July/August 2011 Omaha Magazine by Omaha Magazine

Faces • Style • Home • Events • Art • Dining

Jerry Vincentini’S

Classic Car Collection restaurant review

Okinawa Sushi Bar & Grill silo extreme

Outdoor Adventures

Page 103

J u ly / Au g u s t

2011

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Luxury Homes CoLLeCtion 20750 State Street, Elkhorn

$2,999,999

$2,495,000

1403 Farnam Street #1100

$1,800,000

Magnificent old world architecture with high-tech amenities. An original John Hyde design enhanced superbly by master designers and craftsmen. Dazzling Christopher Peacock custom gourmet kitchen. Amazing in every detail. Timeless combination of elegance and functionality. Super convenient location.

Stunning Penthouse in the Paxton! Amazing views with three side exposure, over 4,100 square feet, enormous 14’ ceiling heights, private decks, private rooftop space, private staircase to rooftop & unit, three parking stalls (underground & heated), unbelievable amenities.

BJ Brown • 402.681.7774

Jeff Rensch • 402.391.5333

Grant Stine • 402.850.7171

13650 Hamilton

$1,150,000

Stunning design w/arched hallways, stone & hardwood floors, leaded glass accents & open flowing rooms. Granite & stainless kitchen. Master bedroom on main floor. Wonderful bonus room & 3 additional bedrooms, 2 baths. Stone exterior, beautiful landscaping. This is an award winning home w/ ultimate finishes & decor.

Sharon Marvin and Jody Fike • 402.689.2380

2040 S. 85th Street

$800,000

3323 N. 140th Street

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24934 Mason Street, Waterloo

$825,000

Ranch sits on 18th green Champions golf course. In-ground pool, kitchen/hearth room w/granite, white cabinets, 2 pantries, wood floors w/sep. dining area. Master suite w/sitting room, sun room w/tiled floor, indoor hot tub. LL walkout, family room, exercise room, elevator, park-like landscaping.

Beautiful 1 1/2 story home on over 1/2 acre waterfront lot. Fabulous hard wood floors throughout main floor with stone inlays. South facing, impressive exterior with fire pit, patio, large deck, lots of extras! A must see home!

Sharon Marvin and Jody Fike • 402.689.2380

Christine Walker • 402.968.0390

5110 N. 196th Street

$799,999

7720 S 225 Street, Gretna

$750,000

Amazing 2 Story in District 66. Over 1/2 acre private treed lot. Inground heated pool w/ cabana & pool bath. Feat. media room, wood floors, 2 fireplaces, cherry cabinets in library/dining & smooth ceilings. Sunny kitchen, large pantry, tile floor & built-ins. Spacious master has 2 walk-in closets, finished lower level.

Custom home perfect for family and entertaining on a 1 acre lot. Home feat. gourmet kitchen that flows into a huge hearth room and dining area. Brazilian cherry flooring, master suite with spa like master bath. All bedrooms have a walk in closet and bath access. Circular drive, huge recreational room, and rewired theater room.

Country estate on 11 acres. Soaring ceilings, incredible views! Hdwd floors, Pella windows- designer series. W/O LL, tree-lined drive. Sep.entrance for home office. Bldg 60X120, part insulated & finished, rough-in for 3/4 BA, plus a 40X10 ft bldg, 3 stalls & tack room, 2 pastures.

JD Erb • 402.201.7653

Susan Hancock and Christine Walker • 402.968.0390

Cheryl Chmiel • 402.690.7780

11811 N 58th Circle

617 Fairacres Road

One of a kind house sits on 9.84 acres w/ additional 58 acres in price. 24 x 19 enclosed hot tub building. 17 acre private lake. 7 out buildings. Outside riding arena off of Hwy 31 & State Street.

$699,950

18423 Pierce Circle

$600,000

6101 Northern Hills Drive

$620,000

Incredible custom-built Ranch home on a secluded acreage. 4+ acre lot located in a Natural Wildlife Corridor w/an abundance of wildlife, natural prairie grasses & views for miles. Exotic hardwood floors, 3 FP’s, Thermador appliances, home theater.

Stunning home on corner cul-de-sac lot in the Ridges. Grand 2 story entry with spiral staircase. Ten foot ceilings, elegant gourmet kitchen with hearth room, cherry cabinets, hardwood floors and wine cooler. Master bedroom retreat with fireplace. Professional landscaping, heated garage, covered deck and more.

Custom Asian style home on 5 private and gated acres. Enjoy dramatic ceilings, bamboo, slate, 3 fireplaces, handcrafted Italian cabinets, and enchanting pagoda. Certified green home w/ environmentally friendly use of materials inside and out. Inspirational Feng Shui design and panoramic views.

Susan Hancock • 402.215.7700

Angela May • 402.709.4908

Ken Jansen • 402.330.5954

march/april • 2011

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Omaha FACES

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In This ISSUE 2011 FEATURES

Classic Car Collector, Jerry Vincentini

Omaha Feature___________________ 22 Siena/Francis House Singers Omaha Fashion_ _________________ 28 At The Lake COVER STORY__________________ 38 Jerry Vincentini OMAHA HOME_________________ 41

Jennifer Coco, Flatiron Café

managing editor

corey ross

assistant editor

linda persigehl

editorial assistant

bailey hemphill art director

john gawley

Omaha Feature__________________ 123

graphic designer

DEPARTMENTS Editor’s Letter_____________________________________________ 8 For Starters______________________________________________ 10 Calendar of Events________________________________________ 12 A Letter from the Publisher_________________________________ 16 Omaha Art: Modern Arts Midtown_ _________________________ 20 Omaha Faces: Jack Pape____________________________________ 33 Gen O: Dustin Treinen & Herb Harden_______________________ 93 Omaha Style: Ione Perry_ _________________________________ 101 Omaha Faces: Steve Forehead______________________________ 121 Omaha Faces: Mace Hack_ ________________________________ 122 Greater Nebraska Happenings_ ____________________________ 126

Omaha Parks Foundation

publisher

todd lemke

GALA_________________________ 103 Silo Extreme Outdoor Adventures

Steve Forehead

July/August 2011 Vo l u m e 2 8 • I s s u e 3

GALA__________________________________ 103 Cover Story: Omaha Parks Foundation__________106 The Scoop________________________________ 112 Calendar of Galas, etc._______________________ 114 D.J.’s_____________________________________ 115 Cabaret__________________________________ 115 Celebrity Apprentice________________________ 116 Joslyn Gala_ ______________________________ 116 Omaha Children’s Museum___________________ 117 Sand in the City____________________________ 117 Omaha Garden Walk________________________ 118 Omaha Hearing School______________________ 118 Fontenelle Nature Association_ _______________ 119 Habitat for Humanity_ ______________________ 119 Pinot, Pigs and Poets________________________ 120

DINING OUT___________________________________________ 130 Restaurant Review_______________________________________ 130 Okinawa Sushi Bar & Grill Chef Profile_____________________________________________ 144 Jennifer Coco, Flatiron Café Wine & Food____________________________________________ 146 France vs. Napa

katie anderson

principle photography by

minorwhite studios, inc. scott drickey • bill sitzmann contributing writers

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alicia smith hollins editorial advisors

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Omaha Magazine go to: 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 680461208. 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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Corey Ross Omaha Publications, Managing Editor Faces • s tyle • H ome • e vents • art • Dinin g

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— Joe Conrad and Deane Lind—who had each been battling HIV/AIDS for more than 20 years. The timing of the story was pitching forward to 2011 and the 30th anniversary of AIDS being discovered, which was in June of this year, to be exact. Anyway, beyond being the story of two men struggling with this disease nearly from its beginnings and beating the odds to survive so long, it was about how the men had found each other through their illness and how their resulting relationship had prolonged and revived the lives of two of people who had given up hope. As the writer of this story, I can tell you the reader response has been unlike anything else in my career. Aside from a few canceled subscriptions, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive and many people called the story inspiring, which I consider to be the highest praise. A few readers even likened the story to something you’d read in The New Yorker, which was also very gratifying to hear. In June, the story and striking cover photo, taken by Bill Sitzmann of Minorwhite Studios, were both honored by the Omaha Press Club at its Recognizing Excellence In Journalism awards banquet. In the magazine category, the story won Best Feature Story and the cover shot received Best Cover honors. The judging for the contest was conducted by the Atlanta Press Club. On behalf of our staff, I’d like to personally express my thanks to the Press Club for the honors and again extend our gratitude to Joe and Deane for the courage to share their story.

and Sy mbols of a New Day fo r AIDS

mber

1 1>

magazine

ast November, Omaha Magazine published a powerful profile of two men

nove

Surviv Soulm ors, ates Omaha

AIDS, Awards & Appreciation L

Page 49

Deane and Jo e:

74470 63857

Deane and Joe report that they are now retired from volunteering and looking to make a home in Deane’s hometown of Morrill, Neb. They both witnessed the 30th anniversary and did so in relatively good health thanks to the medications that have allowed them to be part of the growing number of long-term survivors. “We are celebrating our seventh anniversary in August as well,” Joe says. “While we are getting older and living with AIDS, taking our medications and taking good care of ourselves, we are cherishing the gift of life and every day we wake up is a day together, walking side by side as we face a future that many years ago was uncertain, but is now possible.” May Joe, Deane and their inspiring story continue to live on, and thanks again to all our readers who responded to the piece.

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july/august • 2011

Omaha fo This is

Red Sky Music Festival TD Ameritrade Park July 18-23

Nebraska Kennel Club Dog Show 2011 Qwest Center Convention Center July 15-17

The Nebraska Kennel Club invites you to attend the 2011 Dog Show. Established in 1923, the Nebraska Kennel Club, Inc. held its first recognized point dog show at the Municipal Auditorium in Omaha. The first show had an entry of 350 dogs and only centered around conformation, as licensed obedience “tests” and Junior Showmanship (children’s handling) were not offered by the Club until some time later. The Nebraska Kennel Club is about more than just breed shows. They offer obedience, agility, tracking, and herding trials and hunting dog training classes. This event will feature Agility, Obedience, and Rally trials, All Breed Conformation shows, a Junior Showmanship Education Challenge Match, Independent Specialties and Supported Entries, CGC Test, Cerf Clinic, Breed Seminars, and Micro Chipping. There will be dozens of vendors and an educational junior handling clinic for tips and tricks of how to shine in the show ring taught by aged-out juniors that have been nationally ranked at Eukanuba and Westminister. There will also be an area for children that will include face painting, balloon art, and a bouncer. Events begin at 8am and go until 4pm. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for senior citizens, and free for children 12 & under. For more information, visit www.nebraskakennelclub.com 10

july/august • 2011

The Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority and Live Nation have come together to bring top entertainment and breakout artists to Downtown Omaha for the Red Sky Music Festival. The festival will feature all genres of artists on three stages, including winners of the Battle of the Local Bands. Main stage featured bands and musicians include: Journey with special guest Night Ranger (18th), 311 and Sublime with Rome (19th), Kid Rock (20th), Zac Brown Band (21st), and Jason Aldean with special guests Chris Young and Thompson Square (22nd). Each Main Stage ticket purchase includes a one-day pass for the Festival Grounds, Stages B+C, good for admission on the day listed on the ticket. Festival Grounds, Stages B+C, featured bands and musicians include: 10,000 Maniacs, Better Than Ezra, Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers, Buddy Guy with special guest Quinn Sullivan, Cowboy Mouth, The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute, Five for Fighting, George Clinton, Sister Hazel, and STS9. Festival Grounds gates will open at 11am each day with music starting at noon. Admission tickets for Festival Grounds are valid for one day only, and multi-day passes are valid for one admission per day. All passes include admission to Stages B+C only; Main Stage entry is not included. Wristbands to leave and re-enter the Festival Grounds are available at all gates daily. For more information, visit www.redskyfestival.com

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or starters Durham & Joslyn. Celebrating 80 Years! Durham Museum, Joslyn Art Museum August 21

5th Annual Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival Coventry Campus August 12 & 13

In 1931, Omaha became the home of two Art Deco architectural gems: a grand rail station that served travelers in extravagant fashion, and a pink marble building that became the core of visual art and music performance culture in the area. This year, the Durham Museum and the Joslyn Art Museum celebrate their 80th birthdays, and everyone is invited to the celebration. The Durham Museum recently featured “Capture the Moment: The Pulitzer Prize Photographs,” and is currently showing an exhibit on the life and work of George Washington Carver. The Joslyn Museum will be featuring an exhibit on the Joslyn Treasures, where the antique favorites from the Joslyn collection with highlights from the vaults are showcased. On August 21st, from 12-5pm, join the commemoration with a day of fun for families at both sites. Imagine life in the 1930s while exploring the trains and exhibits at Durham and the galleries and gardens at Joslyn. Start your journey at either museum. A paid, discounted admission of just $5 for adults and $4 for children (18 & under) gets you a wristband good for the day at both museums. Each museum will feature special activities for all ages. For more information, visit our website at www.joslyn.org and at www.durhammuseum.org

Come enjoy some of the best and award-winning wines available to taste with delicious foods, live entertainment, educational programs about wines, pony rides and activities for the kids, and a festive atmosphere at the 5th Annual Nebraska Balloon and Wine Festival. As the sun sets on Friday and Saturday evenings, the festival crowd will gather to hear some of the Omaha area’s best bands and musicians at the Main Stage in anticipation of the dazzling balloon events, where hot air balloons will launch and glow over the festival. The gates will open at 5pm in order to give spectators an early glimpse of the hot air balloons as the pilots assemble them for flight before launch at 7:30pm. The hot air balloons will dance to the music as they make their way into the skies for the most beautiful part of the evening—the Balloon Glow (weather permitting). Dinner on Fri., August 12th will be sponsored by Espana Tapas Bar Paella Sangria at 6pm, and Le Voltaire French Restaurant at 8pm. Dinner on Sat., August 13th will be sponsored by Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar at both 6pm and 8pm. Tickets are $15 at the gate and $12 in advance (includes admission, 5 wine tastes, and a souvenir glass). For more information, visit www.showofficeonline.com or call 402-346-8003.

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july/august • 2011

Calendar of EVENTS

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Shakespeare On The Green, A Midsummer Night’s Dream admission. Tu-Sat/11am5pm. For more information, visit www.bemiscenter.org or call 402-341-7130. Through 7/31: Boys Town Student Art Show. Boys

Town youth put their best artistic efforts on display at the Hall of History. This show features a variety of artwork from residents of all ages. Recurring daily. 14057 Flanagan Blvd. Free admission. 10am-4pm. For more information, visit www. boystown.org/Discover or call 402-498-1186.

ities begin around 5:30pm. Come and enjoy two Shakespeare plays, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Hamlet”. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.nebraskashakespeare. com or call 402-280-2391.

shot of an ailing Babe Ruth watching his number being retired at Yankee Stadium to the U.S. Marines raising an American flag atop Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima, the photographs illustrate the enduring power of the still image. The exhibit includes each of the photographers and photo staffs who have won the prize since the Pulitzer board began awarding it to photographers in 1942. 801 S. 10 St. 444-5071. MW & Sat/10am. $7 Adults; $6 Seniors 62+; $5 Ages 3-12; Free 2 & Under. For more information, visit www.durhammuseum.org.

Through 7/10: Capture the Moment: The Pulitzer Prize Photographs.

Through 7/17: Beyond Baseball: The Life of Roberto Clemente. El

Ongoing Events Through 7/8: Camp Shakespeare. University of

Nebraska at Omaha campus, Weber Fine Arts Building. For more information, visit www.nebraskashakespeare. com or call 402-280-2391.

Through 7/10: Shakespeare On The Green 2011. Elmwood Park. Activ-

The Durham Museum. Created by the Newseum, Capture the Moment: The Pulitzer Prize Photographs is a dramatic display of awardwinning Pulitzer photography. From the poignant 12

july/august • 2011

Museo Latino. A Smithsonian traveling exhibition, captures images of Clemente’s life and his accomplishments. The exhibition includes photographs, history, and bilingual information on

the tradition of baseball in Latin America. Roberto Clemente (1934-1972) remains a legendary figure in sports, philanthropy, and the hearts of millions of Puerto Ricans, Americans, and Latinos. Recurring daily. 4701 S 25 St. MWF/10am-5pm; TuTh/1-5pm; Sat/10am2pm. $5 general admission; $4 college students; $3.50 K-12 & senior citizens; Free for members. For more information, visit www. elmuseolatino.org or call 402-731-1137. Through 7/30: Bemis Gardens. Bemis Center

for Contemporary Arts. An exhibition and design laboratory that will transform the Bemis Center’s exterior into a public art site and urban garden and speculate on the urban condition of the contemporary art center and its relationship with downtown Omaha. Recurring daily. 724 S 12th St. Free

Through 8/25: Independence, Revolution and Liberty. El Museo Latino.

Features works created for Mexico’s bi-centennial and centennial commemoration in 2010 by contemporary graphics artists from the Independent Artists Workshop of the Centro de Formación y Producción de Artes Gráficas de Colima known as “La Parota,” (Center of Education and Production in Graphic Art). Recurring daily. 4701 S 25 St. MWF/10am-5pm; TuTh/1-5pm; Sat/10am2pm. For more information, visit www.elmuseolatino.org or call 402-731-1137. Through 8/26: “Dread in Exile.” Love’s Jazz and Arts

Center. An exhibition featuring a survey of works by Albert Chong. 2510 N 24th St. For more information, visit www.lovesjazzartcenter.org or call 402-502-5291.

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2011 July & August T h r ough 8/26: Rockbrook Village® Fa m i ly Concerts. Local

musicians entertain families every Friday night throughout the summer. Bring Granny, the kids, and a lawn chair for a delightful evening. Call 402-3900890 for more details.

Through 8/27: Hollywood Candy and Fairmont Antiques Saturday Outdoor Market. Hollywood

Candy & Fairmont Mercantile. Antique vendors will have a wide variety of items on sale, including home furnishings, nostalgic items, vinyl records, and much more. Hollywood Candy’s Old-Fashioned Soda Fountain will be serving Nathan’s Hot Dogs, White Castle Hamburgers, and Orsi’s Pizza for lunch and dinner. Recurring weekly on Saturday. 1209 Jackson St. Free admission. 10am-10pm. For more information, visit www.omahafairmont.com or call 402-346-9746. T h r ough 8/28: Joslyn Treasures: Well Traveled and Rarely Seen. Joslyn

Art Museum. Joslyn Art Museum’s collection is not only known and admired

by those in Omaha who consider the museum their own, but is respected by institutions worldwide. A quick look at the itinerary of the most popular works over the past years would make even the most seasoned traveler jealous — requested for over three dozen exhibitions, objects from the Joslyn collection have toured from coast to coast as well as to Europe. Joslyn Treasures: Well Traveled and Rarely Seen reunites these familiar and important favorites with highlights from the vaults to showcase forty works from antiquity through the twentieth century. Hours: Tu, W, F, Sat/10am-4pm; Th/10am-8 pm; Sun/ noon-4pm. $8 adults; $6 senior citizens and college students; $5 youth (ages 5-17); Free 4 & under. 2200 Dodge St. For more information, visit www.joslyn.org or call 402-342-3300.

MAKE EVERYDAY COUNT Luxury extends beyond your condominium when you live at Midtown Crossing. Take advantage of all the extra time you have to spend doing what matters when you put aside home maintenance and yard work.

Don’t wait any longer. Visit our sales center today!

1 bedroom starting at $169,900 2 bedrooms starting at $246,900 3 bedrooms starting at $531,000

Through 9/24: River City Star Saturday Public Lunch Cruise. River City

Star Riverboat. Spend your Saturday afternoon on a 1½-hour lunch cruise featuring a “Build Your Own” Deli Buffet. The River City Star takes a beautiful cruise

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402.934.6450 200 South 31st Avenue www.midtowncrossing.com

Sales Center Hours Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm Sat & Sun 12noon - 5pm

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. ©2011 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 • 2011

Calendar of EVENTS on the Missouri River past Freedom Park Naval Yard, the Omaha Riverfront, and under the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. Reservations required. Cash bar available. Recurring weekly on Saturday. 151 Freedom Park Rd. $27 adults; $25 senior citizens (65+); $15 children 12 & under. 11:30am-1pm. For more information, visit www.rivercitystar.com or call 402-342-7827. Through 10/1: Village Pointe Farmers Market.

Village Pointe Shopping Center. Saturdays, 8 a.m to 1 p.m. Real food. Real farmers. Support local growers! Drop by and select from just-picked produce

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along with meat, poultry, eggs and bedding plants all summer long. Visit www.villagepointeshopping.com for more information.

information, visit www.omahafarmersmarket.org or call 402-345-5401.

Through 10/16: Omaha Farmers Market. Offers

Soaring Wings Vineyard. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and listen to some wonderfully talented local musicians. Recurring weekly on Sunday. 1711 S 138th St. Free admission. 2-5pm. For more information, visit www.soaringwingswine. com or call 402-253-2479.

the best selection of fresh produce and meats, as well as a wide variety of unique specialty items: gourmet foods, organic fruits and vegetables, dairy products, cut flowers and bedding plants, handmade crafts, and more. Recurring weekly on Saturday in the Old Market 11th & Jackson Sts. 8am-12:30pm; recurring weekly on Sunday in Aksarben Village 67th & Mercy Rd. 9am-1pm. For more

Through 11/4: Sunday Acoustic Music Series.

Through 1/8: Dino saurs: Dawn of the Ice Age. Omaha Children’s

Museum. Stomping and roaring robotic dinosaurs and Ice Age mammals are

invading Omaha Children’s Museum this summer as the museum celebrates its 35th anniversary with the new exhibit Dinosaurs: Dawn of the Ice Age open May 28, 2011 through January 8, 2012. For more information, visit www.ocm.org July Events 7/1: Cox Movies & Music – Jurassic Park and Kris Lager Band. Holland Per-

forming Arts Center. Enjoy live music from area bands followed by a classic movie all in the Holland Center East Lawn. Reserve a picnic basket with a pre-made meal. Blankets and chairs welcome. (Event will move to covered arrival plaza in

WALKING TOGETHER LUTHERAN MINISTRIES

Faith &

PRESENTS

Family Night 2o11

presented by:

Saturday August 6

6:35

Baseball Fireworks Post-Game Concert

TICKETS:

Friday August 12

402.738.5100

ENJOY THESE GREAT CONCERTS AT WERNER PARK 14 July-August.indd july/august 1• 2011

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the event of rain). 12th & Douglas Sts. Free and open to the public. 7:30pm. For more information, visit www.omahaperformingarts.org

relationship with his father. 1340 Mike Fahey St. For more information, visit www.filmstreams.org or call 402-933-0259.

7/1-7/14: Page One: A Year Inside The New York Times. Film

7/2, 7/12, 7/21, 7/30: “Decades of Deco” Architectural Tour. Joslyn

Streams, Ruth Sokolof Theater. Directed by Andrew Rossi, the documentary gains access to The New York Times newsroom and inner workings of the Media Desk in its chronicles of the transformation of the media industry at its time of greatest turmoil. 1340 Mike Fahey St. For more information, visit www. filmstreams.org or call 402-933-0259. 7/1-8/4: The Tree of Life. Film

Streams, Ruth Sokolof Theater. From Terrence Malick, acclaimed director of such classic films as Badlands, Days of Heaven, and The Thin Red Line, the film is an impressionistic story of a Midwestern family in the 1950s and follows the life journey of the eldest son, Jack, through his innocent childhood to his disillusioned adult years as he tries to reconcile a complicated

Art Museum and Durham Museum. Completed in the same year as the Empire State Building, Omaha’s Durham Museum and Joslyn Art Museum are two of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the U.S. A combined walk-about in and around both buildings will inspire and educate about Art Deco. $10 Joslyn/ Durham members; $15 general public. 11a m -12 : 3 0 pm . Guests provide own transportation. Reservations required. For more information, visit www. joslyn.org or call 402-661-3862.

sushi rolls to evening strolls

7/3: The Monkees.

