metroQUARTERLY’S Winter (Nov/Dec/Jan) 2014 Issue

CVRS-1114_QUARTERLY 11/10/14 1:38 PM Page CVR1

feeding the world NOURISHING OUR NEIGHBORS... FAR & NEAR

CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY

•

SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

•

NOV/DEC/JAN 2014/15

CVRS-1114_QUARTERLY 11/10/14 1:41 PM Page FAUX1

feeding the world NOURISHING OUR NEIGHBORS... FAR & NEAR

I’ll always be a pessimistic optimist, but the effort to li people out of the dehumanizing and painful state of food insecurity will always be worth it. ~ HOWARD G. BUFFETT

CVRS-1114_QUARTERLY 11/10/14 1:41 PM Page FAUX2

HUDDLED IN THE SHACK THEY LIVE IN, TWO YOUNG GIRLS SIT COLD AND HUNGRY IN RURAL PARAGUAY WHERE THEY HAVE MINIMAL ACCESS TO FOOD, CLOTHING, OR EDUCATION

40 CHANCES: ADDRESSING GLOBAL HUNGER

CVRS-1114_QUARTERLY 11/10/14 1:38 PM Page CVR2

VanDeebBUILD-814_- 11/10/14 9:50 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

1-11-LEAD SECTION-1114_QUARTERLY 11/10/14 2:11 PM Page 2

1-11-LEAD SECTION-1114_QUARTERLY 11/10/14 2:11 PM Page 3

1-11-LEAD SECTION-1114_QUARTERLY 11/10/14 2:11 PM Page 4

1-11-LEAD SECTION-1114_QUARTERLY 11/10/14 2:11 PM Page 5

1-11-LEAD SECTION-1114_QUARTERLY 11/10/14 9:18 PM Page 6

in this ISSUE

CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY

features

11 16 24 28 34 36 40 48 60

WHO WILL WIN THE $10K? the BIG event | the $10K BIG connection

JOURNEYS 40 chances: a book about feeding our neighbors

EXPANDING NEED/EXPANSIVE VISION food bank for the heartland

WITHIN OUR REACH three agencies nourishing our neighbors

HOSPITALITY HONORS hospitality hall of fame inductees

NEAT. groundbreaking GRĀNE

NATURAL SELECTION marjorie k. daugherty conservatory

AND HEAVEN IS A PLACE CALLED HUA hearts united for animals

connecting to the crown

60 40

connecting to taste

AK-SAR-BEN CORONATION CXVIII

36

connecting to the future

special keepsake section

departments/columns

12 14 52

WHAT’S NEW? • WHAT’S NOW! TOP HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS HE SAID/SHE SAID mike & mary from KMTV’s morning blend

54 56 57 58 59 59

129

metroSPIRIT mulberry lane | mary e. vandenack

BUSINESS4BUSINESS OMAHA’S YOUNG PROS launching the give back 10 project

connecting to creation

OCF OMAHA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION building family giving traditions

PLANNING MATTERS PVW LAW third party special needs trust

TODAYS SAVINGS SWARTZBAUGH, FARBER & ASSOC. end-of-year to do list

IMPACT! VONDRAK DENTAL how do you choose your dds?

144 WAKING WORDS FROM ROB KILLMER the work is BIGGER than that

events

79

SCENE highlights from recent events

139 SAVE THE DATE

upcoming events for winter 2014/15

bravo! CELEBRATING THE ARTS

11

129 FULL EXTENSION

ballet nebraska in its 5th season

132 BREAKING THE MOLD • ACT ONE OF TWO

connecting with need

opera omaha performance based fundraising

134 WORK OF ART

hot shops art center celebrates 15 years

136 BRAVO! TOP 5

16

connecting to your charity

our picks for your cultural calendar

138 LUNCHEON WITH LIZZIE POST

in support of omaha symphony debutante ball 6

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

1-11-LEAD SECTION-1114_QUARTERLY 11/10/14 10:36 PM Page 7

NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15 • VOl. 26 NO. 11 Press releases and other editorial information may be sent to: P.O. BOx 241611, OMaHa, Ne 68124 or e-mailed to: editor@SpiritofOmaha.com Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Creative Collaboration

andrea l. “andee” Hoig

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

Editor/Creative Director

robert P. “rOB” Killmer Community Engagement

tracy Fisher

metroMaGaZINe /

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

OFFICE/SALES

402.932.3522 | sales@SpiritofOmaha.com 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 – 2015 alH Publications, Inc. all rights reserved.

402.932.3522 • sales@SpiritofOmaha.com

advertise with us...

MAKE THE CONNECTION! “metroMAGAZINE has been a great partner to Borsheims. Their publications provide us a great way to highlight our community identity and reputation, which is a critical aspect of business.

Borsheims is a local business proudly supported by local customers for over 100 years. metroMAGAZINE has helped us connect with that support.” ~ ADRIENNE FAY BORSHEIMS FINE JEWELRY AND GIFTS 7

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

1-11-LEAD SECTION-1114_QUARTERLY 11/10/14 2:12 PM Page 8

1-11-LEAD SECTION-1114_QUARTERLY 11/10/14 10:33 PM Page 9

words FROM MY HEART

mquArterLy • Letter from tHe pubLiSHer

gratitude First of all, before I say anything further, please allow me to thank each and every one of you who have reached out in the last several weeks for all of your positive feedback regarding our debut issue of metroQUARTERLY. I must say, as excited as we have been to set off on this new chapter of our adventure, and as great as we feel about what’s going on here at ALH Publications these days, the response has been beyond our expectations.

We felt really good about making the change, and we felt equally positive about the caliber of content and creative that we’re putting into this newest expression of our mission, so we anticipated a generally positive response. We could never have anticipated, however, the quantity and quality of the feedback we’ve received. The enthusiasm with which this quarterly has been received, and the passion behind much of the praise and reviews, has been truly (and delightfully) overwhelming! It’s left us humbled and deeply encouraged.

We are so grateful to have the opportunity to serve the Omaha metro in such a positive and impactful way. We could not have been more pleased for our advertisers, subscribers, community leaders and our corporate and nonprofit partners, and…here we go again.

For the second edition of metroQUARTERLY we felt compelled to focus on the needs associated with feeding those who do not have enough to nourish themselves properly, not just in the third world, but here at home. It seemed fitting to us at this time fo the year, to bring renewed attention to this issue, and to those who combat it locally as well as internationally. This issue is not going away, it is one that has a profound meaning and is felt around the globe. Feeding our World: Nourishing our Neighbors…Far and Near is then an appropriate topic for what we consider to be very important and meaningful feature articles. There is a need 365 days a year to help those who are lacking food, water and basic nutrition and this time of year that need is magnified even more.

So many of us will gather with our families and friends over the holiday season with plenty of food, refreshments and holiday spirit. We will give thanks for all that we have and for all that is available to us. The stories in this issue shine a light on individuals and organizations out there on the frontlines of the hunger issue who are making a difference, creating change, inspiring others, and fostering movements and it is my hope that this edition will inspire our readers to get involved and give back in ways they may not have been prompted to consider before, not just during this holiday season but all year round. We would love to hear how you are making a difference as 2014 draws to a close, so we encourage you to post your photos and stories of inspiration to metroMAGAZINE’s facebook page.

We want you to know that we’re not content with the changes we’ve initiated thus far, we have BIG, BIG dreams and goals, and a BIG agenda for the next several years, so stay tuned as we reveal more about all that’s coming! In this issue we’re introducing the latest new idea, our extended, expanded online edition, which will allow readers to go beyond the depth of content in our print edition, and to access additional photo and journalism pages through our digital issue online.

At last count our staff indicated that we’ve prepared at least 40 additional pages of content for your consideration and pleasure, including dozens of additional pages of photos from the Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation Ball, dozens of additional photos from Omaha Fashion Week’s Fall extravaganza, and additional photo journalism connected to the beautiful spreads featured here on 40 Chances, co-authored by Howard G. and Howard W. Buffett, and featured in our JOURNEYS segment in this issue. In addition, there is expanded coverage of our feature on the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory at Lauritzen Gardens, and expanded coverage on a number of other articles I am not going to mention, because I want you to visit our website and discover for yourself how much extra content we’ve made available.

The addition of this expanded content adds another level of depth & gravity to mQUARTERLY and we’re very excited about that!

9

AndreA L. Hoig ahoig@Spiritofomaha.com

Something else BIG is in the works! Many of you have heard us talking about The BIG EVENT and this year’s all new $10,000 BIG CONNECTION. One non profit will receive $5,000 cash and $5,000 in marketing and promotion during 2015. The list of the charity events in the running can be found on page 11. Voting is ongoing right now through December 12th and the winner will be announced at The BIG Event on January 22nd at The Durham Museum.

We will also be presenting our first annual Outstanding Guild Award. The BIG Event is one more way for us here express our gratitude to those making a difference in our community, and to those who care about supporting them! Also coming in January at The BIG Event: the release of our 10th Anniversary Edition of The Event Book & Giving Guide.This elegant coffee-table book is your connection to the Omaha metro’s charitable community.

Wishing you all a holiday season filled with joy, love and gratitude!

“Gratitude opens the door to… the power, the wisdom, the creativity of the universe. You open the door through gratitude.” ~DEEPAK CHOPRA

CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY

mquArterLy • noV/deC/JAn 2014/15

1-11-LEAD SECTION-1114_QUARTERLY 11/10/14 2:13 PM Page 10

give a gift that makes a difference.

Give the gift of metroMAGAZINE’S mQUARTERLY this holiday season and your guests receive The Event Book & Giving Guide 2015 Tenth Anniversary Issue plus 101 Things to Love about the metro™ An entire year of relevant, elegantly presented content that connects discriminating readers with the charitable & cultural organizations and businesses making a difference in our community!

we make a difference. make the connection!

Only $29.95 save over 60%!

Click the SUBSCRIBE link just under the METRO MAGAZINE tab at SpIRITOfOMAhA.COM and select GIfT SUBSCRIpTION. If prompted to enter a code enter “MMSUB_GIfT”. (p.S. You can give it to yourself, we won’t tell Santa!)

1-11-LEAD SECTION-1114_QUARTERLY 11/10/14 9:19 PM Page 11

“and the WINNERS are…”

The following events & organizations were selected by thousands of followers who participated in this year’s vote-in. These organizations were elected for events presented between June 1, 2013 & May 31, 2014

BEST EVENT: 1st – 2nd Annual Children's Hospital & Medical Center Wine, Women & Shoes BEST EVENT: Over 1,000 • Nebraska Children's Home Society Sand in the City® BEST EVENT: Over 500 Heartland Family Service Carnival of Love Gala BEST EVENT: Under 500 Angels Among Us An Evening Among Angels BEST EVENT: Heath & Wellness American Cancer Society Hope in the Heartland Gala BEST EVENT: Theme The Rose Theater - Rockin' Rosie: Rosie Rocks the Roaring 20's BEST EVENT: Food & Wine

M . )

Food Bank for the Heartland Celebrity Chef: Michael Symon BEST EVENT: Education Marian High School - MarianFEST: Live from Marian It's Saturday Night!

BEST EVENT: Young Professional Habitat for Humanity Omaha Young Professionals Brew Haha 2013 BEST EVENT: Pet & Animal Nebraska Humane Society Black Tie & Tails BEST EVENT: Walk/Run Susan G. Komen® Nebraska Race for the Cure® BEST EVENT: Speaker/Guest Film Streams Feature V with Bruce Dern, Will Forte & Alexander Payne

THE NEXT ROUND OF VOTING IS HERE! NOVEMBER 11TH THRU DECEMBER 12TH THESE ORGANIZATIONS WILL NOW COMPETE TO WIN

12-13-WNWN-1114_FINAL 11/10/14 2:16 PM Page 12

connecting OUR COMMUNITY

what’s new community connection

new festivals: HOLIDAY LIGHTS FESTIVAL November 27–JaNuary 4 • GeNe Leahy maLL 5:00 PM - 1:00 AM daily (lights) | 1302 Farnam on the Mall | Omaha The Festival showcases downtown Omaha and celebrates the spirit of the holidays with a full season of festive, familyfriendly activities. Enjoy more than 40 blocks of dazzling white lights in and around Gene Leahy Mall every evening from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m. through January 4, 2015. Holiday Lights Festival events in December include the Wells FArgO FAMily FestivAl DeceMber 7, featuring free admission and family activities at OMAhA chilDren’s MuseuM, the DurhAM MuseuM, OMAhA POlice MOunteD PAtrOl bArn, W. DAle clArk Public librAry, the Wells FArgO bAnk downtown branch and JOslyn Art MuseuM. On New Year’s Eve, enjoy one of the largest New Year’s Eve fireworks displays in the region, starting at the family-friendly hour of 7:00 PM. Bring the kids and tune your radio to stAr 104.5 to hear the music while you watch the choreographed FireWOrks sPectAculAr. 402-345-5401 | www.holidaylightsfestival.org

cuisine connection

new“bus”iness: A BITE OF OMAHA BUS TOUR December 6 & December 19 • oLD market iN omaha (starting location) 10:30 AM Savor the city on an upcoming A bite OF OMAhA bus tOur spotlighting unique, locally-owned restaurants and food shops. The guided, climate-controlled bus tour is one of many coordinated by OMAhA culinAry tOurs and the tour itinerary changes each time, but participants will enjoy five to seven food tastings from some of the best food establishments in Omaha. The tour features a mix of old favorites loved by locals and new culinary hot spots just on the scene. Local chefs and restaurant owners will share their stories and passion for food with tour participants, and the sampling of specialties varies from entrees to desserts and treats. Parking will be readily available at the Old Market meeting spot, and the bus will return to the starting location at the end of the tour. Food samples, guided fun and round trip transportation are included in the $60 ticket price (advanced purchase required).

(402) 651-0047 | www.omahaculinarytours.com mentoring connection

new honors: OMAHA JEWISH REUNION JaNuary (tba) • mmP aNNuaL awarDs LuNcheoN centurylink center | 455 n. 10th st. | Omaha The Midlands Mentoring Partnership (MMP) annual awards luncheon is held each January to highlight National Mentoring Month and promote mentoring opportunities in the community. MMP, a coalition that advocates for youth mentoring and the activities of its member agencies, reports that in the Omaha metro area alone, the approximately 3,000 existing mentoring relationships serve only 10 percent of the youth in need of support from caring and positive adult role models. MMP’s 2015 award luncheon will feature Dr. Kent Pekel, CEO of the Search Institute. The Search Institute is best known for its “40 Developmental Assets”, a framework that identifies a set of skills, experiences, relationships and behaviors that enable young people to develop into successful and contributing adults. The 40 Developmental Assets approach is used by educators, youth leaders and parents around the world, and the Search Institute is now sharing research that highlights the value of relationships in our children’s growth.

(402) 715-4176 | mmpomaha.org 12

mquarterly • nov/dec/jan 2014/15

12-13-WNWN-1114_FINAL 11/10/14 5:27 PM Page 13

• mquarterly

what’s now!

KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH our community

now open: LITTLE FREE LIBRARY reading connection

CENTRIS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

24 hours | 4804 Ames Ave | Omaha Centris Federal Credit Union staff at the 48th and Ames Street location takes commitment to the North Omaha community very seriously every day by coaching and mentoring members to help them become financially successful. Now the staff is supporting the community in another way by promoting literacy and learning. In partnership with OmAhA by Design and the bensOn Ames AlliAnce, the branch has installed a Little Free Library just east of the facility (adjacent to the curb). The Little Free Library concept was first popularized in 2009 and has grown to all 50 states and more than 40 countries around the world. Little Free Libraries encourages readers of all ages to share their favorite literature and works on the honor system, with neighbors encouraged to borrow a book, donate a book or trade a book. The Centris Little Free Library, which is always open and available to everyone in the community, will be maintained by Centris staff.

(402) 758-6520 | www.centrisfcu.org

now open: FABLAB METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

invention connection

Fort Omaha campus, 5300 n. 30th st. | Omaha MCC’s FabLab became the world’s 145th fabrication laboratory when it opened less than a year ago, and fab labs themselves are relatively new, with origins as an outreach project of the mAssAchusetts institute OF technOlOgy. MIT’s ultimate goal is to develop a network of small-scale workshops that can create almost any object through digital fabrication and make the means for invention accessible to nearly anyone. Community members have access to MCC’s FabLab through two noncredit courses. Eventually, rapid prototyping accessible to private citizen inventors is expected to usher in a new world of entrepreneurship. Fab labs contain a spectrum of equipment like computercontrolled laser cutters, precision milling machines, sign cutters, 3-D scanners and printers, and of course the software that makes integrated design, manufacturing and project management possible. 3-D printers can create items composed of substances from plastics and clay to chocolate and bone-compatible material on a scale from circuit boards and jewelry to machinery and building segments.

(402) 290-9168 | https://www.fablabs.io/mccfablabomaha

mobile connection

now available: ON APPLE AND GOOGLE PLAY STORES RAISING MONEY FOR OMAHA AREA ORGANIZATIONS HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER! tOgether A greAter gOOD (tAgg) launched a mobile app that provides a fresh way for people to support schools, non-profits, places of worship, and youth teams that is easy, convenient, routine, and socially influential, all without spending an extra dime. TAGG users simply ask the server or cashier at over 80 participating businesses to “TAGG” their purchase when paying. Then you choose who to support, and the business donates 5% back to them, facilitated by TAGG. TAGG is integrated with social media allowing users to share their good deed, giving credit to the business for the donation and providing exposure for the business and organization supported. Users can also see good deeds of their friends and family. TAGG is currently supporting over 90 organizations. TAGG is free as long as they are promoting it to their supporters and actively raising money. more information: www.togetheragreatergood.com. to download the free app, search for together A greater good in the google Play or Apple stores.

TOGETHER A GREATER GOOD

14-15-HolidayGIFTGuide-1114_- 11/11/14 10:48 AM Page 14

• mquarterly

holiday GIFT GUIDE

decorate her wrist this christmas Every woman wants her wrist decorated like this! White and Rose gold Criss-Cross Diamond Bangle Bracelet, set with over 8 carats in white diamonds. Unique and Fun! A Gunderson’s Favorite! See store for details!

Only one available!

GUNDERSON’S JEWELERS Village Pointe • 17255 Davenport Street, Suite 111 • Omaha 402-935-6332 | www.gundersons.com

a bauble from bliss The Le Vie Parisienne collection originates from old Parisian workshops established over 200 years ago. Each piece is rendered from original molds and stamping, and set with Austriam srystals and painstakingly enameled by skilled artisans. View these treasurers exclusively at Bliss, a women’s clothing, accessory and gift boutique.

BLISS BOUTIQUE Bel-Air Plaza • 12100 W. Center Rd. #607, Omaha 402-991-3595 | facebook.com/BlissBoutiqueOmaha

gifts that give twice Gift Cards to the Nebraska Humane Society can be used toward adoptions, purchases in our retail store, kids camps, training classes, our daycare, boarding and grooming services…even our spay & neuter center!

Plus they support the agency’s mission of rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming homeless animals. So, as you take care of pet lovers and their pets, you also support those waiting for their forever home.

NEBRASKA HUMANE SOCIETY 8929 Fort Street, Omaha 402-444-7800 | www.nehumanesociety.org

defend your home from ordinary Nebraska’s first Real Deals franchise opened its doors on November 6th. This unique shopping experience boasts inventory that changes weekly and offers true warehouse pricing. Real Deals offers the latest in contemporary to traditional home decor; a wide array of clocks, wall art, mirrors, signs, lamps, seasonal merchandise, and furniture. Come visit this “home to domestic dreamers” on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday and feel at home while you are shopping for your home!

OMAHA'S REAL DEALS ON HOME DECOR 10933 Harrison Street, LaVista | Thur & Fri 12 - 6 PM • Sat 10 AM - 3 PM 402-830-9581 | Facebook URL RealDealsOmaha

it’s what’s inside that counts Make this holiday nothing like the ones you used to know. At Borsheims, you’ll find brilliance that lights up winter’s dark. Set a new standard for the holidays with an over-the-top moment they’ll never forget.

The Roberto Coin Silk Collection, exclusively at Borsheims, blends traditional weaving with modern design.

BORSHEIMS FINE JEWELRY AND GIFTS 120 Regency Parkway, Omaha 800.642.GIFT | www.borsheims.com

14

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

14-15-HolidayGIFTGuide-1114_- 11/10/14 8:34 PM Page 15

paint a new holiday memory Share time with friends, coworkers and family at Village Canvas and Cabernet, Omaha’s paint and sip art gallery in Aksarben Village. You will enjoy an artist-guided paint session and complimentary glass of wine or beer as you paint a new

CONTINUED

16-23-JOURNEYS-1114_Layout 1 11/10/14 2:18 PM Page 16

global AWARENESS

howard g. and howard w. buffett want people to know they can make a difference in a hungry world

THE NAME buffett HAS BECOME SYNONYMOUS WITH GIVING. OMAHA BILLIONAIRE INVESTOR WARREN BUFFETT GAVE PART OF HIS IMMENSE WEALTH TO HIS ADULT CHILDREN’S FOUNDATIONS AND PLEDGED THE REMAINDER TO PHILANTHROPY IN THE EVENT OF HIS DEATH. THUS, ONE OF HISTORY’S LARGEST PERSONAL FORTUNES IS NOW CLOSELY ALIGNED TO MYRIAD EFFORTS THAT ADDRESS PRESSING HUMAN NEEDS AROUND THE WORLD. Exemplifying this familiar culture, Howard G. and Howard W. Buffett are collaborating as a father-son team with a vision for calling people to action about the opportunities within our reach for addressing issues of hunger abroad and at home.

making the most of our chances The Wizard of Omaha’s eldest son, Howard Graham Buffett, heads a foundation focused on improving the standard of living and quality of life for the world’s most impoverished, marginalized populations. Food security is among the foundation’s top priorities, not surprising given that its namesake chairman-CEO is a farmer with strong roots in his agriculture-rich native Nebraska.

He’s also a staunch conservationist and an accomplished photographer.

A former Douglas County Commissioner now living in Decatur, Illinois, where he farms, Howard G. traveled to developing nations as a youth. His late mother, Susie, cultivated a social justice bent in him and his siblings. Those experiences helped shape the work of his Howard G. Buffett Foundation. His travels and the foundation’s work, told through the prism of experiences lived, relationships built and lessons learned, highlight his new book, 40 Chances: Finding Hope in a Hungry World.

MOST OF US…DON’T THINK ABOUT THE FACT THAT…WE’VE PROBABLY GOT 40 years TO REALLY MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT.…WE CANT TAKE STUFF BACK AND EVENTUALLY WE DO run out OF TIME. THAT’S WHAT THE TITLE IS ABOUT. ~ HOWARD G. BUFFETT

16

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

16-23-JOURNEYS-1114_Layout 1 11/10/14 2:18 PM Page 17

STORY BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HOWARD G. BUFFETT

• mquarterly

40 chances: AN INSPIRING BOOK • A COMPELLING VISION

WITHIN OUR REACH:

a starving world

IN LESOTHO A YOUNG FARMBOY STRUGGLES TO CONTROL HIS DONKEY TEAM IN HIS EFFORT TO ASSIST HIS FAMILY

CONTINUED

16-23-JOURNEYS-1114_Layout 1 11/10/14 2:18 PM Page 18

global AWARENESS

Howard G. Buffett co-authored the bestseller with his son and former foundation executive director Howard Warren Buffett, who has extensive experience dealing with international and domestic issues. As a U.S. Department of Defense official Howard W. oversaw ag-based economic stabilization-redevelopment programs in Iraq and Afghanistan. As a White House policy advisor he co-wrote the President’s cross-sector partnership strategy. The Columbia University lecturer also worked for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the United Nations.

Growing up he made many trips with his father to challenging places. Like his old man he is a farmer, with a spread near Tekamah.

now or never The book by the duo calls readers to take action and do something good for the world, even if it’s in your own backyard. The authors proffer principles for doing and giving and making a lasting impact with the limited chances we are all granted in a lifetime.

“If there’s an overriding thought it’s that anybody can do something. It doesn’t matter how big or small it is, it’s just doing something that counts,” says Howard G. He adds, “Don’t be afraid to take risks. Even going down to your local food pantry to volunteer might be a risk for somebody. Make a long-term commitment – don’t just do it to see what it’s like. That message is intended for NGOs and foundations and everybody who works in any kind of philanthropic area.

“Figure it out, focus on it and then stick with it.”

The Buffetts hope their book gives people a sense of urgency to act.

“The truth is most of us just go through life,” Howard G. says. “We don’t think about the fact that by the time we get out of college and get a little experience we’ve probably got 40 years to really make a positive impact. That’s our prime. Just do it right. We can’t take stuff back and eventually we do run out of time.

That’s what the title is about.”

“That gets to the core of what 40 Chances is – about having a limited number of opportunities to do the best job we can in our life,” Howard W. says.

“And that can be being the best mother or father, being the best mentor, being the best resident of a neighborhood or community. It doesn’t matter what it is, it’s just that you seize those opportunities.”

A YOUNG URBAN ARMENIAN GIRL COLLECTS LEFTOVER POTATOES FROM THE RURAL HARVEST

18

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

16-23-JOURNEYS-1114_Layout 1 11/10/14 2:18 PM Page 19

• mquarterly howard g. and howard w. buffett ON

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN A HUNGRY WORLD

40 chances: AN INSPIRING BOOK • A COMPELLING VISION lessons learned Much of the Buffetts’ work plays out overseas, where the West’s expectations or assumptions don’t hold much currency amid the developing world’s harsh realities. Howard G.’s seen many entities try to come up with First World solutions for Third World problems, but the metrics don’t always apply.

The consequences of planting the wrong seed crop for a certain climate or soil in a vulnerable place like Eastern Congo, for example, can be disastrous.

HOWARD W. AND HOWARD G. BUFFETT POSE NEXT TO A PORTRAIT OF 12-YEAR-OLD SHAMOLY FROM BANGLADESH. SHE WAS LATER FORCED TO MARRY A MAN IN HIS 40s WHO POSSESSED MULTIPLE WIVES

“Everywhere we go and work in the world life is not predictable,” Howard G. says. “If you’re a small farmer struggling to feed your family, if one thing goes wrong you can have a child die, so the consequences of what can happen are so significant and magnified.”

His foundation works in some tough environments, including Eastern Congo, Rwanda and Liberia, where food and water insecurity, poverty and conflict are constant threats.

He supports a research farm in South Africa, where the foundation does conservation work returning cheetahs to the wild and supporting anti-poaching measures. The farm grows cover crops, with the goal of making these crops available to several countries on the African continent. He makes a point of visiting wherever his foundation’s active, no matter how remote or unstable the site, in order to put his own eyes on a situation.

PHOTO BY TOM MANGELSEN TWO GIRLS IN TAJIKISTAN LEARNING HOME GARDENING AND RECEIVING U.S. GOVERNMENT TAKE HOME RATIONS

“Each trip leads to something,” he says. “I see something, I learn something. I would argue it is important to do it and I think other people need to do more of it. Anything I’ve ever learned that’s stuck with me has been in part because I’ve gone somewhere and experienced it. I think it has to do with my being a photographer. It makes you pay attention to the detailed scene of what’s happening.

I absorb a lot of things by osmosis. As a photographer you have to be there to get the photograph. I think the same way with this, you have to be there.

CONTINUED

16-23-JOURNEYS-1114_Layout 1 11/10/14 2:18 PM Page 20

global AWARENESS

howard g. and howard w. buffett ON

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN A HUNGRY WORLD

“When you see a lot of pain and see death it’s very hard to deal with. I don’t care who you are, you internalize that somehow. What a camera allows you to do is to take pictures of that to show the world what’s happening. It gives you a whole new purpose of what you’re trying to do, so photography’s been a huge thing for me.”

This “journalist at heart” has published several books of photography featuring what he’s “seen and experienced” around the globe.

He’s learned the only way to truly appreciate the jeopardy people face is to go where they live and witness their peril.

A U.S. AID CAN SUPPORTS A TODDLER IN ONE OF THE POOREST AREAS OF EL SALVADOR

“You can’t understand what people go through unless you see it for yourself. I can tell you what it’s like to go into a landfill where kids are living and dying because I’ve been to where people literally live in trash. When you walk in there your eyes burn and you can’t breathe. You have to experience that.”

our own backyard EVERY MEMBER OF THIS HONDURAN FAMILY PITCHES IN TO HELP HAUL WOOD

The Buffetts say even if you can’t travel the world, opportunities to make a difference are as near as a local pantry or the Food Bank for the Heartland, where Howard W.’s volunteered. In the middle of America’s Breadbasket people face hunger and malnutrition daily.

“The numbers have grown so much in this country of people who are food insecure,” Howard G. says.

“There are roughly 250,000 food insecure people in Nebraska. That’s right in the heart of America.

You have to say to yourself, That’s not right, something’s totally wrong with that.”

Teaching people to grow their own food is part of building a secure, sustainable food culture. When Howard W. discovered all Omaha Public Schools’ designated career academies had been fulfilled except one – urban agriculture – he helped establish an Urban Ag and Natural Resources career academy at Bryan High School, where he also helped form a Future Farmers of America club. Both are thriving there.

20

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

16-23-JOURNEYS-1114_Layout 1 11/10/14 2:18 PM Page 21

• mquarterly

40 chances: AN INSPIRING BOOK • A COMPELLING VISION

“I’ve been able to mentor some of the students at Bryan and have an impact on their lives,” he says.

“Those relationships and the gratification I get from being involved with very local things are extremely rewarding. It’s so enriching what takes place there.”

Father and son encourage folks to get out of their comfort zone and give time to worthy causes like these in their own community.

“I just think being there and showing up is so important,” Howard G. says. “You don’t have to have money to make a difference.”

He says America’s generosity and volunteerism set it apart, while noting that much more of both is needed.

“Nobody volunteers like Americans. Americans are great volunteers, and they’re great volunteers right here in Omaha.”

staying focused If he’s learned anything, it’s that mitigating problems like chronic hunger, food insecurity and poor nutrition is gradual at best in places without America’s entrepreneurial-volunteer spirit.

“I’m very impatient and I’ve learned I have to be more patient. I’m a Type A personality, so I’m like, I’m going to go in there and figure it out when I get there. It doesn’t work that way. One of the things you learn is there’s no short-term fix or involvement.

You have to be in this for the long haul. That changes how you do things. For us it means we have to stay very focused.”

He may not have the legendary focus of his father but he’s gotten better as he’s learned to say no and to accept he can’t do everything.

“I realized the consequences if I don’t stay focused – I get distracted, I’m wasting money, I’m not making impact. That’s just something I had to get better at.

If I’m going to be focused and have impact I just have to say no to people, even very good friends.

If I did all those things people come to me with I would get nothing done.”

CONTINUED

A BAREFOOT CHILD GAZES OUT BEYOND THE HORIZON FROM OUTSIDE A REMOTE ROMANIAN DWELLING FAR FROM ANY CITY OR TOWN

16-23-JOURNEYS-1114_Layout 1 11/10/14 2:25 PM Page 24

global AWARENESS

howard g. and howard w. buffett ON

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN A HUNGRY WORLD

A BHUTAN WOMAN SITS ON THE ROOF OF HER HOME DRYING CHILIES

SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN TAJIKISTAN HAVE LIMITED RESOURCES AND LITTLE ACCESS TO TRAINING IN IMPROVED FARMING PRACTICES

IN A MAKESHIFT REFUGEE CAMP IN CHAD, THIS DARFUR GRANDMOTHER SHELTERS HER GRANDCHILD, WHOSE MOTHER DID NOT SURVIVE AN ATTACK ON THEIR VILLAGE

connected!

IN CHINA, A COLD ICE PACK SERVES AS THE ONLY SOURCE OF FRESH WATER FOR THIS GIRL’S VILLAGE

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

16-23-JOURNEYS-1114_Layout 1 11/10/14 2:26 PM Page 25

• mquarterly

40 chances: AN INSPIRING BOOK • A COMPELLING VISION

make the connection!

AFGHAN EYES REFLECT HUNGER AND FEAR AT A WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME DISTRIBUTION POINT

THIS MALAWI GIRL WALKS TO TOWN IN ORDER TO SELL SUGAR CANE

PORTRAIT OF MOTHER AND CHILD IN MOZAMBIQUE

AT THE BASE OF THESE AFGHAN FOOTHILLS ARE WHAT REMAINS OF THE DESTROYED BUDDHA STATUES OF BAMIYAN. AN AFGHAN FARMER HOPES THAT HIS LIVESTOCK AND FARM IMPLEMENTS WILL SURVIVE BULLETS, SHELLS AND BOMBS

16-23-JOURNEYS-1114_Layout 1 11/10/14 2:19 PM Page 22

global AWARENESS

make the connection!

IF THERE’S AN OVERRIDING THOUGHT IT’S THAT anybody CAN DO SOMETHING. IT DOESN’T MATTER HOW BIG OR SMALL IT IS, IT’S JUST DOING SOMETHING THAT counts.

See the extended, enhanced and expanded version of this article online in our Digital Edition, featuring additional photos & content

~ HOWARD G. BUFFETT Buffett’s advice for organizations and individuals is the same.

“Figure out what you want to do and just do that and don’t get distracted, don’t get sidetracked, don’t try to save the world. If you’re going to try to save the world you’re going to save nobody. You’ve got to be focused. The more narrow you are the more impact you’ll have.”

coming full circle Doing the book brought many benefits.

“It helped the foundation itself gain additional focus and learn lessons from the past,” Howard W. says.

“It allowed us to start honing in and narrowing down where we wanted to go from there, whether multiyear crop-based research on new varieties of corn or better ways to reduce soil erosion over a decade of no till with cover crops.”

Or building a new hydroelectric plant in Eastern Congo that will help to catalyze investment in agribusiness that will in turn create jobs for people whose only alternative is conflict. Or reducing poaching as a way to cut off funds (from the sale of elephant tusks and rhino horns) to rebels.

ETHIOPIA IS KNOWN FOR ITS DROUGHTS AND FAMINES. THIS CHILD AT A WFP DISTRIBUTION POINT IS HEALTHY; MANY OTHERS OUTSIDE THIS FACILITY ARE NOT AS FORTUNATE

22

“For me personally this retrospective and introspective look was almost like going through a whole other undergraduate degree,” Howard W. says.

“My dad and I hadn’t had as much time to travel together the last couple years, so working on this book together was a new kind of journey of taking everything we had done together in person and then analyzing it. It’s been incredibly rewarding.”

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

16-23-JOURNEYS-1114_Layout 1 11/10/14 2:20 PM Page 23

• mquarterly

40 chances: AN INSPIRING BOOK • A COMPELLING VISION

The Howards were joined by family patriarch Warren, who wrote the book’s foreword, for the launch in New York City. The paperback version from Simon & Schuster is out this fall.

“That was fun. It brought us all together,” Howard G. says.

If there’s one thing Howard G. wants people to take away from the book, it’s for people to do something.

“I just feel like if we do these things it will make a difference. Even if it doesn’t make a difference, we tried and we might learn something from that failure.

“My dad talks about staying in your circle of competence. I know what I’m not good at, I know what I’m good at, so I stick with that. But that’s a big enough circle for me to still step into things I’m not comfortable with.”

“Like I tell young people, ‘Get uncomfortable, just go do some things that make you go, Holy crap.’ That’s what’s going to make you grow, that’s what’s going to make you want to do more because you’re going to gain some confidence. Some things might not work, but so what.”

