January/February 2014 Omaha Magazine by Omaha Magazine

$2,800,000

Spectacular 1.5 story backing to trees and common area. 3 story spiral staircase, radiant heat flrs in kit. & mstr bath. Control 4 throughout, infrared air purifier, new pool and waterfall. 2 covered decks, sec. cameras, lrg patio with fireplace. Wine cellar, wet bar, office, 2nd kit. for outdoor entertaining. Double oven, cabinets w/pullouts, expresso maker.

The Lichter Team • 402.680.2875

508 S. Edgerton, Exira, IA

$1,100,000

First time on the market. 71 acre crop producing farm with a total of 89 acres to include a 2 acre stocked pond. Fantastic barn with a custom built walk-out brick ranch home. The home is surrounded by trees, flowers and private views. A very special place all on hard surface roads.

$799,000

Over 33 acres with a beautiful ranch home overlooking the Loess Hills - comes with a barn with stalls for your horses - This home has a beautiful kitchen, family room, formal dining room, fireplace, 22 x 17 master bedroom with cedar closets, oak ceiling & walls in living room, sauna, underground sprinklers plus a 3 car garage.

Jerre Hunter • 402.981.1342

16749 CR P 10 – Herman

$1,690,000

Designed by master designers and craftsmen. Dazzling Christopher Peacock custom gourmet kitchen. Too many amenities to mention here. Amazing in every detail. Timeless combination of elegance and functionality are here for you. Super convenient location. This is the home of a lifetime!

The Rensch Group • 402.391.5333

5201 N 196 Street

$998,000

One of Indian Creek’s finest homes! Fabulous gourmet kitchen with cherry custom cabinetry. Amazing master suite and spa. Main floor office. Fabulous walkout lower level with 3 bedroom suites, kitchenette, wine cellar and entertainment center. 4 car heated garage. Whole house electronic system and Vantage lighting system. You will love it.

1862 County Road 5, Yutan

21010 Buckskin Trail, Elkhorn

$725,000

2 sty on 1+ acre private treed lot in Skyline Ranches. Fabulous hearthroom/ gourmet kitchen with cherry wood floors + cabinets + travertine counters & master suite w/ cherry cabinets and Italian tile floor. Walking distance to schools in area.

Nancy Kehrli • 402.690.1099

$675,000

Lovely custom ranch with 4 BR, 4 BA & 7,000+ FSF. Quality built home full of amenities & energy efficient features: geothermal heating & cooling & much more! Fabulous great room has custom kitchen & gorgeous flooring. Terrific MBR has 2 walk-in closets & full bath. Mostly finished walkout bsmnt has spacious family rm, rec rm & solarium. Secluded 4 acre property nestled in rolling hills north of Blair.

27019 195th Street – Honey Creek

$499,500

This two-story includes over 4,000 sq ft finished and beautiful oak woodworking.Breathtaking solid oak circular stairway in the two-story front entry. Soothing sunroom. Spacious great room with majestic fireplace and woodstove insert. Separate garage with workshop.

Team RISOld • 402.681.2544

$1,300,000

This 1.5 story, 5 bedroom, 5 bath home, (all beds are in suite), geothermal heating, high tech surround sound and security including camera, custom stamped concrete heated floor through main level, high end finishes, huge new out building, pool, nice large stocked ponds, beautiful views and private. Just a 15 minute drive to Omaha.

Susan Hancock • 402.215.7700

13808 Burt Street

$995,000

Fabulous Linden Estates gem. Builder’s own custom built 1 1/2 story, sun room and 4 season’s porch. Upstairs game room with fireplace and wet bar. Great location, easy access to anywhere.

John Greguska • 402.612.0594

The Rensch Group • 402.391.5333

Realtor Rob • 402.598.3335

20244 Hanna Ave, Pacific Junction, IA

617 Fairacres Road

I.F.C

22814 Hascall Street

1211 E 3rd, Oakland

$679,000

Sitting High with Stunning Views. Open Floor Plan w/ 5 bed and 5 bath. Alder woodwork through out, with solid alder-‐ wood 8G doors. Underground propane tank, central vac, granite, heated ceramic and garage floors, & triple paned windows.

Kori Krause • 402.679.0007

Lot 9 Traceview Loop, Council Bluffs

$494,900

This 4 br, 3.5 bth leaves nothing to be desired with open mn flr, 16’’ ceiling in lvg rm with flr to ceiling windows and stone fireplace, formal dining, dinette, study off kitchen, pantry, and drop zone off 4 car garage. 4 beds/3 baths, laundry room & fabulous vaults.

Sara Anne Porter • 402.212.3927

Your Home Team • 402.427.3852

march/april • 2011

V i r t u a l to u r s a n d M o r e at npdodge.com

www.OmahaPublications.com

volume 30 • issue 6

table of contents

132 Lydia Kang

is in Control

features

27/B1

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

Best of Omaha™ 2014 Results

130

To Tanzania With Love – Alegent Creighton Outreach

224

KANEKO’s David Thompson

departments & special sections volume 30 • issue 6

departments

8 Editor’s Letter 10 Between the Lines 12 For Starters 14 Calendar of Events 21 Greater Nebraska Happenings

22 Faces:

Robin Welch

24 Art+Culture: Kathy Tyree

124 Faces:

gala

189 Cover Story:

Chet Bressman Nebraska Humane Society

david williams

197 Ak-Sar-Ben as s i sta n t e di tor

197 Bemis Center

chris wolfgang

198 Cheeriodicals

editorial intern

anna hensel (#33)

199 Gala Round-Up 199 Wish List:

cr e at i v e di r e ctor

john gawley

Stephen Center

director of photography

126 Art+Culture: 128 Faces:

Patique Collins

134 Gen O:

Angie and Andrew Norman

EDITORIAL & CREATIVE STAFF om a h a pu bl i cat ion s e di tor

196 Gala Calendar

Dave Wingert Karen Schnepf

january/february 2014

dining

interactive media

bill sitzmann

226 In The Kitchen: Sarah Wengert

senior graphic designer

230 Dining Guide 242 Omaha Happy Hours

137 OmahaHome

web content manager

katie anderson junior graphic designer

paul lukes

production artist

marti latka

201 60PLUS In Omaha 221 Art+Culture:

graphic design interns

carrie hausman (#30)

Rick Anderson

223 Style Shot:

Carolyn Owen Anderson, Laurie Victor Kay, and Evie Kay

e ditorial advisors

rick carey • david scott

contributing writers

• leo adam biga • jennifer litton

suzanne smith arney kim carpenter robert nelson

• carol crissey nigrelli • mary anne vaccaro

heather oentrich

sarah wengert

aha Maga z Om

in e

B2 B

sin

•

e s s t o B u sin e

a’

Pages 27-218 do not appear in the Omaha Magazine visitors edition. To read these articles online, visit OmahaMagazine.com. To receive a full edition of Omaha Magazine by mail, purchase a subscription at OmahaMagazine.com/subscribe.

justin barnes

e’s in

Omaha Magazine visitorsedition

contributing photographer

2 013 • W

Owned and managed by Omaha Magazine, LTD

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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from the editor david williams

ICHAEL B O LT O N SNAGGED A Grammy in

February 1992. Yeah, I know. Me too. That was also the same year that Omaha Magazine launched the Best of Omaha™. The crooner once known for sporting Rapunzelstyle tresses never won another Grammy. The Best of Omaha™, we like to think, has demonstrated more staying power. To those born in 1992, Bolton is known mostly as a self-parodying figure in Honda television commercials and Saturday Night Live spoofs, but they are all now of legal age to toast this year’s Best of Omaha™ winners. So let’s join our younger readers to congratulate each and every business that received votes in what remains the oldest and most trusted source to track how the city expresses itself in everything from pizza to plumbing. We are proud that the Best of Omaha™ is one of the more instantly recognizable logos

all across the metro, but the true meaning of that familiar symbol lies with you, the people who are so passionate about your favorites. With over 30,000 discrete ballots that tallied over 700,000 individual votes, the Best of Omaha™ says almost as much about you—as much about the community—as it does about any of the winners. Also on these pages you will find another kind of “best of ” effort. This issue is loaded with stories on the very best of your friends and neighbors—the compassionate and accomplished people who, by example, help define the very character of a city. Congrats to all of the Best of Omaha™ winners, and a very, very belated congrats to Michael Bolton.

the story behind our cover

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

The Best of Omaha™ issue deserves to be accompanied by the very best in graphic design. Our cover art was inspired by the towering “Omaha” mural on the brick façade of the R.K. Riley Building now occupied by Pinnacle Bank at 1016 Douglas St. in Downtown Omaha. Design veteran nellie sudavicius macCallum, who is now the owner of Genesis Communications and also acts as Nebraska Shakespeare’s marketing director, executed the iconic mural in the early ’80s. Junior Graphic Designer Paul Lukes and Creative Director John Gawley created the striking, hand-drawn Best of Omaha™ lettering for this issue of Omaha Magazine. Ben Lueders of Fruitful Design contributed additional lettering and typesetting. This cover will perhaps be remembered as Lukes’ last major opus with the publication. He and his bride-to-be, Kyle Eustice, who happens to be a valued freelance writer with our publications, have recently moved to Colorado. We wish them both the very best of luck.

Omaha Magazine - Full Page ad (January Edition).pdf

CMY

12/2/2013

12:19 PM

between the lines photos by bill sitzmann

OMAHA MAGAZINE

between

THE LINES

A look at three Omaha Magazine team members

Katie joined Omaha Publications as a sales assistant in 2010 and made the jump to the art

department as a graphic designer the next year. She’s an Omaha North High School alumna and has degrees from Iowa Western Community College and Bellevue University. In addition to design, Katie enjoys photography and co-heads the Photo Club at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. Katie also crafts and likes to make candles, cross stitch, and more—anything that looks like fun on Pinterest. She also thinks the site is a great place to find recipes for the vegetables grown in her garden. Katie’s husband, Mike, has lured her into fitness through tennis

Katie Anderson

Senior Graphic Designer

and boxing. Her swing is fair. No black eyes yet from sparring. And no Olympic aspirations anytime soon in either sport. The origin of obsession is the subject of much discussion in psychological circles, but Dawn doesn’t care to give it a second thought when it comes to frogs. That’s right. The slimy kind. Warts and all. “What’s to explain,” the Omaha native chuckles, “I’m just crazy about frogs.” A fascination with the emerald-hued amphibians has led her to collect everything from frog-related ceramic figures to clothing—and everything in between. Something of a tadpole here at Omaha Magazine, she joined us last June after a long career in a variety of advertising gigs. Her giving and nurturing nature also led her to dedicate four years of her life as a medical assistant working with Alzheimer patients. Dawn has been married to husband Steven for 14 years and

Dawn Dennis Sales A ssociate

is the proud mother of adult sons Joshua and Austin. She recently became a grandmother for the first time and is already spoiling grandson Gabriel with all manner of frog-themed toys, clothing, and baby gear.

A part-time student at Southeast Community College in Lincoln, this native of Louisville, Neb. is studying business administration and aims to enter the real estate or property management arena upon graduation in December. When not busting the books she likes to bust a move wherever a strobe light flashes, which would suggest that she has such a fixture installed in her shower. Hip Hop is her favorite genre and Sydney doesn’t rule out the idea of one day opening her own beat-driven studio. In true “city mouse, country mouse” form, she is also an

Sydney Stander Gil Cohen’s A ssistant

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

avid outdoorswoman and enjoys airboating on the Platte River and four-wheeling the rolling hills surrounding her hometown.

volume 30, issue 6 ACCOUNTS & OPERATIONS STAFF publisher

todd lemke publisher’s assistant & omaha home contributing editor

sandy besch-matson

sales associates

jessica linhart dawn dennis

vice president

greg bruns

vice president of operations

tyler lemke

executive vice president sales

marketing

gil cohen gil cohen’s assistants

alicia smith hollins sydney stander

senior sales executive

60p lu s i n

omaha contributing editor

gwen lemke

Poseidon and the Sea

Myth, cult, and daily life

February 8–May 11, 2014

executive sales associate

vicki voet accountant

jim heitz

distribution manager

mike brewer

Organized by the Tampa Museum of Art This exhibition has a $10 ticket fee. Free for members, youth ages 17 and younger, and college students with ID.

for advertising & subscription information:

402.884.2000 Comments? Send your letter to the editor to: david@omahamagazine.com All versions of Omaha Magazine are published bimonthly by Omaha Magazine, LTD, P.O. Box 461208, Omaha NE 68046-1208. Telephone: (402) 884-2000; fax (402) 884-2001. Subscription rates: $19.95 for 6 issues (one year), $24.95 for 12 issues (two years). No whole or part of the contents herein may be reproduced without prior written permission of Omaha Magazine, excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs. Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted, however no responsibility will be assumed for such solicitations. Best of Omaha®™ is a registered tradename of Omaha Magazine.

Statue of Poseidon/Neptune alongside dolphin (detail), Roman, 1st century AD, marble, Collection Tampa Museum of Art, Joseph Veach Noble Collection, 1986.135

The realm of Poseidon encompassed virtually every aspect of life in the ancient Mediterranean world, from mythology and religious cult to daily activities. The exhibition centers around an imposing marble statue of the god from the first century AD that sets the stage for more than 100 works of Greek, Etruscan, and Roman art produced over more than a millennium. Major SponSor: Douglas County; Contributing SponSor: Peter Kiewit Sons’, Inc., Supporting SponSor: Mutual of Omaha; Additional Support provided by: Nebraska Arts Council and Nebraska Cultural Endowment.

2200 Dodge St. | Omaha, NE | (402) 342-3300 | joslyn.org omaha magazine • january/february 2014

this is omaha for starters compiled by anna hensel

THIS IS OMAHA

APPALACHIAN SPRING MARTHA GRAHAM DANCE COMPANY ORPHEUM THEATER JANUARY 26 Choreographed by the legendary Martha Graham in 1944 as the

war in Europe drew to an end, Appalachian Spring captures a time in American history when everything seemed possible. The ballet, featuring a score by Aaron Copland, tells the story of a young couple and their wedding day; there are a Husbandman, his Bride, a Pioneer Woman, a Preacher, and his Followers. Graham’s influence on dance has been compared with the influence Picasso had on the modern visual arts, Stravinsky had on music, or Frank Lloyd Wright had on architecture. Appalachian Spring brought Copland the 1945 Pulitzer Prize for Music. As Copland later recalled, “After Martha gave me this bare outline, I knew certain crucial things—that it had to do with the pioneer American spirit, with youth and spring, with optimism and hope. I thought about that in combination with the special quality of Martha’s own personality, her talents as a dancer, what she gave off, and the basic simplicity of her art. Nobody else seems anything like Martha, and she’s unquestionably very American.” Martha Graham Dance Company was founded in 1926 and has developed the reputation of presenting a timeless and uniquely American style of dance. It is the oldest modern dance company in America. 409 S. 16th St. Tickets start at $20 402-345-0606 omahaperformingarts.org

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

48TH ANNUAL OMAHA HOME & GARDEN EXPO CENTURYLINK CENTER FEBRUARY 6-9

The weather outside may be frightful, but the climate inside the CenturyLink Center will be delightful for the 48th Annual Omaha Home & Garden Expo. Now united with the Omaha Lawn, Flower & Patio Show, this extravaganza will showcase the most comprehensive collection of creative home ideas to refresh and restore your faith in spring, that season when all things are new again. This year’s show will combine all the latest ideas for today’s home consumers, from kitchens, bathrooms, and home-improvement products and services to a bouquet of sensory springtime scents. It will get you thinking about greener times on your deck or in your yard. This is the must-see home and garden event of the year. Stroll the area’s largest and most colorful exhibits of beautifully landscaped gardens with ponds, waterfalls, and blooming flowers at the biggest event of its kind for miles around. This four-day celebration of the home will have attractions for adults and children alike. Nationally known experts and personalities will be on hand to share all of their professional secrets while the Fountain Café & Food Court will help fuel your explorations through more than 200,000 square feet of displays. The entertainment lineup, including exotic animals and special activities for the kids, makes this a great family outing. 455 N. 10th St. Tickets $8 adults, $4 children ages 5 -12, kids under 5 are free. — showofficeonline.com

this is omaha for starters compiled by anna hensel

FOR STARTERS

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE CENTURYLINK CENTER FEBRUARY 10

OPERA OMAHA’S AGRIPPINA ORPHEUM THEATER FEBRUARY 14 AND FEBRUARY 16

One of this generation’s most-celebrated entertainers, Justin Timberlake, is dominating the global charts with the release of his acclaimed new album, The 20/20 Experience. Timberlake will bring his electrifying live show to fans with a worldwide tour that will span the globe from North America, Europe, Australia, and South America. This is the Grammy® and Emmy® award-winning artist’s first headlining tour in six years. Timberlake’s first album in seven years, The 20/20 Experience has been hailed by critics as one of the year’s best albums. Written and produced by Timberlake, the epic album will feature 10 all-new songs that explore the sonic boundaries fans discovered with the music found on this year’s earlier release. The 20/20 Experience has been certified Double Platinum in the United States and is the year’s fastest selling album. It also earned Timberlake the biggest first week sales for a male artist in five years along with the third biggest digital debut in SoundScan history, ranking just behind Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift. The 20/20 Experience World Tour is promoted worldwide by Live Nation Global Touring. 455 N. 10th St. Tickets from $47 to $177 1-800-745-3000 centurylinkcenteromaha.com

Delve into the sordid private lives of some of history’s most notorious figures. Agrippina is the ambitious and seductive wife of Emperor Claudius, who through shocking and often darkly comic machinations places her volatile teenage son, Nero, on the throne. Jeweled with Handel’s glorious melodies, Agrippina is the composer at his most theatrically visceral and musically stunning. This striking new Opera Omaha production premieres an original edition of the opera by early music specialist and conductor Stephen Stubbs and stage director James Darrah. This progressive, creative team leads a charismatic cast of singers, nearly all of whom will make their Opera Omaha debuts. Opera Omaha, the only professional opera company in Nebraska, began in 1958 as the Omaha Civic Opera Society, a volunteer association. It became a fully professional opera company by 1970. Opera Omaha world premieres have included such works as The Blizzard Voices (2008 – 2009 season), featuring a libretto by Ted Kooser, the former U.S. and current Nebraska Poet Laureate, and Wakonda’s Dream (2006 – 2007 season), featuring a libretto by the Pulitzer Prize-winning Yusef Komunyakaa. 409 S. 16th St. Tickets from $19 to $99 402-345-0606 operaomaha.com

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

january/february 2014

CALENDAR

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Celebrate Black History on Stamps January 1- March 1 at Boys Town, 137th & W. Dodge Rd. View stamps of famous Black Americans on display at the Leon Myers Stamp Center, located in the Boys Town Visitor Center. M-F/8am-5pm; Sat/9am4pm; Sun/11am-4pm. Free. 402-498-1141 - boystown.org Lossy Group Exhibition Through April 1 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S. 12th St. Curator Stephani Syjuco brings together six former Bemis Center Artists-in-Residence. Their sculptural and image-based surrogates call into question the notion of ‘presence’ and use their unfaithfulness as a way to reorganize meaning and symbolism in the world around them. Tu-Sat/11am-5pm. Free. 402-341-7130 – bemiscenter.org American Muralist Louis Grell January 20 - February 20 at Weber Fine Arts Building, 6001 Dodge St. Explore the works of Louis Grell, a 20th century painter and muralist born in Council Bluffs in this first retrospective exhibition. M-Th/10am-3pm. Free. 402-554-2796 – unomaha.edu Bill Hoover and Jerome Dubas, Mixed Media & Ceramics Exhibition January 27-March 7 at Fred Simon Gallery, 1004 Farnam St. Bill Hoover has been making art and music in Omaha for over 25 years, beginning by exhibiting his oil-based drawings at Lisa’s Radial Café. He has had over 14 solo shows and exhibitions around the country. Jerome Dubas is a faculty member of the arts department at Grand Island Senior High and teaches a ceramics course at Hastings College. His early ceramic inspiration came from his family’s farm near the hills of Fullerton. M-F/8am-5pm. Free. 402-595-2122 – nebraskaartscouncil.org

ART AND MUSEUM EXHIBITS From the Collection: Jun Kaneko’s Special Project – Fremont Dangos Through January 10 at KANEKO, 1111 Jones St. This exhibit brings together for the first time a set of six 11-foot ceramic pieces created by Jun Kaneko known as “Dangos.” The exhibit will also include documentation of the art-making process including sketches, photographs, and video. M-F/9am-5pm; Sat/1-5pm. Free. 402-3413800 – thekaneko.org

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

Poseidon and the Sea February 8-March 11 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. The realms of Poseidon encompassed virtually every aspect of life in the ancient Mediterranean world, from mythology and religious cult to daily activities. This exhibition explores each of these three domains through more than 100 pieces of Greek, Etruscan, and Roman art produced over more than a millennium. Tu,W,F, Sat/10am-4pm; Th/10am-8pm; Sun/12-4 pm. $10 general public adults, free for Joslyn members, ages 17 & under, and college students with ID. 402-3403300 – joslyn.org

Polar Obsession with Photographer Paul Nicklen February 18 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Paul Nicklen’s award-winning photography takes audiences on a visual journey through the vast polar regions of our planet and gives them a glimpse of the animals that call it home. 7:30pm. $20-$40. 402-345-0202 – omahaperformingarts.org

calendar of events Photo by Bill Sitzmann

CONCERTS Life is Cool with the Brigadiers, All Young Girls Are Machine Guns January 3 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Life is Cool is a local band that piles on the theatrics for a fun-filled dance party. A seven-person band that mixes funk, pop rock, and a fog machine, their live shows give audiences something to celebrate. $7. 9 pm. 402-3457569 – theslowdown.com Out of Control: Madness, Passion and Obession January 12 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. Conductor Ernest Richardson leads the Omaha symphony through a vivid portrayal of psychological thrills, burning desire, and destructive jealousy against the beautiful backdrop of the Joslyn Art Museum. 2 pm. $33. 402-340-3300 – joslyn.org ELVIS Lives - The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Event January 11 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. This multimedia musical journey across Elvis’ life features finalists from Elvis Presley Enterprises’ annual worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, as well as iconic imagery from the Graceland archives. 8 pm. $35-$80. 402-345-0606 – ticketomaha.com

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omaha magazine • january/february 2014

january/february 2014

CALENDAR

Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio February 7 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Called the forefather of “acid jazz,” Dr. Lonnie Smith’s music draws inspiration from a little bit of everything—funk, jazz, hip-hop, and dance music—with a sound that will keep audiences wanting more. 8 pm. $30. 402-345-0606 – ticketomaha.com Evening at the Oscars February 8 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Stroll the red carpet to hear iconic music from Academy Award®-winning films, including Gone with the Wind, The Godfather, and Titanic. 8 pm. $25-70. 402-345-0202. ticketomaha.com

George Strait with Eric Church January 17 at CenturyLink Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. George Strait’s “Cowboy Rides Away Tour” will be his last. Known as “The King of Country,” Strait has had 60 No.1 hits, more than any other artist. Joining Strait is Eric Church, who is hot off of two No. 1 singles—“Drink in My Hand” and “Springsteen.” 7:30 pm. $75.50-$96.50 plus fees. 402-341-1500 – centurylinkcenteromaha.com Festival of the Americas – Programs 1 and 2 January 24 - 25 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Thomas Wilkins (conductor), Alyson Cambridge (soprano), and Oren Fader (guitar) explore the diversity of the Americas with two programs evoking the colorful landscapes and vibrant cultures of the New World. The January 24th concert consists of the first program, while the January 25th concert features the second program. F-Sat/8pm. $27-$80 plus fees. 402-345-0606 - omahasymphony.org Behind the Mask: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber February 1 – 2 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Enjoy music from some of composer Andrew Lloyd Webber’s biggest hits, including Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Cats. Sat/8pm; Sun/2pm. $19-$83. 402-345-0202 – omahaperformingarts.org $25-70. ticketomaha.com The Expendables February 3 at The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St. Originally from California, the Expendables have been making waves since 1997 with their West Coast style, blending reggae, punk rock, and more. 7 pm. $15. 402-884-5353 – waitingroomlounge.com

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

Count Basie Orchestra February 14 at Holland Performing Arts Center,1200 Douglas St. The Count Basie Orchestra and New York Voices reunite nearly 20 years after their Grammy® Award-winning collaboration to once again combine the best of big band sounds and vocal jazz. 8 pm. $65-$25. 402-345-0606 – ticketomaha.com

Mardi Gras Cabaret February 27 at Glo Lounge, 3201 Farnam St. The Joey Gilizia Trio will present some of the upbeat and celebratory Latin sounds inspired by Carnival in Rio. Presented by St. Cecelia Cathedral. Includes dinner and a cash bar. 6:30 pm. $50. 402-558-3100 ext. 3007 – cathedralartsproject.orgFAMILY EVENTS

Winter Dreams February 16 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 324 S. Jackson St., Papillion Orchestra Omaha presents the winners of their annual Young Artists Competition. 3 pm. Free. 402-681-4791 – orchestraomaha.org

Mozart’s Missing Memory January 19 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. A part of the Omaha Symphony’s Family Series, this show gives kids a fun introduction to a classical music genius. Featuring a mix of humor and music, this show promises laughs for all ages. 2 pm. $12. 402-345-0202 – ticketomaha.com

calendar of events

Nickelodeon’s The Fresh Beat Band January 26 at Ralston Arena, 7300 Q. St., Ralston Nickelodeon’s The Fresh Beat Band is a live-action music series that teaches preschoolers about music appreciation and how to express their feelings through movement, song, and music. 5 pm. $39.50-$159.50 plus taxes & fees. 800-440-3741 – homepridetix.com Sid the Science Kid Live! January 30 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. Based on the Emmy®-nominated PBS Kids television show, Sid the Science Kid, this live show takes kids on an interactive journey to explore the world alongside their favorite characters. Arrive an hour early for a Kids Zone featuring coloring, face painting, balloon artists, and more.7 pm. $25. 402-345-0606 – ticketomaha.com

C. Stanosheck, D.D.S. Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry

The Grocer’s Goblin and the Little Mermaid January 31 – February 16 at The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St. Two classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales come to life in this inventive world premiere, combining original puppetry and projections to explore intertwined tales of loving, longing, and growing up. Best for ages 5-11. F/7pm, Sat/2pm & 5pm; Sun/2pm. $18 non-members, free members. 402-345-4849 – rosetheater.org

The Clear Alternative To Braces

Things That Go! Through April 14 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St. Explore all the things that make the world go round in the upcoming special exhibit, Things That Go! In this exhibit, kids will move full speed into the idea of “GO” in everything from vehicles, water, energy, and more. Sun/1-5pm; Tu-F/10am-4pm; Sat/9am5pm. Free members & under 24 months. $2 in admission to regular admission price adults, seniors, and children. 402-342-6164 – ocm.org

Thanks for making us a Best of Omaha™ winner for the last 8 years!

