The Spirit of Omaha
SpiritofOmaha.com •november 2010
metroMagazine • The Spirit of Omaha
features
features / DEPARTMENTS
departments
13
cover STORY
10
10
READY 2 SERVE non-profit & YP profiles
TERESA KRAMER RUBACK
14
compliments of the chef
YP Q&A • YOUNG PROFESSIONALS “what are you thankful for and why?”
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18
metroSTYLE • INSPIRED LOOKS with andi hallgren
58 articles | columns
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metro
20
RACHEL RICHARDS
21
DESIGNING OMAHA PLANNING MATTERS with pvw law
25
events
TODAYS SAVINGS
27
with swartzbaugh-farber & associates
26
THE SOUL’S JOURNEY with dixie clark
designer profile: megan myers
24
SEASON OF GRATITUDE with mary e. vandenack
serious sexy sophistication
19
SAVE THE DATE
THE metroSCENE
LOOK WHO’S SHELTERING with the nebraska humane society
62
bravo!
HOROSCOPES with sue moon
23
20
ARTFULLY SPEAKING with keith allerton
girl scouts art venture
on the
cover
Chef Teresa Kramer Ruback Watterman Family Farm in West Point, NE. To find out more about turkeys from the Watterman Family Farm, please visit the Nebraska Food Cooperative website: www.nebraskafood.org. Look for the Watterman Family Farm page. COVER PHOTOGRAPHY by ©Laurie and Charles 6
metroMAGAZINE • NOV 2010
honoring local prodigiesour
Reserve Your Seats Today! S T E K C TI NOW ! E L A S n o
2010
NOVEMBER 30, 2010 HENRY DOORLY ZOO IMAX THEATRE
PRESENTED BY
OUR VALUED PARTNERS
from the PUBLISHER
grateful
A YEAR TO BE
I can’t believe it is already November! The holiday’s are quickly approaching and soon we will be beginning a new year. As many of you know we started out this year with quite a bang: the fire that destroyed The Bagel Bin also took out our former offices at 120th and Pacific. After nearly a full year, our former neighbors at The Bagel Bin are back in business, to the delight of all! Our sincere best wishes go out to them and others involved as they continue their recovery from the blaze’s ongoing ripple effects. After “living out of a suitcase” for over 9 and a half months, we appreciate those effects in ways we never could have foreseen prior to the night of January 7, 2010. Even after the initial shock wore off and we began devising and implementing our recovery plan, we pretty much assumed that (with a lot of effort and determination) we could get things “back to normal” within three to six months. What an education it’s been as we continue to deal with the longer term repercussions of this “life-changing” event! This entire experience has provided us with tremendous opportunities for growth and development, and I truly believe that we are steadily emerging from the aftermath with our character strengthened, both as individuals and as a company. We are giving birth to something “new” and we are all excited and dedicated to being a part of it. It’s no exaggeration to acknowledge that many of the tests and challenges have been nothing short of arduous thus far; there have been times when the price of “rising out of the ashes” seemed more than we could bear. As things are continuing to unfold, however, the miracleswe’ve experienced have been too numerous and beautiful to mention, and the most recent is, we finally have found a home! And…it was definitely worth the wait! As we continued looking for the “right” location to rebuild, the journey presented many challenging twists and turns. The path finally led us to 1000 N. 72nd Street. We are still getting settled in but find the accommodations and environment beautiful, abundantly natural and inspiring. We are grateful for the support and assistance of our new landlord, Ron Palagi, and we look forward to making this environment something he and all of us can all be proud of. We’re so thankful for this opportunity to move forward and upward, and this is only one of many things to be grateful for. The journey could certainly have been rockier if it wasn’t for the generosity and steadfast support of our Managed IT providers and friends at eFrame. We are so very grateful for the hospitality and assistance of Jim Folsom and his entire staff who have so graciously sheltered us during this period. What we thought would require a few months of imposition turned out to span nearly an entire year. In the spirit of the holidays we are partnering with Zongkers Custom Furniture and are launching a $5,000 “Thanks for the Memories” Dining Table Give-A-Way. Through January 31st we are asking the members of our community to send in their memories connected to family times gathered around the dining room table. The winner will receive a custom made dining room table from Zongkers along with a donation of a $1,000 that will be made to a charity of their choice. Please see page 32 for all the details. This issue, like others this year, arrives later in the month, and we once again are grateful for the patience and loyalty of our readers, subscribers and advertisers. We expect to be back on schedule in 2011. I hope you enjoy this November issue and that it will prove worth the wait. Wishing you all a wonderful, inspiring and Happy Thanksgiving!
FOR!
ANDREA L. HOIG ahoig@SpiritofOmaha.com
alh P U B L I C A T I O N S
metroMAGAZINE • NOV 2010
|
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ©LAURIE AND CHARLES
metro The Spirit of Omaha
NOV 2010 VOL. 22 NO. 11 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
Staff Photographers
Andrea L. Hoig
Daniel Flanigan Cindy Grady Caroline Hurley Jim Lamb Linda Shepard Dave Stock Lionel Tay
Editor/Creative Director
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Ryan Lally Sales Associates
Katie Cook Chuck Pauly
Staff Writers
Administration
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Krystal Bottcher
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Jason Rumbaugh Brooke Thurman
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402-333-7499 ________________ sales@SpiritofOmaha.com MISSION STATEMENT The mission of ALH Publications is to recognize the ongoing efforts of Omaha-area businesses, organizations and individuals to better the community through their support of charitable and civic causes. ALH Publications also encourages people’s desire to give something back to the community through volunteerism and philanthropy. Contents of this magazine are copyrighted by ALH Publications, Inc. in their entirety. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without the prior consent of the publisher. ©Copyright 2010 ALH Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.
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cover STORY metroMAGAZINE If you Google “Teresa Kramer Ruback” you’re likely to find a blog post by Ananda Devika that mentions that Kramer grew up here in Omaha, and interned with Wolfgang Puck at Spago, and practiced her culinary art all over the world, including post-Oscars parties and even Middle Eastern peace talks.
Q&As: What’s your official title/occupation?
What is your Favorite time of the Year?
Chef/Culinary Consultant
Fall, I LOVE comfort food and that is what Thanksgiving is all about! As Family and Friends we really get serious and excited about bringing recipes to the table that have been in the family for generations, and yet we might have friends who have come from different countries who bring theirs so we have this melting pot going on. It is so cool to see what people are doing these days. One house might be serving Green Tea Brined Turkey with Garlic Mash Potatoes and Pumpkin red Bean Mochi while another might be doing a Moroccan Turkey Tangine with Pomegranate and Preserved Lemon Cous Cous.
Who have you cooked for? An animal, a baby, a mother, a father, a husband, an athlete, an Olympian, a rock star, a pop star, a porn star, a Noble Peace Prize Winner, a sinner, a millionaire, a billionaire, a murderer, a victim, an author, an astronaut, a president, a vice president, a king, a queen, a drag queen, a minister, a sinister, a prime minister, a senator, a governor, a gangsta, a gangster, a “Brat” Packer, a “Rat” Packer, a model, a designer, a director, an Oscar Winner, a chef, a doctor, a lawyer, a cheater, a wife beater… just to name a few. People have eaten my food under water, on Earth, and in outer space!
compliments of the chef
10
metroMAGAZINE • NOV 2010
metroMagazine • The Spirit of Omaha
Ananda Devika happened to discovered Chef Teresa through a “Cooking with Herbs” event at Lauritzen Gardens years ago. We were recently introduced to Chef Teresa through our relationship with Laurie and Charles Kay.* So we asked Chef Teresa to answer a few quick Q&As and share some of her favorite culinary tips with our readers.
THANKSGIVING TIPS: TIPS: When buying a turkey? The rule of thumb is to buy one pound per guest. Thawing a turkey? Allow 24 hrs
Try a new side. How about curry sweet potato puree? Dessert? Pumpkin Pie* or Whoopie Pie? Everyone has
per five pounds of turkey. (Ex. 20 lbs. = four days)
twists on these. So why not try serving your family Pumpkin Whoopie Pies. It’s easy and yummy!
Where do I thaw My Turkey? In your refrigerator. Cooking a turkey? Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and allow 15 minutes per pound. Done? Stick a thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh and if it says 170 degrees, take it out! Moist turkey? Add a can or bottle of beer or two cups of wine to the pan while cooking. Tent your turkey with foil and remove the foil before the last hour of cooking. Rub with salted butter and allow to brown! Four lbs. of unpeeled potatoes is enough for mashed potatoes for eight guests. How many pies for 10 Guests? Two. Store fruit pies and pecan pies on the counter, not the fridge! Baked Breads such as banana or pumpkin always taste better if made a few days ahead of serving (Store in air tight container or even freeze!)
What is a Whoopie Pie? According to Wikipedia A whoopie pie (also called a gob, black-and-white, bob, or “BFO” for Big Fat Oreo) is a baked good made of two round mound-shaped pieces of chocolate cake, sometimes pumpkin cake, with a sweet, creamy frosting sandwiched between them. While considered a New England phenomenon and a Pennsylvania Amish tradition, they are increasingly sold throughout the United States. According to food historians, Amish women would bake these (known as hucklebucks at the time) and put them in farmers’ lunchboxes. When farmers would find these treats in their lunch, they would shout “Whoopie!” m
TERESA KRAMER RUBACK *Photography by ©Laurie and Charles
m
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YOUNG PROFESSIONALS CONNECTING “YP” ORGANIZATION PROFILE
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION PROFILE
uno young alumni academy
mid-america council’s learning for life CONTACT REBECCA WILLIFORD REBECCA.WILLIFORD@LFLMAIL.ORG
CONTACT ELIZABETH KRAEMER EKRAEMER@UNOALUMNI.ORG
MISSION STATEMENT: To create opportunities for young alumni to reconnect with UNO through the Alumni Association, and to develop supportive alumni for life by encouraging young alumni involvement in programs and the UNO Annual Fund. HOW TO GET INVOLVED: The UNO Young Alumni Academy is designed to facilitate networking and professional growth while delivering participants an insider’s view into what it takes to run one of the nation’s premier metropolitan universities. While there is no age requirement, programming is geared toward alumni under 40. UNO Young Alumni social activities will follow the November and February sessions. While the Academy is exclusive to participants, these socials are open to all UNO Young Alumni. A new class will start each fall and new applications are accepted in September. QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP, WHO IS THE IDEAL MEMBER: Proud alumni who enjoys networking with other UNO graduates, has a desire to learn more about UNO and will make a commitment to complete all six months (November – April) of the Academy program. WEBSITE: http://unoalumni.org/unoyoungalumni
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: The Mid-America Council’s Learning for Life program is an affiliate organization of the Boys Scouts of America. Learning for Life features a teen career education program called “Exploring”. Exploring is open to all young men and women ages 14-20. Local organizations charter specific Explorer “posts” by matching their people and program resources to the career interests of teens in the community, creating a group that is part job shadowing and part fun, with hands-on activities that appeal to teens. METRO AREA YOUTH SERVED: In 2009, over 2,400 Omaha metro area youth participated in the career education Exploring program. Teens from every school district have participated, and Omaha currently has more than 60 Explorer posts featuring various careers. Some of the most popular Exploring posts include HDR, Inc., Alegent Health, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s office. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Learning for Life is a volunteer-run organization. We are in need of several Exploring board members. Positions needed include event planning, public relations, fundraising, and working with youth. Contact Rebecca Williford at rebecca.williford@lflmail.org if you are interested in volunteering. To learn more about The Exploring program, visit http://omahaexploring.org/ or contact Rebecca Williford, Exploring Executive, at (402) 431-9272 or rebecca.williford@lflmail.org. WE ARE ON FACEBOOK at www.facebook.com/MACexploring.
