July/August 2010 Omaha Magazine

Faces • style • Home • events • art • Dining

PAGE 37

Time to Vote!

Best of Omaha® 2011 At Home With Rose Mary Berry J U LY/AU G U S T

Riverfront

Wine Festival 2010

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OMAHA MAGAZINE • 5921 S. 118TH CIRCLE • OMAHA, NE 68137

Luxury Homes CoLLeCtion 5505 No. 230th Street, Elkhorn

$5,995,000

701 So. 96th Street

$2,400,00

220 No. 62nd Street

$1,350,000

Spectacular gated executive retreat overlooks Elkhorn River Valley. This home sits on 13.05 acres w/additional 84.71 acres inc in price. 5 FP, granite flrs/counters, theatre room, wine cellar.

2 story kennel/workshop w/1200 sq .ft. living quarters above.

One of Omaha’s most incredible homes! Handcrafted FP, imported stone/marble baths, unbelievable kitchen/hearthroom.

Fabulous master bedroom suite w/double baths, spacious entertainment areas all surrounded by lush landscaping.

Stunning Fairacres original beyond your expectations. The perfect mix of location, state-of-the-art updates and vintage architectural details. Extreme attention to quality & true livability characterize this beautiful home. 6BR, 8 BA. See virtual tour!

Nancy Kehrli • 690.1099

Sharon Marvin • 689.2380

Jeff Rensch • 391.5333

$1,100,000

16358 Cheyenne Road

1517 No. 190th Street

$839,950

Quarry Oaks Area

$797,500

Exceptional showcase property designed for entertaining.

Imported tile entry flows into pillared circular dining room and into the grand scale kitchen. Fabulous bathrooms and lavish MBR. 2 Story LR has window wall and circular stairs up/down.

Beyond the welcoming wrap around porch, you will enjoy the tall ceilings, extra-wide stair case, upper level family room with real wood burning FP, gourmet kitchen with oversized granite island.

Finished w/o on LL. This home has a timeless look & feel.

A very special private property only 30 mins W of Westroads. 3 yr old ranch sits on 58 acres with outstanding views! Surrounded by 500 beautiful trees, 4 state parks with nationally rated Quarry Oaks Golf Course nearby. Cherry floors, granite, 2 MABR Suites.

Jim Marriott • 681.1181

BJ Brown • 681.7774

Harold Johnson • 740.5400

3405 No. 143rd Street

$775,000

11811 No. 58th Circle

$699,950

116 So. 127th Plaza

$650,000

Captivating home situated on the 16th fairway of the prestigious Champions Golf Course. New granite countertops, new windows, Trex Decks and new carpeting throughout most of the home. Main floor master bedroom with FP, balcony and luxurious BA.

Incredible custom built ranch, secluded acreage subdivision only 2 min from I-680 No. of 72nd St. Beautiful wooded 4+ acre lot located in a natural wildlife corridor. Featuring exotic hrwd floors, 3 FP, home theater, Thermador appliances, surround sound.

Captivating 1-1/2 story on “Park Like” lot in gated community.

Quality craftsmanship and European flair. Dramatic foyer, soaring ceilings, many built ins, gourmet kitchen/living area & all amenities. Oversized LL w/surround sound, 2nd kitchen & more.

Kristen Wehner Jacobsen • 672.7701

Susan Hancock • 215.7700

Dave Egan • 598.5151

9980 So. 162nd Street

$640,000

17515 Douglas Street

$567,000

24999 Hackberry, Council Bluffs

$450,000

Custom built home on 1+ acre wooded lot, 10+ ft ceilings, stamped concrete, Pella windows & doors, granite counters, birch cabinets, wood floors, Heritage roof, master suite w/sitting room. Elevator, 2 story entry, Trex deck & finished lower level.

Stunning European Villa w/luxurious details. Over $150k in custom additions since purchased in 2007. Dramatic ceilings, coffered detailing, arches/niches, plank birch & travertine flring. Gourmet kitchen, luxurious MABR, LL rec room with full bar.

Beautiful 4 BR, 4 BA, 3 car gar, w/o ranch sits on 8+ acres. New granite counters in kitchen & main floor baths, new stainless steel appliances w/ double oven. New carpet & paint. Luxurious MABR & BA with FP, huge closet. Heated floors in garage & LL.

Deb Hopkins • 659.7200

Angela May • 709.4908

Kristen Kirwan • 637.5800

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ERIC CHURCH

WITH SPECIAL GUEST WOLFMOTHER

August 8

September 9

September 2

August 29

DAVID GRAY & RAY LAMONTAGNE

PHOENIX

SOCIAL DISTORTION

TRAIN

WITH NEEDTOBREATHE

JIMMY CLIFF

August 28

August 13

August 9

PRIMUS & GOGOL BORDELLO

DIERKS BENTLEY

AL GREEN

August 10

JOAN JETT AND THE BLACKHEARTS

REO SPEEDWAGON & PAT BENATAR

TESLA

HUEY LEWIS & THE NEWS

THE BLACK CROWES September 16

July 31

August 1

WITH SPECIAL GUESTS KRIS ALLEN & ANGEL TAYLOR

August 6

BARENAKED LADIES

July 15

July 11

July 9

July 8

O N NO SA W LE

DEREK TRUCKS & SUSAN TEDESCHI BAND

Tickets available by phone at 888.512.SHOW or online at www.stircove.com Must be 21 or older to enter the Outdoor Concert Cove. Schedule and artists subject to change. Must be 21 or older to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-BETSOFF (In Iowa) or 1-800-522-4700. ©2010, Harrah’s License Company, LLC.

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july/august | 2010

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J U LY / AU G U S T 2 0 1 0 VOLUME 27 • I SSU E 3 publisher

Now: check out Omaha Magazine online. Using flipbook technology to give you a whole new magazine reading experience.

todd lemke editor

sandra lemke events editor

corey ross assistant editor

linda persigehl art director/graphic design

matt jensen

assistant graphic design

john gawley arts editor

kim carpenter photography

image director: bill sitzmann head photographer: philip s. drickey technical advisor

tyler lemke

contributing writers

judy horan • kristine gerber molly garriott • l e o a d a m b i g a heather lane • elizabeth elliott john fischer • jared spence bill cornell • sallie elliott vice president

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

features

on the Cover: roBert Bolden oF WineStyleS akSarBen, JenniFer koCher, event ProduCer oF the riverFront Wine FeStival and emily lauritzen oF the Junior leaGue oF omaha .

FEATURE ............................................ 62

BEST OF OMAHA 2011

COVER STORY ................................ 20 RIVERFRONT WINE FESTIVAL

FEATURE .......................................... 64 NEBRASKA BALLOON CLUB PAGE 20

FEATURE .......................................... 73 NEBRASKA WINE TOUR

depar tments For StarterS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Calendar oF eventS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 0 omaha art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 7 Generation o . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 9 omaha FaCeS: JuStin Beller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 0 omaha FaCeS: thomaS Sena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2 omaha Style: SuSan heim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 4 AT HOME WITH GALA ......................................................................................................... 37 Editor’s Letter .................................................................................................................................41 Cover Story: Cassling Education Center at the Holland ..........................42 Behind the mic: Alexa Hampton ............................................................................46 The Scoop: MMI Big Splash .......................................................................................48 Galas, Etc................................................................................................................................50 Omaha Children’s Museum Benefit ......................................................................51 CSI Cabaret ...........................................................................................................................51 Creighton University Kicks for a Cure ..................................................................52 Salvation Army DJ’s Heroes Awards Luncheon ............................................52 UNMC Luncheon to Honor Yanneys....................................................................53 Sand in the City .................................................................................................................53 Susan G. Komen for the Cure ...................................................................................54 Carson Wealth Golf Tournament ............................................................................54 Nebraska Humane Society Black Tie and Tails ...............................................55 Project Harmony Golf Tournament.......................................................................55 Habitat For Humanity Women Build....................................................................56 Kids Can Community Center Luncheon ...........................................................56 UNMC Kaleidoscope Luncheon..............................................................................57 Omaha Symphony Splendor in the Grass ......................................................57 Ollie Webb Center Wine Gala ...................................................................................58 Joslyn Art Museum Association Gala ..................................................................58

OMAHA AUTO: TIRE SAFETY. . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 2 OMAHA HOME At Home With: Rose Mary Berry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..59 Transformations EXTRA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..76 Transformations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 DINING OUT Restaurant Review: Wave Bistro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 Dining Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 Chef Profile: Chris Janicek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97 YESTERDAY & TODAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

GALA

CHEF PROFILE

Pages 26-74 are included for city readers and subscribers only but can be viewed at www.readonlinenow.com.

Owned and managed by Omaha Magazine, LTD www.readonlinenow.com

july/august | 2010

7

Omaha

This is

Midtown Crossing 3333 Farnam St. Saturdays 9 a.m. – Noon Through September 4

Aksarben Village 67th & Center www.omahafarmersmarket.com Sundays 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Through September 5

Omaha Farmers' Market

Market Share Farmers’ Markets All Over Omaha The allure of the farmers’ market is simple – it’s that Old World charm. Morning air, freshly picked produce and flowers combined with dog walkers and smiling faces make for a relaxing weekend activity. July and August are prime farmers’ market months.

Benson Military Ave. at Maple Saturdays 8 a.m. to 12:00 noon Through September 25 Old Market 11th & Jackson www.omahafarmersmarket.com Saturdays 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Through October 9

Prairie Cats

8

july/august | 2010

Village Pointe 168th & Dodge www.villagepointeshopping.com Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Southeast parking area along Burke Street Through October 3

Jazz on the Green Moves to Midtown Crossing at Turner Park Omaha Performing Arts announced in January that it would adopt the popular music series from Joslyn Art Museum. The free concerts have now found a new, bigger home at Midtown Crossing at Turner Park.

“The opportunity to present Jazz on the Green in such an ideal outdoor space just made sense for everyone, from the performers to the patrons,” said Joan Squires, president of Omaha Performing Arts.

“We’re grateful to all of our sponsors and partners for helping to ensure this event remains an Omaha favorite for years to come.” Sponsors for the event include Blue Cross Blue Shield, Mutual of Omaha and Omaha Steaks.

"This is exactly the type of community event we had in mind for Turner Park when we decided to expand and improve the public space adjacent to the Midtown Crossing development," said Ken Cook, president of East Campus Realty, the Mutual of Omaha subsidiary that owns Midtown Crossing. "The location is perfect, the parking is plentiful and we look forward to watching this series grow."

All shows take will take place Thursday evenings this summer from July 8 to August 12, starting at 7 p.m.

Venue opens at 5 p.m. Thousands of free parking spaces are available starting at 4:30 p.m.

Blankets, chairs, and outside food and drink are welcome!

Midtown Crossing offers convenient and secure parking for more than 3,000 vehicles. Two parking garages are easily accessible from 33rd, Farnam and Harney Streets. In both garages, the first three hours are free, and visitors pay only $1 for each hour thereafter (with a maximum fee of $6). Seating in the center bowl of Turner Park, the circular area with a direct view of the stage, will be permitted beginning at 5 PM. The green spaces outside the bowl will be available before 5 PM on the day of the concert.

www.omahapublications.com

Now Open

10th & Dodge Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band Thursday, July 8 • 7:00 p.m.

One of the nation’s top percussionists, Sanchez won a Grammy for his Latin Soul album. His music weaves spirited tales that pay homage to a tradition born when Afro-Cuban rhythms merge with bebop Tizer Thursday, July 15 • 7:00 p.m.

This talented “Best New Jazz Artist” nominee, who last played in Omaha in 2007, self-produced and released his first three solo keyboard recordings by the age of seventeen. Since then he’s appeared at premier venues across the country and has sold more than 90,000 recordings, receiving acclaim in the industry’s most respected publications.

The Sugar Thieves Thursday, July 22, 2010 • 7:00 PM The high energy Sugar Thieves will steal the sweetness right out of your bowl when they play their sultry blues and danceable grooves. One of Phoenix Valley’s brightest up and coming bands, they won the Arizona Blues Competition two years in a row and were finalists in last year’s International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee.

Prairie Cats with Grand Marquis Thursday, July 29, 2010 • 7:00 PM The Cats played Jazz on the Green in 2001, 2003 and 2005, breaking attendance records. Lead Cat, Jeff Koterba, political cartoonist with the Omaha WorldHerald, describes their work as “original music with a rock approach to jazz.”

The five-member Grand Marquis Band, selected as Kansas City’s best jazz group for several years, delivers its own brand of music the band describes as “old-school jump blues, rockabilly and fiery jazz balled up into one big hit of red hot rhythm ‘n’ roll.”

Orquesta Alto Maiz Thursday, August 5, 2010 • 7:00 PM Living in America’s heartland, these musicians have made several trips to Cuba to study the masters of Cuban folkloric music. The result is a sound usually found in the clubs of New York City or Miami, earning them a reputation as one of the hottest bands in the Midwest.

BodiesOmaha.com

PREMIER EXHIBITIONS

Luigi Inc. — A Tribute to Luigi Waites Thursday, August 12, 2010 • 7:00 PM The finale will be a fitting tribute to Luigi Waites and his impact on the local jazz scene. His band, Luigi Inc., continues on, and will be joined for the second set and grand finale by several special guests who will pay homage to the talents of the late, great Luigi Waites.

Wild West Days Durham Museum The governor has proclaimed Saturday July 24th the National Day of the American Cowboys. To celebrate, The Durham Museum will host Wild West Day filled with famous cowboy reenactments, special presentations about famous train robbers and even a shoot-out on the museum’s parking deck. Visit www.durhammuseum. orgfor more information.

Durham Museum

Photo credit: wild west creations.

www.readonlinenow.com

An Exhibition of Real Human Bodies

Stop in to See What we do With Glass.

From Entryways to Cabinets.

Use Your Imagination.

Rainbow Artistic Glass

• Bel Air Plaza St. 330-7676 330-7676 • 3709 S 138th (138th &Road, B St.) Suite 505 12100 West Center www.rainbowartisticglass.com www.rainbowartisticglass.com

july/august | 2010

9

CALENDAR of events

www.visitomaha.com

Compiled by Sandy Lemke ists, Sanchez won a Grammy for his Latin Soul album. His music weaves spirited tales that pay homage to a tradition born when Afro-Cuban rhythms merge with bebop. Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, 31st & Dodge Sts. Venue opens at 5 p.m., concert starts at 7 p.m.

7/8: Joslyn Late ‘til 8: An Evening of French Wine, Dance, & Design. Joslyn Art Museum.

Thursday, July 8 Celebrating Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism Picnic in the lush landscape of the sculpture garden (bring your own or purchase dinner outdoors at the Museum); cash bar available. Or with a separate ticket, enjoy a French wine tasting - details to be announced soon. 6:00 p.m. 2200 Dodge St. 342-3300. www.joslyn.org.

7/8: Barenaked Ladies with Special Guest Kris Allen & Angel Taylor. Stir Cove. Barenaked Ladies is a Grammy-nominated alternative rock band from Canada with the hits “It’s All Been Done,” “The Old Apartment” and “One Week.” Doors 6 p.m./Show 7:30 p.m. General Admission $38; DOS $43. Harrah’s Council Bluffs. www.harrahscouncilbluffs.com.

Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band performing at Jazz on the Green at Midtown Crossing July 8.

CHECK IT! Dates and times are current as of press time but please call ahead to confirm.

ONGOING EVENT 7/1: Joslyn Late ‘til 8: Evening in the Americas. Joslyn Art Museum. Think thoughts of glorious Central and South America as you learn of its native iconography with Eileen Burke-Sullivan of Creighton University’s department of theology at 6:30 pm.

Outdoors in the amphitheatre, go on a musical exploration of the Americas with a 6 pm performance of American folk music by Chris Sayre and, at 7 pm, experience Andean folk music and learn of South American cultures with Oscar Rios Pohirieth. Inside, kids will have fun making a simple folk toy and adults will enjoy a 6 pm screening of this renowned 1990 film about the first great Latin American poet: I the Worst of All: The Story of Sor Juana de la Cruz.

Be sure to come “fully charged” for cell phone games that will keep you on the move in the gardens.

Bring a picnic or purchase dinner at Café Durham; cash bar available. Museum docents will be on hand in Joslyn’s Hitchcock Gallery 3 to provide information about Art of the Americas. Docents will also provide a guided tour of the Peter Kiewit Foundation Sculpture Garden at 7:00 pm, and Discovery Garden guidance 5:307:30 pm. Exclusively for Joslyn members - stop by the West End Lounge - a relaxing club-like spot at the atrium’s west end under the Chihuly chandelier, overlooking the Veach Atrium Garden.

Comfortable seating, a cash bar, and enticing nibbles from Whole Foods Market make it special. 6:00

10

p.m. 2200 Dodge St. 342-3300 www.joslyn.org.

7/1 - 8/1: Bodies…The Exhibition. $22 adults; $18 seniors & students; $14 children Sun-Thurs/10am-8pm; Fri&Sat/10am-10pm. 1002 Dodge St. 877-263-4375. www.bodiesomaha.com.

7/1 - 8/29: We Lived It: Nebraska Storm Stories. The Durham Museum. Every year Nebraska endures severe weather of all kinds: destructive tornadoes, blinding snow storms, and pounding rains. Some years are worse than others. We Lived It: Nebraska Storm Stories chronicles the 1948/1949 blizzard, 1952 flood, and 1975 Omaha tornado.

Tues-Sun/10a.m. - 5 p.m. 801 S. 10th St. 444-5071. www.durhammuseum.org.

7/1 - 9/4: Hopey Changey Things. Bemis Center for Contemporary Art. HOPEY CHANGEY THINGS celebrates artists who transform places, communities and subjective histories.

Plato thought artists disturbed social order by traversing classes, yet their unique ability to infiltrate social structures allows omniscient perspectives. Artists have long harbored utopian impulses, both in creating the dream and digging through its ruins; however the current collapse of political and economic structures has rendered normalcy exotic. The artists in this exhibition have adopted a kind of radical pragmatism; their

july/august | 2010

sense of wonder is tempered by making do with what’s at hand to produce work of subtle and sweeping import for their worlds.

724 S. 12 St. 341-7130. www. bemiscenter.org.

7/1 - 9/12: Nature Unleashed: Inside Natural Disasters. The Durham Museum. Visitors are in for a memorable and powerful experience! Witness what it’s like to stand inside a roaring tornado; trigger an underwater earthquake and simulate a tsunami; create a virtual volcano; touch and examine rock and lava specimens that tell of past geologic events; discover how people adapt to living at risk; and be inspired by the resiliency of disaster survivors.

Tues-Sun/10am $7 adults; $6 ages 62+; $6 ages 3-12 $5 age 2&under.

801 S. 10th St. 444-5071. www. durhammuseum.org.

THURSDAYS: South 24th Street Omaha Walking Tour. Tour will start at El Museo Latino. A 60-90 minute guided walking tour of approximately 6 blocks along South 24th Street between L and O Streets - the tour highlights history, architecture, local businesses, culture, and the arts.

Thur/4:30pm; Sat/11am $10/ person; discount for groups of 10+. 4701 S. 25 St. Contact: Vince Furlong 709-2586. For more information: http://south24thomahatour.com.

JULY EVENTS 7/2: Village Walk in Rockbrook Village. Rockbrook Village. Come

into Rockbrook Village the first Friday of summer months, just before the Concerts start at 7 PM. Set up your chair at 5 PM, then stroll around the Village, shopping and dining. Rockbrook merchants will have something unusual or special that evening.

It’s never the same each time!

Come be delighted and surprised.

5 p.m. 108th & Center. 390-1890. www.rockbrookvillage.com.

7/4: Super Diamond. Stir Cove.

Super Diamond delivers a highoctane Neil Diamond tribute show playing all of his hits including “Sweet Caroline” and “Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show.”

Stay after the show for Harrah’s Annual Fireworks Extravagnaza.

Doors 6 p.m./Show 8 p.m. General Admission $20; DOS $25. Harrah’s Council Bluffs. www.harrahscouncilbluffs.com.

7/2: Rockbrook Village Concert Series: Street Railray Dixieland Band.

Rockbrook Village.

Dixieland 7 p.m. 108th & Center.

390-1890. www.rockbrookvillage. com.

7/6: Widespread Panic.

Orpheum Theater. 7:30 p.m. $35. www.ticketomaha.com.

7/3: Justin Bieber. Qwest Center Arena. Bieber Fever rules: As millions of fans count down the days until the release of his second album, MY WORLD 2.0, 13 year old platinum-selling pop singing sensation Justin Bieber announces his first headlining tour of North America, the “My World” Tour. Bieber’s first album was My World, and he became the first solo artist in history to send four songs from a debut album into the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 prior to the album’s release. 7 p.m. $51.50, $41.50. www.qwestcenteromaha.com.

7/3: The Vibes at Village Pointe Summer Concert Series. Village Pointe Shopping Center. Quartus: Rock, Blues & Reggae Pop 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Free. 168th & W. Dodge Rd. www.villagepointeshopping.com.

7/7 - 8/1: Defending the Caveman. Omaha Community Playhouse.

Defending the Caveman is the longest running solo play in Broadway history. It’s a hilariously insightful examination of the ways men and women relate. Besides its amusing catalog of instantly recognizable traits that differentiate the sexes, the underlying message is that out of these differences springs the potential for bridge building rather that perpetual warfare.

One critic wrote of the writer Rob Becker, “His affection for women, in tandem with his light-hearted defense of men, puts him in a win-win situation. In his hands, the fireworks of the sexual revolution have been melted into friendly fire.” 6915 Cass St. 5530800. www.omahaplayhouse.org.

7/8: Jazz on the Green at Midtown Crossing: Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band. One of the nation’s top percussion-

7/8 - 8/1: Mountain Birds.

Shelterbelt Theatre. A new play

by Maddie Radcliff. A family retreat becomes a chance for sisters to reminisce, to share hopes and fears, and to face some unexpected news. 3225 California St. 341-2757. http://shelterbelt.org.

7/9: Rockbrook Village Concert Series: Nightwing. Rockbrook Village. Pop and Country 7 p.m.

108th & Center. 390-1890 www. rockbrookvillage.com.

7/9: Eric Church with Radney Foster. Stir Cove. Eric Church is a high-energy, rockin’ country music artist with the hits “How ‘Bout You,” “Guys Like Me” and “Love Your Love the Most.” Doors 6 p.m./Show 8 p.m. General Admission $25/DOS $30. Harrah’s Council Bluffs. www.harrahscouncilbluffs.com.

