March/April 2016 Omaha Magazine by Omaha Magazine

MARCH / APRIL 2016

Matt Tompkins It’s a Weird Life

All Hail Hal France Omaha’s Champion of the Opera

Best Lawyers

Human Trafficking in the Heartland

5410 Izard Street, Omaha

$729,000

Stunning home in historical Happy Hollow. Exceptional updates! Outdoor fireplace, sound and lighting. New 800 bot tle wine room in lower level. New, ex tensive securit y monitoring & control system.

Deanne Fairfield • 402.212.1343

503 Ridgewood Ave., Omaha

$585,000

Mike Jenkins • 402.707.6453

$575,000

Beautiful home, immaculately maintained and move in ready. Gourmet kitchen with large eating area, 2 sided fireplace. Newer flooring and appliances on main floor. Fully finished walkout basement with 5th bedroom and full kitchen. All appliances stay in both kitchens. Expansive lot!

The Real Estate PROs • 402.305.8631

17468 Ridgemont St., Omaha

$549,900

Royal Homes, walkout ranch with main floor flex room, Bosch appliances, hardwood floors, covered deck, master with walk-in shower and whirlpool tub, walk-in pantry w/ coffee bar, drop zone area, Rec room with wet bar backs to golf course. Certified high performance home.

John Greguska • 402.612.0594

$644,950

E xecutive Birchwood Home. You will love the 10’ ceilings on main floor, huge kitchen w/large island, gourmet appliances, birch cabinetr y & Quar tz counter tops. All bedrooms are “in suite”.

Susan Hancock • 402.215.7700

Charming house on a 3/4 acre lot in Loveland. Four bedroom two story with lots of privacy. Located in Westside school district. The kitchen has excellent features looking out on a great lot and street. The front of the house’s floor plan is traditional and the kitchen has a nice open layout. Three fireplaces!

21303 Walnut Street, Elkhorn

11451 S 123 Ave., Papillion

18901 Nicholas St, Omaha

$575,922

Marty Evans • 402.968.1300

$565,000

Johnathan O’Gorman • 402.595.8857

$529,950

Sitting on 7.2 gorgeous acres. Fall in love with the large space, including master with double bathrooms and closets, large vaulted family room and two wonderful guest homes for family/friends looking for peace and quiet

Ryan Gibson • 402.598.4615

1331 S 210 Street, Omaha

$575,000

Gorgeous Crown, LTD. 2 story offers style and comfort with 2 fireplaces and 2 laundry areas. Spacious kitchen with gorgeous granite countertops. Awesome mudroom/ dropzone/ pantry area! Lower level has a fantastic theater room, bedroom, bath, & wet bar. 4 car garage has floor drain. Two 95% effic furnaces & 14 SEER A /C units.

Sandie McPadden • 402.871.5343

This nearly 4,900 sq ft 5 bedroom, 6 bath home is loaded, from the stunning cooks kitchen with double ovens, to the hearth room & living room off kitchen, main floor den, formal dining, 2 story, 5 bedrooms all upstairs and all w/ prvate bath access! Fully finished basement.

4730 State Circle, Omaha

$589,500

Premiere tree-lined private District 66 Regency cul de sac with mature trees. This custom 1.5 story home, with main floor master and 4 additional bedrooms and 6 baths is perfect for entertaining. The open floor plan has vaulted ceilings and large windows.

Deanne Fairfield • 402.212.1343

Fabulous Huntington Homes 4 bedroom, 5 bath 2 story w/main floor master suite. His and her closets, private laundry, free standing soaker tub and WI shower w/ bench. Beautifully constructed w/ modern fixtures, hand-scraped hickory floors and sunny, open floor plan.

19258 Poppleton Ave, Omaha

9742 Brentwood Road, Omaha

1323 S 211 St, Elkhorn

$553,500

John Caniglia Homes 1. 5 s tor y in Beau tiful Southpointe Estates. Main floor open concept w/ 2-story great room ceiling. Main floor master w/ luxury bath & large walk-in closets. 2 Laundry rooms and huge pantry. All bedrooms have walk-ins.

Caniglia Team • 402.681.6733

1927 S 220 St., Elkhorn

$517,500

The Salida. Beautiful open plan features over 3200 FSF with 4 beds (2 main/2 lower leve)/ 4 baths/ office/ main floor laundry/ drop zone. Finished basement also includes rec/theater room and large spacious storage area.

Julie Arp • 402.250.5850

V I R T U A L TO U R S A N D M O R E AT NPDODGE.COM

RAPTOR WOODLAND REFUGE opening Spring 2016

Fourteen custom mews, spread over a half-acre development, will house up to 17 different raptor species. Over 120 feet of elevated boardwalk will guide visitors to treehouse cabins 30 feet above the forest floor to view the birds of prey in the forest canopy. Each visit is its own unique adventure, its own story, its own memory to share.

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C A M e rON M A C K iN TO S h ’S S peCTACul Ar N eW p rOduCT iON Of

A N d r e W l l O y d W e B B e r ’S

April 20 - MAy 1, 2016 OrpheuM TheATer Order TOdAy! TickeTOmaha.cOm • 402.345.0606 All productions, performers, prices, dates and times subject to change. March // April • 2016 | 8 | omahamagazine.com

FRANK SINATRA TRIBUTE 3.12

SAMMY KERSHAW 3.5

SURVIVOR 3.11

THE CULT 3.22

ERIC PASLAY 3.24

WINGER 4.2

BLUES TRAVELER 4.15

JOHN ANDERSON 4.23

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March // April • 2016 | 9 | bestofomaha.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS PEOPLE 48

Faces Tim Pratt

Sports Dan Bouska

Gen O Katie Smith

ARTS & CULTURE

THE USUAL SUSPECTS

From the Editor

Between the Lines

For Starters

Calendar of Events

History Omaha Publicity Stunts

Kyle Rosfeld These Boots Are Made for Gawkin’

All Hail Hal France Omaha’s Champion of the Opera

Nichol Mason Lazenby Anna Pavlova on Acid (Redux)

Gone Girls Human Trafficking in Omaha

Visual Stephen Dinsmore

Television Matt Tompkins

Stage Jodi Vaccaro

GIVING

FEATURES Alesia Lester A Conversation in the Gossip Salon

Clementine Porcelain Designed to Serve

Giving Calendar

FOOD 164 Chef Profile

Cedric Fichepain

163 Obviously Omaha

166 Dining

Farmer to Table

168 Mystery Review Flatiron Cafe

175 Instagram

172 Dining

191 Explore!

176 Dining Guide

Noodles of the Night

194 Not Funny OMAHA HOME

SPECIAL SECTIONS

60PLUS IN OMAHA

127 Best Lawyers 139

March // April • 2016 | 10 | omahamagazine.com

March // April 2016 VOLUME 33 • ISSUE 1

SAN FRANCISCO WORLD

S A N F R A N C I S C OS A N F R A N C I S C O WORLD WORLD

SPIRITS

COMPETITION

GOLD ME DA L

COMPETITION

DOUBLE GOLD ME DA L

EDITORIAL Editor

ROBERT NELSON Associate Editor

DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN Contributing Writers

LINDSEY BAKER LEO ADAM BIGA RYAN BORCHERS MAGGIE LEHMICKE CLAIRE MARTIN DOUG MEIGS CAROL CRISSEY NIGRELLI MAX SPARBER

SPIRITS SPIRITS

COMPETITION

GOLD ME DA L

S A N F R A N C I S COS A N F R A N C I S CO WORLD WORLD

SPIRITS SPIRITS COMPETITION

S I LV E R ME DA L

SAN FRANCISCO WORLD

SPIRITS

SAN FRANCISCO WORLD

SPIRITS

COMPETITION

DOUBLE GOLD ME DA L

COMPETITION

DOUBLE GOLD ME DA L

S I LV E R ME DA L

A New tr adition Built on strong family values and service to country

free tastings

It’s later than usual at the Flatiron Cafe...

12251 Cary Cir.

. La Vista 68128 . 402.690.3490 . soldiervalleyspirits.com A short drive from downtown Om aha

JAMES VNUK JAMES WALMSLEY MATT WHIPKEY DAVID WILLIAMS SARAH WENGERT OTIS TWELVE

CREATIVE Creative Director

It’s later thanExtended usual Now Serving Hours at the Evenings Monday-Saturday Flatiron Cafe...

BILL SITZMANN Art Director

KRISTEN HOFFMAN Senior Graphic Designer

RACHEL JOY Graphic Designer

MATTHEW WIECZOREK Junior Graphic Designer

Introducing our

‘After 9 Menu’

DEREK TAUBERT

ourEvenings ThursdayIntroducing – Saturday

Contributing Photography & Illustration

Starting September 11, 2015 Thursday – Saturday Evenings

LAWRENCE ANDERSON KEITH BINDER

‘After 9 Menu’

Starting September 11, 2015

ntic Restaura ma nt Ro

COLIN CONCES SCOTT DRICKEY SARAH LEMKE LAURIE AND CHARLES PHOTOGRAPHS

2016 Winner

402.344.3040 17th and Howard thef latironcafe.com 402.344.3040 | | 17th and Howard Two Blocks from the Orpheum Theater 402.344.3040 | 17th Howard TwoOrpheum Blocks from the Orpheum Theater Two and Blocks from-the Theater KETV 7 • Baxter Arena

March // April • 2016 | 11 | bestofomaha.com

Omaha Magazine • Letter From the Editor

KEEPING THE FAITH out into the back parking lot and performed a peculiar little boogie/jig in the icy darkness. “We finally got you, you filthy motherf…,” I muttered to nobody. “You’re finally going to pay.” As I stood in the cold, another friend sent a link to a CNN story: “John Feit, a former Catholic priest, has been arrested in a 56-year-old murder case.

EDITOR ROBERT NELSON

RECEIVED THE NEWS around 6 a.m.

the morning of February 10. “John Feit Arrested,” the email from a fellow journalist in Phoenix read. He included a link to a story on the NBC News website: “Ex-Priest, 83, Arrested Over Beauty Queen’s 1960 Murder,” the headline read. “I’m sure your work had something to do with it,” he wrote. Thank you, my friend, for offering words you knew I’d relish. But let’s be real. My sprawling story on Feit a decade ago most likely did what I feel the vast majority my stories have done—absolutely no good for anyone. Oh, but even the most cynical of us still dream. We all dream of slaying the dragon. Maybe I helped out just a little bit? Just a little? I was eating breakfast in a hotel restaurant when I got the news of Feit’s arrest. I immediately rose from my table, walked briskly

“Irene Garza was last seen alive the night before Easter 1960 when Feit heard her confession at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in McAllen, Texas. Five days later, searchers found the lifeless body of the 25-yearold former Miss South Texas face down in a canal.” More emails and texts followed with story links…”Feit has long been the main suspect in the case,” ABC News explained in a link sent from a Texas friend. In 2005, I spent three months investigating the Garza murder, digging through more than two thousand pages of documents, interviewing two dozen people, even going undercover in Phoenix to befriend Feit to learn more about him from his own mouth. The evidence—including interviews with two men to whom he confessed his crimes—was overwhelming. Things even got personal: Feit screamed at me and shoved me out the door of his apartment when I revealed that I was a journalist investigating the murder. Anyway, long, long story. Too much for this space. The short of it: I thought my digging and my findings and my story would somehow lead to justice for Irene Garza.

March // April • 2016 | 12 | omahamagazine.com

Silly little crusader. Nothing changed. A decade passed. Surely the case was long dead. You get used to that feeling of helplessness. Some of us get jaded. I did. I slowly steered away from the full-contact stories. Why bother? Well, easy answer: Because I’m flat-out wrong. Journalism still can make a difference when it’s done well for the right reasons. The proof is all around us for those not yet cynical enough to look. In the end: I’m quite sure my story in 2005 had very little if anything to do with the February arrest of John Feit. It was persistence by the family of Irene Garza, a few hardcharging cops and Texas Rangers and a new district attorney in Hidalgo County, Texas, who did the work. And, too, in the end, our cover story by Doug Meigs on human trafficking in Omaha probably will have little impact on the growing scourge. But you never know, I know again. You’ve got to keep the faith. Maybe you just plant a seed. Newspapers and magazines in this difficult publishing landscape have to keep digging and planting and nurturing stories that matter. Because even 11 years later, even 56 years later, right can still win over wrong with a little help. I have proof: a monster named John Feit finally spent time behind bars. (Nelson’s original piece for Village Voice Media on the Irene Garza case can be read at http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/ altar-ego-6430571).

March // April 2016 VOLUME 33 • ISSUE 1

Publisher

TODD LEMKE

ACCOUNTS Publisher’s Assistant & Omaha Home Contributing Editor

SANDY MATSON Vice President

GREG BRUNS Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing

GIL COHEN Senior Sales Executive & 60Plus in Omaha Contributing Editor

GWEN LEMKE Branding Specialist

KYLE FISHER ANGIE HALL GEORGE IDELMAN MARY HIATT

CITY OF ANGELS

CALENDAR GIRLS

MARCH 4–APRIL 3, 2016

APRIL 15–MAY 8, 2016

Based on the Hit Movie

6 Tony Awards sponsors: Mutual of Omaha orchestra sponsor: Heider Family Foundation

sponsors: Methodist Estabrook Cancer and Anne Thorne Weaver and Friends of the Playhouse

media sponsor: KMTV

Center

media sponsor: Waitt Outdoor

6915 CASS STREET

(402) 553-0800

OMAHAPLAYHOUSE.COM

Sales Associates

JESSICA CULLINANE DAWN DENNIS ALICIA SMITH HOLLINS JUSTIN IDELMAN

OPERATIONS Vice President of Operations

TYLER LEMKE

January 30 – May 1, 2016

Accountant

HOLLEY GARCIA-CRUZ Distribution Manager

MIKE BREWER For Advertising & Subscription Information:

402.884.2000 The Kennedy Photography of Jacques Lowe

February 13 – May 8, 2016 All versions of Omaha Magazine are published bimonthly by Omaha Magazine, LTD, P.O. Box 461208, Omaha NE 68046-1208. Telephone: (402) 884-2000; fax (402) 884-2001. Subscription rates: $19.95 for 6 issues (one year), $24.95 for 12 issues (two years). No whole or part of the contents herein may be reproduced without prior written permission of Omaha Magazine, excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs. Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted, however no responsibility will be assumed for such solicitations. Best of Omaha®™ is a registered tradename of Omaha Magazine.

Estate of Jacques Lowe

DurhamMuseum.org March // April • 2016 | 13 | bestofomaha.com

Make every day a snow day in the new seasonal exhibit!

Sponsored by:

Camps ﬁll up fast! Register today at ocm.org

1986

2016

30 YEARS OF REDEFINING YOUR WARDROBE Shop the Spring 2016 Collection during Ming Wang Days M A R C H 11-12 available at in Missy, Petite, and Women’s sizes WE STR OADS M ALL Omaha 402.390.0381 mi n gwa n gkn i t s .com

March // April • 2016 | 14 | omahamagazine.com

Between

THE LINES A LOOK AT THREE OMAHA MAGAZINE TEAM MEMBERS

MARY HIATT - ADVERTISING Mary grew up swimming at the local pool in Glenwood, Iowa, and, with her non-swimming mom frantically looking on, was jumping off the high diving board before she was in kindergarten. She developed a love of boating in her teens, tagging along on Missouri River boat rides and trips to Lake of the Ozarks with her brothers and sister. After college, one of her first “grown-up” purchases was a boat of her own. Mary and her husband, Scott, lived on a lakefront home at Beaver Lake, Nebraska, but recently decided the commute was too much. Mary’s heart longed for the water, so after a mere two years in a suburban neighborhood, Scott found her a home with a nice big pool in the backyard. Now she spends her summers entertaining family, friends, and her daughter’s friends in the backyard pool. She spends winter waiting for summer, and occasionally travels with her family to warm weather destinations where they enjoy, you guessed it, swimming and boating.

GREG JERRETT - WRITER Greg’s first newspaper job was as founding editor of The Effenheimer, a controversial and thus short-lived mimeographed ’zine covering the Crescent Elementary beat. He graduated from Iowa State University, where he focused on sociology, English, journalism, and drama. He is a veteran of several daily newspapers across Iowa, and former managing editor of Carroll Today. Greg is also an award-winning columnist and playwright. His hobbies include photographing gyros, freight train graffiti benching, and brooding.

KEVIN WARNEKE - CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, PHYSICIAN’S BULLETIN For Kevin, the only thing better than watching and talking baseball is writing about it. His love affair with the game started as a light-hitting, slow-footed outfielder in Little League, Pony League, and American Legion ball. His playing days ended at this point, except for his dream assignment to participate in a baseball fantasy camp, where he got to play catch with his idol, Brooks Robinson, and write about it for a AAA Travel Magazine. He’s taught parttime at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (from which he earned his master’s degree) for the past 25 years and has written for the Physicians Bulletin nearly as long. After a decade as CEO of the Omaha Ronald McDonald House, he became a fundraiser for the Steier Group. Kevin, who earned his doctoral degree in leadership studies, is working on a book focusing on—what else?—the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

March // April • 2016 | 15 | bestofomaha.com

MUMFORD & SONS

OMAHA FASHION WEEK

British folk-rock band Mumford & Sons comes to Omaha this spring. The festival favorite has produced three studio albums and is known for its unique sound, combining bluegrass and folk with alternative rock rhythms. Special guests have included Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello, Blink 182’s Mark Hoppus, and T Bone Burnett, so expect the unexpected.

The nation’s fifth-largest fashion week returns for its ninth year. Throughout the week, 22 designers will showcase looks ranging from bridal to avant-garde. The event takes place at the Omaha Design Center, a sophisticated venue with atmospheric lighting, luxe curtains, polished concrete floors, and elegant mid-century modern furniture.

CenturyLink Center April 19

Omaha Design Center March 15-20

Mumford & Sons has won a number of music awards over the last several years, with Sigh No More earning the band the Brit Award for Best British Album in 2011 and six overall Grammy® nominations. The live performance at the 2011 Grammy® ceremony with Bob Dylan and The Avett Brothers led to a surge in popularity for the band in the U.S. The band received eight total Grammy® nominations for its album Babel and won the Grammy® Award for Album of the Year. The band also won the Brit Award for Best British Group in 2013. CenturyLink Center Omaha 455 N. 10th St. Tickets: $43 to $58 402-341-1500/ticketmaster.com

Supporting more independent designers than any other organization in the area, Omaha Fashion Week is a glamorous occasion for a good cause. The event offers mentoring and educational opportunities for young, up-and-coming designers, as well as providing them with an ideal platform to present their work. It’s a week to see and be seen, as the red carpet boasts Omaha notables walking through the doors while models tell the stories of everything from oceanic views to bold evening wear in an array of bright colors. Omaha Design Center 1502 Cuming St. Tickets: $40 to $65 402-819-8792/omahafashionweek.com

March // April • 2016 | 16 | omahamagazine.com

OPERA OMAHA PRESENTS SEMELE

WATER

Director James Darrah and his creative team, Chromatic, present a new production of Handel’s Semele. Early music specialist and Grammy®winning conductor Stephen Stubbs will lead the ensemble. Don’t attend the opera because it’s in a weird language? This is a great chance to try it out, as Semele is sung in English with English supertitles.

We drink it, wash with it, and play in it, but what do we truly know about water? This exhibit at KANEKO explores water as a mode of transportation, an environmental resource, and a versatile tool of nature. Sustainability, the impact of water, and water productivity are themes displayed through a combination of scientific data and fine art.

The mortal Semele is in love with Jupiter, King of the Gods. On the day of Semele’s marriage to Prince Athamas, she escapes with Jupiter. Juno, Queen of the Gods, orders a messenger to discover where they went, only to learn that Jupiter built a new palace guarded by dragons. Ino, Semele’s sister, is summoned by Jupiter to keep Semele company, but in a twist of fate, Ino becomes a part of Juno’s plot.

KANEKO has partnered with several organizations, both locally and globally, to explore the topic of water. The exhibition’s Great Minds Speaker Series will feature a National Geographic explorer and expert on water as it relates to global issues. Visitors are encouraged to examine their own relationship with water; how it impacts our community, health and perspectives.

A dark account of a woman’s tryst with a threatening god, Semele is an opera full of lust, jealousy, and revenge.

The artwork on display will feature creative interpretations of art as a medium, whether it be through abstract expression or more tangible concepts. Visual artists include Iggy Sumnik, Joel Sartore, Matthew Dehaemers, Pierre Carreau, Susan Knight, Suzan Shutan, Ran Hwang, and Ying Zhu.

Orpheum Theater April 8 and 10

Orpheum Theater 409 S. 16th St. Tickets: $19 to $99 402-345-0606/ticketomaha.com

KANEKO Now Through April 23

KANEKO 1111 Jones Street Free admission 402-341-3800 /thekaneko.org

March // April • 2016 | 17 | bestofomaha.com

Come by & try Omaha’s award winning spirits in our tasting room Wednesday through Saturday. 11941 CENTENNIAL RD • LA VISTA, NE 68128 INFO@CUTSPIKE.COM • CUTSPIKE.COM 402.763.8868

March // April • 2016 | 18 | omahamagazine.com

CALENDAR EVENTS of

SUPER POWERS

EVERYDAY STATIC TRANSMISSIONS

Through March 31, Love’s Jazz and Arts Center —2510 N. 24th St. Ansel Butler is the featured artist in this exhibit, which also includes local artists. Butler uses colors that either complement or contrast to draw the viewer’s eye to the subtle spaces in the renderings. 402-502-5291 - lovesjazzartcenter.org

Through April 17 at the Omaha Children’s Museum—500 S. 20th St. Discover your inner hero and unlock your super powers in this kid-sized super power training ground. Explore a real-life comic book city, tackle challenges and complete missions throughout the exhibit, and gear up with gadgets and gizmos that enhance your powers. 402-342-6164 - ocm.org

Through May 14 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts—724 S. 12th St. Artist and writer Benjamin Tiven presents his film A Third Version of the Imaginary and related photographs about the video and film library of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation in Nairobi. 402-341-7130 - bemiscenter.org

BRAD KAHLHAMER

WATER

Through April 17, Joslyn Art Museum—2200 Dodge St. Kahlhamer is an artist influenced by a variety of sources, including Native American traditions, graffiti, comic books, and much more. He created original art just for this exhibition. A Riley CAP Gallery exhibition. 402-342-3300 - joslyn.org

Through April 23 at KANEKO—1111 Jones St. Water is essential to life; at times calming, and at other times powerful and difficult to control. It’s seemingly abundant, but increasingly scarce. Exploring and understanding water in a multitude of forms is the theme of K ANEKO’S Spring 2016 show. 402-341-3800 - thekaneko.org

Through May 15, Joslyn Art Museum—2200 Dodge St. This Mind’s Eye Gallery exhibition features art by author, illustrator, and Academy Award-winning animated short filmmaker William Joyce, including work from his most recent The Guardians of Childhood book series. 402-342-3300 - joslyn.org

GO WEST! ART OF THE AMERICAN FRONTIER FROM THE BUFFALO BILL CENTER OF THE WEST

DERRICK ADAMS: CROSSROAD

ART AND MUSEUM EXHIBITS

2016 URBAN ARTIST COLLECTIVE

Through April 17, Joslyn Art Museum—2200 Dodge St. Discover the exploration and excitement of the Western frontier in this exhibit, featuring more than 90 paintings, sculptures, and American Indian artifacts dating from the 1830s to the 1920s. 402-342-3300 - joslyn.org

Through May 14 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts—724 S. 12th St. Brooklyn-based artist Derrick Adams presents an interactive game board sculpture and companion radio station spinning jazz, blues, rock, classic R&B, rap, and pop. 402-341-7130 - bemiscenter.org

March // April • 2016 | 19 | bestofomaha.com

WILLIAM JOYCE: GUARDIAN OF CHILDHOOD

ORCHID SHOW March 5 and 6 at Lauritzen Gardens—100 Bancroft St. The annual Orchid Show features displays from local, regional, and national vendors and growers. Visitors can view these exotic plants and ask questions of local experts. Prize-winning orchids are juried by American Orchid Society-sanctioned judges. 10am-4pm both days. 402-346-4002 - lauritzengardens.org

Omaha Magazine • Calendar of Events

DONALD R. BUMA: PLANTS AND GARDENS

11TH ANNUAL OMAHA FILM FESTIVAL

April 6-May 22, Lauritzen Gardens—100 Bancroft St. This collection of plant and landscape photographs display the beauty of plants and landscapes. Donald Buma has worked in public gardens and parks ranging from Cape Cod National Seashore to the Botanica Gardens in Wichita, Kansas. 402-346-4002 - lauritzengardens.org

March 8-13 at Village Pointe Theatre—304 N. 174th St. Celebrate independent filmmaking with 90-plus films (feature, short, and documentary), panel discussions, and more. Named one of 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee in 2015 by MovieMaker. 402-203-8173 - omahafilmfestival.org

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE March 14 in downtown Omaha. Wear something green and come join the festivities! This annual parade celebrates Omaha’s Irish heritage. The parade starts at 15th & Howard streets, travels east on Harney to 11th Street, south to Howard Street, and west to 14th Street. - familyfuninomaha.com

OMAHA FASHION WEEK—SPRING

FIRST FOLIO! THE BOOK THAT GAVE US SHAKESPEARE April 9-May 1, The Durham—801 S. 10th St. This multi-panel exhibition explores Shakespeare’s impact, then and now, and will be accompanied by digital content and interactive activities. Published in 1623, The First Folio preserves 36 of Shakespeare’s plays. 402-444-5071 - durhammuseum.org

FAMILY & MORE

HOUSE OF AFROS, CAPES, AND CURLS: GEEK CULTURE WITHOUT ETHNIC BOUNDARIES March 4 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts— 724 S. 12th St. Archivist Jade Rogers of the Great Plains Black History Museum brings her nomadic night of board games and geekery to the Bemis Center. Presented in conjunction with Crossroad. 6pm-9pm. 402-341-7130 - bemiscenter.org

March 15-20 at Omaha Design Center—1502 Cuming St. Local designers showcase their wares in Omaha’s ninth annual fashion week. Events include children’s wear, bridal, and avant-garde. 402-934-4303 - omahafashionweek.com

61ST ANNUAL WORLD OF WHEELS March 18-20 at CenturyLink Center Omaha— 455 N. 10th St. Custom cars from the beginning of the automotive era to today will be featured in this show. Activities include special guests, a kids area, and more. Prizes are awarded to the top cars. 402-341-1500 - worldofwheels.com

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA March 19 at Kroc Center—2825 Y St. Celebrate Easter with two times the fun! First with an outdoor egg hunt (kids 10 and under), then inside with a swimming pool egg hunt, bunny games, and more. 2pm. 402-905-3500 - omahakroc.org

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE’S UNTAMED WILD

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS April 8 at CenturyLink Center—455 N. 10th St. These famous basketball players are known for comedy as much as athletic prowess, and the act may include confetti or water being thrown on the court, outlandish shots being thrown, and lots of unique ball handling. 7pm. 402-341-1500 - ticketmaster.com

GABRIEL IGLESIAS April 14 at Holland Performing Arts Center— 1200 Douglas St. Gabriel Iglesias brings his #FluffyBreaksEven tour to Omaha for one night only. Iglesias has been described as an unbelievably funny, electrifying, and gifted performer who has the ability to consistently deliver a quality comedy experience. Ages 7 and older. 8pm. 402-345-0606 - ticketomaha.com

JEFF DUNHAM: PERFECTLY UNBALANCED TOUR April 22 at CenturyLink Center—455 N. 10th St. Frequent Comedy Central comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham brings his beloved characters, including Walter, Bubba J, Peanut, José Jalapeño, and Achmed the Dead Terrorist, to Omaha. 8pm. 402-341-1500 - ticketmaster.com

TREEMENDOUS ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION

March 8 at Holland Performing Arts Center— 1200 Douglas St. Athlete Cory Richards is one of the world’s leading adventure and expedition photographers. He has traveled to the remote corners of the world and has won awards at nearly every major adventure film festival. 7:30pm. 402-345-0606 - ticketomaha.com

Friday, April 24 at Lauritzen Gardens—100 Bancroft St. Enjoy a variety of tree-themed educational activities designed for families to learn about a variety of topics. In the spirit of Nebraska’s homegrown holiday, children who dress like a tree will get in free! 9am to 5pm. 402-346-4002 - lauritzengardens.org March // April • 2016 | 20 | omahamagazine.com

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March // April • 2016 | 21 | bestofomaha.com

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Omaha Magazine • Calendar of Events

CONCERTS

ROB CROW’S GLOOMY PLACE

March 17 at Reverb Lounge—6121 Military Ave. LOGIC You’re Doomed. Be Nice. is Rob Crow’s first album March 1 at Sokol Underground—2234 S. 13th St. since his heavily publicized withdrawal from This 25-year-old rapper from Maryland has appeared music. Crow formed Gloomy Place, a band of close in four national headline tours, two European tours, friends, to bring about this collection of confesand on Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel’s TV shows. sional, acerbic lyrical themes. 9pm. 402-884-5707 His sophomore album, The Incredible True Story, sold - reverblounge.com 135,000 copies its first week. 8pm. 402-346-9802 THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS - sokolunderground.com March 22 at The Slowdown—729 N. 14th St. AlterOMAHA SYMPHONY PRESENTS CELTIC JOURNEY native rock legends They Might Be Giants launched March 5 and 6 at Holland Performing Arts DialASong.com in 2015 with a new recording (and video) Center—1200 Douglas St. Enjoy music and tales posted every week. Ages 14 and older. 7pm. 402-345-7569 from Ireland with Omaha Symphony concertmaster— - theslowdown.com and fiddler extraordinaire—Susanna Perry Gilmore, THE AMERICAN LINES TOUR’ 16 MAYDAY Irish storyteller Tomáseen Foley, and the Celtic JourPARADE & THE MAINE WITH BETTER OFF ney Band & Dancers. 7:30pm and 2pm. 402-345-0606 March 29 at Sokol Underground—2234 S.13th St. - ticketomaha.org Mayday Parade has released four studio albums full of BASIA BULAT heart-on-sleeve lyrics. Their fifth record, Black Lines, March 7 at Waiting Room Lounge—6212 Maple St. takes a giant leap forward as musicians and songwriters Tall Tall Shadow, the third album by Toronto singfor this Florida pop-rock quintet. 7pm. 402-346-9802 er-songwriter Basia Bulat, is the bravest album she - sokolunderground.com has made yet. These songs tell the story of a very hard year in the artist’s life. 9pm. 402-884-5353 - waitingroomlounge.com

March // April • 2016 | 22 | omahamagazine.com

OMAHA SYMPHONY’S ROMANTIC MUSIC OF GERSHWIN, PORTER, AND KERN April 2-3 at Holland Performing Arts Center—1200 Douglas St. The timeless songs of George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Jerome Kern are brought to life by a cast of Broadway stars and chorus. 7:30pm and 2pm. 402-345-0606 - omahasymphony.org

GARY CLARK JR. April 3 at Sokol Underground—2234 S. 13th St. Gary Clark Jr. claims to listen to everything, so he wants to play everything. This Austin-born virtuoso guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter is an amalgamation of his myriad influences and inspirations. 8:30pm. 402-346-9802 - sokolunderground.com

OUTCRY April 13 at CenturyLink Center—455 N. 10th St. The worship tour highlights the creativity, heart, and mission of the local church. Featuring a combination of artists and worship leaders, this show provides entertainment and spirituality for all. 402-341-1500 - ticketmaster.com

JUDAH & THE LION April 15 at Waiting Room Lounge—6212 Maple St. Judah & the Lion owes much to fate and to the small-town feel of Nashville. The band combines Southern grit and Midwestern openness with the exuberant freedom of the West to make a truly joyful sound. 9pm. 402-884-5353 - waitingroomlounge.com

Alfred Jacob Miller (American, 1810-1874), The Lost Greenhorn, ca. 1860, oil on canvas, Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Cody, Wyoming, Gift of The Coe Foundation

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MUMFORD & SONS: AN ARROW THROUGH THE HEARTLAND TOUR April 19 at CenturyLink Center—455 N. 10th St. Inspired by folk, rock, country, and bluegrass, British rock band Mumford & Sons formed in 2007. After a hiatus, the band announced a tour in early 2015. 7:30pm. 402-341-1500 - ticketmaster.com

BEETHOVEN’S VIOLIN CONCERTO April 22-23 at Holland Performing Arts Center—1200 Douglas St. Beethoven’s tourde-force for violin is paired with John Adams’ explosive and evocative 20th-century masterpiece, led by Andrew Grams. 7:30pm. 402-345-0606 - omahasymphony.org

PERFORMING ARTS

CITY OF ANGELS March 4-April 3 at Omaha Playhouse—6915 Cass St. This film noir-style musical pays homage to glamorous 1940s Hollywood. The show has two plots running simultaneously (the real world and the “reel” world) as a man writes a screenplay that mirrors his own life. 402-553-0800 - omahaplayhouse.com

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March // April • 2016 | 23 | bestofomaha.com

Omaha Magazine • Calendar of Events

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March 11-20 at Chanticleer Theater—830 Franklin Avenue, Council Bluffs Sweeney Todd seeks vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. He opens a new, interesting practice above the failing pie shop of Mrs. Lovett. Together they go to nefarious heights. 712-323-9955 - chanticleertheater.com

ROGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA March 15-20 Orpheum Theater—409 S. 16th St. This Tony Award-winning Broadway musical from the creators of The Sound of Music and South Pacific delights audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale. 402-345-0606 - omahaperformingarts.org

THE CHRISTIANS March 24-April 17 at BlueBarn Theater—1106 S. 10th St. Pastor Paul officiates over a congregation of thousands. Today should be a day of celebration, but Paul is about to preach a sermon that will shake the foundations of his church’s beliefs. 402-345-1576 - bluebarn.org

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April 8 and 10 at Orpheum Theater—409 S. 16th St. Semele is a darkly comic mythological opera of a mortal woman’s tryst with a dangerous god. Featuring some of Handel’s most glorious orchestral and virtuosic vocal writing, Semele is an opera of unbridled lust, jealousy, and revenge. 402-345-0606 - ticketomaha.com

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April 15-May 8 at Omaha Playhouse—6915 Cass St. After Anne’s husband dies of leukemia, she vows to keep his memory alive through a memorial. She and her friends “of a certain age” discover their courage as they pose for a nude (but tasteful) calendar to raise funds. 402-553-0800 - omahaplayhouse.com

THE FEAST April 15-May 8 at Shelterbelt Theater—3225 California St. When all meat mysteriously turns to rot, our world becomes populated with reluctant vegetarians. Four hungry dinner guests impatiently await a latecomer to the table. As the hour grows late, traces of civilization turn to decay. 402-341-2757 - shelterbelt.org

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THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA April 20 -May 1 at Orpheum T heater— 409 S. 16th St. Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production comes to Omaha as part of a brand new North American tour. The cast and orchestra of 52 makes this one of the largest productions now on tour. 402-345-0606 - ticketomaha.com

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ELEPHANT & PIGGIE’S WE ARE IN A PLAY April 22-May 8 at Rose Theater—2001 Farnam St. Gerald the Elephant is cautious and Piggie is, well…not. They are the best of friends. Which means they have lots of fun together (sometimes). Will Gerald and Piggie teach each other something important? 402-345-4849 - rosetheater.org

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Omaha Magazine • Feature

A CONVERSATION

IN THE GOSSIP SALON STORY BY LEO ADAM BIGA PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN

EEING CONFIDENT GOSSIP Salon

owner Alesia Lester, 35, it’s hard to believe she once only felt whole behind the stylist chair. This master of the weave and the blowout developed her chops as a teen. She possesses a gift for getting clients’ hair right, along with their heads and hearts. Women know what they say there, stays there. Located in the former Leola’s Records & Tapes building at 5625 Ames Ave., Gossip is a hit and Lester’s in demand as its mistress of glam. “Each year it’s gotten bigger and better, so I must be doing something right, honey,” the slender Lester says. She’s built a loyal clientele for the way she wields a comb and flat iron as well as how she doles out straight talk and tough love. “She’ll tell you just how it is—good, bad, or ugly,” customer Bonita Stennis declares. “I’m way older than her but I appreciate the conversations we have because you can always be taught. She has wisdom, old-age wisdom...and it comes out of her.”

