5,000 years of human creativity in art across three buildings. 100 works new to the collection on view. Three outstanding exhibitions. One stunning new building.
Hours: Tue–Sun, 10 am to 4 pm; late until 8 pm on Wed and Thu; closed Mon. The Durham Cafe and The Shop open during regular Museum hours. Free general admission to all, always.
joslyn.org
“spouses to support spouses.
These people are just the beginning of the generosity evident throughout this special issue. Every donation and effort, no matter how small, makes an impact, and we couldn’t be prouder to serve a community so filled with some of the most generous residents in the country.
With gratitude, Kim Carpenter Editor-in-Chief, Omaha Publications kim@omahapublications.com
*Note: The hotel edition of Omaha Magazine has a different cover and does not include all of the editorial content included in the magazine’s full city edition. For more information on our city edition, visit OmahaMagazine.com.
RealEstate Company
RealEstate Company
THE USUAL SUSPECTS
003 From the Editor Omaha Gives
006 Between the Lines
007 Calendar of Events
028 Adventure Omaha Hell Hounds
030 History Eugene Eppley
065 Obviously Omaha Women in Philanthropy
083 Explore!
088 Not Funny Doctor Piaget
ARTS + CULTURE
014 Music Grace Heldridge
016 Sound Art Shaquire Jones
020 Film FourLights Films
022 Video Arthur the Irish Wolfhound
PEOPLE
036 Gen O Sophie Ochoa Zoo Volunteer
054 Profile Amy & Steve Lindsay Kicks for a Cure
044 Sports First Tee's Taylor Sidzyik
GIVING
050 Calendar 048 Spotlight Offutt Enlisted Spouses Club
Listen to the entire issue here. Open the camera on your smart device and hover over the QR code.
Omaha Magazine caught up with Dan Whitney, aka “Larry the Cable Guy,” in June at the Firethorn Golf Club in Lincoln during his annual Git-R-Done Golf Classic. The veteran entertainer opened up about his Git-R-Done Foundation, its charity golf tournament, and the causes he and his wife, Cara, are passionate about supporting.
Photography by Bill Sitzmann Design by Renee Ludwick
The Overlook Cheeseburger & Fries (Boys Town Overlook Café)
THE LINES Between
A LOOK AT THREE OMAHA MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTORS
GREG ECHLIN —Free Lance Sportswriter
No stranger to covering golf’s major championships, Greg Echlin recalled being at the U.S. Open in 1995 on Long Island when a Stanford University amateur named Tiger Woods was in the field. He also covered Nebraska’s biggest golf event ever in 2013 when the Omaha Country Club played host the first time to the U.S. Senior Open. Thinking back, if only Mutual of Omaha-sponsored Fred Funk could have won instead of finishing runner-up! Greg also covers grassroots stories that hit close to home and, in June, was awarded first place by the Public Media Journalists Association (PMJA) for the “Best Sports Feature” among cities of comparable market size on a 2023 baseball story. Greg is based in Kansas City, but when he’s not covering the Chiefs in the Super Bowl as he did last February for nine days in Las Vegas, he continues to make trips to Omaha for some of the city’s biggest sports events. He counts himself as a fan of Omaha.
BELLA MCATEE Content Creator
Omaha Magazine content creator and self-declared “Coolest Person in the Office,” Isabella McAtee is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, but has grown up in Omaha. She attends the University of Nebraska Omaha studying Journalism with a concentration in Emerging Media and a Theatre minor. As content creator, she started the Omaha Magazine TikTok account (@omahamagazine). When she isn’t filming around Omaha and in the office, she spends her free time going to every cute coffee shop in the metro, watching movies so she can write a Letterboxd review, hitting up a farmers market or thrift store, and cooking to a Bossa Nova playlist. If you don’t think Isabella is busy enough, she also has her own freelance photography business. She has loved spending her “Brat Summer” being the editorial intern for Omaha Magazine and is excited to keep working at the publication. If you’ve read this far and don’t follow our TikTok, first of all, that’s awkward… and second of all, go follow right now or she will rage!
HOLLY MCATEE · CHRISTOPHER MCLUCAS · KARA SCHWEISS
WESSELMANN
BIRDSALL
Executive
Distribution
STAY IN THE KNOMAHA!
The metro is jam packed with tons do—art, concerts, theater, festivals—we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive list and highlighted picks!
COMPILED BY ISABELLA MCATEE
Music Art Family
CAGE THE ELEPHANT: NEON PILL TOUR
CHI Health Center
September 16, 6:30 pm 455 N 10th St. chihealthcenteromaha.com
The widely-known Grammy-winning rock ensemble from Kentucky, Cage The Elephant, will light up the CHI Center celebrating their new album “Neon Pill” this month. The band has been on the rise since their formation in 2006. They have racked up Grammy Awards for “Best Rock Album” for “Tell Me I’m Pretty” and “Social Cues,” had songs included in hit soundtracks, and are hitting over 5 billion streams. Their success has been built upon their familial and long-term foundation, with brothers, lead vocalist Matthew Shultz and rhythm guitarist Brad Shultz, tracing the group’s origins to high school. The band utilizes their art as a therapeutic outlet from staggering riff s to intense hooks. After a five-year creative hiatus, they returned to the scene with “Neon Pill.” Matthew Shultz said the group “found a uniqueness in simply existing” through making the album. Don’t miss a chance to exist within the uniqueness of Cage The Elephant. 402.341.1500
THE JOSLYN REOPENING
Joslyn Art Museum
September 10, 1 pm 2200 Dodge St. joslyn.org
The wait is fi nally over to get your art fi x from The Joslyn. Th is long-awaited reopening showcases the work from their two-year construction and renovation sequence, bringing to light 100 fresh works, four diverse exhibitions, and an additional building. While revamping the spaces they already have, the new addition, the highly-anticipated Hawks Pavilion, was the centerpiece of this construction project. The building combines new and old by connecting the original 1931 structure to the 1994 addition. It will increase the museum’s space by 40% while bringing accessible artwork to the public. The Joslyn’s website describes the building as being “weightless” and reminiscent of the fluff y clouds above the Great Plains. It is not only inspired by nature but also surrounded by sculpture gardens built across the entire site to tie the buildings together visually. Go witness “Your Museum, reimagined.” 402.342.3300
BECOMING JANE: THE EVOLUTION OF DR.
JANE GOODALL
The Durham Museum Through October 13 801 S 10th St. durhammuseum.org
Renowned English primatologist and anthropologist, Dr. Jane Goodall, has dedicated over six decades to studying the intricate social dynamics of wild chimpanzees, earning her the esteemed title of the world's foremost expert on these creatures. She is known primarily for her 1960 discovery that chimpanzees both create and utilize tools. She also impacted the scientific community by keeping a standard for ethics and prioritizing the safety of the animals throughout her studies.
The Durham’s captivating multimedia exhibition pays homage to Dr. Goodall's remarkable life and groundbreaking work. It has many must-see features, including a life-size hologram of Dr. Goodall, projections of Gombe Stream National Park, a multimedia presentation on the early life of Dr. Goodall, a replica of her research tent, and real artifacts from her life. “Becoming Jane” will allow visitors to take a step into the life of the brilliant 20th-century conservationist and gain a fi rsthand understanding of her tireless dedication to conservation. 402.444.5071
A N R
» Exhibitions « RAVEN HALFMOON: FLAGS OF OUR MOTHERS
rough September 15 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S 12th St. Th is exhibition showcases a curated selection of both new and borrowed works spanning the past fi ve years, off ering a unique glimpse into Raven Halfmoon's evolving creative exploration. Halfmoon's artistic practice encompasses a range of stoneware sculptures, from torso-scaled to colossal-sized pieces, some reaching heights of nine feet and weighing over 800 pounds. Drawing inspiration from ancient Indigenous pottery, Moai statues, and land art, Halfmoon delves into the intricate interplay among tradition, history, gender, and personal narrative. 402.341.7130 —bemiscenter.org
EVENTS
PAUL STEPHEN BENJAMIN: BLACK OF NIGHT
rough September 15 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S 12th St. Discover "Black of Night," an exhibition by artist Paul Stephen Benjamin featuring new and recent video installations, paintings, text-based works, and sculptures. Th is collection serves as a conceptual exploration of identity, race, and patriotism, with a particular focus on the connotations of the color black in society. Benjamin skillfully weaves together history, text, imagery, and sound from popular culture to engage in a dialogue about the absence and presence of color. Th rough his thought-provoking work, Benjamin invites viewers to join him in an ongoing investigation of blackness. 402.341.7130
—bemiscenter.org
A BALM IN QUIET BEAT BY JORDAN ACKER ANDERSON
rough September 19 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Lauritzen Gardens presents an exhibition by artist Jordan Acker Anderson, featuring new paintings inspired by the botanical wonders found within the gardens. Anderson's work is a reflection of her unique style, characterized by abstract symbolism, repetitive mark-making, and vibrant colors. Each painting serves as a visual meditation on themes of impermanence, our relationship with cyclical time, and the profound connection we share with nature. 402.346.4002
—lauritzengardens.org
POSTHUMOUS COMMENTARY BY GABRIELLA QUIROZ
rough September 19 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Experience a new collection of artworks by Nebraska-based artist Gabriella Quiroz, showcasing symbolic depictions of flora and fauna brought to life through oil paints and colored pencils. Quiroz's pieces are rich with symbolic imagery, inviting viewers into a world where nature's beauty is vividly portrayed. 402.346.4002 —lauritzengardens.org
Concerts
KING GIZZARD AND THE LIZARD WIZARD
September 6, 7 pm, at Astro Amphitheater, 8302 City Centre Dr. Australian psychedelic rock band, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, is coming to Omaha to stir up Astro Amphitheater. They are known to be incredibly hardworking, having released 25 albums each fi lled with their bold rock sound. They take inspiration from Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, and more to create their original sound. While they could never fit 25 albums into a setlist, the audience will get their favorites and some surprises that were written between the lines of works. 531.283.5212
—theastrotheater.com
GARY CLARK JR.
September 9, 7 pm, at Astro Amphitheater, 8302 City Centre Dr. Praised by The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, and Alicia Keys, as well as performing in the 2018 "American Idol" fi nale, Gary Clark Jr. is defi nitely a stage presence with whom to be reckoned. Th is year, he is taking his talents on tour to share his newest work, “JPEG RAW,” his sixth and largest album. Hear how he distorts chords, sings with soul, and brings the stage to life. 531.283.5212
—theastrotheater.com
AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER IN CONCERT
September 11, 7 pm, at Orpheum eater, 409 S 16th St. Th e epic tale of “Avatar: Th e Last Airbender” will come to life through this live orchestra concert at The Orpheum Theater. For the fi rst time, fans can rewatch the memorable moments from the show on the big screen while being immersed in the soundtrack, all thanks to Emmy award-winning composer and musician Jeremy Zuckerman. Take a once in a lifetime trip through the four nations. 402.661.8501
—ticketomaha.com
SOFT KILL
September 12, 8 pm, at Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. Lead by Tobias Grave, the Chicago-born punk band, Soft Kill, will bring The Slowdown up to their speed. They are able to turn hard subjects of addiction and loss into emotionally deep yet rhythmically upbeat works of art. They have 11 albums from 2011 onward, with “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City” being a 2020 Billboard chart topper. Come early to catch openers Béton Armé, Concrete Elite, and Nocturnal Prose. 402.345.7569
—theslowdown.com
CROWDED HOUSE: GRAVITY STAIRS TOUR
September 13, 7 pm, at Astro Amphitheater, 8302 City Centre Dr. Since their 1986 debut which led to them going platinum, Crowded House has been world-renowned. Their songs have been covered by Miley Cyrus, U2, Ariana Grande, and more. For four decades, the band has sold out cross-continental tours, sold over 15 million records worldwide, been awarded an MTV VMA, a Brit Award, and 13 Australian ARIA awards. The tour focuses on their newest album, which is about the struggle of going through life being weighed down. 531.283.5212 —theastrotheater.com
JOYWAVE
September 18, 8 pm, at Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. Bringing out their fourth studio album “Cleanse” since their last one was released in 2020, Joywave is fi nally hitting the road to share their art. The new album was born from the fearful uncertainty of the pandemic and encapsulates all the angst, unrest, and desire they felt through lockdown. Catch their opener, HUNNY, the Northern LA group who is known for hit songs such as “Cry For Me.” 402.345.7569 —theslowdown.com
ZIGGY ALBERTS
September 18, 8 pm, at e Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. The Australian-born singer-songwriter, Ziggy Alberts, most known for his fi rst studio album “Laps Around the Sun,” will be coming to The Waiting Room stage. In November of 2018, he hit number 2 on the charts of the ARIA charts for Australian Artist Albums because of his studio album success. The tour, the 2024 NEW LOVE WORLD TOUR, gives fans a look into his work and anticipation for something new. 402.884.5353 —waitingroomlounge.com
MOTHER MOTHER
September 20, 8 pm, at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. Known as Canada’s most popular alternative rock band, Mother Mother will be coming down to America to support their most recent album “Grief Chapter.” The band is widely known for going viral on TikTok amidst the pandemic in late 2020 which caused an incredible increase in streams and fans. With the tour only features 16 dates, Omaha’s stop is not one to miss. 402.345.0606 —steelhouseomaha.com
TAO PLAYS RHAPSODY IN BLUE
September 20 & 21, 7:30 pm, at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Th is program highlights Leonard Bernstein’s “Symphonic Dances” from “West Side Story” and “Symphony No. 1” by William Grant Still and features renowned pianist and composer Conrad Tao. Tao will perform a number of his own pieces accompanied by Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” in celebration of its 100th anniversary. New York Magazine called Tao “the future of classical music” in reference to his many awards, titles, and the mark he leaves on a stage. 402.345.0202 —ticketomaha.com
BUILT TO SPILL
September 21, 8 pm, at e Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Having three of their albums placed within the top 50 of Pitchfork’s Top 100 Albums of the 1990s list, the indie rock group from Boise, Idaho, has stayed active yet changing since their creation. They center around lead vocalist and guitarist Doug Martsch, who is the only band member who has consistently been in the group. They have made nine full albums since their founding and are hitting the road for their “There’s Nothing Wrong With Love 30th Anniversary Tour.” 402.884.5353
—waitingroomlounge.com
NOAH FLOERSCH
September 21, 8 pm, at Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. Born and raised in Omaha, Noah Floersch is coming back to the heartland with his fi rst tour. His journey goes back to middle school when he decided to start writing and learning chords. Floersch continued to tinker musically, releasing on SoundCloud in high school, then getting on Spotify in college where he gained traction. He subsequently moved to Nashville, where he told the Nashville Voyager that he is “storytelling as honestly and authentically as possible.” See an Omaha-grown artist tell his story onstage.
402.345.7569
—theslowdown.com
THE HOLDUP: I OWE THE IRS 60K DOLLARS: THE TOUR
September 23, 8 pm, at Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. Stylistically inspired by reggae, hip-hop, and R&B, this groovy pop performer brings in over 150 million streams worldwide and frequently sells out mainstay stages. A one-man force in the studio who writes, produces, and performs everything you will hear live, The Holdup’s concoction of genres and inspirations gives him his own brand of sound. His tour is in support of his newest album “I Owe The IRS 60k Dollars.”
402.345.7569
—theslowdown.com
DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL
September 24, 7 pm, at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. Since 1999, the Florida-born rock band has had nine studio albums produced and has won the MTV2 award at the MTV VMAs. Additionally, both “Heatseekers” and “Top Independent Albums” climbed to the number one album spot on the Billboard charts. They have been included on motion picture soundtracks, sold out major tours, performed at festivals, and now they are touring with their 2022 album and re-recordings of classic hits. 402.345.0606
—steelhouseomaha.com
RIVAL SONS & CLUTCH: THE TWO-HEADED BEAST TOUR
September 24, 7 pm, at Astro Amphitheater, 8302 City Centre Dr. Omaha rock fans are getting the chance to see Rival Sons and Clutch kick it onstage as a two-headed beast. The co-headlining tour will feature each band’s most celebrated album. For Clutch, it’s “Blast Tyrant” and “Great Western Valkyrie” for Rival Sons. Th e two alternative rock ensembles have shared fan bases, and this tour is an opportunity to bring them together. With Omaha being one of the 23 stops on the duo’s tour, you won’t want to miss it. 531.283.5212
—theastrotheater.com
FOR KING + COUNTRY: UNSUNG HERO TOUR
September 27, 7 pm, at CHI Health Center, 455 N 10th St. Th e Grammy-winning Christian rock brothers who have collaborated with Dolly Parton, Tori Kelly, and Lecrae, among others hope, to see you in the audience for their celebratory tour. The performance is to share the soundtrack of the movie they made about their mother, “Unsung Hero,” which debuted via Lionsgate this April. The duo revealed that the movie was based upon the music and their story. Now that you’ve seen the fi lm, go see the inspiration. 402.341.1500
—chihealthcenteromaha.com
ROBERT GLASPER
September 27, 7:30 pm, at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Having fi ve Grammy Awards, an Emmy, and a Peabody to his name, Robert Glasper is a well-known name. His breakout album “Black Radio” put him on the map and inspired his Black Radio series, which he believes to be his calling. He has been featured on soundtracks, played keys for Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp a Butterfl y” album, composed scores, and co-written and produced albums for artists such as Mac Miller. Now on “Black Radio III,” Glasper is still at it. 402.345.0202
—ticketomaha.com
QUINN
XCII: ALL YOU CAN EAT TOUR
September 30, 8 pm, at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. Th is year Quinn XCII enters a new era with three new EP’s titled “Breakfast,” “Lunch,” and “Dinner.” The collection of projects lives in a unique world centered around his alter-ego Mustard Mike, a fi ctional character who is a restaurant owner and chef known for his humor and sarcastic manner. 402.345.0606 —steelhouseomaha.com
STAGE PERFORMANCES
KILLERS OF KILL TONY
September 7, 7 pm, at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. The number one live podcast in the world, “Kill Tony,” is bringing fan favorite comedians that killed it on the podcast to one punchline-packed setlist for “Killers of Kill Tony.” The lineup includes Kam Patterson, David Lucas, Hans Kim, David Jolly, and Jessie ‘Jetski’ Johnson. See them all take the stage to do longer versions of their standup bits and riff off of one another and the audience. 402.345.0202 —ticketomaha.com
DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE MUSICAL
September 6-22 at e Rose eater, 2001 Farnam St. Watch the pages of Jeff Kinney’s 290 billion-copy selling graphic novels come to life. First a book series, then a movie franchise, and now a musical performance, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” tells the witty and comedic story of Greg Heffley’s journey through the middle-school food chain. See familiar characters Rodrick, Rowley, Patty, Chirag, Fregley, and more take the stage. Grab a ticket for this musical, but be wary of those with the cheese touch! 402.345.4849 —rosetheater.org
JERSEY BOYS
rough October 13 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. The jukebox musical story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, which won the Tony award for Best Musical, a Grammy, and an Olivier award, will be making its regional premiere. See the boys' highs and lows in this rollercoaster telling of the band whose music left a mark on an entire generation. Featuring well-known hits such as “Sherry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Rag Doll,” and more. 402.553.0800 —omahaplayhouse.com
ASHLEY GAVIN
September 13th & 14th at e Funny Bone, 17305 Davenport St. Best known for her viral crowd work stand-up clips on TikTok and chart-topping podcast, Ashley Gavin is making her way down to The Funny Bone for two nights of shows. The New York-based comedian has also been featured on “Netfl ix is a Joke,” Comedy Central, Hulu, and was Carnival Cruiseline’s fi rst ever openly queer comedian. Bring your friends for this 21 and up show fi lled with authentic audience engagement and improvised bits. 402.493.8036
—omaha.funnybone.com
JOE PERA
September 21, 8 pm, at e Admiral, 2234 S 13th St. The multitalented Joe Pera is bringing his humor to you with the PERAs tour. Pera has done podcasting, multiple projects with the “Adult Swim” broadcast, appeared on the hit adult cartoon “Bob’s Burgers,” and is selling out seats for this stand-up tour. He takes mundane, everyday encounters and brings to light their awkwardness with subtle delivery that grants booming laughs. Catch the New York native in Omaha at The Admiral. 402.345.7569 —admiralomaha.com
BRINCOS DIERAS
September 18, 8 pm, at Orpheum eater, 409 S 16th St. Known to be “the most irreverent clown in all of Latin America,” Brincos Dieras will be at The Orpheum clad in his trademark makeup and accompanied by Kevyn Contreras, another face of the comedic genre known as the “Two Tone Comedian” for his blue-and-red look. The shows, performed in Spanish, are always unique, ever so engaging, and for the whole family. Catch the international sensation from El Paso, Texas. 402.661.8501 —ticketomaha.com
PETE LEE
September 27th & 28th at e Funny Bone, 17305 Davenport St. The fi rst comedian to earn a standing ovation on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” is coming to Omaha to hear your applause. Lee’s humor stems from his Midwestern roots in Janesville, WI. Since his New York debut in 2005, Lee has been everywhere from Comedy Central, CBS, and NBC to the NFL Network’s Top 10. Recently, he started a new podcast called “Snugglestorm,” where he sits down with LA comics and riff s. 402.493.8036 —omaha.funnybone.com
SYMPHONY OF ILLUSIONS WITH MICHAEL GRANDINETTI
September 28 & 29 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. A truly magical musical show is coming to the Holland stage. Master illusionist Michael Grandinetti will perform live magic while the Omaha Symphony plays a mystical selection of songs. The orchestral lineup includes hits by John Williams, known for composing works for “Star Wars” and “Harry Potter,” Alan Silvestri of “Back to the Future,” Stravinsky, and more smashing compositions. Be fully immersed within magic with this oneof-a-kind experience. 402.345.0202
—ticketomaha.com
DANE COOK: FRESH NEW FLAVOR
September 29, 7:30 pm, at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. Dane Cook is at it again with another comedy album tour. He is the star of 42 fi lms, an occasional TV actor, and a well-celebrated comedian. After making the highest charting comedy album and going platinum, he has made a name for himself as a trailblazer in the comedy scene. For his new tour “Fresh New Flavor,” see what Dane has been cooking comedically. 402.345.0606
—steelhouseomaha.com
FAMILY, FESTIVALS, & MORE
AFRO FEST OMAHA
September 1, 2 pm, at Heartland of America Park at e Riverfront, 800 Douglas St. In the midwest, there is no compatible celebration of African and Afro-diasporic cultures to Afro Fest Omaha. Come to get a taste of the live music, authentic cuisine, arts and crafts, dance, and family activities, and leave impacted by the community presence. The event highlights 40 small businesses, from clothing and jewelry to food and drinks, all being unique in their craft. Also featuring youth educational opportunities, Afro Fest is the place to be in Omaha.
