Apr/May 09 - Her Magazine

Complimentary, Take and Share In suppOrt Of:

Celebrating, Empowering, Inspiring... the Women of Omaha.

rihanna and ChriS BrOwn: A Primer On Dating Violence

SPring Cleaning

Women

-Revamp Your Beauty Bag -Declutter Your Home -More!

Entrepreneurs

April/May 2009 • www.heromaha.com

Omaha magazine • 5921 S. 118th CirCle • Omaha, ne 68137

-“Crafting” Your own Job -HEr businEss ProfilEs

Some know fashion.

We know children.

We know how children grow, why they grow, and when it’s time to make adjustments for growth. So to help more children, we’re expanding areas that attract leading specialists nationwide, and building a larger medical campus. Even our name is growing.

All so we can be here tomorrow, with the expertise they need, no matter what’s in fashion.

Visit ChildrensOmaha.org for more information on how we can help your child. For a pediatrician, family physician or pediatric specialist, call 1.800.833.3100.

April/May 2009, Volume 8 / Issue 2

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letter frOm the editOr health Osteoporosis

Celebrating, Empowering, Inspiring... the Women of Omaha. published by

omaha magazine, ltd

27

faShiOn faux PaS Say Cheese

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COmmunity Habitat for Humanity

publisher

todd lemke editor

sandy lemke assistant editor

linda persigehl art director/graphic design

matt jensen food editor

colleen cleek

30

hOw-tO Declutter and Organize

32

Beauty Beauty Bag Revamp

36 37 38

a letter frOm the girl SCOutS SPirit Of neBraSka a letter frOm ywCa Omaha

photography by

on th

e

COver

fOOd Spring Cleaning Your Kitchen

minorwhite studios (bill sitzmann & scott drickey) contributors

suzanne smith arney susan meyers girl scouts ywca account executives

gwen lemke • vick i voet greg bruns • sara lechowicz alicia smith • corey ross

Now : check out heR MagaziNe oNliNe. usiNg flipbook techNology to give you a whole New MagaziNe ReadiNg expeRieNce.

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feature

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for advertising information

(402) 884-2000 Send $9.95 for a one-year subscription (six issues) to P.O. Box 461208, Papillion, NE 68046-1208. www.heromaha.com Comments? Story Ideas?

Send your letter to the editor: letters@heromaha.com Her Magazine is a community magazine. A special community of women. Please enjoy and share your issue of Her. Our advertisers make Her possible. So make sure to thank and support them as often as you can. Do you know a woman role model, mentor, activist, leader, artist, business owner, model, adventurer, survivor, or volunteer?

Let us know and we may share her story with the Her community of women. Her is your magazine; for the women of Metropolitan Omaha.

Kids’ Summer Camps Cater to All

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her BuSineSS PrOfileS

18-25 Revamp Your Resume

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on th

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art

april/may 2009

Owned and managed by Omaha Magazine, LTD Her Magazine is published bi-monthly by Omaha Magazine, LTD, P.O. Box 461208, Omaha, NE 68046. No whole or part of the contents herein may be reproduced without prior written permission of Omaha Magazine, LTD, excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs. Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted, however no responsibility will be assumed for such solicitations.

These women “crafted” their own jobs

3

Lori Elliott-Bartle, Painter www.heromaha.com

editor’sletter

IrON ChEf CaT COra aND hEr EDITOr SaNDy LEMkE.

Dear Readers,

O

ur April/May issue is all about renewing, revamping, revitalizing, time for spring cleaning! I hope you enjoy all the articles in this issue about revamping your beauty bag, revitalizing your smile, organizing and decluttering your closets, cleaning your kitchen and more! We’ve called the experts for advice… read it all right here!

I just came across the most DARLING fashion website…authored by Omaha natives Mallory Sleight and Valerie Bosselman. You must check it out! Tap your keyboard to www.laviecherie.com. The site is neatly organized with articles about home, fashion, beauty, shopping, lifestyle and more. It’s also illustrated with “Mal” and “Val’s” cartoon alter-egos.

Beautiful to look at and a joy to read!

I had the honor of meeting The Food Network’s Iron Chef Cat Cora at The Food Bank’s 2009 Celebrity Chef Gala (see photo). Our Food Editor, Colleen Cleek, is now a celebrity chef herself, with her appearance on Fox Television’s “Hell’s Kitchen.” HER Magazine salutes Cleek for representing Nebraska on a national show! Cleek has been a fixture in the local media for years and owns The Classy Gourmet Culinary Arts Center in Omaha. Cleek is the co-host of “Omaha Life” on KPTM Fox 42 Television, which airs daily at 4:30 p.m. See Cleek’s article on page 38.

Have you been or are you worried about being downsized? Perhaps it’s time to take a look at your resume. In this issue we’ve got some motivation for you to invest in yourself. It could pay off! See what local experts have to say on pages 14-15.

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With our expanded circulation, we are welcoming a lot of new readers. Thank you for reading HER Magazine! I always value your input and I appreciate your story ideas. Please send your comments to editor@omahapublications.com.

Sandy Lemke

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Purchasers should review the Federal Property Report prior to signing a contract. No federal or state agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. Artists’ renderings are shown for illustrative purposes only.

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health

STOry By SUSaN MEyErS

Once a victim of multiple fractures, Patricia kennedy is now taking steps to improve her bone health.

Brittle bone disease sneaks up on women Prevention and screening key to deterring disease

W

sidering her bone mass is not low, thus making her a perfect candidate for this study,” says Robert Recker, MD, director of Creighton’s Osteoporosis Research Center. Dr. Recker is the principal investigator of the five-year study that will help determine why some women develop osteoporosis even when their bone mass is good, they exercise regularly and they consume plenty of calcium.

“Approximately half of all women who develop fractures as a result of osteoporosis have low bone mass, but the other half have deficiencies due to bone quality defects,” says Dr. Recker. “We hope to characterize these defects in bone quality and identify how they contribute to low

april/may 2009

hen Patricia Kennedy stumbled and fell, she knew she was hurt when she couldn’t use her arms to get up. But she wasn’t prepared for the shocking news that came later — she had broken her kneecap, shoulder and elbow.

She feared that she might have osteoporosis — thinning of the bones — but a bone scan revealed that her bone mass was good. Several years later, when Kennedy was asked to participate in an osteoporosis study of women who have healthy bone mass, but have suffered bone fractures, Kennedy gladly agreed.

“Kennedy should not have broken that many bones from a fall con-

7 www.heromaha.com

PhOTO By MINOrwhITESTUDIOS.COM

trauma fractures in postmenopausal women, the population most at risk of osteoporosis.”

In the United States, osteoporosis and low bone mass are estimated to effect 44 million men and women aged 50 and older. Osteoporosis causes the bones to become weak so that even mild stresses can cause a fracture, typically to the hips, spine and wrists. The disease can cause painful spinal fractures, called compression fractures, and can lead to what is referred to as “hunchback.”

Osteoporosis can also be debilitating and even fatal. “The incidence of fractures among postmenopausal women is greater than the combined incidence of heart disease, stroke and breast cancer,” says Dr. Recker. “Twenty-five percent of hip fracture patients die within a year or less, and half of hip fracture patients that survive end up needing help with activities of daily living, often leading to admission to a nursing home. While a hip fracture is a great trauma, the surgery is even a greater trauma. Many patients experience ensuing complications, such as heart attack, pneumonia or blood clots…that lead to their death.”

But while osteoporosis is a condition most people equate with the elderly, preventing the development of this debilitating disease begins as early as adolescence. Most of your peak bone mass is established by age 18, and the remainder by age 30, making it very important to do all you can to build bone mass in your early years through diet and exercise. Your risk of developing osteoporosis is largely impacted by how much bone mass you accumulate in adolescence and your 20s and how rapidly you lose it later.

"twenty-five percent of hip fracture patients die within a year or less," says robert recker, md, director of Creighton’s Osteoporosis research Center.

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health According to Dr. Recker, menopausal bone loss begins about one to one and one-half years before the last menstrual period, and ends about four years after the last menstrual period in women who do not have hormone replacement or some other bone-sparing intervention. This loss is related to the production of osteoblasts, or cells that promote bone growth and are stimulated by estrogen. However, during menopause, estrogen levels drop. When estrogen drops, bone resorption outweighs bone formation, says Sami Zeineddine, MD, obstetrician/gynecologist at Alegent Health.

Other factors that can increase your risk for osteoporosis include lack of vitamin D, smoking and excessive alcohol intake, all of which have a negative effect on bone absorption. Certain diseases such as Celiac disease can also increase your risk for osteoporosis.