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
jara sturdivant-wilson IT WAS MAY 2008. My co-worker Marcia Ghali and I were traveling to Sierra Leone, a tiny country on the western coast of Africa. She’s a firstgeneration American born to Egyptianimmigrant parents. I’m African American. My family has been in the States for generations. I knew I would be moved when I stepped into a piece of my history, onto the beautiful continent that is Africa. What I did not expect was imagining myself falling to my knees, grabbing handfuls of sand, exclaiming, “My land! My land!” Since that time, Marcia and I have been conversing about multiculturalism. We were both working at an international non-profit called Word Made Flesh, which holds multiculturalism as one of their core values. The trouble is, the staff is predominantly white. The staff members raise support—a paradigm that works much better for whites than non-whites, it seems. 13
consultant • 29 FREELANCE
While Marcia and I didn’t solve the problem for Word Made Flesh, we did something important. We started a conversation, and it’s a conversation I want to continue. I moved on from Word Made Flesh at the end of September after five years. I plan to pursue more freelance and consulting opportunities. This year, I became the Chairperson for the Diversity and Inclusion Subcommittee for the YP. I’m 29 years old, and I want to imagine the possibilities of an Omaha known for its inclusion and hospitality. Although diversity and inclusion are words that are thrown around pretty regularly, they aren’t words we always know how to use. Accepting the chairperson position to discuss these ideas of diversity and inclusion was fairly intimidating at first. This is the first committee of its kind in the Young Professional Committee. Our committee meetings consist of time spent reflecting on Peter Block’s book, “Community: The Structure of Belonging,” and then we move into more business. Being a member of this committee has allowed me to meet different people from around Omaha and share dialogue about our experiences in Omaha and picture the future of Omaha as young professionals. metroMAGAZINE • NOV 2010
inthespiritofthanksgiving
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS “whatareyou CONNECTING
thankful for&why?
pendery haines 24 • vp, business development FLUFF YOUR STUFF INTERIOR REDESIGN I AM INCREDIBLY THANKFUL FOR MY BUSINESS PARTNERS and our employees. This small group of women helped me achieve so much both personally and professionally. We have a great time working together, and we do everything we can to help and support each other. Everyone has something to contribute - creativity, charisma, organization, dedication, or passion. I’ve learned so much from the strengths and talents of these amazing people. It is difficult to run, not to mention grow, a small business, but we always manage to overcome our challenges. We don’t always see eye to eye; as a result, we have learned to put aside our differences for the good of our company. Even though we may wish for more money in the bank or more time in a day, our struggles have brought us closer as a team. I know I don’t say this nearly enough, so thank you to my Fluff Your Stuff family.
marnie amdor sales manager • 24 EMBASSY SUITES OMAHA DOWNTOWN THIS THANKSGIVING I GIVE THANKS TO GOD for blessing me with my wonderful husband that I was lucky to marry this year, for my loving family that always encouraged and supported me, for my amazing friends that money can’t buy, for my co-workers who make it enjoyable to come to work every day, for my two puppies that brighten up my morning and make me smile before I go to bed. I am also thankful for my health and the health of my loved ones. I am thankful for my education and the opportunities it has provided me. I am blessed to have a great job that allows me to support my family and enriches my life each and every day. I am most thankful to be an American and for our troops fighting for our country.
tiffany stork loan officer • 30 FIRST COMMUNITY BANK THIS YEAR I AM SIMPLY THANKFUL to live in the great city of Omaha and be surrounded by so many amazing people. Last December, I moved here from a small town in Iowa and am now enjoying all the activities and events Omaha has to offer. Everyone in the community has been very welcoming and helpful. I am also thankful to have a great job that challenges me every day and to have a loving family and wonderful friends who are very supportive. I am truly blessed! 14
angie schendt senior copywriter • 34 WOODMEN OF THE WORLD I’M THANKFUL FOR MY ABILITY TO BE SELFSUFFICIENT, and thankful I have amazing friends to lean on. I’m thankful for those who came before me and I’m thankful for my one-year-old niece (and nephew on the way.) I’m thankful for my health, and thankful I have the ability to improve it. I’m thankful I can travel, and thankful I can call Omaha home. I’m thankful for my dog who keeps me company, and my company that keeps me employed. I’m thankful I get paid to do what I love, and I’m thankful for the wild dreams of my future. I’m thankful for my wandering imagination and I’m thankful for my reality checks. I’m thankful for random inspiration and I’m thankful for thoughtful consideration. I’m thankful for the kindness of others and I’m thankful for blessings from above. I’m thankful I have the self-awareness to know how lucky I am.
catherine warner associate environmental health and safety specialist • 22 CONAGRA FOODS I CHERISH THE MOMENTS WHEN MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS SHARE what we’re thankful for with one another. I’m very thankful for the support of my family, especially my mom. She has always been a major role model in my life and without her constant encouragement I would not have the strong foundation, work ethic, and opportunities I have today. I am very thankful for my fiancé, who has always believed in me. I feel blessed to be able to spend the rest of my life with someone with such a big heart and a family that has treated me like one of their own from the moment I met them. In addition, I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend and graduate from Creighton University. I have a remarkable academic background thanks to the professors, advisors, and staff who nurtured my inquisitive spirit and passion for learning, as well as the friends who have been my family away from home over the past four years. Lastly, I am thankful for my new job at ConAgra Foods. I am honored to be a member of a community where the company values match my own and where I am treated as a true asset… many new chapters in my life. I wish everyone a wonderful holiday season cherishing the time shared with the ones you love.
metroMAGAZINE • NOV 2010
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metroMagazine • SpiritofOmaha.com
fashion PROFILE Ever poised for the occasion, Rachel Richards has mastered the art of flip flop to stiletto quick changes. She rolls up her sleeves to get the job done, then magnificently transforms into perfect attire for every event she directs. Rachel has established herself in the event planning industry with Rachel Richards Events and took on the role of brand and events director at Nomad Lounge. Rachel is the co-founder and director of Omaha Fashion Week, a fitting title for Rachel who says she has always been ahead of fashion trends since she was a child. As a young girl, Richards used Vogue magazine tear sheets as floor to ceiling wallpaper— and so her fashion dreams began. metroMAGAZINE asked Rachel to share the definition of her own personal style with us, what influences her style, and how she is bringing fashion to the Omaha masses through ‘must’ attend Omaha Fashion Week events. Rachel is committed to creating amazing events and establishing appreciation and awareness of fashion in Omaha.
r Q. How would you describe your personal sense of style? A. Demure with a side of sex appeal. I would describe myself as 80 percent work horse and 20 percent show pony. I love to roll up my sleeves and get the job done, which includes attending to even the smallest details. Then, when it’s time to represent myself and/or the event I just created, I’ve mastered the quick change from flip-flops to stilettos.
Q. Who has influenced your style? A. Right now my style is influenced by what the fabulous Rachel Zoe is wearing on her most recent episodes of The Rachel Zoe Project. I die for her over-sized sunglasses, thigh-high boots and her over accessorizing. Christian Dior, Marc Jacobs, and Patricia Fields are definitely favorites as well. And Ms. Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue, is definitely my career icon. Wintour has become an institution throughout the fashion world and is widely praised for her eye for fashion trends and support for younger designers. Q. What are you most looking forward to wearing this winter? A. With the sophisticated 70s making a comeback this fall/winter, I will definitely be wearing a lot of flowing, draping gold and other metallic hues. I’m also looking forward to wearing some great knits, military pieces and bubble trench coats. As far as footwear goes, over-the-knee boots are a must, along with thigh-high socks for a similar appeal. A great pair of kneehigh or thigh-high socks can add that extra - and much needed - eye catching detail to an outfit. Q. Where do you shop in Omaha?
I get to visit them often. I also have a few new favorites: Denim Saloon in Dundee and Chocolate Peacock in Rockbrook. Because we don’t have a Nordstroms, Von Maur is definitely my favorite department store here in town. Q. How do you feel about the ways OFW is shaping fashion and culture in Omaha? A. Omaha Fashion Week has emerged as a significant force in the local creative and event scene. In 2008, 12 local designers attracted an audience of nearly 3,000 people. Omaha Fashion Week grew in 2009 with 25 local designers and over 5,000 attendees (including 4,000 at the grand finale) – making Omaha Fashion week the leading fashion industry event in the Midwest. During Omaha Fashion Week 2010, over 6,000 spectators cheered on 37 designers during the weeklong event with approximately 4,000 of them braving the chilly temperatures during the runway finale. We have created a platform for our local designers, stylists, models and photographers to showcase their work. Just as Saddle Creek Records put Omaha on the map for music, we are committed to putting Omaha on people’s fashion radar. Be sure to put Omaha Fashion Week’s spring event on your calendar! March 19th.
A. I try to shop locally every chance I get. If it’s a special occasion, I turn to the professionals - Omaha’s talented designers. For Omaha Fashion Week, I wore an original top by Eliana Smith. I’ve also had the opportunity to wear a few of Buf Reynolds pieces; I’m in love with her backless dresses! My favorite local boutique is Nouvelle Eve. It’s just steps away from my loft, so fortunately
m
Talking Fashion and All Things Omaha Fashion Week with
S E R I O U S S E X Y S O P H I S T I C AT I O N STORY BY ANDI HALLGREN FASHION CONSULTANT/STYLIST | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVE STOCK
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metroMAGAZINE • NOV 2010
fashion PROFILE tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, At accusam aliquyam diam diam dolore dolores duo eirmod eos erat, et nonumy sed tempor et et invidunt justo labore Stet clita ea et gubergren, kasd magna no rebum. sanctus sea sed takimata ut vero voluptua. est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat.
ONCE
Consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod temporsit invidunt labore et dolore magna Ipsum dolor amet,utconsetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod aliquyamuterat, sed diam voluptua.magna At vero aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. tempor invidunt labore et dolore eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea at vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,
restoring Consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed
H I S T O R Y STORY BY MOLLY GARRIOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDA SHEPARD
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metroMAGAZINE • MAY 2010
continued
18
inspiring
METRO style •
start a warming trend. a little retail therapy always cures a cooling trend. as we head into winter, a ‘power coat’ is really all you need—that, and well, faux fur and some great sweaters to layer with. who says you can’t be warm and fashionable? our november inspired looks focuses on fashionable jackets, how to wear them, and what to look for this winter shopping season.
‘
BY ANDI HALLGREN
style your winter.
time to brave the crisp, cool winter air.
the perfect jacket… your coat is a first chance to showcase your style and serves as your outer shell during the cold months. finding a classic—one that withstands the test of time and is versatile day in and day out is key. to always be in fashion stick with neutral shades (camel, nude, black, greys), quality fabrics, and polished cuts. 100% wool or a cashmere blend will keep you the warmest. once classic is established, layer in trend jackets—a few to shop for this season include: military inspired, leopard print, riding/equestrian inspired coats, parkas, gorgeous detailed jackets, and all-bundled-up in shearling. take charge. military—undeniably the most massive of fall and winter trends is also making its way into outerwear-in a big way. you’ll see army inspired details—in both navy blue and basic training green. the key to pulling military off is to add just one element to your entire outfit. balance masculine with feminine. look for menswear influenced jackets with girlie details—a nipped in waist and narrow sleeves. a little animal print never hurts— and, the strongest emerging print this winter is leopard. think leopard when dressing for a night on the town. equestrian inspired jackets offer lots of warmth based on their length—and also a classic line based on their tailoring. go extra cozy and warm with a furry lined parka and a plush hood. ruffles, sophisticated accents and skirted silhouettes add a feminine touch to a jacket and take you from day to night seamlessly. a little shearling—adds instant ruggedness and a cool factor. look for shearlings in cropped silhouettes, oversized collars, buckles, and zippers. add instant luxe to any outfit with fur. worthy of a category of it’s very own—fur (real or faux) is making a big mark in winter attire and
a little retail therapy always cures a cooling trend trend spotting… trends. furry vests are a great way to introduce fur into your wardrobe—and they add an instant style upgrade to the most of casual outfits. a little fur goes a long way—have fun with faux fur on a collar or hat or boots this winter.
all layered up… sweaters upon sweaters—add a belt and layer—remember the more slouchy the sweater, the wider the belt. don’t go too bulky and keep under layers thin. you’ll see various silhouettes from sweater jackets to car coats to oneshoulder weekend casual.
keep these comfy and pulled together up-andcomers on your radar. add rustic fair aisle knits, and plaids to your winter shopping list—perfect for up and coming cabin fever. more winter trends to come—december’s inspired looks focuses on the holiday social scene and party attire. m
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designing OMAHA •
STORY BY MOLLY GARRIOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY metroMAGAZINE
megan myers spent her childhood sewing, knitting and embroidering at her mother’s and grandmother’s side. the lessons they taught her kept her company in new towns, fed her passion for fashion design, and eventually led to her career as a fashion designer.
for designer
Megan Myers, creativity is a family affair. Of course, talent is a key factor with any accomplishment, but Myers attributes much of her success in fashion design to family influence and support. “Every person in my family has a creative outlet-acting, drawing, knitting, sewing, writing, music,” she says, “We are so lucky to have parents that are creative...they nurtured and encouraged us to follow our passions.” When most people want to blend in and be one of the masses, Myers, even as a child, strove to be different. “I would create my own Barbie clothes when I was little, and as I got older it changed to creating my own clothes and searching out unique items that would be part of my closet for years,” she recounts. Today, Myers’ fashions are also cut from a different cloth. She finds inspiration in a myriad of things- places she visited, music, art, books- and looks at current fashions but from a different perspective. “I think about how I can transform [a design] in my own way,” Myers explains.