Makayla McMorris says, “She is definitely honest and keeps it 100 percent real with anybody. She’s not guarded whatsoever and that’s a hard quality to find. People look up to her and want to be like her.” “Just to be able to have those one-on-one personal conversations with people—that’s what I like,” Lester says. “I want to know they are OK…I just do…and they want to know I’m OK. It makes me feel good.” Young ladies in crisis ask her advice. “My phone rings all the time. Sometimes in the middle of the night they want to talk to somebody. I get lots of in-boxes on Facebook. I take women that don’t feel good about themselves and make them feel great about themselves. I just try to meet them right where they are.” She says young men seek her counsel as well. “I try to find different things and different ways to try to help them. It’s just how I’m built. I love people. It’s like a blessing and a curse at the same time. I do feel like it’s my purpose.”

March // April • 2016 | 26 | omahamagazine.com

She’s come to this after much trial and transformation. She shares life lessons learned along the way. “Her life is an open book,” Stennis says. “She has no secrets. She doesn’t portray to be nothing she isn’t. She tells you just how it is and how she would do it and how she wouldn’t do it.” Lester’s knack for connecting finds her invited to speak before youth audiences. Extemporaneous riffs flow from her. She’s alternately sassy and subdued, serious and funny. She is confidante, confessor, life coach, and motivational cheerleader in one. “I’m a therapist. I’m a sister to people who don’t have sisters. I’m a mother to those who don’t have mothers. I’m a friend to those that need a friend. I become all of these things.” Now add author. Her new book Life Behind the Chair is part memoir and part self-help manual. It reads like a testimony about the power of making better choices and healing old wounds. She writes from experience.

Abandoned by her drug-addicted biological mother and raised by an aunt, Lester acted out the hurt inside. At 15, she gave birth to her son, DaJuan, whom she raised herself. She masked pain in promiscuity. Two unwanted pregnancies ended in abortion. She attempted suicide. Her fighting spirit and abiding faith got her through things—such as a 2007 cervical cancer diagnosis. Radical self-improvement only came after hitting bottom. “It’s like I always say—you have your own level of enough and I reached my level of enough. Nothing was making sense in my life. The only way on was up. I realized I had to let go of everything. If I didn’t, I would just continue to feel bad about myself and I didn’t want that. “Forgiveness is important. There’s so many people in the book I had to forgive, including myself. It’s the only way you’re able to live.” The epilogue and subtitle, Journey of a Concrete Rose, is an apt analogy. “Someone I refer to in the book as My Friday Client said, ‘You remind me of a concrete rose—this beautiful thing that’s busted through all these different layers, problems, issues. Baby, you’ve done it, and now you’ve blossomed.’ It was a perfect way to describe me. So damn dope.” Doing the project was cathartic. “I have all these people that pour into me but at the end of the day I don’t have anybody I can pour into. That’s why I started writing.” She feels called to share her journey with others. “I think everything I’ve ever been through was to help someone else.” Her mentor, Omaha native Paul Bryant, liked her colorful Facebook posts and encouraged her to craft her real life stories into the book. Stennis speaks for the Gossip gang in saying she can’t wait for Lester’s life-affirming tale. “She can really touch your Osoul and it’s coming truly from her heart.” To learn more, follow Lester on Facebook at facebook.com/alesia.lester. March // April • 2016 | 27 | bestofomaha.com

STORY BY CAROL CRISSEY NIGRELLI PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN

These Boots Are Made For

Gawkinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Omaha Magazine • Feature

YLE ROSFELD KEEPS waiting for Daryl

Hannah to call him. He fitted the actress for a pair of cowboy boots last summer when she came to Lincoln and he needs to know what design she’d like.

“Well, I guess I’ll just have to call her,” Rosfeld deadpans. She’s on speed dial? “Yup.” While the name-dropping game plays out with good-natured fun, the owner of Sandhills Boot Co. in Cherry County boasts a seriously impressive customer list.

Quality—especially the old fashioned kind—doesn’t come cheap. A pair of pull-on cowboy boots costs about $1,250; a pair of lace-up boots goes for $800. Rosfeld also makes handbags from old boots for $300. When a customer comes to the shop for a fitting, he asks for half up front. “That way I know they’re committed,” he reasons.

Rosfeld, who grew up 40 miles away in Valentine, Nebraska, builds about 14 pairs of boots a year, putting in 40 hours per pair. Asked if he makes any money on the ROSFELD, WHO GREW UP deal, he just shakes his head and concedes he holds a second 40 MILES AWAY IN VALENTINE, job delivering mail.

NEBRASKA, BUILDS ABOUT 14 PAIRS OF BOOTS A YEAR, PUTTING IN 40 HOURS PER PAIR.

“I’ve made boots for Neil Young, Willie Nelson, and Nelson’s two sons, Lukas and Micah, who are with the band Promise of the Real,” Rosfeld says. “I met Daryl Hannah through Neil. She’s his girlfriend.”

These veterans of the entertainment industry can now attest to the talent of the boot maker. Rosfeld’s meticulous craftsmanship and artistry attracts people from all over the country to his shop in tiny Cody, Nebraska—population 156—where faded ’60s-era welcome signs along Route 20 declare it, “A Town Too Tough to Die.” Rosfeld’s business opened in 2000, but his construction methods reflect the turn of the last century. “I handcraft each pair from the finest leathers,” he explains. “I don’t use plastic or glue. I use wooden pegs to hold the shank at the bottom, no nails.” He operates an 1896 Singer sewing machine on a treadle for the topstitching. Even Rosfeld’s personal look channels Wyatt Earp. “I’ve been growing the handlebar since I was too young to drink,” laughs the 47-year-old father of four. “My wife has never seen me without it.”

Sandhills Boot has a website, but sometimes “who you know” proves more valuable. A few years ago, Rosfeld made a pair of bright red and gray boots with cranes on them for Jane Kleeb, founder of the environmental activist group Bold Nebraska (and featured in the July/August 2015 issue of Omaha Magazine). Loving the way they fit, Kleeb asked Rosfeld to make boots for Young, Nelson, and his two sons as a gift for singing, free of charge, at the 2014 Harvest the Hope Concert to benefit Bold Nebraska. Rosfeld shipped Willie’s boots to him, but personally delivered the other pairs when Young and the Nelson brothers played in Lincoln last July during the Rebel Content Tour. “Lukas and Micah wore their boots on stage that night,” says Rosfeld, “but I didn’t get a chance to give Neil Young his, so I gave them to Daryl. And that’s when I measured her feet.”

Now, if she’d only call… Visit sandhillsboots.com to learn more.

March // April • 2016 | 30 | omahamagazine.com

Scan the page with the LayAR app to view photos from this story.

Omaha Magazine • Arts + Culture | Visual

AN EXPRESSIONISTIC REPRESENTATIONALIST TAKE ON DIRTBAGS Artist Stephen Dinsmore STORY BY JAMES WALMSLEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN

TEPHEN DINSMORE WAS meant to be a painter. It

just took him about three decades to be at peace with that fact of his life.

“I was not one of those kids who thought of being an artist or had anything to do with it really,” Dinsmore, 63, says from his Lincoln studio. “The art kids always seemed a little bit out there to me. So I went in a different direction.” The Omaha native went corporate out of college despite becoming hooked on paint and canvas at the University

“I FINALLY SAID ONE DAY, ‘I’M EITHER GOING TO DIE THE MOST UNHAPPY, CORPORATE, SCHLEMIEL WRITER IN THE WORLD OR I’M GOING TO START PAINTING.’” -Stephen Dinsmore of Nebraska-Lincoln. But as Dinsmore began accumulating stuff and status through his steady 9-to-5 as a technical writer, the urge to paint only intensified, which took a toll on his happiness. “I finally said one day, ‘I’m either going to die the most unhappy, corporate, schlemiel writer in the world or I’m going to start painting,’” Dinsmore says. At 32, he quit his job, sold his house, and moved to New York City where he painted by night and handled Francis Bacon and Mark Rothko paintings by day. Indeed, it was during this period of Dinsmore’s life—in a warehouse next door to the famous Marlborough Gallery—where the self-described “expressionistic representationalist” says he developed his style and craft. March // April • 2016 | 33 | bestofomaha.com

Omaha Magazine • Arts + Culture | Visual

“I just kept at it and kept at it and I got better and felt stronger and more confident. I started showing and started selling and it started to take hold and I quit my day jobs after five years,” Dinsmore says. He hasn’t had another job since. “The key is, the real measure is, if you’ve got that flame that doesn’t go out—that’s really what’s required, that’s what’s going to drive you on through the whole thing,” Dinsmore says, describing how he’s battled artistic setbacks and self-doubt throughout his career. “But without that, it’s unlikely you’ll make it.” Dinsmore’s style is a polygamous marriage between Expressionism, Americana, and Ashcan art. It’s Norman Rockwell minus the warm fuzzies; Edward Hopper without

“IT’S ALL REALLY QUITE BEAUTIFUL TO ME. YET THERE’S AN ENNUI TO IT— THERE’S AN EMOTIONAL PULL” -Stephen Dinsmore corrective lenses. There’s a meditativeness and vitality to his soulful landscapes and still lifes. And his baseball paintings drip with mythos and nostalgia. “There’s such a poetry to the game: the beauty of the field, the ironwork of the stadiums, uniforms, of course, and some of the insignias,” he says. “It’s all really quite beautiful to me. Yet there’s an ennui to it—there’s an emotional pull.”

March // April • 2016 | 34 | omahamagazine.com

The artist’s gritty, sometimes bleak depictions of America’s national pastime, he says, can be found most summers at Anderson O’Brien Fine Art during the College World Series. Dinsmore is also represented by Modern Arts Midtown and is a regular at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, among the plethora of galleries that represent him nationally. Although validating, showing art will never define his career, Dinsmore says. “If I never sold another painting again and that was the end of it, I’d still be painting,” he says. “It’s something that, when O it works, is just so deeply satisfying to me.”

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ALL HAIL HAL FRANCE

Omaha's Champion of the Opera STORY BY CAROL CRISSEY NIGRELLI PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN

Omaha Magazine • Feature

N 1970, WHEN Hal France began his fresh-

man year at the University of Vermont as a football player, the little light that had been flickering above his head of black curls suddenly clicked on in all its megawatt splendor. The epiphany changed the course of his life. “In just a matter of months, I got completely driven into music and became a different kind of person,” says France, who started piano lessons when he was a boy, in his native northern New Jersey. “I was a jock who went from not playing the piano to practicing intensely every day.” France never veered from the path he chose all those years ago, but he did broaden it considerably. The young man who became a virtuoso pianist branched out into opera, transforming himself into one of the most sought-after conductors in this country and throughout Europe. Omahans know him as the artistic director of Opera Omaha from 1995-2005. His responsibilities covered every aspect of a production, from the music to the scenery and costumes. A permanent resident of Omaha since 2003 (after spending eight years flying into Omaha several times a year), France’s many other roles include performer, teacher, coach, executive director of KANEKO, humanitarian, volunteer, mentor, friend, and one of Omaha’s most tireless advocates for all the arts, not just opera. “It’s really important that live music and the classics be continued,” says France, 63. “Whether you like classical music or not, live gatherings of human beings, face to face, is not replaceable. Sipping black coffee in lieu of his usual drink preference, hot tea, France reflects on his life’s improbable U-turn. “I played football and basketball through high school and all my friends were athletes.” But didn’t the cultural mecca across the river from Jersey draw him? “Yeah, except I was a Yankees fan and went to their games from a young age. The Yankees, Jets, and Mets—that was my culture,” he says with a dimpled grin.

France praises his late parents, both musicians, for patiently allowing him to find his own level. Once he decided on a “purposeful life” in music, he transferred to Northwestern University for a degree in piano performance. His next stop: the prestigious Juilliard Opera Center, followed by a degree in conducting from the Cincinnati Conservatory. Why opera? The answer may lie in his heritage. “I’m Italian on both sides, and my grandparents spoke Italian,” he says, indicating the family name had been shortened along the way. Music of all kinds, including opera, filled the house daily. France started out in the orchestra pit as a rehearsal pianist for a small opera company in Colorado and fell in love with “all the excitement and the energy of that collaboration.” He joined other companies and moved from the pit to the podium in a short time, working his way up the conductor ladder with zeal and an unbridled passion “to bring music to life.” He would soon bring life to the music in Omaha. “I first came to Omaha in the mid-'80s as a guest conductor at the opera,” he recalls in his low, well-modulated voice. At the time, France was paying his dues at the Houston Grand Opera under the tutelage of John DeMain, who functioned simultaneously as Opera Omaha’s music director. “One year John couldn’t come up here, so he sent me. That marked the beginning of my freelance conducting career, setting off on my own.” Over the next 10 ye a rs, the

March // April • 2016 | 38 | omahamagazine.com

charismatic France brought an insightful, entertaining, and masterful command to each orchestral or operatic production, from Santa Fe to Stockholm, London to St. Louis. But he never forgot Omaha’s level of talent, community involvement, and impressive philanthropy. In 1995, he readily accepted a position with Opera Omaha and built upon its growing national reputation for high artistic quality. Says attorney David Gardels, a longtime opera board member, “Hal instituted long practice and rehearsal sessions. It was very professional. The chorus people loved him.” And France loves singers, whom he considers smart as well as skilled. More importantly, he respects them. The admiration flows both ways. “There is no one who believes in a person more, or who has pushed me harder as a musician,” says Opera Omaha soprano Tara Cowherd. “He will memorize an entire opera and sing every note. He’s amazingly talented and humble.” Strands of gray now weave through his black curls, but France still racks up frequent flyer miles. His coming opera engagements include a production with the Hawaii Opera Theater and Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. He’s also teaming with the Omaha Conservatory to present a series of community-based programs about music, while continuing his mentorship of young singers at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Divorced from Grammy-winning soprano Sylvia McNair, France enjoys being in a committed relationship with Judi M. Gaiashkibos, executive director of the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs. “Being connected to her life, which is so different from mine, is a real blessing,” France says. “I love music, but one becomes a better musician as one becomes more connected.” With no children of his own, he dotes on his nieces and nephews, hoping a light O them to a life of will some day lead fulfillment. Visit operaomaha.org for more information. March // April • 2016 | 39 | bestofomaha.com

NICHOL MASON L AZENBY Anna Pavlova on Acid STORY BY DAVID WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT DRICKEY

March // April • 2016 | 40 | omahamagazine.com

March // April • 2016 | 41 | bestofomaha.com

HEN NICHOL MASON LAZENBY

left the L.A Contemporary Dance Company to relocate to Omaha less than two years ago, she knew nothing of her new home and had decidedly low expectations regarding the breadth and depth of any opportunities that might await. “I had no familiarity with the Midwest, let alone Omaha, and I panicked a bit at the thought of moving here,” says the southern

California dancer/choreographer who had been a professor at the University of Arizona and now teaches at the Omaha Academy of Ballet. So Mason Lazenby decided to send out some feeler emails to the usual suspects in the dance community here. Less than 30 minutes later in some cases, she recalls, replies came pouring in from the likes of Creighton University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

March // April • 2016 | 42 | omahamagazine.com

Omaha may have been a big fat question mark for her, but no question mark is needed when assessing the immediate impact she has made on the local scene. Last month found her in performances with both the Omaha Dance Project (at Marian High School’s new Mary Joy and Tal Anderson Performing Arts Center) and the tbd Dance Collective in Making Space II: An Evening of Curated Choreography (at KANEKO).

Omaha Magazine • Feature

In April she will have a hand in choreographing "Vive Paris" at Creighton University and "Evenings of Dance" at UNL. In May she’ll choreograph Heathers The Musical at the Blue Barn Theatre. And she is now preparing for a yet-to-be-named performance of her work in Motion41’s Encore space as a result of her winning last year’s OMAHAgraphy competition. “I’ve been fortunate to be embraced by the dance community this way,” Mason Lazenby says, “especially the women of tbd.” She was a guest artist last year when tbd took the Encore stage for its own OMAHAgraphy gig. Lazenby’s “Strange Mercy,” a solo work that she both choreographed and danced, was the showstopper of the evening and drew the loudest and most sustained applause. “Lazenby’s movements,” this reviewer wrote at the time, “had me conjuring images of Anna Pavlova dancing Mikhail Fokine’s 'The Dying Swan.' Except that Pavlova was dancing all the wrong steps. And that she was thoroughly, over-the-top insane. And on acid.”

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The art form has always had an intractable power over me. My most spine-tingling encounters with the genre, as was the case with Mason Lazenby and “Strange Mercy” and just as it is with any theater or performance art or opera or visual art that pushes boundaries and pushes buttons, runs along the lines of “I’m not exactly sure how to process what I just saw…but I love it.” “That’s what’s amazing about modern dance, Mason Lazenby says. It is innate…primal. It can be just as percussive and frantic as it is sinewy, graceful, and luxuriously indulgent.” The key, she adds, is that modern dance is thoroughly experiential. It can be no other way. “Every audience member will react in their own way,” she says. “It’s a form of communication…a movement-based form of communication. Every dancer communicates in a way that translates their world. And every audience member will experience those O movements as framed by their world.” Visit nicholmason.com to see her work.

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Eric Crouch, Neil Villwok, and Houston Alexander capture a zany moment with Matt Tompkins. March // April • 2016 | 44 | omahamagazine.com

STORY BY JAMES VNUK PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN

Omaha Magazine • Arts + Culture | Television

F YOU’VE EVER let your DVR run long while recording

Saturday Night Live, there’s a good chance you’ve accidentally let Matt Tompkins into your home. His show, Omaha Live, piggybacks SNL on WOWT 6 every week, announcing itself with a bold warning that its views and opinions do not necessarily reflect those of NBC or the local affiliate.

Omaha Live takes no prisoners: what follows is an irreverent 30 minutes of sketch comedy where anything and everything Omaha is skewered, from “West Omaha Problems” to “Mayor Stothert’s Greatest Hits” to “Husker Emotional Support Hotlines.” Tompkins and his crew have got your number—and he’s certain the mayor hates it. It’s local, guerrilla filmmaking at its most raw. Now in its third season, Omaha Live has always been a small operation with a commitment to quality, taking inspiration from productions like Flight of the Concords and Funny or Die. Tompkins’ broadcasting history involves a decade in radio, but Omaha Live is his first foray into television. He started the show with his younger brother, Ben, often filming in front of a green screen in their father’s church basement or on location. “Sometimes I feel like we’re in an Ocean’s Eleven plot,” Tompkins says, elucidating the hazards in occasionally filming against the will of proprietors—or law enforcement. From modest roots, however, the show has grown exponentially, with ratings quadrupling since inception. “We soon realized we couldn’t just B.S. every week,” he says. “After the first season wrapped, we knew it had potential.” Tompkins is proud the show has come to reflect the talent in Omaha, but he’s also pleased with the achievement it has represented for his broadcasting career. “It’s been a lot of long nights of editing, writing, and filming, but I’m most proud that we’ve been able to put together a show every week for 18 months straight. You’re gonna have haters, but the more haters you have, the more you’re doing something right.” The show has had its growing pains, though Omaha Live’s success also coincided with Tompkins’ battle with painkiller addiction, which he hopes to open up about with his audience.

“I had a bunch of major surgeries in a row,” he explains, “so I was on heavy pain meds for years. I was a professional, functional addict, but it was an invisible pain. You don’t see that on

“IT’S BEEN A LOT OF LONG NIGHTS OF EDITING, WRITING, AND FILMING, BUT I’M MOST PROUD THAT WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO PUT TOGETHER A SHOW EVERY WEEK FOR 18 MONTHS STRAIGHT. YOU’RE GONNA HAVE HATERS, BUT THE MORE HATERS YOU HAVE, THE MORE YOU’RE DOING SOMETHING RIGHT.” -Matt Tompkins

TV.” Tompkins hopes that by addressing his personal battles on the airwaves, he can one day help others with recovery, too. “When I was on the medicine, I felt like I was operating at only 20 percent. After recovery, I feel like I’m at 100 percent, and there’s no limit to what I can do.” He credits much of his, and the show’s, success to the support of his wife, Wendy Townley, director of the Omaha Public Library Foundation. “She helped keep us afloat, putting up with the long hours and the insanity that goes with them—even if it frequently meant a home overrun with weirdos in costumes.” Tompkins also made a return to radio in January as host of the Late Morning show on 1290 KOIL, where he exports Omaha Live’s “no holds barred” humor to the AM dial. “We’re going up against Rush Limbaugh now,” he jokes, “so I can tell our O listeners the two of us have something in common.” Search Omaha Live! on YouTube to watch episodes.

March // April • 2016 | 45 | bestofomaha.com

Omaha Magazine • Arts + Culture | Stage

g n i c n bala STORY BY RYAN BORCHERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN

N A CROWDED Omaha coffee shop on

a Saturday afternoon, Jodi Vaccaro, 33, exudes charisma one would expect from an accomplished singer and actress.

Part of that surety and serenity might stem from Vaccaro attaining something that so often eludes those in a creative field: a healthy equilibrium in life. “I’m really happy with the balance I’ve been able to find here in Omaha,” she says.

A graduate of the University of NebraskaLincoln, Vaccaro studied at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. She lived in New York for five years, auditioning for plays and musicals, waiting tables, and appearing in shows that ran in regional theaters outside of New York.

However, after five years of the New York hustle, she decided she wanted a more stable existence, so she moved to Omaha in 2009. She had managed to save some money for a down payment on a house and found a job working for an environmental company in business development and marketing.

Vaccaro speaks enthusiastically of her time in New York, saying, “It was very, very fun. I met some of my very best friends that I’m still extremely close to in those productions.”

“I’ve been able to find a good balance where I’m not relying on the next singing or acting job to pay the bills,” she says. “I just wandered into a day-job career that I’ve actually maintained for a couple different companies since 2009.”

March // April • 2016 | 46 | omahamagazine.com

act By no means, though, did her life in theater come to an end. Vaccaro, who currently serves as the president of the Omaha Theatre Arts Guild (TAG), does a lot of music and theater on the side in the evenings and on weekends. She says she really likes getting “to pick and choose a little bit more what I’m really interested in.” “When I choose to do something, I’m really going from 7 in the morning 'til 10, 10:30 at night… so it has to be something that I’m really excited about. And it can be, because I’m not just taking a job because I need a paycheck.”

s the a H o r a c c a V i Jod rlds o W h t o B f o t s Be

Vaccaro started a new job in September as a federal proposal manager for HDR. Now she’s also preparing to appear in the Omaha Community Playhouse production of City of Angels, a Tony-Award winning musical that opens March 4. There’s also a robust Omaha theater scene that, as president of TAG, she’s trying to help promote. “On any given weekend night, it’s not surprising to have seven or eight shows that you could go see, which is pretty unusual, I think, for a city this size,” she says.

March // April • 2016 | 47 | bestofomaha.com

Even though the schedule can be demanding, Vaccaro says it’s all worth it. She may take a month or two away from the stage after a show wraps up, but she’ll get an itch before long to do something else. “It’s a natural high,” she says. “There’s an exchange of energy, I think, between the actors on stage and the audience, and unlike film, you can really feel that as a performer. “It really gets under your skin,” she says. “I

can’t picture not doing it in some capacity.” O

Omaha Magazine • Faces

TIM PRATT

King of Nebraska’s Independent Music Scene STORY BY MATT WHIPKEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN

IM PRATT IS the American success

story. Raised in subsidized housing and nourished on government cheese, Pratt passed on the college experience to hone his musical and business skills in the school of hard knocks. Now president and owner of Dietze Music, Nebraska’s largest independent music retailer, Pratt’s personal journey is nearly inseparable from the company’s success. Years before the Omaha location underwent its largest expansion in August 2015 a Montgomery Ward guitar set 12-yearold Pratt on the road to music retail royalty. “Growing up, we had a rough go,” Pratt says. “When I was 12 my mom worked a minimum wage job, and took her entire tax refund and bought me a Global classical guitar. It was off from there.” Like many young rock-n-rollers, Pratt cut his teeth during the formative years of the original music scene in Lincoln. While Pratt and his various bands experienced certain degrees of success, his largest ovations were earned on the sales floor. “I worked part time at a music store. I sold so many things only working 10 hours a week that I somehow became the sales leader,” Pratt says. “The desire to help people experience music was huge for me, almost more than my own musical journey.” Pratt came onboard at Dietze Music in 1991, and, in 1994, he moved from the company’s south Lincoln location and began running Dietze’s first Omaha store. Originally a 1750 square foot single bay in the Bel Air plaza, Dietze Music has grown nearly eight times

that size over its 21 years in the city. With its current expansion, Dietze Omaha’s 13,300 square feet truly make it king of Nebraska’s independent music stores. “I wanted to expand the store so we would have a better place to service our customers,” Pratt says. “We really are about the musicians and not the sale. I would rather make a new friend and the sales will come.” Not only satisfied with increased retail space, Pratt doubled down on the company’s commitment to musical education and instruction. Expanding to 14 individual studios, Dietze Music now boasts the largest private lesson area in Omaha. “We have always felt that lessons benefit the store, but it is really more about benefitting the musical community,” Pratt says. “We are responsible for this next generation learning about music—otherwise our art form dies. Over the past few years, Omaha’s musical landscape has seen the exit of several interdependent music retailers. Where Dietze has thrived, according to Pratt, is more in focusing on the company’s own goals than the presence of competition. “I always tell the staff to focus on the customer in front of us, the job at hand,” Pratt says. “If other places offer things we can’t, my focus is on what we can. The customer is the beneficiary, what we can do is give them a more memorable experience. I have always liked that it is fun to come here. This is a O very personal business. Music is personal.”

March // April • 2016 | 48 | omahamagazine.com

Omaha Magazine • Sports

STORY BY CAROL CRISSEY NIGRELLI PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN

NYONE WHO BRINGS a baseball glove to The

Mittmender for repair knows Dan and Linda Bouska don’t stand on formality. Customers have to traipse through Linda’s beauty salon— attached to the north side of the couple’s home on 60th Street near Center—to find the basement stairs that lead to Dan, aka The Mittmender, and his workshop. Linda’s loyal hair clients never bat an eyelash at the extra traffic. After 33 years of witnessing this happy, overlapping mom-and-pop operation, they get the picture. Down in Dan’s dungeon, gloves lie scattered on the floor and on his workbench, each tagged with a small piece of scrap paper. “It’s not the most organized system,” Dan admits, his head down as he threads new laces. “I had enough organization when I was a teacher. I haven’t lost a glove yet.” Re-lacing comprises a majority of Dan’s work, but he deals with a variety of mitt maladies: shredded, torn, chewed, ripped, slashed, discolored, de-fingered, moldy, burned—even one soaked in motor oil. “That thing had to weigh at least 10 pounds,” Dan recalls. “It was one of the very few gloves I couldn’t save. The guy asked me, ‘What am I supposed to do with it?’ I said, ‘Light it on fire.’” Wearing a white T-shirt that matches the color of his scruffy beard, Dan Bouska (pronounced BO-shkah) projects a demeanor as calm as Mariano Rivera on the mound in the bottom of the ninth with the bases loaded and no outs. Nothing gets to him, whether working on one glove, an entire team’s gloves, or fielding an emergency call from the College World Series.

Dan hopped in his car, reached Omaha in three hours, fixed the glove by 5 p.m., “and then I watched my glove on TV at 7. Pretty cool.” A week later, the Gamecocks closed out the Rosenblatt Stadium era by winning the CWS championship. Dan’s payment of choice? A ball autographed by the 2010 team. Another kind of reward happens every spring, when Dan watches a few major leaguers and remembers when they were skinny kids whose fathers brought their ripped gloves to The Mittmender—kids like Pat Venditte, the ambidextrous pitcher traded to Toronto in the offseason. “I don’t do this job to get rich. I do it because I love it,” he explains after declining to reveal his prices. Suffice to say he doesn’t charge much above the cost of materials. Recently retired after 42 years as a sixth grade teacher in South Omaha, where he was born to parents of Bohemian descent, Dan began his selftaught sideline because he couldn’t bear to part with his old mitt. He reveres the game that connects fathers to sons and daughters and he understands why some customers ask him to keep a ball in their glove when he sets it down for the night. “When a person brings me an old glove, I know how much they love it. And I love it that much, too, so I always do what they ask and they’re happy.” Who would guess the base Opath to happiness crosses a beauty salon floor? Visit themittmender.com for more information.

“I was at Lake Okoboji [Iowa] on vacation when the trainer for South Carolina called me and said they needed a catcher’s mitt fixed by game time against Oklahoma.”

March // April • 2016 | 51 | bestofomaha.com

Omaha Magazine • History

A Three-Ring Circus omaha publicity stunts STORY BY MAX SPARBER PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED BY DOUGLAS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

UBLICITY STUNTS ARE an American tradition.

It’s one thing to send out press releases and hope for coverage from the media—it’s another to create the razzle-dazzle of an irresistible public event. The city made a major bid for national attention back in 1898, hoping to showcase the growing importance of our still-young town. They couldn’t have gone bigger: the city’s business leaders threw a world’s fair. They called it the Trans-Mississippi Exposition and aimed to tell the entire story of the settling of the west. The exposition built a small city north of downtown. The exposition ran nearly half the year—from June through October. The event was essentially a series of smaller publicity events, from the largest assembly of Native Americans in history (called the Indian Congress) to days celebrating every single state in the union. The press ate it up, as did the public, and the exposition was visited by a total of 2.6 million people, including President William McKinley, during its run. The teens and 20s were the golden age of the American publicity stunt. In fact, Harold Lloyd parodied the trend in 1923 with a film called Safety Last, about a publicity stunt that went disastrously wrong. Lloyd, we should note, got his start as an actor in Omaha theater. It would be impossible to document all the stunts pulled by local businesses at the time, but there is one that is especially moving. There used to be a department store in Omaha called Burgess-Nash, and in the 1910s, it employed a publicist named Mary Marston. Marston did all sorts of Christmas gimmicks that were the rage then, although with a local twist.

