base and 30 minutes north of Nebraska City. For reservations call 402-296-0525

trails event: Rural schools and Platting of counties exhibit. Madison County Historical Society Museum, 210 W. 3rd St. Learn of rural school creations

after county government became organized and how counties were named. M-F/1-4pm. Free admission. 402-992-1221. www.madisoncountyhistory.org. july/august • 2012

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Greater Nebraska Happenings Aug 10 La Vista, sarpy county: Outdoor concert Featuring Blue house. Public Library, 9110 Giles Rd. Concert begins at 7pm followed by The Three Musketeers outdoor movie. Concessions available. Free admission. 402-331-4343. www.cityoflavista. org/2012events.

Aug 18 Papillion, sarpy county: Lucky Bucket music Festival. Sumtur Amphitheater, 11691 S. 108th St. www.sumtur.org. Aug 25 Papillion, sarpy county: 2012 great Nebraska Beerfest. Shadow Lake Towne Center, Hwy 370 & 72nd St. www.nebraskabrewingco.com.

Aug 10-12 hastings, Adams county: Kool-Aid days. City-wide. World’s largest Kool-Aid stand, live entertainment, giant inflatables, cardboard boat races, classic car rally, disc golf, fireworks display and more. F/4-9pm; Sat/8am-10:30pm; Sun/9am-6pm. 800-9672189. www.koolaiddays.com.

Follow the Rails Art Trail is a selfguided art tour in 11 host communities with 18 stops along the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway Nebraska between Grand Island and Alliance.

Aug 11 Ponca, dixon county: shooting sports skills day camp at Ponca state Park. 88090 Spur 26E. Hone your shooting techniques using various firearms and bows in different settings. 9am-4pm. 402755-2284. www.outdoornebraska.org.

This tour offers you a truly unique experience with over 100 artists displaying their work along the 272 mile route of Nebraska Highway 2. You are invited to travel at your own pace, shop, and see the World Class Natural Wonders along the Byway including the beautiful Sandhills and meet the friendly people who call this magical place home.

Aug 11-12 Bridgeport, morrill county: 86th Annual greek Festival. Prairie Winds Community Center. Authentic Greek foods, dancing and music, and other activities. Sat/4:30-10:30pm; Sun/12-3:30pm. Free admission. 308-262-0281. Aug 15 Lincoln, Lancaster county: Zoolympics. Lincoln Children’s Zoo. Travel around the Zoo and see if you can hop like a wallaby, climb like a monkey, run like a leopard, and other fun activities. 10am-5pm, $6.25-$7.25. 402-475-6741. www.lincolnzoo.org.

• When: October 19-21. • Where: NE Hwy 2 (272 mile route)

520 Avenue F Plattsmouth, Neb.

12% discount til 12/25/12

OLD

For more information: www.sandhillsjourney.com

Aug 16-19 columbus, Platte county: columbus days–discover the music, the Food, the Fun! Downtown. The biggest block party in Nebraska! Dual stage entertainment, car show, ribfest, inflatable midway, turtle races, dachshund dog races, foam dance party, parade, and more. Free admission. 402-564-2769. www.thecolumbuspage.com. Aug 17-18 Bellevue, sarpy county: Arrows to Aerospace. Washington Park & Mission Ave. Carnival, parade, art in the park, children’s activities, music, and food. Free admission. 402-980-9407. www. bokiwanis.org. Aug 17-18 Louisville, cass county: Women in the Outdoors 13th Annual Women’s Outdoor skills Program. Platte River State Park. Enjoy turkey hunting, geocaching, antler jewelry making, birdwatching, self-defense, and more. $40-$100. 402-651-5807. www.womenintheoutdoors.org.

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Gen O Story by Wendy Townley • Photos by minorwhitestudios.com Top: Zhang pictured with her family. Bottom: Zhang with Meryl Streep at the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards inside Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Yan Zhang

Scholastic Art & Writing Scholarship Winner HE LENS WITH WHICH 17-year-

old Yan Zhang sees the world is that of a recent high school graduate. On the heels of a successful four years at Millard West High School, Zhang crossed the stage on May 26, accepted her diploma, and looked at the wide vistas of her future. For as long as she can remember, Zhang, who was born in China and moved to the United States with her parents at age 3, found it easiest and most enjoyable to describe her surroundings and experiences with words. With little books she crafted as a child, to essays, poetry, and other nonfiction pieces of today, there is no doubt that Zhang is a writer. Zhang’s works have garnered the attention of a prestigious organization and, as a result, earned her an impressive award with a $10,000 cash scholarship. Out of more than 200,000 submissions in 28 categories, the 89th Annual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards presented Zhang on June 1 with its Portfolio Gold Medal (the competition’s highest honor). Only 15 graduating high www.ReadOnlineNow.com

Photo: Stuart Ramson for Scholastic, Inc

school seniors in the U.S. earned the award this year: half are writers; the other half, artists. In a special ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York City, Zhang and the other teen winners heard from three-time Academy Award®-winning actress Meryl Streep. Zhang, the daughter of John Zhang and Hongyang Tan of Omaha, actually learned of the award through an advanced studio art class last fall at Millard West. She submitted two entries in the national contest: one for art, one for writing. An impressive list of jurors—The New Yorker magazine contributor/humorist and best-selling author David Sedaris among them—picked Zhang’s writings for the award. Her award-winning portfolio includes nonfiction/memoir essays, poetry, and short stories. The works were not written in previous classes at Millard West, but rather in Zhang’s own time. For her, writing has become a calling and something she works to perfect, each and every day. “Writing lets you put an idea into words,” she says. “When you write, you make art using words. And other people can relate to it. It’s almost like a legacy or a monument, really. Your writing can inspire others.” Zhang’s inspirations are often found in her favorite authors: Tim O’Brien, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Arthur C. Clarke, to name a few. So what’s next for Zhang? As of press time, she has applied for a mentoring program in lowincome schools in Ohio. If selected, Zhang will mentor for the next year and attend Harvard University (where she has already been accepted) in 2013, majoring in government, history, and English. To read The Photographer by Yan Zhang, log onto www.facebook.com/OmahaMagazine/notes july/august • 2012

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Omaha feature Story by Michael Watkins • Photos by Jess Ewald - jessicaewald.com & Provided by Quality Living, Inc.