THIS WOMAN IN NEPAL WAS A SURVIVOR OF MASSIVE FLOODS IN THE LOW LANDS

WORKING ON THIS BOOK TOGETHER WAS A NEW KIND OF journey….

IT’S BEEN INCREDIBLY REWARDING. ~ HOWARD W. BUFFETT

DUST IS KICKED UP AT 10,000 FEET ABOVE SEA LEVEL AS A HELICOPTER WITH FOOD AID APPROACHES THIS MOUNTAINOUS VILLAGE IN NEPAL

24-27-FoodBank-1114_- 11/10/14 2:46 PM Page 24

collective IMPACT

food bank for the heartland

24

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

24-27-FoodBank-1114_- 11/10/14 2:46 PM Page 25

STORY BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM SCHOLZ

• mquarterly

in an ongoing collective effort to reduce local food insecurities, the keys to getting food where it's most needed include food bank for the heartland’s expansive vision and expanding distribution and volunteer centers

IT’S NO secret

“We can’t do this without being as efficient and effective as possible. We monitor everything we do THAT IN THE LAND OF PLENTY, A RESOURCE GAP and how we do it.”

EXISTS FOR MANY FOLKS, INCLUDING RIGHT Volunteers are critical for sorting and repackaging HERE IN THE METRO, THE PROBLEM WITH pallets of food.

POVERTY IS NOT JUST LOW INCOME, IT’S LACK OF EDUCATION AND ACCESS. WANT OFTEN TRANSLATES INTO PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HUNGER AND INADEQUATE NUTRITION.

Every night, a segment of poor Nebraskans goes hungry. An estimated 250,000 in the state are chronically food insecure, a dramatic increase since the 2007-2008 recession. Most of the affected adults are the working poor. One in five area children are at-risk of hunger.

The mosaic of helping agencies and initiatives addressing the issue includes food pantries, community gardens, healthy cooking classes and nutrition education. A key player in that mix is the Omaha-based Food Bank for the Heartland.

Established in 1981, FBFH is one of only two food banks in the state along with the Lincoln Food Bank.

scaling up Until five years ago FBFH served just Omaha and Council Bluffs but it now covers most of the state, plus western Iowa, for a total of 93 counties and 75,000 square miles. In what’s been a transformation for an organization that depends almost entirely on donations and fundraisers, a completely new leadership team and staff came on board in 2009 to scale the operations up. That’s meant a new, expanded facility at 10525 J Street, a fleet of big trucks and a tech-driven warehouse order and delivery tracking system.

“We have online ordering for our customers just like Amazon that tells us what they want, when they want it and reserves it in inventory,” says president-CEO SUSAN OGBORN. “We have Roadnet, the UPS software, to track our trucks and to route them efficiently. We have bar coding in the warehouse so that everything is tied to an item number. It tells you when to pick and how many to pick.”

All of it’s needed to distribute the estimated 16 million pounds of food FBFH will distribute this fiscal year.

has “changed our entire business model completely,” Ogborn says, adding. “We are first and foremost a distribution center now. We’ve got five people on the road all the time in rural Nebraska. We’re an entirely different business.”

IN THE FOOD BANKING WORLD WE HAVE A SAYING – YOU CAN’T FOOD BANK YOUR WAY OUT OF hunger. AND YOU ABSOLUTELY CAN’T. THERE IS ENOUGH FOOD TO FEED EVERYBODY IN AMERICA BUT [GETTING IT TO THOSE IN NEED] IS A distribution CHALLENGE. ~ SUSAN OGBORN PRESIDENT-CEO, FOOD BANK FOR THE HEARTLAND

Heart Ministry Center director JOHN LEVY says, “The Food Bank plays an absolutely critical role in us being able to serve people in need. We can access a much wider selection of food by using Food Bank and also keep our costs much lower. By having a wider selection of food, people are more likely to come back to The organization’s increased the number of retail and our Center because they had a good experience. Because we are able to get the food for free or drastically reduced processing vendors it contracts with to provide food, prices, we have more money to spend on helping clients much of it perishable meat, dairy and produce, from with their underlying problems.” fewer than a dozen to more than two hundred.

Procuring enough edible resources to supply and Ogborn and her staff all came to their jobs with no support its many food partners, including food previous food banking experience, which she says has pantries run by the Heart Ministry Center, worked to their advantage.

Together and Heartland Hope Mission in Omaha, In its mode shift the Food Bank’s gone from “order taker to business seeker,” she says. “Before, we waited for people to come to us. Now, I have two full-time food sourcing professionals who do nothing but look out for food and work with the people who give it to us.”

expansive vision food bank for the heartland

REACHING OUTSIDE THE BOX

CONTINUED

24-27-FoodBank-1114_- 11/10/14 2:47 PM Page 26

collective IMPACT

EXPANDING NEED •

expansive vision

“We don’t know what we can’t do, so we just we just try anything and don’t let anything stop us.”

outside-the-box Most satisfying to Ogborn, she says, is “finding some creative way to serve people we haven’t served before,” For example, identifying the rural poor in the Sand Hills region was proving difficult until she thought of an outside-the-box way to reach them.

“I sent out a letter to the sheriffs in those counties that said, ‘You know who the people are in your community that are in need, I don’t, how about I send you some food boxes and you give it to them when they need it?’ I didn’t know if I’d hear back or not.

Well, the sheriffs in those counties, especially Nance and Merrick counties, are now distributing food on a regular basis. They’re supporting mobile pantries and we’ve got all kinds of services going on there.”

BRIAN BARKS AND SUSAN OGBORN, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS AND PRESIDENT & CEO, RESPECTIVELY

Closer to home, FBFH operates programs that provide meals to at-risk children after school, on weekends and during the summer through such youth-serving organizations as Completely Kids.

“Where we identify a gap where people aren’t being served by anybody else we will start a program.”

The effects of hunger and poor nutrition are farreaching, especially on children’s health and school performance. Often hunger or malnourishment results when people can’t afford or find fresh, local food near them. Those living with food insecurity and residing in food deserts often don’t know what eating healthy entails and need to be taught how to source and cook things that don’t come out of a box.

Growing your own food is an option for some. But for most folks a food pantry or the SNAP (food stamps) program is more realistic. Not everyone knows about or chooses to use these remedial options. Ogborn says as many as a third of those eligible to receive SNAP benefits in Neb. fail to do so, often, she suspects, out of embarrassment.

FOOD BANK FOR THE HEARTLAND DISTRIBUTED 15.8 MILLION POUNDS OF FOOD IN FISCAL YEAR 2014

26

She agrees with colleagues that mediating hunger in the Heartland requires a collaborative effort to make the needed collective impact.

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

24-27-FoodBank-1114_- 11/10/14 2:48 PM Page 27

• mquarterly

WE DON’T know WHAT WE CAN’T DO, SO WE JUST TRY anything AND DON’T LET ANYTHING stop US. ~ SUSAN OGBORN “In the food banking world we have a saying – you can’t food bank your way out of hunger. And you absolutely can’t. There is enough food to feed everybody in America but how we get it and people connected is very challenging. It’s a distribution challenge process. It’s also an issue around nutrition education, cooking healthy meals.”

That’s why the Food Bank partners with ConAgra Foods Foundation, Walmart and other mega food processors and purveyors to get healthy food to where it’s needed. “We could not do what we do without them.” It’s why it partners, too, with the Hunger Free Heartland coalition and the Hunger Collaborative to do the same on a more intimate scale.

Hunger Collaborative shared services coordinator Craig Howell says FBFH not only provides nutritious food to pantries that clients might otherwise not access but supplies hot meats for children outside of school they might miss at home. He says it also assists eligible clients get signed up for SNAP. “The ability for us to make sustainable changes cannot happen without the work of the Food Bank.”

EMPLOYEES FROM PHYSICIANS MUTUAL PACK FOOD BAGS FOR CHILDREN ENROLLED IN THE BACKPACK PROGRAM IN THE FOOD BANK'S NEW WILLIAM AND RUTH SCOTT VOLUNTEER CENTER

Another part of the answer is fast food giants and school cafeterias offering healthy alternatives.

Ogborn says reaching people where they live with their habits will make a profound difference in their nutritional levels over time.

Ogborn says the ultimate goal is for all Nebraskans to be self-sufficient in terms of secure, sustainable access to food. “We’d love to put ourselves of business.”

Until that day arrives, fundraisers are needed to help support its work. In Sept. a city-wide spaghetti feed garnered thousands of dollars. Proceeds from the ConAgra Foods Ice Skating Rink during the annual Holiday Lights Festival will go to the Food Bank.

On March 12 FBFH’s big annual fundraising dinner will feature celebrity chef GEOFFREY ZAKARIAN at the Embassy Suites in La Vista.

Money, food, volunteers and vendors are what keep the Food Bank going. Visit www.FoodBankHeartland to get involved.

VOLUNTEERS FROM THE UNITED STATES NAVY: MORE THAN 8,300 BAGS OF HEALTHY FOOD ARE DISTRIBUTED EACH WEEK TO SCHOOLS ACROSS NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA

food bank for the heartland

REACHING OUTSIDE THE BOX

28-33-SG-NMEP-CS-1114_- 11/10/14 2:52 PM Page 28

collective IMPACT

COMMON vision EXISTS AMONG ORGANIZATIONS WORKING TO MAKE AT-RISK POPULATIONS MORE FOOD SECURE. ALL AGREE THAT MORE CAN BE DONE COLLECTIVELY THAN ALONE IN THE EFFORT TO COMBAT AREA HUNGER. Omaha is replete with efforts that feature collaboration and cross-pollination. Some players, such as Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue or City Sprouts, have distinct niches. Others, such as No More Empty Pots, are more comprehensive in scope and thus all roads lead there.

One way or another, these organizations connect with coalitions like Hunger Free Heartland, a ConAgra Foods Foundation’s originated-initiative that’s evolved into the community-wide CHILD HUNGER ENDS HERE-OMAHA PLAN. Members of the HUNGER COLLABORATIVE – Food Bank for the Heartland and pantry operators Heart Ministry Center, Together and Heartland Hope Mission – collectively work to end food insecurity and to provide an array of human services.

New collaborations are always surfacing, including the Prospect Village Community Garden Program that finds City Sprouts, No More Empty and Big Garden, among others, promoting the benefits of engaged, cohesive neighborhoods through community gardening.

RATHER THAN THROWING YOUR EXCESS FOOD AWAY IN THE trash WE CAN RESCUE YOUR FOOD AND GET IT TO PEOPLE THAT NEED IT.… IT’S EXCITING TO SEE HOW MUCH PEOPLE care AND WANT TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN.

Focusing on the efforts of three organizations among many making a difference in creating a secure, equitable food system offers insight into both the needs of those living in jeopardy in our region and the resources being applied to address those needs.

SAVING GRACE PERISHABLE FOOD RESCUE If it takes a village to raise a child, then it takes a communal effort to feed one. Experts agree no one source can solve food insecurity; instead, ending hunger takes multiple approaches. One is capturing excess food otherwise thrown away and giving it to hungry folks. That’s just what Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue does.

~ BETH OSTDIEK SMITH FOUNDER, SAVING GRACE

Formed in late 2013 by BETH OSTDIEK SMITH, Saving Grace rescued more than 200,000 pounds of perishable food in its first ten months of operation.

Ostdiek says a pound of food equals one meal.

28

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

28-33-SG-NMEP-CS-1114_- 11/10/14 2:52 PM Page 29

STORY BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM SCHOLZ

• mquarterly

as local organizations work to overturn food insecurity in our community, their response to hunger is fostering collaboration as different approaches come together to make collective impact

neighbors area service organizations

WORK TOGETHER TO SUPPORT OUR NEIGHBORS IN NEED

CONTINUED

28-33-SG-NMEP-CS-1114_- 11/10/14 2:52 PM Page 30

• mquarterly

collective IMPACT

NOURISHING OUR

neighbors

“WE ARE PART OF A LARGER MOVEMENT.… SUPPORTED BY THIS GREAT resurgence OF PEOPLE GOING BACK TO GARDENING, KNOWING WHERE THEIR FOOD COMES FROM AND EATING MORE locally, MORE SEASONALLY. ~ ROXANNE WILLIAMS CITY SPROUTS DIRECTOR That ratio means Saving Grace provided 200,000-plus the means to capture unsellable but still edible dairy, meals to its recipient partners, who include produce, proteins and grains that otherwise get nonprofits that serve vulnerable youth, adults and thrown away. families such as Table Grace, Heart Ministries and Open Door Mission.

“A unique thing we do is match the food to recipients’ needs because many times people have great hearts Smith, who’s long been concerned about the amount and take things down to food pantries the pantries of food that gets wasted and the number of hungry can’t use. When we bring on a food recipient partner people needing square meals, says she “found a niche we interview them to see what their capacity is – that really wasn’t being fully addressed” in Omaha. whether they have refrigeration and freezers – The response to her food rescue and delivery how much they’re serving and what’s most in demand. organization indicate’s she’s helping fill a gap.

Then we match our food to their needs.”

“I can’t emphasize enough how excited our recipients are by what we’re bringing them. This is really healthy, She wants to add more recipients but she says she won’t “until we get more food donors – I don’t want to nutritious food.” make promises we can’t keep.” She says there are vast Response from food vendors is equally positive. segments of the food industry ripe to be tapped, including corporate, school and hospital cafeterias, “I think it’s because we’re offering this consistent, country clubs, caterers and arena-convention centers. professional model that comes out to food vendors.

She estimates more than 80 percent of perishable food We have refrigerated trucks and our drivers have food goes uncaptured and therefore trashed. “There’s huge handling licenses. We keep it simple and seamless. potential to procure more food,” she says.

We get food from here to there.”

CITY SPROUTS In 1995 City Sprouts began as a small community garden meant to bring harmony to the then-violence plagued Orchard Hill neighborhood. The nonprofit’s evolved into a one-and-half acre campus from 40th and Seward to 40th and Decatur. Its education center, community garden and urban farm have a mission to enhance food security, promote healthy lifestyles, employ at-risk youth and build community.

The land produces fresh vegetables and eight hens in a chicken coop produce eggs for use by area residents, many of whom tend plots in the community garden.

Youth from challenged backgrounds learn horticulture and life lessons in addition to earning money working on the farm, which includes a hoop house that extends the growing season from early spring through late fall. The fruit and vegetables that interns grow from seed to table are sold at an on-site farmer’s market. Classes and workshops by horticulture and other experts cover nutrition, canning, dehydrating, cooking and non-food topics.

Events such as potlucks, discussions and seasonal celebrations invite area residents to engage with staff, volunteers and visitors.

Trader Joe’s, Akins Natural Foods, Greenberg Fruit Helping her with the logistics and food sourcing is JUDY RYDBERG, who brought 12 years experience and Attitude on Food are a few of the biggest “We are part of a larger movement locally and with Waste Not Perishable Food Rescue and participating vendors. nationally trying to foster a connection with your Delivery in Scottsdale, Arizona. Smith used that food, with your neighborhood. Our work is supported program as the model for her own. Smith feels she’s “We just signed on CenturyLink Center’s Levy by this great resurgence of people going back to hitting a wave of interest in mitigating hunger.

Restaurants, so we’re going to capture all the excess from the concessions and parties there.

“I think we’re starting to see a movement, and if we can gardening, knowing where their food comes from and eating more locally, more seasonally,” says City QT has expressed interest in donating all the be a catalyst for the movement with our other food Sprouts director Roxanne Williams. perishable excess from their convenience stores.” partners that would be a great thing.”

A turning point for City Sprouts came in 2005 when a She says she sells vendors on the give-away with a She also sees a need for more collaboration and vacant house at 4002 Seward Street was donated as its basic appeal. “Rather than throwing your excess food communication so that food partners can identify education center. away in the trash we can rescue your food and get it to how they best align. As for Saving Grace, she says, people that need it. It just makes sense. We like to say “what we need to have for this to be sustainable is more “Getting the house was a huge asset,” Williams says. we’re feeding bellies rather than the landfills. dollars and food donors,” adding, “We’re looking for “That is one of the things that has enabled us to grow It’s exciting to see how much people care and want to our organization. It changed the whole direction of make this happen. We need to honor our donors who Saving Grace Friends to help us get the word out, raise funds and open doors. We’re just getting started. City Sprouts and made so many more things possible.” take and make time to donate.”

We’re a very small but mighty organization.”

The house allows the organization to be engaged with Part of Saving Grace’s mission is enhancing awareness and education on food waste and hunger. For example, Visit savinggracefoodrescue.org to explore some of the neighborhood year-round through classes and programs held there. the organization informs vendors and recipients it has the ways you can make a difference.

30

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

28-33-SG-NMEP-CS-1114_- 11/10/14 2:53 PM Page 31

area service organizations

WORK TOGETHER TO SUPPORT OUR NEIGHBORS IN NEED

CONTINUED

28-33-SG-NMEP-CS-1114_- 11/10/14 2:53 PM Page 32

• mquarterly

collective IMPACT

NOURISHING OUR In addition to the interns who grow on the urban farm, young children are introduced to gardening on campus.

Next spring children from two neighborhood elementary schools, Franklin and Walnut Hill, will learn gardening and nutrition in programs City Sprouts is planning with them, including developing a school garden with Franklin staff and students. With northeast Omaha considered a food desert because residents have limited access to fresh, local, nutritious food within walking distance, the garden and farm take center stage in good weather. Williams says City Sprouts is one of many players trying to improve food options there and in other underserved metro neighborhoods.

“It’s not one answer, it takes a village, it takes so many people working together. There’s lots of groups making a difference. I think we’re making inroads.

But there’s always going to be a need.”

neighbors

NO MORE EMPTY POTS It started with 2010 conversations, then a summit, around people’s passion for fresh, nutritious, local flood – growing it and getting it to where it’s most needed. Discussions about building food systems that tie together local producers and underserved consumers, that educate users, that support entrepreneurial opportunities and that do much more led to the creation of No More Empty Pots.

The catalyst organization is all about identifying needs in the local food ecosystem and partnering with others to address those needs. The hoped for collective impact aims to reduce food insecurity and to grow a sustainable, healthy food culture.

“The problem is not that we don’t have enough food, but that we don’t have the logistics, people, resources to ensure it gets where it needs to be at the right time to be used by the right people for the right thing.

America throws away more than 40 percent of the food we grow. There is so much that can be done with logistics and growing food people want to eat and know how to use.

“Restaurants can get more local food but they need a place where they can get it in the quantity they need it, so working with distributors to get more local food is an opportunity as well.”

Where there’s waste, she sees opportunity.

Co-founder NANCY WILLIAMS says while food “There’s lots of room for aggregation and processing. deserts are lessening as there’s more access to fresh, There’s lots of farmers growing food but they don’t Community gardeners, ranging from entire families to local food, too many people remain disconnected always have somewhere to take the food after the single moms to senior retirees, grow on 45 raised beds from their food. markets because people aren’t educated and surrounded by fruit trees and perennials. In exchange encouraged about the benefits of buying local and “There are a lot of people working on this,” she says, for a nominal fee gardeners are assigned a bed and may not be accustomed to paying market price. “and it’s going to take a lot of people putting forth provided plants, seeds, water, education and The hub will give farmers a place to take excess effort, working together, securing resources and encouragement. Gardeners are responsible for produce and create value-added products. maintaining their own beds. engaging folks to make that happen. I believe that will happen and I see evidence that we are on our way to “There’s a lot of opportunities for incubating and Getting buy-in from neighbors is taking time, getting there.” developing food-based businesses. It’s why we’re especially in an area with many rental properties and looking at having an accelerator to help cultivate therefore much turnover. But there are growers who The nonprofit does its part by convening stakeholders, entrepreneurial ideas and to connect new return every year. Several young professionals and hosting workshops and presenting gardening and entrepreneurs with people who can help make their students living in the area who also happen to be cooking demonstrations. It partners with Truck Farm ideas come to life.” backyard farmers and foodies are regulars at the to send a garden on wheels to schools and other community-building events. youth-serving organizations to educate students about She envisions a bakery and bistro at the new site along how food grows. NMEP also supports things like with shared commercial kitchen spaces that food Williams, a master gardener who comes from an Community Market Basket, an initiative through entrepreneurs can rent by the hour. education and fundraising background, came on Tomato Tomato’s CSA (Community Supported board three years ago as the nonprofit’s first full-time, Agriculture) program that makes fresh, local food year-round director.

In order for NMEP and others to make a lasting accessible to folks who might otherwise not get it. difference, she says, collaboration is key. Her goal is to “It is my ideal job. I absolutely love what I do here replicate best practices here and elsewhere. No matter Even with all this activity, she sees gaps that because it encompasses all my interests and who you are, she says, “there’s space at the table for need filling. experience and weaves them together. I get to work everybody to contribute to make this better.” with kids, teens, all the way up to, seniors.

“There are still some self-sufficiency issues we need to I garden, I fund-raise, I teach.” help people address so that they know how to produce To assist NMEP’s growth, human resources are needed, including volunteers to garden, cook their own food and to use seasonal food for proper City Sprouts partners with many organizations in and teach. carrying out its mission and depends on volunteers to nutrition at a reasonable cost.” maintain the campus.

She says eating healthy within a budget, on a limited “We also need professional support with marketing, fundraising, design and community outreach. income, is doable when people are informed.

“There’s always weeding and watering and harvesting We’re recruiting board members to help guide the to do,” Williams says.

She sees much potential in food business development. organization to realize the community-driven vision.

She’s fundraising for renovations to new space NMEP We’re actively seeking to fill internships in marketing Its big fund raisers are the spring Omaha Gives, the recently acquired on North 30th Street. She envisions and project management. We plan to hire staff as August Gala and an end-of-year campaign. more projects become active.” a food hub there focusing on the aggregation, processing, distribution and recovery of food waste to For donation, volunteer and event information, visit omahasprouts.org. extract and add value within the food system.

Keep up with NMEP at www.nomoreemptypots.org.

32

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

28-33-SG-NMEP-CS-1114_- 11/10/14 2:54 PM Page 33

THE PROBLEM IS NOT THAT WE DON’T HAVE ENOUGH FOOD, BUT THAT WE DON’T HAVE THE…resources TO ENSURE IT GETS WHERE IT NEEDS TO BE.… AMERICA throws away MORE THAN 40 percent OF THE FOOD WE GROW.

area service organizations

WORK TOGETHER TO SUPPORT OUR NEIGHBORS IN NEED

34-35-HOSP-HOF-1114_- 11/10/14 2:57 PM Page 34

community CONNECTIONS

2014 HOSPITALITY HALL OF FAME inductees Gayle R. Carstens Founder/president/CEO – Restaurants Inc. A native Nebraskan, Gayle Carstens has influenced the restaurant scene across the region, beginning his career in 1976 with the second Godfather’s Pizza franchise.

Carstens then went on to open many other Godfather’s locations across the Midwest and eventually partnered with employer Mike Crowley in Godfather’s Pizza, Old Country Buffet, Champps Americana and Great American Bagel. After Crowley’s passing in 1995, Carstens continued his business partnership with Crowley’s wife, Joyce. Eventually he established Restaurants Inc., a restaurant management company based in Omaha.

GAYLE R. CARSTENS

Carstens’ entrepreneurial spirit began with his creation of Stokes Grill & Bar in 1997. He created Loco’s Mexican Grill, Brick Oven Cafe & Bakery, Genji Japanese Steakhouse and Twisted Fork Grill & Saloon. He currently partners as a franchisee of HuHot Mongolian Grill — a partnership that has developed 20 locations across the Midwest — as well as eight PepperJax Grill locations and a Smashburger.

In 2013, Carstens was named the recipient of the Eastern Nebraska Hospitality Award by the Nebraska Restaurant Association. He and his wife, Jody, have one daughter, Alyson.

Dino A. Losole Head chef – Lo Sole Mio Ristorante Italiano Anthony “Dino” Losole was born to be in the restaurant business. Losole’s culinary journey began in the family restaurant business at the young age of 10, and he was later hired at the Field Club of Omaha. After his parents opened Lo Sole Mio Ristorante Italiano, he studied under his father and mastered the art of menu planning, food preparation and presentation before becoming head chef for 18 years.

DINO A. LOSOLE

Losole passed away in 2013 but leaves a lasting legacy in Omaha. He served on the Omaha Restaurant Association board and worked tirelessly with various benefits and organizations, such as Benefit for 9/11, Taste of the Nation, Omaha Food Bank, Open Door Mission and Lydia House, Our Lady of Lourdes and the Omaha South High School Sports Awards Banquet.

Dr. Adi M. Pour Director – Douglas County Health Department As director of the Douglas County Health Department since 2002, Adi Pour has employed her passion for community involvement and helping others succeed. A native of Switzerland, Pour attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha and University of Nebraska Medical Center and attained her post-doctorate fellowship at Creighton University.

Pour received the J.G. Elliot Award from UNMC and the Public Service Excellence Award from UNO in 2007. She was also honored at the 2013 Tribute to Women event by the Women’s Center for Advancement. She enjoys cooking, reading, skiing and traveling.

DR. ADI M. POUR

34

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

34-35-HOSP-HOF-1114_- 11/10/14 2:57 PM Page 35

OMAHA RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION | THE INSTITUTE OF CULINARY ARTS AT METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

hospitality honors Milton S. Yin Co-founder – Hiro, Hiro 88 and Imperial Palace Milton Yin grew up with the influence of a mother who had a passion for great food and a father who owned a restaurant in Korea for 30 years. While Chinese, Yin was born in South Korea and came to the United States in 1976 at the age of 18 to join his father and brother, Danny, who had opened Imperial Palace restaurant.

In 1986, Yin and his family created Imperial Palace Express, a fast food-style restaurant that boomed, with other locations opening across Nebraska in Bellevue, Kearney, Norfolk, Grand Island, Fremont and La Vista. Yin continued his culinary journey when he opened Hiro Sushi in 2003. The success of Hiro would lead to Hiro 88 locations in Omaha and Lincoln as well as Pana 88.

Yin has a daughter named Jennifer with his wife, Norma, someone who has been involved in Yin’s restaurant ventures since Imperial Palace. He has actively supported organizations like Project Harmony, Healing Kadi Foundation, March of Dimes and the Siena/Francis House. He enjoys traveling, cooking, working with family and friends, and experiencing new restaurants.

MILTON S. YIN

A. Anthony Abbott Co-owner – French Café Tony Abbott has touched many lives through his enthusiasm for fine cuisine and love for helping others. Abbott’s journey in the restaurant business began when he and his business partner and friend, Michael Harrison, had the opportunity to manage the French Café. In the heart of the Old Market, the restaurant provided Abbott a platform to help others start their own culinary journeys as well as serve customers some of the finest dining in Omaha.

Abbott was the ambassador for the International Institute for Dining Excellence as well as a volunteer with Taste of the Nation, an organization that fights to end childhood hunger. Abbott and wife, Valerie, reside in Omaha and have two children.

A. ANTHONY ABBOTT

Michael Harrison Co-owner – French Café Michael Harrison’s worldly travels with friend Tony Abbott helped fuel a passion for fine dining that led the pair to become business partners at the French Café.

Harrison’s job as maître d'hôtel was a perfect fit, as his outgoing personality and ability to make others feel at home helped the Old Market restaurant become a top dining destination in Omaha.

Harrison served in the U.S. Navy and was a World War II veteran. He passed away in 1992 at the age of 70.

MICHAEL HARRISON

2014 hospitality

HALL OF FAME HONOREES

• mquarterly

36-39-GRANE-1114_- 11/10/14 3:02 PM Page 36

libation CONNECTION

groundbreaking GRĀNE 36

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

36-39-GRANE-1114_- 11/10/14 3:02 PM Page 37

STORY BY KARA SCHWEISS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM SCHOLZ

• mquarterly

you don’t have to be a whiskey enthusiast to find something to love at GRĀNE, as owner dan matuszek likes to emphasize; and he couldn’t have been more pleased when a customer recently told him, “we finally have a cool place in omaha.” tremendous success with his first endeavor, wine and spirits retailbistro concept brix, inspired owner dan matuszek to expand into the realm of whiskey and craft cocktails and introduce not only an innovative new industry concept, but dispensing technology not yet offered anywhere else in the world. grĀne, which opened at midtown crossing in July, capitalizes on whiskey’s resurging worldwide popularity with a blend of ultra-modern sampling equipment and a retro atmosphere evocative of the pre- and post-prohibition era, from reclaimed thincut brick originating at an 1870-built brewery to period-look light fixtures, furnishings and decor. “it’s not grandma’s house, it’s not a museum,” matuszek said. “it’s our own unique brand.” the name grĀne reflects the essence of its primary offering (with a creative spelling twist), which is distilled from fermented grain mash typically originating with barley, corn, rye or wheat. and the establishment itself reflects the incredible potential of the grain, with more than 300 varieties of whiskey available for purchase onsite.

careful distillation matuszek, who opened the first brix at village pointe in 2010 and the second location at midtown crossing in 2013, is an “adopted son of omaha” brought to the community more than 20 years ago by a former employer in the wine and spirits industry, where matuszek has spent nearly three decades. his newest venture is a “globally unprecedented” brand created around small portion-size whiskey dispensing and 1920s- and 1930s-style craft cocktails. craft cocktails are the liquid version of the artisan food movement, matuszek explained, with handmade ingredients, exquisite presentation, and a level of care not found in the typical bar or lounge (“you won’t see any soft drink dispensing guns here.”) grĀne also offers wine and beer, but the true customer favorite is an old-fashioned—a cocktail made from whiskey, bitters, water and sugar—unlike any other.

DAN MATUSZEK, OWNER

GRĀNE A MEMORABLE ERA MADE MODERN

“it’s on tap, dispensed with a beer handle, and is the number-one selling item in the place,” matuszek said. “there’s nothing like it in omaha.”

CONTINUED

36-39-GRANE-1114_- 11/10/14 3:02 PM Page 38

libation CONNECTION

it’s not grandma’s house, it’s not a museum. it’s our own unique brand.

You don’t have to be a whiskeY or craft cocktail drinker to visit grāne. it’s just a cool place to hang out. ~ DAN MATUSZEK, OWNER

Rinaldini Distribution and WineEmotion USA, known for its line of high-tech wine dispensing systems, collaborated with matuszek to create the new Bartender by WineEmotion whiskey-dispensing system, for which grāne has been granted exclusive global rights through may of 2015. brix at midtown crossing was the first establishment in the united states to install wineemotion equipment and now has one of the largest installations in north america.

maturation the five seven-bottle “bartenders” perfectly measure sample-sized pours of whiskeys at half-ounce, oneounce and one-and-a-half-ounce levels, all tied in to controlled-access, smart card technology. the halfounce sample is the most popular choice, matuszek said, which allows patrons to sample more labels per visit. the system can also be calibrated easily for grāne’s newly established half price monday; all whiskeys on the bartender system are half price, which encourages patrons to broaden their repertoire of fine whiskeys to include a more exclusive class. additional whiskey options are available behind the bar, and matuszek added that a retail section off-sale whiskey is available for guests who want to make a purchase based on their favorite samples.

38

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

36-39-GRANE-1114_- 11/10/14 3:02 PM Page 39

• mquarterly

groundbreaking GRĀNE Monique Huston, an omaha native and recognized whiskey authority now with Stoller Wine & Spirits in chicago, has lent her expertise to grāne’s staff in a consulting role as their whiskey sommelier, said matuszek. huston, who curated the world’s largest pourable whiskey over 10 years Omaha’s Dundee Dell, provides intense training on the production and regional details of an array of whiskey brands and teaches staff “how to use their palates.” in turn, grāne’s staff offers guidance and recommendation to a pool of patrons who span from long-time aficionados to total novices.

fine finish GRānE occupies a 2,500-square-foot space between Cantina Laredo and Saints Pub + Patio, so it is physically and conceptually separate from brix, and is positioned as a comfortable after-work spot that opens at 3 p.m. monday through saturday, matuszek said. although the two businesses do share some customers, matuszek added, grāne’s clientele “is all over the board”, attracting a professional crowd of all ages, whiskey enthusiasts who happen to be visiting the city, and—despite the stereotype of whiskey drinkers as 45-plus males—a growing number of women who are embracing the new experience of whiskey sampling. many of the patrons use the tasting notes presented in brass-look drawers echoing oldschool library card catalogs, matuszek reported, and he’s even seen some groups bring in small notebooks to document their impressions as they slowly work their way through sampling whiskeys that originate from distilleries all over the world. even patrons who don’t walk through the doors as established fans of whiskey can find something that suits their taste, matuszek said. his wife, kerry, who he describes as “not a whiskey enthusiast”, was the inspiration for kerry’s winter solstice, a craft cocktail containing 100-proof bonded whiskey, banana, roasted coconut water and just a touch of nutmeg. grāne also offers a selection of whiskey-inspired draught beers on tap, bottled beer, wine by the glass and a small appetizer menu.

“You don’t have to be a whiskey or craft cocktail drinker to visit grāne,” matuszek said. “it’s just a cool place to hang out.”

GRĀNE A MEMORABLE ERA MADE MODERN

40-47-MKDC-LG-1114_- 11/10/14 3:06 PM Page 40

THE nature OF OUR COMMUNITY

AS AN AREA landmark LAURITZEN GARDENS HAS STEADILY EVOLVED OVER TIME INTO ONE OF THE REGIONS MOST IMPRESSIVE AND CHERISHED SITES. INSTEAD OF TAKING EONS TO TRANSFORM, AS WITH NATURAL EVOLUTION, OMAHA’S BOTANICAL CENTER HAS DEVELOPED RAPIDLY, ACCELERATED BY HUMAN VISION AND EFFORT. THE LATEST STAGE IN THAT MATURATION PROCESS HAS BEEN STEADILY REVEALING ITSELF FOR MONTHS.

40

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

40-47-MKDC-LG-1114_- 11/10/14 3:06 PM Page 41

STORY BY KARA SCHWEISS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HERB THOMPSON

• mquarterly

a long, cold winter couldn’t prevent new life from emerging out from under the snow and reaching toward the sun. this time, however, mother nature wasn’t responsible, as the combined efforts of heritage services, hdr, and peter kiewit sons’ inc. along with a dedicated cadre of community visionaries, collaborated to propel lauritzen gardens into an evolutionary leap forward.

The exquisite blossom that is the MARJORIE K. DAUGHERTY CONSERVATORY AT LAURITZEN GARDENS just opened to the public on October 11 after 18 months of construction, but its seeds were planted long before that, said SPENCER CREWS, executive director of Lauritzen Gardens.

“It’s a culmination of decades of dreaming and thinking and planning,” Crews explained. “There’s always been thought and talk and hopeful thinking that this would happen.”

“The conservatory completes a long-time dream for Lauritzen Gardens,” said BRUCE LAURITZEN, whose family’s support of the former Omaha Botanical Gardens led to a name change in their honor.

“It does two principal things: First, it is a significant addition that will transform the garden into a 12-month venue. That’s very important for our future.

And second, it will raise our stature to be in a league with the major gardens in the United States. We are already in the top 30 or 35 gardens, which in and of itself is a special feat because we are the youngest. But we lacked a conservatory and now we will have one, and that is a big deal in the botanical garden world.”

