metroMAGAZINE's September 09 Issue

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september 2009

new vision

omaha’s henry doorly zoo

inform • educate • inspire published by alh publications • proudly serving our community since 1990

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metroMAGAZINE catch the

features / DEPARTMENTS

spirit

of the Omaha community!

features

special sections “my kind of zoo”

cover STORY

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home metro

10

12 14 16

ZOOFARI ZEALOTS jane and ed miller

metroHOME

25 28 30

GRANDEUR RESTORED

part one of a four part series

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT interview with zoo ceo dennis pate

THE LOST ISLAND madagascar exhibit

GIVING & EVENTS omaha zoo foundation

al, delores & mark maser

2009 DESIGNER SHOWHOUSE asid • joslyn castle trust “YP” connections

FAMILY PRIDE

21

lanoha nurseries

READY 2 SERVE non-profit & YP profiles

22

why do you choose omaha?

departments

17 20 33

KNOWING NON-PROFITS with sara boyd • omaha community fdtn.

34

events

37

metroCUISINE BEST BUY SIGNS

bravo!

TOP TEN FALL VEGGIES with mary e. vandenack

35

55

PLANNING MATTERS

QUITE A SHOW omaha performing arts

57 60

THE SOUL’S JOURNEY with dixie clark

52

THE metroSCENE

fine dining in omaha advertiser spotlight

25 55

YP Q&A

SAVE THE DATE with dixie clark

HOROSCOPES with sue moon

with pvw law

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TODAY’S SAVINGS with swartzbaugh-farber & associates, inc.

& $' ! %

omaha

’s henry

on the

doorly

cover

COVER PHOTOGRAPH “Malika”

by Laurie and Charles Photographs MODELS 6 Bethany MAGAZINE • SEPT 2009 metro Tatum and David Spence

TREK TAN

inform • educ ate • insp ire

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RESERVE YOUR TICKETS NOW!

SEPTEMBER 22ND

NOMAD

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from the PUBLISHER

connecting

Those of you who know me well know of my love for animals. I consider animals wise beautiful creatures who can teach us all a great deal… all we need do is pay attention to them with an intent to connect with the messages they are capable and willing to convey. I also believe that animals want to connect with us, that they deserve our respect, compassion and love, and our willingness to appreciate “who they are,” as living souls, with the same needs we have to be appreciated for their individuality and uniqueness.

Laurie and Charles Kay did an incredible job of capturing those qualities in their captivating portrait of Malika, a stunning female African elephant who is a resident at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo. Our cover this month truly presents Malika’s beautiful individual essence and allows us to “connect” with her. As you examine our “cover model” for this issue, I hope are able to experience something “eye to eye” with this unique creature, and the character in her features. Consider the life behind the portrait, and then make time to visit Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo (or revisit if it’s been a while) and make a real connection with Malika and her companions.

I believe it’s possible you may come away from the zoo with something more than merely an entertaining outing, because, at our zoo, there is always the possibility of finding some education, enlightenment, and yes, perhaps even a little magic!

It’s no secret that we have an extraordinary zoo, so this issue has been a very special issue one in the making, for in this edition, in cooperation with the Omaha Zoo Foundation, we introduce a Four Part Series on Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo. In truth this Omaha institution and world-class tourist attraction is so much more than a zoo, and we look forward to exploring with you, the wonderful aspects our zoo offers for not only entertainment, but education, conservation and research. Part One features an interview with new Director and CEO Dennis Pate, as well as a first look at The Lost Island of Madagascar exhibit which opens in May of 2010.

Zoofari, the zoo’s bi-annual fundraising event, takes place this month and our cover story for this issue features chairmen Ed and Jane Miller, who share why the zoo hold’s such a special place in their hearts.

You’ll also notice in the issue a special insert for Omaha Fashion Week. This exciting week-long event will kickoff at NOMAD on September 15th and conclude with a fabulous VIP fashion show and party on September 19th. This incredible insert gives you a heads up and a head start on the extravaganza!

Speaking of… our 3rd Annual presentation of The BIG Event takes place on September 22nd at NOMAD. Tickets can be reserved by going to www.metmago.com. Click on the RSVP banner and select your tickets. We are offering a 40 and under ticket price this year as well as a Patron Gold, Patron Silver and general admission to this red carpet affair honoring 65 charities from the past year– so we hope to see you on the 22nd at NOMAD! Finally, you know that the fall social season has begun when photos from Ak-Sar-Ben’s Royal Court weekend appear in the magazine. We have four full pages of photos introducing this year’s participants.

The Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation is one of my favorite events to photograph. Each year the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben and Women’s Ball committee work so hard to put on the Social Event of the Year and we do everything possible to herald their efforts, and the motivations behind those efforts, steeped in decades of community service and leadership.

It is our hope that this issue (and every issue of metroMAGAZINE) will provide our readers with timely, meaningful and significant material which will continuously serve to…

inform • educate • inspire

ANDREA L. HOIG ahoig@mmomaha.com

alh P U B L I C A T I O N S

LAURIE AND CHARLES PHOTOGRAPHS

Big vent

THE

2009

AWARDS CELEBRATION

SEPTEMBER 22ND AT NOMAD

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metro

MAGAZINE

lifestyle • culture • philanthropy

SEPT 2009 VOL. 21 NO. 9 Press releases and other editorial information may be sent to: P.O. BOX 241611, OMAHA, NE 68124 or e-mailed to: editor@mmomaha.com Publisher Editor-in-Chief

Staff Photographers

Caroline Hurley Jennifer Parent Linda Shepard Caroline Thompson

Andrea L. Hoig Editor/ Creative Director

Robert P. Killmer

Featured Writers

Senior Sales Associates

Teresa Milner Deb Skinner Administration

Francesca Peterson Layout/Production

John Dechant Molly Garriott Susan Kuhlmann Dave Link Distribution

Loni Craft

Joe Szczepaniak Interns

Kaleigh Lawson Chris Massara

Lisa Mergen Sarah Vonk

www.metmago.com metro MAGAZINE is wholly owned and operated by the publisher and is not affiliated with any other publication, operating solely on subscription and advertising revenues and the good will of the agencies and charities we support; all of which are very important to the continuing growth and quality of this publication. Thank you to all who support this publication.

OFFICE/SALES

402-333-7499 ________________ sales@mmomaha.com MISSION STATEMENT The mission of alh Publications is to recognize the ongoing efforts of Omaha-area businesses, organizations and individuals to better the community through their support of charitable and civic causes. alh Publications also encourages people’s desire to give something back to the community through volunteerism and philanthropy.

Contents of this magazine are copyrighted by ALH Publications, Inc. in their entirety. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without the prior consent of the publisher. © Copyright 2009 alh Publications fka Metro Monthly, Inc. All rights reserved.

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lifestyle • culture • philanthropy

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cover STORY metroMAGAZINE

Zo o “WE’VE ALWAYS HAD A SPECIAL PLACE IN OUR hearts for the zoo. It supports kids and education,” acknowledges Jane Miller, Chief Operating Officer at Gallup. So when she and her husband, Ed, Vice President of Facilities at Gallup, were asked to chair the September 11th Zoofari over two years ago, they did not hesitate to say yes. Gallup has a history of supporting organizations that foster leadership and strength in youth, while promoting education and supporting diversity. The Henry Doorly Zoo fits perfectly into this paradigm.

Though the Millers are chairing the elephantine event, they are quick to point out that hosting a fundraiser of this scale requires a herd of help; the Gallup community has flocked to their assistance, making Zoofari a collective endeavor. There is nothing “honorary” about Jane and Ed’s roles as Zoofari chairs. “It’s a real chair position,” she describes. The Millers and the Gallup volunteers have planned the entire event. It’s a community effort on Gallup’s part, say the Millers. Seven of the eight committee leads are held by Gallup executives.

50 to 60 Gallup volunteers have pitched in, working on all aspects of the fundraiser. Gallup’s in-house decorations and events people have donated their time and expertise to the cause. Employees have networked, securing donations for the silent and super silent auctions. Suppliers and clients from Gallup also round out the Henry Doorly Zoo’s master guest list.

Zoofari’s theme is “Call of the Wild.” Befitting a zoological society fundraiser, animals figure extensively in the evening’s festivities.

The auction, entitled “Where the Wild Things Are,” offers some spectacular animal adventures.

If you like visiting the cat complex at the zoo, you may want to bid on the African safari trip. Or maybe a luxurious cruise is more to your liking. The exotic Galapagos Island is the setting for another super silent auction vacation package.

There are also plenty of excursions closer to home that still fulfill the wanderlust in you. Stay stateside, visiting Phoenix and Washington, D.C. You can win the chance to explore your own backyard with several staycation options that include both weekend and one-night packages at area hotels.

“Animal Experiences” are also part of the super silent auction. There are six different experiences that allow a family, classroom, or company to “adopt” an animal for a year. The winner of the elephant experience, for instance, can host a cocktail party for METRO MAGAZINE COVER STORY

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friends near the elephant habitat and help feed the animals. For what Ed Miller describes as a “tangible reminder” of the experience, the winners will have their photo taken with their prize and receive artwork centered on their particular animal.

Art lovers will be interested in the auction’s nature-inspired artwork by Matthew Placzek. Oneof-a-kind Peggy Karr zoo plates will also be available.

Not to be missed is a Chihuly sculpture in glass from the Macchia series entitled “Pacific Sunrise.”

New this year is the added entertainment, again animal-inspired. Everyone loves a parade, especially one with live animals and children. With a band of African drummers lending their beat, it is parade perfect for a night at the zoo. Ernest Richardson will conduct voices from Opera Omaha, making the evening a community collaboration.

Gallup’s enthusiastic response to the zoo’s call for support is not unusual. As both a company and collection of individuals, Gallup has a strong history of giving. Volunteerism “is what makes a strong community,” Jane Miller recognizes. “Those who volunteer and are involved with the community experience the highest life satisfaction. It’s a strong part of our well-being, to give to others.” Gallup recognizes that there are numerous ways in which to give back to the community. Both financial support and time and talent offerings are essential. To ensure the former, Gallup supports its workers’ charities through a matching donation program. But sometimes time is more scarce than money. Thus, Gallup fosters employee volunteerism through flex time, allowing employees flexible work schedules to accommodate volunteer opportunities.

Volunteerism, especially in these strained economic times, is so important. For those looking to dip their toe in the volunteer pool for the first time, Jane has this simple piece of advice: “Just start.

Just do it.” Seek an organization or cause you can be passionate about, whose mission statement you believe in, she advises. If it is not the right fit for you, that is okay. You may not find your niche first time out. Keep exploring where your talents and interests are most needed and what gives you the most satisfaction. Once you do, volunteerism becomes a meaningful exchange between yourself and someone or something else.

For the Millers and their Gallup coworkers, the “Call of the Wild” has been their call to serve. The Henry Doorly Zoo and the Omaha community are glad they heard and responded. m

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Zealots o ofari by molly garriott

Jane & Ed Miller For more information about Zoofari, contact Calvin R. Sisson, Executive Director Omaha Zoo Foundation, Office: 402/738-2073, www.omahazoo.com

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metroMAGAZINE

The SKY’s the Limit soaring to new

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Dennis Pate

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| Zoo Director/CEO Dennis Pate & Friend |

THAT A CITY THE SIZE OF OMAHA supports a zoo the quality of the Henry Doorly is impressive to Dennis Pate, the zoo’s new Director and CEO. According to Pate, Omaha’s Zoo enjoys an outstanding reputation as one of the nation’s leading zoos, ranking in the Top 10. Most of its fellow contenders are located in larger metropolitan areas, making its esteem even more notable.

“The zoo exceeds people’s expectations,” Pate has witnessed. “It is outsized for the size of the city.

Dr. Simmons was really a big thinker with long reaching projects.” Pate attributes the zoo’s outstanding quality to both his predecessor’s vision and ability to make that vision into reality.

An example of this vision currently under development is the upcoming Madagascar exhibit. Conceptualized during Dr. Simmons’s tenure as director, it will be realized under Pate’s direction. The Madagascar exhibit will be located between the gorilla complex and Garden of Senses. When it opens in the spring of 2010, the indoor and outdoor exhibit it will contain unique lemur species not found anywhere else in the world, bats, lizards and other animals indigenous to the Indian Ocean island. It will also include an orientation room for video projections.

Though cognizant of the wonderful facility of which he is now director, Pate would also like to update older parts of the zoo. On his short list: the elephant exhibit. Constructed in the 1960s, it has a dated feel. Space limitations prevent housing more than the two elephants currently on display. “We need acres for the exhibit, not square feet,” owns Pate. A larger space would allow the zoo to add four to six elephants to the pack, including a bull for breeding.

Other areas are ripe for improvement as well.

The Cat Complex is in need of refurbishing, having been built in the 1970s. Pate also will

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turn his attention to the bear exhibit and the Red Barn exhibit. The barn and adjoining yard house the petting zoo. Just up the hill, to the north of the barnyard, are older, caged exhibits of monkeys that seem out of place with the area’s farm theme.

Pate wishes to improve and update this entire region.

Guest amenities will also come under Pate’s scrutiny. He welcomes the high volume of visitors that come to Omaha’s Zoo but not the congestion at the front gate. Pate feels strongly that people should not have to wait in line to enter the zoo when they can be inside learning about its animals.

New front gates with separate and additional entrances for zoo members and school buses are under consideration to alleviate this problem.

More bathrooms, especially by the zoo entrance, rerouted paths and a larger gift shop are also on the planning table.

Omaha’s Zoo has acquired the land once occupied

by Rosenblatt Stadium. Exactly how the zoo will utilize all that property is undetermined, but Pate does know that at least some of it will be allotted for much needed parking.

Expanding and supporting existing programs while developing fresh ones is nothing new to Pate. As Executive Director of the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in Jacksonville, Florida, Pate doubled zoo attendance, increased the budget and put the zoo on the map over his seven year tenure.

Pate’s first job after graduating from the University of Illinois was with Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo. Initially, he handled rabbits and guinea pigs for little zoo visitors in the children’s section of Lincoln Park Zoo. During his twelve year stay at Lincoln Park, Pate went on to become the senior keeper of the birds and assistant curator of mammals. His career path then took him to Portland, Oregon where he accepted the general curator position with the city’s zoo. Ten years later, he found himself back at Lincoln Park Zoo, this time as Senior Vice-President, until accepting the Executive Director’s job in Jacksonville in 2002.

