metroMAGAZINE JUL/AUG 2022 Issue

0-CVRS-722.qxp_QUARTERLY 7/10/22 12:20 PM Page CVR1

cover photo by melissa peterson

growing WESTERN IOWA connecting our community

•

spiritofomaha.com

•

Jul/aug 2022

mmagazine • omaha zoo foundation 2022

0-CVRS-722.qxp_QUARTERLY 7/10/22 12:20 PM Page CVR2

1-5-LEAD SECTION-722.qxp_QUARTERLY 7/12/22 1:24 PM Page 1

1-5-LEAD SECTION-722.qxp_QUARTERLY 7/12/22 1:24 PM Page 2

in this ISSUE

R

connecting our community

cover story

8

8

GROWING WESTERN IOWA community foundation for western iowa

featured in this issue

26

WOMEN WHO WOW presented by planitinc.

connecting to our growth

departments/columns

30

SWARTZBAUGH, FARBER & ASSOC. your money

31

metroSPIRIT with mary vandenack

32

VANDENACK WEAVER LLC planning matters

33

STEPHANIE VONDRAK impact!

events

34

SCENE highlights from recent charity & cultural events

31

connecting to our spirit

ENTER YOUR 2022/23 CHARITY EVENTS NOW! Events can be included in: • weeklyCONNECTOR e-newsletter, • print and digital editions of metroMAGAZINE • Fall edition of The Giving Guide & Event Book • SpiritofOmaha.com

connecting to our WOW

30 connecting to our savings

2

mmagazine • JUL/aUg

2022

photo courtesy of dwyer photography

1-5-LEAD SECTION-722.qxp_QUARTERLY 7/12/22 1:24 PM Page 3

creditS

metromagazine 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 endeavor.

OFFICE/SALES

402.932.3522 | sales@Spiritofomaha.com

metromagazine 2022 edition • voL. 34 no. 3 Press releases and other editorial information may be sent to: P.o. box 241611, omaha, ne 68124 or e-mailed to: editor@Spiritofomaha.com Publisher/Editor-in-Chief andrea L. “andee” hoig

Creative Collaboration elissa Joy Jim Scholz

MISSION STATEMENT aLh Publications exists to inform, inspire and connect those who give back to the community through volunteerism and philanthropy, recognizing the ongoing efforts of area businesses, organizations and individuals who better our community.

partner with us...

MAKE THE CONNECTION!

“We have generations of individuals that have passion, and generations that have need.

When those two meet, great relationships occur. metroMAGAZINE and The Giving Guide & Event Book consistently help connect and foster those relationships.” ~ Nate dodge PreSident, nP dodge comPany

contents of this magazine are copyrighted by aLh Publications, inc. in their entirety. no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without prior written consent of the publisher. ©copyright 1990 – 2022 aLh Publications, inc. all rights reserved.

Kara Schweiss

Editor/Creative Director rob Killmer

Swartzbaugh-Farber & associates Stephanie vondrak d.d.S.

Community Engagement connect@Spiritofomaha.com

402.932.3522 • CONNECT@SpiritofOmaha.com

vandenack | weaver | truhlsen m

Special Thanks Printco graphics

ichael J. weaver, J.d.

What else is possible in 2022?

CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY

with ANDEE Hoig podcast 3

mmagazine • JUL/aUg

2022

1-5-LEAD SECTION-722.qxp_QUARTERLY 7/12/22 1:24 PM Page 4

RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW! THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO GIVING! 12 MONTHS OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

The Giving Guide & Event Book 2022/23 • Nonprofit Profiles & Signature Events • Corporate Giving Stories

something DIFFERENT! something NEW!

• Faces of Philanthropy • Heartland Heroes: Recognizing volunteers, businesses & those making difference in the Omaha metro!

• Community Excellence Awards The BIG Event

PRESENTED BY

Email us at CONNECT@SpiritofOmaha.com Email Subject: “Something NEW 2022!”

PUBLISHER ANDREA “ANDEE” HOIG

CALL DIRECT: (402) 706-8260

WHAT ELSE IS

POSSIBLE IN 2022 & BEYOND?

1-5-LEAD SECTION-722.qxp_QUARTERLY 7/12/22 1:24 PM Page 5

words FROM MY HEART

mmagazine • Letter From the PUbLiSher

WHAT ELSE IS possible?

Here we are, halfway through 2022. Boy, is it different than a year ago, two years ago and even three years ago—pre-pandemic. I look at how my life has changed and how my business has also changed. There is a gratitude for all things, and I mean all things: the good, the bad, the ugly.

I have had to get really present with myself and ask, “What do I really desire? What is important to me? What lifts me up, fills me with joy, gets me excited to get up each day?” And “What do I desire to create?”

Creation is a big word for me. Big in the sense that I am constantly thinking, “What am I creating? What impact will my creations have on me personally, my business, the community and the planet?”

Speaking of choosing to create: To be honest, we all are creating something all the time, whether we know it or not, so for the purposes of this letter I am going to speak to strategic creations. With everything that has happened over the past couple of years there is more thoughtfulness, purpose, and also excitement and fun in what I am creating.

I have spent years—no, make that decades—creating things that weren’t fun for me, that didn’t bring me joy or excitement, and most often those creations ended up falling flat and sucking the energy right out of me.

Looking back, it’s not that the creation itself didn’t work or couldn’t work, but that the questions around the creation or lack of questions took it off the rails.

andrea L. hoig ahoig@Spiritofomaha.com

Here are some questions that I ask and have contributed to me, and I am hoping that they may contribute to you: 1. Will this creation impact my business and/or life in a positive way?

This is a simple yes/no question and the first thing that pops up for you is your answer; try not to second-guess yourself.

2. Will this creation make me money?

This yes-or-no question is more for your business, but certainly can be for you personally. I have created many things in my business that ended up costing me money vs. creating revenue, but I was not asking any questions and possibly making conclusions. This question can be a game-changer in how you spend your time and energy.

3. Will this creation be fun for me?

As with all creations, there will be action items to take, tasks to do, most likely team members to be involved, and many other things that need to be done to bring your creation into existence. There may be moments of challenge, “yuck & stuck” or something else that isn’t necessarily “fun” to deal with—but overall, it is fun! And though I don’t typically like to use the word “should,” it should be fun!

4. Will this creation create more?

When I say “more,” I don’t mean more for just you, but rather this: Will this creation create more for the business, the people that work with you, your clients, the community and— let’s go big—the planet?

I could go on and on with additional questions but this is a great place to start. Our creations have the potential to impact on such a big scale that we will never realize. Isn’t that awesome?

I will be facilitating a creation class in the fall, so stay tuned for details.

Keep on creating and ask questions, and—most importantly—continue to ask: What Else in Possible?

podcast

with ANDEE Hoig

Happy creating! ~ ANDEE

5

mmagazine • JUL/aUg

2022

6-7-LogoSoup-222.qxp_Layout 1 4/7/22 3:27 PM Page 6

SUPPORT these participating nonprofit partners in the 2021 Fall/Winter

Y

OU’RE IN GOOD COMPANY

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR PARTICIPATING NONPROFITS

6-7-LogoSoup-222.qxp_Layout 1 4/7/22 3:27 PM Page 7

edition of The Giving Guide & Event Book

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

8-25-PCCF-722-FINAL.qxp_MASTER: 16PP+ 7/12/22 1:48 PM Page 8

OMAHA’S HENRY DOORLY ZOO

Numerous foundations along with contributions from businesses and private donors create a robust philanthropic spirit in southwest Iowa fueled by the desire to uplift the region for the benefit of all its citizens.

In May, Pottawattamie County Community Foundation became Community Foundation for Western Iowa (givewesterniowa.org). President and CEO Donna Dostal said the new name reflects the evolution of the organization since it was established in 2008 and the expansion of its services and support of philanthropy.

donor engagement and a high level of donor-centered service.

The name change reflects a mission that has grown beyond Pottawattamie County and into the western Iowa region to build community through giving while being a leader in donorcentric philanthropy.

Dostal also called out partnerships with Iowa West Foundation, Charles E. Lakin Foundation and Southwest Iowa Nonprofit for Collective Impact (SINC) for their collaborative work in the region.

“We really look forward to the future this is creating for folks who want to live, work, play and grow in western Iowa BEYOND POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY “From a broader perspective, what we and make western Iowa great,” Dostal Over the last 15 years, the foundation will look forward to is more investment said. “And I am so grateful for all of the team learned how necessary it is to in our nonprofits, making sure that support from our charitable investors build funding sources for areas of need, culture of philanthropy is very deep and and the faith our community has in the where caring and committed donors wide, and that will absolutely spread to foundation. can invest their charitable dollars in our nine counties and hopefully ways that fill their passion, while creating lasting change in communities, beyond,” Dostal said. “We will be LAKIN FOUNDATION Dostal explained. Two “Field of Interest” helping to make sure their capacity is The Charles E. Lakin Foundation serves strong through fund development and funds were established, the Women’s six southwest Iowa counties: Fund of Southwest Iowa and Southwest development of their day-to-day Pottawattamie, Mills, Montgomery, Iowa Mental Health and Substance resources so that ultimately they can Abuse Fund, to support nonprofit look to us down the road for their long- Cass, Page and Fremont. It also serves Douglas and Sarpy Counties in organizations in nine counties term sustainable investments.

Nebraska. The service area reflects the throughout southwest Iowa while increasing access to philanthropic “The other way we’re going to continue to life and work of the late Charles Lakin, funding in a holistic and regional way. grow and provide additional resources is a businessman and philanthropist who In addition to the new funding sources, through new relationships with was born and raised in Emerson, Iowa, the organization established a “Make It and essentially started his career there corporations, so they can be Happen” fund development program to through farming. Throughout the years philanthropic in a way they never felt help nonprofit organizations build he accumulated properties on both possible and have a deeper connection leadership within their organizations, sides of the Missouri River. He moved back into the communities where they and to assist them in developing a rich to Omaha in the 1970s and began his have people who live, work, play and culture of philanthropy in the philanthropic giving around the same come to work every day at those communities they serve. The corporations. We want to be that conduit time, said Jennifer Green, who is in organization is also bringing SHARE for corporations, so they know how to be operations and grants management for Iowa (see page 10) to the region to support nonprofit organizations through better connected and make impact.” the Lakin Foundation.

