Strictly Business Lincoln - October 2022

Donte JAcKSon

tiffAny

Kelly KnuDSon

HeAtHer

Kelly

Micha Ives, Executive

Ives,

Micha Ives,

Contact Tracy Magill, Executive Director 402-413-9770 PemberlyPlace.com

Contact Tracy Magill, Executive Director 402-413-9770 PemberlyPlace.com

Contact Tracy Magill, Executive Director 402-413-9770 PemberlyPlace.com

ALLO Means Business

Local business, big business, or small business, if you need reliable phone and internet connectivity, you need ALLO. A complete communications system that’s fully maintained, automatically updated, and backed by 24/7 local support. We think it’s the right way to do business.

“Pioneer Heart Institute has been a loyal ALLO customer for 4 years and is proud to support local. With ALLO, Pioneer Heart has been able to provide consistent, reliable, and outstanding care to the Lincoln and surrounding communities.” — Jenni Tillotson

If your business relies on communication, rely on ALLO.

here

provide local, 24/7 support with actual humans. 402.480.6500 or visit AlloFiber.com/Business for a free quote.

Jenni Tillotson

Nurse

Heart Institute

Letter from the president

(402) 730-0096 |

there's nothing scary About a partnership that Works and Works for You!

Somehow it's already October and, just like that, we're getting ready to turn the page on 2022. While many people dub October "spooky season" because of Halloween, I think the scariest thing about this month is the realization of another year coming to an end and just how fast time flies by. This awareness reminds me to ask myself, am I making the most of the time I have? I'm sure this a question many of you ask yourself regularly as well.

A quote by William Penn comes to mind: "Time is what we want the most, but what we use worst."

Obviously, as a small business owner, my days and years are heavily consumed by my work. Being a business owner has been the most challenging and sacrificial endeavor of my life. I missed out on a lot of moments in my two sons' lives as they were growing up. I was focused on growing the magazine and keeping it above water, which is a never-ending pursuit, even after 29 years in business.

However, even through all of the ups and downs of it all, I'm content knowing that I'm right where I'm supposed to be and doing what I'm passionate about. I've also come to realize more and more that, even though I'm proud of the impact and legacy that Strictly Business is creating, at the end of the day it's about the relationships it cultivates. In my own life, what's most important is my family and friends. The people we touch in our lives is what gives our life its purpose.

Strictly Business is designed to bring people together. We want to be more than just a business magazine or local news source, we want to be a partner to our clients and a connector in the community.

I believe that what our advertisers appreciate the most about Strictly Business is not only that the advertising itself works, but our team is working FOR THEM. We're here to tell your story, lift up your business or organization, and help you grow in the process. We do this by communicating with our clients every month and really getting to know their brand identity so that we can do the majority of the legwork for them—from design services to professional writing—and we do all of this without charging extra around every corner. Our clients pay for advertising space in the magazine, then right then and there they become our partner, and a partnership with Strictly Business means we are here to work for you.

So while it's a little scary to think about how fast time can pass us by, there isn't anything scary about partnering with Strictly Business . Please connect with me if you want to learn more about all of the value we offer our clients, in print, online, on social media, and so many other ways.

Enjoy the time you have! Especially with the holidays upon on, take a moment to be grateful and present with the people who matter most. Remember, we work so that we can enjoy our lives—our lives should not be dictated by our work. When your work and your life can exist in harmony with each other and you experience enjoyment and fulfillment from both, you're doing it right.

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.

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 ©2021 by PZAK, Inc. third class Postage Paid at Lincoln, Ne 68505

"so while it's a little scary to think about how fast time can pass us by, there isn't anything scary about partnering with strictly Business!"

"i believe that what our advertisers appreciate the most about strictly Business is not only that the advertising itself works, but our team is working for them."

AbOUt tHe cOVer

serviCe that P roteCts your home & your family

John henry’s Plumbing, heating, & air Conditioning specializes in any and all plumbing and HVAC services, but one service that their team really wants to emphasize is the importance of duct cleaning. What if someone told you the air you’re breathing in your home is potentially toxic to your health and the health of your family? Well, unless you’re getting your system properly maintained with something like air duct cleaning services, chances are you’re breathing in microbial life that have negative health affects. John Henry’s wants to prevent this.

Why get air duCt Cleaning?

If you don’t take care of your home, your home won’t take care of you. There are plenty of ways to keep your home working optimally, and to keep the elements (air and water) that flow throughout your home clean. When it comes to the quality of your air, the Environmental Protection Agency has certain guidelines as to when you should have air duct cleaning done in your home. you

• Substantial, visible mold growing within the ducts or other parts of your system

• Any rodents or insects, even if it’s just signs of them

• An excessive amount of dust or debris blocking your ducts and preventing the free flow of air

“If people knew what was in their ducts, they would want us to come out more often. In addition to dust, dirt, and pests, we've pulled out crayons, toys, pens, and various other objects from ducts in homes.

–

professional

Call John henry's for duCtWork Cleaning & rePair

www.JHLincoln.com

“ John Henry’s is going to get the job done right the first time and make sure that you’re taken care of. All of our employees are background checked and drug tested so you can know the service professional coming to your house is reliable and they will respect your space.

– Amanda brown, marketing coordinator

At John Henry's, they follow the three main pillars of ductwork and repair services—duct cleaning, duct sanitation, and dryer vent cleaning. For duct cleaning, their service professionals will place a large vacuum near the central system, which sucks all of the dust, pollen, and foreign objects up. Then they will sanitize the ducts to ensure unwanted microorganisms are killed. Duct cleaning is recommended every couple of years to extend the life of your air conditioning system, and doing so will prove to be a huge benefit for people with allergies and asthma. Duct cleaning is also recommended for new home owners with a new build, as the construction process often leaves behind trash in the ducts and pests can get in there.

Dryer vent cleaning is not something to overlook, either. If dryer vents get clogged, it impacts efficiency which means it will take your clothes longer to dry and require more energy use. It’s also a big fire hazard, so these cleaning services exist to protect both your home and the people living in it.

Give John henry’s plumbing, heating, & Air Conditioning a call today at (402) 435-5555 to schedule ductwork repair, ductwork replacement, and air duct cleaning services.

Derek Tessa

BUsiness neWs

Celebrate the Great American smokeout november 17 with tfLC

Who do you know that could use support quitting tobacco?

Whether it’s grandma, a coworker, your child, or maybe even yourself, most people who use tobacco products want to quit.

Tobacco Free Lancaster County (TFLC) invites you to participate in the Great American Smokeout on November 17. GASO, or the Great American Smokeout, has been hosted by the American Cancer Society for more than 40 years on the third Thursday of November. The GASO event challenges people to stop smoking and promotes the many tools they can use to help them quit and stay quit.

Join Lincoln area businesses and organizations in supporting tobacco quit efforts during the GASO event. Whether you feel your business has high rates of tobacco use or if you feel like you’re a tobaccofree champion, this free event helps educate and bring together our community to support tobacco quit attempts.

Tobacco use isn’t just a habit, it’s an addiction. In fact, nicotine addiction associated with tobacco use can be more overwhelming than heroin or cocaine. But, when the right timing and support match up, quitting is possible.

Tobacco Free Lancaster County (TFLC) works to protect the public by eliminating exposure to secondhand smoke, preventing youth from starting to use tobacco, providing tobacco education to all populations, and encouraging people to quit. Just visit www.tobaccofreelancastercounty. org/GASO to find your FREE resource guide and get registered.

Cyberbacker Applications reach a record high of 490K

Cyberbacker is celebrating a record number of applications to become a part of their team. In the past nine months, 490,000 applications were sent to Cyberbacker, with only 400 being accepted. Cyberbacker has successfully provided emerging business owners with world-class economical leverage for the past four years. They get 10,000-20,000 applications on a weekly basis because of their amazing retention strategies.

With Cyberbacker, business owners can trust the process and systems in place to make sure that they find good people and help keep them. They have built a series of assessments and interviews that systematically eliminate non-qualified candidates and only hire less than 1%. They have successfully provided opportunities for skilled professionals from the Philippines and aim to have 4,000 Cyberbackers by the end of 2022.

Cyberbacker provides job stability and security for their virtual professionals through providing profit share, loans, and health benefits. Donald Kracke, MAPS business coach and local franchise owner, is positive that the future is with Cyberbacker and their systems.

Cyberbacker Nebraska-Iowa is part of the global Cyberbacker franchise, the leading provider of world-class administrative support services from anywhere in the world to anyone in the world. They ensure you have the suitable partner of your choosing for your business. You can learn more by visiting their website at www.cyberbacker.com or contact them at nebraska-iowa@ cyberbacker.com / (515) 217-6387.

paisley Lynn Boutique Becomes Lincoln’s newest Boutique for home decor and Gifts

Paisley Lynn Boutique, locally owned by Heather Chloupek and Cherie Anderson, recently opened up their workspace inside Studio NineSix11 by Gateway Mall to become the newest trendy pop-up boutique for home decor and gifts. Fresh selections of household staples arrive weekly.

Heather and Cherie took their love for decor, staging, and ambiance to create this unique shopping experience. They also offer private showings where you can schedule a shopping party at the boutique with light cocktail bites and drinks included with the reservation. What’s even better is your group can earn up to 30% off their orders and all guests receive a 10% discount during the private showing.

Paisley Lynn Boutique wants you to love your home and help you find decor and accessories that align with your style. They will work with you on staging your home for selling or filling it with eye-catching pieces that create a space you want to call home forever. Stop by the studio at 630 N Cotner Blvd. through the Door C Breezeway Entrance to check our Paisley Lynn’s unique collection of home decor, or go online to www.paisleyLynnboutique.com for photos and more details.

Kinkaider Completes sideshow renovations, opens new German Beer hall in haymarket

Kinkaider Brewing Co. has expanded their footprint in innovative ways since opening their first Lincoln taproom in 2018. Kinkaider Brewing's sister company and distillery arm, Sideshow Spirits, recently celebrated the completed renovations of their newly designed space. While Sideshow was originally intended to be the speak-easy-style backroom of Kindaider Brewing’s 80s/90s bar concept, Boombox Social, the popularity of the distillery warranted a significant expansion that essentially swallowed up Boombox. Now, all 11,000 square feet of the establishment are dedicated to Sideshow Spirits, featuring a tasting bar and showroom with bottles and merch on display, a private bar that can be reserved for events, and meeting room space, in addition to the existing cocktail bar and spacious outdoor patio accessed on the east side of the building.

Kinkaider’s next exciting development was announced on July 1: Bierhaus Maisschäler. This new bar concept is an old-worldinspired pub with a modern touch, featuring German-style lagers, cocktails, butcher built sausages, and pretzels. Bierhaus Maisschäler is located in the former Scooter’s Coffee space at 151 N 8th St. The German beer house celebrated their opening weekend on September 16-17 with big crowds circulating the Haymarket from the Husker’s third home football game.

Kinkaider Brewing Co. is a farm craft brewery, originating in the beautiful sandhills of Broken Bow, NE. In addition to Lincoln, Kinkaider Brewing has also established taprooms in Grand Island and Omaha. Keep up with Kinkaider Brewing and all their new endeavors at kinkaider.com or follow on Facebook (@kinkaiderlincoln).

UnitedWayof LincolnandLancasterCounty Celebrates Loaned executive program sponsors

United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County is thankful for the sponsors for their 2022 Loaned Executives program.

Through the Loaned Executives program, community-minded organizations loan personnel to participate as campaign associates in the annual United Way/CHAD (Combined Health Agencies Drive of Nebraska) fundraising campaign.

This year, the loaned executives include Andy Drake from UNICO Group, Steve Stueck from Union Bank & Trust, and Anne Williamson from HBE LLP.

Several companies provided financial support for the Loaned Executives program, allowing United Way and CHAD to provide important resources for the loaned personnel. The loaned executive sponsors are Assurity, Cada Cada & Jewson, Farmers Mutual of Nebraska, Frontier Bank, NAI FMA Realty, Olsson, and Security First Bank.

United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County works to bring the whole community together to create long-term, lasting change. Together with more than 500 volunteers, they identify and prioritize community goals and bring together the right people, ideas, and resources to achieve them. For more information or to get involved with United Way, visit unitedwaylincoln.org or call (402) 441-7700.

Lincoln Airport Becomes Official Airport of the huskers

The Lincoln Airport Authority Board of Directors approved an agreement during their August board meeting for Lincoln Airport to become an official partner of Husker Athletics. Lincoln Airport has been working hard to align with the community, from offering aviation tours to youth, starting the free LNK Outdoor Movies Series, and now partnering with Husker Athletics.

The decision to align with a strong brand like The University of Nebraska and the Huskers makes a big impact. The goal is to target college students as well as Husker fans across the state. United Airlines has already announced plans to add in special flights to and from Lincoln for key football games. The Lincoln Airport is planning to be a sponsor of Husker Football, Volleyball, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Baseball, and Softball which will help spread awareness across the athletic spectrum of sports and the different seasons.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln was crucial in helping to land LNK’s newest route Houston as they financially gave $250,000 as part of the community match for that route. LNK hopes to keep expanding air service which will really benefit the Huskers with recruiting both students and athletes to come to Nebraska.

The Lincoln Airport, owned and operated by the Lincoln Airport Authority, is a calm, hassle-free travel spot for the people of Nebraska. For more information about flights and services, visit lincolnairport.com or call (402) 458-2480.

southeast Community College Undergoing $30m renovations

Southeast Community College’s Lincoln Campus is in the process of a $30-million facelift that is transforming a large portion of the existing 300,000-squarefoot main building. Construction started in the spring of 2021 and is scheduled to be completed a couple months ahead of schedule in February 2023.

“We’re excited to finish this next phase in transforming the Lincoln Campus and addressing the needs of our students,” said Bev Cummins, vice president for program development and Lincoln Campus director.

The Student and Academic Support Services renovation includes nearly 80,000 square feet of the main building and approximately 26,000 square feet of new construction, including a second floor. Cummins said most of the work on the exterior of the building is complete, while they are still working on other things like drywall, painting, installing elevators and landscaping, among other things.

“Externally, it will provide a welcoming and transparent ‘front door’ that is modern, yet timeless,” Cummins added. “It will be a classy, welcoming, and transparent space that will create a cohesive connection between support services and students.”

Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture is the architect for the project, and Boyd Jones is the contractor. Both are Omaha-based businesses.

A new student housing building is also in the works.

Southeast Community College is committed to providing accessible, dynamic, and responsive education in more than 50 programs to a diverse variety of students. To learn more, go online to southeast.edu.

maly marketing hosts open house and ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Maly Marketing hosted an open house on Friday, September 16, to celebrate their move to the Haymarket. The new Maly Marketing office is located at 800 Q St., STE 103. Clients, community members, friends, and families enjoyed appetizers and beverages from local businesses in honor of the move. The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce was in attendance for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The following day, Maly Marketing held a tailgate for the Huskers vs. Sooners football game at their new space.

Now in their 18th year of business, Maly Marketing specializes in creating strategic marketing campaigns. As a full-service marketing and advertising agency, they develop solutions through bold strategies and unique ideas to meet each clients' goals while helping them stand out. Owner Steve Maly and his team are looking forward to what the next 18 years bring! Find out more at malymarketing.com.

Lincoln orthopedic physical therapy opens New Office at Krueger Development Property

Krueger Development is excited to welcome Lincoln Orthopedic Physical Therapy (LOPT) into one of their commercial properties off of 50th and O Street.

As of September 12, Victor Wolff, PT, DPT will offer physical therapy for patients looking to rehab from injury or surgery at the new 5141 O St., STE K location. This space allows patients easy access by car to and from the clinics with parking close to entrances.

Dr. Wolff’s new office is one of two new locations for LOPT in Lincoln, with the second being at 1900 K St., STE 170 and led by JD Freeman, PT, DPT, OCS. This office opened on September 19, bringing the total of LOPT’s offices to nine in Lincoln and one in Ashland.

Both Victor Wolff and JD Freeman offer a range of expertise to treat patients with injuries, musculoskeletal diagnoses, and post-surgical rehab.

Lincoln Orthopedic Physical Therapy has been serving the Lincoln community since 1982, working hard to establish a reputation as one of the leading outpatient orthopedic physical therapy clinics in the area. They are privileged to offer physical therapy with a wide variety of needs but focus on orthopedic problems. To find more information, go to www.LOPT.com.

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, call Krueger Commercial Property Manager Allison Santana at (402) 423-7377 or visit kruegerdevelopment.com.

Union Bank & trust Announces Winners for the Big Give

The Big Give, presented by Union Bank & Trust (UBT), is pleased to announce the 10 nonprofit winners who have each secured a $100,000 share of the bank’s $1 million giveaway following an online public vote that took place August 12-26.

The Small category winners are Autism Family Network, I’ve Got A Name – End Sex Trafficking, The White Cane Foundation, and Uplifting Paws. The winners in the Medium category include Pius X Foundation, Camp Sonshine, and Clinic with a Heart. The Large category winners are Catholic Social Services, Center for People in Need, and Capital Humane Society.

In order to be considered, the organizations were asked to submit an application; once the applicants were narrowed down, the community voted on which organizations would be the 10 winners. Learn more about the winners at ubt.com/big-give.

The Big Give is presented by Union Bank & Trust, a privately owned Nebraska bank that offers complete banking, lending, investment, and trust services, in addition to serving as program manager for Nebraska’s NEST College Savings Plan. The bank has 38 fullservice and loan production offices in Nebraska and Kansas. It is the third-largest privately owned bank in Nebraska, with bank assets of $7.0 billion and trust assets of $43.4 billion as of June 30, 2022. Go to ubt.com for more information.

93.7 the ticket establishes as minorityowned sports radio station in Lincoln

A year ago in September of 2021, Derrick and Rebecca Pearson challenged the status quo by acquiring 93.7 The Ticket, making them one of only a few sports talk radio stations that are owned by a person of color and/or a women, let alone both.

According to the Alliance for Inclusive and Multicultural Marketing (AIMM), minority-owned media represents 6.7% of all media. This data reveals the disconnect in the media industry between investment levels and visibility of minority-owned entities.

Building a multimedia brand in the heart of the country might seem unattainable for some, but relationships with the student-athletes at UNL has helped to shape the vision the Pearson’s see for the station going into the future. They aim to make The Ticket a place where those in the minority have a voice and help give open, honest, factual stories about sports and the people in sports.

Derrick has extensive experience in radio, coaching high school sports, running professional sports teams, and as a life coach. He hosts several shows each day talking primarily about Husker athletics. Rebecca brings her leadership and business knowledge from being a C-level marketing executive and global brand management expert to The Ticket, pushing the station toward exponential growth and impact.

93.7 The Ticket streams in-depth sports talk across all Husker sports, in addition to other teams such as the Lincoln Stars, Lincoln Saltdogs, and high schools. They partner with student-athletes, coaches, parents, and educators that make up the Lincoln community and the state of Nebraska. Go to the theticketfm.com to experience Lincoln’s Real Sports Talk today!

John henry’s plumbing, heating, & Air Conditioning to Launch online store

John Henry Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning is launching a new online store with features to purchase HVAC system filters, memberships, and other related items. The website also has an online pricing tool where customers can find basic pricing information for HVAC systems and water heaters.

It has never been easier to get a brand new HVAC system into your home. With this new online store, the HVAC system can be shipped directly from the website, with filter subscription services available as well. With this new online store, customers can expect the same quality service that John Henry’s provides with the convenience of a subscription service where filters will be delivered to your front door.

Established in 1996, John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning is a full-service plumbing, heating, air conditioning, air quality, duct cleaning, and water treatment business. Their motto is “Our Family Serving Yours” and this goes much deeper than simple HVAC or plumbing services. They have a committee set aside to ensure they are doing all they can for the community around us through many different types of donations and activities, such as the Charity Classic Golf Tournament. For more information or to discuss your home’s plumbing, heating, cooling, and indoor air-quality needs, visit jhlincoln.com, call (402) 435-5555, or email info@jhlincoln.com.

Greenleaf Commercial real estate releases first half market reports for 2022

Greenleaf Commercial employs a full-time market analyst who tracks the market using a variety of tools and resources on a daily basis. In addition to utilizing information available on the subscription sites Costar, CCIM’s Site to do Business, and MRCIE, Greenleaf maintains multiple in-house databases using Realnex. The Realnex databases allow Greenleaf to track occupancy in over 10,000 properties in the Lincoln greater statistical area.

The Greenleaf Market Report is a semi-annual market report that includes trends in vacancy rates, absorption rates, asking rents, building permits, and notable transactions.

The comprehensive, real-time information they maintain in Realnex sets Greenleaf Commercial apart in terms of local market expertise. In addition to producing the Market Report, the Realnex databases allow their agents to have the most accurate and upto-date market data when working with clients.

The reports are free and open to the public to download at greenleafcommerical.com/market-research.

Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate is a full-service commercial real estate company offering professional asset management services and brokerage services including leasing, sales, acquisitions, consulting, and development. They believe in building relationships and strive to understand each client’s objectives and develop a strategy to meet their specific needs. Whatever your commercial real estate needs might be, Greenleaf’s team of professionals is here to help you succeed. For more information on Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate, call (402) 467-2525 or check out the website at www.greenleafcommercial.com.

Army

Bethany A Arnold, Financial Advisor 8135 S.

Suite B

Lincoln, NE

Endorsed by

Wyuka funeral home & Cemetery fall Cemetery Clean-up starts october 1

Wyuka Funeral Home & Cemetery will be commencing their fall cemetery clean-up at Wyuka and Fairview cemeteries in Lincoln on October 1. The clean-up will continue throughout the first week of October. Any items that are not in a fixed container or in a vase will be removed from grave spaces in order to maintain a uniform and welcoming cemetery for everyone who visits. For those with sentimental items at the grave spaces of their loved ones, Wyuka asks that the items are picked up promptly to avoid them being lost.

Wyuka Cemetery has been a vital living piece of Lincoln’s history since its founding. With its rolling hills, shady trees, sparkling pond, and spectacular plantings, Wyuka Cemetery is considered one of the most magnificent examples of landscape architecture and design in Nebraska.

Fairview Cemetery became an asset of Wyuka in 1996. The cemetery is made up of 15 acres and follows the pattern of a country cemetery, with 26 sections currently being used as well as a columbarium. There are two entrances to the cemetery, one located on Adams Street, the other on 84th Street.

Wyuka Funeral Home & Cemetery is committed to preserving Wyuka Cemetery’s rich heritage and beauty. With their preplanning guidance and helpful staff, Wyuka can give you peace of mind in times of mourning. The cemetery is located at 3600 O St. For more information, (402) 474-3600 or go online to wyuka.com.

eagle hollow haunts opens on Weekends october 7-29 for Guaranteed screams

Eagle Hollow Haunts, the “scariest haunt in Nebraska,” is opening back up for the 2022 Halloween season beginning the weekend of October 7. The scream park, celebrating its 13th season, will welcome the bravest of souls through their gates from 7:30 to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through October 29. Eagle Hollow Haunts has three attractions: Luminon, an exciting and dangerous 3D alien world; Darklands, a perilous oneway journey into the haunted woods where dark and evil things lurk about; and Night Terrors, where you’ll delve into the surreal fears of the subconscious. The park also has concessions for food, an E.R. bar where adults can go for Emergency Refreshments, fire pits to rent out for your group, and Scary-oke—Karaoke—to keep you dancing with your friends or to help you serenade the crowd with your spooky favorites!

Eagle Hollow Haunts is located at Eagle Raceway 617 S 238th St., in Eagle, NE. Regular admission tickets are $30 (access to the main grounds and one entry to each of the three haunted attractions). There are also a limited number of VIP tickets available for $50, which include a fast pass to the three attractions so you can avoid waiting in lines. If you only want admission to the main ground (fire pits, Scary-oke, The E.R., and concessions), the cost is $5, with one general admission ticket. There are also special discounted nights for high school and college students and discounts for the military and first responders. For more details, visit eaglehollowhaunts.com or email eaglehollowhaunts@gmail.com to inquire about group outings.

Charm Boutique & Bar to host special event Weekend october 1-2

Charm Boutique & Bar is excited for a weekend filled with fashion, shopping, and mingling at their events taking place in early October. Both events will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at Charm, located in the Telegraph District.

On Saturday, October 1, they will be hosting the Sip & Shop event featuring Q Sciences, a nutraceutical health and wellness company made with cuttingedge technology, backed by science, and made with nature’s best. The open house event will include sample products, shake and takes, snacks, and prizes.

On Sunday, October 2, Charm will be hosting the Mimosa Morning event with OK Tease & Co. Get adventurous with the most bold graphic apparel company around the Midwest! Amy from OK Tease & Co will be bringing exclusive tees and sweatshirts for Nebraskans at the event. Amy’s graphics are very popular in Oklahoma and Iowa, so having her in Nebraska is a treat.