More recently, it has come to light that getting enough Vitamin D, which helps promote the absorption of calcium and is necessary for bone cell function, is just as important, or even more so, as your calcium intake. Our bodies make vitamin D when skin is exposed to UVB sunlight. However, a person’s ability to manufacture vitamin D decreases with age, so that by the time people enter their senior years, their bodies make as little as 40 percent of the vitamin D made in childhood. Darker skin and the use of sunscreen also reduce the absorption of vitamin D. Additionally, in the northern latitudes, our skin does not get UVB exposure from the sun during the winter months, and therefore cannot make any Vitamin D from sun exposure.

Government Food and Nutrition Board recommendations for adequate vitamin D intake are 600 to 800 International Units (IU) daily, continued on next page

Sami zeineddine, md, obstetrician/gynecologist at alegent health, said exercise is key to stimulating the growth of bone mass and preventing osteoporosis.

april/may 2009

9 www.heromaha.com

PhOTO By MINOrwhITESTUDIOS.COM

health

heidi lefler, aPrn, women’s nurse health practitioner at nebraska methodist hospital, said baseline bone density screenings are recommended after the first year of menopause.

but most investigators now recommend at least 1000 IU daily. Since there aren’t many dietary sources of vitamin D except in milk or fatty fish like salmon, women should consider taking a separate vitamin D supplement. (Three glasses of milk provides about 900 mg of calcium and 300 IU of vitamin D). For adequate calcium intake, premenopausal women should get at least 1,000 mg of calcium daily, and post-menopausal women should get 1,200 to 1,500 mg daily.

Not all calcium supplements are equally effective. Dr. Recker says Creighton has tested and recommends the following calcium supplements for maximum absorption: Oscal, Citracal, Tums, Posture, Viactive and Caltrate.

Regular exercise is also a critical component to preventing weak bones. This includes any exercise that puts weight on your bones including exercises like walking, running, bicycling, tennis and weight lifting. Exercise provides a host of benefits, says Dr. Zeineddine. “Exercise builds muscle strength, improves balance, posture, cardiovascular fitness, reduces falls and stimulates the growth of bone mass,” he says.

A baseline bone density screening is recommended after the first year of menopause, says Heidi Lefler, APRN, women’s nurse health practitioner at Nebraska Methodist Hospital. The screening can help determine if action needs to be taken to prevent further bone loss.

The simple test takes about 10 minutes and is completely painless.

Women who have a family history of osteoporosis, have lost more than an inch of height or have suffered a wrist fracture should be screened in their early to mid 40s prior to the onset of menopause.

Thelma Grafft had many of the risk factors for osteoporosis when she received her first bone density screening at age 55. She has a strong link

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health to genetics – which increases one’s risk for osteoporosis by 80 percent.

Her father had osteoporosis as does one of her older sisters. Two other sisters have been diagnosed with osteopenia – a thinning of the bones that puts one at risk for osteoporosis. She is also caucasian, thin and small-boned – all risk factors for osteoporosis. The bone scan revealed that she had osteopenia.

Grafft says she is taking the disease very seriously. “I plan to live a long time,” she says, “and I don’t want to live my life with fractures.” She joined a gym where she exercises three to five times a week, she takes calcium and vitamin D supplements and started taking Evista, a bone-building drug.

Several medications are available to reduce further bone loss and prevent fractures. “While it’s very difficult to build bone mass, these medications can stop the loss of bone mass and reduce the risk of fractures by one-half,” says Dr. Recker. “ Biophosphonates can help preserve bone mass and can increase bone density. Low doses of hormone replacement therapy taken during menopause can reduce bone loss after menopause to very low levels and may be an option for some women, says Dr. Zeineddine. Risk factors should be discussed and weighed with your doctor first.

Through the osteoporosis study, Dr. Recker says they hope to explore other known and possibly unknown causes of osteoporosis so that they can develop additional effective preventive and treatment measures for people with osteoporosis and prevent its debilitating effects. H

“The incidence of fractures among postmenopausal women is greater than the combined incidence of heart disease, stroke and breast cancer."

— Robert Recker, MD, director of Creighton’s Osteoporosis Research Center

www.OmahaFriendlyServices.com

april/may 2009

11 www.heromaha.com

feature

story by Linda persigehl

' s d i K Camps april/may 2009

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f you’re a parent wishing to fill your kid’s summer days with enriching activities (rather than video games and mindless TV), and making memories that will last a lifetime, you’ll be glad to learn that the Midlands offers a diverse array of summer camps offering something for virtually every taste, talent and budget.

An old standby is the local YMCA-sponsored summer camp, and for good reason! Omaha area Y camps, including Camp Kitaki near Lincoln and Camp Pokamoke, in Crescent, Iowa, which ranks as the No. 1 Camp in Omaha Magazine’s Best of Omaha® list, offer a variety of quality activities for ages 4-18 at relatively low cost.

Other options include the Girl Scouts’ Camp Maha in Papillion, Camp Joy Holling in Ashland, the Boy Scouts’ Little Sioux Ranch in Iowa, and Fontenelle Nature Center, all of which offer day and/or overnight camps. Many offer specialty camps for archery, ropes courses, tubing, www.heromaha.com

Summer camps, such as those offered at The Durham Museum, provide great opportunities for your kids to create, learn and explore!

Cater to All

archeology, canoeing, and more to get your kids playing in the good ol’ outdoors.

If you have a child with a particular hobby or interest, there’s likely a day camp out there that’s a perfect fit! The Classy Gourmet offers Kids in the Kitchen – a culinary boot camp for teens. “The Classy Gourmet is all about changing the way America eats and there is not better way to do that than to teach a child to cook,” says owner Colleen Cleek. Her classes teach kids to prepare healthy, fun dishes, from pineapple salsa with plantain chips to Chicken Piccata to easy egg custard, as well as basic cooking knowledge “to prepare them for a lifetime of fun in the culinary arts.”

Both American Legacy Complex in Omaha and Elkhorn Equestrian Center offer camps that teach horse safety, riding, grooming, and tack and equipment training. The Strategic Air & Space Museum in Ashland

offers Flight Camp, Astronaut Academy and Mad Scientist Camp for those enamored with “the great unknown.” Lauritzen Gardens offers summer garden adventures camps that allow kids to dig in and have fun. And the list goes on…

For the burgeoning artist in the family, Joslyn Art Museum offers themed art camps for ages 4-17. Kids age 5-16 can explore and create a variety of art projects, including pottery painting, wet clay/handbuilding, mosaics and glass fusing at That Pottery Place day classes in Omaha. Owner Nancy King says her camps “bring balance to your child’s summer activities by exercising their creative and artistic abilities.” She adds “[We’re] rolling back prices and adding additional options to accommodate family budgets,” making her camps a good value in these tough economic times.

The Rose Theater sponsors theater and dance camps as well, including an overnight drama camp for grades 4-12. Joyful Sounds in Papillion, Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, and UNL offer choir and/ or band camps for the musically inclined Animal lovers may find just what they’re looking for at the Gifford Farm, which sponsors one-week camps for ages 4-12, allowing city kids to experience country living up close. The Henry Doorly Zoo offers one-day to week-long camps with themes like Froggy Fun, Rockin’ Reptiles, and Jaws and Claws. Nebraska Humane Society sponsors Camp Kindness, a week-long camp (half days) designed

for children 6-13. Pam Wiese, v.p. of marketing at NHS, said campers get to bathe and play with puppies, pick a kennel buddy, learn about pet care, dog training and wildlife, and gain compassion for all living things “in an atmosphere that is so much fun they don’t realize they’re learning.”

If keeping your kids physically active is a priority, summer fitness and sports camps are a fun solution. Swimtastic Swim School provides personalized, professional swim lessons for beginners through advanced levels. P.E. 101’s camps combine fitness and play for the pre-school through grade-school set. Prairie Life Fitness offers camps in swimming, dance, sports and more. Girls ages 6 and up can hone their bump, set and spiking skills through UNO’s volleyball training camps. And Skate Daze’s camps teach kids the art of rollerskating, while providing great exercise.

Not to be forgotten are summer academic programs, which aim to sharpening the skills of the mind. Several camps, including those offered by the Durham Museum, Montessori Educational Centers, Omaha Public Schools, College of Saint Mary and Millard Public Schools, offer students the chance to study everything from creative writing and robotics, to forensic science and Spanish, to ecology and cultures around the world.

The opportunities for your kids to learn and grow at camp are endless, so get busy planning a summer that will last with them a lifetime! H

REgistER today foR 2009 sUMMER CaMPs! Let your kids enter the vibrant city of Moneyville, with summer camps at The Durham Museum! Moneyville is a temporary, interactive exhibit where kids can learn all there is to know about money. Here kids can travel through a hands-on tour of money from its earliest forms all the way to Mom’s and Dad’s oh-so-familiar pocket change. They’ll even get a glimpse of how to save for the real world – knowledge that’s never too early to get a jump on.

