Strictly Business Lincoln - December 2020

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• ENERGY EFFICIENCY • MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS • HOLIDAY WRAP-UP • WINTER DRIVING • SENIOR LIVING - THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS CLIENT SPOTLIGHTS • TIPSY TINA’S TACO CANTINA • TABITHA • CHOICES TREATMENT CENTER • LINCOLN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK • CUSTOM COOLING & HEATING, INC.

LINCOLN • DECEMBER 2020 TM

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DECEMBER 2020 Strictly Business

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We know you love our local businesses as much as we do, and they need our support now more than ever. Regardless of whether or not you feel comfortable leaving your home, there are so many ways you can put your money back into the community that we all love so much. It’s time 2 Strictly Business #PrintProudDigitalSmart to shopDECEMBER small2020 to bring our business back home.

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DECEMBER 2020 Strictly Business

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

PAIGE ZUTAVERN - President (402) 730-0096 | Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com

Add Storytelling to Your Marketing Strategy It's December, the last month of a historical feature stories, we give businesses different avenues to share year. Obviously, things won't magically their message. The content is not only shared in print, but also c hange when we hang up our 2021 online. We're excited to be in the process of upgrading our calendars, but it's a reminder that life keeps website and strengthening our social media presence. These are on going no matter what the circumstances two areas that we're focusing on going into 2021. A New Year's are—and with life comes change. A big resolution, of sorts. change for many businesses, including my own, is where marketing dollars are being As a business owner, what is your New Year's resolution? If allocated. According to NewsCred Insights storytelling isn't something you're currently doing as a part of (insights.newscred.com), "On average, 30- your marketing strategy, please reach out to me. My team would 40% of a marketing budget is allocated for love to help you get your message to your audience. In these trade show sponsorship, travel, expenses, challenging times, with a fast-changing landscape, communicating attendance, and collateral. With the brand identity and values remains important—now more than ever. In fact, The CMO Survey this year found that coronavirus blowing up trade show budgets, marketers are challenged to redistribute that “Content marketing can marketers’ views on the importance of marketing have increased during the pandemic. Just one in budget quickly." become an effective way 10 (11.1%) believe marketing has decreased in The lack of in-person networking events and for you to remain in touch importance, 26.5% believe there has been no trade shows has been extremely tough for me, with your customers...” change, while 62.3% believe it has increased in importance. personally, because I am a highly social person.

Just ask anyone who knows me! It's been hard for my business as well because those events are where I'd meet a lot As always, I want to thank my current clients for partnering with of potential advertisers. This has forced us to get creative with our us and allowing Strictly Business to be a part of their growth. I'm marketing efforts and how we're reaching new local businesses. so grateful to be a part of the business community here in Lincoln, This is the case for most business owners. I believe that content and it's always a pleasure to make new connections. Since there aren't as many events, I'm doing my best to stay actively engaged marketing continues to be an effective avenue of advertising. and seek out new people to connect with. Whether that's over The NewsCred article goes on to say, "Content marketing Zoom, over the phone, or in person. can become an effective way for you to remain in touch with your customers and increase pipeline generation during the I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and is able to spend coronavirus pandemic. With the ever-changing digital landscape, time reflecting on what really matters in life. It's easy to get communicating and engaging with your audience can remain caught up in all the noise, but we need to allow ourselves some undisrupted, no matter what the situation is—as long as you have time to disconnect and celebrate all the good around us. That is what the holiday season is for, giving thanks. the proper content marketing strategies in place."

At Strictly Business, we believe that original content and storytelling are essential parts of any great marketing strategy.

This is what we offer to our clients. Between press releases and

Let Strictly Business help you lock in your status as THE EXPERT in your industry, utilizing print, the internet, and social media.

Find out how by contacting Paige at (402) 466-3330.

CONTENTS NEWS 4 Business 27 Personnel

35 Nonprofit 45 Health

SPOTLIGHTS 51 Restaurant Expose: Tipsy Tina’s Taco Cantina 52 54 56 58

Tabitha Choices Treatment Center Lincoln Federal Savings Bank Custom Cooling & Heating, Inc.

FEATURE STORIES 59 Energy Efficiency 62 65 69 71 4

Mental Health Awareness Holiday Wrap-Up Winter Driving Senior Living - Through the Holidays Strictly Business DECEMBER 2020

ASK THE EXPERT 19 Compro COLUMNS 20 Star City Six 26 49 53 57

Foster Care: CEDARS Friends4Lunch Lincoln Independent Business Association Downtown Lincoln Association

Strictly Business Magazine PO BOX 57397, Lincoln, NE 68505 P 402.466.3330 • F 402.466.3476 STRICTLY BUSINESS is not responsible for unsolicited material. All rights to submission, including letters, will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to our unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially or creatively, unless otherwise negotiated with the author. Nothing may be printed in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher. The publication of any advertisement in STRICTLY BUSINESS is not an endorsement of the advertiser or of the products or services advertised.

Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright ©2020 by PZAK, Inc. Third Class Postage Paid at Lincoln, NE 68505

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ABOUT THE COVER

What do a stupid puppet and a table full of awards have to do with each other? Nothing on the surface of it, but at Maly Marketing, we think of them as two sides of the same coin. On one side, success comes from taking our client’s goals extremely seriously. On the other it’s a reminder not to take ourselves even remotely seriously.

That puppet is just a silly tool to get some attention. A one-eyed cyclops with a blue mohawk will do that. We’re also fairly sure that nothing like it has graced the cover of Strictly Business before, so that’s a plus because differentiation is important.

The prism awards on the other hand (all those glass things) are awarded for marketing and business results. Leads, revenue, bookings, ROI, real results.

Those business results are what we focus on. Sometimes we use silly things to help us get them; sometimes, it’s more straightforward.

No matter what, our focus is always on promoting our client’s business goals in a way that gets results. It could be something as simple as a coaster promoting free beer that netted an ROI of 6,518%. Or cartoons that resulted in a 310% increase in tracked leads for conference and event bookings. We had a direct mail offer work so well that our client stopped marketing for two quarters because it filled every remaining slot for the remainder of the year.

We’d like to thank our award-winning and multi-award-winning clients from the last three years that have allowed us to serve them:

• ITPAC • Revealed films • Visit North Platte • Kearney Visitors Bureau • Bright Line Eating • Country Stampede • Nebraska Eclipse Coalition

Lincoln’s our home, and we value serving local businesses. If you have some business goals that need to be met, give us a call.

We’d love the chance to help.

Now, these are outliers, of course, that’s why they won awards.

If you keep working toward making sure you do the right thing, getting consistently positive results, you increase your chances of getting a great outlier result.

Over the last three years, we have an 80% win rate on our Prism submissions. We didn’t set out to win the awards. We won the awards because we put our clients first, and their results allowed us to impress the judges.

That’s the key. Put your clients first, and serve their needs. It works better.

If we do it well enough and the results are there, we win awards.

PRODUCTION TEAM: Editor/Operations Hannah Hundley – Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Copywriter Diane Gumaer – Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Art Director Dillon Crawford – Design@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com SALES TEAM: President/Sales Paige Zutavern – Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Publisher/Founder/Accounting Shayne Zutavern – SZutavern@Yahoo.com

(402) 875-62

m a ly m a r k e t i

Hannah

n g .c o m

Diane

Dillon

TO REQUEST A FREE SUBSCRIPTION FOR YOUR BUSINESS...

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@sbmaglincoln

StrictlyBusinessMagazine

DECEMBER 2020 Strictly Business

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LeAnn Moore CRC® CPFA® lmoore@midfin.com 402-434-8050 (office)

1128 Lincoln Mall, Suite 200 Lincoln, NE 68508

Today, women are making more financial decisions than ever before―both as individuals and business owners. Many are looking for more information regarding options and strategies that can help them achieve their financial goals.

Let’s discuss how you can start your own financial plan!

“Financial issues are more likely to be top of mind for women than men.”

Source: 2019 Insurance Barometer study, LIRMA & Life Happens

Insurance products issued by Principal National Life Insurance Co. (except in NY), Principal Life Insurance Co., and the companies available through the Preferred Product Network, Inc. Securities and advisory products offered through Principal Securities, Inc., 800/247-1737, member SIPC’. Principal National, Principal Life, the Preferred Product Network, and Principal Securities, Inc. are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392. LeaAnn M Moore, Principal National and Principal Life Financial Representative, Principal Securities Registered Representative, Financial Advisor. Midlands Financial and UNICO Group are not affiliates of any company of the Principal Financial Group®. 1056342-032020

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402-476-8888 | 5100 N. 27th St. Lincoln, NE

Berry Law Awarded Platinum Medallion in Recognition of Hiring Veterans at Firm On November 10, Berry Law was awarded the prestigious Platinum Medallion from the U.S. Department of Labor’s HIRE Vets Program, which recognizes companies that are committed to hiring, training, and developing Veterans. This is the second consecutive year that Berry Law has received the honor and is a testament to the firm’s dedication to serving Veterans, which also includes providing legal services to Veterans nationwide. The HIRE Vets Medallion Program is the only federal award recognizing businesses that excel at hiring and retaining Veterans on staff and the Platinum Medallion is the highest honor a company can receive. To be considered for this medallion, the nominated business must have Veteran-integrated assistance programs and 10% of their new hires must be Veterans.

“Veterans are our country’s greatest natural resource,” said Berry Law CEO John Berry. “We reach out to hire Veterans not just to honor their service, but because they are generally great at providing an immediate positive impact to the team. The same skills and values that allowed them to succeed in the military can directly translate into civilian success.”

Berry Law was founded in 1965 by legendary Attorney and Vietnam Veteran John Stevens Berry, Sr. With more than 250 years of combined legal experience, Berry Law is well equipped to handle the most serious legal needs. Reach the Veterans phone line at (888) 883-2483 or visit their Veterans website at ptsdlawyer.com. For other information, visit jsberrylaw.com or call (402) 446-8444.

6 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2020

BUSINESS NEWS JetSplash Haunted Tunnel Washes More than 1K Cars, Raises $16K for Nonprofits JetSplash made altruism entertaining for area residents by way of its Haunted Tunnel in October, washing 1,058 vehicles, while raising hairs on the backs of necks and $16,293 for three Lincoln nonprofits—the Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach, People’s City Mission, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Over the span of three nights, their drive-thru Haunted Tunnel left families with a few screams, a few scared laughs, some goodies, and a super-clean vehicle by the end. With every penny of the proceeds going to the nonprofits, JetSplash selflessly raised $5,431 for each one!

For a $15 donation at the Haunted Tunnel, participants received a $20 JetSplash car wash, complete with a hand-prep, hand-dry, bug-free guarantee, underbody spray, rain repellent, hot wax, rim cleaner, tire shine, total body protectant, and mud blasters – the whole works! Because of the high level of support for the event, they had to extend the event time by an hour on the final night. In the same spirit of community, they gave away free car washes to all veterans and active-duty personnel on Veterans Day, November 11.

JetSplash is not a franchise, but an independent business serving their friends and neighbors in the Lincoln community from their five locations in the city—and a sixth in the making! To learn more, visit jetsplash.com or (402) 420-7760.

Delta Nelson Opens The Mechanix Garage to Serve Lincoln with High-Quality, Honest Work Delta Nelson opened a new full-service automotive business in town, The Mechanix Garage, with a goal of building trust among Lincoln clients by serving them with highquality, honest work. Opened October 19, at 1323 Dawes Ave., The Mechanix Garage offers the full spectrum of automotive service and repair on all makes and models of vehicles, in addition to semi-tractor air-ride systems, and customization of off-road vehicles. Delta Nelson grew up in the automotive industry, beginning in her great grandparents’ salvage yard in Garden City, KS, then as an owner of an auto-glass company, followed by managing a specialty auto shop in Lincoln.

“With some life-event changes and the support of my family, I decided to just go for it,” Delta said, “and being a female in the industry, I want to be able to encourage women of all ages to do what they want to do, regardless of whether it is in an industry stereotypically run by men. We also want men and women alike to know that they don’t have to know everything about their vehicle, as long as they have trust in where they’re taking it. We want to be that place.”

Delta’s son, Garrett Rech, is the full-time mechanic at The Mechanix Garage, and he’s been turning wrenches and changing tires since he was old enough to pick up a wrench. He also grew up in the automotive industry and has raced and fixed everything from go karts to race cars—basically anything with an engine in it! It’s definitely a family business, with every member of the Mechanix team a family member who knows their way around anything mechanical.

The Mechanix Garage focuses on honesty and integrity. They’ll never tell you something needs fixing when it doesn’t and they’ll never tell you they fixed something that they didn’t. For more information or to make an appointment, book online at the mechanixgarage.com, call (531) 249-1899, or email mechanix.lincoln@gmail.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS Krueger Development Welcomes Relish Lunch & Catering as Tenant at 601 Van Dorn Street Relish Lunch & Catering has opened in the Krueger Development at 601 Van Dorn St., STE C and has scheduled an open house for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on January 15. Krueger Development is excited to welcome this new tenant to the commercial property, which also houses Vision Exhibits, H&J Auto Sales, Forest Street Clothing, Empire Painting, Lincoln Winair, Lincoln Storage, and Rebel Bean. Relish Lunch & Catering offers meat specialties, glutenfree, vegetarian, and vegan options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts, in addition to full-service catering.

Independently owned and operated by Jenn Beebe, Relish makes all of its offerings from scratch, using local ingredients. For Thanksgiving, they took orders for full turkey dinners, including wild rice pilaf, smashed potatoes, roasted carrots and pea shoots, oven-roasted turkey, and sage cream gravy—to rave reviews! They offer options for vegans, too, and if you’re a soup fan, you can’t miss with Relish Lunch and Catering homemade options, using local ingredients. After all, you have 13 different soups to choose from! Relish also caters weddings of all sizes and styles and now is booking for 2021. For more information, follow Relish Lunch & Catering on Facebook (@Relish Lunch and Catering) and on Instagram (@relishlunchcatering).

For more than 30 years, the family-owned and operated Krueger Development has contributed to Lincoln’s commercial and residential marketplace by developing communities, retail centers, and multifamily residences. For more information about available commercial spaces, contact Krueger Commercial Property Manager Allison Santana at (402) 423-7377 / asantana@kruegerdevelopment.com.

Net Zero by 2040, LES Board Approves Decarbonization Goal After par ticipating in a year-long educational series on establishing a new carbon reduction goal and soliciting public opinion at the beginning of November, the LES Administrative Board adopted a 100% net decarbonization goal by 2040 during its November 20 meeting.

LES acknowledges that the emissions of greenhouse gases from fossil fuel-fired power generating plants contribute to increased concentration levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide, which in turn contributes to climate change. The Board adopted this goal in response to the risks associated with climate change.

In 2019, the mayor of Lincoln began developing a new Climate Action Plan for the community. The Board recognized its role in helping to achieve a community goal while also maintaining high levels of electric system reliability and affordable retail electric rates to every customer in the area.

In October, the City released a draft of its Climate Action Plan, in which a citywide goal to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050, relative to 2011 levels, was announced. At its November meeting, the LES Administrative Board committed to striving to mitigate its reliance on fossil fuels by establishing a goal to achieve net zero carbon dioxide production from its generation portfolio by 2040.

Moving forward, LES staff will continue its ongoing process of technological and financial evaluations to make prudent resource planning decisions. To learn more and view the LES Resolution 202016 and replays of the virtual public meetings, go to LES.com/decarb.

Happy Holidays from Oak Electric!

402-440-5969 | www.oak www.oakelectriccompany.com #PrintProudDigitalSmart

DECEMBER 2020 Strictly Business

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BUSINESS NEWS Guiderock Commercial Realty Helps Secure New Location for BERNINA Sewing Center

Center Sphere: Whether Live or Virtual, Networking Still Must be in Your Plan

Cathy Kottwitz of Guiderock Commercial Realty recently represented BERNINA Sewing Center in leasing their new store location at 5500 Old Cheney Rd., STE 7.

Keff and Abbie Wilson own the BERNINA stores in Lincoln and Omaha, selling highquality sewing machines and accessories, and offering sewing classes and repair services for BERNINA sewing machines.

The move to the new location was a good opportunity for them.

“BERNINA has had a presence in Lincoln for many years, and we are proud to have brought it back to Lincoln in 2017,” Keff and Abbie Wilson said.

“We provide a high level of customer service in addition to sewing products that we know customers will be happy with. We are excited to have the new location that will continue serving Lincoln sewers and quilters.”

Cathy said leasing the new location to BERNINA is a plus for the community, too: “It’s a privilege to work with local business owners like Keff and Abbie, who care so much about their customers and employees,” she said. “Their dedication showed strongly as they considered what the best opportunity was to move to the store.”

Guiderock Commercial Realty is a Lincoln-based commercial real estate firm providing services for business owners and investors. For more information, visit guiderockrealty.com or contact Cathy Kottwitz at (402) 421-7474 / cathy@guiderockrealty.com.

Center Sphere members aren’t slowing down with their networking activities—quite the opposite, actually. While the landscape might look different this year, the message is still the same: the needfor personal interaction, at least in some capacity. Sure, in-person meetings have been the essence of networking in the past, but if one thing has been learned amidst this pandemic, it’s thank goodness for technology! From Zoom to Google Meets to virtual events, Center Sphere members have thrived knowing they can connect and grow their businesses because they now have no geographical limits.

Center Sphere looks forward to meeting again face-to-face, but for the time being they will enjoy their morning meeting on the East Coast, local in-person lunch, and evening event with new friends on the West Coast. Consider joining them on their “virtual” cross country networking adventure!

Center Sphere is an established network of business professionals whose mission is to share referrals, ideas, and resources through genuine relationships. The Lincoln Network is currently made up of nearly 30 chapters and has access to members nationwide. For more information about Center Sphere or to inquire about attending a complimentary meeting or event, visit www.CenterSphere.com or connect with Lincoln Area Director Cheryl Hansen at CherylHansen@ CenterSphere.com or (402) 499-2009.

Tunde Bankole Purchases Cicis Pizza and Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Locations in Region After purchasing the Cicis Pizza at 5100 N 27th St in July, entrepreneur Tunde Bankole recently purchased three Dic key’s Barbecue Pit restaurants—in Lincoln, Omaha, and Bellevue—with hopes of keeping more local business going strong after the pandemic. In Lincoln, Tunde bought the Dickey’s franchise at 6125 Apple Way. It is open for dine-in business, as well as delivery through Grub Hub and Door Dash services. You can also order online for no-contact pickup at the restaurant.

Under Tunde’s ownership, Dickey’s continues to provide catering for gatherings, including holiday celebrations, as well as providing individual box lunches for meetings or other situations. It’s as simple as making one call to work out details, and Dickey’s will deliver it to your location on time.

Dickey’s and Cicis both continue to follow all COVID guidelines to keep customers safe. Cicis is open for dine-in and offers delivery through the same options, as well as online ordering for pickup. The buffet is open, too, but it is covered from direct customer access due to COVID. You need only tell the server what you want, and they’ll serve it up for you—and you’re still allowed to return for more as many times as you want!

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Strictly Business DECEMBER 2020

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit slow smokes all meats on-site, and the menu features beef brisket, pulled pork, St. Louis style ribs, polish sausage, spicy cheddar sausage, smoked turkey, and marinated chicken, with an extensive array of home-style sides, from jalapeno beans to macaroni and cheese. For more information, visit dickeys.com or call (402) 9320102. Cicis offers a buffet full of pizza, pasta, salad, and deserts. All pizzas are made with 100% real cheese, more meat toppings, and a garlic-butter crust. For more information about Cicis, visit cicis.com and type ‘Lincoln, NE’ into the location search, or call (402) 476-8888. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS Luxury Landscape Launches One-of-a-Kind DECK-orations Business for Outdoor Décor

PILLAR Restaurant Group Offers Specials on Gift Cards to All Five Local Eatery Options

Luxury Landscape LLC is excited to announce the November launch of a new “sidekick business” called DECK-orations, providing handcrafted outdoor décor made from reclaimed wood.

Perfect for gift-giving, all of the products are unique, one-of-a-kind decorations that you won’t find anywhere else. Custom orders are welcomed, and items will be available for purchase through Luxury Landscape’s website and by “shopping their shop” on select days and times. Some of the wood décor offerings include planter boxes of all sizes, whiskey, wine, and coffee shelves, porch posts, potting tables, and door hangers, to name a few, but whatever you envision, they’ll create! It’s a perfect fit with their landscape business.

PILLAR Restaurant Group is offering specials on gift cards that will treat recipients to their choices of the delectable eats at any of its five local restaurants— Venue Restaurant & Lounge, Piedmont Bistro, Cactus Modern Mexican & Cantina, all five Lincoln Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs, and Venue Catering & Events. So, not only can you give your friends, family, coworkers, or employees the opportunity to enjoy their favorite foods on you, but you’ll get a $5 bonus card for every $50 gift card you buy or a $15 bonus card for every $100 card you purchase! You can use the bonuses for another gift—or treat yourself! Seriously, does it get any better than that?

“Luxury Landscape offers unique and beautiful landscapes to our customers to beautify and enhance their outdoor spaces,” said Owner Jackie Svoboda. “We are excited to expand and offer additional services for our customers to have unique options to best be able to utilize their outdoor oasis the way they want.”

Locally owned, PILLAR Restaurant Group offers the full spectrum of venues serve any taste, from the classy fine dining at Venue Restaurant & Lounge and the handcrafted meals and exceptional seasonal cocktails at Piedmont Bistro to the delicious signature tacos and handcrafted draft margaritas from the Cactus Modern Mexican & Cantina to the delectable pasta dishes and signature sub sandwiches at Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs. Your recipients will love them all, as every option is fresh and delicious!

Luxury Landscape LLC was born from owners Ken and Jackie Svoboda’s shared passion for creating unique landscapes that set outdoor living spaces apart from neighbors. From beautifying planters to a complete landscape makeover, Luxury Landscape provides services every step of the way. For more information or to view a gallery of their landscaping or DECK-orations products, go to luxurylandscape-llc.com or call (402) 640-6034.

Give someone the ultimate gift card this holiday season by taking advantage of PILLAR Restaurant Group’s holiday promotion. To purchase a gift card or learn more about PILLAR’s concepts, visit prgnebraska.com, email info@yourvenue.net, or call (402) 488-8368.

We’re Celebrating FIVE Years!

402-440-5969 | WWW.OAKELECTRICCOMPANY.COM #PrintProudDigitalSmart

DECEMBER 2020 Strictly Business

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#PrintProudDigitalSmart 10/6/2020 10:36:29 AM

BUSINESS NEWS Simply Smart Homes Rebrands to Focus Exclusively on Smart Home Security Simply Smart Homes has rebranded to focus on Smart Home Security, which had effectively become the company’s primary line of business on its own. After reviewing all of their jobs from prior to the pandemic and throughout, Founder Addison Collingsworth could see that they were selling mostly security-related installations, so they shifted their business to better accommodate that category, from their new office at 5600 S 59th St., STE 101 in Edgewood Shopping Center.

The Simply Smart Homes lineup of security products and installation includes the Ring Doorbell Pro to guard your front door; the Ring Floodlight Camera, which are wired cameras that provide HD video surveillance and bright illumination of your home; the Ring Spotlight Solar Camera with backup battery, which features a solar panel and dual batteries to provide great video coverage and illumination for any space; and the Schlage Smart Deadbolt, which protects your front door with a smart keypad deadbolt with unique key codes, automatic locking, and smartphone operation. Packages include The Padlock front-door protection, The Deadlock exterior protection, and The Safe, which provides whole-home protection.

Simply Smart Homes was founded to remove the complexity and cost barriers connected to smart home automation products. For more information or to set a smart home security installation, visit SimplySmartHomesNE.com or call/text (402) 325-1520.

U.S. News & World Report Names Hillcrest Firethorn Among the Best Nursing Homes Hillcrest Firethorn of Lincoln has been named among the “Best Nursing Homes” for 2020-21

by U.S. News & World Report, a national news organization that evaluates and rates healthcare providers nationwide. Hillcrest Firethorn earned the Best Nursing Home status by achieving a “High Performing” rating—the highest possible rating—for short-term rehabilitation. U.S. News gives the designation of Best Nursing Home only to those facilities that satisfy their assessment of the appropriate use of key services and consistent performance in quality. The short-term rehabilitation rating incorporates measures of quality, including consistency of Registered Nurse staffing, use of antipsychotic drugs, and success in preventing falls. After rating more than 15,000 skilled nursing facilities, Hillcrest Firethorn is among just 21% to earn the U.S. News recognition.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by such a distinguished publication,” said Hillcrest Firethorn Administrator Barry Emerson. “Our goal is to help guests recover and return to the place they call home. Being named one of the best reinforces that we’re always dedicated to delivering high-quality care.”

Hillcrest Firethorn provides post-acute rehabilitation and long-term care services in a beautiful location on Firethorn Lane off 84th Street.

With all private rooms, made-to-order dining, large gathering spaces, and an innovative therapy gym, Hillcrest Firethorn offers a new way to experience rehab in Lincoln. To learn more about Hillcrest Firethorn, call (402) 682-6825 or visit hillcrestfirethorn.com. For updated information about nursing homes, visit usnews.com/bnh. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Country Sliced Ham & Café Announces 12 Months of Giving Through Donation Drives Country Sliced Ham & Café and Doorstep Diner Catering have announced 12 months of giving through donation drives.

Unable to fulfill donation requests from nonprofits like they could before COVID, Country Sliced Ham and Doorstep Diner wanted to still do what they could to support the community.

"Feeling powerless and sad that we are unable to help our nonprofits in Lincoln like we normally do, we decided to do what we can...donation drives," said Laurie Fraser, owner of Country Sliced Ham & Café, Doorstep Diner Catering, and The Event Space at 5550.

Each month, they will focus on a different nonprofit to rally donations for. People can drop off at Country Sliced Ham & Café (6900 O St., STE 120), Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or at Doorstep Diner Catering (5550 S 59th St., STE 10), Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Efforts began in November with Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln's "TOOLSGiving", which encouraged donations of tools and supplies for volunteers hard at work building homes. The lineup for the following year is as follows: December – Child Advocacy Center, stuffed animal drive January – Malone Center, baby drive for diapers, wipes, breast pumps, swaddles, etc.

February – The Food Bank of Lincoln, "For the love of food!"

March – CEDARS, kids' hygiene drive April – Art Bus LNK, art supplies drive May – Josh the Otter, celebrating Water Safety Month with a life vest drive June – Loaves and Fishes, canned food drive for the homeless July – Big Brothers Big Sisters, back-to-school supplies drive August – Houses of Hope, sheets and towel drive for adult males transitioning out of rehab into a halfway house September – Trees of Hope, hygiene drive October – Junior League, diaper drive Country Sliced Ham & Café is proud to carry on the legacy established over 30 years ago! Although the faces have changed, one thing has stayed constant: the highest quality ham in the region. They ready to serve you lunch or dinner! In addition, as Lincoln's choice for catering year after year, Doorstep Diner Catering is not only client-focused but community-focused. To learn more, visit www.countryslicedhamandcafe.com / www. doorstepdiner.com or call Laurie at (866) 505-2456.

DECEMBER 2020 Strictly Business 11

BUSINESS NEWS Celebrating Our 40th Year!

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Legacy Retirement Celebrates 25 Years, Plans to Name Living Legacy Award Winners Legacy Retirement Communities recently celebrated 25 years ser ving the Lincoln community, also marking the tenth anniversary of their Jerry Joyce Living Legacy Awards, which recognize unsung heroes in Lincoln who are quietly doing amazing things for people in our community. Though 2020 has been a challenging year, Legacy is eager to share good news, messages of hope, and ways to bring joy to others. The Jerry Joyce Living Legacy Awards has been extended to December 31 to encourage others to share their stories. At the end of the nomination period, five nominees will be randomly selected to be recognized and Legacy will donate $500 on their behalf to a cause of their choice. If you or someone you know would like to nominate someone, visit legacyretirement.com/livinglegacyawards.