Charm Boutique & Bar is a unique shopping concept developed by Lindsey Tederman where you can “sip ‘n’ shop” by browsing their selection of clothes, accessories, shoes, and more with a drink from their full bar. Online shoppers can check out new arrivals at charmchix.com. For more information or to set up a date for a private shopping party, contact Lindsey at (308) 529-2361.

inspiring homes design now Willow Key interiors, Celebrates first Year in new studio

Earlier this year, Inspiring Homes Design announced a rebrand that would change the look and name of the business to Willow Key Interiors. After six years of exciting changes and growth as Inspiring Homes Design, Owner Natasha Lundy (formerly Salem), decided that she wanted the business name to be a little more unique. The meaning behind the new signature is close to Natasha’s heart. The “Willow” in Willow Key Interiors represents the strength and gracefulness of a weeping willow tree. Natasha also wanted to pay homage to her son Will, who is the source of the bravery it took for her to take the leap into small business ownership in 2015. In addition, the “Key” exemplifies the design team’s commitment to being their clients’ key to a beautiful home that they will enjoy for years to come!

Willow Key Interiors is also celebrating one year in their new studio space after making the move to a newly renovated home in east Lincoln last fall. Their goal was to create a comfortable environment for clients to enjoy while meeting for consultations. They are continuing to work on the finishing touches of the studio as they incorporate their inventory of furniture and accessories to showcase. By having these pieces on display, clients are able to get a feel for the furniture and then customize it to their likeness by selecting their choice of fabric and firmness.

Willow Key Interiors streamlines design packages and processes to make sure their clients receive a design experience tailored to their needs. To learn more or schedule a consultation at the studio, call (402) 770-6457, email coordinator@ihdne.com, or go online to www.IHDNE.com.

ArriveCoworking+Community demonstrates Growth with renovation, newWellnessWing

Arrive Coworking + Community is demonstrating the stellar growth they’ve experienced in the past three years with an office renovation and the introduction of their new Wellness Wing. Due to high demand, the Arrive team has not only moved to new locations for more coworking space, but upon filling up their newest location so quickly, they had to start renovating to accommodate the demand for their private offices and dropin offices. Once renovation is completed in the coming months, Arrive will open a Wellness Wing designed for therapists, chiropractors, nutritionists, and other health-related occupationists.

To celebrate the finished renovations and new Wellness Wing, Arrive will partner with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce to host a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event is scheduled for Thursday, October 27, at 4 p.m.

At Arrive Coworking + Community, located at 3400 Plantation Dr., STE 100, they pride themselves on supporting businesses and empowering women in all career fields, both in business and in life. They are here to help you achieve your goals by providing you with the tools you need to grow your business, giving you opportunities to network with other members, and organizing educational and mastermind groups that develop your business. The Arrive community wants to be your biggest cheerleaders. For more information, contact Nicole Bentzinger, community manager, at (402) 890-9374 / LNK@ arrivecoworking.com or visit arrivecoworking.com.

new Lps superintendent dr. Gausman to speak at LhrmA october Lunch

Lincoln Human Resource Management Association (LHRMA) will host the “Leadership Matters: Don’t Stop Believing” lunch at the Del Ray Ballroom of Del Ray 817 on October 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Help welcome Dr. Gausman, Lincoln Public School’s new superintendent, and hear him speak about the importance of leadership and education in today’s world.

Dr. Gausman joined Lincoln Public Schools as superintendent on July 1. Prior to coming to Lincoln, he was the superintendent for the Sioux City Community School District for 14 years. During that time, the school district saw significant gains in academic achievement and the graduation rate. In December, superintendents from across the nation elected Dr. Gausman as president of the Urban Superintendents Association of America. Dr. Gausman holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN; an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Sioux Falls; a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of Nebraska at Omaha; and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The mission of the Lincoln Human Resources Management Association is to provide for the interchange of ideas, experiences, and methods concerning the relationships between management and employees, and to provide professional ethics and acquaintanceship among those involved in professional human resource management. For more, visit www.lincolnhr.org or contact membership@lincolnhr.org.

Woven Willow picnic Co. now renting out picture-perfect inventory

Woven Willow Picnic Co., locally owned and founded by Naomi Bargen and Maggie Harms, is now renting out their picture-perfect inventory of trendy decor, florals, seating, tables, pillows, rugs, table settings, and more to be used at events or as photo props. These pieces will enhance your bridal shower, birthday brunch, engagement, or anniversary photos—there are so many possibilities!

Woven Willow Picnic Co. creates an aesthetically curated experience mixed with a natural and earthy setting where each client gets to enjoy the ambience of an intimate picnic with their people. They also provide games and charcuterie board spreads. You’ve never had a picnic like this before! Visit wovenwillowpicnicco.squarespace.com for pricing details or Facebook and Instagram (@wovenwillowpicnicco) to see photos of their inventory and past events.

James Arthur Vineyards Announces holiday event Lineup through december

James Arthur Vineyards (JAV) is getting into the holiday spirit with an exciting lineup of events. Celebrate Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and everything in between.

In October, get your sixth sense tingling with a JAV Ghost Tour, offered every Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Then on Sundays, come back for a spooky round two with haunted hayrack rides through the vineyard. To finish out the month, indulge yourself in JAV’s WorldFamous Halloween Murder Mystery Dinner event at Billy’s Restaurant on Saturday, October 22 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. All reservations must be made through Billy’s Restaurant by calling (402) 474-0084.

In November, JAV has lined up some pre-Christmas festivities to keep your calendar full! Starting on Friday, November 11, come to the vineyard for a holiday wine bottle painting event, held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The next Friday, November 18, JAV is celebrating the release of their Christmas wines all day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will be live music in the evening starting at 5 p.m. by Spock’s Foster Sister. In addition, JAV has a response to Black Friday – their White Friday event on November 25 with deals on their delicious white wines. Then on Saturday they will round out the November events with a holiday open house featuring ornament-making, cookies, hot mulled wine, free live holiday music by Chris Sayer from 2 to 5 p.m., and gift shop specials from noon to 9 p.m.

In December, JAV is bringing the holiday cheer in full force, kicking off with a series of holiday cabarets performed by vocalists Judy Anderson and Dave Claus December 2-4. Then, if you missed the Halloween murder mystery dinner at Billy’s Restaurant, you can catch the second round on Saturday, December 10, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The next two Sundays leading up to Christmas Day, JAV will showcase their Holiday Music Series with live music at the vineyard from 2 to 5 p.m. by Josh Hoyer on December 11 and by Jerry Renaud on December 18. Established in 1996, James Arthur Vineyards is nestled amidst 400 acres of rolling hills and natural prairie grasslands minutes north of Lincoln in Raymond, NE. For more information about the vineyard and their holiday events, go to jamesarthurvineyards. com or call (402) 783-5255.

eschliman Commercial real estate Closes sale on Apples Way shopping Center

Eschliman Commercial Real Estate (ECR) is pleased to announce that Robin and Ted Eschliman represented the buyer in the offmarket sale of a successful 7168-square-foot retail shopping center located at 6125 Apples Way on September 6. The center, which was built in 2008, was bought as a real estate investment property. All of the spaces at the shopping center have been renovated within the last nine years. The center features popular food and services including Dickey’s BBQ and Domino’s Pizza.

President Robin Eschliman has been in commercial real estate since the 90s, specializing in property management, and continues to serve the community in sales and leasing. She opened her own Eschliman Commercial Real Estate in 2007.

Vice President Ted Eschliman got his real estate license in 2019 after four decades of retail. After selling his business interest, he joined his wife’s real estate business with an emphasis on retail representation and business development.

Eschliman Commercial Real Estate is frequently sought for real estate consulting, evaluating a business owner’s current properties for competitive current market lease rates, or to analyze buildings a client is contemplating purchasing or selling. For more information, contact ECR at (402) 420-3239 or info@ecrproperty.com, or go to their website at ecrproperty.com.

Lincoln independent Business Association to hold Annual poker tournament

Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA) invites you to their annual poker tournament on October 13 at 6 p.m. at Buffalo Wings and Rings. Register by October 11 to receive $500 in bonus chips.

The poker tournament is open to players of all levels of expertise, including a table for beginners. If you know someone that has never played in a LIBA poker tournament before, bring them as a player and receive $100 in bonus chips.

To register for the event, call the LIBA office at (402) 466-3419 or email chris@liba.org. The cost to participate is $20 per player and includes a gift bag. A major sponsor of the event is Lincoln Poker Services.

The mission of the Lincoln Independent Business Association is to provide leadership and educational opportunities to the business community. They strive to educate the public concerning the vital role of business in creation of meaningful jobs; to communicate the concerns of the business community to elected and appointed officials at all levels of local government; and to support political candidates who understand and promote the free enterprise system. Learn more at liba.org.

home Builders Association of Lincoln to host fall parade of homes october 2-9

The Home Builders Association of Lincoln’s (HBAL) Fall Parade of Homes is the week of October 2-9. Every spring and fall, HBAL organizes a Parade of Homes for the public, offering potential home buyers a great opportunity to walk through brand new homes and meet the builders. From Sunday, October 2 through Sunday, October 9, homes will be open weeknights from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The event is free and features a number of local home building companies at various locations around Lincoln. The 2022 fall guidebook will be available a few weeks prior to the Parade on the HBAL website.

The Home Builders Association of Lincoln is a visible, effective, and respected trade association which promotes home building through professional education, member communication, and civic participation, and which represents builders and associated professionals in community, government, and industry forums. HBAL has promoted the home building and remodeling industries in Lincoln since 1951. For more information about HBAL and the Fall Parade of Homes, visit hbal.org.

CBd American shaman to feature Line of products at Lincoln Business expo october 19

CBD American Shaman invites you to stop by their booth at the Lincoln Chamber's Business Expo, where they will feature their product line, on October 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pinnacle Bank Area. CBD American Shaman will have free samples and a drawing for multiple CBD products. Meet Nicole at the booth to talk about all things CBD and to ask any questions you have.

Products at CBD American Shaman include a full line of CBD products for people and pets, along with Delta 8, Delta 9, and HHC products. All products are industrial hemp derived and Farm Bill 2018 compliant. American Shaman’s proprietary nanotechnology makes their products nine times more bio-available which gives consumers a 90-100% absorption rate compared to the 10-30% absorption rate of most other CBD companies.

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.

CBD American Shaman is U.S. Hemp Authority certified. To learn more about what CBD American Shaman has to offer, contact Lance Schroeder at (531) 500-3672 / lincolnamshaman@gmail. com, follow them on Facebook (@CBDofLincoln27th), or visit their website www.CBDofLincoln.com.

primerica ranked most trusted Life insurance Company, most trusted financialCompany

Primerica, Inc., a leading provider of financial services to middle-income families in the United States and Canada, was ranked No. 1 Most Trusted Life Insurance Company and third Most Trusted Financial Company overall on Investor’s Business Daily’s (IBD) annual list of “25 Most Trusted Financial Companies.”

IBD partnered with TechnoMetrica Market Intelligence to conduct the survey, which measured consumer’s trust in financial companies. This year’s list is based on input from more than 6,500 respondents who rated companies of which they are clients. The survey included companies in eight lines of business: auto insurance, credit card issuers, ETF/mutual fund companies, home insurance, life insurance, online brokers, and wealth management.

Rankings were based on seven trust attributes that consumers indicated were most important to them: quality of products and services; ethical business practices and values; commitment to protecting the privacy and security of personal data; company’s service/treatment of others; fair prices/fees for products and services; sensitivity to customer needs in the current economic and financial climate; and innovation of processes and offerings.

For the full list, go to www.investors.com/news/most-trustedfinancial-companies-top-25-list-2022.

Primerica, Inc. has been committed to helping families save and invest for their futures since 1977. Local Investment Adviser Representative Marcie Young offers her 35+ years of investment experience to individuals, families, and business owners in Nebraska and throughout the Midwest, educating them about their financial options for building and protecting wealth. Learn more at www.primerica.com/marcieyoung or contact marcieyoung@primerica.com / (402) 476-6778.

QC Kinetix hosts ribbon-Cutting on september 6

QC Kinetix in Lincoln celebrated the grand opening of their 575 S 70th St. location with a ribboncutting on September 6.

Dr. Gamal Elsaidi, the owner of QC Kinetix in Lincoln, gave a short speech on “Why QC Kinetix” to the 15 Lincoln Chamber of Commerce members in attendance. Dr. Stefanie Leydon from QC Kinetix also gave a short speech. The guests were also given tours of the facility. QC Kinetix wants to thank the community for their ongoing support.

At QC Kinetix Lincoln, they offer a set of non-invasive natural treatments directed to relief pain and injuries in the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, foot, and ankles. From sports injuries or arthritis pain due to aging, regenerative therapies can help athletes get back on their feet as soon as possible. To learn more, go to qckinetix.com/lincoln-ne.

nebraska Community foundation presents 2022 Youth survey results

Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF), in partnership with the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Center for Public Affairs Research (CPAR), surveyed 715 middle and high school students between January and May for the 2022 Nebraska Youth Survey.

Building on a trend from previous surveys, respondents expressed a strong preference for small communities. Safety, good schools, and proximity to family continue to be the top characteristics of their ideal community, and the vast majority (71%) said there is no stigma associated with returning to your hometown as an adult.

Though Nebraska youth seem to not see social downsides to returning home, results suggest they are susceptible to misperceptions about a lack of career or professional upsides to living in Greater Nebraska. Healthcare (22%), agriculture (14%), and education (8%) represented the top three most desirable industries among respondents, but there seems to be a disconnect between what they want to do and what they perceive to be available where they live. Of student respondents, 48% said if they were to not live in their community as an adult the main reason would be job or business opportunities elsewhere. The results of the Youth Survey begin to reveal the priorities, values, concerns, and desires of these individuals as well as factors that may influence their decision to return to or remain in Greater Nebraska in the future. The hope is that these data may serve as a resource for NCF’s network of 1,500 community volunteers as well as other organizations and entities that share an interest in people attraction. For more information on Nebraska Community Foundation’s 2022 Nebraska Youth Survey, visit www.NebraskaHometown.org. To learn more about the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Center for Public Affairs Research and access many data resources, go to www.cpar.unomaha.edu.

(L to r) debra schmidt, dr. Gamal elsaidi, dr. stefanie Leyden, deann eastin, Jessica sheehan, and shanta smith

Center sphere Announces network-Wide october events for members and Guests

Center Sphere hosts a wide array of networking events to help members expand their professional network and grow their businesses. Center Sphere is pleased to announce an upcoming network-wide social event on Thursday, October 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Pearson’s Pumpkin Place, 1357 N 6th Rd., Eagle.

On Thursday, October 20 from 8:30 to 10 a.m., Three Pillars Performance is hosting a network-wide Coffee & Connections at Driven Academy, 5620 S 49th St. All Center Sphere members and their guests are invited to gather for these events.

Join fellow Center Sphere members and guests for Meet The Network on Wednesday, October 12 from 11 a.m. to noon at HOME Real Estate, 5322 O St., to hear all about The Network and the best ways to maximize your membership.

Center Sphere is an established network of business professionals whose mission is to share referrals, ideas, and resources through genuine relationships. For more information about Center Sphere or to inquire about attending a complimentary meeting or event, visit www.CenterSphere.com or connect with Director of Membership Ashley Hinze at Ashley@CenterSphere.com / (402) 690-4434.

City of Lincoln and Lancaster County Awards Nearly $5M to 15 Tourism Nonprofits

City of Lincoln and Lancaster County officials announced on August 11 their allocation of $4.9 million in grant awards to 15 local nonprofit tourist organizations impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The funding was made available to the City and County by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. A committee of City and County officials reviewed 21 applications and chose the following nonprofits:

• Camp Creek Antique Machinery and Threshing Association, Inc. – $25,000

• Flatwater Shakespeare Company – $91,000

• Friends of Woods Tennis, Inc. – $100,000

• History Nebraska/History Nebraska Foundation – $875,000

• Lancaster County Agricultural Society, Inc. – $650,000

• Lied Center for Performing Arts (UNL Board of Regents) – $300,000

• Lincoln Arts Council – $130,000

• Lincoln Calling – $125,000

• Lincoln Children’s Museum – $705,000

• Lincoln Children’s Zoo – $900,000

• Lincoln Sports Foundation – $220,000

• LUX Center for the Arts – $200,000

• Midwest Racers Organization, Inc. – $45,000

• Museum of American Speed – $450,000

• Nebraska Repertory Theatre (UNL Board of Regents) – $150,000 “My sincere thanks to the leadership at our City and County who recognize the value of tourism and have made the effort to extend these dollars to our industry,” said Jeff Maul, executive director of the Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau. “At the peak of the pandemic and without conference business at hotels and vacation travel, shutdowns and furloughs were common, and many of our hospitality and tourism partners have struggled to return their operations to pre-pandemic levels. These dollars represent a gesture of appreciation for those in our industry as we continue to build the tourism economy in Lincoln and Lancaster County.”

More information on the investment of ARP funds in the community is available at lincoln.ne.gov/ARP.

God’sCountry rallyAnnouncedfor october 9 withVirgil"omaha" Walker as Guest speaker

Paul Ehernberger of Maple Creek Canyon, a scenic and spiritual retreat destination in Northeast Nebraska, is partnering with Nebraskans For Founders Value Action (NFFVA) to host the God’s Country Rally on Sunday, October 9, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. The rally will be held in Omaha, featuring Podcaster, Author, Executive, and Film Personality Virgil Walker, who is known by the nickname “Omaha” to fans all around the world.

Traveling all the way from Atlanta, GA, Walker will equip followers of Jesus with the knowledge of how to uphold Biblical Justice and Truth in Nebraska and Iowa at the rally. He served as the Discipleship Pastor at Westside Church in Omaha for six years before he was catapulted to worldwide fame when the Just Thinking Podcast, which Walker is the co-host of, escalated to the Top 10 Christian Podcasts in the U.S. Today, he is the executive director of operations for G3 Ministries, founded for the purpose of helping local churches, and he is also featured in Larry Elders’ new documentary, Uncle Tom II: An American Odyssey, about an exploitation of Black America.

To learn more about the God’s Country Rally, including the exact location, contact Paul Ehernberger at PabloFreeSpirit@gmail.com or text (402) 860-0719.

nebraska recycling Council holds Annual Conference, recognizes Award Winners

The Nebraska Recycling Council (NRC) held its Annual Conference on September 15, under the theme, “Rediscovering Recycling: Evolving Markets + Evolving Perspectives.” The aim of this annual event is to recognize the accomplishments of member organizations and provide learning opportunities for resource management professionals.

The 2022 award winners recognized at the conference included:

• Waste Diversion Product Award – Novozymes

• End Market Award – Green Fiber

• Green Team Award – BVH Architecture

• Advocacy Award – Lincoln Public Schools

• Commonwealth Award – Keep Keith County Beautiful

• Member of the Year Award – Sadoff E-Recycling & Data Destruction

NRC would like to thank all conference sponsors, including Firstar Fiber Recycling, The Association of Plastic Recyclers, Ameritas, Valmont Industries, Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, City of Lincoln Transportation and Utilities: Solid Waste Management Division, and Nebraska Academy of Sciences.

Nebraska Recycling Council is a statewide, member-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission to maximize the economic and environmental benefits of resource recovery in Nebraska. Learn more at www.nrcne.org.

by Chris Mcpike

Manager/Agent

it’s time for open enrollment!

Open Enrollment on Healthcare.gov begins on November 1 and continues through January 15. This is the time for individuals and families that purchase their own health insurance to review their options for next year. In some years in the past, there was little change from one year to the next. That is not true now. Changes are expected in the amount of Premium Tax Credit that someone will qualify to receive – even when there is limited change in the income that you expect to earn in 2023.

We strongly encourage you to update your application for 2023 and make your plan selection. If you do not do this, then Healthcare.gov has the responsibility of selecting your coverage for next year. The agents at ComPro have been assisting clients with their Healthcare.gov enrollments since it began in 2013. We would be happy to help you, too.

BlueCross BlueShield of Nebraska is returning to the individual market and will be offering policies through Healthcare.gov for 2023. It will be the second year for Ambetter and Oscar. Bright Health is also returning. Medica remains the longest-term health insurance carrier, having been here since 2015. That means there will be a total of five companies offering individual health plans in Nebraska. It has been many years since we had that many choices. Each of these companies will offer bronze, silver, and gold plan designs with multiple provider networks. Realistically, you will have over 100 options to consider for your health insurance in 2023. It will be awesome to have all those choices, but it will also be challenging to compare them. Using an agent that is experienced on Healthcare.gov will help you navigate these options.

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was passed in March 2021. This law changed the eligibility guidelines for Healthcare.gov by removing the upper income limitation and expanding the amount of Premium Tax Credit. The original law was in-force through December 2022. Those changes have been extended through 2025.

Those who retire before becoming eligible for Medicare can choose to continue as a COBRA enrollee in their employer plan or they can enroll in Healthcare.gov. Open Enrollment is the right time to consider whether COBRA is the better choice for 2023.

Questions about how to estimate your income, whether you can continue to insure your 20-something kids, and what happens when a family member becomes eligible for Medicare are some of the most frequently questions that we answer. Let us know if you have similar questions or if you would like our assistance in enrolling in health insurance for 2023. For more information or to make an appointment, please contact ComPro at (402) 488-5100 or visit our website at www.comproins.com.

HEATHER STAR CITY SIX

Heather Chloupek PAISLE y Ly NN BOUTIQUE

Meet Heather Chloupek, co-owner of Paisley Lynn Boutique.

tell us a little about your business.We are a new home décor boutique here in Lincoln. We strive to provide beautiful accessories to help make your house a home.

How did you get started in the business? - During COVID, my salon was unable to use our waiting rooms, so I was able to take that space and try my hand at selling different retail items. What we learned is how much our clients at the salon loved shopping during their appointments. So, after meeting with my friend Cherie Anderson, we talked about the possibility of a store. We were pretty excited and dove right in!

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?We are still in the growing stages, so learning which vendors we want to partner with is huge!

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Taking this leap! I’ve owned my salon for nine years and owned another salon for eight years before that, but retail is completely different. It has been fun and very rewarding.

tell us a little about your family. - My husband of nearly 18 years owns his custom cabinets shop, Usher Custom Cabinets. We live in Waverly and keep super busy with our four children, Gracyn (17), Logan (15), Paisley (10), and Porter (8). When we aren’t working, we can usually be found on the baseball or football field!

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

- We have lived in Waverly for 12 years this summer, and we have always said it was probably one of the best decisions we’ve ever made as a married couple. We truly became part of our community.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I’m actually a really shy person. I get really nervous around groups of people, so I’m much better one on one! Who inspires you? - My business partner Cherie. She is such a genuine person who walks in her faith daily. She is an amazing mom, and I only hope to have the relationships she has with her adult daughters. She has a super power to lift you up.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “Let go, let God.”

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

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Man, I Feel Like a Woman” by Shania Twain.

Which talent would you most like to have? - Better computer skills. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Architectural design.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?People City Mission! I have decorated a tree for the Starry Nights Tree festival for several years. We also do a barrel drive for food and toiletries every year to help the Mission.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?Verity by Colleen Hoover.

What is your favorite movie? - Avatar. What is your favorite tV show? - Frasier. I watch it every single day!

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Isles Pub & Pizza.

If

readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 480-0535; heatherchloupek@yahoo.com; paisleylynnboutique.com.

kEllY

Kelly Hillman

UNION BANK & TRUST

Meet Kelly Hillman, first vice president - head of retail at Union Bank & Trust (UBT).

tell us a little about your business. - UBT is a family-owned bank with roots in the community dating back over a century. We are a full-service bank that is dedicated to helping individuals, families, and businesses thrive in whatever they’d like to accomplish. As the head of the retail division, I have the opportunity to provide strategic leadership and oversight to customer service for Lincoln and Greater Nebraska, mortgage loans, and the customer support team.

I am proud to work for an institution that truly lives our core values of caring about our customers, employees, and communities that we serve.

How did you get started in the business? - I graduated from the University of Nebraska with a business administration degree, and after seven years of working in the student loan servicing industry with UNIPAC, I moved into banking. I was a mortgage loan officer for about 10 years and then managed the mortgage division at another institution for six years before joining UBT in 2014.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?Managing the mortgage team through the pandemic. I am very proud of how our entire team on both the sales and operations sides worked together to continue to deliver for our clients.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? - I love being on the management side of things, but the most rewarding thing I've done was helping people achieve their dream of home ownership when I was a mortgage loan officer. I loved seeing a firsttime buyer purchase a home or be able to afford building a new home.

tell us a little about your family. - I have been married for 30 years to my wife Karree, a teacher with LPS. We have two daughters, Kelsey (27) and Natalie (23). I had to have a boy in the house, so I also have a dog, Charlie (6).

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Golf.

Who inspires you? - My dad. He worked a minimum of two jobs the entire time I was growing up to provide for us. Because he worked so hard, he missed a lot of things I did growing up. He has made it a point to never miss anything my daughters were involved in.

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

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

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - I would have loved to be an entertainer, but if you can’t sing, that is probably a problem.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I currently sit on the board of directors for Make-A-Wish Nebraska. My wife and I know several children who were granted wishes and saw the hope that it gave them while fighting through illness.