Stir Concert Cove. 45 years after their hit singles took record players by storm, Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, and Peter Tork bring the first live performance by The Monkees in a full decade. Doors open at 6pm. Show starts at 8pm.

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july/august • 2011

A Letter from the Publisher TODD LEMKE

Omaha Publications

is Growing!

maha Publications has seen quite a growth spurt recently.

The launch of Omaha HOME in January, coupled with our ever-expanding issues of B2B Omaha Magazine, Encounter Omaha Magazine, Her Omaha Magazine, Family Spectrum, and our award-winning flagship publication, Omaha Magazine, has prompted the hiring of several new employees, as well as the promotion of a few, too. This year, we also welcomed Warehouse Manager Mike Brewer and Accountant Jim Heinz to the Omaha Publications family. We saw growth in every department. Omaha Publications recently said farewell to a long-time employee, Art Director Matt Jensen. Matt left the magazines in May, after nearly 11 years. Matt started with Omaha Publications as an intern and quickly became the go-to guy for just about anything and everything. Matt could design an ad, lay out a magazine, fix your phone, computer or the A/C, or unload a truck on any given day. We wish Matt and his family well in their new adventures in Chadron. As with any growth spurt, there are bound to be few growing pains along the way. Still, we are happy to see wonderful changes happening in our organization, and we hope you will agree that our magazines are evolving and reaping the rewards of this new manpower and talent! Watch for our new and improved women’s magazine, Her Living, which makes its debut in August— new name, new content, and a new look. And the changes keep a comin’!

Todd Lemke, Publisher Omaha Publications

july/august • 2011

Paige Edwards, a former advertising sales executive

with the Omaha World-Herald, joined the Omaha Publications family in April as a Contributing Editor and Account Executive with Family Spectrum. Paige has a background in psychology, and enjoys learning about and sharing helpful information about parenting and families. She’s also the mother of three kids, ages 9, 11 and 14. Paige plans to one day get her graduate degree and start her own Family Counseling practice. She says if she could be anywhere, it’d be poolside with her kids reading her Psychology Today.

Bailey Hemphill, a former intern at Omaha

Magazine, joined the staff as Editorial Assistant in May. Hemphill attended Millard West High School, and graduated from UNO in May with a bachelor’s degree in English. She also works part-time as a barista at Scooter’s Coffeehouse. During her internship, Bailey was given the nickname #16 by our publisher, Todd Lemke. To this day, many address her that way. When she’s not working, she’s catching up on celebrity gossip in People or US Weekly, Facebooking, or catering to her Chihuahua, Miguel’s every need.

Katie Anderson

joined Omaha Publications as a sales assistant in May 2010, and made the jump to the art department as Graphic Designer in April. Katie is an Omaha native who attended Omaha North High School. She has an associate’s degree in Graphic Communications from Iowa Western Community College, and a BA in Advertising Management from Bellevue University. Katie’s a lover of anthropology and archeology and subscribes to National Geographic and Smithsonian magazines to keep up on new discoveries. She also enjoys cooking healthy foods and finding new recipes in Taste of Home. She’s often seen wearing comfy slippers around the office.

John Gawley, graphic designer who joined Omaha

Publications in 2009, was promoted to Art Director in May. John graduated from V.J. & Angela Skutt Catholic High School, and earned a BA in Graphic Design from the The Art Institute of Phoenix. He worked for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns and the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury before moving back to Omaha. Currently he serves on the board of directors as show chair of the Nebraska chapter of AIGA | The Professional Association for Design (American Institute of Graphic Artists). John’s a BSA Eagle Scout, a self-proclaimed Mac nerd, subscribes to Vogue, W, Wired and Backpacker magazines, and often drinks espresso coffee, black, while at his desk designing. www.OmahaPublications.com

2011 July & August $35 general admission. Must be 21+ to attend. For more information, visit www.harrahscouncilbluffs.com 7/3-7/4: Ralston’s Independence Day Celebration.

Community celebration with parade and fireworks. Main St. near 77th St. in Ralston. For more information, visit w w w. r a l s t o n a reachamber.org 7/7, 7/9: Go Deep!

The Model Railroad Garden. Lauritzen Gardens. Study the railroad heritage of Omaha in a miniature model railroad garden. Designed and built by landscape design Paul Busse and his team at Applied Imagination, the garden features model trains running along seven different lines past handcrafted replicas of Omaha landmarks. Participants will enjoy a special behind-the-scenes look at this garden feature. 100 Bancroft St. $7.50/member; $10/non-member. 10-11:30am. For more information, visit www.omahabotanicalgardens.org or call 402-346-4002. 7/8-7/9: Riverfront Jazz & Blues Festival. Lewis & Clark

Landing. National, regional, and local artists will come to Downtown Omaha to perform some of the greatest jazz and blues music. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. For more information, visit w w w.om a h aja z zandblues.com or call 402-345-0606.

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7/11: David Gray.

Orpheum Theater. After 12 million album sales, having the bestselling album in Ireland ever with “White Ladder,” a BAFTA nomination for his soundtrack work on the 2004 film “A Way of Life,” and a Grammy nomination, British singersongwriter David Gray brings his Lost and Found 2011 Tour to Omaha. Tickets starting at $29.99. For more information, visit w w w.oma haperformingarts.org 7/ 15 : Secret Weapon. The Wait-

ing Room Lounge. The best 80’s cover band around! Come sing along and rock out! 9pm. Tickets are $7 at the door. 6212 Maple St. For more information, visit www.waitingroomlounge.com

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Calendar of EVENTS

www.VisitOmaha.com

Offutt Air Force Base, Air Show August Events 8/1-8/7: Cox Classic PGA Golf Tournament. Cham-

pions Run Country Club. Pros of the Nationwide Tour come to Omaha for the only PGA tour stop in Nebraska. Restaurant vendors open throughout the day. Entertainment begins nightly at 8pm. Midwest Fireworks firework show takes place on Saturday of Tournament Week at 10pm. 13800 Eagle Run Drive. For more information and ticket packages, visit www.coxclassic.com or call 402-399-1800. 8/18, 8/20: Go Deep! Daisy

7/15-7/17: 3rd Annual The “O”-Fest. The Shops

of Legacy. Featuring foods from many of Omaha’s top restaurants, great music, huge variety of craft beers, fun shopping, and family activities for the kids, the Festival will bring together over 20 Omaha Restaurants, Catering and Food Companies, and free concerts all weekend long. Recurring daily. 168th & W. Center Sts. Free admission. For more information, visit www.showofficeonline.com or call 402-345-8003. 7/16-7/17: Railroad Days: An Annual Celebration of All Things Train and Track. Sponsored by Union

Pacific Railroad, a fun-filled 18

july/august • 2011

weekend to learn about five area railroad-themed attractions and some influential railroaders dating from the Civil War to modern day. Activities will be held at Lauritzen Gardens, The Durham Museum, The Union Pacific Railroad Museum, The RailsWest Railroad Museum, and the Historic General Dodge House. Admission is $15 per family and allows admittance at all five institutions for the weekend (Limit 2 adults). A $5 pass is available for one additional adult with the purchase of a family pass. Transportation provided by Iowa West Foundation. For more information, visit www. omahabotanicalgardens.org

7/21: Melissa Etheridge.

Stir Concert Cove. Oscar and Grammy award-winning rock singer-songwriter of the hits “Come to My Window” and “I’m the Only One’” comes to the concert series. Doors open at 6pm. Show starts at 8pm. $40 general admission. Must be 21+ to attend. For more information, visit www.harrahscouncilbluffs.com 7/27-8/1: Native Omahans Days. Native Omahans

Club. Biennial Homecoming celebrates Omaha roots with a Gospel night, parade, golf tournament, dance, and family picnic. 3819 Laird St. For more information, visit www.nativeomahaclub.org

Days. Lauritzen Gardens. Daisies, asters, sunflowers, goldenrods, blazing stars, and chrysanthemums are in peak bloom in late summer and fall. Participants will observe these plants and learn about the unique structure of their composite flowers. 100 Bancroft St. $7.50/ member; $10/non-member. 10-11:30am. For more information, visit www.omahabotanicalgardens.org or call 402-346-4002. 8/19: Cox Movies & Music – Shrek and Funk Trek.

Holland Performing Arts Center. Enjoy live music from area bands followed by a classic movie all in the Holland Center East Lawn. Reserve a picnic basket with a pre-made meal. Blankets and chairs welcome. (Event will move to covered arrival plaza in the event of rain). 12th & Douglas Sts. Free and open to the public. 7:30pm. For more information, visit www.omahaperformingarts.org www.OmahaPublications.com

2011 July & August 8/19-8/21: Greek Festival. Lewis

& Clark Landing. Come celebrate with delicious Greek food, dancing, entertainment, boutique, and artifacts. 515 N. Riverfront Drive. For more information, visit www.stjohnsgreekorthodox.org 8/21: 21st Annual Corporate Cycling Challenge. Heart-

land of America Park. A challenge of three tours—10, 25, and 42 miles long— featuring beautiful scenery and historical landmarks in a blend of urban and rural riding. The event is for all ages and abilities. Start and finish lines are staged in front of the fountain at the Heartland of America Park. 8th and Farnam Sts. For more information, visit www.corporatecycling.com or call 402-346-8003.

8/27-8/28: Defenders of Freedom Air Show and O p en H ou se.

Offutt Air Force Base. Air show featuring modern and historic aircraft and ground displays. No coolers, backpacks, or pets. Free admission. Gates open from 9am-5pm. For more information, visit www.offuttairshow.com or call 402-232-8787.

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Orpheum Theater. Responding to overwhelming popular demand, the “JazzRock Ambassadors to the Galaxy” bring their Shuffle Diplomacy 2011 Tour to Omaha with the Miles High Big Band featuring The Embassy Brats. Tickets starting at $62.50. For more information, visit w w w.oma haperformingarts.org

8/23-8/28: Millard Days. Andersen

Park. Community festival with carnival, beer garden, auto show, fireworks, and children’s activities. 136th and Q Sts. For more information, visit www. millarddays.com

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july/august • 2011

Omaha ART Story by Pamela S. Thompson • Photos by John Spence

Back gallery perspective. (foreground paintings by Edwin Carter Weitz)

Omaha installation artist Catherine Ferguson and Larry Roots discuss two of her works: “Mbera” (on the table) and “Stacked Forms 1” (drawing behind)

Art Transplant

Lincoln Gallery expands to Omaha with Modern Arts Midtown

hen Larry Roots opened his first gallery, Modern Arts Midwest, in

Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket in 2003, he installed a giant silver reflective ball on the roof of the old warehouse. Now, with his recent expansion to Omaha, that same silver ball is resting— and reflecting— on the corner of 36th and Dodge streets. With the late spring “soft” opening of Modern Arts Midtown at 3615 Dodge Street in the old Bella Eisenberg Gallery building, Roots is steadfastly making his creative and intellectual presence known in the greater Omaha area. Omaha feels natural, he said, mainly because he has watched Nebraska’s art scene blossom over the past 20 years. Roots himself is a recognized abstract painter and sculptor and an art dealer who has placed countless works in homes and businesses here. “There’s actually a shortage of galleries in Omaha and the state as a whole for the number of talented artists we have here,” he said. Operating two galleries in two cities means that Roots represents about 40 artists, including such familiar names as Larry Ferguson, Marjorie Mikasen, Judith Burton, Michael James 20

july/august • 2011

and John Himmelfarb, as well as about 28 leading regional artists not well acquainted with the public. Beyond that block of talent, Roots said he’s open to exploring relationships with other emerging artists by inviting them to exhibit along with seasoned artists headlining solo shows and multiple artist exhibits. “We are never complacent about our own program,” he said. “We want to bring new art forward. This space was designed for diversity as well as to showcase the act of art being made.” Built around 1970, the 10,000-square-foot brick and glass modern building was ideal for www.OmahaPublications.com

giving shape to Roots’ vision of his Omaha gallery. He was smitten with the adaptable space, unique address and rich history as the former establishment gallery well-known for representing mainly traditional European artists. Since the first of the year, efforts to prepare for an official fall opening have been whirling at a furious pace. After gutting all three floors, the first floor now features optimum northern light exposure with maximum visibility to Dodge Street and a paved exterior plaza, perfect for outdoor receptions. The second floor, previously headquarters for the Omaha Literacy Council, will house administrative offices and studio space. The finished basement will be used for inventory, presentation and perhaps, art demonstrations. Roots said the Midtown area won him over after scouting locations from the Old Market to Regency for a year and a half. “We gravitated back to Midtown for the energy, culture and investment into an innovative part of Omaha,” he said. Omaha feels like home, Roots said, mainly because he grew up in Ralston before his family moved to Fremont, where in high school the president of the art club concentrated on playing football. In fact, if it weren’t for a knee injury, he may have played halfback for the Huskers instead of pursuing art. For an artist as intense and passionate about creating art as Roots is, another priority is in helping young artists, as well as artists who are “flying under the radar.” “Our goal is to bring them to the forefront because their work is so amazing.” Meanwhile, Roots knows that being an artist and a businessman is both a blessing and a burden. “I don’t play golf and I don’t have many social encounters that don’t involve art,” he said. “There’s a true cost to being an artist.” Modern Arts Midtown Hours: Open Thursday through Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. or by appointment visit www.modernartsmidtown.com

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july/august • 2011

feature Story by Carol Crissey Nigrelli • Photos by minorwhite studios

Director Anne-Marie Kenny, far left, with SFS Singers 2011

Siena/Francis House Singers

Sharing their struggles, and triumphs, through song

Some say love, it is a river That drowns the tender reed ith a clear and fluid voice that belies any nervousness, Lynn delivers a

bravura performance of Bette Midler’s “The Rose” in front of a roomful of her peers at the Siena/Francis House. Lynn’s friends and family—guests at this Friday morning ceremony in the dining hall—begin to well up, as the powerful lyrics remind them of how Lynn herself has flowered. Lies the seed That with the sun’s love, in the spring Becomes the rose

The occasion is graduation day at Siena/Francis House, Omaha’s largest homeless shelter and recovery program located near 17th and Cuming. “The Rose” is one of three inspirational songs performed by the Siena/Francis House Singers whose members, including Lynn, have used— or are using— the services of SFH. It is rare for one member to sing an extended solo but the group’s founder and director, Anne-Marie Kenny, felt it was appropriate for Lynn to shine on this particular day. The other 22

july/august • 2011

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july/august • 2011

feature

five singers—Becky, Tiffany, Michael, Eddie and Sandra— agreed. “I’m graduating from the Miracles Treatment Program today,” Lynn said with understated pride. And how long had she been in alcohol recovery? “A year, a month and 16 days.” Music as a transformative power cannot be measured scientifically, but it does register on the faces of each Siena/Francis House singer. Each has a story to tell of alcohol and drug abuse and the homelessness that often accompanies addiction. Uplifting lives is what Ms. Kenny envisioned when she approached SFH back in 2000 about forming a singing group. “I had the idea that there would be folks down here who love music, but who did not have an outlet to sing, so we tried it on a volunteer basis,” Ms. Kenny recalled. “Right away we had 5, 10, 15 people who wanted to sing.” Ms. Kenny’s proposal was music to the ears of Mike Saklar, the executive director of Siena/Francis House. “I love the arts and the ability to show off the talents of people who stay in our facilities,” said Saklar. “Unfortunately, funding was tight back then.” Relying on donations to keep the singers together proved difficult and Ms. Kenny left SFH. But the classically trained soprano who, in her early years, found success as a cabaret singer in Paris and Prague, wouldn’t give up on her dream. “About a year a half ago, I came back and told them we could start up again,” she said. “This time we got a small grant from the Nebraska Arts Council.” And so lives that have clawed their way out of an abyss eagerly share their talents with any public or private group that will have them. The singers, who vary in number from six to 15, recently performed at the Omaha Correctional Center where they were enthusiastically received, and will participate in Fourth of July festivities by the waterfront. The performances are free. And Anne-Marie Kenny still dreams. “I would love to take the group to hear the Omaha Symphony some day,” she said. “And our keyboard is on loan. Wouldn’t it be nice to get a brand new one?” 24

july/august • 2011

www.OmahaPublications.com

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at the LAKE Hazy sunshine, warm winds, water

gently lapping up on shore… Time spent near the water is always a relaxing way to spend the dog days of summer. And regardless of whether you’re attending a formal dinner party on a waterfront landing, or a casual lakeside get-together among close friends, dressing for the event is half the fun.

Photography by Christian Behr Makeup by Nicki Atkinson Photography Assistance by Ashlee Brooks Story by Linda Persigehl 28

july/august • 2011

www.OmahaPublications.com

Our models, Lindsay and Jenn, spent an afternoon at Lake Manawa for this shoot on the water…Blue skies and cooler temps prevailed this day. Fashions and accessories were provided courtesy of Winning Crown and Bliss Boutique.

Lindsay wears a magenta and orange sorbet tutu cocktail dress by Jovani. Pink chandelier earrings.

Left: Jenn wears white pants by Rock & Revival, $138. White wrap top by Mystree, $53.White with orange print scarf, $20.00. Gold chandelier earrings with white center, $18. Available at Bliss Boutique. Purple kite available at K-Mart, $6.39.

Jenn wears a long seafoam green Cassandra Stone dress with orange and clear accent stones, made complete with ball sparkle earrings. Both are available at

Winning Crown Boutique Rockbrook Village 11042 Elm St. 402.933.2525 WinningCrown.com

Jenn wears a flowing floral maxi dress by Willow and Clay, $138. Wide-brimmed afternoon hat by Sun N Sand, $38.Â Scarf on hat by G. Gold hoop earrings, $15. Coral bead necklace, $38. Available at Bliss Boutique.

Lindsay wears a short iridescent blue sidestrap gown with double flounced tooling by Sherry Hill. Available at

Winning Crown Boutique Rockbrook Village 11042 Elm St. 402.933.2525 WinningCrown.com www.ReadOnlineNow.com

july/august• 2011

Lindsay wears a twin print grey/blue/yellow dress with matching long belt by Mystnee. Large gold and blue stone earrings, $16. Available at Bliss Boutique.

Omaha FACES Story by Meghan Townley • Photo by minorwhitestudios.com

Jack Pape

Distinguished Scout takes the motto “Be Prepared” to heart

n the surface, Jack Pape , 17, looks like your “average” high school boy. Pape is a junior at Mount Michael High School who enjoys hanging out with friends, playing video games, and attending Mount Michael’s sporting events. His family describes him as talkative, friendly and helpful. However, Pape has managed to accomplish a lot in his short 17 years. He just returned from Washington, D.C., where he was awarded with the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation’s American Spirit Award. According to Boys’ Life website, “The award recognizes one or more individuals who demonstrate extraordinary skill, professionalism and a spirit of excellence in a challenging situation.”

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Pilot Chesley B. Sullenberger, who saved the lives of 155 of his passengers and crew members by safely landing a US Airways plane on the Hudson River, is a previous recipient of the award. Pape received the American Spirit Award for his heroic efforts in saving many lives by administering first aid to badly injured Scouts after a tornado hit Little Sioux Boy Scout Camp in Iowa in 2008, and for giving CPR to a young boy pulled from a hotel swimming pool in 2009. Boy Scouts requires their Scouts to be certified in CPR through the Red Cross, “I first learned CPR when I was 11 or 12 and have renewed it three times since then,” said Pape. Pape has been involved with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts since first grade. He is currently an Assistant Senior Patrol july/august• 2011

Omaha FACES “Jack Pape Day,” he jokes, “My friends still make fun of me for that.”

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Leader with Troupe 374 and helps out with weekly meetings and campouts. “Boy Scouts is an organization that I will be involved with for a long time,” he said. Pape explains that beginning Scouts start out by being lead by other boys and slowly move up to patrol leader. “You are teaching yourself and teaching others how to succeed and learning a lot of leadership skills that will be useful later in life,” said Pape. His parents, Anne and Jerry Pape, accompanied their son to the ceremony in Arlington National Cemetery, where Pape was presented with the American Spirit Award. About 30 of the living Congressional Medal of Honor recipients were in attendance. “I was very surprised to receive this award,” said Pape “It was a great honor.” When Pape returned to Omaha, Mount Michael held an assembly to re-present Pape with his American Spirit Award and other awards from scouting, as well as a proclamation from Governor Dave Heineman recognizing March 25th , 2011, as “Jack Pape Day.” Pape is humble about all he’s accomplished, and downplays the attention. In regard to “Jack Pape Day,” he jokes, “My friends still make fun of me for that.” He may modestly claim that he is your average teenage boy, but his heroic bravery and selflessness prove him to be someone exceptional. Pape has big goals for his future. “I am thinking about teaching history, biology or chemistry,” he said. “I have had a lot of great teachers over the years and I have seen the amazing impact that they can have on students.” www.OmahaPublications.com

cover story Story by Judy Horan • Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

High Octane Gas in His Blood

Jerry Vincentini went from a teenager who bought a Model A car because it was a cheap mode of transportation, to a retiree who collects antique cars as part of an extensive (not cheap) collection.

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july/august• 2011

cover story

erry Vincentini worked at a service station starting when he was 14. “I could buy a Model A for $35 or $40 and would drive them until they quit. It was cheap transportation when I was at the University of Omaha.” In his late teens, he began quarter-mile drag racing. As recently as three years ago, he was land-speed racing on the Bonneville Salt Flats, sailing along at 175 mph. “So, you can see that high octane gas is in my blood,” he laughs. But his real passion is collecting cars and motorcycles. He has about 20 cars and 16 motorcycles secured on 12 acres outside Omaha where he and his wife, Connie, live and more at a second home in Arizona. Connie supports her husband’s hobby 100 percent. The former English teacher helps with fundraising and event planning such as the Joslyn Castle Car Classic. Five years of the couple’s work culminated in 2009 with the opening of the Early Ford V8 Foundation Museum in Auburn, Indiana. The club is made up of cars built by Ford from 1932 to 1953 called “Flathead.” Connie has been events coordinator for the foundation’s car show in Auburn for six years. Vincentini began collecting at age 25 with — what else — a Model A Ford. His first true collectible car was a 1951 Ford hardtop.

july/august • 2011

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Today, the oldest vehicle in his collection is a 1906 Rauch & Lang car once owned by Arabel Kimball, the sister of noted Omaha architect Thomas Kimball. With a vase for flowers, the Rauch & Lang was known as a “ladies car.” The rear view mirror was intended for ladies to check their hair, not traffic. Controls allowed the car to be driven from the front or back seat. Her car cost $6,400 when new. After driving 1,900 miles, she sold it in 1940 for $50. Vincentini’s collection ranges from a 1994 Indianapolis pace car with 30 miles on it to a 1934 Ford Cabriolet. “Henry Ford built 1,500 of them with rumble seats,” he said. Ask how many hours it takes to restore a car, and Vincentini responds, “Not hours. Years.” A 1935 Auburn boat tail, which recently sold at auction, took three years of restoration and some travel. The wood of the boat tail needed restoration. “There’s one person in the world that re-woods, and he lives in Canada,” he said. “So I made several trips to Canada.” At the Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance in 2000, he www.ReadOnlineNow.com

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cover story

“These are cars that you usually see only in magazines,” he said. “We tried to bring cars from a fivestate area that are not normally shown. They are very elegant.“

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won third place with his Auburn boat tail. Comedian Jay Leno, also a passionate collector, praised his restored vehicle. There’s more to Vincentini’s collection than cars. He has a bar made out of a 1934 Ford and a gas pump that is now a night light. An impressive display of 1,000 antique toys —“planes, trains and automobiles (and motorcycles)” — includes a 1938 pedal car. He is a trustee of the Early Ford Foundation, national chief judge of the Early Ford V8 Club and a judge for the Antique Club of America. Vincentini has helped raise funds through a car show in Auburn, Indiana, for 15 years and helped raise funds for Salisbury Castle in Des Moines, Iowa. Joslyn Castle Car Classic Starting in 2010, Vincentini and other car collectors pitched in to help raise funds for the preservation and restoration of Omaha’s Joslyn Castle. This year, 100 cars and motorcycles were on display at the Joslyn Castle Car Classic, June 17-19, the second year for the fundraiser. “These are cars that you usually see only in magazines,” he said. “We tried to bring cars from a five-state area that are not normally shown. They are very elegant.“ It’s appropriate that the car show would take place on the Joslyn castle grounds. july/august• 2011

cover story

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George and Sarah Joslyn enjoyed cars. He had a 1906 Hotchkiss and, it’s believed, one of Omaha’s first Cadillacs. The cars shared space with horses in the carriage house. Vincentini is not alone in his passion for restoring and collecting things that go “zoom.” “It’s like a fraternity or sorority. I can’t tell you how many clubs I belong to,” Vincentini said. “Everybody has a story about a car.” Bob McKelvie’s story began 57 years ago when he bought his first antique car. The 1921 Ford, which he displayed in June at the Joslyn Castle Car Classic, got him started on collecting. He still has it. Paul Jensen of Council Bluffs, who has been collecting for 40 years, displayed motorcycles at the Joslyn show. He owns about 50 motorcycles, although he says only 20 are rideable. The motorcycles he displayed were a rare 1940 Nimbus from Denmark, a 1925 Super X (only three exist in the country) and a 1939 Indian. Jensen once collected cars, “But I realized where one car was I could put six or seven motorcycles.” Jensen does most of the work in restoring the motorcycles, except plating. “I’m Danish. Danes are known for working with their hands. My grandfather was a blacksmith.” For the retired mechanical engineer, the attraction of his hobby is “The machinery,” he said. “That’s what keeps me collecting.” Richard Schultz of LeMars, Iowa, says it’s the thrill of the hunt that has kept him collecting motorcycles for almost 50 years. “For me, it’s a multidimensional hobby. It’s finding something you can restore. “Then you search literature so when you restore it, you get it back to the way it came from the factory,” he said. “And when you’re done, it’s the fun of driving and showing it. It’s a hobby hard to beat.” McKelvie says his friend Jerry Vincentini’s collection of antique cars can compete with collections across the nation. “And he’s right here in our own backyard.” When you begin to think that maybe Vincentini is the most enthusiastic car collector around, he tells you about a Houston collector to whom he sold a car. The man owned 950 cars. www.OmahaPublications.com

July/August 2011

Always Local, Always Beautiful

Botanical Abundance Richard & Brenda Todd’s Pepperwood Backyard

creating the

Perfect Patio Estate metals’

Tom Schlosser Six Great Gadgets For

Summer Entertaining

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Omaha Home: from the editor July/August 2011 VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 4 publisher

todd lemke managing editor

corey ross assistant editor

linda persigehl editorial assistant

bailey hemphill contributing editor/account executive

stacey penrod art director

john gawley graphic designer

katie anderson principle photography by

minorwhite studios, inc. s c o t t d r i c k e y, b i l l s i t z m a n n contributing writers

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To s u b s c r i b e t o

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

Oh, the Joys

of Homeownership!

t’s officially summer.