Other favorite camps offered are Wizard School, CSI: Omaha, A Week in the White House, Exploring Omaha, many theater and art classes, and so much more...

This exhibit was created by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Moneyopolis is a registered trademark of Ernst & Young. The Moneyville trademark is used under license.

april/may 2009

Hurry! Camps are filling fast. for questions or to register, visit www.durhammuseum.org or call the durham Museum’s Education department at 402.444.5027.

801 SOUTH 10TH STREET n OMAHA, NE 68108 n 402.444.5071 n www.durhammuseum.org

13 www.heromaha.com

feature

STOry By SaNDy LEMkE

p m a ev

R Your Resume april/may 2009

Negative news on the economy gets everyone down. One way to put a positive spin on it is to create your own personal stimulus package.

Revamp your resume! Grow your own value by increasing what you have to offer.

14 www.heromaha.com

Free workshops at MCC! Take a Deep Breath and Refocus — Yoga Sarpy Center April 8, Noon–1 p.m.

Don’t Just Do Something, Sit There!

Health Benefits of Meditation Fort Omaha Campus, Bldg. 10, Room 117 April 22, Noon–1 p.m.

Generations in the Workplace Fremont Area Center May 20, Noon–1 p.m.

In Search of a Career Elkhorn Valley Campus, Room 123 June 10, Noon–1 p.m.

Working with

Humans: Overview South Omaha Campus Connector, Room 245 June 24, Noon–1 p.m.

Phone 402.457.2400 Toll-Free 800.228.9553 Online www.mccneb.edu

april/may 2009

Jason Keese, Director of Marketing and Public Relations of Bellevue University, says now is a great time to add value to your resume. “A college degree is always key to moving up in your career and that’s certainly never more true than now in this economic climate. The workplace and the job market are more competitive than ever, and a degree from an accredited university - and one that offers knowledge directly applicable to your job - can be the difference between you or someone else.”

To separate yourself from the rest of the pool of applicants, work towards getting a college degree. Carmen Steele, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at College of Saint Mary, feels it shows commitment. “I believe having a college degree, undergraduate and/ or graduate, is very important. It shows you are committed to acquiring as much knowledge, training and information about your chosen profession as possible. I also believe real-world experience plays a key role...especially if it complements your education and expands your overall knowledge base.” This single accomplishment will do more to bump your salary range than any other. Many employers will not consider applicants without a college degree.

Ayanna Boykins of the Metropolitan Community College Career Centers suggests, “One way to gauge the level of skills needed for any given local industry is to research current job postings online at websites including Careerlink.com, Nejoblink.nebraska.gov and Metropolitan Community College’s website, www.mccneb.edu/careercenter/careerconnection.asp. Other resources including the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook can provide important information such as job outlook, necessary training and licensure, and estimated local and national salary ranges. Throughout your exploration and research process, definitely make sure to update your resume regularly as you never know when you might be faced with the perfect opportunity.”

Or, take advantage of Metropolitan Community College’s Career Center. The Career Center is a resource to explore available jobs, plan classes, practice interview techniques, and seek a review of your resume and cover letter. Metropolitan Community College features Career Centers at its South Omaha, Fort Omaha and Elkhorn Valley Campuses. Boykins added, “The Metropolitan Community College Career Centers are available for students, as well as any member of the community in our four-county service area including Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington. The mission of Career Services is to support the educational philosophy and goals of MCC and to equip our clients (students, alumni and community) with the ability to address lifelong career direction, transitions and issues.”

Even in a down economy, areas of growth exist. Stephanie Searson of the Metropolitan Community College Career Center said, “The areas of projected job growth in the future are in education, health, and government. The types of skills that are important to employers are strong communication, technological, and interpersonal skills.

Employers also place value on integrity and a strong work ethic. The workplace of tomorrow will be more diverse, change-oriented, and technologically advanced. This will create a chance for exciting opportunities for future generations of workers.” H

Senior Employment: How to Find a Job in Today’s Marketplace Fort Omaha Campus, Bldg. 10, Room 117 May 6, Noon–1 p.m.

15 www.heromaha.com

cover story STOry By LINDa PErSIgEhL PhOTO By MINOrwhITESTUDIOS.COM

krista dickey, owner of krista's Creations, began selling her unique letter art at school craft fairs.

Got a crafty IDEA everyone loves?

turn it into your dream job. these women did, and here's how.

T

april/may 2009

he saying goes, “Do what you love, and the money will follow.”

But in these tough economic times, many are settling for less than their dream job, just happy to be employed. But that’s not stopping these women entrepreneurs, who’ve poured their creative spirit into developing unique products and found success — both personal and financial — doing what they love.

Krista Dickey is one such innovator. She’s owner and founder of Krista’s Creations, a letter art photography business based in Omaha.

“Letter art photography is photographic pictures taken of objects or natural elements that represent letters in one form or another,” Dickey said. The photo letters, hand selected by customers from an array of styles, are arranged to form words or phrases — a family surname, a business name, an expression such as “peace” or “welcome.” Letter photos are then framed and matted, or mounted and assembled as “floating art.” They can be displayed with easels on a mantle or desk, or 16 hung on the wall. www.heromaha.com

Dickey and her husband, Brian, began the business in 2007, taking all of the black and white letter photos themselves and selling the unique home and office décor at small craft booths at area schools. “School craft fairs are a wonderful place to start…you learn a lot about what people thing of your product. …They’re inexpensive, and it’s a great place to network.”

As her success has grown, Dickey has expanded the selection of letter art and added Sepia tone photos as an option for customers. Today, Krista’s Creations markets the decorative art pieces in magazines and newspapers, at larger craft shows and some retail stores, and via an interactive website, www.letter-photo.com, which allows customers to experiment with different letter designs, create their own virtual art pieces, and order online.

Dickey, who has worked at Pamida for 12 years in various positions — from inventory management specialist to assistant buyer to planogram detailer— said her experience there has taught her a great deal about

Fifi and Lou Lou and No Girls Allowed proprietor Karine JelenspergerMentzer.

Jen Donahue, creator of custom creations and girly gifts for The Pampered Princess.

april/may 2009

retail; specifically, the importance of customer satisfaction. She’s also learned about perseverance. “To get here took a lot of hard work, creativity, and dedication,” she said. And her struggles are not over. The troubled economy, and other vendors copying her innovative designs, pose new challenges. Still, she says, it’s all worth it. “There’s nothing more enjoyable than to get compliments and hugs from my customers after they receive my product. As I look back, I get a sense of pride in my accomplishments.”

Jen Donahue, mother of four (and soon a fifth!) and craft guru, began selling custom creations and girly gifts under the name The Pampered Princess in the late 1990s. The former asset manager with an investment firm and now stay-at-home-mom decided to venture out on her own after her second child was born.

Initially, Donahue sold her wares — gift baskets and hair bows — at local craft shows, later branching out into custom personalized wood signs and polka dot and animal print luggage. To better market to her key demographic — young girls and moms — she moved her main marketing focus to cheer and dance competitions.

In October 2007, Donahue joined Harbor Farm Chick Market, a holiday season co-op boutique founded by a fellow crafter, Cheryl Ernst. She and other vendors rented space in the store at 17821 Pierce Plaza, with each agreeing to help work the retail store. Today, the Chick Market has four owners, rents space to 18 vendors, and operates yearround. The store boasts solid foot traffic and rising sales for its vendors, who all sign up for a weekly four-hour shift.

“Customers love to have a place to go to get my things whenever they are in need of a gift or something fun and new,” Donahue said. As

for working for herself, there is no better job, she said. “What I enjoy the most…is the creative freedom it affords me, as well as the opportunity to select market items that I love — it’s like going shopping and getting paid for it.”

Fellow Chick Market vendor Karine Jelensperger Mentzer started her own business, Fi Fi and Lou Lou, in 2005. Her company sells whimsical paper products and stationery for the whole family. Her motivation: “I just love paper…and the art of hand-written thank yous or notes,” she said.

Mentzer has always employed her creative skills on the job. Before staying home with kids, she worked in the interior design department at HDR, and as an interior designer, buyer and manager at The Linen Gallery. She began by making cards solely for herself, then friends, eventually building her sales to the point where it made sense as a business. “My bills at Office Depot [for supplies] were so huge every month, I thought that if I sold them well, I could keep it going…. I just went with it.”

Initially, she showed her stationary at home shows and craft shows.

When sales snowballed and she found it difficult to keep up with demand, she branched out and began purchasing similar products at shows for resale. Today, her business depends much less on custom orders and more on ready-made products she buys wholesale and sells retail at the store.