—afromaha.com
6TH ANNUAL SHADOW RIDGE MUSIC FESTIVAL
September 6, 5 pm, at Shadow Ridge Country Club, 1501 S 188th Plaza. The Shadow Ridge Music Festival is West Omaha’s biggest annual outdoor music showcase. Th is year’s festival will highlight O.A.R, Big Head Todd & the Monsters, Freddy Jones Band, and The Nadas. O.A.R. (Of a Revolution) is the headliner of the event. They have sold out shows at Madison Square Garden, released 10 studio albums, and have hits on the Billboard charts. Catch them and the rest of the festival lineup at this show, which will have guests of all ages jamming out. 402.333.4020 —shadowridgecountryclub.com
TACOBERFEST
September 6 & 7, at Scriptown Brewing, 3922 Farnam St. Every September in the Blackstone District, Scriptown Brewing brings a mixture of German and Latino traditions together in this culture-combining festival, which features beer, margaritas, live performed polka and mariachi, MULA tacos, pretzels, and the signature Guten taco. Come for the tacos and stay for the incredible atmosphere. Bring your friends and family to experience it all just before the kickoff of Hispanic Heritage month. 402.991.0506 —scriptownbrewing.com
NIGHT SKIES AT LAURITZEN
September 7, 8 pm, at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Astronomical enthusiasts and amateurs alike will come together at Lauritzen Gardens for a night of gazing at the stars amidst the greenery. Take a tram ride through the gardens all the way to the rose garden where participants will use the Omaha Astronomical Society’s telescopes to view planets, stars, moons, and other deep space objects. Don’t miss a night under the stars to learn and experience Omaha’s botanical gardens like never before. 402.346.4002 —lauritzengardens.org
THE RANCH OF TERROR
rough October 31st at Bellevue Berry Farm & Pumpkin Patch, 11001 S 48th St. After 35 years, Nebraska’s longest-running haunted attraction is ready for another season of screams and surprises. Take a walk through their eerie haunted house, wander through the ghost town, stop by the zombie jail, and ride the “DARKNESS” haunted hayrack ride—if you feel brave. The hayrack ride features 20 plus acres of frights from experienced actors and professionals. If you get too scared, you can spend some time in the harvest barn or grab some food. 402.331.5500 —bellevueberryfarm.com
DINNER, DRINKS, AND DRAG
September 12th, 7:30 pm, at e Funny Bone, 17305 Davenport St. Enjoy The Funny Bone’s full drink and dinner menu while you watch some of the midwest’s most iconic divas and macho king entertainers lip sync and dance to hit songs. Drag has now hit the mainstream and is known for competitive shows like "RuPaul’s Drag Race" and being the destination for bachelorette and birthday parties alike. Make it a group aff air and bring your friends along for this extravagant ride. Nighttime entertainment has never been this fabulous nor slayed this hard. 402.493.8036 —omaha.funnybone.com
OSC CORNHOLE CLASSIC
September 14, 11 am, at e Blackstone District, 36th & Farnam St. Th e second annual OSC Cornhole Classic is upon us. Th is rain or shine event will be a battle of the best cornhole players and also those attending for the incredible food, beer, live music, football, and more. Register your dream team for only $45 and receive one drink ticket per player. It’s double elimination, so get your training on and be ready to give it your all. —omahasports.org
FAMILY WILD DAYS
September 14th, 10 am, at Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N. Join your kiddos for a day camp at Camp Brewster! Held at the newly renovated Camp Brewster Lodge, Family Wild Days is your opportunity to have fun with crafts, nature, friendly competition, hiking, and a scavenger hunt with the whole clan. At the end of the festivities, enjoy some hot dogs and s’mores by the fi re while you make those lifelong memories with your kids. 402.731.3140 —fontenelleforest.org
PUSS IN BOOTS PRESENTS: SHREKTEMBERFEST
September 20-22 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S 20th St. Bring the little ones to the Omaha Children’s Museum to experience the magic of Fairytale Land from the hit movie “Shrek.” You can expect thrilling science shows, themed crafts and activities, colorful displays, possible character appearances, and more at Puss in Boots’ fi rst ever Shrektemberfest. A part of OCM’s Family Fun Weekend series, the three-day extravaganza is sponsored by Runza and Oriental Trading Company. 402.342.6164 —ocm.org
2024 BRIDAL & WEDDING EXPO
September 22, 1 pm, at CHI Health Center, 455 N 10th St. Now that you have said “yes,” your bridal journey has just barely begun. Known to be the largest reoccurring consistent bridal show in America, The Nebraska Bridal & Wedding Expo is your place to get in contact with wedding experts. Find your dream gown, venue, officiant, photographer, caterer, florist, and more. Grab your bridesmaids, family, friends, and fi ancé for free food, music, giveaway prizes, and a day of exploring wedding possibilities. All with free admission if you register online. 402.341.1500 —chihealthcenteromaha.com
JUNKSTOCK: HARVEST EDITION
September 27-29 at CHI Health Center, 455 N 10th St. After the Waterloo tornado earlier this year, Junkstock crew and the community came together to quickly rebuild and still have Junkstock Spring Edition. Now, they invite the community to come back down for Junkstock Harvest Edition. Be welcomed by a giant pumpkin house, hop on a hayrack ride, shop local and vintage, and eat some fall treats—all while grooving to live music with the family. New this year: order your tickets online for a free $5 event voucher! 402.819.9002
—junkstock.com
OMAHA WHISKEY FEST
September 28, 1 pm, at Hilton Omaha, 1001 Cass St. Grab a friend and a glass—‘tis the season for Omaha Whiskey Fest. Taste over 400 samples from 65 brands, learn about the creation and history, have cigar lounge access, be gifted a swag bag and custom glassware, and get connected to a whiskey-loving community. Splurge on a VIP pass to receive even more. Hosted at the Hilton, room packages are available to make a night out of Whiskey Fest and stay safely off the roads after the event.
—omahawiskeyfest.com
THE DINNER DETECTIVE OMAHA
rough September 28 at Double Tree Omaha Southwest, 3650 S 72nd St. The award-winning, largest, and most unique murder mystery dinner show in America, The Dinner Detective is the perfect night out. What makes this show stand out is it has no tacky costumes, unwanted song and dance, or robotically recited monologues, and is set in present day. Every guest is a suspect and everyone is wondering who is an actor and who is an attendee until someone is killed. Help solve the case and catch the thrill of being the top sleuth. 866.496.0535
—thedinnerdetective.com
Excepti “Everything
Mezzo-soprano and Omaha native Grace Heldridge has an aura befitting her name grace abounds in both appearance and talent.
The 25-year-old now finds herself in Berlin, Germany, as of August 2024.
“My family went to St. Peter’s Church downtown growing up, so I joined choir there in sixth grade, and then really wanted to start taking voice lessons,” Heldridge recalled. “My mom asked our choir director at our church if I could take [lessons] with his wife, who was an opera singer. That’s where I got my start with [singing]. I also grew up dancing I did ballet and played piano as well.”
“My role is to basically work on her vocal technique and continue to guide her as her voice matures operatically,” Folsom explained. “It’s a very intense relationship at times because you’re teaching and mentoring and guiding a young artist based on what you think may be right for their next steps.”
In February, Heldridge was presented with the opportunity to travel to Berlin for the audition cycle, a new experience for her. “It was a two-round process,” she recounted. “I did an initial audition for them where I sang my arias, and they also asked for a monologue. Then, the second round was on stage at the opera house, which was super cool. After that, I did an interview with the artistic staff there, and the next week, I found out I got the job!”
Having taken German classes during her undergraduate studies, Heldridge is familiar with the native language of the land that sets the stage for her new adventure. “Opera students are typically
Mezzo-Soprano Grace Heldridge Takes Berlin
A&C MUSIC // STORY BY CLAUDIA MOOMEY // PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE // DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK
This solid musical foundation led to early confidence in terms of her eventual career path, that of a mezzo-soprano, or a female opera singer with the second highest voice type. Heldridge’s vocal range is slightly lower than a soprano and moderately higher than an alto. “I decided in eighth grade that I wanted to be an opera singer,” she shared. “I did a little solo at church and was like, ‘Oh I love this so much, I want to do this forever.’ From that moment on, I was set on it, and I never stopped wanting to do it.”
Armed with passion and a never-give-up attitude, Heldridge attended the University of Kansas to obtain her undergraduate degree, then swiftly transitioned to the Boston Conservatory at Berklee for her master’s.
“I’ve been teaching Grace for three years,” said Rebecca Folsom, professor of voice at the Boston Conservatory. “I first heard her in the Spring of 2021 and was immediately impressed with her vocal abilities and her level of intelligence.”
Under Folsom's tutelage, Heldridge has completed her Performance Study certificate and her lush lower registers and lustrous tone quality has graced prominent operatic programs, such as the Seagle Music Festival in the Adirondack region of upstate New York.
That relationship has clearly paid off; years of training allowed Heldridge to travel to Berlin to audition for the Komische Oper Berlin the Berlin Comic Opera which is located on the glamorous Unter den Linden thoroughfare of the German capital and dates back to the late nineteenth century. A modern addition to the opera house features a neon hashtag that reads “#allesaußergewöhnlich,” or “everything exceptional,” a nod to the innovative and cutting-edge performances that take place on the Komische Oper’s stage.
“Last season, I think I did about 35 auditions,” Heldridge recalled. “There’s an online place called ‘Young Artists program tracker,’ where all the companies in the US and around the world list their auditions…so you just apply for different companies and Young Artist programs, and it’s just the way to get started.”
With only one spot open per voice type, Heldridge put her vocal talent up against hundreds of other performers. “It’s been a huge career goal of mine to work in Europe, especially Germany, because I’ve heard incredible things about it, and it’s where so much of this music that I sing was created, which is so cool,” Heldridge said.
required to take language courses in Italian, German, and French,” Heldridge explained. “We also take diction courses in Italian, German, French, English, and often Czech and Russian, in which we learn to speak and sing with authentic pronunciation.” Continuing to hone her German language skills, Heldridge is aiming to master the language.
The mezzo-soprano will spend two years in Berlin for the program, but is optimistic about extending that time. “I’ve always wanted to sing there, so if it works out well, I might stay,” she shared.
Folsom also looks forward to Heldridge’s future as an opera performer.
“Grace is very strong mentally and has the ability to persevere; you have to be able to take lot of criticism,” she explained. “But she is also a sensitive person, which is very important in being able to bring different characters to life. She can take a concept and run with it.
“I’m really proud of her and all she’s accomplished,” Folsom beamed. “She’s definitely deserving of this career and has a great chance.”
To learn more and watch videos of Grace Heldridge performing, visit graceheldridge.com.
Confidence Man
A/C Sound Art
Confidence, Man
STORY BY CHRISTOPHER MCLUCAS // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK
Shaquire Jones Sound Artist
TThe Union for Contemporary Art, located along Omaha’s storied N 24th Street, was once known as The Blue Lion Building. I used to get my hair cut there after Youngbloods closed. To see your city change over time can be frightening. What can alleviate that fear is meeting the people who are leading the change. Shaquire Jones, who curates experiences through performing arts, is a current fellow at the Union. When we sat down for our interview, the pitter-patter of raindrops became a metronome for our conversation.
“I want people to know my names,” Jones said. “Recently, I created an alias, ‘Scottie Pigeon,’ a DJ persona I’m super proud of. I want people to know I’m a hard-working individual, and I believe in everything I do. I wouldn't do it if I didn't care. I believe in myself, and I believe in the product and the product is me. That’s the exhibition of my life right now.”
The communal space that Union artists share connects their lofts as a hub; it’s equipped with a kitchen, dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer to help facilitate daily chores. Other fellows walked through with soft footsteps and head nods of forgiveness for their perceived intrusion on this interview.
A multi-disciplinary artist who explores dance, music, and culture, Jones is intentional in his representation of and for Black men within the performing arts. While a student at Lincoln University of Missouri, one of the oldest historically Black college and universities in the US, he was both a choreographer and the lead for the school’s dance troupe. After graduating and returning to Omaha in 2017, he helped to establish and lead the AP’s Legacy Dance Studio, a performance-based dance organization. Other roles include serving as lead choreographer for the Omaha Beautillion, a formal and traditional rite of passage from adolescence into young adulthood for high school male seniors in the Omaha area, regularly performing with Omaha Performing Arts and Opera Omaha, being a company dancer with the TBD Dance Collective, and volunteering his time with the KUUMBA Dance Troupe at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
An award-nominated DJ, Jones has worked with multiple organizations, including Juneteenth Joyfest, Kiewit Luminarium, the College World Series, and Google. As if all this hasn't keep him busy enough, Jones’ “day job” sees him in his role as the Traveling Exhibits Coordinator for the Omaha Children’s Museum.
“There’s no opinion of my art that can affect my art. I strive to complete who I am, my limitations are perceived as, ‘I don't have this right now, but I will get there.’ The things I overcome become statistics. I say to myself, ‘This will be another thing you’ve done; what makes you believe you can’t do this?’”
Barry Thomas, the director of Equity & Diversity for Omaha Public Schools, is an Omega Psi Phi fraternity brother and mentor to Jones. Thomas has a rich history with him and a collaborative future as a peer and a fellow Omega.
“Shaquire is nothing like anyone in his generation. By giving him your attention, you will know about parts of Omaha you didn’t know existed,” Thomas said. “He's not connected Shaquire is braided into not only Omaha, but the country as well. If I wanted to do something different, I would call Shaquire.”
The soft drumbeat of rain had picked up and become a storm, but that didn’t worry two midwesterners. We paused for a time and listened to the plunking of hail, the powerful gusts of wind, and watched the sun rays that streamed through the windows fade from the floor.
“Coming up in a diverse background made me know what kind of experience I was looking for,” Jones reflected. “I want to be a dynamic thinker to be of value and my collegiate experience at an HBCU allowed me to be around and gather like-minded people. Once you find your way, you don't feel like you’re searching for something anymore. You’re where you’re supposed to be, heading in the direction you want and moving at your own pace.”
Thomas' excitement when talking about Jones spills out of the speaker. I feel lucky that we didn't decide to video chat I don't know what the excitement and energy would have done to my phone.
“By opening the different arteries of his life, people will see the extraordinary way he lives and will be motivated by him,” Thomas said. “Shaquire is helping the people of Omaha to see the silos that they exist in. He reminds us that it is up to us to dismantle them and rebuild institutions where we care for and respect one another.”
The rain and wind had passed, along with the darkness of the storm. The only rumblings were the dishwasher and the murmured discussions of the Union offices below. Jones' energy mimicked the storm; he has a flow but no cadence for what he does. He’s only predictable in the beginning, and when he starts, you must decide if you’ll wait the storm out or walk through it.
“I want people to know life is precious. Living in the moment is as important as reflecting on what life has brought to you,” he said. “We are where we are unmistakably. By accepting this, we’ll cherish what we have and what we’ve done thus far. While knowing we are not what we have done, a person can be and do anything they want.”
Follow Shaquire Jones on Instagram at shaquiret.jones.
“I want people to know life is precious. Living in the moment is as important as reflecting on what life has brought to you.”
Conversations Through Performance
theater play became the impetus of a film, which became the impetus of a production company for four people trying to shine the lights on vulnerable populations: those with depression, those who are LGBTQ+, and more.
The project is the brainchild of Katie, or K., Evans (she/they). Evans graduated in May 2022 with a BFA in theater from Nebraska Wesleyan University. One of her final plays was titled “Dancing with Georgia.”
The work centers on Kasper Hart, a musician who returns to their small hometown on the five-year anniversary of the suicide of their first love. The show also covers sensitive topics such as violence, abortion, and sexual assault.
The resulting script created a controversy among the student body, especially after some of the darker parts of the script were leaked.
Evans said the script was never censured, but at one point, she rewrote part of the piece, as it wasn’t quite right.
“In the original draft, the ending was different than the one that went on stage. That was a choice I made because it was more impactful,” she said.
One actor after another became concerned about the writing, and, in the end, the entire cast changed hands.
“The result ended up being something not quite as bleak as the original script. I think it was overall quite well-received,” said Jay Chipman, Ph.D., professor of communication/theater and theater department chair at Nebraska Wesleyan.
