Jan/Feb 2010 - Omaha Magazine by Omaha Magazine

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Can’t be stopped by a tackle, linebacker or cystic fibrosis Some would think it unusual that a girl would play football. But Victoria Franklin is proof that with or without cystic fibrosis, a girl can hold her ground. Dr. John Colombo isn’t surprised. He and other pulmonary specialists at the Nebraska Regional CF Center work to give children with cystic fibrosis futures where no dream is out of bounds.* And, as we see it, Nebraska can always use another great quarterback.

*The Nebraska Regional Cystic Fibrosis Center operates in partnership with Children’s Hospital & Medical Center and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. It is accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and is rated among the top CF treatment centers in the country.

Visit ChildrensOmaha.org for more information on how we can help your child. For a pediatrician, family physician or pediatric specialist, call 1.800.833.3100.

Even our gamblers

need to sleep sometimes

Now you can stay in true luxury just steps away from the ultimate action and excitement. Introducing our new partner hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn. Located here on the Horseshoe property, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never been easier to enjoy all the comfort and amenities you deserve.

It’s

the most important day of your life and our team of experts is here to help.

Harrah’s makes your wedding day more memorable than ever. We’re looking forward to helping you from inception to execution. • Entertain receptions for up to 600 guests • Enjoy complimentary wedding night accommodations • Host bridal showers, bachelor/bachelorette parties and rehearsal dinners

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT & RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY APPETIZER AT 360 STEAKHOUSE.

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H O M E S

C O L L E C T I O N

Visit: npdodge.com/jeffrensch

$1,200,000 9911 Broadmoor Road

Visit: npdodge.com/sarahhaskell

$1,195,000 9802 Ascot Drive

$875,000

European Elegance in Omaha! Hill Top Hollow in Ponca Hills is Omaha’s Finest! Omaha’s finest combination of location, design and Regency Beauty! This terrific Regency 1 1/2 story brick home is well where you will find true craftsmanship in this 4BR, 4BA home! End on end brick covers the home plus slate. Limestone and wood beams, fantastic great room to rival any National Park lodge. Main FP is a masterpiece. 5 sets of French doors open to reveal privacy that surrounds you on this beautiful 10 acre lot. Rob Cerveny • 598.3335

quality. District 66 in Regency on a beautiful, quiet circle. Completely updated with fabulous additions. Amazing gourmet kitchen with all the bells and whistles. Gorgeous master bedroom and out of this world bath. 4 bedroom, 5 baths, 3 car garage. Tremendous in-ground pool and yard. Impeccable in everyway. Jeffrey Rensch • 391.5333

maintained from tuck-point, to new caps on the brick columns. The main level and lower level are fully renovated. This 6 bedroom 6 bath room home offers executive entertaining at its finest. Regency amenities include Club House, pool, tennis courts, lake and park at your door step. Sarah Haskell • 616.4443

Visit: npdodge.com/johngreguska

Visit: npdodge.com/caroljones

Visit: npdodge.com/korikrause

1418 N 188th Street $859,000 Gorgeous Elkhorn Estate! This gorgeous Elkhorn estate has all the amenities and design you would expect from a custom home. This 4 bedroom 5 bath home features knotty alder and cherry wood cabinets, Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, a master bath with heated floors and walk-in shower and 4 fireplaces including one on the stunning covered deck! John Greguska • 612.0594

105 So. 9th Street, #806 $667,000 Finished to perfection! The features include 14 foot ceilings, limestone countertops, beautiful built-in bookcases and great view of the river and bridge. Meile appliances, including the coffeemaker, subzero fridge and luxurious finishes. This 2 bedroom 1 bath is equipped with a huge walk-in pantry and master closet. Furnished model for sale. Carol Jones • 490.2065

1745 N Nye, Fremont $650,000 English Tudor! This unique English Tudor is located in the historic heart of Fremont. This home has arched windows and doorways on the first floor. Original leaded glass is found in the master suite and great room. You will find beautiful library paneling in the foyer, 5 spacious bedrooms, 6 bathrooms and a 5 car garage. This is truly an exquisite home with lots of history. Kori Krause • 679.0007

Visit: npdodge.com/kristenwehnerjacobsen

Visit: npdodge.com/marshatiessen

Visit: npdodge.com/robcerveny

19258 Woolworth Avenue $575,000 Loaded with Extras! Kitchen with double ovens, gas stove, granite counter tops and a walk in pantry. MBR features French doors, sitting room, double sinks and bonus room. All BR’s are complete with walk-in closets and separate baths. Rec room completes the walk-out LL with wet bar, game area and large media area. This home is life’s better half and it can be yours! Kristen Wehner Jacobsen • 672.7701

404 Fawn Park Circle, Council Bluffs $499,000 Chance of a Lifetime! REDUCED. Custom ranch in gated subdivision on quiet cul-de-sac with breathtaking views. Custom kitchen, granite countertops and see thru fireplace. Italian tile in entry, large master suite with Jacuzzi tub and shower, double sinks and large WI closet. Spacious WO lower level has 2 bedrooms with WI closets, Jack and Jill bath and a ½ bath off family room with wet bar and fireplace! Marsha Tiessen • 680.4259

24376 Barrus Rd, Glenwood $435,000 Breathtaking views in all directions! Come bring your go carts and dirt bikes, plenty of room for all your toys. Over 10 acres, 4 car garage, 3 bedroom, 3 bath and over 3800 square feet! The best home around for all of your entertaining, the open floor plan and large windows open up to reveal your private oasis. Rob Cerveny • 598.3335

V i r t u a l t o u r s a n d M o r e at n p d o d g e . c o m

Stop in to See What we do With Glass. From Entryways to Cabinets. Use Your Imagination.

Rainbow Artistic Glass

• Bel Air Plaza St. 330-7676 330-7676 • 3709 S 138th (138th &Road, B St.) Suite 505 12100 West Center www.rainbowartisticglass.com www.rainbowartisticglass.com

D isc ov e r Y o u r o wn

CanCer

doesn’t stand a ChanCe.

secret GarDen This year celebrates the 100th anniversary of the classic novel “The Secret Garden,” and Lauritzen Gardens celebrates with an indoor floral display featuring mysterious meandering paths that lead to new discoveries around every turn. On display through May 9.

100 Bancroft Street • Omaha, NE 68108

Breast cancer expert Hamid Band, M.D., Ph.D., and his colleagues are zeroing in on cures that once were deemed impossible. And, with more than $100 million in annual research support at UNMC, scientists here can tackle the toughest challenges facing us as individuals and as a society. Breakthroughs for life.

unmc.edu

www.lauritzengardens.org

january/february | 2010

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010 VOLUME 26 • I SSU E 6 publisher

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

todd lemke editor

sandra lemke

FEATURES

events editor

corey ross

FEATURE

assistant editor

linda persigehl

.................................

LOOKING GREAT FEELING GREAT AT ANY AGE

art director/graphic design

matt jensen

COVER STORY ................................ 27 BEST OF OMAHA 2010

arts editor

kim carpenter photography

PAGE 27

image director: bill sitzmann head photographer: philip s. drickey technical advisor

tyler lemke

contributing writers

donald j. rashid judy horan • kristine gerber molly garriott • l e o a d a m b i g a vice president

greg bruns account executives

g w e n l e m k e • gil cohen vick i voet sales associates

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adam dallman • lucas fahrer editorial advisors

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

FEATURE ............................................ 81 A FAMILY OF DOCTORS

DEPAR TMENTS FOR STARTERS ............................................................... 8 CALENDAR ..................................................................... 10 OMAHA ART ............................................................... 83 Joe Broghammer

GALA ............................................................................ 85 Letter from the Editor Corey Ross. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Cover Story: Dr. Pierre Fayad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Behind the mic: Annie Morhauser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 The Scoop: Kurt Warner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Polo for Patients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Galas, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Bemis Art Auction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Hearing School Luncheon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Durham Museum’s Sentimental Journey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100 Durham Society’s Sommelier with Strings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100 Bergan Mercy Auxiliary Candlelight Ball. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101 Assistance League’s Christmas Caravan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101 Markel BMW’s Bid for the Cure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102 Expressions of Hope Gala. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102 Clarkson Service League’s Holiday By Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104 Heartland Family Service Salute to Families . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104 OneWorld Community Milagro Dinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105 Arthritis Foundation’s Wine ‘Til Nine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105 National Philanthropy Day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106 Omaha Symphony’s Soiree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106

OMAHA HOME Transformations ............................................ 107 At Home With: Vanessa Barrett ............................. 110 OMAHA FACES ....................................... 113

AT HOME WITH GALA

CHEF PROFILE

Tim Clark

OMAHA FACES ....................................... 116 Dario Schicke

DINING OUT

Restaurant Review: 94/95 Sports Grille ................. Dining Guide .......................................... Chef Profile: .................................................

118 120 129 YESTERDAY & TODAY ............................. 130

Pages 25-104 are included for city readers and subscribers only but can be viewed at www.readonlinenow.com. Owned and managed by Omaha Magazine, LTD www.readonlinenow.com

www.omahapublications.com january/february | 2010

Omaha

This is

Carmen Live On January 16, Film Streams, in collaboration with Opera Omaha, presents Carmen Live. One of the most popular operas of all time, Carmen “is about sex, violence, and racism -- and its corollary: freedom,” says Olivier Award-winning director Richard Eyre about his new production of Bizet’s drama. “It is one of the inalienably great works of art. It’s sexy, in every sense. And I think it should be shocking.” Angela Gheorghiu plays the seductive gypsy of the title in her role debut, opposite Roberto Alagna as the obsessed Don José. A prelude talk with Opera Omaha General Director John Wehrle will be held at 11 a.m., showing at 12 p.m. An encore showing will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at 6 p.m. Film Streams Ruth Sokolof Theater, 1340 Webster St. For more info, call 933-0259 or visit www.filmstreams.org John Tesh Live in Concert The Kiewit Concert Hall in the Holland Performing Arts Center will be the site of John Tesh’s concert over Valentine’s Day, February 12-14. John Tesh, originally known as a co-host with Mary Hart of Entertainment Tonight, is now known for his brilliant musical talent. A pianist, vocalist and composer, Tesh presents a range of genres from pop to classical, New Age to hip hop to contemporary Christian. Tesh has sold over 7 million records. Tesh composed the theme music for the Barcelona Olympics. In addition to his musical career, Tesh hosts a syndicated radio show, “Intelligence for Your Life,” carried locally on KXKT-FM and KGOR-FM. John Tesh is presented by the Omaha Symphony Pops Series. Tickets range from $15 to $80. For more information and tickets call 342-3560 or go to www. ticketomaha.com.

january/february | 2010

Béla Fleck: The Africa Project Béla Fleck is considered the premier banjo player in the world. With 11 Grammy awards and 27 nominations, he has been nominated in more different categories than anyone in Grammy history. On February 20, Fleck brings African musicians Toumani Diabate, Vusi Mahlesela D’Gary and Anania Ngoliga for the Béla Fleck Africa Project at the Holland Performing Arts Center. Fleck visited Africa to explore the origins of the banjo. As to the origins of the banjo, Béla comments, “When I went to Africa I found instruments and players that gave me a better sense of where the thing started. In Gambia and Mali in particular, I found what I was looking for!” This is especially apparent on the traditional song medley “Ajula/Mbamba,” performed by Béla and The Jatta Family from the Gambia. “The akonting could very well be the original banjo. Everyone around Banjul certainly seems to think so! Huge numbers of slaves came west from this area. We were told that the musicians were allowed to play these instruments on the slave ships, and that many lives were saved due to it.” For tickets, go to www.ticketomaha.com or call 345-0606.

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Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion At the Strategic Air and Space Museum starting January 23. 40 machines, created based on designs, materials and tools as specified by Leonardo da Vinci, allow visitors to examine and put in motion life-sized mechanisms. Machines are categorized by the element of nature they harness: air, water, earth and fire. Exhibits include inventions transformed into visionary machines such as a life-sized armored tank, a glider and a bicycle-ornithopter. The Strategic Air and Space Museum is located at 28210 West Park Highway in Ashland (I-80 exit 442). For more information call 9443100 or go to www.sasmuseum.com.

Available Sunday -Thursday Open to Close Friday & Saturday until 5 PM

The corner of 132nd and Center

402.778.3915

january/february | 2010

CALENDAR of events

www.visitomaha.com

Compiled by Sandy Lemke 1/9 - 4/18: The Human Touch Exhibit at the Joslyn. The Human Touch: Selections from the RBC Wealth Management Art Collection is an exhibition of contemporary artworks devoted to the human figure. The collection ranges from serious to whimsical, from realistic to abstract, and includes photography, painting, and sculpture. Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge Street, Omaha. For information, call 402-342-3300, or visit www.joslyn.org 1/12 - 1/17: Little House on the Prairie The Musical. Orpheum Theater. Little House on the Prairie takes on a new frontier in this uplifting musical starring Melissa Gilbert as Ma Ingalls, who played Laura in the much-loved television series. Tues-Thurs/7:30pm; Fri/8pm; Sat/2pm & 8pm Tickets start at $28. 409 S. 16 St. 345-0606 www.TicketOmaha.com.

LA DANSE, 1/1-1/14.

CHECK IT! Dates and times are current as of press time but please call ahead to confirm. ONGOING EVENTS Through 1/3: Wizards of Pof: Sabuda & Reinhart Exhibit at the Joslyn. Celebrated children's books creators Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart are the best-known pop-up book artists working today, as well as the makers of the remarkable The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and the three-volume series Encyclopedia Prehistorica: Dinosaurs, Sharks and Other Sea Monsters, and Megabeasts. Working in a shared studio in New York, the two have created an assemblage of handcrafted pop-up books that are both intriguing and breathtaking at the turn of every page. Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge Street, Omaha. For information, call 402342-3300, or visit www.joslyn.org Through 1/7: The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans at Film Streams. The amazing Werner Herzog (FITZCARRALDO, GRIZZLY MAN, ENCOUNTERS AT THE END OF THE WORLD) directs Nicolas Cage to one of his best performances in years as a rogue homicide detective and high-functioning addict running rampant in post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans. A brilliantly fresh, wonderfully artistic reinvention of a familiar movie theme, THE BAD LIEUTENANT: PORT OF CALL NEW ORLEANS pairs one of cinema’s most fearless directors with one of its most unpredictable performers, resulting in a film unlike any other you’ll see this year. Film Streams Ruth Sokolof Theater, 1340 Webster St. For more info, call 933-0259 or visit www.filmstreams.org

Through 1/24: American Letterpress Exhibit at the Durham Museum. American Letterpress: The Art of Hatch Show Print illustrates the fascinating fusion of art with popular culture and music history and celebrates a time-honored graphic art tradition through the work of Nashville’s Hatch Show Print, one of the nation’s oldest printing shops. The exhibition features 126 historical and contemporary posters and 29 hand-carved wooden blocks – some on view for the very first time. Whether in posters promoting a Johnny Cash concert or a carnival performance; advertising a rodeo or the Grand Ole Opry; or capturing the modern-day verve of a concert by Coldplay or The Stokes, posters printed by Hatch Show Print capture the heralded traditions of American letterpress printing and graphic art at their very best. The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St., Omaha. For info, call 444-5071 or visit www. durhammuseum.org Through 3/13: !CARNAVAL!. El Museo Latino. The exhibition “CARNAVAL” presents the theme of carnival as celebrated around the world. Eight communities in Europe and the Americas will be highlighted through this exhibition where a carnival is a high point of the yearly cycle. Thurs/1pm-5pm; Sat/10am-2pm Gen $5; Students K-12 & Senior Citizens $3.50; College Students w/ID $4; Members FREE. 4701 S. 25 St. 731-1137 www.elmuseolatino.org.

january/february | 2010

JANUARY EVENTS 1/1- 1/14: La Danse: The Paris Opera Ballet. With his 38th Film, documentary master Frederick Wiseman turns his attention to on eo of the world’s greatest ballet companies, the Paris Opera Ballet. “La Danse does more than offer intimate access to great dancers. It showcases performers like Nicolas Le Riche and Anges Letestu and choreography by Rudolf Nureyev and Pina Bausch, but it also ventures beyond the stage and studios and into sewing rooms, cafeterias and administrative offices. Like most of Mr. Wiseman’s movies it is above all a portrait of an institution.” (Dennis Lim, The New York Times) Film Streams Ruth Sokolof Theater, 1340 Webster St., For more info, call 933-0259 or visit www.filmstreams.org 1/1 - 1/31: Affordable Treasures, All-Member Holiday Show. Artists’ Cooperative Gallery Ltd. Wed&Thur/11am-5pm; Fri&Sat/11am-10pm; Sun/noon5pm. 405 S. 11 St. 342-9617 www. artistsco-opgallery.com. 1/1 - 1/29: The Fred Simon Gallery: David Helm. The Fred Simon Gallery. The Fred Simon Gallery is located in the Nebraska Arts Council offices. Free. 1004 Farnam St., Lower Level. 595-2122 www.nebraskaartscouncil.org. 1/2: Lancers Hockey vs. Fargo Force @ 7 p.m. Tickets available at all Ticketmaster retail ticket centers locations, Ticketmaster charge-by-phone 1 (800) 7453000, online at Ticketmaster.com, Qwest Center Omaha box office, or Civic Auditorium box office on

game day. $15, $14, $12, $8 for kids and students. For more info, go to www.lancers.com 1/8-1/9: Instant Theatre 3 at the Shelterbelt. The insanity of writing, rehearsing and performing original scripts, all in a 24-hour period begins Friday night, with performances Saturday night at 8 & 10 p.m. Plays will be short, usually around 10 minutes long. Tickets are $10 at the door. Shelterbelt Theatre, 3225 California St. For more info, call 341-2757 or visit www. shelterbelt.org 1/9: Cantus. Holland Performing Arts Center. Cantus’ adventurous repertoire spans many periods and genres – including chant, Renaissance music, contemporary works, folk, spirituals, world music, and pop. Ten men that sound “50 voices strong” (L.A. Times) perform pristine, diverse chamber music – from Schubert and Poulenc to Curtis Mayfield. 8 p.m. Tickets start at $19. 13th & Douglas Sts. 345-0606 www. TicketOmaha.com. 1/9: Omaha Symphony Chamber Series: Haydn’s Fanfare & Farewell. Omaha Symphony. Hail Haydn at this concert that boasts some of his best works. The so-called “Father of the Symphony” demonstrates his immense creativity and wicked sense of humor during his “Farewell” symphony. You’ll also be blown away by principal trumpet Scott Quackenbush, as he takes a virtuosic turn at the widely popular Trumpet Concerto. 7 p.m. $30. 6001 Dodge St. 3423560 www.omahasymphony.org.

