JUNE 2020
Elevate your catering with Attitude on Food D.A.D.S. offers a unique fraternity for fathers
AUTHENTICITY: MICHAEL MALEY’S KEY TO SUCCESS
M A G A Z I N E
Let’s Get This Conversation Started! As a parent, you sometimes don’t know which is more difficult: Actually talking to your child about important issues. Or just getting the conversation started. Boys Town can help you with both. Besides valuable advice from our experts on a variety of parenting topics, we actually offer “conversation starters” that can set the stage for meaningful talks with your child. Questions like:
» What was the funniest thing that happened today? » If you had a rewind button, what was one thing you would change about today? » If you could have had a superpower today, what would it have been? Our parenting materials are especially helpful when things are happening in the world that make kids feel worried, anxious or afraid. Boys Town is used to guiding children and families through tough times. We’ve been doing it for more than 100 years. Let us help you make talking to your child a whole lot easier.
Get our Top Ten Conversation Starters at BoysTown.org/Talk. 1912-360-03
LETTER from the PUBLISHER
THE WALMAN BROS
Michael Maley, Carole Sprunk, and Kathy Rygg
REACH US We want to hear from you. Ideas, suggestions, compliments and critiques, send them to us at Carole@EdgeMagazine.com
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Since our last issue in April everything has certainly been different than we remember in previous years. With so many cancellations and postponements it has been an awkward adjustment. How have you and your family or business navigated through these times? While adjusting to homeschooling, my family has enjoyed more outdoor time, cooking at home, and plenty of puzzles and reading. I must admit, it has been a welcome break. I am not sure about you, but I am ready for that break to be over. I’m ready for in-person meetings, hugs, handshakes, warm weather, and happy hours. Zoom just isn’t cutting it anymore! In this issue, we are bringing you a different take on happy hours. Most recently called “Curbside Cocktails”, Spirit World was one of many that quickly adjusted its business model to still provide services for at-home cocktail concoctions. It’s most popular request? The Quarantini, featured in this issue. In our cover feature you’ll meet Michael Maley, your luxury home real estate advisor. The market is still very competitive. Having a hard-working, genuine professional real estate agent on your side is important in the home buying and selling process. And you may recognize the home feature this issue—it’s the same home we featured in February 2019.
Since it was the location for the cover photo shoot this issue, we thought it fitting to showcase the home again. Receiving any devastating news is difficult. Having a peer group certainly helps. Mike Adams, together with Tony Bisignano, formed D.A.D.S.—Dads Appreciated Down Syndrome. Not only are they trying to create education around Down syndrome, they help create community for fathers on the same journey. Distancing at home is a great time to start a new hobby. Riley Teeter, owner of Crochet Ninja, is this issue’s Our Youth feature. She can teach you how to crochet in just seven days with her online tutorials, which include your very own starter kit. She’s certainly an impressive young entrepreneur. Also impressive are the Varsity Corner athletes: Katie Thompson and Jay Ballard, who are the Boys Town female and male Athletes of the Year. Be sure to read about their accomplishments. We look forward to a future Inside Edge event and are still navigating how and when that will happen. In the meantime, enjoy this issue and be sure to follow us on social media. Our readers and advertising partners are the reason we can do what we do. We appreciate you. Thank you! Carole Sprunk Publisher
JUNE 2020
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M A G A Z I N E
PUBLISHER AND OWNER Carole Sprunk (402) 587-2259 // Carole@EdgeMagazine.com MANAGING EDITOR Kathy Rygg (402) 490-3213 // Kathy@EdgeMagazine.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gabby Christensen Anna Hartman Shelly Nosbisch DESIGNERS Quentin Lueninghoener (402) 517-1228 // Quentin@HanscomPark.com Ben Vankat Ben@HanscomPark.com PHOTO STAFF Christopher Tierney Photography (402) 350-5699 The Walman Bros (402) 621-0864 ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Liz Rease (402) 639-6622 // Liz@EdgeMagazine.com Tom Patton (402) 214-5070 // Tom@EdgeMagazine.com CONTACT US P: (402) 587-2259 Carole@EdgeMagazine.com PO Box 620 Elkhorn, NE 68022 Edge is published bi-monthly. Content copyright © 2020 Edge Magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, without permission in writing from the publisher, Carole Sprunk. Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, Edge assumes no responsibility therefore. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Edge Magazine, PO Box 620, Elkhorn, NE 68022
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CONTENTS COVER story
OUR home 8
22
OUR passion
OUR fashion
WORTH the Haul
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38
52
MY concoction
OUR youth
42
54
32
OUR food
VARSITY corner
44
60
saturday, october 3, 2020 omaha marriott downtown, 6 pm dinner, cocktails, live music, silent auction, and more!
Purchase tickets today at: nightofchampionsnebraska.org An evening dedicated to raising critical dollars needed to ďŹ nd cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Helping our clientele navigate the process of buying and selling businesses throughout the Midwest.
ExitBig.com | 402.881.3781 M&A Advisors JUNE 2020
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OUR home
riches Land of
f
inding a house with a view in Omaha is a rarity. Finding one with a view that sits on 100 acres is like a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Which is exactly what it feels like when one follows the winding drive up the hill that leads to this property in Elkhorn. And the treasures that this home offers are considered priceless to its owners—more than 10,000 sq. ft. pool, hot tub, additional 1,500 sq. ft. guest house, and outdoor entertainment and wildlife that generations of a family can enjoy.