Two years ago, Mentzer began another business – No Girls Allowed, a selection of educational toys, creative crafts and apparel geared to boys. “The majority of toy stores are geared toward girls. I wanted to create a store where boys could feel comfortable shopping and find things they like. We also have a small selection of what’s popular for girls, as boys often don’t have a clue what to give. We’re about 80-20, boy to girl merchandise.”

While her income from Fi Fi and Lou Lou and No Girls Allowed is not enough to pay all the bills, it surely helps with discretionary spending. “My goal is to be able to sell enough to take my family on one annual vacation.” More than big profits, Mentzer is most proud of her entrepreneurial success. “I most enjoy the accomplishment. Being able to say I took a risk and I made it.” H 17 www.heromaha.com

Her Business

profile

“We do what we say we are going to do, and deliver what we promise.”

That’s the simple, honest strategy that’s propelled All Makes Office Equipment Co. to great success over the past century, says Amee Zetzman, executive vice president and chief financial officer of All Makes’ Omaha location.

She also credits the company’s family atmosphere, which has created a workforce of loyal, long-time employees. “My brother, Jeff Kavich, president/CEO, and I know everyone by name…Many of our staff have been with us for over 30 years.”

Amee

Zetzman

The 91-year-old family-owned and operated business provides office furniture solutions to all types of businesses, from Fortune 500 companies to home-based businesses. Its solutions include new and pre-owned furniture, business machines, design services, delivery, installation, move management and warehousing services. “All Makes can fill any niche from the most traditional office to the most contemporary environment and everything in between,” Zetzman says.

All Makes began with a single showroom in Omaha, and through the years has added locations in Lincoln and Urbandale, Iowa. (Zetzman serves as president/CEO of those two locations as well.) The company has business clients from coast to coast; in addition, it currently has projects in Canada, Mexico, Greece, France and Romania. Its Omaha showroom, at 165,000 square feet, boasts the title of “largest showroom in the Midwest.”

Although working in the fourth-generation business always seemed a forgone conclusion, Zetzman said she never took the job for granted. “I started working at All Makes when I was 10 years old. I usually worked on various projects in the accounting area. I wanted to have other work experience before coming into the family business.” Upon graduating from Westside High School, Zetzman attended the University of Colorado. She worked as a CPA for Arthur Andersen in Los Angeles, specializing in the small business area, where she worked with many family-held businesses before returning to All Makes.

Zetzman, a working mother of two girls, cites balancing work/family as one of her primary challenges. She credits many of the women she’s worked with for having taught her valuable life-balance skills. Through the years, she’s found her own management style. “I was the first woman in our office at Arthur Anderson in L.A. to shock everyone and wear a ‘pant suit’ instead of a ‘skirt suit’,” she quips.

april/may 2009

She also cites doing business with others who don’t follow the same philosophy as All Makes. “It’s frustrating when you are relying on others and they fall short. I’ve learned that operating a business is not easy. My grandpa used to say that if it was fun, it would be a ‘hobby,’ not a job!”

In addition to traveling with her husband and children, Zetzman enjoys cooking, often trying to re-create dishes she’s eaten at restaurants in her home kitchen. Spending time with girlfriends is also a priority. “My friends would describe me as a loyal friend who is the ‘organizer’ of events to get together.”

18 www.heromaha.com

2558 Farnam Street Omaha, Nebraska 68131 (402) 341-2413 • (800) 341-2413 www.allmakes.com

Her Business

profile

five salon, Omaha’s first Aveda Lifestyle Salon, aims to provide each client with a complete experience. Named for the five elements, (fire, water, earth, air, and infinity), five salon has elements of nature throughout. The salon space is absolutely breathtaking. It is a combination of state of the art equipment and simple design based around nature.

Located in One Pacific Place, five salon opened in September 2008 with a live band playing at its grand opening. Upon arrival, each guest is greeted with a cup of warm comforting tea and a hand massage. Ladies receive a complimentary makeup touchup at the end of every service.

Melissa Vogel

Five Salon

Melissa Vogel, salon director of five salon, is pleased with the comments so far. Vogel said “I get the biggest sense of accomplishment from the feedback we get from our guests. This can be about anything. Several times a week we have a guest in the salon for the first time and I can hear them gushing about how they love the design.

That is so great to hear. When people feel comfortable in the surroundings, they will come back.”

What sets five salon apart from many other Omaha salons is its team of Aveda-trained stylists. Vogel said, “When hiring, we took our time. The team is the most important element. All members are Aveda-educated and work brilliantly both as a team and independently.”

Vogel said the clients take notice: “I also get the chance to talk to a majority of the guests that we have in the salon and I hear that they had a wonderful experience thanks to their stylist. I know we have an outstanding team, it is really great to receive validation from the people that mean everything to us, our guests.”

Vogel, 27, graduated from Creighton University with a degree in Public Relations. She is looking forward to her July wedding. “I am extremely close to my family. I consider myself so lucky to have such amazing support from my fiancé, his family, and my family.” Vogel enjoys traveling. “I am lucky enough to have done a lot in the past, and have big travel plans for the future. I also love snow skiing. This is, quite honestly, the only athletic thing I can handle.”

april/may 2009

10375 Pacific St Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 715-5757 www.fivesalon.com

19 www.heromaha.com

Her Business

profile

Deb Grafentin &

Krista Barr

30-year coaching veteran Deb Grafentin finds no greater thrill in life than helping others excel on the volleyball court. Through the years, she’s helped thousands of athletes do just that.

“There is nothing more satisfying than seeing someone accomplish something they have struggled with and [knowing] you have helped them improve to be able to accomplish that task,” she said. Coaching is what excites her, and her enthusiasm and dedication to the game is contagious.

Grafentin is owner/director of the Volleyball Academy, a volleyball training school open to any individual wishing to improve their skills and knowledge of the game. The facility, at 8930 S. 137th Cir. in LaVista, is home to 13 training courts. From Lil Digger programs for grades K-4, to adult lessons, tVA has sessions for every age and ability.

The Volleyball Academy

Through a variety of means — camps, clinics, lessons, counseling and lectures — Grafentin and tVA staff share their advice on skill play, tips for getting recruited for college, coaching methods and more, incorporating a fun, enthusiastic and challenging balance that creates a positive learning environment.

Grafentin began coaching in 1979 as a varsity volleyball coach in Miami, FL. The Omaha native returned to Nebraska in 1982 to take a position as varsity coach at Millard North High School, where she stayed for 14 years. In 1987, she stared the River City Juniors, a non-profit volleyball club for kids 9-18, one of the largest of its kind, which continues today. She spent a year as an assistant coach at Creighton University during the 1996-97 season; then after a couple years hiatus, became head coach and a professor at Bellevue University in 2000. She served six years at BU before venturing out on her own, founding tVA. Her titles and team successes in the volleyball arena are too long to list. Just a few: 2005 MCAC Conference Coach of the Year; 2005 NAIA Region IV Coach of the Year; 1995 USJOV 18uClub National Champions and 2004 National Runner-up. She’s coached dozens of All-Conference and All-American players, and is considered one of the most respected volleyball instructors in the Midwest.

“She’s truly a fundamentalist, who believes in breaking the game down and always has a reason why for everything she does,” said Aimee Noel, a part-time tVA clinician and camp leader, and assistant coach of the River City Juniors. “For her, it’s not about the win, but about helping kids learn, become better, and having a good experience.”

april/may 2009

tVA is co-owned by assistant director Krista Barr, who shares Grafentin’s fundamentalist approach and emphasis on having fun while on the court. Barr began her coaching career as a club coach for River City Juniors where she has taken three of the five teams she has coached to the USAV Junior Olympic National Tournaments. Barr was also a former Assistant Coach at Bellevue University where she helped lead the Bruins to compete in the 2005 MCAC Conference Championships, a first for the BU Volleyball program.

Grafentin is especially proud to say she’s helped “raise” over a 1,000 kids in her life through her coaching and teaching. Her willingness to promote the sport crosses all lines. “We want to help all club, non-club, school, Y, or any program needing our assistance.” You might say, in terms of sport, Grafentin believes in “No child left behind.”

20 www.heromaha.com

Krista Barr

Deb Grafentin

8930 S 137th Cir # 2 Omaha, NE 68138 (402) 213-4644 www.thevolleyballacademy.com

Her Business

profile

With six kids, Jeanne Leeds knows what children like!

Leeds opened Boingz! in April 2007 and has seen consistent growth since. Boingz! is over 11,000 square feet of family fun featuring Nebraska’s largest Bounce Arena© where kids can bounce the time away. Boingz! also has a snack bar, a kid-friendly arcade with ticket redemption games, and wireless internet access.

Boingz! is a place specially designed for kids ages 2 – 12 and their parents. Walk-in admission is $7 per bouncer (parents are free). “Just bring socks and be prepared for fun!” says Leeds. Boingz! also offers annual memberships and a bounce-back reward card for repeat bouncers.