megan myers D E S I G N E R
P R O F I L E
Knits are her particular love. She picked up her first set of knitting needles as a child. Her mother and grandmother instructed her in all kinds of needle craft. “I have many memories of ‘trying’ to help them when I was little with sewing projects,” Myers recalls, “They always seemed to find the time in their very busy days to still work on their craft, which I admire more now that I am older and know it is sometimes so hard to find the time to work on projects.” In fact, Myers set aside her knitting while in school and did not return to it until she graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. She and her husband were living in Washington DC at the time. Bereft of friendships in her new city, she turned to her grandmother’s legacy, her box of yarn and set of knitting needles for companionship and a taste of home. Myers soon became hooked and sought out every knitting class in DC she could find. She has not stopped since, saying “it calms me down, and I feel connected to my family while I knit. It reminds me of them.” Myers participated in Omaha Fashion Week 2009. This year she broadens her focus. Her collection, in collaboration with friend and fellow designer Sarah White, addresses several compatible elements of a woman’s wardrobe-clothing, jewelry, handbags, hosiery, and hair accessories. True to her roots, she is incorporating quilting, embroidery, crochet work, draping, and, of course, knitting in her clothing line. Shifting from last year’s use of darker colors, Myers’ 2010 collection tends towards pastels. Lace and ruffles add to the collection’s feminine feel. Looking over her finished collection certainly elicits great satisfaction. But for Myers it is not the end so much as the journey that is most rewarding. “I love the initial sketch work all the way through to the knitting/sewing process. I love seeing an idea turn into the final piece,” the designer states. A self-professed “girly girl,” the romantic feel of this fall’s collection is an extension of her own personal style. Myers is a lover of vintage clothing and typically wears skirts and dresses. She is drawn to the work of Yves Saint Laurent, circa 1960s and 1970s. Her favorite current designers are Rodarte“the clothing they make is so theatrical, and their knits are incredible.” Fashion experts espouse buying carefully, thoughtfully, of purchasing less but making sure those pieces are of high quality and versatile. Myers heeds this advice herself. She purchased a vintage belt from the 70s in DC eight years ago. It has become a wardrobe staple and one that garners many compliments. Then again, she admits to be addicted to accessories. “I probably have more scarves, belts, and bags than clothes,” she laughs. You can be sure she knitted a few of these pieces herself. metroMagazine • The Spirit of Omaha
e theseasonofgratitude metroMagazine • The Spirit of Omaha
thanks outlines:
• TRANSFORM LIFE WITH THE POWER OF THANKS
by mary e. vandenack
“GRATEFULNESS - THE SIMPLE RESPONSE OF OUR HEART TO THIS LIFE IN ALL ITS FULLNESS GOES BEYOND BOUNDARIES OF CREED, AGE, VOCATION, GENDER, AND NATION.” - J ROBERT MOSKIN
A few weeks before this article was due, I felt sad one day. I happened to discuss that with my son who inquired about why I was so sad. I replied, citing the one thing that was missing in my life at the moment. My 16-year-old looked at me and said, “Wow, I think you are having a gratitude problem.” He was right. As I thought about it, it occurred to me I was letting one thing that wasn’t in my life override the joy of the many things that were. For a long time, I made a daily gratitude list. I had gotten out of the habit. I started doing it again that day. I am sharing some of the things that made my list recently. I hope that through the holiday season, you will consider joining with family, friends, and others in living life as a thank you. As I have made my list of items I am grateful for, I have also made a conscious effort to say thank you. Positive energy perpetuates - as does an attitude of gratitude.
I am grateful for those who annoy me. It is easy to be grateful for those in your life that love you and are a part of your inner circle. It is more challenging to be grateful for those who annoy us. I learned those who annoy me are my best teachers of life’s greatest lessons. Why do they annoy me? What is it about me that allows myself to react to another person with negative thoughts? Imagine a day in the world in which everyone could walk through the day with total acceptance for all others.
I am grateful to be the parent of a 16 year old. In a public place recently, my son engaged in some behavior that I can only describe as being very 16. I commented on the challenges of parenting a 16 year old, claiming “it is interesting.” A mother nearby said, “Well, my son is 21 and it is interesting.” Another said, “Mine is seven and it is interesting already.” Another said, “My son turned 35 and it remains as interesting as it was at 7, 16, and 21.”
I am grateful for social networking. I love technology. I particularly love Facebook and LinkedIn. So much of technology results in less personal connection. Facebook and Linkedin have increased it. While there are certainly a lot of things on Facebook I would rather not see, the use of it has allowed me to re-connect with special friends from the past. Recently, I had lunch with someone I had not seen in 20 years. It was a fabulous lunch and an incredible re-connection. I have made a point of thinking who I have lost track of, finding them, and re-connecting. It has been rewarding in many ways. These sites also allow me to do a better job of keeping track of friends and family. With a few clicks, I can get details and pictures of my niece and nephews. I can also keep track of my cousins and their worlds.
I am grateful for my friends. Friends make the world go around. Friends love us when we are unlovable, pick us up when we fall down, laugh when we aren’t funny, and care when the world shuts us out. Lately, I had been working so hard doing the single mom career juggle that I hadn’t had the time for my friends. I made more time for my friends this year and could write a whole book on the gifts that come from nurturing our friendships.
I am grateful for my health. With each year that passes, I become more and more grateful for health. Over this past couple years, I have lost friends suddenly and experienced minor challenges of my own. Our health is so important. We simply must make our health a daily priority.
I am grateful for my work. I have a job I love. I know that isn’t true for everyone but if you do have a job you love, realize just how big that is. For many years, I was unappreciative of my job. Through the economic challenges of the last few years, I have learned to say “thank you” every day I have work. The above list is my “short-list.” Once I started making my list, it kept growing. I have the most fun trying to figure out how to be grateful for the challenges in life. m
I am grateful for those who serve. This year I was at a Husker football game on September 11th. Firefighters, police, and rescue workers were being honored. When a group came out on to the football field, the crowd cheered. My son turned to me and said, “Wow, they cheer louder for those guys than the football team.” I replied to my son, “Yes, of course. If it were not for those that serve, we wouldn’t be sitting at this football game.” Several minutes later, the man sitting next to me said, “I just wanted to tell you thanks for saying that to your son. I have recently returned from a tour in Afghanistan.”
I am grateful for those who work in jobs serving the public. This is a long list of varying occupations but I thought about it recently on a day when I talked to a hairdresser and a barista at Starbuck’s. Both were sharing the challenges of working in positions where you’re constantly serving the public. Both noted a significant number of instances in which people were borderline abusive about issues which the server had little control. After listening to their stories, I have gone out of my way to thank those in service positions. 20
metroMagazine • nOV
2010
ower theP powerofpowerlessness
the soul’s journey • with dixie clark
One of the greatest fears we have on the deepest level is losing control. There is a belief embedded in the unconscious of many of us that we are safe only when we’re in control; that losing control is a dangerous experience. Many of us go through life holding onto the illusion that we’re in charge. We believe if we do enough, do the right thing and have plans A, B and sometimes even C ready, we’ll be okay. Anything outside of our expectations of ourselves, others or life can send us into a frenzy to get reality to the way we believe it’s supposed to be.
others love us. We are not helpless to love ourselves more. • We are powerless to make others approve of us. We are not helpless to follow what we know to be true for ourselves. • We are powerless to change another’s behavior. We are not helpless to leave a situation that is not healthy for us. • We are powerless to make others happy. We are not helpless to be responsible for our own happiness.
When we surrender to the powerlessness of situations that are out of our control, we can step into the power of handling what is our responsibility. So, instead of getting the Serenity Prayer in reverse, we can open to the wisdom our soul has of knowing the difference. We can begin to trust that there is something greater at work here. Everyone has their karma and lessons to learn that we have no control over. Surrendering to that isn’t as painful as it might seem, although the ego might tell you it is. In order to do that, we have to understand we are just as divine and protected in our powerlessness as we are in taking charge. One is no better than the other. Our task is to open to knowing the difference.
Examples of how we hold on to that illusion of control: • Impatience, anger, telling others what to do or how to behave • Helplessness, being a victim, manipulating others to do for us what is our own responsibility • Being overly responsible in a situation or relationship in order to control others’ opinions of us • Judging others, whether it be individuals, religions, political parties, cultures, situations • Fears, phobias, anxiety • Denial, avoidance, minimizing of feelings, trauma, reality • Obsessive, compulsive behavior and thoughts Just imagine all the behavior, patterns and energy we put forth every day to hold on to this illusion. When we are so consumed with holding onto this sense of control, we may actually be blocking the divine flow of energy that is there for us. We actually keep ourselves small by staying in that box we’ve created for ourselves. We often get the Serenity Prayer in reverse, by trying to control the things we can’t, and by sitting helpless in the face of things we can change.
To feel joy in the face of sorrow. To feel safety in the face of powerlessness is true power. That is the soul’s journey. m
What would it be like if we truly let go of the need to have life exactly the way we expect it to be? What if we opened up to the idea that there is wisdom in everything that happens? And, most importantly, what would it be like to surrender to powerlessness and not feel helpless?
I recently dealt with that issue on a deeper level due to an ongoing deteriorating health issue my mother had been experiencing over the past several years. I realized that at the root of my sense of helplessness, impatience, judging, and despair in situations, lies this fear of fully admitting to, and experiencing, powerlessness. That it is a human frailty to be avoided at all costs. During her most recent hospitalization, I allowed myself to go beyond admitting I was powerless; actually making a choice to fully surrender to that truth/energy. I allowed myself to feel the wave of what I spend a lot of energy trying to avoid. Surrendering to my powerlessness to change this situation, I was surprised by what I discovered. I didn’t disappear. I wasn’t annihilated. It was just a new reference point, and I had a sense of safety. There was a feeling on a deeper level that I wasn’t alone in this; that there is something much greater than me at work here, and I could let go of the struggle. I opened up to the awareness that my soul was experiencing. During this time of insight that covered many situations in my life, I also recognized the difference between helplessness and powerlessness, at least by my definition.
“God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; and Wisdom to know the difference.”
Here’s what I learned: • We are powerless to make others stay in our lives when they are ready to leave. We are not helpless to move on and fulfill our own destiny. • We are powerless to take away the pain of others. We are not helpless to trust they are protected while they go through it. • We are powerless to make
Dixie Clark, MS, MSS, LPC is Director and co-founder of Morning Star Center, a holistic wellness center. a licensed counselor and ordained minister, she holds a masters’ degree in both counseling and spiritual science and is currently obtaining her doctorate in spiritual science. With over 26 years experience in mind/body therapies, she combines psychology and spirituality to help people release emotional blocks, heal past trauma and change limiting beliefs to open to soul awareness.
dixie clark, ms, mss, lpc www.morningstarcenter.com | www.dixieclark.com
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metroMagazine • nOV 2010
artfully speaking with keith allerton
Simply Metoyer Moten and Murphy! Camille Metoyer Moten and David Murphy have joined forces to produce a smooth blend of jazz and pop in a holiday album, A Simpler Christmas, and the results are simply wonderful. I was lucky enough to hear a couple of the tracks a few weeks ago! Camille’s silky vocals caress these Christmas standards accompanied by David, his savvy arrangements and several of the area’s best jazz musicians. Camille is well known in the Omaha area! She is an award-winning actress with major credits at the Omaha Playhouse, Dundee Dinner Theatre, the Center Stage, Opera Omaha, and most other theatres. She has performed nationally and internationally, notably with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, Cabaret Theatre, and Soli Deo Gloria Cantorum. Camille has several commercial jingles to her credit and is the recipient of an Omaha Entertainment Award. She is the Music Minister of One Way Ministry and released a solo CD of original Christian music, Go Forward, a couple of years ago. “After my first CD, so many people said that I should do a Christmas album,” she said. “David suggested the same thing after I started working with him. It seemed that should be my next step. We chose to feature classic carols like Angels We Have Heard on High and Away in a Manger. But David did write a new title song, A Simpler Christmas, for me.” David Murphy is an Omaha native and is a songwriter and producer. He has two CD’s, Shining in a Temporary Sun and Effortless with Henry Perry, to his credit. He is also the author of two books, Zombies for Zombies: Advice and Etiquette for the Living Dead and Zombies for Zombies—The Play and Werk Buk. He recently completed his latest musical, anotherwhere, and is working on his own solo CD, Watching the Little Planes Land to be released in 2011. Camille and David are also looking forward to making a jazz CD of standards and original compositions in the coming year. They have performed in many venues around the metro, especially several times at Rick’s Boatyard, sometimes joined by fellow performer and radio personality, Dave Wingert. A special concert and CD release party will be held on November 21, 2010, 3 P.M., at the Clubhouse of the Residences at One Pacific Place, 1365 S. 101st St. The admission is $8, with a portion going to the Omaha Food Bank. The duo will present selections from the album and CDs will be available for purchase. You can also purchase CDs online at www.cdbaby.com. On rare occasions a vocal artist and an accompanist/arranger just seem to click; Metoyer Moten and Murphy are definitely in sync. Check out Camille’s website, www.musicbycamille.com. Next month we’ll look at unique gift ideas, perfect stocking stuffers, focusing on the visual and performing arts in the metro!
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metroMagazine • nOV 2010
planningMATTERS • with pvw law
another new taxact SMALL BUSINESS JOBS ACT OF 2010
24
another
year end. Another Tax Act. I am providing a summary of a few of the provisions of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010.
Cell phone deductions. The legislation removes cell phones and similar telecommunications equipment (including PDA’s and Blackberry devices) from the “listed property” (items obtained for business but which lend themselves readily to personal use) rules. The new rule makes it easier for employers that provide cell phones to employees as well as for employees who use their own cell phones. (The new rule makes it easier for employers and employees to do what?) Taxpayers must still be able to demonstrate business use.
Deductibility of health insurance for purposes of calculating self employment tax. The new law allows business owners to deduct health insurance costs incurred in 2010 for themselves and their family members incurred in 2010 in calculating self employment tax.
Distributions from elective deferral plans may be rolled over to designated Roth accounts. The new law allows 401(k), 402(b) and 457(b) plans to permit participants to roll over their pre-tax account balances into a designated Roth account. The amount of the rollover will be includible in taxable income except to the extent it is a return of after-tax contributions. Enhanced small business expensing. In order to help small businesses quickly recover from the cost of certain capital expenses, small business taxpayers can elect to write off the cost of these expenses in the year of acquisition in lieu of reporting them over time through depreciation. The new law allows taxpayers to expense up to $500,000 of qualifying
property placed in service in tax years beginning in 2010. The annual limit is reduced (but not below zero) by the amount by which qualified property placed in service in the applicable tax year exceeds $2,000,000.