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When the home was built in 2000, the motivation to find ample land was twofold: the owners needed a place to train and house their field trial dogs, and they wanted a place to welcome and entertain kids and grandkids. The main property sits on 13 landscaped, manicured acres. There are 35 acres of land that is rented for farming, and another 50 acres of tall grasses in the back—perfect for the deer, turkey, pheasant, and beavers, to name a few, that enjoy the grounds as well. Tackett Homes was the builder, and a floor plan from a design book caught the homeowners’ eye right away. The only difference was that the original plan didn’t call for a basement. But that quickly changed, and a walk-out
STORY BY KATHY RYGG 11-PAGE PHOTO PORTFOLIO BY SNAP REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY
LIMESTONE FIREPL ACE JUNE 2020
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OUR home
DEN
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Š 2020 Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co., Inc. I Photos Š Longviews Studio
U P S TA I R S B A L C O N Y
Kolbe Windows & Doors leads the industry with innovative products that push the boundaries and defy the limits of function, performance and style. Combine unlimited options and custom solutions to frame picturesque views from sunrise to sunset. Contact the experts at Arcosanti, Inc. to schedule a personal design consultation today. 8415 G Street | Omaha, NE 68127 arcoroofing.net I 402.991.7667 JUNE 2020
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OUR home
G R A N D E N T RY
LIVING ROOM
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OVERSIZED WINDOWS
basement was incorporated. With the basement came the home theater, exercise room, billiards room, sauna, and steam shower, as well as 1,520 sq. ft. of additional unused space that could be turned into an entire game room or additional living quarters. The most stunning feature is the views out the windows along the west side of the house. Whether cooking a meal in the gourmet kitchen, floating on a raft in the custom pool, or sitting under the gazebo off the master bedroom watching the sunset, one can see for miles on a clear day. Coupled with the privacy that the property offers, the homeowners admit moving to less land and a smaller home will be difficult, but they look forward to downsizing to a warmer climate, although their grandkids’ favorite winter activity is being pulled on a sled behind an ATV around the grounds. “This property is definitely for a family that wants an active lifestyle,” said Michael Maley, realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. “It’s elegant, but still comfortable.” The entire home
OMAHA’S PREMIER LUXURY HOME BUILDER CURRENTLY BUILDING IN
The Prairies Blue Sage Creek Sandy Pointe Newport Landing TAKING LOT RESERVATIONS IN
Privada Estate Lots Privada Acreage Lots Lincoln Way
BRIAN FALCONE BUILDER/OWNER/AGENT 402-510-9797 / falconehomes.com
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OUR home
TROPHY ROOM
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“People in America should really make an effort to come and see what exists here. It’s beyond one’s belief.” – Gary Player
#1 FAMILY GOLF RESORT IN NORTH AMERICA – GOLF MAGAZINE
800.225.6343 | BIGCEDAR.COM JUNE 2020
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OUR home
BILLIARDS ROOM
L O W E R L E V E L E N T E RTA I N M E N T A R E A
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LOWER LEVEL KITCHEN
CUSTOM WINE RACK
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO CARE
TREAT PAIN BEFORE IT SIDELINES YOU At Kucera Chiropractic we treat the root cause of your discomfort so you can get back to what you love. kucerachiropractic.com
Contact Us today to schedule an Appointment for: • Chiropractic Adjustments • Pediatric Adjustments • Needleless Acupuncture
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JUNE 2020
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OUR home
CUSTOM POOL
S P E C TA C U L A R V I E W
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boasts large, open rooms with higher ceilings, including in the bedrooms. Cherry wood is prevalent throughout the home, accompanied by designer details at every turn, such as handcarved wooden doors that lead into the office, a floor to ceiling limestone fireplace in the living room, and real gold adorning one of the main floor bathroom’s sinks and toilet. The home offers many amenities as well, such as a Sub-Zero double refrigerator and freezer, along with a warming drawer in the kitchen, full bar off the living room both upstairs and downstairs, and a wet bar in the office. Built-in dressers are in the upstairs bedrooms, and the upstairs office also serves as a vast library. The master bedroom includes a gas fireplace and large, custom walk-in closets. With 100 acres of land, the property lends itself perfectly to hunting. An avid hunter, the homeowner designed a trophy room off the office that feels just like a hunting lodge, complete with a stone fireplace and loft that displays years of awards from their field trials. But even if one doesn’t have an affinity for hunting, the property can serve as a private respite, but still have access to all the city conveniences. “It’s perfect for anyone looking for privacy near town, whether a family or empty nesters who want a place for relatives to visit,” Maley said. For more information or to schedule a showing, contact Maley at 402-981-7400, Michael.Maley@bhhsamb.com.