“It represents the garden becoming a mature public horticultural institution,” Crews added. “As you look around the country at other botanical gardens you’ll find that most of the larger gardens have similar facilities: a library, visitors’ center, gardens of course, classrooms. And most of them have glass conservatories that allow them to grow things that could not normally grow there.”

marjorie k. daugherty conservatory

AT LAURITZEN GARDENS

CONTINUED

40-47-MKDC-LG-1114_- 11/10/14 3:07 PM Page 42

THE nature OF OUR COMMUNITY

marjorie k. daugherty conservatory AT LAURITZEN GARDENS budding concepts The 20,000-square-foot conservatory is separated into three sections: a 10,000-square-foot tropical “house”, a 5,300-square-foot temperate “house” and a 2,000-square-foot gallery designed to be a flexible space for floral displays and special events.

“It certainly was a unique project because of the simple palette of materials, just being glass and a steel frame.

That creates a unique enclosure that sets it apart from other building types,” said BRUCE CARPENTER, HDR senior vice president and architect who is principal with the project. The building was designed and engineered by HDR, and Carpenter’s team also included TIM WURTELE, a project manager and architect; and BILL DEROIN, a designer.

Carpenter described the design further, explaining that canopies overhang in alternating directions, evoking a budding heliconia. “The sculptural form is based on a natural event; as a plant begins to flower, there is kind of this push, and that movement is expressed with the horizontals being on a five-degree slope up toward the sky so it has this expression of movement.”

make the connection!

See the extended, enhanced and expanded version of this article online in our Digital Edition, featuring additional photos & content

HDR worked in conjunction with landscape architect CG STUDIOS, INC., and PETER KIEWIT SONS’ INC. served as the general contractor. ROUGH BROTHERS provided conservatory design consultation and construction.

HERITAGE SERVICES led the fund raising effort, as well as provided design and construction oversight, project administration and donor stewardship.

careful cultivation SUE MORRIS, president of Heritage Services, said $31 million was raised for construction of the facility and to maintain it long-term. She emphasized: “These projects would not happen if it weren’t for the generosity of our donors.”

“We come in very early in the project to ensure that the design is appealing to donors,” Morris said.

“Heritage works closely in the beginning with designers and contractors in estimating. You can come up with all these amazing projects, but if you don’t have the funding capacity out there in order to pay for it, it’s not going to go anywhere.”

BACKGROUND PHOTO BY JIM SCHOLZ

42

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

40-47-MKDC-LG-1114_- 11/10/14 3:07 PM Page 43

• mquarterly

natural selection

IT’S A CULMINATION OF

decades of dreaming, THINKING AND PLANNING. THERE’S ALWAYS BEEN THOUGHT AND TALK AND HOPEFUL THINKING THAT THIS WOULD HAPPEN.

~ SPENCER CREWS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LAURITZEN GARDENS

marjorie k. daugherty conservatory

AT LAURITZEN GARDENS

CONTINUED

40-47-MKDC-LG-1114_- 11/10/14 3:18 PM Page 48

THE nature OF OUR COMMUNITY

marjorie k. daugherty conservatory AT LAURITZEN GARDENS

connected!

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

40-47-MKDC-LG-1114_- 11/10/14 3:22 PM Page 49

• mquarterly

SUGGESTED TITLE Oasis in Omaha

SUGGESTED SUBTITLE

make the connection!

New Conservatory at Lauritzen Gardens Now in Full Bloom

SUGGESTED TEASER

PULL QUOTES: “It represents the garden becoming a mature public horticultural institution” - Spencer Crews, Executive Director, Lauritzen Gardens

“It will be a nice welcome to the state. It will be a great respite in the winter, a nice escape.” - Bruce Carpenter, CARL BECK (FAR RIGHT)

WITH CAROLYN CHARLES JONES Senior Vice President RUTHERFORD, and Architect, HDR

META KEYWORDS: Lauritzen Gardens, Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory, Omaha Botanical Gardens, Spencer Crews, Bruce Carpenter, Heritage Services, HDR, Sue Morris, Lanoha Nurseries, Bruce Lauritzen, Robert B. Daugherty Charitable Foundation, Valmont Industries, Rough Brothers, Peter Kiewit Sons’ Inc., CG Studios, Inc.

META DESCRIPTION: Lauritzen Gardens’ Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory opened on October 11, 2014. The 20,000-square-foot conservatory displays non-native tropical and temperate-climate plant species yearround.

marjorie k. daugherty conservatory

AT LAURITZEN GARDENS

CONTINUED

40-47-MKDC-LG-1114_- 11/10/14 3:08 PM Page 44

THE nature OF OUR COMMUNITY

marjorie k. daugherty conservatory AT LAURITZEN GARDENS In recognition of a gift from the ROBERT B. DAUGHERTY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, the conservatory was named in memory of Marge Daugherty, who was the wife of the late Robert B. Daugherty, founder of Valmont Industries.

“She had a passion for flowers and plants and gardening, and this was a great way for her family and the foundation to honor her,” Morris said.

blooming in the cold The conservatory project, like any other of its magnitude, was not without its challenges, Carpenter said.

“There are challenges on every project, but I think the opportunity on this project was to create an environment that was not part of the local climate,” he explained. “It’s a climate that is, in some ways, unnatural in this setting. So you have a tropical setting in an area that has snow and freezing temperatures; it really is an exceptional opportunity to be able to do that.”

And freezing temperatures certainly came into play during construction, Morris said.

“This team of HDR and Kiewit were amazing,” she said.

“If you think back to what we’ve been challenged with the last 18 months, we’ve had a really harsh winter and there are thousands of panes of glass on this conservatory. While everyone else was hunkered in their warm environment last winter, the Kiewit and Rough Brothers teams were out there. It was cold into April, and then as soon as we had about six weeks of reprieve, we were hit with terrible rains. We’ve been challenged but the team responded.”

growing season The botanical transplants for the conservatory began arriving last summer, well before construction was complete, Crews said. Lauritzen Gardens partnered with LANOHA NURSERIES to locate specimens and later transport the plants to Omaha, most from Florida and the southeastern United States. Lanoha also helped store the plants through the winter months.

“Once they’re brought in, then it’s our responsibility to keep them alive and growing,” Crews said.

A horticulturist with expertise in tropical and subtropical plants has been hired for the conservatory and the facility itself is designed to protect and plant life and help it to flourish.

44

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

40-47-MKDC-LG-1114_- 11/10/14 3:08 PM Page 45

• mquarterly

WE ARE ALREADY IN THE top 30 or 35 GARDENS, WHICH IN AND OF ITSELF IS A SPECIAL FEAT BECAUSE WE ARE THE YOUNGEST. BUT WE LACKED A conservatory AND NOW WE WILL HAVE ONE, AND THAT IS A big deal IN THE BOTANICAL GARDEN WORLD. ~ BRUCE LAURITZEN

“It’s a hot and humid environment but it’s cooled naturally through air movement. There are vents on the sidewalls and vents at the ridge at the top, and some fans that facilitate the air movement, but there’s not air conditioning like you would have in most buildings,” Carpenter said. “There are insulating blankets, so in the winter we’re able to hold some of the heat that’s gained during the day. So it’s pretty simple. There is some additional heating for the coldest days and night, but overall it’s intended to be mostly naturally heated and cooled.”

omaha oasis The newest facility to bloom on the 100-acre Lauritzen Gardens grounds will not only serve as a haven for warm weather plants and a year-round paradise for community members, it will also be visually prominent to visitors coming from the east on Interstate 80, especially when aglow at night.

“It will be a nice welcome to the state,” Carpenter said.

“It will be a great respite in the winter, a nice escape.”

“The design of this will be totally unique in the world.

It’s always fun to have something that others don’t,” Lauritzen said.

“I’ve been very fortunate to work on a lot of projects in the city of Omaha but this really is a truly iconic design that I think will represent the community in a beautiful way,” Morris said. marjorie k. daugherty conservatory

AT LAURITZEN GARDENS

40-47-MKDC-LG-1114_- 11/10/14 3:10 PM Page 46

lauritzeN garDeNs

event spotlight

marjorie k. daugherty

LAURITZEN GARDENS

PhOtOgraPhy by Herb THompson

guests of honor

ESSENTIALS: The Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory at Lauritzen Gardens officially opened to the public on October 11th but those closely involved with the project received a special preview the evening of October 10th.

Attendees included: Donors to the campaign; Heritage Services and Lauritzen Gardens board members, the design and construction leadership. Special guest, Ms. Holly Shimizu, Former Executive Director, United States Botanic Garden spoke during the dinner.

GERRY LAURITZEN, HANI KENEFICK, BRUCE LAURITZEN

The 17,500 square foot conservatory is a walkable work of art for all four seasons. From tropical gardens with soaring palms and vibrant flowers to temperate gardens with moss-covered oak trees and blooming azaleas, to an ever-changing gallery space for magnificent floral displays and special events, guests explored picturesque garden areas and experienced creative horticultural designs.

To learn more about the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory visit www.lauritzengardens.org.

BOB HOWARD, SUSIE BUTLER, MARTI ENGDAHL, HERB ENGDAHL 46

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

40-47-MKDC-LG-1114_- 11/10/14 3:13 PM Page 47

mquarterly

| conservatory donor party

ROB DAUGHERTY, LINDA DAUGHERTY, TIM DAUGHERTY, REBECCA DAUGHERTY, RYAN DAUGHERTY

SUE MORRIS WITH CINDY BAY AND MOGENS BAY

MIKE AND GAIL YANNEY WITH CARMEN AND JOHN GOTTSCHALK

NATE AND MEG DODGE

JOHN AND LYNNE BOYER

DAN AND SHIRLEY NEARY

PAT AND DICK BELL

CAROL AND RICK RUSSELL

SARAH YALE, ADAM YALE, CINDY BAY, MOGENS BAY

JEAN BELL AND ANDEE HOIG marjorie k. daugherty conservatory

SPENCER CREWS

AT LAURITZEN GARDENS

48-51-HUA-1114_- 11/10/14 3:34 PM Page 48

non profit PROFILE

FOR THE 400 OR SO canine guests AT THE Hearts United for animals CAMPUS, IT’S ANYTHING BUT A DOG’S LIFE, WITH TOP-NOTCH VETERINARY CARE, NOURISHING MEALS, TEMPERATURE-CONTROLLED INDOOR LIVING QUARTERS AND HUGE OUTDOOR PLAY AREAS FULL OF TOYS AND EQUIPMENT FOR THEIR AMPLE RECESS TIME. “They have big rooms where they have other dog-pal roommates, soft beds, little dog doors with access to the outside,” Vice President Lori Hook said. The two dozen cats who stay at the shelter make out pretty well, too, she added.

“There are ramps and a little spiral staircase, like a little highway that goes all around the ceiling; if they want to, they can perch up there,” she said. “They have a lot of cat trees and cat toys, too.”

paws for reflection It’s hard to believe these pampered pooches and contented kitties come from sad beginnings, but they also embody the joy that can be brought about by human kindness and the nurturing environment of Hearts United for Animals (HUA). HUA is a national no-kill animal shelter, sanctuary and animal welfare organization in Auburn, Nebraska, that rescues dogs and cats who are lost, abandoned, neglected, abused, ill or injured. Like the creatures it aids, HUA has come a long way.

“HUA started in 1989 as a small, in-home rescue founded

by Dennis and Carol Wheeler,” Hook said. “There were not many animal control facilities or shelters in the area then; it was pretty rough in the rural areas to be a lost or abandoned animal. It evolved to being a puppy mill rescue as well, and when Hearts United began taking in puppy mill dogs in fairly large numbers, that’s what determined that the facility needed to grow.”

creature comforts HUA specializes in long-distance adoption and offers services from refuge for pets of families who are fleeing domestic violence to emergency shelter for pets displaced by natural disasters. HUA also provides a dogfood pantry for people who’ve fallen on temporary hard times and don’t want to give up their pets, and often helps pet owners turned away from veterinary clinics because of inability to pay.

WE’VE HAD MANY volunteers TELL US THAT THIS IS THEIR therapeutic TIME THAT THEY LOOK FORWARD TO ALL WEEK, GETTING TO PLAY WITH THE DOGS AND RELAX. ~ LORI HOOK HUA VICE PRESIDENT The organization also actively advocates against puppy mills, which are especially prevalent in Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri and Kansas, and has rescued more than 10,000 dogs from puppy mills to date. In 1998, HUA was awarded tHe CompUterworld smitHsonian award for innovative use of technology in animal welfare. This honor recognized HUA’s unique Jet-set dogs program that transports dogs to new homes around the country and was one of the first to connect potential pets with new owners through the Internet.

The organization, located today on grounds covering 65 acres, continued to steadily expand. Now in its 25th anniversary year, HUA’s campus includes housing for more than 400 adoptable animals and caretaker quarters that also serve as permanent foster homes for “sanctuary sweethearts” unable to be offered for adoption due to health or behavior issues, and even a “We’ve always tried to stay on the cutting edge of memorial garden. Veterinary facilities house a lowtechnology and keep up with the times,” Hook said. cost spay/neuter clinic open to the public, and Hook HUA has embraced e-communication and social media, said that the 12,000 procedures the clinic has and boasts more than 40,000 Facebook fans from all performed so far has prevented more than an estimated one million births. over the globe.

48

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

48-51-HUA-1114_- 11/10/14 3:34 PM Page 49

STORY BY KARA SCHWEISS | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HEARTS UNITED FOR ANIMALS

• mquarterly

all dogs go to heaven... …AND HEAVEN IS A PLACE CALLED hua

from humble beginnings in 1989 as in-home rescue, hearts united for animals has grown to become a full-scale shelter, sanctuary and animal welfare organization housed on a 65-acre campus. now celebrating 25 years, hua has made a difference in the lives of thousands of animals and has supporters all over the world.

hearts united for animals

CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

CONTINUED

48-51-HUA-1114_- 11/10/14 3:34 PM Page 50

community CONNECTIONS

…AND HEAVEN IS A PLACE CALLED hua

forever homes The organization also partners with a local animal organization to promote and facilitate pet adoption. the paw spa pet resort located in southwest Omaha has just begun serving as an offsite adoption location for HUA, and HUA sometimes coordinates adoption services with humane societies on the east and west coasts serving would-be pet owners seeking small dogs not always available in city shelters. As Hook explained, puppy mill dogs commonly are popular small breeds, and there is usually a significant percentage of them within the dog population at HUA.

JEAN BRESSLER, RETIRED UNO PROFESSOR, NUZZLES ONE OF THE 500 FLYERS SHE HAS HOUSED OVERNIGHT AND PLACED ON FLIGHTS TO ADOPTIVE FAMILIES IN EVERY STATE OF THE U.S.

HUA’S SPRAWLING 65 ACRE COMPLEX LOCATED IN AUBURN, NE

As HUA’s reach and services have grown, its campus facilities have increased as well. A building under construction (funded by the gary and mary west foUndation) will soon make it possible for HUA to house larger numbers of animals orphaned by disasters.

The facility will also provide indoor, year-round agility training facilities.

“Our employees train some of the HUA dogs for agility— we have a big agility yard—and they take them to competitions. We have several of the shelter dogs who have won,” Hook said.

dog’s best friend Support of many kinds have been elemental to what HUA has become over 25 years, Hook emphasized.

In addition to monetary and material donations from the public, HUA relies on dozens of volunteers—many from Lincoln and Omaha—who help socialize the animals to be more acclimated to a private home environment upon adoption.

“We’ve had many volunteers tell us that this is their therapeutic time that they look forward to all week, getting to play with the dogs and relax,” Hook said. “(Volunteers) come to us expecting to do hard labor, but what the dogs need most is to be loved and played with.

So we have yards with gazebos and little dog furniture—and people furniture—where the volunteers take the dogs out to the yard. There can be as many as 75 dogs out in the yard with 20 volunteers on the weekend. We can even tell, too, that some of the dogs will have a favorite volunteer and they know, they totally know when it’s Saturday at 10 and they’re standing there waiting for their favorite person.”

50

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

48-51-HUA-1114_- 11/10/14 3:35 PM Page 51

• mquarterly

hearts united for animals

THERE WERE NOT MANY ANIMAL CONTROL FACILITIES OR shelters IN THE AREA [BACK IN 1989]; IT WAS PRETTY ROUGH IN THE rural AREAS TO BE A LOST OR ABANDONED ANIMAL.

SPAY NEUTER CLINIC

~ LORI HOOK HUA VICE PRESIDENT

A YOUNG VOLUNTEER GETS A KISS FROM ONE OF HUA’S RESIDENTS

hearts united for animals

CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

52-53-HSSS-1114_- 11/10/14 3:38 PM Page 52

KMTV MORNING BLEND’S

SHE SAID

mike & mary Who qualifies as your “Hunger Hero”

~ Mike DiGiacomo His ...

Hers ... ~ Mary Nelson

To date, this has been one of the toughest topics to tackle. Throughout the last five years, I’ve met many incredible organizations and individuals who donate time, talents and resources for various causes, especially those who help feed the hungry.

Because it's quiet, most people don't perceive hunger as something which greatly impacts a thriving city like Omaha. Yet here, and in communities throughout the area, one in five children struggles with hunger.

For many of us, we don’t usually think of food as a scarcity. It seems to be everywhere; company functions, family gatherings, tailgate parties. But, for so many others, it’s a struggle to find the next meal.

As a parent, can you imagine? Not knowing how you’ll provide your child’s next meal?

Their stomach aches. You’ve missed several meals yourself because there just isn’t enough to go around.

I can’t narrow it down to one organization or individual. I can’t even pick a favorite. I can tell you who comes to mind immediately when I think of those doing wonderful things for the needy.

Some moms and dads don’t need their imaginations. My heart is with you.

We’re fortunate that several hunger heroes call Omaha home. The Food Bank for the Heartland does an amazing job of stretching donations ($1 = 3 meals).

Food Bank For The Heartland gathers resources and distributes food to 285 food pantries, emergency shelters and other nonprofit partners in 93 counties. Brian Barks, who often speaks on behalf of the organization, is just one of the faces that is so passionate about it’s cause. He recently told us that the Food Bank for the Heartland doled out nearly 16 million pounds of food last year.

At KMTV, we partner a few times each year with Heartland Hope Mission – Nebraska’s largest food pantry. In addition to providing food, the Mission offers programs which promote self-sufficiency. Open Door Mission also does a commendable job of helping those in need.

It’s one of the organizations my husband and I support. Once you look into the eyes of the people seeking help there, it’s very difficult to go on with life and do nothing.

Another non-profit organization that is doing incredible things to help feed the needy is the Open Door Mission. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Candace Gregory, its President and CEO. This particular conversation centered on a citywide community baby shower. Organizers helped collect items, like baby formula, for expecting mothers. The Open Door Mission serves many purposes, and nearly all of their programs help provide food to those who need help.

One of the companies I prefer to support when I’m grocery shopping is ConAgra. It’s not unusual to see the Omaha-based company involved in its own, or external initiatives, aimed at ending hunger. Through Feeding America, ConAgra set a goal to put up to seven million meals on tables across America in 2014.

Who is my “hunger hero?” There’s not just one. I’m encouraged that so much good is being done to end this heartbreaking, and very real problem.

I’ve named just a couple, but there are so many others that I could also consider my “Hunger Heroes”.

52

mquarterly • nov/dec/jan 2014/15

52-53-HSSS-1114_- 11/10/14 3:38 PM Page 53

54-55-metroSPIRIT-1114_- 11/10/14 9:22 PM Page 54

METROspirit “MULBERRY LANE”

entrenched

ideas PEOPLE

YOU PROBABLY HAVE THAT PERSON IN YOUR LIFE.

You know, that one friend who knew you five or ten years ago, or that older sibling, grandparent, neighbor, high school buddy, co-worker or teacher who knew you while we were growing, developing your identity or making mistakes.

In many cases, for some reason these folks have developed such a well developed, entrenched idea of who you were, even if you’re different now, you still can’t make them see you for who you are today. The funny thing is, that no matter what you do in their presence, you somehow inadvertently manage to affirm the old image.

If they think you’re irresponsible, it’s inevitable that they’ll catch you in an irresponsible moment that hasn’t happened in ages: THEM: “You did know that the shower started 45 minutes ago, right?”

YOU: “Yeah, my hubby had the keys to my car and I had to call him to bring them home. Crazy, I know.”

THEM: “Oh, you brought your favorite recipe for the bride on the index card, right?”

YOU: “Uhh… recipe?”

Yep. Go ahead and reinforce that image, why don’t cha.

If they see you as an insensitive shallow Hal, insulting comments unknowingly fly out of your mouth: YOU: “You know, I think ‘Trisha’ is such a pretty nickname from ‘Patricia.’”

THEM: “You know my name is Patty, right?” Oops. If you know this person thinks you’re an airhead, like voodoo, you utter the most hair-brained response.

THEM: “Did you see that amazing pass play & touchdown in the game last night?”

YOU: “Yeah, the catcher did an amazing catch. I mean that guy -whoever it is who catches the ball.” Yep. You said that.

THERE ARE 3 WAYS TO HANDLE THIS person who is able to instantly take 10 years of maturity, education, and life experience away from you. If it’s a family member, friend, or co-worker who you can limit contact with, don’t hesitate to avoid them. After all, you want to spend time with the people who can grow with you. If it’s a high school buddy that you see on occasion, or at the reunion, or the neighbor you only run into at the block party, then look at it as a leveling dose of humility and laugh at their out-dated opinion of you, as if they were still carrying around a brick cell phone from 1995 and accept that not everyone will appreciate the real you.

If this person can influence your family, job, income, or other important matters, and they’re unavoidable, you can try the BEN FRANKLIN EFFECT. His famous quote, “He that has once done you a kindness will be more ready to do you another than he whom you yourself have obliged.” In other words, you could try asking that person to do you a favor. Research shows that if someone does something for you, they are more likely to see you in a favorable light.

When we do a person a favor, we tend to like them more as a result. Evidently, we justify our actions to ourselves that we did them a favor because we like them.

It may not completely change their opinion of you, but it just might be enough to make you a likeable irresponsible, insensitive, airhead.

And hey, what’s wrong with that?

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.

54

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

54-55-metroSPIRIT-1114_- 11/10/14 3:46 PM Page 55

MARY E. VANDENACK 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.

making a difference FOR THOSE WITH

MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE ABUSE issues NOTE: I am not a mental health professional and offer my thoughts from the perspective of someone who has experienced loss and trauma as a result of mental health issues. To the extent I identify factual information in what follows, I have verified the information with such organizations as NAMI or Out of the Darkness.

Most of what I share here is simply that which I learned from the professionals who offered their love, support and strategies on the way.

Background I recently attended a dinner for Lutheran Family Services. When Ruth Henrichs, Lutheran Family Services CEO, stated that one out of four of us struggle with mental illness or substance abuse, everyone started pointing at others at the table. While the pointing was mostly in jest, I couldn’t help but wonder if the same pointing would have occurred if Ruth had been quoting statistics about cancer.

The finger pointing that occurred represents the challenge of the stigma connected to mental health issues. Because mental health issues manifest behaviorally, our response is often “buck up” or “get it together” rather than recognizing the underlying mental health issue and getting it addressed. Those who love the person struggling are often bearing the brunt of the symptoms of the illness, which can include a variety of behaviors that are difficult to tolerate.

Many mental health issues are treatable. Getting the right treatment can be problematic. There are many reasons for the challenges in getting the right treatment for those who are struggling. Recently, I spoke with a mother whose son died of suicide this past spring. She spoke to me about her efforts to get help. She had asked the police in her hometown to take her son in many times. She indicated that the response she received was “Being crazy isn’t a crime.”

While being crazy isn’t a crime, the unfortunate truth is that untreated or improperly treated mental health issues can result in crimes getting committed.

The news is filled with daily reports of the percentage of the prison population that is mentally ill.

While not every mental illness can be treated, many can. I wonder often why our solution for 25% of our population is to let them struggle in a way that may get them on a prison track.

Caring About Someone With Mental Illness If someone in your life is struggling with mental illness or substance abuse, educate yourself about the

55

illness. Learn the signs and symptoms of their illness.

Seek treatment. In seeking treatment, you must use extraordinary persistence.

While you are seeking help for the person you love, you must also take care of yourself. Keep yourself safe. Find support. Set appropriate limits. Violence cannot be tolerated. Learn the signs of suicide and seek help if they are present. I suggest checking out the information available at the websites for NAMI and Out of the Darkness.

Make A Difference Help eliminate the stigma connected to mental illness. Show up for those organizations making a difference. There are many and a lot of them are highlighted in this magazine. Find out where candidates running for office stand on changing the landscape of mental illness and vote accordingly. In your daily life, consider acting with kindness toward someone who appears rude. He or she could be struggling with his or her demons. Kindness might provide the freedom needed for them to get well.

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

56-59-COLUMNS-1114_WORKING 11/10/14 9:26 PM Page 56

business4business

business4business • OMAHA’S YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

• OMAHA’S YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

embracing now!

launching THE GIVE BACK 10 project

michelle schrage

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.

October 16th, Business4Business ON Professional Society hosted its inaugural “Make an Impact”

jay miralles

Symposium at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Convention Center. This full day event attracted individuals from across the Omaha metro area who desired to grow personally, professionally, and above all, give back to the community.

Dozens of exciting speakers took the stage and hosted breakout sessions, where they inspired, educated, and empowered attendees to take action to make a positive impact in their own lives and in the lives of those around them. Speakers included: Aaron Davis, Van Deeb, Barry Carlson, Michael Nichols, Houston Alexander, Madeline Moyer, Sean McGuire, Catrice Jackson, and Andee Hoig.

In addition to keynote presentations, breakout workshops, and tremendous networking opportunities, Business4Business was excited to launch the “Give Back 10 Project”, which included involvement from 12 local non-profit organizations. The purpose of the “Give Back 10 Project” was to connect motivated professionals who want to give back to the community with local non-profits who have a need for volunteers – with the goal for our attendees to pledge and allocate 10 hours of community service over the next six months.

Throughout the course of the “Make an Impact” symposium, attendees had the opportunity to learn more about the participating non-profits, understand their needs for volunteers, and commit time to working in a volunteer capacity with the non-profits. Each non-profit was showcased during the expo time and during lunch – where a representative from each organization was given stage time to talk about their mission to the audience as a whole.

Those attendees who successfully pledged and allocated 10 hours of community service to our participating non-profit organizations became charter members of the “Give Back 10 Project” and were recognized on stage at the end of the day.

Philanthropic efforts like the “Give Back 10 Project” empower members of our community to proactively learn about the needs of our local, hardworking non-profit organizations and to have a structured way to become involved. Omaha is a city of community and of giving, and Business4Business is committed to helping Omaha’s willing volunteers and our local nonprofits create pathways to finding one another.

For more information about the “Give Back 10 Project” and how you or your organization can be involved, please contact Michelle Schrage at leadership@biz4bizonline.com.

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.

56

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

56-59-COLUMNS-1114_WORKING 11/10/14 9:27 PM Page 57

omaha giving

• OMAHA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

FAMILY giving

building traditions

THERE IS nothing more important than the time we spend with the

For parents of younger children, it’s a way to instill generosity and responsibility. For older children, it’s an opportunity to express their identity, to assert themselves in the family dynamic. And for extended families, it’s an opportunity to spend time together doing something that engages everyone.

You can teach your children the importance – and rewards – of philanthropy as soon as they’re old enough to have a piggy bank. Try giving them a charitable allowance, money that they get to set aside and save for a cause that they care about. Or help them find other ways to give of themselves with their time or possessions. You might be surprised by the issues that touch them and the conversations that emerge.

Each family as well as each individual has their own unique set of experiences that shape their choices. Regardless of age, both perspectives influence what is meaningful to you as a family and as an individual. Giving together requires finding common ground.

Something everyone can rally around. But when families begin the process of giving together, it can be easy to take for granted what common interests to pursue.

57

Volunteering together can be a good place to start. Donating time together can trigger the same sort of conversations and family revelations. Each family must recognize its own culture and realize that differences will arise. Setting guidelines at the beginning will help you to prevent some unnecessary conflict and transition through any challenges or changes that happen within your family.

Remembering why you choose to give as a family and recognizing the rewards that it brings will help to keep your family focused on making a difference through philanthropy.

Use this opportunity to learn from each other and grow as a family. The shared experience will bring you closer.

Philanthropy is a sort of alchemy. It makes the hours you spend together feel more real, more personal. It makes them matter. And there’s no telling what your family can accomplish – both for the community and for yourselves. You’ll find your family’s unique character will express itself through your giving. Your charitable acts quickly become traditions, an ongoing way for you to connect on life’s blessings and what matters most.

For more information, contact us at (402) 342-3458 or visit omahafoundation.org.

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

Matt Darling is Director of Donor Services at Omaha Community Foundation

ones we love. Nothing more precious than the memories we create together.

A natural way to extend this time is to give together as matt darling a family. When families spend time together giving, the quality of the time itself changes. Coming together to give means coming together to share experiences.

Age appropriate conversations about what it means to be a good steward, while often implied in families, are not always made explicit. Experiences, decisions, and lifestyles will vary amongst participants, so it’s important to consider and respect what each person brings to the family. Discovering what truly inspires you as a family will help you to make a stronger impact with your giving.

56-59-COLUMNS-1114_WORKING 11/10/14 9:27 PM Page 58

planning matters

• WITH PVW LAW

caring for a disabled BENEFICIARY THIRD PARTY SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST A third party supplemental needs trust (often called a special needs trust) is one that is created and funded by parents, relatives, or friends of a disabled beneficiary rather than by the disabled individual for him or herself. A third party supplemental needs trust typically allows assets to be held for a disabled beneficiary without disqualifying the beneficiary from qualification for certain governmental benefits. One of the advantages of a third party trust over a self settled trust is that there is no requirement that a third party trust pay back Medicaid upon the beneficiary’s death for support provided during life.

If there is a likelihood that a beneficiary will need to qualify for government assistance, then a supplemental needs trust will be an appropriate vehicle. It is important that such a trust be properly drafted so the assets of the trust are not considered countable assets of the beneficiary for purposes of qualification for government benefits.

In considering whether a supplemental needs trust makes sense for a particular disabled beneficiary, an analysis should be accomplished of the resources available to the beneficiary. If the beneficiary has, or will have, sufficient resources to last his or her lifetime, a supplemental needs trust may be unduly limiting.

Consideration in such a case should be given to a support trust with an option to convert the trust to a supplemental needs trust.

It is also important that any trusts created for the beneficiary be coordinated. If one person wanting to benefit a disabled beneficiary creates a supplemental needs trust while another creates a support trust, the support trust will be an available resource to the beneficiary. The supplemental needs trust will only have value at such time as the beneficiary’s resources have been spent down.

mary e. vandenack

A supplemental needs trusts provides for various supplemental care in addition to what is covered for the beneficiary by government benefits. Some of the things that can be paid for by such a trust include television, paper products, laundry, eyeglasses, dentures and dental work, transportation, out of pocket medical expenses, athletic training, tuition and educational or training costs, yoga classes, electronic equipment and cell phones. Typically, the trust should specify that the trust will only provide for items not provided by government resources. On the other hand, a trust should not co0mpleting prohibit paying certain expenses that will typically be paid by the government.

For example, room and board will usually be provided via government assistance but there may be gaps where the trust should be able to pick up. .

In most cases, a professional trustee should be considered for a supplemental needs trust. Compliance with the various laws impacting supplemental needs trust can be challenging. In no instance should the beneficiary ever be the trustee. The trustee should be chosen considering the trustee’s ability to be sensitive to a beneficiary’s disability, to monitor services being provide and to advocate for benefits as well as invest the trust assets wisely.

Consideration should be given to using a Trust Protector to create a check and balance for the trust on behalf of the beneficiary.

For more information visit www.pvwlaw.com

58

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

56-59-COLUMNS-1114_WORKING 11/10/14 9:27 PM Page 59

todays savings

impact!

• SWARTZBAUGH-FARBER & ASSOCIATES, INC.

end-of-year to-do LIST

• YOUR DENTAL HEALTH

how DO YOU CHOOSE kirk swartzbaugh

stephanie vondrak d.d.s.

your dds?

WHEN I WAS

HOWdo you choose your dentist?

In any case, there tends to be many end-of-year items I’ve typically helped my friends/clients navigate in the Employee Benefit/401(k) world throughout the years. I thought I’d attempt to summarize and share:

We have all seen the commercials for the “quick fix” dental approach. Dentures in a day to porcelain crowns in an hour, advertisers would like you to believe the faster the procedure is completed the better. Not to mention your inbox, email promotions like Groupon or daily deals suggest that mass discounts are an appropriate way to select your dental health care team.

younger my elders used to tell me that time goes by faster and faster each year you’re alive. I have to admit they were so right. I can’t believe we’re already closing in on the end of another year. I’ve just gotten used to writing 2014 on my checks.

Health Insurance

And, don’t forget the dental insurance companies. “Pick their plan” and all necessary dental work will be covered…right?

employers tend to pay a higher percentage of the Employee Only Premium. Families • Many with two working parents may elect to have each parent covered at his/her work and find the better plan to cover the kids (i.e. Employee-Child Coverage). In many cases, I find families have simply chosen the better rate for the family, which can result in hundreds of dollars per month in extra expense to their family.

Wrong.

The truth is how you choose your dentist should be based on your values and judgments not a third party payer or a “quick fix” ad. Think about what is important to you. Do you want to keep all of your teeth for your lifetime? Are you worried about dental emergencies as you age? What about your smile? Do you want white, youthful looking teeth or will you accept a yellow worn-down dentition?

investigate the Out-of-Pocket Maximums associated with your Medical Insurance • Please Policy. As a part of the Affordable Care Act, Co-Pays are now included in that figure, which was supposed to be a good thing. The unfortunate consequence is that the carriers simply raised those maximums. If you can’t absorb that figure, you might want to consider enrolling in a worksite product to help provide the liquidity (ex. Accident, Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness, etc.).

Long-Term Disability Insurance

• possible, elect to have the premiums added to your W2 or added as an in/out on your • Ifpaycheck so the benefits will be received tax-free. Believe me, there is a huge difference

There isn’t a more important asset than your ability to earn a living. I think Long-Term Disability Income Protection is a must. Therefore, make sure your employer provides it.

between a tax-free and a taxable benefit. It is hard enough living off 60% of your income (typical benefit). If that benefit is taxed, the average worker will net approximately 40-43% of their income, which would likely be impossible for most to make ends meet.

401(k)

the amount one contributes to their 401(k). At a minimum, you • I’mshoulda fantryoftomaximizing defer the amount you need to maximize the matching contribution from your employer (for example, many need to defer 6% of their income to have their employer contribute another 3%). That match is free money that will help you prepare for retirement. I’m still kicking myself for not contributing my first year of employment. As people become accustomed to deferring, I like to eventually have my friends/clients get to the maximum annual contribution limit ($17,500 for anyone below age 50 and $23,000 for anyone over 50). people don’t like to look at their accounts on a daily basis because the volatility of the • Many stock market causes them un-needed stress. The unfortunate by-product from the non-looking

If keeping your teeth for your lifetime is important to you…you must take control of your dental future. Choose a dentist based on a trusted referral.Your physician or a family friend can offer insight about the dentist’s education and bedside manor not found in an ad or on a PPO list. Study the provider’s website. Choose to learn more about the values of the office and the care they provide before your first visit. When you are ready, I suggest an introductory phone call. Ask questions like “what continuing education does the dentist have post-dental school?” Or, “how much time does the doctor spend with new patients at their first visit?” As a new patient, it is appropriate to investigate how your first visit will go and share any dental concerns you may have. A value based office will want to spend time with you on the phone and listen to your concerns.