1/15: Backstage Pass to the Hit Songwriters starring Maia Sharp and Jim Photogio. Holland Performing Arts Center. An intimate set from two songwriters to the stars. Hear favorites by Faith Hill, the Dixie Chicks, and more -- performed with sincerity, originality, and verve. 8 p.m. Tickets start at $25. 13th & Douglas Sts. 345-0606 www. TicketOmaha.com. 1/15 - 1/16: Omaha Symphony Masterworks: Scheherazade. Holland Performing Arts Center. Escape the mundane worries of the workweek to become part of an exotic story that’s stood the test of time. Be transported to the Middle East, as the symphony shares the fabled tale of “Arabian Nights”. Just as Scheherazade entertained and enticed the Sultan, the orchestra will whisk you away to a place where your senses are heightened and indulged. 8 p.m. $15-$75. 13th & Douglas Sts. 345-0606 www. omahasymphony.org. 1/15: River City Hunting & Fishing Expo. Mid-America Center. Fri/4pm-9pm; Sat/9am6pm; Sun/10am-4pm Adults $7; Children $3; Under 3 FREE. One Arena Way. 712-326-2295 www. midamericacenter.com. 1/15-1/24: BroadStreet Theatre Presents. BroadStreet Theatre Company, well-know for staging productions with a female flair, does it again with the Omaha premiere of "That Takes Ovaries - Bold Women, Brazen Acts," a riveting inspiring, and empowering array of true stories - from playful and profound, serious to sassy written by women from all over the world. The show runs for two weekends at the OM Center (Healing Arts Center), 1216 Howard Street in the heart of Omaha's Old Market. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. And Sundays at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for seniors and students. For tickets, call 402-3443257 or purchase online at www. BroadStreetTheatre.com

1/16: Ellis Hooks. Holland Performing Arts Center. Ellis Hooks knows what it’s like to feel the blues – according to legend, he didn’t own a pair of shoes until he was 8. Now a world-traveling blues singer, Ellis has been compared to Otis Redding and Sam Cooke, but his soul croon and blues yowl are truly his own. 8 p.m. Tickets start at $25. 13th & Douglas Sts. 345-0606 www.TicketOmaha.com. 1/16: Film Streams Presents CARMEN (LIVE) at The Met: Live in HD 2009-10 Season. Presented by Film Streams in collaboration with Opera Omaha. One of the most popular operas of all time, Carmen “is about sex, violence, and racism -- and its corollary: freedom,” says Olivier Award-winning director Richard Eyre about his new production of Bizet’s drama. “It is one of the inalienably great works of art. It’s sexy, in every sense. And I think it should be shocking.” Angela Gheorghiu plays the seductive gypsy of the title in her role debut, opposite Roberto Alagna as the obsessed Don José. FFilm Film Streams Ruth Sokolof Theater, 1340 Webster St., For more info, call 9330259 or visit www.filmstreams.org 1/16: Lancers Hockey vs. Lincoln Stars @ 7 p.m. Tickets available at all Ticketmaster retail ticket centers locations, Ticketmaster charge-by-phone 1 (800) 745-3000, online at Ticketmaster.com, Qwest Center Omaha box office, or Civic Auditorium box office on game day. $15, $14, $12, $8 for kids and students. For more info, go to www.lancers.com 1/16 - 1/17: I Sing the Body Electric. River City Mixed Chorus. The River City Mixed Chorus talks about the body in all of its many aspects. A show that will get physical and make you think! Sat & Sun/7:05 p.m. $20 per person- $45 for season tickets to all 3 shows. Creighton Lied Education Center. www.rcmc.org. 1/17: Bridal Fair 2010, Qwest Center Omaha. 11a.m. - 3p.m.; Admission: $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Be sure to see some of Omaha's finest businesses at Bridal Fair® 2010. Check out the latest in wedding fashion with fashion shows being held at Noon and 1:30pm. The shows will be hosted by Dan Arthur & Michelle Riell from Star 104.5 and Big Party & Jeff Degan from Channel 94.1. Qwest Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. For more information or to purchase tickets online, please visit www. bridalfair.com/registration.cfm. 1/17: Lancers Hockey vs. Cedar Rapids RoughRiders @ 5:05 p.m. Tickets available at all Ticketmaster retail ticket centers locations, Ticketmaster charge-by-phone 1 (800) 7453000, online at Ticketmaster.com, Qwest Center Omaha box office, or Civic Auditorium box office on game day. $15, $14, $12, $8 for kids and students. For more info, go to www.lancers.com

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JANUARY & FEBRUARY

Real WoRld expeRience

2010

1/17: Omaha Symphony Family Series: Driving Forces. Omaha Symphony. Maestro Thomas Wilkins is your tour guide on a musical exploration of motivation. What drives music and what drives people? Fun, familiar pieces are introduced to encourage children to dream big and activate their imaginations. We’ll hear the awesome music that’s been created when people have worked hard and followed their inspiration. 2 p.m. $7-$9.75. 1200 Douglas St. 3423560 www.omahasymphony. org. 2/21: 13th Annual VNA Art & Soup Fundraiser. The Visiting Nurses Association will host its 13th Annual Art & Soup fundraiser on Sunday, February 21st to benefit the Shelter Nursing program, which provides public health nursing services to children and adults living in Omaha and Council Bluffs homeless shelters. The VNA is the only provider of nursing services in the homeless shelters, and has been since 1987. In 2008, the VNA provided care to 764 children, 1,221 women and 1,704 men for a total of 3,689 individuals. More than 1,000 people attended last year’s event and sampled soups from 25 restaurants and purchased original artwork from 60 artists. Visiting Nurse Association, 12565 West Center Road, Suite 100 , Omaha. Call (402) 342-5566 | (712) 3282636 | (800) 456-8869, or visit www.vnaomaha.org for more information. 1/21-1/24: Midlands International Auto Show, Qwest Center Omaha. Thursday, 11am - 9pm; Friday, 10am - 10pm; Saturday, 10am - 10pm; Sunday, 10am - 6pm; Admission: Adults (Age 13 & up), $8 Seniors & Military ID, $5, Children (Age 7-12), $5, Children Under 6, Free. $1.00 off coupons available at all participating dealers. All the newest cars, trucks and SUV's from every major manufacturer! Qwest Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. For more information, please visit www.omahaautoshow.com 1/21 – 2/14: From Shelterbelt with Love. Our annual anthology of short plays dealing with love, loss and relationships is back - with a bonus! We are also featuring a new adults-only late night show to go with it, After-Hours, featuring tales on the naughtier side. After-Hours runs Fridays and Saturdays after the regular From Shelterbelt With Love show. Shelterbelt Theatre, 3225 California St. For more info, call 341-2757 or visit www.shelterbelt.org 1/22 - 2/14: Cheaper by the Dozen. Omaha Community Playhouse. Cheaper By the Dozen follows the family life of the Gilbreths in the 1920’s as they cope with and ultimately begin to rebel against the totali-

tarian discipline of their father, who attempts to make their household operate much like the factory he supervises. The play, in addition to many comic moments, also includes a valuable lesson about family ties. Full of heartfelt fun and promise. Wed-Sat/7:30pm; Sun/2pm & 6:30pm $32 for adults, $21 for students. 6915 Cass St. 553-0800 www.omahaplayhouse.com. 1/23 - 4/18: Construction Zone. Omaha Children’s Museum. onstruction Zone is a kid-sized world of building where kids can explore with machines, tools, a super-sized dig pit and much more! Tues-Sat/10am4pm; Sun/1-5pm $2 in addition to regular museum admission ($7/Adults & Children 2 & Over; $6/Seniors 60+), Members Free; Museum Admission Applies. 500 S. 20 St. 342-6164 www.ocm.org. 1/23: Leonardo da Vinci “Machines in Motion”. Strategic Air & Space Museum. Come Experience Genius in Motion “Set in motion 40 machines from the mind of Leonardo da Vinci” Mon-Sun/10am-5pm **Closed Wednesday** Adults/$10; Children over 2/$5; Seniors & Military/$9. 28210 West Park Highway, Ashland. 944-3100 www.sasmuseum.com. 1/23: Omaha Symphony Sights and Sounds Series: Bugs Bunny on Broadway. Omaha Symphony. Join the Omaha Symphony for a fun fusion of Looney Tunes cartoons and live orchestra music. See the “Wascally Wabbit” himself projected on a big screen above the orchestra, as you listen to the irresistible scores that make the animated mayhem come alive--including “What’s Up Doc?” and “The Rabbit of Seville”. Sat/8p.m.;Sun/2p.m. $10 - $55. 1200 Douglas St. 342-3560 www.omahasymphony.org. 1/23: Pilobolus. Orpheum Theater. There’s nothing like the witty visual poetry of Pilobolus! They’ve mesmerized packed audiences at the Oscars and abroad with unique shadow dances and colorful on-stage whimsy. 8 p.m. Tickets start at $19. 409 S. 16 St. 345-0606 www. TicketOmaha.com. 1/24: Martina McBride and Trace Adkins. Mid-America Center. 7:30 p.m. $59.75, $49.75 and $29.75, plus applicable fees. One Arena Way. 712-323-0536 www.midamericacenter.com. 1/28: Faith Healer. Brigit Saint Brigit Theatre Company. An itinerant Irish spellbinder plies his strange trade, gypsy-like, more theatrical than religious, on the backroads of Scotland and Wales. Grace, the woman, inextricably bound to him yet seeing through him. Teddy, his Cockney assistant, attracted by the faith healer’s fantasy and chicanery.” These three relive, in the contradiction of Rashomon-like mono-

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CALENDAR of events logues, varying versions of their mysterious final days together, with the sometimes damning, sometimes merciful, capriciousness of memory. Fri/Sat 7:30pm; Sun 2pm $22 adults; $18 Ages 62+, Student & Military; Group rates available. 614 S. 11 St. 5024910 www.bsbtheatre.com. 1/29: Lancers Hockey vs. Green Bay Gamblers @ 7 p.m. Tickets available at all Ticketmaster retail ticket centers locations, Ticketmaster chargeby-phone 1 (800) 745-3000, online at Ticketmaster.com, Qwest Center Omaha box office, or Civic Auditorium box office on game day. $15, $14, $12, $8 for kids and students. For more info, go to www.lancers.com 1/29: ScrapArts Music. Holland Performing Arts Center. Metal. Muscle. Music. Movement! ScrapArtsMusic is a witty knockout for the whole family that starts where STOMP and Blue Man Group leave off. Five performers plus industrial scraps add up to pure magic! 8 p.m. Tickets start at $16. 13th & Douglas Sts. 345-0606 www. TicketOmaha.com.

www.visitomaha.com JANUARY & FEBRUARY

2010

1/30: Lancers Hockey vs. Cedar Rapids RoughRiders @ 7 p.m. Tickets available at all Ticketmaster retail ticket centers locations, Ticketmaster chargeby-phone 1 (800) 745-3000, online at Ticketmaster.com, Qwest Center Omaha box office, or Civic Auditorium box office on game day. $15, $14, $12, $8 for kids and students. For more info, go to www.lancers.com

room rate Fri/Sat. Make reservations online by linking from our website or by calling the hotel directly at 402-280-1516 giving the Group Code : EBF 3-7 p.m. $28 advance, $33 day of fest. 15th & Cuming. 280-1516 www. beercornerusa.com.

1/30: Omaha Symphony Rocks: Abba-Mania. Holland Performing Arts Center. Take a chance on this delightful celebration of ABBA, the Swedish pop sensation that stormed the 1970’s charts. As younger generations discover ABBA through Mamma Mia, the Broadway show and movie, it’s undeniable that their effervescent melodies exhibit strong staying power. 8 p.m. $15-$60. 13th & Douglas Sts. 345-0606 www.omahasymphony.org.

Little House on the Prairie, 1/12-1/17 FEBRUARY EVENTS 2/2: Lancers Hockey vs. Sioux City Musketeers @ 7 p.m. Tickets available at all Ticketmaster retail ticket centers locations, Ticketmaster chargeby-phone 1 (800) 745-3000, online at Ticketmaster.com, Qwest Center Omaha box office, or Civic Auditorium box office on game day. $15, $14, $12, $8 for kids and students. For more info, go to www.lancers.com

1/31: Crescendo Concert Series: Harlem String Quartet. Dundee Presbyterian Church. 7 p.m. Free. 5312 Underwood Ave. 558-2330.

2/5 - 2/6: Omaha Symphony Masterworks: The Music of Mozart. Omaha Symphony. Spend the evening with a true

master whose work resonates in the human hear like no other. Take time to soak up the pure bliss of Mozart. 8 p.m. $15-$75. 1200 Douglas St. 342-3560 www. omahasymphony.org. 2/6: Beertopia’s 3rd Annual Extreme Beerfest. Tip Top Ballroom. Your Ticket Gets You a Souvenir Tasting Glass, Program & four Hours of Sampling. A free shuttle will run between Beertopia and Tip Top from 1-9pm. Because we care about your safety, we encourage you to book a room at the adjacent Fairfield Inn, offering a $79

2/6-5/16: Great Plains: America's Lingering Wild at the Joslyn. Michael Forsberg is a conservation photographer focusing on the wildlife and landscapes of the Great Plains. His latest publishing venture, Great Plains: America's Lingering Wild (University of Chicago Press), will be available in September. An exhibition of work featured in the book is scheduled to open at the Museum in February 2010. Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge Street, Omaha. For information, call 402-342-3300, or visit www. joslyn.org 2/11: Tim McGraw in Concert. Qwest Center Arena, 455 N. 10th St.; Tickets: $56.25, $40.25, $25.25.Tickets available at all Ticketmaster retail ticket center locations, Ticketmaster chargeby-phone 1 (800) 745-3000, online at Ticketmaster.com or at Qwest Center Omaha Box Office.

2/11 - 2/21: The Rainforest. The Rose Theater. The awe-inspiring Amazon rainforest comes to life through this fascinating new production by the Omaha Theater Ballet. For ages 5-adult. Thurs-Fri/7pm; Satu/2pm & 7pm; Sun/2pm $16; free with membership. 2001 Farnam St. 3454849 www.rosetheater.org. 2/12: Alison Brown Quartet. Holland Performing Arts Center. This quartet of newgrass luminaries creates an exquisite blend of Celtic, folk, and jazz – with an affectionate focus on the fivestring banjo. 8 p.m. Tickets start at $25. 13th & Douglas Sts. 3450606 www.TicketOmaha.com. 2/12 - 2/14: Chicago The Musical. Orpheum Theater. This sensational tale of sin, corruption, murder, and all that jazz is now enjoying a Broadway revival. The musical, set in the prohibition era, is a satire on corruption in the administration of criminal justice. Fri/8pm; Sat/2pm & 8pm; Sun/7:30pm Tickets start at $25. 409 S. 16 St. 345-0606 www.TicketOmaha. com.

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2/12 - 2/14: Omaha Symphony Pops Series: John Tesh. Omaha Symphony. While many first met John Tesh as the host of TV’s Entertainment Tonight, these days he’s known for his music. Tesh’s talent as a pianist, vocalist, and composer spans genres-from pop to classical, New Age to contemporary Christian. Balancing smooth vocals with lots of fun, this performance will hit all the right notes. Fri&Sat/8pm; Sun/2pm $15-$80. 1200 Douglas St. 3423560 www.omahasymphony. org. 2/13: Lancers Hockey vs. Chicago Steel @ 4:05 p.m. Tickets available at all Ticketmaster retail ticket centers locations, Ticketmaster charge-by-phone 1 (800) 7453000, online at Ticketmaster. com, Qwest Center Omaha box office, or Civic Auditorium box office on game day. $15, $14, $12, $8 for kids and students. For more info, go to www. lancers.com 2/14: An Evening with Lucie Arnaz. Holland Performing Arts Center. The beloved Lucie Arnaz presents a smoky selection of Broadway, pop, and Latin hits. A Valentine’s evening full of big love stories and songs. 7 p.m. Tickets start at $35. 13th & Douglas Sts. 345-0606 www. TicketOmaha.com. 2/16 - 3/26: The Fred Simon Gallery: Mary Day. The Fred Simon Gallery. The Fred Simon Gallery is located in the Nebraska Arts Council offices. Free. 1004 Farnam St., Lower Level. 595-2122 www.nebraskaartscouncil.org. 2/19 - 3/21: Death of a Salesman. Omaha Community Playhouse. For Willy Loman, there is only one American Dream. After 36 years on the road in its pursuit, the traveling salesman, haunted by missed opportunities and an uncertain future must come to terms

january/february | 2010

with a lifetime of self-deception that has distorted his dream into an American tragedy. Thu-Sat/7:30pm; Sun/2pm $32 adults, $21 students. 6915 Cass St. 553-0800 www.omahaplayhouse.com. 2/20: Bela Fleck, The Africa Project. Holland Performing Arts Center. The king of bluegrass took his banjo to Africa – and this is the boundarybreaking result! It’s jazz like you’ve never heard it before. Rooted in flutes, marimba and xylophone, The Africa Project pulses with a beating heart. 8 p.m. Tickets start at $19. 13th & Douglas Sts. 345-0606 www. TicketOmaha.com. 2/21: Nebraska Choral Arts Society’s Music Brings Us Together - Celebrate Black History Month. UNO Strauss Performing Arts Center. Come hear the songs of old and new musc of current black composters, from spirituals to jazz. Celebrate the contribution to American music. 3 p.m. $10/ adults; $8/senior, youth, preordered; $12/at the door. 6001 Dodge St. 342-6753 www.choirmusic.org. 2/24 - 3/6: Gross Indecency. UNO Weber Fine Arts Building. Gross Indecency Moises Kaufman recreates the three trials of Oscar Wilde through a compilation of letters, trial transcripts, poetry, and novels. Kaufman’s dramatically fresh examination of art and society will be directed by Dr. Amy Lane. Feb 24-27/7:30pm; March 3-6/7:30pm $15/general admission; $10/seniors; FREE/UNO students with valid UNO ID; $5/ non-UNO student with valid school ID. 6001 Dodge St. 554PLAY www.unotheatre.com. 2/28: Crescendo Concert Series: Boston Brass. Dundee Presbyterian Church. 7 p.m. Free. 5312 Underwood Ave. 558-2330.

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February 20 – May 2, 2010

or decades, the classic “American Vacation” has brought families together to witness the wonder and beauty of countless natural and historical sites, experience a taste of life in another part of the country, or visit the nation’s top attractions. The Durham Museum will pay homage to the great “American Vacation” in truly unique fashion when it presents Are We There Yet? in February 2010. Iconic travel sites and approximately 25 pedal cars will capture the imagination of visitors as they experience this collaborative exhibition from The Durham Museum and the Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, Nebraska. Incorporated into this exhibition will be select items from the Bill Smith Collection. Classic cruisers, trucks, and other vehicles will enliven each scene while giving visitors the chance to view these extraordinary pedal cars in Omaha.

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january/february | 2010

Looking Great

Feeling Great Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s January, and our thoughts turn to resolutions and making a fresh start. Many start the year with a new exercise program. For the ladies of Looking Great Feeling Great 2010, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s already a part of their lifestyle. These women are proof that you can look and feel great at any age.

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Judy Cline, 43 A pharmaceutical sales representative, could never give up on her healthy lifestyle – which “includes wine,” she says. Cline exercises at least three, up to five times per week in her home gym. “The best way for me to de-stress is to work out.” She does 30 minutes of cardiovascular work, then 30 minutes of weights. “Laugh every day.”

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january/february | 2010

Linda Dunn, 57

A registered nurse and an enthusiastic exerciser. “I joined a small group training class in May. I enjoy the people, the workouts and the motivation. I am losing inches and am getting back into shape. The fitness routines have made me healthier and it is something I could never give up.” “I’ve realized the importance of faith and never taking one single day for granted. Through God, I find comfort knowing that love never ends--even when our loved ones pass on.”

january/february | 2010

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Creighton Vein Center Relieving the pain, one vein at a time.

For 10 years, Mary dealt with her varicose veins like so many women, covering up the rope-like cords on her legs whenever possible, trying to simply ignore the pain and swelling that was causing her increasing discomfort. “It got to the point that I didn’t want to wear dresses, and I avoided swimming with the kids and on vacation,” Mary said. “I became very selfconscious.” She also dreaded being on her feet for long periods, which always made the pain more intense. Mary grudgingly accepted her unsightly legs, unwilling to relent to “vein stripping” surgery that might alleviate the pain, but would require hospitalization, possibly a lengthy recovery, and put her at risk for complications. It wasn’t until the bulging, blue veins began to cause her even more pain, requiring her to put her feet up every night to take the pressure off, that she sought a medical solution. She found her answer with Dr. Attila Csordas, Chief of Interventional Radiology at Creighton University Medical Center. Csordas, trained at the Weill Cornell Vascular Center, came to Omaha’s Creighton Vein Center in 2007, bringing with him years of experience in minimally invasive, endovenous laser surgery. Csordas was able to treat Mary’s varicose veins with an outpatient laser procedure in which a local anesthetic is applied to the vein area, then a thin laser fiber is inserted into the vein through a tiny entry point near or below the knee. Laser energy is delivered to seal the faulty vein, closing the channel for blood supply and allowing the vein to shrink. Mary’s vein procedure was done in a single office visit, with a few follow-up visits for injections to treat smaller veins. Her recovery was Dr. Attila Csordas

so quick that she was able to return to work the next day. “The process was definitely tolerable…just a little discomfort. No general anesthesia was required. It was quick, convenient, and effective. The cosmetic result was excellent, and the veins have not returned. I wished I hadn’t waited and had it done earlier.” According to Dr. Csordas, the risks associated with delaying or not treating varicose veins can be serious, and include inflammation, ankle sores and skin ulcers, bleeding and blood clots. While certain measures, such as exercise, weight control and support stockings, may relieve discomfort, they do not work for all women, and the veins are likely to enlarge and worsen over time. Csordas also warned that as unsightly and painful as varicose veins can be, they can also be a sign of a much more serious medical condition. “Proper diagnosis is key. Primary care doctors often refer patients to us when they have pain, heaviness and discomfort in the legs, as those may be signs of lymphatic issues, blockages, or even cancer. Those are often diagnosed through ultrasound, or by having an angiogram. “Because of our association with Creighton Medical Center, [Creighton Vein Center] can make the necessary referral, and access technology to property diagnose the underlying problem. Varicose veins could simply be the tip of the iceberg. Beauty salons and spas [that offer vein treatments] just aren’t equipped to diagnose and treat these issues.” For Mary, varicose veins were simply a result of her pregnancies and family genes, not caused by an underlying medical condition. Yet they were inhibiting her ability to enjoy life to its fullest, without pain. Her advice to anyone thinking about having the procedure? Go in for a consultation. “Don’t wait until more damage is done. It was so worth it!”

