S E E THROU G H DRE SSE S // BROOM MAN // KOREAN DINING GUIDE MAY/JUNE 2017
MEMORIALIZING LOCA L WORLD WAR II VET ERANS
216 N 96 St, Omaha
$749,900
Beautifully updated 1 ½ story home in Regency! Dream gourmet kitchen w/ all the bells and whistles including heated tile floors. Spacious room sizes, tastefully done. Large main floor office and master bedroom. Oversized mud and laundry room.
$650,000
Amazing home with amazing views! A chefs kitchen, pull down screen for family night in great room. This home has a mans garage with ice machine, heated, cooled and with a bar sink. Back of the home is an oasis of rippling waters from the pond and lake.
Kori Krause • 402.679.0007
5513 N 162 St, Omaha
$625,000
Bob Pew • 402.578.6054
$650,000
Incredible opportunity to own a lake home on Bluewater L ake! The bes t views of the nearly 2 5 0acre lake, featuring over 7 miles of beaches. Gourmet kitchen. 3 large bdrms on main floor w/walk-in closets. Oversized bonus room upstairs.
$549,900
$575,000
Beautiful ranch on 2.49 acres with 4 BR, 3 BA, 3,200+ fsf. Fabulous walk-out basement. Great sunroom with swim spa, huge deck, BB court and heated in ground pool! 2 outbldgs: 30x24 ft & 64x36 ft with concrete floor and power.
8631 Augusta Dr, Lincoln
$698,000
Spacious & stylish District 66 home on .68 acre lot with mature trees & landscaping. Fabulous sunroom brings the outdoors in with wall of windows, skylights, vaulted ceilings, a fireplace & a screened in patio. Main floor office feels like a library.
980 Cty Rd W S-108, Fremont
$648,000
This Woodcliff Lakes home has it all! 4 beds, 4 bath, granite ceramic tile, unbelievable outdoor entertainment area. This home shines pride of ownership. Lots of room for all your toys in the almost 5 car garage. You need to see it for yourself!
Kori Krause • 402.679.0007
Your Home Team • 402.426.5619
The ultimate contemporar y dream ranch home with breathtaking golf course view and monumental garage for your RV and toys. Architect’s personal home craf ted to incorporate the best of all worlds: view, privacy, practicalit y, qualit y and st yle.
The Rensch Group • 402.391.5333
28913 Mary St, Valley
11610 Cty Rd 34, Blair
2817 S 101 St, Omaha
Mary Robson Rensch • 402.690.6279
The Rensch Group • 402.391.5333
Spectacular former Street of Dreams home! Gorgeous maple kitchen w/hearth room, main flr office/library, elegant master suite, very sharp LL kitchen/bar opening to home theater. Expansive view of golf course from deck.
17050 Douglas St, Omaha
$715,000
Incredible views!! Outstanding home on 1 1/2 acre lot backing to trees & dbl fairway. Stacked stone fireplace & pillars. New roof, siding, gutters ‘13. Covered trex deck w/brick pillars. Master has tile snail shower & 13X13 closet. 2nd BR like a 2nd master.
Nancy Kehrli • 402.690.1099
Amy Lindsay • 402.415.8906
980 Cty Rd W S-1096, Fremont
10506 S 168 Ave, Omaha
9242 Timberline Dr, Omaha
$574,950
Just shy of 10 acres-rolling hills of trees & wildlife. One of a kind home with windows galore! Lovely architectural features. Inground pool. Wrap around deck. Out building provides 3rd car garage.
Denice Coenen • 402.677.7538
$525,000
Fabulous 4 BR, 4 BA , 4 0 4 8 sf home on HiMark Golf Course! First-floor laundry room includes a cedar lined closet. The walk out basement has heated flooring with travertine tile, second kitchen, and workshop. Beautiful updates throughout!
The Right Choice Team • 402.450.6648
22141 Riverside Dr, Omaha
$520,000
Gorgeous 4 BR, 5 BA ranch with over 4,100 fsf. A soaring foyer with 10f t ceilings, guest bedrooms, a master suite and laundr y room. Sits on a 0.76 acre lot with mature trees, an oversized back deck and heated garage.