Jeanne Leeds Boingz!

Children’s parties at Boingz! are fun for kids and stressfree for parents. Leeds explains, “We offer several party packages to choose from to fit the varying needs of our customers. We have large party rooms, which include a special Boingz! birthday throne for the guest of honor to enjoy. Most party packages include a Birthday Party Assistant to coordinate the party and direct the fun.”

Planning a family outing? Leeds has something for everyone at Boingz! “We are a mixed-use entertainment center that includes a ticket redemption arcade, snack bar and, of course, the Bounce Arena© which features several large inflatables including a double-sided obstacle course. We encourage families to take part in physical activity but offer additional entertainment options. Our facility has wireless Internet access and has comfortable places to sit and read while the kids play. It’s like an indoor park.”

It was always Leeds’ dream to start her own business. “The trick was finding something that filled a need, could incorporate my family, and we would enjoy doing over the long haul. Then one day, my husband Rick was told about a place in Austin, Texas, that featured bounce houses in an indoor setting and catered to kids’ birthday parties. The idea intrigued me. At the time Omaha didn’t have such a place and as this is a cold area of the country, it seemed like an indoor family enter entertainment center that featured something new just might work. Having six children ourselves, we understood what it would take to make this business attractive to families.”

13833 Industrial Rd Omaha, NE 68137 (402) 896-3366 www.boingz.net

april/may 2009

Boingz! is a fun business for the Leeds. Said Jeanne, “Our employees are energetic, happy, fun-loving people. We are in the entertainment business and a little bit of silliness is required.”

21 www.heromaha.com

Her Business

profile

Nicholle

Upon entering Dogtopia, a high-end dog daycare, boarding and grooming facility, it’s hard not to notice its resemblance to a quality child’s daycare. Brightly colored walls create a joyful atmosphere. A dedicated, loving staff receives the day’s “customers.” Clean, well-equipped playrooms offer a safe and fun environment in which to romp, play and socialize with other guests.

Reisdorff

Dogtopia

nicholle reisdorff is owner of Dogtopia, at 13239 Portal Dr., just south of Giles Road in LaVista. Reisdorff opened the dog care franchise, combining her two passions: dogs and entrepreneurship.

A former researcher in the federal court system in Washington, D.C., Reisdorff moved to Omaha in June 2007. Looking to make a career change, she researched the idea of opening a dog day care and settled on Dogtopia for several reasons.

“I didn’t want to re-invent the wheel, and Dogtopia is handsdown the best working model available,” she said. And, “The franchising fee [at the time I purchased my territory] offered the most bang for my buck…it seemed like a no-brainer.”

One of the aspects that appealed to her most was the safetyfirst design Dogtopia implements. The facility is divided into three large playrooms separated by walls, which “completely eliminates fence fighting between dogs,” she said. Dogs are separated by size and temperament for safety’s sake as well.

In addition, the rooms feature rubber flooring, rather than concrete, which “is much easier on the pads of the dog’s feet, as well as their joints as it offers shock absorption.” The rubber also mitigates sound and odor, and prohibits dogs from sliding on wet floors, reducing risk of injury.

april/may 2009

As a wife and mother, Reisdorff said she is happy to have set a great example for her two-year-old. “My son will grow up seeing that my career is something that I love doing. When he’s old enough to earn money, I want him to do something that truly makes him happy and not settle for less.” She’s also proud to be a Dogtopia franchise owner. “I really feel like it’s a great company and offers such great quality to dogs. Dogs are so much a part of families, and people really do treat dogs like their children.”

Though Reisdorff cares deeply for all dogs, only one pooch commands her attention and love at home: Pete, her eight-year-old hound mix.

22 www.heromaha.com

13239 Portal Drive Omaha, NE (402) 502-4797 www.dogdaycare.com/omaha

Her Business

profile

Ehly's Decorating is a 30-year established window treatment retailer with fresh leadership. Mary Ehly started the business in the late ‘70s, working with her husband, Harold, and son, Tom. The Ehly's retired in 2007 and sold the business to the current owner Jane schall-Hamlin.

“The company has provided outstanding customer service and the highest quality workmanship, making certain each and every customer is very satisfied,” said Schall-Hamlin.

Schall-Hamlin manages the day-to-day operations and is responsible for product management and commercial sales. She also employs two full-time designers.

Jane Schall-Hamlin Ehly's Decorating

Ehly's products include custom window treatments, shades and blinds, as well as expert window covering repair, wall coverings, upholstery, flooring, countertops, home staging, and in-home consultation. Ehly's Decorating is a Hunter Douglas Priority Dealer, with one of the largest selections of Hunter Douglas blinds in Omaha and Fremont. Ehly's also offers an extensive fabric library for both window treatments as well as upholstery. Selections from Kasmir, Robert Allen, Carole, RM COCO, Fabricut, Duralee, Mitchell, and Irvin Allen are available. The wide selection offers the clients the opportunity to select the perfect fabrics for custom bedspreads or any soft furnishings.

Ehly's also offers a “Delightful De-Clutter” package for the hom homeowner who needs a little bit of guidance to re-organize their spaces. Schall-Hamlin explains: “Our designers can offer consultations on topics such as fabric selection, interior or exterior paint selections, or furniture selection.”

In 2008, Ehly's became Omaha’s only Woman-Centric licensee through Design Basics. With research over several years with hundreds of women, they discovered that while women are the most influential in purchase decisions, they often feel that their preferences are not considered.

Schall-Hamlin said of the Woman-Centric program, “The program trains the sales team to become even more effective by showing how to identify a customer’s core design needs.”

In addition to its custom window treatments, Ehly's offers flooring and wallcoverings. Ehly's flooring selections range from carpeting and natural-engineered wood products to stone and luxury vinyl Permastone. Ehly's offers the Shaw Family Carpet products including Queen and Philadelphia, as well as the Shaw contract lines. Options to add the benefits of Stainmaster, Anso, and Crushresister are available. Wood flooring includes Mirage and Summerset.

16939 Wright Plaza Omaha, NE 68130 402-330-6557

april/may 2009

Wallcoverings available include designers such as York, Blonder, Seabook and torn wallcoverings from Stoneybrook. The most unusual papers from Flavor Paper include The Fruit Cocktail Collection Scratch n Sniff, Jon Sherman’s Fishnet, and Dan Funderburg’s City Park and Nouveau Riche.

23 www.heromaha.com

Her Business

profile

Jean

Jean Imray is living her dream. As owner of Dundee Gallery, she’s fulfilled her long-time ambition to own her own business, while providing a showcase for talented local artists, many of whom have become good friends. Her goal: To create an appreciation and desire for fine art in homes and businesses throughout Omaha.

Dundee Gallery, located at 4916 Underwood Ave. in the historic Dundee neighborhood, is home to an outstanding collection of fine art, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, blown glass, cards and jewelry. “Affordable, fresh, bold, original pieces” is how Imray describes her inventory. And, “I carry a little bit of everything to fit everyone’s budget,” she adds.

Imray

Dundee Gallery

One might say Imray is “well connected.” For years, she worked in the non-profit sector, serving as Director of Development for Nebraska AIDS Project, and as the Volunteer/Education Coordinator for the YWCA. “I’ve had many years of retail work, and [have] friends in the arts and commercial real estate.” Imray also coordinated art fundraising events while at the NAP, allowing her to get to know many artists in Omaha. Those experiences and contacts, along with the confidence she gained after having completed the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce Leadership Omaha program in 2004, helped make her dream of opening an art gallery a reality.

Imray’s focus has always been on promoting local artists.

“We have so much talent in [this] community. The gallery is able to provide a showcase for local artists and patrons that want to support them and their work.” Making the works more accessible has also been a primary goal. “Many galleries have limited hours, but I’m open evenings and weekends to make sure people can shop outside of their ‘work’ hours.” Of what is she most proud?

“Opening my own business — on my own. Woman Entrepreneur!”

april/may 2009

Though not a native (she’s lived in Calif., Wisc., Minn., and Japan), Imray has called Omaha home since she was a teenager. After going away to college, experiencing other cities and traveling extensively, she returned to Omaha to be near her parents. “I love Omaha and everything that is happening with the arts in this town. It’s great to be a part of that momentum.”

Imray describes herself as “single, vegan, and proud aunt.” She enjoys knitting, yoga, ceramics, bicycling and movies (“the good ones – Film Streams series and documentaries”). Imray might have other dreams as well.

She recently graduated from UNO with her master’s in public administration. The sky’s the limit!

