metroQUARTERLY’S Fall (Aug/Sept/Oct) 2014 Issue by metroMAGAZINE

1-128-CVrs-814_QUartErLY 8/5/14 4:49 Pm Page CVr1

what’s next? THE NEXT STAGE IN OUR EVOLUTION IS HERE

connecting our community

•

spiritofomaha.com

•

aug/sept/oct 2014

1-128-CVRS-814_QUARTERLY 8/6/14 2:14 PM Page FAUX1

what’s next? THE NEXT STAGE IN OUR EVOLUTION IS HERE

e creative act is not hanging on, but yielding to a new creative movement. Awe is what moves us forward. ~ JOSEPH CAMPBELL

1-128-CVRS-814_QUARTERLY 8/6/14 2:14 PM Page FAUX2

HENRY DOORLY ZOO AFRICAN GRASSLANDS PROJECT

1-128-CVrs-814_QUartErLY 8/5/14 4:49 Pm Page CVr2

VanDeenBUILD-814_- 8/4/14 6:00 PM Page 1

Authentic Inspiration that Delivers. Proven Motivator. With Van’s passion, humor and experience you can be assured of one thing – your audience is going to get fired up, built up, and fully charged up. As an entrepreneur at the top of his game, Van is in the unique position of being able to ‘talk the talk’ because he has ‘walked the walk’. Van is a speaker with charisma, humility and impact and he’s a difference maker in the lives of the people he touches...

Inspire and motivate your team with dozens of customized sales workshops. Van’s proven business-building expertise will maximize your marketing efforts while minimizing your budget.

~ GEORGE AKERS FIRST MORTGAGE CORPORATION OMAHA, NEBRASKA

SCHEDULE YOUR EVENT WITH VAN TODAY! Author. Speaker. Sales Trainer. Direct Line: 402.680.8448 Email: van@vandeeb.com www.vandeeb.com

www.vandeeb.com

1-7-LEAD SECTION-814_QUARTERLY 8/8/14 2:26 PM Page 2

1-7-LEAD SECTION-814_QUARTERLY 8/8/14 2:26 PM Page 3

1-7-LEAD SECTION-814_QUARTERLY 8/9/14 11:53 AM Page 4

in this ISSUE

CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY

features

10 18 26 34 40 50 54 56

JOURNEYS zoo foundation african grasslands project

GARDEN GLORY lauritzen gardens antique & garden show

BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE omaha fashion week

TRANS CONTINENTAL behind the making of the film ‘hank & asha’

CIRCLE OF LOVE karma koffee • enlightened entrepreneurs

GETTING EXCITED ABOUT GIVING BACK! american foundation for suicide prevention

VISION 2020 q&a • knights of ak-sar-ben

COMING HOME rudy reyes • omaha home for boys

local connection

34 26

making a difference

creating a culture

departments/columns

8 42 44

WHAT’S NEW? • WHAT’S NOW! TOP OMAHA RESTAURANTS omaha restaurant week

HE SAID/SHE SAID mike & mary from KMTV’s morning blend

46 47 48 58 59 60 62 63 63

MULBERRY LANE home is more than a cliché

MARY E. VANDENACK tips for practicing compassion

WAKING WORDS ROB KILLMER

building momentum

what’s next?

NAM NON PROFT ASSOC. OF THE MIDLANDS partnership in best practices

OCF OMAHA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION developing donor-nonprofit relationships

BUSINESS4BUSINESS OMAHA’S YOUNG PROS embracing now!

PLANNING MATTERS PVW LAW inherited iras

TODAYS SAVINGS SWARTZBAUGH, FARBER & ASSOC. repeat after me

IMPACT! VONDRAK DENTAL sleep your way to better health

events

SCENE highlights from recent events

118 SAVE THE DATE upcoming events for fall 2014

bravo! CELEBRATING THE ARTS

111 IN DEMAND

thomas wilkins • star conductor

114 VILLAGE ART ARTsarben

116 BRAVO! TOP 5

celebrating conservation

time to vote!

our picks for your cultural calendar

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

1-7-LEAD SECTION-814_QUARTERLY 8/9/14 12:26 PM Page 5

auG/SePt/OCt 2014 • VOl. 26 NO. 8 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

Creative Collaboration

andrea l. “andee” Hoig

leo adam Biga Matt Darling Jim Farber Daniel Flanigan anne Hindery roger Humphries MOrNING BleND’s “Mike & Mary” Mulberry lane Jay Miralles Mary Vandenack Jim Scholz Michelle Schrage Kara Schweiss Stephanie Vondrak D.D.S.

Editor/Creative Director

robert P. “rOB” Killmer

aNDrea l. HOIG metroMaGazINe / quarterly is wholly owned and ahoig@SpiritofOmaha.com operated by the publisher and is not affiliated with any other publication, operating solely on subscription and advertising revenues and the good will of the agencies and charities we support; all of which are very important to the continuing growth and quality of this publication. thank you to all who support this endeavor. OFFICE/SALES

402.932.3522 | sales@SpiritofOmaha.com MISSION STATEMENT alH Publications exists to inform, inspire and connect those who give back to the community through volunteerism and philanthropy, recognizing the ongoing efforts of area businesses, organizations and individuals who better our community. Contents of this magazine are copyrighted by alH Publications, Inc. in their entirety. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior written consent of the publisher. ©Copyright 1990 – 2014 alH Publications, Inc. all rights reserved.

402.932.3522 • sales@SpiritofOmaha.com

advertise with us... MAKE THE CONNECTION! “We have had a fabulous response advertising with metroMAGAZINE. The staff is always professional and helpful; they continually impress us. The clean, thoughtful design of the magazine compliments our products beautifully. Having the ability to reach our customers in an effective and efficient way is essential for any small business, and metroMAGAZINE never fails to deliver.” ~ LAURIE LANGDON ELISA ILANA 5

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

1-7-LEAD SECTION-814_QUARTERLY 8/8/14 2:27 PM Page 6

1-7-LEAD SECTION-814_QUARTERLY 8/13/14 2:26 PM Page 7

words FROM MY HEART

mquArterLy • Letter from tHe PubLiSHer

joy!

It brings me great JOY to present to you the debut issue of metroMAGAZINE’S NEXT level: metroQUARTERLY or mQUARTERLY. mQ is a manifestation from a deep desire to connect those who give back with those wishing to support them. Ultimately, the natural byproduct of making that kind of connection happen has a lot to do with creating JOY, that state we enter into when who we are connected to and what we are doing with them is aligned with our heart’s desires. “What’s next” for us with mQ is a renewed vision for sharing everything that connects us to a daily state of JOY. That vision includes celebrating all the people, parties, passion and purpose guiding those who are giving back to our community and our world. In the Spring of 2013 I became very aware that something was missing in my life. I was working hard…actually much too hard. Things were getting done but there was no celebration once a task or project was complete–it was on to the next one (and the next one always came fast and furious). I was constantly attracting people and projects into my sphere of influence that were keeping me busier and busier, but were rarely in harmony with who I really am. I remember asking myself, “Is this what my life is destined to be like from here on out?” My business and my staff were also suffering because I, the leader of the company, was overwhelmed, overworked, exhausted, and misdirected. What was missing? JOY.

AndreA L. Hoig ahoig@Spiritofomaha.com

In one moment of realization I became determined to make JOY a priority. What I discovered was that I didn’t have to change anything to be in a state of JOY. I simply made a commitment, shifted my mindset and leaned into this place called JOY and it was beautiful. As this became more of a daily practice for me, everything started to change. Space opened up in my life, harmonious ideas and opportunities started presenting themselves and fresh, aligned relationships came rushing in. Existing relationships started to heal, and those unable to heal dropped away, as amazing new people began (and continue) coming into my life. I was doing nothing all that different externally; it was all coming from within. Simply from making the decision to open myself to JOY, and by allowing JOY in I also reconnected to my passion and rediscovered that it is grounded in connecting our world.

When asked the question, “What Next?” the answer for me is always “JOY.” And let me tell you, there was so much JOY derived from creating mQ. The new quarterly format allows us to build upon what we have been doing for nearly 25 years, while creating more space and focus to do so in a way that authentically serves this message of generosity in bold, fresh ways. For our debut issue we decided on a more simple white cover because it represents a blank canvas–one with unlimited possibilities to create something inspiring, something impactful, something that ignites the human spirit to go out and make a difference in the world… and that brings me JOY.

What I want to do each and every day…what keeps me in my JOY Zone, is being able to show up as a Messenger for Generosity. Helping people align their passions with social causes and giving opportunities is what I am here for and I know that for certain. Telling the important stories about how people are changing our communities and our planet brings me tremendous fulfillment and…JOY. Expanding the giving landscape in the Omaha community and around the world is what I JOYFULLY show up for and commit to doing each day.

I hope for each of you, that this debut issue ignites emotions of inspiration and JOY. We would love to hear from you! Email your comments to Editor@SpiritofOmaha.com. In JOY (Enjoy!), ANDEE

THE EVENT BOOK & GIVING GUIDE 2015!

IT’S TIME TO

EGISTER!

ENTER YOUR 2015 EVENTS NOW! SpiritofOmaha.com/Metro-Magazine/Community/Calendar/

mquArterLy • Aug/SePt/oCt 2014

CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY

8-9-WNWN-814_FINAL 8/8/14 2:33 PM Page 8

connecting OUR COMMUNITY

what’s new film connection

new creatives: 2014 LOCAL FILMMAKERS SHOWCASE FILM STREAMS OctOber (date tO be annOunced) | ruth SOkOlOf theater | 1340 Mike fahey St. | OMaha This curated program features original short films created by artists and student artists in Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota. An independent jury chooses the works to be included in the final 90- to 150-minute showcase, which provides a theatrical premiere for area filmmakers. All filmmakers chosen for the showcase will also receive a percentage of the box office for a week-long screening in October at Film Streams’ Ruth Sokolof Theater. Film Streams is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the cultural environment of the Omaha-Council Bluffs area through the presentation and discussion of film as an art form. Based out of the Ruth Sokolof Theater, Film Streams’ cinema hosts four principal programs: First Run Films featuring American independents, documentaries and foreign films; Repertory Selections (classic films, themed series and director retrospectives); Arts in Education for high school students; and Community Development, partnerships that speak to other nonprofits’ missions and programming. 402-933-0259 | http://www.filMStreaMS.Org/

culture connection

new kicks: loom WEAVES JOSLYN loom AND JOSLYN ART MUSEUM auguSt 31 | 2:00 pM - 11:00 pM JOSlyn art MuSeuM Sculpture garden | 2200 dOdge St. | OMaha The loom Weaves Joslyn multicultural festival is an annual all-ages, free event featuring a wide spectrum of music, performance, workshops and entertainment. This outdoor festival is held in the sculpture garden adjacent to the Joslyn Art Museum, the area’s principal fine arts museum, and traditionally draws a broad cross-section of attendees reflecting the diversity within Omaha. An adults-only post-celebration takes place at the House of Loom, 1012 S. 10th St. House of Loom is a bar/lounge that also hosts dance, music, art and educational events that create community, promote social progress, and celebrate expression, integration and inspiration. loom will be debuting a Kickstarter campaign on the same day as loom Weaves Joslyn to raise funds for its newest endeavor, loom lab. This new entity will support individual projects of underserved area artists with the goal of bringing more multiculturalism and creativity to the community. 402-505-5494 | httpS://www.facebOOk.cOM/eventS/817755924903813/

community connection

new gathering: OMAHA JEWISH REUNION OMAHA JEWISH COMMUNITY SepteMber 12-14 (regiStratiOn & check-in) JewiSh cOMMunity center | 333 S 132nd St | OMaha The first-ever Omaha Jewish Reunion brings together former and current members of the Omaha-area Jewish community for a weekend of events from lectures to bus tours to a wine tasting. Event locations include venues that serve the Omaha-area Jewish community such as the Jewish Community Center, the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, Beth El Synagogue, Temple Israel and Chabad House Omaha. A Friday night wine tasting event takes place at Brix. Attendees can see firsthand the changes in their hometown via bus tours of Omaha neighborhoods, local synagogues and even a Mansions and Millionaires historical tour. Guest speakers and panelists—many of them renowned national figures in their fields—discuss a wide variety of topics including politics and the media, genealogy, Jewish history, the Institute for Holocaust Education, the Anti-Defamation League, the works of contemporary Jewish authors and artists, the Tri-Faith Initiative, and economic development in Omaha. 402-391-0708 | http://OMahareuniOn.dOJiggy.cOM/ 8

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

8-9-WNWN-814_FINAL 8/8/14 2:33 PM Page 9

• mquarterly

what’s now! KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH our community

business connection

now open: ALLMAKES NEW OMAHA SHOWROOM ALL MAKES OFFICE EQUIPMENT CO. MOnday thrOugh friday | 8 aM - 5 pM | 2558 farnaM St | OMaha All Makes Office Equipment Co. is a 96-year-old family business legacy and the Midwest’s largest and most experienced office furniture and business equipment dealership. The company unveiled a completely redesigned Omaha showroom this summer showcasing the company’s products along with progressive new concepts in sustainable design, ergonomics and adaptable workspaces. All Makes also has new showrooms in Lincoln and Des Moines. Since its founding as a typewriter company in 1918 by Harry Ferer, four generations have operated the family-owned business, expanding All Makes from a small start-up business to a worldwide operation with 120 employees and solidifying its position as the “Best Office Furniture Dealership in Omaha” for the ninth consecutive year. The company has also been nationally recognized as a “Top 50 Dealer” numerous times, and is one of the country’s largest contract office furniture dealers with customers in all 50 states as well as several foreign countries. 402-341-2413 | http://www.allMakeS.cOM

arts connection

now under construction: BLUEBARN THEATRE’S NEW FACILITY BLUEBARN THEATRE 10th & pacific StreetS | OMaha The Bluebarn Theatre has broken ground on its new facility in the center of Omaha’s historic Old Market South and Dahlman Park neighborhoods. The theater will be completed in May 2015 and is the first stand-alone theater to be built in Omaha in a generation, bringing a unique, flexible, indoor/outdoor performance space to the area. The development will include three separate but integrated components: The new Bluebarn Theatre, a 13,000-square-foot, single-story facility; Box Car 10, a three-story property housing condominiums and a street-level restaurant; and Green in the City, a new public park to be owned and maintained by Blue Barn. The Bluebarn Theatre just concluded its 25th anniversary season. Since its inception, Bluebarn has produced over 100 plays and has established itself as Omaha’s professional contemporary theatre company as it strives to bring artistically significant scripts and professional production values to Omaha and the surrounding region. 402-345-1576 | http://www.bluebarn.Org/

family connection

now celebrating: 30TH ANNIVERSARY FALL FESTIVAL VALA’S PUMPKIN PATCH OctOber 1-31 | 9:00 aM - 9:00 pM daily | 12102 S. 180th St. | gretna A trip to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch in Gretna has become an annual fall tradition for many local families, businesses and youth or school groups. Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, Vala’s offers more than 50 attractions and three live shows daily, from hayrack rides and giant in-ground bouncing pillows to the Pigtucky Derby pig races and the Pumpkin Chunkin’ air cannon show. Visitors can also enjoy autumn treats like caramel apples and kettle corn or stop for a meal one of Vala’s indoor or outdoor eateries. And, of course, no trip to Vala’s is complete without letting the youngsters pick out a pumpkin or two to bring home. Two generations of the Vala family have grown the once-tiny farm into a 212-acre operation with nearly 55 acres of pumpkins planted every year and more than 600 employees. The family takes great pride in being a wholesome family entertainment destination and continues to add new offerings every year. 402-332-4200 | www.valaSpuMpkinpatch.cOM

10-17-JOURNEYS-814_Layout 1 8/8/14 2:45 PM Page 10

global AWARENESS

in harmony with omaha’s henry doorly zoo’s focus on conservation and environmental sensitivity, the zoo’s expansive new african grasslands project will offer an immersive outdoor experience

OMAHA’S HENRY DOORLY ZOO CALLS ITS COMING

AFRICAN GRASSLANDS PROJECT THE NEXT BIG THING FOR OMAHA. IT’S CERTAINLY THAT AND THEN SOME, IN TERMS OF THE $70 MILLION INVESTED TO TRANSFORM 28 ACRES INTO AN EASTERN AFRICAN SAVANNA IN THE MIDWEST. The ambitious exhibit will open in two phases in 2016. Omaha-based Kiewit Construction, which realized the Zoo’s existing big ticket immersive exhibits, will lead construction. Work begins in earnest this fall. The project is the next big step for the Zoo in its evolution, educating visitors about the conservation research work it does here and around the world. Ongoing education efforts include classes for youth ages 3 to 18, day camps, interpretive tours and eco adventure trips. The Zoo’s Jungle, Desert Dome and Aquarium exhibits are indoor immersive experiences that recreate ecosystems within four walls. The Grasslands will be a sprawling natural mosaic that puts visitors in an open-air expanse where elephants—slated to return after a long absence— rhinos, impalas, giraffe and other iconic African animals will be able to roam. “For the first time we’re going to transport you outdoors to another world,” EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CEO DENNIS PATE says. “What you’re going to see and feel is going to come closer to understanding what the savanna is like without us saying a word.” Pate says the Grasslands will come as close as an urban zoo can get to replicating the environment exotic mixed species inhabit in the wild.

african safari 10

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

10-17-JOURNEYS-814_Layout 1 8/8/14 2:45 PM Page 11

STORY BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF OMAHA ZOO FOUNDATION

• mquarterly

JOURNEYS OMAHA’S HENRY DOORLY ZOO african

journeys

OMAHA’S HENRY DOORLY ZOO: AFRICAN GRASSLANDS

grasslands

CONTINUED

10-17-JOURNEYS-814_Layout 1 8/8/14 2:46 PM Page 12

global AWARENESS

Out on Safari A group from Omaha recently returned from a twoweek Omaha Zoo Foundation organized safari to Botswana and Zambia, one way the institution tries building awareness and appreciation of endangered habitats and species. Participants of the May safari (which featured former Zoo director LEE SIMMONS AND HIS WIFE MARIE as escorts) won’t soon forget the breathtaking experiences in which they partaked, and the enduring lessons learned along the way. “What I brought home is the sacred peace of sounds that come only from the inhabitants of Africa, the interconnectedness of all creatures for survival and seeing the variety of animals,” ANN PAPE says. The trip satisfied a Bucket List wish for JEAN BELL, who says the experience impressed upon her “how very important” it is these wild environments and species “be preserved and that humans “are really the only ones who can make that happen.” SUE CONINE AND WILDLIFE GUIDE IN BOTSWANA

ELLEN WRIGHT says, “People often take for granted these majestic and remarkable creatures will always be with us but when you are exposed to the devastating toll of poaching and to the human effect on the land you realize all this beauty could disappear unless we act now.”

Bringing It All Closer As most folks will never go on an actual African safari, the Zoo tries giving visitors increasingly authentic, intimate experiences in their own backyard. The goal is to display how these animals function in the wild as well as how they are cared for and protected. Interactive demonstration areas in the Grasslands exhibit will allow the public for the first time to observe staff conducting animal welfare maintenance, such as checking the condition of teeth and feet. Interpreting the natural world indoors is one challenge but doing it outdoors, at scale, is a whole other challenge.

TINA CHERICA, SUE CONINE, ANN PAPE AND BETTY FOSTER

“It’s harder to do because you can’t control everything,” says Pate.

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

10-17-JOURNEYS-814_Layout 1 8/8/14 2:46 PM Page 13

• mquarterly

Evolving Expansion

JOURNEYS

Construction will move many tons of dirt to reconfigure hilly old grounds and contour them into the gradually sloped savanna. Buildings will be recessed behind trees and landforms to obscure them, with the exception of a new African game lodge-inspired structure. Overlooks will provide visitors with panoramic views. It’s all part of the evolution of zoos.

“For the past 25 years what we’ve been doing as opposed to simply displaying animals in cages or pens is to try to present animals in their ecosystems and give people a chance to actually experience that ecosystem,” says Simmons, now chairman of the Zoo Foundation. During his long tenure as Zoo director he initiated the institution’s staggering growth that shows no signs of stopping. “Anytime you get people in the same environment with the animals it does make a difference. To see an animal from a distance through bars, a fence or glass is a lot different than being able to get up close and personal. “What we’re really interested in is the experience and what people come away with.”

Evolving Experience Omaha Zoo Foundation executive director TINA CHERICA says, “We’re trying to create an experience that will make people actually care about the realties these animals face in their natural habitats.” “Zoos have become kind of giant classrooms,” Simmons says, “but we preach this two dollar Sunday sermon by osmosis. We want people to come in and have a really good experience, realize they suddenly know something more than they did, and come away feeling they need to support conservation of habitat.” Simmons says the state of wildlife conservation is a mixed bag. “The good thing about a lot of places in the world is that the locals on the ground have realized eco tourism has a very important economic and political impact. There are areas we go back to that are being managed significantly better than they were when we first started leading safaris 30 years ago. There are some that are not and we don’t go to those anymore.” He says in addition to the destruction of habit by human encroachment, poaching of elephants and rhinos is “rampant.” CONTINUED

10-17-JOURNEYS-814_Layout 1 8/8/14 2:46 PM Page 14

global AWARENESS

Evolving Awareness

THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE A VENUE WITH 1.7 MILLION VISITORS A YEAR AND USE IT AS A LEARNING EXPERIENCE TO CREATE [A] PERSONAL connection.

Pate says zoos like Omaha’s are perhaps best positioned to educate the public about these challenges.

~ TINA CHERICA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OMAHA ZOO FOUNDATION

“On average 96 elephants a day are killed in Africa and one really large bull was just poached in a national park, and so it’s a huge problem. The decline in elephants has been pretty radical. Rhinos are in even worse shape. If we as zoos don’t bring this to the public then there’s very little likelihood they’re going to appreciate the diversity of species alive in the world today. “I think these problems are being day-lighted through what zoos are doing. People learn that the zoo they support is playing a role in trying to stem some of those problems.” Cherica says, “I think it brings it home to people. When you see a news story, you’re so far removed from that reality. When you come to your zoo and see these animals and learn about the work we’re doing, then all of a sudden there’s more of a personal connection. This is an opportunity to take a venue with 1.7 million visitors a year and use it as a learning experience to create that personal connection.” “The new move is to not only show people these animals but to talk about their plight and what the local zoo is doing to assist them,” Pate says. “That makes us really unique. There’s a lot of conservation organizations but very few have a place to be able to talk about it with the public. We have a place where we educate millions of people.” Pate says the Omaha Zoo “has a strong record of conservation and we’re going to begin talking a lot more about what we do in the wild.” He adds, “A modern zoo does more than just take care of its own animals, it takes care of animals wherever they are in the world. That’s evolving and we’re going to be at the point of that sphere. It’s part of feeling a greater responsibility toward animals in general, whether they’re in zoos or in the wild.” Simmons says, “We’ve been doing our bit, not just in Omaha. We’ve had a very active conservation program going for the last 30 years.”

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

10-17-JOURNEYS-814_Layout 1 8/8/14 2:46 PM Page 15

• mquarterly

JOURNEYS

ZOOS HAVE BECOME KIND OF GIANT classrooms. ~ DR. LEE SIMMONDS OMAHA ZOO FOUNDATION CHAIRMAN CONTINUED

10-17-JOURNEYS-814_Layout 1 8/8/14 2:46 PM Page 16

global AWARENESS

THE CENTER FOR CONSERVATION RESEARCH based in Omaha employs several PhD scientists who spend months at a time in the field. “We’ve had people actively in the field doing conservation in South Africa and East Africa and particularly in Madagascar,” he says. “We’ve got permanent and temporary establishments in Madagascar all focused on conservation, lemurs primarily, but also habitat, reforestation, turtles, frogs, bats and a whole lot of other things. We send people to many places. We’ve contributed a lot to the conservation of Siberian tigers and Amur leopards in far Eastern Russia, both by sending people to do training there and bringing Russian biologists to do training here. We have also trained scientists, researchers and interns from over 40 countries here, including China and Vietnam.” Pate says tying all the threads of this story together “starts with not necessarily the science or the slaughter, it starts with an emotional attachment to a living being—not ones you see on television or read about in a newspaper.” “That’s why it’s important for us to have kindergarten kids through here. It’s why we do day camps. It’s why we have a high school,” he says. “That emotional connection starts early. Then we can build on it with the science. It’s nice to go a little deeper with these animals and talk about what’s affecting them in the wild and how our zoo is helping them and their counterparts in the wild. That’s the exciting part—the whole interpretive story.”

A MODERN ZOO DOES MORE THAN JUST TAKE CARE OF ITS OWN ANIMALS, IT TAKES CARE OF ANIMALS wherever THEY ARE IN THE WORLD. THAT’S evolving AND WE’RE GOING TO BE AT THE POINT OF THAT. IT’S PART OF FEELING A GREATER RESPONSIBILITY TOWARD ANIMALS IN general, WHETHER THEY’RE IN ZOOS OR IN THE WILD. ~ DENNIS PATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CEO

Shared Trust Another indicator of people’s embrace of the Zoo is the mass of humanity that streams through its gates—enough to make it the top tourist destination in the region. It also boasts a membership of 72,000 households, which translates to about a third of the metro’s population.

“Since 1970 we’ve never run an operating deficit,” Simmons says. “We had our first positive year in 1970 and we’ve been positive ever since. And we’ve brought every project in on time and on budget.” No endeavor has been as big as the Grasslands project.

A quarter million youth annually participate in Zoo education programs.

“We knew it was going to be a challenge,” Cherica says. “ “We’ve got way, way more zoo than you would remotely expect in a community this size,” Simmons It’s twice as much as any project we’ve done to date, but we’re confident in the support of the donor community says. “It’s because the community has been Ellen Wright is a longtime donor and Zoofari supportive. We have had the highest attendance and and their desire to push this forward. We fully expect volunteer who says the need for conservation the project will be funded by the end of next year.” membership in North America (among zoos) as a education cuts across all ages. “The African Grasslands project is crucial for engaging the widest percentage of our metro population base.” “The community support here is unusual and it makes possible audience and building awareness of the it a highly attractive place to work,” says Pate, who conservation challenges here and around the world.” Cherica says that same loyalty is born of trust. came to Omaha five years ago from the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. “The opportunity to affect that “The community has a lot of confidence in us because many millions of people is pretty incredible. There’s Her passion is shared by many. Much of the work we deliver on what we say we’re going to deliver, so Cherica and Simmons do through the Omaha Zoo space, there’s money, there’s its place in the Foundation is to cultivate donors to make a wish-list over time that’s instilled not only community pride community, there’s the conservation research and but donor confidence to continue investing in what of major projects possible. When pitching projects welfare of animals. It all comes together.” we’re doing here.” Simmons knows he’s struck a chord when “the donor’s eyes light up” and that’s happened enough to Follow African Grasslands progress realize a string of multimillion dollar undertakings. Being a well-run venue helps. at www.omahazoo.com.

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

10-17-JOURNEYS-814_Layout 1 8/8/14 2:47 PM Page 17

• mquarterly

JOURNEYS

VIEW THE PROJECT AT

raisewild.org

FOR THE FIRST TIME WE’RE GOING TO TRANSPORT YOU OUTDOORS TO ANOTHER world. ~ DENNIS PATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CEO

18-25-LG-814_- 8/12/14 2:59 PM Page 18

local COLOUR

garden glory AS THE ANNUAL LAURITZEN GARDENS ANTIQUE & GARDEN SHOW ENTERS ITS SECOND DECADE, IT’S EVOLVED INTO A MAJOR DESTINATION EVENT OFFERING ONE-OF-A-KIND ELEMENTS THAT WILL APPEAL TO ANYONE, EVEN THOSE UNFAMILIAR WITH ANTIQUES OR WHO HAVE NEVER PLANTED A SINGLE SEED. The Antique & Garden Show, which takes place on the grounds of the 100-acre botanical garden and is open to the public Friday, September 19 through Sunday, September 21, draws attendees from a six-state area and beyond and features everything from antiques exhibitors to a farm-to-table cooking demonstration, plus renowned celebrity speakers. “We want people to have a great experience in the beautiful Gardens and have this be a destination for whatever you want to participate in. There’s something for everybody,” said Melissa Marvin, general chairman. “It’s very diverse...For those that have appreciated and loved the show and are really into the interior design, the focus is more on Friday. Friday will be the interior design day with MARY MCDONALD, who’s one of the top 25 designers and one of the stars of ‘Million Dollar Decorators’ on Bravo TV. For the Anglophiles and Downton Abbey lovers, there’s Saturday and LADY CARNARVON, the real mistress of Downton Abbey. We have a lecture in the morning and a tea in the afternoon.”

something the lauritzen gardens antique & garden show draws attendees from a six-state area and beyond and features everything from antiques exhibitors to a farm-to-table cooking demonstration showcasing the metropolitan community college institute for the culinary arts, plus renowned celebrity speakers mary mcdonald of million dollar decorators and lady carnarvon, the real mistress of downton abbey.

something old, something new The antiques portion of the show offers more than 30 dealers and exhibitors booths from across the country with museum-quality antiques of all sizes and price points from porcelain and jewelry to oriental rugs, paintings and finely crafted furniture. Guests can make an appointment to bring their own hidden treasures to the “What’s it Worth?” Appraisal Clinic on Sunday for a professional verbal appraisal. New to the event schedule this year is a Sunday cooking demonstration by chef/instructor BRIAN O’MALLEY, showcasing the Institute for the Culinary Arts at Metropolitan Community College (MCC). The Institute for the Culinary Arts is part of the college’s Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Horticulture division, making the alliance with MCC just the right fit for rounding out the show, Marvin said.