One example: She would have Santa take a train to Omaha from Council Bluffs and meet children at Union Station. She threw big parties at the store, where children could meet St. Nick and listen to a brass band made up of other children. Mary, however, also had a second party planned. She rounded up the poorer children in Omaha on Christmas day, brought them to the store, and threw them their own party. While they were occupied, she secretly sent out a fleet of trucks to the children’s houses. When these children returned home, they were delighted to discover piles of presents waiting for them. Mary knew that sometimes the best publicity was simply doing good things. Ready for one more? It’s a doozy. Paramount released a movie in 1939 called Union Pacific, about the rough and tumble early years of the company. As the railroad was so closely associated with Omaha, they opened the film here. And open it they did, with a massive, four day publicity spectacle called Golden Spike Days. The cast paraded through the street, while thousands of Omahans dressed in historic costumes cheered them on. There was a whisker parade downtown for men who grew beards in celebration of the event. Paramount even involved the president: Franklin D. Roosevelt pressed a telegraph key from his office that sent a signal to Omaha to start the festivities. The movieO isn’t well-remembered nowadays, but the event is. Visit douglascohistory.org to learn more.

March // April • 2016 | 52 | omahamagazine.com

Harold Lloyd in the film Safety Last March // April • 2016 | 53 | bestofomaha.com

Gone

STORY BY DOUG MEIGS PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN March // April • 2016 | 54 | omahamagazine.com

Girls Omaha Magazine • Cover Feature

Human Trafficking in the Heartland

T ONLY TOOK a couple weeks to trans-

form a naive young woman from a suburban Omahan into a crack-smoking L.A. prostitute.

Thus began a three-month-long blur. She vaguely recalls passing Lincoln on I-80. She woke in Wyoming the next day. The West rolled by in scattershot visions. She was on the road to becoming another victim of human trafficking in the United States.

Victims like Melissa are increasingly speaking out. The Polaris Project reported that more than 1,600 survivors of human trafficking had reached out for help in 2015—a 24 percent increase from the previous year— based on statistics from the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline and Polaris BeFree TRAFFICKING Textline.

It all began in late September of 1998, the day Melissa Conover’s car broke down near 30th and Dodge streets. She was 21 years old WORLDWIDE, SOME 20.9 MILLION HUMAN at the time and going through VICTIMS ARE TRAPPED IN MODERN-DAY SLAVERY. a rebellious phase. She headed for the nearest pay telephone -International Labour Organization booth, to call for help from a gas station. ORLDWIDE, SOME 20.9 milAn unfamiliar man was sipping a beer nearby lion human trafficking victims on the street corner. The friendly stranger are trapped in modern-day slavstruck up a conversation. He even offered to ery, according to the International Labour fix her car. Melissa was thrilled. She wouldn’t Organization. Their horrific experiences genneed to beg mom and dad for repairs. erate billions of dollars in profit for abductors and criminal syndicates. They drove to a nearby house and parked. The man went inside, claiming he was going But the scourge is not just a foreign phenometo grab his tools. Melissa waited in the car. non. In the United States, the anti-trafficking When he returned, the man asked if she Polaris Project estimates “the total number of “smoked.” victims nationally reaches into the hundreds of thousands” when estimates of sex traffick“Weed?” she asked. ing and labor trafficking for adults and minors are aggregated. A 2015 study by University of “Crack,” he said. Nebraska-Lincoln professors Ron Hampton and Dwayne Ball reported that an average "No, absolutely not,” she remembers saying. of nearly 50 young Nebraska women are known to fall victim to sex trafficking every “That’s where you’re wrong,” he replied. year, while the actual number is “certainly much higher.” Suddenly, Melissa says, the once-friendly stranger scrambled to pin her body. He climbed on top of her. He forced her to inhale fumes from his crack pipe.

March // April • 2016 | 55 | bestofomaha.com

For Melissa, the path to redemption—to becoming a survivor—has been an arduous journey.

ROM WYOMING, MELISSA and her

abductor traveled onward to California. He was “grooming” her, using drugs and violence to instill obedience. He threatened to harm her family if she fled. “I wasn’t allowed to be looking in any direction at another man; that was a violation,” she says. “I was not allowed to speak. He spoke for me. There were the beatings, the threats, the brainwashing.” Her abductor morphed into her pimp at a truck stop in Oakland, California. After going to the bathroom, she returned to the car. Her abductor introduced another man—a customer. Her abductor commanded her to go with the man, told her what she must do with the man, and told her how much the man needed to pay for her services.

Omaha Magazine • Cover Feature Melissa says she refused. He threatened in response: “Either you’re going to do it, or you’re going to die.” She reassessed her situation. “Well, this is looking like a better option now,” she thought to herself. She laughs nervously as she recalls the traumatic experience. Her bitter chuckle fades into a sigh of regret. “So I did, and I’ll say, that’s where the crack cocaine came into play for me as a lifesaving thing, because I was violating every moral fiber of the way I was raised.”

THE POLARIS PROJECT REPORTED THAT MORE THAN 1,600 SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING HAD REACHED OUT FOR HELP IN 2015 -National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline and Polaris BeFree Textline

HAT WAS 17 years ago. In all, she spent

three months working as a prostitute on the streets of California.

Melissa, now 38 years old, is telling her story to a reporter at a McDonalds on the edge of Bellevue. She hopes that sharing her experience will help other women and raise awareness about sex trafficking. She is still grappling with the emotional and psychological trauma of prostitution. She credits her recovery to joining a support group with a local organization, Rejuvenating Women. According to Rejuvenating Women’s website, the non-denominational, non-profit organization is “a community of people dedicated to breaking down barriers of shame and guilt.” Group meetings are steeped in evangelical faith, bible study, and sharing of experiences. Rejuvenating Women seeks to help women with issues ranging from trafficking to sexual abuse, molestation, teen pregnancy, and abortion. Melissa says the support group is “developed around God because he put us here, and he’s the one who can heal us.”

REJUVENATING WOMEN SEEKS TO HELP WOMEN WITH ISSUES RANGING FROM TRAFFICKING TO SEXUAL ABUSE, MOLESTATION, TEEN PREGNANCY, AND ABORTION. Although normally shy, Melissa says she has no problem opening up to the group, which averages about 10 women each meeting. “I finally felt like I had a group of sisters that understood,” she says. Melissa has also begun volunteering with Bound No More, an Omaha area safe house for trafficking victims that is affiliated with Rejuvenating Women. Melissa says she grew up in a deeply religious family. Their entire social life revolved around church. She attended Trinity Church Interdenominational (which later evolved into Lifegate Church in 2010). Her family went to Sunday service, Wednesday service, Thursday bible study, and her parents volunteered with one of the church’s youth groups.

URING HER ABDUCTION, Melissa’s

parents knew she was in California. She says the trafficker forced her to call home, told her what to say, controlled her in every way imaginable. He took her to South Central Los Angeles after staying in Oakland a few weeks. “In South Central, I was the only white person who was not in a police officer’s uniform that I saw,” she says. “He had me stand on the streets from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. Then, from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m., I was panhandling. Every penny I brought in was to support that habit (for crack cocaine), and obviously it was more supporting his habit than it was mine, because I was, you know, not as important. I got the scraps, and he got the whatever.” Once, a female police officer approached Melissa to ask if she really wanted to be working the streets. She glanced over at her pimp and thought, “My odds of getting extremely injured by the time she gets over here are very high.” So she responded, “Yup, I wanna be here.”

March // April • 2016 | 56 | omahamagazine.com

The trafficker eventually telephoned her parents directly to scam extra money, no longer using Melissa as the intermediary. “He said he was sick of me, wanted to send me home.” They sent a bus ticket and a $25 money order so she could return. That was his plan. “He shredded the ticket, threw it in the sewer and cashed in the money order,” she says. “That was my ticket to freedom,” she says. In despair, she dug in the gutter for ticket scraps. They fought. He tried dragging her away. Then a police officer approached. The officer instructed them to leave the bus station because they were causing a disturbance.

ER NIGHTMARE CONTINUED until

a chance encounter with an unlikely savior. A woman claiming to be a lesbian and high-ranking gang member expressed interest in Melissa. She paid for an hour with a $50 rock of crack cocaine. Melissa says she knew something was strange when the woman, disregarding their prior arrangement, rented the hourly motel room for two hours instead of one. Melissa says she was pumped full of drugs. Amid the haze, she found herself telling the woman her life story. Outside, Melissa’s pimp grew impatient. He began honking the car horn. As the blaring intensified, her trick became an angel. The woman wanted her to escape. They slipped from the room without her pimp noticing. Then, client and victim walked some 70 blocks across town to Inglewood. After stopping at a pay phone, Melissa says, the woman told her, “Well, hon, this is where our paths part. I highly suggest you call mommy and daddy and tell them to come get you.” The woman, walked away and, for the first time in three months, Melissa was alone. She called home. Her parents arranged for a detective to deliver her to the nearest police precinct.

Grime coated her skin. She hadn’t bathed for a month or more. Her father flew immediately to Los Angeles to retrieve his distraught daughter. The following day, she flew back to Omaha. She had lost 75 pounds. Then, yet another shock. Two weeks after her return, she found out she was pregnant. Her abductor was the baby’s father. Considering her shattered health, doctors considered the pregnancy high risk. “I was devastated,” she says. “I was like, ‘God, what are you doing?’ I really felt like he was saying, ‘This isn’t punishment; this is a gift. This is what’s going to give you a reason to move on.’” Her daughter, her Joy, is now 16 years old. Melissa tried to press charges against the trafficker, but she quickly found herself in a jurisdictional quagmire. The Sarpy County Sheriff’s Department redirected her to Douglas County, which told her to contact the State of California, which told her to contact Nebraska, and so on. “They should have told me immediately to call the FBI because it was an interstate, inter-county issue, but they didn’t,” she says. Over and over she heard, “We can’t help you.” She lived in fear. She also researched her abductor. When first they met at the Omaha pay phone, he had just arrived in town from Texas. At that time, he was on probation for kidnapping. Melissa eventually learned that justice found the man in South Dakota, where he is now serving a life sentence stemming from a rape conviction.

ER OWN TRIALS, though, were far from over. As with most victims of human trafficking, life didn’t magically right itself after rescue from life on the street. Melissa floundered after returning home. Her parents would eventually take guardianship of their granddaughter, and Melissa began a 15-year-long, off-and-on relationship with a man whose own life soon spiraled into drug addiction. He would eventually persuade Melissa to return to the streets to finance his addiction.

“Once you get into prostitution, it’s very difficult to get out because you know if you really need some money, there is always that,” she says. By 2008, a decade had passed since she was first forced into prostitution. The trade had moved into the Internet age. No more standing on corners. Her boyfriend would use social media to arrange her meetings with clients. She picked up two charges during three years of local prostitution: one in Douglas County, another in Pottawattamie County. The 2008 Iowa bust was part of an undercover sting. The pimp-boyfriend was never implicated. Her boyfriend would shame her for prostituting herself. At the same time, he wanted detailed breakdowns of sexual exchanges. “I love you, but you’re doing this,” he would say, admonishing her and then taking her money.

OU NEVER KNOW what you are capa-

ble of doing until you’re in a desperate situation,” says Julie Shrader, the founder of Rejuvenating Women, host of Melissa’s support group. Shrader also conducts community outreach, and she collaborates with anti-trafficking groups in Omaha and nationwide. “They say the life expectancy of a prostitute is seven years, because they either O.D. on drugs, commit suicide, or they are murdered,” Shrader says, speaking from Rejuvenating Women’s office in a counseling facility beside Christ Community Church. A dry-erase board on her cubicle desk wall quotes the Bible (Ezekiel 34:16): “I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed….” While some trafficking victims are forced into prostitution, others may find themselves “choosing” to sell sexual services because of

“WHEN I FINALLY STARTED TO GO TO SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS, IT REALLY STARTED TO GIVE ME PURPOSE. EVERYTHING THAT I HAD SPENT THE PAST 17 YEARS LOOKING FOR FELL INTO PLACE AS A SURVIVOR WORKING ON THE SIDE OF SURVIVORS.” -Melissa Conover She walked away from the toxic relationship only after a judge issued a protection order on her behalf. Although the ex-boyfriend is currently in jail for assaulting another woman, Melissa says she fears for her safety when he is free. His release keeps moving forward, she says, and is scheduled for the coming August. She has been to therapists for years. But she found the sessions unfulfilling. Then, a childhood friend invited her to a Christmas party for Rejuvenating Women. It was a meet and greet. Nothing serious. “When I finally started to go (to support group meetings), it really started to give me purpose,” she says. “Everything that I had spent the past 17 years looking for fell into place as a survivor working on the side of survivors.” March // April • 2016 | 57 | bestofomaha.com

desperate circumstances. Shrader says that older prostitutes are usually “the girl who was 13 years old, and she’s just aged out of the system.” “A lot of the girls who we have found who have ‘chosen’ [to be prostitutes] have parents who have tried to sell them; they have mom smoking a crack pipe on the couch and dad is in prison,” she says. “They do it out of desperation as well. So, they will run away from home because they are being molested. Maybe their mom’s boyfriend is molesting them. That’s what gets them out of the home. They end up on the streets, desperate, hungry. They’re tired, they need a place to sleep.” While some sex trafficking victims come from troubled families, others come from ostensibly stable households (as with Melissa). The process of coercion to sell sex, however, is often more subtle than what Melissa endured.

Omaha Magazine • Cover Feature

INCE 2 0 15 , RE JUVENATING

Women began partnering with the Omaha safe house Bound No More. Shrader says Bound No More is the only local safe house working exclusively with victims of trafficking. Shrader has received threatening calls, texts, and e-mails from pimps seeking to recapture or simply terrorize former victims. Yet she remains resolute in her mission and even participates in community outreach. She explains that sex trafficking is modern day slavery. “We go speak at different events and teach the public and hopefully change their mindset that these girls didn’t just wake up and decide to be a prostitute,” she says. “Nobody wants to be a prostitute.”

Julie Shrader of Rejuvenating Women

“It usually starts by a guy who comes off as her boyfriend, who starts doting on her, buying her things, telling her she’s beautiful,” Shrader says. The girl hears, “You have beautiful hair, beautiful eyes, whatever,” and then she’s sucked under the control of the “Romeo pimp,” a term Shrader uses for a pimp who methodically targets victims through emotional manipulation. “We have a girl who took a year [to prostitute herself]; a man was her friend for a year, and his whole intention was to get her out of the state to sell her for sex,” Shrader says, noting that the victims often believe they are in relationships without realizing the pimp has a “stable” of four other girls working for him, too. Shrader says she began Rejuvenating Women in 2012, compelled by her own experience dropping out of high school, enduring homelessness and working as a stripper. She would later earn her GED, graduate from college, and marry. “When my life got better, when I became happy, I wanted other women to feel the same thing, and I wanted to figure out a way on how to help them,” she says.

Rejuvenating Women is part of a growing anti-trafficking network in Omaha. Shrader says Omaha has become a lynchpin in human trafficking networks stretching from east to west coast on I-80. Mexican gangs have established a foothold in the city, too, funneling sex and labor trafficking victims back and forth on I-29 from Texas and across the border. Meanwhile, Omaha’s major events—such as the College World Series, Olympic Swim Trials, and Berkshire Hathaway’s shareholder meeting—draw an influx of tourists with a corresponding spike in demand for prostitutes both local and imported.

Major anti-trafficking milestones for Nebraska followed in 2012 when Nebraska adopted two statutes to address human trafficking. Last May, the Unicameral added LR186 to “create a comprehensive approach to serving these victims” of human trafficking. Also, the addition of LB294 further revised statutes and strengthen penalties for human trafficking. According to the TVPA, a human trafficking victim is anyone “induced to perform labor or a commercial sex act through force, fraud, or coercion.” “I don't think that either culturally or legally we are to the point yet that we can say that all individuals engaged in prostitution are victims of sex trafficking,” says Stephen Patrick O’Meara, coordinator of the Nebraska Human Trafficking Task Force.

SINCE 2015, REJUVENATING WOMEN BEGAN PARTNERING WITH THE OMAHA SAFE HOUSE BOUND NO MORE, THE ONLY LOCAL SAFE HOUSE WORKING EXCLUSIVELY WITH VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING. Drawing on his previous work experience as the main prosecutor for the Omaha Child Exploitation Task Force, O’Meara observed that, “I have yet to see the situation where a person engaged in prostitution is not a victim, and when I say victim, I mean that they give full legal consent to engaging in commercial sex acts for another person; for a pimp.”

against human trafficking has been building since the turn of the millennium, when Congress passed the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) in 2000.

Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson appointed O’Meara to lead the Nebraska Human Trafficking Task Force last May. Five years earlier, he was involved in the FBI’s establishment of the Omaha Child Exploitation Task Force in conjunction with regional law enforcement offices and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Following the TVPA, lawmakers nationwide have begun to shift punitive focus away from prostitutes—the victims—to increase consequences for the traffickers, the pimps, and those soliciting sex.

O’Meara’s former colleagues made headlines in mid-October with Operation Cross Country IX, a weeklong nationwide bust that arrested 153 pimps and rescued 149 underage victims (including three male and three

OCAL AND FEDERAL momentum

March // April • 2016 | 58 | omahamagazine.com

THE ORIGINAL

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transgender victims). The youngest victim was 12 years old. Locally, the Omaha Child Exploitation Task Force arrested 21, including three pimps, and rescued two victims, the FBI announced on Oct. 13.

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The following week, O’Meara unveiled the Attorney General’s Strategic Plan for combatting human trafficking. The plan featured a 69-page “Report and Recommendations Regarding Establishment of the Nebraska Human Trafficking Task Force (NHTTF)."

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF Justice grant worth $1.5 million funded establishment of the task force; $600,000 went to the Attorney General for coordination with law enforcement and prosecution; $900,000 went to the Salvation Army for victim/survivor services. Omaha-based Alicia Webber is the Salvation Army’s Human Trafficking Task Force Coordinator, the trafficking survivor flipside to O’Meara’s role with enforcement and prosecution. Some 50 agencies participated in producing the initial NHTTF report, O’Meara says. Now, many more—ranging from law enforcement departments, to social welfare organizations, to tribal governments, to hospitals—are actively engaged with the task force.

O’Meara, Webber, and other key stakeholders have been frequently traveling across Nebraska. They speak with city governments. They speak with hotel and hospitality services to explain the clues that trafficking could be occurring in their workplace. They speak with hospital staff and health care workers about the warning signs that a patient could be a victim of sex trafficking.

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Aside from “trying to help victims of human trafficking” and “to investigate and prosecute the human traffickers,” O’Meara says the task force’s third emphasis is “to reduce demand, and the demand is 100 percent encapsulated in the buyer.” “No buyers. No sex trafficking. That’s just the bottom line,” he says.

ELISSA, THE SEX trafficking sur-

vivor with Rejuvenating Women, hopes Nebraska’s investment in combatting sex trafficking will prevent others from suffering what she endured. She also hopes that progressive-thinking lawmakers realize that adult victims deserve a chance to expunge prostitution offenses from criminal records.

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O’Meara has heard the argument discussed. He says minors won’t be charged because they lack the ability to consent. When it comes to adults, he hopes that better trained officers will stop arresting trafficking victims confused for prostitutes.

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In March of 2016, O’Meara says the task force will roll out formal training for law enforcement agencies across Nebraska. “The default position should be that we presume with a strong likelihood that persons engaged in prostitution are in fact victims,” he says. Our society, he O says, should stop blaming the victims.

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Katie Smith, left, and Master Mauro Siso

Omaha Magazine • Gen O

HIGH KICKS HIGH GOALS Katie Smith

WORDS BY CLAIRE MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN

HINK CAREFULLY BEFORE

picking a fight with Katie Smith—she’s a black belt in taekwondo. Oh, yeah, she’s also 12 years old. Last summer, Smith earned a gold medal with Amateur Athletic Union Taekwando at a national championship in Fort Lauderdale, Florida— garnering a spot on their national

team to participate in the German Open in April. She won another gold medal last summer at the USA Taekwando national championships in Austin, Texas, earning a spot with USAT on the cadet national team. That enabled her to compete at the World Cadet Taekwondo Championships in Muju, South Korea, in August 2015.

March // April • 2016 | 63 | bestofomaha.com

Omaha Magazine • Gen O

Her mother, Carmen, was in the crowd of more than 400 competitors and even more audience members to watch her daughter vie for the gold—the only girl in her weight division. Katie made it to the quarter finals. She’ll kick your you-know-what, but as far as punching you: "People always get confused between taekwondo and karate," Smith explains. "In taekwondo, we don't punch to the face. There's more punching in karate, and taekwondo is more kicking." Taekwondo is a Korean martial art distinguished by its emphasis on different types of kicking; karate is a Japanese martial art focused on striking and punching, while kung fu is a collection of Chinese fighting styles that combines both external and internal exercises. Smith also clarifies that taekwondo competitions judge by electronic chest protectors to show the force of kicks and strikes, which is how a competitor gains points against her opponent. Competitions are segmented by weight divisions based on rank, age, weight, and gender. Smith started taekwondo lessons when she was four as an activity to do with her father, Todd, owner of Todd Smith Fitness. She also has experience in judo, a Japanese form of martial arts. Her 7-year-old brother, J.T., competes as a yellow belt in taekwondo competitions. Aside from honors classes and life as a sixthgrade student at St. Robert Bellarmine school, Katie juggles piano lessons, singing lessons, track practices, soccer practices, weekend workouts with her dad—and a social life, of course. She still fits in six taekwondo lessons a week. "My friends think it's cool," Smith says when asked what her peers think. "Taekwondo isn't really a popular sport like football, though, so they don't really know what it is." I told her I look forward to seeing her on my television screen at the Olympics in a few years. A wide grin spreads across Smith’s face. “That's the plan.” March // April • 2016 | 64 | omahamagazine.com

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Omaha Magazine • Giving | Feature

DESIGNED TO SERVE Clementine Porcelain WORDS BY JAMES WALMSLEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN

ESSE ROSS DISCOVERED early in his ceramics career that the most efficient way to reconcile form and function at a wholesale level is not through technique alone, but through the framework of expert mold-making. Tracy Shell discovered early in her ceramics career that one of the most efficient techniques to inspire compassion on a larger platform is molding young minds through art. With their knowledge combined, the husband-wife duo has been shaping their civic-minded venture, Clementine Porcelain, into a chic, durable enterprise that turns a scaling percentage of their porcelain wares into food for hungry children. The spirit of the ceramicists' philanthropic endeavor lies in their succinct mission statement: "Designed to serve." “If we could make something sizable, something real that wasn’t just sort of the company funding what amounts to our family contribution..." Ross, 38, says of his three-year-old company from his Benson garage-turnedstudio. "If we could grow it to be something very substantial, I think that would be pretty spectacular.” More specifically, the academically trained artisans who came to the Midwest by way of New York have been working to channel profits to the Food Bank for the Heartland's BackPack Program, which helps feed chronically hungry students on weekends for an entire school year. One in five children go to bed hungry in the Omaha metro area, says Angela Grote, communications manager at the Food Bank.

Tracy Shell, Clementine Ross, and Jesse Ross

“The children work so hard on the plates knowing that they aren't going to get to keep them," says Shell, 45, who also chairs the Art Department at Midland University. "It makes me incredibly joyful to see them work so hard and they’re very enthusiastic.” As for the artisanal side of the business, Clementine Porcelain's online store currently features cups, vases, and lights. Their pieces are also available at the Joslyn Art Museum’s Hitchcock Museum Shop, Anderson O’Brien Fine Art, and True Blue. The handmade porcelain wares radiate a domestic naturalism— imitating everyday textures like paper and styrofoam—and are both heavy-duty and stain-resistant. This isn't your great-grandmother's fine china.

Clementine Porcelain's unique solution to that problem hasn't gone unnoticed by the nonprofit, she says. “They’re an extraordinary partner,” Grote says. “The company is very philanthropically minded and is really committed to the practice of altruism and making our community a better place. We’re so grateful for these supporters who believe strongly in helping children." The main charitable arm of Clementine Porcelain is the Plate Project, an idea devised by Shell that combines education, community, and fundraising. During a Plate Project

workshop, students decorate ceramic plates with their own artistic visions while Shell informs them about chronic hunger and the needs of children in our community. The plates are then sold with all profits going to the BackPack Program. The current Plate Project initiative runs through March 14 at True Blue Gifts & Goods in NoDo and, as always, all proceeds will be donated to the BackPack Program. Recently, Shell partnered with the Fremont Art Association, hosting seven workshops throughout the Fremont school district and raising $750, or as she likes to put it: meals for five children for a year.

March // April • 2016 | 67 | bestofomaha.com

“We get access to that sort of implication of fragility, of preciousness, but it’s actually way more functional, way more durable than that handmade earthenware thing that you have," Ross explains. "But everyone thinks that it’s more fragile, so it’s sort of an aesthetic quality that we get to capitalize on.” Ross and Shell say they've also capitalized parentally on their venture: it has instilled in their 8-year-old daughter a sense of duty to those around her in need. Clementine, who not only enkindled the humanitarian side of the project, but whose name—which translates to "merciful" and "compassionate"—inspired the brand, is the de facto heart and soul of the company. "Plus," Shell says. O "She's the best thing we've ever made.” Visit clementineporcelain.com to learn more.

Omaha Magazine • Giving | Calendar

GIVING

CALENDAR MARCH / APRIL 2016

Imagine

2016 Blue Jean Ball

Men of Honor Gala

March 2

March 6

March 19

April 2

April 9

Completely KIDS Hilton Omaha

Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Omaha Firefighter’s Hall

Catholic Charities of Omaha Embassy Suites La Vista

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands. Scott Conference Center

Susan G. Komen Hilton Downtown

COMPLETELY KIDS AUTHOR LUNCHEON -completelykids.org

March 3

CELEBRITY CHEF WITH ANNE BURRELL Food Bank of the Heartland Embassy Suites La Vista -foodbankheartland.org

March 4

18TH ANNUAL MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATION/DIX FAMILY GALA

Muscular Dystrophy Association Mid America Center, Council Bluffs

-mda.org

March 4-6

AMERICAN GIRL FASHION SHOW

Junior League of Omaha -jlomaha.org

March 5

CASABLANCA GALA Nebraska CASA Association Scott Conference Center -nebraskacasa.org

March 5

COLUMB’S CEILI

St. Columbkille Catholic Church Embassy Suites La Vista

THE HOOLEY

IRISH FEST

-ccomaha.com

-laohomaha.com

March 9

HEROES IN THE HEARTLAND Red Cross Embassy Suites, La Vista -redcross.org/neia

March 10

IMAGINE

Ben Stein, Keynote Speaker Assure Women’s Center Embassy Suites, La Vista

-bigbrothersbigsisters.org

March 19

HERITAGE AWARDS DINNER

Community Bike Project Omaha Community Bike Project Omaha

-communitybikeproject.org

March 18

WISHBONE

Kent Bellows Mentoring Program Joslyn Art Museum -joslyn.org

March 19

GROWING HOPE GALA

Alzheimer’s Association Lauritzen Gardens -alz.org/nebraska

2016 BLUE JEAN BALL

Make-A-Wish Nebraska Mutual of Omaha Dome

March 19

April 2

Metro Omaha Women’s Business Center Omaha Marriott Regency -mowbcf.org

Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska UNO's Mammel Hall

MOWBC MASQUERADE BALL

-nebraska.wish.org

GIRL SCOUTS ARTVENTURE

-girlscoutsnebraska.org

April 3 March 26

EXHIBIKETION

April 2

CHI Mid-America Center, Council Bluffs -chi.com/heritageawards

-assureomaha.com

March 18

BASKETBALL BASH

MARCH MADNEZZ 2016

CELEBRATION OF SPIRIT DINNER

PINK RIBBON AFFAIR -komennebraska.org

April 12

ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF OMAHA STYLE SHOW

Assistance League of Omaha Champions Run -alomaha.org

April 13

2016 OMAHA BUSINESS HALL OF FAME

Greater Omaha Chamber Holland Performing Arts Center -omahachamber.org

April 13

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands Spillway Grill & Bar, Council Bluffs -bgcomaha.org

Notre Dame Sisters Scott Conference Center

SPEAKING OF CHILDREN LUNCHEON

April 9

-projectharmony.com

April 1 and 2

NIGHT OF KNIGHTS

OMAHA YOUTH RELAY FOR LIFE

American Cancer Society Omaha Sports Complex

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April 2

THE HEART OF CAMP GALA Carol Joy Holling Camp Embassy Suites, La Vista

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Mount Michael Benedictine School Strategic Air and Space Museum -mountmichael.com

April 9

THE GATHERING CUES Embassy Suites, La Vista -cuesschools.org

-caroljoyholling.org

Project Harmony Embassy Suites La Vista April 13

NEBRASKA'S TREASURE, DIANE NELSON, A LIFETIME OF SHARING, CARING AND DARING!

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April 15

OMAHA CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC GRAND OPENING GALA

Omaha Conservatory of Music Omaha Conservatory of Music -omahacm.org

April 15

TORCHLIGHT BALL

Literacy Center of the Midlands Scoular Ballroom -allaboutomaha.org

April 19

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME AUCTION & DINNER

Open Door Mission Embassy Suites, La Vista -opendoormission.org

April 22

11TH ANNUAL KICKS FOR A CURE DINNER Liz's Legacy Baxter Arena

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April 23

MEN OF HONOR GALA 100 Black Men of Omaha Hilton Omaha

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April 28

2016 WOMEN'S POWER LUNCHEON

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March // April • 2016 | 68 | omahamagazine.com

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GOING GREEN

Help Omaha Magazine Fight Deforestation

OMAHA MAGAZINE HAS JOINED AN INNOVATIVE PROGRAM TO COMBAT DEFORESTATION. AND WE NEED YOUR HELP. The initiative, called Print Relief, plants the number of trees equal to our printing needs by calculating the trees consumed by the printing of our magazine. They plant the number of trees equal to our tree usage in endangered forests around the world.

IN THE NEXT YEAR ALONE, THIS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM WILL ALLOW US TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PLANTING OF ALMOST 1,500 SAPLINGS IN BIOMES AROUND THE GLOBE THAT HAVE BEEN RAVAGED BY DEFORESTATION. Just so you know: Omaha Magazine doesn’t clearcut the rain forest to get its paper stock. For the most part, the wood used to make the pulp for our paper is scrap wood, salvaged wood, or wood from trees that were planted like any renewable crop. It would be a lie to say the production and distribution of that paper doesn’t have an environmental impact, but it is much smaller than widely believed. Now, with the help of our printing company and an international reforestation program, we’re going to help make our carbon footprint even smaller.

HERE’S WHERE YOU COME IN: We’d like readers to help us choose where our trees should go. We will create a survey on our Omaha Magazine Facebook page. Visit our page any time between March 1 and March 30 to cast your vote. The winner will be announced in our May/June edition. You can choose to help reforest Brazil, Mexico, Madagascar, the Dominican Republic, Burkina Faso, or Ethiopia. We will determine the top vote-getter and pass your wishes on to the folks at PrintReleaf. Then, together, we can help battle one of the greatest threats to the health of this planet.

A drone is the latest tool in the Tree Speed arsenal. March // April • 2016 | 70 | omahamagazine.com

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OmahaHome • March/April 2016

Table of Contents

H20

H38 FEATURES H20

SMALL TOWN FEEL

H32 DEPARTMENTS H9

FROM THE EDITORS

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ARCHITECTURAL STYLES American Bungalow

A Contemporary Valley Home

H10 H32

WOODLAND WONDER

STATEMENTS A Modern Approach to Concrete

H28

NEIGHBORHOODS Hanscom Park

The North Omaha Architectural Treasure

H38

KEEPING IT REAL Preserving the tudor Character

H14

AT HOME WITH THE WILLITS Featuring: More

H44

TRANSFORMATIONS Classic Living With An Artful Flair

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OmahaHome • March/April 2016

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from the Editors

"No Matter how long the Winter Spring is sure to follow" â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Proverb

H ANKFULLY WE ARE in the home stretch of winter. Greener,

warmer days will soon be here. We love spring, after being cooped up in the house all winter you can not keep us in our homes once it starts to warm up. You will find Angie outside every chance possible just to be in the sunshine and fresh air. She loves cleaning out plant beds and looking for the first signs of green under the debris of winter and planning for the new flowers and plants that will be there.

In this issue of OmahaHome we have two families that achieved their new homes through different journeys. The Willets, after becoming tired of Sandy Matson & Angie Hall remodeling projects, rethought a decision to build a new home and instead bought a newly constructed home. It was not perfect, but close enough that with a few simple changes, it could become the perfect house for them. The Ackersons chose to custom build their house from the ground up to ensure everything was perfect. We also suggest you check out our feature on Modern Concrete. They do some amazing things with concrete. Looking on their website at some custom fire pits they have built, it's clear their work would be perfect to add some warmth on the cooler spring days on the patio. We wish you a fresh, green start to your spring.

