Mar/Ap 09 - Omaha Magazine by Omaha Magazine

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Some know fashion. We know children. We know how children grow, why they grow, and when it’s time to make adjustments for growth. So to help more children, we’re expanding areas that attract leading specialists nationwide, and building a larger medical campus. Even our name is growing. All so we can be here tomorrow, with the expertise they need, no matter what’s in fashion.

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

Turn up the night Welcome to gambling’s wildest ride. A place where the night comes alive with electrifying entertainment at Whiskey Roadhouse and the Whiskey Pit. Discover award-winning restaurants. And of course, there’s the world-class gambling we’re famous for. So come to Horseshoe. And make it a legendary night.

Legendary Gambling Off I-80 at exit 1B. 1-877-771-SHOE. www.horseshoe.com

This is sEriOus MEdiCiNE. This is ExTrAOrdiNAry CArE.

5,453 hospitals in America were considered. 170 hospitals were selected by US News & World Report as Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Hospitals in 16 medical specialties. Only ONE Nebraska hospital was named among the top 50 in the nation in two medical specialties. The Nebraska Medical Center was selected in both Cancer and Neurology/Neurosurgery.

According to US News & World Report, any good hospital should be able to handle everyday procedures and conditions. That patient who needs truly outstanding care is the target of these rankings. To be one of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Hospitals, hospitals are judged in difficult cases across an entire medical specialty. We are proud to be included in this prestigious list of top American hospitals. We are even more pleased to be able to offer this extraordinary care to every patient we have the opportunity to care for.

Call 800.922.0000 or visit NebraskaMed.com

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features featUre ............................................ 25 TACO RIDE: ADVENTURE IN ThE hEARTLAND EARTLAND

featUre ........................................... 29 2009 OmAhA'S BEST LAWYERS

featUre ........................................... 43 KANEKO/UNO LIBRARY

Cover Story .................................. 46

Page 49 WATIE WhITE: ARTIST ON ThE RISE

depar tments for StarterS ............................................................... 8

You’ll instantly see NP Dodge’s latest technology to search for any homes listed in our area. Using your web-enabled mobile phone or handheld WiFi device, access your internet browser and type in:

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Calendar ..................................................................... 10 omaha faCeS ............................................................... 16 Candace Gregory

omaha home Hardwood Floors .............................................................. 21 Transformations .................................................................. 77 Gala .............................................................................. 49 Letter from Corey Ross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Gala Cover Story: Project Harmony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Behind the Mic: Chris Gardner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Behind the Mic: Mary Lou Retton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Galas, etc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 The Scoop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Omaha Heart Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Supportive Sips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Symphony Salute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Ringing it In/Coronation Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Cocktail Care-A-Van/Comedy for a Cause . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Babes in Toyland/Chocolate-Covered Charity . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

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mobile.npdodge.com Scroll through the links to: • See all photos and details for any house listed by any company in the metro area. • Find your NP Dodge Agent with one click and view all of their listings. • Check out New Listings as they enter the market.

omaha faCeS ................................... 73

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Funnyman Mark Gross

omaha Style ........................................... 75

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Dr. Ashley Gragert

omaha art ......................................... 80 Joining the Movement

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Mystery Reviewer: Jericho's Restaurant ......... Restaurant Guide .......................................... Chef Profile: ...............................................

82 85 93 varioUS and SUndry ndry ........................... 94 Ruralpolitan

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The treasure of our city. The toast of our town. A little bit of Broadway and a lot of world renown. Shows like you have never seen. Talent to the hilt. Come experience the house that we all built. The Playhouse – Omaha Community Playhouse Everybody has a role. The Playhouse – Omaha Community Playhouse Entertainment is our goal. Either side of the curtain, a great time is certain at The Playhouse – Omaha Community Playhouse Can we get a volunteer? The Playhouse – Omaha Community Playhouse We’ve got just the ticket here. Come and share our special bond. The show is always going on at The Playhouse – Omaha Community Playhouse The treasure of our city. The toast of our town. A little bit of Broadway and a lot of world renown. Shows like you have never seen. Talent to the hilt. Come experience the house that we all built. The Playhouse – Omaha Community Playhouse Everybody has a role. The Playhouse – Omaha Community Playhouse Entertainment is our goal. Either side of the curtain, a great time is certain at The Playhouse – Omaha Community Playhouse Can we get a volunteer? The Playhouse – Omaha Community Playhouse We’ve got just the ticket here. Come and share our special bond. The show is always going on at The Playhouse – Omaha Community Playhouse The treasure of our city. The toast of our town. A little bit of Broadway and a lot of world renown. Shows like you have never seen. Talent to the hilt. Come experience the house that we all built. The Playhouse – Omaha Community Playhouse Everybody has a role. The Playhouse – Omaha Community Playhouse Entertainment is our goal. Either side of the curtain, a great time is certain at The Playhouse – Omaha Community Playhouse 12 Productions Each Year | Year-Round Theatre Classes to the Community | Two StateCan we get a volunteer? The Playhouse – Omaha Community Playhouse We’ve got just the ticket here. Come and share our special bond. The show of-the-Art Performance Spaces | Home of The Hollywood Fonda & ofDorothy is always going on at The Playhouse – Omaha Community Playhouse treasure of ourLegends city. The toastHenry of our town. A little bit Broadway and a lot ofMcGuire world renown. like you have never of seen. Talent to the hilt. ComeNonprofit experience theOrganization house that we all built. The Playhouse | Shows Omaha Chamber Commerce 2007 of the Year – Omaha Community Playhouse Everybody has a role. The Playhouse – Omaha Community Playhouse Entertainment is our goal. Either side of the curtain, a great time is certain at The Playhouse – Omaha Community Playhouse Can we get a volunteer? The Playhouse – Omaha Community Playhouse

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Omaha

This is

2009 Omaha Symphony Guild Table Art

Wedgwood and Waterford “Rhapsody Into Spring,” is the theme of the 2009 Omaha Symphony Guild Table Art event. Featured speaker this year will be Lord Piers Wedgwood, international ambassador for Wedgwood China and Waterford Crystal. The two-day event starts with an evening cocktail reception, on March 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Borsheims. The book, Wedgwood Style, 3 Centuries of Distinction, by Hamilton Darby Perry, will be available for a donation. Lord Wedgwood wrote the introduction and has agreed to sign the book. On Friday, March 20, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM there will be designer viewing and a luncheon from 12:00 to 1:30 PM at the Marriott Hotel in the Regency. Lord Wedgwood will be the featured speaker. Once again the book will be available for signing from 1:30 to 2:00 PM. Following the luncheon, Table Art demonstration sessions will be conducted from 1:30 to 3:00 PM. A boutique and raffle will coincide with the luncheon. Funds raised from the event will go to support the many nationally recognized educational programs of the Omaha Symphony. Event co-chairmen are Anne Bogard and Jean Cramer. Guild president is Connie Kinnear. For more information or to purchase tickets go to the www. omahasymphonyguild. org or call 402-3423836 ext. 171. Shalom, Salaam, Peace On Friday, March 27, the Tri-Faith Initiative will host its first major public event at the Qwest Center Omaha. Three nationally recognized leaders are slated to speak: Rabbi Peter Knobel of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, Dr. Ingrid Mattson,

march/april | 2009

president of the Islamic Society of North America and Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori of The Episcopal Church. Dr. Mattson is the first female president of the Islamic Society of North America. The evening will feature a worship service starting at 5:30 p.m., followed by a dinner and a conversation among the faith leaders on the theme of “Shalom, Salaam, Peace.” The worship service portion won’t be a “lowest common denominator” service for the masses. Attendees will experience an actual Shabbat, followed by an Episcopal Evening Office and a Muslim prayer service. Attendees will receive a booklet describing each service in detail. Tri-Faith Initiative Executive Nancy Kirk: “Attendees will come out with a greater understanding of the faith practices of different religions.” The Tri-Faith Initiative was formed to bring together the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska, Temple Israel, and the American Institute of Islamic Studies and Culture in a common goal of peace and understanding. Members get together for informal dinners and discussions. Plans are underway to develop a shared campus, which will house a mosque, a temple and a church plus a shared facility. Tickets for the March 27 event are $50, $100 for patron and $35 for students. For more information on the Tri-Faith Initiative, go to www.trifaith.org. Earth Day Omaha Elmwood Park at 60th & Dodge is the site for Earth Day Omaha 2009. Admission is free to see the displays, exhibitions, music and hands-on events. Displays and exhibitions run from 12-6. Food and live music run 12 to 8 p.m. Earth Day Omaha is presented by the Earth Day Coalition, which comprises volunteers from organizations and the community. It is affiliated with Earth Day Network, the international organization coordinating Earth Day events throughout the world. Its goal is to

ORIGINAL, CONTEMPORARY ART

Compiled by Sandy Lemke

When

UNIQUE is

What You Seek...

Dundee Gallery is where you’ll ﬁnd just the right piece to express your personality – and your good taste!

dundeegallery.com

402-505-8333 Tuesday - Friday 11-9 Sat 10-9 • Sun 12-5

4916 Underwood Ave Omaha, NE 68132

RAIN, experience what BEATLEMANIA was all about, March 14, at the Orpheum Theater.

increase public awareness of environmental issues. For more information, go to www.earthdayomaha.com or call 681-9458. RAIN On March 14, experience what BEATLEMANIA was all about! From Ed Sullivan to Abbey Road! They look like them and they sound just like them! “The next best thing to seeing The Beatles,” raves the Denver Post. All the music and vocals are performed totally live! RAIN covers the Fab Four from the earliest beginnings through the psychedelic late '60s and their long-haired hippie, hard-rocking rooftop days. RAIN is a multi-media, multi-dimensional experience...a fusion of historical footage and hilarious television commercials from the 1960s lights up video screens and live cameras zoom in for close-ups. “RAIN is a quartet of fine musicians in their own right…as The Beatles, they triumph!” cheers the Boston Herald. “An adoring Valentine to The Beatles,” declares the Washington Post. Sing along with your family and friends to such Beatlemaniac favorites as “Let It Be,” “Hey Jude,” “My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “Come Together” and “Can’t Buy Me Love.” See RAIN at the Slosburg Hall in the Orpheum Theater at 409 S. 16 St. For tickets and more information go to www. omahaperformingarts.org or call 345-0202

www.omahapublications.com

march/april | 2009

calendar of events

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Compiled by Sandy Lemke This fast-paced musical, complete with a Swamp Chorus, is full of the great fun you’ve come to expect of playwright/lyricist/composer Joan Cushing . Previous Cushing productions presented at The Rose include “Junie B . Jones and A Little Monkey Business,” “Miss nelson Is Missing,” and “Brave Irene .” The Rose . 2001 farnam St . www .rosetheater .org 345-4849 . 3/7: MADAMA BUTTERFLY PUCCINI. Presented by film Streams in collaboration with Opera Omaha . Cristina Gallardodomâs returns to the title role in Anthony Minghella’s stunning production, a new classic in the Met repertory . This critically acclaimed staging opened the 2006–07 season at the Met and in Times Square . Patrick Summers conducts .A preview talk with unL director of Opera William Shomos will begin at 11 a .m . film Streams . 1340 Webster St . www . filmstreams .org 933-0259 .

the indian Portrait gallery of thomas l. mcKenney. march 6-June 14, at the Joslyn art museum.

CHECK IT! Dates and times are current as of press time but please call ahead to confirm. OngOing eVentS thrOUgh 4/18. Crossroads of Commerce . The durham Museum . 801 S . 10 St . www . durhammuseum .org 444-5071 . thrOUgh 5/17. Union Pacific’s American Vacation: The Sun Valley Story . The durham Museum . 801 S . 10 St . www . durhammuseum .org 444-5071 . thrOUgh 5/3. Wood . first in a 2009-2010 series of permanent collection exhibitions about printmaking, followed by stone and metal . The durham Museum . 801 S . 10 St . www . durhammuseum .org 444-5071 . thrOUgh 4/26. Chocolate . Visitors will immerse themselves in the story of one of the world’s most popular edible pleasures during Chocolate, coming to The durham Museum from the field Museum in Chicago . Chocolate explores the ancient and modern uses of the cacao bean, whose dense seed pods and bitter taste have been used as food, currency, and more over the past 1,500 years . The durham Museum . 801 S . 10 St . www .durhammuseum . org 444-5071 . thrOUgh 5/10. Sentimental Journey: The Art of Alfred Jacob Miller . This exhibition surveys the first artist to travel across the plains and into the heart of the Rocky Mountains . Approximately 70 sketches, watercolors, painings and collateral materials . Joslyn Art Museum . 2200 dodge St . www . joslyn .org 342-3300 .

thrOUgh 4/27. Contemporary Women Artists from the MONA Collection . College of St . Mary Hillmer Art Gallery . 7000 Mercy Rd . 399-2405 . thrOUgh 5/17. College of St. Mary Student Art Exhibition . College of St . Mary Hillmer Art Gallery . 7000 Mercy Rd . 399-2405 . thrOUgh 4/4. Christo And Jeanne-Claude: Prints And Objects . This collection of works features the most integral aspects of the world-renowned artists’ versatile career . extremely varied in both content and technique, this collection has not been exhibited in the united States in over 15 years and includes over 130 original numbered editions of prints and objects by Christo and photographic editions by Wolfgang Volz of works by Christo and Jeanne-Claude . Works in the collection represent the diversity of their oeuvre and date from as early as 1962 to works created in 2008 . Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts . 724 S . 12 St . www .bemiscenter .org 341-7130 . thrOUgh 5/24. Wood . no material has a more intimate relationship with the human psyche than wood . Once living, endowed with spiritual force, it was the focus of some of humanity’s oldest creative and communicative aspirations . An understanding of the block’s history and unique characteristics reveals this unbroken link with the past, emphasizing commonalities even as contemporary artists continue to expand the medium’s boundaries . Joslyn Art Museum . 2200 dodge St . joslyn .org 342-3300 .

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marCh eVentS 3/1: The Magical Music of Disney . Get ready to wish upon a star and open the door to the Magic Kingdom with music from your favorite Walt disney movies & Broadway shows including Mary Poppins, Aladdin, Beauty & the Best, The Lion King, Tarzan, and many more . Performed by “The Little Mermaid” herself, Jody Benson, and a cast of talented vocalists, you’ll want to join us for this musical journey . Kiewit Concert Hall, Holland Performing Arts Center . 1200 douglas St . www .omahaperformingarts .org 345-0202 . 3/1- 3/5: Husbands (1970) . Peter falk, Ben Gazzara, and Cassavetes himself play a trio of middle-aged men who endure a simultaneous midlife crisis (along with a weekend of harddrinking fun) after the funeral of a close friend . Part of the Great directors: Cassavetes series . film Streams . 1340 Webster St . www . filmstreams .org 933-0259 . 3/1- 3/5: A Woman Under the Influence (1974) . Gena Rowlands (as a loving but troubled matriarch) and Peter falk (as her loving but confused husband) bring amazingly powerful performances to what many contend is Cassavetes’ greatest achievement . directed by John Cassavetes . film Streams . 1340 Webster St . www . filmstreams .org 933-0259 . 3/1- 3/29: Sunday Brunch at Kona Grill . Champagne and Sushi Brunch . 1/2 price bottles of wine . Call 779-2900 for reservations . Kona Grill at Village Pointe . 295 n 170th St .

3/4: Gaelic Storm w/ Southpaw Bluegrass Band . The Slowdown . 729 n . 14 St . www .theslowdown . com 345-7569 . 3/5: Midwest Dilemma w/ Icares, Paper Owls, Angels with Dirty Faces (aka Mars Black, DJ E Babbs, Surreal the MC, Jamazz and Skrap), & DJ Brent Crampton . YPC Summit Afterparty The Slowdown . 729 n . 14 St . www .theslowdown .com 345-7569 . 3/6: The African Children’s Choir in Journey of Hope . Angelic young voices call attention to the plight of Africa’s smallest victims . Slosburg Hall, Orpheum Theater . 409 S . 16 St . www . omahaperformingarts .org 3450202 . 3/6- 3/12. Opening Night (1977) . As the opening night of her new show approaches, a stage actress (Rowlands, in one of hers and Cassavetes’ most collaborative efforts) suffers a breakdown following the death of an adoring fan . film Streams . 1340 Webster St . www .filmstreams .org 9330259 . 3/6- 3/12: The Killing of A Chinese Bookie (1976) . Cassavetes takes a noir turn with this tale of strip club owner (Ben Gazzara) pressured to kill a gangster in order to clear his gambling debts . film Streams . 1340 Webster St . www .filmstreams .org 933-0259 . 3/6- 3/22: Petite Rouge: A Cajun Little Red Riding Hood . Set in the Cajun country of Louisiana, a duck named Petite Rouge frolics on her way to see her Grandmere with her delightful sidekick, a “fraidy cat” named Te-Jean . On their way, they try their best to avoid the clever villain, Claude the Alligator .

3/7: Omaha Sketch Crawl . free drop-in gatherings for sketching . This Saturday, hosted by Orpheum Theater . Joslyn Art Museum . 2200 dodge St . joslyn .org 342-3300 . 3/7: The Music of Queen . Join the Omaha Symphony and Jeans ‘n Classics for a tribute to english rock group Queen . Lead vocalist Michael Shotton pays tribute to freddie Mercury & the band with your Queen favorites including “under Pressure,” “Somebody to Love,” “We are the Champions,” and “Another One Bites the dust .” Kiewit Concert Hall, Holland Performing Arts Center . 1200 douglas St . www . omahaperformingarts .org 3450202 . 3/7- 5/24: A David Small World . A david Small World presents more than 60 original artworks in watercolor, pen and ink, and pastel -- each with the artist’s trademark attention to small details that beg to be pored over again and again . fifteen books are represented, including eulalie and the Hopping Head, George Washington’s Cows, fenwick’s Suite, Christmas Crocodile, The Huckabuck family, So You Want to Be President?, and Mouse and His Child . Some of Small’s best books have been created in partnership with his wife, Sarah Stewart: The Money Tree, The Library, The Gardener, and The Journey; artworks from all four titles are in the exhibition . Joslyn Art Museum . 2200 dodge St . joslyn .org 342-3300 . 3/7- 6/14: The Indian Portrait Gallery of Thomas L. McKenney . drawn from Joslyn’s own large collection of lithographed Indian portraits published by McKenney, a gift of Suzanne and Walter Scott, this exhibition showcases a selection of hand-colored lithographs of Indian warriors, chiefs, statesmen, shamans, and women that originally constituted the illustrations for McKenney’s grand publishing venture, The History of the Indian Tribes of

north America . Among the tribes represented in the exhibition are the Omaha, Pawnee, Winnebago, Creek, Sioux, Sac, Iowa, Meskwaki, Seneca, Ojibwa, Osage, and Oto . Joslyn Art Museum . 2200 dodge St . joslyn .org 342-3300 . 3/10: FILM STREAMS & PROJECT HARMONY PRESENT ANTWONE FISHER . film Streams and Project Harmony are pleased to present a special screening of AnTWOne fISHeR, the true story of a young navy cadet on the path to recovery from a childhood of physical and sexual abuse . The film will begin at 6pm, with a post-show discussion to follow featuring author and screenwriter Antwone fisher in person at the Ruth Sokolof Theater . film Streams . 1340 Webster St . www . filmstreams .org 933-0259 . 3/11: The Holland Lecture Series: Dr Richard Dawkins . The Holland Lecture Series presents world renowned Oxford scientist, teacher and writer Richard dawkins . The author of many works including “The Selfish Gene” and “The Blind Watchmaker,” his book “The God delusion” has sold more than one and a half million copies . Kiewit Concert Hall, Holland Performing Arts Center . 1200 douglas St . www .omahaperformingarts .org 345-0202 . 3/13: 1200 Club at the Holland: Pistolera . The lyrics are Spanish, but the music of Pistolera will reach you no matter what language you speak . This new York City-based quartet, featuring bass, drum, accordion and guitar and vocals, is set to fire up the 1200 Club with a south of the border flair The new Yorker calls a “foot stomping sound that’s one part ranchera, and one part indie-pop .” Scott Recital Hall, Holland Performing Arts Center . 1200 douglas St . www . omahaperformingarts .org 3450202 . 3/13: Rite of Spring . A true masterwork you won’t want to miss, Stravinsky’s adventurous, forceful and primitive work is scored for an unusually large orchestra . Known to many from the Walt disney movie, fantasia – it presents a study in contrasts with Copland’s open and peaceful composition . Kiewit Concert Hall, Holland Performing Arts Center . 1200 douglas St . www . omahaperformingarts .org 3450202 . 3/13- 3/15: Disney High School Musical on Ice . MidAmerica Center . 1 Arena Way www . midamericacenter .com (712) 3230356 . 3/13- 3/19: Love Streams (1984) . The film that co-inspired our nonprofit’s name (!), LOVe STReAMS features Cassavetes and Rowlands as middle-aged siblings who lean on one another during hard times . film Streams . 1340 Webster St . www .filmstreams .org 933-0259 .

March & april

2009

3/13- 3/19: Big Trouble (1986) . Alan Arkin gets caught in the trap of a duplicitous couple (Peter falk and Beverly d’Angelo) in BIG TROuBLe, what would be Cassavetes’ last film . film Streams . 1340 Webster St . www . filmstreams .org 933-0259 . 3/135/16: Matthew Dehaemers . Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts . 724 S . 12 St . www .bemiscenter .org 341-7130 . 3/14: Rebecca Frezza & Big Truck . A feel-good rock band for the whole family . Scott Recital Hall, Holland Performing Arts Center . 1200 douglas St . www . omahaperformingarts .org 3450202 . 3/14: The Twisters . The Twisters - Canada’s premier jump/blues band have been signed to the prestigious northernBlues label with their new release- After The Storm . The new Cd stays true to their high-spirited jump/ blues tradition, but includes many different grooves and feels, bringing this Cd to a new level of excellence . featuring the lead vocals, harmonies, and song writing of both harmonica player david Hoerl and guitarist Brandon Isaak, and backed superbly by the top-notch rhythm section of Matt Pease on drums and Keith Picot on upright bass, the new Cd was recorded and engineered in Whitehorse, Yukon in January 2006 by Brandon and brother Chris Isaak . The Twisters have weathered the storm and are ready to bring their hot blues/jump/swing/ bluesabilly tunes to you! See what all the buzz is about! Scott Recital Hall, Holland Performing Arts Center . 1200 douglas St . www .omahaperformingarts .org 345-0202 . 3/14- 4/25: Carlos Cortez . The prints of Carlos Cortez . el Museo Latino . 4701 S . 25 St . www . elmuseolatino .org 731-1137 . 3/15: The Final Frontier . To infinity and beyond! Join the Omaha Symphony as we travel to the final frontier – outer space . With music from Star Wars, Holst’s The Planets, and other spacethemed favorites alongside thrilling video from nASA – this concert is sure to be an “out of this world” experience . Kiewit Concert Hall, Holland Performing Arts Center . 1200 douglas St . www .omahaperformingarts .org 345-0202 . 3/16: Tokyo Police Club w/ Ra Ra Riot & Ruby Coast . The Slowdown . 729 n . 14 St . www . theslowdown .com 345-7569 . 3/17: The Irish Tenors . Spend St . Patrick’s day with the Irish Tenors… live in Omaha! finbar Wright, Anthony Kearns, and Karl Scully join voices to breathe new life into Ireland’s most beloved traditional songs . enjoy favorites like “danny Boy,”“My Wild Irish Rose,”and“fields of Athenry .”The Irish Tenors are one of the most successful Irish touring

acts ever, second only to u2 . Kiewit Concert Hall, Holland Performing Arts Center . 1200 douglas St . www .omahaperformingarts .org 345-0202 . 3/17: Nickelback with Seether and Saving Abel . Since rolling out of Alberta some 13 years ago, nickelback has been a hitmaking, multi-platinum concern whose last album, 2005’s All The Right Reasons, is one of the most successful of the century . It spent a staggering 112 consecutive weeks in the Top 30 of the Billboard Top 200, was certified eight times platinum in the u .S . and has sold more than 11 million copies worldwide, topping charts in four countries . The group has sold 27 million albums worldwide and stoked great excitement for the quartet’s sixth album, dark Horse . Qwest Center Omaha . www .qwestcenteromaha .com .

