A
ago, I saw a book featuring older people from California and New York dressed to the hilt, telling stories of their life experiences. COUPLE OF YEARS
I thought, “Omahans have many stories to tell, too!” The January/February 2018 issue of Omaha Magazine was our first “Prime Time” story with unforgettable people. It was wellreceived, and here we are again. The models were chosen by talking to people, getting recommendations for men and women who are 60-plus. Model candidates had to be active in the community, live interesting lives, and had to be sharp, upbeat, and youthful. The questions asked of each person were challenging, and their answers and advice are amazing.
We asked them their age, what has been most important to them in their lives, and about their careers and challenges. We also asked what accomplishments they are most proud of and what brings them happiness. Finally, we asked them for advice about living life, aging gracefully, and looking good at any age. There were some surprises. Marian Anderson, 90, is always going somewhere—every time I talked with her she was just getting home and was on her way out the door. This busy lady is still driving. Tom Tomoser, 79, has a 3-year-old daughter and a 61-year-old son. All of the subjects are very busy living life.
Everyone was great to talk to and open to suggestions on attire and locations for photos. We wanted to depict their personalities and styles. Many thanks to photographers Heather and Jameson Hooton for their beautiful photography. Thank you to all who participated. You have such interesting lives. You show us that you can look good at every age and to live every day anew.
Contributing Editor
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FEATURE // PRIME TIME Camille Metoyer Moten
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Charlie Rossi
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Cyndee Heedum
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FEATURE // PRIME TIME Iris J. Moore, M.D., FACS and Gary F. Moore, M.D., FACS
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FEATURE // PRIME TIME Ann Dunn and Michael J Dunn, M.D.
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Greg S. Cutchall
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John Mangiameli
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FEATURE // PRIME TIME Marian Andersen
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FEATURE // PRIME TIME Myriel “My” Böes
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Norma Jene (Hill) Baker
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Roger W. Sayers
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FEATURE // PRIME TIME Tom Tomoser
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FEATURE // STORIES CONTRIBUTED // PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE HOOTENS // DESIGN BY DEREK JOY
Charlie Rossi, 74 Page 89 Camille Metoyer Moten, 64 Page 88 “A life well lived” is the phrase I hope will fall from the lips of anyone describing me long after I’m gone. My parents instilled in me a love of people and sensitivity to what is important in this life. That, along with the strength that comes from my relationship with Jesus Christ, has allowed me to be grateful for all of my triumphs and challenges. Our home was filled with music, love, and activism; my parents were involved in fighting for civil rights. This gave us the opportunity to learn that fighting for what is right is important, and it often means educating others. I have learned to balance marriage, children, and a singing career, and have made giving back a priority in my life. My husband and I worked at Boys Town for 16 years as family teachers, giving love and structure to over 100 children. My career outside of singing included coordinating programs at the YWCA [now known in Omaha as the Women’s Center for Advancement], management at CommScope, and writing grants at Youth Care and Beyond. I have performed at the Omaha Community Playhouse, served on several boards at the YWCA, am the board president of Arts for All, and am presidentelect of the downtown Rotary Club. In 2013, I discovered I had breast cancer, but with my faith and the support of family and friends, I sailed through that episode of my life without a hitch. I am most proud of my two grown children, my grandson, and of being married for 42 years. I am so blessed. Happiness is such a fleeting emotion; I focus on the underlying joy within my soul that comes from my relationship with Christ. I am happy when I am singing, and hopefully I impart happiness to my audiences. My advice for living life is exactly that—live life. I continue to live, set new goals, and focus on doing good in the world. I have released my third CD; all were recorded from age 54 to 64. If someone told me I was too old to do that, I didn’t hear them. It’s too late to go back now. // 100 //
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Growing up in St. Louis during the 1950s and early 1960s, I lived in a neighborhood with friends whose major interests were sports and clothes. The area was barely middle-class, yet my friends and I aspired to own clothes with upscale labels, such as shirts from Gant and Hathaway, sweaters from Pringle of Scotland, and Weejuns (penny loafers) from G.H. Bass & Co. Little did I know my affinity for designername clothes would have such a profound impact on my life. My first significant retail position was on the sales staff of the St. Louis Neiman Marcus store, which opened in 1974. Some salient advice I received while working there was, “If you own a store, it should have a focus and not try to be all things to all people.” This philosophy has guided me during my entire career. I have always been a big fan of the old movie stars of the 1930s, ’40s, and ’50s, such as Gary Cooper, Fred Astaire, and Clark Gable. They each had a personal yet timeless style. When Ralph Lauren reinterpreted this manner of dress for the modern man, I was inspired to adopt a classic aesthetic for my store. Marriage brought me to Omaha in 1977. I resumed my retail career here at Ben Simons at Westroads after seeking out stores that carried Polo by Ralph Lauren and discovering this was the only local store carrying the brand at that time. Not long after starting there, I was introduced to the gentleman who represented Polo Clothing Co. in this area. He suggested to the men’s clothing buyer that he take me to New York to assist in the selection of Polo merchandise for Ben Simons. I left Ben Simons in March 1978 to help open Suttons in Regency Fashion Court, placing primary emphasis on the Polo label. My association there lasted 12 ½ years. My dream of owning my own store came to fruition when I opened Rossi Clothiers in July 1991. I have no intention of retiring. As my son once said to a friend, “My pop has never had a job in his life, because he goes to his hobby every day.” I have been fortunate to have good health, which I mostly attribute to genetics, but doing something you have a passion for sure helps. Family and friends also give meaning to your life. I have close friends I have known for over 50 years. My customers are not just my customers, they are also my friends. After all, I have known some of them for close to 40 years. Finally, I am so proud of my three children and selfishly hope to live a long time so I can spend it with my five phenomenal grandchildren.