Since 1995, Legacy Retirement Communities has provided Lincoln seniors with award-winning elegance, superior care, and countless reasons to live an enriched life. Legacy has been voted Best of Lincoln for 22 years in a row, garnering awards for enrichment, care, and resident engagement from national and international management organizations, including Argentum. From independent living to assisted living and memory, Legacy Retirement Communities offers a world-class experience for its residents and employees. To learn more about Legacy Retirement Communities, call (402) 440-7302 or visit LegacyRetirement.com.

Tru-Built Completes First 55 Aristos Apartment Homes at 40th and Yankee Hill

Custom Fabrication & Millwright Services Facility Maintenance Installations of Production Systems

Hoping everyone stays healthy and safe!

5201 W Roca Rd | Martell, NE 68404 (402) 300-1091 | hummerinc.com Check us out on Facebook @hummercontractinginc

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Strictly Business DECEMBER 2020

Tru-Built Construction is proud to announce the completion of the first 55 units of the Aristos resort-style apartment community at 40th and Yankee Hill. By spring, they will have completed 127 of the eventual 425+ luxury apartment homes, where residents can love where they live and be excited to invite friends and family to visit. This fabulous community uses the same interior and exterior elements that you would find in a high-end home, including timeless colors and materials—showcasing natural stone with timber trusses at entry points, and wood ceilings above. The interiors make each space functional and include features like 9-foot ceilings, large kitchens with seating at the island, granite countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms, open floorplans, LED lighting throughout, fiber-optic internet, phone, cable—and much more!

Amenities at Aristos include a clubhouse as the central hub, incorporating the leasing offices, fitness center, event room, and a great room that gives residents a perfect place to meet friends for a cup of coffee, watch a football game, or host a celebration. The swimming pool is the central feature of the courtyard, with play areas for kids and more private areas for adults. Located on the large pool patio are a grilling station and a fireplace under the gazebo. Take a tour of the community and floor plans at livearistos.com. You’ll quickly see that the level of attention to detail associated with Tru-Built Construction was not compromised during construction!

Over the last 20 years, Tru-Built Construction has grown to be a premier commercial and residential contractor for new construction and remodel projects with dedication to high-quality work and making people’s visions come to life. For more information, visit tru-built.net or call (402) 477-4663. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS BNI to Host Virtual Member Success Program Training on December 16 BNI ® Heartland will host its monthly Member Success Program (MSP) training virtually on December 16. The monthly MSP Training is offered each month so that new members can get a jump-start in their BNI chapters and veteran members can refresh their skills. A reservation is required and is free for BNI members. All new members must attend MSP training in their region within the first 60 days of their participation. Only after attending the MSP training may the new member be added to the speaker rotation for their chapter. Any new members not attending the MSP training within their first 60 days will be subject to having their classification opened by the Membership Committee. Although veteran members are not required to attend, they are more than welcome to come at any time to refresh their skills.

BNI is the world’s leading referral organization, with over 270,000 members in 70+ countries. Their members generate word-of-mouth business for each other through structured, results-driven groups around the world. In 2019 alone, their members generated over $16 billion (USD) in revenue for member-businesses. To learn more or to register for MSP training, visit bniheartland.com or contact their regional office at (402) 880-6311 / info@bniheartland.com.

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Fashion Institute Midwest Announces Rebrand and Launches New Website Fashion Institute Midwest (FIM), a provider of mentoring, training, resources, and industry network opportunities to regional fashion designers, announced in November the official launch of a redesigned website and it’s new branding—Fashion Arts Collective (FAC). The new name emphasizes what embodies the group.

"The new name truly describes exactly who we are in our DNA. Fashion—the industry that is our core; Arts—because fashion is a true artform; and Collective—as it takes each and every one of us to make this work to support designers and the fashion design community," said Mentoring & Opportunities Chair Sam Hohman.

The new website (fashionartscollective.org) highlights FAC’s purpose and supportive entities: The Fashion Guild (formerly Fashion Institute Guild), The Workroom (physical workspace open to the public), and Marketplace (new entity to employ local designers for production).

Starting out in 2012 to provide resources to designers, Fashion Institute Midwest opened its physical space, The Workroom, in 2016.

The Workroom spans the entire second floor of the Midco Building located in Omaha's Makerhood District in North Downtown, filled with industrial grade sewing machines, large pattern-making tables, fabric for sourcing, dress forms, a computer lab and board room as well as a salon for private client fittings.

“FAC has been affected by COVID. Although Metro cancelled all in-person continuing education classes since March and our funding has been reduced, we’ve continued to keep The Workroom open and mentor fashion designers. Along with those cancellations the University of Nebraska at Lincoln is proposing to cut the entire Textiles Department, so we have launched our own class offerings in order for the education of our design community to keep growing and these designers have a place to learn and build their skills,” said The Workroom manager, Denise Ervin.

The Fashion Arts Collective is a nonprofit committed to nurturing aspiring designer talent and supporting the Midwest fashion ecosystem. To learn more, visit fashionartscollective.org or call (402) 342-4487. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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DECEMBER 2020 Strictly Business

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BUSINESS NEWS

This FREE card

WISB Hosts Meeting, Holiday Celebration, Gift Exchange Wednesday, December 9

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The next monthly meeting of the Women in Sales & Business (WISB) is scheduled for Wednesday, December 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meeting will be hosted at Venue Restaurant & Lounge in the Lancaster / Nebraska room, 4111 Pioneer Woods Dr., STE 100. The gathering will begin with their regular business meeting, followed by networking and a holiday celebration! This year, members and guests are encouraged to bring one gift ($15 maximum) to exchange during a fun networking activity. Please register for the meeting on the WISB Facebook page (@wisblincoln).

Guests are welcome, and current members are encouraged to attend with a guest. The cost to attend in-person is $16 for members, including lunch, or $10 without lunch. It is FREE for first-time guests! All women attending the WISB meeting should be prepared to make a brief introduction of themselves and their business.

Women in Sales & Business began meeting in 1987 to offer businesswomen in Lincoln the opportunity to network within an all-female setting. Today, their goal is to encourage and develop creative leadership in women. They are dedicated to promoting their growth through the accumulation and sharing of knowledge and are always looking for new members to join their group! For more information, visit wisblincoln.org or contact WISB Program Chair Megan Gibbs at (402) 488-4564.

The Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA) is proud to announce their recent partnership with inSOURCERx, signaling a 4-0032 great new benefit for LIBA members who 1- 877- 68 1-877-684-0032 can now access significant savings on their medications. If you are a LIBA member, the inSOURCERx program is free for you you can access significant savings on the medications you and your and your employees and could saveNowyou family members need to live healthy, fulfilled lives.

10–80% on your prescriptions. To register for the program and FREE - No membership required receive your card in the mail, visit liba.insourcerxgives.com.

Once • Accepted nationwide at more than 60,000 pharmacies you have your card, you can take it to your • pharmacy so they can Get best prices on brand name and generic medications – compare rates and get you the best price on your medication.

LIBA even some over-the-counter medications. is excited to share this program with theirAccess members businesses your FREE so cardthat here: LIBA.InsourceRxGives.com and employees can feel safer and healthier Select thistext,holiday season. email or mailed delivery of your card.

Find a pharmacy near you. Compare estimated medication prices.

The pandemic has caused a great deal of strain on local businesses and their families, so LIBA’s hope is that inSOURCERx will provide its members some financial relief.

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Strictly Business DECEMBER 2020

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The Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA) provides leadership and educational opportunities to Lincoln’s business community. Their goal is to educate the public concerning the vital role of business in the creation of meaningful jobs. LIBA continues to encourage Lincoln to Be Bold, Be Responsible, and Shop Local this holiday season, reminding our community to support our local economy while being safe. To learn more about LIBA or to become a member, call (402) 466-3419 or visit liba.org.

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BUSINESS NEWS Gabel Construction Now Offers Snow Removal Gabel Construction, serving Lincoln for over 40 years, has added snow removal to their list of services.

Homes and businesses can now call Gabel for snow plowing, shoveling, salting, and graveling. This comes at a great time as community members gear up for another unpredictable Nebraska winter! No matter how big or small the project is, you can get a free estimate when you work with Gabel. You can also expect top-notch, professional workmanship.

“Thank you so much for the outstanding work you recently completed at my home. I am very pleased with the results and wish to commend you and your staff for your hard work and high standards. From the inception of these projects through their successful completion, Gabel Construction managed the jobs with the highest level of professionalism, diligence, attention to detail, and courtesy...Gabel Construction came in with the quickest, most reasonably priced bid using the most appropriate materials. As a first-time homeowner, I greatly appreciated the time you took to explain procedures and materials to me. I was further impressed with the 'dawn ’til dusk' work ethic your crew employs and their extreme efficiency," said Susan, a satisfied client of Gabel Construction.

Gabel Construction is family-owned and operated by Nathan and Haley Lee. Their team strives to be the very best when it comes to customer service. They specialize in concrete construction, basement waterproofing, foundation repair, yard drainage and landscaping, and egress windows.

To learn more, visit gabelconcrete.com or call (402) 440-1857.

From Nebraska Gift Shop Adds Fresh Local Beef from Upstream Farms to Retail Offerings After the expansion of the From Nebraska Gift Shop in the Haymarket, Lincoln’s largest store carrying Nebraska-grown/ made products, the search began for a local beef producer. This led to a new partnership with Upstream Farms, founded by twin brothers Matthew and Joseph Brugger from Albion, allowing From Nebraska to add fresh local beef to their retail offerings.

Matthew and Joseph are putting new ideas on old dirt and connecting their customers back to their farm one meal at a time. While getting their undergraduate degrees at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, they launched Upstream Farms. It runs in tandem with the four-generation family farm they grew up on. Now headed into its fourth year of operation, Upstream Farms sells high quality Angus beef, Berkshire pork, and home-grown honey directly to consumers across the country through their own online platform and their retail space in the From Nebraska Gift Store. Upstream Farms' most recent venture includes the addition of an on farm distillery that turns the grains they raise into high quality bourbon whiskey. Their goal is to turn commodities into consumables and sell everything they raise directly to a consumer in one form or another.

At From Nebraska, there are a variety of beef cuts available— everything from ribeyes and New York strips to short ribs and back ribs. Upstream Farms beef is all natural—no antibiotics, hormones, or implants. Everything the angus eat has been grown by the Bruggers.

Their beef is also dry aged for 28 days at a local processor before packaging, which allows the natural enzymes to break it down, making it even more tender and palatable. Learn more at www.upstreamfarms. com or connect with Upstream Farms on Facebook and Instagram.

To learn more about From Nebraska Gift Shop downtown, owned by James Arthur Vineyard’s Jim and Barb Ballard, visit www.fromne.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

T) 402-483-6656 1221 N Street | Suite 800 Lincoln, NE 68508 www.WillekeFinancialGroup.com

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From Shepherd’s Pie to Bangers & Mash, we have a variety of Irish cuisine.

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151 N. 8th St. Ste 140 (In the Haymarket)

402-477-0021 • www.McKinneysPubLincoln.com

DECEMBER 2020 Strictly Business

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BUSINESS NEWS Greenfield’s Serves up Catered Brunches, Event Space for Holiday Gatherings If you really want to treat your staff, family, or friends this holiday season, give them the gift of great taste with Greenfield’s Catered Brunches or holiday gatherings. Catered Brunch is the restaurant’s newest way to help you celebrate and thank your team for their hard work and dedication over the challenging last year. They will appreciate chef-made recipes, including the soon-to-be-famous Smokey Nashville Chicken and Biscuit (pictured), which starts with a fresh, house-baked biscuit, crispy chicken tenders, a smothering of creamy sausage gravy, and a fried egg, drizzled with Nashville Maple and Chipotle Hollandaise sauces—and that’s just one mouthwatering choice! With many other breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner items available for catering, you’re sure to find something to fit everyone’s taste buds.

If you’re planning a safe, holiday party, you can do that at Greenfields, too. Although a lot has changed in 2020, your holiday gatherings can look similar. If you book your party at Greenfield’s, you can enjoy the entire restaurant for your private event most days after 2 p.m. Their spacious dining rooms will give your event the COVID-safe, socially distanced environment to ensure your guests are at ease. If you’re unsure about planning a traditional party this year, Greenfield’s gift cards are another terrific way to give the gift of great taste this holiday season.

Bulk purchases are discounted, so you can give your employees something they will actually use, for a cost to you that won’t break your budget!

Greenfield’s is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. for dine-in, pick-up, curbside, or delivery through Metro Dining Delivery. To make a reservation for a Catered Brunch or a holiday gathering, call (402) 420-3232. For more information or to view a menu, visit greenfieldscafe.com.

HBAL Careers Committee Promotes Value of Construction Careers to Next Generation The Careers in Construction Committee of the Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL) is promoting awareness and engagement among the next generation of professionals about the value of a career in construction. The committee is creating new content through podcasts, videos, and jobsite tours to help bridge the knowledge gap between professionals and skilled and technical sciences high-school students. At Construction Career Day—held annually at Southeast Community College—HBAL’s Careers in Construction Committee organizes construction demonstrations, provides participation with hands-on construction activities and opportunities to speak with construction professionals.

All Careers in Construction Committee members are professionals in the Lincoln area. Members include Ben Carey (Build DCB, Inc.), Jereme Montgomery (Stephens & Smith Construction Co.), Matt Kinning (KDB Investment Building), Rick Willet (Willet Construction, Inc.), Pam Magner (Reynolds Design & Remodeling), Herb Reese (Reese Construction), Kelli Fleek (Bath and Kitchen Idea Center), Denny Van Horn (Van Horn Custom Homes), and Taylor Ashburn (West Gate Bank). To listen to the committee’s recent content, visit hbal.org/resources/jobs.

Since 1951, the Home Builders Association of Lincoln has been working to promote the home building and remodeling industries in Lincoln. With nearly 600 member companies and counting, HBAL provides numerous opportunities for its members to build their businesses through networking events, educational seminars, and charitable activities. To learn more about HBAL or to become a member, call (402) 423-4225 or visit www.hbal.org.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Sold Exclusively at Arnie’s Pet Food Store

Preschool Options

Organic Sourced Meats • Hormone / Antibiotic Free Meats • No Preservatives • 100% All Natural • Only at Arnie’s

9 am - 12:30 pm |Follows LPS Calendar

Heartland International Holds Metal Roofing and Advanced Roofing Systems Training Heartland International invites current and aspiring roofi ng contractors to learn more about Conklin Roofing Systems at the upcoming Metal Roofing and Advanced Roofing Systems Training seminar on tap in Kansas City in December. The one-day Metal Roofing System Training will cover not only the application process of a Conklin MR® System but also will provide an overview about how to get started as a Conklin contractor and introduce strategies for making sales calls, quoting a roof, presenting proposals, and working with building owners. The next Metal Roofing System Training program takes place on December 17.

The three-day Advanced Roofing Systems Training provides a more in-depth coverage of Conklin Roofing Systems and gives contractors a chance to participate in a hands-on construction of the systems using industry-standard tools and materials.

Participants in this training must have completed a one-day Metal Roofing System Training program as a pre-qualification.

The next Advanced Roofing Systems Training program is set for December 9-11.

For more information about the Heartland International, Inc. training programs, please visit heartland.conklinamerica.com and howiroofnow.com.

N E W ! Half-Day

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8310 Wendell Way (402) 483-4769 Hrs: Mon. - Fri., 6:30 am - 6:00 pm WorldOfKnowledge@neb.rr.com

Retail/office space available at 5540 South St. Contact Cathy for more information!

1530 S. 70th St., Suite 102 | Lincoln, NE 68506 (402) 421-7474 | cathy@guiderockrealty.com

Cathy Kottwitz, CPM

Windstream Partners with Raydiant to Connect Local Businesses During Holidays Kinetic Business by Windstream partnered with Raydiant signage earlier this year to bring the instore experience to life. Opening small business locations safely and providing adequate space for social distancing has been a key component to keeping customers coming back.

With Raydiant signage, customers can be directed for proper social distancing protocols, provided with touchless menus in restaurants, and businesses can give employees paperless announcements.

Initial set up is quick and easy. Raydiant also makes screen designs a painless process while providing a clean and crisp final design.

As a cloud-based platform, once the device is connected to the internet and the TV display, it is easy to update in-store screens virtually from anywhere. If you’ve been out, you may have noticed that both Tam O’Shanter Restaurant & Pub and Gray’s Keg Saloon in Lincoln have started using digital signage with success, and are great examples of Raydiant offered by Kinetic Business.

Making authentic connections in a COVID-19 world has proven to be a challenge, but businesses and retailers alike have found unique ways to keep the personal connection a part of their daily interaction with customers. Technology continues to play a crucial role in how businesses and retailers connect with customers. Heading into the holiday season, shopping local and supporting hometown retailers is top of mind for most Americans. Now is the time to prepare your business with the right technologies to connect with each other, and with customers.

For more information about Kinetic Business by Windstream, visit business.windstream.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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DECEMBER 2020 Strictly Business

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BUSINESS NEWS Stella & Chewy’s Certified Organic Dog Food Now Available at Arnie’s in Lincoln In line with their belief that whole meats should be the source of protein in your dog’s food to provide the energy they require—not plant-based proteins and carbohydrates—Arnie’s Pet Food Store now is offering Stella & Chewy’s certified organic dog foods.

All dog foods at Arnie’s contain 84% to 95% meat from known, sourcedmeat products, combined with allnatural ingredients that are low in carbohydrates, with no added fillers or preservatives, for top nutrition. The newest line from Stella & Chewy’s is 84% meat, with all-natural, certified organic ingredients.

Communities Two Available Communities!

35th & Superior 93rd & Old Cheney

The meats in Stella & Chewy’s are grass-fed, cage-free, farmraised, or wild-caught animals, free of hormones and antibiotics and responsibly sourced from their trusted partners. Your best friend will get no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors in Stella & Chewy’s dog foods, and you can choose from grain-free or graininclusive recipes, as well as wet, freeze-dried raw, and—coming soon—frozen raw.

Arnie’s Pet Food Store is your neighborhood store, where they care as much about your pets as they do their own. Save now on Stella & Chewy’s with introductory offers at Arnie’s, in the Alamo Plaza at 56th and Hwy. 2, then save long-term by joining their Astro Pet Loyalty program! For more information, visit arniespetfoods.com or call (402) 904-3573.

NAWIC Offers 12 Opportunities for Women in Construction to Participate in 2021 Events Several Models available to choose from!

It’s good to be home!

To reserve your lot contact Jayson Becker at Bancwise Realty 402-610-1013 | Jbecker@bancwise.com Gardenviewcommunities.com 18

Strictly Business DECEMBER 2020

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Greater Omaha Chapter 116 has unveiled their 2021 calendar of opportunities for women in construction to attend to learn more about the compelling organization.

Their monthly meetings and events showcase a vast array of topics and sectors of the construction world. New participants are invited to attend one or many of their FREE events with core purpose of strengthening and amplify the success of women in the construction industry.

In 2021, NAWIC events will tentatively focus on the following, by month: January – NAWIC 101; February: Leadership workshop; March 1-7: Women in Construction Week; April: Jobsite tour with panel discussion; May: College campus event; June: Union Hall tour; July: Jobsite tour; August: Mentorship program; September: Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity; October: Pumpkin, power tools, and safety; November: Book club; December: Donation wrap for charity. NAWIC follows all CDC regulations and regional mandates to ensure that people in our community stay SAFE. To keep up with details about events, follow NAWIC on Facebook (@nawicomaha).

NAWIC is committed to championing women to impact the direction of the construction industry. They provide women with education, support, and networking to help advance their careers in construction, build their technical skills, and help them becomes leaders. All women working in construction are eligible for membership, including those working in the trades, project management, marketing, administration, and executive leadership. Meetings for the Greater Omaha chapter are on the second Thursday of each month in varied locations, and are open to the public. For more information or to see membership options or careers, visit nawicomaha.com or email nawicomaha@gmail.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS

Pratt Industries in Nebraska Launches Website for Corrugated Packaging Pratt Industries in Lincoln launched a new website to accompany its corporate website, highlighting corrugated packaging and retail display products for local Nebraska businesses.

The new website is designed specifically to provide easy access to information and resources for local businesses and customers looking for packaging solutions. The site features sections devoted to available products and services, local contact information, industry updates, answers to commonly asked questions and much more. This provides our local customers access to the power of the country’s 5th largest corrugated box provider, with the local knowledge and resources they need for corrugated packaging, custom packaging and design, and retail point-of-purchase displays.

“The launch of prattindustries-lincoln.com allows our customers to finally access local information, features, and resources, previously unavailable on our corporate website,” said Chuck Gregg, general manager of Pratt Industries.

Pratt Industries is a converting plant division of Pratt Industries’ hub and spoke network dedicated to providing the packaging industry’s best and most environmentally-friendly packaging. Pratt Industries’ converting divisions create high-quality corrugated packaging, custom packaging solutions, and point-of-purchase displays with a focus on optimized board weights. Being one of 36 converting facilities placed strategically throughout the U.S. allows Pratt Industries – Lincoln to provide regional and local customers with personalized, localized account representation and customer service.

Learn more at prattindustries-lincoln.com.

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BBB Offers Tips for Businesses to Prepare for Height of Holiday Shopping, 2020 Style Given the guarantee that the 2020 holiday season will be unlike any before, with holiday spending behavior a major unknown, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is offering tips to help businesses make adjustments to their holiday plans. Following are some crucial things for business owners to get in order in preparation for the unknown: • Create a plan of action early. The forecast for consumer behavior may not be crystal clear, but you can still make sure shelves are stocked and you are promoting products that fit with shoppers’ current reality. Keep in mind your supply chain could be affected by the pandemic, and plan accordingly.

• Hiring for the holidays? Stay flexible. It’s predicted that shoppers are planning on being practical with their purchases and have transitioned to the order-online-with-curbside-pickup model, or are shopping online exclusively. Carefully consider your staffing levels and offer curbside pickup.

• Improve your online presence. Because of increased online sales, make sure your website is up-to-date and running smoothly. Consider investing in social-media marketing.

• Consider flexible payment options. Embrace digital payments, flexible payment options, and contactless payments like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, and QR codes.

• Keep customers and employees safe. Set up hand-sanitizer stations and clear signage to direct your customers quickly to what they are looking for. Bring seasonal employees up to speed and trained on social-distancing requirements.

The Better Business Bureau has been serving local communities since 1936. The overall mission of the organization is to be a leader in advancing marketplace trust. Learn more at bbb.org/Nebraska or by calling (800) 649-6814. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Strictly Business DECEMBER 2020

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ASK THE EXPERT: COMPRO

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• Take some time to check your Health Savings Account. If you have not contributed the maximum amount for 2020, you can still add dollars to your account until your tax filing deadline. The 2020 maximum 2020AquaSystems_3_68x2_41.indd 1 contribution is $3,550 single; $7,100 family. Don’t forget the extra $1,000 contribution that is allowed for anyone 55 or older.

• Need to change pharmacies in 2021 because your insurance has a different “preferred” pharmacy? This is easy! Simply provide the new pharmacy with a list of your prescriptions (including the prescription number and what pharmacy you have been using.) Tip: Just take in your prescription bottles—all of the information is on the label. The new pharmacy can handle it from there.

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Health insurance companies use a lot of acronyms. A few you have probably come across are HMO, PPO, and EPO. If you have a policy Call today for a that offers one of these networks, it is important to understand what FREE consultation! medical providers you can use and where you can access care. Health plans are set up with a specific “service area” in which they operate.

402-817-3929 • ARSOLUTIONSINC.COM • HMO | Primary care provider coordinates healthcare: This type of health plan offers a local network of doctors and hospitals from which you can choose. It typically requires that you select a primary care provider to coordinate your health care. May require a referral to see a specialist. There are no out-of-network benefits if you use a doctor or hospital that is not in the network; except when it is an emergency.

• PPO | Larger area of in-network providers: This type of health plan offers a larger network, so you have more doctors and hospitals from which you can choose. It also means that your plan provides both innetwork and out-of-network benefits and the geographic area where “Personal Banking Like You Remember.” you can find in-network providers is larger.

• EPO | No referral needed for in-network provider: This type of health plan offers a local network of doctors and hospitals from which you can choose. You are not required to select a primary care provider and no referrals are needed to see any provider that is in the network. When you leave the service area, your coverage is limited to emergency or urgent care needs.

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8400 Maddox Drive 8400 Maddox Drive misaacson@lincolnfed.com crhone@lincolnfed.com

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2810 Copper Ridge Drive 2810 Copper Ridge Drive spodliska@lincolnfed.com cmccormick@lincolnfed.com

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8400 Maddox Drive rsvoboda@lincolnfed.com

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Call 402-474-1400 to schedule an appointment f or visit us online at lincolnfed.com.

DECEMBER 2020 Strictly Business

in

21

The Perfect Balance of Style & Performance

STAR CITY SIX

KRISTIE

Kristie Strahm PRO-TINT

Stop in or call today!

EMO FLOORING

carpet • hardwood • laminate • vinyl ceramic • porcelain • decorative tile

402.420.2323 • 4815 S. 14th St. • EmoFlooring.com

How great careers & great companies GROW.

402.983.8888 | www.CFOS3.com 10832 Old Mill Road, Suite 2, Omaha, NE

Leadership on Demand CFO • Human Resources • Controller Senior Accountant • Procurement Project • Interim • Timeshare Temporary • Fractional

402.884.0066 | www.CFOSystemsLLC.com 10832 Old Mill Road, Suite 2, Omaha, NE

22

Strictly Business DECEMBER 2020

Pro-Tint is a locally owned, family run business that specializes in automotive, residential, and commercial glass tinting. Kristie Strahm is the vice president at Pro-Tint.

Tell us a little about your business. - We offer high quality tint products including paint protection, ceramic, decorative, and safety/ security films. Pro-Tint also offers multiple brands of car and truck accessories. We currently have a team of eight: I’m in charge of commercial and residential projects and estimates; my husband John is president, manager, and customer service specialist; my son Shane is an installer with over 10 years experience; my son Sutton is an installer with over five years of experience; Phil Stransky is an installer who also specializes in paint protection film installation and has over 28 years of experience; Ryan Dirkschneider is an installer with over 20 years experience; Aiden Polivka is a prep tech and computer analyst with over four years experience; and Asher Polivka is a customer service specialist and has been with us for over three years.

How did you get started in the business? - Pro-Tint has served the Lincoln area since 1974. John has over 30 years of experience in the industry and worked at Pro-Tint for three years before purchasing it in 1994. I joined the team that same year and started in customer service and then serviced the business accounting needs.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? Juggling owning a business and raising a family.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Offering customer service rooted in integrity and the willingness to go out of my way to make sure my clients are happy.

Tell us a little about your family. - I have been married to John for 26 years and we have four children. It’s a blessing to have my sons, Shane (22) and Sutton (20), working for the business. My daughter Shy is 18 and is currently attending UNL for a degree in interior design. My youngest, Shelby, is 15 and attends Southeast High School.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?

- Becoming a mother. I set out with the mind-set that I had so much to teach my children but soon found out how much I learned from them that made me a better person.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Spend time with family.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I can filet a fish with my eyes closed.

Who inspires you? - My grandmother. She has always been there to support and advise me. She is wise, kind, sacrificial, and a very loving person.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - To treat others the way you want to be treated.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Serving.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Cooking, baking, and grilling. I love making good food and the satisfaction that it brings to people enjoying it together.

What is your favorite movie? - Tommy Boy. I love movies that make me laugh, especially with family and business.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Venue Restaurant & Lounge.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (402) 474-1234 (office) / (402) 420-7746 (mobile); protint68523@ yahoo.com; www.pro-tint.net. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

ABBY

Abby Lehr

OLE’S Boot & Shoe Repair Are you ready for winter?