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3/17: Missy Higgins w/ Justin Nozuka & Lenka . The Slowdown . 729 n . 14 St . www .theslowdown . com 345-7569 . 3/17- 3/18: Dora The Explorer: Search for the City of Lost Toys . Come on! ¡Vámonos! nickelodeon’s dora the explorer returns to the stage in dORA THe eXPLOReR LIVe! everyone’sfavorite Latina heroine stars in her own live adventure in“Search for the City of Lost Toys .” dora, along with Boots,Swiper, diego and all her friends, needs the help of the audienceto solve puzzles and overcome obstacles to find her lostteddy bear . Come sing along and learn a little Spanish, too!It’s an exciting musical for the whole family! Slosburg Hall, Orpheum Theater . 409 S . 16 St . www .omahaperformingarts .org 345-0202 . 3/19: Arthouse: Bemis Artists Talk Cassavetes . Join us for a special series-wrapping discussion about the films and influence of John Cassavetes, moderated by Bemis Center curator Hesse McGraw . film Streams . 1340 Webster St . www . filmstreams .org 933-0259 . 3/19- 4/11: W;t . by Margaret edson, directed by Kevin Lawler . Wnner of the 1999 Pulitzer Prize . Vivian Bearing walks on the empty stage pushing her IV pole . Bluebarn Theatre . 614 S . 11 St . www .bluebarn .org 345-1576 . 3/20: L.A. Theatre Works presents War of the Worlds and The Los World . Actors from the Sci-fi Channel, Star Trek and X-files recreate two of the great radio classics . Kiewit Concert Hall, Holland Performing Arts Center . 1200 douglas St . www . omahaperformingarts .org 3450202 .

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this is living Ann Taylor LOFT • Anthropologie • Borsheims • Christian Nobel Furs • Francesca’s Collections Garbo’s Salon • Parsow’s Fashions • Pottery Barn • Pottery Barn Kids Regency Gift & Gourmet • Solstice Sunglass Boutique • The Linen Gallery Tilly • White House | Black Market • Williams-Sonoma Boneﬁsh Grill • Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar • Clasicos Kobe Steak House • Paradise Bakery & Café

march/april | 2009

calendar of events

www.visitomaha.com March & april

2009

spectacle . The Rose . 2001 farnam St . www .rosetheater .org 3454849 . 4/3- 4/4: From the New World . Known as the new World Symphony, dvorak’s work is one of the most popular in modern repertoire . Composed in 1893 during a visit to America, the piece represents the melting pot of cultures the country had become at the end of the 19th century . Called “the best bassist alive” Meyer has built an extensive repertoire as a virtuoso performer and innovative composer . Kiewit Concert Hall, Holland Performing Arts Center . 1200 douglas St . www .omahaperformingarts .org 345-0202 . 4/4: Omaha Sketch Crawl . free drop-in gatherings for sketching . This Saturday, hosted by W . dale Clark Library . Joslyn Art Museum . 2200 dodge St . joslyn .org 3423300 . 4/4: Diavolo: Part of the DANCE SERIES . A daring troupe of dancers, gymnasts and actors that takes movement, athleticism and risk to the extreme – in both funny and fascinating ways amid sets that are outrageous and surrealistic . Slosburg Hall, Orpheum Theater . 1200 douglas St . www .omahaperformingarts . org 345-0202 .

Disney high School musical on ice. at the midamerica Center in Council Bluffs, march 13-15. 3/20- 3/22: 54th Annual O’Reilly World of Wheels . The O’Reilly World of Wheels is nebraska’s oldest and largest indoor hot rod show with over 400 hot rods, customs, cycles and trucks . Qwest Center Omaha . www . qwestcenteromaha .com . 3/20- 3/26: Rosemary’s Baby (1968) . Cassavetes stars opposite Mia farrow as a husband whose deal with the devil brings doom to the womb in this stylish horror film . film Streams . 1340 Webster St . www .filmstreams .org 933-0259 . 3/20- 3/26: Mike and Nicky (1976) . Cassavetes and close friend Peter falk co-star in this overlooked and underappreciated thriller/drama/tragedy about a small-time gangster in trouble with the Mob and the lifelong buddy called in to bail him out . film Streams . 1340 Webster St . www .filmstreams .org 933-0259 . 3/21: LA SONNAMBULA BELLINI . Mary Zimmerman’s new production explores the opera’s dual elements of sleep and wakefulness in a staging set in the present day . Bellini’s lyrical score soars with natalie dessay and Juan diego flórez in the leading roles; evelino Pidò conducts . film Streams . 1340 Webster St . www . filmstreams .org 933-0259 . 3/21: Bill Cosby . This emmy® and GRAMMY® Award-winning performer has been making America laugh for decades with

his keen insight, best-selling books like fatherhood and The Cosby Show . In the 1960s, his stand-up act was a coastto-coast sensation, spawning a string of hilarious, best-selling comedy albums which went on to win eight Gold Records, five Platinum records and five Grammy Awards . Slosburg Hall, Orpheum Theater . 409 S . 16 St . www .omahaperformingarts .org 345-0202 .

your soul, warms your heart and has your foot tapping . He brings the blues to life and invigorates rock in a manner all too rare these days . Whiskey Roadhouse . www . whiskeyroadhouse .com .

3/22: Discover Mendelssohn . Mendelssohn composed an overture inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer night’s dream in 1826, and in 1843 he was commissioned to write incidental music for a German stage production . He added the overture, and both were used in most stage versions through the 19th century . This program explores the incidental pieces including the familiar Wedding March . Strauss Performing Arts Center, unO . 60th & dodge www . omahaperformingarts .org 3450202 .

3/26: 2009 Omaha Home and Builders Show . for over half a century, The Omaha Home Show has been the premier show in the Midwest . Bigger, better and packed with more value for today’s homeowner than any other venue in the Midwest . Qwest Center Omaha . http:// www .gototheshows .com/hbs_v_ home .html . .

3/25: Walter Trout . To label Walter Trout’s music is to limit it . With more than 35 years of touring and recording under his belt, this new Jersey native has been “loved and hated, accused and vindicated, packaged and presented for everyone to see,” as his brand new autobiographical song Welcome To The Human Race details . Trout’s music speaks to

march/april | 2009

3/26: March Kickin’ Country: Free Show KAT 103 Music Series. Hal Ketchum with local opener Chad Lee . Whiskey Roadhouse . www .whiskeyroadhouse .com .

3/27- 3/29. The Beach Boys . With their sunny vocal harmonies, The Beach Boys are one of the signature sounds of the modern era . The California quintet place second only to The Beatles in terms of their impact on the music scene of the 1960s . Since their formation in 1961, the group has released 36 Top 40 hits and four number one singles including “Good Vibrations,” “God Only Knows,” “Help Me Rhonda,” and “Kokomo .” Kiewit Concert Hall, Holland Performing Arts Center . 1200 douglas St . www .omahaperformingarts .org 345-0202 .

3/28: Harlem Globetrotters . Known as the magicians of basketball, the Harlem Globetrotters have thrilled audiences around the world for 82 tremendous years . Today, a new generation of stars carries on this storied tradition with timeless basketball exhibitions . Qwest Center Omaha . www . qwestcenteromaha .com . 3/30: Puccini Unplugged . enjoy french wine and food along with a musical preview fromm La Boheme . urban Wine Company . 1037 Jones St . www . omahaperformingarts .org 3450202 . aPril eVentS 4/1: Railroad Earth w/ Split Lip Rayfield . The Slowdown . 729 n . 14 St . www .theslowdown .com 345-7569 . 4/2- 4/11: The Firebird . The Russian legend of magic and mystery springs to life in this stunning production of the famous classical ballet that is based on folk tales of a magical glowing bird that is both a blessing and a curse to its captors . Princesses, monsters and a mystical bird spell adventure for a courageous prince as he fights to save his beloved from the wicked magician, Kastchei . Igor Stravinksy’s groundbreaking score is the canvas on which choreographer Robin Welch paints this vivid, action-filled

4/4: Johnny Winter . for over 30 years, Johnny Winter has been a guitar hero without equal . Signing to Columbia records in 1969, Johnny immediately laid out the blueprint for his fresh take on classic blues a prime combination for the legions of fans just discovering the blues via the likes of Jimmy Page and eric Clapton . Constantly shifting between simple country blues in the vein of Robert Johnson, to all-out electric slide guitar bluesrock, - Johnny has always been one of the most respected singers and guitar players in rock and the clear link between British bluesrock and American Southern rock . Throughout the 70s and 80s, Johnny was the unofficial torchbearer for the blues, championing and aiding the careers of his idols like Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker . Whiskey Roadhouse . www .whiskeyroadhouse .com . 4/8: The Hold Steady w/ The War On Drugs . The Slowdown . 729 n . 14 St . www .theslowdown .com 345-7569 . 4/11: Easter Extravaganza . Please join us for a very special easter celebration in the garden! Children’s “carrot craft” activities and photos with the easter Bunny precede a unique egg hunt in the garden’s arboretum . A special menu will be available in the café . Children’s craft activities and photos with the easter Bunny in the visitor and education center . The egg hunt will be divided into three age groups . Cost is $3 per child in addition to admission . due to limited capacity, advance registration is required for any

and all activities . Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha’s Botanical Center . 100 Bancroft St . www . lauritzengardens .org RSVP to 346-4002 ext . 263 by end of day Thursday, April 9 . . 4/11: Three Dog Bakery Easter Party . Three dog Bakery at Village Pointe . 17151 davenport Street, Suite 105 614-dOGS . 4/12: Easter Brunch . Please tell us if you will have a wheelchair in your party or if you need a high chair or booster seat . Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha’s Botanical Center . 100 Bancroft St . www . lauritzengardens .org RSVP to 346-4002 ext . 201 . 4/15- 4/19: La Boheme . Slosburg Hall, Orpheum Theater . 1200 douglas St . www . omahaperformingarts .org 3450202 . 4/16: Omaha Meets New York City . What do Omaha and new York City have in common? What happens when the music and emotions of these two very different cities come together? find out when well-known musicians Paul Serrato, Michael Murphy, and Carmelita de la Guardia put on a one-of-a-kind show to benefit dystonia research! experience a wonderful evening of fantastic music and fun while supporting medical research focused on freeing people from the debilitating disorder dystonia . Watch what happens when Omaha meets new York City! This performance is appropriate for audiences of all ages . Kiewit Concert Hall, Holland Performing Arts Center . 1200 douglas St . www .omahaperformingarts .org 345-0202 . 4/16- 4/19: Broken Mirror #9 . Broken Mirror explores real issues that affect real girls in a cover girl world . Young women will use improvisation, poetry and a dose of comedy to create a dynamic and thought-provoking performance that anyone who is or knows a teenage girl is bound to enjoy . directed by Roberta Wilhelm and Tess Larson . Recommended for ages 13 and older . The Rose . 2001 farnam St . www .rosetheater .org 345-4849 . 4/17: Bebe Neuwirth . Known for her role on the sitcom “Cheers,” this multiple Tony® and emmy® awardwinning performer presents an enchanting evening of song . Kiewit Concert Hall, Holland Performing Arts Center . 1200 douglas St . www .omahaperformingarts .org 345-0202 . 4/18: Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg and The Assad Brothers . A flamboyant master violinist joins with a leading guitar duo in an evening of global chamber music that draws on everything from fiery Gypsy-inspired music to Charlie Chaplin and Bach . Kiewit Concert Hall, Holland Performing Arts Center . 1200 douglas St . www .omahaperformingarts .org 345-0202 .

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calendar of events

March & april

2009

Omaha Children’s Museum march/april events

the african Children’s Choir in Journey of hope. at the Orpheum theater march 6. 4/19: AIA Lecture: “Sardis in the Lydian Period: Between East and West” with Nicholas Cahill, Ph.D., Professor of Art History, University of Wisconsin . The Lydians, an indigenous people of western Asia Minor, were the first to conquer both Ionian Greek cities and native Anatolians living in the interior . With political and matrimonial ties to dynasties of Greece and the near east, they served as a cultural intermediary between different civilizations . Recent excavations at Sardis, the principal city of Lydia, have dramatically changed our understanding of this metropolis, one of the richest in the ancient Mediterranean world, and the capital of a mighty empire . They have also uncovered important remains of important later Roman buildings, and illuminated the urban development of the city over a thousand years . Joslyn Art Museum . 2200 dodge St . joslyn . org 342-3300 . 4/19: La Boheme: Family Preview Lunch . Give the young people in your life a little extra knowledge of the show while enjoying a great lunch for only $7 .00 per person . Resident Music director, J . Gawf gives a family friendly overview of the opera’s storyline and characters . Held in Opera Omaha’s administrative offices at 17th & farnam, families can park once and then walk over to the Orpheum to catch the live performance . Opera Omaha Administrative Office . 1625 farnam St . www . omahaperformingarts .org 3450202 .

4/22: Guild Spring Lecture and Luncheon . Please join us for a very special lecture and luncheon hosted by the Lauritzen Gardens Guild featuring Ardith Beveridge, director of education and Instructor at the State Licensed Koehler & dramm’s Institute of floristry in Minneapolis, Minn . She is a licensed instructor, commentator, master designer, consultant and judge . The luncheon is Wednesday, April 22, at Lauritzen Gardens and activities begin at 9 a .m . Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha’s Botanical Center . 100 Bancroft St . www .lauritzengardens .org 346-4002 . 4/24: Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony . each year, trees are planted in honor of individuals who have contributed to the development of the garden . Past honorees are Helena Street, Alden Aust, Virginia Stewart, Barbara Schaefer, Robert Turner and Jim and Kathy Quinlan . Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha’s Botanical Center . 100 Bancroft St . www .lauritzengardens .org 346-4002 . 4/24: Professional Bull Riding: Built Ford Tough Series . Professional Bull Riding is a fierce, rough, and grueling sport with roots deep in American culture . It’s America’s original extreme sport . The PBR has turned it into a captivating, dangerous, on-the-edge-ofyour-seat sporting event, with the best riders and bulls in the world . Qwest Center Omaha . www .qwestcenteromaha .com .

march/april | 2009

4/24: The Bad Plus Joined by Wendy Lewis . Imagine your typical jazz piano trio . now imagine a kickin’ rock group . Somewhere in the middle lies The Bad Plus . Among the leaders in what some are called the “nu Jazz movement,” this group’s latest release includes covers of hits from such artists as Tears for fears and david Bowie, along with energizing original material that’s pushing the boundaries of the genre to its outer limits . Scott Recital Hall, Holland Performing Arts Center . 1200 douglas St . www .omahaperformingarts .org 345-0202 . 4/24: Aspen Santa Fe Ballet . This contemporary ballet brings a lively european twist to its sophisticated performances . Slosburg Hall, Orpheum Theater . 409 S . 16 St . www . omahaperformingarts .org 3450202 . 4/24- 6/20. Adam Frelin . Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts . 724 S . 12 St . www .bemiscenter . org 341-7130 . 4/25: Arbor Day Children’s Activities . families will enjoy a morning of fun activities dedicated to trees . Tree walks, discovery stations and other activities will take place throughout the garden . families will learn about the many products made from trees and take an in-depth look at leaves, bark and fruit . Children will make a tree-trunk necklace and create bark art . Registration is not required, and all activities are free with paid garden admission or membership . Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha’s Botanical Center . 100 Bancroft St . www .lauritzengardens .org 346-4002 .

4/25: Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne . Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne was born in Spokane, Washington raised in San francisco and is now a Vancouver, Canada based blues pianist/vocalist who is being hailed as a cross between Amos Milburn and fats domino . Lots of traditional Blues and Boogie – Woogie with a taste of Kansas City Swing and new Orleans Rhythm best describes Kenny’s music . The “Blues Boss” puts down some of the most compelling blues piano you can hear anywhere . His keyboard and warm vocal style lend themselves to the more urbane, West Coast blues style as pioneered by the smooth Charles Brown, the shouting Big Joe Turner and the good rockin’ fats domino . In addition to his vocal talent, songwriting ability and piano skills, Kenny has energy with a capital “e” and the charisma to make it to the top . Scott Recital Hall, Holland Performing Arts Center . 1200 douglas St . www . omahaperformingarts .org 3450202 . 4/25- 4/26: South of the Border . Kiewit Concert Hall, Performing Arts Holland Center . 1200 douglas St . www . omahaperformingarts .org 3450202 . 4/25- 4/26: Omaha Health, Wellness & Fitness Expo . find new ways to attain soundness of mind and body, learn how to live longer, better and happier, check out new ideas to improve your lifestyle and sense of well being . Omaha Civic Auditorium . 4/25- 4/26: Omaha Health Expo Walk and Bike Ride . Open to clubs and individuals . Contact the American Lung Association for more details . Omaha Civic Auditorium . www . omahahealthexpo .com .

HeaDeD TO THe WHITe HOUSe Through April 11 Visitors will be engaged in the sights, sounds, and excitement of presidential elections from the moment they cross the gallery threshold . Once visitors enter the exhibition, they are introduced to the electoral process with three audiovisual zones highlighting the historic elections of 1840 (Martin Van Buren vs . William H . Harrison), 1932 (Herbert Hoover vs . franklin delano Roosevelt), and 2008, before walking through a large, graphic image of the White House and onto the campaign trail . SPeeD Through April 19 It’s the fastest exhibit ever at Omaha Children’s Museum! With our society going ever faster these days, Speed chronicles our cultural and technological fascination with a 6,000 square-foot experience that transports guests into the world of high performance, barrier smashing motion . Racing cars, planes boats and eccentric custom vehicles, are featured in the exhibit which engages guests of all backgrounds and ages . The experiences focus on the science and technology of pushing the envelope to achieve record setting speed while explaining the limits of getting there .

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march/april | 2009

Story by Heather Heier Lane Photo by minorwhitestudios.com

Candace Gregory Open Door Mission Candace Gregory was hired in 1994 as the Open Door Mission’s first social worker. She’s risen through the ranks and now serves as president.

Candace

Gregory is a familiar face in Omaha, not because she owns a fancy boutique, is seen at trendy restaurants, or gives hallowed advice to business leaders. No, she’s familiar because she’s so often seen handing out free clothing, serving hot meals and providing guidance to families and children in crisis as president/ CEO of Omaha’s Open Door Mission. A compassionate woman who is tireless in her pursuit of making life easier for those less fortunate, Gregory is devoted to implementing community prevention programs that help end the cycle of homelessness and poverty. “My passion has always been to empower people,” says Gregory. Gregory was born and raised in New Brunswick, Canada, and worked in her family’s pizza restaurants from an early age. In college, she discovered her keen interest in understanding and helping people, and pursued

a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies, graduating from Lower Coverdale Christian Academy, Bethany Bible College, New Brunswick Community College and Grace University. No stranger to hard work, she went on to earn an honorary doctorate in Humanitarian Services from Clarkson College of Sciences. She eventually found herself drawn to the non-profit world. Gregory joined the Open Door Mission back in 1994, after receiving an invitation from then-president, Pastor Bob Timberlake, to join his team. She was hired as the organization’s first social worker, and has not stopped rallying the team since. Prior to serving as president, she held posts as director of Family Ministries and director of Lydia House, a branch of ODM. As the busy mother of four kids, ages 11 to 3, Gregory still considers her work a family affair—she calls her husband, Steve, her biggest supporter, and each of her children have volunteered in some way at the mission. continued on page 18

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JANUARY 31 – APRIL 26 Immerse yourself in a decadent experience and engage all your senses in Chocolate: The Exhibition, open January 31 to April 26 at The Durham Museum. Created by Chicago’s Field Museum, this delicious exhibition explores the lure and lore of chocolate. Visit our Web site at www.durhammuseum.org for a scrumptious line-up including samples from area chocolatiers available each weekend and cooking demonstrations featuring chocolate. And to top off your visit to The Durham, indulge yourself in a delectable delight at our Chocolate Shop, created exclusively for the one-of-a-kind exhibition.

801 SOUTH 10TH STREET n OMAHA, NE 68108 402.444.5071 n www.durhammuseum.org Chocolate is sponsored by Mutual of Omaha, Douglas County Commissioners, Peter Kiewit Foundation, the On Track Guild, Mary and John Wilson, and Cox Communications. Additional support provided by Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts. Chocolate and its national tour were developed by The Field Museum, Chicago. This project was supported, in part, by the National Science Foundation.

march/april | 2009

Founded in 1954, the Open Door Mission provides over 300 men, women and children with safe shelter, and serves more than 1,500 hot, nutritious meals on a daily basis. The Open Door Mission provides preventive measures to more than 250 families living in poverty, generating hope by way of life skills classes that encourage education. The Open Door Mission also fills its donation center with clean, gently used clothing and household items, where once each month families can come and choose donated items at no cost to them. Omaha is lucky to have compassionate people like Gregory in charge of such amazing programs that empower people every single day. And while the people who receive meals, clothes and computer classes may seem to have reaped the most benefit from her efforts—lest not forget the benefit you receive by donating or volunteering. Volunteers leave feeling fulfilled by helping others in need and are the backbone of any non-profit organization. Gregory is grateful to her volunteers and everyone who donates to the Open Door Mission—or any charity for that matter. “People are good, they want to make a difference— they love feeling good,” Gregory says. Gregory points out that from 2007 to 2008, the ODM saw a 46 percent increase in services, yet only a three percent increase in revenue. Needless to say, donations are always welcome. So if you have a boutique and find yourself with items left after a clearance sale, donate them. If you own a restaurant and have food you can’t use for your daily menu, help feed the hungry by sending it Gregory’s way. And if you happen to know a lot about computers or business, consider teaching others and become a mentor to those who don’t yet have your skills and experience. It doesn’t matter how you help, it only matters that you do. A simple drop-off of clothes you no longer wear will do the trick nicely. To find out how you can help, visit www.opendoormission.org or call (402) 422-1111.

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Photos by minorwhitestudios.com Story by Linda Persigehl

The Hardwoods Have It Rustic Finishes, Exotic Woods among High-end Flooring Options

you’re looking to incorporate Old World charm, stylish design or ecofriendly materials into your home decor, high-end wood flooring just may be the solution. New exotic woods and hues, finishing techniques and manufactured products are making the option even more appealing to environmentally conscious, upscale homeowners. “When looking for upgrades in the home, wood floors are just a great alternative to carpet or tile,” said Dale Ocken, division manager of Dale Ocken Flooring, which was recently acquired by Consolidated Kitchens and Fireplaces. “Just the warmth and beauty of wood, and the fact that it’s timeless,” make it an everpopular choice. Ocken said one of the most popular options today is hickory plank flooring, which the company recently installed in a high-end home by Ramm Construction

Rich Odermatt of Odermatt Floor Covering sees a trend toward exotic woods.