7/9: Film Streams: “I Am Love” First-Run (R) Directed by Luca Guadagnino. “A feast for the senses…[Oscar-winner] Tilda Swinton turns in a stunning performance as the central muse of a tale about the irresistible draw of forbidden passion.” (Sundance Film Festival Guide) In Italian/Russian/ English. Italy; 120 min. Ruth Sokolof Theater, 1340 Webster St. 933-0259. www.filmstreams.org 7/9 - 7/10: Riverfront Jazz & Blues. Lewis & Clark Landing. 4 p.m. $38 - $50. www.ticketomaha. com.

7/10: Second Saturday Supper for July - Underground. bemisUNDERGROUND. Please join members of the Bemis Center staff, along with the artists currently exhibiting in the Underground for a community potluck dinner. Every second Saturday of the month at

www.omahapublications.com

July & August

2010

6pm, you’ll have an opportunity to share a meal with a different group of artists, patrons, collectors and community members. The guest list will always be different, but an evening of interesting food and conversation, surrounded by great art work is guaranteed. Due to space limitations, we are only able to seat 30 guests each month.

If you’d like to attend, just RSVP to rsvp@bemiscenter.org by July 10th. Please include the number of people you’ll be bringing with you (children are welcome!) -- and be sure to use “RSVP” in your subject line. The first 30 people to RSVP will receive a confirmation email. if you aren’t able to make this month’s dinner, please try again next month. Please bring a dish of your all time favorite food to share with the group. Your contribution should be ready to serve when you arrive, sorry, we don’t have a lot of prep room available. Also -- the event is BYOB, please feel free to bring a beverage for yourself. or to share with the table. Water and coffee will be provided. 6-9 p.m.

724 S. 12 St. 341-7130. For more information:rsvp@bemiscenter.org www.bemisunderground.org.

7/10: The Vibes at Village Pointe Summer Concert Series. Village Pointe Shopping Center. Bullseye: Classic Country, Rock & Current Hits 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Free. 168th & W. Dodge Rd. www.villagepointeshopping.com.

7/10 – 22: Film Streams: “The Adventures of Robin Hood” 1938 (PG). Directed by Michael Curtiz & William Keighley.

Other actors have sported the trademark bow and arrow in the decades since, but Errol Flynn’s joyful portrayal of the heroic outlaw remains the gold standard. Part of Film Streams’ Forever Young family & Children’s series. Ruth Sokolof Theater, 1340 Webster St. 9330259. www.filmstreams.org 7/11 - 8/13: Music and Movies.

Each Music and Movies evening will feature a performance by a local music group followed by a film presented in the Holland Center's outdoor courtyard.

The courtyard will open at 7:30 p.m. and the first 100 guests will receive gifts from Cox. The music will begin at 7:45 p.m. and the film at 8:45 p.m. Grass seating will be limited, but blankets and chairs are encouraged. Food and beverage including wine will be available for purchase; no outside food, drink or pets are permitted. Holland Performing Arts Center, 11th &Douglas Sts. For schedule see www.omahaperformingarts.org 7/11: Tesla with Kory and the Fireflies. Stir Cove. Tesla is a multi-platinum hard rock band with the hits “Little Suzie,” “Signs” and “Love Song.” Doors 6 p.m./ Show 8 p.m. General Admission $25/DOS $30. Harrah’s Council Bluffs. www.harrahscouncilbluffs.com.

7/12: Lyle Lovett and his Large Band. Holland Performing Arts Center. 7:30 p.m. $35 - $95. 13th & Douglas. www.ticketomaha. com.

7/13: River City History Tour: Millionaires & Mansions. The Durham Museum. Millionaires & Mansions will explore Omaha’s Gold Coast and Cathedral neighborhoods, where the entrepreneurs of early Omaha built their opulent homes. The tour will visit the former homes of influential Omahans such as Arthur Metz, Louis Nash, Sam Mercer, George Joslyn, and Arthur and Zerlina Brandeis, noting their contributions to the growth of the city. 6 p.m. $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers. 801 S. 10th St. 444-5071. For more information:Brittany bkneip@ durhammuseum.org www.durhammuseum.org.

7/14: Film Streams: “Beyond the Motor City” 7 p.m. Director Aaron Woolf In Person. Part of PBS’s “Blueprint America” series, BEYOND THE MOTOR CITY examines how Detroit, a symbol of America’s diminishing status in the world, may come to represent the future of transportation and progress. USA; 86 min.

Director Aaron Woolf will moderate a post-show discussion on how the issues in the film relate to Omaha. Presented by the City of Omaha Planning Department, Environment Omaha, Live Well Omaha Kids, Omaha By Design, and Film Streams. FREE. Ruth Sokolof Theater, 1340 Webster St. 933-0259. www.filmstreams. org 7/15: Joslyn Late ‘til 8: Celebrating Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism.

Joslyn Art Museum. Soprano Charlotte Shields and pianist Victory Sedlacek will perform music and poetry from the age of Impressionism surrounded by masterpieces from the Brooklyn Museum of Art at 6:30 pm. Dean Short Talent will put on a charming marionette/puppet show in the garden at 6 pm and 7 pm.

Also outside, observe the gardens and draw them in pastel, or paint them using using Q-tips.

Indoors, Museum docents will be on-hand at 5:30 pm for guided tours of Impressionism in the special exhibition and permanent collection. At 6 pm, see the Oscar-nominated Camille Claudel (1988) an intense film about the sculptor, mistress of Rodin, and her descent into madness. Plan to picnic in the garden - bring your own or purchase dinner outdoors at the Museum; cash bar available. And be sure to come “fully charged” for cell phone games that will keep you on the move in the gardens. A docentguided tour of the Peter Kiewit Sculpture Foundation Sculpture Garden begins at 7:00 pm, and Discovery Garden guidance will be offered from 5:30-7:30 pm.

Exclusively for Joslyn members - stop by the West End Lounge

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This is not an offer to sell, or solicitation of an offer to buy, real property. Purchasers should review the Federal Property Report prior to signing a contract. No federal or state agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. Prices, plans, products, and availability are subject to change without notice.

Artists’ renderings are shown for illustrative purposes only. Designated Broker: Sandra S. Lent, Shoreline Marketing, Inc., 360 N. Michigan Ave. Ste. 910, Chicago, IL 60601, (312) 750-1610. ©2009 Midtown Crossing, a Mutual of Omaha Mixed-Use Development. All Rights Reserved. All contents herein are copyrighted and may not be used without permission.

july/august | 2010

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CALENDAR of events

www.visitomaha.com July & August

2010

Reilly, Jonah Hill, and Catherine Keener. USA; 92 min. Ruth Sokolof Theater, 1340 Webster St. 933-0259. www.filmstreams.org 7/16: Rockbrook Village Concert Series: Bill Ritchie Quartet. Rockbrook Village. Jazz Standards 7 p.m. 108th & Center.

390-1890. www.rockbrookvillage.com.

7/16 - 7/18: NKC Dog Show 2010. Qwest Center Arena. http://www.nebraskakennelclub.com/showevents10.html.

"Music and Movies" at the Holland Center starts July 11.

- a relaxing, club-like spot at the atrium’s west end under the Chihuly chandelier, overlooking the Veach Atrium Garden.

Comfortable seating, a cash bar, and enticing nibbles from Whole Foods Market make it special.

5:30 p.m. 2200 Dodge St. 3423300. www.joslyn.org.

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7/15: REO Speedwagon & Pat Benatar with Keaton Simons.

Stir Cove. REO Speedwagon is a classic rock band that has sold over 40 million albums worldwide producing their hits “Keep on Loving You” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling.” They’re joining forces with Grammy award-winning rocker Pat Benatar playing her hits “Heartbreaker,” “Hit Me with Your Best Shot” and “Love is

july/august | 2010

a Battlefield.” Doors 6 p.m./Show 7 p.m. General Admission $40/ DOS $45. Harrah’s Council Bluffs. www.harrahscouncilbluffs.com.

7/16: Film Streams: “Cyrus” First-Run (R). Directed by Jay & Mark Duplass. An insightful, funny, and sometimes heartbreaking look at love and family in contemporary Los Angeles, featuring Marisa Tomei, John C.

7/17: The Vibes at Village Pointe Summer Concert Series.

Village Pointe Shopping Center.

The Vybe: Top 40 Dance & Rock Hits 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Free. 168th & W. Dodge Rd. www.villagepointeshopping.com.

7/17 - 7/18: Railroad Days.

Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha’s Botanical Center. An annual celebration of all things train and track. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. $10 per family. 100 Bancroft St. www. omahabotanicalcenter.org.

7/17 - 10/3: Rhythms of the Heart: Illustration of Ashley Bryan. Joslyn Art Museum.

Rhythms of the Heart features linoleum prints; pencil, pen, and

ink drawings; and watercolor, gouache, and tempera paintings — nearly 70 artworks from 21 books. Among those represented are All Night, All Day: A Child’s First Book of African American Spirituals, Ashley Bryan’s ABC of African American Poetry, Let it Shine, The Night Has Ears: African Proverbs, and Beautiful Blackbird. 2200 Dodge St. 3423300. www.joslyn.org.

7/18 - 7/23: National Special Olympics Competitors Free Admission. Strategic Air and Space Museum. I-80 exit #426.

944-3100. www.sasmuseum. com.

7/22: The Quiz. bemisUNDERGROUND. Think you know your Monet’s from your Manet’s? Your Op Art from your Pop Art? Can you recite your YBAs faster than your ABCs? Well then, you just might be ready for The Quiz – the Bemis Underground’s trivia challenge for art geeks and fact freaks. July’s host: local artist and professor, Wanda Ewing. 7 p.m.

724 S. 12 St. 341-7130. www. bemisunderground.org.

7/22: Joslyn Late ‘til 8: Against the Current, Against the Wind: An Evening of Native American Exploration. Joslyn

Art Museum. Omaha (meaning those going against the current or the wind) Indian history will be shared at 6:30 pm by Rudi Mitchell of Creighton University’s department of sociology and anthropology. A telling lecture for all Omahans and those interested in knowing more about our city’s namesake tribe. Learn beading and ribbon work from Valery Killscrow Copeland and relax to the haunting sounds of Native American flute played by Michael Murphy. Be sure to come “fully charged” for cell phone games that will keep you on the move in the gardens. Bring a picnic or purchase dinner at Café Durham; cash bar available. Prior to the gallery talk, Museum docents will be available in Joslyn’s Durham Gallery to provide information about Joslyn’s American Indian holdings. A guided tour of the Peter Kiewit Sculpture Garden will begin at 7:00 pm. Exclusively for Joslyn members - stop by the West End Lounge - a relaxing, club-like spot at the atrium’s west end under the Chihuly chandelier, overlooking the Veach Atrium Garden. Comfortable seating, a cash bar, and enticing nibbles from Whole Foods Market make it special. 6:30 p.m. 2200 Dodge St. 342-3300. www.joslyn.org.

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july/august | 2010

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www.visitomaha.com July & August

2010

"Beyond Impressionism" at the Joslyn Art Museum through September 12.

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7/23: Rockbrook Village Concert Series: The Igniters.

Rockbrook Village. Classic Rock 7 p.m. 108th & Center. 3901890. www.rockbrookvillage. com.

Center of attraction Summer sizzles at Village Pointe®. Saturday nights come alive with the Vibes outdoor concert series featuring some of the best musical talents around. Before or after the concert, browse a great collection of stores filled with summer’s hottest trends or enjoy a fabulous meal with family and friends at one of your favorite restaurants.

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american eagle outfitters • Banana repuBlic • Brix • caché christopher & Banks • coach • cold stone creamery • fossil gap stores • j. crew • kona grill • loft • my compulsion scheels • sephora • white house | Black market

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Opening Soon Beauty Brands

168th & w. dodge road 402.505.9773 villagepointeshopping.com

Distinctive shopping, dining and entertainment.

july/august | 2010

7/23-29: Film Streams: “Bicycle Thieves” (or “The Bicycle Thief”) 1948. Directed

by Vittorio De Sica. New 35mm Print! One of the great landmarks of Italian neorealism, about a man’s desperate search for his stolen bicycle on the streets of Rome (and so much more). In Italian with English subtitles. Italy; 93 min. Ruth Sokolof Theater, 1340 Webster St. 933-0259. www.filmstreams. org 7/24: Helicopter Day at the Museum! Strategic Air and Space Museum. I-80 exit #426.

944-3100. www.sasmuseum. com.

7/24: The Vibes at Village Pointe Summer Concert Series. Village Pointe Shopping Center. The Innocence: Mix of Rock, Country, Blues & Jazz 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Free. 168th & W. Dodge Rd. www.villagepointeshopping.com.

7/24-8/5: Film Streams: “The Triplets of Belleville” 2003 (PG-13). Directed by Sylvain Chomet. “Fast, funny, unexpected and uninhibited, The Triplets of Belleville may be animated, but it is also the product of an artistic vision every bit as rigorous as any lofty Cannes prizewinner.” (Los Angeles Times) In French/Portuguese with English subtitles. Part of Film Streams’ Forever Young family & Children’s series. Ruth Sokolof Theater, 1340 Webster St. 9330259. www.filmstreams.org 7/25: Brooks & Dunn. Qwest Center Arena. Don’t miss the very last tour of the super successful duo, Brooks & Dunn!

After 20 years of hits like “Red Dirt Road”, “Only in America” and “My Maria”, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn are retiring. But

first, the Last Rodeo Tour comes to Qwest Center Omaha. 7:30 p.m. $56.25, $40.25, $25.25. www.qwestcenteromaha.com.

7/29: Joslyn Late ‘til 8: Evening of Western Exploration. Joslyn Art Museum. Singer, songwriter, poet, and playwright Bobby Bridger presents part one of A Ballad of the West, his acclaimed trilogy of historically documented epic ballads interpreting real events in western American history from the days of the mountain man and the Fur Trade Era of the 1820s through the death of Lakota Holy Man, Black Elk. Bobby’s 6:30 pm performance, Seekers of the Fleece, will musically dramatize the initial interactions between Europeans and Native Americans.

Outdoors, make a sketchbook and draw plants and animals you see. In the amphitheater, enjoy the sounds of young musicians from Fiddlers from the Frontier String Ensemble. And be sure to come “fully charged” for cell phone games that will keep you on the move in the gardens. Bring a picnic or purchase dinner at Café Durham; cash bar available.

At 5:30 pm, Joslyn docents will be on-hand for guided tours of the Museum’s Western and Native American collection. Visitors can learn more about the Peter Kiewit Sculpture Garden on a guided tour beginning at 7:00 pm, or enjoy exploring the Discovery Garden with Museum docents from 5:30-7:30 pm. Exclusively for Joslyn members - stop by the West End Lounge - a relaxing, club-like spot at the atrium’s west end under the Chihuly chandelier, overlooking the Veach Atrium Garden. Comfortable seating, a cash bar, and enticing nibbles from Whole Foods Market make it special. 5:30 p.m. 2200 Dodge St. 342-3300. www.joslyn.org.

7/30: Rockbrook Village Concert Series: Stan Galli & Stuff. Rockbrook Village.

Variety 7 p.m. 108th & Center.

390-1890. www.rockbrookvillage.com.

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Sen d us

your

photos! vacation Please make certain you include the photo’s location and subjects. Email your photos to: editor@

omahapublications.com or mail them to: 5921 S. 118 Circle, Omaha, NE, 68137 Attn: Editor.

Tonia George in

San Diego overloo

Debbie Smith monkeying around ship docked in Honduras.

king Petco baseba

ll stadium.

in Belize and her cruise

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7/30 - 10/30: George Washington Carver. The Durham Museum. What makes a man a legend? In the case of George Washington Carver it wasn’t just peanuts. Visitors to the George Washington Carver exhibit to learn about the life and work of an extraordinary man, born into slavery, who used his gifts to become a groundbreaking scientist, educator and humanitarian with a lifelong mission: to bring practical knowledge to those in need. The exhibit includes more than a hundred artifacts, along with videos, interactive displays, recreated scenes and more. Visitors will follow along as Carver’s curiosity and persistence take him from a remote frontier town to success as a teacher and researcher at the famed Tuskegee Institute. 801 S. 10th St. 444-5071. www.durhammuseum.org.

7/31: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. Stir Cove. Joan Jett is an innovator of rock music with nine top 40 singles including “I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll,” “I Hate Myself for Lovin’ You” and “Crimson and Clover.” Doors 6 p.m./Show 8 p.m. General Admission $25/DOS $30.

Harrah’s Council Bluffs. www. harrahscouncilbluffs.com.

7/31: The Vibes at Village Pointe Summer Concert Series. Village Pointe Shopping Center. Wise Guys: Rock & Roll, R&B 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Free. 168th & W. Dodge Rd. www.villagepointeshopping.com.

7/31 - 10/17: Space Silence Spirit: Maynard Dixon’s West.

Joslyn Art Museum. Space Silence Spirit offers a rare opportunity to view artworks

by Maynard Dixon (1875-1946), one of the greatest 20th-century artists of the American West. This is the first exhibition devoted to Dixon’s art to be shown in our area. Dixon’s 50-year career is surveyed in more than 100 paintings, drawings, and etchings from the private collection of A. P. Hays of

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Paradise Valley, Arizona. Dixon lived for months at a time in the open landscapes of Arizona, Utah, and Nevada, reveling in the natural beauty while drawing and painting deserts, cliffs, mountains, clouds, cowboys, and Indians. The exhibition also includes related photographs

by Dorothea Lange, Dixon’s wife from 1920 to 1935, who is best known for her images of the Great Depression. 2200 Dodge St. 342-3300. www.joslyn.org.

AUGUST EVENTS 8/1: Al Green with the Mynabirds. Stir Cove. Al Green is a soul music legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer with the hits “You Oughta Be with Me,” “Spending My Time,” “Love and Happiness” and “Let’s Stay Together.” Doors 6 p.m./Show 8 p.m. General Admission $35; DOS $40; Reserved Seating $50.

Harrah’s Council Bluffs. www. harrahscouncilbluffs.com.

8/5: Joslyn Late ‘til 8: Romancing the West: An Evening of Cowgirl Poetry.

Joslyn Art Museum. Omaha’s renowned poetry scene gets a spur in the side when awardwinning Western entertainer Georgeann Wearin gallops into town. Join her for a fun evening of humorous stories, cowgirl poetry, and Western music beginning at 6:30 pm. At 5:30 pm, Museum docents will be on-hand for guided tours of Joslyn’s collection of Western and Native American art and the special exhibition Space Silence Spirit: Maynard Dixon’s West. Kids will have fun trying leatherworking and a “branding” activity. Be sure to come “fully charged” for cell phone games that will keep you on the move in the gardens. 5:30 p.m.

2200 Dodge St. 342-3300. www. joslyn.org.

8/5: Village Walk in Rockbrook Village. Rockbrook Village. Come into Rockbrook Village the first Friday of summer months, just before the Concerts start at 7 PM. Set up your chair at 5 PM, then stroll

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Thank You for Voting us #1 Four Years in a Row!

July & August

2010

around the Village, shopping and dining. Rockbrook merchants will have something unusual or special that evening.

It’s never the same each time!

Come be delighted and surprised. 5 p.m. 108th & Center.

390-1890. www.rockbrookvillage.com.

8/6: Opening Reception: Stephen Azevedo, Caleb Coppock and Yinghua Zhu. bemisUNDERGROUND. Exhibitions continue through September 11th. 6-9 p.m. 724 S. 12 St. 341-7130. www.bemisunderground.org.

8/6: Rockbrook Village Concert Series: Camille Metoyer Moten Band.

Rockbrook Village. Vocal Favorites 7 p.m. 108th & Center.

390-1890. www.rockbrookvillage.com.

8/6: Dierks Bentley with the Dirt Drifters. Stir Cove. Dierks Bentley is among the most successful and relevant country singers in the business, combining honky-tonk, bluegrass, classic country and rock into his number one hits “Sideways,” “Feel that Fire” and “Come a Little Closer.” Doors 6 p.m./ Show 8 p.m. General Admission $35; DOS $40. Harrah’s Council Bluffs. www.harrahscouncilbluffs.com.

8/6-10: Film Streams Local Filmmakers Showcase. Ruth Sokolof Theater, 1340 Mike Fahey Street. www.filmstreams. org 8/7 – 19: Film Streams: “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” 1982 (PG). Directed by Steven Spielberg. "A movie you can grow up with and grow old with, and it won't let you down.

It tells a story about friendship and love...It works as science fiction, it's sometimes as scary as a monster movie, and at the end, when the lights go up, there's not a dry eye in the house.” Part

of Film Streams’ Forever Young family & Children’s series. Ruth Sokolof Theater, 1340 Webster St. 933-0259. www.filmstreams. org 8/7: Gallery Talk with Stephen Azevedo, Caleb Coppock and Yinghua Zhu. bemisUNDERGROUND. 12 noon. 724 S. 12 St. 341-7130. www.bemisunderground.org.

8/7: River City History Tour: North Omaha. The Durham Museum. North Omaha was a diverse and vibrant community in Omaha’s early years’.

Businesses flourished along 24th street well into the 1950’s and stately homes, park and jazz halls made this area a cultural center of Omaha. North Pmaha was also the location of the Trans-Mississippi Exposition of 1898, a celebration of technology designed to show that life was civilized west of the Mississippi River and Florence, the Mormon settlement of the 1840’s. Take a trip through this historic and influential area of Omaha! $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers. 801 S. 10th St. 444-5071. For more information:bknelp@durhammuseum.org www.durhammuseum.org.

1120 FORT CROOK ROAD BELLEVUE, NE 68005 800-756-7344 402-292-1455 WWW.APACHECAMPER.COM

HWY 77 SALTILLO RD LINCOLN, NE 68430 800-753-9158

8/7: The Vibes at Village Pointe Summer Concert Series. Village Pointe Shopping Center. Tunafish Jones: Mix of R&B, Jazz & Soul 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Free. 168th & W. Dodge Rd. www.villagepointeshopping.com.

8/8: Jimmy Cliff with Trevor Hall. Stir Cove. Jimmy Cliff is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame reggae musician from Jamaica with the hits “Sitting in Limbo,” “You Can Get It If You Really Want” and “Many Rivers to Cross.”

Doors 6 p.m./Show 8 p.m.

General Admission $25; DOS $30. Harrah’s Council Bluffs. www.harrahscouncilbluffs.com.

Film Streams: "Breathless" (1960). Directed by Jean-Luc Godard. August 13-19. www.readonlinenow.com

july/august | 2010

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8/9: Primus & Gogol Bordello.

