Omaha Magazine October 2025 - The Education Issue

MONDAY, OCT. 6 to SATURDAY, OCT. 11

SILICON PRAIRIE STARTUP WEEK is a regional celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation in Nebraska. Connect with founders, investors, makers, community builders and inventors at events in Lincoln and Omaha. The week includes interactive panels, hands-on workshops, showcases, hackathons and a pitch competition. Come to learn, network and get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the physical spaces where innovation happens.

FRESH STARTS AND FAMILIAR FACES: COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS IN THE EDUCATION ISSUE

The start of a new school year brings with it a sense of renewal and possibility. It’s a time for returning to classroom routines, athletic rivalries, and the excitement of discovery. As students and teachers step back into classrooms with fresh energy and focus, we are reminded that fall is also a season for change, learning, and growth.

This October edition of Omaha Magazine is our education issue with profile stories that spotlight longtime educators, feature articles exploring the city’s educational landscape, and more.

After Benson High School ended its football season prematurely last year, the Bunnies are back to the excitement of Friday night lights. Omaha Magazine collaborated with Flatwater Free Press to co-publish an in-depth look at how the competitive recruitment landscape has disadvantaged some of our city’s most storied high school football programs.

Also new for this school year, Omaha Girls Rock returned after a brief hiatus. The beloved music education nonprofit relaunched under the the management of The Bay, a Lincoln-based nonprofit that is expanding its mission of youth empowerment to Omaha.

We feature a profile on the “new” Omaha Public Schools superintendent Matthew Ray. Although new to the district’s top job in 2024, he’s no stranger to local schools. He began teaching in OPS as a student teacher at Ashland Park-Robbins nearly 30 years ago and rose to the top of a nationwide search to fill the role.

Also meet Ruth Meints, artistic director (and former executive director) at the Omaha Conservatory of Music, whose genius brought String Sprouts to Nebraska and developed the world-touring youth

ensemble Frontier Strings for advanced students (known to twirl hula hoops while playing violin on stage).

Learn more about the educational journey of a University of Nebraska Medical Center professor Dr. Peter Iwen whose work as a gravedigger helped him pay for college decades before his leadership as director of the Nebraska Public Health Laboratory saved countless lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Find inspiration in the poetry and community engagement of Jewel Rodgers, who grew up in Omaha and is now the new Nebraska State Poet.

And of course, the dining section is always a great place to educate yourself on Omaha’s vibrant dining scene. Consider the growing trend in hot pot restaurants, or learn more about chef Clayton Chapman who has discovered a new niche at the intersection of food, education, and ecotourism.

To wrap up with some personal news: After serving as Omaha Magazine executive editor from 2016 to 2019, I am thrilled to be back to my familiar desk. Omaha Magazine’s focus on community journalism is truly a public service, and we are thrilled to share these stories with you.

Doug Meigs Executive Editor Omaha Magazine doug@omahapublications.com

Make it possible with NP Dodge. Learn more at npdodge.com

THE USUAL SUSPECTS

001

Fresh Starts and Familiar Faces

FRIDAY NIGHT BLOWOUTS

004

025

037

Six Spots to Fall

Hiland

082

085

Omaha-Area Corn Mazes

ENTERTAINMENT

Listen to the entire issue here. Open the camera on your smart device and hover over the QR code. Produced by Radio Talking Book

THE COVER

Chef Clayton Chapman, famed for the Grey Plume, continues to champion local food and the full journey from seed to service. Read more on page 62.

Backlund Plumbing

Henry Doorly Zoo

Catering Creations

Children's Nebraska

Cutchall Management Group FNBO

Kiewit Luminarium

Lauritzen Gardens

M.U.D.

Omaha Performing Arts Society

Primo's Modern Mexican Restaurant

Scott Conference Center

The Dentists Valmont

Chef Clayton Chapman Returns to His Roots

Jewel Rodgers

Wukong

EDITORIAL

Executive Editor

DOUG MEIGS

Associate Editor & Staff Writer

NATALIE VELOSO

Assignment Editor & Staff Writer

ISAAC NIELSEN

Editorial Interns

NAOMI HEU · LUCY MASON

Contributing Writers

TAMSEN BUTLER · MICHELE FAN · DAWAUNE HAYES

SARA LOCKE · LISA LUKECART · HOLLY M c ATEE

LINDA PERSIGEHL · VERONICA PLOETZ

MIKE’L SEVERE · JESSE STANEK

TIM TRUDELL · OTIS TWELVE

CREATIVE

Creative Director

RACHEL BIRDSALL

Senior Graphic Designer

RENEÉ LUDWICK

Graphic Designer II

NICKIE ROBINSON

Graphic Designer I

JOEY WINTON

Chief Photographer

SARAH LEMKE

SALES

Branding & Digital Specialists

GREG BRUNS · GIL COHEN

DAWN DENNIS · FRANCINE FLEGG

SANDY MATSON · TIM McCORMACK

KRISTEN SPRINGER

Digital Advertising Sales Specialist

TRAVIS FISHER

Senior Sales Coordinator

ALICIA HOLLINS

Sales Coordinators

JESSICA LINHART · SANDI M cCORMACK

Director of Business & Development

CAROLE SPRUNK

OPERATIONS

Business Manager

KYLE FISHER

Ad Traffic Manager

DAVID TROUBA

Digital Manager

LUIS DE LA TOBA

Distribution Manager

CARSON KRUSE

EXECUTIVE

Publisher

TODD LEMKE

CEO

BILL SITZMANN

The Heart of Omaha Magazine

Omaha Magazine has existed in Omaha since 1890, according to publisher Todd Lemke. Lemke himself entered the Omaha publishing scene in March 1983 with the first issue of City Slicker. That newsprint publication was the precursor to his Omaha Magazine, which launched its first issue in 1989.

Today, Omaha Magazine Ltd. is the parent company of Omaha Publications, which produces other community-focused magazines such as FACES of Omaha, B2B Magazine, Family Guide, and many custom publishing products.

The magazines would not be possible without the people behind them whether that's the people in between the covers or those behind the scenes.

Lemke and his Omaha Publications staff take immense pride in presenting Omahans with the best stories in the city and the company is always looking to improve the products. That sometimes means switching some features and departments to give the denizens of Omaha what they crave.

At its heart, the Omaha Magazine team is one that works hard for its community.

Andrew Norman and Sara Bertuldo

FEATURE

Omaha Girls Rock and The Bay Team Up to Serve Omaha Youth

Story by Tamsen Butler | Photography by Sarah Lemke | Design by Rachel Birdsall

When two powerhouse organizations that serve Omaha’s youth decide to team up, great things can happen for the entire community. When news spread that Omaha Girls Rock, a nonprofit organization empowering young girls through music education, was joining forces with The Bay, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering all youth, many people within the Omaha area were unsurprisingly excited by the news and what it could mean for the area.

Omaha Girls Rock had previously announced that its programming would end in December 2024 due to financial limitations.

The collaboration’s positive impact is twofold: The Bay will strengthen its presence in the Omaha metro, and Omaha Girls Rock will move forward with the backing of a nonprofit organization that has already proven its worth in the Lincoln area. It’s the joining of two groups with nearly identical core missions empowering youth.

Omaha Girls Rock started serving young girls in 2011, providing them with mentoring and instrument instruction. Recent studies suggest that children (girls, in particular) greatly benefit from music education, with youth demonstrating improvements in mental health and increased feelings of connection as a result of the exposure to, and participation in, musical education. Omaha Girls Rock set out to provide opportunities to young girls to learn instruments and perform in a band an opportunity many of the youth involved would not have otherwise had.

The Bay has always asserted that traditional opportunities don’t always resonate with all youth, and as a result, has consistently tried to provide young people with ample opportunities to try their hands at new and engaging things. Music, skateboarding, photography, fashion, entrepreneurship, and more are offered to young participants to help them gain hands-on experience within their areas of passion.

That hands-on experience can compel kids to consider careers that they may not have thought attainable before getting involved in the program. It’s also a place for kids to connect with other kids who share their interests and passions.

"What I want to do when I'm older is cinematography for movies,” said The Bay participant Cohen Tedesco, who is in ninth grade. “The Bay is a place you can go to learn a lot and meet a lot of new people.”

The two organizations were no strangers to one another, and it's a partnership that simply makes a lot of sense. The Bay

They have different ways that they reach out to youth. They do music, but they also do skateboarding and fashion, and art and stuff.

–Sara Bertuldo

co-founder and executive director Andrew Norman said that adding the resources and expertise of Omaha Girls Rock to The Bay will benefit everyone involved. “We were supporting each other and kind of all going after the same goal, but they just became so good at running a very unique confidence-building summer camp where kids start with essentially zero musical experience and end up performing on a major stage,” Norman said. “It’s just so cool!”

Before joining The Bay’s nonprofit leadership team, Norman had founded Hear Nebraska to advocate for and showcase the state’s musicians. Hear Nebraska operation eventually folded into The Bay’s programming as Rabble Mill, which since pivoted back to being called The Bay this year as of Jan. 1.

Omaha Girls Rock’s former operations manager and professional musician Sara Bertuldo recently joined The Bay as their workforce education and OGR program manager, which will allow the Omaha Girls Rock programming's best practices to seamlessly fold into The Bay’s programming. As a result, The Bay’s music education programming will be strengthened and enhanced.

Bertuldo is adjusting well to her new role within an organization that is considerably larger than Omaha Girls Rock, with more programming and a larger staff. She’s tasked with creating a five-year growth plan, according to Norman, who also added that Bertuldo has already proven to be an asset for a variety of reasons not least of all, because of her strong connections to other nonprofit organizations in Omaha with similar missions and her practical experience as a touring musician.

Bertuldo is most excited to expand The Bay’s music programming. She said The Bay had focused mostly on electronic music education, and while she’s not opposed to electronic music, she’s excited to get some traditional instruments into the hands of the kids.

Norman added that he admired the work done by Omaha Girls Rock over the years and is “just happy to ensure that that legacy keeps growing.”

“They were really building confidence and mentorship in a demographic that often is underrepresented in music,” Norman continued. “They were building leaders out of these young women, and they were doing it with a big message of empowerment and

really just strengthening these young people's characters, just like us at The Bay.” He added that music is often “the hook” or tactic used, but the confidence-building and networking skills that kids learn as a result are important, transferable skills.

“What I love about The Bay is that they have a broad enough mission statement that can cover the needs of our kids at OGR, as well as their own,” Bertuldo explained. “They have different ways that they reach out to youth. They do music, but they also do skateboarding and fashion, and art and stuff. So, it seems like a good fit. They're most well-known for things like skateboarding, and I just felt like skating and rock ‘n' roll kind of went hand-in-hand.”

Griffin Ellick, who is a fourth-grader on level four of The Bay’s Skate School program, said, “I have made a lot of friends here. Without skateboarding, I don't think I would have ever had as much confidence in doing tests at school, and homework, and lots of other things.

“Because with skateboarding, it shows you that you have to go right into things instead of waiting,” he continued. “I think it has made me a lot more confident. Instead of sitting at home playing video games and watching TV, I was actually able to go outside and enjoy the world of skating."

For Omaha Girls Rock, the merger into The Bay isn’t the end. Instead, it’s a new beginning with more manpower and a varied curriculum for young people.

The future will bring some exciting announcements from The Bay, some of which have been in progress for quite some time with a great deal of careful planning. Norman said that he would love to see an Omaha Girls Rock presence in Lincoln, where The Bay already has existing programming. Plans are in the works for an Omaha Girls Rock summer camp in 2026. Bertuldo is also working toward bringing The Bay’s popular “Gap Year” program to Omaha. Both the Omaha and Lincoln areas will undoubtedly benefit from the collaboration of The Bay and Omaha Girls Rock.

The Bay isn’t in talks with any other nonprofit organizations right now that are looking to merge, but Norman said they’re “open to meet” and will “consider any opportunity that's going to increase the opportunities” for The Bay.

Ultimately, it comes down to empowering kids and guiding them in a good direction. “We want every kid, no matter their gender or beliefs, to feel safe and like they have a home. They can find community at The Bay,” Norman said.

Visit thebay.org for more information.

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www.maxiwalker.com & www.maxiwalkeruniform.com

Ho y L ukasiewicz

Blooms in Business

Sustainability Creates a Greener Future for Floral Design

A/C VISUAL

Story by Veronica Wortman Ploetz

Photography by Sarah Lemke

Design by Renee Ludwick

On a Sunday afternoon at Lauritzen Gardens, Holly Lukasiewicz pulls a book from the classroom shelf as participants in her Pressed and Framed Flora workshop quietly arrange dried and fl attened flowers onto handmade paper. She begins to read aloud the meanings of flowers featured in the book. The group listens and nods at some of the defi nitions, expressing delight upon hearing their favorite flower had positive meaning.

Reading to the group is an engaging practice she carries forward from her days as an elementary school teacher. “More and more, this world sets us up to be disassociated from one another. It is important to me to make space for gathering, sharing experiences, and learning about what connects us to the natural world, which we are a part of, too,” Lukasiewicz said.

During the pandemic, Lukasiewicz was sent home from the elementary school where she taught and tasked with recording art lessons to video. She embraced the challenge and delivered lessons using materials students could potentially find in and around their homes. But she missed connecting with her students. As a lifelong learner, she followed an interest in floral design. She enrolled in a degree program at Metropolitan Community College and worked in a grocery store flower shop, where she built a fundamental understanding of logistics associated with the industry.

The experience made her both aware and concerned with the amount of waste the industry produced. Craving a deeper discussion with designers who shared her values, she

connected with several floral design professionals online who carefully considered their environmental impact and committed to sustainable practices.

Lukasiewicz learned from industry professionals like Ellen Frost, an expert in the floriculture industry focused on building a business model around locally sourced flowers. She followed Becky Feasby, who specialized in environmental-friendly floristry. She also found support through the Slow Flowers Movement and the Sustainable Floristry Network, realizing the importance of knowing the origin of flowers, and focused on supporting local flower farms. She connected with Lauren Bates, blogger and podcast host, to deep dive into sustainability practices of the floral and fashion industries.

“I started my sustainable floral design business, District 2 Floral Studio, mid-pandemic after transitioning from a career as a public school art educator, driven by my passions for art, education, and environmentalism,” she said. “Floral design allows me to create beauty while prioritizing eco-friendly, low-waste practices, using natural materials that return to the earth a s compost.”

District 2 Floral Studio’s sustainability practices include:

• Supporting local and domestic farmers through the Slow Flowers Movement, focusing on seasonal and nearby sourcing, off ering a low carbon footprint during transport from that of imported flowers.

• Reducing packaging waste by eliminating plastic picks, wraps, synthetic ribbons, and balloons.

• Avoiding single-use fl oral foam, which breaks down into toxic microplastics.

• Composting excess stem and foliage with commercial composters like Hillside Solutions or OmaGrow (note: fl ora cannot be synthetically dyed, painted, or glittered if it is to be composted at a commercial facility).

• Reusing post-event fl orals creatively, such as off ering eco-breakdown services for landfill diversion.

• Reusing packaging, like fl ower boxes for storage, and sharing excess rubber bands with farm partners.

• Recycling paper and plastic packaging through municipal services and using ReNew “orange” bags for hard-to-recycle plastics.

• Donating a portion of sales to the Honor Native Land Fund, as a voluntary land tax to support Native-led land and water stewardship eff orts regionally.

It was during this time that Lukasiewicz’s relationship with the natural world deeply shifted while reading Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book, Braiding Sweetgrass, which explores Indigenous wisdom gleaned from the natural world. “Her words continue to impart how I approach my design practice,” she said.

Beyond her floral design work, the educational workshops Lukasiewicz facilitates at Lauritzen Gardens all have the common sustainability thread connecting the same principles that guide her business. Participants attending the Eco

Printing with Plant and Flower Compost workshop used leaves, flowers, and other natural elements as they transferred colors and shapes onto a cotton scarf, creating unique designs with organic materials.

“It is important to me to go beyond teaching technique, but hopefully facilitate creative-making opportunities,” Lukasiewicz said. “My motivation while creating is in offering my community meaningful moments of connecting to nature through as low-waste means as possible. Part of that role is educating around what an environmentally-friendly approach to floral design might look like related to environmental, social, and economic considerations—and why it matters.”

Lukasiewicz creates community experiences rooted in her values. She works part-time at Long Walk Farm, where she supports the planting and harvesting of home-grown, no-chemical produce and flowers that are distributed to local farmers markets and restaurants. The farm practices sustainable agriculture through cover cropping and composting. Farm co-owner Tiffiny Clifton cherishes Lukasiewicz.

“Holly is such a gem. She brings a sense of wonder along with a sense of urgency and practicality to making each day more earth-friendly, more kind, and more aware of how we all can honor one another and the earth by our daily actions.” -Tiffiny Clifton

“Holly is such a gem. She brings a sense of wonder along with a sense of urgency and practicality to making each day more earth-friendly, more kind, and more aware of how we all can honor one another and the earth by our daily actions,” Clifton said.

Th rough Gotta Be Me, a nonprofit organization cultivating inclusion of people with disabilities and their families through fun activities that include an educational component, Clifton invited Lukasiewicz to facilitate a mindfulness and art class each Monday to start each week with a creative experience. The lessons center around themes including sustainability, upcycling, and recycling by using supplies that would otherwise be discarded.

Teaching in-person and Zoom art classes provides an outlet to continue using her degrees in art education, English as a learned language, and special education. On a regular basis, Lukasiewicz off ers art classes to underserved members of the Omaha community through the WhyArts or ganization.

“I align with Céline Semaan-Vernon’s view that ‘all we create returns to the Earth as food or poison,’ meaning everything we produce either nourishes or harms the environment,” Lukasiewicz said. “We can shift from harmful waste like poison and landfi lls to practices that nourish ecosystems, like food and compost.”

Visit district2floral.com for more information.

A/C THEATER

Story by Dawaune Lamont Hayes // Photography by Sarah Lemke // Design by Joey Winton

THE POWER OF PLAY

BRIAN GUEHRING’S LIFELONG DEDICATION TO CHILDREN’S THEATER

he fi rst fairy tales were parables for teaching kids li fe lessons.

Little Red Riding Hood taught us to pay attention, watch out for tricksters, and stand up for ourselves. The Th ree Little Pigs showed the value of building with integrity, the strength of community, and respect for others. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and Goosebumps delivered similar lessons in their own eerie yet memorable ways.

Th e point is, stories leave an impression.

Brian Guehring, actor, award-winning playwright, teaching artist, and literary manager at the Rose Th eater, remembers a play he saw in middle school growing up in Texas called And Th en Th ere Were None. It was a murd er mystery.

“It would get dark. You knew the tension was building and somebody was about to be bumped off, then it was like, ‘AHH!’ But I was in a safe place; I was with everyone and my mom,” he recalled.

Even after the lights came up and the actors were back on stage, Guehring said the show made him squirm and startle, but left an indelible impression. “It stayed with me,” he said. The seed for theater was planted and would bloom further in his first intro to acting class at Duke University. He was hooked.

“I ended up taking a whole semester of theater classes my sophomore year and was already halfway to a major,” he said. “I still wasn’t planning to do theater [as a profession], but we had a student group that did musicals and a children’s play every year, going around and touring schools. I did that for three years and loved it.”

Th at was when a professor saw his dedication and knack for working with children and encouraged him to get his Master of Fine Arts in children’s theater at the University of Texas at Austin.

“Every job I had ever had was working with kids: babysitter, summer nanny, a sports camp counselor,” he reflected. The blending of his passions for theater, art, and working with young people marked the beginning of a dream job.