Cyndee Heedum, 66 Page 90 I grew up in Scotia, Nebraska, a town of 350 people. I attended the University of Nebraska and attained a degree in interior design; however, I had fallen in love with retail working in a family business growing up. That took me on my first retail management journey at Kmart. After working there for 10 years, I decided to use my degree and worked for several years in the commercial design industry. I then went back to retail and have worked for 19 years in the corporate office of J.C. Penney. I am a single professional who loves my job. I am proud of the friends who have helped me along the way, and my brother, who is my best friend. I am a positive person and enjoy what every day offers. I have been successful in my career and would not change a thing. My favorite accomplishment was traveling to Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany and working on all their military dorms. Germany had great wine. I enjoy being involved with the arts in Omaha, visiting wineries, and watching Husker football. My advice to others is to have a couple glasses of white wine every evening and toast to your friends. You need to keep moving, think young, and remove your makeup every night. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up, and never give up.
Gary F. Moore, M.D., FACS, 67 Page 91 I thought I had everything figured out...until I met Iris. I was valedictorian, a National Merit Scholar, and top of my dental school class. I knew exactly where I was going. She had been my organic chemistry lab partner, and because Mama didn’t raise no fool, I asked her to be my partner forever. When her green eyes and priceless tenacity left to pursue medical school in Omaha, I could not follow her fast enough. I switched from dentistry to medicine and let the cards fall where they may. That is why, for 45 years, I’ve introduced myself as “Iris’ husband.” I thought there was no greater title.
Until we had children. Being called “Papa” usurped any letters that might follow my name. As a father and a physician, I’ve learned people are willing to go much further when they feel they are being led and not pushed. I have trained 100-plus surgeons and raised three children, and I have tried to impress upon them two things: be your own boss, and first impressions matter. Which is why investing in yourself—not just in education and business, but in your appearance—is tantamount to success. In today’s culture of anything-means-business-casual, it is easy for performance to mirror attire. Dress like you give a damn. As I have aged, I have discovered I enjoy the simple things in life. I want to spend as much time as possible with my family, drink good red wine, and be the best-dressed guy in the room. Because moderation is a wonderful thing…as long as you don’t overdo it.
Iris J. Moore, M.D., FACS, 67 Page 91 I grew up on a cattle ranch in Colorado, then moved a world away to spend my teenage years helping my parents run an orphanage in equatorial Brazil. The last place I thought I’d end up was Omaha. But it’s worked out pretty well. Before medical school, I didn’t even know what an ear, nose, and throat surgeon did—I just wanted to find solutions to problems. Not only was I the first person in my family to graduate college, I earned six degrees from the University of Nebraska and have made Omaha my home for nearly 40 years. I fought gender politics in medicine while building a practice, raised three wonderful children despite working 80-hour weeks, and stayed married to my best friend and partner when it would have been easier to quit. I just don’t quit. That’s probably the best advice I can give—whether someone’s starting out or barely hanging on. Even though no one thinks I will ever retire, I am actually looking forward to it. I’ll spend more time mentoring prospective physicians through the Nebraska Women’s Leadership Network, care for those the world has forgotten, and ride my horses at sunset. Maybe I will even slow down enough to enjoy some “coffee with my cream,” as friends say. I will probably be late to my own funeral, but until that day, I am going to embrace my age, my wrinkles, and my failures. Because all of them tell the story of who I am and whom I have yet to become.