Sandy & Angie If you have any ideas you would like to see us tackle or you yourself have a project you would like to have featured, please contact us at sandy@omahapublications.com or angie@omahapublications.com

Thank you for reading OmahaHome. This stand-alone magazine is also featured as a section of Omaha Magazine. Want to read the entire magazine? Visit: omahamagazine.com/digital-flip-book

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Statements story by Tim Kaldahl / photography by bill sitzmann

Scan the page with the LayAR app to view video from this story.

A MODERN APPROACH TO CONCRETE USING ANCIENT MATERIAL FOR CONTEMPORARY DESIGN

NYONE TALKING WITH Jackson Kardell

ends up excited by the possibilities of concrete. No kidding. The 34-year-old owner of Modern Concrete can discuss how this ancient building substance (the Greeks and Romans used concrete) can be flexibly and attractively used inside and outside a home. Concrete, Kardell explains, can be poured in a vast array of colors, stamped with intricate designs, and made to emulate marble, granite, or other stone. He enjoys the challenges homeowners and designers bring to him. / H10 /

OmahaHome • March/April 2016

“I was just a concrete guy, and I was fine with that,” Kardell says of his early years in the business. His family has been involved with concrete work since 1947, and Kardell started in the family business at age 15. “And then we started pushing the artistic aspect.” Modern Concrete doesn’t compete with companies that pour hundreds of yards of concrete driveways. The economic downturn of 2007 and 2008 pushed Jackson and his father, John Kardell, toward not only outdoor work, focused on patios and pool decks, but also indoor work— >

“I was just a concrete guy, and I was fine with that, and then we started pushing the artistic part.” -Jackson Kardell

March/April 2016 • omahamagazine.com

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Statements

< countertops, custom sinks and showers, 3-D fireplaces, and other objects. The work involves physics, chemistry, and artistry. The bathroom and kitchen sink designs the company creates show the range of possibilities—from traditional and rounded to contemporary, flat, and angular. The diversity involved with the jobs the four-person company tackles makes for interesting, ongoing work, says John, who started his career in the trade in 1974. “It all comes down to the basics of concrete pouring,” John says. “If you’ve got a good base then you can much easier expand out into some of these things that we are doing.” The company uses Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete, a compound similar to chopped fiberglass that is made of fine sand, cement, acrylic polymer, water, and alkali-resistant glass fibers. Using GFRC means objects like countertops and sinks can be made lighter and stronger. Techniques have evolved over time, as well, Jackson says, and he enjoys the challenge of creating fabric forms to make more rounded shapes possible, and blowing, instead of pouring, concrete into forms for flawless finishes. “Myself, personally,” Jackson says, “I’m drawn more toward modern, crisp.” Like an artist, he talks about “pieces” when he speaks about jobs and projects. Jackson is a Central High School graduate who enjoyed pottery classes the most, and he says he now sees the connection to that kind of physical art. He thinks in terms of hard and soft shapes, shadings and colorings, and finishes and textures in precise, measured ways. Most general concrete work—flat and often outside—is measured in half-inches and inches. For Modern Concrete, it’s sixteenths of an inch. And when concocting special concrete mixes, components are measured by ounces or grams. Kardell-made projects have become especially popular in high-end houses and condominiums where unique designs are valued. Many times, Jasckson says, he breaks the molds he creates once a contract is completed. The company is on the cutting edge of what concrete can do, but the kind of advertising Modern Concrete finds most successful is very traditional. Word of mouth most often brings customers in, Jackson says. “I’m not trying to sell you concrete, if that makes sense. I’m hoping you have gravitated towards me, and this is the product that I have to offer. These are the specs that it can fulfill,” he says. “And if this sounds like something you want…cool.” OmahaHome Visit modernconcreteomaha.com for more information

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OmahaHome • March/April 2016

“Myself, personally, I'm drawn more toward modern, crisp.” -John Kardell

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At Home story by Kara Schweiss / photography by Bill Sitzmann

FEATURING: MORE AT HOME WITH THE WILLITS

RIC AND JEN Willits swore they would build a

new home. After surviving an extensive remodel of their last home that wrapped in 2013, they didn't want to repeat the experience. So the plan for their next home was to avoid having to live again within the mess and noise of construction. “We could just be done.” The couple chose a lot with the idea for construction to commence sometime in 2015. But they couldn’t get one spec home on a corner lot in the Tuscan Ridge neighborhood at 198th and Pacific streets off their minds. “This was one of the first houses we looked at. We were pretty set on building, but we kept coming back to this house,” Jen says.

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OmahaHome • March/April 2016

The plusses were numerous: six bedrooms and five baths with 3,000 square feet above grade and 4,000 total square feet, dark wood floors on the main level, stainless steel kitchen appliances in place, and a finished basement. It was plenty of room for the couple, their two boys, and any visitors. The high ceilings, arched doorways, and abundant windows that bathed the interior with natural light were also appealing. The in-demand neighborhood had been the site of the 2011 Street of Dreams and was located in the Elkhorn school district. The Willits pressed forward with their intent to build, but couldn’t stop mulling over the idea of that lovely, move-in ready Tuscan Ridge house. It included some of the features the couple knew they would have to cut from their new-home wish list to meet budget, and many extras they hadn’t even thought of. They liked the colors, they liked the floor plan, they liked just about everything. And they realized the few things they didn’t love could be easily modified. >

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/ H15 /

At Home

< Recognizing they could get everything they wanted—and more—by purchasing a finished house, the Willits ultimately decided not to purchase the lot, or build, and made that unforgettable home their own last August. The neighbors were warm and welcoming (“Like a small town”) and the Willits family immediately felt right at home. “It was just meant to be,” Jen says. After hiring Knight Construction’s Dana Knight to modify the kitchen island for improved functionality, replace the wrought iron stair railing with a warmer wooden railing, and install additional wainscoting, Willits now proclaims the home perfect for her family. “It’s cozy. Comfortable,” she says, emphasizing that it’s a "family" home. “It’s where kids can be kids. You have to enjoy your own home.” The house is even more perfect than the family expected, she says. Sons Evan, 12, and Ethan, 9, are far too young to drive, but the home’s enormous, 1,200-square-foot garage has been an unforeseen bonus for them: The boys not only have ample room to park their bikes and store their sports gear, there’s even enough floor space to bounce around a basketball in the wintertime. “I never thought we were looking at a garage when we bought this house,” Jen says. She was also pleasantly surprised by another bonus feature; a sitting room off the master complete with fireplace that has become her “reading nook.” “It was something I did not think I needed, but now I can’t live without it,” she says. The professional couple (she’s a nurse anesthetist, he works as a risk reserve analyst at Hewlett-Packard) also like that a first-floor bedroom was easily convertible to a home office in which Eric can work from home on occasion but still feel connected. An upstairs bedroom serves as a “kids’ office” where the boys can do homework, play, or hang out with Harrison, the family’s new Labradoodle puppy. After extensively landscaping their last home, Jen is eager for warmer weather and the opportunity to put some new ideas into place. In the meantime, she’s enjoying working on the interior. The home’s neutral palette with clean lines and white trim is ideal to showcase her “modern transitional with vintage mix” style that includes a fun, eclectic assortment of artworks and décor as likely to come from Junkstock (that outdoor flea market) as from a gallery. > Brothers Ethan, front, and Evan, wait to attack mom Jen, dad Eric, and dog Harrison / H16 /

OmahaHome • March/April 2016

“It's cozy. Comfortable. It's where kids can be kids. You have to enjoy your own home.” -Jen Willit

March/April 2016 • omahamagazine.com

/ H17 /

At Home

< “Some of the pictures on the wall are just things I love, that piece you find that just isn’t like anyone else’s,” she says. Some of the furniture is one-of-a-kind, too. Several pieces have been customized by her own hand, like the brand-new dining table she painted to create a vintage look, or a few refinished pieces that were already in the family. “I tried to repurpose as much sentimental furniture as I could, like my grandmother’s bookcase I use as a shelf in my dining room,” she says. “And I have my sons’ changing table from when they were babies. I re-did that and we use it in the family room. I (also) re-did another table…I think maybe we had it growing up? I don’t really know where it came from, to be honest.” Fortunately, the spacious home offers plenty of room for future finds and refinished treasures. “If I go out and find something, sometimes I don’t have a real place for it,” she explains. “I just want to incorporate it into my house.” OmahaHome

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OmahaHome • March/April 2016

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Feature story by Claire Martin / photography by Bill Sitzmann

SMALL TOWN FEEL, MINUTES FROM OMAHA THE AKERSONS’ CONTEMPORARY VALLEY HOME

EST OF DODGE Street, off of

Highway 275 in a lake community near Valley, Nebraska, you’ll find the Akerson family home—unique not only for its contemporary appearance, but also its construction from the ground up. The Akerson crew includes Marie, a certified registered nurse anesthetist; her husband, Joshua, a mental health technician; and their five kids, whose ages range from three months to 13. "With the floor plan, we wanted to do something open on the main level. That way we could keep an eye on all the kids," Marie says of the designing process. Their first home sold while their new house was still under construction, so the Akersons stashed their belongings in a storage unit and lived with Marie's father for four months until the building process was complete. The family moved to their new home in October, only a month after Marie had her youngest child. >

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OmahaHome • March/April 2016

March/April 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ omahamagazine.com

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Feature

Melody relaxes while brothers Korbin and Kieran vie for her attention.

< They chose the house design after viewing four different floor plans with Ideal Designs; from there, Marie and Joshua chose a design they thought would best fit their family life as well as include the contemporary flair that the two were looking for, such as white countertops and cabinets in the kitchen. The Akersons then built the house from the ground up. They especially enjoyed purchasing their own supplies, including toilets, closets, and "funky" light fixturesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a star burst chandelier in the dining room and a tiered champagne bubble chandelier in the entry way. In addition to the house's contemporary accents, such as a large cedar beam in the house's front, an oversized and segmented front sidewalk, and a giant master tub, the back walls and windows face a lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Marie's favorite aspect of the house. "We always wanted to live on a lake and our backyard is a beach," Marie says. "It's a lake house." >

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OmahaHome â&#x20AC;˘ March/April 2016

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/ H23 /

Feature

“It's nice to come out to the lake where it's so quiet and calm and serene.” -Marie Akerson

< The Akersons hope living next to the water will encourage more outdoor family activity, as well as provide an opportunity for their kids to get out and about once summer rolls around. Marie says they're looking forward to having other families over in the summer for lake activities, although their community also includes a large population of empty-nesters, which means less noise and more seclusion. As for living in the small, peaceful, lake community about 30 minutes outside Omaha, Marie says she and her husband both grew up in small towns (Weston and Wahoo, Nebraska, respectively) and are used to the quiet away from the hub of an urban lifestyle—more than that, they welcome it.

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OmahaHome • March/April 2016

"We love living here," Marie says. "We both have stressful jobs, so it's nice to come out to the lake where it's so quiet and calm and serene." With their home's beautiful lake views and its provided sanctuary away from the bustle of city and work life, it's safe to say the Akerson family home is more than worth the drive and elbow-grease. "It's nice to be out of Omaha but also so close," Marie says. "It's just us out here." OmahaHome

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Architectural Styles story by Daisy Hutzell-Rodman / photography by bill sitzmann

HE BUNGALOW IS one of the

AMERICAN BUNGALOW A CRAFTY LITTLE HOME

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OmahaHome • March/April 2016

most noted styles of homes in America, and though it is frequently referenced, the style actually means many different things to different people, and even different things in different regions of the country. The term bungalow is generally used to define a craftsman-style house built between 1885 and 1950, with the heyday being between 1910 and 1930. The style of house pictured here on Mary Street is often called a California bungalow for its use of stucco on the outside of

the home. Chicago-style bungalows are frequently made of brick, and an entire fleet of “revival” styles—everything from Grecian to Tudor to Pueblo—gave life to building materials from stone to wood slats to adobe. Normally modest homes, most bungalows have one to one-and-a-half stories, as does this one. Current owners Liz and John Backus, pastors at Trinity Lutheran Church at 30th and Reddick streets, bought this house because they are emptynesters and wanted a modest home near the church.

The bungalow was designed to be airy and welcoming, with the entry opening directly into the living room and a floor plan with few hallways. Inside, built-ins were often relied on for storage, as the size of the home left little space for large armoires and other units. “It looks like there were originally bookcases between the living room and dining room because of the pattern in the floor, but they’re not there now,” says Liz. The California bungalow would not be complete without a large front porch, creating an outdoor room. The front porch of the Mary Street house was screened in at one point in its history, and the Backus’ shored up the screening so they can enjoy the porch more often. And craftsman houses often feature gardens, even in small spaces. “The backyard was professionally designed,” says Liz. “I wanted it to feel like a room. We wanted it to be a space where we could have people over and be together.” To achieve this, Backus planted 13 limelight hydrangeas along the fence, Karl Foerster grasses, Columnar blue spruces, and three fine line buckthorns. Other architectural features came in the form of low pitched roofs, deeply overhanging eaves, decorative brackets under the eaves, and arches and pillars on the porches, as seen here. Even the front of this home reveals mock-timbering (or perhaps they’re just clever white stripes).

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It’s architecture of both function and form. After all, as English craftsman William Morris said, “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” OmahaHome

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Office: 402.964.0762 Mobile: 402.670.7566 • www.GloriasElegantInteriors.com March/April 2016 • omahamagazine.com

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Neighborhoods story by Chelsea Balzer / photography by Keith Binder

HANSCOM PARK ENGAGED, ACTIVE, AND SERENE

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OmahaHome â&#x20AC;˘ March/April 2016

HESE DAYS , I T ’S rare to go

anywhere without being inundated with reminders that we live in the age of technology; everything is loud, fast, and bright—instant gratification is expected. Perhaps this has something to do with why Hanscom Park, one of Omaha’s oldest neighborhoods, remains so beloved. Stepping into one of its small businesses feels a bit like stepping back in time to an era when people knew their neighbors and restaurants made their recipes from scratch. Hanscom Park is not showy. There is an understated dignity to its churches, midcentury homes, and its large city park. Though some of Omaha’s busiest thoroughfares stretch through the region, it retains the charm of a small town nestled within a city center. Its buildings are eclectic, its brick architecture remarkable. It’s clear that this is a place with a history that people take pride in. Located between Center Street and I-80 on one side and extending from 42nd Street to Interstate 480 on the other, the original 72 acres were donated to the city by Andrew J. Hanscom in 1872. At that time, the land

was on the western border of town, and soon became a hub for upscale residential development. President Gerald R. Ford was born in one of the neighborhood’s mansions in 1913.

When asked about its appeal, the employees behind the counter begin to buzz with things to say: “Everybody knows each other. The owners are on vacation, but they’re usually here every day.”

The people who call Hanscom Park home today also have an air of dignity. A large number have strong family ties to the district, with generations before them having been born and raised there.

The owners are Kerry (Synowiecki) and Josh Mumm, and it was Kerry’s family who originally opened the bar in 1965. Lauded for having the best burger in Omaha, Dinker's has become a quintessential part of the Hanscom Park community, and a favorite of foodies.

A quick stop into Dinker’s Bar & Grill showcases this well. On a Wednesday evening, the place is filling with regulars, many of them middle-aged men in flannel who seem to feel at home in the place. The walls are lined with white Christmas lights, and the grill is out in the open. There is nothing pretentious about this place.

Another local spot, Richie’s Chicken & Hamburgers, has a similar atmosphere. The building itself doesn’t look like much, but entering feels a bit like coming to sit at someone’s dining room table. There is a handwritten sign on the door which reads, ‘please close all the way’ and a small, heartshaped ornament that reads ‘Welcome friends.’ Like Dinker's, the business is family-owned. Owner Richie Huntzinger grew up in the restaurant his father founded in 1954. Previously located down the street (just across from where Lo Sole Mio sits now), the business moved to its current location in 1969. >

March/April 2016 • omahamagazine.com

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Neighborhoods

The people are warm, the feel is good, and no matter where you're from, you will likely be welcomed as a friend.

< Richie’s serves handmade American fare and is known for its fried chicken. The recipes have been passed down through the family, and Huntzinger knows that’s what people come for: “If I don’t have good food, people aren’t gonna come here.” The feeling of being at home is no accident; he wants his customers to relax. “My place is the kind of place you can come to on your own. You don’t have to be on a date.” When asked about Hanscom Park, he echoes the sentiment of others: “It’s a good ol’ wholesome neighborhood.” Another nearby business owner who agrees is Laki Sgourakis, co-owner of the Greek Islands restaurant. Originally from Greece, the Sgourakis family founded the eatery, which specializes in authentic Greek cuisine, in 1983. “It’s a little gem,” he says. “The Gifford Theater brought a lot of people.” The theater to which Sgourakis refers is now known as The Rose, located at 20th and Farnam streets. Previously, though, it was named after its founder, Emmy Gifford, who originally established

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OmahaHome • March/April 2016

a children’s theater at 35th and Center streets in 1948. That distinctive building now houses Collector’s Choice, a consignment sales service. Though there are many small businesses and homes in the area, perhaps the most defining feature of Hanscom Park is, well, its park. Not only is it serene, it features one of the city’s only off-leash dog parks, where you can find Omahans letting all manner of canines cut loose at any time of year. Across the street, residents can visit the Hanscom Park pool and a greenhouse, as well as one of the best indoor tennis courts around. Hanscom Park’s Neighborhood Association reflects the values of the district. Engaged and active, they work to keep the sense of harmony alive here. Visitors and residents alike can feel at home in Hanscom Park; the people are warm, the food is good, and no matter where you’re from, you will likely be welcomed as a friend. OmahaHome Visit hpnaomaha.org to learn more.

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WOODLAND WONDER A FAMILY OF EIGHT BREATHES LIFE INTO A NORTH OMAHA ARCHITECTURAL TREASURE

HANCES ARE YOU’VE never seen anything like it—a

home so unique in shape, scope, and interior design it defies description. Known to architecture buffs and locals as “the laboratory,” this ultra-contemporary gem sits high on a hill above McKinley Street, just north of I-680 at the edge of Ponca Hills. The soaring, vertically built structure features a maze of maple, marble, steel, concrete, granite, and glass. Eleven staircases— some metal, some wood, and each different from the other— link layer upon layer of loftlike living space. Windows that reach from floor to ceiling reveal breathtaking, panoramic vistas and allow for some serious wildlife watching. The five bedrooms have no walls, the five bathrooms have no doors— not exactly a blueprint embraced by everyone. No one can deny the home’s cool factor. The densely wooded landscape shields the house from passersby, mercifully reducing the gawking factor and providing privacy for Mike and Beth Huffstetler and their six children, who range in age from 9 to 25. >

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OmahaHome • March/April 2016

cover Feature story by Carol Crissey Nigrelli / photography by Colin Conces

cover Feature

< “We bought the house about a year and a half ago,” says Mike, senior project manager for the Omaha-based architecture/engineering firm Leo A Daly. “It had been on the market for over eight months.” Why so long? “You either like the architecture or you hate it,” he concedes. “A lot of people just didn’t like it.” Beth voted on the side of the naysayers, originally. “It just didn’t look like a house to me. I remember walking all the way through and thinking, ‘did I see a bedroom? I don’t remember seeing a bedroom.’” “That’s because they’re really sleeping pods,” laughs Mike. “They’re not walled-in, private, closed-door bedrooms. The house is all open space. You can hear everything, everywhere in the house.” While Beth had misgivings at first, Mike felt a strong “meant to be” connection. “We were very happy where we were living on 90th near Dodge,” he explains. “One night I was just goofing around on the computer, looking at real estate listings and the first icon I clicked on was this house. And I recognized it.”

/ H34 /

OmahaHome • March/April 2016

“The house is all open space. You can hear everything, every where in the house.” -Mike Huffstetler

Mike, who majored in architecture at the University of Virginia, had seen the articles and TV segments about “the laboratory” and its designer, widely known Omaha architect Randy Brown. He knew the eco-friendly home had won all sorts of awards for design. Intrigued, he suggested to Beth that they look at it “for fun.” “As I walked through, I realized I wanted to become the steward of this house,” says Mike, who understands and appreciates Brown’s vision. “Randy likes to peel away layers to expose the basic components of construction.” As an example of the peeling process, drywall covers very few of the ceilings. When visitors look up, they see the wooden joists holding up the roof. “And then they’ll ask, ‘when are you going to finish the house?’ But that’s the design.” The house began as a vague idea swirling in Brown’s head when, in 1999, he bought the 10-acre property with its original 1950s farmhouse. His initial intent was to integrate the farmhouse with a modern addition. The addition became an entire house. >

Beth spends some “screen time” with sons Matthew and Michael, and daughters Anna and Grace

March/April 2016 • omahamagazine.com

/ H35 /

Feature

< “Randy had his architecture students from the University of Nebraska come up here for four or five years during the summer to work on the house,” says Mike, who keeps in contact with Brown via email. “They would actually fabricate the things they were designing, getting course credit. It was like a learning lab. That’s how the house got its name.” Seven years and 6,200 square feet later, the project came to a conclusion, and so did the Brown family’s tenure there. They moved to Florida shortly afterwards. The house remained unoccupied for almost a year, as if waiting for the right family to appreciate what it had to offer. How did Mike get Beth to give in? “He promised he’d make the old house into a fitness studio for me,” she cracks. An occupational therapist by profession, Beth transitioned to fitness training about three years ago. “The idea that I could teach classes in our home sounded really appealing.”

/ H36 /

OmahaHome • March/April 2016

True to his word, Mike’s first project transformed the living area of the farmhouse into a TRX Suspension Training studio. A skywalk on the upper level connects the old house with the new, while a long, heated concrete ramp connects the two on the ground level, leading to the family room. The Huffstetlers’ move brought an unexpected bonus. “We’ve made more friends here in a year than we ever did at 90th in eight years,” says Beth. “The people here in north Omaha have been so welcoming. It’s an amazing community.” Another bonus—this unique home was featured in September 2015 on the AIA Omaha Architect’s Home Tour. When asked if she now loves her house, Beth replied with a straight face, “Love’s a strong word.” Then, with her infectious laugh, added, “But it sure is a lot of fun.” And very cool. OmahaHome

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OmahaHome â&#x20AC;˘ March/April 2016

Feature story by Judy Horan / photography by COLIN CONCES

KEEPING IT REAL KRISTINE GERBER PRESERVES THE CHARACTER OF HER OWN HOME

OUNDING SOUNDS GREET me as I walk

into the Tudor Revival-style home of Kristine and Jared Gerber. The upstairs powder room was being noisily remodeled. Perhaps you know the homeowner’s name. Kristine Gerber is the founding executive director of Restoration Exchange. The nonprofit offers walking tours, information, and meetings about Omaha’s older buildings and neighborhoods. “We have been Omaha’s preservation voice. We educate, advocate, and motivate,” she says. Which is part of the reason why the remodeling job in her own home is minimal. The house has changed little since it was built in 1931 in the Country Club Historic District of Omaha. This remodel will maintain its 1930s charm with

the installation of historically accurate tile, and any remodeling during the home’s 75 years has maintained its original character. “It’s important to us that our home have character and the original décor,” says Kristine. Standing in the immaculately preserved house with oodles of charm is like being in a pristine dollhouse. And that’s OK with Kristine. “I like small, cozy places. We’ve loved old houses forever.” Until last year, Kristine and Jared lived in a raised ranch home built in the 1950s near 93rd and Leavenworth streets. With District 66 schools and one-half acre of lawn, it was a perfect place to raise their two sons. >

March/April 2016 • omahamagazine.com

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Feature

< Then their sons left home. Creighton is now an archaeologist in Sioux Falls, and Drew is a sophomore at Carleton College. “We began looking for a home east of 60th Street,” says Kristine. “A home not remodeled, not gutted, with original fixtures and tiles. We looked for a year and a half from Ponca Hills to Plattsmouth.” They came across their Country Club-area home one day while volunteering at the historic Mercer mansion. “Jared was gone for an hour. When he came back, he said, ‘You need to get to that house and make an offer’,” Kristine says. Within hours, their offer was accepted. They moved in on Labor Day 2015. Like the Gerbers’ home, most houses in the historic district are Tudor Revival style with steeply gabled roofs and half-timbered framing. The style was popular in the

/ H40 /

OmahaHome • March/April 2016

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early 20th century. Brick work is tapered, while arched windows display leaded glass and complement the doorways. Old architecture suits them. Kristine has written and/or edited 32 books focused on the history of Omaha and Council Bluffs. Jared is an architect who has worked with owners to add to or remodel older homes.

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The couple begin my tour of their historical home at the entryway with glass knobs on the front door and the original light fixture and tile. The traditional beauty of quarter sawn oak floors covers the main level. “They are one and one-half inch wide instead of today’s standard two and one-quarter inch,” says Jared. “You can tell they are the originals by the width.” >

8415 Maple Street, Omaha NE 402.397.8278 | www.maple85.com March/April 2016 • omahamagazine.com

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Feature

< Kristine says she loves the coved ceilings that have no square corners and make the room appear taller. The home’s original fireplace in the living area, once a main source of heat, has been converted to gas. The kitchen has been modernized while retaining a 1930s feel. A bead-board ceiling and subway tile showcase the look of the era. A family room with a second fireplace sits in the basement. Windows in the dining room overlook nearby Metcalfe Park. Tucked off the living room is Jared’s small office, once a formal den. The room’s heavy wood doors with glass panes are original and elegant. Kristine leads us to what she calls her “favorite room.” A striking master bath with the original

/ H42 /

OmahaHome • March/April 2016

tiles and a basket-weave style floor is striking in black, white, and gold. A pedestal sink has been replaced with a look-alike to preserve the era. Also on the first floor is the master bedroom. Two more bedrooms are on the second floor. A staircase curves provocatively off the living area around a corner to the upper level. “There’s kind of an elegance to that,” muses Kristine. The Gerbers give credit to former owners for maintaining the spirit of the home and avoiding renovations that would have taken away its historical ambience. Their long search for the perfect house took them to homes poorly remodeled by their owners, says Kristine. They search no more. OmahaHome Visit historiccountryclub.com to learn more.

Thank you for reading Omaha Home. This stand-alone magazine is also featured as a section of Omaha Magazine. Want to read the entire magazine? Visit omahamagazine.com/digital-flip-book JANUARY

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Transformations story by Becky Rea, ASID / photography by L Guerra Photography

MEET THE DESIGNER

Becky Rea, ASID Design Works Interior Design Group Inc.

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

CLASSIC LIVING WITH AN ARTFUL FLAIR

A MIDWESTERN COUPLE FINDS A HOME WITH GREAT SPACE IN NEED OF TRANSFORMATION

/ H44 /

OmahaHome • March/April 2016

AMILY-FOCUSED, ENGAGED IN the

community, collectors of art, travelers of the world, and the consummate hosts, this Midwestern couple found the home of their dreams. The decade-old, stately home in an established neighborhood featured the space they needed to raise their family, but lacked the quality and comfort they craved. So began a journey of transformation that would span several phases until the home met their classic, yet streamlined, style. > >

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Transformations

< Upon entering the front door, eyes are drawn quickly to the vast living room with its vaulted ceilings and expansive windows. In a nod to the existing circular themes, flooring was updated and furniture was placed to highlight this unique pattern. The roomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entry columns were updated to complement the existing cherry wood fireplace surround and mantle. A new, modern light fixture took the place of an outdated ceiling fan and brings an interesting juxtaposition with the coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exquisite sculpture standing prominently in the space. Connected to the living room is the high-traffic family room and dinette space. With teenaged children and friends visiting often, the couple desired a functional space in which to gather and enjoy one another on the main level. Replacing a tired-looking ornate fireplace with the new wood

and quartz fireplace surround took priority and changed the entire feel of the space. Adding the curved LED smart television above the fireplace made the room a must-stop for daily television viewing. Updating lighting fixtures and upholstery made the transformation complete in this comfortable and popular space. Hosting multiple community events each year made a traditional dining room a must. The transformation began with the selection of a sleek and classic pedant light fixture to highlight the unique architectural features of the room. Furniture was selected to allow for flexible seating arrangements depending on the needs of the event, large or small. The opportunity to highlight additional artwork collected by the couple inspired the wall color and completed the room. > >

Hosting multiple community events each year made a traditional dining room a must.

/ H46 /

OmahaHome â&#x20AC;˘ March/April 2016

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March/April 2016 • omahamagazine.com

/ H47 /

Transformations

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< The first floor powder room was a complete overhaul, allowing the designer to begin with a blank slate. Taking a cue from the couple’s unique artistic sense, a triangular vanity made of walnut, stainless steel, and glass, complete with an onyx vessel, took center stage in this room. This oneof-a-kind piece makes the room a point of conversation for the couple’s many guests. With a busy lifestyle and growing family, the couple desired a master bedroom that was relaxing but functional. Avid readers, they desired usable bedside space for their books and other projects. A simple design sufficed for this transformation, including an accent wall, custom bedding, and furniture to welcome the weary couple at the end of the day. The master bathroom was in need of significant renovation to match the couple’s style and functional needs. Removal of the antiquated tub deck with outdated Tuscan tile allowed the designer space to install a two-toned, free standing, air-jet whirlpool tub. In spite of dramatic draping around the exterior of the tub, and more artwork to draw the eye, the master bathroom is both peaceful and relaxing. Patterned tile floor and pendant lighting at the vanities complete the look. From small to complete transformations, this home ties function with quality in every room. As the family continues with their busy, everyday life, the home is now positioned to provide them with the balanced style and comfort they set out to create. OmahaHome Visit idgomaha.com to learn more.

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LAUREN GARRISON Surly Lass, British Sass BOBSLEDDIN G? IN NEBRASKA? Olympic Gold Medalist Curtis Tomas evicz BEST DOCTORS OMAHA 20152016

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It’s everything you want in your home – from its fresh architectural style and detailing, to the classic timelessness that feels as perfect for your life today as it will in the years to come. It’s also why Curt Hofer & Associates is the area’s most inspired high-end homebuilder. Imaginatively conceived, flawlessly executed – let Curt Hofer & Associates create and build your new custom home.

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FRESH. SIMPLISTIC. CLASSIC. It begins with an idea. Please contact Curt Hofer & Associates at 402.758.0440. For an appointment, visit curthofer.com or see our Ideabook at houzz.com/curthofer.

16820 Frances St., Ste. 102 | Omaha, NE 68130 | Phone: 402.758.0440 | www.curthofer.com

—— A Curt Hofer Company ——

Just off Blair High Road (Hwy 133) on County Rd 37

180th & Military Road Bennington

4 Miles North of I-680 on US 75

220th & Schram Road Gretna

Welcome to Jasper Stone Development Premier Acreage Lots!

Your Dream Begins. Call Today! For additional information: 402.255.5750

www.jasperstonedevelopment.com

SHOP THE LOOK: Pella® Architect Series® double-hung windows.

Enjoy the comfort of

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LINCOLN: 6891 A STREET, SUITE 118, CLOCKTOWER CENTER • OMAHA: 9845 SOUTH 142ND STREET 2016 First Place KETV 7 • Baxter Arena

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Thank you Omaha Businesses

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Slowiaczek, Albers & Astley, P.C., L.L.O, is pleased to once again be named a Tier 1 law firm for the Metropolitan Omaha area for the practice areas of Family Law, Tax, Trusts & Estates and Employee Benefits. The partners listed by Best Lawyers are John S. Slowiaczek, Virginia A. Albers and T. Geoffrey Lieben. All three have received the highest rating (“AV”) afforded lawyers for legal ability and ethics by the Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directory. John S. Slowiaczek was named the “Omaha Metropolitan Area Lawyer of the Year 2016” for Family Law. John has also been named president-elect for the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Academy fellows are generally recognized by judges and attorneys as preeminent family law practitioners. As the managing partner of Slowiaczek, Albers & Astley, John lends his knowledge and experience to all of our lawyers. Our firm concentrates on the delivery of divorce and family law services to Nebraska residents. Mr. Lieben advises the firm on tax, estate and employee benefits matters. Our team of lawyers includes Adam E. Astley, Kathryn D. Putnam and Hannah C. Wooldridge.

OMAHA’S BEST LAWYERS

From The Best Lawyers in America 2016© MAHA MAGAZINE IS proud to bring

you the Omaha results of The Best Lawyers in America©, widely regarded as the preeminent referral guide to the legal profession in the United States. What makes this list the “go-to” guide? Two reasons: one, lawyers are not required to pay a fee for a basic listing in the guide; two, inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© is based O entirely on confidential peer review.

CREDIT These lists are excerpted from The Best Lawyers in America 2016©, which includes listings for more than 55,000 lawyers in 140 specialties, in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The Best Lawyers in America© is published by Woodward/ White, Inc., Aiken, South Carolina and can be ordered directly from the publisher. For information call 803648-0300; write 237 Park Ave., SW, Suite 101, Aiken, SC 29801; email info@bestlawyers.com; or visit www. bestlawyers.com. Online subscriptions to Best Lawyers® databases are available at www.bestlawyers.com

DISCLAIMER AND COPYRIGHT Woodward/White Inc., has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All listed attorneys have been verified as being members in good standing with their respective state bar associations as of July 1, 2015, where that information is publicly available. Consumers should contact their state bar for verification and additional information prior to securing legal services of any attorney.