After earning his MFA, where he focused on playwriting for young audiences, acting, and production, he applied for internships at the fi ve largest children’s theaters in the country at the time. “Th ey all got back to me, but the Rose off ered me housing and no money,” he chuckled. With a roof over his head, he took the job and developed an appreciation for Omaha.

I’M INSPIRED BY YOUNG PEOPLE

AND WHAT THEY’RE GOING

THROUGH, ARE EXCITED ABOUT, AND WHAT IS AMAZING TO THEM. CHILDREN’S THEATER

IS ABOUT FINDING A YOUNG PROTAGONIST AND TELLING THEIR STORY. I COULDN’T DO MY WRITING IF I WASN’T STILL [TEACHING]. –BRIAN GUEHRING

After returning for a second summer, the company hired him full-time. Th at was almost 30 years ago.

“Th e excitement for me is I get to act; I still get to direct, teach, and write,” he said. “As an artist, it’s great because it’s one job and I get to do almost everything I love to do.”

Over his years at the Rose, Guehring has worn many hats—teaching artist, director, actor, playwright, literary manager, and more. Th e consistent thread though has always been working with and writing for y oung minds.

“I’m a better writer for young audiences because I teach,” he explained. “I’m inspired by young people and what they’re going through, are excited about, and what is amazing to them. Children’s theater is about fi nding a young protagonist and telling their story. I couldn’t do my writing if I wasn’t still [teaching].”

He appreciates the process of collaborating with students and getting their input before it goes to audiences. “Kids are honest. To get their ideas and feedback before it goes to the main stage is an incredible way to learn.”

When he writes, Guehring focuses on stories that outlast passing trends. While fi lm, TV, YouTube, and even TikTok capture what’s current in the moment, he believes theater off ers an immersive way to explore universal and timeless experiences. “To me, the best theater is to challenge young audiences to think, feel, and be entertained.”

One anthology that has intrigued young people for several decades is Goosebumps . Th e popular book series by R.L. Stine has been adapted for television, movies, plays, and even podcasts. Th e Rose mounted a production of the show Goosebumps:

Phantom of the Auditorium almost 10 years ago. Now, Guehring’s cast of staff and students are reviving the show for October’s “sca ry” season.

“Fear is a major emotion that you have to deal with and that you have to experience, and [theater] is a safe way to experience it, move through catharsis, and have the thrill of the adventure,” the educator said. Goosebumps does a good job of age-appropriate scary stories for kids.”

Phantom of the Auditorium follows a high school group doing a production of a play. Th e last attempt ended in disaster, with whispers that the script itself was haunted. To test that theory, they decide to try again, but a mysterious caped fi gure suddenly appears to thwart the ir eff orts.

Th e Rose’s elegant vintage main stage theater will be the perfect set for the production, with plenty of space for creepy hijinks and jump scares. “It is possible the director went to the theater to try to fi nd some hiding places,” Gue hring joked.

Th is year’s production features students mentored through the theater’s Broadway at the Rose and Junior Brigade programs. “Th ere are only two adults in the cast— everyone else is a teenager,” he added. “It’s exciting to work alongside these young actors I’ve had the chance to direct or ment or before.”

For Guehring, it’s a full-circle moment: once inspired as a youth, he now inspires children to create their own impressions that will last a lifetime.

Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium runs at the Rose Th eater Oct. 10-26, 2025. Tickets are on sale now at rose theater.org.

Becoming

Jewel

Nebraska State Poet ’ s

Journey of Self Discovery

STORY BY HollyMcAtee|PHOTOGRAPHY BY SarahLemke|DESIGN BY Nickie Robinson

A+C Poetry

t’s rare to encounter a poet with the kind of stage presence that not only commands attention, but transforms the entire room. Yet, it’s exactly what happens with Jewel Rodgers. Her spoken word performances carry a musical rhythm, rich with vivid imagery and unfi ltered emotion. She weaves everyday life in with dreams, doubts, and desires we all recognize. Her work is deeply reflective, chronicling her personal journey with honesty and grace—something many experienced fi rsthand during her installation as Nebraska State Poet at the Capitol building.

Rodgers, a three-time nominee for Best Performance Poet at the Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards, has also taken the stage as a TEDx speaker on three occasions. She is currently serving as Nebraska State Poet for 2025–2029.

As the State Poet, Rodgers wants to put poetry in reach for more Nebraskans. Her overall mission in her role is to advocate for poetry, literature, and literacy. As part of her project, she will bring poetry to all five of Nebraska’s congressional districts while also showcasing local writers at out-of-state events. Her creative partner Kevin Kabore, a visual storyteller and cinematographer, travels with her to document these events.

“I’m State Poet, and because of my experiences with curated spaces and ‘moments,’ I just inherently think beyond the words,” Rodgers said. “I think about the physical experiences people can have with, through, or because of the words. I think of my role as an opportunity to create more poetry enthusiasts, and in doing that, I’m mixing genres to expand poet ry’s reach.”

As Nebraska’s fi rst African American State Poet, Rodgers is working to change the way people think about poetry. “I’m putting poetry in dinner parties.

I’m collaborating with musicians. I’m continuing the early neo-soul tradition of poetry in music. I grew up on Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, and Erykah Badu—I call those my big three. I’m collaborating with videographers, photographers, and printmakers. I’m doing readings in living rooms and backyards, as well as on stages and in classrooms. I’m traveling and reframing what people think when they think ‘Nebraska,’ and nearly every time, I’m bringing someone else with me. I’m featuring someone else, highlighting and amplifying other Nebraskans—and beyond—alongside myself. My hope is that this all has a tangible ripple effect,” Rodgers said.

She grew up with a remarkable influence—her father, football legend Johnny “The Jet” Rodgers. “My dad’s so cool. The fi rst book he gave me as a child was Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. He taught me about mindset, toughness, and determination,” Rodgers said.

“

“ She has a Maya Angelou-type of talent. Poetry is a way that she can express everything about who she is. I look at what she has done, and it brings me joy. The sky is the limit for her.

-Paul Bryant

When Rodgers was 12, a series of events happened that shaped the course of her life. First, she discovered Maya Angelou, who opened her up to the power of language. Around the same time, her sixth-grade teacher gave the class a poetry assignment. Th is was when she wrote her fi rst poem. She also began attending the Wesley House after-school and summer programs, where the program director, Paul Bryant, played a pivotal role in shaping her voice and teaching her the art of public speaking. According to Rodgers, he was directly responsible for teaching her to become a public speaker.

“The fi rst time I truly saw her talent at the Wesley House was when we were doing a luncheon for Martin Luther King Jr.,” Bryant recalled. “Jewel asked me if she could read one of her poems at the luncheon. I told her I would need to read it. She brought me a book of about 50 poems. At the luncheon, she nailed the poem. I knew that there was something inside of her that a lot of people d idn’t see.”

He continued, “I believe Jewel’s a rare talent. It’s in her DNA—her dad’s a Heisman Trophy winner. Being Johnny’s daughter really shaped her. I predict big things will happen for her. She has a Maya Angelou-type of talent. Poetry is a way that she can express everything about who she is. I look at what she has done, and it brings me joy. The sky is the lim it for her.”

At 12, a vacation with her father left another lasting mark. Visiting a friend’s home so beautiful it moved her to tears sparked her fascination with architecture and spaces. Rodgers, a North High School graduate, went on to attend the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and was frequently invited to spea k at events.

After earning her bachelor’s degree at UNL, Rodgers went on to New York University, where she completed a master’s in real estate development. She later returned to Omaha to work as a development manager at Noddle Companies, specializing in fi nancial analysis, a role she held until June 30, 2025. Today, she is fully dedicated to her work as Nebraska State Poet.

Honoring her love of spaces and community-building, Rodgers purchased land through the land bank and created Tierra Park and Cayden’s Corner, which even features a mini skate ramp. At 28, she is already making her mark locally and beyond.

“If they ever speak of me, I want them to say, ‘Jewel lived out the fullest expression of herself,’” Rodgers said. When asked what advice she would give young writers, she added, “Sometimes following your heart is a job—do it anyway.”

Visit jewelrodgers.com for more information.

A/C MUSIC

PLANTING MUSICAL ROOTS

Ruth Meints and the String Sprouts Story

he evidence regarding the benefits of learning to play a musical instrument, and more specifi cally, how young children can benefit from learning an instrument, is indisputable. Research from the National Institutes of Health clearly shows the following benefits: improved focus and memory, enhanced cognitive skills, better motor skills, improved reading skills, increased self esteem and confi dence, enhanced social skills, and emotional regulation. Th ere is a plethora of research which also points to improvements in goal-setting and discipline, not to mention the obvious opportunities for creative expression, connection, and fun.

Th ese fi ndings are exactly what set String Sprouts creator and artist-faculty member Ruth Meints and her cohorts at the Omaha Conservatory of Music on their current path of fi nding a way to reach youngsters in underserved communities who would benefit from music instruction. Since 2013, the OCM has diligently put together the biggest program in the U.S. of its kind—String Sprouts currently serves around 100 kids throughout Nebraska. While the majority of the program’s outreach happens in the Omaha metro area, the String Sprouts program has blossomed as far west as Scottsbluff.

“Back in 2013, we had the idea that kids are going into kindergarten developmentally behind in under-resourced areas,” Meints said. “Music has this incredible ability to make connections. We thought if we could teach kids around 4 or 5 years old, why not capitalize on all the benefits that come from studying music? Th e research is very clear, and you can really see at a young age diff erences in those who learn an instrument.”

Bringing these music instructions and programs to children who might not otherwise be able to participate in music lessons was a no-brainer for Meints, who grew up playing the violin in Scottsbluff —where, at the time, the community had no place for violin lessons. “As far as being a violinist growing up in a place like Scottsbluff, there is very little opportunity,” she said. “My parents would drive me two and a half hours every other week to Colorado f or lessons.”

Music has this incredible ability to make connections. We thought if we could teach kids around 4 or 5 years old, why not capitalize on all the benefits that come from studying music? The research is very clear, and you can really see at a young age differences in those who learn an instrument.

–Ruth Meints

To say the String Sprouts program has been an overwhelming success would be an epic understatement. Working primarily with children between the ages of 3-8 years old, the program currently has a waiting list of more than 40 individuals. Along with off ering services at OCM’s headquarters near 72nd and Cass streets, the program travels to several sites throughout Omaha’s underserved communities. String Sprouts also has launched an “in-school” version of the program, with every student at Nelson Mandela Elementary School getting an opportunity to participate.

Th e String Sprouts program is unique in that it requires a parent to accompany the youngster to every lesson and to work with the child during the week on achieving goals together. Philanthropy and government grants cover some of the program’s costs, but with expenses like purchasing instruments for children aging out of the program, the OCM relies heavily on tax-deductible donations to keep things running. Th e OCM’s website is loaded with information about how to donate and specifi cs on the variety of progr ams off ered.

For children who decide playing an instrument is something they would like to further pursue, OCM offers the Frontier Strings program. Children must audition for the program, which currently has members as young as 9 and high schoolers all the way up to age 17. The group has toured internationally and performs in a semi-professional atmosphere, allowing kids access to a next level of musical instruction. The group strives to keep the show interesting and upbeat.

“Th e Frontier program is for the more high-level player,” Meints said. “It has 30 players and they have to audition for a spot. Th ey play a lot of programs around the holidays, various big events, the Symphony Gala, those kinds of things. We focus on lighter music, soundtrack stuff, and pop songs the kids know. Th ey also incorporate stunts, like hula-hooping while playing. Th ey travel in the summer, too, and I know that’s a lot of fun for the kids. We recently went to Kansas City and did a program down there.”

Visit omahacm.org for more information,

STORY BY JESSE D STANEK // PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE // DESIGN BY JOEY WINTON

R

EXHIBITIONS

FIRST THURSDAY DOWNTOWN OMAHA ART WALK

Th ursday, Oct. 2, 5–9 p.m. in Omaha’s Old Market District. To celebrate the vibrant art scene that makes up Omaha, join a curated group of museums and venues that showcase local artists on the fi rst Thursday of every month. 402.916.1796 oldmarket.com

BENSON FIRST FRIDAY

Friday, Oct. 3, starting at 5 p.m. at Petshop (Benson), 2729 N. 62nd St. Experience a collection of Omaha artists showcasing their work in the creative hub of Benson, with vendors, food and activities. First Fridays can get pretty wild! info@bff omaha.org

ART FACTORY: AFTER DARK

Friday, Oct. 10, 6–11 p.m., Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas St. Th is fundraiser will host interactive themed rooms with live art to photo ops, a DJ, and food. Bid on original artwork, Hot Shops baskets, classes, and more during this auction to help raise money for this venue.

402.342.6452 hotshopsartcenter.org

KANEKO SOIREE 2025

Friday, Oct. 10, 6:30-10 p.m., at KANEKO, 1111 Jones St. An “evening of art and creativity” with music, visual art, a silent auction, and curated food and beverages, this evening is meant to celebrate the creativity that exists in the Omaha community. Th is annual fundraiser supports KANEKO’s exhibits, education programs, and building an artistic community.

402.341.3800 thekaneko.org

2025 BENEFIT ART AUCTION

Friday, Oct. 24, 5:30-9:15 p.m. at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S. 12th St. Th is auction will provide a platform for artists to raise funds to ensure year-round free exhibits, programs, and performances.

402.341.7130 bemiscenter.org

CONCERTS

Th ursday, Oct. 2, 8 p.m., Th e Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Hip-hop artist Oddisee celebrates the 10th anniversary of Th e Good Fight.

402.884.5353 waitingroomlounge.com

JONAS BROTHERS: GREETINGS FROM YOUR HOMETOWN TOUR

Monday, Oct. 6, 7:30 p.m., CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. Jonas Brothers with special guest Boys Like Girls. Making this show as unforgettable for their fans as it is for them, the Jonas Brothers want to do more than celebrate music. Their “Living the Dream” tour wants to showcase that dreams really can come true.

402.341.1500

chihealthcenteromaha.com

HERB ALPERT & THE TIJUANA BRASS

Tuesday, Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m., Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St . Herb Alpert, at almost 90 years old, will be performing some of his classics from the 1960s. From trumpet to piano, to songwriting and composing, Alpert isn’t short of the talent he will be showcasing.

402.345.0202

o-pa.org

TATE MCRAE: MISS POSSESSIVE TOUR

Th ursday, Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m., CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. Pop artist Tate McRae is in the middle of her fi fth concert tour, performing songs such as “Sports Car” and “2 Hands.”

402.341.1500

chihealthcenteromaha.com

ZIGGY MARLEY & BURNING SPEAR

Friday, Oct. 10, 8 p.m., Th e Astro Th eater, 8302 City Centre Drive Eight-time Grammy winner Ziggy Marley, having sat in on recording sessions with his dad—the iconic Bob Marley—has created a dynamic and long career.

531.283.5212

theastrotheater.com

MOLLY TUTTLE

Sunday, Oct. 12, 8 p.m., Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Molly Tuttle, two-time Grammy winner with her band Golden Highway, will be performing with support from Joshua Ray Walker and Cecilia Castleman.

402.345.7569 theslowdown.com

JEREMY MCCOMB’S HONKY TONK CIRCUS

Friday, Oct. 17, 8 p.m., Th e Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Jeremy McComb’s “Honky Tonk Circus” tour contains the ultimate ’90s country experience.

402.884.5353 waitingroomlounge.com

SURFER GIRL

Sunday, Oct. 19, 8 p.m., Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Surfer Girl remains dynamic and continues to captivate audiences with their mix of indie-pop, reggae, and surfer rock with frontman Carter Reeves. 402.345.7569 theslowdown.com

ODDISEE

GRATEFUL SHRED

Monday, Oct. 20, 8 p.m., Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Th is LA-based jam band performs Grateful Dead tributes.

402.345.7569

theslowdown.com

ELVIS COSTELLO & THE IMPOSTERS

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m., Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. Elvis Costello gained recognition in the 1970s London Pub Rock scene, and this tour, “Radio Soul! The Early Songs of Elvis Costello” will feature his early hits. 402.345.0606

steelhouseomaha.com

CAMILLE THURMAN AND DARELL GREEN QUARTET CONCERT

Saturday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m., NOMA, 2510 N. 24th St. Camille Thurman, a composer and saxophonist, and drummer Darrell Green’s quartet have performed together at places such as Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Hancher Auditorium, and Carnegie Hall. 531.867.4280 northomahamusic.org

MUMFORD AND SONS 2025

Sunday, Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m., CHI Health Center

Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. Th is British folk-rock band will perform with support from Sierra Ferrell. Partnering with PLUS1, part of the War Child Alliance, a dollar from every ticket sold will help Children in Confl ict. 402.341.1500 chihealthcenteromaha.com

ZACH WILLIAMS

Tuesday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m., Baxter Arena, 2425 S. 67th St. Zach Williams’ “Revival Nights” will perform with support from We the Kingdom, Ben Fuller, and Leanna Crawford. 402.554.6200 baxterarena.com

JOSE LUIS GOMEZ WITH THE OMAHA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Friday, Oct. 31, 7:30 p.m., Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Jose Luis Gomez will be conducting the Omaha Symphony Orchestra as they play Sibelius’ First Symphony. 402.345.0202 o-pa.org

STAGE PERFORMANCES

TWILIGHT IN CONCERT

Tuesday, Oct. 7, 7 p.m., Orpheum Th eater, 409 S. 16th St. Experience the classic romance Twilight , accompanied by a live band and a candlelit atmosphere. Playing the original score, it’s sure to be a new way to experience the fi lm. 402.345.0202 o-pa.org

ANGELS IN AMERICA PART TWO: PERESTROIKA

Oct. 10–Nov. 9, Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Th is show is the Pulitzer Prize-winning continuation of Tony Kushner’s drama. 402.553.0800 omahacommunityplayhouse.com

JEFF ALLEN

Saturday, Oct. 11, 4 p.m., Funny Bone Comedy Club, 710 N. 114th St. Jeff Allen, a comedian known for his marriage and family life jokes, adds a layer of depth to his comedy with his discussions of recovery and redemption. 402.493.8036 omaha.funnybone.com

ADAM SANDLER: YOU’RE MY BEST FRIEND TOUR

Tuesday, Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m., CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. The comedy legend returns with stand-up and music. Come for laughs and Sandler’s classic style. 402.341.1500 chihealthcenteromaha.com

JAMIE LISSOW: THE BETTER OFF DAD COMEDY TOUR

Friday–Saturday, Oct. 24–25, Funny Bone Comedy Club, 710 N. 114th St . Enjoy a classic stand-up show from the Real Rob star.

402.493.8036 omaha.funnybone.com

THE GREAT GATSBY BALLET

Th ursday, Oct. 30, 7 p.m., Orpheum Th eater, 409 S. 16th St. The World Ballet Company presents an original ballet inspired by Fitzgerald’s novel. 402.345.0202 o-pa.org

FAMILY, FESTIVALS AND MORE

OMAHA FARMER’S MARKET — OLD MARKET

Saturdays, 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m., through Oct. 11, Old Market, Downtown Omaha. Each Saturday, the Old Market is fi lled with local produce, fresh fl owers, organic eggs, gourmet baked goods, and plenty more for sale until the season turns in October. omahafarmersmarket.com

JUNKSTOCK: HARVEST EDITION

Friday–Sunday, Oct. 3–5 and Oct. 10–12, Sycamore Farms, 1150 River Road Drive, Waterloo, NE. Experience the harvest edition of Junkstock, which includes vintage vendors, artisans, food, and live music. Kid- and pet-friendly. 402.885.9859 junkstock.com

HOCKEY: FASTER THAN EVER

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Opens Saturday, Oct. 4, through Jan. 11, 2026, at Th e Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. “Hockey: Faster than Ever” will showcase the history, technical advances, and scientific breakthroughs that have made this sport what it is today. 402.444.5071 durhammuseum.org

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN

OMAHA WALKING TOUR

Saturday, Oct. 4, 10–11:30 a.m., starting at Th e Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St . Tour the Old Market and enjoy the historic sights of the city. From the Old Market Passageway to classic speakeasies, there’s no shortage of rich history in Omaha. oldmarket.com

YOGA AT THE ZOO

Sunday, Oct. 5, sessions at 8:30–9:30 a.m. and 10:30–11:30 a.m., Harper Event Center, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, 3710 S. 10th St. One-hour yoga classes and complimentary juice will be provided, as well as a special appearance by an ambassador animal during the class.

