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Fall Adventures
CLOSE
TO HOME
Here’s to a season filled with beautiful landscapes, cozy moments, and cherished memories!
– Your HOMETOWN Realtor, Leanne
Take advantage of the season with these easy fall getaways, all just a short drive from Papillion.
Nebraska City
Explore orchards, cider tastings, and the beautiful Arbor Day Farm for a perfect family outing.
Ponca Hills Farm
Enjoy guided horseback rides through peaceful, forested hillsides, perfect for fall adventurers.
Hitchcock Nature Center
Hike through stunning fall foliage in the Loess Hills, with scenic views and wildlife spotting.
Platte River State Park
Discover hiking trails, waterfalls, and vibrant fall colors at this scenic park close to home.
Letter from the Publisher
Say hello to fall, and welcome to our Food & Drink Issue!
Fall is a time of year that is hard to overlook here in Nebraska. The weather cools, forcing us to pay more attention to what we wear each day. The leaves turn from green to the many colors that paint our horizon. I will never trade the beauty that this brings, but it sure is a lot of work to clean up the yard when they fall. And of course, you can’t have a Nebraska fall without football. Whether or not you are a Husker fan like I am, one thing is for sure: it is almost impossible not to know it is game day!
Fall can also change what we crave, which is why October is our Food & Beverage Issue! Some may prefer apple pie, while others may pick pumpkin pie. We likely all have our preferences on game day too, but buffalo wings, nachos, brats, and pizza seem to be top choices. In the end, there is a common theme for the food we crave in the fall: comfort food!
And when we switch the conversation to drinks, fall also stands out in that category. From a pumpkin spice latte in the morning to an Oktoberfest in the evening, there are plenty of opportunities to give your tastebuds flavors they love.
In this issue, we are focusing on a local restaurant serving a breakfast and lunch menu that will satisfy the entire family. We are also including some food and drink recipes with the famous fruit of the fall! From there, we have ideas for kitchen organization, along with a story of two local medical professionals helping patients transform their lives, health, and well-being.
So, here’s to you, Papillion! And here’s to enjoying all that fall has to offer!
Have a great October everyone!
Cheers!
KYLER HENDRICKSON, PUBLISHER
October 2024
PUBLISHER
Kyler Hendrickson kyler.hendrickson@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Amy Hendrickson amy.hendrickson@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Amanda Mills | amanda.mills@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Kristen Muldoon
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Deb Reinard, Vince Mancuso, Amy Hendrickson, Angela Broockerd
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Joseph Saaid, Sammie Rodriguez, Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh Learn
Cafe
Lon
Nebraska
Support, Long-term Success
Flavorful
city scene
WHERE
NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Dr. Andy Rikli, PLCS Superintendent, spoke at PLCS Foundation’s 15th annual Back to School Soiree. 2: The Papillion Police Department joined the community for National Night Out at City Park. 3: Artists displayed their work from the Family Canvas Painting Night at Papillion Landing. 4: These participants earned their medals at the Summer Kids Triathlon. 5: 50 Mile March participants completed their incredible journey from Lincoln to Papillion - La Vista. 6: The Titan Color Guard represented their school at the Midlands Place Pep Rally Kickoff. 7: The Monarch Cheer Team showed their team spirit at the Midlands Place Pep Rally Kickoff.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
TYLER CRONIN, PLCS
HABLA ESPANOL
business monthly
Kitchen Tune-up: Cream Is The New White
The Kitchen Tune-Up team brought this kitchen from golden oak to a creamy oasis! Creamy-taupe cabinet colors are taking over last decade’s grey and white cabinet trend, making the kitchen much more comfortable. Brass and bronze hardware are taking the stage as well! Many homeowners are even enjoying the look of mismatched hardware as seen in the photo. Is this creamy-dreamy kitchen for you? Scan below to contact us about scheduling a free in-home consultation.
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Pickleball, Disc Golf Added to Papillion Parks
The City of Papillion enhanced its parks with several new features this summer for residents to enjoy. Pickleball courts were installed at Halleck Park, Walnut Creek Recreation Area, and Prairie Queen Recreation Area. An 18-hole disc golf course was added to Prairie Queen Recreation Area, near 132nd Street and Highway 370. These new amenities are free for the public and are open during normal park hours.
House of Colour Papillion Relocates to Beautiful Downtown Papillion
Now located on the second floor overlooking 84th Street, (138 North Washington St.), House of Colour Papillion analysts, Ashley, Katie, and Kacie, help their clients look and feel their best through color analysis and style consultations. While color analysis identifies the most flattering hues for clothing and makeup based on natural features, style consultations focus on selecting clothing that flatters body shapes and reflects individual personalities. Both services help boost confidence and enhance a client's appearance.