The Jacobsen Group • 402.819.4484
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MAY // JUNE • 2017
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contents THE USUAL SUSPECTS 08
From the Editor
10
Between the Lines
13
Calendar of Events
62
History The Origins of the Nebraska National Guard
145 Obviously Omaha
Summer Festival Food
169 Explore! 173 Instagram 174 Not Funny
54
If I Were King
ARTS + CULTURE
FEATURES
54
38
COVER:
FOREVER HEROES Nebraska’s World War II Veterans
48
66
BROOM MAN IN BRONZE Sculpture to Commemorate Omaha Icon
22
Music See Through Dresses
26
Performance Cassia Kite
30
Literature Ryan Roenfeld
44
Cinema Return of the Midnight Movies
146 Painting
Mike Giron
PEOPLE 34
Gen O Seamus Campbell
CARP-O-RAMA
42
Sports David Gerber
Bowfishing For Invasive Carp
70
Profile John and Trena Thompson
ADVENTURE:
A NEW DAY ARISEN
GIVING
Modern Pioneers Settle Over Prospect Place Projects
MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 6 / OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM
74
Profile Matt Darling
76
Giving Calendar
OMAHA HOME
H89
H81 Omaha Home Opener
Expanded Content On Your Digital Device
DINING
Watch videos and view photo galleries of select editorial from Omaha Magazine for FREE.
148 Review
Little Espana
H85 DIY
152 Feature
Making Rustic Wall Vases
Omaha’s Korean Connection
H86 Spaces
Nick Wittmann’s Basement Arcade
H90 Neighborhoods
Florence and the Political Machine
4 Page 17
156 Profile
Mary Joseph
158 Guide
H94 At Home
Page 132
The House on the Corner
H100 Feature
ABOUT THE COVER The U.S. D-Day landing at Normandy’s Omaha Beach has been called “Bloody Omaha.” Omaha Magazine created a replica of the June 6, 1944, Omaha Beach landing for the current cover. Surrounding the diorama are Joyce Winfield and Ben Drickey, featured in this issue, who have documented stories of Nebraska’s “Greatest Generation.”
Sentimental Journey
H106 Architecture
A Cottage in the Woods
H114 Harvest
Angling for Safe-To-Eat Fish
H122 Transformations
48 Page
California Dreaming in Omaha
60PLUS IN OMAHA
139
131 60PLUS Opener 132 Profile
The Tail-Gunner’s Grandson
134 Profile
The Greatest Generation on World War II
0
100
200
300
400
500
473 trees have been reforested due to the printing of this publication. Learn more at printreleaf.com
136 Feature
Interview a Veteran
138 Health
Fighting Dementia with Coloring Books
140 Nostalgia
148
We Can’t Drive 55
142 Active Living
A Professor in Motion Stays in Motion
the App 1 Download Browse the Apple App Store or shop Google Play for the LayAR app. Free to download.
2 Look for the icon
You’ll see the ‘ar’ icon on pages with expanded content.
Scan the page 3 After loading the LayAR app on your digital device, hold your phone/tablet over the entire page to load content.
MAY // JUNE • 2017
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Letter
FROM THE EDITOR EXECUTIVE EDITOR DOUG MEIGS
CELEBRATING OMAHA’S WORLD WAR II VETERANS
A
s a kid, my grandfather’s World War II experiences were the stuff of legend.