100 percent exclusion of gain from the sale
by mary e. vandenack of small business stock for qualifying stock. Under the new law, individuals can exclude up to 100 percent of their gain on the sale of qualified small business stock that is acquired in 2010 after the date of enactment of the new law and held for more than five years.
S corporation holding period. In previous legislation, the holding period to avoid built-in gains tax on assets held by an S corporation that was previously a C corporation became seven years if the seventh year in the holding period preceded 2009 or 2010. The new law shortens the holding period to five years if the fifth tax year in the holding period precedes the tax year beginning in 2011.
Boosted start-up expenditures. The new law allows taxpayers to deduct up to $10,000 in trade or business start-up expenditures for 2010. The amount that can be deducted is reduced by the amount by which start-up expenditures exceed $60,000. Extension of 50 percent bonus first year depreciation. The new law extends the ability to write off 50 percent of qualifying property to such property placed in service in 2010. For more information visit www.pvwlaw.com
todaysSAVINGS • swartzbaugh-farber & associates, inc. 25
am I
missing
something? comfort
and security can come from a lot of places. Maybe you find it with marsha anzalone curled up in your favorite chair, maybe you find it by spending time with family and friends, or maybe it’s at the bottom of a mug of hot chocolate on a cold night. For many people, true comfort and security comes from knowing they have adequate protection for whatever life may bring.
To increase the variety of situations your protection plan covers, look at additional lines of insurance coverage. We all know there is auto insurance and homeowners or renters insurance to protect our car and home. And there is health insurance to help you stay well and get better when you are sick. Did you know there is insurance to protect your income if you’re too sick or injured to work? Many of life’s surprises take the form of something that is not fully covered by your health insurance. Did you know that accident or illness will cause one in five American employees to miss work for at least a year before they turn 65? By electing to purchase additional lines of coverage such as short and long term disability, dental, vision, and life insurance, you are better prepared for those surprises. Many of these policies are available on an individual basis, meaning you seek out an advisor who helps tailor a specific plan to meet your needs and you follow individual underwriting guidelines. While this is by far one of the best ways to be sure you are getting the protection you need, there are other ways to help you accomplish your goals.
Many employers offer group based ancillary lines of coverage to their employees on a voluntary basis or with employer contributions. This means you and your fellow co-workers have access to insurance products such as life, disability, dental and/or vision through your workplace. By accessing these products at work, you have several advantages over blazing the trail yourself. The products are based on group pricing and underwriting. This can help people receive coverage they would not be able to otherwise obtain or afford. Also, because these plans are coming from your workplace, if the dental or vision plan premiums are deducted on a pre-tax basis, the premium is withdrawn before your tax liability is calculated which results in tax savings to you. Often with life and disability coverage, paying your premium on an aftertax basis is more advantageous to you because this allows the benefit received upon qualification to be tax free. Most likely your employer uses an Employee Benefits Advisor to help them navigate the world of employer based benefits. You are welcome to consult with this advisor to better understand your options and how the available benefits work. Each situation is unique and you deserve personalized information. Knowing what types of coverage are available to you and how they can protect you is vital. In the case of benefits, the old adage is true; knowledge is power – the power to help you feel more comfortable and more secure than you do today.
For more information, please contact your trusted advisor at Swartzbaugh-Farber, Client Centered – Client Advocates™
Look Who’s Sheltering Shelter Pets!
Save the Date! Holiday Open House Dec. 4, 2010 - NHS at the shelter Get your holiday trimmings at NHS and help homeless animals. Join us for a morning of holiday cheer. We’ll have wreaths, garlands and poinsettias for sale from Canoyer Garden Center, so you can deck your halls. Shop for home made people and dog treats, enjoy specials in our retail store, and we might just have puppy picture taking too. You’ll help the animals with every purchase. Details at www.nehumanesociety.org
Does Fido Need Attention this Holiday Season? Try Bone Jour Dog Daycare: a good day for your dog! Bone Jour is run by the Nebraska Humane Society and provides more attendants per dog than any other metro area dog daycare. Your pooch will enjoy play time, snack time, enrichment, and nap time and come home with a report of how his day went. If you’re “neglecting” him this holiday season--we can get you out of the dog house with some extra TLC at Bone Jour Dog Daycare. Call for an appointment at 571-2273 or find details at www.bonejour.org.
All proceeds stay at the shelter to benefit homeless animals so as you take care of your dog you also provide for those still waiting for loving homes. Call 571-2273 for appointments or log on to www.bonejour.org. David and Nancy Abboud with Daisy
David and Nancy Abboud Ring the doorbell at Dave and Nancy Abboud’s home and expect to be greeted instantaneously by a tiny apricot dynamo. “She is so fast,” says Dave, “and she loves meeting people, so she tears through the house.” Daisy Abboud has never met a stranger. This little poodle is happy and confident “She doesn’t get intimidated,” says Nancy, “Daisy runs our son’s Labrador retriever ragged when they visit.” Still she is a good natured soul who allows the grandchildren to dress her up, cuddle her, and sleep with her. “We just love her to pieces.” And that’s something because after the loss of their first poodle it was 20 years before Nancy would even consider another dog. “She’s queen of the house now and that’s fine with us.” It’s definitely fine with Daisy.
www.nehumanesociety.org gives you all the info!
For more information go to “Programs and Events” on the NHS Website at www.nehumanesociety.org, or call 444-7800 ext 273
Chris Hamilton, Andy Gill, Troy Crawford, Ellen Wright
Mary Novak, Tammy Nicola, Charlotte Smith, Brandy Long, Debbie Rau, Keri Casady
Photos by Dan Flanig an
summerfundraiser
scene
the
metro
exciting • philanthropic • inspiring • fun
Deenie and Larry Meyerson ge on next page
continued covera
ty ge of chari ra e v o c to o and ph metro area e Highlights th in ts n eve and social
J.J. Replogle, Troy Crawford, Carol Wang, Jim Phillips
Teagan Larison, Keeli Scheer, Tonya Taylor, Marcie Webber, Rana McDermott, Kelly Rauch, Laura Schaben
Barb Czarnick, Jessica Muffly, Bev Muffley, Bobbi Swedlund, Carolyn Arkfeld
Jason Gill, Bryan Wells, Phobee Claypool, Jeri Gill 27
metroMagazine • NOV 2010
t
summerfundraiser ribbon foundation tinis and tunes
on
July 24th, One Drake Place Salon and Spa held “Tini’s and Tunes”. This year’s event hosted more than 200 guests to raise money for The Ribbon Foundation.
Brevan Rowland, Matt Krakowski, Tricia Hamilton, Andy Krakowski
Guests had the opportunity to participate in a silent auction and a raffle. The chairmen of the event were Troy Crawford, Andy Gill, and Ellen Wright. The Ribbon Foundation is a nonprofit organization that raises money to purchase wigs for cancer patients. It also contributes money to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Andy Gill, Andy Hoig, and Troy Crawford
The Ribbon Foundation was created when, in 2000, one of Crawford’s team members was diagnosed with breast cancer. Crawford and the staff wanted to do something to help, and the foundation was created.
Tyler Schank, Mackensey Smith, Marissa Chairs Kurtz Trish and Tom Weekly Honorary
t
For more information about One Drake Place, visit www.onedrakeplace.com.
Photos by Dan Flanigan
Terri, Marcie and Dave Webber
Brad and Kate Grabill, Jennifer and Dr. Rob Zatechka
Paul Troupe and Wally Armstrong, with Tom, Rob, and Doug Troupe
Grace University GOLF4GRACE
Cathy Matt, Bill and Linda Kirshenbaum
Bill and Linda Kirshenbaum, Andy Gill, Troy Crawford
Jay Crawford, Tammy Gill
Mary Alexander and John Escher
LaReta Larison and Cheri Grossoehme
Erica and Jake Hike
Deb Trofholz, Lise Sasson, Chris Pilcher-Huerter
first
t
safety
national safety council soiree 2010
Jason Arp and Catherine Warner
Miles and Lynn DeMayo
on
October 22nd, about 450 people cheered as William T. (Bill) Oakes and W. Richard (Rick) Russell were honored by induction into the Safety and Health Hall of Fame at the ABBA Mania at Soiree. This event was hosted at Embassy Suites, LaVista Conference Center. Hal and Mary Daub and Dr. David and Rhonda Sharp were honorary chairmen. Lin and Mike Simmonds, Member MD, were Soiree Signature Sponsors. This fundraiser for the National Safety Council, Greater Omaha Chapter raised more than $50,000 for safety programs designed to reduce injuries in the home and community. Home and community injuries have risen more than 40 percent since the early 90s. Further, based on historical trends, it is anticipated that home fatality rates will increase 21 percent and public rates will increase 15 percent by 2014. Injuries are the 5th overall cause of death to all ages and the number one cause of death to those ages 1 to 44. The Council’s mission is to promote safety and health by providing programs, resource services and education to prevent and reduce both the personal and economic loss associated with injuries, accidents and health hazards.
Connie and Fred Thayer
Denny and Ann Rourke Photos by Dave Stock
Wes Ewasiuk and Tiffany Chisholm
Gary Peterson with Rosie and Gerry Tomka
Bob Murphy, Robin Lindley, Joe and Mary Carter
Amy Mason and Teresa Quin
Becky Noble and Keith Allerton
Scott and Lisa Anderson
t
comi n g together
Nebraska Children’s Home Society HomeGRown
on
Eric Kuhl, Ryan Lally, Katie Cook, Aubrey Kuhl, and Beth and Blake Benton
Dallas Archer, Mike Hall, and Joel Moore
October 22nd, the fourth annual HomeGrown event was held to benefit the Nebraska Children’s Home Society Foundation. This year’s event was held at the Nomad Lounge. This annual fundraiser wass attended by more than 325 guests and raised about $25,000 for NCHS. This past year, Nebraska Children’s Home Society has expanded its services to women facing unplanned pregnancies; families who have adopted children through the state’s foster care system; families who are willing to provide a temporary foster home to children in crisis; and teens at risk for pregnancy and school failure.
Mike and Kelly Ostrand, Stacy Doonan, Brad Reis, and Todd Classen
Stephanie and David Poncelow, Ryan Steinbach, and Lindsey Anderson
For more information about the Nebraska Children’s Home Society Foundation, visit www.nchs.org.
n Photos by Dan Flaniga
Denny Henkenius and Kim Singletary
Krystal Bottcher and Kelcivious Jones
Dick Stoll and Vince Morrissey
Sarah Mason, Ben Arunski, Zoe Song, Maude Moreno
Beth Barnhardt, Kim Anderson, and Karen Authier
Nick Jones, Lindsay Gust, Brad Kregg, Ryan Ragsdale
Vicki Wiese and Patricia Morrissey
Kasey Labor, Abby Scott
lanigan Photos by Dan F
t
friends forever Walt and Sandy Price with Jan and Bob Falk
Chris and Jennifer Carter
Friends of Scottish Rite Dinner and Auction
on
October 8th, over 180 guests attended the third annual Friends of Scottish Rite Dinner/Auction at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center.
More than $35,000 was raised at this year’s event. The Honorary Chairs were Mary and Hal Daub with John Maxell serving as the annual chairman. More than180 guests attended the evening, bidding on silent and live auction items. This event also raises money yearly for 13 scholarships for UNO students, assisting those who will provide service through leadership for the future. A portion of the evening also goes toward the House of the Temple Historic Preservation Foundation, Inc.
Becky and John Sieler
The Scottish Rite is a fraternal Masonic organization, dedicated to the principles of Freemasonry, including philanthropy, ethics, and devoted to making good men better. For more information about Friends of Scottish Rite, visit www.scottishriteomaha.org.
Bob and Barb Blair
Hal Daub and Lee Terry Sr.
Tad and Ann Vollmar
John Jensen, Jeff and Marie Breeling, and Tony Adam Photos by Dan Flanigan
*Winner will also receive $
$5,000 thanks for the Dining table Remember sitting around the dining room table with the family for Sunday dinner? Or enjoying a holiday feast with Mom, Dad & your extended family? Perhaps a romantic dinner in the dining room of your first home? Remember Bob Hope singing “Thanks for the Memories”?
metroMAGAZINE & Zongkers invite you to share the “dining room table” memories you’re thankful for.
$1,000 donation to be given to the charity of their choice. how it works •metroMAGAZINE & Zongkers are both celebrating 20 years; in celebration of our anniversaries we’ll be selecting 20 finalists.
memories
•A panel of judges including community business leaders, local celebrities and representatives from metroMAGAZINE and Zongkers will select the 20 finalists based on the memories submitted.
Giveaway!
•Entries to be submitted beginning November 12th through January 31st.
how to win! GO TO
•Finalists will be announced in the March issue of metroMAGAZINE & their entries will be published on SpiritofOmaha.com where voting will be open to the public through the month of March. •The WINNER will be announced in the May issue of metroMAGAZINE. The Custom Table will be presented to winner in August.
SpiritofOmaha.com
•metroMAGAZINE/Zongkers will document the design, production and delivery phases. Photos/video will be published in metroMAGAZINE and on SpiritofOmaha.com.