As excited as I get every year for the weather to turn warm and sunny, for the opportunity to golf, ride bikes, spend time by the pool and socialize, that same excitement wanes a bit with the reminder of all the new tasks and responsibilities that come along with the change of the season. Mowing the lawn, pulling weeds, planting flowers, fertilizing, cleaning out the garage, putting winter clothes away for storage, transporting kids to all of their summer commitments, is just the beginning of the list. The other day my daughter called her friend sharing with amusement that I was out on the roof cleaning out gutters. Last month I had the privilege of participating in this years groundbreaking / wall raising for Women Build, an annual homebuilding event for Habitat for Humanity. This event is different than their others in that the homebuilding team is made up entirely of women from our community. I was greeted with a hard hat, tool apron, nails, hammer and everything I needed to start building a home. Yes, that morning I helped nail in all of the floor boards and even had the privilege of raising the first wall (see page 30). It was really pretty exhilarating! Participating with a group of women to help build a home for a family in need truly puts homeownership into perspective. No more complaints from me! Summertime is a time for transformation!

In this issue we will take you into a few of Omaha’s fabulous backyards. Thank you to the Penry’s for allowing us to see their fantastic backyard oasis, and to the Todd’s, who participated in this year’s Munroe Meyer Garden Walk. Deb Kirchner from Mulhall’s pulls together elements to show us how to create the “Perfect Patio,” and several retailers from Omaha share with us the newest products for entertaining. As you flip through our magazine, you will notice that we continue to grow, change, and evolve. We welcome John Gawley as our new Art Director. His goal is to give our magazine a national look while keeping the local appeal. As always, thank you for taking this journey with us. I love to hear about interesting people, products and businesses in Omaha. Many of our ideas come from you! Feel free to contact me with any ideas, submissions or comments at Stacey.penrod@omahapublications.com. Have a fabulous summer!

Sincerely,

Stacey Penrod, Account Executive and Contributing Editor for Omaha Home Omaha Home appears as its own magazine and as a section within Omaha Magazine. To view the full version of Omaha Magazine, or to subscribe, go to www.readonlinenow.com. july/august • 2011

Omaha Home: contents FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

Cover Feature_ __________________ 14 Botanical Abundance

Room Spotlight_ _________________ 10 The Perfect Patio

Home Away From Home___________ 40 Retro Luxury On The Road

At Home________________________ 18 A Natural Beauty

Design Profile_ __________________ 12 Tom Schlosser, Estate Metals

Outdoor Elements________________ 42 Fabulous Front Doors

Feature_________________________ 30 New Habitats

Builder Profile___________________ 26 Alan Hans, Advantage Development

Green Design_ __________________ 44 ZNETH, Zeroing In

Outdoor Living_ _________________ 35 Jeanne Penry’s Backyard Oasis

New On The Block_ ______________ 28 Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

Entertaining_____________________ 48 Gadgets for Summer Entertaining

COLUMNS

Transformations__________________ 32 Extreme ‘80s Makeover

Pampered Pets___________________ 50 Rosie & Ruby

Tech_ __________________________ 24 Outdoor Lighting for Security and Scenery

At Home

The Perfect Patio

Estate Metals

Gardening______________________ 25 Going Green Fencing_________________________ 46 Pine or Cedar?

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Omaha Home: room spotlight Story by Linda Persigehl • Photos by minorwhitestudios.com • Patio furnishings & styling provided by Deb Kirchner, Mulhall’s

THE

Perfect Patio

Bring the inside out

urnishing the perfect patio is simple —

decorate the space much like you would your indoor living areas.

Add some sparkle to the setting using

iridescent ornamental balls as a centerpiece. A flickering flame from a tabletop firepot adds drama.

W e at h e r proof p i l l ow s and cushions add to the

“cozy factor” of the space, and keep guests lingering long after sunset. Blown glass solar sticks in neighboring planters light the way. H10

july/august • 2011

4 www.OmahaPublications.com

Home: room spotlight

Update Your Home We make it easy!

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Choose durable, stylish foundation pieces, such as chairs, tables, or

a couch. “Anchor” the space with a large area rug. Then “layer” with outdoor accessories to soften the lines and add color and personality.

Arrange furniture close together to make socializing a

breeze. Prop open an umbrella to shade guests from the sun. Circle around a fire pit to stay warm on cool nights. Position a water feature nearby for ambiance.

Thank you for voting us Best of Omaha!

Lighting —whether from a

solar lantern (pictured), outdoor lamps, citronella candles or string lights —helps create a relaxed atmosphere. www.ReadOnlineNow.com

www.moveflatrate.com (402) 709-0970 july/august • 2011

H11

Omaha Home: design profile Story by Linda Persigehl • Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

Q&A:

Tom Schlosser

Estate Metals

What’s your personal background?

Describe your work.

I grew up in Milbank, S.D. I received a B.F.A. with an emphasis in sculpture from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and a Masters from Northern University in Art Education. I was Chairman of the Art and Computer Graphics Dept. at College of Saint Mary in Omaha for 33 years. I was a charter member of the Artists’ Coop in the Old Market. I’ve shown my work at Joslyn Art Museum and many other venues. For the last 15 years, I have been more involved in commissioned artwork. I am married to my wife, Ann, who’s also my business partner. We have three children and a dog, Zak, a springer spaniel.

Sculptured metal railings have reinvented the concept of metal rail designs. They are a perfect vehicle for taking art outside to enjoy year round. We started with interior and exterior rails but have expanded the artwork to planters, three-fold screens, wall art, fireplace screens, pool and air conditioning screens, pool rails, room/space dividers.

When did you decide to launch Estate Metals?

When we built a new house in 2005, I designed art rails that fit the environment of a small lake with abundant wildlife in the area. Many people urged us to start a business so others could have the opportunity to enjoy functional art. Ann and I started Estate Metals, llc in 2006. Our first two clients were residential. Our third client was the City of Bennington, where we built over 1,000 feet of commercial art rails for their downtown renovation. Our youngest daughter, Sarah, is a practicing artist and a designer, and helps provide ideas and drawings. Our kids, Michael and Amy, have also worked with us on large projects.

While I’ve been creating sculpture and other mediums all of my adult life, I became interested in the technology that enables my designs to be cut from metal exactly as I render them. Various metals are used and a combination of materials, i.e., cast bronze, wood, glass, ceramic, can also be incorporated into the finished project. The metal artwork is finished with a beautiful powder coat paint which is available in thousands of colors, textures and finishes. What is it that you like about what you do?

Schlosser stands over the art railing he designed for the City of Bennington’s downtown renovation project.

H12

july/august • 2011

It is satisfying to stimulate the viewer’s imagination and work with each client to choose an existing design or to modify or create a unique design for their environment. The enjoyment our clients derive from making www.OmahaPublications.com

Your home...your builder.

Exceptional.

a unique, individual statement that is an extension of themselves and their environment gives me enjoyment, too. What inspires your design work?

Our artistic railings and accessories, like all works of art, have subject matter, form and content. Our tag line is “Art Meets Function” with particular attention and emphasis on the negative space being equally important as the positive space. Nature and the environment are important to me as well and inspire many of my designs. Tell us about your own home’s décor.

Our home is very open to the outdoors and the decor is very eclectic. We have a large collection of art with good representation from local artists. When we built our house, we incorporated my art in several ways: the powder room vanity is made of cast bronze branches, the side glass on either side of the front door is etched from a design I did that matches our deck rail, there is a painting in the ceiling over the dining room table, a backlit large stained glass piece in the lower level bar, and a carved wood door. www.ReadOnlineNow.com

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

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H13

Omaha Home: feature Story by Corey Ross • Photo by minorwhitestudios.com & MMI Guild

Botanical Abundance

Richard and Brenda Todd’s Pepperwood backyard is a lot of garden squeezed into a cozy space

t’s hard to imagine much more garden being squeezed into the cozy confines of the backyard of Richard and Brenda Todd’s Pepperwood home. From the flowerbeds that line the fence to the self-watering pots of annuals that hang above the beds to the flora that accents the waterfall and pond, there’s little outside – or above–the garden’s red brick walkway that isn’t green and growing. The Todds have been avid gardeners ever since they moved into their home in 1983, but are especially so since their three children are grown and no longer live at home. “We had to do something once the kids were gone,” Richard Todd explains. The Todds’ backyard was one of the five gardens that comprised this year’s 43rd Annual MMI Garden Walk in June. The walk supports the Munroe-Meyer Institute’s programs for genetics and rehabilitation. The walk is the first time the Todds have opened their garden to the public, but people have been noticing it for years, Brenda Todd says.

to be continued on page H16

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“People walking by will make comments or even leave notes on our door about how beautiful it looks,” she says. “It makes you feel good, and we enjoy people enjoying it.” Former neighbor Kim Bainbridge, an MMI board member, recommended the Todd’s home for the tour and is in awe of all the couple has accomplished. “I initially watched the Todd garden grow along the back fence line–which is how many of us added flowers to our houses in Pepperwood,” Bainbridge says. “As they added gardens along 150th Street, things just kept being added. We moved to another area, but I would always drive by their house (since it is a corner lot) to see what they added. What has always impressed me the most about their yard — they took a very small yard and made it into an oasis.” Brenda Todd says she spends eight to nine hours a day in the yard during the summer. “I do the planning and planting,” she says. “(Richard) does the big projects.” Those would be such things as installing the pond and brick walkway, both of which he did entirely himself. This year, an outdoor kitchen is in the works. As for the contents of the garden, the three overhanging maple trees somewhat determine the botanical mix. “Because of the trees, we use mostly shade flowers,” she says. “But anything we can get to grow, we’ll try.” Richard is retired from the Air Force. The family once lived for five years in Japan and elements of Japanese garden are reflected in the lanterns that adorn the pond. Brenda also accents the garden with sculptures and various art objects, such as glass swirls, she purchases throughout the year. She says after decades of labor, the garden is finally coming close to completion. “It now looks the way I’ve always envisioned it,” she says. “And we’ve done it entirely ourselves. We’ve never hired a landscaper or anyone.” But the time spent has been worth it – and it’s been a lot of time. “It’s a labor of love,” she says, before joking, “or insanity.”

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H17

Omaha Home: at home Story by Molly Garriott

Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

A Natural Beauty

This mid-century traditional home, sprinkled with touches of nature throughout, is so inviting, you just may want to pull up a chair and stay.

he road leading up to our homeowner’s property is a quiet, gravel lane, totally unexpected for its bustling midtown neighborhood. It’s an inviting, two-story family home, white with black shutters, built in the 1940s. It’s period perfect. You half expect a young Cary Grant, circa the “My Favorite Wife” years, to step outside for his morning paper in a silk dressing gown and perfectly pressed PJs. www.ReadOnlineNow.com

july/august • 2011

H19

cover story: castleford cottage

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Instead, a very cheerful Gordon setter named Sparky greets visitors with a nudge to encourage a pet or two. Though Scottish, not British, and not as handsome as Cary Grant, his friendly demeanor and welcoming ways match his master’s take on home decorating. It’s a home in which you instantly feel comfortable.

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The home sits on nearly an acre of land dotted with mature trees, patios, gardens, and a lawn expansive enough to host baseball tgames and Easter egg hunts, house homemade forts, and boast beautiful gardens. She points out a curious variety of trees: pines and honey locusts, red bud and hazelnut, Chinese chestnut, and Nebraska’s second largest Champion pecan tree. When the homeowners bought the house in 1987, they were only the third owners. “This house had great bones,” the lady of the house says. Its six bathrooms were a bonus as well. She owns that it is what she calls an “old-style house,” with many walls and doors instead of large, open great rooms. “Some would call is chopped up, but that’s not how we see it.” Does she have a defined style? Not really. But that does not mean her home isn’t stylish. Her entryway offers a striking welcome. Oak floors are painted in a modified Harlequin pattern, offering visual interest to an otherwise soft palette of creamy walls. A lightly stained Grandfather clock keeps melodic time. As if she were bringing the outdoors in with her, she papered the front door alcove with black and white botanical renderings of various trees. www.ReadOnlineNow.com

july/august • 2011

H21

Omaha Home: at home Pg. H22: Top—a wide galley-style kitchen affords plenty of room for multiple cooks. Cabbage leaf ceramics add a pop of color against the white tile backsplash. Bottom left—Contemporary cone-shaped sconces bookend a gold-leaf bathroom mirror. A glass-top vanity with wrought iron legs that resemble branches holds the single-basin sink. Bottom right—A print of Mallard ducks and an old pine farm table lend a country feel to the kitchen area. Pg. H23: Right—A Harlequin pattern adorns the wood floor entryway. An antique grandfather clock greets guests. Bottom—Hunter green furniture and valances lend warmth to the living room.

“The yard has dictated the colors of the house,” she explains. Her large living room mixes neutral browns and creams with deep green upholstery on the two couches that flank the original fireplace. Bunnies perch on the mantel. An aviary print hangs over the fireplace. Bird statues rest on a nearby table. The natural world is as much at home inside this house as it is outside. The homeowner likes the contrast between casual and formal. In her dining room, traditional, formal furniture juxtaposes with a casual, sisal rug. In her kitchen, she pairs pine table and chairs with an antique brass chandelier purchased from Katelman’s Antiques during her kitchen renovation in 1989. The original kitchen only had a tiny breakfast booth in which her children could eat. They expanded the space, absorbing the old maid’s quarters and the first stall of the garage in the process. Though completed over 20 years ago, the room does not have a dated look at all. It is timeless white with contrasting drawer pulls. For a shot of color, she relies on her collection of green cabbage leaf platters, pitchers and bowls. “We like what we like,” the homeowner says, when asked to describe her decorating philosophy. Just a few moments in their cozy home conveys that what they like is casual comfort, the natural world, and creating an environment which calls on family and friends to nestle in to absorb the beauty around them. www.ReadOnlineNow.com

july/august • 2011

H23

Home: tech Story by Doug Dushan, Echo Tech

Clean green.

Outdoor Lighting for Security and Scenery

hen asked about outdoor security lighting, most

people think of those obtrusive motion-sensing fixtures that come on when you take out the trash out. However, when done right, exterior lighting can not only beautify your home’s appearance, it can also increase the security of your family. When looking for a home to burglarize, criminals will seek a dark home. They like to hide in the shadows. The best solution is to take those shadows away. Illuminate the obvious places such as doors and low-lying windows with up-lighting, and light pathways to guide the steps of your invited guests. Not only will it look great from the street, it will send the burglar looking for another home. Sorry neighbor! A home automation professional can assist you in simplifying home technology and managing lighting tasks. Using Lutron’s RadioRa 2 System, outdoor lighting can be easily controlled, eliminating the days of driving up to a dark home. A built-in astronomical clock can bring the lights up at dusk and slowly fade them toward the dawn. It can even be “zoned” so that pathways and garden lighting will turn off late at night, leaving security lighting in full force. Best of all, it is retro-fittable, so existing homes can benefit from this system as well. A technician must simply replace the old light switches with radio frequency system dimmers and programs it to the client’s lifestyle. To find lighting for your home and yard, visit EchoTech’s design showroom at 120th and I St., or call us at 402-334-4900. H24

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he “go green” movement is

not just a fad, it’s the future. What’s more natural than incorporating the green lifestyle into your soil, grass, and garden? An easy way to accomplish a “green” yard is by nourishing it with organic fertilizer. Organic fertilizer is derived from natural materials such as plants and/or mineral material that undergo little or no processing. An obvious benefit of using organic fertilizer is that it is safer for people, pets and the environment than traditional synthetic fertilizers. And unlike synthetic fertilizers, organic fertilizer continually builds the soil, improves soil structure and increases soil’s ability to hold moisture and nutrients. It’s also more difficult to over-fertilize soil using organic fertilizer. An effective organic lawn care program ideally consists of a soil test, multi-step fertilizer applications, top-dressing, and fall aeration. A commonly overlooked component of soil maintenance is a soil test, which measures the chemical structure and nutrient balance of the soil. It is also necessary to evaluate thatch levels, soil compaction and root depth. For the best results, organic fertilizer applications should consist of granulated corn gluten and an alfalfa fertilizer. Corn Gluten is a natural pre-emergent promoting continuous greening, as well as providing resistance to heat, drought, and heavy foot traffic. Alfalfa promotes seed germination and root development as it nourishes poor soil by boosting nutrient absorption. A top-dressing application serves as a nutrient rich soil amender. Finally, aerating loosens compacted soil, increases oxygen to roots, improves water and nutrient infiltration, encourages strong root growth, and breaks up thatch build-up. For more information on organic lawn care, visit www.OmahaOrganic.com or call 402-991-9273. july/august • 2011

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Omaha Home: architect | builder | remodeler profile Story by Linda Persigehl • Photos by minorwhitestudios.com & Alan Hans

Q&A:

Alan Hans

Advantage Development

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I grew up in rural Springfield, Neb., where I attended school. I graduated from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and returned to make Springfield my home. My office is located on Main Street, where our lab, Sugar, and I begin every day.

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What inspired you to become a builder?

Growing up in a farming community, I learned to work with my hands at a very young age, and the value of honest hard work. While working through college, I had a 70+ year-old mentor, Bob Sikyta (Mr. B). Mr. B had been in business for over 50 years and survived the good times and bad by being honest and hardworking, and through building a solid reputation. He said do the right things right and the rest would take care of itself. The education that I obtained through our almost daily “lunch lessons” was priceless. Tell us about your company.

It seems like yesterday, but I started Advantage Development over 12 years ago. We are primarily a custom homebuilder and have consistently built 20-25 homes per year all over Omaha and surrounding areas. Our homes range from $300k to over $1 million. We have been very fortunate to experience growth and success through the referrals of our past clients. What do you like best about this business?

I love the creative side. We want every one of our homes to reflect the person we are building it for. We incorporate unique and innovative ideas into every one of our homes so each is set apart from any that surround it. Trying new things and merging their ideas with our expertise is one of the most rewarding things we do. What advice do you give those looking to build a home these days?

Do your research. I believe a quality homebuilding experience comes from the homeowner understanding what is going into their home, and setting forth clear expectations. The average home takes five to seven months of construction, and a good relationship with the builder from the start is imperative for a daily working relationship.

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

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THE BATH AND TILE COMPANY LAVATORIES TUBS TOILETS FAUCETS TILE ACCESSORIES

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Omaha Home: new on the block Story by Bailey Hemphill • Photo by minorwhitestudios.com & Katie Anderson

Ferguson

Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

Gateway I-80 Business Park, 6780 S. 118th Circle

olly Johnson has been working with Ferguson Enterprises

for eight years. She previously worked as a trainee, a showroom consultant, a customer service representative, and was eventually promoted to her position today as manager of the newest showroom location—Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery. The new gallery is located in a 13,000 sq. ft. building, which was gutted and transformed for the expansion of the showroom. Not only is the new showroom

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triple the size of the original facility, but it also offers a larger selection of plumbing, lighting, cabinet, and appliances, a working kitchen and shower areas used for demos and builder/designer training, and a relaxing waiting room with an espresso maker, built-in refrigerator stocked with drinks, lounge chairs, and a TV for showroom customers. The showroom offers a wide variety of product lines in addition to a vast selection of plumbing and lighting. Customers can customize new construction or remodeling projects easily with the options for kitchens, bathrooms, and plumbing; and they have the opportunity to not just make selections for indoor lighting fixtures and appliances but outdoor as well. As for specific products, Johnson says that there has been an increase in green products, which has been noticeable in the market over the past few years. “We offer lower consumption toilets, faucets and showerheads, energy star-rated appliances, and energy-efficient lighting.” Johnson says that, beyond being the biggest and most beautiful showroom in the market, her showroom is unique because it always has the latest, updated showrooms with brand new products designed specifically with customers in mind. She wants her customers to see as much product as possible and be able to customize for their individual needs. Also, most competitors do not offer plumbing, lighting, and appliances together. Most people often have to visit several locations to get all of these products, but with Ferguson they are all in one convenient place.

WATER EMERGENCY? MOLD EMERGENCY? WE ARE THE SOLUTION! We Can Restore Your Home To Pre-Loss Condition! Carpet Cleaning Carpet Stain Removal Carpet Repairs Carpet Restretching Mold Remediation

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july/august • 2011

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feature Story by Angelika Stout • Photos provided by Habitat for Humanity & John Gawley

Contributing Editor Stacey Penrod, far right, participates in Women Build 2011.

New Habitats Builder Blitz Homes

Two Habitat for Humanity projects create 31 new homes for those in need

asten your tool belts and take out your hammers—Habitat for Humanity’s

summer building campaign is in full swing. The 14th annual Women Build season kicked off Mother’s Day weekend, and the annual Builder’s Blitz took place in June at 17th and Manderson Streets and saw seven new homes constructed in seven days. Combined, the two projects will create 31 new homes for needy. Women Build is a summer-long home-building program that’s unique in that the construction crews are made up entirely of women. No construction experience is necessary to participate and many skills are taught on site. (However, Habitat does offer a series of workshops on construction basics, including drywalling, framing, painting, siding and roofing every April for those looking to hone their skills.) Habitat Director Amanda Brewer says Women Build “gives women an opportunity to do all facets of the construction process . . . and it’s really empowering.” And the result of all of your hard work, time and effort? A brick-and-mortar house for a family in need! Women Build’s efforts have helped to provide over 1,800 homes to poverty-stricken families around the world. On the crew sites, you’ll find the homeowners building right alongside the women crews, as every homeowner is required to complete 350 sweat equity hours before taking ownership of the house. A ceremony is held after the final details are finished to dedicate the home to the family. “I am moved to the core every time I attend a Habitat Home Dedication. The ceremony is beautiful, plus there is nothing but smiles on everyone’s faces,” says Lisa Lackovic, 2011 Habitat

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Thank You Omaha!