What is your favorite movie? - Probably one that nobody has ever heard of called Tin Men with Richard Dreyfuss and Danny DeVito. They play aluminum siding salesmen in the 1960’s. Anyone ever involved in sales would love it.

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

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Elvis. It would be so interesting to hear what it was like to be him.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?(402) 323-1290; kelly.hillman@ubt.com; www.ubt.com.

TIFFANY STAR CITY SIX

Tiffany Quicke OBACCO F REE L ANCASTER COUNTY

Meet Tiffany Quicke, the president for the Tobacco Free Lancaster County coalition.

ell us a little about your business. - The Tobacco Free Lancaster County coalition works collaboratively with many different community partners to help educate the members of Lancaster County on issues related to tobacco and e-cigarette use and exposure. Members of our coalition attend health fairs, community events, and work closely with the school systems in the area. We have four main goals we strive to achieve: influence tobacco related prevention activities, improve community health by education, advocate for policies that reduce tobacco and e-cigarette exposure and engage businesses, agencies, and individuals in prevention activities.

How did you get started in the business? - As a respiratory therapist, I have always had a passion for helping people improve their lung health. In 2016, I had the opportunity to attend the University of Massachusetts Medical School Tobacco Treatment program. After I completed the program, I was contacted by the Tobacco Free Lancaster County coalition to become a member of their task force. A year or so later I was asked to become the president which I happily accepted.

tell us a little about your family. - My husband Mike is a RN, and we have been married for 18 years. We have two teenage daughters and spend most of our time cheering them on in their various activities.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love to have a lazy morning at home drinking coffee, getting massages, and doing some reading.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I played high school girls golf. Who inspires you? - My daughters inspire me. I am in awe of the wonderful young women they are growing into. They make me want to be a better mom/person.

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

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Making my house clean itself.

Which talent would you most like to have? - I would love to be able to draw or paint.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - I would own a coffee/cupcake shop, something you might see in a Hallmark movie.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I am passionate about my church, Christ Lincoln-Yankee Hill. My family and I are involved in high school ministry, adult bible study, and various volunteer activities that we assist with. My faith has always been important to me and this is one way I can give back.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - I read non-fiction self-help books, easy-read fiction, and Christian books and devotionals.

What is your favorite t V show? - I love true crime shows and Hallmark movies.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 471-3121; info@tobaccofreelancastercounty.org; www.tobaccofreelancastercounty.org.

STAR CITY SIX

DONTE

Donte Jackson G REENLEAF C OMMERCIAL R EAL E STATE

Meet Donte Jackson, facilities manager at Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate.

tell us a little about your business. - We buy, sell, lease, and manage commercial properties. We pride ourselves on keeping a wide variety of commercial space available. Our properties include offices, retail, warehouse, industrial, and land built for suit in the Lincoln area. Greenleaf also offers consulting services, helping current and prospective property owners build and maintain commercial real estate portfolios. We believe in building relationships, and we strive to understand each client’s objectives and develop a strategy to meet their specific needs. Our success occurs when our client’s goals have been achieved.

How did you get started in the business? - I started at Greenleaf looking to further my knowledge in maintenance as well as learn the commercial side of property maintenance.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - I think one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced at Greenleaf so far is walking into a problem that I might have little knowledge or experience in and taking on that challenge head on.

tell us a little about your family. - I have a 7-year-old son named Zakarii. He is easily the best kid in the world.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Becoming a father. That is the point in life where I made the decision to always put him first and make sure everything I do benefits him.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Riding bikes with my son or fishing with my brothers.

Who inspires you? - I get inspiration from the mentors in my life, most notably my dad. Looking back on the obstacles he’s overcome in his life and looking into the future of where he’s going, it’s hard not to gain inspiration knowing that determination and resilience has rubbed off on me.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - I think it would be in some sort of sports media. Basketball and the NBA have always been my first dream and love.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - The two quotes that will always stick with me and I will always live by are: “Anything lost can be found again, except for time wasted.” – Unknown and “If it isn’t beneficial it’s artificial.” – Timothy Patterson

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?Welcome Home Supportive Housing is a nonprofit that I founded to help homeless and near homeless people get the help they need to become better people in the community. Helping people has always been something of the upmost importance to me. Coming from a humbling beginning, I can personally understand the hardships people go through.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - My favorite local Lincoln restaurant comes down to tie. I cannot decide between the great Juice Stop and the mouthwatering Mary Ellen’s Soul Food.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 467-2525; greenleafcommercial.com.

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Kelly Knudson DAVINCI ' S RESTAURANTS

Meet Kelly Knudson, the president of daVinci’s Restaurants.

tell us a little about your business. - For 44 years, we have been a family owned and operated restaurant chain. Our first location was Pontillo’s in 1978; then we changed the name to daVinci’s as we expanded. We currently have five Lincoln locations delivering and serving pizza, pasta, hot hoagies, cheese steaks, and more.

How did you get started in the business? - In 1977, Kal Knudson, my father and an ordained minister, along with my mother Darlene, decided they needed something to bring their family of eight together and give them a common goal. They called their kids and asked them all to come home and help set up a family business. To turn this dream into a reality, Kal took a leave of absence from his church, Darlene gave up her teaching career, and their children moved back home. After intense restaurant training, the family opened their first restaurant, which was the beginning of a growing family restaurant business.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?Owning and operating a restaurant during a pandemic.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? - Operating a family-owned business for over 40 years and supporting the restaurant industry by being on the Nebraska Restaurant Association Board of Directors since 1992. I also served as president twice during that time.

tell us a little about your family. - I have two beautiful and smart daughters. My oldest daughter just graduated from law school with honors. My youngest daughter is in her second year at UNL and wants to be a counselor.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Be by the water. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I had the opportunity to go on the USS Nebraska Nuclear Submarine.

Who inspires you? - My mom and dad.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - My dad told me: “You have two ears and one mouth, use them in that proportion.”

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

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - I’d like to read peoples’ minds.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - The People’s City Mission because of all they do for our community, and because it was a passion of my parents to support them and to give back to the community that has supported us for so long. I want to continue giving back by serving our free Easter dinner in 2023. For 36 years, daVinci’s has held a free Easter dinner at our 11th and G Street location for those who may be alone or low-income. Unfortunately, we have been unable to continue that tradition the last couple of years because of the pandemic. We are very happy to start planning our free Easter dinner once again for Easter Sunday 2023.

What is your favorite movie? - Roadhouse or any action movie. What is your favorite local restaurant? - daVinci’s.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 434-3300; kelly@davincis.com; davincis.com.

STAR CITY SIX

STEFANIE

Stefanie Leyden

QC KINETIX

Meet Stefanie Leyden, DNP, MSN, MSF, BSN, APRN, FNP-C, medical director at QC Kinetix.

tell us a little about your business. - At QC Kinetix, we are committed to using one’s own body to heal a variety of ailments. We treat pain, inflammation, and the damage done by acute injury and chronic degeneration utilizing platelet and stem cell therapy. We do things a little differently at QC Kinetix. We do not use outside stem cell sources, meaning they are obtained from the patient. We do not store any biologic products, and we do not add anything to the patient’s cells. Through our FDA regulated processes we concentrate these healing cells on our lab in a way that the body cannot in circulation. This creates a “product” that is full of the best cells our bodies have to offer and they are re-injected into the area of concern. We have excellent efficacy with our methods and love helping patients become pain free and regain an active lifestyle.

How did you get started in the business? - I have a background in pain management and when I tore my ACL last year, I utilized platelet therapy to heal without surgery. I was drawn to the position in a desire to help others in the same way I healed myself. I love that these therapies are opioid and steroid free, yet we encourage a comprehensive approach to include PT, chiropractic care, massage, acupuncture, and other modalities that encourage healing.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?One of the largest challenges I have faced professionally has been acceptance in the medical community. Holistic approaches to patient care are the core of nursing, however, this area of treatment is not widely accepted...yet. My goal is to work hard on helping one patient at a time and allow their experience and word of mouth to speak for itself. I know that one day, what we do at QC Kinetix will be first line therapy instead of the last.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? - My most important achievement professionally has been the completion of my doctoral degree. I love seeing my patients lives change for the better and my research thesis was based in pain management. I’m driven and passionate about not excluding ANY options.

tell us a little about your family. - I am married and have two children. They, along with my parents, were instrumental in me completing my education. We love to travel, try new food, and spend time together.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love having BBQs with friends and family. I enjoy reading but have not read for pleasure in a few years (school took away my free time).

What is your favorite local restaurant? - There are so many— Dish, Blue Orchid, Tandoor, Parthenon...the list goes on!

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?Child Advocacy Center. I was a SANE nurse for a number of years and assisted with medical exams on those who had been sexually assaulted. I worked closely with the CAC who provide an incredible service to those who need their support in times of crisis.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 205-4270; qckinetix.com/lincoln-ne.

eemann & sons hires Kate schmitt as New Office Assistant

Neeman & Sons is excited to share the newest addition to their team, Kate Schmitt. As the new office assistant, Kate handles receptionist duties, estimates, invoices, customer relations, and insurance claims.

Kate grew up in Ohio but has been in Nebraska for the last 12 years. She attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and found her love for receptionist work after spending time in the medical field. She loves to work with people and being a receptionist fits into her interests perfectly. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, child, and puppy. Neemann & Sons is a family-owned business built on three core values to offer the best services possible for their clients and the community: honesty, hard work, and customer satisfaction. For more information, visit their website at www.neemannandsons.com or contact them directly by phone or email at (402) 423-4853 / info@neemannandsons.com.

teven t. Wahlmeier Joins nebraska rthopaedic Center spine team

On August 22, Nebraska Orthopaedic Center, PC welcomed Steven T. Wahlmeier, M.D. to the team. Dr. Wahlmeier specializes in back, neck, and spine care. He joins the spine team, which also includes Daniel R. Ripa, M.D.; Robert A. Vande Guchte, M.D.; Steven J. Volin, M.D.; and Brad A. Webb, D.O.

Dr. Wahlmeier was born and raised outside Hastings, NE. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Nebraska - Lincoln and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. He then received his medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, followed by his orthopaedic surgery residency at the William Beaumont Hospital outside Detroit, MI. He completed a fellowship, with specialized training in orthopaedic spine surgery, at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. He was fortunate enough to train under two former presidents of the Cervical Spine Research Society, providing the highest level of training in spine surgery involving the neck.

Dr. Wahlmeier is married and has three children that keep him busy with their school and activities. In his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities. He is looking forward to being back in Nebraska, near friends and extended family, as well as being able to serve the communities he and his family grew up in.

In 2022, Lincoln Orthopaedic Center and Nebraska Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine merged to form Nebraska Orthopaedic Center. Together they provide comprehensive orthopaedic healthcare, offering a wide variety of orthopaedic services including sports medicine; total joint replacement; fracture care; and hip and knee, foot and ankle, hand and upper extremity, back/spine, and neck care. Nebraska Orthopaedic Center physicians are highly skilled in all areas of orthopaedic medicine. Their expertise includes the medical management of injuries and disease of the musculoskeletal system through physical and rehabilitative methods, or through surgical intervention. Nebraska Orthopaedic Center surgeons often serve as consultants to physicians of other disciplines to assure the highest quality of care for their patients. To learn more or schedule an appointment with Dr. Wahlmeier, visit nebraskaortho.com or call (402) 436-2000.

Craig pytleski Joins UBs Wealth Management USA, Lincoln Office

UBS Wealth Management USA has announced that Craig Pytleski has joined the firm as a financial advisor in the Lincoln office, 8415 Maddox Dr., STE 101.

“Craig brings a broad range of wealth management and banking experience to serve our clients, and we are thrilled to welcome him to UBS,” said Jason Dworak, managing director, financial advisor at UBS Wealth Management.

Craig has worked in the financial services industry since 2017, with prior experience in the banking and nonprofit industries. He received his MBA from Nebraska Wesleyan University, holds a financial planning certificate from Northwestern University, and earned the CAP® (Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy) designation. Craig has served and supported many community and faith-based organizations to include United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County, Catholic Diocese of Lincoln, Food Bank of Lincoln, Pius X High School, and St. Joseph Catholic Church. To start a conversation, email craig.pytleski@ubs.com or call (402) 328-2081.

UBS Wealth Management USA provides advice-based relationships through its financial advisors who deliver a fully integrated set of products and services individually designed to meet their needs. Learn more about the Lincoln team at local. ubs.com/lincoln-ne.

nebraska safety Council Welcomes three new team members

The Nebraska Safety Council (NESC) continues to grow and expand its offerings across the Midwest, which has led to the addition of three new team members: Samantha Gentry, development manager; Brian York, safety services manager; and Sheila Keck, safety services coordinator.

Caring friends in home Care Welcomes deb maguire as director of health services

Caring Friends In Home Care is excited to announce that Deb Maguire, LPN will be joining their team as the director of health services. Deb has been in senior care services her entire life. She has experience in nursing, assisted living as an administrator, assistant director of operations, director of nursing, and director of quality assurance. The Caring Friends team is very grateful to have someone as well known in the healthcare community that has a servant’s heart on their team.

Caring Friends is a locally owned and community focused inhome care business that strives for quality care at home. What is better than staying at home investing in yourself and allowing them to support you along the way? Caring Friends will help build relationships, improve the quality of life and serve those in need of love and care. Their goal is to help individuals enjoy life by helping them perform their simple daily functions—meal prep, bathing, local transportation, social interactions, housekeeping, and medication reminders.

With over 20 years of experience within the healthcare field, Caring Friends In Home Care strives to go above and beyond. Your care will be directed by you and your own individualized choices. Give them a call and make a plan that will allow you your independence in the comforts of your own home. For more information, visit caringfriendsinhomecare.com, call (402) 2071050 or email amy.augustin@caringfriendsinhomecare.com.

Samantha received a bachelor’s degree in arts and sciences from UNL. She is a current graduate student at UNO pursuing a master’s degree in nonprofit management. Previously, she was the development manager at The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum. In her free time, she enjoys learning new things, going on adventures, and hanging out with her dog Rico and her cat Olive.

Brian brings 27 years of experience working in nonprofits and over 20 years of military experience. He has worked as a curator and a leader, developing skills in conservation, research, design, and collection management with several Nebraska museums and the National Park Service. Brian’s military experience focuses on logistics, planning, and leadership. During Brian’s down time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, and staying active.

Sheila most recently worked as a para educator for Lincoln Public Schools for 16 years and previously as an adult residential tech at a drug/alcohol treatment facility for four years. Outside of work, Sheila can be found hanging out with her family—all three of her sons and three grandchildren live in Lincoln—or painting, reading, and being outside as much as possible.

“With growth, comes the need for additional staff so that we can continue to provide the best service to our members,” says John M. Lefler, Jr., executive director of NESC. “Each team member brings insight and unique skills that enhances how we operate. This is crucial to building out our vision as we dive into the upcoming year.”

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 to sign up for a membership today, visit nesafetycouncil. org, call (402) 483-2511, or email nesc@nesafetycouncil.org.

home Care partners Welcomes Kari saban as new Care manager

Home Care Partners is excited to announce Kari Saban RN BSN as their new care manager. Kari has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare field. She plays a key role in Home Care Partner’s care management team by coordinating with transitional care teams and supporting hospital discharges or transitions home.

Through ongoing communication with caregivers, family members, and others in a client’s healthcare continuum, Kari provides oversight that increases supervision to reduce hospital readmissions and increase support.

Kari says, “I believe that making a difference in someone else’s life is one of the greatest gifts you can give and is also a privilege. Through my experience with working in home care, I have seen how meaningful and essential to a person’s overall health and well-being their environment is. If that environment is their home or a loved one’s home, it can make all the difference. As care manager at Home Care Partners, I do not see my role as work or just a job. Instead, it is a privilege and opportunity for me to work with a team where every client and caregiver is valued, appreciated, and respected. ”

Home Care Partners embody a culture of caring to serve seniors in and around the community. They are an affordable and comparable alternative or complement to independent and assisted living, and provide additional support when needed for those already living in a senior community. For more information, visit www. homecarepartnersofnebraska.com or call (402) 780-1211.

West Gate Bank Welcomes Laura Burford as senior Vp, Correspondent Lending

The West Gate Bank ® Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Laura Burford as senior vice president, correspondent lending. Burford brings more than 25 years of experience in banking and mortgage lending to her new role at West Gate Bank. As senior vice president, correspondent lending, Burford will lead and develop the correspondent and broker sales team, identify and develop new correspondent and broker relationships, and maintain and expand existing client relationships.

Originally from Elkhorn, Burford received a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Bellevue University. In 2016, she graduated from the Nebraska Bankers Association Leadership Program and in 2019, earned the Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) designation from the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Burford served as the president for the Nebraska Mortgage Association and currently serves as the immediate past-president. She is a board member for the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation, and a mentor and volunteer in the TeamMates Mentoring Program.

Laura Burford is located at the West Gate Bank Pacific Springs branch at 1020 S 179th Ct. and can be reached at (402) 8537025 or lburford@westgate.bank.

West Gate Bank ® is a family-owned community bank with 11 locations in Lincoln and Omaha. Visit westgate.bank to learn more.

American heart Association Appoints Lorenzo Ball as Lincoln heart Walk Chair

Lorenzo Ball, chief data and analytics officer of Ameritas, has been appointed the 2023 Lincoln Heart Walk chair for the American Heart Association. Ball will help lead the campaign achievements of the Association’s mission to build longer, stronger lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke though the oversight of local revenue and health impact activities.

The American Heart Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular disease.

As a driven and passionate leader, Ball is a strong believer in servant leadership, diversity, equity, inclusion, and individual development. Ball creates business value and drives data-related business transformation across start-ups, Fortune 500 organizations, and nonprofit entities.

American Heart Association believes every person deserves the opportunity for a full, healthy life. To learn more about the Lincoln Heart Walk or to inquire about sponsoring the event, contact Ella Salem at ella.salem@heart.org or (402) 875-7377. For more information about the American Heart Association, visit www.heart.org.

Lutz financial Announces Admission of new owners

Lutz Financial, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor and an affiliate of Lutz, recently announced its admission of four additional owners.

Nick Hall, CFP®, has been promoted to investment advisor and principal. Nick has a deep technical background in financial planning and specializes in providing wealth management strategies and thorough, adaptive financial plans for high-net-worth families. In addition, he assists professionals and business owners in transition, providing them with a custom and holistic financial plan that suits their unique situation.

Joe Hefflinger, JD, CFP®, CAP®, has been promoted to investment advisor and principal. He brings several years of experience as an attorney and insurance consultant to Lutz Financial. Joe specializes in providing comprehensive financial planning and investment advisory services for professionals, business owners, and retirees.

Josh Jenkins, CFA, has been promoted to chief investment officer and principal. He leads the Investment Committee and specializes in assisting clients with portfolio construction, asset allocation, and investment risk management.

Chris Wagner, CFP®, CPFA®, has been promoted to retirement plan services advisor and principal. He leads Lutz Financial’s 401k practice and recently grew the offering to include the Lutz Financial Pooled Employer Plan (PEP).

Lutz Financial is a SEC Registered Investment Advisor and an affiliate of Lutz, a leading Midwest business solutions firm. Lutz Financial utilizes a holistic approach by combining comprehensive financial planning and investment advisory services. While we believe that, in most instances, your financial future will be best served with a plan; our investment advisory services are also offered as a stand-alone service.

Lutz Financial specializes in advising an elite group of individuals, endowments, foundations and small to medium size business retirement plans. They offer professional financial counseling and investment management services for a fee. For more information on Lutz Financial, go to lutz.us.

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Don’t play your life away.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available.

Nebraska Problem Gambling Helpline | 1-833-238-6837

National Problem Gambling Helpline | 1-800-522-4700

CHOICES Treatment Center | 402-476-2300

These 24/7 helplines are confidential and will direct you to a certified counselor who can provide immediate help. The Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program (GAP) pays for the assessment and treatment of problem gambling for Nebraskans struggling with problem gambling and their families.

For more information go to: www.ChoicesTreatmentCenter.com www.ProblemGambling.Nebraska.gov

natalie Leon of Visiting Angels in Lincoln Celebrates 5th Anniversary

Natalie Leon, owner of Visiting Angels in Lincoln, is celebrating her fifth year in business. Natalie remembers starting out with a card table as a desk and a strong desire to provide a better life for elders who want to stay in their home.

Natalie has been in the healthcare industry for over 17 years now, dating back to high school when she started as a CNA and medication aide in a memory care nursing home setting. She transitioned to in-home caregiving and found her calling. Natalie fell in love working with the clients and family members and knew at a very early age it was what she wanted to do for the rest of her life.

Natalie discovered Visiting Angels while exploring opportunities to open her own business. She researched several home care companies. The thing she liked about Visiting Angels is they have the most thorough discerning process. They were very selective and thorough when screening applicants and have a comprehensive education process.

Some of the services provided by Visiting Angels include: assistance in bathing, dressing, and walking; meal preparation/diet monitoring; light housekeeping; errands and shopping; medication reminders; joyful companionship; and respite care for family caregivers. Temporary or long-term care is available mornings, midday, and evenings, including weekends and holidays. For more information, please visit visitingangels.com/lincoln or contact Natalie at (402) 735-0999 / nleon@visitingangels.com.

mcGill Law senior Associate theresa Loughran sworn in By state of iowa

McGill Law is proud to announce that Senior Associate Theresa Loughran has been sworn in by the state of Iowa. Loughran was sworn in at the Iowa Judicial Branch in Des Moines, IA on August 30. Theresa Loughran and McGill Law founder and managing attorney Jodie McGill are now both licensed to practice law in Nebraska and Iowa. To be sworn in, one must pass the State Bar of Iowa.

Theresa Loughran is a McGill Law senior associate, the McGill mediation COO, a collaborative law attorney, and a mediator. She operates out of offices in Omaha, Lincoln, and Bellevue. She serves these cities and communities along with her new addition, the state of Iowa.

McGill Law is a woman owned and operated family law firm practicing collaborative law, collaborative mediation, mediation, and litigation. The firm’s focus is on their clients’ well-being and their family’s future successes. McGill Mediation serves people and families in conflict over a divorce, will, trust, guardianship, or conservatorship, providing a peaceful path to resolution through mediation and collaboration, preserving the family relationship. With McGill Law guiding you through your family law matter, you will have a compassionate, caring, experienced attorney taking you through the legal process with the goal of achieving a peaceful result for you and your family. To contact McGill Law, call (402) 548-5418 or email info@McGillLawyers.com. For more information, go to mcgilllawyers.com.

four Lincoln federal savings Bank Loan Officers Earn Champion’s Circle Awards

Lincoln Federal Savings Bank is proud to announce that four of their Lincoln Mortgage Loan Officers are 2022 recipients of the Nebraska Mortgage Association’s Champion’s Circle Awards. Awards are given based upon loan origination volume from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.

Platinum awards for closing 140 loans or $30,000,000 or more include Shane Podliska and Chris Elgert from the Wilderness Hills location and Cami Moran from the Old Cheney location. Podliska closed 227 loans totaling $58,155,987, Elgert closed 241 loans totaling $57,545,762, and Moran closed 151 loans totaling $35,752,364.Corey Rhone from the Corporate Office location received the silver award, for loan officers who closed 100 loans or $15,000,000. Corey closed 83 loans worth $20,914,970.

Lincoln Federal Savings Bank is a depositor-owned financial institution specializing in residential home loans, construction loans, home equity products, commercial real estate loans, and deposit services. The corporate office is located at 8400 Maddox Dr. (84th and Van Dorn) and can be reached by phone at (402) 474-1400. Learn more at lincolnfed.com.

Choices treatment Center Celebrates Employee Certifications

Choices Treatment Center is happy to announce that several members of their staff have recently passed necessary exams to become fully licensed or certified counselors.

James Blanchard recently passed the Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam. James is now a provisionally licensed alcohol and drug counselor, and a provisionally certified disordered gambling counselor.

Althea (Buffy) Cornish recently passed the Nebraska Problem Gambling Certification Exam, her first certification. Brandy Atherton, Amy Loos, and Mike Sciandra also recently passed the Nebraska Problem Gambling Certification Exam.

These tests demonstrate an individual’s written proficiency in their specific addiction counseling field prior to full licensure or certification.

Choices Treatment Center offers a 24-hour helpline staffed by licensed counselors, individual and group counseling, and education sessions. Their counselors 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. Choices staff is also available for presentations to schools, community groups, churches, and businesses on the problems of gambling/gaming. Counselors are dually credentialed to provide mental health assessments, family counseling, marriage counseling, substance abuse evaluations, DUI/DWI education program, anger management education, and budget and finance counseling.

If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction or mental health issue, please call Choices’ 24-hour helpline at (402) 476-2300 or visit www.choicestreatmentcenter.com for more information.

