Vol. 13, Issue 12
SERVING THE RESIDENTS AND COMMUNITY OF MIDTOWN OMAHA
December 2015
The Midtown “O” Omaha’s Newest Holiday Lights Spectacular! Dork The Halls at Apollon Omaha! Omaha Holiday Lights Bus Tour Christmas Crossword
Announced by fanfares and accompanied by music, mirth and traditions, the multi-course meal is designed to delight you and to celebrate Christmas. Every person – from your table server to the kingdom’s favorite performer – is dedicated to making this an unforgettable event. F r o m the rousing Wassail Toasts to the last spoonful of plum pudding and the final fading melody of the Madrigal Syngers’ performance, you will be enchanted and filled with the spirit of Christmas. Cocktails and pre-performance entertainment begin at 6:00 pm and the multi-course feasted begins at
INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED
A Celtic Tenors Christmas
The Madrigal Christmasse Feaste Hear Ye! Hear Ye! The Lord and Lady of Essex invite you to join them for feasting music and merriment, madrigal style, from December 1-4 at Regency Marriott Ballroom. At this unique and original form of “dinner theatre” you will return with us to the Renaissance years for a festive holiday evening at an old English Castle. IBSEN COSTUME GALLERY presents a yearly Christmas production, now is its 23rd year! Written, directed and costumed by IBSEN COSTUME GALLERY, the event has become a mid-west seasonal event and over 10,000 people have enjoyed the inspirational evening!
Page 3 Page 5 Page 6 Page 8
Visit the Holland Performing Arts Center, Kiewit Concert Hall, on Wednesday, December 2 at 7:30 PM for “a Celtic Tenors Christmas” performance! Whether playing a neighborhood cathedral or a majestic concert hall in major cities like New York, Amsterdam or Shanghai, The Celtic Tenors always delight audiences with professional, sparkling and most of all, good humored performances. Ring in the holiday season with The Celtic Tenors as their charm shines
See Madrigal Feaste on Page 2
The Midtown “O” Newspaper P.O. Box 247 Boystown, NE 68010-0247
t r a m S e h T e . k e a c i M Chuom
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID OMAHA, NE PERMIT NO 1458
icul r r u C New Facility Programs n a e l ts ,C Large rt & Spor chers A ea Music, Qualified T urry! & Caring illing Fast, H F Classes
through in renditions of traditional Christmas favorites, beautiful Celtic songs, and exhilarating operatic classics. This event is currently available as part of the Showcase Series. Spice up your entertainment with the Omaha Performing Arts Showcase Series! Coming up in the series is Jane Lynch: See Jane Sing as well as Under the Streetlamp, both at the Holland Center! For tickets to these extraordinary performances See Celtic Tenors Christmas on Page 3
Resolve to make your child’s Early Childhood & Preschool Education Top Priority in 2015!
Ages 6 weeks to 12 years. Call for a tour today!
402.614.2722 2020 N 72nd St. Omaha, NE
Page 2 • The Midtown “O”
December 2015
2015 Holiday Lights Festival “Shine the Light on Hunger”
Madrigal Feaste Continued from Page 1
The Holiday Lights Festival, 7:00 pm. The production concludes produced by Mayor Jean Stothert at 9:20 pm. and the Downtown Omaha Inc. For more information, please visit Foundation and presented by www.ibsencostumes.com/madrigal- ConAgra Foods, KMTV 3 and feaste/. [M] STAR 104.5 The Christmas Station, showcases downtown Omaha and celebrates the spirit of the holidays by providing a full season of fun, festive, familyfriendly activities. Festivalgoers will find an abundance of holiday spirit in downtown Omaha this winter. The five-week Holiday Lights Festival is packed with exciting th activities to offer a little something for everyone each weekend. More than 40 blocks of white lights, sponsored by Aetna, painting an incredible picture of Downtown Omaha, will again illuminate this year’s event, and more than 300,000 people are
expected to enjoy the sight of the lights over their five-week display period. This year’s festival will feature favorites such as the annual Thanksgiving Lighting Ceremony,
December 1-4 Regency Marriott Ballroom
LOCAL NEWS
the Making Spirits Bright Holiday Concert, Sounds of the Season, the ConAgra Foods Ice Rink, Wells Fargo Family Festival and the New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular. The community theme will once
