The return of an Omaha favorite: Julio’s 50 Mile March helps veterans move forward
Discover Omaha’s new upscale, urban community for active adults. Whether you’re retired or still working, Ovation Heartwood Preserve is a place to set your own pace, expand your independence and make new friends. It’s a place to pursue new interests and live life with less stress and more financial freedom. And it gives you peace of mind because a continuum of support is right on campus. Simply put, Ovation Heartwood Preserve brings a way of life that connects you with what matters most.
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Omahahas always been a generous community with a big heart for philanthropy. We love sharing the stories of local nonprofits that are making a difference in our world. One such organization, Project Pink’d, which provides resources to women undergoing breast cancer treatment, recently lost its founder, Cynthia Sturgeon. Cynthia graced the cover of Edge in October 2017, and I had the honor of sharing her inspiring story and the incredible work that Project Pink’d has done for the breast cancer community. We extend our deepest sympathies to Cynthia’s family and know her memory will undoubtedly live on.
This issue, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of another outstanding local non-profit, Dreamweaver Foundation. Founded by Jeanie and Ron Carson, this organization helps terminal seniors ex perience their bucket list dreams and helps virtually connect seniors to their loved ones all around the world.
To truly under stand someone, it’s said you must walk a mile in their shoes— imagine walking 50 miles in just 22 hours. The 50 Mile March Foundation held its third annual walk in August to raise awareness about the hardships that veterans face. With 59 walkers, the organization raised nearly $250,000 that was divided among three local organizations that help support veterans, and the foundation is already taking applications for walkers for 2023.
Fall food and drinks are a favorite for many, and this issue features many local favorites you’ll want to try, including the return of Julio’s Tex-Mex restaurant, craft cocktails from Via Farina, and a warm cup of coffee on a crisp, cool morning from a unique spot—Corn Crib Coffee on a beautiful acreage outside Elkhorn.
We want to hear from you. Ideas, suggestions, compliments and critiques, send them to us at Kathy@EdgeMagazine.com
Last but not least, Edge is celebrating its ninth anniversary. We continue to be grateful for our advertising partners and readers who have helped us share so many inspiring stories for nearly a decade.
Kathy Rygg Executive Editor
Project Pink’d
From
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meticulously designing and maintaining their cus tom-built home has been a true labor of love for homeowners Pat and Peggy Flinn. The couple, who intended to create a warm and welcoming environ ment, knew from the beginning that their home would be much more than simply a place of residence. They wanted it to be a comforting space for loved ones to gather, a peaceful retreat after a long day, and a trove of their most cherished memories.
Having embarked on several custom projects in the past, the Flinns are no strangers to the home building process. For their most recent home, located in the secluded neighborhood of The Sanctuary, they enlisted Curt Hofer & Associates. Completed in 2011, this one and half story home spans 6,714 square feet.
The exterior of the property, which in cludes the vacant lot next door totaling 1.41 acres, is adorned with mature trees that were lovingly planted by the Flinns. “When we moved in, there were only two trees on the lots, and we have since planted 52 trees,” Peggy Flinn said. “We specifically wanted a property without a lot of trees so we could plant what we wanted, where we wanted. Every tree we
STORY BY GABBY HELLBUSCH PHOTO PORTFOLIO BY JENNY GROSS WITH SNAP REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY
LARGE COVERED DECK AND PATIO BELOW
planted feels like my baby. They’re all very special and there are a lot of memo ries in the trees.”
Recently, Flinn also planted 600 be gonias, adding the perfect touch to the well-manicured landscaping. A bubbling water feature also stands out, creating a soothing allure to the property. The immaculate lawn, Flinn noted, is due to her husband’s thorough attention to detail and diligent upkeep.
Upon entering the timelessly tra ditional home, guests are greeted by a welcoming vestibule that leads into the thoughtfully designed floor plan. Sucupira wood flooring, a natural-col ored wood from Brazil that is only available at certain times of the year, stretches throughout the main level. The home boasts six bedrooms and seven bathrooms, a formal dining space, and a large chef’s kitchen.
Storage space isn’t lacking in this home, as the Flinns were careful to in clude a lot of it in their original design. Perhaps one of the most unique—and convenient—features of the home is the elevator, which makes hauling extra items to storage easier than ever.
On the lower level, the expansive entertainment space is the ideal hang out spot, especially during parties and holidays. Equipped with a generator and geothermal system, the home also has six heating/air conditioning zones to ensure the perfect temperature in each room.
While every room in the house is special to the couple, Peggy’s favorite is the office on the upper floor, whereas Pat’s choice is the four-season room. The Flinns like to spend their evenings on their covered deck gazing at breathtak
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ing sunsets and watching wildlife. The outdoor fireplace creates a cozy spot to unwind.