The success of the play was fulfilling to Evans, allowing her to leave college on a high note.
“These dark parts reached people and that was the point,” Evans said. “So, when it was over, a lot of us in the show felt empty in a way.”
Evans found a way to fill the void during a walk around the lake with her friend, and the play’s director, Sydney Nethercot, near graduation. Nethercot asked, “Why don’t you make a movie?” At that point, she realized this story was meant to be bigger, to be seen on screen.
“For me personally, the controversy of the whole thing was difficult,” Evans said. “It made it more important to me, and it made me want to tell it. They were feelings that I had written, and it was dehumanizing for me as a person. I immediately thought, ‘Why don’t we just do it again on film?’”
Evans and fellow actors Cameron James, Jack Liegl, and Cartney McGuigan were available to reprise their stage roles on screen. Isa Luzarraga was brought in to portray Stevie, as the original actor had since moved out-of-state. Nethercot ended up not being part of the film.
It was the crew, however, that became part of the longer-term project known as FourLights Films.
Peyton Savington had been in theater with Evans during her senior year and was brought on as director for that first film. Savington brought in her significant other of three years, Daniel Cole, as production assistant.
The fourth member of the team is Ian Zabel, an actor and friend of Evans. He was brought on as the director of photography. Like Evans and the others, he knew nothing about filmmaking, but dove in
headfirst and has discovered a passion for the medium. In fact, the entire group discovered a new creative passion.
“After that movie, we realized we all really liked it,” Evans said. “And so we started with another one. And we just decided it was worth all getting together and trying to figure it out as we went along the way.”
That’s when Evans created FourLights Films. The production company’s mission is to focus on sensitive subjects such as those featured in “Dancing in Georgia.” Their tagline is “No Filter, No Hiding, No Shame.”
Their second feature, “I21,” premiered in late May and has two versions. The plot centers on a young person who is frustrated, but determined, after the disappearance of some close friends on their 21st birthday. In one version, Evans plays the lead role of Isa; in the other version, Cole plays the lead role of Isaac. Two other films are in the works, and a mini-series titled “Jobs of the Afterlife” is available on YouTube and Patreon.
“I’m really excited about that company and the good work that they’re doing,” Chipman said. “It’s a really great example of how something happened in terms of undergraduate education that allowed them to take a great next step in terms of doing professional work.”
To learn more, visit fourlightsfilms.com.
STORY BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK
(L to R) Ian Zabel, Daniel Cole, Peyton Savington, Katie Evans
Omaha’s Neighborhood W erewolf
Arthur the Irish Wolfhound and His Platform
"BEWARE OF DOG"
This is a familiar sign that conjures up images of big, scary dogs like Arthur.
The only thing to “beware” of, however, when meeting Arthur the Irish Wolfhound is his adorable bashfulness and irresistible charm.
Omaha native and TikTok canine celebrity Arthur has made a huge splash on social media and in the hearts of humans everywhere.
Even though neighborhood kids and his TikTok audience have been convinced he is a mythical creature, gentle Arthur is just a lovable family pet.
Since starting her channel on a whim during quarantine, Suzanne Yancey, Arthur’s owner, has gained a following from sharing Arthur and their life together. Her TikTok channel, @dammitarthur, has 255.6K followers and over 5 million likes. A large following, though, was not a goal for Yancey; it happened accidentally.
“I really wanted to just send videos to my friends. I wasn’t trying to be some creator,” Yancey admitted.
Regardless of Yancey’s lack of desire to be a creator, people wanted to see Arthur. She was surprised at his popularity, admitting, “I thought it was novel.”
Arthur was a pandemic pup the house was his only territory to explore for a while, and he never stopped being curious. Yancey posted clips of Arthur growing up, becoming taller than their kitchen counters, getting into plenty of trouble, and sharing what owning a rare breed means to her.
“It seemed to make a lot of people happy in kind of a terrible time,” Yancey said, “especially with the negativity that can come from social media and the negative news always in the world, Arthur is a positive part of fans’ lives.”
Arthur is now four years old and towers over most furniture. He even sees eye-to-eye with some adults. A furry definition of “gentle giant,” he is afraid of most objects put in his path, seemingly unaware that he could easily step over them. His days consist of waking his owners up to sit with him as they drink their morning coffee before work, after which he is visited by his daytime “nanny,” who keeps him company and talks to him. In the evenings, Arthur goes on his walk and gets into some obvious mischief.
“I’m pretty sure that’s a horse,” commented one TikTok user.
Fans have always commented jokingly comparing him to Clifford the Big Red Dog, Alf, numerous muppets, and more.
Yancey has additionally received comments with questions regarding the Irish Wolfhound breed, pet care, and costs. She saw her social media platform as an opportunity to share more about the rare breed and educate people on the realistic care and requirements of owning one.
She answered the questions, connecting viewers with the Irish Wolfhound Club of America (IWCA), detailed how best to find an ethical breeder for a pure-bred dog, and more. “Having a realistic expectation of the dog that you’re going to bring home is only going to prevent dogs from being in shelters,” Yancey said.
Additionally, Penny, Yancey’s other pup and Arthur’s partner in crime, has had health issues as well as a gene mutation called the MDR 1 mutation both of which Yancey has touched on in videos, shining a light on a common canine health concern that many are unaware their dogs could have.
Apart from educating, Yancey’s platform is also in support of the Nebraska Humane Society (NHS). She spoke about always supporting the local humane society where she lives, and one day noticed an option to put a button on her profile for people to donate to the Nebraska Humane Society.
Yancey’s mindset was, “Just throw this up there and see if it helps,” she said. “I don’t make any money doing this, so if anybody wanted to give me a tip or something, I just told them to donate.”
Her account has been promoting the Nebraska Humane Society ever since.
With this button on her profile, fans are directly given the option to donate to NHS. Numerous fans have done so through Yancey’s platform, connecting Yancey and Arthur’s TikTok channel to the society’s mission of education, shelter, and promotion of responsible pet care and ownership.
What Yancey started on a whim for her close friends has become a positive platform of education, advocacy, and promotion of community efforts.
We can all learn from her page and a thing or two from Arthur on being carefree, curious, and gentle.
Visit Yancey and Arthur’s page on TikTok, @ dammitarthur or www.tiktok.com/@dammitarthur, to catch Arthur going about his day.
A/C VIDEO STORY BY ISABELLA MCATEE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN DESIGN BY JOEY WINTON
The Ret irement Guys MA RK GUILLIATT
Your retirement needs to be designed for your unique situation. Mark Guilliatt with The Retirement Guys makes sure your retirement plan fits your retirement philosophy.
“Retirement is not just investing and taxes. It’s a quality-of-life issue. We help coordinate our clients' retirement with asset protection by doing a comprehensive plan that helps them through all their retirement stages,” explained Mar k Guilliatt.
Guilliatt grew up in Fremont and lives in Omaha with his wife and 5 children. He’s been a certified financial planner for 30 years. He enjoys helping people make smart decisions about money so they can have a good time in retirement. His father, Mike Guilliatt, is also in the business, and he encouraged Mark to go into the financial planning industry. At first, he didn’t think he would like it, but he soon learned that he likes helping people work through their options to make educa ted choices.
Many other financial planning companies only focus on the asset side of retirement. The Retirement Guys have a whole-scale approach to retirement. “We put together a retirement income projection that focuses on what their secure income will be. In retirement, we want to provide security that includes asset management and risk management,” Gui lliatt said.
Working with the Retirement Guys is unique because they’re truly independent registered investment advisors. “Most advisors don’t own their own firm. So, they’re limited to what they can offer, and sometimes they have incentives and could steer them to things that are better for them than the client. We look at what’s best for the client and make recommendations based on that,” Guillia t explained.
Another difference when working with The Retirement Guys is that they cut their fees down and charge ¼% instead of 1% like other advisors. It makes a big difference in larg er accounts.
Guilliatt’s advice is to start early with retirement. “If you start a Roth IRA at 20 and put in $100 a month for 20 years and let it ride, at 60 you will have $500k. If you start it at 40 and put in $100 a month for 20 years you will only have $75K at 60. Saving is so important. Pay yourself first. Put money aside for opportunities because then you will have money available. If you start now, you can have a structure set in place, so you don’t have to worry,” Guilli att advised.
At the Retirement Guys, the plans are customized for the client. “We find out what is important to them,” Guilliatt added. That’s the key. Then we help them get ther e faster.”
Guilliatt is also a children’s book author who recently published “Zora and the Greyhounds,” and he’s working on a sequel. The story is the tale of a mutt that is determined to run with the greyhounds. The book is inspired by true events with his family dog at the dog park. Determination and believing in oneself are also great tips on the road to retirement.
To set up a free consultation with Mark Guilliatt at the Retirement Guys, go to www.theretirem entguys.org.
Omaha is a city of richly diverse communities, meaning that if you look, you’ll find your people. Thus, we find ourselves inches from a battlefield, where an auto salvager is dueling a hospital pharmacy tech. Their swords clash, their 20-pound helmets weigh heavy on their necks, and they are locked in a brutal competition. They’re good friends, so it will end well. Better for one than the other but with minimal blood shed and bruised shins and chins but never egos.
“This is real steel and leather armor, and weapons are blunted, but it’s still a really brutal sport.”
-Alex Kerwin
This is the competitive world of Medieval Armored Combat, or “Buhurt,” as it’s known to practitioners. The word comes from the old French, béhourd , which translates as “to wallop.” As competitors come down hard on their opponents with their maces and longswords, the word functions as onomatopoeia. While the growing sport connects fighters from various walks of life to one another’s stories, it’s also connecting them with centuries of history filled with rituals, traditions, and honor.
“A lot of what we’re wearing is pretty true to history,” said Omaha Hell Hounds Co-Captain Alex Kerwin. “This is real steel and leather armor, and weapons are blunted, but it’s still a really brutal sport.”
“When Omaha’s team was first created, we were led by a Marine, and he named us the ‘Devil Dogs,’” said Co-Captain Brandon Riggle. “It was a term the Germans gave the Marines during World War II. After our leader left, we didn’t feel right maintaining the Marine moniker, so we changed our name to the Omaha Hell Hounds, but we were determined to maintain a lot of the heraldry and traditions we were kind of born into.”
These traditions include fighting for good. The team holds events hosted and sponsored by Nebraska Brewing Company and donates the proceeds to various charities. The Hell Hounds do what they can to continue to promote causes for military veterans and are proud supporters of 22 Heartbeats, which provides mental, physical, and financial support to those who have served. The organization, run by veterans for veterans, offers mental health services and transitional housing to retired service members, who suffer a disproportionate rate of homelessness and suicidal ideations.
“We aren’t military, but we wanted to continue to show support and keep honoring our roots,” said Co-Captain Avery Moomey,
who discovered the sport after walking away from Mixed Martial A rts (MMA).
“I got into MMA because I wanted a workout that was more exciting than lifting weights,” Moomey said. “I get bored so quickly and need people to train and compete with. I had known a member of Omaha’s former team, The Ravens. They were a team back in 2012 when the armored combat leagues first started up here. I would see his posts and videos about it. I messaged the team one day and said ‘Hey, are you still practicing?’ The first day I showed up, I met Brandon.”
Kerwin found his way to Buhurt a little later in the game, in part thanks to another fascination. “I popped in around 2021. I was reading a zombie apocalypse book, and we had just come out of the big COVID lockdowns,” he recalled. “I thought it would be good to know how to protect myself in… not necessarily a zombie apocalypse, but that was kind of the catalyst. I started in July, but I didn’t officially fight until April of 2022. There are a lot of regulations and protocols, and it took me a while to build up my f ull armor.”
“It does take time to build your armor, and it can be pretty intimidating at first. But that’s what’s so great about this community,” said Riggle. “There’s always someone willing to lend their gear when they’re not in battle. And once someone gets armored up and they step into a fight, they’re locked in. It’s this weird addiction, you get this tunnel vision when you’re fighting. And not just because of the restricted view from the helmet…”
The team’s newest fighter, Jake Addleman, has been learning the hard way although in this sport, it doesn’t seem like there is any other way.
“I’ve been with the team since just before March. I came in thinking, ‘Man, I hope I don’t mess this up.’ It was empowering and nerve wracking at the same time, and I finally told myself, ‘You can’t mess up getting hit in the head.’ Then after the initial adrenaline wore off, all of the training these guys had put me through finally just clicked, and it was so much fun. Now I can’t get enough of it, I want to constantly get hit i n the head.”
“We’ve formed the strangest bond, just having fun and beating the crap out of each other,” Riggle said. “It’s a really fine line, because naturally, nobody wants to be in a fight. It’s a huge confidence builder to know how to fight and to see that you’re about to get hit by someone almost twice your size in a melee and know that you have the skills to move past the fear of pain and to put your knowledge into practice.”
To learn more, join the battle, or donate to causes close to the Hell Hounds’ hearts, visit omahahel lhounds.com.
Hstory by Sara Locke
photography By Bill Sitzmann design by Renee Ludwick
(Literally)
for a Cause Fighting
Omaha Hell Hounds Support Charity through Swordsmanship
(L TO R)ALEX KERWIN, AVERY MOOMEY, JOE HONAN, JAKE ADDLEMAN, BRANDON RIGGLE
Philanthropist Eugene C. Eppley
photography
from the
story by Claudia Moomey
UNMC McGoogan Health Sciences Library Robert S. Wigton Department of Special Collections and Archives
design by
Renee Ludwick
History
From Hotels to AirFields
Omaha Philanthropist Eugene C. Eppley
In Omaha, the Eppley name is mostly recognized in conjunction with the Eppley Airfield, the most prominent airport in Nebraska. However, Eugene (Gene) Eppley, for whom the airport is named, began his career in a different aspect of tra vel: hotels.
Born in Akron, Ohio, on April 8, 1884, Eugene C. Eppley earned his wealth as a successful hotel magnate. He kickstarted his fate with his first purchase of a hotel in Canton, Ohio, at the young age of 19. The budding entrepreneur formed the Eppley Hotel Company in 1917 and eventually grew it to 22 hotels in six states (Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky). By the company's peak in the 1950s, Eppley could boast that he had established the largest privately-owned hotel chain in the United States. In 1956, just two years before his death, Eppley sold his company to Sheraton Hotels for $30 million an equivalent of nearly $346 million by today’s accounting.
The purchase of Hotel Fontenelle in 1920 led to Eppley settling in Omaha, where he lived until his death in 1958 at the age of 74. During his time in Omaha, Eppley was well-known throughout the city for his philanthropic efforts, including his involvement with the local organization Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben, for which he was elected King of the Court in 1932. According to Eppley’s biographer, Harl Dalstrom, who published “Eugene C. Eppley: His Life and
Legacy” in 1969, “he was acquisitive and altruistic, proud and modest, but beneath it all humble and compassionate…he taught and inspired and disciplined…but exacted more of himself than any other.”
The Eugene C. Eppley Foundation, established in 1949, contributed substantial donations to educational, civic, and healthcare causes throughout the midwest. Benefactors of the foundation included the Omaha University (now University of Nebraska at Omaha), the University of Nebraska College of Medicine (now the University of Nebraska Medical Center), the Gene Eppley Boys Club in North Omaha, and the Smithsonian Institution. The Eppley Foundation still stands as the largest donor to the University of Nebras ka at Omaha.
The foundation also donated $2,250,000 in 1967 (over $21 million today) to the City of Omaha and Douglas County for their city office downtown. Its $1-million donation to renovate the Omaha Municipal Airport in 1960 (over $10.5 million today) led to the renaming of the airport to "Eppley Airfield" to reflect h is largesse.
These charitable actions on behalf of Eppley’s foundation give credence to his generous character. As Dalstrom wrote, “his life seemed a struggle to keep his soft side from showing.”
Eppley was a well-liked, charitable man who cared about the Omaha community and gave as much as he could to causes in which he believed. In his honor, the Eppley name adorns many buildings and organizations around the city, including the Eppley Airfield, Eppley Administration Building at UNO, Eppley College of Business Administration at Creighton University, Eppley Recreation Center at Omaha Home for Boys, Eppley Boys Club, Eppley Salvation Army Camp, and the Eppley Pachyderm Hill at the Henry Doorly Zoo. All in all, Eppley donated over $25 million (over $329 million today) to these organizations and others in the midwest.
“He was an organizer, leader, teacher, fighter, talker and giver,” Dalstrom wrote. “All of his facets added up to a rather hero ic figure."
For expanded content, open the camera on your smart device and hover over the QR code above.
LARRY THE CABLE GUY GIVES BIG LARRY THE CABLE GUY GIVES BIG
Dan Whitney's Git-R-Done Foundation
FEATURE // STORY BY CLAUDIA MOOMEY // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY RACHEL BIRDSALL
My conversation with Dan Whitney was originally scheduled for a Wednesday. That morning, I got a phone call from him asking to reschedule later in the week because he had to go visit children in a hospital.
How could anyone refuse a gu y like that?
This selfless gesture of kindness is exactly the sort of thing that has come to be expected of Whitney by anyone who meets him.
More commonly known as “Larry the Cable Guy,” Whitney has been in the local Nebraska spotlight for years as well as the national one. Famous for his stand-up comedy routines, including being a part of the “Blue Collar Comedy Tour,” and voicing the character Mater in Pixar’s 2006 animated film “Cars” (which later expanded into sequels, shorts, and video games), Whitney has established himself as a regular fixture in the entertainment industry. His catch phrase, “git ‘r done,” serves as the moniker for his charity foundation.
Established in 2009, the Git-R-Done Foundation has raised over $8 million to aid children and veterans through various external organizations. The inspiration for the foundation came from Whitney’s son, Wyatt, who was born with hip dysplasia. Not satisfied that surgery was the only answer, Whitney and his wife, Cara, found Dr. Chad Price at Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital in Orlando, Florida, who was researching how to deal with hip dysplasia in infants in Mexico. Dr. Price showed the Whitneys a new way to swaddle their son, which gradually guided his hip back into place.
“In the process, my wife and I started talking with [Price] about how nobody really has one way to train people how to swaddle their kids, and there’s no information on the internet about hip dysplasia in infants,” Whitney recalled. “So he said, ‘Look, we need to just train pediatricians on how to swaddle kids and how to hold them, how to put them in bed at night so their hips grow into place.’”
“When
I started my foundation, that’s when I said, ‘Oh man, I should use that advice Paul Newma n gave me.’”
—Dan Whitney
So that’s exactly what the Whitneys se t out to do.
“My wife got a bunch of our friends together and they wrote 6,000 handwritten letters to pediatricians all across the country… to get them on the same page and start some kind of main hub station for this problem. A bunch of them responded, and when all was said and done, they started the International Hip Dysplasia Institute in Orlando, Florida, at Arnold Palmer.”
Founding an institute, however, does not come cheap. It was then that Whitney began his fundraising endeavors. One of these ventures was inspired by a memorable encounter with a particular celebrity. “When I was doing ‘Cars,’ I was trying to be the Redneck Paul Newman,” Whitney laughed. “Believe it or not, at the premier of ‘Cars,’ in 2006, we went out to dinner, and I sat right across from Paul Newman.” A shared elevator ride revealed that Newman was, in fact, a fan of Whitney’s comedy sketches, and the conversation concluded with a suggestion from the legendary actor
“When I started my foundation, that’s when I said, ‘Oh man, I should use that advice Paul Newman gave me,’” Whitney recalled. This sparked a new brand of an irresistible salty snack: Larry the Cable Guy
“The potato chips are big sellers; people love my potato chips,” Whitney boasted. “Even people who didn’t like my act…there was some internet food thing which got millions of views. They said, ‘Today we’re going to do Larry the Cable Guy’s potato chips.’ Then they went on to bash me for
about five minutes because they didn’t like my act. But they ate my chips, and the guy said, ‘I’ll be honest with you. I’m not a big fan of his, but these are the greatest potato chips I’ve had in my life.’"