YOUR STORY

your agenda 8

mmAgAziNe • jul/Aug 2022

8-25-PCCF-722-FINAL.qxp_MASTER: 16PP+ 7/12/22 1:48 PM Page 9

story by KARA SCHWEISS • photos provided courtesy of FEATURED oRgAnIzATIonS

• mmAgAziNe

philanthropy INVESTING IN THE REGION TO LIFT UP COMMUNITIES

EvERy pRojECT WE’vE funded So FAR HAS bEEn extremely SUCCESSFUl AnD THEy’vE All bEEn AblE To DEmonSTRATE A HUgE benefit To THE CommUnITy. ~ jEnnIFER gREEn, operAtioNs ANd grANts mANAgemeNt, chArles e. lAkiN fouNdAtioN

I Am So grateful FoR All oF THE support FRom oUR CHARITAblE InvESToRS AnD THE faith oUR CommUnITy HAS In THE FoUnDATIon. ~ DonnA DoSTAl, presideNt ANd ceo, commuNity fouNdAtioN for WesterN ioWA

LAKE MANAWA

growing WESTERN IOWA growing

WesterN ioWA

CONTINUED

8-25-PCCF-722-FINAL.qxp_MASTER: 16PP+ 7/12/22 1:48 PM Page 10

• mmAgAziNe

OMAHA’S HENRY DOORLY ZOO

CONTINUED

growing WESTERN IOWA

share IOWA SHARE Omaha launched online in 2019 as a “one-stop shop” for donors in the greater Omaha area to connect with area nonprofits in Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy, Saunders and Washington counties in Nebraska; and Pottawattamie, Harrison and Mills counties in Iowa.

Now SHARE Iowa is poised to launch.

“SHARE Iowa is an opportunity for western Iowa to truly have their own hyper-local experience on the SHARE platform. It will mirror the functionality of SHAREomaha.org, but with all-Iowa content and featured nonprofits based in or dedicated to serving the region,” said Marjorie Maas, SHARE Omaha’s executive director. “The beauty of it is the added value for the SHARE Iowa nonprofits serving the metro area; they will continue appearing on SHAREomaha.org and capture attention from all of the region’s residents.”

As an initiative of the Community Foundation for Western Iowa, SHARE Iowa will demonstrate the capability of a rural expansion of the platform, Maas said.

“We all want to really understand how this software and programming in non-metro communities comes to life and can help build sustainability and engagement for nonprofits and local efforts from even more residents for ways to impact their treasured communities,” she said.

TS BANK GIVING TUESDAY DIAPER COLLECTION

IOWA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE CAMPUS CLEANUP DURING DO GOOD CAMPAIGN

IMPACT CB'S VOLUNTHURSDAY WITH THE 712 INITIATIVE

“He really had a soft spot for children and families—that was one of his main focuses—and also the importance of education,” she said, adding that the Charles E. Lakin Human Services Campus, dedicated in Council Bluffs in 2008, carries Lakin’s name. “This was the culmination of agencies coming together and trying to be a one-stop shop for families in need or in crisis.”

Two other projects named for Lakin were underway at the time of his 2016 death, the Charles E. and Florence Lakin Community Center in Malvern (Florence Lakin hails from Malvern) and The Charles E. Lakin YMCA in Council Bluffs.

The YMCA replaced an aging facility, Green said. “Charles felt that the families of Council Bluffs deserved better and he wanted to make sure they had the same amenities that people in west Omaha had… Charles liked the mission of the Y, especially that they put children and families first, and the different options they made available to children and families.”

The foundation continues with Lakin family members on the board to carry on the legacy.

“The funds we have are geographically bound because he wanted to support the communities where he grew up and that gave so much to him. From there he kept the outline for us so our funding priorities continue to be children and families, education and training, and economic resilience,” Green said.

“Every project we’ve funded so far has been extremely successful and they’ve all been able to demonstrate a huge benefit to the community, lifting the community up in different areas. That’s made us happy so far.”

INSET IMAGES ON THIS PAGE BY DEBRA S. KAPLAN 10

mmAgAziNe • jul/Aug 2022

CONTINUED

8-25-PCCF-722-FINAL.qxp_MASTER: 16PP+ 7/12/22 1:48 PM Page 11

CHARLES E. AND FLORENCE LAKIN COMMUNITY CENTER RIBBON-CUTTING

RESERVED FOR ADS AMP RECIPIENTS

growing

WesterN ioWA

CONTINUED

8-25-PCCF-722-FINAL.qxp_MASTER: 16PP+ 7/12/22 1:48 PM Page 12

The southwest Iowa region is a great place to do business, and there are several community organizations in place to support and foster economic development.

Executive Director Debi Durham of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority said the region is important to the overall health and vitality of the state’s economy.

Opportunities abound for economic growth, bringing in new talent and retaining the existing workforce, Durham added.

impact of travel and hospitality.”

GOALS AND CHALLENGES Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Drew Kamp said his organization has several important goals—and some challenges—in making Council Bluffs the gateway to southwest Iowa growth.

“Southwest Iowa will continue to attract industries that rely heavily on the state’s nutrient-rich land, including food manufacturers and renewable fuels processors. Iowa’s incredible quality of life is the key to attracting and retaining talent, and I see so much “As we work to add 30,000 new jobs and 30,000 new residents to the Greater momentum in southwest Iowa and other parts of the state,” she said. “We Omaha-Council Bluffs Metropolitan know from research that if we can get Statistical Area in the next 20 years, people to visit Iowa, they are more there are several critical issues we likely to find a way to stay and put must address,” he said. “A few key down roots. And southwest Iowa has items are talent attraction and retention, so many drawing-card events and housing of varying types and price attractions. For example, Baxter Cycle points, placemaking and community in Marne is a mecca for British amenities, building upon our low cost of motorcycle enthusiasts and one of the living and strong economy, investing in largest suppliers of British motorcycle our schools/childcare/universal preparts in the nation. Its beautiful kindergarten, maintaining our strong showroom draws customers from all public safety infrastructure, and over the world.” continuing to showcase our friendly TRANSFORMATIONAL PROJECTS and welcoming ‘Iowa Nice’ mentality Support from the top is another Durham said one of the perks of her job every opportunity we have.” important element, Durham said. is getting out into communities to see transformational projects up close.

Communities work hard to attract and “No other governor has invested so much in tourism and telling Iowa’s story. retain workforce talent, Kamp said.

“I’ve helped celebrate several recent As Gov. (Kim) Reynolds herself said at wins in southwest Iowa. Mills County our tourism conference recently, joined a cross-state economic “With the generous support of the Iowa ‘We’re done keeping Iowa’s greatness development partnership with greater West Foundation; the City of Council Omaha that will raise the area’s profile to ourselves.’ The governor’s recently Bluffs; Pottawattamie County; and our announced Destination Iowa, a $100 and translate to more capital private sector partners Black Hills million investment, will help more investment and job opportunities for Energy, Tyson Foods, and Iowa communities dream big and develop southwest Iowa. I see a lot of smart, Western Community College; the transformational projects that will draw strategic thinking from rural Council Bluffs Area Chamber of visitors from beyond our borders. communities like Walnut, where Commerce is fortunate to provide Southwest Iowa already has a lot to leaders opened a new grocery locker workforce development services offer, with projects like Tom Hanafan and are converting an old, empty throughout the community. Working River’s Edge Park and the Hoff Family elementary school into housing. I also Arts & Culture Center in Council Bluffs, with our strategic partners, we provide see so much resilience. Hamburg has programming and services to identify just to name a few. This investment such a great comeback story three and attract skilled workers, as well as years after historic flooding, with a new amplifies the work southwest Iowa is provide services to retain existing doing, every day, to raise the profile of levee, housing projects and other rebuilding efforts.” communities and bolster the economic employees,” he explained.

“Our approach to growth in Iowa is to create a culture in which businesses can prosper, build communities where people want to live, and raise the standard of living for our people.

Southwest Iowa exemplifies this approach,” she said. “The region’s strong agricultural and manufacturing footprint fuels the state’s economy and helps feed the world. Small businesses and entrepreneurs in the area are thriving with support from programs like the Kitchen Council, an incubator for food startups. Southwest Iowa is home to one of Google’s largest data centers, in Council Bluffs. And first-rate attractions such as the Loess Hills are why the region boasts an impressive share of the state’s tourism revenues.”

YOUR STORY

your agenda 12

mmAgAziNe • jul/Aug 2022

8-25-PCCF-722-FINAL.qxp_MASTER: 16PP+ 7/12/22 1:48 PM Page 13

• mmAgAziNe

economic development CULTIVATING PROSPERITY IN WESTERN IOWA “There is no silver bullet to solve the workforce issues in our area, but with our flexible and timely approach we are able to partner with key stakeholders to act quickly to serve our members’ needs and develop programs and offerings to upskill and train new talent for positions of need, address childcare issues in the region, and lift up vulnerable populations who just need a chance to prove their worth and value in the workplace. When you pair these offerings with direct connections to local school districts, employers and Iowa Western Community College, you can have a profound impact, and we certainly have in the few years the workforce program has been in existence.”

Housing at varying price levels and of all types is also a major issue that ties directly to workforce development and community growth potential, Kamp said.

“We simply do not have the single-family, owner-occupied, medium density, or multi-family residential housing stock we need to support the growth opportunities in the region, and this is an issue that must be addressed.

The Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce continues to work with our private development partners to facilitate housing growth in the community, as well as our public and nonprofit partners to utilize targeted funding sources to address this glaring need,” Kamp said.

I SEE So mUCH momentum In SoUTHWEST IoWA AnD other pARTS oF THE STATE. ~ DEbI DURHAm, executive director, ioWA ecoNomic developmeNt Authority ANd ioWA fiNANce Authority

yoU only HAvE one CHAnCE AT A first ImpRESSIon AnD THE CoUnCIl blUFFS AREA CHAmbER oF CommERCE AnD oUR pARTnER oRgAnIzATIonS ARE WoRKIng collaboratively To EnSURE WE ARE AlWAyS pUTTIng oUR best FooT FoRWARD. ~ DREW KAmp, presideNt & ceo, couNcil bluffs AreA chAmber of commerce

BOB KERREY PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

growing WESTERN IOWA growing

WesterN ioWA

CONTINUED

8-25-PCCF-722-FINAL.qxp_MASTER: 16PP+ 7/12/22 1:48 PM Page 14

• mmAgAziNe

OMAHA’S HENRY DOORLY ZOO

economic DEVELOPMENT CONTINUED

Kamp continued, “With the billions in Kamp also lauded the ‘Iowa Nice’ According to Tourism Economics, direct spending by travelers totaled mentality. federal dollars between American $219.89 million in Pottawattamie County Rescue Plan and Infrastructure in 2020.

“You only have one chance at a first Investment and Jobs Act funding, the impression and the Council Bluffs Area Chamber is working as a conduit Chamber of Commerce and our partner “The CBCVB Welcome Center will help between the communities’ public, us grow those expenditures as we organizations are working private, and nonprofit stakeholders to emerge more and more from the collaboratively to ensure we are address housing through new pandemic,” Eckman said. construction, infill/redevelopment, and always putting our best foot forward.

This will be especially important as we future planning and extension of transition out of the pandemic, work to Destination Iowa will also allow necessary infrastructure to serve new communities to “dream a little bigger” areas of the community that aligns with attract and retain talent, and adapt to when it comes to outdoor recreation, the new normal,” he said.