You don’t need surgery to get rid of painful legs and unsightly veins. The Creighton Vein Center offers the best available non-surgical laser treatment of varicose and spider veins. • Personal consultations prior to treatment • No general anesthesia – no lengthy recovery or hospitalization • Minimal discomfort, no scarring • See results right away

We will work with you and your insurance provider to ensure best coverage. Call 402.449.4577 for a consultation.

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january/february | 2010

Pat Schmieding, 63

A ballroom dancer who dropped two dress sizes last year with diet and exercise. Her #1 diet tip? Think of a cupcake. “Take just a cupcake-sized portion of any one food.” Pat danced throughout the photo shoot. “Ballroom dancing inspires me, gives me freedom to express myself, most of all it brings me joy,” said Schmieding. “Relaxing really is not in my vocabulary, even with a glass of wine.” “Girlfriends are the spice of life, especially mine, they are always there to lend an ear, share their advice and make me laugh.”

january/february | 2010

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Kay Farrell, 71

President and CEO of the National Safety Council Greater Omaha Chapter. “Now that my kids are raised, my husband and I are pretty settled in (45 years), it’s my work that is exciting and I’m passionate about that. I truly believe work keeps one young. It’s important to me to exercise, keeping the cardio going, keeping the wheels turning fast - I’m totally mission driven” “I’m always positive - look at the bright side.”

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www.omahapublications.com

Best of Omaha

2010

Don’t we all JUST LOVE the Best of Omaha® issue!

Annua

e1 992!

E ’S N

OM A

Our most popular issue is also our biggest ever. Not others. Food-related categories receive many votes as do in our 26 years have we had a bigger magazine. retail categories. The most hotly debated category? More categories, more votes…bigger prizes. AGA Best pizza! M Three voters were chosen at random to win New this year: www.BestOfOmaha.com, ZI HA $500 cash! where you can see a list of all the winners We congratulate the businesses who since 1992 and video presentations by provide the best services and products. participating 2010 winners! It’s a huge honor to be in the Best of To all the winners in this year’s Omaha® Winners’ Circle. Winners’ Circle, congratulations. You’re The winners are chosen by pure, popthe best at what you do! To all who voted, ular vote. This year, we had over 16,000 thank you for your participation. st qualified voters. Now, for the long-awaited Winners t of es t Some categories receive more votes than Circle list! Om on Si

Be l“

a h a® ” C

www.readonlinenow.com

january/february | 2010

g n i n i D Stephanie Francois

Stella’s Bar & Grill

"It's so great to have a new generation of fans along with our loyal customers. Stella's is a 74-year tradition, a classic."

Appetizers

Bagels

Bar-B-Que

Old Chicago

Bruegger's Bagels

Kobe Steakhouse

Panera Bread

Famous Dave's www.FamousDaves.com Smoke Pit

Upstream Brewing Company www.upstreambrewing.com Good Times, Real Food and Great Beer.

Bagel Bin

Bowl of Soup

Breakfast

Buffet

Charleston's

Le Peep

Upstream Brewing Company www.upstreambrewing.com Good Times, Real Food and Great Beer. Paradise Bakery & Cafe

Summer Kitchen Café

Valentino’s www.Valentinos.com Old Country Buffet

Lisa’s Radial Café

McKenna's Blues, Booze & BBQ

China Buffet

“Our firm has participated in the ‘Best of Omaha’ campaign for several years, but we took for granted the impact that the ‘round black & yellow logo’ has on the community until one of our clients made a comment to us. She had recently moved to Omaha from another state and told us that being from out of town, the contest and logo was a great tool for her and her family to use to recognize which businesses were reputable and worth working with. She mentioned that they look for the logo and when they see it, they know they can be comfortable doing business with that company. It’s an honor to be able to display the logo and it truly does have an impact on our business.” Lindi Janulewicz — Interiors by Joan & Associates

january/february | 2010

www.bestofomaha.com

Lexus Of Omaha Would Like To Say “Thank You” To Our Clients Who Have Helped Us In Winning The “Elite Of Lexus” Award For Customer Satisfaction 19 Years In A Row. Lexus Of Omaha Is 1 Of 3 Dealerships In The Country, Out Of 213 That Have Won This Prestigious Award Every Year It Has Been Available. You Have Also Voted Us Best Used Car Dealer And One Of The Best New Auto Dealers In The “Best Of Omaha” Poll for the Fifth Year in a Row.

Once Again, Thank You Omaha!

19-Time “Elite of Lexus” Winner For Customer Satisfaction

13025 W. Dodge Road • 333-6400 • 1-800-632-5398 VISIT US AT OUR WEB SITE: www.lexusofomaha.com

10920 EMMET ST. OMAHA, NE 68164

934-BEER (2337) ICEHOUSEOMAHA.COM

Daily Food & Drink Specials! Voted Omaha’s Best Sports Bar 9 Years in a Row!

Burrito Hector’s 402-391-2923 www.hectorsomaha.com Qdoba Mexican Grill Fernando’s

Chinese Restaurant China Buffet China Road PF Chang’s

New This Year! View all the

Best of Omaha® winners since 1992 on www.BestOfOmaha.com!

Thanks for Chillin’ at the Ice House for 9 straight Years! Icehouse is THE place to watch your favorite sporting event. With over 60 tv’s, there is truly not a bad seat in the house. However, don’t let the Sports Bar image fool you. Icehouse serves up restaurant quality food that you’ll find second to none. ICEHOUSE. OMAHA’S BEST SPORTS BAR...PERIOD!

Coffee Shop Scooter’s 402-614-1723 www.scooterscoffeehouse.com Starbucks Crane Coffee

Desserts The Cheesecake Factory Wheatfield’s

“ALL SPORTS... ALL OF THE TIME!” 30

january/february | 2010

Cupcake Island

www.bestofomaha.com

SIX YEARS IN A ROW

ONE tOWERINg AchIEvEmENt!

Thank you omaha for voting us #1 year after year!

Call 934-3081 to order | www.cox.com available to residential customers in Cox wired serviceable locations. Cable Modem required. Cox cannot guarantee error-free or uninterrupted service. actual speeds may vary. Speed comparison based on download of Cox Premier 12 Mbps service vs. 28.8 Kbps dial-up and 9 Mbps dSl service. Installation fees may apply. other restrictions apply. Best of omaha award logo used with permission. ÂŠ 2010 Cox Communications omaha, llC. all rights reserved.

From our family to yours ...

Family Restaurant Texas Roadhouse Valentino’s www.Valentinos.com Petrow’s Restaurant

Thanks again Omaha for voting us Best of Omaha for four years in a row! 15505 Ruggles Street • (2 blocks North of Maple on 156th)

884-5100

Voted “Best Orthodontist”... Again!

French Restaurant French Café Le Voltaire French Restaurant Dario’s Brassierie

Check out

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

“Our cup runneth over.” We’re grateful that Omahans have chosen Scooter’s the best coffeehouse in town for 10 years in a row.

where you can download and email pages to your friends!

years ago, you saw something in us that we didn't see ourselves. We've finally figured it out: You're unique. Our coffee's unique. We belong together. That's why Omaha's most interesting people sip at Scooter's. They're characters, unafraid to be themselves. Our kind of sippers. It's a match.

French Fries Runza www.runza.com Runza®. The Difference is Real. Bronco’s Dario’s Brassierie

COFFEE WITH CHARACTER TM

That makes us happy. Even blissful.

Fried Chicken Jack & Mary’s Popeye’s

SCOOTERSCOFFEEHOUSE.COM 32

january/february | 2010

KFC

www.bestofomaha.com

Thanks Omaha for Voting Us Best of Omaha®! Garage Doors • Openers • Service all Brands 24 Hr. Emergency Service

1222 Royal Dr. • Omaha • 402-331-0526 120 E. Broadway • Council Bluffs • 712-256-6675

Dixie Quicks Magnolia Room

Thank You Omaha for Voting us Best Sunday Brunch! Enjoy Sunday Brunch on Saturdays. Same Menu! Same Times! 9am-2pm 346-3549 1915 Leavenworth

Thank You For Voting Fantasy’s Your #1 Carwash!

Fantasys Touch-free Wash www.fantasys-carwash.com

www.readonlinenow.com

january/february | 2010

Best of omaha 2010

Pasta Amore a classic spot

Thank you Omaha for voting Runza the #1 Best French Fries! ®

LUNCH: Mon.-Fri.: 11a.m.-2p.m.

23 Metro Locations

Thank you Omaha for voting Runza the #2 Best Hamburger! ®

Feta’s Gyros & Catering Jim & Jenny’s Greek Village

Stella’s Bar and Grill 402-291-6088 www.stellasbarandgrill.com Runza www.runza.com Runza®. The Difference is Real. Fuddruckers

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

23 Metro Locations Runza® is a registered trademark of Runza® National, Inc.

Thank You Omaha!

za & Sports Grille s PizBest Hot WIngs ' r a sc

R’

WI N

R ’S

CIRCLE

Greek Islands Restaurant

Hamburger

Runza® is a registered trademark of Runza® National, Inc.

Happy New Year

Greek Restaurant

•

2 01 0

•

For voting Oscar’s Pizza & Sports Grille Best Hot Wings!

Come on into West Omaha’s Best Family Sports Bar & Grille for the Best Hot Wings in town. And don’t forget to try our Big O Pizza.

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

has instant links to advertisers’ websites.

Indian Restaurant Jaipur Indian Restaurant & Brewing Indian Oven Mother India

Online at

OscarsPizzaAndSportsGrille.com Carry-Out

(402)758-1910 34

17330 Lakeside Hills Plaza Omaha, Nebraska

january/february | 2010

Italian Restaurant Lo Sole Mio Spezia Vincenzo’s

www.bestofomaha.com

Thanks Omaha, for voting us Best of Omaha...

Four Years in a Row! 3007 S 83rd Plz Omaha, NE 68124 (402) 391-2923

www.readonlinenow.com

1201 S 157th St Omaha, NE 68130 (402) 884-2272

january/february | 2010

Thanks for Voting Us

Thank You Omaha For Voting Us Best Breakfast!

Japanese Restaurant Kobe Steakhouse Hiro Sushi Genji Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar

~ Authentic German Dining ~ ~ Pan-Fried Chicken - Wednesdays ~ ~ Wedding Cakes, Strudel & Cookies ~

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

Serving Breakfast All Day and Friday Night Dinner from 4:30pm to 8:30pm

402.551.2176 • 817 N. 40th

Go ahead, relax and enjoy life.

Mexican Restaurant La Mesa Mexican Restaurant Hector’s 402-391-2923 www.hectorsomaha.com Roja Mexican Grill

Give you and your family the peace of mind they deserve with “Advanced Funeral Planning” Call today for your Pre-Planning Guide!

Pasta Pasta Amore 402-391-2585 www.pastaamore.net

DWORAK CHAPEL•16th & Vinton•346-1144 BELLEVUE MEM. CHAPEL•Bellevue•291-5000

Biaggi’s Spaghetti Works

Pizza Thank You for Voting Us the Best of Omaha®!

Zio’s Valentino’s www.Valentinos.com Mama’s Pizza

12123 Pacific St. • 334-4422 • www.classicdentistry.com Extaordinary Care... Exceptional Results!

Voted Best of Omaha!

Trust Our Winning Team For Your Next Event!

Prime Rib Jerico’s Anthony’s Steakhouse Farmer Brown’s Steakhouse

at the

Call one of our professional planners today!

2440 S. 141st Circle • (402) 334-5446 • www.brandeiscatering.com

january/february | 2010

www.bestofomaha.com

Pizzeria

Freshest Pizza Best Flavor ers ard-winning be aw & od fo t ea Gr e Old Market! await you in th

Midtown 7834 W. Dodge Road 391-1881

Hand Stretched New York Style Pizza! *By the slice

West Omaha 12997 W. Center Road 330-1444

*Whole Pies *Lunch Specials

Downtown 1109 Howard (Old Market) (*New Store) 344-2222

*Dine-In *Carry-Out

www.ziospizzeria.com

*We deliver Downtown

Most Bountiful Toppings at Zio’s!!!

★ Gold Medal Award-winning Beers on Tap

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

★ Creative Cuisine ★ Party Booths equipped with your own private tap ★ Happy Hour 3pm-6pm $2.50 Pints and Well Drinks

1101 Harney St. | 402.614.9333 www.rockbottom.com www.readonlinenow.com

Stella’s Bar and Grill

“Serving World Famous Hamburgers since 1936” 106 Galvin Rd • Bellevue, NE • 402-291-6088 • Open Monday-Saturday, 11:00 am - 9:00 pm january/february | 2010

Thanks to our patients for voting Hillsborough Family Dentistry and Dr. Jay Samuelson Best of Omaha® • Comprehensive dental care • Same day Emergency Care • Cleanings and Exams for Adults and Children • Composite ( tooth colored) fillings • Crowns and Bridges • Cosemetic Dentistry including whitening • Root Canal Treatment • Extractions • Dentures and Partials • Implants including MDI’s Hillsborough Family Dentistry 13808 W. Maple Rd. Omaha, NE 68164 (402) 445-4647

Village Pointe Spring Valley Dentistry Dental Center 302 N. 168th Cr., Suite 208 5360 S. 72nd St. Omaha, NE 68118 Omaha NE 68127 (402) 505-7474 402-733-4441

Jay Samuelson, D.D.S. • Jeffrey T. Garvey, D.D.S. • Brian Pendley, D.D.S. • J.R. Demman, D.D.S

january/february | 2010

www.bestofomaha.com

Sandwiches Jimmy John’s PepperJax Grill

Thank You Omaha!

Jason’s Deli Thank You Omaha For Voting Us Best Greek Food!

Seafood Charlie’s on the Lake 402-894-9411 www.CharliesontheLake.nom Absolutely Fresh Seafood - Shucks 402-345-5057 • 402-827-4376 www.absolutelyfresh.com Bonefish Grill

Miracle Hills Square • 114th & Dodge Harvey Oaks Plaza • 144th & Center www.fetasgyros.com

Omaha’s First Brewing Company with Unique Jalapeño and Indian Pale Ale Beer. Thank Omaha for Voting us the #1 Indian Resturant 5 Years in a Row! Lunch: Thur. & Fri.—11:30am to 2pm Dinner: Mon. to Sun. — 5:30pm to 9:45pm 10922 Elm Street Omaha, NE 68144 402-392 7331 www.jaipurbrewhouse.com

Steak House Mahogany Prime Steakhouse Johnny’s Café 402-731-4774 www.Johnnyscafe.com Omaha Prime 402-341-7040 www.omaha-prime.com

Sushi Restaurant Blue Sushi Sake Bar

Thank you, Omaha! Charlie Graham

Body & Service

Hiro Sushi Kona Grill

Sunday Brunch Granite City Grandmother’s Restaurant & Bar Dixie Quicks Magnolia Room

www.readonlinenow.com

42nd and leavenworth 551-6000 january/february | 2010

n u F Smitty

Big Brain Tattoos “The ‘Best of Omaha’ is a recognizable symbol of quality, and is the gold standard for success in Omaha. It means so much in the community. I consider it a huge honor to win, and sincerely thank our voters...it's a privilege to serve them.”

s Thanks for voting u ars in a row! ye 2 a h a m O f O t es B You’re the BEST!

A Must-See Boutique

Life

Design

Kajoma’s Gift Kards are the perfect Valentines gift.

2010 SUPER SALE Savings Up to 80% CUSTOMER APPRECIATION 25% Off one regular priced item!

Exp: 1/22/2010 Limit one coupon per customer.

991.4477 | 84th & 1st St.

Downtown Papillion Open Mon-Sat at 10am 40

january/february | 2010

402 • 502 • 7309 3919 S. 147th St. Suite 124 Omaha, NE 68144 www.D3interiors.net

www.bestofomaha.com

Bakery

CLE

CIR ’S

Beer Selection

R ’S

Paradise Bakery & Cafe

In Show Pet S BestBest Pet Grooming Salonalon

WINNE

Gerda’s German Restaurant & Bakery 402-553-6774 www.gerdasgermanrestaurant.com

Thanks for Voting Us

•

2 01 0 •

Wheatfield’s

Three Scoops of the Best!

Three Years in a Row! We Keep Your Dog Looking and Feeling Like it Just Stepped Into the Winner’s Circle

2758 S. 129th Ave. (132nd & Center) Montclair Shopping Center (across from Michael’s) 402-884-7618

Old Chicago Upstream Brewing Company www.upstreambrewing.com Good Times, Real Food and Great Beer. Crescent Moon

New This Year! View all the

Best of Omaha® winners since 1992 on www.BestOfOmaha.com!

Family Entertainment Center The Amazing Pizza Machine Family Fun Center Dave & Buster’s

Happy Hour Kona Grill Blue Sushi Sake Bar Old Chicago

www.readonlinenow.com

An omAhA fAvorite winners circle for Best happy hour! mon-Fri 4pm to 6pm • Sun-Thurs 10pm to close half off select appetizers • $1.00 off 30 drafts $1.00 off well cocktails and wines Night owls welcome, we’re open 11am to 1am! Omaha EaglE Run 11th & harney St. 132nd & maple 402.341.1616 402.445.9393

CaSS 78th & Cass 402.384.8355

www.oldchicago.com

PaPilliOn in Shadow lake Center 402.592.2739

OakviEw 144th & west Center Rd. 402.330.9001

january/february | 2010

Hot Wings Buffalo Wild Wings Hooter’s

Thank You, Omaha!

Oscar’s Pizza & Sports Grille 402-758-1910 www.oscarspizzandsportsgrille.com

Voted Best of Omaha 2001-2010 Omaha 681 N 132nd St. 402-431-0066

Bellevue 4006 Twin Creek Dr. 402-291-8855

Ice Cream Parlor

Full-Service Restaurant

Ted & Wally’s Ice Cream Cold Stone Creamery

Thank You Omaha!

Gelato Jo’s

307 N 78th St. 402.933.9584

We at beyourself thank you for this First Place honor! Photo by Dale Heise

Karaoke Mic’s Karaoke Bar & Grill 402-934-8640 www.micskaraoke.com Grandmother’s Restaurant & Bar Brass Knocker

You are all First Place in our hearts!

Laser Tag Skate Daze

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our practice members and the community of Omaha for voting us BEST OF OMAHA! We owe it all to you… we couldn’t do it without you!

ZZZap 402-884-2700 www.zzzap.net 2085 North 120th St, Ste. D6 Omaha, NE 68164 www.KocaChiropractic.com

Family Fun Center

402-496-4570

THANK YOU for your vote of confidence! Call to schedule your personalized

health evaluation and see what the people of Omaha are talking about!

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

has instant links to advertisers’ websites. Thank You for Voting Us Best of Omaha® for 5 Years! 42

january/february | 2010

www.bestofomaha.com

Celebrating 15 years in the business.

Limousine Company VIP Limousine 402-934-5466 www.viplimo.com Extreme Limousine Old Market

“Let our talents create your dreams” 6006 Wenninghoff Road

Local Band The Confidentials Oxygen

Thanks Omaha for voting us #1 for Breakfast!

Blue House

New This Year! View all the

177th & WEST CENTER RD. IN LEGACY WEST (402) 934-9914

156th & DODGE RD.

117th & BLONDO

IN PEPPERWOOD VILLAGE

IN NORTH PARK

(402) 408-1728

(402) 991-8222

DRIVE THRU OPEN

Best of Omaha® winners since 1992 on www.BestOfOmaha.com!

Margarita Roja Mexican Grill Hector’s 402-391-2923 www.hectorsomaha.com Julio’s 402-345-6921 (Old Market) 402-330-2110 (West Omaha) www.julios.com

Omaha Prime

Martini

Best Steakhouse

•

2 01 0 •

january/february | 2010

’S

R ’S

CIR

CLE

WINNE

Charlie’s on the Lake

Blue Sushi Sake Bar The Reel

www.bestofomaha.com

Microbrewery

Nebraska Home Improvement Inc.