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Dale Ocken of Dale Ocken Flooring recommends pre-finished bamboo as an eco-friendly option.

in the Bennington Lake sub-division. The 5-inch plank hickory, which provides a rustic look that coordinates well with many cabinet finishes, is found throughout the home’s main level. “We’re seeing a trend away from the traditional 2 ¼-inch strip flooring toward the wider 3-, 4- or 5-inch planks,” he said. “It’s really a designer trend, and gives a more updated look.” Pre-finished bamboo, available in natural, stained or carbonized color options, is popular for its eco-friendly nature. “Carbonized” means the wood is steamed, or pressurecooked, which allows the bamboo to take on a slightly darker hue. “Bamboo is actually a renewable resource, meaning once you cut it, it grows back and can be cut again. For those who are thinking ‘green,’ it’s a great option,” Ocken said. Rich Odermatt, president of Odermatt Floor Covering Inc., said he’s also seen a trend toward use of exotic woods, including Brazillian cherry. The wood’s dark, rich color

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provides a more formal and interesting designer look. “Tiger wood is an exotic wood tree species with variegated light and dark tones that’s popular,” Odermatt added. “Though it’s at the high end of the scale, about one and a half times the cost of traditional oak.” For a custom look, many homeowners are opting for new finishing techniques such as water popping and hand scraping. Water popping entails soaking the unfinished wood in water, which opens up the grain. This allows for better stain absorption and provides richer color, said Ocken. “With scraping, floors are sanded flat, then given scratches and gorges by hand with a paint scraper, or by machine,” he said. “It gives a unique, rustic look.” The process also makes regular wear and tear on the flooring less noticeable. Engineered flooring, comprising of a plywood base and ¾-inch wood veneer surface, requires less wood, making it friendlier to the environment and popular as well. It’s

especially practical in areas subject to higher humidity, such as bathrooms and lakefront homes, because of its resistance to expansion and contraction, which can lead to warping, Ocken said. Many engineered products offer a 15- to 20-year warranty and require less maintenance than traditional wood. Using radiant heat systems under wood floors in all of the main living areas is taking off in the high-end market. In its installations, Odermatt Floor Covering first pours a concrete slab, embedding the wiring for the heating system in the concrete. Heat then radiates through the concrete and disperses throughout the wood flooring above. In colder spaces such as basements, radiant heat floors can do wonders for making an area more warm and comfortable, added Odermatt. Incorporating patterns into wood floors

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is a design trend on the rise, said Odermatt. “Bordering is popular. We’ll put a row or two of a different color wood around the outside of a room, then lay another wood across the center of the room on a diagonal. (Homeowners) like the look for dens and hearth and great rooms,” he said. Ocken said some manufacturers have come out with flooring that incorporates inlayed designs such as medallions and grapes that add an artistic touch. The designs may be used to create a unique floor centerpiece, or placed in the corners of a room and connected by a border, and are popular in entryways and dining rooms. Combining flooring materials in an area, such as carpet on stairs with a wood border, or stone or ceramic tile with wood accents or border, is also great way to create a custom, high-end look, said Ocken.

Combining carpet and wood in one area and using wood borders create a unique, custom look.

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Taco Ride

Feature

World Class Adventure in the Heartland Photos by Kyle Wullschleger

story by Jonathan Welsh

Five

o’clock rolls around on Thursday afternoon and the work whistle blows. Hundreds of men and women dash to change out of the confines of their work attire, and reemerge with riding gear, cycling helmets and a set of wheels. Just a stone’s throw from Omaha, the Wabash Trace Nature Trail is their destination, and an extraordinary bike ride is the evening’s adventure. For many of the folks living in and around the Omaha\ Council Bluffs area, Thursday night has become synonymous with a budding social phenomenon, affectionately known as the Taco Ride. This weekly event has often been described as a party on wheels, but there’s more to be discovered once the trail dust settles. As history tells it, Dave Karlson – a perpetually grinning, amiable man who always has a story on hand – is credited with being the catalyst for the Taco Ride. Thirteen years ago, Dave trekked down continued on next page

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Feature

Greg Losh

the Wabash Trail as an adventurer with a pure love for cycling. “There were only two or three of us in the beginning. We found a bar and grill in Silver City (a few miles down the trail from Mineola) with great taco specials and decided to make it a weekly thing,” said Dave. “The place had a rough-looking local crowd, so it was inevitable that any Spandex-wearing cyclist who walked in gravitated to our table as if life depended on it … And the Taco Ride grew from there.” One of the first recruits to the ride, and perhaps the driving force behind its surge in popularity, is Greg Losh. Greg, a soft-spoken family man and ardent prairie restorationist, wandered into that very same bar and grill 13 years ago. “I eventually sat down at Dave’s table, but I hardly spoke a word,” said Greg. Dave would later say that Greg was the most introverted person he had ever met; but what Dave didn’t know at the time was Greg’s potential as a “connector” – a term popularized in Malcolm Gladwell’s bestseller The Tipping Point. “The Taco Ride is about having fun,” said Greg. When the Silver City establishment closed down, Greg was vocal in having the ride shifted to Mineola. He wanted the overall distance to be enjoyable for everyone, and Mineola was a perfect 10 miles from the trailhead. He then set up a group web page and e-mail list through which he could spread the word. Word of the cycling event spread well beyond anyone’s imagination. The Taco Ride has evolved into a weekly 20-mile bicycle trek that begins and ends at the Wabash’s trailhead in Council Bluffs. During the peak summer season, upwards of 500 easy riders of all shapes, ages and sizes drag along coolers full of tasty beverages, battery-operated blenders, and portable stereos on their way to Mineola, Iowa. A few miles down the trail, about halfway to Mineola, lies an oasis of sorts where riders can park their bikes for a breather and trade a few words with other convivial trailblazers. It also serves as the default location for Taco Ride bonfires, cookouts and the occasional awards ceremony (e.g. best crash). The veterans have bestowed the nickname “Margaritaville” on the area, giving it a certain cachet.

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Dave Karlson

“It’s not

about the bike.”

Losh pictured here with his bike, rigged complete with sound system, cooler, auxiliary power and tiki torch.

After stopping off at the Mineola Steakhouse for cheap tacos, margaritas and good conversation, riders must then navigate the road back. Bike lights come highly recommended. By some accounts, close to 1,000 participants made it out for the 500th ride this past summer. If one were to compare the Taco Ride with an upstart company, its steady growth numbers would be enough to have Warren Buffet salivating. Something about the ride makes devoted patrons out of casual participants. Admittedly, a 20-mile round trip seems challenging, perhaps even daunting to most amateur cyclists, but the Wabash’s crushed limestone and hard-packed dirt trail enable a smooth ride. Tree-canopied paths, bridges spanning ravines, and waves of prairie grass afford enough dazzling terrain to steer the mind away from any fatigue. The beauty of Iowa’s Loess Hills, a natural geological formation not encountered anywhere else in the world besides parts of Northern China, induces a state of relaxation. “It’s not about the bike,” said Karlson, borrowing the title of Lance Armstrong’s celebrated book. “The Taco Ride is about the people,” he added. Go to Margaritaville any other day of the week and you will find an empty space with a couple of wooden benches and bicycle racks. Like the Big Bang without the Bang, you’re left with a bunch of pretty rocks without energy or motion. This is Margaritaville? For all of the beauty of the Wabash Trace Nature Trail and the Loess Hills, it is the people and the culture of the Midwest that make the Taco Ride one of the best weekly rides in the nation. It is an extension of a strong tradition in the performing arts, an appreciation for history, local culture and — above all — a desire to live the good life. Perhaps this is why Bicycling Magazine ranks it among the top ten weekly rides in the world. www.omahapublications.com

“Let our talents create your dreams” 6006 Wenninghoﬀ Road

Dare to be Different

1019 Howard Street • 402.342.1737 www.goldsmithsilversmith.com

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Lieben, Whitted, Houghton, Slowiaczek & Cavanagh, P.C., L.L.O. is a firm of 12 lawyers with offices at 100 Scoular Building in Omaha. The firm concentrates its practice in the areas of business litigation and commercial transactions, employment and employee benefits, estate and financial planning, family law, securities and investments and taxation. Lieben Whitted congratulates Jeff Lieben, David Houghton, John Slowiaczek and Jim Cavanagh for being named to the Best Lawyers in America. Jeff is listed in the areas of employee benefits law, tax law and trusts and estates, David is listed in commercial litigation, John is listed in the field of family law, and Jim is listed in bankruptcy and creditor rights and commercial litigation.

100 SCOULAR BUILDING • 2027 DODGE STREET • OMAHA, NE 68102 • TELEPHONE: 402-344-4000 • FAX: 402-344-4006

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BeST LaWyeRS from

The Best Lawyers in America® 2009 Omaha Magazine is proud to bring you the Omaha results of the Best Lawyers in America®, widely regarded as the preeminent referral guide to the legal profession in the United States. What makes this list the “go-to” guide? two reasons: one, lawyers are not required to pay a fee for a basic listing in the guide. two, inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America® is based entirely on confidential peer review. these lists are excerpted from the Best Lawyers in America® 2009, which includes listings for more than 36,000 lawyers in 80 specialties, in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. the BeSt laWYerS in ameriCa® the Best Lawyers in America® is published by Woodward/White, Inc., Aiken, South Carolina and can be ordered directly from the publisher. For information call 803-648-0300; write 129 First Avenue, SW, Aiken, SC 29801; email info@bestlawyers.com; or visit www. bestlawyers.com. Online subscriptions to Best Lawyers® databases are available at www.bestlawyers.com Woodward/White Inc. has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant that the information contained

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herein is complete or accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or emissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All listed attorneys have been verified as being members in good standing with their respective state bar associations as of Aug. 1, 2008, where that information is publicly available. Consumers should contact their state bar for verification and additional information prior to securing legal services of any attorney. Copyright 2008 by Woodward/White, Inc., Aiken, SC. All rights reserved. this list or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission. No commercial use of this list may be made without permission of Woodward/White, Inc. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of this list without permission. “the Best Lawyers in America” and “Best Lawyers” are registered trademarks of Woodward/White, Inc. For more information on the Best Lawyers in America®, see their website, www.bestlawyers.com.

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ALtErnAtIVE DISpUtE rESOLUtIOn JOHn C. BROWnRIgg erickson & Sederstrom Regency Westpointe, Suite 100 10330 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114-3761 402-397-2200

D. nICK CaPORaLe Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 J. TeRRy MaCnaMaRa McGrath North First National tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-341-3070

MaTTHeW g. MILLeR Matthew G. Miller 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, NE 68106 402-558-4900 MICHaeL g. MULLIn Kutak Rock the Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2186 402-346-6000

Banking law JOyCe a. DIxOn Husch Blackwell Sanders 1620 Dodge Street, Suite 2100 Omaha, NE 68102 402-964-5000 STeven C. TURneR Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500

Recognized as Best Lawyers in 16 Law Practice Areas

Top: Seated left to right: Jeff Pirruccello, Bill Hargens, John Andreasen. Standing left to right: Randy Limbeck, Steve Case, Tom McGowan. Middle: Seated left to right: Jim Fitzgerald, Steve Bogue. Standing left to right: Denise Mazour, Terry Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hare, Mark Enenbach, Dave Hefflinger. BoTToM: Seated left to right: Roger Wells, Roger Miller, Bob Bothe. Standing left to right: Terry Macnamara, Lee Hamann, Bob Mullin, Jr.

First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 Phone (402) 341-3070 www.mcgrathnorth.com

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BeST LaWyeRS JOHn S. ZeILIngeR Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500

MaRy L. SWICK Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500

KIRK S. BLeCHa Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500

DanIeL J. DUFFy Cassem, tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 8805 Indian Hills Drive, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68114 402-390-0300

Bankruptcy and creditor-deBtor rIghtS LAw ROBeRT J. BOTHe McGrath North First National tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-341-3070

STeven C. TURneR Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500

JaMeS B. CavanagH Lieben, Whitted, Houghton, Slowiaczek & Cavanagh 100 Scoular Building 2027 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-344-4000

MaRK F. enenBaCH McGrath North First National tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-341-3070

JaMeS B. CavanagH Lieben, Whitted, Houghton, Slowiaczek & Cavanagh 100 Scoular Building 2027 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-344-4000 ROBeRT v. gInn Husch Blackwell Sanders 1620 Dodge Street, Suite 2100 Omaha, NE 68102 402-964-5000 RICHaRD D. MyeRS McGill, Gotsdiner, Workman & Lepp First National Plaza, Suite 500 11404 West Dodge Road Omaha, NE 68154 402-492-9200 JeRROLD L. STRaSHeIM Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 DOnaLD L. SWanSOn Koley Jessen One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street Omaha, NE 68124 402-390-9500

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T. RanDaLL WRIgHT Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 Bet-the-company litigation JOHn R. DOUgLaS Cassem, tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 8805 Indian Hills Drive, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68114 402-390-0300 CHaRLeS F. gOTCH Cassem, tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 8805 Indian Hills Drive, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68114 402-390-0300 WILLIaM M. LaMSOn, JR. Lamson, Dugan and Murray 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114 402-397-7300 JOSePH K. MeUSey Fraser Stryker 500 Energy Plaza 409 South 17th Street Omaha, NE 68102-2663 402-341-6000 commercial litigation STeven e. aCHeLPOHL Steven E. Achelpohl 1010 Historic Library Plaza 1823 Harney Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-346-1900

THOMaS J. CULHane Erickson & Sederstrom Regency Westpointe, Suite 100 10330 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114-3761 402-397-2200 KeLLy R. DaHL Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500

JaMeS P. FITZgeRaLD McGrath North First National tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-341-3070 geRaLD L. FRIeDRICHSen Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan 13220 California Street, Suite 400 Omaha, NE 68154 402-342-1000

THOMaS H. DaHLK Husch Blackwell Sanders 1620 Dodge Street, Suite 2100 Omaha, NE 68102 402-964-5000

CHaRLeS F. gOTCH Cassem, tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 8805 Indian Hills Drive, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68114 402-390-0300

STeven D. DavIDSOn Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500

WILLIaM F. HaRgenS McGrath North First National tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-341-3070

WILLIaM g. DITTRICK Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500

DavID S. HOUgHTOn Lieben, Whitted, Houghton, Slowiaczek & Cavanagh 100 Scoular Building 2027 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-344-4000

JOHn R. DOUgLaS Cassem, tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 8805 Indian Hills Drive, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68114 402-390-0300

THOMaS e. JOHnSOn Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500

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Joseph E. Jones Fraser Stryker 500 Energy Plaza 409 South 17th Street Omaha, NE 68102-2663 402-341-6000 Michael F. Kinney Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 8805 Indian Hills Drive, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68114 402-390-0300

William M. Lamson, Jr. Lamson, Dugan and Murray 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114 402-397-7300 Gerald P. Laughlin Baird Holm Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500

Wayne J. Mark Fraser Stryker 500 Energy Plaza 409 South 17th Street Omaha, NE 68102-2663 402-341-6000

Joseph K. Meusey Fraser Stryker 500 Energy Plaza 409 South 17th Street Omaha, NE 68102-2663 402-341-6000

Bartholomew L. McLeay Kutak Rock The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2186 402-346-6000

John P. Passarelli Kutak Rock The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2186 402-346-6000

From left to right: Joseph E. Jones, Daniel J. Wintz, Robert L. Freeman, Michael F. Coyle, Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., Stephen M. Bruckner, Wayne J. Mark, Patrick J. Barrett, and Robert W. Rieke. Not pictured: Joseph K. Meusey.

For more than a century, Fraser Stryker has served the evolving needs of our clients by building a community of professionals of the highest caliber who share our vision and embrace our values. We congratulate our lawyers recognized in Best Lawyers in America, 2009 edition: Patrick J Barrett (Labor and Employment Law); Stephen M. Bruckner (Environmental Law); Michael F. Coyle (Personal Injury Litigation); Robert L. Freeman (Corporate Law & Mergers & Acquisitions Law); Joseph E. Jones (Commercial Litigation); Wayne J. Mark (Commercial Litigation and Construction Law); Joseph K. Meusey (Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Legal Malpractice Law, and Personal Injury Litigation); Robert W. Rieke (Real Estate Law); Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. (Labor and Employment Law); and Daniel J. Wintz (Employee Benefits Law).

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409 South 17th Street • 500 Energy Plaza • Omaha, NE 68102 (402) 341-6000 • www.FraserStryker.com

BeST LaWyeRS PaTRICK g. vIPOnD Lamson, Dugan and Murray 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114 402-397-7300 eDWaRD g. WaRIn McGrath North First National tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-341-3070 COnStrUCtIOn LAw PaUL SCOTT Dye Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 LaWRenCe e. KRITenBRInK Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 Wayne J. MaRK Fraser Stryker 500 Energy Plaza 409 South 17th Street Omaha, NE 68102-2663 402-341-6000 corporate governance and compliance law DennIS J. FOgLanD Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 PaUL C. JeSSen Koley Jessen One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street Omaha, NE 68124 402-390-9500

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corporate law JOe e. aRMSTROng Kutak Rock the Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2186 402-346-6000

STePHen e. geHRIng Cline, Williams, Wright, Johnson & Oldfather One Pacific Place, Suite 320 1125 South 103rd Street Omaha, NE 68124 402-397-1700

JOSePH J. BaRMeTTLeR Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan 13220 California Street, Suite 400 Omaha, NE 68154 402-342-1000

gaRy M. gOTSDIneR McGill, Gotsdiner, Workman & Lepp First National Plaza, Suite 500 11404 West Dodge Road Omaha, NE 68154 402-492-9200

THOMaS R. BURKe Lamson, Dugan and Murray 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114 402-397-7300

DeRyL F. HaMann Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500

JOyCe a. DIxOn Husch Blackwell Sanders 1620 Dodge Street, Suite 2100 Omaha, NE 68102 402-964-5000 DOnaLD L. eRFTMIeR, JR. Lamson, Dugan and Murray 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114 402-397-7300 DennIS J. FOgLanD Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 ROBeRT L. FReeMan Fraser Stryker 500 Energy Plaza 409 South 17th Street Omaha, NE 68102-2663 402-341-6000 DavID e. gaRDeLS Husch Blackwell Sanders 1620 Dodge Street, Suite 2100 Omaha, NE 68102 402-964-5000

DavID L. HeFFLIngeR McGrath North First National tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-341-3070 JOHn W. HeRDZIna Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68114-3419 402-392-1250 MICHaeL M. HUPP Koley Jessen One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street Omaha, NE 68124 402-390-9500 THOMaS e. JOHnSOn Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 HOWaRD J. KaSLOW Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68114-3419 402-392-1250

JOHn S. KaTeLMan Husch Blackwell Sanders 1620 Dodge Street, Suite 2100 Omaha, NE 68102 402-964-5000 DOUgLaS D. MURRay Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 OBeRT J. MURRay Lamson, Dugan and Murray 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114 402-397-7300 RICHaRD e. PUTnaM Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 TODD a. RICHaRDSOn Husch Blackwell Sanders 1620 Dodge Street, Suite 2100 Omaha, NE 68102 402-964-5000 T. PaRKeR SCHenKen Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 BRUCe D. vOSBURg Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan 13220 California Street, Suite 400 Omaha, NE 68154 402-342-1000 ROgeR W. WeLLS McGrath North First National tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-341-3070

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R. Thomas Workman McGill, Gotsdiner, Workman & Lepp First National Plaza, Suite 500 11404 West Dodge Road Omaha, NE 68154 402-492-9200 John S. Zeilinger Baird Holm Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 Education Law Elizabeth Eynon-Kokrda Baird Holm Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 David M. Pedersen Baird Holm Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500

Employee Benefits Law Gary N. Clatterbuck Baird Holm Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 Peter C. Langdon Kutak Rock The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2186 402-346-6000 T. Geoffrey Lieben Lieben, Whitted, Houghton, Slowiaczek & Cavanagh 100 Scoular Building 2027 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-344-4000 Randal M. Limbeck McGrath North First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-341-3070

Gary W. Radil Baird Holm Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500

Stephen M. Bruckner Fraser Stryker 500 Energy Plaza 409 South 17th Street Omaha, NE 68102-2663 402-341-6000

John E. Schembari Kutak Rock The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2186 402-346-6000

Steven P. Case McGrath North First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-341-3070

Daniel J. Wintz Fraser Stryker 500 Energy Plaza 409 South 17th Street Omaha, NE 68102-2663 402-341-6000

Kelly R. Dahl Baird Holm Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500

Environmental Law John A. Andreasen McGrath North First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-341-3070

John P. Heil Baird Holm Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500

LIEBEN, WHITTED, HOUGHTON, SLOWIACZEK & CAVANAGH, P.C., L.L.O. congratulates John S. Slowiaczek for being named the 2009 “Omaha Best Lawyers Family Lawyer of the Year.” The members of LIEBEN, WHITTED, HOUGHTON, SLOWIACZEK & CAVANAGH, P.C., L.L.O. are proud of John’s achievement and his commitment to family law and our community.