As listing agents for this stunning home, Deb Cizek and Mandy Bierman with The Cizek Stork Group - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate, said it’s been a pleasure to showcase the property’s quality crafts manship. “We are fortunate to have clients like Pat and Peggy who are easy to work with and have pride of ownership,” Cizek said. “They have taken care of this home like it was a masterpiece. I wasn’t in the home the day they moved in, but I would imagine that it feels and looks very
much the same. It’s rare to enter a home where you don’t see any wear or tear, but this is one of those homes.”
Cizek said the future home buyer can trust that there weren’t any corners cut with this particular property. “The next homeowner is going to have a quality, beautiful home that they can be proud of for a lifetime.” Both Cizek and Bierman agreed that a home like this cannot be duplicated in today’s market. “There is so much charm in this home and it includes a lot of unique features that you just don’t see often,” Bierman said.
Over the years, the Flinns have collect ed countless memories with their family,
especially their grandchildren, in the home. Now that it’s time to downsize, the Flinns hope they can pass the home onto a family who will treasure it as much as they did. “It’s been full of love with us living here and we hope that will contin ue,” Flinn said. “We hope they love it and want to take good care of it, as we built it from the bottom up and it has meant a lot to us.”
For more information, or to schedule a private showing, contact Deb Cizek at 402-699-5223 or Mandy Bierman at 402212-6208, realtors with The Cizek Stork Group - Berkshire Hathaway HomeSer vices Ambassador Real Estate.
SERENE OUTDOOR LIVING
When it comes to your home fur nishing purchases, you have choices. Furniture shopping has been redefined by a plethora of online websites, big box stores, and you can even find your next living room sofa at a national home improvement store or even grocery store. But at Ernie’s in Ceresco, the local total-home furnishing store has stuck to its roots. The company’s core belief is to always value what the customer has to say—that’s the Ernie’s way.
Founded in 1946 by Ernie Swanson, many things have remained the same in side the prominent building on the main street of Ceresco just 30 miles southwest of Omaha. Customers are welcome to grab a bag of freshly popped popcorn and a soda on their way out or while waiting for their new purchases to be loaded. You will more than likely cross paths with a repeat customer, probably being helped by the same salesperson who assisted them years ago. Ernie’s staff understands that their customers have
a choice where they shop, but the rela tionship the salesperson and customer create keep them coming back.
Once a customer enters the doors of Ernie’s, the decision-making process begins all over again. Ernie’s offers a wide variety of brands and price ranges to allow customers to make the best pur chase possible. The expansive building offers shopping for furniture, mattresses, flooring, appliances, electronics, and Ki netico water systems. Ernie’s provides an extensive variety for all types of tastes. From affordable sofas and mattresses, to customized sectionals and authentic Amish dining room tables, Ernie’s works with thousands of vendors to create a beautiful home.
When it comes to your next home fur nishing purchase, pick the family-owned business that has continued to keep its customers coming back for the last 76 years. Choose Ernie’s in Ceresco for the best selection of better-quality brands and excellent service.
By TRACY HIGHTOWER-HENNE, PARTNER ATTORNEY, HIGHTOWER REFF LAW
When contemplating divorce, one of the largest pieces of the process is figuring out how to separate assets and debts. This part can be stressful and overwhelming but with the right support and an experienced divorce attorney helping you, it can easily be broken down into manageable steps.
The first step is identifying all marital assets and debts. Oftentimes, one spouse in a marriage takes care of the finances, leaving the other in the dark (not always intentionally). While it can be frustrating and possibly embarrassing to be the spouse in the dark, it’s an important truth to acknowledge. Fortunately, there are numerous options for identifying all assets and debts. The discovery process in Nebraska allows for both spouses and their attorneys to have access to all relevant information.
Once we have a comprehensive list of assets and debts, we can begin separating them into categories. A large portion of this step is identifying assets and debts as marital or non-marital. Some assets, such as inheritance or assets you owned prior to the marriage, may not be considered marital and should be removed from any distribution of the marital estate. If one spouse received an inheritance during the marriage, whether it is considered marital or non-marital will depend on
what happened to the inheritance when it was received.
Retirement accounts can be transferred between spouses in a divorce without tax implications when they are transferred properly and are therefore allocated separately from non-retirement assets. Starting a conversation with a newly designated financial planner during the divorce process can be helpful to assist in transitioning retirement funds and discussing your future.
Dealing with a home in a divorce can be stressful. If you own a home with your spouse and have equity in that home, usually you and your spouse are each entitled to half of the equity. If one spouse wants to keep the home, it may need to be refinanced to remove equity in the home and remove the other spouse’s name from the mortgage. It is important to speak with a mortgage lender early on to determine if refinancing is an option for one spouse.