Janna Vavra Joins team at husker rehab

Husker Rehab is excited to announce a recent addition to their team, Janna Vavra, PT, DPT. Janna is a Nebraska native, growing up on a farm near Crete. She attended Crete High School and was a multisport athlete in volleyball, basketball, track and cross country.

Upon earning her bachelor’s degree in biology, Janna returned to Nebraska to work in the Biology Department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as a research lab manager. While at UNL, Janna continued researching aquatic and marine ecosystems, but also gained the opportunity to learn about human microbiomes and participate in research related to human health.

Janna became interested in physical therapy when her nephew was born with Down Syndrome. His family lives in rural Nebraska and finding the care he needed was a challenge due to the lack of health care providers in rural communities. Physical therapy was one of the services he needed but wasn’t able to get. Janna wanted to help her nephew live a fulfilling life, so she decided a career switch was in order.

Janna attended the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, earning her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree this May. While at UNMC, Janna was accepted as a Nebraska Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Scholar, completing 40 hours of didactic training, 40 hours of hands-on clinical experience in a rural setting, attending workshops, and building connections with rural health care providers each academic year in addition to completing UNMC’s physical therapy curriculum.

For more information about Husker Rehab and their services, visit huskerrehab.com.

Compro insurance expands team of Agents with Addition of Kurt Genrich

ComPro Insurance is pleased to announce the addition of Kurt Genrich to their team.

Kurt brings a wealth of knowledge and experience working in the health insurance industry for over 36 years. His vibrant work history has included time as a licensed agent with Mutual of Omaha; as a manager with BCBSNE, and as co-owner of his own company, Colonial Benefits Solutions.

One of his greatest achievements was the formation of the Educators Health Alliance (EHA), through which Kurt stood as an advocate for teachers, administration, and school board members in all the public school districts in Nebraska.

“Compro is an outstanding organization that puts its customers first. I’m looking forward to the support, training, and expansive product line that ComPro offers. This will provide me the means to give the very best to my clients,” says Kurt about his new role on the ComPro Team.

Kurt has his roots in Lincoln. As a Northeast High School and University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate, he has a big heart for this community. Although his work has taken him across the state, he’s glad to be back where it all started.

ComPro Insurance is an insurance broker that offers health insurance plans for employee benefits, individual, and family and Medicare. To learn more about ComPro, visit comproins.com or call (402) 488-5100.

nebraska health Care Association Announces Kristin harris as future Leader of AhCA/nCAL

Nebraska Health Care Association (NHCA) announced that Kristin Harris, vice president of operations for Nye Health Services, has been chosen by American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) as a national, future leader in long term and post-acute care. Harris will join AHCA/ NCAL’s Future Leaders program, a year-long program that offers training and guidance to industry professionals.

In her position, Harris is responsible for company operations and outcomes including financial, clinical, legal, team member engagement, and customer experience. She is a board-certified nurse executive and has worked as a director of nursing and administrator in independent living, assisted living, short term rehabilitation, and long-term care.

AHCA/NCAL developed the Future Leaders program in 2004. Selected participants demonstrate both leadership potential and represent the interests of state and national long-term care providers. The program covers the latest theories and practical applications in quality management, customer satisfaction, and leadership.

Nebraska Health Care Association is the parent to Nebraska Nursing Facility Association (NNFA) and Nebraska Assisted

strictly Business Welcomes tessa Yeo to production team as Writer

Strictly Business is excited to announce the recent addition of Tessa Yeo as the team’s writer. Tessa will work with clients each month to create press releases, feature stories, client spotlights, and other editorial pieces for both the Lincoln and Omaha editions of the magazine.

Tessa is originally from Mitchell, SD, where her family moved after her father’s retirement from the U.S. Marine Corps. After her sister Noelle attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Tessa set her sights on Nebraska to pursue a Bachelor of Journalism in Advertising and Public Relations. While in school, Tessa worked many part-time jobs in addition to her participation in choral ensembles on campus. After graduating in May, Tessa began her job search, which led her to Strictly Business . She enjoys getting to utilize her strengths and being challenged to produce great products for the businesses and organizations she works with.

Please help Strictly Business welcome Tessa Yeo! She can be reached at the office at (402) 466-3330 or by email at office@ strictlybusinessomaha.com. To view monthly articles and stories on Lincoln businesses and other local professionals, go online to strictly-business.com.

sCip Welcomes duncan tucker as new school Coordinator

The School Community Intervention & Prevention (SCIP) Program has announced the hiring of Duncan Tucker. Duncan will serve as the school coordinator for regions one and six, as well as manage the administrative needs for the program.

Duncan is a native of Superior and received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In his position with SCIP, Duncan will work with both public and private schools in northwest Nebraska and the Omaha area. He joins Abbe Edgecombe, school coordinator for Lincoln/Lancaster County schools and Chris Ivory, school coordinator for regions two, three, and four, as well as SCIP

friendship home holds safe Quarters event for domestic Violence Awareness month

Friendship Home’s Safe Quarters fundraising event will be held on October 9 to support Domestic Violence Awareness Month. During Safe Quarters, over one hundred teams of dedicated volunteers go door-to-door collecting financial contributions for Friendship Home and spreading awareness to households in the Lincoln community.

Recognizing domestic violence is critical if we are to take action to address and prevent it. In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. Since then, October has served as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In Lancaster County, one in four women will experience domestic violence at some point in their life. Through crisis services, emergency shelter, and transitional housing, Friendship Home helps victims, and their children, gain insight into their trauma and guides them to use their strengths to rebuild their lives—free from domestic violence.

Friendship Home continues to provide crisis services, emergency shelter, and transitional housing to victims of domestic violence and their children. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the Friendship Home crisis line at (402) 437-9302. Taking a stand can start anywhere – listening, donating, volunteering, or joining Friendship Home’s monthly giving program. Learn more about how you can take a stand on their website, FriendshipHome.org.

fresh start to present project funway november 4

Project Funway by Fresh Start will showcase the work of local designers and students from the Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design in the College of Education and Human Services at UNL for a “Project Runway” style design contest on Friday, November 4. The event will take place at The Cornhusker Marriott Hotel and will raise money and support for Fresh Start.

For Project Funway, designers create fashionable clothing that will be modeled on a runway walk. They take thrift store and cast-off clothing and transform the materials into one-of-a-kind, glamorous outfits. A panel of judges will vote for three awards: most innovative, best use of materials, and best of show. Guests will also be able to vote on their favorite designs.

The event will include silent and live auctions for donated items, including a week-long stay at a Winter Park ski condo, a private airplane ride to/ from Kansas City, one free Runza combo meal a week for a year, 2023 Lincoln Stars Hockey tickets, and a one night stay at Kimberly Creek Retreat. Tickets can be purchased online at freshstarthome.org/funway. Hampton Enterprises and Union Bank & Trust are major event sponsors.

Fresh Start is a transitional shelter that helps women experiencing homelessness to change their lives as they use their strengths to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency. Get involved or learn more by visiting their website at www.FreshStartHome.org or by contacting Audrey Back at (402) 475-7777 / audreyb@freshstarthome.org.

Experts in Building Control

As a leading Building Control contractor, Engineered Controls’ goal is to provide customers with products and services to create efficient, safe and comfortable building environments.

Engineered Controls offers complete turn key control solutions including construction, retrofit, service and maintenance for facilities of all types and sizes.

Offices in Omaha and Lincoln, NE.

day and Week Camp registration Available at the Lincoln Children’s museum

Registration is now open for day and week camps at the Lincoln Children’s Museum. These camps are offered on most days and weeks when Lincoln Public Schools is not in session throughout the 2022-2023 school year.

These camps are a great option for parents that are looking for one-day supervision for their school-aged children and a unique way to spend the day for children as well.

Each camp has its own specific theme with S.T.E.M.-inspired learning activities, themed games, and of course, time to play in the exhibits throughout the museum. Camp themes include “Detective Training”, “Beep Beep Boop…I’m a Robot”, “Jump into Jurassic World”, “Weird Science” and more.

Camps are available for children in kindergarten through 4th grade. Registration is required for all day and week camps. School year day camp prices per camper are $49 for members and $64 for nonmembers. School year week-long camp prices per camper are $227 for members and $247 for non-members. Parents can also choose to add on a meal for their child from Kazoo’s U-Stop Café for $5.50.

Camp themes and registration information can be found at www. lincolnchildrensmuseum.org/camps.

The Lincoln Children’s Museum invites children to create, discover, and learn through the power of play. Learn more at lincolnchildrensmuseum.org.

Big Brothers Big sisters Lincoln presents Boo-ling for Kids’ sake fundraising Campaign

Big Brothers Big Sisters Lincoln invites you to be a part of this year’s Boo-ling For Kids’ Sake fundraising campaign, which will conclude with bowl-athon celebrations on October 22 from 1 to 11 p.m. and October 23 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Parkway Lanes, courtesy of 48 Bowl. Teams are encouraged to wear their favorite Halloween attire!

Boo-ling for Kids’ Sake convenes community partners and individuals to help raise critical funds which make it possible to match youth with a caring and supportive adult mentor. Starting now, you can support this year’s event by creating your own bowling team or make an individual contribution. Your donation and the money raised by participants will go directly to create and support local matches.

Teams must be registered by October 9 so there is enough time to order t-shirts. Each team aims to reach a goal of $500 by October 12. To find more event information, register a team, or donate, visit bbbsl.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Lincoln makes meaningful matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and young people (“Littles”) ages 7-16 throughout Lincoln. They develop positive friendships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people. Bigs can provide new and inspiring opportunities for Littles to explore the community and learn skills that they may not have otherwise had an opportunity to experience. Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters Lincoln at bbbsl.org or contact Kyle Bishop at kbishop@ bbbslincoln.org / (402) 464-2227.

tabitha’s senior Veterans take to the skies for 2022 dream flights

Seven Tabitha seniors flew over Memorial Stadium, the Nebraska State Capitol, and north Lincoln on August 29 as part of Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation’s Dream Flights program, sponsored by Sports Clips.

The veterans rode in a 1940 blue Boeing Stearman biplane—its tail decorated with scores of signatures from past passengers—that was originally used by the U.S. Army.

Dick Chapin, a 99-year-old Tabitha resident who served three years in the U.S. Air Force as a lieutenant bombardier, was one of the seniors experiencing the once-in-a-lifetime ride.

Following his flight, Dick Chapin added his signature to the plane’s tail while wiping tears and sporting a new Dream Flights hat signed by his pilot, Scott “Scooter” Delong of Geneva, Nebraska.

Other Dream Flights passengers included 90-year-old Jerry Northrop, 94-year-old Jim Bell, 94-year-old Dewey Foster, 80-year-old Fred Mausolf, 78-year-old Melvin Young and 77-year-old Rodney Helberg. Another Tabitha senior, 97-year-old Art Nelson, came along poised to fly, but instead opted to watch.

Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation was founded in 2011 by Darryl and Carol Fisher to recognize the sacrifices and achievements made by senior veterans. To learn more about this organization, visit dreamflights.org.

Supporting families since 1886 across Nebraska, Tabitha offers a range of services, from results-driven rehabilitation, accessible at-home home health care, innovative living communities, resourceful serious illness support, and compassionate hospice services. Learn more at tabitha.org.

malone maternal Wellness Celebrates two-Year Anniversary

The Malone Maternal Wellness (MMW) program of the Clyde Malone Community Center is celebrating their second year of operations.

Malone Maternal Wellness programs are dedicated to combating the disparities and inequities in Black maternal health while providing safe and culturally competent care. The programs are led by BIPOC individuals and focus on education, empowerment, support, and client services during pregnancy and the years after childbirth.

The center provides birth classes, pregnancy and childbirth doulas, postpartum birth doulas, and breastfeeding support programs.

Since May 2019, the breastfeeding support programs have served over 34 BIPOC families, 100% of the families breastfed for 6+ months, 60% of the families breastfed for 1+ year, and 30% of the families breastfed for 2+ years while enrolled in our programs.

The MMW programs in Lincoln and Omaha have provided 252 postpartum visits, $25,000 worth of nutritious groceries, and 960 hours of in-person and virtual breastfeeding education and location support. They have also attended 50 births, taught 41 birthing classes, and enrolled 49 new clients since September 2021.

The Malone Community Center started in 1955 as a community center in the midst of the civil rights era as a platform for creating racial and socioeconomic equality. To learn more about the Malone Maternal Wellness program, go to malonecenter.org/breastfeeding. For more information about the Clyde Malone Center, visit www.malonecenter. org or contact them directly at (402) 474-1110.

Angels Among Us to host trunk-or-treat for pediatric Cancer families

Angels Among Us is excited to be hosting its inaugural Trunk-or-Treat event on October 22 for pediatric cancer families, as a part of their newly launched emotional support programming. There will be trunks hosted by local community partners as well as pumpkin painting and other family friendly activities.

Angels Among Us’ new emotional support programming has impacted many pediatric cancer families who are living in and being treated in Nebraska by providing fun and engaging activities for kids, teens, siblings, and parents during and after their child’s treatment.

“It’s been really nice to get together with other families that have been through the same situation as we have, and to be able to relax and know that we are around folks who understand what we are going through,” an impacted dad said.

There are still opportunities available to host a trunk or volunteer in other ways at the Trunk-or-Treat event. If interested, contact Brittany Friesen at brittany@myangelsamongus.org or by calling (402) 934-0999.

Angels Among Us is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide financial and emotional support to any family whose child is battling pediatric cancer living in or being treated in the state of Nebraska. Since 2006, over 620 families have been supported with over $3.6 million in financial support. For more information about ways to make an impact and get involved in Angels Among Us’ mission, please contact Aly Theilen at alyssa@myangelsamongus.org or visit www.myangelsamongus.org.

City impact expands fall reading program Capacity

City Impact is excited to grow their reading program, City Impact Reading, this fall. CI Reading is doubling its capacity, expanding to twice weekly at City Impact Center.

“We’re building strategic partnerships with Title 1 schools in our area to bring students in for CI Reading. This expansion is going to open the door for kids who didn’t have access to us in the past. It’s a game changer!” says Ashley Larson, CI reading administrator.

CI Reading is a relationally-based, volunteer-driven, intensive reading program which utilizes research-based curriculum and teaching techniques to get students at or above grade level in reading. Its vision is to empower all children, especially those most vulnerable, with the life changing benefits of literacy.

City Impact literacy programs cultivate a love of reading in young students. They believe that readers become leaders. Students engage in reading through one-on-one tutoring, targeted literacy activities, and book clubs.

In 2021, CI Reading provided over 1,500 hours of literacy tutoring and support to students. The expanded program will result in over 3,000 hours spent developing young readers.

City Impact is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to transform vulnerable communities through wholistic youth, family, and neighborhood development. They mentor, teach, and empower kids to overcome their vulnerable circumstances and to transform their lives and neighborhoods from the inside out. For more information about City Impact, contact Lisa Guill at (402) 477-8080 or lguill@ cityimpact.org and visit www.cityimpact.org.

Goodwill and Gateway mall to host halloween events in october

Goodwill and Gateway Mall are collaborating for another spooktacular Halloween, offering three free events to the Lincoln community.

On October 8, they will host a Make & Take Workshop where attendees will receive craft supplies to create a Halloween item. This workshop is made possible by Goodwill’s Bits and Pieces section in their stores. Then, on October 22, furry friends are invited to the HowlO-Ween Pet Costume Contest. Prizes and treats will be awarded. Finally, on October 31, join them for a safe and fun Halloween at the Lil’ Monsters Trick-or-Treat event. Participating stores will hand out treats to all kids ages 12 and under. Reusable tote bags will be available to collect candy. During the event, enter the DIY Costume Contest to win a prize.

All events are located in the common area behind Scooter’s at Gateway Mall. To learn more about these events and how to register, follow them on Facebook (@LincolnGoodwill ) or visit www.lincolngoodwill.org.

For 90 years, Goodwill Industries Serving Southeast Nebraska, Inc. has been strengthening the Lincoln community by providing services for individuals who face barriers to employment and by offering residents an outlet for recycling unused household items and clothing. The sale of donated items in Goodwill’s retail stores remains the largest source of funding for its programs and services. To contact Goodwill Industries Serving Southeast Nebraska, call (402) 438-2022.

matt talbot Celebrates 30 Years of Bold hope for Lincoln with Birthday party

On September 6, Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach celebrated 30 years of serving the Lincoln community. A birthday party was held at the community kitchen and outreach center with brief remarks from Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and Executive Director Susanne Blue.

Matt Talbot serves a diverse group of individuals and families who are struggling to maintain housing or who are experiencing homelessness. Last year over 2,000 guests were served across all services, a 36% increase from the previous year. As a result of expanding programs to meet community needs, Matt Talbot is undergoing a facility expansion. “The Bold Hope Expands” project will strengthen the agency’s outreach efforts by building a north addition to the existing facility and a new three-stall garage for storing items for housing clients and the agency van.

However, this project is more than just physical space. It allows staff to meet privately with guests in a space near the dining room, host nutrition classes for volunteers, facilitate tenant and alcohol education classes, and much more. Through this expansion more hungry people will be fed, more people without a home will find shelter, and more citizens will be empowered to become self-sufficient.

For the past 30 years and counting, Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach has been helping individuals and families facing poverty and homelessness find possibilities when things seem impossible. Learn more at mtko.org.

Catholic social services of southern nebraska to host 7th Annual Coats for Kids

On October 8, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) and the Knights of Columbus will team up for the 7th Annual Coats for Kids. This year’s event will take place at Sacred Heart Church at 3128 S St. starting at 9 a.m. and will go until all items are distributed. Families can come and pick out winter coats for their kids, as well as hats, gloves, and mittens to stay warm this winter. Last year, over 60 Knights of Columbus and CSS volunteers distributed over 450 winter coats.

Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska is the charitable arm of the Diocese of Lincoln, serving all people regardless of faith in the southern third of Nebraska. Their mission is to perform the Works of Mercy in response to the call of God. The goal of serving people is to serve them with dignity, to love people as best they can, and to meet their needs to the fullest. Their services cover 24,000 square miles, offering charitable assistance through the food market and meal services and emergency services, refugee resettlement and immigration help, clothing and thrift stores, family and individual counseling services, St. Gianna Women’s Homes, and emergency housing. For information on Coats for Kids or how to get involved with Catholic Social Services, visit csshope.org.

Nonprofit Summit of the Midlands Announces presentation Lineup for Upcoming summit

The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands is preparing for a stacked lineup of presentations for its 16th annual Nonprofit Summit of the Midlands on November 10 at Embassy Suites La Vista. The summit will connect approximately 300 nonprofit executives, employees, board members, and volunteers from Nebraska and Iowa. The conference theme is Moments to Movements. This conference will explore how nonprofit leaders can take moments of individual and collective energy and momentum and turn them into long-lasting movements. Presentation topics include:

• The Authenticity Myth

• How ED’s and Organizational Leaders Can lead a DataDriven Culture

• Navigating the New Waters of Social Change: An Ecosystem Approach

• Making Strategic Planning Agile & Impactful

• Trading Glass Ceilings for Glass Cliffs

• Promoting Community Partnerships Based on Equity: MultiInstitutional Perspectives in Higher Education During COVID-19

• Creative Nonprofit Staffing Strategies

• What 2020-21 Giving Trends Tell Us About 2022 and Beyond Tickets are priced from $50-$225 for a range of experiences. The event begins with registration at 8 a.m., with the first breakout session commencing at 9:45 a.m. The day will end with a networking happy hour from 4:15 p.m. to 6 p.m. For a full schedule and to register for the Summit, go to namsummit.swoogo.com/2022/begin.

Nonprofit Association of the Midlands is a state association that represents more than 750 nonprofit organizations in Nebraska and southwest Iowa. To learn more, contact abby@nonprofitam. org or visit nonprofitam.org.

THANK YOU!

The 2022 Party in the Garden Fundraiser was held on September 9, with all proceeds benefitting Domesti-PUPS. Thank you to all of the sponsors, donors, attendees, and volunteers. The event was a great success, and we could not have done it without you!

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Lutheran family services Launches new Website with new Branding

Lutheran Family Services (LFS) launched their newly designed website on September 16. The website models after the organization's recent rebrand, featuring the purple and orange of their new logo.

“Our logo includes imagery of a Christian fish and interwoven paths crossing to form a blanket of community support,” said Chris Tonniges, president and CEO of LFS. “The purple represents every individual’s innate human value, and the orange signifies us serving as lights in our communities.”

The website was not only updated aesthetically, but user navigation was made easier with clear sections for different needs. The main page of the website contains many different resources and information for new and existing clients.

Established in 1892, Lutheran Family Services is a faith-based, notfor-profit, multi-service human care agency. The LFS mission is to provide human care services that build and strengthen individual, family and community life. As a multi-service organization, LFS demonstrates its mission through three broad service areas. To learn more, visit onelfs.org or lfsneb.org.

Vision maker media Announces ninth Biennial Vision maker film festival

Vision Maker Media’s (VMM) ninth biennial Vision Maker Film Festival will be held from October 10 to November 11, in Lincoln, and includes free streaming online. This year they are celebrating the theme “Together”.

The Vision Maker Film Festival will present five weeks of American Indian, Alaska Native, and worldwide Indigenous films with a new theme each week. These themes will include Indigenous peoples and languages, Alaska Natives, Ooh scary, and more. To learn more about the Vision Maker Film Festival visit visionmakermedia.org.

Together, we can help change and heal the world by better understanding Native stories. (when I sent the proof, she mentioned that this is a tagline they use and wanted to keep it the way it was)

Vision Maker Media (VMM) is the premier source of public media by and about Native Americans since 1976. Located in the Nebraska Public Media building, its mission is empowering and engaging Native people to share stories. VMM envisions a world changed and healed by understanding Native stories and the public conversations they generate. They work with VMM funded producers to develop, produce, and distribute programs for all public media. VMM supports training to increase the number of Native Americans and Alaska Natives producing public broadcasting programs. A key strategy for this work is in partnerships with Tribal nations and Native organizations and communities. Vision Maker Media is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). Learn more at visionmakermedia.org or follow them on Facebook and Instagram (@visionmakermedia).

Call today for more information!

red Cross Urges Community members to prepare for emergencies

People everywhere are feeling the impacts of climate change with more frequent and intense weather events threatening our communities and the American Red Cross Serving Nebraska urges everyone to get ready for these emergencies now.

Just last year, more than 40% of Americans were living in a county struck by a climate-related disaster, according to analysis from the Washington Post. Disasters can happen anywhere, anytime. You can be ready by visiting redcross.org/prepare.

Three simple steps can help to keep your family safe during disasters:

1) Get a Kit—Build your emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight, and a batterypowered radio. Don’t forget to add copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, blankets, and emergency contact information.

2) Make a Plan—Make a plan for what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency, and what to do if you have to evacuate.

3) Be Informed—Stay informed by finding out what emergency situations may occur where you live, work, and go to school, how local officials will contact you during a disaster, and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.

The mission of the American Red Cross is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. For more information, visit redcross.org or call 1-(800) RED-CROSS.

epilepsy foundation moves Blackstone stroll fundraiser to october 22

Epilepsy Foundation Nebraska has moved the date of their next big fundraiser, the Blackstone Stroll, to be Saturday, October 22, from 3 to 8 p.m. This means there is more time for businesses to take advantage of sponsorship opportunities and for community members to purchase individual tickets for attendance!

The Blackstone Stroll will benefit the Epilepsy Foundation’s mission to lead the fight to overcome the challenges of epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives right here in Omaha, Lincoln, and beyond. Participants will turn the Blackstone district purple as they stroll down Farnam Street visiting participating venues. Venue partners will prepare signature drinks and bites for patrons to enjoy. Proceeds support the 20,000 Nebraskans living with active epilepsy through public health education, empowerment programs, advocacy support, and research and innovation.

The Epilepsy Foundation Nebraska is one of the largest and longest-standing nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of people living with epilepsy. Learn more or reserve your tickets to Blackstone Stroll at epilepsy.com/local/nebraska. Call (402) 715-9396 or email Event Chair Laurie Cradick at lcradick@lutz.us with questions.

theBridgeBehavioral health Continues Detoxification and Withdrawal Services

Since 1984, The Bridge Behavioral Health has provided treatment and support to those struggling with substance use and related mental health disorders. Although contracts with law enforcement to provide civil protective custody ended in September, The Bridge continues to offer a medically supervised detoxification and withdrawal program. The Bridge can help individuals who wish to detox from alcohol, opioids, benzos, fentanyl, and methamphetamines.

The accredited detoxification and withdrawal program consists of three essential components: evaluation, stabilization, and fostering the client’s readiness for treatment. In addition to 24/7 nursing staff, The Bridge’s multi-disciplinary team includes a social worker, LADC, LIMHP, and Recovery Advocates (many with lived experience). An APRN is also on-site seven days a week.

The Bridge Behavioral Health helps over 900 individuals each year with detoxification and withdrawal. Over 85% of the individuals have no insurance or receive Medicaid. For many of these clients, The Bridge also provides basic necessities such as clothing, toiletries, and access to basic healthcare. For help or for more information about detoxification and withdrawal, call The Bridge at (402) 477-3951 and speak with a nurse or visit thebridgenebraska.org.