Dundee Gallery Hours: Tues. – Fri. 11am-9pm Sat. – 10am-9 pm Sun. 12-5

24 www.heromaha.com

4916 Underwood Ave Omaha, NE 68132 (402) 505-8333 www.dundeegallery.com

Downtown Old Market • Riverfront

Omaha’s

downtown

magazine Service comes first at Otis. To us, that means developing new products that meet our customers’ needs and challenges; providing reliable maintenance; and modernizing systems to keep pace with a building’s changing face and function. In all areas of service, Otis is committed to inspiring total customer confidence.

Our technicians are trained to service all makes of elevators.

Give me a call, and let me give you a quote. Let me earn your trust and business.

Otis Elevator Company

5366 ‘F’ Street, Omaha, NE 68117 www.otis.com

Tori Lemke, Sr. Account Representative tori.lemke@otis.com (402) 733-4525, ext. 14

Your Local Neighborhood Jeweler

West Omaha Jewelers & Repair W

Pick up a copy of The Encounter at downtown retailers to find out what’s happening in Omaha’s Old Market, Downtown and Riverfront.

VISIT www.encounteromaha.com

Open M-F 8:30 - 5:30PM • (402) 502-0895 1810 N 144th St. • 1 blk S. of 144th & Blondo

To subscribe go to: www.omahapublications.com

For advertising information call: (402) 884-2000 www.heromaha.com

april/may 2009

Come in and visit us to receive your free watch battery w/ 1 year warranty

25

fashion faux pas

STOry By SaNDy LEMkE

for the

fashionable woman

Before

After

SYMPLI Eileen Fisher Caroline Rose

Is Your Smile Ready for a Closeup?

P

makeup and Styling: Dee Harrell

between the teeth, and even straighter as if they had braces done. In this day and age, there aren’t many limitations.” Dr. Wegner goes on to say, “There are continual advancements being made in cosmetic dentistry. Improvements in ceramic porcelain and composite materials and our dental techniques are brought out all the time. There is a lot of focus by these companies to keep on improving.”

Once you’ve decided to improve your smile through cosmetic dentistry, make sure you entrust your mouth to an experienced professional. It is important to look for a true cosmetic dentist, one with experience and one whose work you’ve seen. According to Dr. Wegner: “A person considering cosmetic dentistry should carefully consider whom they choose. Find out from those you trust who they would choose. Look at the dentist’s web site, meet with the dentist to see if you feel good about him/her as a person (it’s a longterm relationship), and ask to see examples of their work. Make sure you are specific about your goals for your smile and be sure the dentist and the staff hears you. Clear expectations are important to successful outcomes.”

Wegner has seen firsthand the benefits of a renewed smile. “People feel better about themselves after having high-quality cosmetic dentistry done. Many studies prove that the first thing anyone notices about you is your smile! The better your self-esteem and confidence in your smile, the more positive the image you portray to others around you.” H

Other

Woman

SIZES 12 & UP

16950 Wright Plaza, Ste 101 884-8848 • In Shops of Legacy

Spend your summer acting at School of Stars!

Fun acting camps for ages 3 and up!

Affordable rates!

New camps begin June 8th!

For more information, go to: www.schoolofstars.com

april/may 2009

ut a smile on your face, and you’ll look better instantly, no matter your outfit or accessories. A smile can go a long way! Smiles put others at ease and take years off your face. What do others see when they see your smile? Do they see a healthy white smile, or do they see chipped, off-color teeth? Omaha cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Wegner asserts, “Fair or not, people judge others by their smiles. This includes trustworthiness, intelligence, and esthetic appeal.”

Is it time for a little whitening? Look in a mirror, and compare your teeth to the whites of your eyes. Do you see a big difference? Perhaps it’s time for lightening. How long does this take? Dr. Wegner says, “Some techniques can lighten teeth in less than an hour, but the key is sustainable improvement. Often times, trays are made to hold a whitening gel against the teeth for several hours at a time. This technique takes 2-3 weeks of daily use to get the maximum result, but it generally has fewer problems with tooth sensitivity. In addition, a patient can use the trays and gel intermittently to maintain the brightness of their smile.”

What’s really exciting for those with minor (or major) imperfections is that cosmetic dentists have all manner of tools at their disposal to correct all types of problems. Dr. Wegner explains: “Imperfections in individual teeth, several teeth, or all the teeth can be corrected using esthetic dental materials. Teeth can be made to appear brighter, larger, smaller, close the spaces

The

120th and West Center in Westwood Plaza (402) 330-1020

27

www.heromaha.com

community

STOry By SUzaNNE arNEy

annE Carroll (wHitE t-sHirt) at work in kYrgYzstan.

photo by Jeremy dixson

Jennifer Huberty, Ph.D., an assistant professor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

women at work for habitat for humanity of Omaha. to date, the affiliate has built 171 new houses and rehabbed 75 in the Omaha area.

Jodie mackintosh, right, receiving the 2008 habitat Power woman award from amanda Jedlicka

Amanda Jedlicka Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Omaha

april/may 2009

A

28

manda Jedlicka is a woman who has always wanted more.

She describes her hometown of Norfolk, Nebraska, as a town of good people, but she wanted to live in a city with more diversity. She found that in Chicago, graduated from DePaul University, and landed a job with an executive search firm. She had a life many would envy—but she wanted more. When she discovered the option of volunteering full time, she decided to “step out in faith.” In 1997, she drove to Americus, Georgia, to begin working with Habitat for Humanity International. Although she had never built anything (“It’s not my skill set.”), she says, “The organization is perfect for me. It aligns with everything I believe in.” She did learn to use a hammer, but more importantly, she learned that her efforts could make a difference.

Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976 and today is in more than 100 countries and all 50 states. Its website (www.habitat.org) describes the organization as “a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing ministry.” Its goal is to build simple, decent and affordable housing with and for low-income families around the world. Volunteers from a spectrum of backgrounds, faiths and “skill sets” come together to achieve that aim. Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, have brought attention to the organization through their personal involvement over the last 20 years.

The Omaha affiliate was established in 1984 and has built 171 new

www.heromaha.com

houses and rehabbed 75. Jedlicka arrived in 1999 as Associate Director and later became Development Director. In 2005, she was hired

by Gallup as a strengths consultant. Later the same year, the Habitat Omaha board of directors invited Jedlicka to rejoin the organization as Executive Director/President. “At Gallup,” she says, “I learned to find a person’s strength. At Habitat, I was able to connect that insight with my passion for service.”

She is equally passionate about the families she serves. “The number one misconception about Habitat,” she says, “is that we give houses away. This does disservice to the families, who put in 350 hours of sweat equity [in lieu of a down payment] and repay a 0-interest mortgage.” Families are selected based on three criteria: need, ability to pay, and willingness to become involved. Once an application is accepted, HFH requires families to take workshops on various aspects of ownership such as budgeting, repairs, legal issues, etc.

“Most families are first-generation homeowners, and about 30 percent are immigrants,” adds Jedlicka. They receive additional guidance and encouragement from an assigned “Family Support Partner.”

“There’s a place for everyone who wants to serve,” says Jedlicka.

“That’s the beauty of it.” Some pound nails; some bring sandwiches; some sell supplies at ReSTORE; some mentor; some donate; some keep the office humming. And some of those “some” are women.

“The best part of Habitat is doing something you didn’t think you

could do,” says Jedlicka. “Building a house is a big thing. I’ve worked on every aspect.” If that sounds like an invitation to you, it is.

Women Build is in its 12th year in Omaha. The project involves 200400 women of all backgrounds building a house from the ground up.

Each contributes as she is able in the area she chooses, and training is provided. Working together, women feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment and increased self-esteem. They have the satisfaction of knowing their efforts make a difference to families in need— right here, right now. The solution is, literally, in their hands. Fifteen percent of Nebraska’s children live in poverty, according to a report

by Voices for Children, a children’s advocacy group. Habitat volunteer Jodie Mackintosh is a mother who takes statistics like that to heart.

“I got involved with Habitat thanks to the insistence of [HFH volunteer] Anne Carroll,” she admits. “I said no once, but she called me again. From the second I walked in [to the orientation] I was completely taken with the group of women—from all walks of life—and their commitment to the project.” Because of that introduction, Mackintosh has volunteered on every Women Build.

“Together we are giving women, both homeowners and volunteers, the skills and tools they need to serve,” she says. “We are giving women an opportunity to make a tangible expression of what they value most. And we are giving children and families in need an opportunity for a better future.”

April 30th is the date for this year’s Women’s Power Luncheon, and Mackintosh is the Honorary Chair. She will have the pleasure of seeing Carroll recognized as Power Woman 2009. (Mackintosh won the award in 2008) A 19-year Habitat veteran, Carroll helps in accounting, participates in building every summer, and is also known for leading Global Village trips building Habitat homes throughout the world. (This is retirement??) She has a loyal following, including family members, who appreciate her fondness for ice cream, and her endurance, generosity, and enthusiasm. “In Kyrgyzstan, we built a house with walls made of cane reed, bundled between supports of wood, and then covered inside and out with a special mud like adobe.” she recalls. “When it was finished it looked like a stucco house.” Other memorable trips include those to Belfast, Romania, and post-Katrina Louisiana.