Artic Grip from VIBRAM is back for another winter!

SUMNER PLACE A proud member of the Vetter Health Services family, Sumner Place is a licensed skilled nursing facility that provides long-term care, rehabilitation services, and memory support. Abby Lehr is the administrator at Sumner Place Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation.

Tell us a little about your business. - Sumner Place provides residentfocused care, independence, and a home-like atmosphere. We have three households, including Memory Support. We work hard to create a living environment that continuously enriches each resident’s life.

How did you get started in the business? - I actually started off as the people development coordinator at Sumner Place in 2015, overseeing our hiring and recruitment. At the time, I was in search of a job that combined my HR/recruiting background and also my passion for direct care. Finding that role was the absolute perfect opportunity for me. In April 2020, I became the Administrator.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? Transitioning into my role as administrator in April of this year, in the middle of a pandemic.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? Becoming a Licensed Administrator.

Tell us a little about your family. - My husband Josh and I have been married for five years. We actually met on Tinder! We got married on our one-year anniversary of dating in Seattle, WA (our favorite city).

We have a daughter, Mila, who is a little sassy (like her mom), but she is such an incredibly happy girl. We have two dogs: John Wayne and Harvey Spector. I am super fortunate that my husband enjoys cooking, because I am a horrible cook. He also does the dishes; I’m a lucky wife!

Please note that I do all the laundry in our house.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Enjoy coffee outside, attend church, read a book, and take a long nap with no alarms set. I’d end the day with a glass of Moscato.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I’ve been skydiving a few times. I actually considered becoming certified and making it a consistent hobby!

Who inspires you? - Dave Ramsey. My husband and I are extremely passionate about teaching Financial Peace University.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “Live like no one else so later you can live and give like no one else.” – Dave Ramsey If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Flying.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - I’m exceptional at doing laundry at home and, honestly, I love doing it.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Photographer.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I am passionate about the Special Olympics. I have a sister with special needs so, growing up, I would always attend her events and volunteer at them.

What is your favorite movie? - Jurassic Park and Jurassic World.

What is your favorite TV show? - Grey’s Anatomy. I’ve also gotten into The Bachelor and The Bachelorette this year!

What is your favorite local restaurant? - LeadBelly. I love their macaroni and cheese with blackened chicken.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

- (402) 475-6791; alehr@vhsmail.com; www.sumnerplacecare.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Soles, Heels, Elastic, Velcro, Buckle Repair & More!

The Piedmont Shopping Center | 1265 S. Cotner Blvd, STE 16 (402) 483-6766 | www.olesbootandshoerepair.com

Pollack & Ball, LLC

Attorneys at Law Sanford J. Pollack John C. Ball Heather S. Colton

Criminal Law | Family Law Personal Injury Cases 1003 H Street | (402) 476-7474 | pollackandball.com

Pad Sites For Sale

High Visibility on High Traffic Corner Plaza Court Office Park 84th & Hwy 2 We are looking for the following businesses: • Medical • Office • Personal Services AND MORE!

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402-610-0523

DECEMBER 2020 Strictly Business

23

STAR CITY SIX

Bob Nohavec Plumbing

JAYSON

Jayson Becker

Service Remodeling New Construction Water Heaters Water Softeners 3400 S 6th St. | 402-420-1552

Every Home is Different.

And Every Build is Unique.

Our Residential Construction Lenders understand that and will help you to manage the financial aspect of your home construction while your blueprints come to life.

Ready to get started? Give us a call today!

Taylor Ashburn 402.323.8953 tashburn@westgate.bank

Brett Sundberg 402.323.8968 bsundberg@westgate.bank

NMLS#422479

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westgate.bank | 402.434.3456 EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

24

Strictly Business DECEMBER 2020

BANCWISE BancWise Realty is a trusted real estate agency in Lincoln. Jayson Becker, GRI is a real estate specialist at BancWise Realty.

Tell us a little about your business. - We specialize in residential and commercial real estate, development, and new construction. We are known for getting results for buyers and sellers.

How did you get started in the business? - My good friend Bryan Trost introduced me to the business about 20 years ago. He saw something in me that made him think I could be successful in real estate.

It took me 10 years to see it myself.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - The market crash back in 2007. I was in the new construction industry and it literally emptied my pockets. It definitely taught me a lesson in humility.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Hasn’t happened yet.

Tell us a little about your family. - I’ve been married to my wife Nicki for 23 years and we have a son named Sam. He is 15 and a sophomore at Pius X. We also have a three-year-old Boxer named Theo.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?

- Crossing paths with my wife in 1993 and accepting Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior in 2000.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Taking Sam fishing with my dad and Ken Emmons.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - My fascination and passion for midto late-60s Mustangs.

Who inspires you? - My son. He is a proud conservative. He makes decisions on his own, based on his research, and not what the media tells him to believe. Sam, for his age, is way beyond his years. He is strong in his convictions, he’s well mannered, and is a true leader. He has aspirations of being in politics one day and believe me, we need more Sams in politics.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - "60% of the watermelon is better than 100% of the grape." – Mark Cuban If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Dependable.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Mind reader.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Golf.

Which talent would you most like to have? - Carpentry skills.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - A mechanic at Gas Monkey Garage.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? Catholic Social Services (CSS). They help so many folks in so many different ways.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven.

What is your favorite TV show? - The Office, Fast N' Loud, and Law & Order SVU. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Fred’s at Parkway Lanes.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

- (402) 610-1013; jbecker@bancwise.com; bancwise.com/agent/ jayson-becker / gardenviewcommunities.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

JILLIAN

A Full-Service Commercial Real Estate Appraisal Firm

Jillian Thompson

SERVICEMASTER PBM Ser viceMaster PBM is a commercial janitorial company that has been proudly serving Lincoln for over 25 years. Jillian Thompson is the office manager at ServiceMaster PBM. Tell us a little about your business. - ServiceMaster PBM is a commercial janitorial company that has been proudly serving Lincoln for over 25 years. We have just under 50 customers and provide service to over 70 locations throughout Lincoln. We clean everything from office buildings to healthcare facilities to industrial factories and more. Even though we’re growing as a company something I love about us is that we are still small enough to maintain a familylike atmosphere. My role is to ensure the office staff provides assistance to the operational team so that they can in turn provide extraordinary service to our customers. Just think of me as the Michael Scott of ServiceMaster.

How did you get started in the business? - I worked for Merry Maids, a sister company of ServiceMaster, when I lived in Las Vegas and really enjoyed it. I decided to look for work with a ServiceMaster brand company when I moved here and luckily, I found ServiceMaster PBM. I’m proud to say this past September marked my fifth year working for the company!

Tell us a little about your family. - It’s just me, my 14-year-old son Noah and my three-year-old cat Olive. My son is a freshman at Northeast High School. He loves animals and video games. During the summer he volunteers at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - The promotion from office assistant to office manager here at ServiceMaster has definitely been one of my biggest turning points in life. I was given the chance to prove my abilities and take my career to the next level. Over the past five years I have grown and learned so much, not only about business but about myself.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love taking random road trips. I just get in the car and go! There doesn’t have to be a destination, I go wherever the day takes me.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Determined. I’ve overcome many obstacles in my life. I am passionate about personal growth and set out to prove to myself that I can do anything I choose to take on.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - I have a small home-based business making chocolatecovered strawberries that I do in my spare time. I just discovered this talent while working from home during the start of the pandemic.

It has fast become a passion of mine.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - I have a degree in Elementary Education and have always loved working with kids, but I would LOVE to be a florist. I have loved all flowers ever since I was young!

What is your favorite movie? - There are so many to choose from, but Mrs. Doubtfire is probably in my top three.

What is your favorite TV show? - I really enjoy documentaries and true crime. If it’s a true crime documentary I’ve most likely seen it!

And, obviously, the cult classic Saved by the Bell.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Taco Inn, their deluxe nachos are amazing. I moved away for a few years when my son was born and when I came back that was the first restaurant I went to!

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

- (402) 476-2194; officemanager@smpbm.com; www.smpbm.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Now offering property tax and litigation support appraisal services.

Thomas W. Kubert Owner

6001 S. 58th Street, Suite F | Lincoln, NE 68516 Inquiries? (531) 500-0890 (Lincoln Office) | KubertAppraisal.com

Happy Holidays!

From Our Family to Yours!

Call for a free

Exterior

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estimate today.

(402)423-4853

NEEMANNANDSONS.COM

Family owned since 1981!

DECEMBER 2020 Strictly Business

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LEAD BASED PAINT CERTIFIED FULLY INSURED

STAR CITY SIX

ROBERT

Robert F. Cruise

CRUISE & ASSOCIATES The Voice of Small Business ®

Jeff Walters • (402) 730-1781 You Can Book Me

walterspaintinginc.com

26

Strictly Business DECEMBER 2020

Cruise & Associates is an accounting firm in Lincoln and five other locations. Robert F. Cruise is the president of Cruise & Associates.

Tell us a little about your business. - We work with businesses and individuals to take care of their income tax, business, and financial services needs. We communicate with our clients to create a personalized plan to meet their specific situations.

How did you get started in business? - I graduated from College in 1991 and could not find a job. At the time, Nebraska was still recovering from the farm crisis in the 80s and accounting firms were not hiring. I was working in a restaurant and the owner told me his brother was looking for someone to do bookkeeping. To help me get started, the owner’s brother gave me a 100-square-foot office rent-free and paid me $100 a month to do his bookkeeping. I sent out mailers and built my client base one at a time.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Being told by several people that I would not succeed in life. I was told I would not be able to graduate from a four year college. I had a banker, when I was first applying for a loan to purchase a computer, tell me to just go find a job working for another accounting firm, and once I had the client base built up to leave and steal the clients. Another challenge was starting a business with nothing but a desire. In the beginning, I was working two other jobs in the evenings and weekends just to survive.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Receiving my Enrolled Agent (EA) certificate. An EA is one of three professional designations allowed to represent people at all levels with the IRS. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?

- Buying an office in another location.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Flying.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I love to cook.

Who inspires you? - John French because he helped me get my start in business and gave me some very practical advice about running a company. In addition, President/Owner of Triple Check David Lieberman because he helped give me the training/information I need to run my own business.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” – Albert Einstein. I’ve tried to incorporate this into my business by always looking for new and different ways to help our clients reach their goals.

If you had to choose one descriptive word to be remembered as what would it be? - Caring.

If you had a theme song what would it be? - “Working for a Livin’”

by Huey Lewis and the News.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with and are there any special reasons why? - CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate). They work for kids who often don’t have a lot of consistency in their lives, and CASA volunteers serve as a stable adult in their life who stays with them through the whole process.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Virgin Way by Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, which today has over 400 companies.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (402) 466-1969; robc@cruise-associates.com; cruise-associates.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

JAY

Jay Haes

OLE’S BOOT & SHOE REPAIR Ole's Boot & Shoe Repair has been serving Lincoln since 1981. Jay Haes is the owner of Ole's Boot & Shoe Repair.

Tell us a little about your business. - We are a repair shop, fixing a wide range of fashions for people such as coats, shoes, boots, and purses. We've mended zippers, elastic, and even lead radiology vests for x-rays. At Ole's, we specialize in non-slip sole repair, re-heeling, stretching, women's heel tips, and so much more. The retail part of our shop carries top-of-the-line products, from bullhide leather belts made in the USA to shoe shine kits and laces.

How did you get started in the business? - My mom was getting a knife sheath repaired. The owners asked if we knew anyone who would want to take over a repair shop. I had been a manager at another company for about 20 years and was ready to have to my own business. It was really my mom who encouraged me to take the leap. I was grateful to have the opportunity to train under the previous owners of Ole's for about two months.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - We moved from our first shop off of Pioneers to where we are today, 1265 S Cotner Blvd., STE 16 in the Piedmont Shopping Center. We had a lot of heavy equipment to move and it took a while for people to catch on that we were in a different location.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? The friendships I've built with customers.

Tell us a little about your family. - My wife Stephanie is really the one who runs the show here at Ole's. In addition, it's been a blessing to have our children involved in the business throughout the years. We have two older daughters, Sarah and Piper. They are both married and have given us two grandchildren. We also have a 19-year-old son named Elliott.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?

- Elliott was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. When he was eight, he had a brain tumor that required 30 straight days of radiation and nine cycles of chemotherapy.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Vegetable gardening and going on hikes with my son. He has an awesome all-terrain wheelchair!

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I make cribbage boards and do some other woodworking on the side.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - During my time as a manager at Lincoln Poultry, if I told my boss that we had a problem, his response was always, "We have an opportunity."

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Caring.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Camp Coholo in Grenta, where Elliott went till he was 18. Also the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

What is your favorite movie? - Hook with Robin Williams.

What is your favorite TV show? - M*A*S*H. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Chopsticks Chinese Cuisine.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - My grandparents.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 483-6766; olesbootandshoerepair@gmail.com; olesbootandshoerepair.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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DECEMBER 2020 Strictly Business

27

FOSTER CARE: CEDARS (402) 436-5437

www.cedarskids.com

CEDARS Calls on Community to Make the Holidays as Cheerful as Years Past

HAIL OR WIND DAMAGE TO YOUR ROOF? Our experts will walk side-by-side with you through the process.

For many kids in CEDARS care, this holiday season will be the first one they spend in a place where they feel truly safe. Although it may be difficult for many of us to imagine being away from family during this special time, kids and families turn to CEDARS for safety and stability. While CEDARS works to ensure kids spending the holidays with them receive the safety and stability they deserve, CEDARS is asking the Lincoln community to help provide the holiday cheer.

Even in the midst of COVID-19, CEDARS never wavered in their dedication to care for kids who have nowhere else to turn. To combat the challenges of this pandemic, CEDARS has created more ways for the community to get involved this holiday season.

Throughout Lincoln, CEDARS community partners have placed trees in their businesses decorated with paper ornaments displaying a child’s wish to be fulfilled. CEDARS has also created an online store featuring items that CEDARS kids and families wish for the most, allowing supporters to make donations from the safety of their own home. There is also an option to create an online fundraising team. This is great for teams that are working remotely but still want to come together to make the holidays brighter for kids!

Staff can create a personal fundraising page and ask friends, family, and the general public to join them in support. The page is easy to create, has a secure online donation tool already built-in, and CEDARS will provide a detailed tool kit including instructions, sample social media posts, emails, logos, videos, and images.

To learn more about the ways you can make a child’s dream of receiving holiday gifts come true, visit CEDARSkids.org/holidays.

For questions, please email holidays@cedarskids.org.

This holiday season, things will look a little different for all of us, but the kids still need you. Would you set an extra place at your table by donating to our holiday gift drive to give joy to each kid in CEDARS care this year? Or would you help us set an extra seat at our table by donating to the Heart of CEDARS capital campaign? To donate now, text “CEDARSHeart” to 41444 or visit CEDARSkids.org. CEDARS has been helping kids in crisis and building strong families in Nebraska for nearly 75 years.

Since 1947, CEDARS has been community supported and community led. To learn how CEDARS supports families in the community, visit CEDARSkids.org or call (402) 434-5437.

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Strictly Business DECEMBER 2020

KAREN BECAME A FOSTER PARENT.

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PERSONNEL NEWS HoriSun Hospice Expands Nursing Staff with Karla Sargent and Ronda Vork-Lynch HoriSun Hospice is pleased to announce the addition of Karla Sargent, RN, BSN, and Ronda Vork-Lynch, RN, as nurse case managers to its team.

Sargent completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bryan College of Health Sciences. She spent a few years as a junior volunteer at Bryan West. Sargent has experience in working with mental health as well as long-term care ventilator support, as well as extensive wound care support. During nursing school, Sargent Karla Sargent completed her practicum as a hospice nurse and has experience working in hospice prior to working for HoriSun. Vork-Lynch worked as a nurse aide for 22 years before graduating from the University of South Dakota in 2007. Prior to working for HoriSun, she spent 13 years as a nurse on the ventilator unit. Vork-Lynch has also done medical mission trips to Kenya and Haiti.

HoriSun Hospice believes that hospice care Ronda Vork-Lynch affirms life. Their mission and promise to the community is simple—to provide the best care possible, 24 hours a day, seven days a week for all whose lives are affected by a life limiting illness or condition. Comfort, compassion, and caring are their guiding principles. For more information, visit www.horisunhospice.com or call (402) 484-6444.

Pemberly Place Senior Living Community Welcomes Clinic Manager Ashley Billings Pemberly Place Senior Care Living Community recently welcomed new Clinic Manager Ashley Billings to their team to help Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Cynthe Dumler lead the facility’s clinic operations. Formerly a medication aide at The Woodlands, Ashley hopes to help Pemberly gain organization and a great flow across many aspects of the facility. Ashley found her love for nursing in a very difficult way. Her dad passed away in 2013, and the feelings of helplessness and not knowing terminology or the right questions to ask the doctor made Ashley decide she wanted to become a nurse. She did just that and became a medication aide to help others.

In fact, Ashley has always loved helping people, enjoys solving and making things better to give people a sense of reassurance and the comfort that they have and understand all possible information available to them. Ashley worked at The Woodlands for more than a year before joining the Pemberly Place team. She is working with the nursing director to make things more “visible,” not just for management purposes but to help all staff members—from caregivers to medication aides—in having all the information they may need right in front of them. Ashley has always followed her heart and lived by a quote from a special person: “You know you are done fighting when you know you don’t have the fight anymore.” In other words, every day can present a challenge, but if you aren’t willing to put in the time or effort, it’s not worth the time.

Pemberly Place Senior Care Living Community offer levels of senior living that are tailored to each resident, including independent, assisted, and memory-care living. For more information, visit pemberlyplace.com or call (402) 413-9770. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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PERSONNEL NEWS Pollack & Ball Founder Celebrated for 25 Years as Member of Nebraska Bar

Transworld Business Advisors of Lincoln Welcomes Alyssa Bromm

Pollack & Ball, LLC Founder Sanford “ S a n dy ” Po l l a c k r e c e n t l y wa s c o n g r a t u l a t e d by N e b r a s k a B a r Association Executive Director Liz Neeley for serving as an active member of the Nebraska Bar Association for 25 years!

Sandy founded his solo practice in 1996 before partnering with John Ball to form Pollack & Ball in 2000. Since then, the firm has represented thousands of clients on cases concerning defense, juvenile, and family law, and they use their highly experienced trial attorneys to provide clients with strong and trusted advocacy. With their office at 1003 H St., they can see the courthouse—a block away—from their front porch, making the firm accessible to their clients and the courts.

Transworld Business Advisors of Lincoln recently welcomed Alyssa Bromm as executive assistant through which she will work closely with client data that creates presentations for interested business buyers. She will also help with pre-sale business preparation and seller interview data entry. She is currently a junior studying business administration at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and plans to graduate in 2022.

Sandy was born in Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and raised in New Port Richey, FL. He attended the Pennsylvania State University and earned his bachelor’s degree in political science in 1991.

Sandy then attended the University of Nebraska College of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1995. He is licensed by the Nebraska Supreme Court.

If you are looking to learn more about legal representation from Pollack & Bar or want to know if they can help with a particular case, call (402) 476-7474. For more information about the firm, visit pollackandball.com.

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Strictly Business DECEMBER 2020

Growing up in the small rural town of Tekamah, NE, Alyssa was surrounded by like-minded entrepreneurial family members, so she knew she wanted to be involved in the business world from an early age. After graduation, Alyssa plans to get her real estate license and eventually own her own brokerage. Her long-term goals include plans to find ways through her business to help the homeless and provide shelter for the people in need.

Transworld Business Advisors of Lincoln is a full-service business brokerage specializing in matching buyers and sellers of business opportunities. These services include reviewing marketplace pricing, confidential and professional marketing, buyer qualification screening, buyer and seller negotiations and closing procedures. For more information, call (402) 413-1095 or visit www.tworld.com/locations/lincoln.

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

PERSONNEL NEWS Lincoln Federal Promotes Carson McCormick to Jr. Mortgage Loan Officer Lincoln Federal Savings Bank is excited to announce the promotion of Carson McCormick to Jr. mortgage loan officer.

Carson has worked as a mortgage loan processor at Lincoln Federal’s Wilderness Hills, Lincoln location for four years. He has worked closely with the bank’s top producing loan officers and has a vast understanding of the loan process. Carson has been noted for communication skills and strong work ethic. Carson will work alongside vice presidents/mortgage loan officers, Shane Podliska and Chris Elgert, in preparation for a position as a mortgage loan officer in the future. Please help in congratulating Carson McCormick on his tremendous achievements.

Lincoln Federal Savings Bank has five branch locations in Lincoln. The corporate office can be found at 8400 Maddox Dr., Additional branches are located in Omaha, Fremont, Blair, Holdrege, Hastings, North Platte, McCook, and Benkelman. Learn more at lincolnfed.com.

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Ironhide Construction Adds Sam Webber to Lead New Special Projects Team Ironhide Construction is pleased to announce the addition of Sam Webber. Sam was brought on to lead Ironhide’s new Special Projects Team, which was formed this summer in response to the company’s growth and need for more administrative attention on the company’s expanding list of projects.

The team will provide construction services for small, mid-size, and unique projects in healthcare, industrial, manufacturing, and commercial environments. These projects include but are not limited to: tenant finishes, metal building repair/alteration, concrete and asphalt repair, industrial and commercial maintenance, roof repair/replacement, structural repair, equipment coordination, exterior improvements, and custom structures (ramps, stairs, catwalks, etc.). If a project is not specifically defined on their list of services, Ironhide’s network of partners provide them with the ability to deliver on any given assignment.

Sam has 15 years of experience in the construction field. He’s had his hand in every trade covered on the Special Projects Team’s list of services, making him a perfect fit for the position. What’s more, just within the last couple of years, Sam had been slowly moving from the field to the office. His knack for leadership has taken him from a superintendent to an estimator and, ultimately, into a project management role. In his personal life, Sam enjoys training both in strength and endurance, baking, reading, and spending time with friends and family. He prides himself in his ability to develop strong relationships with everyone he meets.

Ironhide Construction was founded in 2008 after two friends came together with a mutual interest. They started off being known for their expertise in metal buildings. Over the years of growth and knowledge, they have expanded their scope of work to also include construction management, design-build, pre-construction consulting, and structural steel. Ironhide’s employee number grows weekly based on a wonderful company culture built around family and relationships.

This culture makes a difference in how the construction industry is viewed and changes how business is done. For more information, visit ironhideconstruction.com or call (402) 420-4961. To reach Sam directly, email sam@ironhideconstruction.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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PERSONNEL NEWS 5 Elements Welcomes Joni Helmick, Devon Dreesen, and Victor Zweerink 5 Elements Massage & Spa Owner Erin McLenon recently announced the addition of Aesthetician Joni Helmick and massage therapists Devon Dreesen and Victor Zweerink to their team.

WHEN YOU’RE READY,

WE’RE READY. Fly safe from LNK. It’s our job to keep your LNK experience streamlined and safe.

That’s why we’ve been here this whole time—preparing for your next flight.

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Joni is the owner and operator of Joni Ella Esthetics and has had an interest in beauty since childhood and eventually earned her professional training from The College of Hair Design in 2008, beginning her career as a Nebraska licensed aesthetician. She continued her education in Borboleta and Babe eyelash extensions, Dermalogica skin care, Skin Scripts skin care, Image Skin care, Dermaplane Pro facial treatments, Intraceutical oxygen facial treatments, and Berodin body waxing.

Joni Helmick

Devon has more than five years of experience and is ready to show off her skills to clients in the Lincoln area. She graduated from the Myotherapy Institute of Lincoln and is trained in a variety of massage modalities, including Swedish, deep tissue, soothing stone, full-body exfoliation, and Aroma wraps. Since graduating, she has continued her education in Myofascial Release and is a Certified Contemporary Cupping Therapist.

Devon Dreesen

Victor was born in Tampa, FL but grew up in Lincoln and surrounding communities, also attended Myotherapy Institute for Massage, and graduated with a 3.96 grade point average in 2011. He takes a methodical approach to massage to help people with pain management and Victor Zweerink relaxation using trusted, tested techniques and knowledge. Victor is a proud father and loving husband who wants to help people feel better in their bodies.

For more information about 5 Elements Massage & Spa, visit 5elementsne.com, follow them on Facebook (@5elementsmassage), or call (402) 617-7992. Don’t forget to join the entire team for the Grand Opening celebration and Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA) ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. on December 11 at their new location in the Trade center, 6201 S. 58th St., STE A.

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Strictly Business DECEMBER 2020

It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know and Who Knows You! At Strictly Business, we strive to recognize local businessmen and women for their significant awards, promotions, achievements, and/or efforts in partnership with other organizations and the Lincoln community. If you know of someone who meets these criteria and wish to include their news in our publication, please call (402) 466-3330, email editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com, or submit your news online via www.strictly-business.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

PERSONNEL NEWS Malone Center Welcomes Mismiki Montgomery to Lead New Youth Program

SP Group Cares Team Has Helped 350+ Businesses Navigate COVID Assistance

The Clyde Malone Community Center recently created a new position to oversee the schoolaged and preschool programs, hiring Mismiki “Miki” Montgomery to serve as the new Youth Program Director. Mismiki has a breadth of experience working with children and youth in the community, having worked as an elementary school teacher at Lincoln Public Schools and, most recently, as a lecturer/lead teacher at the Ruth Staples Child Development Lab. With Miki’s leadership, the Malone Center expects some exciting changes to be coming.

Class enrollment is on the rise for the Malone Center’s Early Achievers Academy, an educational preschool program that partners with the University of Nebraska’s Child, Youth and Family Studies Department and serves children ages 3-5. The mission of the Academy is to level the playing field by providing high-quality early education for low-income families and is operated on the belief that children learn through play. The curriculum includes individualization and emphasizes positive guidance.

The Center’s Out-of-School Youth Program serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade, providing a safe, nurturing, and structured environment for students to spend their time after school, while also offering opportunities to engage in programs currently focused on outdoor education, mindfulness and mental health, peer-group mentoring, online tutoring, and various “craftivities.”

To learn more about the Clyde Malone Community Center or to enroll your children, visit malonecenter.org or call (402) 474-1110.

In the first eight months of its operation, SP Group’s Cares Team has helped more than 350 businesses apply for and receive COVID-related financial assistance. Passage of the federal CARES Act and the launch of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in April made clear there was a need for a dedicated team of experts within SP Group to help businesses navigate the complexities of the PPP. They put together a team of professionals at the firm who possess an in-depth knowledge of the financial-assistance programs available to small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Members of the SP Cares Team include Troy Stentz, Rachel Clymer, Mark Chapin, Ross Reynolds, Erica Vossler, Amy Windle, and Kevin Rademacher—and they have performed beyond expectations. They expanded their services in the summer and fall to assist business clients with other federal and state grant programs, including the Small Business Stabilization Grants offered through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. As 2020 draws to a close, the SP Cares Team is assisting business clients with applying for PPP loan forgiveness, at the same time getting ready to help those businesses get their tax filings prepared.

SP Group, PC is a growing entrepreneurial accounting firm that serves growth-oriented companies and talented individuals in the Midwest.

If your business has questions about the CARES Act or needs expert assistance with the Paycheck Protection program, please call the SP Cares Team at (402) 420-7758.

CFO Systems Adds Ginna Claussen and Keith Nesja to the Firm in Lincoln CFO Systems has added Ginna Claussen and Keith Nesja to its nationwide team of more than 40 professionals focused on helping clients grow. The CFO Systems team has extensive experience leading the accounting, finance, human resources, and procurement operations for organizations of all sizes.

Ginna Claussen is an experienced humanresources professional with an innate ability to get things done while uniting a team and meeting strategic directives. While leading organizational developments and Ginna Claussen positive cultural change, she actively listens to help promote cohesiveness, manages with fairness and with an achievement focus, and employs creativity and innovation to solve problems and pioneer new initiatives. Keith Nesja is a versatile accounting and financialmanagement professional with more than 20 years of experience developing budgets, forecasting and planning, financial reporting, internal controls, operational management, and team leadership. Keith also holds the Certified Management Keith Nesja Accountant designation.