402.733.8401 omahazoo.com

R.L. STINE’S GOOSEBUMPS — THE MUSICAL: PHANTOM OF THE AUDITORIUM

Friday, Oct. 10–26, Th e Rose Th eater, 2001 Farnam St. Performing R.L. Stine’s book, adapted for the stage by John Maclay, this spooky tale will be fi lled with stage fright and plenty of scares just in time for Halloween.

402.345.4849

rosetheater.org

THE MYSTERY OF COBWEB CASTLE

Saturdays, Oct. 11 and Oct. 25, Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St. Enjoy this part of the Family Fund Weekend series by helping the classic gang; Shaggy, Scooby, Velma, Fred, and Daphne solve the Mystery of Cobweb Castle.

402.342.6164 ocm.org

BIODISCOVERY LAB: SPOOKY GENETICS

Saturday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m.–noon, Kiewit Luminarium, 345 Riverfront Drive. Experience the world thousands of years ago through the power of DNA. Cutting-edge technology in the field of DNA off ers insights into the people and animals that lived long ago. From real-life stories, genetic clues, and genetic puzzles, this exhibit is a mystery waiting to be uncovered.

402.502.3366

kiewitluminarium.org

DESIGN AND WINE

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 6–8 p.m., Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Sip on fi ne wine as you create your own bouquets from curated materials.

402.346.4002

lauritzengardens.org

IT’S FALL, Y’ALL!

Saturday, Oct. 25, 6–9 p.m., Gene Leahy Mall at Th e RiverFront, 900 Farnam St. Enjoy trickor-treat stations, activities, and a movie—the perfect event for kids to gear up just in time for Halloween. 402.599.6565

theriverfrontomaha.com

Into the

60+ ACTIVE LIVING

STORY BY LINDA PERSIGEHL

BY SARAH LEMKE

DESIGN BY RACHEL BIRDSALL

Wild

Environmental travel proved to be a lifeline for Marlene Chandler, struggling to forge a new path on her own in retirement. A friend was happy to share the adventurous road.

Marlene Chandler has been privileged to see many breathtaking sights throughout her decades of world travel the majestic Canadian Rockies in Banff, historic ruins in Italy, a brilliant beach sunset in Mexico, and powerful Niagara Falls, to name just a few. But one remarkable sight she especially cherishes was revealed in the wilds of Africa.

“Oh, how I love the elephants! We got to see the birth of a baby elephant from a distance and how, after, the female elephants in the herd surrounded that baby and protected her!” Chandler said, recalling the moving experience with a look of marvel in her eyes. It’s one of her best memories from her 2019 trip to Kenya, which she described as “life-changing.”

Another remarkable sight was a wildebeest herd crossing at the Mara River in Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve. “It’s rare to see, and when they do it, it’s massive! Some have compared it to the sandhill crane migration here (in Nebraska),” Chandler said. “And then there’s the crocs in the water, waiting…so they don’t all make it,” she added with a grimace.

A retired middle school teacher, Chandler made the Kenya trip with an organization called Earthwatch, an international environmental

nonprofit founded in 1971. The group specializes in sustainable tourism, offering expeditions all over the globe that pair guests with scientists in the field. Together, tourists and professionals collect data counting specific animals, documenting animal markings, and the like used to conduct research into the impacts of climate change, as well as develop ways to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable living.

Tourists make donations to research to participate (trips start at $2,750) and can choose from various expeditions offering a range in level of difficulty from easy to moderate to very active as well as length (from seven to 16 days). Currently, 26 expeditions exploring archeology, wildlife and ecosystems, ocean health, and climate change are listed on its website. Subjects include: killer whales and their prey in Iceland; South African penguins; discovering ancient societies in Portugal; and endangered whooping cranes on the Texas coast, among others.

Chandler was introduced to Earthwatch by friend Bruce Stephens, a retired attorney from Lincoln who has taken nine trips with the organization. He accompanied Chandler on the Kenya trip, to his delight. (Earlier attempts to get her on board for expeditions to Costa Rica then Mongolia had failed. The third time was the charm, as Africa’s allure was too great, she said.)

PHOTOGRAPHY

“I’ve been involved with environmental volunteerism for quite a while,” Stephens said, eluding to his work with the Audubon Society and The Nature Conservancy (which dedicated a prairie in his honor in 2025). “I got engaged with Earthwatch in ’95, and up until a few years ago, those were the only vacations I ever took. [The expeditions] allow me to put my muscle where my mouth is. Instead of just donating money to a cause, they give me the opportunity to go out and physically help with efforts.”

One of Stephens’ adventures had him studying leatherback sea turtles in the Virgin Islands. On an Earthwatch trip to Spain, he spent his days studying whales in the Mediterranean. Another expedition took him to Hawaii to study dolphin intelligence and cognition. Yet another brought him to Namibia to help with research on cheetahs.

“My trips are at least 12, sometimes 14 or 16 days. If I’m gonna go halfway around the world, I’m not just going for a week,” Stephens said. “I really love Africa…I’ve been there four times. I’ll go back, health permitting.”

Stephens said he has had a few scary, tooclose-for-comfort encounters.

“In Malawi, an elephant walked right by our tent one night,” he said. “Another night, we heard a jaguar kill a baboon about 50 yards away from our camp.”

He’s also been “semi-chased” by a black rhino. “I tell people that, for five seconds, this then-46-year-old bald white guy in a pair of boots and a backpack was as fast as Eric Crouch, I guarantee it!” he said.

Chandler and Stephens’ mission in Africa was focused on restoring habitats in Kenya and specifically monitoring lions, whose population is decreasing in part due to poachers and killings by local cattle ranchers protecting their herd.

“Over there, cattle equal money, so keeping the animals safe from lion attacks is sometimes a problem. Earthwatch folks came in and spoke to community members about building structures to protect the cattle from the lions. Community engagement, working with the Maasai people, is so important.”

Chandler and Stephens worked as part of a group of 10, mostly teachers, collecting data on the lions during the day, then entering it into computers. Evenings were spent communing over meals and sometimes enjoying a bonfire before bed.

As a former teacher and lover of education, Chandler said she so appreciated having each day be a learning experience about conservation, nature, and other cultures. She also enjoyed seeing her confidence build by being able to adapt to uncomfortable situations.

“At first I was way out of my comfort zone, but once I got settled, I was like, ‘Yes, I can do this!’”

She recalled a time when she was required to use an outhouse simply three walls and a hole in the ground for a toilet. “The other women in line commented that I was handling the crude accommodations so well,” she said. “Actually, I was surprised, too. Before, I wasn’t even a camper!”

For Chandler, the trip in 2019 gave her the jumpstart she needed to retool her life following the sudden death of her husband a few years earlier, leaving her stunned and at a loss for what her future would look like.

“We did our own sight-seeing, visiting Iguazu Falls between Argentina and Brazil. Then we flew to Cusco in the Peruvian Andes and did Machu Picchu... That’s a bucket list thing.”

–Marlene Chandler

“I’d had a perfect life…three kids and a husband,” she said. “And then it was gone. Everyone handles the death of a spouse differently, but for me, I didn’t want to stay in a huge home and yard. I wanted a clean slate, to start over. So, when Bruce got me to agree to go [on the expedition], it was like all of a sudden the world opened up to me. I put a ‘for sale’ sign in front of my house on Heavenly Drive. I sold everything in it. Then I retired after 30-some years as a teacher 27 years of that in Omaha Public Schools, then Elkhorn and went to Africa, which was amazing!”

After she returned to Nebraska, Chandler signed up for some other nonprofit work. She even moved to Castle Rock, Colorado, for a time, in search of outdoor adventures and a change of scenery. Then COVID-19 hit. Eventually, she decided to return to

Omaha to be closer to her grown children and grandkids.

It took a few years health troubles, including heart issues and back surgery for Stephens, and then the pandemic delaying travel but Stephens and Chandler eventually took on another Earthwatch adventure together in 2024 to the Amazon rainforest in Peru. This time, they front-loaded the trip with independent leisure travel.

“We did our own sightseeing, visiting Iguazu Falls between Argentina and Brazil,” Chandler said. “Then we flew to Cusco in the Peruvian Andes and did Machu Picchu…That’s a bucket list thing.”

During their Amazon riverboat trip, the pair traveled the Yarapa River tracking wildlife populations monkeys, pink dolphins, birds, and fish during the day while sleeping on a 100-year-old vessel at night.

While the old version of Chandler might have been scared of the unknown and fearful of dangers in such a remote place, she said she fully embraced the experience.

“When we got to the boat, the scientist, Dr. Richard Bodmer, presented a PowerPoint explaining all the things we need to be careful of…snakes, dehydration, other risks. And the security for the team was great. I felt 100% safe,” she said.

She admits she didn’t care for the Amazon’s heat and humidity much. “I didn’t sign up for any afternoon [work] sessions. It’s just too hot for me, at this age.”

Chandler said she celebrated a milestone birthday while in Peru (though she’d prefer not to share which one, she said with a wink), and the native people made it very special. “The locals surprised me by singing happy birthday in Spanish and presented me with a cake made out of watermelon,” she said.

Stephens said he’s proud that his friend has been able to conquer her initial fears and rise to the challenges of the expeditions. “I used to say that she was a four- and five-star hotel girl,” he joked. He doesn’t believe that holds true any longer.

Chandler said she’s open to doing another Earthwatch trip someday. “Maybe Iceland. I’d love to see the Northern Lights. I would encourage folks to do an expedition, if you have the means,” she said. It changes the way you look at everything.”

For Stephens, going again is a given. “In November, I’ll be 70 years old,” she said. “I’ve lived my life. If I get eaten by a jaguar in Peru, or a stingray kills me, then so be it!”

For more information, visit earthwatch.org.

Adelante: A bold, community-driven vision to revitalize South OMaha

Acknowledg ing Our Past

The Latino Economic Development Council (LEDC) was founded during the pandemic by three South Omaha leaders determined to turn crisis into las ting change.

When the pandemic hit, South Omaha’s Business Improvement District home to 100+ small businesses suffered severe losses. Relief too often missed Latino entrepreneurs and families due to language barriers, limited access to resources, and systemic inequities. This gap was especially significant given local demographics: in Omaha, Spanish is the second most spoken language at home, while across Nebraska more than 12 percent of residents identify as Latino and one in four children are of Latino descent. LEDC’s founders stepped in to listen, act, and shape a better future. Through grassroots engagement, they gathered stories, identified needs, and reaffirmed the community’s vision.

That vision became the Adelante Initiative: a community-led effort to revitalize public spaces, strengthen small businesses, develop youth leadership, and protect cultural heritage. Since 2022, residents, business owners, and local partners have shaped it through participatory design, cultural storytelling, and equity-center ed planning.

Embracing Our Present

LEDC is turning that vision into action. The organization has strengthened partnerships and built capacity, hiring its first full-time Executive Director, Itzel López, along with program staff, interns, and a comm itted board.

A $25 million state investment through the North and South Omaha Recovery Program is revitalizing South 24th Street into a civic, economic, and cultural district. The centerpiece, Plaza de la Raza breaking ground in 2026 and opening in 2027 will

replace a city-owned parking lot with a welcoming public space featuring an open lawn, shaded seating, a performance stage, interactive play, and public art. The design developed with RDG Planning & Design, Canopy South, the South Omaha BID, Urban Thinkscapes, and local residents will be complemented by a parking structure with ground-floor retail. Streetscape upgrades from Q to F Streets will improve sidewalks, lighting, and wayfinding.

More than $7.4 million is secured for Phase I: Plaza de la Raza, with fundraising underway to close a $5 million gap.

This work extends beyond the plaza. Launching this fall, the Adelante Youth Activators will engage high school and first-generation college students in a twoyear leadership program to co-create public programming while building skills in civic engagement, storytelling, and u rban design.

LEDC’s United Hispanic Contractors Association initiative equips Latino entrepreneurs and skilled tradespeople with access to capital, certification pathways, and bilingual business tools to diversify Nebraska’s construction and contracting industries.

LEDC also supports cultural and economic vitality through large-scale events such as Cinco de Mayo Omaha, in partnership with Casa de la Cultura. Drawing over 100,000 attendees, these celebrations generate significant revenue for local vendors and artists while elevating small business visibility and cultural pride.

Through coalitions like We Make Omaha and the Nebraska Alliance for Thriving Communities, LEDC uplifts families, entrepreneurs, and youth ensuring Latino voices lead decisions that affect their communities.

Buildin g Our Futuro

LEDC’s vision is clear: a South Omaha where equitable investment fuels shared prosperity, Latino leadership shapes Nebraska’s future, and cultural heritage anchors econom ic vitality.

Adelante is a long-term movement laying the groundwork for future phases that include expanded cultural programming, streetscape improvements and additional public spaces, and ensuring the 24th Street revitalization reflects community priorities.

This transformation depends on collaboration, sustained investment, and active partners. LEDC invites all who share this vision to invest, amplify, and walk alongside the community.

The momentum is here. The future is “Adelante” where public spaces invite connection, local businesses thrive, youth lead with confidence, and cultural pride powers opportunity. By investing in people and place and grounding decisions in shared leadership South Omaha is showing what inclusive economic development can achieve. Together, we’re not just reimagining the future. We’re building it.

JOHN

TONJE’S LOCAL JOURNEY

IN A GLOBAL GAME

SPORTS // STORY BY ISAAC NIELSEN // PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE UTAH JAZZ // DESIGN BY RACHEL BIRDSALL

The NBA has never been more global. Last season, a record-tying 125 international players from 43 countries across six continents appeared on opening-night rosters, a number that continues to grow every year. Even the league’s stars, like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, and Joel Embiid, hail from Greece, Serbia, and Cameroon.

But while basketball’s reach stretches across the globe, talent can still be found much closer to home. Just ask John Tonje, whose name was called this summer by the Utah Jazz with the 53rd pick of the 2025 NBA Draft. He fell in love with the game on the concrete playgrounds of North Omaha, not abroad like many of his international peers.

Tonje’s story starts in the most ordinary of places: recess at Skinner Elementary. Coming from a soccer-first family, basketball wasn’t exactly in his blood. “Soccer was my first sport, but no one was playing soccer during recess at Skinner,” Tonje said. “I started playing basketball with the other kids, and just fell in love with it.”

Tonje credits his parents for providing the blueprint, “not necessarily for what they do in basketball, because they didn’t really play basketball, but just in the way they approach life with humility and hard work,” he said. It was a childhood friend, Nico, who provided the competition. “He was always better than me he had four older brothers, and they were all teaching him, so he was always a little ahead of the curve. I just wanted to keep playing against him until I was better than him,” Tonje said.

That drive carried through McMillan Middle School, a year at Omaha North, and eventually Omaha Central, where Tonje blossomed into a star. His senior year, he led Class A with 23.8 points per game, broke Central’s single-season scoring record, and buried 73 threes. He guided the Eagles to a state runner-up finish and walked away with All-State honors.

“Omaha was everything. It’s the reason why I play basketball. It was such a big part of the culture, tradition, and history of North Omaha,” he said. “With all the history they had I grew up watching the guys in the metro area, especially Omaha Central players it was a dream come true to play for Central and then to continue to keep growing and playing at the next level.”

Despite Tonje’s high school dominance, recruiting attention was modest. He received just three offers out of high school from the University of Nebraska–Omaha, Missouri Western, and Colorado State. He chose CSU, betting on himself in the Mountain West.

At Colorado State, Tonje didn’t arrive as a ready-made star. He came off the bench sporadically for his first two seasons as he adjusted to the pace of Division I play. By his junior year, he became the Rams’ sixth man, bouncing between the bench and the starting lineup. As a senior, he became a full-time starter, averaging 14.6 points per game.

For Tonje to turn into a bona fide collegiate starter, he had to make up ground on competitors who got their start in the sport at an even younger age. “With no one in my family playing basketball, I felt like I kind of missed out on some of the home coaching and some of the nuanced IQ of basketball,” Tonje said. “As a kid, I would go and play for hours at the park one-on-one, and not much organized basketball. In college, I learned the game very fast. Each year, I kept adding things to my game, as well as understanding my game and basketball as a whole.”

After four years at CSU, Tonje still had eligibility left due to COVID rules. “I wanted to go to a Power Five school,” he said. “Being a mid-major kid, you dream of playing in a Power Five conference and playing at the highest level you can. I chose Missouri because of the coaching staff, and who I thought Coach [Dennis] Gates was as a leader. He was all of that and more. He and Coach C.Y. [Young, now at Miami] were huge in my development, getting better and understanding myself as well as the game a lot better.”

But the season didn’t go as planned. Just eight games in, a foot injury sidelined him for the year. For a player chasing NBA aspirations, the timing was devastating.

Instead of folding, Tonje treated it as another chapter in a long journey. He was granted a medical redshirt and transferred once again, this time to Wisconsin, with the goal of increasing his visibility to NBA executives. “That last year, I felt the system at Wisconsin fit me best for my last year of college, to try to really make a run to be a professional,” he said. “Wisconsin is a huge name, so they were a dream come true to play for.”

The move proved to be the right one. In only his fourth game with the Badgers, Tonje exploded for 41 points in an upset over ninth-ranked Arizona, the fourth-highest single-game scoring total in program history. He carried that momentum through the year, earning unanimous First Team All-Big Ten honors. In the NCAA Tournament, he scored 37 points in a round-of-32 matchup against Brigham Young University, nearly willing the Badgers into the Sweet Sixteen. By the end of the season, the once-overlooked recruit had cemented himself as a legitimate professional prospect.

June 26 brought a lifetime of work to fruition. When the Utah Jazz selected Tonje in the second round, the celebration wasn’t in New York or on live television. It was in North Omaha, the neighborhood where it all began.

“Draft night, for me, I just wanted it to be a small family thing with some of my closest friends,” Tonje said. “There were mixed emotions and feelings of being anxious while not knowing what could happen. But it was such a cool night to spend it with family and friends, and to hear my name get called in North Omaha, where I grew up that’s something I’ll never forget.”

The night itself was a blur, with texts and calls stacking up and Tonje scrambling to get on a Zoom call. “You try to sort through the calls and texts, and see what you need to reply to that night,” he said. “I had to figure out who from the Jazz organization is trying to reach out to me, while everyone else is trying to reach out. It was a bit of a hustle, and I had to get in contact with the Jazz reporters because I had a Zoom call that night. But it was a great night.”

Tonje entered the 2025 draft at 24 years old older than many rookies, a trait some teams try to avoid in the draft. But he felt his age gave him a leg up on his peers. “I see it as a strength,” he said. “I’ve already battled a good amount of adversity, and my age comes with experience. Without that experience, I wouldn’t be here.”

He describes himself as the kind of player who makes the right play and competes on both ends of the court. While many prospects focus on early comparisons to NBA stars, Tonje is more interested in what he can control. “I’m someone who’s just trying to maximize what I can do, and I’m kind of inspired just by the game itself,” he said.