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

18-25-LG-814_- 8/12/14 2:59 PM Page 19

STORY BY KARA SCHWEISS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROGER HUMPHRIES

• mquarterly

MELISSA MARVIN AND CHEF BRIAN O’ MALLEY

lauritzen gardens

ANTIQUE & GARDEN SHOW

CONTINUED

18-25-LG-814_- 8/8/14 6:29 PM Page 20

local COLOUR

lAuritzen gardens “we’re in position where it’s a new beginning; what can we do to impact our audiences in such a way that is meaningful and sustainable?” she said. “And that’s a perfect match with metro. At our very first meeting, Brian comes to the table and he already has done this research and all this preparation of not only how he could tie the mission of the whole farm-to-table and organic experience, but how to tie it into the whole weekend and our big celebrity, the real mistress of downton Abbey. it’s a wonderful extension of what people are going to experience on sunday.”

garden

it’s a great partnership for us to expand our horizons and a great opportunity for others to get to know the college and our expertise.” mcc’s institute for the culinary Arts, with its nine kitchens, state-of-the-art facilities and public dining offerings, is nationally known, he adds, which will brings new audiences to the show. “Any time you’re in front of a crowd of people who are engaged and care about their community like who will be at the event—well, that’s good for metro and good for the culinary program,” o’malley agreed, adding that it’s a learning experience for the culinary students as well.

“we put together a period piece for the sunday brunch that is food from that area and from the timeframe of ‘downton Abbey’ the show. it’s classical “Hap Abraham Catering is doing catering for the cuisine, which was really at its zenith in england in event, so our students are going to have an the ‘20s,” o’malley said. “from a garden perspective, opportunity to be with hap Abraham for the event we purposefully chose ingredients and methods that and help execute,” o’malley said. “they’re going to would be reflective of foods that could have come get to see the style of cookery it takes to do off-site from the garden and certainly things that would have catering like that, which is really valuable to them.” been indigenous around highclere. And some of them will be coming from local sources as well, so it dream team has a garden-local-small agriculture connection.” A four-day event like the lauritzen Gardens Antique & Garden show takes a host of dedicated people to the menu includes intriguing fare like red onion pull off, marvin said, between all the volunteers and marmalade and apple-rocket salad with cider lauritzen Gardens staff. vinaigrette, along with specially created dishes like

poulet carnarvon (a neo-classical chicken dish “the real heroes of this are the five executives i call my named in honor of lady carnarvon) and G.A. escoffier’s peach melba (from chef Auguste escoffier Dream Team (Susanne Shore, Susan McGillick, Kelli Draper, Lori Pirnie and Janel Sunderland) and the and named after opera singer nellie melba, whose 100 or so volunteers—each and every one of them character appeared on downton Abbey). who have a role on their team,” marvin said. she also lauds the two honorary chairmen, Cindy Bay and blossoming partnership mcc president RANDY SCHMAILZL said mcc and Mary Seina, who have been part of the event since its inception. Bay said “it’s been a joy” to watch the event lauritzen Gardens have naturally found many grow and develop in its first decade. opportunities to work together. “many graduates and current students worked and are “i started out as a volunteer. then with the passing of my dear friend and Antique show co-founder, working at lauritzen Gardens and we have Kimball Lauritzen, in 2008, i was asked to take on internships with lauritzen Gardens,” he explained. the role of honorary chairman,” she said. “over the years i have seen the garden grow into a first-class “we’re fairly well-connected to the gardening aspect botanical center and assume a place of great pride in (of the Antique & Garden show), but we want to our community. likewise, the Antique show has share our commitment to community through food and gardening and with those who are connected to developed a national following and has raised almost $4.3 million to support this place of exquisite beauty.” the community with the antiques side of this.

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

18-25-LG-814_- 8/8/14 6:29 PM Page 21

• mquarterly

we wAnt people to hAve A GreAt experience in the BeAutiful GArdens And hAve this Be A destinAtion for whAtever you wAnt to pArticipAte in.

~ MELISSA MARVIN, GENERAL CHAIRMAN

DREAM TEAM: SUSANNE SHORE, SUSAN MCGILLICK JANEL SUNDERLAND, MELISSA MARVIN, LORI PIRNIE AND KELLI DRAPER

lauritzen gardens

ANTIQUE & GARDEN SHOW

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

18-25-LG-814_- 8/8/14 6:29 PM Page 22

local COLOUR

lAuritzen gardens

mary mcdonald celeBrity speAker lady carnarvon the real mistress of downton abbey

make the connection! Click this CONNECTOR in our Digital Edition to learn more about Lady Carnarvon and the real history of Downtown Abbey Connect with Lauritzen Gardens by visiting www.lauritzengardens.org on the web or www.lauritzengardens.org/Antique_Show/ Saturday’s featured speaker is Lady Carnarvon (born Fiona Aitken), the eighth and current countess of Highclere Castle, the real-life setting for the worldwide hit television series “Downton Abbey.” She is married to George Herbert, eighth Earl of Carnarvon, and manages the property’s affairs and special events. Fascinated by the history of her husband’s ancestral home, Lady Carnarvon has delved into the family archives and written two bestsellers about the “real” Downton Abbey and its people: Lady Catherine, The Earl and the Real Downton Abbey and Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey. Earl and Lady Carnarvon have embraced the phenomenon of “Downton Abbey”, which first aired in 2010. “My husband and I realized the TV series was becoming unexpectedly popular and we both tried to run with it and make the best of it, if you like. I think that’s also expanded people’s interest (in Highclere Castle) because we’ve shared more of it; we haven’t been passive about it,” Lady Carnarvon explained. “I have found so many different stories, I don’t know which way to run,” she said. The real mistress of Downton Abbey assures fans of all things Highclere that there’s still much to look forward to: additional book concepts in the works, topics also perfect for inclusion in her lecture for the Antique & Garden Show audience. “I’m really going to be talking about the books I’ve written and the real Downton Abbey and the fictional Downton Abbey, because that’s sort of what interests people, and just looking at the some of the timelines here and sharing some of the stories—without giving away the future stories.” Lady Carnarvon said. It’s her first visit to Nebraska, which she anticipates will be “enormous fun”, and she’s hoping to let the audience drive some of her presentation. “Everybody has a love of Highclere and Downton now and has probably done a lot of research on it. All of the American audiences are always so enthusiastic,” she said, adding with a laugh: “Ever since you booted us out of America, you’ve come to love us more!”

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

18-25-LG-814_- 8/8/14 6:29 PM Page 23

• mquarterly

garden mary mcdonald celeBrity speAker mary mcdonald The Lauritzen Gardens Antique & Garden Show weekend kicks off with a luncheon and lecture from Mary McDonald, author of “Interiors: The Allure of Style” and one of the stars of Bravo TV’s “Million Dollar Decorators” and “Property Envy”. McDonald’s licensed product lines include a fabric collection for F. Schumacher & Company; lighting for Robert Abbey; rugs for Patterson, Flynn and Martin; and furniture for Chaddock Home. Her style has been described as “combining old-world elegance with a modern sensibility resulting in a fearless iconic style,” and she’s known for her ability to combine bold patterns, Chinoiserie and classical influences with an impeccable sense of color. Her first book “Mary McDonald Interiors: The Allure of Style” was released in 2010 to great acclaim and is in its fifth printing. McDonald said she intends to talk about the role of both antiques and botanicals in decorating, in keeping with the theme of the Lauritzen Gardens Antique & Garden Show. “An antique gives some depth to a room with contemporary decor—even if it’s not really an antique, but vintage,” she explained. “You can incorporate authentic antiques in a clean, contemporary environment as separate, artistic objects to add some contrast. It gives a sense of time and much more texture to a boring visual landscape.” Any homeowner can bring in greenery and floral accents to enhance decor, she added. “Indoor plants can add life to a space,” she said. She also pointed out that nature influences her design work, from colors that inspire a palette to patterns found in natural objects like leaf veins and seashells that find their way into her textiles and furnishings. McDonald, who is visiting Omaha for the first time with this appearance, said she doesn’t plan to modify her presentation for a Midwestern audience (“A lot of my work is traditional and they can relate to a big chunk of it,” she explains.) In fact, she said she enjoys speaking “off the cuff” from a visual presentation and allowing the audience’s questions to become part of the entertainment. “It’s not me sitting there reading something and telling the same old stories...Maybe we’ll be surprised. I let myself talk about it in the moment and the audience has their own reactions. It takes a life of its own,” McDonald said. “There’s a wide range of questions, like personal questions about my age and whether I’m married, but people also ask ‘How did you get on TV?’ and about how I got to licensing deals and what will I be doing next, what’s down the line. They also share stories, like ‘how I used your fabric’ or ‘how I used your rug’. It’s fun to see.”

of million dollar decorators

lauritzen gardens

ANTIQUE & GARDEN SHOW

CONTINUED

18-25-LG-814_- 8/8/14 6:29 PM Page 24

local COLOUR

lAuritzen gardens

garden

mary seina said she’s “amazed” at what the Antique & Garden show has become since its humble beginnings. “then, few people knew about lauritzen Gardens, and if they did they were not sure where it was located. my dear friend kimball lauritzen and i knew we needed an event to bring people to the garden. my dear friend kimball lauritzen and i knew we needed an event to bring people to the garden. we put our heads to together and the lauritzen Gardens Antique & Garden show was founded,” she said. “we wanted it to be beautiful, with the finest dealers and the most engaging speakers we could find. thanks to the hundreds of volunteers, chairmen and cindy, we have come a very long way.”

we put toGether A period piece for the sundAy Brunch thAt is food from thAt AreA And from the timefrAme of ‘downton ABBey’ the show. ~ BRIAN O’MALLEY CHEF/INSTRUCTOR, METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE INSTITUTE FOR THE CULINARY ARTS

marvin said she feels the show will continue to evolve and find an increasingly broader audience. “for the last ten years, what the show has been—and they’ve done an incredible job—is an antiques and garden show, but mainly focused on antiques. so they’ve had an interior designer with every event, basically, with a-little-bit-different twists,” marvin said. “i’m relatively new coming into the garden aspect and we’re going into our second decade, so we redesigned a new theme which we believe will have some long shelf life: ‘discovery is waiting’. we wanted to expand the focus to add more the garden perspective; it’s the lauritzen Gardens. it was very important to me that we position the event as a destination weekend: something for everybody.” for a detailed schedule or information on tickets, visit www.lauritzengardens.org/Antique_show.

it’s A GreAt pArtnership for us to expAnd our horizons And A GreAt opportunity for others to Get to know the colleGe And our expertise. ~ RANDY SCHMAILZL, PRESIDENT, METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

18-25-LG-814_- 8/8/14 6:29 PM Page 25

• mquarterly

events

Thursday, September 18, 2014 6 to 9 p.m. | preview party $125 per person. reservations required. Friday, September 19, 2013 Show open 10 a.m. All day | designer day – All designers receive free show admission by presenting their business cards. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. | luncheon and lecture featuring mary mcdonald $75 per reservation, $125 per patron reservation. reservations required. Saturday, September 20, 2014 Show open 9 a.m. 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | lecture featuring the right honorable countess of carnarvon $50 per reservation, $75 preferred seating reservation. reservations required. lecture only. lady carnarvon will be available to answer questions immediately after the lecture. Book signing to follow. 3 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.| take tea with lady carnarvon $200 – includes personal time with lady carnarvon. reservations required. Sunday, September 21, 2014 Show open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. | what's it worth? Appraisal clinic $15 per session with paid show admission. reservations encouraged. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | mimosa sunday free with paid show admission. Garden members attend free of charge. while supplies last. 11:30 a.m. | cooking demonstration with the institute for the culinary Arts at metropolitan community college $30 per person. reservations encouraged. 2 p.m. | Garden walking tour A docent will lead visitors on an informational walking tour of lauritzen Gardens 100-acre property. free with paid show admission. tours will gather near the event tent. For additional information contact chantel at 402-346-4002, ext. 211 or c.lemaster@omahabotanicalgardens.org.

26-33-OFW-814_- 8/8/14 6:45 PM Page 26

heart OF THE HEARTLAND

together with spring fashion week in march and year-round mentoring for aspiring and emerging creatives, an integrated fashion community is being raised up in the metro.

omaha FASHION fashion INSTITUTE week MIDWEST When Fall Fashion Week unFurls a neW season oF spring-summer runWay collections august 18-24 under a massive tent in the capitol district doWntoWn, local designers Will once again get a marquee shoWcase.

oFW recently held its first Fashion Camp for young children.

Designing men and women more and more oFW veterans are becoming autonomous.

“there’s a whole niche of children’s wear designers selling from $50,000 to $100,000 a year in product, which is pretty good for new businesses, and they’re growing,” nick hudson says. “then we’ve got designers like ERIN THOMAS who designs bikinis under the brand Omaha Fashion Week founder-producer Toxic Sadie. one of her outfits was on the cover of NICK HUDSON has helped evolve the local fashion scene, Sports Illustrated. she’s the first designer from omaha together with his wife and co-producer BROOK HUDSON, Fashion Week to get listed in a mercedes Benz fashion by growing oFW and an infrastructure around it. show. that’s a huge tribute. her business is just booming. their nonprofit Fashion Institute Midwest has a mission to develop a fashion ecosystem that links, “another one who’s gone on to great success is KKINI grooms and incubates creative entrepreneurs from founder MICHAELA CAWLEY, who still comes back. startup to breakout success. she’s had her swimwear featured in Vogue and modeled by celebrities. JLYNN HAUSMANN (of the JHaus denim line) was just selected for the macy’s Fashion incubator “i think the growth that’s really interesting and most in chicago, which is a really great opportunity for her. rewarding is to see our fashion designers become more DAN RICHTERS is just a total superstar. he was sort of sophisticated in the way they design and also conduct like the godfather of the underground movement here. their business practices,” says Brook hudson. “We’re he recently had a show in los angeles with hollywood seeing that at all ages – everyone from kate Walz, who celebrities in attendance. an outfit of his was picked to has her own couture business while still in high school, to be used by Aquaage owner luis alvarez for a Haute margie trembley, one of our more experienced designers, magazine spread.” who has a thriving business making beautiful hats. models, hair stylists, makeup artists and photographers Will also display their talents to make this glam event pop.

“i think fashion week and Fashion institute midwest have been instrumental in inspiring that type of growth in our designers, which helps them be more sustainable. another part of the growth is what we’re doing to nurture the talent pipeline for fashion designers and other aspects of the industry. We try to introduce as many young people as possible to the different opportunities within fashion.”

north platte native MONICA BYRNE left nebraska years ago but when she comes back she brings invaluable industry experience. she’d already worked for Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan when she launched her first line and showed a collection at oFW. she sold to saks, neimans and high end boutiques but then struggled. she came into her own working for vera Wang, whom she considers a mentor. Byrne’s current lines, Bon Vivat and Monica Byrne ATelier, are all direct to consumer.

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

26-33-OFW-814_- 8/8/14 6:45 PM Page 27

STORY BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF OMAHA FASHION WEEK

• mquarterly

TIME AFTER TIME DESIGNERS FROM other markets ARE JUST BLOWN AWAY WHEN THEY WALK INTO OUR FINALE AND SEE THAT BIG TENT AND LONG RUNWAY. THEY CAN'T BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING IN omaha. ~ BROOK HUDSON CO-PRODUCER

KAITLYN FITZGERALD

fashion creatives find opportunities

THROUGH OMAHA FASHION WEEK

CONTINUED

26-33-OFW-814_- 8/8/14 6:45 PM Page 28

heart OF THE HEARTLAND

omaha FASHION fashion INSTITUTE week MIDWEST WE TRY TO INTRODUCE AS MANY YOUNG PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE TO THE DIFFERENT opportunities WITHIN FASHION. ~ BROOK HUDSON CO-PRODUCER

“i am happy to say the momentum is better than ever and we are really gaining attention here in new york city and europe,” she says. “the typical fashion business model is very archaic and most emerging designers can not sustain this way anymore. therefore you have to come up with a new way of marketing-branding your product if you want not only make it as a designer but as a small business owner.” an oFW designer who may one day follow that model, kaitlyn Fitzgerald, is a freshman at the elite parsons new school for design. “she’s one of many designers who started with us at 14 or 15 and have gone onto great design schools,” nick says. oFW designers credit the event with preparing them for the rigors of larger stages. iowa native erin thomas, now based in south Beach, Florida, says, “i’m sort of a shy person so it really helped me feel comfortable on the runway and engaging with strangers. it helped me to be a little more outgoing and it exposed me to how actual runway shows work. nick and Brook are very organized and their fashion week really is very similar to a bigger show like Funkshion down here. actually, omaha Fashion Week even seems to be a little more organized.”

Westside high grad michaela cawley, who worked for fashion icon daphne guinness in london, says of her early oFW experience, “it was a great opportunity because with a lot of shows you have to pay a fortune to put together a collection, but this was a free card into having a fashion show.” despite being based in cape town, south africa, she’s still part of her hometown scene. “now that i’ve got my experience under my belt it’s the greatest thing to be able to come back and showcase what i can do. omaha Fashion Week is a great supporter. i feel like it’s a family over there. they don’t ever want to leave me out of anything. i’m appreciative to nick and Brook for that.” omaha transplant dan richters appreciates the oFW platform. “that’s really what they’re all about. they like to say they’re incubating creativity in fashion and i think they do a really good job of providing the opportunities. now with Fashion institute midwest and the Fashion institute guild they are supporting local designers with things like grants for materials or for travel. they also have instructional workshops. they’ve really been doing a lot of work in supporting designers.” last year a panel awarded richters oFW’s first ever designer prize package (a value of $20,000), about which he says, “”it’s really validating as an artist, as a designer when other people see something in what you do and express it that way.”

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

26-33-OFW-814_- 8/9/14 12:30 PM Page 29

• mquarterly

JLYNN HAUSMAN

fashion creatives find opportunities

THROUGH OMAHA FASHION WEEK

CONTINUED

26-33-OFW-814_- 8/8/14 6:45 PM Page 30

heart OF THE HEARTLAND

omaha FASHION fashion INSTITUTE week MIDWEST he says exposure generates a presence in the fashion world and oFW helps him and others get noticed in the industry. his work at fashion week here led to his calif. runway shows and to the alvarez shoot.

Training ground JENNY MASON RADIOACTIVE HEART

kaitlyn Fitzgerald, one of 15 parsons designers selected to compete with Fashion institute of technology students in the annual Fashion Fusion show, says oFW is creating a designer-conscious culture. “omaha really does support all the emerging and young designers. that’s really helpful.” she feels oFW’s given her “a solid base” that many of her fellow students “are trying to get,” adding, “i feel i’m ahead in my portfolio for having those experiences.” nick hudson says oFW is a great training ground. “there’s all these benefits for young creatives. Because of their omaha Fashion Week experience some of our young designers have done much bigger shows and had more competitive and leadership challenges than designers their age in other markets. they get to practice so many great skills – creativity, leadership, teamwork, problem solving, entrepreneurship, meeting deadlines, being up on stage, being judged, having to present.” Brook hudson notes youth designers must communicate their vision to a team of adults. “to deal with that type of pressure is a major leadership challenge for a young person and i think that’s an aspect of this whole thing that sometimes is overlooked.”

New face of design in Omaha nick says oFW, which attracts designers and press from around the country, is contributing to a more cosmo omaha. there’s a real benefit to the city having something a little bit different and unexpected. it plays a part in making omaha a more vibrant, interesting place.” Brook says, “time after time designers from other markets are just blown away when they walk into our finale and see that big tent and long runway. they can’t believe this is happening in omaha. they can’t believe how many people show up (several hundred for the finale alone). they take that message back to their market.”

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

26-33-OFW-814_- 8/8/14 6:46 PM Page 31

• mquarterly

“they’re amazed at the quality of the designs and at the supportive community,” says nick. he says the oFW model of paid admission curated-designer collections open to the public is being adopted by other cities. DAN RICHTERS

in addition to the economic impact visitors bring from coast to coast during the event, Brook says potential exists to build a permanent fashion industry here. Develop Model Management owner ALYSSA DILTS, who coaches fashion week models, regularly places oFW talent in larger markets and signed to top agencies. “We’re the face of a new age for how fashion is done in omaha,” says Brook, “as our designers’ businesses grow and become more sustainable they’re going to need to employ people. they’re eventually going to have the resources to pay models and photographers and stylists.” For Fall Fashion Week schedule details and tickets, visit omahafashionweek.com.

make the connection! Click this CONNECTOR in our Digital Edition to directly connect with Alyssa Dilts at Develop Model Management* *learn more about alyssa and her team on the last page of this article…

fashion creatives find opportunities

THROUGH OMAHA FASHION WEEK

CONTINUED

26-33-OFW-814_- 8/8/14 6:46 PM Page 32

• mquarterly

heart OF THE HEARTLAND

alyssa dilts DEVELOP MODEL MANAGEMENT ANYONE CAN PUT ON A DRESS AND CALL THEMSELVES A MODEL BUT A GREAT MODEL KNOWS HOW TO MOVE AND MAKE YOU WANT TO purchase THAT GARMENT. ~ ALYSSA DILTS OWNER

HAPPY DANCE THE OFW TEAM, AMONG DMM’S SATISIFIED CLIENTS

Behind omaha Fashion Week’s glitter an army of volunteers make the show possible. prior to models hitting the runway they get full hair and makeup treatments from stylists and artists. Back stage, dressers assist with garment changes. Weeks before, models get a crash course from mentors on how to walk and pose in order to best display the designer apparel they’re styling.

on a dress and call themselves a model but a great model knows how to move and make you want to purchase that garment. that’s essentially what it comes down to. a designer creates a piece of wearable art and it’s up to the model to convey that. a designer’s hard work over many months can all be lost if it’s put on someone who doesn’t know how to properly showcase it.

since Develop Model Management owner ALYSSA “if they’re trained they have their shoulders back and DILTS began training oFW models in the art of the runway their head up high, so all your looking at is this beautiful their presentation has been refined and enhanced. garment.” “having well trained models who meet industry standards has really improved the production value of our shows and makes everything flow more smoothly,” oFW director Brook hudson says. “alyssa is a fashion week sponsor but also our casting director. When we do model calls she takes all of the data we collect – measurements, photos, video – and uploads that to a website for designers to cast their shows.”

dilts covers everything from posture to etiquette at bootcamps that drill models in industry expectations. the proof is on the runway. “it makes for a really professional and great show,” she says. “raising that bar and making it known we have requirements only brings credibility to what we’re doing. modeling felt like a piece that was missing and now it’s not at all.”

“i definitely consult with the designers,” says dilts. “it’s a trust factor on the designers’ part. more than fifty percent hundreds try out for the coveted gigs. her discerning eye now say, ‘alyssa, just cast it for me, you know what i’m makes quick work of the process. looking for.’ they get exactly what they want, too, because “i can make that determination in two seconds. i’m i know the models so well and i know which ones can looking for the right body lines, proportions, bone deliver what each designer is looking for and each structure. of course personality plays a huge role, too. designer is looking for something a little bit different.” When all of that comes together it is a perfect fit.” oFW founder nick hudson says of dilts, “she does a Rising stars really good job. she provides a huge amount of education for the models.” under her guidance local models are using oFW as a springboard for national and international modeling “alyssa gets the models to deliver because she was careers, including NICOLE KEIMIG, MIRANDA TINGLEY, the director of new Faces and development as well as NOLAN NUZUM and JAIDA BENTLEY. the director of the runway division at Elite Chicago, (now Factor Women). she’s seen this industry at the “they’re making livings. i’m very proud and passionate highest levels.” about that.”

Bootcamp for models ERIN THOMAS TOXIC SADIE

When it comes to selling fashion, models matter. “a garment on a hanger is totally different than a garment on a great model,” dilts says. “anyone can put

new find MONICA WILLIAMS, who just inked with IMG, will be walking fashion week for the first time. says dilts, “she is really something special.”

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

44-45-HSSS-814_- 8/8/14 7:12 PM Page 33

34-39-HANK-ASHA-814_- 8/9/14 12:34 PM Page 34

feature film CONNECTION

OMAHA native JAMES E. DUFF GOES TO EXTREME LENGTHS FEEDING HIS FILM PASSION. HE ONCE WENT ACROSS THE COUNTRY BY SCOOTER TO MAKE A DOCUMENTARY. HE’S DIRECTED FILMS AND TAUGHT FILMMAKING IN AFRICA AND EUROPE. HIS LATEST TRAVELS RESULTED IN HIS DEBUT NARRATIVE FEATURE, HANK AND ASHA, A MICRO INDIE FLICK HE CO-WROTE WITH HIS WIFE, JULIA MORRISON. He directed and she produced the picture shot in the Czech Republic and on the Lower East Side of New York City, where the couple reside. The film’s been well received at art houses and festivals, winning audience favorite awards. The DVD is available now on Amazon.com. Duff’s cinema journey wend its way here in May when he and Julia presented their movie at Film Streams. The Omaha premiere played to a warm, enthusiastic crowd, including his folks. It marked a special homecoming for Duff, who’s followed a long road pursuing his art. “It was fantastic. I have such a home team here. Omaha supports their own. It’s a really special feeling to see friends and family in the theater,” he says, adding the celebratory turnout “felt like a wedding.” It was a full circle moment for the filmmaker, whose love of cinema was stoked watching classic movies with his father, Dr. Wally Duff, as a child and habituating the Dundee Theater as a teen. The filmmaker joins a select group of Nebraskans (Joan Micklin Silver, Dan Mirvish, Alexander Payne) who have directed widely seen features.

wanderlust This prodigal son spent 20 years honing his craft in far-flung places: Indiana University; the USC School of Cinematic Arts (his thesis film Life is a Sweet played festivals worldwide); New York City, plus those directing and teaching adventures oceans away. As a kid he collected stamps from foreign countries and now he’s made it to some of the same spots he imagined visiting. “I’ve always kind of had a wanderlust. When I was five and I first knew what a globe was I looked at the Cape of Good Hope in Africa and declared, ‘I’m going to go there.’ At nineteen I studied my junior year abroad and actually backpacked down into the Cape.” Following his intrepid spirit he captured a 1994 coast-to-coast bicycle trek from the back of a scooter. Feeling his Generation X was unfairly stereotyped as slackers he joined fellow recent college graduates for the fundraising bike trip from California to North Carolina to document “people’s opinions about our generation.”