100 SCOULAR BUILDING • 2027 DODGE STREET • OMAHA, NE 68102 TELEPHONE: 402-344-4000 • FAX: 402-344-4006

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BeST LaWyeRS THOMaS C. MCgOWan McGrath North First National tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-341-3070 MICHaeL S. MOSTeK Koley Jessen One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street Omaha, NE 68124 402-390-9500 Family law MICHaeL B. LUSTgaRTen Lustgarten and Roberts 1625 Farnam Street, Suite 900 Omaha, NE 68102 402-346-1920 STeven J. LUSTgaRTen Lustgarten and Roberts 1625 Farnam Street, Suite 900 Omaha, NE 68102 402-346-1920 DOnaLD a. ROBeRTS Lustgarten and Roberts 1625 Farnam Street, Suite 900 Omaha, NE 68102 402-346-1920 JOHn S. SLOWIaCZeK Lieben, Whitted, Houghton, Slowiaczek & Cavanagh 100 Scoular Building 2027 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-344-4000 fIrSt AMEnDMEnt LAw MICHaeL C. COx Koley Jessen One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street Omaha, NE 68124 402-390-9500 frAnChISE LAw gaRy R. BaTenHORST Stinson Morrison Hecker Landmark Building, Suite 1501 1299 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-342-1700

www.omahapublications.com

JOHn W. HeRDZIna Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68114-3419 402-392-1250 JOHn P. PaSSaReLLI Kutak Rock the Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2186 402-346-6000 MICHaeL L. SULLIvan Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 government rELAtIOnS LAw DavID J. KRaMeR Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 health care law vICKIe J. BRaDy Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 aLex M. CLaRKe Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 anDReW e. gRIMM Andrew E. Grimm 4242 Farnam Street, Suite 267 Omaha, NE 68131 402-552-3483 Wayne B. HenRy Stinson Morrison Hecker Landmark Building, Suite 1501 1299 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-342-1700

JOHn R. HOLDenRIeD Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500

PaTRICIa a. ZIeg Stinson Morrison Hecker Landmark Building, Suite 1501 1299 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-342-1700

JennIFeR WOLFe JeRRaM Stinson Morrison Hecker Landmark Building, Suite 1501 1299 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-342-1700

immigration law a. STevenSOn BOgUe McGrath North First National tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-341-3070

JULIe a. KnUTSOn Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 aMy L. LOngO Ellick, Jones, Buelt, Blazek & Longo 8805 Indian Hills Drive, Suite 280 Omaha, NE 68114 402-390-0390 THOMaS R. PanSIng, JR. Pansing Hogan Ernst & Bachman Regency Center, Suite 300 10250 Regency Circle Omaha, NE 68114 402-397-5500 BaRBaRa e. PeRSOn Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 CHaRLeS v. SeDeRSTROM Erickson & Sederstrom Regency Westpointe, Suite 100 10330 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114-3761 402-397-2200 KaRen M. SHULeR Koley Jessen One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street Omaha, NE 68124 402-390-9500

aMy L. eRLBaCHeRanDeRSOn Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 M. angeLa KRIegeR Krieger & Krieger 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302 Omaha, NE 68114 402-392-1280 STanLey a. KRIegeR Krieger & Krieger 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302 Omaha, NE 68114 402-392-1280 gRegORy B. MInTeR Fitzgerald, Schorr, B armettler & Brennan 13220 California Street, Suite 400 Omaha, NE 68154 402-342-1000 SCOTT S. MOORe Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 inFormation technology law TeRRenCe P. MaHeR Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 march/april | 2009

James E. O’Connor Baird Holm Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500

Terrence D. O’Hare McGrath North First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-341-3070

John P. Passarelli Kutak Rock The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2186 402-346-6000

Insurance Law Edward Hotz Hotz, Weaver, Flood, B reitkreutz & Grant 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 310 Omaha, NE 68114 402-397-1140

Intellectual Property Law Jill Robb Ackerman Baird Holm Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500

Dennis L. Thomte Thomte Mazour & Niebergall 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1111 Omaha, NE 68124 402-392-2280

Michael G. Mullin Kutak Rock The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2186 402-346-6000

Denise C. Mazour McGrath North First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-341-3070

Robert D. Mullin, Jr. McGrath North First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-341-3070

James E. O’Connor Baird Holm Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500

Bruce D. Vosburg Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan 13220 California Street, Suite 400 Omaha, NE 68154 402-342-1000 International Trade and Finance Law David E. Gardels Husch Blackwell Sanders 1620 Dodge Street, Suite 2100 Omaha, NE 68102 402-964-5000

Labor and Employment Law Patrick J. Barrett Fraser Stryker 500 Energy Plaza 409 South 17th Street Omaha, NE 68102-2663 402-341-6000 A. Stevenson Bogue McGrath North First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-341-3070 Robert V. Broom Broom, Johnson, Clarkson & Lanphier 310 Flatiron Building 1722 St. Mary’s Avenue Omaha, NE 68102 402-346-8323

L A M S O N , D U G A N A N D M U R R AY , L L P AT T O R N E Y S AT L AW 10306 REGENCY PARKWAY DRIVE OMAHA, NEBRASKA, USA 68114-3743 402-397-7300 FAX 402-397-7824 W W W. L D M L AW. C O M

Patrick G. Vipond, William M. Lamson, Jr., Robert J. Murray, Donald L. Erftmier, Jr.

Lamson, Dugan and Murray LLP is a firm of 32 lawyers with its offices located in Regency. The Firm’s litigation practice encompasses a wide range of commercial litigation, tort and products liability litigation, professional liability and employment litigation. Our business practice covers the broad spectrum of commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, taxation, estate and business succession planning, employment and employee benefits matters and insurance regulation. The Firm would like to congratulate its partners that are listed among The Best Lawyers in America 2009. William M. Lamson, Jr. earned recognition in the areas of bet-the-company litigation, commercial litigation, medical malpractice law and personal injury litigation. Patrick G. Vipond earned recognition in the areas of commercial litigation and professional malpractice law. Robert J. Murray and Donald L. Erftmier, Jr. were honored in the corporate law area.

The Firm would like to oﬀer its special congratulations to William M. Lamson, Jr. named 2009 “Omaha Best Lawyers Personal Injury Litigator of the Year.” William M. Lamson, Jr. Robert J. Murray Jon S. Reid Daniel P. Chesire William R. Johnson Frank M. Schepers

Patrick G. Vipond Mark E. Novotny Donald L. Erftmier, Jr. David J. Schmitt William R. Settles Lawrence F. Harr

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Matthew J. Bock Kyle Wallor Craig F. Martin Brian J. McGrath Anne Marie O’Brien Brian J. Brislen

Sean A. Minahan Stacy L. Morris Denise M. Destache Andrew T. Chapeau Anastasia Wagner John M. Walker

Cathy Trent-Vilim Daniel J. Waters Angela J. Miller Emily E. Brush

Of Counsel Thomas R. Burke C. E. Heaney, Jr. Frank J. Barrett Patrick L. Carmody

BeST LaWyeRS ROBeRT T. CanneLLa Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan 13220 California Street, Suite 400 Omaha, NE 68154 402-342-1000 CHRISTOPHeR R. HeDICan Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 THOMaS F. HOaRTy, JR. Byam & Hoarty 317 American National Building 8990 West Dodge Road Omaha, NE 68114 402-397-0303 TIMOTHy D. LOUDOn Berens & tate 10050 Regency Circle, Suite 400 Omaha, NE 68114 402-391-1991 ROgeR J. MILLeR McGrath North First National tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-341-3070 ROBeRT F. ROSSITeR, JR. Fraser Stryker 500 Energy Plaza 409 South 17th Street Omaha, NE 68102-2663 402-341-6000 R. J. STevenSOn Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 LAnD USE & ZOnIng LAw STeven D. JOHnSOn Steven D. Johnson 1864 South 155th Circle Omaha, NE 68144 402-334-7729

www.omahapublications.com

legal malpractice law JOHn R. DOUgLaS Cassem, tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 8805 Indian Hills Drive, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68114 402-390-0300 JOSePH K. MeUSey Fraser Stryker 500 Energy Plaza 409 South 17th Street Omaha, NE 68102-2663 402-341-6000 medical malpractice law JOHn R. DOUgLaS Cassem, tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 8805 Indian Hills Drive, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68114 402-390-0300 CHaRLeS F. gOTCH Cassem, tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 8805 Indian Hills Drive, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68114 402-390-0300 MICHaeL F. KInney Cassem, tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 8805 Indian Hills Drive, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68114 402-390-0300 WILLIaM M. LaMSOn, JR. Lamson, Dugan and Murray 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114 402-397-7300 MErgErS & ACqUISItIOnS LAw DennIS J. FOgLanD Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500

ROBeRT L. FReeMan Fraser Stryker 500 Energy Plaza 409 South 17th Street Omaha, NE 68102-2663 402-341-6000 KeITH a. gReen McGill, Gotsdiner, Workman & Lepp First National Plaza, Suite 500 11404 West Dodge Road Omaha, NE 68154 402-492-9200 DavID L. HeFFLIngeR McGrath North First National tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-341-3070 TODD a. RICHaRDSOn Husch Blackwell Sanders 1620 Dodge Street, Suite 2100 Omaha, NE 68102 402-964-5000 ROgeR W. WeLLS McGrath North First National tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-341-3070 JOHn S. ZeILIngeR Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 municipal law TIMOTHy M. Kenny Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68114-3419 402-392-1250 non-proFit/ ChArItIES LAw HOWaRD FReDRICK HaHn Husch Blackwell Sanders 1620 Dodge Street, Suite 2100 Omaha, NE 68102 402-964-5000

non-white-collar CrIMInAL DEfEnSE STeven e. aCHeLPOHL Steven E. Achelpohl 1010 Historic Library Plaza 1823 Harney Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-346-1900 J. WILLIaM gaLLUP Gallup & Schaefer 1001 Farnam Street, third Floor Omaha, NE 68102-1827 402-341-0700 aLan g. STOLeR Alan G. Stoler 1823 Harney Street, Suite 1004 Omaha, NE 68102 402-346-1733 pErSOnAL InjUry litigation MICHaeL F. COyLe Fraser Stryker 500 Energy Plaza 409 South 17th Street Omaha, NE 68102-2663 402-341-6000 CHaRLeS F. gOTCH Cassem, tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 8805 Indian Hills Drive, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68114 402-390-0300 THOMaS a. gRennan Gross & Welch 1500 Omaha tower 2120 South 72nd Street Omaha, NE 68124-2342 402-392-1500 MICHaeL F. KInney Cassem, tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 8805 Indian Hills Drive, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68114 402-390-0300 WILLIaM M. LaMSOn, JR. Lamson, Dugan and Murray 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114 402-397-7300

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Joseph K. Meusey Fraser Stryker 500 Energy Plaza 409 South 17th Street Omaha, NE 68102-2663 402-341-6000

Robert E. O’Connor, Jr. O’Connor Law Firm 2433 South 130th Circle Omaha, NE 68144 402-330-5906 E. Terry Sibbernsen Sibbernsen & Strigenz 1111 North 102nd Court, Suite 330 Omaha, NE 68114 402-493-7221

Michael J. Mooney Gross & Welch 1500 Omaha Tower 2120 South 72nd Street Omaha, NE 68124-2342 402-392-1500 Michael G. Mullin Kutak Rock The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2186 402-346-6000

Product Liability Litigation Charles F. Gotch Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 8805 Indian Hills Drive, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68114 402-390-0300

Robert D. Mullin, Jr. McGrath North First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-341-3070

Michael F. Kinney Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 8805 Indian Hills Drive, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68114 402-390-0300

Professional Malpractice Law Patrick G. Vipond Lamson, Dugan and Murray 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114 402-397-7300

Real Estate Law John Q. Bachman Pansing Hogan Ernst & Bachman Regency Center, Suite 300 10250 Regency Circle Omaha, NE 68114 402-397-5500

Public Finance Law Charles J. Addy Baird Holm Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500

James D. Buser Pansing Hogan Ernst & Bachman Regency Center, Suite 300 10250 Regency Circle Omaha, NE 68114 402-397-5500

Richard J. Pedersen Baird Holm Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 Patricia S. Peterson Kutak Rock The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2186 402-346-6000

Paul Scott Dye Baird Holm Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 John H. Fullenkamp Fullenkamp, Doyle & Jobeun 11440 West Center Road, Suite C Omaha, NE 68144 402-334-0700

CONGRATULATIONS

We are proud to recognize the nine Husch Blackwell Sanders attorneys named Best Lawyers in America® 2009 in Nebraska.

1620 Dodge Street, Suite 2100 Omaha, NE 68102 402.964.5000

206 S. 13th Street, Suite 1400 Lincoln, NE 68508 402.458.1500

HUSCH BLACKWELL SANDERS LOCATIONS COLORADO DENVER

ILLINOIS

CHICAGO PEORIA

KANSAS

OVERLAND PARK

www.huschblackwell.com

MISSOURI

JEFFERSON CITY KANSAS CITY ST. LOUIS SPRINGFIELD

NEBRASKA LINCOLN OMAHA

TENNESSEE

CHATTANOOGA MEMPHIS

The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

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DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA WASHINGTON

ENGLAND LONDON

BeST LaWyeRS Lee H. HaMann McGrath North First National tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-341-3070

FRanK J. MIHULKa Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan 13220 California Street, Suite 400 Omaha, NE 68154 402-342-1000

PaUL C. JeSSen Koley Jessen One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street Omaha, NE 68124 402-390-9500

DavID L. HeFFLIngeR McGrath North First National tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-341-3070

DennIS P. HOgan III Pansing Hogan Ernst & Bachman Regency Center, Suite 300 10250 Regency Circle Omaha, NE 68114 402-397-5500

SCOTT P. MOORe Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500

HOWaRD n. KaPLan Law Office of Howard N. Kaplan 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 205 Omaha, NE 68114 402-397-8988

ROnaLD C. JenSen Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500

LaRRy a. JOBeUn Fullenkamp, Doyle & Jobeun 11440 West Center Road, Suite C Omaha, NE 68144 402-334-0700

ROBeRT W. RIeKe Fraser Stryker 500 Energy Plaza 409 South 17th Street Omaha, NE 68102-2663 402-341-6000

STeven D. JOHnSOn Steven D. Johnson 1864 South 155th Circle Omaha, NE 68144 402-334-7729 JOHn S. KaTeLMan Husch Blackwell Sanders 1620 Dodge Street, Suite 2100 Omaha, NE 68102 402-964-5000 MICHaeL F. KIveTT Walentine Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;toole McQuillan & Gordon 11240 Davenport Street Omaha, NE 68154-0125 402-330-6300 LaWRenCe e. KRITenBRInK Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 MICHaeL D. MaTeJKa Woods & Aitken 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 525 Omaha, NE 68114 402-898-7400

www.omahapublications.com

SECUrItIES LAw DennIS J. FOgLanD Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 DavID L. HeFFLIngeR McGrath North First National tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-341-3070 tax law HOWaRD FReDRICK HaHn Husch Blackwell Sanders 1620 Dodge Street, Suite 2100 Omaha, NE 68102 402-964-5000 DeRyL F. HaMann Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 DavID L. HeFFLIngeR McGrath North First National tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-341-3070

T. geOFFRey LIeBen Lieben, Whitted, Houghton, Slowiaczek & Cavanagh 100 Scoular Building 2027 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-344-4000 THOMaS R. PanSIng, JR. Pansing Hogan Ernst & Bachman Regency Center, Suite 300 10250 Regency Circle Omaha, NE 68114 402-397-5500 JeFFRey J. PIRRUCCeLLO McGrath North First National tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-341-3070

PaUL C. JeSSen Koley Jessen One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street Omaha, NE 68124 402-390-9500 MICHaeL D. JOneS Ellick, Jones, Buelt, Blazek & Longo 8805 Indian Hills Drive, Suite 280 Omaha, NE 68114 402-390-0390 SHaROn R. KReSHa Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500

gaRy W. RaDIL Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500

T. geOFFRey LIeBen Lieben, Whitted, Houghton, Slowiaczek & Cavanagh 100 Scoular Building 2027 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-344-4000

trUStS AnD EStAtES THOMaS R. BURKe Lamson, Dugan and Murray 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114 402-397-7300

THOMaS J. MaLICKI Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68114-3419 402-392-1250

DeRyL F. HaMann Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500

gaRy W. RaDIL Baird Holm Woodmen tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500

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Celebrate Smoke-Free Omaha!

Best Lawyers Susan J. Spahn Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan 13220 California Street, Suite 400 Omaha, NE 68154 402-342-1000 Michael L. Sullivan Baird Holm Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102-2068 402-344-0500 Nick R. Taylor Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan 13220 California Street, Suite 400 Omaha, NE 68154 402-342-1000 Kurt F. Tjaden Koley Jessen One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street Omaha, NE 68124 402-390-9500 Jeffrey D. Toberer Stinson Morrison Hecker Landmark Building, Suite 1501 1299 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-342-1700 White-Collar Criminal Defense Steven E. Achelpohl Steven E. Achelpohl 1010 Historic Library Plaza 1823 Harney Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-346-1900

Omaha is now smoke-free in all bars, restaurants and keno locations. Experience the refreshing difference of air free from secondhand smoke!

Breathe it. Love it. Live it. Find out more at motac.org

This project is supported in part by Region 6 Behavioral Healthcare through funding provided by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services/Tobacco Free Nebraska program as a result of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement.

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J. William Gallup Gallup & Schaefer 1001 Farnam Street, Third Floor Omaha, NE 68102-1827 402-341-0700 Edward G. Warin McGrath North First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-341-3070

This list is excerpted from the 2009 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, the preeminent referral guide to the legal profession in the United States. Published since 1983, Best Lawyers lists attorneys in 80 specialties, representing all 50 states, who have been chosen through an exhaustive survey in which thousands of the nation's top lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. The 2009 edition of Best Lawyers is based on more than 2.2 million evaluations of lawyers by other lawyers. The method used to compile Best Lawyers remains unchanged since the first edition was compiled more than 25 years ago. Lawyers are chosen for inclusion based solely on the vote of their peers. Listings cannot be bought, and no purchase is required to be included. In this regard, Best Lawyers remains the gold standard of reliability and integrity in lawyer ratings. The nomination pool for the 2009 edition consisted of all lawyers whose names appeared in the previous edition of Best Lawyers, lawyers who were nominated since the previous survey, and new nominees solicited from listed attorneys. In general, lawyers were asked to vote only on nominees in their own specialty in their own jurisdiction. Lawyers in closely related specialties were asked to vote across specialties, as were lawyers in smaller jurisdictions. Where specialties are national or international in nature, lawyers were asked to vote nationally as well as locally. Voting lawyers were also given an opportunity to offer more detailed comments on nominees. Each year, half of the voting pool receives fax or email ballots; the other half is polled by phone. Voting lawyers were provided this general guideline for determining if a nominee should be listed among “the best”: “If you had a close friend or relative who needed a real estate lawyer (for example), and you could not handle the case yourself, to whom would you refer them?” All votes and comments were solicited with a guarantee of confidentiality – a critical factor in the viability and validity of Best Lawyers® surveys. To ensure the rigor of the selection process, lawyers were urged to use only their highest standards when voting, and to evaluate each nominee based only on his or her individual merits. The additional comments were used to make more accurate comparisons between voting patterns and weight votes accordingly. Best Lawyers uses various methodological tools to identify and correct for anomalies in both the nomination and voting process. Ultimately, of course, a lawyer’s inclusion is based on the subjective judgments of his or her fellow attorneys. While it is true that the lists may at times disproportionately reward visibility or popularity, the breadth of the survey, the candor of the respondents, and the sophistication of the polling methodology largely correct for any biases. For all these reasons, Best Lawyers lists continue to represent the most reliable, accurate and useful guide to the best lawyers in the United States available anywhere. Best Lawyers lists are available at www.bestlawyers. com. “Best Lawyers,” and “The Best Lawyers in America” are registered trademarks of Woodward/White, Inc.

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Extraordinary leaders. Extraordinary lives. 42

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Story by Molly Garriott

Feature

Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

Hal France, Executive Director of KANEKO and Steve Shorb, UNO Library Dean.

Revolutionary Library The new Kaneko-UNO Library is being dubbed as the world's first "experimental library." Designed to foster creativity, the library is meant to inspire as much as it is to teach. Limits. Life is riddled with them. Time limits. Term limits. Age limits. Credit limits. Limitations on resources and revenue, on abilities and awareness. Sometimes it seems that the only commodities which are limitless are, in fact, limits. But what if there was a place that sought to crash through the barriers of limits with a sledgehammer of possibility? A place which recognized and enabled the unlimited power of the human mind? There is: The KANEKO-UNO Library, a joint venture between KANEKO and the University of Nebraska at Omaha. KANEKO is the brainchild of Ree and Jun Kaneko. In establishing KANEKO, the husband and wife team hoped to create an environment which would benefit the entire community and not just those affiliated with the arts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to serve the population by creating programs and opportunities that make people think about themselves in relation to the world. The common thread of creating and developing new ideas is what we hope people will encounter at KANEKO,â&#x20AC;? explains Hal France, Executive Director of KANEKO. continued on next page www.omahapublications.com

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Feature

Checking out the KANEKO-UNO multimedia installation during construction.

KANEKO is located at 1111 Jones Street in the Old Market. The neighborhood, with its hefty foot traffic, creative environment and close proximity to the downtown business district and university systems, is an apt location for KANEKO’s innovative mission. KANEKO seeks to fulfill its tag, “An open space for your mind,” in a variety of ways. The physical plant includes a multilevel exhibition space, a research center with resources pertaining, though not limited to, the current work on exhibit, a studio for creative programming and educational services, an event space, and a multi-media space — the KANEKO-UNO Library. The Library opened the end of February. Construction on the 3,000-square-foot space within the KANEKO facility began in 2008, and like the library’s mission, it is anything but conventional. It mixes solid walls with glass with few right angles, creating an open and light-filled space that looks into exhibition space. There are secluded nooks for quiet study. Areas equipped with cutting-edge technology enhance the library’s mission. Large screens provide the opportunity for local businesses to hold videoconferences, or UNO professors to tap into

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lectures from remote locations like Paris for distance learning opportunities. Patrons can access various databases such as ARTstor, which contains copies of the world’s greatest works of art, or Early English Books, which catalogues works prior to the 17th century. The library — its construction, mission, and holdings — realizes the concept of “thinking outside the box.” And that is just the concept Steve Shorb, Dean of the UNO Library, hoped to implement. Shorb describes Omaha as a community with “unparalleled cultural” amenities. He wished to add something new to a city that shoulders strong industry and business, boasts renowned medical research and development programs, and cultivates the fine and performing arts. “Adding to the cultural landscape of Omaha” while serving the needs of his UNO community in a unique fashion gave rise to the KANEKO-UNO Library, he says. Shorb knew Jun Kaneko had been planning a facility in the Old Market that would explore how natural curiosity drives the creative process. He recognized, as did Kaneko, that all intellectual pursuits — whether they pertain to academics, scientific exploration,

business theory, or artistic expression — begin with a spark, a notion that this is possible and deserves further thought. “Libraries,” maintains Shorb, “are the place to provide the fuel for the intellect.” So he approached KANEKO with the idea of forging a relationship between the facility and UNO. Says France: “It is a partnership that came so naturally.” A library that reinvents what a library is supposed to do appealed to KANEKO. It does not specialize in any rarified discipline per se. Rather it focuses on sparking creativity. France calls it a “catalyst library” because its purpose is to initiate divergent thought. Like the creative process it cultivates, the library is growing, changing and adapting as it seeks to better foster the power of the potential, whatever the specific definition of that potential is. “We’re not in any rush to fill the shelves,” admits France. “Our goals for the library at this formative period are to harvest ideas about materials for the library from creative people. It will become a standard question for us to ask, ‘What would you like to see in the library related to stimulating creativity?’” Just what the library is will evolve over time, just as creativity evolves. The collection at the KANEKO-UNO Library will supplement what is on the shelves at UNO’s Criss Library with rare or unusual works: An encyclopedia of a mythical world; an Italian futuristic cookbook; Eames’ mid-century modern film classic, “The Powers of 10,” which offers a perspective of where we stand in the universe. These, according to Shorb, are a sampling of the unique items KANEKO’s library will offer. Diverse though the collection may be, it is not random. Each piece is chosen with one, definitive purpose in mind: to spark creativity. “We are a species that tries to define things because it makes it more comfortable. This library does the opposite,” acknowledges France. Adhering to the philosophy “the journey is as important to the discovery process as the destination is,” the people at KANEKO are willing to be a little “undefined” and let the character of the library unfold as it grows. Shorb calls it an “experimental library,” the only one in the world, at present. www.omahapublications.com

One of the reasons the partnership between UNO and KANEKO is such a symbiosis is that the two share the same vision of what this library can afford UNO’s community and the Omaha population at large. And it all hinges on creativity. Most of us dismiss our own creativity, believing that if we do not have artistic inclinations, then the creative boat sailed without us. But both Shorb and France maintain that we all possess an innate sense of creativity. That sense “is indigenous to every one of us,” affirms France. “Some have just developed it more. Great creativity flows when people make a determined choice to develop it.” Acceptance that the gift of creativity is not the sole inheritance of artists cracks open a whole world of discovery in which disciplines outside the world of art can participate. Fields of study previously thought to be removed from the “creative process” now have a share in it. Traditionally, education is compartmentalized into specific areas of study: science, technology, business, philosophy… The KANEKO-UNO Library fosters cross-disciplinary approaches. This is not a radical thought. Seemingly disparate studies are actually compatible. People who are inclined mathematically tend to be musical. The KANEKO-UNO Library is a venue where business, science, technology, and the arts can feed off each another’s strengths. This approach is reminiscent of the “philosopher cafes,” where different disciplines gather to pool ideas and explore a given topic from distinct angles. “Most good ideas cross disciplines. We all are different and react to different things. The more people interweave their thinking, the better chance they have at reaching other humans. All discoveries succeed because they are multi-leveled,” asserts France. This library is poised to do just that. You could say the possibilities are limitless. The KANEKO-UNO Library is open to all UNO students and faculty. The general public can apply for membership. For more information on KANEKO, its programs and the library, or to apply for membership, call 341-3800 or visit its website at www.thekaneko.org.