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Photography by Bailey Creative
Photography by City of Papillion
Photography by City of Papillion
FOOD, LOVE, COMMUNITY
Cafe Diem serves up an all-American breakfast and lunch with a whole lot of love
ARTICLE BY DEB REINARD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPH SAAID
In this busy world of prefab foods and speedy deliveries, it’s nice to know there’s a haven for genuine comfort food right in the heart of Papillion.
“We have intentionally developed a café with a casual atmosphere and good, affordable food.”
“Our café does not feel like any other café in the city,” said Café Diem owner, Steve Jackson. “I hope our customers feel the love when they walk through the door. I hope they see the smiles on our server’s faces and feel the sense of community we are building here.”
Jackson, along with his wife, Deborah, are celebrating Café Diem’s third anniversary this month, and couldn’t be prouder of the business they’ve built together.
While Deborah fashions the café’s cozy ambiance and partners with her husband on business decisions, Steve crafts a menu of “just plain good food,” he said. Cafe Diem, located at the prime intersection of 96th Street and Portal Road, boasts a menu filled with American favorites.
“It’s real food for real people,” Steve said. “We cook food we like to eat. We buy fresh protein, cut our own vegetables, crack our own eggs, and hand-cut our own pork. It’s real Midwest comfort food.”
While building their business plan for Café Diem, Steve and Deborah looked at the area’s breakfast and lunch options. “On one hand are the chains with the often-times boxed, mass-produced foods,” Steve said. “And on the other hand, are the extremely pricey $18 avocado toasts.”
“We wanted to fill the gap in the middle,” Steve said. “We have intentionally developed a café with a casual atmosphere and good, affordable food.”
Top: For Steve Jackson, customers are not just customers, they are friends and neighbors whom he loves and appreciates.
Steve said he also offers gluten-free options and is conscientious of dairy allergens. “We can look our customers in the eye and tell them what’s in their food,” he said.
Having risen through the ranks in the restaurant world over the last 40 years, Steve said he was lucky to have experience with many aspects including fine dining, country clubs, and even a few chains. And so, with that experience tucked in his pocket, Steve and Deborah decided early on that their business would be a breakfast and lunch only café. In doing so, they could develop a business that would afford them time with their children and grandchildren.
“We knew dinner was not going to be an option,” Steve said. “We didn’t want those crazy long hours. We want to live life.”
Open for breakfast and lunch, 7 AM – 2 PM seven days a week (with varying holiday hours), Café Diem offers sit-down, take-out, drive-thru, and delivery options.
Steve attributed Café Diem's success to his dedicated staff, who consistently provide excellent customer service, making customers feel welcome.
“We have a great group of people who engage with our customers in a caring manner. They are loyal to the business, and they take good care of each other. What more can I ask?” Steve said. “And in return, I try to offer an atmosphere that fits their needs. Closing at 2 PM allows our staff to make a living and still have a life of their own."
“We also owe our success to our loyal customers,” Steve said. “Out of 100 people who walk through the door, 80 or 90 have been here before. We appreciate that. We really do. And while we know they come here for a hearty meal, we know that sometimes breakfast isn’t just breakfast. People get together to commune over food. To make a genuine connection. And we’re very grateful they choose Café Diem.”
Where We Know Mortgages
LONG-TERM
SUPPORT, LONG-TERM SUCCESS
Nebraska Weight Loss offers a personalized approach to weight loss and nutrition, benefitting overall health.
ARTICLE BY VINCE MANCUSO
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY JOSEPH SAAID
Many struggle to lose weight. Exercises, diets, and medications can bring short-term success. However, long-term goals must include lifestyle changes. That's the goal for Nebraska Weight Loss.
Through education, planning, and personal experience, co-founders Angela Vogel, APRN, and Jenni Haan, PA-C, offer the support needed for impactful change with telemedicine, medications, and ongoing connection.
"Coming from a hospital background, we're wellversed in looking at the whole patient," says Vogel.
"Having gone through it ourselves makes us empathetic to any patient," adds Haan. "By the time someone gets to us, we know all the hurdles."
The duo met in 2013 as coworkers. Both were busy employees and mothers and became partners in their attempts to lose weight, only finding partial success. As Vogel says, "Some things would work great for a while, but if you fell off, the weight came back."
Years later, the pair worked together again when a patient introduced them to Ozempic, a popular diabetes medication often used for weight loss. After some research, the duo found compound semaglutide, and decided to try it themselves. They experienced “life-changing” results, with more than 100 pounds lost between the pair.
This transformation ultimately sparked the creation of Nebraska Weight Loss, which aims to help people lose weight and prevent related health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea.
The clinic specializes in weekly GLP-1 agonist injections, a series of medications that help lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. However, these medications are part of a holistic approach to weight loss.
"We emphasize this medication is a tool. It is not magic," Haan explains. Their program includes nutritional guidance, exercise recommendations, and frequent follow-ups to ensure patients progress safely and effectively.