Even as Tonje prepares for the next step in his professional career, he hasn’t lost sight of the moments that shaped his love for the game. He still remembers the day Akoy Agau, then a star at Omaha Central and a Division I recruit, came by his house. “He and my older brother were friends, and Akoy came to the house one day, and he was on the phone, and he was playing me one-on-one with the phone in one hand and playing me with the other,” Tonje said. “I thought it was the coolest thing to have this Division I player in my driveway.”

I’ve already battled a good amount of adversity, and my age comes with experience. Without that experience, I wouldn’t be here. –John Tonje

Just like Tonje did, Omaha kids now have more examples than ever to look up to. Over the past several years, the city has become a hotbed of basketball talent, producing guards like Hunter Sallis and Chucky Hepburn and sending more players into the Division I ranks than ever before.

For Tonje, that top-tier talent helps players in Omaha strive to improve. “I think there’s a lot of great talent in Omaha, and being able to compete against each other and pushing the ceiling for basketball in Omaha to put it on the national stage has been a fun thing to experience,” he said. “There are other great players from the area, and we continue to push each other to keep going and represent.”

He recognizes that he has a role in that movement, which he doesn’t take lightly. “It’s an honor,” Tonje said. “It’s such a blessing to be in this position. It was hard to see this far into the future that I’d be able to get to experience something like this, but it’s a blessing. It’s an opportunity I won’t take lightly, and I’m doing everything I can to represent Omaha.”

Whether his rookie year begins with the Jazz or with more seasoning with the Stars, Utah’s G League affiliate, Tonje knows the work is only the beginning. “I’ve always been someone who is just focused on improving myself and doing the best I can, and seeing where that plays out,” he said. “I definitely have goals and aspirations to play in this league, but I’m just focused on the day-to-day work and how I can improve myself. If I’m at my best, I’m happy with the result.”

He hasn’t skipped a step on his way there, grinding from elementary school concrete to two high schools and three colleges to get to the doorstep of the NBA. Because in a league that now spans six continents and dozens of countries, John Tonje’s story is proof that greatness can still grow from a North Omaha playground.

SIX SPOTS TO FALL FOR

OBVIOUSLY OMAHA

STORY BY NATALIE VELOSO | DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK

cross the Pacific Northwest to the Appalachian Mountains, people travel far and wide to see fall foliage at its brightest. The seasonal ritual known as “leaf peeping” is especially cherished in New England and the Midwest, where autumn puts on its most dramatic show.

In Japan, the tradition is called momijigari , or “red leaves hunting,” and dates back over a thousand years to the Heian period, when courtiers composed poetry beneath blazing red maple trees. Even today, crowds flock to Kyoto’s temples and mountain passes each autumn to witness the fiery colors reflected in ponds and lining ancient pathways. In Finland, it’s known as ruska or ruskaretki (“fall colors” or “autumn foliage trip”), where families hike or bike through the forests and fells of Lapland under gold-drenched branches and crimson shrubs.

Here in Nebraska, peak colors usually arrive by mid- to late October. Omaha’s parks and river valleys turn vivid gold, orange, and red as maples, oaks, ashes, and sumacs change color. Below are six of the top accessible spots to enjoy fall foliage around the Omaha metro this year.

Platte River State Park

Schramm Park | 20874-21146 NE-31, Gretna, NE 68028

Platte river State Park | 14421 346th St., Louisville, NE 68037

Mahoney State Park | 28500 W Park Hwy., Ashland, NE 68003

Southwest of Omaha, the Platte River bluffs are a leafy retreat. Schramm Park near Gretna sits in a wooded gorge in the Platte Valley. Its 1.5- to 3-mile trail loops wind through oak-hickory woodlands and even cross a suspension bridge above the woods. A short drive away, Platte River State Park in Louisville and Mahoney State Park in Ashland each have hilltop towers with spectacular fall views. Both parks are especially vivid in early to mid-October when the leaf season peaks, each offering miles of trails, picnic areas, and cozy cabins amid the color.

Fontenelle Forest (Bellevue)

1111 Bellevue Blvd. N., Bellevue, NE 68005

Just south of Omaha on the Missouri River floodplain, Fontenelle Forest is a 1,400-acre nature preserve full of hardwood forest. Miles of trails, including a new riverside Skyline Trail, lead past ponds and river overlooks framed by foliage. To ensure seeing the best and brightest of the forest’s old oaks, cottonwoods, and hickories as they turn gold and red, plan your visit for mid-October.

North Omaha

Neale Woods | 14323 Edith Marie Ave., Omaha, NE 68112

Hummel Park | 3033 Hummel Rd., Omaha, NE 68112

North Omaha’s forest preserves also glow in the fall. Neale Woods (Fontenelle Forest’s nature preserve in the Ponca Hills area) is a 600-acre nature center with forest and hilltop prairies along the Missouri River. Neale Woods offers over a dozen miles of trails looping through oak-hickory forests and prairies—many trees here are at peak color by late September. Nearby, Hummel Park offers 202 wooded acres north of Florence. Its trails climb to a Missouri River overlook above the famous “Devil’s Slide” rocks.

Hitchcock Nature Area (Loess Hills, Iowa)

27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, IA 51542

Crossing the Missouri into Iowa, the Hitchcock Nature Area near Neola sits atop the Loess Hills on a deep gorge. Its steep ridges are gold and brown in the fall, and from the park’s observation decks, you can even see Omaha’s skyline beyond the river. A winding drive up Highway 92 through gravel bluffs makes for a scenic fall excursion of its own, but inside the park, the rugged hiking trails and 45-foot tower offer some of the best views of autumn woods and fields stretching back to the metro.

Lewis & Clark Scenic Byway (Fort Calhoun)

29385 Monument Rd., Council Bluffs, IA 51503

The Lewis & Clark Scenic Byway runs north from Omaha along Highway 75. This picturesque journey along the Missouri River follows the Lewis & Clark route past river bluffs, farmland, and small river towns. As you continue north toward Blair and beyond, the road stays bordered by rolling bluffs that blaze with maples and sumac in October. Autumn sunlight on the bluffs and river makes each vista along this byway memorable.

City Parks

Chalco Hills | 8901 S 154th St., Omaha, NE 68138

Elmwood Park | 808 S 60th St., Omaha, NE 68106

In Southwest Omaha, Chalco Hills Recreation Area surrounds Wehrspann Lake with oak and cottonwood woodlands. Paved and gravel trails circle the lake, and even a short walk or bike ride around the water are guaranteed chances to see brilliant leaves. Dating back to the late 19th century, the historic Elmwood Park features dense old-growth oaks, maples, and ash trees along Little Papillion Creek. Elmwood’s hidden trails, including a loop by the creek and the old tunnel, glow fiery orange and red this time of year.

Check your neighborhood parks for more nearby leaf-peeping opportunities.

Behind the Biosafety Glass

Dr. Peter Iwen and Nebraska’s Frontline Lab

60+ PROFILE

BY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE

DESIGN BY RACHEL BIRDSALL

STORY

LISA LUKECART

he night covered Arthur Cemetery like a black blanket. Warm lights from a maroon Chevy illuminated a dark hole where dirt flew off a shovel. Peter Iwen continued to dig despite the lateness of the hour, measuring the depth by the top of his head.

Six feet deep.

He didn’t even need to bring a ladder, easily jumping out of the grave when it reached the required height. Grime covered his blue jeans, T-shirt, and Converse tennis shoes. A Minnesota Twins baseball hat covered his brown hair, dusty and sweaty from the nighttime labor. Iwen embraced the quiet and peacefulness of the stars popping in and out of the inky sky. But only for a moment. Time for more “spring planting,” Iwen would sometimes say, referring to the frigid North Dakota winters that made it impossible to bury bodies until the weather changed. The undergraduate student rolled his wheelbarrow to the next marked spot, hoping to finish so he could drive from his hometown of Arthur back to North Dakota State University that night.

The “subsurface engineer,” a fancy title for a grave digger that Iwen would later add to his resume, helped him pay for his degree in bacteriology in 1976. That small-town young man, shoveling in the rain and mud even during his high school days, likely never dreamed he would one day become the director of the Nebraska Public Health Laboratory for the University of Nebraska Medical Center during a global pandemic. The biosafety level-3 laboratory handles, studies, and tests dangerous pathogens and infectious diseases that pose serious health risks. In these invisible trenches, where the next health emergency never stops, Iwen remains a steady scientific leader at the forefront even during recent outbreaks of Ebola, Lassa fever, monkeypox, and COVID-19.

Iwen didn’t catch the drug bug passed down from three generations of pharmacists from his great-grandfather, grandfather, and father. The commercial aspect of the business felt off-putting compared to the allure of plants. After graduating high school with 36 other students, Iwen felt drawn to horticulture studies until he attended a class in plant pathology as a sophomore at NDSU.

“I absolutely hated that class. In fact, I dropped it,” Iwen recalled, taking bacteriology instead, which would later become his major.

Science feels like part of his blood, a trait also passed down from his mother, the director of nursing with Good Samaritan in Arthur. After graduation, though, Iwen couldn’t decide what path to take, so he took a year off to do construction work. Luckily, his advisor mentioned UNMC needed a researcher. Iwen didn’t hesitate, applying and securing the job. He moved to Omaha with his wife, Beverly, in the fall of 1978.

Steven Hinrichs, then microbiology lab director, noticed Iwen working nights and publishing papers.

“I thought this bench tech worker was special in all kinds of ways, and I needed to pay attention,” said Hinrichs, retired professor and chair of pathology and microbiology. “He was highly motivated and the kind of person we needed to support.”

Iwen worked full-time and obtained his master’s in microbiology at UNMC in 1982. In addition, Iwen initiated a research program on systemic fungal diseases, which later became the foundation for his dissertation. Along the way, he received his certification as a Diplomate of the American Board of Medical Microbiology.

Iwen went on to earn his Ph.D. in infectious diseases during the same month the 9/11 attacks occurred. A week after the Twin Towers fell, envelopes containing a fine white powder of Bacillus anthracis spores surfaced, resulting in five deaths and 17 illnesses. The FBI later concluded that Bruce Ivins, a biodefense researcher who created the anthrax single spore batch at the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, mailed the letters to media outlets and government officials.

In the aftermath, UNMC received federal funding for bioterrorism preparedness, later leading to the opening of the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit in 2005, which would handle Ebola patients in 2014.

“Our public health laboratory is registered to test and do research on select agents, and there aren’t many labs in the U.S. that have that designation,” Iwen explained. “In other words, whenever a powder is thought to be, you know, anthrax or whatever, it comes to us for testing. That’s one of the jobs that we do.”

The bioterrorism event sparked concerns, and UNMC made Iwen the first biosafety officer.

“I saw opportunities,” said Iwen, who wears many different “lab coats,” including teaching as a professor in the department of pathology, microbiology, and immunology. “We did have programs in place to study and detect bio-threat agents back then in 2001, but they weren’t strong programs. Today, we get funding, so we are much better prepared than we were in the past.”

Hinrichs, the founding director of the public health lab at UNMC in 1997, credits Iwen’s “instrumental role in making it successful,” especially in establishing the biopreparedness section. He agrees that readiness remains an integral part when dealing with the unknown, especially in a changing world where the threat of infectious diseases has outpaced that of bioweapons.

“[He] has already prepared for things people are just starting to learn about now,” Hinrichs said. “He’s honest, dependable, and trustworthy…traits you think are common, but not in high leadership positions.”

Some superheroes wear capes, while others don full personal protective equipment. Iwen had already handled Ebola high-risk samples under his watch, but needed to step up again when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the nation. In February 2020, thirteen passengers potentially infected with the virus arrived in Omaha for quarantine from the Diamond Princess cruise ship.

“At that time, that was the first load of people with suspected COVID that were in the United States, but before they showed up, we didn’t have the capacity to even test them for the disease. We couldn’t even confirm that they had the disease,” Iwen said. “We were then only one of three laboratories in the United States that had the capacity to test for COVID-19. We worked hard to get a test up and running.”

Iwen repurposed the infrastructure and foundation based on lessons learned from Ebola and dropped COVID-19 into an already battle-tested biocontainment playbook, adapting it to this new threat. Iwen needed to implement statewide testing, something his team accomplished under his guidance. They became the fifth to manufacture an approved FDA test and one of the first to develop a group testing protocol, which enables the simultaneous testing of multiple specimens.

rolled up his sleeve for his colleagues to receive the smallpox vaccine multiple times so the lab could work with samples, which required over a dozen needle punctures. The World Health Assembly eradicated smallpox in 1980, but ongoing preparedness ensures readiness when close relatives like mpox (formerly monkeypox) emerge, as demonstrated by the 2022 outbreak.

“Okay, I’m not going to make my staff do this. I’ll be the guinea pig,” Iwen said, taking the vaccine for his team.

The laboratory doesn’t just deal with bioterrorism and infectious diseases, but also illegal drugs for the Omaha Police Department, the Sheriff’s Office, and Douglas County. The team developed a test for fentanyl before it became available elsewhere.

“Okay, I’m not going to make my staff do this. I’ll be the guinea pig.”

—Dr. Peter Iwen

“[He] was solid, supportive, and a rock,” Hinrichs recalled.

Iwen has won numerous awards, including recently receiving the Leadership in Biosafety and Biosecurity Award from the Association of Public Health Laboratories for improvement in defining testing capabilities for the detection of high-consequence pathogens.

“Dr. Iwen, as a member of the department, has been able to turn the Nebraska Public Health Lab to a resource that supports the communities across the state and gives it national stature as a model where you have innovation, readiness, and deep expertise all for the benefit of the people of Nebraska,” said Joseph Khoury, the chair of the UNMC Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology.

Iwen recognizes his cohesive team of talented individuals who helped him steer the ship during uncertain times. The doctor, though,

Some of the work includes interesting new novelties, such as when Iwen, Hinrichs, and his staff discovered a rare species of bacteria, Mycobacterium nebraskense, and named it after the state. Or Iwen’s current project, which consists of genome sequencing to further analyze foodborne and nosocomial outbreaks.

“You hear about food being recalled, for instance, because of salmonella or listeria, and you think, ‘Wow, our food is dirty, awful, and a lot worse than it was in the past,’” Iwen said. “That’s not necessarily true. It’s just that we do a lot more testing, and we look for these things. We’re paying a lot more attention to food to make sure people are healthy. I think that’s a good thing.”

The professor wouldn’t mind more time to read history books, watch football, or spend time with the grandkids. The job, although mainly administrative these days, requires 24/7 availability, but he still loves each moment of it. Iwen traded his Converse for supportive sneakers long ago, but still enjoys the quietness of nature on his nearly three-mile walks to and from work, something he has done for 45 years, even in rain or snow. Iwen reflects on his accomplishments and thinks about the future, perhaps considering a phased-out retirement plan, as he watches the sun set on his walks home.

Friday Night

Blowouts

How transfers shifted competitive balance in Nebraska high school sports

STORY BY JEREMY TURLEY // PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE // DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK PUBLISHED IN COLLABORATION WITH FLATWATER FREE PRESS

The coach bolted first. Then, the top players followed.

The unexpected exodus from Omaha Benson High’s football team months before the 2023 season forced undersized backups and fledgling freshmen into key roles on the field. A Week-1 matchup at Lincoln North Star exposed all of the Bunnies’ inexperience.

When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard carried the biggest blowout in the history of the state’s top division.

93-0.

“I feel like my team was set up,” said team captain KeeVon Copeland. “Honestly, I don't think that they should have allowed [our] team to play.”

The beatdown laid bare a new reality in Nebraska high school athletics.

Fueled by the rise of club sports, COVID cancellations, and trickle-down trends from the college game, talented athletes are increasingly leaving their

neighborhood schools to join stronger teams, according to coaches, administrators, and sports writers who spoke with the Flatwater Free Press.

Over the last three years, nearly 1,500 high school athletes have switched teams without having to sit out under the state’s loose transfer rules. At the highest level, the consolidation of talent has tipped the scales of competitive balance, said Jeff Johnson, associate director of the Nebraska State Activities Association.

“The good have gotten better, and the bad have gotten worse,” Johnson said.

The widening gap between haves and have-nots is most evident in Class A football, where transfer-laden suburban squads such as Millard South and Westside far outperform depleted teams from Omaha’s urban core. During last year’s regular season, winning teams outscored their opponents by 33 points on average, nearly double the typical margin of victory from 20 years ago, an FFP analysis found.

The growing imbalance has caught the attention of the NSAA, which regulates high school sports. The association is preparing a plan to rework scheduling, so “the really good don't play the really bad,” Johnson said. But that still won’t address the root problem of state law allowing transfer athletes to bolster top teams, he added.

Things haven’t gotten much easier for Benson football since the record loss two years ago.

In the first season after coach Terrence Mackey left for district rival Central, the winless Bunnies were outscored by nearly 500 points. Copeland, who had the team’s only touchdown, attributes the inability to compete entirely to the transfers.

For an audio version of this story, open the camera on your smart device and hover over the QR code.

Seven bruising losses to open last season decimated the team’s already thin roster with injuries. Benson Athletic Director Deondre Jones and his colleagues forfeited the remaining two games and paid a $1,000 fine to their Week-9 opponent, the soon-to-be state champion Millard South.

“I would rather pay a penalty,” Jones said, “than pay for a funeral.”

Inside The Transfer Portal

When the much anticipated Class A title game rolled around last year, transfers were featured all over the field.

The receiver who scored three touchdowns, the cornerback who caught an interception, the defensive end who landed two sacks—all had joined Millard South from other high schools. Newcomers even handled the Patriots’ kickoffs and punts.

On the other end, student-athletes who had transferred to Omaha Westside ran in the lone touchdown and forced the only turnover in the team’s first loss in more than two years.

It wasn’t always like this.

In 1989, Nebraska became one of the first states to allow students to transfer outside their home district through a program known as option enrollment. But even before it became law, critics worried the education policy would have sporting implications.

A year earlier, Minnesota’s creation of a similar law had set off a chaotic flurry of illicit recruitment and high school athletes switching teams.

To prevent that fate, Nebraska barred districts from considering athletic abilities as part of their admission standards and prohibited students from competing for a year at their new schools. The sit-out period was shortened to 90 days just a year later.

Today, most transfer athletes don’t have to sit at all. High schoolers get one free transfer as long as their schools alert the NSAA to their impending transfer by May 1.

More than 450 student-athletes—moving both within and between districts—have appeared on the May 1 list each of the last three years, according to the NSAA.

But the list is just the tip of the iceberg, since option students who enroll before their freshman year are automatically eligible to compete when they get to high school, said John Krogstrand, Omaha Public Schools’ athletic director. The NSAA doesn’t keep records on how many athletes fit in that category.

For example, option students made up 33 of the 70 players on Westside’s football team last year, but 26 of those students joined the district between kindergarten and ninth grade, Westside spokeswoman Elizabeth Power said.

Athletes who don’t use option enrollment to join a district must move into its boundaries to become immediately eligible. The NSAA stripped Gretna High of its 2021 football title after finding that the school, which is closed to option enrollment, had an ineligible transfer student on its team.

In basketball, relationships formed through club teams have inspired high school transfers for more than two decades, but transfer-loaded football teams are a more recent phenomenon, said Thad Livingston, a former Omaha World-Herald sports editor.

The transfer portal that shaped college sports over the last five years has trickled down to the high school level in Nebraska and other states, Krogstrand said.

It’s an open secret that high school coaches recruit athletes in defiance of NSAA rules, said state Sen. Terrell McKinney, who coaches wrestling at Omaha North High. Usually, it’s less a formal pitch and more an open-ended invitation to a player that the coach already knows from club sports, he said.

Coaches who leave for a new job are often accompanied by several of their old players.

About a dozen football players followed Mackey from Benson to Central, and several of coach Paul Limongi’s former Burke High stars helped him win a championship in 2022 during his first year at Westside. OPS and Westside declined interviews on behalf of Mackey and Limongi.