Christopher A. Stanosheck, D.D.S., PC 9202 West Dodge St., Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 884-1607

www.ClearBracesOmaha.com omaha magazine • january/february 2014

january/february 2014

CALENDAR RECREATION Monster Jam January 3- 5 at Mid-America Center, 1 Arena Way This “smashing” event features 10,000 pounds of monster trucks battling it out in both racing and an audience-scored “freestyle” competition. F/7:30 pm; Sat/2 & 7:30pm; Sun/2pm. $37 adults, $24 ages 2-12, free 2 & under. 712-323-0537 – midamericacenter.com

Martha Graham Dance Company January 26 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. The Martha Graham Dance Company celebrates the vision of its namesake by performing her 1944 work Appalachian Spring. 7pm. $20-$50. 402-335-0606 – ticketomaha.com Dvorák’s Rusklka - The Met: Live in HD February 6 at Film Streams, 1340 Mike Fahey St. The great Renée Fleming returns to one of her signature roles, singing the enchanting “Song to the Moon” in Dvorák’s soulful fairy-tale opera. This live telecast also includes a prelude talk from Opera Omaha. 11:55 am. $20 Opera Omaha and Film Streams members, $24 general admission, $10 students with valid school ID. 402-933-0259 – filmstreams.org

Cathedral Flower Festival January 25-26 at St. Cecilia Cathedral, 701 N. 40th St. This year’s 29th annual Cathedral Flower Festival is inspired by South Pacific, and will bring some tropical beauty to Omaha during the cold winter. Bill O’Reilly: No Spin Zone January 31 at Ralston Arena, 7300 Q St., Ralston A provocative face for over 30 years, Fox News commentator and journalist Bill O’Reilly brings his “no-spin” approach to the most current events and issues in our world. 8 pm. $79-$250 plus taxes and fees. 402-934-6291 – homepridetix.com

photo provided by John Gawley Swing Under the Wings February 14 at Strategic Air & Space Museum, 28210 W. Park Hwy. The Strategic Air & Space Museum presents their 2014 Hangar Dance, this year with a 1940s theme. Come dressed in your best vintage clothing and costumes to relive memories of a bygone era. 7 pm. See website for ticket information. 402-944-3100 – sacmuseum.org

Nebraska Buck ‘N Bird Classic January 31 – November 2 at CenturyLink Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. You can find all kinds of outdoor recreation under one roof at the Buck ’N Bird Classic, a three-day expo on all things outdoors. Includes a rock climbing wall, seminars on hunting and fishing, and more. F/3-9pm; Sat/9am-7pm; Sun/10am-4pm. $10 adults, $5 ages 7-12, free ages 7 & under. 402-707-4885 – nebraskabigbuckclassic.com 48th Annual Omaha Home and Garden Show February 6 – 9 at Century Link Center, 455 N. 10th St. Spring comes early with Omaha’s largest showcase of landscaping, home, gardens, and outdoor living. Th/59pm; F/11am-9pm; Sat/11 am-8pm; Sun/11am-5pm. $8 adults, $4 ages 5-12, free ages 5 & under. 402-341-1500 – centurylinkcenteromaha.com Lauritzen Gardens Valentine’s Day Dinner February 14 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Have a “green” Valentine’s day this year among the beautiful flowers and plants of the Lauritzen Gardens. Guests will receive a three-course meal and a glass of wine. Seating available from 6 pm-9pm. $50 per person. 402-346-4002 – lauritzengardens.org

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

THEATRE The Church Basement Ladies in A Mighty Fortress is Our Basement January 17 at Iowa Western Community College, 2700 College Road, Council Bluffs The Church Basement Ladies are back in the fourth and latest installment in this popular series of musical comedies. The year is 1960, a reformation is underway, and once again the Church Basement Ladies are required to face change head-on. 2 pm & 8 pm. $35 adults, $31 seniors and students. 712-388-7140 – artscenter.iwcc.edu Having Our Say-The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years January 17 – February 9 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Meet sisters Sadie and Bessie Delaney in this biographical, two-person play. At ages 101 and 103, these resilient African-American sisters have lived through the historic Civil Rights Movement, Jim Crow laws, and women’s suffrage. W-Sat/7:30pm; Sun/2pm. $35 Adults, $21 Students. 402-553-0800 – omahaplayhouse.com

Next to Normal February 7- March 16 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. The 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama winner, Next to Normal is a deeply moving rock musical and raw account of a family dealing with mental illness, tragedy, and the realities of modern society. Disclaimer: contains strong language and adult situations and is intended for mature audiences. Th-Sat/7:30 pm; Sun/2pm. $35 adults, $21 students. 402-553-0800 – omahaplayhouse.com Duets February 8 at Ballet Nebraska’s Encore Performance Space, 2819 S. 125th Ave. Part of Ballet Nebraska’s “Encore Series,” this fresh mix of partnered dance works includes a discussion with artists and refreshments. 7:30 pm. $25. 402-541-6946 – balletnebraska.org

calendar of events Million Dollar Quartet February 18 – February 23 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. This Tony Award®-wining Broadway musical draws inspiration from the electrifying true story of the recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. Tu-Th/7:30 pm; F/8pm; Sat/2pm & 8pm; Sun/1:30 pm & 7pm. $95-$30. 402-345-0606 – omahaperformingarts.com Gnit February 20 – March 15 at Blue Barn Theatre. 614 S. 11th St. Loosely based on Henrik Ibsen’s Peer Gynt, this American version focuses on self-involved Peter Gnit, who kidnaps a young women on her wedding day, falls in love with someone else, and embarks on a global journey. $25 adults, $20 students. Th-Sat/7:30pm; Sun/6pm; no show Feb. 23rd and Mar. 16th. 402-3451576 – bluebarn.org

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Death by Design February 26-March 1 & March 6-8 at Weber Fine Arts Building, 6001 Dodge St. What happens when you mix the brilliant wit of Noel Coward with the intricate plotting of Agatha Christie? You have a delightful and mysterious mash-up of two of the greatest English writers of all time in this zany and macabre murder mystery. 7:30 pm. $15 general adult tickers, $10 UNO faculty and staff, senior citizens, and military. $5 students with ID and TAG member card. 402-554-7529 – unotheatre.com Ella February 28 – March 30 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Ella is the powerhouse story and musical revue of iconic jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald. As this legend prepares for her most challenging performance, she recalls her life’s tribulations and how she found solace in music. W-Sat/7:30 pm; Sat/2pm. Ticket Prices TBA. 402-553-0800 – omahaplayhouse.com Jackie & Me February 28 – March 16 at The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St. With the help of a vintage baseball card and a little bit of magic, average boy Joey Stoshack travels back to 1947 and meets Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play in the major leagues. Best for ages 6-13. F/7pm; Sat/2 & 5 pm; Sun/2pm. $18 non-members, free members. 402-345-4849 – rosetheater.org

HAVANA GARAGE CIGAR LOUNGE Birthplace of the signature Havana Garage Cocktail. If James Joyce and Che Guevara fixed a drink for Ernest Hemingway, this would be it. 1008 Howard Street / The Old Market / Omaha / TheHavanaGarage.com

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omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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calendar january/february 2014

YEAR ROUND

Sarpy County Historical Museum. January 1 – February 28 in Bellevue, Neb. Trace the history of Sarpy County from the original American Indians to its present-day residents. Exhibits include the history of the fur traders and missionaries, period rooms, early agricultural pursuits, and a scale model of Fort Crook, now Offutt Air Force Base. 402-292-1880–www. sarpycountymuseum.org

JANUARY EVENTS First Day Hike. January 1 at Ponca State Park in Ponca, Neb. Ring in the New Year with resident wildlife along the park trails. Hot cider and cookies will be served at the Resource and Education Center. Free. 402-755-2284 – outddoornebraska.ne.gov Alleviate Cabin Fever. January 1 – February 28 at Springfield Artworks in Springfield, Neb. There’s always something fun happening at the forever bold, forever colorful Springfield Artworks. 402301-9162 – springfieldartworks.com Get Your Art On. January 1 – February 28 at Prairie Winds Art Center in Grand Island, Neb. A fantasy of art and gifts to battle the winter blues. 308-381-4001 – prairiewindsart.com

MONA LIVE! February 13 at Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney, Neb. MONA LIVE is a series of delightful programs featuring talented visual, literary, and performing artists from the area. These evenings of art and entertainment conclude with light refreshments and the opportunity to enjoy the museum’s collection. 7-8 pm. Free. 308-865-8559 – mona.unk.edu Great Backyard Bird Count at Scotts Bluff National Monument. February 14-15 at 190276 Oregon Trail in Gering, Neb. Join ranger tours to identify and count birds as part of this nationwide effort to track birds around the continent. 8 am. Free. 308-436-9700 – nps.gov/scbl

Photo provided by City of Alliance Carhenge. Year-round in Alliance, Neb. Kitschy Carhenge is formed from vintage American automobiles, painted gray to replicate Stonehenge. The site also features a Car Art Preserve with sculptures made from cars and parts of cars. Free. 308-762-3876 – carhenge.com

Wine, Roses and Chocolate. February 8 at Soaring Wines Vineyard in Springfield, Neb. Enjoy this romantic, annual event complete with a chocolate fountain, local wine, and a rose for your special someone. 7-9:30 pm. $70 per couple. 402-253-2479 – soaringwingswine.com

Photo provided by Nebraska Tourism Lodgepole Depot Museum. January 1 – February 28 in Lodgepole, Neb. This train depot and railroad museum displays horse buggies, antique furniture, and historical clothing inside an old train depot. Open by appointment. 308-483-5620 – westnebraska.com

Rock of Ages. February 15 at Lied Center for the Performing Arts in Lincoln, Neb. Experience the greatest hit of the ’80s, including Journey, STYX, REO Speedwagon, Twisted Sister, and more in this Broadway musical hit. 8 pm. $42-$59. 402-4724747 – liedcenter.org

Don Doll, S.J. & Corey Broman Exhibit. January 9 – March 1 at Norfolk Arts Center in Norfolk, Neb. Opening reception Jan. 16, 6-8pm. Free admission. 402-371-7199 – norfolkartscenter.org PRCA Championship Rodeo. January 24-25 at Pershing Center in Lincoln, Neb. The best rodeo athletes from the region compete in seven action-packed events. 7:30 pm. $22-$28 advanced tickets, $26-32 day of show prices, half price kids tickets. 402-441-8744 – pershingcenter.com Quackoff Duck Races. January 25 at Tefft Park in Avoca, Neb. This quirky, annual event draws hundreds of visitors to watch and compete in duck races. Contestants can register their own ducks or rent their own in this fundraiser for the Avoca Volunteer Fire Department. Registration 10am-12pm. Races start at 1 pm. – avocafire.com FEBRUARY EVENTS

Photo provided by Hastings Museum Hastings Museum. January 1 – February 28 in Hastings, Neb. The largest municipal museum between Chicago and Denver, the Hastings Museum features exhibits chronicling the history of Nebraska, ranging from the life of the early inhabitants of the Nebraska Plains to the invention of Kool-Aid. The museum also houses a theater with a 70-foot wide screen and a planetarium. Sun/12-6pm; Tu-Th/9am-5pm; F-Sat/9am-8pm. $7 adult, $6 senior, $5 children. 402461-4629–hastingsmuseum.org.

Nebraska Songwriters. February 1 at Minden Opera House in Minden, Neb. Enjoy an evening hearing the stories behind the music and learn about life as a musician in Nebraska. Featuring Heather Schnoor, Daniel Christian, and Jamie Jones. 7:30 pm. $16. 308832-0588 – mindenoperahouse.com Prairie Princess Party. Feburary 8 at Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer in Grand Island, Neb. An event featuring crafts, face painting, games, royal photos with Miss Nebraska, and more frilly fun. 1-4pm, $6-$8. 308-385-5316 – stuhrmuseum.org

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

story by carol crissey nigrelli • photos by bill sitzmann

FACES

Her 13 Cents Worth

HOUGH INCHING P E R I L O U S LY CLOSE

to senior citizen status, Robin Welch still moves with the grace and agility of a young prima ballerina, which of course she once was. Welch came to the Midlands in 1985 as principal dancer for Ballet Omaha, continuing an upward trajectory in ballet that can only be described as meteoric. Previously, she had won a full scholarship at age 15 to train with the Harkness Ballet in New York City, where she was born. Her talents won her a permanent spot with the company and at 17 she jetted off to Monaco. “Our company was based in Monte Carlo,” she recounts. “Princess Grace would invite us to the castle. We’d swim in their pool.” The company danced all across Europe, where Welch met or performed with the greatest ballet legends of the era, including Mikhail Baryshnikov. Yes, everything was beautiful—until Rebekah Harkness decided to close the company she had founded. Welch returned 22

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

The curtain keeps rising on Omaha’s ballet icon.

stateside to join the Connecticut Ballet. It was in New Haven in 1978 that a photo of her was taken and used on a postage stamp—worth a princely 13 cents—as part of the Postal Service’s USA Dance series. The call to Omaha actually came from her then-husband, artistic director Robert Vickrey, who brought his wife and their young daughter, Rachel, with him to develop Ballet Omaha. After Robert’s departure in the early ’90s (the couple had divorced by then), Ballet Omaha collapsed, and Welch retired as a dancer. The curtain rose again in 1999 when The Rose Theater offered to house a new school and company, Omaha Ballet Theater, which Welch founded. After 11 years at the helm of Omaha’s only professional ballet company, she was stunned when The Rose decided to sever its ties. “It was draining to see it disintegrate before my eyes,” says Welch of her ballet school. But she was born to teach. Welch gathered her strength, her money, and her daughter— an accomplished ballet artist herself—and in

2010 opened Robin Welch Dance Arts, home of Heartland Youth Ballet. Welch’s gift of unfettered, joyous movement now shines in her young students. “I have worked with children trained by Robin,” says Ernest Richardson, Resident Conductor of the Omaha Symphony. “They come consummately prepared. They’re disciplined, respectful, and they know how to work with the orchestra. She’s an amazing woman.” Accolades from her peers sustained Welch after she thought her life’s work had ended. When the Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards presented her with their Lifetime Achievement Award two years ago, she broke down in gratitude. “I had felt isolated until that point,” she admits. “But [the award] made me feel like I was part of the community again. It came at a great time.” With Heartland Youth Ballet now soaring, Welch’s story adds another en pointe chapter—this one with a happy ending. OMAG

story by robert nelson • photo by bill sitzmann

ART+CULTURE

Kathy Tyree Channeling Her Inner Diva

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

HE TERM “DIVA” HAS taken a bit

of a hit in recent years, suggesting to some a haughty I-want-it-alland-want-it-now scene chewer who treats other humans like varmints. For most, though, the word remains untarnished. The diva is still the shining star, the bigger-than-life glory who commands a room while displaying elegance and charity beyond the bright lights. Kathy Tyree is most certainly the latter type of diva. So, too, was Ella Fitzgerald, the legendary jazz diva who Tyree will shape-shift into for Ella, which opens at the Omaha Community Playhouse on February 28. “Ella Fitzgerald was every bit the good diva, a marvelous performer,” Tyree says during an interview at a mid-town coffee shop. “My job is to channel my inner diva. But I think I’ve earned my diva stripes. It’s an immense challenge, but I feel I’m up to the challenge.” Tyree has more than earned those stripes in 30-some years of powerhouse singing throughout the region. She is arguably

Omaha’s premier cabaret singer. Among numerous other roles, she played Aretha Franklin in Beehive, widely considered the longest-running show in the city’s history. That show’s director, Gordon Cantiello, says he’s confident that Tyree is “by all means a big-time diva in the good way. “The other girls in Beehive had to work hard to keep up with her,” Cantiello says. “She commands a room. She’s 110 percent all the time. She’s a director’s dream.” Susie Collins, who will be directing Ella, agrees and adds that Tyree “has a very special, powerful way of expressing herself through her music.” And yes, she said, Tyree can command a room like a true diva. She did just that in a Playhouse production last summer. “She brought the house down in Hairspray,” Collins continues. “She’s going to bring the house down again.” Ella is a new challenge for Tyree in that, for one, “there are an immense number of lines to learn.” The one-woman musical is “a very honest and open look at her life.” >

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< The musical goes far beyond the music. Set in Nice, France, in 1966, Fitzgerald’s manager suggests she engage in more banter with her audience—a fashion for singers at the time. Her conversations on and off the stage through the musical increasingly delve into deeply personal topics, including the sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of her stepfather. “In shows like this you can get a script that’s kind of glued in there—that’s very forced,” Collins explains. “You have a very skilled playwright here [Jeffrey Hatcher]. The script is just excellent.” “It actually goes deeper than the biographies that have been written about her,” Tyree says. “There are just some topics you didn’t talk about back then that are discussed more openly now.” At the show’s heart, though, is the music and the larger-than-life voice and presence of the diva. “The diva develops her own style out of her own personality,” Tyree says. “Ella Fitzgerald was uniquely Ella. A diva is the only person who sounds the way they do. You know immediately who is singing when you hear the voice.” Tyree has built her own personal style from many influences. In some cases, she’s standing on some unlikely shoulders. You might guess she was first inspired by the towering voices and personalities of Diana Ross and Lena Horne. Aretha Franklin, sure. Cher, who Tyree loves for her versatility. Luther Vandross. So smooth. But Mick Jagger? Really? “He’s always going—so passionate,” she says. “I love what he does with a song.” And Rod Stewart? “I love performers who are sincere and real,” she says. “That passion is authentic.” Ella Fitzgerald, she says, was one of those sincere, genuine, authentic, and passionate singers who brought her best each night to her performance and her audience. That’s what Tyree wants for every second she spends on stage as Ella Fitzgerald. “I’d like to think I have my own style, so it’s interesting to work to channel Ella Fitzgerald—try to take on her unique style,” Tyree says. “What’s not at all different is that burning desire to give the audience everything you have. Ultimately, a diva wants to give the audience something to remember. So we’re going to work to give the audience something to remember.” OMAG

results

BEST OF OMAHA™ 2014

M A H A MAGAZINE’S BE ST OF

OMAHA™ Contest is now in its

22nd year! Since 1992, you and your neighbors have been voting for their favorite pizza joint, hair salon, home remodeler, auto body shop, and dozens of other businesses in the pure, popular voting contest that is Best of Omaha™. This year, over 30,000 people cast ballots that held more than 700,000 individual votes! Best of Omaha™ is audited by the accounting firm Goracke & Associates. Media partners KETV 7 and Q98-Five helped promote the contest; their support not only expands our audience but also lends credibility and enhances community involvement in Best of Omaha™. Thank you, sponsors!

In order to keep the Best of Omaha™ the freshest barometer of where your passions lie, we are continuously adding new sections to the ballot. This year’s roster has expanded to 240 distinct categories. We congratulate each and every business who received votes and are honored that so many winners proudly feature the coveted Best of Omaha™ logo on their storefronts and vehicles, in their marketing materials and advertising—even on employee badges and buttons! We encourage you, our readers, to continue supporting your treasured Omaha businesses and to personally congratulate them on their Best of Omaha™ recognition—they earned it! Now, for the 2014 Best of Omaha™ winners’ list...

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

B-1

results

BEST OF OMAHA™ 2014

DINING 801 Chophouse———————— B22 Abelardo’s Mexican Food———— B6 Amsterdam Falafel & Kebob— B10, B13 Bagel Bin—————————— B5 Bailey’s Breakfast and Lunch Restaurant———— B6, B24 Barrett’s Barleycorn Pub and Grill—B21 Biaggi’s——————————— B18 Black Oak Grill & Bar—————— B18 Blue Sushi Sake Grill—————— B24 Bohemian Cafe———————— B10 BONEFISH GRILL————— B5, B22 Boyd and Charlie’s——————— B5 Brewburger’s————————— B13 brix————————————— B24 brix at Midtown Crossing———— B18 Bronco’s Burger———————— B10 Brother Sebastian’s—————— B21 Bruegger’s Bagels——————— B5 Buffalo Wild Wings—————— B14 Caffeine Dreams——————— B9 Cakery———————————— B6 Cake Gallery————————— B6 Charleston’s————————— B22 Charlie’s on the Lake———— B18, B22 Cheddar’s—————————— B10 Cheeseburger In Paradise———— B13 CherryBerry————————— B13 China Buffet————————— B6 China Road—————————— B9 Choo Choo Bar & Grill————— B14 Clayton Chapman, The Grey Plume— B9 Cold Stone Creamery—————— B14 Corkscrew Wine and Cheese—— B24 Crane Coffee————————— B9 Crescent Moon Ale House—— B6, B21 Cupcake Island———————— B9 Cuppycakes Sweet Boutique—— B9 Dante Ristorante Pizzeria———— B6 Dario’s Brasserie——————— B10 Delice European Bakery—— B10, B18 Dinker’s Bar & Grill——————— B13 Doc & Eddie’s————————— B5 Dos de Oros————————— B10 España——————————— B5 Famous Dave’s———————— B5 Fernando’s———————— B6, B17 Feta’s Greek Restaurant———— B13 Firebirds——————————— B22 Firehouse Subs———————— B22 Five Guys—————————— B13 Flatiron Cafe————————— B21 French Fries————————— B10 Gandolfo’s Deli———————— B9 Gerda’s German Restaurant & Bakery————————— B5 Goldberg’s Bar & Grill————— B21 Grandmother’s———————— B24 Granite City—————————— B24 Greek Islands————————— B13 greenbelly—————————— B18 Hector’s——————————— B6 HIRO 88————————— B17, B24 HuHot Mongolian Grill————— B6 Indian Dining————————— B14 Indian Oven—————————— B14 Ingredient—————————— B17 Jack & Mary’s———————— B13 Jaipur Brewing Company———— B14 JAMS Grill & Bar——————— B22 Japanese Dining———————— B17 Jason’s Deli————————— B9 Jerico’s——————————— B21 Johnny’s Cafe————————— B21 Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse——— B21 Jon Seymour, V. Mertz————— B9 Jones Bros. Cupcakes————— B9 Juice Stop—————————— B22 Katie’s Greek Restaurant & Taverna————————— B13 King Kong—————————— B13 Kobe Steakhouse——————— B17 Kona Grill®—————————— B5 Krug Park—————————— B21 La Buvette—————————— B10 La Casa Pizzaria———————— B21 La Mesa Mexican Restaurant—— B17 Lazlo’s———————————— B6 Le Peep——————————— B6 Le Voltaire—————————— B10

B-2

Legacy Gyros————————— B13 Lenny’s Sub Shop——————— B22 Lighthouse Pizza——————— B10 Lithuanian Bakery——————— B18 Little King———————— B9, B22 Lo Sole Mio Ristorante————— B17 Localmotive————————— B10 M’s Pub——————————— B5 Mahogany® Prime Steakhouse— B22 Mai Thai——————————— B24 Malara’s——————————— B18 Mama’s Pizza————————— B21 Maria Bonita————————— B10 Maria’s Mexican Restaurant——— B17 Marks Bistro————————— B18 McFoster’s—————————— B18 Millard Roadhouse————— B10, B13 Mother India————————— B14 Nosh Restaurant and Wine Lounge———————— B24 Nothing Bundt Cakes—————— B6 Old Chicago——————— B6, B21 Olive Garden————————— B10 Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt——— B13 Oscar’s Pizza & Sports Grille——— B14 pana88——————————— B9 Panera———————————— B5 Paradise Bakery & Cafe————— B17 Pasta Amore————————— B18 Paul Kulik, Boiler Room————— B9 Pettit’s Pastry—————— B5, B18 Pitch———————————— B6 Plank Seafood Provisions———— B18 Red Mango———————— B13, B22 Richie’s Chicken & Hamburgers— B13 Rotella’s Italian Bakery————— B5 Runza® Restaurants—————— B10 Saigon Restaurant——————— B24 Sakura Bana——————— B17, B24 Salt 88———————————— B18 Scooter’s Coffeehouse——— B9, B22 Shucks Fish House and Oyster Bar—B 22 Sinful Burger————————— B13 Spezia———————————— B17 Stella’s——————————— B13 Stokes Grill & Bar——————— B17 Summer Kitchen Café and Bakery— B10 Taste of Thailand——————— B24 Ted & Wally’s Ice Cream———— B14 Thai Spice—————————— B24 The Cakery—————————— B6 The Drover—————————— B22 The Egg & I—————————— B6 Three Happiness Express———— B9 Upstream Brewing Company—— B5, B6 V. Mertz——————————— B21 Valentino’s—————————— B6 Vietnamese Asian——————— B24 Vietnamese Dining——————— B24 Vietnamese Restaurant————— B24 Vincenzo’s Italian Ristorante—— B17 Wheatfield’s——————— B5, B10 Zesto Ice Cream & Grill————— B14 Zio’s Pizzeria————————— B21

Fontenelle Forest Nature Center— B27 Fusion Dance————————— B27 Hamilton Heights Child Development Center————B31, 27 Heartland Family Service———— B27 Henry Doorly Zoo——————— B27 Huntington—————————— B32 Husker———————————— B31 Imagine and Explore Preschool— B31 Indian Creek————————— B32 Jewish Community Center——— B35 John Moore Pediatrics————— B31 Keystone——————————— B32 Kingswood Athletics—————— B32 Kitty Lee Dance———————— B27 Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska———————— B27 Mad Cow——————————— B31 Marcus Midtown——————— B31 Mervin Reese Photographers—— B28 Metro Stars————————— B32 Metro Stars Gymnastics———— B28 Millard Athletic Association——— B32 Millard Children’s Academy——— B27 Montessori Educational Centers Inc.———————— B31 Nebraska All-Star——————— B32 Nebraska Dance———————— B27 Nebraska Elite Volleyball———— B35 Nebraska Gold Gymnastics——— B28 Omaha Summer Arts Festival—— B28 Omaha Beef————————— B31 Omaha Children’s Museum——— B27 Omaha Conservatory of Music—— B31 Omaha Football Club—————— B35 Omaha Lancers———————— B31 Omaha Sports Academy—— B32, B35 Omaha Storm Chasers————— B31 Pacific Springs Golf Club—— B32, B35 Papillion Recreation—————— B32 Papio Bay Aquatic Center———— B35 Premier Gymnastics—————— B28 Premier Volleyball——————— B35 Pump It Up—————————— B27 Rainbow Dental———————— B28 Santa Lucia Festival—————— B28 Schmitt Music———————— B31 Sempeck’s Bowling and Entertainment————— B28 SkateDaze—————————— B28 Swimtastic Swim School———— B35 Sylvan———————————— B32 Taste of Omaha———————— B28 The Amazing Pizza Machine— B27, B28 The Dentists————————— B28 The First Tee of Omaha————— B35 The Volleyball Academy———— B35 Tigers Cheer————————— B32 Today’s Dental———————— B28 Toro Soccer Club——————— B35 UNO Summer Camp—————— B35 YMCA of Greater Omaha—— B32, B35

FAMILY

Aesthetic Surgical Images——— B38 American Nails & Spa————— B45 Aspen Athletic Clubs—————— B42 Authentic Brazilian Wax By Vanella————————— B48 Balanced Body———————— B38 Bare Body Shop———————— B45 Beauty Brands———————— B38 Beauty First Salon & Store——— B38 Big Brain——————————— B48 Black Clover® Fitness————— B46 Black Squirrel Tattoo—————— B48 Blue Moon Fitness——————— B42 Body Basics Fitness Equipment— B42 Body Masters————————— B46 BodyBrite USA———————— B45 Braddock Finnegan Dermatology, P.C.—————— B41 Brookestone Meadows————— B46 Christi Clark————————— B42 Christopher A. Stanosheck, DDS, PC—————————— B41 Clear Choice Orthodontics——— B46 Community Rehab——————— B46 Complete Nutrition——————— B45 Creative Hair Design Salon & Spa— B42 CrossFit——————————— B41

Academic Adventures Child Development Center————— B27 Aksarben Cinema——————— B31 AMC Village Pointe—————— B31 Arnold Clark Photography———— B28 Bellevue Junior Sports Association——— B32, B35 BounceU——————————— B27 Boys Town Center for Behavioral Health—————— B27 Boys Town Pediatrics/Dr. Shidler— B31 Camp Rivercrest———————— B35 Child Day Care———————— B27 Club Z!———————————— B32 Deyo’s Photography—————— B28 Dietze Music————————— B31 DiVentures—————————— B35 Dr. Lisa Whitcomb——————— B31 Dr. Kelli Shidler———————— B31 Eagle Run—————————— B35 Elite Cheer—————————— B32 Elkhorn Youth Football————— B35 Elmwood Golf Course—————— B32 Family Entertainment—————— B28 Family Fun Center XL———— B28, B31

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

HEALTH & BEAUTY

David Finkle, MD——————— B41 Endless Possibilities—————— B46 Eric Burden, BUNGALOW/8 Hairdressing———————— B42 Faces———————————— B41 Farrell’s eXtreme Bodyshaping—— B48 Fast Diet——————————— B48 Finkle Cosmetic Surgery Center— B38 Garbo’s——————————— B42 Gloss Salon & Day Spa——— B41, B42 GNC————————————— B45 Hillcrest Health & Rehab———— B46 Huerter Orthodontics—————— B46 Ideal Image———————— B45, B48 Igel Orthodontics——————— B46 Jazzercise—————————— B48 Joel Schlessinger, M.D. & Skin Specialists, PC———— B41 John Edney, MD, Aesthetic Surgical Images—— B41 John Mangiameli, Creative Hair Salon & Spa—— B42 Kimberly Spa Omaha—————— B48 Kirby Keomysay———————— B42 Koca Chiropractic Clinic———— B38 Kosama——————————— B48 Legacy Nails & Spa—————— B45 Legacy Pilates, Yoga & More——— B46 Liquid Courage Tattoos————— B48 Lotus House of Yoga—————— B48 LovelySkin Spa———————— B41 Makovicka Physical Therapy—— B46 Mid-America Martial Arts———— B45 Midwest Dermatology Clinic, P.C.— B41 Midwest Eye Care——————— B45 Millard Family Eyecare————— B45 Millard Wellness Center———— B38 Mohegan Nail Spa——————— B45 No Name Nutrition——————— B45 Omaha Blue Waves—————— B45 Omaha Primary Eye Care———— B45 Omaha Yoga School—————— B48 One Tree Yoga————————— B48 Palm Beach Tan———————— B48 Paradise Bay Tanning————— B48 Pearson Chiropractic: A Family Wellness Center——— B38 Physicians Weight Loss Center—— B48 Pilates Center of Omaha———— B46 Pilates Fitness———————— B46 Prairie Life Fitness——————— B42 Priority 1 Fitness——————— B42 ProCare3 Physical Therapy——— B46 Push Pedal Pull———————— B42 Quality Living Institute QLI——— B46 Sally Beauty Supply—————— B38 San-Mai Martial Arts—————— B45 Steven Wegner DDS—————— B41 Suntan City—————————— B48 SwimBikusRun———————— B41 T.C.M. Acupuncture—————— B38 The Tooth Doc: Dr. Marty J. Matz— B41 Thirteen Moons Acupuncture—— B38 Todd Smith Fitness——————— B41 Troy Davis, Curb Appeal Salon and Spa——————— B42 Village Pointe Aesthetic Surgery— B38 Weight Watchers——————— B48

HOUSEHOLD A Well-Dressed Window———— B66 A-1 United Heating,—————— B58 A+ Landscape & Design————— B62 Accent Landscapes—————— B62 Affordable Closets——————— B53 Air & Electrical———————— B58 Aksarben/ARS Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing— B58, B65 All Appliance Service Inc.———— B50 Ambiance—————————— B66 American Fence Co—————— B54 American Property Inspections— B61 AmeriSpec Inspection Services— B61 Andy’s Appliance Repair———— B50 Big Birge Plumbing——————— B65 Brau Builders————————— B58 Broadmoor at Aksarben Village— B50 Builders Supply Co, Inc.——— B50, B66 Burton AC, Heating, Plumbing and More————— B65 Carson Enterprises—————— B62

results

Charleston Homes——————— B58 Classic——————————— B66 Closet Factory———————— B53 Consolidated Kitchens & Fireplaces—————— B53, B62 Continental Pool & Spa————— B66 Cornerstone Home Inspection—— B61 Cornerstone Remodeling, Inc.—— B61 Culligan——————————— B66 Curt Hofer and Associates——— B53 Custom Electronics—————— B58 Eagle Mortgage———————— B65 Echo Lighting————————— B65 Echo Systems————————— B58 Enfield’s Tree Service————— B66 Epoxy Floors and More————— B57 Extreme Painting——————— B65 Falcone Homes———————— B53 Ferguson Bath & Kitchen———— B61 First Mortgage———————— B65 First National Bank—————— B65 Flat Rate Movers——————— B65 FLOORfashions———————— B54 Futuramic’s Clean Water Center— B66 Garage Floor Coating of Nebraska—B57 Gerst———————————— B65 Granite Transformations———— B53 Han D. Man—————————— B57 Handyman Joe’s———————— B57 Heartland Lawns——————— B62 Hiller Electric————————— B54 House of J Home Accessories & Gifts—————————— B58 Husker Siding, Windows & Roofing————————— B66 In The Garage————————— B57 Interiors Joan and Associates—— B61 Jerry’s Basement Waterproofing— B50 Jim’s Moving & Delivery Co. Inc— B65 Julia Russell, Julia Russell Designs———— B61 Kelly’s Carpet————————— B54 Kinetico——————————— B66 Kinghorn Gardens——————— B62 Kitchen & Baths by Briggs———— B61 Kitchens by Design—————— B62 Kozy Lawn Care———————— B62 Landscape Illumination————— B62 Lanoha Nurseries——————— B57 Lien Termite & Pest Control——— B65 Light Palace————————— B65 Lighting World Inc.——————— B65 Lori Anderson, Anderson Interiors—B 61 Lowe’s———————————— B50 Maids & More————————— B58 Marco Closets & Storage Solutions Omaha—————— B53 Marco Shutters———————— B66 Marilyn Hansen, The Designers— B61 Maxim Cleaning & Restoration—— B50 McKay Landscape Lighting——— B62 Midland Marble & Granite———— B53 Midtown Crossing——————— B50 Midwest Painting——————— B65 Millard Lumber—————— B50, B61 Millard Sprinkler——————— B62 Miller Electric————————— B54 Modern Concrete——————— B54 Molly Maid—————————— B58 Moore’s Concrete Construction Inc.—————— B54 Mr. Handyman———————— B57 Mulhall’s——————————— B57 Nature’s Helper, Inc.—————— B62 Nebraska Furniture Mart—— B54, B58 Norm’s Door Service—————— B57 Old Market Lofts——————— B50 Olympic Pool and Spa————— B66 Omaha Door & Window——— B57, B66 Omaha Electric Service, Inc.——— B54 Omaha Glass————————— B61 Omaha Tree—————————— B66 Omarail——————————— B54 Orkin Termite & Pest Control——— B65 Overhead Door———————— B57 Pella Windows & Doors of Omaha & Lincoln————— B66 Pohlad Custom Homes, Inc.——— B53 Pyramid Roofing———————— B66 Quality Glass & Mirror————— B61 Quality Irrigation——————— B62 R.D. Schuller————————— B61