YOUR LUXURY EXPERT IN 2020 Serving the area’s finest luxury homes
P R I VAT E A C R E A G E
SPECTACULAR PREMIER PROPERTY
17076 S. REFELCTION CIRCLE
402.981.7400 / michael.maley@bhhsamb.com michaelmaleyomaha.com A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC
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M Y T WO
cents QUENTIN LUENINGHOENER HANSCOM PARK STUDIO
S
S HANSCOMPARK.COM
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We’ve always oriented our business’s true north toward creativity. Given the uncertainty we’re all faced with today, that guiding principle seems more important than ever. Hanscom Park Studio is a two-person creative agency. Our background is in storytelling, and our goal is to do it in the most visually engaging way possible. We both have degrees in journalism and worked for years at newspapers to visually and verbally communicate stories efficiently, accurately, and with a voice and point of view. In addition to designing this magazine and its sister publication, Dine Magazine, we design Hail Varsity, Nebraska Quarterly, build websites, produce logos, and draw illustrations. More than anything else, we work with small businesses to help them tell their story. We try to bring a sense of creativity toward all the projects we take on and how we run our business. And we try to avoid taking on projects that lack a creative outlet. Here are three ways we’re trying to think outside the box quarantine has us all in and how we’re helping our clients do the same. USE TIME OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICE TO DEVELOP A SOCIAL MEDIA PLAN: The best creative thinking is done outside of the places we spend the most time. Breaking free from an office setting for a while can help put things in a new perspective. Using this time away from
a lot of the daily grind to come up with a social media plan will help in the long term. Keep it simple and consistent. Social media, like all marketing, is storytelling with a plan. Identify the story you want to tell, make a plan of how to do it, and don’t fret over statistics. The number of posts, followers, and engagement don’t matter nearly as much as the message you’re trying to deliver. USE ANY DOWNTIME FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING: We’re doing our best to make the most of lock-down by investing more time into the future. We’re taking this opportunity to rebuild our website. We’re improving our workflow systems and organization. We’re doing everything we can to make sure we can spend as much time being creative for and with our clients in the future and as little time doing paperwork as possible. TAKE THIS TIME TO RECONNECT WITH CLIENTS AND HELP THEM CONNECT TO THEIR CUSTOMERS: Right now the whole world is seeking social connection and interaction. It makes for a perfect chance to reach out to your network and ask them how they’re doing, how you can help, and seek some help yourself if you need it. Clients and customers alike will appreciate the effort, and in the long run, it’s these interactions that keep small businesses running. Be safe. Stay healthy. And keep a creative outlook.
Enjoy up to 2,100 sq.ft. of Luxury Living without the stress of home buying. www.edwardrose.com/lynbrook | 402-739-8215 JUNE 2020
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COVER story
genuineness IN PRACTICE
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Realtor Michael Maley attributes success to authenticity
ew 29-year-olds have a track record in real estate as successful as Michael Maley, a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. But then, few were fortunate enough to have had two of the best mentors in the industry—Bill Swanson and the late Ralph Marasco. Their combined knowledge and experience taught Maley invaluable skills not only professionally but personally as well.
Story by KATHY RYGG • Photos by THE WALMAN BROS
Michael Maley
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COVER story
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COMING SOON!
How you look matters.
I can help.
LOCAL
INGRID GEISEMAN Professional Clothier Cell: 402-238-4205
EXPLORER
i.geiseman@tomjames.com
TO LEARN MORE VISITÂ WWW.LOCALEXPLORER.COM JUNE 2020
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COVER story
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An Omaha native and graduate of Roncalli Catholic High School, Maley started in real estate eight years ago after realizing during college that his childhood ambition to be an architect was not the path he had hoped for. So instead of designing houses, he decided to sell them. Swanson took Maley under his wing and introduced him to Marasco—a man Maley credits with his success and the reason he’s still in the industry today. When Maley was 14 years old, his father passed away, and over the years Marasco became a father figure to him. “Ralph was like having a big brother at school,” Maley said. “You didn’t get bullied. It gave me a level of acceptance in the industry.” While in the office, riding to appointments together, or out to dinner, Maley listened to how Marasco negotiated and presented offers, and he internalized Marasco’s stories. “My association with
him made me appear more successful in the beginning, which led me to actually be more successful,” Maley said. The most important lesson he learned? “Never quit on a deal and never pit agent against agent. We all work together.” That philosophy has elevated Maley to become well respected in his own right, with his 2018-2019 sales topping $27 million, and this year he’s on track to hit $30 million. That’s impressive for someone who was so shy as a kid, he hid in the bathroom to skip speech class in high school. (He still had to give the speech the next day). Maley’s uncle even admitted seven years after his nephew started his career that he never thought Michael would be successful in real estate because of his shyness. That level of success takes two key ingredients according to Maley: staying genuine and hard work, both characteristics that are part of his focus on build-
ing relationships and traits he obtained from his parents. He said his late father was a prominent and successful insurance salesman with a strong work ethic, and his mother taught him the value of working hard. If building relationships is at the heart of Maley’s business, how does he do it? “I have meaningful conversations,” he said. Whether it’s through a phone call, text, or in-person, Maley makes “care calls” rather than sales calls. “I want to find out how people are doing and I don’t even bring up real estate. They will do that naturally on their own.” His approach is non-conventional, preferring to host events to help introduce clients to new aspects of Omaha as a way of staying in touch that isn’t real estate related. “One client can connect you to 100 people, and you have to know how to ask for that business,” he added. At the beginning of each year, Maley JUNE 2020
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COVER story
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sets goals, going beyond just writing them down to displaying them prominently in his office. He has three goal sheets: current listings, closings, and dollar amount. Those goal sheets serve as a daily reminder “to work hard and take good care of people,” going above and beyond to create a seamless transaction. Maley appreciates the fact that his clients trust him to do his job, and a lot of that comes from being transparent. “I had to prove myself and convince people I knew what I was doing,” he said. “People like a genuine nature and will like you for you.” Maley’s goals extend beyond just this year. Within five years he hopes to transition from real estate sales to owning his own development company. He’s currently developing a 15-acre, 49-lot villa subdivision and is working on a 77-unit apartment complex in midtown. He said he’s always pushing himself with new challenges, including
a weight loss goal in which he’s already lost 43 pounds. This fall he plans to host a golf tournament in memory of his father, Steve Maley, with a goal to raise $100,000 to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters and Completely Kids as a way to help other children who have grown up without their parents. Each goal Maley sets is another challenge he enjoys. In fact, he said he loves real estate transactions that are in-depth and complicated. The pandemic brought new challenges to the industry, and although the market was slower in the spring and buyers were more selective, virtual tours helped greatly. Maley said people will want to move for a number of reasons and predicts there will be a boom in the market through October. “You have to be patient. I tell people all the time the money part will come if you work hard and take care of people, so I don’t chase money. I chase relationships. Be genuine and you’ll be successful.”