Quality Living, Inc. Omaha's National Treasure

ue to its prominent education- and research-based hospitals, Omaha is well

known as a healthcare hub in the Midwest and the nation. But did you know, nestled in the hills (and valley, in this case) of North Omaha also lies one of the United States’ greatest resources when it comes to a highly specialized form of life-changing and rebuilding rehabilitation? You may have heard the call letters, QLI, or the name by which it was originally founded— Quality Living, Inc.—without ever really knowing about the amazing work done every day at the scenic campus across the street from Immanuel Hospital near 72nd and Sorenson Parkway. Because of the niche community the nonprofit founded in 1990 serves, QLI—the nation’s largest and most respected post-hospital rehabilitation center for individuals with brain and/or spinal cord injuries—isn’t often included in conversations regarding “mainstream” healthcare in the city. But ask any of the individuals and families served by this organization, which has been voted the #1 Best Place to Work in Omaha by its employees (in a Greater Omaha Chamber 128

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of Commerce annual survey) on four occasions, and it’s obvious why QLI is so good at what it does. “Even when I just came to visit, it was kind of like I’m the mother of a rock star,” said Kate Sunderland, whose daughter, Tess, came to QLI after suffering a brain injury when struck by lightning during an archaeological dig in New Mexico in 2009. “I mean everybody was going, ‘I can’t wait to meet Tess. I’ve heard all about her,’ and it was like ‘Okay, is she so unusual that people are talking about her?’ But, that’s just the way they make you feel at QLI—that your child is the most important person in the world—and you really feel that.” Along with the important rehabilitation services QLI provides for its clients and their families, QLI also impacts Omaha. With more than 350 employees, the organization sits on a $70 million, 60-acre college-style campus (complete with housing and onsite recreation and activities) and is a noteworthy economic driver, having served clients from more than half the U.S. and regularly hosting professionals from across the country. Its 196 beds in Omaha make QLI the nation’s largest provider of its kind of specialized care in a single location—and more beds will be added this fall in an expansion. But what truly makes QLI so special and unique is reflected in its founding and overall approach to providing rehabilitation services by a staff that truly values and embraces what it does and who it serves. Recreating Rehab

Founder Dr. Kim Hoogeveen started QLI 22 years ago with a specific purpose in mind: to improve the quality of rehabilitation services for individuals with catastrophic injuries. Before QLI, while working as a psychologist with the Bellevue Public Schools, he was approached by a group of parents of children with brain and/or spinal cord injuries. While he had no special expertise in the area of rehab, Hoogeveen knew if he was going to do anything related to bettering the lives of people with these debilitating injuries, he wanted to provide more than just physical, occupational, and speech therapy. He devised a concept that helped QLI recreate rehab for this specialized population. “QLI is in the business of rebuilding shattered lives, which takes more than just www.OmahaPublications.com

medicine,” said QLI President and CEO Patricia Kearns, who took over leadership of the company Jan. 1, 2011, when Hoogeveen retired. “Dr. Hoogeveen developed a clinical model that combines the best of medicine with the best of education while addressing emotional well-being. “And, because a traumatic injury does not just happen to the individual, consideration of the entire family unit is essential to our clinical model, Tri-Dimensional Rehabilitation®. This is simple in theory but very complicated to effectively implement.” QLI’s proprietary Tri-Dimensional Rehabilitation® program involves three components: • Providing excellent medical care – making sure clients have their physical needs met within a safe and sanitary environment. • Providing applied and functional programming – designing unique therapies, training, and teaching for individual treatment plans in a real-world environment. • Building hope and accepting reality – helping individuals come to terms with the reality of their disability while gaining a greater sense of hope, spirit, and enthusiasm for the future. “The third dimension is what truly sets QLI apart,” Kearns said. “Experiences and treatments are structured to help clients once again anticipate pleasure, giving them a reason to look forward to their day. Our ultimate goal is to help the individuals we serve regain a sense that their life is worth living.” Former patient Tess Sunderland is a perfect example of what can be accomplished with QLI’s unique approach to rehabilitation. Despite the debilitating injuries Tess had suffered, by the time she was discharged from QLI in May 2011 she was a different person than the woman who’d arrived. Shared one QLI caregiver: “She was speaking confidently (requiring a DynaVox to express wants/needs initially), walking with a walker (dependent on wheelchair for mobility at admit), feeding herself (parents feeding at admit) and completing most activities of daily living independently. She was volunteering at the Humane Society, riding horses with HETRA, practicing yoga weekly, going out into the community almost daily, attending concerts, planning and going on camping trips, and exploring ways to incorporate her love of archeology back into her life.” >> www.ReadOnlineNow.com

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Inaugural College Baseball Collector’s Photo Book

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Playing In June features photographs of the 2012 College Baseball’s most talented players, fans, and events. Showcasing all the special moments and memories you hold near and dear to your heart. See a preview of photos and order online at

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6/13/12 9:33 AM

QLI President/CEO Patricia Kearns

<< Empowering Employees

With this program Tri-Dimentional Rehab in mind, Hoogeveen knew he needed an equally unique leadership approach to accomplish it. With the assistance of retired Air Force Gen. Martin Colladay (who was working for ConAgra at the time and for whom QLI’s program center is named), Hoogeveen met with top Omaha business leaders to inquire about what made their businesses successful. From their responses, he drew up seven principles of leadership that continue to guide QLI today. What he learned from these interviews was that the key to success involved recruiting and training good people while helping them learn and improve both professionally and personally. In turn, this makes employees more dedicated and motivated to help residents and their loved ones who have endured trauma and are searching for hope for the future. It’s a model that doesn’t go unnoticed by the individuals and, especially, family members served by QLI’s selfless mission. “Our distinct leadership approach allows us to attract, build, and retain phenomenal staff and provide a healthy environment where they can thrive and grow,” said Kearns, who started as a physical therapist at QLI in 2000. “We pride ourselves on being the best place to work in Omaha. “We are also very proud to be located right here in Omaha. QLI’s culture and the dedication of our caring, professional staff allow us to attract referrals from across the country. The families we serve from every part of the country quickly fall in love with the wonderful city that we call home.”

Become part of a tradition of leadership, scholarship, faith and service.

Become part of Catholic Education. all faith backgrounds are welcome. Students of Scholarships and tuition assistance available.