BEST OF OMAHA™ 2014

Rainbow Glass & Supply———— Riverfront Place———————— Robert’s Nursery, Lawn & Landscaping———— S&W Fence—————————— Schroder Concrete——————— ServiceOne—————————— Shamrock Waterproofing———— Spruce Interiors & Gifts————— Stanley Steemer———————— Steamatic of Omaha—————— Sun Valley Landscaping————— T. Hurt Construction, Inc.———— Terminix——————————— Terry Hughes Tree Service——— The Designers———————— The Grout Doctor——————— The Grout Medic of Omaha——— The Interior Design Firm———— The Maids—————————— The Paxton—————————— The Rock Place———————— The Tile Shop————————— Thermal Services——————— Thompson Roofing Co.————— Thrasher Basement Systems—— Turf Care Inc.————————— TWO MEN AND A TRUCK———— Urban Prairie Design—————— Vantage Design & Construction— Ward’s Kitchen & Bath, Inc.——— Window Coverings——————— Wood Specialties——————— Zongkers Custom Furniture, Inc————————

B61 B50 B57 B54 B54 B50 B50 B58 B50 B50 B62 B61 B65 B66 B61 B57 B57 B61 B58 B50 B62 B57 B58 B66 B50 B62 B65 B62 B58 B62 B66 B53 B53

NIGHTLIFE Benson Brewery——————— B71 Blue Sushi Sake Grill—————— B71 Brass Armadillo Antique Mall—— B73 Brewsky’s—————————— B71 Cantina Laredo———————— B71 Charlie’s on the Lake—————— B71 Cilantro’s—————————— B71 CRAVE—————————— B68, B71 DJ’s Dugout——————— B68, B71 Dundee Dell——————— B68, B71 Eat the Worm————————— B68 Firebirds——————————— B71 Green Onion Lounge—————— B68 Havana Garage———————— B68 Hector’s——————————— B71 HIRO 88——————————— B68 Holland Performing Arts Center— B68 Homy Inn——————————— B71 Jake’s Cigars & Spirits————— B68 Kona Grill®———————— B68, B71 Lazlo’s———————————— B71 LIV Lounge—————————— B68 M’s Pub——————————— B68 Nosh Restaurant & Wine Lounge— B68 Oscar’s Pizza & Sports Grille——— B71 Palooza’s Food & Spirits———— B71 Safari Cigars & Lounge————— B68 Saints Pub & Patio——————— B71 Second Chance Antiques———— B73 Slowdown—————————— B68 Spezia———————————— B68 Tanner’s Bar & Grill———— B68, B71 The Waiting Room——————— B68 Upstream Brewing Company——— B71 Wilson & Washburn—————— B71

RETAIL 14 Karat Omaha———————— B76 Absolutely Her———————— B75 Allens Home————————— B76 Anderson O’Brien Fine Art——— B73 Arlan’s Barber Shop—————— B79 Baby Junk—————————— B73 Baker’s——————————— B76 Barnes & Noble———————— B73 Beertopia—————————— B73 beyourself—————————— B80 Bliss Boutique———————— B80 Books-A-Million———————— B73 Borsheims Fine Jewelry & Gifts— B76 brix——————————— B73, B80 Bucky’s Convenience Stores——— B75 Carter’s——————————— B73 Chef 2———————————— B79

CVS/pharmacy———————— B80 Dragon’s Lair————————— B75 Dundee Gallery———————— B73 Esther’s——————————— B75 Four Aces Pawn———————— B79 Gamers——————————— B75 Goldsmith Silversmith————— B76 Goodwill——————————— B80 Great Clips—————————— B79 Hand Me Ups————————— B80 Husker Hounds———————— B76 Hy-Vee——————————— B76 Jerry Ryan—————————— B79 Kajoma’s Fashion Boutique——— B80 Kohll’s Pharmacy & Homecare—— B80 Krypton Comics———————— B75 Kwik Shop—————————— B75 Lane Bryant————————— B79 Lawlor’s Custom Sportswear—— B76 Lewis Art Gallery——————— B73 Lindley Clothing———————— B79 Long Dog Fat Cat——————— B80 Mid-City Jewelry & Loan———— B79 Nebraska Furniture Mart———— B76 Nebraska Red Zone—————— B76 New Life Thrift———————— B80 Nouvelle Eve————————— B79 Old World Oil & Vinegar————— B79 Papillion Flower Patch————— B76 Parsow’s Fine Clothing & Sportswear——————— B79 Posh Princess————————— B73 Pottery Barn————————— B76 QuikTrip——————————— B75 Scout Dry Goods & Trade———— B75 Sol’s Jewelry & Loan—————— B79 Spirit World——————— B73, B80 Sport Clips—————————— B79 Stems———————————— B76 Taylor’s Flower Shop—————— B76 The Bookworm———————— B73 The Green Spot———————— B80 The Imaginarium Antiques, Collectibles & More...———— B73 Three Dog Bakery & Spaw———— B80 Thrift Store—————————— B80 Trader Joe’s————————— B76 Vine+Branch————————— B79 Von Maur—————————— B79 Walgreens—————————— B80 WineStyles—————————— B80

SERVICES 1316 Jones Street——————— B88 Alegent Creighton Health At Home—————————— B87 All About Dogs———————— B87 American Animal Hospital———— B88 Attitude on Food———————— B83 Bank of the West——————— B83 Bark Avenue Grooming & Daycare——— B83, B87 Bark Avenue Inn & Daycare——— B87 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska———————— B87 Catering Creations——————— B83 Centris Federal Credit Union——— B83 ComeSitStay————————— B87 Comfort Keepers——————— B84 DC Centre—————————— B88 Deyo’s Photography—————— B87 DIT Computers———————— B83 Dogtopia——————————— B83 Elk Ridge Village Assisted Living— B83 Elk Ridge Village Retirement Community———— B88 Fashion Cleaners——————— B84 Feltz WealthPLAN——————— B84 First National Bank—————— B83 Geek Squad—————————— B83 Gentle Doctor————————— B88 Gentleman’s Choice—————— B88 Hap Abraham Catering————— B83 Heafey Heafey Hoffman Dworak & Cutler Mortuaries and Crematory——————— B84 Heartland Wood Floors————— B88 Hillcrest Country Estate———— B88 Hillcrest Mable Rose—————— B83 Home Instead Senior Care———— B84 Home Nursing With Heart———— B87

Imperial Tile————————— B88 Jeff Rensch————————— B87 John A. Gentleman Mortuaries—— B84 Karen Jennings———————— B87 Lakeside Village———————— B88 Laurie and Charles Photographs— B87 Lisa and Dennis Ritter————— B87 Mark David Floors——————— B88 Max I. Walker————————— B84 Maxim Homecare——————— B84 Metro Credit Union——————— B83 Mr. Tuxedo—————————— B88 Mutual of Omaha——————— B87 Nebraska Furniture Mart———— B88 NuTrend Drycleaners—————— B84 PayPal———————————— B84 Physicians Mutual——————— B87 Pinnacle Bank————————— B83 RalstonVet—————————— B88 Renaissance Financial————— B84 Roeder Mortuaries——————— B84 SAC Federal Credit Union———— B83 Schrock Innovations—————— B83 Scoular Ballroom——————— B88 Studio C41—————————— B87 Susie’s Professional Pet Grooming———————— B87 The Paw Spa Pet Resort—— B83, B87 The Tile Shop————————— B88 Tip Top Tux—————————— B88 Tom Manley Floors——————— B88 Union Pacific Railroad————— B84 UNMC———————————— B84 Vintage Financial Group LLC——— B84 Visiting Nurses Association VNA— B87 Westgate Assisted Living———— B83

TRANSPORTATION AAA Travel Agency—————— B96 AC Nelsen—————————— B96 Apache Camper Center————— B96 Atchley Ford————————— B96 Auto Financing———————— B91 B Street Collision Center———— B91 Beaver Lake Marina—————— B92 Bike Rack—————————— B92 BMW Motorcycles of Omaha—— B94 Brakes Plus—————————— B92 CARSTAR Auto Body—————— B91 Centris Federal Credit Union——— B91 Cornhusker Auto Wash————— B94 Dave’s Auto Body Co.—————— B91 Dillon Brothers———————— B94 Dingman’s Collision Center——— B91 Dolphins Touchless Car Wash—— B91 Exclusive Repair Specializing in Honda and Acura————— B94 Fantasy’s—————————— B94 First National Bank—————— B91 Holstein’s Harley-Davidson——— B94 House of Mufflers & Brakes— B92, B94 InPhase Car Audio——————— B92 Jensen Tire & Auto———— B92, B94 Jiffy Lube—————————— B94 Leach Camper————————— B96 Lexus of Omaha———————— B96 Mad Hatter Muffler & Brakes—— B94 Metro Audio Dynamics————— B92 Metro Glass————————— B92 Midas———————————— B94 Midwest Tire————————— B92 Mojo’s Full Service Car Wash & Detail Center——————— B91 Olympic Cycle————————— B92 Omaha Glass————————— B92 Omaha Marine Center————— B92 Performance Auto Group———— B94 Russell Speeder’s————— B91, B94 SAC Federal Credit Union———— B91 Safelite Auto Glass—————— B92 Stan Olsen—————————— B96 Stereo West Auto Toys————— B92 Superior Honda———————— B94 Travel and Transport—————— B96 Travel Leaders Omaha————— B96 Trek Bicycle Store——————— B92 Valley Marine————————— B92 Valvoline Instant Oil Change——— B94 Walker Tire———————— B92, B94 Woodhouse Auto Family———— B94

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

B-3

results

BEST OF OMAHA™ 2014

We opened Zio’s in 1985 with a simple mission—to serve the best quality and freshest New York-style pizza, by the slice and whole pie. Zio’s has become synonymous with pizza in Omaha. We are committed to top-notch quality, consistency, and great service. This is why guests keep coming back for more. All the pies and calzones are hand-stretched from scratch using only the freshest dough and then baked in Old World ovens the old-fashioned way. The guests love the selection of fresh toppings and can customize from an array of 40-plus ingredients. Zio’s—celebrating 28 years of serving No. 1 pizza and calzones! Usha Sherman, Owner Zio’s Pizzeria

B-4

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

dining

Thanks for voting us APPETIZERS Kona Grill®

#1 Breakfast 6 Years in a Row!

BONEFISH GRILL España BAGELS Bruegger’s Bagels Bagel Bin Panera

BAKERY Rotella’s Italian Bakery rotellasbakery.com 402-592-6600 Gerda’s German Restaurant & Bakery 402-553-6774 gerdasgermanrestaurant.com

177th & Center • 934-9914 | 156th & Dodge • 408-1728 | 120th & Blondo • 991-8222 Drive-Thru Open (Center St. Only) • Open Daily 6:30am-2:00pm Serving Breakfast & Lunch All Day!

Pettit’s Pastry BARBECUE Famous Dave’s Four Metro Locations Eagle Run, Millard, Bellevue, Council Bluffs Boyd and Charlie’s Doc & Eddie’s 168th & Harrison 402-895-7427 BOWL OF SOUP Upstream Brewing Company Old Market • West Omaha upstreambrewing.com Wheatfield’s wheatfieldscatering.com 402-955-1485 M’s Pub

”Serving The Best Chicken In Town Since 1997”

Thank you Omaha for voting us Best Family Restaurant!

CATERING AVAILABLE

www.millardroadhouse.com 13325 Millard Ave. • 402-891-9292 omaha magazine • january/february 2014

B-5

dining

BREAKFAST Le Peep 402-408-1728 www.lepeep.com

S S Y Y A A D D R N U U SAT 10aM S 3PM GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE ONLINE

The Egg & I Bailey’s Breakfast and Lunch Restaurant BREW PUB Upstream Brewing Company Old Market • West Omaha upstreambrewing.com Lazlo’s Crescent Moon Ale House 402-345-1708 beercornerusa.com BRICK OVEN PIZZA Pitch

PITCHPIZZERIA.COM TWITTER.COM/PITCHPIZZERIA

FACEBOOK.COM/PITCHPIZZERIA

PHONE: 402-590-COAL (2625)

5021 UNDERWOOD AVE. OMAHA, NE

Dante Ristorante Pizzeria Old Chicago BUFFET Valentino’s China Buffet HuHot Mongolian Grill BURRITO Hector’s Abelardo’s Mexican Food 5 Omaha Locations abelardosmexicanfood.com

• • • • • •

Interior Painting Exterior Painting Drywall Repair Wall Covering Installation Wall Covering Removal Handyman & Carpentry Service

37 YEARS OF BUSINESS IN OMAHA! www.gerstcontracting.com

B-6

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

Fernando’s 402-330-5707 fernandosomaha.com CAKE BAKERY Cake Gallery Nothing Bundt Cakes The Cakery

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

B-7

B-8

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

dining

CHEF IN OMAHA Clayton Chapman, The Grey Plume Jon Seymour, V. Mertz vmertz.com 402-345-8980 Paul Kulik, Boiler Room CHINESE DINING pana88 Three Happiness Express China Road

Thank You Omaha for voting us Best Plumbing Services!

COFFEEHOUSE Scooter’s Coffeehouse Crane Coffee

bigbirgeplumbing.com 402-575-0102

Caffeine Dreams

CUPCAKES Jones Bros. Cupcakes 402-884-CAKE • 2 Locations jonesbroscupcakes.com

Thank You for Voting Ingredient Best Salad!

Cupcake Island Cuppycakes Sweet Boutique DELI Jason’s Deli Gandolfo’s Deli Little King

Ingredient Best Salad

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Maya was working at the register this afternoon and was incredibly friendly and professional. I would also like to applaud her for her service and professionalism. The service I received in the deli today makes me want to return again in the future! Thanks for hiring such nice, young, professional individuals. They can make all the difference! Jason’s Deli Customer

Two Locations Midtown Regency (behind Trader Joe’s)

3201 Farnam Street 402-715-4444

10317 Pacific Street 402-932-2544

www.ingredientrestaurant.com omaha magazine • january/february 2014

B-9

WE CARE ABOUT YOUR HOME

dining

DESSERTS Wheatfield’s wheatfieldscatering.com 402-955-1485 Delice European Bakery

garage doors

windows

Summer Kitchen Café and Bakery EASTERN EUROPEAN DINING Bohemian Cafe

siding

Amsterdam Falafel & Kabob Dario’s Brasserie FAMILY RESTAURANT Cheddar’s

doors

402.733.6440

omahadoor.com /omahadoor

Thanks to our customers for voting us the “Best Burger in Omaha”

Olive Garden Millard Roadhouse millardroadhouse.com 402-891-9292

FOOD TRUCK Localmotive Maria Bonita MariaBonitaOnline.com Dos de Oros FRENCH DINING Le Voltaire Dario’s Brasserie La Buvette FRENCH FRIES Runza® Restaurants 21 Metro Locations runza.com Bronco’s Burger Lighthouse Pizza

Stella’s Bar and Grill

“Serving World Famous Hamburgers since 1936” 106 Galvin Rd • Bellevue, NE • 402-291-6088 • Open Monday-Saturday, 11:00 am - 9:00 pm B-10

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

B-11

B-12

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

dining

FRIED CHICKEN Millard Roadhouse millardroadhouse.com 402-891-9292 Jack & Mary’s

Creating the healthiest families on the planet.

Richie’s Chicken & Hamburgers

Thank you for voting us

FROZEN YOGURT Red Mango

Best of Omaha™

Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt CherryBerry GOURMET HAMBURGER Sinful Burger Brewburgers 402-614-7644 brewburgersomaha.com Cheeseburger In Paradise

Offering the most advanced and innovative Chiropractic techniques in Nebraska.

6303 Center St. Ste #103 Omaha, NE 68106 402.933.1933

GREEK DINING Greek Islands 402-346-1528 greekislandomaha.com Katie’s Greek Restaurant & Taverna Feta’s Greek Restaurant GYROS King Kong Legacy Gyros Amsterdam Falafel & Kabob HAMBURGER Stella’s 402-291-6088 109 Galvin Rd., Bellevue Dinker’s Bar & Grill Five Guys

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

B-13

dining

HOT WINGS Buffalo Wild Wings Oscar’s Pizza & Sports Grille Choo Choo Bar & Grill

ICE CREAM Ted & Wally’s Ice Cream 402-341-5827 Friend us Facebook! Cold Stone Creamery

KAREN JENNINGS

Standing Tall For You!

Jennings Team – Top Producing CBSHOME Team – 2013 Top Individual Producer for CBSHOME 2009-2012 402.290.6296 | karen.jennings@cbshome.com

Thanks for voting us Best of Omaha

INDIAN DINING Jaipur Brewing Company jaipurbrewhouse.com 402-392-7331 Indian Oven 402-342-4856 indianovenomaha.com

Bring this ad in and receive 25% OFF one regularly priced item! *Excludes Brighton, Expires 1/20/2014

402.991.4477 | 84th & 1st St. Downtown Papillion Open Mon-Sat at 10am

Text KAJOMAS to 36000 B-14

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

Our super-duper, premium, 18% butterfat ice cream is made from scratch the old-fashioned way; slowchurned with rock salt and ice using natural ingredients like local dairy, eggs, and real sugar. We also make homemade vegan and no-sugar-added ice creams, sorbets, sherbets and frozen yogurt. We make all the traditional favorites and many signature flavors for those with adventurous palates. Joe Pittack, Owner Ted & Wally’s

years in a row!

A Must-See Boutique

Zesto Ice Cream & Grill

Mother India

Pella Windows and Doors of Omaha and Lincoln offers a wide range of energy-efficient windows and doors, so you can spend less on your heating and cooling costs, and have more for other things that matter to you. We’ll help keep your home – and your budget – more comfortable.

2 years in a row! Thank you Omaha! 402-331-9225 • PellaOmaha.com Omaha 9845 South 142nd Street | Lincoln 6891 A Street, Suite 118, Clocktower Center

mouths will hang open long

before dinner is served

stunning design is an everyday occurrence in Cambria kitchens. see trend-setting Cambria designs and more than 100 great selections at Consolidated Kitchens & Fireplaces.

Canterbury™ Cambrian Collection™ Laneshaw™ waterstone Collection™

OMaha | LInCOLn | Des MOInes | CKF COuntertOP GaLLery

www.ckfco.com

B-16

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

dining

Call for a free, no-obligation appointment.

ITALIAN DINING Lo Sole Mio Ristorante 402-345-5656 losolemio.com Spezia Now OPEN Sundays 402-391-2950 Vincenzo’s Italian Ristorante JAPANESE DINING HIRO 88 Kobe Steakhouse Sakura Bana 7425 W. Dodge Rd., Omaha 402-391-5047 LUNCH Ingredient Paradise Bakery & Cafe Two Metro Locations Regency Mall and Village Point

Metro Omaha

402.498.3444

To you it’s about making the right choice... To us, it’s personal.

Elkhorn, Bennington and West Omaha

402.932.4555

Whether you are looking for someone to help you or a loved one a few hours a week or need more comprehensive assistance, Home Instead Senior Care can help.

• • • • • •

Companionship Meal Preparation Light Housekeeping Medication Reminders Transportation/Errands Alzheimer’s Care

HomeInstead.com/100

Stokes Grill & Bar MEXICAN DINING La Mesa Mexican Restaurant La-Mesa.com Maria’s Mexican Restaurant

WE PRODUCE EXCELLENCE. NOT JUST IN COMPETITIVE CHEER, BUT AS OUTSTANDING PEOPLE.

Fernando’s Everyone at La Mesa Mexican Restaurant is humbled and thankful for being voted Omaha’s # 1 Mexican Restaurant 11 years in a row. We are also committed to continually enhance our loyal customers’ dining experience. Frank Onate, Founder La Mesa Mexican Restaurant

All staff have been credentialed through a rigorous process under the USASF (United States All-Star Federation) and are current members of this safety organization.

402.537.0855 2410 South 140th Circle | Omaha, NE [two blocks north of Oakview Mall/across the street from Dolphins Carwash]

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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dining

NEW RESTAURANT IN 2013 Plank Seafood Provisions Black Oak Grill & Bar Salt 88 402-991-9088 salt88.com ORGANIC DINING McFoster’s greenbelly

OUTDOOR DINING PATIO Charlie’s on the Lake 402-894-9411 charliesonthelake.net Marks Bistro brix at Midtown Crossing PASTA Pasta Amore Biaggi’s Malara’s

Not Everyone Was Born To Be A Caregiver.

We Were. Voted Best of Omaha 5 Years 7-TIME WINNER, BEST OFRunning! OMAHA! When you just can’t add another title to your growing list… “Mother”, “Grandmother”, “Neighbor”, “Friend”…. ….Let us be the “Caregiver” your loved one needs. Westgate Assisted Living: 3030 S. 80th St - Omaha, NE 68124 402-391-8566 www.westgateassistedliving.com

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omaha magazine • january/february 2014

Place New Logo Here

ks Than ha! Oma

PASTRY Delice European Bakery Pettit’s Pastry Lithuanian Bakery

Thank You Omaha For Voting Us

Best New Car Dealer!

Performance Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram La Vista 7010 S. 124th Circle La Vista, NE 68128 (402) 339-3131

Voted Best New Car Dealer 7 Years in a Row!

Performance Toyota of La Vista 7204 S. 124th Circle La Vista, NE 68128 (402) 731-2000

Performance Volkswagen 7108 S. 124th Circle La Vista, NE 68128 (402) 991-0500

Performance Ford 9203 So. 145th St. Omaha, Ne. 68138 (402) 896-6000

Performance Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Bellevue 7713 So. 19th Cir. Bellevue,Ne. 68147 (402) 934-2886

Locally Owned and Operated For Over 50 Years

performanceauto.com

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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Best of Omaha

10 Years Running!

Two Time Winner of BBB Service Integrity Award Located at Irvington Exit and I-680

9630 Redick Ave. • 402-572-0200

www.davesautobodyco.com

10 Years Running

B-20

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

Family Owned and Operated in Omaha Since 1974

dining

RECIPIENT OF 35 BEST PIZZA AWARDS! HAND STRETCHED NEW YORK STYLE PIZZA PIZZA Zio’s Pizzeria 3 Area Locations www.ZiosPizzeria.com La Casa Pizzaria 402-556-6464 www.lacasapizzaria.net

THANKS FOR VOTING US #1

Mama’s Pizza PRIME RIB Jerico’s Johnny’s Cafe 402-731-4774 johnnyscafe.com Brother Sebastian’s

CALZONES · PASTA · SALADS · LUNCH SPECIALS · APPETIZERS · BEER · WINE · MARGARITAS

391-1881

7834 Dodge St.

330-1444

12997 W. Center Rd. RESTAURANT BEER SELECTION Old Chicago

344-2222

1109 Howard St.

Full Service Mon.-Fri. Nights & Sat.-Sun.

All Day Self-Service Lunch Mon.-Fri.

ZIOSPIZZERIA.COM

Krug Park Crescent Moon Ale House 402-345-1708 beercornerusa.com REUBEN SANDWICH Crescent Moon Ale House 402-345-1708 beercornerusa.com Barrett’s Barleycorn Pub and Grill Goldberg’s Bar & Grill ROMANTIC RESTAURANT V. Mertz vmertz.com 402-345-8980 Flatiron Cafe Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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Thank You Omaha!

dining

SALAD JAMS Grill & Bar 402-399-8300 jamseats.com Charleston’s Firebirds

Best Florist

“Taylor Made” for ALL your floral needs since 1950”

SANDWICHES Little King Firehouse Subs Lenny’s Sub Shop SEAFOOD Shucks Fish House and Oyster Bar BONEFISH GRILL

Locally Owned Since 1950

402-733-2322

12310 K Plaza, Ste. 108 www.taylorsflowers24hours.com

Charlie’s on the Lake 402-894-9411 www.charliesonthelake.net SMOOTHIES Juice Stop Red Mango Scooter’s Coffeehouse STEAKHOUSE Mahogany® Prime Steakhouse 402-445-4380 mahoganyprime.com

Thank You! for voting us Best of Omaha MollyofMaid

™

Central Omaha & Council Bluffs

402.932.MAID (6243) cathy.tichy@mollymaid.com each franchise independently owned and operated

B-22

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

801 Chophouse 402-341-1222 801restaurantgroup.com The Drover 402-391-7440 DroverRestaurant.com

Prime Steak Fine Wine Premium Service

Fresh • Local • Flavor

7814 Dodge St. 402.399.8300 • jamseats.com

13665 California Street Omaha, Nebraska 402.445.4380 www.mahoganyprime.com Private party rooms available for 6 to 40 people.

Best of Omaha™ Winners 10 years in a row

Top 100 Restaurants in America omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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THANKS, OMAHA

Coldstone would like to thank all its loyal customers for their votes! We wouldn’t be this great without you!

dining

SUNDAY BRUNCH Granite City 1001 N. 102nd St 402-393-5000 Grandmother’s

Bailey’s Breakfast and Lunch Restaurant SUSHI Blue Sushi Sake Grill HIRO 88 Sakura Bana 7425 W. Dodge Rd., Omaha 402-391-5047

LEGENDARY PIZZA & PASTA

Thank You For Voting Us Best of Omaha™!

Check out our new location at Nebraska Crossings!

45th & Leavenworth • 402-556-6464 Closed Monday

LaCasaPizzaria.net

402.557.6799

14242 Fort St., Ste. #109 Omaha, NE 68116

THAI DINING Thai Spice Mai Thai Taste of Thailand

Check Engine light on? Steering pulling to one side? Hear a weird noise?

VIETNAMESE DINING Saigon Restaurant Vietnamese Restaurant Vietnamese Asian WINE BAR brix Nosh Restaurant and Wine Lounge 402-614-2121 noshwine.com Corkscrew Wine and Cheese

Owners Jeff Moberg & Rick Bettger Owners Jeff Moberg & Rick Bettger

Thank You Omaha for choosing us as the BEST place for brakes & exhaust work. Visit www.Takeit2theHouse.com B-24

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

results

BEST OF OMAHA™ 2014

Here at SkateDaze, we take pride in knowing that over the course of nearly 50 years we have provided so many fond, lifelong memories to kids, parents, and grandparents alike. I would like to personally thank all of our great, fun-loving customers and employees for making us the Best of Omaha™ for the last 7 years, and we look forward to serving the Omaha community for many years to come! Scott Cernik, Owner SkateDaze

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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If it MATTERS TO YOU,

IT matters TO US.

We’re all connected—by the people we know, the places we’re from and the things we hold dear. At Pinnacle Bank we know that in banking, and in life, community matters. So we talked with our neighbors and shared their stories. The stories of the places they belong and all that makes them extraordinary. See the stories at WhyCommunityMatters.com.

13_POG77_BESTOFOMAHA_AD.indd 1

T H E WAY B A N K I N G S H O U L D B E

11/25/13 9:38 AM

Thanks for Your Vote of Confidence Brian Pendley, D.D.S. • Amy Ruf, D.D.S. • Jay Samuelson, D.D.S. J.R. Demman, D.D.S. • Jeffrey T. Garvey, D.D.S.

AT HILLSBOROUGH

AT VILLAGE POINT

AT RALSTON SQUARE

We appreciate the trust you put in us and are honored to receive Best of Omaha™ for the 7th year in a row.

AT DUNDEE

www.thedentistsomaha.com Comprehensive Dental Care • Advanced 3-D Digital Imaging • Same Day Emergency Care • Cleanings and Exams for Adults and Children S a m e D a y C r o w n s Av a i l a b l e • C o m p o s i t e [ t o o t h c o l o r e d ] F i l l i n g s • C o s m e t i c D e n t i s t r y R o o t C a n a l Tr e a t m e n t • E x t r a c t i o n s • D e n t u r e s a n d P a r t i a l s • I m p l a n t s

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omaha magazine • january/february 2014

family

Thank You Omaha! For Voting Us The Best Home Accessories Store.

CHILD DAY CARE Hamilton Heights Child Development Center Millard Children’s Academy Academic Adventures Child Development Center

12965 West Center Road · (Montclair Shopping Center) · 402-778-0650

CHILD PARTY PROVIDER The Amazing Pizza Machine 402-829-1777 amazingpizzamachine.com BounceU Pump It Up

CHILDREN’S ATTRACTION Henry Doorly Zoo Omaha Children’s Museum Fontenelle Forest Nature Center DANCE STUDIO Nebraska Dance Kitty Lee Dance danceatkittys.com 402-493-6525 Fusion Dance FAMILY BEHAVIOR THERAPY Boys Town Center for Behavioral Health Heartland Family Service 402-553-3000 heartlandfamilyservice.org

Thank you to all the well-dressed men that voted us Best of Omaha™ again. We appreciate you!

Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska

8014 W Dodge Road Omaha, NE (402)391-3200

144th & W Center Road (below Old Chicago) Omaha, NE (402)330-6158

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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family

FAMILY DENTIST The Dentists 402-445-4647 www.thedentistsomaha.com Today’s Dental OmahaDentists.net 402-333-1120 Rainbow Dental FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT The Amazing Pizza Machine Sempeck’s Bowling and Entertainment Family Fun Center XL

FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER Arnold Clark Photography Deyo’s Photography

JUST C ALL

Mervin Reese Photographers FESTIVAL Santa Lucia Festival Omaha Summer Arts Festival

A/C • HEATING • PLUMBING • AND MORE

NEW TRANE FURNACE!

GYMNASTICS Premier Gymnastics premier-gymnastics.com 402-571-6630

$1499

starting at only

or payments as low as $35 a month.

We will BEAT any competitor’s estimate by up to $500 GUARANTEED!** $27OFF

$35OFF

[Not valid with any other offers. Limit one per household]

Any Plumbing Service

Call 402-452-3612

*On qualifying models only, see store for details. To qualified buyers, WAC, 0% if paid in full in 60 months, with down payment and minimum monthly payments.

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Metro Stars Gymnastics Nebraska Gold Gymnastics LASER TAG SkateDaze Family Fun Center XL

Electrical Service

www.justcallburton.com

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

Taste of Omaha May 30 - June 1, 2014 TasteOfOmaha.info

Best of Omaha® 9 years Running!

**We will beat any competitors bid must be comparable quality and size and prior to installation. See store for details.

Sempeck’s Bowling and Entertainment

14406 Harrison St. • Omaha, NE 68138 • 402.403.5735 www.OmahaDentists.net

THANK YOU!

BEST OF OMAHA™ 2014

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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Mohegan

108th & Maple 3310-12 N 108th Omaha, NE

402.493.5977

Omaha Electric Service & Iowa Electric looks forward to having an opportunity to serve you soon.

1220 35th Avenue Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501

8506 Madison Street Omaha, Nebraska 68127

commercial | residential | industrial | voice & data B-30

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

ElkhornBM_Ad Best of Omaha 2014_112513_Layout 1 11/26/2013 11:03 AM Page 1

family

MOVIE THEATER Aksarben Cinema 402-502-1914 aksarbencinema.com

Results Matter!

Thank You Omaha for Voting Us First Place, Five Years in a Row

AMC Village Pointe A nnu

e1 9 9 2!