“As we start the new Joint City-County Land Use interpretive centers, arts and culture, to welcome 2024 presidential Plan.” candidates and work to retain our first- and many other projects, he added. in-the-nation status with the Kamp said the city of Council Bluffs, “That can only grow the $4.6 billion in Democratic National Committee, Pottawattamie County, and the state of direct spending by travelers in Iowa, as showcasing our diversity and putting Iowa work to ensure a low cost of living documented in 2020 by Tourism ‘Iowa Nice’ on full display will be of and strong economy, through Economics. I anticipate the program utmost importance.” responsible stewardship of tax dollars lighting up the state with new and improving tax and business climate attractions that we never imagined DREAM A LITTLE BIGGER to make Iowa’s communities possible. In turn, that will pique the Mark Eckman, executive director of the interest of travelers in neighboring competitive.

Council Bluffs Convention & Visitors states and lead to countless road trips Bureau, said visitors are important to with Iowa as the destination.”

He also said Iowa’s K-12 and postlocal businesses. secondary education, especially in Council Bluffs, are supported by strong “That is where the recent designation of leadership and financial planning that the CBCVB office as an official Iowa have resulted in sizable capital Welcome Center comes into play. investments in facilities and According to the 2019 Iowa Welcome investments in people to ensure local Center Survey Report, Iowa welcome children are being provided the best center staff influenced 29% of travelers educational opportunities possible. stopping at a welcome center to stay longer in the state, and of those, 57% “Council Bluffs’ Diploma+1 program stayed one additional day or longer,” coupled with Lewis Central’s career he explained. “A lengthened stopover technical education program and allows the travel party to spend more facility upgrades provides new career during their Iowa trip. The 2019 report exploration opportunities. Council indicates that the average travel party Bluffs Early Learning Center will open spending is $401.31 per day.” in August of 2023 and will provide child care services and universal preThe Council Bluffs CVB office is one of kindergarten to the community, one of 12 Iowa partner welcome centers that the first in Iowa to do so,” Kamp said. are locally owned and managed; staff “Those seeking private schooling for can offer area brochures, recommend their children can do so as well, as places to dine, make referrals for Saint Albert’s and Heartland Christian lodging, and highlight any number of provide outstanding services.” local businesses to travelers.

14

mmAgAziNe • jul/Aug 2022

CBCVB IOWA WELCOME CENTER

712 EAT & DRINK

8-25-PCCF-722-FINAL.qxp_MASTER: 16PP+ 7/12/22 1:48 PM Page 15

UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD MUSEUM

RIVER'S EDGE growing

WesterN ioWA

CONTINUED

8-25-PCCF-722-FINAL.qxp_MASTER: 16PP+ 7/12/22 1:48 PM Page 16

With all the support available for post-secondary education, it’s a great time to be a youth in southwest Iowa.

Organizations like the Southwest Iowa Educational Foundation (SWIEF) help make those connections between donors who want to improve the lives of young people and the students who need education to be accessible and attainable, SWIEF President Cara Cool-Trede said.

The foundation originated in the early 1980s, stemming from conversations among members of Downtown (Council

I SEE A loT oF great THIngS AnD support FRom THE CommUnITy.

Bluffs) Kiwanis Club including Frank W. Pechacek, Jr. an attorney with Wilson & Pechacek PLC, who became one of the organization’s co-founders and still serves its board

~ DR. DAn KInnEy, presideNt, ioWA WesterN commuNity college

today. Its mission is simple: to provide the opportunity for interested individuals to pursue post-secondary education.

SWIEF solicits, awards and manages scholarships that make college possible.

“It was only a handful of scholarships when they began, so it’s really grown tremendously,” Cool-Trede said. “This year,

IOWA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE GRADUATE

we’re awarding 136 scholarships and over $600,000.”

CHANGING LIVES THROUGH HIGHER EDUCATION One hundred percent of donors’ contributions go directly to scholarships, she said. “That, we believe, is a huge selling point for our donors.” With more than 300 applications rolling in every year, a partnership with the Community Foundation for Western Iowa provides much-needed communication and administrative support to the all-volunteer SWIEF. Cool-Trede said SWIEF changes lives by making higher education possible for students who might otherwise not be able to afford it.

“Removing that barrier gives students some relief: ‘I can do this, I have some financial support.’ Then they can focus on academics, which is what should be their priority,” she said, adding that the expectation is that these students will enter productive careers. “Hopefully these students will stay in or around southwest Iowa, but if they don’t, we still want them to become their best selves out in the world. In order to do that, their education is very important.”

16

mmAgAziNe • jul/Aug 2022

8-25-PCCF-722-FINAL.qxp_MASTER: 16PP+ 7/12/22 1:48 PM Page 17

• mmAgAziNe

education PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES TO AREA STUDENTS

IOWA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE CAMPUS

IOWA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE WELLNESS CENTER

growing WESTERN IOWA growing

WesterN ioWA

CONTINUED

8-25-PCCF-722-FINAL.qxp_MASTER: 16PP+ 7/12/22 1:48 PM Page 18

• mmAgAziNe

OMAHA’S HENRY DOORLY ZOO

education

CONTINUED

dr. dan kinney

IOWA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE When Dr. Dan Kinney retired as President of Iowa Western “I think we can do things as good or even better than those.

Community College (IWCC) in 2020, he was succeeded by… I think we are going to be able to get ourselves more into the Dr. Dan Kinney. It may be the only instance in the community national spotlight; I think we have the opportunities to do that with the excellent staff and faculty we have here, to be college world where a son succeeding a father in the top position shares the same name, but the younger Kinney said able to really look at that and change things and be a driver at the national level,” he said, adding that IWCC will be his leadership style is distinctly different, with him favoring hosting the national meeting for the Rural Community more open communication and collaborative decisionCollege Alliance in the fall. making than previous generations.

“A lot of people think that you have Dan Kinney and Dan Kinney and we should be two peas in a pod. Really, we’re not,” Kinney said. “I think we’ve had three outstanding presidents prior to me getting here: Dr. Robert Looft (founding president of Iowa Western Community College, 1966-1987), Dr. Carl Heinrich (1987-1994) and, of course, my father, Dr. Dan Kinney (1994-2020). Each left their own mark.

We all have our own unique and different leadership style.

To me, it’s more generational how things are done, and there have been a lot of changes in higher education.”

Kinney most recently served as president at Iowa Central Community College for 11 years, preceded by positions at Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff and Allen County Community College in Iola, Kansas. He began his own post-secondary education at a community college in Kansas before attending universities for his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.

The institution works with the communities in its service region to help create a viable workforce, Kinney said, which means providing education and training for jobs available now and into the future. IWCC also works with high schools’ career academy programs to serve students who want to go directly to work or pursue additional education after graduation.

“We really look at what’s happening in not only national, but local trends in the job market, open positions and what are some of the hot jobs… I think there are great opportunities for Iowa Western Community College and southwest Iowa to really grow our communities and attract new businesses to our communities, to create the workforce for the future,” he said. “I see a lot of great things and support from the community. The future is only going to get brighter for us here.”

“I started my career in four-year institutions; I was at Washburn University (Topeka, Kansas), then University of Kansas,” he said. “I truly missed community college, the one-on-one and smaller class sizes. I was able to get back into the community college system and I worked my way through.”

GOOD OR EVEN BETTER Kinney said he believes Iowa Western can be a “national player” on par with institutions in large communities like Phoenix/Maricopa County in Arizona, Miami/Dade County in Florida, or Dallas, Texas.

18

DR. DAN KINNEY, PRESIDENT, IOWA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

mmAgAziNe • jul/Aug 2022

8-25-PCCF-722-FINAL.qxp_MASTER: 16PP+ 7/12/22 1:48 PM Page 19

???????????????????

IMOGENE TRAIL

growing

WesterN ioWA

CONTINUED

8-25-PCCF-722-FINAL.qxp_MASTER: 16PP+ 7/12/22 1:48 PM Page 20

• mmAgAziNe

From arts and entertainment to beautifying neighborhoods to creating places for recreation and connecting with nature, many organizations and projects exist to ensure the people of southwest Iowa continue to enjoy a high quality of life.

POTTAWATTAMIE ARTS, CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT “Our vision and our mission is to support and uplift arts and culture nonprofits, not only in Council Bluffs, but also throughout Pottawattamie County,” said CEO Danna Kehm of Pottawattamie Arts, Culture and Entertainment (PACE). “In addition, we also provide our own programming, so we help with galleries and classes and all sorts of things for our community.

We also help manage Chanticleer Community Theater and Kanesville Symphony Orchestra.”

The circa-1894 structure once warehoused farm equipment and was largely vacant in recent years. The 65,000-square foot space was rehabilitated and a new addition brings the total square footage to 95,000, “all dedicated to arts and culture,” Kehm said. “It’s become a hub for all things artistic for Pottawattamie County.”

The project dates back to 2010, when a group of citizens identified a lack of amenities in Treynor for youth activities and formed the Vision Treynor Group (VTG) to facilitate the success of public and private projects benefiting the economic and social climate of Treynor and rural Pottawattamie County.

“Through a great deal of generosity from local citizens and businesses, support It’s also a draw for visitors from by local foundations, and the VTG surrounding communities and beyond, board’s diligence and efforts, this Kehm said. “Their surprise and excitement at being in the space is still transformational project is finally becoming a reality,” Castle said. wonderful to see… We are truly a regional amenity. And we’re starting to Supporters include TS Banking Group, become a hub for tourism as well.”

Iowa West Foundation, Pottawattamie County Community Foundation (now THE T IN TREYNOR Community Foundation for Western Travis Castle, who serves on the board Iowa) and many local businesses. In for Vision Treynor Group, said an addition to residential development, exciting project called the “T” is Castle said, the board believes that the expected to be a transformational complex will also benefit local facility that will benefit families and the businesses through the increased economy in rural Pottawattamie County. traffic the new amenities will attract.

The organization emerged from conversations started decades ago about the need for an arts and culture center in the region and was supported by numerous studies that took place before an ambitious capital campaign began in 2013. The Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center—which includes a theater, rehearsal areas, gallery, artist studios, classrooms and teaching kitchen—opened in 2020. It also serves as home to multiple nonprofits “The T is a 54-acre plot of land that will “But, most importantly, the VTG including PACE, Chanticleer Community serve as a regional family recreation designed this complex to positively Theater, Kanesville Symphony complex located in Treynor. It is a impact Treynor and rural Orchestra, American Midwest Ballet, product of the Vision Treynor Group Pottawattamie families,” he said. “It is and Kitchen Council. and currently is the home of two youth believed that this impact will continue sports fields. The complex will continue for decades to come.”

“We raised close to $27 million, which to be developed with the addition of was one of the largest fundraising four more fields, a family pavilion, and AMPING UP NEIGHBORHOODS campaigns in the history of Council an eventual family gathering place that Sometimes, aging homes and properties Bluffs, to really build what the will include leisure sports activities and need a little boost. Kelsey Stupfell, TS community needed. So, if you go into a community gathering place, and also Bank Director of Public Relations, said a the Hoff Center, that’s why you’ll see so provides space for other community relatively new program called AMP for many amazing things happening, entities to add assets to the complex,” Neighborhoods, a partnership with The because we were trying to fit as many he said.