By spending one-on-one time with your dentist, he or she will gather the necessary information required to thoroughly understand your dental needs. With this diagnostic information, dental treatment can be appropriately planned and excellent results obtained.

This level of care is not achieved through a “group rate” and is not a “quick fix”. This level of dental care is detailed, value based, and health-centered.

So… think about what is important to you and who you trust.

Will you choose to understand your dental needs or to let an outside party choose for you?

strategy is that many investors’ accounts can get really out of whack. Thus, I recommend periodic rebalancing to help mitigate the risk of an investment portfolio from getting out of whack. Assuming new monies are being deferred, an annual rebalancing should be sufficient.

I hope this helps you get the most out of your benefit package in 2014 and beyond!

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.

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.

59

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

60-77-AKSARBEN-1114_- 11/10/14 3:52 PM Page 60

coronation KEEPSAKES

AK‐SAR‐BEN HONORS MICHAEL B. YANNEY AS 118th monarch A TRUE BUSINESS LEADER IN THE OMAHA COMMUNITY WAS HONORED FOR HIS ACHIEVEMENTS AT THE AK-SAR-BEN CORONATION AND SCHOLARSHIP BALL ON OCTOBER 18, 2014.

A crowd of nearly 2,000 attendees witnessed the crowning of Mike Yanney as the 118th King of Ak-Sar-Ben. The event also included the formal introduction of the 2014 Court of Quivira, which once again honored over 200 Heartland families and proudly introduced 50 Horatio Alger Scholarship recipients.

The last of nine children, Michael Yanney was born during the Depression in Kearny, Nebraska. His father, of Lebanese descent, was born in a sod house and raised in Nebraska. His mother emigrated from Lebanon as a child. Yanney’s father worked as an accountant for the Union Pacific Railroad. When Yanney was 11, his father suffered a series of strokes and died. With no savings or insurance, Yanney and his siblings went to work so that their mother could stay home and take care of them. Yanney shined shoes and sold vegetables from their garden.

Yanney always loved school and his mother made education a priority and told him from an early age that she wanted him to go to college. She believed no one can take your education away from you.

A committed student, Yanney was active in sports and social clubs, serving as president of the student body and national Honor Society. He was elected Nebraska’s No. 1 Teen Leader and became Lt. Governor of Boys State, even competing in Washington, D.C. in Boys Nation. He organized his time carefully because he held several jobs throughout high school – working part time at a bank and as a grease monkey. He detassled in the summer and event caught minnows and sold them to a bait shop.

Yanney was always thinking about the future.

He attended Kearney State Teachers College (now the University of Nebraska) continuing to save money by living at home. While in college, he continued working at the bank, as a radio announcer, as well as a ticket taker at the local drive-in theater. He served as president of his fraternity and served on the student council – all while staying on the honor roll.

Upon graduation in 1955, he went into the Army and served during the Korean War. While there he took correspondence classes through the American Institute of Banking. He picked out a bank he wanted to work for in Denver, Colorado, and wrote to the chairman asking for an interview and an opportunity to be in their executive training program. Impressed with his confidence and ambition, Yanney was hired and developed for bank leadership.

It was at the time that he met his wife of 54 years,

Gail Walling, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate, and native Omahan. After three dates, they were engaged and married within five months. Gail was attending medical school in Omaha so Yanney went to work for the National Bank of Omaha in 1960.

In 1977, he left Omaha National and began his own bank. Three banks later, in 1984, he founded America First Companies, one of the largest private investment banking firms in the Midwest. The company has sponsored funds, both private and public, with total assets in excess of $3.6 billion and has served more than 100,000 investors. Today America First also serves venture capitalists in developing countries. Currently America First employs 9,000 employees and Gail and Michael’s daughter, Mary Elizabeth “Lisa” Yanney Roskens, serves as president and CEO. Yanney Roskens is a former Ak-Sar-Ben Queen (1991), Princess (1988) and Page (1974). She and her husband, William “Bill” Roskens, have two children, Charles “Charlie” Michael Roskens and Mary Carolyn Roskens. Their paternal grandfather, Dr. Ronald Roskens, was King in 1980.

Gail Walling Yanney, MD, worked as an anesthesiologist until her retirement in 1986, also serving as a clinical instructor for University of Nebraska College of Medicine. She has served on the Nebraska Medical Center Board and numerous professional medical organizations furthering health care in Omaha and in Nebraska. Today she serves on The Burlington Capital Group, L.L.C. and A-OK Mentoring Program & Partnership for our Kids; as well as the Advisory Boards of Yanney Heritage Park Foundation, Nebraskans for Research, Eppley Cancer Center, College of Public Health and Olson Center for Women’s Health.

Her previous civic involvement has focused on health, the environment, the arts and the community. She was a Founding Chair of Women’s Fund of Greater Omaha. An outstanding leader in her own right, Walling Yanney has been honored numerous times for her services, most notably as a YWCA Woman of Distinction, Professions (1988) and as 1993 Arthritis Foundation Woman of the Year. In 1988, Michael Yanney and America First adopted a junior high school and began a mentoring program beginning with just 20 students. Today, All Our Kids mentors 150 children and oversees a $6 million scholarship fund. “I admire the work the Horatio Alger Association is doing to help at-risk youth. Through mentorship you can completely change a child’s life for the better and I can’t think of anything that benefits a community – and the nation—more than that.”

60

Yanney is a member of the board of directors for The Burlington Capital Group LLC, America First Tax Exempt Fund, Tetrad, Core Bank Holding Co., and has served as a director for numerous for profit entities.

He currently serves on the following civic and community boards: All Our Kids, Inc. Foundation, Founder & Past Chairman; Building Healthy Futures, Chairman of the Board; Heritage Services, Director Emeritus; Horatio Alger Association, formerly a Director; Open World, Director; and Yanney Heritage Park, Director. His list of previous civic commitments is long and shows a deep sense of commitment to the Omaha community, as well as Nebraska. He has received a number of awards, most notably Omaha Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame, University of Nebraska at Lincoln College of Business Distinguished Alumni Award, United Way Citizen of the Year Award and Horatio Alger Award.

Mr. Yanney has chaired numerous fundraising drives and charities, both locally and nationally. Mr. Yanney’s primary community interest started with a youth mentoring program he founded in 1989 called All Our Kids, Inc. (AOK), which is now called Partnership 4 Kids. He is also actively engaged at Chairman of Building Healthy Futures.

Gail and Mike Yanney have Co-Chaired a $500 million dollar capital campaign for the University of Nebraska Medical Center and have been the recipients of the University of Nebraska Medical Center Distinguished Service Award.

Gail and Mike have a shared a passion for the mission of Ak-Sar-Ben, specifically focused on education. Their involvement has spanned decades.

Michael Yanney’s AK involvement: A Nebraskan who has worked hard to create a company that today employs 9,000 as well as providing education funds to provide for the future of many more. His legacy as King of Ak-Sar-Ben is to establish as a primary mission two-year, full-ride scholarship to poverty–stricken youth and coordinate this with Horatio Alger, Metropolitan Community College, Avenue Scholars and other community colleges in the Kingdom of Quivera. It is his hope that in a few short years, 500 to 1,000 two-year full-ride scholarships will be offered a year - placing those individuals in jobs well above the poverty- level. “In my estimation, this is the first time the business sector is getting deeply engaged with scholarships for youth in poverty. This, tied to what the major foundations are already doing, is what really excites me.”

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

60-77-AKSARBEN-1114_- 11/10/14 3:52 PM Page 61

• mquarterly

roaring through 2014 AK-SAR-BEN CORONATION BALL

I ADMIRE THE WORK THE horatio alger association IS DOING TO HELP AT-RISK YOUTH. THROUGH MENTORSHIP YOU CAN COMPLETELY CHANGE A CHILD’S LIFE FOR THE BETTER AND I CAN’T THINK OF anything THAT BENEFITS A COMMUNITY–AND THE NATION–MORE THAN THAT. ~ MICHAEL YANNEY KING AK-SAR-BEN CXVIII

ak-sar-ben as a foundation has contributed more than 58 million dollars to our heartland community. since the introduction of scholarships in the 1950s the foundation has granted over 8 million dollars to scholars.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DWYER PHOTOGRAPHY all that jazz

AK-SAR-BEN CORONATION BALL CXVIII

CONTINUED

60-77-AKSARBEN-1114_- 11/10/14 3:52 PM Page 62

coronation KEEPSAKES

AK‐SAR‐BEN HONORS KRISTENSEN FAMILY WITH queen honor Ak-Sar-Ben Honors Kristensen Family with Queen Honor The Kristensen family of Minden, Nebraska, was honored for their civic leadership and community service as Morgan Claire Kristensen was crowned the 118th Queen of Ak-Sar-Ben, on October 18, 2014, during the annual Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation and Scholarship Ball honoring more than 200 Nebraska and western Iowa families. A crowd of nearly 2,000 witnessed the crowning and formal introduction of the 118th Court of Quivira and the announcement of the 50 new Horatio Alger Scholars.

The new Queen currently attends University of Nebraska at Kearney where Morgan is majoring in political science with a minor in public health. She is preparing applications for law school for Fall 2015. While at the UNK, she has held internships with Buffalo County Community Health Partners – Violence Prevention and the UNK Football Office.

Morgan has also been involved in her sorority, Alpha Phi, as an officer; has served as a student ambassador and diplomat, as well as other campus activities and intramural sports. She was selected to be in Mortar Board and Pi Sigma Alpha, as well as the Locke & Key Society.

The impact of education is the foundation of this Nebraska family. Douglas A. Kristensen, J.D., is the Chancellor of University of Nebraska at Kearney, a position he has held since 2002. Morgan’s mother, The Honorable Terri S. Harder, grew up in Creighton, Nebraska, and graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (summa cum laude). She obtained her law degree from UNL in 1985 (with distinction). After graduation, she took a job with Jacobsen, Orr & Nelson, (Kearney), becoming a partner in 1988. In 1999, she was appointed by then Governor Mike Johannes to serve as a District Court Judge for the 10th Judicial District where she continues to serve.

She sits on the Judicial Qualifications Committee of the Nebraska Supreme Court (appointed by the chief justice) and has served on the House of Delegates of the Nebraska State Bar Association, as well as a host of other committees. She has been an adjunct faculty member at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. A longtime community volunteer, the organizations Harder has served are many and include President of the Kearney Area United Way; Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney and the Foster Care Review Board. Queen Morgan’s father, Doug Kristensen was born in Minden, NE, where he and Terri have raised their family, and where Kristensen is a 33 year participant of Minden’s annual The Light of the World Pageant.

62

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

60-77-AKSARBEN-1114_- 11/10/14 3:52 PM Page 63

• mquarterly

THE IMPACT OF EDUCATION IS THE foundation OF THIS NEBRASKA FAMILY.

Prior to serving as UNK’s Chancellor, Kristensen was a State Senator, serving four consecutive terms. During his tenure he served as Speaker of the Legislature and was the longest serving Speaker in history at the time of his resignation in 2002. He served on the Executive Board (1993–2002), as Chair of Transportation and Telecommunication Committee (1991– 1997), Revenue Committee (1993– 1997), Judiciary Committee (1989– 1992) and on numerous special committees.

The highlights of his legislative term are many and include authoring the enabling legislation to create the Nebraska Court of Appeals and the legislation moving Kearney State College to the University system, as well as constitutional changes to add an Equal Protection clause to the Nebraska Constitution. He represented Nebraska through the National Conference of State Legislatures, State Legislative Leaders Founders Board of Directors and the Council of State Governments.

He has served on the Federal Communications Commission, the Nebraska Constitutional Revision Commission, as Commissioner for the Nebraska Information Technology Commission (current) and the State Sentencing Review Committee. His awards and honors as a legislator and as a member of the Nebraska Bar Association are many. Prior to his legislative terms, he served as the Kearney County Attorney and the Sac County (Iowa) Juvenile Referee.

He is licensed to practice law in both Nebraska and Iowa, and was a partner at Lieske & Kristensen in Minden, Nebraska. A graduate of University of Nebraska Lincoln and the Drake University Law School, Kristensen is a Minden High School graduate. He serves on the Board of Directors of Museum of Nebraska Art and the Kearney Area Economic Development Council. Kristensen is a member of numerous education and community business organizations, serving as President – Elect for the Mid–America Intercollegiate Athletics Association.

Queen Morgan is the older of two daughters. She hopes to use her year as Queen to emphasis the scholarship aspect of Ak-Sar-Ben enabling others to pursue higher education and change the trajectory of their lives and that of their families.

The Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation and Scholarship Ball has a mission of promoting, recognizing, and celebrating volunteerism, philanthropy and community pride.

Since the 1950s, Ak-Sar-Ben has awarded more than 8 million dollars in scholarships. Since its inception it has given over 58 million dollars to the Heartland community. all that jazz

AK-SAR-BEN CORONATION BALL CXVIII

CONTINUED

60-77-AKSARBEN-1114_- 11/10/14 3:52 PM Page 64

coronation KEEPSAKES

AK-SAR-BEN CORONATION BALL 2014

HORATIO ALGER SCHOLARS BRITTANY ALBERS-O'BRIEN Lincoln High School Lincoln, Nebraska

MELISSA FRIAS Northwest High School Grand Island, Nebraska

JUSTICE MOORE Pawnee City Public School Steinauer, Nebraska

DANIEL TIDYMAN Cross County High School Stromsburg, Nebraska

KRISTEN ALBRECHT Pierce Public High School Pierce, Nebraska

ERIN GIBBENS Cozad High School Cozad, Nebraska

JILL THANH TIEN NGUYEN East High School Sioux City, Iowa

ZACHARY TURNER North Star High School Lincoln, Nebraska

REBECCA ANDERSON Gothenburg Public School Gothenburg, Nebraska

AIDA GOITOM Lincoln Northeast High School Lincoln, Nebraska

THUY TIEN NGUYEN East High School Sioux City, Iowa

MELISSA VANDERSLICE Lakeview High School Columbus, Nebraska

JAZMINE BAEZ South Sioux City High School South Sioux City, Nebraska

BRANDEE GRAHAM Columbus Senior High School Columbus, Nebraska

ALEXANDER NIELSEN Minden High School Minden, Nebraska

LANE VASA Arthur County High School Keystone, Nebraska

MARIA BARRIOS West Point Junior Senior High School West Point, Nebraska

JAMI HILLMAN Palmyra High School Bennet, Nebraska

LAUREL OETKEN Westside High School Omaha, Nebraska

RACHEL WILLIAMS William Jennings Bryan High School Bellevue, Nebraska

MEGAN BERGER Spalding Public School Spalding, Nebraska

AUSTIN HOOPS Lincoln Southeast High School Lincoln, Nebraska

TRINIA PUSCH Papillion-Lavista High School Papillion, Nebraska

ERIK CASTRO York High School York, Nebraska

ELIZABETH JANOUSEK Clarkson High School Clarkson, Nebraska

KATELYN RABAS McCook Senior High School McCook, Nebraska

ELLIOT CHOI Lincoln Southwest High School Lincoln, Nebraska

CARLY JOHNSON Lincoln Southeast High School Lincoln, Nebraska

ALEK REHAN Mercy High School Omaha, Nebraska

DENISE CORONA South Sioux City High School South Sioux City, Nebraska

HANNAH JOHNSON York High School York, Nebraska

KRISTEN SAMEK North High School Sioux City, Iowa

BRENNEN DEVNEY Blair High School Blair, Nebraska

ASHLEE KOLBE Harlan Community High School Harlan, Iowa

STEPHANIE SCHNEIDER Carroll High School Carroll, Iowa

ANNA DONLEY Lincoln Southeast High School Lincoln, Nebraska

CHRISTEN KOTSCHWAR Cozad High School Cozad, Nebraska

DANIEL SCHROER Lawrence/Nelson Community School Lawrence, Nebraska

LOGAN ENGEL High Plains Community School Clarks, Nebraska

CATHRINE KOWALSKI Heartland Lutheran High School Grand Island, Nebraska

JASMINE SMIDT West Point Junior Senior High School Lyons, Nebraska

CODY ERNESTI West Point Junior Senior High School West Point, Nebraska

COURTNEY LARSEN Daniel J Gross High School Omaha, Nebraska

BRYCE TAYLOR Fairbury Junior-Senior High School Fairbury, Nebraska

IRIS ESQUIVEL Lexington High School Lexington, Nebraska

AUSTIN LOVE Denison High School Denison, Iowa

NATALIE TEGTMEIER Bruning-Davenport Unified High School Davenport, Nebraska

PAOLA FIGUEROA-ARROYO Northwest High School Omaha, Nebraska

LEVI MILLER South High School Omaha, Nebraska

HUNTER THRAMER Elgin Public School Oakdale, Nebraska

64

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

the face of the 2014 ak-sar-ben scholar The Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation has partnered with Horatio Alger since 2005 to provide need-based college scholarships to youths throughout the region.

THe 2014 AK-SAr-Ben ScHolArS Are: • 72% female; 28% male • 60% receive federal aid (Free Reduced Lunch, Medicare/Medicaid, Food Stamps) • 74% work; 94% plan to attend colleges or universities in Nebraska or Iowa PercenTAge oF AK-SAr-Ben ScHolArS wHo eArn A college degree: • Since 2005, 78% of Ak-Sar-Ben Scholars have earned a college degree (compared to the US average of 55.5% of enrolled students). 220 scholars have received bachelor degrees - 4 scholars have received associate degrees. The majority of graduates have earned their degrees within 5 years of initial enrollment PercenTAge ATTending neBrASKA collegeS And univerSiTieS? • University of Nebraska system – 48% • All Nebraska colleges/universities – 78%

60-77-AKSARBEN-1114_- 11/10/14 3:52 PM Page 65

• mquarterly

roaring through the gateway of tomorrow The Mission of the Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation Ball is to promote, recognize and celebrate volunteerism, philanthropy and civic pride.

The Women’s Ball Committee endeavors to fulfill this mission by: • • • •

WOMEN’S BALL COMMITTEE

Modeling the concept of volunteerism Recognizing volunteer leadership Awarding scholarships to future community leaders Celebrating civic pride with a special event

The committee is comprised of 19 women, each selected on the basis of their volunteer experience and performance. Each woman serves a three-year term, with the chairman returning for a fourth year as advisor. The Women’s Ball Committee plans every aspect and executes each phase of the Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation Ball’s year-long process. Volunteer leadership in the community and region is recognized through the selection of the Court.

The Ak-Sar-Ben Court of Quivira is graced by princesses and countesses accompanied by their escorts. And what court would be complete without the merriment of youthful pages and standard bearers. Over 150 families are represented by this lively cast of young people.

2014 WOMEN'S BALL COMMITTEE: KIM SIMON, CHAIRMAN

congratulates and thanks mike yanney for everything you do to connect our community all that jazz

AK-SAR-BEN CORONATION BALL CXVIII

CONTINUED

60-77-AKSARBEN-1114_- 11/10/14 3:52 PM Page 66

coronation KEEPSAKES

AK-SAR-BEN CORONATION BALL 2014

COURT OF HONOR FOUR MEN AND ONE WOMAN WERE INDUCTED INTO THE AK-SAR-BEN COURT OF HONOR DURING THE ANNUAL AK-SAR-BEN CORONATION AND SCHOLARSHIP BALL ON OCTOBER 18. THE COURT IS CHOSEN BY THE KNIGHTS OF AK-SAR-BEN AND THE WOMEN’S BALL COMMITTEE. ESTABLISHED IN 1988, THE COURT OF HONOR IS ONE OF THE FOUNDATION’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS. The recognition is given annually to individuals who have excelled in one of the following categories: agriculture, arts, business and industry, community service, education, philanthropy, professions, public service, sports or youth.

Reverend Timothy R. Lannon EDUCATION Timothy R. Lannon, S.J., became the University’s 24th president in July 2011 and is the first Creighton alumnus to lead the University. A nationally respected university administrator, Fr. Lannon came to Creighton from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, where he served as president from 20032011. In his first three years as president, Fr. Lannon has advanced Creighton’s Jesuit, Catholic mission in a multitude of ways; expanded opportunities for students; and elevated the University’s stature on the national stage.

In addition to being a Creighton alumnus and legacy (his father graduated from the Creighton University School of Medicine in 1936), Fr. Lannon arrived with many personal and professional connections to the University and the surrounding community. He served as president of Creighton Preparatory School from 1988 to 1995.

Fr. Lannon has four sisters, Kay Brandt, Pat Johnson, Mickey Funkhouser and Jean Bird. He has one brother Jim Lannon and a stepmother, Ginny Lannon.

Fr. Lannon received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Creighton in 1973 and was president of the Student Board of Governors. In addition to his undergraduate degree, Fr. Lannon holds two master’s degrees from Weston Jesuit School of Theology (now Boston College School of Theology and Ministry); a doctorate in administration, planning and social policy from Harvard University; and a professional diploma from Fordham University. A native of Mason City, Iowa, he entered the Society of Jesus in 1977 and was ordained a priest in 1986. During his early years, he honed his educational and administrative skills in positions at several Jesuit institutions, including as an admissions counselor at Creighton.

Fr. Lannon’s commitment to higher education extends well beyond the university and has included membership on the boards of Boston College, Fairfield University, College of the Holy Cross, Marquette University and Santa Clara University, as well as the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities and the Nebraska Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. He has studied, written and presented extensively on the topic of Catholic identity at American universities. Fr. Lannon also serves on the Boards of Creighton Preparatory School, the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, and Nebraska Shakespeare.

Fr. Lannon has been awarded several honors: The Spirit of Creighton Award and Creighton University’s Alumni Merit Award both from Creighton University; Alpha Sigma Nu National Jesuit Honor Society; The Taoiseach Award from Irish American Business Chamber; Athletic Hall of Fame from Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA; and Creighton Preparatory School Hall of Fame from Creighton Preparatory School.

In 2014, Fr. Lannon announced his intention to retire from Creighton’s presidency in 2015. A search committee was formed with the formidable task of locating a successor to the presidency of Creighton University.

Spencer Crews

ARTS As the Executive Director of Lauritzen Gardens for the past 18 years, Crews has established a botanical garden that is not only a feast for the eyes, but also his 100 acres oasis is a place of respite and sanctuary.

Nestled in the rolling Loess Hills along the Missouri River, today Lauritzen Gardens ranks as one of the nation’s 30 largest gardens. It is taking its place among the great botanical institutions in our country. During Crews’ tenure at the garden, annual attendance has grown from 5,000 visitors to almost 200,000 each year.

Net assets have increased from $100,000 in 1996 to more than $46 million today.

Born in Lebanon, Indiana and growing up in St. Louis, Missouri. Spencer’s family includes his father, the late Lorimer Crews; his mother, Charlene; his brother, Fletcher; sister-in-law, Karla and nephew, Alexander. At the age of 14, Crews, a Boy Scout, was working on his Eagle Scout award and earned a merit badge in landscape architecture. Formally untrained, Crews landscaped and designed a new front entrance to the First Presbyterian Church in St. Louis. His Boy Scout troop performed the work and coordinated the fundraising efforts. This first public landscape, Spencer created, is still in place today.

His formal training began at Missouri Botanical

66

Garden, where he started his first job at age 16. He was then selected to participate in the highly competitive Professional Gardener Training Program at Longwood Gardens where he received a degree in Horticulture in 1976, graduating at the top of his class.

Next he attended Iowa State University (ISU) and earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Landscape Architecture in 1980. Crews was a founding member of the new College of Design student counsel at ISU and served as its first counsel president. Before accepting the Executive Director’s position at Lauritzen Gardens, Crews served as Horticulture Manager at Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s Botanical Garden. He received a Masters in Public Administration – Not-for-Profit Management from the University of Missouri – Kansas City in 1994.

Crews has served on many community boards including Back to the River, Inc., Omaha Sister Cities Association and Keep Omaha Beautiful. He was a member of Landscape Architecture Practitioners Advisory Council of ISU and the Rotary Club of Omaha.

He has received several awards and honors: Design Achievement Award, from ISU for Substantial Contributions to the Discipline of Landscape Architecture; Lois Woodward Paul Memorial Award, from Longwood Gardens, Recognizing Outstanding Achievement in Horticulture; Civic Improvement Award, from Garden Club of America; and Honorary Lifetime Membership, from Garden Club of America.

Crews said, “Whether it is nature created like a National Park or man created such as a beautifully designed landscape, both are special; both are meant to be appreciated and to inspire.”

Jim Young (posthumously) BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY | PROFESSIONS Jim and his wife Shirley loved Omaha. Growing up here, Jim attended Our Lady of Lourdes grade school and Omaha South High School. He started a paper route at age 9. As Jim got older, he worked at local eateries Evans Ice Cream on 35th and Center and Henry’s Hamburgers on 72nd and Pacific. After a semester at Wayne State College, he quit school and continued to work a number of jobs, including greens keeper at Happy Hollow Club.

While working as a clerk at Northwestern Bell in the Right of Way Engineering Department, Jim’s supervisor encouraged him to return to college. He graduated from University of Nebraska Omaha with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and climbed from an entry-level position to Chairman of Union Pacific, a Fortune 150 company. Along the way, he remained focused on the driving force of all

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

60-77-AKSARBEN-1114_- 11/10/14 3:53 PM Page 67

• mquarterly

roaring through the gateway of tomorrow successful companies – the people. It wasn’t unusual for employees to look up from their work to find Jim standing nearby. He would ask them what they were working on and thank them for what they do to help make Union Pacific America’s premier railroad.

When the 2008 global recession hit swift and hard, while other companies failed, Jim saw an opportunity to build a stronger, better and more profitable organization. To do this, he pushed Union Pacific to be more nimble and agile to flex with demand. Union Pacific came out of the recession stronger than ever; a company built on Jim’s values.

Jim preferred to be in a train crew room to the board room. In his words, “Just as important as what we achieve, is how we achieve it. Every railroad has tracks, equipment and facilities – the difference is people, and I believe we have the best employees in the nation.”

Jim and Shirley felt fortunate that their children stayed in Omaha. This allowed them to maintain a close family bond with James Young, Jr. and his wife, Mindy; Sarah Wagstaff and her husband, Marcus; and Matthew Young, as well as Sarah and Marcus’ two children, Vanessa and Pierce.

Jim served on many community boards, including University of Nebraska Medical Center, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Heritage Services, Joslyn Art Museum and Creighton University.

His honors include: Omaha Business Hall of Fame, Railway Age’s Railroader of the Year, UNO Alumni Association’s Citation for Alumnus Achievement, University of Nebraska Foundation’s Perry W. Branch Award and Bellevue Honorary Doctor of Commerce Degree.

Evonne and Bill Williams PHILANTHROPY AND COMMUNITY SERVICE Bill & Evonne Williams are founders of Patriotic Productions, a non-profit organization that honors the United States military and provides an opportunity for others to do the same. Whether recording personal histories, planning events or creating a photo memorial exhibit, the intent is to always honor, remember and educate.

Bill and Evonne have organized the Heartland Honor Flights taking 2,100 World War II and Korea veterans to Washington D.C. for a day to see their memorials. With the help of hundreds of volunteers, the VFW of Nebraska, and millions of dollars in donations they have been able to forever change the lives of those who served our country.

Patriotic Productions organizes and promotes a Speaker Series where inspiring leaders share their stories. Most recently, they organized a Leadership Summit held at Gretna High School. Two veterans, a Marine Navy Cross Recipient and a Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Tech addressed the summit. High School student leaders from Nebraska and Iowa attended the summit to spend the day with these positive role models.

The Williams’ mission is to grow the “Remembering Our Fallen” exhibits, which honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in The War on Terror. Exhibits are created by each participating state with the goal of completing one for all 50 states.

Ultimately all 50 exhibits will be unveiled nationally in Washington D.C. over Memorial Day weekend, 2016.

Evonne asks families to submit a personal photo of their loved one to display next to the service member’s military portrait. Nebraska’s display has been traveling so long that it’s laden with hats, sports jerseys and other clothing- a true testament to the emotional impact and value this project has had.

Evonne and Bill grew up in rural communities where volunteering and lending a hand to a neighbor was a way of life. Bill a native of Ames, Iowa, grew up in Red Oak, Iowa. He is one of five siblings. His father was a school administrator, and his mother was a homemaker.

Evonne (Freitag) grew up with two brothers and her parents farming outside of Byron, Nebraska.

Bill and Evonne met when Bill was a teaching in her hometown. Bill graduated from Dakota State College, with a B.S. in Secondary Education. Evonne graduated from Bellevue University with a B.S. in Human & Social Service Agency Administration.

They were married in 1980 and started a family four years later.

The Williams have raised four sons, Ben, Tom, Sam, and Max, all currently serve or have served in the military. They have one granddaughter, Reagan.

Bill and Evonne have been awarded many honors: Midlander of the Year by the Omaha World-Herald; The Jason Award by Children’s Square U.S.A.; Commitment to Community Award by the American Red Cross; and Governor Heineman’s Points of Light Award.

Bill and Evonne have served on boards in the community such as the NEBRASKAland Foundation and the Douglas County Foster Care Review Board.

They both agree their most significant achievement would be their thirty-four year marriage and raising four productive sons. all that jazz

AK-SAR-BEN CORONATION BALL CXVIII

REVEREND TIMOTHY R. LANNON

SPENCER CREWS

SHIRLEY YOUNG

EVONNE AND BILL WILLIAMS CONTINUED

60-77-AKSARBEN-1114_- 11/10/14 7:24 PM Page 68

pre-ball

reception

ak-sar-ben coronation ball

DICK HOBACK, STACI CRAIGHEAD AND JONI CRAIGHEAD-HOBACK

DAVID, EMILY, JONATHAN, LAUREN AND ANGELA PATTERSON

SUZANNE AND BRAD HANSEN, GRETCHEN AND NICK VONDRAK MD SR., NICK VONDRAK JR., AND DAVID VONDRAK WITH SARAH GERNHART, M.D. AND GARY GERNHART

SISTER MARYANNE STEVENS WITH MAX, ALI, MARTHA AND DAVID SLOSBURG 68

NICOLE, SHERI-LEE AND THOMAS WILKINS

JULIE, ROB AND MORGAN HOCKNEY

JANE, KYLE AND JULIE PETERSON

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

60-77-AKSARBEN-1114_- 11/10/14 3:56 PM Page 69

| cxviii • all that jazz

phOtOgraphy by Jim Scholz

TOM AND CHRISTI JANSSEN WITH BOB AND CHRISTY TURNER

TIM, DEB, TAYLOR AND JORDAN HOLZFASTER

ANNIE AND PJ MORGAN

KELLY AND WENDI KROEGER

JEFF, ANNIE, MARK AND SHELLEY NIENHUESER

JEFF, SHARON, LISA AND MIKE HANSEN

OLIVIA BELER, ANDE BILYEU AND DANISE HAZELRIGG

MARY ANNE VACCARO WITH BILL AND SUSAN CUTLER

HEIDI, TIFFANY AND RICHARD ANZALONE

JIM AND MARY PATTERSON WITH FR. TIM LANNON, S.J.

DAVID AND LESLIE ANDERSEN

DAVID, RACHAEL, AMY AND DANIEL OWEN

60-77-AKSARBEN-1114_- 11/10/14 3:58 PM Page 70

pre-ball

reception

ak-sar-ben coronation ball

JAMES VASKO, MICHAEL BELFORD, MITCH CASSELS AND CASEY WALKER

WELLS MORRIS, GRETA MORRIS, MIKE MORRIS, BRENDA CHRISTENSEN AND TATUM MORRIS

EMILY ABBOTT, CHARLIE HAARBEEG, RACHEL RAMBOUR, KIM BANAT AND HEATHER CURRY

KARA LINDQUIST, MCKENZIE CLARK, KARA SCHUELE, DIANE ZANNER, JOHN MORGAN, KATHY SCHUELE, CAMERON KEYLOR, ALEXIS BAKER AND MADI WADE 70

SUSAN, CHRIS, CARTER, SHARON, KENNEDY AND FRED RICHARDSON

KATE AND BRAD GRABILL

BRENNAN, JENNIFER, PIPER AND DR. ROB ZATECHKA

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

60-77-AKSARBEN-1114_- 11/10/14 3:59 PM Page 71

| cxviii • all that jazz

phOtOgraphy by DAN FlANigAN

CAMDEN BILYEU, OLIVIA BEIER, DENISE HAZELRIGG, ANDE BILYEU AND SCOTT HAZELRIGG

LISA LINTNER AND SYDNEY LINTNER

KRISHA BOSSELMAN, CARLYLE VIARS, LINDA MILLER, DEANNA BOSSELMAN AND EMILY TULLY

KENNY AND MAKAYLA MCMORRIS WITH RHONDA AND JAMES MASON

CHELSIE CARSON, WILL MORALES AND MADISON CARSON

JENNIFER MOSSER, EMILY MEYER, SHARI THEER AND SAMANTHA MOSSER

TOM AND PAT SMITH, CHASE DUDZINSKI, JEANNIE AND BOB DUDZINSKI, WITH JILL AND AUSTIN DUDZINSKI

JOSH NORTON, CHASE MEYER AND ERIN POGGE

MATT AND STEPHANIE SMITH, CHRISTIAN WARNEKE, BROOKE ARP, ABBY SACKETT AND TIM NIENHUESER

SUE HANSEN, JAN FALK, LISA HANSEN, CAROLYN HANSEN AND CATHY FISHER

COLE CHRISTIANSEN, CHERYL SMITH AND WILL CHRISTIANSEN

BUFFY RICCERI, SKYLAR RICCERI AND MORGAN NOVACEK

60-77-AKSARBEN-1114_- 11/10/14 4:01 PM Page 72

pre-ball

reception

ak-sar-ben coronation ball

LORI PAUL AND LAUREN PAUL

KATE KUTILEK, CHLOE HEYMAN, CAROLINE ILIFF, KARA LINDQUIST, VICTORIA FRITZ, ANNE SUNDELL, ALI SLOSBURG AND EMMA LINK

CREATIVE HAIR DESIGN 72

KIM HORD, GABRIELLE HORD, ALEXA HORD, KELLI SHANER AND JAN WHITEFOOT

CHUCK, GRANT AND KRISTIN LEWIS

TRACI HARRISON, BLAKE HARRISON, LAUREN HARRISON, LESLEY BRANDT AND EASTON CROUSE

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

60-77-AKSARBEN-1114_- 11/10/14 4:03 PM Page 73

| cxviii • all that jazz

phOtOgraphy by DAN FlANigAN

JENNA NELSON, ALLISON OSTDIEK, LUKAS SAND, MICHAELA OSTDIEK AND JESSICA MEIS

LYNDI SKINNER AND MICHAEL BELFORD

MATT THOMPSON, TANIN ARKFELD, SARAH BROWER AND CHAELE ARKFELD

CASEY WALKER, HALEY SLADEK AND JORDAN WALKER

ELLIOTT MCCOY, KALYSSA HOEFER, TESSA VAN MATRE AND JACOB MCCOY

LYNETTE DVORAK, PAT AND SUSAN COURTNEY AND MARVIN DVORAK

KRISTYN CHAPMAN, MOLLY NELSEN AND BRIELLE HAGEMEIER

DAVID AND LESLIE ANDERSEN WITH KERRY AND TIM CLARK

LINDA AND RYAN MILLER

CHELSEY AND BUTCH BURGERS WITH JIM AND PATTY JANSEN

GARY AND ELLEN BATENHORST

KACI LEPPKY, AUSTIN RATH AND FRANCESCA MILLER

60-77-AKSARBEN-1114_- 11/10/14 4:04 PM Page 74

pre-ball

reception

ak-sar-ben coronation ball

EMILY ABBOTT AND LYNDI SKINNER WITH PUNKIE AND BRIAN SKINNER

SCOTT INGHAM, JOHN HASLAM, DARCY AND MATT HASLAM, ROXANNE HASLAM

SALLY STALNAKER, JASON MARTZ, TOM STALNAKER, SUSAN STALNAKER AND MATT MARTZ

TED AND TRISH WALZ

JOEL AND ERIN RUSSELL

DOUG RATH, VADA SUTTER, DEAN SELL AND MAKENZIE RATH

PAIGE PFLUEGER, ROB MITCHELL AND MORGAN MITCHELL

ALEX FROST, NATALIE STROHMYER AND BECCA SKRADSKI 74

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

phOtOgraphy by DAN FlANigAN

DARRY AND DEBORAH PEARSON WITH DENNIS AND MONICE PATE

MATT BREUNSBACH, STEVE LINDSAY, CHASE MEYER, TOM BURT AND CHRIS EISCHEID

ABBY PETERS AND NATHAN PETERS

DANIEL SHONKA, LIZ KUTILEK AND TOM KUTILEK

60-77-AKSARBEN-1114_- 11/10/14 4:05 PM Page 75

60-77-AKSARBEN-1114_- 11/10/14 4:39 PM Page 76

pre-ball

reception

ak-sar-ben coronation ball

MARIA MINDERNAN, JENNIFER ZATECHKA, CHRISTINE SCHULTE AND LISA OWEN

AUDREY, JAMIE, AINSLEY, TROY AND AIDEN MEYERSON

BART AND JANE MCLEAY, PETE RICKETTS, SUSANNE SHORE AND COLLEEN AND TOM MCLEAY

DOMINIC AND CINDY VACCARO WITH CHRISTINE AND ADAM WATSON

JENNIFER MOSSER, OLIVIA RUHLMAN, HILLARY ANSON, CLAIRE RUHLMAN AND JEANNIE RUHLMAN

MEGAN HERGENRADER

SELFIE!