The "Biscuits & Gravy" flavor has been the most popular with consumers, but there are others like "Pass the Darn Ketchup," "Hollar-Peño Popper," "Cheese Burger," and “Tater Salad” that, Whitney said, “sell like hotcakes," adding, "I just thought this is a way to help me raise money for the charity.”
The main fundraising success, however, came with the birth of the annual golf tournament to raise money to fund this wing
That “cool thing” became the Git-R-Done Golf Classic, which donates the tournament's proceeds to various charities and philanthropic organizations. From supporting NICU infants to providing service dogs to veterans, Whitney’s foundation aims to help vulnerable members of the community. “Places like the American Cancer Society are all great organizations, but they get millions and millions of dollars. There are lots of local charities that do really good work that don’t ask for millions they just need $5,000 or $20,000, so we find places like that and kind of spread it out a little bit,” he explained. “That’s who we like giving it to all these organizations across the country. Some of them aren’t that big, but every little bit helps, and they help kids and vets, so that’s pretty cool.”
All donations go through a vetting process before the money is doled out. “You can’t give [money] to everybody,” Whitney lamented. “Everything is vetted, and we make sure that it’s going to where it says
golf tournament…If people want to write a check and give it to the foundation, they can and that’s appreciated, but we don’t actively pursue that it mostly comes from the golf.”
Whitney estimates this event brought in around $1,300,000 in 2023. “That’s pretty good with only 21 foursomes in the golf tournament,” he reflected. “We've got a lot of donors that come in from Georgia and Florida, got a couple from Omaha. They just got really good hearts, and they like what we do. It’s really awesome, and I’m very appreciative.”
The golf tournament brings in a range of participants. Local athletes, such as Nebraska football and baseball players, often participate in charity events, but Whitney likes to put a twist on his. “I love, obviously, all of our local athletes, and I try to get as many participating as possible,” he said, “but I like to make it a little different, a little unique. So I bring in other famous athletes from out of town and actors…I’ve met a lot of really cool people throughout my career, and I go do a lot of their tournaments, so they’ll come help me out too.”
The tournament’s list of participating athletes includes Ken Griffey Jr. (center fielder for the Seattle Mariners), John Daly (PGA champion), David Wells (pitcher for the New York Yankees), Jim McMahon (quarterback for the Chicago Bears), Joe Theismann (Super Bowl champion), and Chuck Liddell (UFC champion).
"There
Even more impressive are the entertainment celebrities who have joined in the fun: Kim Alexis (supermodel), Willie Robertson (Duck Dynasty), Joey Fatone (NSYNC), Sean Astin (actor), Shawn Drover (drummer for Megadeth), and Jason Scheff (bassist for the band Chicago), to name a few.
Farr (country singer-songwriter with three number one hits), Jay DeMarcus (Rascal Flatts), and REO Speedwagon (rock band formed in the 1960’s).
“It is a real good time, and people pay,” Whitney said. “Someone paid me 50 grand to play with John Daly.” This tournament, he emphasized, is the perfect example of a good time for a good cause.
“It’s gratifying to connect with organizations from across the country and hear from the passionate people behind them and to understand their challenges,” said Stumpf. “There are so many great charities that support children and veterans and to be a small part of their journeys i s humbling.”
“I’m really happy that it’s in Nebraska,” Whitney added. “I love Nebraska, I grew up here. It’s really cool to be able to bring people here and get some good press and donations with the tournament. It’s cool to be able to promote it in Nebraska.”
Even the celebrities who participate in the tournament find a new appreciation for the state, some of whom have never experienced the midwest. “[The tournament] starts on Sunday, but now I have a lot of groups come in on Friday so they can spend the weekend. They love it here.”
To learn more, visit gitrdonefoundation.org and hipdy splasia.org.
are lots of local charities that do really good work that don’t ask for millions —they just need $5,000 or $20,000,
So we find places like that and kind of spread it out a little bit.
— Dan Whitney
“The celebrities love it; my parties are just laid-back and fun,” said Whitney. “They don’t have to dress up. It’s not formal. I have it in a barn in Hickman [Nebraska], we got food trucks, and we have an auction and entertainment and most of the entertainment just does it because they want to.” This year’s entertainment included Tyler
“ Zoo Grown”
Henry Doorly Zoo Volunteer Sophia Ochoa
GEN O // STORY BY ISABELLA MCATEE // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK
“C
onveying the zoo message” is what volunteer Sophia Ochoa does every day, according to Troy Solberg, the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo Youth Volunteer Coordinator. The message is the zoo’s mission, which is “to inspire, educate, and engage people to serve as lifelong stewards for the conservation of animals and thei r habitats.”
While all of Omaha has grown up experiencing the Henry Doorly Zoo, Ochoa has grown up within the zoo itself. Having been a volunteer since she was in elementary school, Ochoa has gone through each volunteer program offer ed to kids.
The zoo’s volunteer program has been around for over 20 years, inspiring hundreds of students annually. With volunteers as young as 4th grade, to Junior Crew middle schoolers, and the Zoo Crew high school age volunteers, who are mentors for younger children, Omaha youth can hone their skills alongside other individuals who share their passions and introduce them t o new ideas.
Soon to be a junior at Duchesne Academy, Ochoa has loved the zoo ever since she can remember. As a child, she was always on the lookout for places to volunteer since she couldn’t yet work for pay. Her mom noticed on the website that the zoo offered volunteer opportunities for children, and Ochoa was sold immediately. “I decided that was something I wanted to do,” she said and it has proven to be something she has continued to want to do every year since.
Being so involved with the organization, it’s no surprise that Ochoa is also heavily active at Duchesne. She is a three-sport varsity athlete in volleyball, basketball, and track. During the summer, she has a packed schedule of practices and workouts every morning before she volunteers with additional conditioning afterwards.
Whenever she has a free moment, Ochoa prioritizes the zoo as a pillar of her life.
A typical volunteering day for Ochoa begins around 8:30 in the morning after her workouts. After setting up in a classroom and getting the younger children ready, she spends most of her day stamping passports for the new Zooventure program, which features six engaging educational stations around the zoo as well as leading the younger volunteers through the various areas and exhibits to stop, learn, observe, and help guests alon g their way.
The Zoo Crew program has allowed her to grow as an individual. Starting as a shy little girl just wanting to spend her free time at her favorite place, years of volunteering have allowed her to grow her confidence in herself, her knowledge, and her abilities.
Ochoa says her favorite duty as a volunteer is working with the children in the XYZ program, which is where she got her start.
“When I was younger, I had some Zoo Crew that I really looked up to, so I kind of wanted to be that person to help bring the younger kids out of their shells,” she said.
Guiding them in classrooms and through zoo exhibits and teaching them about conservation from the educational pop-ups, Ochoa strives to make the same impression on the young members that the volunteers prior made on her.
Another impactful aspect of the Zoo Crew experience is their monthly meetings. At these events, typically led by Solberg, volunteers build career experience as well as their zoo skills. Workers from all areas of the zoo are brought in for the meetings, from keepers, to veterinarians, to security, and each worker speaks to the teens and provides insights into their individual roles. This is designed to show the young volunteers how every zoo worker strives toward the organization’s mission of conservation and education, even if it is a behind-thescenes role. College and university recruiters are brought in to speak as well to teach teen volunteers “how you apply for college, how Zoo Crew can translate into a college application [and] scholarship applications,” according to Solberg.
For Ochoa, the time she has spent in Zoo Crew assisting guests, leading younger volunteers, interacting with animals, and educating has influenced her future career aspirations. She hopes to work either in animal medicine or further in wildlife conservation.
“You never stop learning at the zoo,” note d Solberg.
To learn more, visit omahazoo.com /volunteer.
“When I was younger, I had some Zoo Crew that I really looked up to, so I kind of wanted to be that person to help bring the younger kids out of their shells.”
eople are shocked at a town our size, how much we have going for us.”
Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert frequently hears surprised remarks regarding the city's achievements from locals and visitors alike. The consensus is clear Omaha's generosity is impossible to overlook.
Those familiar with the city’s cultural spaces, parks, museums, and community centers know it well. The giving spirit lives everywhere, and the names etched on buildings, donor walls, and even bricks at the zoo reflect a philanthropic city deeply invested in its own future.
“You don't have to look very far in our community to see the impact our health care, education, and arts and culture scenes are all very vibrant it’s the Omaha advantage,” Donna Kush, president and CEO of the Omaha Community Foundation (OCF), said. “Having the community we have makes us nationally competitive, and it’s possible because of ph ilanthropy.”
With a legacy of generosity that ranks Omaha in the top 3% of per capita giving in the United States, the city stands out not only for the scale of its donations, but also for the deep sense of community and collaboration that drives its charitable efforts.
Yet, Omaha's philanthropy goes beyond constructing physical landmarks, extending into educational initiatives and vital health and social services. The broad range of funding destinations confirms what many already recognize:
Omaha excels at investin g in itself.
City Investments Dr aw Attention
Omaha's collaborative public-private partnerships have been particularly vital in completing major projects throughout the city. While other metropolises might secure $5 or $10 million for their city-led projects, Mayor Stothert explained that Omaha has been known to attract upwards of a whopping $400 million for initiatives of the same scale an achievement almost unheard of in ot her cities.
“Without additional money from donors, it wouldn't come easily,” Mayor Stother t admitted.
These partnerships have inevitably attracted national media attention. Forbes ranked Omaha number one on its “Best Cities to Move To” list earlier this year, highlighting affordability and job opportunities. In 2020, the Los Angeles Times praised Omaha's self-investment, crediting the dedicated generosity of wealthy residents.
“There's plenty of wealth in Omaha, but these personal investments show residents' genuine commitment and love for the city they live in,” Mayor Stothert said.
Major developments like the RiverFront and multi-million dollar enhancement projects the Peter Kiewit Institute, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, and the Joslyn Art Museum are tangible evidence of the city’s progress in just the last few years. Heritage Services alone, funded by mostly anonymous residents, has provided $725 million in private gifts to realize $1.2 billion in public projects since 1990.
The mayor appreciates feedback from outof-town visitors during events like the College World Series, noting their comments about Omaha's cleanliness and safety in the midst of constant construction. She recalled a conversation with an impressed Peyton Manning, who frequently visits Omaha. His renowned "Omaha!" play call gained viral fame, leading him to name his production company Omaha Productions.
Manning was quoted on ESPN in June while cheering on his alma mater: “Omaha has done an incredible thing here. It is everything it has been built up to be, and I’m honored to be here.”
Public-private partnerships help grant donors a stake in Omaha’s most cherished attractions owned by the city, the mayor explained. Projects like Seventy Five North in North Omaha receive their funding from multiple sources, including the philanthropic community, the City of Omaha, and the Omaha Housing Authority, as do city-owned properties like the Durham Museum and the Orphe um Theater.
“When donors put their money into something, we guarantee we'll keep it safe and clean,” Mayor Stothert said. “People doubted the tables and hammocks at the Gene Leahy Mall, saying, ‘someone's going to tear this up.’ It hasn’t happened. When citizens own something they’re proud of, they take care of it.”
OCF: Connecting Generosit y to Results
A major piece of the city’s philanthropic puzzle is the Omaha Community Foundation (OCF), which serves as a key connector in the community. With assets currently around $2 billion, OCF stands as the 12th largest community foundation in the United States. "People are usually very surprised to hear that, but when you really think about it, it speaks to the generosity of our community," Kush smiled.
In 2023, a record year, the foundation granted $280 million to nonprofits, with 71% of those funds staying within the metro area. Funds were distributed through 17,000 individual grants to more than 3,000 organizations. The primary areas receiving these grants are education, healthcare, arts and culture, and social services, Kus h explained.
One unique initiative is OCF's resident-led Community Interest Fund Program, which allows residents themselves to decide where grant funds should go. This program's impact is evident in the success of Omaha’s Intercultural Senior Center, Kush said. An initial grant helped it grow into a mature nonprofit that provides essential services to seniors and their families, including refugees facing language and cultural barriers.
"As a connector in the community, we have the role of helping fundholders feel good about the investments they’re making," Kush noted. OCF conducts research and provides thorough information about nonprofits, their activities, and collaborations, helping fundholders of all giving capacities make informe d decisions.
Disaster Response: Brid ging the Gap
On Friday, April 26, 2024, a devastating tornado outbreak swept across Nebraska and Iowa. Several long-tracked tornadoes damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses, leaving the community deeply impacted with multiple injuries and one fatality.
“When the tornadoes hit, we set up the Nebraska Tornado Recovery Fund within hours,” Kush recalled. “Within 30 minutes, we had our first donation, and we've continued to receive contributions from across the US.” This quick response highlights OCF's role as a trusted and efficient facilitator in times of crisis, affirmed Megan Stubenhofer-Barrett, director of marketing & communicat ions at OCF.
“Before I had the chance to share the donation link on social media, someone had already shared it,” Stubenhofer-Barrett said. “I think that speaks volumes about the community they were already looking for way s to help.”
Brandon Hamm, OCF's Board Chair, attributes this generosity to the caring nature of Nebraskans. “We have midwest values running deep in our community,” he noted. “Residents are humble, and there’s a recognition of a shared responsibility to give back to the city in which they've lived, worked, and built successful businesses.”
“It's wonderful being a part of a community that immediately jumped in before we even knew the extent of the disaster,” Stubenhofer-Barrett said. “People just knew, ‘I want to give.’” The community donated a million dollars to the Nebraska Tornado Recovery Fund within two weeks.
“We saw a gap in coordination among government agencies, nonprofits, donors, and the community, especially after the tornadoes,” Kush noted. “There was a need for a neutral convener, and we were uniquely positioned to ensure resources were maximized throughout the community.”
Recognizing the need for long-term plans to handle such crises, OCF activated a longterm recovery group (LTRG) to provide stable housing and support in the aftermath of disasters. “This LTRG is a constant need. Unfortunately, there will be other disasters or needs that come up that will require action very quickly,” Kush said.
“We take care of one another that's the heart of Omaha ph ilanthropy.”
Local Philanthropy D rives Growth
Part of supporting one another involves prioritizing local donations and giving, a key focus of OC F’s efforts.
"We see a lot of philanthropic activity in Omaha, not just from individuals, but also from local companies,” Stubenhofer-Barrett said. “Corporate philanthropy with a local focus is one of the key reasons Omaha consistently ranks so highly on philanthropic lists."
Mike Cassling, local philanthropist and executive chairman of CQuence Health Group, is involved with multiple nonprofits. His passion for community service had humble beginnings, with him ringing bells for The Salvation Army during the holiday season as a child, particularly inspired by his mother’s dedication to giving back. Cassling has now served on The Salvation Army Board for near ly 40 years.
Cassling also serves as vice chair of both the Aksarben Foundation and Omaha Performing Arts and holds multiple other board and leadership positions across town. He firmly believes that local initiatives play a crucial role in driving workforce development and growin g the state.
“You just figure, 'I've been fortunate and successful,' and you recognize how important it is to give back and help others,” Cassling said, reflecting on his commitment to local philanthropy. “We’re reaping the benefits of what was created here 100 years ago, so I do anything I can, both personally and financially, to continue to support that growth.”
2024 First Place
Tattoo Parlor
History of Omaha's Philanthropi c Tradition
Central to Omaha’s philanthropic history are key figures like Warren Buffett once again named the “most philanthropic billionaire” in 2024 by Forbes and numerous influential families like the Kiewits, Scotts, and Durhams. Their collective impact has shaped Omaha's landscape for over a century, funding educational institutions, cultural landmarks, and crucial community services that continue to evolve.
Buffett's impact through Berkshire Hathaway is credited for kickstarting a major philanthropic wave. After Richard Holland found success with early Berkshire Hathaway investments, he and wife, Mary, became ardent supporters of the arts a commitment exemplified by institutions like the Holland Performing Arts Center
Similarly, Peter Kiewit's leadership and the subsequent philanthropy of figures like Walter Scott and the Hubbard family have left lasting imprints on the city. A walk through the Henry Doorly Zoo reveals their contributions, with highlights like the Scott Aquarium, Scott African Grasslands, Hubbard Gorilla Valley, and Hubbard Orang utan Forest.
Omaha's Durham Museum is a result of multiple philanthropic efforts. Constructed in 1929 by Peter Kiewit Sons,’ Union Station became the Durham Museum in 1997, renamed to honor Chuck and Margre Durham for their funding of its restoration, which included the creation of the Suzanne and Walter Scott Great Hall.
"Those founding fathers are the reason future generations remained philanthropic," Cassling said. “They led with the idea that if you’re successful, you should give back that tradition means success is synonymous with generosity.”
Sustaining and Growing Omaha's Philanth ropic Spirit
Grassroots philanthropy and community involvement have long been, and will continue to be, an essential backbone of all community efforts, Reding said. "The city receives tremendously generous gifts for major projects, but those smaller gifts are the ones that keep the lights on."
When something like Steelhouse Omaha or the Kiewit Luminarium is constructed, Reding explained, donations from annual giving days and ticket or membership purchases are what actually sustain daily operations for public use.
"It's not just people who have Berkshire stock who can make an impact,” Cassling said. “It doesn't take money to volunteer. I think we're in a wonderful spot, because the next generation saw what their parents did. It's about everybody getting involved, whether it's time or treasure.”
"Our real gold is in our young talent," Reding agreed, “and the future looks promising.”
With its philanthropic momentum, the city is set to continue its tradition of giving and community involvement. Yet, the transfer of wealth in Omaha is increasingly significant, driven by an aging donor population with prominent assets. The Nebraska Community Foundation estimates $100 billion will transfer in Nebraska over the next decade, with $44 billion in the Omaha metro area.
Mayor Stothert stressed the need to sustain existing public-private partnerships to ensure these philanthropic legacies endure. “The wealth in the city of Omaha will remain for a long time. With our partnerships, there are great things on t he horizon."
The Omaha Community Foundation stands poised to steward this transition, Kush said. “We are actively engaged in legacy planning. Our resources are designed to educate successive generations, and our new technology platform makes it easier for new and existing fundholders to manage their donations."
Hamm emphasized the unpredictable nature of philanthropic trends, noting occasional large one-time gifts and fluctuations from major donor passings. “What we do know, however, is that Omaha will always be a generous community.” Though donation projections may be imprecise, he believes the overall trend wil l be upward.
“We’re a city where people want to come live and work,” Kush said. “We have the cultural amenities, we have good schools, we’re a safe space, we have land and developments in place it’s all a testament to what our generosity has al ready built.
“But the future is in the power of the people.”
For more i nformation, visit omahafou nd ation.org.
“It doesn't take money to volunteer. I think we're in a wonderful spot, because the next generation saw what their parents did. It's about everybody getting involved, whether it's time or treasure.”
-Mike Cassling
On a Pin High
First Tee’s Taylor Sidzyik
STORY BY GREG ECHLIN // PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE // DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK SPORTS
G SPORTS
rowing up in Omaha, Taylor Sidzyik often thinks back on his own sports priorities when teaching kids as young as 5 about the game of golf as the First Tee of Omaha progr am director.
