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Home.
So much contained in that little four letter word.
Home is our grounding. Our base. Our launchpad. It’s where we start and end each day. And while the particulars look different for each of us, the meaning and value it holds for all of us, is undeniable.
Author Wendy Wunder said, “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.” As we thought about home - we wanted to highlight what makes it special to our readers. That, of course, includes the food and drinks, the aesthetic and design, but most importantly - the people.
We feel fortunate each month as we learn more about the businesses and individuals that comprise this city and hope the small glimpse into their lives and work brings people in this community together.
As you flip through the pages of this issue, we hope you’ll feel encouraged and connected to the people around you - in your city, neighborhood and most of allyour home.
Every month, we hear from readers who keep this magazine for longer than just the month labeled on the cover. They say they hold onto it for months as coffee table art or an accessory in their home. We feel proud to create a resource that is valued in our community and honored that you welcome us into your homes.
Thanks for letting us be a part of the place you call home.
Happy March!
STEPHANIE LEWIS, PUBLISHER @ELKHORNCITYLIFESTYLE
March 2025
PUBLISHER
Stephanie Lewis
stephanie.m.lewis@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Chelsey Juarez
chelsey.juarez@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Nichole Peringer nichole.peringer@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Christina Koch, Stephanie Lewis, Mande Saitta, Nichole Peringer, Allison Swan
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Mandy McGregor, Nicholas Fisher, Jennifer Studanski, Nate Sheets
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
I was referred to Vance Thompson Vision by my optometrist for cataract care. My experience could not have been better, from the front desk to the surgery to my final exam. My eyesight is incredible. I recommend Vance Thompson Vision to my family and friends for advanced eye care.
– MARK D. Vance Thompson
To Mark, pickleball isn’t just a game, it’s a lifestyle. Now that he’s received world-class surgical care from Vance Thompson Vision, not only has his game improved, but also his life outside the court.
Schedule your appointment today by calling (844) 414-3937.
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Networking, charcuterie and cocktails at the Elkhorn City Lifestyle Partner Networking event. 2: Singer-songwriter, Melissia Minassian, performs her original music for attendees at the Women with Voices Summit. 3: Easter Decor adorns the showroom at Beyond the Vine. 4: More than 300 women gathered at the Women with Voices Live Your Why Unstoppable summit. 5: Rosa Kennedy was named Woman of the Year at the Live Your Why Unstoppable summit. 6: Vendors, shopping and photo opportunities were available at the Women with Voices annual summit. 7: Women with Voices founder Sandy Spady works the crowd at the annual summit.
Home Innovations Spas at the Omaha Home & Garden Expo
Looking to add a swim spa, cold plunge, sauna or hot tub to your home this year? Stop by the Omaha Home & Garden Expo to visit the experts at Home Innovations Spas and explore their product line designed to enhance your wellness journey.
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The 2025 Pro Home Tour scheduled for April 5 & 6, is your chance to see remodel projects from local experts including, Cabinet Design Studio, Gitt Construction, Iconic Designs/Mike James, Modern Hive Design Studio, Tributary Design Studio, Husker Hammer, Foresman’s Finest Decks and HC Remodel & Design. Visit https://proremodelingomaha.org/ home-tour for more information.
Out with the cold and in with the new! Spring is in full bloom at Beyond the Vine Flowers and Home Decor and now is the perfect time to pay them a visit. Stop by March 12-15 and refresh your home or office space with 20% off your entire purchase.
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For those seeking sophistication and lasting beauty in their outdoor spaces, Midwest Lightscaping offers an unparalleled lighting experience. Founded by Josh Reeves, a passionate owner-operator, the company is known for its personal touch and commitment to quality. Trusted by discerning homeowners, landscape designers, architects and contractors, its extensive experience and dedication to staying ahead of industry trends ensure every project exceeds expectations. Whether enhancing a private residence or a commercial property, Midwest Lightscaping delivers stunning outdoor lighting solutions.