“People like a genuine nature and will like you for you.”
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OUR style
Millions of Americans were sent home to work this spring, and the mass exodus out of our corporate settings and into our own homes has caused us to take a hard look at our work from home surroundings. Did you have an office already set up and ready to go? Did the COVID-19 crisis force you to make do with a space and furnishings that you might not have chosen in an otherwise less pressing timeframe? Either way, it’s not too late. The professional designers at Interiors Joan and Associates have compiled a list of top home office design trends to help you achieve a space that is both beautiful and functional. LIGHTING: You’re at home, not in a cold, corporate setting, so say goodbye to institutional lighting. Instead, layer in beautiful lighting that looks good both on and off the clock. Try to incorporate natural light, sconces, a statement chandelier, recessed lighting, and a desk lamp to achieve a well-lit and well-styled space.
HOME OFFICE TRENDS
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SEATING: A comfortable desk chair does not have to be black mesh with plastic arm rests. Choose a classic desk chair in a bright upholstery fabric or leather to give your room a pop of color. Or try layering a pillow in a patterned fabric to accessorize the chair, bringing the space to life.
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STORAGE: No office space is complete without storage. Whether you choose to have your home office outfitted with custom millwork to conceal printers, files, etc., or you opt to utilize freestanding shelving and storage bins or other solutions, find something that works for you. Having your supplies easily accessible during the day, then neatly hidden at night, helps you to stay organized and to separate your office and family time.
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The world is full of gadgets and tools to try to help you function optimally in your home office. There are phone tripods, wall organization systems, and desk caddies. Minimize your gadgets and you’ll be happier and more functional in the end.
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Choose a color palette that speaks to you. It doesn’t have to be white. It doesn’t have to be gray. It should be comforting to you and it should energize you. Work with a professional to choose the right hue for your space. 30 |
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Story by LINDI JANULEWICZ
•
Photo: Tom Kessler, Kessler Photography
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OUR passion
mission DADS ON
Unique organization provides support for parents who have children with Down syndrome
f
ive months before Mike Adams’ first child, Addison, was born, he was given the devastating news that she would only live for a week due to a major heart defect. A month later, they learned she had Down syndrome as well. Adams recalls having Addi baptized at the hospital, taking her home, and having a photographer take photos so they would have memories of her. Against all odds, Addi made it past the first week, the first month, and then six months. Today, Addi is an active 15-yearold who takes hip hop lessons, is a student manager for her school’s basketball teams, and is in Elite Cheer’s adaptive cheer program. To this day, Addi’s cardiologist still says he can’t believe that Addi proved him wrong.
Mike and Addison Adams
Story by KATHY RYGG Portrait by CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY PHOTOGRAPHY 32 |
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OUR passion
PHOTOS COURTESY OF D.A.D.S.
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With each passing small milestone, the shift began to focus from Addi’s potential passing to living with her condition. Other than a surgery to put in a feeding button and another surgery to later remove it, Addi has not had any other procedures. Heart surgery isn’t an option with her condition, Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD), in which her blood does not circulate as it normally should, leaving her with low oxygen levels. Addi has had to self-regulate her activity and learn her limitations. Adams keep oxygen in his truck for when “her legs are sore” as she describes it, and is the first sign that she needs oxygen. The next milestone Adams is preparing for is Addi’s freshman year at Elkhorn South High School. When Addi was three years old, Adams realized he wanted to find a community to help address her Down syndrome needs and support other kids who have disabilities. In 2008, he connected with another father, Tony Bisignano, who had a six-year-old son, Ryan, with Down syndrome. They decided to start a group specifically for dads and started under the Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome (D.A.D.S.) national organization out of Indiana. It later became its own separate 501c (3). Once a month, a group of 12-15 dads gathers at a local sports bar to serve as an outlet for fathers to share concerns, ask questions, and ideas about their children, covering topics that include medical, academic, social, and others. “It’s no secret that men don’t open up and share problems,” Adams said. “But it’s an informal group, and we have kids at all stages, from newborns to out of high school, so we can provide guidance for parents. We joke that we’re all members of a fraternity that we never planned on joining.” D.A.D.S. tries to bring in a speaker for each meeting, which in the past has included lawyers to speak on special needs trusts, speakers from the Special Olympics, and speakers from the Ollie JUNE 2020
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OUR passion
Webb Center in Omaha. They also plan annual family events, such as sports outings, camping in the summer and holiday parties in the winter. To provide these activities to families free of charge, D.A.D.S. holds an annual golf fundraiser called Divots for Down Syndrome. This year marks the 10th year, with the event scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 17th at Indian Creek Golf Course. Sixty-two golfers participated the first year and 152 participated last year. Adams hopes to have 200 golfers at this year’s event, which will include a BBQ dinner, raffle prizes, and a silent auction. Sponsorships and donations are critical to the success of the event, which has a goal to raise $15,000 to help support the organization’s monthly support meetings and annual family activities. A separate project close to Adams’ heart is the work he’s done to get a bill passed for a Down syndrome awareness Nebraska license plate. He started on it two years ago, and the bill is expected to pass in the coming legislative session. “It’s just one of the little things I’ve tried to do to bring awareness to individuals with Down syndrome.” Adams’ goal with D.A.D.S. is to get more fathers and caregivers in general to join their monthly meetings. He said there are close to 500 families with kids with Down syndrome in Omaha, and his group is always trying to find ways to reach out to new parents. “We are very laid back and often start our meetings by talking about sports,” he said. “And it doesn’t have to be a dad. We welcome moms too. We just want to be an outlet for caregivers of kids with Down syndrome.” To become a sponsor, donate an item, or register a team for the Divots for Down Syndrome fundraiser, visit www.dadsomaha.org. 36 |
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“We have kids at all stages, from newborns to out of high school, so we can provide guidance for parents.”