Upstream Brewing Company www.upstreambrewing.com Good Times, Real Food and Great Beer. Nebraska Brewing Company

Our customers speak well of our work....ask for references!

Serving our customers since 1982.

Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill

Neighborhood Bar Dundee Dell

Kitchen Remodels • Bathroom Remodels • Room Additions • Entertainment Centers • Finished Basement Remodels Wet Bars • Window & Door Replacement • Decks • Granite Countertops • Cabinetry for New Homes 1263 South 120th Street • Omaha, NE 68144 • 402-334-8888 • KitchensByDesignOmaha.com

Tanner’s Bar & Grill Dinker’s Bar & Grill

Omaha Sports Team Omaha Royals 402-734-2550 OROYALS.com Creighton Men’s Basketball Omaha Beef

Thank You Omaha for Again Voting Beauty First #1 Beauty Supply Store

Two Years in a Row!

www.beautyfirst.com • Five Omaha Metro Locations

Outdoor Dining Patio Rick’s Café Boatyard Old Chicago Mark’s Bistro

Thank You Voters!

C. Stanosheck, D.D.S.

Hospital, Cosmetic, Restorative Dentistry

Full service, cosmetic, preventative and general sedation dentistry for every smile in any condition. UNMC, Creighton and Children’s Hospital Faculty Member

The Midwest Provider for Special Needs Patients

Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies, Preferred Dentist American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Member American Academy of Hospital Dentistry Provider International Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics Member

This Year's First $500 Cash Winner is Mary Jo Williams Three voters were randomly drawn to receive $500 each.

Christopher A. Stanosheck, D.D.S., PC 3 Years in a Row!

www.readonlinenow.com

9202 West Dodge St., Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 884-1607 www.DrStano.com january/february | 2010

Sales and Service on Pools, Hot tubs, Billiards, Saunas, Game Tables and Supplies.

Alright, who spilled the beans?

Midwestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Largest Dealer.

Thanks Omaha!

Thanks Omaha for Voting us #1! 2

402.733.6440 800-383-0083

4610 S. 132nd Street â&#x20AC;˘ 402-333-9033 SuperiorSpaPoolOmaha.com

omahadoor.com

Thank You for voting us #1 again

Exclusive dealer for Autocom Communication systems, Olympia MotoSports, Gerbings Heated Clothing, Nolan N-com Helmets. Available for any motorcycle.

BMW S 1000 RR Superbike

of Omaha BMW Motorcycles of Omaha | Apparel & Accessories 6775 S. 118th Street | (402) 861-8488

january/february | 2010

www.bestofomaha.com

Private Golf Course Champions Run Shadow Ridge Country Club Omaha Country Club

• Grooming • Dog Daycare • Accessories

Thank You Omaha for voting us #1 for the third year in a row!

Public Golf Course Indian Creek

3731 N. 153rd Street (153rd & W. Maple Road)

496-4005

www.barkavenueomaha.com

Tiburon Golf Course Elmwood

Romantic Restaurant French Café V Mertz Melting Pot

Sports Bar Brewsky’s Food & Spirits 402-614-2739 www.brewskys.com IceHouse Sports Bar 402-934-BEER (2337) www.icehouseomaha.com DJ’s Dugout

COMPLETE PLUMBING SERVICES Licensed & Insured PLUMBING DRAIN & SEWER CLEANING SEWER & WATER REPLACEMENTS LOCALLY OWNED & FAMILY OPERATED In Business Over 60 Years

Tattoo Parlor/Piercing

FREE ESTIMATES Financing Available

Big Brain 402-342-2885 www.bigbrainomaha.com Liquid Courage Tattoo Dr. Jack’s

www.readonlinenow.com

january/february | 2010

h & t l a e H

Beauty

Marvin Dickerson

San-Mai Martial Arts â&#x20AC;&#x153;At San-Mai our goal is to provide world class martial arts instruction and to inspire each and every student to achieve Black Belt excellence, not only at our school, but in life. Thank you for voting us 'Best of Omaha' for the third consecutive year!â&#x20AC;?

Beauty Supply Store

Chiropractor

Cosmetic Dentist

Beauty First

Koca Chiropractic 402-496-4570 www.KocaChiropractic.com Mid-City Chiropractic

Dr. Steven Wegner 402-498-0400

Beauty Brands Salon & Spa Sally Beauty Supply

Elsasser Chiropractic

www.smilesofomaha.com Jay Samuelson DDS Hillsborough Family Dentistry 402-445-4647 www.healthysmilesomaha.com Christopher A. Stanosheck, DDS, PC 402-884-1607 www.DRSTANO.com

Cosmetic Surgeon

Day Spa

Family Dentist

Joel Schlessinger MD/Skin Specialists, PC 402-334-7546 www.LovelySkin.com John Edney, MD 402-390-0100 www.surgicalimages.com Finkle Cosmetic Surgery Center / David R. Finkle, M.D.

Creative Hair Design Salon & Spa 402-330-5660 www.creativehairdesign.com Faces Spa 402-384-8400 www.facesspa.com Absolute Serenity Day Spa

Hillsborough Family Dentistry, P.C. 402-445-4647 www.healthysmilesomaha.com

january/february | 2010

Roger Curry DDS Joseph L. Skradski, DDS 402-334-4422 www.classicdentistry.com

www.bestofomaha.com

Thank You Omaha For Voting Us

Best New Car Dealer!

Performance Chrysler Jeep Dodge Smart 7010 S. 124th Circle La Vista, NE 68128 (402) 339-3131

Performance Ford 11910 W. Dodge Rd. Omaha, NE 68154 (402) 934-5656

Locally Owned and Operated For Over 50 Years

performanceauto.com

Performance Toyota of La Vista 7204 S. 124th Circle La Vista, NE 68128 (402) 731-2000

Performance Volkswagen 7108 S. 124th Circle La Vista, NE 68128 (402) 991-0500

Personalized Fitness since 1983!

Private Facility Personal Training One on One Small Groups (10 or Less) BRIDAL Boot Camps Nutritional Programming Discount Nutrition Store Boxing/Kick Boxing Core/Functional & Flexibility Keyless Entry

15117 Industrial Rd • Omaha, NE 68144 • 402.445.0033 www.PersonalizedFitness.com • Become a Fan on Facebook! • www.NutritionCoachingOnline.com

Fitness Club Lifetime Fitness Prairie Life Fitness Gold’s Gym

Fitness Equipment Store Body Basics Fitness Equipment Priority 1 Fitness Nova Fitness Equipment

Hair Salon Garbo’s Salons Creative Hair Design Salon & Spa 402-330-5660 www.creativehairdesign.com One Drake Place

Thank You omaha Orthodontist Kort A. Igel DDS, MS, PC 402-330-1152 www.kortigel.com Greg Samuelson DDS

VoTing us # 1! iT’s all abouT Color! for

Weber Orthodontics

Martial Arts Studio San-Mai Martial Arts Mick Doyle’s Martial Arts Center Kim’s Tae Kwon Do School

Painting • Wallpapering • Carpentry Since 1977 20214 Veterans Drive • Elkhorn, NE 68022

The 6th Year in a Row www.readonlinenow.com

402.289.1010 january/february | 2010

Optical Shop

Nail Salon

Personal Training Facility

Eye Masters

Creative Hair Design Salon & Spa 402-330-5660 www.creativehairdesign.com

Fitness Together

Malbar Vision Millard Family Eyecare 402-896-3300 www.millardfamilyeyecare.com

Mogehan’s Nail Spa Legacy Nails & Spa

Personalized Fitness & Nutrition 402-445-0033 www.PersonalizedFitness.com Black Clover Fitness

Tanning Salon

Physical Therapy Clinic

Rehabilitation Facility

Ashley Lynn’s Tanning

Alegent Health Physical and Occupational Therapy

Brookestone Meadows 402-289-2696 www.BrookestoneMeadows.com Alegent Health Rehabilitation Center

Tan World Paradise Bay Tanning 402-333-8267 www.paradisebaytanning.com

Community Rehab Physical Therapy Excel Physical Therapy

Community Rehab Physical Therapy 402-861-6683 www.communityrehabpt.com

“In past years, Travel and Transport has been honored to be named the Best Travel Agency in Omaha. Our employee-owners take pride in winning this prestigious award. We appreciate the support and confidence our valued clients have placed in us to help them with their travel plans. We look forward to the results for 2010!” William H. Tech, CTC, CTIE — President & CEO, Travel and Transport, Inc

Thank You Omaha!

We are honored to be voted Best of Omaha® thanks for v o t i n g us b e s t o f om ah a Al ways at Sk ate da ze Roller Skating, Award winning Lazer Tag, Playdazium, Rock Climbing Wall, Arcade Games, Prize Redemption, Free Wi-Fi, Bumper Cars, Roller Coaster, Fresh Pizza and Snack Bar

Remembe r us For Birthday and Private Party Packages, Hosting Business Outings, Special Events and Fund-Raisers, and Much, Much More!

Capacity over 2000

n a t i o n a l l y re c o g n i ze d

a s o n e o f t h e t o p t h re e ro l le r s k a t i n g f ac i l i t ie s i n t h e U.S .

january/february | 2010

402-778-0650 12965 W. Center Road (Montclair Shopping Center) www.bestofomaha.com

THANK YOU OMAHA! Voted #1 Again Again This Year!

Text TAN to 366948 for Mobile Alerts Message & Data Rates Apply

11 Omaha Area Locations No Appointment Tanning • 7 Days a Week

www. as hl e yl ynns t anning. com

Voted Omaha’s Best 16 Times! Thank you!

Fit Happens at

GOLD’S GYM Learn why at

body basics_AD_120308.pdf 12/3/08 www.BestGymInOmaha. com

www.readonlinenow.com

4:01:59 PM

january/february | 2010

d l o h e s

u o H Mike Gerst

Gerst Painting “I want to thank our valued customers for voting Gerst as the Best of Omaha for the sixth year in a row. It’s definitely rewarding to be recognized for the hard work our team puts in to provide the quality and service we’re known for.”

Carpet & Floor Covering Nebraska Furniture Mart

Garage Doors Sales & Service

Heating & Air Conditioning Service

Kelley’s Carpet Omaha

Norm’s Door Service

Odermatt Floor Covering 402-330-1680 www.odermattfloors.com

Omaha Door & Window

McCarthy’s One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning

Overhead Door Company of Omaha

A-1 Heating & Air 402-593-7500 www.a1united.net Aksarben ARS Heating AC

Home Accessories

Home Audio Store

Home Builder

Nebraska Furniture Mart

Gordman’s

Best Buy

HearthStone Homes 402-339-0150 www.omahanewhomes.com

House of J Home Decor & Gifts 402-778-0650 www.houseofj.com

Stereo West Home Theater

Celebrity Homes Curt Hofer Construction

“I believe strongly that people notice the ‘Best of Omaha’ logo wherever they are going or whatever they are doing. It’s just good business, I put up signs in customers’ yards with the logo, the neighbors see the sign and we get another phone call.” Roger Schuller — R.D. Schuller Construction, Inc.

january/february | 2010

www.bestofomaha.com

www.omahapublications.com

november/december | 2009

MAIDS Weekly, Biweekly, Monthly Special One Time Cleanings & More... Steam Cleaning Carpets Upholstery • Tile & Grout Wood Floor Rejuvenator “House For Sale” Cleaning Specialist

1406 Veterans Drive Elkhorn, NE 68022 (402) 894-9525 www.huskerhammer.com

Call for Best of Omaha Specials

402-572-6243

Same day and weekend availability

Thanks for voting us Best of Omaha 2010! Omaha’s Water-Efficiency Specialists!

Home Cleaning Service The Maids Merry Maids Maids & More 402-572-6243 www.maidsandmore.com

(402) 334-2625

Howard Kucera is a

Natur esHelperInc.com

Fully Licensed, Bonded & Insured

AUTHORIZED DEALER

2129 S. 156th Circle • Omaha NE 68130

Home Remodeling G&J Remodeling Husker Siding, Windows & Roofing RD Schuller Construction

Interior Design Firm The Interior Design Firm Fertilization • Aeration • Overseeding • Weed Control •Perimeter Pest Control

Thank You Omaha for 20 Great Years! Heartslat Lnawdn LCaawns Be

ACE PL T

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2 01 0 • F

www.HeartlandLawnsOmaha.com • 492-8800 56

january/february | 2010

D3 Interiors 402-502-7309 www.d3interiors.net

Kitchen & Bath Remodeling

FIRS

Interiors by Joan and Associates

Kitchens By Design 402-334-8888 www.KitchensbyDesignOmaha.com Ward’s Kitchen & Baths Inc. Granite Transformations

www.bestofomaha.com

Thank you Omaha Metro Area for voting us Best in Retirement Community

#1 Buffet seven years in a row!

Independent Living 702 Ft Crook Rd S • Bellevue, NE

291-9800 www.richmontvillage.com

Landscaping Company Mulhall’s Lanoha Jay Moore

Lawn Care

Monday-Thursday 8-8 • Friday 8-6 • Saturday 9-5 • Sunday Closed

Heartland Lawns TruGreen Scott’s Lawn Service

Lawn Irrigation Company Millard Sprinkler Inc. 402-894-1199 www.millardsprinkler.com Hoich Nature’s Helper Inc. 402-334-2625 www.NaturesHelperInc.com

Outdoor Spas & Decks Superior Spa & Pool 402-333-9033 www.SuperiorSpaPoolOmaha.com Custom Decks & Spas Continental Pool & Spa

You’ll like the way we do business! 4600 South 90th Street • (90th & L) • Omaha, Nebraska 68127 402.592.7072 • www.kellyscarpetomaha.com

www.readonlinenow.com

january/february | 2010

A-1 United

Heating & Air Employee Owned

Painter Gerst Painting Inc. Nebraska Painting Hank Eby & Sons Painting

24 Hour Service • We Repair & Service All Makes • Expert Installations

Plumber Burton AC Plumbing Heating & More Backlund Plumbing 402-341-0450 www.backlundplumbing.com Carmody Plumbing

6 YEARS RUNNING No Payments No Interest for 12 Months! Call for Details

4972 F Street • Omaha, NE • 593-7500 www.a1united.com

Window Coverings Designer Blinds Budget Blinds A Well-Dressed Window

Windows & Doors Omaha Door & Window Pella Windows & Doors of Omaha & Lincoln Champion

Thank You Voters! Don’t assume all tattoo shops are the same, visit us online at bigbrainomaha.com and see why we were voted Omaha’s Best.

1123 Jackson Street Omaha, NE 68102 402.342.2885 In the Old Market

Sun - Thurs Noon -11pm Fri & Sat Noon- 12am

january/february | 2010

This Year's Second $500 Cash Winner is Connie Seastedt Three voters were randomly drawn to receive $500 each. www.bestofomaha.com

There has never been a better time to buy a NEW home...

$6,500 Government Tax credit for repeat homeowners Every HearthStone Home is built ENERGY STAR® qualified and has GUARANTEED utility usage, reducing your monthly expenses Choice Studio with over 5,000 options and selections allowing you to build your dream, not your builder’s dream home Buy new and have peace of mind with our warranty coverage

www.omahanewhomes.com

Meridian Park South of Giles on 168th Street 390-6785 Shadowbrook East of 156th Street, 1/2 mile South of State Street 390-6770 Stockman’s Hollow 72nd & Peters Parkway East of the Shoppes at Market Pointe 390-6740 Summer Glen North of Dodge, West of 204th Street on Veterans Drive 390-6725 Turnbridge West of Wenninghoff Road on 87th Street 390-6750

This is for general information only and does not constitute tax or legal advice. Consult your tax professional for details on the homebuyer tax credit. Available with contract written by 4/30/2010 and closed by 6/30/2010. Must have owned your home as a primary residence for 5 consecutive years of the last 8 years.

l i a t e R Bob Batt

Nebraska Furniture Mart â&#x20AC;&#x153;All things considered, I love doing business in Omaha.â&#x20AC;?

january/february | 2010

www.bestofomaha.com

Antique Shop Brass Armadillo Antique Mall

Thanks Omaha for Voting us #1

Second Chance Antiques Omaha Auction Center

Art Gallery Joslyn Art Museum Bemis Center For Contemporary Art Hot Shops Art Center

CD Store Homer’s Best Buy Nebraska Furniture Mart

Consignment Store Plato’s Closet Esther’s Big Wheels 2 Butterflies

New This Year! View all the

Best of Omaha® winners since 1992 on www.BestOfOmaha.com!

www.readonlinenow.com

january/february | 2010

Thanks to you, Burton has been named â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best of Omahaâ&#x20AC;? in plumbing services for 2010... and now, for the 7th year in a row.

Convenience Store QuikTrip Fantasy’s Bucky’s

Florist Stems Janousek Florist Piccolo’s Florist

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

has instant links to advertisers’ websites. For Your Rehabilitation Needs...

Brookestone Meadows was designed from the ground up with the Senior rehab patient in mind. Each piece of stateof-the-art therapy equipment was selected only after careful and deliberate consideration of our patients’ needs. Registered physical, occupational and speech therapists are available to assist patients in achieving maximum independence and improved quality of life.

Grocery Store Hy-Vee

We develop individualized therapeutic programs designed to improve independence and mobility. Our goal is to help our patients lead a more independent life.

Baker’s Bag N’ Save A Proud Member of the Vetter Health Services Family

Jewelry Store Borsheims Brodkey’s Jewelers 14 Karat

www.readonlinenow.com

600 Brookestone Meadows Plaza | Elkhorn, NE 68022 | (402) 289-2696 | ww.BrookestoneMeadows.com january/february | 2010

place Best of Omaha Winner st

number of years we’ve been voted #1 st

cleaners to gO green g reasons left not to be our customer

Liquor Store Hy-Vee Spirit World Bag N’ Save

Thank You Voters! This Year's Third $500 Cash Winner is Matt King Three voters were randomly drawn to receive $500 each.

Men’s Apparel Parsow’s Lindley Clothing Jerry Ryan Clothing & Sportswear

Musical Instrument Store Dietz Russo’s Guitar Center Schmitt Music

Pawn Shop Sol’s Jewelry & Loan

Omaha’s ONLY Eco-Friendly Dry Cleaner Visit us at fashioncleaners.com to learn more. 64

january/february | 2010

Mid-City Jewelry & Loan Bud’s Pawn Shop

www.bestofomaha.com

octo Gentle D BestrVAet nimal Ho Clinic spit

als

Thank You Omaha! Gentle Doctor Animal Hospitals

153rd & Maple • 445-4400

E AC F I R ST P L

•

LA CE

Over 40 Years Experience in Quality Veterinary Care

10 • F

T S IR

- Our Mission -

To provide our patients with compassionate medical care of the highest quality in a friendly, caring environment by skilled employees, who are eager to provide extraordinary customer service.

120th & Blondo • 493-9650

Full Service Medial • Boarded Surgical Orthopedics • Dental Care Radiology • Cardiology Ultrasound • Endoscopy Boarding • Grooming “For more than forty years you have allowed the Gentle Doctor to care for your pets just as we care for our own.” — Dr. Bashara 89th & Grant 397-4344 • 120th & Blondo 493-9650 • 153rd & Maple 445-4400

www.gentledoctoranimalhospitals.com

89th & Grant • 397-4344 (1 Block North of 90th & Blondo)

After Hours Emergency 339-6232

Thanks Omaha for voting us best Home Remodeler!

Not Everyone Was Born To Be A Caregiver.

We Were. Voted Best of Omaha 4 Years In A Row! Winner 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 MOBA Remodeler of the year State Remodeler of the year

january/february | 2010

When you just can’t add another title to your growing list… “Mother”, “Grandmother”, “Neighbor”, “Friend”…. ….Let us be the “Caregiver” your loved one needs. Westgate Assisted Living: 3030 S. 80th St - Omaha, NE 68124 402-391-8566 www.westgateassistedliving.com

Place New Logo Here

www.bestofomaha.com

Pet Store PetSmart

Patients Appreciate the Wide Variety of Options. Thank you for voting us Best of Omaha®!

PETCO Pets-R-US

ElsassEr ChiropraCtiC

Where good health and happiness start from within!