Professionally installed outdoor lighting is more than just functional—it’s an artful addition that enhances the beauty, safety and ambiance of any property. Whether illuminating a luxurious estate or a serene vacation home, designs are crafted to elevate architecture and outdoor living spaces.
For those looking to avoid the hassle of seasonal décor, Midwest Lightscaping
offers permanent roofline lighting—a long-lasting solution that ensures homes are always ready for the holidays. With professional installation, this low-maintenance option provides a stunning display year after year, without the need for tedious setup and takedown.
For business owners, the exterior of a building or storefront serves as a reflection of the brand’s image. With Midwest Lightscaping’s expert installations, businesses can maintain a polished, professional appearance both day and night. Offering an array of custom commercial lighting options—tailored to each business’s unique character—Midwest Lightscaping helps create environments that attract attention, elevate a brand’s presence, and captivate customers from dusk until dawn.
The team at Midwest Lightscaping is committed to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. Whether illuminating a private residence or commercial property, clients can trust that every project will reflect their vision with timeless beauty.
To learn more and get started on your dream outdoor space, visit www.midwestlightscaping.com.
Bring your water feature to life both day and night
Elevate your homes exterior with professional lighting solutions from Midwest Lightscaping
“We set expectations, manage those expectations, communicate, and then just have fun.”
A home is a sanctuary—a place to relax, find comfort, and be one’s true self. When designing and building a home, it’s essential to rely on a builder who is honest, communicative and even fun. Greg and Katie Frazell, high school sweethearts now married for 21 years and co-owners of G. Lee Homes, aim to provide an unforgettable experience for their clients when building dream homes. Although they can build in any neighborhood, they specialize in what they call the “destination home niche,” focusing on lake communities, acreages and areas with unique topography and views, allowing for one-of-a-kind designs.
“I think people need to go into a custom homebuilding experience knowing it can be enjoyable,” Katie says. “It’s probably not something you’ll do often in your life, and we want to make it a positive experience.”
Greg agrees: “We set expectations, manage those expectations, communicate and then just have fun— and that goes for our team and homeowners. It can be a stressful process, and there may be times when a homeowner feels like the world is going to collapse, but I assure them: Anything that goes wrong, we can fix.”
Greg and Katie underscore constant communication is key to being a strong partner with homeowners. With a staff of 13 in their Elkhorn office, G. Lee Homes offers a one-stop shop for designing, building and even selling a homeowner’s current home, as Katie is also a licensed real-estate agent at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. The design process often takes the longest, but Greg and Katie welcome it.
“We tell people to ‘shoot for the moon’ during the design process,” Greg notes. “You need to design the dream so you know what it costs.”
Greg then “takes a chisel or chainsaw” to the design. “We move through the design and chisel away to make the build cost palatable,” he says. “If we’re really off base, then we take a chainsaw to it. We might have to cut back rooms or simplify the design, but we’ll get there with everyone on the same page.”
Finishes are what make a house a home, and Greg explains there are no “standard” finishes—only realistic ones. “Realistic became a better term for us because realistic is what the customer wants,” he says. “We find out what’s realistic through our conversations. If you’re saying you need a 48-inch, dual-fuel range, that’s different than a 30-inch slide-in ceramic cooktop. The dualfuel range is a realistic finish, and now I need to show you the cost.”
Katie and Greg say their two selection coordinators make the finish-selection process exciting. There are no set hours for selection appointments because the G. Lee Homes team wants homeowners to enjoy the collaboration. In fact, where most builders may shy away from a new design, product or idea, Greg, an artist who studied architecture at Millard North High School, loves when a homeowner wants to try something new to him.
“Greg isn’t afraid of a challenge,” Katie says. “He has this amazing ability to see the dream when we’re sitting down with people making the plans or when he walks into a room that needs to be remodeled. Greg can see what the finished project will look like, and he knows how to get there while following the homeowner’s vision.”
Greg grew up in the trades—his father was a painter— and always knew he’d be in the homebuilding business.