Youth for Christ to hostComedy night fundraiser october 27

Youth for Christ (YFC) is ready for a night full of laughs with comedian Jeff Allen headlining their Comedy Night fundraiser on Thursday, October 27. The event will take place at 7 p.m. at the Rococo Theater.

Jeff Allen’s set features clean, hilarious jokes like no other comedian working today. He regularly appears on television, radio, and venues across the country. With over 140 million video views, Jeff Allen is the world’s funniest, most inspiring comedian.

Comedy Night is the Lincoln area’s fastest growing benefit event. Last year, Comedy Night drew nearly 600 attendees. This year’s Comedy Night is expected to sell out early! All proceeds go towards continuing the ministries of Youth for Christ. Tickets are available at yfclincoln.org.

Youth for Christ Lincoln Area is a non-denominational, nonprofit organization serving youth in the Lincoln community and surrounding areas. In 1969, Southeast Nebraska youth for Christ was officially organized. YFC engages youth through three ministries: Campus Life to teens in high schools and middle schools, Juvenile Justice to jailed teens, and Parent Life to pregnant teens. Through regular programming and special events, YFC Lincoln Area works with over 2,400 local youth with the goal of engaging them in a healthy relationship with mentors, friends, and God. For more information about Youth for Christ’s mission and how to get involved go to yfclincoln.org or contact the yFC office at (402) 420-7475 / info@yfclincoln.org.

habitat for humanityKicks off Women Build Campaignin september

Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln kicked off the Women Build 2023 campaign at the Inspire Awards on September 14. They are hoping to recruit 40 women to be a part of this fundraising and volunteer campaign. All participants will be asked to raise a minimum of $500 each and volunteer one day on a construction site in May.

Since women are so often faced with the issue of finding affordable housing for their families, Habitat wanted to bring local women together to help tackle the issue and raise funds to build homes for families in need of safe, affordable housing.

“Because housing impacts health, education, and financial stability, women need the opportunity to live in a safe and affordable space in order for their families to thrive,” says Deanna Walz, Habitat’s director of development. “This will be an opportunity for women to help other women and to show the entire community what can be done when we work together.”

All participants will be invited to the Women Build Kick Off Party in April at DelRay 817, sponsored by the Integrity Group of Lincoln powered by kwElite and Union Bank & Trust.

If your business is interested in partnering or sponsoring this campaign, please contact Deanna Walz at dwalz@lincolnhabitat.org.

Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln was established in 1988 and has built or repaired 185 homes in Lancaster and Seward counties. They look forward to continuing the mission to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope. For more information go to lincolnhabitat.org.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Applicants that close a secondary market, owner-occupied, primary-dwelling secured home purchase or refinance loan with Union Bank and Trust Company in Nebraska or Kansas between Saturday, October 1, 2022, at 12:00 a.m. Central Time and Sunday, January 15, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time (the “Promotion Period”) will be automatically entered in the contest. You may also participate in the Welcome Home Giveaway Drawing by completing the form at the following link www.ubt.com/5000giveaway during the Promotion Period. You must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia at time of entry. Residents of the state of Maine are not eligible to participate. YOU MUST NOT BE PROHIBITED BY FEDERAL OR STATE LAW FROM ENTERING THIS DRAWING OR FROM WINNING THE PRIZE. You may enter only once. You need not be present to win. You may win only once. One winner will receive $5,000 and may choose a cashier’s check OR direct deposit into their Union Bank checking account. Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Official rules available at https://www.ubt.com/welcome-home-giveaway-rules-page.

Member FDIC

dsAf and Lincoln riteCare Clinic to host Annual trunk or treat

The Down Syndrome Association for Families and the Lincoln RiteCare Clinic are excited to welcome community members and families to their annual Trunk or Treat event on Sunday, October 16. The event will take place at the Lincoln Scottish Rite Masonic Center (332 Centennial Mall South), from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

The event is free to the public, but freewill donations will be accepted and will go towards the RiteCare Clinic’s speech language services for families.

Volunteers are invited to decorate their trunks with their family, friends, or business. Prizes will be given out for best costume and best decorations. If you can’t host a trunk, you’re welcome to drop off bags of candy to the RiteCare Clinic. Contact Micah at micah@ scottishriteomaha.org for information about volunteering.

Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska recognizes that every person with Down syndrome is an individual who has a unique purpose and set of abilities. It is their mission to provide support and a positive vision for the future for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, friends, educators, and professionals who share in their lives. For more information about the organization, visit dsafnebraska.org or call (403) 421-1338.

American Cancer society preparesfor making stridesAgainstBreastCanceron october 16

American Cancer Society is preparing for their 2022 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Lincoln event this month on Sunday, October 16. The community celebration will begin at 11 a.m. and the walk will begin at 1 p.m. The Making Strides movement raises lifesaving funds that support breast cancer patients, survivors, thrivers, and caregivers through every step of the journey. Food trucks will be open throughout the community celebration, this year they will have The Chocolate Season, The Waffle Man, Soulful Cocina, Motor Foods, Sky Mart, and Sweet Treats. There are many ways to contribute to this cause, even if you are not able to walk at the event. American Cancer Society hopes to reach their goal of raising $100,000 by the time of the event. So far they have raised over $61,000 and you can help them get to the finish line by donating what you can on their website. They are also looking for volunteers to join the 2022 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer planning committee. Your help will truly make a difference!

Sign up for this year’s American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event and make a donation at makingstrideswalk.org/ lincolnne. If you are interested in volunteering or to receive more information about Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, email lisa. mcclung@cancer.org or call (402) 858-4823.

the Arc of Lincoln to host their Annual harvest moon fundraiser on october 20

The Arc of Lincoln is excited to host their annual fundraiser Harvest Moon on Thursday, October 20. The event will take place at the Wyuka Stables, located at 3600 O St., from 5:30 to 9 p.m. with cocktails to start and dinner following at 6 p.m. Each ticket costs $30 and they must be purchased in advance. The event will also include a live and silent auction. The Arc of Lincoln is also looking for sponsorships and auction items for the event. To purchase tickets, visit advocacypartnership.org/harvestmoon.

The Arc of Lincoln empowers people with developmental disabilities and their families to promote and protect their rights and interests while enriching the quality of their lives. The Arc’s desire is for all Lincoln residents to understand the needs, challenges, and contributions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the entire community is vested in assuring equitable opportunities and positive outcomes. To learn how you can support the Arc’s efforts, visit www.arclincoln. org or contact Executive Director Jennifer Stuhmer at director@ arclincoln.org / (402) 421-8866.

mosaic in southeast nebraska holds inclusion matters event

Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska will hold its annual Inclusion Matters Day celebration on Tuesday, October 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Roca Berry Farm, 16531 S 38th St.

“Inclusion Matters Day is an annual, fun event that amplifies Mosaic’s mission to ‘relentlessly pursue opportunities that empower people to live a more meaningful life,’” said Mosaic Executive Director Nic Batterton. “It’s also to advocate for people we support.”

In addition to those served by Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska, donors, staff, and volunteers attending, anyone interested in Mosaic’s mission is invited as long as they RSVP to Amber C. Nore, community relations manager, at amber.nore@mosaicinfo. org or (402) 617-5932.

Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska is part of Mosaic, a nonprofit, wholeperson healthcare organization across 13 states and in more than 750 communities. It provides support to more than 5,200 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental and behavioral health needs, and autism. Mosaic is an affiliated social ministry organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, a member of Lutheran Services in America and a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. To learn more, visit mosaicinfo.org.

Community Action partners with Lincoln Literacy to host free Adult english classes

Community Action is partnering with nonprofit Lincoln Literacy to offer free English and adult literacy classes to Lincoln residents of all backgrounds. Classes are offered four evenings a week at no cost to participants and are hosted at Community Action’s 1843 K Street Head Start center. Classes began in August and are available both to current participants of Community Action Head Start, the agency’s early childhood program, and others in the community.

In September 2021, Community Action purchased the facility at 1843 K Street (former Kaplan University building) and has been working since to transform it into a community resource hub and an ideal space for young children and families to learn and grow. Loughman says this new partnership aligns perfectly with the agency’s goals for the future of the space, which is located in one of Lincoln’s highest-poverty neighborhoods where 15% of residents in the surrounding zip code speak a language other than English at home.

“It fills our hearts with hope and joy for the future of Lincoln, that we can create these types of partnerships and provide these services that folks in our community need,” said Heather Loughman, Community Action CEO.

Community Action Head Start serves 493 children age birth – five years and their families across Lancaster and Saunders Counties. The program provides early childhood education and family support services to children and families from at-risk backgrounds, preparing them for success in school and life.

Community Action’s mission is to empower people living in poverty to reach economic stability. Its programs and services address the causes and conditions of poverty in four impact areas: early childhood education, homelessness prevention, financial and family well-being, and hunger relief and healthy food access. If you are interested in volunteering or want to learn more about these English classes, please visit www.communityactionatwork.org or lincolnliteracy.org.

Starting Oct 1, Wyuka will be performing cemetery clean-up.

Anything that is not in a vase or fixed container will be removed from gravesites at Wyuka & Fairview Cemeteries in order to keep our places of comfort as presentable and beautiful as possible.

We thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Here at Wyuka, it is an honor to care and a privilege to serve. We’re Wyuka Funeral Home & Cemetery, a place of rest.

wyuka.com | (402) 474-3600

CBmC october Luncheon to feature travis Kelso of freedom Construction as speaker

CBMC Lincoln’s monthly Business Connection Luncheon on Wednesday, October 19, will feature Travis Kelso, founder and president of Freedom Construction, as the special guest speaker. The luncheon will be held at Suite One Eleven, 6891 A St., from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost to attend is $15, and the registration is Friday, October 14.

Travis is a military veteran and small business owner with a demonstrated history of working in leadership positions. He is a highly driven business development professional with strong skills in sales, management, customer experience, wireless technologies, and telecommunications. Travis earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and general management from Strayer University. He founded Freedom Construction in February 2021 and is committed to running the business with integrity and honorable values.

CBMC Business Connection Luncheons provide insights about applying principles of life and work. It is a chance to network with others in the Lincoln business community, while learning how faith in Christ can impact your life.

CBMC Lincoln is part of a global ministry in over 300 cities in the U.S. and 95 countries. Its mission is to encourage and equip men toward spiritual development, personal integrity, principled leadership, and a desire to impact others. Contact Larry Middendorf at lmiddendorf@cbmc.com with questions about attending the luncheon or visit lincoln.cbmc.com for more information.

teammates mentoring reports positive impact made by Volunteer mentors

Last school year, TeamMates Mentoring served over 1,200 students in grades 3-12 across 70 public and parochial schools throughout Lincoln. Their mission is to inspire students to reach their full potential through one-to-one, strengths-based mentoring that happens at the mentee’s school for one class weekly. The result of this work is improved attendance and academic performance, and fewer behavioral referrals among TeamMates youth. Students in TeamMates also graduate high school at a higher rate than state and city wide averages.

While mentors do not serve as tutors, TeamMates mentors actively encourage school engagement by focusing on the intentional cultivation of a student’s strengths and modeling positive social behaviors.

“Building an unconditional, non-familial relationship with the student is extremely meaningful for both mentor and mentee,” said Jim Bennett, coordinator of Lincoln TeamMates.

Data from last school year reports that 97% of mentees reported feeling cared about by their TeamMates mentors, and 95% report a high level of trust.

“While it may look like matches are just playing card games or doing a craft project, the majority of TeamMates youth feel more hopeful about their futures and more prepared for life after high school as a result of their mentoring time,” said Bennett. “We need additional volunteers to serve as mentors so we can help make this possible for the hundreds of youth on our waitlist, too.”

To become a mentor or to donate to TeamMates Mentoring, please visit LincolnTeamMates.org.

Cef of nebraska to host Annual fundraising Banquet on october 10 in Lincoln

Child Evangelism Fellowship of Lincoln will host its annual fundraising banquet on October 10 at the Lincoln Firefighter Reception Hall (241 Victory Ln). Dinner, catered by Chef-a-Chef, will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Discover how the Bible, prayer, and the Gospel is being taken into public elementary schools and how it is positively impacting the lives of children, families, and the school through the Good News Club. This dynamic, after-school Bible club has been ongoing in the Lincoln public schools since 2004.

In addition, come hear the exciting stories of the lives of children who have been impacted through the 5-Day Club ministry. If you are unable to attend the event, CEF is encouraging donations to support this life-impacting ministry to children, and through your gift, help it expand to reach even more children and their families.

Register for or inquire about sponsoring this exciting and uplifting banquet at (402) 484-7877, office@ceflincolnorg, or on the web at www.ceflincoln.org.

The Nebraska Chapter of Child Evangelism Fellowship is part of the world’s largest and oldest children’s youth ministry. Established in 1937, the global ministry has reached over 250 million children with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are unique in that they focus specifically on elementary children ages 5–12. CEF of Nebraska’s Good News Clubs (GNC) is an after school club during the school year that primarily meets in local public schools.

Congratulations Casa Bovina and Piedmontese on the opening of the new private dining room

People’sCityMissiontoBenefitfromYMCAof Lincoln's second Annual Coat drive

Winter weather in Nebraska can bring hardships to the homeless, but this year the YMCA of Lincoln is stepping in to bring some warmth and relief by hosting their second annual Winter Coat Drive to benefit the People’s City Mission (PCM). The drive will take place October 1-21, with a kick-off coat distribution at PCM’s Help Center starting 9 a.m. on Friday, November 4. All four Lincoln YMCA locations will be participating in the coat drive. Last year’s drive generated over 2,300 coats thanks to the generosity of YMCA members and the Lincoln community at large.

Community members who donate a new or gently used coat receive a free pass to “Try the Y” for a week, valid through the end of the year. Current YMCA members donating coats will also have a chance to win a free Y membership for 2023.

“For more than 150 years, we have stayed true to our mission of strengthening the community through programs focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility—making sure our neighbors are supported,” shared Barb Bettin, president and CEO of the Lincoln yMCA. “This effort is a reflection of just that, and we’re thrilled to once again partner with the People’s City Mission.” you can find coat drive drop-offs at the four Lincoln yMCA locations: Cooper YMCA, 6767 S 14th St.; Copple Family YMCA, 8700 Yankee Woods Dr,; Fallbrook YMCA, 700 Penrose Dr.; and Northeast YMCA, 2601 N 70th St. To learn more, visit ymcalincoln.org/events. More information about People’s City Mission can be found at pcmlincoln.org.

nesC Announces new four-part series on emotional Wellbeing in the Workplace

The Nebraska Safety Council (NESC) recently launched a new four-part series about emotional wellbeing in the workplace. This training is offered to members of NESC, on-site or via zoom, and can be scheduled to conveniently fit the needs of your workplace.

A decrease in mental health can cause a trickle effect in work productivity that ultimately affects the bottom line. It is important for employers to stay informed so they can prevent mental health declines, learn how to handle situations when they arise, recognize physical symptoms, and help employees cope with stress in healthier ways.

The series includes sessions on the following topics: 1) How to properly handle mental health at the workplace, 2) Learn how to manage your stress in a healthier way, 3) Physical symptoms at the workplace, 4) What are the four goals of misbehavior?

To schedule an event or request additional information, please contact Wellness Services Manager Karen Rehm at (402) 4832511, ext. 102 or krehm@nesafetycouncil.org.

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 to sign up for a membership today, visit nesafetycouncil. org or email nesc@nesafetycouncil.org.

Branched oak observatory and James Arthur team Up for Wine & stargazing night

On Friday, October 21, head to Branched Oak Observatory for a night of stargazing and your favorite James Arthur Vineyards wines from 8 to 10 p.m. Tickets for this event cost $33 and include wine, appetizers, and observatory admission.

The Wine & Stargazing Night has been a reoccurring hit for observatory guests. Past events have included observatory tours and guest speakers. It is an educational night of astronomy, meeting new people, and of course, wine!

Located at 14300 NW 98th St. in Raymond, NE (just outside of Branched Oak Lake and State Recreation Area), Branched Oak Observatory is open to the general public and students of astronomy. With the help of local astronomers and amazing volunteers, they setup a variety of telescopes and explored the night sky. Learn more by visit the website at branchedoakobservatory.com or keep up with new events and opportunities on the Facebook page (@branchedoakobservatory). For questions about the Wine & Stargazing event, email Michael Sibbernsen at info@ branchedoakobservatory.com.

North Lincoln (402) 477-3110

South Lincoln (402) 261-4739 Beatrice (402) 228-9292

Nebraska City (402) 873-5151

Fairbury (402) 729-2639

Voices of hope to host 28th Annual shop to stop family Violence Week

Voices of Hope is hosting the 28th annual Shop to Stop Family Violence Week Saturday, October 22 through Friday, October 28. Throughout the week, you can shop at locally-owned businesses while supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in the community. Participating retailers will donate 2% of their proceeds during the week to Voices of Hope, which provides crisis intervention services for victims of relationship violence and sexual assault in Lincoln and Lancaster County. For a full list of participating businesses and sponsors, visit Voices of Hope’s website.

Executive Director Marcee Metzger shared why this event is so important to the organization: “This week means so much to our mission to help survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The campaign brings awareness to what we do both within the community and to those who may need our help.”

Voices of Hope provides free and confidential services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and incest. Last year, the organization answered more than 8,000 calls from individuals needing help or information related to domestic violence and sexual assault, and assisted more than 2,500 victims and survivors through services such as safety planning, counseling, protection order assistance, support groups, and legal and medical advocacy. Anyone wanting additional information or ways to support Voices of Hope can contact Resource Development Coordinator Yaquelin Lizarraga at yaquelin@voicesofhopelincoln.org. Learn more at voicesofhope.org.

Aging with grace is what you deserve. Our staff will always treat you with compassion and dignity.

Williamsburg

Wear Yellow nebraska to Kick-off 20th ride, run, and Walk event at infusionBrewery

Wear Yellow Nebraska is celebrating the 20th year of Wear Yellow Ride, Run, and Walk, which is slated for Saturday, May 13, 2023! To kick-off the event and start stirring up hype, Wear Yellow Nebraska is hosting a celebration at Infusion Brewery Company, located at 6271 S 118th St. in Omaha, on Friday, November 4 from 6 to 9 p.m.

The event will feature food trucks and games around the brewery lot. Guests can purchase a limited edition pint glass for $7 with $4 refills. For every beer purchase, $1 will go to support the Wear yellow Cab Ride program. There will also be raffle baskets, surprise giveaways, and Wear Yellow gear for sale. You can also register for the Wear Yellow Ride, Run, and Walk event at the kick-off party.

Wear Yellow Nebraska’s Wear Yellow Cab Ride Program provides cancer patients free rides to and from cancer treatments. The nonprofit organization focuses on niche initiatives that offer cancer survivors support in ways that were not being addressed and truly caring for an individual’s special circumstances. For more information, go to www.wearyellownebraska.org or contact them at contactus@wearyellownebraska.org / (402) 965-1699.

Centerpointe receives donation from WGB for healthy minds and Bodies Campaign

CenterPointe is excited to announce the generous $50,000 donation from West Gate Bank (WGB) for their Campaign for Healthy Minds and Bodies.

The Campaign for Healthy Minds and Bodies is aiming to grow CenterPointe’s mission with an extensive restoration of the historic Trabert Hall, which they purchased in 2019. The restoration will include a new crisis response center, meeting space, fully integrated health clinic, and two floors of 32 affordable housing units dedicated to CenterPointe’s psychiatric residential rehabilitation program.

The campaign will also add a 6,000-square-foot addition to serve as a lobby and transition area for the building. Finally, inviting and fun outdoor spaces will create a healing and enriching environment in the core of the neighborhood.

This health and well-being center will have a tremendous positive impact on the community, giving people the tools and resources they need to build resiliency and live their best life possible. Learn more about the campaign at healthymindsandbodies.org.

CenterPointe helps the people they serve get better, sooner, for longer. They offer more than 40 programs including mental health and substance use treatment, primary care services, rehabilitation, medication management, 24-hour crisis response, and housing. Most of those served experience severe and persistent mental illness, addiction, and health issues. Nearly all are low or no income. To learn more about CenterPointe, contact Bailey Wood at (402) 475-8717 Ext. 133 / bwood@centerpointe.org or visit centerpointe.org.

nonprofit neWs

Christian record services produces LiGht magazinefortheVisually impaired

Christian Record Services regularly produces magazines for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. One of these magazines is LIGHT Magazine, which is produced bi-monthly in braille, audio, large-print, and PDF formats. LIGHT Magazine offers a Christian perspective on personal relationships, independent living, health, and other issues of current interest. Each edition includes a crossword or word search puzzle.

One member shared what the magazine means to them: “I love getting LIGHT in the mail. I feel like the writers really get it. They make me think. They challenge me to grow spiritually. They encourage me when I need it the most. There’s just nothing else like it for me.”

Each issue includes articles written by a wide range of authors who also benefit from being able to share with the members.

“You’ve given me a chance to inspire and educate visually impaired and blind people about life, spirituality, and how to live in this world. I can’t tell you how much it means—I’ve always been called to help people like me, speaking from shared experience. Writing for LIGHT Magazine has become my ministry,” said a writer for the magazine.

For more information on the magazines that Christian Record Services produces, please visit christianrecord.org/memberservices/magazines.

Christian Record Services, Inc. is an international ministry to people who are blind. The nonprofit was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in Lincoln. To learn more, visit www.ChristianRecord.org.

YmCA of Lincoln to hostCommunity-Wide Auction october 19-31

The YMCA of Lincoln is set to host its inaugural Bids for Kids online auction from October 19-31. Bidding will open at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, October 19 and conclude at 5 p.m. on Monday, October 31.

Auction proceeds benefit the YMCA’s annual fundraising campaign – Strong Kids, which powers critical programs and activities that keep kids safe, people healthy, and families strong. Through the campaign, the YMCA ensures all families have access to y programming regardless of financial limitations. In 2021, the nonprofit provided over $700,000 in financial assistance to nearly 900 families focusing on areas such as child care, before and after school programs, swim lessons, youth sports, and more.

“We’re excited to showcase a variety of items and experiences generously donated by many businesses right here in our community,” shared Dani Bryant, development director for the Lincoln YMCA. “The online format allows community members to not only bid on items, but support a great cause from wherever they are.”

For more information along with a current list of auction items, visit YMCALincoln.org/events. Auction item donations are being accepted through October 19, and can be made by contacting dbryant@ymcalincoln.org.

One of Lincoln’s largest nonprofit organizations focusing on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA of Lincoln has served the community for over 150 years—promoting positive values through programs that build spirit, mind, and body for all. For more information, visit YMCALincoln.org.

Employing

Nov 2022

Issue

CALLING ALL LOCAL BUSINESSES!

Let people know why your company is a great place to work.

In the November 2022 issue of Strictly Business, we will run our quarterly “Employing Lincoln” feature to highlight great places to work in Lincoln. This is a special opportunity for companies to get their name and branding in front of all our readers by sharing their mission statement, talking about their team culture, and highlighting employment opportunities.

Strictly Business is direct mailed to over 10,000 businesses every month! With a 2–4 month shelf life and a pass-along readership, it’s estimated that 1 copy of the magazine could reach up to 5 people. Editorial features are published on our website as well. We are proud to have a strong online presence

To participate, contact: (402) 466-3330 | Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com

Luxury Landscape – A Passion for Outdoor Living

If you’re looking for a unique and professional landscape experience, you’ll find partnering with Luxury Landscape to be a lot less work, and a lot more fun! Luxury Landscape offers an array of services, from design and installation to maintenance, for both residential and commercial properties. They want you to have the outdoor oasis of your dreams, big or small. Luxury Landscape can help you every step of the way.

Landscape design & consuLt

Your first consultation with Landscape Installation is at no cost to you. During this first meeting at your property, they listen to your wants and needs and discuss how you would like to utilize your space. Based on your wishes, they offer suggestions, advice and their best cost range for your project(s).

Landscape instaLLation

They design and construct retaining walls, paver patios, pathways, outdoor kitchens, water and fire features, pergolas, gazebos, planter boxes, build berms, drainage control, install edging, landscape cleanup, mulch, planting of flowers, shrubs and trees. This is just naming a few! The only thing they don’t do is mow lawns. All bids are at no charge and include a fully detailed, written proposal, which will be signed by the customer prior to the project start date.

Cannot say thank you enough. Hassle free, stayed within budget, quality work and materials, lowest bid and even worked through the weekend. Thank you Jackie and Ken!” - Andy

by Bud Synhorst, president

minimumWageBallot initiative

There is an issue on the ballot this fall that could have a jarring effect on businesses across the state. That issue is the mandatory raising of the minimum wage. The ballot measure would increase Nebraska’s minimum wage from $9 per hour to $10.50 on January 1, 2023, to $12 per hour on January 1, 2024, to $13.50 on January 1, 2025, and to $15 per hour on January 1, 2026, and will be adjusted annually thereafter to account for increases in the cost of living. LIBA has taken the position of opposing this initiative and is urging Nebraskans to vote against it. The proposed increase in the initiative is a 66.7% increase over four years. That is a radical increase that will be felt across the economy.