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OUR fashion
It’s all about the experience 38 |
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Story by SUSIE KIZER Photos by MARIA KIZER Since we have been cooped up for the last few weeks, it’s time to get out from behind the screen and actually GO SHOPPING! Boutiques offer an experience, absent when shopping online. Shopping online may be fast and convenient until you discover your purchase is not what you expected. The fit is all wrong, the fabric isn’t what you thought, and the colors are not as vibrant as depicted on the website. Having to repackage and return can be a real hassle not to mention receiving your refund! Shopping in a boutique is all about the experience. Touching, feeling, seeing, and even trying on the product can be so liberating, especially in today’s times. Interacting with a boutique stylist about your wants and needs for your wardrobe should not be minimized. Fabulous Fashions Boutique strives to make your shopping experience memorable. A few things you can expect when visiting our boutique: Reserved front row parking! No more walking in the rain, sleet, cold, snow, or heat. Park in our front row parking spots and you will be only a hop, skip, and a jump from our door. Thirsty? We serve wine, champagne, beer, and water. We want you to completely relax and enjoy yourself while browsing all the classic styles and fashion forward trends in our boutique. We also carry one-of-a-kind jewelry made by local artisans. Personal Stylists. Not sure what you are looking for or want to step out of your box when it comes to style? You’ll receive personalized service at our boutique. We are happy to make suggestions and inform you of the latest fashion trends. *Private parties! We love hosting private parties for our customers. We supply all the refreshments and you simply invite your friends to sip and shop. Our store also allows for social distancing. Fabulous Fashions Boutique is committed to making your shopping experience fun, relaxing and positive. We strive to provide high quality products with top rated customer service. Our customers mean everything to us! Please stop by soon to experience shopping at our small, local business boutique. We can’t wait to see you! (**To schedule a private party, please send email request to: fabulousfashionsomaha@gmail.com)
Feel Fabulous, Look Fabulous, Be Fabulous! Fabulous Fashions Boutique is an upscale contemporary women’s apparel and accessories boutique targeting sophisticated, trendy women of all ages.
www.fabulousfashionsomaha.com 14450 Eagle Run Drive | 402.578.3415 LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED
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OUR wellness
Where is your head at? BY DR. ZACH KUCERA
Did you know the human body has over 100 billion nerve cells, but only 10% have the ability to sense pain? Pain is often the last symptom to present itself and can indicate a more serious underlying condition. Whether you are sitting at a desk, looking at a phone, or reading a magazine, your posture can add unnecessary stress to your spine. The average head weighs approximately 10 pounds; when looking down at just a thirty-degree angle there is an additional 30 pounds of force being applied to the neck. That is the equivalent to carrying about three cases of water on your head. This amount of added force over time leads the body to compensate, a condition commonly known as text neck. The repetitive stress can lead to subtle nerve interference, which may result in pain. You can think of the nervous system as a highway, with the cars representing the signals being sent between the brain and billions of nerve cells. These nerve cells function to create action throughout the body. Text neck decreases the function of the nervous system like a poorly maintained road slows traffic. This decrease in function may present as: headaches, migraines, nausea, radiating tingling or numbness, or general muscle tightness. At Kucera Chiropractic and Acupuncture we ensure that our community is thriving and well-maintained. Whether you are in pain or seeking another way to improve your health, we get you back to what you love and help you continue living without restrictions. Our office utilizes a gentle but specific adjusting technique that is safe for the entire family. We are conveniently located at 1404 N. 203rd St, Suite 104, Elkhorn, Ne 68022 just north of 204th and Dodge. Visit our website at www.kucerachiropractic.com for more information, or give us a call at (531) 721- 2050.
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MY concoction
Spirit World 6680 Center St. (402) 391-8680 spiritworldwine.com
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1
5
What you need: • 1.5 oz Luksusowa Vodka
• 1 oz Pama Liqueur • .5 oz lime juice • Lime wheel
2 Combine first three ingredients in shaker with ice
steps
Shake well
3
to the perfect cocktail THE BAR: Spirit World THE BARTENDER: Laurie THE DRINK: Quarantini
4
5
Pour into glass
Garnish with lime wheel JUNE 2020
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OUR food
ATTITUDE ON FOOD (402) 341-3663 attitudeonfood.com
s
Attitude on Food elevates the local catering game
N AT H A N N E W H O U S E
Edible innovation Story by ANNA HARTMAN | Photos by CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY PHOTOGRAPHY 44 |
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haping occasions that bring to life individual dreams is a privilege granted to all caterers, but few manage the genuine, seemingly flawless service of Nathan Newhouse’s Attitude on Food. Since 2002, Attitude on Food has grown exponentially, diversifying and adapting with the times while consistently showcasing innovative dishes crafted from quality ingredients in unique venues and locations in the Omaha area.