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

34-39-HANK-ASHA-814_- 8/8/14 7:01 PM Page 35

STORY BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JAMES DUFF

• mquarterly

WE’VE HAD A GREAT EXPERIENCE DOING THIS TOGETHER AS OUR FIRST FILM COLLABORATION AS A COUPLE. WE’VE LEARNED A LOT AND WE’VE GONE ON THIS GREAT ADVENTURE. ~ JULIA MORRISON PRODUCER

omaha native james duff goes where his film passion leads him. duff and his wife, filmmaker julia morrison, shot their debut feature ‘hank and asha’ on two continents, mirroring the compelling real life story of an

unfolding relationship between two long-distance companions: so far and yet so close. james duff and julia morrison

PRESENT A HEARTWARMING HOME DEBUT

CONTINUED

34-39-HANK-ASHA-814_- 8/8/14 7:01 PM Page 36

feature film CONNECTION

TRANS continental “

We cut right across middle America, biking 80-90 miles a day, staying in these really small towns. We spent some nights at campsites. Churches and families put us up other nights.” He did the 35-days on a Honda Elite. His roommate, who’d never operated a scooter, drove with Duff on the back holding the camera. By journey’s end the scooter was beat up after several wipeouts. “When we’d go down it’d be like slow motion because all I was thinking about was the camera. I was 21 and I didn’t think I could get killed.” The fragile Ricoh Hi-8 camera was another matter. “A couple times it broke and I thought the trip was over, but I found this amazing repair shop in a little town that fixed it.” The trek complete, Duff found himself in unfamiliar territory with no place to edit. Then he got a grant from a film support group and permission to use a corporate editing suite in the Raleigh-DurhamChapel Hill Research Triangle Park. “I had 75 hours (of footage) to get down to one.” ANDREW PASTIDES PORTRAYING HANK

Working under severe time constraints he endured panic attacks and exhaustion, often laboring through the night. “I’d go there and lock myself in with a peanut butter sandwich.” When he previewed the film for backers, he says, “I couldn’t watch it, but they really liked it. They put on a big screening for the community.” Much to his surprise the film, The Cycle Also Rises, sold to PBS and aired nationwide on the POV series. It confirmed for the Westside High grad his boyhood fascination with film could become a career.

africa Though documentaries became his forte, he longed to make dramatic films. He tested the waters in L.A. “I wrote a couple scripts that were close to getting made but I got frustrated not working as a director.” He relocated to New York to direct theater. When an opportunity arose to go back to Africa, this time to make development documentaries in Senegal for nongovernmental organizations, he took it.

MAHIRA KAKKAR PORTRAYING ASHA

“The work was very West Africa. You’d show up on time and nobody else would come for another hour. Then the equipment wouldn’t work.

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

34-39-HANK-ASHA-814_- 8/12/14 3:03 PM Page 37

• mquarterly

Constant frustration. But when we’d show up to these little villages people would welcome us so warmly. They’re beautiful, kind people.” His docs covered such topics as HIV prevention and circumcision. He independently made a film about Senegal’s lost twenty-something generation. He cherishes his two years there. “It was a really fantastic experience. The food and music is amazing. There’s a lot of artists with a lot to say. My memories are not so much of the work but of these most intense friendships.”“ In 2007 he went back to another old stomping ground, Kenya, for a UNESCO project working with aspiring filmmakers. “I’ve never taught students so passionate. They all wanted so badly to do this. I found it so inspiring to teach them just simple things. “ In 2010 he went to a refugee camp in the Sahara to teach filmmaking to the displaced and oppressed Saharawian people. “The camp had no electricity or running water. They’d put up a screen in the bed of a truck and project movies. That was their film festival. They also had a ‘film school’ where I taught. We were training the people to make films so that the world could know their plight. Some students did make films but they’re not getting out.”

prague to new york with love Duff then taught at the Prague Film School in the Czech Republic. Julia joined him on the faculty. Their students were an international lot. Just as in Africa, Duff learned how film cuts across all barriers. “The gift of cinema is universal,” he says. “To put that tool in people’s hands is so empowering. Giving them a camera is such a potent thing.” In 2011-12 the couple enlisted some of their former students as crew for Hank and Asha, a story about two aspiring filmmakers, Hank in New York and Asha in Prague, whose relationship plays out entirely by video letters. Inspiration came from the disconnection Duff, Morrison and their students felt far from home and from a friend who courted his wife via video love letters. Watching the friend’s videos, Duff says, “felt like we were on the inside of this relationship watching it grow.”

JAMES DUFF AND JULIA MORRISON HUSBAND AND WIFE FILMMAKING DUO

james duff and julia morrison

PRESENT A HEARTWARMING HOME DEBUT

CONTINUED

34-39-HANK-ASHA-814_- 8/8/14 7:01 PM Page 38

feature film CONNECTION

TRANS continental

THE GIFT OF CINEMA IS UNIVERSAL. TO PUT THAT TOOL IN PEOPLE’S HANDS IS SO EMPOWERING. GIVING THEM A CAMERA IS SUCH A POTENT THING. ~ JAMES DUFF DIRECTOR

IT WAS FANTASTIC. I HAVE SUCH A HOME TEAM HERE. OMAHA SUPPORTS THEIR OWN. IT’S A REALLY SPECIAL FEELING TO SEE FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN THE THEATER. ~ JAMES DUFF DIRECTOR

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

34-39-HANK-ASHA-814_- 8/8/14 7:02 PM Page 39

• mquarterly

That intimate glimpse at budding romance and the anticipation that attends it, is what the filmmakers were after in their own project.

Andrew Pastides as Hank and Mahira Kakkar as Asha with engaging performances. His letters were shot in New York and hers in Prague. The actors never met.

To their delight, Duff and Morrison found they make an effective team.

The filmmakers say for the storyline’s high concept conceit to work the videos had to be as natural as possible. Therefore, no rehearsals were held and the actors improvised from an outline highlighting the arc of each scene. Some found locations were utilized and some shots were stolen.

“It’s really worked out well in our partnership because we have two different skill sets,” Duff says. “Julia came from producing and is a killer producer and I come from a directing background and that’s kind of how we blended together. I think that helps in the partnership because we’re not looking over each other’s shoulder.” “We’ve had a great experience doing this together as our first film collaboration as a couple,” says Morrison, who’s produced historical documentaries for the PBS series American Experience and current affairs docs for New York Times Television. “We’ve learned a lot and we’ve gone on this great adventure. We’ve traveled the country and the world with the film. All these things have been terrific. But it’s also really hard work to make a movie.” And to get it seen. They feel fortunate that Hank and Asha found both theatrical and video distributors.

film streams For as low budget as the all-digital movie is, the filmmakers are proud of how good it looks. Duff credits cinematographer Bianca Butti for that. Because it’s a two-character piece, it needed actors who could carry the film and reviewers credit

We’ll go anywhere.”

Duff and Morrison enjoyed great freedom on the project. “We were blessed to have that. Nobody told us what to do,” he says. “We’re looking forward to the next project having a larger budget but still retaining our autonomy,” says Morrison. They hope a new script they’re developing attracts name actors. The couple say whatever films they make will reflect their shared interest in humanistic stories that move audiences. Meanwhile, they’re always up for a new far-off adventure. As Duff explains, “We’re on the lookout for opportunities like that because we want to continue to expand our world. It informs everything we do.

CHARLES AND LAURIE KAY, JULIA MORRISON, JAMES DUFF AND TIM VEITZER

PHOtO by roger humphries

HANK & ASHA OMAHA PREMIERE:

• VIEW OVER 30,000 PHOTOS FROM THIS AND HUNDREDS OF OTHER EVENTS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM james duff and julia morrison

PRESENT A HEARTWARMING HOME DEBUT

40-43-KarmaKoffee-814_- 8/14/14 4:35 PM Page 40

personal AWAKENINGS the new coffeehouse in pepperwood village represents a personal spiritual awakening, a business model that emphasizes ethical practices and above-average compensation, a spirit of supporting and giving back to the community, and an environment of positivity.

THE ONLY WAY THAT I’M SOBER...IS BY THE grace OF A SPIRIT THAT RUNS THIS UNIVERSE... I DON’T WANT TO BE anonymous, I WANT PEOPLE TO LEARN FROM THIS EXPERIENCE. ~ JEFF WILKE KARMA KOFFEE OWNER

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

40-43-KarmaKoffee-814_- 8/8/14 7:08 PM Page 41

STORY BY KARA SCHWEISS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM SCHOLZ

karma koffee

jeff wilke and brent fergus

ENLIGHTENED ENTREPRENEURS

• mquarterly

CONTINUED

40-43-KarmaKoffee-814_- 8/8/14 7:08 PM Page 42

• mquarterly

personal AWAKENINGS

JEFF WILKE & BRENT FERGUS

karma KOFFEE’S circle of karma began a decade ago when Jeff wilke donated stem cells to a young cancer patient named brent fergus. seven years later, wilke faced his own battle: alcoholism.

as we understood him, praying only for knowledge of his will for us and the power to carry that out” and number 12, “having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.”

namaste, have a nice day “it’s also about giving back to the community and trying to keep everything as local as possible,” fergus said. with a wide range of customers ranging from students looking for a place to hit the books to professionals stopping in for a morning pick-me-up to work-at-home types meeting clients, wilke said he hopes the patrons who have missed their neighborhood coffeehouse will find karma koffee superior to its predecessor.

“i don’t want to be anonymous, i want people to learn from this experience,” wilke explained. his search for universal-level answers led to personal studies with DEEPAK CHOPRA, internationally known holistic health guru and someone he counts among his friends today. “give us a chance and see if we don’t do it better,” wilke said. “the most important thing i hope they’ll in late 2013, when wilke happened to be mourning the notice is the difference in the way the guest is treated. closing of his neighborhood coffee shop, chopra made a we will encourage things you would find if you went to circle complete. comment about karma and coffee that inspired not only see deepak chopra...these four questions will be the name karma koffee, but served as the impetus for imbedded in the dna of our people: who am i? what do The “karma” in Karma Koffee is more than just a wilke to explore the creation of a new coffeehouse in the clever name and the hook to a catchy jingle —namaste, former starbucks location. already a successful two-time i want? what’s my dharma? what am i grateful for?” have a nice day, put a little karma in your cup—says entrepreneur in other sectors, wilke’s research and wilke emphasized that his financial goals do not center owner JEFF WILKE. the new coffeehouse in eventual business plan pointed squarely toward success. around maximizing profits for himself, but in sharing the pepperwood village at 156th and dodge streets plus, he already knew someone he could bring in to run anticipated success of the venture by compensating his represents a personal spiritual awakening, a business the day-to-day operations: brent fergus, the former employees at well above average coffee shop wage rates, model that emphasizes ethical practices and abovecancer patient, who was now 23 and working at a plus offering benefits. average compensation, a spirit of supporting and giving coffeehouse in his hometown of crystal lake, illinois. back to the community, and an environment of positivity. “they will earn $10.15 an hour minimum wage, with shift kismet supervisors making $15 an hour,” he said. “if somebody’s “get off that rat-race treadmill and come in, sit down and “Jeff came to me with the idea about six months ago. going to take an investment like a coffee house and get a cup. everything you do is karma. for example, i was a little wary at first, and then i talked about it with leave someone in charge of it, that we expect to be when you have a cup of coffee, that’s karma, really good my parents, who were a little wary also.” a longer responsible for things and our clients, we believe that karma,” wilke said. “we’re going to tell people positive conversation with wilke convinced the family that the they should be compensated...and people that are and encouraging things about themselves. each person venture was solid. “they said, ‘you have to do this. there’s highly compensated don’t need babysitting. they don’t walking through our door is stepping in with pearls of no way this is going to fail,” fergus said. need to be told right from wrong, they don’t need to wisdom, divinity and motion. all filled with gods and steal, they’re not tempted to take.” goddesses in embryo. and they are waiting to be born fergus moved out to omaha earlier this year, and with again. and when they’re born again it’s amazing.” two years of college art studies under his belt, wilke said he also strives for the best ethical practices on contributed significantly to karma koffee’s branding a more global scale, from using biodegradable cups to karmic beginnings campaign in addition to working on the coffee-making seeking fair-trade coffee bean vendors: “it can’t hurt us; karma koffee’s circle of karma began a decade ago when infrastructure and on getting the facility in shape. we have to do all the right stuff.” wilke donated stem cells to a young illinois cancer patient named BRENT FERGUS.“it was a six-of-six “it’s going to have a very eye-catching appeal to most more good karma antigen match,” wilke recalled. according to the people,” fergus said. “we have a lot of cool things to and wilke and fergus hope the “right stuff” ultimately american red cross, the chance of finding an exact come in and look at.” leads to additional karma koffee locations in the omaha match with an unrelated donor is about one in 100,000. area and beyond. the connection made, wilke kept in touch with fergus the interior looks very different from before, throughout the ensuing years, watching him beat cancer wilke explained. “even before we’d even gotten the first one open, we and grow healthy and into adulthood. were already looking to expand,” fergus said. “you can’t “i think customers will pick up on the colorful earthy just look at the next day, you have to look at the future a seven years later, wilke faced a battle of his own: tones and unique furnishings primarily provided by little more.” alcoholism. “the only way that i’m sober—i’ll be 36 mother earth,” he said. “i’ve got a buckeye table and months august 20—is by the grace of a spirit that runs a lot of reclaimed wood pieces and one-of-a-kind “omaha has supported (my wife) heidi and me in this universe that i can give credit to,” he said. he found odin chairs, i’ve got two beautiful sassafras benches everything we’ve ever tried to do if it had value to the such spiritual awakening as he progressed through the that are incredible.” community. and i think this adds value to the final two steps of the 12 associated with alcoholics anonymous: number 11 being “sought through prayer karma koffee’s unique atmosphere also goes beyond its community,” wilke said. “we’re pretty confident it will and meditation to improve our conscious contact with god, physical appearance. be okay.” he found spiritual awakening through aa’s 12step program and studies with deepak chopra. in 2013, chopra made a comment that inspired the name and manifestation of karma koffee. coffeehouse worker brent fergus was then brought in to run the day-to-day operations.

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

40-43-KarmaKoffee-814_- 8/8/14 7:09 PM Page 43

BRENT FERGUS, JENNIFER GODFREY AND AUSTAN DANIELS

jeff wilke and brent fergus

ENLIGHTENED ENTREPRENEURS

44-45-HSSS-814_- 8/8/14 7:12 PM Page 44

KMTV MORNING BLEND’S

SHE SAID

mike & mary If someone came up to you and simply asked you, “What’s Next?” How would you answer them?

~ Mike DiGiacomo His...

Hers... ~ Mary Nelson

As a television co-host, I’m constantly telling people “what’s next”. Before the show starts,

It’s a question I’ve been asking myself more lately. Losing someone you care deeply about can do that. In June, my father-in-law and friend, Jack Martin, passed away. He was strong, smart, funny, and generous. Jack was important to our family, and to the community. For more than 40 years, he took the school pictures of countless Nebraska students.

we let them know “what’s next” on the show. Before commercials, we advise viewers what’s “coming up”. In this television world, we create specific plans for the viewing journey. We constantly update viewers about what they will experience in that 60 minutes.

A loss like that makes you think. You think about a lot of things. One of my thoughts could fall under the “regret” category.

We can live our lives in a similar fashion or we can reassess and rebrand. How many people have spent their lives working the same job? For some, they wouldn’t have it

Troy and I have been married for seven years. We’ve delayed starting a family because we wanted to make sure we had our professional ducks in a row. Now, I’m saddened to think about our child(ren) missing out on the joys of knowing Jack. He added so much to the lives of his ten grandchildren. Though our reasoning for waiting was sound, I’ve wondered, “Was it worth it?” I’m not sure the answer is “Yes.”

any other way. Others, though, may regret not challenging themselves, or not taking risks. There’s a fear in changing life or career direction but it’s only temporary, and all part of the transition. It took me years to trust my intuition. At some point I learned that part of my inner soul seemed to know myself the best. It allowed me to go for what I wanted and knew what inspired me. I seemed to have more success in my decisions, rather than meticulously analyzing every decision.

Close friends and family who are reading this now are probably stunned to know Troy and I have even talked about having kids. Most of them believe it will never happen. The truth is, that might be “what’s next.”

I remember applying this approach when the idea of a major career move was taking shape

lead to another, and an amazing opportunity.

Troy’s mom and step-dad are with us. My mom and step-dad are, too. Troy has three brothers, all married with kids. My brother is married with kids. I wish I could freeze them all, and not Ted Williams-style. I’d like to freeze them as they are, then thaw them out once Troy and I make up our minds.

There’s always time to ask ourselves, “what’s next”. It’s great to have a plan to know where

To my knowledge, that’s not an option…

you’re going, and at any age. We get so bogged down with the status quo that you forget

I’m not making an announcement; I’m saying that I want our kids to know what it’s like to have a loving, and full family.

about ten years ago. I was very happy with my job, but something was telling me I was ready for a new challenge. After making the move, it appeared to be the wrong decision, but one job

there’s always time to change the channel. 44

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

26-33-OFW-814_- 8/8/14 6:46 PM Page 45

46-49-metroSPIRIT-814_- 8/8/14 7:19 PM Page 46

METROspirit “MULBERRY LANE”

home IS MORE

THAN A cliché

“HOME IS WHERE THE HEARTS IS.” SO OFTEN THOSE CLICHÉS YOU HEAR HUNDREDS OF TIMES LOSE THEIR MEANING AND END UP BEING COMPLETELY IGNORED UNTIL YOU MEET THEM HEAD ON IN A NEW SITUATION – AND FIND YOURSELF SAYING, “SO THAT’S WHY THEY SAY…”

If you think about it, the meaning of home changes throughout your life. When you’re a little kid, home is where mom is. She cooks hamburger casserole, takes you to soccer and piano, solves problems, settles arguments, celebrates birthdays and childhood victories, schedules play dates, and kisses away the hurt. When mom wasn’t around, the world seemed big and scary. But as soon as you heard her voice or saw her face, you immediately felt a sense of peace and calm. At this point in life, home is mom. As time goes on, home becomes more of a place where people who love you or sometimes annoy you live. A place you go back to every night to eat, sleep, dream and continue experimenting and becoming who you’re meant to be. It’s where you try on outfits, personas, insist on your point of view, change your point of view, try to figure out who that self is that everyone tells you to just be. Home is a touchstone or a place of consistency that helps you discover who you are. If you move away for school, a job, or are lucky enough to travel, the definition of home changes again. Now it’s the town you grew up in, your state or even your country. Shared geographic markers, specific foods, or traditions like July 4th celebrations suddenly become the things you miss when you’re living in a foreign land. Things you never thought you cared about suddenly take on new meaning… the stuff of home. Home is the life you know, the traditions, customs, foods and common ideals against which you measure your new surroundings, experiences, and thoughts. As life marches on, home changes once again. As you put down your own roots, settle into your own house, and have your own family, you realize home is now a place that’s completely up to you to create. It feels awesome and overwhelming and you start to realize and appreciate what makes a home. Just like learning to quilt or knit, you learn the art of home from loving hands that showed you how to stitch love, support and hope thru the twists of life. It’s come full circle. You get to pick the traditions you want to continue or invent your own. But as you build your own vision of home, you also feel the pull of your original home - a need to be close to extended family. Maybe you want your kids to know their grandparents or cousins, or maybe free babysitting would be a blessing, or perhaps it’s a parent’s cancer diagnosis or recovery from a fall that’s making you realize that family and home are the most important things you can hold onto in this life. Whatever it is, the feeling of home is a strong pull and as life goes on, it becomes stronger and stronger. But that’s the way it’s supposed to be. You need to feel connected and loved. So if home is mom, a house, a place or geographic location, or something you’re trying to create – home is where the heart is.

Sisters Rachel, Bo, and Allie are singer/songwriters who host a syndicated music, arts, and lifestyle talk radio show. The Mulberry Lane Show airs in Omaha on Saturdays, The Mighty 1290 KOIL, 10am – noon. The show is sponsored by Elisa Ilana Jewelry. For more information visit www.mulberrylane.com.

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

46-49-metroSPIRIT-814_- 8/8/14 7:19 PM Page 47

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

tips FOR PRACTICING compassion

MARY E. VANDENACK

“COMPASSION IS AN EMOTION THAT IS A SENSE OF SHARED SUFFERING, MOST OFTEN COMBINED WITH THE DESIRE TO ALLEVIATE OR REDUCE THE SUFFERING OF ANOTHER; TO SHOW SPECIAL KINDNESS TO THOSE WHO SUFFER. COMPASSION ESSENTIALLY ARISES THROUGH EMPATHY, AND IS OFTEN CHARACTERIZED THROUGH ACTIONS, WHEREIN A PERSON ACTING WITH COMPASSION WILL SEEK TO AID THOSE THEY FEEL COMPASSIONATE FOR.”

Why Practice Compassion? Recent research indicates that practicing compassion can improve our health, well-being and relationships. Compassion can make us feel good and become more resilient to stress. Practicing compassion towards our spouses, children, friends, and co-workers can improve our relationships in our daily environments. Compassionate people create compassionate societies. Such societies will be less vulnerable and more resilient.

• Teach compassion to others by modelling the skill.

How to Practice Compassion

• Find something positive about every person whose path you cross in a day. Rather than identifying character flaws or weaknesses, note challenges. We all have challenges.

• Start your own day with a greeting of gratitude. Whatever challenges are presently in your life, create a list of what you can be grateful for. The list might be simple. • Practice Empathy for fellow human beings. It is easy to practice empathy for those with whom you have a commonality. It is more meaningful to practice it with respect to those with whom you don’t identify. Many of us believe we have compassion but when our practice is examined, it becomes evident that our compassion is limited to certain people and situations. Expand our efforts to those who are different from us and whose challenges we struggle to understand. • Practice compassion toward someone who has different political or religious beliefs. Develop the ability to let others disagree with you in a manner that allows each of you to continue to respect the other. • Encourage cooperation more often than competition. While there is a place for both, in many instances community will offer more for all of us.

• Practice compassion toward those who are ill. It is generally easy to practice compassion toward someone who has cancer. Their pain and illness is easy to see. It is more difficult, but very important, to practice compassion toward those with mental health issues. Because the symptoms of mental health come out behaviorally, the tendency is to punish and shun rather than to find compassion.

• Seek to relieve suffering. Almost everyone suffers in some way every day. The suffering might come from something as simple as misplacing a favorite item. The suffering might be the great suffering of losing a loved one. Be there for small suffering as well as for major events.

• Engage in acts of kindness. A long time phrase regarding acts of kindness is to engage in such acts randomly. Consider making acts of kindness less random and more regular. This world, and everyone in it, could use a lot more kindness. • Practice compassion and forgiveness for those who mistreat us. Compassion toward those who treat us well is easy. When we can practice compassion towards those who don’t do so, we are finding our true compassionate self.

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

46-49-metroSPIRIT-814_- 8/11/14 3:04 PM Page 48

METROspirit waking words

• ROB KILLMER

“THE NEXT STAGE IN OUR EVOLUTION IS HERE.”

That statement is prominently displayed throughout this issue, and it is intended to suggest the obvious: that “what’s next” for metroMAGAZINE is our evolution to a quarterly intended to support the missions of those giving back in a bigger, bolder and more comprehensive way. There is also a much broader, more universal application: that the next stage in our evolution as a species is upon us. Note that we are not suggesting it’s coming, we’re declaring that it has already arrived. Whether we believe in a historical timeline that is guided by Divine Design, Human Mass Consciousness and Free Will, or a combination of both, I’m convinced that a watershed moment in that timeline has already occurred. Our globe is shrinking, and has been for some time, as cultures that once were safely isolated from each other by distance and blissful ignorance are now colliding and creating new collateral “damage”. Some of that collateral byproduct is negative and intensely challenging, much of it is potentially positive and game-changing for the human race. It falls to each of us as stewards of this emerging age to be up to this moment and help direct all of this into its highest and most constructive manifestations. This is nothing new historically. Natural paradigm shifts that changed the way human beings view themselves and the world we inhabit have occurred many times in the past–examples of a few are The Dark Ages, The Renaissance, The Industrial Revolutions of the 19th and 20th centuries, and The Information Revolution that is ongoing. I believe we have recently been ushered across the threshold of the next big revolutionary shift: “The Consciousness Revolution.” We are confronted with challenges and opportunities unlike any generation before us, merely because cultures and philosophies that for the bulk of history were completely obscure to one another are now being thrust into relationship with each other. We are witnesses daily to the conflict and violence that is the natural byproduct of our more primitive reactions to unfamiliar ideas and practices. I choose the word “primitive” carefully and purposefully. There was a season in history when a “Good VS Evil”, “Us VS Them” approach to life served humankind well. During that season this approach helped drive us to new ambitions and achievements as a species. We are at the dawn of an age where it no longer can serve a sustainable, constructive purpose; it can only serve to generate greater division and destruction…the last century and the first years of this one have been driving that point home emphatically. This new age we are embarking on will require that we embrace all that is common and best in our uniquely expressed cultures and philosophies, to create a revolutionary new level of harmony between them, rather than continuing in the less advanced striving that was appropriate for the last age, but is rapidly being rendered obsolete. And we have little choice, because to do otherwise will result in our own self-extermination. There’s no going back, the current is pulling us forward, and pressing us together. What kind of race will emerge from this inexorable tide: a more vicious or a more dignified one? Will we choose to be more fully Human, or merely Primate? It’s time to leave the jungle. The exodus has already begun. The power–and the responsibility–for what happens next, is ours. ROB Killmer currently serves as Creative VP for ALH Publications, Inc. and as Editor/Creative Director for metroQUARTERLY and our other publications. ROB is a passionate explorer of different healing and personal optimization practices, and a dedicated advocate for co-creating global harmony in this century and beyond. ROB is certified in Neuro-Linguistics.