Check out our websites for more information:

FAITH

Omaha feature

LEADERSHIP

ARCHBISHOP BERGAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL

MERCY HIGH SCHOOL

www.mercyhigh.org

www.berganknights.com

MOUNT MICHAEL BENEDICTINE SCHOOL

CREIGHTON PREPARATORY SCHOOL

www.creightonprep.creighton.edu

www.mountmichael.com

RONCALLI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

SCHOLARSHIP

DUCHESNE ACADEMY

www.duchesneacademy.org

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GROSS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

V.J. AND ANGELA SKUTT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

www.grosscatholic.org

www.skuttcatholic.com

MARIAN HIGH SCHOOL

SERVICE

www.marianhighschool.net

Come join Honorary Chairs Lori & David Scott as QLI raises financial support for future expansion at An Evening at the Fair. Fairgoers can enjoy entertainment, food, and a large array of fair-themed activities. An Evening at the Fair will be held Friday, September 7, 2012, at the CenturyLink Center. Doors will be open from 6pm to 10pm. To purchase tickets online, visit QLIFair.eventbrite.com or contact Jkarolski@ QLIomaha.com. 130

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Omaha Food restaurant review Story by Mystery Reviewer • Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

J. Coco

Made In-House, Stellar Cuisine

J. Coco 5203 Leavenworth St. 402-884-2626 www.jcocoomaha.com Food & Beverage Service Ambiance Price Overall

**** *** *** Expensive *** 1/2 5 Stars Possible

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

hen the old Wolhner’s

Grocery store at 52nd and Leavenworth relocated to Aksarben Village, the local neighborhood understandably mourned their loss. On March 16 of this year, the neighborhood’s fortune changed when Chef Jennifer Coco opened her new restaurant, J. Coco, in the iconic Wohlner’s grocery building. Since it’s a historic building on the historic registry, the outside has pretty much stayed the same; but inside you will find a handsome, modern restaurant that’s bustling with happy patrons that are enjoying Chef Jennifer’s spectacular cuisine. Formerly at the Flatiron Cafe for many years, Chef Jennifer has built a loyal following of Omaha diners and is well known for her talents in the kitchen. If the large crowds at J. Coco are any indication, it would seem that these guests have embraced her new restaurant as well. The menu is a good selection of simply prepared dishes, made from local, fresh ingredients that result in some very tasty and creative dishes. There are several reasonably priced sandwiches on the menu, but overall most of the food and beverage selections are on the expensive side for Omaha. >> july/august • 2012

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restaurant review

Owner/Chef Jennifer Coco

<< On a recent visit while waiting for a table, we sat at the bar and enjoyed a glass of wine and some Roasted Dates ($4). These delicious morsels are stuffed with almonds and pancetta then dusted with chili powder, resulting in a snack that really gets the juices flowing. Once seated, we started off with the Korean Style Short Rib Tacos ($11). This yummy fusion of Asia and Mexico was something that I enjoyed very much, and I will be sure to order again. For salads, I had the Caesar ($5) and my dining partner ordered a Roasted Baby Beet Salad ($9). The Caesar was solid, but the beet salad was spectacular with watercress, candied pecans, and house-made cheese. For an entree, I tried the Wild Salmon ($24). It was cooked perfectly and served over sautéed chard with baby artichokes, bacon, and blood oranges. My partner tried the Roasted Chicken Sandwich with Frites ($12). This was a moist chicken breast on rustic French bread with camembert cheese and pancetta and drizzled with a port syrup...One of the better sandwiches I have tried in some time. The desserts are all made in-house ,so I felt obligated to try the Lemon Curd Cheesecake ($7) and the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake ($7). Both were stellar, and I highly recommend guests try one. The service at J. Coco was very good, especially considering that most chef-owned concepts often lack in this area. Our server was very warm, friendly, and knowledgeable. She really knew her way around the modest-sized wine list, which happens to contain many of my personal favorites and seems to be well thought-out. Our server was very busy, but that did not detract a bit from our experience since there was lots of teamwork among the staff and active support from the manager. With the combination of the great food, excellent service, and an attractive ambiance, there is little doubt that J. Coco will be a huge hit and great addition to the Omaha dining scene. Cheers! 132

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www.OmahaPublications.com

Omaha Food chef profile Story by Niz Proskocil • Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

Chris Daley

23-year-old Executive Chef, Sullivan's Steakhouse

t an age when many young adults are still figuring out what to do with their lives, Chris Daley is leading a busy kitchen at one of Omaha’s premier steakhouses. As executive chef at Sullivan’s Steakhouse, the 23-year-old is the youngest person in parent company Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group to serve in that role. Daley tackles a range of responsibilities—everything from delegating tasks and solving problems to ensuring that every dish that leaves the kitchen is top-notch. www.ReadOnlineNow.com

Despite his young age, he’s been involved in the culinary world for half his life, starting at age 12 when he helped make pizzas at his dad’s restaurant. He continued working there throughout high school, developing a love for the restaurant business. A native of Columbia, Md., Daley moved to Omaha in 1996. He graduated from Mount Michael High School in 2006 before majoring in physics at the University of NebraskaLincoln for two years. But food, not physics, was his calling. “I like working with people instead of numbers,” Daley says. So he ended up in culinary school at Johnson & Wales University in Denver. He returned to Omaha and worked as a sous chef at a restaurant and brewery in the Old Market. In August 2011, he landed the executive chef job at Sullivan’s, an upscale steakhouse chain at 222 S. 15th St. One aspect of the job that Daley enjoys is selecting fresh, seasonal fish to feature on Sullivan’s steak and seafoodfocused menu. “A lot of steakhouses don’t take as much pride in their seafood,” he says. He also likes that the job, where he puts in 12-hour days, is fast-paced, unpredictable, and exciting. Daley enjoys being active in his spare time, too, by playing golf and basketball and frequenting the farmers market to shop for fresh, local produce that he turns into salsas, relishes, and soups back in the kitchen. “I love it when it’s busy and people are moving all around,” he says. “I couldn’t do 9 to 5. I love to be on my feet.” july/august • 2012

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MC, V, AE, DC

AMERICAN

Bailey’s breakfast and lunch

402-932-5577 1259 S. 120TH St. Comfort food done with flair. For breakfast; all your favorites, featuring Omaha’s finest Eggs Benedict – 6 varieties, (and Crepes, too) topped with Hollandaise made fresh every day. Come try the best bacon you will ever eat! Breakfast served all day. And treat yourself to some of Omaha’s finest Salads, Soups, and Sandwiches, plus Chicken Fried Steak, fresh Angus burgers, and Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas. When is the last time you had really good Egg Salad or Chicken Salad??? Open 7 days a week 7:00 – 2:00.

brewsky’s food & spirits, two omaha locations 402-614-2739 153rd & Q Sts.; 201-2739, 84th & Park Drive; Brewsky’s Food & Spirits opened its first restaurant/bar in Lincoln, NE in 1990. Brewsky’s now boasts six restaurants in Lincoln and Omaha. Our menu (created by Certified Executive Chef Ed Janousek) surprises people that are expecting the normal “bar food” found at most sports bars. The menu consists of steaks, burgers, chicken, wraps and about everything in between. We offer all the sports packages on our banks of TVs as well. The atmosphere created, the quality of the food served and the modest prices charged define Brewsky’s. We’ve been voted Best Sports Bar in Omaha for five consecutive years (Omaha Magazine). Come let us WOW you!