Pate’s work experience is extensive. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and chaired the AZA Accreditation Commission. He has overseen research projects and veterinary medicine practices.

With his expertise, Pate also brings a keen appreciation for Omaha Zoo’s many strengths.

Number one in Pate’s estimation is its “immersion” exhibits like the rain forest and desert dome.

Traditional animal displays rely on encasing animals in cages or smaller, enclosed habitats, leaving the visitor with the definite sense of removal. Guests are set apart from the environment as outside observers.

Immersion exhibits seek to replicate an environment-including animal species, botanical life, even atmospheric conditions- that allow guests to become part of that environment instead of mere viewers of it. For Pate, the Desert Dome is an excellent illustration of an immersion exhibit. It recreates various deserts that span the planet, first by creating an authentic environment (think soil and sand), then through indigenous plantings, followed by the introduction of region specific animals and lastly through replicating necessary temperatures.

But the genius of the Desert Dome does not stop with the exhibit, maintains Pate; the building itself is important. Its elevated ceiling allows visitors to forget they are in an enclosed structure. Visitors become intrepid adventurers in the desert (minus the dehydration and scary bug factor) instead of playing voyeur at the city zoo. Acknowledges Pate: “The architecturally distinct building becomes part of the exhibit.”

Another draw is the zoo as a year round destination. In Omaha, where winters can last five or six months, it’s a godsend. The zoo remains a viable entertainment option when freezing temperatures and blustery weather requires us to take our enjoyment indoors. The warm, humid air of the rain forest may loose its allure in the sticky, summer months, but during the cold, dry winter, it’s a breath of fresh air.

And when Old Man Winter howls like a belligerent bear rudely awakened from his hibernation, it’s time to cast our thoughts to things tropical. While we may not be able to hop a plane bound for sandy beaches and salty sea air, a visit to the Scott Aquarium is a doable stand-in. Yes, the penguins and puffins in their arctic habitat are the first to greet you, but keep going. Round the corner and you are suddenly immersed in an underwater world where sharks swim overhead and colorful coral reefs provide the backdrop for gliding sting rays and schools of vibrant fish. You can almost smell the sun screen.

Also along the lines of fooling Mother Nature (or at least circumventing her for a short while) is the Kingdom of the Night, located under the Desert Dome. On a scorching summer day, a stroll “underground” where it is dark and cool is just the ticket. This immersion exhibit showcases the habitats and species of the planet’s nocturnal creatures. “It’s a whole other world,” enthuses Pate.

These world-class exhibits are what come to mind when Pate talks to Omaha’s citizenry about the zoo.

What most do not know is the amount and quality of research and conservation study that takes place at the zoo. The public won’t remain unaware, for the research and development side of the Omaha Zoo truly excites it new executive director. | Omaha’s Zoo Skyfari |

There exist four primary areas of study within the zoo’s Center for Conservation and Research: Comparative Nutrition, Conservation and Genetics, Plant Conservation and Reproductive Biology. The Center for Conservation and Research ranks with the best zoos in the United States. To illustrate, the Conservation and Genetics department has placed 28 graduate students in Madagascar to study its lemur population. Out of 100 documented species, the study has discovered twenty-two new ones. The Plant Conservation department has conducted DNA testing and then propagated ferns from Bermuda to be repatriated back to the island. Endangered species of animals have had help in maintaining their respective populations through assisted reproduction thanks to the Reproductive Biology department. “A lot of zoos want to do what we are doing,,” says Pate.

The depth of the program is unique.

“When you say ‘zoo’ here, people’s eyes light up,” Pate observes. With the new Madagascar exhibit opening next spring, older habitats brought up to date, and guest amenities improved, a day at the zoo will delight even more. Omahans already have a love affair with the Henry Doorly. Pate is working to intensify the romance. con’t.

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metroMAGAZINE

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M A D A G A S C A R

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The LOSTIsland for the omaha zoo foundation and metroMAGAZINE by michael campbell OF THE 30,000 DIFFERENT ANIMALS found in Madagascar today, 80% exist nowhere else in the world. This astounding island off the coast of Africa is singularly rich in exotic animals and plants, and its isolation is the reason any still survive. Today, the remaining lemur species on the island are on the endangered list due to hunting and destruction of their habitat. Only 18% of native vegetation remains, 10% of the rainforests, and the numbers continue to shrink. Ninety-one countries have wild primates, but Madagascar is responsible for 36% of all primate families, making it the central focus for conservation.

Omaha TO THE RESCUE

Almost by accident, a rescue effort has evolved literally on the other side of the planet. Dr. Edward Louis founded the Omaha Zoo Madagascar Biodiversity and Biogeography Project. That’s a mouthful, but its influence is as broad as its name.

Dr. Louis originally intended to study the magical diversity endemic to Madagascar, but quickly realized the imminent threat of extinction faced by these one-of-a-kind plants and animals. His efforts shifted on two fronts: to create lasting ways to protect the island’s treasures, and to bring living specimens back to Omaha for study, breeding, and safe-keeping in the event of a Malagasy collapse.

They are not just petting rare animals on the head. The MBBP is developing essential infrastructure to improve economic conditions, and educating Malagasy communities, especially those close to endangered habitats, to get at the source of the threat.

The MBBP begins with educating young and old alike about their unique island treasures, offering alternative, efficient and sustainable methods to preserve their fragile ecosystem. The education goes literally from primary school through Ph.D. candidates.

The MBBP doesn’t impose itself on the locals, but rather collaborates with ambitious, futureminded students at Malagasy University and several wildlife agencies. With generous funding from the Margot Marsh Biodiversity Foundation and the Ahmanson Foundation, over 15,000 books and brochures are being distributed in the Malagasy language by the MBBP, with special sections for each region, to fire students up about why their homeland is vitally important, not only to their future but to the world. There’s even a coloring book for children, Lemurs: Your National Treasure, complete with an accompanying teacher guide.

On the Omaha side of the world, captive study of the endangered animals provides crucial learning opportunities that help scientists improve conditions METRO MAGAZINE SPECIAL SECTION

in Madagascar. Never before have rare species been removed from, and then reintroduced to their original habitat.

Researchers are already seeing immense progress. Last year alone, Dr. Louis fostered a team of 16 Malagasy field assistants and 24 graduate students who, along with Omaha Zoo’s staff scientists, have discovered and classified 22 new species of lemurs. Their research directly benefits the emergency at hand, but it also provides students with the experience and credentials that enable them to better continue this critical work when they return to Madagascar.

This collaboration between Malagasy scholars and Omaha Zoo scientists is breaking new ground and research gained in Omaha serves a variety of vital purposes. Scientists here share their data with officials in Madagascar, who use it to prioritize their conservation efforts, putting money and effort where it is needed most.

Coming IN MAY 2010

Experiencing conservation efforts firsthand is infinitely more educational than reading about it in books. As we teach the children of Madagascar, so too we can educate our own children here in Omaha about the magic and fragility of our world. They’ll see for themselves why they should care for their environment.

Soon all of us will be able to walk among these rare and vanishing lemurs, bats, bugs and amphibians in the Madagascar Exhibit, one of the only such collections in the entire world.

The new Madagascar Exhibit is already under construction, located along the middle lagoon between the fascinating Hubbard Gorilla Valley and the peaceful Garden of the Senses. Nestled into the hillside, a 17,000 sq. ft. building will include 6000 feet of living space for animals. Nineteen exhibits both vast and intimate will house a world-class array of rare and endangered species including insects, fish, reptiles, and those legendary lemurs.

The exhibit will dwell mostly under cover of darkness. Because so many of the animals of Madagascar are nocturnal, the exhibit will imitate their exotic night-like conditions. You’ll get to see them in full activity, an opportunity found nowhere else.

You’ll spot the enigmatic fossa: a rare, strange animal that looks like a cross between a leopard and a hound. The agile fossa leaps from tree to tree, as nimble as a squirrel and are among the few you’ll see outside of Madagascar. Although these carnivores are especially adept at hunting lemurs, they won’t get that opportunity here.

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But they’ll be tempted. Directly across the fossa exhibit is an overlook and outdoor display featuring giant man-made trees dangling with rare lemurs.

From there, a walkway winds its way a thrilling 300 feet across two islands in the middle of the lagoon.

The first island will hold a colony of swinging lemurs that travel a viney network across otherworldly baobab trees (man-made, for conservation reasons). After passing through a double-door, you’ll reach the second island where you’ll walk among a troop of ruffed lemurs, so agile they almost never touch the ground. You’ll enjoy amazing photographic opportunities, with neither a net nor glass between you and the lemurs. There are no other such intimate walk-through experiences anywhere else in North America.

There is one more treat in store for you, with special love unique to Omaha. You’ll be free to tiptoe into a special greenhouse filled with rare and endangered Madagascar Orchids. Marge From, head of the Rare Plant Lab, made several trips to Madagascar to collect seeds from these endangered flowers. With help from Terri Gouveia and the rest of the Zoo’s horticulture staff, they have cultured thousands of orchids in her Omaha lab.

So successful are they that many of these endangered orchids have been sent back to Madagascar for reintroduction—something conservationists have never attempted before.

Vision OF THE FUTURE

The success of Dr. Louis, Ms. From and the Omaha Zoo staff scientists comes none too soon.

Isolated as Madagascar is biologically, so it is politically. It’s insular tradition makes international conservation efforts difficult. Just this spring, political upheaval and a leadership coup threatened the economic livelihood of Madagascar. When money is scarce, attention turns away from conservation and towards basic survival. Access to the land has become very limited, and the eco-tourism vital to the health of the country has slowed to a near standstill. The fragile ecosystem of Madagascar is in immediate peril, making the conservation efforts of Omaha’s Zoo all the more important.

Omaha’s Zoo does so much more than display animals. This worldwide conservation and research is only possible due to the generous support of donors. When you come to experience the breathtaking, exotic new Madagascar Exhibit, you’re not just visiting the Zoo—you’re helping to save rare and magical species around the world. m

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M A D A G A S C A R

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THE MADAGASCAR BIODIVERSITY PROJECT

team (which consists of 16 Malagasy field assistants, 24 Malagasy graduate students, and Omaha’s Zoo lab staff) has named 22 new species of lemurs in Madagascar.

EDUCATION plays a key role in the goals of the Madagascar Biodiversity Project through: •Successfully training Malagasy graduate students to achieve their Master’s equivalent or doctoral degrees through conservation research and training programs •Transferring new technology and training members of the local communities in alternative practices that will reduce their dependency on the environment, •Empowering local primary school-age children, through teaching the appreciation of local biodiversity and the importance of preserving these natural assets, to become responsible stewards of the environment.

THE CENTER FOR CONSERVATION AND RESEARCH

(CCR) ranks with the best zoos in the United States and is involved in a vital mix of scientific investigation, training and applied research in molecular genetics, reproductive physiology, nutrition, plant propagation and veterinary medicine. Projects underway at the Center are worldwide, encompassing training and conservation programs with colleagues in more than 27 countries from Asia to Africa to North and South America. To illustrate, consider these program highlights: •Zoo programs emphasize transferring new technology and training members of the local communities in alternative practices that will reduce their dependency on the environment •The Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Plants has successfully in-vitro fertilized two species of rare ferns that are highly endangered in Bermuda.

•Few zoo’s employ on-staff Ph.D nutritionists, and Omaha’s Zoo adds to this unique fortune by promoting an animal nutrition program that not only focuses on diet formulation based on state of the art research, but also promotes the study of comparative nutrition through internships and collaborations with Universities throughout the United States.

•The development of assisted reproductive techniques for long term storage of genetic diversity in wildlife. Omaha’s Zoo has one of the largest cryo-banks of germ cells and embryos for over 50 species that can be returned to the population for genetic management.

•Nearly one-third of the 6,000 known species of amphibians that live in our world are threatened with extinction. Omaha’s Zoo has launched the Amphibian Conservation Initiative to address this issue on a global scale and has successfully produced and released Wyoming toad tadpoles and Puerto Rican crested toad tadpoles into the wild.

•Over 150 students receive training in conservation sciences and professions annually.

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metroMAGAZINE

| OMAHA ZOO FOUNDATION STAFF |

Omaha’s HENRY DOORLY ZOO

is much more than a showcase for the colorful and curious inhabitants of our world. It is an exciting and purposeful organization whose mission encompasses education, conservation, research and recreation. Today, we are on the threshold of a new generation of growth and facility expansion. The opportunities in front of us will allow for stunning new exhibits, extensive renovations and special projects that will transform the Zoo inside and out. These bold initiatives will position our Zoo as the area’s premier attraction and continue to be a destination close to the heart of all Omahans. Plus, the improvements will add to the tens of millions of dollars of new spending to the City of Omaha and State of Nebraska on an annual basis.

CALVIN SISSON Executive Director

TINA CHERICA Development Director

MICHELE HELANEY Executive Assistant

DR. LEE SIMMONS Chairman

OMAHA’S ZOO HAD AN ECONOMIC IMPACT

of $85.9 million on the City of Omaha in 2008.

In addition, the economic impact on the State of Nebraska was $74.5 million.

As we prepare to embark on this journey, the need for financial support is critical. Your leadership gifts will inspire the generosity of so many and will help keep Omaha’s Zoo among the best in the world. Gifts of any size are welcome, deeply appreciated and will help further the vision and work of Omaha’s Zoo.

THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO SUPPORT OMAHA’S ZOO. Please call us at (402) 738-2073 or visit us online at www.omahazoofoundation.org

Earth & Wine

• APRIL 2010 Held bi-annually, Earth and Wine is an international food and wine tasting experience unlike any other. With the Lied Jungle as the scenic backdrop, this evening is a celebration of the zoo’s worldwide conservation and research efforts and coincides with the national celebration of Earth Day. This invitation only event is hosted by The Friends of Omaha’s Zoo and the Omaha Zoo Foundation. The evening includes a special presentation by an internationally known guest conservationist. In 2008, oceanographer Jean-Michel Cousteau was our special guest.

Tails & Cocktails

• OCTOBER 8, 2009 Tails and Cocktails is a special evening aimed at engaging young professionals in the programs and future expansion of Omaha’s Zoo. Special VIP tours, live music and hors d’oeuvres make this event one to remember.

To be added to the invitation list, please contact the at info@omahazoofoundation.org

Omaha Zoo Foundation

Adopt -AN-ANIMAL Adopting an Animal at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo is the perfect way to support the zoo in its wildlife conservation efforts. When you become a Zoo Parent, your donation goes towards providing exceptional nutrition, care and enrichment for our animal residents. And the best part is your adoption lasts for an entire year! All symbolic adoptions include a formal adoption certificate, a color photo of your adopted animal and an animal fact sheet.