Army private first-class Robert Wesley Meigs fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He crossed the Remagen Bridge and survived a German artillery blast. The explosion killed two of his fellow infantrymen, and the shrapnel remains in his arm to this day. As Allied forces marched onward—and he got out of the hospital— Grandpa returned to the front. He even helped to liberate a concentration camp; he remembers how the starving victims scattered across the countryside when U.S. troops opened the gates. But he didn’t talk about the war with us grandkids. A case full of his medals—including a Purple Heart—remained tucked away, out of view. Our father told brief anecdotes, but the stories were incomplete. And we were scared to ask for more details. Then one day, during my undergraduate studies, a military history class gave me an opportunity to sit down with my grandfather. A class project was my excuse to pry into his role in the Greatest Generation’s fight against global fascism. A transcript from the 2005 interview is now collected by the Library of Congress Folklife Center’s Veterans History Project, and an edited version is posted online at omahamagazine.com. Today, Grandpa is 94 years old. I am still learning from him—about life in general, and about his time in World War II. But the stories and perspectives of his generation are becoming increasingly scarce with the passage of time.
One Veterans Day not long ago, I thanked Grandpa for being a hero. He corrected me. “The real heroes never made it home,” he said with a stern face. In the fall of 2016, he moved from Nebraska to Idaho to live closer to my uncles after my grandmother had passed. Before leaving town, he shared an unexpected anecdote: “Did I ever tell you about the time I was peed on?” Grandpa said, laughing, as he recalled another soldier’s “misfire” in the crowded foxhole. It was a crude awakening after he finally managed to catch a moment of sleep between German artillery bombardments. The stories of World War II and the experiences of veterans are as diverse as the Americans who contributed to the war effort. Omaha Magazine’s May/June issue* celebrates Omaha’s veterans of World War II with a multi-part story package. The issue’s publication coincides with the 73rd anniversary of D-Day and the Allied storming of Normandy on June 6, 1944. Omaha Beach—one of five Normandy beachheads—is synonymous with America’s entry into the war. My grandfather did not participate in the invasion. But the entire nation would soon know the infamous codename of D-Day’s bloodiest beachhead. The city of Omaha eventually became his home. His children graduated from local high schools. My father met my Nebraska-raised mother in Omaha, and the rest is history. Our May/June issue* is especially rich with local history stories. Higgins Boats (boats utilized in D-Day beach landings) were actually invented by a man who grew up in Omaha. After Andrew Higgins’ expulsion from Creighton Prep High School, he joined the Nebraska National Guard.
MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 8 / OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM
The Omaha metro remains home to many World War II veterans. Several of their stories (excerpted in this issue*) are captured in a new book by Joyce Winfield, a retired Midland University professor of journalism. Leah Meyer, the interim director of UNO’s Office of Military and Veteran Services, explains how others can contribute their own veteran interviews to the Library of Congress. But there are many ways Omahans continue to celebrate the lives of World War II vets— evident in the work of two local filmmakers. Ben Drickey followed his grandfather on a trip to Germany, revisiting his time in the war. The film project kickstarted Drickey’s career in film production. Meanwhile, there is the story of Shawn Schmidt’s 48 Stars, a film that tells the stories of World War II veterans in their own words. Schmidt’s father fought in World War II, but the son never had a chance to document his story. Now, he is making up for lost time while there’s still time with other World War II vets. Omaha Magazine salutes the veterans of World War II, and all of the men and women who have put their lives on the line for America. We hope you enjoy the issue!
*Note: the hotel edition of Omaha Magazine has a different cover, and it does not include all of the editorial content included in the magazine’s full city edition.
