Wishing You Joy and Peace This Holiday Season
The holidays are officially here! During this season, we often try to replicate what made this time of year feel so magical to us in our own childhood. The traditions we set for our families mirror some of what we held dear as a child — whether it be the smells, the sounds, the lights, the activities or a combination of it all — reflecting what Christmas means to us individually.
For my family, the Christmas season is one of anticipation and joy. Anticipation for the excitement that lies ahead on Christmas morning, and the joy we get from celebrating the birth of our Savior. With young kids, instilling the true meaning of Christmas can be a delicate balance, validating the sheer excitement of Santa's impending visit while also teaching the importance of holding close the ones we love.
This month, we want to highlight the magic of the season and what our city has to offer to help spread holiday cheer. We've compiled a calendar of events full of the season's best local events and traditions. Perhaps one of these becomes a new part of your family tradition.
While this season can be beautiful for some, it can be painful and lonely for others. 2024 has been a challenging year for our community in many ways. Many of our neighbors are still displaced from their homes due to the spring storms that leveled our community. In the true spirit of the season, I encourage you to reach out to those who may need assistance or who are alone. I also encourage you to read through the Giving Campaign article in this issue and nominate someone in the community who may have an unmet need.
My hope for you this season is that you feel joy and peace, and may we all remember to take care of each other extending grace, empathy and love.
Wishing you much joy!
STEPHANIE LEWIS, PUBLISHER @ELKHORNCITYLIFESTYLE
December 2024
PUBLISHER
Stephanie Lewis stephanie.m.lewis@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Chelsey Juarez chelsey.juarez@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Melissa Minassian melissa.minassian@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Melissa Minassian
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Cara Bresette-Yates, Mollie Holoubek of Mollie
Marie Creative, Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1:
a new location at 156th and West Maple roads in northwest Omaha. 7: Local
and family at the northwest Omaha store Grand Opening.
Olde Towne
owner, Grahm
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands at the Nordstrom Rack Grand Opening Event. 2: Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands "littles" show off Nordstrom Rack shopping spree finds. 3: Line of eager shoppers wraps the building at the Nordstrom Rack Village Pointe Grand Opening. 4: West O Chamber members and guests enjoy the annual West O Wine Walk. 5: Cheers to a fun night at the West O Wine Walk in
Elkhorn! 6: Chick-fil-A opens
Chick-fil-A
Talbitzer,
TREVOR HUDSON
EMMA BEEBE
CARA BRESETTE-YATES
TREVOR HUDSON
EMMA BEEBE
CARA BRESETTE-YATES
STEPHANIE LEWIS
Honest Chiropractic Welcomes New Provider, Dr. Piper Houlton D.C.
Honest Chiropractic is pleased to welcome Dr. Piper Houlton D.C. to the team. Dr. Houlton is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic. Webster Technique Certified through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, she is passionate about prenatal and postpartum care. She is currently accepting new patients and her current patients will receive a credit for a new patient exam at Honest Chiropractic.
Think Whole Person Healthcare Opens West Omaha Location
Think Whole Person Healthcare recently opened a west Omaha location (formerly Omaha Family Medicine) at 17841 Pierce Plaza. The clinic currently sees patients for pri mary care with a ThinkQuick walk-in clinic slated to open mid-December.
Scan to read more
Savor the Magic of the Season at Beyond the Vine
Explore a festive wonderland filled with Santa figurines, elegant faux Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands, beautifully crafted nativity sets, and more at Beyond the Vine! Discover a variety of unique Christmas gifts that will delight your loved ones and make the season even more special. The showroom at Beyond the Vine is brim ming with everything you need to bring holiday cheer into your home. Visit today at 13206 Grover Street.
Photography by Beyond the Vine
Scan to read more
NOMIN A T I O N S OPEN NOV. 27 DEC. 10 thru
MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT
Each Christmas season, City Lifestyle gifts a signi ficant amount to those who could use a little extra suppor t. But we need your help to find them. Do you know someone fa cing tough times? Your nomination could make all the dif ference.
Scan below to nominate.
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.org
YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING
School of Rock
More Than Your Typical Music Lesson, Omaha's School of Rock Teaches Students How to Rock at Music and at Life
ARTICLE BY MELISSA MINASSIAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARA BRESETTE-YATES
Georgia Cidlik shows off her rock goddess energy.
People hear “School of Rock” and most immediately conjure memories of the early 2000s film where actor Jack Black transforms a group of prestigious prep school students into rock gods and goddesses to compete in a Battle of the Bands competition. Omaha’s School of Rock, a revolutionary Millard-area music school, has a similar plight, but their mission is about much more.