Thrift Store Goodwill Industries

“Miracle Year of Wellness” Check out our website for special promotions! 11906 “I” Street • 402-333-0352 • www.elsasserchiropractic.com

Thrift World Salvation Army

Thank You for Voting us Best of Omaha®!

Wine Store Spirit World

In Life, on the job, or in the game... Our goal is still the same.

WineStyles Wine & Gifts Corkscrew Wine & Cheese

Thank You Omaha! Women’s Boutique beyourself Nouvelle Eve Kajoma’s Fashion Boutique 402-991-4477 We at Millard Family Eyecare pride ourselves on our thorough, up-to-date eyecare, quality products, and friendly service.

12660 Q Street • 402-896-3300 • www.MillardFamilyEyecare.com

Food, Fun, Friendship ... It’s All Here!

Check out

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

Offering Independent Living, Assisted Living and Alzheimer’s Care age idge Vill On The L Elk R Best Retirement Community ake

Village Assiste Ridge isted Living Facilityd Living Elk Best Ass

2 01 0 • F

january/february | 2010

CLE

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•

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Just North of 192nd & W Dodge 402.763.8692 EldRidgeSeniorLiving.com

L TP

www.readonlinenow.com

for Call nal rso a pe and tour entary plim com nch. lu

FIRS

where you can download and email pages to your friends!

s e c i v r

Sue Wilke

Bark Avenue “All of us at Bark Avenue are proud to offer the best care and services to our clients and their four-legged friends! We would like to thank our clients and the Omaha voters for the honor of 1st place for an amazing 3 consecutive years. Our combined experience of over 125 years demonstrates our love and dedication to pets and their care.”

Apartments

Assisted Living Facility

Bank

The Biltmore

Elk Ridge Village Assisted Living 402-763-8692 www.ElkRidgeSeniorLiving.com Westgate Assisted Living 402-391-8566 www.westgateassistedliving.com

First National Bank 402-602-2216 www.firstnational.com Wells Fargo

Broadmoor Hills Apartments Harrison Hills Apartments

Bank of the West

Hillcrest Country Estates

Caterer

Cellular Service

Child Care

Hap Abraham Catering

Verizon

La Petite Academy

Brandeis Catering 334-5446 www.brandeiscatering.com

Sprint

KinderCare Learning Center

AT&T

It’s A Wonderful World

Catering Creations 402-558-3202 www.cateringcreations.com

“Being ‘Best of Omaha’ means something. Not only does it mean that we have done our best for our patients and customers every day that we are open, but it means that our employees feel they have contributed in a big way each and every day! Since we won it first in 2000, it has grown more and more difficult each year, but that bar being raised higher means that it is even more important to do our best each time we get ready to start an interaction with someone.” Joel Schlessinger, MD

january/february | 2010

www.bestofomaha.com

WANT TO BANK WITH THE BEST? WE’RE WITH YOU. First National Bank is proud to be named Best Bank in “Omaha Magazine's Best of Omaha® Survey.” Thank you, Omaha, for supporting us for over 150 years. We look forward to serving your financial needs for years to come.

firstnational.com | Member FDIC

Thank You Omaha for Voting Us #1 Mortgage Broker!

1910 South 72nd Street Suite 103 omaha, nebraSka 68124 toll free: 800-254-4103 local: 402-955-0880 www.regentfinancial.com www.readonlinenow.com

january/february | 2010

Credit Union

College/University

Dry Cleaners

Centris Federal Credit Union (402) 334-7000 www.centrisfcu.org

Creighton University UNO

Fashion Cleaners 402-342-3491 www.fashioncleaners.com

SAC Federal Credit Union

Bellevue University

Max I. Walker

Mutual 1st Federal

Camelot

Employer

Financial Planning Firm

Funeral Home

PayPal 402-935-2000 www.paypal.com

Feltz WealthPLAN Carson Wealth Management Group

Heafey Heafey Hoffman Dworak & Cutler Mortuaries and Crematory

Union Pacific Railroad Company

Tagge Rutherford Financial Group

C & A Industries 402-938-2030 www.ca-industries.com

John A. Gentleman Mortuaries & Crematory Roeder Mortuary

“Our restaurant group is comprised of the following local establishments: Blue Sushi Sake Grill, Baby Blue Sushi, Blue Sushi Sake Grill Old Market, Bianco Ristorante Italiano, Roja Mexican Grill, Red Lounge, and Red, White & Blue Catering. I can state with confidence that Omaha Publications’ annual survey has been a valuable voice for our community. City-wide, the insignia serves as a testament to the community, one that gives both power and guidance to consumers. From print advertisements to banners in our restaurants, we have displayed our ‘Best of Omaha’ logos with pride year after year. We appreciate the opportunity Omaha Publications has given to Omaha consumers and businesses alike, and thank our voters.” Megan Longo — Director of Marketing, Flagship Restaurant Group

The Vision 1 Wealth System

january/february | 2010

www.bestofomaha.com

In-Home Nursing Services

a for h a m O n Agai Thanks oting Us #1 V

Home Instead Senior Care Visiting Nurse Association Alegent Health Home Care

Internet Provider Cox Communications Qwest America Online

Kids Summer Camp YMCA of Greater Omaha Hummel Day Camp Carol Joy Holling Youth Camp

Crab Legs Every Friday and Saturday Night! 3605 North 147th St. Omaha, NE (402) 496-1199

737 North 114th St. Omaha, NE (402) 498-3868

2903 Samson Way Bellevue, NE (402) 292-2944

Life/Health Insurance Company Blue Cross/Blue Shield Mutual of Omaha State Farm Insurance

Mortgage Broker Regent Financial Group 402-955-0880 www.regentfinancial.com First Mortgage Company Eagle Mortgage

Moving Company Two Men and A Truck Jimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Moving Company Movers Not Shakers

Seven Years in a Row 72

january/february | 2010

www.bestofomaha.com

VOTED ONE OF OMAHA’S BEST, FOUR YEARS IN A ROW!

THANK YOU OMAHA! At McCarthy’s One Hour, we are proud to be voted one of Omaha’s Best Heating & Air Conditioning providers for the past four years. But even more important than the award itself is who the award came from — you, our valued customers that we have served since 1970. Thank you Omaha! It is our continued pleasure to serve you.

www.YourOnTimeServiceCompany.com

14302 C Circle • Omaha, NE 68144 • (402) 291-1999

Thank You for voting us the BEST travel agency in Omaha!

The Best of Both Worlds!

For 63 years, Omaha has turned to Travel and Transport and Travel and Transport Vacations for our proven capabilities in travel planning and management. From our innovative corporate travel management solutions, to our expertise in planning unforgettable vacations, our employee-owners are dedicated to bringing the best of both worlds to the travelers and businesses of Omaha! 402.399.4500 Headquarters: 72nd & Mercy www.tandt.com â&#x20AC;˘ www.tandtvacations.com Look for us on Facebook and Twitter.

Pet Grooming Salon

Photographer

Retirement Community

Bark Avenue Grooming & Daycare

Larry Ferguson Studio

Lakeside Village

Best In Show Pet Salon

Mervin Reese Photographers

Richmont Village

Luxe Pet Boutique

Arnold Clark Photography

Elk Ridge Village On The Lake

Vet Clinic

Reception Venue

Travel Agency

Gentle Doctor Animal Hospitals 402-445-4400 www.gentledoctoranimalhospitals.com Ralston Veterinary Clinic

Georgetowne Club 402-334-5446 www.brandeiscatering.com DC Centre

Travel and Transport 402-399-4500 www.tandt.com AAA Nebraska

American Animal Hospital

Embassy Suites - LaVista

Enchanted Honeymoons

“Last year, our office won the ‘Best of Omaha’ in the Family Dentist category and one of our partners was in the winner circle in the Cosmetic Dentist category. The thing that we like about the contest is, first and foremost, it is fun for our patients! Omaha Magazine as done a great job at branding ‘Best of Omaha’ and it is definitely something that a majority of our patients recognize and respect. For our business, it is a seal of approval that we are giving the best quality care to our patients. Using the ‘Best of Omaha’ logo on advertising has been a great way to show prospective new patients that we strive to be great at what we do!” Hillsborough Family Dentistry, P.C.

Thank You For Voting Us Best Retirement Community of Omaha!

Enjoy a lifestyle you will value featuring independent living, assisted living and health care residences, offering a comprehensive wellness philosophy and exceptional service

17475 Frances Street | Omaha, NE 68130 | (402) 829-9020 Afﬁliated with the Nebraska Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Check Out Our New Website: www.immanuelseniorliving.com www.readonlinenow.com

january/february | 2010

n o i t or ta

p s n Tra Jim Holstein

Holstein's Harley-Davidson “I would like to thank our customers for voting us Best Motorcycle Dealer for the 3rd straight year. We’ve been serving the OmahaCouncil Bluffs area for over 30 years and it’s truly an honor to receive an award from our community. We appreciate your votes and your on-going loyalty. We look forward to serving you, our community for many years to come.”

Auto Body Repair

Auto Glass

Boat Dealer

Dingman’s Collision Center

Harmon Auto Glass

Omaha Marine Center

Dave’s Auto Body Co

Metro Glass

Valley Marine

Charlie Graham Body & Service 402-551-6000 www.charliegraham.com

Safelite Auto Glass

Sea Land Marine & Recreation

Brake Service

Car Stereo Store

Car Tire Service

Jensen Tire & Auto

Stereo West Auto Toys

Jensen Tire & Auto

House of Mufflers & Brakes

Nebraska Furniture Mart

Firestone

Midas Auto Service Experts

Best Buy

Walker Tire & Auto Service

“Winning ‘Best of Omaha’ has definitely helped our business. It is nice to know that the people in Omaha believe in what we are doing here as a restaurant. The staff also benefits from this because it makes them that much prouder of where they work. It has also helped us in how we advertise. Being able to put the ‘Best of Omaha’ logo on our print advertising may sway the reader to come in and try us. Thank you for allowing us to participate every year.” David Osborn — Mahogany Prime Steakhouse

january/february | 2010

www.bestofomaha.com

Car Wash

Thanks for Voting us Best of Omaha

Fantasy’s Dolphins Touchless Car Wash Russell Speeder’s Car Wash 6 Years Running

Nationally recognized award winner for outstanding customer satisfaction!

Exhaust & Muffler Service House of Mufflers & Brakes Midas Auto Service Experts Meineke

Two Time Winner of BBB Service Integrity Award Located at Irvington Exit and I-680 9630 Redick Ave. • 402-572-0200

Family Owned and Operated in Omaha Since 1974

Gas Station Bucky’s QuikTrip Fantasy’s

General Auto Repair Jensen Tire & Auto Haver’s Service Center Firestone

Motorcycle Dealer Holstein’s Harley-Davidson Dillon Brothers Harley-Davidson BMW Motorcycles of Omaha

Thanks for making us your first choice for health insurance.

bcbsne.com An Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

january/february | 2010

www.bestofomaha.com

- Family owned since 1957 - ASE Certified technicians - Computer Diagnostics and Drivability - Preventive Maintance - Engine and Transmission Repairs - Complete Brake Service

Woodhouse Auto Family www.woodhouse.com Performance Auto Group Lexus of Omaha

- Heating and Air Conditioning Specialist

Complete Auto & Light Truck Repair

Omaha 2343 S. 156th Circle 333-4670

New Car Dealer

- Driveline and Suspension Work - Alignments

Elkhorn 20515 Nicholas Circle 289-5558

- Tires - We Service Imports and Domestics

Oil Change Service Jiffy Lube Jensen Tire & Auto

Check Engine light on? Steering pulling to one side? Hear a weird noise?

Walker Tire & Auto Service

Thank You Omaha for your business!

RV Dealer Total Car Care

Earning Omaha’s trust for 40 years 132nd & Dodge 496-9383

89th & Maple 393-7888

84th & L 339-5577

30th & Sprague 455-0135

27th & Leavenworth 346-1040

59th & Center 556-6708

Bellevue 301 Ft. Crook Rd. N 293-1800

Apache Camper Center AC Nelsen RV World Leach Camper Sales

Used Car Dealer Lexus of Omaha Car Max Auto Superior Honda of Omaha

Thank You

Thank you for continuing to make us #1 402.502.5511 Southwest corner of 120th & Maple

402.558.3500 Corner of 50th & South Saddlecreek

“We’d Rather Be The Best Than Apologize for Anything Less.” 80

january/february | 2010

to everyone who participated in this years Best of Omaha®. Next year's voting begins July 1, 2010! www.bestofomaha.com

Photo by minorwhitestudios.com

feature

A Fitzgibbons family portrait taken circa 1965.

Though all in medicine, each Fitzgibbons has their own area of expertise. L-R: Bill, family practice; Tim, orthopedics; Janie, pediatrics; and Bob, surgery.

A Family of Doctors They grew up in a boisterous Irish Catholic family with wildly diﬀerent views about what they wanted to do with their lives. Yet seven of the eight children ended up as doctors — like their father. Story by Judy Horan

to his

children, he was just a typical dad who made them mow the lawn and toe the line. But when they took summer jobs at Saint Joseph Hospital as high school students, their eyes were opened to a new view of their father. They learned how well respected Dr. Robert J. Fitzgibbons was by patients and in medical circles. He was president of the hospital staff and a long-time professor at Creighton’s School of Medicine. That experience was the wakeup call seven of the Fitzgibbons teens needed to choose their careers. They went on to become physicians. It wasn’t that they didn’t know the downside to being a doctor. Growing up, plans to go to baseball games were canceled when their father received an emergency call. They remember nights seeing their mother quietly reading a book after missing an event she had planned on attending with her husband. But she always said his duties to his patients came first.

www.readonlinenow.com

Those duties almost disrupted his daughter’s wedding. Janie recalls the anxiety she experienced when she walked into the kitchen and found her father sipping coffee and preparing to rush to Missouri Valley for emergency surgery the morning of her wedding. He promised the nervous bride he’d get back in time to walk her down the aisle — and did. The most memorable disruption of their lives happened in 1955. The Fitzgibbons family had to move to Jacksonville Florida when their father —a 35-year-old father of seven —— was drafted. After the Korean War, the Navy was in desperate need of surgeons. The Fitzgibbons piled into a sedan, crushed tightly together, and rode six days to Florida. It was not a straight path to medicine for the Fitzgibbons kids. For one, Janie decided to rebel. As a freshman at Iowa State, she set out to be an engineer. “It took a month to realize it was a mistake. I disliked engineering and realized medicine was perfect for me.” The youngest, she is now a pediatrician and the only girl in the january/february | 2010

Facing Financial Difculties Due To... A Divorce? Loss of Job? Post College Expenses? Overspending? Foreclosure?

We Can Help! We’re Condential and Counseling is FREE

402-333-2227 www.cccsn.org

Expert Health Care in the Old Market Creighton Medical Associates – Old Market Clinic has grown! Our highly skilled physicians and health care professionals are bringing expert health care in an expanded clinic to those who live or work near downtown. We offer:

• Primary care for all ages • Psychological counseling • A pharmacist for drug consultations • Spanish speaking physician and staff • Minor surgical procedures

Convenient health care near your home or work. Call 402.280.5500 to schedule an appointment. Creighton Medical Associates – OId Market Clinic 1319 Leavenworth Street • 402.280.5500

january/february | 2010

Sandra Baumberger, M.D.

Thomas Guck, Ph.D.

Donald Frey, M.D.

Jayashree Paknikar, M.D.

Mark Goodman, M.D.

Mario Sanchez, M.D.

Family Medicine and Obstetrics-Gynecology

Family Medicine and Geriatrics

Family Medicine

Psychological Services

Family Medicine

feature

family. “Mother said she gave up chocolate for Lent and finally got a girl,” says Janie, who was named Mary Jane after her mother. Another indirect route to medicine was taken by Jim, who received a scholarship in mathematics to the University of Toronto. Later he felt a pull toward medicine. Now he is an oncologist in Oregon. Jim is the only Fitzgibbons sibling who did not attend Creighton. Tim took his residency at the Mayo Clinic with the intent of becoming a surgeon like his father, who trained there. But he changed his mind. “One of the hardest things to do was tell dad I was going to switch to orthopedics.” Bill inherited his fathers relaxed and folksy way with patients. A fulltime faculty member at Creighton University, as was his father who joined the faculty in 1948, Bob was the chief trauma surgeon in 2008 when a police officer was shot and rushed to Creighton Medical Center. “I get more instant gratification as a surgeon,” he says. “We deal with lifethreatening things.” All four of the Omaha Fitzgibbons were named to Omaha’s Best Doctors in America 2009-2010 list. The eighth Fitzgibbons is Michael, who forged his own path and has found success as a field consultant for Gordon Brothers Retail Partners. He’s also the owner/ operator of the Spirit Halloween Stores in Omaha and Lincoln. The Fitzgibbons children now have 25 children of their own and 15 grandchildren. The medicine tradition continues. Tim’s daughter, Ann Fitzgibbons Allie, graduated from Creighton and is now serving a fellowship in internal medicine at the University of Chicago. Bob’s daughter, Ashley Harbison, is studying pharmacy at the University of Missouri. When their father turned 80, the eight children and their families gathered in Las Vegas to celebrate his birthday. The fun, irrepressible clan had a ball. Three months later, on July 21, 1999, Robert and Mary Jane Fitzgibbons died of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. The couple left behind memories and a legacy —a family of doctors. www.omahapublications.com

Story by Kim Carpenter Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

OMAHAART

Broghammer puts his personal signature on all his works, expressing himself on his own terms.

Joe Broghammer: Artist as Storyteller

Joe

Broghammer likes to think of himself as a storyteller, but instead of using words, he communicates his narratives through artwork layered with personal symbols and pictorial metaphors. Whether depicting birds to comment on his birthday or using colored lights as a vehicle to stir childhood memories, Broghammer’s mixed media works are simultaneously iconographic and iconoclastic, and for that reason, all the more intriguing to decode. Born in Omaha, Broghammer moved to South Dakota when he was 10. After high school he attended the University of South Dakota, where he earned his BFA. He then started studies for his MFA at the University of Wisconsin- Madison, but soon discovered that graduate classes were too rigid. Rather than being taught certain techniques, Broghammer was far more interested in exploring what his art meant to him on a personal level. “You’ve seen a lot of works one thousand times before,” he says of what’s popular in the art market. “I didn’t want to learn someone else’s style,” he reflects, “I wanted to do my own thing.” Indeed, doing his own thing is one of Broghammer’s hallmarks. Photographer Larry Ferguson, who has known the artist for over 20 years, comments, “Joe has always been a

www.readonlinenow.com

january/february | 2010

OMAHAART

Doesn’t Your Pet Deserve A 5 Paw Resort?

continued from previous page

15% Off Your st Stay Pet’s kFiforrde tails) (as

Luxurious Accommodations • Spa Services • Outdoor Activities • Dedicated and Caring Staff • Veterinarian Recommended •

We want to meet you and your pet, come take a tour and discover the luxury that awaits your pet at Cottonwood Pet Resort.