CFO Systems is a nationwide company founded in 2005 to provide practical, experienced financial, human-resource and procurement leadership to organizations. The firm was named on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies four consecutive years. For more information, visit cfosystemsllc.com or call (402) 884-0066. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

DECEMBER 2020 Strictly Business

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PERSONNEL NEWS Tausha Rowe Named Tabitha WOW TEAMember of the Year

Husker Rehab Celebrates Work Anniversary of Physical Therapy Assistant Maggie Calmus

Tabitha, Nebraska’s industry-leading senior care provider congratulates Tabitha WOW TEAMember of the Year, Tausha Rowe. Rowe is a nurse manager at Tabitha Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She mentors and supervises nurses and aides on Tabitha’s main campus in central Lincoln, ensuring clients and families receive exceptional skilled and long-term care services.

Rowe has been with Tabitha for over 15 years, originally started her career as a certified nursing assistant, received her licensed practitioner nurse certification in 2006 and became a registered nurse in 2018.

For those needing ongoing support due to chronic illness or disability, Tabitha provides award-winning skilled nursing, longterm care in Lincoln at Tabitha Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Tabitha Residences. These living communities offer private suites, spacious common areas, rehabilitation programs, lifeenriching social activities and personal care assistance.

As the state’s quality, award-winning senior care expert, nonprofit Tabitha, empowers people to live joyfully, age gratefully.

Supporting friends and neighbors for over 130 years and encompassing 28 Nebraska counties, Tabitha offers a range of services from results-driven rehabilitation, accessible at-home home health care, innovative living communities and compassionate hospice services. Tabitha is Your Answer for Senior Care. Learn more at Tabitha.org.

Husker Rehabilitation recently celebrated the one-year work anniversary of Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Maggie Calmus.

Maggie earned her Associate Degree of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant from Southeast Community College in March 2019. After one of her college instructors recommended her to Husker Rehab, Maggie began working at the North Lincoln location within months of graduating. Under the supervision of the physical therapists at Husker Rehab, Maggie plays a key role in providing effective treatments and care to patients after surgery, dealing with pain and injuries. Her coworkers say she is a joy to have on the team, as she encourages everyone with her positive attitude and great sense of humor. She shares a new joke each day and has a wonderful way of connecting with her patients and the rest of the support team.

“The physical therapists and coworkers that surround me are a very big reason why I love working at Husker Rehab,” Maggie said. “Every day is a team effort and I’m proud to be a part of this team. Also, as a new grad, I have been able to develop new skills and expand my knowledge with the learning opportunities I have had at this clinic.”

Husker Rehab offers holistic physical therapy treatment, with offices in Lincoln, Beatrice, Fairbury, and Nebraska City. Husker Rehab helps coax your body’s structure back to normal, and then teaches you how to maintain your newfound health at home. For more information about Husker Rehab or to book an appointment, call (402) 477-3110 or visit huskerrehab.com.

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PERSONNEL NEWS True North Technologies Hires Nebraska Native Alex James as Creative Director True North Technologies, a Lincoln-based business launched by Renee Sobotka, recently brought Alex James onto their team as creative director. Alex is a Nebraska native who graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln in 2010, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. He has worked in the creative and graphic-design fields ever since. Being an entrepreneur himself makes Alex a perfect fit at True North, bringing the drive and determination it takes to get a small business off the ground and running.

As creative director, Alex is responsible for the graphics of both internal marketing projects and those for True North clientele, designing and overseeing everything from apps and websites to flyers and brochures.

In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, and dog, and a couple of his many hobbies include photography and painting. In fact, some of his photos of the night sky can be found within the marketing used by True North Technologies.

True North Technologies makes technology simple with website and mobile-app development, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), branding, and social-media marketing. For more information, visit gotnt.com, call (402) 420-5101, or follow them on Facebook (@tntapps), Twitter (@TrueNorth_Apps), Linked In (@True North Technologies), and on Instagram (@truenorthtechnologies).

Valiant Fitness Welcomes Trainer, Nutrition and Wellness Coach Olivia Borer to Team Valiant Fitness Owner Justin Wittler recently welcomed Certified Personal Trainer, Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, and restorative-wellness coach Olivia Borer to the Valiant team. A Nebraska native, Olivia brings five years of experience in the fitness and holistic-nutrition industry to her new role, having previously worked at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, Prairie Life Fitness, and Synergy Chiropractic. When it comes to fitness training, Olivia specializes in strength training, weight loss, and rehab-specific training for injuries include lower back pain and shoulder or neck pain.

“I am excited to bring my knowledge to compliment the Valiant team, while continuing to grow and learn from Justin,” she said. “Together, we want to provide a complete resource for all of our clients to achieve their best health.”

In the nutrition arena, Olivia focuses primarily on real-food nutrition, emphasizing a balance of protein, fat, and vegetables.

Her approach is not tied to any ‘diet’ but rather on helping her clients find a balance mentally and physically through bloodsugar regulation, proper digestion, and hormone balance. She also provides Valiant Fitness members her Personal Prep Meal Prepping resources, which provides real, whole-food meals that help simplify eating healthy foods that require minimal effort but taste amazing. Olivia also offers a free 15-minute nutrition consult and/or free 30-minute personal training session for new clients.

Email her at oborer@hotmail.com to schedule yours!

Valiant Fitness, at 5550 S 59th St., STE 13, offers personal training, tandem training (two people), small groups (three+ people), youth training, and Pilates reformer. They focus on functional movement with an eye toward proper form and safety. Their certified personal trainers are available to assist you in reaching all of your goals. For more information, visit valiantfitnessne.com or call (402) 510-9227. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Commercial & Industrial Remodeling Tenant Improvements New Construction Services Additions Office Remodels 402-858-5155 | info@brownbrothers1.com 36

Strictly Business DECEMBER 2020

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NONPROFIT NEWS QPR Gatekeeper Training Next Up for SCIP Friendship Home Addresses Connection between Brain Injury and Domestic Violence Community Awareness Series Friendship Home’s Healthcare Navigator works with domestic violence survivors to access primary, reproductive, and behavioral healthcare. A collaborative project, Brain Injury and Domestic Violence: Making the Connection and Improving Care, studies the short-term and long-term impact brain injuries, from domestic violence, has on a victim’s overall health. The project is in partnership with Brain Injury Alliance of Nebraska, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Psychology, and Friendship Home’s Healthcare Navigator. In Nebraska, 58% of women undergoing brain injury screenings in shelters have screened positive for a possible brain injury; 91% of participants have been hit in the head or strangled.

At Friendship Home, victims are offered a brain injury screening when they enter shelter and a consultation with the Healthcare Navigator to review the results. Survivors are offered educational materials regarding brain injury, including additional assessments, individualized strategies, and group learning experiences, along with referrals to healthcare providers. Additional staff training develops a deeper understanding for the needs of individuals with brain injuries. If you are interested in learning more about Friendship Home’s Healthcare Navigator, please call (402) 437-9326.

Friendship Home provides crisis services, emergency shelter, and transitional housing to victims of domestic violence and their children.

If you, or someone you know, are experiencing domestic violence, please call Friendship Home’s 24/7 crisis line at (402) 437-9302. To learn more, visit www.friendshiphome.org.

On December 3 from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m., SCIP (Sc hool Community Intervention and Prevention) will be presenting a QPR Gatekeeper Zoom Training for both adults and youth (middle and high school students).

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer—three simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide.

QPR trains people to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis, and how to question, persuade and refer someone to help. This training will be presented by Abbe Edgecombe, SCIP Coordinator for Lincoln/ Lancaster County. Students must be logged in with a parent or guardian to attend the training. To access the training, go to Zoom at: us02web. zoom.us/j/84428884394 (Meeting ID: 844-2888-4394).

This series is a partnership between SCIP, Lincoln Public Schools, Bryan Independence Center, and the Lancaster Prevention Coalition, whose goal is to share valuable presentations about how to support the health and well-being of our community’s youth. No registration is required.

School Community Intervention & Prevention is supported in whole or part by Grant #2B08T1010034 under the SAMHSA Center for Substance Abuse Treatment and the Nebraska Division of Behavioral Health and monies passed through by Region 4 and Region V to prevention providers ($135,170 or 53%) and $121,933 or 47% from non-governmental entities. For more information about other presentations in the series or for more information about LMEP programs such as SCIP, visit www.lmep.com.

Habitat for Humanity Puts Creative Spin on Giving Tuesday with Giving TOOLSDay Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln is putting its own twist on the international day of giving, Giving Tuesday, where communities come together for one purpose: to celebrate generosity and give to charities, with Giving TOOLSDay. Giving TOOLSDay will kick-off the holiday giving season as a one-day campaign on Tuesday, December 1, with a focus on raising funds for new tools and supplies used by volunteer groups and skilled construction crews. These tools and supplies include essential everyday items like nails, screws, and paint—tools that need updated after plenty of use such as hammers, drills, levels, and framing nail guns; as well as a wish list of tools that would enhance construction productivity.

“Giving TOOLSDay kicks off the charitable season, when many people focus on their end-of-year giving,” says Habitat Lincoln CEO, Josh Hanshaw. “With a one-day campaign focused on purchasing and updating our tools and supplies, it provides donors of any level a way to participate. Donations of any amount help us purchase the tools and supplies that are important for us to continue our mission of building and repairing affordable homes in our community.”

To date, Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln has built or repaired more than 170 homes; serving more than 775 local individuals and nearly as many globally through Habitat International’s tithe program, serving approximately 1,500 individuals. Financial contributions and more information can be found at www.lincolnhaitat.org/ TOOLSDay. Call Christina Zink, development director, at (402) 480-6185 with any questions. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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NONPROFIT NEWS Fresh Start Breaks Down Impact of Financial Donations

A Warmer Day Issues Call to Action for Coats, Winter Wear, with Record Demand Afoot

Now is the time when businesses reflect on the year and plan for year-end giving, so Fresh Start has broken down the impact that different financial donation amounts have on their organization and the women they serve:

A Wamer Day is feeling the pressure of 2020 challenges in the form of increased demand for coats and winter wear for Lincoln and surrounding communities, so they have issued a call to action to residents to collect coats and more. Even after a September drive led to distribution of more than 300 winter coats, gloves, hats, and scarves, the nonprofit continues to get requests for help from a record number of people in the area, making it clear that there are more people than ever struggling in the wake of COVID. With this in mind, A Warmer Day issued a challenge to area residents, neighborhoods, and businesses to do coat drives for all sizes (adult, children, teens) of coats, hats, gloves, scarves, etc. to provide a warmer winter to those who are less fortunate this season but need to keep their families safe and warm.

A Warmer Day is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Nebraskans in need get coats, gloves, mittens, and scarves. To find collection locations near you, visit awarmerday.org, where you can also make a cash contribution and know that every penny will go toward A Warmer Day’s mission to help those in need. Better yet, sign up to become a member for as little as $10 a month! If you can help, please contact A Warmer Day at (402) 261-0096 or email info@awarmerday.org.

• $10 provides a bus pass • $25 provides a welcome basket for a woman • $75 affords one night of shelter and support services • $300 supports one week of groceries and supplies for the entire shelter Fresh Start is also reminding members of the community to take advantage of ways to increase donation impact at no extra cost.

These include utilizing employer matching gift programs or doing holiday shopping through initiatives that make charitable donations to Fresh Start, such as AmazonSmile.

Fresh Start is a residential housing and goals program for women experiencing homelessness. Women identify strengths and actively work on goals to overcome barriers to economic stability. Fresh Start offers safe housing, skill development, and supportive services. For more information, or to make a donation, please visit freshstarthome. org or call (402) 475-7777. Questions can be directed to Audrey Back at (402) 432-3360 / audreyb@freshstarthome.org.

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NONPROFIT NEWS Community Action in Need of Toy Donations Down Syndrome Association Raises $100K+ for Holiday Giving Season via 2020 Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk No matter what gatherings look like this holiday season, it remains a time for giving—and for giving back, which is why the Community Action is seeking donations of toys for the families it serves. As many in our community continue to feel the economic effects of this pandemic, needs have increased dramatically. One way to provide support to families who are struggling is to donate a new, unwrapped toy to Community Action.

“Donations of new, unwrapped toys mean so much to those we serve,” says Community Action Executive Director Vi See. “For many of those we serve, buying gifts during the holidays is challenging, especially for families with more than one child. We invite community members to help us in ensuring all children and families in our community have a happy holiday season.”

Recognizing donors’ desire to physically distance, Community Action has created a holiday gifts wish list for online orders. Donors can purchase items off the list and ship directly to Community Action. The list, along with more information about how to support Community Action throughout the holiday season, is available at communityactionatwork.org. To coordinate drop-off of a toy donation for Community Action, call Jessie Hedrick at (402) 875-9338 or Heather Loughman at (402) 875-9339.

The Down Syndrome Association for Families (DSAF) of Nebraska is grateful for its sponsors, who raised more than their goals of $100,000 in cash and in-kind donations through their 2020 Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk.

More than 1,050 people registered and 800 people attended the outdoor, socially distanced event on October 10 at the Lancaster Event Center to raise money for DSAF causes. The donations will go toward enrichment outings, family networking, parent support and resources, new baby welcome baskets, educational training for medical professionals, monthly education series, and much more to enrich the lives of those with Down syndrome and their families.

Year-end donations are still being accepted at dsafnebraska.org.

Highest-level sponsors—Shooting Star Sponsors—included Enable Savings Plan, Union Bank and Trust, and Global Down Syndrome Foundation, while Rising Star Sponsors included Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, and Nelnet+Allo. Nearly 50 other businesses also donated to the 2020 Step Up for Down Syndrome event, including Gold, Red, and Blue Star Sponsors, and DSAF is grateful to every one of them!

The Down Syndrome Association for Families formed in 1995 as a way for parents to network and share accomplishments of their children. The organization’s mission is to provide support and a positive vision for the future of individuals with Down syndrome and their families, friends, educators, and professionals who share in their lives. For more information, visit dsafnebraska.org or contact Mary Sweeney at (402) 202-0193 / mary@dsafnebraska.org.

Angels Among Us Sets Out to Fill Funding Gap During Holiday Season, Sets Goal of $40K Due to the increasing need in the community, Angels Among Us needs help as there is a funding gap to be filled this holiday season. A goal of $40,000 has been set to be raised to help bridge the gap for families extra needs this year. Often times, one parent/caregiver has to leave their job when their child is diagnosed and, due to COVID-19, families have experienced additional income loss. Angels Among Us is fortunate to be able to continue to walk alongside their families during a very difficult time but community support is needed more than ever.

Amid a global pandemic, Angels Among Us has been able to provide a record amount of critical financial support to a record number of pediatric cancer families. Due to COVID-19, pediatric cancer families have experienced additional income loss and additional financial strain so in addition to normal budgeted support emergency funding has been used this year. Over $500,000 has been given to over 120 families to help pay rent, mortgage, utilities, auto payments, medical bills, and more. On average, 83% of families whose children have cancer experience financial hardship and, in 2020, that number has grown.

Angels Among Us is a Nebraska nonprofit that provides financial and emotional support to families whose children are battling pediatric cancer. Any family living-in or being treated in Nebraska is eligible to apply for financial support with mortgages, rent, and other expenses. For more information about ways to make an impact, please contact Aly Theilen at alyssa@myangelsamongus. org. Please consider giving at www.myangelsamongus.org and clicking the donate button or mail in a check to 3858 Jones St., STE A, Omaha, NE 68105. Every dollar matters. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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NONPROFIT NEWS Lincoln Community Foundation Grants Over Matt Talbot Invites Lincoln to Donate Gift $1M to 160 Nonprofits Cards for Housing Clients Thanks to the contributions o f ge n e ro u s d o n o r s, the Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF) made grants in November of nearly $1.1 million for 160 nonprofit organizations, 88 of which are local. These grants came from designated funds created by donors to support their favorite nonprofits and houses of worship. These endowed funds provide annual financial support to the organizations specified by the donors, helping the community and the nonprofits grow and thrive further.

Established in 1955, the Lincoln Community Foundation strives to continually enrich the Lincoln community by promoting and achieving perpetual philanthropic support. Their role is to help donors accomplish their philanthropic goals, support nonprofit organizations that improve Lincoln’s quality of life, and foster community collaboration to address challenges and opportunities.

The foundation has so far distributed more than $160 million in grants to nonprofit organizations that have improved the lives of thousands of residents. LCF is accredited by the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations®, which represents LCF’s commitment to go above and beyond federal and state law requirements to demonstrate accountability and excellence to communities, policymakers, and the public. To learn more about LCF or to donate, call (402) 474-2345 or visit lcf.org.

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This holiday season, Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach is inviting individuals, community groups, and businesses to donate gift cards to help make the holiday special for individuals and families who are participating in the agency’s housing programs. Gift cards to any local business and in any amount are welcomed. Suggestions include: grocery store gift cards for holiday meals, Walmart or Target gift cards for toys or home needs, gas gift cards, and restaurant gift cards for families to use during the holidays.

Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach is a nonprofit organization that provides safe and stable housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Their mission is to serve the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of Lincoln’s working poor and homeless through outreach, advocacy, education, and the provision of food and shelter. Their use of evidence-based and compassionate service delivery modules—including case management and assistance with finding quality, affordable housing—has helped hundreds of individuals and families in finding homes. So far, as many as 42 local landlords are participating in Matt Talbott’s Landlord Liaison Project, a community of landlords who offer affordable housing to the working poor. To learn more about Matt Talbot, donate, or inquire about becoming a participating landlord in the Landlord Liaison Project, visit mtko.org. Please contact Development Director Lori Wellman for questions by calling (402) 817-0621.

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NONPROFIT NEWS Families Inspiring Families Offers Two Weekly Support Groups for Parents

Lancaster County 4-H Reaches Underserved Youth, Offers More Learning Opportunities

Families Inspiring Families is actively doing its part to provide comfort and positive outlets during these difficult times by hosting two weekly virtual support groups for parents. On Mondays from 5 to 6 p.m., you can log onto Zoom for the Surviving COVID group, which is an opportunity for parents to connect with other parents, receive support, and get information on available resources. In addition, on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., there is a Hope Support group online for parents who may have possible suicide concerns regarding their children. By starting the conversation and directing aid to those who need it, Families Inspiring Families can help prevent suicides and save lives. This group is sponsored by a SAMSHA grant (partnership with Region V Systems, SAMSHA grant Number 1H79SMo82134, Suicide Prevention, DHHS, UNL Policy Center).

As the opportunity gap widens between youth who have access to learning resources and those who do not, Lancaster County 4-H is actively reaching underserved populations by providing life-changing experiences to youth wherever they are. In schools, after-school programs, and at home, 4-H is offering opportunities for kids to learn by doing hands-on projects to acquire skills, build character, and find talents that they can turn into careers. Nebraska 4-H School Enrichment programs are delivered to youth in cooperation with public or private schools during school hours in support of school curriculum.

Many Lincoln Public Schools (LPS), Lancaster County schools, private schools, and homeschool communities have integrated 4-H School Enrichment programs such as Embryology (Grade 3) and Nutrition Kits (Grades K-5). 4-H also offers out-of-school experiences for before- and after-school hours, teacher in-service days, school holidays, summer months, and weekends, along with a traditional club program where youth receive guidance from mentors and are encouraged to take on leadership roles. These programs are delivered by 4-H staff, trained volunteers, or teachers.

Lancaster County 4-H helps young people develop the skills, knowledge, and experiences they need to reach their potential—and that creates a greater number of engaged citizens and community leaders. 4-H raises funds to support these programs. For more information or to inquire about enrolling a student in a 4-H program, call (402) 441-7180 or visit lancaster.unl.edu/4h.

The mission of Families Inspiring Families is to empower families to find hope for their future. They do this by promoting a positive future for families who have children with emotional and/or behavioral health concerns by providing support, knowledge, and skills through various programs and services. To learn more about the organization, visit familiesinspiringfamilies.org.

Contact Sandy Thompson at (402) 450-4409 / sthompson@ familiesinspiringfamilies.org to get the Zoom links for these groups.

Heartland Cancer Foundation Heartland Classic Nets $37K for Patient Assistance The Heartland Cancer Foundation’s 6th Annual Heartland Classic golf tournament at Firethorn Golf Club was a tremendous success, with a sold-out event on a beautiful day raising $37,000 for the Foundation.

Players started the day with a socially distanced luncheon in their individual carts, while Bronson Reilly, board1st Place—Union Bank & Trust. certified geneticist and director of L-R: Tony Miller, David Easley, research at Southeast Nebraska Chad Ideus, Tom Cockle.

Cancer Center made a presentation about the importance of genetic testing for certain cancers and explained who should be tested and why.

Following the luncheon, golfers headed out on the course with a midday shotgun start, off to an exciting start with Dave Slagle’s hole-in-one! The perfect shot garnered Dave a $10,000 prize through Hole In One International.

2nd Place—Southeast Nebraska Other awards were for the shot closest Cancer Center. L-R: Dave Slagle (winner to the flag, a bourbon pull, several hole- of hole-in-one prize), Nate Green, in-one opportunities, and a chance to Justin Stonacek, Troy Stonacek. win a large bucket of balls for shooting closest to a specified target. Finishing first was the Union Bank & Trust team of Tony Miller, David Easley, Chad Ideus, and Tom Cockle, followed by the second-place Southeast Nebraska Cancer Center team of Nate Green, Troy Stonacek, Justin Stonacek, and Dave Slagle.

The Heartland Cancer Foundation’s programs are designed to provide practical assistance to low-income cancer patients so they can focus on healing. They help qualifying cancer patients with housing (mortgage and rent assistance), car payments, gas cards, and utilities. To learn more about the Foundation, sponsorship opportunities, applications for assistance, making donations, or joining their volunteer guild, visit heartlandcancerfoundation.org or call (402) 261-9974. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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NONPROFIT NEWS RISE Academy to Offer Reentry Mentor Training December 10

Gus Gustafson Served as Guest “SAGE” at CBMC Young Professionals Meeting

RISE Academy will hold a Reentry Mentor training on Thursday, December 10, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This training is intended for approved mentors. RISE Reentry Mentors provide relational support to men and women navigating reentry into society after incarceration. Reentry Specialists work daily with people to attain employment and safe, stable housing, but reentry needs beyond a place to sleep and a job are real and complicated. Mentors attempt to address some of those needs by walking with RISE graduates as they return to the community. The mentoring relationship is consistent two-way communication; think meeting for coffee and conversation.

Being volunteers from the larger Nebraska community, RISE Reentry Mentors directly welcome people returning from incarceration back while challenging longstanding perceptions of people with criminal histories through face to face encounters. The result is practically addressing the varied reentry needs of individuals and slowly building a more welcoming community for people to transition back into. Generally, mentors and RISE graduates will communicate weekly for six-months with regular in-person meetings.

All interested parties are encouraged to apply. There is no skillset one needs to be a great mentor. Showing up and a willingness to accompany RISE graduates as they navigate reentry are the most important ingredients for a fruitful mentoring relationship.

The vision of RISE Academy is that all people find freedom from cycles of incarceration. Contact Jaxson Schneider at 1-(253) 509-4905 / jschneider@seeusrise.org with any questions or go online to www.seeusrise.org.

C B M C L i n c o l n ’ s Yo u n g Professionals (YP) group was excited to have Gus Gustafson as their guest SAGE—Successful, Action-oriented, God-honoring Entrepreneur or Executive—at their November meeting. At age 9, Gus battled for his life following a horrific tractor accident that took his right arm and shoulder and crushed his right leg. Despite his injury, he was determined to excel in athletics. He played varsity basketball, achieving Honorable Mention All-State, and went on to play collegiate ball. A string of devastating events in college led to a faith in Jesus Christ that transformed his life.

A guest SAGE is a key feature of each monthly CBMC YP meeting, representing a seasoned man with many years of experience, both in the marketplace and in their Christian faith. Gus shared his Christian testimony, his experiences starting, leading, and selling several companies, and five key principles he learned from these. Gus concluded by sharing several key Bible passages that have impacted his life and then answered questions during an engaging Q&A. CBMC Lincoln is part of a global ministry that encourages men toward spiritual development, personal integrity, principled leadership, and a desire to impact others positively. Their recently launched YP groups are designed specifically to help men ages 22 to 40 navigate the challenges, pressures, and priorities of family, business, community, and faith. YP groups offer a close-knit community where men can grow personally, professionally, and spiritually. To learn more about CBMC Lincoln or the YP groups, visit Lincoln.cbmc.com, call (402) 540-1093, or connect with them on Facebook (@cbmclincolnne).

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NONPROFIT NEWS CenterPointe Requests Donations for Annual Coats of Hope Coat Drive this Holiday Season

HopeSpoke Offers Psycho-Educational Videos and Drop-In Support Groups

CenterPointe is asking for donations of new or gently used winter gear to those who have none this holiday season during their Annual Coats of Hope Coat Drive! Through December, CenterPointe will be taking donations of adult-sized winter coats, gloves, hats, and scarves at their office located at 1000 S 13th St. in Lincoln, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. By giving these gifts, you’re helping neighbors, friends, and family in your community stay healthy and warm during the winter months.

HopeSpoke has introduced their new drop-in support groups to encourage the use of good mental health habits during this difficult time. The groups are currently being held through Zoom. Individuals ages 19 and older are invited to participate. Groups are being held on Mondays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesdays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., and Thursdays from 10 to 11 a.m. to accommodate as many people as possible. The support groups are facilitated by HopeSpoke Outpatient Therapist Cambria Beirow, MA, PLMHP. Cambria is also sharing psycho-educational videos via HopeSpoke’s social media. One of the latest videos is on anxiety in children—what symptoms to look for and what actions you can take as a parent or guardian if any is warranted.

CenterPointe is a nonprofit that has been offering Lincoln and Omaha a broad continuum of care for the disadvantaged, homeless, and mentally ill since 1973. Today, CenterPointe offers more than 35 programs in the areas of crisis response, treatment, rehabilitation, housing, and peer support. These programs have helped countless men, women, teens, and veterans find their footing again and make strides towards living a healthier and more fulfilling life. By treating the whole person, CenterPointe has proven that mental health, physical health, and addiction can be addressed together in real time and provide a lasting recovery. CenterPointe’s mission is to help those they serve get better, sooner, for longer. To learn more about CenterPointe or to donate, contact (402) 4758717 / development@centerpointe.org or visit centerpointe.org.

NAM Pulse Poll Shows Significant Impact of COVID-19 on Nonprofit Organizations The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) recently completed its third Nonprofit Pulse Poll of nonprofit leaders to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on the nonprofit community, and key findings show that the pandemic is already have a significant and alarming financial and programmatic impact on most nonprofits in a time when demand for their services is heightened.

Conducted October 1-12, the third poll collected responses from 248 nonprofit organizations and asked them to estimate the current and anticipated level of COVID-19’s impact on their services, programs and operations. The poll concluded that the pandemic has made the mission of nonprofits more challenging due to the following economic, health, and social fallout from the need to contain the virus: • 75% of nonprofits report budgetary implications related to strains on the economy, and the combined 248 respondents said they anticipate losing a combined total of $54 million in revenue, up $42 million from their estimates in April.

• While demand for nonprofit services is increasing, nonprofits may be restricted in their ability to respond due to the immediate need for supplies, staffi ng, volunteers, and resources from government, philanthropic, and business entities.

• 71% of nonprofits have canceled or postponed events. With very limited reserves, many nonprofits rely on earned income and fundraising events to sustain their missions.

• 35% of organizations believe the effects of the pandemic on the financial conditions of their organizations are moderate but will need additional financial supports to overcome difficulties.

The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands is a state association that represents more than 600 nonprofit organizations in Nebraska and Southwest Iowa. They strengthen the collective voice, leadership, and capacity of nonprofits to enrich the quality of community life.