“Our kids went to School of Rock. They started a band and became best friends. And then we became best friends because we were managing the band,” explained Stephanie Ryan, who now owns the school, fittingly housed in what used to be a Millard
School of Rock co-owners (L-R)
school building, along with Larry Flyr, Matt Szymczak, and Melanie Szymczak.
Added Larry, “We did the booking… the merch… everything!”
“Yes,” agreed Melanie. “We did 43 shows in 52 weeks with their band. It was insane!”
The experience bonded the couples, and after seeing the impact the School of Rock program had on their kids, the four friends decided to purchase the company when the founding owner bowed out in 2019. Little did they know how the decision would change the trajectory of their lives.
“We didn’t want to see it fail. We didn’t want to see it close. The kids that were [enrolled], you looked at their faces and were like, ‘There’s no way we can just turn away from this,’” said Melanie.
“The impact it had on our kids… It changed their lives completely,” said Matt. “They’re different people. Our sons were introverted.”
“My son, Jake, was so painfully shy, he couldn’t look you in the eye if you talked to him,” said Stephanie. “He was looking at your feet. School of Rock made Jake who he is today, and the biggest thing that did that was the stage.”
CONTINUED >
Melanie Szymczak, Matt Szymczak, Stephanie Ryan, and Larry Flyr.
School of Rock teacher Caleb James works one-on-one with student Lyle Cidlik.
THE IMPAC T IT HAD ON OURKIDS… IT CHAN THEIR LIV E S COMPLETELY . THEY’RE DIFFERE
With a mission of growing students into real musicians, School of Rock’s method is different from other music schools as they not only teach music theory and how to proficiently sing or play instruments, but also how to perform live in a band setting.
Said Stephanie, “We don’t just do lessons. If you just want lessons, we’re the wrong place for you, because we’re going to put you on stage and you’re going to learn how to play as a band in a real venue with lights and sound and the whole nine yards. And that’s what happened to Jake.”
The method succeeded as Jake not only found his confidence, passion, and place in the world, but also his vocation, now making a living touring and performing with a number of bands. The Szymczak’s sons, Mason and Max, also still work in music, paying it forward and impacting future students at School of Rock.
“Traditional lessons are a revolving door — get as many students in there and hope some stick,” explained Matt. “‘Song first’ is our philosophy. We teach the song that matches the class.” School of Rock programs focus on modern music ranging from The Beatles, Metallica, AC/DC, to even Slayer.
“Our plan is to entice students by giving them a different environment. We have multiple levels in our curriculum with music theory and everything secretly built in. That really keeps the interest of the kids. They’re learning something but they don’t quite realize it.”
“Yeah, you don’t get School of Rock experience if you don’t join the group [classes],” said Stephanie. “You can go anywhere for traditional lessons. So we do what we do. We’re good at what we do. We love what we do. It’s the best job I’ve ever had. And we’ve
One of the School of Rock bands: (L-R) Lukas Wellman, Rhanon Schade, McKenzie Armstrong, Kaiden Forbes, Georgia Cidlik, Lyle Cidlik, and Cassidy Wilkinson.
NGED ENT PEOPLE .
made lifelong friendships with other families. It’s one big music family.”
To get started at School of Rock, potential students can schedule a free tour and trial lesson on the school’s website. From there, staff assess and determine what programs will be the best fit. And new this year is an adult program, so adults can learn to rock out, too!
Since taking over, the owners have witnessed the lives of countless other kids changed as they find
their confidence on stage. The School of Rock bands have even garnered attention landing them on the stages of national music festivals, two nominations at the Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards for “Best Youth Band,” and Omaha Magazine ’s “Best of Omaha” title for the past three years.
Interested in joining the School of Rock family? Find additional information on programming or schedule a free visit at schoolofrock.com/locations/omaha.
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Beyond THE VINE
BRINGING JOY, BEAUTY, AND FUNCTION TO OMAHA PLACES AND SPACES FOR NEARLY 40 YEARS
ARTICLE BY MELISSA MINASSIAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARA BRESETTE-YATES
Beyond the Vine Owner, Rose McCormick
The Beyond the Vine showroom is a treasure trove of finds for every home or office.