again be a campaign to “Shine the Light on Hunger,” encouraging the entire community to help fight hunger by dropping off non-perishable food and household items at the ice skating rink as well as at collection barrels that will be placed at other locations throughout the community, including area Baker’s stores. Community members can also donate cash online by visiting www.holidaylightsfestival. org and clicking on the “Shine the Light on Hunger” tab. Last year, ConAgra Foods and the community collected more than 64,000 pounds of food and raised over $515,000 during the campaign, the equivalent of more than 1.5 million meals donated to Food Bank for the Heartland. See Holiday Lights Festival on Page 4
SUPPORT Network
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
JOIN TODAY! GIVE US A CALL AT 402.758.0935
Become a member of the Omaha Business Association to receive members only... • Online Profile • Advertising • Discounts • Networking/Job Opportunities • Plaque & Membership Card
www.OmahaBusinessAssociation.com MEMBER DISCOUNTS
Promote
GROW
LOCAL EVENTS
Bread Loaves, Dinner Rolls, Banquet Rolls, Breadsticks, Hoagies, Hamburger Buns, Brat Buns, Hotdog Buns, Sandwich Buns, Specialty Breads, Ciabatta Line, Gluten-Free Breads... A selection to meet all your needs! 800.759.0360
rotellasbakery.com
December 2015
A Celtic Tenors Christmas
The Midtown “O” • Page 3
Omaha’s Newest Holiday Lights Spectacular!
Continued from Page 1
and many others right here in Omaha, become an Omaha Performing Arts Season Ticket holder. You’ll enjoy the same premium seats for every exhilarating show at the Orpheum Theater and Holland Performing Arts Center. Plus, as a Season Ticket holder, you’ll receive show announcements before the general public, ensuring that you’re always first in line. For more information about the Showcase Series, please visit www. OmahaPerformingArts.org. The Holland Performing Arts Center offers crisp, urban modernism inside and out. With bold European design and finely engineered acoustics, this performing arts center is truly among the best in the country, offering spectacular views of downtown Omaha, an intimate atmosphere for patrons, and a home for the best performing arts the world has to offer! [M]
Turning the holidays into the Ooh and Aah-lidays! The Holiday Lights Spectacular – Omaha’s newest holiday highlight is BACK! A choreographed blend of light and holiday music projected ontothe Turner Park side of Midtown Crossing’s condominium buildings. Free to the public (three hours of garage parking included) Nightly shows run approximately
20-minutes, beginning at 7 p.m. New music and enhanced effects for optimal viewing. The best area to view the show is in the middle of Turner Park, facing west.Parts of the show will be visible from the promenade surrounding the park. For more information, please visit www.MidtownCrossing.com/ events. [M]
Finding the best place for your children while you’re at work can be one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. That’s why at Children’s Heaven, we’ve made it our mission to create an environment that works for your schedule, and provides the love and structure your children deserve.
CALL US TODAY!
We are licensed 24 hours, provide school transportation AND we accept Title XX. What more could you ask for? Call us today to schedule a visit! 75th and Pacific • 402-884-6505 103rd and Fort • 402-614-2321 114th and Davenport • 402-884-7282 121st and Pacific • 402-333-6558
Prices:
Infants 6 weeks to 18 months: $160 weekly Toddlers 18 months to 3 years: $150 weekly 3-5 years old: $140 weekly School age: $120 weekly
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday: 6am to 12 midnight Saturdays: 6am to 6:30pm Closed on Sundays
childrensheaven.com
Page 4 • The Midtown “O”
December 2015
2015 Holiday Lights Festival “Shine the Light on Hunger” Continued from Page 2
The ConAgra Foods Foundation matched donations to Food Bank for the Heartland dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000. The 2014 campaign exceeded its goal of 1.3 million meals and the total collected was also an increase over the previous year. The 2015 goal is 1.4 million meals. The schedule of Holiday Lights Festival events follows: Sounds of the Season Saturdays, November 28-December 26, 7-8 p.m. Each Saturday from November 28 through December 26, from 7 to 8 p.m., Sounds of the Season will showcase the talent of local choral groups ranging from youth to professional performers. Performances will take place throughout the Gene Leahy Mall and the Old Market, and a schedule is available online at www. holidaylightsfestival.org. Wells Fargo Family Festival