Ann Dunn, 77 Page 92 I grew up in Omaha and was a student at Creighton University when I met and married Mike. We recently celebrated our 55th anniversary. In the early 1980s, I returned to school at the University of Nebraska-Omaha and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with honors, and a specialty in business information systems. With this degree, I worked at Mutual of Omaha for 20 years in information technology. The one great sorrow in our lives was the loss of our son, Timothy, in 1988 in an automobile accident. Our other three children have blessed us with 11 wonderful grandchildren. We love seeing them frequently and being a part of each of their lives. Through the years, I have enjoyed many different pursuits including tennis, skiing, running (now walking), golf (which I took up at the age of 70 and have achieved a hole-in-one), gardening, exercising, cooking, entertaining family and friends, reading, playing cards, mahjong, and travel. I treasure long-term friendships and therefore monthly outings are planned with my high school classmates, work friends, and siblings. My advice for a long life is to exercise daily, eat and drink wisely, and never stop learning. We have been blessed with a great family, good health, and wonderful friends. Life is good.
Michael J Dunn, M.D., 79 Page 92 I grew up in Lead, South Dakota, in the northern Black Hills. I came to Omaha in 1957 to attend Creighton University for premed studies and then attended the Creighton University School of Medicine. After graduation in 1964, I completed four years of internal medicine residency training and entered private practice in 1968. I became board-certified in internal medicine and, subsequently, became a fellow of the American College of Medicine and a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. After retiring from private practice in 2004, I became a principal investigator at Quality Clinical Research, where I have worked part time for the past 12 years.
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The greatest joys and loves in my life have been my wife, Ann, our four children, and 11 grandchildren. I have enjoyed skiing since the age of 10, upland bird hunting, salmon fishing in Alaska, scuba diving, running (I have completed one marathon), and now stretching exercises and walking. I have enjoyed refinishing old furniture, some stone masonry work, gardening, and swimming pool maintenance (I’m the cabana boy for our backyard pool). Through the years I’ve kept up with reading current medical literature, and I enjoy reading mystery novels as well. I attribute my success and happiness to my wife, Ann. One must choose their lifelong partner very carefully. I did that for sure.
Greg S. Cutchall, 66 Page 93
Love, support, faith, and family are the cornerstones to hiring an employee and helping them develop a successful career. As for my personal life, I find great joy in my eldest daughter, who is a mechanical engineer, and my younger daughter who is a manager in my business. I love to go racing with my son and watch him drive a race car with precision and passion. He most recently placed second in the National Auto Sport Association Championships in Austin, Texas, at the world-famous Formula One track— Circuit of the Americas. Being married to my beautiful wife and business partner for 39 years has brought me constant support and happiness. I stay young at heart by exercising on a regular basis, and I eat and drink everything in moderation. I also love to go skiing in Colorado every year.
Marian Andersen, 90 I am the president and CEO of Cutchall Management Co. I have also been husband to Molly Cutchall for 19 years, and we have three children and four grandchildren.
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When I think back on my accomplishments, I am most proud of my family, and of not only surviving, but flourishing in a tough business (restaurants) for 36 years.
I grew up in Lincoln, and met and married Harold “Andy” Andersen there. We moved to Omaha in 1958, and I enjoyed a career as a homemaker and community volunteer.
My family brings me happiness, as do my friends, and I also enjoy helping my employees grow and succeed within my company.
I raised two children. My son David lives in Omaha with his wife, Leslie, and their three children; my daughter Nancy lives in Denver with her three sons.
My advice for living life is to enjoy every day, look for the positive, and don’t sweat the small stuff. As for aging gracefully, I think I’m lucky to have good genes, but I also think people should stay active and engaged in both work and life.
John Mangiameli, 63 Page 94 I started my business (Creative Hair Design Salon & Spa) with three employees and have grown to over 95 employees. We just expanded and remodeled the whole company, which cost more than $500,000. We have over 850 years of combined experience within our staff, with some employees celebrating 30 years of employment. I find happiness in being able to hire a young employee and help them develop into a successful designer. By doing so, the employee is able to buy a home and invest in the company’s 401K, often creating a sizeable fund. // 102 //
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I served on many local and national boards, including the Red Cross and PBS. Harold and I co-chaired the first Shakespeare on the Green Festival, and we served as chairs of that event for 20 years. We were also the first chairmen of the Tocqueville Society of the United Way and the University of Nebraska Campaign for Excellence. I derive great pleasure being with family and friends, and I love sports. I’ve been to every Major League stadium for baseball in the U.S. and have been attending Nebraska football games for 87 years. I was 3 years old when I went to my first game. I like to travel—I’ve been to all 50 states and 60 countries. Two of my favorite pieces of advice are: “A professional plans her vacations around her work; a volunteer plans her work around her vacations,” and “carpe diem; seize the day!”