DJ’s Dugout Sports Bar 402-763-9974

1003 Capitol Avenue. Catch all of the action at 3 Omaha locations. Featuring burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, appetizers and an impressive drink menu along with HD TV’s and projectors and home to Blazin’ Piano’s, Omaha’s only dueling piano concept . 114th & Dodge, 10th & Capitol and 23th & Cornhusker in Bellevue. djsdugout.com

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USDA

PRIME -featuring-

Sunday Prix Fixe

Dundee Dell 402-553-4010 (Omaha)

PICTURED: grilled scottish king salomn with new potato-carrot hash, grilled asparagus, and caper berre blanc Or choose from Filet Mignon DeBurgo or Sliced Prime Rib Au Jus

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3320 Mid America Dr. Council Bluffs, IA.”The Lube” serves over 70 million wings annually, has bottled sauces for retail sale and has won the title of “Best Wings USA” Mondays are kids eat free from 5 to 9pm and Tuesdays are all you can eat wings for $12.99 all day. The Metro’s only, Quaker Steak and Lube also offers great steaks, ribs and burgers. Live Music again this fall on Friday nights.www.quakersteakandlube.com.

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PepperJax Grill is known for its famous award winning Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches packed full of seasoned sirloin steak on an authentic Philadelphia hearth-baked roll. Grilled Steak, Chicken and Shrimp Gourmet Rice Bowls, Giant Wraps, and Fresh Salads are also very popular. PepperJax Grill has 7 Omaha locations, www. pepperjaxgrill.com.

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PepperJax Grill Multiple Locations

-4pm to 9pm-

5007 Underwood. 11 AM until 1 AM every day, MondaySunday. Famous for Fish n’ Chips since 1934. Single malt & scotch tastings open to the public four times a month. Private tastings also available. We serve food from 11 AM to Midnight Sunday through Thursday, and from 11AM to 12:45 AM Friday and Saturday. We also serve a fantastic Sunday brunch from 11AM–2 PM on Sundays. $

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*Des Moines Kansas City LeawooD oMaha 1403 Farnam street Downtown omaha 402.341.1222

HAND STRETCHED NEW YORK STYLE PIZZA THANKS FOR VOTING US #1 AGAIN

Upstream Brewing Company two omaha locations

514 S 11th St. (402) 344-0200. Upstream features an extensive menu of new American pub fare including: appetizers and thin-crust pizzas, superb steaks featuring “Omaha Steaks”, fresh fish, pasta, salads, sandwiches and a great children’s menu. Fresh, handcrafted beer and root beer on tap. Extensive wine list. Call ahead for group reservations or to be placed on our waiting list. Visit our classic, upscale poolroom located on the second level.

CALZONES · PASTA · SALADS · HOAGIES · APPETIZERS · BEER · WINE

For banquets, parties, and meetings call 330-1444. Full Service Mon.-Fri. Nights & Sat.-Sun. All Day Self-Service Lunch Mon.-Fri.

We deliver downtown!

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

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EAT What You CRAVE! Open for lunch & dinner ( CLOSED MONDAYS )

Take-out & catering Pizzas shipped nationwide 45th & Leavenworth

OLD MARKET - 13th & Howard 7 Omaha Area Locations

402-556-6464

www.PepperJaxGrill.com

LaCasaPizzaria.net

NOW FEATURING SUSHI & SASHIMI DINNERS Sukiyaki • Shrimp Tempura Teriyaki Steak • Cantonese Dinners • Family Style for Two or More • Intimate Tea Rooms Available • Reservations Preferred in Tea Rooms.

Try Our Famous Plus 20 Exciting Polynesian Cocktails and Delicious Cantonese Appetizers

Open 5pm Mon.- Sat. Closed Sun.

7215 BLONDO

4741 S 96th St. Cafe L offers dishes made from scratch and all natural ingredients. From the gravy made with onion, carrots and celery to the spice pork chili, you can tell these flavors didn't come from a box. Friday's feature smoked Duroc pork raised in Iowa, steroid and antibiotic free, this is the Black Angus of pork. Visit us online for daily specials www.cafe96andl.com

BBQ

( ORDER ONLINE )

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Cafe L 402-201-3386

397-5049

Omaha

MAI TAI LOUNGE OPEN

4:30 P.M.

Famous Dave’s Barbeque 402-829-1616 (Omaha)

Famous Dave’s has been voted Omaha’s favorite barbeque by Omaha Magazine’s readers and the Reader’s Choice. Real hickory smoked ribs, brisket, pork and a great selection made-from-scratch recipes. Open lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Six Omaha-Metro area locations: Bellevue–21st & Cornhusker, Benson–71st & Ames, Eagle Run–130th & Maple, Lakeside–173rd &Center, Millard–120th & L, and Council Bluffs by the MAC. Take out and catering available.

RED ZONE BBQ 402.431.ZONE (OMAHA)

2056 N. 117th Ave. We are open Sun-Thurs: 11-9 and Fri & Sat's 11-10pm. We are offer 6 smoked meats as well as "HUGE" Turkey Legs and Big Ribs. We also offer 14 different homemade sides- everything from cheesy potatoes to apple cobbler to roasted red potatoes to mac&cheese We have catered for up to 750 people. Let us help you with your catering needs for the office and holiday parties as well. Check out our website at www.eatredzonebbq. com or find us Facebook as well.

ITALIAN don carmelo’s 2 locations (Omaha)

Thanks to our customers for voting us the “Best Burger in Omaha”

Stella’s Bar and Grill “Serving World Famous Hamburgers since 1936”

106 Galvin Rd - Bellevue, NE 402-291-6088 Open Monday-Saturday, 11:00 am - 9:00 pm www.StellasBarAndGrill.com

omaha’s original steakhouse

Tradition–Excellence–Value! Two locations: Rockbrook Village (402-933-3190) and 204th & Dodge (402-2899800) Omaha’s First and Finest NY Style Pizza, Stromboli, Calzone, Oven-Toasted Hoagies, Philly Cheese Steaks, Pasta, Salads, Beer & Wine. We also feature take-out and delivery and can cater your special event large or small. Stop in for daily lunch specials 11am -2 pm!