402/359-4155

Toll-Free 888/950-8122

information@cottonwoodpetresort.com www.cottonwoodpetresort.com

photo s by L inda S hepar d

26910 W. Center Road Waterloo, NE 68069

january/february | 2010

quirky guy. He has a singularly unique voice that no one else has.” For that reason, even though some viewers might see his work as belonging to the Surrealism genre, the artist insists that his work isn’t so easily classified. “I don’t fall into any categories. My work is all about my life in some way.” He continues, “It’s about my friends, my family, getting old, getting fat – all that goes into my work. It has to mean something to me. Ultimately I somehow have to teach myself something. I don’t care if people get the meaning.” In this regard, Broghammer can sometimes seem combative and dismissive. Ever irascible, he says, “I see myself as slightly different than the average artist. I’m not trying to prove anything.” Nonetheless, his “dry paintings,” astonishingly precise works he creates with chalk pastels and pencil on paper, frequently have universal appeal. For example, his more recent “bird” series, for which Broghammer is perhaps best known, illustrates this in many ways. Imagery such as candies and pies, for example, refer to anxiety about gaining weight, while walkers and flat tires serve as metaphors for aging and fading youth. Christina Narwicz, curator of Jackson Artworks in the Old Market, appreciates this quality. “His narratives are personal,” she observes, “but his imagery let’s you make up your own story.” Ferguson agrees: “Joe has his own personal language that only the incredibly astute can understand. But you always get the feeling that the work is about you.” For this reason, even though Broghammer can be dismissive about whether or not people like his work, he has nonetheless emerged as a well-recognized talent in the visual arts community, and his meticulous pieces resonate with viewers and collectors alike. His work has appeared in over 40 exhibitions, and at the 2006 Omaha Entertainment Awards, he won for the categories Best of Show and Best Mixed Media Artist. Two years later, he was nominated again, this time for Best Solo Show and Best 2-D Artist. Still, Joe Broghammer remains committed to expressing himself on his own terms. “An artist is really about what’s in his head,” he says. “It’s about the story.” And in that regard the artist’s stories are every bit as complex as his riveting, enigmatic, and thoroughly engaging work. www.omahapublications.com

COVER: TAKING THE BRAIN TO HEART

Meet UNMC's Dr. Pierre Fayad, one of the chairs for the 2010 Heart Ball

"SUPER" HERO

NFL QB Kurt Warner tabbed to speak at D.J.'s Heroes

YOUR INVITATION TO OMAHA’S CHARITY AND SOCIETY SCENE

BEMIS BACKERS

Annual Bemis Art Auction helps support resident artists

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010 VOLUME 2 • ISSU E 1 publisher

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Medical Matters

Corey Ross

outstanding spokesperson for it as well. His interview gives a great sense of why these charitable events are so critical to the work nonprofits do and clearly identifies the outcomes from those vital contributions, which, in the AHA’s case, include funding the world’s premier stroke conference. These are the types of stories I never tire of hearing in the charitable community, meaning the ones that share why a person is drawn to, and passionate about, a particular cause. It’s almost always a personal or professional connection, but the specific genesis is always unique and those are the stories from the nonprofit community that I enjoy sharing the most. The personal stories are the ones that rarely get told amongst the photo ops and brief event summaries that largely constitute charitable coverage in the city, but they’re there, just beneath the surface, if you take time to look and ask. In the first year of Gala, we’ve done lot of those stories and strive to do more. If you’re particularly impressed by the dedication and commitment someone you know gives to a charitable cause, don’t hesitate to drop me a note at corey@omahapublications. com. Who knows? You may end up seeing them in our pages. If you’ve gotten this far into my column, you’re clearly a reader, and I thank you for that. If you want to take the next step and become a resource, you know where to find me.

s anyone who follows the Omaha charitable scene knows, the medical community is a major driver of much of the city’s philanthropic activity. Many events have a medical impetus and the city’s medical community seems to support the gamut of worthy causes, both medical and non-medical. This issue’s Gala cover story is an excellent example of both. On Feb. 6, the American Heart Association will host its annual Heart Ball at the Embassy Suites LaVista. One of the chair couples will be UNMC’s Dr. Pierre Fayad and wife Maya. Dr. Fayad is the head of the Neurological Department Sciences at UNMC. He moved to Omaha eight years ago to found the department after working in Connecticut. It was during his tenure on the coast that he began volunteering for the American Heart Association. Among other things, he chaired the first Heart Ball in Greenwich Village. Dr. Fayad has continued to be an enthusiastic supporter of the AHA while in Omaha. In this issue’s cover story, Dr. Fayad speaks passionately about the AHA and the role it has played in his professional development and the contributions Heart Associationfunded research has made to breakthroughs in his field, particularly stroke care. A year ago, Dr. Fayad was named the AHA’s Physician of the Year. Besides providing outstanding service to the AHA, Dr. Fayad is an

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cover story

Story by Corey Ross

Photo by minorwhitestudios.com

Taking the Brain to Heart 2010 Heart Ball Co-Chair Dr. Pierre Fayad, founder and Chairman of the Neurological Sciences department at UNMC, knows the value of the American Heart Association to the head and heart.

Dr. Pierre Fayad was named the American Heart Association's Physician of the Year in 2009.

hen UNMC's Dr. Pierre Fayad was first beginning his career in neurological sciences, in particular in the field of stroke, there was much work to be done but little ability to do it. Due to a lack of now-commonplace imaging technology, the brain remained a mystery - “Trapped inside an impenetrable black box,” as Fayad puts it – leaving doctors only able to make presumptive diagnoses of neurologic conditions such as stroke, based on symptoms and

january/february | 2010

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exams. As a result, their treatments weren’t much different than what would be prescribed for a common headache. “There wasn’t much we could do for them,” says Fayad, who is the director of the Stroke Center at The Nebraska Medical Center. “We’d give them an aspirin and tell them to go home.” The challenges of neurological sciences were so daunting that Fayad says many of his medical school colleagues chose other specialties. Where they saw obstacles, however, Fayad saw opportunity. He relished the challenge of finally opening a window into the brain and thus has been a participant in, and witness to, many dramatic advances in diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions. In many instances, Fayad says, the work of the American Heart Association has facilitated those breakthroughs by the funding of research and education. “The American Heart Association organizes the largest and best regarded stroke conference in the world,” Fayad says. “That’s just one of many ways the AHA is a great benefit to patients and doctors alike.” To help support the American Heart Association in its mission, Fayad and wife Maya are serving as one of the chair couples for the AHA’s annual Heart Ball on Feb. 6 at the Embassy Suites LaVista. Fayad’s service comes a year after he was the named the AHA’s Physician of the Year. AHA Executive Director Meredith Seaman describes Fayad, who serves on local and national boards for the AHA, as an enthusiastic and humble ambassador for the heart association. “He’s so humble that you’d never guess he does so much amazing, life-changing work,” she says. “He’s shown a lot of commitment and passion for our work and has a very heart-felt sense of caring for the work he does and the lives he touches.” Fayad received his award before a crowd of 500 of his peers at a luncheon in Washington, D.C. last April. Only one doctor is honored each year and Fayad was only the second or third neurologist to be chosen. While he allowed himself to enjoy the moment, when his speaking opportunity came, Fayad spoke only briefly of his successes and at great length about the deficiencies of stroke care in the country. “To me, it was certainly a great privilege www.readonlinenow.com

Celebrate American Heart Month! National Wear Red Day

February 5, 2010 Go Red in your own fashion and start the conversation about how we can beat heart disease and stroke! www.GoRedForWomen.org

Go Red For Women Casting Call

We’re looking for women who choose to raise awareness in their daily lives about our No. 1 and No. 3 killers. Tell us how you speak up about heart disease and stroke for a chance to be a national Go Red spokeswoman! E-mail Jayme.Sandberg@heart.org or visit www.heart.org/omaha for details

Hearts On Fire Heart Ball presented by The Nebraska Medical Center and UNMC Physicians

February 6, 2010 For the 22nd year, the Heart Ball emerges as one of the area’s most celebrated social events. Join chairs John and Wende Kotouc & Dr. Pierre and Maya Fayad, and honorary chairs Allan and Dianne Seeman Lozier for a lifesaving night to remember. To host a table, contact Ashley Christensen at (402) 346-0771 x 26

january/february | 2010

cover story and honor to receive the award, but at the same time I was sharing that award with my patients,” he said, referring to his patients testimonials that were read at the ceremony. “Those patients have done well, but there are also patients who, despite my best efforts, have not done well because our knowledge is still lacking, our means are incomplete and our systems are not set up well to treat stroke. And there still isn’t enough awareness of stroke and how to prevent it and deal with it. “We have a lot of work to do.” Fayad’s work in stroke in the last eight years has been done as Director of the Stroke Center at the Nebraska Medical Center, and the Department of Neurological Sciences, which he founded at UNMC when he came as the Reynolds Centennial Professor and Chairman, and has continued to build since. Prior to coming to UNMC, Dr. Fayad was Co-Director of the Yale Cerebrovascular Center, Associate Professor of Neurology at Yale University and practiced in Connecticut for 12 years, where he began his association with the AHA. “The opportunity to start a new department was exciting and I saw the support to develop a new department that could impact the quality of neurological care throughout the region,” Fayad says of his move to Omaha. Thanks in part to Dr. Fayad’s vision and leadership, The Nebraska Medical Center was ranked 41st in the country in 2008 by U.S. World News & Report in Neurology and Neurosurgery. Stroke, the country’s third leading cause of death and leading cause of severe, long-term disability, is a major focus of the department and the hospital. A stroke occurs when brain damage and loss of neurologic function happens as a results of a blood vessel bursting in the brain or being blocked by a blood clot. According to AHA, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds and someone dies from one every three to four minutes. For a long time, Dr. Fayad says, doctors knew what caused a stroke but had limited means to prevent it, much less treat it once it happened. Advances in imaging, science and clinical trials in particular, have revolutionized the understanding of stroke

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cover story and helped develop treatments. “We can now see everything in finite detail, from how the brain is structured down to all the blood vessels going from the heart to the brain. In the case of stroke, we can also see what damage has occurred to the brain.” Equally important is imaging’s ability to pinpoint the timing of the stroke. “MRIs not only tell us if a patient had a stroke but also when they had that stroke,” Fayad says, adding that sometimes patients find out they’ve had another stroke in the past without ever knowing they had it. The sooner treatment is administered, Fayad says, the greater the chances for recovery. “We have only one approved medication. When given within the first three hours after the stroke, it increases the odds of recovering from the neurologic deficits by 30 percent,” he says. “That’s not an unsubstantial amount. It’s rather significant for a disabling disease where no other treatment options are available.” More recent research supports the use of this medication for up to four and a half hours after a stroke. More advanced treatments are also available at the Nebraska Medical Center that allow "dissolving or removing a clot outside the body to clear the clogged blood vessel,” as Fayad describes it. The research, supported by the American Heart Association and other organizations like the National Institutes of Health, made such treatments possible and widely available. Fayad looks forward to further breakthroughs. Preventing stroke before it happens remains the ideal solution. Research has shown that 80 percent of strokes can be prevented. Those at highest risk for stroke are those who have already suffered a stroke, or a warning of it called transient ischemic attack or TIA. To prevent a stroke, it is important to know what caused it. Unfortunately, 30 percent of stroke causes remain unknown. That tells Fayad how much work is yet to be done and the successes of the past tell him how much is possible. “We’ve been able to change the way stroke is treated. And I am glad to be a part of that.” www.readonlinenow.com

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behind the mic... annie morhauser by corey ross photos courtesy of annie glass

Table Talk

Annie Morhauser, CEO of Annieglass, has built a business that has changed attitudes about glassware and created new possibilities. She’ll share her story at Table Art 2010 in March to benefit the Omaha Symphony Guild

he major earthquake that struck northern California in 1989 was a disaster for all in the region, but for Annie Morhauser, CEO of Annieglass, the event unwittingly turned into a testimonial for her product. In the days following the quake, owners of her products called her to report that while many of their possessions were destroyed, their Annieglass glassware survived, perfectly intact. “We had stories about TV sets and stereos falling on it and it didn’t break,” she said. “People asked if we made windows because the only glass left in their home was Annieglass.” Constructed from window glass, Morhauser’s products are built to last and have provided the foundation for her Caliifornia-based company for 26 years now. And her plates, bowls, glasses and other glass wares are as stylish as they are strong. Morhauser will share the success story behind her glass creations, and give tips on updating china sets by using glassware, when she appears at the Omaha Symphony’s Table Art 2010 fundraiser at the Regency Marriott on March 19. Table Art features an array of elegant and unique table designs created by local designers and businesses. Morhauser is attending at the invitation of Borsheims, which is again collaborating with the Symphony Guild to present Table Art. Morhauser will be the luncheon speaker on the 19th. She recently shared some of the history of her company, and her thoughts on the industry, with Omaha Magazine. Q. The story goes that you fell in love with the beauty of glass while seeing a glass-blowing demonstration on the beach. Can you elaborate? A. I was studying art and dance at the time when I saw a man doing this ancient art I’d never seen before with a blow pipe and liquid hot glass. I was mesmerized. There was a full moon and the ocean in the background. It was just stunning to see it and it seemed like I could have a lot of fun trying it. Q. What happened when you tried to do it yourself? A. It proved to be extremely difficult, just hard enough to keep me interested. I’ve always been lucky to be a quick study, but I had to work really hard at this to get it just right.

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Q. What was the state of the glassware industry when you got into the business? A. At the time, the only things really out there were cheap and inexpensively made. If you looked at it hard enough, it’d probably break. Glass wasn’t really accepted and was viewed as sort of a quirky accessory. It still hasn’t been given it’s due, but we’re fighting against that, and the popularity of our product is growing partly because of its durability and that it doesn’t chip. Q. Your business was only five years old when the earthquake hit. How much did that set you back? A. I just remember going to the studio and seeing tons and tons of broken sheet glass. Fortunately, no one at our business was hurt. For months after, we couldn’t get any glass because it was all going for buildings and not luxury glass dinnerware. It took about www.omahapublications.com

Presented by ConAgra Foods six months for us to overcome that. Fortunately, it was at a time of year when we didn’t have much inventory, so we didn’t lose a lot that way. Q. Who’s a typical buyer of your product? A. I have a lot of brides and grooms. Men actually really like our product because of the durability. And there’s a generation of people now that really appreciate American-made, hand-made objects, because they’re getting harder to find. Also, chefs have been really big fans of ours because we make their food look good. Interior designers and people who entertain in the home like our products because they can use them as accents to give their table settings different looks. By using glassware, it’s easy to change what you’re doing and still use your china. We’re also very popular in the gift market for people who just like to display our products as beautiful art around the house. Women who entertain have told me that “Annieglass makes my table happy.” Q. Your company has had a relationship with Borsheims since 1998. Why is that partnership important to you? A. We’re not well represented in the Midwest so Borsheims really helps us with that presence. People in Omaha are pretty well traveled and see our products around the country and this makes it possible for them to buy it where they live. Q. Your company turns out a new collection every six months. How do you keep up that creative pace? What inspires you? A. I’m fortunate that I have a backlog of ideas and failed attempts that I can retry, but a lot of my inspiration comes from where the I live on Monterey Bay on the central coast of California. There’s color and texture everywhere in beautiful natural forms, so I’m lucky to live where inspiration is all around me. www.readonlinenow.com

An Evening

with Celebrity Chef

Duff Goldman Host of the Food Network series Ace of Cakes

Thursday, February 25, 2010 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Holiday Inn Central, Omaha A benefit for Food Bank for the Heartland

Contact The Food Bank at 402.331.1213 or www.foodbankheartland.org for tickets.

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irish fest 2010 wearin’ of the green MARCH 13 • QWEST CENTER

Music by The Finest Hour featuring the BroadBand Horns

The Annual Benefit For

For ticket information, contact Kathy Grandsaert at 402-829-9261 or kathyg@ccomaha.org www.ccomaha.org

january/february | 2010

the scoop By Corey Ross

A "Super" Hero Super Bowl champion quarterback Kurt Warner to appear at the Salvation Army's D. J.'s Heroes luncheon in May

urt Warner’s remarkable journey from grocery store stock boy to Super Bowl champion quarterback is by now a well-known NFL success story. What’s less known, however, is that Warner’s story gets even better when it goes beyond his amazing accomplishments on the gridiron. Everywhere Warner has gone in his professional career, he’s taken his leadership skills out of the huddle and into the community to make a difference. For that reason, as much as for the acclaim he’s gained on the football field, Warner has been chosen as the keynote speaker for The Salvation Army’s 2010 D.J.’s luncheon. Warner will appear at the Qwest Center on May 3rd to address the crowd and help honor the eight heroes chosen annually from across the state. The event honors individuals – seven youths and one adult – who’ve overcome obstacles to make a difference in the community. The luncheon is named in honor of D.J. Sokol, son of David and Peggy Sokol, who succumbed to cancer at age 18. Susan Eustice of The Salvation Army says Warner exemplifies the spirit of the individuals the event seeks to honor. “Kurt has shown through his performance on and off the field that he’s a great fit for D.J.’s, which is all about celebrating everyday heroes who do great things but aren’t being recognized for it,” Eustice says. “Kurt is a family man who credits God for his skills and his ability to play football.” Family man, indeed. Warner is now a father of seven, including two children adopted from his wife Brenda’s previous marriage. The Warners’ children include twin girls.

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NFL great Warner will help honor eight Nebraska heroes making a difference.

“Raising seven children can’t be easy,” Eustice says. “That alone makes him a hero to me.” The origins of Warner’s playing career are now widely known to many, but are especially familiar to Midwesterners. Warner played high school football in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and his college ball at Northern Iowa, where he didn’t start until his senior year. He made the most of the opportunity, becoming the conference’s player of the year. Undrafted out of college, Warner was cut by the Green Bay Packers in his first NFL tryout but eventually worked his way back to the league playing in the Arena Football League with the Iowa Barnstormers and then in NFL Europe. Warner’s big break came in 1999 when an injury to starting quarterback Trent Green thrust Warner into the starting role for the St. Louis Rams. He took the team to the Super Bowl and was named the game’s MVP. In stints with the Rams, Giants and now the Arizona Cardinals, www.omahapublications.com

Warner has played in three Super Bowls, including last year’s game, which ended in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Even a non-football fan would find it hard to not be a fan of Warner and his story, Eustice says. “He’s faced hardship, like all of us have, but he’s overcome,” she says. “You’ve gotta love his story.” To find out more about the luncheon, call 898.5908 or go to www.givesalvationarmy.org.

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Thank You Omaha!

Walter and Suzanne Scott congratulate members of the winning team at Polo for Patients in 2008.

Polo Party

Suzanne and Walter Scott Jr. hosted a kick-off party in November to announce Polo for Patients 2010. Their guests enjoyed an evening of fun, including horse rides, meeting polo players and great food, to unveil the charity polo match that will take place on June 12th at Levi Carter Park. This is the second Polo for Patients event. The first was held in 2008. The Scotts will be the honorary chairs for the event and Nebraska Medical Center President and CEO Glenn Fosdick and his wife Arlene will be the event chairs. Polo for Patients 2010 will support the Patient Assistance Fund at The Nebraska Medical Center. The Patient Assistance Fund is a resource that helps patients and families with basic needs such as lodging, meals, clean clothing, hygiene items, gas cards and transportation. With more than 400 requests for assistance each year, currently the need exceeds the funding that is available. For more information on Polo for Patients, contact The Office of Development at The Nebraska Medical Center at 552.2029 www.readonlinenow.com

Arizona Cardinal quarterback Kurt Warner’s career can be summed up in three Fs – Faith, Family and Football. The two-time NFL MVP has played in three Super Bowls, winning one, and has credited his faith and family at every turn for his success. As a father to seven children, Warner has proven himself as capable a parent as he is a quarterback. Warner will share his message of faith and family with attendees of The Salvation Army’s annual D.J.’s Heroes Awards Luncheon at the Qwest Center on May 3rd.