For more information, visit nonprofitam.org or call (402) 895-2552. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

HopeSpoke has been inspiring healthy futures for children and their families through comprehensive behavioral and mental health services for over 70 years. HopeSpoke’s mission is to understand children and their families through their unique experiences as influenced by their emotional and cognitive development, family situation, social environment, and personality. Through dynamic, interactive therapy, HopeSpoke staff work to examine problems while working on solutions. HopeSpoke provides help for youth at risk for suicide, youth with behavioral challenges, and schoolbased therapy for public school students. For more information about HopeSpoke or to sign up for a support group, call (402) 475-7666 or visit www.hopespoke.org.

Goodwill Collects Over 10K Pounds of Donations During Neighborhood Challenge Lincoln Goodwill has wrapped up another exciting year of their Neighborhood Challenge.

In its 8th year, the Challenge collected 10,099 pounds of donations with seven neighborhood associations in participation. Goodwill would like to thank Belmont, Edenton North, Forest Lake Estates, Irvingdale, Highlands, North Hills, and Witherbee neighborhoods for their participation and flexibility through the Neighborhood Challenge’s reorganization due to COVID-19. Since the inception of the Neighborhood Challenge, over 140,000 pounds of donations have been collected and $8,500 has been given to neighborhoods to strengthen their associations.

This year’s first place winner is the Highlands Neighborhood Association with 4,100 pounds of donations collected. Myrna Coleman, Highlands Neighborhood Association president, detailed how the prize will contribute to the improvement on their neighborhood. Previously, they have used the prize to assist in Eagle Scout projects that improve the neighborhood. One Scout was able to plant trees in the Highlands Park with funding from the prize and a grant from the city of Lincoln. This year, they plan to post various options in their newsletter for neighborhood improvements. The options include upgrading their playgrounds, creating a sign for the entrance, or adding a fitness area to the park.

From supporting Lincoln Goodwill’s community events to shopping in their stores, there are many ways to help the agency continue to provide employment and training opportunities for people with barriers to employment and enrich the Lincoln community. Financial donations can be made online at www.lincolngoodwill.org/donate.

Email donate@lincolngoodwill.org with questions about how to get involved in Goodwill donation drives.

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NONPROFIT NEWS I've Got a Name Presents Three Creative Ways to Give Toward Ending Sex Trafficking Unable to give as many presentations or host fundraising events, which are the ultimate factors that drive awareness and support, I've Got a Name's three ways to give––Buy the Hour, Pave the Way, and Our Growth––are more crucial than ever.

Buy the Hour is focused on supporting street outreach hour by hour, because the first hour of street outreach is the most critical hour for each girl they encounter. Giving $6 a month ($72/year) supports one hour of street outreach, $25 a month ($300/year) supports a half day, and $50 a month ($600/year) supports a full day. Pave the Way allows people to choose their donation amount based on the facts: $10—10 is the youngest age of a girl who has been sex trafficked that I've Got a Name has worked with; $23—23 is the average age of women they've worked with; $60—60 minutes is the first critical hour of street outreach; and $99—$99 billon a year is profited from global sexual exploitation. Finally, Our Growth is based on I've Got a Name's growth goal of $87,000, which will go towards building their street outreach team, beginning a men's movement, and strengthen awareness.

I’ve Got a Name is a Lincoln-based nonprofit organization that aims to put an end to sex trafficking in Nebraska. This year, they have received several new referrals of young women and girls who desperately needed help. To get behind their mission to protect, rescue, and restore, visit ivegotaname.org or email Paul Yates at paul@ivegotaname.org.

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Nebraska Safety Council’s Worker 360° Hudl Strengthens Commitment to TeamMates Workshop to Help Leaders Optimize Workforce Mentoring of Lincoln with 10 New Volunteers The Nebraska Safety Athletic performance analysis company Hudl recently expanded its employee participation in TeamMates Mentoring of Lincoln with the addition of 10 new staff volunteers. The company recently held a recruiting event, where current “Hudlie” TeamMates shared personal testimonies about their meaningful mentoring experiences, drawing the 10 staff members to step up and begin training to become a TeamMates mentor for a young student in Lincoln. Employees who become mentors also bring tremendous benefits to their company workforce and productivity. TeamMates surveys participants annually, and results continuously show that, after their mentoring visits, employees return to work more engaged, hopeful, and in better moods.

“Hudl and TeamMates are the perfect match,” said Hudl Workplace Operations Specialist Andrew Broders, who oversees staff volunteerism and serves as a mentor himself. “It’s great to see Hudlies transfer our company values into mentorship through TeamMates. ‘We Listen’ and ‘We Thrive on the Front Lines’ are the two values that really hit home for the Hudlies. We take pride in our community and want to give back any chance we can. TeamMates allows us to do just that. We thank TeamMates for all they do, and we’re happy to have an amazing relationship with them.”

TeamMates Mentoring of Lincoln makes a meaningful impact in the local community and beyond by inspiring youth to reach their full potential through mentoring. If your business would like to partner with TeamMates to benefit local youth, visit lincolnteammates.org or call (402) 436-1990. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Council is offering a virtual Worker 360° Workshop on December 3 to help business leaders become more competitive in their industries and improve their bottom lines by optimizing their workforces. The workshop is ideal for human-resource professionals, wellness and safety coordinators or directors, leadership charged with safety and wellness, and safety and wellness team members. The six-hour workshop, which includes a one-hour lunch break on your own, costs $113 for members and $184 for non-members, and participants will be eligible for $1,350 in scholarships to use toward safety-training classes of their choice.

This workshop will cover the core elements of a comprehensive program, including leadership and culture, worksite analysis, risk-management planning and control, and evaluation and continuous improvement. By taking this integrated risk-management approach, participants learn how to develop and implement their own organizational policies, programs, and practices that promote overall worker safety and wellness. When your people are at their best, they become more engaged, are healthier, and have a better overall quality of life, and employers benefit from reduced illness and injury-related costs, higher productivity, and lower absenteeism rates. This comprehensive approach is rooted in NIOSH’s Total Worker Health® concept and is far more than simply ensuring you have both safety and wellness programs.

The mission of the Nebraska Safety Council is to provide education and leadership to empower Nebraskans to live safe and healthy. They offer comprehensive programs, training courses, events, and services that are designed to improve employee care at a desk, on the production floor, behind the wheel, and on the job. To learn more or sign up for the Worker 360° Workshop, visit nesafetycouncil.org, call (402) 483-2511, or email nesc@nesafetycouncil.org.

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‘TIS THE SEASON FOR

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS, from the PRG Team

INTRODUCING OUR

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HEALTH NEWS CBD American Shaman Introduces New Nano CBD and CBGo Gummy Rings to Lincoln

Sampson Construction Donates Land for New $45M Bryan Health Cancer Center

CBD American Shaman of Lincoln recently introduced a new form of Nano CBD and CBGo Gummy Rings to their offerings, both of which use their proprietary nanotechnology process that features faster absorption, lasts longer in the body, and is nine times more bioavailable than oil. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more bioavailable gummy anywhere, and you’ll love the energy and focus they give you to power through your day! The CBD (cannabinoid) gummies are available in two popular flavors—watermelon and peach—and the CBG (cannabigerol) gummies bring a lot of firsts to CBD American Shaman, all in a tasty cherry flavor.

In November, Bryan Health announced details for a new $45 million, 140,000-squarefoot comprehensive community cancer center in South Lincoln to centralize cancer care under one roof. This site will become a future south campus for Bryan.

John Sampson, president of Sampson Construction and his daughter, Cori Vokoun, vice president, donated 28.8 acres of land near 40th and Rokeby Road in south Lincoln for the project. Their wife and mother, April, lost her life after a battle with breast cancer.

“To address the journey of health care, particularly when you have cancer, is a very soul-searching item,” said Sampson. “Right now, families who have been affected by cancer deal with fragmented care, not by the fault of any doctors or medical groups. It’s simply the reality of the situation. Getting this care under one roof is going to be so huge.”

In Lancaster, Saline, Gage, and Seward counties, nearly 9,000 people receive cancer treatment each year. Almost half of those patients seek care outside Lincoln. A comprehensive community cancer center uses the same treatment protocols as National Cancer Institute (NCI) facilities while allowing patients to receive care close to home.

The Bryan Comprehensive Community Cancer Center will offer advanced technology and treatment with a healing, comfortable environment. Bryan’s approach to cancer treatment will honor the highest-quality treatment, care, and counseling available using a multi-disciplinary approach. For more information, visit www. bryanhealth.org/new-cancer-center.

While most people today have heard of the major cannabinoids CBD and THC, American Shaman is making history by focusing on minor cannabinoids for the unique effects. In June, the company offered the world’s first CBG oil powered by nanotechnology.

With the new CBGo Gummy Rings, they have combined that same “nano’d” formulation with apple cider vinegar (ACV) to create these cherry-flavored gummy rings. ACV is a popular supplement in its own right and has been a popular addition to products to help support weight loss.

To learn more about CBD American Shaman in Lincoln, visit cbdoflincoln.com or contact franchise owner Lance Schroeder at (531) 500-3672 / lincolnamshaman@gmail.com. Stores are located off of 48th and O St., 27th and Cornhusker Hwy, and 16th and Old Cheney.

Did you know our office is bilingual?

Being able to communicate with our patients is a top priority!

Now accepting new patients!

Family Dentistry • Restorative Dentistry Cosmetic Dentistry • Emergency Dentistry 4525 S. 86th Street, Ste. A | Lincoln, NE 68526 starcitydentalne.com | (402) 489-7806 #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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HEALTH NEWS JDRF Addresses Final Regulation Eliminating Drug Rebates in Medicare Part D

Right Foot Forward Fitness Brings the Gym to Your Living Room or Workout Space

JDRF has long advocated for affordable insulin, urging manufacturers, health plans, employers, and policymakers to ensure that people with T1D (type-1 diabetes) can obtain the lifesaving medication they need at low and predictable out-of-pocket costs.

If it’s difficult for you to get to the fully equipped training studio at Right Foot Forward Fitness because of COVID or other restrictions or limitations, don’t worry because they will bring the studio to you! Starting in December, Right Foot Forward Fitness will deliver the equipment and training supplies you need straight to your front door—from hand weights to bands to TRX systems.

You’ll also receive custom programming At-home agility ladder with full-length workout videos, diet support through a customized meal plan delivered to your inbox, complete with recipes and a weekly shopping list, biometric tracking, and daily support through an online coaching portal.

All you have to bring to the table is the hard work!

Right Foot Forward Fitness is the premier provider of individualized personal training in Lincoln. Whether you are an athlete, a master’s athlete (40+ years of age), seeking to lose weight, or looking to gain muscle and size, they can help you achieve those goals—at the training studio or at home! Right Foot Forward Fitness wants to help you achieve the best version of you possible so you can live the active, engaged life you want. For more information about in-home or studio training, visit rightfootforwardfitness. com or contact Owner Jeff Madsen at (402) 202-4555 / jeff@ rightfootforwardfitness.com.

As part of the solution to the high cost of insulin, JDRF has long supported ending the rebate system for both public and commercial insurance programs. Eliminating the current system of drug rebates in Medicare Part D, as the finalized regulation announced by the Department of Health and Human Services on November 20, 2020 will do, is an important step toward that end and will likely help lower the price Medicare beneficiaries pay for insulin. In addition, Medicare beneficiaries can lower their out–of–pocket costs for insulin with a program announced earlier by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) through which certain participating insurers will offer prescription drug plans for Medicare beneficiaries providing insulin for $35 per month starting in 2021. Beneficiaries have until December 7 to enroll for the year beginning January 1.

Overall, in order to solve the problem of high insulin cost, JDRF emphasizes the need for long-term solutions that make this lifesaving drug affordable for all, whether someone has Medicare, another kind of insurance, or no insurance at all. To learn more about JDRF's advocacy on this matter and ways you can get behind the mission of the organization, visit www.jdrf.org. Call (402) 484-8300 to reach the Lincoln office.

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Lincoln, NE 68506 Learn more: AMImaging.com 48 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2020

Not affiliated with Advanced Radiology of Grand Island, P.C.

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HEALTH NEWS American Red Cross Encourages Blood Donations to Head off Impacts of Winter The American Red Cross i s e n c o u ra g i n g h e a l t hy individuals to consider donating blood this month to head off the shortages that tend to occur in winter months when busy holiday schedules and winter weather can negatively impact blood donations. Make appointments to donate by using the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling (800) RED CROSS (800) 733-2767, or enabling the Blood Donor skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Blood products are perishable, and the only source of lifesaving blood for patients is volunteer blood donors. Every day, volunteer blood and platelet donors are needed in Nebraska to help save lives.

Blood can be safely donated every 56 days, and eligible donors can feel good knowing that by donating through the Red Cross, they may be helping patients not only in our community, but others across the nation. A blood donation takes about an hour, from start to finish, but the actual donation itself only takes about 8-10 minutes.

ACCESS TO YOU.

ALL THE TIME.

Dr. Todd Johnson · Access Family Medicine is Lincoln’s only membership based, insurance free, primary care clinic. · Provide your team with healthcare & peace of mind · Employees will receive all of their primary care needs for one low monthly rate!

Reduced, flat-rate plans available for businesses!

Krystal Jackson, PA-C

Each day, the American Red Cross is active in the community, serving those in need. Visit redcross.org or call (800) RED-CROSS to support Red Cross efforts by volunteering, donating financially, or giving blood.

Stop by our location in Legacy Square today!

8101 O St., Suite 302 • AccessFamilyMedicine.com • 402-858-1510

Alivation Health Announces New Aesthetic Division Alivation Health has opened a n ew a e s t h e t i c d i v i s i o n , Alivation Aesthetic. Ser vices will include body sculpting and contouring, muscle definition and enhancement, skin revitalization, anti-aging protection, laser tattoo removal, laser hair removal, vein reduction, waxing treatments, lamination/tint/lash treatments, and more. At Alivation Aesthetics, they believe you’re beautiful when you’re at peace with yourself. That is why their team provides customized plans to give you the confidence that you need and deserve. Being happy with yourself is the most beautiful thing you can achieve.

It’s always worth pursuing.

Alivation Health uses use the word integration to describe what they do. The body is a whole system and needs to be treated with each part in relation to the whole. They offer primary care for taking care of the physical person—regular health checks, health promotion, health maintenance. Another expertise is Alivation’s Behavioral Health division for taking care of your mental well-being. Their on-site pharmacy makes sure people get the medications they need before they leave. Also, through Alivation Research, they’re able to conduct and participate in important research studies that help further science, treatments, and medicine.

In the spirit of integration and their continual pursuit of Next Level You, Alivation Health is proud to now offer Alivation Aesthetics with cutting-edge treatments by combining skin and medical expertise with advanced technology. To learn more, visit www.alivationaesthetics.com or go to the Facebook page (@ alivationaesthetics1) / Instagram page (@alivationaesthetic).

Please contact (402) 817-2246 / aesthetics@alivation.com with any additional questions. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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DECEMBER 2020 Strictly Business

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STRICTLY BUSINESS UPCOMING EVENTS Last Month Recap It was a rainy day, which made our Friends4Lunch at Stauffer's Cafe & Pie Shoppe last month that much more fitting.

It's just the perfect place to order a steamy cup of coffee, nice warm soup or a fresh entree, and feel at home. Our group also enjoyed the French Dip, Polish Kraut Dog, and a few different breakfast platters, among other delicious meals. A couple of us ordered pies, of course, considering Stauffer's famously long list of homemade pies—all of which really hit the spot.

We were seated in the back private room which is a great space for small groups or organizations to get together. The Strictly Business team really appreciates everyone who is able and willing to joins us for this monthly networking lunch. We know these days are more difficult for people because of the virus scare, but we still want to give the people who are comfortable doing so the opportunity to come together in a safe and fun way...especially since our amazing Lincoln restaurants are taking the necessary steps to ensure everyone who leaves their venue is as healthy as when they walk in.

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Dickey's Barbecue Pit on Wednesday, December 9, 11:30 a.m.

Get in the holiday spirit and join us on Wednesday, December 9, at 11:30 a.m. at Dickey's Barbecue Pit (6125 Apples Way) for our Christmas-themed Friends4Lunch event. Wear festive attire such as Christmas colors or your favorite Christmas sweater... or maybe a fun Christmas-themed mask!

We're looking forward to nibbling on some yummy BBQ and connecting with friends, old and new. Dickey's, now owned by Tunde Bankole, has more than 75 years of experience cooking up the tastiest smoked meats around and over 25 years of helping franchisees reach their goals.

They know their way around the barbecue business. The restaurant is committed to sourcing only responsibly raised, quality meats, including spare ribs and pork butt, polish and jalapeño cheddar kielbasa sausage, chicken, and beef brisket. Your mouth is surely watering now!

At Omnify, your benefits have people — real people who really show up.

omnifybenefits.com 402.323.1803

Friends4Lunch is a chance for you to treat yourself to a change of scenery while connecting with other professionals outside of the office over a delicious lunch! This unique networking opportunity in Lincoln is casual and open to anyone in the business community who is interested in attending...it’s not just for clients! We are also proud to support local restaurants during this time.

RSVP is requested for these events. Please let the Strictly Business team know if you plan to attend by calling (402) 466-3330, emailing editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com, or marking yourself as “Going” on the Facebook event pages. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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RESTAURANT EXPOSÉ

Heating Up the Haymarket with Tacos & Tequila!

Delicious street tacos, addictive chips and dip options, festive cocktails, over 140 types of tequila...is it getting hot in here or is just Tipsy Tina's Taco Cantina in the Haymarket? When downtown Lincoln's newest bar FINALLY opened its doors, we didn't waste any time.

Walking in to Tipsy Tina's for the first time, we noted the lively, laid-back atmosphere, exposed brick and colorful accent walls, and more than 10 large TVs playing sports and other popular channels. The bar itself is positioned in the middle of the restaurant with a variety of seating options around it, catering to families that prefer booths, bigger groups looking for a high-top tables, and couples just needing a table for two. There are also bar stools for a nice front-row view of all of the authentic Mexican tequila, mezcal, rum, liquor, wines, local and imported craft beers, and friendly bartenders crafting up their irresistible selection of Mexican-inspired cocktails. Tipsy Tina's even offers outdoor seating on their wrap-around patio—which will be coveted spots come Husker game day in a normal year.

We started off with the Shillingbridge lime and strawberry winearitas, which can be found under Drafts on the menu—our eyes widened when we came face to face with two bowls of bright green and pink white wine and tequila mixers, on the rocks, in glasses dusted with sugar. They were delicious. A popular drink for the spicy lovers out there is the Michelada. The Worcestershire gives it a nice kick and the Tipsy Tina's Mexican Lager (made specially by Lazy Horse Vineyard and Brewing) smoothes out the taste. Want something sweet? The Shortcake is dessert in a cocktail.

Want something warm and cozy and served in the most Instagramable mug? The Cinnabean will put you right into snuggle mode. Want something that will get you moving? The citrusy Paloma or the strong, bright blue Mezcalita will wow you right onto your feet! There really is something for every Tina out there looking to get a little tipsy, not to mention the classic margarita which you can order in a HUGE glass chalice for $10—it could last you all evening. "I only had one drink tonight, I swear!"

The cocktails whetted our appetite, so we were ready to dig into the street tacos. First, we nibbled on some nicely battered and fried Elote Bites—warm and delicately crisp on the outside with a treasure trove of chewy sweet corn and chilies on the inside. We dipped them in their house chipotle ranch and queso sauce—perfection. Then we treated ourselves to some addictive chips and dip options such as chorizo-topped queso, mango habanera salsa, and the cream cheese bean dip. From the taco menu, we tried the Shrimp, Buffalo Chicken, Barbacoa, Carne Asada, Carnitas, Al Pastor, Fish, and vegan Sweet Potato tacos. Hard to pick a favorite since they were all yummy, but the Buffalo Chicken and Shrimp get our best reviews. What set both of these over the edge was the mild jalapeño slaw that brought so much flavor into the mix. The Sweet Potato one took us by surprise as well. Much better than we could have guessed it to be.

Tipsy Tina's menu also boasts a couple breakfast items and filling salad options with a selection of six different dressings, all of which are made from scratch in-house.

Tipsy Tina's Taco Cantina in the Haymarket is where you go when you want to take shots with friends and sip on a good cocktail or margarita, while nibbling on street tacos or chips so you don't end up on the floor like the saying goes... one tequila, two tequila, three tequila...140 tequilas?! You get it.

(531) 500-3182 tipsytinas.wordpress.com #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Lincoln’s Premier Senior Living Experience Assisted Living that Feels Like Home M A IN T E N A N CE - FR E E L IV IN G • Chef-prepared, restaurant-style meals & decadent desserts • Light housekeeping • Weekly laundry & linen changes • Paid utilities, including basic cable

D I S T IN CT IV E A M E N IT IE S • Two, one-bedroom & studio suites • Fireplace lounge, library & pub areas • Cozy outdoor courtyard & walking paths • 100% Wi-Fi coverage

P E R S O N A L IZE D S E RV ICE S • Beauty salon & barbershop services • Enriching spiritual & leisure activities • Complimentary physician & transportation coordination • Daily comfort & wellness checks • Specialized memory care program with safety monitoring technology

S H O RT- T E R M R E S ID E N CY — A L S O AVA IL AB LE • Private, furnished suite • Same exceptional services & amenities as long-term residency • Available in periods of 1 week or more • Ideal for recovery from surgery or hospital stay • Perfect solution for caregivers traveling out of town or needing a small break

PLUS, guidance from Tabitha’s industry-leading Senior Care Experts

Call to learn more or schedule a tour today I’m here to share free, expert guidance and community-based resources that best fit your needs.

Aubrey Paulsen, Senior Living Advocate 402.480.3487 Aubrey.Paulsen@Tabitha.org 20_0309_TAB_SP

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4620 RAN DOLPH S T. , LIN COLN, NE 68510 | TABITHAGRACEPOINTE.ORG Strictly Business DECEMBER 2020 #PrintProudDigitalSmart

LINCOLN INDEPENDENT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

by Bud Synhorst, President

(402) 466-3419 • www.liba.org

Now It’s Time to Show Up and VOTE in LOCAL Elections Decisions are made by those who show up!

This phrase is one that is very prominent especially around election time every cycle, which is so true. Throughout my career, I often spend some time after each election pondering the outcomes of each election.

Voter turnout is a number which always intrigues me and a number I look at a lot.

During the recent national election, we saw record numbers of voters voting, which was encouraging to many. Here in Lancaster, over 155,000 voters participated in the election last month, or about 77.0% of registered voters. Some will call that awesome turnout, others will question why more voters didn’t participate.

For me, I wanted to look back and compare turnout from past elections, which was very revealing to me.

In the City of Lincoln, we have elections every year, unlike most communities in our state. In even number years, we have either a mid-term or presidential race. In the odd numbered years, we have several local offices—mayor, city council, school board, airport authority, and sometimes various city charter changes, bond issues, or petition matters. Consider this, we had a record number of votes cast in our last election cycle (2019) for various local offices, and the voter turnout was 36.8%. I believe as voters, we can do better than 36.8% turnout. Let’s look at the raw numbers for voter turnout for the last three general elections in Lincoln/Lancaster County: 2020 – 155,020 (76.3%); 2019 – 62,157 (36.8%); and 2018 – 117,836 (61.4%).

Here’s what I find interesting and ask you to ponder—we have a high turnout percentage for our election of President of the United States. However, in 2019 less than 40% of registered voters participated in the election which includes several local offices, which have major taxing authority locally. In 2018 midterm election, we in Nebraska elect statewide offices such as governor and other constitutional offices, which have an impact on our dayto-lives and the taxes we pay. Yet, the turnout of voters in both of those elections, which impact our daily lives in Nebraska, had fewer voters than the presidential election.

I believe we can and should do better! There are significant discrepancies in voter turnout between the “big” national elections and our local elections. I would encourage you to make sure you are informed and are participating in our local elections. Your vote matters and decisions are made by those who show up! Show up when taxing entities are asking for more of your tax money. Show up to vote for the offices which are impacting local taxes, local regulations, and local policies. Show up and make your voice be heard.

Did you know Lancaster County has a permanent absentee voter list you can be added to? It is very simple to sign up for the list by contacting the Lancaster County Election Commissioner’s office or go to their website and download the request form and submit the form. You will be sent notification prior to the ballots being sent to make sure your address hasn’t changed and you return the card to get your ballot through the mail.

With all we have going on our lives, our local election commissioner has created a way to make sure we show up and have our voice be heard. I believe we all need to do our part to participate in our election process.

With the internet these days, learning about candidate positions is simple.

Remember, decisions are made by those who show up!

LIBA studies and promotes these types of issues that are important to businesses and our community. If you have an interest in joining, please call LIBA at (402) 466-3419. LIBA membership is not restricted to just businesses. We also have “individual” memberships for those who want to help influence our local government decisions.

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Give the Gift of a Staycation!

402.261.7800 | thekindlerhotel.com | @kindlerhotel 216 N 11th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508 stay@thekindlerhotel.com

DECEMBER 2020 Strictly Business

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Identifying a Gambling Addiction ...in yourself or a loved one.

With the recent initiatives on the ballot being passed to change the Nebraska constitution to allow slot machines and table gambling, as well as two laws that will regulate and tax casino gambling in the state, gambling has become a hot topic right now. Not to mention football being in full swing, which is one of the most popular sports for betting. Regardless of how good or bad people believe gambling will be for the state from a tax standpoint, it's important to acknowledge that gambling can be an addiction for some people—one that can lead to family/marital issues, crippling debt, violence, and even suicide. Like any addictive activity— alcohol, drugs, pornography, shopping, you name it—gambling can be a slippery slope. Unfortunately, most people don't even realize they've slipped until they are faced with a consequence or situation they're unsure how to get out of. This is why it's imperative to know the signs of a gambling addiction so you can identify it in yourself or a loved one before it gets to that point, and the resources available if help is needed. The Nebraska Commission on Problem Gambling (problemgambling.nebraska.gov) has put together a list of questions you can ask yourself when you're worried about your own behavior, along with a list of questions to go through with a family member when a gambling/betting problem is suspected in a loved one.

Questions to ask a family member • Do we feel that our loved one cannot be trusted with money?

• Have we set aside money to pay bills and discovered the money is missing?

• Have we find ourselves wanting to search our loved one’s clothing, wallets, closets, electronic devices, bank statements, financial statements, etc., for evidence to confirm our suspicions; or have we found scratch-off tickets, lottery tickets, loan books, etc. hidden away in the house or car?

• Has our loved one been inexplicably unavailable and unreachable, neglecting and jeopardizing employment and family responsibilities?

• Have we noticed a personality change in our loved one as their gambling progresses; perhaps their behavior becomes unpredictable with angry outbursts or moodiness or depression?

• When we confront them, they will either deny that gambling is a problem or will promise to curtail or stop it; however, the gambling continues, often in secret?

• Does our loved one justify it by saying gambling will solve financial problems?

• Are we being lied to or manipulated by our loved one—things do not make sense, they make us feel guilty and shift blame onto us, suggesting we are the cause for the gambling?

• Do we feel hopeless, isolated and alone, too embarrassed, or ashamed to confide in other family members and friends about the issue?

Questions to ask Yourself • Have I become restless, irritable, or anxious when trying to stop/cut down on gambling?

• Have I tried to keep my family or friends from knowing how much I gamble?

• Do I have financial trouble as a result of gambling to the point where I had to get help with living expenses from family, friends, or welfare?

Getting FREE Help Choices Treatment Center is an outpatient treatment and recovery facility committed to helping individuals overcome problems related to gambling, substance abuse, and mental health through a holistic approach so all co-occurring issues may be addressed. All of the counselors at Choices are certified with the Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program. This program allows them to provide, at no charge to the client, assessments for problem/pathological gamblers, consultations/ interventions for problem gamblers and their families, financial counseling, and individual treatment. They offer a 24-hour helpline staffed by licensed counselors, individual and group counseling, and education sessions.