Norm's Door S Best Gara ervic ge Do e, or I

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Board Chairman. This special ceremony celebrates the sense of pride and accomplishment Habitat families feel in their new home. In addition to the required sweat equity hours, all partner families continue their partnership with Habitat by maintaining a 30-year, zero-interest mortgage. And some continue their relationships with Habitat by continuing to give back to the community. Lackovic recalls the inspirational story of a Habitat homeowner; “She now serves on our board and has built her career at a local bank and raised a loving family. . . I was moved to tears when she told her story. She is truly a living example of how Habitat for Humanity can offer a ‘hand-up’ with zero-interest loans and help turn people’s lives around.” Thousands of people, volunteers and partner families alike, have had their lives positively impacted by Women Build and Habitat for Humanity. The most rewarding part is “you get to see lives change, the volunteers’ and the families,’” said one volunteer. Often, new friendships are built and old ones are renewed on the construction site. Norma Fletcher, a long-time Women Build volunteer who has helped to complete 12 homes since 1999, recalls past builds: “There are many memories of times working with other ladies, enjoying conversations while we work at our tasks. . . I have made some great friendships through Habitat that get renewed every building season.” Women Build is about empowering and including women to fight the poverty-housing crisis. A great way to get involved is to volunteer with a group you are already a part of, such as your book club, knitting circle or even a corporate team. Although the Women Build 2011 season has officially started, it’s not too late to get involved this year. Construction work continues every weekend through Sept. 30. To learn more about Women Build or to sign up for a shift, go to www.volunteer.habitatomaha.org. The seven builders who participated in the Builders Blitz were: Charleston Homes, Kiewit Building Group, Lueder Construction Company, Lund-Ross Constructors, Meyers Carlisle Leapley Construction, SL Jensen Construction and Vantage Design & Construction. www.ReadOnlineNow.com

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Omaha Home: transformations Story by Marilyn Hansen, FASID, The Designers • Photos by Tom Kessler

Extreme ‘80s Makeover

This Coronado Condo near 90th & Dodge gets a major update

Before images of kitchen and and living room, right; after makeover above/left.

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Create a backyard

Retreat!

We have the Midwest’s finest selection of fountains, statues, bird baths, pottery, outdoor furniture and more! We’ll help you create the

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s much as condo living has grown in popularity, it is hard to believe these units were built in the late ‘80s. The “before” pictures give you a good view of what was considered cutting edge at the time. The condos have spectacular views and fireplaces and are conveniently located. My clients loved the convenience and the atmosphere of the condos; however, the kitchen space was confining and difficult to maneuver in. Add the element of a wheelchair and it is obvious the living conditions could be better. First, we explored opening up the wall between the kitchen and living room. This had a wonderfully dramatic effect. Suddenly, the view was opened up and the kitchen no longer felt constrained. The plumbing to the condo above was enclosed in a column separating the living room from the kitchen. The ceilings are concrete, which meant track lighting was the most efficient option for lighting along with spectacular sconces on the column. Fireplace designs have changed dramatically since the ‘80s. We took the opportunity to raise the level of the firebox, realign the chimney through the roof, and resurface the hearth with Galaxy Black granite. The glass chips actually seem to be on fire. The kitchen was completely revamped and www.ReadOnlineNow.com

july/august • 2011

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Omaha Home: transformations

The high-gloss “The Art of Landscaping Redefined”

Bird’s Eye maple cabinets

Landscaping Design & Installation Retaining Walls & Patios Irrigation Installation & Service Holiday Lighting Turf Maintenance Fertilizer Bed Maintenance Concrete

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solution to unify the two spaces. designed to fit the client’s needs. Higher toe kicks, lowered cooktop and oven, and a circular island at the counter’s end made it efficient. Adding the dramatic granite and metallic glass tile backsplash gave the room an exotic touch. The client’s antique family heirlooms were of primarily natural finished Bird’s Eye maple. As a result, the high-gloss Bird’s Eye maple cabinets were a perfect solution to unify the two spaces. The lower cabinets’ doors and drawers were covered in a durable laminate. It is easy to see that an efficient design can be beautiful and dramatic yet practical. All views of the seasons are spectacular and catch your eye the moment you enter the foyer. My clients love their new interior that is urban and an excellent space for entertaining. H34

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A Plus Wood Flooring instAllAtion

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Omaha Home: outdoor living Story by Molly Garriott • Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

Jeanne Penry’s Backyard Oasis

“

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

’ve mixed contemporary with

traditional art in my house,” admits Omaha interior designer, Jeanne Penry. To wit, original art by Terry Rosenberg and Steve Joy keeps company with English chintz. So it is not that surprising that Jeanne and her husband, Bill, carried this propensity to shake things up out of doors when they were planning their backyard relandscaping. The result: a serene, backyard oasis that mixes water and stone, incorporates both shade and sun plants, blends east coast architecture with Asian accents, and provides a sanctuary for humans and animals alike. july/august • 2011

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Virtually Any Surface

Basements, Garages, Pool Decks, Patios, Wood Decks, Walkways, Offices, Warehouses, Hangers, Showrooms, Parking Garages

The Penrys brought in 45 different species of trees from the state of Washington. It’s a United Nations of trees. The couple began the landscaping project two years. They had a full acre with which to play, a rarity in their Dundee neighborhood, Penry says. A hill in their backyard became the perfect spot for an elevated waterfall. They carved out three levels and brought in slate and field stone from Arizona and Colorado. For added visual interest, Penry incorporated copper sheeting for the backdrop of the falls, treating it so the metal would retain its original hue and not oxidize to an aged verdigris color. They also brought in 45 different species of trees from the state of Washington. It’s a United Nations of trees with local tri-beech and indigenous maples intermingling with Japanese maples, Bosnian pines, Serbian spruces, and a massive Gouty fir. Shade garden stalwarts like fern and hostas provide a soothing green backdrop for English cottage

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Pg. H35—An elevated waterfall, composed of slate and field stone from Arizona and Colorado, sits on a hillside in the Penry’s yard. Pg. H36, Top left—Penry dutifully waters the annuals and perennials in her flowerbeds. All varieties were carefully chosen and planted in patterns to ensure blooms and color all season long. Top right and bottom left—Stone statuary are incorporated into the lush landscape. Bottom right—Asian influences — in plant selections, architecture and artwork — are found throughout the backyard.

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

july/august • 2011

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Home: outdoor living

Visit our showrooms inside and out! Meet the Contractor Saturdays from 10:00 am to 12:30. Visit with a contractor about your backyard project. Open to the Public Mon-Fri 8-5 and Sat 8-1 Watkinsconcreteblock.com

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Penry enjoys some leisure time in one of the several patios spaces situated throughout her expansive backyard. The full-acre lot is unique in her Dundee neighborhood.

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garden favorites like Knock-out roses, bleeding hearts, hydrangeas, and salvias. Penry planned her gardens with care to ensure season long color. As the bleeding hearts fade, the mini iris come into bloom. Roses and impatiens provide summer-long color until the purple coneflowers join them in July. Seated on one of her outdoor patios, it’s difficult to believe you are in one of the city’s densest neighborhoods. The soothing sounds of water playing across stone, the soft greens and splashes of color, and the captivating blend of deciduous and fir trees are a haven in a hectic world.

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Omaha Home: home away from home Story provided by The Linen Gallery • Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

Retro Luxury On The Road

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eacock Alley, an upscale bed and bath resource based in Dallas, has hit

the road with a restored 1977 Airstream trailer named “Steel Magnolia.” The silver bullet-shaped vehicle made an appearance in Omaha April 29-30 during the Berkshire

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SPECIALIZING IN

Ponds Waterfalls Hathaway Shareholders Weekend as part of the company’s Silver Home Tour. Peacock Alley’s co-owner, Josh Needleman, says the tour is a trunk show of sorts, “hitting the nation city by city, store by store, giving customers a rare opportunity to learn about the Peacock Alley lifestyle and our wonderful collection of linens. And have a little fun doing it.”  Just like Peacock Alley’s fine linens, the Steel Magnolia is sleek with classic styling. The Airstream is equipped with two beds, a full bath, a kitchen and a lounging area, and features soft, neutral fabrics, bedding, pillows and bath linens from the high-end maker throughout. Visitors to Regency Court Shopping Center were allowed to tour the vehicle, displayed under a tented canopy. Surely, modern road travel has never been so luxurious and comfortable!

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Omaha Home: outdoor elements

Five Fabulous Front Doors That Say “Welcome”

Outdoor Spaces Building Supply

Marvin Window & Door store

Pella windows & doors

Beautiful custom wrought iron doors are 100 percent handmade. Made of 14 gauge high quality iron, weather-tight sealed and insulated, iron doors are available in a number of finishes. Independent operating windows are available in multiple glass and glazing options. The possibilities are endless! Showroom 13951 Valley Ridge Dr. 402.932.9571 www.midwestirondoors.com

Beauty, durability, quality, this Arch-top French door from Marvin Windows and Doors is just one of over 11,000 standard and unlimited custom doors available to choose from. Visit our showroom at 13819 Industrial Rd. www.marvinwindowstore.com

This Classic Pella eyebrow-top Mahogany solid wood entry door provides the artisanship and character you need to turn your house into a home. With True-Divided-Light grilles and exquisite detailing, this entry door is as distinctive as you are. To see Pella’s complete line of wood, fiberglass or steel entry doors, visit our showroom at 98425 S. 142nd St. www.pellaomaha.com.

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An attractive front entrance not only adds to a home’s curb appeal, but can also boost its perceived market value. Five retailers gave us their picks for front doors that make a great first impression.

The Olde Wood Mill

Millard Lumber

Impressive entrance doors make a statement about your home and you. They are the focal point of your home’s exterior. This double-entry door s a custom-designed 7ft x10ft. size – arched head, solid mahogany frame, doors and trimwork. These 2¼ in. thick doors are enhanced by the use of projection moldings and beveled insulating glass. Showroom at 20314 Roberts St., Elkhorn.

Since pioneering the fiberglass door industry in 1983, Therma-Tru has redefined the entryway with its high style, high-performance products. Our Door Designer is the perfect interactive design tool to help you visualize the possibilities of a beautiful, new Therma-Tru entryway on your home. Go to www.thermatru.com to explore all your option or visit Millard Lumber’s Design Gallery at 12900 ‘I’ St. www.millardlumber.com

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

july/august • 2011

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Omaha Home: green design Story by Meghan Townley • Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

Parmley, in green, with the ZNETH Team

ZNETH, Zeroing In

A four-year joint UNOUNL venture has resulted in Omaha’s first ‘zero net’ house

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ood from a reclaimed gym floor and recycled glass from what would’ve

been discarded doors and windows aren’t your everyday building materials, but in the future University of Nebraska-Omaha and University of Nebraska-Lincoln students are building, they will be. UNO and UNL have teamed up to build ZNETH (Zero Net Energy Test House). The project is a collaboration of students, teachers and industry professionals all working together to produce a zero net house, meaning a home that will produce more energy than it uses. Dr. Avery Schwer, professor and graduate chair at the Peter Kiewit Institute, led the project, which is located in Aksarban Village. Research and planning phases began in the fall of 2007. The project was completed in June. “One of the goals was not to complete the house too quickly so more students could be involved,” Schwer said. “This is a living laboratory. We wanted to stretch it out.” The project involves students from UNO and UNL majoring in architectural engineering, construction engineering and construction management. According to Schwer, the house will earn the highest LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating for homes and will be the first residence in Omaha to receive the LEED platinum rating. Shawn Parmley, from Parmley Interior Designs, is the head designer for ZNETH. Parmley says that one of the goals of the project was to make the house transitional and welcoming. “We wanted to show folks that you can be green without being extra modern,” said Parmley. Parmley and the team wanted ZNETH to mimic the Aksarban neighborhood style. “It plays on the craftsman and bungalow vernacular of this neighborhood,” said Parmley. The flooring in the main part of the house is made from bamboo and the basement floor is made from cork, which are both rapidly renewing resources. One of the bedroom’s flooring is reclaimed wood from a junior high gym, and the kitchen countertops are made from recycled glass. www.OmahaPublications.com

Interior Accent Decor & Floral Design FREE In-Home Consultation The team tried to use as many recycled materials as possible. “These are tiles, doors and windows that would have most likely been thrown out,” Parmley said. Schwer explains that the building envelope (how the building is constructed) is very important in the LEED process. “Before you start adding your geothermal or solar panels, the most important thing is your building envelope,” she said. ZNETH uses ICFs (Insolated Concrete Forms) for the walls. “This gives it an excellent building envelope. The walls are a foot thick.” Another important part of the building envelope is the insulation. ZNETH uses sprayfoam insulation, which gets into every gap to create an airtight envelope. In order to keep the air quality clean—another important step in the LEED process—the house is equipped with an ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator). “We want to make the house right to conserve heat and cool air, but also to be safe,” Schwer said. “If it is too tight, then the air quality is not healthy. “We use ground source heat pumps by utilizing the temperature in the ground to cool and heat the house. The house is heated and cooled by using a geothermal heat pump. Brad Corey, a Ph.D student who worked on the project, said, “This [a geothermal heat pump] can cut your heating and cooling bill in half.” The team also installed a wind turbine on the roof. The house will use wind, solar and geothermal energy as needed. “We use everything that we can from nature,” Corey said. ZNETH has a gray water collection system, which means the wastewater from the bathroom sinks and washing machine will be used to flush the toilets. “By reusing this water,” Corey says, “it can save you about 8,000 gallons per year.” While ZNETH is done with construction, Tim Hemsath, a professor in the college of architecture, explains that another project is in the works. “This was the first of several prototypes that were working on. ZNETH II will be another hands-on opportunity for students.”

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

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

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Mon-Fri 9-6, and Sat 10-2 12123 Emmet Street • 402-498-8777 www.DesignersOmaha.com july/august • 2011

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Nature’s Intent Landscaping “Where the principles of art & nature meet”

Home: fencing Story by Mike Welniak, S & W Fence Co.

I Professional Landscape Design and Construction Services

www.naturesintent.biz Burton Kilgore UNL Horticulture Alumni 402.926.9790

Jake Foutch UNL Horticulture Alumni 402.321.7996

Visit our Kohler Registered Showroom 13827 Industrial Road • Omaha NE (402) 330-3400 • www.briggsinc.com

Pine or Cedar? f a new wood fence is part of your

plan this summer, you may be wondering whether you should choose cedar or pine. Well, the answer is both. Cedar has long been the industry standard for wood fencing because of its natural resistance to decay and rot. However, much of the cedar on the market today contains sapwood which does not possess the same level of decay resistance as true heartwood cedar and could decay within a year or two. Most experts use pressure-treated Northern Pine posts because they will not decay in the ground as quickly as cedar. Pressure-treated Northern Pine posts can last for 100 years and usually come with a manufacturer’s warranty of at least 10 years. In addition, pine is faster growing and more replaceable than cedar, so choosing pine may also be better for the environment. Cedar is a softer wood and is not as equipped to hold the load of a fence. Choosing rails made of a structurally stronger pine, such as kiln-dried Douglas Fir, will prevent the rails from sagging and splitting under the weight of the fence. While pine is a better choice for the structural elements of your fence, cedar boards should be used as the pickets because they have a nice appearance, they weather well, and they are durable against the elements. Pine pickets can be used but they are not as aesthetically pleasing as cedar, and they do not take stain as well and will have a tendency to warp. By choosing the right combination of cedar and pine woods, you will ensure that your fence will endure the test of time and the elements! To learn more on fencing materials, visit www.sw-fence.com or visit S&W Fence at 15803 Pacific St. Call 402-333-5722 for a free estimate.

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july/august • 2011

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Financial Solutions Tailored To Your Needs. Attentive Personal Service, Every Step of the Way At Bank of the West, we offer a choice of products and services to help you achieve your financial goals. For over 135 years, Bank of the West has been helping customers make the most of their money. Our experienced Private Banking Relationship Managers are dedicated to helping you develop a comprehensive plan to build and manage your finances.

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Call one of the bankers listed below today and explore the possibilities of how we can help with your private banking and home financing needs.

Private Banking Jeff Hoffmann • (402) 918-5470 Residential Construction Lending Matt Brown • (402) 918-5407

Mortgage Banking Anita Pryor • (402) 473-0813 Nancy Thompson • (402) 918-5696

©2010 Bank of the West. Loans and available rates are subject to credit approval. Certain conditions and restrictions apply. Relationship Pricing requires applicants to maintain a Bank of the West personal checking account with a debit card and automatic electronic mortgage payments.

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Omaha Home: entertaining Photos by John Gawley

6 Great Gadgets for Summer Entertaining

(and you can find them all right here at Omaha retailers)

The Fruit Infusion Pitcher’s clever design lets you infuse an endless variety of flavors into cold beverages—from cucumbers in water, to lemons or berries in lemonade, to mint in tea, to fruit in sangria, and more. Removable fruit infusion rod screws into pitcher lid, 93oz capacity and BPA free! Sale price $24.99. Category One Gifts & Gourmet at 10922 Prairie Brook Road, Rockbrook Village. www.categoryonegifts.com

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july/august • 2011

Vacuvin Glass Markers come in a set of 12 unique characters and feature suction cups that stick to any smooth surface. They’re an easy, fun way to mark your glass, avoid confusion at parties, and encourage reuse of glasses and lessen your wash load. Dishwasher safe and food approved. Not suitable for kids under 3 years. $7.99 at Spirit World, 7517 Pacific Street. www.spiritworld.com

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The Zoku Quick Pop™ Maker freezes ice pops on your countertop without electricity. Quickly make striped pops, yogurt pops or (for the first time ever at home) flavored core pops. The unit can make up to 9 pops in 30 minutes, before refreezing the unit again. Includes 1 Quick Pop Maker, 6 sticks, 6 drip guards, and 1 Super Tool for $49.99. Offered at Category One Gifts & Gourmet at 10922 Prairie Brook Road, Rockbrook Village. www.categoryonegifts.com

Thanks Omaha for Voting Us Best of Omaha®! Garage Doors • Openers • Service all Brands 24 Hr. Emergency Service

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The Play & Freeze® Ice Cream Maker allows you to make ice cream without electricity— just add ice and rock salt in one end, and ice cream mix in the other, then have a ball as you shake it, pass it or roll it! Try flavors for our included recipe book, or use Flavor Fountain flavorings (sold separately). Ball is lightweight, portable and easy to clean. Comes in Original $29.99, or Mega. $39.99. Available at Canfield’s Sporting Goods, 8457 West Center Road. www.canfields.com

Carson

Stone&Supply

When the wine glasses are tipsy, just push these SteadySticks into the ground almost anywhere for a spill-free experience. Made of durable stainless steel. Easy to anchor into the ground with a simple push. Set of 2, $19.95. Available at The Gadgeteer, 7317 Douglas Street. www.gadgeteerusa.com

AMAZING PRICES ON ALL STOCK ITEMS • Large Quantities of Boulders Shipped In Daily • Variety of Colored Flagstones • Multiple Varieties of Ground Covers and Fill Materials

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The Fire Wire is a stainless steel flexible grilling skewer that allows you to more effectively use space on your grill. You can bend it, curve it or arrange it in a spiral. Skewer tips hang over the edge and remain cool to the touch. To marinate meats and veggies, load up the Fire Wire and place in a plastic bag. Dishwasher safe. Set of 2, $11.95. The Afternoon, 3157 Farnam St, Suite 7101, Midtown Crossing, 10000 California St., Westroads Mall. www.theafternoon.com www.ReadOnlineNow.com

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Omaha Home: pampered pets Story by Linda Persigehl • Photos by minorwhitestudios.com • Provided by Bark Avenue Grooming & Daycare

Susan Knapp, Rosie and Ruby

Rosie & Ruby “The Greetin’ Wheatons”

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july/august • 2011

isitors to the home of Susan

and Bob Knapp are typically met enthusiastically at the door by Rosie, 14, and Ruby, 12, the couple’s two soft-coated Wheaton terriers, named for the copper-red coats they had as puppies. “They jump up at people…they’re nicknamed ‘the Greetin’ Wheatons,’ and they live up to the name,” says Susan. The Knapps, who live in a walkout ranch near 91th & Harney, joke, “You might say we built this home for them…We just live here.” The home was designed with many dog-friendly features, including tile throughout the main living area, their own private room just off the kitchen, and a bench seat at a picture window that provides the pooches prime viewing of the fenced yard and wild animals that frequently visit. “They’ve cornered many a opossum in our backyard. If they spy one, it takes an act of God to get them back in the house,” Susan says. The Knapp’s home also has two doggie doors, which while convenient, has a down side as well. “The doors allow them to go in and out, which is a mixed blessing. Once, I came home to find one of them had found a dead bunny and brought it inside and laid it on our bed!” (No wonder—Wheaton terriers were originally bred in Ireland to catch rodents, rabbits and squirrels.) For the Knapps, though, experiences like those are just part of a normal day of pet ownership. “We know…we’ll always have dogs.” ”

www.OmahaPublications.com

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Dustin Treinen & Herb Harden Digital House Dudes

ustin Treinen and Herb Harden met

through the local music scene in the late 1990s when they each played in bands at the Ranch Bowl and other local venues. Later, they become roommates and friends when Dustin began producing records under Herb’s record label. Now, the two young professionals have switched from bands to broadband. Treinen, 28, and Harden, 29, are the co-managing partners of Digital House, an online marketing agency that has found its niche, by designing aesthetically pleasing web sites and then analyzing and enhancing their functionality. “We spend a significant amount of time thinking about the usability of the site by taking into consideration what information is accessed most frequently and how to organize the information so that a user can easily find information,” says Treinen, a UNO grad with a degree in marketing and an eclectic experience in online and social media. Harden is working toward a degree at Bellevue University, but formerly worked at TD Ameritrade in web development. “He’s good at the web stuff,” Treinen says. “I just figured he’d be a good person to work with on a friendship level and a skill-set level.” Founded in 2010, Digital House has worked with a wide range of businesses, from sole proprietorships to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Capitalizing on an industry shift toward the web and away from printed materials, Treinen says his company prides itself on creating a web presence for companies unlike anything else in the market. “I like when we are given opportunities to create something unique for a client and they recognize the effort that we put into our work,” he says. “We love providing our clients with something they are proud to show off.” v

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

july/august • 2011

www.BestOfOmaha.com

Be l“

Annua

e1 992!

E ’S N

OM A

AGA M ZI HA

a h a® ” C o

e nt

Omaha Magazine’s Best of Omaha® is pure, popular vote. Omaha loves this contest!

welcome. Some categories are always popular, with the results anxiously awaited.

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!

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?

Our media partners are Action 3 News and Valpak. 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 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 94

july/august • 2011

“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.” — Pat Gobel, Dundee Dell owner

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 2012 issue. Make sure you receive this 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! www.OmahaPublications.com

TIME TO VOTE! ® Best of Omaha 2012

Story by Meghan Townley • Photo by minorwhitestudios.com

Go Vote - Win Prizes Voting Starts July 1, 2011

www.BestOfOmaha.com www.ReadOnlineNow.com

july/august • 2011

www.BestOfOmaha.com What Makes Us Special!

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(402) 330-1203

Piz

Voted #1 Best Pizza in 2011

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

7834 W. Dodge Road 391-1881

1109 Howard (Old Market) 344-2222

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

Best Salon

Best pa Day S

We appreciate your vote for best Salon & Day Spa Gift cards available online at www.glosssalon.com ! 5709 South 108th Street 2 blocks south of 108th and Q St • 402.502.1850

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Pizzeria

Freshest, Hand Stretched New York Style Pizza

Vote us Best • Countertops • Cabinetry • Kitchen & Bath for 2012

Family Owned Since 1923

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www.OmahaPublications.com

Best

Thank You Omaha!