Both highlight the importance of choosing a reputable provider in the ever-expanding field of weight loss treatments and warn against online providers who may prescribe medications without proper medical oversight or patient education.
With that mindset, Nebraska Weight Loss provides a comprehensive, personalized approach to patient care. Their process involves thorough medical histories, lab work, and individualized treatment plans that go beyond simply prescribing medication. These customized plans include building sustainable habits and addressing underlying issues contributing to weight gain.
Amber Quade is one of the many who have benefitted from this long-term mindset.
"Yeah, you can lose the weight, but you gotta be able to keep that off," Quade says. "I appreciate how thorough and caring they are with their patients."
Quade, who has been a patient with them for roughly 18 months, found Nebraska Weight Loss on TikTok. After beginning her weight-loss journey with another provider, she found the success she wanted due to the support and accessibility provided by Haan and Vogel.
"I felt so much more secure in my process, knowing this is something I want to be on long term in partnering with them," Quade says, noting that Nebraska Weight Loss's regularly scheduled evaluations kept her in check with her nutrition, exercise, stress management, and more.
"They put guard rails in place to keep everyone moving in the right direction and provide accountability, which is great," she says.
For more information on Nebraska Weight Loss, Vogel and Haan encourage readers to visit nebraska-weightloss.com, where they can find their Facebook Group, or follow them on Instagram at Nebraska Weight Loss.
FEWER DIZZY DAYS
The Flavor of Fall
Flavorful food and drink recipes with the favorite fruit of fall: apples
Apple Crisp a la Mode
This fall classic is the perfect treat for a cozy fall dessert.
INGREDIENTS
Filling:
• 6-8 apples, peeled and sliced
• ½ cup dark brown sugar
• ¼ cup flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
Topping:
• ¾ cup flour
• ¾ cup dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup cold butter, cubed
• 1 cup oats
• ¼ cup pecans, chopped
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease pie plate or baking dish. Mix all filling ingredients together and place in baking dish. Prepare topping by combining the flour, brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in butter using a fork or pastry cutter. Stir in oats and pecans and sprinkle over filling until covered. Bake for 45 minutes and serve with caramel drizzle and vanilla ice cream.
Apples are the trademark fruit of fall, and with the many varieties to choose from, there is an apple that is sure to please any palate. They can be included in both sweet and savory dishes and are not only delicious but healthy as well. We all have heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” While they aren’t a cure-all, apples are packed full of polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamin C, B vitamins and fiber. Make the most of autumn’s best produce and the flavors of fall with these simple recipes.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
This easy fall cocktail is festive and delicious. Served hot or cold, it is a crowd pleaser.
INGREDIENTS
• Apple cider (hot or cold)
• 1 ½ ounce bourbon or whiskey
• ½ ounce honey
• ½ ounce lemon juice
• Cinnamon stick
• Apple slice
DIRECTIONS
Add all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake. Serve over ice and garnish with cinnamon stick and apple slice. Enjoy!
Elevated Grilled
Cheese Apple Cider Bourbon
This take on the classic grilled cheese is sure to satisfy your fall cravings. With the combined flavors of savory and sweet, it packs a punch for your taste buds.
INGREDIENTS
• 1/4 red onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Sliced sourdough bread
• 1-2 tablespoons butter
• 4 ounces Brie, sliced
• Fig jam, or preferred choice of jam
• 1 Granny Smith apple, sliced
• Arugula
• Thinly sliced ham, optional
DIRECTIONS
Heat olive oil in the skillet and add sliced onions. Cook for a few minutes and then add brown sugar. Sauté until soft. Set aside. Butter the outside of the sourdough bread. Next, spread jam on the inside of both slices. Add cheese, apples, onions and arugula. If using ham, add as well. Top with slice of bread and grill on skillet until both sides are toasted and cheese is melted. Serve and enjoy!
Organization is Everything
ShelfGenie of Omaha shares strategies for transforming troubled areas into organized, accessible, and functional spaces
ARTICLE BY AMY HENDRICKSON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
We’ve all been there: bought something we couldn’t locate, only to find it months later. Maybe it slid underneath or was tucked behind another item. Perhaps we forgot where we placed it altogether. Kitchens and closets are notorious for this issue, so here are some organizational strategies that can help put this problem in the past.
1) Kitchen Cabinets
When it comes to kitchen cabinets, maximizing space and keeping everything organized and accessible is paramount. Custom pull-out shelves and drawers allow cookware, dishes, utensils, and other items to be categorized and arranged for easy retrival.
2) The Pantry
The pantry is one of the busiest spots in the kitchen, and items are usually fighting for space on shelves. A well-organized pantry allows for quick access to food items and small appliances, which leads to a smoother
cooking experience. The most effective way to achieve this is by customizing a solution using a mixture of shelves, drawers, and compartments.