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You need to design the dream, so you know what the dream costs. “ ”
The couple had their first child, Aleia, early, so Greg began working as a subcontractor for high-end builders to support his new family while Katie earned her marketing degree. However, Greg had a strong desire to build his own homes. In 2005, G. Lee Homes put its first foundation in the ground. Despite the looming housing crisis, Greg believes he and Katie started G. Lee Homes at the perfect time because it made them cautious.
Greg credits G. Lee Homes’ subcontractors with winning the “People’s Choice Award” three times— most recently in 2024—during MOBA’s annual Street of Dreams, a multi-site luxury home tour. “Hearing what the public would say as they came through our home was great,” Greg says. “The subs are incredibly important to the quality of our homes.”
While building their business, Katie and Greg’s five children have remained their top priority. The kids joined them on job sites, completing tasks that fit their abilities over the years. Now their oldest son, Ryan, 19, is in his first year of construction management at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. “I’d like to be a second-generation business and see what Ryan brings to the company,” Greg says.
Greg and Katie plan to continue having fun, helping people build their dream homes, and growing G. Lee Homes as they have been—through beautiful, one-of-akind designs and quality craftsmanship. “We’re thankful for what we have and what we’ve been fortunate enough to experience throughout this life,” Greg concludes. “It’s been crazy good, and there’s still so much ahead.”
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G. Lee Homes, which focuses 70 percent of its business on new custom homes and 30 percent on remodeling, is adding to its portfolio by joining part of the Heartwood Preserve development in West Omaha. The Arbour at Heartwood Preserve—located northwest of Millard North High School—will include 210 homesites made up of single and dual family homes and rowhouses.
“Because of the topography and types of homes, they are narrow lot lines,” Greg explains. “The single-family homes are only 25-feet wide but some will be four-stories tall and 4,000 square feet with rooftops, golf simulators and more.”
“Applied Underwriters, the master developer, had a direction in mind but gave Greg the freedom to use his creativity,” Katie adds. “When you walk into Greg’s office, he’s creating these cool renderings. It is going to be awesome to see it come to life!”
“It’s my life coming full circle,” Greg notes. “While I was at Millard North taking architecture, I would open up the back door of the architecture room and would look out over this field on which we’ll now be building for the next five to seven years.”
Greg, Katie and their team are ready to apply their full design services to The Arbour’s floor plans. “We’re excited to pull off custom in these tight urban settings,” Greg says. “It’s going to be a lot of fun!”
with a swim spa, hot tub or sauna from Home Innovations Spas...no travel required! ENJOY A RELAXING “STAYCATION” RIGHT IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD
Upcoming events:
Tuesday, March 4th: Mardi Gras Celebration featuring Taste of New Orleans food truck!
Saturday, March 8th: Celtic Spirits Showcase, 3-5pm featuring The Itus Food Truck, 2-6pm
Saturday, March 15th: Celebrate St. Pat’s with Streetside Foods Truck, 4-8pm Cut
Weekly Specials:
Whiskey Wednesday & Winesday: 20% off spirit pours and 30% off wine pours!
Acoustic Sunday Funday: 10% off draft beer and Cup Cocktails all day; Live Music from 2-5pm
your self-pour tab in March!
ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE LEWIS
Discover Outdoor Odyssey, your ultimate destination for designing the outdoor living space of your dreams. Specializing in StruXure custom pergolas and cutting-edge progressive screens, their expertise goes beyond just products – they’re committed to transforming your backyard into a sanctuary.
StruXure Pergolas feature a modern, automated louvered roof system that provides natural shade and cooling, allowing you to extend your living space. With convenient control options through a handheld remote, wall-mounted panel or a smartphone app, managing your outdoor environment has never been easier.
Outdoor Odyssey will work with you to design a custom pergola tailored to your needs, offering various installation options such as freestanding, mounted over an existing deck, or roofmounted. The possibilities are endless, transforming your backyard into a place you’ll never want to leave.