Stir Cove. Primus is a band known for bassist and vocalist, Les Claypool. Their music style has been variously termed alternative rock, alternative metal, funk metal and progressive metal. Gogol Bordello is a Gypsy punk band from New York known for its theatrical stage shows. Doors 5 p.m./Show 6:30 p.m. General Admission $30; DOS $35. Harrah’s Council Bluffs. www.harrahscouncilbluffs.com.

8/10: Social Distortion with Wolfmother, Dan Sartain & Action Design. Stir Cove. Social Distortion is a punk rock band from California formed in 1978 with the hits “Ball and Chain” and “Bad Luck.” They are often credited as one of the leading bands of the 1980s hardcore punk explosion. Grammyaward winning Australian rock band, Wolfmother, known for their hit single “Woman” joins them as support. Doors 5 p.m./ Show 6 p.m. General Admission $30; DOS $35. Harrah’s Council Bluffs. www.harrahscouncilbluffs.com.

8/10: River City History Tour: Millionaires & Mansions. The Durham Museum. Millionaires & Mansions will explore Omaha’s Gold Coast and Cathedral neighborhoods, where the entrepreneurs of early Omaha built their opulent homes. The tour will visit the former homes of influential Omahans such as Arthur Metz, Louis Nash, Sam Mercer, George Joslyn, and Arthur and Zerlina Brandeis, noting their contributions to the growth of the city. 6 p.m. $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers. 801 S. 10th St. 444-5071.

For more information:bknelp@ durhammuseum.org www.durhammuseum.org.

8/12: Joslyn Late ‘til 8: Grant Wood, Would You? An Evening in Stone City. Joslyn Art Museum.

Grant Wood was an advanced painting instructor at the Stone City Art Colony where residents lived in ice house wagons. Didn’t know that? Join us at 6:30 pm for a fascinating presentation on the colony’s history and the artist who produced one of Joslyn’s most famous and beloved paintings. The presentation by Kristy Raine of Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids will incorporate music, photographs, archived documents, and voice-over narration. Dig deeper into the 1930s with a 6 pm showing of PBS’ American Experience: Surviving the Dustbowl. Or put on your dancin’ shoes to swing dance with the Omaha Jitterbugs - 6-8 pm in the atrium. Kids will enjoy making a landscape collage inspired by Joslyn’s Grant Wood painting. And be sure to come “fully charged” for cell phone games that will keep you on the move in the gardens.

6:30 p.m. 2200 Dodge St. 3423300 www.joslyn.org.

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july/august | 2010

8/13-19: Film Streams: “Breathless” 1960. Directed by Jean-Luc Godard. New 35mm Print! “BREATHLESS still feels entirely original. It still has the power to defy conventional expectations about what a movie should be while providing an utterly captivating moviegoing experience...Even at 50, it is still cool, still new.” (A.O. Scott, The New York Times) In French with English subtitles.

France; 90 min. Ruth Sokolof Theater, 1340 Webster St. 9330259. www.filmstreams.org 8/13: Rockbrook Village Concert Series: The Confidentials.

Rockbrook Village. Party Music 7 p.m. 108th & Center. 390-1890. www.rockbrookvillage.com.

8/13: Phoenix with Toro Y Moi. Stir Cove. hoenix is a Grammy award-winning alternative rock band from France with the hits “1901,” “Lasso” and “Lisztomania.” Doors 6 p.m./ Show 8 p.m. General Admission $30; DOS $35. Harrah’s Council Bluffs. www.harrahscouncilbluffs.com.

8/14: The Vibes at Village Pointe Summer Concert Series. Village Pointe Shopping Center. Chris Saub: Pop Melodies w/ Blues & Jazz 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Free. 168th & W. Dodge Rd. www.villagepointeshopping.com.

8/14 - 8/15: Art in Bloom Festival. Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha’s Botanical Center. This festival features artwork from high-quality, local and regional visual artists. Painters, photographers, metal smiths, jewelers and other artists display, sell and demonstrate their work. All artwork displayed will portray a botanical theme. In addition to the visual artists, Art in Bloom also features local performing artists entertaining guests of all ages. Children’s activities, artist demonstrations, walking garden art tours and more create an artistic, interactive experience. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 100 Bancroft St. www.omahabotanicalcenter.org.

8/15: Melissa Etheridge.

Orpheum Theater. Fearless Love Tour. 7:30 p.m. $38 - $103. www. ticketomaha.com.

8/19: Joslyn Late ‘til 8: Designing Deco: An Evening of Architecture. Joslyn Art Museum. The UNO Faculty Jazz Combo will keep your toes tappin’ on the floor of a Museum widely heralded as an architectural gem filled with marbles and granites from around the world. Learn who started it all with “The Joslyn’s of Lynhurst” (the formal name of the Omaha home of George and Sarah Joslyn, also known as the Joslyn Castle) presented by independent scholar and author Daniel Kiper. He’ll speak at 6:30 pm in the Founder’s Room, Sarah

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July & August

2010

In English/Maori. Part of Film Streams’ Forever Young family & Children’s series. Ruth Sokolof Theater, 1340 Webster St. 9330259. www.filmstreams.org 8/21: The Vibes at Village Pointe Summer Concert Series.

Village Pointe Shopping Center.

On the Fritz: New & Classic Rock 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Free. 168th & W. Dodge Rd. www.villagepointeshopping.com.

“I Am Love” Directed by Luca Guadagnino at Film Streams Ruth Sokolof Theater.

Joslyn’s office at the Museum upon its opening. Families will have fun making marbleized paper and folding it into a mini-museum. For entertainment of that year, enjoy a 6 pm screening of Charlie Chaplin’s 1931 City Lights. Docent-guided tours of Joslyn’s architecture will be offered: indoors at 5:30 pm, outdoors at 7 pm. And be sure to come “fully charged” for cell phone games that will keep you on the move in the gardens. 6:00 p.m.

2200 Dodge St. 342-3300. www. joslyn.org.

8/20: Rockbrook Village Concert Series: E String Band.

Rockbrook Village. Pop 7 p.m.

108th & Center. 390-1890. www. rockbrookvillage.com.

8/21-9/2: Film Streams: “Whale Rider” 2002 (PG-13). Directed

by Niki Caro. Keisha CastleHughes became the youngest actress (13) nominated for a Best Actress Oscar for her performance in this inspiring story about a young Maori woman determined to fulfill her destiny.

www.readonlinenow.com

8/21 - 8/22: Gathering of Legends. Strategic Air and Space Museum. Meet some of our country’s finest heroes… details and schedule to follow.

I-80 exit #426. 944-3100. www. sasmuseum.com.

8/22: Family Fun Day. Joslyn Art Museum. Celebrate the art of the age of Impressionism with a lively day devoted to color, light, and fun! Tour the special exhibition Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism and enjoy music, dance, art-making, and more. Join us! Free Admission.

Sponsored by the Joslyn Art Museum Association. 1-4 p.m.

Free. 2200 Dodge St. 342-3300. www.joslyn.org.

8/25: Rush. Qwest Center Arena. Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart - is without question one of the most inventive and compelling groups in rock history, equally famed for both its virtuoso muscianship and provacative songwriting. The Time Machine Tour is an evening with Rush, where they will perform their classics, give a taste of the future - and for the first time ever - feature the Moving Pictures album live in its entirety.

7:30 p.m. $97, $77, $52. www. qwestcenteromaha.com.

8/26: Joslyn Late ‘til 8: The Mod Squad: An Evening of Modernist Breakthroughs.

Joslyn Art Museum. Local writers will craft poetry and prose based on works of art from Joslyn’s modern collection and sculpture garden in partnership with Omaha downtown LitFest. The “tour” begins at 6:30 pm in the galleries and goes. where it takes us! At 7 pm, artist Troy Muller and musician Kevin Pike present Synchronized Vision: a unique synthesis of music and art. Up for a movie? The Oscar-winning Pollock (2000) with Ed Harris as American painter Jackson Pollock offers another look at a style breakthrough cut short.

Outdoors, have fun contributing

to a “drip painting” mural. And be sure to come “fully charged” for cell phone games that will keep you on the move in the gardens.

5:30 p.m. 2200 Dodge St. 3423300. www.joslyn.org.

8/26: American Idol Live. Qwest Center Arena. America’s top television show is coming to Qwest Center Omaha! American Idols LIVE! Tour 2010 rolls into town this August with the show’s top 10 finalists - Aaron Kelly, Andrew Garcia, Casey James, Crystal Bowersox, Didi Benami, Katie Stevens, Lee DeWyze, Michael Lynche, Siobhan Magnus, and Tim Urban. 7:30 p.m. $70.50, $50.50, $40.50. www.qwestcenteromaha.com.

8/27: Rockbrook Village Concert Series: Heidi Joy Band. Rockbrook Village. Vocal Favorites 7 p.m. 108th & Center.

390-1890. www.rockbrookvillage.com.

8/28: The Black Crowes. Stir Cove. The Black Crowes are a rock band that has sold over 20 million albums and are bestknown for their hits “She Talks to Angels,” “Jealous Again” and “Hard to Handle.” They are listed at #92 on VH1’s “100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock.” Doors 7

p.m./Show 8:30 p.m. General Admission $35; DOS $40.

Harrah’s Council Bluffs. www. harrahscouncilbluffs.com.

8/28: The Vibes at Village Pointe Summer Concert Series. Village Pointe Shopping Center. The Personics: 70s, 80s, and Today’s Fun Rock 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Free. 168th & W. Dodge Rd. www.villagepointeshopping. com.

8/29: David Gray & Ray LaMontagne. Stir Cove. David Gray is a Grammy-nominated English singer-songwriter known for his hit single “Babylon.” He’s joined by American singer-songwriter Ray LaMontagne with the hits “You Are the Best Thing” and “Trouble.” Learn more about David Gray and Ray LaMontagne online. Doors 5:30 p.m./Show 6:30 p.m. General Admission $40; DOS $45; Reserved Seating $55. Harrah’s Council Bluffs. www.harrahscouncilbluffs.com.

july/august | 2010

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cover story

Story by Sandy Lemke Photo by minorwhitestudios.com Get ready to raise your glasses on Omaha’s Lewis and Clark Landing August 28 and 29.

The downtown riverfront is host to the Riverfront Wine Festival, the “premier wine event in Nebraska,” said Jen Kocher, event producer.

The festival, now in its second year, is a casual, outdoor event with food, music and of course, wine. Said Kocher: “Our inaugural year was a great success but we expect to double our attendance at this year’s festival. We owe that to increased advertising, the help of our sponsors, and the buzz that we are seeing on social network sites like Facebook and Twitter it’s going to be an exciting year!”

The presenting sponsors are WineStyles at Aksarben and WineStyles of Hastings, Neb. Said Robert Bolden of WineStyles at Aksarben: “We are working with our many partners in the wine industry to bring new, unique offerings that have not previously been available in Nebraska.” Attendees will be able to taste, learn and enjoy some of the most sought-after, fun and interesting wines in the world.” Other major sponsors include DocuLynx, Inc, Omaha Magazine, Her Magazine, The Encounter Magazine and Gorges Volvo.

Junior League of Omaha has been selected as the non-profit beneficiary of the festival, receivcontinued on page 22

Riverfront Wine Festival 20

july/august | 2010

www.omahapublications.com

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ing a portion of the ticket sales. “We are looking forward to great wine and food, as well as the opportunity to earn money to give back to our community in the form of scholarships and community grants,” says Shannon Hoy, President of Junior League of Omaha.

Attendees can purchase one of three different tasting levels: The Grand Tasting, The VIP Experience, and the VIP All Weekend/All Access Pass.

GRAND TASTING The Grand Tasting ($25 advance/$30 at the gate) will include 150+ wines from around the world, including wineries like Heitz Cellar, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Banfi Vintners and Domaine Serene. It will also feature 15 beers from around the world. Grand Tasting ticket holders will receive 10 tasting tickets (more available for purchase, $5 for a booklet of five) and a Riedel crystal tasting glass, valued by many wine connoisseurs for enhancing the tasting experience. All wines tasted at the Grand Tasting will be available for purchase on site through the festival's retail partner and title sponsor, WineStyles.

There will be eight wine-related seminars, food/wine pairings and comparative tastings held throughout the event in which ALL ticket holders can attend.

They will take place in the adjacent Rick’s Boatyard Cafe (indoors, with air conditioning!). Seating will be first come, first serve. Each seminar seats approximately 75 people). The seminars include a chocolate and wine pairing (Death By Chocolate), a sparkling wine seminar (Pop the Cork), Wines of Argentina seminar (Mighty Malbecs and Capricious Carmeneres) and a Nebraska Wines Seminar (Wines from the Cornhusker State). A full hour-by-hour schedule of seminars is available at www. riverfrontwinefestival.com.

VIP EXPERIENCE VIP ($40 advance/$40 at the gate, if available.) ticket holders have access to the Gorges Volvo VIP Lounge. In the lounge will be 10 different VIP Experiences, changing every hour (on the half-hour).

These will be an opportunity to experience higher-end wines and reserve wines. Here are examples of the 3 of the experiences: • 2005 Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Heitz Wine Cellars and chocolatecovered strawberries. Meet Connie Wolfman from Heitz Cellar.

continued on page 24

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Wine and Food Interactions

MAtching

wines with food may not be as straightforward as one might think. The action of the taste sensations inherent to a wine can react in a counterintuitive manner to those in the food and vice versa. However, before we begin our discussion, let us undertake a briefly review the basic physiology of taste.

The western world recognizes five basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami, which are discerned by associated taste receptors on various parts of the tongue and palate. Flavor is created by the combination of these taste sensations with the sense of smell. For example, the brain identifies the flavor of oranges by combining its sweet and tart taste sensations with the scent of oranges. Without the sense of smell, flavor can not be created: Taste plus smell equals flavor.

There is a mystique associated with umami, the fifth taste sensation, which makes it stand out from the traditional four (sweet, tart, salty, and bitter). The word umami is hard to translate, as the sensation that it evokes is difficult to describe. Descriptions such as tasty, meaty, ripe, and savory impart a sense of what the word is trying to describe.

Taste sensations can be separated into two separate categories: pleasant and aggressive. The pleasant sensations are sweetness and umami. The aggressive sensations are sour (acids), salt (perceived as acid-like and not present in wine), and bitterness. It is important to point out that in a dry wine, sweetness is due to alcohol and the sensation evoked by ripe fruity flavors, which your brain associates with sweetness.

There is no significant sugar content in a dry wine. In red wine, bitterness is associated with tannins, and the two are considered related in this discussion.

When a wine is high in an element of one of the taste categories, say acids or tannins (aggressive sensations), it acts to cancel out that same category in the food it is pared with and accentuates the taste sensations in the other category: sweetness and umami (pleasant sensations). In other words, the food will taste sweeter and more www.readonlinenow.com

succulent. Another example: if a young red wine that is high in tannins is paired with a sweet food, the sweetness in the food will cancel out any sweetness in the wine and will accentuate the wine’s acids and tannins (associated with bitterness). The wine will take on an unbalanced tart and bitter character.

It seems counterintuitive that a taste sensation in wine would cancel out that same sensation in a food. Most people would think the opposite, that the two taste sensations would be additive. This is simply not the case. To simplify these rather confusing interactions between wine and food, I have devised a few simple rules.

Sweet foods need wines (usually white) that are sweeter than the food: The sweetness in the food will cancel out some of the sweetness in the wine and accentuate its tartness. In other words, the wine will be robbed of some of its sweetness, and if it wasn’t sweet enough, will become aggressive.

Tart foods need wines that are tarter than the food: The reasoning is similar to the sweetness scenario. If the wine has less tartness than the food, the acidity in the food will neutralize the sensation of the acids in the wine, and the wine will taste flat, flabby, and out of balance.

Don’t serve tannic wines with umami rich foods: Foods high in umami cancel out any umami in red wines and accentuate the tannins (associated with bitterness) in the wine; consequently, the wine can develops a bitter or metallic taste.

What are the umami rich foods? Foods that are processed (cheeses, tomato paste, ketchup steak sauce, etc.); stewing or braising (pot roasts, beef stew, osso buco); aging (aged meats and cheeses); drying (sun-dried tomatoes, dried mushrooms, dried fruits); and smoking (ham, bacon, and sausage). Other foods are naturally high in umami such as ripe fruits, green tea, sardines, oysters, kelp, and tuna.

These concepts require a little concentrated effort and patience to master; however, once you master them, you will dazzle your friends with your amazing wine-food combinations. Good luck and Bon appetit! july/august | 2010

23

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cover story • Wilson Creek Almond Champagne and Almond Croissants from Bread Oven. Meet Chuck Spiegel from Wilson Creek Winery.

• 2007 Caymus Special Selection and Aged Cheddar Cheese from Kerrygold A full hour-by-hour schedule of VIP Experiences is available at www.riverfrontwinefestival.com.

EXCLUSIVE FOOD PREVIEW Dante Pizzeria and Twisted Fork Grill & Bar are the restaurant vendors this year.

Those familiar with these locally owned restaurants know that festival-goers are in for tasty savories to pair with their wine.

Twisted Fork Chef John Ursick said of the festival, “It is a terrific summer event for Omaha, and we hope even more people will get excited about it and join us on the river this year. Twisted Fork is upping the ante this year with red chile-bacon shrimp and tortillas, French Dip Sliders, Our signature artichoke dip and S’more Brownies.

This event is a great way to try new wines and meet fellow wine drinkers! Hope to see all of our fans on the river!”

Dante’s chef Nick Strawhecker said “We will be doing wood-fired pies out of our mobile ovens, a couple different types. We always do a Margherita, which is basil, tomato and house-made mozzarella; a White pizza, which has olive oil for the sauce, a sausage, mushrooms and garlic.

Then, our most popular is the Giuseppe: sausage, peppers and cipollini. Chef Nick’s wine pick for his pizzas is a gran año, a sparkling red from Campagna, Naples.

Attendees will also taste offerings from Fuehrer’s Cheespred, (from Sutton, Nebraska!), Chocolaterie Stam, Bread Oven, Kerrygold Cheeses and others.

JEN KOCHER, EVENT FOUNDER Jen Kocher is founder of Urban Events, the organization hosting the Riverfront Wine Festival in Omaha. Said Kocher, “I created Urban Events for the sole purpose of organizing the wine festival in Nebraska.

My partners and I saw a need for a more serious wine event where both beginners and aficionados could not only taste new wines, but also have an opportunity to learn about the varietals, experience wine/food pairings and challenge their palates with comparative tastings.” continued on page 26 www.omahapublications.com

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cover story

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Kocher is in the planning stages on two other festivals - another festival in her hometown of Omaha and a wine and food festival in Arizona, where she now lives with her husband Newell and two children.

Kocher’s background includes event planning and real estate sales. She loves wine but humbly does not describe herself a connoisseur. This non-connoisseur pays close attention to the wine industry – it’s her business. Kocher has toured Napa, and been to wine and food festivals in Arizona, Denver and St Louis. “We have vowed to attend Wine Spectator’s Grand Tour in Las Vegas next spring,” she said. Kocher also reads Wine Spectator and pays close attention to WineLibrary.tv’s Gary Vaynerchuk and noted wine expert Robert Parker.

What wine trends does Kocher notice in her business and travels? “In this economy and with the wine glut that exists today, wine drinkers in general are seeking value, and experimenting with wine negociants like Cameron Hughes and James Stewart.

Because there is so much great wine out there at unbelievable prices, people can afford better wines and they are getting more discriminating. Also, wine drinkers are venturing out from staples like Chardonnay and Cabernet, experimenting more often with Malbec, Grenache, Syrah, Carmenere, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, etc., even drinking sparkling wines for everyday...in general getting more adventurous,” she said.

Kocher’s favorite Omaha wine spots? “We used to love the Tasting Room (now closed), and now enjoy lots of spots including sitting at the patio at Stokes (downtown), Spezia, Nicola’s, Mark’s, Brunette’s Bistro, M’s Pub, to name a few. Newell and I enjoy going to different places, sitting at the bar and ordering flights to try new wines...even when they don’t offer flights on the menu, the bartenders are usually accommodating.

Anxious to try Brix at Village Pointe, which opened after I moved away.”

Saturday and Sunday, August 28-29, 2010. Sat 3-8 PM, Sun 1-6 PM. Omaha’s Downtown Riverfront. Parking is available at the Landing (free), throughout downtown (don’t plug meters on the weekends) and the Qwest Center Lot A ($6) is adjacent to the Festival. Advance tickets are available at the Aksarben WineStyles location at 72nd and Pacific, and the WineStyles of Hastings, and online at www.riverfrontwinefestival.com.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT DocuLynx, Inc, Entertainment Sponsor, is providing the entertainment. At press time, the band lineup:

Saturday, August 28th 3:00-4:30PM Joey Gulizia Band Tropical-Style: Close your eyes and the Steel Drum by Joey Gulizia in this tropical quartet might make you think you’re vacationing on the islands. Featuring Ron Cooley on Acoustic Guitar. www.joeygulizia.com/ 5:00-6:00PM Karly Jurgensen and Friends Acoustic Pop: Omaha native Karly Jurgensen joins us in from NYC with friends Kyle Patrick and Jesse Ruben. Wondering how these three singer/songwriters mesh? Think of what it would sound like if James Taylor and Norah Jones had Triplets. www.myspace.com/karlyjurgensen 6:30-8:00PM Black Squirrels Country-Twist: A favorite at last year’s festival, this quartet has a “front-porch” feel with vocal harmonies, rhythm instruments and mandolin, influenced by American country music, including hillbilly, folk, white blues, bluegrass, western swing, honky tonk and a bit of rockabilly. www.myspace.com/blacksquirrelsomaha Sunday, August 29 2:30-4:00PM Steve Shininger and the ShinSings Combo Old Blue Eyes: Enjoy smooth vocals over this hot 5-piece combo. You’ll hear Sinatra standards mixed with light pop: James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot tunes and more. http://shinsings.com/ 4:30-6:00PM Son del Llano Pre-Salsa-Style: This Cuban, “Pre-Salsa” 7-Piece combo will have you feeling the rhythm as the WineStyles Riverfront Wine Festival weekend comes to an end. Soak up the vocal harmonies and rich instrumentation... We think a few hips will be movin’ and shakin’. www.myspace.com/sondelllano www.omahapublications.com

Story by Kim Carpenter

Photo by minorwhitestudios.com

OMAHAART

Through a Glass Brightly Artist Julie Conway

to

provide or brighten with light; to make clear; to enlighten intellectually or spiritually. These are the principle definitions of “illuminate,� and artist Julie Conway accomplishes all three in her Benson glass studio named - appropriately enough - Illuminata.