KING & QUEEN AKSARBEN CXVIII MICHAEL YANNEY AND MORGAN CLAIRE KRISTENSEN 76

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

phOtOgraphy by dan flanigan

MARJIE HARBERG, MAGGIE ABBOTT, PAM ABBOTT, KATIE HARBERG, EMILY ABBOTT AND JANE LENNERS

TOM AND PAT SMITH, CHASE DUDZINSKI, JEANNIE AND BOB DUDZINSKI, JILL AND AUSTIN DUDZINSKI

SELFIE!

60-77-AKSARBEN-1114_- 11/10/14 4:07 PM Page 77

DIDN’T SEE your photo?

CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY

people. parties. passion. purpose.

make the connection!

See dozenS more photo pages in our expanded version of this keepsake feature online in our expanded digital edition!

Browse through HundredS of Ak-Sar-Ben cXviii photos available for purchase or download at our online Photo Store: http://metroscene.zenfolio.com/

PRE-BALL

reception

ak-sar-ben coronation ball

connected!

mQUARTERLY • NOV/DEC/JAN 2014/15

| cxviii • all that jazz

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM SCHOLZ

PRE-BALL

reception

ak-sar-ben coronation ball

connected!

mQUARTERLY • NOV/DEC/JAN 2014/15

| cxviii • all that jazz

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM SCHOLZ

PRE-BALL

reception

ak-sar-ben coronation ball

connected!

mQUARTERLY • NOV/DEC/JAN 2014/15

| cxviii • all that jazz

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM SCHOLZ

PRE-BALL

reception

ak-sar-ben coronation ball

connected!

mQUARTERLY • NOV/DEC/JAN 2014/15

| cxviii • all that jazz

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM SCHOLZ

CSVIII

getting ready

ak-sar-ben coronation ball

connected!

mQUARTERLY • NOV/DEC/JAN 2014/15

| cxviii • all that jazz

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN FLANIGAN

CSVIII

receiving line

ak-sar-ben coronation ball

connected!

mQUARTERLY • NOV/DEC/JAN 2014/15

| cxviii • all that jazz

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN FLANIGAN

CSVIII

receiving line

ak-sar-ben coronation ball

connected!

mQUARTERLY • NOV/DEC/JAN 2014/15

| cxviii • all that jazz

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN FLANIGAN

CSVIII

after party

ak-sar-ben coronation ball

connected!

mQUARTERLY • NOV/DEC/JAN 2014/15

| cxviii • all that jazz

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN FLANIGAN

78-95-SCENE-A_EVENTS 11/10/14 4:12 PM Page 78

78-95-SCENE-A_EVENTS 11/10/14 4:13 PM Page 79

event galleries

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

LITERACY CENTER ADULT SPELLING BEE

HEART MINISTRY CENTER HOLY SMOKES

HOPE CENTER FOR KIDS EXPRESSIONS OF HOPE GALA

SUSAN G. KOMEN® NEBRASKA RACE FOR THE CURE®

QLI AN EVENING AT THE FAIR

LAURITZEN GARDENS ANTIQUE & GARDEN SHOW

OMAHA FASHION WEEK VIP RUNWAY SHOW

OMAHA HOME FOR BOYS RESTORING HEARTS WITH BIKE PARTS

• 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

79

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

78-95-SCENE-A_EVENTS 11/11/14 4:12 PM Page 80

featured eVeNt

spotlight

lauritzen gardens

2014 ANTIQUE & GARDEN SHOW

noble endeavor

PhOtOgraPhy by roger humphries

NEWS & NOTES: Lauritzen Gardens’ 2014 Antique and Garden Show “Discovery is Waiting” raised almost $630,000 to benefit Lauritzen Gardens the weekend of Sept. 19, 20 and 21.

Honorary chairmen for the event, which began its second decade, were Mary Seina and Cindy Bay. General chairman was Melissa Marvin. The show brought nearly 5,000 people to the garden for lectures, lunches, teas, brunches, educational events, shopping and other activities. The event brought in record crowds for its lectures and events, according to Kim Davis, Director of Development and Annual Giving.

PATSY ARNETT, JEAN BELL, COUNTESS OF CARNARVON AND MELISSA MARVIN

The weekend of activities began with the Preview Party Thursday, September 18th with 470 people attending the cocktail buffet and who were the first to view the spectacular Antiques Booths, visit with the dealers, shop and enjoy the breathtaking gardens in the evening light.

This year many favorite dealers returned to the show and were joined by more garden influenced dealers and some mid century modern and vintage specialists. The Preview Party was chaired by Brenda Christensen and Susie Zindel.

Friday’s lecture and luncheon featured Mary McDonald, author of Interiors: The Allure of Style and one of the stars of Bravo TV’s Million Dollar Decorators and Property Envy.

Saturday was dubbed “Iconic British Celebrity Day” by Chairman Melissa Marvin and featured The Right Honorable Lady Fiona Carnarvon, the “real” countess of Highclere Castle, site of the fictional “Downton Abbey,” from the hit PBS television series of the same name. The popular Masterpiece Theater series is loosely based on the Carnarvon family.

“Our goal was to create a destination event for our residents as well as for those from neighboring states,” said Marvin. “We believe the numbers prove the Lauritzen Gardens Antique and Garden Show accomplished its goal.”

CINDY BAY, SID DINSDALE AND DAWN DINSDALE 80

mquarterly • NOV/deC/JaN 2014/15

78-95-SCENE-A_EVENTS 11/10/14 4:15 PM Page 81

mquarterly

| antique and garden show

COUNTESS OF CARNARVON AND MELISSA MARVIN

JEAN BELL WITH SPENCER CREWS

ANN STINSON WITH CINDY BAY

BRUCE FRASIER WITH MARY MCDONALD

CINDY PEACOCK WITH AMY SCOTT

CLARK LAURIZEN, CELESTE GOGEL AND ROBERT CODY

LINDA ANDERSEN, SHARON MCGILL AND DIANE HARDER

THERESE SATHER AND CHRIS TOTH

SUE MORRIS WITH ANDEE HOIG

ANDEE SCIOLI, BRUCE AND KAREN GORACKE

KEN AND RACHAEL MOREANO

SENATOR BEN AND DIANE NELSON

78-95-SCENE-A_EVENTS 11/11/14 4:13 PM Page 82

featured eVeNt

spotlight

QLI

AN EVENING AT THE FAIR CELEBRATION

fair play

PhOtOS COurteSy Of QLi

JUST THE FACTS: October 10th, 2014 marked the date of the fifth “An Evening at the Fair,” a county fair-themed extravaganza hosted once every two years by Omaha-based rehabilitation provider QLI. There were 900 attending at Omaha’s CenturyLink Center for a celebratory fundraising event like no other, filled with attractions, food, and live music. The event gave attendees unlimited access to a wide range of often-hilarious games and fun physical challenges, including Wipeout, human-sized hamster ball races, a velcro wall, a cake walk, and a mechanical bull.

“An Evening at the Fair” used its casual atmosphere to acquaint guests with QLI, introducing guests not only to QLI’s unrivaled and relentless services, but its sterling and unique corporate culture.

TEAM QLI VOLUNTEERS

“When QLI’s leadership envisioned hosting a fundraiser of this scale,” said Patricia Kearns, QLI’s president and CEO, “we wanted to make sure the fundraiser’s guests could learn about a cutting-edge nonprofit changing an industry right here from Omaha.”

QLI would like to extend a special thanks to “An Evening at the Fair” Honorary Chairs Dawn and Sid Dinsdale, and to Event Chairs Alison and J.R. Johnson, Paige and Brian Ritter, and Sheena and Matt Dinsdale.

QLI also thanks the roster of incredible sponsors who supported the event and all the event’s guests, who helped make this year’s “An Evening at the Fair” the largest and most exciting ever hosted.

All proceeds from the event benefit QLI’s ever-expanding services, and will be applied in part to developing, on its rehabilitation campus, a centralized resource for adaptive sports and recreation. Adaptive sports function as an important tool to help men and woman affected by brain and spinal cord injuries reconnect with the meaningful dimensions of their lives, both during their recovery and beyond.

J.R. JOHNSON

BRIAN RITTER 82

To learn more about QLI or to see more about “An Evening at the Fair,” visit TeamQLI.com.

mquarterly • NOV/deC/JaN 2014/15

78-95-SCENE-A_EVENTS 11/10/14 4:17 PM Page 83

mquarterly

| an evening at the fair

MATT DINSDALE

ALICIA ELSON AND JILL TRUNZO

CARRIE GAASVIG AND RICCI MILLER

OMAHA STREET PERCUSSION

TOM BENTLEY

LYN KUMMER AND ANN WELSH

78-95-SCENE-A_EVENTS 11/11/14 4:14 PM Page 84

featured eVeNt

spotlight

omaha home for boys

RESTORING HEARTS WITH BIKE PARTS

biker boys

PhOtOgraPhy by roger humphries

ESSENTIALS: The Omaha Home for Boys welcomed more than 300 friends and guests Thursday, September 25, to the second-annual Restoring Hearts with Bike Parts celebration at Hilton Omaha.

JEFF AND BETSY MORAN WITH MAYOR JEAN STOTHERT AND JOE STOTHERT

Former “Home” boy Rudy Reyes, now an actor, screenwriter and producer in California, spoke about his experiences as an unwanted boy in the 1980s, being dropped off, along with his two younger brothers, by his mom at the Omaha Home for Boys. There, they were able to have nutritious meals for the first time in a while and discovered what it was like to be cared for and loved.

Rudy went on to serve terms in Afghanistan and Iraq, and his battalion’s invasion of Baghdad in 2003 was chronicled in the Rolling Stone article and subsequent book, Generation Kill. That book was made into an HBO Films miniseries by the same name, and Reyes played himself, jump-starting his acting career.

At the conclusion of the evening, Beverly VanArsdel of Omaha heard her name called by Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert and Miss Nebraska Megan Swanson as the winner of Ole Black Rose, a 1987 Harley-Davidson FXR motorcycle rebuilt and customized by Home youth earlier this year. Raffle tickets were sold from June through the night of the fundraiser to win the motorcycle. In total, more than $80,000 was raised from the event and motorcycle raffle.

CINDY MEIER, GINNY DIGNOTE, MARY BRENDIF, KATHY DAVID AND REBCCA LEWIS 84

Rudy and younger brother, Ceasar, who drove up from Kansas City for the event, were reunited with former house parents and staff who were at the Home during their short stays. Woodmen of the World was the event’s Premiere Event sponsor, while Gregg Young Chevrolet signed on as the Silent Auction sponsor and Diamond Marketing Solutions served as the VIP Reception sponsor.

Other event sponsors were MetroQuarterly Magazine, Pb&j Design and Wells Fargo. Mary Nelson, co-host of KMTV-Channel 3’s The Morning Blend, served as emcee for the second consecutive year.

mquarterly • NOV/deC/JaN 2014/15

78-95-SCENE-A_EVENTS 11/10/14 4:19 PM Page 85

mquarterly

| restoring hearts with bike parts

MARY NELSON WITH ANDEE HOIG

KELLY AND ALEXIA GREFE WITH VAN DEEB

STEVE AND TAMMI PRUCH WITH DON AND SHELLY ERIKSON

RICK RUSSELL, RUDY REYES, CAROL RUSSELL AND PERCY MADSON

EARL REDRICK WITH RUDY REYES

LOITA FISHER, RUDY REYES AND GORDON FISHER

JENNY ROBINSON, AMY ROBERTSON, RUDY REYES, DOTTIE HAMILTON AND TIFFANY YAKES-STARR

SHANNAN AND JED JOHNSON WITH JEFF BRIDGES AND ELIZABETH SOLOMON

BILL HARDEN, JR., JEAN HARDEN, BILL HARDEN III, MEGAN HARDEN AND PAMELA HARDEN

BOB AND MAGGIE OTTIS

MICHELLE NELSON, CECIUA AGAGAH, EVANS AGAGAH WITH RUDY REYES, LINDA MIZIKAR AND CATHY ROEBER

JEFF MORAN, MOLLY MORAN, RUDY REYES AND BETSY MORAN WITH KAREN AND STEVE SWARTZ

78-95-SCENE-A_EVENTS 11/11/14 4:15 PM Page 86

featured eVeNt

spotlight

omaha fashion week

FASHION INSTITUTE MIDWEST

on the catwalk

PhOtOgraPhy by dan fLanigan

JUST THE FACTS: Omaha Fashion Week’s fall show saw scads of styles on the runway, some as off-the-wall as an African-inspired line of plaster tops with twisting and reaching headdresses and some as detailed and dedicated as a floral wedding dress with meticulously hand-crafted individual flower petals.

The event, which featured more than 30 designers, reached its climax on Saturday, August 23rd with the finale showcase, a rerun of a group of 12 elite designers from the week battling for the Fashion Cup, the title bestowed upon the week’s best designer. Whitney Rorah , a May graduate of Iowa State University, claimed the 2014 cup. Selection panelists Rick Carey and David Scott praised Rorah’s work.

“She is perfection,” Scott said. “She should be in New York right now.”

Before the show, Aquage founder Luis Alvarez had a special presentation featuring ballerina dancers with architectural hairstyles, incorporating pieces like jigsaw puzzle pieces and makeup brushes.

make the connection!

Before his presentation, Alvarez said that Omaha has “the most creative hair designers in the entire country” and that he was “blown away” by Omaha Fashion Week.

Show co-founder Nick Hudson pronounced this year’s show “definitely the strongest week we’ve had.…The designers have just really, really stepped it up. It has been amazing.”

See the extended, enhanced and expanded version of this article online in our Digital Edition, featuring additional photos & content

ALH Publications, Inc. has been a huge supporter and sponsor of Omaha Fashion Week for years, and launched the new metroQUARTERLY at the finale festivities.

On the inside, Omaha Fashion Week is a talent incubator that seamlessly connects designers, stylists, photographers, artists and models through nurturing platforms and engaging opportunities. On the outside, Omaha Fashion Week is Midwest’s premier fashion event; spotlighting fashion innovations and celebrating creative excellence. Learn more at www.omahafashionweek.com.

86

mquarterly • NOV/deC/JaN 2014/15

78-95-SCENE-A_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:00 PM Page 87

mquarterly

| runway vip show

MIKE AND ERIN DIGIACOMO WITH JACLYN AND CHRIS OLTMANS

BILL ALFORD AND ANNETTE FARHART

TRICIA MENARD, HEATHER WICKWIRE AND CAROLYN MESTERHAZY

NICOLE KEIMIG, ALYSSA DILTS, EMILY RICHARDS AND TERESA DILTS

DAVID SCOTT, WENDY CHAPMAN AND RICK CAREY

NICOLE KEIMIG, REBECCA FORSYTH AND MEGAN HUNT

SHELBY STEVENS, CHERI STEVENS, ASHLEY BURT, HEIDI MEYLAR, ALLIE ALLISON, KARI KUDRON, KRISTIN PIATKOWSKI AND AVORY BOUC

MONICA PATE, STEPHANIE MILLARD, TRICIA HULTGREN AND AMBER WILLIAMS

ANDEE HOIG

MIRANDA PALMESANO, KRISTIN GOERTZ, ANNA GILMORE AND CATHERINE OBERLIES

KELLI WINKLER, VIC RICHARDS AND RACHEL RICHARDS

FEATURED EVENT

omaha fashion week

spotlight

connected!

mQUARTERLY • NOV/DEC/JAN 2014/15

| runway vip show

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN FLANIGAN

FEATURED EVENT

omaha fashion week

spotlight

connected!

mQUARTERLY • NOV/DEC/JAN 2014/15

| runway vip show

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN FLANIGAN

FEATURED EVENT

omaha fashion week

spotlight

connected!

mQUARTERLY • NOV/DEC/JAN 2014/15

| runway vip show

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN FLANIGAN

78-95-SCENE-A_EVENTS 11/10/14 4:23 PM Page 88

event galleries

Photos by Debra S. Kaplan and Jen litton

CHANGE agents Women’s Fund of Omaha Lead the Change Fall Luncheon Women’s Fund of Omaha 14th Annual Fall Luncheon A record crowd of 1,100 people attended the “Lead the Change” Fall Luncheon on October 23 at the CenturyLink Center. The event raised $253,000 for the Women’s Fund of Omaha.

ANDREA SKOLKIN, AMY RICHARDSON, MELISSA WURTH, MARY FRASER MEINTS, KATIE MOCK, KAREN AUTHIER, AND GLENDORA PATTERSON, MARY RAYNOVICH, EMILIANO LERDA, KENNY MCMORRIS, ANN O’CONNOR, LINDA KIZZIER, WITH DAVID ACOSTA, CHRISTINE ROSS, CAROLYN T. GREEN, JULIE KALKOWSKI AND JOSSY ROGERS

Keynote speaker Sallie Krawcheck, owner of the networking group Ellevate and a former Wall Street executive, stressed the important of diversity and the impact of having more women in leadership. “Great things happen when diverse teams come together,” she said.

The event also included presentation of a record $200,000 in grants to 17 nonprofits for programs benefiting local women and girls. Included in this total is the $5,000 Be the Change grant that went to Girls Inc. based on a live vote by audience members. Additionally, this year’s Recycled Rides car, a Ford Taurus, was awarded to 20-year-old Maurisa Machacha, who was nominated by Goodwill Industries.

A complete list of grant recipients is available on the Women’s Fund website.

KAREN GORACKE, SALLIE KRAWCHECK AND GAIL DEBOER

Honorary co-chairs for the luncheon were Gail DeBoer, president and CEO of SAC Federal Credit Union, and Karen Goracke, president and CEO of Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts. Renee Black, principal and senior event planner of planitomaha, was luncheon chair. Weitz Investment Management was the featured speaker sponsor. Others taking part in the program were Women’s Fund Executive Director Michelle Zych; Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert; Women’s Fund Board Members Cheri Duryea, Makayla McMorris, Jane Rips and Jo Ann Quinif; and Women’s Fund Circles Members Danielle Crough and Julie Luzarraga.

MICHELLE ZYCH AND KIM KUHLE

BC CLARK AND DIVA MEJIAS

MAKAYLA MCMORRIS, SALLIE KRAWCHECK, CHERI DURYEA AND BARB BAUER

SCARLETT WEDERGREN, MAYOR JEAN STOTHERT AND SHELLEY WEDERGREN

PAM HERNANDEZ AND JESSICA NAGENGAST

The Women’s Fund of Omaha identifies critical issues, funds innovative solutions and leads innovative change to improve the lives of our community’s women and girls.

For more information on the Women’s Fund of Omaha, visit www.omahawomensfund.org.

CAPTIONS

CAP88

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

78-95-SCENE-A_EVENTS 11/10/14 4:24 PM Page 89

Photo courtesy of Junior league of Omaha

RED CARPET

roll out

Junior League of Omaha 5th Annual Big Red Block Party The Junior League of Omaha held its fifth annual Big Red Block Party on October 4th at the Scott Conference Center. Former Husker and NFL veteran, Kris Brown, and his wife Amy were honorary chairmen for the event. At the sold out event, area philanthropists, former Nebraska players and Husker fans watched Nebraska battle Michigan State.

Preliminary figures estimate over $47,000 in revenue was raised to support the league’s four projects: A Book of My Own, Project Hope Pack, the Career Development Series and Done-in-a-Day. As of this morning, donations are still coming into the headquarters office.

"This is a great event and we are thankful to everyone for coming out tonight!" said Amy Brown, Honorary Chair.

“We are so humbled by the incredible sell-out crowd of 430 guests,” added Katie Triplett, Big Red Block Party event chair.

When the Junior League of Omaha throws a tailgate party, they capture spirit and enthusiasm in all the event details, making a party that any Husker fan would be proud to attend. In honor of the long-standing tradition of Nebraska football, the committee developed a vintage theme for the

SUMMER FROEHLICH, LINDSEY SNYDER, KELLY GIESE, KRIS BROWN, AMY BROWN, KATIE TRIPLETT, ELIZABETH DARLING, LAKELYN HOGAN, CATHY ENOVISO, MELISSA RUSH, CATHERINE MCALLISTER, ASHLEY HALL, JESSICA DUGGER, SARAH MACDISSI, LAUREN NOWAK, KAYLA SPAUSTAT, VERONICA WORTMAN, SHEENA KENNEDY event with buffalo plaid, borrowed family picnic baskets and radio flyer wagons accenting the space. The outdoor element of a tailgate party was incorporated with fresh red and white floral with greenery inside each of the picnic basket centerpieces.

Guests were treated to the most recently published copy of Hail Varsity at each table and VIP guests enjoyed special Nebraska and football decorated sugar cookies. During halftime guests played arcade games and spun the prize wheel

89

provide by Dave & Busters and jumped into the event’s photo booth, provided by Come Together Photo Booth. The dinner buffet included essential tailgate fare such as artichoke and spinach dip, crudite, chili cheese fries, and pork and beef sliders on pretzel buns. For dessert, Nothing Bundt Cakes set up a delicious assortment of bundtinis.

For more information contact Junior League of Omaha President Jen Alloway or BRBP Chair Katie Triplett at www.jlomaha.org, or e-mail blockparty@jlomaha.org

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

78-95-SCENE-A_EVENTS 11/10/14 4:25 PM Page 90

event galleries

Photography by Dan flanigan

buzz WORDS Literacy Center

2014 Adult Spelling Bee When It Happened: October 17, 2014 Where It Happened: Scott Conference Center

JOE FINNEGAN, MARY JESSEN, KJIRSTEN FINNEGAN, CHAD JESSEN AND EVA JESSEN

BETHANY CRUMMEY AND RALPH KELLOGG

Why/How It Happened: A frolic through the dictionary gave the community a fun way to get involved in helping adults learn to read. Eight community and corporate teams of three adults each, tested their word-knowledge and spellability. The audience of over 140 included closet bibliophiles and philomaths, who took part in an audience spelling quiz.

Attendance: 140 Funds Raised: $22,000 Mission: To empower adults and families by helping them acquire the literacy skills and practices to be active and contributing members of their communities.

MIKE AND HOLLY BOYER WITH LYNNE AND JOHN BOYER

KIM ARMSTRONG, MELISSA MAYO AND ANNE HINDERY About: The Literacy Center educates over 500 adult students, with the support of nearly 90 community volunteers, from the tri-county area with one-on-one tutoring and small classroom instruction in basic reading, English as a second language and GED. We are committed to empowering adults and families by helping them acquire the literacy skills and practices to be active and contributing members of their communities.

More information: 402-342-7323 | www.giveliteracy.org

CHUCK JOHANNINGSMEIER AND GRACE JOHANNINGSMEIER

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KIRSTEN CASE WITH HONORARY CHAIR KJIRSTEN FINNEGAN

MICHELLE DILL, WENDY HAMILTON AND TOM SCHULTE

CHE ORDUNA AND PIERRE SAGITTEH

SPELLING BEE JUDGES ELLEN SCOTT, CAMMY WATKINS AND PAT BILLINGS

CAPTIONS

CAP90

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

78-95-SCENE-A_EVENTS 11/10/14 4:26 PM Page 91

Photography by Dan flanigan & Jamie Vaughn

MAKING THEM

heard

Voices for Children in Nebraska Spotlight Gala When It Happened: September 13, 2014 Where It Happened: LaVista

ERIC NELSON, KORI REED AND CAROLYN ROOKER

HONORARY CHAIRS STEVE MARTIN AND DR. AMY HADDAD WITH CAROLYN ROOKER AND KORI REED

Why It Happened: To Help Voices for Children tell the whole story for Nebraska kids.

Sponsors: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, Mr. Steve Martin & Dr. Amy Haddad, CHI Health, Barnhart Press, Rebel Interactive, KETV 7, ConAgra Foods, Omaha Schools Foundation, TD Ameritrade, Creighton University, Hillcrest Landing, Kutak Rock, Leo A Daly, Pinnacle Bank, Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center, The Nebraska Medical Center, Embassy Suites. Special thank you to our photographer Jamie Vaughn for donating her talents.

ERIC NELSON, DR. DONNA POLK AND CAROLYN ROOKER

DAR, TIM BARRY AND CAROLYN ROOKER

Attendance: 700 Funds Raised: $185,000 Mission: Voices for Children in Nebraska is the independent voice building pathways to opportunity for all children and families through research, policy and community engagement.

About: We will engage the public and state leaders to build systems removing obstacles and promoting opportunity for ALL children to lead healthy, secure and fulfilling lives.

BEVERLY JABS, TEOVIONA LEWIS, HONOREE TIAUNA LEWIS AND JEANNIE LEWIS

CHRISTINE KELLOGG HENNINGSEN, STATE SENATOR BRAD ASHFORD, MATT LATHROP, STATE SENATOR STEVE LATHROP, JENN PIATT AND NOELLE OBERMEYER

STATE SENATOR BOB KRIST, TONY FULTON, SCOTT SMATHERS AND STATE SENATOR KEN SCHILZ

CO-CHAIRS PATTI KORALESKI AND EMILY TONNIGES

For more information call 402-597-3100 or visit www.voicesforchildren.com

JUDY BEUTLER , JULIE CORNELL AND LINCOLN MAYOR CHRIS BEUTLER

CAPTIONS

CAP91

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

78-95-SCENE-A_EVENTS 11/10/14 4:26 PM Page 92

Photography by lindsey Zentic

HOPEFUL hearts

Hope Center for Kids 2014 Hope Does Gala

When It Happened: October 10, 2014 Where It Happened: Century Link Center

MALIK KELLY AND BOB GOFF

TY AND TERRI SCHENZEL WITH BRENDA CHRISTENSEN AND MIKE MORRIS

Why It Happened: Celebration and fundraiser for The Hope's programs for education, employability and faith.

Special Guests: U.S. Congressman, Lee Terry; Douglas County Treasurer, John Ewing; Author and Speaker, Bob Goff Sponsor: Sid Dillion Chevrolet Attendance: 1,120 Funds Raised: $481,000

PATTY AND SID DILLON WITH TERRI AND TY SCHENZEL

BRENDA CHRISTENSEN AND MIKE MORRIS

Mission: Hope Center for Kids strives to faithfully inspire hope in youth and children through education, employability, collaboration and faith.

About: The Hope serves over 1,500 youth and children each year providing educational support, employability training, nutrition, faith and fun after school and during the summer months.

For more information call 402-312-3694 or visit www.hopecenterforkids.com

GABRIEL WOLTEMATH AND ETHAN SCHLUETER

TARA BEHRENS, HANNAH SOFTLEY AND HANNAH HUSMANN

TRACY BINGHAM, DORINDA HARPER, KAMERON BAYNE AND ANDY BINGHAM

TYLER SCHENZEL AND JACLYN LEAHY

TORI TEVELDE, VERONICA TEVELDE AND ALLISON KUNZ

CAPTIONS

CAP92

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

78-95-SCENE-A_EVENTS 11/10/14 4:27 PM Page 93

Photography by roger humphries

FAITHFUL flow

Lutheran Family Services of NE Faith In Action®: Hope Restored When It Happened: Sunday, September 14, 2014 Where it Happened: Indian Creek Golf Course Why it Happened: To recognize those community leaders whose actions demonstrate their commitment to faith-based values and humble service. This year’s Faith in Action: Hope Restored event had a special focus on mental wellness and those who support the journey to recovery.

The honorees were: Deryl and Ramona Hamann (2014 Douglas E. Parrott Faith in Action® Award recipients), Bill and Evonne Williams (2014 Volunteers of the Year), Omaha Police Department (2014 Community Partner of the Year), and RoxAnne Koenig (LFS Lifetime Achievement Award recipient).

Special Guests: Deryl and Ramona Hamann, Bill and Evonne Williams, members of the Omaha Police Department, RoxAnne Koenig, former Omaha Mayor Hal Daub, State Senator Pete Pirsch, Immanuel CEO Eric Gurley, Linda and Terry McClain, The Bill Kernen Family, Renee and Wil Tewes, Norm and Joyce Riffel, Bob Cohn, Doug and Cyndi Parrott, Rob McCartney (emcee).

RUTH HENRICHS, JULIE OWENS AND ROXANNE KOENIG

EVONNE WILLIAMS WITH JOHN AND DARLENE DICKINSON

RAMONA AND DERYL HAMANN

TIM AND JONNA HOLLAND

Attendance: 218 Funds Raised: $40,000 was received in honorariums and sponsorships.

Mission: Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska expresses God´s love for all people by providing quality human care services that build and strengthen individual, family and community life.

BILL KERNEN WITH KRISTAE AND PETER ZANDBERGEN

ROBERT COHN AND RUTH HENRICHS

About: Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska is a 122-year old statewide human care organization which impacts thousands of families annually in the areas of behavioral health, children services and services for new populations. LFS is one of the largest providers of outpatient mental health services in the state, serving 5,112 Nebraskans last year.

For more information call (402) 978-5626 or visit www.LFSneb.org

J.F. AND ALICIA HOFFMAN, MARY AND HAL DAUB WITH PARKER AND ALANNA SCHENKEN

CAPTIONS

CAP93

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

78-95-SCENE-A_EVENTS 11/10/14 4:28 PM Page 94

event galleries

Photography by Debra S. Kaplan

RACE FOR

impact

Susan G. Komen® Nebraska Race for the Cure® When It Happened: October 5, 2014 Where It Happened: CenturyLink Center Why/How It Happened: Participants chose between a 5k competitive run, 5k fun run or walk, or a one-mile walk.

Festivities started at 7 a.m. and included children’s activities, a group photo of breast cancer survivors and to highlight the event’s 21st anniversary – a survivor parade. Breast cancer survivors ranging from less than one year to over 40 years from diagnosis paraded from inside the CenturyLink Center to the Race start line.

CHEERLEADERS PROVIDING SUPPORT ALONG THE RACE

Sponsors: Union Pacific, Baker’s, Mayflower Select Van and Storage, Wells Fargo, Action 3 News, Star 104.5, Performance Ford, Baxter Ford Attendance: 11,000 Funds Raised: $296,000+ Mission: To end breast cancer forever

12-

A SURVIVOR (IN PINK SHIRT) ENJOYS THE RACE WITH HER SUPPORTERS

A TEAM CELEBRATING SURVIVORSHIP

About: Susan G. Komen® Nebraska is one of 117 offices nationwide that comprise Susan G. Komen®, the world’s largest and most progressive grassroots network fighting to end breast cancer forever. Over the last 20 years, Komen Nebraska has invested more than $7 million statewide. Up to 75 percent of net proceeds generated stay in Nebraska with remaining funds dedicated to global breast cancer research.

For more information call 402-502-2979 or visit www.komennebraska.org.

1-

METHODIST HEALTH SYSTEM; RACE SPONSOR EXHIBITION

RUNNERS ALONG THE RACE ROUTE

“One in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime,” noted Karen Daneu, executive director, Susan G. Komen® Nebraska. “The Race is a celebration of the men and women touched by this disease.

With the support of our sponsors, community members and volunteers, we’re focused on education, screening, treatment and research — four critical components that will help with prevention, early diagnosis, and eventually help put an end to this disease.”

CAPTIONS

CAP94

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

78-95-SCENE-A_EVENTS 11/10/14 4:29 PM Page 95

Photography by Dan flanigan

smokin’!

Heart Ministry Center 9th Annual Holy Smokes When it Happened: Thursday, August 28th, 2014 Where it Happened: Anthony’s Steakhouse, Omaha Why it Happened: Holy Smokes is a fundraiser for the Heart Ministry Center to help support individuals and families in North Omaha and surrounding areas. 93% of every dollar raised goes directly to Heart Ministry Center programs.

Special Guests & Dignitaries in Attendance: Jane Huerter and Dick Jeffries, Honorary Chairs Catered by: Omaha Steaks and Anthony’s Event Planner: Sarah Lukas Rentals by: AAA Rents Omaha, Flowers by bou - quet Attendance: Approximately 640 people Funds Raised: Approximately $180,000 Mission Statement: Providing food, clothing, healthcare and a way forward to people severely affected by poverty in the Omaha area.

Heart Of Gold Sponsors: Arkfeld Wealth Strategies, Jane Huerter & Dick Jeffries Lin & Mike Simmonds, The Nebraska Medical Center About the Organization: The Heart Ministry Center helps people in two ways: By providing basic necessities of all kinds – food, clothes, and healthcare for example. By helping people break out of the rut they’re in and starting them on a path towards a self-sufficient life.

Sample Programs & Services: Choice Food Pantry - A family of five can receive up to eight bags of groceries per week. And there’s a ton of variety including fresh produce.

Clothing Closet - Allows clients to shop for clothes at no cost. They can also pick out things like shampoo, toothpaste, soap & laundry detergent.

Youth Mentoring - For at-risk kids, ages 7-16. The kids and their mentors volunteer for the elderly, or at a farm repairing fences and planting trees.

Self-Sufficiency Program - 12-week program designed to help women break the cycle of poverty.