“My dad was a wrestler and a baseball player, so I grew up playing select baseball,” said Sidzyik, who didn’t become interested in golf until his junior high years. “My cousins played golf, and I was like, ‘What are you guys doing?’ I caddied for my cousin in a summer (Nebraska Golf Association) tournament and got the hook bad.”
So bad it turned out okay for a guy who played baseball but considered basketball his first love during his adolescent days.
When Sidzyik, now 32, arrives at one of the seven Omaha courses linked to the First Tee of Omaha program during a busy summer, he knows the kids he instructs think the same way he did. “Golf is not their first sport,” said Sidzyik, who goes by “Sid-zick” for the pronunciation of his last name. Speaking from the Steve Hogan golf course, Omaha’s First Tee flagship in Miller park, he remarked, “It’s football. It’s basketball. It’s track.”
All Sidzyik wants, along with the 40 or so part-time coaches and teachers under him during the summer, is for the First Tee kids to feel comfortable with golf clubs.
“I don’t push it on them because, some of them, you can tell right away it’s not for them,” said Sidzyik, a graduate of Omaha Gross High School. “We try our best to read the kid individually instead of forcing everything on them. If they want to hit the driver that day and it’s fun, we’re going t o do that.”
Between Sidzyik’s competitive nature and the passion developed for golf as a teen, he played his way onto the University of Nebraska Omaha team and ranks third on the Mavericks’ all-time list with 105 career rou nds of golf.
While at UNO from 2011 to 2015, Sidzyik contemplated a teaching career, but immediately after his collegiate career was thrust into teaching and coaching at the same time as an assistant on the Mavericks men and women’s golf staff under then-coach Seth Porter.
“I got thrown into the coaching world at the Division I level pretty quickly and fell in love with it,” said Sidzyik, an assistant at UNO from 2 017 to 2020.
Former UNO head men’s and women’s golf coach Seth Porter saw Sidzyik as a natural fit as a coach after his eligibility was up as a Maver icks player.
“I know what type of a person he is and thought he’d be great in that role,” said Porter, who left UNO last year and is now the director of instruction at the Indian Creek Golf Club in Elkhorn.
When the opportunity arose to become the First Tee program director, Porter encouraged Sidzyik to take the job. Porter had some insight since his father, Jeff Porter, is a former First Tee executi ve director.
“He’s working where he needs to be right now,” said Porter. “He has a passion for helping young kids, and he also has a passion for golf, so for him to be utilizing two of his biggest strengths is not only a huge asset for the First Tee but also the community.”
Around the time Sidzyik transitioned from UNO to his current full-time gig at First Tee Omaha, he married his high school sweetheart, Dana, then became the father of a daughter named R emy in 2022.
With the school year underway, and fewer morning lessons at the seven First Tee courses around town, Sidzyik goes back to school for more teaching and golf. "School" is considered one of the three pillars in the First Tee program. The other two are "Community" a nd "Summer."
“My job during the day is trying to get into as many P.E. classes as I can to get our curriculum to the P.E. instructors,” said Sidzyik, who also doubles as the Gross High School golf coach during the school year.
The "Community" pillar means intertwined trips between local schools and community centers.
“Living out of my car most of the year, a typical day could be starting a first-grade class at 8 am, and I could be at a YMCA at 4 o’clock till 6 o’clock at night,” said Sidzyik. “Every day is different.”
Porter calls Sidzyik “a Swiss Army knife” because of his ability to carry out whatever he’s assigned.
For more information, visit firstt eeomaha.org.
“I got thrown into the coaching world at the Division I level pretty quickly and fell in love with it.”
-Taylor Sidzyik
SSupportingSpouses Spouses Spouses Club
pouses Katie Williams and Jamie Schneider became friends through the Offutt Enlisted Spouses Club. Williams was the first person Schneider got to know. “I met Katie at the first meeting, and then the next day I ran into her at Walmart, and she asked if I was coming back,” said Schneider, vice president of the Offutt Enlisted Spouses Club. The two became fast friends, and their friendship has grown over the years.
Schneider was drawn to the group because she loves volunteering, solving problems, and helping with events. “I make friends by volunteering ,” she said.
The club motto is “spouses supporting spouses,” and the group does that by giving back to the military family community and providing support for one another.
“No one prepares you to form adult friendships. Being an adult in a new city is hard. It’s great to have a group that you have the military spouse in common to bring you together in friendship,” adde d Schneider.
The Offutt Enlisted Spouses Club is open to all military spouses. The current club has between 65 and 75 members, and they meet weekly on Thursdays. There are also other sub-clubs such as book clubs, play date clubs, quilt clubs, and coffee clubs. They allow members to start new subclubs based on commonality. The Offutt Enlisted Spouses Club has been a way for military spouses to support other spouses through volunteerism and friendship for ove r 65 years.
“Being a military spouse is a large part of who I am. It’s taken me around the world and allowed me to meet new people and discover new things. Having a spouse in the military has made life more challenging, but it’s also made me more resilient and patient. I’ve grown as a woman, mother, and partner because
I’m a military spouse,” said Williams, the club’s president.
“Before I met my husband, I had an amazing life, but everyone around me was just like me. When I met my husband and became a military spouse, I was exposed to so many people who aren’t like me people I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to become friends with otherwise. This has helped me to experience so many different customs and traditions,” Schneide r reflected.
One of the biggest aspects that both women enjoy about the club is the way that they can come together with other spouses to form friendships and get the support they need. “The club allows us to create a network all while serving others,” Wi lliams said.
“Last summer, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. When I lost my hair, two club members shaved their heads. From that point on, I knew that I didn’t have to go to another event and be the only bald woman in the room,” Schneider shared.
The simple act of kindness meant so much to her. “The struggles that you face as a military spouse and in general can be overwhelming, and the club members have been so supportive throughout my journey,” Schneide r continued.
The Offutt Enlisted Spouses Club's largest fundraiser each year is the Bazaar held in
The Offutt Enlisted
October, this year slated for Saturday, the 19th, from 9 am until 3 pm at Bellevue Christian Center. Vendors are invited to sell merchandise, which includes handcrafted items, baked goods, clothing, jewelry, gourmet foods, and wood art, ahead of the holiday season.
The event also features a $2 quilt raffle to raise money for the scholarship fund. The Offutt Enlisted Spouses Club awards between three and six scholarships, typically $1,000 each, to children of active or retired military. Spouses of the military are al so eligible.
Every December, the Offutt Enlisted Spouses Club also puts on the Winter Wonderland for enlisted families and their children. The event, entering its 30th year, is held because many military personnel can’t see their families during the holidays. Tickets are $1 per child, an amount that includes a toy valued at $15 or more. The event, which attracts hundreds of people, features crafts, activities, and food. Children get to meet Santa and have their faces painted. Everything about the event is positive and joyous, allowing military families and their children to enjoy the spirit of the holidays. Businesses are also invited to make tax-deductible donations to the Winter Wonderland, which are always welcome to help cover the cost of the event.
Schneider and Williams encourage all military spouses in the community to come to their meetings and join them in this journey. “Life can be so difficult. Join our club so you can be with others,” Schneider said.
For more information ab out joining the Offutt Enlisted Spou ses Club or to attend one of th eir events, visit offuttenlistedspou sesclub.com.
GIVING PROFILE // STORY BY HOLLY MCATEE // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK
“The struggles that you face as a military spouse and in general can be overwhelming, and the club members have been so supportive throughout my journey.” -Jamie Schneider
(L TO R) KATIE WILLIAMS AND JAMIE SCHNEIDER
GIVING CALENDAR
SEPTEMBER 2024
COMPILED
BY
ISABELLA MCATEE
September 4
PIE BAKE-OFF
Benefits: Liberty Elementary School
Location: The Urban Abbey —allevents.in/omaha/ pie-bake-off/200026638405726
September 5
10TH ANNUAL RESTORED WINGS GALA
Benefits: Restored Wings (Rejuvenating Women)
Location: Embassy Suites La Vista —restoredwings.org
Location: Werner Park —runsignup.com/Race/NE/ Papillion/2024RallyforLife
September 24
LIGHT THE NIGHT WALK
Benefits: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Location: Stinson Park —lightthenight.org
Omaha will come together to “bring light to the darkness of cancer” with the Light The Night Walk for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Lanterns will light the walking path around Stinson Park as the community honors, uplifts, and remembers individuals affected by blood cancers. This year’s Light The Night 2024 Local Pediatric Honored Hero is Tessa. After finishing her last day of treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2021, she can’t wait to have fun at Light The night. Grab a lantern, some food from the vendors, bring your family and pets, and Light The Night with the Omaha Community at Stinson Park. visit lightthenight.org/events/omaha Sept. 24
Location: Dodge Riverside Golf Club —connectionsaaa.org
September 14
MILES FOR MADONNA
Benefits: Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals
Location: Lake Zorinsky —madonna.org/foundation
September 14
RACE FOR BIG DREAMS MEMORIAL RUN
Benefits: CRCC
Location: Stinson Park —runsignup.com/Race/NE/ Omaha/RaceforBigDreams
September 14-15
HERO’S SCRAMBLE
Benefits: Cpl Daegan Page Foundation
Location: Lake Ridge Golf Course —daeganpage.org
September 15
HOPE FOR HOMELESS WALK/RUN
Benefits: Siena Francis House
Location: Heartland of America Park at The Riverfront —p2p.onecause.com/hope5k
September 15
2024 CREIGHTON WALK FOR WISHES
Benefits: Make a Wish Nebraska
Location: Chalco Hills Recreation Area at Wehrspann Lake —wish.org/nebraska
September 18
BETWEEN THE LINES WITH TOMMY ORANGE
Benefits: The Omaha Public Library Foundation
Location: Creighton University’s Mike and Josie Harper Center —omahalibraryfoundation.org
September 19
PINOT, PIGS, AND POURS
Benefits: Completely KIDS
Location: Champions Run —completelykids.org
YEF inspires the vision of entrepreneurship in youth, develops self-reliance among youth, through business and imagination and provides the values and skills necessary for them to be successful.
YEF introduces students to the benefits of entrepreneurship by providing programs that encourage and motivate them to create and launch small businesses. Students are taught skills that instill confidence, increase their understanding of business ownership and allow them to think outside the box. They are exposed to opportunities they didn’t realize were available such as careers in the trades where they can get licensed as a CDL driver or cosmetologist. Students learn how to create and manage budgets, design logos and websites, construct and launch marketing ideas, and much more!
September 19
IMAGINE…OHB’S ANNUAL FUNDRAISING EVENT
Benefits: Omaha Home for Boys
Location: The Barn in Bennington —ohb.org
September 19
HIT THE LINKS & DRIVE AGAINST DISABILITIES
Benefits: United Cerebral Palsy of Nebraska
Location: The Players Club —ucpnebraska.org
September 20
HALFWAY TO ST. PATRICK’S DAY
Benefits: Project Harmony
Location: Champions Run —projectharmony.com
September 23
CHILDREN’S CHARITY CLASSIC
Benefits: Children’s Nebraska’s Hubbard Center for Children
Location: Omaha Country Club —childrensnebraska.org
September 23
BIKE WALK SUMMIT 2024
Benefits: Bike Walk Nebraska
Location: 2124 Y St Lincoln NE —bikewalknebraska.org
September 25
RITECARE CLASSIC GOLF OUTING AND BENEFIT
Benefits: RiteCare Speech and Language Clinics and the Scottish Rite Foundation of Omaha
Location: Nebraska Brewing Company —eventbrite.com/e/thats-ruckingfunny-3-the-1-rated-veteran-comedyshow-tickets-891304685307
September 27
2023 DEAR DIABETES GALA
Benefits: Dear Diabetes
Location: Metropolitan Community College Institute for the Culinary Arts —deardiabetes.org
September 28
OUT OF THE DARKNESS COMMUNITY WALK 2024
Benefits: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Location: Stinson Park —afsp.org/chapter/nebraska
September 29
2024 MARGRE DURHAM WALK & DOG FEST
Benefits: Nebraska Humane Society
Location: Nebraska Humane Society Meadow —nehumanesociety.org
September 29
10TH ANNUAL FOOD TRUCK WORLD TOUR
Benefits: Immigrant Legal Center + Refugee Empowerment Center
Location: Metropolitan Community College, 32nd & Sorenson Parkway —immigrantlc.org/ food-truck-world-tour-2024/
Event times and details are correct as of presstime, but are subject to change. Omaha Magazine encourages readers to visit venues' websites and/or calling ahead before attending an event or visiting a museum.
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Two Teams, O ne GOALKicks for
a Cure
Steve and Amy Lindsay suffered a devastating blow in 2020 when their longtime friend and Kicks for a Cure co-founder, former US Senator Dave Karnes, died from the very disease they are fighting to eradicate: cancer. But, as the Lindsays said in a statement at the time, Karnes would have wanted them to continue raising funds and awareness for local cancer research through their annual soccer t ournaments.
Over the past 18 years, Kicks for a Cure has donated millions to Creighton University’s Lynch Cancer Research Center and the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center in hopes of, if not curing cancer, at least educating people on prevention and improving quality of life in the midst of such a physically and mentally challengi ng disease.
Initially envisioned in 2004 and launched in 2006, Kicks for a Cure sprouted from tragedy but has since blossomed into a ray of hope for many. Karnes, having lost his wife, Liz, to ovarian cancer in 2003, was familiar with Steve through the Omaha business community. Steve, who has been in the banking industry for nearly 30 years, had just started dating Amy, a collegiate level soccer player, Patriot League Academic Honor Roll recipient, US Naval Academy graduate, and member of the first winning team in Naval Acade my history.
After graduation, Amy relocated to Yokosuka, Japan, where she spent two years as a meteorologist before being stationed in Omaha at Offutt Air Force Base, where she joined the 557th Weather Wing, the lead meteorology center for the US military. That’s when she met Steve. Despite their whirlwind romance, her passion for soccer called her back to her home state of Virginia. There, she took a position as the assistant women’s coach at The College of William and Mary in Wi lliamsburg.
“We were still dating from a distance, and that fall, Creighton opened Morrison Stadium, which is if not the best at least a top five collegiate soccer field,” Steve recalled. “I told Amy, ‘This place is outstanding!’ I’m not a soccer guy at all, never played and never went to games or anything, but I knew it was outstanding. I was a lifelong Creighton basketball fan, and I said, ‘We have to do someth ing here.’”
Fortunately for Steve, Amy was well-versed in charity soccer tournaments. In 1998, during her senior year of college, she had played in a tournament called Kicks Against Bre ast Cancer.
“We were in the first one,” she said. “After the luncheon, our team got together and put all of our per diems together to donate. It was like $98 or something silly like that. When I went back to coach in Virginia five or six years later, we played in the same tournament, and I saw how it had grown. The teams were raising money. I think Ohio State raised $10,000, and it all stemmed from us doing the per d iem thing.”
Once Amy moved back to Omaha at that point engaged to Steve he tapped into his connections. In a case of “right place, right time,” it all started coming together. After meeting with Creighton’s women’s soccer coach, the Lindsays were encouraged to meet up w ith Karnes.
“Dave had even more connections and an extremely direct cause,” Steve said. “We knew we wanted to do it with Dave, who was lacking the time, which is what Amy and I had.”
The inaugural dinner for Kicks for a Cure took place on March 31, 2006, and the soccer tournament followed the next day. They raised just over $100,000 that they split between Creighton and the Nebraska Medical Center’s respective cancer research institutes.
For the first four years, only high school and college women’s soccer teams were invited to play, but when the Creighton men’s soccer coach approached Kicks for a Cure with the idea of bringing men’s teams into the fold in 2010, it exploded.
“We were struggling with attendance at the time,” Steve admitted. “But we gained traction and doubled our audience. Men’s soccer is a bigger draw in Omaha. Right, wrong, or indifferent, there’re just more people who go, and we want to attract as many people as we can.”
As each subsequent tournament grew, the Lindsays have been able to donate more than $4.8 million to Creighton University’s Lynch Cancer Research Center and the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, something Steve and Amy continually celebrate.
But it’s about more than just the money.
“All donations have stayed local,” Steve added with a sense of pride. “The easiest and most measurable way to determine success for us is how much money we raised. That’s an exact number. Once the money goes over to research, of course, it goes into a much bigger pile of money and a much longer-term view of whether we’re creating a cure or just extending qual ity of life.
“But to me, what I love beyond the money which is important is just creating awareness and trying to get people to understand genetics and prevention.”
The 2024 iteration of the tournament was another smashing success, reeling in roughly $400,000. Held in April, local high school and college soccer invaded Creighton’s Morrison Stadium once again for a total of four games. In the high school bracket, Duchesne Academy took on Central High School, and Creighton Prep faced off against Papillion LaVista. As for the college bracket, both the women and men’s teams at Creighton battled it out with the women and men’s teams at University of Nebraska-Omaha (UNO). No longer is it a chore getting teams to pa rticipate.
“We don’t have a requirement on the amount of money we ask the teams to raise,” Amy explained. “We ask that they raise money just to cover whoever goes to the dinner. Every year they do different things the names on the shirts or they’ll pass bucke ts at games.
“Last year, one of the teams did a tailgate. At that game, they raised a bunch of money. I think that’s one of the interesting things. When we first started, you almost had to beg the teams to be a part of it. We’ve gotten to the point where most teams don’t even hesitate. They’re just like, ‘Yep! Sign us up.’ It makes it a lot easier, but it’s even cooler to see how the teams get involved e very year.”
Planning is loosely underway for 2025, but there will be some noticeable changes. Instead of doing both college and high school games in the same month, they are divid ing them up.
“We’ve started working on the teams for next year,” Amy explained. “We don’t have them completely confirmed yet, but they’re in the process. The biggest thing this year is that we’re going to split the high school and college teams. Creighton and UNO will play in the fall, when they draw a really big crowd. In the spring, we’re gonna have all the high school teams play. The timing works out better.”
The Lindsays see the commitment to the cause come to life every time the players hit the pitch. Some players will wear jerseys with the names of people who have lost their lives to cancer or are currently in the fight.
“It’s become a tradition now with the high school teams,” Steve said. “Some or all of them will wear the name of somebody on the backs of their jerseys. This year it was two or three of the guys from Creighton Prep’s team who had the name of a mom who’s the wife of a classmate of mine who’s got a real tough battle. It’s just really, really cool to see. It’s heartwarming in a sad way, but it’s also uplifting.”
To learn more or to donate, visit kicksf oracure.com.
September 2024
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2024 First Place
Caterer
RYAN ATHLETICS CENTER AND D. J SOKOL ARENA ON CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY CAMPU
All for Love
Omaha Philanthropists Turn Grief into Giving
BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN // PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE // DESIGN BY JOEY WINTON
he name D.J. Sokol is displayed around town on prominent buildings. It is attached to a popular fundraiser held each year. The name is also that of an incredible young man.
D.J. Sokol was known around town for being positive and committed to helping others as well as having a “can- do” spirit.
He was passionate about sports especially basketball. When Creighton University hired Coach Dana Altman in 1994, his father, David Sokol, quickly procured tickets to Bluejays games. Altman, who former athletic director Bruce Rasmussen said was “D.J.’s favorite coach,” heard about this young man who convinced his UNOsupporting father to attend Creighton games and requested to meet for lunch. That started a long-time friendship between the Sokols and the Creight on coaches.
“After a few meetings, he said, ‘Would you like to have lunch with my mom and dad?’” Rasmussen shared. At the time, the men’s gym needed renovations, and D.J. knew whom he could rely on for help. While sitting down to lunch with the storied Creighton athletics duo, Rasmussen noted D.J.’s words as “Dad, these are my friends, and they need your help.” That prompted David and Peggy Sokol to donate the remaining 25% of the campaign to the practice arena (which has since been renamed the McDermot t facility).