“The facility will provide a 712 Initiative, Habitat for Humanity in of the things we heard from the space that is currently absent for youth Council Bluffs and with SHIFT ATL in community into the building. That’s why sports, family recreation and Atlantic, focuses on homeowner we have a gallery, that’s why we have a gatherings.

With the addition of the projects and block initiatives. pottery studio and kilns, that’s why we Treynor Parks & Trails Board’s have an artists’ studio, that’s why we amenities of a splash pad, memorial “It’s helped improve neighborhoods with have spaces for the ballet, orchestra trailhead and an all-inclusive park, it needed exterior home improvements,” and theater. We also have a wonderful will become a destination for young she said. “It came out of our desire to event space and gathering space for our community in the building.” serve the community.” and old in our area.”

20

mmAgAziNe • jul/Aug 2022

8-25-PCCF-722-FINAL.qxp_MASTER: 16PP+ 7/12/22 1:48 PM Page 21

quality of life MAKING GREAT PLACES TO LIVE AND PLAY

WABASH TRACE NATURE TRAIL, MILLS COUNTY

HOFF CENTER GALLERY PHOTO BY JOE SHEARER COUNCIL BLUFFS NONPAREIL

growing WESTERN IOWA growing

WesterN ioWA

CONTINUED

8-25-PCCF-722-FINAL.qxp_MASTER: 16PP+ 7/12/22 1:48 PM Page 22

• mmAgAziNe

OMAHA’S HENRY DOORLY ZOO

quality OF LIFE CONTINUED

THIS pRogRAm IS THE EnERgy boost oUR nEIgHboRHooDS needed To SUppoRT EACH oTHER AnD RAISE pRIDE In ownership In THE CoUnCIl blUFFS CommUnITy. ~ SHERyl gARST, ceo, the 712 iNitiAtive

AMP for Neighborhoods launched in 2021 and included collaboration from thought leaders, nonprofit organizations, and community members in both Council Bluffs and Atlantic.

Projects could be self-nominated or suggested by neighbors and ranged from sprucing up landscaping to making exterior repairs to individual homes.

There was an additional community benefit, Stupfell said.

“For some of the projects, local contractors were hired by The 712 Initiative. And for some of these the timeframe was fourth quarter, when there may be a lull in workflow,” she said. “It was a nice win.”

Another win was an anonymous $100,000 donation for the Council Bluffs program that greatly augmented the initial $5,000 seed from TS Bank, Black Hills Energy and Real Property Management. It sparked a gift of nearly $25,000 from the Council Bluffs Housing Fund, and spring storms inspired a second $100,000 gift from the anonymous donor.

AMP for Neighborhoods in Council Bluffs has now become an annual program with The 712 Initiative, and the anonymous donor has continued a yearly $250,000 gift to help sustain the program.

“We are so grateful to the anonymous donor for continuing this program to support Council Bluffs homeowners,” The 712 Initiative CEO Sheryl Garst said.

“This program is the energy boost our neighborhoods needed to support each other and raise pride in ownership in the Council Bluffs community.”

For the Atlantic effort, TS Bank served as the lead sponsor and received additional support from Cass Atlantic Development Corporation, Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, Meyer & Gross Real Estate, and Cass Health for a total of $5,000. Three projects were selected from 10 applications and with the help of volunteers have all been completed.

HOFF CENTER CHILDREN'S THEATER

COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA AT HOFF CENTER

POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY NEAR UNDERWOOD/BEEBEETOWN

The project continues in both communities, Stupfell said, and volunteers and donors are welcome.

More information is available online at tsbank.com or 712initiative.org.

“We received more than 50 applications “This is a showcase of what true and were able to complete 31 partnerships can do. When you have homeowner projects,” Stupfell said, people working together on one adding that most of the work is initiative, a lot of good can come from complete but a few larger projects that,” Stupfell said. “We feel like this is wrap up this summer. just the beginning.”

22

mmAgAziNe • jul/Aug 2022

SPORTS FIELD AT THE T IN TREYNOR

8-25-PCCF-722-FINAL.qxp_MASTER: 16PP+ 7/12/22 1:48 PM Page 23

growing

WesterN ioWA

CONTINUED

8-25-PCCF-722-FINAL.qxp_MASTER: 16PP+ 7/12/22 1:48 PM Page 24

Q: WHY IS THE WABASH TRACE NATURE TRAIL PROJECT SO IMPORTANT TO OUR WESTERN IOWA AND METRO REGION?

region, the length and location of the trail makes it naturally serve as a spine for all other trails in the area. Page County, Fremont County, Mills County, and Pottawattamie County have all A: THE WABASH TRACE NATURE TRAIL created trails plans with the common is an important piece of our trails theme of connecting outlying system in southwest Iowa and the communities to the Wabash Trace.

Omaha metro region for so many These counties, as well as Cass, reasons. The efforts to make the former Harrison, and Shelby Counties, are part railroad corridor into a recreational trail of a regional group convened by began in 1987, when it was first Golden Hills called the Frontier Iowa announced that service on the line Trails Network. The success of the would be discontinued. The rails-toWabash Trace has also provided trails movement was fairly new at that economic benefits to the rural point, and there were few examples of communities it passes through. successful trails done under this model Restaurants, retail stores and overnight for the SWINT (Southwest Iowa Nature lodging facilities have been supported Trails Project, Inc.) group to learn from. and grown because of the traffic With much assistance from the Iowa provided by trail customers.

Natural Heritage Foundation, the group learned as they went, building The trail also serves as an ecological everything from relationships to bridges. corridor for many native species of plants and animals. While the ‘tunnel’ The final bridge on the trail was canopy is easily recognizable and completed on May 31, 1998. Being one provides trail users with protection of the first and longest recreational from the sun and the wind, there are trails in Iowa, the Wabash Trace has also areas along the trail with native served as an example of how to prairie and views of the Loess Hills. We proceed with other similar projects and saw the importance of access to public refined processes on other trails. The recreation areas such as trails rise trail is 63 miles long, has 72 bridges, during the pandemic, and a renewed and cuts through four counties and interest in cycling and hiking eight communities. With new trail contributed to the evidence of the connections made through Council Wabash Trace’s contribution to both Bluffs, someone can ride from physical and mental health in our Nebraska through Iowa to the Missouri region. The trail offers the ability for border in one day. It was—and is—a individuals to solitarily connect with truly collaborative effort between many nature or join in group events for a nonprofit organizations, businesses and more social experience. Children have individuals. a place free of motor vehicles where they can learn to ride a bike, and Besides serving as an inspiration and families can enjoy an outing without example for other trails throughout the worrying about speeding cars.

YOUR STORY

your agenda 24

Q: HOW WILL IT BE SUSTAINED? A: SINCE THE WABASH TRACE is privately maintained by SWINT, it depends on support from the public through trail pass fees and donations to pay for the maintenance costs. As a 30plus-year-old trail, the maintenance expenses are continually increasing.

Many of the bridges are falling into disrepair and are ready for re-decking, which is a major expense. The crushed limestone surfacing is another ongoing expense. Because of the nature of the aggregate surface, it can easily erode and is susceptible to damage when the trail is too wet or during the fragile spring thaw periods. Some sections of the 63-mile-long trail have not had a reapplication of surfacing since the initial limestone was put down.

Besides the visible ‘material’ items that are showing wear and tear after 30 years, many of the original volunteers are still participating in the ongoing maintenance of the trail. We are continually looking to add new volunteers to help take on tasks and keep the trail operating, from collecting trail pass fees and assisting with fundraising events to storm cleanup and bridge projects. Because we operate on a limited budget, we supplement trail pass fees, donations and fundraising with grants for special or large projects. We are very fortunate to have just been awarded an annual gift from the Hoff Family fund, which will help us adequately plan for larger expenses.

mmAgAziNe • jul/Aug 2022

8-25-PCCF-722-FINAL.qxp_MASTER: 16PP+ 7/12/22 1:48 PM Page 25

• mmAgAziNe

quality of life Q & A: WABASH TRACE NATURE TRAIL Q: WHAT ARE THE GOALS? A: SWINT’S MISSION, through the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, is to promote recreational activity, advance the preservation of natural resources and stimulate economic development for the benefit of the public in Fremont, Mills, Page and Pottawattamie Counties. Our mission guides our goals of keeping the trail open for public use, promoting trail use by residents and visitors, assisting with development of trail connectors that will expand the area’s trail network, and raising funds to make all that possible. Founding members of the Wabash Trace still involved like to lovingly joke that they are now 35 years into a five-year project. This speaks somewhat to their initial naivety of undertaking a project such as this, but I think it also speaks to their commitment to making sure that this great asset to southwest Iowa continues to thrive.

lives, and if we can do a better job telling our story and outlining our needs, I think that the support is there.

Q: WHAT MAKES THIS TRAIL PROJECT UNIQUE TO OUR REGION?

A: THE WABASH TRACE is unique in its operational model because of its dependence on volunteers and individual donations. Many other trails are owned and maintained by their county or city jurisdictions, and as such are funded mostly through tax dollars.

The Wabash Trace is also unique in its surfacing composition. Most newer trails are concrete or asphalt, but the surface of the Wabash is finely crushed limestone. While a concrete surface does allow for extended season use, especially under wet conditions, the crushed limestone provides a distinct experience for the trail users.

The crunch of the limestone beneath tires or feet and the reflection of the weather conditions in the trail surface As a small nonprofit with a very small make the trail user seem more part-time seasonal work crew tasked with maintaining the entire trail, I think connected to nature. Runners especially prefer the trail’s aggregate that we are so very busy keeping up with storm damage, downed trees, and surface over a hard surfacing. immediate maintenance needs that we often don’t have time to look ahead to The ability of the Wabash Trace to connect people is its biggest asset, in the long-term. We began a strategic planning process before the pandemic, my opinion. The Wabash Trace is a special part of so many people’s lives. but that has been on hold since that time. As part of that, I hope to develop Lifelong friendships have been forged because of the trail, wedding proposals a fundraising plan that would ensure made (and accepted), family photos funding for maintenance needs into the future. This got a jump-start when taken, and ashes spread at memorial services. As late volunteer Curt Altizer the Hoff Family fund through noted in a 1993 video about the Community Foundation for Western beginnings of the Wabash Trace, ‘While Iowa committed to a $25,000 annual gift starting in 2022. I think that the trail we’re developing the Trace, the Trace develops the people that work on it.’ is an important part of many people’s

REBECCA CASTLE, PROJECT COORDINATOR, GOLDEN HILLS RESEARCH CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT

PROPER CAPTION???

growing WESTERN IOWA growing

WesterN ioWA

26-29-WwWow-722.qxp_- 7/12/22 1:59 PM Page 26

presents

WOMEN WHO

WOW MY focus IS GOING TO BE ON how DO WE NOT JUST build, BUT HOW DO WE BUILD better FOR EVERYTHING? ~ Tamara Brunow

TAMARA BRUNOW

story by kara schweiss | photography by deBra s. kaplan

26

mmagazine • JUL/aUg 2022

26-29-WwWow-722.qxp_- 7/12/22 1:59 PM Page 27

• mmagazine

PRESENTS

women who wow

• TAMARA BRUNOW

continUed

26-29-WwWow-722.qxp_- 7/12/22 1:59 PM Page 28

presents

WOMEN WHO WOW

TAMARA BRUNOW

Tamara Brunow launched Brunow contracting in 2008 and has found a niche in unique projects within the government sector. she credits her company’s success in part to her willingness to ask questions and welcome learning opportunities.