Although some companies today are paying more than $10.50 now to attract employees, that is driven by the market and not a forced mandate on Nebraska businesses. This will hit small businesses very hard. There are many reasons why mandating an increase in the minimum wage is a bad idea.

The minimum wage was never meant to be a “living wage” and was meant to be a starting “entry level” wage for young people to enter the work force and have the responsibility of holding a job and learning responsibility. The minimum wage was also meant for low-level unskilled jobs that take no significant training or skill to do.

One argument is that companies are making enough money to pay their employees more. However, most of these jobs are with small businesses or even local franchisees and those owners are not “deep pockets”. When faced with a mandatory higher minimum wage, many companies will reduce their workforce, increase automation, and pay overtime to some employees to make up for fewer employees. Some small businesses will simply have to close because they can’t afford to pay their staff the mandatory minimum wage. Some bigger stores will reduce their locations and consolidate to pay fewer employees.

This increase in the minimum wage is inflationary. These wage increases will cause businesses to raise prices and pass those costs onto consumers. Increasing the wage every year will force businesses to “step-up” other salaries, which is also inflationary and will force businesses to charge more for their products or services or reduce the number of their employees.

Most small businesses do not have the resources to undertake automation efforts as some larger businesses which have implemented automation over the past two years.

If you’re a parent who wants their child to get that first job when they turn 16 to learn the responsibilities that come with holding a job, those opportunities will not be there. If you’re a young person needing that part-time job to help with expenses in high school or secondary education, those jobs will not be there.

Government mandates on businesses are usually a bad idea, but this is an idea that will hurt businesses and crush employment opportunities for our youth and people wanting to enter the work force. These drastic increases are bad for business, bad for potential employees and bad for Nebraska. We urge you to vote against this proposal in November.

LIBAstudiesandpromotesthesetypesofissuesthatareimportanttobusinesses and our community. If you have an interest in joining, please call LIBA at (402)466-3419.LIBAmembershipisnotrestrictedtojustbusinesses.We alsohave“individual”membershipsforthosewhowanttohelpinfluenceour localgovernmentdecisions.

Thomas W. Kubert Owner

Creating a Legacy

Legacy retirement communities continues to provide Lincoln with award-winning elegance, world-class programming, and superior care. their mission is to enrich the life of each person in their community by continuing the legacy and pursuit of excellence established by their founder, Jerry Joyce.

Bernice lived alone in the home she owned. While she valued her independence, the cooking, cleaning, and upkeep of the home was a burden. her son, Jerry Joyce, conceived Legacy retirement communities when he began to evaluate options for his mother. Jerry was inspired to create Legacy retirement communities, state-of-the-art communities that incorporate elegance, a superior quality of care, affordability, and thriving social activity all under one roof. to this day, they do not use that description lightly. Legacy retirement communities have been distinguished as leaders in their industry and have earned numerous local and national awards for their elegant communities and world-class service and programming. they are proud to still be a family-operated business serving families for years to come.

at Legacy, you can expect to enjoy a bustling, small town atmosphere, filled with smiling faces and warm hellos as you walk down main street. stop in for a game of pool in the pub, a soft serve ice cream cone in the ice cream parlor, or cozy up with a good book in one of our sunrooms, overlooking luscious gardens and ponds.

There is also a 24-hour fitness center with workouts designed for each individual’s needs and goals, including cardio, strength and balancing training. meals at Legacy are almost entirely made from scratch, utilizing a farm-to-table approach to allow for the highest quality of ingredients. Each Legacy community will leave you with an appetite for this fulfilling lifestyle.

amEnitiEs

- cornhusker Bank on-site Location

- Post Office

- underground Parking and garages

- Beauty salon & Barber shop

- movie theatre

- Library with computer access

- Legacy shoppe gift center

i truly made the right choice 10 years ago. the activities they provide are topnotch. the grounds are gorgeous year-round, and i enjoy watching the evergreens grow while squirrels race through the branches. the special programs appeal to expectant crowds – both lectures and musical groups.

– K.m., EstatEs rEsidEnts

indEPEndEnt Living and assistEd Living arE offErEd at thrEE Locations the Legacy at 5600 Pioneers Blvd. | Legacy terrace at 5700 fremont st. | Legacy Estates at 7200 van dorn st. memory care is offered exclusively at Legacy arbors at 3777 n 58th st. for more information, visit www.Legacyretirement.com.

LEgacy’s story

doWntoWn LinCoLn AssoCiAtion

by Todd Ogden, president (402) 434-6900 • downtownlincoln.org four Local tech Companies to Consider for Your Business

Silicon Prairie has multiple opportunities to help your company grow. The help of four downtown Lincoln tech companies is offered to make your life easier and your business safer.

Since 2013, Lincoln Data centers (LDC) has been a major internet hub for the region, state, and city and has never gone offline. LDC provides rack space for colocation of your equipment. Conveniently located on the sixth floor of the Sharp Building, LDC offers configurations starting at a half cabinet all the way up to a private suite. They have direct access to multiple fiber providers including the city’s major providers and an international provider, redundant UPS-backed power feeds, redundant cooling systems, and a backup diesel generator all ensuring your equipment stays online at all times. LDC also offers built-in AC units to prevent overheating and utilizes private security access including a three-factor authorization system to get into the data center. LDC, powered by Lincoln Electric Systems, even has office space on-site for a temporary or permanent solution, for lease.

Infinite Systems was founded in 1999 and has continued to provide quality IT services, project management, networking, and consulting services to the Lincoln area. Infinite Systems will monitor your data, workstations, and equipment, and continue to protect it. Businesses of all sizes use Infinite Systems to protect their laptops and desktops, networking devices, and their files. Their clients include banks, law offices, and medical professionals. you will get access to 24/7 technical support and 23 years of experience. They also provide network security via firewalls, viruses, malware, and ransomware protection and can help solve any other IT problems.

b inary Net is a data center, conveniently located in downtown Lincoln, providing data center services to customers locally and around the world. Since 1996, they have provided services including quality managed website hosting, bandwidth, and disaster recovery. Binary Net is located in an old federal reserve bank vault across the street from Lincoln Data Centers. The company has redundant cloud computing environments allowing them to provide virtual servers that won’t go down. They also provide reliable bandwidth anywhere in the region. Binary Net has multiple internet carriers so your sites remain accessible even if one carrier has an outage. Climate-controlled rooms, fire suppression, UPS backup systems, a backup generator, and multiple redundancies provide additional security for its clients. Security is paramount at Binary Net and accessing the vault requires an escort to monitor your visit.

Information Analytics is a fullservice software development company. They were founded in 1995. Specializing in custom webbased applications and database design, they can take on any development project you might have from a mobile app to a WordPress plugin. Information Analytics is the perfect partner to bring your ideas to life.

Foundedin1967,theDowntownLincolnAssociationprovidesservicesandchampionsinitiativesfor maintainingandenhancingourvibrantdowntown.Ourvisionistocreateanenergeticdowntown environmentwherewelive,learn,work,investandplay.DLAhasevolvedintoamulti-faceted organizationsupportingawiderangeofprogramsandactivitiesincludingmaintenance,economic developmentandadvocacy.Foracompletelistingofdowntownbusinesses,eventsandresidences visitdowntownlincoln.org.‘Like’usonFacebookatfacebook.com/downtownlincoln.

Buildings that Build Community

ingery Construction company has been serving their communities for more than 100 years. They have had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects for education, hospitals, churches, commercial, governmental, industrial, and private projects. They are honored to have been involved in building several iconic landmarks and have developed relationships with owners and architects, which span decades.

At Kingery Construction it is their mission to provide a superior level of professionalism, integrity, and honesty, while offering cost-effective solutions in a timely manner. With exceptional management skills and a solid work ethic, their team can ensure that the highest-quality workmanship is evident on every project. They value their relationships and vow to remain true to their employees, project owners, vendors, and partners.

Kingery Construction was contracted to build the brand new Robinson Elementary School in April 2021, with a groundbreaking event in May. On August 29, the students of Robinson Elementary opened the doors to their brand-new building for their first day of school.

“Having the opportunity to provide exceptional spaces for the students of Lincoln is an honor,” said Rod Berens, president of Kingery Construction. “We look forward to partnering with LPS to create the best environment for fostering the education of future leaders in our community.”

The school district recognizes that the ongoing pandemic-related supply chain issues and labor shortages have slowed Robinson’s total completion. However, crews worked tirelessly to complete construction on what’s known as “core” spaces in time for school to accommodate classes and curriculum. The remaining areas of the school will be completed by the end of October.

Kingery Construction is excited to have been, and continue to be, involved in projects that define local communities ranging from the State Capitol Restorations to the newer Kingery Construction additions including Northeast Community College Residence Hall and Cafeteria/Student Life Building in Norfolk, St. Patrick Catholic Church in Lincoln, Seward Middle School, and The Nebraska Department of Corrections’ Female Living Unit and Facility Expansion.

They are proud to have had the opportunity to bring these buildings to life with the same dedication to quality and exceptional service, as Everett and William Kingery did so many years ago. As they look to the future, they are excited for the prospect of the iconic buildings to come and how they can be a part of something that will stand the test of time.

by Jason Ball president

(402) 436-2350 www.lcoc.com

Connecting Local manufacturers with talent: Closing the skills Gap

Workforce. It is the one challenge that businesses across the country, no matter the location, mission, or industry, have in common. In addition to being a recurring topic in our discussions with Lincoln business leaders, workforce is also a prioritized program at the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce; something we have been focused on for years and something we continue to expand.

As our community works to combat this tremendous challenge, our team continues identifying opportunities to help connect our local businesses with the talent and resources needed to continue to grow in Lincoln. In addition to our career fairs and other talent recruitment and retention efforts, one of the key programs that continues making incredible strides is the work of the Lincoln Manufacturing Council.

In 2019, a coalition of local manufacturers and the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development (LPED) was formed to help combat the tremendous workforce challenges of our local manufacturing companies. As a result, the Lincoln Manufacturing Council (LMC) was formed. Together, this unified team of industry professionals, innovative thinkers and passionate business leaders set out to seek new opportunities to foster the manufacturing workforce in Lincoln.

With the goals of improving recruitment and retention of workforce, increasing the awareness of the manufacturing industry and building opportunities for business growth, the LMC launched the Manufacturing Tech Certification Class. The six-session training class is open to individuals without prior experience in manufacturing who are interested in positioning themselves for successful entry-level manufacturing roles that provide stability, competitive wages and benefits.

This unique program has graduated 140 students to date and continues to grow. In addition to being offered to community members, high school students and members of the corrections community, the Tech Certification Class was recently offered to new Ukrainian residents in Lincoln. I am incredibly proud of our team’s work to identify this need and quickly tailor the training specific to the needs of the refugees. The class was taught entirely in their native language by Ukrainian manufacturing professionals and provided the Ukrainian students with skills for success in manufacturing as they waited for their work authorization. A job fair at the end of their training also connected the program participants with a job fair to connect with five local manufacturing companies.

On the heels of the incredibly impactful class for new Ukrainians in our community, the LMC is expanding to now offer a Level 2 Certificate with more advanced manufacturing skill training, intended for individuals who previously completed the initial program or those who have been identified by their employer for continued education. Together, the LMC and LPED team continue working to identify new pathways to engage the LMC’s 17 members and nine community partners through networking opportunities.

As we celebrate National Manufacturing Month in October, I applaud our local manufacturing companies and the LMC for their ongoing work with LPED to strengthen and grow our local manufacturing industry.

To learn more about our work and the LMC, visit selectlincoln.org/LMC.

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 atdfeyerherm@lincoln.org.

C L ient

Access Endless Benefits & Top-Notch Care

Access Family Medicine is Lincoln, Nebraska’s first Direct Primary Care clinic. They provide tailored care around giving you more access to your physician without the hassles of a traditional medical practice. It is their pursuit to create the most individualized care imaginable — uniquely centered on you, the patient. Their number one priority is helping prevent, diagnose, and treat your health issues with affordable solutions that work best for your life.

At Access Family Medicine, their physicians believe that excellent health care can only be achieved with adequate one-on-one interaction, so they are doing just that.

As a member of Access Family Medicine, here are a few of the benefits you will enjoy:

• Minimum of 30-minute office visits

• Unlimited access to your physician: any time, any day – holidays included

• Timely appointments

• Full access to virtual medicine: phone, email, text, webcam and more

• Annual physical exams at no extra cost

• Diagnostic and in-house procedures at wholesale cost

• Wholesale labs, imaging, and medications

• OMT services

How Direct Primary Care Works

At Access Family Medicine, physician’s patient load will be capped at 600, compared to a traditional practice of at least 2000. This opens their schedules to see you when you need to be seen. Happily, they do not accept insurance. Do not let this alarm you, as most of their patients actually save money as Access Family Medicine members.

Direct Primary Care is designed to meet your primary health concerns. Pair this with a catastrophic plan, and you’ll have top-of-the-line health coverage.

A Note From Dr. Johnson

“I can honestly say that I knew I wanted to go into family medicine from the very beginning of my schooling. I was drawn to the ability to develop longterm relationships with people, even generations of families. I enjoy getting to know you not only as a patient but as a friend. Creating and maintaining longlasting relationships is my main reason for choosing a Direct Primary Care practice model.

While I enjoy taking care of patients of all ages and backgrounds, I find Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) fulfilling. Applying soft tissue techniques, myofascial release, and high velocity/ low amplitude mobilization helps people get back to their life quickly. Being able to treat and incorporate standard medical care such as wellness, diabetes, hypertensive, and high cholesterol with OMT is the hallmark of an osteopathic family physician. And this is what I find most rewarding with Family Practice.

My wife and I made Lincoln our home in 2003, and feel that it is truly one of the best decisions we have made. It is a wonderful city that has provided us with many opportunities for our three children, who keep us very busy. I enjoy spending my free time exercising, coaching youth sports, church activities and most importantly spending time with my friends and family.”

So last month was a little different as Strictly Business hosted our big annual fundraiser, Party in the Garden, benefitting Domesti-PUPS! With all the fun and crazy surrounding such a large, awesome event, we decided to push our Friends4Lunch that was scheduled for September back a month. Nonetheless, Party in the Garden was not only successful in raising money for the local nonprofit, but it also brought many people in the Lincoln community together and meaningful connections were made. Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, and supported our annual fundraiser in any way. We posted some awesome photos from the event on our Facebook (@StrictlyBusinessMagazine), so go check those out to relive the special evening!

Friends4Lunch at Dammi Dammi on October 11, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

If you were looking forward to dining at Dammi Dammi last month, don't worry because that is the destination of our Friends4Lunch event this month!

Come join us on Tuesday, October 11, from about 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a casual networking lunch at Dammi Dammi, located downtown at 128 N 13th St., STE 144. Their menu features different Levantine salads, soups of the day, and—most noteworthy—many protein bowls, such as Falafel, Honey Harissa Chicken, Shawarma-Style Beef, Moroccan Lamb, and Citrus Salmon. Dammi Dammi is also known for their gelato.

Friends4Drinks at tipsy tina's on October 21, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

If you can't make it to Friends4Lunch, or you just want another reason to hang out with some awesome people twice this month, please feel welcome to attend our monthly after-hour networking event, Friends4Drinks, at Tipsy Tina's Taco Cantina. We will be there on Friday, October 21, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tipsy Tina's is a popular bar and eatery in the Haymarket, and it's claim to fame is that it has over 140 tequilas! There are many are many deliciously crafted cocktails on the menu, along with addictive chips and dip options. It'll be a fun time, bring your friends, coworkers, or anyone else in your professional network!

r SV p is encouraged for these events. p lease 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.

As the weather starts to cool down, the possibilities of the upcoming holiday season hang in the air. Rest assured, these local businesses are ready to help and want to make sure they’re included in your holiday planning this year. Spend more time celebrating with your friends, family, and coworkers and reminisce on the year you’ve experienced together. Let these local businesses do the heavy lifting to make your holiday season spectacular.

Prepare Yourself First

With the stress that the holidays always bring, it is extremely important to remember to take care of yourself first in the midst of all the planning and commitments. John Aguirre from Ovation Salon gave us some holiday self-care tips.

“From fighting crowds at shopping malls to dealing with family members who you never see eye-to-eye with, a lot of people have a feeling of dread going into the holiday season,” John admitted. “I recommend treating yourself to a facial or a new hair-care treatment. One of the top killers of holiday enjoyment is caring too much about how everyone else’s holiday experience is going while ignoring your own.”

Not only does Ovation provide a place for you to take care of yourself, but they also have an inventory of products to consider getting as gifts for your loved ones. Some of Ovation’s most popular products, in addition to hair care must-haves, are their wigs. They provide a plethora of different wig types including synthetic and human hair wigs from some of the top wig-making brands. Wigs can be a great tool for those experiencing hair loss, symptoms from cancer treatments, or if you just feel like switching up your look without committing to changing your own hair. Make it easy by getting a gift card to Ovation for your loved one so they can choose how they want to pamper themself.

Make Your Home Shine b right

Now that you’ve freshened up your look for the holidays, it’s time to get your home looking bright and cheerful with some holiday lighting that will surely be the envy of the neighborhood.

Halo custom Lighting is a permanent lighting solution for all your holiday needs. Once installed, your system is rated to last you 50,000 hours and enjoyed for year-round celebrations! You can conveniently control Halo lights from a mobile app where you can create your own colors and patterns. These lights can be used for more than just the holidays with a full spectrum of LED colors that can accent your home during any time of the year.

“For a low-maintenance decoration for years to come, these climate-tested lights cut the holiday decorating process in

John Aguirre ovation salon

half,” said Jen Keller from Halo Custom Lighting. “We enjoy helping people take one item off their long to-do lists during the holidays. The reason for the season can get lost in all of the shopping, events, and traveling. Remember to center your season around family and take time to reflect on the past year.”

treats for e very Occasion

Celebrations of any kind are a great opportunity to indulge in a special treat. Sweet t hings by Marcy provides that extra something sweet to make your celebration complete. Is your mouth watering yet?

Sweet Things by Marcy is a home-based bakery in Lincoln that has a vibrant menu of sweet treats that can highlight any holiday event. Have your guests talking about Marcy’s flavorful cupcakes for weeks after the holiday office party, or impress your family with one of the many cakes offered at Sweet Things. If you don’t have any current dessert needs, a gift card from Sweet Treats makes the perfect stocking stuffer.

“Baking is one of my passions, so I decided to turn it into a full-time business,” said Marcy Haas , owner of Sweet Things by Marcy. “I hope that you have a chance to enjoy a cake or two (or many) as much as I enjoy baking them.”

Orders around the holidays should be placed in advance to ensure that your special delivery is ready exactly when you need it. Marcy quotes holiday orders

to take around one to two weeks. All orders are available for delivery in Lincoln and surrounding areas.

Don’t Skip Spooky Season!

When we think of “the holidays”, it can be common to skip right to the big ones in November and December, but don’t forget about Halloween! Halloween is a great opportunity to plan some fun team bonding. For one, it’s a little less of a busy time for people, as opposed to Thanksgiving and Christmas when people have multiple family obligations or travel plans due to holiday time off from work. Organizing a costume-themed gathering for your team can be easy and enjoyable for all—plus it gives people the chance to show their personalities and creativity.

Another spooktacular option to consider when making plans for the Halloween season, whether it’s with your coworkers, a networking group, or just your friends, is a night of screams and scares at e agle Hollow Haunts ! Eagle Hollow Haunts has food, a bar, fire pits to rent out for the evening, and—the best of all—Scary-oke!

If you love it when shivers shoot down your spine, you’ll be happy to know that Eagle Hollow Haunts was named the “scariest haunt in Nebraska.” There are three attractions to take in when you visit: Luminon, an exciting and dangerous 3D alien world; Darklands, a perilous one-way journey into the haunted woods where dark and evil things lurk about; and Night Terrors, where you’ll delve into the surreal fears of the subconscious. Eagle Hollow Haunts is located at Eagle Raceway, which is just east of Lincoln in Eagle, NE. The park is open from 7:30 to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, October 7-29.

An Intimate e vent Space for Holiday Gatherings

If you’re looking for an intimate place to host a holiday party, Ironhorse b ar & e vent room is a great place to do it. The private event space comes with a built-in full-service bar that

Jen Keller

halo Custom Lighting

marcy haas sweet things by marcy

serves up signature drinks. The Ironhorse staff prides themselves on personalized service. This one-of-a-kind venue located in Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket is filled with original industrial and historical details giving the space a unique ambiance. bernadette Seaman from Ironhorse made it clear that, when it comes to holiday planning, you’re never too early!

“We begin getting inquiries for holiday parties around July and the weekends are the coveted dates that fill up quickly so we advise calling as soon as you have a date in mind. It’s never too early to book your event,” Bernadette explained. “We have hosted family gatherings, employee holiday parties, and client appreciation events. The holidays are always a special time for us and we want to help you feel the same joy we do during that time of year.”

Ironhorse will work with any caterer, or you can bring in your own cuisine! You and your guests will be the only ones in the space so you can feel right at home without all the cleaning and setup/tear down.

A two-for-One Special

Hosting an event can be stressful, especially during the holidays. To help eliminate the stress, talon room provides a one-stop shop experience to help you plan the perfect event.

“I always tell people, we set it up, you make it a party!” Owner Matthew r ogge said. “We do in-house and off-site catering with a range of menu options to meet any level of party. From event setup to a full-service bar, we can meet all your event needs while exceeding expectations. As an owner myself, I get the need to go above and beyond to show your employees how much they mean to you and the company, and a holiday celebration is a great opportunity to do just that.”

Talon Room is conveniently located downtown and can accommodate as many as 250 people for stand-up or sit-down events. Right next door to Talon Room is its sister business, c opper Kettle Mule b ar & e atery . Enjoy all that Copper Kettle has to offer while hosting an event at the Talon Room. It really is just a doorway away.

In addition to being a bonus to any event at Talon Room, Copper Kettle is also a great option on its own for a space to gather in for the holidays. They offer a wide selection of over 30 craft mules, all of which include freshly squeezed lime juice and are served in 100% copper mugs to give you the highest quality cocktail they can offer.

c elebrate the Holidays on Wheels

If you’re thinking of hosting a holiday event this upcoming season, choosing tailored Dreams Party buses could be a unique way to celebrate with your guests. Tailored Dreams is Lincoln’s premier party-bus company, known for their friendly drivers and for creating an experience tailored to your particular group. Just reserve your bus ahead of time, tell your chauffeur where you want to go when you arrive for your party, and they’ll get you there and back safely. Make it a costume-themed ride for Halloween or bump your holiday playlist with the bus’s Bluetooth sound systems.

Tailored Dreams’ fleet consists of six party buses—the biggest bus can fit up to 45 people so you can bring along your family and/or closest friends, employees, and clients to celebrate the holidays. Book as soon as possible as the 2022 is already filling up!

Bernadette seaman ironhorse Bar & event room

matthew rogge talon room

Get the ( b owling) b all rolling

Events with a planned activity can harvest natural conversation and bonding between family, friends, or coworkers. Add a little friendly competition, and you’ve hit a home run! Or, better yet, bowled a strike!

At Sun Valley Lanes & Games , take advantage of amenities like a full-service bar, grill, laser tag, arcade games, mini golf, and non-traditional bowling games not found in any other Nebraska center. In addition to the fun games and lively atmosphere, Sun Valley Lanes offers buffet-style catering and unlimited fountain drinks for you and your guests.

Jen miseno sun Valley Lanes & Games

“Whether it’s for the entire family or the whole office, these times will be remembered long after any tangible gift,” said Jen Miseno , event coordinator at Sun Valley Lanes. “Doing something together as a family or with coworkers is a great way to make memories that will last a lifetime. Why not go HyperBowling? It does not matter your age, size, or skill level. Everyone can play and anyone can win. From the youngest in the family to the most experienced, no one will feel like they can’t take part in the activity.”

A trip to Sun Valley Lanes can be the highlight of your holiday season. Events can be held for groups up to 384, so invite the whole office and their families!

e xciting Holiday e vents and Gifts

The next three months are filled with exciting opportunities accompanying the holidays. James Arthur Vineyards (JAV) has lined up many unique events to get us in the holiday spirit.

In October, get your sixth sense tingling during a vineyard ghost tour, offered every Friday. Then on Sunday, come back for a spooky round two with haunted hayrack rides. To finish out the month, check out the world-famous Halloween murder mystery event at Billy’s Restaurant on October 22. Throughout November and December, fun holiday-themed events such as wine bottle painting, live holiday music, and a holiday open house fill the calendar at JAV.