Debts are treated the same as assets and spouses are “awarded” debts just the same as assets. Gathering all your debt information, usually through a credit report, is vital to ensure that we can address any outstanding debts. Some debts may just be assigned to one spouse in a divorce, and some can be refinanced. Usually this depends on
the amount of debt and the length of financing.
It is important to speak with an experienced divorce attorney about your assets and debts before starting the divorce process, especially for individuals who have retirement accounts or own real estate. In some cases, there are actions you can take before filing for divorce to protect yourself and avoid irreparable mistakes down the road.
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you often hear people mention experiences that are on their “bucket list.” Sometimes it’s visiting a specific destination and other times it’s reconnecting with someone from the past. Unfortunately, for many se niors, especially those who are terminally ill, their bucket list is no longer an option. That is where the local non-profit Dreamweaver Foundation steps in—an organization dedicated to making those dreams come true.
Dreamweaver is celebrating 10 years of service to the community, thanks to a dedicated team and board of directors led by founders Ron and Jeanie Carson who also cofounded Carson Group, which includes Carson Wealth—one of the largest wealth management firms in the country. After building a successful business, the Carsons wanted to create a meaningful way to give back to the community.
The idea for an organization to help the older adults occurred to Ron while he sat by the fireplace on a cold, wintry Nebraska day. “In my profession, I
see how lonely people get at the end of life, and it’s sad,” he said. He and Jeanie began discussing the idea further and she too felt a strong connection to helping seniors. At the time, her father had been recently diagnosed with a terminal illness. She asked him if there was anything he’d like to do with the time he had left, and he said he wanted to go to Alaska. “When he stepped off the plane in Alaska, he had the biggest smile on his face,” Jeanie recalled. “I wanted to replicate that smile on other seniors’ faces.”
The Carsons jumped in, choosing
Story by KATHY RYGG Photos courtesy of DREAMWEAVER FOUNDATION Dreamweaver Foundation cofounders Jeanie and Ron Carson
the name “Dreamweaver” because Ron’s favorite song is Dreamweaver by Gary Wright and he felt the lyrics fit their mission. Jeanie said when they first began, they thought they’d have too many people applying for dreams, but the opposite happened. “Some people thought it was a scam, and others said they didn’t deserve it,” she said. “I had to call one dreamer four times before I finally convinced him he was deserving of his dream.”
Anyone can nominate an older adult
for a dream—the only requirements are that the person has received a chronic or terminal diagnosis and qualify as low income. Nominations are received via Dreamweaver’s web site and then the team begins its discovery phase. “We schedule an in-person interview with every dreamer to find out more about them—background, family, career, wishes—and then we start to build a plan based on their answers,” said Cheri Mastny, executive director for the organization.
Every dream is unique and person alized for the individual, all the way down to the smallest touches. One dreamer mentioned that his favorite candy as a child was purple Swedish fish, which are now hard to find. The Dreamweaver team hunted down the candy and included the purple candy in a care package at the hotel he stayed in for his experience. Another dream granted was for a couple who were both terminally ill. They hadn’t been out to dinner in 13 years, so the Dreamweaver
Dreamweaver Foundation’s annual Boots and Buckets Fundraiser
team planned an entire evening out. Ron took the husband to buy a new suit, tie, and shoes. Jeanie took the wife to buy a new dress and to have her hair and makeup done. A limo picked up the couple and took them to dinner (the couple insisted on sharing a meal) and then they went to the symphony. For many seniors, their dream occurs just weeks or sometimes days before they pass away, so Dreamweaver creates a photo book for the family and a blog for every dream that is posted to the organization’s website.
During Dreamweaver’s first year in 2013, the organization completed four dreams. In 2019, Dreamweaver grew to 150 dreams. Then in 2020, the orga nization had to halt dreams during the pandemic but realized the need to still provide joy to seniors, especially because so many of them were isolated. The Dreamweaver team decided to purchase tablets so dreamers could connect virtual ly with loved ones using the Meta Portal. This new program, called Connecting
COVER story
Shelby Rice, Callie Getzschman, Cheri Mastny, Josh Brink, Brenna Moray, Kelly Jacobs
Denise enjoying a poker run
Hope, provided 600 Portals to seniors between July-December 2020.
Following the program’s success, the organization’s board wanted to keep it going and formed a partnership with a company called GrandPad, which has a proprietary tablet that offers a safe, easy way for seniors to connect with loved ones. Last year, with the distribution of over 600 GrandPads, Dreamweaver was able to connect 2,500 seniors across 48 states. Nominations received for Con necting Hope are similar to the dreams, and Dreamweaver works with GrandPad to distribute the tablets, which are recycled after each use.