READ THE TERMS and accept the entry restrictions
*
Winner will also receive $1,000 donation to be given to the charity of their choice.
REGISTER TO WIN by filling out the form on our Giveaway Page
Winner receives a custom made dining table from Zongkers Custom Furniture.
guidelines, restrictions, etc. •All entries must be submitted through SpiritofOmaha.com; must be 400 words or less; photos are optional but encouraged as well as videos (no longer than 2 minutes in length.) •Dining room table is retail valued at $5,000 including delivery and sales tax. Table to be custom designed specifically for the winner with design approval prior to fabrication. For custom work & design in excess of the total value, the winner will be responsible for all additional charges above and beyond $5,000. •Winner must live within a 100 miles radius of Omaha.
Signed and dated by Dan and Dennis Zongker
Whether it be funny, sentimental, romantic or just a good story (that no one would believe) We want to hear from you! *
Sponsored by Sponsored by metroMAGAZINE and Zongkers Custom Furniture, Inc.
Employees and family members of employees of metroMAGAZINE and Zongkers Custom Furniture, Inc. are not eligible.
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omaha fashion week Grand finale VIP PARTY
Jennifer Mosser, Andy Hoig, Krystal Bottcher, Andi Hallgren, Hannah Pearson, Kirsten Case-Penrod, and Ryan Lally Vic Richards
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Omaha Fashion Week VIP Party was the hottest place in town on one of the coldest nights Omaha has seen this fall. It wasn’t just the heaters outside Nomad Lounge making it hot - it was the people. Dressed to impress, over 500 VIPs packed into luxurious Nomad Lounge. “I loved walking in to the VIP party seeing so many people decked out and ready to enjoy a night of fashion,” said three-time Omaha Fashion Week VIP Carly Lindsey. “I’ve attended the Omaha Fashion Week VIP Party since the event began three years ago and I love it! It keeps growing and it’s so nice to see how Omaha has embraced the fashion scene.”
Kristin Nietzeo, Jordan Shramek, and Laura Mizaur Paddy Tarlton and Logan Finn
Omaha Fashion Week VIP guests enjoyed not only the pre-party, but runway-side seats to the grand finale on Saturday evening. Perks included a great view of Omaha’s top fashion designers, bottle service at every table with champagne and Grey Goose Vodka, and of course, heaters to keep patrons warm, dry and looking good. For more information, visit omahafashionweek.com
Carly Limsey, Natalja Callahan, Tara Valentino, Anne Gard, and Brook Hudson
Joan Manhart, Nicky Manhart, Melissa Dahir, and Laura O’Brien Photos by Dave Stoc k
Derek Leslie and Mark Hinrichs
Annette Eggert, Sara Dreamer, Vanessa Bornemeier, Donny McHugh, Kris Boston, and Stacy Belina
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fashion forward omaha fashion week Grand finale runway show
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September 18th, hundreds of models and thousands of attendees gathered under the 10th Street Bridge Saturday as 19 designers showcased their latest designs at the Omaha Fashion Week Runway Finale. The 276-foot runway at the Runway Finale featured collections by Megan Myers and Sarah White, Buf Reynolds, Jennie Mason, Wendy Stiff, Sabrina Jones, William Torres, Jennifer Pool, Dan Richters, Yolanda Diaz, Michaela Cawley, Ellene McClay, Emma Erickson, Megan Hunt, Jane Round, Zara Gonzalez, Daniel Muùoz, Audi Kuiken, Kevin Steward, Claire Landolt, and Eliana Smith. Food was catered at the VIP Party at Nomad Louge by Zurlo’s Bistro Italiano. Food vendors at the event included Dante Pizzeria, Pink Shugar and Soup Revolution. For more information about Omaha Fashion Week, visit www.OmahaFashionWeek.com.
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Madonna School Angels for Angels Celebration
Lisa Rapiper, Beth Amenta, Karen Lemkau, and Sue Kopfle
Monica Hubbert, Chardonnai Hubbert, and Carolyn McIntosh
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August 28th, more than 400 friends and supporters of Madonna School gathered to celebrate the school’s 50 years of service. The gala took place at the Mutual of Omaha Dome, featuring dinner as well as silent andlive auctions. The event raised $193,000 to support Madonna’s outreach to children and adults with special needs. Dennis and Ginger O’Neal chaired this year’s Angels for Angels celebration. Mr. O’Neal is well-known in Omaha for his years as President at First National Bank, where he now serves as Chairman of the Board of its Community Development Corporation. The attendees included Sister Maryanne Stevens, RSM, President of the College of Saint Mary and Chair of the Madonna Board, Father Joseph Taphorn, Moderator of the Curia for the Catholic Archdiocese of Omaha, and Mark and Marsha Wright of Wright Printing. For more information about the Madonna School, visit www.madonnaschool.org.
Nancy and Dr. Bill Goodwin, Maria Sauvageau, and Gerri Jefferson
Michelle Jareske and Kathy McCullough
Bonnie Larson, Diane Vaiskunas, Rebecca Jablonski, Elizabeth Springer, and Joann Griffel
Louann Bolt, Rob and Dede Salerno
Jay and Margie Dunlap with Dennis O’Neal
Photos by Dan Flanigan
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forthefuture Omaha Children’s Museum Great Friends to Kids Luncheon
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Kathy English, Sandy Parker, and Greg Brokke
Chuck and Janet Campbell
Jan McKenzie, Clifford The Big Red Dog, Jeff Barnhart, and Michael Pongruber
Janet Strauss with Susan and Mike Lebens
Jennifer Handke, Laura Nelson, Kim Weiss, Stephanie and David Cota
August 30th, the Omaha Children’s Museum hosted the Great Friends to Kids Luncheon. The event brought in over 200 attendees to honor those who have worked to enhance the lives of children in the Metro area. The program included a welcome by the museum’s Executive Director Lindy Hoyer. It was followed by lunch and the awards presentation. Mike and Susan Lebens and Janet Strauss were presented with the “Great Friends To Omaha Children’s Museum” award and Peter Kiewit Sons’, Inc. was presented with “Great Friends to Kids”. For more information about the Omaha Children’s Museum, visit www.ocm.org.
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metroMagazine • nov 2010 JUly 2010
Photos by Dan Flanigan
Sherrye Hutcherson and Natalia Peart
Fr. Tom Fangman, Gregg Classen, and Fr. Jim O’Kane
Steve and Debi Martones
Carl Ancona, Ron and Jean Gordon, and Kathy Grandsaert Photos by Dan Flanigan
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Heart Ministry Center Holy Smokes Fundraiser
Megan Riebe, Nancy Neary, and Colleen Johnson
Sean McMahon, Fr. Tom Fangman, and Tracy Madden
holysmokes
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September 2nd, The Heart Minitry Center (HMC) held its 5th Annual Holy Smokes fundraising event at Erin Court. This event helps HMC break barriers faced by low-income families. The honorary guest of the night was the Bernie Kenny Family. The Center provides basic necessities, educational opportunities, health outreach events and support to individuals and families in north Omaha and surrounding areas.
Maria Sauvageau and Kathy Grandsaert
E.D. John Levy, Jeff Zindel, Fr. Tom Fangman, Jon Firmature
For more information about The Heart Ministry Center, visit http://heartministrycenter.org.
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Photos by Linda Shepard
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Arthritis Foundation woman of the year
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Tina Gottschalk, Jodi Taylor, Carmen and John Gottschalk Frank Partsch, Bill Donaldson, and Bill Kernen
Septmember 2nd, Carmen Gottschalk was honored as the 2010 Woman of the Year by the Arthritis Foundation. The gala, themed “A Bridge of Love,” was held at the Embassy Suites downtown. More than 250 guests attended and raised over $127,000. The money will be used to fund research and provide services for the numerous adults and children in Nebraska who have arthritis. Mike and Gail Yanney served as Gala Corporate Chairmen with Cathy Bonnesen and Teri Teutsch serving as advisors. In attendance was the family of the honoree as well as Senator Ben Nelson with wife Diane Nelson and former Mayor Mike Fahey.
Nana Smith, Marian Andersen, Sharon Marvin-Griffin, and Pat Bell Vanita Lund and Cindy Killinger
For more information about the Arthritis Foundation, visit www.arthritis.org.
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metroMagazine • NOV 2010
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faithand honor
Delores Hannon and Raphael Walsh
Dr. Tom and Mary Dobleman, Fr. George Lucas, and Carolina and Mike Mapes
Archdiocese of Omaha Dinner for Education
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September 16th, the Archdiocese of Omaha honored nine educators at its 33rd Annual Archbishop’s Dinner for Education. The event was held at the Embassy Suites - LaVista and almost 900 guests were there to honor the educators.
Karen and Chuck Snow
Dede McFayden-Donahue with Julie Erickson
The nine honorees were nominated and selected by a committee for their commitment and service to the Archdiocese. Their combined experience totals more than 279 years of dedication to educational excellence. Each honoree received a $5,000 award. Founded as a diocese in 1885, the Archdiocese of Omaha serves spiritual and human needs in a 23-county area of Northeast Nebraska. Through its 147 parishes and missions, the archdiocese reaches out to 225,000 Nebraska Catholics. Catholic Charities and the Family Life Office lead a network that ministers to the broadest and most fundamental needs of our community.
Katie Rischbakhit, Laura Hickman, and Martha Heck
Allen and Kathy Stow
For more information about the Archdiocese of Omaha, visit www.archomaha.org.
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Mike and Wendy Prosser
Taylor Majerus, Jessica Zabka and Lisa Schumacher
Jeanie and Dick Sturgeon with Marsha and Jim Stewart
Joan Squires, David Slosburg and Martha Slosburg, Chairs Larry Nelsen, Karen Nelsen, Brad Grabill, Kate Grabill, Ann Crouse and Jerry Crouse Howard and Rhonda Hawks
Tom Fay and Joan Squires with Dorothy and Dr. Stanley Truhlsen Photos Courtesy of Omaha P erforming Arts
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Omaha Performing Arts Broadway Ball
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September 10th, Omaha Performing Arts and The Presenters’ guests were “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” at the biennial Broadway Ball. The event took place at the Holland Performing Arts Center. More than $380,000 was raised. Honorary Chairs for the event were Martha and David Slosburg. Event Chairs were Ann and Jerry Crouse, Kate and Brad Grabill, and Karen and Larry Nelsen. The Broadway Ball is a biennial event with proceeds supporting Omaha Performing Arts. Omaha Performing Arts is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing world-class performances to the Omaha metropolitan area. Omaha Performing Arts’ commitment to the arts extends into its own series, Omaha Performing Arts Presents, as well as education and community involvement programs that help ensure the arts have a far-reaching impact. For more information on Omaha Performing Arts visit www.OmahaPerformingArts.org.
Bill and Susan Cutler
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si g nature March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction
Khalid Awad, Ann Anderson Berry, and Andy Robertson
Alicia and Tom Clark
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September 16th, the March of Dimes held its fourth Annual Signature Chefs Auction at the Old Market Embassy Suites. Funds raised support research to improve the health of babies. The March of Dimes Signature Chefs auction raised $202,000 to meet its goal. More than 420 people attended and took part in a silent auction that offered work from local artists, special pottery decorated by regional preemies, and a signed sheet of one dollar bills by Warren Buffett.
Sebastian and Barb Troia
Kate Bonebrake, Hal and Juli Kaftan, Dr. Bob Bonebrake
For more information about March of Dimes in Nebraska, visit www.marchofdimes.com/ nebraska.
Molly and Ryan Zabrowski
Kathy and Dr. John Walburn with Cindy Mirfield
Rene Pederson with Mark and Leanne Carlson
Photos by Linda Shepard
Photos by Dave Stock
Darwin and Gina Jespersen
Mary and Hal Daub Lynette Singer and Kandy Schminke
Dave and Sam Hohman
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Ak-Sar-Ben River City Rodeo Purple Ribbon Auction
Mandy Maurer and Bryant Hunter
Kevin and Julie Dvorak, Michael Lesmeister, and Stephanie Harlan Skrupa
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September 26th, Ak-Sar-Ben’s River City Rodeo & Stock Show raised more than $230,000 at the 2010 Ak-Sar-Ben 4-H Stock Show’s Ak-Sar-Ben Buyer Club Purple Ribbon Auction. The auction had more than 360 guests. The Auction featured the champion 4-H youth exhibitors and their award winning livestock. Thirty-seven youth champions participated. The Honorary Chairs of the event were Dr. and Mrs. Jack and Kathy Lewis and the 2010 Ak-Sar-Ben Buyers Club Committee Chairman is Mr. Ken Pohlman.
Jeff and Melissa Dean with Melissa and Don Peeler
Ann Marie Tsatsos and Kathleen Polodna 40
For more information on Ak-Sar-Ben’s River City Rodeo & Stock Show, visit www.rivercityrodeo.com
metroMagazine • nov 2010
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four-legged friends Nebraska Humane Society WAlk for the Animals
Morgan, Linda, John, and Lisa Ellerbeck, with Joe Mazic and Barron
Ryan and Amanda with Bailey
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September 26th, Nebraska Humane Society hosted the 2010 Walk for the Animals. This marks the 21st year for their largest annual fundraiser. Each year the event is held on the last Saturday of September. It is estimated that nearly 5,000 people came to show their compassion for animals. This year the event raised approximately $240,000. The day includes the walk itself, the Alumni parade, and the Adoption parade.