D.J.’s Hero Awards Luncheon Featured speaker: Kurt Warner May 3, 2010 • 11:45 a.m. Qwest Center Omaha, 455 N 10 Street For more information 898-5906 GiveSalvationArmy.org january/february | 2010

galas, etc. A two-month look at upcoming fundraisers and other charitable events

January 15 Fandango 2010: Three Cheers for Adoption Links Worldwide Champions Run, 6:30 p.m., 556.2367 What it is: An evening to support Adoption Links Worldwide in its mission of building families through adoption. They find loving families for children around the world who need permanent homes. Where the money goes: Proceeds will help Adoption Links connect children in our community and around the world with Forever Families. January 22 Spirits of the Opera Nomad Lounge, 5:30 p.m., www.operaomaha.org, 980.3653 What it is: A unique event combining cocktails and opera. Guests will sample six cocktails from around the globe while learning about six of the most popular operas to ever hit the stage. Where the money goes: Opera Omaha Guild donates thousands of dollars each year to the Educational Outreach programs in metro area schools. January 24 “Chocolate Makes Things Better” For the Midlands Literacy Center Elk Ridge Village on the Lake, 19303 Seward Plaza, 6:30 p.m., 342.7323 What it is: An event to support community literacy that will feature chocolateinspired treats from some of the metro’s finest restaurants, caterers and bakeries. Where the money goes: The Literacy Center helps hardworking individuals acquire the practical skills needed to become more

active and contributing members in our communities. January 25 At Ease Benefit Luncheon with Chuck Hagel Qwest Center, noon, 591.5063 or www.lfsneb.org What is: A fundraiser to benefit men and women in the military, veterans and their families impacted by the war experience. Where the money goes: Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska provides trauma treatment and therapeutic support for active military veterans and their loved ones. January 28 Girls Nite Out for Girls Inc. Mutual of Omaha Dome, www. girlsincomaha.org or 457.4676 What it is: An annual comedy fundraiser that will feature a male comedian for the first time. Chad Daniels will entertain guests. Where the money goes: Girls Inc.’s largest fundraiser supports programming that helps its girls become strong, smart and bold. January 30 The 25th Annual St. Cecilia’s Cathedral Flower Festival 100 N. 62nd St., Through Jan. 31, 558.3100, ext. 243, www.cathedralartsproject.org What it is: A magnificent display of flowers and art exhibited throughout St. Cecilia’s Cathedral. Where the money goes: The event supports the Cathedral Arts Project, which is dedicated to bringing some of the best visual and musical artists to the Midwest. January 31 Fourteenth Annual Benefit & Awards Dinner For EPS Hilton Omaha, www.essentialps.org or 554-0121

What it is: An evening to honor supporters of Essential Pregnancy Services. Award recipients include: Joan Young – Special Service Award; Judy Erdei – Spirit of EPS Award; The Creighton/UNMC Newborn Medicine Group – Diane Quinn Award. Where the money goes: Proceeds from the dinner will help EPS to provide basic prenatal medical care, physician directed delivery services, parenting education for moms and dads, classes and tutoring to complete high school, fatherhood programs, nutrition guidance to develop healthy mothers, and babies and educational training for food purchasing and cooking through the dedicated, and caring professional staff and hundreds of volunteers. February 6 The American Heart Association’s Heart Ball Embassy Suites LaVista, 6 p.m. 346.0771 ext. 26 What it is: An elegant evening to support the work of the American Heart Association. The 2010 honorary chairs are Allan and Dianne Lozier; chairs are John and Wende Kotouc & Dr. Pierre and Maya Fayad. This year’s theme is “Hearts on Fire.” Where the money goes: Proceeds support AHAfunded cardiovascular disease research and education to improve the lives of women, children and families in the Omaha community. February 21 The VNA’s 13th Annual Art & Soup Holiday Inn Convention Center, 72nd & Grover, 2 p.m., 346.3950 What it is: Dubbing itself as “the tastiest fundraiser in town,” Art & Soup combines the creations of 55

artists and 25 restaurants to support the Visiting Nurse Association. Soups are available to sample and artwork, including jewelry and wearable art, is available to purchase. Where the money goes: Proceeds benefit VNA’s Shelter Nursing program, which provides public health nursing services to children and adults living in Omaha and Council Bluffs homeless shelters. February 25 Food Bank for the Heartland Celebrity Chef event Holiday Inn Central, 5:30 p.m., 331.1213, www.omahafoodbank.org What it is: The Food Network’s Duff Goldman will bake one of his creative cakes and entertain guests. Where the money goes: Proceeds support Food Bank programs and help it serve some 360 organizations in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa to combat hunger. February 26 Heartland Walk for Warmth Heartland of America Park, 6 p.m., 221.2298, www.heartlandwalkforwarth.org What it is: A one-mile walk around Heartland of America Park, organized by The Salvation Army, to raise awareness and support for local energy-assistance programs. Where the money goes: Proceeds help fund programs of Black Hills Energy, Metropolitan Utilities District and Omaha Public Power District that provide energy assistance to help families, the disabled and the elderly pay their energy bills.

February 27 The Third Annual Ultra Chic Prom Boutique Holiday Inn Convention Center, www.ultrachicprom.com What it is: Prom dresses, bridesmaid dresses and other donated gowns will be available for purchase. Garments have been cleaned, pressed and prepared by Max I. Walker to look as good as new. Where the money goes: All proceeds benefit the Lydia House, a branch of the Open Door Mission that provides such services as food, shelter and other basic needs for single women and families. The 13th Annual JDRF Gala Qwest Center Omaha, 6 p.m., 397.CURE or www.jdrf.org/ omaha What it is: An elegant evening to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. This year’s theme is “A Mother’s Wish … A Cure.” Where the money goes: Proceeds fund diabetes research. Easter Seals Nebraska Wine Event Embassy Suites LaVista, 5 p.m., 800.650.9880, kcarlson@ ne.easterseals.com What it is: The evening features a multi-course dinner and fine wines from across the country. A vintners’ reception kicks off the evening. Where the money goes: This is Easter Seals’ signature fundraiser to support services for individuals with disabilities.

Charitable events for Gala’s calendar of events can be submitted to Corey Ross at corey@omahapublications or 884.2039.

january/february | 2010

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Bemis Backers

Group Eﬀort

Supporters of the 11th Annual Bemis Art Auction generate $410,000 to fund resident artists

Author Jeffrey Zaslow and the Girls From Ames appear at Hearing School author luncheon

Story courtesy of the Bemis Center Photos by Corey Ross

Story and photos by Corey Ross

n energized crowd of nearly 600 filled the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts in November for its 11th Annual Art Auction in support of the Bemis Center’s international Artist-In-Residence Program. Close to 250 international, national and local artists contributed 374 artworks for this year’s auction. This year’s fundraiser grossed over $410,000 throughout the six-week auction exhibition and event, making it the most successful art auction to date. Highlights from the LIVE auction included: Claudia Cuesta’s XY, Paul Renner’s The Omaha Diner, Therman Statom’s Quattro Melas, Roy De Forest’s Dog Man and Indian, Mary Zicafoose’s Ancient Text #12 and Deborah Masuoka’s Bird Head. This year’s auction added a new Cashcade component, which offered patrons an opportunity to directly support the Bemis Center’s residency program through sponsorships and fellowships. The Cashcade feature generated over $30,000 in direct support to resident artists. The 11th Annual Art Auction would not have been possible without the generous donations from the over 250 artists, numerous foundations, businesses, individual patrons, members and the Bemis’ board of directors. This year’s auction presenting sponsors were: Karen and Robert Duncan, Betiana and Todd Simon, Annette and Paul Smith, Laura and Greg Schnackel, Schwab Healthcare Strategies and Carol Gendler | Marathon Realty.

effrey Zaslow, author of the best-selling book The Girls From Ames, appeared before a Hearing School luncheon crowd in December with nine of the woman he wrote about in his book. The rare group appearance was a thrill to the over 200 supporters of the Hearing School who gathered at the Omaha Hilton for the sixth annual author luncheon. The girls, of all whom grew up together in Ames, Iowa, traveled from all over the country to make a group appearance for charity. “This is the most special thing we’ve done this year because they’re all here,” Zaslow said. Zaslow shared stories about The Girls From Ames, his most recent book, Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters with heroic pilot “Sully” Sullenbergen, and his first book, The Last Lecture. But Zaslow talked most about The Girls From Ames as he and the girls shared their experiences since the book has been published. “There’s a lot of laughs in the book and a lot of sadness, but mostly there’s a lot of love,” Zaslow said. “Why did it impact so many people? Because it was authentic.” The book could soon impact millions more. Zaslow says the movie might be headed for the big screen. “It looks like the book might become a movie. We’re hoping Heather Locklear can play all the girls,” he joked.

Top: Bemis board member Todd Simon and Bemis board president Ted Schwab. Bottom: Henry Davis and Bemis Executive Director Mark Masuoka.

Top: The Girls from Ames share stories about the book's success. Bottom: Co-chairs Anne Carter and LaDona Rowings, honorary chair Beth Wooster, author Jeffrey Zaslow and honorary patron chair Kelly Thedinger.

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january/february | 2010

Feeling Sentimental

Sommelier with Strings

Nearly 300 patrons partake in annual Durham Museum fundraiser

Durham Museum treats Society guests to evening of wine and music

Story and photos courtesy of The Durham Museum

onorary chairs Hal and Beverly Maurer welcomed nearly 300 supporters of The Durham Museum in November to Sentimental Journey 2009, the museum’s annual fundraiser. Participants enjoyed an evening of humorous entertainment and beautiful music. The celebration began with cocktails and appetizers followed by presentation in the Stanley and Dorothy Truhlsen Lecture Hall. Mary Maxwell’s stand-up performance and special rendition of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" delighted guests and included a special appearance by Hal Daub. The Durham’s Executive Director, Christi Janssen, gave an update on museum programming and thanked participants for their continued support of the museum. The presentation was followed by a delicious meal in the Suzanne and Walter Scott Great Hall catered by Hap Abraham Catering and a special performance by the Voices of Boy’s Town directed by Jennifer Fitzke under the glow of The Durham’s 40-foot Christmas tree. The evening concluded with dancing in the Swanson Gallery to the music of Omaha Big Band Ltd.

n December, nearly 200 Durham Society members and friends of the museum enjoyed a glamorous celebration at The Durham Museum. Sommelier with Strings, sponsored by Lexus of Omaha, included wine tasting, beautiful music and stylish cars under the glow of The Durham’s beautiful 40-foot Christmas tree. Sommelier Jesse Becker shared the art of wine tasting and discussed wines from obscure regions of Europe. The Midlands String Quartet, which includes members of the Omaha Symphony Orchestra including two violinists, Chris Hake and Marcia Hinkle, viola Molly Moriarty, and cello Margaret Lim gave a beautiful performance, including several holiday favorites. Guest completed the evening by enjoying a delectable array of appetizers and desserts prepared by Chef Jeff Snow of Catering Creations. As a parting gift, guests were given an exquisite wine set, compliments of Lexus of Omaha.

For information about The Durham Museum, please visit the museum’s Web site at www.durhammuseum.org.

Top: Mary Maxwell reads her special rendition of "Twas the Night Before Christmas." Bottom: Mike Harper pictured with Marlene Sedlacek, Jeff and DeeDee Spetman, Jerry Prokop, Georgia McSorley, Gary and Mary Robbins.

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Top: Melodie Thompson, Amy Ruck and Tommie Thompson. Bottom: Patty and Chris Kircher.

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Doctors in the House

Christmas Caravan

Milestone Candlelight Ball honors Bergan Mercy physicians, raises $225,000

The Assistance League’s 35th holiday home tour brings merriment to West Shores

Story courtesy of the Bergan Mercy Auxiliary. Photos by Tony Vlach-Village Photographer

Story and photos courtesy of the Assistance League of Omaha

he 50th Annual Candlelight Ball for the Bergan Mercy Auxiliary drew a crowd of 700 to Embassy Suites LaVista in November to celebrate the work of past and present Bergan Mercy physicians. The 17th Annual Candlelight Award was presented to the entire Bergan Mercy Medical Staff (both active and retired). This award was accepted by Dr. Martin Mancuso, Chief of the Bergan Mercy Medical Staff. The award recognizes the physicians' commitment to Bergan Mercy and the community. A video was presented representing the history of the doctors at both Bergan Mercy and St. Catherine’s Hospital. There were six doctors speaking on the video from different disciplines. The introduction was done by Mary Kay McCarthy, President of the Bergan Auxiliary. The silent auction consisted of 160 unique items, many situated around the raffle prize - a 2010 Buick Lacrosse, by Plaza GMC at 120th & L Sts. In all, the event raised $225,000. Proceeds from the ball will go toward the Bergan Mercy Auxiliary Education and Research Center. The center is in the planning stages and will be used for orientations, in-services and simulation training. The proceeds from the raffle will go toward the Josie Harper Hospice House, 7415 Cedar Street. The Hospice House provides residents the highest quality of life possible during their final months, days, or moments. The money given helps provide hospice care for people regardless of their financial resources.

he Assistance League of Omaha’s annual Christmas Caravan treated more than 2,000 guests to a tour of festivally decorated lakefront homes in November. Themed “Caravan at the Lake,” the 35th annual Caravan was held in the West Shores subdivision. Four homes were decorated in holiday décor by local florists. All Seasons Floral, Canoyer Garden Center, Papillion Flower Patch and Simply Flowers were the participating florists. Caravan participants had an opportunity to purchase floral decorations and items from Yesterday’s Best Thrift Shop. Home-baked goodies also will be offered. The caravan funds Operation School Bell, an Assistance League community service program that provides new clothing for children in Omaha and its suburbs. In 2008, 2,100 children received clothes thanks to caravan proceeds. The event kicked off with a preview party that included a dinner at Indian Creek golf club. This year’s Caravan chairs were Cheryl Bedell, Nancy Johnson, Pat McCollister, Brenda Sanford and Dottie Toelle.

Top: (Front) Chairs Deb Bogard, Kathy Nahas and Laurie Dunbar, along with Dr. Tom Dunbar. (Back) Dr. Pat Bogard and John Nahas. Bottom: Bergan Chief of Staﬀ Dr. Martin Mancuso accepts the Candlelight Award from Auxiliary president Mary Kay McCarthy on behalf of the Bergan physicians.

Top and Bottom: A look at some of the festive décor from the tour.

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january/february | 2010

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Cars for a Cause

Expressions of Hope

Markel BMW’s Bid for the Cure raises $5,000 for Susan G. Komen

Hope Center Gala raises $300,000 to support youth

Story and photos courtesy of Envoy Inc.

Story and photo courtesy of the Hope Center for Kids

arkel BMW/Jaguar Omaha/Land Rover Omaha/ MINI of Omaha, along with co-sponsors Bob and Janice Batt and 10 local artists, kicked off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October with the inaugural Bid for the Cure event at the Markel Ultimate Automotive Campus. Silent auction and ticket sales netted $5,000 to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. A crowd of over 150 enjoyed an evening of live music from Omaha Jazz Combo, hors d’oeuvres catered by Wine 121, refreshments, art and fun. Markel has been a supporter of Susan G. Komen for the Cure for many years through The Ultimate Drive Fundraiser where they have donated tens of thousands of dollars supporting breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment through Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Susan G. Komen for the Cure has invested more than $1.2 billion to fight against breast cancer since it was founded in 1982, the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the cure. Thanks in part to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, there are 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in America, the largest group of cancer survivors in the U.S.

ncouraging community members to engage in positive change for Omaha’s youth was the goal of the Hope Center for Kids’ 2009 Expressions of Hope Gala, held at the Hilton in October. The 600 guests responded to that message by helping raise $300,000 for the Hope Center. “We cannot do this alone and the Omaha community showed that they want to make a difference in the lives of at-risk youth,” said Tammy Evans, Hope Center’s Marketing and Development Director. Broadway performer and Omaha native Q. (Quiana) Smith performed two songs while Hope Center youth danced center-stage. This, along with Hope videos and youth’s personal stories about the Hope Center has impacted their life, gave the community an opportunity to see first-hand the powerful impact the Hope Center has on the lives of hundreds of kids each year. Guests were invited to continue their support through oral auction items such as dinner with Hope Center’s executive director, Ty Schenzel; a pendant from Borsheims; a Broadway package to New York City; an Ireland Island Getaway; and an all-inclusive Bahamas luxury villa package. The auction closed with bidding directed towards each of the Hope Center’s services — Faith-Based Programming, Education and the Higher Learning Academy, Youth Employment, and Kids Café. The event’s theme, “Expressions of Hope” was taken from the Hope Center’s youth 2009 summer art project. The artwork, which was showcased at the gala, was meant to highlight how the process of simple collaboration can produce inspiration and monumental results. For more information on the Hope Center for Kids, visit www.hopecenterforkids.com.

Top: Tim Markel and Tony Caputo. Bottom: Sculptor Michael Godek with his piece called “Music Man.”

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Above: Robin Khan and Stacy Simon.

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Breaking the cycle of hopelessness for Omaha’s inner-city youth through faith, education, employment and collaboration. The Hope Center is an outstanding organization that lets kids be kids while preparing them for a lifetime of success! Every day, Hope Center youth participate in study time, social skills education, employment training, and receive a hot, nutritious meal.

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Jim Arts – Board President, Tammy Evans – Mkting & Development Director, Michelle Fogle – Gala Chair, Ty Schenzel – Executive Director

While the Hope Center was an after-school, drop-in center 10 years ago, it has since evolved into a structured program which partners with families to provide support to youth who might otherwise be unsupervised and without academic and employment encouragement. Last year, the Hope Center had 92 percent of participating seniors graduate high school (the state average high school graduation rate for African American students is 45 percent). Additionally, the Hope Center saw 69 percent of those graduates go on to college!

Thank You for everyone who supported the 2nd Annual Expressions of Hope Gala! The event raised over $300,000 to support Hope Center’s core programs which focus on faith, education, employment and Kids Café

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january/february | 2010

103

Holiday By Design

Salute to Families

Event planner to the stars David Tutera appears at Santa’s Preview

Heartland Family Service again honors four families for strength and stability

Story and photos courtesy of The Nebraska Medical Center

Story and photos country of Heartland Family Service

amous event planner, author and television show host David Tutera was the guest speaker at this year’s Clarkson Service League’s Santa’s Preview luncheon. The event, titled “Holiday by Design,” was held at The Nebraska Medical Center in November. Guests who purchased a Patron ticket were invited to a special meet and greet and book signing with Tutera prior to the luncheon. Tutera’s impressive celebrity client list includes: Jennifer Lopez, Elton John, Barbara Walters, Tommy Hilfiger and Vice President Al Gore. Tutera is also host of a one-hour primetime television series titled, “Party Planner with David Tutera” on the Discovery Home Channel and the new series “My Fair Wedding” on WEtv. Tutera has also authored several party planning books. In addition to the luncheon, Santa’s Preview included a shopping boutique featuring unique gift items and holiday merchandise on Nov. 4 and Nov. 5. The Clarkson Service League has a long-standing tradition of supporting The Nebraska Medical Center and its extraordinary patient care. Since its inception in the 1940s, the Service League has raised more than $6 million dollars and has contributed to numerous capital projects including new facilities and state-ofthe-art equipment to ensure patients receive the best possible care. Co-chairs for this year’s Santa’s Preview are Kristin Lundgren and Susie Nelson. President of the Clarkson Service League is Erin Murnan. Clarkson Gift Shop chairs are Lynne Holdenried and Marianne Holland.

Top: Co-chairs Susie Nelson (left) and Kristin Lungren (right) with celebrity event planner David Tutera. Bottom: David Tutera signed copies of his book at the Clarkson Service League’s Santa’s Preview luncheon.

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or the 27th year, Heartland Family Service honored four local families for family strength and community service at its Salute to Families dinner in November. The four families honored at the Happy Hollow Club were: The Myrna Red Owl Family, Community Service Family; the Ehite Allison Family, Challenge and Successful Family; The Jeff and Angie Busch Family, Commitment to Family; and the Bill and Jodie Mackintosh Family, Leadership Family. In attendance at the Omaha event were Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle and his wife, Deb Suttle and Kerry Winterer, Chief Executive Officer of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS.) Winterer served two terms as chairman of the board of directors of Heartland Family Service. “This event is special to us at Heartland Family Service because these families represent the stability and strength that we strive to help our client families to achieve," said John Jeanetta, President and CEO of Heartland Family Service. “People tell us that these family stories have encouraged them and given them confidence that they are on the right track with their own family. That is the purpose of this event—to help the community recognize and honor the many strong families that make our community such a great place to live.” Learn more at the agency’s new web site at www.HeartlandFamilyService.org

Top: Elijah La Mere, Myrna Red Owl and BreAnna La Mere. Bottom: (Front) Regan and baby Sloan Mackintosh, Jodie Mackintosh and Ashley Horgan. (Back) Mike Mackintosh, Bill Mackintosh and Clark Horgan.

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Medical Marvels OneWorld Community honors its volunteers at 10th annual Milagro Dinner Story and photos courtesy of OneWorld Community Health Centers, Inc.

n November, OneWorld Community Health Centers, Inc. hosted its 10th annual Milagro Dinner at the historic Livestock Exchange Building for a crowd of 400 supporters. Themed “Laughter is the Best Medicine,” Dr. Patch Adams was the evening’s guest speaker. Adams, subject of the film of his namesake starring Robin Williams, advocates for the underserved in communities around the world. The Milagro Dinner annually celebrates the work of OneWorld’s volunteers. This year the following were honored for their outstanding contributions to OneWorld’s mission: Creighton Family Practice; Mary Our Queen Church; Nebraska Health Imaging; D.R. Owen, MD; Michael Schilmoeller, DDS; and Senator Ben Nelson. Stephen and Anne Bruckner served as the evening’s honorary chairs.