Born in Omaha but raised in Colorado, Conway has lived and traveled extensively abroad. In France continued on next page www.readonlinenow.com

july/august | 2010

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continued from previous page

she studied in Avignon and lived in Paris, and she’s spent time in Nice, Barcelona, Istanbul and Murano.

The latter played an especially formative role in her artistic development. Conway was invited three times to Murano, the Italian island renowned as one of the world’s most important glassmaking centers. It’s a rare feat for an American to study under Italian glass maestros – even more so for a woman.

The artist notes that Murano glassmaking families often go back 13 or more generations, and apprentices are judged by their lineages. For that reason, Conway found not having a “pedigree” – particularly in a maledominated culture - a challenge.

But her cultural background - what she calls the quintessential “American entrepreneurial spirit” - impressed her Italian teachers.

While they used their age-old techniques to make traditional patterns, Conway employed them to create entirely new ones.

“They would say, ‘No! No! No! - that I was making a mistake - and I was saying ‘Yes!’” The maestros grew to understand and like her innovative approach.

“I learned tradition,” she says, “and they learned entrepreneurship.”

Conway’s technical prowess and enterprising abilities are evident in designs that change how viewers look at and perceive light. “I love light and effect,” she says.

For example, Conway uses scissors to pull and twist strands of glass while still hot, making the glass looks like it’s moving. Her “Raven” light fixture, created with a different technique, similarly conveys movement through flickering black glass “flames,” an intriguing dichotomy of fire versus darkness.

“I like the fluidity,” Conway observes.

“Even though the glass becomes a solid, the molten quality is frozen in time.”

The artist also makes metaphorical “carrefours d’existence,” French for “crossroads of existence,” sconce blocks featuring four glass squares, only one of which is lit.

“In Las Vegas everything is lit all the time.

There’s no time to think,” Conway observes.

“But when you light up one block and not the other three, “it gives you time for reflection. This is a statement in time.”

Her creativity attracts national and international clients. Her work is featured in

design studios and museums in Denver, New York, Seattle, Chicago and San Francisco, as well as in Omaha’s Anderson O’Brien art gallery.

One of her higher-profile commissions has included Walt Disney Imagineering, the company that oversees creative development and technological projects for Disney theme parks, hotels, cruise ships and media projects. Imagineering hired Conway three times to create work for its Italian chocolate factory and two boutiques at Epcot Center in Orlando, Florida.

But Conway isn’t interested in just making glass on her own. She wants to insure the tradition continues for all glass artisans. Some of the world’s oldest glassmaking factories have closed because rising fuel costs make it impossible to operate studio furnaces.

For this reason, in 2007 Conway founded BioGlass, a non-profit organization that focuses on developing eco-efficient glassmaking and bio-sustainable fuel sources. A recent project involved helping a glassmaker in Istanbul reduce gas charges by almost half, allowing the business to remain open.

Despite all her travels, Conway returned to the city of her birth in 2008, a move she smilingly calls a cosmic twist. “I’ve lived in all these different places,” she observes, “and I’ve ended up back here.”

Although her grandparents and extended family were a major attraction, other factors came into play. While living in San Francisco, she found that the cost of living and hectic pace affected her work. “My creativity was getting gobbled up,” she remembers.

But Conway had been following Omaha’s art scene and saw how venues like the Bemis Center and the Kaneko foster a thriving arts environment. Plus in large cities, Conway was spending up to $300 an hour to rent a furnace. At Hot Shops it’s only $50.

“The artist community here is super strong,” Conway observes. “I chose Omaha because of its affordability and creativity.

Here I can be a creative person. I couldn’t turn that down.”

Whether creating glass that invites contemplation or promoting more energy-efficient glassmaking, Julie Conway is steadily making her mark on Omaha’s art scene.

Illuminating indeed. www.omahapublications.com

Story by Jared Spence Photo by minorwhitestudios.com

GENO

With a new

book, a new position as president of the Omaha Press Club, various ongoing side projects and a full-time position managing media relations for the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Wendy Townley has become a mover and shaker of Omaha.

In late May, the Omaha native released her book Nerdy Thirty to a warm reception.

“It’s a hilarious book,” said Townley. “It’s essentially a collection of essays that I’ve written about life experiences I’ve had leading up to turning 30 that are kind of nerdy.”

Townley, 31, said she never imagined she would write a book, but after five years of blogging about her “awkward” life experiences turned into a published work, she said she now sees that “anything is possible.”

“The biggest ‘aha!’ moment that I’ve had from this experience is that now that I’m in the position that I have a book out, I can help other writers,” Townley said.

In addition to being an author and a self-proclaimed nerd, she describes herself as outgoing, creative, and always willing to learn new things. Townley’s hobbies include exploring the Omaha nightlife and social scene and, more recently, teaching herself to cook.

She’s also an advocate for community service, volunteering her public relations know-how to several nonprofit organizations around Omaha. “I think a lot of times young professionals think that volunteering only means rolling up your sleeves and painting a house or picking up a park, where for me, I’ve been fortunate enough to volunteer in a public relations sense,” said Townley.

One of the main things Townley is passionate about is helping other people.

“I will always make time to help somebody with a project or trying to get connected with somebody else. This is such a small town that usually I can get in touch with somebody through a couple degrees of separation.”

Added Townley, “I’m really impressed by the caliber of people in Omaha who are doing their own unique, creative things, so that’s a big drive for me to stay in Omaha.”

www.readonlinenow.com

Wendy Townley july/august | 2010

29

OMAHAFACES

Story by Elizabeth A. Elliott Photo by Daniel Muller

Justin Beller

Growing Benson's Creative Core

Justin

Beller should be on retainer from the Chamber of Commerce.

He’s an avid promoter of the Benson neighborhood and is one of Omaha’s biggest cheerleaders on the coasts. The Omaha native has sailed the South Pacific on a private yacht, worked in restaurants across the country, and trekked across Europe. But Omaha remains home.

Beller was first introduced to the restaurant business when he worked at Jams while attending Westside High School. Since graduating, he has worked in Seattle and New York.

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www.omahapublications.com

He was in Manhattan on September 11, 2001. Needing to distance himself from the aftermath of the terrorist attack, Beller embarked on what he describes as a sixmonth “pilgrimage walk” across France and Spain. He returned home to Omaha and worked at Blue Sushi before the siren call of adventure beckoned once again. For a year and a half, he sailed the South Pacific as a private chef for a family of four. Fiji, New Zealand, and New Caledonia were his ports of call; the azure blue seas, his home.

Once again, the tug of home brought him back to Omaha. The past four years, he’s worked at The Market Basket in Countryside Village, all the while establishing himself as an up-and-coming artist. He approaches art from a multi-medium perspective, combining stain, raw pigment and 3-D sculpted wood. “I create movement through wood panels,” crafted by artisan Andrew Polt, Beller explains. He varies the stains on plywood Masonite and mixes copper paint with patinas to create a “raw, organic feel.” He’s partial to blues and teals, satisfied with the smooth, water-like realm that results from this pallet.

Beller shares his Benson gallery space, Studio B at 6110 ½ Maple, with fellow artist Daniel Muller. “Benson reminds me of Brooklyn,” Beller says, with its eclectic community of artists, business owners, entertainment venues and restaurants. He describes the neighborhood as having a “creative core.” As more artists move into the area, Beller believes collaborative artistic efforts will ensue.

The young artist is at the forefront of one such collaborative effort. He and Muller have hosted underground dinner parties. The gatherings center on a designated theme; everything from the food, the music, the decorations, and the exhibited art are installations of this theme. Beller “expands the circle” by flying in artist friends from coastal cities like Los Angeles and New York. “I like to pull people into Omaha to see the scene.”

Those attending his parties are a diverse group of artists and art dealers, businessmen and women, Studio B’s clientele, and personal friends. Thirty guests attend on average, and publicity is mostly word of mouth.

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The goal: to raise enough money from the underground dinner parties to benefit local charities. This July, Beller and Muller are hosting another evening, focusing on the relationship between art and healing. The event will showcase Beller’s recent works and Muller’s photography.

The lazy, hazy days of summer are foreign to Beller. This August, he will begin construction on a series of new 3-D panels.

And he will organize the next underground dinner party. And keep up on commission work. Oh, and continue to work 60 hours a week at The Market Basket. He wishes he could be more active in Omaha’s vibrant art scene. Still, he is content to play an integral role in Benson’s burgeoning art community and serve as an unofficial ambassador of Omaha art to friends and colleagues on either coast.

Like Dorothy seeking excitement over the rainbow but realizing “there is no place like home,” his former wanderlust ways appear to have shifted. Rather than traveling the globe for adventure, he is creating it in his own backyard.

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OMAHAFACES

Story by Elizabeth A. Elliott Photos courtesy of A. J. Brown Imaging

Thomas Sena

Stylist, Salesman and Social Media Master

For

Thomas Sena, owner of T’eez, hair salons have long been part of his life.

“My father owned salons when I was growing up,” he said. “I was always around it and I was interested in fashion when I was younger.”

Sena went from “emptying ashtrays in my dad’s salon when I was about 4 years old,” to running one of the top 200 growing salons, according to Salon Today magazine.

Every year since opening his salon in 1997, Sena’s business goes to the dogs. This year, Sena will host the 13th Annual Dog Wash to benefit the Nebraska Humane Society. This year’s event will take place August 1.

“It gets bigger every year,” he said. “It is fun for the staff, a great summer event, and it’s for a great cause.”

In 2003, Sena began developing his own hair product line. Today he has 10 products. He said he liked the business model of the products he worked with in New York City, in which Bumble & Bumble would sell directly to the salons. Sena said he began to think he could do the same thing.

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“Even with the best products, invariably stylists would use their four favorite products on everybody and learn how to use those products on any hair type,” said Sena. “I wanted to make those four products.”

Those four products, along with shampoos and conditioners, now make up the entire line. They are available at the salon as well as on his website. Products are also being sold at Cypress Beauty in Boulder, Colorado.

Sena has a big presence on the web and said it helps with building clientele. “You get to know about people through Facebook and new potential stylists,” he said. “We are getting more and more clients from Facebook and Twitter.

You can post pictures of work on the sites and get comments.”

In addition to Facebook and Twitter pages, Sena also posts a blog. The blog is part of his newsletter that includes offers and deals on a weekly basis.

Sena recently moved his salon from One Pacific Place to 158th and West Maple Road. He said the move gave the salon more exposure and seemed to be the right place with the right demographics.

“We work on the whole family,” he

School (which he attended) and he is currently working on forming a design team to work on T’eez hair products.

He has two new business partners, Addie Hollingsworth and Mary O’Connell, at of his new location.

Sena’s also been involved with Omaha Fashion Week, for which he is the director of the Grand Finale Show for the third year in a row.

Sena said he’s gotten a lot of response from the work.

Sena was a platform artist and educator on the Nebraska Hair Fashion Committee for the National Cosmetology Association, as well as for Standard Beauty Supply and Paul Brown. He was named a “Trailblazer” in the industry by Salon Today magazine, and in 2006 was named one of Midlands Business Journal’s “40 Under 40,” which recognizes young entrepreneurs and business leaders in the metro.

“The salon has long been misperceived as expensive and exclusive. I never wanted that.”

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said. “The salon has long been misperceived as expensive and exclusive. I never wanted that.”

In addition to work in the salon, Sena does guest classes at Capitol Beauty

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33

OMAHASTYLE

Story by: Sandy Lemke Photo by: minorwhitestudios.com

Susan Heim is a business owner, wife of a “very supportive husband” and mother of three daughters, Maggie, 15, Lily, 10, and Liza, 10. Heim said of her family, “Although our life seems crazy at times, our love for each other and our faith keep us grounded.”

Heim has an easy, breezy elegance that catches your eye when you walk in to her store in The Shops of Legacy.

“Five years ago, two of my dear friends (Denise Fitzgerald and Christy Straka) and I opened On A Whim, a unique gift and stationery boutique. I love each day that I get to go to work at a place that I truly love. It continues to be my greatest creative outlet.”

On A Whim co-owner and friend Christy Straka said Heim has that “it factor!”

Straka added, “She is sophisticated and classy, yet she never comes across as ‘trying.’ I love being around someone who appreciates style.”

Heim hesitated to talk about herself. After some prodding, she described her personal style as “a little bit designer and a little bit inexpensive, but it still works.” The dress in the photo “is from H&M. I bought it in Indianapolis when I was shopping with my daughter…” she said. The turquoise jewelry is from her store. One of her favorite pieces is a linen tunic from Wal-Mart. “It is truly about the design and color of the garment. It does not matter where it is from. If we close our minds because of a label we might miss some truly great finds along the way.”

Heim would rather talk about others in her life, and is inspired by “women who survive breast cancer; my mother Phyllis Lawless, mother-in-law Judy Heim and currently, my sister-in-law Stacie Olson -each of them inspire me with their grace, humility and fighting spirit and I love them dearly.”

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Susan Heim 43

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COVER STORY: CLASS ACT

Support from the Cassling family provides an educational addition to the Holland Center

SUCCESS BY DESIGN

Meet Antique and Garden Show speaker Alexa Hampton

YOUR INVITATION TO OMAHA’S CHARITY AND SOCIETY SCENE

ONCE UPON A TIME

Omaha Children's Museum benefit stirs imagination

Growing families at 192nd & Dodge.

M E T H O D I S T W O M E N ’ S H O S P I TA L Our mothers. Our daughters. Our sisters. Our babies.

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Growing services at 84th & Dodge.

M E T H O D I S T H O S P I TA L As our footprint is growing, so is our commitment to the community. We’re enhancing our 84th Street campus with expanded cardiac, vascular, cancer and surgical services, as well as all-private patient rooms and our new pathology center.

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J U LY / AU G U S T 2 0 1 0 VOLUME 2 • IS S U E 4 publisher

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

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39

Junior League of Omaha is proud to be the beneficiary of the 2010 Riverfront Wine Festival.

Saturday & Sunday August 28th & 29th

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Women building better communities. That’s the Junior League.

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Your wants, your needs, your style, your preferences – everything we do at Curt Hofer & Associates is advanced with the thought of you in mind. The result? Your home...your builder. Exceptional.

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Corey Ross

The Quest to Choose the Best

S

harpen your pencils and your opinions. Starting July 1, the Best of Omaha® contest returns. And actually you can put away your pencils. We’re all online now – www.bestofomaha.com.

On the heels of the most successful Best of Omaha® contest ever, the contest for 2011 seeks to improve upon last year’s 4,000-plus increase in voter turnout with a host of new categories sure to stir debate.

But before we unveil the new categories – hold the drumroll, please – a few basics about the contest for those who may be first-time voters.

The Best of Omaha® contest is Omaha Magazine’s annual readerdriven attempt to discern the “best” Omaha has to offer in everything from the always-contentious Best Pizza to the Best Car Wash to the Best Hair Salon. For 19 years now, it’s been the leading city survey of what Omahans deem the best the city has to offer.

The survey is conducted by online balloting. The voting this year covers 138 categories. Good news: You don’t have to vote in every category. But you can’t just choose one either. Your ballot isn’t official until you’ve picked 30 categories. Then you’re free to stop, or continue to vote until you’ve satisfactorily expressed yourself.

The ballot takes a little bit of time (15-20 min. on average) and a little thought. No computer-prompted pull-downs here. It’s a straight write-in ballot. More good news: We’re lenient on spelling, but please do your best to get the business name right.

Last year, some 16,000 readers successfully completed the ballot.

To give you an idea about the competitiveness of the categories, about 97 percent voted in the Best Pizza category.

By any scientific standard, that’s quite a statement about the credibility of the contest and the measure of Omaha’s opinion of who the Best of Omaha is. No wonder the results are anticipated and trusted by voters, coveted and campaigned for by businesses, and valued and sought after by visitors and newcomers to Omaha.

In short, your opinion matters.

To the traditional categories included in Best of Omaha®, you can also look forward to the new opportunity to make your voice heard about the following bests: Condo, salad, organic dining, live music venue, brick oven pizza, pet sitter, Thai food, pharmacy and, yes, lingerie. And more.

Voting opens July 1 and runs through Sept. 30. Please take the time to vote and help us make this the best Best of Omaha® yet.

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41

cover story

Story by Corey Ross

Photos by minorwhitestudios.com and courtesy of Omaha Performing Arts

Class Act The new Cassling Education Center at the Holland Center provides a needed space for young performers to practice and be educated

Above: Joan Squires and Mike Cassling in front of the donor wall at the Holland Performing Arts Center. Right: Mike Cassling, Marilyn Cassling, Omaha Performing Arts board chairman John Gottschalk, OPA President Joan Squires and Bob Cassling at the dedication ceremony for the education center. Cover: The dancers are Mike Cassling's daughters, Kaila (left) and Megan, shown rehearsing in the Holland Center's new education center.

W

hen the Holland Performing Arts Center made its spectacular debut in 2005, it gave the appearance of a finely polished finished product, but in actuality it was still a work in progress.

There was a significant space in the back of the building, 6,000 square feet unseen by the public, that was intentionally left vacant to account for future need.

After the building opened, Omaha Performing Arts President Joan Squires says it was immediately obvious what the Holland Center needed to be complete: an education center.

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for the

fashionable woman

Thank You Omaha!

We are honored to be voted Best of Omaha®

Lee Andersen Cheyenne Alex evening

The “The mission of Omaha Performing Arts is threefold: to serve as stewards for the Holland Center and the Orpheum Theater; to bring in the best of the performing arts; and to have extensive education and community involvement programs,” Squires says. “So it really is a key part of our mission to reach young people, and we just had no place to do that.”

For the first five years, OPA had to schedule such things as master’s classes, coaching sessions and workshops in the building’s hallways and atriums. Then late last year a benefactor family stepped forward to give those activities a home.

The Marilyn and Robert Cassling and Michael Cassling Education Center, dedicated in April, is now the bustling home for a whole host of activities to educate youth on the performing arts. The bonus is that many of those lessons will be taught by visiting performers at the Holland Center and Orpheum Theater.

Mike Cassling says that’s a big part of what sold him and his family on supporting the project.

“For kids to have that access gives them chances of a lifetime that you would never get in most communities,” Cassling says.

“We can be that bridge between these performers and our young people.”

Bob Cassling, Mike’s father, added, “We are thrilled to bring this educational

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cover story Why not

Omaha? Since we opened in January, thousands

of people have enjoyed the wine and spirits experience of Brix.

The response has been incredible. I’m often asked if Brix is a national chain. Nope. Not a chance. That surprises some people, which surprises me. This is the result of a dream made into a reality by hard-working, real people from right here in Omaha. We’re proud of our community and what we’ve created in Brix.

Dan matuszek owner, General manager

When you visit, you’ll see an incredible selection of locally crafted wine, beer, spirits and gourmet food alongside the very best from around the world. The store was designed by local architects and built by local contractors. That’s the only way we’d have it. We invite you to see and experience for yourself an Omaha original. We look forward to seeing you here at Brix. Sign up for our emails to get in on incredible deals and exclusive events.

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resource to children and adults alike and look forward to watching the impact it will have in growing awareness and appreciation for the arts in Omaha.”

Mike Cassling’s daughters – 15-year-old Kaila and 13-year-old Megan – were direct beneficiaries of the first classes taught at the education center. The performers from Broadway Dreams conducted a one-day series of intensive workshops with a group of around 100 students on dancing, acting and singing.

Cassling says his daughters’ experience showed the tremendous potential for the center.

“It was unbelievable for them to interact with people who’ve been on Broadway and sing professionally and to learn from them,” he says. “My kids just do dance, but they also did the singing and acting. And they loved it.”

Squires says the opportunity to educate is something most touring performers seek and the Cassling Center can now provide.

“Those connections to the community are what can really make an artist’s appearance special,” Squires says. “They can have a few hours to interact with young people and inspire them and really touch them in ways they’d never otherwise have a chance to do.”

Cassling says his daughters’ overall dance experience has greatly enhanced his appreciation for the arts and motivated him to support Omaha Performing Arts.

In his youth, Cassling was a competitive swimmer. In dance, he sees his daughters gaining many of the same qualities swimming gave him, noting that his girls dance about 25 hours a week.

“Strength, self-confidence, discipline – swimming gave me all that,” he says.

“Dance has taught them those things, and teamwork. They do solos, but they’re in teams when they compete. And it really teaches them about hard work and shows you how it pays off.”

Eager entertainers, Kaila and Megan surprised their father, grandparents and family members with a performance at the Cassling Center’s dedication ceremony.

The education center consists of rehearsal and flexible performance spaces as well as classrooms. While classes are the focus, Squires says the space has already lent itself to other uses.

“We’re already in this room almost every www.omahapublications.com

day of the week in some capacity,” she says. “It will also be available for luncheons, corporate meetings and events. It really is addressing a tremendous need and pentup demand that we had.”

The dedication ceremony was attended by 150 family, friends and community leaders, many of whom have come to know the Casslings through the family business – Cassling, formerly Cassling Diagnostic Imaging.

Bob Cassling founded Cassling in 1984 after a career spent in the medical imaging business. Mike joined the company full time in 1986 after his graduation from UNL. He became president in 1996.

The company has gone through several shifts in service focus since inception and Mike Cassling is guiding the company through another one. The business has thrived on the sales of medical imaging equipment and service, but Cassling says the medical climate is changing due to healthcare reform.

“We’re trying to help people increase quality and decrease cost and investing in healthcare companies to do that,” he says.

“It’s a challenging time for everyone in healthcare right now.”

Besides personal sentiment, Cassling says there’s a sound business reason as well for supporting the Holland Center and Omaha Performing Arts.

“The Holland and OPA has brought huge benefit to the community. We recruit people from outside Omaha to our company and people are impressed with the cultural offerings that Omaha has that some major cities don’t have.”

The Casslings can now be credited for enhancing that reputation and, Squires says, helping secure the future success of the Holland Performing Arts Center and the arts in Omaha.

“The performers that have had a chance to come into the Cassling Center are in awe of the space. It is an amazing enhancement for the Holland Center and really speaks to the quality of everything we try to do here,” she says.

“This is the future. These are our future patrons and performers. It helps people grow and develop to the best of their ability, and it really builds on the great training and art that already exists in Omaha.

“This is taking us to the next level.” www.readonlinenow.com

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The mission of the Hope Center for Kids is to break the cycle of hopelessness for Omaha’s inner-city youth through faith, education, employment and collaboration.

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Collaboration Spotlight: We Nourish Hope

Kids Cafe programs provide free meals and snacks to children in low-income families.