More information: (402) 451-2321 | heartministrycenter.org

JOHN LEVY, MARY BETH ROSSITER, LAURA CROSBY, PAM FINN, FR. TOM FANGMAN, LESLIE SPETHMAN, CORTNEY BAUER, JOHN MARASCO, SARAH LUKAS, JOHN HARVEY AND KEVIN THOMPSON

EVENT CHAIRS SARAH LUKAS, CORTNEY BAUER WITH HONORARY CHAIRS JANE HUERTER AND DICK JEFFRIES

KEVIN JACKSON AND KEVIN THOMPSON

JOE CARPENTER AND KAYLA SIMMS

95

DE'ANDRE MOORE, JOHN LEVY, ANDRE WRIGHT AND KENTRELL LENNETT

BEN AND SUZIE FOGARTY WITH SUZIE AND MIKE CULVER

MERYL ZADINA, ANN LAUGHLIN AND JOE ZADINA

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

96-111-SCENE-B_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:31 PM Page 96

event galleries

Photos courtesy of Boy Scouts of America

eagle SCOUTS Boy Scouts of America 44th Annual Boy Scout Golf Invitational Boy Scouts of America, Mid-America Council 44th Annual Boy Scout Golf Invitational Presented by Jeep.

This golf invitational was held on Monday, September 29 at Shadow Ridge Country Club in Omaha. 29 foursomes, and 116 players attended. More than $75,000 was raised in support of the Boy Scouts. Rex Fisher, Senior Vice President and Director of Corporate Communications of HDR chaired the event.

It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America, Mid-America Council to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. It is the BSA, MAC’s vision to provide unparalleled experiences for more youth.

Unparalleled experiences create value, enthusiasm, robust growth and retention of program participants.

Since 1910, the Boys Scouts of America has instilled timeless values of character, citizenship and leadership in each young man and woman who has entered the Scouting program. The Mid-America Council continues this tradition through educational based skills and activities. Currently, there are 20,843 Scouts and over 7,000 volunteer leaders. The Mid-America Council covers 58 counties in Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota.

CRAIG LEFLER, TRAVIS FLODINE, JOHN WANNIGER AND JOSH EVERT

For more information visit www.mac-bsa.org

BOB DALRYMPLE, BRUCE HEYSSE, JIM MURPHY AND STEW LARSEN

REX FISHER, MICKEY ANDERSON AND ERIC MAGENDANTZ

BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEBRASKA

DAVE BISHOP, CHRIS MURPHY AND REX FISHER

CONNER JUREY

CAPTIONS

CAP96

mquArterly • NOV/DeC/JAN 2014/15

96-111-SCENE-B_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:31 PM Page 97

Photos courtesy of Boy Scouts of America

HIGH aims

Boy Scouts of America 13th Annual Boy Scout Shootout Boy Scouts of America, Mid-America Council 13th Annual Boy Scout Shootout, Sporting Clays Tournament.

This event was held on Friday, September 5 at Werner Valley Shooting Fields. It included 50 shooters making up 10 teams.

These teams participated in nine different events that included. Five stand, rifle and pistol. The 13th annual Sporting Clays Tournament raised over $64,000 to benefit Scouting.

This event is made possible by the sponsorship of Werner Enterprises, Inc. and Mr. C.L. Werner. The event chairman was Scott Robertson, President of UltraAir. Since 1910, the Boys Scouts of America has instilled timeless values of character, citizenship and leadership in each young man and woman who has entered the Scouting program.

For more information visit www.mac-bsa.org

BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEBRASKA TEAM

WERNER TEAM

SCOTT ROBERTSON WITH KING/HOLLAND TEAM

TOP SHOTGUN

C.L. & RACHEL WERNER

TOP PISTOL

CAPTIONS

CAP97

mquArterly • NOV/DeC/JAN 2014/15

96-111-SCENE-B_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:33 PM Page 98

event galleries

Photos courtesy of Jim Scholz Photography

HEALING

happens The Kim Foundation A Time for Hope and Healing When It Happened: October 22, 2014 Where It Happened: Embassy Suites LaVista Conference Center

LARRY COURTNAGE, KATHY COURTNAGE, JULIA HEBENSTREIT, MARK WOLF, MARIEL HEMINGWAY, TIFFANI WOLF AND CRAIG WOLF

LARRY COURTNAGE, MARIEL HEMINGWAY AND KATHY COURTNAGE

Why It Happened: One in four Americans is impacted annually by mental illness yet the stigma surrounding it is highly prevalent in our society. The event aimed to foster a greater understanding of mental health and of the impact each individual can have by serving as an advocate for those with mental illness.

Special Guests: Academy Award-nominated actress and mental health advocate, Mariel Hemingway as Keynote Speaker.

Sponsors: C&A Industries, Inc., Bellevue University, Nothing Bundt Cakes

MAUREEN TURNER, CATHY BONNESEN, SUSAN HAMSHER AND ANN FRICKE

CHRISTINE SALVATORE, TINA GUNN, BARB DAUBENSPECK AND GAIL ORTEGREN

Attendance: 305 Funds Raised: $30,000 Mission: The Kim Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those impacted by mental illness through advocacy, education, and support.

About: The Kim Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those impacted by mental illness through advocacy, education, and support. Based in Omaha, Nebraska, The Kim Foundation strives to build a united, comprehensive response to assist children, adults, and families in achieving health, healing, and recovery. The Kim Foundation serves as a communication link between individuals, families, and organizations throughout the state of Nebraska and moves to reduce the stigma often associated with seeking mental health care.

For more information call Julia Hebenstreit at 402-891-6997 or visit www.thekimfoundation.org

SHAWNA MAYER, KELLI STEIDLE, TERRI EISCHEID AND CAROL WANG

JIM PARKS, SANDY PARKS AND GERALDINE HERDZINA

ELLEN THOMPSON AND MARIEL HEMINGWAY WITH SCOT THOMPSON

JULIE MARSH, JAN MLNARIK, MARVENE SMITH AND ALICE MLNARIK

CAPTIONS

CAP98

mquArterly • NOV/DeC/JAN 2014/15

96-111-SCENE-B_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:34 PM Page 99

Photography by roger Humphries

HEARTS IN THE

right place

American Heart Association Omaha Go Red for Women Expo When It Happened: September 30, 2014 Where It Happened: Embassy Suites, La Vista

GAIL YANNEY, CHERYL WILD, MELISSA MARVIN AND ANDEE HOIG

CATHY FEURT AND KELLIE MURPHY

MARY K MILLER AND MINDY MORRISSEY

GERRY LAURITZEN, DEREK LEATHERS AND CY WAKEMAN

Why It Happened: Go Red For Women® celebrates the energy, passion and power we have as women to band together raise our voice and wipe out heart disease and stroke.Heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women, taking the life of 1 in 3 women each year. This means women just like you - mothers, sisters, friends - are dying at the rate of one per minute because they don't know what you know: heart disease kills.The American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women is the world’s largest network fo women standing together to save women’s lives from heart disease. Millions of women have united to raise their voices about their No. 1 killer. With your help, many more lives can be saved.

Special Guests: Honorary Chair Gail Yanney, Circle of Red Chair Gerry Lauritzen Sponsors: Methodist Health System Attendance: 750 Funds Raised: $305,000+ Mission: Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

DENISE TROUT, BETTY MCLAUGHLIN, LISA BOCKMAN AND MICHELLE SEITER

JILL GETTMAN AND LISA SEKUNDIAK

MICHELLE KEELE AND LESLIE SPETHMAN

COURTNEY MOLETTIERE, ASHLEY SNOWDON AND SUZAN ROHRIG

About: The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – America’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country.

For more information call 402-810-6870 or visit www. omahagoredforwomen.org

CAPTIONS

CAP99

mquArterly • NOV/DeC/JAN 2014/15

96-111-SCENE-B_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:34 PM Page 100

96-111-SCENE-B_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:35 PM Page 101

event galleries

Photography by roger Humphries

pawty ANIMALS Hearts United for Animals 25th Anniversary Pawty & Fundraiser When It Happened: October 3, 2014 Where It Happened: The Players Club at Deer Creek

CAROL AND DENNIS WHEELER

JEAN BLESSLER WITH CAROL WHEELER

Why It Happened: The Hearts United for Animals pawty helped to celebrate 25 years of saving lives and raise funds for the 400 canine residents of HUA as well as future puppy mill rescues.

Sponsors: Mobile Animal Clinic, Riki Shaw, Long Dog Fat Cat, John Roth & Son, Midwest Wheaten Rescue, Veterinary Eye Specialists of Nebraska, Michael and Claudia Franks, The Green Spot, Three Dog Bakery, Urgent Pet Care, Eagle Run West Dental Group, Immediate Solutions, Everyday Angels Pet Cremation and Memorial Gifts, The Paw Spa Pet Resort, Lamar, Rebel Interactive, Bozell, ihelppets.com

JULIE LAVIN AND LORI HOOK WITH THE DOG NAMED ERIC CLAPTON

LISA TEGTMEIER WITH JONATHAN LARSEN

Attendance: 175 Funds Raised: $50,000 Mission: Hearts United for Animals is a national no-kill animal shelter, sanctuary and animal welfare organization dedicated to the relief of suffering. We rescue dogs from all over the country and specialize in long distance adoptions.

We take creatures who are lost, afraid, hungry or ill and comfort them, give them a warm, soft bed, good food, medical care and most of all, love. HUA is a place of happiness, joy and love. Everything we do is in the best interest of the dogs. The dogs have big fields of grass and trees in which to run. Our primary interest is what will make them happy. HUA is a place to celebrate the joy of life.

ADAM LEE

AMY MEINZER WITH KAY REARICK

About: Hearts United for Animals has rescued over 10,000 dogs from puppy mills and served over 12,000 patients at the Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic, preventing over 1 million births. HUA is home to over 400 canine residents. Those who cannot be adopted due to medical or behavioral issues stay at HUA forever as Sanctuary Sweethearts.

For more information call 402-274-3679 or visit www.hua.org, or facebook.com/heartsunitedforanimals

WHITNEY KAMISH, JESSICA ELLIS AND MATT KAMISH

HEATHER BURWELL AND GENA BURWELL

CAPTIONS

CAP101

mquArterly • NOV/DeC/JAN 2014/15

96-111-SCENE-B_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:36 PM Page 102

event galleries

Photography by Dan Flanigan

STEEL

magnolias The Arthritis Foundation 41st Omaha Metro Woman of the Year Gala When It Happened: October 2, 2014 Where It Happened: Embassy Suites – La Vista

HONOREE CATHY BONNESEN WITH CHAIRMAN JANE POHLMAN

HONOREE CATHY BONNESEN WITH CORPORATE CHAIR DINY LANDEN

CARLY POHLMAN, DREW AND STEPHANIE METZLER, ANGELA POHLMAN, BLAIR BONNESEN AND BROOKE GREWCOCK

BRUCE GREWCOCK, SCOT BONNESEN, TERRY BOHLE AND MIKE FAHEY

DEBBIE HALLOCK, JANE POHLMAN, DEBRA GREWCOCK, CATHY BONNESEN, MARIANNE HAWKINS AND ELLEN WRIGHT

CATHY BONNESEN, ANN FRICKE, SKYLAR RICCERI, BUFFY AND TOMMY RICCERI AND SUSAN HAMSHER

Why It Happened: The Arthritis Foundation's Woman of the Year Gala recognizes a woman in the metro community for her philanthropic efforts and to raise money to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases.

Special Guests: Cathy & Scot Bonnesen (honoree & husband), Jane & Craig Pohlman (event chair & spouse).

Patron Party Hosts: Debra & Bruce Grewcock, Sandy & Dave Parker, Ellen & Stavely Wright, Loretta & Doug Patterson, Debbie & Dale Hallock, Marianne & Fred Hawkins Sponsors: Kiewit Companies Foundation, Moglia Family Foundation, Redstone Communications, Sonburst Communications, Doug & Loretta Patterson, Parker Family Foundation, Scot Bonnesen Law Offices, Security National Bank, Valmont Industries, Inc., Borsheims, Brownell-Talbot School, Children's Hospital & Medical Center, Drew Collier & Diane Duren, the Lozier Foundation, McNeil Company Builders, Pinnacle Bank Corp, First National Bank, Mutual of Omaha Bank and Nebraska Furniture Mart Attendance: 220 Funds Raised: $180,000 Mission: The Arthritis Foundation's mission is to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases.

About: We have many fun events through out the year including the Omaha Metro Jingle Bell Run on December 7th and our Walk to Cure Arthritis on May 23rd!

For more information call 402-330-6130 or visit www.arthritis.org/nebraska

EMCEE JOYCE DAVIS AND KARI JOHNSON

MICHELLE ROBINSON AND RYAN HORST

Congratulations Cathy Bonnesen ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION’S 41ST WOMAN OF THE YEAR

From all who love you!

102

mquArterly • NOV/DeC/JAN 2014/15

96-111-SCENE-B_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:37 PM Page 103

Photos courtesy of Child Saving Institute Guild

PURSES ON

purpose

Child Saving Institute Guild PurseOnalities Scholarship Luncheon

EVENT CHAIRS MARIA KOOKEN, ADDIE HOLLINGSWORTH AND MARY O’CONNELL

On Thursday, October 2, 350 philanthropic guests raised $71,500 for children in need in our community at the Child Saving Institute Guild’s "PurseOnalities 2014" Annual Scholarship Luncheon held at Hilton Omaha. This year’s event was themed “Bags, Baubles & Bling!”—a fitting theme to highlight the nearly 85 designer purse packages offered at silent auction.

The Luncheon Honorary Chair was Carmen Gottschalk.

Event Chairs were Addie Hollingsworth, Maria Kooken, and Mary O’Connell.

The money raised at PurseOnalities supports CSI’s programs for at-risk youth, including the Guild Scholarship Program, which awards $2,500 renewable scholarships to students pursuing higher education who have participated in CSI programs. This year’s scholarship recipients were Michael Gregerson, Andrew Reeson, and Shauntia Schweigart.

Child Saving Institute, a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit child welfare organization, is dedicated to the prevention, intervention and treatment of child abuse, neglect and abandonment.

HONORARY CHAIR CARMEN GOTTSCHALK AND KEYNOTE SPEAKER DEREK CLARK

SUSAN NEMER AND GUILD PRESIDENT JANIS WINTERHOF

103

More information: 402.553.6000 | childsaving.org

mquArterly • NOV/DeC/JAN 2014/15

96-111-SCENE-B_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:39 PM Page 104

event galleries

Photography by Dan Flanigan

CREATIVE

callings KANEKO

Open Soirée When It Happened: September 19, 2014 Where It Happened: KANEKO, Omaha, NE Why It Happened: Inagural annual fundraising event for KANEKO. Sponsors: Valmont, HDR, Suzanne and Walter Scott Foundation, David and Vicki Krecek, McCarthy Capital, Bruce Frasier Architects, Morgan Stanley, Gail and Michael Yanney, BVH Architects, Cramer Kreski Designs, Fraser Stryker, American Institute of Architects Nebraska, Interior Design Coalition of Nebraska, Allens Home Attendance: 450 Mission: KANEKO encourages, explores and facilitates the creative process while nurturing and inspiring ideas through our collection.

ROBERT AND KAREN DUNCAN WITH REE AND JUN KANEKO

About: KANEKO is a non-profit cultural organization dedicated to exploring and encouraging the creative process and how it impacts our lives. Established by internationally renowned sculptor Jun Kaneko and his wife Ree, KANEKO was conceived of as "open space for your mind," a place where thoughtful examination of others' ideas through exhibitions and public programs leads us to new and exciting ideas of our own.

More information: 402-341-3800 | www.thekaneko.org

JOAN SQUIRES AND HENRY DAVIS

KEVIN PURCELL, WALLACE CUNNINGHAM AND JOHN LEFTWICH

ANGIE FISHER, MICHAEL ALLEY, KORI BRISBY AND RYAN FISHER

SUSAN SMITH AND JAN BUCKINGHAM

KENNETH BÉ AND SHELLY BARTEK 104

CHARLES AND MICHELE GIFFORD WITH KRISTAE AND PETER ZANDBERGEN

MELISSA TIBBEN AND KENLEY STURDIVANT-WILSON

ROB AND MAUREEN MAYER

mquArterly • NOV/DeC/JAN 2014/15

96-111-SCENE-B_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:39 PM Page 105

Photos courtesy of Omaha Zoo Foundation

CALL OF

the wild

Omaha Zoo Foundation Earth & Wine 2014 When It Happened: October 2, 2014 Where It Happened: Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Why It Happened: To benefit Omaha Zoo and Aquarium’s innovative research and education initiatives in worldwide conservation.

TINA CHERICA WITH DAVE AND MELANIE HECKER

Special Guest: Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photographer Attendance: 325 Mission: The Omaha Zoo Foundation is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1984 to support the mission of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, which is dedicated to the education of the public and the preservation of earth’s priceless biodiversity. Our work includes raising the funds needed to ensure the zoo’s continued growth and vibrancy and supporting its education, conservation and research initiatives.

LYNNE AND JOHN BOYER

DENNIS PATE WITH MINDY AND JIM YOUNG

105

For more information call 402-738-2073 or visit www.omahazoofoundation.org

mquArterly • NOV/DeC/JAN 2014/15

96-111-SCENE-B_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:41 PM Page 106

event galleries

Photography by Dan Flanigan

PERFORMERS IN

patronage

Omaha Performing Arts Broadway Ball 2014 When It Happened: September 5, 2014

CLARK AND EMILY LAURITZEN, JACKIE CONWAY, MIKE CASSLING, JOAN SQUIRES, DAVID AND MARTHA SLOSBURG, LIBBY SLOSBURG

ERIKA OVERTURFF WITH RYAN AND MICHELLE CLARK

ANDY HOLLAND, DICK HOLLAND AND MARIAN LEARY

Where It Happened: Holland Performing Arts Center Why/How It Happened: Broadway Ball raised money in support of Omaha Performing Arts’ Education and Community Engagement programs. Central to Omaha Performing Arts’ mission, these programs encourage all members of the community to fully appreciate and participate in the performing arts. The organization’s education initiatives include Master Classes, which give students the chance to learn from accomplished artists; Student Matinees; and the newest addition this past year, the Nebraska High School Theatre Awards, which celebrates, supports and advocates for high school theatre education.

Special Guests: Senator Ben Nelson and Broadway Across America's Executive Vice President Susie Krajsa SPONSORS: CQuence Health Group, First National Bank, John and Carmen Gottschalk, Holland Foundation, Kiewit Corporation, The Lauritzen Family, Pete Ricketts and Susanne Shore and Slosburg Family Charitable Trust. Additional sponsors include Mogens and Cindy Bay, Rhonda and Howard Hawks, Suzanne and Walter Scott Foundation, Tenaska, Inc., Union Pacific and Valmont Industries, Inc.

MARIA BATEMAN AND AMY MCGAUGHEY

TODD AND BETIANA SIMON

Attendance: 320 Funds Raised: $500,000 Mission: Omaha Performing Arts is dedicated to enriching the lives of the citizens of Omaha and surrounding communities. In its two venues: the Orpheum Theater and Holland Performing Arts Center, the organization presents the best of Broadway, jazz, blues, dance, comedy, family and popular entertainment, along with a range of educational programs and free community events.

MADI SHEPARD AND CHRIS KIRCHER WITH PATTY KIRCHER AND CHRIS KIRCHER, SR.

NICK LANGEL, PANETA ZIEGLER, DANA VOTAVA AND JOE SULLIVAN

EMILY ANDRES WITH TRISH HOFFMAN-AHRENS

JINA AND RYAN PICARELLA 106

For more information call (402) 345-0202 or visit www.omahaperformingarts.org

JESSICA AND KRIS COVI

mquArterly • NOV/DeC/JAN 2014/15

96-111-SCENE-B_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:41 PM Page 107

Photos courtesy of Phoenix Acacdemy

STUDENT

supporters Phoenix Academy Scholarship Lunceon When It Happened: October 1, 2014 Where It Happened: CenturyLink Center Why It Happened: Luncheon to raise scholarship funds and awareness for Phoenix Academy, a private non-profit school that focuses on reading and math Attendance: 490 Funds Raised: $260,000

PETE ZANDBERGEN, JAN MACTIER, ANN MACTIER, ERIN GRUWELL, GEORGE LOZIER, DIANNE DESLER, LISA GOTSDINER, AND SARA WOODS

Mission: The Phoenix Academy educates and inspires students with learning differences to realize their full academic potential and become successful in school and in life.

About: Most of the students at the Phoenix Academy are one or more school years behind in reading and/or math. Phoenix offers a strong language arts curriculum including Spalding Phonics which is a multi-sensory approach – see it, hear it, say it, and write it – for explicit, intensive, systematic phonics.

SARA WOODS AND ERIN GRUWELL

DIANNE LOZIER, ERIN GRUWELL AND LISA GOTSDINER

107

For more information call Nancy Liebermann at 402-390-0556 or visit phoenixacademyomaha.org

mquArterly • NOV/DeC/JAN 2014/15

96-111-SCENE-B_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:41 PM Page 108

event galleries

Photography courtesy of Completely KIDS

COMPLETE

tailgater Completely KIDS Big Red Tailgate

CARRIE WEILER, AMY DEARDORFF, PENNY PARKER, JOHN DEARDORFF, KRIS SCHAFF AND ANDI HALLGREN. NOT PICTURED BETH RAPER.

While the Huskers were preparing for their big win over Fresno State on Sept 13th, supporters of Omaha nonprofit Completely KIDS scored a huge victory for at-risk youth and their families the night before.

The Completely KIDS Guild-sponsored eighth annual Big Red Tailgate on Sept. 12 raised $180,000 to support the agency’s mission of empowering kids and families to create a safe, healthy, successful and connected community.

AMY AND ZACH WIEGERT

MELANIE HECKER, ERIC BURDEN, MIKE SKRADIS, DEBBIE AND BRIAN WOOD

ROB AND JENNIFER ZATECHKA

DARLENE AND RANDY MUELLER, SANDY AND DAVE PARKER, AND BRIAN LEIFERMAN

“The generosity of the Omaha community once again shined through this fun and casual event,” said Penny Parker, Completely KIDS executive director. “Our supporters are passionate not only about football but more importantly about serving some of Omaha’s poorest families. We’re thankful to this year’s event chairs, honorary chairs and the guild for bringing together a winning fundraiser.”

Held at Embassy Suites La Vista, Big Red Tailgate attracted 370 people for an evening of cocktails, dinner, silent and live auctions, a raffle, and a special performance by Completely KIDS youth. Amy and John Deardorff served as honorary chairs for the event, while Andi Hallgren, Beth Raper and Carrie Weiler were this year’s general co-chairs. Former Husker players Rik Bonness, center, 1972-1975; Zach Wiegert, offensive tackle, 1991-1994; and Rob Zatechka, offensive tackle, 1991-1994, were also in attendance.

As an addition to Big Red Tailgate, Parker announced the Leiferman Leadership Award recipient as Amy Deardorff.

Deardorff will be formally honored at the guild annual meeting in November. The award is named after Cindy Leiferman, who formed the guild more than 10 years ago and helped raise more than $1 million during her time serving on the guild.

KLEBERTH PEREZ AND RAUL DESANTIAGO

PENNY PARKER

The 2014 guild president is Kris Schaff. Guild members and volunteers include: Ann Marie Abboud, Jennifer Alloway, Kate Betsworth, Kate Brownrigg, Annette Byman, Brenda Christensen, Mary Foley, Lizzy Gilbert, Desri Gocken, Dana Gonzales, Amy Grohe, Andi Hallgren, Pam Hession, Linda Hitzemann, Jessica Jaksha, Emily Jung, Lori Kardell, Nikki Kirshenbaum, Jenny Kluver, Kristin Lewis, Tonya Lewis, Amy Lindsay, Catherine Mahoney, Leslie Mayo, Sarah McGowan, Kelly Morgan, Amy Parks, Kris Patton, Jennifer Peterson, Kara Plumb, Arlene Porzelt, Patti Pryor, Beth Raper, Angela Rock, Nola Schettler, Brenda Smith, Marjean Stamm, Janet Thayer, Ashley Trankle, Emily Wageman and Carrie Weiler.

More information: (402) 397-5809 | completelykids.org

PENNY PARKER, AND AMY AND JOHN DEARDORFF

COMPLETELY KIDS YOUTH PERFORM A DANCE AND CHEER AT THE 2014 BIG RED TAILGATE. 108

mquArterly • NOV/DeC/JAN 2014/15

96-111-SCENE-B_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:42 PM Page 109

Photos courtesy of Omaha Children’s Museum

kid FRIENDLY

Omaha Children’s Museum Great Friends to Kids Luncheon When It Happened: Monday, September 15, 2014 Where It Happened: Omaha Children’s Museum Why It Happened: The Great Friends to Kids Luncheon is an event honoring individuals and organizations that have been great friends to our community’s children and supported the work of the Omaha Children’s Museum.

HONOREES CLARK LAURITZEN, BRUCE LAURITZEN, EMILY LAURITZEN AND DAVID COTA

Honorees: The Lauritzen Family & First National Bank Attendance: 220 Funds Raised: $23,000 Sponsors: Elman and Oriental Trading Company Catered by: Eddie’s Catering Mission: To engage the imagination and create excitement about learning More information: www.ocm.org

KAREN LEVIN AND CHUCK CAMPBELL

GERRY LAURITZEN AND NANCY LAZER

109

mquArterly • NOV/DeC/JAN 2014/15

96-111-SCENE-B_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:43 PM Page 110

event galleries

Photography by Dan Flanigan

THINKING pink!

Project Pink’d, Inc. EXPOSED: 2014 Annual Benefit When It Happened: Thursday, August 21, 2014 Where it Happened: Hilton Omaha Downtown

DARLENE GEIGER AND KAY SNYDER

STEPHANIE HULSE, KELLY KONEN, JULIE PABIAN, BETHANY CROCKER, KATHY GRIESS, JEAN GOBLE AND KAY SNYDER

PRES. CYNTHIA STURGEON WITH V.P. JENNIFER O'HARE

Why/How it Happened: The 2014 Annual Benefit was held to honor and celebrate local breast cancer survivors in Nebraska and Iowa. Survivors and supporters raised their glasses and their paddles, all in an effort to support breast cancer survivors in Nebraska and Iowa. A Hollywood inspired theme, the event kicked-off with Coming Attractions including happy hour, a silent auction and raffle followed by Best Motion Picture-Documentary featuring an event welcome by Founder, Cynthia Sturgeon, and a Spotlight of Project Pink’d programs.

Special Guests: Emcee/WOWT anchor Brian Mastre

MARCIA AND PETE KONEN WITH KELLY AND BRAD KONEN

Attendance: 600 Funds Raised: $115,000 Mission: Project Pink’d’s mission is to improve the everyday quality of life of individual breast cancer survivors, providing support for survivors’ emotional, physical and financial well being. The organization serves breast cancer survivors in Nebraska and Western Iowa.

For more information call 402.905.0691 or visit www.projectpinkd.org

PATTI AND FRANK CORDOVA

JESSIE SCHNACK, KAREN KRUSE AND ANDREA MULLIN

STEPHANIE NICHOLS AND DARCI BOLTZ

ANNA SCHMIDT AND AMY CHRISTENSEN

JEAN GOBLE AND ANNETTE RASMUSSEN

KARI JORTH AND MARCI SESKER 110

CHRISSY BUSHNELL AND ANGELA TURNER

JOAN LUKAS AND TRENT ALBERS

mquArterly • NOV/DeC/JAN 2014/15

96-111-SCENE-B_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:43 PM Page 111

Photography by rachel Brodeur for yeS

DANCING days

Youth Emergency Services Dance for a Chance When it Happened: August 2, 2014 Where it Happened: Slowdown, Omaha

ERIN POWERS, NATE LEMPKE, ROSEY HIGGS AND ALEX STIDHAM

YOUTH EMERGENCY SERVICES BOARD, TRUSTEES, AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Why it Happened: Dance for a Chance is one of YES' major annual fundraisers! Each year, local celebrities take the stage with dance instructors and perform in front of a panel of celebrity judges and an audience of YES supporters for their chance at the mirror ball trophy.

Special Guests: Special Guests & Dignitaries in Attendance Sponsors: C&A Industries, Inc., Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska Caterer: Catered by: Catering Creations Rentals: United Rent-All Attendance: 250 Funds Raised: $56,000 Mission: To serve homeless and at-risk youth by providing critically-needed resources which empower them to become self-sufficient.

JUDGES TOM BECKA, ANDEE HOIG, KRISTEN KLAUS, AND CODY HALL

More information: 402.345.5187 | www.yesomaha.org

ERIN POWERS AND CRAIG WOLF (IN WHITE) WITH YES YOUTH

111

mquArterly • NOV/DeC/JAN 2014/15

112-126-SCENE-C_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:18 PM Page 112

event galleries

Photography by Dan Flanigan

AUCTION FOR

academics

Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation

Ak-Sar-Ben Buyer’s Club Purple Ribbon Auction When It Happened: September 28, 2014

CHAIRMAN STEPHANIE HARLAN WITH KEVIN MCKENZIE

LORI AND DAVID SCOTT WITH GARRETT LONG

Where It Happened: CenturyLink Center Why It Happened: To raise scholarships for champion livestock exhibitors for the Ak-Sar-Ben 4-H Livestock Show Special Guests: John & Nancy McCoy - Honorary Chair; W. Gary & Kathy Gates-ARCR Grand Marshals Sponsors: Bank of the West, Vermeer Event Planner: Ak-Sar-Ben's River City Rodeo & Stock Show; Ak-Sar-Ben Buyer's Club

HONORARY CO-CHAIRS JOHN AND NANCY MCCOY

RYKER HICKMAN AND ANNE BENNIER

Attendance: 356 Funds Raised: $261,150 Mission: To leverage collective business leadership to build a more prosperous Heartland About: Provides over $200,000 in scholarships annually to Heartland youth.

JENNIE JOHNSON AND SCHUYLER DILLO

DEREK DAM WITH LEANN AND DARREN SICKMAN

SCOTT AND BETSY OBERMOLLER WITH KEVIN MCKENZIE

ANGIE AND JASON FISHER

JANE MILLER, KIRK KELLNER AND STEPHANIE HARLAN

COLE ELLERBROCK AND KYLEE SILLIMAN 112

For more information visit www.aksarben.org or www.rivercityrodeo.com

MELISSA SMITH AND LINETTE FREKING

KATHY LONG, ALEX HEINE AND EMILY LONG

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

112-126-SCENE-C_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:18 PM Page 113

FALLING

jewels

CHI Health Lakeside 9th Annual Jewels of Autumn When It Happened: Saturday, September 13, 2014 Where It Happened: CHI Health Lakeside

CINDY AND STEVE ALLOWAY

NICOLE PANNETON AND DR. PATTY MURDOCK-LANGAN

Why/How It Happened: To benefit the fight against breast cancer. The sparkling evening was highlighted with silent auctions, including jewelry, trips and sporting event packages. College football games were on the big screen in the Man Cave, along with traditional tailgating fare.

Chairs: Liz Otterberg and Nicole Panneton (co-chair) Funds Raised: $120,000 About: Lakeside is the only hospital in Omaha with the 3D mammography technology, allowing doctors to examine breast tissue one layer at a time. For patients who are considered high risk or have family history for breast cancer, 3D mammography is the preferred method of imaging.

JOEANNE AND RICH JARVIS

DR. CLIFF AND CAROL ROBERTSON

113

For more information visit www.CHIhealth.com/foundation

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

112-126-SCENE-C_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:19 PM Page 114

MENTALLY

event galleries

Photography by roger Humphries

mindful

Community Alliance Breaking the Silence Event 2014 When It Happened: October 9, 2014 Where It Happened: Holland Performing Arts Center Why/How It Happened: Three men, each of who have had very successful public lives, shared their personal battles with mental illness and addiction. Together, they told their stories and offered words of hope and encouragement that inspired all of us to act upon both personally and as a community.

Special Guests: Former U.S. Congressman, Patrick Kennedy; Actor/Author, Christopher Lawford; Author/Journalist, David Sheff More information: 402-341-5128 | www.community-alliance.org

PATRICK KENNEDY, KAREN HAWKINS, DAVID SCHEFF, KIM HAWKINS AND CHRISTOPHER LAWFORD

KAREN HAWKINS, DAVID SCHEFF AND KATHY GERVER

JAY DAILY AND PATRICK KENNEDY

KAYLA HAWKINS, CHRISTOPHER LAWFORD AND CHRISTOPHER HAWKINS

PATRICK KENNEDY AND CONNIE HEIDEN, WITH JESSICA AND DENNIS PATE

CHRISTOPHER LAWFORD AND JULIA PLUCKER

DAVID SCHEFF AND SUE OAKES 114

ADRIANA CHAVEZ, PATRICK KENNEDY AND ANTINIA CORREA

CHRISTOPHER LAWFORD, ANN STINSON AND KEN STINSON

ANDREA RAYNOR AND PATRICK KENNEDY

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

112-126-SCENE-C_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:19 PM Page 115

Photos courtesy of First responders Foundation

RESPONDERS

response

First Responders Foundation 9/11 Memorial Benefit When It Happened: Thursday, September 11, 2014 Where It Happened: Omaha Mounted Patrol Barn Why/How It Happened: To recognize the importance of September 11 and to raise funds to support the Omaha Police and Fire Departments. First Responders Foundation members worked with Planit Omaha to organize the event.

CHIEF TODD SCHMADERER

Special Guests: Mayor Jean Stothert, Chief Bernie Kanger, Chief Todd Schmaderer, Senator Brad Ashford, Congressman Lee Terry, and Douglas County Treasurer John Ewing Attendance: 350 Funds Raised: $77,000 Mission: To enhance public safety in our community by providing resources to police officers and firefighters, and to show appreciation for their dedicated service.

OFFICER DAVE THORSON

RYAN LOEWESTIEN

115

More information: 402-672-6331 | www.firstrespondersomaha.org

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

112-126-SCENE-C_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:20 PM Page 116

event galleries

Photography by Dan Flanigan

BRIDGE TO hope

Metro Area Youth Foundation, Inc.

Summer Bash for Childhood Cancer When it Happened: August 23, 2014 Where it Happened: Ramada Inn Convention Center Why it Happened: Raised funds for families that have a child with cancer.

Special Guests: Hal & Mary Daub; Honorary Ambassadors, Simon Jones; Summer Bash Ambassador, Jack Swanda; Emcee, Rep. Lee Terry and Robyn Terry Attendance: 350 Funds Raised: $112,000 Mission: Western Iowa & Eastern Nebraska Optimists uniting to improve the quality of life for children and their families.

HONORARY CHAIRS HAL AND MARY DAUB WITH ETHAN HOFFART, COLE WARNER AND DAN FISCHER

About: Metro Area Youth Foundation, Inc. is primarily focused on helping provide a short term financial bridge to families who have a child with cancer. We help send kids to camp and pay for basic living expenses while the child is being treated.

For more information call 402.871.4626 or visit www.summerbashforccc.org

AMBASSADOR SIMON JONES WITH HIS FAMILY, THEO, BRENDA, MATT AND LILY JONES

DARREN CARLSON, MICHELLE AND TIM MCCOY WITH MARVIN WASTELL

CONNIE MANSFIELD AND MARVIN WASTELL

VIRGIL JOHNSON, CONNIE BITZES AND MARVIN WASTELL

DOC AND MARIE SIMMONS WITH WANDA AND RICHARD UTECHT

BECKY AND LARRY WEAK

ZAK AND KAT OLSEN

MELISSA VANEK AND WALT KEAST

116

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

112-126-SCENE-C_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:20 PM Page 117

Photos courtesy of Opera Omaha

SONGS OF

summer Opera Omaha Opera Outdoors

PAUL LEDWON, JILLIAN TUCK, JEANIE OWEN, TAYLOR NIHSEN, SARAH RUTTLE, MARK MASER, GEORGIA RYBA, EVA ELLEFSON, ANIKA ELLEFSON

KATE AND ROGER WEITZ, GENERAL DIRECTOR OF OPERA OMAHA

When It Happened: September 4, 2014 Where It Happened: Turner Park Why/How It Happened: A free community-wide opera concert, featuring 4 internationally known opera stars performing many of Opera’s greatest hits.