Sunday, December 6, noon-5 p.m. For the 10th year, Wells Fargo will be sponsoring The Wells Fargo Family Festival, which offers an afternoon of free family fun. Six downtown arts and cultural institutions will provide free admission and hands-on activities for the entire family. Free trolley service provided by Ollie the Trolley will connect all participating locations from noon to 5 p.m. “Shine the Light on Hunger” donation barrels will be located at selected Family Festival venues. ConAgra Foods Ice Rink Friday, December 11- Sunday, January 3 The ConAgra Foods Ice Rink, located on the ConAgra campus at 10th and Harney Streets, will return for a ninth year to entertain families and “Shine the Light on Hunger.” The rink will be open from 1 to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays; 1 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays; and 1 to 5
p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. The rink will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. A $5 admission fee includes skate rental, although patrons may bring their own skates. The ConAgra Foods Foundation will match all rink income dollar for dollar up to $100,000 and donate all proceeds to Food Bank for the Heartland as a component of the Shine the Light on Hunger campaign. Donations of non-perishable food and household goods will also be collected onsite. For details and how to donate, visit www.holidaylightsfestival.org and click on the “Shine the Light on Hunger” tab. New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular Thursday, December 31, 7 p.m. As a grand finale to the 2015 Holiday Lights Festival, the Fireworks Spectacular will begin at 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Spectators are encouraged to arrive
early as the event is expected to draw more than 30,000 people. The show will feature an amazing display of fireworks designed by J&M Displays. The official viewing site is the Gene Leahy Mall located at 14th and Farnam Streets. Each firework burst is choreographed to explode in sequence to a unique musical score featuring the music of Motown. Spectators are encouraged to tune in to STAR 104.5 to enjoy the musical accompaniment. The fireworks show offers a perfect ending to the funfilled weeks of holiday activities and events. Sponsors The Holiday Lights Festival is produced by Mayor Jean Stothert and the Downtown Omaha Inc. Foundation, and presented by ConAgra Foods, KMTV 3 and STAR 104.5 The Christmas Station. Event sponsors include Aetna and Wells Fargo. Media sponsors See Holiday Lights Festival on Page 8
Please email your recipes to Editor@TheOmahaNewspapers.com and each month we will feature one of our reader’s recipes in The Midtown “O”.
White Christmas Dream Drops Ingredients
2 large egg whites, at room temperature 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/8 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup sugar 1 cup white chocolate chips 1/3 cup plus 1 1/2 tbsp. coarsely crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 250°. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar in a deep bowl with a mixer, using whisk attachment if you have one, just until soft peaks form. Add vanilla and salt. With motor running and mixer on high speed, pour in 1 tbsp. sugar and beat 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat until all sugar has been added. Scrape inside of bowl and beat another 15 seconds. At this point, meringue should form straight peaks when beaters are lifted. Fold in chocolate chips and 1/3 cup candies with a flexible spatula. 2. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper, using a bit of meringue at corners as glue. Using a soup spoon, drop meringue in rounded 1-tbsp. portions slightly apart onto sheets, scraping off with another spoon. Sprinkle with remaining 1 1/2 tbsp. candies. 3. Bake until meringues feel dry and set when touched but are still pale, 30 to 35 minutes, switching pan positions halfway through. Turn off oven, open door, and let cookies stand about 10 minutes. Let cool on pans. Make ahead: Up to 2 days, stored airtight. Note: Nutritional analysis is per cookie.