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

46-49-metroSPIRIT-814_- 8/8/14 7:20 PM Page 49

50-51-GEAGB-814_- 8/8/14 7:25 PM Page 50

getting excited ABOUT GIVING BACK

AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR suicide prevention advocacy-related and some on the national level are researchALMOST NINETEEN YEARS AGO JEANNE PFEIFER LOST HER objective of gaining some experience and hoping for a related. So for us as a chapter, what this allows us to do is YOUNGEST CHILD, AMANDA, TO SUICIDE. THIS LOSS IS THE modest turnout. To their surprise, 200 people showed up. reach out on the education and advocacy most closely,” she DRIVING FORCE BEHIND HER PASSION TO EDUCATE OTHERS “The next year there were about 600, the next year about 800, said. “We are right now really active in reaching out to our ABOUT THE PREVENTION OF SUICIDE. the next year about 1,200. Now the Omaha Out of the schools—teachers and counselors and nurses and all the Darkness walk has about 6,000 people who attend to honor school personnel—because our new bill that passed, LB923, Amanda the loss of their loved ones, to support those who are will go into effect in the school year 2015-16. We’re going to Amanda was the youngest of three sisters and had a happy, struggling, and to raise awareness and funds to promote be part of that educational effort to teach them how to small-town Nebraska childhood with plenty of friends and research and suicide prevention programs, ” Pfeifer said. identify suicide risk among the students.” many interests and activities, Pfeifer said. As a teen, she excelled in both academics and sports and stayed away from Bringing AFSP to Omaha The Nebraska chapter of AFSP worked with State Senator drugs and alcohol. Amanda talked about her aspirations to Although thrilled with the community’s immediate support of Amanda McGill and in collaboration with other local suicide become a brain surgeon or DNA scientist in the area of brain prevention organizations and behavioral health organizations ailments. But—ironically—something clearly was not right the first fundraising walks, Pfeifer said she was determined early to start an AFSP chapter in Nebraska to bring the to create and pass LB923, which will insure that school within the chemistry of her own brain. organization’s awareness and support programs to the Omaha personnel across the state receive suicide awareness and prevention training. “Her disorder descended upon her suddenly and it quickly took area and throughout the rest of Nebraska. By 2008, Pfeifer’s over her thoughts and actions. Those of us who loved her and and Brichacek’s grassroots efforts with a team of other volunteers flourished and the Nebraska chapter was “The number one message that we want people to hear is that were closest to her noticed a problem only about six months successfully launched. there is help and there is hope. Someone loses their life to before she died,” Pfeifer recalled. The family had sought suicide every 13 minutes in this country and we need people psychiatric help for Amanda and she had started medication, The couple said they are humbled that their efforts in to reach out for the resources that can help them. Because but before a definitive diagnosis could be made, she took her spearheading the walk has led to the development of a suicide has just a tremendous devastating impact on families, own life. growing and thriving AFSP Nebraska chapter, which is and we want people to know that there’s help,” Brady said. involved in many AFSP activities including the upcoming “We would like not one more family to go through this.” “At the time of Amanda’s death, the level of awareness regarding International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day hosted at mental illness, mood disorders and suicide was nowhere near Community Alliance (4001 Leavenworth St.) on November 22. A tradition of charitable giving what it is today,” Pfeifer said. “In retrospect, we can now reflect Out of the Darkness (OOTD) Community Walks are now held Adrian Breen, President and CEO American National Bank, and see the severity of Amanda’s warning signs. As a mother, I in Omaha, Alliance, Scottsbluff, Beatrice, and North Platte. said his organization is honored to support AFSP-Nebraska don’t want any other parent to feel this deep pain and loss, I Omaha will celebrate its 10th annual OOTD Walk September and the Getting Excited about Giving Back contest as part of don’t want anyone to feel there is no hope to live, because 14 at Lewis and Clark Landing (to register, visit ANB’s tradition of charitable giving that includes board present research indicates that suicide is preventable.” www.outofthedarkness.org). participation and nonprofit event sponsorships, providing paid volunteer time for employees as well as a matching gift Finding hope in helping others Pfeifer said she’s found hope through her activism. New program, and direct financial support. “During the first nine years after my daughter’s death, as I treatment options for depression and other mental illnesses pondered the centuries of stigma and myth that existed and have emerged since Amanda’s death, along with more as I took in the enormity of the lack of research into mental resources for people contemplating suicide and for survivors. “It’s consistent with our community approach to banking and illness, I became more than upset with the lack of progress,” “The stigma surrounding mood disorders is decreasing so that being a good corporate citizen. This was an opportunity to be involved with a great exercise and put a little bit of our spin on she continued. “I realized all too well that we cannot fix what people feel less inhibited about seeking help and support,” it,” Breen said. “We are very involved in each one of the we don’t talk about and began to seek a way to learn more Pfeifer said. different communities we’re in—we’re in three different and help others to stay alive.” states—and it’s the same philosophy in all of the “While it was too late to save my daughter, it was not too late communities we serve in Nebraska and Iowa, as well as our In her journey to find answers, Pfeifer connected with the to work towards saving others from their despair and sister charter Western Bank in Minnesota. Giving back is a American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) around hopelessness. It was not too late to help others who were very fundamental characteristic of American National Bank.” 2004, when the organization was beginning its Out of the grieving a loss to heal,” Pfeifer added. “In turn, volunteering Darkness Community Walks. AFSP is a nonprofit dedicated to and serving others has helped me to further heal from my How to help understanding and preventing suicide through research, devastating grief.” Information on AFSP can be found on the organization’s education and advocacy, and to reaching out to people with website, www.afsp.org, which contains links to the Nebraska Getting Excited About Giving Back mental disorders and those impacted by suicide. Pfeifer said chapter and registration for this fall’s community walks. And she was drawn by the organization’s efforts to reduce the The AFSP Nebraska chapter was the winning charity in most importantly, it provides resources for help and support if stigma surrounding depression and other mental illnesses metroQuarterly’s Getting Excited about Giving Back Contest you are grieving or know someone who is struggling. and appreciated their focus on awareness and outreach to and will receive a $1,000 award donated by American give hope to those with mood disorders. National Bank. Aileen Brady, AFSP’s Nebraska chapter chair, “Educate yourself,” Pfeifer said. “Be aware of what the signs are; said that the funds will be used locally. if somebody has a number of those signs, or if they indicate Pfeifer and Frank Brichacek consulted with the national AFSP offices in August 2005 with the idea of coordinating “We are excited about it because the mission of AFSP is to help that their life isn’t worth living, listen to them, stay with them, encourage them to reach out and to get help. The National Nebraska’s first-ever community walk that fall. In just 54 days, in understanding and preventing suicide through various Suicide Hotline is 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).” activities. Some of them are educational, some of them are the couple managed to organize an October walk with the

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

50-51-GEAGB-814_- 8/13/14 3:05 PM Page 51

STORY BY KARA SCHWEISS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM SCHOLZ

• mquarterly

sharing their story the american foundation for suicide prevention’s nebraska chapter was the winning charity in metroMAGAZINE’s getting excited about giving back contest. a $1,000 award, donated by american national bank, will help fund suicide prevention education and advocacy efforts including awareness training for school personnel across the state—education that can be lifesaving.

PARTNERING WITH AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK AND discovering THE IMPORTANT WORK OF THE AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION MADE THIS A DEEPLY rewarding PROJECT FOR US. ~ ANDEE HOIG mQUARTERLY PUBLISHER

AILEEN BRADY, ADRIAN BREEN, FRANK BRICHACEK, JEANNE PFEIFER AND ANDEE HOIG

getting excited about giving back

AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION

52-53-TBE15-814_2W 8/12/14 2:12 PM Page 52

MAKE THE CONNECTION!

SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

YOUR VOTE MATTERS! ANNOUNCING THE

$10,000 BIG CONNECTION!

The Top Vote-Getting Non Profit will receive our $10,000 BIG CONNECTION Donation! Visit SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM to learn all the details!

52-53-TBE15-814_2W 8/10/14 6:43 PM Page 53

It’s Time to VOTE! Cast Your Ballot for your favorite event in 12 categories! For events presented between June 1, 2013 through May 31, 2014 BEST EVENT: 1st - 2nd Annual

BEST EVENT: EDUCATION

BEST EVENT: PET & Animal

Children's Hospital & Medical Center Wine, Women & Shoes

Brownell-Talbot School - Imagine the Future

Basset & Beagle Rescue of the Heartland Souper Bingo

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training - Diva Dash Omaha Home for Boys Restoring Hearts with Bike Parts Omaha Public Library Foundation A Novel Affaire Salvation Army Kroc Center - Bacon Fest

CUES benefiting Sacred Heart School The Gathering Marian High School - MarianFEST: Live from Marian It's Saturday Night! Mercy High School FIESTA: Another Day in Paradise Westside Community Schools Foundation VI-VI: Westside Rocks

Hearts United for Animals Lakeside Buffet Pawty & Fundraiser HETRA - Blue Jeans & Dreams Midlands Humane Society - Let's Talk Derby Nebraska Humane Society - Black Tie & Tails

BEST EVENT: Under 500

Angels Among Us - An Evening Among Angels BEST EVENT: Food & Wine

BEST EVENT: Young Professionals

Completely KIDS - Pinot, Pigs & Poets

All About Omaha benefitting SANE/SART Torchlight Ball

Food Bank for the Heartland Celebrity Chef: Michael Symon March of Dimes - Signature Chefs Auction National Council of Jewish Women Great Omaha Chocolate Festival vinNEBRASKA Foundation benefiting Partnership 4 Kids - vinNEBRASKA Wine Event 2013

Habitat for Humanity Omaha Young Professionals - Brew Haha 2013

Child Saving Institute Cabaret 2013: Sweet Home Chicago

Fontenelle Forest - Feather Our Nest Opera Omaha - A Debonair Affair

Joslyn's Young Art Patrons EVE: a New Year's Gala

The Durham Museum - Sentimental Journey

Nebraska Children's Home Society / BRANCH: HomeGrown

BEST EVENT: Over 500

Omaha Jaycees - Annual TOYO Awards

Heart Ministry Center - Holy Smokes

Catholic Charities - Irish Fest Blazin' Shamrocks Heartland Family Service - Carnival of Love Gala

BEST EVENT: Theme

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands On the Road to the Club

Assistance League of Omaha Christmas Caravan Preview Party

BEST EVENT: Walk/Run

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Out of the Darkness

Hope Center for Kids - Expressions of Hope Gala Voices for Children - Spotlight Gala

Heart Hero's - Superhero Heart Run

Lutheran Family Services Fandango On the Fairway

Joslyn Castle Trust - Turkey Trot

BEST EVENT: Over 1,000

Susan G. Komen Nebraska - Race for the Cure

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands Bowl for Kids' Sake

Omaha Children's Museum For the Kids Benefit: Up Up and Away

UNO Athletics - Claussen-Leahy Run/Walk

Nebraska Children's Home Society Sand in the City

The Rose Theater Rockin' Rosie: "Rosie Rocks the Roaring 20's

BEST EVENT: Speaker / Special Guest

Omaha Women's Fund 13th Annual Fall Luncheon

BEST EVENT: Heath & Wellness

Inclusive Communities Humanitarian Dinner featuring Robert Edsel

American Cancer Society Hope in the Heartland Gala

Film Streams - Feature V with Bruce Dern, Will Forte & Alexander Payne

American Heart Association - Omaha Heart Ball

Omaha Symphony Guild Table Art featuring Michael Aram

JDRF - Promise Gala That's Amore Love & Passion for a Cure

Phoenix Academy Scholarship Luncheon featuring Laura Bush

Liz's Legacy Cancer Fund - Kicks for a Cure

Project Harmony Speaking of Children featuring Jimmy Wayne

Project Pink'd 2013 Exposed: Real Women for a Real Cure

Omaha Zoo Foundation Zoofari: The Trunk Show Visiting Nurses Association - Art & Soup

Voting deadline is October 31, 2014! Vote NOW!

• Go to www.SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM/TheBigEvent-VOTE/

54-55-KOA-814_- 8/10/14 7:29 PM Page 54

community CONNECTIONS

metroquarterly recently spoke with knights of ak-sar-ben leadership—chairman steve martin (blue cross blue shield of nebraska president and ceo), chairwoman emeritus jane miller (gallup coo) and president jon burt—about the foundation’s strategy for the future.

The KnighTs of AK-sAr-Ben is neBrAsKA And wesTern iowA’s oldesT privATely funded foundATion, operATing The AK-sAr-Ben scholArs progrAm, The AK-sAr-Ben river ciTy rodeo And sTocK show, And The AK-sAr-Ben coronATion And scholArship BAll. Best known for owning and operating Omaha’s famed Race Track and Coliseum as well as for century-long traditions such as the ball, Ak-Sar-Ben is set to expand programs and forge new initiatives which both leverage and complement its storied past as part of activating a new strategic vision called “2020 Vision”. mQ: What is driving the community’s renewed interest in AkSar-Ben? Jane Miller: Great leaders, energized and engaged members, successful programs and a futuristic vision. Our membership ranks are at their highest and most diversified levels. Our events produced record profits in 2013, generating a net contribution of over $1 million to our scholarship programs and endowments. And our fabulous executive leadership has coalesced the feedback of dozens of stakeholders into a bold, yet attainable, strategic vision. The convergence has been catalytic. mQ: How did the foundation arrive at this launch point? Miller: In the last two decades the foundation has shown its poise and longevity. Strong and effective leaders who shared a common belief in Ak-Sar-Ben’s values were able to build a good business model and a shared vision that the foundation should forge ahead. And they were right to do so; Ak-Sar-Ben is an amazing collection of our community’s most talented corporate leaders. The time is right to fully leverage our collective business leadership and maximize our impact. Steve Martin: The leaders Jane mentioned are the shepherds of our Heartland community. We have the great fortune of standing on their shoulders at this moment in time, poised for bold impact as a foundation. Many Knights of AkSar-Ben board members over the past two decades were vital in turning the Coronation Ball and the River City Rodeo and Stock Show into effective, self-sustaining programs. Such leadership, combined with the initiative of hundreds of stakeholders, donors and volunteers, has allowed the foundation to impact thousands of youth through Ak-SarBen’s scholarship programs.

mQ: What are the key facets of Ak-Sar-Ben’s 2020 Vision? Martin: We believed it very important to firmly plant the seeds of this new strategy within the rich soil of Ak-Sar-Ben’s brand and legacy. Miller: But it’s also time to create, innovate and take our impact to new levels. Through our strategic process over the past two years, Ak-Sar-Ben’s membership clearly called board and staff leadership to sow seeds of change, to update and diversify our efforts in order to impact more youth, more families and more communities throughout the Heartland. Jon Burt: The core of Ak-Sar-Ben’s mission includes leadership, agriculture, education and community collaboration. We are quickly activating new programs and enhancements within each area. As with all great efforts, it begins and ends with leadership. Ak-Sar-Ben has a 100-year history as a high-level corporate and community leadership network, a network that’s successfully convened leaders in service to the greater Heartland community. Miller: Ak-Sar-Ben’s leadership network has always leveraged itself in unique ways to build a stronger Heartland, from festivals celebrating our agricultural and Western heritage, to funding community infrastructure, to creating pathways to success for students through many scholarship programs.

Burt: Yes, we’re Ak-Sar-Ben—Nebraska spelled backwards—and the majority of what we do needs to be driving toward statewide outcomes. We’re quickly making progress on this front. We’ve added several high-level leaders from Lincoln in the last two years, and in a matter of days we will add member networks as far west as Scottsbluff. By year’s end, six regional membership bodies will be up and running, engaging their communities and collaborating as a collective leadership network for the benefit of our entire state. Martin: Greater Omaha’s influence on the greater Heartland economy and community is clear, but so is the impact of the greater Lincoln area, along with Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney, Columbus, North Platte, Norfolk, Scottsbluff, and every other Nebraska community, plus thousands of dedicated family farmers and ranchers across Nebraska. We are an interconnected community; what happens to one impacts us all. So we need to find platforms for corporate and community leaders across the state to come together and forge a common vision for our region. We believe Ak-Sar-Ben is a great vehicle for this, and we have activated our staff and tapped resources to pursue this goal. Burt: We are also a network of high-level strategic leaders, so the proper focus of our efforts should be on long-term transformation for our region, not short-term fixes.

mQ: Are you concerned that past similar efforts to connect the state from east to west have been unable to sustain Burt: That tradition continues today. Our leadership network momentum for the long-term? Burt: That’s a reality we’re certainly staring dead in the eye, no includes more than 45 top executives of the state’s leading doubt. But as we visit with leaders across the state, there’s a corporations. However, their influence doesn’t end with growing awareness that Ak-Sar-Ben brings something unique industry. These leaders truly care for their community, to the table that other entities may not be able to mimic. investing significant time and talent to serve on community Chambers, community foundations, government, industry boards and lead major efforts. The first step of our 2020 Vision groups, lobbying organizations, nonprofits and P-16 schools is to grow this network even further and to leverage and have distinct, defined and vital roles within each community. maximize the network’s influence and impact. Ak-Sar-Ben’s member network is deeply involved with these organizations, often serving in top board leadership roles. Martin: A critical component of this effort is to make certain However, Ak-Sar-Ben’s mission and role has a wider scope, Ak-Sar-Ben’s leaders of today and tomorrow represent the making it a very good forum for collective leadership to entire state of Nebraska and the Heartland region. convene and develop long-range visions and strategies for our region’s future. Ak-Sar-Ben has always been a broad Miller: Omaha is our home base; it’s where the foundation collaborative of high-level leaders. We know what that is, how was founded and where leadership first activated. But in the it functions, and how to keep that going for 119 years running. 21st century there is every opportunity to attract and connect Our core outreach is in agriculture and education, systems corporate and community leaders from throughout the region, universal to the quality of life in every Heartland community. Performance in these areas defines success. and we aim to do that.

mquarterly • auG/sept/oct 2014

54-55-KOA-814_- 8/10/14 7:30 PM Page 55

STORY BY KARA SCHWEISS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM SCHOLZ

• mquarterly

KNIGHTS OF ak-sar-ben

vision 2020 Finally, our programs impact well over 100,000 members of the Heartland community each year, and from nearly every county in Nebraska and western Iowa. Not many organizations can claim such coverage. ‘Collective impact’ is the buzzword for community development today; a call for cross-sector partnerships to solve big issues and realize big opportunities. In this time of collective impact, it makes sense that the state’s premier collective business leadership network plays a unique role as a convener, influencer and champion. mQ: Regarding agriculture and education as core components of your mission, impact and brand, how is AkSar-Ben impacting these systems today, and what enhancements does the 2020 Vision hold? Martin: Our current programs are truly hidden gems. Jon and the Ak-Sar-Ben staff are working extremely hard to market our brand and impact to community leaders throughout the region. We have over 400 active Ak-Sar-Ben scholars pursuing post-secondary education. These scholarships are valued at over $1.6 million, with over 80 percent of the funds going to students from rural communities in Nebraska and western Iowa.

Burt: As we activate our 2020 Vision, agriculture and education remain our core areas of outreach. Networking leaders who care about these foundational elements of the Heartland will help align and catalyze these systems, expanding pathways to prosperity for future generations of Heartland youth. Martin: The vision has been set, the memberships is engaged and energized, and partnerships with key community organizations throughout the Heartland are quickly forming. We’ll share exciting details on expanded programs and new efforts throughout the coming months. It’s truly a great time to be a part of Ak-Sar-Ben—Stay tuned!

Miller: The Coronation and Scholarship Ball continues to raise over $500,000 a year for scholarships and is gearing up for maximization in the next two to three years. Great communities have great celebrations, and the ball continues to be the Heartland’s premier black-tie event with average attendance of 2,000 each year. Burt: I should add that Ak-Sar-Ben’s River City Rodeo and Stock Show, Omaha’s official community celebration, provides over 4,000 youth with hands-on agriculture literacy and leadership opportunities, in addition to drawing 100,000 attendees and generating annual economic impact of over $21 million for the region, all while raising over $250,000 annually for scholarships. This one Ak-Sar-Ben event alone has a footprint and impact to rival the College World Series and the Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ convention. Miller: We are very proud of our programs and believe the numbers speak for themselves. Yet, as Peter Kiewit, former Governor of the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben, stated: ‘We are pleased but never satisfied.’We know we can leverage what we have developed and grow it many fold. We know we can help make ‘The Good Life’‘The Great Life.’

STEVE MARTIN AND JON BURT

vision 2020

KNIGHTS OF AK-SAR-BEN

56-57-OHFB-814_- 8/8/14 7:42 PM Page 56

non profit NEWS

years before he was a decorated soldier serving in iraq and afghanistan…before he won his first mixed-martial arts championship or acted in his first movie, rudy reyes was a “home” boy at the omaha home for boys

coming home rudy reyes AND HIS YOUNGER BROTHERS Ceasar and MiChael CAME TO THE OMAHA HOME FOR BOYS IN 1984 AFTER THEIR GRANDPARENTS DIED AND THEY WERE PASSED AROUND FROM RELATIVE TO RELATIVE WHO EITHER COULDN’T OR DIDN’T WANT TO CARE FOR THEM.

life-saving experience

At the Omaha home for Boys, the Reyes brothers lived in a place of safety and security – for the first time in a long time – and they thrived. Rudy became involved with wrestling and weightlifting, while Ceasar and Michael were often featured in Omaha Home for Boys marketing and fundraising materials.

But because it was in the 80s at a time when no one talked much about that pain or the “emotions in your heart,” Reyes said he learned to swallow it and not to say anything.

They finally had somewhere they could call home. “No one really wanted us, and we were shuffled around and placed wherever,” said Reyes, who now lives in San Diego, Calif. “Survival – we were all about surviving – and when we came to the Omaha Home for Boys, we learned about living – that there were people who cared about us. They taught us how to work hard and how to be successful, and we were able to stay together without having to worry about being pulled apart and separated.”

From the beginning, Reyes said, despite his pleasant surroundings and caring staff at the Home, he felt a great sense of sadness and pain, feeling abandoned and unloved by his family.

Instead, he found other outlets – namely martial arts and wrestling.

After two years at the Home, Reyes left to live with an uncle while Ceasar remained and Michael went to live with a relative in Tennessee. Desperate to reunite his family, when he was 18, Reyes emancipated himself and took custody of his brothers. They moved into a rough neighborhood in Kansas City, where Reyes worked several jobs, including waiting tables and digging ditches, to raise his brothers and give them the life he knew they deserved. He often had to rely upon his background in martial arts to protect them from bullies and drug dealers on their way to school or just walking down the street.

“That sadness came out on the wrestling mat, and I channeled “It was a bad neighborhood, but we took care of one another,” that into an undefeated 8th grade year at Monroe Middle Reyes said. “Crime was so bad there, and there was a heavy School (in Benson),” Reyes said. “My time at the Home taught gang and crack problem. I hated that we had to live there, but me a lot about myself and gave me the tools and it was all we could afford, and to me, being together was the determination to want more – to want to succeed. I carried most important thing.” that with me the rest of my youth and still do today.” Reyes added that his years at the Home were full of love from house parents – as well as the rest of the staff.

Reyes returns to Omaha and the Omaha Home for Boys this fall as the featured speaker for the second annual restoring He became very close to Kevin Orr, dean of Boys, who had hearts with Bike Parts™ celebration september 25 at a profound impact on his life. hilton-Omaha. His message will be one of overcoming “He is still living through me,” Reyes said of Orr, a “Home” boy obstacles and reaching goals in addition to his war experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan during the War on Terror. himself who devoted himself to the Home for most of his life before passing away from a heart attack in 2010. “Mr. Orr He will also talk about how his time, albeit short, at “the Home” believed in me, and I know he loved me. He truly had my best helped “save his life,” as well as the lives of his brothers. interests in mind.”

country first Feeling a sense of duty to serve his country, Reyes enlisted in the Marines in 1998 and succeeded through the arduous selection process and training for the elite special operations division Marine Reconnaissance unit. As a member of this team, he and his battalion were among the first in Afghanistan and Iraq in 2003, including the invasion of Baghdad. He served for eight years as active duty, and after resigning from the Corps, he served the Department of Defense for seven years doing counter-terrorism missions.

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

56-57-OHFB-814_- 8/8/14 7:42 PM Page 57

STORY BY MIKE WATKINS | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF OMAHA HOME FOR BOYS

While in Iraq, Rolling Stone journalist Evan Wright was embedded in Reyes’ battalion during the invasion of Iraq and chronicled his experiences and observances in an article that became a book, Generation Kill. A few years later, HBO Films bought the rights and made a multi-part miniseries. Doing stunt work and consulting on films in Hollywood at the time, Reyes was hired by HBO to consult on the miniseries. After a short time on the set, Reyes went from helping make the movie look real to becoming a cast member – actually playing himself.

He said his time working on Ultimate Survivor Alaska brought him back to reality in a world he could understand, and he quit drinking to help push his team through the trials of the competition and harsh landscape. At the conclusion of his time in Alaska, he returned home and checked into the Veteran’s Village of San Diego to seek treatment for his PTSD, where he spent six months in a program where he learned to acclimate to civilian life. Through it all, Reyes had his mixed martial arts and fitness regimen to carry him through. During his treatment, he became very aware of the numerous men and women who serve our country and come home suffering both visible and hidden wounds.

“I never considered being an actor, but I’ve always loved films,” Reyes said. “I consider myself a student of the arts – music, acting, painting, writing, etc. Because of Generation Kill that became my springboard into acting, but looking back, I’ve always been on stage as a member of the military.

making the transition

“The battlefield is the stage and our uniforms are our costumes. You get to become Achilles or King Arthur, and play it all out in battle. And before that, the wrestling mat was my stage. It’s really no different than being in the military or an elite athlete. You leave yourself open for criticism, shame an critique – but also for greatness.”

“I understand the difficult transition from military to civilian life and the need for support systems that understand our unique concerns and inner battles,” Reyes said. “I plan to devote the next phase of my life to using my acting as a national platform to tell my story and seek help for my fellow veterans.”

From there, his acting career has taken off – first starting in Apocalypse Man, a History Channel survivalist program, and later as a member of the Military Team on the set of National Geographic’s Ultimate Survivor Alaska.

These days, Reyes owns and operates his own mixed martial arts studio in San Diego and is involved in multiple disciplines of acting and entertainment. Ceasar and Michael both live in the Kansas City area, and the three brothers remain close.

In between, he battled post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), struggling with memories of the battle of Fallujah as if they were real while his stateside experiences seemed like dreams. To numb the pain of feeling alone and lost in a world he said he didn’t quite fit into, he started drinking.

Big into physical fitness and healthy living, Reyes is a published author of Hero Living: Seven Strides to Awaken Your Infinite Power with a foreword from Wright, and he recently started screenwriting. rudy reyes

• mquarterly

He is currently working on two movie features dealing with veterans – including the lead in an independent film called Inside Fighter – and does personal training for Robert Rodriguez, director of movies From Dusk Till Dawn, Once Upon a Time in Mexico and the Machete films. He’s also working on a show for Rodriguez’s newest venture, El Ray, a 24-hour TV network he founded to appeal directly to English-speaking Latinos who don’t usually have programming created just for them, and recently snagged a spokesmodel gig for 511, a line of athletic clothing and gear. “They (511) want to expand their vision with a guy who is modern with a pedigree from the battlefield,” Reyes said. “I’m still doing some counter-terrorism operations in Northeast Africa, but my focus these days is about my future in the entertainment industry, staying healthy and youngfeeling and enjoying life.” Still, Reyes is always the first to want to give back and show appreciation for those who have positively impacted and influenced his life especially the Omaha Home for Boys. “It’s such an honor to be asked to come back to Omaha and represent the Home,” Reyes said. “For me, it’s been one of those signs that the universe is aware. This is a great gift, full-circle with everything I’ve been through. “I’m very honored and humbled, but I’m excited to interact with the kids because I know what it takes to make it through and to create success. I hope I can be an example to them that they can do anything with their lives if they want something badly enough and focus on their goals. I’m living proof.”

RETURNS TO THE OMAHA HOME FOR BOYS

58-63-COLUMNS-814_WORKING 8/8/14 7:45 PM Page 58

partnering with non profits non profit association of the midlands

PARTNERSHIP

in best practices

anne hindery

NAM The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands, is the State Association for nonprofits of all missions and sizes throughout Nebraska and Western Iowa. NAM’s mission is to strengthen the collective voice, leadership and capacity of nonprofits to enrich the quality of life in our community. Our purpose is to give nonprofits the tools and resources they need to operate so they can focus on their mission. Group purchasing of essential services, professional development, advocacy, and data on the nonprofit sector are ways NAM is making nonprofit life easier. Our Best Practices Partnership recognizes organizations for their hard work and commitment to best practices in all areas of management and operations through our Guidelines and Principles for Nonprofit Excellence program.

As a partner you’ll receive: • •

A seal of excellence to include on your website and marketing materials Recognition on our website and at our annual nonprofit summit in November

How to Become a Best Practices Partner •

Take our free online assessments at guidelinesandprinciples.org The Infrastructure Assessment and the Assessment Tool are guides to the documents, systems, policies and procedures you are required or strongly recommended to have in place as a 501(c)(3) and your organizational practices around that infrastructure. You’ll receive a customized, prioritized action plan for your organization. The information these tools provide allow you to make your organization stronger, more efficient and more transparent. The assessments only take 30 minutes.

• Adopt a Board Resolution declaring your organization’s legal compliance and commitment to the Guidelines and Principles and renew it annually •

Be a NAM member in good standing

make the connection! Click this CONNECTOR in our Digital Edition to directly connect with NAM

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

58-63-COLUMNS-814_WORKING 8/8/14 7:45 PM Page 59

omaha giving

• omaha community foundation

DEVELOPING MORE rewarding

donor relationships

How do nonprofits and donors build more trusting and productive relationships? One way for donors to start is through donations to specific projects that appeal to them. In an effort to gauge the effects of the gift and the program on the target population, it is reasonable to request a briefing on how the program went, to request an annual report, or to schedule a site visit to see the organization in action. Asking for information on outputs (such as number of students served) and outcomes (such as improvements in school performance) can give a more robust picture of effectiveness and efficiency than percentage of budget devoted to overhead. Nonprofits are often in need of unrestricted donations–funds that can be allocated to operating expenses because they are not earmarked for particular programs. Unrestricted funds are desirable because a nonprofit can allocate the money where it is needed most, potentially hiring effective staff, purchasing equipment to operate more efficiently, and

keeping all programs focused on the organizational mission. While giving an unrestricted donation can be less appealing to a donor who wants to make a mark on a program, it is a potent way to help a trusted organization achieve or maintain high-quality services. As with gifts to programs, donors can ask for reports on how unrestricted dollars were used and to what effect. Face-to-face, personal meetings between donors and the nonprofit’s executives are also an excellent way for relationships to strengthen and become long-lasting. Consider having conversations about strategic direction, organizational needs, and the challenges and opportunities in a given field. Volunteering is another way to deepen the bonds between nonprofits and donors. Meaningful, hands-on work can help donors learn about the clients served, the needs of the organization, and its culture. Serving as a board member is a powerful act of volunteerism that can affect the future direction of the organization. Nonprofits often are in need of professional skills, such as legal, technological, and financial expertise, and committed people willing to take on those duties are highly sought out by organizations. Board members may also have an obligation to contribute financially to the organization, and even if there is no formally required amount, combining board service with a financial gift is an effective way to help an organization achieve its mission and improve the community in which we live. For more information about how to work with your favorite nonprofits, contact us at (402) 342-3458 or www.omahafoundation.org.