Marcus Midtown Be

Si nc

“ al

MUSIC LESSONS Dietze Music

aha® ” Co

e nt

When Experience Counts... Care after total joint replacement Stroke recovery Strengthening after cancer treatment Care after surgery Recovery from a fall or extended illness

■ ■ ■

Omaha Conservatory of Music 402-932-4978 omahacm.org Schmitt Music

■ ■

...Experience Rehabilitation at Its Finest “Wrinkles Welcome!”

PAINTBALL Mad Cow Husker

www.BrookestoneMeadows.com A Proud Member of the Vetter Health Services Family 600 Brookestone Meadows Plaza | Elkhorn, NE 68022 | (402) 289-2696

Family Fun Center XL PEDIATRICIAN John Moore Pediatrics Dr. Lisa Whitcomb Boys Town Pediatrics/ Dr. Kelli Shidler PRESCHOOL Montessori Educational Centers Inc.

GroominG • DoG Daycare • BoarDinG www.barkavenueomaha.com Bark avenue Grooming & Daycare 15504 Spaulding Plz • 402-496-4005

Bark avenue inn & Daycare 13706 c St • 402-933-4007

Hamilton Heights Child Development Center Imagine and Explore Preschool PROFESSIONAL OMAHA SPORTS TEAM Omaha Storm Chasers 402-734-2550 www.omahastormchasers.com Omaha Lancers Omaha Beef

Thank you for voTinG uS “BeST DoG Daycare, BoarDinG, anD GroominG” omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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PEDI - MANI - SHELLC - FACIALS - WAXING - MASSAGE Like us on Facebook & check out our Website for monthly Specials and party packages!

family

PUBLIC GOLF COURSE Elmwood Golf Course Pacific Springs Golf Club Indian Creek STUDENT TUTORING Sylvan Club Z! Huntington

Thank You Omaha for voting us #1 Manicure & Pedicure.

402.779.8700

YOUTH ATHLETIC ORGANIZATION YMCA of Greater Omaha Millard Athletic Association

3618 N. 165th St. Omaha, Ne 68116 americannailsandspa.com

Kingswood Athletics YOUTH BASEBALL SPORTS CLUB Keystone

C. Stanosheck, D.D.S. Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry

The Clear Alternative To Braces

Millard Athletic Association Papillion Recreation YOUTH BASKETBALL SPORTS CLUB Omaha Sports Academy 402-504-1222 www.omahasportsacademy.com YMCA of Greater Omaha Bellevue Junior Sports Association YOUTH CHEERLEADING CLUB Elite Cheer 402-537-0855 elitecheer.com Nebraska All-Star Tigers Cheer

Thanks for making us a Best of Omaha™ winner for the last 8 years!

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Christopher A. Stanosheck, D.D.S., PC 9202 West Dodge St., Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 884-1607

www.ClearBracesOmaha.com

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

Metro Stars

No Administration Fee No Initiation Fee No Enrollment Fee Group Fitness Water Aerobics Cycling Classes Yoga Pilates

Massages Youth Activities Swimming Lessons Indoor Pool Outdoor Pool

31st & Farnam 402.916.5000

Nursery Volleyball Weight Training Racquetball

S. 132nd St. 402.691.8546

Indoor Track Cardio Equipment Personal Training Basketball

VOTED OMAHA’S BEST FITNESS CLUB

84th & Q St. 402.537.0430

Amenities vary by location. * Applies to 24-Month membership. See club for details.

www.prairielife.com

Thank you Omaha for voting us best Kitchen & Bath Plumbing Fixtures! Visit our Kohler Registered Showroom 13827 Industrial Road • Omaha NE ( 4 0 2 ) 3 3 0 - 3 4 0 0 • w w w. k b b r i g g s . c o m omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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Thank you for your support Omaha! Whether you are buying or selling your home, we are committed to providing a great experience and the RESULTS you deserve!

Lisa and Dennis Ritter

Check us out at RittersSellOmaha.com 402.612.2413 • lisa@omahare.com 444 Regency Parkway B-34

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

family

Proud to be Omaha's #1 Sports Bar!

YOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB YMCA of Greater Omaha Bellevue Junior Sports Association

Sports Bar

Elkhorn Youth Football YOUTH GOLF LEAGUE Eagle Run The First Tee of Omaha Pacific Springs Golf Club YOUTH SOCCER SPORTS CLUB Omaha Football Club Toro Soccer Club

West

114th & Dodge 636 N 114th St. Omaha, NE 68154

402-498-8855

Downtown

Aksarben

Bellevue

10th & Capitol

Aksarben Village

23rd & Cornhusker

402-763-9974

402-933-3533

402-292-9096

1003 Capitol Ave. Omaha, NE 68102

2102 S. 67th Street Omaha, NE 68106

10308 S. 23rd St. Bellevue, NE 68123

YMCA of Greater Omaha YOUTH SPORTS CAMP Omaha Sports Academy 402-504-1222 www.omahasportsacademy.com

HD Projection Screens & High Definition TV's Keno • Huge Menu • Daily Specials

www.djsdugout.com

Jewish Community Center YMCA of Greater Omaha YOUTH SUMMER CAMP YMCA of Greater Omaha UNO Summer Camp Camp Rivercrest YOUTH SWIM LESSONS DiVentures 402-933-6251 diventures.net Swimtastic Swim School Papio Bay Aquatic Center

We Have the Best Customers in Omaha! Thank you for voting Max I. Walker the best dry cleaner and launderer in Omaha! Our 96 years of service at 24 locations in Omaha and Council Bluffs have taught us one thing — we’re the oldest, and best, dry cleaner in town because we have the best customers a company could ever ask for.

YOUTH VOLLEYBALL SPORTS CLUB The Volleyball Academy Premier Volleyball www.premiervolleyball.org 402-895-1427 Nebraska Elite Volleyball

maxiwalker.com Locally-owned • Family-owned • Convenient Drive-Through Service • Free Home Delivery

Proud creator and sponsor of the 7 Annual Ultra Chic Prom Boutique! th

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Ramada Plaza Hotel & Convention Center omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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Thank You for your confidence and voting us Best Hair Salon again in 2014.

Voted Best of Omahaâ&#x201E;˘ since 1992!

12025 Pacific Street Omaha, Nebraska 68154 Phone (402) 330-5660 Fax (402) 330-5662 creativehairdesign.com

results

BEST OF OMAHA™ 2014

Wigs provided by: Bravadas Wig Design, 79th & W. Dodge Rd.

Creative Hair Design Salon & Spa is extremely proud to be voted No. 1 by Best of Omaha™ for 21 years in a row. To keep this honor, our staff of 85 dedicated colleagues knows what it takes to take care of our most important asset, ‘The Guest.’ Thank you to our guests for voting us No. 1! John Mangiameli, President Creative Hair Design Salon & Spa

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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health & beauty

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US ™

BEST OF OMAHA AGAIN FOR 2014!

ACUPUNCTURE Thirteen Moons Acupuncture Balanced Body 402-932-8108 balancedbodyomaha.com T.C.M. Acupuncture BEAUTY SUPPLY STORE Beauty First Salon & Store Beauty Brands Sally Beauty Supply

BREAST AUGMENTATION Aesthetic Surgical Images Finkle Cosmetic Surgery Center Village Pointe Aesthetic Surgery CHIROPRACTOR Koca Chiropractic Clinic KocaChiropractic.com 402-496-4570 Pearson Chiropractic: A Family Wellness Center

We are grateful for the outstanding community support. From our family to yours, The Koca Chiropractic Team. 2085 N 120th St, Ste. D6 Omaha, NE 68164 402-496-4570 www.KocaChiropractic.com B-38

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

Millard Wellness Center 402-934-7557 millardwellness.com Having the opportunity to serve our community with chiropractic care and seeing all the families come in, living a healthier life, is amazing. Then to be honored with the Best of Omaha™ by them is the topping, knowing that our community recognizes what our passion is—them! Lyle E. Koca, D.C. Koca Chiropractic Clinic

SWIMTASTIC

L SWIM SCHOO

: Swim Lessonslts u d A – Infants

Sizes • Small Class tention At l ua • Individ achers Te l • Professiona er at W • 90º

ies: Birthday Part the pool

A World of Fashion

Thank You Omaha! Nebraska's Finest Men's Clothing Store Since 1952

of • Private use room t in our party • Play and ea n re ild • Up to 15 ch arge per (additional ch ) child up to 20

Call or Click to Register Today! Hop in Any Time! Omaha 2920 N 118th Street, Omaha, NE 68164 402-496-SWIM (7946) www.swimtastic.com

www.mooresconcrete.com mooresconcrete@cox.net 402-491-3622

120 Regency Parkway Omaha, NE 68114 402-397-7900 parsows@aol.com

Thank you

Omaha. View our full menu, happy hours and more at

upstreambrewing.com

Old Market

West Omaha

402.344.0200

402.778.0100

Thank you Omaha!

FOR ALL YOUR CONCRETE NEEDS!

Sip. Savor. Be Social. omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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BEST OF OMAHA™ 2014

THANKS, OMAHA!

#1 DERMATOLOGIST Joel Schlessinger, M.D.

WINNERS CIRCLE DAY SPA LovelySkin Spa

#1 COSMETIC SURGEON Joel Schlessinger, M.D.

Joel Schlessinger, M.D. specializes in general dermatology and cosmetic surgery services with solution-oriented and patient-focused medical care. Whether your needs are medical or cosmetic, Dr. Schlessinger has the expertise and knowledge to find a treatment plan for you. Our newest entrant to the Best of Omaha, LovelySkin Spa, offers customized skin care treatments such as facials, peels, laser hair removal and microdermabrasion–all under the direction of Dr. Schlessinger and a staff of 5 full-time estheticians. LovelySkin.com and LovelySkin flagship store offer premiere and physician-only skin care and cosmetic products from over 200 brands, including specialty and hard-to-find niche products with a medical benefit.

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omaha magazine • january/february 2014

health & beauty

COSMETIC DENTIST Steven Wegner DDS smilesofomaha.com 402-498-0400 The Tooth Doc: Dr. Marty J. Matz Christopher A. Stanosheck, DDS, PC 402-884-1607 ClearBracesOmaha.com COSMETIC SURGEON Joel Schlessinger, M.D. & Skin Specialists, PC LovelySkin.com/Cosmetic Surgery 402-334-7546 John Edney, MD, Aesthetic Surgical Images David Finkle, MD DAY SPA Gloss Salon & Day Spa 402-502-1850 glosssalon.com LovelySkin Spa LovelySkinSpa.com 402-334-1226 Faces DERMATOLOGIST Joel Schlessinger, MD & SkinSpecialists, PC LovelySkin.com/Dermatology 402-334-7546 Braddock Finnegan Dermatology, P.C. Midwest Dermatology Clinic, P.C. ENDURANCE TRAINING CrossFit SwimBikusRun 402-218-6966 swimbikusrun.com Todd Smith Fitness

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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health & beauty

FITNESS CLUB Prairie Life Fitness Blue Moon Fitness Aspen Athletic Clubs FITNESS EQUIPMENT STORE Body Basics Fitness Equipment bodybasics.com 402-397-8866 Priority 1 Fitness Push Pedal Pull HAIR COLORIST Christi Clark Kirby Keomysay Eric Burden of BUNGALOW/8 Hairdressing HAIR SALON Creative Hair Design Salon & Spa creativehairdesign.com 402-330-5660 Garbo’s Gloss Salon & Day Spa 402-502-1850 glosssalon.com HAIRCUT Troy Davis, Curb Appeal Salon and Spa 402-345-0404 curbappealsalonandspa.com John Mangiameli, Creative Hair Salon & Spa creativehairdesign.com 402-330-5600 Eric Burden, BUNGALOW/8 Hairdressing bungalow8omaha.com 402-934-8727

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omaha magazine • january/february 2014

Omaha’s Premier Wine Bar

Thank you for voting us

Best of Omaha in Electrical Services.

Thank you for voting us the best two years in a row! 1006 Dodge St Omaha NE 402.614.2121 www.noshwine.com Check our website for daily specials and events

402.341.6479

millerelect.com

Thank You Omaha! For voting Oscar’s Pizza & Sports Grille Best Hot Wings & Best Sports Bar!

Come to West Omaha’s Home of Charbuff Wings!

Boarding: Pets receive tons of TLC in our indoor and outdoor play areas, all day, everyday! Grooming: Accepting appointments Monday through Saturday. Online at

OscarsPizzaAndSportsGrille.com Carry-Out

(402)758-1910

17330 Lakeside Hills Plaza Omaha, Nebraska

Day Care: Offering full day, 1/2 day or hour-long care.

SW Corner of 180th & Harrison | 402.933.3774 www.ComeSitStayOmaha.com omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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media partners

BEST OF OMAHA™ 2014

KETV is proud to partner with Omaha Magazine’s Best of Omaha™ issue. This successful franchise puts the power in your hands. It’s a wonderful tradition and we encourage everyone to get involved to help bring your local favorites more recognition for their great work. One of things we love about our hometown is the community involvement and the high expectations we have for each other. In fact, there are several winners recognized here that I would call not just the Best of Omaha™, but the best in the nation! Go Omaha!

Andy Ruback General Manager NRG Media

It is fitting that the Best of Omaha™ follows the holiday season. Just as we all came together recently with family and friends in the spirit of the holidays, we come together once again to celebrate the very best of the businesses and organizations that define who we are as a city. We are proud to be associated with every business and organization that received votes in the Best of Omaha™, and even more proud to count you, the voters, as part of our family here at Omaha Magazine. Todd Lemke

Ariel Roblin

Publisher

General Manager

Omaha Magazine

KETV 7

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At Q98-Five, we always strive to be the best for Omaha, and the Best of Omaha™ illustrates everything that’s great about our community. It is exhilarating to see how so many of you care so much about your favorites, and it reminds us that Omaha is a very special place with even more special people. Congratulations to all of our Best of Omaha™ partners!

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

health & beauty

LASER HAIR REMOVAL Ideal Image Bare Body Shop BodyBrite USA MANICURE & PEDICURE American Nails & Spa 402-779-8700 www.americannailsandspaomaha.com Legacy Nails & Spa Mohegan Nail Spa 402-493-5977 108th & Maple

I have been going to American Nails and Spa for about six months and have had a wonderful experience every time. Just wanted to say thank you! One of American Nails and Spa’s new best friends

You’ll be impressed.

MARTIAL ARTS San-Mai Martial Arts Omaha Blue Waves Mid-America Martial Arts NUTRITION & VITAMIN STORE No Name Nutrition GNC

Thanks for voting us Best of Omaha™ for 11 years!

Complete Nutrition OPTOMETRIST Millard Family Eyecare 402-896-3300 MillardFamilyEyecare.com Omaha Primary Eye Care 402-330-3000 OmahaEyeCare.com Midwest Eye Care

12660 Q Street • 402-896-3300 MillardFamilyEyecare.com omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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health & beauty

Thank you for voting us Best of Omaha™ We appreciate your business

ORTHODONTIST Igel Orthodontics 402-330-1152 www.kortigel.com Huerter Orthodontics Clear Choice Orthodontics 402-330-3200 yourstraightsmile.com

13110 Birch Drive (132nd & Maple) 402-884-6702 | Open At 2pm 7 Days A Week safari.cigars | safaricigars@gmail.com

PERSONAL TRAINING FACILITY Black Clover® Fitness Endless Possibilities Body Masters PHYSICAL THERAPY ProCare3 Physical Therapy Community Rehab Makovicka Physical Therapy PILATES STUDIO Pilates Center of Omaha Legacy Pilates, Yoga & More 402-502-9772 www.MindBodyPrograms.com Pilates Fitness REHABILITATION FACILITY Brookestone Meadows 402-289-2696 www.BrookestoneMeadows.com Hillcrest Health & Rehab Quality Living Institute QLI

hot yoga • vinyasa • hatha • yin • wall ropes

TWO LOCATIONS 5020 Dodge St. 402.551.5020 B-46

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

14606 West Center Rd. 402.333.2420

Orthodontics for Children, Teens & Adults

BEST OF OMAHA™ 2014

Preferred Invisalign Provider Clear In-Ovation self-ligating bracket system

FIRST PLACE 6 YEARS IN A ROW! www.kortigel.com 2 convenient office locations

10801 Pacific St., Suite 200 Omaha, NE 68154 (402) 330-1152

107 Highland St. Papillion, NE 68046 (402) 330-1152 omaha magazine • january/february 2014 B-47

health & beauty

TANNING SALON Palm Beach Tan Suntan City Paradise Bay Tanning TATTOO PARLOR Big Brain 402-342-2885 bigbrainomaha.com Liquid Courage Tattoos Black Squirrel Tattoo WAXING/HAIR REMOVAL Authentic Brazilian Wax By Vanella Kimberly Spa Omaha Ideal Image

WEIGHT LOSS CENTER Fast Diet Weight Watchers Physicians Weight Loss Center

Repairs Basement Waterproofing Basement Structural Basement Radon Mitigation Basement Finishing ...and Nasty Crawl Spaces too!

WORKOUT CLASS FACILITY Kosama Farrell’s eXtreme Bodyshaping Jazzercise YOGA STUDIO One Tree Yoga 402-551-5020 • 2 Locations onetreeyoga.com

, u o Y k n a Th aha! Om 800-827-0702

ThrasherBasement.com B-48

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

Lotus House of Yoga Omaha Yoga School

results

BEST OF OMAHA™ 2014

We are very humbled to have won first place in the Best of Omaha™ Garden/Nursery Store category. Although we have grown through the years, we are still a family-owned business with local roots and homegrown products. Nothing brings us more joy than seeing products that our family here at Lanoha created go to your family to enjoy for many years to come! Thank you, Omaha, for shopping local and valuing homegrown products! Chris Lanoha, Vice President Lanoha Nurseries

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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APARTMENTS Broadmoor at Aksarben Village broadmoor.cc 402-885-8555 Midtown Crossing Old Market Lofts APPLIANCE REPAIR ServiceOne All Appliance Service Inc. Andy’s Appliance Repair

Thank you for voting us Best of Omaha 5 years! 1263 S. 120th St. | Omaha, NE 68144

(402)334-8888

www.kitchensbydesignomaha.com

Celebrating 31 years!

Thank You For Voting Us Best 3 Years In A Row!

Where Craftsmanship is at its Finest!

BASEMENT REPAIR & WATERPROOFING Thrasher Basement Systems 800-827-0702 ThrasherBasement.com Jerry’s Basement Waterproofing Shamrock Waterproofing BUILDING SUPPLY STORE Builders Supply Co, Inc. Millard Lumber Lowe’s

All types of Roofing, Guttering, Siding, & Windows Hail Damage Specialists Locally Owned & Operated Since 1993 Insurance Claims are Our Specialty

FREE ESTIMATES! 1504 S Saddle Creek Rd. Omaha NE 68106 (402) 502-9300 www.pyramidroof.com

CARPET CLEANING Steamatic of Omaha 402-331-1116 www.steamaticomaha.com Stanley Steemer Maxim Cleaning & Restoration 402-697-9004 www.maximprocleaners.com CONDOS Midtown Crossing Riverfront Place The Paxton

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omaha magazine • january/february 2014

discover

MONTESSORI

Quality Closet and storage solutions in omaha ne

Broadmoor at Aksarben Village thanks you for voting us Best Apartments in Omaha

185th & West Maple 72nd & Center 39th & Harney 126th & Pacific

Call for a tour! 402-393-1311 www.OmahaMontessori.com

You’ll be pleased with the reasonable cost of built-in custom closets designed by Marco Custom Closets of Omaha. Best of all, there’s free measuring, free planning, free design work. Visit our showroom and factory located in Papillion and see for yourself the absolute quality of the materials and design choices offered by Marco Closets of Omaha.

402-778-5818 marCoClosets.Com

Lease the Lifestyle 2225 S 64th Plz Omaha, NE 68106 p: 402.885.8555

www.broadmoor.cc omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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New CoNstruCtioN or remodeliNg – Curt Hofer & AssoCiAtes CreAtes An environment exclusively for you.

BEST OF OMAHA™ 2014

Your home... your builder.

Exceptional.

Selecting a builder is as much an expression of taste as it is a statement of confidence. No one understands this better than Curt Hofer & Associates. As one of the area’s most respected custom homebuilders and remodelers, we provide a oneof-a-kind experience in creating your once-in-a-lifetime home. From individual rooms, to how these rooms come together to create a home, to the landscape and exteriors that immediately bid you welcome, the team at Curt Hofer & Associates knows how to bring the best ideas to life – yours. The result? Your home...your builder. Exceptional.

Thank you, Omaha!

CURT

HOFER & ASSOCIATES

Your home...your builder. Exceptional.

2332 Bob Boozer Drive n Omaha, NE 68130 Phone: 402.758.0440 n www.cur thofer.com B-52

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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COUNTERTOPS Consolidated Kitchens & Fireplaces 402-331-0500 ckfco.com Granite Transformations Midland Marble & Granite CUSTOM CABINETRY Zongkers Custom Furniture, Inc. Consolidated Kitchens & Fireplaces Wood Specialties CUSTOM CLOSETS Marco Closets & Storage Solutions Omaha 402-778-5818 marcoclosets.com Affordable Closets Closet Factory CUSTOM HOME BUILDER Curt Hofer and Associates 402-758-0440 www.curthofer.com Pohlad Custom Homes, Inc. pohladcustomhomes.com 402-445-0843 Falcone Homes 402-861-0180 www.falconehomes.com Winning the Best of Omaha™ three years in a row has been very beneficial for Pohlad Custom Homes, Inc. The fact that the community is in strong support of our business is nothing but a reflection of our hard work and pride that we have taken in each project over the years. Thank you again, for voting us one of the Best Custom Home Builders in Omaha for 2014. Jay Pohlad, Owner Pohlad Custom Homes, Inc.

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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Omaha’s Lawn Care Experts

Curt Hofer & Associates has been in business for over 21 years. We have developed a niche in the custom home design/build business where we build relationships with our clients that stand the test of time. Our team takes great pride in each home we build, both during construction and after. Our Service and Warranty department helps to ensure your home is like new for years to come. Steve Huber, President Curt Hofer & Associates DECORATIVE CONCRETE Schroder Concrete

Voted Best of Omaha 6 Years in a Row!

Thank You Omaha for 25 Years!

402-492-8800 • www.HeartlandLawnsOmaha.com business. entertainment.

Thank You Omaha! 402.330.2286 2531 S. 140th Ave.

family. food & drink.

the new

health.

Modern Concrete Moore’s Concrete Construction Inc. 402-491-3622 mooresconcrete.com ELECTRICAL SERVICES Miller Electric 402-341-6479 millerelect.com Omaha Electric Service, Inc. Hiller Electric

lifestyle.

FENCE & RAILINGS S&W Fence 402-333-5722 15803 Pacific St. Omaha

style.

American Fence Co

home.

ank You For Voting Us #1 ree Years in A Row!

Omarail FLOOR COVERINGS Nebraska Furniture Mart 402-548-6356 nfm.com Kelly’s Carpet FLOORfashions

www.HughesTree.com | 402-558-8198 B-54

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

for all your cleaning & restoration needs

BEST OF OMAHA™ 2014

TOTAl ClEANINg & REsTORATION REsIDENTIAl - COMMERCIAl - INDusTRIAl

Disaster repair & Clean-Up Carpet, Furniture, Tile and Drapery Cleaning •Free Estimates •No Hidden Charges •Area & Oriental Rugs •Truck Mounted Power •Odor Removal •Environmentally Friendly

Air Duct Cleaning • Helps control Dust & Dirt In Your Home or Office • Reduce Airborne Pollutants That Trigger Asthma and Allergic Reactions

Fire and Water Damage Specialists • Mold and Mildew Prevention • Dehumidification Equipment

• Insurance Claims Welcome • Mold & Odor Removal

331-1116

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE “Steamatic Does Not Telemarket”

8843 WAsHINgTON CIR • OMAHA, NE 68127

www.steamaticOmaha.com omaha magazine • january/february 2014

Established 1968

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Thank you, Omaha With a 97% customer satisfaction rating,* taking one more worry off your table is our specialty — and our privilege.

Thank you, Omaha, for voting us a “Best of Omaha™” winner for the 7th year.

Omaha Sales Office: 402-391-9061 | Customer Service: 1-800-228-9100 health life retirement

PhysiciansMutual.com

*Physicians Mutual® Customer Satisfaction Survey, 2010, conducted by Wiese Research Associates.

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omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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GARAGE DOORS Norm’s Door Service normsdoor.com 402-331-8920

Better Doors At Better Prices

Omaha Door & Window omahadoor.com 402-733-6440 Overhead Door Being a first place winner of Best of Omaha™ helps to confirm to our customers that Norm’s is the right choice for their purchase decision. Thanks to Best of Omaha™, there’s no better source of credibility than the opinions of other satisfied customers. Ruth Smith, President and General Manager Norm’s Door Service GARAGE FLOORING Garage Floor Coating of Nebraska In The Garage Epoxy Floors and More GARDEN NURSERY STORE Lanoha Nurseries 402-289-4103 lanohanurseries.com

Since 1963

402.331.8920

www.normsdoor.com Thank You For Voting Us Number One 3 Years Straight!

Mulhall’s Robert’s Nursery, Lawn, & Landscaping GROUT & TILE REPAIR The Grout Medic of Omaha The Grout Doctor The Tile Shop HANDYMAN SERVICES Handyman Joe’s Mr. Handyman Han D. Man

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2014 Best of Omaha winner in the Family Behavior Therapy category! Take one of our free, anonymous, online Mental Health Screenings at http://bit.ly/HFSScreenings

| Learn more at www.HeartlandFamilyService.org

Thank you for voting for us! We appreciate the opportunity to serve you.

Millard Wellness Center

HEATING & AIR SERVICE Aksarben/ARS Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing 402-331-1233 www.aksarbenARS.com A-1 United Heating, Air & Electrical Thermal Services HOME ACCESSORIES Nebraska Furniture Mart 402-548-6356 nfm.com House of J Home Accessories & Gifts 402-778-0650 www.houseofj.com Spruce Interiors & Gifts

CHIROPRACTIC • ACUPUNCTURE

402-934-7557 • www.millardwellness.com 2871 South 168 Street, Omaha, NE 68130 (168 & Center / Armburst Village)

HOME AUDIO & VIDEO Nebraska Furniture Mart 402-548-6356 nfm.com Echo Custom Electronics HOME BUILDER Brau Builders

Thank you Omaha for voting us Best Homebuilder!

Charleston Homes charlestonhomesomaha.com 402-934-2212/402-502-5600 Vantage Design & Construction HOME CLEANING SERVICE The Maids Molly Maid 402-932-6243 www.mollymaid.com

Come see why we are the Best Value in a Custom Neighborhood! Pebblebrooke Saddlebrook 174th & HWY 370 151st & Fort 402.502.5600 402.934.2212

charlestonhomesomaha.com

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Maids & More 402-572-6243 maidsandmore.com

Custom Design · Home Theater · Lighting · Control Home Automation · Motorized Shading

4315 s. 120th street 402-334-4900 www.echosystemsomaha.com omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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BEST OF OMAHA™ 2014

THANK YOU OMAHA

for voting Best Landscaping Company!

5601 Harrison St. Omaha, NE 68157 (402) 738-1580 SunValleyOmaha.com B-60

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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HOME GLASS & MIRRORS Quality Glass & Mirror Omaha Glass Rainbow Glass & Supply HOME INSPECTION SERVICE AmeriSpec Inspection Services American Property Inspections Cornerstone Home Inspection

9 Years In A Row

HOME REMODELING T. Hurt Construction, Inc. 402-510-9585 thurtconstruction.com Cornerstone Remodeling, Inc.

41 YEARS IN BUSINESS 402.333.8181

www.rdschuller.com • rdschuller@tconl.com

R.D. Schuller INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM The Interior Design Firm Interiors Joan and Associates The Designers 402-498-8777 12123 Emmet St., Omaha

Thank you for voting us “Best of Omaha ” Day Spa 4 years running and Hair Salon in 2014! ®

INTERIOR DESIGNER Marilyn Hansen, The Designers 402-498-8777 12123 Emmet St., Omaha Lori Anderson, Anderson Interiors 402-452-3440 aiOmaha.com

2 blocks south of 108th and Q S | www.glosssalon.com Thank you for voting us Best of Omaha™ 2014.

Julia Russell, Julia Russell Designs KITCHEN & BATH PLUMBING FIXTURES Ferguson Bath & Kitchen Kitchen & Baths by Briggs kbbriggs.com 402-330-3400 Millard Lumber

QUALITY & SERVICE THAT NEVER QUITS! Trusted in Omaha for Over 36 Years Locally Owned & Operated

[402]697-9004

www. MaximProCleaners.com

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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KITCHEN & BATH REMODELING Consolidated Kitchens & Fireplaces Kitchens by Design 402-334-8888 kitchensbydesignomaha.com

10666 Sapp Bros. Drive | Omaha, NE 68138 402-896-9140

Ward’s Kitchens & Baths, Inc.

Thanks for Voting Us

Best of Omaha

LANDSCAPE DESIGNER Kinghorn Gardens Urban Prairie Design A+ Landscape & Design LANDSCAPE LIGHTING McKay Landscape Lighting Landscape Illuminations

84th and 1st St, Downtown Papillion 402-331-9136

Nebraska’s BEST Full service boat Dealer!

Accent Landscapes LANDSCAPING SERVICE Carson Enterprises 402-676-5579 carsonenterprise.com Sun Valley Landscaping 402-932-5704 www.sunvalleyomaha.com The Rock Place

Voted ® and One of the Top 100 Boat Dealers in the USA 9 years in a row! 96th & L st. • 402.339.9600 • www.OmahamarineCenter.COm

“WE PAD THE FURNITURE NOT THE PRICE!” Quality Moving Professionals

Thanks for voting us Best of Omaha 2006-2014 • Household & Office Moving • Packing Service • Assisted Living • Pianos • Gun Safes • Moving Statewide In Iowa & Nebraska M#14114 U S DOT 732686

Omaha • 402-291-2490 www.jimsmovinginc.com

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omaha magazine • january/february 2014

LAWN CARE Heartland Lawns 402-492-8800 heartlandlawnsomaha.com Turf Care Inc. 402.895.6004 turfcareomaha.com Kozy Lawn Care LAWN IRRIGATION & SPRINKLERS Millard Sprinkler

Serving the Metro Area For Over 45 Years

Free Estimates

Nature’s Helper, Inc. 402-334-2625 www.NaturesHelperInc.com

Competitive Rates Insured Licensed

Quality Irrigation quality-irrigation.com 402-672-9297

BEST OF OMAHA™ 2014

Andy KENDEIGH

Adrian WHITSETT

Melissa FRY

Rob McCARTNEY

Brandi PETERSEN

Bill RANDBY

OMAHA’S NEWS LEADER

KETV Mobile ON AIR - ON LINE - ANYWHERE omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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Thanks for voting us your true neighborhood bar!

402.554.5815

1510 Saddlecreek Rd. Omaha, NE 68104

THANKS OMAHA for Voting Sempeck’s Best Family Entertainment & Laser Tag for 2013!