If you are interested in altruism, challenge, new friends, new skills, or simply think you’d look great in a tool belt, contact Melissa Breazile, HFH Volunteer Manager, 457-5657 ext. 111, www.habitatomaha.org.

Jedlicka feels inspired by working with families, many who are single moms trying to make ends meet. “They work hard, struggle to keep things together…” She shakes her head. “Everyone has something to teach you,” she says. “Everyone’s efforts make a difference.” I ask Jedlicka if Habitat has fulfilled what she was hoping for all those years ago. Her clear blue-gray eyes are bright and direct. “I wanted a life of service.” And in that, she has enough. H

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Habitat for Humanity FRIENDS Presents: women’s Power luncheon – Power Women, Power Lunch

april/may 2009

A kick-off for the 12th Annual Women Build Jodie Mackintosh, Honorary Chair Kathy Wells, General Chair Mary Maxwell, Event Emcee Anne Carroll, Recipient of the 2009 Habitat Power Woman Award thursday, April 30, 2009 holiday Inn Central 11:30 am to 1:00 pm For reservations, contact Carla Patton, Director of Development, 457-5657, ext. 103, cpatton@habitatomaha.org.

29 www.heromaha.com

how-to

Declutter

STOry By LINDa PErSIgEhL

is this YOUR closet? a closet organizing system may be in order.

and Organize Your House

F

rustrated because you can’t find anything? Embarrassed to let others stop by because your place is a pit? Well, spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to refresh, renew, reorganize your home! Don’t let that clutter stress you out even one more month!

Jan Limpach, owner of Omaha-based Organizing Plus, offered these helpful organizing and de-cluttering tips:

april/may 2009

• When beginning, don’t be intimidated by the disorganization. Take it one step at a time. Start with the room or segment of your home that’s bothering you the most, and move forward with small steps so you don’t get overwhelmed.

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• Get rid of everything you don’t use, then assign a “home” for everything you keep. Be sure to label everything. (Limpach owns four different kinds of label makers.) Doing so will save you so much time looking for things. www.heromaha.com

• Implement a filing system. Every person in the household should be responsible for filing, retrieving and re-filing their own paperwork, a major source of clutter.

• When working with a small area, compartmentalization is the trick. i.e. In a desk, use drawer dividers and small trays to organize office supplies. Also, take advantage of vertical space through use of shelves, hanging things on the wall, building storage cabinets into the wall, etc.

• If your closet is your trouble area, host a clothing trade. Have your friends bring over a bunch of clothes and accessories they no longer want/fit. Then have a trying-on party and trade items. Each guest goes home with some new treasures, and what’s left gets donated to a charity.

Real Simple Online’s website offers clutter-busting secrets of the pros that almost anyone can implement. Here are just a few: • Pretend you’re moving. You can only take the things you use and treasure the most. You don’t have to actually pack them – just set aside, and box up the rest to donate. Stats show most people only use 20 percent of their stuff regularly.

• Put apples with apples, oranges with oranges. By grouping like things together, you can see all of what you have (six scissors, eight spatulas…) and decide which to keep and which to toss.

Then assign each a place. You’ll locate things faster, and won’t waste money buying duplicates.

8014 W. Dodge Rd 391-3200

• Clean out for a worthy cause. Learn about charities in your area and what their needs are. Then donate accordingly. You’ll feel good about giving, and have a tax write-off to show for it. For convenience, call on those that will pick up donations. Unsure if something is donation-worthy? Ask, “Would I give this to a friend?”

If not, then pitch it.

Ed Abersfeller, owner of Storage Concepts Inc. in Omaha, said many disorganization problems start when there’s too few “homes” for far too many things. He suggests these storage solutions: • Invest in storage products designed to organize that type of item or for that particular room of the house, i.e. the closet, garage, home office, pantry, kitchen, craft room, etc.

• Invest in a closet organization system. Abersfeller subscribes to one basic closet organizing truth: If you can’t see it, you won’t wear it. A good closet system will zone your closet into the “simple six”: long hanging, double hanging, shelf space, drawers, shoe space and accessories. Tools such as shoe cubbies, tie racks and even hydraulic clothing lifts can help as well.

• Lastly, just do it! Abersfeller’s mantra: Get organized  be happy! Not to mention, less stressed…. H

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• If you’re at a loss of what it is that you need for storage, hire an expert for an in-house consultation. A pro will take dimensions of the space, inventory all that is to be stored, find out what your storage needs are, and create a computer-generated design of the space complete with storage solutions.

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31 www.heromaha.com

beauty

STOry By SaNDy LEMkE

Beauty Bag april/may 2009

Revam

32 www.heromaha.com

A

pril and May are prime months to revamp your beauty bag to look and feel your best! Keep it clean and safe too. Time for spring cleaning! “Like food, makeup has an expiration date, and over time cosmetics can harbor harmful bacteria that can lead to infections,” states Dr. David Schlessinger, a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon and ophthalmologist, and Medical Director of Schlessinger Eye & Face.

“The risks are multiplied when these products are shared among friends.”

“In a number of cases these conditions can be linked back to improper storage and use of cosmetics,” states Dr. Schlessinger.

If there are any changes in color and texture, dispose of the product immediately.

Smell your cosmetics; if they have an unusual odor, they may contain bacteria and should be thrown away.

Expiration Dates (starting from the time that the product(s) is first opened) Powders and shadows: 2 years Cream Shadows: 12-18 months Foundation: 1 year Lipstick & Lipliner: 1 year Mascara & eyeliners: 3 months Makeup Brushes: Clean Weekly using a mild detergent Makeup Sponges: Replace Weekly, or when sponge becomes soiled

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M LAB is the only line of skincare formulated with 45 to 74% clinically active ingredients, the highest percentage of clinically active ingredients on the market. This is unheard of in the beauty industry, as the highest percentage is usually 20. Packed with emollients, hydrators, peptides and amino acids, the line delivers clinically tested results in as little as a week! The collection targets every visible sign of aging with real, measurable results, erasing discoloration and lines, evening skin tone, improving texture, tone and moisture.

M LAB is also perfect for cruising or business travel. Its try-me Travel Collection contains M LAB Travel Collection contains: anti-aging cleanser (50mL), anti-aging toner (50mL), anti-aging treatment cream (15mL), antiaging treatment serum (5mL), anti-aging day treatment SPF 15 (15mL), and anti-aging eye cream (3mL). All refillable, all in quantities small enough to get through security. M LAB Travel Collection, $125 available exclusively at mlabonline.com and Harrods London.

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33

art

Lori Elliott-Bartle: Finding the Essential

april/may 2009

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ew Mexico’s badlands near Abiquiu are known for their stunning redrock formations.

The air is dry and crystalline, a medium which brings to life the rich color, sounds and smells of the high desert. Descriptions

by Georgia O’Keeffe and Willa Cather have brought later pilgrims, many who stay at the Ghost Ranch education and retreat facility to learn from the spirits of Piedra Lumbre (the place of shining stone). One of them is Lori Elliott-Bartle, a painter who has always felt the lure of the land. From the Kansas wheat fields of her childhood to Nebraska’s wide plains, she seeks a vista unhindered by limitations, including time, a notion she finds both peaceful and exciting. “I love big, open spaces,” she says. “Looking at www.heromaha.com

something specific, I search for its essential, universal quality. That connection gets to our purpose for being here, to our spirituality, and to each other.”

She’s made two trips to Ghost Ranch to study plein air painting with instructor Ann Painter. (Painting en plein air, or “outdoors,” is especially challenging due to the added elements of weather, light, portage, etc.)

Working in a place “so quiet I could hear each flap of a crow’s wing,” she painted rocks formed in the Triassic era and changing in infinitesimal increments. “It felt like a moment suspended in time.” That odd juxtaposition of peace and excitement, her awareness of time’s passage and its stillness, her search through the specific to universality—these are perfectly captured in several renditions

of a rock caught between two spires.

Each of Elliott-Bartle’s interpretations is unique, colored by a palette Painter describes as “emotionally expressive.” She commends “Lori’s ability to distill an image” using “intense colors and a simplified composition.” Jim Agnew is a frequent visitor to the Artist Cooperative Gallery, where ElliottBartle is a member, and purchased first one painting, then another, unfinished. “She’s genuinely captured the colors of the Southwest,” he said, and plans to hang them in his Santa Fe townhouse. “She understands the feel of the place.”