Visit www.omahazoofoundation.org or call (402) 738-2073 to learn more about the benefits of the adopt-an-animal program.

Omaha Zoo Foundation • 8401 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 • Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 738-2073 • info@omahazoofoundation.org • www.omahazoofoundation.org METRO MAGAZINE SPECIAL SECTION

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thedynamicsof

knowing NONPROFITS • omaha community foundation with Sara Boyd, Executive Vice President

giving togetherasafamily there is nothing more important than the time we spend with the ones we love. Nothing more precious than the memories we create together. At the Omaha Community Foundation, we work with hundreds of families on charitable projects, and we’ve observed something remarkable happen again and again: when families spend time together giving, the quality of the time itself changes. Coming together to give means coming together to share.

Each family as well as each individual has their own unique set of experiences that shape their choices. Regardless of age, both perspectives influence what is meaningful as a family and as an individual. Giving together requires finding common ground. But when families begin the process of giving together, it may be difficult to find consensus.

To assist with that process, the Omaha Community Foundation has developed a Giving Plan. It walks you through the process of identifying what is most important to you – as an individual and as a family. The results will show you what values, interests, and experiences you share and where you differ. You can use this information to focus your personal giving as well as your family’s giving.

As your family evolves, so will your giving. Beyond finding your common interests, there are several other areas that may be challenging to navigate with your family. Consider the following as you think about giving together.

familygovernance

Giving as a family often requires the same level of thought as operating a business. Being clear about your objectives, participation, and operations will keep your family moving forward in a positive way and will allow you to focus on giving and not the operational details.

deal ing withconflict Conflict is natural. It occurs in all human relationships and can be both a source of creativity and angst. How we decide to deal with conflict makes all the difference. Each family must understand its own culture and realize that differences will arise. Setting guidelines at the beginning will help you to prevent some unnecessary conflict and transition through any challenges or changes that happen within your family.

planningfor the future

When you decide to give as a family, it’s essential that you consider how you want your giving legacy to continue over time. You may choose to give through the founding members’ lifetimes, or you may want your family’s giving legacy to continue over one or multiple generations or over a defined period of years. Understanding the intentions of the original founding members and having discussions within your family will ensure that family members’ intentions are understood and carried out in future generations.

We offer a number of services specifically designed for families addressing these kinds of issues. We can assist with one-time gifts or ongoing charitable relationships.

We guide families through these options. And we stay involved, making sure their plan continues to suit their family’s purpose.

Family philanthropy has become one of our favorite endeavors not just because it’s unbelievably powerful – driving positive changes throughout Omaha – but because it is so rewarding. We love being there when families come together for good. For more information on Family Giving, contact us at (402) 342-3458 or visit www.omahafoundation.org.

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“The mission of the Hope Center for Kids is to break the cycle of hopelessness by providing tangible hope for Omaha’s inner-city youth through faith, education, employment and collaboration.”

2008 HOPE CENTER FOR KIDS FACTS •

Served over 1000 youth (450 youth every weekend at Hope Skate and 750 when school is out)

•

Provided services for approximately 100 youth a day 40% of those served are children 5-12 years old 33% of those served are girls 92% of Hope Center seniors graduated high school 69% of the HS graduates went on to college!

Provided over 26,000 nutritious, weekday meals to youth Sent home 2,600 weekend meals to children

• • • • • •

with limited resources at home • • •

Provided over 4000 hours of social skills teaching and practice Provided 25,000 hours of tutoring and educational support Took 40 youth on visits to colleges and began preparation for college (69% youth are in college)

•

Provided almost 8,000 hours of part-time employment for Hope Center youth thru 21 part-time jobs

•

1,265 volunteers saved the Hope Center over $200,000 through 9,562 hours of service

YOUR DONATION PROVIDES • • • • •

Social Skill Development Spiritual Development and Encouragement Tutoring and Educational Advancement Recreational Activities through Skating, Athletics, Arts and Music Employment Training & Part-Time Youth Jobs

OUR CORE FOCUS For more than a decade, the Hope Center for Kids has served the youth and children in Omaha’s inner city community. Our programs are designed to empower youth, ages 5-19 years, to overcome obstacles in the classroom, on the street and on the job. Throughout the years, our focus has evolved from being a recreational program to a coordinated approach to equippingyouth for personal success through faith, education, employmentand collaboration by: Trusting (faith): that kids will experience God’s power and love. Faith is at the core of our programs, as we believe this will be the catalyst for lasting change in our kid’s lives.

Teaching (education): kids to succeed academically and pursue higher learning.

We monitor grades and communicate with teachers and guardians to promote progress.

Training (employment): kids to attain and maintain a job. Our youth development program trains kids in basics such as life skills, job essentials and respecting authority.

Teaming (collaboration): with others in the community to support more youth. We rely on our partners to serve youth in ways we could not do alone.

HOPE CENTER FOR KIDS 2200 N. 20th Street • Omaha, NE 68110 Phone (402) 341-4673 www.hopecenterforkids.com

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HEARTS FOR HOPE GUILD

E

XPRESSIONS of

HOPE

2ND ANNUAL GALA

EVENT INFORMATION

E

vent:

2nd Annual Hope Center for Kids Gala

Date: Friday, October 9, 2009 Theme: Expressions of Hope HOPE CENTER FOR KIDS MISSION STATEMENT

Attire: Cocktail Attire Location: Downtown Hilton Hotel 1001 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68102

S

chedule:

6:00 PM Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and Hope Center Children’s Art Boutique 7:00 PM Dinner & Program 8:00 PM Dessert, Coffee & Oral Auction 9:30 PM Live Music featuring the Higher Pursuit Band

“Breaking the cycle of hopelessness and providing tangible hope to Omaha’s inner city youth and children through faith, education, employment and collaboration.”

HOPE CENTER FOR KIDS HISTORY The Hope Center for Kids has served Omaha’s inner city youth and families since 1998. Throughout the years, our program has evolved from a drop-in after school program to a systematic approach to equipping youth for academic, professional and spiritual success. The Hope Center for Kids serve at-risk youth ages 5-19 years. The programs impact more than 100 youth each day, 450 youth each weekend and 1,000 youth each year. By meeting basic needs and preparing aggressively for the future, youth are empowered to become active participants in our communities and give back in positive ways.

HOPE CENTER FOR KIDS 2200 N. 20th Street • Omaha, NE 68110 | Phone (402) 341-4673 | www.hopecenterforkids.com

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CONNECTING YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION PROFILE

“YP” ORGANIZATION PROFILE

omahanexus

youthemergencyservices

contact justin ptacnik ptacnikj@hotmail.com

contact stacy seier, director of development (402)345-5187 • sseier@yesomaha.org Youth Emergency Services (YES) is dedicated to being the source of hope and guidance for at-risk, homeless and street dependent youth by providing shelter and support – and letting youth know that there are people who want to help them turn their lives around.

Since 1974, YES has been operating an Emergency Shelter for youth ages 1318. In 1999, YES started the only street-based outreach program in the Omaha area. Last year YES opened two new programs, a Maternity Group Home and Transitional Living Facility. These programs not only provide shelter, advocacy and education, but promote personal and family development.

YES assists over 5,000 youth annually in its programs. These youth can be helped thanks to a strong Board of Directors, staff and volunteer group.

We are always seeking Board members who can: • Focus on the Vision, Mission and Goals of YES within their work • Participate as a team member to advance the organization’s strategic plan by assuming governance and fiduciary responsibilities • Attend and actively promote all YES fund-raising events and functions

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Omaha Nexus is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to engaging people of all demographics in charitable activities, believing that everyone has the ability to help make Omaha a better community, and aspiring to motivate as many people as possible to join their mission. Through Omaha Nexus, citizens of Omaha have an opportunity to devote time, talent, and treasure to a variety of charitable causes that are relevant, rewarding, and fun.

Omaha Nexus is committed to engaging our members in order to maximize the value of our activities and develop long-lasting, positive relationships.

The Accountable Fundraising philosophy—a term coined by nycTIES—was adopted by Omaha Nexus to show its members the direct impact of their fundraising efforts and to hold them accountable for their donations. This accountability usually comes in the form of a vote, where the members select a specific program or charity that they would like their money to support.

MISSION STATEMENT: Omaha Nexus exists to benefit the community of Omaha by providing opportunities to contribute personal resources to charity, connect with people in the community, and celebrate life in the city.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED: To get involved with Omaha Nexus, send an email to Justin Ptacnik at ptacnikj@Hotmail.com or fill out the Contact Us form at www.OmahaNexus.org.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Anyone who supports the values of Omaha Nexus is welcome to join the organization. The values of Omaha Nexus are Integrity, Inclusivity, and Passion for Omaha.

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

• Contribute time, professional talents, energy and resources to the mission of YES • Serve at least one full two-year term

brianbrownrigg

• Assess the performance of board goals and chapter leadership

MARKET SPHERE CONSULTING, DIRECTOR, ENTERPRISE MARKETING MANAGEMENT

CAMP FIRE USA

.

Growing up, I was surrounded by family members who believed in giving back to the Omaha community. My mother in particular, the late Betsy Brownrigg, demonstrated her commitment to volunteerism with a long list of local organizations including the Junior League of Omaha, Omaha Lawyers Wives, The Omaha Childrens Museum, Uta Halee, Friends of Joslyn Castle, Girls Club of Omaha and more. She would often involve my sisters and me in her events, and she instilled in us a sense of community and giving back.

When my wife and I moved back to Omaha from Chicago in spring of 2004 I was anxious to get involved again on a local level. I wanted to work with an organization focused on kids because I know the foundation for personal success is built during those early years. I also wanted to find an organization with a visible impact to the community. Omaha is an easy city to find many such opportunities to contribute.

Change to: Omaha is an easy city to find many opportunities to conribute.

Initially, I started working with Camp Fire USA rebuilding the agency computers and advising on their technology. That progressed to a position on the Board of

BRIAN BROWNRIGG 33

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Directors where I watched Penny Parker, Executive Director, and several outstanding Board Presidents lead a very effective Board and agency. I feel honored to be serving as Board President in 2009.

Camp Fire is a leading non-profit organization in Omaha that helps boys and girls between ages five and eighteen through after school programs, homeless shelters, and preventative education. Nearly 20,000 local boys and girls are impacted by our programs which help children build academic success, healthy lifestyles and leadership skills. Camp Fire’s mission is “to spark the light in every child.”

As we push through this downturn in the economy, we are constantly reminding ourselves and our donors of that mission.

Our whole family has worked with Camp Fire. My wife, Kate, presently serves as a Guild Board Vice President and our older two children have assisted with Camp Fire’s Snack Pack program, packing backpacks for children to bring home with food. Even my grandfather stops by to pack backpacks and get to know the wonderful Camp Fire staff.

My wife and I hope to pass the tradition of community volunteerism on to our children as our parents did for us. Even after I roll off as Board President, our commitment to Camp Fire will continue.

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choose YPconnections

CONNECTING YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

brookeossenkop

“princesslasertron”

DIRECTOR OF REVENUE MANAGEMENT HILTON OMAHA

BRIDAL DESIGNER AND STYLE BLOGGER

I LIVE IN OMAHA BECAUSE NICENESS IS STILL A VIRTUE. We live in a community that is vibrant and caring, a place where I see my dreams happening. Omaha is big enough to support the world’s leading corporations; yet small enough to nurture and grow the entrepreneurial spirit. We may not have glitz, glamour, or even warm winters, but we have a fantastic aura of kindness. When I take my four year old daughter to the Henry BROOKE Doorly Zoo and we ride the train, OSSENKOP folks drop everything to wave as we pass by; she waves back with a giant smile – how can life be any better than that? I feel extremely fortunate to live within a community that remembers were we have been and is ambitious about the future. I live in Omaha because it is more than a city; it is a place to kick up your heels… home.

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I LOVE LIVING IN OMAHA BECAUSE IT'S AN EXTREMELY SPECIAL PLACE RIGHT NOW FOR LOCAL CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS. There are so many startups and new events and conferences, and the next generation of thought leaders is really taking ownership of their industry growth in this city. Something very special is going on here and big players all over the country are noticing. There is also a noticeable spirit of generosity MEGAN and community here in HUNT 23 Omaha. The city is small enough to nurture fellowship between its citizens, but big enough to sustain all of our growth in art, music, and business. Whenever I travel for business or pleasure, I am happy to come home to Omaha!

markpohl

SR. CORPORATE PERFORMANCE & PROCESS ENGINEER OMAHA PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT

jessicabrown HAIR STYLIST

CO-OWNER OF HALO STUDIOS

JESSICA BROWN

I LIVE IN OMAHA BECAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR A SMALL LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESS TO SUCCEED. Affordable real estate makes owning a home and a business realistic for everyone. Diverse neighborhoods support a wide variety of businesses, allowing people to open more interesting specialized shops. Omaha is large enough to have all the advantages of a big city, but still small enough that you know your neighbors.

I love being able to get anywhere in town in a matter of minutes.

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I LIVE IN OMAHA BECAUSE OF A LOT OF THINGS. But to sum it up, the small town friendliness to urban opportunities ratio was just right for us.

Affordable housing and good public schools drew us back. The community support allowed us to start our business. The emerging creative and entrepreneurial culture is keeping us here.

I am very excited about Omaha's potential and will be here for a long time.

HENRY johnhenrymüller JOHNMÜLLER OWNER / CREATIVE DIRECTOR WHAT CHEER, INC.

I FIND OMAHA TO BE A UNIQUE BLEND OF CREATIVE CLASS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE. The city and its leaders encourage enterprising individuals to mold their vision, energy and aspiration into a catalyst for meaningful change. Omaha supports the ‘familyvalues’ concept, and provides a range of opportunities for people to give back to the community.

Downtown Omaha is growing into a vibrant community that embraces the creative class, and provides an avenue for local artists and musicians to showcase their talents. I’ve lived in Omaha (or a suburb of Omaha) for most of my life, and the connection I have to this city is strong.

Some people claim they need to travel hundreds of miles to find fun stuff to do, but I know there’s plenty of engaging and stimulating things to participate in here. The Lauritzen MARK Botanical Gardens is just one place we’ve recently POHL 26 visited for an affordable mini-getaway.

I love the small-town feel that Omaha provides, with all the conveniences of a larger city.