Copyright 2015 by Woodward/White Inc., Aiken, SC. All rights reserved. This list, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission. No commercial use of this list may be made without permission of Woodward/ White, Inc. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of this list without permission. “The Best Lawyers in America” and “Best Lawyers” are registered trademarks of Woodward/White, Inc.

METHODOLOGY FOR BEST LAWYERS® This list is excerpted from the 2016 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©, the pre-eminent referral guide to the legal profession in the United States. Published since 1983, Best Lawyers lists attorneys in 140 specialties, representing all 50 states, who have been chosen through an exhaustive survey in which thousands of the nation’s top lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. The 2016 Edition of Best Lawyers is based on more than 6.7 million evaluations of lawyers by other lawyers. The method used to compile Best Lawyers remains unchanged since the first edition was compiled more than 30 years ago. Lawyers are chosen for inclusion based solely on the vote of their peers. Listings cannot be bought, and no purchase is required to be included. In this regard, Best Lawyers remains the gold standard of reliability and integrity in lawyer ratings. The nomination pool for the 2016 edition consisted of all lawyers whose names appeared in the previous edition of Best Lawyers, lawyers who were nominated since the previous survey, and new nominees solicited from listed attorneys. In general, lawyers were asked to vote only on nominees in their own specialty in their own jurisdiction. Lawyers in closely related specialties were asked to vote across specialties, as were lawyers in smaller jurisdictions. Where specialties are national or international in nature, lawyers were asked to vote nationally as well as locally. March // April • 2016 | 127 | bestofomaha.com

Voting lawyers were also given an opportunity to offer more detailed comments on nominees. Each year, half of the voting pool receives fax or email ballots; the other half is polled by phone. Voting lawyers were provided this general guideline for determining if a nominee should be listed among “the best”: “If you had a close friend or relative who needed a real estate lawyer (for example), and you could not handle the case yourself, to whom would you refer them?” All votes and comments were solicited with a guarantee of confidentiality — a critical factor in the viability and validity of Best Lawyers surveys. To ensure the rigor of the selection process, lawyers were urged to use only their highest standards when voting, and to evaluate each nominee based only on his or her individual merits. The additional comments were used to make more accurate comparisons between voting patterns and weight votes accordingly. Best Lawyers uses various methodological tools to identify and correct for anomalies in both the nomination and voting process. Ultimately, of course, a lawyer’s inclusion is based on the subjective judgments of his or her fellow attorneys. While it is true that the lists may at times disproportionately reward visibility or popularity, the breadth of the survey, the candor of the respondents, and the sophistication of the polling methodology largely correct for any biases. For all these reasons, Best Lawyers lists continue to represent the most reliable, accurate and useful guide to the best lawyers in the United States available anywhere. Best Lawyers lists are available at www.bestlawyers.com. “Best Lawyers” and “The Best Lawyers in America” are registered trademarks of Woodward/White Inc.

ANTITRUST LAW DAVID H. ROE

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

ROGER W. WELLS

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

APPELLATE PRACTICE PATRICK S. COOPER

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

STEVEN GRASZ

Husch Blackwell LLP 13330 California Street, Suite 200 402-964-5000

ARBITRATION JAMES M. BAUSCH

Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather, L.L.P. Sterling Ridge, Suite 200 12910 Pierce Street 402-397-1700

JOHN C. BROWNRIGG

John C. Brownrigg Mediation & Arbitration Services 673 North 59th Street 402-614-0467

D. NICK CAPORALE

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

MICHAEL F. KINNEY

Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302 402-390-0300

MATTHEW G. MILLER Matthew G. Miller, P.C., L.L.O. 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 200 402-558-4900

DAVID M. WOODKE

Woodke & Gibbons, P.C., L.L.O. Historic Inns Of Court 619 North 90th Street 402-391-6000

AVIATION LAW TERRENCE D. O’HARE

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

JAMES D. WEGNER

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

BANKING AND FINANCE LAW THOMAS F. ACKLEY

Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street 402-390-9500

RICHARD L. ANDERSON

Croker, Huck, Kasher, DeWitt, Anderson & Gonderinger, L.L.C. 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 402-391-6777

ROBERT J. BOTHE

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

MAX J. BURBACH

Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street 402-390-9500

H. DALE DIXON

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

JOYCE A. DIXON

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

THOMAS F. FLAHERTY

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

ROBERT M. GONDERINGER

Croker, Huck, Kasher, DeWitt, Anderson & Gonderinger, L.L.C. 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 402-391-6777

LAWRENCE E. KRITENBRINK

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

MARLON M. LOFGREN

Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street 402-390-9500

DAVID H. ROE

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

STEVEN C. TURNER

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

JOHN S. ZEILINGER

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

BANKRUPTCY AND CREDITOR DEBTOR RIGHTS / INSOLVENCY AND REORGANIZATION LAW ROBERT J. BOTHE

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

ROBERT V. GINN

Stinson Leonard Street LLP 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 1500 402-342-1700

RICHARD D. MYERS

STEVEN C. TURNER

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

JEFFREY T. WEGNER

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

MICHAEL J. WHALEY

Gross & Welch, P.C., L.L.O. 1500 Omaha Tower 2120 South 72nd Street 402-392-1500

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

CHARLES L. SMITH

Telpner, Peterson, Smith, Ruesch, Thomas & Simpson, LLP 25 Main Place, Suite 200 P.O. Box 248 712-309-3738

JERROLD L. STRASHEIM Jerrold L. Strasheim 3610 Dodge Street, Suite 212 402-346-9330

DONALD L. SWANSON

Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street 402-390-9500

JOSEPH K. MEUSEY

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION STEVEN E. ACHELPOHL

Gross & Welch, P.C., L.L.O. 1500 Omaha Tower 2120 South 72nd Street 402-392-1500

BET-THE-COMPANY LITIGATION

NICHOLAS K. NIEMANN

JAMES M. BAUSCH

FRANK PECHACEK

TRENTEN P. BAUSCH

CLOSELY HELD COMPANIES AND FAMILY BUSINESSES LAW

KIRK S. BLECHA

JAMES M. BAUSCH

Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather, L.L.P. Sterling Ridge, Suite 200 12910 Pierce Street 402-397-1700

WILLIAM G. DITTRICK

DOUGLAS E. QUINN

Lamson Dugan and Murray, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-7300

ROBERT J. BOTHE

JILL ROBB ACKERMAN

JAMES J. NIEMEIER

Croker, Huck, Kasher, DeWitt, Anderson & Gonderinger, L.L.C. 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 402-391-6777

WILLIAM M. LAMSON

COMMERCIAL FINANCE LAW

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS (INCLUDING LLCS AND PARTNERSHIPS)

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

THOMAS J. CULHANE

MARTIN P. PELSTER

Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302 402-390-0300

T. RANDALL WRIGHT

McGill, Gotsdiner, Workman & Lepp, P.C., L.L.O. First National Bank Building, Suite 500 11404 West Dodge Road 402-492-9200 McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

MICHAEL F. KINNEY

Erickson Sederstrom Regency Westpointe, Suite 100 10330 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-2200 Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

WJOHN R. DOUGLAS

Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302 402-390-0300

JAMES P. FITZGERALD

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

CHARLES F. GOTCH

Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302 402-390-0300

WILLIAM F. HARGENS

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

THOMAS E. JOHNSON Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

March // April • 2016 | 128 | omahamagazine.com

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070 Willson & Pechacek, P.L.C. 421 West Broadway, Suite 200 P.O. Box 2029 712-322-6000

NICHOLAS K. NIEMANN

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

ERIC B. OXLEY

Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street 402-390-9500

DANIEL C. PAPE

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

JEFFREY J. PIRRUCCELLO McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

JAMES D. WEGNER

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather, L.L.P. Sterling Ridge, Suite 200 12910 Pierce Street 402-397-1700 Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather, L.L.P. Sterling Ridge, Suite 200 12910 Pierce Street 402-397-1700 Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

ROBERT J. BOTHE

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

BRIAN J. BRISLEN

Lamson Dugan and Murray, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-7300

PATRICK E. BROOKHOUSER

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

MICHAEL F. COYLE

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

THOMAS J. CULHANE

Erickson Sederstrom Regency Westpointe, Suite 100 10330 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-2200

Vacanti Shattuck, Attorneys congratulates Christopher A. Vacanti for being included in the 2016 edition of The Best Lawyers in America© for the practice area of Family Law. The Best Lawyers in America© is the oldest and most respected peer-reviewed publication in the legal profession. Christopher A. Vacanti and the lawyers at Vacanti Shattuck have significant experience guiding their clients through difficult transitions in their divorce, child custody, and other family law matters. Vacanti Shattuck prides itself on providing steady counsel, responsive service, and powerful advocacy.

Vacanti Shattuck, Attorneys Lawyers Dedicated to Helping Families in Transition.

THOMAS H. DAHLK Kutak Rock LL

THE OMAHA BUILDING 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

STEVEN D. DAVIDSON Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

MICHAEL S. DEGAN

Husch Blackwell LLP 13330 California Street, Suite 200 402-964-5000

WILLIAM G. DITTRICK Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

DAVID A. DOMINA

Domina Law Group, PC LLO 2425 South 144th Street 402-493-4100

JOHN R. DOUGLAS

Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302 402-390-0300

MARK F. ENENBACH

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

JAMES P. FITZGERALD

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

GERALD L. FRIEDRICHSEN

Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan, P.C., L.L.O. Regency One, Suite 200 10050 Regency Circle 402-342-1000

JAMES J. FROST

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

CHARLES F. GOTCH

Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302 402-390-0300

PATRICK B. GRIFFIN

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

WILLIAM F. HARGENS

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

EDWARD D. HOTZ

Pansing Hogan Ernst & Bachman LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 402-397-5500

DAVID S. HOUGHTON

Houghton Vandenack Williams, LLC 6457 Frances Street, Suite 100 402-344-4000

RICHARD P. JEFFRIES

Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather, L.L.P. Sterling Ridge, Suite 200 12910 Pierce Street 402-397-1700

THOMAS E. JOHNSON Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

JOSEPH E. JONES

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

MICHAEL F. KINNEY

Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302 402-390-0300

WILLIAM M. LAMSON Lamson Dugan and Murray, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-7300

GERALD P. LAUGHLIN Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

ROBERT L. LEPP

McGill, Gotsdiner, Workman & Lepp, P.C., L.L.O. First National Bank Building, Suite 500 11404 West Dodge Road 402-492-9200

WAYNE J. MARK

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

BARTHOLOMEW L. MCLEAY

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

JOSEPH K. MEUSEY

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

ROBERT D. MULLIN

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

ROBERT W. MULLIN

Houghton Vandenack Williams, LLC 6457 Frances Street, Suite 100 402-344-4000

JAMES J. NIEMEIER

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

MARK E. NOVOTNY

Lamson Dugan and Murray, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-7300

PATRICK D. PEPPER

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

JAMES G. POWERS

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

ROBERT M. SLOVEK

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

CATHY TRENT-VILIM Lamson Dugan and Murray, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive\ 402-397-7300

PATRICK G. VIPOND

Lamson Dugan and Murray, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-7300

EDWARD G. WARIN

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS / UCC LAW ROBERT J. BOTHE

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

RONALD L. EGGERS

Gross & Welch, P.C., L.L.O. 1500 Omaha Tower 2120 South 72nd Street 402-392-1500

FRANK PECHACEK

DENISE C. MAZOUR

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

Willson & Pechacek, P.L.C. 421 West Broadway, Suite 200 P.O. Box 2029 712-322-6000

JAMES E. O’CONNOR

DOUGLAS E. QUINN

BRUCE D. VOSBURG

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan, P.C., L.L.O. Regency One, Suite 200 10050 Regency Circle 402-342-1000

CONSTRUCTION LAW

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE LAW

RONALD L. COMES

DENNIS J. FOGLAND

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

P. SCOTT DYE

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

LEE H. HAMANN

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

LAWRENCE E. KRITENBRINK

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

WAYNE J. MARK

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

CRAIG F. MARTIN

Lamson Dugan and Murray, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-7300

TODD W. WEIDEMANN

Woods & Aitken, LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 525 402-898-7400

RUSSELL A. WESTERHOLD Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

March // April • 2016 | 130 | omahamagazine.com

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

CORPORATE LAW TERESA A. BEAUFAIT

Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street 402-390-9500

MARK L. BRASEE

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

MICHAEL L. CURRY

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

JOYCE A. DIXON

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

DONALD L. ERFTMIER

R. CRAIG FRY

Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 402-392-1250

DAVID E. GARDELS

Husch Blackwell LLP 13330 California Street, Suite 200 402-964-5000

STEPHEN E. GEHRING

Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather, L.L.P. Sterling Ridge, Suite 200 12910 Pierce Street 402-397-1700

GARY M. GOTSDINER

McGill, Gotsdiner, Workman & Lepp, P.C., L.L.O. First National Bank Building, Suite 500 11404 West Dodge Road 402-492-9200

DAVID L. HEFFLINGER

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

JOHN W. HERDZINA

Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 402-392-1250

MICHAEL M. HUPP

Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street 402-390-9500

VIRGIL K. JOHNSON

Erickson Sederstrom Regency Westpointe, Suite 100 10330 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-2200

HOWARD J. KASLOW

Erftmier Law, LLC 11808 West Center Road, Suite 100 402-504-1600

Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 402-392-1250

THOMAS F. FLAHERTY

JOHN S. KATELMAN

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

DENNIS J. FOGLAND

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

ROBERT L. FREEMAN

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

Stinson Leonard Street LLP 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 1500 402-342-1700

MARLON M. LOFGREN

Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street 402-390-9500

M. SHAUN MCGAUGHEY

Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street 402-390-9500

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attorneys l i s te d i n

t h e 2 0 16 e d it ion of

T he B es t L a

w yers in A

er ica f rom t he g r e at m e t r o p ol i s o f OM A H A

Publishing for over 30 years, Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. A listing in Best Lawyers is widely regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor, conferred on a lawyer by his or her peers. For more than three decades, Best Lawyers lists have earned the respect of the profession, the media, and the public, as the most reliable, unbiased source of legal referrals anywhere.

March // April • 2016 | 131 | bestofomaha.com

THOMAS C. MCGOWAN

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

DOUGLAS D. MURRAY

JAMES P. WALDRON

J. WILLIAM GALLUP

JAMES D. WEGNER

ALAN G. STOLER

Gross & Welch, P.C., L.L.O. 1500 Omaha Tower 2120 South 72nd Street 402-392-1500

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

ROBERT J. MURRAY

ROGER W. WELLS

Lamson Dugan and Murray, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-7300

DANIEL C. PAPE

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

FRANK PECHACEK

Willson & Pechacek, P.L.C. 421 West Broadway, Suite 200 P.O. Box 2029 712-322-6000

JEFFREY J. PIRRUCCELLO McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

RICHARD E. PUTNAM Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

TODD A. RICHARDSON

Husch Blackwell LLP 13330 California Street, Suite 200 402-964-5000

T. PARKER SCHENKEN Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

MICHAEL C. SCHILKEN Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

TRAVIS S. TYLER

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

BRUCE D. VOSBURG

Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan, P.C., L.L.O. Regency One, Suite 200 10050 Regency Circle 402-342-1000

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

R. THOMAS WORKMAN

McGill, Gotsdiner, Workman & Lepp, P.C., L.L.O. First National Bank Building, Suite 500 11404 West Dodge Road 402-492-9200

JOHN S. ZEILINGER

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

CRIMINAL DEFENSE: GENERAL PRACTICE STEVEN E. ACHELPOHL

Gross & Welch, P.C., L.L.O. 1500 Omaha Tower 2120 South 72nd Street 402-392-1500

STUART J. DORNAN

Dornan, Lustgarten & Troia, PC LLO 1403 Farnam Street, Suite 232 402-884-7044

J. WILLIAM GALLUP

J. William Gallup The Douglas Building, Suite 400 209 South 19th Street 402-341-3400

JAMES E. SCHAEFER

Schaefer Shapiro, LLP 1001 Farnam Street, Third Floor 402-341-0700

ALAN G. STOLER

Alan G. Stoler, P.C., L.L.O. 1823 Harney Street, Suite 1004 402-346-1733

CRIMINAL DEFENSE: WHITE-COLLAR STEVEN E. ACHELPOHL

Gross & Welch, P.C., L.L.O. 1500 Omaha Tower 2120 South 72nd Street 402-392-1500

J. William Gallup The Douglas Building, Suite 400 209 South 19th Street 402-341-3400 Alan G. Stoler, P.C., L.L.O. 1823 Harney Street, Suite 1004 402-346-1733

EDWARD G. WARIN

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

DUI/DWI DEFENSE JAMES E. SCHAEFER

Schaefer Shapiro, LLP 1001 Farnam Street, Third Floor 402-341-0700

EDUCATION LAW ROBERT T. CANNELLA

Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan, P.C., L.L.O. Regency One, Suite 200 10050 Regency Circle 402-342-1000

ELIZABETH EYNONKOKRDA

EEKLegal, LLC 5405 Nicholas Street 402-670-6276

ELDER LAW MARGARET A. BADURA Badura Law, LLC The Wear Building, Suite 300-A 7602 Pacific Street 402-398-3040

ROBERT L. LEPP

McGill, Gotsdiner, Workman & Lepp, P.C., L.L.O. First National Bank Building, Suite 500 11404 West Dodge Road 402-492-9200

DANIEL J. WINTZ

Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street 402-390-9500

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (ERISA) LAW JOAN M. CANNON

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

GARY N. CLATTERBUCK Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

PETER C. LANGDON

ROBERT T. CANNELLA

T. GEOFFREY LIEBEN

JOSEPH S. DREESEN

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070 Slowiaczek, Albers & Astley P.C., L.L.O. Scoular Building, Suite 100 2027 Dodge Street 402-930-1000

RANDAL M. LIMBECK

Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan, P.C., L.L.O. Regency One, Suite 200 10050 Regency Circle 402-342-1000 Jackson Lewis P.C. 10050 Regency Circle, Suite 400 402-391-1991

CHRISTOPHER R. HEDICAN

Jackson Lewis P.C. 10050 Regency Circle, Suite 400 402-391-1991

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

THOMAS G. MCKEON

JOHN C. HEWITT

Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan, P.C., L.L.O. Regency One, Suite 200 10050 Regency Circle 402-342-1000

GARY W. RADIL

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

JOHN E. SCHEMBARI

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

DANIEL J. WINTZ

Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather, L.L.P. Sterling Ridge, Suite 200 12910 Pierce Street 402-397-1700

CHRISTOPHER E. HOYME Jackson Lewis P.C. 10050 Regency Circle, Suite 400 402-391-1991

DEAN G. KRATZ

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street 402-390-9500

TIMOTHY D. LOUDON

EMPLOYMENT LAW - INDIVIDUALS

MARK E. MCQUEEN

MARGARET C. HERSHISER Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street 402-390-9500

THOMAS F. HOARTY

Byam & Hoarty American National Building, Suite 317 8990 West Dodge Road 402-397-0303

EMPLOYMENT LAW - MANAGEMENT PATRICK J. BARRETT

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

A. STEVENSON BOGUE

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

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Jackson Lewis P.C. 10050 Regency Circle, Suite 400 402-391-1991

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

ROGER J. MILLER

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

SCOTT P. MOORE

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

SCOTT S. MOORE

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

CHAD P. RICHTER

Jackson Lewis P.C. 10050 Regency Circle, Suite 400 402-391-1991

ROBERT F. ROSSITER

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

R. J. STEVENSON

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

TARA A. STINGLEY

Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather, L.L.P. Sterling Ridge, Suite 200 12910 Pierce Street 402-397-1700

ENERGY LAW RANDALL C. HANSON

Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 402-392-1250

ENVIRONMENTAL LAW JOHN A. ANDREASEN

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

STEPHEN M. BRUCKNER

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

STEVEN P. CASE

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

MICHAEL S. MOSTEK

Michael S. Mostek 1111 North 13th Street, Suite 305 402-218-1711

NANCY A. ROBERTS

McGill, Gotsdiner, Workman & Lepp, P.C., L.L.O. First National Bank Building, Suite 500 11404 West Dodge Road 402-492-9200

ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY LAW J. SCOTT PAUL

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

FAMILY LAW VIRGINIA A. ALBERS

Slowiaczek, Albers & Astley P.C., L.L.O. Scoular Building, Suite 100 2027 Dodge Street 402-930-1000

PATRICK A. CAMPAGNA

Lustgarten & Roberts, P.C., L.L.O. Central Park Plaza-North Tower, Suite 601 222 South 15th Street 402-346-1920

MICHAEL B. LUSTGARTEN

Lustgarten & Roberts, P.C., L.L.O. Central Park Plaza-North Tower, Suite 601 222 South 15th Street 402-346-1920

DONALD A. ROBERTS

Lustgarten & Roberts, P.C., L.L.O. Central Park Plaza-North Tower, Suite 601 222 South 15th Street 402-346-1920

J. C. SALVO

Salvo, Deren, Schenck & Lauterbach, P.C. 711 Court Street P.O. Box 509 712-755-3141

JOHN S. SLOWIACZEK Slowiaczek, Albers & Astley P.C., L.L.O. Scoular Building, Suite 100 2027 Dodge Street 402-930-1000

CHRISTOPHER A. VACANTI Vacanti Shattuck 2051 Harney Street 402-345-7600

FINANCIAL SERVICES REGULATION LAW DAVID H. ROE

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

STEVEN C. TURNER

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

JOHN S. ZEILINGER

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

FRANCHISE LAW GARY R. BATENHORST

Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather, L.L.P. Sterling Ridge, Suite 200 12910 Pierce Street 402-397-1700

TRENTEN P. BAUSCH

Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather, L.L.P. Sterling Ridge, Suite 200 12910 Pierce Street 402-397-1700

JOHN W. HERDZINA

Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 402-392-1250

JOHN P. PASSARELLI

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

MICHAEL L. SULLIVAN Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS PRACTICE DAVID J. KRAMER

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

HEALTH CARE LAW VICKIE B. AHLERS

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

ALEX M. CLARKE

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

ROBERT L. COHEN

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

JOHN R. HOLDENRIED Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

March // April • 2016 | 133 | bestofomaha.com

JULIE A. KNUTSON

KAREN M. SHULER

AMY L. LONGO

PATRICIA A. ZIEG

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500 Ellick, Jones, Buelt, Blazek & Longo, LLP 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 303 402-390-0390

THOMAS R. PANSING

Pansing Hogan Ernst & Bachman LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 402-397-5500

BARBARA E. PERSON Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

JAMES L. QUINLAN

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

CHARLES V. SEDERSTROM Erickson Sederstrom Regency Westpointe, Suite 100 10330 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-2200

Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street 402-390-9500 Patricia A. Zieg law Offices LLC 1327 South 35 Avenue 402-740-9904

IMMIGRATION LAW A. STEVENSON BOGUE

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

AMY L. ERLBACHERANDERSON Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

DUSTIN J. KESSLER

Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan, P.C., L.L.O. Regency One, Suite 200 10050 Regency Circle 402-342-1000

SCOTT S. MOORE

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

AMY L. PECK

Jackson Lewis P.C. 10050 Regency Circle, Suite 400 402-391-1991

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LAW MICHAEL K. BYDALEK

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

JAMES E. O’CONNOR Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

INSURANCE LAW STEVEN D. DAVIDSON Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

THOMAS A. GRENNAN

Gross & Welch, P.C., L.L.O. 1500 Omaha Tower 2120 South 72nd Street 402-392-1500

EDWARD D. HOTZ

Pansing Hogan Ernst & Bachman LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 402-397-5500

ROBERT M. LIVINGSTON

Stuart Tinley Law Firm, L.L.P. 310 West Kanesville Boulevard, Second Floor 712-322-4033

MICHAEL G. MULLIN

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

ROBERT D. MULLIN

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

TERRENCE D. O’HARE

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

FRANK PECHACEK

Willson & Pechacek, P.L.C. 421 West Broadway, Suite 200 P.O. Box 2029 712-322-6000

REX A. REZAC

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

JOHN A. SVOBODA

Gross & Welch, P.C., L.L.O. 1500 Omaha Tower 2120 South 72nd Street 402-392-1500

INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND FINANCE LAW DAVID E. GARDELS

Husch Blackwell LLP 13330 California Street, Suite 200 402-964-5000

LABOR LAW - MANAGEMENT PATRICK J. BARRETT

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

A. STEVENSON BOGUE

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

ROBERT T. CANNELLA

DEAN G. KRATZ

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

TIMOTHY D. LOUDON

Jackson Lewis P.C. 10050 Regency Circle, Suite 400 402-391-1991

ROGER J. MILLER

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

SCOTT P. MOORE

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

SCOTT S. MOORE

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

ROBERT F. ROSSITER

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan, P.C., L.L.O. Regency One, Suite 200 10050 Regency Circle 402-342-1000

R. J. STEVENSON

JOSEPH S. DREESEN

LAND USE AND ZONING LAW

Jackson Lewis P.C. 10050 Regency Circle, Suite 400 402-391-1991

CHRISTOPHER R. HEDICAN

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

JOHN C. HEWITT

Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather, L.L.P. Sterling Ridge, Suite 200 12910 Pierce Street 402-397-1700

CHRISTOPHER E. HOYME Jackson Lewis P.C. 10050 Regency Circle, Suite 400 402-391-1991

SOREN S. JENSEN

Berkshire & Burmeister 1301 South 75th Street, Suite 100 402-827-7000

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

ROBERT G. DAILEY

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

ROBERT J. HUCK

Croker, Huck, Kasher, DeWitt, Anderson & Gonderinger, L.L.C. 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 402-391-6777

LEGAL MALPRACTICE LAW - DEFENDANTS JOHN R. DOUGLAS

Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302 402-390-0300

JOSEPH K. MEUSEY

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

WILLIAM R. SETTLES Lamson Dugan and Murray, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-7300

LEGAL MALPRACTICE LAW - PLAINTIFFS JOHN R. DOUGLAS

Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302 402-390-0300

LITIGATION - ANTITRUST MARK F. ENENBACH

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

JOHN P. PASSARELLI

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

LITIGATION BANKING AND FINANCE WILLIAM F. HARGENS

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

JAMES G. POWERS

Steven D. Johnson 1864 South 155th Circle 402-315-1880

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

DAVID C. LEVY

JEFFREY T. WEGNER

STEVEN D. JOHNSON

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

LITIGATION - BANKRUPTCY JAMES G. POWERS

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

March // April • 2016 | 134 | omahamagazine.com

DOUGLAS E. QUINN

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

CHARLES L. SMITH

Telpner, Peterson, Smith, Ruesch, Thomas & Simpson, LLP 25 Main Place, Suite 200 P.O. Box 248 712-309-3738

STEPHEN M. BRUCKNER

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

STEVEN P. CASE

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

MARK F. ENENBACH

Jerrold L. Strasheim 3610 Dodge Street, Suite 212 402-346-9330

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

DONALD L. SWANSON

WILLIAM F. HARGENS

JERROLD L. STRASHEIM

Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street 402-390-9500

JEFFREY T. WEGNER

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

T. RANDALL WRIGHT Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

LITIGATION - CONSTRUCTION THOMAS J. CULHANE

Erickson Sederstrom Regency Westpointe, Suite 100 10330 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-2200

CHARLES F. GOTCH

Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302 402-390-0300

JOSEPH E. JONES

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

JOHN P. HEIL

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

JOHN M. LINGELBACH

Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street 402-390-9500

THOMAS C. MCGOWAN

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

MICHAEL S. MOSTEK

Michael S. Mostek 1111 North 13th Street, Suite 305 402-218-1711

LITIGATION - ERISA STEVEN D. DAVIDSON

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

WAYNE J. MARK

JOHN E. SCHEMBARI

JAMES G. POWERS

TIMOTHY J. THALKEN

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

LITIGATION - ENVIRONMENTAL JOHN A. ANDREASEN

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

DANIEL J. WINTZ

Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street 402-390-9500

LITIGATION - FIRST AMENDMENT MICHAEL C. COX

Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street 402-390-9500

LITIGATION - INSURANCE WILLIAM J. BIRKEL

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

DANIEL P. CHESIRE

Lamson Dugan and Murray, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-7300

MARK C. LAUGHLIN

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

J. SCOTT PAUL

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

LITIGATION INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY JILL ROBB ACKERMAN Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

JAMES M. BAUSCH

Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather, L.L.P. Sterling Ridge, Suite 200 12910 Pierce Street 402-397-1700

JOHN P. PASSARELLI

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

BRUCE D. VOSBURG

Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan, P.C., L.L.O. Regency One, Suite 200 10050 Regency Circle 402-342-1000

LITIGATION LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT PATRICK J. BARRETT

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

KIRK S. BLECHA

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

A. STEVENSON BOGUE

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

ROBERT T. CANNELLA

Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan, P.C., L.L.O. Regency One, Suite 200 10050 Regency Circle 402-342-1000

AARON A. CLARK

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

CHRISTOPHER E. HOYME Jackson Lewis P.C. 10050 Regency Circle, Suite 400 402-391-1991

DEAN G. KRATZ

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

ROGER J. MILLER

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

SCOTT P. MOORE

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

ROBERT F. ROSSITER

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

TARA A. STINGLEY

Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather, L.L.P. Sterling Ridge, Suite 200 12910 Pierce Street 402-397-1700

LITIGATION - LAND USE AND ZONING SCOTT P. MOORE

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

JAMES G. POWERS

JERRY M. SLUSKY

NICK R. TAYLOR

LITIGATION MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS

LITIGATION REGULATORY ENFORCEMENT (SEC, TELECOM, ENERGY)

LITIGATION AND CONTROVERSY - TAX

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

THOMAS H. DAHLK

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

WILLIAM F. HARGENS

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

LITIGATION - PATENT JOHN P. PASSARELLI

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

DENNIS L. THOMTE

Thomte Patent Law Office LLC 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1111 402-392-2280

LITIGATION REAL ESTATE RICHARD L. ANDERSON

Croker, Huck, Kasher, DeWitt, Anderson & Gonderinger, L.L.C. 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 402-391-6777

JAMES M. BAUSCH

Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather, L.L.P. Sterling Ridge, Suite 200 12910 Pierce Street 402-397-1700

Smith, Gardner, Slusky, Lazer, Pohren & Rogers, LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400 402-392-0101

THOMAS H. DAHLK

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

MARK F. ENENBACH

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

WILLIAM M. LAMSON Lamson Dugan and Murray, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-7300

LITIGATION - SECURITIES JAMES M. BAUSCH

Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather, L.L.P. Sterling Ridge, Suite 200 12910 Pierce Street 402-397-1700

PATRICK E. BROOKHOUSER

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

THOMAS H. DAHLK

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

STEVEN D. DAVIDSON

PATRICK B. GRIFFIN

DENNIS P. HOGAN

LITIGATION TRUSTS AND ESTATES

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

Pansing Hogan Ernst & Bachman LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 402-397-5500

MICHAEL D. MATEJKA

Woods & Aitken, LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 525 402-898-7400

SCOTT P. MOORE

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

SHARON R. KRESHA

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

SUSAN J. SPAHN

Endacott Peetz and Timmer, PC LLO 8990 West Dodge Road, Suite 217 402-999-8820

March // April • 2016 | 135 | bestofomaha.com

Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan, P.C., L.L.O. Regency One, Suite 200 10050 Regency Circle 402-342-1000

HOWARD N. KAPLAN

MATTHEW G. MILLER

Matthew G. Miller, P.C., L.L.O. 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 200 402-558-4900

MICHAEL G. MULLIN

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

Law Offices of Howard N. Kaplan 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 205 P.O. Box 241712 402-397-8988

DAVID M. WOODKE

NICHOLAS K. NIEMANN

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAW - DEFENDANTS

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

JEFFREY J. PIRRUCCELLO McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

MASS TORT LITIGATION / CLASS ACTIONS - DEFENDANTS PATRICK E. BROOKHOUSER

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

MEDIATION

Woodke & Gibbons, P.C., L.L.O. Historic Inns Of Court 619 North 90th Street 402-391-6000

JOHN R. DOUGLAS

Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302 402-390-0300

CHARLES F. GOTCH

Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302 402-390-0300

MICHAEL F. KINNEY

Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302 402-390-0300

WILLIAM M. LAMSON Lamson Dugan and Murray, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-7300

JOHN C. BROWNRIGG

MARK E. NOVOTNY

D. NICK CAPORALE

WILLIAM R. SETTLES

MICHAEL F. KINNEY

PATRICK G. VIPOND

J. TERRY MACNAMARA

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAW - PLAINTIFFS

John C. Brownrigg Mediation & Arbitration Services 673 North 59th Street 402-614-0467 Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500 Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302 402-390-0300 McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

Lamson Dugan and Murray, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-7300 Lamson Dugan and Murray, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-7300 Lamson Dugan and Murray, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-7300