If you can’t make it to Raymond for these special events, JAV has a tasting room in their From Nebraska Gift Shop in the Haymarket. While sipping wine, browse through the store where they showcase the best products made in Nebraska. Just like JAV’s Nebraska-made wines, they are proud of the wonderful products they carry that represent Nebraska’s finest producers of food, wine, and gifts. The gift shop even has an entire room dedicated to all-things Christmas all year round!

Holiday Shopping Done r ight

Holiday shopping can become a chore quickly. From deciding where to shop to setting a budget, the stress can start to build quickly, but charm boutique & bar has you and your shopping mates covered.

Located in the Telegraph District, Charm is a shopping concept developed by Owner Lindsey tederman where you can “sip ‘n’ shop” by browsing their selection of clothes, accessories, shoes, and more with a Bloody Mary, mimosa, beer, or other cocktails in hand.

“We offer private party rental space,” said Lindsey. “This means you can book a holiday shopping party with us for just you and your friends! Bring your own food and we can provide the drinks, the music, the shopping, and the atmosphere!”

Get a couple of things checked off your holiday to-do list by contacting Charm Boutique & Bar to book a holiday shopping event. team & c lient Gifts t hey Won’t t hrow Away

Holiday gifts for the workplace or for your clients can be hit or miss, but finding something that you know people will love can be a fulfilling and exciting experience. Gift something that your employees or partners are going to want to take home with the help of Flicker Promotions.

“Gifts are a great way to show your true appreciation and can be customized with a logo or fun saying to suit your recipients,” said Owner Amy Doele . “Decoration can be understated, such as laser etching on a blanket, or a bigger statement, such as a colorful Yeti tumbler. We can also provide all types of customized napkins, cups, tablecloths, or even signage for your 2022 holiday parties and celebrations.”

The team at Flicker brings an intensity to their work which reignites your brand through a concierge approach to ad specialties. With over a decade of experience in the promotional industry, Amy and her team have focused their abilities to turn their connections with clients into something special, something that helps brands shine brighter than their competition.

Getting some ideas? These are all great options for unique holiday experiences. Getting the groundwork done early can make the holiday planning process blissful, so don’t hesitate to reach out to these wonderful businesses that are ready to help make your holidays magical!

Lindsey tederman

Charm Boutique & Bar

Amy doele flicker promotions

Self-care has become a hot topic online in the last few years, but what does it truly mean? This fall, remember to take time for yourself to stay healthy and combat problems like seasonal depression and workplace related aches and pains. Focusing on aspects of your life like mental health, fitness, diet, and body pain can improve your life in ways you could never imagine.

Knowing Your Unique Nutrition Needs

What you eat plays a huge role in how your body feels. Sometimes, it’s hard to know exactly what you may be lacking in your day-to-day diet, and everyone has unique nutritional needs based on a variety of factors. Meeting with a nutrition expert can help you figure out what you should be eating to achieve optimal health.

Nebraska Nutrition Services in Lincoln provides nutrition coaching and medical nutrition therapy services. Their nutrition consultations are designed to view the whole person. Amy Harshman , a registered dietitian nutritionist at Nebraska Nutrition Services, is certified in mind-body nutrition and incorporates this into the care she provides. We spoke with her to get advice on the topic of whole body and mind health.

“We know that our bodies are not just physical beings that consume nutrients," said Amy. "There is an emotional component that corresponds with food as well.”

Amy harshman nebraska nutrition services

Amy emphasizes the importance of taking the time to listen to our bodies, even in the midst of our busy lifestyles.

"Many people live busy lifestyles that take focus away from the messages our bodies are trying to send us," said Amy. "We live attached to our devices and are therefore wired to be 'on' all the time. This is why people forget to care for themselves and take time to be present in their bodies. Our bodies are regularly sending us messages that go unnoticed or ignored because we are too busy."

Amy also addressed the fact that, in the past few decades, less and less of our foods are being consumed in their natural form. Because of this, many people are at risk for mineral deficiencies. Dietitians can help you target the deficiencies in your diet and prevent future illness.

"Most of us are at risk for mineral deficiencies due to the nature of fast-paced living with less consumption of whole foods," said Amy. "In our culture, where supplements are heavily marketed, it can be overwhelming to determine which ones are safe, have quality control measures, and are actually helpful for a specific individual. Vitamins and supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so it is up to the consumer to make decisions about whether or not to utilize them. We believe in supporting proactive wellness by utilizing nutrition, both food and targeted supplements, to prevent chronic disease. Research has shown that 70-90% of chronic disease (diabetes, coronary artery disease, and stroke) can be prevented with diet and lifestyle changes. This is where dietitians can be of assistance—they tie it altogether!"

The advice Amy emphasized is finding a practitioner who will meet you where you are and who connects well with you. Most providers, including Nebraska Nutrition Services, offer a free consultation call to see if they are a good fit.

"You will be in this working relationship for a period of time, so you want confidence in the provider to assist you moving toward your goal," said Amy.

Ultimately, Amy said that awareness is the number one thing that is vital to moving toward heart-mind-body health.

"We must all become aware of underlying beliefs that drive our behaviors and actions," said Amy. "Sustainable lifestyle changes require digging deep—diets alone cannot accomplish this. Sleep is a foundation for optimal health. When sleep is routinely inadequate, a host of biochemical, hormonal, and inflammatory processes occur. We teach our clients how to support healthy sleep patterns based on consumption of key nutrients, timing of meals and snacks, and stress management."

Having a nutritional expert in your corner can help you achieve your health goals, so reach out to Nebraska Nutrition Services for that additional layer of support and accountability. They accept insurance, unlike the majority of dietitians who are private-pay only. They want more members of the community to have access to their life-enhancing services!

Natural Healing

Q c Kinetix offers a natural way to enhance healing; proactively provide support for tissue regeneration; and help their patients avoid invasive, expensive surgeries. The company consists of experienced board-certified physicians and has treated hundreds of patients nationwide.

Regenerative medicine is an exciting new area of medicine that utilizes biologic substances they obtain both directly from you and, occasionally, from donated sources. These biologic substances are great at reducing inflammation and helping injured tissues to both heal and repair.

Daring MinDs Therapy

“We believe healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires honest caring without judgment, and we cooperatively assist clients in clarifying their goals for treatment.”

individual, family, and Couples’ Counseling + Child-parent psychotherapy (Cpp) substance Use/Mental health/Co-occurring/Trauma evaluations

531-289-1005

DaringMinDsTherapy.info

Eat real food. Heal. Achieve your goals.

Angelina 402.413.8932 Amy 402.261.2965NebraskaNutritionServices.com

“Are there benefits to exploring regenerative medical solutions? Yes! This field of medicine offers patients a viable alternative to expensive, painful surgery by leveraging the body’s innate healing abilities,” explained Debra Schmidt manager of the QC Kinetix Lincoln branch. “Regenerative medicine from QC Kinetix makes it possible to recover quickly and come out stronger than if a patient were to opt for a more invasive treatment.”

Whether you suffer from knee, back, joint, shoulder, arthritis, elbow, or hip pain, QC Kinetix has a solution for you.

Wat-er You Drinking?

When people think about living a healthy lifestyle, they often think things like about their diet, sleep schedule, and how much water they’re drinking. What if the actual problem is what is IN the water you’re drinking?

Aqua Systems of Lincoln will fix your household water problems with our one-of-a-kind line of water softeners and reverse osmosis systems. Aqua Systems is a family-owned, full-service water treatment company, in business for nearly 60 years. They treat city and well water for residential and commercial applications, including water softeners, reverse osmosis, and commercial bottleless drinking systems.

Untreated water in any home can be hard on pipes, appliances, and you. By drinking un-purified water, you may be putting contaminants in your body you just don’t want. Local City water usually contains higher- than-normal levels of calcium and magnesium which will cause problems around the house.

debra schmidt QC Kinetix

Chiropractic Care for

Entire

With improved water quality, one can expect healthier skin and hair, softer laundry, extended appliance lifespan, better tasting drinking water, spotless dishes, and less use of detergents and soaps. The benefits are endless when it comes to improving the water you’re drinking. Not only does improving your water help your life improve, but Aqua Systems also wants to make the process as stress-free as possible.

According to Owner Jeff White, Aqua Systems uses a variety of methods to improve the quality of drinking water, including having a variety of filtration systems available.

Getting Stronger e very Day

The gym can be an intimidating place to commit to when starting your health journey. If you aren’t comfortable or motivated in the space you’re working out, you will never want to go. Luckily, there are places in Lincoln that are ready to help you take control of your exercising experience.

c apital c ity Fitness & Performance is a co-ed fitness boot camp in Lincoln that specializes in large- and small-group personal training. They are home to the only Training for Warriors (TFW) affiliate in the city, which is a group training program that encompasses signature warmups, speed training, strength training, endurance training, flexibility work, and nutrition with a unique motivational approach and welcoming family environment.

The a results-driven fitness center has helped hundreds of Lincoln residents lose thousands of pounds of body fat, but it’s not about what you lose; it’s about what you gain by being a part of their exclusive program.

"We consider each person as a member of our boot camp family, and we strive to be the best part of our members' day, every day," said Owner Mike b evard

Through their philosophy of "Bringing Out the Warrior Within," they motivate their members through coaching and a systematic approach to training. Not only will you get great lessons in physical training, but you will also be armed with valuable life lessons that will improve all areas of your life. They believe that everybody has the ability to do great things, and the coaches at Capital City Fitness will give you the strategies to bring out your inner warrior and dominate life!

e ndless Opportunities for Healing

Many people believe that going to the chiropractor is reserved for neck and back pain, but going to the chiropractor can help a plethora of different troubles you may face. Healing Hands c hiropractic provides services that will improve how your body’s feeling, which will overall improve your day to day life.

Sitting at a desk for most of the work day can lead to some unwanted issues, but according to Elite Spine Houston, going to the chiropractor can improve many work-related problems. It can improve posture, reduce headaches, decrease pain, improve focus, and help you sleep better, just to name a few.

On the contrary, being on your feet all day can take a toll on your body that a visit to the chiropractor can help alleviate. Comprehensive Spine Sports Center says that chiropractic care can improve stiffness in your neck and shoulders, back pain, foot pain, and knee pain.

Healing Hands Chiropractic’s Dr. Kimberly Hoffa is renowned for freeing people from their pain. She operates this family-oriented practice and takes pride in delivering outstanding chiropractic care in a warm and friendly environment. Dr. Kim is known and respected by patients, chiropractors, and other doctors throughout the Lincoln area, so if you are looking to reduce pain or improve your quality of life, you need look no further.

Alternative Ways to c ombat Pain

These days, alternative medicines have been at the forefront of health trends, but how are you to know what actually works? With so many options, it is important to find the most reliable source for your chosen alternative medicine.

cb D 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. It is legal in all 50 states and is gluten free, eco-friendly, and is batch tested using ultra performance convergence chromatography.

“CBD is a cannabis compound called cannabidiol (CBD) that is derived from hemp plants. CBD interacts with our body through the endocannabinoid system,” Owner Lance Schroeder explained. “As the environment around us affects our body’s normal state of balance, the endocannabinoid system keeps our bodies leveled. CBD does not create a ‘high’ feeling. CBD is all natural and non-habit forming.”

Lance himself has used CBD products to help alleviate pain from arthritis and other health issues in the past. He gives it a thumbs up!

CBD American Shaman is U.S. Hemp Authority certified. They follow only the best industry standards, making their hemp oil the

Lance schroeder

CBd American shaman

mike Bevard

Capital City fitness & performance

most effective and the highest quality on the market today. What sets them apart is their proprietary nanotechnology. This increases their products’ absorption rate to 90-100% compared to the average 10-30%. 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.

e nhancing Your Diet

Eating healthier can be a tough task to tackle on your own. Buying the right groceries or planning meals for the whole family is overwhelming when you’re not sure where to start. Sometimes, your diet might be missing key nutrients that you’re unaware of. red c lover Market helps teach you exactly what you need to update on your weekly menus.

Red Clover Market is a full-service health food store offering natural and organic foods and supplements.

Owner Deborah Wyrrick has over 30 years of experience in the health food industry, and enjoys helping Red Clover’s customers find good food, supplements, and body care that is pure and natural.

Supplements can help those who need an extra nutrient boost in their day to day diet get the vitamins and minerals they need. There are many supplements that target specific health concerns such as heart health, bone strength, weight loss, and energy.

“Supplements are growing in popularity, especially for immune health as we head into colder weather. We carry a wide variety of supplements including a line from Thorne, which previously was only available to practitioners,” explained Deborah. “Our supplements range from daily multivitamins, protein, collagen powders, and turmeric to name a few.”

Deborah and the staff at Red Clover take the time to speak to each of their customers and educate them about their products and the benefits that come with it. Their staff believes that their communication makes them unique in the industry. They truly care about their customers and want people to feel their best.

Mind Over Matter

Before you can improve the health of your physical body, you have to start with your mind. Mental health can affect motivation, energy, and productivity in your day to day life. Seasonal depression can take an unexpected hold on many people’s lives when the days start to get shorter and the weather becomes drearier, but there are ways to combat depression and be proactive for the future.

c learwater c ounseling, P c is a private practice providing outpatient mental health services locally and through telehealth services. We spoke to Kayla Leddy , MS, LIMHP, LIPC, CA, and coowner, about some of the things we can do to prioritize our mental health.

“While it’s not necessary to know every detail about mental health care, it is very beneficial to know why it is so important,” said Kayla. “Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act. It also determines how we handle stress, relate to others, and make health choices. The bottom line is that mental care is health care.”

Kayla Leddy Clearwater Counseling, pC

deborah Wyrrick red Clover market

With winter settling in and the holidays in full swing, it can be easy to push therapy to the side. Make sure you put your health first by keeping your scheduled sessions. This time with your therapist will allow you to address and overcome the worries and obstacles you are facing. Kayla also suggested setting realistic goals this season and prioritizing your top experiences, as there is so much to get done over the holidays.

“It’s okay to give yourself a break during the holidays,” said Kayla. “Yes, even during a holiday, it’s important to spend some time relaxing away from others. Do what makes you feel most comfortable. Oh, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep!”

Clearwater Counseling is dedicated to making sure your mind is in the best shape to carry your body throughout each day.

Overcoming Past trauma for a b etter Future

time to listen to our inner voice can be challenging. Pick one or two things that feel achievable at first before moving on to trying other ideas. Doing something creative can help distract you from difficult thoughts or feelings or help you to process them. It can also be rewarding.”

Rather than adopting one methodology for all individuals and issues, Maureen draws from a variety of methods to create a tailored approach for each individual and situation.

Many people do not realize that past traumas can have a lasting effect on how we respond or handle situations in our current lives. Methods like cognitive behavioral and trauma focused-cognitive behavioral therapy that Daring Minds offers can be the first step in creating a better future by healing your past.

maureen deryke daring minds therapy

Daring Minds t herapy is a womenowned small business that Maureen De ryke , PLMHP, PMSW founded in 2018 with Sarah Worley and Erica Schroeder. They have therapists who are trained/ licensed in child-parent-psychotherapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, drug and alcohol abuse, social work, and traumarelated disorders. For those looking to improve their overall health who feels that they might need some help to get there, start by setting some small goals. Give yourself time to figure out what works for you, going at your own pace.

“Our mind, body, and spirit communicate with us daily as to what is healthy and what is not,” Maureen said. “However, taking that

“Healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires honest caring without judgment,” concluded Maureen. “I’m committed to helping you overcome trauma, anger, depression, anxiety, addictions to alcohol and drugs, and other stresses that affect all of us at some time in our lives.”

Even if you don’t feel like you are struggling day to day, therapy is a great way to keep yourself in check and process any emotions that you may have shut away in order to keep moving forward. Sometimes it takes someone else looking into your mind and what is going on in your life to help you realize that there are things you can work on to improve the quality of your life.

e ven making just one change to your current lifestyle can make a world of difference. Try one of these new methods for improving your body and mind and see how you feel. These experts in Lincoln are here to guide you every step of the way.

If you’re planning on putting your house on the market, there are a lot of things that need to get done before you’re settling into a new home. It may seem counterproductive to put more time and money into a home that you won’t be living in, but it can actually make a huge difference in the amount of interest your home receives, and can result in a higher final offer. Luckily, many Lincoln businesses are eager to help you get your home to pop amongst the real estate crowd. Get ready to change that ‘For Sale’ sign to ‘SOLD!’ in no time!

Don’t Let Problems Slip through the cracks

Before thinking about the aesthetic changes you could make to your home, make sure to check the basics first. Most people consider a home inspection something that a potential buyer should do, but why not get those fixes out of the way before the home even goes on the market?

King’s Home Inspections, LLc is ready to help you identify everything that can be fixed before selling your home.

Owner randy King knows far too well how important home inspections can be to a potential buyer.

Updating your home can not only save you hassle later, it can also save you money. Light remodeling of kitchens and baths go a long way in making your home more appealing.

Increased energy efficiency lowers utility bills, which is very attractive to potential buyers.

“One of the challenges in putting a home on the market is overcoming buyers fear. A prelisting inspection does that,” Randy said. “It assures the potential buyer that an independent set of eyes has looked over the house, uncovered major issues, and identified where equipment is at, in its average service life. It also helps you to review the more seldom-seen aspects, such as insulation levels, foundation condition, and past presence of wood destroying insects and any latent damage they may have caused.”

The home inspection also allows you to formulate a game plan on when to replace large items such as HVAC systems or shingles, and the requisite funds necessary to accomplish that.

Let King’s Home Inspections, LLC help you find the areas of your home that need the most help in order to put the best possible home on the market. It can make a world of difference!

take It from an Agent Who Knows

With over 10 years of experience, realtor Jayson becker with bancWise realty is no stranger to the difference an inspection can

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make. From the very beginning stages of remodeling to closing on a deal, Jayson has tips and tricks for every step of the process.

A big part of the home-buying process includes the location of the home, but Jayson wants buyers to consider condition over location in most cases. It is also important to have a great relationship with your buyer’s agent.

“When you’re looking for homes with a buyer’s agent, make sure you interview with that agent first. Ask them what their background prior to getting into real estate was,” Jayson advised. “I believe that’s what sets me apart from most agents. My experience in the construction world and being a lifelong citizen of Lincoln guarantees that I know every nook and cranny of this town. I also have a large list of vendors and subcontractors that I have worked with that I can trust to serve my clients well.”

In regards to the state of today’s real estate market, Jayson provides insight on why now is as good of a time as any.

“In my honest opinion, we will never experience another market like we’ve experienced in the last three to four years. This is not a bad thing! We will continue to see more homes come on the market and we will see homes sell in a more realistic timeframe,” said Jayson. “Buyers will have time to make informed decisions which will also alleviate the possibility of buyers backing out of contracts because they got cold feet. All in all, we will see some normalcy come back into the market place.”

Prioritize Local expertise

Finding the right contractors to work with can be a difficult process. There are a number of different factors that go into choosing the right fit for your project, and sometimes locally-owned businesses are the best place to start.

With the ability, equipment, and expertise to provide residential, commercial, and industrial wiring solutions, Abc electric has cemented itself as the full-service electrical repair contractor the Lincoln area can trust now and into the future.

Project Manager Jon eicher at ABC Electric was able to give some advice on starting projects that involve electrical work.

“Use local contractors that know the building codes unique to Lincoln, be sure to use licensed and insured contractors for any home remodels you may undertake, and ask for written estimates before moving forward with the project not just for your protection but for all involved,” Jon said.

Over the years, lighting has become much more than changing out burnt light bulbs; it is truly an art and can drastically change the way your home functions.

“We have done all manners of LED lighting and controls in kitchens and family spaces, which have become a big trend in 2022,” said Jon. “We are seeing Bluetooth technology being incorporated into not just control systems but LED lighting as well. LED lighting now has the capability of adjustable lumen outputs, or brightness, and color-changing capability integral to the fixture.”

ABC Electric's 90+ years in the industry can assure any customer that their job will be done with dedication and expertise every time.

Painting Projects Made easy

A fresh coat of paint, whether on the interior or exterior of your home, can be all a room needs to be ready to sell. For all your painting needs, we encourage you to hire Walter’s Painting, Inc. They are a professional team of painters offering experienced services to both business and residential clients in the Lincoln region.

Jayson proudly respresents these fine Lincoln neighborhoords. Contact Jayson today to find out more!

“I used Jayson to sell my home and the experience was excel lent. Even when the buyer’s agent messed up, Jayson got us back on track and closed on the property. His attention to detail and professional manner is appreciated. We are using his skill on our current new build.” - Robert

Jayson Becker BancWise realty

Jon eicher ABC electric

“Many homeowners are tempted to simply do the painting work themselves, but this takes up valuable free time that could be spent elsewhere,” said Jeff Walters, owner.

“We know that today’s fast-paced lifestyle means that most people are just too busy for home improvements like painting and plastering, and especially all the prep work.

We strive to make the entire process stressand worry-free, in addition to providing premium quality products and services that produce outstanding results.”

Walter’s Painting makes the remodeling process simple by providing free estimates and quality prep work, in addition to a consultation after the first coat of paint has dried and a final inspection to ensure the painting job is satisfactory.

The mission at Walter’s Painting is to remain a leading contractor by providing the best quality work. Client’s satisfaction is their priority, so you can be sure that they will always take the extra time to make sure you love the finished product of every project.

remodeling Inside and Out

When it comes to remodeling your house with the intent to sell, there are two factors to consider: the things you see and the things you don’t see.

Matt collins, master electrician with Oak electric, offered some advice on how to light your home properly before putting it up for sale.

“I cannot emphasize the importance of good lighting enough,” said Matt. “You can paint the walls all day long, but if you don’t have proper lighting, it will still look like a dark room.”

If you have an accent wall or a mantle, some directional lights will draw attention to those areas. Cabinet lights are a great addition to kitchens that many people don’t consider. Even outdoor lighting can make a huge difference in how your home does on the market. Good lighting on outdoor stairs, walkways, and patios adds so much to your outdoor space.

For the things you don’t see, Matt recommends making sure your home is ready to be sold in every aspect.

“We highly encourage you to have a licensed electrician inspect your panel to ensure it is up to code,” Matt explained. “Do you have any switches or outlets that aren’t working? If so, get them fixed before you sell.”

Fixing the basics first can help the remodeling process avoid any bumps in the road later on. Get started on your journey with Oak Electric!

Kitchen Updates with ease

Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the biggest rooms that potential buyers are interested in. Making updates in those spaces can really make an impact on how your home sells.

Kitchen tune-Up specializes in one to five day kitchen and bath projects. They offer five different ways to update your kitchen within various investment levels. Their services include the original tune-up, in which your existing wood cabinets are restored in an easy process that typically takes one day. This could include cabinet re-dooring, cabinet painting, cabinet re-facing, and custom cabinets.

“It’s been popular lately to see two-tone kitchens, such as white and gray, or white with blue or green,” shared Jason Krueger,

owner in Lincoln. “Aging in place options, such as drawers and slideouts, have also been a hot commodity.”

Using the kitchen design tool on the Kitchen Tune-Up website, you can envision your remodeled kitchen using products from their inventory. This gives the most accurate display of different woods, colors, and appliances to choose from. Using this tool can also provide you with an accurate quote for how much the remodel will cost. Not to mention, this tool can also be super fun to use and get ideas for any future renovations.

Jason encourages remodelers to work with someone like Kitchen TuneUp who will give you many ideas, as well as a free estimate and a thorough explanation of how the whole process will work. They’ll keep you in the loop during the entire journey, and make sure you’re satisfied every step of the way.

Go the extra Mile with New tile

Another element to your kitchen and bathroom remodel is the tile. Updating the tile in these spaces can really make a difference in how well all of the elements of the house are tied together.

Maven tile & Stone is one of Lincoln’s tile design studios that specialize in showcasing unique tiles and stones, as well as other commodity products for both residential and commercial clients. Founded by the talented Lizett Nissenson , Maven’s design services and attention to detail in everything they do sets the company apart from other tile businesses.

“We strive to help you pick the best product that will meet the needs and goals of your family’s home,” shared Lizett. “We are here to make your process easier, which includes answering the technical questions and doing walk-throughs on projects during non-business

Jeff Walters

Walter's painting, inc.

matt Collins oak electric

Jason Krueger Kitchen tune-Up

Lizett nissenson maven tile & stone

hours. Plus, clients that purchase through us are offered my tile design services at no charge.”

The hands-on tile design studio has samples available in their showroom and design center for homeowners who want to get ideas and advice for their remodel.

Keep Up With the trends

If there is a room in your house that you can’t tackle alone, KayStock Design is here to help. Owner Kayla Stock gave us some tips on remodeling in 2022 that can be applied to any room in your home, and how her service can benefit your needs.

“When remodeling, it is important to visualize what the end goal would be before throwing money into it. Areas like your kitchen, living room, and master suite will improve the overall value of your home,” Kayla said. “I create 3D renderings of the rooms you’re looking to remodel, and can help you get the most out of every space in your home. This helps you visualize the end product and the different options you have.”

An additional benefit to working with KayStock Design is the opportunity to get connected with quality vendors and contractors that can get the job done.