“I always loved inventing things and building things,” Brunow Contracting President and CEO Tamara Brunow said.

Not surprising, considering her company’s portfolio showcases a variety of projects with governmental entities and commercial clients. Brunow Contracting is now working with Iowa State University College of Design’s 3D Affordable Innovative Technologies Housing Project on a demonstration build in Hamburg, Iowa.

An enormous 3D printer will be used to manufacture affordable homes in a 40-unit development that is part of the community’s recovery efforts from 2019 flooding.

What is surprising is that Brunow started out on a very different path, double majoring in pre-law and English literature after graduating from Lewis Central High School in Council Bluffs. She also needed to earn a living.

come out of the ground to a finished product? I was thrilled. That was when I was like, ‘Yep, this is what I want to do.’”

“A lot of the projects I do are projects other people don’t want to do because they’re very technical in nature. We have built a niche of unique project within the Embracing the challenges government sector,” she said. “I have built After leaving the Corps position, Brunow everything from levees to swine research worked for Red Oak, Iowa-based Oakview facilities. We have built for the U.S. Forest Construction, a major contractor at the Service in Boxelder Canyon outside of time, followed by a stint with Lueder Mount Rushmore, re-piping all of the Construction. But she missed working with propane piping up there. We built a tank government entities. firing range in Fort Riley, Kansas, for the Department of Defense. We’ve done a lot of “I loved that the government had all flood cleanup projects.” different kinds of projects. You weren’t just building Taco Bells and McDonald’s, you She added, “Somebody asked me the other weren’t just building mall stalls and day about working for the government and Victoria’s Secrets and Old Navies. You the advantages of being a woman-owned weren’t just building schools,” she said. company. Everyone thinks my company “You could do anything working for the government; project types were endless.” was built on set-aside small-business projects; as a matter of fact, I have done less than five set-aside projects in my Brunow also missed the challenges. career, and the rest have been full and open projects where anyone could bid.”

“The government contracting side, people either love the technical headaches of it or they hate it,” she said. “When you work for Brunow credits her success in part to being willing to ask questions and learn new the government, there’s so much things. regulation, there’s so much detail.”

“I started working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers when I was 21 years old,” she said. I was put into military construction contracting as a contract specialist.”

In January 2008, Brunow launched her own company.

The position turned out to be a great fit.

“At the height of a recession!” she said, with “The technical reading side and research, a hearty laugh. “Ignorance is bliss, I will tell putting details together, came naturally for you that. Because no one expected me to me when it came to the government survive. No one. People thought I had lost contracts,” she said. “Watching things get my mind.” built, it’s one thing to read a process and write a process in a contract to accomplish Brunow Contracting survived. In fact, it tasks, but when you can actually see it flourished.

“I’m not afraid to ask questions. I’m not afraid, honestly, to fail,” she said. “Being able to have humility allowed me to ask questions that a lot of the guys standing in the room in pre-bids have, the same questions they won’t ask because they’re afraid to look stupid… At first it made me self-conscious because I’d be the only woman in the room and I’d be asking a lot of questions. And then I realized I can ask these questions and learn—or not work.”

TAMARA BRUNOW 28

mmagazine • JUL/aUg 2022

26-29-WwWow-722.qxp_- 7/12/22 1:59 PM Page 29

• mmagazine

This special feature is sponsored by planitinc.

I’M NOT afraid TO ASK QUESTIONS… YOU CAN LEARN FROM everybody AND anything. ~ Tamara Brunow

Building better for everything The company is poised for industry evolution, including renewable building technologies solutions.

“All the new technology that’s coming out, we need to bring it through the construction industry. I am always curious in the building industry market; we have to change, we have to look at renewables, we have to look at supply-chain issues,” she said. “My focus is going to be on how we do not just build, but how do we build better for everything?” she said.

“So many times, we stereotype where the information should come from: it should come from a professor, it should come from this book,” she said. “But you can learn from everybody and anything.”

Brunow, who married husband Mike in January, is mom to three middle- and high-school-age children. In her spare time, she coaches youth recreational volleyball.

She’s also involved with Community Foundation for Western Iowa, Council Bluffs Morning Rotary and the Spark Developer Academy. Teaching yoga and Brunow is a shareholder in BastLab, a natural fiber technology company looking enjoying an active lifestyle was the at using natural fibers from hemp, jute and impetus for H2W Apparel, launched in 2016 after Brunow designed and patented flax to create products in the building industry and the textile industry. “the perfect sports bra.”

She’s advocating for a Bast facility in southwest Iowa.

“That company has been fun and what I’ve learned from it is that I am most definitely Brunow said she’s taken advantage of an inventor and builder… But Brunow numerous free industry and governmental educational opportunities from seminars Contracting is my baby. I love construction, to contractor training programs. She’s also it’s what I get out of bed every morning for. learned from both experienced peers and I love putting something on paper and relative newcomers. seeing it come to life.”

PRESENTS

women who wow

• TAMARA BRUNOW

This special feature is sponsored by planitinc. planitinc. is dedicated to honoring women whose influence not only impacts the boardroom but the community.

“Welcome to

”

one of the largest and most prestigious meeting planning firms in the midwest omaha magazine B2B winners since 2008 national, regional and local meetings and events nationally recognized as a leader in the meetings & event industry supporting our community through our nonprofit work and the boards/organizations we are members of planitinc. has been providing event and meeting management solutions for over twenty years. we are a client-centric firm that provides unmatched service and professionalism. while proudly located in the midwest, our crazytalented event team works from NEW YORK to LA and everywhere in between.

your money

SWARTZBAUGH-FARBER & ASSOCIATES, INC.

generational MYTHS: baby boomers

Boomer women entered the job force than prior generations, mary drueke-collins increasing representation in most career fields; it’s not reasonable to assume they won’t speak up for what they want or will accept the workplace status quo.

Today’s offices potentially span five generations ranging from the Silent Generation to Generation Z. A co-worker could just as easily have been raised with a smartphone in hand as have used a manual typewriter at their first job. Some see differences between generational colleagues as an annoyance (“kids these days!”) or rely on generational stereotypes as fact. Current research, however, questions the validity of generational stereotypes. This series uncovers top generational myths as a strategy to support a diverse and healthy employee population.

The U.S. population soared following World War II and this surge created the aptly named Baby Boomer generation. This generation was born between 1946 and 1964 and represents some of the eldest people in the workforce. The top three myths of Baby Boomers include: Myth 1: Baby Boomers do not understand technology. This stereotype has been overplayed in popular media, such as the older colleague scared of Excel who needs to call the help desk to send a Slack message. The truth is that a member of this generation (Tim Berners-Lee, to be exact) invented the World Wide Web. And while their zeal for new apps may not match that of fresh college graduates, Baby Boomers have proven to be more than capable of using technology; between 76% and 81% go online regularly. Younger colleagues should be willing to give them a chance.

Myth 2: Boomers are traditionalists. The real question is, how is “tradition” defined?

Baby Boomers were firsts in a lot of meaningful areas that can hardly be called traditional.

Many Baby Boomers were idealists who had no problem taking action to support their social and political visions. This same vigor can be seen in the workplace. For example, more

30

Myth 3: Boomers are ready to exit the workforce. With the older members of this generation approaching 80 years old, many assume this group is on its way out the door.

The facts tell a different story. A 2018 Pew Research Study showed that close to 30% of Boomers in the 65-to-72-year age range were engaged in looking for a job or working. Baby Boomers aren’t sitting back on their heels (nor can they with the additional income needed to support the longer lives they lead in comparison to their parents’ generation). They want to stay connected with the workforce, whether this is staying on staff in a full-time capacity or finding a part-time job where they can explore their interests. Boomers make great mentors as well, so younger co-workers shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to learn from their experience.

Baby Boomers had—and still have—a heavy pull in corporate America. This is a result of their group’s size, as well as their plans to stick around the office longer than expected. They may be more technology-savvy than assumed and can’t be boxed into the traditionalist category. Finally, Baby Boomers are full of institutional knowledge that other generations should consider soaking up.

For more information, please contact your trusted advisor at Swartzbaugh-Farber – ‘Client Centered – Client Advocates™’

mMAGAZINE • JUNE/JULY 2022

s

y

Mary Vandenack, while a lawyer by profession, has studied extensively in mind/body areas of fitness and wellness. She is Yoga Alliance RYT-200, Power Pilates certified and ACE certified and has earned a Specialization in Foundation of Positive Psychology from University of Pennsylvania.

metroSPIRIT

• with MARY E. VANDENACK

WHEN LIFE IS challenging, SURROUND YOURSELVES WITH love

“When love is unconditional, it is neither aroused nor diminished by others’ values or qualities, it is a spontaneous gift that seeks nothing for the giver.”

- Simon May, author and professor of philosophy Many of us had very challenging life periods during the pandemic. I was no exception. At a particularly difficult moment, a wise friend said, “Spend as much time as you can with people who truly love you.”

That sounds easy, right? But the truth is, we surround ourselves with a variety of people for a variety of reasons. They don’t all love us for us. In a really challenging life moment, it’s important to look around you and discern who has been there for you in your darkest moments. Who is it that has seen your dark side and knows your weaknesses and still loves you? How do you really know who really loves you for who you are?

One thing that matters is that you feel safe around the other person. Emotional safety involves being able to share your feelings openly and honestly without fear of rejection, judgment, tension or resentment. Emotional safety has to withstand the test of time.

My best friend and I have been part of each other’s lives for over 25 years. I recall sharing something intensely personal at one point early in our friendship. When we were later in the presence of her husband, I assumed that she would have shared it with him. She had not. And that has been the nature of our friendship for the entire 25-plus years. I know I can tell her anything and it is safe. A friend or partner who finds it necessary or appropriate to share personal things about you with others is not safe. They may come up with a lot of reasons why they shared something, but they have proved themselves unsafe. I recall a woman I knew who was always criticizing people who she also called friends. I knew that if she was criticizing others to me, she was doing the same to me when I wasn’t there.

That’s not safe.

There is no one about whom we like everything. If we think that with reference to someone, we have created a fantasy about them rather than seeing them for who they really are. Those who love us accept us for who we are, but accepting another as they are takes personal strength and self-confidence. Being accepting is unconditionally and wholeheartedly letting people be who they are. We all want to be loved and accepted, and it’s easy to be vulnerable to someone who isn’t actually accepting. Signs that a person is capable of being accepting are confidence in themselves; flexibility and ability to change what they are doing; and being forgiving, open-minded, self-aware, patient, respectful,

31

sensitive, thoughtful and tolerant. If someone doesn’t accept you for who you are, move on. As my mom always said, “You are better off with two to three real friends than a large number of people who are ‘fake’ friends or simply incapable of being a true friend.”