Lo Sole Mio Ristorante Italiano 402-345-5656 (Omaha)

3001 So. 32nd, Ave. Located in the middle of a neighborhood surrounded by charming homes. At the table everyone is greeted with homemade bread, a bowl of fresh tomatoes & basil, a bowl of oven roasted garlic cloves, special seasoned olive oil, & at night, a jug of Chianti! Large variety of pasta, chicken, veal, seafood, & even a delicious New York steak. Traditional dishes such as lasagna, tortellini, & eggplant parmigiana are also available. Lunch also offers panini, salads & one of the best pizza in town. Patio seating, full bar, & a great wine list complete this. No reservations, except for private rooms.

Nicola’s 402-345-8466 (Omaha)

• Proudly serving visitor & locals for 90 years. • Less than 10 minutes from Downtown. • Featured in Midwest Living Best of the Midwest 2011. • Serving hand cut steaks, aged on premise and slow roasted prime rib with pride. 402-731-4774 27th & ‘L’ St., Kennedy Frwy, ‘L’ St. Exit 8 Minutes from Downtown Omaha.

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Best Of Omaha 6Years Running

Where good food and good service never go out of style.

13th & Jackson. Nicola’s offers a distinctive, tempting menu of upscale Italian dishes, including Lobster Ravioli, Classic Carbonara & Mediterranean Lasagna in an alluring environment. Also enjoy an Extensive Wine List & Full Bar on our Outdoor Garden Patio while you dine. Nicola’s also offers Catering & Desserts To Go for your private party or business gathering.

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MC, V, AE, DC www.OmahaPublications.com

Portovino Ristorante 402-885-6800 (Omaha)

402.345.8466 13th & Jackson St

220 South 31st Avenue # 3107. Enjoy Old World Italian with a New World Style at Portovino Ristorante, Midtown Crossing’s newest restaurant. Gather around Portovino’s large brick oven and enjoy classic, fresh Italian, including pastas, entrees, salads, sandwiches and pizzas. Featuring a bar stocked with Italian wines, liquors and beer, Portovino is the perfect place to relax and reconnect with friends and family over fantastic food. Buon appetite! www.portovinoomaha.com $$

nicolasintheoldmarket.com

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK BREAKFAST ALL DAY LUNCH 11AM-2PM

CARRY-OUT • PARTY PACKS • CATERING • HOLIDAY PARTIES

120th & Pacific • 402-932-5577

mOUTHwATERING

Biaggi's 402-965-9800 (Omaha)

13655 California Street. Biaggi's is a casual Italian restaurant offering an extensive selection of pastas, soups & salads, pizza, seafood, steaks and desserts. Enjoy large portions of affordably-priced menu selections prepared with the freshest ingredients available. Our private event room and wine room are perfect for making any gathering an event to remember.

Pasta Amore 402-391-2585 (Omaha)

108th & West Center road (Rockbrook Village). Pastas are made fresh daily, including tortellini, fettuccine and capellini. Daily specials and menu items include a variety of fresh seafood and regional Italian dishes, such as Linguini Amore and Calamari Steak, Penne Florentine, Gnocchi, Spaghetti Puttanesca and Osso Bucco. Filet mignon also offered for those who appreciate nationally renowned Nebraska beef. To complement your dining experience, the restaurant offers a full bar and extensive wine list. Be sure to leave room for homemade desserts, like the tiramisu and cannolis. Lunch: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner: 4:30 p.m. Reservations recommended. AE-MC-V. $$

• Beef Brisket • Pulled Pork • Famous Ribs • Sausage & Hot Links

1218 So. 119 St. • 402-827-4376 168th & Center (S.W. Corner) 402-763-1860 1911 Leavenworth St. • 402-614-5544

• BBQ Nachos • Smoked Turkey • Smoked Chicken • Turkey Legs • & more...

Now Catering Wedding Receptions and Graduation Parties!

402.431.ZONE (9663) • 2056 N. 117th Ave. North Park Plaza Corner of 120th & Blondo

www.EatRedZoneBBQ.com or follow us on

ALL SHUCKS LOCATIONS ARE OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK

1218 So. 119 St. • 402-827-4376

Zio’s Pizzeria Several Omaha Locations

Three locations: 7834 Dodge St. (402-391-1881), 12997 W. Center Rd. (402-330-1444), and 1109 Howard St. in the Old Market (402-344-2222). DELIVERY, DINE-IN, and CARRY-OUT. Serving New York style pizza by slice or whole pies, calzones, hoagies, pastas, salads and garlic breads. Zio’s pies are hand-stretched and baked in oldworld ovens. Zio’s offers 35 of the freshest toppings. Taste the freshest pizza at Zio’s. Family dining – open seven days a week. Lunch special and beer and wine available. $

FISH MARKET IN ALL THREE SHUCKS OFFFERING FRESH SEAFOOD DAILEY AND WEEKLEY SPECIALS

Wave Bistro Asian Asian Fusion Fusion Cuisine Cuisine

402-496-8812 4002 N. 144th St.

One Block N of Maple & W side of 144th www.ReadOnlineNow.com

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5013 Underwood

Omaha, NE 68132

402.932.7778

agaveomaha.com

mon-sat 11am to 1am/12am bar+kitchen sun 5pm-1am/12am bar+kitchen

REMARKABLE HOSPITALITY. INCREDIBLE CUISINE. LOCAL PASSION.