The Hope Center has the largest Kids Café in the State of Nebraska

The Hope Center: • Serves approximately 100 children ages 5-19 every day • Served 26,000 nutritious meals to at-risk children last year • Sent home 3,000 weekend meals to children with limited resources at home The Hope Center is helping raise up a generation of purity, passion and purpose!

Hope Center for Kids • 2200 N. 20th Street, Omaha, NE 68110 (402) 341-4673 • www.hopecenterforkids.com

july/august | 2010

45

behind the mic... Alexa Hampton

by Corey Ross photo courtesy of Mark Hampton, LLC.

Success By Design Renowned interior designer Alexa Hampton of Mark Hampton, LLC., will share design tips and the history of her company at the Lauritzen Gardens Antique & Garden Show.

A

fter she gave birth to twins, interior designer Alexa Hampton vowed to continue to maintain a stylish home despite the destructive tendencies of children.

Those grand intentions quickly caved to the realities of child-rearing.

“I threw in the towel in two seconds,” Hampton says with a laugh. “I was not successful at all.”

That’s a rare statement from a woman who has accomplished nearly everything else she’s set out to do. Hampton is the president of Mark Hampton, LLC., the New York-based and internationally known design firm founded by her late father.

Hampton, who’s been named one of America’s top 100 designers by Architectural Digest, will be the brunch speaker at the Lauritzen Gardens Antique and Garden Show on Sept. 25th.

Among other things, Hampton will share the history of the company, at which she began her career as an “shopper” at age 13.

Q. You went to work for your father at age 13. Did you always know you were going to be a designer?

A. I sort of knew what I wanted to do, but at the same time I didn’t want to forgo a liberal arts education. That’s why I went off to college and returned to work for my father in the summers. The work started out with shopping for my father or whatever designer gave me an assignment. I loved it. I really knew I could do the job when I started drawing. My father could see it and so could I. Q. How much influence did your father have on you as a designer?

Are your styles alike?

A. Well, he trained me, so he certainly had great influence, but I’m my own person and you can’t discount that I’m female. I’m not a frilly female, but being female gives a different perspec-

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tive. More than anything, I think I’ve been influenced by history and some of the beautiful work that has been done over the years.

Q. One of your most acclaimed projects is Trowbridge House, the guest house for past presidents in Washington, D.C. Can talk about the magnitude of the project and your vision for it?

A. It’s not full steam ahead right now because of some events in the world, so it’s a slow process, but I’m still very excited about it. The project is being done through the State Department with the intention that it’ll serve all future presidents as well. Most of the presidents have a place to stay and work in D.C., but this will augment that. The design has to be formal and proper, but not pompous or fancy.

It also has to be flexible because

Trowbridge House also functions as a hotel so the public has to be able to embrace it as well.

Q. That seems to be your most unique project. What projects do you gravitate toward?

A. I like a mix. I have adult ADD. (Laughing.) Variety keeps me happy going to work. An ideal mix for me might be a very modern apartment in New York City, a very traditional house in Pittsburgh and a classic home in Manhattan.

Q. Your first book “The Language of Interior Design” will debut at the garden show. What prompted you to do the book?

A. A literary agent approached me.

Originally, I thought of books as something you do at the end of your career.

I’m not even 40, so I didn’t think I had www.omahapublications.com

TIME TO VOTE! Best of Omaha® 2011 any business writing a book, but then I decided that if you have something to say, you can write a book. It doesn’t need to be a finale to your career.

The premise of the book is sort of like, “The Sound of Music” - once you know the notes, you can do most anything. So, thank you, Julie Andrews.

Q. You once said, “The biggest mistake clients make is not trusting themselves to know what they don’t like. Nobody should ever be talked into something that they find distasteful.” Could you expound on that?

A. There’s a mystery that shrouds the design process, but there really shouldn’t be. If you like red, you like red. Where people go wrong is when they think they have to follow trends and do things they’re told to do rather than what they want to do.

So you have to really listen to them, and if you do it long enough, you’ll develop an understanding and be able to show them something they’ll respond to.

Q. What impact is technology having not only on how you work but on the spaces you design?

A. It’s having a huge impact on not only making spaces amazing but also more energy efficient. The other day I finished a job where we used a scanning machine to scan someone’s personal library so the books would appear on the computer like they were at Barnes & Noble. It might not be necessary, but it’s so cool that you can do it.

The biggest design debate brewing right now is about how to hide the TV and how to hide it smartly. Do you put it behind a piece of artwork, for instance. I never know what’s coming next, but it’s obvious computers are soon going to be running our entire homes.

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Classic is always in style.

Experience antiques and art from the country’s premier antique dealers. You’ll find tours, lectures and shopping, all in the picturesque Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha’s Botanical Center. This year’s events include a luncheon with top interior designer Barry Dixon and a brunch with Alexa Hampton, President of Mark Hampton, Inc.

September 24-26, 2010

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday

www.omahaantiqueshow.org 402.346.4002 ext.201 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE 68108

For more information about the Antique & Garden Show on Sept. 24th and 25th, go to www.omahabotanicalgardens.com www.readonlinenow.com

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the scoop

By Corey Ross. Photo courtesy of Joe Byrm.

Pooling Resources

After a successful debut in 2009, the all-inclusive MMI Big Splash swimming event returns to assist those with disabilities

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iding a wave of popularity for swimming generated by Omaha hosting the Olympic Swim Trials, the MMI Big Splash debuted last August with the intent of using the city’s newfound aqua affinity to help those with disabilities.

The result was an unforgettable swimming experience for nearly 200 disabled and able-bodied swimmers that generated $30,000 to benefit UNMC’s Munroe-Meyer Institute.

The event returns on Aug. 21 with the hopes of generating an even bigger splash.

Tom Thompson, Senior Director of Development at the University of Nebraska Foundation, which partners with MMI to organize the event, says he hopes the positive sentiment generated by the debut event will coax many more swimmers into the pool.

“The word of mouth from last year’s event was incredible,” he says.

“I don’t think we’ll miss anyone from last year’s event and we’ll

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hopefully get many more people to participate, especially in the relay activities.”

The “fun relays” pair able-bodied and disabled swimmers to give the thrill of competition in a non-competitive format. Thompson says in 2009, those events gave the Big Splash its identity.

“It inspired a lot of interaction between the swimmers,” he says.

“It really helped them build a bond.”

Thompson’s daughter Marissa, a 5-year-old with Downs syndrome, was one of the swimmers to revel in the experience.

“Swimming is her favorite thing to do,” Thompson says. “She swam from one sister to another in eight- to 10-foot increments.

When she got to the end of the pool, she wanted to do more.”

MMI uses aqua therapy in its efforts to assist the disabled, which is why a swimming event was chosen as a benefit.

“Swimming helps with mobility,” Thompson says. “It gives children and adults who are disabled a chance to overcome that with weightlessness and the benefits of being in the water. www.omahapublications.com

“Some of our participants a year ago were in the water for the first time ever.

And you had a lot of participants who really wanted to help kids have that experience.”

A variety of races and relays for recreational, competitive, adaptive and assisted swimmers of all ages will be held at the Westside High School Pool (8701 Pacific St.) from 8 a.m. to noon.

The cost is $25 per participant and covers any combination of events and entrance to the Family Swim & Splash Party to be held at the Rockbrook Swimming Pool (10800 W. Center Rd.) from 1 to 3 p.m.

All swimmers will receive a Big Splash T-shirt and swim cap for participation.

Scholarships are available for adaptive and assisted swimmers. To apply, contact a Big Splash representative at 402.502.0300.

Arthritis Foundation to Honor Gottschalk The Arthritis Foundation will honor Carmen Gottschalk as its woman of the

year at its 37th annual gala on Sept. 2.

Gottschalk, wife of former newspaper publisher John Gottschalk, is being honored for her “compassion, hard work and tireless advocacy of the causes close to her heart,” including the Arthritis Foundation.

The Nebraska Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation has annually selected a woman to honor for her outstanding service and contributions to the community. The gala will be held at the downtown Embassy Suites.

For more information, call 402.330.6130.

UNMC to honor Condoleeza Rice Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice will be honored at the Ambassador of Hope Gala on Oct. 26 at Qwest Center Omaha.

The Ambassador of Hope Award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions in the fight against cancer through research, patient care activities or by raising public

Dr. Rice was 15 when her mother, Angelena, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She died in 1985.

While in Omaha, Dr. Rice will continue the national tour of her memoir, “Extraordinary Ordinary People,” which will be released in October.

For more information, call 402.559.4179, or go to www.nebraskahope.org.

Oriental Trading to Support Susan G. Komen Oriental Trading Company has pledged to raise $200,000 for Susan G. Komen over the next two years and is doing so through the sale of pink rubber ducks.

The rubber ducks retail for $5.99 and Susan G. Komen is donating $3 from each purchase. The campaign is called Sharing Smiles for the Cure.

For more information, or to purchase ducks, go to www.sharingsmilesforthecure.com.

presents

Saturday & Sunday August 28 & 29

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july/august | 2010

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galas, etc.

A two-month look at upcoming fundraisers and other charitable events

July 12 The 15th annual Marian High School Golf Tournament Indian Creek Golf Course, 20100 West Maple Road, 11:30 a.m. registration, 12:30 a.m. shotgun start (402) 571-2618, ext. 167.

What it is: A benefit for Marian sponsored by Lexus of Omaha that is part of the Lexus Champions for Charity golf series, a unique series of 190 charity golf tournaments throughout the United States.

Women’s Golf Professional Janice Moodie is special guest and will conduct a clinic. The tournament also offers its golfers a chance to win a one-year lease on a Lexus GX 460 with a hole-in-one.

Where the money goes: Proceeds benefit Marian High School, a Catholic, all-girl, college preparatory school recognized twice by the U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School of Academic Excellence.

July 15 The Seventh Annual Women Against MS luncheon featuring Alex Kava Scott Conference Center, 11:30 a.m., deb.hermann@nmss.org.

What it is: Best-selling author Alex Kava will appear and discuss her psychological thriller novels, including her latest release, “Black Friday.” Kava will also auction off a character in her next book.

Where the money goes: Proceeds benefit the National MS Society in its mission to end MS and help those who suffer from it move on with their lives.

July 17 ALS in the Heartland Bachelor & Bachelorette Auction Ironwood Golf Club, 6:30 p.m. general admission, 8 p.m. auction, www.coxclassic.com or 399.1800.

What it is: Omaha’s only celebrity charity auction, which this year will serve as a kickoff for the Cox Classic golf tournament. This year’s celebs will include former NU quarterback Joe Ganz, Mayor Jim Suttle and wife Deb, and current Miss Nebraska Belinda Wright.

Where the money goes: Proceeds will go toward the 12 Cox Classic charities and ALS in the Heartland.

July 22 Nebraska Golf Classic banquet Embassy Suites LaVista, 6 p.m., 330.6164 What it is: A banquet and golf tournament to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Former NFL star and now analyst Tiki Barber is the special guest. A golf tournament at Quarry Oaks takes place the following morning.

Where the money goes: All proceeds support cystic fibrosis research, education and support programs.

August 1 4th Annual Lyal McCaig Image Recovery Fund Raiser Capitol Schools, 10803 John Galt Blvd. 4:30 p.m. (402) 333-3329 x 223.

What it is: A benefit for the Lyal McCaig Image Recovery Center.

The Lyal McCaig Image Recovery Center is designed to help patients prepare for appearance changes they will experience due to chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery. The IRC is staffed by clinically trained cosmetologists who understand the side effects associated with cancer treatment. Coinciding with our fundraiser will be Capitol School’s 87th Anniversary Alumni Reunion as well as the Grand Opening of Capitol’s new building. Great silent auction items to be won, including a live date auction for a few of Omaha’s hottest bachelors!

Where the money goes: The Lyal McCaig Image Recovery Center, named after Lyal following his passing from several forms of cancer. As owner, and lead instructor of Capitol School of Hairstyling & Esthetics, Lyal McCaig’s life-long commitment had always been making people look and feel better. Some of the healing services offered at the IRC are aromatherapy, makeup application, oral hygiene and skin care products, hair services & wigs, head coverings and hats, state-of-the-art lumpectomy, post-mastectomy, and reconstruction products, corrective and hydrating facials, & massage therapy.

August 7 The American Cancer Society’s Passport to the Cure Kaneko Art Gallery, 1111 Jones, 7 p.m., 393.5801 or www.passporttothecureomaha.org.

What it is: This second annual event, aimed at young professionals, features a world travel theme and provides food, drink and entertainment from an array of international destinations.

homeless and low-income men, women and children in Omaha since 1984. Stephen Center is the only “dry” emergency shelter in Omaha, focusing on assisting those who have made a commitment to overcome the lifedestroying effects of drugs and alcohol.

August 21 MMI Big Splash Westside High School Pool, 8701 Pacific St., 8 a.m. to noon, and Rockbrook Swimming Pool, 10800 W. Center Rd., 1 to 3 p.m., 502.3000.

What it is: A recreational and competitive swimming fundraiser that brings together swimmers of all abilities and ages

Where the money goes: Funds will support the American Cancer Society’s mission to help people stay well, get well, find cures and fight back against cancer.

Walk to Cure Diabetes for JDRF Lewis & Clark Landing, 8 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. walk, 402.397.CURE or Omaha@jdrf.org.

What it is: A walk toward the goal of raising more than $1 million to support juvenile diabetes treatment and research. This year’s theme is Peace, Love, Cure.

Where the money goes: Proceeds support JDRF in its mission to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research.

August 9 Domestic Violence Coordinating Council golf tournament Stone Creek Golf Course, 6200 N. 160th St., noon shotgun start, www. dvccomaha.org or 398.9928.

What it is: This second annual event consists of golf and a barbeque dinner.

Where the money goes: DVCC is the only organization in Douglas County that brings people together to end domestic violence, making the community a safer place to live. DVCC advocates for system change through education and training and by partnering with agencies who make victims safer and hold offenders accountable.

August 10 3rd annual Stephen Center golf outing Champions Run, 10:45 a.m. registration, noon shotgun start, 715.5476 or cindy.oelke@stephencenter.org.

What it is: Lunch, dinner and a golf tournament to support the Stephen Center.

Where the money goes: Stephen Center, Inc., has served

The second annual MMI Big Splash will take place on Aug. 21.

August 14 Buckaroo Bash for River City Roundup Omaha Mounted Patrol Facility, 615 Leavenworth St. on the ConAgra campus, 6 p.m., 554.9600.

What it is: A bit of country fun in conjunction with River City Roundup. Evening includes a hearty buffet dinner, mechanical bull rides and country western entertainment.

Where the money goes: Proceeds mainly support the Justin Cowboy Boot Crisis Fund, which assists injured rodeo professionals and their families following severe injury, and the River City Rodeo & Stock Show.

August 15 The 20th annual 2010 Corporate Cycling Challenge Heartland of America Park, 8th and Farnam, www.corporatecycling. com or 932-RIDE (7433).

What it is: A bike ride for all ages and abilities with distances of 10, 25 or 42 miles, featuring beautiful scenery and historical.

The start and finish line is staged in front of the fountain at the Heartland of America Park, on 8th and Farnam in Omaha.

to support the Munroe-Meyer Institute (MMI) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. A variety of races and relays for recreational, competitive, adaptive and assisted swimmers of all ages will be held at the Westside High School Pool. The Family Swim & Splash Party will be held at the Rockbrook Swimming Pool.

Where the money goes: Proceeds support MMI, which provides care and services for individuals around the state with diverse disabilities.

August 28 Riverfront Wine Festival Lewis and Clark Landing, 515 Riverfront Drive, Through Aug. 29, 3-8 p.m. Sat; 1-6 p.m., Sun., www.riverfrontwinefestival.com or 884.6696 What it is: Omaha’s Riverfront Wine Festival provides an opportunity to sample from more than 150 wines from around the world and learn about new and exciting varieties from the experts.

Where the money goes: The 2010 Festival Beneficiary is Junior League of Omaha, which will receive a portion of ticket sales.

Where the money goes: Proceeds from this year’s ride will again be donated to Eastern Nebraska Trails Network (ENTN).

ENTN advocates and supports the development of multi-use trails throughout Omaha and the surrounding areas.

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

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www.omahapublications.com

Once Upon a Time Sold-out Omaha Children’s Museum annual benefit raises more than $275,000

Empire State of Mind

Story and photos courtesy of Omaha Children’s Museum.

CSI treats Cabaret guests to a night in New York and a baseball game in Chicago

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Story and photos courtesy of Child Saving Institute.

sold-out crowd of more than 500 attended the Omaha Children’s Museum’s “For the Kids” Benefit in May to help raise more than $275,000.

Themed “Once Upon a Time,” the story-book theme was carried out in every aspect of the event from the fairyland table decorations to the royal candy buffet. Costumed storybook characters greeted guests, who also attended the Cinderella’s After-Ball celebration.

Catering Creations’ menu consisted of Princess and the Pea Salad, “The Three Little Pigs” entrée of roasted herb and dijon pork tenderloin with a rosemary pork reduction, smoky bacon macaroni and cheese, and green beans in a pancetta red pepper butter.

Guests enjoyed “Fairy Cakes” from Cupcake Island for dessert.

An additional highlight of the night was the display of vintage Richman Gordman Zooland animals recently acquired by the museum.

The museum’s Rainbow Connectors Guild plans and presents the benefit each year. This year’s chairpersons from the volunteer group were Denise Fitzgerald, Sarah Kahler and Christine Stevens.

Honorary chairpersons were Shirley and Dan Neary. Dan Neary is chairman and chief executive officer of Mutual of Omaha, which served as Royal Sponsor of the event.

Funds raised from the event will be used to sustain the museum’s permanent exhibits as well as its ongoing programs.

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ore than 700 guests enjoyed bright green “Big Appletinis” and a venue decorated with New York City landmarks at the Child Saving Institute’s Cabaret 2010 in May. A Statue of Liberty, lighted Empire State Building, and metro passes helped transfuse the Holiday Inn with an “Empire State of Mind.” Former SNL cast member and comedian Norm MacDonald provided entertainment.

The evening raised more than $300,000 for the children, youth and families served in Child Saving Institute programs. An evening highlight was the raffle of a chance a trip for 20 seats to the Owner’s Suite at a Chicago Cubs game and a private pre-game tour of Wrigley Field.

Cabaret 2010 was hosted by CSI’s board. Honorary chairmen were Carol and Gary Perkins. General chairmen were Christine and David Nikunen and Wendy and S. Scott Moore.

Child Saving Institute, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit child welfare organization, is dedicated to the intervention, prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect. Since 1892, CSI’s mission has never wavered from providing care for abandoned, neglected and abused children. CSI has met the changing needs for children in the Omaha metro area based on the belief that children are the community’s most valuable resource.

For more information visit http://www.ocm.org.

Top: Benefit Chairs from the Rainbow Connectors Guild, Denise Fitzgerald (l), Christine Stevens, Sarah Kahler (r). Above from l to r: Board President Roberta Christensen, Dan and Shirley Neary (honorary chairs) and Lindy Hoyer (executive director). www.readonlinenow.com

Top: CSI Board members Amy Knott and Shannon Hoy. Above: 2010 General Chairmen S. Scott and Wendy Moore and Christine and David Nikunen.

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Kicks for a Cure

Honoring Heroes

Soccer benefit raises $172,000 to aid women’s cancer prevention

Former NFL MVP QB Kurt Warner recognizes heroes, addresses 1,400 at D.J.’s Heroes Awards Luncheon

Story courtesy of Creighton University.

Photos courtesy of sararogersphotography.com.

Story courtesy of The Salvation Army.

Photos courtesy of Paparazzi by Appointment.

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Above: Dave Karnes, Laurel Karnes and event chairs Mary and Terry Zach.

Back row: John Gardner, Desiree LaFerla, Kasey Pestel, David and Peggy Sokol, Kurt Warner, Majors Paul and Renea Smith, Richelle Price, and Andrew VanDerVeen; front row - Emily Essen, Sarah Payich, Taylor Tacha and Haley Graupner.

he fifth annual “Kicks for a Cure” soccer weekend at Creighton University raised more than $172,000 for research, education and prevention of women’s cancer.

That topped last year’s previous record of $152,000 raised for Liz’s Legacy, a foundation honoring the late Liz Karnes, Ph.D. Since it began five years ago, Kicks for a Cure has raised more than $729,000, according to Mary Zach, who co-chaired the event with husband Terence Zach, M. D., pediatric neonatologist with Creighton Medical Associates. The purpose of the annual event is to raise awareness for women’s cancer education and prevention. Proceeds benefit research at Creighton University Hereditary Cancer Center and UNMC Eppley Cancer Center.

An annual Kicks for a Cure Inspiration Award was inaugurated this year. It was presented to Steve and Amy Lindsay for their role as founders of the event along with former Senator Dave Karnes.

Karnes and his daughters - Korey, Kalen, Karen and Laurel, the honorary chairs along with their father.

The free soccer clinic drew 125 youngsters from Boys/Girls Club of the Midlands, Girls, Inc., Boys Town, All Our Kids and Campfire Kids. Nearly 400 people attended the Friday evening banquet at the Doubletree Hotel Downtown, and nearly 2,500 fans took in the matches at the Michael G. Morrison, S.J. Soccer Stadium.

“Kicks for a Cure” is presented by First National Bank.

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resh off his retirement from the NFL, former Arizona Cardinals QB Kurt Warner appeared at the 11th annual D.J.’s Hero Awards Luncheon in May at the Qwest Center to help honor nine teens and one adult selected as D.J.’s Heroes.

The teen heroes were honored with $5,000 scholarships in memory of D.J. Sokol, son of David and Peggy Sokol, who died from cancer at age 18.

Collectively, the teen heroes have faced homelessness, health problems and parental neglect and abuse. One teen was placed in 27 foster homes. Two of the Heroes coped with loss of sight.

But all excel in what they do despite adversity.

Warner saluted the selflessness of the honorees.

“To be a Hero, you have to be willing to sacrifice for someone else,” he said.

Former Henry Doorly Zoo director Dr. Lee Simmons was chosen as this year’s adult honoree for creating educational programs that brought knowledge of the natural world to young people.

The number of “heroes” ages 17 through 19 honored with scholarships was a record number.

“The committee met intending to select six teens from 130 nominations for the scholarships,” said Joanne Bemis, director of development and community relations. “But there were too many good nominations and outstanding candidates who have truly faced adversity and won.”

Donors stepped forward with more scholarship funds. Leading the way were David and Peggy Sokol and Mid-American Energy Holdings Company. Other donors were Sid and Dawn Dinsdale and Suzanne Caruso. The Dinsdales were co-chairs of the event.