That is, there are people who you may genuinely care about who simply don’t have the self-confidence to be a true friend. But never lower your standards. Keep your standards high and look for those who will live up to them.

A friend who loves you is consistent. They are there for you on good days as well as notso-good days. They are consistently supportive of you—and of others. A person who routinely shares stories about people they tried to help but who then turned on them is likely part of the problem. One of the ways I evaluate whether I am the problem or whether the other person is the problem is to note whether everyone is reacting to me the same way or whether it is just one person who is having that issue with everyone else—in which case it is likely them (and if it’s me, I need to own it and fix it.)

Someone who loves you makes the effort. A person who calls you a friend but has never reached out to you isn’t a friend. A friend is there for you regularly and a person who loves you steps it up a notch when things get really tough. When I went through a really bad spell in 2021, I had one friend who called and texted me every single day until I booked a flight to spend some time with her letting her care for me. I don’t hold every friend to this standard, but it was pretty awesome to realize she would go that out of the way for me.

A friend who cares about you respects your boundaries; is honest; owns their own stuff; validates you emotionally; and is empathic, sensitive and caring. If someone you consider a friend tries to tell you that you are the entire problem when there is a relationship moment, R-U-N. If someone truly cares about you, when you are with them you can be yourself. There are no pretenses. If you mismatched your socks, they will simply ask you if you would like a different pair or laugh with you. You can admit that you couldn’t figure out how to put laundry soap in the washing machine and they won’t judge you.

Life is short. Spend as much time as possible with those who love you and appreciate you as you are.

mMAGAZINE • JUNE/JULY 2022

s

planning matters

• WITH VW LAW

MENTAL health law We have all been through a pandemic, political unrest and continued public shootings in schools and elsewhere. And now we are watching the devastation of a war.

The commentaries and studies on the impact of these events on mental health can readily be found on the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Biotechnology Information, Mayo Clinic, our own University of Nebraska Medical Center and many other well-respected institutions.

Mental health and legal issues related to mental health interact in numerous ways. There are many barriers to those with mental health issues in terms of access, stigma, preference for self-reliance, desire for self-sufficiency, and concerns about employment.

One area of importance is simply that of access to care for mental health. According to National Alliance on Mental Illness, less than half of adults with mental illness

receive treatment. The Affordable Care Act improved access by requiring medical insurers to provide mental health coverage for behavioral and mental health care for small group plans and individuals. Prior to the Affordable mary e. vandenack Care Act, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 required large group plans to cover mental health services at a level similar to other medical services (referred to as parity) but this act did not apply to small group plans or individual policies. The Affordable Care Act also eliminated lifetime caps on mental health benefits. Coverage cannot be denied based on a pre-existing condition.

While legislation has improved access to care for mental health, other issues remain. Affordability is one. Even where coverage is provided, there are deductibles and co-pays. Another issue is qualified mental health professionals. Absent qualified professionals, we have seen cases where friends or co-workers try to stick inappropriate mental health diagnoses on others. Mental health education and awareness is important as is finding ways to have qualified mental health professionals to those who might need it. Rural areas may often be underserved.

Mental health and employment is another area of interconnection between mental health and law.

There are a variety of laws that apply to the workplace.

The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) will cover many individuals diagnosed with a mental health condition. The ADA definition of psychiatric disability is “a mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of an individual; a record of impairment; or being regarded as having an impairment.” If the ADA (or a similar state or local law) applies, a person with such a disability is protected from being discriminated against in applying for jobs and in promotions, termination, pay and other aspects of employment. The ADA also requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to those with disabilities.

Employees are generally not required to divulge their mental health conditions; however, there are some exceptions. A disclosure is required when asking for a reasonable accommodation, when answering a question that all employment candidates are required to answer after accepting a job offer, and when a mental health condition will make it impossible to do a job even with an accommodation and if the issue poses a safety risk.

Many employers offer employee assistance programs to help employees struggling with mental health issues. Access programs can help reduce cost concerns elated to seeking help. By offering such programs, employers can help reduce workers’ compensation claims, job-related issues including attendance and overall health care costs.

32

mMAGAZINE • JUNE/JULY 2022

s

m s e

im w e

d I a c

h v

stephanie vondrak d.d.s.

impact!

• YOUR DENTAL HEALTH

ONLY 99 Years Dr. Stephanie Vondrak is board certified by the American Academy of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine to treat patients suffering from sleep apnea with sleep apnea appliances.

For those following my column, I had intended

stephanie vondrak d.d.s. to introduce you to Donna, a lovely woman whose

experience with health-centered dentistry was meaningful and life-changing. I still believe her story is important, and I promise it will be shared. But the recent passing of my grandfather has inspired me to explore his life and the enormity of 99 years.

Born December 18, 1922, this child who later became my grandfather could not have imagined that he would live nearly a century. The farm he loved and would call home was much different in those early days. With no indoor plumbing or sophisticated farming equipment, the child was raised to live off the land, work hard and appreciate rain.

I often imagine what his life was like. No internet, computers or cellphones, no constant demand at your fingertips to be doing something, to be somewhere, to be something more.

I imagine a hot stillness most days. A steady grind from sunup to sundown, nurturing crops and growing a business while, at the same time, overtly aware that hail, wind or drought could level his future with one swift storm.

As a type-A, task-oriented, driver personality, I don’t know how he did it. Year after year, hoping and praying that nature would be kind and his efforts successful with so many variables out of his control.

33

What I want you to know about my grandfather is that his kind, steady approach to farming was how he set about everything in his life. I have no memories of him angry or raising his voice. I never saw him lose his temper, not once in my entire life. He was grateful and he did not “want” for things. He found happiness in the land, in his family, and in any opportunity that came his way. He and my grandmother were married a beautiful 67 years and when she passed, I remember him saying, “67 years sure went by fast.”

I crave the stillness and steadiness I witnessed in my grandpa for my own life and my children’s. I want his legacy to be a simple reminder that everyday joy is found with perspective and gratitude is not defined by the storm passing through.

If this desire resonates with you or stillness is something you seek in your own life, here’s a thought: Put down your smartphone, and put on your sneakers. Take a walk and breathe in the hot, muggy air. Inhale slowly and exhale slowly. Do this with the intention that today is just today, simple and good. Know that 99 years can go by fast, and that life can be steady and kind and so much simpler than we make it.

Until then…

mMAGAZINE • JUNE/JULY 2022

34-35-CVR-SCENE-722.qxp_EVENTS 7/12/22 2:44 PM Page 34

34-35-CVR-SCENE-722.qxp_EVENTS 7/12/22 2:44 PM Page 35

event galleries | charity support

updated local event info LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE GIVING GUIDE 2022!

Are you hosting a virtual or on-location event this year?

Go to SpiritofOmaha.com & CONNECT to the Greater Omaha community!

Create a FREE account to promote & update your event information 365/24/7!

S FROM ON SERIES. MODEL VIRTUAL DISCUSSI AG AN EMENT DEVELOP MODEL M

keeping you connected in 2022!

35

mMAGAZINE • JUL/AUG 2022

EMPOWERED

Photos courtesy Debra Kaplan

Women

Habitat for Humanity of Omaha Women’s Power Luncheon

When: May 6, 2022 Where: Hilton Omaha Why: Habitat Omaha’s Women’s Power Luncheon recruits, educates and inspires women and men to build and advocate for safe, stable and affordable houses in our community.

Attendance: 590 Amount Raised: $228,000

POWER WOMAN OF THE YEAR MERIDITH DILLON, HABITAT OMAHA CEO AMANDA BREWER, HONORARY CHAIR CARMEN TAPIO, POWER ADVOCATE MARANDA ADAMS

FRONT ROW: JESS PATE; MIDDLE ROW L-R: KAREN WOODRUFF, MARY LOPEZ, MONA MCGREGOR, SARAH LOPEZ; LAST ROW L-R: JOAN MCGILL, JULIE KEEN, ANNIE BIRD, CAROLINE DIAMOND

CAREN WOODRUFF, HABITAT OMAHA CEO AMANDA BREWER, OPPD PRESIDENT & CEO JAVIER FERNANDEZ

WOMEN’S POWER LUNCHEON COMMITTEE L-R: JANA FLAXBEARD, CHERA TREMBLAY, MIRANDA NIELSEN, TRACI FOCHT, MARY ROMMELFANGER, COLLEEN MCLEAY, MICHELLE FINNEGAN-DREW

HABITAT OMAHA HOMEOWNER AND PUBLISHED AUTHOR TARA EVANS SELLING HER CHILDREN’S BOOK, FUN AT THE FARM, AT THE EVENT; ALSO PICTURED IS HER SON, STEVEN EVANS

POWER WOMAN OF THE YEAR MERIDITH DILLON AND HONORARY CHAIR CARMEN TAPIO SHARE A SUPPORTIVE MOMENT AFTER CARMEN’S REMARKS AT THE EVENT

36

36-49-SCENES-FINAL-RPK.indd 36

Mission: Habitat for Humanity of Omaha’s mission is to build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.

About: Habitat Omaha’s Women’s Power Luncheon recruits, educates and inspires women and men to build and advocate for safe, stable and affordable houses in our community. This year’s event celebrated the 25th Women Build in Omaha, which provides an opportunity for thousands of local women to come together and construct and renovate homes with local families. Luncheon attendees met three amazing women: Carmen Tapio as Honorary Chair, Meridith Dillon as Power Woman of the Year, and Maranda Adams, our 2022 Power Partner. A huge thank-you to everyone who came out to this year’s Women’s Power Luncheon and to our sponsors: Union Pacific, Lindsay, Lamp Rynearson, Lozier, Millard Lumber, Northern Natural Gas, Streck, and Werner Enterprises. We hope the event inspired people to build and advocate for affordable houses in our local community.

For more information: (402) 457-5657 or www.habitatomaha.org

BECKY VINTON, HABITAT OMAHA SR. DEVELOPMENT OFFICER; JOYCE DAVIS, EVENT EMCEE; ERIN DAHMS, HABITAT OMAHA DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

mMAGAZINE • JUL/AUG 2022 7/12/22 4:10 PM

RED

Photos courtesy Casie Schlueter

en

Brownell Talbot College Preparatory School

maha

cheon

heon en to dable

Oui, BT! Gala Soirée and Carnival

KARI O’NEILL, TRE BRASHEAR, AND GALA CO-CHAIR MEGAN BELCHER

GALA CO-CHAIR MEGAN BELCHER, VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT SHANNON GILROY, DIRECTOR OF EVENTS MELISSA RIDER, AND GALA CO-CHAIR LAURA CROSBY

When: May 6 and 7, 2022 Where: Cottonwood Hotel and Brownell Talbot Campus Why: Gala is Brownell Talbot’s most important annual fundraising event, which supports students, faculty, staff and the school throughout the year.