ZURLO'S BISTRO ITALIANO 402-884-9500

13110 Birch Dr, Ste 100 (132nd & Maple) Innovative Italian cuisine courtesy of Chef Enzo Zurlo is an Omaha treasure not to be missed. Friendly staff serves everything from hot brick oven pizzas to sumptuous pasta dishes to homemade desserts. Live music, outdoor patio and a price point for every budget make the modern bistro a perfect place to relax with friends. www.zurlos.com

LIGHT & EASY

O’Connor’s Irish Pub & Grille 402-934-9790 (Omaha)

1217 Howard St. Comfortable, relaxing atmosphere. Great before and after games. O’Connor’s offers pub style food: burgers, reubens, daily specials and homemade soups. The pub offers all the traditional Irish favorite libations: Guinness, Harp and Irish whiskey. Grill hours: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. $

Agave

P R I VAT E D I N I N G A C C O M M O D AT I O N S F O R U P T O 7 0 L U N C H & D I N N E R • H A P P Y H O U R • L I V E M U S I C N I G H T LY HAND-CUT AGED STEAKS • FRESH SEAFOOD

222 S. 15th Street, Omaha, NE 68102 r e s e r va t i o n s 402.342.0077 sullivans.omaha@dfrg.com w w w . s u l l i va n s s t e a k h o u s e . c o m

Family Owned & Operated Authentic Italian Cuisine Party Rooms Available Carry Out Available

Serving Lunch & Dinner

MEXICAN

5013 Underwood Ave. Omaha NE 68132. Located in the heart of Dundee, Agave is the newest venue to enjoy delectable, from scratch Mexican fare. Specializing in Latin American cuisine, Agave also offers bold flavors from various regions of the Yucatan and Caribbean Islands. With an eclectic menu from fish tacos to chile rellenos, guests will have no problem finding an entree to suit their palate. Agave also proudly offers a fully stocked bar with over 160 tequilas. Whether sipping a freshly hand-made mojito on the large outdoor patio or enjoying a blended cucumber margarita with your meal, Agave offers happy hour specials daily. With a family-friendly atmosphere, we’re also happy to accommodate large parties in our cozy fiesta room. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.

Cantina Laredo 402-345-6000

120 S. 31st Ave. Cantina Laredo serves gourmet Mexican food in a sophisticated, vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy the signature margarita, the Casa Rita, made from fresh lime juice and the finest tequila, while savoring guacamole made fresh at your table. Visit Cantina Laredo at Omaha’s Midtown Crossing for lunch, dinner, drinks, and Sunday brunch.

Mon-Sat Casablanca Moroccan Cafe 3025 Farnam Street | 402.884.3382 casablancamoroccancafe.webs.com

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3001 S. 32nd Ave • Omaha, NE 402-345-5656

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MC, V, AE, DC www.OmahaPublications.com

Fernando’s Two Omaha Locations

Speciality Cakes & Cupcakes Fruit-Filled • Vegan • Sugar-Free • Gluten-Free

Two locations: 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. Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun. 4 p.m.-9 p.m. AE-MC-V. $

Mt. Fuji Inn 402-397-5049 (Omaha)

Prime Steak Fine Wine Premium Service

Asian

7215 Blondo St. For Japanese dining in the traditional atmosphere, take time to visit Mt. Fuji Inn. Specialties include fresh Sushi and Sashimi, Sukiyaki and Shrimp Tempura. Also featuring Cantonese Chinese dinners and appetizers. Dining in individual tea rooms is available by reservation. Enjoy one’s favorite beverages in the Mai Tai Lounge. Open Mon.-Sat. @ 4:30p.m. Dining room open Mon-Sat 5p.m. Closed Sun. & holidays. AE-MC-V. $$

1314 S. 119th St • 402-334-6800 www.CupcakeIsland.com

Sonoran Style Cooking Made Fresh Daily. Wave Bistro asian fusion cuisine 402-496-8812 (Omaha)

4002 N 144th St (One Blk N. of Maple St&West Side of 144th St) Step into a world where green waves suspend in the air, an intimate interior as mouth watering aromas waft thru the air. Wave Bistro presents the best Asian Cuisine in Omaha with a European twist. One of a kind dishes from scratch such as Cashew Crusted Salmon to Tea Smoked Duck-a balance between contemporary & traditional food. Full service bar. Mon-Thurs 11:00AM-9:00PM,Fri-Sat 11:00AM-10:00PM. All Credit Cards Accepted.

SEAFOOD

Catering and Party Rooms Also Available. 7555 Pacific St. 399–8006 380 N.114 St. 330–5707 Omaha, Nebraska

Omaha’s Only Authentic German Restaurant Locally Owned Since 1976

13665 California Street Omaha, Nebraska 402.445.4380 www.mahoganyprime.com Private party rooms available for 6 to 40 people.

Charlie’s on the Lake (Omaha)

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Homemade Spaeezel Wiener Schnitzel & German Potato Salad

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Pan Fried Chicken Wednesdays All Occassions Cakes, Pies, Strudel

5180 Leavenworth 402-553-6774 www.gerdasgermanrestaurant.com www.ReadOnlineNow.com

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144th and F streets (402-894-9411). Charlie’s is the only fresh-fish daily seafood restaurant in Omaha. Featuring a relaxed, yet contemporary atmosphere that is fun for all ages. Besides fresh seafood, Charlie’s is the home of the James Bond style martini, shaken not stirred, in over 20 varieties, in addition to over 60 wines. Lunch: Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dinner: Mon.-Thu. 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 4:30 p.m.-11 p.m.; Sun. 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m. $

Top 100 Restaurants in America

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shucks fish house & oyster bar 402-827-4376 (S. 119 St.) 402-763-1860 (168th & Center)

1218 S. 119th St, and also in the Shops of Legacy, SW corner of 168th & Center (just north of Lifetime Fitness). Open 7 days a week. Have you ever been to a fish shack on the coast? You’ll like this! Open 7 days a week. Shrimp or Oyster Po’ Boys, Fried Clam Strips, Shrimp, Walleye, Calamari and Oysters (all VERY lightly breaded). Plus Crab Cakes, Clam Chowder, Gumbo, Salads and Daily Fresh Fish Specials. Featuring a large variety of Oysters on the Half Shell, shucked right in front of you. Killer Happy Hour 2-6, every day.

Casablanca Moroccan Cafe 402.884.3382

3025 Farnam St./Midtown Crossing. The Chef Hamid has been in the restaurant business for over 20 years. He enjoys making delicious dishes for every occasion. Great Hummus! Open M-Th 11a.m.-11p.m., Fri-Sat 11a.m.-12a.m., Sun 11a.m.-12a.m.

Over 750 Single Malts 500 Kinds of Liquor • 230 Kinds of Beer Omaha’s Best Fish & Chips

Best of omaha 2012

5007 Underwood • Omaha, NE 68132 • (402) 553-9501 • www.dundeedell.com

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Pasta Amore

Owned & Operated by the Cascio Family for 65 years

a classic spot

Cupcake Island 402.334.6800

1314 S. 119th St. For six years, Cupcake Island has been delightfully serving Omaha brides with their wedding cakes and cupcakes. They offer a variety of cake choices, including but not limited to: vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free, in additional to traditional wedding cake flavors. Monday-Friday 8-5 and Saturday 8-4.