I M M E R S I O N C I R C U L AT I O N S TAT I O N JUNE 2020
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OUR food
S AVO RY S’M O R E
After earning a Culinary Arts degree in Australia, Newhouse completed a rigorous, brigade-based system of apprenticeship, making him well-suited to run any restaurant in the world. Lucky for Omaha, he landed here, honing his chops at The Flatiron Café and as the Executive Chef at the Sheraton Hotel, where he discovered that the world of catering suited him well. “I like the fact that everything is planned in advance, you know how much food to order, what staff to schedule, and what income is coming in,” he said. “I enjoy making people happy with culinary treats and service, working with different people and excellent staff.” People are the heartbeat of any gathering, and Newhouse’s team is a key factor in their ability to produce exceptionally creative events. Responsive and relatable sales staff and event producers kick off the process by listening to clients, asking questions, and providing guidance that brings individual dreams and visions to life. Executive Chef Donny Rodden de46 |
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Strength. Stability. Service. And me. That’s what you can count on. Give me a call today to schedule a SuperCheck® and I’ll help protect what’s most important in your world. Carole Sprunk
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3614 N 163rd Plaza Omaha (402) 991-8200 Agent Info https://carolesprunk.fbfsagents.com
Insurance | Investments | Financial Planning Securities & services offered through FBL Marketing Services, LLC,+ 5400 University Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/860-2904, Member SIPC. Advisory services offered through FBL Wealth Management, LLC.+ Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company,+* Western Agricultural Insurance Company,+* Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company+*/West Des Moines, IA. Individual must be a registered representative of FBL Marketing Services, LLC or an investment adviser representative with FBL Wealth Management, LLC to discuss securities products. Individual must be released by FBL Wealth Management, LLC to offer advisory services. Disclosure Individual must be licensed with issuing company to offer insurance products. +Affiliates. *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services. M075 (12-19)
Retail bottles can be purchased to take home, or drink in the store. We offer a selection of wines & craft beers to be enjoyed in a comfortable, unique atmosphere. Vino Mas is perfect for hosting small to mid-size events. Live music 3 times a week! Your one-stop wine store!
event coordination event design floral design specialty event rentals custom builds personalized gifts Every bean comes from a barrel
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LINDEN MARKET HY-VEE 132nd & West Dodge
HY-VEE
Andrea Zahourek
Owner + Creative Director (402) 719-5067 www.azevents.co
180th & Pacific Locally roasted in Omaha
WWW.CLOUTCOFFEE.COM
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FISH AND CHIP
CHEVRE CHEESECAKE BITES
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R ATATO U I L L E S TA C K
lights in putting out solid, flavorful bites that reflect client tastes. Those tastes have changed over the past years, from mainstream comfort food such as roast beef and mashed potatoes, to creative bars, stations, and delivery methods. Attitude on Food’s Instagram feed is a picture book of mouthwatering options: salad walls, cookie waffles, honeycomb, and crème brûlée stations are just the tip of the iceberg. “This competitive business requires you to be on your toes, challenging us to create interesting new experiences for
our guests,” Newhouse explained. Attitude on Food has been behind events such as the USA Triathlon, large events for governors and celebrities, including breakfast and lunch for a famous singer’s video shoot paying homage to her significant other’s home state of Nebraska. Newhouse himself has eclectic tastes and will eat “just about everything”, which explains his knack for melding flavors and getting the most from beautiful ingredients. When possible, the chefs work with local produce and purveyors, and when a client specifically requests
locally sourced or sustainable ingredients, they are happy to oblige. While the food is well-crafted, it is the innovative delivery and display that really takes it up a notch. What makes something innovative? “Playing with your food,” joked Newhouse. “We are always learning, attending conferences and webinars, and experimenting with different ideas in the kitchen.” Monthly group tastings are held for about 100 people, giving prospective clients the opportunity to see and taste myriad offerings and delivery methods. JUNE 2020