Myriel “My” Böes, 73 Page 96 My bio in “Who’s Who” of Interior Designers reads: “Both an artist and an interior designer, My brings variety and drama to her design projects. Beginning her education with a B.A. in fine art and continuing with extensive study in art, art history, architecture, design, ancient history, and feng shui, she combines all with a common thread—creativity. She owns her own firms: My Designs, Art Böes/Boes Art, Celestial Properties & Management, and Parallel Properties. As designer of residential, commercial, and art projects around the country, she has traveled extensively, been published, quoted, and lectured on design and art.” Being the youngest of five girls and raised by renaissance parents, I was never told that I couldn’t do something because I was a girl— the comparison just wasn’t there. This has served me well all my life. I graduated from college right before my 21st birthday. After college, I worked for Bozell & Jacobs advertising in the art department (where I was also asked to model for print and TV commercials), Smith Kaplan as copywriter/media buyer, and Renstrom Advertising as creative director. I then went on to freelance work, and have been self-employed since. The evolving Old Market drew me to open an art, antiques, and gift shop called “The Small Pink Orange” (1968-1973). Over the years, I have overlapped my businesses. Someone asking me to design their home became the start of My Design. An artist telling me I was selling more art than any museum or gallery and asking if I would represent them became the start of Art Böes/ Boes Art. In 1990, I started buying rental property in Dundee, which has helped to support my creative habit. My current passion is developing 46 acres in the Loess Hills into a sustainable creative camp/art residency, sculpture gardens, and a camp to help build self-esteem in young girls. If you combine art and nature, that happens. I plan to spend time there and get back to painting, writing, and increased traveling. I have traveled extensively (45 countries to date) and find that expanding my knowledge of other people and cultures continues my desire to be open and aware. As with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, it is important to me to be well on my way to self-actualization. In other words, to be happy and fulfilled. I’m a healthy, happy person who loves to learn, grow, and give back some of the great talents and assets that I have been lucky to possess.
FEATURE // PRIME TIME
My family of two children and five grandchildren brings me happiness, as does nature and intellectual curiosity. I am a voracious reader. As for aging gracefully, I am fortunate to have good genes, but I encourage anyone to stay active and passionate, and to see the humor in all things. To quote a sign in my office, “Work like you don’t need the money, love like you’ve never been hurt, dance like nobody’s watching, and live like heaven is on earth.”
Norma Jene (Hill) Baker, 85 Page 97
I opened Nebraska’s first sun-tanning salon. It became the largest tanning salon in the state, and we operated it for 20 years before selling it in 1999. In 1987, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer. I endured a year of surgeries, chemotherapy treatments, and 61 radiation treatments, but the cancer left. It returned in 1998. I received several more treatments and was under the care of fantastic doctors. I have been cancer-free now for nearly 20 years. These days, we continue to travel between our residences in Omaha and Hilton Head, South Carolina, which is good for our physical and mental well-being.
Roger W. Sayers, 76 I am originally a Texan. I was born in Texas, although my family moved to Shreveport, Louisiana, just before my sixth birthday. I paid my own way through business school, earning an executive secretarial certificate in 1951. My first job was as a secretary to two orthopedic surgeons. I was later hired as secretary to the assistant chief engineer at United Gas Pipeline Co. I met Billy Baker in 1956, and we were married the following December. Billy was working toward his doctorate in agriculture at LSU. Because of a United Gas policy on marriage, I was required to resign. In 1966, we were transferred to Hong Kong, where Billy worked all of Southeast Asia for Eli Lily and Co. We lived in Hong Kong for three years. I raised three young children and attended Hong Kong University to study Spanish. (Yes, that’s right. There was no way I could tackle trying to speak Mandarin.) As a member of the International Women’s Association, I also learned to type in Braille, and translated books written in English into Braille. Living in Hong Kong was a fantastic experience. We had full-time live-in help, which spoiled me for life. We returned to the U.S. in 1969, settling in Indianapolis, where I soon met a neighbor who taught art classes in her home. She invited me to join the group, which was the beginning of a nine-year friendship and artlearning experience. I preferred painting African animals and my versions of antique Asian paintings on silk—although I painted in watercolor. In 1979 we moved to Omaha, where Billy worked for Elanco. At this time our kids were a college freshman, a high school senior, and an eighth-grade student.