Gerda’s German Restaurant & Bakery 402-553-6774 (Omaha)

5188 Leavenworth St. Omaha’s only Authentic German Restaurant. A little piece of Germany in Omaha. Gerda herself makes homemade spaetzle, schnitzels and rouladen. Fresh made soups, red cabbage, sauerkraut and dumplings are a few other treats. Stay for dessert of black forest cake or grab fresh bakery for breakfast on your way out. Open Monday-Tuesday 6 a.m.-3 p.m. and Wednesday-Saturday 6 a.m.-9 p.m.

Greek Islands 402-346-1528 (Omaha)

Now Serving Pizza!

3821 Center St. Greek cuisine with specials every day at reasonable prices. Well known for our Gyro sandwiches and salads. We do catering and can accommodate a party for 65 guests. Carryout and delivery available. Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. AE-DC-MC-V. $

Horsemen’s Park 402-731-2900 (Omaha)

Horsemen’s Park located at 6303 Q Street. Happy Hour Mon-Wed from 5-9 p.m.–$1 pints, $1.75 domestic bottles and $2 well drinks. Tuesday–25¢ wings from 3-8 p.m. Wednesday–$5.95 Steak Night after 5:00 p.m. Thursday–75¢ tacos and $1.75 margaritas after 5:00 p.m. Friday – $7.95 Prime Rib Dinner after 5:00 p.m. Daily specials 7 days a week. Open daily at 10:00 a.m. Check out our website at www.horsemenspark.com.

LUNCH: Mon.-Fri.: 11a.m.-2p.m. DINNER: Mon.-Sat.: 4:30p.m-Close Private Party Rooms Business Luncheons Catering Rockbrook Village • (108th & Center) (402) 391-2585 • Fax: 391-0910 www.pastaamore.net

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1620 S. 10th 1 mile south of CenturyLink Center 345-8313 • www.casciossteakhouse.com www.OmahaPublications.com

Jaipur Brewing Company 402-392-7331 (OMAHA)

10922 Elm St. Rockbrook Village. A casual restaurant in a ralaxed atmosphere. Lunch; Chicken Tikki Naan with Chutney; Tandoori Chicken & Muligatanny soup. Dinner entrees include fresh vegetables dishes, grilled colorado lamb sirloin, Sushi grade Ahi, Tandoori marinated grilled salmon, Tandoor grilled beef tenderloin, to name a few. Wide selection of wines & liquor, on site brewed beer. Lunch: Thurs. & Fr. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner: Sun.-Thurs. 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri & Sat. 5p.m.-10:30 p.m.

Katie's Greek Restaurant 402.558.5623

119 S 40th St. Katies Greek Restaurant & Taverna is a family run establishment and we value giving great food at a great price. Omaha agrees! Want to eat light? Try our fine vegetarian cuisine! Have a heartier appetite? How about a nice, juicy souvlakia! If you have a diner who might not feel adventurous enough for Greek food, we also have a nice selection of American items as well. We also have a full bar with all your favorites, including our specialty martinis. We can cater private parties hold it at your location or at ours! Give us a call or find us on facebook for special offers.

Race cars and Motorcycles hanging from the ceiling! Corvettes in the dining room! Over 30 T.V.s to watch your favorite games. We have a full menu with Ribs, Salads, Burgers, Sandwiches and of course Steak! We feature Jumbo size Chicken Wings with 18 different types of Award-Winning sauces. Our Atomic hot sauce is so hot that you have to sign a waiver to eat them!

3320 Mid America Drive • Council Bluffs, IA 51501 712.322.0101 • www.quakersteakandlube.com

Nosh Wine Lounge 402-614-2121

1006 Dodge Street. A diverse boutique wine list from around the world, culinary delights using locally grown organic produce and impressive drink menu. Nosh is the place for friends to gather, relax and celebrate good times. Located in The Capitol District in Downtown Omaha. noshwine.com

Happy Hour Lunch or Dinner Sunday Brunch 10a-2p Business Catering Thursday Night Live Music

Red Mango (402) 933-8815 (13th & Cuming) (402) 884-3795 (103rd & Pacific) (402) 334-4774 (168th & Center)

Red Mango combines its refreshingly tangy frozen yogurt with fresh and exciting toppings to create a nutritious dessert that can be enjoyed guilt free all day. Red Mango Frozen yogurt is all-natural, nonfat, gluten-free, and kosher most importantly it taste great! Locations at 13th & Cuming, 103rd & Pacific and 168th & W. Center.

Always a Large Selection of Fresh Fish

4150 SOUTH 144TH STREET • OMAHA • 894-9411 TED & WALLY’S ICE CREAM 402-341-5827

Come experience the true taste of homemade ice cream at 12th & Jackson in the Old Market. Since 1986, we’ve created gourmet ice cream flavors in small batches using rock salt & ice. We offer your favorites plus unique flavors like Margarita, Green Tea, Guinness, and French Toast. Special orders available.

Greek and American Cuisine Homemade Greek Pastries Takeout & Catering Beer-Wine-Cocktails

Legend (average price per entrée)

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119 S 40th St • Omaha, NE (40th & Dodge) 402-558-5623 • KatiesGreek.com Visit us at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha & CenturyLink Center Omaha july/august • 2012

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STEAKHOUSES

rotellasbakery.com 801 Chopouse at the Paxton 402-341-1222

1403 Farnam St. Designed with a 1920’s era New York Chophouse in mind, 801 is the epitome of elegance. You will not forget the crisp white tablecloth fine dining experience. From their USDA prime grade beef and jetfresh seafood from all over the world, 801 Chophouse is truly the best Omaha has to offer. Open 7 nights a week.

Cascio’s Steak House 402-345-8313

Since 1946, Cascio’s Steak House has been Omaha’s #1 steakhouse. The Cascio family established high standards of top quality food which is carefully prepared and promptly served by the friendly staff. Minutes south of the old market. The perfect place to hold your entire banquet and party needs Cascio’s has 7 party rooms handling groups of 10-400 people. www.casciossteakhouse.com

Louis & Helen Rotella Sr. with their children Maria and Louis Jr. in the early 1960’s.

As my father would proudly say, “We wish you the very best from the Rotella family”.