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

Matt Darling is Director of Donor Services at Omaha Community Foundation

A new type of donor is emerging. Characterized by an emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and hands-on approaches to philanthropy, these donors seek a meaningful connection to the issues and organizations they support. Likewise, nonprofit matt darling organizations are looking for strong relationships with individual donors. In 2013, individuals in America contributed over $240 billion, amounting to 72% of all charitable giving – and an additional 8% was donated through bequests according to the Giving USA Foundation (www.givingusareports.org). This dwarfs the amount nonprofits received from other sources, such as corporate and foundation grants.

58-63-COLUMNS-814_WORKING 8/14/14 4:37 PM Page 60

business4business

business4business • OMAHA’S YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

• OMAHA’S YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

embracing now!

michelle schrage

WE’VE

all heard of a bucket list– a list of things we want to do sometime before we leave this earth. But the problem with bucket lists is that we don’t always assign a time table to our goals, so we leave these desires hanging out there in some unknown point in the future–which doesn’t always lend itself well to actually accomplishing those goals. Therefore, maybe making a “bucket list” isn’t where we should focus our jay miralles energy. Perhaps instead, we make a “NOW list”–a list of things we want to do that don’t require waiting. So many of us think so far in the future that we fail to embrace the opportunities that lie in front of us right now. Opportunities to grow personally, to develop professionally, and to give back to the community. “Just do it” is sometimes the best advice there is! Co-founded by Jay Miralles and Michelle Schrage, BUSINESS4BUSINESS is an organization that encourages its members to embrace the opportunities we have right now to make a difference; both within ourselves and to those around us. Our members are people with a great passion for improving the lives of those around us, while also striving for personal and professional betterment every day. We build relationships, share experiences, encourage one another’s goals and dreams, and pull together to harness the power of many to make an impact. Omaha is so fortunate to have a vast number of philanthropic and nonprofit organizations who strive every day to make our community a better place for its people to live, grow, and thrive. Business4Business has enjoyed an exciting 2014 with our members, conducting professional development workshops and personal goal-setting sessions, hosting large networking events, and visiting local philanthropic organizations. Over the past 7 months, B4B members have been fortunate to tour and learn about several organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands, The Salvation Army Kroc Center, The Hope Center, The Food Bank, and Boys Town. We learned about each organization’s vision, mission, and ways we can get involved. So what’s next for B4B? To help you make an impact for yourself and your community, B4B is hosting a full-day “Make an Impact” Symposium on Thursday, October 16th at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Convention Center. You will join hundreds of other community, civic, philanthropic, and business leaders in becoming inspired, educated, and empowered about personal development, professional betterment, and giving back to the community. The B4B Business Forum promises to shake the city with new ways to develop your leadership skills, inspire you to reach new heights, and help finds ways to give back to the community. This inaugural event sponsored by Business4Business is bringing in featured experts to present on topics that will inspire you, educate you, and empower you to make an impact. You won’t want to miss this tremendous event filled with idea sharing, motivational and inspirational speakers, tactical and implementable ideas and advice, as well as exposure to many of the passionate philanthropic efforts taking place in Omaha today and how you can become involved and give back. Registration for the “Make an Impact” Symposium closes soon, so visit www.biz4bizonline.com to learn more, and let’s start thinking about making an impact now! Michelle Schrage is the Co-Founder of Business4Business Professional Society. She is the Director of Marketing for the financial brokerage firm, Brokers Clearing House, and has worked with business professionals in a marketing and business development capacity for the past 10 years.

michelle schrage

WE’VE all heard of a bucket list– a list of things we want to do sometime before we leave this earth. But the problem with bucket lists is that we don’t always assign a time table to our goals, so we leave these desires hanging out there in some unknown point in the future–which doesn’t always lend itself well to actually accomplishing those goals. Therefore, maybe making a “bucket list” isn’t where we should focus our jay miralles energy. Perhaps instead, we make a “NOW list”–a list of things we want to do that don’t require waiting. So many of us think so far in the future that we fail to embrace the opportunities that lie in front of us right now. Opportunities to grow personally, to develop professionally, and to give back to the community. “Just do it” is sometimes the best advice there is! Co-founded by Jay Miralles and Michelle Schrage, BUSINESS4BUSINESS is an organization that encourages its members to embrace the opportunities we have right now to make a difference; both within ourselves and to those around us. Our members are people with a great passion for improving the lives of those around us, while also striving for personal and professional betterment every day. We build relationships, share experiences, encourage one another’s goals and dreams, and pull together to harness the power of many to make an impact. Omaha is so fortunate to have a vast number of philanthropic and nonprofit organizations who strive every day to make our community a better place for its people to live, grow, and thrive. Business4Business has enjoyed an exciting 2014 with our members, conducting professional development workshops and personal goal-setting sessions, hosting large networking events, and visiting local philanthropic organizations. Over the past 7 months, B4B members have been fortunate to tour and learn about several organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands, The Salvation Army Kroc Center, The Hope Center, The Food Bank, and Boys Town. We learned about each organization’s vision, mission, and ways we can get involved. So what’s next for B4B? To help you make an impact for yourself and your community, B4B is hosting a full-day “Make an Impact” Symposium on Thursday, October 16th at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Convention Center.You will join hundreds of other community, civic, philanthropic, and business leaders in becoming inspired, educated, and empowered about personal development, professional betterment, and giving back to the community. The B4B Business Forum promises to shake the city with new ways to develop your leadership skills, inspire you to reach new heights, and help finds ways to give back to the community. This inaugural event sponsored by Business4Business is bringing in featured experts to present on topics that will inspire you, educate you, and empower you to make an impact. You won’t want to miss this tremendous event filled with idea sharing, motivational and inspirational speakers, tactical and implementable ideas and advice, as well as exposure to many of the passionate philanthropic efforts taking place in Omaha today and how you can become involved and give back. Registration for the “Make an Impact” Symposium closes soon, so visit www.biz4bizonline.com to learn more, and let’s start thinking about making an impact now! Michelle Schrage is the Co-Founder of Business4Business Professional Society. She is the Director of Marketing for the financial brokerage firm, Brokers Clearing House, and has worked with business professionals in a marketing and business development capacity for the past 10 years. Jay Miralles is cofounder of B4B. Jay is an Agency Manager for Farm Bureau Financial Services. He has been in the insurance and financial services industry for 10 years. He enjoys public speaking, and connecting people.

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

58-63-COLUMNS-814_WORKING 8/8/14 8:04 PM Page 61

58-63-COLUMNS-814_WORKING 8/14/14 4:38 PM Page 62

planning matters

• WITH PVW LAW

inherited iras

ARE NOT PROTECTED FROM CREDITORS ESTATE PLANNING WITH IRAS

The Supreme Court Ruling

Some Strategies for IRA owners

On June 12, 2014, the United States Supreme Court ruled that inherited IRAs are not “retirement funds” within the meaning of the federal bankruptcy exemption for retirement funds. In making its decision, the court distinguished inherited IRAs from IRAs established and held by the owner who originally deposited the funds.

Surviving Spouses. A spouse who inherits an IRA can treat the IRA as an inherited IRA or can roll the IRA over. Given the ruling by the Supreme Court in the Clark case, mary e. vandenack a surviving spouse should consider rolling the assets of an inherited IRA into his or her own IRA and postponing distributions until she turns age 70 ½ to achieve asset protection. If the surviving spouse is under age 59 ½, the disadvantage is that withdrawals prior to age 59 ½ will be subject to penalty.

This court decision has a significant impact on anyone owning IRAs and hoping to pass such assets to their heirs as protected assets. While the owner of the IRA will continue to have asset protection during his or her life, the beneficiary of the IRA will generally not have such protection.

Trust Options. There are two common types of trusts that are typically used for IRAs. The key issues in deciding on the best type of trust to be beneficiary of an IRA are income tax issues and asset protection planning concerns. For purpose of allowing a trust beneficiary to stretch out IRA distributions as long as possible, a conduit trust might be used. Such a trust directs the trustee to take at least the minimum required distribution from the IRA each year and to distribute that amount to the beneficiary. The distributions, and corresponding income tax cost, can be “stretched” over the life expectancy of the trust beneficiary in a properly designed conduit trust. From an income tax perspective, the conduit trust is a great option. The approach is less desirable from an asset protection perspective. In many states, creditors are allowed to attach distributions that a beneficiary has a right to receive from a trust. To the extent that the trustee of a conduit trust is required to distribute the minimum required distribution, such distribution could be subject to creditors. Following the Supreme Court ruling, the conduit trust, designed as a spendthrift trust, will likely be better than simply having an inherited IRA. The inherited IRA can be attached in bankruptcy. It is unlikely that a creditor can attached an IRA directed to a conduit trust. A second type of trust that can be used as a beneficiary of an IRA is an accumulation trust. In an accumulation trust, the trustee has the discretion to make distributions from the IRA based on standards established by the settlor of the trust. Distributions to beneficiaries are not mandatory. While the accumulation trust is not as beneficial as the conduit trust from an income tax perspective, the trust has the ability to offer more in terms of asset protection.

For more information visit www.pvwlaw.com

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

58-63-COLUMNS-814_WORKING 8/8/14 8:04 PM Page 63

todays savings

impact!

• swartzbaugh-farber & associates, inc.

repeat AFTER me

• your dental health

sleep YOUR WAY TO jim farber

IN SPORTS we see the game, the stars and the great plays:

stephanie vondrak d.d.s.

better health

UPON reading the title of this column, you may be thinking… ”Sleep for health, no problem! I wish I could stop working and take a nap right now!”

• The basketball player who calmly puts up a last second 3 pointer under

You may even glance at your venti latte with an extra shot of espresso and think… “I know I need better sleep, but how?” To solve the “how,” we must first ask “why?” Taking the time to determine the diagnosis and therefore the source of the problem creates insight as to the solution. By advancing my health-centered dental education, I learned to identify signs within the mouth that indicate sleeping disorders such as sleep apnea as well as solutions like sleep appliances to treat these conditions.

pressure to win the game,

• The golfer who stands over a curling 12 foot birdie putt, strokes it, jars it and wins the Masters,

• The quarterback who confidently faces three 250lb charging linemen, hurls a perfect pass to the corner of the end zone and wins the Super Bowl

• And, the pitcher who throws a blazing fastball right by the opponents best hitter for “steerike three,” and a World Series victory. None of these athletes flinched under pressure. Why not? Because they have taken that shot, sunk that putt, thrown that pass and made that pitch thousands of times, over and over, in something we don’t see–practice. During the weeks, months and years they spent perfecting their skills, they were preparing to perform when it counts. And, being prepared doesn’t apply just to sports. A man jumped into a taxi in New York City and asked the cabbie, “Do you know how to get to Carnegie Hall?” The cabbie replied, “practice.” Now let us look at something closer to home.We see a 67 year old retiree leaving the golf course. He is smiling and humming a tune even though he missed a 3 foot putt to lose his match, and there is no paycheck waiting for him in the mailbox at home. What is he so happy about? I’ll bet you are ahead of me. He is no different than the world class athletes. He is prepared. While he was raising a family, working at a job, or building a business, he was perfecting a skill that enables him to enjoy, for years to come, the things he worked for. That skill is saving:

• Shooting a consistent amount into your basket, • Sinking something each week into the “hole”, • Throwing a little each month into your end zone, • And pitching something each year into your (RHFF)

The definition of Sleep Apnea, according to the National Institute for Health, is “a common disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep.” These cessations in breathing may last for a few seconds or minutes and may occur multiple times per hour triggering the individual to wake gasping or choking for air. As a result, deep sleep is not fully achieved and the person feels fatigued and exhausted in the morning. In addition, several dangerous co-morbidities (related medical conditions) are common in patients with sleep apnea. For example, untreated apneics have a 68% higher risk of cancer and are 3x more likely to suffer a stroke. The link between sleep, health, and dentistry was discovered through research of another common dental disorder: bruxism (the grinding of teeth). Researchers surmised that the reason people grind their teeth may not simply be stress or anxiety but rather the brain attempting to open the airway during apneic episodes i.e. an open airway allows continuous airflow for continuous breathing. Thanks to these innovative individuals focused on the “why”, qualified dentists screen patients, order sleep studies, and prescribe custom sleep appliances which open the airway improving the quality of sleep and of life for their patients! As a health-centered dentist, I am grateful for the opportunity to treat the WHOLE patient. Identifying risks for sleep apnea and designing appliances to treat this condition has become a natural extension of our healthcentered model. Take a moment to answer the questions below and rate your level of sleepiness. Are you likely to fall asleep in these circumstances? Slight chance of dozing =1 • Moderate chance of dozing =2 • High chance of dozing = 3

❏ Sitting talking to someone ❏ In a car, while stopped in traffic for a few minutes ❏ Watching TV

“Retirement Hall of Fame Fund.” Repeat, repeat, repeat.You may not have a clear financial goal. Do not let that prevent you from being the best you can be for yourself and your family. You set the bar. Put away a chunk every week, month and year, and I guarantee* you will be better off than if you do little or nothing. Many of us have an easy way to do it. It is called a 401(k). Sign up now for your RHFF and repeat after me…

Remember, only qualified dentists with advanced training in the anatomy of the TMJ joints and sleep appliances can offer these services. If you are concerned you may be suffering from sleep apnea, contact your physician or our office to be properly screened.

*A word advisors should not use lightly, and I don’t use lightly here

Scoring: If in reading these questions you felt you were unlikely to fall asleep, your sleeping is most likely normal. If your answers indicate a slight, moderate or high chance for 2 out of the 3 questions, a more in-depth screening and discussion with a health professional is indicated.

For more information, please contact your trusted advisor at Swartzbaugh-Farber – ‘Client Centered – Client Advocates™’. This material is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified attorney, tax advisor or plan provider. Securities Offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc., a Registered Broker Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Swartzbaugh-Farber & Associates, Inc. is independently owned and operated.

Dr. Stephanie Vondrak is a graduate of the University of Nebraska Lincoln, the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, and a Fellow in the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain. The AACP is an organization dedicated to helping patients suffering from TMJ pain, headaches, and other craniofacial pain disorders. Additionally, Dr. Stephanie Vondrak is a Premier Provider for Invisalign orthodontics. Dr. Vondrak believes education is paramount to comprehensive patient care and has completed over 400 hours of post-doctorate education including the Pankey Institute and the Schuster Center. 63

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

1-7-LEAD SECTION-814_QUARTERLY 8/7/14 3:03 PM Page 64

WORKING-A-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/15/14 3:00 PM Page 65

event galleries

look for the LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE EVENT BOOK 2014!

OMAHA COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE AWARDS NIGHT

AK-SAR-BEN ROYAL COURT WEEKEND

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION ALL STARS GALA

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY HOPE IN THE HEARTLAND GALA

NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER POLO FOR PATIENTS

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF THE MIDLANDS ON THE ROAD

OLLIE WEBB CENTER OLLIE’S DREAM GALA

JDRF WALK TO CURE DIABETES

• VIEW & PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OF THESE EVENTS now! AT SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

Purchase photos from these events online or from your smartphone, and metroMAGAZINE will donate 10% back to that organization. Join us in giving back! Enter the code “GIVE10” on the checkout page of your shopping cart. • please remember to trade with our advertisers, whose support helps make our promotion of these important events possible

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

mSCENE-BGCM QX8_EVENTS 8/9/14 6:36 PM Page 66

featured eVeNt

spotlight

boys & girls club of the midlands

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF THE MIDLANDS

road to the club

PhotoGraPhy by roger humphries

JUST THE FACTS: The 18th Annual On the Road Event was held on Saturday, May 31st at Happy Hollow Club where the 340 attendees were encouraged to sport festive golf attire in light of this year’s Country Club theme. The VIP Patron Party kicked off the evening at 5:30 pm, followed by a cocktail reception. Guests were greeted at the doors by Club kids as they were seated for a sit-down dinner, program and live auction. The evening festivities concluded on the front lawn with a live performance by local band Pat O & The Show giving guests the opportunity to dance the night away and enjoy the beautiful summer evening.

ZACH LUBECK, RAECHEL DENNIS, TRACY FISHER AND ROD WIDMAN WITH ASHLEY AND ROB WINANS

Notable speaker of the evening was the 2014 State Youth of the Year, Jabaree Culliver of Westside Boys & Girls Club. In his speech, Jabaree detailed his struggles with the burden of having to exude constant strength as he painfully witnessed his mother battle stage four colon cancer, and how the Club was a great support system and second family to him during this time. A standing ovation was followed by his speech. Co Chairs: Laura DiMaio, Sarah Hinsley, Samantha Wahl Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands (BGCM) is one of the largest youth service agencies in the Omaha / Council Bluffs metro area. With six Club locations in North and South Omaha, Mount View Elementary, Westbrook Elementary (Westside), and Carter Lake and Council Bluffs, IA, two middle school sites at Morton Middle School and King Science & Technology Middle School in Omaha, BGCM helps over 5,500 kids receive the direction and educational support that is vital to their success. “I couldn’t be happier with the results of ‘On The Road’. I am so proud of all the hard work everyone put into this amazing event.” ~ Samantha Wahl, Guild President

DANNY AND MONICA PATE, TRICIA AND JEFF HULTGREN WITH JOHN AND AMBER WILLIAMS 66

mquarterly • auG 2014

mSCENE-BGCM QX8_EVENTS 8/9/14 6:37 PM Page 67

mquarterly

| on the road event

RICK AND CAROL RUSSELL, JOEL RUSSELL, ERIN SWANSON RUSSELL, PEG AND BILL SWANSON

TRACY FISHER AND SAMANTHA WAHL WITH TYLER AND LISA OWEN

IVAN GILREATH (PRESIDENT, CEO / BGCM) AND ASHLEY WINANS (CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER / BGCM)

KIRK AND SUE SWARTZBAUGH WITH BROOKS AND STACEY CALL AND SCOTT MOORE

TRACY FISHER, ANTHONY DAVIS, TINA AND KEITH CASH, LIZ AND ART STILL, WALTER WHITE, ROBIN AND BUD STALLWORTH AND SARA COMER

• VIEW & PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OF THESE EVENTS now! AT SPiritofomaha.com

JERRY AND JANET SLUSKY WITH ROSIE AND GERRY TOMKA

ANDEE HOIG WITH TOM AND MARY KERR

KIRK AND SUE SWARTZBAUGH, BROOKS AND STACEY CALL AND SCOTT MOORE

BEN TIEFENTHALER, STEPHANIE FOGLE, FRED SALZMANN, JAZMIN HYMOND, KAYDEE BEDNARZ AND BRIAN PLESKACH

ADAM AND MEREDITH TAYLOR WITH RUSSELL BOTHWELL AND KELLI DEERE

HALEIGH HENRY FEWELL, WALTER WHITE AND ASHLEY ELLINGTON

68-69-mSCENE-Polo QX8_EVENTS 8/10/14 7:39 PM Page 68

featured eVeNt

spotlight

nebraska medical center

NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER

PhotoGraPhy by roger humphries

stretch run

NEWS & NOTES: Thoroughbred horse racing may have its Triple Crown, but Omaha has its own equine-centric event – Polo for Patients. And it even comes complete with the ladies in attendance showing off the fanciest hats around. The biennial event began in 2008 and will return to Levi Carter Park in Omaha June 7. The Des Moines Polo Club brought polo players, ponies and the show to the park. When the event started in 2008, it was the first time polo had been played in Omaha in 50 years.

HAL AND MARY DAUB WITH RIDERS: FROM L TO RIGHT: LOUISE VARDE, REGARDO VARDE, ELQLO MAHAAC, WILLIAM CORDERO AND GABY MALDONADO

Polo For Patients benefits The Nebraska Medical Center’s Patients Assistance Fund. The fund is a resource to help patients and their families through difficult financial times. Remaining at the bedside of a loved one in Omaha can be very costly, especially for families from out of town. The fund supports patient needs such as transportation, lodging, food and clothing. The honorary chairs for the 2014 event are Gail and Mike Yanney. “We’re proud to be honorary chairs of an event that supports such an important cause like the Patient Assistance Fund,” the Yanneys said. “The support it provides to families during a difficult time in their lives is invaluable.” Lexus of Omaha is the presenting sponsor for 2014. Borsheim’s/Tag Heuer is the official time-keeper. Interest in Polo For Patients has grown from the first event in 2008. During the inaugural event, 500 people attended. By 2012, the number of attendees nearly doubled. Most important, the event raised over $580,000 this year for the Patient Assistance Fund.

ROB MUETING, KELLY KOHN AND GERI TOPOLSKI 68

mquarterly • auG 2014

68-69-mSCENE-Polo QX8_EVENTS 8/10/14 7:40 PM Page 69

mquarterly

| polo for patients

MARY JOY ANDERSON, GERI TYSON AND ABBIE CORNETT

NATALIE DUGAN WITH LIZ GEHRKI

MIKE YANNEY, BILL DINSMOOR WITH GAIL YANNEY

ANDEE HOIG WITH MELISSA MARVIN

SENATOR BEN NELSON AND HIS WIFE DIANE

KATHERINE LEIBEL AND AIMEE TRUMBULL

JEN TOLAND WITH JACKIE ALMQUIST

MICHELLE GRUMMERT WITH AMANDA BAUMAN

SAMANTHA MOSSER WITH NANCY JOHNSON

DR. BRAD BRITIGAN AND WIFE DENISE

LISA AND GREG DAAKE

70-73-mSCENE-AKSAR-RCW-814_EVENTS 8/10/14 7:46 PM Page 70

featured eVeNt

spotlight

ak-sar-ben royal court

AK-SAR-BEN ROYAL COURT WEEKEND

royal welcome

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN FLANIGAN

ESSENTIALS: When it Happened: Saturday, July 26 Where it Happened: Physicians Mutual Insurance Company Why it Happened: Informal Gathering of the 2014 Royal Court Special Guests: 2013 Queen Carolyn German and her parents, Cal and Karen German; 2013 King Bill Cutler and his wife, Susan; Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation Ball Chairman Terry Kroeger and his wife, Jackie; 2014 Women’s Ball Committee Chair Kim Simon and her husband, Jim; Women’s Ball Committee Advisor Ann Tjaden Catered by: Treat America

KIM HORD, JEN BETTGER, STACEY FALK AND STEPHANIE MURPHY

Mission: The Coronation and Scholarship Ball has a mission of promoting, recognizing and celebrating volunteerism, philanthropy and community pride. It is a fundraising vehicle for the Ak-Sar-Ben Scholars program, operated in partnership with the Horatio Alger Foundation and TeamMates. Fifty four-year scholarship awards are presented to Nebraska and western Iowa students who have overcome great personal adversity and are in need of financial assistance to attain a college degree. The $6,000 awards are matched by local colleges and universities, including the University of Nebraska system, Creighton University, College of St. Mary’s, Bellevue University and Metropolitan Community College. The AkSar-Ben Scholars program assists over 200 students annually to open the doors of opportunity. For a list of this year’s local scholars log on to https://www.horatioalger.org/scholarships/2014awards.c fm?styped=NE. For more information on the Ak-Sar-Ben Scholars program, or to donate, please log on to www.aksarben.org.

KAREN BURKLEY, KAREN GERMAN, CAROLYN GERMAN AND VICTORIA HALGREN 70

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

70-73-mSCENE-AKSAR-RCW-814_EVENTS 8/10/14 7:47 PM Page 71

mquarterly

| welcome

JEFF AND ANN ALBERS WITH MARTHA AND MARK SCHWEERS

RICK, JOSIE AND JEN BETTGER

KAREN SUNDELL WITH ANNE AND BOB SUNDELL

JOHN HASLAM, PAUL SNYDER, TIM NIENHUESER AND DREW TAYLOR

TERRY AND JACKIE KROEGER

KIM, DEREK AND STACEY HORD

DICK HOBACK, JONI CRAIGHEAD-HOBACK, STACI CRAIGHEAD AND BUFFY RICCERI

RACHEL RAMBOUR, MADISON CARSON, JEANIE CARSON AND CHERYL RAMBOUR

MITCH CASSELS, GRANT LENNERS AND JAMES VASKO

• VIEW & PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OF THESE EVENTS now! AT SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

BRIAN, LYNDI AND PUNKIE SKINNER

SUSAN AND BILL CUTLER

RIC, KARA AND JONI LINDQUIST

70-73-mSCENE-AKSAR-RCW-814_EVENTS 8/11/14 5:24 PM Page 72

featured eVeNt

spotlight

ak-sar-ben royal court

AK-SAR-BEN ROYAL COURT WEEKEND

court at brunch

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN FLANIGAN

FACTS & FIGURES: When it Happened: Sunday, July 27 Where it Happened: CenturyLink, Omaha Why it Happened: The Brunch marks the formal announcement of the 2014 Royal Court of Ak-Sar-Ben including Princesses, Heartland Princesses, Escorts, Heartland Escorts, Standard Bearers, Pages and Court of Honor. Special Guests: 2013 Queen Carolyn German and her parents, Cal and Karen German, as well as, 2013 King Bill Cutler, and his wife Susan; Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation Ball Chairman Terry Kroeger and his wife, Jackie; Vice Chair George Little; Coronation and Scholarship Advisor Steve Martin and his wife, Dr. Amy Haddad Catered by: Levy Restaurants Other introductions included the Women’s Ball Committee members, Governors and Councilors of the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben. The Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation staff, official Court appointees and past Ak-Sar-Ben royalty were announced. Following official photographs of the Royal Court participants, Princesses, Heartland Princesses and their mothers met with Women’s Ball Committee Chair Kim Simon, Princess Chair Karen Burkley and Heartland Princess Chair Victoria Halgren. Details reviewed included, the ball gowns designed by Hailey Paige and photography scheduling for formal portraits taken by Royal Court Photographers Michael and Gail Dwyer, Dwyer Photography. John Magiamelli and Lisa Jensen of Creative Hair were present to schedule hair and makeup appointments for the day of the Coronation Ball. For more information on the Ak-Sar-Ben Scholars program, or to donate, please log on to www.aksarben.org.

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

70-73-mSCENE-AKSAR-RCW-814_EVENTS 8/11/14 5:24 PM Page 73

mquarterly

| brunch

BETH KRAMER, KIM SIMON AND ANN TJADEN

BILL CUTLER AND TERRY KROEGER

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2014 CENTURYLINK CENTER OMAHA

Call 402-554-9600 Ext. 106 for Ticket Information www.aksarben.org KALLIE KAYTON, EMILY ABBOTT, RACHEL RAMBOUR, HEATHER CURRY AND SPENCER HOLZFASTER

DR. RUDY KOTULA, ANNA KOTULA AND SUZANNE KOTULA

MOLLY GOLDBERG, DAVID AND WENDY GOLDBERG, DEANNA BOSSELMAN AND EMILY TULLY

KATIE, BROOKS AND DAVE BERLINER

• VIEW & PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OF THESE EVENTS now! AT SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

SUSAN, TYLER AND STEVE WELLMAN

WORKING-A-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/13/14 6:04 PM Page 74

NIGHT OF

event galleries

all stars

The Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska Chapter All Stars Gala The Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska Chapter hosted the All Stars Gala on Saturday, July 19, 2014, at the Hilton Hotel in Omaha. The evening featured a special appearance by actor and producer Brett Cullen, who was the event’s guest speaker. Preparing to shoot the film It Snows All the Time, based on a true story about a family’s experience with dementia, Cullen will play the role of the father, who is living with dementia.

ERICH HOVER, BRETT CULLEN, VIV EWING AND JONAS ROESER

AMANDA REINERT, MURANDA WILLIAMS, CHRISTINE GEISTKEMPER AND DEB MERRICK

JOHN EWING AND DENNIS PATE

CALVIN JONES WITH KIM AND BOB DANIELS

It Snows All the Time is the first feature film produced by actor and Omaha native Erich Hover, whose father is living with dementia. Helping raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, film tells the story of Hover’s father and family. The All Stars Gala also honored these community leaders for their commitment to ending Alzheimer’s Disease: Humanitarian Award: Holly A. Huerter-Morgan Champion Award: Dr. Anna Fisher Research Award: Dr. Daniel Murman Chapter Youth Advocate Award: Maddie Cunningham Chapter Legacy Award: Dr. Roger Brumback, Posthumously Corporate Leadership Award: Methodist Health System Awards were bestowed upon these honorees for their significant accomplishments, achievements, and for providing hope to those affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

SUSAN CLARKE, ROSALEE YEAWORTH, DEBORAH CONLEY AND NICOLE DYER

ATHENA ROBERSON AND EULISH MOORE

Raising $57,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska Chapter, this event provided 200 guests with the opportunity to learn more about ways to fight Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to hearing Cullen discuss his upcoming film and experience with Alzheimer’s, guests enjoyed an elegant dinner and auction. For more information about the Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska Chapter, call 402.502.4301 or visit alz.org/nebraska.