Tabitha O’Riley, Charlee, Tiffany Peacock, and Jacob with Max
Alicia Williams and Ruffus with Ron Elliott and Diva
The Walk for the Animals is in memory of Margre Durham, whose tireless efforts helped raise community awareness about the plight of homeless animals. For more information about Nebraska Humane Society, visit www.nehumanesociety.org.
Jan Meyer, Bentley, Becky Snedeker, Louie, Kirby, and Bob Meyer an Flanigan Photos by D
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more than hope
Jennifer Jackson, Alysia Coit, Jamie Timm, and Amy Schmidt
The Hope Center Expressions of Hope Gala
Marlon and Laurie Lofgren, Cathy Wyatt, and Dale Percival
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October 1st, the Hope Center held the Hope Center for Kids’ 2010 Expressions of Hope gala. Held at the Hilton Omaha, this event encouraged community members to engage in positive change for Omaha’s inner-city youth. More than $300,000 was raised with more than 700 guests in attendance.
Ty and Terri Schenzel with Shelly and Mike Homa
John and Viv Ewing with Janet and Rich Zehnacker
Hope Center youth opened the evening with a flash mob dance before showing videos of youth’s personal stories. Sponsors included: the Hamann Family Fund; Hospitality Sponsor, Bruce A. and Stacy S. Simon Charitable Fund; Pacesetter sponsor, American National Bank; and Marquee Sponsors, Cambium Data, Inc., Greg & Debbie Lavitt, Mutual of Omaha Bank, and Soli Deo Gloria Foundation. For more information about the Hope Center for Kids, visit www.hopecenterforkids.com.
Nicole and Emerson Payne
David and Jill Faith
Annie and Ken Bird with Robyn Terry
Stephanie and Ray Kubert with Nicole Kubert
Sam and Aidan
Beckie Darrington and Jacob Hood Photos by Dan Flanigan
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Denise Barrett, Jackie Lund, and Julie Mowat
Thomas Funk, Elise Funk, Will Christiansen, and Cole Christiansen
friendsoffontenelle Fontnelle forest BBQ At the Forest
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October 3rd, Fontenelle Forest held its annual BBQ at the Forest event and let guests see David Rogers’ Big Bugs – an exhibit featuring 11 larger-than-life insect sculptures nested along the Missouri Riverview Boardwalk. Over 200 guests attended the event sponsored by The Fontenelle Nature Association (FNA) Guild and co-chaired by Kayla Hawkins and Jackie Lund.
Tripp and Kelli Sutter
For more information about Fontenelle Forest, visit www.fontenelleforest.org.
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metroMagazine • nov 2010 JUly 2010
Taylan Lowis and Josh Hoenshell
Karen Cenovic, Jodie Mackintosh, Shawna Wright, Marsha Marron, and Amanda Veazey
Felicia and Joel Rogers
Nicki Patterson and Adrianne Carson
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qualitycare Mary Jo Langdon, Maureen Turner, Amy Deardorff, Terri McDonnell, and Marian Anderson Steve and Cheryl Wild
Quality Living, Inc. Evening at the Fair
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September 17th, Quality Living, Inc. (QLI) held “An Evening at the Fair.” Over 600 people filled the Qwest Center Omaha to support this organization.
The event was co-chaired by Terri McDonnell and Laura Luther.
Scott Cahow, Brian Ward, and Jeremy Krumwiede
Patricia Seivert, Lori Scott, Amanda Veazey
Kathy and Steve Hayes with Laura and Mike Luther
Over the last 20 years, Quality Living, Inc. (QLI) has become one of the nation’s largest providers of post-hospital rehabilitation for young adults who have suffered a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury. For more information about Quality Living, Inc., visit www.qliomaha.com.
Keith Davis, Scott Davis, and Corina Davis Photos by D an Flanigan
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Project Harmony Halfway to St. Patricks Day
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Beth and Grant Leach with Katie Vap
Rick and Becky Fleming
September 24th, The Project Harmony Service League hosted its seventh annual “Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day” Celebration!” at the Omaha Firefighters’ Union Hall. More than $60,000 was raised; the event is chaired by Sherry and Jeremy Falke, Dan Preusser and Katie and Andy Witt. Project Harmony exists to protect and support children, collaborate with professionals and engage the community to end child abuse and neglect.
Kim Burry, Amy Chisholm, and Karen Brovillette
Jason and Roberta Tonjes
Chris and Angie Carder
Nick Derr, Nichole Hallquist, and Tony Adam
Katrina Bishop and Maggie Mellema
Renee Freeman and C A Sullivan
Photos by Dave Stock Photos by Dan Flanigan
Wendy Seina, A.D. Seina, and Mary Seina
Ann Horan and Carolyn Wulff
Cindy Bay, Cathy Perry, Barry Dixon, Betsy Baker, and Mary Seina
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Mary Seina, Spencer Crews, and Cindy Bay
antiquesand gardens Lauritzen Gardens Antique and Garden Show
Julie Kenny and Jordan Watkins
Susan Zeilinger, Teddi Kennedy, and Joani Mullin
Emily Lauritzen, Clark Lauritzen, Margaret Lauritzen Dodge, Libby Lauritzen, Nate Dodge, Gerry Morrow, and Bruce Lauritzen
Michael Miller, Troy Perry, and Chip Vrana 44
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September 23rd, The Antique and Garden Show was held at Lauritzen Gardens. Chairmen of the event were Betsy Baker and Cathy Perry; Honorary chairmen were Mary Seina and Cindy Bay The event featured lecture by interior designer Barry Dixon and Alexa Hampton. There were also educational talks with President and CEO of Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts Susan Jacques and Senior Editor of Traditional Home Krissa Rossbund. For more information about Lauritzen Gardens, visit www.lauritzengardens.org.
metroMagazine • nov 2010
Stephanie Finklea, Savannah Rave, Brenda Reed, and Sara Larson Kylie Kotouc, Craig Larsen, Tope Banwo, and Kevin McElroy
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Drinking & Driving Prevention Fashion Victim fashion show
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September 30th, Nebraska received more than $6,000 at Fashion Victim, a fashion show and fundraiser organized by University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) student Amy Wieczorek. The event was held in memory of Morgan Hohnbaum and Josh Milana, two of Wieczorek’s friends who died after being hit by a drunk driver in Lincoln in 2007. Wieczorek is a community health major at UNO and a fashion model. As the current Miss Nebraska ANTSO titleholder, drinking and driving prevention and awareness is Wieczorek’s platform.
Haili Copas-Starke and Keri Koraleski
Allie Frantz, Keri Koraleski, Amy Wieczorek, and Amy Powell
Laura Mizaur, Emily Richards, Jess Mizaur, Bridgit Peterson, Katie Corpuz, and Emily Johanek
For more information, visit www.fashionvictimshow.com. Photos by Dan Flanigan
Juan Garcia, Tom Knott, and Justin Reese
Maggie Ballard and Shamina Wiek
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community ENCAP 45TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Tony Curtis and Mark Lane
Jim McFarland, Damaion Falkner, Jared Payne and Eric Payne
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October 15th, Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership’s (ENCAP) held its 45th Anniversary Celebration at the Embassy Suites in Omaha’s Old Market District. Approximately 370 people attended this event. Honorary Chairs were Dr. Rubens and Michelle Pamies.
Vanessa Hytche and Shayvone Malone
Jason Ferris with Vicki Quaites-Ferris
The mission of ENCAP is to eliminate the causes of poverty by strengthening individuals, families and communities through self-sufficiency initiatives in Douglas and Sarpy counties. ENCAP has been providing services to reduce and/or eliminate poverty. For more information about ENCAP, visit www.encapomaha.org.
Aileen Warren and Thomas Warren
Bobbie Davis with Sal Issaka and Viv Ewing
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comfortfood TEd E. Bear Hollow Comfort Food Classic
Rocky Caniglia, Leo Fascianella, J.J. Fascianella, and Pat Fascianella
Tom Smith, Adam Schaefer, Heather Nasif, and Dan Tweedy
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October 3rd, six of Omaha’s top chefs created their own twist on meatloaf during the fourth annual Comfort Food Classic last Sunday at the Holiday Inn. The cooking competition benefiting Ted E. Bear Hollow drew more than 300 people and raised over $33,000. Winning the competition was chef Jennifer Coco of the Flatiron Cafe, who won $500, a traveling trophy and bragging rights.
Kathy Palacio and Luis Palacio
Fran and Jack Keown with Amy Hayes
Ted E. Bear Hollow is a nonprofit organization that provides day camps, support groups and other services for grieving children, teens and their families. Ted E. Bear Hollow provides assistance to more than 600 grieving children annually by giving them support, understanding and skills to communicate and cope after the death of a loved one. For more information on Ted E. Bear Hollow, visit www.tedebearhollow.org.
Anne Cavanaugh, Leslie Cavanaugh, Jim Cavanaugh, and Christine Kellogg
Hal and Mary Daub Photos by Dan Flanigan
Photos by Dan Flan igan
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Omaha Press Club Ronald W. Roskens
Tom O’Connor and Sean McGuire
Abbot Raphael Walsh and Kim Volpone
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September 28th, Ron Roksens became the Omaha Press Club’s 126th Face on the Barroom Floor. Roskens caricature portrays him as a world traveler.
Clark Rosenlof, Jim Rose, and Paul Cohen
Dr. Ronald W. Roskens, global businessman and former president of the University of Nebraska, was toasted and roasted at the club by a group that included his son, Bill Roskens, the president of First Care Inc. Others delivering darts were emcee John Nelson, chairman and CEO of the SilverStone Group; Dr. John Christensen, chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Omaha; Dr. Robert Langdon, cancer specialist, and Bill Cutler, vice president of HeafeyHeafey-Hoffmann-Dworak & Cutler Mortuaries.
John and Anne Nelson, John H. Nelson, and Steve Villamonte
Joining the honored guest for the Face festivities, in addition to son Bill, were Roskens’ wife, Lois, and his daughters Elizabeth, Barbara and Brenda, their spouses and several grandchildren.
Ron Roskens, Polly Partsch, Jan and Don Leuenberger, and Frank Parttsch
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changin g l i v es
Lisa Schmitz with Jim Schmitz and Elizabeth Fitzgerald
Steve Martin with Janet Richardson and Tom Whitson
Community Alliance Breaking the Silence
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October 14th, Community Alliance held its 14th annual Breaking the Silence event at the Joslyn Art museum. More than 600 guests attended.
Joanna and Jim Norton
Olympic Gold Medalist Dorothy Hamill was the feature speaker and shared her story of her Olympic Gold and ongoing figure skating career, along with her struggle to recognize and overcome depression.
Leslie Slone, Beth Moberg with Jeff Moberg and Addie Hollingsworth
Steve Martin and his wife Amy Haddad were this year’s honorary chairs. The mission of the Community Alliance is to help individuals with mental illness achieve their unique potential and to live, work, learn, and contribute in a community of mutual support. For more information about Community Alliance, visit www.community-alliance.org.
Josh Bjorkman and Katie Schwarzlander
Dorothy Hamill and Sarah Waldman Photos by Cindy Grady
Stephanie and Jack Koraleski
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Jennifer Morris and Kristin Herrera
Midwest Heart Connection Hearts of Hope
Darlene Kersey and Nicole Panneton
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September 18th, Midwest Heart Connection held its seventh annual fundraiser, Hearts of Hope. Approximately $93,000 was raised to support families with congenital heart disease. More than 350 people attended the event. Proceeds go to improve awarness, detection and treatment of congenital heart disease. It also supports those -- young and old – as they navigate the medical maze of the number one occurring birth defect.
Senator Kent Rogert
This year’s honorary chair was State Senator Kent Rogert of Tekamah. Benefit co-chairs were Jennifer Morris and Kristin Herrera. Midwest Heart Connection is a non-profit support group designed to provide information, resources and support to individuals with congenital heart disease and their families.
Ph Midwes otos Courtesy o t Heart C f onnectio n
John Harvey and Fr. Tom Fangman
For more information on Midwest Heart Connection, visit www.MidwestHeartConnection.com. Photos Courtesy of CSM
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Julie Dean Lingelbach, Margaret Schorn, and Jo Walsh Wandel Heese
Verlyn Schueler with Nancy and David Abboud
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College of Saint Mary Founder’s Day Celebration
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September 12th, College of Saint Mary celebrated 87 years of educating women in Omaha with a Founder’s Day event. The reception was held in the Hixson-Lied Commons, followed by a dinner in Mercy Hall. More than 175 people attended. Attendees saw the unveiling of the new History Wall - a visual look back at CSM’s heritage from its beginnings on Castelar Street to present day.
Anne Thorne Weaver, Robert Bodnar, and Mary Ellen Mulcahy
Dr. Maryanne Stevens with Nancy and Fran Root
Emcee for the evening was Verlyn Schueler, vice president for institutional advancement, and student speakers were Chelsea Dean and Shawneita Irvin. Dr. Maryanne Stevens, RSM, president of CSM, delivered a state of the university address and shared a presentation that highlighted the 10th anniversary of the Mothers Living & Learning program at CSM.