CHOICES OFFICE & 24-HOUR HELPLINE: 402-476-2300 LINCOLN GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS: 402-473-7933 NATIONAL/NEBRASKA HELPLINE FOR COMPULSIVE GAMBLING: 1-800-522-4700 NEBRASKA GAMBLING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM HELPLINE: 1-833-238-6837

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127 South 37th St., Suite B www.choicestreatmentcenter.com

Strictly Business DECEMBER 2020

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LINCOLN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

by Wendy Birdsall, President

(402) 436-2350 • www.lcoc.com

Preparing for Additional Disruptions

The continuing pandemic has made us all examine best practices and adaptations throughout our everyday life. While we have made strides in many areas over the past eight months, we must also remember that the current situation is evolving and the winter months could mean additional efforts are necessary to not only protect our businesses, but our community as well. We must ensure that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) remains readily available at our businesses. LNKPPE.com offers an excellent opportunity for businesses to not only keep their PPE inventories stocked but to support local businesses as well. One lesson learned early in the pandemic was that some supply chains, no matter the sector, may not be as strong and automatic as previously thought—continued evaluation of supply chains is crucial.

We must also continue to identify opportunities to work remotely, where possible, and consider potential software upgrades, reevaluate existing schedules and continuously work to enhance this vital compliment to the traditional office setting. All businesses should also implement a COVID response team if one does not already exist. Constant communication and cooperation with local health departments, elected officials and other agencies is crucial to staying up-to-date on what actions might be needed in response to another wave. Communicating a clear plan of action to employees and customers, which includes social distancing, mask wearing, proper hygiene and sanitization practices, is key.

Mental health and wellness considerations are also paramount in our ongoing efforts. Our normal way of life has been altered and because of that, we need to ensure resources are readily available to help employees and workplaces with mental health concerns. This also accounts for legal concerns, anxiety about employees returning to the workplace amid another wave and boosting employee morale.

Our Mask-Up Lincoln campaign is just as important today as when we started it in May, in partnership with the Mayor’s office. We are proud of the many businesses that have taken the necessary steps to make their businesses safe and helped reduce the spread of the virus. As we heard recently from Dr. Jeffrey Gold, Chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, at our Face the Chamber event in October, “We know this is a droplet spread infection, we know it has aerosol components and we know without a fraction of a doubt that masks save lives. I mean, every single serious scientific endeavor has shown masks save lives.”

I also want to acknowledge the work of the frontline healthcare workers and thank them for their crucial work and unwavering dedication throughout the pandemic. They are the unsung heroes of 2020, without a doubt.

Finally, in partnership with the Mayor’s Economic Task Force, we are challenging all business leaders in Lincoln to allocate an additional 1% of annual expenses to support local businesses. This pledge extends to residents as well, who can spend more locally and prioritize our local businesses to see the power of one percent. This small allocation will have a large impact on the economic recovery of our city. You can view and take the pledge at www.lcoc. com/one-percent-pledge.

We must learn from the lessons of the past eight months and adapt to what might be coming in the months ahead.

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

The Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to improve the lives of Lincoln residents by providing increased economic opportunity and can only be accomplished together. For more information, contact Derek Feyerherm at dfeyerherm@lincoln.org.

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(402) 466-8118 w w w.biggerstaf fs.com DECEMBER 2020 Strictly Business

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Lincoln Federal Savings Bank - Who We Are. Lincoln Federal Savings Bank has been serving the Lincoln community for 114 years. With 5 branches in Lincoln, we provide all of your personal banking needs; from checking accounts to savings accounts to home mortgages, we have you covered.

Rolling Through the Years

Lincoln Federal Savings and Loan Association (1962)

It all began in 1906. That was the year that we started in the loan business as Lincoln Savings and Loan Association. Our first loan was approved in the amount of $500! In 1937, Lincoln Savings and Loan Association became a federal charter, Lincoln Federal Savings and Loan Association. In 1962, Jerry Maddox and Dick Hitz joined our team. At this time we were located off of 11th & O Street – you’ll notice the large bronze penny on the outside of our building at the time. In 1970 the association grew to $11.3 million in assets, relocated to 1101 N Street and expanded to the western part of the state…Of course we took that bronze penny with us. In 1990, Leo Schumacher, our current CEO, joined the team! And now, in 2020, we have grown to over $300 million in total assets, developed land across Lincoln, and have built a new Corporate Office at 8400 Maddox Drive. Yes, if you’re wondering, the very same bronze penny from 1962 is the focal point of our lobby.

What do you think makes you different from other companies similar to yours?

In comparison to our competitors we offer highly competitive rates on all of our products – checking, savings, certificates of deposit and residential mortgage loans.

When you call our bank, Nicole will answer the phone – no robots here! Personal Banking Like You Remember is more than a tagline – it is how we treat our customers.

Our personal banking truly gives us a competitive edge and makes our customers feel at ease. Our products are meant to meet you where you are in your financial journey.

Jerry Maddox and Dick Hitz (1973) pictured with the copper penny on its move to the new downtown location

What kind of community organizations is your business involved with?

Our banking professionals in Lincoln are involved in a number of community organizations through the Lincoln Federal Lending Hands Program. This program is designed to get employees involved in their communities through volunteering. Some of the organizations that our Lincoln employees serve are Make-A-Wish, HBAL, Junior Achievement, TeamMates, Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach, VITA, and Salvation Army. In addition to community programs, a committee of Lincoln Federal employees has banded together to create the LincolnFED Kids program. This committee hosts fundraisers year round to raise money for holiday food baskets.

These baskets include the groceries needed to host a holiday meal, desert, and enough food to help 125 food-insecure families in our community get through the holiday school break.

Food basket delivery and set up at one Lincoln elementary school in 2019

What changes have you seen in the industry in the past few years?

In the past few years Lincoln Federal has evaluated the market and has made some great changes! We have reevaluated our product offerings to provide a highly accessible and easy to use mobile app, bill pay, compatibility with Apple Pay and Google Pay, and so much more!

In 2020, we have all been presented unique challenges. We have adapted in ways that we hadn’t imagined before – at one time over 50% of our workforce was working remotely, we had to adapt our loan closings to make sure that our customers were feeling comfortable throughout the process – we began using video chats and started performing closings outdoors where accessible. We adapted all of our services to be performed through the drive-thru to minimize contact and have optimized our online banking so that all of your banking needs can be performed at home with little effort. Member FDIC.

Amy Haeffner; VP, Loan Production Manager and Shelly Simonson; VP, Administration pictured receiving the annual plaque for their organization of Lincoln Federal Savings Bank’s annual Make-A-Wish Golf Tournament

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DOWNTOWN LINCOLN ASSOCIATION Count on us for EVERY Season

by Todd Ogden, President (402) 434-6900 • www.downtownlincoln.org Licorice International Begins a New Chapter

After 18 years of business and 14 years at its location at 803 Q St. in the Haymarket, Licorice International began a new chapter at the beginning of 2020.

Co-founders Ardith Stuertz and Elizabeth Erlandson passed along their business to the capable hands of long-time employee Erin Burianek, and her first task was to find a new location for the gourmet licorice and candy store.

She settled on two locations: one, a relocation just a block away in the Haymarket at 230 N 7th St.; another at 4725 Prescott Ave. in College View—across the street from Licorice International’s original retail location.

“They started at the old location in 2002, and I think it was about 2004 that I started,” Burianek said. “I was one of their first customers. That’s part of the reason why we were excited to go to the College View location—to be back in the old neighborhood.

But I didn’t want to leave downtown, either. So we thought splitting into two, smaller locations would be better.”

Burianek fell in love with salty licorice during a trip to Sweden when she was 17. It was a happy coincidence that Licorice International opened just five blocks away from her house when she got back. They were one of the first U.S. companies to operate a gourmet licorice e-commerce website.

Burianek now runs the company alongside two other full-time employees: her mother, Leann, and Jared Scott, whose primary focus is shipping online sales from the College View location.

Along with around 30 new licorice and candy products, a major addition to the store this year is Burianek’s artisan gelato business, Gelato To Go. Of course, this time, it was a visit to Italy that sparked her interest in the frozen dessert.

“I learned how to make gelato with a lot of experimentation,” Burianek said. “I had a hand crank thing. I broke lots of them. It’s so fun, I just like different pairings of gelato flavors. It makes me smile.”

Burianek kicked off the business in 2009 selling cones at the Farmer’s Market and has since began selling pints at Open Harvest and Leon’s Gourmet Grocer in Lincoln. She likes to keep the gelato traditional, often opting for cantaloupe and hazelnut flavors.

Burianek’s mother had her own booth at the Haymarket Farmers’ Market when Erin was growing up, so Licorice International’s new Haymarket space holds fond memories for her.

Owner Mike Hillis agreed to rent half of the Hillis & Company space to Licorice International as long as Burianek sold her gelato, which he occasionally uses for catering events.

“At one time, he had the space open for a deli, and he would open the doors on farmers market days,” Burianek said.

“My mom had her booth at the Farmer’s Market, so one of my favorite things was to come in here and get focaccia from him.

I’ve always loved this building.”

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Protecting the Health of Your Home & Business Next-Level Air Purification & Geothermal System Installation

Next-Level Air Purification Custom Cooling & Heating is now offering HALO-LED™, industry’s first LED in-duct, whole home and building air purification system that is both mercury free and zero ozone compliant. The HALO-LED™, by RGF Environmental Group, proactively treats every cubic inch of air conditioned space, reducing airborne and surface contaminants and pollutants through bi-polar ionization and revolutionary, patent pending, REME-LED™ technology. A few highlights of this device include: • Easily installs in existing HVAC system • Turns on/off with HVAC blower • Kills bacteria and viruses on surfaces and in the air* • Industry’s first washable catalyst for high-load environment (i.e. cigar bars, smoking rooms) • Reduces allergens, odors, and VOCs • Long-life replaceable LED cell module, up to 5-year cell replacement • Seven-year limited warranty *Tested by Kansas State University. RGF products are not medical devices and no medical claims are made.

Geothermal System Installation Custom Cooling & Heating specializes in the installation of Geothermal systems. Geothermal heating and air conditioning systems tap into the Earth’s surface right in your backyard to use thermal energy found underground with a ground water system, horizontal and vertical systems, or pond/lake system— making it a very environmentally efficient solution. Custom Cooling & Heating installs world-class Geothermal heat pumps from Bosch, one of the top Geothermal manufactures in the country.

Benefits of Geothermal systems include: Built to Last—Conventional air conditioner have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, not to mention all the maintenance each system requires along the way. A properly designed and installed Geothermal system can last over 30 years!

Increases Home Equity—Traditional HVAC investments can burn money as more of a liability than an investment. Homebuyers prefer having a limitless heating and cooling source in the yard over a home that burns fossil fuels and costs them every time they adjust the thermostat.

No Obstructive Outside HVAC Equipment—Geothermal systems are buried underground in the yard so you don’t have to worry about bulky, noisy equipment that is exposed to the elements. The Geothermal heat pump is the only you might regularly encounter as it is either tucked inside the basement or garage.

American Made—Bosch strives to use the best components possible in their heat pumps. That’s why their equipment uses American-made parts as much as possible.

Efficient—All Geothermal heat pumps from Bosch installed by Custom Cooling & Hearting are Energy Star certified. Their Coefficient of Performance (COP) and energy efficiency rating (EER - the ratio of heating or cooling provided to electrical energy consumed) are some of the highest in the industry for 2-stage equipment offering you lower operating costs.

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Energy Efficiency There’s no question that Americans are hooked on practices that use a flabbergasting amount of energy every day. In fact, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), electricity accounted for 41% of household end-use energy consumption in 2019, while natural gas represented 44%, followed by liquefied petroleum gas, mostly propane. Space heating and air conditioning account for about 51% of annual seasonal household energy consumption, while water heating, lighting and refrigeration represent about 27% of total home energy use, and the remainder is used for things such as televisions, cooking appliances, washers and dryer, and electronics like computers, tablets, smartphones, video-game consoles, and internet streaming devices.

When it comes to commercial buildings—including offices, hospitals, food establishments, schools, police stations, churches, warehouses, hotels, and shopping malls—electricity and natural gas are the most common energy sources. Different commercial activities have unique energy needs but, as a whole, space heating accounts for about 25% of total energy use in commercial buildings, the EIA reports. Of commercial buildings, mercantile and service buildings use the most total energy. District energy services generally use fossil fuels, including coal, natural gas, or fuel oil, while some use renewable sources of energy like biomass, geothermal, solar, and wind energy.

Incentives for Efficiency Lincoln Electric System’s (LES) Sustainable Energy Program (SEP) provides financial incentives for residential, small business, and large commercial and industrial customers to encourage adoption of energy-efficient appliances, equipment, and other measures.

Incentives are available for the sealing and insulating of homes with relatively no existing attic or wall insulation, heat-pump water heaters, high-efficiency heat pumps, and air conditioning. Business customers are offered incentives for indoor LED lighting, high-efficiency air conditioning, heat pumps and chillers, and a variety of other industrial measures.

“Energy-efficiency replacements not only enable lower monthly electric bills, they contribute to enhanced comfort, productivity, and a reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions,” said LES Manager of Energy Services Marc Shkolnick. “Since launching in 2009, the SEP has provided in excess of $25 million to support more than 17,000 customer projects.

Projected annual energy savings of 134 megawatt hours is equivalent to the annual electrical use of approximately 20,000 average homes in the community.”

Marc Shkolnick Customers in Lincoln are increasingly Lincoln Electric System (LES) participating in programs like SEP, are installing LED lighting for their homes, purchasing internet-connect thermostats to better monitor and operate cooling and heating equipment, and are purchasing more Energy Star rated appliances. The combined impacts of increased energyefficiency standards and codes has flattened per-capita energy use over the last five to 10 years.

“Because cooling and heating comprise about 50% of a home or business’s energy consumption, focusing on reducing wasted energy in this area is typically most impactful,” Marc said. “In many cases, thermal-energy loss due to cracks and penetrations in a home or commercial building’s walls, sealing, and window frames are the most #PrintProudDigitalSmart

noteworthy places to start. Sealing the home or building envelope can reduce the run time of space conditioning equipment and create a more comfortable environment.”

A proper roofing system, including the right insulation and ventilation, make a tremendous impact on the efficiency and climate control of your home. The family-owned Neemann & Sons of Lincoln can help you accomplish just that—and more. They recently added Halo Lights to their lineup of innovative, energy-saving efforts. Not only can you show off your Christmas spirit with lights for the season, but these lights serve up a fantastic, new permanent solution to all of your outdoor lighting needs.

“We install blown-in insulation, proper ventilation, energy-efficient windows, and LED Halo Lights, all of which will help any homeowner achieve lower utility bills and feel good about contributing to energy conservation,” said Terry Neemann.

Tint Your Way to Savings!

You know that energy-efficient windows can save energy and money, but did you know that tinting your home and business windows can add another layer of savings, comfort, Terry Neemann and employee productivity? It’s true, and Neemann & Sons Pro-Tint is where you want to go to have it done. With more than 45 years of industry experience, you can count on them to install window tinting solutions with expertise and confidence, all toward protecting your investment and increasing your comfort, privacy, and safety.

“It might surprise you how many options are available for window tinting,” said Pro-Tint Owner Kristie Strahm. “They include sun control window films, which prevent fading and glare, block heat and harmful UV rays, add years to the life of your furniture, and extend the life of your cooling system.

Pro-Tint also offers Safety and Security Film tints to protect your home or business against flying glass shards, at the same time protecting you against break-ins Kristie Strahm and blasts.”

Pro-Tint Yet another option is Dual Reflective (DR) Window Film, which is ideal for both commercial and residential window applications where reducing hotspots, increasing occupant comfort and productivity, and conserving energy are equally important. DR Interior Window Films deliver excellent solar performance and are the ticket for maintaining a great view to the outside. They provide: more than 99% UV block to limit fading and sun damage; an excellent level of heat rejection to reduce energy required for cooling; outstanding glare control for enhanced occupant comfort and productivity!

“If you operate a business, you might also be interested in Pro-Tint’s decorative film finishes,” Kristie added. “These decorative finishes add an interior aesthetic touch, while providing privacy and controlling light.

Whatever option you choose, tinting your window is sure to save money on your energy bills and do help you do your part for the environment.”

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Stepping it Up! Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and equipment in our homes can go a long way to helping lower total energy use. John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning sells, installs, and services highefficient residential and commercial heating and air equipment for folks in the region. Lincoln homeowners are increasingly installing furnaces that are run 90% or more on gas and are taking full advantage of local utility-company rebates, which make higher-efficient outdoor units more affordable.

“Our customers enjoy some of the highestefficient, money-saving home heating and cooling systems available,” said John Henry’s Comfort Consultant Jon Becker. “Our highly trained technicians aid in keeping these units running at top efficiency, and 2020 saw even more homeowners taking advantage of lower energy use through two-state and variable-capacity heating and cooling components. The heating and cooling industry is always pushing forward toward new, more efficient technologies, and it appears that Jon Becker American homeowner and business owners John Henry’s are welcoming these innovations.”

Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning According to Jon, one of the biggest culprits of energy loss in homes and commercial businesses is people foregoing basic cleaning and maintenance of their heating and cooling systems. When a furnace filter clogs, the unit must work much harder to accomplish the same goal of keeping us comfortable. Months on end dealing with a clogged filter can add up big time in dollars lost, besides being extremely wasteful. You might ask, though, ‘Will the upgrades pay for themselves over time?’

“Absolutely,” Jon said. “We Nebraskans have the good fortune of experiencing all four seasons. High-efficient products allow us to save

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money during our hot, muggy summers, as well as our long, dry, cold winters. We even get to use our furnace and AC sometimes in the same day. This extreme use allows for a quicker return on our investment!”

Custom Cooling & Heating, Inc. in Lincoln is another superb choice for your heating and cooling efficiency needs. With more than 50 years of experience, they have the professional skills to keep your systems running smoothly and efficiency. Their trained staff can provide you with system analysis, design, and installation. Custom Cooling & Heating provides service and products including heating and cooling, air purification, filtration, geothermal, humidity control, mini-split, and efficient thermostats. Their company is large enough to offer you timely service and small enough to give you the personal service you deserve.

Are You Missing Out? The importance of upgrading insulation and ventilation in your attic cannot be overrated.

Attic Energy Efficiency focuses solely on saving energy and saving you money by doing just that. Owner Rex Schroder uses mainly cellulose insulation, which is superior to fiberglass, and he has developed specific techniques over the years that will make your attic more efficient and your home more comfortable. Cellulose insulation is about 80% recycled product and provides all-natural fire retardant—and doubling Schroder your attic insulation can save you anywhere AtticRex Energy Efficiency from 25% to 40% on your heating and cooling bills.

“If you have never upgraded your attic insulation, you are missing out on savings and comfortability,” Rex said. “The return on your investments in attic upgrades is usually less than three years, but savings start immediately! We believe that anyone can do insulation work, but not everybody can make the total attic package go above and beyond. That’s where we come in.”

Attic Energy Efficiency offers attic ventilation analysis and upgrades, as well as other energy-efficient techniques to help transform uncomfortable, inefficient homes into comfortable and efficient ones.

Rex adheres to a high standard of integrity and honesty and says he will never sell anything to a customer that he does not absolutely believe they need. The company guarantees to fix your home correctly and do it right the first time, no matter how small or big the job!

Safety, Comfort, and Energy Savings In line with protecting both humans and energy supplies, equipment manufacturers are making a host of new products that can improve your home’s comfort AND help you operate it more efficiently. From the most state-of-the-art thermostats and zoning systems to whole-house air-cleaning, humidification, and dehumidification systems, security and video systems, the marketplace is geared to making homes more energy-efficient and secure. Engineered Controls is on the cutting edge when it comes to building systems that do it all.

“To combat indoor air problems, Engineered Controls offers demand control ventilation software that will automatically adjust heating and cooling systems to introduce higher levels of outdoor air only when occupancy levels of building contaminants are at a high level,” said Engineered Controls President and CEO Pat Killeen. “Equally important is that features like demand control ventilation only induce more outdoor air when required, thus allowing building owners to maintain optimum levels of indoor air quality Pat Killeen and, at the same time, obtain substantial Engineered Controls energy cost savings while increasing the comfort and productivity of the employees or tenants.”

Engineered Controls recently finished a $90 million expansion project at the Metropolitan Community College Fort Omaha campus, where they installed a Honeywell building management system that includes #PrintProudDigitalSmart

monitors and controls for all the traditional mechanical sub-systems like air-handling units, chillers, and pumps. In addition, the building automation system integrates electrical metering equipment, BTU metering, emergency generators, and lighting systems. Engineered Controls also featured custom energy or utility dashboards to assist students and faculty in visualizing energy consumption on campus, plus deliver weather data and energy-conservation suggestions about how to improve the building’s energy performance.

Sustainable Energy Program Streamline Your Way to Savings Sustainable Energy Program funds are still available! Get The Streamline Energy Solutions team of energy-efficiency specialists money to purchase energy-efficient equipment for your operates with the goal of saving energy—and saving you money. They home or business. Save energy. Save money. Save more! pride themselves on being a one-stop shop for all of your home energyVisit LES.com/SEP or call 402.475.4211 for more details. efficiency needs, providing various insulation and weatherization services, coupled with a crucial blower door test, to create immediate improvements in how your home uses energy.

LES.COM/SEP “One of the biggest things we recommend to create the maximum impact when someone wants to insulate their home is to air seal it,” said Streamline Co-founder and BPISEPAd2.indd 1 11/16/2020 4:51:25 PM Certified Auditor Jen Keller. “We’ll locate all the accessible crevices in your attic, including around your fixtures and top plates and seal them so to prevent conditioned air from leaking into the attic space. That preps the attic for us to insulate with blownin fiberglass. We prefer this product over cellulose because it doesn’t settle over time, Jen Keller does not absorb moisture, and is a lot cleaner Streamline Energy product. Of course, the baffles we install in Solutions an attic are a crucial step in the process, too, Roofing • Siding • Gutters • Attic Insulation because they keep the insulation from blocking air flow through your soffit vents and provide necessary ventilation.” call today for your free consultation!

Streamline uses CertainTeed Insulsafe SP blown-in insulation not only 402.450.9323 | schroderrex@yahoo.com because it doesn’t settle but also because it provides better coverage, excellent sound control, lasts for the life of your home to reduce longterm energy demand and costs; is environmentally sustainable and Nebraska/Western Iowa territory. “We formaldehyde-free; and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. This have new application software that helps isn’t your typical itchy fiberglass. It is actually soft to the touch! Another us determine whether you have enough fabulous offering from Streamline Energy Solutions that is not universal insulation to bring it to code, as well as to all insulation companies is a blower door test because not everyone determining proper ventilation that also helps maintain the life of your roof.” is BPI (Building Performance Institute)-certified to administer them.

“It depressurizes—or creates a vacuum—where it is pushes as much Along with improper insulation and air as possible, then a manometer measures the amount of cubic feet ventilation, older, single-pane windows and of air per minute that goes OUT of your home,” Jen explained. “We windows that may not have been sealed right complete a blower door pre-test before air sealing and insulating, are some of the biggest culprits of energy then retest afterward to show the immediate results. The increased loss in homes and commercial buildings alike.

Josh Conner efficiency adds to the value of your home, increases your comfort and, Investing in proper upgrades will pay for Xcel Roofing importantly, improves the air quality in your home, so it’s also great themselves in virtually all cases. for people with allergies!”

“We normally run a cost-benefit analysis, which allows us to show you Streamline is proud to be a registered contractor for the LES (Lincoln what your return on investment would look like,” Josh said. “It truly is Electric System) Sustainable Energy Program to engage a rebate for worth the investment because you will notice it on your energy bills achieving increased efficiency through our practices, and it immediately over the year—especially with the LES credits that are available.” comes off of homeowners bills. They also own Halo Custom Lighting, Maintenance Matters which can help you light up your home with energy-saving LED lights for the holidays—or all year long. This sister business has become If your heating or air-conditioning loses efficiency from a lack of tremendously popular—including sales and installations by Neemann maintenance, utility bills can skyrocket. Biggerstaff Plumbing and and Sons in Lincoln, with versatile and fully customizable lighting Heating, Inc. offered some advice to home or commercial building owners to protect themselves from high costs—and even save themselves options for your home.

30%-50% off of heating and cooling bills. Those include ensuring that Insulate & Ventilate your filters and condensate lines are checked regularly; clean filters at Improper attic ventilation is one of the most common energy-wasters regular intervals are a must. Further, remember the two major energy in homes today. Simply having ventilation in an attic space, however, burners in commercial office buildings—the lights and the heating and won’t properly ventilate a home. Ventilation must be specifically cooling systems. More efficient light fixtures using LED technology will calculated based on square footage, then installed properly. If you save energy and money, and for heating and cooling, high-efficiency don’t know how much insulation you have in your home or whether it equipment with modulating/inverter technology is also available. meets code, it’s time to call in some professionals to measure it for you.

Attaining responsible energy efficiency in our homes and buildings is Xcel Roofing is a fabulous option. something to which each of us can contribute. Fortunately, Lincoln is has professionals who can help you do your part, attaining a balance “We offer energy-efficient windows, attic insulation, and efficient between sustainability and your personal health and comfort. ventilation upgrades,” said Josh Conner, general manager for Xcel’s #PrintProudDigitalSmart DECEMBER 2020 Strictly Business 63

Mental Health Awareness

Mental Health Awareness Day Should Be Every Day! About 44 million American adults experience a serious mental-health condition in a given year, including 46% of teenagers, and 13% of children—but those numbers have been blown out of the water by the exponential increase in mental-health disorders amidst the pandemic of 2020. What’s more, according to a report in the October 9 Journal of the American Medical Association, there is mounting evidence that a “second wave” of spiking mental-health and substance-abuse disorders is “imminent” in COVID’s wake, further overwhelming the already-stressed mental-health system, including access problems for some of the most vulnerable people.

Mental illness affects people of all ages, races, religion, and income but, sadly, less than half of those who struggle with mental-health conditions ever get treated for them. Just as diabetes and heart disease are medical disorders, mental illness is a physical illness of the brain. Harvard Health reports that anxiety alone has been implicated in several chronic During the past 12 months….

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physical conditions, including heart disease, chronic respiratory disorders, and gastrointestinal conditions. So why does the stigma of mental illness being a personal “weakness” still play so prominently in our society?

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America says the answer, in part, is a lack of understanding and sometimes fear, as reflected in the way people routinely belittle mental health and make light of it. You’ll commonly hear people say things like, “I literally had a panic attack” or “She’s so bipolar” or “He’s a little OCD.” Those who actually struggle with these sometimes debilitating mentalhealth issues take messages from these off-the-cuff comments that they should keep their battles to themselves.

The repercussions of the stigma around mental health and the dramatic increase in the numbers of people suffering from it in 2020 are a couple of the reasons that we believe it’s crucial to talk about it. While there are times of the year that mental-health awareness is center stage, we don’t think that’s enough. We believe that Mental Health Awareness Day should be every day.

On the Front Lines People’s City Mission CEO Pastor Tom Barber said while he believes most Nebraskans are aware that mental health is a growing problem in our society, he doubts that they full comprehend its devastating impacts on those who suffer from mental illness and doesn’t believe they understand the lack of resources available to deal with this social dilemma. Pastor Tom says mental-health disorders have long been a growing problem in Lincoln, and the number of people at the Mission with Tom Barber mental illness has spiked since COVID hit.

People’s City Mission “It is a very serious and growing problem for Lincoln,” he said. “When I first came to the Mission in 2004, issues with mental health accounted for about 5% of the guests staying here.