MAY // JUNE 2017 VOLUME 35 // ISSUE 2 Publisher
TODD LEMKE
EDITORIAL Executive Editor
DOUG MEIGS
Managing Editor: B2B Omaha, Family Guide, Special Projects
DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN Managing Editor: Encounter
ERIC STOAKES Editor-At-Large
TARA SPENCER Editorial Assistants
HANNAH GILL · ALEC MCMULLEN · LINDSAY WILSON Interns
WILL PATTERSON · SHANNON SMITH Contributing Writers
J.D. AVANT · LEO ADAM BIGA · TAMSEN BUTLER MICHELE FAN · LISA LUKECART · KATRINA MARKEL GREG JERRETT · SEAN MCCARTHY · LEAH MEYER SHANE MONAGHAN · NIZ PROSKOCIL · SEAN ROBINSON MAX SPARBER · OTIS TWELVE · JAMES VNUK · ANNE WALSH SARAH WENGERT · JOYCE H. WINFIELD · MATT WYNN
ELEGANCE
CREATIVE Creative Director
BILL SITZMANN
REIMAGINED
Art Director
MATT WIECZOREK Senior Graphic Designer
DEREK JOY
Graphic Designer
MADY BESCH
SHOPPING HOURS
Contributing Photographers
KEITH BINDER · COLIN CONCES · SCOTT DRICKEY JOSHUA FOO · SARAH LEMKE · AMY LYNN STRAUB
Monday-Friday 10 am-8 pm | Saturday 10 am-7 pm | Sunday 12 pm-5 pm Individual store hours may vary
ACCOUNTS Publisher’s Assistant & Omaha Home Contributing Editor
STORES
SANDY MATSON
Ann Taylor | Anthropologie | Borsheims | Christian Nobel Furs Evereve | Francesca’s Collections | Garbo’s Salon & Spa Learning Express Toys | LOFT | Parsow’s Fashions
Vice President
GREG BRUNS Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing
Pottery Barn | Pottery Barn Kids | Rhylan Lang | Tilly White House Black Market | Williams-Sonoma
GIL COHEN
Senior Sales Executive & 60Plus in Omaha Contributing Editor
DINING
GWEN LEMKE
Bonefish Grill | Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Paradise Bakery & Café
Senior Sales Manager
ALICIA SMITH HOLLINS Branding Specialists
RegencyCourtOmaha.com
KYLE FISHER · GEORGE IDELMAN MARY HIATT · JOSHUA PETERSON Sales Assistant
Grand Opening May 1st
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OPERATIONS Vice President of Operations
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MIKE BREWER
For Advertising & Subscription Information:
402.884.2000
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All versions of Omaha Magazine are published bimonthly by Omaha Magazine, LTD, P.O. Box 461208, Omaha NE 68046-1208. Telephone: 402-884-2000; fax: 402-884-2001. Subscription rates: $19.95 for 6 issues (one year), $24.95 for 12 issues (two years). No whole or part of the contents herein may be reproduced without prior written permission of Omaha Magazine, excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs. Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted, however no responsibility will be assumed for such solicitations. Best of Omaha®™ is a registered tradename of Omaha Magazine.
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402-347-0007 | Contact@bellacare.us MAY
// JUNE • 2017 / 9 / BESTOFOMAHA.COM
Between A LOOK AT FOUR OMAHA MAGAZINE TEAM MEMBERS J.D. AVANT - Contributing Writer J.D. Avant is a North Omaha native. Skilled in technology and sales, it wasn’t until a friend suggested that they create a comic book together that he discovered his mastery of storytelling. Now, he is developing his own original macrocosm for the world of children’s literature (which you can discover at facelessonez.com and jdavant.com). After studying with the Institute of Children’s Literature, he discovered that narrative journalism could provide another outlet for his creativity. J.D. spends his free time entertaining, being entertained, and spending time with his beloved Doberman, Geezy.
JOYCE H. WINFIELD - Contributing Writer Joyce H. Winfield earned her Ph.D. in Mass Communication from the University of Minnesota. During that degree-earning process, she lived in Sweden for a year, interviewing and researching for her dissertation on Scandinavian Press Councils. She was a high school teacher (journalism) and college professor (journalism and English) for 22 years before leaving academia. Writing Resources—the business Joyce started in 2008—provides her the opportunity to continue working with words through writing, editing, and proofreading. Before she graduated from high school, Joyce had traveled to 49 states—all but Hawaii. Those vacations, planned annually by her father, included stops at historical sites, which instilled a love for the past at a young age. Her joy for writing and fascination with history culminated in Forever Heroes: A Collection of World War II Stories from Nebraska Veterans (published just before Veterans Day 2016). Joyce lives in Fremont with husband Doug and their toy poodle, Jesse.