Floris

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

402-733-2322 12330 K Plaza, Ste. 113

Best Women’s Boutique A Must-See Boutique

Thanks for voting us Best of Omaha 3 yrs in a row.

Let’s make it 4!

5th Year anniversarY Bash Saturday July 16th 9am-5pm

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• Complimentary mimosas and wine tasting Courtesy of BoB Bolden 74th & paCifiC wine styles • Brighton trunk show 10am-2pm • featherloCks hair extensions 9:30-11:30...Courtesy of trini salon platinum • hourly giveaways & refreshments • Join us under the CeleBration tent for a fun filled day

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Your business & your vote are appreciated! concept salon

Monday: 12-6pm, Tuesday-Friday 9-8pm and Saturday 9-5pm

Hair • Skin • Nails • Massage Intimate setting for small or large groups in our Day Spa

www.urbanesalonanddayspa.com

anything but ordinary Modern, uncoMproMisingly beautiful design for kitchens & bathrooMs.

Countertops • Cabinets • Kitchens • Outdoor Kitchens • Bathrooms • Showers

402.991.4477 • 84th & 1st St.

Downtown Papillion • Open Mon-Sat at 10am www.ReadOnlineNow.com

We appreciate your vote for Best of Omaha 2012, Best Kitchen & Bath, Countertops, and Cabinets. 8720 L St • Omaha, NE 68127 • Office: 402-991-7258 • www.premiercountertops.com

july/august • 2011

www.BestOfOmaha.com What Makes Us Special!

2012 Power Solutions

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24/7 Emergenc y Service

Every Immanuel Community is unique— because every Immanuel resident brings something unique to the community.

15803 Pacific St. Omaha, NE 402-333-5722

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. Comfortable enought to be yourself.

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Vote Us Best of Omaha’s Best Fence and Railing Company at VoteOmaha.com

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Everything we do is designed to provide you with the highest level of dental care

with comfort and integrity. Does that sound like the dental office for you? General, Cosmetic, and Implant Dentistry.

Call today for your complimentary consultation.

Steven D. Wegner, DDS 11840 Nicholas Street Omaha, NE 68154 402-498-0400 Find out more at: www.smilesofomaha.com

Voted #1 Cosmetic Dentist 7 Years in a Row!

Old Market • Downtown • Riverfro nt

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March/April 2011

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july/august • 2011

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Omaha STYLE Story by Linda Persigehl • Photo by minorwhitestudios.com

Ione Perry

Stylish and still going strong at 77

hen it comes to women looking and acting

young for their age, Ione Perry sets the bar high. At 77, this great grandmother skiis the black diamond (advanced) slopes in Colorado, works steady as a realtor for CBSHOME Real Estate, and can still pull off high heels. She also keeps a watchful eye on what’s new in fashion. “I try to follow some of the trends…it makes me feel young. Though, mostly, I buy what I think I look good in.” She gravitates to bright colors, structured jackets and chunky jewelry. Perry knows a thing or two about pulling together a complete look. After a career as a high school teacher at Westside, she founded her own accessory store, Ione, in Omaha, which she ran for many years. “I spent a lot of time on buying trips, traveling to Milan and Paris and London. I was in New York about once a month.” Today, Perry follows a regular fitness routine, visiting Curves and walking to stay in shape. She also keeps a busy social schedule, playing a lot of bridge (she once played opposite Warren Buffet), cooking for family, and going to breakfast with her girlfriends every Saturday. “I’ve had a lot of fun in my life,” she says with a smile.

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

july/august • 2011

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Set Sail with the Sea of Red

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Join Husker Legends: Johnny Rodgers Mike Rozier Tommie Frazier Aaron Graham Zach Weigert Rich Glover Milt Tenopir Charlie McBride Jeff Kinney

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Cover: Parks & Restoration New Omaha Parks Foundation to enhance city’s public spaces Coast Connections Lauritzen Gardens Antique Show speakers bring expertise from both coasts D.J.’s Heroes Annual Salvation Army luncheon honors young heroes www.ReadOnlineNow.com

july/august • 2011

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A national leader for heart attack response

Dr. Schroeder, Jody, RN and Amy, RN

At Methodist, your heart is in good hands. With a hospital nationally ranked in the top two percent for saving the most lives following a heart attack. And critical-care response times less than half the national average. All to increase not only your chances at survival, but a full recovery. Because our first priority is to give you a second chance. Methodist Cardiac & Vascular Center. That’s the meaning of care. bestcare.org ©2011 Methodist Hospital, an affiliate of Methodist Health System

The Planning, The Details, The Event

Parties that WOW before the first appetizer is passed. The DoubleTree® by Hilton Omaha Downtown will provide your event the special attention it deserves. With our newly renovated Grand Ballroom, the DoubleTree® by Hilton Omaha Downtown is the perfect place for Fundraisers, Benefits and Galas. From beginning to end, we will take care of all the details to ensure an event your guests will remember.

1616 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68102 • (402) 346-7600 www.omahadowntown.doubletree.com Hilton HHonors® membership, earning of Points & Miles®, and redemption of points are subject to HHonors Terms and Conditions. ©2010 Hilton Worldwide

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105

cover story Story by Corey Ross. Photos by www.minorwhitestudios.com and courtesy of the Omaha Parks Foundation

Omaha Parks Foundation Administrator Amber Miller and Foundation Director John Conley in Elwood Park.

Parks & Restoration New Omaha Parks Foundation seeks to coordinate

funds, enhance city’s public spaces

fter passing the Five Fountains neighborhood and the Methodist

Women’s Hospital, the first thing drivers see is a shiny new children’s playground at the intersection of 192nd St. and West Dodge Rd. The play area is part of the $1.2 million, 216-acre Lawrence Youngman Lake park that opened in May to give West Omaha its first new, large fishing and recreation area since Lake Zorinsky in 1993. Youngman was the founder and first president of Travel and Transport and a lover of parks and recreation. He died in 2003. His estate provided half the funding for the park in a public-private partnership with the city and other entities. The park pre-dated the establishment of the Omaha Parks Foundation, but the project is the type of donation and purpose the newly created Omaha Parks Foundation is hoping to encourage more of throughout the city. “That’s a perfect example of why the system was created – to receive that type of gift,” says John Conley, Foundation Director and Board President, and President and CEO of Conley Investment Counsel, Inc. The foundation was established in 2010 and received its 501(c) 3 nonprofit designation with the mission of coordinating resources to enhance the city’s

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more than 220 parks and sports fields, which cover more than 10,000 acres and include such things as bicycle trails, tennis courts, boat marinas and ice arenas. Conley, a native Omahan and Nebraska Wesleyan graduate, has served on several nonprofit boards, including Ak-Sar-Ben and the Nebraska Methodist Hospital Foundation. He says he found the Omaha Parks Foundation an intriguing opportunity to enhance the city. “We have a lot of gems throughout the city,” he says, referring to the city parks. “There are a lot of activities that go on there. Our job is not to replace city funds. Our job is to enhance the parks and make them more of what they can be.” He cited the 7.5-acre Hefflinger Dog Park at 11111 West Maple Road as another prime example of the type of project the foundation could coordinate. “Hefflinger Park – a great dog park – used to be a baseball diamond,” he says. “We need more of those throughout Omaha. “The city itself may not be able to provide funding for that, but we have a lot of dog owners throughout the city and they now have an ability to contribute their own private dollars to support something like that and serve all the citizenry.” To seek out, generate and help support these projects, Conley says the foundation is looking to form strong bonds with neighborhood associations. He says the city has many strong and well-organized neighborhood associations, some of whom could simply use a structured accounting system to manage funds. “We can help in a treasury function,” he says. “If they would like to enhance the neighborhood playground area, rather than hold the funds in a neighbor’s checkbook, we can do the sub-accounting and help them build the funds.” One of the benefits of the foundation, Conley says, is that by using it, the city will sometimes provide matching funds for a project. The caveat, Conley says, is that only applies when the city has identified the project as a priority. “It needs to be a priority project of the city and identified by the parks department, which is a separate function of the foundation,” he says. “But there are times the city will help with funding. “If they chose us as their conduit for their funds and donors were willing to contribute to the Omaha Parks Foundation for that particular project, and when they reach their amount, the city can drop in a certain amount from the budget to match their funding. That’s what makes it a public-private partnership.” Conley says the city can contribute up to $50,000 if the neighborhood association raises the full amount of its part of the project. Some of those details have yet to be worked out and projects remain unidentified, Conley says, “because we’re still in the formation stages in some respects,” including building its board, which currently consists of eight and seeks to add members from “other elements of the county.” Amber Miller, formerly of the Omaha Hearing School, is serving as foundation administrator. She says her immediate goal is to spread the word about the foundation and connect with neighborhood associations to begin forming partnerships. www.ReadOnlineNow.com

july/august • 2011

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cover story

108

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www.OmahaPublications.com

—— A Curt Hofer Company ——

“We want to establish ourselves in the community and make ourselves known to those community groups and also to the neighborhood groups and citizens to make it known that we’re a conduit for improving our parks,” she says. “We just need to let the public know we’re here and up and running.” The early response has been enthusiastic, Miller says. “Right now, we’ve been overwhelmed with opportunities with special projects from neighborhood associations,” she says. “We’ve really opened up a door.” Also, the day after the press conference announcing the foundation, Miller received a call from a donor family saying they wanted to leave their estate to the foundation “They’ve loved their trail forever and hadn’t decided what to do with their foundation,” she says. “We were very excited about that. Endowments and estate planning is all going to be part of the future of the foundation also.” Miller says Omaha is late in establishing a foundation for its city parks and that foundations have served many other major cities well. She cited Lincoln in particular as having a strong city parks foundation and noted its successful Sunken Gardens project was coordinated through the foundation. “And Chicago got a $1 million donation from Tiffany for a sunken garden project. That’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing, but it was so inspiring to hear,” she says. Far less grandiose donations can accomplish a great deal in Omaha, Miller says. “We have swimming pools, trail systems, golf courses, rec centers. We have a lot to offer, and how can we enhance all of that?” Miller cited the example of the city swimming pools closing early two years ago due to a lack of city funds. Had the foundation been in place, it could have possibly solicited a donor to keep them open, she says. “With the way the economy is, more publicprivate partnerships have to be developed to accomplish what we need to get done,” she says. One of the first of those projects to be completed by the foundation could be Metcalf Park, 1700 Country Club Ave., in north Omaha. Miller says the foundation is considering helping it raise the remaining funds necessary to upgrade its playground equipment. www.ReadOnlineNow.com

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july/august • 2011

109

Junior League of Omaha is proud

cover story

2011 Riverfront Wine Festival.

Friday & Saturday August 19th & 20th

(Stinson Park at Aksarben Village)

www.juniorleagueomaha.org

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

“Resources doesn’t always mean money. Sometimes it’s labor and energy that we need.”

Dr. Yungpo Bernard Su and the nationally recognized Nebraska Cancer Specialists are at the forefront of cancer diagnosis, treatment and research.

Margaret Block, M.D. M. Salman Haroon, M.D. Ralph J. Hauke, M.D. Robert M. Langdon, Jr., M.D. Kirsten M. Leu, M.D.

John M. Longo, M.D. Patrick J. McKenna, M.D. Geetha Palaniappan, M.D. David A. Silverberg, M.D. Gamini S. Soori, M.D.

Yungpo Bernard Su, M.D. Stefano R. Tarantolo, M.D. Stephan D. Thomé, M.D. Peter M. Townley, M.D.

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maha.com

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Take and Share

of:

Besides the neighborhood associations, already established city efforts to beautify the city, such as Keep Omaha Beautiful and Omaha By Design, have embraced the foundation and are working to identify project partnerships, Miller says. One of the first projects the foundation is hoping to roll out, Miller says, is “Grow a Tree – Plant a Legacy.” The project would allow for a tree to be donated to commemorate a family event, such as birth, and the tree would be planted in a park in need. “Their name grows on a band on the tree and they can visit it as it grows,” she says. While the foundation exists to coordinate and allocate funding, Conley is cautious not to define its role in strictly monetary terms. “When we were mapping out the objectives of the foundation, we were very careful with the word resources,” he says. “Resources doesn’t always mean money. Sometimes it’s labor and energy that we need. It isn’t always money.” In that way, he says, everyone can contribute and participate in the foundation and its objectives to improve the city. “What underlies all of this is the great enthusiasm we have and the great ability that I think the foundation has to really help the citizenry of our city strive to not only improve the park lands but the programs of the parks themselves as well,” Conley says. “There’s great potential here.”

5/19/11 10:04 AM

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Buying Coins & Jewelry Gold

NOVA Therapeutic Community has a new name and a new look. We are now NOVA Treatment Community. But we continue to provide the same Residential and Outpatient services for behavioral health problems that we’ve provided in Nebraska for more than 25 years. NOVA also provides Foster Care and In-Home services. Check us out on the net at novatc.org or by phone at 402-455-8347 for information — and learn how you or someone you know can experience empowerment!

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the scoop Story by Corey Ross. Photos courtesy of Charlotte Moss and Suzanne Rheinstein

Antique and Garden Show 2011 speakers Charlotte Moss and Suzanne Rheinstein.

Coast Connections Home décor experts from opposite coasts will

meet in Omaha to inform and inspire at Lauritzen Gardens’ annual Antique & Garden Show

ome décor experts from opposite coasts will meet in

the middle to inform and inspire guests at this year’s eighth annual Lauritzen Gardens Antique & Garden Show. New York City-based Charlotte Moss and Los Angeles-based Suzanne Rheinstein will be the featured speakers at this year’s show, which will be held Sept. 22-25.

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Moss, a prominent New York City interior designer, will speak on Sept. 23rd at 11:30 a.m. Rheinstein, owner of Hollyhock, an antiques and decorative arts store in Los Angeles, will speak on the 24th at 11 a.m. Moss was dubbed one of the top 20 design icons by Traditional Home magazine and named an elite “A-List” designer by Elle Décor. On her website, www. charlottemoss.com, she lists her design and personal philosophy as to “live passionately, decorate luxuriously, entertain beautifully and always maintain a sense of humor through it all.” Moss is an avid traveler and credits her experiences for much of her inspiration. She’s also a noted philanthropist and serves on several boards, including The Thomas Jefferson Foundation-Monticello, the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, the New York School of Interior Design and the Bard Center for Graduate Studies. Moss has written seven books and is a contribute to the Wall Street Journal and Architectural Digest. Rheinstein opened her store over 20 years ago to “sell things she loved but couldn’t easily find in Los Angeles … and chooses every item in the shop with a particular point of view, including wonderful, quirky pieces that can’t be found anyplace else,” according to her website, www.hollyhockinc.com. “Hollyhock is very user-friendly,” Suzanne says. “You just have to be obsessed with the difference between handmade and machine made.” Her store’s offerings including an “an eclectic mélange of 18th and 19th century antiques mixed with home accessories, art, contemporary furniture and books on interiors, architecture and living well.” Rheinstein is known for creating homes

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that display a mixture of old and new with “an appreciation for traditions, history, architecture, antiques, gardens and hospitality is deeply rooted in her up bringing as a young southern lady. Yet, her visual sophistication, acquired while living on the East Coast and her appreciation for the light and color of southern California has made her a sought-after talent.” Co-chair Mary Seina says the show will have an East Coast/West Coast theme to fit its guests. “These are two superstars of interior design and home décor,” Seina says. “They each have their own flair. We are extremely fortunate this year. We’re going to try to make them feel at home.” Tickets can be purchased at www. lauritzengardens.org or by calling Kayla at 346.4002 or k.scott@omahabotanicalgardens.org. Loggins to Entertain Children’s Patrons Singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins will be the featured performer at the 63rd annual Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Gala on Nov. 19 at the Qwest Center. Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan will serve as co-emcee for the night’s festivities. The event is presented by the Friends Board of Children’s Hospital & Medical Center. Honorary chairs are Dick and Helen Kelley. Event chairs are Sally English, Kim Hord, and Maureen Prescher. “Kenny Loggins is an outstanding performer with a long string of hits, and we know he will be a crowd pleaser,” said Roger Lewis, executive director of the Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Foundation. “And we are honored that Nebraska’s first Miss America is able to participate in this important evening. She has been very generous in sharing her time with Children’s.” Scanlan, from Gering, Neb., was

crowned Miss America on Jan. 15. She travels approximately 20,000 miles per month speaking about her platform of eating disorders, and acting as the National Goodwill Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. During her Nebraska homecoming in February, she visited patients and families at Children’s. Loggins, a popular performer for nearly four decades, will provide energetic entertainment for Gala guests. His musical hits include soundtrack sensations “I’m Alright” (“Caddyshack”), “Danger Zone” (“Top Gun”), and “Footloose.” His most recent album, “All Join In,” features up-tempo music for the whole family. Proceeds from the 2011 Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Gala benefit the Children’s Specialty Pediatric Center, which brings together more than 30 specialty clinics in one state-of-the-art facility on the Children’s campus. For ticket information and sponsorship opportunities, please call the Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Foundation, 402-955-6851. Cut! Curator to Address Durham Guild Nancy Lawson, curator of the costume design exhibit Cut!, will be the guest speaker at the Durham Museum’s annual luncheon on Sept. 19th. Lawson’s talk is titled ““Behind the Seams: Inside the World of Costume Design,” and will introduce the exhibit, which allows guests to “Experience five centuries of fashion and style as interpreted by award-winning costume designers. Delight in sumptuous fabrics, lavish lace and embroidery and unparalleled craftsmanship and creativity. Bask in the ambiance of big-screen cinema and the allure of famous film stars. An experience like no other awaits visitors to the exhibition CUT! Costume and the Cinema.”

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

July 9

July 30

Where the money goes: DVCC is the

What it is: A golf tournament and clinic

Angels Among Us Golf. Tiburon Golf Club,

Summer Wine and Food Festival: An

only organization in Douglas County

followed by a dinner to support the Boy

10302 S. 168th St., 11 a.m. registration, noon

Evening Escape. Midtown Crossing, 3220

that brings people together to end

Scouts.

start, www.myangelsamongus.org.

Farnam St., www.partnershipforourkids.org

domestic violence, making the commu-

or 930.3000.

nity a safer place to live. DVCC advocates

What it is: A four-person scramble golf event followed by dinner. Where the money goes: Angels Among Us helps families of children battling cancer by attempting to reduce the amount of stress in their lives so that

What it is: In partnership with VinNebraska and Midtown Crossing, The Parnternship for Our Kids will treat its guests to an evening of sample fine wines and entrees from Midtown restaurants.

for system change through education and training and by partnering with agencies who make victims safer and hold offenders accountable. August 13

they can focus more of their attention on

Where the money goes: All proceeds

Buckaroo Bash for River City Roundup.

their children.

will benefit The Partnership for Our Kids,

Omaha Mounted Patrol Facility, 615 Leaven-

which serves 5,000 disadvantaged in

worth St. on the ConAgra campus, 6 p.m.,

July 11

Omaha Public Schools by providing them

554.9600.

The 16th Annual Marian High School

academic assistance, career exploration

Golf Tournament. Indian Creek Golf

opportunities, caring adult role models

Course, 20100 West Maple Rd., 11:30 a.m.

and college access training.

registration, 12:30 a.m. shotgun start, 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 golf tournaments throughout the United States. Where the money goes: Proceeds benefit Marian High School, a Catholic, all-girl, college preparatory school rec-

August 6 The American Cancer Society’s Passport

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.

people to talk who could not speak, to write who are not literate and to assist them in becoming part of the community. This is done through the RiteCare Language Disorder program at MunroeMeyer Institute.

(MMI) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.    A variety of races and relays

held at the Rockbrook Swimming Pool.

at young professionals, is themed “A Night in Wonderland” and provides food, drink and entertainment.

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

Stock Show. August 21

Where the money goes: Proceeds support MMI, which provides care and services for individuals around the state with diverse disabilities.  August 29 Great Friends to Kids luncheon. Omaha

What it is: A bike ride for all ages and

Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th Street, www.

abilities with distances of 10, 25 or 42

ocm.org

miles, featuring beautiful scenery and historical. The start and finish line is staged

What it is: A luncheon honoring supporters of the Children’s Museum. This

What it is: A walk toward the goal of

in front of the fountain at the Heartland

raising more than $1 million to support

of America Park, on 8th and Farnam in

juvenile diabetes treatment and research.

Omaha.

Where the money goes: Proceeds sup-

Where the money goes: Proceeds from

Children’s Museum. The guild is celebrat-

port JDRF in its mission to find a cure for

this year’s ride will again be donated to

ing its 30th anniversary.

diabetes and its complications through

Eastern Nebraska Trails Network (ENTN).

the support of research.

ENTN advocates and supports the development of multi-use trails throughout

August 8

Omaha and the surrounding areas.

Domestic Violence Coordinating Council golf tournament. Stone Creek Golf Course,

August 22

6200 N. 160th St., noon shotgun start, www.

The 41st Annual Omaha Boy Scouts Golf

dvccomaha.org or 398.9928.

consists of golf and a dinner.

july/august • 2011

to support the Munroe-Meyer Institute

The Family Swim & Splash Party will be

What it is: This second annual event

114

gether swimmers of all abilities and ages

severe injury, and the River City Rodeo &

What it is: This third annual event, aimed

or 932-RIDE (7433).

1972 with the mission of helping young

What it is: A recreational and competitive swimming fundraiser that brings to-

held at the Westside High School Pool.

8th and Farnam, www.corporatecycling.com

501 (c) 3 foundation that was founded in

splash.org.

professionals and their families following

find cures and fight back against cancer.

Rite Foundation of Omaha is a non-profit

Rd., 1 to 3 p.m., 502.3000 or www.mmibig-

and assisted swimmers of all ages will be

mission to help people stay well, get well,

Where the money goes: The Scottish

Rockbrook Swimming Pool, 10800 W. Center

Crisis Fund, which assists injured rodeo

Academic Excellence.

port the Scottish Rite.

Pool, 5710 S. 176th Ave., 8 a.m. to noon, and

cureomaha.org.

cling Challenge. Heartland of America Park,

tournament and putting contest to sup-

MMI Big Splash. Millard West High School

for recreational, competitive, adaptive

support the American Cancer Society’s

What it is: A four-man scramble golf

August 27

mainly support the Justin Cowboy Boot

of Education as a Blue Ribbon School of

www.scottishriteomaha.org.

number one council in the country.

St., 6 p.m., 393.5801 or www.passporttothe-

The 21sth Annual 2010 Corporate Cy-

Annual Golf Outing. Shoreline Golf Course,

America Council, currently ranked as the

Where the money goes: Proceeds

Where the money goes: Funds will

Scottish Rite Foundation of Omaha 14th

benefit the Scouting program of the Mid-

to the Cure. Scoular Ballroom, 2027 Dodge

ognized twice by the U.S. Department

July 22

Where the money goes: Proceeds

year’s event honors Mutual of Omaha (Great Friend to Kids) and the Rainbow Connectors Guild (Great Friend to Omaha

Where the money goes: Funds will be used to sustain the museum’s permanent exhibits and its ever-changing series of traveling exhibits, workshops and special events.

Invitational. Omaha Country Club, 6900 Country Club Road, 10 a.m. registration, 1 p.m. start, http://www.mac-bsa.org/golf.

www.OmahaPublications.com

D.J.’s Heroes

Comedy benefit raises more then $300,000 for CSI programs

Story courtesy of The Salvation Army. Photos by JHD Photography.