December 2015
Dork the Halls at Apollon Omaha! Recurring every week on Friday and Saturday,December 4-19 at 7:30 PM at Apollon on Vinton Street, get your geek on! This holiday season were showcasing art and performances that include Star Wars, Dungeons and Dragons, Lord of the Rings, Legend of Zelda, Ghostbusters, and Pac-Man too! Admission is $34.99 for adults
a n d $19.99 for students (including dinner). You can purchase your tickets online at www.apollonOmaha. com. The Apollon collaborates with artists and experts from any number of genres to co-create wholly original works. The artists are rewarded for
Prayer, Reflection & Renewal Spirit
Peter & The Starcatcher at The Rose
Visit The Rose December 4-27 their efforts through professional experience and financial gain, while Peter & The Starcatcher! A wildly theatrical, hilarious the audience is rewarded with an innovative experience. and innovative retelling of how a T h e miserable orphan came to be The Boy Who N e v e r G r e w Up, Peter And The Starcatcher upends the centuryold legend of Peter Pan. Molly Aster, a 13-yearl d mission o of the Starcatcher Apollon is to Apprentice, finds herself in the empower emerging company of pirates, a giant crocodile, creative artists from visual, and angry Mollusks as she and three literary, culinary, and performing arts orphan boys (one of whom happens genres to create unique experiences to be unnamed) attempt to return a for the community. [M] trunk of precious starstuff to her
A ‘place apart’ dedicated to
our Nurture Y
The Midtown “O” • Page 5
Be still an dk that I am now God
‘A Place Apart’
father. Adventures abound as they’re pursued by a mustachioed pirate captain and his sidekick, Smee. Along the way Molly learns what it means to grow-up and is reunited with her father. The nameless orphan and his friends take up residence on this i s l a n d w h e r e dreams are born and time is never planned – the island where that nameless orphan is christened Peter Pan. For showtimes and tickets please visit www.rosetheater.org. [M]
Q& A
How can people with asthma who also have allergies manage their condition? There are routine precautions such as getting your flu shot every year, strictly avoiding cigarette smoke, and following your doctor’s care plan. Specific control measures depend on which allergens one is allergic to. Year-round or perennial allergens include dust mites, feathers, cockroaches, cats, dogs, other furry critters, and some molds. The seasonal allergens are primarily trees in the spring, grasses in the summer, and weeds in the fall. Your allergist can give you specific instructions on avoidance measures depending on your allergies.
If someone suspects they have allergic asthma, what should they do? KMSC is a retreat center located near the bank of the Platte River just west of Omaha, Nebraska welcoming people of diverse faiths and cultural backgrounds to share the comforts of our peaceful, prayerful environment.
2304 Campanile Road Waterloo, NE 68069 402.359.4288 • www.kmscenter.org
Your allergist is an expert at diagnosing not only allergies, but also asthma, and is ideally equipped and trained to help you achieve and maintain asthma control. Whether you or a loved one has allergic or non-allergic asthma, there’s no need to suffer with uncontrolled asthma.
For more information, please visit www.allergyasthmaimm.com
Page 6 • The Midtown “O”
Omaha Holiday Lights Bus Tour Gather a group of friends and family and let Nebraska Party Bus drive you around to see the most beautiful lights in town while listening to the Holiday favoritys. Evening and late night options, with late night BYOB. To reserve your private tour or your seat, please contact us. The Holiday Lights Bus Tour runs weekly on Friday, Saturday and Sunday December 4-27. Times will vary so please consult our website for more information. Admission is $30 per person. Nebraska Party Bus is a locally
owned service. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded. Our chauffeurs are professional and properly licensed. We are the preferred choice for weddings, bachelorette/ bachelor parties, corporate events, business meetings, conventions, graduations, c o n c e r t s , formal events, birthdays, sightseeing and even ourof-state travel. We provide free estimates and time consultations. Give us a call today at 402-577-0827 or visit www.NebraskaPartyBus. com. [M]
December 2015
The Midtown “O” Main: (402) 758-0935 Fax: (402) 334-2554 P.O. Box 247 • Boystown, NE 68010 Publisher@TheOmahaNewspapers.com The Midtown “O” is published monthly and is available free through controlled distribution throughout Midtown Omaha (please call for an updated distribution list). Subscriptions are available at a rate of $20 for 12 issues. The Midtown “O” makes every effort to provide accurate information in advertising and editorial content, but does not make any claim as to accuracy of information provided by advertisers or editorial contributors and accepts no responsibility or liability for inaccurate information. The entire contents of this publication are copyright The Midtown “O” and may not ethically nor legally be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the Publisher. Publisher Editor Production
Cheryl Downey Stephanie Bonnes Shelby Lea & Jessy Stivers
December 2015
Grow STRONG With OneWorld Pediatrics 45 Years of Making a Difference... ...One Child at a Time South Omaha 4920 S. 30th St. 402-734-4110
Northwest Omaha 4229 N. 90th St. 402-401-6000
West Omaha 4101 S. 120th St. 402-505-3907
Cass Family Medicine 122 S. 6th St. Plattsmouth 402-296-2345
The Midtown “O” • Page 7
100% Natural 100% Quality 0% Expensive
sTaRtiNg aT
26
$
per Carton
Hot Prices! Abbott Dr • Left at Ave H
Bring this coupon in for
$
45 YEARS OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE
2 . 00 OFF every carton!