JOHN R. DOUGLAS

Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302 402-390-0300

MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS LAW TERESA A. BEAUFAIT

Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street 402-390-9500

MICHAEL L. CURRY

JOHN S. ZEILINGER

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

MUNICIPAL LAW TIMOTHY M. KENNY

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 402-392-1250

DENNIS J. FOGLAND

THOMAS G. MCKEON

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

ROBERT L. FREEMAN

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

GARY M. GOTSDINER

McGill, Gotsdiner, Workman & Lepp, P.C., L.L.O. First National Bank Building, Suite 500 11404 West Dodge Road 402-492-9200

KEITH A. GREEN

McGill, Gotsdiner, Workman & Lepp, P.C., L.L.O. First National Bank Building, Suite 500 11404 West Dodge Road 402-492-9200

DAVID L. HEFFLINGER

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

MICHAEL M. HUPP

Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street 402-390-9500

M. SHAUN MCGAUGHEY

Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street 402-390-9500

TODD A. RICHARDSON

Husch Blackwell LLP 13330 California Street, Suite 200 402-964-5000

BRUCE D. VOSBURG

Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan, P.C., L.L.O. Regency One, Suite 200 10050 Regency Circle 402-342-1000

ROGER W. WELLS

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan, P.C., L.L.O. Regency One, Suite 200 10050 Regency Circle 402-342-1000

NATIVE AMERICAN LAW PATRICIA A. ZIEG

Patricia A. Zieg law Offices LLC 1327 South 35 Avenue 402-740-9904

NON-PROFIT / CHARITIES LAW HOWARD FREDRICK HAHN Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

DAVID L. HEFFLINGER

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

DAVID A. JACOBSON

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

JEFFREY J. PIRRUCCELLO McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

GARY W. RADIL

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

KAREN M. SHULER

Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street 402-390-9500

NICK R. TAYLOR

Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan, P.C., L.L.O. Regency One, Suite 200 10050 Regency Circle 402-342-1000

PATENT LAW DENNIS L. THOMTE

Thomte Patent Law Office LLC 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1111 402-392-2280

PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATION - DEFENDANTS DANIEL P. CHESIRE

Lamson Dugan and Murray, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-7300

MICHAEL F. COYLE

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

CHARLES F. GOTCH

Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302 402-390-0300

THOMAS A. GRENNAN

Gross & Welch, P.C., L.L.O. 1500 Omaha Tower 2120 South 72nd Street 402-392-1500

MICHAEL F. KINNEY

Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302 402-390-0300

RONALD F. KRAUSE

ROBERT D. MULLIN

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

JERALD L. RAUTERKUS

Erickson Sederstrom Regency Westpointe, Suite 100 10330 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-2200

DAVID J. SCHMITT

Lamson Dugan and Murray, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-7300

JOHN A. SVOBODA

Gross & Welch, P.C., L.L.O. 1500 Omaha Tower 2120 South 72nd Street 402-392-1500

KYLE WALLOR

Lamson Dugan and Murray, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-7300

BRIEN M. WELCH

Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302 402-390-0300

PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATION - PLAINTIFFS

Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302 402-390-0300

MICHAEL F. COYLE

WILLIAM M. LAMSON

THOMAS A. GRENNAN

Lamson Dugan and Murray, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-7300

KRISTOPHER K. MADSEN

Stuart Tinley Law Firm, L.L.P. 310 West Kanesville Boulevard, Second Floor 712-322-4033

JOSEPH K. MEUSEY

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

MICHAEL J. MOONEY

Gross & Welch, P.C., L.L.O. 1500 Omaha Tower 2120 South 72nd Street 402-392-1500

MICHAEL G. MULLIN

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

Gross & Welch, P.C., L.L.O. 1500 Omaha Tower 2120 South 72nd Street 402-392-1500

MICHAEL F. KINNEY

Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302 402-390-0300

MICHAEL J. MOONEY

Gross & Welch, P.C., L.L.O. 1500 Omaha Tower 2120 South 72nd Street 402-392-1500

ROBERT D. MULLIN

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

ROBERT W. MULLIN

Houghton Vandenack Williams, LLC 6457 Frances Street, Suite 100 402-344-4000

March // April • 2016 | 136 | omahamagazine.com

ROBERT E. O’CONNOR

O’Connor Law Office, LLC 2433 South 130th Circle 402-330-5906

SCOTT H. PETERS

Peters Law Firm, P.C. 233 Pearl Street P.O. Box 1078 712-328-3157

J. C. SALVO

ROBERT D. MULLIN

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

REX A. REZAC

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

Salvo, Deren, Schenck & Lauterbach, P.C. 711 Court Street P.O. Box 509 712-755-3141

PRODUCT LIABILITY LITIGATION - PLAINTIFFS

E. TERRY SIBBERNSEN

MICHAEL F. KINNEY

JOHN F. THOMAS

PROFESSIONAL MALPRACTICE LAW - DEFENDANTS

Sibbernsen, Strigenz, & Sibbernsen P.C. 1111 North 102nd Court, Suite 330 402-493-7221 McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

PRIVACY AND DATA SECURITY LAW RONALD L. EGGERS

Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302 402-390-0300

WILLIAM R. SETTLES Lamson Dugan and Murray, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-7300

Gross & Welch, P.C., L.L.O. 1500 Omaha Tower 2120 South 72nd Street 402-392-1500

PATRICK G. VIPOND

THOMAS J. KELLEY

PROJECT FINANCE LAW

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

PRODUCT LIABILITY LITIGATION - DEFENDANTS

Lamson Dugan and Murray, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-7300

T. PARKER SCHENKEN Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

PUBLIC FINANCE LAW

DANIEL P. CHESIRE

CHARLES J. ADDY

GERALD L. FRIEDRICHSEN

RICHARD J. PEDERSEN

Lamson Dugan and Murray, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-7300

Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan, P.C., L.L.O. Regency One, Suite 200 10050 Regency Circle 402-342-1000

CHARLES F. GOTCH

Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302 402-390-0300

MICHAEL F. KINNEY

Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302 402-390-0300

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500 Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

PATRICIA SCHUETT PETERSON

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

RAILROAD LAW DAVID J. SCHMITT

Lamson Dugan and Murray, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-7300

REAL ESTATE LAW RICHARD L. ANDERSON

Croker, Huck, Kasher, DeWitt, Anderson & Gonderinger, L.L.C. 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 402-391-6777

JOHN Q. BACHMAN

Pansing Hogan Ernst & Bachman LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 402-397-5500

JON E. BLUMENTHAL Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

MAX J. BURBACH

Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street 402-390-9500

JAMES D. BUSER

Pansing Hogan Ernst & Bachman LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 402-397-5500

ROBERT G. DAILEY

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

JOYCE A. DIXON

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

P. SCOTT DYE

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

JOHN H. FULLENKAMP

Fullenkamp, Doyle & Jobeun 11440 West Center Road, Suite C 402-334-0700

LEE H. HAMANN

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

DENNIS P. HOGAN

Pansing Hogan Ernst & Bachman LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 402-397-5500

ROBERT J. HUCK

Croker, Huck, Kasher, DeWitt, Anderson & Gonderinger, L.L.C. 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 402-391-6777

LARRY A. JOBEUN

Fullenkamp, Doyle & Jobeun 11440 West Center Road, Suite C 402-334-0700

STEVEN D. JOHNSON

Steven D. Johnson 1864 South 155th Circle 402-315-1880

JOHN S. KATELMAN

JAMES P. WALDRON

Gross & Welch, P.C., L.L.O. 1500 Omaha Tower 2120 South 72nd Street 402-392-1500

SECURITIES / CAPITAL MARKETS LAW DAVID L. HEFFLINGER

Stinson Leonard Street LLP 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 1500 402-342-1700

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

MICHAEL F. KIVETT

GUY LAWSON

Walentine, O’Toole, McQuillan & Gordon, LLP 11240 Davenport Street P.O. Box 540125 402-330-6300

LAWRENCE E. KRITENBRINK

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

STEVEN H. KROHN

Smith Peterson Law Firm, LLP 35 Main Place, Suite 300 P.O. Box 249 712-328-1833

MICHAEL D. MATEJKA

Woods & Aitken, LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 525 402-898-7400

FRANK J. MIHULKA

Woods & Aitken, LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 525 402-898-7400

JACQUELINE A. PUEPPKE Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

ROBERT W. RIEKE

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

T. PARKER SCHENKEN Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

JERRY M. SLUSKY

Smith, Gardner, Slusky, Lazer, Pohren & Rogers, LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400 402-392-0101

H. DANIEL SMITH

Smith, Gardner, Slusky, Lazer, Pohren & Rogers, LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400 402-392-0101

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

SECURITIES REGULATION DENNIS J. FOGLAND

THOMAS J. KELLEY

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

T. GEOFFREY LIEBEN Slowiaczek, Albers & Astley P.C., L.L.O. Scoular Building, Suite 100 2027 Dodge Street 402-930-1000

WILLIAM J. LINDSAY

Gross & Welch, P.C., L.L.O. 1500 Omaha Tower 2120 South 72nd Street 402-392-1500

ROBERT J. MURRAY

Lamson Dugan and Murray, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-7300

NICHOLAS K. NIEMANN

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

GUY LAWSON

THOMAS R. PANSING

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

SPORTS LAW ROBERT L. FREEMAN

Fraser Stryker PC LLO Energy Plaza, Suite 500 409 South 17th Street 402-341-6000

TAX LAW DAVID W. CHASE

Cambridge Law Firm, PLC 707 Poplar Street 712-243-1663

HOWARD FREDRICK HAHN Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

DAVID L. HEFFLINGER

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

HOWARD N. KAPLAN

Law Offices of Howard N. Kaplan 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 205 P.O. Box 241712 402-397-8988

Pansing Hogan Ernst & Bachman LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 402-397-5500

DANIEL C. PAPE

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

JEFFREY J. PIRRUCCELLO McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

GARY W. RADIL

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

BRYAN E. SLONE

Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street 402-390-9500

KURT F. TJADEN

Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street 402-390-9500

JAMES D. WEGNER

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

March // April • 2016 | 137 | bestofomaha.com

TECHNOLOGY LAW MICHAEL K. BYDALEK

Kutak Rock LLP The Omaha Building 1650 Farnam Street 402-346-6000

ROBERTA L. CHRISTENSEN

Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street 402-390-9500

TRADEMARK LAW DENISE C. MAZOUR

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

JAMES E. O’CONNOR Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

BRUCE D. VOSBURG

Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan, P.C., L.L.O. Regency One, Suite 200 10050 Regency Circle 402-342-1000

TRANSPORTATION LAW

HOWARD J. KASLOW

Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 402-392-1250

SHARON R. KRESHA

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

T. GEOFFREY LIEBEN

Slowiaczek, Albers & Astley P.C., L.L.O. Scoular Building, Suite 100 2027 Dodge Street 402-930-1000

WILLIAM J. LINDSAY

Gross & Welch, P.C., L.L.O. 1500 Omaha Tower 2120 South 72nd Street 402-392-1500

THOMAS J. MALICKI

Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 402-392-1250

DAVID J. NIELSEN

Erickson Sederstrom Regency Westpointe, Suite 100 10330 Regency Parkway Drive 402-397-2200

ROBERT E. O’CONNOR

NICHOLAS K. NIEMANN

TRUSTS AND ESTATES

JEFFREY J. PIRRUCCELLO

O’Connor Law Office, LLC 2433 South 130th Circle 402-330-5906

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

Cambridge Law Firm, PLC 707 Poplar Street 712-243-1663

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

DONALD L. ERFTMIER

GARY W. RADIL

DAVID W. CHASE

Erftmier Law, LLC 11808 West Center Road, Suite 100 402-504-1600

DAVID L. HEFFLINGER

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., L.L.O. First National Tower, Suite 3700 1601 Dodge Street 402-341-3070

MICHAEL C. SCHILKEN

RONALD C. JENSEN

SUSAN J. SPAHN

MICHAEL D. JONES

MICHAEL L. SULLIVAN

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500 Ellick, Jones, Buelt, Blazek & Longo, LLP 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 303 402-390-0390

Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

Endacott Peetz and Timmer, PC LLO 8990 West Dodge Road, Suite 217 402-999-8820 Baird Holm LLP Woodmen Tower, Suite 1500 1700 Farnam Street 402-344-0500

NICK R. TAYLOR

Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan, P.C., L.L.O. Regency One, Suite 200 10050 Regency Circle 402-342-1000

KURT F. TJADEN

Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street 402-390-9500

The Firm would like to congratulate Donald L. Erftmier, Jr., for being listed by The Best Lawyers in America® for 2016 in the practice areas of Corporate Law and Trusts and Estates. Business Counseling | Mergers, Acquisitions & Divestitures | Estate Planning Estate, Gift and Generation-Skipping Tax Planning | Charitable and Philanthropic Planning Business Succession Planning | Asset Protection Planning | Fiduciary Representation

11808 West Center Road, Ste 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68144-4434

(402) 504-1600 | erftmierlaw.com

DANIEL J. WINTZ

Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. One Pacific Place, Suite 800 1125 South 103rd Street 402-390-9500

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAW - CLAIMANTS STEVEN H. HOWARD Dowd, Howard & Corrigan, LLC 1411 Harney Street, Suite 100 402-913-9713

JACOB J. PETERS

Peters Law Firm, P.C. 233 Pearl Street P.O. Box 1078 712-328-3157

DENNIS R. RIEKENBERG

Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302 402-390-0300

CROKER, HUCK, KASHER, DEWITT, ANDERSON & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. ATTORNEYS AT LAW

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAW - EMPLOYERS WILLIAM J. BIRKEL

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March/April 2016

MARGI E TREMBLEY Hatmaker Remembers Golden Age of Chapeaux Choreographing a Modern Life

Dancer Patti Zukaitis

Jack “Hambone” Hamilton

An Omaha Constant

Omaha’s Lost Religious Buildings

A Look Back at the Deconstructed, Deconsecrated

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60PLUS FROM THE EDITOR

KEEP HEALTHY I

HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS issue of 60Plus. Those readers in the 60Plus age group are among a growing population segment. The story on geriatric nurses contains very interesting statistics. For example, “by 2030 one in five adults—88 million people—will be 65 or older according to the US Census.” About 10,000 adults turn 65 every day. You’ll find other statics here regarding health. One alarming statistic is that by 2030, 7.7 million people will have alzheimers disease—up from 4.9 million in 2007. Keeping active is one way to help prevent visits to the doctor, and we tell stories about active, interesting people in each issue. Stories like Creighton professor of dance Patti Zukaitis and Jack “Hambone” Hamilton, whose hobby is making model airplanes out of beverage ccans. The table of contents has very brief information on these stories. If you have suggestions on what you would like to see in 60Plus or know someone that would make an interesting story, you can email me at: gwen@omahapublications.com. I will present it at our editorial meeting.

CONTENTS

volume 3 • issue 6 ACTIVE LIVING Choreographing a Modern Life Dancer Patti Zukaitis................................ S4

FEATURE Geriatric Nurses Older Adults Count on Those Who Understand........................................S6

FEATURE Jack “Hambone” Hamilton An Omaha Constant................................S10

FEATURE Margie Trembley Hatmaker Remembers Golden Age of Chapeaux............................................S14

HEALTH

Gwen

Gwen Lemke Contributing Editor, 60PLUS In Omaha

Know Your Blood Sugar Levels Prediabetes is Your Early Warning Sign..................................S18

HISTORY Omaha’s Lost Religious Buildings A Look Back at the Deconstructed, Deconsecrated................S20

HOPELESSLY DEVOTED Suicidologist John Erickson..............................S22

Thank you for reading 60Plus. This stand-alone magazine is also featured as a section of Omaha Magazine. Want to read the entire magazine? Visit: omahamagazine.com/digital-flip-book march/april 2016 | 60PLUS

60PLUS ACTIVE LIVING by daisy hutzell-rodman | photography by bill sitzmann

S4â&#x20AC;&#x192; 60PLUS | march/april 2016 | omahamagazine.com

CHOREOGRAPHING A MODERN LIFE dancer patti zukaitis

ATTI ZUKAITIS OFTEN DOES what is termed plié relevé. The 64-year-old bends her legs down, keeping her knees in alignment over her feet, then she stretches up, up onto her toes as high as she can. She has reached many heights in her 40-plus years as a dancer, yet she doesn’t see herself a star. “Patti’s not the type of person who looks to be in the spotlight very much,” says Patrick Roddy, who heads Creighton University’s dance department, where Zukaitis is the other professor. Zukaitis began classes at age 9, but discovered her true passion for dance as a college student. She studied at Creighton with her longtime teacher Valerie Roche and became one of the first graduates of the dance program. Roche, a professional ballerina since age 12, drove Omaha dance from the beginnings of Omaha Regional Ballet Academy in spring 1964 into the early years of the now Omaha Academy of Ballet and beyond. Zukaitis became a teacher at Creighton’s dance program while a student. “Valerie kind of pushed me in this direction, and I fell into it,” Zukaitis says. “I didn’t have a dream to be a ballerina.” It was at Creighton that Zukaitis discovered modern dance, a form she has loved and performed since with Creighton and local companies DanceScape and Omaha Modern Dance Collective. In 1982, Zukaitis’ husband, John, had just finished medical school and obtained a job in New York City, partially because living in New York was a dream of Patti’s. She wanted to attend New York University, and true to form, she entered their prestigious Tisch School of the Arts in a nontraditional way. “I was so naive,” Zukaitis says. “I called and said, ‘I’d like to enroll.’ I got a secretary who said, ‘Oh. People have been auditioning all spring for this.’”

Heartbroken, her brain pirouetting from the rejection, Zukaitis called her mother, who told her to just march down there and prove to them she was worthy of being in the program. Zukaitis went to the campus and spoke to the director, who told her to come down for the first day of classes. As it turned out, one student had been accepted, but had not yet committed to the program. “I took a ballet class and I took a modern class,” Zukaitis says. “I was auditioning, but I didn’t realize it.” At the end of that first day, the director offered her the final position in the program. Their first daughter, Kathryn, now 30, was born while she was in school. Even with a young baby, Zukaitis earned a Master of Fine Arts in dance in 1986. A second daughter, Lucy, was born in 1988. When their son Jack was due in 1991, the Zukaitis family, cramped into a onebedroom apartment, moved back to Omaha. Patti returned to Creighton. “It was almost as though I never left,” she says. “I just contacted Valerie and she said come on over.” A third daughter, Julie Rose, came along in 1994. The professor and mom also taught for Omaha Academy of Ballet with Roche until 2002, when Roche retired after 40 years with the school. “I told Valerie, OK, I’ll do it [be the director], but I want a co-director,” Zukaitis says. She and co-director Sheila Nelson led the school for 14 years. They had big slippers to fill. Roche had taken the OAB from a small ballet company to a well-respected academy with a separate performing company. Zukaitis stepped into the role gracefully and stretched the organization even further. A big part of the job, one which was important to Zukaitis as well as the school, was examinations.

The OAB is the only school in Omaha which uses the rigorous Imperial Society of Teacher of Dancing qualifications. Zukaitis holds an associate diploma through the ISTD and brought in examiners each year to keep the school ISTD qualified. Most importantly, the school became an environment where people wanted to bring their children to learn. Roddy believes Zukaitis herself was one of the big factors in this. “I think she’s one of the best ballet teachers in town, and she’s one of the nicest people I know. She’s been an incredible friend and colleague.” He would know. The two met when he was in high school attending advanced ballet classes at Creighton. “She uses her knowledge and talents in the best way possible to get her technique across to all ages of people from very young to adults,” he says. “Her musicality is excellent, beyond reproach.” He considers Zukaitis herself one of his very good friends, and that means a lot to her. “I used to say when I was younger I wanted to grow up and work with my best friends, and that’s really what I’ve done,” Zukaitis says. “I love the people I work with, and I have been very fortunate to have worked with them to build the dance community in Omaha.” This past year, Zukaitis stepped down as OAB director to be with her family. Her daughters are all pursuing performing arts careers while Jack is training to be a firefighter. “I hope they can make a living doing what they love,” Zukaitis says. They should succeed. After all, they have a successful role model.

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60PLUS FEATURE

by judy horan | photography by bill sitzmann

Sara Wolfson S6â&#x20AC;&#x192; 60PLUS | march/april 2016 | omahamagazine.com

GERIATRIC NURSES older adults count on those who understand their health concerns

OME PEOPLE JUST DON’T get it when it comes to the health of older adults. Many believe that elderly people are always tired. But that’s a myth. “It’s also not true that an older person doesn’t have a brain that works as well,” says Sara Wolfson, geriatric nurse practitioner for the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) Home Instead Center for Successful Aging. Myths such as these lead to ageism that can affect how older adults are treated (or under treated) for illnesses. A geriatric nurse can sort it out. This registered nurse specialist has the skills to recognize what’s normal for older adults versus what’s abnormal. “We are really focused on looking at the process of aging and how we can help older adults maintain their health and prevent health problems as they age. What is normal at age 80 might not be normal for 40 or 50,” says Dr. Beth Culross, an R.N. with a Ph.D. in gerontology. She teaches undergraduate gerontology at the UNMC College of Nursing in Omaha. Geriatric nurses often function as case managers who help patients live with chronic illnesses, giving them a greater chance of staying independent and active. >

march/april 2016 | 60PLUS

60PLUS FEATURE < “With case management, there are a lot of phone calls, checking on them, answering questions about medication, seeing how a visit to the ER went,” Wolfson explains. She says it’s important to keep older adults out of hospitals. “Being in the hospital weakens people. It takes longer to recover. Some get confused. Older people have less reserve when they get sick.” Geriatric nurses can be found working in hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, longterm care facilities—and in patients’ homes. Senior Assist, a home-visit program for patients ages 65 and older whose primary care physician is with Nebraska Medicine, is available at no cost through the Home Instead Center for Successful Aging. Home visits give the nurse a look at the person’s living environment, and consequently gives them a clue to what is going on with their physical and mental health. “One nurse went to the home of a patient who was constantly coming here because of congestion and found she wasn’t using her nebulizer,” says Wolfson. “Home visits give a heads-up if someone is having a problem.” UNMC’s Home Instead Center for Successful Aging offers seniors a wellness center, outpatient clinic, assessment, and education in topics as diverse as fall prevention, nutrition, arthritis, and tai chi. Nurses provide education as mandated by Medicare—information about medications, like blood thinners, or about general health and nutrition, like cutting back on sodium. “We’re a center for people who are aging well and people who have a lot of chronic illnesses that need to be managed,” Wolfson says. “We take walk-in patients. They might have a cold, feel dizzy or tired.” The center also provides dementia evaluation and diagnosis. “We wouldn’t diagnose dementia on the fact that their memory is bad. It’s based on function. Are they still independent? Taking medications? Or are they not bathing? Are their clothes tattered?” says Wolfson, who points out that there are other geriatric clinics available in the area.

“We’re a center for people who are aging well and people who have a lot of chronic illnesses that need to be managed.” -Sara Wolfson

Dr.Beth Culross

As people live longer and the number of people over age 65 increases, more nurses specializing in geriatrics are needed. By 2030, one in five adults—88 million people—will be 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census. About 10,000 adults turn 65 every day. “Most of the hospitals in the Omaha area have started recognizing this,” Culross says. “These hospitals have special designations around the need for care for older adults.” There is a shortage of nurses in general and—because the number of aging adults is increasing—there is especially a need for certified geriatric nurses. Almost half of all patients admitted to hospitals are over 65, but only 1 percent of registered nurses and 3 percent of advanced practice registered nurses are certified in geriatrics, reports the American Geriatric Society.

Adults over 65 account for nearly 26 percent of all physician visits, 47 percent of all hospital stays, 34 percent of all prescriptions, 34 percent of all physical therapy patients, and 90 percent of all nursing home stays, according to the Eldercare Workforce Alliance. By 2030, 7.7 million people will have Alzheimer’s disease, up from 4.9 million in 2007. “The fastest growing segment of the population in the United States are people 85 and over,” Culross says. Recognizing what’s normal and what’s not for an aging adult is important for a geriatric nurse. So is listening. Allowing patients to talk about their experiences and life stories tells where they are now and how she can help, says Culross. “I learn as much from my patients as they do from me. My husband tells me I’m really good at it because I like to talk.”

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60PLUS FEATURE by ryan borchers | photography by bill sitzmann

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JACK “HAMBONE” HAMILTON an omaha constant

ACK “HAMBONE” HAMILTON, 79, has been around the country and world, but Omaha remains a constant in his life. He grew up in the projects at 20th and Clark streets and attended Omaha Central High School, where he played football, baseball, and basketball. He graduated in 1955. Soon after, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. “They taught you a lot,” he says. “First thing you gotta do: get up in the morning and make my bed. That’s what they taught me.” He also picked up a pastime he enjoys to this day—cigar smoking. “Never smoked a cigarette,” he says. His favorite brand? “Cheapest.” He stayed in the Marines until 1958. He enjoyed being overseas, but didn’t like the constant inspections and “spit and polish” of the military, so he came back to Omaha and worked in construction for a while. Then he went to barber school.

He remained active in sports, and met “Big Fred” Bruning playing basketball at the YMCA downtown. Because of their friendship, Jack became the original bartender at Big Fred’s Pizza Garden when it opened in 1969. “I would barber during the day and work the bar at night,” he says. Hamilton moved to Palm Springs, California, in the early 1990s and worked at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage as a “starter” on the golf course (someone who makes sure golfers start their rounds on time) and as a “ranger” (someone who makes sure rounds move along at a reasonable pace). He also lived in the Phoenix area for 23 years and worked for golf courses there. It was a natural occupation for him. “He’s golfed his whole life,” says Hamilton’s daughter, Tricia Hamilton-Marsh, 52. He even became good friends with PGA member Fred Couples, who golfed at Mission Hills when Hamilton worked there. >

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60PLUS FEATURE

< But in something of an odd inversion of the usual retirement narrative, he moved back to Omaha. Hamilton said he wanted to be closer to his daughters, though he also moved back because of the weather. “I used to love the heat,” he says about the temperature in Arizona. “I hated it the last four years. I just couldn’t take it. I left [Omaha] because of the cold.” Another of Hamilton’s constants is sports. He’s a self-professed fan of just about all sports and his favorite teams are University of Connecticut women’s basketball, Duke men’s basketball and the Arizona Cardinals. Hamilton’s true constant, his rock, is his family. He has three daughters—Tricia, Christine Hamilton, 53, and Mary Alexander, 50. His wife, Nancy, and his son, John, are deceased. Jack also has eight grandchildren and his first great-grandchild is due in April.

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He also loves a pastime he picked up just two years ago: making model airplanes out of empty beer and soda cans. Hamilton saw one hanging in the garage of a mechanic he knew and liked it. “Well, you just get a beer can and start cutting,” he says. “And then you gotta glue ’em, gotta measure everything.” He has sold about 60 of them—at Bud Olson’s bar and at craft fairs; however, Tricia says he usually ends up giving them away. After a life so long lived and with so many adventures, Hamilton has some pretty simple advice: “Just to eat right, keep exercising,” he says.

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60PLUS FEATURE by greg jerrett | photography by bill sitzmann

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MARGIE TREMBLEY

hatmaker remembers golden age of chapeaux

N OUR UNGILDED AGE of convenient, casual, ironic dress sense, one is less apt to see men of employable age in suits on a work day than in t-shirts with rainbow-spouting unicorns. Formal hats disappeared shortly before the moon landing and have regained little ground since. Luckily, folks with vision keep the art of hat-making alive, hip, and happening as haute couture. Thanks, Paris! Meanwhile, 4,479 miles from the French capital, nestled in the restful hamlet of Springfield, Nebraska (population 1,615), lies a sweet little emporium called Springfield Artworks. Full to bursting with decades of art, it is home to Margie Trembley Chapeaux. Trembley designs hats you will find on the runways in high places. They are haute, haute, haute right now as couture goes. How haute? Haute couture enough for invitations to one of the best places an all-American hatmaker from Omaha via Arkansas can be: Louisville and the pageantry of the Kentucky Derby. “The Kentucky Derby has a hat fashion contest every year the day before the Derby itself in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness,” says Trembley, who competed in 2014 against 200 other contestants in front of celebrity judges Carson Kressley of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and Simon Baker of The Mentalist. >

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60PLUS FEATURE

“I learned some really, really good techniques and I’m sticking with it.” -Margie Trembley

< “Miss America introduced everybody,” Trembley says wistfully, but humorously, in her slight Arkansas drawl about that exhilarating day. “There were 200 of us...I didn’t win a thing.” Undeterred and in true Omaha fashion, Trembley made a quick study of the scene and came up with a clever plan to outfox future competition. “Since I didn’t win anything and the winners were all young, tall, skinny, gorgeous...I decided I needed ‘young, tall, skinny, gorgeous.’” Enlisting the help of a young, tall, skinny, gorgeous model from Nashville, Trembley took a second shot at victory at the 2015 contest. “So [the model] came from Nashville and she wore this hat,” Trembley says, building expectations. “And we still didn’t win. But we’re walking around the paddock area with the hat on and we get approached by this lady who asked if she could take a picture and so sure, I said, ‘Who are you?’ and she said, ‘I’m with Vogue.’” Let that digest a moment. The hat made the front page of vogue.com and has been used in advertising the coming

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Derby. Trembley was interviewed by ABC Sports and even caught the attention of the local bourgeoisie. “I’ve been invited to have hats at a highend store in Louisville called Rodes for Him and Her during Kentucky Derby Week,” says Trembley. That’s not bad for a very modern milliner who began working with hats only a few years ago. “I’ve been making hats between four and five years. I was a felter prior to making hats, though, and I’ve been an artist for years,” says Trembley, whose secret is that she never stopped learning. She followed her passions and interests where they led: felting, glass-etching, silk painting, metal-smithing, pottery, glass bead-making, and glass fusing, all of which contribute to her individual style. It all goes back into the hats. “I learned some really, really good techniques and I’m sticking with it.”

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60PLUS HEALTH by susan meyers

KNOW YOUR BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS

prediabetes is your early warning sign

IABETES RUNS IN JOHN Moran’s family. His mother had diabetes and so did his two sisters. At age 63, Moran knew that if he didn’t take action, diabetes would also be knocking on his door. He was almost too late. At his last doctor’s appointment, about a year ago, his blood sugars had crept up to prediabetic levels (fasting blood glucose of 100-125 mg/dl), meaning one’s blood sugar level is higher than normal, but not high enough to meet the diagnosis of diabetes. It is estimated that approximately onethird of Americans have prediabetes, and 90 percent of these people don’t know it, says Cyrus DeSouza, M.D., an endocrinologist at Nebraska Medicine. Studies have revealed that most people with prediabetes will develop Type 2 diabetes within 10 years unless they lose weight and exercise. Prediabetes is usually asymptomatic and hence the problem remains undetected until diabetes symptoms develop. “That’s why everyone should be screened for diabetes at age 45,” says Dr. DeSouza. If you

have risk factors such as family history, high blood pressure, obesity, or sedentary lifestyle, or you are an ethnic minority, you should be screened at an earlier age at the discretion of your physician and at least every three years thereafter. Eating a healthy diet and exercising are the two most important things you can do to prevent diabetes. “In overweight or prediabetic individuals, losing seven percent of your body weight can reduce your risk of developing diabetes by 60 percent,” says Dr. DeSouza. “You should also work toward exercising five days a week for 30 minutes or more, doing a combination of light aerobics and strength training.” Nessie Ferguson, a dietitian at Nebraska Medicine, recommends using the MyPlate method to fill your plate. (Visit choosemyplate. gov for more details.) This includes making one-half of your plate non-starchy vegetables and fruits, one-fourth of your plate whole grains, and the last one-fourth lean protein. Avoid sugary drinks like sodas and juices. “This will help you choose the right foods

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and manage your portion sizes,” she says. Moran says he knew he needed to lose weight but he needed help so he joined a weight loss program at Nebraska Medicine. By the end of a year, he had lost 30 pounds, his blood sugar levels were back to normal, his blood pressure had dropped, and his cholesterol level was back in check. “I was eating the wrong foods, skipping meals, leaving out breakfast, and grabbing fast food on the go,” says Moran. “Now I eat three meals with a focus on protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. I feel so much healthier.” Diabetes is one of the fastest growing medical conditions in the country, effecting approximately one quarter of the population. Historically, it is more prevalent with people in their 50s and 60s, but now it’s starting to develop in children and young adults due to increasing obesity and lack of exercise, according to Dr. DeSouza. It’s a disease we all need to be more vigilant about.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;You should work toward exercising five days a week for 30 minutes or more, doing a combination of light aerobics and strength training.â&#x20AC;? -Cyrus DeSouza, M.D.