Wine 'Til Nine Nearly 200 turn out for the casual wine-tasting and microbrew fundraiser to support the Arthritis Foundation

Story and photos courtesy of the Arthritis Foundation

early 200 people came out to sip wine and enjoy entertainment by the Chris Saab Trio at Champions Run in October to support of the Nebraska Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. Wine ‘Til Nine featured wine, microbrew and whiskey tasting along with complimentary appetizers. Patrons could also bid on silent auction and raffle items. The relaxed event, now in its 10th year, raised more than $37,000. Proceeds will help further research and provide education and programs to help find a cure for arthritis. Arthritis deteriorates joints, causing inflammation and pain. In severe cases, arthritis can rob people of their mobility. In Nebraska alone, 370,000 adults and an additional 1,500 children are directly impacted by this disease. The Arthritis Foundation is the only nationwide, nonprofit organization helping people take control of arthritis by leading efforts to prevent, control and cure arthritis and related conditions. For more information, go to http://www.arthritis.org.

Top: Honorary chairs Anne and Stephen Bruckner. Bottom: Keynote speaker Dr. Patch Adams.

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Top: Co-chair Ashley Winans, honorary chairs Kirstin and Patrick Ricketts and co-chair Erin Swanson. Bottom: Arthritis Foundation board member Liz Crosson and board chair John Allbery. january/february | 2010

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Philanthropy Day

Soiree de Symphonie

Outstanding supporters of charity honored on Philanthropy Day

Fundraiser concert supports the Omaha Symphony’s education and partnership programs

Story and photos courtesy of AFP

Story and photos courtesy of the Omaha Symphony

Top: Girl Scout representatives accept the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy from AFT President Jenny Cardwell. Bottom: Chamberlain Scholar Suzanne Sughroue, center, with AFT Nebraska Chapter President Jenny Cardwell and President-Elect Chris Sommerich.

Top: Toma and Carmen Ovici with Itzhak Perlman. Bottom: Jean Bartman and Cecelia Specht with Thomas Wilkins.

he Nebraska Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) celebrated National Philanthropy Day in November with a luncheon and award ceremony at the Omaha Doubletree Hotel. The event, attended by 300 honorees and guests, was led by emcee Keith Allerton with presentation assistance from Jenny Cardwell, AFT Nebraska Chapter President, and Chris Sommerich, AFP Nebraska Chapter President-Elect. The following awards were presented: Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy—Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska Outstanding Corporation—Valmont Industries Outstanding Foundation—The Weitz Family Foundation Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser—William “Bill” Fitzgerald Outstanding Philanthropists—Lin and Mike Simmonds In addition, Laura Reznicek was named the 2009 Chamberlain Scholar, and Suzanne Sughroue received the Chapter Scholarship. Each award recipient received a framed collage of collectors’ stamps representing special interests in their life.

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oiree de Symphonie, the annual fundraiser for the Omaha Symphony’s education and community partnership programs, drew a sell-out crowd of 150 guests to the Holland Performing Arts Center in November to hear Itzhak Perlman. After the memorable concert, guests enjoyed champagne, French desserts (including crepes, creme brulee, truffles, etc.), and live music in the Scott Recital Hall at the Holland Performing Arts Center. The private reception had romantic French decor--complete with a large replica of the Eiffel Tower. French and American songs were performed by local vocalist Anne Marie Kenny, in a sultry, cabaret-style. Omaha Symphony education and community partnership programs touch the lives of nearly 40,000 people each year. The event was planned by Mike Klug and Kathy Katt, Omaha Symphony VP of Development.

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OMAHAHOME

A play on texture adds drama to this great room’s color palette of warm wheat and soft amber. Touches of metallic finish incorporated into the ceiling and the occasional furnishing pieces complement the sophistication and richness of the space.

It's All In the Details

A pAssion

for the outdoors, a love of family and friends… and three little dachshunds served as inspiration for this new construction project. Designed by Kim Kenney, Allied Member, ASID of Interiors by Joan and Associates, and built by Curt Hofer Construction, this home epitomizes sophisticated lake living. Kenney first met her clients when they purchased a new home in Lincoln that the designer had worked on as a spec home. They became fast friends, getting along wonderfully and sharing the same vision for the family’s design needs. When the family decided to make a move to Omaha, they decided to build their dream home and recognized their need for a professional designer to pull the project together… Kenney was the natural choice. Kim Kenney The home's exterior features original sculptures housed in dimensional niches carved into the façade. This architecAllied Member, tural detail is typically unique to the southwest regions of our country and proved to be an outstanding element for the ASID home's identity. The home is situated in the West Shores development and boasts a stunning view of the lake. Add Photos by Tom Kessler to that the swimming pool, fire pit and lush landscaping that sprawls along the rear elevation of the home. It truly is Story by Lindi Janulewicz an outdoor oasis right here in Nebraska, perfectly fitting for her clients, whose passion for the outdoors stems from a farming background and a love of the water. www.readonlinenow.com

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3 1: Warm cocoa brown rattan furnishings with textural green and amber fabrics give the dinette area a comfortable, casual appeal. Custom cabinetry and tile layouts reflect the sophistication of the kitchen’s clean design. 2: A built-in desk constructed of walnut perfectly compliments the unique shape of this den. Custom window treatments incorporate a myriad of materials including suede, wood beads and tweed. A consistent color palette and beautiful accessories tie the space together for a cohesive look. 3: An original piece of artwork serves as the focal point in this serene dining room. Warm wood tones compliment the soft color palette. 4: A combination of honed black slate, aged copper and cherry wood come together to create this dramatic custom fireplace design. A posh leather sectional invites guests to sink in and really enjoy the inviting ambience of the home.

A spacious, open floor plan greets guests as they enter the home. Every design detail was carefully planned and selected to complement the home’s fabulous view of the lake. Nothing distracts or disturbs the serene ambience of the home. A light, soft, yet warm environment is created by using soft wheat tones in various textures, from the leatherfinished ceramic floor tiles and polished marble, to the woven sofa fabrics and dimensional carpet. A marble fireplace finished with dramatic wood arches, a space for a television and lighted art niches compose the focal point of this great room space. Soft metallic golds and silvers add richness and sophistication to the great room as they are incorporated into the ceiling and various occasional pieces of furniture. Kenney took special considerations to design a home that was not only beautiful, but also functional for her clients’ lifestyle. The family members are accomplished swimmers, entertain friends and family often, and share their home with three little dachshunds. Therefore, every material had to accommodate lake living, pets, and large group gatherings. The den features a walnut built-in desk with coordinating bookshelves and grass cloth wall covering installed on the ceiling. This enhances the room’s masculine appeal. A color palette of soft blues, creams and a faded terra cotta brings the sunset inside the master

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OMAHAHOME 1

3 1: An outdoor kitchen and living space serves as the perfect place to enjoy the striking view of the lake, pool and verdant landscaping. 2: The entry space in this home boasts a multitude of architectural and design details, including the barrel ceiling, custom designed railing, custom designed and shaped rug and original artwork. All of these elements were carefully selected to compliment the open floor plan and setting of the home. 3: This powder bath features an under-lit onyx countertop. Custom tile layouts and a unique sink with clean lines finish the space. 4: A custom tile layout for the backsplash and a distinctive design for the shape of the bar gives this lower level bar space a designer edge.

4 suite. The home’s look is a perfect juxtaposition of qualities that work together to master a cohesive feel… rich and sophisticated but still casual; fresh and clean while maintaining warmth and an inviting feeling. “The most unique feature in this home is definitely the Doggie Room,” says Kenney, with a smile. “It’s a thoughtful element that pet owners can appreciate… and perhaps one of my clients’ favorite parts of this whole project!” The room has a special shallow sink with a hand-held shower nozzle to bathe the three little dachshunds. The wall behind the sink has custom made tiles that are 30 inches tall to catch splashes and splatter. Under the sink is an open counter for their beds and food dishes. From their private room, the dogs can go out their own doggie door outside to a small fenced in space… their own portion www.readonlinenow.com

of the sprawling landscape. At the doorway, instead of a full-height door made of wood, the dachshunds enjoy a custom made 36-inch high door made of iron and constructed in such a way that the design is open and they can survey the lake and landscape just as their master does. A collection of unique architectural details not typically found in homes in our region set this project apart. With world imports and quality artisans being so accessible to us in Nebraska, this incorporation was a far from impossible feat. The integration of high-end materials, custom furnishings and thoughtful details tie the look together. When asked what the greatest challenge she faced on this project was, Kenney answered simply… “It ended. Everything was so positive on this job and the trust between my client, myself and the builder was phenomenal.” january/february | 2010

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OMAHAHOME

Photos by minorwhitestudios.com Story by Judy Horan

The living room’s cathedral ceiling and picture window overlooking the woods of Standing Bear Lake sold Kay Church on her northwest Omaha home.

At Home With Kay Church

A person’s

home should reflect her personality and not the latest trend gleaned from the pages of a Pottery Barn catalog. One step into Kay Church’s home in the Standing Bear Lake neighborhood reveals volumes about her personality. She has a creative eye, able to blend diverse pieces into a single, seamless look. She loves art, be it photography, original oils or simple prints that catch her fancy. She is passionate about animals: domesticated pets, farm animals, and creatures of the wild. And she loves to collect. In fact, much of her home’s décor centers on showcasing her many and varied collections. “I started collecting when I was seven years old,” Church recalls. She and her mother often roamed the aisles and rummaged the shelves of “junk stores” and bought little treasures for $.50. Her first purchase was Royal Bayreuth cream pitcher; in exchange for two quarters, Church began a lifelong love affair with collecting. Ironically, Church only looked at new construction homes for comparison purposes. “I originally looked in the Dundee and Fairacres neighborhoods when house hunting,” she admits. But one step into the living room, with its center beam, cathedral ceiling and huge

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OMAHAHOME

Church often decorates her dining room with linens and china to match the season. “And I always try to pull in animals,” she added.

picture window overlooking the woods of Standing Bear Lake, and she said, “Sold.” Next to the eye-catching view, the fireplace is the living room’s focal point. Fashioned of brick, it marries many of Church’s interests into one display. An 1820 spinning wheel has a place of honor in front of the hearth. Antique Wedgwood vases sit next to contemporary pheasant sculptures. Oil lamps and Willets Belleek mugs, dancing bear candlesticks and porcelain swans evidence her propensity to mix and match old with new, metals with ceramics. Her adage: “If you do it right, you can mix anything.” Flanking her fireplace are two large, glass cabinets which house many of her 50-plus Victorian pickle castors, equally ornate bride baskets and Lladro figurines. China is one of Church’s loves. The breakfront in the dining room showcases her extensive collection of syrup dispensers, teapots, cake stands and cheese domes from various makers like Portmeirion, Royal Bayreuth and Meissen. With so much china at her disposal, Church is able to decorate her table several times throughout the year. “I change the linens and settings with the seasons or for themed www.readonlinenow.com

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Much of Church’s home décor centers around showcasing her many antique treasures and varied collections.

parties,” she says, “and I always try to pull in animals.” Currently, Lynn Chase dishes and serving pieces featuring cheetahs grace her table. With such a bold pattern, a little goes a long way. A single goblet, the knife handle, candlesticks and ribbon, all echoing the cheetah’s signature spot, pull the table together into one cohesive look. The main floor has a more formal air compared to the rec room on the lower level. Here, Church has combined rich leather sectionals, an inlaid gaming table, bamboo chairs and a billiards table for a British colonial feel. Bookshelves line one entire wall and house her extensive 2,000-strong cookbook collection. On top are baskets of butter molds. Above the fireplace is a painting of a heron standing along the edge of a stream. Come summer, this same painting could rest about the living room mantel; Church likes to interchange the art above her fireplaces. “It keeps things fresh, like you have new stuff, but really don’t.” Church is happy with her new home. While she does not make weekly forays into antique stores and estate sales, Church is always open to expected finds. After all, being open to life’s possibilities is how she found herself in her West Omaha home, with the wildlife of Lake Standing Bear for neighbors.

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Story by Donald J. Rashid Photo by minorwhitestudios.com

OMAHAFACES

Clark Makes

Connections Count for Families and Omaha Youth

Developing

Omaha’s youth and creating meaningful family and professional connections are Tim Clark’s passions. Passions evident in virtually everything he says and does. The Clark family — which includes Dinah, his wife of 15 years, daughter Jessica, 14, and son Brice, 11 — savors family time and spiritual development. Living up to an African proverb that it takes a village to raise a child, he knows that personal success begins at home. This heart-felt need and vision to give back was fostered through mentors during his youth. These influential men included Joe Edmonson, co-founder of the Omaha Edmonson Youth Development Association, and Dr. Jerry Bartee, currently an Assistant Superintendent at Omaha Public Schools (OPS), who ran the summer programs at Creighton University. www.readonlinenow.com

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OMAHAFACES

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His career focus on youth development was set into motion while working for the Boys and Girls Club starting in 1975, to guide and prevent youth from choosing to join or stay in local gangs. Clark’s path also includes serving as Vice President of Membership for the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. This chosen lifestyle and attitude permeates his work as President of Clark Connection Group. Describing his strengths, Clark said, “My gift that God gave me is the ability to relate and connect with people.” A consistent theme running through Clark’s life is developing youth into young men and women of distinction. One example of Clark’s commitment to the future well being of Omaha and its citizens, is serving as Board President of The 100 Black Men of Omaha, a not-for-profit organization that focuses on mentoring, education, health initiatives and economic development. He said “I like our mission of the 100 Black Men of Omaha, on how we help young boys and girls to become men and women that are responsible, respectful and ready. The return on investment is in terms of the dollars saved on the preventative side”, helping youth become positive role models and contributing members of our community. The 100 Black Men of Omaha has partnered with OPS on the 100 Academy, moving from a pilot phase of 20 students at Hale Middle School to an anticipated goal of 200 boys and girls participating during the 2009-2010 school year. Starting in third grade, children via the Academy have the opportunity to start being mentored for life. Rick Bell, Interim Executive Director of this organization said, “Tim Clark aligns his personal and leadership style with a passion for serving the underserved youth of Omaha. His character is beyond reproach. He truly values his family and his faith.” Clark also serves as the 2010 Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Girls, Inc. and sits on the board of the Northstar Foundation, which is building capacity for Outward Bound programming in Omaha. His voice mail message encourages callers to “Be good to yourself.” Clearly, youth development, faith and a love of family are core themes of his heart, life and involvement with mentoring Omaha’s youth. www.omahapublications.com

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OMAHAFACES

Story by Adam Dallman Photo by minorwhitestudios.com

French cuisine, Belgian beer and life with his family, here in the Heartland, are what bring Schicke true happiness.

Dario Schicke finds refuge in the kitchen

WAr

can affect many things, but it seems odd in thinking that it can play a part in guiding a culinary career. Dario Schicke, owner of Dario’s Brasserie, grew up in Sarajevo. In 1992, after the start of the Bosnian War, he left and headed west to Europe. More for a job than anything else, he worked in restaurants. In addition, he met his wife, Amy, while in Europe. But one more move, to New York City, would be needed before Schicke knew, without a doubt, that the title “chef ” was in his future. Around 2000, Schicke was working in Manhattan. He had already opened his

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Become Part of the Great Tradition of Catholic Education own business that specialized in exotic and Belgian beers. Finding himself inspired, he started training at the French Culinary Institute. While there, he incorporated the new techniques he would learn into his own business. But in 2001, his life was disrupted by violence yet again, when he found himself mere miles from the World Trade Center on 9/11. Soon after, he and his growing family began looking to move once more. Since his wife was originally from Kearney, Schnicke and his family decided to move to Nebraska, settling on Omaha. Schicke worked for both the French Cafe and the Market Basket in Countryside Village before he decided to open his own place. “I wanted to focus on a classical French cuisine,” Schicke says, and with that, he opened Dario’s Brasserie three years ago. With an emphasis on classic French, and a mix of Belgian influences and his own creativity, Dario’s Brasserie offers everything from salads and sandwiches to more sophisticated French dishes. That wide array of offerings not only upholds the tradition of the brasserie — a classic French eatery that acts as both a cafe and restaurant — but also lets the customer “create their own ambience and experience,” hosting everything from office parties to date nights. Some of their offerings are quickly growing into menu staples and signature dishes that represent them in the community, like their fresh-steamed mussels and homemade crepes. But Dario’s is also noteworthy for their selection of beers. Schicke said he wants to focus on beers because nobody caters to beer drinkers. He’s impressed with the readiness of customers to try the Belgian and exotic beers on his menu, and has discovered many are open to having a beer accompany their meal (as opposed to wine) — “you just have offer it.” And although Schicke confesses that when you own a restaurant, it leaves minimal free time (which he uses for his family), he also says that “he’s not going anywhere in awhile” and will continue to “do what we do the best.” In all, he’s really just enjoying what he has now, and he doesn’t take anything for granted. www.readonlinenow.com

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Story by: Mystery Reviewer Photo by minorwhitestudios.com

Sports memorabilia and flat-screen TVs dot the walls of the formal dining room, creating an upscale sports bar atmosphere unlike any other.

94/95 Sports Grille In a League of its Own

For Just

about a year, a small strip mall at the southeast corner of 180th & Pacific has been home to the 94/95 Sports Grill. 94/95 is noticeably more upscale and inviting than your typical sports-themed restaurant and bar. It features a luxurious sports lounge, a cozy patio area, a posh yet casual dining room, and a private dining room for special events and caterings. The name 94/95 commemorates the Huskers' 1994 and 1995 back-to-back championship teams, of which 94/95 partner Clester Johnson was on the roster. The sports memorabilia displayed at 94/95 all comes from various football, baseball, basketball, and hockey teams that share the distinction of having won back-to-back championships at the college and professional levels. As you enter the main entrance you find yourself staring at the impressive high-ceiling sports lounge. Rich, dark wood, a well-stocked bar, flat screens, and sports memorabilia surround you. You are then escorted up the stairs into the dining room though a very large frosted glass door. Once in the dining room you are seated in a comfortable booth featuring a table draped with a black linen. Like the lounge, the dining room is also decorated with sports memorabilia and flat screens, but also has a lovely fireplace and some very interesting sports art. I feel that 94/95 did a very nice job of creating an ambiance that seems high end but keeps an unpretentious feel to it. Executive Chef and 94/95 partner Chris Morgan's menu features USDA Choice Angus steaks, seafood, and pasta dishes, and puts a gourmet spin on some sports bar favorites like burgers, pizzas and sandwiches. The menu is also home to a good variety of homestyle side dishes and gourmet appetizers. On a recent visit my dining partner and I tried the Mini Steak Sandwiches appetizer ($10). These were delicious little pieces of steak cooked to perfection and served open faced on toasted garlic ciabatta bread, topped with provolone cheese and sauteed bourbon onions. We also

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94/95 Sports Grille

17857 Pierce Plaza Omaha, NE 68130 402-504-9853 9495sportsgrille.com

Ratings: (out of 5*) Food

***

Service

****

Ambiance Price: Overall

***

Moderate ***1/2

www.omahapublications.com

had the Crab Cakes ($8). These were fried to a crisp, golden brown and served with a fresh coleslaw and a remoulade sauce. I would rate these as above average. For entrees we tried a Rib-eye Steak ($24) and Baby Back Ribs ($15). The steak was a generous 14-oz. cut from the strip loin end of the rib. It was appropriately seasoned but regrettably slightly over cooked. It was ordered medium rare but came out medium, aÂ minor over sight but one worth noting. The quality of the steak itself was very good and proved to be tender, juicy and flavorful. The steak came with soup or salad and choice of side. I selected the Caesar salad and garlic mashed potatoes. Both were excellent. The Baby Back Ribs were a 1/2 rack smothered in their homemade 94/95 Pendleton Canadian Whiskey BBQ sauce. The ribs were cooked perfectly, falling off the bone and very flavorful but unfortunately they were slightly on the warm side when they got to the table. We both agreed that they could have been a little hotter, but the enjoyment factor on this entree was still very high and I would definitely order them again. To accompany the ribs we selected the "loaded" baked potato. It was also very good. For dessert we tried the Red Velvet Cake ($7). It was moist layers with a rich butter cream frosting and appeared to be good quality. The service turned out to be even better than the food. Our server was a delightful young man who was friendly, knowledgeable and had very good timing. Most of what we ordered was based on his recommendations and, as you can see, they turned out to be good ones. He not only did a great job of describing our food and wine but also educating us on the history and culture of the restaurant. For our wine we tried several glasses from their list. All of the wines we tried were very good and their list features a good variety of wines modestly priced between $20 and $60, most of which were available by the glass for a reasonable $5-$10. 94/95 also has a full bar and a extensive beer list. So the next time you are in the mood to catch a game, as well as enjoy some good food with great service in a upscale yet unpretentious atmosphere, I recommend you give 94/95 Sports Grille a try. I'm pretty sure you will not be disappointed!

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