Although GrandPads can be dis tributed nationwide, Dreamweaver only fulfills dreams for seniors within a 50-mile radius of Omaha because of the elaborate nature of the experiences. “What makes us unique is our personal approach,” Mastny said. “That comes from Ron and Jeanie. We get to know every single one of our dreamers and often their families, too. We don’t want to lose that, but it’s also what makes it difficult to extend what we do outside of the local area.”
Volunteers, donors, and partnerships within the community have been critical to Dreamweaver’s success. The organi zation currently has 75 active volun teers—all of whom receive background checks and training. The non-profit has also formed partnerships with local nursing homes, hospice centers, and community organizations. “Cheri has taken the organization to another level,” Ron said. “She’s formed key partner ships, has found more donors, and great media sponsors.”
Family is everything to Ron and Jeanie. So much so, they both want their senior dreams to be spent at their rural retreat, surrounded by family. Taking care of others has been at the heart of everything the couple has built during their 40-year marriage. “We’re an organization that wants to take care of people,” Ron said. “Dreamweaver takes what the Midwest stands for and delivers it to people at the end of their life.” The Carsons attribute the organi zation’s growth to the entire community “weaving” together to create memorable experiences for older adults. Jeanie add ed, “It’s all about sending them out on a high note.”
The
groundbreaking took place at the future site of the MD West ONE Sports Complex, which will be located in Valley, NE, near 264th and Ida Streets. This state-of-the-art complex will be a signature destination facility for outdoor youth athletics and community recreation, not just for Western Douglas County residents but for the entire region. Phase one of the project will include eight synthetic turf baseball/softball fields, six synthetic turf fields (soccer/football), and a barrier-free field for young athletes with adaptive needs.
For more information, visit www.elkhornathletics.org.
Story by ANNA HARTMAN | Photos by CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY PHOTOGRAPHY
tex-Mex, a distinctly Amer ican cuisine rooted in the Tejano (Texans of Mexican descent) culture of Texas, has been around since the early Mission days on land that is now occupied by the state of Texas. Inspired by Spanish, Native American, and Mexican cuisines, the unique combination of flavorful ingredients such as cumin, chile peppers, beef, and cheese still de lights diners today.
NICK KATIS AND MARK POGGE
STEAK FAJITA
THE SMOKEHOUSE BURGER
food
From the family dog to your home or the dining room set, dividing assets in a divorce can feel like a daunting process. We fully understand the unique challenges this part of the divorce process poses.
Our team of confident, clear, committed attorneys will help you expertly identify, organize and value your assets & debts, so you can focus on creating a realistic plan to move forward. Call or text us to schedule a consultation, gain clarity and learn about your options.
See our article in the “OUR families” section of this issue to learn about dividing assets & debts in a divorce.
SHRIMP TACOS
Julio’s has been serving tasty Tex-Mex dishes such as nachos, enchiladas, and fajitas in eastern Nebraska since 1977, but regular fans of the consistently deli cious dishes mourned when the sole re maining location in Omaha announced its closure in 2020.
Shortly after this closure, restaurant owner Brett Clure (Tavern 180, Tanner’s, Capri) decided to purchase the estab lishment, including original recipes, and reopen in two locations in Omaha. Once the news went public, eager loyal customers awaited the reopening.
Mark Pogge, general manager of the 192nd and Q location, spent over 16 years in the hospitality business, starting as a barback in his early 20s. A graduate of the culinary program at Metropolitan Community College, Pogge always loved cooking, but his career path took him on more front-of-house gigs.
Working for and learning from in structors and local chefs such as John Horvatinovich (Salt 88) taught him that a great manager leads by example, pitch es in to help in every position, and treats staff fairly and with compassion. True to his tenets, Pogge logs hours on the kitchen line when warranted, though he joked, “I can always tell when I haven’t cooked in a while; all the hair is still on my arms.”
The freshly minted space is clean, cool, and modern with thoughtful touches such as the back-lit bottles lining bar shelves—an homage to the colors found in both the Mexican and American flags. Orange booths and dark wood tables, along with an expansive patio, provide ample seating.
Nick Katis, kitchen manager with over 25 years of back-of-house experience, started at Julio’s in 1999 and stayed with the establishment until the 120th Street location closed. Given the veteran chef’s tenure, it was kismet when he decided to come out of retirement to run the kitchen at the Q Street location. Katis’s recipe knowledge is extensive, which shines through in the food coming out of the kitchen, garnering high praise from regulars who marvel that the food “tastes exactly the same.”
The menu features the most popular dishes served at Julio’s over the years, though occasionally the team fields a re quest for a nostalgic dish not yet found on the menu. According to server Caro lyn Folsom, the kitchen will endeavor to
accommodate most any request, provid ed the ingredients are available in-house.