To learn more about Outdoor Odyssey, visit www.myoutdoorodyssey.com.
Create your dream backyard with the experts at Outdoor Odyssey
A few years ago, Jonie Sturek found herself in an unexpected spot. A real estate agent with more than two decades of experience and the mother of two grown sons, she discovered her once-vibrant mother’s health was declining. The diagnosis of an aggressive form of frontal lobe dementia sent Sturek into action, leading to difficult conversations, endless research, and many decisions.
Her years of experience as a realtor revealed a need beyond first-time buyers and those building dream homes. She saw firsthand the demand for someone to help seniors and their families navigate a different home-buying experience. When it comes to seniors, Sturek strives to find the perfect place for them to call home. While that may look different from past purchases, it’s no less important. And so, Family Ties Senior Placement Services was born.
After her mother’s diagnosis, Sturek used her real estate expertise to find the perfect house for her mother to live in comfortably during her final years, recreating spaces that mirrored those she had once known. She understood the importance of finding a community and location that felt right. With the help of professional companion care services coupled with her role as her mother’s primary caregiver, Sturek struck a manageable balance for her family.
Organically, friends and family began reaching out to Sturek for advice when they found themselves in similar situations. Known as the “sandwich generation”—middle-aged
ARTICLE BY MANDE SAITTA PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICHOLAS FISHER
adults caring for both aging parents and their own children—these individuals often face unfamiliar challenges. Family Ties aims to offer solutions.
“My mission is to help people understand they don’t have to stay stuck,” Sturek says. “I learned while caring for my own mother to advocate for her—and for myself. Now, that’s the approach I take with every client I serve. I’m their advocate.”
When a client contacts Sturek, who holds the Senior Real Estate Specialist designation, they receive guidance on selling their home and, if needed, finding placement in the right community - whether it be independent living, assisted living, memory care or skilled care. Sturek has established relationships with communities throughout the metro area and excels at learning what’s important to her clients.
Family Ties Senior Placement Services partners with a licensed dementia practitioner and offers a full range of services, from living
A tribute to her mother, the Owl House now provides a home for seniors and families seeking a new space to call their own.
alternatives to moving assistance. The company provides resources on various living options, but its primary goal is to preserve dignity and find the right fit for each family.
“Everyone lives life on their terms, and they deserve to pass on their own terms,” Sturek says.
After her mother’s passing, Sturek saw another need in the community and transformed the home she had purchased for her mother into a private residential independent-living solution, lovingly called The Owl House in tribute to her mother’s love for the winged creature. Today, the house serves as a home for various residents, from senior citizens to UNMC transplant patients. The space is available to those who prefer a homey, family-like environment with hands-on care.
Her experience, though unexpected, has served Sturek well. She offers a wealth of wisdom on caring for aging parents. Her top tip is to be proactive.
“Have conversations early,” she advises. “The key is to make decisions while people are still able to. If you wait too long, you’re forced to make decisions.” She adds with a small smile, “And find the happy.”
If you’re looking for an advocate to help with your next move, Sturek offers free consultations. Visit familytiesseniorplacement services.com to get started.
Professional, Personal, and Oh-So-Fun
Cali Rethwisch has a deep passion for real estate, but a close second is her love for the team she has built. Founded in 2023, the Virtue Group at kwELITE is a dynamic team of women real estate agents based in Elkhorn, Nebraska. The team’s motto—Professional, Personal, and Oh-So-Fun—captures the unique blend of dedication and enjoyment they bring to their work. Spending an afternoon with them quickly reveals why this motto resonates so strongly with their clients and the community.
A senior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Rethwisch initially planned to graduate with a finance degree. However, as she neared the end of her program, she began to question that career path. After graduating in December 2012, several options—including becoming a flight attendant or working at ESPN—were on the table. Ultimately, her love for her family and her small-town roots led her to stay close to home. Her career trajectory changed when a close friend encouraged her to explore real estate, and in 2017, Rethwisch became a licensed real estate agent.