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josefinaloza

ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

TO BE HONEST, I’M SPOILED IN OMAHA. We live in a progressive city with posh subdivisions, thriving businesses and top schools. On any given day, I can grab a bite to eat at Bronco’s and possibly run into the investment mogul Warren Buffett. I mean c’mon who runs into a billionaire at a local burger joint. We do.

We have movers and shakers here – innovators and creative types – who want to make this city more attractive. Take a walk through the Old Market or travel along Dodge or Cuming Streets to see the development, from condos to a new baseball stadium. Doesn’t filmmaker Alexander Payne own one?

He’s staying. So why wouldn’t you?

We’re laying the groundwork for future growth and that’s exciting. As an entertainment journalist, I’m thrilled when people call to chit-chat about ultra chic hangout spots such as the Slowdown, Film Streams, Nomad Lounge, the Waiting Room Lounge and so on. I love taking advantage of the Mai Tais at the kitschy Mt. Fuji InnJOSEFINA Mai Tai Lounge; the tacos at California Taco; the baseball LOZA 28 games at the College World Series or the champagne on tap at the Homy Inn. Apparently, the Homy is a favorite of Indie rocker Conor Oberst, too. I live in my Omaha because my city engages me. If I can make it in Omaha, I can make it any where.

kariemilford

OFFICE MANAGER KSI CONSTRUCTION

I LIVE IN OMAHA BECAUSE IT IS ONE OF THE MOST BUSINESSFRIENDLY CITIES IN THE COUNTRY. I believe a city is only as good as the people that comprise it, and Omaha definitely is home to some of the most creative and driven people in the country, if not the world. I work hard every day to do my part to make this city as great as I know it can be. One of my favorite aspects of working in the construction industry is that I literally get to watch the city grow before my eyes and take an active part in its development. I love living in Omaha because it has all of the sites, attractions and culture of a major city, while maintaining an almost “small town” feel. The opportunities here are endless. It is one of the few places where if KARIE MILFORD 22 you have passion and dedication, truly, anything is possible for you regardless of the path you choose to take.

I look forward to the future and seeing what it has in store for both me and our city.

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metroMAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2009

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DESIGNING YOUR SURROUNDINGS TO FIT YOUR LIFE

AL, DELORES & MARK MASER ANTICIPATING THE BRANDEIS MANSION RESTORATION

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WITH ALL THE DISCUSSION THESE DAYS about modernization: modernizing health care, modernizing the educational system, and the energy grid and infrastructure, it would be easy to think that anything created in the past has no stake in the future. Not so, of course: The 2009 Designer Showhouse holds space for those who cherish classic construction and historic architecture. This year’s featured home is the Brandeis Mansion, which provides the best of both worlds: old world craftsmanship blended seamlessly with modern design, appliances and amenities.

Experienced with the upkeep of older homes, Al and Delores Maser purchased the Brandeis Mansion in 2008 with the knowledge that there would be an extensive amount of work needed to restore the home to its original glory.

“All of the homes we’ve owned were older, and a bit on the bigger size,” Delores mentions. “And along with the bigger size comes a bit more maintenance and effort on the part of whomever owns the home.

Thankfully, we’ve had an amazing team to help us through that process here.”

G

by dave link

randeur •

s h o w h o u s e

T h e

RESTORED

Constructed in 1904, the Brandeis Mansion was built within a year of the Joslyn Castle, and is located only a few blocks away from each other in the Blackstone Neighborhood. The Joslyn Castle Trust will be the beneficiary of the money raised through ticket sales while the Brandeis Mansion is open to the public. In doing so, visitors will be supporting and refurbishing two historic Omaha landmarks in one fell swoop.

The question could be raised on whether or not an investment of this size would be worth it.

Being designated as a Designer Showhouse would help the Maser’s raise funds for the restoration of a historical structure; however, in the economic climate downturn, would the cost of a ticket be feasible for the community?

The answer was a resounding yes– During the sneak-peak weekend, the Brandeis Mansion had more than 3,000 visitors walk through its doorway. As if that weekend alone wasn’t enough to put the Maser’s slight trepidation at ease, the 2009 Designer Showhouse has already pre-sold 1,000 tickets for the string of events at the mansion ranging from the patron party on September 16th to the last day of the home’s exhibition on October 4th.

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Much like the Joslyn Castle, the Maser’s wanted to keep the Jacobethan Revival styling that had been the inspiration of the Brandeis Mansion’s original architect. Spreading over a three-story floor plan, the mansion would present itself as a daunting remodeling project for any homeowner. But, with a cast of 25 different design firms, each with their own designated space within the home, the Maser’s had found a way to divvy up the reconstruction in manageable pieces.

“There were a few things that had to be fixed right away when we purchased the home,” Delores notes.

“Like with most houses, there was a leak here or there that had to patched, but the major project that had to be completed, before the designers could take over, was the electrical and plumbing restoration.”

The Maser’s ultimate goal is to use the Brandeis Mansion as their retirement home. After originally contemplating condominiums and smaller housing options elsewhere, both Al and Delores realized that their love of Omaha’s rich cultural community and historic architecture was inimitable. However, retrofitting the Brandeis Mansion with modern amenities for a couple enjoying their golden years (an elevator and wheelchair accessible showers for example) required taking the interior down to studs and bare plaster.

This appealed to the Showhouse designers, considering they would be given a blank canvas on which to create. And their blank canvas was a sizeable one- with nine rooms on the first floor, twelve rooms on the second floor and four rooms on the third floor; this year’s Designer Showhouse is a far cry from the average size family home. Each of the 25 designers have chosen colors and patterns as varied as their individual backgrounds. The unifying points throughout the home present themselves in rich, deep colors and ornate, fleur-de-lis styled patterns on the wall, floor and fabric spaces.

With a home of this size, it can easily take the better part of an afternoon to explore from top to bottom. In order to make that time even more enjoyable, the lower level of the home will host the Brandeis Boutique (featuring items from Voila! in Dundee), and the Brandeis Café with catered food from Wheatfields Eatery & Bakery (Wheatfields has even designed a signature bread for the event at the Mansion to celebrate).

“We are just so excited to show the finished product to everyone who comes through the house,” Delores exclaims. “In the end, everyone’s hard work finally comes together to create something great for the entire Omaha community.” m

Friday, September 18 – Sunday, October 4 500 South 38th Street

www.omahadesignershowhouse.com • www.asid-neia.org a community project of The Nebraska/Iowa Chapter of ASID benefiting The Joslyn Castle Trust 2009 design chairman Kris Patton, ASID

2009 associate design chairs Melissa Guenther, ASID Robin Lindley, Allied Member ASID Becki Wiechman, ASID, LEED AP

2009 participating showhouse designers Jan Abbe, Allied Member ASID Patti Adams, Allied Member ASID Gwen Ahrens, ASID Bethany Banister, Allied Member ASID, LEED AP Leah A Bauer, Allied Member ASID Rachel Bogers, Allied Member ASID Karie Boggs, Allied Member ASID Deb Boler, Allied Member ASID Angela Bruno, Allied Member ASID Jan Buckingham, ASID Doris Buell, ASID Kristi Burnett, Allied Member ASID Dena Cacioppo, Allied Member ASID Laurie Campbell, Student Member ASID Dana Carlton-Flint, ASID Mary Carter, ASID Amanda Chaney, ASID Robyn Christenson, Allied Member ASID Lisa Cooper, Allied Member ASID Charlotte Dann, ASID Nicolette Diamantis, ASID

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Jordan Edick, Allied Member ASID Diane Gernstein, Allied Member ASID Melissa Guenther, ASID Marilyn Hansen, FASID Lance Hiatt, Allied Member ASID Marian Holden, ASID Becky Jackson, ASID, LEED AP Krystal Jansen, Allied Member ASID Beth Keller, Allied Member ASID Peggy Kelley, Allied Member ASID Richard F Klaas, ASID Julie Labens, ASID Robin Lindley, Allied Member ASID Linsey Lisowyj, Allied Member ASID Carolyn Luna, Allied Member ASID Diane Luxford, ASID Lisa McCoid, AIA, ASID Susan McMannama, ASID Janel Miller, Allied Member ASID Annette Mundy, ASID Deb Munro, ASID

Kristen Nelson, ASID Julie Odermatt, ASID Arlene Osterloh, Allied Member ASID Kris Patton, ASID Mary Pazderka Murphy, ASID Nancy Pesavento, ASID Julia Russell, ASID Beth Settles, Allied Member ASID Jill Sheffield, Allied Member ASID Joan Sorensen-Ronan, ASID Julie Stanek, ASID Pam Stanek, ASID Erin Svoboda, Allied Member ASID Ellen Turnage, Allied Member ASID Liz Vacanti, Allied Member ASID Richard White, ASID Anita Wiechman, ASID, CKBR Becki Wiechman, ASID, LEED AP Gail Williams, ASID Joyce Wimmer, ASID Katie Wobig, Allied Member ASID

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RETURN TO GRANDEUR

2009 Designer Showhouse by molly garriott

UCH CAN CHANGE IN THIRTY YEARS. ARE BORN, RAISED AND LOOSE UPON THE WO SET RLD. WASHINGTON’S POWER BASE CAN GO FROM DEMOCRAT TO REPUBLICAN AND BACK MULTIPLE TIMES. THE ROCKERS OF YESTERYEAR ARE NOW CROONING OLDIES .

CHANGE CAN BE DIZZYING.

CHILDREN

But change, balanced with consistency, is also to be embraced. The ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) Showhouse is a shining example of the harmony between change and continuity.

The Showhouse is an institution in Omaha that has spanned three decades.

This year’s Showhouse is the former Brandeis home, currently owned by the Maser family, on south 38th Street. It is a grand dame of the old Gold Coast neighborhood, and a fitting venue for the 32nd anniversary of the ASID Designer Showhouse.

When the first Designer Showhouse opened to the public in 1977, the Omaha Symphony sponsored it as a symphony fundraiser. Thus, it was duly dubbed the Symphony Showhouse. Recent years have seen a change in sponsorship. In 2008, Metro Magazine sponsored the event.

This year the Joslyn Castle Trust is serving as fiscal agent of the project, allowing the ASID members to concentrate their efforts on the creative aspect of the fundraiser.

While sponsorship has altered over the Showhouse’s thirty-two year history, the premise of the fundraiser remains the same.

Local ASID chapter members transform a metro area home. Participants are allotted a room in the house to design. Once completed, the Showhouse is opened to the public for touring and the money raised benefits the Joslyn Castle Trust. ASID receives a fee that provides for scholarships, community service projects and educational opportunities.

Over the years, both contemporary and historical dwellings have been designated as Designer Showhouse homes. Lisa McCoid, AIA, ASID is an interior designer with D3 Interiors and President Elect of the Nebraska/Iowa ASID chapter. This is McCoid’s fourth Showhouse, and she has found that the more historic the home, the greater success the fundraiser. Historic homes tell Omaha’s history and thus have a greater appeal, she and her colleagues have found. Passing through the butler’s pantry from the dining room and into the kitchen in an historic home is like walking back in time to another, more gentile era where dinner was the culmination of the day, not to be gobbled on the run or taken in front of the television but eaten leisurely and peppered liberally with conversion.

Who doesn’t like to time travel?

Perhaps the popularity of historic venues is because new construction homes are so closely (and rightly) associated with Street of Dreams. Joe Harwood is President of Harwood Services, a residential and commercial painting company. He is an Industry Partner of ASID, sits on the ASID Board of Directors and has served as the Showhouse’s financial director for the past two years. Harwood believes the mass appeal of older homes stems from their inherent craftsmanship. The intricacy and high quality of the work, so often a part of home construction one hundred years ago, would be cost prohibitive today.

This year, 63 interior designers are pooling their talents to create a stunning Showhouse. The designers have excellent bones with which to work in the Maser house. Yet their job to flesh it out is nonetheless a challenge. The design firms are only given a color palette from which to launch their creations. “We work our concepts off these colors,” says McCoid.

What window treatments, furniture styles, accessories and art a designer uses is flexible. Items that would remain with the home, like wall coverings or flooring, must meet with the home owners’ approval. Otherwise, designers have creative license with their space.

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There are numerous challenges with an undertaking of this scale. Money is one factor. Each designer is given an allowance.

If exceeded, the designer then absorbs that cost. Another is “coordinating the construction with the design,” acknowledges Becky Jackson, ASID, an interior designer with The Interior Design Firm and participant of this year’s Showhouse project. “It’s not just walking in and making it pretty,” she asserts. Industry Partner’s, or IP, workers have had to repair walls and fit new plumbing fixtures in the home. New flooring had to be constructed on existing joints in two bathrooms.

Of course, last minute glitches are not all that surprising. Interior designer Marilyn Hansen, FASID, a 32 year veteran and owner of The Designers, has seen her share of mishaps. Hansen said one year they had to conduct candlelight tours of the Showhouse due to faulty wiring. Dusk had set in, making it difficult to see indoors. So, designers turned on all the lights, unaware that the circuit breaker could not handle such a surge of power. Instantly, the house was cloaked in darkness. “Upstairs guests were feeling their way downstairs while we lit candles and found fuses,” recalls a laughing Hansen.

One wonders how it all comes together in the end with so many different designers and IP workers toiling away in tight quarters. Though Harwood concedes that the last three weeks are a little harried, they manage to create a beautiful end product. “It’s gratifying to see the before and after,” Jackson adds. She enjoys seeing other designers’ work, gaining inspiration from their creativity.

Education is a large component of the ASID Showhouse. “The Showhouse project is more than a fundraising project; it is a way for our members to work collectively to present to the community the importance of education, experience and professionalism in the design profession,” states Leo Daly’s Kim Ferguson, ASID, LEED AP and the Nebraska/Iowa ASID President. Given the large number of interior designers participating, the

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public benefits from live exposure to multiple design styles.

Guests learn what designers work with old homes and “old home dwellers get ideas from another old home,” Hansen adds. She says that over the Showhouse’s evolution, designers became much more concerned with “doing it right” instead of just having fun. She cites how one designer placed a mannequin in a bathtub full of balloons as an example of this. Today, the work guests see at the Showhouse “sets the bar higher than HGTV,” says Hansen.

Ferguson concurs: “Showhouse projects provide an outlet for our designers to demonstrate their talents and share the value of thoughtful, personally tailored design. It is rewarding for all to see the transformation that occurs with a Showhouse project.”