The Mount Michael Benedictine School student was known for being a friend to all, welcoming five to 10 students who didn’t live locally to the Sokols’ home on weekends and school breaks.
D.J. was a sophomore at Mount Michael in February 1997 when he received a blood test during a doctor’s visit due to a change in appetite and lingering cold symptoms. The results led to a chest x-ray, which revealed a mass. For two years, he battled with Hodgkin lymphoma, continuing to attend Mount Michael and keeping up with activities as best as he could. D.J. passed away on June 11, 1999, two weeks after turning 18 years old, and about three weeks after graduating from Mount Michael.
The family and the community grieved. Gene Spence, a friend of the Sokols and an Omaha philanthropist, saw opportunity to help through “Be a Hero,” a charitable event by the Salvation Army that started the year before D.J. passed. Its focus was to give scholarships to young people who overcame adversity and had a positive impact on th e community.
David Sokol said, “It struck two chords: One, money could be raised for The Salvation Army…they help everyone who needs it. (And), as a family, we had always focused on helping kids that have adverse backgrounds.”
The family poured their grief and funds into a program that, in 2000, became known as D.J.’s Heroes. The Hero program celebrated 25 years as of May 2024. Over the years, the Sokols have given nearly $2 million to this program, which includes a luncheon that has boasted keynote speakers such as former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner, singer Jewel, and many more. This year’s luncheon celebrated 16 students who received a $12,000 scholarship (10 of which were personally funded by the Sokols) as well as mentoring from TeamMates and included a roundtable discussion between David and six Hero alumni that returned to Omaha for the event.
Viridiana Duran received the award in 2004 and was one of those who returned this past May. She noted that the Sokols have kept up with her and her children through the years.
“My son graduated from Mount Michael in 2023,” Duran said, noting that she contacted David soon after applying to the school and asked for a recommendation. “As Sebastian made it through Mount Michael, he would contact us, sometimes [just to talk] about life.”
David said being able to connect with the scholars is the greatest impact to the Sokols.
“They’re the kind of young men and women that D.J. was truly very proud of, you know, folks that have had a really rough start many of them significant health issues, family issues, and yet, they maintain the perspective that they can accomplish in their life,” David said.
That theme of spring-boarding D.J.’s passion for giving has benefited the community in other ways. In January 2018, Mount Michael dedicated the David “D.J.” Sokol Learning for Life building, and in 2009, the Creighton women’s basketball center was dedicated as the D.J. Sokol Arena bringing the Sokols’ philanthropy to D.J.’s favorite places.
“I don’t think I’ve met anyone his age who was more intelligent, more compassionate with others than D.J.,” Rasmussen said. “When I worked at Creighton his picture was on my desk. I still have it. It’s a great reminder of how to handle challenge and how to handle controversy.”
For more information on the D.J.’s Hero Awards, visit centralusa.salvationarmy.org/ djsh eroawards
he Omaha Creche Society formed as the Omaha Charity Association in 1887 to provide childcare for working mothers. According to an article from the Douglas County Historical Society, “Several prominent women in the city had come to the conclusion that the community was in need of a day nursery for children, as there were many working mothers who had no options for affordable and trustworthy childcare.”
These prominent women included Mrs. T.M. Kimball as president, Mrs. T.M. Orr as secretary, and Mrs. Sarah Joslyn as treasurer. Patrons were mostly “young mothers or widowers who could only find low-paying jobs such as waitressing, clerking, or working in factories. These types of jobs often required that the children’s parents work unusual hours, making it difficult for them to care for their little ones at night,” according to a newspaper rep ort in 1900.
Mrs. Kimball was quoted in an 1888 article in the Omaha World-Herald as saying, “We aim to help poor women, by strengthening their hands to work not by filling them with gifts; and to make homes possible by supplementing them not by taking their places. That is what Day Nursery work means.” This mission statement set a new precedent in Omaha, allowing parents to be able to work without having to worry about the ir children.
We aim to help poor women, by strengthening their hands to work–not by filling them with gifts,
-Mrs. T.M Kimball
The Charity Association quickly became affectionately known as the Creche Society, adopting the French word for “cradle” into their identity. Marjorie Morris, who chronicled much of the Creche’s history, gathered several anecdotes about “mothers resorting to locking their children in rooms with enough food and water to last the day, while they went off to earn the family’s money.” The Creche Society eliminated the need for these unfortunate occurrences for an affordable daily fee. Mrs. C. Clark Swanson, the organization’s president in 1948, stated, “[There are] no figureheads on the Creche directorate. Their hearts are in this project, and they are just as interested in running this home as they are in their own households.”
In addition to childcare for working parents, the Creche Society served as a permanent home for children without guardians. Some children stayed until adulthood, while others utilized the institution to “bridge the interval between a death in the family or a reconciliation in a broken home, or until relatives who [would] take an interest in the child [could ] be found.”
Housing an estimated 25 children per day, the Creche Society home, located on 52nd Street, was eventually condemned due to fire hazards and general deterioration. A new building was erected in its place and is today the location of an Omaha Montessori school. After 127 years of caring for Omaha children, the Creche Society, which relied heavily on donations for funding, was dissolved in 2014. The remainder of their funds was donated to the Omaha Community Foundation. The Creche’s legacy lives on through the foundation with an open fund and grant offerings to nonprofits with missions to provide educational services to children in Omaha.
To learn more, visit douglascohistory.org and omahafou ndation.org.
The Creche Society
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Swim Adult
60+ Active Living
So with the summer temperatures soaring into the 90s, Kealy instead opened up the indoor pool at the YMCA Kirn in Council Bluffs one afternoon for a reporter. Inside, with stretched lane markers floating across the dimly lit 25-yard pool, the whirring sounds of the overhead fans hovered above the st ill waters.
“The lifeguards prefer working at the outside pools and working on their tans,” Kealy said with a laugh.
As if he owned the place, Kealy had the access key to the Kirn pool, however, he is quick to point out he neither desires to own nor manage the pool. Though a oncea-week lifeguard there, the 68-year-old retired salesman from the printing industry more frequently works out to swim competitively, routinely setting age records in masters meets for seniors.
Kealy first became involved in swimming as a kid at the Town and Country Aqua Club pool in Council Bluffs and later swam on the Abraham Lincoln High School and South Dakota State University teams. Long after earning his college degree and returning to his Omaha area roots after living in Texas a few years, Kealy was prodded by a childhood friend to jump back into the pool.
Pat Hensley is that friend and said he swayed Kealy 30 years ago. Kealy listened and has stayed diligent with swimming ever since but there’s something more than just competing against othe rs in meets.
“I still love it now as I did back then (in high school). When I was in college, I got a little burnt out,” Kealy shared. “But I was swimming there for different reasons. Just competition only. Now I’m doing it to sta y in shape.”
Tom Kealy Brings Competitive Edge to Senior Games
n a mid-July summer afternoon during an Olympic year, Tom Kealy of Council Bluffs in all likelihood would have been a volunteer had the US Olympic Team Swim Trials taken place again in Omaha. But this year, the event took place outside Omaha for the first time since 2004 when they moved to Indianapolis.
If nothing else, Kealy hopes his inspirational message of staying in shape comes across most prominently.
“It doesn’t matter if you swim, play pickleball, jog, or walk. Get out and do something,” Kea ly implored.
Hensley, also of Council Bluffs, spends more time around the golf course these days as co-owner of the Bent Tree Golf Club, but still regularly dips into the pool t o swim laps.
“When he came back to town, he lost a little bit of his edge,” Hensley said. “We just talked about it a bit. We’re both pretty competitive. It’s like, ‘Come on, Tommy, let’s go!’”
“I TOLD WORK, ‘I’M GOING TO GO (TO THE) OLYMPIC TRIALS. I’M VOLUNTEERING. I’M GOING TO BE GONE FOR THREE-AND-A-HALF WEEKS. IF YOU DON’T LIKE IT, I’M GOING TO RETIRE TODAY.’
-TOM KEALY
And Kealy has been g oing places.
He’s a regular competitor at the Iowa and Nebraska Senior Games, which are athletic competitions among those 50 years of age and older. In 2022, Kealy was elected to the Iowa Senior Games H all of Fame.
But despite all the senior records and honors in recent years, Kealy said his most memorable swim still dates back to his days with the Town and Country summer team, something he definitely planned to bring up when the 50th reunion of the team took place in late July at where else? Hensley’s banquet room a t Bent Tree.
Kealy recalled a summer meet that came down to the meet’s final event in which all the Town and Country four-man relay entries featu red Kealys.
“My two brothers and my cousin, we all had the same last name,” Kealy explained. “We had always beaten this other team, but they were pumped and r eady to go.”
Kealy added, “We had the lead the whole way, but we got done, finished first, and won the championship. That is one I alway s remember.”
Between his own time in the pool, and working at what was called “deck control” at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials during the Omaha years, Kealy has packed plenty of memories around the water. The first year the swimming trials took place in 2008 at CHI Center when Kealy was still active in the printi ng business.
“I told work, ‘I’m going to go [to the] Olympic Trials. I’m volunteering. I’m going to be gone for three-and-a-half weeks. If you don’t like it, I’m going to ret ire today.’”
He didn’t retire then, but as a retired salesman these days, how long does Kealy plan to ke ep swimming?
“As long as I can. As long as I can drive to the pool,” he said.
For more information on the Senior Games, visit iowaseniorga mes.org and nebraskaseni orgames.com.
STORY BY GREG ECHLIN // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK
“IT DOESN’T MATTER IF YOU SWIM, PLAY PICKLEBALL, JOG, OR WALK. GET OUT AND DO SOMETHING.”
-TOM KEALY
Generous Hearts, Creative Minds Six Omaha Women Who Gifted Us Cultural Treasures
e’re fortunate to enjoy a culturally rich community here in Omaha, deeply influenced by the generosity of individuals who have made substantial contributions to the arts. Six particularly remarkable Omaha women not only advocated for creative expression, but also established enduring legacies of their own. Their efforts ensure that our city remains a space for creativity and a flourishing community. From accessible galleries to historic theaters, the following institutions owe their existence to the vision and philanthropy of these six women.
SARAH JOSLYN–JOSLYN ART MUSEUM
2200 Dodge St., Omaha, NE | joslyn.org
Sarah Joslyn was one of Omaha’s wealthiest women—she and her husband, George, were Omaha’s first millionaires and philanthropists. Many local institutions benefited from their generosity, and after George died, Sarah honored him in 1931 with a museum and concert hall designed to embrace the arts. With a grand expansion and long-awaited public reopening this September, The Joslyn carries out Sarah’s vision of bringing people together to explore art across time and cultures.
BRIGITTE MCQUEEN–THE UNION FOR CONTEMPORARY ART
2423 N 24th St., Omaha, NE | u-ca.org
When Brigitte McQueen moved to Omaha in 2006, she recognized a great potential for arts programming in North Omaha, where years of disinvestment and stigma separated the region from the rest of the city. In 2011, she left her job at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts and founded The Union for Contemporary Art, designed primarily to support local artists and drive civic engagement. Today, The Union’s programs use the arts to inspire positive social change in the region and beyond.
ROSE BLUMKIN–THE
ROSE THEATER
2001 Farnam St., Omaha, NE| rosetheater.org
A familiar name to many, Rose Blumkin was a philanthropist and businesswoman who founded Nebraska Furniture Mart in 1937. With a generous donation, Blumkin saved the old Astro Theater from demolition in the 1980s because it held sentimental value—her daughter had once won a talent show there. Renamed The Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Center in her honor, The Rose is dedicated to making theater and arts education accessible to all children and families.
RACHEL JACOBSON–FILM STREAMS
Dundee Theater|4952 Dodge St. Ruth Sokolof Theater| lorne1340 Mike Fahey St.|filmstreams.org
Omaha native Rachel Jacobson has always had a passion for film appreciation. Founded in 2005, Film Streams is a nonprofit dedicated to “enhancing the cultural environment of the Omaha-Council Bluffs area through the presentation and discussion of film as an art form.” After their success downtown, Jacobson reopened the historic Dundee Theatre as a second Film Streams location in 2017. Her enthusiasm encourages those who visit Film Streams to engage with cinema on a much deeper level than simply purchasing a ticket.
REE KANEKO–BEMIS CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTS
Bemis: 724 S 12th St. | KANEKO: 1111 Jones St. bemiscenter.org/thekaneko.org
& KANEKO
Ree Kaneko is an arts administrator, curator, and artist. She explored the art centers of New York and California before returning to Omaha’s empty warehouses in 1971, where she was a studio artist for 11 years. In 1981, she founded the Bemis Center alongside her sculptor husband Jun Kaneko, artist Tony Hepburn, and curator Lorne Falk. In 2001, she and Jun dedicated their efforts to founding a new creative hub—KANEKO. Today, KANEKO’s mission is to encourage and explore creativity through exhibitions, performance, lectures, and education.
MAGDALENA GARCIA–EL MUSEO LATINO 4701 S 25th St. | elmuseolatino.org
Magdalena Garcia moved to Omaha from Mexico City when she was 9 years old. Garcia pursued an art history degree and volunteered at the Joslyn Art Museum in the early ‘90s, all while observing Omaha’s growing Latino demographic. Founded by Garcia in 1992, El Museo Latino became the first Latino-Hispanic art, culture, and history museum in the region—one of just four in the United States—hosting exhibitions and services for the community. Today, it remains one of just 17 Latino museums in the country. 1 3 5 2 4 6
SERVING UP MEMORIES SINCE 1949
Boys Town's
2 EGGS, SAUSAGE, HASHBROWNS, AND TOAST
Nestled inside the Visitors Center on the historic Boys Town campus is the Overlook Café, an eatery serving classic café food like breakfast combos, patty melts, salads, and cold sandwiches at prices that are intentionally kept low.
The café is open to the public for breakfast and lunch during the week, with the exception of Fridays, which are reserved for employees and the Boys Town Citizenship Ceremony, a special event during which the new youth of Boys Town become citizens.
Following the ceremony, the new citizens are served burgers or grilled cheese and are then treated to ice cream to welcome them to the community. “It’s a major event,” said Tom Lynch, director of Community Programs for Boys Town. “They’re becoming citizens of the village of Boys Town, so it’s a major event for the kids.”
“Normally, it’s hosted by our executive director, our Father here on campus,” said Chelsea Trofholz, director of food services for Boys Town.” The speaker tells those in attendance about some of the history of Boys Town and then leads the children through an oath. The new citizens are then given a chance to speak and each receives a commemorative certificate.
It’s easy to see how Overlook Café is more than simply a place to eat. It’s also where youth experience transformative moments that will help form who they eventually become.
The Overlook Café also hosts alumni conventions. “On alumni years, the café is filled with people who come back, some who are in their eighties to recent graduates, and they all have memories of eating in there because eating at Boys Town is an important thing,” said Lynch.
“Feeding the boys and girls is a top priority and they always remember the food growing up,” he added.
It’s interesting how a café that isn’t necessarily well-known is such a hub for memories. “It’s just part of Boys Town being part of the community in that we encourage people to come visit us and learn about our history,” Lynch said. “It’s a place for everyone to come together, and it’s a very special place on campus.”
“I didn’t realize Boys Town had a café until I started working here,” Trofholz admitted. “Since then, I’ve spent a lot of time over there, and they have a great staff who are
always very friendly, so I enjoy going over there and seeing the public.”
Outside the confines of the ceremonies, Overlook Café’s most popular menu item is their charbroiled burger. Trofholz’s personal favorite is the Western Burger with BBQ sauce, bacon, and cheese, while Lynch goes for the the Chicken Salad. “They do something called the Chicken Salad Healthy Plate, which is a good, healthy lunch,” he said.
Boys Town media relations specialist Jordan Weinandt said, “I also like the burgers, but my favorite is one of the specials where they do mashed potatoes and gravy and corn and country-fried steak.”
The café has seasonal and soup specials every week, and plenty of breakfast specials. Trofholz said there is also a full salad bar and a variety of grab-and-go options.
The Overlook Café is a meeting place for many regular customers, some of whom simply enjoy gathering there to have a meal with friends, and some employees from nearby companies who use the café as a meeting place. “It’s sort of a central location for the city of Omaha, where our café is located,” Trofholz said. “They like to come over and meet.” Despite its enthusiastic community, however, employees are the café’s number one clientele group, said Trofholz.
The Overlook Café opened in 1949 and was named after the original property where Boys Town now stands. “Father Flanagan purchased Overlook Farm in 1921, and that’s the original name for our property,” Lynch revealed. “The café was branded a number of things over the years, and at our last branding, they wanted to call it the Overlook Café in honor of our history.”
Lynch also said that the Visitors Center was once a place where buses could pull up and drop off guests. “They had a waiting room, they had the café, and it had a counter just like you’d see at a bus stop back in the day,” he said. “Gradually, over the decades, we remodeled it and changed its purposes to fit the needs of Boys Town as our needs have evolved.”
A visit to Overlook Café can also include some sightseeing around the campus. Lynch suggested that the Hall of History shouldn’t be missed. Weinandt agreed. “I highly recommend everyone tour the Hall of History. It’s just so informative, and I learn something new every time I go into it.”
“I would agree with the Hall of History for a visit because it has so much information on Boys Town,” Trofholz averred. She said the next stop should be the café to enjoy some “low-cost, delicious food.” The menu prices are intentionally kept low, she said. For example, customers can order a BLT for less than $6, or an egg salad sandwich for less than $5. Kids meals for those under the age of 12 feature an entrée, fries, fountain drink, and treat and cost a reasonable $5.49.
Making a day of a visit to Boys Town can be planned out beforehand with the Visit Boys Town app, Lynch said. He suggested visitors consider checking out the Hall of History, the Flanagan Home, the gift shop, and then the café. “Then they can take the afternoon and tour the campus, but it’s really up to them because they get to make their own tour,” he said.
Boys Town is rich in history and offers both guided and self-guided tours. The Overlook Café is merely one of the many stops that can be made while visiting. Where else can you see the world’s largest ball of stamps (which weighs 600 pounds and has over 4.5 million stamps), eat at a café that has meant so much to so many people, and marvel at a story that was told in an Academy Awardwinning movie back in the 1930s?
Boys Town has been serving youth for a century, and the Overlook Café has been serving food for around 75 years under different names, but the mission has always been the same: to offer healing and hope to those who need it. Often that is through professional counseling and guidance, but it can also arrive via a burger and ice cream at the end of a citizenship ceremony, welcoming youth to their new community.
Sometimes, it even comes in the form of providing the community with tasty, affordable food in a friendly environment. The Overlook Café is a hidden gem in a historic place that has strived to positively impact families for a century.
To learn more, visit boystown.org/about/visit/ attractions#overlook-cafe.
Open to the public Monday through Thursday, with breakfast served 6:30 to 9:30 am and lunch served 11:00 am to 1:30 pm.
Savory
PIZZERIA
CHEF PROFILE // STORY BY HOLLY MCATEE // PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE // DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK
Jeanette George
Jeanette George, executive chef and co-owner of Lyle’s Pizzeria, has always had a love of farm-to-table cooking. She grew up in central Nebraska on a large farm where her mother had a vegetable garden. “My first memories are of making potato salad with home grown veggies and canning pickles, salsa, and fresh tomato sauce,” George reminisced.