Attendance: 2,500 About: Opera Omaha, the only professional opera company in Nebraska, began in 1958 as the Omaha Civic Opera Society, a volunteer association, and with tremendous community support became fully professional by 1970. Opera Omaha produces a season of original mainstage productions, presented at the historic Orpheum Theater, and smaller productions and musical events throughout the community. Opera Omaha is internationally known for its productions of eight world premieres and four American premieres of classical masterpieces, and is highly regarded regionally for an extensive education and outreach program that annually reaches as many as 15,000 people from elementary school through adulthood.

For more information call Georgia Ryba at 402-346-4398 or visit www.operaomaha.org

DR. GAIL BAKER, ERIN FOGARTY OWEN, JEANIE OWEN

117

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

112-126-SCENE-C_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:22 PM Page 118

event galleries

Photography by roger Humphries

crushing IT! Tablets 4 Hope

Omaha Crush wine + food + art festival Formerly known as the Riverfront Wine Festival, Omaha Crush wine + food + art festival showcased amazing wines paired with delicious food from Omaha's best chefs!

Attendance benefitted Tablets 4 Hope.

DONNA WILCOX, JENNIFER MCLAUGHLIN, LORI MCLAUGHLIN, COLLEEN JANKOVICH AND RORYN COLGAN

CHASITIE WINGFIELD, KYLE WINGFIELD, RAE MINERICH, MATT LECOMTE, ALISA GANZ AND JACKIE YORK

Saturday, August 2, 2014 Stinson Park at Aksarben Village, Omaha Benefiting: Tablets 4 Hope Special Guests: Randall Johnson, owner/winemaker for Calafia Cellars in Napa Valley, winemaker Steven Westby of Witness Tree Vineyards in Salem, OR

AMANDA RAFFETY, SAMANTHA MCCARTNEY, LARISSA LECHNER, CRYSTAL FEHR AND CHRISTINE DAHL

CORREN SCHENKEL, ALISHA O’MALLEY, ERIN GARRY, EMMA FUDER AND BLAIR THOMPSON

Sponsors: Corkscrew Wine & Cheese, Metro Magazine, Deffenbaugh Industries Caterer: 18 restaurants and food artisans, including The Grey Plume, Lot 2 and Kitchen Table Event Planner: Jen Kocher with Urban Events Attendance: 1500 More information: 402-850-6776 | www.omahacrush.com

KATIE KELLEY, BETH KELLEY, KATE WALLER, KAREN WALLER, SARAH WALLER, SARA KELLEY AND MEREDITH DOLD

NATALIA OVIEDO WITH THOMAS ELLINGTON

DUSTIN AND RACHEL WONDER

RAMONA POELMANS, DAVE NOOHAN, KAY NOOHAN, CHRIS RUDD, RACHEL RUDD AND GINA JONES

MEREDITH BURKE AND ANGIE ADLER

Urban Events, Inc. produces Omaha Beer Fest in June, Omaha Crush in August and Omaha Restaurant Week in September.

SCOTT AND SANDIE KNUDSEN

CORRIE OBERDIN WITH JASMYN LEFLORE 118

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

112-126-SCENE-C_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:23 PM Page 119

Photography by Dan Flanigan

FASHION

formidable

Fashion Institute Midwest Fashion Impact Awards When It Happened: September 26th, 2014

RICK CAREY, MINDY DUFF AND DAVID SCOTT

LISA KRUMWIEDE, SAM HOHMAN, MELISSA DAHIR, ALYSSA DILTS AND JUDY DAVIS

Where It Happened: The Omar Bakery Building Why It Happened: The inaugural event honors individuals and organizations making an impact on the Midwest through the art of fashion design.

Special Guests: The Jeff Hanson Family, Mary Mitchell, Borshiems, Nick and Brook Hudson

MELISSA MARVIN, CLAYTON CHAPMAN, CHERYL WILD AND CHARLIE GOODRICH

TRAVIS CLAYTON, RICHARD NIELSEN, BRUCE FRASIER AND JOHN DAHIR

Sponsors: Founding Sponsor HUBER Cadillac, John & Melissa Dahir, Deanna & Fred Bosselman, Dermatology Specialists of Omaha, Events in Bloom, Baird Holm, Matt & Lisa Krumwiede/AT&T, Liv Lounge, Develop Model Management, The Omaha Group at Morgan Stanley, Judy Davis, Chris Christen, Chapman Retail, Wally & Mindy Duff, Mike & Mary Jo Dahir, Ann & Ken Stinson, Union Pacific, John Jelinek, Ryan Ellis Caterer: Bourbon Tasting, Sterling Distributors and Elijah Craig Desserts, Wheatfields Sushi and Sashimi, Ponzu Charcuterie, The Grey Plume Event Planner: Event Chair: Melissa Dahir & The McCaig’s Attendance: 200

SARA AND JUSTIN KOHLL WITH LISA SCHRAGER AND FRANK SKRUPA

JAMES SECHSER, BUF REYNOLDS, ANGELA BALDERSTON AND OMAR RODRIGUEZ

Funds Raised: Just over $60,000 Mission: The Fashion Institute Midwest (FIM) is a nonprofit organization that supports the growth of regional fashion designers by providing talented individuals access to four pillars of success: Creative inspiration, technical training, resources and business education.

About: Supporting and advancing the Midwest fashion and retail ecosystem!

BRYAN FROST AND ERICA CARDENAS

KAREN GORACKE WITH LORI AND ROD FALTER

For more information visit www. fashioninstitutemidwest.org

CAPTIONS

CAP119

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

112-126-SCENE-C_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:24 PM Page 120

SHINING

event galleries

Photography by Dan Flanigan

for kids

Sunshine Kids Organization 14th Annual Sunshine Kids Fundraiser When It Happened: September 18, 2014 Where It Happened: 13340 California Street

CRYSTAL SMITH AND KIM SCHOONOVER

STEPH LAWYER, ROBERT POWELL AND ALEX POWELL

Why/How It Happened: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is ‘sold’ on helping kids with cancer!

Attendees enjoyed a fun evening with great food, drinks, live music and silent and live auctions. 100% of fundraiser proceeds went directly to the Sunshine Kids Organization.

Sponsor: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices / Ambassador Real Estate For more information call Brooke Delano at 402-493-4663 or visit www.sunshinekids.org

DAN WELSH, JENNIFER EPP AND ALLYSON LEISEY

CRAIG WOLF, JAY LEISEY AND BO BOAMAH-WIAFE

TODD AND STEPHANIE MURPHY

ASHLEY SUM AND VINCE LEISEY

JODY BRILEY, SHANNON GACH AND DAN SLUSKY

DEVIN NATASE AND BETH LONG

DON LEISEY AND LORRI BROCKMAN

DR. MARY DEK, DR. ANN EDMUNDS AND DR. LIZ LARSON

ELIZABETH EDWARDS AND GINA ELLIOTT

HEATHER SEIDENGLANZ, KIM SWANSON, TOMMIE FRAZIER, TRACY AND KEVIN BONNEY 120

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

112-126-SCENE-C_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:24 PM Page 121

Photography by Mark Kresl

COZY cuisine

Ted E. Bear Hollow

8th Annual Comfort Food Classic

When It Happened: October 12, 2014 Where It Happened: Omaha Ramada Plaza Why/How It Happened: A chef competition featured six of the best chefs from the Omaha and Council Bluffs area, attendees tasted each dish and chose the winner. The event featured appetizers, wine, a silent auction and more.

For more information call 402-502-2773 or visit tedebearhollow.org • VIEW & PURCHASE PHOTOS OF THESE AND OTHER EVENTS 365/24/7 AT SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM’S ZENFOLIO PHOTO STORE: METROSCENE.ZENFOLIO.COM

over 35,000 photos over 33,000 visitors

121

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

112-126-SCENE-C_EVENTS 11/10/14 9:29 PM Page 122

Photos courtesy of NCHS

event galleries

MOTION

adopted Nebraska Children’s Home Society HomeGrown 2014 When it Happened: October 3, 2014 Where it Happened:Regency Court Why/How it Happened: To raise revenues and awareness within the community.

KAREN BAILEY, JILL POOLE, BETH JENSEN AND TODD KINNEY, JEN BARTELT

Attendance: 200+ Funds Raised: $13,000 Mission: To provide safe and loving care for children of all ages.

About: Nebraska Children’s Home Society provides safe and loving care for children of all ages. NCHS reaches out to women and teens with unplanned pregnancies; strives to build, strengthen and support adoptive, biological and foster families; and offers early intervention programs.

Our services and research are directed by our strategic plan, focusing on 4 core areas: Healthy Beginnings, Building and Strengthening Families, Pathways to the Future and Engaging Communities with 10 offices across the greater state of Nebraska.

VALERIE WALLACE-CAMP

LIZ AND B.J. GEHRKI, DAVE PONCELOW

122

For more information visit www.nchs.org

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

112-126-SCENE-C_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:25 PM Page 123

Photo courtesy of Kathy Katt

HOPS FOR

humanity

Habitat for Humanity of Omaha 8th Annual Brew Haha When It Happened: Thursday, September 11, 2014 Where It Happened: Stinson Park - Aksarben Village Why It Happened: Beneifiting Habitat for Humanity of Omaha Special Guests: Honorary Chairs: The Mackintosh Family: Jodie & Bill, Regan & Mike, Ashley & Clark Horgan, Event Chairs: Melissa & Robb Steffes and Holly & Tom Worthington, Patron Party Chairs: Jessica & Ron Duce, Nancy & Bob Edick Sponsors: American Title, Inc., CSG International, Amerisphere, Paxton & Vierling Steel, Drake-Williams Steel, HDR, First National Bank, ACCESSbank, Central States Indemnity, Children's Dental Specialists, Five Points Bank, Gavilon, JE Dunn Construction, Jim Hawk Truck-Trailers, Inc., Lamson Dugan and Murray, LLP, Miller Electric, NorthMarq Capital, P & L Technology, Pansing Hogan Ernst & Bachman, LLP, Performance Auto Group, Streck, US Bank, Kiewit Corp, McGrath North, Great Western Bank, NelNet United, Chet & Kelly Slump, TD Ameritrade.

2014 BREW HAHA EVENT CHAIRS: MELISSA AND ROBB STEFFES, HOLLY AND TOM WORTHINGTON WITH HABITAT STAFF MEMBER KATHY WELLS Attendance: 1,700 Funds Raised: $124,000 Mission: Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

About: Since 1984, Habitat Omaha has partnered with

123

more than 803 families in our community, and more than 360 worldwide. In 2014, with your help we will partner with more than 200 families right here in our community.

More than 50 homes will be built in the next year.

For more information contact Kathy Katt at 402-884-7658 or visit www.habitatomaha.org.

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

112-126-SCENE-C_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:25 PM Page 124

Photography by Dan Flanigan

event galleries

CALL OF

nature

Nebraska Wildlife Rehab, Inc. 3rd Annual Focus on Nature Event When It Happened: October 12, 2014 Where It Happened: Midtown Crossing

MATTHEW SHRADER

MAGGIE LEHNING, LAURA STASTNY AND AMY CAMPAGNA

Why/How It Happened: The third annual Focus on Nature event featured the sale of artwork from Nebraska photographers Joel Sartore, Michael Forsberg, Scott Papek, Jorn Olsen, Chuck Nolder, and Adrian Olivera, and glass artist Matthew Schrader. The evening included live music, wine & beer, and great food!

Patrons browsed prints, books, and art for sale, bid on the silent auction, and learned more about what’s happening with Nebraska Wildlife Rehab, Inc. 25% of all art sales and 100% of silent auction proceeds went directly to NWRI to support wildlife rehabilitation, Wildlife Center operations, and education.

For more information call 402-234-2473 or visit www.nebraskawildliferehab.org See our profile in The Event Book & Giving Guide 2014!

CHARLES NOLDER

PHYLLIS FUTCH AND LYNNE BALDWIN

make the connection!

Browse through over 30,000 photos available for purchase or download at our online Photo Store: http://metroscene.zenfolio.com/

Like us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/pages/metroMAGAZINE/64509216640?ref=hl

CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY

people. parties. passion. purpose.

124

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

112-126-SCENE-C_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:25 PM Page 125

Photography by Dan Flanigan

SYNDROME

supportive ALS in the Heartland Wine and Beer Event

MANDI LACKAS AND EMILY WAGEMAN

MIKE AND ANGIE BROM WITH NURSES PATTI AND NICOLE

JEFF AND ANGIE CAUBLE

TAMMY STALZER AND MICHELE MERRILL

125

When It Happened: Friday, September 5, 2014 Where It Happened: Shops of Legacy The 7th annual Wine and Beer Event was held to raise awareness and funds for ALS patients and families being served in Nebraska and western Iowa. The event included wine and/or beer tastings offered at 17 different stores or restaurants acting as tasting stations.

Catered by: Wine was donated by Dante Pizzeria, Glacial Till Vineyard, Louie’s Wine Dive, Moonstruck Meadery, Parliament Pub, and Sig Heimes. Beer was donated by Borgata Brewery and Distillery, Shucks Fish House and Oyster Bar, Storz Brewing Company, Quality Brands of Omaha, and Upstream Brewing Company.

Food samples were donated by Blue Sushi Sake Grill, Casey’s General Store, Costco Wholesale, Cupcake Island, Edible Arrangements, Firehouse Subs, Jimmy Johns, Legacy Gyros, Louie’s Wine Dive, Paradise Bakery, Roja, Shucks Fish House and Oyster Bar, Oscar’s Pizza and Sports Grille.

Attendance: 243 Funds Raised: $10,000 More information: Tammy Stalzer at (402) 592-2374 or tammy@alsintheheartland.org

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

112-126-SCENE-C_EVENTS 11/10/14 5:25 PM Page 126

event galleries

Photography courtesy of Studio C41 Photography

SUPER sprinters Heart Heroes, Inc. Superhero Heart Run When It Happened: Sunday, September 14, 2014 Where It Happened: Lake Zorinsky Why It Happened: A 2K and 5K fun run/walk to raise awareness for congenital heart defects (CHD) at the second annual Superhero Heart Run in Omaha.

Sponsors: Children’s Hospital and Medical Center and Deeb Realty Attendance: 900 Funds Raised: $60,000 About: The event began at Noon with registration. Families got to meet various superheroes in costume at the event as well as take in fun activities like an inflatable obstacle course, balloon animals, yoga and TCBY ice cream. Omaha was one of three Superhero Heart Runs that took place, with Des Moines and Kearney hosting events earlier this Fall. Heart Heroes hopes to expand this event to even more cities in 2015. Heart Heroes, Inc is a not-for-profit organization created in 2009 to empower children who battle with the challenges of CHD. For more information visit www.heartheroes.org Photography by Dan Flanigan

purposeful PUTTS Creighton Prep Men for Others Golf Classic When It Happened: Monday, September 15, 2014 Where It Happened: Omaha Country Club Why It Happened: The annual event, now in its 15th year, provides need-based assistance to qualified Creighton Prep students through the Men For Others Scholarship Fund.

Attendance: 116 golfers and 31 sponsors Funds Raised: $106,000 Co-chairs: Michael G. Fahey and his son Brian J. Fahey, a 1994 graduate of the school About: The tournament was followed by a program inside the club that featured remarks by Prep senior Nicholas S. Davis, Principal and Acting President John C. Naatz and Vice President of Development Kathy Bertolini.

For more information visit www.creightonprep.org.

MARK MOWAT, MIKE MEYER, BOB O’KEEFE, MIKE DAHIR, BRIAN FAHEY, MIKE FAHEY, LEO KNOWLES, RYAN ZABROWSKI, DR. BRITT THEDINGER, JOHN KUEHL

126

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

127-BRIDGESINV-1114_- 11/11/14 4:16 PM Page 127

thanksgiving

businesses MAKING A DIFFERENCE

BRIDGES INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT client appreciation MORE THAN 150 CLIENTS AND GUESTS of Bridges Investment Management were on hand at Joslyn Museum on Tuesday, October 28th for the unveiling of the firm’s new brand.

Ted Bridges, president and CEO, and his father Edson L. Bridges II welcomed clients and thanked them for their years of trust and looked forward to many great years to come.

Bridges Investment Management traces its roots to 1945 when Marvin W. Bridges, Sr. became the first SEC-registered investment adviser in Nebraska.

Today the firm is headed by Ted Bridges.

OUR brand IS A REFLECTION OF THE FACT THAT WE THINK forward, WE INVEST OUR CLIENTS’ CAPITAL AS IF IT WERE OUR own.

PRESIDENT TED BRIDGES WITH EDSON BRIDGES

~ TED BRIDGES

The Firm’s new look includes an updated logo, collateral and soon-to-be updated website, while maintaining its commitment to providing outstanding investment management for its clients, which include individuals, corporate retirement plans, and public charitable organizations and private foundations.

KEITH BUSHARDT, KEVIN ROHLOFF, VICE PRESIDENT PATTI ROHLOFF AND LINDA BUSHARDT

127

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

128-137-BRAVO-1114_FINAL 11/10/14 5:44 PM Page 128

128-137-BRAVO-1114_FINAL 11/10/14 5:45 PM Page 129

celebrating THE ARTS

STORY BY KARA SCHWEISS | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BALLET NEBRASKA

• mquarterly

full extension

ballet nebraska THRIVES IN ITS FIFTH SEASON WHEN A YOUNG BALLERINA FOUND OUT THAT HER BALLET COMPANY WAS GOING TO BE DISSOLVED, SHE WASN’T WILLING TO JUST PACK UP HER POINTE SHOES AND LEAVE TOWN.

IN 2009, ERIKA OVERTURFF was enjoying a satisfying career as a dancer and choreographer with Omaha’s only professional ballet company. After being away for college in Utah, attending summer dance programs in eastern states, and then dancing professionally with two other ballet companies in Alabama after graduation, the Iowa native was especially happy to be close to home again.

Then came the disheartening news that the Omaha ballet company was being discontinued.

“If you’re a dancer and you’re out there looking for a job, you might have to travel all over the country to audition and take a job where you would have to move. That is pretty daunting,” Overturff said.

“And so was starting a new company.”

Indeed, the then twenty-something dancer not only took the bad news well, she decided that the show would go on, even if that meant having to start from the ground up.

129

mquarterly • nov/dec/jan

2014/15

CONTINUED

128-137-BRAVO-1114_FINAL 11/10/14 5:45 PM Page 130

celebrating THE ARTS

CONTINUED

With no experience running any full-scale organization, Overturff channeled the discipline and commitment instilled through years of ballet training and decided to launch a new professional company that was to become BALLET NEBRASKA. “Dancers love to dance and we’re passionate about what we do, and I just didn’t want to see dance die here,” she recalled. “I felt that I had been here enough years to know that Omaha really deserved to have ballet company, a strong company that was its own that we could be proud of. So I thought, ‘What do we have to lose in trying?’

I knew it was very challenging and maybe not everyone thought we could pull it off. But some people did. So I thought, ‘I know it’s going to be really hard, but let’s try so we can at least say we tried.’ And that’s where we started.”

ON THEIR TOES Finding the dancers was relatively easy but the business aspects were more complicated, Overturff admitted, including filling leadership roles.

“I had some great experience as far as leading dancers as a resident choreographer and getting to do some work like that, but it was a big thing to bite off to be the artistic director,” she said. “It was intimidating but somebody had to step up to the plate, so I did.”

She not only stepped up to the plate, she swung for the fences and hit a home run, making it fitting that Swing, Swing, Swing! was the production with which Ballet Nebraska opened its premiere season in October 2010 at Omaha’s Orpheum Theater. It was then that Overturff finally had her “Eureka!” moment.

“It was the next day and I was driving in the city when it just hit me: ‘We did it! We started a company, there are dancers, there’s a show and people are coming to see us!’” she said. “I think I still have that excitement.”

Twenty professional dancers now comprise Ballet Nebraska, and the company’s goals have changed at the five-year mark, Overturff said, now that it is well out of the startup phase.

make everything happen. It’s part of what made us so strong and connected and caring.” she said.

“That’s great, to ‘just make it happen’ that way, but what we’re really trying to do now is develop further: our staff, all of our production areas, our fundraising, all of our operational areas, so we can really continue to grow the company and have it be strong.”

RAISING THE BARRE The community has also given the young company a vote of confidence with record sponsorships this year, Overturff reported.

“You cannot wipe the smile off my face!

We have excellent funders that have supported us right from the beginning, but those funders have continued to increase their support. You have to apply for [the funding] and you have to do what you said you were going to do and report on it, so they watch your progress and they track it,” she explained. “What it says to me is that they know the quality of what we’re doing and they know that we’re doing a good job, so they’re coming back with bigger funding to further support us.”

Even better, support begets more support, she added.

“Also what that does is allow other funders who see what we’re doing and who all is supporting us, and that just has a good effect; it continues to grow and we bring more people into our circle of support for the ballet,” Overturff said. “We have our season sponsor, Omaha Steaks, which is amazing. Then we have funding for all three of our productions from Iowa West Foundation. We’ve also received major operating support from the Peter Kiewit Foundation.

“Another recognition we received recently is that we were selected by the Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment to be a basic support grantee, which is a big deal for us. They are supporting organizations they think are landmark important organizations for our state. They’ve supported us from the very beginning, but that was project by project and now they’re basically giving us funding for operating support.”

FIFTH POSITION The current season opened October 4 with Giselle, a challenging production considered to be one of the great romantic ballets.

“This is the grant writer side of me coming out, but it’s really true: organizational capacity and sustainability. Because starting everything up, you just do whatever it takes, whatever you need to do to 130

mquarterly • nov/dec/jan 2014/15

128-137-BRAVO-1114_FINAL 11/10/14 5:46 PM Page 131

• mquarterly

full extension ballet nebraska THRIVES IN ITS FIFTH SEASON

“I think it was really good timing for us to be doing this.

In our first year we just wouldn’t have been quite ready to tackle it,” Overturff said. “It seemed like a perfect fit for our fifth season; it’s a love story but it’s also a ghost story, so it premiered in October.”

This season includes The Nutcracker, two winter tours in Florida through a strategic partnership with Ballet Vero Beach (with a former colleague of Overturff ’s), and the May season finale and annual mixed-repertory production Momentum: International Masters.

“In Momentum, we do a number of shorter ballets, and the nice thing about it is that we are able to showcase a variety of styles. So you get to see how versatile our dancers really are. It’s entertaining for the audience but it’s also entertaining for us as dancers,” Overturff said. “It’s a great introduction for people who haven’t been to a ballet yet and don’t know what to expect. I definitely recommend they come out to Momentum, where you’ll see a little bit of everything, and they’re little gems that showcase a certain style.”

FULL EXTENSION Ballet Nebraska has also branched out from performance as it’s grown, Overturff said. “Of course the performance is an important part of what we do, but education and community outreach are an important part of our mission as well.”

The Nutcracker performance, for instance, provides an opportunity for more than 100 young dancers to work alongside the professional company and ultimately get onstage experience. In addition, Ballet Nebraska also developed a repertory ensemble for young dancers in cooperation with Motion41 Dance, which donates studio space that also serves as the company’s rehearsal home. Another program, Ballet Nebraska II, is a pre-professional company for advanced student dancers, who regularly work alongside their professional colleagues and are often incorporated into productions.

The company reaches out to non-dancers, too. Through a partnership with Omaha Performing Arts, professional dancers travel to local schools to conduct workshops about basic elements of ballet, like movement and choreography, as well as talk about an upcoming performance which students later attend. For all productions, Ballet Nebraska stages student matinees, sending study guides to participating school and community groups in advance and hosting interactive discussion sessions with the ballet master before the live performance.

“Our student audiences are some of our favorite because they are so responsive. If they like something they see, they make noise and they are so excited, very reactive,” Overturff said. “That’s really what our vision is: to inspire people and connect with people, whether it’s the audience or the students we’re working with. That’s what art does and that’s what art does for us.”

128-137-BRAVO-1114_FINAL 11/10/14 5:46 PM Page 132

that’s DRAMATIC! opera omaha performance based fundraising when it comes to omaha dramatic fixtures susan baer collins and carl beck the question more appropriately becomes, “who haven’t they been?”

IF BEING

THEN OPERA OMAHA IS MAKING HUGE STRIDES IN BECOMING THE PERTINENT MUSIC THEATER COMPANY THAT GENERAL DIRECTOR ROGER WEITZ ENVISIONS. From commissioning designs by world-renowned artist JUN KANEKO to teaming with elite opera companies to presenting a full range of works, Opera Omaha is making waves here and beyond.

“At the National Opera Conference in San Francisco this summer there was a bit of a buzz about what’s happening here,” Weitz says. “I think the word on the street in Omaha is also positive.”

COUNTS FOR ANYTHING

“To me, opera is not a dusty museum piece, it’s a “It was all about illusion,.” living, breathing, growing dynamic art form that a lot of young composers and artists are excited about Playing off the opera’s story of the emperor Nero and interested in creating. My vision for Opera and his mother Agrippina fiddling away in circles of Omaha’s mission is to make sure this community deceit while Rome burns, Darrah and Co. created a receives a balanced program that represents the neoclassical setting in which non-costumed actorrepertoire. That means we’re going to do the classic singers suddenly broke into dramatic song during greatest hits of opera – we’ll always have one of those dinner. These live pop-up scenes plunged audience every year – but we’re also going to do early, members into the thick of performers enacting lusty, contemporary and new opera.” blood-thirsty, full-throated action.

With programming open to that full spectrum, he says, “it enables the company to take artistic risks and also to do things that are exciting possibilities with the potential to grow and build audiences.” For Weitz, there’s no gain without taking risk and to his delight he’s finding audiences are right there with him.

Part of the excitement was generated by last year’s gala that teased a production of HANDEL’S AGRIPPINA. Everything from the nontraditional “We’re taking a bold step that is not cautious.

Omar Baking Building site to the outside-the-box Every year I think we go a little bit further and immersive-interactive approach marked a stark every year the response has been all the more departure from the norm. positive and enthusiastic.”

“The standard format of a gala is you go to a hotel ballroom, you have cocktails and dinner, there’s some Opera Omaha supporters PAUL AND ANNETTE SMITH, who chaired the gala, speeches and maybe a performance,” Weitz says. appreciate Weitz’s daring.

“That’s a gala that could fit for anybody. But we’re an opera company that produces music theater, so I “He’s taking a very fresh and exciting perspective to thought why not have our gala be like an opera? opera. He knew we needed to break some That’s how we can have it reflect the work we do. boundaries and to try some things that hadn’t We shouldn’t have a gala that could be replicated by a already been done,” Paul Smith says. hospital. It needs to be theatrical, it needs to be special.”

an opera sampler

up close and personal

“The vision for the evening was always very exciting and unconventional,” Smith says. “But at its core, James wanted every person at the event to taste a bit of the Agrippina experience and to want to be at the opera when it opened. He worked to create an engaging, exciting space where we all felt like we were intimately close to the opera. Ultimately we were so close that the characters seemed very real to each of us.

“It was very exhilarating to have the performers from Agrippina perform a piece from the opera on the middle of our table with such amazing vigor, as if they were literally on stage, ripping flowers from the vases and angrily throwing them with no regard to the ‘audience’ seated only a foot or two away. It truly felt as if you were experiencing the anger and malice of Agrippina directly.”

Smith says the experience had the desired effect Darrah sought.

“It helped us understand how incredibly exciting With Los Angeles director JAMES DARRAH and opera can be and it made us want more. Others we his production team already in tow to mount the littletalked with told us that after the gala they wanted to known baroque opera Agrippina, Weitz decided to experience more opera.” have them produce the gala as well. Thus, lighting designer CAMERON JAYE MOCK, set designer It’s all part of Opera Omaha’s aim to shake up EMILY ANNE MCDONALD, costume designer people’s ideas about what the art form is or can be.

SARAH SCHUESSLER and projections designer Darrah says that effort begins with Weitz giving ADAM LARSEN brought Agrippina to life both for artists like himself the freedom to interpret a the site specific gala performance and for the mainshared vision. stage Orpheum production.

“We created a combination of live performance with “He lets the creative people he hires do their job. installation art visuals amid dinner, drinks and “I wanted to give guests a preview of what Agrippina He puts a lot of trust in the team, which is an conversation to immerse people,” Darrah says. was going to feel and look like from the team incredibly great thing to feel as artists.” designing the production. What James and his team “We had shot video portraits of the entire cast in slow bring is innovation. He has both total fidelity to the motion closeup against a black background, which He also likes that Weitz brings the company and the music, to the composer’s intentions, and to the Adam Larsen then edited into video projected on community together through accessible events. librettist’s intentions. What he brings to that is transparent screens throughout the space. So you storytelling that can make even an opera hundreds of had characters from the opera walking on screens “He brings you to the community to do work and years old feel modern and relevant. At the end of the that would disappear and reappear on the other side introduces you to people in the community and day that’s what I want this company to be – relevant. of the room. supports you as part of the community.”

Though an 18th century work, Agrippina has enough sex, violence and politics to resemble a modern soap or news scandal. It’s why Weitz opted to hold the gala previewing it at a restored former bakery in the inner city. Darrah’s team crafted a surreal and intimate environment inspired by the retro industrial digs and the historical opera. A banquet table served as the “set” centerpiece.

Screens acted as visual markers and breaks.

132

mquarterly • nov/dec/jan 2014/15

128-137-BRAVO-1114_FINAL 11/10/14 5:46 PM Page 133

STORY BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF OPERA OMAHA

• mquarterly

part one of a two part series

ACT ONE once more with feeling Fresh off the success Darrah and his team enjoyed last year Weitz has brought them back to design the January 16, 2015 gala to be held at another unexpected site, the Crossroads Mall. It will be a tantalizing sampler of an original production of the JOHN ADAMS opera A FLOWERING TREE at the Orpheum in February. For the gala the team is transforming the mall’s atrium into the opera’s mythological, nature-filled landscape. A world-class soprano, two leading pianists and top dancers will join featured cast members in fleshing out this romantic fairy-tale.

That gala and production are sure to attract attention the same way the Agrippina gala and production did. The opera world’s taken notice for some time. San Francisco Opera admired Jun Kaneko’s MADAME BUTTERFLY so much they put together a team of five companies, including Opera Omaha, to build Kaneko’s THE MAGIC FLUTE. That led to this season’s new coproduction of RIGOLETTO, a collaboration between Boston Lyric Opera, the Atlanta Opera and Opera Omaha.

“Weitz says, “When you have opera companies of that magnitude wanting to collaborate creatively with Opera Omaha that’s a really good indicator we’re a presence making our mark on the opera field.”

WE SHOULDN'T HAVE A GALA THAT COULD BE REPLICATED BY A hospital.

IT NEEDS TO BE theatrical, IT NEEDS TO BE SPECIAL. ~ ROGER WEITZ OPERA OMAHA GENERAL DIRECTOR

Opera Omaha plans to keep folks wanting more.

“We have to keep surprising and delighting people and keep raising the bar,” Weitz says. “I think James and his team set a pretty high bar last year and I told them this year we must raise the bar again.’”

Supporters CINDY AND MOGENS BAY, who chair the 2015 gala, are taking the cue, “Opera Omaha’s gala last January was unique and truly special. It exceeded our expectations,” Cindy Bay says. “We’re delighted the same innovative artists are coming back this year to take on a new event with even more ambitious plans.”

A music and dance filled after-party for a younger crowd will follow the gala.

For tickets, visit www.operaomaha.org.

opera omaha

HOW TO PUT ON A PERFORMANCE GALA

SEE ACT TWO IN OUR FEBRUARY 2015 EDITION

128-137-BRAVO-1114_FINAL 11/10/14 5:47 PM Page 134

celebrating THE ARTS

hot shops art center CELEBRATES 15 YEARS HOT SHOPS ART CENTER DOESN’T JUST RENT STUDIO AND GALLERY SPACE TO ARTISTS WORKING IN ALL MEDIUMS, IT GIVES A WHOLE NEW MEANING TO “WORK OF ART”

BY SHOWCASING THE ACTUAL WORK INVOLVED IN MAKING ART.

“We’re still pinching ourselves. It’s done better than expected.…Ignorance is bliss,” he said. “We also knew that the area was going to develop, so the only comfort we had is that if we couldn’t make it go, we figured that the property would at least appreciate and we’d break even and wouldn’t lose everything.”

ART IS BEAUTIFUL, Barry said it’s a point of pride that he’s never but getting to the finished piece means making messes, missed a mortgage payment and that the facility manipulating materials with brute force, operating hand and has not only survived, but thrived: occupancy has power tools, and even using heat, fire or chemicals. always been full or close to full.

The dirty work is also part of the beauty of art, said TIM BARRY, a founder and managing partner of “One thing you have to realize about the Hot Shops HOT SHOPS ART CENTER located at 1301 is that we are not a foundation,” he explained. “We Nicholas Street in north downtown. are an LLC and we’ve always been proud of the fact that we are a pay-as-we-go art center.”

“For the general public–if they’re only going to the museums and high-end galleries, they’re only seeing Hot Shops does not charge admission (but does accept the finished work–the Hot Shops is the place where donations) and the facilities are open to the public. Many of the they can come and see where the art is made, how artists teach classes, and most of the finished works are for sale. the art is made, the tools that we use.

Sometimes as important as seeing the finished “We’re still amazed that a lot of people don’t know that we’re there stuff is seeing what didn’t get finished, what’s on or haven’t heard about it.They need to know that we’re open the sketch pad or got pushed into the corner,” every day and they can come and wander through the building,” Barry said. “If they’ve never felt the heat from Barry said. “We have new artwork up all the time and you don’t the glass furnace, or watched us throw a piece have to have space in the building to be able to show your stuff; we of pottery, or seen what a bronze looks like have the gallery spaces to rent–some wall spaces up on second and when it first comes out of the shell, or even third floor–to artists who don’t have space in the building. But we’re watched a painting develop over a couple of never stale. There’s always new stuff coming in.” weeks, they truly have no foundation to understand what they’re looking at when they’re at the museum.”

ARTISTICALLY INCLINED The environment of Hot Shops fosters inspiration, collaboration CREATIVE CONCEPT and even competition, Barry said.

After seeing other cities like Minneapolis, Kansas City and Denver grow their art “[The artists] can’t walk to their studios without being influenced districts, Minneapolis native and ceramics by what they see. If they need help, whether it’s moving a table artist Barry started Hot Shops with a small or building something, there’s not a tool we don’t have in the group of partners 15 years ago anticipating building. If they get stuck on an idea they can bring five development north of downtown and aiming to other artists into the studio to critique,” he said. “And create for artists a “place where what-ifs and dreams because their paths are crossing every day, the collaborations are explored, created and shared.” that have taken place are things we haven’t dreamed of.”