The lunch raises funds to support programs such as: Children’s Summer Enrichment; CARES, the Comprehensive Adolescent Residential and Education Services for pregnant and parenting teens, and Salvation Army/KETV Seven Can Help Kids Back-toSchool program for children from low-income families.

www.omahapublications.com

Research Champions

Sand in the City

Mike Yanney and Dr. Gail Walling Yanney honored for their support of medical research

Annual Nebraska Children’s Home benefit draws thousands to see sculptures

Story and photos courtesy of the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Story and photos courtesy of Nebraska Children’s Home Society.

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ike Yanney and Gail Walling Yanney, M.D. were honored in April by the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures for their passionate support of medical research. Over 230 people attended the luncheon, held at Happy Hollow Club.

This marks the eighth consecutive year that the organization has recognized an individual or couple for their support of research.

Richard Holland, an Omaha philanthropist who is chairman of the board of the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures, called the Yanneys “our town’s greatest citizens.”

Harold M. Maurer, M.D., chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, also praised the Yanneys. “The Yanneys are unique, visionary people who will sacrifice everything to assist the community and to help people in need,” he said.

In accepting the recognition, Dr. Yanney said, “We are honored to support UNMC and the world-class research being done there.”

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n estimated 10,000 attendees enjoyed a beach-like atmosphere right in the middle of downtown Omaha in June at Nebraska Children’s Home Society’s Sand in the City® event.

Presented by Millard Drywall Service, this year’s event was held at the corner of 10th and Capitol streets.

The festivities began with the area’s only gigantic sand sculpting competition on Friday. Roughly 350 tons of sand was transformed into 15-ton creations by teams of local employees. After only six hours of building time, awards were presented by a panel of judges, including local professional sculptors, architects, engineers and media personalities. Millard Drywall won first place followed by Kiewit Engineering.

The event helped raise awareness for the programs of Nebraska Children’s Home Society, which include statewide pregnancy, parenting and adoption services and education, post-adoption services, unplanned pregnancy services, foster care, outreach services and early childhood education. In addition, Sand in the City® helped raise funds to support these programs.

For more information on Sand in the City® and to view more photos from this and last year’s event, visit www.sandinthecityomaha.com.

Top: UNMC Chancellor Dr. Harold Maurer, Mike Yanney, Beverly Maurer, Dick Holland, Gail Yanney and Nebraskans for Life Saving Cures President Sandy Goodman. Bottom: Susan Scott, Gail Yanney and Beverly Maurer. www.readonlinenow.com

Top: First National Bank team members work on their sculpture. Bottom: Millard Dry Wall teams members with their winning sculpture.

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Puttin on the Pink

Tribute to Women

Susan G. Komen for the Cure recognizes supporters, grant recipients

YWCA honors 11 outstanding women at 23rd annual luncheon

Story and photos courtesy of Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Story courtesy of the YWCA. Photo by Corey Ross.

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

For more information, go to www.ywcaomaha.org. An in-depth look at the honorees can be found in the May/June issue of Omaha Magazine at www.readonlinenow.com.

he Nebraska Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure recognized its 2010 Community Grant recipients as well as other Komen Nebraska Affiliate award winners in April at its annual “Puttin’ on the Pink” event, held at the Markel BMW showroom.

A crowd of more than 300 was on hand when Susan G. Komen announced its 10 community grant recipients and then presented three group awards: • The 2010 “Pink Tie Guys,” an award acknowledging male supporters of Susan G. Komen.

• The Affiliate’s “Pink Honor Roll,” which is made up of the top 25 pledge-raisers from the 2009 Komen Nebraska Race for the Cure.

• Union Pacific Railroad for “Outstanding Volunteer Group” award.

The Komen Nebraska Affiliate is part of the 125-Affiliate network of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world’s largest and most progressive grassroots network fighting to end breast cancer. The Affiliates are the face and voice of Komen for the Cure’s global breast cancer movement in communities around the world. Through local events and activities, the Komen Nebraska Affiliate mobilizes and educates thousands of community members while raising funds to support community-based breast cancer programs.

Top: Lynette Farhart, Komen Nebraska Affiliate; Kate Sommer, Komen Nebraska Affiliate; Cindy Calhoun, VNA; and Brandi Holys Tumbleson, VNA. Bottom: Pam Cope; Tony Caputo, Markel BMW; Gloria Nelson; Renee Lillard; and Maureen Reininger.

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ore than 750 people attended the YWCA’s 23rd Annual Tribute to Women luncheon at the Holiday Inn Central Ballroom in June.

The 11 honorees were: Cindy Bay; Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel Oledia Bell, USAF; Betty Davis; Kathy Fitzgerald Grandsaert; Joan Lappe, Ph.D.; Melissa Marvin; Mary Maxwell; Sue Morris; Joan Squires; Ellen Wright; and young leader Monica Ibarra.

Jane Rips and Dr. Ann Sjulin co-chaired the event. Of the 2010 honorees and past honorees, Rips said, “These honorees become the latest members of a very distinguished group of women. These women have broken glass ceilings in business, expanded opportunities for exposure to the arts; enlightened and emboldened through the gift of communication; inspired and uplifted through education; and worked tirelessly for the neediest among us.”

Dianne Seeman Lozier, Corporate Counsel of the Lozier Corporation and active advocate for women and girls, was presented with the Outstanding Community Service Award for her contributions to the field of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.

Back row: Kathy Grandsaert, Betty Davis, Ellen Wright, Oledia Bell, Cindy Bay, Joan Squires.

Front: Monica Ibarra, Mary Maxwell, Melissa Marvin, Joan Lappe and Sue Morris.

www.omahapublications.com

Black Tie and Tails

Holes for Harmony

Nebraska Humane Society benefit encourages support for pets

The 15th Annual Project Harmony Golf Invitational raises $125,000 to support child protection services

Story courtesy of the Nebraska Humane Society.

Photos courtesy of Mark Kresl Photography.

Story and photos courtesy of Project Harmony.

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Top: Honorary chairwoman Anne Thorne Weaver and Phil Weaver, with Honey the labradoodle. Bottom: Shawn Edwards greets a puppy.

Top: First flight winners Jeff Lake, Mark Dahir, Todd Lorenz and Rob Stargl of Olsson Associates.

Bottom: Tom Hanafan, Jim Jansen, Craig Pohlman and Mike Fahey.

ore than 700 people attended the Nebraska Humane Society’s Black Tie and Tails benefit at the Holiday Inn Omaha Convention Center in April, but it was the animals that took the spotlight.

The biennial gala, presented by the NHS guild, Friends Forever, offered something for everyone - two-legged and four.

The theme of the evening, Waiting for Someone Like You, featured shelter dogs, while VIP dogs and cats, many of which are NHS alumni, strutted their stuff down the runway with their human escorts. Honorary chairwoman Anne Thorne Weaver and her labradoodle, Honey, led the pack.

The runway show followed a silent auction, dinner, oral auction and musical interludes.

www.readonlinenow.com

hanks in part to a full field of 28 foursomes, the 15th Annual Project Harmony Golf Invitational held at Indian Creek golf course in June managed to raise $125,000 to support the agency’s services, which help protect children in eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa.

Invitational co-chairs Dean Rasmussen and Jim Jansen commended Gold, Silver and Bronze Sponsors, many of whom have participated for every one of the tournament’s 15 years, for the critical role they have filled in making Project Harmony a reality for the children of our region that have suffered from abuse and neglect. Project Harmony partners with law enforcement and human services to provide child-centered investigative, medical and referral services for young victims of abuse. Other services provided by Project Harmony include professional training, community education and case coordination.

Rasmussen, Jansen and Invitational founder Diane Sorensen presented a $125,000 check to executive director Gene Klein, bringing total Invitational proceeds to slightly more than $2 million.

Volunteers assisting in the 2010 Invitational came from Wells Fargo, Target, the Project Harmony Service League and local schools. For further information about the Project Harmony Golf Invitational and services offered at Project Harmony, please visit www.projectharmony.com or call (402) 595-1326.

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Power Lunch Community Connection Habitat for Humanity salutes supporters, kicks off Women Build 2010

Annual Kids Can Luncheon proceeds help provide for safe, affordable child care

Story courtesy of Habitat for Humanity. Photos by Corey Ross.

Story courtesy of Kids Can Community Center.

Photo by Kim Therkildsen Photography.

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abitat for Humanity of Omaha’s Power Women Power Lunch in April drew more than 375 guests to the Holiday Inn and raised more than $80,000, part of which will go toward the 13th annual Women Build.

The Women Build house should be finished in August 2010. Build veterans Norma Fletcher and Ro Simpson were honored at the luncheon as Power Women of the Year. Both women have been involved with Habitat Omaha’s Women Build for more than a decade.

Former Habitat homeowner and current board member, Terry Thompson, spoke about the power and importance of home ownership.

The luncheon honorary chairs were Mary Jo Langdon and her daughters: Jessica Bagley, Emily Jung, Alison Dobleman, Claire, Hannah and Melissa Langdon.

Founded in 1984, Habitat for Humanity of Omaha is a grassroots organization that builds and renovates houses, forges community partnerships and breaks down barriers. Habitat Omaha partners with families that need safe and affordable housing.

In 2010, Habitat Omaha will build or renovate 27 homes.

For more information, visit the www.habitatomaha.org.

T

he annual Kids Can Luncheon for the Kids Can Community Center raised more than $74,000 for programs that provide working parents with safe, affordable and flexible childcare solutions.

The luncheon, held in May at the downtown Doubletree Hotel, was presented by Wells Fargo and featured a keynote presentation by Rodd Wagner, an author of The New York Times bestseller, “12: The Elements of Great Managing.”

Wagner’s latest book is “Power of 2: How to Make the Most of Your Partnerships at Work.”

The Weitz Family served as honorary chairs for the event and Wally Weitz presented the community center’s “Can Do! Award” to Paul Sather for his contributions to the nonprofit community. Sather is the director of the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Service Learning Academy and American Humanics program. Sather was instrumental in developing the Service Learning Academy, which coordinates community outreach and civic engagement activities in various classes at UNO. Under Sather’s leadership, the academy has grown from seven classes to 120 classes.

Formerly known as Social Settlement, Kids Can Community Center offers numerous educational and daycare services for children, including before- and after-school programs, pre-school and tutoring. Kids Can also offers programs for senior citizens.

For more information on the luncheon, contact Kids Can at 402.731.6988 or www.kidscanomaha.org.

Above: Paul Sather receives the "Can Do! Award" from Wally Weitz.

Top: Mayor Jim Suttle leads the donation drive. Bottom: A guest makes a donation and signs a board to be used in the Women's Build.

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www.omahapublications.com

Mission Possible

Symphony Splendor

Med Center’s Kaleidoscope event helps fund new Life Renewal Center

Splendor in the Grass event kicks off the symphony season

Story and photo courtesy of The Nebraska Medical Center.

Story and photos courtesy of the Omaha Symphony

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Above: Auxiliary President Gabrielle Mormino, chair Jill Folsom, Marg Helgenberger and chairs Janette Garvin and Liz Otterberg.

Top: Dr. Patrick and Maria Brookhouser. Middle: Thomas Wilkins (Music Director, Omaha Symphony) and Scott Farkas. Bottom: Mark Genereux, David Jones, Alicia Jones and Stacy Genereux.

ebraska native and star of the hit television series “CSI,” Marg Helgenberger, returned to Omaha as a special guest for the University Hospital Auxiliary’s Kaleidoscope 2010. Helgenberger’s mother received care for her breast cancer at The Nebraska Medical Center and Helgenberger has since become a national advocate for breast cancer research.

“Re: Mission Possible,” was the theme for this year’s Kaleidoscope event, held in April at the Embassy Suites LaVista Conference Center. Dr. Kenneth Cowan, director of the Eppley Cancer Center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and his wife, Dr. Alison Freifeld, professor of internal medicine, were the honorary chairs for the event.

Proceeds from the event will help to fund the new Life Renewal Center, which will be located at The Nebraska Medical Center’s Cancer Center at Village Pointe.

The Life Renewal Center will offer a variety of services which may include wig fitting, skin and nail care, breast prosthetic and bra fitting, massage therapy and educational classes – to help cancer patients renew themselves after treatment, improve their self-confidence and manage their recovery.

“Looking good really does make one feel better,” Dr. Cowan said.

“The changes in self-image that unfortunately accompany cancer treatment simply add to all the other stresses and difficulties that cancer patients have to deal with.

“If we can help patients look better, they will feel better and be better able to cope with all of the other issues that they and their families must face after being diagnosed with cancer.”

Kaleidoscope is an annual, philanthropic event organized by the University Hospital Auxiliary. The event co-chairs were Jill Folsom, Janette Garvin and Liz Otterberg.

www.readonlinenow.com

ollowing the Omaha Symphony’s concert with Pink Martini on June 5th, a reception was held at the Holland Performing Arts Center to celebrate the 2009/10 season and raise funds for 2010/11.

Symphony supporters gathered in the courtyard at the Holland Center for a summer soiree featuring The Mike Pollock Quartet’s live jazz music.

Maestro Thomas Wilkins, music director of the Omaha Symphony, led a toast thanking symphony musicians, staff, supporters, and concertgoers for a successful 2009/10 season.

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Ollie's Dream

An Evening of Impressionism

Ollie Webb Center wine event assists those with disabilities

Joslyn Art Museum gala raises $115,000 to support education

Story and photos courtesy of Ollie Webb Center, Inc.

Story and photos courtesy of Joslyn Art Museum.

T

he Mutual of Omaha Dome was the beautiful setting for the fifth annual “Ollie’s Dream” wine-tasting gala in June.

The event included tasting wines from around the world provided by Republic National Distributing Company, delicious hors d’oeuvres and desserts by Eurest Dining Services. Guests also enjoyed live jazz music by Novak and Haar.

Mutual of Omaha was the Patron Sponsor for an evening that raised more than $65,000 to assist the children, adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities who participate in services offered by Ollie Webb Center, Inc. Event chairs Denise and Darren Snodgrass and a committee of dedicated volunteers and staff planned the evening.

Ollie Webb Center, Inc. is a local nonprofit organization that serves children, adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities and their families through support, programs and advocacy. Services are offered by The Arc of Omaha and Career Solutions, Inc. for residents of Cass, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties in Nebraska and Pottawattamie County, Iowa.

T

he Joslyn Art Museum Association (JAMA) hosted an evening celebrating the special exhibition Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism (from the Brooklyn Museum, on view through Sept. 12) in June.

Attendees also welcomed Jack Becker, Ph.D., Joslyn Art Museum’s new Executive Director and CEO. John and Carmen Gottschalk were honorary chairs, and JAMA’s Cindy Hansen and Kim Reeves served as gala chairman. A crowd of 335 helped raise $115,000 for education programs at Joslyn.

The evening began with cocktails and viewing of the exhibition of some 40 paintings, including many of the finest examples of mid- and late-19th century French and American landscape in the Brooklyn Museum’s collection. Among the artists featured are Jules Breton, Gustave Courbet, William Glackens, Frederick Childe Hassam, Claude Monet, Camille Jacob Pissarro, and John Singer Sargent.

Time in the galleries was followed an elegant “French garden” dinner in Joslyn’s ConAgra Foods Atrium.

For more information, call 346.5220 or visit www.olliewebbinc.org.

Top: Event chairs Denise and Darren Snodgrass. Bottom: Caroline Thompson, a member of the Ollie Webb Center, Inc. Board of Directors, and Joe Vernon.

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Top: Honorary chairmen John and Carmen Gottschalk, JAMA President Kelly Thedinger, Joslyn Executive Director and CEO Jack Becker. John Gottschalk is vice chairman of the Joslyn Board of Governors executive committee. Bottom: Gala chairmen Kim Reeves (left) and Cindy Hansen (right) with Joslyn Executive Director and CEO Jack Becker. www.omahapublications.com

OMAHAHOME

Story by Molly Garriott Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

Beauty and function blend perfectly in Berry's quaint, nature-inspired living room.

At Home With Rose Mary Berry

rose

Mary Berry. The name has the lyrical quality of a character pulled from the pages of a British children’s story. Picture a kind-faced woman, with warm eyes and a smile to match, sipping tea in her garden behind her stone cottage, offering you a scone. Actually, this isn’t far from the truth. Rose Mary Berry is truly a delight, and has an inviting garden that is an extension of her equally inviting home. We drank coffee (not tea) on a recent visit to her home, and while she didn’t offer me scones, she did produce freshly baked muffins.

Walking into Berry’s home, you get the feeling of being cradled in a comfy English cottage or an old French farm house. And that is exactly how Berry www.readonlinenow.com

wants her guests to feel. “A home should be full of things that please you. It’s what makes a house a home,” she believes.

The overall feel of Berry’s home is French Country.

She admittedly borrows heavily from interior designer Charles Faudree of Tulsa and Mary Carol Garrity of Nell Hill’s in Atkinson, Kan. Barry mixes woods and finishes. In the living room, rich with natural light, she has gathered an assortment of furniture styles. There is a copper and leather-topped side table initially purchased by a friend at a garage sale. It is actually a tray situated on top of a fold-out luggage stand with green legs. She has introduced an old dresser, upon which is perched an easel and painting, to her living room, as well as an july/august | 2010

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OMAHAHOME

Lime-green kitchen walls contrast well with the softer, more neutral tones throughout most of the house.

English pub table. A painted hutch showcases a generous portion of her extensive blue and white pottery collection and pewter pieces. On a large, gate-leg table, she displays her passion for natural things —an oversized urn filled with moss, twigging and nests — and a few more samples of her blue and white pottery.

Berry shuns anything too “matchy matchy.” She effectively breaks up furniture sets, interspersing them throughout the house and combining them with other pieces. The sideboard in her front foyer, her kitchen table, and the host chair in the living were originally part of cohesive set. Separated, they have found their independence and enriched three rooms. The light pecan wood of the French kitchen table compliments the cream paint and beige toile upholstery of the chairs, rescued from an old hotel.

She has created a similar effect in the dining room.

Berry inherited her aunt’s table and chairs. She kept

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the table its original wood finish but painted the canebacked chairs an antique white. Red toile and gingham cushions provide a pop of color in the otherwise neutral room. For further contrast, she has added black accent shades to her brass chandelier.

Layering accent pieces is another way Berry achieves visual interest. She stuffs lanterns with faux bird nests, props photos and paintings on easels, and stacks books atop silver trays. It’s a decorating idea she gleefully has pirated from Nell Hill’s. “Mary Carol Garrity has given me so many ideas,” she credits.

“I think it’s fun to collect and mix pieces,” says Berry.

French Country style lends itself to this. Especially appealing about this decor is you need not break the bank to create it. Much of her home was pulled from garage sales, retrieved from flea markets, discovered at estate sales, and happened upon on her travels. Berry is a fan of the flea market in Venice, Neb., and has been www.omahapublications.com

OMAHAHOME

Linens with a French Country blue and cream botanical print lend a relaxing, welcoming feel to the Berry's master bedroom.

on buying trips to Round Top, Texas’s famed antique show. She also finds treasures at Mount Michael Abbey’s Guest House and Voila! But she has had just as much luck popping into garage sales. Her sense of whimsy is evident in each of her rooms. Time and experimenting have trained her eye. “There is a fine line between junky and really cool,” she asserts, though she laughingly wonders if she has crossed that line.

The dining room exemplifies Berry’s eye for beauty on a budget. Floral plates she has picked up here and there surround a large, botanic print. Another cluster of pictures hang on an adjacent wall. They are prints she cut from the book A Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady and had framed.

Berry’s color palate is predominantly soothing taupe, beige, and cream, and is the perfect canvas for the reds and blues of her upholstery. But every once in a while she surprises you. Her kitchen is a bright lime www.readonlinenow.com

green. She painted her oak flooring antique white and “planted” flowering herb tiles amongst her simple white tile backsplash. Above her sink she added a bay window completely constructed of glass. “I tell people this is my addition — two square feet,” she jokes. She opted for a bold statement in her powder room as well, where a rich red keeps company with animal print accessories.

It, along with her kitchen dinette, is one of her favorite spots in her home.

In her book, Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy, Susan Ban Breathnach advises that we fill our homes only with items we find beautiful or useful. Rose Mary Berry agrees. “I don’t want anything in my house that I can’t use,” she shares. Whether it’s the silver toast rack that houses cocktail napkins-turned-coasters in her living room or the welcoming needlepoint pillows on her couch, Berry has seamlessly blended beauty with function, European style. july/august | 2010

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AGA M ZI HA

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www.bestofomaha.com

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Omaha Magazine’s Best of Omaha® is pure, popular vote.

Omaha loves this contest!

It started in the early ‘80’s with the staff of Omaha Magazine deciding who was the Best. Then in the early ‘90’s, the public was asked to decide. The contest is audited by Goracke & Associates. Today, more than 10,000 votes are cast in the Best of Omaha® contest. The public appreciates a chance to voice an opinion!

Our media partners are Action 3 News, Star 104.5 and Shout! Weekly. Their participation not only expands our audience, it increases the number of votes coming in. It truly is a community contest!

These days, it is all done on line. Only — Pat one ballot per email address and at least 25% of the ballot must be completed. No paper ballots, no hanging chads. No primaries, no electoral college, no superdelegates. The simpler the better! Years ago we used paper ballots. Not any more. Not that you could easily cheat back then, either. Stacks of ballots that were filled out and photocopied were set aside.

Some of the categories vary from year to year. Categories receiving few votes are dropped while new ideas are always welcome. Some categories are always popular, with the

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results anxiously awaited.

The top three vote-getters are in the “Best of Omaha® Winners’ Circle” for the year. They get to display the “Best of Omaha® Winners’ Circle” logo anywhere they want for the year. They earned it! Really, what is better than a customer compliment?

We have seen Best of Omaha® logos on advertisements, employee buttons, stationery, delivery trucks, billboards, store windows, in the phone book, on menus, heard it mentioned on radio spots and more.

The poll results will be printed in the January/February 2011 issue. Make you receive this Gobel, Dundee Dell owner sure issue by subscribing or renewing your subscription. The newsstand copies have not been keeping up with demand! You can start or renew your subscription at www.omahapublications.com.

In addition, an Omaha Magazine subscription makes a GREAT GIFT for anyone, especially a newcomer! It is a handy reference to all the locals’ fave businesses! Newbies will feel like an insider in no time.

We encourage you to support your favorite businesses. It only takes a minute at www.voteomaha.com!

“Thanks for The Best of Omaha [contest].

It is a great way to set us apart from all

the competition in a city saturated with great restaurants and bars.”