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OUR food Depending on venue selection, guest preference, and budget, menus run the gamut from hors d’oeuvres to formal plates. One of the establishment’s most eye-catching displays is the Immersion Circulator station, built to spec in-house. The station features a gorgeous wooden frame supporting suspended mason jars of Attitude on Food’s famous Mac & Cheese topped with unctuous cabernet-braised shredded short rib, held at the perfect temperature via sous vide for party goers to devour. Fun party bites include the Fish & Chip, a malt vinegar chip topped with house made tartar sauce, fried cod, and malt vinegar pearls, which showcase a bit of molecular gastronomy using liquid nitrogen to create spheres of surprising texture and flavor. Another classic with a twist is the Mozzarella Stick Corn Dog – house mozzarella shaped into sticks, fried and served with sriracha marinara. The kitchen is happy to accommodate menu preferences and restrictions, and many menu items naturally meet dietary requirements, such as the vegetarian Ratatouille Stack. Dessert options embrace both savory and sweet palates. The ever-popular Savory S’more, an herb and parmesan cookie topped with prosciutto, brie, and honey, is a perfect blend of salty and sweet in one beautiful bite. The Chevre Cheesecake is a revelation in texture and flavor, filling a perfectly buttery shortbread tart crust with the unique marriage of savory goat cheese, dill pickle relish, and tomato jam. In addition to creative food, Attitude on Food also offers a staff bartender who crafts creative cocktails that amuse both the eyes and palate. One of their newest gadgets is a gun that creates a bubble full of aromatic smoke that can be floated atop a drink. Long-term success relies on the ability to adapt, and Newhouse has done so successfully, creating sister companies such as Omaha Picnic Pros, a caterer that specializes in delightful outdoor events, Omaha Cookie Company, a bakery that delivers freshly baked cookies, and gorgeous venues such as the Soirée Room. Whether you are planning a dinner party for 10, a wedding for 300, or a corporate event for 500, the award-winning Attitude on Food has a creative proposal sure to please. 50 |
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MOZZARELLA CORN DOG
Dedicated to a culture of excellence providing a fun, positive, learning environment in
baseball • basketball • football soccer • softball DESIGN BRANDING
To learn more, visit elkhornathletics.org or call 402-289-8358
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It’s time to build your dream home! Call us to start the conversation today. Realtor Melissa Minassian 402.490.3799 | Owner Lindsay Warren 402.201.4213
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WORTH THE HAUL
Big Cedar Lodge is your next adventure in the great outdoors Located deep within the rocky, forested terrain of the Missouri Ozark Mountains, overlooking Table Rock Lake, Big Cedar Lodge is a remote haven of natural beauty that brings conservation to life through nature-inspired accommodations, immersive wildlife attractions and unbelievable views. Johnny Morris, noted conservationist and founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, purchased Big Cedar Lodge in 1987 with the intent of creating a place for families to reconnect with nature. Over the years, Big Cedar Lodge has greatly expanded its offerings and attractions but Morris’ vision to establish a wilderness resort as a place where conservation and family traditions come together has remained at the heart of the resort’s mission. With so much to explore such as the resorts clifftop Ozarks Heritage Preserve at Top of the Rock, five world-class golf courses, two full-service marinas, endless dining options, a luxurious spa, 50,000 sq. ft. fun center, and Grand View Conference Center, it allows guests to come enjoy the best part of life right now – fresh air, wide open spaces and the great outdoors. The accommodations are also an experience to enjoy! With well-appointed guestrooms across a collection of grand lodges, cozy cottages and private log cabins, the accommodations offer privacy for a relaxing retreat of any length. A new extension of the award-winning wilderness resort of Big Cedar Lodge, Camp Long Creek offers nature-based accommodations ranging from luxury glamping units to family-friendly and couples cabins. Guests have access 52 |
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to a variety of amenities including an outdoor infinity pool with picnic pavilion, two dining options, a dog park, lake “beach” access, boat rentals at the full-service Long Creek Marina, fishing and hiking, and special touches including s’mores kits upon arrival. Connecting to nature is the best way to relax and create memories that will last a lifetime. Big Cedar Lodge
serves as a perfect destination for those with wanderlust, who want to take an adventurous road trip, families that want to reconnect to one another, or for groups who want to have meaningful team bonding experiences in the great outdoors. Visit bigcedar.com for more information about Big Cedar Lodge, surrounding properties and activities.
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OUR youth
n
ot many 14-year-olds take to crocheting, but Riley Teeter, an eighth grader at Papillion Middle School, not only fell in love with the hobby, she turned it into a business. Crochet Ninja offers an online course and kit to help any beginner learn to crochet in just seven days. Edge: How did you become interested in crocheting? Riley: I saw a sign at school for a knitting club. My grandma had always shown an interest in learning how to crochet, so I thought if I could learn, then I could teach her. Plus I like trying new things, so I decided to attend a meeting.