All diners are welcomed with com plimentary chips and salsa while they peruse the extensive drink menu, which features a curated collection of beers, wines, and cocktails. Classic Mexican beers are joined by a handful of lo cal brews including Keg Creek Más, Kinkaider, and Kros Strain Fairy Nectar.
Can’t decide if you want a strawberry, lime, or mango margarita? Julio’s has “The Answer” – a layered trio of the three blended margarita flavors served in a tall pilsner glass. Specials such as the Chipotle Mango Margarita appeal to those with a more adventurous palate and the sangria swirl of the Santo Julio serves as a sweet counterpoint to the
spicier menu offerings.
Flavorful food options abound, from the flour nachos decked in salsa, seasoned ground beef, black olives, gua camole, sour cream, and diced tomatoes to a sizzling platter of fajitas with all the fixings. Lighter options include the fajita salad, a pile of crisp greens topped with plump, juicy steak and drizzled with a zingy avocado/cilantro dressing, or the refreshing shrimp tacos topped with a mango pico de gallo.
The award-winning Cowboy Enchila da, stuffed with smoked brisket, pepper jack, and cream cheese and topped with green chili cream sauce is decadent and rich. Equally delectable (and perfect with a local brew) is the Smokehouse Burger featuring a wagyu patty topped
with smoked brisket, cheddar cheese, and jalapeno bacon.
Marketing manager Dave Shillinglaw shared, “Part of our philosophy is to give back to the community—to those who support us.” The team’s community involvement includes sponsoring youth sports teams or charitable nights, where a percentage of sales are donated to designated groups or charities.
Cooperative staff efforts enable diners to get in and out for a quick meal or take time to linger over an evening out with friends. Visit julios.com for the latest drink and food menus, and to register for the birthday club—patrons celebrating a birthday will receive a free dessert featuring ice cream from the adjacent Grant and Emmy’s shop.
JULIO’S LOCATED ON 192ND & Q STREETS
Annie
Luke Combs
8-13 Oct.
The Symbolic Sleep at the Capitol in Lincoln
Story by NICOLE BUNTGEN
Photos by ASPECTS AND ANGLES PHOTOGRAPHY
44 | EDGE eople come from all walks of life with their own values, ethics, and traditions. In 2020, Air Force veteran Jay Miralles launched a powerful movement to raise aware ness about the hardships that veterans face. With an initial idea to raise $2,500 for a military-based nonprofit, the question of how to raise the money through action consumed Miralles’ mind. Miralles and his friends Matt Bills and Jaime Seeman agreed on a challenging goal: to walk 50 miles from Lincoln to Omaha to raise awareness for veterans. Together, they cofounded the 50 Mile March Foundation.
When thinking about veterans, the words disciplined and patriotic may come to mind; however, the challenges they face once departing from the mili tary may not. Homelessness and mental health issues make up only a small portion of the many struggles they face. “I saw a need to be more than just an organization,” Miralles said. “I wanted it to be an active movement, I wanted it to be highly visible, and I wanted the walkers to experience that pain and suffering that so many veterans face.”
In 1963, former President John F. Kennedy challenged military personnel to cover 50 miles on foot in 20 hours to properly condition themselves for service. Known as the JFK 50 Mile, the annual ultramarathon inspired the name and direction behind the 50 Mile March Foundation. “It’s fundraising for a purpose,” Miralles said. Initially, he contemplated the idea of hosting a marathon but later concluded he didn’t want his movement to be a race. “This tests your limits, but your mind says, ‘these veterans can do it, so I can do it.’”
The first march took place in August of 2020. With only six walkers, over $25,000 was raised in 72 hours, signifi cantly surpassing Miralles’ original goal of $2,500. Viewers watched from afar
59 walkers in the 2022 50 Mile March
hours of walking for 50 miles
Lieutenant Colonel Ed Frazier, Ret.
via Facebook live as Miralles and his team broadcast their journey. In 2021, the march gathered 39 people and fund ed over $151,000. This year, Miralles said the march raised nearly $250,000 with 59 walkers.
Not only is a rigorous application process required to walk, but a person must commit to completing the 50 miles in its entirety. Walkers must also raise a minimum of $2,500 and attend man datory meetings throughout the year. Before beginning, those interested must complete a “qualification march,” which Miralles said will most likely involve a 15-mile hike carrying 15 pounds on one’s back for 2023. To Miralles, walking in the march means “every volunteer immerses themselves in pain,” and every step taken is to remind them of the times veterans went through and how they felt. “Our veterans are in pain—not just for 24 hours. It’s mentally grueling more than it is physically.”