KATRINA MARKEL - Contributing Writer Katrina Markel is a native of Glenwood, Iowa, who grew up participating in the Omaha theater scene and dreaming of more glamorous places. After earning degrees in theater and journalism from New York University, she spent two decades wandering to those dreamed-of locales, living in New York, California, Scotland, and India. Katrina worked in television production before turning her attention to writing. She was a founding team member of the San Francisco-based blog Lipstick & Politics, and her writing has appeared in Buzzfeed, Huffington Post, The Omaha World-Herald, and The Daily Nonpareil. Despite being native Iowans, Katrina and her husband are both a little surprised to be living in the Midwest, driving around in a rusty pickup truck, and worrying about things like well repairs and commodities prices. Katrina no longer performs, but she is excited about reconnecting with the Omaha theater community through her writing.
WILL PATTERSON - Editorial Intern Will Patterson is a journalism and media communications student at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. While interning with Omaha Magazine, he concurrently holds the position of arts and entertainment editor at the university’s student newspaper, The Gateway. His plans for the future include a career in journalistic writing and reporting. When he’s not writing, working, or attending classes, Will can be found spending time with friends and family—a close-knit group that includes several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is particularly grateful for his time spent with his brother, Zarifeh, and cousin, Mahmoud, who always brighten his day.
MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 10 / OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM
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May 16-21 ORPHEUM THEATER TicketOmaha.com | 402.345.0606
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EVENTS
ART AND MUSEUM EXHIBITS
JENNIFER BOCKELMAN / CHARLEY FRIEDMAN EXHIBITION
May 5-June 23 at Fred Simon Gallery, 1004 Farnam St. Bockelman (of Seward, Nebraska) produces art that includes stitched works, drawings, impotent political gestures, and performances. Friedman (of Lincoln, Nebraska) produces work ranging from installations and sculptures to photography and drawings. Admission: free. 402-595-2122. —artscouncil.nebraska.gov
PASSION & OBSESSION: FROM THE COLLECTION
Through May 6 at K ANEKO, 1111 Jones St. This exhibit celebrates both the passion of the artist to create and the obsession of the connoisseurs who collect. Admission: free. 402-341-3800. —thekaneko.org
WILD SPACES, OPEN SEASONS: HUNTING AND FISHING IN AMERICAN ART
Through May 7 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. See how American hunting and fishing culture has intersected with art. Tickets: $10 adults. Free for youth (17 and under), college students with ID, and Joslyn members. 402-342-3300. —joslyn.org
NATURE CONNECTS: ART WITH LEGO BRICKS
Through May 15 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Inspired by nature and built from more than 450,000 Lego pieces, this indoor exhibit features 13 displays with larger-than-life sculptures. Admission: $10 adults, $5 children (6-12), free for members and children under 6 years old. 402-346-4002. —lauritzengardens.org
HISTORY OF LATINOS IN OMAHA: 1890 THROUGH PRESENT
Through Aug. 31 at El Museo Latino, 4701 S. 25th St. Discover the history of Omaha’s Latino community, highlighted in this photography exhibit. Admission: $5 adults, $4 for college students with ID, $3.50 students (K-12) and seniors (55+), free for children under 5 with adult admission. 402-731-1137. —elmuseolatino.org
May
7
OMAHA POLICE: ANSWERING THE CALL SINCE 1857
May 13-Sept. 24 at The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. The Durham’s newest community partnership tells the story of Omaha’s police force in artifacts and photos. On May 13, enjoy free museum admission and a special event, “Hanging with Heroes” (10 a.m.-1 p.m.), featuring uniformed officers, vehicles, and mounted patrol on site. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children (3-12), free for children 2 and under. 402-444-5071. —durhammuseum.org
EUROPEAN GALLERIES REOPENING
May 20 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. The five European galleries have undergone a three-month construction period. Updates include new paint, lighting, updated labels, and interpretive materials—such as three interactive iPad stations. Admission: free. 402-342-3300. —joslyn.org