Summers were spent at Johnson’s Lake for family reunions when a traditional meal called “soo-wee” was made by filling an old milk churn with cabbage, sausage, corn, carrots, onions, and cheap beer. The mixture was put on the fire where it would bubble away for hours while the kids fished, swam, and basked in the sun. “Our Great Uncle Glen would ring a bell and yell, “Soo-wee!” and the kids would run up from the lake to the house knowing that dinner was ready,” George shared. “It was dumped into a small DIY trough lined with plastic, and we would dip crusty bread and butter in the mix. I miss those summers.”
George began her restaurant career at Lot 2 as a server and host. She’d always cooked at home, and one day she moved into the prep kitchen and worked under Joel Mahr, who became her mentor. She subsequently worked at the French Bulldog, The Blackstone Meatball, and La Buvette, where she served as head chef.
Then Philip Schaffart approached George to start a new restaurant called Lyle’s Pizzeria. The two met when she was at Meatball, where he was impressed with her culinary abilities. “Jeanette is a great leader and advocate, not only for our business, but also for our community. She’s a very tough person—no one will outwork her. Her team adores her and respects her. She’s also so kind and has such a warm presence and heart,” said Schaffart, coowner of Lyle’s Pizzeria. The name Lyle’s is an homage to Lyle Ray—a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and beloved pet of the Schaffart family.
In April 2023, Lyle’s Pizzeria opened on the corner of 52nd and Leavenworth streets in a former Max I. Walker dry cleaner. Built in the 1930’s, the building originally served as a post office. Today, the kitchen for Lola’s bakery, located several blocks away in Dundee, is housed in the basement, and both Lola’s baked goods and Lyle’s pizza dough are crafted there.
Lyle’s space has the look and feel of a restaurant that has been in the neighborhood for decades. A colorful mural by local artist Jeff Sedrel greets guests as they pull into the parking lot. “We wanted to have something that was fun, whimsical, and showcased our personality—he nailed it!” George said. The floor is lined with black and white subway tiles. A long bar with seating sweeps across the restaurant. There are a few more sets of tables to make up the cozy atmosphere. George and Schaffart plan to add a patio for additional seating later in the year. Green plants rest along the windows and hang above the bar. The artwork features enlarged black-and-white photos of Omaha street scenes and images of people and their dogs. George handpicked the photos from the Durham Museum’s historical photo archives.
The idea was to look timeless and to showcase the local community.
“We really wanted to create a vibe that was a third space— a place to go between work and home. We are in a great community, and we wanted to be a welcoming spot,” George explained.
The menu consists of small plates like marinated olives, salads, and pizzas. The 12-inch pizzas are made with hand-stretched sourdough that bakes to a crispy crust topped with fresh ingredients. The sausage pizza, a favorite of many customers, is covered in tomato sauce, fennel sausage, goat cheese, mozzarella, pepperoncini, and Mike’s Hot Honey. The Bianco is a mix of fontina, fior di latte mozzarella, goat cheese, roasted garlic, basil, and olive oil. Vegan options and gluten free crusts are available. The menu changes seasonally with daily specials based on the local ingredients.
On the day I visited, George had a container of fresh picked wild oyster mushrooms that she incorporated into a special pizza called the “Wild Child.” It included a mixture of wild ramp pesto, house lemon ricotta, and pistachios.
“The menu is simple, but simple can be hard to execute. It’s remarkable what she does with so few ingredients,” Schaffart said.
The bar menu features craft cocktails, beer, and wine. The wine list is biodynamic, organic, and sourced from sustainable farming wineries. George likes to feature women and BIPOC-owned wine makers.
For chefs coming onto the scene, George’s advice is that “creativity has no bounds—and failure isn’t so much failure, but learning. Cooking is a skill that compounds on itself—so keep pushing, keep working. You will never know everything, and you will always continue to learn and improve your skills. Read a lot, be a team player, and have fun.”
George’s curiosity is what drives her the most, along with her personal philosophy of walking through the world with kindness and creativity. She’s grateful to share that through food and hospitality.
“Lyle’s is excited and grateful to be a part of this community! We can’t wait to welcome you in. We’re only just getting started,” said George.
To learn more, visit lylespizzeria.com.
NOTHING
ORDINARY
ChickenTandoori
DINING REVIEW
STORY BY KIM CARPENTER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE
DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK
Omaha has a long history of memorable restaurants specializing in Indian cuisine, some now closed, but nonetheless fondly remembered: the Indian Oven, Jaipur Restaurant, and Taste of India, to name a few. Shahi India Grill, located in the heart of the Old Market, certainly deserves to be a part of that illustrious culinary pantheon. It promises “Nothing Is Ordinary Here,” and for the most part, Shahi delivers on that tagline.
It starts with the interior, which is upscale and contemporary and features a large water fountain that is both eye-catching and provides a nice source of white noise. It proved a lovely backdrop to the evening, lightly drowning out background chatter with its musically looping water cycle. Another important backdrop—the fragrant aroma of Indian cooking that wafted through the air. Scents like cardamom and cinnamon whet the appetite and set the mood like only a good kitchen can.
Our table of three stopped by on a quiet weeknight, which provided a lovely opportunity for slow-paced dining. We started with two appetizers and a plate of naan. The Paneer Pakora was light, fluffy, and went at a rapid clip. Paneer is a non-melting Indian cottage cheese that is made fresh by curdling milk. Deep fried in chickpea flour, these fritters came with a teasingly tangy dipping sauce that highlighted the lovely contrast between the crispy exterior
and creamy interior. This is a favorite street food in India, popular at street-side places like tapris (tea stalls) and dhabas (roadside restaurants), and it’s easy to see why. Shahi’s were irresistible and slightly addictive.
Our second starter was the Shahi Combination Appetizer platter, which featured generous helpings of vegetable samosa, vegetable pakora, chicken pakora, shrimp, and more paneer pakora. The golden vegetable samosa were delectable—the filling, which included peas, carrots, and potato, was lightly punctuated with garam masala, a classic blend of mixed spices like coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and cumin. The vegetable pakora were lovely little deepfried vegetarian fritters, featuring spicy vegetables and a succulent crust. The chicken pakora was a riff on the same—tender, moist marinated chicken deep fried in chickpea flour to a golden crisp. Mild and nutty, the pakora practically melted on the tongue. The deep-fried shrimp was also hotly vied
after by the entire table. Crackly on the outside, juicy on the interior, the delicate shellfish rounded out the appetizer assortment perfectly. Dipping sauces brought out the flavors of each even more and added a nice communal vibe to the dining experience.
While it was difficult to settle on just one naan for table, we eventually ordered the Bullet Naan. The white-flour flat bread was stuffed with homemade cheese, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño and served topped with a spicy, hot butter. The spice level was perfect, providing just enough oomph without overwhelmingly the subtlety of the naan. This was the dish we all found ourselves compulsively returning to repeatedly, and it emerged as the table’s favorite starter. Fortunately, it was a heaping serving so it more than satisfied all three of us.
For our main dishes, we aimed for a broad sampling, from meat and heat to vegan. My dining companions opted for the Alu Gobi (vegan) and the Chicken Tandoori (meat), while I selected the Madras with Paneer (heat). Each provided a view into the kitchen’s impressive capability for creating wide and varied interpretations of Indian classics. We naturally all did a taste testing of each others’ menu items, which came with fluffy bowls of perfectly executed rice.
SHAHI INDIA GRILL
The Alu Gobi featured fresh cauliflower (gobi) and potatoes (alu). Steamed with tomatoes and onions and enlivened with both spices and aromatics, this dish is a beloved Indian comfort food, a fragrantly hearty stew with a gorgeous golden color thanks to turmeric. The cauliflower and potatoes had the perfect “bite”—they were just firm enough without devolving into sogginess, which is often a challenge when preparing this dish.
Chicken Tandoori is of course a popular staple at any Indian restaurant. Shahi’s version featured boneless chicken marinated in yogurt and Indian spices that was then grilled to savory succulence. Juicy and tender, the chicken had a sauce with a
perfect blend of garlic, onion, ginger, and garam masala. Paired with the rice, it made for a delectable menu selection.
For my main course, I went with the Madras with Paneer. I found the homemade cottage cheese so delicious as an appetizer, I was eager to sample it prepared in an entree. Cooked in a spicy coconut curry with dry red chili peppers, herbs, and cumin, this dish comes with a warning on the menu: “Super hot dish.” I requested maximum spiciness and was not disappointed—quite the opposite. I was delighted with the chili kick this dish had. It throughly balanced with the paneer, making this meal a mustorder for anyone who likes to live life on the spicy side.
The service throughout the evening was solid, but a little remote. Our server was quick to take our order and bring us our food as soon as it was ready, but he wasn’t very conversational when it came to answering questions about the menu. On the plus side, we had more than enough food to take home for lunch the next day, and to our delight, the take-away containers were plastic and BPA free. That was a major plus for us, one that insures not only future dine-in experiences but take-out orders as well.
For more information, visit shahiomaha.com.
(L to R) Chicken Tandoori, Bullet Naan, Rice, Madras with Paneer
OMAHA PRIME JENNIFER ZHANG
Omaha Prime is a renowned steakhouse located in Omaha’s historic Old Market district. Known for an elegant dining room and an outdoor patio that overlooks the Passageway, this restaurant provides a charming and unique dining atmosphere. Omaha Prime is an ideal location for a night out or to celebrate a special occasion in their private party room. The ambiance is both elegant and inviting, with the interior’s walls featuring sports memorabilia and photos of Nebraska sports legends.
This upscale restaurant is celebrated for serving exclusively USDA Prime Grade Beef, making it a “prime” spot for steak lovers. Each Omaha Prime steak and chop are hand-selected for quality, marbling, and flavor. The prime grade is awarded by the USDA, and only 5% of all cattle attain the coveted prime designation. The most popular steaks are the bone-in ribeye, porterhouse, and the filet. The servers show the meat cuts with a tableside presentation, proving an intimate experience that other restaurants don’t offer.
Omaha Prime offers a range of appetizers featuring superior seafood like shrimp cocktail, lump crab cakes, and lobster bisque with a puff pastry. Other appetizers include lobster mac and cheese and duck wings with orange glaze. There are also sides served
family style like white truffle garlic mashed potatoes, creamed garlic spinach, asparagus, and more.
If you aren’t looking for steak, Omaha Prime offers Chilean sea bass, lobster tail, and chicken piccata, among other items to choose from.
The extensive wine list offers an unparalleled selection, featuring some of the rarest wines, sparkling wines, and champagnes from from storied vineyards and wineries around the world, including the Napa Valley, Bordeaux, Oregon, and South Africa.
Omaha Prime is a travel destination for many across the country and a local favorite for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.
Owner Jennifer Zhang wasn’t looking to buy a restaurant, but she fell in love with Omaha Prime because of their famous steak and the superior service. “Our food is top notch. It makes me so proud. I’m proud of what we offer to locals and to travelers. Many of our customers are travelers that come here because they have heard about us. We get many teams that come here during the CWS, and they come back year after year. Omaha Prime is unique. I may want to bring the concept to other states or internationally,” she shared.
The servers at Omaha Prime are career servers and follow strict tableside etiquette. The staff is known for their attentiveness that enhances the dining experience. “We focus on trying to create a relationship with every table,” General Manager Luis Palacio said.
“We want our customers to have a great experience. We put in all the details,” Zhang added.
Reservations are recommended and can be made at OpenTable. Omaha Prime offers private dining for special events, with a private room that can accommodate up to 30 guests and a semi-private room for up to 90.
DINING GUIDE
AMERICAN
DJ’S DUGOUT SPORTS BAR - $
Seven Metro Area Locations:
Bellevue - 10308 S. 23rd St. - 402.292.9096
Miracle Hills - 777 N. 114th St. - 402.498.8855
Downtown - 1003 Capitol Ave. - 402.763.9974
Aksarben - 2102 S. 67th St. - 402.933.3533
Millard - 17666 Welch Plaza - 402.933.8844
Elkhorn - 19020 Evans St. - 402.315.1985
Plattsmouth - 2405 Oak Hill Rd. - 402.298.4166
Voted Omaha’s #1 Sports Bar, DJ’s Dugout is locally and Vietnam Veteran owned. DJ’s Dugout features delicious burgers, wings, wraps, salads, sandwiches and an impressive drink menu. Plus, DJ’s has huge media walls full of HD TVs and projector screens. Catch all the action at DJ’s seven Omaha-area locations. Dig In... At The Dugout! —djsdugout.com
JAMS MODERN AMERICAN- $$
7814 Dodge St. - 402.399.8300
17070 Wright Plz, Ste. 100 - 402.810.9600 1101 Harney St. in the OldMarket - 402.614.9333
Jams is an Omaha restaurant legacy, an “American Grill” that offers a melting pot of different styles and varieties. The dishes are made with high-quality ingredients that pair well with award-winning wines or creative cocktails. —jamseats.com
DINING GUIDE
$=$
LE PEEP - $
69th & Pacific - 402.933.2776
177th and Center St. - 402.934.9914
156th St. & W. Dodge Rd. - 402.408.1728
120th and Blondo St. - 402.991.8222
Le Peep puts a wholesome perspective on your favorite neighborhood breakfast and lunch spot. Fresh. Simple. Elegant. Inviting. We put the emphasis on people, both patrons and staff. We focus on providing each of our guests the fresh food and friendly service that they have come to expect. Open daily 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m. —lepeepomaha.co m
PACIFIC EATING HOUSE - $$ 1130 Sterling Ridge Dr. - 531.999.3777
We have developed our menu inspired by all that touches the Pacific Ocean. Starting with fresh fish flown from Honolulu, locally sourced steaks and natural chicken with an Asian flare and pairing our dishes with tiki libations and Pacific coast wines. —pacificeatinghouse.com
PINE & BLACK BISTRO - $$ 248 Olson Dr., Papillion - 531.999.3777
We opened in March of 2023 to bring a family owned bistro to the community, serving local steaks and fresh seafood. We offer a wide variety of Pacific Northwest wines, local beers, and craft cocktails. Pinot Noir translates to Pine & Black, our name originates from our love of wine. —pineandblackbistro.com
SAND POINT - $$$
655 North 114th Street Omaha, NE 68154
—531-466-1008
Sand Point ‘New England Fare’ brings their favorite and unique dishes from New England to the Omaha food community. Freshest seafood, from seared crab cakes, lobster arancini, whole belly clams, New England clam chowder, lobster bisque to charcuterie boards and Angus beef tips and steak burgers, to be topped off with Boston cream pie, blueberry pie or Lemon canna cotta. Full bar to include, specialty cocktails, extensive wine lists, as well as beer and non-alcoholic drinks.
–sandpointomaha.com
STELLA’S - $
106 S. Galvin Road, Bellevue - 402.291.6088
Since 1936, we’ve been making our world-famous Stella’s hamburgers the same way. The family secrets have been handed down to each owner, ensuring that your burger is the same as the one you fell in love with the first time you tried Stella’s. And if it’s your first time, we know you’ll be back! Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., closed Sunday. — stellasbarandgrill.com
Come experience the true taste of homemade ice cream in the Old Market. Since 1986, we’ve created gourmet ice cream flavors in small batches using rock salt and ice. We offer your favorites, plus unique flavors like margarita, green tea, Guinness, and French toast. Special orders available. Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.- Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday. Noon-10 p.m. —tedandwallys.com VARSITY SPORTS CAFE - $$ Ralston - 9735 Q St. - 402.339.1944 Bellevue - 3504 Samson Way - 402.932.1944 Millard - 14529 F St. - 402.505.6660
Ralston, Bellevue and Millard. We are truly grateful to have been welcomed into each of these communities and welcome you in for good food, a cold drink and a comfy seat to enjoy the sport of your choosing! Determined to bring only the freshest ingredients, homemade dough and our specialty sauces to the table, we have worked hard to perfect our craft for you. Our goal is to bring the best food service to the area and show the best sports events that you want to see. Pick up and Delivery availalble. Please check website for hours of operation. —varsityromancoinpizza.com
DINING GUIDE
ITALIAN
S PEZIA - $$$
3125 S. 72nd St. - 402.391.2950
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, certified Angus steaks, innovative pasta, risotto, gnocchi, cioppino, lamb, entrée salads, Mediterranean chicken, flatbreads, and fresh salmon daily. Enjoy a full bar, Italian and California wines, Anniversary/Lovers’ Booth (call to reserve), private dining rooms, and wood-fired grill. Open Monday-Sunday. Cocktail hour 4-6 p.m., when all cocktails, glasses of wine, and beers are half price. Evening reservations recommended. —speziarestaurant.com
MEXICAN
FERNANDO’S - $
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. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.- 11 p.m., Sunday 4-9 p.m. —fernandosomaha.com
LA MESA - $$
158th St. and W. Maple Rd.
- 402.557.6130
156th and Q streets
- 402.763.2555
110th St. and W. Maple Rd.
- 402.496.1101
Fort Crook Rd. and Hwy 370 - 402.733.8754
84th St. and Tara Plaza
- 402.593.0983
Lake Manawa Exit
- 712.256.2762
Enjoy awesome appetizers, excellent enchilada’s, fabulous fajitas, seafood specialties, mouthwatering margaritas and much more at La Mesa! Come see why La Mesa has been voted Best of Omaha’s 20 Years in a Row! Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Thursday-Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. —lamesaomaha.co m
THINGS RELATED, BUT DIFFERENT. NATIONS, NORTH AND SOUTH. WE ARE AMERICAN-GROWN WITH MEXICAN ROOTS, PROUDLY CHICANO. FLAVORS, TRADITIONAL AND NEW. WE EVOLVE MEXICAN FAMILY RECIPES WITH OUR OWN MODERN TWIST. CITIES, EAST AND WEST. WITH ROOTS IN COUNCIL BLUFFS AND OMAHA, OUR MEMORIES AND DEDICATION TO THIS COMMUNITY SPAN THE MIGHTY MO. OUR STORY IS A STORY OF COUSINS. OR AS OUR ANCESTORS SAY, PRIMOS. WHERE FAMILY, FLAVOR AND COMMUNITY COME TO THE TABLE.
PRIMO’S OMAHA OFFERS THE LARGEST OUTDOOR HEATED PATIO IN OMAHA OUR STORY
PRIMO’S OMAHA 5914 Center Street | Omaha, NE 68106 402-322-8141
PRIMO’S COUNCIL BLUFFS 930 5th Ave. | Council Bluffs, IA 51501 712-256-5200
Both locations are open for BREAKFAST AT 7 A.M.