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march/april | 2009

cover story

Story by kim carpenter

Photo by minorwhitestudios.com

Relative newcomer Watie White has made a dramatic impact in the arts community, and is drawing a following.

Revelation & Rudimentary Magic: Artist Watie White

“I’m

sitting in the shade.” That’s what one little girl recently said in Dundee Elementary School’s library. That’s because she was reading under the spreading branches of a painted tree heavy with dappled green leaves. Beloved characters from classic children books like Winnie the Pooh play in this summer scene, bringing literature to life for the students who come here every day. This mural is just one of the few projects that printmaker and painter Watie White has undertaken since his arrival in Omaha in 2006. Known for his meticulous woodcuts and large-scale landscapes, the artist has established himself as a major presence in the visual arts community, accomplishing in two years what it takes most regional artists decades to do. Trained at both the Art Institute of Chicago and American University, White creates work layered with intricate details. “I make observational drawings,” he says. “They include some element of honesty.” But that is only the beginning of White’s approach. His work often serves as a formal experiment that stretches viewers’ spatial perceptions and challenges what they see. “The Daytime Crowd,” for example, depicts provided by Watie White regulars in a local bar at mid afternoon. The image provides a “fisheye” perspective from the barstool; the viewer looks straight ahead, but the print’s elliptical sight line mimics our periphery vision, allowing us to take in surrounding details. “I want people to look at how things relate to each other and operate in ways we don’t think they do,” he

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says. “I try to look at the world and find some kind of relevance. But if you study the world, there’s a kind of revelation. There’s a rudimentary magic in what you recognize.” Such rudimentary magic was evident in Opera Omaha’s 2008 original production The Blizzard Voices, composed by Paul Moravec and based on the poetry of former U.S. Poet Laureate Ted Kooser. White created 60 images illustrating the 1888 blizzard that left 500 people dead. Visually gripping, his work dynamically enhanced the libretto, poems and the infamous event itself. But White doesn’t just confine himself to his studio practice. He is an adjunct instructor at both the University of Nebraska-Omaha as well as Bellevue University, where he teaches drawing, and he is director of the non-profit Omaha Print Makers Guild, which provides artists with space to work with various print media as well as exhibit. White is also attracting the attention of collectors. Todd Simon, senior vice president of Omaha Steaks, was intrigued after attending an opening at White’s studio. “I was blown away,” he says. “He is an extremely confident painter who really knows his medium and he has a great way of showing you seeming ordinary things and situations in a really edgy and cool way.” It didn’t take Simon long to acquire his first piece. During the Bemis Center’s 10th annual art auction last year, Simon spied one of White’s pieces. “We pounced,” he says. “Now I just have to find a corner to hang it!” And the mural at Dundee Elementary? His four seasons are almost complete. A spooky, shadowy winter tree features a scene from the popular Spiderwick Chronicles, and characters like Robin Hood hide among a fiery autumnal forest. Kim Schnase, Dundee’s media specialist, says, “The kids have loved every minute of it. They’ve shared ideas and opinions with Watie, and they get right away what he’s depicting.” Librarian Debby Marsh adds, “The kids don’t run as much as they used to when they come into the library. They’re quieter now, and they read more.” Revelation and rudimentary magic indeed. www.omahapublications.com

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cover: achieving harmony

Project harmony Provides a safe haven for children

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march/april | 2009

Behind

Corey Ross

'Behind the Mic'

ne of the times I feel most privileged to have my job is when I’m in the presence of a truly great public speaker. Fortunately for me, this has happened many times over the past six years, and that’s why I look forward with great anticipation to announcements about who the non-profit community has coaxed to our community each year. For awhile, I kept a mental list of the best speakers I’ve heard while on the beat, but I’ve stopped, largely because I’ve heard so many that I’ve lost track. Omaha’s annual abundance of speaker talent was what prompted me to make an advance speaker Q & A a regular feature of Gala. Doing the Q & As in advance addresses two issues I’ve often heard people express about seeing local speakers. 1. They often hear about the speaker the day after he or she has been here. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve recounted hearing someone speak and heard the response, “Gee, I wish I would’ve known. I would’ve been there.” If you pay attention to Gala, this should never be you. Our Q & As appear weeks, and sometimes longer, in advance of the speaker we chose to feature that issue. And speakers who aren’t featured are listed in our calendar of events. 2. The other issue is a general lack of knowledge about the speaker. We address that by going in-depth with the speaker about the nature of the talk and giving a little personal insight. Our first Q & A subject, Mavis Leno, is a perfect example of No. 2. When she appeared on behalf of the YWCA, I heard from several people able to identify her as Jay Leno’s wife, but few knew her cause was feminism and advocacy for women’s rights globally. Leno was an ideal subject for first Gala Q & A. She was familiar enough,

www.omahapublications.com

yet also obscure enough, that people wanted to know more. And she was an excellent interview, and, no surprise, an excellent speaker. This month we have a bonus - not one, but two Q & As. We wanted to work with Mary Lou Retton and Christopher Gardner, both of whom are appearing in Omaha in May, but at times that would be very close to our May/June issue release date. Retton, the former Olympic gymnast and star of the 1984 Summer Olympics, is appearing in Omaha on May 2nd for the Arthritis Foundation’s walk on Miller Landing. Gardner, the subject of the film “The Pursuit of Happyness” starring Will Smith, will be speaking in Omaha on May 4th at The Salvation Army’s D.J.’s Heroes luncheon. Sandy Lemke interviewed Retton about her post-Olympic life, which has included a hip-replacement surgery to relieve her from a painful hip condition she acquired at birth that was exacerbated by participation in her sport. Retton is now a spokesperson for the company that produced her new hip, but also speaks on behalf of the Arthritis Foundation to encourage those living in pain to seek relief from their suffering. Gardner is also spreading a message of hope, and it’s a timely one, given our economic times. Gardner’s story, in short, is that he was a homeless single parent before securing a job on Wall Street that turned his life around. He now runs a successful Chicago brokerage firm. In my interview with Gardner, he shares his insights and experiences with the current challenges of our economy and talks about the lessons of self-reliance that, he says, can help people through troubling times. Both interviews were a delight. We hope you enjoy reading them as much as we enjoyed writing them.

march/april | 2009

cover story

Photos by Scott Drickey, minorwhitestudios.com Story by Corey Ross

n Walsh and Joh in le K e r gen ony. ct harm e Directo of Proje xecutiv e y s y n te r o u ct harm hoto co y, Proje heon. P ike Fahe ren lunc m d r il o h y C a f m aking o 008 Spe at the 2

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Achieving Harmony A year after receiving high praise for serving victims of child abuse, Gene Klein and Project Harmony continue to do their sensitive work well

roject Harmony Executive Director Gene Klein was seated front row center at his organization’s inaugural Speaking of Children luncheon last March when a surprise dream endorsement for his agency practically landed in his lap. the praise came courtesy of luncheon speaker John Walsh, tv host of “America’s Most Wanted,” an advocate for children’s safety, and a leader in the fight against child abuse. Walsh delivered a stirring speech about his own ordeal with the abduction and murder of his son, sixyear-old Adam, in 1981 and the progress made since in handling child abuse cases. He ended his talk with a resounding, and unexpected to Klein, endorsement for Project Harmony.

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“Every state legislature should send somebody to Omaha and go to Project Harmony,” Walsh told a crowd of 1,100 at the Qwest Center. “this is a real model for the country. A lot of bigger cities and states don’t have anything like this.” Speaking of the sensitive nature of serving abused children, Walsh said, “you do it with grace, and you do it with dignity.” Walsh’s words were inspired by a tour of Project Harmony’s 28,000-square-foot facility at 72nd and F Streets, which is unique in that, among other things, it provides coordinated public and private services for abused children all in one location. A year later, Walsh’s endorsement still makes Klein’s face glow with pride. “He’s a phenomenal advocate for kids, especially

cover story

abused kids. For him to endorse us at the level he did was just unbelievable. We couldn’t have asked for that,” Klein says. “It was a complete surprise.” Project Harmony continues to live up to Walsh’s lofty praise. Last year, it served more than 2,000 children from eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa, including those admitted under the Safe Haven Law. the agency provides safety and temporary shelter to children who are victims of abuse, often sexual. Project Harmony treats children ranging from infants to 18 years old, but Klein says slightly more than half of the children treated are 6 years old and under. “you wouldn’t think 6-year-olds would be sexual objects, but unfortunately they are,” Klein says. Klein presides over Project Harmony with a nice-guy persona that belies the tough work his agency performs to protect children and make sure those responsible for abuse are held accountable. Children are brought to Project Harmony and are provided a medical exam to assist law enforcement in determining the extent of abuse. the child’s hair can also be tested to determine if illegal substances were present in the home; of those tested in the last year, nearly half were positive for cocaine, methamphetamine, PCP or marijuana. In many cases an interview takes place prior to the physical exam. this forensic interview occurs in a special room that allows

detectives and others to observe the interview unseen while it’s also recorded on camera. In a child-friendly manner the interview is conducted in a room filled with stuffed animals. the child’s comfort level is given every consideration to help them defeat the psychological barriers he or she often faces, Klein says. “there’s a lot of anxiety and apprehension for the children we serve,” Klein says. “they’re often told, ‘If you tell, you’re going to be in trouble,’ or ‘If you tell, you’re going to be taken away from your parents and put into foster care.’ “the interviewer breaks the cycle of children thinking they can’t talk about their experience.” the examination room and the interview rooms are two of the first stops when Klein gives a tour of Project Harmony. Farther back in the building is where the Nebraska Health and Human Service staff and Omaha Police Special victim’s Unit reside. Phone calls for abuse cases from all across the state come to the child abuse hotline and then are assigned to Child Protective Service investigators and local Police detectives, who, Klein says, respond to each case. “they have very difficult jobs and every decision made is in the best interest of the child.” this is also where the local Police would issue an Amber Alert when necessary. Beyond the agency’s law enforcement hub resides a triage center, which was added two years ago. this is the first stop for

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cover story

many children who arrive at nature of his work does affect Project Harmony awaiting his parenting methods. protective placement, and “I’m probably the ultimate the last stop as they await overprotective parent,” he foster care. the area provides jokes. “When you see the a kid-friendly environment worst things that can happen that allows children a to children, it tends to make respite from their traumatic you hyper-vigilant with your circumstances. own kids.” Klein says the triage center Make that two is a partnership with the overprotective parents. Child Saving Institute and Gene’s wife, teri, is also in serves nearly 85 children social work, but in private each month. those numbers practice. the commonality shock and astound those of their work is part of what who visit the facility, Klein brought them together and says, but also put the also part of what fosters their scope of the problem in 19-year marriage, Gene says. perspective and engender “She’s a great sounding support. board. We’re really able to “those who have support each other’s work.” been supportive of this Working with kids organization understand the consumes most of Klein’s importance of taking care waking hours. When he isn’t of children, especially those at Project Harmony, you’ll who have been abused,” he mostly find him coaching says. his own children, attending Besides day-to-day their games or serving on management of Project one of several boards he sits Harmony, Klein largely serves on, including the National in a fundraising capacity. He Children’s Alliance Board in is genuine and lavish in his Washington, D.C. praise of those who provide Klein was visiting a child the essential services at advocacy center in Dallas Project Harmony. when he first heard Antwone “We make sure that Fisher, the speaker for this amy Chisholm and Jackie Fink of Project harmony in a storage room where whatever was happening in year’s Project Harmony donated items are doled out to children. that home stops and kids are luncheon on March 11th at protected and are safe. I’m confident that when kids come through the Qwest Center. Fisher is a screenwriter, author and producer who overcame an Project Harmony, they’re getting the best care that our community abusive childhood. He’ll share his story at the luncheon and be the can provide.” guest host for a screening of the film “Antwone Fisher” the night Project Harmony was founded in 1996. Klein became executive before at Film Streams. director in 2002 after serving several other local organizations Klein says Fisher will be a great compliment to Walsh as a following his graduation from Creighton and later UNOmaha, with luncheon speaker. Whereas Walsh’s talk focused largely on the a Master’s degree in social work. investigate side of abuse, Fisher’s will be on the treatment and Klein says the opportunity appealed to him largely because healing. of the ability to work with Project Harmony’s ambitious board Powerful advocates such as Walsh and Fisher do wonders members. to raise awareness for Project Harmony’s cause, Klein says, and “We’ve got people willing to step up and do whatever it takes,” thereby rally support for its ultimate goal. he says. “Our board of directors are the real visionaries who’ve “Our hope is that some day we will end child abuse,” he says, made all this happen. I’ve just been fortunate to come into a great “but while we’re working on that, we can at least stop every case national model and help take it to the next level.” from repeating.” Klein has five children of his own, including twins, and says the

march/april | 2009

PROJeCT HaRMOny PReSenTS: SPEAKING OF CHILDREN By Sandy Lemke

On Wednesday, March 11, Project Harmony will present “Speaking of Children,” a day of programs dedicated to inform the community in the fight against child abuse. the day’s theme: Healing. the event is being held at the Qwest Center Omaha and will begin with a morning training session from 9-11 a.m. the afternoon training session is antwone Fisher from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Organizers are proud to present luncheon speaker Antwone Fisher. Fisher is a Director, Screenwriter, Author, Producer and Poet. Fisher was born in prison, was physically and sexually abused and ended up on the streets. Fisher entered the Navy, where his pugnacious manner toward his colleagues landed him in psychiatric care. His eventual successful treatment and personal resolve led him to write his story and a screenplay, in which Academy Award winner Denzel Washington directed and acted. Gene Klein, executive director of Project Harmony, has heard Fisher speak and looks forward to him bringing his message of hope to Omaha. Klein said: “Fisher overcame what you would think to be the impossible.” Conducting the training is Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D., a Senior Fellow of the Child trauma Academy and co-author of “the Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog.” Dr. Perry will speak on early exposure to violence and trauma’s impact on children. Perry will explain its effect on their brain and emotional development and how counseling and treatment can make a significant difference. Four hours of CLE, CEU, CNE and CME credit are available. For more information on the training contact Deb Anderson at 595-1326 or email her at danderson@projectharmony.com. Cost for the luncheon only: $25; training sessions and luncheon: $50; parking at the Qwest Center Omaha: $6. For more information and reservations please contact Amy Deardorff at 496-0303 or email projectharmonyspeaker@gmail.com or purchase online at www.projectharmony.com. Limited seating is available. Co-Chairmen are Cathy Bonnesen and Jane Pohlman. Honorary Chairmen are Rhonda and Howard Hawks. In cooperation with Project Harmony, on the evening of March 10, Film Streams will present the movie ANtWONE FISHER, the true story of a young Navy cadet on the path to recovery from a childhood of physical and sexual abuse. the film will begin at 6pm, with a post-show discussion to follow featuring Antwone Fisher in person at the Ruth Sokolof theater. Film Streams is at 1340 Webster St. Project Harmony is a nonprofit agency that responds to abused children “one child at a time.” It brings professionals from Child Protective Services, the medical community and law enforcement together to “One Place” so that a child only has to tell of his or her abuse “One time.” According to Klein, 2,278 children were served in 2008, a majority of which were sexually abused. 54% were under the age of six. Project Harmony works with children in eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa.

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behind the mic... chris gardner By Corey Ross

Spreading Happyness Survivor and achiever Chris Gardner brings his message of hope and inspiration to the D.J.’s Heroes luncheon In 2006, Chris Gardner’s inspirational story of overcoming many of life’s most harrowing challenges to become a successful businessman and philanthropist hit the big screen in the hit movie, “the Pursuit of Happyness.” Actor Will Smith portrayed Gardner in the year of his life when he managed to earn a job on Wall Street while being a homeless single parent. Gardner has gone on to run a highly successful Chicago-based brokerage firm and become a best-selling author, among his many accomplishments. On May 4th, Gardner, an avid motivational speaker, will share his story with the Salvation Army’s D.J.’s Hero Awards luncheon crowd at the Qwest Center. Given the country’s challenging economic circumstances, Gardner says his message of hope and inspiration is more relevant and timely than ever. Q. Do you still hear about the movie every day? Does it continue to have an impact? A. that film really touched a lot of people when it came out, and even more people are watching it now because a lot of people are finding themselves in positions that they never thought would happen to them. there’s been the creation of a new class of homeless that I call “white-collar homeless.” they went to school, got a job, worked hard, played by the rules then – bam! – the world changed. Q. What has been your personal experience with the new world? A. I was getting on a train (in December) in New york City. As I’m leaving Wall Street, I notice that the train is full of guys in suits. It was some of the 55,000 just laid off by Citibank. they had these lost looks on their faces and were holding boxes of pictures of their kids. they were going home to tell their families the news. I talked to some of them and just told them to focus on what they have not lost – their skills, their talents, their expertise. those can all be transferred, but you

march/april | 2009

have to create the opportunity. you can’t count on a corporation or the government for your well-being. the cavalry ain’t comin'. the person who cares the most about you lives in your house, not the White House. Q. What’s your personal outlook for 09? timeline for an economic recovery? A. Well, hope is not a strategy, but I hope that these government actions pay dividends real quick because can you imagine if four years from now nothing has gotten better? Wow. Right now, I think we’re looking at 12 to 18 months (to recovery), which is a lifetime when it’s you and your family on the line. When it’s you, it’s not a recession; it’s a Depression. Q. is there a response or two to the movie that has meant the most to you? A. the general response is that I’m so glad that I saw it because I saw what you did and I know now that if you can do that, I can do this. the specific response is from a woman I met after a speaking engagement.

She had lost her business, her house and her husband and was going to commit suicide, then she saw “The Pursuit of Happyness.” She said, “Now I think I’m going to be OK.” Q. Did you tell that to Will Smith? A. I did, and he said, “I’ve saved people in the movies, but that’s the first time I’ve saved anybody for real.” That got to him. Q. What’s the difference between the book and the movie? A. The film is about one year of my life. If I didn’t get the right stuff the 27 years before, from my mama and my family, I never would’ve made it through the 28th year. The book is most important to me.

Q. And you have a new book now: “Start Where You Are: Life Lessons in the Pursuit of Happyness.” What’s that about? A. The book answers questions from the tens of thousands of emails, letters and phone calls since the first book and movie. When it comes out, people are going to think we’re telling stories from the past few months, but we’ve actually been working on the book the past two years. Q. How often do you speak? What’s the message you give your audience? A. When I was rolling last year, I was doing 15 to 18 speaking engagements a month. You get so much back from people and see people who are in the position I was in. I try to help them go forward, and if you do that, it’s a blessing. That’s God’s work. I talk about overcoming obstacles and breaking cycles. It can be done – and it must be

done. You can't hand issues, challenges and problems off to your children. Q. What’s your biggest challenge right now? A. Personally, I am trying to get in the best shape of my life. In the last two years, I’ve lost maybe 54 pounds. That’s a lot, but that’s not the “best shape” part; that’s the second part. Q. What have you not done yet that you would like to do? A. One thing is a TV show that I’m working on with Will Smith, based on the principals in “Pursuit of Happyness.” We’ve working on it now and making sure the details are all the way ironed out before we do it, maybe this fall. So I want to do that, and I want to see Mr. Buffett when I come to Omaha. To learn more about Chris Gardner, log onto www.chrisgardnermedia.com.

He struggled with homelessness while raising his toddler son. Gardner’s story was told in the 2006 award winning motion picture “The Pursuit of Happyness” starring actor Will Smith. Hear his story of hope while managing fatherhood and homelessness.

The Salvation Army D.J.’s Hero Awards Luncheon Featured speaker: Chris Gardner May 4, 2009 • 11:45 a.m. Qwest Center Omaha, 455 N 10 Street $85.00 per person • Table of 10 $850 Please RSVP by 4/29 to 898-5906 D.J.’s Hero Award nominations accepted through 3/6 Applications can be downloaded at www.GiveSalvationArmy.org www.omahapublications.com

march/april | 2009

behind the mic... mary lou retton By Sandy Lemke

Golden Girl Former Olympic gymnast is now a champion for arthritis sufferers the last place most Americans likely saw gymnast Mary Lou Retton’s face was on a Wheaties cereal box after her golden glory at the 1984 Summer Olympics. twenty-five years later, Retton remains a champion, but the product and reason have changed. Her smile is now the face of hope for hip replacement candidates and arthritis sufferers. Retton’s mission is to encourage those living with pain to seek treatment as she did in 2006. Retton was born with hip dysplasia, a condition exacerbated by her years of gymnastics. the pain became unbearable in the mid 2000’s. After a period of taking medications and researching options, Retton decided on hip replacement surgery. Retton, now 41 and a mother of four living in Houston, says that decision has made all the difference in recovering her quality of life. “I still can’t believe the difference this new hip has made in my life,” she says. “If I would have known that my hip pain would be gone after surgery, I would have never waited as long as I did to have it replaced.” Her artificial hip was manufactured by Biomet, a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of hip replacements. Retton is now a spokesperson for Biomet, and she’ll appear on their behalf in Omaha on May 2 for the Arthritis Foundation’s walk at Miller Landing from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Retton shared her experience, and some of her Southern charm, with Omaha Magazine. Q: have you been to Omaha before? A: yes! In my 25 years of activities, yes, many times. Q: What do you hope to accomplish during your visit? A: My job as spokesperson for Biomed is to help educate people. If you suffer from joint pain as I did, and are clueless what to do about the pain, you have an option. We have been traveling the country partnering with the Arthritis Foundation. My goal is to create awareness. If you have pain, you have options. you don’t have to live with that pain. Don’t let it go for years.

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Q: how was your surgery? A: For me, surgery was not the issue; it was my 12th surgery. I just knew I couldn’t live with the pain anymore. I couldn’t sit and play Barbies with my daughters. So, I wasn’t scared of the surgery. I wanted to do a flip in the front yard! Q: and now? A: Now, I can do that flip! Eventually, I will have to have surgery on the other side.

Q: You’re not the type of person most people of think of when someone says “arthritis.” Does it surprise people you’ve had that condition so young? A: (It shows them) pain does not discriminate. this is a debilitating disease. Arthritis is the most common cause of disability. Q: another example of that: 7-yearold lily moore will be honored at the Omaha event. She has Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis since falling off a balance beam in 2007. A: Goes to show arthritis is not a disease just for the elderly.