The march begins in Lincoln with the symbolic sleep, during which the walkers lie on the stairs of the Capitol for 22 minutes to represent the 22-a-day statistic: the average number of veterans
who die daily by suicide. “It puts you in the mindset of what it’s like to be a homeless veteran,” Miralles said. At 5 p.m., walkers start their rigorous en deavor to Omaha and are only allowed 45- to 75-minute breaks throughout. The fatigue and anguish walkers expe rience on top of lack of sleep translates into the pain many veterans endure, Miralles said.
Led by a pace vehicle, walkers com mence their mission accompanied by multiple RVs, police escorts, a recovery vehicle, and a five-ton army truck to block traffic. With over 50 volunteers, 120,000 steps, and 22 hours of walk ing, the funds raised during the march serve a deeper purpose: support local organizations and represent endurance, immersion, and challenges veterans face.
This year, the 50 Mile March Founda tion pledged to invest in three nonprof its: Moving Veterans Forward, Guitars for Vets, and Operation 22 Til Freedom. Miralles said these organizations were chosen based on the impact they have on the community while operating on limited budgets. Air Force veteran and 2021-2022 walker Peggy Ullom said the
march “goes beyond talking and moves into action.” As the National Develop ment Director and Nebraska Chapter Coordinator of Guitars for Vets, Ullom said her experience in the march has en abled her to form lifesaving connections. “We are building an army of people who are working hard to support the veteran community, and that helps meet the needs of our veterans quicker and on a more personal level.”
Waiting at the finish line, masses of supporters gather, bearing American flags to celebrate an emotional, accom plished mission. In retrospect, Miralles said Seeman and Bills thought he was crazy for wanting to launch a 22-hour march, but their values aligned and they were all in. Miralles said his long-term vision is to have a project that provides housing for veterans so they can live prosperous lives. “They fought for this country. We want to be the roots in the ground that reach out to people who we think might need help—because help starts here. We don’t want to just help, we want to serve.” For more information or to apply for next year’s walk, visit 50milemarch.org.
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“Fashion is about something that comes from within you.” Ralph Lauren
Part of style and fashion is bringing what’s on the inside to the outside. Our innermost creative beings long to show case and be accepted. One way to express that is through style and fashion. Whether it’s through clothing or hair, the look can leave an imprint on those around you forever.
Iconic actresses and models would not be as memorable without their clothing choices, hair, and makeup. When you think of Marilyn Monroe, what do you remember? How about Mr. T.? Self-ex pression, great style, and killer esthetic can make or break a look.
With this in mind, the creators of Seven Salon have recently expanded to include a boutique to enhance the look their clients receive from their stylists. Often a customer will get a new hair color or cut and then shop the clothing boutique to complete their look.
Celebrating every body type in fashion is important to the team as they grow this area of their expertise, which is why the salon includes plus size clothing. Clients view their stylist as fashion forward, and communicating that in the salon has been groundbreaking. Many clients ask their stylist for opinions while they try on clothes.
“It felt like opening the boutique was the next natural thing to do,” said Seven Salon co-creator Nikki Okun, who has been in the industry for more than 18 years.
“Since we are a fashion community and have excellent celebrations of that, includ ing Omaha Fashion Week, we are just joining the ranks of amazing boutiques in town, which we support as well,” said Seven Salon co-creator Shannon Bingham. “We want to make fashion accessible, easy, and understandable. We don’t want to over-complicate but rather create some thing that is within reach for people who may not feel confident or comfortable wearing something nouveau.”
Stop in Seven Salon’s new clothing boutique located off 120th Street between Blondo and Maple Streets to find your new look.
Ignite Nebraska began with the ending of a dream and the start of a new one. One night, Joni Wheeler awoke with an idea to solve a far-reaching problem: Many people who are active in the work force are under-resourced and cannot achieve financial stability. Despite working full-time, they do not earn enough to make ends meet.
This problem disproportionally impacts people of color, who are under-repre
sented in high-demand, high-skilled, high-paying (H3) careers. At the same time, employers often struggle to find talent to fill in-demand roles within their organizations.
Wheeler, executive vice president of tal ent and enterprise solutions at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE), saw first-hand the need to provide greater access to H3 careers to help under-re sourced individuals achieve financial sta
Story by EDGE CONTRIBUTOR Photos courtesy of BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF NEBRASKA
Ignite Nebraska apprentices Luke Grobeck, Willie Nunn, Sheila Hamilton and Laura Croswell celebrate completing a program module.
bility while meeting the talent needs of employers. As a woman of color, she also understood the power of representation in the workplace and beyond. The recent birth of her grandson had her thinking about future generations and how she could be a force to help people of color have greater access to H3 careers.