Kayla encourages home remodelers to create a mood board for their home, whether with Pinterest or another source. Doing this will allow you to explore and keep all of the great ideas you’ve come up with, especially since home remodeling can be a long process, depending on the type of work you are planning for. In addition, it will help you narrow down your style, colors, finishes, and so much more, as well as provide a palette to your designer.

Organization that excites

Cabinetry is something that plays a big role in the appeal of your home. It’s a huge part of the interior look of your home and is used every single day to keep your belongings secure and organized. If you’re ready to update the cabinetry as part of your remodeling project, reach out to Usher custom cabinets

Usher Custom Cabinets designs, builds, and installs all of the cabinets they produce, and because they are a small shop, they have the ability to really focus in on the customer’s needs and wants.

“We specialize in residential custom cabinetry, and we tailor every job for the individual client,” said Owner Neal c hloupek . “Because we customize the cabinetry for any room you choose, we are able to build for your home’s specific design and use the wall space with the greatest efficiency. We are a no-pressure, old-school shop that takes pride in all the jobs we do, no matter the size.”

Since the cabinetry is customized for every client, the remodels don’t have to stop at your basic kitchen cabinets.

“We complete a lot of kitchen and bathroom remodels, but have also done libraries, home theatres, bars, pantries, fireplaces and mantels, entertainment centers, display cases, curios, gun cabinets, and more,” explained Neal. “Whether you prefer styles that are more traditional, contemporary, or casual, we’ve got you covered.”

Fire Up Your Home Value

Merritt concrete, Fireplace & Stone carries a variety of products that can help transform your house from the outside in. From adding landscaping rock or mulch around the house to adding a fireplace to your home or upgrading an existing one, Merritt can play a crucial role in your remodeling process. Merritt has been seeing many customers coming in to update their backyards to create an additional space

Kayla stock Kaystock design

neal Chloupek

Usher Custom Cabinets

to spend quality time. Popular projects include extending patios and adding an outdoor fireplace or fire pit.

“It’s becoming very popular for homeowners to bring different textures into a space,” said Morgan Drommond, sales manager.

“Adding texture such as stone can really transform your room. It can bring dimension to a plain wall and really make it pop.

Natural stone can be used in all areas of your home, from fireplaces, kitchen backsplash, an accent wall – the options are endless.”

Morgan also emphasized the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone when thinking about a remodel.

“When starting any project or remodel, it’s great to have an open mind,” encouraged Morgan. “There are so many options out there that it can become overwhelming. We are here to help guide you and help find exactly what you are looking for. Enjoy the process, and enjoy watching your vision come to life!”

transform Your Outdoor Space with concrete Solutions

Curb appeal can be a big factor for many looking to buy a home. The way a yard looks can make a potential buyer fall in love with your home before ever setting foot inside. Make the perfect first impression with help from concrete craft of Lincoln.

Concrete Craft of Lincoln can provide nearly endless solutions to bring your outdoor living space to life through their beautiful concrete solutions for patios, driveways, walkways, pool decks, and more. They can transform your patio with exquisite designs and classic looks, or they can banish the boring, plain, gray concrete walkways on your property with stamped concrete in patterns, designs, and colors that bring out the best in your surroundings.

A stamped concrete driveway, resurfaced concrete driveway, or stained concrete driveway is sure to give your home an impressive entrance and upgrade the overall appearance of your home. With their various stamp patterns and integral coloring processes, Concrete Craft can replicate popular, expensive materials, such as brick, cobblestone, and natural slate. No matter what outdoor concrete project you want to take on, Concrete Craft will help you totally transform your space and make your home a shining star on the market – all without breaking the bank.

Stage Your Home for Listing

Now that the interior of your home is updated, you want to continue to put your best foot forward, which means getting your home ready for showings. Find all of your furniture and décor needs for staging your home at Paisley Lynn boutique.

Heather Chloupek and cherie Anderson took their love for décor, staging, and ambiance to create a unique shopping experience located at the new Paisley Lynn Boutique in central Lincoln. Their philosophy is to provide beautiful home décor that doesn’t break the bank. Cherie and Heather will work their magic to help you create something unique that will really “wow” people looking for a new home. Their variety of trending styles and affordable pieces can make any room in your home pop.

“We don’t see the trend of soft earth tones going away anytime soon,” said Cherie. “Personally, I love this trend as I feel these selections have a more timeless feel versus pieces that are bright and loud. Adding accent pieces can bring that pop of color you may be wanting without having to update the entire space, too. Tying into the earth tones are plants – which have always been a popular addition to homes, though we expect to see the selection of nature items for the home continue to grow.”

morgan drommond merritt Concrete, fireplace & stone

Cherie Anderson paisley Lynn Boutique

Heather and Cherie can not only help you create the perfect space to appeal to the masses, but they can also help you bring the updated look into your new home. Once the selling process is over, take home your favorite staging materials to liven up your new space right when you move in!

ready to Sell

After finishing the remodeling process, getting your house on the market is the next step. Although it can be a confusing process, working with the right agents can make the selling process a breeze.

Sellers likely have more equity in their homes than they can imagine. Inflation has been mostly driven by a lack of inventory plus heaps of buyers hoping to take advantage of the great interest rates. Many sellers not only get over-asking offers but unbelievable terms to boot. With the help of Professional realty Group (PrG) of berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, they can ensure you get the absolute most profit possible, easiest terms, and a seamless transaction that will leave you smiling all the way to the bank!

“Since the market can change at any time, we encourage you reach out sooner than later and have a CMA (comparable market analysis) done on your home,” explained ben bleicher, team lead and realtor at PRG. “This will uncover what it’s worth, how quickly it should sell, and gives an opportunity for us to analyze the condition of your home/ make recommendations should any repairs need completed prior to listing.”

When you choose to work with PRG, you're not just getting agents who use the best tools and technology to sell your property for the most amount of money in the least amount of time. You're getting transparency and instant communication throughout the entire process, so you can relax knowing every detail is taken care of.

Working with a realtor is the Way to Go Communicating with a realtor is the best way to navigate the home selling process, and what goes into selling a home with today’s market. The options can be overwhelming, but expertise is the best place to start. Deb Wagner with Nebraska realty has been in the real estate business for 20 years and works with both buyers and sellers in existing homes, new construction, acreages, and lots. Being very involved in the market, she knows current trends and can advise you on what goes into pricing your home to sell. The factor most important when remodeling your home is making smart choices. A realtor can lead you through the process and choose the best options for your home that will attract potential buyers, while keeping it appropriate for you, and within a value supported in your neighborhood.

“When remodeling your home for resale, you need to make certain you’re making choices that will appeal to most buyers,” said Deb. “Smart decisions will get you the best return for your money. The value of expert opinions on any part of the remodeling process does make a difference. In the process, you never want to skimp the quality of the work you’re getting done. For instance, sloppy painting, or flooring that is not installed correctly; buyers will have a critical eye. Whatever work you are doing, do it well. There will come a time you want to get ready to sell. you definitely want to prepare.”

The real estate market can be tough, but with these local experts who can help your house get ready for resell, it has never been easier to make your home the bell of the ball. Get the best value for your home with remodel efforts, and then work with an experienced realtor to seal the deal.

Ben Bleicher professional realty Group of Berkshire hathaway homeservices

deb Wagner nebraska realty

Jodie McGill is impassioned about supporting women and others who strive for independence, diversity, and recognition. Jodie’s training and experience in Collaborative Divorce are unmatched in the state of Nebraska. Since 2011, she has helped families reach amicable, swift, and peaceful resolutions to their legal issues. Jodie’s mastery of family law and unique understanding of the trauma and stress families can experience with divorce are a few of the reasons why she has been locally and nationally recognized.

Jodie founded McGill Law in 2011 and recently expanded. McGill Law now has offices in Lincoln and Bellevue, as well as Omaha. McGill Law has four highly skilled attorneys and a dedicated support staff. They specialize in family law issues including divorce, modifications, adoptions, estate planning, and guardianships. McLill Law legal services include collaborative law, collaborative mediation, mediation, and litigation. Learn more about McGill Law and their unique approach at mcgilllawyers.com.

John Henry’s plumbing, Heating, & Air conditioning has been in business for over 26 years. One of their owners, Lindsey reinke, has been working at John Henry’s for 21 years. While working at the business, she received her bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing at Doane University in Lincoln. Lindsey focuses on the culture within the company, community support, and helping the business grow. Lindsey is very passionate about helping the community, which is why supporting local nonprofits is a high priority at John Henry’s.

“Owning a company in a predominantly male industry encourages me to grow it with the same family values that were instilled in me from day one of John Henry’s,” said Lindsey. “Our slogan is ‘Our Family Serving Yours’, because that is what we want you to feel every time you call us!”

Lindsey is married to her husband, Joe. They have two sons together. They enjoy attending their boys’ sporting events, traveling, and getting together with friends and family.

Learn more about the John Henry’s family at JHLincoln.com! You can also reach Lindsey at (402) 435-5555 or LReinke@jhlincoln.com.

Shannon SchultzHammerschmidt is the owner and founder of Nebraska Ltc Pharmacy. Shannon has spent her entire life in Nebraska and has worked in many different pharmacy settings before settling into her passion here at Nebraska LTC Pharmacy.

“Here at Nebraska LTC Pharmacy, everything is about YOU,” said Shannon. “We are a locally owned ‘concierge’ pharmacy that specializes in compliance and adherence as well as simplifying the medication process from start to finish. Our attention to every little detail decreases hospitalizations while prolonging our patients' independence by keeping them at home. We offer a free in-home consultation, free blister packaging of medications, and free delivery. We accept all insurance plans, so what is not to love about our program!”

There is no better time to join the Nebraska LTC Pharmacy family than now. Learn more online at www.neltcpharmacy.com or call the Lincoln office at (402) 328-0231.

Farmers Union Midwest Agency provides insurance protection to individuals and businesses of all sizes across the Midwest. Jennifer Larabee joined Farmer’s Union Midwest Agency in August of 2018. Her insurance career originally started in 2005 at Assurity Life Insurance where she worked in multiple positions for 12 years and then with State Farm for nearly two years. When she was given the opportunity to start an agency at Farmer’s Union Midwest Agency, she knew this was the right fit as they strive to build better communities by protecting where you work, where you live, what you own, and the ones you love.

“I enjoy helping people find the best coverage that fits their needs, and I want to be there for my clients by helping them understand their insurance benefits," said Jennifer.

Connect with Jennifer if you are looking for life, health, disability, Medicare, and/or long-term care solutions for personal/family coverage or employee/group benefits. She can be reached at (402) 560-0047 / jennifer@fumafinancial.com or visit www. fumafinancial.com to learn more.

Lynette Sorrentino is a sought-after “chaos consultant” and speaker dedicated to helping busy professionals, solopreneurs, and entrepreneurs experience more work-life balance and increase income so they can relax and have the freedom to do the things they choose. Taking her 30+ years of experience as a successful entrepreneur and true “boss lady” herself, Lynette created b oss Lady rising to reach business owners and entrepreneurs who are overwhelmed, stressed, overworked, and often burned out while trying to grow their businesses. She is passionate about empowering leaders so they can win, their businesses can win, and their families can win.

In 1988, Lynette decided to start a direct-sales business with Mary Kay to have the freedom and flexibility to have a successful career and participate in her kids’ lives and all their activities. She became a high-ranking leader earning multiple company cars and prizes. Lynette attributes her success to her ability to build trust and relationships and to quickly identify what someone needs and help them achieve that result.

Today, Lynette’s biggest success is watching the results her clients achieve by working with her—seeing them start to live a more calm, peaceful life while growing their business. To become one of the thousands of entrepreneurs Lynette has helped, visit bossladyrising.com or contact (402) 2507074 / Lynette@BossLadyRising.com.

Natasha Lundy (formerly Salem), owner of Willow Key Interiors, is a Lincoln-based interior designer whose focus has always been to create spaces that clients will love for years to come.

Natasha has had a busy year between getting married and rebranding (Willow Key Interiors was formerly Inspiring Homes Design)! Her team also moved the studio into a newly renovated home in east Lincoln last fall. They are finding that having the home set up as their studio is super helpful for clients to visualize spatially and it is so great to have a vast assortment of samples in one space.

When the business was established in 2014, Natasha began offering staging services, however, the design team is now focusing on new construction and residential design.

“My passion is creating a comfortable, functional living space that is tailored to my client’s personal taste and needs,” said Natasha. “I offer approachable, flexible design services that will cater to just about any design project, large or small.”

Natasha is a Lincoln native and graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University. Her background includes interior design, project design management, lighting design, and property management. In addition, she enjoys traveling, hosting gatherings, practicing yoga, and spending time with my family, especially her son Will and husband Kile.

To learn more about Willow Key Interiors and connect with Natasha and the other talented ladies on her team, email coordinator@ ihdne.com and they will answer your questions and provide you with their pricing structure. You can also visit www.IHDNE.com to see beautiful project photos!

Megan Leikam took over ownership and the executive director role at Associates in c ounseling & treatment in January 2020. Megan has her alcohol and drug license, certified gambling license, and is certified as a domestic violence counselor. Alongside her duties as executive director, she serves the Lincoln community by conducting substance abuse evaluations, facilitating group, individual and family counseling sessions, and strives to resolve the mental health, domestic violence, gambling, and substance use issues that affect our community in a caring, compassionate, and confidential manner. She believes that good mental health is essential for the well-being of individuals of all ages.

“Modern life can provide a variety of stresses that can have a negative impact on people. Problems can arise at any stage and our therapists can assist with helping you and your family with mental health, domestic violence, gambling, grief recovery, and substance abuse,” said Megan.

Megan has worked hard to maintain much needed services in the Lincoln community and hopes that every individual that struggles with addiction, mental health, or domestic violence issues has an opportunity to get the help they need for recovery. To learn more about Associates In Counseling & Treatment, go online to actnebraska.org or contact (402) 261-6667 / information@ actnebraska.org.

JoSi events is a new up-and-coming event planning business started by best friends, Jordan Kempkes and Sidney Parks, who met while serving together at Parthenon Greek Grill and Taverna.

“Working together was an amazing experience and gave us the opportunity to get to know each other,” said Jordan. “Being in the restaurant industry made us fall in love with event planning and sharing big moments with others. We saw everything, from end-of-life celebrations to weddings. Being there to make a guest’s big day easy and pain-free was so rewarding.”

“We knew we wanted to do more, so we decided to start event planning to make sure that not only the guests but the hosts were able to enjoy all of life’s biggest moments in a stress-free manner,” said Sidney. “Our easy-going personalities and strong work ethic make for a killer event planning team. We are just two dorks planning parties!”

Jordan is from Lincoln. Her dog and nephew are the most important things in her life. She loves going to conventions and takes any opportunity to fan out on all things. Jordan is on the Board of Directors for a ShelterMe Nebraska. She is even ordained to perform ceremonies!

Sidney is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with degrees in graphic design and advertising/public relations. She fell in love with wedding planning, and really enjoys assisting vendors and designing wedding signage.

In her free time, Sidney likes to redo old furniture, teach dance, and spend time with friends, family, and her pup.

To learn more about JoSi Events, visit josievents.com or email letusparty@ josievents.com.

sidney parks and Jordan Kempkes

“We wanted to bring something new to Lincoln—a way for people to get outside and enjoy something beyond their daily lives,” said Naomi. “So we thought of picnics!”

A luxury picnic is a mixture between an aesthetically curated experience mixed with a natural and earthy setting where each client gets to enjoy the ambience of the picnic with their loved one.

“We include games and a charcuterie board so that our clients are able to do something other than check their phones,” said Maggie. “This gives them an opportunity to ‘unplug’ from the real world.”

The sunset picnic for two experience includes 1.5 hours with a table, pillow seating, followed by a tablescape setting. Current rate starts at $180 for a weekend and $130 on a weeknight. At this time, picnics can seat up to 20 people and have previously been set up for proposals, bridal showers, and birthday parties.

Woven Willow Picnic Co. focuses on creating a new memorable and enjoyable experience for those in the Lincoln community as well as surrounding locations. Learn more at wovenwillowpicnicco. squarespace.com or follow on Instagram (@wovenwillowpicnicco).

If you haven’t already had the chance to meet Lizett Nissenson, owner and president of Maven t ile & Stone , since she recently moved her family and business to Lincoln—you’re missing out! Lizett is an inspiring woman who continues to wow people with her coastal-meets-farmhouse-style offerings. Maven features unique tiles and stones, as well as other commodity products for both residential and commercial clients.

Lizett’s history in the world of tile design dates back to the age of 20 when she became a sales associate at a tile store in Long Beach, CA, where she was born in raised. It was a total fluke, but Lizett ended up never leaving the industry! She went on to open up her own shop in Manhattan Beach at the age of 36, working by appointment only for high-end clients. Then, about two years ago, Lizett and her husband Hugo decided to leave California and find a good home where they could raise their daughter. The guidance from a few friends lead them to Lincoln, and now Lizett is excited to grow Maven Tile & Stone and her clientele in this new market.

To hear more of Lizett’s story, contact her at (531) 249-5917 / mavendesign2016@ gmail.com or visit maventileandstone. com / Instagram (@maventileandstone) to check out Maven’s beautiful tile and stone collection. The new studio is located at 7011 Kentwell Ln., STE 300.

Five years ago, Natalie Leon pursued her desire to provide a better life for seniors in need of care and assistance in the comfort of their homes, and she hasn’t looked back. Natalie is grateful to be the owner and executive director of Visiting Angels in Lincoln.

Natalie attended Nebraska Wesleyan University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in business administration. She also holds a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Clarkson College, and then she even went on to teach Gerontology at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, which she still does today. However, Natalie’s journey in the healthcare field started back in high school when she worked as a CNA and Medication Aide. Her first job involved working with Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Before this, Natalie never knew anyone with a form of dementia, but she soon realized it was her calling to work with these patients and their family members.

Natalie discovered Visiting Angels while exploring opportunities to open her own business. It was evident that, due to the combination of a rapidly growing senior population and the rising costs of nursing homecare despite depleting retirement funds, there was and still is an urgent need for in-home elderly care.

Visiting Angels helps ease the daily load by providing non-medical in-home care, including assistance in bathing, dressing, and walking; meal preparation/diet monitoring; light housekeeping; errands and shopping; medication reminders; joyful companionship; and respite care for family caregivers. To learn more, visit www. visitingangels.com/lincoln!

Shannon Filing coaches, trains, and leads people through Action c OAc H

Lincoln. A business coach is often compared to a sports coach, and every successful athlete has an outstanding coach, right? It’s the same for businesses. Coaches help you achieve greater business performance.

There are many resources out there like books, articles, blogs, newsletters, etc. that tell you how to run a business profitably, what to change, and what to do to improve your business. While many are good, they don’t account for the fact that every business is unique and that everyone has their own strengths and areas in which to grow. Generic advice isn’t near as effective as the guidance and support of a personal and dedicated business coach. A coach is able to provide the customized resources and insights needed to clear the woods from the trees, co-create a game plan, identify the pressure points within the business, understand what’s stopping you from moving forward, and how to overcome obstacles and take your next steps.

ActionCOACH Lincoln supports you to accomplish greater focus and success in identifying the areas you want to work on as well as other areas discovered throughout the process. It’s all about achieving business milestones, one step at a time, to ensure your business succeeds using a variety of proven tools and techniques.

Shannon is a certified business and leadership coach who works with business owners, executives, board of directors, and organizations and groups. If you are looking for a speaker, trainer, certified DISC facilitator, or personal coach to help you achieve more and reach your goals, schedule a no-obligation discovery meeting with Shannon at (402) 314-2181

/ shannonfiling@actioncoach.com or visit

www.actioncoachlincoln.com to learn more.

Naomi bargen and Maggie Harms, co-founders of Woven Willow Picnic co., made their vision come to life on July 1, 2020 when they got to see their first clients experience a picnic at their favorite location in a quiet and intimate location right by a little pond at Pioneers Park.

naomi Bargen and maggie harms

Marcie has over 35 years of investment experience working with clients in Nebraska and throughout the Midwest. Raised in a Nebraska farming family, Marcie infuses the values of honesty, integrity, and pragmatism into her relationships with clients. She finds great fulfillment in helping clients create workable solutions to their personal financial challenges.

Marcie works with individuals, families, and business owners, educating them about their financial options for building and protecting wealth. Marcie is committed to delivering financial advice and solutions to clients with the highest integrity. Creating personalized investment plans for her clients gives them confidence as they navigate retirement planning and other important life events.

You can rely on Marcie to be accessible, to support you in your investment decisions, and to help you implement changes as they become necessary. Marcie is a dedicated financial service professional committed to excellent service. Learn more at www. primerica.com/marcieyoung or contact marcieyoung@primerica.com / (402) 4766778. Her office is located at 3701 O St., STE B-3 in Lincoln.

The APRNs at Health at Home consultants provide care for patients in their home, not a clinic. Founded by Jamie Peters MSN, APRN in 2009, Health at Home Consultants was the first nurse-practitioner owned housecall practice in the state of Nebraska. Patients all have a different definition of home: private homes, independent and assisted living, hospice, skilled, and long-term care. The Health at Home team works with the patient wherever they call home! They work with the patients’ primary care physician to provide a more comprehensive plan of care for the patient. The practice has a wide scope of care, including performing and interpreting diagnostic tests such as lab work and x-rays, flu shots, pneumonia vaccines, and all other injections; diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, infections, and injuries; prescribe medications and other treatments; as well as mental health needs. Individuals best served by house calls are the elderly, chronically ill, people with disabilities, and psychiatric conditions. Jamie and her team at Health at Home Consultants provide compassionate, coordinated, and cost-effective care. Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance are all accepted.

Jamie is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, American Academy of Home Care Physicians, and the Nebraska Nurse Practitioners.

The goal of Health at Home Consultants, LLC is to provide home care medicine in one of the most rapidly expanding areas of healthcare.

To learn more, visit healthathomeconsultants. com or contact Jamie at (402) 875-2500 / jpeters@healthathomeconsultants.com.

Daring Minds t herapy was founded in 2018 by Sarah Worley, LIMHP and e rica Schroeder , LIMHP, along with Maureen Deryke, PLMHP, PMSW. Their team of therapists consists of many other wonderful and talented women as well.

Sarah graduated from Doane University with her Master of Arts in Counseling. As the clinical director at Daring Minds Therapy, she is well-versed in major mental health, trauma, and personality disorders. Sarah believes in individualizing treatment based on each person’s needs.

Erica also graduated from Doane University with her Master of Arts in Counseling. She enjoys working with children with a history of trauma and behavioral problems. Erica is proficient in a number of evidence-based therapeutic interventions.

Maureen graduated from the University of New England with a master’s degree in clinical social work with an emphasis on traumarelated studies and her undergraduate degree in social sciences/ social work with a minor in criminal justice from Nebraska Wesleyan University. Maureen draws from a variety of methods to create a tailored approach for each individual and situation. She believes that healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires honest caring without judgment, and she cooperatively assist’s clients in clarifying their goals for treatment.

If you’re looking for effective mental health treatment, turn to Daring Minds Therapy in Lincoln. More information is available at daringmindstherapy.info.

Very few women can say they own a sports talk radio station and even fewer people of color. Yet, 93.7 the ticket can take pride in having both. Acquiring The Ticket on September 1, 2021, rebecca Pearson and her husband Derrick have breathed new life into the way sports are viewed and consumed in Nebraska. “Providing high-quality and in-depth sports talk across ALL Husker sports, not just football, and other teams such as the Lincoln Stars, Salt Dogs, and high schools, allows us to get to know the student-athletes, coaches, parents, and educators that make up the Lincoln community and the state of Nebraska,” said Rebecca.

Rebecca has led transformational change for over three decades by using her ability of influence and sharply honed strategic business acumen. Her eagerness to take on new challenges and dash the status quo has opened “elevator doors”, leading up to the C-level floors of the world’s largest publicly traded oil and gas company, ExxonMobil Corp. Along the way, Rebecca has created value for B2B/B2C retail brands and channel environments in countries worldwide. While at ExxonMobil, she served on their Executive Women’s Leadership Team and Communication Committee, championing diversity and inclusion. Beyond this, she was recruited to helm an international nonprofit focused on the economic empowerment of women business owners worldwide.

Through The Ticket, Rebecca is proud to be a woman’s voice in sports. Derrick and her hope to inspire people, especially those in minority groups, to achieve their dreams.

Check out shows and podcasts on 93.7 The Ticket at theticketfm.com to keep up with Lincoln sports and what’s happening locally. Connect with Rebecca at rebecca@ theticketfm.com.

Marcie Young leads Marcie Young & Associates as Series 6, 63, 65 & 26, Investment Adviser Representative for Primerica , the #1 Most Trusted Life Insurance Company and #3 Most Trusted Financial Company. Services available include Financial Planning, Managed Accounts, IRAs, 529 Plans, Mutual Funds, Variable Annuities, 401k, and Cash Balance Plans.

erica schroeder, maureen deryke, and sarah Worley