OneWorldomaha.org
CREATIVESALONHAIR DESIGN & SPA
Hair services Extensions Nail services Gentleman’s Spa Skin Services Specialty-Advanced Skin Care Waxing Services
Spa Services & Packages Wedding Day Parties Massage Services Specialty Body Treatments Exfoliation Body Treatments Wrap Special Occasions Cosmetic Services
12025 Pacific St. • 330-5660 • www.CreativeHairDesign.com HOURS: Tuesday - Thursday: 8:00am - 8:00pm • Friday: 8:00am - 6:00pm • Saturday: 8:00am - 5:00pm • Closed Sunday and Monday
Page 8 • The Midtown “O”
December 2015
2015 Holiday Lights Festival “Shine the Light on Hunger” Continued from Page 4
include The Reader, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, and Q3 Systems. Shining Star sponsors include Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Iowa West Foundation, Suzanne and Walter Scott Foundation, The Sherwood Foundation, TD Ameritrade and Union Pacific. Radiant Glow sponsors include Anonymous, Big Red Keno, BNSF Railway, Christmas Decor, Cox Communications, David Scott Foundation, Dixon Family Foundation, Gavilon, Green Plains Inc., HDR, J & M Displays, Inc., Kiewit Companies Foundation, The Mammel Foundation, Moglia Family Foundation, Swain Construction, Inc., Valmont Industries, Inc., Vic Gutman & Associates and Webster. Bright Light sponsors include AGP, Atchley Ford Inc., Baird Holm LLP, Bank of the West, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska, Broadmoor, C
& A Industries, The Capitol District, CH2M Hill, Circo Enterprises, Colliers International, Deffenbaugh, Fraser Stryker PC LLO, Gallup, Gordmans, Great Western Bank, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Kutak Rock LLP, McGrath North, MECA Omaha, Mutual of Omaha, The Nebraska Medical Center, Noodle Companies, Performance Auto Group, Pinnacle Bank, Seldin Company, Security National Bank, Tenaska, U.S. Bank, Werner Enterprises and WoodmenLife. For more information, visit www.holidaylightsfestival.org. [M]
Featured Feline of the Month! Welcome, Minnie, to Catnip and Tails Rescue! Minnie (and her brother Mickey) were born to a feral mother and are both looking for their forever homes! Rescue was sought for both kittens to ensure they were safe and socialized. Minnie will remain in her current foster home until she is adopted. Minnie is a gorgeous little girl who loves to snuggle and play. Minnie will be spayed once she is old enough. Please note all cats adopted through Catnip and Tails Rescue are altered, given current vaccinations and healthy. Kittens adopted will be altered at 4 months of age and receive all necessary vaccinations. As a new pet parent of one of our rescues, all you need to do is LOVE them and feed them, we will do the rest.
MINNIE
For more information on how to adopt a furry friend, please contact Tina at 712-314-7669. Please visit our website at www.catnipandtails.org to download an adoption application. For questions, you may contact Tina at tainsworth5@hotmail.com or call 712-314-7669.
C h r is tm a s C r o ss w o r d Across
Down
2 Mistle-_____(3) 3 Group of Birds (5) 4 Roadway Congestion (7) 7 Jesus’ Birthplace (9) 10 Bad Football Conference (3) 11 To Be Jolly or Excited (5) 14 Contents of Santa’s Sack (8) 15 Make Melodious Sounds (4) 16 Cabernet, e.g. (3) 18 A thrust or blow 20 1992 Robbin Williams Film (4)
1 String Tie (4) 3 Alpine Tree (3) 4 Christmas Pine (4) 5 Infamous Snowman (6) 6 Santa’s Fifth Reindeer (5) 7 Special Anniversary (7) 8 Arctic Deer (8) 9 “____ to the World” (3) 11 Church Service (4) 12 Certain Tribute (5) 13 O. Henry’s “The Gift of the ___” (4) 14 Pandowdy, e.g. (3) 17 Political Ass (6) 18 After-Dinner Drink (4) 19 ___ and Cheese Sandwhich (3)