Q: You still follow your sport closely. What did you make of the cheating scandal in the Beijing Olympics where the two Chinese gymnasts were suspected of being under the required age of 16? Your former coach, Bela Karolyi, has said age requirements should be dropped to reduce cheating. What do you think? A: I was in China. I saw those young Chinese gymnasts. Some were still missing teeth! A drop in the age requirement would stop the cheating. Gymnasts start at a very young age, but each individual peaks at a different stage. Q: Your fellow Olympic medalist Jim hartung is from Omaha. Do you keep in touch? A: We had a reunion and got to see everyone’s kids, but I would love to see him in Omaha!

“

you can see Mary Lou in Omaha at the Arthritis Walk on May 2. the Arthritis Foundation welcomes four-legged friends to join the festivities. Studies have shown that as many as one in five dogs has canine arthritis. All dog participants will receive an Arthritis Foundation bandana. For more information on the Arthritis Walk, go to www.2009arthritiswalk. kintera.org/Omaha. Local sponsors for the Walk are Redstone Communications, Alegent Health, the Arthritis Foundation and Community Health Charities. those interested can read more about her story at www.maryloushipreplacement.com

Why get a total knee if you only need a partial?

“

Mary Lou Retton

1984 Olympic Gold Medalist Biomet Joint Replacement Patient

ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT THE OXFORD PARTIAL KNEE. ®

Now there’s an alternative to total knee replacement. The Oxford® Partial Knee from Biomet. It’s the only one of its kind in the United States. The Oxford® Partial Knee lets you keep up to 75% of your healthy knee — for a more rapid recovery with less post-operative pain and more natural motion. Why get a total knee when maybe all you need is a partial knee from Biomet? To learn more, or to find an Oxford® Knee trained surgeon in your area, call or visit our website.

800.647.9174 Or visit: www.oxfordknee.com/NE

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Not all patients are candidates for partial knee replacement. Only your orthopedic surgeon can tell you if you’re a candidate for joint replacement surgery, and if so, which implant is right for your specific needs. You should discuss your condition and treatment options with your surgeon. The Oxford® Meniscal Partial Knee is intended for use in individuals with osteoarthritis or avascular necrosis limited to the medial compartment of the knee and is intended to be implanted with bone cement. Potential risks include, but are not limited to, loosening, dislocation, fracture, wear, and infection, any of which can require additional surgery. For additional information on the Oxford® knee, including risks and warnings, talk to your surgeon or visit Biomet.com. © 2008 Biomet Orthopedics, Inc.

www.omahapublications.com

march/april | 2009

galas, etc. A two-month look at upcoming fundraisers and other charitable events

march 6 the 15th annual Junior league of Omaha’s american girl Fashion Show the Happy Hollow Country Club, 1701 S, 105th St., through March 8, 493-8818. What it is: the event consists of seven fashion shows featuring historically inspired clothing and matching dolls from the American Girl clothing collection, American Girl of today and the American Girl Bitty Baby collections. Several raffles will be held and each show will feature a silent auction and an expanded boutique. Where the money goes: Proceeds support the Junior League in its mission of “promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.” march 11 Project harmony luncheon featuring director/ actor/screenwriter antwone Fisher Qwest Center Omaha, 496.0303 or www. projectharmony.com What it is: A day to inspire and inform the community about child abuse. Fisher will talk about how he overcame his abusive childhood. Where the money goes: Proceeds will support Project Harmony programs and services. march 13 the national multiple Sclerosis Society’s “On the move Power lunch" Scott Conference Center, 11:30 a.m., 800.344.4867 or www.nen.nmss.org. What it is: An inaugural luncheon to raise awareness about MS. Sports psychology consultant Jack Llewellyn will discuss the power of positive thinking. Where the money goes: Proceeds will benefit MS research, programs and services. march 14 irish Fest for Catholic Charities Air & Space Museum, 5:30 p.m. silent auction and social hour, dinner at 7 p.m., 829.9261 or www. ccomaha.org. What it is: Irish Fest is Omaha’s longest-running benefit to feature live entertainment. this year’s featured act is the Four tops of Motown fame. Detroit muscle cars will also be on display. Where the money goes: Proceeds support the mission of Catholic Charities to “serve, empower and advocate for people in need.” the Opera Omaha guild’s Spring gala, “gala Boheme" the Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St., 6:30 p.m., 689-7750 or www.operaomaha.org.

What it is: An evening of cocktails and entertainment featuring Seattle-based Rouge, which brings French music to life for modern audiences. Where the money goes: Gala Boheme will raise funds for Opera Omaha Guild’s educational outreach programs. march 20 the Omaha Symphony’s table art Regency Marriott, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. viewing, noon to 1:30 p.m. luncheon, 342.3836, ext. 171 or www. omahasymphonyguild.org. What it is: A display of elegant and creative table settings. Lord Piers Wedgwood, international ambassador for Wedgwood China and Waterford Crystal, will be the featured speaker. Where the money goes: Funds support the educational programs of the Omaha Symphony. march 21 Stephen Center Cruise away to the 50’s Champions Club, 6 p.m., suebennett@cox.net or 731-0238. What it is: A fun-filled evening set to the music of the 50’s. the evening will include dinner, dancing, silent auction and live auction. tickets are $125 per person. Where the money goes: Proceeds benefit the three programs at Stephen Center - Emergency Shelter, HERO - State-licensed Drug and Alcohol Abuse treatment Center and the transitional Living Program. read & romp 2009, a benefit for the midlands literacy Center Westside Community Conference Center, 9 a.m. to noon, 342.READ or www.midlandsliteracy.org. What it is: A book sale featuring crafts, snacks and puppet shows. Where the money goes: Proceeds benefit the programs of the Midlands Literacy Center. march 28 Sushi at Sunset Omaha Hearing School, Jackson Artworks, 1108 Jackson St., 558-1546. What it is: A casual evening of sushi and other culinary delights to support the Omaha Hearing School. Where the money goes: Proceeds help fund the Hearing School’s efforts to assist deaf and hard of hearing children in learning oral communication skills.

“Come hal or high Water: the not-So-Suttle, highly Vokal 2009 Omaha Press Club Show" MidAmerica Center, Council Bluffs, opsshow@yahoo.com. What it is: A dinner and live show that includes music and signing by local journalists and highlights the news of the year. Where the money goes: Omaha Press Club scholarships for journalism students at UNL and Creighton. april 1 Camp Fire USa author luncheon featuring Jean Kilbourne, co-author of “So Sexy So Soon" Holiday Inn Central, 397.5908. What it is: A luncheon to support Camp Fire’s mission of supporting children and creating healthy families. Kilbourne’s book deals with the media’s impact on children and how they perceive the world. Where the money goes: Proceeds support Camp Fire programs. april 2 the leukemia & lymphoma Society’s Diamonds and Champions Hilton Omaha, 6:30 p.m., 344.2242 or www.lls.org. What it is: An evening celebrating the advances being made in blood cancer research and the diagnosis and treatment of individuals who have Leukemia Lymphoma, Hodgkin’s Disease and Myeloma. Where the money goes: Proceeds fund research and innovative patient programs and services. april 4 the nebraska medical Center’s Kaleidoscope 2009: reaching new horizons Embassy Suites Lavista, 6 p.m. reception, 8 p.m. dinner, 559.5390. What it is: An annual benefit to support the Nebraska Medical Center’s Adult Crisis Unit. Where the money goes: Proceeds will fund improvements and unit amenities for the Adult Crisis Unit. Destination: World’s Fare for the Omaha Community Playhouse, hosted by act ii Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St., 7 p.m., 553-4890 x 145 What it is: Guests are taken on a whirlwind global adventure without ever leaving the Playhouse. A series of rooms with themed food and entertainment provide an array of experiences. this year’s themes are: A Peruvian Hiking trail; a Pacific Northwest train tour; a

Charitable events for gala’s calendar of events can be submitted to Corey Ross at corey@omahapublications or 884.2039.

march/april | 2009

galas, etc. A two-month look at upcoming fundraisers and other charitable events

Napa Valley Bike Tour; an Italian Alps Car Tour; a Caribbean Cruise Ship, and an Around-theWorld Plane Trip. Event chairs are Bob and Debra Culver and honorary chairs are Steve Martin and Amy Haddad. Where the money goes: Proceeds from the event support the Omaha Community Playhouse. April 16 “Watch What Happens: When Omaha Meets New York City!” Dystonia Benefit Concert Holland Performing Arts Center. What it is: A benefit concert featuring live performances from well-known musicians Paul Serrato and Co., Michael Murphy, The Classical Strings Quartet and Omaha’s Queen of International Cabaret, Carmelita de la Guardia. The artists will bring their unique blend of musical styles together to raise awareness of Dystonia. Where the money goes: Proceeds raise money for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation. Dystonia is a syndrome of spasms and sustained contractions of the muscles.

April 18 Rosie Rocks the Disco for The Rose Theater Embassy Suites LaVista, 6 p.m. reception, 8 p.m. dinner, awil1@cox.net. What it is: Rockin’ Rosie is an annual benefit for the Rose Theater. This year, Rosie is pulling on her white patent boots, as the theme of the 2009 event takes Rosie back to the disco-era of the 70’s.

April 28th “Thrill of the Grill,” a benefit for the Salvation Army’s Women’s Auxiliary in partnership with the Greater Omaha Barbeque Society Presbyterian Church of the Cross, 1517 So. 114th St., 5 p.m., 330.0983. What it is: A tasting dinner featuring barbeque favorites, side dishes, desserts and more. Cost is $30 a person and includes a cookbook.

Where the money goes: All proceeds support the programs of The Rose Theater. April 27 Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures luncheon honoring Dr. Stanley and Dorothy Truhlsen Happy Hollow Club, 11:30 a.m., 390-2461. What it is: A luncheon to honor Nebraskans who have made a difference in the world through their passionate support of medical research.

Where they money goes: All proceeds benefit local programs of the Salvation Army. April 30 Habitat for Humanity Women’s Power Luncheon Holiday Inn Central, 11:30 a.m., 457-5657 or www. habitatomaha.org.

Where the money goes: Funds support the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures (formerly Nebraskans for Research) in its mission to promote, support and advocate research to advance our quality of life and economy.

What it is: An annual luncheon to celebrate supporters the 12th annual Women Build. This year’s luncheon will honor Anne Carroll, a founding board member and long-time volunteer. Where the money goes: Proceeds help fund future home building initiatives for families in need.

Charitable events for Gala’s calendar of events can be submitted to Corey Ross at corey@omahapublications or 884.2039.

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of Omaha march/april | 2009

the scoop By Corey Ross

Above: One of the gardens chosen for the 2009 MMI Garden Walk. Left: The Bainbridge family - Kyle, Kristin, Justin, Kim and Jeff. Kim's work on the garden walk is a way to repay MMI for its service to her son Justin.

Colorful Comeback

the MMI Garden Walk returns to build on a 40-year legacy for UNMC

fter a one-year hiatus, the Munroe-Meyer Institute Garden Walk will make a colorful comeback this summer. the 41st walk will take place, rain or shine, on June 14 at five gardens throughout the Omaha area. Last year’s walk was cancelled due to a series of “unfortunate circumstances,” says MMI guild member Kim Bainbridge. But Bainbridge anticipates a strong return for an event that in its previous 40 years drew an average attendance of 2,000. Proceeds from the walk fund grants for MMI’s center at UNMC for genetics and rehabilitation, but Bainbridge says the greater value of the event is the awareness it creates. MMI provides education and services for the individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in Omaha and throughout Nebraska and western Iowa. “Most people have no idea what MMI is or what it does,” Bainbridge says. Bainbridge, however, is keenly aware. In June of 1989, she had a son, Justin, who was born with Down syndrome, a leading cause of intellectual disability. Unexpectedly, the family became the one in the roughly 1-out-of-800 births annually affected by the condition. “It’s like you’re in a baseball game and you’ve been thrown a curveball, ” Bainbridge says. ?

march/april | 2009

For 19 ½ years now, MMI has been helping Justin and his family cope and overcome. the long list of services provided includes genetic counseling, occupational therapy including handwriting, speech therapy, recreation therapy and behavioral therapy. Basically, MMI has been with Bainbridge’s son every step of the way since it helped him learn to walk and talk. Bainbridge will tell you the road has been long and the work has been challenging, often overwhelming. “teaching Justin requires so much repetition. you have to do things hundreds and thousands of times,” she says. “When we were teaching him effective timeouts, the counselor told us we’d have to give him 50 timeouts a day. She was right. It was overwhelming, but she was there to encourage us. “(MMI) has been a been a constant in my son’s life and our lives.” the garden walk, Bainbridge says, has been a beautiful way to annually raise awareness of MMI, and she’s eager to see it return. For a list of gardens on this year’s tour, or to purchase tickets, go to www.mmiguild.com. Bainbridge’s work on the walk is her way to repay MMI for seeing her family through a struggle that has resulted in hard-earned success. “It’s been the most rewarding thing that has ever happened to us.”

events

Omaha Heart Ball

Community Raises More than Half a Million Dollars for Heart Association Story courtesy of the American Heart Association

Photos by Corey Ross and Jayme George

eb. 9, 2009, Omaha – the Omaha community raised more than half a million dollars Feb. 7, at the Omaha Heart Ball to support American Heart Association research and educational programs. Cardiovascular disease is the nation’s No. 1 killer, but annual deaths from heart disease and stroke are steadily declining thanks to groundbreaking discoveries and increasing awareness and prevention. “the American Heart Association is grateful to the community of Omaha for moving our lifesaving mission forward every year for 21 years,” says tina Foehlinger, Omaha Heart Ball director. “Because of generous supporters right here in Omaha, more people every day are being saved by medical research, recognizing heart disease risk factors, and building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases. We are blessed.” Omaha Heart Ball 2009: Heart of the Orient, was presented by the Nebraska Medical Center and UNMC Physicians. this year’s ball was chaired by Drs. Dan and Karoline Anderson, Scott and Karla Cassles, and Mike and Carol McGlade. Honorary chairs were Bruce and Deb Grewcock. More than 650 business, medical, and community leaders attended the Oriental-themed, black-tie event at the Embassy Suites La vista Conference Center. Guests were treated to dragon dancers before dinner that brought the theme to life. the hall was decorated in black, gold and red, and tables were toped with breath-taking dragons, kites, and gongs. Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Heart Princess Petra Marcos

was featured in a survivor video and then took the stage with her family and thanked the crowd for supporting research that saved her life. Marcos, a high school junior from Lexington, Neb., received a heart transplant this fall with very little time to spare. the funding raised by the Omaha Heart Ball provides critical resources for many lifesaving discoveries including EKG’s, pacemakers, CPR, heart valves and life-extending medications. In the past 20 years, the American Heart Association has funded more than 14 million dollars in local research. “the Heart Ball is truly a fun and exciting evening, but has a very serious mission -- to raise funds and save lives. this would not be possible without our dedicated and generous supporters and volunteers,” says Foehlinger. “We are certainly celebrating a successful 2009 event, but are already looking forward to next year.” Dr. Pierre Fayad, Reynolds Centennial Professor and Chairman of the Department of Neurological Sciences at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine, has volunteered to chair the 2010 Omaha Heart Ball. At the ball, guests learned for the first time that Fayad has been named Physician of the year by the American Heart Association National Board of Directors. the award was given to Fayad for his outstanding contributions to furthering the American Heart Association’s mission as a practicing physician with direct patient care responsibilities. We will receive the award at a national event this spring in Washington, D.C. to learn more about the American Heart Association, visit www. heart.org/omaha or call (402) 346-0771.

1 2

1) Chairs of the 2009 Omaha Heart Ball, from left, Carol and Mike McGlade, Karla and Scott Cassles, Drs. Karoline and Dan Anderson, and Honorary chairs Deb and Bruce Grewcock. 2) Dr. Pierre Fayad and his wife Maya. Dr. Fayad was just named Physician of the Year by the American Heart Association. www.omahapublications.com

march/april | 2009

events

Supportive Sips

Annual wine event for Easter Seals draws more than 350 to the Qwest Center Story courtesy of Easter Seals Nebraska Photos by Corey Ross and Bret Anderson

ore than 350 supporters of Easter Seals Nebraska helped the organization raise more than $289,600 at its at annual wine event at the Qwest Center in February. this event is used as a fundraising vehicle throughout the year, and serves as a kind of thank you dinner for high-dollar donors, according to ESN President and CEO Karen Carlson. It included a vintner’s reception, dinner, silent and grand auctions. Over 350 attendees enjoyed the various wine-related activities in this fundraiser to support Easter Seals Nebraska (ESN) programs. “this event really demonstrates the high level of commitment

and support the vintners, business owners and attendees have for this organization,” Carlson said. thirty-four sponsors and 14 vintners were involved in the event. Proceeds benefit Easter Seals Nebraska, an organization dedicated to ensuring individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities. Carlson says the funds raised will be used to expand the camping and respite programs, in addition to helping people improve mobility, return to work, or gain greater independence through Easter Seals Nebraska’s workforce development programs. For more information, call 800-650-9880, access www. ne.easterseals.com, or e-mail kcarlson@ne.easterseals.com.

3 4

1) Easter Seals board chair Larry McChesney, Carol McChesney, Easter Seals CEO Karen Carlson and Eric Carlson. 2) Dr. Jim Edney and wife Diane with Marsha and Nizar Mamdani. 3) Auctioneer Don Groesser and emcee Jack Swanda. 4) Bridget Cannon-Hale, Andy Hale, Brian Halpenny and Andie and Brian Yeager.

march/april | 2009

events

Symphony Salute

the Omaha Symphony honors 93 college freshmen at its 43rd annual Debutante Ball Story courtesy of the Debutante Ball Committee

Photos by Corey Ross

he Omaha Symphony honored 53 debutantes and 40 stags at its 43rd Debutante Ball held in December at the Holiday Inn Central Ballroom. these 93 college freshmen made their social debut before more than 900 family members, friends and supporters of the Omaha Symphony. Families of the participants were honored for giving of their time and talents to the Omaha Symphony and other community and civic groups. the debutantes held presentation bouquets of red roses and the stags wore boutonnieres of a large red rose with a touch of gold glitter as they were introduced by emcee tom Kerr.

Before the ceremony, Debutante Ball Committee Chairwoman Shelley Siemers presented a check for $120,000 to Omaha Symphony Resident Conductor Ernest Richardson, Guild Advisor Karen Burkley and Associate Director of Development Mike Pietro. the money is used to support the Symphonyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s educational programs. Wendy Larson-Cooper choreographed the grand march. the presentation was completed with the traditional first dance. the debs with their fathers and the stags with their mothers. Robert Glaser and his Sing, Sing, Swing Orchestra provided the music.

1) Louis and Louise Cimino, Dr. Thomas and Mary Dobleman, stag John Dobleman, stag-cousin Andrew Hasebroock, Courtney Dobleman and Kristen Dobleman. 2) Shirley Scott, Lauren Doll and Julia Doll. 3) Katie, Susan, Allie, Mike, Molly and Erica McGillick. Allie was a deb. 4) Kate Kestel, Lauren Kestel and Rod Kestel.

www.omahapublications.com

march/april | 2009

Ringing it In

Coronation Rotation

Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band entertains 1,300 at Holland Center new year's celebration

the Ak-Sar-Ben Women’s Ball Committee welcomes new members, salutes retirees

Story and photos courtesy of Omaha Performing Arts

Story courtesy of the Ak-Sar-Ben Women’s Ball Committee Photo by Corey Ross

ore than 1,300 guests celebrated the end of 2008 and the beginning of 2009 at the annual New year's Eve celebration at the Holland Performing Arts Center. Cocktails and a dinner buffet began great guests at 6 p.m. in the First National Bank Lobby and featured an incredible view of the fireworks and downtown lights. Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band, an 18-member Grammy®-winning jazz ensemble, performed in the Peter Kiewit Concert Hall at 8:30 p.m., closing with a festive balloon drop and countdown to the music of Auld Lang Syne. Following the concert, a private reception was held in the Gottschalk Founders Room where select guests enjoyed champagne and posed for photos with Gordon Goodwin and members of the Big Phat Band. All concertgoers were invited to ring in the New year inside the Suzanne and Walter Scott Recital Hall, which was transformed into a post-performance party room featuring dancing to music from Omaha favorite, taxi Driver. Joan Squires, president of Omaha Performing Arts, was pleased that so many could enjoy the festivities at the Holland Performing Arts Center. "Celebrating with Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band was a tremendous way to bring in 2009. It was a great way to ring in the New year and we look forward to continuing this tradition," Squires said.

he 2009 Ak-Sar-Ben Women’s Ball Committee welcomed six new members and saluted retiring members at its annual luncheon in January at the Happy Hollow Country Club. the luncheon marked the beginning of planning for the 113th Coronation Ball, which will be held on Oct. 10 at the Qwest Center Omaha. the six new members of the Women’s Ball Committee are Jill Bydalek, Mary de Souza, Gina Greder, Mary Jo Langdon, Marietta Luellen and Kyle Robino. Each new member was presented with a gold crown pin and a red rose. Honored for their four years of service were retiring members Cathi Arnold, Laura Doll, Ann Hofmann, Darlene Mueller, vicki Wampler and Joni Lindquist, chairman of the 2007 Women’s Ball Committee. Bill Cutler, chairman of the Coronation Ball Committee, announced the members of his committee. they are Chris Murphy, Advisor; Mary Johnson, chairman of the Women’s Ball Committee; and Ann Hergenrader, past chairman and advisor to the Women’s Ball Committee. Ann Hergenrader provided an overview of the 112th Coronation Ball. the committee accomplished its objective by recognizing over 200 families for their community service and by providing a venue to raise funds to support the Ak-Sar-Ben Scholarship Program. through the efforts of the Coronation Ball Committee and with generous communitywide support, $645,000 was contributed to the Ak-Sar-Ben Scholarship Program and 358 Heartland Scholars will attend universities and colleges in the 2008-09 school year. the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben are proud of these results which fulfills their mission to build a better Heartland for all.

Above: Dr. Dale and Dr. Maria Krane, Gordon Goodwin of Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band,and John and Carol Lopes.

New WBC members Mary Jo Langdon, Gina Greder, Mary de Souza, Marietta Luellen, Kyle Robino and Jill Bydalek.

march/april | 2009

Cocktail Care-A-van

Comedy for a Cause

Social Settlement gathering raises funds for new van

Comedian tammy Pescatelli gives Girls Inc. supporters reason to laugh, donate

Story courtesy of Social Settlement Photos by Corey Ross

ome 50 supporters of Social Settlement gathered at Wine 121, 121 West Center Rd., in February to kick off a campaign to purchase a new van. “toast for the Kids Can! Care-A-van” launched an effort to raise $10,000 to buy a new 12-passenger van. Guests partook in a silent auction, the proceeds from which went toward the van purchase. Social Settlement provides food and activities every morning and afternoon for children of low-income families. Studies have shown that kids who attend before- and after-school programs are less likely to exhibit antisocial or problematic behaviors and are more likely to be engaged in school and attentive in class. Social Settlement’s programs focus on building self-esteem, confidence and skills in children ages 3 to 13, while striving to meet the needs of working parents and low-income families. For more information about Social Settlement, log onto www.socialsettlement.org or call 731.6988.