This year, it accounts for over 20% of our clientele. I have directly observed COVID contributing to the stress and despair of our clients who suffer from mental-health issues, though we have no way to determine if this virus is a primary factor in causing homelessness due to mental health—but there is a shortage of mental-health services needed to deal with this growing population.”

People’s City Mission primarily provides immediate relief—in the form of food, clothing, and shelter—to homeless individuals struggling with mental-health issues. They also help those clients find needed community resources, such as counseling, medications, and permanent housing. Unfortunately, there remains a stigma around these disorders—the answer to which is education.

“I believe we need more promotion of this cause to our community,” Pastor Tom said, “and the public’s continued education could help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Creating a culture of care and acceptance for those suffering with mental health is the best way for the community to help!” #PrintProudDigitalSmart

According to Krystal Jackson, PA-C for Access Family Medicine, COVID has significantly affected our mental health, thanks to increased stress, worry, and anxiety related to financial security, personal safety, isolation, and loss of interpersonal interactions.

She said it’s important to recognize within yourself when you are struggling and ask for help. You can start by talking to your primary care provider, who can help refer you to counseling services and prescribe medications when needed.”

Krystal Jackson Access Family Medical “The cornerstone of mental health is counseling,” Krystal said, “helping us to navigate our thoughts, emotions, fears, and anxieties. Sometimes medications are needed to help us through these seasons, as they can help us to clear the ‘clouds of chaos’ in especially difficult times to open that space for counseling.”

Pivoting with Change With the burgeoning press of mental illness upon us, counseling is a crucial piece of the puzzle for many Nebraskans living with or newly struggling with mental-health issues.

Although we cannot fully evaluate the impact of COVID on mental health in the Lincoln community, Affinity Community Counseling Outpatient Therapist Abby Alger, LHMP (licensed mental health professional) said some common symptoms of mental-health illness have been exacerbated by the pandemic. Those include anxiety, frustration Abby Alger and anger, sadness and depression, and Affinity Community struggles with relationships with close friends Counseling and families caused by differing opinions about topics of the day. The repercussions of everything happening in 2020 have forced a change in counseling focus, too.

“Much of the work I am doing now revolves around creating appropriate boundaries to help people maintain balance in their lives,” Abby said. “Sometimes those boundaries are for social-media use, work/ life balance—especially with more people working from home—and setting boundaries in relationships. People in the helping professions are creative and used to pivoting to meet challenges head-on, and this has been no different. Seemingly overnight, we adjusted and made a way to still create access for our clients.”

One of the great challenges during 2020 has been that therapists also are experiencing the same stressors as their clients, which gives them a unique perspective in sessions with clients, but also means that they must ensure they are caring for themselves, as well.

“Therapists are experiencing burnout and fatigue at high rates right now,” Abby said. “As winter encroaches, we know that many will continue to struggle or deteriorate in functioning, and we will be needed more than ever. Counseling clients aren’t just struggling with mental health, either, but also are facing reductions in employment or even job losses, which sometimes means that getting the help they need is no longer a necessity because they need to feed their families.”

A Matter of Balance Mental health is directly related to physical health, so exercise is a crucial part of maintaining or improving your mental health.

Valiant Fitness works to help clients achieve the physical health piece of the puzzle.

“At Valiant Fitness, we focus on balancing the body through exercise, proper breath work, holistic nutrition, stress management, and more,” said Valiant Certified Personal Trainer and Balanced Body Pilates Instructor Justin Wittler. “Our services compliment the Justin Wittler important work for mental health that can Valiant Fitness #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Providing outpatient mental health services to support people in achieving their quality of life goals.

Learn more and contact us at AffinityCommunityCounseling.com 5539 S 27th Street, Suite 204, Lincoln, NE, (402) 435-2811

be achieved through therapy, and we always seek the root cause of what is keeping someone out of balance. Overall, it will take a large, concentrated effort to address the growing issues with mentalhealth issues—one that looks at all aspects of good mental health.”

Two of those aspects are fitness and nutrition. On the fitness side, Justin explained, simply getting blood-flow going can make a tremendous difference in people’s moods as endorphins are released.

In particular, strength training, walking outside, and basic stretching and breath work can be crucial for individuals struggling with mentalhealth issues. On the nutrition side, focusing on eating enough protein, healthy fat, and vegetables from any real food sources supports the balance of blood sugar and hormones. In particular, healthy fats from whole foods, including avocado, olive oil, egg yolks, coconut oil, are building blocks for adrenal, thyroid, and sex hormones. When our hormones are off, our entire system is off.

“When it comes to fitness, having access to trainers who are aware of any mental-health issues their clients may be experiencing is key, so that the trainer can adjust the workout to suit specific needs,” Justin said. “As a personal example, several years ago, I had a heavy strength workout planned for a client, but when she walked through the door and started telling me about the stress of her day and how overwhelmed she felt, I changed the plan. We took a walk outside, and to this day, that client still remembers that appointment as one of her favorites.”

In an effort to help clients improve their nutrition quality, Valiant doesn’t recommend another “diet” that triggers guilt and shame when you break it. Rather, they focus on holistic nutrition based on real, whole foods as a template to follow for good nutrition. A great partner to nutrition, physical fitness, and releasing some increased anxiety—as a piece of the overall puzzle—is massage. 5 Elements Massage & Spa cares for their clients with healing in mind.

“Massages are a great many things to a great many people,” said Owner Erin McLenon. “They are pain control for so me and preventive healthcare for others. Some just need to take care of themselves for a day, where others need a routine once a month to turn off their brains and relax. Other times, it is an alternative way to manage acute issues from daily life. Depending on the issue, clients can choose fix-it or relaxation work, whatever works best for them.

Erin McLenon Shrouded in Stigma 5 Elements Massage & Spa Research indicates that one in five Americans experience mental illness, with some 60 million affected in a given year—only 43% of whom actually receive treatment. Sadly, much of that is because mental illness is shrouded in a stigma that physical health is not, a stereotype that has persisted over time. Choices Treatment Center Director Deb Hammond said the No. 1 reason people don’t reach out for help is embarrassment, followed by time, fear, and money or lack of insurance benefits that would allow for counseling.

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Clouding the entire picture is people’s poor understanding of mental illness, to the extent that they dismiss depression as feeling down and lazy, or anxiety as being over-worried, when the fact is that these symptoms actually could represent cases of clinical mental illness. The risk of downplaying the warning signs can be dangerous.

“There is absolutely no shame in having an addiction or mental-health issue,” Deb said.

“If people continue to ignore signs, their Deb Hammond condition can become far more dire and Choices Treatment Center they begin to believe the misinformation and false stereotypes that they hear repeated so often. It’s important to seek help as early as possible, and we’re here to help without any judgment. I would encourage anyone who might be suffering with depression, anxiety, stress, or anger-management issues or anyone experiencing increased substance use or gambling to reach out to the community services available and keep calling until their needs are met.”

Youth at the Helm The simplest way to reduce or eliminate the stigma around mental health is to talk about it. Having good support systems in place and providing open lines of nonjudgmental communication between family, friends, and community members makes a real difference. Given the increased awareness of mental-health in recent years, Daring Minds Therapy, LLC therapist Erica Schroeder says today’s youth just might be the ones to guide a change in the attitudes associated with Erica Schroeder mental-health.

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“I believe a majority of middle-school-aged teens and high-school students have better awareness of what mental health is and, in some cases, it can even be identified as a form of status,” Erica said. “I often hear teens identify with peers by making statements such as, ‘Who’s your therapist?’, followed by sharing of therapeutic tools they have learned. On the other side of that, older generations are not as aware of, or believe in, mental-health services because their core family values are primarily associated with strength and/or being guarded, which do not correlate well with therapy.”

Change is difficult for people, too, and the pandemic and growing number of reported COVID cases and increased need for social distancing may increase people’s existing anxieties and other mentalhealth challenges—as it does for the therapists working with them.

“In some instances, the COVID pandemic exacerbated clients’ pre-existing conditions,” Erica said. “Any time there are major life changes for people who are already struggling, you can expect increased difficulties. Addressing ongoing difficulties and finding a new normal for any person is key to decreasing some of the symptoms associated with the pandemic. Keep in mind that therapists are also experiencing stressors, both personally and professionally, associated with COVID. Being safe for our families, ourselves, and being able to provide the best possible care for all of our clients is a difficult balance to maintain.”

A Positive Mindset While never a substitute for mental-health counseling or therapy, life coaching can supplement professional mental-health services by helping people refocus and improve their mindset to a more positivefacing one. Leadership Harbor does just that.

“To be very clear, we are not doctors or trained counselors or therapists, but we are really great at helping with people’s mindsets,” said Kris Peterson, a certified leadership, parenting, family, and youth coach with Leadership Harbor and an executive director with The Kris Peterson John Maxwell Team. “We don’t focus on the Leadership Harbor negatives, but on the positives and the potential for moving forward. Of course, if someone is truly in need of therapy or counseling, we want them to get that. Not doing so is like not seeing a cardiologist when you have a heart problem. Your mental health is as important to your entire body as anything else!”

Kris said she has seen COVID have mixed effects on people, with one of the biggest issues being people’s realization that it isn’t going away: “People need people. We’ve gotten to a point where many people are feeling that deep desire to be around other people, and I think that will get harder over the holidays when everyone really wants to be with their loved ones. There is likely to be a lot of stress and anxiety over that.”

One of Leadership Harbor’s services—a FREE one—focuses on suicide and bully prevention but its results reach much father. It’s called CALM, which is an acronym for stay Calm, Ask questions, and actively listen, Lead, and Move, and it helps people assess a situation and find a comfortable space in it. Leadership Harbor offers CALM to anyone, at no cost, because they consider it so essential, and it inspires positive changes.

“When you’re in the middle of something and something is holding you back from getting 100% from it, we can help you think about some things you can do to reinvigorate yourself by changing your approach,” Kris said. “We want to help people feel empowered, develop confidence, and experience all the good that comes with that process.”

While Kris believes that awareness of mental-health issues and the need for treatment of them has improved, the question is whether the common person realizes that they might be having issues that they can’t just move on from alone. Getting help isn’t the part that might be most difficult.

Realizing you need it might be even more challenging.

We can all play a role in improving mental health by becoming educated about it. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out to some of the professional service providers featured here. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Holiday Wrap-Up

The Jingle Bell season has begun, and we’re here with the third and final installment of our holiday feature to help you finish up your Christmas shopping list, settle your party plans, and help your local community by shopping locally.

LET IT SNOW! If you have a special someone you want to surprise with a gift they’re sure to treasure, we suggest working with the folks at Sartor Hamann Jewelers to make dreams come true! You don’t have to be thinking about kneeling down on one knee or breaking the bank to find the perfect gift for your special someone, family member, or friend.

“This holiday season, Sartor Hamann Jewelers is hosting a LET IT SNOW promotion,” said Sales & Marketing Director Anna Alcalde.

“If it snows 3 inches or more as measured by the National Weather Service at Lincoln Municipal Airport between the hours of 12:01 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, everything you purchased at Sartor Hamann between November 24 and December 24 could be free. Yes, FREE! Seriously, this is for real!”

Spanning four generations, Sartor Hamann Anna Alcalde Sartor Hamann Jewelers has been a huge part of the holidays in Nebraska since 1905. You can order online or by phone and arrange for curbside delivery, all gift-wrapped and ready to give. Orders over $99 qualify for free mailing.

“Some of the hottest items this year are stylish, stackable rings in every shape and design, and available in white, yellow, or rose gold,” Anna said. “You can mix and match, or pick one to give as a gift and another for yourself. If you want to know what to get your guy, men’s Oris and pre-enjoyed Rolexes are a coveted item on any man’s Christmas list. You will love working with our salespeople are highly trained, exceptionally helpful and go above and beyond to assist in finding the perfect gift. You can even purchase gift certificates, in-person or over the phone, to honor social distancing and save your in-store shopping fun for later.”

The Gift of Comfort If you haven’t heard about CBD American Shaman in Lincoln, you’re missing out, but what better time than the holidays to learn about all of the fabulous products they offer? Think gift shopping!

“CBD American Shaman is dedicated to bringing wellness to the world through ultra-concentrated, terpene-rich CBD oil derived from all natural, high-quality, industrial hemp,” said Lincoln Franchise Owner Lance Schroeder. “Taking or using a CBD enriched product can enhance your body’s ability to maintain balance and manage occasional stress. It is also known to have many beneficial properties and is particularly effective for supporting focus and maintaining health and well-being.”

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they have gift boxes, beauty products, pet boxes, bundle packages, and their Rise to Rest Trio. They also sell gift cards, and through December 31, if you buy $100 in gift cards, you’ll get a $20 gift card for free!

Some of their hottest products for the season are water-soluble CBD, 450 topical serum and 500 topical cream, CBNight, CBGo, Nano Gummies, Omega3 with CBD, canine and feline tinctures, CBD dog treats, and VG Cloud tinctures. Stop in at any of their three Lincoln locations for free samples, too!

Dinner Bells Not much about 2020 has been certain, but the fact that tasty eats will be part of most holiday celebrations is one thing you can count on. Depending on what your belly is grumbling for, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit and Cicis Pizza are a couple of sure-fire hits for the whole crew. Recently purchased by entrepreneur Tunde Bankole with hopes of keeping more local businesses going strong after the pandemic, the Dickey’s at 6125 Apples Way and Cicis at 5100 N 27 St in Lincoln are serving up their specialties Tunde Bankole throughout the holidays. Under Tunde’s Dickey’s Barbecue ownership, Dickey’s also continues to Pit & Cicis Pizza provide catering for gatherings, including holiday celebrations, as well as individual box lunches for meetings or home or office gatherings.

“It’s as simple as making one call to work out details, and Dickey’s will deliver it to your location on time,” Tunde said. “Dickey’s and Cicis both continue to follow all COVID guidelines to keep our customers safe, for dine-in, delivery, and pickup. At Dickey’s in Lincoln, we’re still operating the drive-thru and at Cicis, you can still enjoy all the benefits of our buffet dining, minus serving yourself. To maintain safety requirements during COVID, all you have to do is tell your server what you want, and they will serve it up—and you can still go back for more as many times as you want.”

When it comes to dessert time during the holidays, you can’t beat the famous pie selection at Stauffer’s Café & Pie Shoppe. They come in more than 60 delicious flavors and are all made from scratch. Be sure to order in advance and pick up some pies for your holiday meals and to give to friends and neighbors in the spirit of the season!

For the Home If you’re looking for a Christmas gift to brighten up someone’s home (even your own!), you can’t go wrong if you shop for them at Barnwood & Leather. Their unique furniture and decorative art would fit just as comfortably in your home as it would in a lake cabin.

“We continue to focus on customizing furniture for our customers,” said Brenda Clark, who owns Barnwood & Leather with her husband, Mike, “putting together pieces that fit their budgets and their needs. We are thrilled to offer unique, American-made barnwood furniture and custom-cabinet options.”

For the holiday season, Barnwood & Leather is offering item specials throughout December— in addition to their customer loyalty program savings always available to customers—so be sure to watch their Facebook and Instagram Brenda Clark pages (@barwoodandleather) to see what’s Barnwood & Leather on sale. If you’re not sure what to choose from the tremendous selection, you can also purchase gift cards and let your recipients select the perfect items for themselves! What’s more, they’re happy to set appointments outside of normal business hours if that is more convenient for customers, because they’re all about what works best for you!

The holiday season, like everything else in 2020, is destined to be very different from those in the past, but it’s still the perfect time to thank the important people in your life for all they’ve done to help get you through a tough year. That includes our local businesses. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

WINTER DRIVING Adverse winter weather can be dangerous and frightening for travelers, especially early in the winter season, when they’re out of practice—and late in the winter, when they get overconfident! In fact, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, bad weather and sloppy road conditions are a factor in nearly half a million crashes and more than 2,000 road deaths every winter. With this in mind, it’s crucial that anyone who drives in winter understand the safety rules for driving in severe weather, the rules for dealing with winter road emergencies, the crucial winterizing your vehicle requires, and general winter-driving safety.

When you drive in Nebraska winters, AAA recommends basic safety measures like keeping a bundle of cold-weather gear in your car, including extra food and water, warm clothing, a flashlight, a glass scraper, blankets, medications, and more. Further, make certain that your tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread, keep at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times, never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area like a garage, and do NOT use cruise control when you’re driving on any slippery surface, including ice and snow. If you have to go out, drive slowly, accelerate and decelerate slowly, increase your following distance, know your brakes, and don’t stop if you can avoid it.

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Of course, you’re required to have insurance on your vehicle, and carrying an adequate amount of coverage is crucial. Then, from a mechanical standpoint, wet, cold, and icy weather serve up the biggest challenges to your vehicle’s efficient operating. There are a host of mechanical things that are crucial to preparing your vehicle for winter, including your battery, ignition system, lights, brakes, tires, windshield wipers, winter driving kit, and exhaust and heating-andcooling systems. Read on to learn more about preparing for winter driving in Nebraska.

Insurance First!

First and foremost, before you head out on the winter roads, it is crucial to make certain that you have appropriate insurance to protect you and others on the road from worst-case scenarios. Do you have liability, uninsured motorist, and underinsured motorist coverages? How much of each? Do you have roadside assistance to help you repair a breakdown or tow your vehicle and you to safety? It’s definitely better to know how well you’re covered before you find yourself in a bind—or worse—amid a blinding storm!

Matthew Moorhead Shelter Insurance

“Winter driving in Lincoln is unpredictable, to say the least,” said Shelter Insurance Agency Owner Matthew Moorhead. “The university brings in young men and women from all over the country, and some have never had to drive on snow and ice. A good rule of thumb, in general, is to dress and plan for the worst. Always keep warm shoes or boots, coats, hats, and gloves in your vehicle.

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On the insurance side, roadside assistance is a good option to have and is included on every Shelter Insurance auto policy up to $100 per occurrence. If you are someone who travels or commutes substantial distances, you can purchase higher amounts.”

If you don’t have adequate liability, uninsured motorist, and underinsured motorist coverage, you can put yourself in a rough place in the event of an accident. If you’re not certain how much and what type of auto insurance you need, don’t worry. Matt can walk you through your options and give you some recommendations that fit your situation. The minimum amount of insurance you have to carry to drive in Nebraska is $25,000 per person in liability and $50,000 per accident of bodily injury coverage—but that doesn’t mean it’s a great level of coverage.

“If you have minimum liability limits and your vehicle is struck by someone who carries only minimum liability, and you were injured—say, break a leg—but need surgery to correct it, it’s not life-threatening, but it can do some damage to your wallet,” Matt said. “In this case, you will have $25K coming from the person who struck you and $25K coming from your underinsured motorist coverage on your policy. I don’t know if you have had surgery lately, but I think it’s a pretty good bet than an ambulance ride, plus hospital stay, surgery, casting, follow-up, physical therapy, and lost wages from work is going to be north of $50K.” With that scenario in mind, Matt said he recommends that drivers have at least $250K of liability per person and 500K of underinsured motorist coverage per accident—an upgrade that provides 10 times more coverage at a cost of about $5–$10 per month. Whatever amount of coverage, everyone should always practice defensive driving, no matter the season. In the winter, don’t be tempted to drive until the windows defrost because seeing is quite important for driving.

Also, be prepared for slippery conditions, as you simply can’t avoid them. Ice doesn’t have insurance, though, so if you slide into somebody, it’s your fault when it comes to insurance! Maybe it’s time to call Matt.

“I can take the time to explain your coverages and the options that are best suited to you,” he said. “If you have ever watched a television commercial where an insurance company tells you to just get online and get a quote, the problem is that as consumers, we have it programmed into our heads that the cheapest price is going to be the best deal. When it comes to insurance, though, you sometimes get what you pay for.”

Road Ready Before winter really takes hold, there is an array of mechanical and otherwise functional parts of your vehicles that are crucial to get checked out. The Mechanix Garage is a great place to make sure your vehicle is winter-road ready. Opened recently at 1323 Dawes Ave., The Mechanix Garage is a full-service automotive shop, offering everything from oil changes and full vehicle inspections to wiper-blade or tire replacement on all makes and models of vehicles. Owner Delta Nelson and her full-time mechanic, Garrett Rech, both know their way around any vehicle challenge.

“Winterizing your vehicle requires measuring your tire-tread depth and air pressure,” Delta said. “Using a quarter, if the top of Washington’s head is just visible when placed headfirst in a tread groove, then the tread has about 4/32 of tread, and anything below that can drastically impact your vehicle’s stopping ability in wet or icy conditions. Low tire tread is a main culprit of winter collisions. Tire manufacturers recommend replacement of ties at 2/32. Tires at this measurement generally have tread bars showing and/or bald spots.

When your automotive shop tells you that your tires are measuring 5/32, it’s time to start thinking about new tires. Make sure that your tires have the proper PSI (pressure per square inch), as well. Improper

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Tires that are overinflated or underinflated can compromise your driving ability—and your tires—prematurely.”

Battery failure tends to be a main cause of motorists getting stranded.

Harsh weather conditions, whether hot or cold temperatures, affect the life of a vehicle battery. The Mechanix Garage recommends routine inspection of your battery. You can do this by using a battery tester if the vehicle isn’t driven on a regular basis. Perform routine battery replacement as a preventive measure.

“You also need to replace your vehicle’s windshield wiper blades if they cause smearing or chattering,” Delta said. “Also, ask us if your washer fluid is good in cold weather. Believe it or not, there are different levels for warm and cold weather in washer fluids.”

Protection from the Elements Winter weather in Lincoln may not make you want to run out in the wind and frigid temperatures to wash your vehicle, but it should if you want to extend the life and resale value of your car. That’s because wintertime road sales, including treatments with liquid calcium chloride and sand, plus the moisture from Nebraska storms can cause your car to rust, which can spread across your entire vehicle over time. We recommend putting JetSplash Car Wash in charge of keeping your vehicle shiny and protected throughout the winter months and beyond.

Kendra McDonald JetSplash Car Wash

“You don’t want to leave salt or brine on your car too long, because it will damage the clear coat that is protecting your car, and eventually the paint, causing rust,” said JetSplash Sales Manager Kendra McDonald. “We prep and hand-dry every vehicle, so we’ll get the salt and snow off of your car first, then hand dry at the end to prevent freezing. We also have JetGloss, which will help restore your clear coat and protect your vehicle from future salt damage.”

For the holiday season—through January 10—JetSplash is having a “Jaw-Dropping Holiday Sale,” which offers the best pricing of the year for almost everything from annual memberships to bundle washes. What a great way to knock out some of your holiday shopping and help a friend or family member protect their vehicle from the damaging elements this winter and beyond!

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Service with Integrity With temperatures dropping and the winter season getting in gear, winterizing your vehicle is crucial not just to your vehicle but to your own safety. inMOTION Auto Care is here in Lincoln to help you avoid any worst-case scenarios. To inMotion, winterizing your vehicle includes getting the oil changed and getting a good, thorough vehicle inspection to develop a clear picture of any potential problems. Bad batteries, hoses, belts, water pumps, sparkplug wires, tires, and more can cause your vehicle to break down, possibly leaving you stranded by the side of a road in freezing conditions. Locally owned by Sherri Stock and Jared McPike, the goal of inMOTION Auto Care is to deliver the best auto-repair customer-service experience possible. With a team that includes highly skilled auto mechanics, they are doing precisely that. You can count on them to maintain the highest level of integrity and professionalism throughout your service process, no matter how big or small the job. They are dedicated to your safety and to extending the life of your vehicle, in winter and year-round.

Another fabulous one-stop shop for all of your vehicle needs is Parkway 66 Service. With more than 30 years of experience in the auto industry, Parkway 66 can handle everything you need to keep your car running smoothly and safely throughout the winter months, as well as all of your minor and major auto-repair needs.

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recommend professional routine maintenance services and offer all winterizing services, from tires to vehicle inspections, brakes, belts and hoses, batteries, radiators, shocks, starters, and more.

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We’ve heard how important good tires are for safe, winter driving. Tire pressure drops by one pound for every 10 degrees the temperature drops. Tire-pressure monitors are required on all cars, but if you have an older vehicle, you should be checking your tire pressure about once a week in winter. T.O. Haas Tire & Auto in Lincoln is a great place to learn about and purchase the best tires for your particular vehicle. A tradition of trust since 1947, sells more than two dozen brands of tires and performs many automotive services important to safe winter driving, including oil changes, alignments, brakes, exhaust, shocks, struts, cooling systems, transmission-fluid flushes, and more. T.O. Haas can also serve just about any mechanical need your car might have, from batteries and the electrical system to brakes, heating and cooling systems, axles, diesel engines, front end work in the case of an accident, general repair, oil changes, radiator service, and more!

On a Collision Course The fact that 70% of the roads in the United States are located in snowy areas significantly increases the threat of an accident occurring, especially when you consider that driving on snowy roads can take your vehicle 10 times longer to come to a complete stop. Other causes of increased danger are the result of black ice, that often-transparent coating of ice that is nearly invisible to the human eye, as well as sudden heavy snowstorms that hit in Nebraska and decrease road visibility dramatically, plus damp sleet that turns the roads icy and slippery.

In the unfortunate event of a winter collision, the first concern is the condition and safety of all people involved. The next thing that often comes to mind is the condition of your vehicle. Consider contacting Midtown Body & Paint. With more than 70 years of providing Lincoln with excellent auto-body repair, quality frame work, full painting services, paintless dent repair, and glass replacement for all makes and models of vehicles, Midtown technicians always stay current with quick and meaningful technological advancements in the industry. They take pride in their work and have a stellar reputation for providing high-quality repairs and service that develop lasting relationships.

They will start by preparing an in-person estimate that usually takes about 30 minutes, then obtains insurance approval and schedules your repairs as soon as possible. Midtown then re-inspects your vehicle damage, completes thorough repairs, then pains with only high-quality, environmentally friendly automotive paints and, finally, details and washes your repaired vehicle so that when you sit in the driver’s seat, your car looks and feels like new!

Another fabulous option for body work is Tracy’s Collision Center, with two locations in Lincoln—4538 Cornhusker Hwy and 1500 Center Park Road. Their approach to collision repair is customer-focused. They believe in listening to and working with their customers’ needs before, during, and after the repair process. The family-owned business has deep roots in Lincoln, with services including painting, frame repair, wheel alignments, and paintless dent repair. For 50 years, they’ve been putting drivers back on the road safely. Their skilled technicians use state-of-the-art equipment and are expertly trained in repair techniques for today’s complex vehicles. Both of their locations are certified by industry-leading programs in auto-body repair. When you take your vehicle to Tracy’s Collision Center, you can be sure the repairs will be done correctly, so you can be as confident in your vehicle as you were the day you bought it.

Whether you like winter weather or not, it likes your vehicle, and Mother Nature will take advantage of you car if you give her a chance. Be prepared by keeping a list of these outstanding providers to call upon toward preserving the life of your vehicle no matter what Nebraska winter serves up!

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Senior Living Through the Holidays When most people think about the holidays, they envision twinkling lights, family time, laughter, funny sweaters, decorating, glistening snow, Christmas carols, Santa Claus, parties, hot chocolate, family movies, and general holiday cheer. People are actually under pressure to enjoy themselves during the holidays. It’s not a reality for everyone, though, especially in this crazy year of isolation. Many elderly residents in Lincoln will spend their 2020 Christmas holiday in assisted living, rehabilitation, memory-care, or independent living, while others will stay home, often alone, because they don’t have family nearby or are dedicated to practicing social distancing throughout COVID. While anxiety, depression, and isolation are more common among the elderly than we’d like to believe, research has shown that the holiday season often makes these feelings more severe. People need social interaction, and memories of the holidays of yore, missing family and friends, and the extreme lack of social interaction they’ve experience this year can make seniors feel lonelier than ever. The loss of traditions and acceptance that their life is not like it was in the past can be especially painful during the holidays. Going out of your way to make special connections with your elderly loved ones during this season isn’t as difficult as you might think—even when you can’t visit them in person.