The designer’s themselves staff the rooms during the public tours, fielding questions and hearing comments. This is one aspect McCoid especially enjoys.

“It’s very rewarding to hear positive feedback,” she comments. She also welcomes its educational opportunity: “The Showhouse allows the public to have a better understanding of what we do as designers.”

Monies raised from the fundraiser support other ASID projects, like student enrichment programs. Becky Rea, ASID, a designer with Lincoln’s Swanson Interiors, is the Professional Development Director of the Nebraska/Iowa Chapter of ASID. Cultivating a strong student population is a focus of ASID. “After all, they are the future of our organization and our profession,” Rea asserts. The chapter hosts a yearly Student Career Day at which design students hear guest speakers, interact with seasoned professionals, and hone their interview skills at mock interviews. ASID also offers a Third Year Scholarship, offered to ASID student members in their third year of Interior Design. “Applicants submit a project, explaining the project scope, needs and how they met the needs.

They are judged and selected by a panel of professional interior designers, industry partners and educators,” Rea explains.

Continuing education for current design professionals is another area of emphasis with ASID. The national level of ASID provides the STEP Workshop to help prepare practitioner members for the NCIDQ exam. The Nebraska/Iowa Chapter hosts two workshops a year. Scholarships for those sitting for the exam are available as well.

Giving back to the community is important to ASID. In recent years, the local chapter’s focus has been The Friendship Program. The Friendship Program is an adult day care for elderly and special needs adults. It first came to ASID’s attention in 2005. Located in the former Baker’s supermarket on 73rd and Maple Street, it badly needed a facelift.

ASID oversaw the remodeling of its main lobby that first year and shifted its attention to the bathrooms the second year. For the past two years, it has concentrated on the common rooms. ASID and IP members joined forces, first to fund the improvements through wine tasting parties and golf outings and then to paint the common rooms on weekends off.

New chairs for The Friendship Program participants were also donated.

From shag carpeting and flocked wall paper to Persian rugs and faux finishes, the ASID Designer Showhouse has illustrated the latest in interior design for the past thirty-two years. It is a project that fits ASID’s mission of educating and giving back to the community well.

An old house is given new life. The public is educated, entertained and inspired. Future ASID professionals are encouraged. And local charities are supported. Yes, Becky Jackson was right when she said the Showhouse was “more than just making it pretty.” m

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home family•• metro

Lanoha Nurseries

when

by molly garriott

LANOHA NURSERIES WAS STARTED IN 1973 BY DAVE LANOHA, IT WAS A SMALL LAWN AND LANDSCAPE COMPANY. TODAY, 36 YEARS LATER, IT IS THE METRO AREA’S LARGEST RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR, WITH OVER 1100 ACRES OF GROWING FIELDS, OVER 80 ACRES OF CONTAINER PERENNIALS AND SHRUB PRODUCTION, AND THE CITY’S MOST EXTENSIVE GARDEN CENTER. Lanoha’s is a two-generation, family run business. Dave, its founder, represents the first generation of Lanoha's and serves as president.

His sons, Chris and Jason, are the second generation Lanoha’s who “manage and run most facets of the company on a day to day basis,” explains Chris. Chris has always liked getting his hands dirty in the family business: “I’ve been a part of our family business since I was able to walk…

I’ve worked here my whole life.” Even when he is away from “the office,” he is elbow deep in dirt. “What down time I do have is spent out in the yard or in our tree fields,” he admits.

What sets Lanoha apart from its national chain competitor is the home grown aspect of the nursery. Yes, it is a locally conceived and independently owned business, but the majority of its stock is literally home grown. The nursery moved to its current West Omaha location to acquire enough land to grow what it sells. “We produce and grow our own trees, and most of our shrubs,

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perennials and annuals,” Chris explains. “We take pride in the products we offer. This is why we chose to expand– to give our customer home grown quality plant material.”

Samples of Lanoha’s work abound throughout Omaha and Lincoln. Village Pointe, Southpointe and Shadow Lake Towne Center are just a few properties it has planted and maintains. But the size of Lanoha’s does not mean it only caters to considerable scale residential or commercial contacts. Assures Chris: “We plant everything from a single tree to the largest job sites in the Midwest.”

Gardening, always popular, is increasingly becoming one of the leading leisure activities in America, Chris has observed over his years at Lanoha’s. It is a great family activity, as he can personally attest. “The family garden, either in containers on a patio or a small patch in the back yard, has become very popular,” he says. It is satisfying on so many levels. It’s elemental, connecting you with nature in an intimate way. It’s communal, offering family members- young and old, novices and experienced alike- the opportunity to unplug and share time out of doors.

Chris is a big advocate of showing children where their food comes from. “Introducing children to the delights of planting seeds or small starter plants, tending plants, and finally harvesting their bounty is a great summer activity,”

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pride ••••• he believes. He recommends herbs as an especially good introduction to gardening. If yard space is limited, they grow quite happily in pots. Bring them indoors during the winter for an added bonus. It’s economical, too; fresh herbs in the produce aisle at the supermarket are pricey and their quality, sometime dubious.

Chris’ years with Lanoha’s have seen many trends come and go. Currently, incorporating hardscape elements in your garden design is popular.

“Using a mix of natural stones to create another layer within the design by constructing stone outcroppings and walls is a hot trend right now,” he observes. So is creating outdoor living spaces in which homeowners bring indoor rooms, like kitchens, living and dining rooms, outdoors. Their yards become extensions of their homes’ interiors.

To add ambiance, homeowners are including water and fire into their landscaping. Chris says waterfalls and ponds are popular ways to introduce the soothing sound of water into your backyard sanctuary. Fireplaces and fire pits, in turn, create warmth when the evening air becomes crisp and slightly tinged with chill.

“Green” gardening is also gaining in popularity as consumers become more aware of our tender ecological state. Using organic wood mulch, grouping plants by their watering requirements to cut down on water waste, and using phosphorous-free fertilizers are all simple ways to protect the earth while beautifying it.

Gardening does require patience. As Chris maintains, a completely carefree garden does not exist. But more and more homeowners are looking to create an established look. To this end, Lanoha’s does offer large plant material because “customers don’t want to wait long for maturity anymore…

They want instant impact.”

To Chris, the size of your garden does not matter. What is important is the connection to nature that gardening supplies. “Nature is an important part of the human spirit,” Chris states. “It is important to your health to be surrounded by nature and beauty because it helps wash away the stress of the day.”

So when you walk through the front door and toss you keys on the hall table at the end of the day, head out to your own private garden for a little rejuvenation. Lanoha Nurseries can help you create your own oasis if one is lacking or spruce up an existing space. It’s time well spent. m

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advertiser SPOTLIGHT

si g ns of the times STORY BY DAVE LINK PHOTO BY ANDREA HOIG

n any given day, tens of thousands of people pass by marketing signage.

Signs have become such a part of the average person’s life that most don’t often recognize the care and effort put into each project. Jim Paulison, owner of Best Buy Signs, and his staff have been crafting and installing an ever-increasing variety of signage for 20 years.

In a business climate that is putting more and more emphasis on responsible spending while still attempting to raise brand awareness, Best Buy Signs has virtually limitless ways to grab consumer’s attention.

O

“We can create something as simple as graphics for glass doors all the way to large multi-tenant entry signs,” says Paulison. “There several ways to get a business’ name out there in a way that is both unique and eye-catching.”

Paulison came to a career in the sign business by a somewhat unorthodox route. After graduating from high school a year early, he decided to do something creative with his year off before starting college. After taking a course that taught him how to bend the glass tubing for neon lighting, Paulison realized he could combine his artistic and entrepreneurial drive into something marketable.

As the company has grown, Paulison and his staff have continued to look for ways to provide cutting-edge opportunities for their clientele. Starting in June of this year, Best Buy Signs will have a way to provide 400 new, low-cost advertising locations at some of Omaha’s busiest

roadways and intersections. Every six years, Omaha’s Parks Dept. renews a bus bench contract, giving one local sign company the exclusive opportunity to supply benches and sell the advertisements. Paulison and Best Buy Signs received the contract this year, and have something new in mind for the MAT benches ¬– something brand new.

“We’re taking our bus benches in a new direction,” says Paulison. “Some of the ones out there now are in absolutely terrible shape and need to be replaced.

So, we figured we would make the investment and replace all the benches and use something that is more ecofriendly at the same time.”

The national trend towards ecologically minded or “green” design has increased, so Paulison and his coworkers decided that something that sits out in nature should be nature-friendly.

the frequent replacement and maintenance needed with the current benches.

The bench backs will also be made from a green-minded product. Again replacing the current wooden bench backs, the new versions will be produced from 100% recycled milk jugs. The new recycled plastic bench backs will also have the lower maintenance benefits and carry a 50 year manufacture warranty.

“It just makes sense. The finished benches will wear better than the current ones, save on maintenance costs and have a beautiful park like style” Paulison said excitedly. “I can’t think of anywhere else in Omaha that you can get the traffic of 25,000 or more vehicles to pass by for an advertising cost of about three dollars per day.”

The new benches that Best Buy Signs will be installing have a unique combination of green components. The majority of the current bench components are made from wood which while a natural product, has trouble withstanding the harsh fluctuations in temperature and moisture that Nebraska experiences. Paulison’s bench bases will be constructed out of concrete aggregate with a 20 percent coal ash mix.

A byproduct from the burning of coal, coal ash is normally disposed of in landfills or abandoned mines.

By incorporating coal ash into the benches, the finished products will use less total concrete, keep waste products from being dumped in landfills and also avoid 33

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best buy signs inc.

address: 17410 Storage Rd Omaha, NE 68136 web: www.bestbuysigns.net phone: (402) 861-0384

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metroMAGAZINE

top10

fall vegetables

“icrave leafyvegetables” as more vegetables

by mary e. vandenack

summer moves to an end and fall settles in, the farmers’ markets, vegetable stands, and produce sections of the grocery stores offer abundant choices to provide great nutrition and help us shift our energy with the season. For a special fall treat, consider trying a vegetable that you have never tried before. Put more vegetables on the table and you may lose weight and feel better! Many of the vegetables listed below are available year round but peak in late summer or fall. My top ten favorite fall vegetables and cooking methods are.

Kale is a great source of Vitamins B, A, and calcium. Kale is considered to have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Look for crisp, tender leaves that are bright in color. Kale is an intense addition to salads. Also try cooking into miso soup or lentils.

Collard Greens are a great source of vitamins A, C, fiber and nutrients

in your diet can make weight loss... easier

Make a veggie your main course. Portobellos and zucchini work well.

A plant based diet is less processed. Eat more vegetables and blow off the empty calories from processed junk foods. Eat a carrot instead of a pretzel.

Replace soda with vegetables. If the vegetable doesn’t resolve the Diet Dr. Pepper craving, go for fruit.

considered to have anti-cancer properties. Leaves should be crisp, tender, bright in color and not overgrown. Cook with a small amount of olive oil until just wilted or steam. A quarter pound contains 46 calories.

Many vegetables contain fiber. When you eat a lot of vegetables, the digestive system will work better and you will have less cravings.

Bok Choy contains Vitamins A and C and nutrients thought to have cancer fighting properties. Look for dark green glossy leaves and bright white stalks. Avoid heads with brown spots on the leaves. Bok Choy can be used in salads, steamed or stir fried.

simplekalesalad

Belgian Endives provide Vitamins A and C and are a source of fiber at

Toss together chopped kale, pine nuts, cranberries, olive oil, fresh lemon juice and a touch of sea salt.

the price of only 8 calories per cup. Look for smooth, pale yellow or white leaves. Steam. Use in salads or use as a shell for fillings.

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Brussels Sprouts provide Vitamins C, A, folate and potassium.

They are considered by some to offer cancer fighting and cardiovascular benefits. Look for small sprouts with tight fitting leaves and no brown spots. Cook whole or in halves. Steam or sautee.

Snow Peas are an excellent source of Vitamin C. Look for bright green firm peas. Avoid rubbery ones. Boil, steam, stir fry or serve in salads.

Parsnips are an excellent source of folate, Vitamin C and fiber.

Look for well shaped, small, firm roots. Cut them into cubes and use in soups or boil them.

Cauliflower is a great alternate to the mashed potato. Cauliflower provides Vitamin C, folate and fiber. Look for a firm white or cream colored head. Steam and then mash or boil, or serve raw in salads.

Swiss Chard is a good source of Vitamins A, C and iron. Look for crisp tender bright leaves that are not overgrown. Use raw in salads when small and tender. Cook in skillet with small amount of olive oil to wilt.

Spinach provides Vitamins A, C, E, K, and folate. Look for fresh, crisp, deep green leaves without blemishes, insect damage or wilting. Use raw spinach as a base for a salad. Steam and season with shallots, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

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metro

the soul’s journey • with dixie clark

dixie clark, ms, mss, lpc www.morningstarcenter.com

livingyoursoul’sintentions “I recognized, finally, that I had always been in touch with my Soul and divine nature. I had never been separate from it. It had always been present, as the best part of me. It was my laughter, my loving, my enthusiasm, my devotion, and so much more. It was the part of me that I really liked.” from When Are You Coming Home? A Personal Guide to Soul Transcendence” John-Roger with Paula Sanderson

think

back over the last week. What were your intentions for yourself? Are you aware of what was motivating you? Was your day filled with a sense of purpose, or did you make decisions out of judgment, negativity or fear? We often live life on autopilot, living out old programming, other people’s opinions, or wait to act until we’re guaranteed success. Just remember that “energy flows where our attention goes.” So, if we have a positive intention for a situation or for our life, and continue to put our attention and devotion to that, our energy becomes very focused to support it. And, if we have no conscious intention, or have negative expectations, our energy goes back to the old programming that’s there, which can often be of a negative or limiting nature.

let’s look at this from the soul’s perspective…

Beneath the fears and negativity of our ego/personality lie the intentions that our Soul has for us in this lifetime. Intentions are different than goals or resolutions. They have some very specific qualities:

me to be ok”, I am giving all my power away to things that are not in my control. Whereas, if I have an intention to “Love and accept all parts of myself,” my self worth comes from within. By living our soul’s intentions we become the positive co-creator of our inner experience in situations, rather than feeling like a victim or blaming people and things outside of ourselves.

I have no magic formula for accessing this information. Each of us has our own way of communicating with ourselves on the deepest level. I do have some questions to ask yourself that may assist you. Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Put on some soft music if you find that helpful.