402.289.4614

20902 Cumberland Road | Elkhorn, NE 68022

ChristiClark Thank you for voting me Best Hair Colorist 2014! L.A. Celebrity Colorist now the Best of Omaha.

women’s clothing • accesories • gifts

ChristiClarkColor.com

402-321-9410

ThankS Omaha fOr chOOSing uS YOur #1 mOving cOmpanY . . . We offer a full line of moving-related services that can be customized to fit your needs.

2 Locations to Better Serve You!

Omaha, NE • 597-6683 Lincoln, NE • 466-4669

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Visit our website at http://twomenandatruckomaha.tmtsites.com/home Each franchise independently owned and operated.

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

Thank You for Voting us Best of Omaha! Cheers to Omaha’s Best Customers! 402.991.3595 Bel-Air Plaza 12100 W Center Rd. #607 Bliss Boutique Omaha

household

Best pub in Omaha!

LIGHTING FIXTURES Echo Lighting 402-334-4900 EchoLightingDesign.com Lighting World Inc. Light Palace MORTGAGE COMPANY First National Bank Firstnational.com 402-346-3626

Over 750 Single Malts, 230 Beers, & Awesome Food! 5 0 0 7 U nde r w ood • 4 0 2 -5 5 3 -9 5 0 1 • dU nde e de l l @ dUnde e dell.com

First Mortgage

Go ahead, relax and enjoy life.

Eagle Mortgage

Give you and your family the

MOVING COMPANY TWO MEN AND A TRUCK 402-597-6683 twomenandatruck.com

peace of mind they deserve with “Advanced Funeral Planning” Call today for your Pre-Planning Guide!

Flat Rate Movers Jim’s Moving & Delivery Co. Inc 402-291-2490 jimsmovinginc.com

DWORAK CHAPEL•16th & Vinton•346-1144 BELLEVUE MEM. CHAPEL•Bellevue•291-5000

PAINTING SERVICES Gerst

50% OFF*the foundations class and any 16 session package BOGO $50 OFF! *Certain Exceptions Apply. New Clients Only.

Midwest Painting Extreme Painting PEST CONTROL SERVICE Lien Termite & Pest Control Orkin Termite & Pest Control Terminix PLUMBING SERVICES Burton AC, Heating, Plumbing and More Aksarben/ARS Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing 402-331-1233 www.aksarbenars.com

If you’ve tried other programs and found them lacking, we invite you to discover the 402.502.9772 integration of exercise science with mind- www.mindbodyprograms.com 16939 Wright Plaza, Suite 129 body techniques for whole body results.

Thanks for voting us

Best of Omaha 5 years in a row!

Big Birge Plumbing bigbirgeplumbing.com 402-575-0102

(402) 334-2625 • www.NaturesHelperInc.com Burgundy = pms 209 or cyan 50/magenta 100/yellow 100

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

Green = dark pms 356 or bright pms 361 or cyan 78/yellow 100 Blue = Process Cyan or cyan 100

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is now

Right now get

4 Tans for $400 or 2 Spray Tans for $25 New customers, one time only. See salon for details. Offers expire 12/31/13.

Thank you Omaha for voting Ashley Lynn’s your #1 tanning salon.

POOLS & SPAS Continental Pool & Spa Classic Olympic Pool and Spa RESIDENTIAL ROOFING Pyramid Roofing 402-502-9300 pyramidroofing.com Thompson Roofing Co. Husker Siding, Windows & Roofing

TREE SERVICE Terry Hughes Tree Service 402-558-8198 www.hughestree.com Enfield’s Tree Service Omaha Tree WATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS Culligan Futuramic’s Clean Water Center Kinetico WINDOW COVERINGS Ambiance Window Coverings 402-932-9711 AmbianceWindowCoverings.com A Well-Dressed Window Marco Shutters WINDOWS AND DOORS Pella Windows & Doors of Omaha & Lincoln 402-493-1350 www.PellaOmaha.com Omaha Door & Window 402-733-6440 omahadoor.com Builders Supply Co., Inc. B-66

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BEST OF OMAHA™ 2014

Everyone who is involved with the Holland Performing Arts Center deserves recognition for this award! Best of Omaha™ is a testament to the many people who support the Holland—our board of directors, contributors, ticket purchasers, community partners, staff, volunteers, and especially the incredible performers who grace our stages. Omaha can be proud of this world-class facility and be assured of our commitment to making every experience at the Holland a “Best of.” Joan Squires, President Holland Performing Arts Center Omaha Performing Arts

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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nightlife

BAR FOOD Dundee Dell 402-553-9501 www.dundeedell.com

PREMIUM HOMEMADE ICE CREAM For over 25 year’s we’ve been using only the highest quality ingredients in our premium ice cream. Each artisan batch is crafted the old fashioned way with rock salt and ice.

The Old Market • 1120 Jackson Street (402) 341-5827 • tedandwallys.com

DJ’s Dugout 4 Metro Locations djsdugout.com Tanner’s Bar & Grill

Find Us On Facebook

7 Years In A Row

CIGAR BAR Havana Garage 402-614-3800 thehavanagarage.com Jake’s Cigars & Spirits

Bringing Balance and Wholeness back to the body through the practice of

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE Reproductive Health Digestive Health Emotional Health Pain Management

402.827.1355

thank you omaha for 11 great Years! IntroducIng our new acupuncturIst sean Finley L.ac., M.sc., LMt

1002 N 72nd St. | Omaha

Safari Cigars & Lounge safaricigarsandlounge.com 402-884-6702 COCKTAIL LOUNGE LIV Lounge Nosh Restaurant and Wine Lounge noshwine.com 402-614-2121 Green Onion Lounge

402-393-2100 REMOTE START WITH GPS TRACKING

Lock and unlock your vehicle from almost anywhere.

NOW 2 LOCATIONS 74TH & DODGE 204TH & DODGE

HAPPY HOUR Kona Grill® CRAVE Spezia Now Open Sundays 402-391-2950 LATE-NIGHT DINING Eat the Worm HIRO 88 M’s Pub LIVE MUSIC VENUE Holland Performing Arts Center 402-345-0202 omahaperformingarts.org Slowdown The Waiting Room

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le irc sC

nn Wi

Thank You

for voting us Best Condo’s in Omaha!

Thank You! Omaha Performing Arts would like to thank our patrons for voting the distinctive Holland Performing Arts Center as the Best Live Music Venue for the third year.

Downtown’s Premier Luxury Address Best Location Unmatched Quality Finest Amenities

14th & Farnam

ThePaxton.com

1200 Douglas Street • OmahaPerformingArts.org • 402.345.0202

Thanks Omaha for voting us Best of Omaha!

Comics, gaming, toys, and so much more!

C o n s t r u c t i o n REMODEL • CUSTOM HOMES • CONCRETE

Whole House Remodels Kitchen & Bath Remodels • New Custom Homes Lower Level Finishes • Additions Concrete Commercial & Residential

402-391-4131 125th and Center

(behind Office Depot)

kryptoncomicsomaha.com

8529 Wirt Street • Omaha, NE 68134 402-510-9585 • www.thurtconstruction.com

executive chef Jon Seymour sous chef Garret Kasper sommeliers David Eckler, Chris Walter proprietor David Hayes general manager/wine director Matthew Brown omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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nightlife Your Locally Owned Pet Store

MARGARITA Hector’s

Natural, Organic, and Eco-Friendly Food and Supplies for Dogs and Cats. Stress Free grooming available by appointment.

Cantina Laredo

72nd & Pacific At the Shoppes at Aksarben

Your Best Friend Will Thank You!

Cilantro’s MARTINI Charlie’s on the Lake 402-894-9411 www.charliesonthelake.net

www.greenspotomaha.com

Blue Sushi Sake Grill

Celebrating 25 Years!

Firebirds

Come in for a taste of one of our amazing specials!

MICRO BREWERY Upstream Brewing Company Old Market • West Omaha upstreambrewing.com Lazlo’s Benson Brewery NEIGHBORHOOD BAR Tanner’s Bar & Grill Dundee Dell 402-553-9501 www.dundeedell.com Homy Inn 1510 N. Saddlecreek Rd. 402-554-5815

Omaha’s First Sushi Bar 402.391.5047 7425 Dodge St. | Omaha www.sushiomaha.com

Thank You Omaha, for voting

NEW BAR IN 2013 Palooza’s Food & Spirits

BEST PHARMACY!

Wilson & Washburn

Saints Pub & Patio REVERSE HAPPY HOUR Blue Sushi Sake Grill Kona Grill®

OMAHA’S ORIGINAL STEAKHOUSE

CRAVE SPORTS BAR DJ’s Dugout 4 Metro Locations djsdugout.com Brewsky’s Oscar’s Pizza & Sports Grille

• Proudly serving visitor & locals for 90 years. • Less than 10 minutes from Downtown. • Featured in Midwest Living Best of the Midwest 2011. • Serving hand cut steaks, aged on premise and slow roasted prime rib with pride. 402-731-4774 27th & ‘L’ St., Kennedy Frwy, ‘L’ St. Exit 8 Minutes from Downtown Omaha.

Best Of Omaha 8Years Running

WHERE GOOD FOOD AND GOOD SERVICE NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE. omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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BEST OF OMAHA™ 2014

it’s a super honor for Krypton Comics to be named Best of Omaha™! Thank you to the community that supports us by attending so many of our fun, colorful, and exciting events! It has always been our mission to get comic books into as many hands as possible. My employees and I will team up and work even harder to promote the wonderful American art form of comic books. Dean Phillips, Owner Krypton Comics

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retail

ANTIQUE SHOP Brass Armadillo Antique Mall 402-896-9140 BrassArmadillo.com Second Chance Antiques The Imaginarium Antiques, Collectibles & More... Old Market—Benson 402-594-7061 ART GALLERY Anderson O’Brien Fine Art Dundee Gallery Lewis Art Gallery BABY BOUTIQUE Baby Junk Posh Princess

with extended hours 7 a.m. -7 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday by appointment

Carter’s

BEER & SPIRITS STORE brix

BOOKSTORE Barnes & Noble The Bookworm Books-A-Million

www.procare3.com

Make Your Water The Best It Can Be.

Spirit World Beertopia 402-905-2603 beercornerusa.com

“Enhancing the Quality of Life”

Culligan of Omaha 402-735-0003 Wha

•

Water Softening Reverse Osmosis Systems Whole House Filtration Bottled Water Delivery Salt and Service

HallsWater.com

t do you wish for?

Breast Rejuvenation

Thank you Omaha!

Breast Augmentation | Breast Lift | Breast Reduction | Breast Reconstruction

Body Rejuvenation

Tummy Tuck | Liposuction | Arms, Thigh & Buttock Lift | CoolSculpting

Facial Rejuvenation

Facelift & E-lift | Brow Lift | Eyelid Surgery Rhinoplasty | Cheek & Chin Enhancement | Otoplasty

Skin Rejuvenation

8900 West Dodge Road www.surgicalimages.com

Botox & Injectable Fillers | Chemical Peels | Vein Treatment | Obagi

Call 402-390-0100 for a complimentary day or evening consulatation. omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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Thank You Omaha For Voting Us BestFurniture Store • Home Accessories Home Audio & Video • Tile • Floor Coverings

Furniture

Flooring Appliances

Electronics

nfm.com 700 South 72nd St Omaha, NE 68114 Phone: 402-548-6356

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retail

Thanks For Voting Us Best of Omaha!

CLOTHING CONSIGNMENT STORE Absolutely Her Scout Dry Goods & Trade Esther’s We are so grateful to our customers for their support. Winning Best of Omaha™ is a mark of distinction that Ambiance Window Coverings wears proudly.” Donna Schrader, Owner/Designer Ambiance Window Coverings COMICS & GAMING STORE Krypton Comics kryptoncomicsomaha.com 402-391-4131 Gamers

Huerter Orthodontics 2410 South 73rd Street • Omaha, NE 68124 402.397.4226 • www.drtomortho.com

Ask us about Invisalign Teen Today!

Dragon’s Lair Comics & Games

CONVENIENCE STORE QuikTrip Bucky’s Convenience Stores Kwik Shop

Omaha’s Best Lawyers

The Best of Omaha™exclusively from Omaha Magazine Don’t miss a single issue. Subscribe today! Two year subscription for $11!

That’s 77% off the newsstand price of $47.50

omamag.com/save omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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retail

FLORIST Taylor’s Flower Shop 402-733-2322 www.taylorsflowers24hours.com Stems Papillion Flower Patch papillionflowerpatch.com 402-331-9136 FURNITURE STORE Nebraska Furniture Mart 402-548-6356 nfm.com Allens Home Pottery Barn

fashioncleaners.com | 402.342.3491

GROCERY STORE Hy-Vee Baker’s Trader Joe’s HUSKER APPAREL STORE Husker Hounds Lawlor’s Custom Sportswear Nebraska Red Zone

ALL FITNESS LEVELS n n n n n

FITNESS KICKBOXING DYNAMIC STRENGTH TRAINING EASY MEAL PLANNING PERSONAL COACHING A CHANCE TO WIN $1,000 AND $10,000

JEWELRY STORE Borsheims Fine Jewelry & Gifts borsheims.com 402-391-0400 14 Karat Omaha

10-WEEK RESULTS

Goldsmith Silversmith 402-342-1737 goldsmithsiversmith.com

*Certain requirements apply

402-697-1392 B-76

www.FXBOmaha.com

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

BEST OF OMAHA™ 2014

LOVE, BORSHEIMS Valentine’s Day is Friday, February 14th.

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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Thanks for voting for Blue Moon Fitness! Blue Moon Fitness is comfortable enough and cheap enough that even people who exercise “once in a blue moon” can fit in! Blue Moon Fitness offers an atmosphere where even first time exercisers feel comfortable, private exercise areas for women, TVs on every piece of cardio equipment, the lowest rates in town and now Blue Moon Fitness has 4 metro Omaha locations to serve you. • • • •

Bellevue — 1402 Harlan Drive Omaha North — 108 & Maple St. Omaha North — 108 & Maple St. Omaha Central — 84 & West Center Rd. www.Blue Moon Fitness.com

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retail

LINGERIE STORE Nouvelle Eve Von Maur Lane Bryant MEN’S APPAREL Parsow’s Fine Clothing & Sportswear 402.397.7900 parsows.com Lindley Clothing Jerry Ryan MEN’S HAIRCUT Arlan’s Barber Shop

New Location: Hwy 370 & 72nd St.

A Family Business Since 1975 402-397-8884 Thank you Omaha for voting us best of Omaha for all you Pest control needs.

16880 Parker Plz (168th & Blondo) Omaha, Nebraska (402) 493-6525

Arlan’s •BARBER SHOP•

Where Prices Fit & Fashions Flair!

Sport Clips Great Clips At Q98-Five, we always strive to be the best for Omaha, and the Best of Omaha™ illustrates everything that’s great about our community. Congratulations to all of our Best of Omaha™ partners! Andy Ruback, General Manager – NRG Media Omaha Q98-Five OIL & VINEGAR SPECIALTY STORE Old World Oil & Vinegar oldworldoil.com 402-968-7944

Cuts • Shaves • Shoe Shines Lady’s Short Hair Welcome 3157 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68131 402.505.8767

402.932.4668

815 Tara Plz, Papillion, NE 68046

A Tasting Room Experience Olive Oil • Balsamic Vinegar Dried Mushroom Sea Salt 10920 Prairie Brook Rd. 402-968-7944

OMAHA,

THANK YOU OMAHA FOR |VOTING US BEST ICE CREAM! 7130 N. 102ND CIRCLE &

8608 N. 30TH STREET

Chef 2 Vine+Branch PAWN SHOP Sol’s Jewelry & Loan Four Aces Pawn Mid-City Jewelry & Loan

THANKS OMAHA FOR VOTING

FIRST PLACE Thank you Omaha for voting us one of the Best BBQ in Omaha.

Located at 168th & Harrison and 120th & Blondo omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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Trouble Getting Up & Down the Stairs?

Regain your independence...and the rest of your home!

PET SUPPLY STORE Long Dog Fat Cat 402-933-1123 longdogfatcat.com The Green Spot Three Dog Bakery & Spaw PHARMACY Walgreens CVS/pharmacy 10 Metro Locations cvs.com

Largest showroom in the nation! Multiple models..one sure to fit your needs! Call for special pricing! Recipient of

12739 Q Street 402.408.1990 www.kohlls.com

PLATINUM AWARD

Kohll’s Pharmacy & Homecare kohlls.com 402-408-1990

THRIFT STORE Goodwill www.goodwillomaha.org New Life Thrift

Thank You Omaha!

Hand Me Ups

Best of Omaha 11 Years Running

WINE STORE brix

Come visit us at our new location: The Interior Design Firm 705 North 1 14th Omaha, NE 68154

402.334.8800

www.idfomaha.com

Spirit World WineStyles WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE beyourself Kajoma’s Fashion Boutique 104 E. 1st St., Papillion, NE 402-991-4477 Bliss Boutique

Always a Large Selection of Fresh Fish

4150 south 144th street • omaha • 894-9411 B-80

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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BEST OF OMAHA™ 2014

The phone rings and the voice on the other end says, ‘I’ve read that you have been voted Best Caterer in Omaha by the Best of Omaha™ voters’ survey.’ We say, ‘Yes, we’ve been very honored with first place for the past four years.’ They say, ‘Well, that’s exactly what I need for my daughter’s wedding. When can we meet to discuss?’ We say, ‘We look forward to serving you!’ Thank you for this honor, Omaha! Jeff Snow, Executive Chef/Owner Catering Creations

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BEST OF OMAHA™ 2014

THANK YOU.

WE’LL SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS. We’ve built relationships with the people of Omaha for more than 150 years. In return, they’ve named us the

Best Bank since 1992. We’re honored to earn that title once again, along with Best Mortgage Company and

Best Auto Financing, in the 2014 Best of Omaha Survey. For that we thank you.

Stop in to one of our 38 convenient area locations today to start building a lasting relationship with Omaha’s best bank.

402.346.3626 | firstnational.com | Member FDIC B-82

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services

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY Elk Ridge Village Assisted Living 402-763-8692 www.ElkRidgeSeniorLiving.com Hillcrest Mable Rose Westgate Assisted Living BANK First National Bank Firstnational.com

Stephanie & Jim Lovely

“Omaha’s Complete House Cleaning Resource”

Maids

We started Maids & More here locally to offer you a professional, affordable service from people you can trust

• Weekly, Biweekly, Monthly • Special One Time Cleanings

& MORE...

• Steam Cleaning Carpets • Upholstery • Tile & Grout • Wood Floor Rejuvenator • “House For Sale” Cleaning Specialist

See additional discounts and pricing info at maidsandmore.com

Same day and weekend availability!

Omaha’s Only Authentic German Restaurant

Bank of the West

Locally Owned Since 1976

Pinnacle Bank whycommunitymatters.com

DAnkeschÖn OmAhA!

CATERER Catering Creations 402-558-3202 www.cateringcreations.com

Thank You Omaha For Voting Us Best Of Omaha® Used Car Dealership!

Hap Abraham Catering Attitude on Food

402-574-2600 | www.atchleyford.com

COMPUTER REPAIR Schrock Innovations Geek Squad DIT Computers CREDIT UNION Centris Federal Credit Union 402-334-7000 centrisfcu.org SAC Federal Credit Union Metro Credit Union DOG DAY CARE Dogtopia 402-502-4797 dogdaycare.com

Call

572-6243

Pan Fried chicken Wednesdays catering All Occasion cakes, Pies & strudel

5180 Leavenworth 402-553-6774 www.gerdasgermanrestaurant.com

Thank You Omaha! LOCATIONS

14460 West Maple Rd. Omaha, NE 402.493.0443

14303 U St. Omaha, NE 402.895.0181

2609 S. 132nd St. Omaha, NE 402.334.6933

1919 N. 90th St. Omaha, NE 402.391.2072

10770 Fort St. [NEC] Omaha, NE 402.493.3257

4840 Dodge St. Omaha, NE 402.558.2000

8315 West Center Rd. Omaha, NE 402.393.2557

1701 S. Galvin Rd. Bellevue, NE 402.292.2685

6901 S. 84th St. LaVista, NE 402.339.1090

545 West Washington St. Council Bluffs, IA 712.352.4152

Thanks Omaha for voting Best of Omaha!

The Paw Spa Pet Resort Bark Avenue Grooming & Daycare 402-496-4005 www.barkavenueomaha.com

May 30 - June 1, 2014

www.tasteofomaha.info

As seen on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 4629 S. 108th St. 402.614.7644 brewburgersomaha.com

Produced by: Mid-America Expositions 402.346.8003

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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services

Serving Omaha for over 10 years • 134th & Fort

402.933.3333 5320 N. 134th St.

Fashion Cleaners 402-342-3491 fashioncleaners.com

• 156th & Maple daycare•boarding•spa

daycare Dogtopia of Omaha Portal Drive Dogtopia 13239 of Omaha boarding Omaha, NE 68138 13239 Portal Drive spa 402-502-4797

Omaha, NE 68138 402-502-4797 www.dogdaycare.com

DRY CLEANERS Max I. Walker 24 Metro Locations maxiwalker.com

402.502.5225 15475 Taylor St.

•127th & Dodge

402.492.9999 12710 Webster St.

www.hamiltonheightscdc.com

NuTrend Drycleaners EMPLOYER PayPal Union Pacific Railroad UNMC At PayPal, we have a diverse workforce, open atmosphere, and development planning where people can really be successful at their dreams using their knowledge and skills to build a strong, lasting career. Angie Anderson, Director Customer Solutions PayPal

5 Omaha Locations Open 24 Hours www.abelardosmexicanfood.com

Thank You for voting us #1 Best Greek Best Greek.

Our Lawn Care Results Are

Guaranteed!

Renaissance Financial Family Owned Since 1983

Catering ~ Party Room Available Homemade, Fresh Food ~ Always 10722 Sapp Brothers Dr. 402.895.6004 turfcareomaha.com

FINANCIAL PLANNING FIRM Feltz WealthPLAN FeltzWealthPlan.com 402-691-0200

3821 Center St. 402/346-1528

GreekIslandsOmaha.com

Vintage Financial Group LLC FUNERAL HOME Heafey Heafey Hoffman Dworak & Cutler Mortuaries and Crematory John A. Gentleman Mortuaries

Anytime, Anywhere, Any Budget

IN-HOME COMPANION CARE Home Instead Senior Care

Try Omaha’s Favorite Reuben!

Comfort Keepers 800-477-3145 comfortkeepers.com

Omaha’s largest selection of craft beers.

3578 Farnam St • 402-345-1708 www.beercornerusa.com

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Roeder Mortuaries

Maxim Homecare www.MariaBonitaOnline.com

BEST OF OMAHA™ 2014

! A H A M O U O Y K N A TH

Thanks for honoring us for the 5th year in a row as Omaha’s “Best Financial Planning Firm.” We’re proud to continue our service to Omaha’s great community. 101 South 108th Avenue, Second Floor • Omaha, NE 68154 www.FeltzWealthPLAN.com • 1.800.366.5448 • 402.691.0200 Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC. | All rights reserved. Copyright 2013, Feltz WealthPLAN Polls conducted by Omaha Magazine. Results based on popular vote. omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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services

IN-HOME NURSING SERVICE Visiting Nurses Association VNA Alegent Creighton Health At Home Home Nursing With Heart LIFE/HEALTH INSURANCE CO. Mutual of Omaha Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska

Family Owned & Operated Authentic Italian Cuisine Party Rooms Available Carry Out Available

Serving Lunch & Dinner

Physicians Mutual

Mon-Sat

PET BOARDING The Paw Spa Pet Resort ComeSitStay 402-933-3774 comesitstayomaha.com Bark Avenue Inn & Daycare 402-933-4007 www.barkavenueomaha.com PET GROOMING SALON Bark Avenue Grooming & Daycare 402-496-4005 www.barkavenueomaha.com All About Dogs Susie’s Professional Pet Grooming PHOTOGRAPHER Laurie and Charles Photographs

Sonoran Style Cooking Made Fresh Daily.

3001 S. 32nd Ave • Omaha, NE 402-345-5656

Catering and Party Rooms Also Available. 7555 Pacific St. 399–8006 380 N.114 St. 330–5707 Omaha, Nebraska

One of the Largest Thrift Stores Appliances • Furniture • Antiques • Clothes & Misc.

Bring in this ad for 10% OFF

Thanks for voting us Best of Omaha™ Winners’ Circle, we appreciate your support and look forward to serving you in the future.

NEW LIFE THRIFT The Thrift Store with the Department Store Service!

402-884-3972 www.firehousesubs.com

402-731-9311 7007 So. 36th Street • Bellevue, NE

Deyo’s Photography Studio C41 REALTOR Jeff Rensch Lisa and Dennis Ritter 402-612-2413 rittersellomaha.com Karen Jennings karen. jennings@cbs.com 402-697-4472

Our Smoker to You-Guaranteed! Catering Available Thank You Omaha for Voting us #1 Motorcycle Dealer

2706 N. Main St Elkhorn, NE 68022 402-289-4772 boydandcharlies.com omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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services

RECEPTION VENUE DC Centre Scoular Ballroom 1316 Jones Street RETIREMENT COMMUNITY Lakeside Village Elk Ridge Village Retirement Community 402-763-8692 www.ElkRidgeSeniorLiving.com Hillcrest Country Estates DOLPHIN

TILE The Tile Shop

Senior Citizen Tuesday. $2.00 OFF any wash package or $1 OFF a basic wash for everyone 55 years and older.

2511 South 140th Street ½ block north of Oakview Mall

402.697.0650

Nebraska Furniture Mart 402-548-6356 nfm.com Imperial Tile TUXEDO STORE Mr. Tuxedo Tip Top Tux

The Original Whiskey Steak We appreciate your Best of Omaha Vote! ™

Gentleman’s Choice 402-391-3200 www.omahatuxedos.com VET CLINIC RalstonVet Gentle Doctor

2121 S. 73 St. Just 1/2 block South of Doubletree

Gift Cards Available Open Monday-Friday 11am-2pm Dinner nightly from 5pm Reservations Accepted DroverRestaurant.com 402-391-7440

Our Customers Are #1 to Us!

Thanks for Voting CARSTAR “Best Auto Body Repair”

4 Locations in Omaha/Lincoln nebraskacarstar.com B-88

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American Animal Hospital WOOD FLOOR COMPANY Heartland Wood Floors 402-334-8686 heartlandwoodfloors.com Mark David Floors Tom Manley Floors

The Journey Continues COME ALONG FOR THE RIDE

Thanks for Voting Travel and Transport “Best Travel Agency” in Omaha!

We Are Going Places! Travel is our only business and for the past 67 years we have remained true to our name. We look forward to continuing to provide our clients with innovative corporate travel solutions, unique event planning services and unforgettable vacation experiences. Thank you Omaha for your continued support on this exciting journey!

travelandtransport.com Located at 72nd & Mercy | 402.399.4500

Look for us on Facebook and Twitter

CORPORATE TRAVEL | EVENTS | LOYALTY | VACATIONS

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BEST OF OMAHA™ 2014

We would like to take this time to thank all of our very loyal customers. Our employees at the Bike Rack work very hard to serve you, but without great customers and a wonderful city in which to bike, this recognition could not have been possible. Thank you! Now ‘Get Out and Ride!’ Jim Carveth, Owner Bike Rack

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transportation

AUTO BODY REPAIR Dingman’s Collision Center 4 Metro Locations dingmans.com CARSTAR Auto Body 4 Locations in Omaha/Lincoln nebraskacarstar.com B Street Collision Center 402-333-9872 bstreetcollision.com Dave’s Auto Body Co. 402-572-0200 davesautobodyco.com It is rewarding to know that the quality repairs and exceptional customer service that the Omaha CARSTAR shops provide are being recognized by our customers and friends. Thank you for voting CARSTAR Best Auto Body Repair. Greg Petersen & Christi Krajeski, Owners CARSTAR Auto Body AUTO DETAILING Dolphins Touchless Car Wash 402-697-0650 dolphinscarwash.com Russell Speeder’s Mojo’s Full Service Car Wash & Detail Center AUTO FINANCING SAC Federal Credit Union Centris Federal Credit Union 402-334-7000 centrisfcu.org First National Bank Firstnational.com 402-346-3626

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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AUTO GLASS Safelite Auto Glass Metro Glass Omaha Glass BIKE SHOP Bike Rack Trek Bicycle Store Olympic Cycle BOAT DEALER Omaha Marine Center 402.339.9600 OmahaMarineCenter.com Valley Marine Beaver Lake Marina

BRAKE SERVICE House of Mufflers & Brakes Brakes Plus Jensen Tire & Auto CAR STEREO STORE Stereo West Auto Toys 402-393-2100 stereowestautotoys.com InPhase Car Audio Metro Audio Dynamics CAR TIRE SERVICE Jensen Tire & Auto Walker Tire Midwest Tire 402-342-2248 midwesttireomaha.com

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omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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CAR WASH Russell Speeder’s Fantasy’s Cornhusker Auto Wash EXHAUST & MUFFLER SERVICE House of Mufflers & Brakes Midas Mad Hatter Muffler & Brakes 402-330-2286 madhattermuffleromaha.com GENERAL AUTO REPAIR Jensen Tire & Auto Exclusive Repair Specializing in Honda and Acura Walker Tire

Take the plunge into year-round swim lessons. Proven curriculum, certified swim teachers and small class sizes - all to help your child become a true swimmer. Classes are available mornings, evenings and weekends year-round.

MOTORCYCLE DEALER Holstein’s Harley-Davidson Dillon Brothers BMW Motorcycles of Omaha NEW CAR DEALER Woodhouse Auto Family 7 Area Locations 800-889-1893 • woodhouse.com Performance Auto Group Superior Honda OIL CHANGE Jiffy Lube Jensen Tire & Auto

Scuba and Swim Centers 120th & I

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omaha magazine • january/february 2014

diventures.net

Valvoline Instant Oil Change

Thank You Omaha!

BEST OF OMAHA™ 2014

EXCLUSIVE REPAIR c o n t i n u e s t o g ro w d u e t o o u r c u s t o m e r re fe r ra l s . We s i n c e re l y t h a n k y o u fo r re c o m m e n d i n g u s !

SPECIALIZING IN

HONDA & ACURA Repair only Since 1982

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This award is only possible with the Best of Omaha™ Honda-Acura Team Manager: Matt Gottsch Parts Manager: Jeremy Law-Mumm Service Advisors: Cameron Richler, Shawn Dodson Technicians: Mark Dow, Mike Distefano, Nick Nolting, Tom Wolfe

402.551.3015

4 4 2 0 L e a v e n w o r t h S t r e e t • O m a h a , N E 6 810 5 Wa l k - I n s a r e w e l c o m e , a p p o i n t m e n t s r e c o m m e n d e d • 7 t o 5 , M o n - F r i

WE STAND BEHIND OUR WORK

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RV DEALER Apache Camper Center apachecamper.com 402-292-1455 www.apachecamper.com

ANNOUNCING NEWMAR CLASS A MOTORHOMES! Exclusively at

Apache Camper Center! Thank you Omaha for voting us #1 RV dealer for the 8th year!!