But overwhelmingly, it’s parents eyeing college athletics opportunities for their kids who initiate conversations with coaches—not the other way around, said Mike Sautter, a longtime high-school sports reporter now with Hurrdat Sports.

And with club sports and social media breaking down geographic barriers, kids are recruiting their friends, said Jones, the Benson High AD.

Jakson Page saw the allure of playing basketball with close friends from AAU when he decided to transfer to Millard North for his senior year in 2021. Unhappy with his diminished role at Central, Page sought a chance to prove himself and knew the Mustangs needed someone like him, he said.

The move paid off. Page started nearly every game and his steady point guard play helped the team to a state championship.

“That was a perfect way to end my senior year, and I got to do it with guys that were like best friends to me,” Page said.

A Tilted Field

As school officials across the country tried to ride the line between public health and public opinion, thenOPS Superintendent Cheryl Logan made the call to cancel the 2020 fall sports season.

Logan knew her decision would “make our athletes mad,” but she said at the time, it was the only way the district could potentially get back to in-person classes.

The backlash was immediate. A chorus of OPS football players posted pleas to reconsider on social media with the hashtag #LetUsPlay. Several families even moved to houses in suburban districts to ensure their kids could compete.

“People wanted to play and to just sit there and do nothing…it was very depressing,” said Wayne Newson, looking back on his freshman year at Omaha Bryan.

Only one OPS sports team—South High boys’ soccer—has claimed a state title since the pandemic hit.

McKinney, a state champion wrestler for North High in the late 2000s, said he never felt the urge to leave OPS since he and his peers were winning, but the dip in high-level success is causing athletes to turn to suburban schools, where they can get more exposure on successful teams.

Krogstrand, who took over OPS athletics in 2021, noted that plenty of athletes from the district have reached impressive heights, including two alums drafted this year into the NFL and another into the NBA.

Built by boosters

The gap between OPS and suburban schools is made even wider by inequities in facilities and equipment, McKinney said.

Private boosters are funding a $34 million addition to Westside High that will feature a new pool and gym, having previously footed the bill for new basketball, baseball, softball, and golf facilities. Millard donors are bankrolling an 85,000-square-foot activity complex that will house six hardwood courts and a patch of indoor turf.

Meanwhile, Omaha North has been without a home football stadium for decades. After years of stalled plans, the high school is slated to build a new stadium over the next two years.

OPS was the only district in the state to call off the fall season, and many athletes later opted to take their talents to suburban schools, said Johnson, the NSAA official. The cancellation likely cost OPS a whole class, he said.

Sautter, the sports reporter, thinks the district is still feeling the effects.

“I said it at the time when they did it that it's going to set them back at least a decade, and I still feel that way,” he said.

OPS high schools have fallen short of their pre-pandemic performances across the sports spectrum, an FFP analysis found. In football, OPS teams have seen a drop-off in playoff appearances since the cancellation, and no team from the district has made the championship game since Burke won the title in 2018.

OPS teams have been shut out of three of the last five boys’ basketball playoffs. Two OPS teams made the playoffs annually from 2016 to 2020.

Even the district’s distance runners have struggled. Just one OPS cross country team has qualified for state since 2020. The boys’ and girls’ teams combined for 14 state appearances in the prior five seasons.

“It's not like you have to transfer away to get those opportunities,” Krogstrand said.

The district is looking forward, not fixating on past decisions, Krogstrand said. A soon-to-bereleased strategic plan calls for boosting coach development, strength training, nutrition programs, and offseason access to facilities and training for nonclub athletes, he said.

The urban sports struggles aren’t limited to Omaha. Two weeks before Benson was due to play Millard South last year, Lincoln High forfeited at halftime to the powerhouse team while trailing 63-0.

The Lincoln High team lost five players to transfers before the season, and its starting quarterback had just been knocked out of the game when coach Mark Macke decided to concede.

Macke, a 30-year veteran of Nebraska’s sidelines, said he doesn’t begrudge his opponent’s dominance, but if the margin of defeat had risen to triple digits, he would’ve lost his players for the rest of the season.

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“You’re really not coaching,” Macke said. “You’re just trying to hold them together, make sure they keep their heads. All you do is look at the clock.”

Lopsided matchups on the gridiron benefit nobody—the stronger players don’t improve by beating inferior foes, and the smaller kids on the losing side get humiliated and risk serious injury, Livingston said.

“I think it has taken it to a psychologically damaging level—to the level of publicly funded bullying,” Livingston said.

The state’s best programs—Millard South and Westside—have earned their success by doing a tremendous job of coaching, promoting players on social media, and helping them reach the collegiate level, Sautter said. Of course transfers are attracted by those qualities, he said.

More Nebraska-raised players are going to top college programs since the pandemic, and a dozen Millard South seniors have Division I offers this year, The Athletic reported.

Westside Community Schools, which receives the most option applications in the state, is popular with families, said Westside spokesperson Power, because of its unique academic offerings, central location, inclusive culture, and advantageous size.

Amid an increase in blowouts and declining participation in popular sports, the NSAA is exploring ways to restore competitiveness. Likely solutions include manipulating schedules to prevent mismatches and allowing long-suffering teams to drop down a level, Johnson said.

But so far, the organization has stood firm on its transfer rules. Earlier this year, the NSAA’s representative assembly narrowly voted down a proposal that would have extended the sports sit-out period from 90 to 180 days for transfers who don’t appear on the May 1 list.

The failed legislation was meant to deter repeat transfers, but since most first-timers don’t have to sit out, lengthening the suspension period doesn’t resolve the root issue—that would require a change in state law, Johnson said.

“We need a state senator to look at this and do something with the law, because the law was not intended for kids to move for athletic or activity purposes,” Johnson said.

McKinney said option enrollment won’t go away “because it's too beneficial to some school districts,” but something should be done. The loss of transfer athletes and competitive teams hurts the perception of urban schools and dampens community pride, he said.

The Democratic lawmaker said he would like to see the playing field leveled by sending more resources to OPS for athletics.

If the NSAA’s reforms don’t work, struggling teams will eventually give up, meaning less high school football in Nebraska, Johnson said.

At Benson, the out-migration of players posed serious safety concerns for those left on the team, Jones said.

Newson, Benson’s leading rusher and tackler in 2023, remembers his teammates suffering concussions at an unusually high rate, often due to poor tackling technique.

Team captain Copeland went down with a season-ending leg injury in Week 4 after a brutal hit by three opposing players.

Despite the overwhelming challenges on the field, Copeland said the Bunnies mostly stuck together off it and built a culture of resilience and mutual support.

“You’d think a lot of people would quit. Not many people did,” Copeland said. “We definitely built a community within each other.”

Jones is thinking on a 10-year timeline for rebuilding Benson football, but if things don’t change, the school may have to consider consolidating its team with another OPS school.

It would be a hard pill to swallow for alumni, he acknowledged. Benson boasts a proud football tradition, having produced a Heisman winner and four NFL players.

“The reality is if we want to have anything, we may have to do stuff like that,” Jones said.

Facing the same schedule that left them winless last year, the Bunnies are already off to a better start. In Week 2, they claimed their first victory in nearly three years.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraska’s first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter. Learn more at flatwaterfreepress.org.

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To �he Moon:

Matthew Ray’s Mission for OPS

n August of last year, thousands of Omaha Public Schools staff members fi lled Baxter Arena with the optimism of a new academic year. What they didn’t expect was a call to action that would shape the district’s identity for ye ars to come.

Superintendent Matthew Ray took the stage and presented a bold, singular challenge: All students in Omaha Public Schools would read on grade level by 2030. Th ere was no polished slideshow with strategic pillars. Just a vision— one that was intentionally unfi nished.

“We launched it without a plan, which is a little bit diff erent,” Ray explained. “We didn’t necessarily say, ‘Here’s our goal. We fi gured it all out.’ We spent last year, and we’re still spending time this school year, meeting with many groups to determine the best plan across the board.”

OPS calls it the “Moonshot.” Not because it’s trendy, but because it’s enormous. And Ray, a nearly three-decade veteran of the district, believes it’s both necessary and possible.

Story by Natalie Veloso Photography by Bill Sitzmann

Design by Joey Winton Superintendent

Profile

A Superintendent S haped by OPS

Th is fall, Ray began his second year as superintendent and his 29th year overall with the district. Few superintendents anywhere can claim a career arc as embedded in a single system as Ray’s. He’s worked his way through nearly every level of OPS, gaining a perspective that is now guiding the state’s largest school district through some of its most ambitious eff or ts to date.

“I started student teaching at Ashland Park-Robbins,” he said, recalling his fi rst teaching gig fondly. “Th en I substitute taught in the school district for about a semester. I got to go across the school district to all the elementa ry schools.”

Th at substitute teaching gig eventually led to a full-time position teaching fi fth grade. From there, Ray steadily moved into leadership roles: student personnel assistant, hearing officer, project manager for OPS’s Infi nite Campus rollout, director and executive director of Student Community Services, and eventually board secretary, chief of staff, deputy superintendent, interim superintendent—and, fi nally, sup erintendent.

“Every step prepared me for the next and prepared me for the role I’m currently in. It was a great feeling to talk to new [substitute teachers] this week, because I’ve been there personally. I even still have my substitute ID badge from OPS. I just had a little bit more hair,” he joked. “I never thought when I was substitute teaching for the Omaha Public Schools that I would become the superintendent.”

Even as staffi ng challenges have improved signifi cantly in the past few years, Ray remains focused on recruiting for harder-to-fi ll areas, including special education. “Th at’s something we’re still struggling with,” he said.

Although he’d personally spent decades already in OPS leadership, Ray approached his fi rst full year as superintendent with fresh eyes.

“I’ve treated this role as if it’s my fi rst ever year at OPS,” he said. “It’s a new career. It’s completely diff erent being second in charge of the school district than being fi rst in charge.” He’s learned to slow down, take a breath, and give big decisions space to unfold. But at the center of it all is what drew him to leadership in the f i rst place.

“It’s the kids we serve. Th at’s why I do what I do,” he said. “As I attended things that our students were performing in, or when I attended a basketball game or a school play, that’s when it triggered that I want to be the superintendent of Omaha Public Schools. It’s worth it. Th is is the reason I want to be here.”

A ll Means All

Th e idea for the Moonshot didn’t arrive in the district boardroom. It began on a whiteboard in an offi ce conference room with a handwritten proposition and a few s ticky notes.

“I just wrote the idea and a tentative goal on a dry erase board of what I thought it should be,” Ray said. “Th en I just had people come in and respond to it, or edit and add to it. If there was a parent in, I grabbed them. If there was a community member, I gr abbed them.”

“You can’t set a goal and say, ‘Well, 20% of our kids don’t need to read as long as we aim for 80%,’” Ray said. “All means all, and that’s different from the way the school district has approached other matters.”

Th e Moonshot was inspired by the coordinated urgency OPS demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the district mobilized overnight to keep students safe and learning. Ray believed that kind of system-wide teamwork could be applied to literacy.

“If the whole organization could move to make that happen, why can’t we do it to make another goal happen?” he said. “I knew it had to be about reading, because literacy is connected to everyt hing we do.”

Rethinkin g the System

Every step prepared me for the next and prepared me for the role I’m currently in. It was a great feeling to talk to new [substitute teachers] this week, because I’ve been there personally. I even still have my substitute ID badge from OPS. I just had a little bit more hair.

–Matthew Ray

The fi nal message was clear and uncompromising: All OPS students would read on grade level by 2030. Not a certain percentage, and not a t arget grade.

To lay the groundwork for the Moonshot, OPS spent the past year engaging internal working groups, each charged with unpacking key structural elements of how the district operates. Th eir shared mission: examine what needs to change to make the ambitious 2030 literacy go al possible.

One group looked closely at graduation requirements, questioning whether the current standards still made sense in today’s landscape. As a result, the district eliminated one required credit— not to lower expectations, Ray emphasized, but to give students more fl exibility. “It doesn’t improve graduation outcomes for the Omaha Public Schools,” he said, “but it does allow kids to focus some where else.”

Another team focused on the instructional day, comparing OPS’s calendar and daily schedule with research and national best practices. Th is included discussion around start times and brain development. A separate group, which Ray refers to as the “Stop Doing” committee, takes on a bold but necessary challenge to the district’s culture of constant addition. Th e group identifi es initiatives, practices, or requirements that have outlived their usefulness or created ineffi ciencies.

“We were adding and adding and adding, but we weren’t taking away,” Ray said. “To undo things or de-implement things is a lot of work, especially in an organization that’s 170 years old.”

Some of the most immediate shifts include the plan for a standardized reading block for all elementary schools and the expansion of teacher training through a new partnership with the University of NebraskaOmaha. “By the end of this year, about 400 teachers will be taking a science reading course through a partnership with UNO,” Ray said. “Th ese are teachers who have volunteered to do this, and it’s huge.”

He continued: “Next year, our primary grades will have a reading block—a nonnegotiable time dedicated to only that. You won’t be able to do professional development during that time, or worry about any other outside factor. It’s all about reading during this blo ck of time.”

The Right Work

As OPS hones its literacy focus, Ray isn’t ignoring other emerging issues in education. He acknowledges the growing infl uence of AI in schools, noting that the district is developing guidelines for how it should be used, not feared.

“We’re looking more and more into having practice statements about how AI should and shouldn’t be used in the classroom,” he said. “A lot of the new curriculum we’ve adopted has AI components in it. It’s one of those things that is not ever going to go away.”

Looking ahead, Ray hopes to break down traditional departmental silos within the district and create a culture where everyone sees their role in reaching t he Moonshot.

“We will be tighter and more focused on this singular vision,” he said. “So it’s less about this zeroed-in approach to certain topics; people will see themselves in the whole mission...no matter who you go to, they will know how they impact the Moonshot.”

Ray’s leadership path within OPS is rare— not just for its longevity, but for how intimately it has connected him with every level of the school system. Th at experience now informs his vision for an OPS united under a common goal: reading. And while the Moonshot is aspirational, Ray is focused on action over optics.

“It’s a really exciting time to be a part of Omaha Public Schools,” he said. “We’re doing things not because of social media posts or a hashtag. We’re doing it because it’s the ri ght work.”

Visit ops.org for more information.

BENNETT KUPZYK’S

Story by Lisa Lukecart

Photography by Bill Sitzmann

Design by Joey Winton

Bennett Kupzyk wiped his sweaty hands onto gray joggers and a black NASA sweatshirt, knowing slippery fi ngers like the roads outside might slow down his speed. Th e pressure surfaced the day before, after an ice storm coated the streets on Friday, Dec. 13, but luckily, it couldn’t stop “the boy who could speak cube” from competing in his fi rst tournament. Th e cold drafts didn’t deter competitors from fi ring up their fi ngertips by twisting Rubik’s Cubes the following morning, fi lling the cafeteria with clicking and clacking noises for the 2024 Cornhusker Cubing Classic at Millard West H igh School.

Th e 12-year-old worried about making the cutoff time or locking up despite the endless hours of practice. Th e yellows, reds, blues, and greens of the brain teaser blurred under the harsh lights as Kupzyk watched other speedcubers in action while waiting for someone to call his number.

Competitors must present their cube for a computer-generated scramble to ensure an unbiased randomness, according to World Cube Association guidelines. After hearing his number, Kupzyk sat in the hard green chair with his 3x3x3 cube hidden under a cup. Once the judge lifted the cup, the speedcuber had only 15 seconds to inspect it or face a ti me penalty.

Around the eight-second mark, Kupzyk placed his palms down on the long white table, watched the light turn from red to green, and grabbed the smooth plastic cube back into his hands. Th e Dundee Elementary sixth grader, competing against any age group, needed to twist the cubes until each face contained its original nine color ed squares.

“It was nerve-racking,” Kupzyk admitted. “But you have to trust you r fi ngers.”

When Hungarian architect Ernő Rubik invented his namesake puzzle as a three-dimensional lesson for his students in 1974, he had no idea he would solve his creation a month later despite its simple appearance and 43 quintillion possible combinations. Rubik called the wooden and paper puzzle held by rubber bands, glue, and paper clips the Magic Cube.

“The spatial logic toy” would receive a patent, blooming in popularity for a few years in the early 1980s. As it’s found its way into the hands of the next generation, over 500 million have been sold. Some have solved it blindfolded and with their feet, but speed remains the top competition. Max Park, then 21, recorded the fastest time on the 3x3x3 at 3.13 seconds to beat the world record in 2023.

Kupzyk discovered the magic of the cube hidden in a drawer two years ago, a holdover from his father’s youth. He solved one side at a time, fi nally relying on instructions and tutorials.

“It’s so captivating,” K upzyk said.

“It’s impossible,” chimed in his 9-year-old brother Elliot, who would rather hit a baseball instead of cracking the mystery of a Rubik’s Cube.

Kupzyk’s blue-green eyes remained laser-focused behind dark-rimmed glasses as his fi ngers fl ew over the plastic. He tossed the cube down in 25.63 seconds, averaging 33.97, while University of Nebraska-Lincoln Computer Science and Mathematics major Anton Angeletti fi nished in 6.24 and an average of 7.77 seconds for fi ve solves. Kupzyk also entered the 2x2x2, 4x4x4, and Skewb events, and rushed home afterward to look up even more competitions.

“I don’t think there is any way to stop him. He’s very determined and focused when he’s interested in something. He’s always cubing. He doesn’t go anywhere without a cube,” said his father, Kevin Kupzyk, a University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing statistician. Th e swishing of the cube has become white noise in the background of the fam ily’s life.

“It’s great for his hand-eye coordination and keeps his mind sharp,” K evin added.

Kupzyk’s parents realized their son had a gift when the then-5-year-old stayed up late to play with jigsaw puzzles or read books. A Gifted and Talented program at Dundee Elementary enabled him to foster his already sharp problem-solving skills. Robotics, the Reading Olympics, and math competitions honed his analytical, comprehension, and real-world application abilities.

“It gives them opportunities to explore. It’s been a cool experience for him,” said his mother, Sara Kupzyk, a University of Nebraska-Omaha associate professor of psychology.

For a brain break, Kupzyk plays piano and learns other languages like Chinese for fun. He hopes to join the cross-country team at Lewis and Clark Middle School this fall. His real love, though, displays itself in his room. Completed jigsaw puzzles cover the floor, along with “too many cubes to count” lined up neatly by orientation and color on shelves. Kevin likes to sneak in to scramble the cubes.

“He will solve them all that night. He loves the challenge,” his f ather said.

Kupzyk plans to conquer the Rubik’s WCA World Championship, but for now, he will need to master middle school fi rst.

I don’t think there is any way to stop him. He’s very determined and focused when he’s interested in something. He’s always cubing. He doesn’t go anywhere wit ho ut a cube.

– Kevin Kupzyk

Hiland

Through theDecades

STORY BY Tim Trudell | DESIGN BY Nickie Robinson

From Horse-Draw n Carriages to Schoo l Lunchrooms

More than 1.4 million pints of milk roll off the assembly line at Hiland’s Omaha plant, with nearly 75% fi nding their way to school lunch rooms across Nebraska and western Iowa.

Hiland Dairy provides milk for almost every large school district in Nebraska, including every Omaha metro district and Council Bluff s, said Loren Rohl, general manager. Blair and Fremont public schools were added this school year.

While several districts have milk distributors bid each year to provide dairy products, Omaha Public Schools uses a five-year rollover process, Rohl said. OPS renewed Hiland’s service through 2029-30.

Hiland’s Omaha location produces white, chocolate, and strawberry milk, Rohl said. Orange juice and apple juice are produced in Kansas City and shipped to Omaha for distribution. “A lot of school districts really like the strawberry mil k,” he said.