Go in to a meditative state or say a prayer of attunement. Turn your attention inward, and silently ask yourself the following questions. Don’t think of the “perfect” answer, just allow whatever’s there to come forward.

you may wish to consider your soul’s intentions…

• Who do I want to be at this stage of my life?

• What qualities do I need to open up to within myself?

• Energy of expansiveness

• What values do I want to guide me?

• Can be experienced at any moment

• When I look back on my life at the time of my death, what do I want to be able to say about how I lived my life?

• An inner quality that comes through all you do • Aligns you with your Divine nature

• What is my soul’s intention for me?

• Serves as a beacon through life

These intentions can be one word, such as… joy; clarity; loving; acceptance; mindfulness. Or, they can be a phrase, i.e.… “Accept all parts of myself;” “Live in balance;” “Loving service to self and others” “Be a joyful, loving being;” “Stand in the Truth of who I am;” “Live in Grace;” “Open up to abundance.”

The qualities of these intentions are not something we need to learn or develop. They are the essence of who we already are. This is the life force that shines from our Soul when we allow it. When we open up to the intentions from this soul level and bring them forward into our daily lives, we begin to create an energy field in and around us that’s of a higher level.

They become the guiding Light in our lives. And when our energy, thoughts, emotions and actions are in line with our intentions, we begin to open to the flow of life, living “On Purpose.”

If I have an intention of “being a joyful, loving presence in the world,” and continue to devote myself to that and put energy into it, my experience each day is going to be totally different than if my goal is to “not screw up today.”

Or, if I live by the belief that “others must approve of all that I do in order for

You may get immediate information, or it may come later. When you identify an intention, allow yourself to feel the energy of it. The vibration of it will be unique to you. If your intention is to “be at peace with myself” or “joy”, you can begin to have that inner experience now. You don’t need to wait for something outside of yourself to make it happen. It’s already there underneath the illusions we’ve created.

Every day there will be people and situations that will pull us away from this alignment with our intentions. So, everyday we need to become aware when this is happening and direct our energy back. The more devoted we are to living our intentions, and the more time we spend in that vibration, the stronger this energy becomes. And each time we get pulled out of balance into negativity, we have a choice, “Do I want to stay in my suffering, or am I willing to sacrifice this in order to live my intention?”

And, through it all, our Soul waits patiently.

Dixie Clark, MS, MSS, LPC is Director and co-founder of Morning Star Center, a holistic wellness center.

A licensed counselor and ordained minister, she holds a masters degree in both counseling and spiritual science. With over 26 years experience in mind/body therapies, she combines psychology and spirituality to help people release emotional blocks, heal past trauma and change limiting beliefs.

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Alexandria, Christina, Viv, and John Ewing

Susan and Bill Cutler with Todd and Mary Johnson

Ak-Sar-Ben royalcourtweekend

scene

the

metro

Photos by Linda Sh epard

EXCITING • PHILANTHROPIC • INSPIRING • FUN

John, Jacque, and Connie Kinnear ge on next page

continued covera

rity coverage of cha to o h p d n a ts h a Highlig in the metro are ts n ve e l ia c o s and

and Andrea Hoig

Michele and Alyssa Grewcock with Mimi Gleason, Doug Grewcock, and Ann Hergenrader Steve and Ann Hergenrader, Father John Schlegel

Clark and Emily Lauritzen, Brady and Ryan Gibson

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Kim Robak, Kat and Bill Mueller

8/21/09 4:35:46 PM

Jan, Kara, and Mike Brown

Gus, Katie and Kristy Gustafson

having

ball

a

AK-SAR-BEN ROYAL COURT WEEKEND

kings

and queens, princesses and escorts, countesses and pages– those from past “dynasties,” and some hoping to be chosen for the next– gathered for this year’s Ak-Sar-Ben Royal Court Weekend, marking the official opening of the season leading up to the Ak-Sar-Ben CXIII Coronation Ball. As always, honorees in this year’s extravaganza are chosen for their community service and leadership.

Diane, Molly, and David Millea

Jack, April, Lauren and Mike Karstens

Kent, Michele, and JoAnn Norquest

Day two brought guests to the downtown Hilton for the annual Royal Court Brunch. Holding court for this event were 2008 112th Ak-Sar-Ben Queen Alyssa Grewcock and her parents Doug and Michele Grewcock. Also in attendance: the entire 2009 Court of the 113th Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation Ball, numbering approximately 500.

Brian Harr, Nate Dodge, and Burke Harr

Guests were greeted by Mary Johnson, 2009 Women’s Ball Committee Chairman and this year’s advisor, Anne Hergenrader, 2008 Women’s Ball Committee Chairman.

The Brunch includes the formal announcement of the 2009 Court including Princesses, Heartland Princesses, Escorts, Heartland Escorts, Standard Bearers, Pages, Floor Committee, and Court of Honor members. Jeffrey Taxman, Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation Ball’s Prime Minister, announced the 2009 Royal Court which added much regal fanfare to the morning’s festivities. Other introductions included Women’s Ball Committee members, Governors, Councillors, Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation Staff, official Royal Court appointees, reigning Monarchs and past Ak-Sar-Ben royalty. This year’s Brunch was chaired by Brunch Chairman Patti Pryor, and Assistant Chairman Jill Bydalek.

Shari, Jason and Wyatt James Mary de Souza and Patti Pryor metroMAG-EventsSpreads-0909-JOE.38 38

Festivities for this year’s Coronation Ball, entitled “For One Night Only,” kicked off with a Royal Court Welcome held August 1st at Physicians Mutual Insurance Company.

Guests were greeted by Women’s Ball Committee Chairman Mary Johnson and her husband Todd, Women’s Ball Committee Advisor Ann Hergenrader and her husband Steve, 2008 Queen Alyssa Grewcock and her parents, Michele and Doug Grewcock, 2008’s “Most Honored Citizen,” the Reverend John P. Schlegel, S.J., and Coronation Ball Chairman Bill Cutler and his wife Susan. Jeannie Dudzinski presided as the Royal Court Welcome Chairman, and Heather Russell served as assistant chairman.

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This year’s Ak-Sar-Ben CXIII Coronation Ball will be held on October 10th.

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Monte, Summer, and Lisa Froehlich Jordan, Sherrie, and Bernie Dudzinski Jaymie and Michael Schilken

Julie, Rachel, and Joe Skradski

Sarah, Chris, and Luke McGowan

Heather Russell and Ann Hergenrader

Stephanie and Rebecca Hansen

Joani, Mike, and Kelly Mullin

Grace, Charlie, Ansley and Susie Nelson Rudy, Ryan, and Jean Bartman

Karin, Laurin, and Bob Hogan

Father John Schlegel and Alyssa Grewcock Bart and Jane McLeay

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Danielle and Harper Gordman

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metroMAGAZINE • SEPT 2009

Nate Dodge and Mimi Gleason

8/21/09 4:36:08 PM

Kinsley and Denise Kopcho

Alex, Tom, and Betty Lou Ball Jeff, Jack, and Kathy Neary

Kevin Jackson, Brandon Finn-Jackson and Pam Finn Beth, Preston, and Curt Greiner

Robert, Mary and Diana Foster

Dana, Rachel, and Mike Meyer

Parker LeFebrvre and Nancy Falk Ayoub

Andy, Abby and Shelby Moore

David, Jane, and Gary Raetz Rosemary, Janel, and Clyde Meis

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Ted, Nolan, and Trish Walz

8/21/09 4:36:21 PM

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8/21/09 4:36:23 PM

Linda and Terry McClain with Ruth Henrichs and Rupert Dunklau Mohamed Jallob and Kitcki A. Carrol with Ruth Henrichs and Mary Pipher Photos by metroMA GAZINE

Eunice Malath “South Sudan” and Nyatoni War

Christina, Alexandria,Viv and John Ewing

speaking mylanguage LUTHERAN FAMILY SERVICES GLOBAL VOICES EVENING

the

Ernesto and Susan Medina with Ruth Henrichs

Robert Dorton, Rosa M. Ortiz, and Mitch McCartney

Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska (LFS) hosted the Global Voices Evening event at the Hilton Omaha on August 1st. The event reception featured music from around the world, and a cultural procession.

A silent auction featured unique, culturally-diverse items representing several countries. The benefit raised more than $24,000 and was attended by 250 people. Douglas County Treasurer and community leader John Ewing, Jr. served as emcee.

Guests enjoyed a dinner and program which began with the Grand Entry of Nations. This cultural procession involved individuals who were dressed in native regalia and weaved throughout the room to the beat of an African drummer. The LFS Community Services Department serves the needs of refugees, immigrants and asylees across Nebraska.

For more info about Lutheran Family Services, contact Kim Thomas at 402.536.3505 or visit online at www.lfsneb.org.

Ruth Henrichs with Mayor Jim Suttle and Deb Suttle

Lacey Studnicka and Moewim Ner Clay

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8/25/09 5:08:49 PM

Ben Nelson and the Omaha Lancers Mascot

Council Bluffs Mayor Tom Hanafan, Ellen Wright, Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle, Jennifer & Will Priest, Event Co-Chairs Alison & Dan O’Neill, Nolan Dunn, Cindy Irvine and Senator Ben Nelson

amilein

theirshoes

Event Co-Chairs Alison & Dan O’Neill pictured with children with type 1 diabetes

JUVeniLe DiaBeTeS ReSeRCH FOUnDaTiOn WaLK TO CURe DiaBeTeS

more

than 5,000 walkers representing local corporations, families, schools and other organizations participated in the 18th annual Walk to Cure Diabetes for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). This year’s Walk to Cure Diabetes was held on Saturday, August 1 at the Lewis & Clark Landing. The chapter is closing in on its goal of raising $1 million for diabetes research and anticipates that number to rise as fundraising efforts conclude. The family fun event included food, games, clowns, face painting and inflatable’s for the children. The Walk was approximately two miles long, with a 3 mile option. Dignitaries in attendance included Senator Ben Nelson, Congressman Lee Terry, Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle, and Council Bluffs Mayor Tom Hanafan. JDRF walks are held in more than 200 cities worldwide. Nationally, nearly 500,000 people walked to cure diabetes last year. Collectively, JDRF walks raised more than $100 million last year for diabetes research.

Teams walking up from the Lewis & Clark Landing

Walk Mascot Lil' Sneak

More Walkers!

For more information on JDRF call 402.397.2873 or visit www.jdrf.org.

RF Photos courtesy of JD

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catch the

spirit

of the Omaha community!

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humanafterall COnFeRenCe FOR inCLUSiVe COMMUniTieS 2009 HUManiTaRian DinneR

on

June 4th, the Conference for Inclusive Communities announced the Chairs and Honorees at the 2009 Humanitarian Dinner at the Holiday Inn Central. The evening began with a reception that included a raffle followed by a dinner.

Henry A. Davis

Event Chairs Carol & Rick Russell

Since 1955, the Humanitarian Dinner has remained one of Omaha’s oldest award dinners and continues to be CFIC’s most critical fundraising effort. Today CFIC works with over 2,000 youth and adults each year by delivering educational programs. Their goal is to raise awareness around the issue of difference and focus on reducing personal and institutional biases and prejudices.

Presenting Sponsor Omaha Steaks and 2009 Dinner Chairs Carol and Rick Russell joined CFIC in honoring Henry A. Davis and Dr. Michael and Shirley Sorrell with the Humanitarian Award for their dedication to the goals and values of CFIC. The Otto Swanson Spirit of Service Award is given to individuals and organizations whose lives and work exemplify the mission of CFIC. This award was presented to the Empowerment Network and Institute for Holocaust Education.

Hilary Nather-Detisch accepted the CFIC Volunteer Award for her years of dedication and service to the organization.

For more information about the Conference for Inclusive Communities call 402.391.4460 or visit www.cficonline.osrg.

Hillary Nather-Detisch sy of Photos courte

Michael and Shirley Sorrell

CFiC

now! metmago.com

viewonline

ily Services Photos courtesy of Heartland Fam

makin' ▼ Monica Meier, John Jeanetta, and Nancy Schulze with Honorary Event Hosts Deb & Doug Goodman, and Joanie Spitznagle.

music

HeaRTLanD FaMiLY SeRViCe STRiKe-a-CHORD FUnDRaiSeR

heartland

Family Service held its fifth annual Strike a Chord fundraiser at Harrah’s Convention on July 31st. The evening included dueling pianos, live and silent auctions, raffle, and a “celebrity” art auction. A large number of people attended the event with the proceeds assisting Southwestern Iowa’s children and families in need. Council Bluffs residents Doug and Deb Goodman served as host couple of the event and KGOR’s sparkling morning host Dave Wingert served as the emcee.

In addition to the engaging musical program , a number of local “celebrity artists” created original works of art to be judged and auctioned that evening. Heartland Family Service offers assistance and services to a wide range of individuals in nine Southwest Iowa counties.

For more info about Heartland Family Service, call 712.332.1407 or visit www.heartlandfamilyservice.org.

Kelly Kulesa and Alice Edwards

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Paula Danker accepting the People’s Choice award

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Beth Augustyn, Erin Vic and Lisa Tooker with Luigi DiRuocco, Joellen Zuk

Trista Nelsen, Megan Gilligan and Mindell Rethwisch with Ann Pitschka and Sherrie Michael Photos by Linda Shepard

rockin' goodtime

a

naTiOnaL aSSn. OF CaTeRing eXeCUTiVeS ROCK THe FORK CaTeRing CHaLLenge

Lori Kol and Leanne Knott with Kay Telford and Marcy Odorisio

Dawn Kuster and Randi Carter with Monique Wyatt and Andrea Milton

the

Tip Top Ballroom was the location of the 2nd Annual “Rock the Fork-A Catering Challenge” on June 9th. Over 120 guests from the public and hospitality community in Omaha dined on a gourmet three course meal designed and prepared by the students at the Institute for Culinary Arts at Metropolitan Community College in conjunction with Brandies Catering. The $5,800 raised will benefit the Institute for Culinary Arts at Metropolitan Community College, The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Hospitality School and Greater Omaha Chapter of the National Association of Catering Executives Scholarship Programs (NACE).

Jon Jenkins, Lisa Tooker, Tracy Diehl, and Jackie Schultz with Angela Brant, Carrie Dayton, and Don Schneider

The guest participated in a silent auction and watched five local chefs from various catering companies compete in a cooking competition. In addition to the culinary completion, several local businesses turned out to participate in a Tablescapes competition featuring Rock and Roll themed decorations.

The chefs were judged by a four-person panel that included: Jim Trebbien, Rich Barmettler, Colleen Cleek, and Doug Smith.