Story and photos courtesy of Child Saving Institute.

alvation Army programs for young people benefited

thanks to the more than 1,300 people who attended the May 9 “D.J.’s Hero” luncheon at the Qwest Center Omaha, featuring Olympic skating champion Apolo Ohno. More than $337,000 was raised through the luncheon, now in its 11th year. Eight Nebraska students who’ve overcome obstacles to succeed in school and life received scholarships in the D.J.’s Heroes program. The eight students, including Jessica Jean Herek of Omaha, received a standing ovation as did the David Sokol family, long-time supporters of the D.J.’s Heroes luncheon, which is named for their son and brother, D.J., who died of cancer at the age of 18. Ohno, an eight-time Olympian who has skated his way to success since the age of 14, talked about his father, a Japanese immigrant, and how his “tough love” helped him be the success he is today. His father tried to wear him out before he got into trouble by getting him involved in soccer, basketball, choir and anything he thought would exhaust him. But Ohno was tireless and rebellious and still had the energy to get into trouble at age 12, running with the wrong group. Then he found the sport of skating. The Olympian took the audience along on his journey from a trouble-making teenager to an eight-time Olympic medalist and the most decorated U.S Winter Olympian in history. He encouraged the audience members to seek opportunities to make a difference. “You have a unique opportunity to help someone in need,” he said. “ If I’m doing everything I can, I’m doing my best.”

Top: Speaker Apolo Ohno. Above: (Back row: Heroes Tai LePhan, Cody Dreier, chairs Peggy and David Sokol, heroes CJ Vickers and Ethan Fritz; (front row) Heroes Keaton Bell, Brianna Lipps, Jessica Herek and My Kim Le. www.ReadOnlineNow.com

Crazy Cabaret

Apolo Ohno’s appearance highlights luncheon to honor young heroes

ore than 500 guests enjoyed a “Wild & Crazy” evening

of fun and laughter in May at Child Saving Institute’s 19th annual Cabaret for at-risk kids. From the tables decorated with bright neon colors and animal prints, to inflatable monkeys hanging from lit trees, everything about the evening enhanced the feeling of zany fun for a great cause, raising over $300,000 for the children, youth and families served in CSI programs. Guest comedienne Melissa Peterman brought the crowd to tears of laughter with her riffs on everything from motherhood to karaoke to aging. An evening highlight was drawing the winning raffle ticket for a 2011 Jeep Wrangler 4 x 4. Melissa Peterman initially won the jeep (no, it wasn’t part of her act) and generously donated it back so that another ticket could be drawn. Cabaret 2011 was hosted by CSI’s Board. Honorary Chairmen were Suzanne and Walter Scott and Dian and Jim Warren. General Chairmen were Wendy and S. Scott Moore and Stephanie and Nick Vondrak. 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.

Cabaret 2011 Honorary Chairmen Suzanne & Walter Scott and Dian & Jim Warren. Event Chairs Wendy & S. Scott Moore with actress/comedienne Melissa Peterman

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115

Prime Time

Museum patrons help raise $145,000 to support the Joslyn

Story and photos courtesy of Omaha Steaks.

Story and photos courtesy of Joslyn Art Museum.

n conjunction with the airing of the Omaha Steaks episode

on the “The Celebrity Apprentice,” the company hosted a charity red carpet premier party in April at the Holland Performing Arts Center, where rock legend and “Celebrity Apprentice” star Meat Loaf was the guest of honor. Proceeds from the event will benefit Meat Loaf’s charity, The Painted Turtle, a camp in Lake Hughes, Calif., for seriously ill children and Omaha Performing Arts. More than 400 guests attended the event, to hear Meat Loaf discuss his involvement in “The Celebrity Apprentice” series and to watch a live screening of the episode. The event generated thousands of dollars for the charities. “We were extremely pleased with the Omaha Steaks episode of ‘The Celebrity Apprentice’,” said Senior Vice President Todd Simon. “While each team took a completely different approach to the task, they both did an amazing job of making our brand come alive. We also were honored to host our screening event for charity and having Meat Loaf join us provided an interesting insider view that we all enjoyed.”

Top: Meat Loaf with his wife, Deborah Gillespie. Above: Meatloaf with Betiana and Todd Simon of Omaha Steaks.

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july/august • 2011

Joslyn Gala

Omaha Steaks hosts “Apprentice” event, benefits charities

he Joslyn Art Museum Association’s 2011 Gala drew a

crowd of 310 to the museum in June and raised $145,000. This elegant evening fête celebrated the opening of Joslyn Treasures: Well Traveled and Rarely Seen. Joslyn’s most important artworks have traveled the world to delight audiences from Paris and Rome to Los Angeles and Washington, DC. Guests were among the first to reconnect  with these masterpieces while discovering gems from the vault, including recent acquisitions on view for the first time. The honorary chairs were Shirley and James Young. Gala cochairs were JAMA’s Sandra Fossum and Elizabeth Rouse. For more about the exhibition, visit www.joslyn.org.

Top: Joslyn Art Museum Executive Director & CEO Jack Becker, Ph.D., with Gala honorary chairmen Shirley and James Young. Above: Gala co-chairmen Elizabeth Rouse and Sandra Fossum with Joslyn Art Museum Executive Director & CEO Jack Becker, Ph.D. www.OmahaPublications.com

Monsters Ball

Eighteen sand sculptures help Nebraska Children’s Home raise $90,000

Story courtesy of The Omaha Children’s Museum. Photos by Corey Ross.

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

maha Children’s Museum’s 2011 “For the Kids” benefit in May, themed Monsters Ball, drew a record crowd of more than 600 people and raised more than $255,000 for the museum. The Monsters Ball theme was carried out in every aspect of the event from the spooky table decorations to the monster candy buffet with Eyeball Tote Bags for all guests. “We are truly humbled by the support for the museum and overwhelming success of the 32nd annual For the Kids Benefit,” said Lindy Hoyer, Omaha Children’s Museum executive director. The museum’s Rainbow Connectors Guild plans and presents the benefit each year. This year’s chairpersons from the volunteer group were Christie Oberto, Beth Ochsner and Jennifer Simmons. Honorary chairpersons were Peggy and David Sokol. The evening featured silent and oral auctions. Highlight items included vacation packages to Colorado, Las Vegas and Hilton Head, as well as packages featuring Blue Sushi, Catering Creations, Red Sky Music Festival and tickets to “The Tonight Show.” An exclusive package including a trip for four to Washington D.C. was auctioned off by U.S. Senator Ben Nelson. Funds raised from the event will be used to sustain the museum’s permanent exhibits as well as its ongoing programs. For more information visit http://www.ocm.org.

Top: Honorary chairs Peggy and David Sokol with Children’s Museum Executive Director Lindy Hoyer. Above: Bo and Beth Ochsner, Christie and Gustavo Oberto and Jennifer and Tom Simmons. Beth, Christie and Jennifer were the event chairs. www.ReadOnlineNow.com

Sand in the City

Omaha Children’s Museum’s “For the Kids” benefit raises more than $255,000

event again brought a mini-beach to downtown Omaha, 10th & Capitol Avenue, in June. Organizers estimate the event raised more than $90,000 to support the programs and services of the Nebraska Children’s Home Society. Eighteen 15-ton sand sculptures were created by 333 members of the corporate and nonprofit community. The weekend’s Family Fun Days on Saturday and Sunday drew 16,000 visitors and each had a chance to vote for their favorite sculpture in the People’s Choice Award. The judges honored the following: • 1st Place–Millard Drywall Service • 2nd Place–Kiewit Engineering Co. • 3rd Place–Kiewit Underground District • Rookie Team of the Year–Baird Holm LLP • Team Designer of the Year–Jon Kathol with the Westside High School Theater team • People’s Choice Award – Lund Company

Top: Sand coaches carve the 40-ton grand display. Above: The finished grand display.

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117

Garden Walk

Author Debbie Macomber entertains a crowd of 150 at Omaha Hearing School luncheon

Story courtesy of UNMC. Photos by Corey Ross.

Story courtesy of the Omaha Hearing School. Photos by Corey Ross.

he Munroe-Meyer Guild’s 43rd Garden Walk featured

five fantastic Omaha gardens for individuals to stroll through to view unique and creative displays in landscaping, plants, flowers and water features. Master gardeners and vendors were also present at some of the gardens. Guests toured the following gardens at their leisure: Barrington Park 16371 Page Street; Pepperwood 15005 Burt Street; Deer Creek  7420 North 124th Street; New Horizon 10524 Nicholas Street; and Meadowbrook 9822 Louis Drive. Proceeds from the event benefit the UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute for children and adults with developmental disabilities. For more information, call 559-6440.

Top: A sanctuary in the Schalls’ garden. Above: Joy Schall.

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Author Attention

MMI Garden Walk features five west Omaha gardens

maha Hearing School for Children, Inc. welcomed

Debbie Macomber as its guest speaker for its seventh annual author luncheon in May at the Hilton Omaha. A crowd of 150 Macomber enthusiasts and Hearing School supporters enjoyed hearing her success story at the luncheon, which was co-chaired by Natha Tabor and Sheri Kuntz. The lunch featured menu items all found in Macomber’s Cedar Cove Cookbook. The author generously donated the “Dedication” in her upcoming book, which was auctioned to highest bidder, Martha Stofko. One hour prior to the luncheon, 30 Macomber fans and knitters alike had the rare opportunity to participate in a special “Knit Around.” Patterns and yarn were provided by String of Purls for patrons to knit a special project with this tremendous talent. With more than 130 million copies of her books in print, Macomber is one of the world’s most popular authors. Omaha was a stop for her latest book tour to promote “A Turn in the Road,” a Blossom Street book. Drawing on her own experiences and observations, the author writes heartwarming tales about small-town life, home and family, enduring friendships and women who knit. Generous Hearing School supporter and Board Member, Tompson Rogers, matched all proceeds from the event, which raised nearly $20,000. For additional information about the Omaha Hearing School or to purchase tickets, please call 402.558.1546 or visit www.hearingschool.org.

Above: Omaha Hearing School Guild member Holly Meyer, author Debbie Macomber and Hearing School Executive Director Suzanne Rogert.

www.OmahaPublications.com

Feather Our Nest

Power Lunch

Fontenelle Nature Association guests have “Mammoth Adventure”

Habitat for Humanity’s Power Luncheon kicks off Women Build

Story and photos courtesy of Fontenelle Nature Association.

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

he Fontenelle Nature Association’s (FNA) annual

fundraiser, Feather Our Nest 2011, featured the theme “The Beginning of a Mammoth Adventure” to celebrate the nature center’s Ice Age: The Real Story exhibition. The April event attracted more than 370 guests to the Livestock Exchange Building. Special 7-year-old guest Jack Smith shared his passion for Ice Age with a video presentation about FNA’s youth environmental education program, H2Omaha, which is supported by event honorees William H. Leopard and the Omaha Schools Foundation. Proceeds raised by FON will provide hands-on nature education for children in our community. Last year, more than 22,000 children from urban schools visited Fontenelle Forest Nature Center for a free or low-cost environmental education class/field trip thanks to funds raised by FON 2010. For more information about Fontenelle Nature Association, visit www.fontenelleforest.org.

Top: Feather Our Nest Co-Chairs Kara Plumb, FNA Guild Board Member Denise Barrett and Feather Our Nest Co-Chair Jennifer Peterson. Above: Fontenelle Nature Association Board Member Ed Burchfield, and Executive Director of Fontenelle Nature Association Laura Shiffermiller. www.ReadOnlineNow.com

he Habitat for Humanity of Omaha Friends Board’s Fifth

Annual Women’s Power Luncheon in April at the Coco Key Water Resort and Hotel attracted more than 400 guests – powerful women and men who helped kickoff the 2011 Women Build. Honorary chair Nancy Edick and Power Woman of the Year Rhonda Distefano were the featured speakers and shared the “Habitat Story.” Traci Payne, a Habitat Omaha homeowner, also shared her heartwarming story with guests. The highlight of the luncheon was a talk from Honorary STUD Chair John Ewing, Jr. John told his personal story and spoke about the importance of eliminating poverty and substandard housing. He was followed by 40 STUDS who circulated amongst the guests and raised more than $16,000 with the sign-a-stud, the signing of the 2 x 4 studs that will actually be used in the Habitat Omaha of Omaha Women Build. The total raised was $72,000 and will be used to help fund the 14th Annual Women Build home.

Top: Dr. Viv Ewing signs a donation board for John Ewing. Above: Some of the STUDS present the proceeds.

july/august • 2011

119

Pinot, Pigs and Poets

Annual Boys & Girls Club benefit draws 500 to Stinson Park

Story and photos courtesy of Completely Kids.

Story and photos courtesy of Boys and Girls Clubs of the Midlands.

t was Hog Heaven at Happy Hollow Club in June for the second

annual Pinot, Pigs & Poets event, a benefit for Completely Kids (formerly known as Camp Fire USA). More than 300 guests had the opportunity to sample over 30 different Pinot Noir wines including the winners of Vintner competition, Small Vines and Freestone. Executive Chefs from The Boiler Room, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, Happy Hollow Club, Mahogany Prime Steakhouse, Stokes Grill & Bar, Taste and Twisted Cork Bistro prepared delectable pork dishes and each guest received an etched pinot noir wine glass to take home. Matt Mason performed short sets of slam poetry. Borsheims, Ideal Images, Jet Linx, Porsche of Omaha and Tyson were the event sponsors. The organizers were Jody and Gayle Carstens, Cindy and Brian Leiferman, Jodie and Bill Mackintosh, Terri and Jack McDonnell and Ellen and Stavely Wright. More than $50,000 was raised for the Completely Kids Weekend Food Program.

Top: Event chairs Jack McDonnell, Brian Leiferman, Stavely Wright, Gayle Carstens and Bill Mackintosh. Above: Brian, Cindy and Kevin Cawley.

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On The Road

Upscale wine and food tasting event has successful encore

he annual On the Road benefit for the Boys & Girls Clubs

of the Midlands (BGCM) moved to Stinson Park at Aksarben Village in June and attracted 500 patrons for beach-themed

fun. Honorary chairs were Howard Kooper and Tom Fellman and Kirk and Sue Swartzbaugh served as chairs. BGCM President and event emcee Ivan Gilreath dedicated the event to long-time Club supporter Phil Schrager. Terri, Rick and Harley Schrager joined Ivan on stage to accept a memorial plaque and to say a few words about Phil’s legacy and the impact he had on underprivileged youth in Omaha. Chancellor Smith, the 2010 Nebraska Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year and a beneficiary of a Phillip and Terri Schrager Foundation Scholarship, spoke at the event. “Chancellor showed us all why the Clubs are so important. He shared his story and got the crowd excited about the work the Clubs do every day,” Kirk Swartzbaugh said. The event raised $240,000 to support the Club’s five core program areas: character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, and sports, fitness and recreation. For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs, go to www.bgcomaha.org.

Top: Sharon Kooper, honorary chair Howard Kooper, event committee member Sara Comer, Jerry Slusky, Janet Slusky and Bob and Janice Batt. Above: Event chair Sue Swartzbaugh, event committee member Patty Russell and event chair Kirk Swartzbaugh. www.OmahaPublications.com

Omaha FACES Story by Judy Horan • Photo by minorwhitestudios.com

Steve Forehead

He has caught criminals. Published a novel. Created award-winning artwork. What’s next?

orking in the Omaha Police Department

isn’t for the faint-hearted. For Steve Forehead, the toughest part of the job was telling someone that a loved one had died. “It’s harrowing,” said the retired police sergeant. “When I told a man his son was dead, it was like me hauling off and hitting him. Because I’m an emotional lightweight, I cried with them.” www.ReadOnlineNow.com

But law enforcement did provide a lot of stories. So Forehead revved up his imagination and wrote four mystery novels. Pigeon’s Blood was published in 1988. Another of his novels attracted the attention of a publisher, who wanted to change one of the characters. Forehead refused to do so. They turned the novel down. “They were right,” he says sheepishly. He and wife Cindy married after graduating from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1971. Both were art majors. He taught drawing at Joslyn Art Museum for $7 an hour to make extra cash while in college. Doubtful that he could support a family as an artist (he was then a sculptor), he joined the Omaha Police Department. Forehead’s father was an FBI agent. Law enforcement seemed the logical choice. But he didn’t forget his art while chasing criminals. His handcrafted beveled glass windows and doors have won national awards. They are Tiffany windows, not lead, he notes. “Lead has a 150-year lifespan. Tiffany lasts 300 years.” Forehead had to give up the glass artwork after 30 years. Grinding that goes with beveling made so much noise that he lost some hearing. “And I was too dumb to wear ear protectors.” His oddest glasswork was commissioned by novelist Anne Rice after she saw his work in a New Orleans gallery. The author of Interview with a Vampire asked him to produce two side windows designed with skeletons that appear to be pulling back drapes from a center door. While the windows he produced for her sat in the gallery, a convention of chiropractors descended on New Orleans. Many saw the unique windows. “They all wanted skeletons,” Forehead laughs. He accepted the commission from Rice even though he was annoyed with her for not answering his letter. Other authors had responded. “I wrote to Albert Speer for an autograph after he wrote his book Spandau: The Secret Diaries and he answered.” Spandau was the prison where Speer was sent after the Nuremberg Trials. Following his retirement from the police department after 30 years, Forehead began painting. Beautifully painted faces stare from his large canvasses, mostly in groups of people. “I paint crowds, rallies, riots, wherever there is strong humanity.” Each face is strikingly different. Artwork spreads through the west Omaha home he shares with wife, Cindy, a CBSHome real estate agent — “She‘s an angel. A sweet, forgiving girl” — and Moses, a stocky bull terrier — “A true omnivore like me.” His son, Erik, followed his father’s footsteps into the Omaha Police Department. Erik Forehead is now a sergeant. Has he inherited his father’s artistic tendencies as well? Turns out he has a strong appreciation for the arts, his parents say. Not surprising. july/august • 2011

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Omaha FACES Story by Tony Endelman • Photo by minorwhitestudios.com

Mace Hack

Nebraska’s Nature Conservationist

f one man can change the way we view Nebraska, it’s probably Mace Hack, our state’s director at The Nature Conservancy. With chapters in all 50 states and 30 countries around the world, TNC is, by annual revenue, the largest conservation group in the U.S. “We focus on preserving ecologically important lands and waters for the benefit of people and nature,” describes Hack. “Nebraska is blessed

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with incredible wildlife and very important wild places, like the Niobrara and Platte rivers, as well as large intact prairies like the Sandhills. Few Nebraskans appreciate the global importance of places like the Sandhills, or the annual sandhill crane migration along the Platte.” Native to Greenwich, Conn., Hack grew up in the woods and along the shores of New England, where he developed a fascination with animals. After receiving his B.S. in biology from Princeton University, he spent two years in Tanzania, studying the behavior of zebras. When his stint in Africa came to an end, he relocated to the University of California at San Diego, and received a Ph.D. in ecology and animal behavior. Hack has been living in Omaha since 2000; working for the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission for five years, and the moving to TNC in 2006. In Nebraska, TNC has 21 staff members that own and manage a number of nature preserves, many open for the public to enjoy. In addition, they work extensively with ranchers and farmers to improve their stewardship of key wildlife habitats. “As State Director, I am responsible for all aspects of our conservation work in Nebraska,” shares Hack. “I spend a third of my time ensuring that we are focused on conserving the right places using the most effective strategies, and developing the best partnerships with government agencies, other nonprofits , and ranchers and farmers. Another third of my time is devoted to working with our trustees and philanthropy staff to raise the funds we need to do our work. And the final third goes toward representing TNC and our work to the major communities across the state. This can include things like speaking engagements or providing our perspective on policies that affect our environment with our elected officials. I wear quite a few hats, and the ‘buck’ stops with me.” Hack’s dedication to nature conservation stems in part from his fascination with the natural world, but also from a deep concern that important parts of that world are disappearing. “I have become so impressed with Mace’s unqualified commitment to this state, and to making sure that Nebraskans continue to have access to all of the natural resources we need and appreciate–clean water, clean air, and the wildlife that we enjoy,” shares Hillary Fletcher, a friend of Hack’s. “It amazes me that so few know about the work that Mace is doing at the Nebraska Nature Conservancy, yet it affects each one of us – and our future – everyday. This is a venture that Nebraskans should be aware of.” “My goal,” states Hack, “is simply to make a positive and lasting difference for the wildlife and wild places in Nebraska, so that future generations may enjoy our state’s natural beauty and natural health as much as I do today.” For more information on The Nature Conservancy, visit www.tnc.org. www.OmahaPublications.com

feature Story by Lainey Seyler • Photo by minorwhitestudios.com

Climbers Take Repurposing to New Heights

Silo Extreme Outdoor Adventures give local climbers a way to go vertical

ntil recently, Nebraska and Florida were the only states

in the U.S. without any outdoor rock climbing areas. That meant local climbing enthusiasts were stuck indoors or had to travel several hours to find some decent granite. Thanks to Ron Safarik and Rick Brock, Nebraska rock climbers have an innovative new option.

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

july/august • 2011

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feature

The duo, who have been avid climbers for years, bought a set of grain silos at 34th and Vinton streets near Interstate 80. They are renovating and repurposing the grain silos into the largest and tallest rock-climbing gym in the U.S. The pair is still looking for another investor but the outdoor climbing area is slated to open to the public July 4th weekend. Brock said there should be six 100foot routes and 12 to 14 45-foot routes in addition to some bouldering areas. Entrance fees will run around $12 and rentals should be about $5, said Brock. Classes will be in the $12 to $15 range. They also plan on showing first screenings of adventure films al fresco a couple times a month, projected onto the silos. “We get to repurpose a structure with no other use,” said Safarik. “We get to introduce other people to climbing and give something unique to Omaha.” The silos, at the south end of the Field Club Trail, have been a forgotten eyesore towering over the interstate for years. The city mowed the lawn but graffiti, junk and overgrown trees were overtaking the base of the grain elevators until Safarik, Brock and a troop of volunteers cleared out trash and brush. Construction hasn’t officially started on the interior of the silos, but eager climbers have already placed routes high on the elevators — up to 120 feet — on the west face of the silos. It’s a climb that affords eerily impressive views of the city above the treeline; wind makes the 124

july/august • 2011

www.OmahaPublications.com

top sometimes a bit brisk, but anchors and rope hold climbers to the towers for a thrilling ride to the top. “The unique thing about the grain silos is how tall they are,” said Safarik. “Thirty-five feet is the usual height for indoor gyms. Our tallest elevator is 180 feet. The sheer verticalness is demanding.” Safarik and Brock got the idea for converting the grain silos into a climbing complex from a similar gym in Bloomington, Ill., called Upper Limits. The business partners have plans to develop the inside of the silos as well as build outside, affixing three-dimensional pieces to simulate outdoor climbing, which Brock says is rarely straight vertical. They even plan to have multi-pitch routes, which would involve setting anchors mid-way up the silos, to help climbers train for longer climbs. This past fall, the silos were part of an art installation that currently graces the west sides of the elevators. A project of the organization Emerging Terrain, the art installation features a juried exhibition of posters made by artists commenting on land use and agriculture. “We are thrilled to be involved and contribute to Emerging Terrain and to give back to the community,” Safarik said. In the coming months, Safarik and Brock are hopeful the city will finish up the Field Club Trail as planned. “The city council has been very supportive and so has the neighborhood,” said Safarik. The pair are also hoping to see their dream project become a reality in the coming months, and to introduce many others, including Omaha’s youth — groups like the Boy Scouts and the Boys and Girls Club — to the sport of rock climbing. “We just love climbing,” said Safarik. “Here’s this opportunity to introduce other people to this sport. It’s such a challenge, mentally and physically.” SILOS Extreme Outdoor Adventures will be open Friday through Sunday. The hours, which are subject to change, are Fridays noon-11 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sundays noon until dark. For up-to-date information, check the company’s Facebook page. www.ReadOnlineNow.com

july/august • 2011

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Greater Nebraska happenings

Source: www.visitnebraska.gov, website for Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Travel & Tourism Division.