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ARTICLE BY NICHOLE PERINGER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER STUDANSKI & LAURA JOHNSON
After five years in the industry, the brokerage team where Rethwisch worked disbanded, leaving her with several options: continue her business independently, join another established team or create her own. In 2023, Rethwisch chose the latter, founding the Virtue Group. The team is made up of women who share a passion for real estate, value integrity and support each other throughout their journey. Reflecting on the rapid growth of the group, Rethwisch says, “It’s grown faster than I ever imagined… very organically, by having relationships with people outside of real estate. That’s why we all get along so well—we’ve all been friends with each other before I started the team. It’s been incredible and fun, and it’s awesome to see everybody’s business grow and be able to help them.”
While the Virtue Group has quickly built a reputation for professionalism and fun, it’s their personal touch with clients that truly sets them apart. The team maintains relationships for years, thoughtfully celebrating birthdays and home anniversaries. Each year, they also organize multiple engaging events and take pride in fostering meaningful relationships with preferred vendors, ensuring clients have access to trusted businesses for future home projects. With the Virtue Group, clients aren’t just transactions— they’re part of a family.
Donning their signature bright pinks, the Virtue Group at kwELITE embraces a lighthearted approach to real estate. They love what they do, and their joy is contagious. At a time when support and encouragement for women can be hard to find, the Virtue Group proves that dependable, meaningful service doesn’t have to come at the expense of a good time.
If you’re considering buying or selling, or simply want more information on what your home might be worth, reach out to Cali Rethwisch and the Virtue Group at kwELITE at closeitwithcali@ gmail.com, or call 402.649.7300
NUCCA Chiropractic is a gentle, specific correction in the upper neck that takes the pressure off the brainstem so that it and the entire nervous system can function properly. Upper cervical chiropractors specialize in detecting and correcting misalignments of the top two bones in the neck. For many,
• Create outdoor comfort anywhere
• Louvered roof
• Water tight when closed
• Various mounting & freestanding options
• MagnaTrack self-tensioning avoids jams and hang ups
• Bugs, wind, & rain protection
• Increased privacy • Mount to existing covered spaces
Kitchen design has entered a transformative era, where innovation meets artistry to create spaces that are not only functional but also personal and sustainable. With advancements in technology, materials and craftsmanship, today’s kitchens are tailored to meet the evolving needs and tastes of homeowners.
According to interior designer Laura McCroskey, kitchens today are about more than just cooking—they’re an expression of personal lifestyle.
“Kitchen design has entered an exciting time where the possibilities feel limitless,” says McCroskey. “For me, the design process starts before lines are ever drawn on a construction document. I believe in creating spaces that enhance life, both functionally and aesthetically. The design process begins with a discussion about what a space needs to do, and what aesthetic will bring a spark to the homeowner.
design. Advanced appliances are at the forefront, enhancing convenience while aligning with a growing emphasis on eco-friendliness.
“From vacuum-sealing drawers that preserve food and reduce waste to smart appliances controlled by your phone, the emphasis is on efficiency and sustainability. Functional storage built seamlessly into marble countertops and oversized workstation sinks are making daily tasks easier and more enjoyable. Thoughtful features like composting compartments and advanced food preservation methods reflect a broader effort to minimize waste and reduce environmental impact.”
Custom cabinetry that maximizes every inch of space minimizes waste while optimizing functionality.
“Forget the limits of traditional cabinetry. Blind corners, tiny nooks and hidden areas are now designed to maximize storage.
ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATE SHEETS
I also firmly believe that when designing a kitchen, one should walk out a recipe to make sure everything is in the right place to suit one’s lifestyle. Cooking zones are imperative to a well-designed kitchen.”
Modern kitchens emphasize zoning, or the creation of dedicated areas for preparation, cooking and storage, to enhance workflow and functionality. These zones not only improve efficiency but also contribute to a cohesive and visually appealing aesthetic.