For more information about NACE call 301-4022.

Veronica Westenburg and Jessie Perreca with Kristen Kalinowski and Lauren Eicher

Lynn Reynolds and Renae Shea with Bob Green and Bonnie Carolun

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Jon and Kristi Pete with Peter Kolb and Katelyn Ruff 48

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Mindell Rethwisch and Beth Barrineau with Ann Pitschka and Jackie Schultz

Joe Jennings with Aaron Paul and Frank Morlan

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▼

aculture of

learning

LaTinO CenTeR OF THe MiDLanDS SCHOLaRSHiP DinneR

the

Latino Center of the Midlands hosted its annual Scholarship Dinner at the Scott Conference Center on July 27th. The dinner provided the opportunity for sponsors of the Latino Center of the Midlands to meet and socialize with the Center’s students. The evening raised $60,000 to support the LCM and its services.

Tadd Pullin and Rebecca Valdez with Lisa and Greg Daake

Chairs of the Scholarship Dinner were Bill and Deb Dinsmoor from The Nebraska Medical Center. Presenting sponsors were Greg and Lisa Daake. Scholarships for higher education were awarded to four local students.

Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman noted the center’s efforts to increase achievement for all Nebraskans and said, “It’s very important for us to demonstrate the importance of education to our children.” The Latino Center of the Midlands works to promote the self-sufficiency and self-determination of Heartland Latino families and provides an array of beneficial services.

Mayor Jim Suttle with Bill and Deb Dinsmoor Photos courtesy of Latino Center of the

row

Midlands

Photos courtesy of The Foo d Bank

▼

ducks in a

For more information, call 402.733.2720 or visit online at www.latinocenterofthemidlands.org.

THe FOOD BanK “O! WHaT a DUCK RaCe!”

the

Food Bank celebrated its second annual “O! What a Duck Race!” at Heartland of America Park on Saturday, July 25th.

Thousands of families attended the event, which included a variety of carnival games, musical entertainment, and most importantly- plastic ducks.

The ducks, which could be “adopted” for $5, helped raise over $120,000 for the Food Bank.

Children learned how to shake their tail feathers and how to “Do De Derby Duck” dance

This year’s event chairman was Tom Burke, a Food Bank Board Member; the event planning committee involved Food Bank staff, board members, volunteers and sponsors. 26,000 yellow ducks bobbed down the racetrack for the good cause (with every duck that was adopted, The Food Bank could feed a family of four for one day). The Food Bank is a non-profit organization whose mission is to alleviate hunger through the collection of donated food and household products and the distribution of these items to charities and organizations that help people in need.

For more information about the Food Bank call 402.331.1213 or visit www.omahafoodbank.org.

Quacky, the “O! What a Duck Race!” mascot, stops for a quick hug from his friends 50

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The pond at Heartland of America Park with more than 26,000 derby ducks in the water

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assetprotection a trusts

fundamental part of any financial plan includes consideration of protecting your assets from lawsuits and claims. The impact of the recent economy has increased awareness of the need for asset protection planning.

establisha good basic estate and financial plan The first step in asset protection planning is to establish a sound estate plan.

The correct approach to an estate plan varies widely depending on personal circumstances but the common goals should include: (1) ensuring you are taken care of for life (2) ensuring spouse, if one, is provided for (3) providing for children (4) probate avoidance (5) tax planning strategies.

review risks

and insurance Identify your key risks. Review your investments. Do you own rental real estate? Do you own a business?

Do you have a swimming pool in the back yard? Do you race Porsches on weekends? Do you blog in your spare time and express opinions about people or businesses? After identifying your risks, review your insurance.

Often, clients think a risk is covered and find out it is not, only after the claim has arisen. Be familiar with your coverage. Ask about optional coverages and make a conscious decision as to each option.

Consider umbrella coverage.

LLCs Consider the use of a limited liability company for investment assets such as rental real estate. A limited liability company is a separate entity for liability purposes that can be maintained fairly simply relative to alternate options. A limited liability company is very flexible as to the types of tax treatment that you can choose.

planningMATTERS • with pvw law by mary e. vandenack

Trusts come in all types of different varieties.

For gifts to minors, or even adult children, a trust provides significant asset protection planning features. When assets are placed in an irrevocable trust for the benefit of the grantor’s children, the assets are removed from the estate of the grantor. The trust can limit the amount available to the beneficiaries, which limits the amount available to claims against the assets of the trust. A privacy trust can be used for purposes of confidentiality. That is, you can establish a trust to own assets rather than listing your name in public records. A privacy trust can also offer some asset protection features. A variety of states now have laws permitting asset protection trusts. Individuals at high risk for claims may consider such a strategy. The laws regarding asset protection trusts are fairly new and in some instances, untested.

make asset protectionplanning a part of your financial plan now

When something occurs that can result in a claim against you, it is too late to do asset protection planning. If you are at fault in an accident today and you begin transferring assets tomorrow, you are too late. Fraudulent transfer rules prevent making transfers to avoid creditors. In most states, including Nebraska, the exposure for a claim runs back to the day the incident occurred, not to the date the claim was made.

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todaysSAVNGS • swartzbaugh-farber & associates, inc. with mary drueke, FSA

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healthcarereform does it

how affect you? as

we hear in the media, the health care reform debate changes daily. Regardless of your political views, we are closing in on ‘make it or break it’ time for your voice to be heard.

As with many things, the devil is in the details. In this case, those details can significantly impact you. Let’s review some of the core principals contained in the bills.

government-run public plan Whether or not reform should include a government-run health insurance option to compete with private health plans is probably the most debated item. Proponents believe a government option will force a reduction in cost of the private options. Would a government plan be subject to the same financial solvency rules or required to pay taxes as private health insurance companies are required to do? The current proposed government plan would be undercapitalized to an extent never allowed in the private market. This combined with probable lower provider reimbursements and no income tax requirement would make the government program less expensive and therefore more attractive than a private option to most. However, over the long run, would this structure result in a total lower cost for you? Government programs like Medicare and Medicaid already reimburse providers at a reduced rate. In turn, providers shift more of their costs to the private side. Studies show that this cost-shift is currently costing the average American family of four over $1,788 per year in higher health insurance premiums. With a larger number of people enrolled in government-run plans, this cost shifting would increase exponentially on privately insured individuals and businesses, essentially pricing the private option out of the marketplace. In Canada and Great Britain, this government run type of program has resulted in waiting lines and rationing. It is a possibility this could become the norm in the United States if this plan becomes a reality. Would this really work for you? shared responsibility employer and individual mandates Another idea receiving congressional attention is sharing responsibility for obtaining coverage among employers, individuals and the government. At first glance, this sounds like a great idea. Increasing the number of individuals in the insurance pool helps spread the risk and a good portion of employers already offer coverage to their employees. All of the bills under active consideration contain provisions requiring people to obtain health insurance coverage, which is also known as an individual mandate. Some proposals require employers with greater than 25 employees to provide group coverage. The employer mandate could also require a significant minimum contribution to the employee’s premiums, coverage for part-time employees and substantial minimum benefits – all of which would increase the employer’s cost.

Employers that fail to comply with these requirements could be subject to a penalty of eight percent of the company’s payroll. will you really be able "to keep the coverage you have" if you like it?

The promise has been made that if an employer or individual likes the coverage that they currently have, they will be able to keep it. The question is: for how long? Some proposals include a phase-in of the mandated requirements of reform in five years. Eventually, all private options would be subject to the mandated changes, resulting in changes to the way group policies are rated, the plan designs offered and inclusion of certain mandatory benefits. As we close in on this ‘make it or break it’ time, take the time to ponder these issues and make your voices heard by your respective legislators. For more Information, please contact your trusted advisor at Swartzbaugh-Farber– Client Centered – Client Advocates™.

Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through M Holding Securities, Inc., a Registered Broker/Dealer and Investment Advisor, member FINRA/SIPC. Swartzbaugh-Farber & Associates, Inc. is independently owned and operated.

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Look Who’s Sheltering Shelter Pets!

Save the Date: Walk for the Animals Sept 27, 2009 8m-12pm • NHS Meadow Don’t just talk the talk, walk the walk.Walk for the Animals is our biggest annual “fun”draiser. Gather pledges, grab your best friend and enjoy a great morning on our NHS meadow. Fuel up with Pancake Man, shop Vendor Village and if you raise $300 for membership into Club 300, you’ll receive special VIP status. Then walk the Keystone Trail on a beautiful fall morning. It is fun and it’s rewarding because every dollar you raise stays right at the shelter to help care for homeless animals. Support Walk for the Animals and make a difference!.

Save the Date: Purses 4 Paws The Randbys: Jocelyn, Bill, Will, Julie with Biscuit, and Madeline.

Bill Randby and Julie Cornell Randby “Will and I were on a boy scout field trip when we spotted Biscuit, so we had to return and meet him,” explains Julie, “he’s a sweet little guy.” The 2 year old Bichon mix fit right in with the busy family. He entertains Madeline and Jocelyn with his squeaking hamburger and has starred in several I-movies that Will has produced. “He’s also good for two miles” says Julie who jogs with him on a daily basis. Bill acknowledges that Biscuit loves the entire family but explains that his tightest bond is with mom. “When Julie leaves he sits at the back door and waits for her. When she gets home he greets her with a squeaky toy and wants to play.” Biscuit is clearly at home when he’s with his family and seems to agree that the Randby household is his forever home.

www.nehumanesociety.org gives you all the info!

Monday, Nov 2, 2009 • Marketbasket Come shop new and gently used designer purses as you enjoy a glass of wine and the Marketbasket’s famous Hors d’ oeuvres. All proceeds will save lives.

Check our website at www.nehumanesociety.org for more details.

For more information go to “Programs and Events” on the NHS Website at www.nehumanesociety.org, or call 444-7800 ext 273.

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bravo! celebrating the arts

omaha • lincoln • council bluffs

OMAHAPERFORMINGARTS

quite a show.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF OMAHA PERFORMING ARTS

by molly garriot

N

ow in its fifth season at the Holland Performing Arts Center and the Orpheum Theater, Omaha Performing Arts brings world-class artists Yo-Yo Ma, Pilobolus and the next Broadway blockbuster Legally Blonde The Musical to Omaha. Serving more than 1.2 million visitors– including nearly 120,000 students– Omaha Performing Arts is rapidly developing a reputation as one of the country’s most vital performing arts institutions.

The Omaha Performing Arts 2009-2010 season opens October 23 at the Holland Center with widely acclaimed group Corky Siegel’s Chamber Blues playing a thrilling blend of pristine symphonic arrangements and gritty Chicago blues. Prior to the performance, patrons will have a chance to purchase drinks and appetizers– and enjoy fun pre-show activities.

“Corky’s group is just outrageously fun, and the music they play is exhilaratingly good,” said Joi Brown, vice president of programming and education.”

On Sunday, November 1, 2009, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas opens at the majestic Orpheum Theater, direct from the Broadway stage. This marks the launch of the national tour, which is sure to shine a positive national spotlight on Omaha and its thriving arts community.

CORKY SIEGEL’S CHAMBER BLUES

White Christmas is a cozy showstopper with songs that are catchy and familiar, plus lavish sets, vibrant costumes and exciting choreography sure to put any family in the holiday spirit.

“The nice thing about White Christmas is that I get a chance to do everything. There’s ballroom, there is that real 50s jazz– what we call 50s theater jazz, there’s of course tap. It really runs the gamut,” said Randy Skinner, choreographer for the show when it was on Broadway. Irving Berlin’s White Christmas will be in Omaha November 1-7.

Also in November, Herb Alpert of the Tijuana Brass and his talented wife Lani Hall, a frontrunner of the bossa nova movement, will perform at the Holland’s Kiewit Hall.

With eight Grammy® awards and 30 gold and platinum records between them, their legendary chemistry has wowed audiences from coast to coast.

LUCI ARNAZ

“Herb Alpert and Lani Hall are two of my personal favorites,” said Joan Squires, president of Omaha Performing Arts. “I remember my parents listening to ‘Whipped Cream and Other Delights’ and ‘Taste of Honey,’ and I can’t wait to hear selections from their new album in the hall.” continued

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celebrating the arts

omaha • lincoln • council bluffs

omaha performing arts •

WHITE CHRISTMAS continued

On December 4, another can’t-miss seasonal show– Holiday Classics with Jane Monheit– will come to the Holland Center’s acoustically acclaimed Kiewit Hall. Monheit’s marvelous voice recalls Ella Fitzgerald, and has established her as one of the jazz world’s foremost vocalists.

Her seasonal standards will provide a relaxed, romantic backdrop to the rush of the holiday season.

Essential to Omaha Performing Arts’ mission is offering compelling educational and community involvement programs, including Master Classes & Workshops and the dynamic Student Matinee Series. Special performances geared just for schools give students an opportunity to experience a wide range of performing artists and ensembles.

Omaha Performing Arts offers a bold line-up of artists all season long at the Holland’s Kiewit Hall and Orpheum Theater. They also offer unique programming with their nightclub series, the 1200 CLUB, at the casually sophisticated Scott Recital Hall. Located inside the Holland Center, the 1200 CLUB offers a relaxing way to spend an evening, with table seating, and drinks and food available for purchase.

This season, Omaha Performing Arts’ Student Matinee Series kicks off with Spanish Harlem Orchestra– a spirited salsa set with Afro-Cuban tempos and Latin Jazz. Other fine performances in this series are: Shaolin Warriors, Cantus, Phonk by ScrapArtsMusic and Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana. Better yet, the Student Matinee Series is affordable with tickets priced at $4 each.

This season, the 1200 CLUB’s intimate setting is perfect for artists like Lucie Arnaz. She performs on Valentine’s Day, presenting a smoky selection of Broadway, pop, and Latin hits. Another highlight at the 1200 CLUB comes on December 11 with Gary Mauer and Elizabeth Southard. On stage, they were the star-crossed lovers in Phantom of the Opera. Off-stage, they are a delightfully talented husband-and-wife team. It is sure to be a romantic winter evening of Broadway standards by the best in the biz.