Wheeler shared her idea with key stakeholders, including BCBSNE’s leadership team, state government officials, and com munity partners. Together, these groups assembled a passionate team of individuals dedicated to bringing Ignite Nebraska to life. The collaborators built the framework for the paid appren ticeship program, which connects participants to jobs through employer partners, who provide access to training at no cost.
Ignite Nebraska apprentices are placed in small groups, or cohorts, and go through the training program together, grow ing new skills side-by-side and learning from one another. The first cohort began with a pilot group of apprentices at BCBSNE. This group completed a combination of on-the-job training in BCBSNE’s Information Technology department while learning new skills through an accelerated program at Bellevue University.
The program continues to grow today with the opportunity to add new employer partners who will launch Ignite Nebraska cohorts of their own, helping to blaze a new path toward a more equitable world and light the way to life-changing careers.
Through the program, apprentices learn new skills at Bellevue University and put them into practice while on the job.
Joni Wheeler, executive vice president of talent and enterprise solutions at BCBSNE.
It takes a creative mind to look at a corn crib and think—coffee! Seventeen-year-old triplets Morgan, Megan, and Maddie Moore have just such a spark. They serve a full menu of drinks from an adapted corn crib on their acreage in Elkhorn that has become a local destination for coffee lovers.
Edge: What inspired the three of you to start Corn Crib Coffee?
All: We love visiting local coffee shops; it’s one of our favorite things to do. When our mom mentioned ideas about using the corn crib, opening a coffee stand seemed like a no-brainer. At the end of the day, though, we really just wanted to help promote our fami ly businesses (Forever Moore Farms wedding venue and Elevate & Create Retreats) and have lots of fun doing so!
Edge: Is it hard to work as a team?
All: Sometimes we find that our ideas clash, but overall, we have a pretty seamless system. We all perform a vari ety of tasks. These might include brew ing the coffee, setting up the stand, and
posting regularly on our social media.
Maddie: I’d have to say that I’m most proud of how quickly Corn Crib Coffee gained traction. I love how the local community embraced our business and helped foster our growth. It’s crazy that the community’s support has gotten us this far in such a short time. We had about 100 customers one Friday morning during the three hours we were open.
Edge: What are the future plans for the company?
Morgan: I think our biggest goal is to use our success to help support groups that are important to us. As we begin to have Corn Crib Coffee open as a pop-up throughout the school year, we
Story by SHELLY NOSBISCH Photos by CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY PHOTOGRAPHY Morgan, Megan, and Maddie Moore
will be able to hold fundraisers for these groups, such as our high school’s DECA chapter. We’re proud to say that Corn Crib Coffee has already raised $65 for DECA in just one morning.
Edge: What difficulties have you en countered with Corn Crib Coffee?
All: It was hard to figure out the logis tical side of the business. For example, the menu options were endless. But with cooperation, we were able to nar row it down to our current menu. As far
as the setup of the actual coffee stand, it took a few openings to get into the rhythm of things.
Edge: What else do all of you do in your free time?
Wendy (mom): All three of them are definitely go-getters, and the coffee shop is just one example. Maddie loves creating and releasing her own music on Spotify and Apple Music under the name Maddie Moore Music, Morgan has consistent business with an Etsy shop
called Thrifty Thread Styles, and Megan is thinking about creating a business from her @StudyThyme1 Instagram account, which offers aesthetic pictures of study notes and various themes of academic organization.
All: There are seven kids in our family, so life is pretty busy. As the young est three, we are the final kids to go through senior year, college admissions, and whatnot. We are definitely looking forward to the future and what will come for each of us!
Corn Crib Coffee
Story by EDGE CONTRIBUTOR Photos by DEYO’S PHOTOGRAPHY
Youth sports in the Midwest continue to grow at a rapid pace with more opportunities for athletes of all levels. Finding space in the region to accommodate teams has become difficult, but the Elkhorn Athletic Association (EAA) is paving the way to change that. The organization recently broke ground and construction is underway on the newest sports complex in Nebraska—the MD West ONE Sports Complex located in Valley, NE, near 264th and Ida Streets.
This state-of-the-art complex will be a signature destination facility for outdoor youth athletics and community recreation, not just for Western Douglas County residents but for the entire region. The MD West ONE Sports Complex will address a wide range of needs including adaptive sports, recreational sports, and competitive sports.
“The complex will allow Nebraska teams to compete in tournaments locally rather than having to travel. It will also attract visiting teams to the area, benefiting local retailers, restaurants, and hotels. The complex is a great example of the spirit of partnership that is helping to grow Nebraska,” said Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts.