July 1-3, Dodge, Dodge County Dodge Q125 Celebration. City-wide Parade,

crafts, food stands, hot air balloons and more. Free Becky Stecher (402) 693- 2251 www. dodge125.com

and Sunday afternoons through September, includes 30 different musical events. Enjoy the shade on the patio Saturdays from 7-10 and listen to bands ranging from Bluegrass and Country to Smooth Jazz and Blues—well worth the $5 cover. If easy listening is your

style, relax under the tent for free “Wine and Song Sundays” from 3-6. Special festivals complete the fun. July 3: “Salute to America” includes two bands, and local craft brewers pouring your favorite Nebraska Microbrews ($10) July 31: Festival benefitting Creighton’s Magis Clinic features six bands, Nebraska Wine Smackdown, and more ($20). September 4: the perfect NO LABOR Bash with 2 bands ($10). Saturday, September 17: Irishfest… Corned beef, Irish stew, Guinness—enough to get you through to March. See www.SVEvineyards for more information!

Main St Car cruising and show, duck float, street dance, parade and more. (402) 8573515 www.niobrarane.com July 1-3, Randolph, Cedar County, Randolph Q125 Celebration. City-wide

July 4, Brownville, Nemaha County Freedom Day Celebration. Main St & river-

July 2-4, Crawford, Dawes County Western Art Show at Fort Robinson State Park.

July 4, Grand Island, Hall County 1890 Independence Day Celebration. Stuhr

Trolley rides, bank robbery re-enactments, sports tournaments, ATV mud run, antique tractor parade, black powder shoot, and entertainment, and much more during the 3-day festival. 402-337-1234.

Fort Robinson State Park Artists from across the U.S. display their western and wildlife themed art. Free (308) 665-2900 www.outdoornebraska.org July 2-4, Geneva, Fillmore County Celebrate Patriotism. Downtown & fair-

July, Syracuse, Otoe County GermanFest. Downtown

on 5th St. Celebrate German heritage. German dancers and singers, veiner dog races, ribfest, 2 block beer garden and more. Most events free admission Rhae Werner (402) 2697489 www.syracusene.com 126

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July 1-2, Tecumseh, Johnson County Johnson County Heritage Days. Courthouse Square.

Historical festival including exhibits and memorabilia, 5K fun run/walk, quilt show, vintage fashion show, pie baking contest, car/truck/tractor show and more. Free Keith Shuey (402) 335-3371 www.tecumsehne.com

July 3, York, York County, Firecracker Frenzy. County

fairgrounds York’s official Independence Day Celebration features entertainment, children’s activities and spectacular fireworks display. 8-11pm, Free Todd Kirshenbaum (402) 362-5531 www. yorkchamber.org

July 1-3, Niobrara, Knox County, Niobrara Bridging the Shores Celebration.

Slattery Vintage Estates: Vineyard & Tasting Room, located just 35 minutes from Lincoln and Omaha, is a prime spot to gather. SVE’s Summer Concert Series, on Saturday nights

Legion baseball game, concert and fireworks display. 6-9pm Mike Stutzman (402) 532-2030 www.beavercrossingne.com

grounds Games, contests, entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display. Tom Ortgies (402) 759-4280 www. cityofgeneva.org July 3, Beaver Crossing, Seward County, Children’s Independence Day Parade.

Dimery Ave (Main St) Children’s parade held since 1972.

front area Take part in the 5K, 10K or 1/2 marathon or enjoy the dog show, parade, concert, fireworks display and river boat cruises. 6am-dusk, Free Bob Chitwood (402) 8253591 www.brownville-ne.com

Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, 3133 W. US Hwy 34 Enjoy a parade down the center of Railroad Town, a patriotic program, pie eating contest and more all-American family fun. 10am-5pm, $8-$10 Mike Bockoven (308) 385-5316 www.stuhrmuseum.org July 4, Lyons, Burt County Bluegrass Festival. Brink

Park, 100 Main St Enjoy music, parade, children’s games, antique tractor show, sports tournaments, fireworks, food and contests. Free Denise Johnson (402) 687-4132 www. cityoflyons.net www.OmahaPublications.com

July 2, Norfolk, Madison County Boomfest.

Skyview Lake One of the largest fireworks displays in the country all set to music. Talent contest, inflatable midway, food vendors, water fights and family fun. (402) 371-2932 www. visitnorfolkne.com

Story by Meghan Townley • Photo by minorwhitestudios.com

July 3, York, York County, Firecracker Frenzy.

County fairgrounds York’s official Independence Day Celebration features entertainment, children’s activities and spectacular fireworks display. 8-11pm, Free Todd Kirshenbaum (402) 3625531 www.yorkchamber.org

Bring your family, bring your friends, and make plans to visit the Nebraska Prairie Museum in Holdrege. See original photos of the Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show, cars and implements from the turn of the century, and the world famous WWII German POW Interpretive Center. There are over 65,000 feet of interior exhibits for you and the family to stroll through. Be one of the many visitors who exclaim, “This is the ﬁnest museum I have ever visited!”

Hours: Mon - Fri, 9 am-5 pm • Sat - Sun, 1-5 pm

July 2-4, Crawford, Dawes County. Crawford’s

125th Anniversary & Old West Trail Rodeo Downtown & rodeo grounds Chariot races, PRCA rodeo, history demonstrations, parade and family fun. (308) 430-0909 www.crawfordnebraska.biz

HASTINGS, NEBRASKA Birthplace of

July 5-10, Madison, Madison County, Madison County Fair and Rodeo. Fairgrounds

Enjoy 3 nights of rodeo, concerts, carnival, exhibits, food and fun for the entire family. Free Linda Haack (402) 454-2144 www.madisoncountyfair.com

July 7-10, Comstock, Custer County Comstock Rock Fest. 46095 Sargent Ord Rd Four

day music festival with top national acts and plenty of great food, fun and activities. Heath Scott (859) 948-8659 www.comstockmusicfestivals.com

14th Annual Kool-Aid Days • Join 45,000+ Festival Goers! Aug. 12–14, 2011 • Beach Boys Tribute Concert in the Park World’s Largest Kool-Aid Stand • Kardboard Boat Races Over 35 Festival Events Throughout Hastings!

Experience the Hastings Museum!

July 8-10, Fremont, Dodge County 25th Annual John C. Fremont Days 400 E. Military Ave Com-

• Kool-Aid: Discover the Dream – How it was invented in Hastings • Lied Super Screen Theater – Super size films with digital sound • J. M. McDonald Planetarium – See the wonders of the night sky • Special Exhibit! – 1968 In America

July 8-9, Arnold, Custer County, 18th Annual South Loup River Blues Festival. Old Mill

www.HastingsMuseum.org • www.Kool-AidDays.com Phone: 800. 508. 4629 or 800. 967. 2189

munity festival celebrating the history of Fremont and its namesake, John C. Fremont. Activities for all ages. Daily, 8am-midnight Jeff Hoffman (402) 727-9428 www.johncfremontdays.com

Park This unique blues festival hosts some of the best blues entertainment in the Midwest. Primitive camping available. Fri show, 8pm; Sat, events begin at noon, $25 in advance, $30 at the gate David J Birnie (800) 584-9336 www. southloupbluesfest.com July 9, Cozad, Dawson County Annual Bands, Brews & BBQ. Downtown Street

festival including assorted vendors, live bands, talent show, crafters in the park and children’s activities. Lydia Loewenstein (308) 784-3930 www.cozadnebraska.net

Kool-Aid® is a registered trademark of KF Holdings

TIME TO VOTE! Best of Omaha 2012 ®

Take A Day Trip ~Saturday Night Concerts, 7-10pm

~Sunday “Wine And Song,” 3-6pm ~B&B Bungalows Available For Rent

Fri. & Sun., 1-6pm, Sat., 1-10pm www.SVEvineyards.com • 402-267-5267

8925 Adams St. • Between Nehawka and Weeping Water Just 35 minutes from Omaha or Lincoln

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

Voting starts July 1st www.BestOfOmaha.com july/august • 2011

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Greater NEBRASKA happenings St Car, truck, motorcycle and ATV show. 8am-4:30pm, Free Tyler Fortik (402) 5452511 www.brainardcarclub. org July 10, Norfolk, Madison County, Northeast Nebraska Toy Show. Northeast Com-

munity College, 801 E. Benjamin Ave Buy, sell or trade toys and other items. 9am-4pm, $3 Walter Haase (402) 371-6812

July 11-17, Columbus, Platte County Platte County Fair.

Ag Park (402) 564-0133 www.visitcolumbusne.com July 14-17, Kearney, Buffalo County, Cruise Nite Weekend 2011. City-wide Four

Kool-Aid Days Thousands of “kids” of ALL ages will gather in Hastings, Neb., Aug. 12-14 to celebrate the invention of Kool-Aid, Nebraska’s

Official Soft Drink, by Edwin Perkins in 1927. The 14th annual Kool-Aid Days features over 35 events in three days, including the World’s Largest Kool-Aid Stand, Kardboard Boat Races, Kool-Aid Jammers Boat Races, the Kwickest Kool-Aid Drinking Contest, the Kool-Aid Classic Car Cruise of America, Giant Inflatable Rides, Carnival Games, Festival Foods, Trolley Rides through the Hastings Historic District, sports tournaments, and much more. Visitors can purchase commemorative “Kollectibles,” including collectible T-shirts and special $2 mugs, which entitle them to drink as much Kool-Aid as they want of 16 flavors served. The Hastings Museum has discounted admission during the festival featuring the “KoolAid: Discover the Dream” exhibit, telling the 80-year history of Kool-Aid. Saturday night of the festival features a Beach Boys tribute concert by Kahuna Beach Party in the Brickyard Park outdoor amphitheatre followed by fireworks. Kool-Aid Days is one of the fastest growing festivals in the U.S. – winner of the 2010 and 2006 Governor’s Award for Most Outstanding Event in Nebraska and was named by the American Bus Association as one of the “Top 100 Events in North America” for 2011. For more information, go to Kool-AidDays.com.

July 9-10, Hastings, Adams County, 28th Annual Antique and Collectors Show. Dyer Park, 8 mi. S.

of Hastings on US Hwy 281 Featuring tractor pulls, flea market, concessions, small engines and continuous music. Annual tractor drive will be 128

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July 8th in the afternoon. Sat, 7am-9pm; Sun, 7am-5p, $5, ages 10 and under free admission Donna Babcock (402) 469-4455 www.pvama.org July 10, Brainard, Butler County Pride and Performance Car Show. Madison

days of fun-filled activities including show and shines, BBQs, parade, drag races, collectible car auction, live bands and more. Show and shine at the Archway July 16, 5-8pm. Brad Kernick (308) 440-2941 www.cruisenitekearney.com July 15-16, Bellevue, Sarpy County RiverFest 2011.

Haworth Riverfront Park, NE Hwy 370 & Payne Dr Good food, great music and amazing fireworks in a great setting. Sanctioned BBQ competition and live music festival. (402) 898-3000 www.bellevuenebraska.com July 15-17, Gretna, Sarpy County Gretna Days.

Downtown Events for all ages including a parade, tractor pull, dance, car show and hog roast. 402-332-3535. www.gretnachamber.com July 15-17, Ponca, Dixon County. Becoming an Out-

doors Family at Ponca State Park 88090 Spur 26 E Event to reconnect families through outdoor experiences and

hands-on learning. Kayaking, camping, outdoor cooking, fishing, outdoor survival and more. See website for fees Jennifer Wolff (402) 755-2284 www.outdoornebraska.org July 15-17, Walthill, Thurston County Walthill Memorial Rodeo. Main St

Rodeo, dance, parade and food vendors. 7pm, $8 Chris Morgan (402) 846-5561 www. walthillne.com

July 16-17, Waverly, Lancaster County. 35th Annual

Camp Creek Antique Machinery and Threshing Show 17550 Bluff Rd Experience the way life used to be. Steam engines, antique tractors, steam crane, summer kitchen and country store. Demonstrations of corn shelling, buttermaking, plowing and more. Daily, 6am6pm, $6 Heidi Cheney (402) 217-9090 www.ccthreshers.org July 17, Burwell, Garfield County, Calamus Car Classic. Calamus Reservoir Tim

Garner (308) 346-4409 www. visitburwell.org

July 17, Papillion, Sarpy County, Mayor’s Triathlon.

(402) 597-2041 www.papillion.org/recreation_mayors_ triathlon.cfm July 17, York, York County, Model A’s on the Farm. Wes-

sels Living History Farm, 1 mi. S. of I-80 Exit 353 on Hwy 81 Model A drivers compete in the Model A Road-e-o, music of the 20s and 30s, tours, games and much more. 1-4pm, $2-$5 Dale Clark (402) 710-0682 www.livinghistoryfarm.org July 18-21, Grand Island, Hall County, Fonner Park State 4-H Horse Show and www.OmahaPublications.com

Expo. Fonner Park, 700 E.

Stolley Park Rd Nearly 400 qualifiers from across the state compete for the honor of winning best in the state in their class. Free Kathy Anderson (402) 472-6414 animalscience.unl.edu/web/ anisci/ANSCState4HHor seShowInformation July 18-23, Pawnee City, Pawnee County Pawnee County Fair & Rodeo. Fair-

grounds Parade on July 21, Rodeo July 22-23, tractor pull, dance, car show and hog roast. 332-3535 www.gretnachamber.com

July 21, West Point, Cuming County Dog Daze of Summer Dog Show. (402)

372-2981 www.westpointchamber.com

July 22, Grand Island, Hall County, Locust Cruise Night. Sonic Drive-In, 2117

S. Locust St Large car show with discounted food, free giveaways and plenty of fun. Car show begins at 5pm, Free (308) 381-5511 July 22 Grand Island, Hall County Cowboy Night.

Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, 3133 W. US Hwy 34 Evening of horse breaking demonstrations, ropin’ and wood branding, live music, s’mores on an open fire, games and country fun. 6-9pm, $8-$10 Mike Bockoven (308) 385-5316 www. stuhrmuseum.org July 22-24, Beemer, Cuming County, Beemer Q125 Celebration. Main St Three day

festival with contests, live music in the beer garden, children’s games and pony rides, demonstrations, storytelling, melodrama, parade, square dancing and more. Trisha www.ReadOnlineNow.com

Robertson (402) 528-3223 www.beemerq125.com

contest featuring juried and people’s

July 23, Ashland, Saunders County Helicopter Day. Stra-

August, Valentine, Cherry County, Cherry County Fair & Rodeo. Fairgrounds

tegic Air & Space Museum, I-80 Exit 426 Helicopters begin landing on the front lawn soon after 10am, including a special delivery of Darth Vader in the Husker Helo. Demonstrations by Omahawks and Orbiting Eagles. Events begin at 10am (402) 944-3100 www. sasmuseum.com July 23, South Sioux City, Dakota County, Cat Attack Catfish Tournament. South

Sioux City Public Boat Ramp on the Missouri River Cash and prizes totalling $5000! Qualify for the Night Tournament on September 4th. 1841 www.firstclasscatattack.tk

July 30, Norfolk, Madison County 17th Annual Literature Festival. Lifelong Learn-

ing Center, 801 E. Benjamin Ave Presented by Norfolk Public Library. Featuring nationally-known authors, book reviews, book displays and sales, autograph sessions and more. 9am-4pm, $7.50 children, $25 adults Karen Drevo (402) 844-2108 www. ci.norfolk.ne.us/library August, Nebraska City, Otoe County, Wine Under the Pines. Arbor Day Farm,

2711 Arbor Ave and Kimmel Orchard, 5995 G Rd A celebration of wine, craft beer, BBQ and music from southeast Nebraska. Grape stomp, live music, cooking demonstrations and more. (402) 873-6654 www.wineunderthepines.org

August, Nebraska City, Otoe County Good Wood BBQ Cook-Off Downtown BBQ

(800) 658-4024 www.visitvalentine.com August TBA, Norfolk, Madison County, Hot Summer Nites Rod Run. City-wide

Hundreds of cars flock to Norfolk for this weekend dedicated to cars. Cruise night, live music, cool beverages, BBQ and more. www. visitnorfolkne.com Aug 5-7, Wilber, Saline County Wilber Czech Festival. City-wide Czech danc-

ing and music, authentic food and costumes, bands, 3 parades and contests in the Czech Capital of Nebraska. 10am-10pm, Free Mary Jean Keller (888) 494-5237 www. nebraskaczechsofwilber.com Aug 6, Bancroft, Cuming County 3rd Annual Neihardt Beer Fest. Country

Pub, 409 Main St Craft and micro brews, food, fun and music to benefit the Neihardt Historic Site. 6:30-9:30pm, $20-$25 with mug Nancy Gillis (402) 648-3388 www. neihardtcenter.org Aug 6, Burwell, Garfield County Calamus Carp Tournament. Calamus Reservoir, 7

mi. N.W. on NE Hwy 96 Rod and reel and archery divisions. 8am Dick Watts (308) 3465695 www.visitburwell.org

Aug 6, Gretna, Sarpy County, Truck Show & Kids Fun Day. Nebraska Crossing

Outlet Mall, I-80 Exit 432 9am- 3pm w w w. nebraskacrossingoutlets.com

Aug 11-14, Lincoln, Lancaster County Capital City Ribfest. Pershing Center, 226

Centennial Mall S. Street festival featuring America’s best BBQ from vendors across the country and a variety of live music. Thu- Sat, 11am-midnight; Sun, 11am-3pm Derek Andersen (402) 441-8744 www.pershingcenter.com Aug 12-14, Hastings, Adams County Kool-Aid Days. City-

wide World’s largest Kool-Aid stand, live entertainment with nationally-known performers, giant inflatables, cardboard boat races, classic car rally, disc golf, fireworks display and more. Fri, 4- 9pm; Sat, 8am10:30pm; Sun, 9am-6pm, Most events are free admission Randal Kottwitz (800) 9672189 www.kool-aiddays.com Aug 18-21, Columbus, Platte County Columbus Days. Discover the Music,

the Food, the Fun! Frankfort Square downtown The city’s largest block party includes dual stage entertainment, allFord vehicle show, BBQ classic, inflatable midway, parade and more. Free Sandi Fischer (402) 564- 2769 www.thecolumbuspage.com Aug 19-20, Wisner, Cuming County Thunder by the River Truck and Tractor Pull.

Wisner River Park More than $87,000 in prize money available. Fri, 6:30pm; Sat, 12:30pm & 5:30pm, $5-$22 Peggy Liermann (402) 529-3338 www. thunderbytheriver.com Aug 20, Springfield, Sarpy County Swine on the Vine.

Soaring Wings Vineyard, 17111 S. 138th St Good food, wine and music. 7-9:30pm, $20-$25 (402) 253- 2479 www.soaringwingswine.com july/august • 2011

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Omaha FOOD restaurant review Story by Mystery Reviewer • Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

Manager Zhong Zhu

Okinawa Sushi Bar & Grill

n recent times, sushi has been enjoying ever-increasing popularity in America. It’s

currently one of the top trends in seafood. Here in Omaha, we’re also seeing a trend of new sushi restaurants opening, as well as several upscale casual dining restaurants adding sushi sections to their menus. Many Omaha grocery stores are even offering sushi these days. Being a sushi lover myself, this is one trend I can really get behind. I had recently been hearing some good things about Okinawa Sushi Bar and Grill and decided I needed to get over there and check it out for myself. Okinawa is located in the L Street Market near the intersection of 120th and L. From the outside, it looks like just another run-of-the-mill Omaha strip mall restaurant. Once inside, you can see that the designer did a nice job with the space by using lots of dark wood paneling, comfortable booths, black granite 130

july/august • 2011

Okinawa Sushi Bar and Grill 12240 L Street Omaha, NE 68137-2257 (402) 991-0022 www.okinawasushiomaha.com/ Food & Beverage Service Ambiance Price Overall

**1/2 **** **1/2 Good Value *** 4 Stars Possible

www.OmahaPublications.com

Simulcast Racing from All the Top Tracks Over 600 TV’s • Keno

Thur. & Fri. Racing Starts at 6:00pm Sat. - Sun. Racing Starts at 2:00pm

•Live Music •Beer Garden •Food Courts

Happy Hours:

www.horsemenspark.com Mon-Wed 5pm-9pm 6303 “Q” Street • 402-731-2900

Great Lunches & Dinners Daily Specials

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roncAlli cAtholic high school

www.grosscatholic.org

www.roncallicatholic.org

scholarship

mAriAn high school

service

www.marianhighschool.net

v.J. AnD AngelA skutt cAtholic high school

www.skuttcatholic.com

HOW I ROLL PAGE 8

SOCIAL MEDIA PAGE 6

2011

RESULTS

A Brewing ‘Storm ’ Stormy & Ala n Stein rm Chasers

of the Omaha Sto

SPRIN G

The Omaha-Metro Business to Business Magazine

2011

U.S. $3.25

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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID OMAHA MAGAZINE LTD

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

Live Racing Festival – July 21-24

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

table tops and creating a beautiful sushi bar. The result is a fairly handsome restaurant with a good feel to it. The menu at Okinawa not only features sushi but also sashimi, tempura, noodle dishes and various Chinese dishes. In short, there is something for everyone, especially for those that do not enjoy sushi. The beverage list is also more than adequate. They have a full bar, a nice selection of Asian-inspired martinis and other specialty cocktails, as well as a short but complete list of wines. There are Chinese, Japanese and domestic beers, in addition to a nice list of hot and cold sakes. I really enjoyed the Dragon Martini ($8) which has Svedka Citrus Vodka, Midori and a splash of lemonade. I also had a 20 oz. Sapporo beer ($7), which I feel goes perfectly with sushi. On a recent occasion, I tried the #4 Sashimi and Sushi Combo ($23.75). This large 20-piece assortment was so beautifully presented that I almost took out my phone to snap a picture. I say almost because I resisted the temptation and wish everyone else could do the same. Rant aside, the artistry that the Sushi Chef’s at Okinawa demonstrate should not be over looked. The beautiful boat contained salmon, snapper, and red and white yellow-fin tuna Sashimi. All was very fresh and cut with great precision. The sushi included shrimp, snapper, and tuna atop of perfectly cooked rice. There was even a California roll and some surf clams. I really enjoyed this assortment and felt it was an excellent value. I also shared a Tempura Combination ($13.95) with my dining partner. This included chicken, shrimp and assorted veggies. I was not as impressed with the tempura as I was with the sushi as I felt it was under-seasoned and a little heavy on the panko bread crumbs. Both entrees also came with a bowl of very good miso soup and a small house salad with a tasty ginger dressing. The service as Okinawa was impeccable. All of the severs worked as a team and the result was very quick, unobtrusive and friendly service. Never once did I find myself wanting for anything. Things would just magically appear exactly on cue. It was truly refreshing to experience service this good in Omaha, and combined with the great sushi , I think I have a new favorite local sushi bar. Cheers!

74470 63856

w w w. b 2 b o m a8 .com

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Omaha FOOD

Legend (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.

brewsky’s food & spirits, two omaha locations 402-614-2739 153rd & Q Sts.; 201-2739, 84th & Park Drive; Brewsky’s Food & Spirits opened its first restaurant/bar in Lincoln, NE in 1990. Brewsky’s now boasts six restaurants in Lincoln and Omaha. Our menu (created by Certified Executive Chef Ed Janousek) surprises people that are expecting the normal “bar food” found at most sports bars. The menu consists of steaks, burgers, chicken, wraps and about everything in between. We offer all the sports packages on our banks of TVs as well. The atmosphere created, the quality of the food served and the modest prices charged define Brewsky’s. We’ve been voted Best Sports Bar in Omaha for three consecutive years (Omaha magazine). Come let us WOW you!

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

Buffalo Wings and Rings

SATURDAY LUNCH [11am–4 pm]

$10

OFF ANY TICKET OVER $25 NO CASH VALUE. EXPIRES 12/31/2011

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

Wings done to perfection. We use only the freshest wings and top them off with our signature sauces that can be combined to create 45 different flavors! If you are a fan of Boneless Wings, then you are in for a treat! We use only fresh tenders that are hand cut, lightly breaded and served up hot and juicy. Our menu also features Gyro’s with homemade cucumber sauce, ½ lb burgers, Wraps, Salads, and Sandwiches. We have a full bar and party room for groups not to mention 39 Plasma TV’s. Located in the L Street Marketplace at 120th and L.