After nearly 40 years in business, many things have changed for owner Rose McCormick. She’s not only nurtured her thriving business — specializing in custom silk botanicals, home decorating, corporate accessorizing, gift giving, and holiday decor — but also a blossoming marriage, two evolving daughters who are now grown and out of the house, a number of employees she’s had the pleasure of mentoring (who have gone on to grow thriving businesses of their own), and a fresh floral department of her operation that she recently sold. Business names and store locations have also come and gone, now landing her in a beautiful 4,000-squarefoot storefront near 132 and West Center streets operating under the name
Beyond the Vine — an ode to nature, creativity, as well as her faith.
And while much has changed in 40 years’ time, many things have also stayed the same: McCormick is proud to have maintained much of the same clientele. She still arrives to work each day excited to help her clients. She still approaches the job with the same care, enthusiasm, exactness, and attention to detail as ever. And she’s still inspired by the grind of entrepreneuring in her line of work — the excitement of a new project, the rush that comes with weeding through the minutia to strategize details and circumvent obstacles, and the satisfaction of client’s left with a home or office that’s a true expression of their personality and a better fit for their lifestyle.
“My favorite part is when people have a problem and I get to solve it,” said McCormick. “I love to be that problem
solver for people, to be that person who can make it all come to fruition.”
Whether you have a beloved vase you need a custom silk arrangement for, outdoor faux arrangements for each season, an entire room or office decorated, a holiday gathering you’d like to impress with, or year-round, one-of-a-kind gifts you need help selecting and beautifully wrapping, McCormick’s Beyond the Vine has got you covered.
“I liken it to icing a cake. Where an interior designer maybe bakes the cake, we go in and frost it — all the lamps, bookshelves, accessories, top dressings that a lot of interior designers don’t have access to,” explained McCormick. “A lot of designers tell their clients, ‘go see Rose!’ They turn their clients over and just wander the showroom, or when they’re finished with the big things in the room, I come out and do the finishing touches.”
Rose McCormick arranges a tree in one of the many beautiful Christmas vignettes at her showroom.
And with a large, elegant showroom brimming with one-of-a-kind finds from the various high-quality vendors and makers McCormick has built relationships with over the years, clients come away with custom designs they can’t get anywhere else.
“My motto is ‘Don’t buy deep but one-of-a-kind.’ Our biggest strength is the big-box stores are telling people six months before they get their little tables or their furnishings. We have a showroom you can take it home from today. And if we need to order something, it’s usually two to three weeks instead of months,” said McCormick.
It’s the perfect time to jump aboard McCormick’s client list. Provide her with a list of everyone you need a holiday gift for and she and her team will offer suggestions from their showroom, helping to minimize guesswork and stress. As well, if a client knows of a project they’d like done in 2025, now is the time to consult with McCormick so she can shop custom furnishings and decor with your project in mind during her annual trip to market in January.
“It’s about living a well-lived life,” McCormick shared. “When you have good design and are surrounded with things you love and people you love, it’s a well-lived life. My goal is to nurture
relationships and bring joy. To bring other people joy is what brings me joy.”
If you need a little more joy (or function) in your life, visit Beyond the Vine for home fragrances, art, lamps, silk floral arrangements, frames, and accessories galore — think rugs, pillows, throws, candles, and other home embellishments. And if you have a project in mind, McCormick and her team are efficient, often completing jobs within days.
For more information on Beyond the Vine or McCormick’s story, visit GoBeyondTheVine.com . To connect with McCormick, contact her at 402-991-9221 or Rose@GoBeyondTheVine.com
Rose and her team hard at work.
ARTICLE BY MELISSA MINASSIAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY MOLLIE MARIE CREATIVE
Holiday Style
5 TIPS FOR HOLIDAY DRESSING FROM THE STYLISTS AT CLOTHES MENTOR
Whether it’s for a holiday party, a huge family gathering, or a low key celebration with loved ones, we all have those moments we want to look our best. Here’s five tips from the amazing stylists at Clothes Mentor to help you confidently — and beautifully — put your best foot forward this holiday season.
Clothes Mentor Co-Owner Andrea McCarter styles Manager Alli Zitek.
1. ALL THAT GLITTERS
Embrace the bling and add a little sparkle to your life. Let one sparkly piece dazzle and balance the look by keeping everything else muted. Pictured: Assisted by Clothes Mentor co-owner Andrea McCarter, Manager Alli Zitek models sequined pants in one look and sparkly black boots in another.
2. SHINE BRIGHT!
Don’t be afraid to make a statement with color this holiday season. Reds, greens, and jewel tones are all fabulous festive colors, or throw caution to the wind and have fun in this bright pink satin Kate Spade dress with a feminine, playful bow. As long as whatever you’re wearing leaves you feeling confident and fabulous, you’re good to go!