Top: The new van for Social Settlement. Above: Social Settlement CEO Renee Franklin, Joe Lewis, event chairs Joy Lewis and Vanita Lund, John Lund and board chair Michele Okon. www.omahapublications.com

Story courtesy of Girls Inc. Photo by Sandy Lemke

omedian tammy Pescatelli entertained a crowd of 350 in January at Girls Nite Out 2009, a benefit for Girls Inc. of Omaha, and helped raise an estimated $19,000. “As one of the Last Comic Standing 2 final five contestants, tammy is very talented and hilarious,” said Wendy Grugle, chair of Girls Nite Out 2009 at the Holiday Inn. Pescatelli’s busy schedule has taken her to top comedy clubs and venues all across the country. She has also made guest appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Dennis Miller. Grugle said Girls Nite was a night full of laughs to support a serious cause. “Over the last 15 years, Girls Nite Out continues to be tremendously successful in supporting the work of Girls Inc.,” Grugle added. “With locations in both North and South Omaha, Girls Inc. provides research-based, age-appropriate programs to girls after school and during the summer to assist them in reaching their fullest potential as women. Girls Inc. has served nearly 10,000 children through site-based and outreach programs in the Omaha community.” Girls Inc. of Omaha has inspired girls to be strong, smart and bold since 1975. the Omaha organization was named Outstanding Affiliate in 2006 by its national parent organization, Girls, Inc. visit www.girlsincomaha.org for more information on Girls Inc. of Omaha.

Jaynesha Graves, Girls Inc. Director of Programs with Emily Mwaja and Morgan Mayres.

march/april | 2009

Babes in toyland Chocolate-Covered Charity Annual holiday fashion show raises $9,000 for Nebraska Children’s Home

the Midlands Literacy Center treats supporters to dessert delights

Story and photos courtesy of Nebraska Children’s Home

Story and photo courtesy of the Midlands Literacy Center

Top: NCHS Executive Director Karen Authier, Honorary Chairs Jason & Tracy Fisher. Above: Models of all ages partook in the fashion show.

Kenneth and Suzanne Hoffman with John Gehrig.

ore than 150 people kicked off the holidays by attending “Babes in toyland,” the Nebraska Children’s Home Family Guild holiday fashion show and silent auction held in December at Nebraska Children’s Home Society – Durham Center. Modeling the younkers fashions were primarily children and families touched by adoption through Nebraska Children’s Home Society or who have benefited from their services. Honorary chairs were Jason and tracy Fisher. Event chairpersons were Deb Slattery and Lisa McCue. Miss Nebraska, Miss Nebraska teen, Mrs. Nebraska and Frosty the Snowman were special guests. the “Babes in toyland” holiday fashion show raised more than $9,000 for Nebraska Children’s Home Society Foundation. this organization supports the programs of Nebraska Children’s Home Society, which include unplanned pregnancy services, statewide adoption services for birth parents, adoptive couples and adoptees, foster care including medically fragile children and child care services. More information on Nebraska Children’s Home is available online at www.nchs.org.

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ore than 125 people enjoyed chocolate-inspired treats at the Literacy Center’s second annual Chocolate Makes things Better in January. the event was held at Elk Ridge village on the Lake and offered samples from 14 local restaurants and caterers. the night raised about $4,000 to support the programs of the Literacy Center, which include One-on-One tutoring, Small Group Instruction, Computer Aided Learning, Family Literacy and Reach Out and Read. the Literacy Center staff planned the event, led by Executive Director Suzy Parsons. Highlights from the event included: chocolate dusted baguettes from Old Market Sourdough; chocolate covered bacon from Levy Restaurants; and chocolate martinis provided by Johnson Brothers. Other chocolate treats were provided by Chef Hattam Catering, Market Basket, Cheeseburger in Paradise, Abraham Catering, Kirsten’s Cookies, Joe on the Go!, Elk Ridge village, Paradise Bakery, thai Spice & Kitchen, Wheatfield’s and Hy-vee. the event was sponsored by Hy-vee, Food & Spirits Magazine, OPPD, American National Bank and Lite 101.9. For over 38 years, the Literacy Center has offered free services to adults reading below the eighth grade level so they may improve their literacy skills. the mission of the Literacy Center is to empower adults and families by helping them acquire the literacy skills and practices to be active and contributing members of their communities.

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Funnyman Mark Gross goes from standup to Hollywood hit show

Scott Parkin, Bill Daly, Mark Gross, Susan McMartin (leg only), all writers for "Gary Unmarried," which was honored as "Favorite New TV Comedy" at the 2009 People's Choice Awards.

Humor

and humility come naturally to Mark Gross, an award-winning comedian living in California, with roots in Nebraska. “I’m the farthest thing from a celebrity there is,” Gross said. “The only time I ever feel like a celebrity is when my daughter spots me in a crowd, points at me and says, ‘Daddy!’ She says it with the same enthusiasm that I would if I suddenly spotted Bigfoot or Salman Rushdie.” As a writer for the television comedy "Gary Unmarried," he is well known in comedy circles not only for great jokes on the show but also for sharing the credit for the laughs. “He thinks we’re all a unit, and no one is more important than anyone else,” Scott Parkin said. The fellow writer commented that Gross never discloses details of who created which joke in the joke room, where the brainstorming happens amidst white boards, Nerf guns and a Planet of the Apes Dr. Zaius coin bank. “He’s just the nicest guy in the world,” Parkin said. “He’s really humble for such a cool dude.” Gross doesn’t show any pretension for

someone who writes for a sitcom directed by James Burrows, who also has directed for "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Cheers," "Frasier" and "Friends." The CBS show documents the post-divorce mayhem of a former couple, Gary and Allison, as they embark on new relationships and share custody of their two children. After only airing for a few months in the fall of 2008, "Gary Unmarried" won “Favorite New TV Comedy” at the People’s Choice Awards in January. Gross had a modest, Midwestern upbringing. He was born in North Platte, and his mother taught nine students in a one-room schoolhouse. In kindergarten, Gross and his family moved to Lincoln, where Gross continued his education through college at the University of Nebraska. Gross always knew he wanted to be a comic, and he used to sneak into the living room past his bedtime to watch "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson." “My favorite Johnny Carson jokes weren’t the jokes that worked, they were his reactions to the ones that didn’t work,” he said. “I loved it when he would look over his shoulder at the curtain after a joke bombed. Like the curtain could sympathize somehow.” continued on next page

www.omahapublications.com

march/april | 2009

Gross studied sociology and English at UNL, and he also picked up theater credits while working at local downtown venues part time. He was declared “The Funniest Person On Campus” and won a year’s supply of Cool Ranch Doritos. He was also part of the creation of Duffy’s Comedy Workshop, which highlighted local stand-up talent on Monday evenings. That’s where Gross “cut his comedy teeth,” he said. The workshop’s creator, Reg McMeen, said Gross stole the show immediately. McMeen described Gross’s humor as intellectual and quick-witted, a little biting but not vicious. “The timing is so natural and so important to his style,” he said. “[Mark] says as much with his rhythm as he does with his words.” "Gary Unmarried" creator Ed Yeager appreciates Gross’s humor, too. “Not only does he have a wickedly funny sense of humor, he is really good at taking other people’s material and

making it much better,” Yeager said. “He’s the joke furnace on the staff.” Yeager said the show’s cast — including Jay Mohr, Paula Marshall, Ed Begley Jr., and Jaime King (another Nebraska native) — appreciates the quality scripts chocked full of great jokes. “If you make one of your actors happy with your material, you’ve really done your job,” he said. Gross enjoys the dynamic of television comedy, and he said he regrets not pursuing it earlier in his career. “It’s a really satisfying experience to create a cast of characters and then watch them deliver lines to an audience,” he said. After writing the show’s first season, Gross takes a break from March through May, when he will likely travel to comedy clubs across the Midwest and visit Nebraska. He makes a point to return to his home state each year to catch up with old friends and re-visit his stand-up roots. “When I work in Omaha or Lincoln, I always look forward to seeing the people

who shaped me into the wreck of a man I am today,” he said. Naturally, Gross’s Hollywood friends have a few stereotypes about the Cornhusker State. Many people just think of it as a flat state with a lot of corn, he said. “I’m really proud to be from Nebraska, and I defend it,” Gross said. “The stereotypes are all things I’m proud of.” A typical banter between an ignorant Californian and Mark Gross: The state’s pride is corn? Corn is a delicious vegetable. Nebraska is flat? Yeah, what’s the downside? People are so polite... ...Yep! Gross said “flat” is the biggest insult, but he doesn’t mind. “I’ll take flat and intelligent over hilly and uneducated any day of the week,” he said. To catch some of Gross’s smart comedy in the Heartland, look for him on the Omaha Funny Bone Comedy Club schedule this spring. "Gary Unmarried" airs on Wednesdays at 7:30 – 8 p.m. Central Time on CBS.

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What do you consider your greatest achievement? Obtaining my doctorate in audiology is by far my greatest achievement . Thus far, it was the biggest investment of self . It has allowed me to work at a job I love and help people of all ages communicate better . When and where were you happiest? The more I’ve traveled the more I realize that people everywhere are doing the same things, the details are just a little different . I’ve quit chasing happiness and have discovered it’s inside of me no matter where I go .

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Photos by Kevin Jones Article by Elena Kerwin, Allied Member ASID, Design Gallery Nebraska Furniture Mart

Uniquely European

Elena Kerwin

A West Shores Home is Given a Modern European Makeover

The formal dining: The Casa Bella collection by Bernhardt over a one-of-a-kind Pakistan rug.

Jennifer

and Michael DiGaetano fell in love, decided to get married and build their dream home. They found the perfect place on West Shores with a lake view and a private beach. Two years later, the house was not even close to being finished. They met with ASID designer, Elena Kerwin of the Design Gallery at NFM, in December, with their deadline at the end of April looming. After interviewing with the couple and hearing their needs and desires, Kerwin explained to them that the style that they wanted was called “Modern European Country” or “European Revival.” The DiGaetanos wondered if the entire project could be designed in this short period

www.omahapublications.com

Impressive black distressed island with Brazilian granite. In the far corner, the Century dinette overlooks the lake.

march/april | 2009

The Classic Kitchen including marble floors with metal decos, exotic Brazilian granite, custom cabinets by C.E. Cabinets and bar stools by Century furniture. The Great room: Classic Adriane sofa in earth and gold tones with Vera Bradley cocktail table by Drexel Heritage. The second floor balcony shows the magnificent custom wrought iron rails by Bender Ornamental and the great lake view framed by the custom designed silk panels.

of time. Kerwin assured them that if they worked together on the same page, it would make things easier, and possible by deadline. After Kerwin defined the style of the house as “French country meets Tuscan style,” she re-designed all the cabinets to give them the classic French touch but with the warm and cozy Tuscan feeling. All the cherry cabinets, including the kitchen ones, were faux painted in light cream ivory with some gold tones to achieve the clean but classic feeling of a modern European Château. This set the basics for the scheme of colors in

march/april | 2009

the entire house, including tile, stone, granite, columns, furniture and window treatments. The result was spectacular. Everything in the house was 100 percent custom made. The medallion and the impressive Lantern by Fine Art in the foyer set the feeling of what follows in this magnificent house, with impressive stone fireplaces, marble floors, custom wrought iron rails, and twostory, faux painted, gold-accented columns. The kitchen, great room and formal dining room are refined but cozy and give one the feeling of a perfect Dream Home.

The Great Room with Drexel furniture, vintage art Habersham sofa table and magnificent Canadian stone fire place. The Foyer: custom designed medallion marble, Verona lantern and sconces by Fine Art and custom wrought iron rails. A complete view of the great room shows the classic Drexel furniture, the opulent scale of the custom made silk panels over gold wrought iron, the one of the kind Pakistan vintage area rug and the impressive Fine Art Crystal chandelier.

www.omahapublications.com

march/april | 2009

Story by Kim Carpenter Photo courtesy Joey Lynch

Joining the Movement The Diavolo Project: Nebraska

Diavolo takes movement to a whole other level.

One

is a puppeteer, another a yoga instructor. There are also two actors and four teachers. But all eight professionals share one thing in common: they all move in extraordinary ways - and they are all teaching artists with the Diavolo Dance Company, renowned for its jaw-dropping experiments with the art of movement. Through The Diavolo Project: Nebraska, audiences can experience the company’s dynamic explorations through high impact performances at the Lied Center for Performing Arts and the Orpheum Theater in April. The Lied Center and Omaha Performing Arts (OPA) partnered last fall to bring the program to Nebraska, a move that complements the mission of both organizations. Michael Miller, OPA’s education manager, says, “We bring all kinds of performing arts to Omaha, but we’re also interested in finding ways to share the experience and add to the cultural program of our state.” This goal meshes perfectly with Diavolo’s mission, which is to propel “the evolution of dance and entertainment to make the arts more integrated within mainstream America.” And propel it does. Led by Jacques Heim, former choreographer with Cirque du Soleil, Diavolo presents breath-taking performances that take physicality to unprecedented levels. This is why the dance company doesn’t just work with dancers. Says Miller, “Diavolo takes movement to a whole other level. Because it’s interested in movement, it casts a wider net by involving artists with different backgrounds who learn from each other.” For that reason, gymnasts join ballet dancers, acrobats perform alongside athletes, and martial

march/april | 2009

artists learn elements of modern dance. In addition to encouraging performers to move in new ways, Diavolo also teaches them to interact with specially constructed architecture as well as everyday items. Says Miller, “They take familiar objects like a chair and table – things we use everyday, sit on, write on – and show how to use them in different ways.” In the piece “La Siege,” for example, dancers turn a bench into a competitive object of desire. The stage prop “Humachina” combines the human form with a large-scale wheel, allowing dancers to twirl, turn and manipulate the laws of gravity. For many dancers working with the company is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Lauren Bartels, a Beveridge Magnet School teacher and associate dance director of the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s The Moving Company, spent one week in January at the troupe’s Los Angeles headquarters, where she trained with the seven other Nebraska teaching assistants. “It was intensely fabulous and fun and frightening,” she says. “It was exciting for the dancers to play on the structures. It’s very organic.” Aside from the Lied and Orpheum performances, the public can learn more Diavolo’s movement innovations beginning in May, when the teaching assistants lead residency programs across the state. “We have wonderful ideas,” says Bartels. “The eight of us will go to different schools and community centers and teach different techniques. We’re already using what we learned to bring modern dance to the community.” Joan Squires, OPA’s president, is excited about this facet of the program. “The Diavolo Project,” she says, “is a perfect example of how we’re able to connect these talented performers with residents of our community and region.” For Lauren Bartels, this is what the The Diavolo Project: Nebraska is all about. “In a way,” she reflects, “it’s not just finding an audience. It’s finding that kid who maybe can’t play an instrument or do ballet and finding something for him or her.” www.omahapublications.com

Become Part of the Great Tradition of Catholic Education Creighton Preparatory School 7400 Western Avenue, Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 393-1190 www.creightonprep.creighton.edu

Gross Catholic High School 7700 South 43rd Street, Bellevue, NE 68147 (402) 734-2000 www.grosscatholic.org

Duchesne Academy 3601 Burt Street, Omaha, NE 68131 (402) 558-3800 www.DuchesneAcademy.org

Marian High School 7400 Military Avenue, Omaha, NE 68134 (402) 571-2618 www.marianhighschool.net

Mount Michael Benedictine High School 22520 Mount Michael Road, Elkhorn, NE 68022 (402) 289-2541 www.mountmichael.org

Mercy High School 1501 S. 48th Street, Omaha, NE 68106 (402) 553-9424 www.mercyhigh.org

St. Peter Claver Cristo Rey Catholic High School Roncalli Catholic High School 5301 S. 36th Street, Omaha, NE 68107 6401 Sorensen Parkway, Omaha, NE 68152 (402) 734-1802 (402) 571-7670 www.spccristorey.org www.roncallicatholic.org V.J. and Angela Skutt Catholic High School 3131 S. 156th Street, Omaha, NE 68130 (402) 333-0818 www.skuttcatholic.com

Archbishop Bergan Catholic School 545 E. 4th St., Fremont, NE 68025 Elem.-721-9766 High-721-9683 www.berganknights.org

march/april | 2009

Story by: Mystery Reviewer Photo by minorwhitestudios.com

Jericho's Restaurant

Jerico's Restaurant Ratings: (out of 5*) Food

***

Service

***

Ambiance ** Price:

Moderate

Overall

***

Jericho’s

Restaurant and Banquet Room is an Omaha restaurant institution. As I have said before, this is no small feat and is not lost on this reviewer. You see, the restaurant business is not an easy one. The more years you are open, the harder it gets to attract new customers and keep things fresh. There are complex statistics that say in order to survive for longer than a decade in the restaurant industry, you have to have upwards of 99 percent customer satisfaction. To become a restaurant institution, you have to be doing something right and you have to do it right every time, day in and day out. Jericho’s is located in a strip mall under the West Dodge expressway. At one time this West Dodge location was probably a very good one; now, it is a bit of a challenge to get to. From the outside the restaurant does not look like anything special. Strip malls are usually not conducive to producing a nice ambience for restaurants. Jericho’s is no exception. Even though the décor and fixtures are dated, it still has a reasonably comfortable and old-fashioned feel that make for a relaxed atmosphere. One thing that seemed out of place to me was the silverware, which has to be some of the cheapest examples on the planet that have no place in a restaurant of this caliber. Something that most successful restaurant institutions seem to have in common is an

march/april | 2009

ever-present personal contact by the proprietor or manager. At Jericho’s, the proprietor, Chuck, is always visible personally greeting his guests and making sure everything is just right for them. This great customer service rubs off on the servers as well. On a recent visit, our server was quite pleasant and friendly. She made a few recommendations for appetizers and brought us a bottle of Black Opal Cabernet/Merlot Blend (29.99) that turned out to be a very good wine at a quite reasonable price. The service was casual but competent and set the tone for an enjoyable experience. The food at Jericho’s is what I would describe as Midwest comfort food. They are famous for their Prime Rib, and the readers of Omaha Magazine have voted it “Best Prime Rib” in Omaha. Chef Fred Kurbis’ menu also features a generous selection of steaks, chicken, pork, and a variety of fresh seafood. Before we got to the Prime Rib we tried some appetizers  Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail (8.99) and Escargot (9.99). Both were very good, although the Escargot was a touch over-cooked for my liking. For dinner I had the Knights Cut 13 oz. Prime Rib (25.99), and my partner had the 11 oz. Top Sirloin Steak (17.99). The Omaha Steaks beef was very high quality, tender, juicy and appropriately aged. The dinners included bread, a choice of potato and a house salad, which I tried with their fabulous house Creamy Cucumber & Onion dressing. The desserts might just have been the highlight of the meal. The in-house-made Coconut Cream Pie might have been one of the best I have ever had. We also tried some type of a Flourless Chocolate Torte, which was also excellent. Next dinner out, I encourage you to give Jericho’s a try. Be sure to have the Black Opal Cabernet/Merlot Blend, the Prime Rib and the Coconut Cream Pie. It will be a memorable meal for sure!

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DAVE AND BUSTER'S 778-3915 132ND & WEST CENTER Have a drink and then go play . Or play, and then grab a bite to eat . At dave & Buster's, it's totally your call . You can start with a delicious meal in our Grand dining Room . Then move on to some games in our Million dollar Midway . Check out our drink specials with your friends-or meet new ones-in our lively bar areas . The options are many! How you do it is up to you .www .daveandbusters .com

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SATURDAY LUNCH [11am–4pm]

LADIES NIGHT ~STARTS AT 4:00 EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT ~ in the bar and dining room, all cocktails, beer or wine by the glass are half price from 4pm until close.

COCKTAIL HOUR MONDAY – SATURDAY 4:00 – 6:00PM ALL COCK TAILS, GL ASS WINE AND BEERS ~ HALF PRICE

CALL FOR RESERVATIONS • 402-391-2950 CENTRAL LOCATION • 3125 SOUTH 72ND STREET • EASY ACCESS OFF I-80 • 72ND STREET EXIT

www.omahapublications.com

march/april | 2009

BLUE

bianco ristorante italiano

SUSHI SAKE GRILL

www.biancoitalian.com 13110 Birch Drive, Omaha NE. 68164

402.884.9500

www.bluesushisakegrill.com

BLUE SUSHI North West 14450 Eagle Run Drive, Suite 240 68164

402.445.2583 South West 16939 Wright Plaza, Suite 103 68130

402.547.5959

Omaha Locations:

402.408.5566

BANQUET ROOMS

www.rojagrill.com

402.408.5566

402.333.7652

& Catering Services Available

Old Market Blue & Baby Blue locations.

Red Lounge www.redloungeomaha.com 14450 Eagle Run Drive, Suite 200 402.445.2583

march/april | 2009

mexican grill + margarita bar

Downtown / Old Market 416 S. 12th Street 68102

Sake bombers Lounge second ďŹ&#x201A;oor / martinis

RoJA

17010 Wright Plaza, Omaha NE. 68130

ITALIAN Bianco Ristorante Italiano Omaha Located at 13110 Birch Drive (SE Corner of 132nd Street and Maple in Eagle Plaza Shopping Strip). Specializing in Traditional Italian foods with optional five-course menu consisting of Imported meats and cheeses, homemade bread, pastas, soup & sauces, fresh salads, brick oven style pizzas, veal, steak, seafood & chix entrees and finally all our homemade desserts from tiramisu to gelatos. We offer 170 bottle (most of them Italian) wine list with 20 by the glass & our specialty Italian cordials!! Best outdoor patio in Omaha. Casual attire, but neat. Amex, MC, Visa accepted. Mon & Tues-4 to 9:30; Wed & Thurs-4 to 10; Fri & Sat-4 to 11; Sun-4 to 9. Bar stays open until closing time. Happy hour Mon thru Sat-4 to 6:30. Grisantis 330-0440 (Omaha) 10875 W. Dodge Rd. Grisanti's (serving Omaha & Lincoln for over 20 years) is a fun, casual classic Italian restaurant that offers an extensive menu featuring a full selection of house-made and imported pasta, homemade soups & salads, pizza, flatbreads, seafood, chicken, steaks and desserts. Large portions of affordably priced menu selections are prepared with the freshest ingredients available. www.grisantis.net Johnny Sortino’s 339-5050 (Omaha) 7880 L St. Hours: Mon-Thurs 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fri & Sat 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sun 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Family owned and operated for more than 35 years, Johnny Sortino’s specializes in pizza, pasta and salads. Their pizza sauce is prepared daily with special spices and no imitation ingredients – nothing frozen. The spaghetti sauce and meatballs are prepared fresh daily with a special recipe. Lo Sole Mio Ristorante Italiano 345-5656 (Omaha) 3001 So. 32nd, Ave. This quaint authentic restaurant is located in the middle of a neighborhood surrounded by charming homes. Inside you will find a friendly staff, simple elegance with art & statues of Italy, the aromas of home cooked food & the sound of Italian music welcomes you. At the table everyone is greeted with homemade bread, a bowl of fresh tomatoes & basil, a bowl of oven roasted garlic cloves, special seasoned olive oil, & at night, a jug of Chianti, to set the stage for a wonderful experience! You will always find a family member around in this family owned & operated restaurant. Large variety of pasta, chicken, veal, seafood, & even a delicious New York steak. Traditional dishes such as lasagna, tortellini, & eggplant parmigiana are also available. Lunch offers all of the above, along with panini, salads & one of the best pizza in town. Patio seating, full bar, & a great wine list complete this "Simply Elegant, Simply the Best" restaurant. No reservations, except for private rooms. Pasta Amore 391-2585 (Omaha) 108th & West Center road (Rockbrook Village). Pastas are made fresh daily, including tortellini, fettuccine and capellini. Daily specials and menu items include a variety of fresh seafood and regional Italian dishes, such as Linguini Amore and Calamari Steak, Penne Florentine, Gnocchi, Spaghetti Puttanesca and Osso Bucco. Filet mignon also offered for those who appreciate nationally renowned Nebraska beef. To complement your dining experience, the restaurant offers a full bar and extensive wine list. Be sure to leave room for homemade desserts, like the tiramisu and cannolis. Lunch: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner: 4:30 p.m. Reservations recommended. AE-MC-V. $$ Spezia 3125 South 72nd Street (3 blocks north of the I-80 interchange). Choose Spezia for lunch or dinner, where you’ll find a casual elegance that’s perfect for business, guests, get-togethers, or any special occasion. Exceptional food, wine and service, with a delectable menu: fresh seafood, Angus steaks, innovative pasta, risotto, gnocchi, cioppino, lamb, entrée salads. Mediterranean chicken, flatbreads, fresh salmon daily. Enjoy a full bar, Italian & California wines, Anniversary Lovers Booth (call to reserve), private dining rooms, and wood-fired grill. Open Mon-Sat. Cocktail hour: 4-5 pm-all cocktails, glass wine and beers half price. Evening reservations recommended. Call 391-2950.