AC Nelsen Leach Camper TRAVEL AGENCY Travel and Transport 402.399.4500 travelandtransport.com AAA Travel Agency Travel Leaders Omaha

1120 FORT CROOk ROAd BELLEvUE, NE 68005 800.756.7344 402.292.1455 HWy 77 SALTILLO Rd LINCOLN, NE 68430 800.753.9158 402.423.3218

Travel and Transport is very proud to be considered as a Best of Omaha winner. For our company to be recognized by our community is something that each of our employeeowners greatly values and appreciates. Together we are better. This is an amazing community and we are proud to call Omaha our home. Bill Tech, President and CEO Travel and Transport, Inc. USED CAR DEALER Lexus of Omaha lexusofomaha.com 402-333-6400 Atchley Ford Stan Olsen

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Once Again, Thank You Omaha! Opening

Spring 2014! Lexus Of Omaha Would Like To Say “Thank You” To Our Clients Who Have Helped Us In Winning The “Elite Of Lexus” Award For Customer Satisfaction 22 Years In A Row. Lexus Of Omaha Is 1 Of 3 Dealerships In The Country, Out Of 213 That Have Won This Prestigious Award Every Year It Has Been Available. Best Used Car Dealer In The “Best Of Omaha” for the Eleventh Year in a Row.

22-Time “Elite of Lexus” Winner For Customer Satisfaction

11910 W. Dodge Road • 333-6400 • 1-800-632-5398 2013 omaha magazine • january/february 2014 VISIT US AT OUR WEB SITE: www.lexusofomaha.com

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story by david williams • photo by bill sitzmann

FACES

E ADDRESSES HIS FANS as

Dave Wingert Walking on Sunshine

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“doll,” “girlfriend,” and the occasional, Zsa Zsa Gabor-esque “dahling.” And those are for his male callers. “C’mon in, pussycat,” the man known as “Wingy” beckons with a broad smile. “We’re on the air!” It’s a damp, gluey-eyed, pre-dawn hour, but Dave Wingert is already deep in a groove. The perpetually perky Big O 101.9 FM personality effortlessly manipulates a dizzying array of sliding control panel buttons while simultaneously juggling coffee, headphones, mic, and a trio of computer mice below a quartet of monitors. It’s the most improbable of ballets, all perfectly choreographed for the sole purpose of transitioning into the bouncy intro of a Men at Work tune, the one about a man in Brussels who was full of muscles. Such dexterity is a skill the New York City native honed in a broadcasting career spanning six decades. First coming to Omaha in the ’70s, he had four radio and two television programs before spending the next 20 years in Seattle hosting the nationally syndicated Dave ’Til Dawn show. LBJ was in the Oval Office when Wingert landed his first gig, an unpaid one on Ohio University’s campus radio station. “I wanted to be an actor,” he explains,

faces dave wingert

“but the radio studio in the basement of the school’s theater building caught my attention. My very Jewish mother had an [insert wagging finger] ‘Over my dead body’ attitude about acting. She insisted I do something that promised a regular paycheck.” Wingert found that regular paycheck and many more among an alphabet soup of radio station call letters but never abandoned the stage. He has been featured in the footlights of countless community theater, Off-Broadway, and Actors’ Equity stage roles, garnering several awards along the way. “I’ve always considered myself an actor who just happens to do radio,” says the member of the Nebraska Broadcasting Association Hall of Fame who now serves on the board of Omaha’s Blue Barn Theatre. “Whether behind the mic or on stage, it’s just like sitting around a campfire telling stories. Storytelling helps us understand how we—all of us—are alike. Storytelling erases our differences.” The radio celeb known for his conversational, authentic, and hilariously over-the-top banter admits to not always being so comfortably at ease behind the mic. “Do people like me? Am I doing okay? How did that last show go?” he recalls of his earlier days in radio while, in the background, the Thompson Twins insist, as if on cue, that someone “Hold Me Now.” “I had a million unanswered questions,” says the man who now peppers his program with self-help segments that have a deeply personal meaning for many in his audience. “Now I’m at a place where I no longer question myself; I just enjoy being myself. I’m okay with that.” It’s a sentiment that also seems to be more than okay with legions of loyal followers. “What’s big for me now is a sense of belonging, community, the satisfaction of making a difference,” he adds. “My ability to help the Blue Barn raise big money for a new theater, for example, is probably the most rewarding thing I’ve done in my return to Omaha. My role there is to connect with the community just like my role here at the station is to connect with the community. The only way for me to do that is to just be me.” Wingert reaches for his headphones as the interview closes and he lapses into his best Yiddish to offer a cheerful “Bye-bye bubbe! Come back any time!” And with that, Wingy was back on the air, this time playing the infectiously upbeat Katrina and the Waves number that could easily pass for his personal theme song—“Walking on Sunshine.” OMAG

WE PRODUCE EXCELLENCE. NOT JUST IN COMPETITIVE CHEER, BUT AS OUTSTANDING PEOPLE.

All staff have been credentialed through a rigorous process under the USASF (United States All-Star Federation) and are current members of this safety organization.

402.537.0855 2410 South 140th Circle | Omaha, NE [two blocks north of Oakview Mall/across the street from Dolphins Carwash]

Omaha’s Best Doctors

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Omaha’s Midtown Masterpiece Midtown Omaha’s newest event venue blends timeless craftsmanship with every modern amenity. Large enough to host gala events, trade shows and annual meetings. Intimate enough to accommodate board meetings, training sessions and workshops. Perfect for weddings and holiday gatherings. With tables and chairs for 500+ guests, free parking and state‐of‐the‐art audiovisual equipment, we can meet your every need. Your next event deserves nothing less. a r t s

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402‐905‐9511 • OmarEvents.com • 4383 Nicholas OMAR-OM-6thH.indd 1

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story by suzanne smith arney • photo by bill sitzmann

ART+CULTURE

Karen Schnepf Still Coloring Outside the Lines

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AREN SCHNEPF’S ARTIST PROF ILE , published in

Her magazine in 2009 (now HerFamily magazine), carried the subtitle “Coloring Outside the Lines.” Much has changed in Schnepf’s life and artwork since then, but her credo is still the same. Whether beginning a fresh painting, designing her home, or playing with a grandchild, she believes in following an idea wherever it may lead rather than let conventional boundaries define the shape of her explorations. Color and curiosity are the joint impetus for her paintings; they are the verve and rhythm that bring her work to life. Schnepf’s painting signature is an immediately recognizable style, with abstract compositions whose bright colors are emphasized by the artist’s unique, high-gloss finish. Colors assume shape by either consolidating into an

art karen schnepf

ART+CULTURE

OOH-La-La

area on the canvas or by lines suggesting a perimeter. These contours—whether a thick brush stroke or a quick, gestural dash—are somehow incomplete, interrupted. They have the same energy as Navajo spirit lines—the break prevents the work’s creative spirit from being trapped and thus stifled. Schnepf’s lines exclaim, meander, circle, and drip; they both allude and elude. Her new paintings literally and figuratively bump up the arrangement. In her latest series, Whispers, Secrets, Reality, paper collaged onto the canvas adds a layer of mystery to one or more areas of a painting. Finished with her three-step glossing process, the dimensionality is subtle and ambiguous, especially in view of Schnepf’s tendency to overlap paint. Before you can wonder what’s been covered up you have to decide if something has actually been covered up.

“The series is inspired by the complexity of relationships that come into our lives and how those relationships can change our road map,” says Schnepf. Further exploring the enticement of playing with space in another current series, Colors Layered, she arranges strata of heavy watercolor paper, cut, painted on one or both sides, and layered like shingles. Many of these soak up her vivid hues like sundrenched tiles, but Schnepf is so attuned to color that she celebrates its range even in a neutral palette. This sensitivity allows color to remain strong, even with the added focuses of texture and dimension. Whether painting or constructing, Schnepf follows her instincts; she adds, subtracts, shifts, leaves, comes back, questions, listens. “There is a passion in me that requires me to go to the next level,” she says, “to never

Collector Judy Boelts says, “I particularly love the smooth, sophisticated, shiny surfaces of Karen’s pieces. It brings a vibrancy to the work.”

settle for the ordinary, to experiment until I find the right combination of elements.” When she senses that her ideas have coalesced into an articulate and aesthetic expression, “Then I feel the satisfaction of completion, and the only thing that I add is my signature.” Change can be dramatic, as in Whispers, Secrets, Reality 5. (Works in a series are typically identified by number.) A patchwork ground has been quieted by a scrim of lavender; the most intense of those colors integrated into a central column. Black circles take on physicality; one can imagine they buzz in conversation, while black and white riffs ripple the surrounding space. Coloring outside the lines, it seems, is an invitation to improvisation. OMAG Karen Schnepf is represented by the Dundee Gallery. A solo exhibition of her work is planned there in April. omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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FACES

story by leo adam biga • photo by bill sitzmann

N 2011 PATIQUE COLLINS left a

two-decade corporate career to open a fitness business. Two-and-a-half years later her Right Fit gym on West Maple Road jumps with clients. This former model, who’s emceed events and trained celebrities (Usher and LL Cool J), now seeks to franchise her business, produce workout videos, and be a mind-body fitness speaker with a national reach. Under her watchful eye and upbeat instruction, members do various aerobic and anaerobic exercises, kickboxing and Zumba included, all to pulsating music, sometimes supplied by DJ Mista Soul. She helps clients tone their bodies and build cardio, strength, and flexibility. The sculpted Omaha native is a longtime fitness convert. Nine years ago she added weight training to her running regimen and got serious about nutrition. She’d seen too many loved ones suffer health problems due to poor diet and little exercise. The raw vegan describes her own workouts as “intense” and “extreme.”

about following dreams, being persistent, and never quitting. “I think positivity is a part of my DNA,” says the woman who sometimes dresses as a superhero for workouts. A huge influence in her life was her late maternal grandmother, Faye Jackson, who raised her after Collins and her siblings were thrown into the foster care system. “My grandmother told me I could be whatever I wanted to be and made me believe it.” Collins went on to attain multiple college degrees. Motivated to help others, she made human resources her career. She and her then-husband Anthony Collins formed the Nothing But Net Foundation to assist at-risk youth. While working

as a SilverStone Group senior consultant and as Human Resources Recruitment Administrator for the Omaha Public

Patique Collins Finds the Right Fit And she pushes clients hard. “I really want to help every single person that comes in reach their maximum potential, and that is a big responsibility,” she says. “If you don’t give up on you, I won’t. I will do whatever I can to help you earn your goals if you’re ready to.” Collins has even been known to show up at your workplace if you skip class. “There’s accountability here at Right Fit. I’m very passionate about my clients.” She believes the relationships she builds with clients keeps them coming back. “People will tend to stay if you develop a relationship and work towards results.” Her gym, like her Facebook page, is filled with affirmations 128

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Schools, she began “testing the waters” as a trainer by conducting weekend boot camps. Stepping out from the corporate arena to open her own gym took a leap of faith for this single mother of two small children. “This is a lot of work. I am truly a onewoman show,” she says. “Sometimes that can be challenging.” Right Fit is her living, but she works hard at maintaining the right balance, where family and faith are top priorities. She’s proud to be a successful female African-American small business owner and humbled by awards she’s received for

faces patique collins

her business and community achievements. Collins believes opportunities continue coming her way because of her genuine spirit. “There’s some things you can’t fake, and being authentic is one of them,” she says. “I’m doing what I want to do. I think it’s my ministry. Everybody has their gifts, and this is mine. I’m able to influence people not just physically but mentally.” OMAG

We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and 2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show!

Read more of Leo Adam Biga’s work at leoadambiga.wordpress.com.

Professional Dance Education For All Ages! Jazz • Hip-Hop • Lyrical • Tap • Ballet • Pointe • Modern • Contemporary • Dance Theater We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education.

402.493.5671 • onpointedancecentre.com 1812 N. 120th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68154

GroominG • DoG Daycare • BoarDinG www.barkavenueomaha.com Bark avenue Grooming & Daycare 15504 Spaulding Plz • 402-496-4005

Bark avenue inn & Daycare 13706 c St • 402-933-4007

Thank you for voTinG uS “BeST DoG Daycare, BoarDinG, anD GroominG” omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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story by leo adam biga • photos by bill sitzmann and provided by alegent creighton health

FEATURE

Documentarian Mary Williams

To Tanzania with Love Seeing Opportunities Where Others Don’t

IFE-CHANGING WORK BY ALEGENT Creighton Health in

Tanzania is the focus of a forthcoming documentary from a one-time Omaha television news personality. When former KMTV anchor-reporter Mary Williams and videographer Pete Soby travel to the African nation in February, their main point of contact will be ACH’s man-on-the-job there, Bob Kasworm, whose life has been transformed by the calling he follows in that distant land. Kasworm, a biomedical engineer and devout Christian, combines career and faith in Tanzania, his home the last 10 years. “This was never in my plans,” says Kasworm. “I really wasn’t thinking I would ever go to Africa or have a life of service,” he says. He first visited in 2001 on a Nebraska Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Americasponsored trip. He went to evaluate the potential of Alegent assisting hospitals, dispensaries, and public health programs there.

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The pull of Africa began then. “From the very first trip there was never a day and rarely an hour when Africa was not on my mind,” he says. “Yes, it was the poverty and the need, but it was more than that. Somehow Africa just got into my blood.” He made a dozen or so additional visits in a three-year span as Alegent committed itself to working with the evangelical church and various health and civic partners in Machame, an area on the southeastern slope of Mount Kilimanjaro. He cultivated and coordinated the growing relationship between the partners and implemented various initiatives. The organization’s efforts there include training medical staff at Machame Hospital, developing Machame Nursing School, providing nursing scholarships, and delivering medical equipment and supplies. Kasworm leads the Homes for Health program that uses local laborers to build new, cleaner, safer homes for residents. At the end of 2004 Kasworm decided to

feature to tanzania with love

FEATURE

Kasworm and a villager inspect the bounty of harvest.

Bob Kasworm in Tanzania live in Tanzania full-time. He says it was then his wife “realized that what she thought was just a temporary ‘mid-life crisis’ was something I was powerless to resist.” He’s since learned Swahili well enough to speak it fluently. Machame Lutheran Hospital, founded some 110 years ago by German missionaries, is at the center of much of Alegent’s work there. “We have the hospital with about 120 inpatients and many outpatients and clinics,” he explains. “We also have a Clinical Officer Training school and now the nursing school. There are about 20 homes for staff.” The campus is on a rare paved road. There’s running water (“usually”), electricity (“much of the time”), and internet access (“slow”). Progress is plodding but rewarding. “The most satisfying thing is that, in many cases, if not for our efforts and involvement many would simply not get help,” he continues. “A child with a club foot would become an adult with a club foot. The nursing student would not have had a chance to study. It is not like you can just go down the street to an alternative. There is no safety net. We do it, or it won’t happen. We can now point to a number of successes. “There is such a shortage of trained healthcare workers that our efforts in education may well be our biggest legacy. If you educate one nurse they will care for thousands over their career.” Williams, who interviewed Kasworm on

one of his periodic visits to Omaha, describes him as a “strong, driven” man who “sees opportunities where others don’t.” ACH mission integration consultant Lisa Kelly says, “He’s so embedded in that culture now it’s amazing. He’s definitely a problem-solver, which is huge in that country. Everything from unloading containers of things we send to fixing machines to keeping a water source going or getting an internet connection set up…you name it, Bob is the guy who figures out how to do it. “He has to navigate what’s possible in the developed world with what’s possible there in that culture and that setting. So you have to think of medicine in a whole new way and what he has been able to do is to bridge that gap.” Williams and Soby are eager to capture the story from a grassroots perspective. “You can’t really tell the story without talking to the people on the ground who are being helped, and that would start with the patients coming through the door,” says Williams. “You cannot tell the story without talking to all the players—the patients, the nurses, the young women who have a fighting chance now. We can’t tell the story unless we go past the borders and see how exactly the people live and the challenges they face every day. We’re going to experience that first-hand. It doesn’t get any better than that.” When Williams left KM3 in 2009 and launched her own marketing and media production company, she set her sights on

telling stories that engage people’s hearts and minds. From reporting medical news she knew Alegent had compelling stories to be told and she wanted to be the storyteller that shared them. There wouldn’t be a Tanzania story without Kasworm, whose year-round presence in that county makes the Alegent Creighton mission model unique. Much emphasis is placed on building relationships and making connections through ministry and medical mission trips organized by ACH and the Nebraska Synod of the ELCA. For Williams, whose only previous overseas assignment was covering local airmen serving in Desert Storm, it’s an opportunity she couldn’t pass up. “I’m sure it’s going to be a life-changing experience.” She and Soby expect to complete the 30-minute documentary in the spring. Kasworm sees the project as another vehicle to foster awareness between Tanzanians and Americans. “Our experience lets us serve as a bridge between the cultures and reduce misunderstandings. It seems much of our important work has not come from analysis or needs assessment. The work has just found us. I am sure more will present itself. “As long as the doors keep opening and my health stays good, I hope to continue.” OMAG Read more of Leo Adam Biga’s work at leoadambiga.wordpress.com. omaha magazine • january/february 2014

131

FEATURE

story by chris wolfgang • photo by bill sitzmann

Lydia Kang

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omaha magazine • january/february 2014

feature lydia kang

FEATURE

YDIA KANG HAS DELICATE,

tiny hands. A long ponytail. She wears simple jewelry: a couple bracelets and some earrings. That’s nearly as much detail as you’ll get about the characters she writes. Kang’s debut novel, Control, was released in December. “I would say I write for the impatient reader,” she says with a laugh. “I won’t spend three pages discussing why a certain scene is meaningful. I’ll try to get to the core of what is important and emotional and move onto that.” A young-adult novel with a sci-fi twist, Control follows a young woman named

is in Control. Zelia as she overcomes her father’s death, her sister’s kidnapping, and her own introduction to a society of misfit teens that the government wants the world to forget. While Zelia is kind of a blank slate, Kang does allow a couple extra descriptors for some of Control’s more unique characters. “Hex is Asian,” she says, describing a young man with four arms, “and Vera is Latina, although you can’t really tell because she’s green.” Oh, and Wilbert has two heads. He switches his sentience between them so he never has to sleep. This is the kind of medical-thriller world readers get when it’s provided by a sci-fi fan who also happens to be a doctor. Kang, a New York City transplant, has worked at University of Nebraska Medical Center for the past seven years as a general internal medicine physician. She minored in English and has been published in a few medical journals, but, she says, “I have to credit Omaha—this is where I really started writing.” > continued on page 56 omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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story by sarah wengert • photo by bill sitzmann

GEN O

If Hearing Is Believing Hear Nebraska co-founders Andrew and Angie Norman sound off.

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omaha magazine • january/february 2014

O YOU HEAR WHAT Angie

and Andrew Norman hear? If so, that’s the symphony of the Cornhusker state’s stacked arsenal of music makers. And if you don’t hear it now, you will, because they’re working to ensure that everyone recognizes these sweet (or punk, or country, or polka) sounds. The Normans co-founded Hear Nebraska in 2010 as a “nonprofit cultural organization that cultivates the state’s vibrant, fertile music and arts community.”

gen o andrew norman

Both were longtime students of regional culture; Andrew even worked at local newsweelies. When he needed a master’s project at Michigan State, Angie pitched the idea of a publication covering Omaha and Lincoln’s music scenes as one. The concept stuck and blossomed into an even larger project: a nonprofit. “We realized Omaha and Lincoln’s music scenes were both super strong and great bands in both cities weren’t getting as much attention as they warranted nationally,” says Andrew. “We wanted to include Omaha, Lincoln, and Nebraska in general. It was just all these scattered voices, so we tried to gather them and speak through one confident, strong voice.” And that voice is being heard, in Nebraska and beyond. A full 40 percent of HN’s website traffic comes from outside of Nebraska and seven percent of traffic is international. “Our mission is to make Nebraska an internationally known cultural destination,” says Andrew, “so I think that statistic really indicates that we’re doing something to reach that goal.” Angie adds that “HN has received shoutouts from Garrison Keillor and has been featured on Al-Jazeera English.” “We want to tie the broader creative to HN, because we want to promote people making cool stuff in Nebraska,” Andrew says. “To support the musicians, the venues, the businesses involved—it all fits and works together. Around here all of these entities support each other.” Andrew says that’s what makes Nebraska such an attractive location. “There’s a sense that people want to collaborate. It’s such a good environment to be in when you’re trying to create art,” he says. HN is known for executing unique, imaginative events that merge music and community. Angie’s favorites were the “An Evening” series of fundraisers, featuring meals from famed vegan chef and Omaha transplant Isa Chandra Moskowitz (featured in our November/December issue) and music from such local heavies as Simon Joyner and The Mynabirds. “It combines food, music, and community in an intimate setting,” says Angie. “The environment is amazing, and they are just such special shows.” > continued on page 56

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gen o andrew norman

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continued from page 55 < Andrew’s favorite was the NET-televised “HN Live at the 1200 Club” with Digital Leather, Big Harp, and Kill County. “It was amazing,” Andrew says. “The state of the art [Holland Performing Arts Center] room, three amazing bands on stage, teaming with Omaha Performing Arts and NET, two absolute top-tier organizations in the state who represent what we strive to become… it was extremely flattering, encouraging, and motivating.” Andrew described watching the sound check and imagined a kid from rural Nebraska watching the program and thinking, “This is possible. You can go for it and make your own sound.” The Normans want HN to “grow smart.” They’re working to “focus on the foundation to make sure that we continue to grow and last,” says Andrew. Five years from now the Normans hope HN will host regular showcases across the state featuring Nebraska music. Other goals include a physical space, more paid contributors, residencies, being one of the premier music websites in the country, and, as Andrew puts it, for everyone in the state to have a favorite Nebraska band “in the same way they love Husker football.” In December HN released its second compilation on vinyl accompanied by a digital download. Such notables as Tim Kasher, McCarthy Trenching, Simon Joyner, Universe Contest, and Conchance are a few of the artists highlighting the eclectic collection. They’re relaunching the HN site in 2014 and are at work on HN Radio, a web app/ music player to feature Nebraska music, interviews, reviews, and other content. The effort is funded in part by the Nebraska Arts Council and Omaha Venture Group. As Omaha invests in the young nonprofit, the Normans continue to invest in Omaha. “We want to be an example of people who enjoy living here and cultivate a beautiful life here,” says Angie. “We hope that more people will look here and see opportunities.” “We moved back and bought a house here,” says Andrew of the Benson home the couple shares with their adorable pup, Polly. “A large goal of Hear Nebraska is to stop the brain drain. I think Omaha, and Nebraska, in general, is just a really great place to start something.” And on the topic of “starting something,” the couple is now awaiting their most ambitious of projects: a baby Norman due in early 2014. OMAG

feature lydia kang

continued from page 53 < Shortly after moving to Omaha with husband Yungpo Bernard Su and giving birth to her youngest of three children, Kang took a stab at writing some poetry. “And it was really horrible poetry, really bad stuff,” she says, “but I thought, you know, this is kind of fun.” After a few writing seminars and a couple of what she calls “practice novels,” Kang was ready in 2010 to put her latest idea to the test—a story centered around a young woman living with Ondine’s curse, an ailment that can cause respiratory arrest during sleep. “I was studying for my boards recertification,” she recalls, “and I couldn’t remember hearing about it in medical school. And I thought it was really fascinating and horrific and sad. And wouldn’t it be interesting to have a character with that?” She wrote her first draft in three months, she signed on with an agent in 2011, and a couple weeks later Control was picked up by Penguin. To make herself more attractive to the publishing world, Kang also began blogging in 2010. But what to blog about other than the challenges of writing? “There are a million blogs out there like that,” she recalls thinking. “Do I have anything else to offer? And I sat there wondering, what makes me different, what do I have to offer, do I have any skills that I can share with people? And then—oh. I’m a doctor.” She laughs now at how completely she had separated her life in medicine from her writing life. Kang spread the word online that if a writer were struggling with a fictional medical scenario, she’d assist them with authoritative advice. “People would write in, ‘I need to give somebody something so that they’re unconscious but they have to be able to wake up in half an hour,’ and I’d say, ‘You would like to pick Valium.’” She’s advised on medical situations that have been published in other books, and one author even gave her a cameo appearance in a book as Dr. Kang. For the foreseeable future, she’ll remain Dr. Kang in both literary and real life. Though she plans to release Control’s sequel, Catalyst, in early 2015 and is currently revising a fantasy novel for her agent’s consideration, Kang says it would take a lot to make her give up practicing medicine to write full-time. “I really love my patients. It’s a bit hectic at times,” she admits, laughing, “but I’m managing.” OMAG A book release party for Control will be held Jan. 18 from 2-4 p.m. at The Bookworm in Countryside Village, 8701 Pacific St.

January/February 2014

Always Local, Always Beautiful

THE ART OF ARCHITECTURE and the architecture of art

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Design Challenge From Debris to Darling A Publication of

Transformations Five Fountains Basement Finish omaha magazine • january/february 2014

137

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bill sitzmann

senior graphic designer

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junior graphic designer

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production artist

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graphic design interns

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editorial advisors

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contributing writers

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Omaha Home: contents

january/february 2014

features H24 Cover Feature:

The Art of Architecture

H35 Downtown Living: The Greenhouse

H40 Feature: From Frenzied to Functional

A&R SALVAGE YOUR RESOURCE FOR REPURPOSING

departments H9 Editor’s Letter H10 Q&A:

The Handyman Diaries

H12 DIY:

Design Challenge

H18 Neighborhood Profile: Little Italy

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H44 Transformations: Five Fountains Basement Finish

H50 Home Happenings: Omaha Home & Garden Expo

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january/february • 2014 H7

january/february • 2014

Omaha Home: from the editor

Cut Home Heating costs Forever!

May all your troubles last as long as your New Year’s resolutions. Joey Adams

HOPE EVERYONE HAD A wonderful holiday season! While most of you are

ready to jump into 2014, I wanted to send you very hearty New Year’s wishes from everyone here at Omaha Home. You might say the cat dragged home all that stuff that’s sitting in my garage or stuck in the basement just begging for an extreme makeover. So you can bet I’ll be seeking inspiration from our Cyndy Salzmann “clutter coach” story on pg. 40. On the topic of inspiration, I also had fun diving into our “From Debris to Darling” Design Challenge. The old adage about “one man’s trash is another’s treasure” was never more true than when I visited A&R Salvage and scored the items shown in the “before” pictures below. And a big thanks to my dear friend Angie Hall, partner in crime, she also called in a favor with Stuart Peterson, who just so happens to have a heated shop in his home. I think he was a little worried when we massacred the tin ceiling tiles with metal snips, and when we...oh, let’s just skip ahead to the finished results on pg. 12. And to think of all the years I’ve lived here and never even knew that A&R Salvage existed. Such fun!

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january/february • 2014 H9

Omaha Home: Q & A Story by David Williams • Photos by Bill Sitzmann

The Handyman Diaries

Who ya gonna call?

N THIS INCREASINGLY CORPORATE world of ours, it is somehow comforting to know

that the age-old tradition of the neighborly, “one man and a truck” model of handyman services has not yet completely gone the way of rotary dial phones, 8-track tapes, and Polaroid cameras. Jeff Toma of Accountable Construction is one such lone wolf, something of a folksy jack-of-all-trades when it comes to everything from quick fixes to remodels. OmahaHome

BEING A HERO

TIPPING

“It’s not unusual to troubleshoot a problem over the phone,” Toma says. “I might get a ‘Hey, my microwave is dead’ call, and that can often be nothing more than an opportunity to explain to a homeowner how the reset button on an electrical outlet works. I’m happy to help whenever and however I can.”

“The general rule about tipping is that you don’t tip the business owner himself; you tip his people. But I don’t have ‘people.’ I have bills. I’ll rarely turn down such a genuine offer of gratitude. It makes me feel kind of proud, especially after a tough or messy job.”

DIGGING DEEPER

“Identifying and diagnosing more complicated problems takes time. I’ll charge a fee for that in some cases, but I just lump it in with the job total when the homeowner gives me the green light to proceed.”

"This is going to sound crazy, but I sometimes come up with fixes in my dreams. I might go to bed bothered by some difficult or tricky problem that I just can’t quite work through, and the answer will come in a dream. Weird.”

SCHEDULING

SELF-AWARENESS

“Being your own boss doesn’t mean that I have a calendar that is a wide-open, dropeverything thing in terms of availability. Thursday mornings, for example, are out. That’s when I have a standing appointment at Pat’s. She’s in her 70s. We drink coffee. We chat. She’s like family. Eventually I’ll get to work on her to-do list.”

“I don’t suffer from MAS (Male Answer Syndrome). I know what I know, and I know what I don’t know. I don’t try to be somebody I’m not when it comes to my abilities.”

THE POWER OF DREAMS

APPROPRIATE TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

“Fishing. Any and all kinds of fishing. I got it bad. You don’t want to get me started.” january/february • 2014 H11

Omaha Home: d•i•y Story by David Williams • Photos by Bill Sitzmann

Design Challenge From Debris to Darling

MAHA HOME F O U N D B R E N N A

Maldonado rummaging through A&R Salvage and Recycling; the dusty, floorto-ceiling treasure trove of everything you could possibly want or need in terms of salvaged…well, floors and ceilings, and everything in between. But would the Union Pacific train dispatcher stand a chance in a design challenge when pitted against such seasoned pros as Omaha Home contributing editor Sandy Besch-Matson and the design mavens of Anderson Interiors—Lori Anderson, daughter Lindsey Anderson, and Erin Jerabek? But Maldonado has an ace up her sleeve. She studied interior design in college, and her home is filled with creative and budget-friendly trash-to-treasure projects. Let’s see what happens with a $150 spending limit at A&R Salvage in a no-holds barred design throw-down…

Sandy Besch-Matson's Vanity

MATERIALS LIST

• • • • •

H12

january/february • 2014

Old dresser or similar piece of choice Vintage tin ceiling tiles Vestal sink knobs, (get fun with this item) Decorative tacks or nails of choice Paint and glaze (1 part paint/1 part glaze)

CONSTRUCTION TIME: FIVE HOURS

“I love mixing the old and the new, especially with lots of texture. In my mind I was thinking of something that could be used as a multipurpose piece just about anywhere in my house. Pictured here it serves as a vanity, but that could all change very easily. Next week it could be behind my sofa with a lamp!” Sandy Besch-Matson

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Omaha Home: d•i•y

Anderson Interiors’ Console Table

MATERIALS LIST

• • • •

Reclaimed wood planks Metal drawer pulls Legs from an old sewing machine Cast iron grate steam radiator cover

CONSTRUCTION TIME: FOUR HOURS

H14

january/february • 2014

“Each item used in this table came from very different beginnings. We reclaimed and repurposed the materials to create an interesting console table that could adapt to many styles.” Lori Anderson

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january/february • 2014 H15

Omaha Home: d•i•y

Brenna Maldonado’s Hinged-Door Media Center

MATERIALS LIST

• • •

Wooden lockers Steel pallet for backing support Locking casters

CONSTRUCTION TIME: FOUR HOURS

H16

january/february • 2014

“I wanted to keep the paint because I really love the patina, so all I did was lightly sand the lockers and then went over them with a mix of ebony and dark walnut stains. I am forever rearranging my home and the wheels make this a very mobile piece. They also elevate it so it is less boxy and give it a bit of contemporary flair.” Brenna Maldonado

january/february • 2014 H17

Omaha Home: neighborhood profile Story by Molly Garriott • Photos by Bill Sitzmann

Now That’s Italian Omaha’s historic Little Italy is both timeless and ever-changing.