The MD West ONE Sports Complex will include 16 synthetic turf baseball/ softball fields, six synthetic turf fields (soccer/football), a barrier-free field for young athletes with adaptive needs, an infrastructure development of concession stands, restroom facilities, and parking for up to 3,000 vehicles. Phase one is targeted for completion in Spring of 2024. Future plans will also include an indoor multi-sports facility. The MD West ONE Sports Complex will also provide space for a wide range of year-round activities for individuals and families, such as walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
In addition to the MD West ONE Sports Complex, the 260 acres will include retail space for hotels and restaurants, multi-family living, and flex-commercial space. The economic development impact is as follows:
• Estimated Build Cost: $55 million (prepared By MCL Construction and Lamp Rynearson)
• Annual Economic Impact: approximately $35-55 million (prepared by Visit Omaha and Omaha Sports Commission)
• Annual Visitors: approximately 1 million visitors annually over a 35-week playing season when fully
completed, the third largest visited destination in Nebraska
Construction management for the MD West ONE Sports Complex has been awarded to MCL Construction, design and engineering services will be provided by Lamp Rynearson, the field construction company will be Nemaha Sports Construction, architectural management will be provided by Holland Basham Architects, and land grinding and dirt work provided by Valley Corp. As local industry leaders in Nebraska, these companies bring an unmatched level of experience and expertise to the project. For more information on the MD West ONE Sports Complex, visit www.elkhornathletics.org.
Valley Mayor Cindy Grove speaking at groundbreaking.
Story by SHELLY NOSBISCH Portrait by OMAHA HEADSHOT COMPANY
Elkhorn High School sophomore Brody Brummer is an all-around athlete because of his natural curiosity. Every time a family member talked about a sport they played, Brummer wanted to try it. As a result, he now plays tennis, basketball, golf, and lacrosse. “I hope I see myself in the future playing a professional sport whether it’s lacrosse or golf,” he said. “I have not made my decision about which one that I love more and want to play at a professional level, but I strive to be a great athlete and the best person that I can be.”
Brummer is proud of the fact he played varsity golf and lacrosse as a freshman. He enjoys playing lacrosse for Elkhorn High School as well as for his travel team. “My travel team is really close. We joke around a lot and we also have a lot of fun on and off the field. My high school team is more competitive. We have competitions within practice and also try to be the best so we can be in that season. Both coaches are great, and the environment is really uplifting.”
Although a talented athlete, Brummer has had his share of difficulties. “One obstacle that I personally dealt with has to do with my height and my size,” he said. “As a soph omore, I am a lot shorter than most of the typical lacrosse and basketball players, which is challenging, but I’ve found ways to over come that and use my height to my advan tage. I am fast and very shifty, which helps me get around offenders and look for the open person on the court or on the field.”
Brummer’s friends, family, and teammates give him the motivation to work hard and be the best he can be. “I get my drive to com pete from my competitive personality, which came from my family.” He also participates in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. “It makes me grow closer to God while also growing closer to the game.” He’s also involved in sports camps for younger players. “I like to help teach younger kids how to play the sport and behave on and off the field.” No matter which of the four sports he’s playing, Brummer is sure to give it his all.
Bennington High School junior Linnea Larson dreams of playing soccer in college one day. A goalkeeper for Bennington as well as her club team through the Elkhorn Athletic Association (EAA), she believes playing soccer has helped her grow as a person. “My freshman year, I started varsity and I was very nervous because I was playing against older players and wasn’t comfortable with my team yet,” she said. “As the years have gone on, I’ve grown a lot more confident not only in my play but in my personality as well.”
In middle school, she switched from a club team in Bennington that she’d played on her whole life to playing for a club team with EAA. “I had to fit in with a new team and learn how they played, which was a challenge. I have had the opportunity to play for multiple teams within EAA with different coaches where I learned to become adaptive and more coachable.”
In her sophomore year, the Bennington team made pro gram history by playing in the Class B State Semi-Finals. Larson was chosen as First Team All-Conference, All-State Honorable Mention, Top 5 Nebraska Goalkeeper Stats, and she also broke school records for shutouts and career saves. Former Bennington High School varsity soccer coach Alex Saunders said, “Linnea is a heck of a keeper. She is reliable, athletic, and gritty. Our team is greatly impacted by her excellence in goal. She’s also a wonder ful young lady and does very well in school too. This makes for the complete package as a studentathlete.”
Larson is proud of her determination and work ethic. “When I am playing, I am always completely focused on the game and on what I am doing at the moment. This level of focus allows me to achieve accomplishments I am working towards. But most of all, I play soccer to have fun and relieve stress.”
Larson’s EAA soccer coach Haggai Leboo believes she is a role model for her teammates. “Linnea is truly a joy to coach and watch play,” he said. “She leads by example with her consistency and effort. Although quiet, she is a fierce competitor with enor mous potential to continue growing.”
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