• VIEW & PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OF THESE EVENTS now! AT SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

LARRY AND TRACI GUENTHER WITH ROBIN AND JOE DONOVAN

RODRIGO LOPEZ, CAROL AND RICK RUSSELL AND MARY LOPEZ

CAPTIONS

CAP74

m 74

! • auG/SePt/OCt 2014 mquarterly

WORKING-A-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/13/14 6:04 PM Page 75

CAPS FOR A cure

American Cancer Society Hope in the Heartland Gala

The third annual “Hope in the Heartland Gala – A Derby Good Time with a Cure in Mind” raised more than $225,000 this weekend in the fight against cancer.

ARTISTS GRACE, RYLEIGH AND TEAGAN WRIGHT

C.S. AND EVENT CHAIR MARILYN JOHNSON

The outdoor event was held Friday, July 25, on the grounds of Stinson Park at Aksarben Village and drew nearly 400 guests, who enjoyed an evening of food, entertainment and the opportunity to bet play money on classic horse races that played on the big screen throughout the night. All proceeds benefited the American Cancer Society, which in the last year has donated more than $900,000 in Omaha to support cancer research.

ADDIE HOLLINGSWORTH, ANGIE KAIPUST AND CONNIE SULLIVAN

EMCEES SERESE COLE (WOWT) AND DAVE WINGERT (BIG O!)

“The fight against cancer takes more than a doctor or researcher; it takes a commitment from all of us,” said Marilyn Johnson, an active American Cancer Society volunteer who chaired this year’s event. “This event – and the money it raised – demonstrates what a difference that commitment can make.” During the event, guests donned derby hats, sundresses and casual attire and sampled an eclectic selection of food at stations that lined the park. The food was provided by restaurants and local chefs, who all donated their time and food.

JOEL AND ERIN RUSSELL

TYLER AND AMY MARSH WITH JEN RUTAR

The event featured a silent and live auction as well as a bid board. One of the most popular items of the evening was a series of art pieces created by five children who all have been impacted by cancer. Four of the five children are cancer survivors, and their artwork raised a total of $2,400 during the live auction. Masters of Ceremonies Serese Cole of WOWT and Dave Wingert of 101.9 The Big O kept the audience entertained throughout the event, and the evening concluded with live musical entertainment by the popular Omaha band Finest Hour.

• VIEW & PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OF THESE EVENTS now! AT SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

EMILY NIELSEN, KLARE VEATH AND ALLIE GARDNER

Media partners WOWT Channel 6 and 101.9 The Big O also were also honored for their in-kind support with the Spirit of Hope Award. For more information call 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

MARIA GALLIGAN, ASHER STOLLER AND JULIE SHANER

CAPTIONS

CAP75

m • auG/SePt/OCt ! 75 2014 mquarterly

WORKING-A-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/13/14 6:04 PM Page 76

event galleries

DREAMteam

Ollie Webb Center “Ollie’s Dream” Gala

Where it Happened: Hilton Downtown When it Happened: June 8 Caterer: Hilton Hotel Attendees: approximately 300 DENISE GEHRINGER AND KATHIE SNOW

KIM AND MIKE LOEFFLER WITH LAURIE ACKERMANN

Proceeds from this event will benefit children, adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities who participate in services offered by Ollie Webb Center, Inc. Featured Speaker: former Husker, Corey McKeon Master of Ceremonies: Jim Siedlecki, Daybreak News Anchor, WOWT

DAN AND PAT KLINE

LAUREN CABLE AND MONICA BOSILJEVAC

Entertainment: Belles & Whistles; Leah Stodden and students of Ollie Webb Center, Inc., Eddie Kraska &Alan Friedman Ollie’s Dream Gala 2013 Sponsors: Client Resources, Inc. (CRI) Northern Natural Gas, Kiewit Companies Foundation Travel and Transport, HDR, Koley-Jessen Lutz & Company, Andrew-Benjamin Group BCDM Architects, First National Bank Job Source USA, Lamp Rynearson & Associates, Inc. McKesson Corporation, OPPD, Republic National Distributing Company Thrasher Basements Systems, Inc., Thrivent Financial Visiting Nurse Association of the Midlands/ Easter Seals Nebraska

RACHEL SKRADSKI AND MALLORY EDWARDS

STEVE AND AMBER PRESTON WITH JENNY AND RYAN WILLIAMS

Ollie Webb Center, Inc. is a local non-profit organization serving children, adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities and their families through support, programs and advocacy. Services are offered by The Arc of Omaha and Career Solutions, Inc. and include advocacy, education, mentoring, social and recreational activities, community employment and independent living. Mission statement: To enrich the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through support, programs and advocacy.

• VIEW & PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OF THESE EVENTS now! AT SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

ARAH KLEINSCHMIDT, DOUG SPURGEON, ERIKA AND COREY MCKEON, ANDY NARRIOTT AND JENNIFER RUDDICK

For more information visit www.olliewebbinc.org

CAPTIONS

CAP76

76 m

! • auG/SePt/OCt 2014 mquarterly

WORKING-A-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/15/14 11:27 AM Page 77

"! $

# !

HEARTS

heroic

The Salvation Army D.J.’s Hero Luncheon

GOVERNOR DAVE HEINEMAN

DR. BEN CARSON

BACK ROW: GABRIEL EDWARD FISHER, AMANDA JEAN DYAS, SUZANNE CARUSO, DAVID SOKOL, PEGGY SOKOL, LORI SCOTT, DAVID SCOTT, MISHALA LEWIS, LUKE GROSSNICKLAUS. FRONT ROW: RYAN KILE, RACHEL ELIZABETH PAVELKA, KARA DONOVAN, MCKENZIE C. MARTIN

77 m • auG/SePt/OCt % 2014 mquarterly

Special Guest: Keynote speaker, Dr. Ben Carson When It Happened: Tuesday, May 13, 2014 Where It Happened: Centurylink Center Why/How It Happened: Named after D.J. Sokol, son of David and Peggy Sokol of Omaha, who lost his courageous battle with cancer at age 18. The annual luncheon honored eight D.J.’s Hero Scholarship Award recipients for their commitment to others and to their community. Honorees reside in Nebraska and received a $10,000 academic scholarship. Catered by: MECA Honorary Chairs: Governor Dave Heineman Honorary Chairman; Lori and David Scott, 2014 Chairmen Premier Sponsors Fred Arkoosh, Jr. Foundation; The David Scott Foundation; UltraAir Attendance: Record breaking 1,430 About The Salvation Army: an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. For more information visit www.givesalvationarmy.org

WORKING-A-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/13/14 6:04 PM Page 78

event galleries

HEALING links

Quality Living, Inc.

Tenth Annual Golf Challenge Over 100 golfers joined QLI at the Players Club at Deer Creek for QLI’s tenth annual Golf Challenge. Participants from dozens of QLI’s closest community partners teed off with QLI across 18 specially-themed golf holes. Some challenged the golfers’ mettle by adding special wrinkles— like mandatory vision-distorting goggles—to the play. Other holes offered the golfers a chance to win one of an array of exciting prizes. But all the participation, from start to finish, supported Omaha’s national leader in brain and spinal cord rehabilitation.

CRAIG LEFLER, JOHN COX, MARK ELLERBECK AND DAN GOMEZ

QLI would like to thank its many generous sponsors for their support of the event, as well as the day’s participants and volunteers for making such a remarkable day possible.

DIAN PICKEREL, MARCY ROWE, DEB DENBECK AND CHRIS WENDLANDT

RICH EAKIN, JONATHAN ORLICH, DARRIN DUKART AND KAY TELFORD

For more information visit TeamQLI.com.

CURT TATE, JEFF CREASON, ED PERSON, AND TOMMIE FRAZIER

CAPTIONS

CAP78

78 m

• auG/SePt/OCt 2014 mquarterly !

WORKING-A-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/13/14 6:04 PM Page 79

" ! & &

" % ! " #

WALK OF life

JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes

More than 3,500 people participated in the 23rd annual Omaha-Council Bluffs JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes held at the Lewis & Clark Landing on August 2nd. Fundraising efforts will continue through early September with the goal of raising more than $610,000 for type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. The proceeds raised from the event will fund critically needed T1D research.

SADIE CHELOHA (CENTER) WITH TEAM SADIES SUPERSTARS

“We are grateful and thrilled to see our community join together to support the millions of people with type 1 diabetes,” said Lori Bechtold, Executive Director of JDRF’s Heartland Chapter. “JDRF has a strategic plan to put an end to this terrible disease, and it is thanks to the dedication of our donors, volunteers, and participants throughout the community that we will reach our vision of a world without T1D.” The Walk festivities began at 8:00 AM, including face painting, bounces houses, massage tents and live entertainment by local band, High Heel. Coca-Cola, Hy-Vee, Bruegger’s Bagel, Kellogg’s, and Hiland Diary generously provided beverages and snacks for walkers before and after the 2 mile walk.

CHRIS RICHARDSON WITH JESS ZEISS

WAYNE BENA, STEVE LOFTUS, AND TERRY WELAND

ROBBIE COLAN, ROBYN SHIRLEY, AND MICHELLE HUBER

PIRZADA SATTAR, RAYAAN SATTAR, FATIMA SATTAR AND LUKMAAN STATTAR

JACQUELINE PHILLIPS WITH TEAM BACKIN JACQUELINE

FINISH LINE

“Thank you to Land O’Frost, Hy-Vee, KMTV Action 3 News, local sponsors, family teams, and our dedicated volunteers for all of their passion and hard work that made this year’s JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes such a success,” said Jess Zeiss, President of JDRF’s Heartland Chapter. “Together, we will put an end to this disease and turn Type One into Type None!” JDRF is a member of Community Health Charities of Nebraska (CHC-NE), a partnership of 18 premier Nebraska-based health charities working to improve the health and wellness of Nebraskans. The non-profit fundraising federation raises charitable contributions through workplace giving, corporate gifts, and foundation grants for member agencies to fund research, client services and programs, and community education.

• VIEW & PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OF THESE EVENTS now! AT SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

CAPTIONS

CAP79

79 2014 mquarterly m • auG/SePt/OCt '

WORKING-B-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/15/14 1:51 PM Page 80

event galleries

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

WORKING-B-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/15/14 1:58 PM Page 81

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

WORKING-B-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/13/14 6:50 PM Page 82

event galleries

%)% ' & + + %#&" ) "+

&" $

%)% ' & +

WINE, SWINE &

rhyme

Completely KIDS Pinot, Pigs & Poets Proceeds from the fifth annual Pinot, Pigs & Poets supporting Omaha nonprofit Completely KIDS exceeded $250,000, event organizers announced last week. JOANI MULLIN, BRIAN LEIFERMAN, MARY JO AND BOB LANGDON, MAUREEN AND STEVE TURNER, NANCY AND BOB EDICK, TERRI AND JACK MCDONNELL, DARLENE AND RANDY MUELLER, JODY AND GAYLE CARSTENS, AND AMY AND JOHN DEARDORFF

More than 400 people attended what has become one of Omaha’s premier wine and food events for an evening of wine lover’s paradise and hog heaven cuisine at Happy Hollow Club on June 12. “Pinot, Pigs & Poets is an enchanting evening of great wine and delicious pork for a good cause,” said Jodie Mackintosh, Pinot, Pigs & Poets co-chair. “Support of this event by a wonderful group of volunteers and the community amazes us each year. They understand the importance of backing the Weekend Food Program to ensure children right here in Omaha have nutritious food through the weekend.”

JACK AND TERRI MCDONNELL, PENNY PARKER, BRIAN LEIFERMAN, AND JODY AND GAYLE CARSTENS

BRIAN LEIFERMAN AND GAYLE CARSTENS

MICHELE AND DOUG GREWCOCK

PENNY PARKER WITH STEVE AND AMY LINDSEY

Highlights of the event included the announcement of the winner of the Taste of Elegance chef competition, sponsored by the Nebraska Pork Producers Association, and the vintner competition winner. Chef Jason Hughes, of Happy Hollow Club, will attend the 2015 Pork Summit at the Greystone Campus of the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, Calif., for his winning dish: Heads or Tails (braised cheek and pig tail croquette). Judges named Failla 2011 Keefer Ranch as the top wine. In addition to pork samplings from The Boiler Room, Catering Creations, 801 Chophouse, Happy Hollow Club, Le Voltaire French Restaurant, Lot 2 Restaurant & Wine Bar, M’s Pub, Salt 88, Stokes Grill & Bar, Vivace and V. Mertz, guests enjoyed sipping more than 40 exquisite Pinot Noir wines from their very own Riedel wine glasses. Poets from the Nebraska Writers Collective served up a menu of interactive slam poetry for guests throughout the evening. Pinot, Pigs & Poets has continued growing in its success from its start in 2010. The first event brought in $30,000. Successive events have seen an increase annually in the amount of money raised, event attendees and volunteer committee members involved.

NANCY EDICK, RANDY MUELLER AND BOB EDICK

SUSAN AND GREGOR HENRICKS

82 m

To find out how you can help Completely KIDS, visit completelykids.org.

, • auG/SePt/OCt 2014 mquarterly

WORKING-B-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/13/14 6:50 PM Page 83

%)% ' & + %*') (+ %

* "!

! ' '+ %*$

novel IDEA

Omaha Public Library Fdtn. A Novel Affaire April 12 proved to be a memorable evening for the Omaha Public Library Foundation and Omaha Public Library. A Novel Affaire, a new annual fundraiser for the library foundation, welcomed award-winning author Margaret Atwood and more than 200 guests at the Milton R. Abrahams Branch at 5111 N. 90th St. in Omaha.

MARGARET ATWOOD

CITY COUNCILWOMAN AIMEE MELTON WITH OMAHA MAYOR JEAN STOTHERT

JACK DIESING, TERRI DIESING, STEVE BRUCKNER, AND ANNE BRUCKNER

COLLEEN AAGESEN, LEFT, WITH GLORIA SORENSEN

Local artists and businesses donated a number of items for the evening’s raffle. Prizes included works by Diane Hayes, Erick Post, Shari Post, Rodney Rahl, Jill Rizzo, and the late Wanda Ewing (donated by Ewing’s family). Event sponsors included Tenaska, Mutual of Omaha, Heritage Services, Deloitte, First National Bank, Fraser Stryker, Holland Foundation, Jim and Rochelle Mullen, National Everything Wholesale, and Performance Auto Group. Library supporters, Atwood fans, and local leaders – including Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert and Omaha City Councilwoman Aimee Melton – celebrated Omaha Public Library and its impact in our community. “More than 309,000 people are proud to be members of the Omaha Public Library. Membership is growing, and we are very proud of that,” Mayor Stothert said. “Under the leadership of Executive Director Gary Wasdin and his team, our libraries offer what our customers want: books, audio, movies, and technology.”

MARGARET ATWOOD

CAPTIONS

Mayor Stothert added: “Omaha is known for its generous spirit, in both philanthropy and volunteerism. We rely on public/private partnerships to provide and expand services that will make our great city extraordinary.” Gary Wasdin, Omaha Public Library executive director, emphasized the importance of private support through events such as A Novel Affaire, but also ongoing contributions. “As the largest private supporter of the library, the Omaha Public Library Foundation was responsible for the library’s first computerized card catalog and circulation system in 1990,” Wasdin said. “Since then, it has helped the library keep up with changing times by providing funding for collections and technology, as well as ongoing support for literacy programs, author events, early literacy initiatives, and much more.” A Novel Affaire raised approximately $35,000 for the Omaha Public Library Foundation.

look for the LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE EVENT BOOK 2014!

CAPTIONS 83

83 m • auG/SePt/OCt , 2014 mquarterly

)!%$

84-85-mSCENE-OCP-814_EVENTS 8/10/14 8:42 PM Page 84

featured eVeNt

spotlight

omaha community playhouse

OMAHA COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE

ovation

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROGER HUMPHRIES

CURTAIN CALL: • When It Happened: Monday, June 30, 2014 • Catered by: Catering Creations • Attendance: More than 400 The Omaha Community Playhouse honored its top volunteers at the annual Awards Night ceremony held Monday evening. Awards Night is a tribute to the thousands of volunteers who contribute their time and talents to OCP. Awards are given for outstanding service in front-of-house areas; in backstage areas involving costuming and technical assistance; and for excellence in performing.

PERFORMERS FROM YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN

The evening culminated with the presentation of the Fonda/McGuire Award to Joseph Dignoti for his performance as Javert in Les Miserables and Camille Metoyer Moten for her performance as Dr. Bessie Delany in Having Our Say, the male and female actors judged to have given the best performance of the season. The award is named for Henry Fonda and Dorothy McGuire, OCP’s most eminent alumni. Retired artistic director Carl Beck and retired associate artistic director Susan Baer Collins were also honored for their 30-year service to OCP.

CARL BECK AND SUSAN BAER COLLINS 84

mquarterly • auG 2014

MARK THORNBURG AND ANGELA JENSON

84-85-mSCENE-OCP-814_EVENTS 8/10/14 8:43 PM Page 85

mquarterly

| awards night

applause Fonda/McGuire Award for the most outstanding performance of the season Female: Camille Metoyer Moten for her performance as Dr. Bessie Delany in Having Our Say Male: Joseph Dignoti for his performance as Javert in Les Misérables

NICK LUNDEEN AND REGINA PALMER WITH AGUEL LUAL

JOSEPH DIGNOTI AND JOSEPH O’CONNOR

Mary Peckham Award for a memorable performance in a feature role Female Musical: Angela Jenson-Frey for her performance as Diana in Next to Normal Male Musical: Ablan Roblin for his performance as Frederick Frankenstein in Young Frankenstein | Female Play: Lanette Metoyer Moore for her performance as Sadie Delany in Having Our Say | Male Play: Monty Eich for his performance as Robert in Boeing, Boeing Barbara Ford Award for outstanding performance in a supporting role Female Musical: Abigael Stewart for her performance as Eponine in Les Misérables Male Musical: TIE – Cork Ramer for his performance as Thenardier in Les Misérables and Spencer Williams as Igor in Young Frankenstein Female Play: Jonnique Peters for her performance as Susan in Race Male Play: TIE – Andre McGraw for his performance as Henry Brown in Race and Anthony Clark-Kaczmarek for his performance as Bernard as Boeing, Boeing Elaine Jabenis Cameo Award for a memorable performance in a small role Female Musical: Megan McGuire for her performance as Madame Thenardier in Les Misérables | Male Musical: Noah Jeffrey for his performance as Gavroche in Les Misérables | Female Play: MaryBeth Adams for her performance as Berthe in Boeing, Boeing | Male Play: Noah Diaz for his performance as Richard Miller in Sirens

TYLER BUGLEWICZ

ANTHONY CLARK-KACZMAREK

Bill Bailey Debut Award for outstanding performance in a first appearance on an OCP Stage Female Winner: Regina Palmer for her performance as The Siren in Sirens Male Winner: Tyler Buglewicz for his performance as Enjolras in Les Misérables Trustees’ Award to recognize special distinguished service to the Omaha Community Playhouse Winner: Carl Beck and Susan Baer Collins Edward F. Owen Award for corporations, foundations and individuals whose partnership and contribution have nurtured and sustained ongoing development of OCP Winner: The Paul and Oscar Giger Foundation

KATHY TYREE

SPENCER WILLIAMS

Echo Ellick Award in recognition of outstanding backstage work Winner: Tom Sprague, backstage volunteer Dick Boyd Award in recognition of exceptional contribution on stage Winners: Judy Radcliff and Jim McKain, actors Charles Jones Award to recognize excellence in performance at the discretion of the directors Winner: Jason DeLong, actor

• VIEW & PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OF THESE EVENTS now! AT SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

CAMILLE METOYER MOTEN AND LANETTE METOYER MOORE

JIM MCKAIN

Staff Awards in recognition of employment at OCP Jim Othuse – Forty Year Service Carl Beck – Thirty Year Service Georgiann Regan – Twenty Year Service Jeannine Robertson – Ten Year Service Backstage Valuable Service, Out Front Valuable Service and Stage Manager Awards were also presented.

WORKING-B-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/13/14 6:51 PM Page 86

VALUE BEYOND

event galleries

$($ & % * $)&( '* $

& '

! & #,' $"

measure

Nebraska Children’s Home Society Sand in the City® Nebraska Children’s Home Society’s Sand in the City® event, held the weekend of June 7th in CenturyLink Center Lot B, brought together 19 corporate teams who worked with 11 master sand sculptors, and local architects & engineers to build 15-ton sand sculptures. More than 200 volunteers ensured the estimated 23,000 visitors enjoyed a weekend filled with fun, child-friendly activities. Spectators watched as 11 master sand sculptors carved a 45-ton grand display out of sand and chalk artists delighted the crowd with temporary works of art. Local acts performed on the main stage, while guests cast their vote for the favorite sculpture in the “People’s Choice” award. . Local teams competing included ConAgra Foods, Creighton University, First National Bank, Gallup, Grace University, HDR, Inc./Lamp Rynearson & Assoc., Hilton Omaha, Kiewit Engineering, Kiewit Underground District, Millard Rotary, Olsson Associates, QLI, SAC Federal Credit Union/Leo A Daly, Sheppard’s Business Interiors, Strategic Health Solutions, TD Ameritrade, Travel and Transport, TSYS Merchant Solutions, and Walmart.

VOLUNTEERS

The 11th annual event raised awareness and more than $100,000 for children and families served through Nebraska Children’s Home Society’s. NCHS serves through statewide pregnancy, parenting and adoption services, foster care, early childhood education, one-on-one support to teens and young parents, and neighborhood-based outreach. It’s mission is to provide safe and loving care to children of all ages. 1st Place Kiewit Underground District 2nd Place Olsson Associates 3rd Place TSYS Merchant Solutions Rookie Team QLI Push It To The Limit Award Millard Rotary Most Creative Award Kiewit Underground District People’s Choice Award Walmart For more information visit nchs.org.

KIEWIT UNDERGROUND WINNING SCULPTURE

KETV SAND SHOVELERS 86

86 m

+ • auG/SePt/OCt 2014 mquarterly

WORKING-B-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/13/14 6:51 PM Page 87

A complete Wellness Spa offering new technology in Body Contouring, Facials, Detox Wraps, Relaxing Warm Body Therapy and more! We use technology ONLY available at Look Great Today in Omaha! SEE, FEEL and MEASURE RESULTS Immediately. 7811 CHICAGO COURT, OMAHA 402-934-5520 • LookGreatToday.us

CAPTIONS

87 m • auG/SePt/OCt + 2014 mquarterly

WORKING-B-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/15/14 2:04 PM Page 88

event galleries

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

WORKING-B-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/15/14 2:14 PM Page 89

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

WORKING-B-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/15/14 2:16 PM Page 90

event galleries

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

WORKING-B-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/15/14 2:17 PM Page 91

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

WORKING-B-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/15/14 2:23 PM Page 92

event galleries

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

WORKING-B-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/15/14 2:26 PM Page 93

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

WORKING-B-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/15/14 2:55 PM Page 94

event galleries

Photog graphy courtesy of Borsheims

RUNWAY ready y

Borsheims Jewelry y Event 3rd Annual Red Carpet Ready When it happened: Thursday, July 17, 2014

Where it happened: Borsheims Jewelry at Regency Court ABBY BYRD AND LINDSAY BIDEAUX

BROOK HUDSON, KAREN GORACKE AND NICK HUDSON

Sponsors: Borsheims & Omaha Fashion Week Omahaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fashion lovers are ready for the Red Carpet after Borsheims and the organizers of Omaha Fashion Week teamed up to present Red Carpet Ready. Those attending the event Thursday evening were able to enjoy cocktails and appetizers while learning how to pose on the red carpet, how to get Red Carpet Ready hair and make-up, and browsing and buying Borsheims great selection of fashion jewelry.

MOLLY BYRD

JANAE BUCKLEY AND JANNA BUCKLEY

ALI BABE, JACKIE WALZ AND BROOK HUDSON

COURTNEY REIMAN, HOPE LIANN, MEGHAN GLADNEY, ELI CONTRERAS, JASMIN FOLKERS AND ALISSA CLARKE

This is the third year for Red Carpet Ready at Borsheims, with the event growing in popularity each year. Hundreds of people arrived dressed in their red carpet best. They were DEOH WR WU\ RQ GLĚżHUHQW MHZHOU\ DQG WDNH SKRWRV ZLWK LW RQ RXU Borsheims red carpet. Kontempo salon did hair and make-up tutorials, and Stephanie Kantis jewelry held a trunk show to VKRZFDVH WKHLU IDVKLRQ MHZHOU\ 7KH Í&#x20AC;UVW SHRSOH WR FRPSOHWH a mobile matching game pairing Borsheims jewelry with PRGHOV ZHDULQJ GHVLJQHU RXWÍ&#x20AC;WV ZRQ %RUVKHLPV JLIIWW EDJV Omaha Fashion Week is the Midwestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier fashion event. Both talent incubator and glamorous professional showcase, the event connects industry professionals with a large and engaged audience. Omaha Fashion Week will be held August 18th -24th, 2014. Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts is one of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest independent jewelry stores and a proud member of the Berkshire Hathaway family. With an international clientele VSDQQLQJ VWDWHV DQG VL[ FRQWLQHQWV %RUVKHLPV FRQWLQXHV to operate with the vision that has guided the company for with the respect and importance it deserves.â&#x20AC;? For more information call (402)391-0400.

KRISTEN ROZMIAREK

TERESA DILT AND ALYSSA DILT

ERIKA WALKER, LYNN BOGATZ AND KIM HARPOLE

LINDSAY BIDEAUX AND BRITTANY BENNET 94

JO ANN QUINIF, TANYA SPRATT AND JESSICA MOORE

mquarterly â&#x20AC;˘ auG/SePt/OCt 2014

1-7-LEAD SECTION-814_QUARTERLY 8/10/14 6:52 PM Page 95

WORKING-B-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/15/14 2:31 PM Page 96

event galleries

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

WORKING-B-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/15/14 2:33 PM Page 97

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

WORKING-B-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/15/14 2:36 PM Page 98

event galleries

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

WORKING-B-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/15/14 2:38 PM Page 99

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

WORKING-B-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/15/14 2:40 PM Page 100

event galleries

100

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

1-7-LEAD SECTION-814_QUARTERLY 8/10/14 8:47 PM Page 101

WORKING-B-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/13/14 5:52 PM Page 102

event galleries

HIP hops

Omaha Beer Fest

4th Annual Omaha Beer Fest & Street Eats When It Happened: Friday and Saturday, June 6-7

CODY WRAGGE, DUSTY AND LINDSEY AYLES, KELSEY NUTZMAN AND MAGGIE KINGSLEY

CARL HAGSTRAND AND JESSICA GOSSELINK WITH LAURA AND MARK MEARS

Where It Happened: Stinson Park, Aksarben Village Why It Happened: Attendance benefited Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy

Breweries included: Founders Brewing Co., Deschutes Brewing Co., Grimm Brothers Brewing Co. and dozens more. Food trucks included Maria Bonita, Mosaic Pickle, Nitro Burger and Prairie Fire Pizza. Attendance: 4,000

PARENT PROJECT MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY: MARK AND ROBIN TAYLOR WITH SANDY AMENDOLA AND DAN KRACHT

KRISTY OSBORN, MICHELLE WADE, JENNY WHITCOMB AND KELLY ROCHA

Patrons enjoyed hundreds of American craft beers, Beer Academy sessions, live music, VIP Lounge, food trucks and more! In addition, a Homebrewer Expo featured dozens of experimental homebrews courtesy of local and regional home brewer associations, including the Local 402, Topeka Hall of Foamers and Iowa Brewers Union. More information: jen@urbaneventsinc.com parentprojectmusculardystrophy.com

SHAWNA MURPHY, JULIE GORMAN, BRANDY WEGNER AND DAVE HEBERLY

AMY SEXTON, PATIENCE SPENCE AND AMY SAND

MICHAELA TROUT, MOLLEE ROSS, FELICIA BROOKS AND BRIDGETTE HINES

MARIA AND CURTIS RABER, THAIS RABER, JOHN CAMPISI AND ANNA-MARIE CAMPISI

COREY OSBORN, JOHN WADE, BRYAN WHITCOMB AND MAX ROCHA

TARA MERKWAN, KATRINA CORCORAN AND MICHELLE CARBERRY m 102 102

! • auG/SePt/OCt 2014 mquarterly

WORKING-B-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/15/14 2:44 PM Page 103

103

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

WORKING-B-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/15/14 2:46 PM Page 104

event galleries

104

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

WORKING-B-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/15/14 2:47 PM Page 105

105

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

WORKING-B-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/15/14 2:47 PM Page 106

event galleries

106

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

WORKING-B-mSCENE-814_EVENTS 8/13/14 5:53 PM Page 107

Photography by Dan Flanigan

ALS aware

ALS in the Heartland

Bob Hahn Memorial Golf Classic Special Guests: Mike Brom (current ALS in the Heartland patient) and his family were special guests at the Golf Classic. Mike shared his journey of living with ALS with the golfers prior to them teeing off, while his son, Tyler, also shared his story of having a dad with ALS during the dinner. When It Happened: Friday, June 27, 2014 Where It Happened: Tiburon Golf Club Why It Happened: ALS in the Heartland held the annual Bob Hohn Memorial Golf Classic to raise awareness and funds for ALS patients and families being served in Nebraska and western Iowa. The event included an 18 hole scramble, prime rib and chicken dinner, and a silent auction.