60PLUS HISTORY by max sparber | photography contributed by douglas county historical society

OMAHA’S LOST RELIGIOUS BUILDINGS a look back at deconstructed, deconsecrated holy places

Photo provided by Douglas County Historical Society. Temple Israel Omaha, NE

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ESPITE OMAHA’S DESERVED EARLY reputation as a city of crime and vice, it was also a city with a thriving religious community. Or, more properly, a variety of religious communities, as Omaha has always been home to practitioners of many faiths. We can go all the way back to 1854 to find the first sermon preached in Omaha, predating the building of churches: It was a quarry owner named Peter Cooper, a Methodist who gathered fellow Methodists from Council Bluffs for services. In pioneer days, small towns and new cities often didn’t have permanent clergy, and the Methodist and Episcopal churches responded by sending out itinerant ministers, often meeting in private houses. This practice was called “circuit riding,” and circuit riders added Omaha to their routes within six months of Cooper’s sermon. Here is a look at some of Omaha’s past churches and other places of religious worship. Some have closed, while others have been repurposed. EMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH:

Possibly the first Lutheran congregation west of the Missouri, Emanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church was built in 1858. The church was built with generous donations and encouragement from a specific parishioner, Augustus Kountze, who was then starting to have success in the banking industry. The congregation lives on at 2650 Farnam St. in a new structure built in 1906, now called Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church. ST. MARY EASTERN ORTHODOX CHURCH:

Starting in the 1930s, Omaha became home to a large number of Syrian/LebaneseAmerican Christian Orthodox families. The congregation is an excellent example of a longstanding tradition in religion: Repurposing existing churches or temples. In

1957, the congregation of St. Mary purchased the former Lutheran Memorial Church and rectory on 52nd and Seward streets. They used this for years, until the congregation outgrew the space, and then repurposed another church in 1977: Countryside Briardale United Church of Christ on Pacific Street. And, in fact, the location is occupied by another church previously used by another congregation: the Living Faith Assembly of God Church on Boyd Street, purchased in 1985. ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH:

There was an attempt to build a Catholic church in Omaha in 1855, but the priest who instigated it, The Rev. William Emonds, was called away and the project was abandoned. In 1856, however, the church received a donation of two lots on Eighth and Howard streets, from the Nebraska and Iowa Ferry Co., and there they built a small church called St. Mary, largely with the support of Omaha’s Irish population. The church was converted into a parochial school when St. Philomena church was built in 1867, and served several additional purposes before being torn down around 1882. TEMPLE ISRAEL:

While the congregation of Temple Israel now has a synagogue on Sterling Ridge Drive in Omaha, they built their first house of worship–and the first synagogue in Nebraska– back in 1871. The first location was at 23rd and Harney streets, and the congregation moved to a new location at 29th and Jackson streets in 1908.

RECENT CHURCH AND SYNAGOGUE CLOSINGS, OMAHA 1. FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH. FOUNDED 1890. CLOSED THIS YEAR DUE TO FINANCIAL TROUBLES. 2. BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH. FOUNDED 1919. CLOSED IN 2014 TO MERGE WITH ST. PHILIP NERI PARISH. 3. ST. PATRICK CHURCH. FOUNDED 1883. CLOSED IN 2014 TO MERGE WITH ST. FRANCES CABRINI PARISH. 4. TEMPLE ISRAEL. FOUNDED 1871, BUILT CASS STREET LOCATION IN 1951. MOVED TO NEW BUILDING IN 2013; OLD BUILDING RECENTLY PURCHASED BY OMAHA CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC. 5. ST. RICHARD CATHOLIC CHURCH. ESTABLISHED 1961. CLOSED IN 2009 DUE TO DECLINE IN PARISHIONERS.

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60PLUS FACES by greg jerrett | photography by bill sitzmann

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HOPELESSLY DEVOTED suicidologist john erickson

T 63, JOHN ERICKSON looks like he could still put a sleeper hold on a steer. If possessing the intimidating presence of a Midwestern hit man is a hurdle to getting acquainted with someone, it is a blissfully low one. “I admit it is a barrier, looking like a bouncer or a cleaner, that kind of thing,” Erickson says, musing on the subject of first impressions at Caffeine Dreams where he’s a fixture, even lending his mug to a Joshua Foo photo exhibit on faces. Tough though he may be, Erickson is also a healer, a licensed therapist trained in suicidology. He “tends the garden of the mind” at Bergan as well as doing risk assessments in “jail settings.” In this stressful, post-9/11 world, our understanding of brain function has increased dramatically. Much of that time Erickson has been on the front lines. One might expect a suicidologist to be morbid, but nothing is further from the truth. “We have much greater understanding of brain function today and it’s well established that when our system gets stressed, we can reach a tipping point,” says Erickson. “And we live in very stressful times.”

From contentious politics to the carnival of souls that is Facebook, stress is omnipresent. “Studies have been done of children growing up in poverty, where their neurological systems show signs of post-traumatic stress disorder,” says Erickson, whose wife is a fifth grade teacher. “She teaches in a school with a lot of poverty, and it does have an effect. It takes a compassionate response based on understanding and respect. Walk a mile in someone’s shoes before you judge or criticize them.” Police and medics are called for mental illness related welfare checks that can end tragically, but Erickson believes mental illness first aid training has been paying off in Omaha. “Credit to the Omaha Police Department for handling things. A lot of times, they have no idea what they’re going to walk into or what the response is going to be,” Erickson says. “I’ve just recently had police respond to a patient of mine who was distressed and they handled it exceptionally well. There are more and more police officers understanding mental illness.” Training mentally ill patients to call attention to their psychiatric

conditions during crisis helps forestall tragedy, says Erickson, who is not just an advocate for others, but himself as well. “There are different levels of mental illness. It is very common. I have attention deficit disorder. It’s a lifelong condition,” Erickson says. “We all have a tipping point…and as the mind goes, so goes the body. Some have neurological systems that are over-reactive or under-reactive to stress. Anytime we feel threatened— physically, socially, intellectually, or emotionally. There is a segment of the population with mental illness that just has a very difficult time handling stress.” Helping others can cause stress as well. John recently came off medical leave for compassion fatigue. Insurance issues left him feeling “like he was driving down a winding road with faulty brakes.” Knowing that feeling personally is one reason John has trained in suicidology. “Suicide is the heart attack of mental illness,” John says about why he keeps going. “I’ve had an opportunity to have patients who are more than patients; they’re friends. I care about them. It doesn’t always work out, but it does have an effect.” march/april 2016 | 60PLUS S23

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CORPORATE TRAVEL | EVENTS | LOYALTY | VACATIONS

OBVIOUSLY OMAHA 01. NOSH

When does food truck culture rise above mere curbside cookery? When Peanut Butter Johnny’s teams with such notables as Clayton Chapman (The Grey Plume), Patricia Barron (you know her as Big Mama), and Paul Kulik (Le Bouillon) for a rotating slate of specialty sandwiches to complement their own nut butter creations. Check 'em out Thursdays through Saturdays at Scriptown in the hot-hot-hot Blackstone District.

02. READ

Longtime Omaha Magazine contributor Leo Adam Biga worked with The Rev. Ken Vavrina on the Omaha priest’s recently released book Crossing Bridges: A Priest’s Uplifting Life Among the Downtrodden (Uplifting Publishing, 2015). Among other things, the book chronicles Vavrina’s many years of working with Mother Theresa in healing the sick and bringing comfort to the dying. Crossing Bridges is available at The Bookworm.

03. WATCH

The Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards featured many talented artists, including Best Youth Performer Ryleigh Welsh (pictured). Congratulations to her and others featured in Omaha Magazine recently: Watie White, Kim Reid Kuhn, Mary Zicafoose, Ellen Struve, Daniel Dorner, Noah Diaz, Zedeka Poindexter, Dereck Higgins, and Kelli Schilken of Belles & Whistles.

04. SEE

Want to get up close and personal with an Oscar? In the summer of 1938 Spencer Tracy came to Omaha to film the hit motion picture Boys Town. He made Hollywood history at the 1939 Academy Awards by becoming the first to win consecutive Best Actor awards, this time for his role as Boys Town Founder Father Edward Flanagan. The next day Tracy sent the Academy Award to his new friend, who displayed it on his desk until his death in 1948. Today the Oscar is on display in the Boys Town Hall of History.

05. DEFEND

For the second year in a row, the University of Nebraska at Omaha has been named the best four-year school in the nation for military friendliness by Military Times magazine. The rankings judge schools based on a wide variety of criteria, including retention rates, accreditation, post-graduation salary earnings, and student support.

06. CELEBRATE

The Learning Community Center of South Omaha has been selected by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics as a Bright Spot in Hispanic education. Bright Spots are programs, models, organizations, or initiatives that work to close achievement gaps. The South Omaha center helps Hispanic parents learn English, navigate the O school system, and much more.

March // April • 2016 | 163 | bestofomaha.com

Omaha Magazine • Dining | Chef Profile

EDRIC FICHEPAIN IS the head chef

at Le Voltaire, a French restaurant he has owned and operated since 2001. The upscale West Omaha hotspot is routinely one of the best-reviewed restaurants in the metro area and has won regional awards from Wine Spectator magazine 14 years in a row. Fichepain is even an honorary French consul for Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota. So, a resume recap: Head chef. Head chef at a French restaurant he owns. Head chef at a French restaurant with a list of awards that takes as long to read as a proper French meal takes to eat. That typically is a recipe for a stomachchurning, sevencourse ego. What stands out about him, though, is how quick he is to give credit to others.

at Omaha, where he met his wife, Desarae (Desarae is a full partner with him on all of his businesses). They moved back to France and lived there for two years, but then moved back to Omaha in 1997 to be closer to Desarae’s father, who was ill. Fichepain started as the executive chef in 1998 at Farucci’s Bistro, which used to be at 129th and Maple streets where Salt 88 is now. After two years of that, he says, “My wife convinced me to go and wait tables for six months. “I knew I was going to open my own restaurant, but I wanted to have as good an experience in the front of the house.”

THE GOAL AT LE VOLTAIRE IS TO SELL SIMPLE FOOD, DISHES LIKE COQ AU VIN AND BEEF BURGUNDY THAT ARE COMFORT FOODS IN FRANCE.

“I’ve been very lucky, I have always had great staff,” he says. “For me, everything is based on the staff. I’ve been having people with me for more than 10 years. “If you have good food and good service, you can make it. If you don’t have too much of a big ego, you can definitely make it.” Cooking has been part of Fichepain’s life ever since childhood. Often, while growing up in France, he would cook at friends’ parties. At age 15, he cooked a New Year’s Eve dinner where he developed the menu and prepared a 5-course meal for 12 people. Fichepain credits his mother and his grandmothers as influences, specifically in how they cooked “farm-to-table.” “At the time, when they were cooking, they were using the perfect ingredients,” he says. “That’s what I’ve been raised on.” Fichepain first came to the United States to learn English at the University of Nebraska

Fichepain confesses that he didn’t really enjoy the experience, but it taught him to appreciate a server’s job. “I think if you want to open a business and you want to manage a business, you really need to know all the facets of the business.” The goal at Le Voltaire is to sell simple food, dishes like coq au vin and beef burgundy that are comfort foods in France. Staying true to that goal and not skimming on the product has been key to Fichepain’s success. “Every night, 75 percent to 80 percent of our customers are return customers, which is huge,” he says. “That’s what it’s all about, to bring back people.” In 2013, he opened Le Petit Paris, a French bakery next door to Le Voltaire. Last year, he opened another Le Petit Paris location in Papillion. Operating three businesses at once can be difficult, and, as usual, finding the right staff is key. Open communication and delegating responsibilities, Fichepain says, makes a company strong. “My door is never shut,” he says. My staff “can always come and see me, and I think that’s what helped keep great people. It’s Obecause we have great communication.”

March // April • 2016 | 164 | omahamagazine.com

without PRIMO

PRIMA DONNA Chef Cedric Fichepain

STORY BY RYAN BORCHERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN

March // April • 2016 | 165 | bestofomaha.com

Omaha Magazine • Dining

March // April • 2016 | 166 | omahamagazine.com

Omaha Magazine • Dining

Farmer toTable CHEF SARAH FARMER SEEKS BALANCE STORY BY SARAH WENGERT PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN

ARAH FARMER WAKES each day

to a stack of cookbooks teetering at her bedside. The colorful tower of culinary tomes includes works by Farmer’s favorite chefs—Susan Feniger, Sean Brock, April Bloomfield—alongside classics such as an 1895 cookbook gifted by Farmer’s grandmother. “My collection inspires me. I like seeing how food and the industry evolve over time,” says Farmer, the sous chef at Lot 2 Restaurant and Wine Bar and a member of the team of young chefs who won the 2015 American Culinary Federation Student Team National Championship. Like her stacked cache of gastronomic guidebooks, Farmer, 26, strives for balance in cuisine, career, and life. Work-life balance took “a lot of acrobatics” when Farmer studied at Metropolitan Community College’s Institute for the Culinary Arts (ICA), worked three jobs, and practiced with Culinary Team Nebraska, which went on to win the Culinary Federation’s national title for college teams, an achievement Farmer calls “one of the proudest, most humbling moments of my life.” “Sarah is tenacious, intelligent, talented, calm, engaged, kind, and open-hearted,” says Brian O’Malley, Culinary Team Nebraska Coach and executive director of Metro’s Institute for the Culinary Arts.

Farmer, a native of Rochester, N.Y., moved to Omaha in 2009. In 2012—after stints studying video communications and intercultural studies—she realized it was time to pursue her lifelong passion for food.

Farmer enjoys dining at favorites such as Avoli, Ika Ramen and Izakaya, Nite Owl, and Block 16. If time allows, she enjoys movies, music, biking, and dancing. She also enjoys reading beyond the pages of her stack of cookbooks.

“It’s a great environment with a really interesting dynamic,” says Farmer, who graduated in 2015.

“I love learning new things,” she says, noting particular interest in current events, biographical nonfiction, and fantasy/sci-fi. She just re-read Lord of the Rings—a favorite and “a nice escape that has nothing to do with food.”

She credits faculty members like O’Malley for giving her the skill and confidence she needed to succeed. In 2013, she landed a job with the celebrated team at J. Coco. “I just wanted to get my foot in the door working in a professional kitchen,” says Farmer, who pursued J. Coco because of chef/owner Jennifer Coco’s talent and reputation. “I also wanted to work for a female chef and get that perspective in my first job.” Farmer’s current boss, Lot 2 Head Chef Joel Mahr, finds her creativity motivating. “Her attitude on cuisine is much like how I pushed myself in the early years of cooking,” he says. “Finishing culinary school and getting a sous chef position right away says a lot about her work ethic.” Farmer, who has also worked at Localmotive Food Truck and Le Bouillon, says she and Mahr share similar visions and a “refined yet approachable” style.

March // April • 2016 | 167 | bestofomaha.com

Farmer also relishes her close group of supportive friends. “They’ve been my biggest driving force in Omaha for pursuing big goals and dreams,” says Farmer, whose 5-year plan includes continued learning and growth. “I’m still very new in my craft, and the success and accolades I’ve gotten are actually lots of pressure,” she says. “I feel like the rookie winning the World Series…how do I top that and continue to grow? I’d like to go somewhere else, learn more, then hopefully bring that back to Omaha.” Chicago is one possible destination. Although Farmer says she’d miss Omaha’s “excellent culinary community,” she’s eager as ever to gain new insight. For now, Farmer’s balancing act continues here—practicing her craft at Lot 2, celebrating life with herO friends, and continuing to push forward.

Omaha Magazine • Dining

Flatiron Cafe Full of flavor

BY MYSTERY REVIEWER PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN March // April • 2016 | 168 | omahamagazine.com

Omaha Magazine • Dining | Mystery Review

HE FLATIRON BUILDING is one of the most iconic buildings in Omaha. Appropriate, then, that it houses one of the most iconic restaurants in the city.

Two decades is a long time in the restaurant business and, typically, only the best can make it into their third decade. Like most restaurants that enjoy that kind of longevity, the Flatiron has always been known for great food and service. Owner Kathleen Jamrozy seems to have a knack for hiring great people, most notably former chef Jennifer Coco of J. Coco fame and current chef Rob Hill, who hails from the much-celebrated and now sorely missed French Cafe. Hill’s food is comforting and familiar, but still imaginative and interesting. The menu features a lot of delicious proteins with heavy, flavorful sauces. He doesn’t shy away from what I affectionately refer to as the “BCs” (butter, bacon, cream and cheese). He is not mired in an obsession for the “cutting edge” like so many other young chefs can be. The restaurant’s signature, flatiron-shaped dining room has a romantic and elegant feel. Floor-to-ceiling picture windows and white-tablecloth-covered tables with dark wood chairs line the luxurious and unique space. A well-appointed bar provides a perch for both single diners and patrons waiting to be seated. There is also an outdoor seating area that provides a big-city-sidewalk vibe when our fickle weather allows. The Flatiron’s close proximity to Omaha theater venues makes it one of the best places to enjoy fine dining before taking in fine arts. March // April • 2016 | 169 | bestofomaha.com

Omaha Magazine • Dining | Mystery Review

On a recent visit, my dining partner and I began with the calamari ($13) and the Brussels sprouts ($9). The calamari was cooked with precision—crispy and tender—and augmented with a south-of-the-border punch of fresh pico de gallo, diced avocado, and lemon. Adding even more zing: The sprouts came along with a habanero yogurt sauce for dipping. This amazing dish made with local honey provided a wonderful kickoff for the meal to come. Next we tried a bowl of French onion soup ($9). It arrived piping hot with a caramelized onion broth, croutons, and bubbly cheese. For our entrees we had the grilled ribeye of beef ($37) and the tournedos of beef ($35).

THERE IS A REASON THE FLATIRON IS KNOWN FOR HAVING SOME OF THE BEST STEAKS IN THIS CITY KNOWN FOR GREAT STEAKS.

March // April • 2016 | 170 | omahamagazine.com

The ribeye was well marbled, well aged, and cooked and seasoned to perfection. It was topped with a delicious blue cheese butter and finished with a rich demi-glace sauce. There is a reason the Flatiron is known for having some of the best steaks in this city known for great steaks. On the side were fingerling potatoes, shitake mushrooms, and wilted spinach, all of which were fantastic. My dining partner ordered the tournedos of beef well done, which is very often a leathery recipe for disaster. But like true pros, the Flatiron kitchen staff managed to cook them without burning or drying out the steak. The meat was served with a brandied black peppercorn sauce and tasty potatoes au gratin. For dessert we agreed to split the chocolate mousse ($7). The mousse hit all the right notes—silky smooth with just the right amount of chocolate, sweetness, and creaminess. It was served in a beautiful cup formed out of chocolate and garnished with fresh fruit. The service at the Flatiron has always been first class. It was no different on this occasion. We were warmly greeted at the door and my dining partner’s coat was taken and hung up before we were shown to our table. Our server was fun, friendly, and knowledgeable. She made a spot-on wine recommendation that complimented both of our steaks. The timing of each course was impeccable and the quality service enhanced our already wonderful experience. Cheers!

THE FLATIRON CAFE 1722 ST. MARY'S AVENUE 402-344-3040 FLATIRONCAFE.COM FOOD SERVICE AMBIANCE PRICE $$$$ OVERALL 5 STARS POSSIBLE

March // April • 2016 | 171 | bestofomaha.com

NoodlesoftheNight Ika Ramen and Izakaya STORY BY LINDSEY ANNE BAKER PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN

March // April • 2016 | 172 | omahamagazine.com

March // April • 2016 | 173 | bestofomaha.com

Omaha Magazine • Dining

N ONE HAND, Ika Ramen and Izakaya’s food is rooted,

like a lot of American ramen, in late nights or early mornings (whatever you label all the strange hours when you’re a chef finally off the clock, or a drink or too-many in with your friends). On the other hand, Ika is also rooted, like a lot of Japanese ramen, in cooking techniques and traditions handed down in kitchens both professional and personal. In this case, they are the kitchens chef Jose Dionicio worked in during his career before opening Benson’s Taita and the recipes he gathered from customers and employees afterward.

“EVERYONE LOVES NOODLES. I THINK IT’S BECAUSE MOST PEOPLE CAN RELATE TO IT. WE LOVE COMFORT FOOD, AND THAT’S WHAT RAMEN IS. IT’S COMFORT FOOD AND FAST FOOD AND CHEAP FOOD.” “It’s really been in development for about 15 or 16 years,” the Peruvian-born Dionicio says. He started working in corporate restaurants, then started traveling and working under sushi chefs—a career-building move that would later inform the cuisine at Taita, which opened in 2012. He also spent time working at Omaha’s Boiler Room with chef Paul Kulik. For a while, Dionicio intended to move to New York, where his relationship with ramen began. One mid-winter day in the city he waited in line for two hours for a bowl of noodles. He ate one, then another, and, he says, he was pretty much hooked. That was before he moved to Nebraska in 2000, and before some of his family members moved to Nebraska, too. And once they did, it made more sense to stay, Dionicio says. His brother moved to New York. Dionicio opened Taita. And still, he thought of ramen. He started researching and talking to Japanese customers. A Japanese cook in Taita’s kitchen gathered instructions from her parents. Dionicio experimented. He babysat a pot of broth for 24 hours, and Taita’s ramen nights began. He served ramen one or two nights at Taita for a few months in 2013; he did it again the next year during the winter. Sometimes 20 people would show up. By the third year—last year—the weekend ramen crowd ate every noodle Taita had within a few hours. “Everyone loves noodles,” he says. “I think it’s because most people can relate to it. We love comfort food, and that’s what ramen is. It’s comfort food and fast food and cheap food.”

A bowl at Ika goes for $8. The broth has been simmered from scratch for up to 18 hours, deeply flavored with vegetables and bones, laced with Sun Noodle-brand noodles, and topped based on the broth. Rich broths get bright ginger, garlic, and green onions while clear broths get fatty toppings such as eggs. The bowls themselves are always hot (a tip Dionicio got from a Taita diner) and slurping is always preferred to cooling the broth and bathing in its fragrance. Open for a few months, Ika fits into the Benson scene—it’s small and homey, with a Japanese-inspired mural painted by Omaha’s Gerard Pefung, who also painted a sea-themed mural at Taita. Ika’s mural features an octopus, its legs curling like, well, noodles. Dionicio hopes Ika will eventually be a destination in a vast Omaha ramen landscape. “The more people know about ramen…the better for everyone,” he says. “People will learn about O food and a culture, and everyone will benefit from it.”

March // April • 2016 | 174 | omahamagazine.com

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Omaha Magazine • Dining Guide AMERICAN BLATT BEER & TABLE - $$

610 N 12th St. (402-718-8822) 2835 S. 170th Plz. (402-697-7802) Blatt strives to bring people together. It’s a hub for common folk, those who appreciate craft beer and thoughtful pub food. Meat eaters and vegetarians come together over a menu focused on basic good food. The beer is great and the company is even better. blatbeer.com

CHCAGO DAWG HOUSE - $

3157 Farnam 402-504-1234 Omaha’s ONLY Chicago Style restaurant located in the heart of the city at Midtown Crossing. Chicago style Hot Dogs, Italian Beef and hand cut Fries and Onion Rings. Catering available.

DJ’S DUGOUT - $

636 N 114th St. (402-498-8855) 1003 Capitol Ave. (402-763-9974) 10308 S 23rd St. (402-292-9096) 2102 S 67th St. (402-933-3533) 180th & Q St. (402-292-9096) Hwy 75 & Oak Hill Rd. (402-298-4166) Catch all of the action at four Omaha locations. Featuring burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, appetizers, and an impressive drink menu along with HD TVs and projectors. Home to Blazin’ Pianos, Omaha’s only dueling piano concept. djsdugout.com

FLATIRON CAFE - $$

402-344-3040 1722 St. Mary's Ave Our Classics Endure for a Reason...The Flatiron Cafe staff has been serving well prepared contemporary cuisine, in one of Omaha's most beautiful dining rooms, since 1995. We are committed to old school hospitality, taking care to honor your most special or casual occasions, with all the attention and style that our talented staff can provide. Robustly delicious food, in the historic Hotel Flatiron, close to our exceptional downtown theaters, hotels, and commerce. Tuesday through Saturday evenings from 5pm- reservations suggested at opentable. com or 402-344-3040. www.theflatironcafe.com.

Get a Little Saucy.

JAMS- $$

7814 Dodge Street (402-399-8300) 1101 Harney Street in the Old Market (402-614-9333) Jams is an Omaha restaurant legacy. An American Grill that offers a melting pot of different styles and varieties of food dishes made with high-quality ingredients that pair well with award winning wines or creative cocktails.

JIMMY'S EGG - $

SPEZIA SPECIALTIES

Various Locations For over 30 years, Jimmy's Egg has served up full cups of coffee, freshbaked breads and fresh cracked to order™ 3 egg omelets by a friendly and attentive staff. Breakfast and lunch is served every day 6a.m.-2p.m.

FRESH SEAFOOD • ANGUS BEEF INNOVATIVE PASTA • RISOTTO

LE PEEP® - $

GNOCCHI • FRESH SALMON DAILY

177th & Center St. (402-934-9914) 156th & W. Dodge Rd. (402-408-1728) 120th & Blondo St. (402-991-8222) Le Peep® puts a wholesome perspective on your favorite neighborhood Breakfast & 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.- 2:00 p.m.

SATURDAY NOW OPENLUNCH 7 DAYS A[11am–4 WEEKpm]

$10

COCKTAILHOUR HOUR COCKTAIL

OFF ANY TICKET OVER $25 NOCASH CASH VALUE. VALUE.EXPIRES EXPIRES12/31/2011 4/30/16 NO

MONDAY – SATURDAY EVERY DAY FROM 4-6PM 4 – 6 PM ALL COCKTAILS, GLASS WINE ALL COCK TAILS, GL ASS WINE AND BEERS ARE HALF PRICE AND BEERS ARE HALF PRICE DINING GUIDE LEGEND

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

March // April • 2016 | 176 | omahamagazine.com

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$+$30+ MC=Master Card • V=Visa AE=American Express • DC=Discover Card

Omaha’s newest upscale lounge is open and ready to show you the world! Travel Design Lounge features an array of specialty coffees, craft beers, wines, spirits and appetizers from around the globe, in addition to giving patrons the ability to research travel options. Come in today to experience this innovative lounge concept for yourself!

ENJOY THESE HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS EVERY DAY FROM 3PM TO 7PM: $3 Wells $3 Beers $3 off any glass of wine FREE select appetizer when you buy a bottle of wine

Located in The Shops of Legacy

16950 Wright Plaza #151, Omaha, NE traveldesignlounge.com

March // April • 2016 | 177 | bestofomaha.com

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Omaha Magazine • Dining Guide MILLARD ROADHOUSE - $ MC, V

13325 Millard Ave. 402-891-9292 The all American neighborhood grill Millard Roadhouse is perfect for the whole family, with hugh portions, great service and even better food. From broasted chicken to fried green tomatoes, theres something for every taste, and trust us your not going to leave hungry. Also serving Sunday Brunch and the Best Happy Hour in the area. Mon.-Wed. 11:00-9:00pm, Thur.-Sat. 11:00am-10:00pm, Sun. 10:00am-9:00pm.

LO-LO’S CHICKEN & WAFFLES - $

brews cafes chef profiles cocktails dining reviews farmers markets recipes taverns treats

402-991-9400 7051 Ames Avenue What came first? The chicken or the waffle? Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles has the juiciest, most flavorful fried chicken and the fluffiest, melt-in- your-mouth waffles which has created an underground soul food revolution – one that’s slowly spreading downright deliciousness across the country.

OLD MATTRESS FACTORY - $$

402-346-9116 501 N. 13th St Within walking distance of Omaha's major entertainment facilities, including TD Ameritrade Park and CenturyLink Center Omaha, this historic building remodeled in 2007 boasts great dining and three private dining rooms for your own events. Stop in before or after any Downtown Omaha event. Open daily at 11:00 a.m. themattomaha.com

PHOENIX FOOD & SPIRITS - $

402-493-7607 12015 Blondo St. Come experience the Best Burgers on Blondo. Also featuring one of Omaha's best happy hours and reverse happy hour. The Phoenix offers friendly service, a heated patio and numerous televisions so you won't miss a minute of the action. This is the place where Omaha goes for Fun, Food & Spirits.

STELLA’S - $ MC, V, AE, DC

402-291-6088 106 S Galvin Road, Bellevue Since 1936, we’ve been making our Stella’s world famous hamburgers the same way. The family secrets have been handed down to each owner to ensure that your burger is the same one you fell in love with the first time you ever tried Stella’s. And if it’s your first time, we know you’ll be back! Mon.–Sat. 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m., Sun. closed. stellasbarandgrill.com

UPSTREAM BREWING COMPANY - $$

FOOD & DRINK

514 S. 11th St. (402-344-0200) 17070 Wright Plz. (402-778-0100) Upstream features an extensive menu of new American pub fare including appetizers, thin-crust pizzas, superb steaks featuring Omaha Steaks, fresh fish, pasta, salads, sandwiches, and a great children’s menu. Fresh, handcrafted beer and root beer on tap. Extensive wine list. Call ahead for group reservations or to be placed on our waiting list. Visit our classic, upscale poolroom located on the second level.

ICE CREAM TED AND WALLY’S - $ MC, V

402-341-5827 1120 Jackson St. 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.

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$+$30+ MC=Master Card • V=Visa AE=American Express • DC=Discover Card

March // April • 2016 | 178 | omahamagazine.com

OMAHA’S ORIGINAL STEAKHOUSE

Omaha’s Only

Authentic German Restaurant

Locally Owned Since 1976 • Proudly serving visitor & locals for 90 years. • Featured on CNN.com Best Meat Cities in America • Serving hand cut steaks, aged on premise and slow roasted prime rib with pride. 402-731-4774 www.johnnyscafe.com 27th & ‘L’ St., Kennedy Frwy, ‘L’ St. Exit 8 Minutes from Downtown Omaha.

Best Of Omaha 10 Years Running

WHERE WHERE GOOD GOOD FOOD FOOD AND AND GOOD GOOD SERVICE SERVICE NEVER NEVER GO GO OUT OUT OF OF STYLE. STYLE.

German Strudel, Sauerkraut, Schnitzel, & Beer. Wednesday and Thursday Night Pan Fried Chicken Full Bakery, Fresh Bread, Donuts, & Cakes.

Wedding Cake Specialist!

Featuring Naked Wedding Cakes

10 min from downtown Omaha

5180 Leavenworth

402-553-6774

GerdasGermanRestaurant.com

Thanks for Voting Us

#1 BREAKFAST 8 YEARS in a Row!

177th & Center • 934-9914 156th & Dodge • 408-1728 120th & Blondo • 991-8222 Drive-Thru Open (Center St. Only) Open Daily 6:30am-2:00pm Serving Breakfast & Lunch All Day! March // April • 2016 | 179 | bestofomaha.com

Omaha Magazine • Dining Guide

Thank you Omaha for voting us Best Family Restaurant!

“Serving The Best Chicken in Town Since 1997”

13325 Millard Ave. • 402-891-9292 www.millardroadhouse.com

The Holland Performing Arts Ctr Zinc Full Service Upscale Dining Ovations Bar and Lounge

1200 Douglas St. Downtown Omaha Open Before and After Performances Visit us @ OmahaPerformingArts.org

The Dining Room

Farm Fresh Foods You Love To Eat

1400 Douglas st. Downtown Omaha OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

International Cuisine

with Fresh, Local, Seasonal Ingredients

Open Daily for Breakfast & Lunch 6:30 am – 1:30 pm Visit us @ cafeatup.com O P E R AT E D BY

3461 S 84th St, Omaha, NE 68124 402.393.0640 . farmhousecafe.com

March // April • 2016 | 180 | omahamagazine.com

Omaha Magazine • Dining Guide ITALIAN DON CARMELO'S PIZZERIA - $

402-933-3190 10821 Prairie Brook Rd. Omaha's first and finest New York-style pizza, stromboli, calzones, oven-toasted hoagies, Philly cheesesteaks, pasta, salads, beer, and wine. We also feature take-out and delivery and can cater your special event, large or small. Tue.-Thur., 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun., Noon-8 p.m.

LA CASA PIZZARIA - $$ MC, V

402-556-6464 45th & Leavenworth St. La Casa Pizzaria has been serving Omaha it’s legendary Neapolitan Style pizza and pasta for 60 years now. We offer dine in, carryout, party facilities, catering and now pizza shipments to the 48 contiguous states. Open Tues.- Sat. at 11 a.m. and Sun. at 4:30 p.m. lacasapizzaria.net

LO SOLE MIO RISTORANTE ITALIANO - $$

402-345-5656 3001 S. 32nd Ave. Located in the middle of a neighborhood, surrounded by charming homes. Everyone is greeted with homemade bread, a bowl of fresh tomatoes and basil, a bowl of oven-roasted garlic cloves, specialseasoned olive oil, and at night, a jug of Chianti! The menu includes a large variety of pasta, chicken, veal, seafood, and even a delicious New York steak. Traditional dishes such as lasagna, tortellini, and eggplant parmigiana are also available. Lunch also offers panini, salads, and one of the best pizzas in town. Patio seating, full bar, and a great wine list complete the atmosphere. No reservations, except for private rooms.

PITCH - $$ MC, V, AE, DC

402- 590-2625 5021 Underwood Ave. Open Table Diners Choice 2014 HotSpot Restaurants in America. Keeping up with the traditional way the first pizzas in Italy were made, our pizzas are cooked in a coal-fired oven. The menu also features seafood, handcut steak, housemade pastas, and a burger full of flavor! Our goal is to provide you with local, housemade, and imported ingredients. We offer a Happy Hour menu through the week. And, our bar provides an array of in-house concoctions as well as your traditional libation! Our wine selection is well-thought and most impressive!! You will enjoy Pitch! Mon. 3 p.m.-10 p.m., Tue.-Thur. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m.-10 p.m. pitchpizzeria.com.