Colleen Heavican with Nancy and Fran Root 48
metroMagazine • nov 2010 JUly 2010
Carolina and Daniel Padilla with Bea Haney
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power of the Melissa Marvin, Joanna L. Krotz and Mickey Marvin
child saving institute annual scholarship luncheon
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August 25th, 400 guests raised more than $48,000 and awareness of women in philanthropy at the Child Saving Institute’s (CSI) “Power of the Purse” annual scholarship luncheon. The scholarships are awarded to students pursuing a higher education who have participated in CSI programs. This year’s recipients of the $2,500 scholarship were Caleb Nichols and Dillon Rucker. The event honored two of Omaha’s most charitable philanthropists: Andrea “Andy” Hoig and Melissa Marvin. They earned the title of “PurseOnalities” and served as honorary chairmen for the event.
Honorees: Andrea ‘Andy’ Hoig and Melissa Marvin
Lisa Turner, Betsye Paragas, Andy Hoig, Ginny Dignoti,Missy Zadina and Patti Craig Nick and Brook Hudson
Highlights included guest speaker Joanna L. Krotz, author of Town & Country’s “The Guide to Intelligent Giving” and a silent auction featuring more than 65 designer purse packages. The event was chaired by Jaclyn Jandric, Kari Nelson, and Carmen Smith. For more information about CSI, visit www.childsaving.org.
Madison Roe and Mandy Horrocks
Libby Stiles, Beth Smith, and Robyn Kleidosty
Amy Farha-Neary, Julie Linquata, Nicki Manhart, and Brady Gibson Photos by Dave Stoc k
Claire Landolt and Bernadette Chapman
Lene Larson, Lisa Korner, and Mary Wiebelhaus
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University of nebraska medical center home instead center ribbon cutting
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Virginia Grissom and Pat Hageman, Ph.D.
September 13th, the University of Nebraska Medical Center opened The Home Instead Center for Successful Aging to the public.
The $10.2 million facility was funded entirely by private donations and creates a centralized location for geriatric medicine and psychiatry on the UNMC campus. It is located just south of the Weigel WIlliamson Center for Visual Rehabilitation at 38th Avenue and Leavenworth Street. Services offered include geriatric medicine, psychiatry and access to clinical trials involving geriatric-specific disorders. It also includes a wellness clinic, nutrition services, and a Community Education and Outreach Center. Home Instead was co-founded by the center’s principal donors, Lori and Paul Hogan.
Dr. Joann Schaefer, Jake Strasheim, Dr. Jane Potter, Paul and Lori Hogan
Sharon Brangman, M.D.
For more information about the Home Instead Center for Successful Aging, visit www.unmc.edu/homeinsteadcenter.Â
Deryl and Ramona Hamann Photos courtesy of UNMC and Home Instead
Shelley Siemers, Ellen Wright, Candace Daly, Penny Parker, and Brenda Christensen
Scot and Cathy Bonnesen, Stavely and Ellen Wright, and Blair Bonnesen
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Photos by Dan Flanigan
Campfire Usa BIG RED TAILGATE
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September 10th, Camp Fire USA held the Big Red Tailgate at the Holiday Inn Central. Nearly 400 guests came dressed in Husker apparel to support this organization.
Lisa Connealy and Melanie Hecker
Molly Pancratz and Tera Lutz
Ellen and Stavely Wright served as honorary chairs. Event chairs were Brenda Christensen and Candace Daly. For more information on Camp Fire USA, visit www.campfireusa.org.
Stavely Wright, Candace and Joe Daly, Brenda Christensen, and Mike Morris
Pat and Curt Brannon with Brenda Christensen
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The event included a silent auction and raised $170 for the program. The money raised will benefit several programs: Feed A Child; Art Programs; Summer Gardening Programs; Target Reading Program; field trips; college tours; Family Nights and Learning Labs. Grace University GOLF4GRACE Judy Houfek, Arlene Porzelt,
and Jane Southard
Paul Troupe and Wally Armstrong, with Tom, Rob, and Doug Troupe Anne Kelley with Dr. Kent and Sally Johnson
Megan Addison, Katie Risch Bakhit, and Jill Lyons
Cristina Lamas and Robert Morgan
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donatinglife
Elaine and Lily Oertjen
Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo National Marrow Donor Picnic
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Keith Poppen, Brooke Stewart, and Brian Mastre
September 18th, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo hosted the National Marrow Donor Program’srecognition picnic.
More than 100 people, including donors and their families, were honored for their support. Brooke Stewart, a 22-year-old cancer survivor, had the chance to meet Keith Poppen, the man who donated his marrow to her. Stewart has been cancer free for 20 months. “I owe my life to Keith Poppen. Without him, I wouldn’tbe here today. It is amazing how a complete stranger can care so much and be so selfless to give of his time and body to a person he never met,” Stewart said.
Lindsey Marshall, Keith Poppen, and Brooke Stewart
All marrow donors attending this event gram w Donor Pro ational Marro N of y es rt Photos Cou
For more information about the National Marrow Donor Program, visit BeTheMatch.org.
beyond
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Joslyn Art Museum works of kent bellows Preview
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Photos by Dan Flanigan
Jack Becker and Anne Meysenburg Philp, Neil, David and Jim Griess
September 22nd, Joslyn Art Museum held “Beyond Realism: The Works of Kent Bellows 1970–2005 Private Preview.” The event was held in support of Joslyn Art Museum and The Kent Bellows Studio & Center for Visual Arts. More than 250 guests attended. Exhibition curator Molly Hutton, Ph.D., gave a lecture that was followed by a reception and gallery viewing. The exhibition features more than 70 paintings, drawings, and prints.
Pat Drickey with Nancy and Steve Johnson
Tony Deeb, Barry Segell, Claudia Deeb, and Betty Segell
Joslyn Art Museum is a regional resource for the collection, preservation, and interpretation of the visual arts. For more information about the Joslyn Art Museum, visit www.joslyn.org. The Kent Bellows Studio & Center for Visual Arts is a new and dynamic arts organization with a mission to ignite the creative spark in individuals, encouraging them to reach their highest potential through self expression in the visual arts.
Melissa Crawford, Mort Mortensen, Mary Grabow, and Kim Wyllie
For more information, visit www.kentbellows.org. 52
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Aaryon Williams and Autumn Lewis
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August 1st, the LUX Center for the Arts in Lincoln hosted a record turnout of over 550 people at the fourth annual Free Community Arts Afternoon. This free community event raised more than $1,000 for need-based youth scholarships. Youth and adults alike had the opportunity to get their faces painted, listen to music, watercolor a hand-made postcard and paint on an outdoor mural among other activities. The LUX Center for the Arts is meant to enhance the lives of a diverse public through the visual arts by providing exceptional learning opportunities. For more information on the LUX, visit www.luxcenter.org.
Photos courtesy of The LUX Center for the Arts Photos by Linda S hepard
Garth Glissman, Alex West, and Paul Bryan
Bruce Billesbach and Mary Ann Seamands
Annie Alston, Tom Kerr, and Carolyn Owen Anderson
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uta halee girls village viva! village
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Karen Daniel, Barb Lieberkneckt, Kim Banat, Vickie Peyton, and Bill Collamer
August 27th, one hundred guests attended the poolside cocktail party held at the home of Bruce Billesbach.Billesbach donated the food, drinks, and valet parking and raised over $6,500 to benefit the Arts Programs at Uta Halee Girls’ Village and Cooper Village.
Jotham Brown, Morgan Hoover, Bill and Sarah Sharp, Todd Barth
Chairmen of the event were Charlene Meyer, Kristi Barth, and Emogene Whitten. The highlight of the evening was a silent auction featuring decorated picture frames with original poems from Uta Halee girls as well as decorated glasses for each guest. For more information about Uta Halee Girls’ Village, visit www.utahalee-cooper.org.
Emogene Whitten, Charlene Meyer, and Kristi Barth
Lloyd Meyer, Tarina Cox, Mary Fraser Meints, and Gary Kaplan 53
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foundation for visually impaired children 50th Anniversary
Andrea, Marie, Bill, and Bill Koley
Donna Johnson, Carol Jenkins, Leah Johnson, Kelly Coleman, and Norma Johnson
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October 15th, The Nebraska Foundation for Visually Impaired Children (NFVIC) celebrated its 50th anniversary at Kutak Rock. Approximately $18,000 was raised by an attendance of nearly 120 guests. Honorary Chairs included Alan Wolfson and his sons, Ron, Bob and Doug Wolfson. Norma Johnson was bestowed with a Braille necklace for the dedication and organization of the annual Ruth Sokolof Christmas Party.
Anthony and Andee Scioli with Pam and Bruce Friedlander
NFVIC’s mission is to provide talking, Braille and large print assistive technology to blind children in their homes. NFVIC provides talking and enlargement software, talking dictionaries, talking and Braille notetakers, Braille printers and much more. For more information about NFVIC, visit www.nebraskafoundation.org.
Bob, Ron, Alan, and Doug Wolfson
Ron Wolfson and Karen Javitch Laurie Spiegler and Ruth Luttbeg
y Photos b ck to Dave S
Jack and Jackie Brown
wi nefor
Photos by Dan Flan igan
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thehotline
Southwest Omaha Rotary Wine Tasting
Herb Hames and Gene Graves
Fr. Steven Boes, Dominic Cosgrove, Kathy Beauchaine, Shelley Smith, and Ed Cohn
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October 13th, the Southwest Omaha Rotary Wine Tasting Fundraiser Event benefitting Boys Town National Hotline and was held at the Del Mare restaurant. More than 200 people attended the event and raised over $15,000. The chairman was Kelly Sanford and co-chairs were Gail Petersen and Dave Myers, Kristi Guinn, Mimi Rogers.
Mark Sanford and Bob Tatten
Doug Seaman, Bryan Dring and Jim Schell
The mission of Rotary International is to provide service to others, to promote high ethical standards, and to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. For more information about Rotary International, visit www.soutwestomaharotarynight.org.
Kristi Guinn and Ginny Gohr
Gail Peterson and Darcy Michalek Fr. John Pietramale and Deb Bogard
Susan Cutler andand Carol Cosgrove Anthony Aitken Phillis Toebben metroMagazine • nov 2010 54
Elizabeth Hillmer, Olivia Straka, and Katherine Hillmer
Ryan and Jill Johnson
ave Stock Photos by D
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avintageaffaire
Autism Action Partnership A Vintage AffairE II
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October 23rd, A Vintage Affaire II was held at the Qwest Center Omaha. The event raised $500,000, with all proceeds supporting Autism Action Partnership. The honorary co-chairs of the event were CL and Rachel Werner.
Gregg and Donna Mitchell
Autism Action Partnership, a public foundation, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with autism and their families through education, advocacy and support, thereby enabling them to be an integral part of the community. Since its inception, Autism Action Partnership has changed the landscape of support available for treatment options and programs offered to those affected by autism in Nebraska and Southwestern Iowa.
Sue Wurth and Monica Eby
Patty Sutton and Brynn Robertson
For more information about Autism Action Partnership, visit www.autismaction.org.
FOODIE SixthWide-AD-9.10_FOODIE 11/11/10 11:32 AM Page 1
A U O Y E AR
? E I D ut? O o t a O e o F love t u o y o d
TELL US ABOUT your favorite restaurants!
FOODIE visit SpiritofOmaha.com! AWARDS
Quinton Aaron and Andrea “Andy” Hoig
Cara Smith, Becca Easterby, and Kathy Griffiths
Kitti Ramirez, Sandy Hendrix, and Courtney South
Michelle Finnigan-Drew, Paul Mihulka, Robin Loveland, and John Kinsler
Michael Scott and Quinton Aaron
Allison Roorda, Sara, Joe Rosner, Tricia Webb, and Andre Gomez
Lee and Miles Cary
Nick Kenning, Ahmad Alhadi, Vince Colletti, and Jose Roque
Betsy Paragas, Andrea Hoig, Rob Killmer, and Ryan Lally
Dr. Robert Langdon,Lynette Farhart, Helena Binder, Kam and Sara Talebi, and Andrea Hoig
Lena Ginzburg, Jordan Horner, and Younes Bouzmane
Michael Alexander and Sarah McKenzie
Isaiah Burse, Faith Johnson, and Quinton Aaron
Dave Stock and Quinton Aaron
cravinga
goodtime
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Photos by Dave Stock
Crave GRand Opening Celebration
on
October 11th, CRAVE restaurant officially opened its doors. The restaurant, located in Midtown Crossing, hosted a week of grand opening events including a Red Carpet VIP Grand Opening celebration on October 8th and a Public Grand Opening Celebration on October 15th. The VIP Grand Opening celebration drew nearly 700 attendees including Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle, who participated in the ceremonial ribbon cutting. The Public Grand Opening celebration was attended by more than 500 Omaha residents, and included actor Quinton Aaron from The Blind Side, along with the cast and musicians from the Omaha Opera. A portion of the proceeds from this event went directly to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. For more information about CRAVE, visit www.CRAVEamerica.com.