Cutting-edge rendering software, utilizing technology similar to that used in gaming, allows homeowners to visualize their dream kitchens in hyper-realistic detail. While these tools inspire creativity, McCroskey advises balancing ambitious ideas with practical implementation to achieve the best results.
Technology, sustainability and customization are driving the revolution in kitchen
Automated drawers and pop-up outlets are becoming increasingly common, marrying convenience with sleek aesthetics.”
Design trends have also evolved, becoming more flexible to reflect individual tastes.
“While white kitchens remain timeless and black adds drama, bleached woods continue to be popular. Style trends are no longer as rigid—whether you prefer modern, transitional, or traditional designs, you can create a kitchen tailored to your unique vision. There’s no limit to what you can achieve with today’s tools and technologies. The goal is to create spaces that resonate deeply with the people who live in them.”
The kitchen is the heart of every home and represents a space of endless possibility. Whether your aesthetic leans modern, farmhouse or somewhere in between, the tools and technologies available today make it easier than ever to bring your vision to life.
MARCH 2025
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 28TH - MARCH 2ND
Omaha Home & Garden Expo
CHI Health Center, 455 N. 10th St., Omaha, NE
Whether looking for ways to remodel homes, decorate, build or explore creative landscaping, visitors will find millions of ideas with more than 150,000 square feet of displays. The expo is an excellent opportunity for home consumers to view the latest innovations, compare products and visit with experts in the industry. Times vary daily.
MARCH 2ND
Elkhorn Athletic Association Women’s Leadership Summit
Elkhorn Public School Foundation, 20272 Veterans Drive, Elkhorn, NE | 4:00 PM
The EAA Women’s Leadership Summit features keynote Sandy Spady, CEO of Power Up Leadership Coaching, followed by a panel discussion emceed by Avarie Howard from Hurrdat Sports. Panelists include Sara Going, Director at FNBO; Kristi Andersen, PR consultant and vice president at CBRE; Marissa Ringblom, Athletic Director at Duchesne Academy; and Ashley Kuhn, Co-CEO at Blair Freeman Construction.
MARCH 7TH
2025 Dream Bigger Summit
Omaha Design Center, 1502 Cuming St., Omaha, NE | 8:30 AM
Omaha’s first women’s business growth conference is coming! The Dream Bigger Summit offers a day of inspiration, strategy and networking with a power-
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house lineup of TEDx speakers, angel investors, multi-six-figure founders and visionary Omaha women. Plus, experience the debut of Dream Money’s groundbreaking strategic business planning software. Tickets and details at dreammoney.co/summit.
MARCH 8TH
Omaha’s 147th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Omaha’s Old Market Entertainment District | 11:00 AM
Presented by the Ancient Order of Hibernians the 147th annual parade loops through the Old Market beginning at 11 a.m. Enjoy a St. Patrick’s Day celebration of marching bands, drill teams, Irish dancers and costumed performers.
MARCH 11TH - 16TH
Aksarben Cinema, 2110 S. 67th St., Omaha, Nebraska
The Omaha Film Festival celebrates the artistic, educational and historical importance of motion pictures. It provides independent filmmakers with a platform to share their work and create a dialogue with the community while introducing audiences to innovative new films and past masterworks of cinema.
MARCH 13TH - 16TH
CHI Health Center, 455 N. 10th St., Omaha, Nebraska
Chart a course through the night sky to Disney on Ice—where every story starts with a wish! Take a magical journey with Mickey, Minnie and friends through the timeless stories of Cinderella, Aladdin, Toy Story and Cars, along with today’s favorites including Encanto, Frozen 2 and Moana. Tickets are on sale now!
LET'S WORK TOGETHER!
We are honored to receive the 2024 MOBA Street of Dreams, “People’s Choice Award” .
If building a truly custom home or high-end remodel is your dream, we need to talk!
G. Lee Homes is your local full-service luxury home builder. We can take your project from concept to completion and build on our lot or yours.
Schedule an appointment to start your dream home to day.
CONTACT:
B est of all, we’re right here in the neighborhood!