3) Closets
Closets can become cluttered and end up being a place that causes stress at the beginning and end of each day. The goal here is to make sure every wardrobe item has its place by using a custom mix of shoe shelving, hanging rods with custom heights, open shelving and drawers. A clean, well-organized closet increases storage, creates easy accessibility, and reduces stress.
LEARN MORE: Nick Starkey is the owner of ShelfGenie of Omaha. Nick and his team design and install custom organizational solutions for kitchens, closets, and more based on their customer’s individual needs. Working with ShelfGenie is a stress-free way to achieve the organizational balance every homeowner deserves.
Photo by Sammie Rodriguez
Kitchen Cabinets
Pumpkin Cuties
• Cutie Mandarin Oranges
• Celery Sticks
Peel the cutie mandarin oranges and cut celery sticks into 1-inch long sticks.
Cut each slice of celery into thirds or fourths and insert celery sticks into the center of the peeled oranges.
Oreo Spiders
• Oreos
• Candied Eyes
• Chocolate Chips
• Pretzel Logs
Break pretzel rods in half and stuff them into the Oreo cookies to form the spider legs. Melt the chocolate chips until smooth.
Use a toothpick to place the melted chocolate onto the Oreos where the eyes will go.
Immediately place the eye candies onto the melted chocolate. Place the Oreos in the fridge until the chocolate hardens.
cuterie SPOOK-
A SPOOKY SPIN ON THE CLASSIC CHARCUTERIE
ARTICLE BY SAVANNA JAGGEARS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREGORY JAGGEARS
Spook-Cuterie is a cutie Halloween snack for pre- or post-trick-or-treating. This spooky spin on the classic charcuterie board will excite the kids and provide a few nutritious nibbles before they fill up on too much candy. Whether you bring this to the school party or set it up while everyone gets in their costumes, fun MUMMY-ries will be made.
Nutter Butter Ghosts
• Nutter Butter Cookies
• White Melting Chocolate
• Mini Chocolate Chips
Instructions:
1. Gather together the items.
2 .Arrange and style according to your party aesthetic.
3. Add extra items, such as crackers, chips and cheeses.
Melt the white chocolate in the microwave in 15-second increments. Stir between increments until the chocolate is fully melted.
Dip the top of each cookie into the melted chocolate and place the coated cookie on wax paper to dry.
Press the mini chocolate chip to make the eyes and mouth before the chocolate dries.
Blackberry Bats
• Bat Shaped Cookie Cutter
• Blackberries
• Candied Eyes
Place the cookie cutter on the charcuterie board and fill with blackberries. Place candied eyes to make the eyes of the bat.
4. Fan out additional fruits and veggies.
5. Celebrate and make the days leading up to October 31st memorable!
events
OPEN THROUGH OCTOBER 31ST
It's Pumpkin Season!
Bellevue Berry Farm & Pumpkin Ranch | Ongoing
Join in the fall fun at the Pumpkin Ranch! The daytime pumpkin patch activities include play areas with slides, zip lines, climbing nets, swings, bounce pillows, a corn maze, caves, pirate's ship, and hayrides to pick up pumpkins. The evening Ranch of Terror activities include the Haunted Hayride and the Haunted House. For more information and specific times, visit bellevueberryfarm.com
OCTOBER 6TH - 12TH
National Fire Prevention Week
Papillion and La Vista Fire Stations
To recognize fire prevention week, there will be two open houses held for the community. The La Vista Open House is from 9AM-12PM on Sunday, Oct 6th at Station 4 and the Papillion Open House is from 8AM-12PM on Sunday, Oct 13th at Station 3. Come meet the fire fighters and join in the fire safety activities.
OCTOBER 18TH
Friday Night Bites
Papillion Landing | 5:00 PM
Friday Night Bites is back for one night only! There will be food, music, games, a beer garden and activities for all ages. Check out the fall fun at the Papillion Landing.
CONTINUED
OCTOBER 19TH
Shred-it Event
Core Bank in Papillion | 9:00 AM
Gather your stack of papers and bring them to the free Shred-it event from 9:00AM-Noon at the Granite Falls Core Bank Location (11305 Cumberland Dr. Papillion). Core Bank is partnering with Datashield to help you shred the documents you no longer need.
OCTOBER 19TH
Fall Craft Fair
Papillion La Vista High School
9:00 AM
Start your Fall and Holiday shopping early by attending the Papillion La Vista High School Craft Fair from 9:00AM - 3:00PM. The craft fair benefits the band and theatre departments. There is a $2 admission.
OCTOBER 31ST
Toddler Trick or Treat
Papillion Public Library | 10:00 AM
Bring your toddler to a special story time at the Papillion Library, followed by trick-or-treating throughout the library and local downtown businesses! Costumes are encouraged.