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We talked to senior-care experts in the Lincoln community to find out how they help spread the joyful holiday spirit among the seniors in their care—and how their families can help keep their moods boosted. There are some fantastic caregivers in Lincoln that are taking tremendous care of your loved ones in senior living or through home-care services, but the fact is, they aren’t YOU, and the seniors in your life need to connect with family more than ever during this holiday season. We even asked the experts to share some fitting gift ideas for isolated seniors in 2020, and we got some fantastic input that can help you wrap up your holiday shopping for your favorite seniors—or for someone without family—and know that your gestures will be on-target for their needs and these crazy times. Be sure to read to the end to get those ideas and finish up your Christmas list!

It’s All About Connections The holidays are often an emotional time for many, even in a normal year. In 2020, though, the pandemic has created a completely new set of challenges for seniors and their families, as it relates to spending time together. COVID-19 has caused senior-living communities nationwide to be on guard 24/7, limiting resident visits altogether in most cases. Although the precautions to fight against the virus are vital, Tabitha understands that it is equally important to ensure that seniors remain engaged and well-connected with friends and family. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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“Isolation, loneliness, and depression do not just impact seniors but individuals of all ages,” said Tabitha Director of Life Enrichment and Volunteers Ruthi Thompson. “These mental-health concerns have been an epidemic long before COVID-19 arrived. The virus has just magnified these issues. We have discovered that, often, a Tabitha resident’s spouse, who still lives at home alone, is even more impacted. Tabitha has gotten creative to combat this by Ruthi Thompson implementing a robust Connector Program Tabitha to facilitate communication between each resident and their family and friends. The holidays are also a time we tend to think about loved ones who have passed away. This is especially relevant to seniors who have lost a spouse and are feeling their absence as they reflect on holiday memories.”

Tabitha’s Life Enrichment teams go into overdrive during the holiday season. This year, they are putting a spin on traditional events to make sure seniors safely enjoy the traditions. Festivities will include joyful decorations, door-to-door and doorway activities and special, individualized Christmas gifts for each resident. They are also using the power of technology to connect residents with loved ones via tablets, smartphones, laptops, and Facebook Portals. It looks different this year, but the staff is doing everything they can to ensure that Tabitha residents have a safe yet joyous holiday season. Families of loved ones in senior living are doing the same.

“One of the best things families can do—especially with the ongoing pandemic—is to stay connected, whether that be through traditional means like phone calls and letters or more modern communication techniques, like video chats,” Ruthi said. “Sending

Christmas cards, flowers, or a Poinsettia are other great ways to boost holiday cheer and will be important now more than ever to help lift residents’ spirits. The best gift of all is for families to give the gift of time—committing to connecting with seniors on a regular basis, especially with the use of technology, so residents can see their faces!”

COVID Fatigue CountryHouse Residences for Memory Care Life Enrichment Director Marcia Houchin said the repercussions of the coronavirus have many seniors and their families experiencing COVID fatigue, as it has become clear that fighting the pandemic is a marathon, not a sprint.

Even in normal times, the holidays are especially fraught with emotion by way of memories about past holidays, family traditions, extreme forms of skepticism, and (often unrealistic) expectations. With Marcia Houchin COVID in play, things are exponentially CountryHouse Residences more difficult. for Memory Care

“People are just plain tired of restrictions and not seeing their loves ones for months on end,” Marcia said. “Signs of COVID fatigue include loss of interest, as well as anger and feelings of sadness or anxiety. Sadness can lead to depression, which, in turn, can take a deadly toll on both mental and physical health. Residents who were careful in the beginning may now adopt an ‘I don’t care anymore’ attitude and quit following precautions or give up on making healthy choices.”

The staff at CountryHouse has gotten creative to come up with new and better ways to engage seniors during this time. The staff is learning about each resident’s family traditions for the holidays and recreating them in activities including recipes, stories, music, meditation, and the like. Other activities include finding programs to help provide for people in need—like sending care packages to troops and making and sending cards to friends and family.

“These things are important,” Marcia said. “No matter what, we can all do something to be a positive force in the world.”

It’s also beneficial to engage seniors who “Repercussions of the are struggling with COVID fatigue during coronavirus have many seniors t h e h o l i d a y s b y and their families experiencing surprising them with COVID fatigue, as it has become joyful experiences, like clear that fighting the pandemic carolers singing from the is a marathon, not a sprint.” parking lot, fun holiday activities and games, silly and spontaneous fun with staff and, in their assisted-living housing, helping and encouraging residents to decorate their apartments to get into the joyful spirit. Family members should do as much virtual visiting as possible with their loved ones in senior care, too.

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“When you’re on Skype, Zoom, Facebook, etc. with your loved one, give your visits some creative twists, like gathering the family together in your home to cook a favorite recipe together—like grandma’s famous stuffing or cranberry-fluff salad,” Marcia said.

“Or take turns sharing ‘my favorite Christmas’ memories or carry on a family tradition, like reading The Night Before Christmas or the nativity story from the Bible, singing Christmas carols, or opening a gift.”

Communication is Crucial At The Windcrest on Van Dorn senior living community, the loneliness that comes from not being able to see friends and family in person this year is even more pronounced during the holiday #PrintProudDigitalSmart

season, as is the inability for senior residents to participate in family traditions and worship services. With this in mind, regular communication with family will be particularly important this holiday season—both at the senior-living community and with outside family and friends.

Kylee Graham The Windcrest on Van Dorn

“We are helping seniors with access to Facetime, Zoom, and other ways to communicate with their families,” said Windcrest Executive Director Kylee Graham. “We also get them access to livestream worship services to make them feel closer to what’s important to them this holiday season and throughout the pandemic. We started some different traditions as a community, increased holiday decorations and the residents’ participation in decorating, and do holiday crafts and activities in small groups.”

“We also have a community van we use to take residents on tours of the lights around town, and through our Ambassador Program, residents have a staff member that meets with them individually on a regular basis and visits or discusses any issues they may have,” Kylee continued. “It’s also important that we work to make sure that we encourage residents to stick with a routine, daily exercise, and hydration.”

Kylee encourages families with loved ones in senior living or otherwise isolated from visits with family and friends during the holidays to communicate often and engage their loved one in any way possible. Encourage all of your family members to send photos, make phone calls, and include loved ones in family get-togethers on Facetime or Zoom. The team at Windcrest will assist residents in setting up, joining, and participating in them.

If you’re in the area, drop off their favorite Christmas cookies or treats, and the staff will deliver them. Likewise, ask family and friends to send personal cards and letters. These are especially treasured items for seniors this year.

Be Creative!

O l d C h e n ey Re h a b i l i t a t i o n C a r e Coordinator Gayleen Bradley said one of the keys to helping seniors know they aren’t alone is creativity. Throughout COVID, Old Cheney has been pulling out all the stops to make sure their residents’ minds and hearts are engaged so they don’t slide into loneliness or despair.

That includes things like setting up lots of FaceTime calls so they can see their loved ones when they talk to them, engaging more senses and emotional cues that make Gayleen Bradley meaningful connections. There are also Old Cheney Rehabilitation lots of other ways that families can make the holidays memorable for their loved ones, even if they can’t celebrate in the same space.

“Everyone is lonely and sad being away from their families and friends,” Gayleen said. “Just seeing their loved ones is important, and FaceTime and Zoom are great ways to connect when you don’t have a lot of options, but we really work to get creative.

We called up some daycare places and they brought the kids over to walk around outside wearing their Halloween costumes and waving through the windows to residents, then we passed out candy to the kids. It makes the residents feel like part of the celebration. We plan to get some people to come by and sing Christmas carols during the holidays, too.”

Old Cheney also placed paper pumpkins with residents’ room numbers written on them in their windows so that friends and family know where to go to see their loved ones from outside.

Some family members also bring their pets to see their loved ones #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Happy Holidays!

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through the windows, and Old Cheney encourages that because it always brightens faces and creates smiles. If you’re looking for a way to cheer up a senior in your life—or even someone you don’t know—you can also send gifts to them, including flowers or foods, even hot foods, like their favorite pizza! Or you can just sit outside their window and talk to them on your cellphone.

“One daughter comes and sees her dad faithfully,” Gayleen said.

“One day, it was pouring rain and she’s still sitting out there with her chair and umbrella outside his window talking with him. It’s so awesome for them both. While it might be inconvenient—even wet—these are families that really still need their families.”

As for holiday gift ideas, Gayleen suggested a few things: From the higher end, iPads or tablets they can use to play games, see pictures of their loved ones, and video chat with them; to adult coloring books and crayons or colored pencils, puzzles, crosswords, and the like—“simple things that people don’t always think about.”

All I Want for Christmas is YOU As Mariah Carey sings, “All I Want for Christmas Is You”, the hearts of the caregivers at Home Care Partners of Nebraska go out to families who are away from, quarantined, or not allowed to see their loved ones because of visitation restrictions. There are, however, still ways to make special connections together, and Home Care Partners is working to help seniors who still live at home make important connections.

Karla Frese Home Care Partners of Nebraska

“It’s no secret that the holiday season can be stressful,” said Home Care Partners Co-Owner Karla Frese. “A time that should be joyful for all, can be ruined by

all the tasks involved with preparing meals and buying gifts. At Home Care Partners, we have compiled a few ideas about how to reduce the stress of the season, so everyone can enjoy spending time with their loved ones.”

For star ters, they recommend, get a jump“Try not to put pressure on start on get-togethers. yourself to create the perfect Being well-prepared before holiday gatherings holiday for your family. Focus on the traditions that make can help you cope with the stress of last-minute holidays special for you.” preparation. Set aside time to plan menus and gift ideas. You can even cook some dishes together in advance and freeze them. This helps prevent the scramble to do it all at the last minute.

“Many seniors are spending more time alone and some have lost a lot of weight because they are not eating,” Karla said. “We have found that if families or caregivers make a meal or dessert together as an experience, it is improving both nutritional needs and has psychosocial benefits. Start by looking through favorite cookbooks, picking a recipe, creating shopping lists, and doing meal prep together. Serve it at your holiday dinner, or throw it in the freezer for later!”

Cooking, cleaning, shopping, children’s school events, offi ce parties, family gatherings, and travel can combine to make the holidays stressful. The best way to beat holiday stress for seniors is not to do it all alone. Let family or a companion help, shop online, and have it delivered to minimize the stress of crowds and parking lots. Think about what you’re gifting to your friends and loved ones, and order it so it comes in time! If you’re stressing about what to get someone, don’t be afraid to ask them what they want.

You can also search online. There are always blogs and videos that give entire lists of items based on the age of an individual.

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“Try not to put pressure on yourself to create the perfect holiday for your family,” Karla said. “Focus on the traditions that make holidays special for you. Our team is going above and beyond to make this holiday special for clients with personalized and meaningful moments.”

Modified Traditions The holidays are steeped in family tradition, with cherished customs that span generations, but when family members get older or experience declining health, maintaining their involvement in the traditions can seem more like a burden—but it’s worth every smile and tear! Although you may not be able to visit and spend quality time with your entire family this Christmas, the home-care specialists at Visiting Angels have gotten creative in offering ways to let your loved ones still living in their own homes know that you are thinking of them and that they are dear to you.

“Start by determining what traditions matter most,” said Visiting Angels Owner Natalie Leon. “Evaluate which traditions or customs of the holiday truly hold meaning for your family and which are just ‘the way we’ve always done things.’

You may learn what matters is different from what you expect, and it may open new ways to celebrate that are easier and more meaningful. Make small modifications that make big differences.

For example, if hosting the holiday is Natalie Leon important to an older relative, perhaps Visiting Angels the family can take care of preparing the table or even taking food over. You can use the family’s serving dishes and favorite china, and your loved one could make one favorite dish, but the bulk of the work could be handled by others. Keeping the number of people to a small member and having only a few family members is better than no celebration at all!”

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Another option for maximizing the value of limited time together is to consider hiring senior home care help during the holidays.

They can enable older relatives to accomplish everyday tasks and holiday preparations and allow you to spend more time as part of the family, rather than a caregiver. This can also provide a respite that can be crucial during the busy season. Just be sure to screen caregivers carefully or use a reputable agency like Visiting Angels for peace of mind.

So, what if you can’t enjoy in-person holiday festivities at all with your loved ones?

“If you can’t meet in person, pick a book or a movie together to read or watch, then have a discussion about it over the phone or via video chat,” Natalie suggested. “Revisit a classic Christmas movie that both you and your loved one enjoyed in the past or use this opportunity to discover a book or movie that neither of you has read or seen previously. What truly matters is that everyone gets to enjoy the holidays and their relationships. Keeping seniors and other vulnerable populations safe through social distancing is absolutely vital as the coronavirus continues to spread.”

Increased Activities Having witnessed the increase in loneliness among residents for months now, Pemberly Place is making a point of increasing activities available for them around the holidays to incorporate things that matter personally to them and bring smiles to their faces.

Pemberly Place provides care designed to meet and exceed the quality benchmarks set forth by the National Center for Assisted living, offering levels of care and services that are tailored to the individual lifestyles of those they serve—from independent living to assisted living to memory-care living. They are locally owned and have an on-site medical clinic to serve many healthcare needs #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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in-house. Their mission is to provide a homelike atmosphere where residents receive 24-hour assistance with living.

“The holidays typically bring both joyful and sorrowful emotions,” said Pemberly Director and Registered Nurse Helen Crunk. “During this time of COVID, we expect to see an increase in individuals’ needs for emotional support. We increase our activities around the holidays and try to incorporate resident traditions and recipes. Having them help with the holiday decorating is also helpful in decreasing the amount of time they spend alone and increasing their social participation.”

Helen Crunk

Pemberly Place Pemberly Place is known throughout Lincoln for their creative service planning and attention to each resident’s individual needs. They are extremely flexible so they can provide individualized and meaningful care. While Pemberly Place has been forced to limit residents’ normal activities, they have been going above and beyond to keep the seniors in their care as happy as they can be throughout COVID, and they’re stepping up their game plan for the holiday season!

Turn Challenges into Opportunities The challenges of COVID aren’t new anymore, which serves up at least one advantage: We now know the latest and greatest ways to communicate with our loved ones in isolation, thanks to so many technologies. Legacy Retirement Communities Enrichment Director Casey Jo Jansma recommends turning those challenges into opportunities to make new and unique memories that involve the entire family.

“If a senior loved one lives in a retirement Casey Jo Jansma community, coordinate with the staff Legacy Retirement to arrange video calls, deliveries, and Communities reminders to your loved one,” Casey Jo said. “Maybe even include the staff members in on some of the family’s virtual get-togethers. This inclusion of the staff with your family circle can help your loved one feel connected with an ‘honorary family member,’ even if they can’t physically be with their families in person during the holidays. Whether it’s through technology, letters, or small get-togethers, change the challenges from COVID into opportunities to make new memories!”

While 2020 has challenged many to stay connected, employees and residents alike at Legacy Retirement Communities are still going out of their way to engage with the Lincoln community to make sure this Christmas is as joyful as possible. That means getting creative and finding ways to stay involved with the things that matter to them.

“The holiday season already brings a welcomed dose of normalcy with the décor, food, and traditions,” Casey Jo said. “Residents also look forward to this time of year for the opportunity to give back.

While they may not be able to volunteer outside of our communities, the enrichment team is working with local nonprofits to help fulfil their needs, as well. Residents can feel good knowing they are able to spread holiday cheer through a variety of projects that can safely be done in our communities. Seeing those donated items, cards, and more being sent out to those in need builds connection, provides a sense of purpose, and lets everyone know that they can be creative in finding ways to give back and spread holiday cheer this year.”

Put in the Extra Effort Holidays are all about family, and it’s important that elders don’t feel totally alone during the season, even in 2020. Hiring #PrintProudDigitalSmart

caregivers like those at Care Consultants for the Aging can truly make a tremendous difference in making this Christmas joyful and memorable, if ever-so-different than usual.

“This holiday season is going to be much more difficult for seniors who are away from their families because of forced isolation during the pandemic,” said Home Care Coordinator Julie Benes. “Loneliness and depression will be common, but there are plenty of ways that you can make the holidays special in the midst of COVID. If your loved one is not in senior living, consider hiring a caregiver through Care Consultants. We can help clients shop for gifts, wrap gifts, and decorate for the Julie Benes holidays. We can also assist in preparing Care Consultants and mailing packages, and help with for the Aging baking or cooking a special meal as a nice alternative for seniors who can’t be with their families in person. It would be a good idea to schedule companion-type visits for your loved one throughout the holidays.”

Video calls are a great way to help seniors and their families feel connected when you can’t visit in person. Seeing your loved one’s smile will go a long way in lifting everyone’s holiday spirits. Care Consultants caregivers can help your elderly loved one navigate video calls and keep them company, so they don’t feel alone and isolated. Companionship will be key during this strangest of holidays.

“Put extra effort into what you send to your elderly loved one this year,” “Companionship will Julie recommended. “Instead of one be key during this package, send several small ones strangest of holidays.” at different times. Thoughtful gifts of baked goods or favorite treats are always popular. Pictures, handwritten cards, and letters are thoughtful, too. Think about your family traditions and how you can bring a little bit of that to a loved one. Include the entire family in the preparing and planning, and aim for frequent, even daily, contact.”

The Fitness Factor Research indicates that regular physical activity for seniors helps improve their mental and physical health. It produces endorphins, which act as a stress reliever and leave them feeling happy, and regular exercise has been linked to improve sleep for seniors, reduces their risk of falls, and improves their social interaction and cognitive function.

The fitness professionals at Right Foot Forward Fitness in Lincoln offer a variety of ways to help your loved ones—whether in senior living or at home—keep moving. In November, they launched a new online/remote coaching program that delivers custom programming with full-length workout videos customized for each individual. They use positive reinforcement and encouragement to help participants, regardless of age and ability, to achieve their goals, no matter how big or small.

More than Housing If you have loved ones that are looking for independent seniorliving options that include opportunities for engagement, another good option is to contact the Lincoln Housing Authority. They pride themselves on providing “more than housing” and nowhere is that more evident that at Burke Plaza, Crossroads House, and Mahoney Manor, which offers more than 270 older men and women who live there access to a wide variety of social and personal support services through the Resident Services and Congregate Housing Services programs.

The Foundation for the Resident Services Program is the Resident Services Specialist at each building. Their job is to provide general support to residents and offers a range of activities and programs to enhance the overall quality of life at each building. They #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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It is the mission of the Lincoln Housing Authority to provide affordable, safe, sanitary, and decent housing to qualifying families currently undergoing financial stress in a manner which affords applicants and tenants dignity and minimal intrusion, within the limits of prudent fiscal management. Burke Plaza Apartments, off 67th and L Streets, is a 91-unit high-rise apartment building designed for seniors and persons with disabilities. Crossroads House Apartments, located at 1000 O St. is a 58-unit, seven-story apartment complex designed for seniors 55 years and older, with access to a full range of downtown cultural events, recreational groups, and senior services. The complex is across the street from the Lincoln Downtown Senior Center. Mahoney Manor Apartments are located in the historic Havelock neighborhood in northeast Lincoln, just two blocks from the Havelock business district.

Plenteous Tremendous Senior Options If you’re seeking 24-hour, long-term care for your loved one but don’t need “fancy,” it’s important to focus on what matters: care, comfort, and cost. Orchard Park Assisted Living prides itself on being the best at what matters, without breaking the bank. Rather than being a resort-style local that pushes irrelevant bells and whistles, they provide a community that feels like home—familiar, comfortable, and rife with friendly faces at every turn. This is especially comforting for seniors during the holidays, when all they want is to be home with their families. Orchard Park Assisted Living has more registered nurses on staff than any other assisted living facility in town. The result is more thorough, thoughtful care for residents across a wide range of aging-related health issues.

If it’s short-term rehabilitation services your loved one needs, Hillcrest Firethorn is an exceptionally innovative provider in Lincoln. With a new building featuring all private suites and one of the area’s largest rehab gyms, Hillcrest Firethorn is focused on helping aging adults recover from surgery, illness, or hospital stays until they are able to return home. Often, the rehab guests at Firethorn receive health services from Hillcrest Home Care, which provides continuity of care and therapy under one provider. Hillcrest Firethorn also has a limited number of long-term accommodations for seniors who need 24-hour skilled nursing care.

All of The Waterford Communities offer a home-life environment and a host of amenities that allow residents to maintain their independence and the quality of life they deserve. One unique aspect of The Waterford Communities is their size. They are small in comparison to many of their competitors, with the largest assistedliving community including 41 apartments. Waterford says the smaller community lends itself to more of a small-town feel that many residents say feels more like a home than a facility. Lower resident numbers also enable them to get to know their residents and customize care to meet each person where they are on their journey.

Grammercy Hill offers both independent and assisted-living housing and services in Lincoln. Located on six acres of luscious gardens and floral walking paths, the community invites residents to enjoy comfort and relaxation while taking advantage of exceptional services. They offer residents a vibrant lifestyle that encourages health and independence through innovative recreational, educational, health, and wellness programs.

Spacious apartments provide peace of mind and thoughtful safety features.

The Woodlands at Hillcrest also works closely with residents to meet their individual needs, including specific diet concerns, to make sure that everyone is in an environment that suits them perfectly. The Woodlands has a vibrant, easy-going style and

Caring about what makes Mom, Mom.

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also plan and educate the tenants on the building’s emergency and urgent-response systems. The Congregate Housing Services Program brings the services of two full-time social workers, who share time between all buildings, and it brings hot meals served six days a week to Burke Plaza and Mahoney Manor.

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a truly unique living experience in a beautiful location that is growing with the addition of new neighborhoods and businesses.

They have a wide range of assisted-living services all way to memory care. Their goals is to provide the best possible community so that when someone moves there, they want to stay there and make it their last move.

If you’re looking for active senior living, for anyone 55 and older, Carriage Glen is a fabulous option. Nestled among mature trees and natural surroundings, it is close to shopping, dining, medical facilities, and area activities – yet comfortably removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. Envision time to develop new interests or pursue familiar ones through a community that promotes physical and mental well-being and the active, independent lifestyle you’ve earned.

If you’re still not sure what senior-living facility is right for your loved one but want a smooth transition to senior living, you’d be wise to contact Oasis Senior Advisors. Not only are they experienced transition specialists, but you’ll never get a bill from them for helping you navigate the transition to the senior community that meets your specific needs to a tee. All of their services are free to seniors and their family. They’ll learn about you, what is important to you, and what you will need both now and in the future. It makes the whole process worry-free.

Care that Promotes Maximum Independence & Dignity Call Today for a Tour 402-488-8191 3110 South 48th Street, Lincoln OrchardPark.us

SENIOR LIVING MADE SIMPLE Navigating life’s tough decisions.

The Really Tough Stuff It’s never a comfortable conversation and often overwhelming and awkward, but if you have loved ones in senior living, planning ahead for what they want when their time on earth ends is such a crucial thing to do. Wyuka Funeral Home is there to help decide upon and record both your loved ones and your own end-of-life wishes. Pre-planning can help every individual make an informed and thoughtful decision about their funeral, choosing sentimental things they want included, comparing prices, and helping your family. Wyuka offers a pre-planning checklist with all the information you need to start the process, and they’ll help walk you through the entire process.

When you or a loved one passes away, your family will be making numerous important decisions, while also grieving.

Pre-planning can help your family plan with ease when the time comes. Your family can confidently put a loved one’s plan into action, knowing that these were their wishes.

Working with Wyuka to create a plan in advance also leaves your loved one with the peace of mind that their family has been relieved of making burdensome decisions during their time of loss. Once completed, you can rest assured that your and your loved ones’ plans are in the hands of trusted individuals—without forcing anyone to make decisions in a hurried manner. You do not have to pay for a plan in advance, unless you choose to, so it’s never too soon to get started.

“Pre-planning can help every individual make an informed and thoughtful decision about their funeral, choosing sentimental things they want included, comparing prices, and helping your family.”

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Beth Friesen, RN, CCM, CSA / BFriesen@YourOasisAdvisor.com

WHERE HOME IS...

Sharing a laugh with a loved one.

Weaving Dreams The Dreamweaver Foundation has long been known as the nonprofit that brought terminally ill seniors their dreams—from motorcycle rides to car shows to VIP passes on game day. In 2020, however, they changed gears with the times to give seniors in senior-living communities what they needed and continue to need most amid COVID restrictions: Face-to-face time with family and friends, even if it’s virtual. Through their Connecting Hope Campaign, the Dreamweaver Foundation provided 122 Facebook Portals to seniors in 21 different senior facilities in Lincoln and Omaha, including Sumner Place Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

LOCATIONS The Waterford at Williamsburg Assisted Living The Waterford at College View Assisted Living The Waterford at Wilderness Hills Memory Care

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Team members and family worked to set up the Portals with contacts to every family member and friend the seniors might want to call. It’s a perfect device for seniors who might not be tech-savvy because it is so easy to use and works with WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, so you can reach virtually anyone with a smartphone. It also has a smart camera that keeps you in frame, even if you’re moving around a room. Portals even provide some fun built-in apps for seniors, keeping them engaged without invading their privacy.

“We are doing everything possible to keep our residents active, while absolutely protecting their health and well-being,” said Sumner Place Admissions and Public Relations Coordinator Megan Herter. “We are working to comply with the rules, while also making sure that our residents feel as little isolation as possible.”

Sumner Place has encouraged family members to increase their personal phone calls to residents to keep them communicating on a regular basis. In addition, the facility Megan Herter will continue helping families connect with Sumner Place Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation their loved ones via technologies such as Facebook Portal, as well as online video applications, pictures, letters, and online messages.”

Gift Ideas for Seniors The senior-living experts we talked with combined to create a tremendous shopping list of perfect gift ideas for seniors who are spending more time alone than ever, so you can find the right gifts to keep your loved one engaged and thriving. There’s a lot of creative thinking involved here, so get out your pen and finish your gift list: • Technology, including voice-activated music and Echo Show 8, which allow family members to “drop in” on a loved one for a video visit; ViewClix, which is an electronic picture frame that provides constant visual connections to family but is also at the ready to receive video calls; daily or at least weekly phone calls; motion-activated, stick-anywhere LED lights; a tablet to play games or video call—or watch the latest funny-cat videos; electric photo frames to which families can upload new photos often; audio-book subscriptions; electronic games; their favorite music.

• Custom photo albums or wall calendars that show birthdays and anniversaries, along with smiling faces; anything that can stimulate their mind and increase their activity level; a supply of greeting cards, stamps; photos of past holidays; books to read; jigsaw puzzles of less than 500 pieces, adult coloring books, craft projects and art supplies; large-print playing cards and games, like Sudoku; paints and canvas, cross-stitch projects, word-search books, and jewelry • Gifts of comfort, such as weighted blankets, compression socks, adaptive clothing, a super-cozy robe, an aromatherapy mister, a fabulous pillow; scented lotions, seasonal treats or snacks, a blanket with family pictures to wrap themselves in for comfort and enjoyment; and the gift of companionship.

• Helpful items like a cup holder for their wheelchair; a walker caddy or tote bag; a gel or memory-foam seat cushion; an electric toothbrush; a rechargeable shaver; a mobility cane or grab bar.

The holiday season is a great joy for so many people, rife with family memories and traditions, shining stars, and heartfelt stories of love.

With COVID running the show in 2020, the holidays promise to look very different, with fewer gatherings and planning challenges arising at every turn. As you lay out your plans to bring warmth and love to your holiday season, be sure to keep your eldery loved ones front and center in your minds and hearts. Even if you can’t see them in person, there are many ways to engage them and make them feel the joy, too. We’ve provided the advice and suggestions of some of the best senior-care experts in Lincoln here, and we hope you will take them to heart this Blessed holiday season!

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Lincoln Housing Authority 5700 ‘R’ St. • (402) 434-5500 TDD (800) 545-1833 ext 875 • www.L-Housing.com

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