H18

january/february • 2014

T’S A BUSTLING THURSDAY after-

noon at the Sons of Italy hall on South 10th Street. The hum of conversation is punctuated by greetings from the regulars, and by 11:15 a.m. the hall is near capacity. Downtown business professionals mix elbows with construction workers at familystyle tables. During campaign season, the Thursday lunch draws politicians like flies to honey—make that cannoli. They are all here for the traditional Italian fare served up with a genuine smile and occasional wise-guy crack. Today’s menu: spaghetti and meatballs, salad, and fresh bread. Quintessential Italian but far from ordinary. The sauce has been simmering for over 24 hours, its seasonings taking on a richer, more complex flavor, just like the neighborhood. The troupe of volunteer cooks never work off a recipe. Rather, the sauce is a happy combination of a few family recipes adapted over the years. Over 240 gallons are made for these Thursday lunches, a tradition that dates back 50-plus years. The men have cut over 200 pounds of lettuce for the salads and handrolled 2,000 meatballs. And if the early crowd is any indication of the late lunch numbers, they will need every morsel of this copious amount of food. The Sons of Italy is not much to look at from the outside. The only nod to its Italian heritage is the green, white, and red striped awning over the front door. But once inside, the hearty aroma of tomato sauce, the cheery red and white checked tablecloths, and everpresent laughter make you feel like you’ve walked into an Italian family reunion. “It’s like coming home to Nana’s kitchen,” says Rich Mengler, who has been working the Sons of Italy lunches for 14 years. “I’m the kid here,” the 77-year-old quips. And if the name Mengler sounds more German than Italian, it is. “I’m an IBM,” he jokes, “Italian by Marriage.” SETTLEMENT DAYS

The first wave of Italian immigrants arrived in Omaha in 1893. The railroads, stockyards, and meatpacking plants provided the promise of work. Most came from Sicily—in particular, Carlentini—and settled in the area bounded by Pacific and Bancroft streets to the north and south, respectively, and from the river to 13th Street. They built businesses and wrote to family in Italy to come to the American Plains’ burgeoning Italian community. >> january/february • 2014 H19

Omaha Home: neighborhood profile << By the time immigration from southern and eastern Europe was cut off, more than 5,000 Italians called Little Italy home. “It was almost like a separate small town” within the larger city of Omaha, says Mike DiGiacomo, member of the Santa Lucia Festival committee and trumpet player in its marching band. Ties to the old country were strong, so strong that residents turned to their heritage to stave homesickness for Sicily. In 1925, Little Italy residents hosted the first Santa Lucia Festival, a New World version of the centuries-old festival held each year in Carlentini. They managed to raise an astounding $2,000 to replicate the statue of St. Lucy in Sicily for use in the Omaha festival. The Santa Lucia Festival gradually evolved into a three-day party, including Mass at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, a parade down 10th Street, music, rides, games, food, and the crowning of a queen at Lewis and Clark Landing. It is one of the Midwest’s oldest festivals, running continuously for 90 years, save the four years of World War II. DiGiacomo says tradition and heritage have kept the festival afloat: “While many of these types of festivals have died off, the Santa Lucia Italian Festival has continued to defy the odds. The people who grew up with it, who are part of it, are so dedicated to St. Lucy and what the festival stands for. This festival is what gives the city character, a sense of community.” NEW DEVELOPMENT WITH A HISTORIC FOUNDATION

The passing of time brings change. It’s inevitable. One of the neighborhood’s revered institutions, Caniglia’s, closed its doors in 2006. And when Frank Marino decided to finally retire at 80 and close the 13th Street grocery store his father had started 88 years prior, people lined up to buy the last of his homemade Italian sausages and ravioli. But there is also continuity in Little Italy. Orsi’s Bakery, at 7th and Pacific, is still going strong. Owner Jim Hall spent much of his childhood at the bakery. His Little League coach was a driver for Orsi’s, so Hall would help him make deliveries on the weekends. In 2010 Hall purchased Orsi’s with his wife, Kathy. “It has such a longstanding history. I didn’t want to see it close,” he explains rather matter-of-factly. Orsi’s offers a variety of Italian meats, homemade Italian sausages, pastas, and olive oils, H20

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but bread from old Orsi recipes is the foundation of the business. Pizza is take-out only, or as old Mr. Orsi used to say, “Get it and hit it.” Hall now sees a revitalization of Little Italy. DiGiacomo concurs: “While there was a feeling that the neighborhood was deteriorating in the late ’80s and ’90s, that feeling is no longer present. Recent development has helped the neighborhood grow again and redevelop that sense of community.” The Santa Lucia Hall is under renovation. Out of the ashes of Caniglia’s Steak House has risen a community of town homes called The Towns, developed by Bluestone Development. Its clapboard exterior recalls the siding popular with most of Little Italy single-family dwellings. Driveway names like Lucia and Caniglia Plaza acknowledge the neighborhood’s heritage. Twenty-something urbanites gravitate toward Bluestone’s apartment complex at 8th and Pacific. The neighborhood’s price point and feel are appealing, says Bluestone’s Christian Christensen. “The vibe of Little Italy is very connected,” he says. “It’s a longstanding neighborhood and eclectic with 25 to 55 year-olds hanging out together.” To wit: Fork Fest, a neighborhood festival centering on music, a bocce ball tournament and scavenger hunt, camaraderie, and food (of course). Andrew Marinkovich is one of Fork Fest’s founders. Its success, he asserts, is a communal effort. “You become part of the neighborhood’s fabric” when you move there, Marinkovich says. “You are so close to everyone, you are forced to interact.” A tight-knit, historic neighborhood is what Michael Giambelluca and his wife, Donnamaria, were seeking when the couple relocated to Omaha this past summer after Michael accepted a job as Creighton Preparatory School’s new president. “Little Italy still seems to have that old-fashioned neighborhood feel that Donnamaria and I had growing up in our own respective areas of New Orleans,” he says. “People know each other and look out for each other. And people have a real pride in the place, that it has deep roots, and wonderful tradition.” OmahaHome

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Omaha Home: room Story by David Williams • Photos by Bill Sitzmann

T Off-Limits Oddity The Joslyn Castle’s Turret Room

H22

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HIS EDITION OF "ROOM" explores

one of the many mysteries of the Joslyn Castle. Exactly how the family used the fourth-floor Turret Room has been lost to history. Shown here in the perfectly octagonal room is the dog collar of Modjeska, the Joslyn's beloved St. Bernard. The pet was named for Sarah Joslyn’s friend, the Polish-born Shakespearean actress Madame Helena Modjeska. It is said that on the most ethereal of midnights, Modjeska’s keening howl still echoes from the this long off-limits aerie. Okay, so we totally invented the ghostly half of this story, but it doesn't change the fact that there is something downright otherwordly about this space, one that is both a literal and figurative highpoint of the Joslyn Castle. OmahaMagazine

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Omaha Home: at home Story by David Williams • Photos by Bill Sitzmann

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H E N ASKED ABOUT

the design principles behind

his contemporary, DIY home, Joel Holm employs a more-than-pregnant pause. Finally collecting his thoughts, he borrows— intentionally or otherwise— from Monty Python's Flying Circus. “The idea,” he says, “was to do…something completely different.” But there is so much more than “something completely different”—as dramatic as it is in this case—about the plot of land just a few doors south of Leavenworth on 52nd Street. The home, which he shares with his wife, Melissa, and their three children, is something of a forever-in-progress DIY project for Holm. He built most of it himself. More than just a basement workshop tinkerer with a table saw and tool belt, Holm is a remodeler whose H Aesthetics business recently merged with Workshop Unknown. The design vision for the home and everything that followed became for the Holms an exercise in simple living. “I’ve often thought about why we use this material instead of that material in homebuilding,” Joel explains, “especially when it would be cheaper, friendlier >> continued on page 28

THE ART OF ARCHITECTURE and the architecture of art

january/february • 2014 H25

Omaha Home: at home Story by Linda Persigehl • Photos by Bill Sitzmann

H26

january/february • 2014

Omaha Home: at home

continued from page 25 << to the environment, and would last a heck of a lot longer if we used what we normally think of as industrial materials—and used them in new ways.” Square Hardie Board panels form a blocky geometrical array on the home’s exterior. Affixed with rivets that are proudly left visible and with the material’s aquamarine hue, the home almost takes on the vibe of a vintage seafaring vessel, that of an algaeencrusted steamer or battleship. Abutting those lines and introducing a contrasting motif is corrugated, recycled roofing material H28

january/february • 2014

in red. The material's striated ridges disrupt the cube theme that could otherwise dominate the façade. Adding to the industrial look are heated cement floors, commercial windows, and a CMU, cinder block-style block foundation. Reclaimed strips of acrylic ingeniously incorporated into the pivoting front door create a dramatic, twice-daily light show. Viewed from inside the home, the morning sun streams through the door’s acrylic insets. At night and from curbside, the home’s interior lighting hits the slats in reverse fashion.

The overall effect is that of electrified neon, and it takes closer examination to discern that there is nothing more at play here than beams of filtered light. A passerby’s first impression may be that the boxy, 3,500 square-foot home is a volcano of “contemporary” erupting in the brick-clad charm of the surrounding Elmwood Park neighborhood. But take a step back for a wider view, and you’ll notice that the Bauhaus-ish lines of the home subtly mirror those of the Prairie-esque ones of the property next door to the south. >> january/february • 2014 H29

Omaha Home: at home

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<< “We didn’t have any particular architectural influence in mind with the design of this home. When I think of what we did here, it is that this is a just a better way to build a house,” he says of the home that was showcased in the 2011 Green Omaha Coalition Tour. “Too many homes, to us, look alike,” adds Melissa. “After awhile, traditional homes built with traditional materials all tend to be the same.” The master bedroom suite is located on the main level while the kids’ bedrooms occupy the upper level. Instead of a standard hallway in a home where nothing standard is to be expected, the children’s bedrooms are connected by a wide concourse that acts as a play and study area all their own. Oversized sliding bedroom doors provide alone time in this most open and airy of settings. “Having it be a very open space was important to us,” says Melissa. “It’s a lot of house, especially when compared to where we came from [only blocks away]. Our previous home was very quaint and charming, but it was cut up into too many individual rooms. When company came or when we had parties in the old house, it was always that awkward sort of arrangement where four people would have to be seated in another room and then a few more would be tucked around the corner from there.” Initial construction of the home designed in collaboration with architect Eddy Santamaria of Contrivium Design + Urbanism spanned almost two years. A walking club made up of seniors from Elmwood Tower, a nearby independent living facility, peppered Joel with questions almost daily as work progressed. “I could have talked to them all day about what we were building,” he quips. “I’m sure I lost a month in the construction process talking to them.” “And we were both surprised how much most of them liked it,” Melissa adds. “We had thought that older folks might not get it—might not get what we were doing— because even a lot of younger people don’t get it. People either love it,” she says with a shrug, “or hate it.” Such major additional projects as a fireplace are planned as time allows sandwiched in between a busy schedule of school and other activities for daughters Avery (7) and Kinley (15) and son Kaleb (12). The Holms are also thinking about getting around to doing something with a pair of >>

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Omaha Home: at home

<< “doors to nowhere,” ones that will eventually lead to a yet-to-be-built deck in one case and balcony in the other. Mirroring the contours of a softly sloping lot, the home has six distinct levels plus a basement. To travel from the mudroom at the rear of the house to the front door, for example, it is a gradual one-two-three ascent of gently rising levels. In between, the space is full of subtleties that serve to break up the right angles that are otherwise everywhere to be found. A mini-flight of steps leading from the living room down to the kitchen area, for example, is sliced into a wedge configuration. The continuity of the open living room/ kitchen space is never completely severed, Joel explains, but is instead merely interrupted in a way that delivers a sense of “roomness” between the two. H32

january/february • 2014

The centerpiece of the kitchen is a custom table crafted by Workshop Unknown. Its acrylic surface and arcing, birch-laminated legs complement the acrylic and birch found elsewhere throughout the home. “It’s such a simple and elegant wood,” Joel says of the birch, “and it’s a lot cheaper than many of your other choices.” Expansive walls of glass in the main living area make for wide-open vistas but took some getting used to, Melissa says, especially when the family first moved in. “We had people showing up outside and cupping their hands against the glass to get a look inside,” she chuckles. “They must have assumed it was a dentist’s office or something like that because our home is so different from everything else around here. I’d be reading a book or watching TV, and I’d catch some

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january/february • 2014

Omaha Home: downtown living Story by Jasmine Maharisi • Photos by Bill Sitzmann

The Greenhouse

is why Marge Tilton stays downtown.

T’S A CHILLY WEDNESDAY evening

in Downtown Omaha, and Marge Tilton is just coming home from a yoga class. It’s been a busy day for the 86-year-old personal assistant. While the temperature decreases and the Old Market’s hustle and bustle continues outside her building, Tilton sits in her warm loft in The Greenhouse without hearing a peep. “Years ago,” she recalls, “there was a big sign on this building that read ‘If you lived here, you’d be home by now.’ That intrigued me, and so I decided to check it out.” Tilton’s one bedroom, 720-square-foot loft boasts an open floor plan with a washer-dryer and access to an underground garage. Each loft is unique in its own way with high ceilings and exposed brick and piping. Sizes of the lofts range from 625 square feet to 1120. >> january/february • 2014 H35

Omaha Home: downtown living

A good view of Downtown is essential to feeling like you’re part of it all, according to Marge Tilton.

<< The building also features a fitness center and a security and intercom system. Most impressive though is its location across ConAgra Foods’ Downtown campus, a feature that has attracted an eclectic mix of residents from grad students to retirees. “I feel like I don’t have to go out to be part of the action,” Tilton says. “I can just open my blinds, and it’s all right here. I feel like I’m a part of Downtown.” Assistant Manager Mary Whittington says many of the building’s tenants share Tilton’s views on the property’s prime location. “It is in the middle of the Old Market,” she says. “For retired people, it gives them kind of a H36

january/february • 2014

young feel, and for grad students, it’s the location that appeals to them as well.” The lofts occupy the former McKessonRobbins Warehouse on 9th and Farnam streets. It’s one of the few remnants of Jobbers Canyon, an industrial and warehouse district that solidified Omaha as a central hub for the transportation boom in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Also known as Nash Block, the nine-story, Renaissance Revival-style structure itself was designed by Thomas Rogers Kimball, the architect-in-chief of the TransMississippi Exposition. Kimball also designed such extraordinary Omaha structures as the St. Cecilia Cathedral, the St. Francis Cabrini

Church, and the Downtown Omaha Public Library. Construction of the McKessonRobbins Warehouse was funded by Catherine B. Nash—one of Omaha’s wealthy elite—and completed around 1905. Tilton adores the history of the building and especially likes the way it was renovated to make lofts in the 1980s. These condos still have some of the best views in Omaha of Downtown and the Riverfront. Tilton takes advantage of that view every New Year’s Eve when she hosts a small party in her loft. She and her guests are able to watch the fireworks from the comfort of her fourth-floor space. The parties shouldn’t be too much of a

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problem for other residents. “A lot of older buildings, especially warehouses, have very thin walls, and you can hear everything,” she says. “But I’ve never had a problem with noise since I’ve lived here.” If she ever had an issue, Tilton says she is confident that management would take care of it right away. The responsive management, coupled with the sights of one of Omaha’s most alluring districts, is exactly why Tilton has lived in the Greenhouse for so long. “I couldn’t be happier here,” she says. “Fourteen years later, I still get excited when I pull into the garage.” OmahaHome

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Omaha Home: landscaping Story by David Williams

Greener Days Ahead Bundling Up for Winter Yard Care

T IS IN THE throes of winter that memories of summer are the most persistent. Even though

your lawnmower is now snoring away for the season, there is still plenty of work to be done to ensure that your property enters greener times at its blooming best. OmahaHome

THE BASICS

Just like the icicles hanging from your eaves, your lawn becomes brittle during its winter slumber. Keep foot traffic to a minimum during the colder months. And it’s never too late to apply an insulating blanket of mulch to a depth of at least three inches around plants and shrubs.

WATERING

For maximum root nourishment, don’t forget that watering is a 12-month task. “Any time that the temperature climbs above 40 degrees, it’s a good time to water,” says John Fech, an extension educator at the University of Nebraska Extension Division in Douglas and Sarpy Counties. “This is particularly important for new plantings of any kind.”

SNIP-SNIP

Pruning, especially for fruit trees, ensures that any given plant doesn’t have to work too hard to feed itself. For a host of videos on this and other topics, Fech recommends visiting the YouTube channel of Backyard Farmer, the NET television program produced by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

For more information on sustainable horticulture, visit the University of Nebraska Extension Division in Douglas and Sarpy Counties' website at douglas-sarpy.unl.edu. H38

january/february • 2014

EVERGREENS

Unlike trees that drop foliage in the fall, evergreens continue to transpire year-round, meaning that moisture absorbed through the soil is lost through leaves and needles. “Apply an anti-desiccant spray on days above freezing,” Fech says. “This will protect against damage from the wind and cold.” Fech recommends a rotation of three applications. “A good memory-jogger to use here is to think in terms of spraying on New Year’s Day, Valentines Day, and Easter,” or as close to those days as the weather allows. A loose wrapping of burlap around shrubs provides extra protection against the elements while still allowing the plant to breathe.

TO SALT OR NOT TO SALT?

“There needs to be a balance between traction safety and plant safety,” Fech says. De-icing products are great for what they are designed to do, but you pay a price when neighboring shrubs, ground covers, trees, and grass absorb all that salt. “Nobody likes the brown-outs that these products can cause,” Fech says, “especially because the plant materials can take until mid-summer to recover, if at all—so use them sparingly.”

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Omaha Home: feature Story by David Williams • Photos by Bill Sitzmann Salzmann’s Team • Interior design and painting by Renee Quandt, Clean Slate Interiors; Custom pullout shelving by Nick Starkey, ShelfGenie of Omaha

From Frenzied to Functional

Getting Organized for a New Year

H40

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Cyndy Salzmann and her bag of tricks

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ANUARY IS GET ORGANIZED

Month, so we asked local author and clutter coach, Cyndy Salzmann, to transform from frenzied to functional the tiny laundry room of a busy Elkhorn family. Salzmann is the author of seven books, including her recently released Organized by Design: Using Your Personality to Get and Stay Organized, and she takes a unique approach to organizing a space. “A lot of clients want to start a project by digging into a closet,” says the pro who has also appeared on A&E’s Hoarders. “I insist on first digging into their personalities to make sure we design systems that produce long-term results.” Dave and Debbie Raymond have a blended family of nine and need every inch of their 2,900 square-foot home. They use the laundry room for much more than just soap and suds—it’s command central for winter wear, cleaning supplies, gift wrapping, and is an >>

january/february • 2014 H41

Omaha Home: feature Before

Before << overflow area for wayward kitchen items. Unfortunately, the multi-functional room ended up being more of a “multi-mess.” ASSESSMENT

“I ask each new client to take a personality inventory,” says Salzmann. “Test results as well as discussions with family members indicated that Debbie’s creative bent led to ever-changing systems of organizing things— a source of frustration for Dave, who is orderly and perhaps a bit more right-brained. A collection of sentimental items belonging to Debbie’s recently deceased mother added to the chaos. Finally, poor room design with high shelves and an open area under the counter wasted valuable space.” H42

january/february • 2014

DESIGN

“Once I determined the family’s organizing style and needs,” Salzmann continues, “I pulled together a team to transform the room. We used flexible pullouts and open shelving along with other design elements to motivate family members to maintain the space. Debbie is a strong woman of faith with a vibrant personality, so I wanted this room to also feed her spirit.” TRANSFORMATION

“A soothing paint color grounds the space while design elements provide splashes of color,” Salzmann explains. “Meaningful objects, such as colorful canisters from Debbie’s mother, provide function and serve

to personalize the room. “I was able to take advantage of unused space by installing pullout shelves under the counter. The contents of two plastic drawer units with a jumble of mittens, hats, and giftwrapping supplies are neatly organized in a deep pullout with dividers. Dishes formerly stored openly on top of the refrigerator slip neatly into drawers. Shelves for laundry baskets keep the counter clear for folding. “A clear, plastic bin corrals items Debbie is collecting for her oldest daughter’s upcoming wedding, while the creative label builds excitement for the special day. Cleaning supplies, formerly stored on too-high shelves, are now easily within reach in a pullout shelf under the sink. Infrequently used items, stored in

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Omaha Home: transformations Story by Marian Holden, ASID and Erin Svoboda, ASID • Photos by Lisa Louise Photography

meet the designers Marian Holden, ASID Erin Svoboda, ASID Designer’s Touch

Transformations is a regular feature of Omaha Home that spotlights a recent project by a local ASID interior designer. The copy and photos are provided by the designer. Homeowners’ names may be withheld for privacy. H44

january/february • 2014

Neutral,Natural, Notable

Five Fountains Basement Finish

HIS WEST OMAHA HOME in

Five Fountains was featured in the Metro Omaha Builders Association 2007 Street of Dreams. When the clients decided to move forward in bringing their dreams to reality with the finish of their basement, they selected KRT Construction as contractor along with Designer’s Touch interior designers Marian Holden, ASID, and Erin Svoboda, ASID. The client’s goal was to transform the unfinished basement into an >> continued on page 48 january/february • 2014 H45

Omaha Home: transformations

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january/february • 2014 H47

Omaha Home: transformations

continued from page 45 << exquisite space for entertaining, fitness, and children’s activities. A neutral color palette defines the space with rich shades of gray accompanied by cream trim. Dark alder doors punctuate a collection of natural elements, including rustic woods, leather, and stone. Shades of blue accent the palette while rich texture and large-scale patterns make up the furnishings in this space. H48

january/february • 2014

The professional eat-in kitchen features custom cabinetry with Arabesque White granite, metallic glass tile backsplash, brushed nickel cabinet hardware, and stainless appliances contrasting the French bronze lighting fixtures adorned with jewel-like crystals. Natural elements of stone and alder wood were integrated into the design to create a focal point in the entertaining space that is rustic yet sophisticated. Luxurious leather seating

surrounds the fireplace for both TV viewing and entertaining. A custom metallic crocodile ottoman embellishes the space, along with custom shutters and window treatments. A fitness center boasts floor-to-ceiling glass, a mirrored wall, and resilient rubber flooring, all complementing the modern amenities of the space. Hang out or study in the children’s area that hosts a glass marker board, custom

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cabinetry with corkboard, and polished chrome fixtures that play off a refined, purple wall color. A guest suite with adjoining bathroom overlooks the beautifully landscaped outdoor patio. The suite features luxurious bedding, custom window treatments, mirrored furnishings, glass accent tile, a charcoalhued vanity, and crystal fixtures to add that finishing touch. OmahaMagazine january/february • 2014 H49

Omaha Home: home happenings

Restoring Your Faith in Spring When All Is New Again

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january/february • 2014

HE WEATHER OUTSIDE MAY be frightful, but the climate inside the CenturyLink

Center will be delightful for the 48th Annual Omaha Home & Garden Expo. Now united with the Omaha Lawn, Flower & Patio Show, this extravaganza will showcase the most comprehensive collection of creative home ideas to refresh and restore your faith in spring, that season when all things are new again. This year’s show will combine all the latest ideas for today’s home consumers. From kitchens, bathrooms, and home-improvement products and services to a bouquet of sensory springtime scents that will get you thinking about greener times on your deck or in your yard, this is the must-see home and garden event of the year. Stroll the area’s largest and most colorful exhibits of beautifully landscaped gardens with ponds, waterfalls, and blooming flowers at the biggest event of its kind for miles around. This four-day celebration of the home will have attractions for adults and children alike. Nationally known experts and personalities will be on hand to share all of their professional secrets while the Fountain Café & Food Court will help fuel your explorations through more than 200,000 square feet of displays. The entertainment lineup, including exotic animals and special activities for the kids, makes this a great family outing. OmahaHome The 48th Annual Omaha Home & Garden Expo and Annual Omaha Lawn, Flower & Patio Show runs Thursday, Feb. 6, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $8. Children ages 5 -12 are $4 and kids under 5 are free.

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GALA

story by david williams • photos by bill sitzmann

Selfless Selfishness

Award-Winning Nebraska Humane Society Volunteer Chet Bressman

OMAHA GALA

RECENT VISIT TO THE

Nebraska Humane Society (NHS) found volunteer Chet Bressman deep into an adoption consultation with Sara Edwards, Amanda Hoffman, and a pup of questionable parentage named Nina. There had apparently just transpired a minor spat of sorts, and Bressman was setting things aright so that an interview could begin in earnest. >

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< “No big problem,” Bressman explained. “It’s just that she was getting a little mouthy, and we had to…the dog…Nina…Nina was getting mouthy…not either of these nice young ladies,” the amiable Bressman sputtered as the women made an unsuccessful attempt to suppress giggles. Bressman was working adoption duties that day, but his other efforts over the last 15 years have included everything from building kennels to driving the PAW mobile adoption unit and more. His tireless dedication—60 hours a week of volunteering is not uncommon for him— led to him and his wife, Louise, being recognized by NHS with its inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award. “Chet and Louise are fixtures here at the Nebraska Humane Society,” says Pam Wiese, the organization’s vice president of public relations and marketing. “Chet has been here so long and has put in an incredible number of hours. Not only does he know the history of the Nebraska Humane Society, he is a vital part of that history. He’s played an important role in where we’ve been and where we’re going.” The couple, both longtime volunteers, met at NHS and dated for four years before being married over 10 years ago. “She came with all her papers and licenses in order,” Bressman quips. Bressman was part of the organization’s team that traveled to coastal Mississippi on an animal rescue mission in the devastating wake of 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, and he

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joined the ASPCA team for a similar trek to Joplin, Missouri, after a tornado wrought destruction on that town in 2011. Bressman’s commitment to animals knows no geographic boundaries, but his heart, he says, will always be for the sprawling NHS complex near 90th and Fort streets. “I want the Nebraska Humane Society to be the very first words people think of when it comes to new pets,” he says. “There are so many puppy mills and so much bad breeding out there, and we don’t put up any unhealthy animals for adoptions. It’s a win-win situation in every way. It’s a win for the animal, for the adopting family, and it’s a win for the community because every adoption opens a new space here for us to do it all over again.” The Bressmans live with Golden Retriever Buddy (11) and cat Sophie (17). Last year they lost Gracie, but her memory lived on when NHS commissioned a caricature of the Golden Retriever for use as the official mascot of the nonprofit’s annual Walk for the Animals. Back in the adoption room—one brightly painted in the hue of cheery sunflowers— Bressman was coaching Edwards and Hoffman on some of Nina’s special needs. The dog, a Boxer-Dalmatian mix, was born deaf, and that meant the learning of hand signals along with other tips. “Fold your hands,” Bressman gently explained to Hoffman, but not before she playfully wiped some of Nina’s slobber onto > continued on page 195

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cover

OMAHA GALA

2014

See our latest collection of luxury homes on the inside front cover or online at npdodge.com.

I knew that was going to be a good adoption. Nina is going to a good home with good people where she’ll get lots of love and care. chet bressman

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nebraska humane society

He told us everything; the day the dog came in, where she was found, her health at the time. He knew absolutely everything about Nina. He’s a real adoption pro. sara edwards

continued from page 193 < Edwards’ sweater. “That’s right. Now turn away from Nina. You got it.” Safety was also paramount in the discussion because each woman, both recently divorced, had a young child at home. Neither of the kids knew that Nina—an early Christmas present—would be awaiting introductions when they returned from school that day. “Chet was great to work with,” Edwards says. “He told us everything; the day the dog came in, where she was found, her health at the time. He knew absolutely everything about Nina. He’s a real adoption pro.” “More like an adoption god,” adds Hoffman. “We couldn’t believe it when we learned he is a volunteer. He should have his own show on Animal Planet.” Bressman was equally happy with how Nina’s adoption unfolded. “I knew that was going to be a good adoption,” he says. “I always know. Nina is going to a good home with good people where she’ll get lots of love and care.” And then Bressman admits that he, the seemingly selfless co-winner of such an august award as the Lifetime Achievement honor, secretly harbored the most selfish of motives in his interaction with Edwards, Hoffman, and Nina. “Best of all, it’s a big win-win for me, too,” he beams. “That one made my day!” GALA Visit nehumanesociety.org for more on Nebraska Humane Society adoptions, programs, and events.