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TIME TO VOTE! 速 Best of Omaha 2011

Go Vote - Win Prizes

www.BestOfOmaha.com

Story by Leo Adam Biga Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

feature

Up, Up and Away Baloonists say "Tranquility of Flight" is Addictive, Magical.

No end of

metaphors describe a hot air balloon suspended in the sky. To some, it’s a giant, free-floating lollipop, to others a floating bouquet of flowers. Even Christmas ornaments come to mind.

The sight of an inflatable riding the air currents brings out the kid in everyone. Occupying the basket of a balloon, whether to sightsee or celebrate a milestone, offers a bird’s-eye experience. Most passenger flights last about an hour. Young, old or in-between, it’s an unforgettable joy ride.

The intrepid aeronauts who pilot these contraptions insist that

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hot air balloons truly are THE way to fly with the greatest of ease.

Nebraska Balloon Club members are devotees of a time-honored pastime with its own rituals and traditions.

Ballooning is a hobby, business, and sport for Tom Peterson, Rich Jaworski and Steve Lacroix, three active balloonists, instructors and NBC officers. The club promotes the activity statewide. Peterson, its president, said the group numbers about 100 members, including 29 pilots. It organizes free balloon flights, tethered and non-tethered alike, for dozens of charity events each year.

The three men have their own commercial balloon companies www.omahapublications.com

whose flights for hire cover any occasion. Jaworski also does competitive ballooning -- attempting extreme duration flights. He owns several world records.

Balloonists are as varied as their balloons, which range from towering to tiny, but all feel the tug of the breeze-blown freedom soaring among the clouds presents.

“There is just so no other way to fly that makes you feel so intimately associated with the Earth,” said Peterson, who pilots Dreamtime.

“It’s the closest thing to that dream of flying I had and many other people had as a child, where you lean forward into the wind, spread your arms wide and you lift-off effortlessly. To be able to fly at tree-top level and pick the leaves off the top of a cottonwood or to dip down and brush the tassels of the corn, to follow the contours of the hills and valleys…

“If we go off over the Elkhorn River there’s some spectacular bluffs that drop a couple hundred feet. We come right over the treetops and drop right down following that fall of the land and we set down on a sandbar in the middle of the river. Then, when we take off again, we just hang there like the cottonwood fluff in mid-air. There’s no other way you can fly that you could do that. It’s definitely my passion.”

He equates skimming the air in a balloon with gliding on water in a sailboat. In each case, he uses cues to gauge wind speed and direction: ripples on the water’s surface, smoke plumes, blowing leaves.

Rich Jaworski said his balloon’s name, Euphoria, is an apt description for the experience of flying in one.

“I think it is,” he said. “It’s a feeling of happiness and buoyancy. Each flight is a different adventure. Never knowing where you’re going to land is part of the fun. It’s the antithesis of the American tradition of going from point x to point y. We go from point x, but we don’t know where point y is going to be. We’re definitely not conformcontinued on next page www.readonlinenow.com

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feature

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ists. We want to do something different.”

Just don’t call them casual thrill-seekers or madcap adventurers. The activity is too unforgiving to tolerate show-offs.

“I would not characterize any of the pilots I know as daredevils,” said Peterson, “because you can’t be a good pilot and be a daredevil. A daredevil is someone who is always pushing the edge, and to be a good pilot you need to understand what are the limitations of the balloon, what are your limitations as a pilot, and what are the limitations of the information you have about the weather. Meteorology is an imperfect science -- we know some things but we don’t know them perfectly. If you’re a daredevil and pushing the edge, eventually the edge catches up to you.

“The pilots I know and that are members of the club respect that edge and stay a safe distance back from it by staying within the limits of their abilities and skills and the capabilities of the aircraft.”

For Jaworski and fellow aeronauts, a successful flight is a safe one. At the end of a trip he said he feels “self-pride and a sense of accomplishment.” The engineer said his penchant for “figuring out how things work” turned him onto ballooning: “The beauty of the balloon and the tranquility of its flight, coupled with the technical challenges and the meteorological phenomena one has to come to understand, it just connects a lot of dots for me. Also, the social aspects of working with crew and passengers, and giving back to charities, have been very satisfying and fulfilling.”

Whether launching aloft alone or in a group, balloonists comprise a fraternity dedicated to what Jaworski calls “sharing the joy.” Some gypsy across the country from rally to rally, others fly close to home or only go up for special events.

The Nebraska Balloon Club makes regular launches at Zorinsky Lake and plans a summer slate of rides at Mahoney State Park, John C. Fremont Days, Iowa’s wine country and many other locations and events.

Whatever the occasion, said Peterson, once hooked, you’re a balloonist for life.

“They’re just so magnificent, the colors, the fact you’re rising on nothing more than just a bubble of hot air. It’s just magical.”

For a schedule of summer balloon rides, visit nebraskaballoonclub.org/.

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www.bestofomaha.com

What Makes Us Special za

Piz

Voted #1 Best Pizza in 2010

Serving the freshest New York style pizza, pasta, calzones, appetizers, & salads since 1985. Zio’s items are made from scratch; The dough is made fresh by Zio every morning, the meats prepared from scratch daily to give you the FRESHEST PIZZA in Omaha. Zio’s pizzas & calzones are hand stretched as ordered. The chicken is all natural, free of antibiotics & growth hormones, & our beef is 100% Angus beef – always cooked fresh & never frozen. You can choose from several combos or custom make your pizza slices, pizza or calzone by choosing from any of our 40 freshest toppings.

Zio’s has been voted Omaha’s #1 for several years.

Enjoy Zio’s best & freshest pizzas & calzones at 3 convenient locations: 12997 W. Center Road 330-1444

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Dine in & takeout • Delivery available for downtown Zio’s • Lunch Specials • Beer & Wine

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

Thank You Omaha!

We are proud to have been voted as a Best of Omaha winner for the past four years!

We appreciate your votes & your support. ®

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

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Lakeside Village is no exception. The continuing care community offers ultimate peace of mind with independent and assisted loving, memory support and long-term care—all on one campus. Residents also enjoy restaurant-style dining, a state-of-the-art wellness center, personalized service and dedicated staff. All designed to make you feel comfortable.

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Charlie Graham

OMAHAAUTO

Story by Bill Cornell

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Paintless Dent Repair

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first things that come to mind when you see a minor door ding or hail dent on your vehicle are the time and expense it will take to bring your ride back to its original shape. Thanks to Paintless Dent Repair, it’s easier than ever to get your car repaired and get back on the road fast.

According to Matt Hansen, general manager of Great Plains Auto Body, “PDR was developed by auto manufacturers years ago to repair light damage done on the assembly line.

And the process has been prevalent in the collision repair industry in the last decade.”

Hansen said, “To really make PDR a value, the dents have to be a certain size and depth to qualify for the repair. Hail damage and door dings are the most common. However, stress buckles can be repaired this way saving the consumer and insurance company costs and adding an alternative repair option.”

Jim Champion of Charlie Graham Auto Body Service added, “PDR is a great option, but you really need to be careful who you choose to do the repairs. Having your car repaired by someone who is not associated with a local shop can be costly as the repairs made can’t be undone if there is a mistake.”

According to Champion, “Conventional hail repair, where the panels are replaced or sanded down and repainted can take a week or two to complete. PDR repairs might take just a day or two by comparison.” However, as Champion points out, “There are a lot of hail dents and other types of damage that cannot be repaired by using the PDR method. Usually it’s because they are inaccessible or just too big. In those cases, the damage should be done the conventional way. This is another example of why it’s so important to have a shop where you know and trust that they will make the right assessment in every situation.”

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Story by Judy Horan

feature

Photos courtesy of NWGGA

Tour and Taste Nebraska’s Wines History is full

of surprises. Did you know, for example, that Nebraska was a leading grape-growing state in the late 19th century? According to the Nebraska State Historical Society's website, in 1879 there were 84,000 vines reported growing in Cass County alone. The grapes were used to make wine. But chemicals used to kill weeds, along with Prohibition (1920-1933), killed the wine industry.

It took six decades for the industry to return to the state, says Carey Potter, spokesperson for the Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association. The first winery to open since Prohibition was the Cuthills Winery in Pierce, Neb., in 1994. www.readonlinenow.com

Today, many of the Nebraska wineries are “mom and pop” operations like Silver Hills Winery in Tekamah, where June and Phil Simpson grow grapes and make wine. They give tours and invite visitors to their tasting room.

“We have a big deck shaped like Nebraska and do grilling on Sundays when the weather is nice,” says June Simpson. “A big part of the state doesn’t know about the industry. People are amazed at what great wine we make.”

Barb Slattery is having a busy day at the family-run Slattery’s Vintage Estates tasting room near Nehawka. She’s planning two bridal showers, six weddings/receptions, a surprise birthday party for 60 people, and a wine dinner for 35. Thirty-five teachers are coming july/august | 2010

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by for lunch. Meanwhile, she’s looking for her grandbaby’s binky.

Her daughter, Sarah, mother of the tot, is the tasting room’s chef. Slattery’s husband, Mike, is master of the outdoor wood-fired pizza oven.

Tasting rooms typically offer wines from various wineries. “We have a tasting room, but also three acres of grapevines and about six varieties of grapes, which we make wine from,” she says.

The grape harvest in Nebraska runs late summer to early fall. Wine is also made from raspberries, blackberries and other fruits.

Prices for a bottle of wine at Nebraska wineries and tasting rooms range from $10 to $20. Visitors can taste different vintages of wine for about $6. Check their websites (found on www.nebraskawines.com) for the days and times they are open. Otherwise, call for an appointment.

Passport to Delicious Nebraska wineries and tasting rooms open their doors every summer for the Nebraska Wine Tour, which runs May 1 through Dec. 31. This year, 21 wineries and 10 tasting rooms are participating in the tour, which is in its third year.

All are members of the Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association, says Potter, who also is owner of the Pour House Tasting Room and Potter’s Field Vineyard in Friend, Neb. Last year, the number of people touring doubled over the previous year.

One attraction is the Passport program.

An official Nebraska Wine Tour Passport can be picked up at a participating location or found online at www.nebraskawines.com.

Have the Passport stamped when you visit at least 15 wineries and two tasting rooms to qualify for “Winery Bucks” and prize drawings. Visitors can get $50 in gift certificates redeemable for Nebraska-made wine at a winery or tasting room. Do all 31 stops and get $75 in certificates.

According to a survey Potter took last year, people average about two to three stops a day. “An average traveler is willing to travel 75 miles or more in a day’s or weekend’s outing,” she says.

For more information on the Nebraska Wine Tour and other events offered by the vineyards and tasting rooms, their locations and hours, go to www.nebraskawines.com.

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TRANSFORMATIONSEXTRA

Story by Sallie Elliott

BeFore

sense at ional weekends

BeFore

aFter

see • smell • hear • touch • taste

May 8 through September 5, 2010 Every weekend this summer, bring your family and friends to engage in unique garden-based activities.

aFter

Staging Your Home for a Top-dollar Sale

100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE 68108 www.lauritzengardens.org

Omaha-Council Bluffs Yesterday & Today a beautiful hard bound book filled with now and then black and white photographs of Omaha and Council Bluffs landmarks taken by renowned photographers John Savage, Louis Bostwick, Larry Ferguson, Tom Kessler and others.

Av Available vai ail ila lable lab bl a at local bookstores or www.yesterdaytodaybook.com

Do you have a story that you’d like to share?

Let us know at: editor@omahapublications.com

76

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“I wish

I would have made these changes sooner, then I could enjoy them!” Whenever I assess a property to stage for resale, I usually hear this comment. Why live with wallpaper from 1984 for 25 years? Interestingly, homeowners tell me they don’t want to remove the wallpaper because it is too difficult. My response? “What do you think a buyer is going to say? Gee, I love mauve and seafoam plaid with a botanical overlay, it’s a keeper!” I think not.

When staging a property, I enter the project looking through a buyer’s eyes. My job is to highlight the architectural features of the home and take out objections. I want the buyer to feel, “You had me at Just Listed”! Are you ready for the journey?

Description of Project This property has the best curb appeal! Built in 1986, this charming two-story close to church, schools and shopping is nestled among mature trees in West Omaha. Homes in this area fetch $250K to $400K in a normal market. Pleasantly surprised by the curb appeal, I approach the front door. When I entered, I realized the wow factor was missing. Beyond the usual suspects like honey oak cabinets and brass ceiling fans, here are a few “felonious” details that need to be updated if you want top dollar for your home in today’s market. Remember — your competition is new construction.

• De-clutter! This is the time to pitch, give away or store!

• Paint – Sallie’s magic in a can! You can transform your home with this simple step!

• Replace dated light fixtures — brass is out — nickel, nickel, pewter and oil rubbed bronze are in.

• Replace dated and corroded plumbing fixtures – if possible nickel, chrome or oil rubbed bronze are desirable.

• Clean and replace nasty carpet.

• Remove carpet from bathrooms and replace with updated tile (what were they thinking putting carpet in a bathroom with a house full of boys?)

• Fix any signs of water damage via roof leak or plumbing leak • For top dollar, replace dated countertops in kitchen and master bath with granite or solid surface • Redesign furniture placement to set traffic flow or remove completely • Clean, Clean and Clean! www.omahapublications.com

OMAHAHOME

Photos courtesy of Lisa Louise Photography

The hearth room and kitchen were planned with a warm comfortable feel for real family time.

Casual Elegance with Family in Mind

threeÂ

years ago, interior designer Ellen Pandorf of Ellen Pandorf Interior Design was called on to help a young family design and finish their new home on a spacious new acreage. Their emphasis was on their casual lifestyle with two young children. They also wanted a home that would allow them to entertain in an elegant style.

Starting the process, they leaned toward a casual, contemporary feel. Pandorf worked with them to soften the look with transitional pieces to work better with the architecture that was not extremely contemporary, but more modern.

In the entryway is an elegant marble mosaic tile medallion with a sweeping iron stairway. Into the great room, the seating is divided into two areas that work well with family or friend gatherings. One is by the beautiful tumbled marble fireplace and the other is the plush silk sofa overlooking the pool area.

The kitchen and hearth rooms are an open comfortable area with a blue that brings out the blue continued on next page www.readonlinenow.com

july/august | 2010

77

OMAHAHOME By just finding an incredible light fixture the bath has become extraordinary.

The girl’s room is fit for a princess with textures like silk, velvet and down.

The great room is honed marble floor with wool silk rugs to mix the formal and informal feel the clients wanted.

It’s all about textures to give interest.

The pantry is easily maintained with granite and stainless and tile and still looks great so close to the dining room.

TIME TO VOTE! Best of Omaha® 2011

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OMAHAHOME in the granite countertops and a warm taupe paint finish. The homeowners love to cook, and the round kitchen formation gives them both plenty of room to work together. The wood floor is a handscrapped cherry that complements the lighter wood tones of the cabinets.

Next to the kitchen area is a large pantry with stainless steel tiles that clean well.

This gives an elegant look to a room that is used for prep work for the formal and informal dining done in the formal dining room next door. The dining room has two chandeliers and two round tables for their large dinners. The paint finish has a special sheen to it, so it works well with the beaded wall coverings.

The master bedroom and bath are done with blues and soft lighting. A special paint finish with mica wall coverings give a special glow to the room.

The designer and the clients are now looking for local artists to complete their home.

The dining room has incredible beaded ceiling wallpaper that emphasizes the domed ceiling and the curved wall.

Knowledge...

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cbshome.com/omag

www.readonlinenow.com

july/august | 2010

79

OMAHAFOOD

Story by: Mystery Reviewer

Photo by minorwhitestudios.com

Wave Bistro Asian Fusion With Ambiance

oMAhA

is not really known as a place for good Asian food. However, there are a few good Asian restaurants in town. In my experience, Wave Bistro is one of the best.

Wave Bistro is located about one block north of West Maple Road on 144th Street, near the Home Depot. From the outside it looks like just another strip mall restaurant, but once you enter you realize this is a special place. The inside just oozes with class and character.

All the furnishings and fixtures are lavish and high quality. There are two large, green glass waves suspended from the high ceiling that are breathtakingly beautiful pieces of art. The tables are tastefully covered with white tablecloths, fresh flowers, and the highest quality platewear and silverware. The wonderful aromas coming from the kitchen are inexplicable and a good indication of what's to come. In fact, Wave's ambiance is more in line with what I would expect from restaurants charging double the menu prices.

Wave Bistro describes their food as Asian Fusion Cuisine. I would say that description fits

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Wave Bistro 4008 N. 144th St. Omaha, NE 68116 www.wavebistro.com (402) 496-8812

Ratings: (out of 5*) Food & Beverage *** 1/2 Service

****

Ambiance

****

Price

Moderate

Overall

****

www.omahapublications.com

World Class it perfectly. The menu features dishes from China, Japan, Thailand and Indonesia, just to name a few. The menu has something for just about everyone, and all selections are expertly prepared by skilled chefs using the freshest, high-quality ingredients.

On a recent visit, my guest and I tried the Pan-Seared Pork Dumplings ($5.95) and the Chicken Lettuce Wraps ($7.95) for appetizers. The dumplings were cooked perfectly with a highly seasoned filling and a delightful soy, ginger, chili sauce. The lettuce wraps were equally good with wellseasoned minced chicken, crisp fresh lettuce and a soy based sauce. For the main course we ordered the Cashew Crusted Salmon ($14.95) and Sliced Beef in Spiced Hoisin Sauce ($13.95). Both were excellent! The beautifully presented, signature Cashew Crusted Salmon was cooked perfectly and featured a zesty teriyaki glaze. The beef dish was flavorful, moist with a bold hoisin sauce and just the right amount of spice. Both dishes were served with fresh vegetables, fried rice and Wave's addicting house bread, which is something everyone needs to experience for themselves. For dessert we shared the Creme Brulee Trio ($6.75). Chocolate, raspberry and traditional vanilla custards were all perfectly smooth and creamy with a nice sweet crust of caramelized sugar.

If the lovely ambiance and excellent food are not already reason enough for you to try Wave Bistro, then perhaps I should tell you about the impeccable service. The service is on par with some of the finest restaurants in Omaha. Everyone is extremely friendly and attentive. It is clearly evident that management goes to great lengths to ensure that the staff is very well trained. On our recent visit our server was no exception to this trend. She described each dish in detail answering questions that only someone who had intimate knowledge of their food and wine would be able to do. Her timing was also spot-on. Every dish and beverage was preceded with new, perfectly polished silverware and glassware. I always find it refreshing to see that the fine art of table service is still alive and well in Omaha.

If, like me, you enjoy great Asian food and quality service in posh surroundings, then be sure to pay the Wave Bistro a visit. You won't be disappointed! www.readonlinenow.com

chauffeured service

viplimo.com 402.934.5466 • 1.866.762.6885

The Best of All Worlds For over 63 years, Omaha has turned to Travel and Transport, Meeting Trends and Travel and Transport Vacations to meet all of your travel related needs.

From our innovative corporate travel management and meeting/event planning to our expertise in creating unforgettable vacations, our employee-owners are dedicated to the businesses and travelers of Omaha.

402.399.4500 Headquarters: 72nd & Mercy www.tandt.com • www.tandtvacations.com Look for us on Facebook and Twitter.

MEETING TRENDS

july/august | 2010

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OMAHAFOOD

Spezia-omaha.mag

5/21/08

3:55 PM

Page 1

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

AMERICAN

Get a Little Saucy.

94/95 SPORTS GRILLE 504-9853 17857 PIERCE PLAZA (180TH & PACIFIC) Omaha's only gourmet sports restaurant, chef inspired menu with classic sports fare, great wine list. Monday's $9.99 steak night.

Wednesday wine down. Friday happy hour with live music from 6-10p.m. Faw Friday after work.

SPEZIA SPECIALTIES FRESH SEAFOOD • ANGUS BEEF INNOVATIVE PASTA • RISOTTO GNOCCHI • FRESH SALMON DAILY

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

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

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

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july/august | 2010

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HAPPY HOUR drinks $5 $3 $2 $3 $3

house martinis kirin sake bombs bud light draws house lime margaritas house wines

HAPPY HOURS

MON. - SAT. 4PM TO 6:30PM

TUES. & WED. HH EXTENDED TO 9PM RED LOUNGE ONLY

Follow us on facebook!

Ask about our sleek side room for private gatherings.

$4.50 assorted maki half-priced appetizers FROM

BLUE SUSHI

redloungeomaha.com

14450 Eagle Run Drive, Suite 200 402.496.7733

BLUE

SUSHI SAKE GRILL 416 S. 12th Street

402.408.5566

14450 Eagle Run Drive, Suite 240

402.445.2583

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baby blue sushi sake grill

16939 Wright Plaza, Suite 103

402.547.5959

RoJA mexican grill + margarita bar

17010 Wright Plaza

402.333.7652

bluesushisakegrill.com / rojagrill.com www.omahapublications.com

DUNDEE DELL 553-4010 (OMAHA) 5007 Underwood. 11 AM until 1 AM every day, Monday-Sunday. Famous for Fish n’ Chips since 1934. Single malt & scotch tastings open to the public four times a month. Private tastings also available. We serve food from 11 AM to Midnight Sunday through Thursday, and from 11AM to 12:45 AM Friday and Saturday.

We also serve a fantastic Sunday brunch from 11AM - 2 PM on Sundays. $ FATBURGER (PAPILLION, NE) In 1952 Lovie Yancy created the biggest, juiciest hamburgers anyone had ever seen. Half a century later we're still making them the way she did. Fresh, never frozen, 100% pure, lean beef.

Onion rings made from scratch. Hand scooped, real ice cream, vanilla, chocolate or strawberry shakes. Fatburger is located at Shadow Lake Shopping Mall, Highway 370 and 72nd St, in Papillion, NE. Open seven days a week.

14th & Farnam • Downtown Omaha • 402.341.1222

ICE HOUSE 934-2337 (OMAHA) 10920 Emmet St. The Icehouse was established in 1998 and has grown to become a landmark venue in the Omaha area. Our kitchen serves up restaurant quality food that you'll find second to none. Our food is just one of the reasons that we've been voted Omaha's Best Sports Bar for 8 years in a row. Icehouse - Omaha's Best Sports Bar...PERIOD! www.icehouseomaha.com JAMS 399-8300 (OMAHA) 7814 Dodge St. Welcome to the home of Independent food. Jams is a popular locally owned restaurant for a wonderful dinner or a glass of wine and appetizers. An American Grill, Jams menu takes on refined twists on old classics.

From the Jumbo Crab Cake Burger to Midtown Meatloaf, Jams can please any palate. www.jamseats.com 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 www.readonlinenow.com

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J

Serving Steaks, Seafood, Chicken, and more.