PIZZERIA

Freshest Pizza Best Flavor Midtown 7834 W. Dodge Road 391-1881

Hand Stretched New York Style Pizza! *By slice

West Omaha 12997 W. Center Road 330-1444

*Whole Pies *Lunch Specials

Downtown 1213 Howard (Old Market) 344-2222

*Dine In *Carry Out *We deliver Downtown

Most Bountiful Toppings at Zio’s!!!

Thanks Omaha, for voting us Best of Omaha...

Three Years in a Row!

Valentino’s Eight Neighborhood locations. (refer to our ad for address and phone numbers) Voted Omaha’s Best Pizza and Buffet by Omaha Magazine, Valentinos has been a Nebraska Tradition for almost 50 years. Convenient Delivery/ Carry out location throughout Omaha serving not only the Best Pizza but also Pastas, Salads, and Breads. The Grand Italian Buffets have something for everyone. Award-winning Buffets offer not only mouthwatering Italian Food but also various other cuisine as well. Open Daily at 11am for Lunch and Open every Sunday at 10am for a Special Sunday Brunch. Zio’s Pizzeria Several Omaha Locations Three locations: 7834 Dodge Rd. (391-1881), 12997 W. Center Rd. (3301444), and 1213 Howard St. (344-2222). DELIVERY, DINE-IN, and CARRYOUT. Serving New York style pizza by slice or whole pies, calzones, hoagies, pastas, salads and garlic breads. Zio’s pies are hand-stretched and baked in old-world ovens. Zio’s offers 35 of the freshest toppings. Taste the freshest pizza at Zio’s. Family dining – open seven days a week. Lunch special and beer and wine available. For delivery call 333-FOOD. $

LIGHT & EASY O’Connor’s Irish Pub & Grille 934-9790 (Omaha) 1217 Howard St. Comfortable, relaxing atmosphere. Great before and after games. O’Connor’s offers pub style food: burgers, reubens, daily specials and homemade soups. The pub offers all the traditional Irish favorite libations: Guinness, Harp and Irish whiskey. Grill hours: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. $

www.omahapublications.com

3007 S 83rd Plz Omaha, NE 68124 (402) 391-2923

1201 S 157th St Omaha, NE 68130 (402) 884-2272 march/april | 2009

Serving Steaks, Seafood, Chicken, and more. Family Owned & Operated Lunch & Dinner Authentic Italian Cuisine

a f é 402-731-4774

The Original Whiskey Steak www.DroverRestaurant.com

Party Rooms Available Carry Out Available

L e g e n d (average price per entrée) $1 to 10 - $, $10 to 20 - $$, $20 to 30 - $$$, $30 and over - $$$$

MC, V, AE, DC

27th &Serving L Sts. Lunch & Dinner

Mon-Sat

Five minutes from downtown

io Ristorant ole M an Re e Italiano Lo S Best Itali staurant

2121 S. 73 St. 3001 S. 32nd Ave • Omaha, NE 402-345-5656

Just 1/2 block South of Doubletree

(402) 391-7440

‘

Johnn s c

the original

Lunch & Dinner

MEXICAN Fernando’s Two Omaha Locations Two locations: 7555 Pacific St. (339-8006), 380 N. 114th St. (330-5707). Featuring Sonoran-style cooking made fresh daily. Catering and party rooms also available. Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun. 4 p.m.-9 p.m. AE-MC-V. $ Hector's Two Omaha Locations 3007 S. 83rd Plz. 391-2923, 1201 S. 157th St. 884-2272; Come to Hector's and enjoy authentic, traditional Mexican food including delicious seafood dinners and tender, juicy steak. Hector's West location features a salsa bar and tortilla machine; both locations have off-the-menu specials on week ends and an extensive kids' menus sure to please your young ones.

Where good steaks and good service never go out of style.

Serving Steaks, Seafood, Chicken, and more.

Paradise Bakery & Café Three Omaha Locations 168th & Dodge in Village Point, 120 Regency Parkway in Regency Court & 103rd & Pacific in One Pacific Place. Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. Sandwiches, Paninis, Soups and Salads are prepared fresh right in front of you to perfection. Cookies, muffins & breads are made from scratch and baked fresh throughout the day. We look forward to sharing “Paradise” with you. Call us for catering information. Hours of operation: MonSat 6am-8pm Sun 6am-6pm. We accept Visa, MC & AX $-$$

402-731-4774

27th & L Sts. Five minutes from downtown

Michael's At the market 346-1205 1102 Harney in the Old Market. Michael's features authentic Mexican food and drink in a casual atmosphere. Michael's "Free Pours" their Margaritas, one at a time, with a tradtional recipe used for over 31 years, Michael's truly is the "Home of The Real Margarita". Michael's is also known for having one of the largest selections of 100% Blue Agave Tequilas in the state of Nebraska. RoJA Mexican Grill 333-7652 Located just off Center west of 168th at 17010 Wright Plaza. RoJA features Tex-Mex cuisine with several interior Mexican dishes as well as a coastal influenced grill. The best house margaritas in town made with real lime juice and over 80 tequilas to chose from for an unbelievable margarita experience. Late night Happy Hour Fri. & Sat. 10p.m.-12a.m. Open Mon.-Sun. 11:00 am - Close.

ORIENTAL Grand Fortune 697-9888 (Omaha) Featuring traditional Chinese Dim Sum and authentic Cantonese dishes, as well as a conventional Chinese menu, dine upon a variety of items from Cantonese Style Duck to Hong Kong Chow Mein. Also featuring a menu for the diet-conscious and chefs cooking to order for your need with a full bar serving specialty drinks such as Mai Tai and Volcano, and other services like delivery and catering. Located in the Lakeside Hills Plaza at 173rd and West Center open from 11am-9:30pm SundayThursday, 11am-10:30pm Friday-Saturday. Phone: (402)697-9888 Fax: (402)697-4855 Website:www.grandfortunecuisine.com $ Mt. Fuji Inn 397-5049 (Omaha) 7215 Blondo St. For Japanese dining in the traditional atmosphere, take time to visit Mt. Fuji Inn. Specialties include fresh Sushi and Sashimi, Sukiyaki and Shrimp Tempura. Also featuring Cantonese Chinese dinners and appetizers. Dining in individual tea rooms is available by reservation. Enjoy one’s favorite beverages in the Mai Tai Lounge. Cocktail hour: Mon.-Thu. 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Dinner: Mon.-Thu. 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 5 p.m.-11 p.m. AE-DC-V. $

SEAFOOD Blue Sushi Sake Grill 445-2583 Located on SW Intersection of 144th & Maple at 14450 Eagle Run Drive. More than just Omaha’s freshest and most innovative sushi, Blue offers a creative mixture of Asian inspired grill dishes. The finest Omaha Steaks, chicken, and the freshest fish available are professionally prepared using traditional, as well as cutting-edge cooking techniques. Late night Happy Hour Fri. & Sat. 10p.m.-12a.m. Open Sun-5 to 9; M-11 to 10; T-11 to 10; W-11 to 10; F-11 to 11; Sat-11 to 11.

Always a Large Selection of Fresh Fish

4150 SOUTH 144TH STREET • OMAHA • 8949411 88

march/april | 2009

Charlie’s on the Lake (Omaha) 144th and F streets (894-9411). Charlie’s is the only fresh-fish daily seafood restaurant in Omaha. Featuring a relaxed, yet contemporary atmosphere that is fun for all ages. Besides fresh seafood, Charlie’s is the home of the James Bond style martini, shaken not stirred, in over 20 varieties, in addition to over 60 wines. Lunch: Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dinner: Mon.-Thu. 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 4:30 p.m.-11 p.m.; Sun. 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m. $ Islamorada Fish Company 712-325-5300 (Council Bluffs) Located just across the river in Council Bluffs Iowa on I-80 & I-29 next to Bass Pro Shops, Islamorada Fish Co. offers a relaxing escape to the Florida Keys. Start off with a drink at our full bar backed by a 13,000 gallon aquarium filled with exotic salt water fish. We offer Grouper, Mahi Mahi, Sushi-grade Tuna, Alligator and Shrimp. But we also feature such Midwest favorites as Steaks, Ribs, Rotisserie Chicken, Burgers and Pastas, as well as a full kids menu. We have a covered patio that overlooks our stocked pond, and our Lodge room can seat over 100 for special gatherings. Each weekday we feature a $5.99 lunch special, and each weeknight offers a different feature (scallops, fresh water fish, oyster bar, rotisserie meat). Check out fishcompany.com for our full menu and directions. AE-DC-MC-V $

Private Rooms Catering & Delivery 330-0440 fax:330-5433

www.grisantis.net

10875 W Dodge Rd. (Old Mill & 108th)

Sundays Brunch Buffet 10-2 Mon & Tues evenings Kids eat free Wednesdays: 1/2 off all bottles of wine

NOW FEATURING SUSHI & SASHIMI DINNERS Sukiyaki • Shrimp Tempura Teriyaki Steak • Cantonese Dinners • Family Style for Two or More • Intimate Tea Rooms Available • Reservations Preferred in Tea Rooms.

Try Our Famous Plus 20 Exciting Polynesian Cocktails and Delicious Cantonese Appetizers

Open 5pm Mon.- Sat. Closed Sun.

7215 BLONDO

397-5049

Omaha

MAI TAI LOUNGE OPEN

4:30 P.M.

Thank you for voting us Omaha’s Best Sports Bar two years running

Come for the food, stay for the fun large parties and families welcome

153rd & Q Streets, 614-2739 84th & Park Drive, 201-2739 www.brewskys.com

Monday:

Kids Eat Free 5-9PM

Tuesday & Thursday: All you can eat wings $12.99 all day Lunch Brake Specials: Starting at $4.99 Happy Hour: $2 Pints, $3 Talls(24oz), $1 OFF Well Drinks Lube Tubes $10.99, $2 Busch Lights

Live Music every friday night. www.omahapublications.com

3320 Mid America Drive • Council Bluffs, IA 51501 712.322.0101 • www.quakersteakandlube.com march/april | 2009

SPECIAL DINING Greek Islands 346-1528 (Omaha) 3821 Center St. Greek cuisine with specials every day at reasonable prices. Well known for our Gyro sandwiches and salads. We do catering and can accommodate a party for 65 guests. Carryout and delivery available. Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. AE-DC-MC-V. $ Horsemen's Park 402-731-2900 (Omaha) Horsemen’s Park located at 6303 Q Street. Happy Hour Mon-Wed from 5-9 p.m. - $1 pints, $1.75 domestic bottles and $2 well drinks. Tuesday 25¢ wings from 3-8 p.m. Wednesday - $5.95 Steak Night after 5:00 p.m. Thursday - 75¢ tacos and $1.75 margaritas after 5:00 p.m. Friday – $7.95 Prime Rib Dinner after 5:00 p.m. Daily specials 7 days a week. Open daily at 10:00 a.m. Check out our website at www.horsemenspark.com. TED & WALLY’S ICE CREAM 341-5827 Come experience the true taste of homemade ice cream at 12th & Jackson in the Old Market. Since 1986, we've created gourmet ice cream flavors in small batches using rock salt & ice. We offer your favorites plus unique flavors like Margarita, Green Tea, Guinness, and French Toast. Special orders available.

STEAKHOUSES Charleston’s 431-0023( O ma h a ) 13851 First National Bank Parkway. Casual, upbeat restaurant with modestly priced menu featuring American items prepared from $$ scratch daily. AE-DC-MC-VS The Drover 391-7440 2121 S. 73 St. (just 1/2 block south of Doubletree). Famous for our Whiskey Steaks! Serving seafood, chicken and chops. Fine wine in an intimate atmosphere. Casual attire. Lunch Mon-Fri 11am-2pm. Cocktail Hour 36pm Dinner nightly at 5pm. Reservations accepted. AE-DC-MC-V. $$$ Johnny’s Café – Since 1922 731-4774 (Omaha) 27th and L streets. Years of quality dining and hospitality make Johnny’s Café a restaurant to remember. Serving only the finest corn-fed beef the Midwest has to offer. Aged steaks and prime rib are the specialties, with homemade bread and pies to complete one’s meal. An excellent wine list adds to the enjoyment at one of Omaha’s original restaurants. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m. AE-MC-V. $$ Mahogany 445-4380 (Omaha) 13665 California St. Mahogany's steaks are the finest custom-aged U.S. corn-fed Prime Midwestern Beef served on a sizzling hot plate. Selections from the ocean include Australian Rock lobster and the freshest fish daily. Outstanding fine-dining service in a casual less intimidating environment make Mahogany one of Omaha's best. Reservations are recommended.

“You would be hard-pressed to find a more impressive restaurant.” – JOHN KEENAN

Omaha World-Herald

Omaha Prime 341-7040 (Omaha) 415 S. 11th St. (Old Market). Only restaurant featuring complete Prime beef. Open seven days a week, Mon.-Sat. 5 p.m.-close. $$-$$$ Passport Restaurant 344-3200 (Omaha) 1101 Jackson St. An elegant, but simplistic ambience highlights this upscale Old Market eatery. Serving Prime grade beef. Open at 5 p.m. seven days a week. $-$$ The Paxton Chop House Omaha 402-341-1222; www.paxtonchop.com; The Paxton Chop House is located just outside the Old Market at the corner of 14th and Farnam, convenient to all the downtown hotels. We only serve USDA prime grade aged steaks. In addition we offer a variety of jet fresh fish, live Maine lobster and four fresh oyster selections. Hours: MondaySaturday 5:00-10:00; Sunday 4:00-9:00 Piccolo’s Restaurant 342-9038 (Omaha) 2202 S. 20th St. One of Omaha’s finest traditions, where quality steaks are served at low prices. Especially designed for a family outing or a business social. The specialty is tasty prime rib, served for the last 60 years under the crystal ball. Daily lunches: Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dinner: Mon.-Thu. 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 4:30 p.m.-110:30 p.m. Daily and night specials. Sullivan’s 342-0077 (Omaha) Sullivan’s is a 1940s style steakhouse featuring the finest Nebraska grown steaks, fresh seafood, and unparalleled martinis. Live Jazz Music is performed seven nights a week in the lounge and patio seating is available. Open for lunch Monday thru Friday starting at 11:00am, dinner is served seven days a week starting at 5:00 pm and the lounge is open until $-$$$$ 1:00am! AE-DC-MC-VS

415 South 11th St. / Old Market (402) 341-7040 Reservations Recommended Open 5pm Monday-Saturday Party Room available www.omaha-prime.com

march/april | 2009

Buy One, Get One

Buy any delicious Dell entrée or beverage item at regular price and get a second item of equal or lesser value absolutely FREE. Double your pleasure today! (maximum value of $10)

“The Best in Casual Dining” 13851 First National Bank Parkway (West Dodge across from Girls and Boys Town)

402.431.0023

www.charlestons.com

Over 700 Single Malts

500 Kinds of Liquor • 230 Kinds of Beer Omaha’s Best Fish & Chips 5007 Underwood • Omaha, NE 68132 • (402) 553-9501 • www.dundeedell.com

The Greek Islands Full Bar • Carry Out • Dine In Catering For All Occasions Open Seven Days A Week

Fine

MEXICAN REAL MARGARITA FOOD HOME OF THE

Thank you for voting us Best of Omaha

(402) 346-1205

3821 Center 346-1528

Visa, MC, Diners & AMEX Accepted

OLD MARKET

11TH & HARNEY

Experience the Flavor ...

Online.

Rotella’s Italian Bakery Inc. invites you to experience the flavor and variety on our all new website. Sonoran Style Cooking Made Fresh Daily. Catering and Party Rooms Also Available. 7555 Pacific St. 399–8006 380 N.114 St. 330–5707

www.rotellasbakery.com

Omaha, Nebraska

The One and Only Family owned and operated for over 40 years. Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fri. - Sat. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sun. 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Serving Omaha’s Finest Families

Johnny Sortino’s

7880 ‘L’ Street • Omaha, NE 68127 (402) 339-5050 www.omahapublications.com

NEW FEATURES History / Interactive Timeline • Production Video Tour • New Product Listing & Photos • Taste and Texture Hi-lite • Wholesale Section • Family Favorite Recipes • Sales Rep Locator • march/april | 2009

Now Bigger & Better Burgers! Fresh Angus Beef Fresh Baked Buns Fresh Cut Fries 18 Free Toppings

REALLY GREAT FOOD

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Catering CATERING OFFICE 558-3333

VILLAGE POINTE

TAKES REALLY BIG THINKING

2429 S. 132ND ST. 402-758-9222

1040 S. 74TH PLZ. 402-884-6003

2579 S. 171ST CRT. 402-884-0430

4303 N. 72ND ST. 402-991-6675

2085 N. 120TH ST. 402-964-2760

84TH & PARK DR. NOW OPEN

168th & Dodge 934-5757

REGENCY COURT

120 REGENCY PKWY 9913000

ue Bellev rd illa and M ave Now H oms! Ro Party

Old Market 11th & Harney 614-9333

Benson 71st & Ames 333-6391

Bellevue 21st & Cornhusker 934-2300

Lakeside 173rd & West Center 333-8001

Council Bluffs 50 Arena Way 256-1221 (by the MAC)

Millard 120th & L 829-1616

PRIME STEAKS. . . FRESHEST SEAFOOD. . . ELEGANT SERVICE

1101 Jackson Street / Old Market / 344-3200 Reservations appreciated

march/april | 2009

www.passport-restaurant.com

ChefProfile

Where the Whole Family Has Fun!

HOMEMADE ICE CREAM AND PIES 5914 CENTER • 552-0552

Vicki Swartz

by Heather akerberg O’Connor’s Irish Pub 1217 Howard St. • Omaha, NE 68102 402-934-9790

2202 South 20th Street – Omaha

Family Restaurant • Fine Steaks Chicken • Seafood Party Rooms Available

342-9038 • 346-2865

Vicki

Swartz, executive chef of Brunette’s Bistro at 2101 N. 120th St., came to a culinary career through a series of serendipitous events. Vicki worked in marketing for several years in Chicago, where one Thanksgiving she decided to volunteer to cook dinner at an AIDS house. She ended up staying two years. That’s where Swartz caught the culinary bug. In 2000, Vicki came to visit her mother in Omaha. Swartz ended up taking a job in the kitchen at Happy Hollow Club. Her creativity and desire to learn caught the attention of the chefs. They started helping her to develop her ideas, teaching her techniques and offering guidance. Since then, Vicki has worked at Johnny’s Italian Steak House, Urban Wine Company, Prestige Bistro and Prestige World Class. The latter is where she first met Peyton and Jodi Pratt, owners of 120 Blondes and Brunette’s Bistro. “I hate to use the word ‘labor,’ but this is definitely a labor of love. I have a passion for what I do,” said Swartz. “I couldn’t do it otherwise.” Swartz has created a menu of “simple foods done right.” She says you’ll recognize everything on her menu, but that each of these familiar dishes will offer you new flavors. Take the restaurant’s most popular dish, Lavender Blossom Honey-Glazed Salmon, for instance. This dish’s delicate sweetness is coupled with whole grain mustard beurre blanc and grilled asparagus spears. A self-professed carnivore, Vicki says she usually goes for the short ribs, which she suggests you pair with Cline Cashmere. Brunette’s Bistro offers a thoughtful wine list full of offerings from “small boutique vineyards." Vicki recommends attending one of the monthly wine dinners, which feature a special menu and tastings from a selected vineyard (call for schedule: 402/933-8780).

www.omahapublications.com

march/april | 2009

Story by John Carroll

Yes, i am ... a Ruralpolitan The day I realized I had become a Ruralpolitan was the day a clump of turkey poop and straw fell off the bottom of my Kenneth Coles as I uncrossed my legs sitting in a meeting smack dab in the middle of Miracle Hills. Luckily, no one noticed. I slowly scooted and slid the chunk of future fertilizer under my chair. After the meeting adjourned, I grabbed the poop clod and quickly threw it away. I realized my conversion from city kid to Ruralpolitan was complete. I had actually grabbed a chunk of turkey poop with my bare hands without giving it a second thought. I think I have always been a closet Ruralpolitan. When I was 13, I converted my closet into a chicken coop; the problem was that I lived in a split-level in the middle of Omaha. On top of that, my parents had no idea that I managed to haul in lumber and chicken wire into my bedroom. Shortly after completing the closet coop, I found a hatchery catalog and ordered a box of chicks. I even had the audacity to order them COD. Mom intercepted the package and they never made it to my bedroom. To say that I was grounded is a colossal understatement. Fast forward roughly 30 years and I am living my boyhood dream. I now understand that a Ruralpolitan is a professional who was a city mouse who yearns to be a country mouse for

march/april | 2009

reasons that only country mice can understand. I am lucky enough to be blessed to live on 20 acres. Oh, yeah, I finally got my chickens. One turned into two, which turned into 20 soon to be followed by turkeys, ducks, sheep and goats. Noah has nothing on me. As a Ruralpolitan, my biggest dilemma in the morning is whether to feed and water with or without hair product. You see, when it is below zero, hats are a must. If you do your hair first, it is all kinds of jacked up for the rest of the day. You go from bed head to farm head and no one looks good in that. Finally, there is something about running around with your Diesel jeans tucked into your muck boots that only a fellow Ruralpolitan could understand. Sometimes, you have to do chores before going out and there is no time for a costume change. Crazily, it is only now that my life feels truly complete among the chaos of deadlines, meetings, watering, hatching and feeding. I have traded the Bud Light for Mojitos made from mint grown in my Mojito garden. I eat scrambled eggs that come straight out of a free-range chicken’s butt and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. So if you invite us over for dinner and find a chunk of turkey poop under your dining room table when we leave, don’t be grossed out, consider it good luck, and bury it in your favorite plant.

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