Cathryn Borer, Jessie Boscarino, Morgan Fox, Megan Pfeifer, and Miriam Flack
Meredith Weber, Amy McGowan, Jim Parizek, and Eric Linbeck
Penny Lachanze, Amy Orand, and Megan D’Arcy Barbara and Scott Byrd
Jennifer Mangan, Amy Frost, and Fatima Khan 57
metroMagazine • nov 2010
Lisa and Ken Cook
savethe date savethedate nov 58 58
November 12
TGIF! A benefit for YWCA Omaha It’s time to get down and have some real fun at this inaugural event hosted by the YW Partners Guild to benefit YWCA Omaha. Theme of the event is Cowboy Up, Party Down, and includes cocktails, dinner, games, and silent and oral auctions. Holiday Inn Convention Center Omaha – 6:00 P.M. Visit www.ywcaomaha.org.
November 18 SALUTE TO FAMILIES NEBRASKA A benefit for Heartland Family Service Heartland Family Service created the Salute to Families Awards to promote the abundance of strong family life in our community. Happy Hollow Club – Omaha – 6:00 P.M. Visit www.HeartlandFamilyService.org.
November 19
November 20
November 20
SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY A benefit for The Durham Museum The theme of this year’s event is Sentimental Journey: Have Yourself a “Mary” Little Christmas. The evening includes a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception, entertainment by humorist Mary Maxwell, an elegant dinner in front of The Durham’s magnificent Christmas tree, and dancing in the Swanson Gallery. The Durham Museum – Omaha – 6:00 P.M. Call 444-5071.
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTER GALA A benefit for Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Grammy Award-winning artist Kenny Rogers will entertain guests at this 62nd Annual Gala, hosted by the Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Foundation. Proceeds will benefit a newly renovated Rehabilitation Services Outpatient Unit to be located in the Children’s Specialty Pediatric Center. Omaha Call 955-6851.
2010 NIGHT OF A THOUSAND STARS A benefit for the Nebraska AIDS Project Guests at this annual event enjoy an entertaining and fun fundraising gala like no other. The evening includes dancing the night away to the live music of Session 7, complimentary appetizers and a cash bar. Back by popular demand is the silent art auction featuring works by notable and emerging Omaha artists. Joslyn Art Museum – Omaha – 8:00 P.M. Visit www.nap.org.
November 20
November 20
51ST ANNUAL CANDLELIGHT BALL A benefit for Bergan Mercy Medical Center Auxiliary This annual event consists of a cocktail hour, silent auction, raffle, and gourmet dinner. The evening will wind up with a dance featuring Robert Glaser and Urban Delight. The 18th annual Candlelight Award will be presented to Ernest W. Chupp, M.D. and Thomas E. Dunbar, M.D. Embassy Suites – La Vista – 6:00 P.M. Call 398-6199.
FESTIVAL OF TREES A benefit for the Bluffs Arts Council Enjoy cocktails amidst dozens of beautifully decorated holiday trees while listening to classic music sung by Michael Walker. Browse the many offerings of fine art and choose one to bid on in the Fine Art Oral Auction. A delicious sit-down dinner follows. Harrah’s Convention Center Council Bluffs – 6:00 P.M. Visit www.bluffsfestivaloftrees.org.
November 20 HOLIDAY TEA & FASHION SHOW An Act II benefit for the Omaha Community Playhouse Before the rush of the season, enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the style of yesteryear while sipping tea and tasting other delectable delights. Adjourn to the main stage auditorium for a delightful show featuring fashion of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Omaha Community Playhouse Omaha – 12:30 P.M. Call 330-2384.
November 20 2010 CABERNET COMPETITION A benefit for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Nebraska Chapter Omaha Wine Company presents this third annual Cabernet Competition benefitting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Plan to meet winemakers and have some fun, at a competition where you are the judge! Event is casual dress with great wines, food and an auction that includes exclusive winery tours in Napa Valley, CA. Champions Club – Omaha – 7:00 P.M. Visit nen.nationalmssociety.org.
FOODIE
AWARDS
visit SpiritofOmaha.com!
savethe date savethedate dec feb 60 60
December 2
December 27
February 5
HOLIDAZZLE A benefit for the Nebraska Children’s Home Society The NCHS Family Guild hosts this special evening with Omaha’s top professionals in the fields of home décor, florals, food, fashion, gift wrapping and much more. The event features live demonstrations, fashion show, a wide array of exhibitors, plus food, drink and a wonderful silent auction. Ship for great holiday finds while learning the latest tips and tricks to add some flair to your holidays! Happy Hollow Country Club Omaha – 6:30 P.M. Call 898-7783.
DEBUTANTE BALL Omaha Symphony Holiday Inn Central – Omaha – 5:00 P.M.
2011 OMAHA HEART BALL Benefitting the American Heart Association This black tie event offers an evening of gourmet dining, dancing, live and silent auctions, and outstanding entertainment. In 2011, the Heart Ball will celebrate its 23rd year as one of Omaha’s premier social events. Embassy Suites – La Vista – 5:30 P.M. Visit www.heart.org .
December 3-5 OMAHA PUBLIC LIBRARY QUARTERLY BOOK SALE Benefitting the Omaha Public Library This quarterly book sale held by The Friends of the Omaha Public Library provides much needed support for our local Library. Open Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Swanson Branch Library – Omaha Call 493-8550.
December 10 LUNCH FOR THE GIRLS A benefit for Girls Inc. Former Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright will deliver the keynote address at Girls Inc.’ ninth Lunch for the Girls. A book-signing will take place immediately following the luncheon. All proceeds from this event support the educational, cultural and recreational opportunities for girls ages 5 to 18 at Girls Incorporated of Omaha. Qwest Center – Omaha – 11:30 A.M. Visit www.girlsincomaha.org.
December 11 GINGERBREAD HOUSE SILENT AUCTION Gingerbread houses made by area fourth grade students and Omaha celebrities will be on display during mall hours and up for silent auction and live auction with Omaha celebrity appearances, gingerbread cookies, Santa, and holiday music, raffle drawing and discounts. Regency Court – Omaha Call 397-3309.
jan January 27 GIRLS NITE OUT Benefitting Girls Inc. Enjoy cocktails, shopping, dinner and lots of laughs with special guest, ventriloquist and comedienne Lynn Trefzger. Seating at this popular event is limited, so get your reservations in early! Call 457-4676. Visit www.girlsincomaha.org.
January 31 “AT EASE” LUNCHEON A benefit for Lutheran Family Services’ At Ease Program Former U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey will serve as keynote speaker for this fundraising and awareness event. At Ease is a trauma treatment and therapeutic support program that serves active military, veterans and their loved ones. Call 978-5646.
February 19 THE CARNIVAL OF LOVE A benefit for Heartland Family Service Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center – La Vista – 6:00 P.M. Visit www.HeartlandFamilyService.org.
February 20
ROCKIN’ ROSIE A benefit for The Rose Theater The Rose Theater Guild will host its 18th annual Rockin’ Rosie fundraiser, this year themed Rosie Rocks the Silver Screen. Sure to be a rockin’ good time, the event includes dinner, dancing, and both silent and oral auctions. Holiday Inn Central – Omaha
FEATURE III A Film Streams event in support of the Ruth Sokolof Theater Academy Award-winning director Steven Soderbergh will be the special guest for Feature III, during which he will take center stage for a conversation about his extraordinary career-in-progress. Following the interview will be a post-party celebration with drinks, food, music and dancing. Holland Performing Arts Center Omaha – 6:30 P.M. Visit www.filmstreams.org.
February 12
February 26
FIESTA A LA MERCY A benefit for Mercy High School FIESTA (Friends in Earnest Supporting Tuition Assistance) directly supports negotiated tuition, the heart of Mercy High School’s mission. The evening consists of Mass, dinner, silent and live auctions and a $10,000 raffle drawing. Mercy High School – Omaha – 5:00 P.M. Call 553-9424.
JDRF GALA A benefit for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation The theme for this fourteenth annual JDRF Gala is “Big Dreams, Big Hearts … Real Hope for a Cure.” A VIP reception will be held at 5:00 p.m. followed by a cocktail hour, silent auction & dinner. Qwest Center – Omaha – 6:00 P.M. Call 397-CURE (2873).
February 12
from the publisher of
metromagazine
Find Your Deals now at SpiritofOmaha.com
feb
continued
February 26
EASTER SEALS NEBRASKA’S WINE EVENT 2011 A benefit for Easter Seals Nebraska In addition to superb silent and live auctions and a Vintners Reception, this event includes the Vintners Formal Dinner, featuring some of the country’s most prestigious and knowledgeable vintners and their wines at a multi-course dinner. Embassy Suites – La Vista – 5:00 P.M. Visit ne.easterseals.com.
February 27 ART AND SOUP 2011 A benefit for Visiting Nurse Association Embassy Suites – La Vista
spring March 4-5 RESTORE OMAHA CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION Hosted by Metropolitan Community College Now in its sixth year, Restore Omaha is an organization that teaches and motivates the public to restore and preserve older properties. MCC South Omaha Campus – Omaha Visit www.restoreomaha.org.
March 26 CATHEDRAL COMEDY AND CUISINE Benefitting Saint Cecilia Cathedral Grade School This annual fundraiser is the main source of funding for classroom and capital improvements for Saint Cecilia Cathedral Grade School. Fr. Henry Sullivan Center at Creighton Prep – Omaha Call 551-2313.
May 14 CABARET 2011 A benefit for Child Saving Institute This year’s event is themed “Wild and Crazy” with entertainment by actress and comedienne, Melissa Peterman. Omaha
uptodate!
stay check out our complete
change e
metroMagazine
vibrations • with sue moon
dig deeper
There could be some pretty high expectations about your life and where you are going at the start of this
month but it will be overshadowed by so much happening in all of our lives. This is a busy month. The New Moon on the 5th in secretive Scorpio calls you to investigate your life and dig a little deeper for re-organization. The 6th night of the Mayan Calendar comes to an end on the 8th, while the 7th day begins on the same date, lasting until October 28, 2011. This time calls you to sacrifice the past feelings/beliefs of being separate and step into Universal Unity.
November is calling for dramatic change for the world and each individual. Saturn (stern teacher) in the committed relationship sector is all about being fair and having integrity. The Taurus Full Moon on November 21st is a call to recognize that we need to honor ourselves and step up more fully into our own power.
aries
Mar 21 - apr 19
The New Moon in your house of death/rebirth heralds a time of change and transformation for you that will reach its potential at the Full Moon on the 21st. A good time to dream about something you would rather be doing. Change and fulfillment can be yours this month.
ttaurus
apr 20 - MaY 20
You will have an opportunity to re-design a committed relationship this month. Work is calling you to put forth a stronger effort if you want the rewards. The end of the month will have you enjoying all the best of what it means to be a Taurus. Indulge in a massage.
gemini MaY 21 - jun 20
If your work or health have needed a little tweaking the New Moon on the 5th is a good time to start working on that. Be cautious with partners as Mars (aggression) is full steam in that area and you may not realize your shouting. At the end of the month go off alone for a little and meditate on the mysteries of life.
www.morningstarcenter.com www.suemoon.com
nOV 22 - dec 21
leo
jul 23 - auG 22
Revitalize your home and invite a few friends over. This is a good month for entertaining or taking a vacation. You might even buy a lottery ticket as Mars is in your gambling house and likes to win. The end of the month the spotlight is on your career, go for it.
virgo
Your personality is quite strong this month, just don’t step on any toes. Pluto (power/change) and the North Node (purpose) call you to develop all of your talents in a stronger way. Work scene could be quite enjoyable at months end with lots of laughter or you may run into a boss that won’t budge. dec 22 - jan 19
auG 23 - sep 22
Saturn (pay attention) continues to encourage you to find better gifts to share with the world. We need your attention to detail, but not your complaining. The first of the month you may have a few good ideas, just make sure you implement them by the end of the month!
libra
sagittarius capricorn
All Capricorns are intense with Pluto (intensity) continuing to sit in the house of your body/personality. Your friends are a delightful help though and at the New Moon you may find a few more in your corner. The Full Moon on the 21st calls for a little more play and socializing.
sep 23 - OcT 22
It’s a good time for all Libras. Thank you Saturn. The New Moon on the 5th calls you to develop more of your talents, you have so many! Mars is super charging your mind this month and you need it to figure out who you are going to be in the years to come. The Full Moon activates a pending change, be prepared.
jan 20 - feb 18
aquarius
This is a good time to focus on higher education, it will take you far. People are really noticing you now as a stellium of planets sit in your career/achievement sector. If you have been wanting more recognition, the New Moon on the 5th is a great time to plant those seeds and just see what happens by months end.
jun 21 - jul 22
cancer
Have you been having enough fun? The first of the month is a good time to rectify that by planning a few good times with friends. At the end of the month those friends will make your life a lot happier. Health is strong now, with Mars surging through your health sector. Start a new exercise program and it will be easier now.
OcT 23 - nOV 21
feb 19 - Mar 20
scorpio
pisces
Reinventing yourself and needing to reinvent your relationships will be a highlight this month. It’s a good month for making money, thank you Mars! Venus makes you quite appealing to others and you may want to buy some new clothing to accent that.
Whether Higher dimensions beckon you to expand beyond your world. At the same time this world sees you as a person of power and a natural leader. By months end you will be enjoying the attention of everyone! Your dream world continues to be off the charts!
Sue Moon has been a student of astrology since 1972 and is an experienced journeyman and practitioner in a number of life enhancement disciplines. You can find her astrology materials and dailies at www.suemoon.com and on facebook. She is locally based at Bright Spirit Center • www.brightspiritcenter.com.
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