Her ability to describe a place or situation quickly and accurately was honed in her journalism career. “I was the first in my family to go to college,” she says. Although

COLUMN By SUzaNNE SMITh arNEy PhOTOgraPhy By MINOrwhITESTUDIOS.COM

St a

Bartle takes in the beauty of the new mexico scenery during a plein air painting session.

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april/may 2009

the arts were part of her upbringing, her degree would be something “practical.” But an inner voice, the voice of a child who told people she was going to be an artist, was still whispering. In 2000, Elliott-Bartle took a watercolor class and “I just fell in love!” Still working, and with two young children, she painted during her lunch hours and attended John Miller’s painting class. When a space opened up at the new Hot Shops, she jumped. “The more I painted, the more I loved it.” With her husband’s encouragement, she made the decision to paint full time in 2003. “It was a good move for our family,” she says. “This is what I was meant to do.”

Elliott-Bartle works in oil, watercolor, and recently, linocut prints.

Her prints shown in Adornment last winter used the latter technique to create surprisingly spontaneous and dynamic portraits. Her natural curiosity diverted her from the Interstate to wander Morrill County, and make an oil painting. Harvest, a watercolor made for her father, contrasts a golden field of ripe wheat with a turbulent, stormy sky.

These can be seen on her website.

Visit Elliott-Bartle in Studio 311 during the Hot Shops Open House May 2 and 3. You can also see her work at the Artist Cooperative Gallery anytime, but she’ll be one of four featured artists June 3-28 (reception June 6). In September, she’ll exhibit in the Nebraska Women’s Caucus exhibition, “To the Nines,” at the Hot Shops. H

r Ou e w Ye a rt t h e N

35

message from

Theresa Cassaday, Chief Communication Officer Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska

Help Girl Scouts Enrich Lives

april/may 2009

W

hen Juliette Gordon Low founded Girl Scouts almost 100 years ago (1912), she did so on the principles of community service and commitment to girls. When I took my position with Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska a mere two years ago, I knew that the organization was doing its part to support girls in becoming women and future leaders. What I didn’t know was that everywhere you look, every day, individual Girl Scouts (or an entire troop) are doing something to make the world better. Girl Scouts have this relentless drive to improve their communities and enhance the lives of those around them. It is what the organization encourages and upholds, but it works because these values are inherent in the heart of every girl.

It also works when those who believe in our mission do their part to ensure that we remain the vital organization we are today, serving 24,000 girl and adult members throughout Nebraska. We have a unique opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of girls — who already understand the concept of community service — but we cannot do it alone.

Every dollar raised by Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska stays in our council to directly impact the girls and troops in our state. We ask that you make an investment in our future leaders with your gift. Whether it is a monetary donation or the gift of time, you will help make the world a better place, in partnership with that group of sash-wearing, cookie-selling and smile-inducing Girl Scouts in your community.

Please contact Melissa Murante, chief development officer, mmurante@girlscoutsnebraska.org or phone: 402.558.8189 x206. H

a daisy troop made a difference in the lives of other children when they collected toys for a knights of Columbus toy drive.

girl Scout troop 371 donated and planted a tree in Seward's moffitt Park using proceeds from their annual cookie sales to fund the project.

working on a girl Scout award, a troop presented two senior care centers with a nintendo wii and even taught the residents how to play their new games.

36

EvEry ISSUE, hEr MagazINE BrINgS yOU aN IMPOrTaNT MESSagE frOM ThE gIrL SCOUTS – SPIrIT Of NEBraSka. yOU CaN hELP, gET INvOLvED! www.heromaha.com

message from

Natalia J. Peart, PhD, Chief Executive Officer YWCA Omaha

Rihanna and Chris Brown:

A Primer in Dating Violence

I

EvEry ISSUE, hEr MagazINE BrINgS yOU aN IMPOrTaNT MESSagE frOM y wCa OMaha. yOU CaN hELP, gET INvOLvED!

april/may 2009

young women develop the strength and girls watching her for direction and inspiragenerally don’t pay a lot of attention to confidence to pay attention to all of the tion in their own lives. the outrageous exploits of entertainindicators that lead to dating abuse. We Although the story is dismaying, it’s ment celebrities. I have never given a invite you to help us be their advocates. Use not surprising. Just like their older, adult second thought to the media frenzy surthe media attention regarding Rihanna’s counterparts, young women want their rerounding Brangelina, Britney or Lindsay. But story as the starting point for frank discuslationships to work. They want to give their when I learned that chart-topping singer sions with your daughters, your nieces, your intimate partners second chances. And, as Rihanna, 21, had been assaulted by her boyfriends—all the young women in your life— feared, young girls are absorbing the mesfriend, popular musical artist Chris Brown, about dating violence.

19, on the day of the Encourage them to Grammy Awards in reject any mistreatFebruary, I took notice. ment and to not Described by Asaccept relationships sociated Press Televithat are characterized sion’s Alicia Quarles as by lack of respect and “music’s new royalty,” I name-calling. Help was familiar with the them to recognize couple’s talent—and the excessive control well aware of their and power imbalance undeniable influence exhibited through on American teens constant monitoring and young adults. via cell phone calls The beautiful Rihanna, and texting. Remind known for her sense them that fighting, of style and edgy restraining and jealhaircut, now apousy don’t represent peared on television a healthy relationship. and in tabloids in a Most important, tell police photo showing them clearly, “NO her face covered with bruises and contuOne has the right to sions. The incident hit you. ever. there Constant monitoring via cell phone calls or texting is a tell-tale sign of a troubled relationship. prompted a media is nothing you can tidal wave, resulting say or do that would sage her actions are sending. As one young in everything from serious reports on the ever justify someone abusing you.” blogger noted in a post dated March 2 prevalence of teen dating violence to blogs Thank you for joining us in our efforts to (presented as written), “it doesn’t matter cos questioning what Rihanna had done to educate women of all ages that we all derihanna got a hiding; neways they are back “deserve” such treatment. serve to be safe, healthy and cherished. If you together. how cool.”

Then, less than three weeks later, new need backup, don’t hesitate to call the YWCA. reports indicated that Rihanna and Brown We have a program dedicated to educating Can we talk? had reconciled, leaving many shaking their young people about teen dating violence.

It is YW’s mission — and the mission of heads, and those of us here at the YWCA Please call Education Coordinator Laura Berall individuals who are committed to the heartsick at her choices—and the implicagevin to schedule a presentation for your empowerment of women and girls—that tions they would have on thousands of teen class or youth group today: 345-6555. H

37 www.heromaha.com

COLUMN By COLLEEN CLEEk

Chef/Owner, the Classy Gourmet, cook@theclassygourmet.com

T

april/may 2009

hink spring and revitalize the most important room of your home — your kitchen.

It's time to do a good once over from top to bottom, ceiling to floor, door to drawer; a clean kitchen will help keep your family healthy and make food preparation a breeze.

It’s a good idea to start from the top with the ceilings and cabinets, then work your way down the walls to the floors. You will be surprised by how much food you will find on the walls, cabinets and switches; mishaps you didn’t see until just now, and hope others didn’t notice as well.

As you get to the kitchen counters, you will need to concentrate on the appliances. Most kitchens are equipped with a stove, oven and refrigerator, and many have microwaves and other small appliances — mixer, blender, toaster — that will need to be deep-cleaned as well. For these appliances, you will need special tools and equipment to get the job done right.

Here are a few tips to get you motivated and moving in the right direction.

38

fOr the aPPlianCeS: tip #1 Your computer will be the handiest tool of all. Just about every appliance manufacturer has an online product information site www.heromaha.com

MINOrwhITESTUD

IOS.COM

Spcleaning rin g where you can get specific cleaner recommendations, replacement parts, and the original instruction book the appliance came with for disassembly and reassembly. reCyCling with a PurPOSe: tip #2 Think Green when you clean. Save old brushes, toothbrushes, bottle brushes and food jars. Run boiling water over them to sanitize and wrap a piece of duct tape around brush handles and jar labels to distinguish them as cleaning-only equipment; use a permanent marker to label cleaner and task specifics.

Small brushes get into the tiny cracks and crevices and can be thrown away when you’re done. The jars are used to hold concentrated amounts of your cleaner and brushes rest in them between uses. “Nothing gets around a sink lip or faucet like a toothbrush with Softscrub.” reuSe: tip #3 Wipe out and reorganize the drawers, especially the ones containing silverware and handy gadgets. Why wash and sanitize, then put away clean if you place them back into a dirty container? Don’t forget to empty out the counter top holders as well and run them through the dishwasher if possible.

This is a good time to re-evaluate just what you need. Start a hope chest, student wish basket or give your extras to your local high school culinary team. The more you give away, the less you’ll have to clean. H

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