Riley Teeter
Story by EDGE STAFF Photos by CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY PHOTOGRAPHY 54 |
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dedicated
TO A DYING ART
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OUR youth
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Edge: How long did it take you learn? Riley: They gave us the tools, but we pretty much had to practice on our own. I tried watching YouTube videos, but they weren’t very good, and it was hard to learn. The first few weeks were really tough, but I kept at it. Jerry Teeter: She’s pretty tenacious, so she doesn’t stop until she figures out how to do something. Edge: What made you decide to turn it into a business? Riley: I didn’t want other people to struggle to learn like I did, so I created a kit and online course made up of my own YouTube videos. They teach how to crochet in just seven days: six main stitches needed for any project. Then I show how to do the first project, which is a snail. Edge: How did you decide what to include in the kit? Riley: I looked at what I used and decided to include everything needed to make the snail: yarn, stuffing, eyes, and an entire hook set. Edge: Were you nervous to do your own videos? Riley: I was scared of being on camera and worried people wouldn’t understand my instructions, but I’ve seen it work for other people, so I know what I’m doing is helpful. I’ve redone most of the original videos since I’m more comfortable on camera now. Edge: How did you come up with the name Crochet Ninja? Riley: I spent a day brainstorming, but Crochet Ninja was stuck in my head. Edge: Why did you decide to focus on crocheting animals? Riley: I had seen them at craft fairs and wanted to make them on my own. I started with the snail, and now I also make a cute cow, an elephant, and my favorite is the baby Yoda. Edge: Where do you sell your animals? Riley: I did the Millard West craft fair twice and sold a lot of animals, and people can message me on Facebook for orders. I’m watching webinars on how to do Facebook ads. I’m also working JUNE 2020
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OUR youth
“This is a dying art, so my main goal is to help people learn how to do it without it being stressful.” on a web site just to sell the animals. Edge: Was it difficult putting together your web site to sell the online course and kit? Riley: My dad helped me set up the web site. Jerry: I own a couple businesses myself, so for me it’s fun to teach her whatever I can and watch her on her journey. We’ve also been able to use my connections to direct order the supplies for her kits, so she can offer them at a fraction of the cost of buying them at a retail store. And I can do about half the stitches myself just from watching the videos. Edge: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not crocheting? Riley: I play select soccer, basketball, I’m on student council, and I hang out with my friends. I’ve even taught them how to crochet, which was cool. Edge: What are your goals for this business? Riley: This is a dying art, so my main goal is to help people learn how to do it without it being stressful. The web site platform I use gives an award each year to a business that does a million dollars in web sales. I want to get that award in 2022 and go up on stage at their conference in Nashville. Edge: Did you get to teach your grandma how to crochet? Riley: I did! She bought my kit and online course! To purchase the kit and online course, visit www.crochetninja.me, and follow on Facebook at Facebook.com/ crochetninja.me. 58 |
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VARSITY corner
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CHANGER Katie Thompson | Senior Boys Town Female Athlete of the Year By SHELLY NOSBISCH Being athletic comes naturally to senior Katie Thompson, Boys Town’s 2020 Female Athlete of the Year. She competed on the volleyball, basketball, and track teams at Boys Town, but she’s torn when asked which sport is her favorite. “Volleyball is just like an adrenaline rush that I get,” Thompson said. “I’ve played it since I was a little kid. However, track is my time to shine and to show everybody what I can do.” Boys Town head volleyball coach Paula Grinvalds believes Thompson is the epitome of leading by example. “She gave 100% at practice and games and celebrated other players’ efforts and accomplishments no matter how small. She excels at whatever she sets her mind to.” Boys Town head track coach Jesse Benda added, “Katie pushed herself in the weight room and classroom and was a known leader on the Boys Town campus. She was a three-sport athlete all four years and broke records in track, volleyball and basketball as well as in the weight room.” Unfortunately, track was canceled this spring due to COVID-19. “Track season was really heartbreaking for me because I went to state twice before,” Thompson said. Another disappointment came with the decision to livestream graduation and not allow anyone to attend in person. “You only graduate high school once.” Thompson is looking forward to attending Peru State College on a volleyball scholarship this fall. She plans to
become a history teacher with a coaching endorsement. “I just love history, and sports is always going to be a part of my life, so why not combine those two things together?” Thompson appreciates all the support she’s received from her Boys Town family. “I love the people that I live with. Not only are they sports-oriented, but they are always so into your life and what you’re doing, so it actually feels like they care.” The other girls in her Boys Town home are athletic like Thompson. “Our house is the most competitive. We get ready, we get dressed in all black, we put on face paint, and it’s on.” Thompson is driven to succeed in part because of her background. “My brother went to Boys Town, but he left before graduation. I take his situation and how he’s struggling now, and I don’t want to be like that. I want a good life, not just for me, but for my family. I want to be an influence for others around me, and I want that to continue. I want to be a little change in the world.”
Portrait by MIKE BUCKLEY JUNE 2020
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VARSITY corner
STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE Jay Ballard | Sophomore Boys Town Male Athlete of the Year By SHELLY NOSBISCH Sophomore Jay Ballard, Boys Town’s 2020 Male Athlete of the Year, joined the wrestling and track teams when he came to Boys Town two years ago. But football is his sport. He’s been playing the game since he was in kindergarten. “The Boys Town teams motivate me and want me to try to be better,” he said. “They tell me I’m going to be an All-Star one day.” He’s also close with his teammates. “They are like my brothers.” Ballard has had to overcome many obstacles to become a successful athlete. “In the streets of Baltimore, I had to walk to practice. There were a lot of drug dealers and crime down there. It was tempting to get involved and become a part of that life, but I knew it wasn’t for me.” Ballard also lost his brother, Robert, in a drowning accident. Remembering his brother keeps him motivated. “He wanted to be an NFL star like me. Every day I wake up, I think about him.” Boys Town head track coach Jesse Benda said that “from day one, Jay has always shown leadership on and off the field.” Ballard takes his captain position on the football team seriously and tells his teammates, “Don’t do what the others do. Be your own person because they’re going to look up to you.” Boys Town head football coach
Christopher Nizzi sees Ballard as a role model. “Jay’s strength as a leader is his work ethic and his patience. He is outstanding at accepting coaching and implementing the feedback immediately to help him perform better. His dedication demonstrated daily with his great desire to achieve make him the athlete of the year.” Ballard pushes himself to excel, going above and beyond to work on his skills outside of practice. “My dad always told me, ‘You shouldn’t be mediocre,’ so I’ve been striving to be the best.” In 2019, Ballard was named All Conference in football and finished sixth in his weight class at the state wrestling tournament. COVID-19 derailed track season this year, but Ballard is keeping his focus. “What’s important to me is my family, my future. I hope to go to the next level and play football for four years.”
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COMING SOON E X P E R I E N C E T H E T R A I L E R AT W M K M E D I A . C O M / F I L M 64 |
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