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

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Upstream Brewin Best Micro g Co brewe m ry p

A CE

any

E AC F I R ST P L

•

20 PL 11 • FIRST

Owned & Operated by the Cascio Family

65 Years of Selling Great Steaks!

1620 S. 10th 1 mile south of Qwest Center 345-8313 • www.casciossteakhouse.com

2202 South 20th Street – Omaha

Family Restaurant • Fine Steaks Chicken • Seafood Party Rooms Available

342-9038 • 346-2865 www.ReadOnlineNow.com

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The Original Whiskey Steak www.DroverRestaurant.com

Thank you for voting

best brick oven pizza 2121 S. 73 St.

Just 1/2 block South of Doubletree

(402) 391-7440

WWW.PITCHPIZZERIA.COM

590-COAL

Sonoran Style Cooking Made Fresh Daily. Catering and Party Rooms Also Available. 7555 Pacific St. 399–8006 380 N.114 St. 330–5707 Omaha, Nebraska

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CRAVE 402-345-9999 (Midtown crossing)

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

e hottest new dining NOW OPE N estination 200 South 31st Avenue #4103. Omaha’s hottest new restaurant! CRAVE’s menu offers sandwiches, woodfired pizzas, pasta, burgers, certified angus steaks, seafood and salads, plus a grand sushi bar. Compliment your meal with a bottle of wine from the 150-plus bottle selection. Open daily for lunch and dinner. www. craveamerica.com.

DJ’s Dugout Sports Bar 402-763-9974

1003 Capitol Avenue. Catch all of the action at 3 Omaha locations. Featuring burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, appetizers and an impressive drink menu along with HD TV’s and projectors and home to Blazin’ Piano’s, Omaha’s only dueling piano concept . 114th & Dodge, 10th & Capitol and 23th & Cornhusker in Bellevue. djsdugout.com

ary American Fare

ay Brunch

NOW FEATURING SUSHI & SASHIMI DINNERS

Sukiyaki • Shrimp Tempura Mi•dCantonese Teriyaki Steak at Two toStyle Dinners • Family wn for or More • Intimate Tea CRooms r Available • Reservations ossin g Preferred in Tea Rooms.

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

Open 5pm Mon.- Sat.

• Music & Entertainment Closed Sun. • Daily Happy Hours | $3 Drinks & Appetizers 7215 BLONDO • Kids Eat Free Sundays

397-5049

Omaha

Dundee Dell 402-553-4010 (Omaha) 5007 Underwood. 11 AM until 1 AM every day, MondaySunday. 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. $

MAI TAI LOUNGE OPEN

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

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

Eagle Run 130th & Maple 779-8600

4:30 P.M.

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

Millard 120th & L 829-1616

Farrell’s Sports Bar 402-884-8818 902 Dodge Street. Sports, Food, Spirits and Fun! Fresh, handmade pizza, deli sandwiches and a full menu for you to choose from while watching 25 HD TV’s with all the games. Located in The Capitol District in Downtown Omaha. farrellssportsbar.com

ossing 68131 999 Quaker Steak and Lube america.com 712-322-0101 (Council Bluffs, IA)

3320 Mid America Dr. Council Bluffs, IA.”The Lube” serves over 70 million wings annually, has bottled 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.

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

• Proudly serving visitor & locals for 89 years. • Featured in Midwest Living Best of the Midwest 2011.

Best Of Omaha 5 Years Running ADV109

• Serving hand cut steaks, aged on premise and slow roasted prime rib with pride.

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

402-731-4774 27th & ‘L’ St., Kennedy Frwy, ‘L’ St. Exit 8 Minutes from Downtown Omaha.

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We Are More Than Coffee!

25 Y E A R S

Comfort Food, Cocktails & Coffee

P R E M I U M H O M E M A D E

Upstream Brewing Company two omaha locations

12th & Jackson • Old Market • 341-5827

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.

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

BBQ Breakfast . Brunch . Lunch Dinner . Dessert . Coffee . Gelato

Thank you for voting us Best of Omaha

Paxton Building 14th & Farnam • 884-0900 For Reservations Book Online CraneCoffeeOmaha.com

Visa, MC, Diners & AMEX Accepted

TEXT “CraneCafe” to the number 90210 to join our Cooper’s Mobile Perks Program get advance notice of special deals and coupons

3821 Center 346-1528

Omaha’s Only Authentic German Restaurant Locally Owned Since 1976

Owners Jon Mumgaard, Brian Kitten and Jim Mumgaard

Famous Dave’s Barbeque 402-829-1616 (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-from-scratch 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.

ITALIAN don carmelo’s 2 locations (Omaha) Tradition–Excellence–Value! Two locations: Rockbrook Village (402-933-3190) and 204th & Dodge (402-2899800) 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!

Grisantis 402-330-0440 (Omaha)

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

Pan Fried Chicken Wednesdays Schnitzel • Sauerkraut • Dunkel

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

rst 20 the fi s #1 r o f u yo gu Thank nd for votin ning. a run years, ar 3 years b sports 136

july/august • 2011

5180 Leavenworth 402-553-6774 (call for hours) www.gerdasgermanrestaurant.com

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

Lo Sole Mio Ristorante Italiano 402-345-5656 (Omaha)

3001 So. 32nd, Ave. Located in the middle of a neighborhood surrounded by charming homes. 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! 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 also offers panini, salads & one of the best pizza in town. Patio seating, full bar, & a great wine list complete this. No reservations, except for private rooms.

www.OmahaPublications.com

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

Nicola’s 402-345-8466 (Omaha) 13th & Jackson. Nicola’s offers a distinctive, tempting menu of upscale Italian dishes, including Lobster Ravioli, Classic Carbonara & Mediterranean Lasagna in an alluring environment. Also enjoy an Extensive Wine List & Full Bar on our Outdoor Garden Patio while you dine. Nicola’s also offers Catering & Desserts To Go for your private party or business gathering.

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.

Wave Bistro Asian Asian Fusion Fusion Cuisine Cuisine

402-496-8812 4002 N. 144th St.

One Block N of Maple & W side of 144th

330-0440 • www.grisantis.net

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

Pasta Amore 402-391-2585 (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-MCV. $$

Pitch Coal-fire pizzeria 402-590-COAL (2625) 5021 Underwood Ave. Coal-fire flavor and fresh, hardto-find-elsewhere ingredients. That’s Pitch in historic Dundee. Unless you’ve been to the Northeast recently or Naples, Italy, you probably haven’t experienced a pizza like it. Coal-fire is a part of an Italian pizza-making heritage. Coal-fire ovens generate 1,000 degrees of heat that produces a crisp, light crust with a distinct but slight charcoaled flavor. It’s Naples, old-style cooking. Pitch your own ingredients on top or try one of our signature pizzas that blend the freshest meats and veggies with our traditional sauce. The result: an authentic pie that you won’t mistake for any other. www.pitchpizzeria.com

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 wood-fired grill. Open Mon-Sat. Cocktail hour: 4-5 pm-all cocktails, glass wine and beers half price. Evening reservations recommended. Call 402-391-2950.

Always a Large Selection of Fresh Fish

4150 south 144th street • omaha • 894-9411

S U S H I B A R & G R I L L

625 & Up Luncheon Specials $

M0n-Sun 11am-3pm

2 Maki Rolls 3 Maki Rolls Bento Box Chinese Lunch ASIAN CUISINE

Now Catering and Delivering! Happy Hour: Monday - Sunday 3pm-5pm Late Night Happy Hour: Fri. & Sat. 9pm-Close

Legend (average price per entrée)

$1 to 10 - $, $10 to 20 - $$, $20 to 30 - $$$, $30 and over - $$$$

MC, V, AE, DC www.ReadOnlineNow.com

Mon-Thur: 11am-10pm • Fri-Sat: 11am-11pm • Sun: 12pm-10pm

12240 L street | omaha, ne | 991.0022 | www.okinawa-omaha.com july/august • 2011

137

“the healthiest”

-New York Post

treat yourself well. ®

Downtown

402-933-8815 13th & Cuming

“the holy grail of frozen yogurt”

-944 Magazine

“best frozen yogurt”

-Seattle Magazine

One Pacific Place 402-884-3795 103rd & Pacific Street

Shoppes of Legacy 402-334-4774 168th & W. Center

redmangousa.com facebook.com/RedMangoDowntownOmaha facebook.com/RedMangoOnePacificPlace facebook.com/RedMangoLegacyOmaha

TIME TO VOTE!

Vote For Your Favorite Restaurant! Best of Omaha 2012 ®

Zio’s Pizzeria Several Omaha Locations Three locations: 7834 Dodge St. (402-391-1881), 12997 W. Center Rd. (402-330-1444), and 1109 Howard St. in the Old Market (402-344-2222). 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 O’Connor’s Irish Pub & Grille 402-934-9790 (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 Cantina Laredo 402-345-6000 120 S. 31st Ave. Cantina Laredo serves gourmet Mexican food in a sophisticated, vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy the signature margarita, the Casa Rita, made from fresh lime juice and the finest tequila, while savoring guacamole made fresh at your table. Visit Cantina Laredo at Omaha’s Midtown Crossing for lunch, dinner, drinks, and Sunday brunch.

Fernando’s Two Omaha Locations Two locations: 7555 Pacific St. (402-339-8006), 380 N. 114th St. (402-330-5707). 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. $

ORIENTAL Kona grill 402-779-2900 (Omaha) Kona Grill provides an escape from everyday dining. Indulge in sensational flavors by sampling any of our modern American cuisine and stunningly fresh sushi, made from scratch with passion by our executive chefs and teams. Visit our patio and bar and try our great designer cocktails. Voted 2011 Best Sushi, Best Happy Hour and Best Appetizer by Omaha Magazine readers!

Mt. Fuji Inn 402-397-5049 (Omaha)

Go Vote, Win Prizes Voting starts July 1, 2011

7215 Blondo St. For Japanese dining in the traditional atmosphere, take time to visit Mt. Fuji Inn. Specialties include fresh Sushi and Sashimi, Sukiyaki and Shrimp Tempura. Also featuring Cantonese Chinese dinners and appetizers. Dining in individual tea rooms is available by reservation. Enjoy one’s favorite beverages in the Mai Tai Lounge. Cocktail hour: Mon.-Thu. 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Dinner: Mon.-Thu. 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 5 p.m.-11 p.m. AE-DC-V. $

www.BestOfOmaha.com 138

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Wave Bistro asian fusion cuisine 402-496-8812 (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. 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. Full service bar. Mon-Thurs 11:00AM-9:00PM,FriSat 11:00AM-10:00PM. All Credit Cards Accepted.

SEAFOOD

Charlie’s on the Lake (Omaha) 144th and F streets (402-894-9411). 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. $

Hiro Sushi 2 locations Hiro Sushi, 3655 N 129th St, 402-933-0091. Hiro 88, 1308 Jackson Street, 402-933-5168. Home to one of Omaha’s largest Sake selections. Hiro offers the best in both bar selection and expertly rolled sushi. The menu draws on Asian Fusion cuisine and Asian inspired tapas. Join us for Lunch, Happy Hour or call to plan your private party.

Come & experience what all of Omaha is talking about!

HIRO 88 URBAN CHIC IN OLD MARKET HIRO 88 o l d m a r k e t 1308 Jackson St. 933.5168 [outdoor dining]

HIRO WEST w e s t 3655 N 129th St . 933.0091

omaha

[south of 129th & maple]

Happy Hours Mon-Fri, 3-6 & 10-Close Mon-Thur, 4:30-6, Sat, 10-Close In The Bar Only Sun, All Day Fri-Sat, 10-Midnight

Okinawa Sushi 402-991-0022 (Omaha) Located at 12240 L Street. Featuring the finest Chinese and Japanese cuisine with a variety of sushi. Enjoy the casual family friendly atmosphere. Hours: Mon-Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sunday 12 noon-10 p.m.

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

{ Happy Hour Specialties } Select Sushi Rolls, Drink Specials & Appetizers

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We’ve perfected the wing. No need for the prayer. Nine tasty sauces. Cold beers on tap. And more than 40 big-screens featuring NFL Sunday Ticket.

bwromaha.com 402.614.7300

L Street Marketplace (12240 L Street)

SPECIAL DINING Capitol Lounge & Supper Club 402-708-9988 1011 Capitol Avenue. An eclectic and flavorful menu, fantastic wines, brews, liquors, and an impressive selection of Champagne. Guests can enjoy unique amenities and superb service dining in an intimate setting early in the evening and or in celebrating with table service late into the evening. Located in The Capitol District. Capitolomaha.com

crane coffee & bar 402-884-0900 “Crane Café & Bar is a downtown neighborhood Cafe serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch. The cuisine is comfort food with a lighter twist on the sauces and ingredients including bringing great hickory smoked barbeque to the downtown area. Also offers catering and box meals with free delivery Open from 630am through 9pm during the week and 11pm on the weekends”

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 402-346-1528 (Omaha) 3821 Center St. Greek cuisine with specials every day at reasonable prices. Well known for our Gyro sandwiches and salads. We do catering and can accommodate a party for 65 guests. Carryout and delivery available. Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. AE-DC-MC-V. $

Horsemen’s Park 402-731-2900 (Omaha) Horsemen’s Park located at 6303 Q Street. Happy Hour Mon-Wed from 5-9 p.m.–$1 pints, $1.75 domestic bottles and $2 well drinks. Tuesday–25¢ wings from 3-8 p.m. Wednesday–$5.95 Steak Night after 5:00 p.m. Thursday–75¢ tacos and $1.75 margaritas after 5:00 p.m. Friday – $7.95 Prime Rib Dinner after 5:00 p.m. Daily specials 7 days a week. Open daily at 10:00 a.m. Check out our website at www.horsemenspark.com.

Jaipur Brewing Company 402-392-7331 (OMAHA)

Sip the FineSt Margarita...

Experience the gourmet side of Mexican cuisine Taste guacamole made fresh at your table Savor fresh seafood and steaks with authentic sauces

Midtown Crossing

120 South 31st Avenue Omaha 402.345.6000 follow us on facebook and twitter cantinalaredo.com 140

july/august • 2011

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 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner: Sun.-Thurs. 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri & Sat. 5p.m.-10:30 p.m.

Nosh Wine Lounge 402-614-2121 1006 Dodge Street. A diverse boutique wine list from around the world, culinary delights using locally grown organic produce and impressive drink menu. Nosh is the place for friends to gather, relax and celebrate good times. Located in The Capitol District in Downtown Omaha. noshwine.com

www.OmahaPublications.com

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

Red Mango (402) 933-8815 (13th & Cuming) (402) 884-3795 (103rd & Pacific) (402) 334-4774 (168th & Center) Red Mango combines its refreshingly tangy frozen yogurt with fresh and exciting toppings to create a nutritious dessert that can be enjoyed guilt free all day. Red Mango Frozen yogurt is all-natural, nonfat, gluten-free, and kosher most importantly it taste great! Locations at 13th & Cuming, 103rd & Pacific and 168th & W. Center.

Serving Lunch & Dinner

MARKET

The Official Restaurant of the Holland Performing Arts Center’s Broadway Series TED & WALLY’S ICE CREAM 402-341-5827 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

Mon-Sat

NICOLA’S IN THE OLD

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

Enjoy a distinctive & tempting menu of upscale Italian dishes, including Lobster Ravioli, Classic Carbonara & Mediterranean Lasagna. Offering an Extensive Wine List, Full Bar, Outdoor Garden Patio, Catering Follow us on... & Desserts To Go. NICOLASINTHEOLDMARKET.COM phone number

location

345.8466

13TH & JACKSON

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

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 jetfresh seafood from all over the world, 801 Chophouse is truly the best Omaha has to offer. Open 7 nights a week.

KicK bacK, relax & enjoy a three-course dinner for two, only $79 Plus, featured wines & live music in the bar P r i vat e D i N i N g ac c O m m a D t i O N S f r O m 6 t O 7 0 L u N c h & D i N N e r • L i v e m u S i c N i g h t Ly

Cascio’s Steak House 402-345-8313 Since 1946, Cascio’s Steak House has been Omaha’s #1 steakhouse. The Cascio family established high standards

haPPy hOur • haNDcut ageD Ste akS • fre Sh Se afOOD

222 S. 15th Street Omaha, Nebraska 68102 r e s e r va t i o n s 402.342.0077 sullivans.omaha@dfrg.com

Legend (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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of top quality food which is carefully prepared and promptly served by the friendly staff. Minutes south of the old market. The perfect place to hold your entire banquet and party needs Cascio’s has 7 party rooms handling groups of 10-400 people. www.casciossteakhouse.com

The Drover 402-391-7440

2003

2121 S. 73rd Street (just 1/2 block of Doubletree) Famous for the original Whiskey Steak. Truly a one of a kind Midwestern experience. Excellent food, wine, service and value. Rare……..and very well done. Reservations accepted. Lunch: Mon–Fri 11am – 2pm. Cocktail Hour 3-6pm Dinner nightly at 5pm. Reservations accepted. AE,Dc-MC-V $$$

Thank You Omaha From the Rotella Family

Johnny’s Café – Since 1922 402-731-4774 (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 402-341-7040 (Omaha) 415 S. 11th St. (Old Market). Only restaurant featuring complete Prime beef. Open six days a week, Mon.-Sat. 5 p.m.-close. $$-$$$

Hamburger, Hotdog & Sandwich Buns www.rotellasbakery.com 142

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Passport Restaurant 402-344-3200 (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. $-$$

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

Over 750 Single Malts Piccolo’s Restaurant 402-342-9038 (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.

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

Spencers for Steaks and Chops 402-280-8888 102 South 10th Street. Aged, hand cut and seared to perfection. Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops is the ultimate steakhouse restaurant. Featuring USDA prime beef from Stockyards Beef of Chicago, Spencer’s restaurant offers sizzling hot porterhouses, juicy filet mignons and the bone-in ribeye. Located in The Capitol District in Downtown Omaha. spencersforsteakandchops.com/omaha

Sullivan’s Steakhouse 342-0077 (Omaha) 2222 S. 15th St. Sullivan’s is a vibrant neighborhood steakhouse featuring hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood and an award-winning wine list – all served up with unparalleled hospitality. Sullivan’s is located just blocks away from Omaha’s Old Market District. The restaurant features a lively bar, intimate dining room and open patio where guests can enjoy live jazz nightly. The beautiful wine cellar is the perfect setting for private dinners and business presentations.

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Omaha FOOD Story by Linda Persigehl • Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

Jennifer Coco

Flatiron Café

ome chefs recount the genesis of their love of food as holidays spent in the

kitchen with grandma, or summers tending the family garden as a kid. Not so for Jennifer Coco, executive chef at Flatiron Café, 17th & Howard streets. “I’m a child of the ‘70s. A working mom, lots of casseroles and meatloaf.” It was sheer happenstance that she ended up in the profession.

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Daily Lunch Specials from 11-5, starting at $4.99 Please vote Oscar’s Pizza & Sports Grill for Best of Omaha 2012, Best Hot Wings!

Online at

OscarsPizzaAndSportsGrille.com Carry-Out

(402)758-1910

Best of omaha 2011

As a teen growing up in Omaha, Coco got a job bussing tables at The Baking Company. “One day, someone didn’t show up, and they asked me to help out on the line in the kitchen.” A job waiting tables at Spaghetti Works in Lincoln followed; meanwhile, Coco, a college student, had plans to go into law. After graduation, Coco spent a summer in Lake Tahoe working in restaurants. “I worked with an international staff, and saw people and cultures I’d never seen. It really opened doors for me.” Coco returned to Omaha and went to work at Spanna, where she met one of her mentors, Paul Braunschweiler. “Paul ran a very European kitchen…no cutting corners, everything from scratch. He instilled in me very high standards.” Coco went on to spend five years at V. Mertz before she ended up at Flatiron, where she’s been for 14 years. “The Jamrozys, the owners, give me lots of freedom, which is a big reason I’m still here. And we have a small staff that’s been with me all along. They know me…it’s a tight group and I like it that way.” Coco was recently named as a semifinalist for a 2011 James Beard Foundation award, the culinary industry’s top honor, in the “Best Chef: Midwest” category. “This was the fourth year I’ve been up for the award,” Coco said. “It’s a tremendous honor. I’ve had people calling to congratulate me from all over the country.” Coco said her signature dish — Sea bass served with vegetable pot stickers and a cucumber and radish slaw with pickled ginger (“I’ve been working on that recipe for almost 20 years now”) — may be a big draw for business at Flatiron, but it doesn’t cut it at home with her husband and two kids. Neither does Coco’s seared tuna, or a host of other dishes Coco prepares with such precision. “I’m blessed with a picky family,” she jokes. “At home, I make a lot of spaghetti and meatballs, and roasts.”

Every Televised Game!

17330 Lakeside Hills Plaza Omaha, Nebraska

Pasta Amore

LUNCH: Mon.-Fri.: 11a.m.-2p.m. DINNER: Mon.-Sat.: 4:30p.m-Close Private Party Rooms Business Luncheons Catering Rockbrook Village • (108th & Center) (402) 391-2585 • Fax: 391-0910 www.pastaamore.net

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Wine & FOOD Story by John Fischer International Wine & Food Society, Omaha Branch Member & Past President

France vs Napa

few months ago I viewed the 2008 movie Bottle Shock, and it

brought to mind the famous 1976 Paris wine tasting, which was organized by British wine expert, Steven Spurrier. Much liberty was taken in the story telling; however, the crux of the story held true. The film relates events that led up to the famous contest between the wines of France and those of the United States: the “Judgment of Paris in 1976.”

Spurrier, an avid champion of French wines, was surprised by the high quality of California wines and set up a tasting between California and French wines. Of the eleven judges, nine were French. The result of the blind tasting was shocking. The California wines thumped the French. The top red wine was 1973 Stag’s Leap, which beat such notables as 1970 Chateau Haut Brion, and 1970 Chateau Mouton Rothschild. Apparently, the French were unable pick out their wines, or were simply forced to render honest judgment. The results of the tasting were shrouded over by the French press, but made big news in the United States. With little doubt, this vote of confidence galvanized the California wine makers and promoted the expansion of its wine industry. As you might expect, Spurrier was sternly chastised by his French colleagues. I think you will be able to see that distinguishing between a California Cabernet and Bordeaux is more difficult than one might expect. Nevertheless, in evaluating the wines, 146

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there are characteristics to look for. Let’s first start with color. In California, conditions for growing and ripening of the grape are ideal. As any fruit ripens, it accumulates pigment: the green banana turns yellow, and the green apple turns red. The riper the grape, the more pigment density it will develop. California wines are more likely to be darker in color intensity than French wines of the same vintage, as the weather in California is ideal for ripening, and Bordeaux crops often struggles to fully mature. What’s more, a good quality Bordeaux will have a significantly longer life span than a typical California Cabernet and is likely to pick up brown tones at a slower rate than its California counterpart. (Brown tones develop as a wine ages. Look for brown tones at the upper outer rim of a tilted glass of wine.) Grapes, like any other fruit, become sweeter and less tart as they ripen. The sugar in the raw grape juice is turned into alcohol through the fermentation process, but the degree of tartness is unchanged. As California wines have the edge on attaining full ripeness, they will likely be less

tart, and the higher alcohol provides for a richer and fuller body. California wines in general have a shorter longevity and therefore retain more fruit flavors at the expense of non-fruity complexity (such as coffee, mushrooms, truffles etc.). The wines are more up front, bigger, and less subtle than what you would expect to find in Bordeaux. With all of the above clues (in addition to several others not mentioned) you might think that making a judgment would be relatively easy. Unfortunately, there are many crossovers and gray zones that occur in the milieu of the two wine styles. Although many styles can be straight forward, many others are not. Some Cabernet Sauvignons are quite Bordeaux-like and vice versa. This is especially true when evaluating high quality wines. It takes many years of experience to be able to identify even the varietal characteristics of the grape type not to mention its place of origin. As you can see with the “Judgment of Paris in 1976,” even the experts often get stumped, even when national pride is on the line. www.OmahaPublications.com

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