Hiland Dairy, one of the nation’s top five milk producers, has 15 plants and 53 distribution centers around the country, Rohl said. Omaha’s facility produces about 2 million gallons of m ilk monthly.

Hiland’s history in Omaha dates back almost a century, when Roberts opened its third dairy plant in 1929, joining Lincoln and Sioux City. Roberts Dairy actually started on a 60-head cattle operation outside of Lincoln by J. Gordon Roberts, who also farmed near Elkhorn.

Using 100 horse-drawn wagons to deliver milk to homes, Roberts took extra steps to ensure milk was delivered to each customer cold and fresh, said Dick Dimon, an engineer and company historian who has been with the Omaha facility for 50 years.

Roberts used a refrigeration plant to produce large blocks of ice. Employees fed ice into a chipper, then drivers drove in their wagons after they were loaded with milk bottles. Each driver shoveled ice on top of the milk, then headed on their route, Dimon said.

"The ‘employee of the month’ in those days was a horse, because the horse knew the route. You could put any driver out there and give him a route book, but the horse knew the route."

—Dick Dimon

“The ‘employee of the month’ in those days was a horse, because the horse knew the route,” Dimon said. “You could put any driver out there and give him a route book, but the horse knew the route.”

“Old Tom” was among the best horses, Dimon said. He worked routes for 20 years, covering 75,000 miles and delivering 3 million bott les of milk.

Horses were so important that each had a window in its stall at the horse barn, which ran at least two blocks long, Dimon said.

“I’m still waiting to get a window in my office,” he joked.

While the horses were respected and well-cared for, 20th-century progress changed the way Roberts delivered dairy products. By the early 1930s, horses were replaced by about 100 Divco refrigerated trucks, capable of delivering milk farther and quicker.

Each truck had a cold plate, which was a brine-fi lled tank in the roof, plugged into a central ammonia system and cooled overnight, Dimon said. It kept the milk cold during the day, he said.

A Divco’s design allowed a driver to operate the truck from the front, rear, or even the running boards, allowing for quicker deliveries.

After World War II, Omaha had 36 dairies, but as the federal government improved health requirements for dairy products, including pasteurized milk, they started dropping like fl ies, Dimon said. By 1960, only a handful remained, as the others closed or were purchased by larger dairies like Roberts, he said. Eventually, Roberts Dairy was the only milk-producing operation in the city.

Post-war technology also brought on the Cold War, when the world was basically divided into the United States and its allies versus the Soviet Union and its alliances. The Cold War affected Roberts Dairy in a unique fashion, Dimon said.

In 1963, Roberts Dairy, working with the Office of Civil Defense, built an underground dairy operation beneath Roberts’ Elkhorn farm, to test whether cattle could produce milk—susceptible to contamination by radiation—following a nuclear bomb attack over Omaha.

A concrete shelter was built, at a cost of $35,000, large enough to house 200 Golden Guernsey cattle and some bulls. The experiment included 35 cattle and a bull. Two students managed the operation.

Apparently, the cattle received rave results, with the Office of Civil Defense reporting that the cattle could produce milk that could be processed underground.

Even the plant’s basement was prepped for war, Dimon said.

“We still call it the ‘bomb shelter,’” he said. “Food and water were stored on-site here for the employee s,” he said.

Roberts’ family ownership ended in 1973, when the company was sold to American Beef. Following a series of ownership changes, Mid-America Dairymen took over in 1980. Th rough a partnership with Prairie Farm, the Roberts plant became part of the Hiland brand in 2013, with the name change completed in 2017.

COLLECTIVE FOR YOUTH:

CONNECTING THE METRO

ot all after-school programs are created equal, but that’s a problem Collective for Youth has quietly worked to solve in the Omaha metro for nearly two decades. Before Collective for Youth started doing its work, there was a mishmash of afterschool programs operating within the Omaha area, some of which would lose funding and close abruptly, disrupting the lives of families. And depending on the school, there was often a disparity between the opportunities available to students from one community to another.

According to Collective for Youth’s Executive Director Megan Addison, the question the organization set out to answer at its inception in 2007 was, “How do we even the playing fi eld so that no matter where a kid went to an after-school program, they would have a high-quality, engaging experience?”

As a result, Collective for Youth became a liaison of sorts between public schools and the partners who off er after-school activities for students. Addison and her team were charged with ensuring an equitable experience for students, regardless of their location. Addison explained that building up program providers to offer high-quality programs for kids was a big part of their mission, and as a result, Collective for Youth now enjoys strong partnerships with numerous after-school program providers—all of which strive to provide quality opportunities for students.

Addison was pleased to watch the continued growth and success of some of these providers. She revealed that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Collective for Youth started the practice of regularly bringing representatives from providers together to meet one another, network, and brainstorm.

“It’s great because it allows our diff erent program partners to network with each other and build relationships,” said Addison. “Before you know it, they’re working together on a special program out on a site.” For example, at McMillan Middle School, Team Bike Rescue of Omaha’s Broken Spokes program partnered up with Building Dream’s after-school program to collaborate on doing repairs in the garden for the Garden-to-Ta ble program.

“It really helps foster a collaborative spirit,” Addison added. “By bringing our network together regularly and learning together, our biggest message is always clear that they’re the caring adult who’s going to make a difference in somebody’s life. It’s so important that we’re providing a high-quality experience when building those relationships with kids.”

Addison revealed that one of the partner organizations that’s standing out for their work with students is SkateFest. Led by Executive Director Blake Harris, SkateFest’s mission is to provide at-risk youth with alternative pathways to pers onal growth.

Harris, who was once among those considered “at-risk youth,” has grown SkateFest to an impactful organization that serves some of the most vulnerable youth within the Omaha area. He credits Collective for Youth with SkateFe st’s growth.

“Collective for Youth has fundamentally transformed the way our organization impacts at-risk youth,” he said. “Th eir leadership, dedication, and coordination are unmatched.” He

added that Collective for Youth’s support helped SkateFest provide nearly a thousand students across Omaha with unique outlets and positive mentorship.

Th ough Collective for Youth isn’t an organization that directly provides after-school programs to schools, the team is directly responsible for many of the quality afterschool programs happening within Omaha Public Schools. In addition to helping afterschool care providers stay plugged into the community and ensuring each school (and student) has access to the care they need, they also provide technical assistance, support, and facilitate grants. With more than a hundred schools within the Omaha Public Schools district and dozens of afterschool providers, it’s no small task.

Volunteer opportunities don’t come up often through Collective for Youth, though their small-but-mighty team sometimes seeks out help from the community for special events. “We’re always looking for high-quality board members,” Addison said, adding that donations are always welcome and can easily be made on their website.

Ensuring that Omaha’s youth have inspiring after-school care can seem like an overwhelming task, but the Collective for Youth team isn’t backing down. Th ey will continue serving and helping after-school providers, proactively engaging in the community, and investing in the future of Omaha youth. Th ey’re building a system of excellence to the benefit of some of the most vulnerable Omahans—the kids who will become future educators, leaders, and changemakers, thanks, in part, to the mentors who cared.

For more i nformation, visit collectivef oryouth.org.

Collective for Youth has fundamentally transformed the way our organization impacts at-risk youth. Their leadership, dedication, and coordination are unmatched. – Blake Harris

GIVING CALENDAR

OCTOBER 2025

COMPILED

BY

LUCY MASON

Oct. 2

VOICES IN ACTION ADVOCACY MEETING

Benefits: Habitat for Humanity

Location: Habitat for Humanity habitatomaha.org

Oct. 2

A NEW BEGINNING “LET THERE BE LIGHT” GALA

Benefits: Innocence Freed

Location: Astro Theater innocencefreed.org

Oct. 2

IMAGINE…OHB’S ANNUAL FUNDRAISING EVENT

Benefits: Omaha Home For Boys

Location: The Barn at the Ackerhurst Dairy Farm ohb.org

Oct. 2

FALL MIND CANDY DIALOGUE

Benefits: Business Ethics Alliance

Location: TBA

Oct. 3

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS RALLY

Benefits: The Nebraska Oncology Society

Location: Nebraska State Capitol West Plaza, Lincoln, NE capitol.nebraska.gov

Oct. 3

TIDE RAISERS BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER

Benefits: The Bay

Location: Benson Theater thebay.org

Oct. 4

2025 WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S

Benefits: Alzheimer’s Association

Location: Iowa Western Community College Dodge Hall act.alz.org

Oct. 4

COPS VS CANCER FUN RUN

Benefits: Breast cancer research

Location: Lake Cunningham hereditarycancer.org

Oct. 5

BREAKTHROUGH T1D WALK

Benefits: Type 1 Diabetes community

Location: Mahoney State Park breakthrought1d.org

FEATURED EVENT

Oct. 17

REMIX 2025

Benefits: National Domestic Violence Awareness

Location: Cottonwood Hotel Wcaomaha.org

REMIX 2025 will be held on Friday, Oct. 17, at the Cottonwood Hotel for a one-night celebration supporting the WCA’s mission during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This year’s Halloween-themed event features costumes, cocktails, food, music, and fun, all put together by the WCA’s Partners Guild. Since 2022, REMIX has raised over $1.4 million for survivors. Honorary chairs Sen. John Fredrickson and Jeff Formanek will help kick off the evening at 6 p.m. Every dollar raised will fund WCA programs, including crisis hotlines, legal support, therapy, advocacy, and more for survivors of domestic and sexual violence in the Omaha area.

Oct. 6

GOLFING FOR FAMILIES AT TOP GOLF

Benefits: Gift of Adoption Fund

Location: Top Golf giftofadoption.org

Oct. 6

2024 WALK FOR PAWS

Benefits: Saunders County Lost Pets

Location: Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area saunderscountylostpets.com

Oct. 10

A NIGHT OF HOPE GALA

Benefits: Nebraska Cancer Specialists Hope Foundation

Location: Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District nchopefoundation.org

Oct. 10

ART FACTORY: AFTER DARK

Benefits: Hot Shops

Location: Hot Shops Art Center hotshopsartcenter.com

Oct. 10-11

KIDS AND CLAYS SPORTING CLAYS TOURNAMENT

Benefits: Ronald McDonald House

Location: Oak Creek Sporting Club, Brainard, NE rmhcomaha.org

Oct. 11

2025 KOMEN NEBRASKA MORE THAN PINK WALK

Benefits: Breast Cancer Awareness

Location: Werner Park komen.org

Oct. 11

BUILD WITH PRIDE

Benefits: Habitat for Humanity

Location: 6416 Forest Lawn Ave., Omaha, NE habitatomaha.org

Oct. 11

VOLUNTEER GARDEN CLEANUP

Benefits: Omaha Public Library

Location: Sculpture Garden of the Washington Branch omaha.bibliocommons.com

Oct. 12

2025 WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S

Benefits: Alzheimer’s Association

Location: College of Saint Mary Flames Fieldhouse act.alz.org

Oct. 16

RESCUE NIGHT @ OMAHA DOG BAR

Benefits: Rescue Dogs

Location: Omaha Dog Bar omahadogbar.com

Oct. 16

2025 ANNIVERSARY GALA

Benefits: Open Door Mission

Location: The Relevant Center in Elkorn, NE opendoormission.org

Oct. 18

ROCK THE BLOCK- LA VISTA

Benefits: Habitat for Humanity

Location: La Vista habitatomaha.org

Oct. 18

AKSARBEN BALL

Benefits: Aksarben’s Scholarship Program

Location: CHI Health Center aksarben.org

Oct. 18

SCARE AWAY CANCER HAUNTED HALLOWEEN

Benefits: Local families facing cancer

Location: MCL Construction scareawaycancer.org

Oct. 18

DUCHENNE/BECKER WORKSHOP

Benefits: Improving the quality of life for individuals with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy

Location: Courtyard Omaha Bellevue at Beardmore Event Center cureduchenne.org

Oct. 19

NEBRASKA GREAT STRIDES

Benefits: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Location: Yanney Heritage Park, Kearney, NE cff.org

Oct. 21

ANNUAL CLIMB HIGHER LUNCHEON

Benefits: NorthStar Foundation

Location: CHI Health Center northstare360.org

Oct. 21

OMAHA GO RED FOR WOMEN

Benefits: American Heart Association

Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha La Vista Hotel & Conference Center heart.org

Oct. 21

BEGINNINGS- DON & MILLIE’S FUNDRAISER

Benefits: Beginnings Preschool ministry at St. Andrew’s

Location: Don & Millie’s at 162nd and Maple standrewsomaha.net

Oct. 22

SIENA FRANCIS HOUSE 50TH ANNIVERSARY LUNCHEON

Benefits: Siena Francis House Location: Scott Conference Center sienafrancis.org

Oct. 23

LEAD THE CHANGE

Benefits: Women’s Fund of Omaha Location: 455 N. 10th St. omahawomensfund.org

Oct. 24

2025 BENEFITS ART AUCTION

Benefits: Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts

Location: Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts bemiscenter.org

Oct. 24

FRIENDS OF RITECARE DINNER AND AUCTION

Benefits: RiteCare Speech and Language Clinics

Location: Scottish Rite Masonic Center friendsofritecare.org

Oct. 25

DV AWARENESS PRESENTATION

Benefits: Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Location: Ralston Transit Facility poncatribe-ne.org

Oct. 25

2025 BOLD

Benefits: St. Pius X / St. Leo School

Location: Creighton Prep spsl.net

Oct. 26

MY SISTER’S KEEPER 25TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Benefits: Breast Cancer Awareness Location: Scott Conference Center pilgrimbc.org

Oct. 26

HOT CIDER HUSTLE

Benefits: Epilepsy Foundation Nebraska Location: Lake Zorinsky nebraskaruns.com

Oct. 26

CHILI COOK OFF AND BAKE SALE

Benefits: Hands, Hearts and Paws

Location: Office West Lounge handsheartspaws.org

Oct. 27

UWM ANNUAL MEETING

Benefits: United Way of the Midlands Location: CHI Health Center Arena Grand Ballroom unitedwaymidlands.org

STORY BY Sara Locke

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Bill Sitzman DESIGN BY Nickie Robinson

Chef to

Steward

Clayton Chapman Drives His Life with Food, Family, and Purpose

Clayton Chapman became a local food celebrity not only for his ambitiously green and James Beard-nominated Grey Plume, but for his love and respect for local growers, ingredients, and the art of serving a meal with love.

“I obviously love to cook, I love to eat, and I love to teach,” he said.

His relationship with food came organically as a fully rounded relationship from seed to service, with his mother instilling respect for not only the fi nished product, but the entire process of c onsumption.

“My mom was a great cook, and my folks had a big garden we loved harvesting produce from, making pickles and sauces and canning things for the winter,” Chapman recalled. “My love of food started so early, and my understanding and enthusiasm for it really had time and space to develop.”

Chapman immediately recognized the difference between home cooking, commercial cooking, and an actual love of food, and entered the world of strictly commercial cooking as a sandwich artist at Subway at the age of 13. He worked his way up in the local restaurant industry as most do: dishwasher, prep cook, line cook.

It took more than one mighty leap to bridge the gap from the highly processed Subway line to receiving the nation’s fi rst “Most Sustainable Restaurant” award from the Green Restaurant Association.

“We have some of the best ingredients in the country right here in the Heartland. We have access to incredible beef, pork, lamb, chicken—that was really the catalyst [for Grey Plume],” Chapman said. “Showcasing the local food because it was the most accessible. Just staying out of the way of these amazing, local ingredients.”

While Chapman had the seed of an idea germinating within him, it was the birth of his oldest child that pushed him to radically sustainable action.

“You start thinking about the future and the world you’re building and leaving for them. You become the least important factor in what you’re doing, across the board,” he explained. “They change you. In such a great way—you really feel the drive to make a difference.”

A decade later, Chapman closed the successful Grey Plume in 2020, but not before launching anot her venture.

“We wanted to do things a little differently than we did in our fi rst 10 years. Not that what we had done was incorrect, the Grey Plume was a great success and we are so thankful for that. We had a great run and ended on such a high note,” he continued. “After some reflection on what and how I wanted to continue to be involved in food service and the community, I wanted to be of service without being in service. Heather and I started Noble Hospitality.”

Heather Smith is Chapman’s partner in business and in life, sharing stake in Noble Hospitality and in the small children currently running their home.

“We started working on Noble Hospitality in 2019 when we were pregnant with our now-5year-old,” Smith said. “We had this awakening of just—‘is this how we want to live our life?’ Late nights every night, cancelled trips because the restaurant needed staff. A new baby really made us look at how external factors were impacting what we knew was good and true. We found a new sense of purpose.”

Noble Hospitality is a multi-faceted organization that includes restaurant design, turn-key solutions for new builds, ongoing training for restaurants in distress, and private dining events, for which Chapman still

insists on relying on his host of local growers and producers.

“There’s no going back from that. I will always keep that standard of seasonally-driven, responsibly sourced, local growers and ranchers,” he said.

The pair work hard to balance their commitment to the community, to their children, and to what Smith refers to as their “divine purpose.”

“We don’t really do outreach; we have social media but not really the time to keep up with it,” she said. “We’ve done some training projects and redesigned other restaurants’ ingredient lists, and have done some ground-up builds. We have these amazing clients and these incredible opportunities only because of the reputation Clayton has built. We are in the intersection of all of the things he is really great at. He gets to do what he’s passionate about, and then come home and be passionate about his life.”

Chapman’s latest venture takes him to western Nebraska’s Sandhills, where he leads a men’s retreat that includes an ethical bison hunt, field dressing and a blood ceremony, an open fire cooking session, and a deep energetic reconnection to Earth and the bounty she provides.

In all of his undertakings, Chapman ensures that the people he knows, loves, and serves are well-fed—body, mind, a nd spirit.

To learn more about Chapman’s work, retreats, and newly relaunched YouTube channel, visit: chefclaytonchapman.com, noblehospitalityservices.com/about, and youtube.com/@chefclaytonchapman.

S I M M E R

Cozy Hotpot Spots to Tr y in Omaha

STORY BY MICHELE FAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE

DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK

hen the air turns crisp and evenings grow chilly, few things feel more comforting than gathering around a steaming pot of broth with friends and family. Hotpot is more than a meal; it’s a cozy ritual, complete with conversation and the occasional competition over who cooked their meat just right.

In my college days, hotpot dinners were the go-to solution whenever my friends and I couldn’t decide what to eat. We’d pile into one of those all-you-caneat hotpot joints, fi ll our trays with meat, meatballs, seafood, and veggies, then settle in for a two-hour-long eating contest. The bubbling pot in the middle of the table wasn’t just a way to cook food; it became the centerpiece of our conversations.

For the uninitiated, hotpot is an Asian communal dining experience where raw ingredients are cooked tableside in a simmering pot of broth. Everyone gathers around, dipping and boiling thin slices of meat, leafy greens, root vegetables, noodles, tofu, and seafood in the broth of their choice. It’s a choose-your-own feast, paired with DIY dipping sauces and jugs of plum juices (or herbal tea or beer).

As I grew older, I discovered hotpot in its many forms: Japanese shabu-shabu, Korean jeongol, and hotpot grill hybrids in Cambodia and Th ailand, where you cook meats on a griddle while soup bubbles around the edge. Each variation reflects the local palate, but the essence remains: food, fire, and togetherness.

So where do you start in Omaha? Whether you’re new to the hotpot game or a seasoned hotpot master, here are a few spots to explore. Bonus: You can do it yourself at home, too.

Wukong

Asia n Restaurant

Begi nner Level: Cook It For Me, Please.