Lunch & Dinner

c

a f é 402-731-4774

27th & L Sts. Five minutes from downtown

ue Bellev rd illa M d n a ave Now H oms!

Ro Party

Bellevue Benson 21st & Cornhusker 71st & Ames 934-2300 333-6391

Eagle Run 130th & Maple 779-8600

Voted Best BBQ Eight Consecutive Years Council Bluffs 50 Arena Way 256-1221 (by the MAC)

Lakeside 173rd & West Center 333-8001

Millard 120th & L 829-1616

‘

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

Johnn s

Serving Steaks, Seafood, Chicken, and more.

Lunch & Dinner

c

a

f

h

the original

é

402-731-4774

27th & L Sts. Five minutes from downtown

Dine-in • Carry-out • Catering

mouthwatering

• Beef Brisket • Pulled Pork • Big Back ribs • Sausage & hot Links • BBQ Pork nachos

• Smoked turkey • Smoked Chicken • turkey Legs • & more...

402.431.Zone (9663)

2056 n. 117th ave.

North Park Plaza Corner of 120th & Blondo

LOFT 610 885-6800 220 S. 31st Ave. (Midtown Crossing) Loft 610 is quickly becoming Omaha’s favorite new dining destination thanks to its unique blend of world-class cuisine and ultra-hip yet casual lounge atmosphere. Executive Chef Ben Ackland serves up five-star steaks, seafood and other freshly prepared favorites in the large open dining room and on the stunning parkfront patio. While dining, you can order one of the unique martinis from the extensive bar or a glass of your favorite vintage from one of the largest wine lists in the state. After dinner, you can relax in the lounge or on the patio with a signature cocktail and a great mix of music to get into the late night mood. Loft 610 is open for dinner Mon-Sat 5:00-11:00p.m., lunch Mon-Fri 11:00-2:00p.m., brunch on Sunday 11:00-3:00p.m., and drinks Fri-Sat until 1:00a.m.

PETROW'S 551-0552 Serving Nebraska since 1903. Featuring Nebraska’s great steaks and American classics.

Petrow’s has been a tradition in Omaha for breakfast, lunch and dinner and features an original 50’s soda fountain. Dining is casual.

Hours M-Sat 6-9:30 and closed on Sunday.

QUAKER STEAK AND LUBE 712-322-0101 (COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA) 3320 Mid America Dr. Council Bluffs, IA."The Lube" serves over 70 million wings annually, has bottles sauces for retail sale and has won the title of "Best Wings USA" Mondays are kids eat free from 5 to 9pm and Tuesdays are all you can eat wings for $12.99 all day.

The Metro's only, Quaker Steak and Lube also offers great steaks, ribs and burgers. Live Music again this fall on Friday nights.www. quakersteakandlube.com.

L E G E N D (average price per entrée) $1 to 10 - $, $10 to 20 - $$, $20 to 30 - $$$, $30 and over - $$$$

www.eatredZoneBBQ.com or follow us on 86

july/august | 2010

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UPSTREAM BREWING COMPANY TWO OMAHA LOCATIONS 514 S 11th St. (402) 344-0200. Upstream features an extensive menu of new American pub fare including: appetizers and thin-crust pizzas, superb steaks featuring “Omaha Steaks”, fresh fish, pasta, salads, sandwiches and a great children’s menu. Fresh, handcrafted beer and root beer on tap. Extensive wine list. Call ahead for group reservations or to be placed on our waiting list. Visit our classic, upscale poolroom located on the second level.

BBQ FAMOUS DAVE’S BARBEQUE 829-1616 (OMAHA) Famous Dave’s has been voted Omaha’s favorite barbeque by Omaha Magazine’s readers and the Reader’s Choice. Real hickory smoked ribs, brisket, pork and a great selection made-fromscratch recipes. Open lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Six Omaha-Metro area locations: Bellevue - 21st & Cornhusker, Benson - 71st & Ames, Eagle Run - 130th & Maple, Lakeside - 173rd &Center, Millard - 120th & L, and Council Bluffs by the MAC. Take out and catering available.

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

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

www.grisantis.net

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

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.

I should've used Omaha Carry Out!

RED ZONE BBQ 431-9663 (OMAHA) 2056 North 117th Ave. Featuring hand-treated smoked meat wiith the best ingredients.

"Sports-Bar-BQ" atmosphere with over 100 seats in the house. Carry-out and catering available.

Open Mon-Sun 11am - 9pm.

ITALIAN DON CARMELO'S 2 LOCATIONS (OMAHA) Tradition - Excellence - Value! Two locations: Rockbrook Village (933-3190) and 204th & Dodge (289-9800) Omaha's First and Finest NY Style Pizza, Stromboli, Calzone, Oven-Toasted Hoagies, Philly Cheese Steaks, Pasta, Salads, Beer & Wine.

We also feature take-out and delivery and can cater your special event large or small. Stop in for daily lunch specials 11am -2 pm!

www.readonlinenow.com

Don’t let your office lunches get ugly. Order online from omahacarryout.com. Select from the best restaurants in the area and have the food delivered.

Let Omaha Carry Out keep those munchie monsters at bay while you get your real job done.

(402) 504-1100

Office Lunches Made Easy

www.omahacarryout.com july/august | 2010

87

Three Scoops of the Best!

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 Pizza 7880 ‘L’ Street • Omaha, NE 68127 (402) 339-5050

Race cars and Motorcycles hanging from the ceiling!

Corvettes in the dining room! Over 30 T.V.s to watch your favorite games. We have a full menu with Ribs, Salads, Burgers, Sandwiches and of course Steak! We feature Jumbo size Chicken Wings with 18 different types of Award-Winning sauces. Our Atomic hot sauce is so hot that you have to sign a waiver to eat them!

3320 Mid America Drive • Council Bluffs, IA 51501 712.322.0101 • www.quakersteakandlube.com

Always a Large Selection of Fresh Fish

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. 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! 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.

MAMA'S PIZZA (OMAHA) Mama's Pizza...family-owned for over 25 years! Serving Omaha's favorite pizza and onion rings, plus great homemade dinners and appetizers. Bring the team, family, or group to watch the game or grab some great pizza. Open 11a to 10:30p Sunday through Thursday, and 11a to midnight Friday and Saturday. www.mamaspizzaomaha.com

4150 south 144th street • omaha • 894-9411 88

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www.omahapublications.com

OSCAR'S PIZZA AND SPORTS GRILLE (OMAHA) Oscar's Pizza and Sports Grille is West "O"s number one family sports bar and grille. With over 30 HDTVs and four HUGE screens, you will never miss your favorite team. Got a large group? No problem! Oscars has a party room.

Call for availability. Open 7 days a week.

SM

PIZZERIA

Freshest Pizza Best Flavor Thank you for voting us Omaha’s #1 Pizza Midtown Hand Stretched 7834 Dodge St. New York Style Pizza!

391-1881

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 (OMAHA) 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 woodfired grill. Open Mon-Sat. Cocktail hour: 4-5 pm-all cocktails, glass wine and beers half price. Evening reservations recommended.

Call 391-2950.

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 www.readonlinenow.com

*By the slice

West Omaha 12997 W. Center Road 330-1444

*Whole Pies

Downtown (*New Store) 1109 Howard (Old Market) 344-2222

*Dine-In

*Lunch Specials *Carry-Out *We deliver Downtown

www.ziospizzeria.com

Most Bountiful Toppings at Zio’s!!!

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

Four Years in a Row!

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

1201 S 157th St Omaha, NE 68130 (402) 884-2272 july/august | 2010

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The Greek Islands Full Bar • Carry Out • Dine In k Islands Restau Gree Best Greek rant

Catering For All Occasions

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Thank you for voting us Best of Omaha

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

3821 Center 346-1528

Visa, MC, Diners & AMEX Accepted

Home style, a ll natural products, mad e from scratc h.

Located on 8013 South 83 rd Ave. La Vista, NE 68128

t and Carry ou ilable. a v a g n i r cate 402.597.5003

VALENTINO’S Seven 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 St. (391-1881), 12997 W. Center Rd. (330-1444), and 1109 Howard St. in the Old Market (344-2222).

DELIVERY, DINE-IN, and CARRY-OUT. 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 oldworld 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. $

LIGHT & EASY

[award winning] happy hour appetizers sushi [see for yourself] [best of omaha • 3 years running]

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. $

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. $

village pointe shopping center 295 n. 170th st., omaha 402-779-2900 www•konagrill•com for directions and menu

happy hour drinks and eats from $3 • sushi • steaks soups • sandwiches • noodles • salads • pizzas

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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 www.omahapublications.com

LA MESA MULTIPLE LOCATIONS 110th & Maple; 156th & Q; Ft. Crook RD & 370; 84th & Tara Plaza; Lake Manawa Exit (Council Bluffs). Come enjoy an authentic Mexican taste experience at La Mesa! From mouthwatering enchilada’s to fabulous fajitas, La Mesa has something for every connoisseur of Mexican fare to savor. Top it off with one of La Mesa’s famous margaritas. So, kick back in the funfriendly atmosphere and you’ll see why La Mesa has been voted Omaha’s # 1 Mexican Restaurant Seven Years in a Row!!!!!!

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. $

$4.99 lunch specials M-F Nightly Dinner specials Monday 10 wings for $4.00 WAVE BISTRO ASIAN FUSION CUISINE 496-8812 (OMAHA) 4002 N 144th St (One Blk N. of Maple St&West Side of 144th St) Step into a world where green waves suspend in the air, an intimate interior as mouth watering aromas waft thru the air. White linen table cloths, show plates & flowers. Wave Bistro presents the best Asian Cuisine in Omaha with a European twist. One of a kind dishes from scratch such as Cashew Crusted Salmon to Tea Smoked Duck-a balance between contemporary & traditional food to create an exciting dining experience. Full service bar. Mon-Thurs 11:00AM-9:00PM,Fri-Sat 11:00AM-10:00PM. All Credit Cards Accepted.

SEAFOOD

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 choose from for an unbelievable margarita experience. Late night Happy Hour Fri. & Sat. 10p.m.-12a.m.

Open Mon.-Sun. 11:00 am - Close.

ORIENTAL 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 www.readonlinenow.com

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.

Tuesday $8 Medium 1 topping pizzas Wednesday $4.50 Any Burger with fries Thursday 5-11 $1.50 Tacos Friday& Saturday 10oz NY Strip $9.99 Online at

OscarsPizzaAndSportsGrille.com Carry-Out

(402)758-1910

Best of omaha 2010

JULIO’S MULTIPLE LOCATIONS 510 S 13th St. (402) 345-6921. 2820 S 123rd Ct. (402) 330-2110 Julio’s Restaurant is a locally owned Omaha original. Enchiladas, tacos, tostadas, taco salads and, of course, fajitas.

You haven’t had nachos unless you’ve had Julio’s nachos. A number of meatless dishes including a garden fajitas with over nine different vegetables! Kids items from macaroni & cheese to kiddie tacos to chicken fingers. www.tconl.com/~julios/

17330 Lakeside Hills Plaza Omaha, Nebraska

Pasta Amore a classic spot LUNCH: Mon.-Fri.: 11a.m.-2p.m.

DINNER: Mon.-Sat.: 4:30p.m-Close Private Party Rooms Business Luncheons Outdoor Dining Catering Rockbrook Village • (108th & Center) (402) 391-2585 • Fax: 391-0910 www.pastaamore.net

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Thanks for Voting Us

Wave Bistro Asian Asian Fusion Fusion Cuisine Cuisine

402-496-8812 4002 N. 144th St.

One Block N of Maple & W side of 144th

~ Authentic German Dining ~ ~ Pan-Fried Chicken - Wednesdays ~ ~ Strudel & Cookies ~ ~ Wedding Cakes & Sugar Free Cakes ~

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

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. $

SPECIAL DINING

10920 EMMET ST. OMAHA, NE 68164

934-BEER (2337) ICEHOUSEOMAHA.COM

m a.co h a fOm s o t s e u to B o vote ha®!

Go a t Om f o t Bes

Voted Omaha’s Best Sports Bar 9 Years in a Row!

Daily Food & Drink Specials!

“ALL SPORTS... ALL OF THE TIME!”

Half Price

FOR ANY PIZZA For Dine-In Only (Not valid for take-out)

Offer Expires: 8/31/2010

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FETA’S GYROS & CATERING TWO OMAHA LOCATIONS 743 N 114th St 504-4976. 14544 West Center Rd 504-9995. Locally owned, Feta's is Omaha's premier Greek Restaurant. Featuring fresh made Gyros, Souvlaki and Baklava, Feta’s will have you saying opa! Whether it is dining out with family, or entertaining a client to a quick business lunch Feta's Greek Restaurant should be your number one destination. Fresh, Greek, Fast.

GERDA’S GERMAN RESTAURANT & BAKERY 402-553-6774 (OMAHA) 5188 Leavenworth St (402-553-6774) Omaha’s only Authentic German Restaurant. A little piece of Germany in Omaha. Gerda herself makes homemade spaetzle, schnitzels and rouladen. Fresh made soups, red cabbage, sauerkraut and dumplings are a few other treats. Stay for dessert of black forest cake or grab fresh bakery for breakfast on your way out. www.gerdasgermanrestaurant.com 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. $

One coupon per customer. May not be used with any other offers. www.omahapublications.com

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.

JAIPUR BREWING COMPANY 402-392-7331 (OMAHA) 10922 Elm St. Rockbrook Village. A casual restaurant in a ralaxed atmosphere. Lunch; Chicken Tikki Naan with Chutney; Tandoori Chicken & Muligatanny soup. Dinner entrees include fresh vegetables dishes, grilled colorado lamb sirloin, Sushi grade Ahi, Tandoori marinated grilled salmon, Tandoor grilled beef tenderloin, to name a few. Wide selection of wines & liquor, on site brewed beer. Lunch: Thurs. & Fr. 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner: Sun.-Thurs. 5:30 p.m.-9:45 p.m.; Fri & Sat. 5:30 p.m.-10:45 p.m.

SCOOTER'S COFFEEHOUSE MULTIPLE LOCATIONS Scooter's Coffeehouse is proud to be a 10 year running winner of BEST OF Omaha in the Coffee Category. We strive to be the best in everything we do; Best Specialty Coffee, Latte's, and Smoothies made with the best ingredients available. Coffee with Character, It's what we are all about!

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

KONA GRILL 779-2900 (OMAHA) 295 N 170th St., Village Pointe. Kona Grill is the winner of over 50 awards nationally, including Best New Restaurant and Best Sushi. The eclectic menu offers a variety of dishes from gourmet pizza to the award winning sushi. Kona Grill’s recipe for casual elegance includes mesmerizing aquariums, sushi bar, and an exhibition kitchen. Their lively patio is a great place to see and be seen.

At Kona Grill there is something for everyone.

MARRAKECH AT THE BRANDEIS BRANDEIS BUILDING (OMAHA) 210 South 16th Street, Suite 104, Omaha, Nebraska 68102 Marrakech at the Brandeis Food CourtIndulge your senses with the fresh, nutritious and aromatic ingredients found in our gourmet Moroccan spiced sandwiches and soups. We invite you to savor the uncompromising quality found in such offerings as our; Pepper Crusted Salmon Wrap, Tomato and Eggplant and our Tomato, Braised Short Rib Baguette and Vegetable soup.

www.readonlinenow.com

801 CHOPOUSE AT THE PAXTON 402.341.1222 1403 Farnam St. Designed with a 1920's era New York Chophouse in mind, 801 is the epitome of elegance. You will not forget the crisp white tablecloth fine dining experience. From their USDA prime grade beef and jet-fresh seafood from all over the world, 801 Chophouse is truly the best Omaha has to offer.

Open 7 nights a week.

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 july/august | 2010

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The Original Whiskey Steak www.DroverRestaurant.com

Sonoran Style Cooking Made Fresh Daily.

Catering and Party Rooms Also Available.

7555 Pacific St. 399–8006 380 N.114 St. 330–5707

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

(402) 391-7440

Omaha, Nebraska

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 3-6pm Dinner nightly at 5pm. Reservations accepted.

AE-DC-MC-V. $$$

Dundee Dell

Best Neighborhood Bar

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5007 Underwood • Omaha, NE 68132 • (402) 553-9501 • www.dundeedell.com

Experience the Flavor ...

Online.

Rotella’s Italian Bakery Inc. invites you to experience the flavor and variety on our all new website.

www.rotellasbakery.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 •

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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. $$

OMAHA PRIME 341-7040 (OMAHA) 415 S. 11th St. (Old Market). Only restaurant featuring complete Prime beef. Open six days a week, Mon.-Sat. 5 p.m.-close. $$-$$$

www.omahapublications.com

2202 South 20th Street – Omaha

Family Restaurant • Fine Steaks Chicken • Seafood Party Rooms Available 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. six days a week. $-$$

342-9038 • 346-2865

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.

Stella’s Bar and Grill

“Serving World Famous Hamburgers since 1936” 106 Galvin Rd • Bellevue, NE • 402-291-6088 • Open Monday-Saturday, 11:00 am - 9:00 pm Open for Lunch & Dinner Mon-Sat Hours 11Am-CL

SPENCER'S FOR STEAKS AND CHOPS 280-8888 OLD MARKET 102 South 10th Street. At Spencer’s we strive for only the finest dining experience. Our dinner menu includes prime grade beef and we also collaborate with local farmers and ranchers to bring in only the finest product. Check out our award winning wine list. Sun.-Thurs. 5 p.m.-1 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 5 p.m.-11 p.m. www.specersforsteaksandchops.com www.readonlinenow.com

Great Happy Hour 3-6:30pm (Drink & appetizer specials) Tree-top patio

Gift Cards available

Catering & “To Go” Menu

13110 Birch Dr Ste 100 402-884-9500 www.zurlos.com july/august | 2010

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Shadow Lake Towne Center Papillion, NE P: 402-504-9930

www.nebraska.fatburger.com

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

Serving Lunch & Dinner

Mon-Sat

How to Taste Wine (Simplified) — by Sandy Lemke

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

If you’re thinking of attending the Riverfront Wine Festival and have never been to a wine tasting before, you’re in for a treat. It’s a great way to introduce yourself to several different types of wines in a relaxed setting.

First of all, don’t be surprised at the festival when you’re not poured an entire glass of wine at each booth. The festival is designed to be a tasting, an opportunity to try many different kinds. Pourers are instructed to pour one ounce in each glass. If you like a certain wine, make note and purchase a bottle to take home after the tasting.

Another reason wine glasses aren’t filled to the brim is to leave room for swirling. Swirling your wine around in the glass aerates the wine and develops the bouquet. So take a moment and swirl your wine.

Next you’ll want to enjoy a sniff of the wine. Take a moment to consider its bouquet. Then take a sip, (not a huge gulp). Repeat the above process.

As you taste more wines you’ll start to notice the subtle differences. What’s surprising and sometimes amazing, is tasting a wine by itself and then with a food and noticing the effect on how the wine tastes.

Wine is a treat for the senses. Relax and enjoy.

If you’d like to read more, consider downloading a book such as “How To Taste Like a Wine Geek: The 1WineDude Wine Tasting Guide.” This book, available in both downloadable, Kindle and print formats is written by leading wine blogger Joe Roberts. Roberts’ book has been lauded for its succinct information for novice wine drinkers who want to become confident wine buyers. For the book and more information see www.1winedude.com.

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www.omahapublications.com

CHEFPROFILE

Story by: Heather Heier Lane

Photo by minorwhitestudios.com

Chris Janicek Takes the Cake

chris

Janicek loves cake. He loves making cake, eating cake, and decorating masterpieces that make clients — including some celebrities —squeal with delight. So what made this pastry chef fall in love with sweet deliciousness slathered in butter cream? As a kid Janicek would watch the cake decorators in the store window at his neighborhood Hinky Dinky grocery and be amazed by the frosted sculptures presented as cake. “I was fascinated, I could not get enough,” Janicek says with a laugh.

Flash forward a few decades and Janicek, who got his start taking a cake decorating class at the ripe old age of 13, now makes cakes for blushing brides, festive party-goers and even a few A-listers (Britney Spears included) through his business, The Cake Box. When the Broadway tour of Wicked made its way through Omaha last February, a chance meeting with the production staff got Janicek the opportunity to bake a cake for the opening night cast party. Just 10 hours after bumping into the crew at the Orpheum’s Lounge, Janicek presented the The Green Witches hat, made of cake, to thunderous applause from the cast and crew. Another one of Janicek’s creations, a four-foot-tall replica of the Omaha landmark Woodmen Tower, was even featured in the movie About Schmidt.

While Janicek has baked creations for famous clients and could dazzle anyone with a list of fancy parties and extravagant weddings that featured his cakes, he is just as excited to make a 10-inch round for a two-year-old’s birthday party or a simple wedding cake for 50 people. When it’s all said and done, Janicek prefers cake that looks like cake, and is happy to invite anyone into his kitchen to help them find exactly what they’re looking for.

To see some of Janicek’s creations, check out the gallery at www.omahacakes.com. To set up an appointment or to order a cake, call Chris Janicek’s Cake Box at 402.558.1540. www.readonlinenow.com

july/august | 2010

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YESTERDAY & TODAY STORY BY: KRISTINE GERBER

Joslyn Art Museum

The view

of the Joslyn Art Museum, as seen from the roof of Central High School, first in 1948 and then June 2010. A $3 million gift from Sarah Joslyn enabled the museum to be built as a memorial to her husband, George A. Joslyn, and provided an endowment for maintenance.

The Joslyn opened on Nov. 29, 1931. It remains one of the nation’s finest examples of Art Deco architecture, with 38 marbles from seven countries used in construction.

Besides the art galleries, it contains a 1,000-seat concert hall, a fountain court, a lecture hall, a library and café, among other features. The museum completed a $15.95 million addition on Nov. 19, 1994, which included the 58,000-sq.-ft. Walter and Suzanne Scott Pavilion, complete with a glass atrium and a huge glass sculpture by artist Dale Chihuly. In June 2009, the Peter Kiewit Foundation Sculpture Garden, located directly in front of the museum entrance, was dedicated. The 1.2-acre garden includes a fountain wall and reflection pool, as well as works by Rodin and Otterness.

About the writer: Kristine Gerber is the author of Omaha & Council Bluffs Yesterday & Today and owner of Omaha Books, a subsidiary of Eventive Marketing LLC. To date, Gerber has helped produce 17 books including Building for the Ages, Omaha’s Architectural Landmarks and Toast to Omaha, A Cookbook by the Junior League of Omaha.

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www.omahapublications.com

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