Legend (average price per entrée) $1 to 10 - $, $10 to 20 - $$, $20 to 30 - $$$, $30 and over - $$$$

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PREMIUM HOMEMADE ICE CREAM

O’Connor’s Irish Pub 1217 Howard St. • Omaha, NE 68102 402-934-9790 The Drover 402-391-7440

Find Us On Facebook

1120 Jackson Street (402) 341-5827 tedandwallys.com

5 Years In A Row

2121 S. 73rd Street (just 1/2 block of Doubletree) Famous for the original Whiskey Steak. Truly a one of a kind Midwestern experience. Excellent food, wine, service and value. Rare……..and very well done. Reservations accepted. Lunch: Mon–Fri 11am – 2pm. Cocktail Hour 3-6pm Dinner nightly at 5pm. Reservations accepted. AE,Dc-MC-V $$$

Johnny’s Café – Since 1922 402-731-4774 (Omaha)

27th and L streets. Years of quality dining and hospitality make Johnny’s Café a restaurant to remember. Serving only the finest corn-fed beef the Midwest has to offer. Aged steaks and prime rib are the specialties, with homemade bread and pies to complete one’s meal. An excellent wine list adds to the enjoyment at one of Omaha’s original restaurants. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m. AE-MC-V. $$

Mahogany Prime Steakhouse 402.445.4380

13665 California St. This is a restaurant where steak is the star, using custom aged U.S. Prime Midwestern Beef known for its excellence in marbling, texture, and flavor. We serve it sizzling on a heated plate so that it stays hot throughout your meal. With amazing service in a less intimidating fine dining atmosphere.

Sip the FineSt Margarita... Experience the gourmet side of Mexican cuisine Taste guacamole made fresh at your table Savor fresh seafood and steaks with authentic sauces

Midtown Crossing

120 South 31st Ave Omaha 402.345.6000 cantinalaredo.com www.ReadOnlineNow.com

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The Original Whiskey Steak

Open Monday-Friday 11am-2pm Dinner nightly from 5pm

Reservations Accepted (402) 391-7440

Omaha Prime 402-341-7040 (Omaha)

415 S. 11th St. (Old Market). Only restaurant featuring complete Prime beef. Open six days a week, Mon.-Sat. 5 p.m.-close. $$-$$$

tripadvisor.com reviews

“The artichoke dip is a must have.” “The food is out of this world and the house-brewed root beer is the best.”

“The New York strip was awesome and cooked to perfection!” “Best brewery we’ve experienced.”

“I got the shrimp white pizza. I could have licked the plate it was so good!”

2121 S. 73 St. Just ½ block South of Doubletree

DroverRestaurant.com Thank You Omaha for Voting Us #1 Chinese Dining

Piccolo’s Restaurant 402-342-9038 (Omaha)

2202 S. 20th St. One of Omaha’s finest traditions, where quality steaks are served at low prices. Especially designed for a family outing or a business social. The specialty is tasty prime rib, served for the last 60 years under the crystal ball. Daily lunches: Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dinner: Mon.-Thu. 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 4:30 p.m.110:30 p.m. Daily and night specials.

Formerly China Road

681 North 132nd Street Omaha, NE 68154-4031 (402) 431-0066 silkroadomaha.com

Sullivan’s Steakhouse 342-0077 (Omaha)

2222 S. 15th St. Sullivan’s is a vibrant neighborhood steakhouse featuring hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood and an award-winning wine list – all served up with unparalleled hospitality. Sullivan’s is located just blocks away from Omaha’s Old Market District. The restaurant features a lively bar, intimate dining room and open patio where guests can enjoy live jazz nightly. The beautiful wine cellar is the perfect setting for private dinners and business presentations.

2202 South 20th Street – Omaha See our full menu, happy hours and more at

upstreambrewing.com

Family Restaurant • Fine Steaks Chicken • Seafood Party Rooms Available Legend (average price per entrée)

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Wine & Food Story by John Fischer • International Wine & Food Society, Omaha Branch, Member & Past President

Chardonnay— Food Pairings

hardonnay is the most beloved white wine in the world. It is the quintes-

sential aristocrat of white wine grapes. However, it is a wine with many faces. Some wines are big, soft, rich, buttery, oaky, full-bodied and redolent with abounding tropical fruity scents and flavors, while at the other extreme there are wines that are lighter, tarter, crisper, devoid of oak, and infused with more subtle and intricate flavors such as apples, citrus, and minerals. And, in between these two extremes, there is a wide spectrum of other wine styles. Is there one dominant characteristic a wine should have that makes it amenable to wine-food pairings? I can answer that question without hesitation: the most important quality is tartness. Tartness invigorates a wine and gives it structure. Wines that are deficient in tartness are flat, flabby, and flavorless. Concomitant with the decline of a wine is the diminution of tartness and with that is the dwindling of flavor. Tartness supports the flavors in a wine, and it should not come as a surprise that it does the same in accompanying foods. Foods are brightened and invigorated by the tartness supplied by a fresh, crisp, sapid wine. Another advantage of a tart wine is that it decreases the sensation of richness. One of the reasons the big, rich, Chardonnay-style of wine is so full-bodied is that its acidity is carefully moderated. This makes wine soft, suave, and succulent—a great wine for sipping, but a poor candidate to match with most foods. One of the axioms of wine-food pairing is to match the weight of a wine with that of the food. However, when you pair a soft, heavyweight Chardonnay with a full-bodied dish, the combination becomes cloyingly rich—just too much of a good thing. The pairing begs to be lightened by a good dose of refreshing acidity. Picture in your mind’s eye drinking a glass of oaky, soft, full-bodied Chardonnay with a rich dish such as macaroni and cheese—I can feel a cloying sensation of excess in my stomach just thinking about it. This brings us to the crux of this article: What style of Chardonnay pairs best with foods? Certainly not the big, soft, rich, buttery, oaky, and full-bodied rendition. It is simply too heavy to match with foods. Oak aging and malolactic fermentation (which gives Chardonnay its buttery flavor) are at the root of the problem in making Chardonnay ponderous: If the wine is buttery, chances are that it will not be tart. It is the lighter, tarter, and less cumbersome style of Chardonnay that makes the best match with food. For California wines, there is no way to determine which wines belong in the lighter, leaner style short of trying the wine. However, French white Burgundies (which are all made from Chardonnay grapes) are very reliable sources for lighter, tarter-styled wines. This is especially true for Chablis, which is made in the cooler northern part of the country. Other countries which are more likely to produce wines in the lighter and tarter category are New Zealand, Chile, and the Pacific Northwest.

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