If you’re curious about hotpot but a little intimidated by the idea of cooking it yourself, Wukong is the perfect entry point. Their cooked hotpot menu does the hard work for you. Simply choose your broth (four to choose from, plus a dry “malatang” option), pick three meats and three nonmeats, the kitchen would take care of the rest for you.

The malatang, a dry-style hotpot, is labeled the spiciest. But don’t be alarmed. The “mala” fl avor is more numbing than fiery, thanks to Sichuan peppercorns. I like the dry malatang best out of all the options I tried.

When it comes to proteins, you can’t go wrong with premium fatty beef. Fish balls, shrimp balls, and beef tendon balls are all standard but solid choices. For the non-meats, I recommend lotus root slices, mushrooms, and tofu to help you appreciate the full depth of the soup’s fl avor.

New China Garden Hotpot & BBQ

Because everything is cooked to perfection and served ready to eat, this is a great way to learn what properly prepared hotpot should taste like without risking rubbery beef or losing your tofu to the bottom of the pot, where it melts into the broth if left too long. Google reviews also highly recommend the lemon jelly dessert as a light, citrusy end to the meal.

B-B-Q

Hot Pot (a.k.a. New China Garden Hotpot & BBQ)

For Appetites Big and Small: A Mix of A La Carte and Bu et

New China Garden has long been a favorite for its authentic Sichuan dishes, and a recent renovation introduced a self-serve hotpot bar. Now you can enjoy all-you-caneat hotpot alongside their flavorful, spicy à la carte specialties.

What sets this place apart is the flexibility. You can get your own individual pot (great for picky eaters or friends who can’t agree on spice levels), and supplement your meal with standout appetizers like the hot and sour shredded potatoes.

It’s a great option for those who want a bit of everything. Plus, if you’re introducing a group to hotpot for the fi rst time, the variety here helps keep everyone happy.

HotPot88 A sian Cuisine

For an Adventure: Seafood Standouts, Variety, a nd Freshness

For the best ingredient selection in Omaha, HotPot88 is the place to go. Th is is especially true during dinner or on weekends when the full menu is available. The selfserve bar includes everything from standard meatballs to standout seafood options. The fi sh slices, in particular, are chef’s kiss.

Meat lovers should try the ox tongue and lamb slices. Another standout is the shrimp paste, which you spoon into the broth to cook. It sounds odd, but trust me— it’s a must.

HotPot88 also features a buildyour-own sauce station. My go-to mix? Peanut butter sauce, chili oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, and a

mountain of fresh cilantro. Experiment and have fun with your sauces!

Cooking tip: Don’t approach hotpot like you’re making soup. Hold meat slices with your chopsticks and swish them in the broth until they turn grey (or look cooked enough). Seafood cooks fast, too, so don’t let it swim too long. Root veggies can sit for a while, and meatballs are done when they float to the top.

Here’s a hack I like: order a bowl of white rice and drop it into your chicken broth. Keep enjoying your hotpot, and in 20–30 minutes, you’ll have a rich, well-cooked congee (rice porridge). I fi rst tried a congee-based hotpot at a seafood restaurant in Toronto and have been hooked ever since. Eating the congee base at the end of the hotpot meal makes it extra satisfying.

DIY Hotpot at Home

Graduate to DIY: once you’ve found your favorite broth and toppings, making hotpot at home is easy. Start with a soup base mix from Haidilao (a popular hotpot chain with locations in Chicago, LA, NYC, and Toronto). You can fi nd these mixes at the Asian Market

on Cass Street. We usually go for a half-and-half pot with tomato broth on one side (great for kids or spiceaverse friends) and spicy mala broth on the other.

Grocery list: thinly sliced lamb or beef (you can fi nd hotpot-ready cuts at the same Asian Market), shrimp, imitation crab sticks, turnip slices, mushrooms, tofu, veggies, and assorted meatballs. As for dipping sauce ingredients, get soy sauce, sesame oil, hoisin, garlic, chili, and fresh herbs like cilantro or scallions.

A Fall Ritual Worth Starting

Hotpot brings people together like few meals can. With Omaha’s growing roster of hotpot options, from handsoff cooked bowls to all-you-can-eat seafood feasts, it’s never been easier to get started.

When the temperature drops and you’re craving something warm and interactive, summon your friends and gather ’round the pot. Your perfect hotpot moment is just a simmer away.

Large grills stand on the patio of Catalyst against the gleaming backdrop of the Farnam Hotel, the cool breeze blowing the smoke from the grills out onto the streets of the Old Market. Executive Chef Eduardo Marquez commands the scene with a grilling tool in each hand. In what looks more like a show than just the preparation of a meal, Chef Eduardo and his team dance around the fires, poking at the flames. Bountiful piles of bread sit on the side and gourmet chickens hanging from the top of the grill, glistening in the setting sun as the lines of tomahawk steaks drip juice into the hot wood logs burning below. Lavish slabs of salmon lay against the side of the grill, cooking on boards from barrels of bourbon. To flourish the elaborate display of meat, bright pineapples hang around to add a pop of color.

Chef Eduardo, having worked with Ritz-Carlton and traveled all over the

world—from Rome to Chile to California— has brought many flavors from around the globe to Dynamite Woodfire Grill, attached to the Farnam Hotel and Catalyst. Though generally a bar, Catalyst hosts many private, wedding, and corporate events, with Dynamite serving as the main restaurant that offers just as much of a show with its dining experience as it does excellent food. Dynamite opened in spring 2021, with Chef Eduardo coming onto the scene in 2025. Bringing in his global experience and passion for cooking, he curated the menu to hone in on the flavors and tastes he loves, made to be specially prepared on the woodfire grills outdoors.

At Catalyst’s fire-to-table experience, Chef Eduardo casually flips roasted chickens while pacing around the fire. In what most would consider to be a stressful endeavor of intense focus on timing, the chef seems perfectly at ease drifting around with the smoke as food cooks. As guests file from the bar to

Blazing Grills & Mouthwatering

the patio, decked out in dresses and light summer attire while holding old-fashioneds and Negronis, the elaborate grill area is met with gasps and the whipping out of phone cameras. Chatting with guests as they come in, Chef Eduardo has a cool and collected smile on his face, steadily preparing the meal with the confidence of a true artist.

Guests stare with intrigue as the chef pulls a baster, which looks like a thick metal funnel at the end of a stick, out of the fire. It’s filled with beef tallow, and as the fat boils in the funnel, he dribbles it over a tray of oysters waiting to be bathed. The baster catches on fire as he sprinkles it over the oysters, and he gives it one final flare before throwing it back into the flame, at which point his sous chefs run in and dress the oysters with sauces and herbs before the waitress swishes in and lifts the plate up, gliding around the guests with the oysters. It wasn’t hard to say yes to a third and fourth, as they came around again once the waitress had finished her rounds.

STORY BY LUCY MASON PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE

DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK

Executive Chef

Eduardo Marquez

DINING FEATURE

This unique technique of using the open grill is what makes the dining experience so exceptional to Omaha. Chef Eduardo applies his ideas and methods learned from other experts across the world to showcase on the open grill.

Chef Eduardo and the general manager of the hotel, Shane Lonowski, have been cooking on this dream for a while. In this Argentinian style of cooking, the meat hangs over the flames and slow cooks for hours. Lonowski said the chickens cook for approximately six hours, and the tomahawks for two, and this is where the complexity of timing the meal perfectly comes into play. Woodfire grilling has been the focus for Dynamite but as Chef Eduardo and Lonowski’s vision grew, they brought a whole new level. As something that began in their backyard at cookouts as their friendship grew, so did the dream that has come to fruition today. The intensity and breadth of knowledge that they share about this style of cooking can hardly be contained and is reflected in the artwork produced on the table.

As guests at the fire-to-table event mouthwateringly glanced down at the peach salads with burrata and Caesar salads balancing on the longs down the tables, the chef gave permission to dig in, and they did with pleasure. With strangers on either side, guests leaned into the theme of friendship that Shane and Eduardo harped on and began to mingle. The Caesar was cut into squares, and thick anchovies poked out from the bottom. Thick slices of bread were offered with sweet garlic butter that people luxuriously spread over the bread.

The smoke continued to billow around the tables as the second course came around with an option of red or white wine. The course consisted of bacon and grilled onion that was burned into the coal and covered in a balsamic glaze, and a purple baked potato and corn dish with butter and pecorino cheese, along with crunchy cabbage with a little bit of a hot kick. As the wine flowed and the intermingling small talk between the tablemates continued to swell, Jason and Angie Fisher, owners of the Farnam Hotel, sat at the end of the table, enjoying the conversation and praising Chef Eduardo. “The talent level that exists in this world,” Jason said in awe. The Fishers discussed how ecstatic they are to have Chef Eduardo at Dynamite, and how they let him take

creative control over the menu, loving his laid-back style and adventurous nature. They only made him promise to keep one item, which was the Reuben croquettes.

The chicken, with chimichurri and butter, was so tender that forks sunk into it. The pork with apples, which is a combo the chef said he loves, sat next to the tomahawk steaks, the large bone sitting on top of the slices of meat. Balancing at the end of the table was the salmon with a potent orange color, so buttery it melted the second it touched the tongue.

Just when no one thought they could eat more, a beautiful butter pecan ice cream with caramel drizzle was brought out and displayed over the pineapples, which everyone remembered seeing hanging on the grills earlier. A zesty pop of color wrapped up the heavy meal, bringing back the breezy summer hanging around the patio. The chef thoroughly expressed his love for food through the successful meal, achieving the attempt to bring strangers together as friends and share a bond with them over a good meal. As the dessert was passed out, Chef Eduardo and Lonowski meandered back to the front, this time with a few special guests. The chef brought out his wife and his two little boys, who he plopped on the ledge sitting above the crowd. As he introduced them to the guests and teased around with the two of them, asking if they enjoy the recent move to Omaha, he posed the question, “We are in Omaha here to live forever, yes?” The little boys eagerly nodded.

Visit catalystlounge.com for more information.

Elie’s Chinchorro Caribbean Bistro

LaTruya(sampleplatter)

A Little Piece of Puerto Rico in the Metro

DINING REVIEW

Elie’s Chinchorro Caribbean Bistro is one of the most unique eateries in the metro. First of all, it’s home cooking at its finest—especially if you grew up in a household with Puerto Rican heritage. Living in New York, specifically the Bronx, there was no shortage of island

cuisine. Neighbors made incredible empanadas, and the open markets offered everything from mofongo to giant tripleta sandwiches.

Elie Berchal started selling the food of her heritage out of necessity—she lost her job and had two kids in college and two more in high school. Berchal first started the business out of her home, taking part in pop-ups, street festivals, and farmers markets. After a couple of years of hard work, the family opened a restaurant across from the old Lo Sole Mio location on 36th Street. In June 2024, the Berchal family moved into their new home at 16th and Cuming, serving dishes that, as she describes, come from cooking with their hearts.

DINING REVIEW

When we visited Elie’s on a Friday night in July, I was instantly transported back to the Bronx and my youth. The first thing you encounter when you enter the fairly small open air restaurant is the aroma. It’s hard to describe the combination of plantains, fresh fruit from the many cocktails, and roasted pork, but without the perfect word, I’ll just go with—it smells like food heaven.

As I mentioned, the family-run restaurant is not big by any means, and neither is the attached parking lot. You will most likely have to park on the street and use the city meters. As for the service time, I’m reminded of something my grandmother Mildred would say: Delicious doesn’t happen in a hurry. In other words, expect to spend some time at Elie’s, as every dish is made from scratch.

It took about 30 minutes before we placed our food order, but in the meantime, we were served a basket of complimentary buttered and seasoned toast. Elie’s is one of the places that’s perfect for a group of friends or family who are not in a hurry and enjoy some conversation with their dinner.

The menu is an experience in itself, offering a wide range of choices—many of them completely new to diners unfamiliar with the “tastes of Puerto Rico.” One standout is mofongo, a classic dish made from mashed green plantains seasoned with garlic and spices, shaped into an edible bowl, and topped with proteins and vegetables. Berchal said staples like this are central to her mission of sharing her roots and culture with the people of Nebraska.

The carne frita mofongo is a must-order for any visit, because the crispy fried pork chunks are pretty close to perfect.You can tip the plantain bowl in with the pork, Elie’s sauce, and a splash of rich chicken broth into the wooden tower it’s served on and enjoy it that way. As our server explained, when it comes to mofongo, the messier the better—and this is the messy way. Or you can simply pop the pork chunks straight into your mouth, savoring a tender, well-seasoned, perfectly fried delight. Either way, mofongo is best enjoyed family-style. As Berchal put it, in Puerto Rico, “Nobody goes without eating. Everybody eats.”

We also ordered the bendito churrasco, or mofongo topped with skirt steak. I especially enjoyed the steak when dipped in warm broth served on the side. Topped with some mashed plantains, it’s pretty much a perfect bite. The mofongo is also available with sautéed vegetables if you aren’t eating meat.

Carnefrita mofongo

As a family, we couldn’t decide on just one of the many appetizers on Ellie’s menu, so instead we ordered the La Truya sampler platter. I don’t think there are many things more “family” than a platter in the middle of the table with pork chunks, alcapurrias, chicken chicharrón, turnovers, and mini mofongos.

The alcapurrias are traditional Puerto Rican fritters, fried and stuffed with seasoned beef. I suggest dipping the alcapurrias in the house sauce. Again, it’s a little messy, but delicious.

The turnovers are Elie’s take on empanadas. Golden little hand pies are filled with a mix of chicken, beef, and cheese. You can also get them with shrimp from the appetizer menu. I went back and ordered a variety pack of these to-go! They are a little greasy, but that is expected after frying to perfection.

La Truya is truly a party on a platter, and at $39.99, it’s very affordable for the amount of food you get. The platter is comparable to taking a trip through Puerto Rico without having to get on a plane.

Elie’s is one of those places you have to experience firsthand to truly understand what’s happening at the corner of 16th and Cuming. Let’s not forget the sandwiches—like the Cuban, which I made sure to try on a return visit. Many places attempt this classic, but few get the balance of flavors just right. Elie’s comes impressively close, with crisp bread, homemade roasted pork, a mustard that doesn’t overwhelm, and the perfect snap of a pickle. Combine the sandwich with a secret family recipe piña colada, and your day will be made.

Berchal said one of the most common reactions she hears from guests is that they leave wanting to book a trip to Puerto Rico to experience even more of the culture. That response fits perfectly with the Berchal family’s mission of sharing their heritage one day at a time—the family is already planning to expand with a second location. In the meantime, their current spot is closed on Mondays and hosts special theme nights one Saturday each month.

Visit elieschinchorro.com for more information.

Chicken empanada

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ROTELLA

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Before Louis Rotella Sr. became a master baker like his father and grandfather, he was a champion wrestler, claiming state titles at Omaha Central High School in 1944 and 1945. His team was honored as the Most Outstanding High School Team in the United States under Central High School Coach Vern Ekfelt. Although Louis Sr. had hoped to continue his wrestling career in college, he was unable to do so because he was drafted and served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Stuttgart, Germany during World War II. Years later, his son Louis Jr. wrestled at the University of Nebraska-Omaha between 1967 and 1972, where his team captured a national championship in 1970.

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PITCH - $$

5021 Underwood Ave. - 402.590.2625 West: 17808 Burke Street. - 402.289.4096

An OpenTable’s Diners’ Choice for 2014 HotSpot Restaurant in America. Keeping up with the traditional way the first pizzas in Italy were made, our pizzas are cooked in a coal-fired oven. The menu also features seafood, hand-cut steak, housemade pastas, and burgers full of flavor. Our goal is to provide you with local, housemade, and imported ingredients. We offer a happy hour menu through the -. Our bar provides an array of in-house concoctions as well as your traditional libations. Our wine selection is wellthought-out and most impressive. You will enjoy Pitch. Monday & Tuesday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Wednesday-Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. pitch pizzeria.com

S PEZIA - $$$

3125 S. 72nd St. - 402.391.2950

Choose Spezia for lunch or dinner, where you’ll find a casual elegance that’s perfect for business guests, get-togethers, or any special occasion. Exceptional food, wine, and service, with a delectable menu: fresh seafood, certified Angus steaks, innovative pasta, risotto, gnocchi, cioppino, lamb, entrée salads, Mediterranean chicken, flatbreads, and fresh salmon daily. Enjoy a full bar, Italian and California wines, Anniversary/Lovers’ Booth (call to reserve), private dining rooms, and wood-fired grill. Open Monday-Sunday. Cocktail hour 4-6 p.m., when all cocktails, glasses of wine, and beers are half price. Evening reservations recommended. —speziarestaurant.com

with

and

With recipes passed down over four generations, a

atmosphere, and plates to satisfy cravings at every hour—with breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus offering a variety of Mexican staples—Primo’s Mexican Restaurant is proud to serve the people of Omaha and Council Bluffs no matter the occasion. —primosmodernmexican.com

SPECIAL DINING

CRESCENT MOON A LE HOUSE - $ 3578 Farnam St. - 402.345.1708

Founded in 1996, we’ve grown into Beer Corner USA with the additions of The Huber Haus German Beer Hall, Max and Joe’s Belgian Beer Tavern, and Beertopia Omaha’s Ultimate Beer Store. With more than 60 beers on tap and Omaha’s best Reuben sandwich, we are a Midtown beer-lover’s destination. Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Kitchen hours: Monday-Wednesday 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m.-midnight. Cl osed Sunday. —beercornerusa.com

GREEK ISLANDS - $ 3821 Center St. - 402.346.1528

Greek cuisine with specials every day at reasonable prices. We are wellknown for our gyro sandwiches and salads. We cater and can accommodate a party for 65 guests. Carry-out and delivery available. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. —greekislandsomaha.com

INSTITUTE FOR THE CULINARY ARTS - $

5730 N. 30th St.

Fort Omaha Campus, Building 22

At the Metropolitan Community College Sage Student Bistro, culinary and hospitality students learn hustle, fundamentals, community service and stewardship — all from scratch. Explore dishes from around the world during lunch, or celebrate the contributions of American culinary sages at dinner. For reservations, visit: —mccneb.edu/Bistro

STEAKHOUSES

CASCIO’S - $$

1620 S. 10th St. - 402-345-8313

Cascio’s is Omaha’s No. 1 steakhouse. We have been serving Omaha for 69 years. We feature steaks, chops, seafood, and Italian specialties. We have seven private party rooms, seating for up to 400 people, and plenty of parking.

—casciossteakhouse.com

THE DROVE R RESTAURANT & LOUNGE - $$$

2121 S. 73rd St. - 402-391-7440

Famous for the original Whiskey Steak. Truly a one-of-a-kind Midwestern experience. Excellent food, wine, service, and value. Rare...and very well done.

LUNCH: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m.,

DINNER: Monday-Friday 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 4:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m., Sunday 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m.,

LOUNGE: Monday-Friday Cocktails only 2 p.m.-5 p.m. —droverrestaurant.com

TWISTED CORK BISTRO - $$

10370 Pacific St. - 531.999.3777

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

MAHOGANY PRIME

STEAKHOUSE - $$$$

225 N. 145th St. - 402.445.4380

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

DINNER: Monday - Saturday | 5pm - 10pm & Sunday | 5pm - 9pm. –mahoganyprimesteakhouse.com

Tenaska Center for Arts

Engagement opens in 2026

Classes, workshops, and camps for all ages and experience levels coming soon!

Check o-pa.org/Tenaska for updates!

OMAHA-AREA

Corn Mazes

Where Getting Lost Isn’t So Bad

Omaha has sprawled so far that the city seemingly almost stretches to Lincoln, paving many of the cornfields that once lived in between. Outside of the urban area of the city, it can be easy to get lost in unfamiliar territory. But sometimes, getting lost isn’t so bad. Each fall, many of the remaining cornfields are transformed into winding mazes where it’s easy to lose your bearings. October is the perfect time to wander them, and even get delight fully lost.