Attendance: Soirée: 130 / Carnival: 325 Amount Raised: $1.5 million

isance

ncheon en to dable elebratrovides to mes three Chair, and huge year’s rs: er, , and red ouses

Magnifique

DAMIEN AND ANGELA SHULL

DENISE POWELL, JENNY DWYER, SARAH BAKER HANSEN, VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT SHANNON GILROY, NANCY NOVAK

Event Summary: On May 6 and 7, the BT community came together and said “Oui, BT!” as the school celebrated 40 years of Gala and the James family as this year’s honorary chairs. The weekend festivities included the Gala Soirée at the Cottonwood Hotel on Friday evening and the Gala Carnival on BT’s campus the following night.

Special Guests: Honorary Chairs: The James Family Catered by: A Catered Affair Event Planner: BT Director of Events Melissa Rider

GWENN AND JEREMY ASPEN

WENDE KOTOUC AND CAMILLE KOTOUC, ‘22

Mission: Every student. Every mind. Every heart.

Known. Inspired. Challenged.

About: Brownell Talbot is Omaha’s only independent private school challenging students age 3 through grade 12 to discover themselves and their distinct talents through a globally minded education, small class sizes, and personalized attention.

For more information: (402) 556-3772

BACK ROW: CHIP JAMES III, ‘88, AND BARRY JAMES, X’77; FRONT ROW: ALLISON JAMES, ‘78, JEANNETTE JAMES, AND MICHELE JAMES

BECCA AND RORY SUDBECK

BRAD AND LAURA CROSBY

MICHELE AIZENBERG ANSARI, PRIYANKA BORAH, ASHIMA MEHTA, NATALIA ATCHLEY, AND PATRA PAKIESER

37

36-49-SCENES-FINAL-RPK.indd 37

DAVID SCOTT, ‘81, FORMER HEADMASTER DIANNE DESLER, AND MICHELLE AND PETER MASSEY, ‘81

mMAGAZINE • JUL/AUG 2022 7/12/22 4:10 PM

Photos courtesy Molly Sheppard

GRANTING WISHES

Changing Lives Make-A-Wish Nebraska

Blue Jean Ball

When: April 2, 2022 ANGIE FISHER, BRIGETTE YOUNG, AND HONORARY CHAIRS JON AND JULIE SMITH

EVENT CHAIR CANDI KIRKWOOD, BRIAN KETCHAM WITH LINDSAY CORP., AND BRIGETTE YOUNG

Where: Embassy Suites La Vista Why: The Blue Jean Ball is Make-A-Wish Nebraska’s largest fundraiser and helps raise the funds needed to continue granting local wishes.

Attendance: 650 Amount Raised: $500,000 Mission: Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

About: Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Wishes are an integral part of a child’s treatment journey. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness. Since its inception, Make-AWish Nebraska has granted more than 2,900 wishes across the state. On average, the organization grants 115-120 wishes per year.

For more information: wish.org/nebraska

WISH KID KANE’S WISH TO GO TO STAR WARS GALAXY’S EDGE IS GRANTED!

MAKE-A-WISH NEBRASKA’S BLUE JEAN BALL

WISH KID ETHAN PERFORMS SOME OF HIS ORIGINAL COUNTRY SONGS

WISH KID KANE SHARES HIS MEDICAL JOURNEY WITH ATTENDEES

38

36-49-SCENES-FINAL-RPK.indd 38

WISH KID KANE RECEIVES GIFTS FOR HIS WISH TO GO TO STAR WARS GALAXY’S EDGE

mMAGAZINE • JUL/AUG 2022 7/12/22 4:10 PM

Photos courtesy Debra Kaplan

SHES

ves

Walter Scott Jr. Mid-America Council, Boy Scouts of America

raska

Citizen of the Year

an Ball

DR. ROBERT M. GATES GIVING KEYNOTE ADDRESS ON LEADERSHIP

L-R: CHRIS MEHAFFEY (MID-AMERICA COUNCIL CEO), MIKE YANNEY, DR. ROBERT M. GATES (KEYNOTE SPEAKER), NATE DODGE (EMCEE), TERRY KROEGER (EVENT CHAIRMAN)

e the hes.

wishes

wishes re an Research n build ed to ake-A0 wishes on grants

HONORING

When: April 11, 2022 Where: Scott Conference Center Why: To honor the legacy of Walter Scott Jr.’s leadership and community impact. The exclusive luncheon also featured a keynote address from Dr. Robert M. Gates, former Boy Scouts of America National President and 22nd United States Secretary of Defense.

Attendance: 135

L-R: DAVID SCOTT, MIKE YANNEY, CHASITY MCREYNOLDS, DR. JEFFREY P. GOLD.

MID-AMERICA COUNCIL CEO & SCOUT EXECUTIVE CHRIS MEHAFFEY PRESENTS OUTSTANDING EAGLE SCOUT SCHOLARSHIP TO REBECCA WRIGHT

Amount Raised: $300,000 Special Guests: Dr. Robert M. Gates, Christine and Wayne Perry Catered by: Scott Conference Center Multimedia/Rentals by: Dog and Pony, Keyboard Castle

DAVID SCOTT SHARES MOVING SPEECH ABOUT HIS FATHER WALTER SCOTT JR.

DR. JEFFREY P. GOLD, CHANCELLOR OF UNMC

CHASITY MCREYNOLDS

L-R: CHRISTINE PERRY, MARY DAUB, HAL DAUB, WAYNE PERRY

Mission: It is the mission of the Mid-America Council, Boy Scouts of America to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Summary: For this year’s Citizen of the Year Luncheon, the organization honored the memory of Walter Scott Jr. for his remarkable lifelong dedication, kindness, and leadership within the Scouting movement. Attendees heard from some of Scotts’s closest associates, who spoke on his character and transformative giving. Scott always sought to recognize the achievements of young people. The accomplishments of an outstanding Eagle Scout, Rebecca Wright, were honored with a $10,000 scholarship, leadership opportunities, and public recognition. Dr. Robert M. Gates, former National President of the Boy Scouts of America and Secretary of Defense under President’s George W. Bush and Barack Obama, spoke on the topic of leadership to the 130 guests in the room.

For more information: www.mac-bsa.org

GUESTS AT SCOTT CONFERENCE CENTER

SAM HANDLEY, BASS BARITONE, AND SEAN KELLY, HEAD OF MUSIC AND CHORUSMASTER OF OPERA OMAHA

39

36-49-SCENES-FINAL-RPK.indd 39

mMAGAZINE • JUL/AUG 2022 7/13/22 11:23 AM

PARTY FOR

Photos courtesy May Day Photography

Pets

Midlands Humane Society

14th Annual Midlands Humane Society Gala “Adoption & Adventure Go Hand in Paw”

When: May 13, 2022 Where: Mid-America Center MHS

Why: The annual MHS Gala is the single largest fundraiser of the year, with funds raised used to help thousands of animals who arrive at our doors for help. We assess each animal for health and behavior, get it on the road to recovery (if needed), prepare the pet for adoption through spay and neuter procedures and necessary vaccines and tests, or help to reunite it with its family in the event the pet is lost.

Attendance: 550 Amount Raised: $188,000.00 Event Summary: MHS Gala guests were treated to puppy and kitty playtime; excellent dinner and drinks; tons of silent and live auction items on which to bid; an entertaining emcee/auctioneer; and an animal fashion show featuring acts from Gilligan’s Island, Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz, Buzz Lightyear and Woody, and The Love Boat. The music combined with the costumes worn by the dogs and owners made this show a blast.

Mission: To protect and nurture companion animals and enrich the lives of people who love them.

About: The Midlands Humane Society opened its doors in 2015 and has saved over 14,500 animals since that time through pet adoption or by reuniting lost pets with owners. Midlands Humane Society serves the areas of Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County, Iowa. Our reach is much further, however, as we adopt animals to families from a multi-state region. We pride ourselves on a robust volunteer program and pet education for all ages.

For more information: (712) 396-2270, info@midlandshumanesociety.org or www.midlandshumanesociety.org

40

36-49-SCENES-FINAL-RPK.indd 40

mMAGAZINE • JUL/AUG 2022 7/12/22 4:10 PM

OR

Photos courtesy Jodi Hauptman

ts

Youth

ciety

ty Gala n Paw”

est to help for behavprepare proceelp to s lost.

The Salvation Army of Omaha BACK ROW, L TO R: CHRISTIAN MILLER, ZACHERY RANDALL, CODY BAILEY, MARCO ALVARADO, BOXIN DU, DR. JACK STARK, SHIRLEY STARK, DR. TOM OSBORNE, BRUCE RASMUSSEN, MAJOR LEE ANN THOMPSON, MAJOR GREG THOMPSON, DAVID SOKOL, MADAUX DELONG, TYSON WARNER, ZACKAREA ALHEJAJ, MOHAMMAD ABUGHALYOON AND MARCUS BRATRSOVSKY; FRONT ROW, L TO R: MELODIE MCCLURE, ALLISON VAUGHAN, CAMILLE O’NEILL, OLOUWATOBI NOUKPOZOUNKOU, ALEAH ONATE, YOSELYN PAIZ-RAFAEL AND ISABELLA BUCKMAN

ed its mals uniting iety attamie ever, state eer

2022 D.J.’s Hero Awards Luncheon

When: May 3, 2022 Where: CHI Health Center Why: To honor the 17 2022 D.J.’s Hero Awards scholarship winners.

Attendance: 1,100 Amount Raised: More than $610,000

DAVID SOKOL, DR. JACK STARK, DR. TOM OSBORNE AND BRUCE RASMUSSEN

DAVID SOKOL, CODY BAILEY, PEGGY SOKOL

ated and n which d an gan’s ghtyear mbined ers

nimals

RECOGNIZING

Event Summary: Founded in 2000, The D.J.’s Hero Awards Luncheon is the Salvation Army of Omaha’s largest event of the year. Proceeds help to fund programs that support vulnerable youth in the Omaha metro. At this year’s event, 17 Nebraska high school seniors from across the state were awarded a $12,000 scholarship each. Since the event’s inception, a total of 189 scholarships have been awarded to Nebraska scholars who exemplify perseverance, selflessness and servant-leadership.

Mission: The Salvation Army’s mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

CHRIS CRUTCHFIELD, DAVID SOKOL, ADRIAN DOWELL AND JOHNNY RODGERS

MIKE CASSLING, ISELA HAINES, YOSELYN PAIZRAFAEL AND ELIZABETH CASSLING

BRUCE RASSMUSSEN, DR. JACK STARK, SHIRLEY STARK, ALEAH ONATE AND ALYSSA ONATE

SALLY HARMS, DR. TOM OSBORNE AND CHRISTIAN MILLER

DONNA CUMMINGS, ISABELLA BUCKMAN AND JULIA HEBENSTREIT

JEFF BECKMAN, DR. JACK STARK, DR. JOANN SCHAEFER AND PHIL HAINES

About: The Salvation Army of Omaha’s three community centers—Omaha Citadel Corps, Omaha North Corps and the Omaha Kroc Center—as well as the Burrows Center and Renaissance Village, are uniquely situated to meet the diverse needs of Omaha’s metro-area neighborhoods. From youth programs, food services and material assistance to housing, older adult programs, behavioral health support and disaster relief, The Salvation Army of Omaha sustains the bodies, minds and spirits of our community’s most vulnerable populations.

y.org

41

36-49-SCENES-FINAL-RPK.indd 41

REMEMBERING D.J. SOKOL

mMAGAZINE • JUL/AUG 2022 7/13/22 3:29 PM

Photos courtesy Boys Town

COMPETING WITH

Character

Boys Town

Boys Town Booster Banquet

When: April 26, 2022 Where: Embassy Suites La Vista Why: The Booster Banquet brings Boys Town and the Omaha community together to recognize Boys Town’s student-athletes and raise funds for sports equipment, uniforms and other necessities.