MIKE AND ANGIE BROM

Mission: To provide the highest quality of support and care for ALS patients and their families. Attendance: 50 teams â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 200 golfers Funds Raised: $52,000 (gross) About: ALS in the Heartland is a non-profit organization that provides free, individualized services to ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) patients, their families, and caregivers residing in all of Nebraska and western Iowa.

DAN GOALEY AND TAMMY STAZLER

107

mquarterly â&#x20AC;˘ auG/SePt/OCt 2014

DNB ELECTRICAL

TOP-ORW-RestaurantsGuide814_- 8/10/14 6:33 PM Page 108

omaha RESTAURANT WEEK

• mquarterly

top restaurants guide

wine and dine at nosh SIP. TASTE. SAVOR. All the senses at Nosh Restaurant and Wine Lounge. Nosh is the perfect spot to SIP on a delicious wine or cocktail, TASTE a culinary delight from our kitchen and SAVOR our relaxing inviting atmosphere. Nosh is the perfect spot for an enjoyable evening out with your favorite person! Visit Nosh during Restaurant Week for a special three course menu for $30!

Nosh RestauRaNt aNd WiNe LouNge 1006 dodge street, omaha • 402.614.2121 • www.noshwine.com

taste the difference The Grey Plume is a confluence of many delicious things about the metro and just beyond. The Grey Plume partners with dedicated local farmers, practicing environmentally conscious methods and providing Omahans with incredibly tasty food: the freshest in the region…and it’s all done in fun, creative, and sustainable ways!

the gRey pLume midtown Crossing | 220 s. 31st ave., suite 3101 402.763.4447 • www.thegreyplume.com

shucks: great seafood, great prices Have you ever been to the Gulf Coast or New England and loved the feel of a good old-fashioned Oyster Bar? Well, we brought one back for you! Featuring Oyster on the half-shell, shucked right in front of you, Po'Boys, Lobster Rolls, Crab Cakes and MUCH MORE! We offer a great selection of daily FRESH FISH specials in a friendly, casual environment.

shuCks Fish house oysteR BaR 1218 s. 119th street, omaha • 402.827.4376 1911 Leavenworth, omaha • 402.614.5544 168th & Center | the shops of Legacy, omaha • 402.763.1860 • www.absolutelyfresh.com

benvenuti amici! Tastefully old world and yet exquisitely modern pasta Amore is the elegantly Italian home of a quarter century of the best in fine food. From irresistible dishes too it's fabulous wine list no detail is too small for this family owned restaurant come meet the family arrivederci!

pasta amoRe Rockbrook Village • 108th and Center, omaha 402.391.2585 • www.pastaamore.net

a refined experience A true Omaha original, Brix at Village Pointe and Midtown Crossing offer a vast selection of wine, beer and spirits in a comfortable and relaxing environment. The retail experience is complemented by our Bistro, with freshly prepared lunch, Happiest Hour and dinner menus, in addition to our wine cellars and fully-capable business and event centres.

BRix at ViLLage poiNte • 225 N. 170th street, omaha • 402.991.wine(9463) BRix at midtoWN CRossiNg • 220 s. 31st ave, omaha • 402.992.vino(8466) www.brixomaha.com

108

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

TOP-ORW-RestaurantsGuide814_- 8/10/14 6:33 PM Page 109

1-7-LEAD SECTION-814_QUARTERLY 8/10/14 7:00 PM Page 110

111-117-BRAVO-814_FINAL 8/8/14 8:11 PM Page 111

celebrating THE ARTS

STORY BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF OMAHA SYMPHONY

• mquarterly

in demand

OMAHA SYMPHONY MAESTRO

thomas wilkins

CONDUCTING ORCHESTRAS ACROSS AMERICA IS NOTHING NEW FOR OMAHA SYMPHONY MUSIC DIRECTOR THOMAS WILKINS, WHO BALANCES HIS ROLE LOCALLY WITH HIS PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR DUTIES AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL. THE RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT naming Omaha Symphony music director Thomas Wilkins principal conductor of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra took many aback. After all, who expects a Midwest conductor to “go Hollywood” and how can someone possibly serve two orchestras? What even most Symphony supporters didn’t realize is that Wilkins guest conducts a dozen-plus orchestras a year across America. It’s a juggling act he’s well used to and a good indicator of how in-demand he is. Before being made the Bowl’s principal conductor he served as its principal guest conductor the past six years. He’s annually conducted eight or nine star-laden summer concerts at the nation’s largest natural outdoor amphitheater and done everything a principal does, including hiring and firing. He led a June 21 program there featuring Kristen Chenoweth, Pink Martini and The Go-Go’s.

111

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

CONTINUED

111-117-BRAVO-814_FINAL 8/8/14 8:11 PM Page 112

celebrating THE ARTS

CONTINUED

Now Wilkins has a title befitting his duties. Though he never sought a permanent tie with the Bowl, he has fallen in love with the legendary venue’s diverse performers and crowds. “Everybody has appeared at the Hollywood Bowl, from The Beatles to (Igor) Stravinsky. I’m just pleased to be a part of its history,” he says. He’s also pleased to be part of “the beautiful scene” that unfolds there. “It seats 18,000 people and you can still get a ticket in the highest parts of the place for a buck. They do that so everyone has access. As a result, the audience is always this rich mix of people. When I look out I see actors and people of great means sitting in front and I see teenagers and people of all ages and hues.” Making music accessible is important to Wilkins. He grew up in a single mother-headed home in the projects of Va., where music became his path to wider horizons he sometimes still pinches himself about.

committed to omaha Omaha’s fortunate that just as his star is rising and interest in him is high – he turned down three job offers in recent months – he remains fully committed to the Symphony, where his contract is renewed through the 2017-2018 season.

“This is a pretty special place,” says Wilkins, whose first season in Omaha was 2005-2006. His professional “I love to remind people in the orchestra what it felt like music career includes stints in Boston, Detroit, Tampa when they first fell in love with music. I’ve never lost Bay and Richmond. “There’s an infrastructure here, a level that appreciation because I’m never not aware of of support, both financial and emotional. We have a just how powerful music is. After a concert it stays remarkable group of people in the office. My board with me for days. I’m happy to be always chairman, our CEO James Johnson and myself are joined at humbled by how great music is. the hip, and that’s very rare, Not only do we have great trust and respect for each other’s abilities, none of us have territory I love it when I meet other artists who realize we’re trying to protect.” this thing is bigger than we are. I hate it when I meet people who believe they’re more Wilkins, well-known for his love of youth music education important than it. I think part of it goes back programs, has found in Omaha an organization of kindred spirits. to the fact I really believe it saved my life and therefore I take none of it for granted.” “Our musicians love teaching and they just happen to have a music director who also loves teaching and who gets his hands dirty with it.” He couldn’t help being in awe doing a two-week, six-concert festival with the He sees growth in the orchestra and in himself. National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in May. “We’re just in a sweet spot right now and I hope we stay in the sweet spot for a long period of time and continue to grow wisely. “Every day when I was being driven up to Within the last couple of years I can sense within myself a the front of the Kennedy Center I looked up different level of maturation. When you’re young you’re always at the building and went, ‘I can’t believe I’m afraid to make a mistake. I’ve gotten to a place where I’m here,’ and yet this is what I do. But I still can’t really comfortable in my own skin and I feel like I know believe I get to do it. I hope to never lose that what I’m talking about and therefore I’m not trying to because it keeps things in perspective.” impress anybody.”

112

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

111-117-BRAVO-814_FINAL 8/8/14 8:11 PM Page 113

• mquarterly

in demand

OMAHA SYMPHONY MAESTRO

thomas wilkins

Wilkins says one of the biggest ways he’s matured is in “learning how to trust the musicians in the orchestra and to respect they come with their own sense of aesthetic and their own expertise and that every single musical passage doesn’t have to be dictated by me. I’ve learned there are moments that actually work best if I get out of the way. In every instance when that happens the musicians rise to the occasion.” “My job is to invite people into this realm of musicmaking to be part of something bigger than they are in a way that they walk away realizing they contributed to something that helped change someone’s life. In that moment we all are changed, we all are made better.”

in harmony The 2014-2015 season offers opportunities “to show how we’ve grown in the last nine years,” he says, particularly the Mahler Resurrection Symphony on Nov. 7. Other highlights include Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Requiem on Nov. 16 conducted by Ernest Richardson and the Jan. 23-24 Northern Lights Festival with a piano concerto the first night and a violin concerto the second. “The only thing I require is we apply the same integrity to a pops concert we do to Shostakovich, Mozart, Brahms or Beethoven, because it’s all great music. It’s just different music. The orchestra is so versatile we can be whatever the program demands. We can be everybody’s orchestra.” He says musicians recognize when everything clicks. “We all know it. It’s almost like adding almond to a chocolate chip cookie for me. There’s something about that kick of almond that makes it extra special.” On the other hand, even a veteran musician like himself can be intimidated by certain pieces. He says he was about to conduct a concert when he noted the soloist betrayed “a look of fear that was unbelievable,” adding, “I left the podium, walked over to her, patted her on the head and said, ‘Don’t you dare be afraid of this music,’ and as I said those words I felt like God was saying those words to me.” For Wilkins, music offers endless possibilities for discovery. “There’s always something new and fresh to do. There’s always a new repertoire to learn.” When a new challenge scares him, he knows he’s about to grow and so he bears down until he masters it. Along the way, though, he’s learned the art of balance. “I’m still an over-preparer but I’m no longer a workaholic. I have a very strong work ethic but I have grown to learn the value of time in my garden and on the golf course. My wife and I have morning coffee every morning we’re both in town.” He’s learned, too, to savor the gifts music keeps giving him, whether making his Tanglewood debut or basking in the Kennedy Center glow or entertaining overflow crowds at the Bowl. For someone who credits music with saving his life, the gifts are never ending.

111-117-BRAVO-814_FINAL 8/8/14 8:12 PM Page 114

celebrating THE ARTS

ARTsarben BRINGS NEW COLOR TO FALL ARTSARBEN, A FALL ARTS FESTIVAL ENTERING ITS THIRD YEAR, HAS A DIFFERENT VIBE THAN ITS MORE TRADITIONAL, 40-YEAROLD COUNTERPART, THE OMAHA SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL. PRESENTED AT AKSARBEN VILLAGE, ARTsarben is smaller, featuring 80 (compared to 135) Art Marketplace artist booths, a Food Court, a KidZone and strolling street performers. The tradeoff is accessibility, facilitated by the more intimate atmosphere of Aksarben Village and Stinson Park, where the event takes place Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28.

residential or commercial space. Art collectors and enthusiasts will be able to purchase works directly from artists in numerous media including jewelry, sculpture, photography, painting, fiber, glass, metal and wood. The original artwork is created by artists across the country; about 25 percent of them are from Nebraska.

up-close and personal

“We don’t have the large pavilion and the huge stage. ARTsarben and Omaha Summer Arts Festival are We tried that the first year and came back the second sister festivals both managed by Vic Gutman & year and decided we wanted to keep the activity Associates, and as with most sisters, there’s a clear around the artists. So we came up with street performers family resemblance: both feature incredible stationed throughout different parts of the festival artwork and offer some of the same appealing location. They are a really fun draw, and we have elements like entertainment, excellent food professionals mixed in with some locals, which is part of our and special activities just for children. community involvement,” Peklo explained. “You can get an ARTsarben, however, is definitely the up-close and personal experience with all the different arts— younger and sassier of the two. the visual arts and the performing arts—you can talk to an artist, you can talk to a performer and have a conversation; “We have an Art Marketplace with artists there’s no onstage barrier that’s going to keep you from that. So if from all over the country, so something you see a juggler, after the act your kid can strike up a that is similar to Summer Arts Festival is conversation with that performer, or if you want to learn more that you’re going to get the same quality about how something is painted or something is put together, you of artwork; you’re going to get the same can have a conversation with the artist about that. quality of juried artists,” Event Manager It’s an all-inclusive arts event in that respect.” Emily Peklo said. “But I think the fact that we’re further west means we’re Families with young children will find the site especially grabbing a whole different demographic welcoming, Peklo added. than Summer Arts Festival.” “Being able to have an active KidZone because of the green from fine to fab space Stinson Park offers is a pretty big part of the overall feeling of ARTsarben. Kids can go run and jump and play in Festivalgoers will find that ARTsarben has a bouncy houses and run around the playground, and that more contemporary feel, Peklo said, and the adds an element that is active and fun and exciting,” she Art Marketplace offers something for every said. “You get more of a family atmosphere where budget, from small jewelry items to major pieces people can bring their kids and still buy some art.” designed to become the focal point for a large 114

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

111-117-BRAVO-814_FINAL 8/8/14 8:13 PM Page 115

• mquarterly

village ART you get more of a family atmosphere where people will bring their kids and still buy some art. ~ EMILY PEKLO EVENT MANAGER

Children will also enjoy special activities for a modest materials fee of 50 cents to a few dollars, including visiting a pumpkin patch to transform their selection into a jack-o-lantern in the spirit of the fall festival, and trying their hand at a wide variety of easy-to-make art projects. “For maybe five dollars you can do some really sweet little crafts and it’s a nice art education for your kids, and adults can shop as well,” Peklo said. “Which—as the mother of a young person—I can tell you is nice.”

Admission is free, and plenty of on-site parking is available, making nearby Aksarben Village businesses and the Sunday Omaha Farmers Market (relocating for the day—with its normal 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. hours and full complement of vendors—to an area just northeast of its regular site) a nice add-on for festivalgoers who want to make a day of it. An art delivery service is available for buyers who don’t want to carry a large piece to their car or who want to pick up their purchases after they’ve had time to enjoy the festivities or browse the rest of the artist booths.

“Being so close to shops and restaurants and businesses in Aksarben Village, it embraces that whole site, you park your car and can do all these thing in one place. It’s not like you’re going to be trekking making a day of it a mile for that experience,” Peklo said. “We’ll have snacks and a variety of food and refreshments, so you can either get Both festival days start at 10 a.m., with the something at the ARTsarben Food Court, or because Art Marketplace and Food Court open for Aksarben Village is there, you can stop in at one of the business until 5 p.m. Street performers such as restaurants on site to grab lunch or dinner. Then you can musicians, dancers, singers, jugglers and go back to the festival and do some more shopping.” magicians will be on-site throughout the weekend.

111-117-BRAVO-814_FINAL 8/8/14 8:14 PM Page 116

celebrating THE ARTS

• mquarterly

TOP 5 OUR TOP PICKS FOR GREAT upcoming attractions September 12 - OctOber 12 THE DROWSY CHAPERONE | HAWKS MAINSTAGE THEATRE Omaha Community Playhouse | 6915 Cass St. | Omaha Winner of five Tony Awards, The Drowsy Chaperone is a delightful look into the world of a musical theatre superfan and a clever musicalwithin-a-musical. The show’s narrator invites the audience into his home to share his favorite musical comedy from the 1920s. As he turns on his record player, the musical bursts to life with the characters appearing in the flesh and his drab apartment transforming into the show’s glamorous Broadway set. 402-553-0800 (box office) | http://www.omahaplayhouse.com/

September 12-18 OKLAHOMA! | BELLEVUE LITTLE THEATRE 203 W. Mission Ave. | Bellevue Bellevue Little Theatre opens its 46th season with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classic, historic musical, Oklahoma! Set a century ago in Oklahoma Territory, the musical tells the story of cowboy Curly’s budding romance with farmer’s daughter Laurey and his rivalry with hired hand Jud for Laurey’s affections. Laurey’s flirtatious friend, Ado Annie, is caught between two suitors, too. The times may have been simpler, but romance was wildly complicated. 402-291-1554 | bellevuelittletheatre.com

OctOber 4

7:30 PM

GISELLE | BALLET NEBRASKA Orpheum Theater | 409 S 16th St. | Omaha Ballet Nebraska’s season begins with Giselle, the classic ballet that’s both a poignant love story and a chilling tale of vengeful ghosts. Fragile but charming peasant girl Giselle captivates Albrecht, a nobleman who employs trickery to court her, but his seemingly innocent deception leads to tragedy. From beyond the grave, Giselle must choose forgiveness for Albrecht’s betrayal or stake her soul and join the beautiful but merciless Queen of the Wilis and her vengeful army of ghostly maidens. 402-541-6946 | http://balletnebraska.org/

OctOber 1-4 | 8-11 HEDDA GABLER | UNO THEATRE Weber Fine Arts Building Theatre | 6001 Dodge St. | Omaha Published in 1890 by Henrich Ibsen, the play Hedda Gabler is recognized throughout the world, with the role of Hedda considered one of the great dramatic roles in theatre. The play centers around Hedda, who’s just returned from her honeymoon but is already bored and dissatisfied with her new role in life, far removed from her rich and privileged upbringing. Visitors from the couple’s past introduce calamity and bring out the unscrupulous side of Hedda: troublemaker and master manipulator. 402-554-3857 | http://www.unomaha.edu/unotheatre/

NOvember 13-30 THE RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR, STARRING THE ROCKETTES OMAHA PERFORMING ARTS Orpheum Theater | 409 S 16th St. | Omaha The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes, makes its Omaha debut this year and audiences will experience the magic of Christmas like never before. The Rockettes—known for their unrivaled precision and athleticism—dance their way through an awe-inspiring journey that transports audiences to Times Square and Santa’s Workshop. The show boasts over 300 glamorous costumes including finale outfits adorned with 3,000 crystals and familiar favorites like the original (since-1933) “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” design. (402) 661-8501 | http://www.omahaperformingarts.org/

116

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

111-117-BRAVO-814_FINAL 8/8/14 8:14 PM Page 117

118-128-STD-814_- 8/8/14 8:28 PM Page 118

community CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER 4

save the date SEPTEMBER 12

6:30 PM

OPERA OUTDOORS –“OPERA’S GREATEST HITS” CONCERT FREE MUlTI-MEDIA PERFORMANCE OPERA OMAHA

6:00 PM

BIG RED TAIlGATE Completely KIDS

The Shops of Legacy | Omaha (402)592-2374 | tammy@alsintheheartland.org | www.alsintheheartland.org

Embassy Suites La Vista | 12520 Westport Parkway | La Vista The eighth annual Big Red Tailgate, a benefit supporting Completely KIDS, will be held Sept. 12 at Embassy Suites La Vista, 12520 Westport Pkwy. Join former Husker players, Completely KIDS guild, board and staff members, as well as members from our community for dinner and cocktails, a raffle prize drawing, entertainment, and silent and live auctions. Honorary chairmen are Amy and John Deardorff, and event co-chairs are Beth Groh, Andi Hallgren and Carrie Weiler. Cost for the event is $150 for patron reservations, $125 for individual reservations and $75 for ages 35 and under. Reservations must be made by Sept. 5 at completelykids.org or by calling (402) 397-5809. $75-150 (402) 397-5809 | http://completelykids.org/events/

SEPTEMBER 5

SEPTEMBER 13

The Pavilion at Turner Park | 3110 Farnam Street | Omaha This event is appropriate for all ages. Lawn chairs, blankets and picnics are encouraged.

SEPTEMBER 5

5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

7TH ANNUAl AlS IN THE HEARTlAND WINE AND BEER EVENT ALS in the Heartland

6:00 PM

5:30 PM – 9:30 PM

BROADWAY BAll 2014 — BIG STARS ON THE BIG STAGE Omaha Performing Arts

SPOTlIGHT GAlA Voices for Children in Nebraska

Holland Performing Arts Center | 1200 Douglas St. | Omaha THE PRESENTERS host this fundraiser to support Omaha Performing Arts’ educational and community involvement efforts. Event features a performance by Tony Award®-nominated actress Kelli O’Hara. Honorary Chairman is Michael Cassling, Event Chairmen are Emily and Clark Lauritzen and Jackie Conway. $250 per person. (402) 345-0202 | OmahaPerformingArts.org

Embassy Suites | La Vista The Spotlight Gala shines a light on the issues Nebraska children face and honors community members who continuously strive to improve the lives of Nebraska’s kids. The event will include silent and live auctions, dinner and the 2014 Spotlight Gala awards ceremony. Mr. Steve Martin and Dr. Amy Haddad and their family are serving as honorary chairs for the event. Award recipients include Dr. Donna Polk (Lifetime Achievement Award) ,Tiauna Lewis (Youth Award), Scott Smathers (Individual Award), and The ConAgra Foods Foundation (Nonprofit Award). 402-597-3100 | http://voicesforchildren.com

SEPTEMBER 5 OMAHA MIDNIGHT RUN Hope Center for Kids Downtown Omaha Sign up for this fun 5k on the downtown streets of Omaha at midnight! Registration includes dri-fit t-shirt, bib, glow stick and time chip technology. 402.341.4673x1028 | melissa@hopecenterforkids.com

SEPTEMBER 6

5:00 PM – 9:00PM

A VINTAGE AFFAIRE VI – WINES OF THE WORlD Autism Action Partnership Embassy Suites Omaha-La Vista/ Hotel & Conference Center | 12520 Westport Parkway | La Vista At A Vintage Affaire VI your boarding pass will take you around the world to exciting countries including, Australia, Argentina, Italy, and the United States! If you are a wine connoisseur or just enjoy having a good time, come for a night of unique wine tasting, live and silent auction, dinner and more to support Autism Action Partnership! With your help we will be able to implement and fund critical autism services throughout Nebraska. 402-763-8830 | www.autismaction.org

SEPTEMBER 7

1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

BACONFEST OMAHA The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center | 2825 Y Street | Omaha Join us at the second annual BaconFest Omaha, a fundraiser for the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. Enjoy Food – Family – Fun! Your ticket purchase includes five taste tickets for the Farmland Bacon Cook-off and an all-day pass to the Kroc Center. Spend time at the Kids’ Corral packed with carnival games, rides, art projects and more, shop at vendor booths, listen to Omaha area bands….and fill up on lots and lots of gourmet BACON dishes! 402-898-6052 | www.omahakroc.org/baconfest

SEPTEMBER 11

5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

SEPTEMBER 14

12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

10TH ANNUAl OMAHA OUT OF THE DARKNESS COMMUNITY WAlK American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – NE chapter Lewis and Clark Landing | Omaha 10th Annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and the NE Chapter of AFSP. AFSP is the leading national not for profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy, and to reaching out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide. No registration fee. 402-671-6718 | http://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=2719

make the connection! Click this CONNECTOR in our Digital Edition to enter your upcoming event at SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

SEPTEMBER 14

5:00 PM

FAITH IN ACTION – HOPE RESTORED Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska Indian Creek Golf Course | 3825 North 202nd Street | Omaha This annual event honors those in our community who are demonstrating lives of faith through their actions. This year, honorees include Deryl and Ramona Hamann, for setting a lifetime standard of humble servant leadership and for their tremendous commitment of time, talent and treasure for those in need; Bill and Evonne Williams, The Omaha Police Department, and Roxanne Koenig. $50 402-591-5063 | develo PMent@lfsneb.org

SEPTEMBER 14

12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

BREW HAHA Habitat for Humanity of Omaha

SUPERHERO HEART RUN Heart Heroes, Inc.

Stinson Park at Aksarben Village | 2285 South 67 Street | Omaha Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy delicious tastings from the area’s best breweries and restaurants in a fun, relaxing atmosphere while raising funds to support Habitat Omaha’s mission of building community through homeownership. $40 General Ticket, $75 Patron, $45 at the Door 402-884-5957 | www.habitatomaha.org

Lake Zorinsky | 3808 S 156th St Shelter #5 | Omaha The Superhero Heart Run is a 5K and 2K walk/run promoting awareness of congenital heart defects (CHD). The family fun event is full of things to do and a superhero cape for all registrants! $25/adult; $10/child 702.301.2930 | www.superheroheartrun.com 118

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

118-128-STD-814_- 8/9/14 12:41 PM Page 119

• VIEW & PURCHASE PHOTOS OF THESE AND OTHER EVENTS 365/24/7 AT SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

SEPTEMBER 15

• mquarterly look for the LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE EVENT BOOK 2014!