DINING GUIDE
PRIMO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT - $$
5914 Center St., Omaha, NE - 402.322.8141
930 5th Ave., Council Bluffs, IA - 712.256.5200
Family owned and operated since 2010, Primo’s Modern Mexican utilizes the freshest ingredients to bring both authentic Mexican and Southwest-style dishes to life with flare and unrivaled flavor. With recipes passed down over four generations, a familyfriendly atmosphere, and plates to satisfy cravings at every hour—with breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus offering a variety of Mexican staples—Primo’s Mexican Restaurant is proud to serve the people of Omaha and Council Bluffs no matter the occasion. —primosmodernmexican.com
SPECIAL DINING
GREEK ISLANDS - $ 3821 Center St. - 402.346.1528
Greek cuisine with specials every day at reasonable prices. We are well-known for our gyro sandwiches and salads. We cater and can accommodate a party for 65 guests. Carry-out and delivery available. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. —greekislandsomaha.com
ZEN COFFEE COMPANY - $ West - 132nd and Center Downtown - 25th and Farnam One Pacific Place - Drive Thru Kiosk next to Trader Joes
Zen features over 50 popular drink options including Butter Beer, Honey Bee, Lavender Lady and Sunshine Daydream. Choose from hot or iced lattes, blenders, fruit smoothies and teas! Grab a flight or double cup to try the seasonal features! Delicious pastries and toasts made in house daily. —zencoffeecompany.com
DINING GUIDE
STEAKHOUSES
CASCIO’S - $$
1620 S. 10th St. - 402-345-8313
Cascio’s is Omaha’s No. 1 steakhouse. We have been serving Omaha for 69 years. We feature steaks, chops, seafood, and Italian specialties. We have seven private party rooms, seating for up to 400 people, and plenty of parking. —casciossteakhouse.com
THE DROVER RESTAURANT & LOUNGE - $$$
2121 S. 73rd St. - 402-391-7440
Famous for the original Whiskey Steak. Truly a oneof-a-kind Midwestern experience. Excellent food, wine, service, and value. Rare...and very well done. LUNCH: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., DINNER: Monday-Friday 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 4:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m., Sunday 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m., LOUNGE: Monday-Friday Cocktails only 2 p.m.-5 p.m. —droverrestaurant.com
TWISTED CORK BISTRO - $$
10370 Pacific St. - 531.999.3777
We arrived in Nebraska from Washington intent on purchasing from farmers, ranchers & fishmongers who share our commitment for wholesome, sustainable fare. Our recipes use the Earth’s bounty the way it is intended ~ Wild and Natural ~ We compliment our dishes, pairing them with exquisite Pacific Northwest wines. –twistedcorkbistro.com
DINING GUIDE LEGEND
$=$
come and
explore.
LET’S PLAN A ROAD TRIP!
COMPILED BY Claudia Moomey
NEBRASKA
ARTS IN THE PARK September 7th, 10:00 am-4:00 pm, at Cody Park in North Platte Come to Cody Park to catch handmade items by local artists and craftsmen. Learn about their techniques and story at every booth. Support Nebraska creators and also catch the Cody Park features such as the rides, campsite, train display, and more. —ci.north-platte.ne.us/parks/ cody-park/
Sept. 7
75TH ANNUAL NORFOLK BEEF EXPOSeptember 7th & 8th, at the Northeast Community College Agriculture Complex Open to Nebraskan youth between the ages of 8 and 19, the Annual Norfolk Beef Expo is a tradition for many. Compete for the titles of grand champion marks steer and heifer titles, come to watch, and support the exhibitors. High school juniors and seniors competing who are planning to go to college for an agricultural degree can apply for The Beef Expo Scholarship. Immediately following the selection of champions, the premium auction is held. Profits go directly back to participants. —norfolkareachamber.com/beef-expo/
NATIONAL AVOCADO LAUNCHING CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY THE U.S. ARMY September 13th & 14th at Pals Brewing Company in North Platte The National Avocado Launching Championship is a large scale avocado launching tournament where teams of up to three will face off to send their avocados the farthest. Team can use any launching tool that is humanpowered such as slingshots, resistance bands, trebuchets, however throwing by hand is not allowed. Get creative with your team and fight to send your avocado to the sky and win the $3500 top prize. — avocadolaunching.com/
MARK SCHULTZ September 17th, 5:00 pm, at the North Platte Berean Church Christian recording artist Mark Schultz has sold two million records, has 10 number one singles, a Dove Award, and other award nominations. He is dropping his first full-length album after taking a six year break to be a father and is hitting the road for a tour to celebrate. If you are familiar with Christian music, you are bound to know Schultz. — markschultzmusic.com/tour/
DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS MICKEY’S SEARCH PARTY September 27-29 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln A must-see event for Disney fans, see your favorite characters live and in person as they perform songs and dances on ice and in the air. See acrobatics, impressive stunts, and more. See characters such as Moana, Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Toy Story’s Woody and friends, Aladdin, Genie, and Jasmine, and others performing hits. Mickey brings his friends and the audience on his epic search. — pinnaclebankarena. com/events/detail/disney-on-icemickeys-search-party-1
DEAR EVAN HANSEN September 27-29 at The Lied Center in Lincoln Known as “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history” by the Washington Post and praised by others, “Dear Evan Hansen” is the musical production that goes into the world of social media society and the lives of both teens and parents. After being made into a film starring Ben Platt in 2021, the broadway phenomenon is back on tour and in Nebraska. — liedcenter.org/event/ dear-evan-hansen
DAYTRIPS IN NEBRASKA, IOWA, KANSAS, AND MISSOURI
OKTOBERFEST September 28th at the Grand Island Courtyard
Celebrate the Liederkranz Oktoberfest with live music, drinks, and dancing in Grand Island. An event to celebrate the fall harvest based upon the annual festival in Munich, Germany, Oktoberfest has now spread across the globe as a worldwide phenomenon to joyously have a beer and take in the folk festivities. — giliederkranz.org/event/ oktoberfest/
IOWA
DANCE AWAY WITH ME: THE DES MOINES SYMPHONY’S WATER WORKS
POPS September 1st, 7:30-9:30 pm, at the Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park Catch the Des Moines Symphony’s free pops concert outside and with your entire family. Hear pop and symphonic favorites in one setlist for their “Dance Away With Me” program, which features guests such as vocalists Scarlett Stratton and Ben Davis. — dmsymphony.org/concerts-events/ dance-away-with-me/
MICRO WRESTLING FEDERATION INVADES CEDAR RAPIDS
September 5th, 6:00 pm, at the Chrome Horse Saloon The all-age extravaganza that is micro wrestling will hit Cedar Rapids with a night of nonstop action from this WWE adjacent event brought on by a cast that is all under five-feet tall. Come to find out who the micro wrestlers are and catch the two single matches, the Micro Brawl and the Micro Rumble—“It’s going to be pandemonium” onstage. — allevents.in/ cedar rapids/micro-wrestling-federation-invades-cedar-rapids-iamicro-one/200026644342332
KURT ELLING WITH JOEY CALDERAZZO IN DES MOINES
September 6th, 7:30 pm, at the Sheslow Auditorium at Drake University in Des Moines Kurt Telling and Joey Calderazzo are referred to as “Luminaries of Jazz” and will kick off season 99 with their must see performance. Telling and his fouroctave baritone have earned him two GRAMMY awards, and Calderazzo has 13 albums to his name and has specialized in improvised performances. Come for a night of jazz you won’t forget. == civicmusic.org/ kurt-elling-with-joey-calderazzojazz-september-2024/
NIGHTS ON THE GREEN September 6th, 6:00 pm, 809 Story
St. in Boone Catch this year’s host, Jesse and the Medicine Men, play their country music on the green. Jesse is from a small town in central Oklahoma and is influenced by artists such as Hank Snow, Bob Willis, Merle Haggard, Tennessee Ernie Ford, The Gap Band, and others. Bring your friends and listen to country music outside in Boone. — allevents.in/ boone/200026645966928
THE SAVANNAH
BANANAS VS THE PARTY ANIMALS September 6-8th at Principal Park in Des Moines
After blowing up on TikTok, the Savanah Bananas make baseball into their own sport, Banana Ball, which has the addition of on-field antics such as choreography, wild rules, skits, props, and crowd participation. Selling out stadiums with their silly sport, the Savanah Bananas are not a team to miss as they take on their rivals The Party Animals. — thesavannahbananas. com/tickets/
APPLEFEST September 14th, 9:00 am-4:00 pm, at Living History Farms in Urbandale
A day of family-friendly fun to celebrate apple harvest season and the historic sites of the farm. Learn how apple dishes are prepared today, and also explore the farm and learn how things such as apple butter, pies, and cider were historically made. Visit the Print Shop to print your own apple based recipe, get some goodies from the farm, catch some local food vendors, and also catch Dr. Savage’s traveling medicine show all at Applefest. —lhf.org/event/applefest/
125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CAMPANILE CARILLON September 15th, 2:00 pm, at Iowa State University
The Iowa State University campanile will perform from the 50 specifically and scientifically tuned bells that have been rung for over a century. The Campanile Carillon begun in 1872 with only 10 bells gifted from Edgar William Stanton, a member of ISU’s first graduating class. Hear what has been called “the sound of Iowa State” for a remarkable 125th time. — discoverames.com/events/125th-anniversary-of-the-campanile-carillon/
BURNING RED: TRIBUTE TO TAYLOR SWIFT September 21st, 7:30 pm, at the Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids The ultimate Taylor Swift live sing-along party for all of the Swifties and singers out there. Burning red plays Swift songs from every era so you can hear your favorites from each album and “Shake it Off” to the songs you and your friends know “All Too Well” throughout the night. — creventslive.com/events/2024/ burningred
2ND ANNUAL SWIFT
LITERARY FESTIVAL POP UP September 22nd, 10:00 am-4:00 pm, during the Octagon Art Festival at 409 Douglas Avenue in Ames Featuring local authors amidst the Octagon Art Festival, the 2nd Annual Swift Literary Festival is the spotlight local Ames writers deserve. All have an opportunity to contribute to the Community Story, meet authors, and write something prompt-free, all brought to you by the Ames Writers Collective. — ameswriterscollective.org/event/swift-literary-festival-pop-up-event-3/
KANSAS
DANCEFESTOPIA MUSIC FESTIVAL September 2-8th at the Wildwood Outdoor Education Center in St. Lacygne Celebrating its 12th year, the Dancefestopia Music Festival is where you can find yourself in a world of high-energy music, lights, and wonder. This year, escape to the Emerald City as you watch 200+ artists at one of the four performance stages, camp in the forest, canoe, and more at this 100% local and independently operated festival respected across America. — dancefestopia.com/about-dancefestopia
2024 KANSAS STATE FAIR
September 6-15th at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson Bring the entire family down to the Kansas State Fair for rides, animals, special events, food, free entertainment, and of course the 2024 Nex-Tech Grandstand concert lineup! The fair that has been around since 1873 and brings all of Kansas, and the surrounding communities, together to participate in traditional fair fun. — kansasstatefair.com/
2024 DRONE LIGHT FESTIVAL September 20-22nd at the Wichita Foundation Amphitheater Known as “The best view in Wichita,” the 2024 Drone Light Festival will be the glimmering grand opening of the Wichita Foundation Amphitheater. Come see 300 synchronized drones designed and choreographed to music. With thousands of floating water lanterns and over 2,000 candles, the night will be lit up and enchanted. — exploration. org/event/drone-light-show/
OLATHE
ARTS FESTIVAL
27th & 38th at the Johnson County Square in Downtown Olathe inspired by the art community of Olathe as you take in art from across the region, enjoy treats from food and drink vendors, watch live entertainment, and participate in activities for the whole family. The event also features Kidtopia, a family-friendly event for the kiddos in attendance. — olatheks. gov/government/parks-recreation/ special-events/olathe-arts-festival
CORNSTOCK CONCERT ON THE HILL MUSIC FESTIVAL
at North Lake Park lakeside featuring headliner Dylan Scott with “red dirt country artist” Stoney LaRue and Pat Tillis is what Cornstock Music Festival 2024 will be. With a beer area, plenty of food, crafting and shopping vendors, and even a cornhole tournament, grab a friend or two for this must visit festival at North Lake Park. — trav elks.com/event/cornstock-concerton-the-hill-music-festival/31141/
PAW PATROL LIVE! “HEROS UNITE” September 28th & 29th at the INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita PAW Patrol Live! “Heroes Unite” takes the audience on a ride fol lowing Ryder and the PAW Patrol pups through their biggest chal lenge to come. Taking on mass chaos, it’s up to the scruffy canine crew to bring safety to the city after things got “ruff,” featuring a bright musical score, visual art, and an engaging story, PAW Patrol Live! Is the event see with your kiddos. — intrustbankarena.com/pawpatrol
The Golden Spike Tower offers the world’s best view of the world’s largest railyard. The observation deck gives you a panoramic view of Bailey Yard, but it’s the exhibits and the volunteers that make this a can’t-miss destination for anyone with a love for trains.
That’s why the Golden Spike Tower gets Buffalo Bill’s Buffalo of Approval.
GREAT PLAINS RENAISSANCE & SCOTTISH FESTIVAL
September 28th & 29th, 10:00 am-6:00 pm, at Sedgwick County Park in Wichita Hear ye, hear ye! The Great Plains Renaissance & Scottish Festival is once again coming to town. The festival will feature jousts, jests, knaves and knights, blacksmiths, pirates, bagpipes, fairies, and more. Grab your renaissance garb and your clan for the must attend festival, HUZZAH! — greatplainsrenfest.com/
MISSOURI
ROB ZOMBIE AND ALICE COOPER: FREAKS ON PARADE 2024 TOUR
September 1st, 6:00 pm, Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis Rock legends of the scene Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper will light up the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater stage, starting the month off with a bang. Their “horrifying tour” will be making only 21 stops across the nation, scaring Missouri on the way. — ivenation. com/event/vv1akZkZz0ZZ_Ze5k/ rob-zombie-and-alice-cooperfreaks-on-parade-2024-tour
KANSAS CITY’S REGGAE MUSIC AND JERK FESTIVAL September 13-15th at the Berkley Riverfront Park in Kansas City
A weekend of groove, jerk food, and chill energy for all, Kansas City’s Reggae Music and Jerk Festival brings it all together for a taste of the Caribbean. Bring your friends and your family to be transported to a reggae vibe within Missouri. — allevents.in/kansas city/kansascitys-reggae-music-and-jerk-festival/10000903731895427
THE WIZARD OF OZ FOR THE SPRINGFIELD LITTLE THEATRE Select dates September 13-29th at The Landers Theatre in Springfield For the 90th “Emerald” anniversary of the Springfield Little Theatre, catch the iconic adventure of Dorothy and her friends down the yellow brick road. You’re not in Kansas anymore…you’re at the Springfield Little Theatre and you’re loving it, grab your tickets now to see this onstage classic. — springfieldlittletheatre.org/show/wizard-of-oz/
MOZARK FEST 2024 September 20-22nd at the Missouri State Fairgrounds The MOZARK FEST brings together multiple genres and unique performers to the stage to be “everything [I] expected, and more” for audience members. Not only is the lineup talented and star studded, the festival also features many vendors and campgrounds to stay at. Make this fest another music festival to mark on your calendars. — mozarkfest.com/
THEO VON: RETURN OF THE RAT September 27th, 8:00 pm, at the Great Southern Bank Arena at Missouri State University Viral podcaster and comedian from southern Louisiana, Theo Von comes to Missouri for his latest tour. His two popular podcasts, “THIS PAST WEEKEND” and “KING AND THE STING,” bring in millions of listens each month and have brought him up to fame. Additionally, his comedy special “REGULAR PEOPLE” is streaming on Netflix. Catch Theo Von and have some laughs for his “Return of the Rat” tour. — greatsouthernbankarena.com/ViewEvent.aspx?ID=3996
PARKER MCCOLLUM: BURN IT DOWN TOUR September 28th, 7:30 pm, at the Great Southern Bank Arena at Missouri State University Country music artist from Conroe, Texas, Parker McCollum has made a name for himself with his smooth vocals and personal songwriting and storytelling. His music resonates with people from all backgrounds and tastes. See McCollum live and be immersed into his soulful sound. — concerts50.com/show/parkermccollum-in-springfield-ticketssep-28-2024
@russ.torres253
DOCTOR PIAGET
It ain’t all about you, kiddo.
The world is a better place when we act like we know that this weird world we live in is bigger than just our own petty needs and wants–beyond oxygen, water, and warm furs to protect us from the occasional deadly effects of an Alberta Clipper. This realization usually develops fully sometime during our teenage years when we finally are convinced that objects or persons continue to exist when they are hidden or are out of our sight.
We all remember closing our eyes tight at one point or another–scrunching them shut tight as we could, hoping against hope that mommy, daddy, our second-grade teacher, or some pesky district judge would be gone when we finally, reluctantly reopened them, right? Sadly of course, we sooner or later learned that reality and federal sentencing guidelines were not dependent on our sensory perceptions.
It’s a concept called “object permanence,” first theorized by Swiss theorist, Dr. Jean Piaget back in the ‘50s when most theoretical behavioral scientists had been distracted by theories about Elvis’ theoretical pelvis. Experts say that babies develop this understanding around the sixth or seventh month of life. I, however, after years of observation and 50 plus years in show business—or its mid-sized market equivalent—have come to the conclusion that those experts have never stood in a line at Universal Studios Theme Park, commented on a political meme online, had a beer at Chucky Cheese, or been to an HOA meeting at the Villages in Florida. They are wrong.
I think it takes years and years, a few lawsuits, some long stretches of bad performance by our favorite sporting team, months of slow internet speeds, and about half a dozen incidents of identity theft before we really know on a visceral level that we are not the center of this 94-billion light-year-wide universe.
Once we learn that the cosmos did not spring into being from an infinitely dense singularity that resided in a specific one of our several bodily orifices…once we
truly accept that…then…and only then, can we become giving human beings capable of altruistic, selfless charity.
Yes, then we can give. We can donate to charities for the right reasons. Support causes that are important to us and others. Join in common efforts to make a better world for those who follow.
Sometimes we give enough to get buildings or entire law schools named after us. Sometimes we make big changes possible. Sometimes we realize it all ain’t about us and every gesture, however small, becomes part of a larger reality that remains even long after we close our eyes at last.
I started thinking about all this one day as I walked through my favorite park. I was mainly concerned with getting my step count up when I approached a new bench on the park path. On the backrest there was a plaque with an old friend’s name engraved into the copper. Reading it…it hit me hard.
This friend and I had a bit of a falling out just before he died. His fault. He was wrong. I do so love being right. Anyway, I sat down on the bench and felt a change of heart start inside me…I realized that the whole disagreement was trivial. I closed my eyes tight and asked him for forgiveness. Sure enough, just as Piaget predicted, when I opened my eyes…his name, his memory…he… himself…was still there.
I know, it isn’t funny….It’s not really very profound. And maybe it’s a bit self-centered. (Imagine that.) I had that little moment of clarity because someone gave somebody a little donation and that got a name put on a bench… and I stopped to think…and it made my world a little better place. So, to whoever gave…Thank you.
Listen to Otis Twelve host “Morning Classics,” Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 6AM—10AM through October 4, on KVNO, Omaha Classical Radio, 90.7 or kvno.org.
PROVIDING HOPE TO ALL AGES
You’re invited to attend The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary’s annual fundraiser, Tastes and Treasures. Join us for a night of food, fun and philanthropy.
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Scott Conference Center
6450 Pine St. in Aksarben Village
6 PM Social hour followed by dinner, entertainment and program
For reservations: tastesandtreasures.com
Visit our website to learn more about the event, purchase tickets, bid on silent auction items or donate.
Online Silent Auction is open September 5 – 11
Featuring Comedian Kris Covi
Emcee Brent Wilson
Highlights of how Tastes and Treasures proceeds make a difference
Special Thanks to Our Honorary Chairs
David and Anne Cooke, J.P. Cooke Company
“The Salvation Army has been an integral part of my life since childhood, instilling in me a deep appreciation for its mission. My grandmother, a steadfast supporter, taught me the immense value of the organization’s work.” -David Cooke
Meet Dr. Daniel Schlessinger
We’re happy to announce Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist as well as Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon, as the newest member of the Schlessinger MD team. Working alongside his father, Dr. Joel Schlessinger, Dr. Daniel brings years of experience and training along with a dedication to excellence to the Schlessinger MD practice.