134

mquarterly • nov/dec/jan 2014/15

128-137-BRAVO-1114_FINAL 11/10/14 5:47 PM Page 135

STORY BY KARA SCHWEISS | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BALLET NEBRASKA

• mquarterly

WOrK of Art we just give people the opportunity to be creative and we give them the space and i try to stay the hell out of their way. ~ TIM BARRY HOT SHOPS MANAGING PARTNER

Members of the public can see some of these amazing works for themselves at the Hot Shops Art Center’s Holiday Open House on December 6 and 7.

Admission is free, and guests can enjoy art demonstrations, individual events at each of the galleries, and live music throughout the facility.

LASTING IMPRESSION When considering what’s ahead for Hot Shops long-term, Barry’s business side emerges.

“So right now we’re looking at what we want to do for next 15 years. And that’s a tricky goal: How do we sustain it?” he said.

“There are dreams and there is reality, too, and the big reality is just survival. The next reality is that we are in a big, wood-framed, 100-year-old warehouse. We have flat roofs and those need work, and the next big upgrade is we need a new elevator and that’s almost $200,000. Then there’s the parking problem; I have to have dedicated places where my tenants can park. Also because of the success that the area has had and because we are a for profit center, property tax valuations are a very big concern.”

Despite the challenges ahead, Barry said Hot Shops will go on much as it has in its first 15 years and he’s been nothing but pleased at the support for the arts from the Omaha community.

“We’re truly a reflection of Omaha; we don’t go out and try and find people and make it something to our ideal,” he said. “We just give people the opportunity to be creative and we give them the space and I try to stay the hell out of their way.”

128-137-BRAVO-1114_FINAL 11/10/14 5:47 PM Page 136

celebrating THE ARTS

• mquarterly

TOP 5 OUR TOP PICKS FOR GREAT upcoming attractions November 28 - December 21 EvEry Christmas story EvEr told (and thEn somE!) BLUEBARN THEATRE 614 S. 11th Street | Omaha This audience favorite returns–and Theresa Sindelar, Ben Beck and Bill Grennan are reprising their hilarious characters–with a fast, fond and furious look at the holiday classics familiar to everyone...and a few we might want to forget. From Tiny Tim to the Grinch, from Frosty to It’s a Wonderful Life, not even the most beloved of holiday stories are spared from mockery in this rollicking “tour de farce”.

402-345-1576 | www.bluebarn.org

November 21 - December 23 a Christmas Carol HAWKS MAINSTAGE THEATRE Omaha Community Playhouse 6915 Cass St. | Omaha It simply can’t be Christmas in Omaha without A Christmas Carol. Experience one of the community’s favorite holiday traditions and join Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future on a transformational journey to learn the true meaning of Christmas and “how to keep Christmas well”. The production’s beautiful costumes, exquisite music, perfectly crafted sets and special effects are second to none in this family-friendly performance. 402-553-0800 (box office) | www.omahaplayhouse.com

December 13 & 14 rivEr City mixEd Chorus holidays with a twist FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 7020 Cass Street | Omaha Holidays with a Twist launches the 31st anniversary concert season for the River City Mixed Chorus, Omaha’s GLBTA chorus and one of the longest-running and most-respected choruses in the community. The program features a culturally inclusive selection of songs celebrating the lighter side of the holidays and is given voice by a diverse group of talented vocalists brought together by the unifying power of music.

402-341-SING (7464) | http://rcmc.org/

December 19 - 21 disnEy’s BEauty and thE BEast OMAHA PERFORMING ARTS Orpheum Theater Slosburg Hall | 409 S. 16th St. | Omaha Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is the touring production of the smash Broadway musical featuring the animated film’s award-winning score.

It’s the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But the Beast must learn his lesson soon or be doomed for all eternity. (402) 661-8501 | www.omahaperformingarts.org/

JaNuary 10 - 12 BalloonaCy THE ROSE THEATER 2001 Farnam Street | Omaha This charming, award-winning play returns to The Rose by popular demand. A solitary old man is steady in his silent routine until a mischievous balloon finds him and insists on becoming his friend. Through all the ups and downs of a new relationship, the balloon teaches the old man to play again. This sweet and inventive tale about friendship is packed with physical comedy especially suited for very young audiences. 402- 345-4849 | www.rosetheater.org/

JaNuary 21 & 22 omaha symphony northErn lights FEstival: music of grieg, nielsen and sibelius HOLLAND CENTER’S KIEWIT HALL 1200 Douglas St | Omaha The Omaha Symphony’s Northern Lights Festival heats up cold winter nights with blazes of poetic and passionate works by the three pillars of Scandinavian music: Edvard Grieg, Carl Nielsen, and Jean Sibelius. A unique program is featured both nights, including a concerto performed by a rising star of classical music. With Thomas Wilkins as conductor and featuring Bella Hristova on violin and Andrew Tyson on piano.

402.345.0606 (ticket office) | www.omahasymphony.org/

136

mquarterly • nov/dec/jan 2014/15

128-137-BRAVO-1114_FINAL 11/10/14 5:47 PM Page 137

138-OmahaSymphony-LIzzy_- 11/10/14 5:43 PM Page 138

lizzie post

omaha ETIQUETTE

LUNCHEON WITH OMAHA SYMPHONY DEBUTANTE BALL THE OMAHA SYMPHONY DEBUTANTE BALL will start celebrating their 50 year Anniversary in 2015. The first event will be the Lizzie Post Luncheon featuring Lizzie Post, great great granddaughter of Emily Post and co-author of Emily Post’s Etiquette 18th Edition as well as Emily Post’s Wedding Etiquette 6th Edition. She will be sharing advice about entertaining, weddings, dating, techetiquette, finance and lifestyle.

The luncheon will be held at the Embassy Suites – LaVista on January 15, 2015.

Chairs for the event are Brenda Christensen, Laura Doll, 2015 Debutante Ball Chair and Anne Jetter. Honorary Chairs are Martha and David Slosburg. Ticket prices start at $75. For an additional fee, guests will have an opportunity to attend “Mingle, Mimosas & Memories,” and meet Ms. Post prior to the luncheon as well as receive a copy of Emily Post’s Etiquette 18th Edition.

A dinner dance is being planned for later in the summer. The 50th Omaha Symphony Debutante Ball will be held on December 27, 2015. Chairs for the events are Brenda Christensen, Laura Doll, 2015 Debutante Ball Chair and Anne Jetter. Honorary Chairs are Martha and David Slosburg. Money raised from the events will go to the educational programs that the Omaha Symphony delivers to over 34,000 participating youth in the Omaha/Council Bluffs Communities. For more information about sponsorship, tickets or the Omaha Symphony Debutante Ball 50th Anniversary Celebration, email Amy Deardorff at amy.deardorff@gmail.com.

satvhee

e t a d OMAHA SYMPHONY DEBUTANTE BALL 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

The Tradition Continues...

LIZZIE POST LUNCHEON ETIQUETTE ENTERTAINING LIFESTYLE

EMBASSY SUITES - LA VISTA

JANUARY 15, 2015 OM

A SYMPHO AH

NY

Honorary Chairmen: Martha and David Slosburg Chairmen: Brenda Christensen, Laura Doll, Anne Jetter

50 EB 20 UT ANTE BALL

D

15

For further information, email amy.deardorff@gmail.com www/facebook.com/lizziepostluncheonomaha

138

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

139-STD-1114_- 11/10/14 6:01 PM Page 139

community CALENDAR

NOVEMBER 20

save the date

• mquarterly

NOVEMBER 22 – ENd OF 2014

5:30 PM – 9:30 PM

StOck MaRkEt chaMpiONShip® 2014 Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands

MiRaclE ON FaRNaM Midtown Crossing

Hilton Omaha | 1001 Cass Street | Omaha Join the excitement of the high stakes world of finance by competing in the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands as a sponsor of the 7th Annual Stock Market Challenge. This event teaches kids financial literacy . and gives you a chance to spend an electrifying evening on the trading floor to see who amasses the greatest fortune by the closing bell. It’s a win-win. During this real-life stock market simulation, compete against more than 50, four-person teams from the area’s business community.

The excitement generated during this fast-paced, heart-thumping trading extravaganza is palpable… and all for a very good cause. Various sponsorship levels 4023421600 | www.bgcomaha.org

Midtown Crossing at Turner Park | 31st Ave. & Farnam Street | Omaha Midtown Crossing presents Miracle on Farnam, a season-long celebration of creativity, good cheer and authentic holiday pleasures. All along Farnam Street, Omaha’s creative non-profits will showcase their artistry and imagination by transforming ordinary window space into holiday miracles. The most miraculous display, determined by a public vote, will earn a $3000 donation courtesy of the Baer Foundation, a philanthropic endeavor that generously supports various charities, including Nebraska arts and educational agencies. Free 402-351-5964 | www.miracleonfarnam.com

NOVEMBER 20

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

SalutE tO FaMiliES - NEBRaSka Heartland Family Service

9:00 AM

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

Happy Hollow County Club | 1701 S. 105 Street | Omaha 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 21

NOVEMBER 27

JOSlyN caStlE tuRkEy tROt Joslyn Castle

NOVEMBER 27

6:00 to 6:30 PM

hOliday lightS FEStiVal cENtuRyliNk thaNkSgiViNg lightiNg cEREMONy

6PM

SENtiMENtal JOuRNEy The Durham Museum The Durham Museum The Durham Museum invites you to join us for Sentimental Journey, an annual gala celebrating our region’s rich history and heritage, and of course the community that makes it possible. The evening includes dinner, exclusive entertainment and a special preview lighting of Omaha’s largest indoor Christmas tree. Your participation advances the museum’s work to bring history a little closer by providing much-needed support to the Durham’s educational programs and first-class exhibitions. $175 and up More information: (402) 444-5071 | DurhamMuseum.org

make the connection!

Register your upcoming events at SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

139

Gene Leahy Mall | 14th & Farnam Streets | Omaha More than 40 blocks of lights in and around the Gene Leahy Mall will illuminate Downtown Omaha, and more than 300,000 people are expected to enjoy the sight of the lights over the nearly six-week display period The Holiday Lights Festival is produced by Mayor Jean Stothert and the Downtown Omaha Inc. Foundation and presented by ConAgra Foods, KMTV Action 3 News and Star 104.5. Free 402-345-5401 | http://www.holidaylightsfestival.org

NOVEMBER 27

7:00 to 9:00 PM

hOliday lightS FEStiVal - MakiNg SpiRitS BRight cONcERt Holland Performing Arts Center | 1200 Douglas Street | Omaha After Mayor Stothert and guests light up downtown Omaha on Thanksgiving night, treat your family to a free concert at the Holland Performing Arts Center! Concert will feature a special guest vocalist accompanied by the Nebraska Wind Symphony performing holiday classics and leading sing-alongs.

Free 402-345-5401 | http://www.holidaylightsfestival.org

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

CONTINUED

139-STD-1114_- 11/10/14 6:01 PM Page 140

community CALENDAR

save the date dEcEMBER 5

• VIEW & PURCHASE PHOTOS OF THESE AND OTHER EVENTS 365/24/7 AT SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM’S ZENFOLIO PHOTO STORE: METROSCENE.ZENFOLIO.COM

over 35,000 photos • over 33,000 visitors NOVEMBER 28

4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

tREE lightENiNg cEREMONy The Durham Museum

801 S 10th St | Omaha Learn how the world celebrates this joyful time of year during the Ethnic Holiday Festival. More than 20 local, cultural organizations proudly display their crafts and traditional dress, while musicians and dancers perform throughout the evening. Hard-to-find ethnic foods and gifts will be available for purchase at this celebration. Sponsored by the On Track Guild and Pinnacle Bank. Adults $9, Seniors (62+) $7, Children(3-12) $6, members and children 2 and under Free.

402-444-5071 | http://www.durhammuseum.org/

dEcEMBER 6

801 S 10th St | Omaha Christmas at Union Station festivities begin with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by ConAgra Foods. Enjoy loads of entertainment including cookie decorating and holiday crafts at the David M. Mangelsen’s Craft Corner, plus Santa himself! All the good tidings lead up to the signature tradition of the night: the countdown to lighting the region’s largest indoor Christmas tree! Adults $9, Seniors (62+) $7, Children(3-12) $6, members and children 2 and under Free.

402-444-5071 | http://www.durhammuseum.org/

SatuRday NightS NOVEMBER 29 - dEcEMBER 28

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

8:00 PM-12:00 AM

Night OF a thOuSaNd StaRS gala Nebraska AIDS Project Tiptop Downtown Ballroom | 1502 Cuming Street | Omaha In recognition of the 30th anniversary of Nebraska AIDS Project, supporters will gather at the annual Night of a Thousand Stars Gala to celebrate the efforts and successes of NAP, remember those affected by HIV/AIDS, and raise funds to continue the agency’s valuable education, support, and advocacy programs. Attendees will enjoy a dessert buffet, art auction, and night of dancing to the live music of Lemon Fresh Day. 402.552.9260 | www.nap.org

hOliday lightS FEStiVal - paciFic liFE SOuNdS OF thE SEaSON

dEcEMBER 6

Near Gene Leahy Mall and in the Old Market | Omaha Saturday nights from 7 to 8 p.m., November 29th - December 27th, choral groups will perform near the Gene Leahy Mall and in the Old Market. See www.holidaylightsfestival.org for details! Free 402-345-5401 | http://www.holidaylightsfestival.org

aNgElFlix Angels Among Us

dEcEMBER 4

6:00 AM –6:00 PM

adOpt-a-FaMily RadiOthON The Salvation Army The Salvation Army Western Divisional Headquarters | 10755 Burt Street | Omaha Hundreds of families in the metro will have the chance to be “adopted” for the holidays. Since the program began 11 years ago, more than 25,380 families have been adopted by local donors. The Adopt-A-Family Radiothon will be broadcast live. Listeners will be invited to adopt a family or a senior citizen for the holidays. Those interested in adopting a family may call The Salvation Army Adopt-A-Family hotline, 402-898-6050 between 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. Donors choosing to adopt must make three commitments: provide a toy or clothing for each child, provide a gift coupon for a holiday meal and coordinate a time to deliver gifts to their assigned family by December 23. Cost depends on size of adopted family 402-898-5908 | http://givesalvationarmy.org

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

dEcEMBER 4-7

5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

EthNic hOliday FEStiVal The Durham Museum

10AM – 8PM Thur-Fri | 10AM-5:30PM Sat | 12PM-5PM Sun

9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Aksarben Cinema | 2110 S 67th Street | Suite A | Omaha They say laughter is the best medicine. If that’s the case, there will be a whole lot of healing going on at the 3rd Annual AngelFlix Guild Event December 6, 2014 at Aksarben Cinema.

Breakfast will be served at 9-10:30AM. Santa, face painters and balloon twisters will get everyone in holiday spirit. The movie The Penguins of Madagascar will follow and the kids will wrap up the event with a visit from Santa who will give them a goodie bag to remember their fun filled day of laughter. $20.00/per person 402-885-4840 | www.myangelsamongus.org

dEcEMBER 6

10:00 AM –4:00 PM

SaNta gOES tO SpacE Strategic Air & Space Museum 28210 West Park Highway | Ashland Have a fun-filled day with Santa, Stormtroopers and space-related family activities. Santa arrives at 10:00 with the Stormtroopers leading him in. Take a picture with Santa inside the F-4 aircraft from 10-2.

Free with Admission $12.00 adults $6.00 Youth 4029443100 | www.SASMuseum.com

dEcEMBER 6, 7,13,14,20,21 hOliday cONcERt SERiES The Durham Museum 801 S 10th St | Omaha Enjoy some of the area’s most beautiful holiday music under the glow of The Durham’s Christmas tree.

Talented local entertainers, school musicians and choirs perform on weekends as part of The Durham Museum’s Holiday Concert Series. Visit DurhamMuseum.org after November 21st for performance listings.

Adults $9, Seniors (62+) $7, Children(3-12) $6, members and children 2 and under Free.

402-444-5071 | http://www.durhammuseum.org/

dEcEMBER 7

4:00 PM

2014 wEEkENd OF giViNg Borsheims and Girls Inc.

JOyFul NOiSE: a gOSpEl chRiStMaS FEatuRiNg SalEM BaptiSt chuRch Omaha Performing Arts

Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts 120 Regency Parkway in Omaha | Borsheims Boutique at the Nebraska Crossing Outlets Donate $10 and pick a box off the Borsheims Giving Tree. Each box contains a surprise gift, and your entire donation goes to a soon-to-be-named local charity. In addition, a percentage of Borsheims’ total store sales from the Weekend of Giving will be donated to the charity.

402.391.0400 | http://www.borsheims.com

Holland Performing Arts Center | 1200 Douglas St. | Omaha Come enjoy the harmonious sounds of Omaha’s nationally recognized Salem Baptist Church choir. This upbeat Christmas celebration will feature a combination of blended classics and new music intertwined with unforgettable drama and expertly choreographed dance. Two performances on December 7, 4 and 7 p.m. $15.00 402-345-0606 | www.ticketomaha.com/productions/Joyful-Noise--Salem-Baptist 140

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

139-STD-1114_- 11/10/14 6:01 PM Page 141

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

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

dEcEMBER 7 3:30 pM wEllS FaRgO hOliday OF lightS FEStiVal Wells Fargo | 19th & Douglas | Omaha Acappella Omaha Chorus will be singing Christmas/holiday music for the community for one hour. Other musical groups will perform before and after. Free

dEcEMBER 7

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

chRiStMaS at thE cathEdRal Omaha Symphonic Chorus St. Cecilia’s Cathedral | 701 N 40th St | Omaha Join us for the 19th Annual Christmas at the Cathedral Omaha Symphonic Chorus with the Omaha Symphony Chamber Orchestra. $30 / $18 402-398-1766 | http://www.omahasymphonicchorus.org

dEcEMBER 27

8:00 PM –4:00 AM

NEw yEaRS EVOlutiON(cuBEd) Old Skool underground Chance ridge event center | 508 Skyline Dr. | Omaha Name: Old Skool Underground Presents: Evoultion:Cubed Featuering: Spankalicious, Papa Skunk and more Date: December 27th 2014 Time: 8:00 PM Chance Ridge Event Center 508 Skyline Road, Elkhorn NE 68022 $20 Early Bird $30 Day of Show To get detailed info including: Entertainment lineup, ticket sales, warehouse pre-party details, pictures, video, media links and more. Please click on the Official Evolution:Cubed website link: www.NewYearsEvolution.com https://www.facebook.com/events/737647746273221/?ref=ts&fref=ts $20 pre, $30 at door www.newyearsevolution.com

dEcEMBER 27 dEButaNtE Ball Omaha Symphony Guild More information: www.omahasymphonyguild.org

dEcEMBER 31

9:00 PM – 1:00 AM

EVE: a NEw yEaR’S gala Joslyn Art Museum’s Young Art Patrons Joslyn Art Museum 2200 Dodge Street | Omaha Dance, dine, and sip bubbly with good friends and great art at this event benefiting Joslyn’s education programs. 402-661-3821 | www.joslyn.org

dEcEMBER 31

7:00 PM - 7:30 PM

hOliday lightS FEStiVal - NEw yEaR’S EVE FiREwORkS 10th to 15th Streets between Farnam and Capitol | Omaha Holiday Lights Festival - New Year’s Eve Fireworks • Wednesday, December 31, 7 p.m. • Gene Leahy Mall, 14th & Farnam • Free • Produced by J&M Displays, each shell is choreographed to open on cue to a musical score. Spectators can tune in to Star 104.5 to hear the live music broadcast. • Visit www.HolidayLightsFestival.org for complete details about Holiday Lights Festival events. Free 402-345-5401 | http://www.holidaylightsfestival.org

make the connection!

Promote your business or organaziation with Omaha’s Philanthropic Voice! metroMAGAZINE/mQUARTERLY • SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM TRANSFORMING THE GIVING LANDSCAPE IN OUR AREA!

141

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

CONTINUED

139-STD-1114_- 11/10/14 6:01 PM Page 142

community CALENDAR

dEcEMBER 31

save the date JaNuaRy 22

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

6:30 PM –9:30 PM

NOON yEaR’S EVE The Durham Museum

cSi’S BOuRBON OR ScOtch: pick yOuR plEaSuRE! Child Saving Institute Guild

801 S 10th St | Omaha 3-2-1, Happy New Year! Children of all ages will enjoy this fun-packed party with live music, special crafts and activities. Ring in the noon-year in your handmade party hats while enjoying the celebratory bubble wrap stomp and the spectacular balloon drop at noon in the Suzanne and Walter Scott Great Hall.

Presented by ConAgra Foods. Adults $9, Seniors (62+) $7, Children(3-12) $6, members and children 2 and under Free.

402-444-5071 | http://www.durhammuseum.org/

Gorat’s Steak House | 4917 Center St. | Omaha The Child Saving Institute Guild invites you to its second annual “Spirits of the World” fundraiser, Bourbon or Scotch: Pick Your Pleasure! In addition to premier bourbon and scotch, the event will also feature a full bar, beef samplings and accompanying sides. All proceeds benefit Child Saving Institute’s programs for the prevention, intervention and treatment of child abuse and neglect in our community. Event Chairs are Kathy Beck, Shelly Ruwe, and Christine Schulte. Individual ticket prices start at $125. For more information or to purchase tickets for the event, visit CSI’s website at childsaving.org or call 402.504.3661.

What’s your pleasure? Child Saving Institute’s is happy, healthy kids! Individual ticket prices start at $125 402.504.3664 | http://childsaving.org

JaNuaRy 10 BallOONacy The Rose Theater

JaNuaRy 23 – FEBRuaRy 8 BuFFalO Bill’S cOwBOy BaNd Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Baird Holm

2001 Farnam Street | Omaha See website for performance dates and times Saturdays @ 9:30 & 11AM, Mondays,Tuesdays, Wednesday, 1/14 & Friday, 1/23 @ 1:30. Thursday, 1/15@ 10AM Back by popular demand, Balloonacy explores the power of friendship. A solitary old man is steady in his silent routine until a mischievous balloon finds him and insists on becoming his friend. Through all the ups and downs of a new relationship, the balloon teaches the old man to play again. This sweet and inventive tale is packed with physical comedy especially suited for very young audiences. You don’t want to miss this charming, award-winning play. $10 402-345-4849 | www.rosetheater.org

JaNuaRy 15

The Rose Theater | 2001 Farnam Street | Omaha Jan. 23 – Feb. 8, 2015 Fridays at 7PM, Saturdays at 2 & 5PM, Sundays at 2PM Buffalo Bill was an adventurer, a cowboy, a buffalo hunter, a Pony Express rider, and a showman. At the turn of the 20th century, thanks to his outrageous Wild West traveling shows, he was the most famous man on earth. He was a man so famous that he had a city named after him: Cody, Wyoming. And in the center of that town was a hotel named after one of the people he loved most in the world: his daughter Irma. One week, on a long train trip from Omaha, where his Wild West show started, to the Irma Hotel, Buffalo Bill looks out on a West very different than the one from his childhood, and he tells his daughter his story. $18 each; Discount tickets at Hy-Vee 402-345-4849 | www.rosetheater.org

6:00 PM –10:00 PM

OutlaNd tROphy awaRd diNNER Greater Omaha Sports Committee

JaNuaRy 23 – FEBRuaRy 15

Downtown Doubletree Hotel | 1616 Dodge St | Omaha The Outland Trophy Award Dinner on Jan 15, 2015 at the Downtown Doubletree Hotel. Join us as we salute the best interior lineman of college football in the country. We also honor a past Outland Winner and also the Top Nebraska Football - Senior Awards. Join Master of Ceremonies - Greg Sharpe - the Voice of the Huskers and so much more. $75.00 ticket 402-346-8003 | www.showofficeonline.com

JaNuaRy 17

thE OthER SEwiNg ciRclE Shelterbelt Theatre

6:00 PM –10:00 PM

REFlEctiON Ball Midlands Community Foundation Embassy Suites | 12520 Westport Parkway | LaVista The Reflection Ball is an annual fund-raising event benefitting non-profit organizations serving Sarpy and Cass counties. At the 2015 event, Bill and Evonne Williams will be presented with the Reflection Award for their dedication to military veterans and their families, always honoring, remembering and educating. Honorary Chair for the event is Mary Hawkins, President of Bellevue University. Proceeds from the 2015 event will benefit the Military Veterans Fund, a designated fund established at MCF. Donations will be distributed to various military and veterans organizations for veterans, families and caregiver services, including medical assistance, community programs and events, remembering those who served, and education and job training to transition back to civilian life. $125/person; $75/active and retired military 402-991-8027 | www.midlandscommunity.org

JaNuaRy 17

10:00 AM –4:00 PM

8:00 PM –2:00 PM

3225 California St | Omaha Hanging by a thread? The newest member of the Edgewood Sewing Circle has no idea what she’s gotten herself into when she first enters the world of a feisty group of quilting fanatics. The group is bonded by far more than their love of feather stitching and patchwork. This new female ensemble play, by Omaha playwright, Marie Amthor, delves into the unique stories of women faced with the repercussions of the HIV and AIDS epidemic at the dawn of the millennium. $10/Thurs. and Sun. – $15/General, Fri. and Sat., $12/Student/Senior/TAG 4023412757 | www.shelterbelt.org

JaNuaRy 24

12:00 PM –4:00 PM

all aBOut OMaha/aMERicaN REd cROSS BlOOd dRiVE All About Omaha Red Cross East Omaha Blood Donation Center | 3838 Dewey Ave | Omaha Join local YP group All About Omaha for our first ever American Red Cross blood drive!! Every two seconds someone in the United States needs a blood donation. Give blood, give life with us on January 24th from noon to four. Free 507.261.7996 | www.allaboutomaha.org/

JaNuaRy 24 cathEdRal FlOwER FEStiVal Cathedral Arts Project

iNdOOR aiR ShOw Strategic Air & Space Museum 28210 West Park Highway | Ashland The Strategic Air & Space Museum will hold its Air show which includes indoor modelers, drones, and fun family activities. Event is Free with Admission $12 adults $6.00 youth 402.944.3100 | www.SASMuseum.com

St. Cecilia’s Cathedral | 701 N. 40th St. | Omaha The 30th Annual Cathedral Flower Festival takes you around the world through the beauty of flowers and music! Check the Omaha World Herald for specific times and programs. Free Admission! http://cathedralartsproject.org/

make the connection!

Like us on FACEBOOK!

142

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

139-STD-1114_- 11/10/14 6:01 PM Page 143

• mquarterly

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

JaNuaRy 27

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

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

2015 gREatER OMaha chaMBER aNNual MEEtiNg Greater Omaha Chamber CenturyLink Center Omaha | 455 N. 10th Street | Omaha The Chamber’s Annual Meeting is our largest luncheon of the year. At this event the Chamber recaps the accomplishments of the prior year during The State of the Chamber given by our outgoing chairman. The current chairman then presents the goals and directions the Chamber plans to accomplish in the coming year. It is also at this event the attendees are presented with the Chamber’s Annual Report. In conjunction with the luncheon, the Chamber recognizes the Volunteer of the Year, an award given to a volunteer who has given freely of his/her time and efforts to the Chamber and the business community; the Headliner Award, presented to a person or business in recognition of their impact on the positive image of Omaha and the Chairman’s Award of Excellence, presented to an individual who has produced exceptional membership sales and retention results. $75 for members, $100 for non-members 402 978-7957 | http://www.omahachamber.org

JaNuaRy 28

6:00 PM –9:30 PM

82Nd aNNual tEN OutStaNdiNg yOuNg OMahaNS Omaha Jaycees CenturyLink Center Omaha | 455 N. 10th Street | Omaha For the past 82 years, the Omaha Jaycees has presented an award to Ten Outstanding Young Omahans (TOYO) who have exemplified the ideals of their communities and exhibited extraordinary leadership qualities. TOYO honors individuals between the ages of 21 and 40 who show exemplary commitment to improving the community through selfless acts of kindness while excelling in their professional career. $50 402-392-1250 | www.omahajaycees.org

FEBRuaRy 7, 2015

4:30 PM – 10:00 PM

FiESta Mercy High School Ramada Convention Center | 72nd and Grover St. | Omaha FIESTA is an annual fundraiser held for Mercy High School. The event is Feb. 7, 2015 from 4:30 to 10:00 p.m.at the Ramada Convention Center, 72nd and Grover in Omaha. It begins with Mass and includes a silent auction, dinner,live auction and raffle drawing. $125 each; alumnae and parents, two tickets, $75 402-553-9424 | http://www.mercyhigh.org

FEBRuaRy 21, 2015

6:30 PM – 12:00 AM

OMaha hEaRt aNd StROkE Ball CenturyLink Center, downtown Omaha Celebrate with us at the 27th annual Omaha Heart and Stroke ball, attended by Omaha’s business, medical and social communities. The black-tie gala benefits the American Heart Association’s life-saving mission of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The evening begins with mini-live auctions and a silent art auction; followed by an elegant dinner, inspiring program, live auction and entertainment. We are thrilled to have George and Anna Little as our Honorary Chairs, and Jason and Angela Fisher as our Chairs.

402-346-0771 | http://omahaheartball.ahaevents.org/

MaRch 21, 2015 aMBaSSadOR OF hOpE gala The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center CenturyLink Center Omaha The Ambassador of Hope Gala is a fundraiser for cancer research which benefits The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center in Omaha, NE at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The event, held every two years, features a keynote speaker, an award ceremony, auction, and dinner. Since 1998 the event has raised over $6 million for cancer research. Chris Dunham | (402) 559-4179

over 35,000 photos • over 33,000 visitors • VIEW & PURCHASE PHOTOS OF THESE AND OTHER EVENTS 365/24/7 AT SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM’S ZENFOLIO PHOTO STORE: METROSCENE.ZENFOLIO.COM 143

mquarterly • NOV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

1-11-LEAD SECTION-1114_QUARTERLY 11/10/14 2:10 PM Page 144

waking WORDS

mquarterly • letter from the eDitor

ROB KILLMER

bigger “WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS TO BE SELF-EVIDENT, THAT ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL, THAT THEY ARE ENDOWED BY THEIR CREATOR WITH CERTAIN UNALIENABLE RIGHTS, THAT AMONG THESE ARE LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.” ~ Thomas Jefferson, from THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE “WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES, IN ORDER TO FORM A MORE PERFECT UNION….” ~ THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA “WITH MALICE TOWARD NONE; WITH CHARITY FOR ALL; WITH FIRMNESS IN THE RIGHT, AS GOD GIVES US TO SEE THE RIGHT, LET US STRIVE ON TO FINISH THE WORK WE ARE IN; TO BIND UP THE NATION’S WOUNDS…TO DO ALL WHICH MAY ACHIEVE AND CHERISH A JUST AND LASTING PEACE, AMONG OURSELVES, AND WITH ALL NATIONS.” ~ Abraham Lincoln, from THE SECOND INAUGURAL ADDRESS “ WHEN IT CAN BE SAID BY ANY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD, ‘MY POOR ARE HAPPY, NEITHER IGNORANCE NOR DISTRESS IS TO BE FOUND AMONG THEM, MY JAILS ARE EMPTY OF PRISONERS, MY STREETS OF BEGGARS’.…WHEN THESE THINGS CAN BE SAID, THEN MAY THAT COUNTRY BOAST.… INDEPENDENCE IS MY HAPPINESS, THE WORLD IS MY COUNTRY AND MY RELIGION IS TO DO GOOD.” ~ Thomas Paine, from RIGHTS OF MAN

robert P. Killmer editor@Spiritofomaha.com

Our founding fathers embraced a call to transcend and transform their age.

They aspired to not only a better life for themselves, but a better world for all. Our birthright is nothing less. To aspire to anything less is to forsake the constitutional dignity passed down to us through their toils and triumphs. (Think about that term we so loosely relate to: “constitution”. We’re anesthetized by overexposure to it so we naturally associate the term with a thing–a document. But the word itself means “what we are made of”.

In our last edition, my column was focused on conveying our understanding that the next great evolutionary level in human consciousness is not just coming, but has already arrived.

That message is prologue to this one, so if you have not yet had the occasion, I would urge you to find page 48 in our AUGUST issue and absorb the remarks there before proceeding with these.

I direct you once more to the quotes above. Note the character and vision of our forefathers. Connect with the iron in their words, forged in their times and reflecting the mettle rising from within them to meet the challenges they were assigned.

The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of The United States of America aren’t just a part of our history. It’s literally in our DNA to build a better world; to aspire to more than affluence. The work is bigger than that.

Our heritage as Americans is so much greater than mere affluence. That was not our forefather’s dream; that was not what inspired them in their pursuits and sacrifices.

Affluence was merely a byproduct of that dream. Prosperity was the dream, and prosperity is a shared, not a hoarded thing.

Our ancestors handed down a pattern that aspires to Greatness. Not just for ourselves, but for the inherent, latent greatness in all our fellowmen, yearning to be discovered & liberated!

Prosperity recognizes that each man’s “pursuit of happiness” is connected to that of his fellowman–that my happiness is diminished when I am witness (or worse yet, accomplice) to the deprivation of others. (And to render myself an accomplice I need only to avert my attention, to “preoccupy” myself in order that I need not acknowledge or respond to my neighbors’ need–ultimately permitting me to dismiss it and render it invisible.)

Our ancestors weren’t preoccupied, they didn’t have the illusion of such a luxury. Instead they occupied themselves with addressing the greater needs of their age, answering the call to attain, not merely self-advancement, but a greater common good . They understood “The Union” of mankind, and embraced the work required to establish and enhance that union.

Preoccupation in sole pursuit of the personal opportunities that our freedom affords us, while so many in the world remain deprived, is placing greater emphasis on the byproduct of liberty than its fruit–like focusing on the afterbirth rather than the child! The work is bigger than that. (Yes, it’s a graphic illustration, I know. As graphic as the need depicted in the photos and stories in this edition, representing human beings with great dignity locked inside them: our neighbors in need who may be Nobel Prize winners in queue, capable of addressing the greater needs of us all if we only note and respond to theirs.) These may never fulfill their potential unless a new generation of Americans rises to meet the challenges of our day with the same sobriety and pith that our fathers exemplified in theirs.

That work remains uncompleted. It deserves our attention and devotion, yet somehow we have yet to grasp this in our age as they did in theirs.

The world still needs great Americans! At the holiday season, we tend to be especially mindful of the needs of our neighbors, but our heritage and destiny as a people is to be ever watchful, mindful and fruitful, in our efforts to spread the blessings of liberty to all “within our reach”.

As we occupy ourselves with the work of merely securing our own individual “blessings of liberty”, heedless to the dearth of liberty for so many others around us, we miss this larger calling. The work is bigger than that.

Our generation, and those we will pass our work down to, are given a world that can still be improved and enhanced… a world that can still fulfill its birthright! Our destiny isn’t the achievement of mere individual fame or fortune. The work is bigger than that.

So much of what is currently being promoted out there would have us “buy in” that the attainment of individual affluent status is the “Gold Standard” to be embraced in our pursuits as a people, yet this standard pails to “Tin” compared to those of our ancestors.

Our birthright is Greatness. The Greatness to shape our world into something profoundly better than what we were given. New generations are arriving, looking to us to show them what Greatness looks like. Let’s get to work!

144

mquarterly • NoV/DeC/JaN 2014/15

CVRS-1114_QUARTERLY 11/10/14 1:38 PM Page CVR3

CVRS-1114_QUARTERLY 11/10/14 1:37 PM Page CVR4