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

GREAT FRIENDS TO KIDS Omaha Children’s Museum Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 South 20th Street | Omaha Omaha Children’s Museums annual Great Friends to Kids Luncheon honors individuals and organizations who make Omaha a better place to live for our youth. This years honorees are The Lauritzen Family and First National Bank. 60.00 402-930-2352 | www.ocm.org

SEPTEMBER 18

5:30 PM – 11:30PM

ThE 14Th ANNuAl SuNShINE KIDS FuNDRAISER Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate 13340 California Street, Omaha, NE 68154 We’re SOLD on helping kids with cancer! Join us for a fun, casual event! 100% of proceeds will go directly to the Sunshine Kids Organization. You too can be a sponsor and put cancer in its place! For more information please contact Brooke Delano at Brooke.Delano@BHHSamb.com or by calling 402-493-4663. We would love for you to join us for a fun evening with great food, drinks, live music and silent and live auctions. Single tickets and sponsorship packages available! 402-493-4663 | www.sunshinekids.org

SEPTEMBER 19 – SEPTEMBER 21 10AM-5PM- Friday and Saturday | 11AM-5PM - Sunday

lAuRITzEN GARDENS ANTIquE AND GARDEN ShOw Lauritzen Gardens /100 Bancroft Street/Omaha, NE 68132 The Lauritzen Gardens Antique & Garden Show’s second decade begins with another year of bringing renowned experts in antiques, gardening and various fields of design and art to Omaha. The show offers a one-of-a-kind collector’s experience showcasing more than 35 exhibitor booths representing international and domestic dealers. This year’s keynote speakers include international designer, author and star of Bravo TV’s “Million Dollar Decorators,” Mary McDonald and the real mistress of “Downton Abbey,” Lady Fiona Carnarvon. General Admission is $15 and is good all three days of the show. Reservations and additional fees are required for seated events including presentations listed above. 402.346-4002, ext. 201 | c.lemaster@omahabotanicalgardens.org | www.omahaantiqueshow.org

SEPTEMBER 19

6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

ThE KANEKO OPEN SPACE SOIRÉE KANEKO 1111 Jones Street | Omaha The Open Space Soirée functions as the organization’s annual fundraising event and also serve as the kickoff for the upcoming season by unveiling the forthcoming blockbuster exhibitions at KANEKO. Guests of the 2014 Open Space Soirée will get a sneak peak at the three highly anticipated creative design exhibitions, “Cedric Hartman Selected Works, Olson Kundig: Anthology and Wallace Cunningham: reality < an idea”. $150 402-341-3800 | www.theKANEKO.org/soiree

SEPTEMBER 25

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

hAlFwAY TO ST. PATRICK’S DAY CElEBRATION! Project Harmony Anthony’s Steakhouse Grand Ballroom & Patio | 72nd and F Street | Omaha A t-shirt will be given to the first 300 people and you will receive Irish food, green beer, specialty drink, soft drinks and door prizes. The evening will be filled with traditional Irish music inside and music outside. All proceeds benefit Project Harmony and their mission to protect and support children, collaborate with professionals and engage the community to end child abuse and neglect. Tickets $65, $75 at the door. Raffle tickets $10.00 each or 6 for $50.00. 402-595-1326 | www.projectharmony.com

SEPTEMBER 25 – SEPTEMBER 28

9AM –10PM

AK-SAR-BEN’S RIVER CITY RODEO & STOCK ShOw Knights Of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation CenturyLink Center Omaha Contributing an economic impact of more than $21 million to the city of Omaha, Ak-Sar-Ben’s River City Rodeo & Stock Show features one of the largest rodeos in the world, the largest 4-H Stock Show in the nation and the Douglas County Fair. Each event offers fun and free educational entertainment to families and youth and culminates with the Ak-Sar-Ben 4-H Stock Show Purple Ribbon Auction providing over $160,000 in scholarships, awards and prizes to 4-H youths. Ticket Prices: $17-$70 Rodeo tickets, all other events free 402.554.9600 | info@aksarben.org | www.aksarben.org 119

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

CONTINUED

118-128-STD-814_- 8/11/14 5:45 PM Page 120

community CALENDAR

save the date SEPTEMBER 25

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

RESTORING HEARTS WITH BIKE PARTS Omaha Home for Boys

SAVE THE DATE! Special Guest

David O. Russell

Oscar-nominated director of THE FIGHTER, SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK & AMERICAN HUSTLE

in conversation with

Alexander Payne Monday, November 10 Holland Center for Performing Arts 13th and Douglas Streets Info at filmstreams.org

Hilton-Omaha, Grand Ballroom Join the Omaha Home for Boys for the second-annual Restoring Hearts with Bike PartsTM celebration, featuring Rudy Reyes and the raffle of the 1987 Harley-Davidson FXR rebuilt and customized by Home youth. An Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran, stuntman, actor and Omaha Home for Boys alumni, Reyes will speak about his experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as how his time at the Omaha Home for Boys “saved his life.” 402-457-7165 | www.omahahomeforboys.org

SEPTEMBER 27 – 28

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

ARTSARBEN ART FAIR Aksarben Village 67th and Center | Omaha Omaha Summer Arts Festival presents 3rd annual ARTsarben Art Fair at Aksarben Village! This innovative event will showcase traditional fine art plus offbeat, creative and stylish works created by 80 artists from throughout the United States. This high-quality, juried art show will feature an extensive art marketplace for all budgets, street performers, an active KidZone, family-friendly activities and a variety of food and drink. Come down to Aksarben Village and enjoy some food and check out all of the awesome art that we will have available! Don't miss this free event! FREE! 402-345-5401 | www.artsarben.org

SEPTEMBER 28

8:30 AM – 12:00 PM

MARGRE DURHAM WALK FOR THE ANIMALS & 5K WITH YOUR K9 Nebraska Humane Society NHS Campus | 8929 Fort Street | Omaha Join us on the NHS campus for the 25th anniversary of our biggest annual fundraiser. You can participate solo, or form a dog pack with family, friends or co-workers and work as a team. Gather pledges or use your creativity to fundraise. The day of the event we have a huge party on our meadow to kick off the walk on the Keystone Trail. Can’t walk? No worries–you can catnap and still help the animals. This year you can participate in the “5K with your K9” Run with your ‘run ready’ dog! Check out event details at www.nehumanesociety.org/walk. Raise $25 to get a t-shirt! www.nehumanesociety.org/walk 402 905-3483 | www.nehumanesociety.org

SEPTEMBER 28 AK-SAR-BEN 4-H STOCK SHOW PURPLE RIBBON AUCTION – Knights Of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation (402) 554-9600

OCTOBER 1

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

PHOENIx ACADEMY SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON Phoenix Academy CenturyLink Center | 455 N. 10th Street | Omaha Erin Gruwell will be the featured guest at Phoenix Academy’s annual Scholarship Luncheon held on Wednesday, OCTOBER 1 at the CenturyLink Center. Ms. Gruwell’s Freedom Writers Foundation strives to empower educators and students to positively impact their lives and the world around them, and is dedicated to creating awareness and making change in education. The Luncheon will also recognize two champions of education in our community: Father Timothy Lannon, S.J., and Katie Weitz, Ph.D. $100/person, $150/person patron seating Patrice Monnier | 402-390-0556 | http://phoenixacademyomaha.org/scholarship-luncheon-info/

OCTOBER 2

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

THE 2014 GOOD APPLE AWARDS Nebraska Appleseed Livestock Exchange Building Ballroom | 4920 South 30th Street | Omaha The Good Apple Awards is Appleseed’s annual fundraiser recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations who stand up for justice and opportunity for all Nebraskans. $75 402-438-8853 x110 | www.neappleseed.org/goodapple 120

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

118-128-STD-814_- 8/13/14 3:08 PM Page 121

• mquarterly

• VIEW & PURCHASE PHOTOS OF THESE AND OTHER EVENTS 365/24/7 AT SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

OCTOBER 2

look for the LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE EVENT BOOK 2014!

5:30 PM

MARCH OF DIMES SIGNATURE CHEFS AUCTION March of Dimes Embassy Suites – LaVista 12520 Westport Parkway | La Vista This March of Dimes event is an unforgettable gourmet extravaganza! Omaha’most notable chefs prepare samples of their signature dishes for guests to enjoy along with fine wines and libations. The evening includes outstanding raffle and live auction packages. The monies raised during the Signature Chefs Auction support the March of Dimes programs in the Omaha community that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies. Individual Ticket: 150.00, Table of Ten: 1,500.00 402-496-7111 | www.marchofdimes.com/nebraska

OCTOBER 2

10:30 AM – 1:00 PM

PURSEONALITIES SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON Child Saving Institute Guild Hilton Omaha, 1001 Cass Street Luncheon with keynote speaker Derek Clark and Silent Auction of Fabulous Purse Packages – all to benefit CSI’s college scholarship program; $75 and up per seat 402-504-3664 | http://childsaving.org

OCTOBER 2

5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION’S 41ST WOMAN OF THE YEAR GALA Embassy Suites – La Vista The Arthritis Foundation is thrilled to honor Cathy Bonnesen, as our 2014 Omaha Woman of the Year. Bonnesen’s phenomenal work as a community volunteer and champion of giving back, exemplifies the spirit of philanthropy that this honor recognizes. The Woman of the Year Gala, now in its forty-first year, is a major fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation’s programs and services. Each year’s event honors a philanthropic woman from the Omaha-Metro community and this year’s celebration promises to be another spectacular event. www.arthritis.org/nebraska/events/ for more information.

make the connection! Like us on FACEBOOK!

121

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

CONTINUED

118-128-STD-814_- 8/12/14 3:49 PM Page 122

community CALENDAR

save the date OCTOBER 3

5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

NEBRASKA CHILDREN'S HOME SOCIETY 8TH ANNUAL HOMEGROWN The BRANCH Board Regency Court | 120 Regency Parkway | Omaha Please join the BRANCH Board as we celebrate Nebraska Children's Home Society and the work that they do for our community. Enjoy beer and wine samples paired with our great state's favorite foods and view 20 larger than life photos of families and children that have been touched by NCHS. $30 pre-register, $35 at the door www.homegrownomaha.org

OCTOBER 4

6:00 PM – 10:30 PM

BIG RED BLOCK PARTY Junior League of Omaha Scott Conference Center | 6450 Pine St | Omaha The Junior League of Omaha along with Honorary Chairs, Kris and Amy Brown, invite you to join us for football, food and fun at the 5th Annual Big Red Block Party. We will broadcast the Nebraska Cornhuskers as they take on Michigan State Spartans. Guest will view the game on six 10' big screens, enjoy a tailgate-themed buffet and desserts and some amazing silent auction packages. Attendees and sponsors help raise funds and awareness that benefit our community projects to help metro-area women and children. 402.493.8818 | www.jlomaha.org/blockparty

OCTOBER 5 NEBRASKA SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE CenturyLink Center | Omaha The Nebraska Race for the Cure® is the primary fundraiser of Komen Nebraska. On the first Sunday in OCTOBER, runners and walkers, family and friends, volunteers and breast cancer survivors come together to raise funds, raise awareness and demonstrate support for those battling breast cancer. The event is a certified 5K race / walk with a 1 mile course also available. The course starts and ends at the CenturyLink Center, and there are sponsor booths inside the facility prior to the Race. The highlight is the annual survivor photo where all breast cancer survivors gather wearing pink survivor shirts for thousands of photos by family, friends and well-wishers. $30 Adults komennebraska.org/register

OCTOBER 9

6:00 PM

LOYOLA DINNER OF HONOR AND DISTINCTION Creighton Preparatory School Henry L. Sullivan, S.J. Campus Center | 7400 Western Avenue | Omaha The Loyola Dinner of Honor and Distinction is an annual event, which recognizes the Alumnus of the Year awardee, the Hall of Fame inductees and the Ancilla Domini awardee. The event gives the Prep community an opportunity to celebrate the honorees’ accomplishments and invite them into the building. $45 402-548-3858 | www.creightonprep.org/loyola

OCTOBER 9

6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

BOYS TOWN NATIONAL HOTLINE FUNDRAISER Hosted by the Southwest Omaha Rotary Night Club The Club at Indian Creek | 3825 North 202nd Street / Omaha Fine Wine and Hors D’ Oeuvres, silent and live auction items, raffles and entertainment. Proceeds benefit the Boys Town National Hotline. The Hotline reaches thousands of teens in crisis every year through counseling services offered via a toll free number, email, chat and text services. $50 per person and an optional add on to purchase premium wines and beers for $20 per person. Call Darcy at 402-541-9760 or pay on line | www.omaharotarynight.org

OCTOBER 10

6PM – 10PM

QLI’S “AN EVENING AT THE FAIR” CenturyLink Center Omaha QLI’s “An Evening at the Fair” is an event like no other! Join us for human hamster ball, giant Jenga, a cake walk, phrenologist, ring toss, Velcro wall, and more! No suits, no ties, no auctions, no presentations. Just endless fun and fair food, all to support the nation’s premier brain and spinal cord injury rehabilitation provider. Ages 21-34: $75 | Ages 35+: $150 (402) 573-3738 | www.teamQLI.com 122

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

118-128-STD-814_- 8/12/14 3:49 PM Page 123

• mquarterly

• VIEW & PURCHASE PHOTOS OF THESE AND OTHER EVENTS 365/24/7 AT SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

OCTOBER 12

look for the LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE EVENT BOOK 2014!

5:00 PM – 7:30 PM

8TH ANNUAL COMFORT FOOD CLASSIC Ted E. Bear Hollow Omaha Ramada Plaza | 3321 S 72nd St. | Omaha A chef competition featuring six of the best chefs from the Omaha/Council Bluffs area, attendees taste each dish and choose the winner. Complete with appetizers, wine, silent auction and more, this is an evening you won’t want to miss. 402-502-2773 | http://tedebearhollow.org

OCTOBER 12

1PM – 6PM

FOCUS ON NATURE Nebraska Wildlife Rehab, Inc. Join us for a wildlife and nature photography fundraiser featuring the work of renowned photographers Michael Forsberg, Scott Papek, Joel Sartore, Jorn Olsen, Charles Nolder, and other local artists. Enjoy great food, wine and beer, browse prints and books for sale, bid on the silent auction, and learn more about NWRI. 25% of photo sales and 100% of silent auction proceeds go directly to NWRI to support wildlife rehabilitation, Wildlife Center operations, and education. - $30 Individual | $50 Patron | $100 Benefactor (402) 234-2473 | www.nebraskawildliferehab.org

OCTOBER 16

6:00 – 10:00 PM

BREATH OF HOPE: AN EVENT TO HONOR NEBRASKA’S FINEST Cystic Fibrosis Foundation The Omar Arts and Events Center | 4383 Nicholas Street, Omaha Breath of Hope is an annual celebration aimed at honoring those who have made substantial contributions to CF research locally. Guests will enjoy food from the finest restaurants in Omaha while helping to raise the funds necessary to fuel the science that will eventually lead to a cure. Sponsorships from $2,000-$10,000 402-330-6164 | www.cff.org

THE EVENT BOOK & GIVING GUIDE 2015!

IT’S TIME TO

EGISTER!

ENTER YOUR 2015 EVENTS NOW! SpiritofOmaha.com/Metro-Magazine/Community/Calendar/

OCTOBER 17

6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

7TH ANNUAL ADULT SPELLING BEE Literacy Center Scott Conference Center | 6450 Pine St | Omaha The evening promises to be full of excitement, as teams of 3 adults battle it out to be the “Best of the Hive” trophy winner. Past community support has helped the Literacy Center provide one-on-one tutoring and small classroom instruction to over 500 adult students working to improve their lives. 402-342-7323 | www.giveliteracy.org

OCTOBER 17 – NOVEMBER 1

Event Times of Vary

JOSLYN CASTLE LITERARY FESTIVAL: SHADOWS AT THE CASTLE: BRAM STOKER’S DARK VISION Joslyn Castle | 3902 Davenport Street | Omaha Shadows at the Castle highlights the mesmerizing works of Bram Stoker, author of Dracula, offering a Movie Night: OCTOBER 17; a Durham at the Castle Exhibit, OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 1; a tour-du-force Drama Duet: Dracula, The Journal of Jonathan Harker and Jewel of Seven Stars, OCTOBER 23 – 26, OCTOBER 29 – 30; a Lecture, OCTOBER 27, OCTOBER 28; anamazing Vampyre Ball, OCTOBER 31, 7 PM; and a night of Music of the Unknown, NOVEMBER 1. 402-595-2199 | www.joslyncastle.com 123

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

CONTINUED

118-128-STD-814_- 8/12/14 3:49 PM Page 124

community CALENDAR

save the date OCTOBER 18

Begins at 8 AM

KICK THE R WORD – KICK BALL TOURNAMENT Miss Amazing Inc. Gretna Sports Comple | 10550 S 222nd St | Gretna Join us for this fundraiser to benefit Miss Amazing Inc. (a nonprofit organization for girls and women with disabilities) and the Iowa and Nebraska organizations. Register your team of 10-15 players. The cost is $200 per team. Teams may be comprised of all ages and abilities. Prizes for best Team Theme, Team Spirit, and Overall. Contact Stacy Rosman for your team registration form or to volunteer for this event. Register by July 5th. 402 578-2525 | www.missamazingpageant.com

OCTOBER 18

5:30 PM – 1:00 AM

AK-SAR-BEN CORONATION & SCHOLARSHIP BALL Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation CenturyLink Center Omaha | 455 N. 10th St. | Omaha The mission of Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation & Scholarship Ball is to promote, recognize & celebrate volunteerism, philanthropy & civic pride by raising funds to annually award 50 need-based scholarships, recognizing volunteer leadership and celebrating civic pride with a special event. $225 per person 402.554.9600 | www.aksarben.org

OCTOBER 22

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

A TIME FOR HOPE & HEALING WITH MARIEL HEMINGWAY The Kim Foundation Embassy Suites La Vista | 12520 Westport Parkway | La Vista Mariel Hemingway, Academy Award nominated actress, model and Ernest Hemingway’s granddaughter, now leads the way as a mental health advocate. She will deliver a powerful message of inspiration, hope and insight on how to live a life of wellness, while embracing your mental health. Admission is $75 per person, or $750 for a table of ten. (402)891-6997 | www.thekimfoundation.org

OCTOBER 23 WOMEN’S FUND OF OMAHA’S 14TH ANNUAL FALL LUNCHEON Women’s Fund of Omaha CenturyLink Center | Omaha Keynote speaker is Sallie Krawcheck, former Wall Street executive who now owns Ellevate, a 34,000-member global professional women’s network. She has also been in the news lately for the launch of the Pax Ellevate Global Women’s Index Fund that invests in the top-rated companies for advancing women. The luncheon includes presentation of Women’s Fund grants to nonprofit organizations and announcement of the Recycled Rides recipient. 402.827.9280 | www.omahawomensfund.org | omahawomensfund.org

OCTOBER 23

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

7TH ANNUAL MONSTER BASH FOR BRAIN CANCER Leap-For-A-Cure Georgetowne Club | 2440 S. 141 St | Omaha Family Friendly, Adult Fun! Frightfully fun event with Children's Corner, Optional Children's and Adult's Costume Contests (with prizes!), Magician, Live Music, Photobooth, "In-House" Poker Run, Raffle, Silent Auction, Food and Drink, and More! 100% of proceeds remain in Omaha benefitting brain cancer awareness, education, and treatment. Adults $30, Children 12 and under $20. 402-333-9370 | LeapForACure.org

OCTOBER 24

5:30 PM – 9 PM

TEAMMATES TAILGATE GALA TeamMates Mentoring Program Embassy Suites La Vista The TeamMates Tailgate Gala is the annual fundraiser in support of the TeamMates Mentoring Program. TeamMates Mentoring Program is a school-based one-to-one mentoring program across the states of Nebraska, Iowa, and California serving approximately 7,000 youth program-wide. This year’s gala features Dr. Condoleezza Rice, Warren Buffet, and Tom Osborne. 402-515-7731 | teammates.org 124

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

118-128-STD-814_- 8/12/14 3:49 PM Page 125

• VIEW & PURCHASE PHOTOS OF THESE AND OTHER EVENTS 365/24/7 AT SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

OCTOBER 24

• mquarterly look for the LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE EVENT BOOK 2014!

6:00 PM

tgif! WCA Mutual of Omaha Dome | 3300 Dodge Street | Omaha Please enjoy a night of cocktails, games, live & silent auctions and dinner hosted by the Women’s Center for Advancement Partners Guild to benefit WCA Omaha. 402-345-6555 | wcaomaha.org

OCTOBER 25 OMAHA’S GREAT PUMPKIN Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska Village Pointe | Center Court | Omaha Thousands of people attended this free, fun family event in 2013. Pumpkins go on the tree at Village Pointe in early OCTOBER, and then on OCTOBER 25 -- the pumpkins will come down for community carving. They will then go back on tree, where they will be lit from the inside. Each pumpkin represents a child in the Nebraska foster care system waiting for adoption. The day is full of games, trick or treating, and pie-eating contests. Free 402-978-5646 | www.lfsneb.org

OCTOBER 25 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM

NIGHT FOR SIGHT MASQUERADE BALL UNMC Truhlsen Eye Institute Joslyn Art Museum A Night For Sight Masquerade Ball - An Evening of Unmasking World Blindness. The University of Nebraska Truhlsen Eye Institute (TEI) will host A Night For Sight Masquerade Ball at the Joslyn Art Museum on Saturday, OCTOBER 25, 2014. Held only once every four years, this black-tie event aims to raise awareness and funding for the treatment of curable and preventable blindness. Join us for this unique and fun evening that is designed to be more of a party then a fundraiser. Tickets to the event are $100/person. Open Bar, Live Music and Dancing await! $100 402-305-2852 | www.unmc.edu/eye

OCTOBER 26

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

ART IN THE BAG Midwest Lampworkers Guild & Wear Yellow Nebraska Hot Shops Art Center | 1301 Nicholas St | Omaha An afternoon tea with hors d’oeuvres, sweet delights and live jazz music featuring a silent auction of handcrafted bags, purses and totes. Sponsor a Bead: Select a lampwork glass bead to donate and write a special note for the child recipient. $5 per bead. Glass bead lampworking demonstrations and a jewelry making station. All proceeds will benefit Beads of Courage program at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Omaha, Nebraska. Adults: $25, Youth (18 and under): $10 www.artinthebag.com

OCTOBER 29

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

LUNCH FOR THE GIRLS Girls Inc. of Omaha CenturyLink Center | 455 N. 10th Street | Omaha Barbara Bush and Jenna Bush Hager will be the featured guests at Girl's Inc.'s fourteenth annual Lunch for the Girls, held on Wednesday, OCTOBER 29 at the CenturyLink Center. All proceeds from the event will support the educational, cultural and recreational opportunities for girls ages 5-18 at Girls Incorporated of Omaha, a non-profit organization that inspires girls to be "Strong, Smart, and Bold.” $100/person, $200/person patron seating 402-457-4676 | http://girlsincomaha.org/events/lunch-for-the-girls/

OCTOBER 30

7:00 PM – 9:30 PM

PERSPECTIVES IN FAITH DINNER FEATURING LEE STROBEL Grace University Tip Top Ballroom | 1502 Cuming Street, Omaha Meet New York Times best-selling author and atheist-turned-Christian Lee Strobel during Grace University's Perspectives in Faith fundraising dinner. Strobel is the author of more than 20 books including "The Case for Christ." The Perspectives in Faith dinner raises scholarship funds for undergraduate students and adult learners pursuing biblically integrated higher education. Tickets can be purchased online. For more information, contact Meredith Seaman, vice president of advancement. (402) 449-2877 | mseaman@graceu.edu | www.graceuniversity.edu/dinner 125

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

CONTINUED

118-128-STD-814_- 8/8/14 8:28 PM Page 126

community CALENDAR

save the date OCTOBER 31

5:30 PM

25TH ANNIVERSARY PAWTY Hearts United for Animals The Players Club at Deer Creek | Omaha Help Hearts United for Animals, a Nebraska no-kill shelter and sanctuary, celebrate 25 years of saving the precious lives of our animal friends. The event will be casual with silent auction items, live auction items, musical entertainment and a lovely buffet dinner. Funds raised from the event will help shut down puppy mills and care for the over 400 dogs and cats at Hearts United for Animals. 402-616-5002 | www.hua.org

NOVEMBER 4

8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

NONPROFIT SUMMIT OF THE MIDlANDS Embassy Suites LaVista Hotel and Convention Center 12520 Westport Parkway | Omaha Convening nonprofit and philanthropic professionals, our annual Nonprofit Summit of the Midlands is not to be missed! Attendees leave with inspirational ideas, expert knowledge and useful resources to assist them in fulfilling their nonprofit’s mission and maximize the impact in our communities. $99 Members/ $199 Non-Members (Procrastination Rate Starts OCTOBER 15, 2014!) www.nonprofitam.org

NOVEMBER 6 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

CHRISTMAS CARAVAN TOUR OF HOMES Assistance League of Omaha Christmas Caravan Tour of Homes sponsored by Assistance League of Omaha! Tour homes decorated by top designers/florists. All proceeds support Assistance League philanthropic programs. $15/Advance 402.342.4288 | http://alomaha.org

NOVEMBER 7 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

RAISE THE ROOF GAlA Habitat for Humanity of Omaha The Harper Center Ballroom | Creighton University | 602 North 20th Street | Omaha Habitat for Humanity of Omaha honors the significant contributions by its community members by presenting the Spirit of Humanity Awards during the Sixth Annual Raise the Roof Gala. The gala serves to honor the commitment and dedication of those organizations and individuals who have helped Habitat for Humanity fulfill its mission in Omaha for the past 30 years. $175 Patron, $125 General 402-884-5957 | www.habitatomaha.org

NOVEMBER 7 SpiritofOmaha.com/Metro-Magazine/Community/Calendar/

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

NATIONAl HOMElESS YOUTH AWARENESS lUNCHEON

THE EVENT BOOK & GIVING GUIDE 2015!

YES invites you to attend their third annual Homeless Youth Awareness Luncheon as we work to end youth homelessness in the Omaha metropolitan area by year 2020. The Luncheon will feature ways the community can become involved in ending youth homelessness in the metropolitan area. $35/person

ENTER YOUR 2015 EVENTS NOW!

NOVEMBER 7

5:30PM –10PM

AN EVENING AMONG ANGElS Angels Among Us

IT’S TIME TO

Embassy Suites Old Market An Evening Among Angels is our annual fall gala. It is a celebration of a year spent helping families that have children being treated for cancer and a fundraiser to allow us to continue that mission. The evening includes dinner, entertainment, live auction, silent auction and visiting with our AAU families. The generosity of our loyal supporters is wonderful to see and makes for a fun evening. Please join us! $100 (402) 885-4840 | www.myangelsamongus.org

EGISTER!

SpiritofOmaha.com/Metro-Magazine/Community/Calendar/

NOVEMBER 7

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

2014 CElEBRATE THE CAPABIlITIES OF THE BlIND BANqUET Outlook Nebraska, Inc. FREE REGISTRATION CLOSES SEPTEMBER 30 ! ENTER YOUR 2015 EVENTS NOW! TH

Embassy Suites Omaha-LaVista Hotel & Conference Center | 12520 Westport Parkway | LaVista Join Outlook Nebraska, Inc for a benefit to support greater independence for the blind and visually impaired! 402-614-3331 | www.outlooknebraska.org

SpiritofOmaha.com/Metro-Magazine/Community/Calendar/

126

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

118-128-STD-814_- 8/8/14 8:28 PM Page 127

• VIEW & PURCHASE PHOTOS OF THESE AND OTHER EVENTS 365/24/7 AT SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

NOVEMBER 13

• mquarterly look for the LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE EVENT BOOK 2014!

5:30 PM

MIlAGRO DINNER AND SIlENT AUCTION OneWorld Community Health Centers Livestock Exchange Ballroom, 4920 S. 30th St. Milagro is a Spanish word meaning miracle. At OneWorld, we believe that miracles happen every time our community works together. OneWorld provides quality health care to people who, because of their economic status, might otherwise fall through the cracks. More than 27,000 individuals were cared for at OneWorld in 2013. 402-619-5302 | www.oneworldomaha.org

NOVEMBER 15

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

CHIlDREN’S HOSPITAl & MEDICAl CENTER GAlA 2014 The Friends Board of Children’s Hospital & Medical Center CenturyLink Center | 455 N. 10th Street | Omaha Join the Friends of Children’s Hospital & Medical Center for an evening of inspiration and entertainment featuring The Midtown Men, from the original Broadway cast of Jersey Boys. Proceeds will benefit Children’s new Carolyn Scott Rainbow House, a “home away from home” for parents and family members of children being treated at Children’s who live 60 miles or more from Omaha. Guests will enjoy dinner, live and silent auctions, a raffle and concert. 402.955.6856 | www.ChildrensFoundationOmaha.org

NOVEMBER 18

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

OMAHA CREATIVE INSTITUTE PATRON PARTY Omaha Creative Institute Private Residence | Omaha Join us in celebration of artists who are closely involved with Artist INC, a unique professional develo PMent program that addresses the business needs and challenges of artists of all disciplines, presented by the Omaha Creative Institute this fall. Experience Omaha Creative Institute's community engagement through the eyes of participating artists. Held in a private residence with a compelling art collection, the party will offer delicious food, wine, and a signature drink. $150 omahacreativeinstitute.org

NOVEMBER 20

6-9 PM

SAlUTE TO FAMIlIES - NEBRASKA Heartland Family Service Happy Hollow County Club 1701 S. 105 Street, Omaha, NE 68124 Salute to Families Nebraska is the annual Heartland Family Service recognition dinner that honors four families from the Omaha metro area for their strong family life, community service, and leadership. Families are honored in these categories: Community Service, Leadership, Challenged and Successful, Commitment to Family, and Family Advocacy. $45 402-552-7424 | HeartlandFamilyService.org

NOVEMBER 27

9:00 AM

JOSlYN CASTlE TURKEY TROT Joslyn Castle Midtown Crossing at Turner Park 31st Ave. & Farnam Street | Omaha Join us for the 4th annual Joslyn Castle Turkey Trot at Midtown Crossing! Friends and family enjoy a Thanksgiving morning 5K run or walk before sitting down to their turkey and pumpkin pie. Proceeds benefit the restoration and preservation of the Joslyn Castle. $25 – $35 402-595-2199 | www.joslyncastle.com

DECEMBER 4 – 6

Party 6:00 pm, Tour Times TBD

HOlIDAY PARTY AND BOUTIqUE PREVIEW AND HOlIDAY HISTORIC HOME TOUR AND BOUTIqUE Joslyn Castle Celebrate the launch of the Holiday Historic Home Tour and do some early-bird shopping in our gift boutique at the Holiday Party and Boutique Preview on the 4th. On December 5 and 6, tour historic homes beautifully decorated for the holidays and shop in a fabulous gift boutique in the Joslyn Castle. Proceeds benefit the Joslyn Castle.Party and Preview $75, Tour and Boutique $20 402-595-2199 / www.joslyncastle.com 127

mquarterly • auG/SePt/OCt 2014

CONTINUED

118-128-STD-814_- 8/8/14 8:28 PM Page 128

1-128-CVrs-814_QUartErLY 8/5/14 4:49 Pm Page CVr3

1-128-CVrs-814_QUartErLY 8/5/14 4:49 Pm Page CVr4

alh p u b l i c a t i o n s

charity • culture • consciousness P.O. Box 241611 • Omaha, NE 68124

PrEsOrtEd staNdard U.s. POstagE

Paid Omaha, NE PErmit NO. 2013