Around Omaha, two names stand tall in this tradition: Vala’s and Skinny Bones—two pumpkin patches that do their best to turn getting lost into an autumn adventure. For many, fall officially begins the moment they step onto the sprawling grounds of Vala’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard in Gretna. Its four-acre corn maze is redesigned every year so that no visit is ever exactly the same. Families, friends, and the occasional solo wanderer can spend plenty of time tracing paths, doubling back on dead ends, and making a wrong turn or several.

But the maze is just the beginning. With hayrack rides, cider donuts, apple orchards, and countless other activities, the fun doesn’t stop once you make it out of the maze. The earlier you visit in the season, the better—the

maze tends to get beaten down toward the end of the season.

If you want to avoid the infamous crowds of Vala’s with a bit more space to roam, Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch up north toward Blair ups the stakes. Its 10-acre maze is more than twice the size of Vala’s, and offers quite a bit more of a scare. If you can handle it, Friday night is “fl ashlight night,” allowing visitors to navigate the giant maze with the help of a fl ashlight. But on Saturday night, the fl ashlights are turned off. Scarers move through the maze throughout the evening, awaiting their next victim in complete darkness. Like Vala’s, Skinny Bones offers more than 20 other activities for once you clea r the maze.

Still looking to get lost? Several other local mazes bring their own fl avors to the season. For a more classic feel, head to Ditmars Orchard and Vineyard in Council Bluffs for their ever-popular five-acre maze. The goal is to fi nd a bell and ring it loudly for everyone lost inside to hear. Don’t expect an advantage—the maze features a new design each year. Be sure to pet the goats and drink some cider or wine while you’re there!

For those willing to drive a bit further, Camp Fontanelle, just under an hour from the metro,

off ers a full autumn festival experience alongside its nine-acre maze. Each year, the cornfield is carved into a new theme, and feels like stepping into a living postca rd of fall.

While these corn mazes can grow tall and thick, some just need a bit more of a challenge. If you’re really trying to get lost, Pumpkinville east of Des Moines might be the best place to do it. While it’s certainly a hike from Omaha, Pumpkinville off ers a maze of over 15 acres, and advises that early in the season when the corn is dense and full, it can take several hours to complete the maze (though later in the season, it can be done in an hour). It’s structured as a scavenger hunt, with the mazer searching the cornfield for special notes and eventually being able to spell a ma gic phrase.

In a region commonly thought of as a sea of corn, it should come as no surprise that eastern Nebraska (and Iowa) has plenty of quality corn mazes to offer. Whether it’s the adrenaline of navigating Skinny Bones at night, the festive energy of Vala’s, the communal victory of ringing Ditmars’ bell, or the challenge of a massive maze in Pumpkinville, these corn mazes invite visitors to slow down and embrace the season. After all, a little detour is exactly what fall calls for. Have an a-maze-ing time!

STORY BY ISAAC NIELSEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE | DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK

come and

explore.

LET’S PLAN A ROAD TRIP!

COMPILED BY Lucy Mason

DAYTRIPS IN NEBRASKA, IOWA, KANSAS, MISSOURI, AND SOUTH DAKOTA

NEBRASKA

SIDNEY OKTOBERFEST Oct. 3-5 at Cheyenne County Fairgrounds, Sidney. Taking over the festivities of the traditional German and Scottish Oktoberfests, there will be nothing short of key tapping, a beer garden, bagpipes, and a variety of out-of-the-ordinary food that make up the ethnic flare of these festivities. Starting on Friday at noon, live music will begin and go until midnight. The next two days of the weekend are filled with a farmers market, 5K run, parade, and even a classic car show.

HARVEST MOON FESTIVAL Oct. 5 at Antelope Park Bandshell, Lincoln. This festival celebrates the harvest and season of fall. Dating all the way back to the Zhou Dynasty, this tradition is still holding strong all the way in Lincoln. Hosted by the Asian Community and Cultural Center, this is a great opportunity to learn about a variety of different cultures that are present in Lincoln and enjoy cultural performances, music, food, and activities.

ALL HALLOWS’ EVE: A HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION Oct. 10-Nov. 1 at Arbor Day Farm, Nebraska City. The start of a new annual Halloween tradition is beginning at Arbor Day Farm. Be the first to experience this event! Stock full of family fun and fall activities, there will be a glowing Halloween tree, a pirate treehouse trail, and a stroll scarecrow row. Good for all ages, this is an activity both parents and kids will enjoy.

OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT AT THE SCARECROW FESTIVAL Oct. 11 at Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard, Nebraska City. With the Scarecrow Festival in full swing from mid-September to October, the festival includes the option to build your own scarecrows in the scarecrow fields, enter a no-carve pumpkin decorating contest, and will end on the 11th with a scary movie night! Playing at both 7 and 9 p.m., join Kimmel Orchard as they wrap up the night with a scary movie by watching Goonies .

TINA: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL Oct. 8-11 at Lied Center for Performing Arts, Lincoln. A triumphant story focusing on the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, the entire show is set to her iconic soundtrack and some of Tina Turner’s best hits. This musical explores her trials and tribulations against the odds that were set against her, and her harrowing journey through her marriage and the world of music.

BUSTOBERFEST #26 Oct. 15-19 at Indian Cave State Park, Shubert. Located in the wooded park in the southeast corner of Nebraska, this event hosts VW bus enthusiasts who love to camp. With free entry, this event allows kids and families to come trickor-treat at the Volkswagen bus campout. Whether you are a bus enthusiast who wants to participate or a trick-or-treater that wants to join in the festivities, there’s plenty of room for everyone.

NEBRASKA CITY CREATIVE DISTRICT ART WALK Oct. 18 in Nebraska City. Throughout the whole day, guests will have the option to spend time strolling through the Nebraska City Creative District, where over 25 artists will be displaying their artwork across various locations in the city. With a wide variety of artwork from paintings to ceramics to fiber, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

HARVEST HOEDOWN: FEATURING DYLAN BLOOM AND LUCAS MINOR Oct. 18 in Nebraska City. Starting at 7 p.m., this won’t just be a concert, but a full-swing hoedown. Dylan Bloom, a rising country music artist, and Lucas Minor, who offers a blend of Americana and Southern rock, will both be leading this event with their full bands. Food will be offered by the Tap House, so get your dancing shoes on and head to Nebraska City.

CASEY CLINE BOOK RELEASE Oct. 25 at Studio G, Waterloo. Author Casey Cline’s historical romance adventure novel, The Wayfaring Widow , was inspired by the persona and travels of real-life explorer Isabella Bird. The novel follows two of her friends as they travel and explore different cities. As they explore the world, they discover their true feelings for one another. Midwest-bornand-raised, Cline will be hosting her special book release at Studio G in Waterloo.

REFLECTIONS OF THE KING Oct. 31 at Lied Center for Performing Arts, Lincoln. Joseph Hall, who has performed all over the world as Elvis since 2006 and was a finalist on NBC’s America’s Got Talent in 2008, will be headlining this energetic tour. Recognized as one of the top Elvis tribute artists in the world, fans of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll shouldn’t pass up a night of almost spooky uncanniness to Elvis Presley.

IOWA

SYMMETRY MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL Oct. 3-4 in Fairfield. Over these two days, this 18+ event will include camping and plenty of music. With an impressive lineup of an extensive list of artists, including G Jones, Mersiv, Ravenscoon, Ternion Sound, Basura, Backwhen, Brothel, Canabliss, and Chef Boyarbeatz, this festival has a stacked lineup for any EDM fans out there.

CLEAR LAKE’S HARVEST FESTIVAL Oct. 4 in Clear Lake. From wine and beer samples as your stroll down Main Avenue, to vendors and a huge outdoor farmers market, there is plenty of fun and food to go around. A homemade salsa contest and a grape stomping competition will heat up the competition in town during the festival.

ADAIR COUNTY FALL FEST Oct. 5 at 900 N.E. Elm St., Greenfield. From a car and tractor show to food trucks, a silent auction, and more, join other guests in Greenfield as they shop and have plenty of fun. This event will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will host a variety of different vendors and arts and crafts.

MADISON COUNTY COVERED BRIDGE FESTIVAL Oct. 11-12 in Winterset. Starting all the way back in 1970, this festival hosts guests the second week of October. This year, they will be celebrating the 30-year anniversary of the movie, The Bridges of Madison County , and will be hosting special activities relating to the film. Over 140 food vendors, arts and craft vendors, oldtime demonstrations, and live music will be present for this two-day festival.

IOWA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL Oct. 11-13 & 18-19 in Middle Amana . Celebrating 33 years of family fun, this festival will be nothing other than a classic Renaissance atmosphere. With swordplay, music, comedy, and horseback jousting, there’s no shortage of fun. Put on your renaissance attire and pop down to the Amana Colonies for one of the two weekends offered.

PAUL MCCARTNEY GOT BACK TOUR Oct. 14 at Casey’s Center, Des Moines. The man, the myth, the legend who needs no introduction will be making his way to Iowa on Oct. 14. From a three-night run at New York City’s Bowery Ballroom earlier in 2025, the tour makes its much-anticipated return to North America. This is his first extensive tour across the U.S. since 2022.

KANSAS

LENEXA CHILI CHALLENGE Oct. 10-11 in Lenexa. If you love chili in crisp fall weather, Lenexa is the place for you. Starting off the festival Friday night with live music, go into Saturday with a spoon in hand ready to sample hot wings and salsa, and, of course, chili. With plenty of activities for kids, like face painting and balloon artists, parents will have plenty of time to get their fill of chili.

DIRT ROAD JUNKFEST Oct. 10-11 at 14900 N. Cedar Rd., Valley Falls. For the ninth annual JunkFest, there will be antiques, boutiques, handmade goods, pottery, crafts, and so much more for those who love the antique arts and crafts scene. The largest annual fall vendor festival is located in Jefferson County, and with over 10,000 shoppers planning on being in attendance, you won’t want to miss it.

LANSING FALL FESTIVAL Oct. 11 at Angel Falls Trail near St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Lansing. Join the people of Lansing from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to participate in the annual fall festival. Admission is free and there will be a variety of fall specialties to participate in. With pumpkin decorating, face painting, magic shows, and more than 70 vendors, there’s enough activities to fill your whole day, and then some.

27TH ANNUAL KANSAS CITY JAPAN FESTIVAL Oct. 4 at Johnson County Community College, Kansas City. Following the theme of Masks and Myths, this unique and educational experience will showcase the symbolism of the masks of Noh and Kabuki theater and perform traditional mystical tales. Learn how masks are used to ward off demons and serve many different aspects of Japanese culture.

SVENSK HYLLNINGSFEST Oct. 17-18 in Lindsborg. Celebrating the Swedish heritage of the town and honoring the pioneers that first settled, this two-day festival will be full of entertainment from live music, joke contests, and dancing. The Hungry Viking Food Court will host the food, which is a big part of the festival fun, and of course, the famous Viking on a Stick will make an appearance.

BALDWIN CITY MAPLE LEAF FESTIVAL Oct. 18-19 at 8th and High, Baldwin City. The Maple Leaf Festival has been a tradition of Baldwin City since 1958. With over 300 craft exhibits, there is a quilt show, a parade, kids’ zone, and country music playing over the course of two days. With booths lining the main streets of town and even a 5K available for people to run, there is no shortage of events to experience during this two-day festival.

NEEWOLLAH FESTIVAL Oct. 17-25 in Independence. The festival includes three parades, a chili cook-off, a musical. and a pageant. Since 1919, the festival’s mission was to create a space for fun activities, keeping kids away from malicious Halloween pranks. What started as practicality now has grown into a nine-day festival. With an arts and crafts show, band competition, and fun run, there is something for everyone.

BEACH BALL FUNDRAISER AT KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY Oct. 17 at Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, Manhattan. This 21+ event is considered the party of the year. Costumes are strongly suggested, and the vibe of the event changes from year to year, so everyone is in for a fresh surprise! With fun and entertainment unavoidable, there’s great food, music, and signature drinks for guests to indulge in. A silent auction allows guests to bid on a favorite artwork or an experience to help the fundraiser.

MISSOURI

KC OKTOBERFEST Oct. 3-4 at Crown Center in Downtown Kansas City. Organized by Kansas City’s largest locally owned brewery, Kansas City Bier Company mimics that of the Munich Oktoberfest in Germany. A two-day festival that will celebrate authentic German-style bier, food, and entertainment. In 2024, the event drew more than 16,000 people to enjoy family-friendly activities, great food, and an authentic feel.

MISSOURI TOWN LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM FESTIVAL Oct. 4 at the Missouri Town Living History Museum, Lee’s Summit. Join the Missouri Town Living History Museum as they create a destination for fall fun. On Oct. 4, living history interpreters in period attire, artists, musicians, and crafters will talk about and demonstrate different aspects of life in the fall of the mid-1800s.

WESTON APPLEFEST Oct. 4-5 at 526 Main Street, Weston. This longstanding tradition hosts arts and crafts vendors, foods of all kinds, live music, and plenty of fun. Apples galore, this festival has everything from apple treats to an apple butter demonstration. Starting off with a parade on Oct. 4, this event will carry through to the evening of Oct. 5, and people of all ages can enjoy the variety of festivities offered.

CHICANO ARTS FESTIVAL Oct. 5 at Liberty Courtyard, West Bottoms, Kansas City. Presented by the Chicano Center for the Arts, there will be a broad collection of artists, food vendors, music, and dance. The Chicano Arts Festival will offer a dynamic mix of all things Chicano, so attendees will have an opportunity to enrich themselves in the culture. With poetry and folkloric and cultural dance, there’ll be no shortage of creativity and inspiration at this arts festival.

FALL AMERICAN ROYAL LIVESTOCK SHOW Oct. 10-26 at American Royal Complex, Kansas City. Located in Kansas City, Missouri, the American Royal is the highest-caliber livestock show in the nation. Begun in 1899, this annual tradition offers competition, scholarships, education, and a focus on agriculture. Spend time with thousands of people who are passionate about livestock and watch their knowledge unfold throughout the event.

MONSTER TRUCKS LIVE Oct. 11-12 at T-Mobile Center, Kansas City. With “Glow-N-Fire,” Hot Wheels Monster Trucks will arrive in Kansas City on Oct. 11. From Mega Wrex to Tiger Shark, HW 5-Alarm, and Bone Shaker, expect wild fun and the classic monster truck experience, with a “fiery twist” promised for the end.

SOUTH DAKOTA

MACBETH Oct. 3-11 at Pierre Players Community Theater Grand Opera House, Pierre. This classic tragedy by William Shakespeare will come to life under the direction of Michael Pangburn. With the help of volunteers and audience members, the Pierre Players Community Theater’s goal is to “enrich lives through compelling theatrical experiences created in a collaborative and adventurous environment.”

OKTOBERFEST Oct. 3-4 in Deadwood. Enjoy Oktoberfest in the Wild West! With live German music, Polkafest, a poker run with prizes, free food, and plenty of dancing, there’s everything one could want from the authentic German experience—with a Western flare.

RUN CRAZY HORSE Oct. 4-5 in the Black Hills. Starting at the Crazy Horse Memorial and finishing in Hills City, this event is sponsored by Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Coca-Cola, KOTA territory, and more. Enjoy the beautiful sights and scenery of South Dakota as you choose to run either a half-marathon or marathon.

BLACK HILLS FILM FESTIVAL Oct. 3-5 at The Journey Museum, Rapid City. With 20 films selected for the 16th annual film festival, the event will include special guests, seminars, networking, and filmmaker insights. With the goal of promoting the art of independent film, this festival kicks off on Oct. 3, with a special screening of Green & Gold, a film about a farmer who dreams of music.

BLACK HILLS POWWOW Oct. 10-12 at Summit Arena, The Monument, Rapid City. Join Rapid City for the 37th annual Black Hills Powwow with the special theme, “Come Dance With Us.” With the goal of having everyone enjoy the beauty of South Dakota and traditional Indigenous music and dance, this event will give you the option of attending for just one day or all three.

WILD WEST SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL Oct. 16-18 in Deadwood. This festival will host musicians who have written for the likes of Garth Brooks and Keith Urban. This free threeday event will have nonstop music and a regional songwriting contest, with a winning jackpot of $2,500. With a variety of events all centered around music, there’s plenty for music lovers out there.

HPATTY MELTS AND COMBOVERS

ave you ever had a good patty melt ruined by a motorcycle?

An odd question, I know, but give me a chance to explain. It all has to do with Americans traveling abroad.

It’s all about cause and effect, and unintended consequences. Many (in fact, most) consequences are unintended, I maintain. Like the time I set fire to a plastic model of Philadelphia’s Independence Hall on my bedroom dresser, almost burning down my dad’s favorite house—his—and, as an unexpected result, ending up with a career in comedy.

So, anyway, once upon a time, a bunch of world travelers traveled far enough to discover sidewalk cafes—exotic, curious little things where people sat outside under brightly colored umbrellas and sipped Cinzano between nibbles of little baguettes while chatting about existentialism, the dialectic, and the king’s new hat. Then, those travelers came back to America, where we didn’t have such things as tables with umbrellas, Cinzano, baguettes, existentialism, thesis, antithesis, synthesis, or royal hats, and promptly began to urge the adoption of outdoor eating establishments.

Back in the old days, Americans only ate outdoors on two occasions, either a picnic—always involving a wicker picnic basket, cloth picnic napkins, a red checkered picnic blanket, and a neatly manicured lawn full of picnickers—or when it was harvest time and the goddess Ceres demanded that we feed all the neighbors and hired men, who were helping bring in the crop, out in the barnyard on table planks resting on saw horses, because that’s where there was enough room for them all—and, of course, there was that one strange bachelor farmer who we didn’t want in the house close to the peach brandy decanter in the parlor. Dining al fresco in America was strictly all picnics and pagan rituals. Otherwise, we ate indoors, as God had always intended his people to do.

Unfortunately, soon this eating outdoors trend spread like a virus. We even started importing Cinzano patio umbrellas. Americans started off on folding chairs drinking Mogen David Rosé, but soon moved to the stronger stuff like heady Pinots from Argentina and rattan chairs—emulating the tables “afuera” in Buenos Aires. The outdoor menus changed from bags of pretzels to actual baguettes—though us Yanks called them “rolls” at first. Nowadays, even “antipasto charcuterie boards” are growing in popularity—whatever the hell they are. Sidewalk cafes are now as American as dumpsters and convenience store Honey Buns. Even sports bars, surviving TCBYs, Mickey D’s, Dippin’ Dots, and sushi joints have outdoor seating—though I am hesitant to eat raw fish that is exposed to excessive direct sunlight.

And this is where the unintended consequences of bringing such a concept to America comes in. No sooner had this cultural wave crashed onto our shores— first Cinzano umbrellas, then good bread, red wine, and rude waitstaff—until the inevitable wave of existential crisis known now as “the ’60s” washed away our traditional provincialism…and, inevitably, the Hegelian dialectic swept over us and we began streaming (thesis) Facebook, (antithesis) K-Pop groups, and (synthesis) sports gambling apps straight to our handheld devices. Is it any wonder that now, we, too, seriously discuss the king’s new hat…or combover, as the case may be. C’est bien vrai, n’est pas?

Anyway, back to my original question…I was eating a patty melt the other day on a restaurant patio when I realized I could not taste the succulent ground sirloin over the very American and endless din of motorcycles racing by on the street. Have you ever had a meal ruined by a motorcycle?

Just one of the unpleasant unintended consequences of sidewalk cafes and eating outside. Now, make that Cinzano a double on the rocks. Nothing is loud enough to drown out the taste of vermouth.

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