SPEZIA - $$$ MC, V

402-391-2950 3125 S. 72nd St. 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 Mon.-Sun. Cocktail hour: 4-6 p.m., when all cocktails, glass wine, and beers are half price. Evening reservations recommended.

EST. 1993 6 Omaha area LOcatiOns!

Downtown - 10th & Capitol - 402-763-9974 Aksarben Village - 67th & Center - 402-933-3533 Miracle Hills - 114th & Dodge - 402-498-8855 Millard - 180th & Q - 402-933-8844 Bellevue - 23rd & Cornhusker - 402-292-9096 Plattsmouth - Hwy 75 & Oak Hill Rd. - 402-298-4166

DJSDUGOUT.COM

ZIO’S PIZZERIA - $$ MC, V

7834 Dodge St. (402-391-1881) 12997 W. Center Rd. (402-330-1444) 1109 Howard St. (402-344-2222) Delivery, dine in, and carry out. Serving New York style pizza by the slice or whole pies, calzones, hoagies, pastas, salads, and garlic breads. Our pies are hand-stretched and baked in old-world ovens. We offer 35 of the freshest toppings; taste the freshest pizza at Zio’s! Family dining, open seven days a week. Lunch specials and beer and wine available.

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$+$30+ MC=Master Card • V=Visa AE=American Express • DC=Discover Card

March // April • 2016 | 181 | bestofomaha.com

Sports Bar

2016 First Place KETV 7 • Baxter Arena

Omaha Magazine • Dining Guide MEXICAN EL ALAMO - $ MC, V, AE, DC

402-731-8969 4917 S. 24th St. Located in the heart of Omaha’s thriving Hispanic community. We provide catering services and a party room. elalamoomaha.com

FERNANDO’S - $ MC, V, AE

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. Mon.-Thu., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 4 p.m.-9 p.m.

LA MESA - $$ MC, V

Ames! & t s 1 7 t a n e Now Op

156th & Q St.(402-763-2555) 110th & Maple St.(402-496-1101) Ft. Crook Rd. & 370 (402-733-8754) 84th & Tara Plaza (402-593-0983) Lake Manawa Exit, Council Bluffs, IA (712-256-2762) Come experience an authentic taste experience at La Mesa! From awesome enchiladas to fabulous fajitas, La Mesa has something for every connoisseur of Mexican fare to savor. Get started with one of La Mesa’s famous margaritas! So kick back in our fun-friendly atmosphere and you’ll see why La Mesa has been voted Omaha’s # 1 Mexican Restaurant 11 Years in a Row! www.la-mesa.com

MARGARITA'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT - $

loloschickenandwaffles.com Serving Nebraska's Great Steaks and American Classics!

2505 S. 132nd St. (402-991-3555) 4915 S. 72nd St. (402-393-7515) Margaritas is a business with more than 7 years in the food world. We offer authentic food at 2 nice locations in Omaha where you can enjoy a nice moment with your family.

ROJA MEXICAN GRILL - $$

17010 Wright Plz. (402-333-7652) 1212 Harney St. (402-346-9190) Roja Mexican Grill serves it up Tex-Mex style. Fajitas, tacos, enchiladas, tostadas, chimichangas, and more! All with sizzling smack and an extra helping of Tex flavor. Wash it all down with a Pomegrante Margarita or a tall boy Tecate. Our drink menu boasts more than 80 tequilas. rojagrill.com

SEAFOOD CHARLIE’S ON THE LAKE - $$

402-894-9411 4150 . 144th St. Charlie’s is the only fresh-fish-daily seafood restaurant in Omaha. Features a relaxed yet contemporary atmosphere that is fun for all ages. Besides fresh seafood, Charlie’s is the home of the James Bondstyle martini (shaken, not stirred) in over 20 varieties in addition to over 60 wines. Mon.-Thu., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sat., 4:30 p.m.-11 p.m..

Homemade Ice cream and PIes • 5914 center • Petrows.com • 402.551.0552

PLANK SEAFOOD PROVISIONS - $$$

402-507-4480 1205 Howard St. Plank Seafood Provisions is a coastally-inspired oyster bar and seafood grill. Our menu is faithful to the tradition of fresh seafood, high-quality ingredients, and a made-from-scratch mentality. A different oyster variety is offered daily for $1.25 during Happy Hour. plank seafood.com

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

Stella’s Bar and Grill

“Serving World Famous Hamburgers since 1936” 106 Galvin Rd • Bellevue, NE • 402-291-6088 • Open Monday-Saturday, 11:00 am - 9:00 pm March // April • 2016 | 182 | omahamagazine.com

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$+$30+ MC=Master Card • V=Visa AE=American Express • DC=Discover Card

Omaha Magazine • Dining Guide Best Greek

THANK YOU OMAHA FOR VOTING US BEST PIZZA 24 STRAIGHT YEARS! Hand-stretched New York style pizza

Family Owned Since 1983

Catering ~ Party Room Available Homemade, Fresh Food ~ Always 3821 Center St. 402/346-1528

GreekIslandsOmaha.com

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

391-1881

330-1444

7834 Dodge St.

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

12997 W. Center Rd.

344-2222

1109 Howard St. (Old Market)

HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY FROM 4PM-6PM 0010-2015UpstreamAd-OmahaMag-5x4.917_fnl.pdf

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

Serving Lunch & Dinner

Mon-Sat

3001 S. 32nd Ave • Omaha, NE 402-345-5656 brews cafes chef profiles cocktails dining reviews farmers markets recipies taverns treats

FOOD&DRINK

March // April • 2016 | 183 | bestofomaha.com

4/7/15

3:51 PM ZIOSPIZZERIA.COM

Omaha Magazine • Dining Guide SPECIAL DINING AMSTERDAM FALAFEL & KABOB MIDDLE EASTERN- $

402-504-3223 620 N. 50th St. Casual counter service and a simple menu allows you to explore exotic flavors in a friendly and approachable dining environment. Amsterdam packs the best spices and sauces from around the world into their falafel & kabob menu. Your visit won’t be complete without an order of their famous Curry Fries. eatafk.com

BLUE SUSHI SAKE GRILL- $$

14450 Eagle Run Dr. (402-445-2583) 16939 Wright Plz. (402-547-5959) 416 S. 12th St. (402-408-5566) Fresh and energetic, Blue Sushi Sake Grill offers an inspired mix of creative sushi for purists and adventurers alike. You will enjoy a dining experience infused with flavor and spirited atmosphere. A large maki, sashimi and nigiri menu complements Asian-inspired cold plates, hot plates, entrees, soups, desserts and an extensive premium sake menu. bluesushisakegrill.com.

BUSHWACKERS- $

402-593-9037 7401 Main St., Ralston, NE Live music every Fri. night and DJ on Sat. night. Free dance lessons every Wed. and Thur. night from 7-8pm. Now serving food Wed.-Sun.

CRESCENT MOON ALE HOUSE - $

402-345-1708 3578 Farnam St. Founded in 1996, we’ve grown into Beer Corner USA with the additions of The Huber Haus German Beer Hall, Max and Joe’s Belgian Beer Tavern, and Beertopia, Omaha’s Ultimate Beer Store. With more than 60 beers on tap and Omaha’s best reuben sandwich, we are a midtown beer lover’s destination. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Kitchen hours: Mon.-Wed., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat. 11 a.m.-midnight. Closed Sun. www.beercornerusa.com.

THE CHROME

402-339-8660 8552 Park Dr. Live music every Fri. and Sat. nights. Song writer night on Thur.

FETA'S GYRO & CATERING - $$

743 N. 114th St. (402-504-4976) 119 S. 40th St. (402 558 5623) Fast casual restaurant serving Greek and American foods. Featuring homemade baklava! The 119 S. 40th location has a drive-thru for your convenience.

GERDA’S GERMAN RESTAURANT & BAKERY - $

402-553-6774 5180 Leavenworth St. Omaha’s only authentic German restaurant; a little piece of Germany in Omaha. Gerda herself makes homemade spaetzle, schnitzels, and rouladen Fresh-made soups, red cabbage, sauerkraut, and dumplings are a few other treats. Stay for a dessert of Black Forest cake or grab fresh bakery for breakfast on your way out. Check hours at gerdasgermanrestaurant.com.

GRAND CHINA BUFFET - $$

402-504-3711 11226 Chicago Cir. "Grand China Buffet is located 1 block south of 114th St. & Dodge. Our restaurant is dedicated to offering the most memorable dinning experience for you. We provide a party Room & Catering Service for all occasions. A carry out buffet is also available.

DINING GUIDE LEGEND Carry Out Buffet Available Beer & Wine Available www.gcbne.com March // April • 2016 | 184 | omahamagazine.com

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$+$30+ MC=Master Card • V=Visa AE=American Express • DC=Discover Card

Since 1921

Double The Fun!

lla Buns! e t o R e t i r o v a F r u o Y h t i W Hamburger Buns Hot Dog Buns Brat Buns

Gluten-Free Buns Ciabatta Buns Hoagies

www.rotellasbakery.com

March // April • 2016 | 185 | bestofomaha.com

Omaha Magazine • Dining Guide GREEK ISLANDS - $

402-346-1528 3821 Center St. Greek cuisine with specials every day at reasonable prices. Well known for our gyro sandwiches and salads. We cater and can accommodate a party for 65 guests. Carryout and delivery available. Mon.-Thu., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

GUCKENHEIMER - $ • • • •

Chicago Style Hot Dogs Chilli Dogs Italian Beef Polish & Italian Sausage

• Hand Cut Fries • Onion Rings • Catering Available!

3157 Farnam • Midtown Crossing 402.504.1234 chicagodawghouse.com

1200 Douglas St. - Holland Performing Arts Center 1400 Douglas St - The Dining Room at Union Pacific Featuring 2 great dining experiences. The Dining Room at Union Pacific features International cuisine with fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. We are open for breakfast and lunch. The Holland Performing Arts Center features Zinc, a full service upscale dining experience, and Ovations Bar & Lounge. Open before and after performances.

HORSEMEN’S PARK- $

402-731-2900 6303 Q St. One-dollar pints, $1.75 domestic bottles, and $2 well drinks for our happy hour Mon.-Wed., 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Tuesdays are 25-cent wings from 3-8 p.m., Wednesdays are Steak Night after 5 p.m., Thursdays are 75-cent tacos and $1.75 margaritas after 5 p.m., and Fridays are Prime Rib Dinner after 5 p.m. Daily specials seven days a week. Open at 10 a.m. www.horsemenspark.com

5203 Leavenworth st. Omaha, NE 68106

Lunch Mon-Fri 11-2 Dinner Mon-Sat 5-10

www.jcocoomaha.com

Located “Just a Wink from the Link”,

we have everything you might desire for lunch & dinner, a night out or in planning your next event.

JAIPUR INDIAN RESTAURANT AND BREWERY - $$$

402-392-7331 10922 Elm St. A casual restaurant in a relaxed atmosphere. Dinner entrees include fresh vegetables, grilled Colorado lamb sirloin, sushi-grade Ahi, tandoori marinated grilled salmon, and tandoori grilled beef tenderloin to name a few. A wide selection of wines and liquor, as well as on-site brewed beer. Lunch: Thurs. and Fri., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner: Sun.-Thurs., 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri and Sat., 5 p.m.-10:30 p.m.

J.COCO - $$$

402-884-2626 5203 Leavenworth St. The building that once housed a beloved neighborhood grocery has a new future. Built as a grocery back in 1925 it is now home to J. Coco. Our seasonal menus rooted in tradition, showcases our natural ingredients. Local, organic, and sustainable when available. We feature craft bar tending, house made desserts and pastas. We celebrate traditional… With a modern twist. Lunch (M-F 11am-2pm) - Dinner (M-Sat 5-close) jcocoomaha.com

MARRAKECH GOURMET - $$

402-502-0739 504 N 33rd St Sit back and prepare for an authentic Moroccan dining experience. Choose from a savory array of traditional entrees such as chicken, lamb, and vegetarian dishes, influenced by a variety of Mediterranean flavors. We invite you to relax and enjoy an evening of fine food and extraordinary hospitality. Visit today! Sunday-Saturday 11am-10pm. marrakechgourmetomaha.com

501 N. 13th Street | 402.346.9116 theMattOmaha.com /oldmattressfactory

@Matt_factory March // April • 2016 | 186 | omahamagazine.com

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$+$30+ MC=Master Card • V=Visa AE=American Express • DC=Discover Card

NOSH RESTAURANT AND WINE LOUNGE - $$

402-614-2121 1006 Dodge St. Located in downtown Omaha blocks away from the CenturyLink Center Omaha, Holland Performing Arts, and the Old Market—Nosh is the perfect place to gather and celebrate good times. Guests are sure to enjoy our comfortable relaxing atmosphere, diverse wine list, impressive cocktails and food that will please any palate. noshwine.com

Always a Large Selection of Fresh Fish

O’CONNOR’S IRISH PUB - $

402-934-9790 1217 Howard St. Comfortable, relaxing atmosphere. Great before and after games. We offer pub style food—burgers, reubens, daily specials, and homemade soups—as well as all the traditional Irish favorite libations: Guinness, Harp, and Irish whiskey. Grill hours: Mon.-Thu., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

4150 SOUTH 144TH STREET • OMAHA • 894-9411

SALT 88 - $$

The Original Whiskey Steak

402-991-9088 3623 N. 129th St. Brought to you by the owners of Hiro 88, Salt is a New American adventure in cuisine. Its a restaurant supported by a friendly staff, savory appetizers, and, most importantly, free cotton candy at the end of your meal. Guests are sure to notice that not only is the food unique, but its ambiance feels modern and inviting, making your meal not just delicious, but memorable. salt88.com

h Steak ouse

2016 Winner KETV 7 • Baxter Arena

Voted Best of Omaha 5 years in a row

THE WOODCLIFF RESTAURANT - $$

402-721-2922 980 County Rd. W., Fremont, NE The Woodcliff Restaurant takes lakeside dining to a new level. Our accomplished Chefs deliver a wide selection of traditional favorites and new experimental cuisine. We also offer a refined selection of wine and spirits.

TRAVEL DESIGN LOUNGE - $$

16950 Wright Plaza Suite 151 402-548-3280 Travel Design Lounge is a full service travel agency combined with a full bar and coffee shop. Come in anytime to enjoy drinks with friends over happy hour or let us guide you in planning the vacation of a lifetime. “Get Tripsy” and be inspired to travel!

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

2121 S. 73 St.

ZESTO ICE CREAM & GRILL - $

7130 N. 102nd Cr. (402-884-7106) Cherry Hills 8608 N. 30th St. (402-451-0581) Florence Zesto has been an Omaha staple for over 60 years, With our 2 locations being voted among Omaha's best Ice Cream. We pride ourselves on our great customer service and quality products.

Old Market

Coming Soon to Benson

1120 Jackson Street 402.341.5827

6023 Maple Street

•

tedandwallys.com

9 Years In A Row

STEAKS • CHOPS • SEAFOOD ITALIAN SPECIALTIES 7 private party rooms Seating up to 400 Lots of parking

DINING GUIDE LEGEND 1620 S. 10th Street

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$+$30+

402-345-8313

MC=Master Card • V=Visa

www.casciossteakhouse.com

AE=American Express • DC=Discover Card

March // April • 2016 | 187 | bestofomaha.com

PALACE Omaha Magazine • Dining Guide

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

STEAKHOUSES 801 CHOPHOUSE - $$$$

402-341-1222 1403 Farnam St. Designed with a 1920s-era New York chophouse in mind, 801 is the epitome of elegance. You will not forget the crisp-white-tablecloth, fine-dining experience. From our USDA prime-grade beef and jet-fresh seafood from all over the world, we are truly the best Omaha has to offer. Open seven nights a week.

Mandarin • Hunan Szechuan • Cantonese Shanghai 4040 N 132nd St (132 & Maple) 402.493.277 | GoldenPalaceNE.com

Bringing Italy to Omaha

n Sandwi ube ch Re

for Over 90 Years

2016 First Place KETV 7 • Baxter Arena

Try Omaha’s Favorite Reuben! Orsi’s is famous for our pizza. Our Italian Deli features a variety of meats, homemade sausage, cakes, cannolis, cheese and bread products.

621 Pacific St, Omaha • 402-345-3438 www.orsibakery.com

Omaha’s largest selection of craft beers.

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

BROTHER SEBASTIANS - $$$

402-330-0300 1350 S 119th St Relax in the cozy old world comfort of an early California monastery with friendly “monks” that pamper you in subdued, romantic surroundings, and savor the fresh, full flavors of U.S.D.A. Choice Nebraska Angus Beef seared over an open flame. Brother Sebastian’s Steak House and Winery is locally owned and has been recognized as one of Omaha’s best restaurants for a delicious, romantic dining experience. Join us with your party of two or fifty and we’ll help make your special occasion enjoyable and memorable. Reservations accepted. Lunch: Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner: MonThur. 5-9 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 5-10 p.m., Sun. 4-9 p.m.

CASCIOS - $$

402-345-8313 1620 S. 10th St. Cascios is Omaha's Number 1 steakhouse. We have been serving Omaha for 69 years. We feature Steaks, Chops, Seafood and Italian Specialties. We Have 7 Private Party Rooms, seating for up to 400 people and plenty of parking.

THE DROVER RESTAURANT & LOUNGE - $$$

402-391-7440 2121 S. 73rd St. Famous for the original Whiskey Steak. Truly a one of a kind Midwestern experience. Excellent food, wine, service and value. Rare...and very well done. Reservations accepted. Lunch: Mon.–Fri. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Cocktail Hour: 3-6 p.m. Dinner: Nightly at 5 p.m. Reservations accepted.

JOHNNY'S CAFÉ - $$$ MC, V, AE

NEW LOCATION! NOW OPEN! A Fusion of Moroccan and Mediterranean Flavors 402.502.0739 504 N 33rd St. Omaha, NE marrakechgourmetomaha.com

40th & Dodge • 402.558.5623 (Drive thru at this location) 114th & Dodge • 402.504.4976

402-731-4774 4702 S. 27th St. Years of quality dining and hospitality make Johnny's Café a restaurant to remember. We serve only the finest beef the Midwest has to offer. Aged steaks and prime rib are the specialties, with homemade bread and pies to complete a meal. An excellent wine list adds to the enjoyment at one of Omaha's original restaurants. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Fresh, Greek, Fast! Eat In - Catering

M-Th & Sa: 11a-8:30p Fri: 11a-9p fetasgyros.com

Serving the Metro Area for More Than 20 Years! Sports Bar

THANK YOU OMAHA!

SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS

2016 Winner

OMAHA.COM

TBL

KETV 7 • Baxter Arena

FOOD, WINE, FRIENDS. WE DELIVER

3623 N. 129 ST. OMAHA, NE 68164 402.991.9088 | SALT88.COM

DUNDEE LOCATION 402.934.9439 4900 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68132

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

RALSTON LOCATION 402.339.1944 9735 Q Street Omaha, NE 68127

MILLARD LOCATION BELLEVUE LOCATION 402.505.6660 402.932.1944 14529 F Street 3504 Samson Way Omaha, NE 68137 Bellevue, NE 68123

WWW.VARSITYROMANCOINPIZZA.COM

March // April • 2016 | 188 | omahamagazine.com

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$+$30+ MC=Master Card • V=Visa AE=American Express • DC=Discover Card

9443UBCB2BAd_fnl.pdf

12/1/14

5:08 PM

happy hour Daily open - 7pm

Special Happy Hour Menu

3:59pm - 6:59pm & 9:01pm -12:01am

Heated Outdoor Patio 12015 blondo st. 402.493.7607 phoenixfoodandspiritsomaha.com

Happy Hour Specials

Everyday 4PM-6PM Friday & Saturday 10PM-12AM

STOP IN FOR HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS

$2 Off any Wine by the Glass | $3 Domestic Beers | $4 Wells $5 Select Martinis | $4 Hummus or Chorizo Nachos $5 Bruschetta or Spinach and Artichoke Dip $6 Margherita Flatbread or Duck Tacos

www.noshwine.com 1006 Dodge St | 402.614.2121

SIP.TASTE.SAVOR.

se Happy Ho ver ur Re

“Just a Wink from the Link” 501 N. 13th St. | 402.346.9116 www.themattomaha.com

2016 Winner KETV 7 • Baxter Arena

HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS M-F 3p-6p $1 Off ALL 75+ Craft & Domestic Beers

$3 Wells $5 Wines $7 Top Shelf Spirits

Select Appetizers

402.916.4PAR (4727)

120th & Giles | beyondgolfomaha.com March // April • 2016 | 189 | bestofomaha.com

COME DISCOVER WHY

SARPY COUNTY IS SO NEAR, SO FUN! LA VISTA

PAPILLION

NOT FUNNY

AK-SAR-BEN AQUARIUM

HOLY FAMILY SHRINE

BELLEVUE • GRETNA • LA VISTA • PAPILLION • SPRINGFIELD • OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE, LA VISTA

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OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE

SPRINGFIELD DRUGWERNER & OLD FASHIONED PARK SODA FOUNTAIN, SPRINGFIELD

With SIX WONDERFUL COMMUNITIES, you’ll have ONE

GREAT TIME in Sarpy County. All this and more located just minutes south of Omaha. We can’t wait to see you! For more information, visit us at

GOSARPY.COM.

March // April • 2016 | 190 | omahamagazine.com

MARCH DAVINCI THE EXHIBITION Through May 1 at Union Station, Kansas City, MO Sixty-five of DaVinci’s most important inventions are recreated in full scale, and more than 20 fine art studies and dozens of stunning displays are presented in spectacular detail. 816-460-2020 -unionstation.org/davinci

ART OF THE BRICK Through

May 8 at the Sioux City Art Center, Sioux City, IA The Art of the Brick features sculptures constructed of LEGO® bricks by artist Nathan Sawaya. In Pieces, a photographic collaboration with Dean West incorporating Sawaya's sculptures into large-scale tableau compositions, is also presented in this exhibition. 712-279-6272 -siouxcityartcenter.org

BATTER UP! Baseball starts again at Werner Park April 7th. Join the Stormchasers: Sarpy County’s Kansas City Royal Triple-A Affiliate minor league baseball team for a summer at the ball park. Werner Park not only has baseball, it has fireworks, movies, and, of course, delicious ball park food throughout the season. Season tickets, group tickets, and individual tickets are on sale now at omahastormchasers.com

CONNECTING CHAOS EXHIBIT

Through Sept. 11 at Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, Kansas City, MO This exhibition presents works from the Kemper Museum’s permanent collection by artist Frank Stella, illustrating his methods for linking the chaotic ebb and flow of imagery in his mixed-media art. 816-753-5784 -kemperart.org

ARTS & LETTERS Through

May 1 at Des Moines Art Center, Des Moines, IA Arts & Letters considers connections between literature and the visual arts across various times and cultures, featuring rare book editions such as Salvador Dali’s illustrations for “Alice in Wonderland.” 515-277-4405 -desmoinesartcenter.org

STEVE JOY April 8-May 31, Kiechel Fine Art, Lincoln, NE World-renowned, Omaha-based abstract artist brings new series to Kiechel Fine Art. Steve Joy has been with the Lincoln Gallery since the early 2000s. This will be the first solo showcase for him in the Lincoln area in over a decade. Opening reception: Friday, April 8 6-9pm. 402-420-9553 - kiechelfinert.com

CABARET

March 1-6 at the Des Moines Civic Center, Des Moines, IA Direct from Broadway, the acclaimed masterpiece is coming to Des Moines. Roundabout Theatre Company is proud to present Sam Mendes and Rob Marshall’s Tony Awardwinning production. Times vary. 515-246-2300 -desmoinesperformingarts.org

March // April • 2016 | 191 | bestofomaha.com

ALEXANDER MELNIKOV ON PIANO March 4 at Folly Theater in Kansas City, MO Come listen to Alexander Melnikov, a graduate of the Moscow Conservatory under Lev Naumov. He’s received various awards at competitions such as the International Robert Schumann Competition and the Concours Musical Reine Elisabeth. 8pm. 816-474-4444 -follytheater.org

Omaha Magazine • Section LIL’ WAYNE, THE DEDICATION TOUR March

CARRIE UNDERWOOD, THE STORYTELLER TOUR

6 at Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln, NE Grammy® Award-winning and multi-platinum selling hip hop music superstar, Lil Wayne, announced The Dedication Tour, visiting cities he’s missed on past tour runs. 7:30pm. 402-904-5600 -pinnaclebankarena.com

March 26 at Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln, NE Seven-time Grammy winner and top female country artist, Carrie Underwood, is launching an arena tour in 2016 to take her new music on the road. The tour includes special guests Easton Corbin and The Swon Brothers. 7pm. 402-904-4444 -pinnaclebankarena.com

NEW ORLEANS JAZZ ORCHESTRA March 11 at the Lied Center, Lincoln, NE Legendary singer Dee Dee Bridgewater joins Irvin Mayfield and his New Orleans Jazz Orchestra for a memorable concert filled with the spirit of Mardi Gras and unmistakable sounds of New Orleans. 7:30pm. 402-472-4700 -liedcenter.org

JERSEY BOYS

FALL OUT BOY WITH AWOLNATION March 14

PABLO ZIEGLER QUARTET FOR NEW TANGO

at the Wells Fargo Arena at Iowa Events Center, Des Moines, IA Showing no signs of stopping, multiplatinum selling artist Fall Out Boy is set to bring another can’t-miss line-up across the U.S. in 2016, announcing their tour with AWOLNATION. 7pm. 515-564-8000 -iowaeventscenter.com

March 31 at the Lied Center, Lincoln, NE A famed figure in Argentine New Tango, Pablo Ziegler has played some of the most important concert halls and festivals around the globe, meanwhile earning a Latin GRAMMY® for Best Tango Album. 7:30pm. 402-472-4747 -liedcenter.org

Omaha Magazine • Explore

March 30 at The Orpheum, Sioux City, IA Raves the New York Post for Jersey Boys, the 2006 Tony Award® winning Best Musical about four blue-collar kids who became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. Times vary. 712-244-5000 -orpheumlive.com

THE CAT IN THE HAT

April 2 at the Des Moines Civic Center, Des Moines, IA From the moment his tall, red-and-white-striped hat appears at their door, Sally and her brother know that the Cat in the Hat is the most mischievous cat they will ever meet. 1pm. 515-246-2300 -desmoinesperformingarts.org

RIVERDANCE, 20TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR March 15-17 at the Lied Center, Lincoln, NE The international Irish dance phenomenon is back by popular demand in its 20th Anniversary World Tour. 7:30pm all nights. 402-472-4700 -liedcenter.org

APRIL SPIRIT 2016: A CELEBRATION OF ART IN THE HEARTLAND April 1-3 at the Museum of Nebraska Art, Kearney, NE A weekend of spirited events featuring the work of Nebraska’s finest artists. The celebration offers patron package festivities, gala dinner and art auction, and closes with Good Morning MONA. Times vary. 308-865-8559 -mona.uk.edu

March // April • 2016 | 192 | omahamagazine.com

JUSTIN BIEBER, PURPOSE WORLD TOUR

April 6 at the Sprint Center, Kansas City, MO After releasing back-to-back hit singles and a studio album that has become a global sensation, Justin Bieber will perform in Kansas City this April for his Purpose World Tour. 7:30pm. 816-949-7140 -sprintcenter.com

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

BROADWAY’S NEXT H!T MUSICAL April 12-17 at Des Moines Civic Center, Des Moines, IA Every song is fresh. Every scene is new. Every night is different. It’s all improvised and it’s all funny. The New York Times calls Broadway’s Next H!T Musical “Hilarious!” Times vary. 515-246-2300 -desmoinesperformingarts.org

Award Winning Competition Team

JIM NORTON, MOUTHFUL OF SHAME TOUR

April 15 at Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland, Kansas City, MO American comedian, radio personality, bestselling author and actor, Jim Norton has regularly guest-starred on The Tonight Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, Louie, and Inside Amy Schumer. 8pm. -midlandkc.com

MOSCOW FESTIVAL BALLET: ROMEO AND JULIET April 19 at the Lied Center, Lincoln, NE Founded by legendary Bolshoi Ballet principal dancer Sergei Radchenko, the Moscow Festival Ballet presents the passionate story of "Romeo and Juliet". 7:30pm. 402-472-4747 -liedcenter.org

ANNIE April 21-22 at the Lied Center, Lincoln, NE The world’s best-loved musical returns in timehonored form. This brand new incarnation includes unforgettable songs such as “It’s the Hard-Knock Life” and “Tomorrow.” 7pm. 402-472-4747 -liedcenter.org

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

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

PRAIRE LOFT SPRINGFEST April 24 at Prairie Loft Center for Outdoor and Agricultural Learning, Hastings, NE Springfest visitors can meet the Nebraska Dairy Princess, watch sheep-shearing demonstrations, and learn about farm heritage. Free admission and open to all ages. 1-6pm. 402-463-0565 -prairieloft.org

THE WHO, NORTH AMERICAN TOUR April 29 at the Sprint Center, Kansas City, MO THE WHO have sold over 100 million records since forming in 1964, and as they enter their 50th year, the band is still going strong. 7:30pm. 816-949-7140 -sprintcenter.com

BRANTLEY GILBERT, BLACKOUT TOUR April 30 at Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln, NE Brantley Gilbert continues to push the edge when it comes to music. Gilbert’s unrelenting brand of country has notched six number one tracks, as well as his two Aldean smashes. Time TBA. 402-904-4444 -pinnaclebankarena.com

Congratulations to Executive Chef and Business Owner Jeff Snow for being inducted into the Omaha Hospitality Hall of Fame.

Way to go Chef!

402.558.3202 | CateringCreations.com

LINCOLN'S SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA April 30 at the Lied Center, Lincoln, NE Avi will join Lincoln Symphony Orchestra to perform selections from Vivaldi’s "Four Seasons", along with a piece written especially for him by Avni Dorman. 7:30pm. 402-476-2211 -lincolnsymphony.org

First Place 6 years in a row! An approved caterer for many of Omaha’s nest venues. March // April • 2016 | 193 | bestofomaha.com

Omaha Magazine • Not Funny

DON'T TALK ABOUT POLITICS ...but if you must... BY OTIS TWELVE PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN

LONG TIME AGO someone told you not

to talk about politics. It was inferred that doing so would cause family friction, cost you business, break up your garage band, or cost you friends. I say, “Balderdash!” A little bickering and the occasional 9-1-1 call can strengthen family bonds. Especially as you all pull together to make bond for Uncle Bud, who didn’t know about that outstanding warrant. As for losing clients and customers, well, everyone who works retail knows how bothersome they can be. And don’t sweat the band thing. Chances are your mates don’t like your ska version of "Stairway to Heaven" anyway, and already have a new lead guitarist lined up who knows three more chords than you do. As for friends, no problem. In this modern age it’s easy to get friends. In fact Facebook told me today that I have so many friends that I can’t have any more. (Apparently 5000 is the maximum friend load the human psyche can bear.) So, let’s lose a few. Let’s talk politics.

HERE ARE THE RULES: 01. Don’t get bogged down by facts.

Reality might not work for your favorite candidate or party. Besides, who has time to actually find out what the facts are? Keep it personal. Go with the classics. Remember, “Al Gore is fat!” You can update that easy enough. “Michael Moore is fat!” or “Chris Christie is fat!” Fat always beats fact.

02. Which leads us to: Don’t worry about

being Politically Correct. The whole being considerate, sensitive, tolerant, and charitable thing is more of a religious concept and we all know you should never talk about religion…

03. Unless the candidate you oppose

practices some bizarre, cultish, fringe creed—Unitarianism, for example—then, by all means bring it up. Tip: Don’t handle your snakes too overtly when attacking the opponent’s connection to Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Un-American philosophy.

04. Unless your name is Mel Brooks,

don’t mention Hitler. That politician you hate is corrupt, rude, and stupid, but is not Hitler. Trust me, he/she is not Hitler. They just aren’t. So stop.

05. When you’re talking about poli-

tics, never, ever, ever say, “Trust me.” The comebacks are too easy.

06. Remember that 99 percent of the

memes you see on social media are fake. Abraham Lincoln never compared universal health care to slavery. (Note: See Rule #4 and substitute “slavery” for “Adolf Hitler.” Nothing compares to slavery. So stop it.) If you see a post that claims that the other side is secretly in the employ of Kim Jong Un, go ahead and share it. Whether or not you give Karl Rove credit is up to you.

07. Always remember these three laws:

If it snows, blame the mayor. If it floods, blame the governor. Anything else bad, blame the president.

Put these rules on your refrigerator. I think they’ll increase your enjoyment of this, the always fun political season. Wow, I just logged on and I see I’m down O to 15 friends! Now let’s talk about religion. March // April • 2016 | 194 | omahamagazine.com

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