Tickets for the Omaha Performing Arts 2009-2010 season are currently on sale with prices starting as low as $19. Omaha Performing Arts also offers patrons the opportunity to create their own season for maximum flexibility and value with Pick 4 or More. By selecting four shows– whether it’s a performance by cello superstar Yo-Yo Ma in March or an evening of Midwestern musings from Garrison Keillor in May– patrons can save at least 15% and enjoy great performances at great prices. m

JANE MONHEIT

SHAOLIN WARRIORS

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savethedate

inform • educate • inspire

September 10

September 12 (continued)

September 14

OMAHA GO RED FOR WOMEN EXPO A benefit for American Heart Association This expo is the signature annual event for Omaha’s Go Red for Women movement. It empowers women to reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke and to lead healthier lives, one choice at a time. In addition to raising lifesaving funds for research and education, the Expo will offer breakout sessions, health screenings and information booths. Guests will also enjoy a hearthealthy dinner and talk by guest speaker Elizabeth Hein.

Embassy Suites – La Vista – 4:30 P.M. For more information visit www.heart.org/omaha or call 346-0771 x12.

FEATURE 2009 Benefitting Film Streams’ Ruth Sokolof Theater Join us for this second annual celebration which this year includes Academy Award-winning director and Film Streams Board Member Alexander Payne with very special guest Debra Winger. Immediately following will be a post-party.

Holland Performing Arts Center – Omaha – 6:30 P.M. For more information visit www.filmstreams.org.

TEE OFF AGAINST CHILD ABUSE Hosted by The Exchange Club of Omaha The Exchange Club of Omaha is one of over 1,000 clubs across the country working to make local communities a better place to live through community service, youth activities, and the prevention of child abuse. All of the proceeds from this golf tournament benefit local agencies that make a difference in the lives of abused children.

For more information call 926-1199.

REFRESH ~ AN ART AUCTION OF WORKS

BY THE FRIENDS OF KENT BELLOWS A benefit for The Kent Bellows Studio & Center for Visual Arts Join us for an evening celebrating creativity and selfexpression. In celebration of artist Kent Bellows’ legacy, his talented friends have come together to donate incredible work in support of arts education through The Kent Bellows Studio & Center for Visual Arts. Bid on and take home original art. Enjoy good food and music, all for a great cause.

Joslyn Castle – Omaha – 6:30 P.M. For more information visit www.kentbellows.org.

September 11 ZOOFARI 2009 ~ CALL OF THE WILD A benefit for Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo In honor of the animals, wear your favorite animal print or safari outfit to Zoofari 2009, featuring a cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, a fabulous dinner and wine, and stellar education and entertainment through the evening.

Henry Doorly Zoo – Omaha For more information visit www.omahazoo.com.

September 12 LAUGH WITH THE ANGELS! A benefit for Angels Among Us Enjoy a dinner with silent and live auctions and entertainment from the fantastic comedy act, The Weisenheimers. The mission of Angels Among Us is to financially assist families with a child battling cancer.

The Georgetowne Club – Omaha – 5:30 P.M. For more information call 934-0999 x21 or visit www.myangelsamongus.org.

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savethedate

inform • educate • inspire

www.OmahaDesignerShowhouse.com.

YOU, ME AND U.P. A benefit for The Durham Museum The Durham Museum’s On Track Guild presents this exclusive tour of Union Pacific’s Heritage Fleet including 1940’s and 1950’s vintage and private rail cars and chairman cars, followed by an elegant luncheon and guest speaker.

The Durham Museum – Omaha – 10:00 A.M. For more information call 444-5071 x512 or visit www.durhammuseum.org.

September 15 FAITH IN ACTION DINNER A benefit for Lutheran Family Services Please be our guest as Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska recognizes those whose actions demonstrate their commitment to faith-based values and principles.

Oak Hills Country Club – Omaha – 6:00 P.M. For more information call 978-5678.

September 16 DESIGNER SHOWHOUSE 2009 PATRON PREVIEW PARTY A benefit for Joslyn Castle Trust Be the first to see and the first to enjoy! The ASID and Joslyn Castle Trust Designer Showhouse 2009 is the historic Brandeis Mansion, designed in 1904 for Arthur and Zerlina Brandeis. Proceeds from this year’s event will go toward preserving and restoring the building and grounds at Joslyn Castle. Built only a year apart, the Brandeis Mansion and Joslyn Castle were two of Omaha’s most notable homes, and in essence, this project will bring two of Omaha’s architectural treasures back to life.

Brandeis Mansion – Omaha – 5:30 P.M. For more information visit online at

IGNATIAN DINNER Hosted by the Jesuit Partnership Council of Omaha At this event the Ignatian Spirit Award is presented to a couple who generously give their time and resources in support of the Jesuit mission in the Omaha community.

Proceeds from the Dinner support the care of elder and infirm Jesuits from the Omaha area.

Creighton University Harper Center – Omaha – 5:30 P.M. For more information visit www.jesuitpartners.org.

September 17

September 18 BIG RED TAILGATE III A benefit for Camp Fire USA The “Tailgate” is a fun event to enjoy with friends while supporting the programs of Camp Fire USA. The evening includes cocktails, dinner, and silent and oral auctions. This year’s guest emcee is Kent Pavelka, and the live auction features a stay at Bonita Rose in Cabo San Lucas.

Holiday Inn Convention Center – Omaha – 5:30 P.M. For more information visit www.campfireomaha.org.

September 18 – October 4

MUSIC & MASTERPIECES GALA A benefit for the Omaha Symphony Guild Music & Masterpieces 2009 is a premier public art event in which selected artists create unique exterior and interior art pieces which will be displayed outdoors throughout Rockbrook Village as well as inside specific businesses and shops. The Gala includes live music, silent and live art auctions, and “Taste of Rockbrook” buffet. Reservation is required.

Taste of Rockbrook – Omaha – 5:00 P.M. For more information call 342-3836 x171.

DESIGNER SHOWHOUSE 2009 A benefit for Joslyn Castle Trust The American Society of Interior Designers Nebraska/Iowa Chapter together with Joslyn Castle Trust present the 2009 Designer Showhouse at the historic Brandeis Mansion. The home, which is owned by Al and Delores Maser, was designed in 1904 by Detroit architect Albert Kahn for Arthur and Zerlina Brandeis.

From September 18 - October 4, the public can view the 25 design spaces in the home and enjoy a café, boutique and special events.

For more information visit online at www.OmahaDesignerShowhouse.com.

September 17

September 19

WOMAN OF THE YEAR GALA A benefit for the Arthritis Foundation, Nebraska Chapter The Arthritis Foundation honors their 36th Woman of the Year, Diny Landen, for her outstanding service and contributions to the community. The theme of this year’s gala is A Heart in Full Bloom.

Hilton Grand Central Ballroom – Omaha – 6:30 P.M. For more information 330-6130.

LAKESIDE HOSPITAL JEWELS OF AUTUMN GALA A benefit for the Alegent Foundation This event promises to be even bigger and better than last year’s, with a football party and the Nebraska v.

Virginia Tech game on big screens for the boys, and more jewels for the girls. The monies raised will continue the mission for the new designated cancer unit at Lakeside Hospital.

Alegent Health Lakeside Hospital – Omaha – 6:00 P.M. For more information visit www.alegent.com.

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September 20-21

September 26

September 27

GALA OF HOPE AND GOLF CLASSIC Benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Enjoy a cocktail reception, silent auction and dinner at the Gala of Hope on Sunday evening, then play morning or afternoon golf on Monday.

Champion’s Run Country Club – Omaha – 5:30 P.M. For more information call 330-0829 or visit online at www.omahastjude.com.

BLACK TIE HARVEST A benefit for Iowa Western Community College The theme of this year’s event is “Go Green”, and includes a social hour featuring George Walker, Jazz Guitarist, “premium” bars, The Rumbles, oxygen bar, and a cash raffle. Proceeds will be directed to match the newly established Lloyd Endowed Nursing Scholarship Fund. This will enable IWCC to offer more nursing scholarships each year to address the critical shortage of healthcare workers in our communities.

Kanesville Arena – Council Bluffs – 6:00 P.M. For more information call 712-388-7141.

AK-SAR-BEN BUYERS CLUB PURPLE RIBBON AUCTION A benefit for the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Fdtn.

Join us for the Grand Finale of Ak-Sar-Ben’s River City Roundup and the opportunity to help raise funds for our region’s 4-H youths. Enjoy cocktails followed by the Purple Ribbon Livestock auction and dinner.

Qwest Center – Omaha – 5:00 P.M. For more information call 554-9600 x100.

September 25 “HALFWAY TO ST. PATRICK’S DAY” CELEBRATION A benefit for Project Harmony This is a fun and casual Irish celebration to benefit Project Harmony and their mission to protect and support children, collaborate with professionals, and engage the community to end child abuse and neglect.

Firefighters Union Hall – Omaha – 6:00 P.M. For more information call 595-1326 or visit online at www.projectharmony.com.

September 25-27 2009 LAURITZEN GARDENS ANTIQUE AND GARDEN SHOW Hosted by Lauritzen Gardens This event brings together more than 30 of the nation’s most highly respected dealers representing American, Asian and European antiques. These dealers showcase a spectrum of period furnishings, decorative pieces and fine art from the late 17th to 20th centuries, including vintage jewelry, Oriental rugs, ceramics, architectural items, garden furniture, porcelains and silver.

Lauritzen Gardens – Omaha For more information visit www.omahaantiqueshow.org.

2009 MARGRE DURHAM WALK FOR THE ANIMALS A benefit for the Nebraska Humane Society This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Margre Durham Walk for the Animals. All proceeds go toward saving the lives of homeless animals.

Nebraska Humane Society Campus – Omaha – 8:30 A.M. For more information visit call 444-7800 x409 or visit www.nehumanesociety.org/walk.

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vibrations • with sue moon

count them...

bea

With six planets retrograde (and the North Node!) this month you will find ample opportunity to reflect, clean out closets, tidy up loose ends and more… just don’t start new projects! This month is for finishing what you have already started. Pluto, sitting at the MidHeaven, standing perfectly still from the 2nd until the 11th will cause many to re-think their place in the world, this goes for each individual and also corporations and governments. The Sun and the New Moon in Virgo will meet on the 18th for a burst of energy… Virgo is about service to humanity and the changes that are needed with impeccable attention to detail. Added to that is stern Saturn saying, “Get it right, we aren’t playing anymore!” This is a month for putting our nose to the grindstone and later, reaping that harvest!

finisher

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ aries

MAr 21 - Apr 19

No one is feeling the pull to really achieve more than you. It is time, as your ruler Mars opposes heavy Pluto, watch your feelings and don’t indulge in anger or negativity. Firm up any negotiations at work and don’t neglect your health. This could be the re-birth of your physical health if you have been having problems. Mercury retrograde has you clearing out the office or healing some physical ailment.

leo

Jul 23 - AuG 22

Party Lion that you are, the great opposition of Uranus and Saturn are hitting you hard this month in the areas of what your talents are, and how to transform that into monetary value. It’s been a serious time for you with heavy burdens. The Full Moon on the 4th would be a good time to start a meditation practice and connect more to your deeper nature.

AuG 23 - sep 22

taurus

Apr 20 - MAY 20

You have been and will continue to be in regeneration mode. Mostly this is in the area of your career, but your philosophies are changing in a very deep way also.

This month it would be good to indulge in some fun in an area you have neglected. Mercury retrograde falls in your house of creativity/children/fun– so have some!

virgo

You have had to pay attention to your body and health because it is time to do so! Take it easy or those nerves could cause little hypochondria episodes. A harsh word with a friend could turn nasty, be the perfect mediator that only you can be, to forestall arguments the first week of the month. Relationships and business partners can be erratic and the Full Moon in Pisces brings some partnership issue to a head.

www.morningstarcenter.com www.suemoon.com

nov 22 - dec 21

sagittarius

Your career gets a shot of new energy this month but you have to pay attention and do it right, it won’t fall in your lap. Mercury retrograde may look like things have stalled, but they haven’t, just re-write everything and polish it up. You may have moved recently or want to… be creative in your home to make it the haven and the support you need so that you can fly in the outer world. You have so much mental creativity going… write it down quick!

capricorn

dec 22 - JAn 19

You now have the opportunity to be either a positive or a negative force for change in the world. Your talents have never been this off the charts good. The Full Moon at months start could create difficulties in your relationships, speak softly and kindly and do some physical labor to offset the force of this. Beautiful new philosophies and maybe even some travel happening.

aquarius

JAn 20 - feb 18

gemini

MAY 21 - Jun 20

The Full Moon in Pisces on the 4th beckons you to open deeper to your spirituality. With wildly creative Uranus close by, think about doing it in a different way. Your ruler, Mercury is retrograde and your life is asking to be tidied up a bit. Eliminate what you don’t use or wear anymore and organize your cupboards.

You might even want to re-decorate!

Jun 21 - Jul 22

cancer

Death and Rebirth has been the theme for you this year. Congratulate yourself for all that you have been able to let go of, so that happier and newer energies can fill your life. Pluto has changed the way you are in relationships and that will go on until January of 2024.

Therapy is highly recommended as your mind is in a good position now to let go of much of the past.

libra

sep 23 - ocT 22

Home and career (or life accomplishments) show that it is either time to dance or duke it out with some portion of either. No doubt your subconscious is giving you Technicolor dreams and the Full Moon on the 4th could bring a nice gift at work. Your friends can bring you great joy this month if you get out more. Go to the museum or an art show, a happy surprise awaits you there. ocT 23 - nov 21

scorpio

Have you thought about writing that mystery novel yet?

Home has been changing so much and relationships can be either wildly satisfying or totally confusing and probably a little of both. Try not to overindulge as it would be easy with Venus eyeing Jupiter and throwing caution to the wind! Mercury retrograde sits on your dreams, bring out some old ones and dust them off.

New talents just keep popping out of you and the changes that are occurring all around you can be a little disconcerting. Hang on, it’s for your highest good.

Step up your efforts to be that great humanitarian, doing your part to heal the planet and its people.

You are about to undergo tremendous clearing of old psychic garbage-let it go, it will be much easier.

feb 19 - MAr 20

pisces

You are an unusual personality and have been a little quirky lately. Hopefully your relationships haven’t suffered too much from this. Children may push your buttons this month, hold your temper, they are just kids testing the waters. Dreams may show you better ways to be happy by healing or letting go of old psychological patterns. All of your relationships will be highlighted this month, and the Mercury retrograde says to apologize if you need to and think a little deeper about those you love.

Sue Moon has been a student of astrology since 1972 and is an experienced journeyman and practitioner in a number of life enhancement disciplines.

She is locally based at Morning Star Center, 7561 Main St. Ste. 420, Ralston, NE 68127 • 402.884.0621 • info@morningstarcenter.com 60

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