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ONE OF OUR GREATEST ASSETS IS OUR COMMUNITY. THAT’S WHY WE’RE A PROUD SPONSOR OF CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL. Northwestern Mutual Financial Network of Nebraska is pleased to support the important work of Children’s Hospital. Partnerships like this make our community a better place to live and work. Northwestern Mutual Financial Network of Nebraska 9300 Underwood Ave Omaha (402) 391-6651 nmfn-nebraska.com

05-2817 © 2013 Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities) and its subsidiaries. Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (securities), a subsidiary of NM, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, and member of FINRA and SIPC. Michael Fred Tews, General Agent(s) of NM. Managing Partners are not in legal partnership with each other, NM or its affiliates. Michael Fred Tews, Registered Representative(s) and Investment Advisor Representative(s) of NMIS. omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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calendar of events january/februrary • 2014

OMAHA GALA

Gala Calendar

2012 Outland Trophy Winner Luke Joeckel of Texas A&M University at last year’s banquet 17th Annual Outland Trophy Award Dinner January 9 DoubleTree by Hilton Omaha Downtown. Omaha will present the Outland Trophy to this year’s recipient of college football’s Outstanding Interior Lineman, which will be announced at dinner. Both current and former NU players and coachers will be on hand, including Rex Burkhead, Sean Fisher, and Baker Steinkuhler. 7 pm. $75. 402-346-8003 – showofficeonline.com Midlands Community Foundation 2014 Reflection Ball January 18 Embassy Suites La Vista, 12520 Westport Parkway. The Reflection Ball is a fundraising event for the communities of Sarpy and Cass counties. Proceeds from the event will benefit Angels Among Us, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to financially assist families with a child battling cancer so parents can focus on their child’s recovery. 6 pm. $125 per person; sponsorships available. 402-991-8027 – midlandscommunity.org 2014 Dancing With the Omaha Stars January 25 CenturyLink Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. Come see Omaha celebrities and professional dancers shake a leg out on the dance floor in this fifth annual event for charity. This year’s charity of choice is the Sunshine Kids Foundation, an organization that helps children with cancer. Doors open at 5:30 pm, dinner 6:30 pm, show time 7:30 pm. 402-290-4869 – dancingwiththeomahastars.com 18th Annual EPS Benefit Dinner January 26 Embassy Suites La Vista, 12520 Westport Parkway. The speaker for this year’s annual dinner benefiting Essential Pregnancy Services is Shawn Carney, co-founder of 40 Days for Life. The night includes cocktails, dinner, and a silent auction. 5 pm. 402-554-0121 – essentialps.org

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January/Feburary 2014 7th Annual Ultra Chic Prom Boutique February 8 Ramada Plaza Omaha, 3321 S. 72nd St. Come donate your gently used prom dress and help someone else find the gown of their dreams at the 7th Annual Ultra Chic Prom Boutique. All dresses at the event will be sold for just $25, and all proceeds will go to Omaha Open Door Mission’s Lydia House. 9 am. maxiwalker.com

Duane and Barb Miller at the 2013 American Heart Association Heart Ball Omaha “Wild About Heart” Ball February 1 Embassy Suites La Vista, 12520 Westport Parkway. The theme of this year’s 26th annual ball, benefiting the American Heart Association, is “Wild About Heart.” Guests will enjoy dining, dancing, and entertainment at one of Omaha’s premier social events, all while supporting one of the largest organizations for heart research. 6 pm. $300. 402-346-0771 – heart.org

Anne Nelson, Jack Becker, and Susan Cutler at the 2013 Joslyn Art Museum Association Annual Gala Joslyn Art Museum Association Annual Gala February 7 Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. This year’s gala celebrates the exhibition Poseidon and the Sea: Myth, Cult, and Daily Life. Gala guests will get a glimpse of Mediterranean antiquities including pottery, sculpture in terracotta, marble, and precious metal. The evening includes cocktails in the Scott Pavilion gallery spaces and dining in the ConAgra Foods Atrium. 6:30 pm. $175 per person. 402-661-3821 – joslyn.org Fiesta 2014 February 8 Mercy High School, 1501 S. 48th St. This annual event includes a dinner, silent and live auction, and a $10,000 raffle. All proceeds support negotiated tuition, which guarantees that no girl is denied a Mercy education due to finances. 5 pm. $100. 402-553-9424 – mercyhigh.org

“Carnival of Love” Gala February 15 Embassy Suites La Vista, 12520 Westport Pkwy. The ever-popular “Carnival of Love” is the theme of Heartland Family Service’s 2014 gala. Featuring cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, carnival games, dinner, and a live and silent auction, the event’s co-chairs are Connie Kinnear, Brenda Langenberg, and Kathy O’Connor. 6 pm.$125 per person or $150 for patron tickets. Ticket prices are tax-deductible. 402-552-7424 – heartlandfamilyservice.org Rosie Rocks the Roaring ’20s February 15 The Hilton Downtown. The Rose Guild’s annual fundraiser for The Rose Theater, this year’s event takes patrons back in time to the ’20s for jazz, swing, and some “roaring” costumes. The night features dinner, dancing, and silent and live auctions amid a light-hearted atmosphere. 6 pm. $125 standard, $150 patron. 402-345-4849 – rosetheater.org 17th Annual JDRF Promise Gala February 22 Embassy Suites La Vista, 12520 Westport Parkway. Featuring dinner, live and silent auctions, a “Find a Cure” program, and entertainment, this 17th annual event benefits the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Heartland Chapter. 6 pm. 402-397-2873 – jdrf.org Art & Soup February 23 Embassy Suites La Vista, 12520 Westport Parkway. Fine art and fine food come together in this event benefiting the Visiting Nurses Association. Attendees will be able to sample incredible soups while browsing and purchasing local, original artwork. 1 pm. $50. 402-930-4170 – thevnacares.org

GALA

Story by Heather Oentrich, Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben program director • Photo by Bill Sitzmann

GALA

Ak-Sar-Ben scholarship winner Oliver Ramirez-Guitérrez.

Shanti Grumbine in her Bemis Center studio.

Multiply by 50

Open Studios, Open Minds

Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation & Scholarship Ball PPORTUNITY LEADS TO SUCCESS. Success

opens the door for even greater opportunity. Such is the cycle of the American dream. But many youths across the Heartland face more adversity than opportunity. Poverty, suffering, and staggering obstacles are their reality. “Coming from an immigrant family, my parents only studied up to sixth grade in Mexico,” says Oliver Ramirez-Gutiérrez, a freshman at the University of Nebraska-Omaha with a dual major in biology and foreign language. “My dad works in a meat-packing plant, and my mom cleans houses. We don’t have the finances for my parents to pay for me to go to college. Even though there are obstacles in the way, you just overcome them because you don’t really have an option of failing.” As a 2013 Ak-Sar-Ben scholarship recipient, Gutiérrez’s options just expanded in a big way. He was one of 50 winners of $6,000 college scholarships presented at the recent Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation & Scholarship Ball. Gutiérrez says the scholarship opens a whole new world for him. “There are endless possibilities that you can do once you have your college paid,” he says. “That money is basically my future. If I hadn’t received it, I don’t know where I would have gone.” Founded in 1895 as a harvest celebration, the Coronation & Scholarship Ball honors the volunteer efforts of families throughout the Heartland by selecting their children as members of the royal court. A civic-minded business leader of the region serves as king and the queen is honored for the civic contributions of her family. “The ball is a party with a purpose, that being each individual scholar and how we can help each individual succeed,” says Jane Miller, chairman of the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Board of Directors. Ak-Sar-Ben partners with the Horatio Alger Association offering Ak-Sar-Ben scholars access to matching scholarship funds from colleges and universities across the country, including many local institutions. “I’m just really proud,” Gutiérrez continues, “that the people at Ak-SarBen were able to see the potential in me to become something great and to one day give back.” Now take Gutiérrez’s potential and multiply that by 50. GALA

Story by David Williams • Photo provided by Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts

Intimate Conversations with Bemis Center Artists-in-Residence

’VE HAD ALL OF these ideas swirling around in my head for

the past two months,” explains Shanti Grumbine. The New Platz, New York-based artist was greeting visitors into her space during a recent Open Studios event at the acclaimed Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. Today her ideas would be manifested in new ways; they would exist for the first time in the minds of others. Grumbine had been working on a new series of wall sculptures made from the blue plastic sleeves used in the delivery of her New York Times, like the one shown in the accompanying photo. “I’ve been thinking a lot about sacred geometry,” Grumbine explains to Dick Cook, who was visiting from Creston, IA. “Different religions, especially Islam, use geometric shapes in both art and text. It is a language all its own, and I’ve been abstracting these ideas into mosaics to create a sacred vocabulary using these throw-away plastic casings that protected the ephemeral words inside.” The act of creating art can be a solitary, even lonely endeavor, but Grumbine was among the slate of 10 resident artists, including two from Brazil and one each from Ireland and Canada, who were engaged in the most social of art interactions. “Something magical happens when I see people react to my work,” continues Grumbine. “And it’s even more magical when I can talk to them about it while in the process of making it.” Grumbine has since completed her three-month residency at the Bemis Center, but you can meet a new roster of artists at the next quarterly Open Studios event, which is free and open to the public. “I know an artist like Shanti is creating 24 hours a day, even in her sleep state,” adds Cook while nodding to the neatly made bed in the corner of the live/work space. “I enjoy learning about artists, and this is a rare opportunity to do it on their terms, right here in the studio.” GALA Visit bemiscenter.org for a full list of upcoming Bemis Center events. omaha magazine • january/february 2014

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story by david williams • photos by justin barnes

OMAHA GALA

GALA

Erin and Sammy Nahorny

Boxes of Cheer Northwestern Mutual Visits Children’s Hospital

ORTHWESTERN MUTUAL EMPLOYEES RECENTLY

teamed with the Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Foundation to deliver 170 boxes of cheer to children suffering from cancer and other ailments. “Look, Mom, it’s a glow sword!” 5-year-old Sammy Nahorny chirps as he digs through a bright green Cheeriodicals box packed to the brim with smile-inducing toys, crafts, and more. Sammy, who lives in Columbus, is battling neuroblastoma. His mother, Erin, is the recipient of her own Cheeriodicals box, this one loaded with reading materials (including Omaha Magazine and HerFamily) along with other 198

omaha magazine • january/february 2014

grown-up goodies. “We haven’t seen a smile like that on Sammy’s face in three or four days.” She beams as her son shifts his attention to adorning his fingers with light rings and laser talons. “Whoever came up with this idea is a genius,” she adds. “What a fabulous boost it is to have you here doing this for Sammy.” Cheeriodicals is a web-based company offering a wide array of customizable gift boxes for all seasons and reasons. The boxes delivered that day were carefully curated so that each child would receive age- and gender-specific surprises. Two Men and a Truck donated its time and people to transport the treasures to the hospital. “This was a wonderful event that brought

our team together to help give back to the community and spend time with so many special children and their families at Children’s Hospital,” says Michael Tews, managing partner of Northwestern Mutual of Nebraska. “We were honored to have the opportunity to bring a smile to so many families.” “It was amazing that Northwestern Mutual could join us in this way,” says Alyssa DeFrain, development officer of the Foundation. “We could tell they had a great time getting to know our young patients, but what they didn’t get to see was that those little green boxes continued to bring big cheer to the kids and families for many days after the event.” GALA

GALA

roundup

GALA

OMAHA GALA

wish list

Gala Roundup

Stephen Center Wish List

Angels Among Us

The Fall Gala in November raised over $115,000 for Angels Among Us, the organization that serves families of children battling cancer in Nebraska hospitals by attempting to reduce the amount of outside stress in their lives. To date, more than $500,000 has been distributed to 100 families in need. Visit myangelsamongus.org Carolyn Scott Rainbow House

The Friends of Children’s Hospital & Medical Center raised $550,000 in November in support of the Carolyn Scott Rainbow House at the 65th annual Children’s Gala. The Rainbow House provides accommodations for families and patients undergoing acute, longterm treatment at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center. More than 2,000 families from 25 states stayed at the Rainbow House in 2012. Visit childrensomaha.org Merrymakers

Father Tom Fangman, Pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, was the target of local humorist Mary Maxwell and others in the 23rd Annual Merrymakers Roast. The November event raised over $220,000 for the organization that provides professional music performances for seniors in 110 facilities across Nebraska and Central Iowa. Last year the Merrymakers musicians gave over 1,300 performances to seniors. Visit merrymakers.org OneWorld Community Health Centers

Over $111,000 was raised in November at the 10th annual Milagro Dinner of OneWorld Community Health Centers. The organization, in partnership with the community, provides culturally respectful, quality health care with special attention to the underserved. It focuses on primary health care, maintaining an open-door policy, providing treatment according to an individual’s income or insurance coverage. Visit oneworldomaha.org Roncalli Catholic High School

The 13th annual High Tea in November and raised over $20,000 to support Roncalli Catholic High School students. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory education as an Omaha Archdiocesan school. It offers a faith-centered environment with an educational opportunity financially accessible to all. Visit roncallicatholic.org

F YOUR BUSY CALENDAR does not allow you to attend the gala events described on these pages, please consider that there are a number of other ways to support area nonprofits—some of them very quick and easy. One solution is to simply pad your shopping list with an eye to the needs of your favorite organization. In this issue we print the wish list for the Stephen Center, whose emergency shelters house as many as 25 children and their mothers as well as up to 40 single men and 20 single women. Each person is treated with dignity and respect at the Stephen Center in developing and implementing personalized plans for success in emerging from homelessness and regaining a healthy and happy life. Homelessness is a particularly tragic story, especially so in the winter months. So before you make your next trip to the store, clip the notes below and help the Stephen Center in its vital mission. GALA Visit stephencenter.org for more on this and other programs. Urgent Needs

• • • • • • •

Towels (new or used) Liquid hand soap Hand sanitizer (non alcohol based) Toilet paper Beds (single, mattresses, cots) Single-size bedding Pillows

• • • • • •

Blankets (new or used) Baby wipes Bottled water Phone cards Pharmacy gift cards (for medication co-pay) Single-ride MAT bus tickets

Personal Care Items

• • • • • • • • • • •

Toothpaste and toothbrushes Shampoo Deodorant Disposable razors Shaving cream Feminine hygiene products Hand and body lotions Tea tree oil Combs and brushes XL disposable rubber gloves Individual-dose packets of such

• • • • • •

over-the-counter-medicines as: aspirin, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Tums, Pepto Bismol, and cold/flu/ allergy/sinus meds (nonalcohol, ephedrine-free) Cough drops, throat lozenges Individual Neosporin packets Infant Tylenol Hair ties Ear plugs Super glue

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January/February • 2014

Puttin’ on the Ritz The Dancing Grannies

Forever in Black The Faces of Omaha Performing Arts

Looking for Trouble

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Feature: The Faces of Omaha Performing Arts_____________ S5 Health: Maintaining Dental Health___ S6 Feature: The Monday Book Club_____ S8

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ERE WE ARE, 2014! How time flies! I remember my father telling me time goes faster the older you get. Now I believe him, and it’s going pretty fast for me. It’s not too late to make resolutions— maybe join a social group, volunteer for a charity, or join a gym. I enjoy reading about the active people in 60 Plus, and they are an inspiration to me. You have to admire the men and women in this issue—they’re not just sitting in a rocking chair. Happy New Year!

Gwen Gwen Lemke Contributing Editor, 60PLUS In Omaha Comments? Send your letter to the editor to: david@omahamagazine.com

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All versions of Omaha Magazine are published bimonthly by Omaha Magazine, LTD, P.O. Box 461208, Omaha NE 68046-1208. Telephone: (402) 884-2000; fax (402) 884-2001. Subscription rates: $19.95 for 6 issues (one year), $24.95 for 12 issues (two years). No whole or part of the contents herein may be reproduced without prior written permission of Omaha Magazine, excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs. Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted, however no responsibility will be assumed for such solicitations. Best of Omaha®™ is a registered tradename of Omaha Magazine.

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60PLUS faces Story by Suzanne Smith Arney • Photo by Bill Sitzmann

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Sue Mouttet in the calm before the storm at the Orpheum Theater

Forever in Black

The Faces of Omaha Performing Arts

HETHER IT’S YOUR FIRST

time inside the glittering Orpheum Theater or your fiftieth visit to the sleek Holland Performing Arts Center, attending a live performance is an exciting event. The lobby fills with eager patrons and the buzz of conversation as a floor captain directs a couple to the gift shop while their tutu-clad daughter hops up and down with anticipation. A man in elegant evening wear checks out a hearing device from a volunteer while a couple in cowboy boots hover at their assigned door, which is—finally!—opened by a smiling usher. Each of these patrons has been made to feel welcome by an official Ambassador for Omaha Performing Arts [OPA]. For its March 2013 return run of The Lion King’s 32 sold-out performances, 383 Ambassadors volunteered a total of 6,804 hours. This past August, Disney Theatrical Productions presented a rare award, a handcrafted lioness mask honoring the outstanding achievement of The Lion King’s success in Omaha. Ambassadors were a central element in the success of that and any run at either the Orpheum or the Holland. One of the black-clad volunteers, Sue Mouttet, was recognized for working 94 events during the 2012-13 season. Think of the math on that. That’s the equivalent of Mouttet spending one out of every four days of the year dressed in one of her black Ambassador’s outfits. “I became an Ambassador in 2005, the year the Holland opened,” says Mouttet. “I enjoy every assignment I get because I love the public contact.” Many people think of Ambassadors simply as ushers, but their duties are as varied as Omaha Performing Arts’ lineup of performances. One of the jobs of female Ambassadors is directing intermission traffic

through the rest rooms during lobby-packed intermissions. “It may sound funny, but it can make a big difference in one’s [a patron’s] experience,” Mouttet says. [Editor’s Tip: For much shorter restroom lines at the Orpheum, take the short flight of stairs down from the lobby and use the lower-level facilities.] Mouttet has a special understanding of theater—she is an actor who’s played several area stages. This background helps her better explain the nuances of the evening to ticketholders. Why can’t we be seated early? The doors must wait while cast and crew make their last-minute checks so you will enjoy a killer, perfectly staged performance. Joni Fuchs, OPA’s Front of House Manager, oversees 450 volunteer Ambassadors. She was hired for the position two years ago but had been an Ambassador since 2006. Like many in her small army of volunteers, she came at the suggestion of friends and joined a mixed group of people who share a love for performing arts and helping others. Many are retired, but others come from jobs in business, education, and trade. The minimum age is 18; the oldest Ambassador is 90. And each one is greatly appreciated. “They provide an invaluable service to Omaha,” says Fuchs. “They are the face of Omaha Performing Arts.” Ambassadors like Mouttet take their responsibilities and commitments seriously, but they also enjoy such perks as seeing OPA’s array of outstanding Broadway, music, and dance performances at two stellar venues. Ambassadors may watch performances during periods when they’re not otherwise needed, and they also earn points that they can exchange for free tickets. “No matter what we do,” Mouttet says of her varied and many duties, “we serve one patron at a time and we go, go, go!” january/february • 2014

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60PLUS health Story by Susan Meyers

Mother Knows Best

A little maintenance can help seniors enjoy strong dental health.

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that’s what I did,” says Levisay. “It’s pretty basic, but it makes a difference.” As we get older, our teeth and oral health changes and this can put seniors at risk for a number of problems, notes Dr. Wegner. For instance, our gums begin to recede naturally as we age. As your roots become more exposed, not only are you at greater risk for tooth decay, but the supporting bone may eventually resorb and your teeth may become loose. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 69 percent of adults ages 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth to an accident, gum disease, a failed root canal, or tooth decay. By age 74, 26 percent of adults have lost all of their permanent teeth. As a result, many seniors turn to dentures or dental implants, which have become a more popular permanent and reliable alternative to dentures over the last 20 years. Removable full and partial dentures have a number of potential problems. They may slip, food can get underneath them, and they can affect adjacent healthy teeth. Dental restorations that are supported by dental implants can look and function like your permanent teeth and, when properly cared for, can last for many years. Gum disease is also more prevalent among seniors, often a result of a lifetime of bad oral hygiene, use of tobacco products, poor diet, and such diseases as cancer and diabetes. Another common problem is dry mouth, which is caused by reduced saliva. This is often a result of many of the medications taken by seniors as well as cancer treatments. Reduced saliva diminishes your ability to dilute acids from your mouth, which can result in increased cavities. “Daily brushing and flossing are critical to keeping your teeth and gums clean and to help prevent decay,” says Dr. Wegner. The American Dental Association also recommends using an antibacterial mouth rinse, which can reduce bacteria that cause plaque and gum disease. Warning signs of potential oral health problems include gums that are red, inflamed, oversensitive, or bleeding. Regular visits to your dentist can help you stay on top of potential oral health problems, says Dr. Wegner.

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60PLUS feature Story by Judy Horan • Photo by Bill Sitzmann

Karen Kennedy, president of the Monday Book Club

Jazz Age to Tech Age The Monday Book Club has been meeting since 1924.

HE GRANDE DAME OF Omaha

book clubs began as a sewing club 90 years ago. Women in white gloves and cloche hats met in homes for elegant Monday lunches. They read such books as E.M. Forster’s Passage to India and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Tales of the Jazz Age. Founding members were S8 60PLUS

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indeed living in the Jazz Age—also called the Roaring Twenties. Women who began the club in 1924 most likely bought their books from Matthews Book Store at 1620 Harney St. In those days, a new book cost about 50 cents. High school-age “book boys” were paid to pick up books from members’ homes and

take them to other members’ homes so they could be shared. Interesting side note: There are only two “book girls” on record. Member Lois Reynolds inherited a piece of the club’s history when she received 24 luncheon trays and other items from when her mother-in-law, Laura Reynolds, hosted the Monday Book Club. Reynolds remembers in the 1960s when her future husband’s mother would talk about the elegant luncheons. “It was a big deal to get ready for the ladies coming for lunch,” says Reynolds. “They got out their silver and good serving pieces.” Hostesses brought out their best china and linens. But times changed and so did the club. Members started meeting at city clubs, restaurants, and even a bowling alley. They met at the Hilltop House. It closed. They met at the legendary Blackstone Hotel. It closed. They met at the Omaha Club, Younkers, the Ranch Bowl, the Fireside Restaurant, and the Sky Room at the Center. All were Omaha landmarks that have since closed. “When I joined we were at the Plaza Club Cloud Room, which has since closed,” says Karen Kennedy, president of the Monday Book Club, which she says is Omaha’s oldest active book club. “We now meet at the Omaha Country Club, but on Fridays, since we learned that country clubs are closed on Mondays.” Yes, that’s right. The Monday Book Club meets on Fridays. “We used to have hostesses for centerpieces and menus. But when we went to the Omaha Country Club, it became easier if we paid an annual membership fee,” says Kennedy, a member for 14 years. “Dues are now $135, which includes lunch, operating expenses, an annual donation to a charity, and occasional speakers.” Members now bring their books for sharing with others to the monthly luncheon meetings (the “book boys” lost their jobs), which are held October through May. Speakers are sometimes invited to talk about such topics as making a will, writing a book, poetry, and safe driving. A slide show about the coronation of Queen Elizabeth was a 1955 luncheon program. In 1957, the speaker was an anthropologist. Most of the club’s 40 members buy books at the locally owned The Bookworm, where

they receive a discount. “We then take the book to the first meeting, check it out for a month, and bring it back to the next luncheon meeting,” says Kennedy. “This way we get a variety of books. We hope they read something they otherwise may not. We share the love of good books and good company.” When Beth Black moved The Bookworm to Countryside Plaza in 1999, she inherited many book clubs from the Village Bookstore that had been located there, including the Monday Book Club. “We have more than 60 active registered book clubs,” says Black, co-owner of the bookstore. “Only about a dozen are like the Monday Book Club, old-fashioned book clubs that pass books on to members but don’t discuss them.” “It is old-fashioned,” agrees Kennedy. “That’s a fine word. It’s about fun and friendship.” Members ask Black and her staff at The Bookworm for recommendations. The store keeps a list of the books that members buy, so they do not duplicate each other’s purchases. The book club’s members decided to stop exchanging holiday gifts at the Christmas luncheons and instead give money each year “to an organization that we believe in,” says Kennedy. Donations have been made to such nonprofits as Child Saving Institute, CASA, The Salvation Army, and the Stephen Center. Most significant for a book club are donations to literacy and the library foundations and the Omaha Public Library. Few of the book club’s records go back before the 1950s, says Kennedy, but the group’s history is perhaps best told in bloodlines. The Reynolds are a prime example of how families have passed participation in the Monday Book Club down through generations. Lois has been a member for six years; her mother-in-law was a member for 40 years; her husband’s aunt, Louise Reynolds, also was a long-time member. Members’ names over the years have included those of well-known individuals in the community. Presently all members of the venerable club are women. What if a man wanted to join the all-female group? “I don’t think we would turn them away,” says Kennedy.

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60PLUS feature Story by David Williams • Photos by Bill Sitzmann

Wayne Fry (left) and Gene Tschida about to call in a “1098”

Looking for Trouble “E The Volunteers of the Metro Area Motorist Assist Program

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IGHTY EASTBOUND…FOUR FOUR NINE…TEN sixty two…

occupied,” went the call over the radio. 60 Plus in Omaha was only a little more than a mile out from base in a ride-along with the volunteers of the Metro Area Motorist Assist program, and 65-year-old Wayne Fry was calling in the first incident report. A vehicle—the “1062” in the cop-talk lingo above—was pulled over at mile marker 449 of Interstate 80, and a young man named Kenny was about to make the mistake of pouring engine coolant into the wrong receptacle of his overheated and smoking junker. “I obviously had no idea what I was doing,” says Kenny. “Those guys are lifesavers.” The red-faced man was more than happy to

have his last name shown in print as simply “Occupied,” the designation from Fry’s radio report indicating that the car had at least one person in it. Over the last 13 years the Motorist Assist program has come to the rescue more than 85,000 times. Based on the most recent census report, that’s the equivalent of coming to the aid of one out of every 10 people in the metro area. “It started as a public safety initiative so that law enforcement can concentrate on what you pay us to do—enforce the law,” explains Lt. Kevin Bridges of the Nebraska State Patrol. “It doesn’t take a trained officer to give a lift to someone who is out of gas, so that’s where our great Motorist Assist volunteers come in.” Omaha’s State Patrol Troop A office has 21 Mobile Assist drivers, but Lt. Bridges has a duty roster that calls for twice as many. Volunteers go through 12 hours of training and are required to have a current CPR card. All ages are welcome to explore becoming a Motorist Assist volunteer, but the normally wide-open schedules of a retired person, Lt. Bridges says, is the most common profile of the volunteer he seeks. Mobile Assist uses the buddy system, and 84-year-old Gene Tschida was riding shotgun the day of the interview. “It’s a lonely, helpless feeling to be stopped by the side of the road with all that traffic buzzing past you, so people are glad to see us,” says Tschida. “The big thing is the personal satisfaction we get in helping people.” “Especially because so many of the folks we encounter are maybe less fortunate than we are,” adds Fry. “That young guy, Kenny, was an excellent example of a great stop. He was polite. He gave us a nice ‘thank you’ and a big smile,” one that broadened when he learned that Assist services carry no fees. Tschida is a veteran of 15 years volunteering behind the wheel of a Motorist Assist vehicle. “I’m still kinda feeling out this job,” he quips. “The pay is pretty lousy, but I figure it might improve with seniority.” Fry returned to the radio to call in a “1098,” the code for “all clear.” Fry and Tschida were back on the road, once again looking for trouble. To learn more about volunteering with the Metro Area Motorist Assist program, contact Lt. Kevin Bridges of the Nebraska State Patrol at 402-331-3333.

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60PLUS cover feature Story by David Williams • Photo by Bill Sitzmann

Patricia Chase, Katie DiBaise, Jean Granlund, and Linda Hall S14 60PLUS

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Puttin’ on the Ritz

The Dancing Grannies are “All That Jazz” and more.

HE RAT-A-TATTAT OF TAP shoes

resonates throughout the studio. A big out-of-town gig looms less than 24 hours away, and the troupe is working to

perfect the pitterpatter steps of the “Lullaby of Broadway” number from the film Gold Diggers of 1935. Never mind that the company’s oldest hoofer was already in junior high when the film premiered. And never mind that arthritis and bum knees have perhaps taken a bit of a toll on the gams of even the leggiest members of this troupe—the Dancing Grannies won’t rest until the curtain call of tomorrow’s performance.

“I love dancing, and it’s just a fabulous feeling to be out there in front of all those smiling faces,” says 73-year-old Linda Hall. “But the Dancing Grannies is more than just dancing. We practice together, we travel together, and we perform together. The camaraderie among us is important, and we’re a very close-knit bunch of girls.” “And we love the crowds and all the energy we get from them,” adds Katie DiBaise. Spending any amount of time with DiBaise leads one to guess that she was probably the class clown back when the Palmer Method was being taught for writing lessons on Big Chief tablets. Her sense of humor serves her well as the cracking-wise emcee at Dancing Grannies events. But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have a serious bone or two in her 78-year-old body. “When I’m out there dancing,” DiBaise muses in one of her more reflective moments, “all I can think of is just… just…‘Wow!’” Now in their fifth decade of grannie glitz and glam, the troupe originally formed in the late ’70s as the Camelot Steppers before later adopting the Dancing Grannies name. Assisted living centers occupy a number of dates on their schedule, but you may have seen them everywhere from high-stepping through halftime at CenturyLink Center sporting events to country line-dancing through countless area festivals and just about anyplace else where crowds gather. Road trips can be full of surprises for the still-adventurous women who refer to each other simply as “the girls.” When the company made a refreshment stop at the retro soda fountain of Springfield Drug in the community of the same name south of Omaha, the scene seemed to practically beg for an equally retro, impromptu performance.

“The soda jerks asked us about our costumes, and one thing led to another,” explains 76-year-old Patricia Chase. “Let’s just say that there were free root beer floats involved.” Assisted living performances remain a favorite for many of the women. “They see our costumes, and the music starts, and their faces just light up,” says Chase. “And those hands start swaying, and those toes start tapping,” adds 81-year-old Jean Granlund, who has been with the group for more than 25 years. “They always tell us afterward that they’d be right up there dancing with us if only they could.” Granlund and Chase are the de facto leaders of the otherwise loosely organized group. The minimum age for membership is 50 and the oldest member is now a still-spry 89. Bringing in new recruits can be something of a challenge for a group that, by definition, is limited to women of a certain age. Prospective members generally lead much more active lives than did women in the earlier days of the company, but all, Granlund explains, are welcome to check them out by visiting a rehearsal. Like all “the girls,” she shares a lifelong love of dance. “My mother was born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland,” Granlund says. “She was a traditional Highland dancer, so dance has always been a part of my life. Later in my mother’s life when she was in assisted living, they didn’t do the sorts of entertainment programs that are common now. I always picture it as if my mother is out there in the audience every time I dance and especially when we perform in assisted living facilities. I know she would be very proud of me.” To learn more about membership and bookings with the Dancing Grannies, contact Jean Granlund at 402-392-0497.

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60PLUS the grandpa chronicles Story by David WIlliams

Making Tracks

Conquering Cabin Fever with Your Grandchildren

HE FROSTBITTEN MONTHS CARRY additional and sometimes

frustrating challenges when taking my two preschool-age grandsons for the weekend. The problem is that there seems to be an inverse relationship between the temperature and the CFQ. The what? That would be the Cabin Fever Quotient, that restless, bouncing-off-the-walls void created when you run out of indoor activities capable of entertaining the little ones. But Saturdays are a snap if you possess an intrepid spirit and a decent pair of boots. One of our fave winter outings is to go critter tracking in expeditions that offer a fascinating peek into the sometime-secret winter habits of area wildlife. Start by doing a web search on the subject of “animal track identification” and you’ll find gobs of online field guides and other useful resources, several of them in easily printable, carry-along formats. It’s also fun and informative to gather the children in front of the computer to watch

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any of the zillions of YouTube videos available on the topic in preparation for your woodland trek. A fresh, unblemished snowfall is the perfect palette for such wilderness adventures. Virtually every interruption in th pristine blanket at your feet—yes, droppings, too— holds a mystery waiting to be unlocked by young, inquisitive minds. Forgot to print out that field guide we discussed earlier? Smartphone web search to the rescue. While you’re at it, take close-up photos and have the kids start their own wildlife journals to match prints (and poop) to the animals that left them. Pocket a small measuring tape to have the children record the dimensions of the markings and make note of where they were found. Do those raccoon prints lead to or from water? Do those squirrel tracks disappear at the base of a mighty oak?

Sprawling spaces like Fontenelle Forest, Hummel Park, and area state parks offer a staggering array of snowy finds, but even the more expansive of city parks will reveal evidence of almost everything short of deer. Take along a thermos of hot chocolate and find a log to carve out some quiet time during your treasure hunt. Especially because the snow acts as an acoustic muffler, there is nothing quite so serene—even spiritual—as the dead silence of a winter’s morn. Be quieter still and you increase the odds of encounters with all manner of creatures. The awe-inspiring majesty of nature never hibernates. Introduce your grandkids to the wintry landscape, and soon there will grow in them a deeper reverence for the natural world and their special place in it.