Page 98 I consider myself a true product of the Omaha community. I attended Howard Kennedy and Lothrop elementary schools, and Central High School. I received my bachelor’s degree from Omaha University and an MBA from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. I spent many years as a volunteer or board member at numerous Omaha community and civic organizations. My entire working life has been in Omaha. I retired from Union Pacific Railroad after 26 years. It goes without saying that I am very proud of my accomplishments in the field of athletics, especially being proclaimed the 33rd-greatest athlete in Nebraska history by the Omaha World-Herald, and as the most decorated amateur athlete of my generation. These accomplishments have culminated in being the recipient of eight hall of fame awards for track, football, and overall athletics. My current focus and pride is my family. My two daughters, three sons, and 12 grandchildren are making a difference and contributing to society. My wife and I thoroughly enjoy their presence. I frequently get asked about aging and living life. I believe it is very important that you stay active mentally and physically. If possible, volunteer your time and talents. One thing is for certain, you must be able to handle the stress that life will bring. The root of my comfort is the strength and joy that comes from my spirituality and faith.
Because of my athletic career, and as the older brother of Chicago Bears Hall of Fame great Gale Sayers, sports have always been a source of interest. I am an avid golfer and I am in my element when spending time on the golf course with my companions.
Tom Tomoser, 79 Page 99 I’m a father of five, ranging in age from 3 to 61. The oldest four kids are all college grads and doing well. The oldest is an RN and has a bachelor’s degree; our second child has a CPA/ MBA and is director of auditing at Creighton; our third child is a professor of economics and has a master’s degree from Sinclair University; and the fourth is GM of HVAC Co. and has a bachelor’s degree in zoology. Our baby is the light of our life, being supercute, talented, and very intelligent. I am an entrepreneur. I started in meat packing and built a $2.4-million-a-year business from a throwaway beef byproduct, and was the largest supplier of the raw material for Jewish Torah scrolls. Eighty percent of the Torahs at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem were made from leather materials I supplied. At one time I had 92 percent of that business. My biggest challenge today is building another million-dollar business to provide for my 37-year-old wife and our 3-year-old daughter. My wife was an on-air radio personality in the Dominican Republic and is an excellent photographer and cinematographer. Lone Eagle Records is our independent record label. To get national attention, I’m working up a pitch in order to get on the TV show Shark Tank. Rosmery T. Videos is our video arm. “Ros” has a channel on YouTube and over 15,000 views. We also have a sales company, selling memberships in a large buying co-op. I am proud of many events in my life, such as being able to continue living a full, productive life at age 79 and providing for my wife and daughter. As a high school dropout, I am proud of having built a $1 million business. I also placed fifth in “Amateur Night at The Apollo in NYC.” I have become a successful karaoke performer. The Omaha World-Herald printed a big spread on me in December 2010, and CMT ran my videos on-air in 1986.
I have been married to Annette Scott for 33 years. We are compatible on so many levels. We just enjoy being with each other. We love to travel, especially taking cruises and family vacations. Annette is truly my best friend.
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I always wanted to be a “snappy dresser,” as we said in the 1950s. My mother had six brothers who all stood 5’2” to 5’6.” I stood 5” when I was 10, so I received many expensive hand-me-down dress shirts and ties from them. From age 10 on I was a snappy dresser, as I always wore a shirt, tie, and sweater to school. When I went into the Navy, I bought tailor-made dress blues.
Walnut Grove
I tell everyone who will listen that I am the happiest man on Earth. I turned my life around when I found God and joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Like the Jewish people keep kosher, which means fit, we of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints obey a health law called “The Word Of Wisdom.” Obeying the Word Of Wisdom has contributed to my excellent health, which allows me to work 60-70 hours a week and still have energy to enjoy angels. Most important to health is a positive, can-do attitude. I adopted the attitude of Bobby Layne, who played quarterback in the NFL. Layne once said, “I never really lost a game in my career, sometimes I just ran out of time.”
Celebrate Life! Thank you for voting Walnut Grove one of Omaha’s Best in Retirement Living! At Walnut Grove, we offer more than just a community - we offer a worry-free lifestyle. Our all-inclusive retirement living concept makes life for our residents more comfortable, secure, and fun.
Call today to schedule a private tour and be our guest for lunch:
402-609-7373
4901 S. 153rd St. Omaha, NE 68137 WalnutGroveRetirement.com
Proud members of Vetter Senior Living
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ELKHORN 600 Brookestone Meadows Plz. brookestonemeadows.com (402) 289-2696