3. TIS THE SEASON FOR TEXTURE
Textured knitted tops are comfy, versatile, and oh so chic! Pair with jeans for a more casual look or dress them up with tailored pants or a skirt for a holiday party. Laces, velvets, satins, and silks are also great options, immediately elevating the look of everyday basics.
4. PATTERN PLAY
Florals, and plaids, and brocades — oh my! A posh pattern is an excellent way to dress up an outfit. Pictured: Zitek pairs a patterned Gucci purse in bright, festive colors with a knit sweater and fitted dress pants.
5. SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE
The holidays can be hectic, so simplify your life by creating what stylists call a “capsule wardrobe.” Be mindful of how the colors and textures of your purchases coordinate, allowing you to interchange pieces to create multiple outfits without much thought. Don’t know where to begin?
Schedule a complimentary session with a Clothes Mentor stylist today!
For these and other gorgeous holiday looks, visit Clothes Mentor at 14937 Evans Plaza in Omaha or OmahaNe.ClothesMentor.com.
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realty report
NOVEMBER 29TH - JANUARY 5TH
Winterland at Heartwood Preserve
The Ice Rink at Heartwood Park
Enjoy family-friendly ice skating for all ages and skill levels, nestled in the scenic beauty of Heartwood Preserve. Enjoy hot cocoa, seasonal treats from local vendors, themed skating nights, and even a visit from Santa! Courtesy of Applied Underwriters, admission and skate rentals are free. Visit WinterlandAtHeartwood. SimpleTix.com for more information or to reserve a time. 301 North 145th Street, Omaha
EVENT RUNS THROUGH JANUARY 12TH
Christmas at Union Station
The Durham Museum
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at The Durham Museum! Christmas at Union Station is back for another season of festivities. From the region’s largest Christmas tree to holidays around the globe and visits from Santa himself, experience holiday magic at The Durham. For a full schedule of events, visit DurhamMuseum. org. 801 South 10th Street, Omaha
DECEMBER 1ST
24th Annual Elkhorn Tree
Lighting Ceremony
Olde Towne Elkhorn on Main Street | 4:00 PM
Make sure to mark your calendar for the 24th Annual Elkhorn Tree Lighting Ceremony in Olde Towne Elkhorn. Come meet Santa and his elves, enjoy live Christmas music, food, hot cocoa and s’mores by the fire. Event kicks off at 4 pm. Tree lighting at 5:15 pm. Olde Towne Elkhorn, 2714 North Main Street, Elkhorn
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CONTINUED
DECEMBER 8TH
Holiday Lights Festival’s “KETV Family Festival”
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The Holiday Lights Festival and KETV Channel 7 are proud to present families with a day full of family-friendly activities and entertainment at favorite Downtown Omaha attractions, such as Omaha Police Mounted Patrol Barn, The Durham Museum, Omaha Children’s Museum, The RiverFront and more. Ollie the Trolley to provide free transportation between venues. For more information, visit HolidayLightsFestival.org.
DECEMBER 14TH
Jingle Jam at Olde Towne Elkhorn
The Shops of Olde Towne Elkhorn | 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Join the Garden Gallery’s Annual Jingle Jam at the Shops of Olde Towne Elkhorn where you’ll find live music, local vendors, sleigh rides and more family fun. Olde Towne Elkhorn, 2714 North Main Street, Elkhorn
DECEMBER 31ST
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular presented by Holiday Lights Festival
CHI Health Center Arena | 7:00 PM
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a spectacular fireworks show from the comfort of your vehicle! Free parking available in MECA Lots A, B and C (near CHI Health Center) and Gallup Parking Lots (1001 Gallup Drive). Lots open 6 pm. Fireworks launched from MECA Parking Lot D. Tune in to STAR 104.5 for coordinating music. 455 North 10th Street, Omaha
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L E T ' S W O R K T O G E T H E R !
W e a r e h o n o r e d t o r e c e i v e t h e
2 0 2 4 M O B A S t r e e t o f D r e a m s , “ P e o p l e ’ s C h o i c e A w a r d ” .
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f r o m c o n c e p t t o c o m p l e t i o n a n d b u i l d o n o u r l o t o r y o u r s .
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C O N T A C T :
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4 0 2 - 8 7 1 - 9 1 7 0
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B e s t o f a l l , w e ’ r e r i g h t h e r e i n t h e n e i g h b o r h o o d !