Attendance: Honored 280 student-athletes with over 900 community partners and sponsors Amount Raised: N/A THE VOICES OF BOYS TOWN ENTERTAINED THE AUDIENCE OF NEARLY 1,200

MELISSA STOCKWELL DISCOVERS THE HISTORY OF BOYS TOWN WHILE TOURING THE HALL OF HISTORY

FATHER STEVEN BOES, MELISSA STOCKWELL AND LISA PETERS HONOR JAY WITH THE OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD

BOYS TOWN SUPPORTERS MEET GUEST SPEAKER MELISSA STOCKWELL

MELISSA STOCKWELL SHARED THE STORY OF HER JOURNEY OVERCOMING ADVERSITY AND THE LESSONS LEARNED ALONG THE WAY

GODFATHER’S PIZZA IS A PROUD NATIONAL SPONSOR OF BOYS TOWN

42

36-49-SCENES-FINAL-RPK.indd 42

Event Summary: The Boys Town Boosters were formed 55 years ago to ensure that any child who is at Boys Town has the opportunity to play sports.

Every year, the Booster Banquet brings Boys Town and the Omaha community together to recognize Boys Town’s student-athletes and raise funds for sports equipment, uniforms and other necessities.

This support of Boys Town athletics guarantees youth have an outlet where they can have fun and learn valuable life lessons.

Mission: Changing the way America cares for children and families.

About: For more than one hundred years, Boys Town has been a safe haven for abused and neglected children and for those with behavioral problems and mental health challenges. Boys Town lifts girls and boys out of heartache and provides life-changing care by giving them a stable and secure environment where they have access to specialized health care and learn the skills they need to become successful students and productive citizens.

VETERAN, PURPLE HEART RECIPIENT, PARALYMPIC MEDALIST, WIFE AND MOTHER MELISSA STOCKWELL INSPIRED AT THE 55TH ANNUAL BOYS TOWN BOOSTER BANQUET

mMAGAZINE • JUL/AUG 2022 7/12/22 4:11 PM

Photos courtesy Debra Kaplan

ITH

LAUGHING FOR

Town

Child Saving Institute

er

Love

nquet

and Boys ports

Cabaret

When: May 7, 2022 Where: Embassy Suites La Vista

CABARET CHAIRS ADRIENNE & PATRICK FAY

Why: Cabaret, Child Saving Institute’s largest annual fundraising event, is a night of comedy to benefit Child Saving Institute’s services for the prevention, intervention and healing of child abuse, neglect and trauma.

with

ere who ports.

Town nize for ties. es n and

Special Guests: Event Chairs: Adrienne and Patrick Fay, Gin and Nick Patrick; Honorary Chairs: Emily and Steve Dugger; Comedian: Steve Treviño Attendance: 500 HONORARY CHAIRS EMILY & STEVE DUGGER

CABARET CO-CHAIRS GINA & NICK PATRICK

Event Summary: Cabaret 2022 took place on May 7 at Embassy Suites La Vista. Event chairs Adrienne and Patrick Fay and Gina and Nick Patrick, and Honorary Chairs Emily and Steve Dugger helped raise over $475,000 for the children and families of Child Saving Institute. Emcee Julie Cornell and comedian Steve Treviño kept the audience laughing the night away for a great cause.

r chil-

ys neglectblems s girls hanging onment care essful

Amount Raised: $475,000

CHILD SAVING INSTITUTE CEO JAYMES SIME

COMEDIAN STEVE TREVIÑO

Mission: Responding to the cry of a child About: Child Saving Institute provides a safe haven and healing for thousands of innocent young victims of family crisis, neglect and trauma.

For more information: www.childsaving.org

CSI BOARD PRESIDENT MICHAEL GEPPERT

EMCEE JULIE CORNELL AND BILL RANDBY

43

36-49-SCENES-FINAL-RPK.indd 43

mMAGAZINE • JUL/AUG 2022 7/12/22 4:11 PM

HONORING

Photos courtesy Visiting Nurse Association

Nursing

Visiting Nurse Association Art & Soup

When: March 27, 2022 Where: Omaha Design Center Why: All funding pays for VNA nurses to be in every local homeless and domestic violence shelter Attendance: 700 Amount Raised: $148,350

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD FOR SOUP: CHEF ROBERT WILSON/STEPHEN CENTER

BATTLE OF THE SOUPS WINNER: MEYA HILL/NO MORE EMPTY POTS

Event Summary: Some of Omaha’s best restaurants and chefs created amazing soups and local artists sold their artwork in support of Visiting Nurse Association’s Art & Soup! It was a festive day in a beautiful new location, and we raised money to place VNA nurses in every local homeless and domestic violence shelter. Join us next year on April 16, 2023. EAT SOUP. BUY ART. CHANGE LIVES. For more information: contact the development team at VNA: development@vnatoday.org

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD FOR ART: JEREMY HOICH

ART & SOUP HONORARY CHAIRS HAL AND MARY DAUB

BEST OF SHOW FOR ART: JOHN DENNISON

ART & SOUP HONORARY CHAIR THERMAN STATOM

44

36-49-SCENES-FINAL-RPK.indd 44

mMAGAZINE • JUL/AUG 2022 7/12/22 4:11 PM

ING

ng

Wine

Stephen Center

ation

vinNEBRASKA Wine Tasting and Grand Auction

Soup

in every r

A TASTE OF

Photos courtesy Stephen Center

When: April 9, 2022 WINEMAKER STUART SMITH SERVED AS AUCTIONEER

tauocal g Nurse y in ey and on April S.

VINNEBRASKA GUESTS

Where: Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District Why: Proceeds directly benefit Omaha’s most vulnerable individuals through three distinct programs: Pettigrew Emergency Shelter, Permanent Supportive Housing apartments and the HERO Addiction Recovery program. The Stephen Center serves 250 daily, seven days a week.

Attendance: 650 organizations and individuals supported the event

CO-CHAIRS BETH SETTLES AND DEBBIE SLATTERY

DALLAS AND BETH SETTLES, SHELLY AND TOM ROBERTS

ment

Amount Raised: $315,000 Mission: Stephen Center partners with the community, families and individuals to overcome homelessness, poverty and addiction.

For more information: (402) 731-0238 or www.stephencenter.org

45

36-49-SCENES-FINAL-RPK.indd 45

mMAGAZINE • JUL/AUG 2022 7/12/22 4:11 PM

LUNCH WITH

Photos courtesy Debra Kaplan

Weggemann Completely KIDS

2022 Author Luncheon

When: March 22, 2022 TYLER DEARDORFF, BETH DEARDORFF, JOHN DEARDORFF

PARKER EDICK, MOLLY EDICK, BOB EDICK, JORDAN PETERSON, MIKE PETERSON, MALLORY WEGGEMANN AND CARLA O’DONNELL RIZZO

CARLA O’DONNELL RIZZO

LACEY LOCKLEAR, MALLORY WEGGEMANN, MADELINE RENNER-NAVARRETTE, CARLA O’DONNELL RIZZO

46

36-49-SCENES-FINAL-RPK.indd 46

Where: Hilton Omaha Why: For several years, Completely KIDS has hosted its annual Author Luncheon, bringing to Omaha authors of meaningful books on raising children, grit, resiliency and more. In this way, the organization provides current and relevant resources and information to the families in the community, and raises the funds needed to support its programs at the same time.

Attendance: 383 Amount Raised: $92,827 Mission: Completely KIDS educates and empowers kids and families to create a safe, healthy, successful and connected community. In supporting its mission, the organization assists more than 2,000 kids and their families via school, homeless shelters and other partnerships to overcome barriers to their success.

mMAGAZINE • JUL/AUG 2022 7/12/22 4:11 PM

ITH

Photos courtesy Debra Kaplan

A “CAN DO”

nn

Celebration

cheon

Can Do Awards presented by American National Bank

Kids Can Community Center

KIDS

hosted a n, grit, ion promation he funds me.

When: May 5, 2022 KIDS CAN BOARD

2022 CAN DO AWARD RECIPIENTS

Where: Omaha Downtown Marriott at the Capitol District Why: To support students and families in early childhood education and out-of-school programs.

Attendance: 330 Amount Raised: $130,000

KIDS CAN PRE-K STUDENTS

owers ccessful ission, and nd other cess.

SHAUN TAYLOR, CAN DO JUNIOR AWARD

Event Summary: Kids Can Community Center’s annual Can Do Awards Celebration was presented

by American National Bank and held on Thursday, May 5, 2022. Eight awards were given to individuals who embody the “can do” spirit in Omaha. This awards luncheon showcased inspiring community members and raised funds for over 1,400 students in Kids Can Community Center programs.

For more information: (402) 731-6988 or www.kidscan.org

47

36-49-SCENES-FINAL-RPK.indd 47

mMAGAZINE • JUL/AUG 2022 7/12/22 4:11 PM

Photos courtesy American Red Cross

EXTRAORDINARY

Heroes

American Red Cross

Heroes in the Heartland

When: March 15, 2022 THE CALL TO ACTION HERO AWARD WENT TO TYRONE CARTER

THE GOOD SAMARITAN HERO AWARD WAS PRESENTED TO FRANK AXIOTES

Where: Virtual Why: Celebrate ordinary citizens who do extraordinary things.

Attendance: 200 Amount Raised: $140,000

THE GIFT OF LIFE HERO AWARD WENT TO JIM JOHNSTON

THE PUBLIC SERVANT HERO AWARD WENT TO TYLER ANDAHL AND ROBERT MARKVE

Event Summary: Five area citizens were recognized by the American Red Cross serving the OmahaCouncil Bluffs Metro Area during the Heroes in the Heartland event. The event was held virtually, and awards were presented in person at a later date.

The Heroes—who were nominated by peers and the general public, then selected by a committee of community members—were recognized during this special event.

For more information: www.redcross.org

48

36-49-SCENES-FINAL-RPK.indd 48

mMAGAZINE • JUL/AUG 2022 7/12/22 4:11 PM

0-CVRS-722.qxp_QUARTERLY 7/10/22 12:20 PM Page CVR3

0-CVRS-722.qxp_QUARTERLY 7/13/22 3:22 PM Page CVR4

Thank You to our Sponsors!

mbj.com

with ANDEE Hoig podcast