TOP SECRET LICENSE TO SPY
May 20-Sept. 17 at The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. Families and children are encouraged to collaborate by piecing together clues throughout more than 20 displays. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children (3-12), free for children 2 and under. 402-444-5071. —durhammuseum.org MAY
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DINOSAUR SAFARI EXHIBIT
May 27-Sept. 3 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St. Families can explore natural history through hands-on activities with authentic fossils and live reptiles, as well as life-like animatronic dinosaurs. Admission: $12 adults and children (3+), $11 seniors (60+), free for members and children age 2 and under. 402-342-6164. —ocm.org
DAVID BROOKS: CONTINUOUS SERVICE ALTERED DAILY
June 1-Aug. 26 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S. 12th St. Brooks presents every single part of a used 1976 John Deere 3300 combine harvester laid out in varying degrees of disassembly. Admission: free. 402-341-7130. —bemiscenter.org
BIJOUX PARISIENS: FRENCH JEWELRY FROM THE PETIT PALAIS, PARIS
June 4-Sept. 10 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. This exhibition portrays the intersection of French fashion, art, and history while touching on social and political concerns. Nearly 70 works of jewelry and more than 100 original paintings, fashion prints, and photographs will be on display. Tickets: $10 adults. Free for children (17 and under), college students with ID, and Joslyn members. 402-342-3300. —joslyn.org
KINETIC
June 16-Oct. 14 at K ANEKO, 1111 Jones St. KINETIC at K ANEKO explores the art and science of movement, and the perception of motion. This collaborative exhibition season will feature stunning visual art, interactive sculpture, and experiential learning opportunities developed to strengthen the understanding of kinetics in everyday life. Admission: free. 402-341-3800. —thekaneko.org
OMAHA MAGAZINE
IPerforming Arts
THE MET: LIVE IN HD: DER ROSENKAVALIER (R. STRAUSS)
May 13 and 17 at Film Streams, 1340 Mike Fahey St. The Met’s final performance for this season features Renée Fleming as the Marschallin and Elīna Garanča as Octavian. 11:30 a.m. May 13; 6 p.m. May 17. Tickets: $10-$24. 402-933-0259. —filmstreams.org
CATHERLAND
Through May 14 at Shelterbelt Theatre, 3225 California St. A budding author and her husband head to Red Cloud, Nebraska, to begin a simpler life, but a slew of mysterious guests prove that there’s nothing simple about small-town living. 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $25 general admission; $20 students, seniors (65+), and TAG members. 402-341-2757. —shelterbelt.org
MOMIX OPUS CACTUS
May 4 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. The internationally acclaimed dancer-illusionists troupe, directed by Moses Pendleton, presents a show for all ages. The troupe creates a visual journey into the hidden secrets of the Southwestern desert by bringing all of its creatures to life. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $20-$45. 402-345-0606. —ticketomaha.com
CALENDAR
ALL THE KING’S WOMEN
May 15-21 at Bellevue Little Theatre, 203 E. Mission Ave. Obsessed women who encounter Elvis Presley in everyday situations grant theatrical insight into the man rather than the rock ’n’ roll superstar. Times vary. Tickets: $20 adults, $18 seniors (60+), $10 students. 402-291-1554. May. —bellevuelittletheatre.com
4
SOMETHING ROTTEN!
May 16-21 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. Set in 1595, this comedy tells the tale of two brothers desperate to write the world’s very first musical. Times vary. Tickets: $35-$95. 402-345-0606. —ticketomaha.com
THE REBELLION ENDS: AN APOLLON STAR WARS STORY
May 18-27 at The Apollon, 1801 Vinton St. With the rebels wiped out once and for all, Emperor Palpatine announces details for the largest mandatory celebration in history to mark the anniversary of the rise of the Galactic Empire. 7:30 p.m. Admission: $35 adults, $25 students and TAG members. 402-884-0135. —apollonomaha.com
SUPERIOR DONUTS
May 5-June 4 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Taking place in the historic, diverse Uptown neighborhood of Chicago and written by Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning playwright Tracy Letts, this provocative comedy explores the challenges of embracing the past and the redemptive power of friendship. Times vary. Tickets: $36 adults, $22 students. 402-345-0606. —ticketomaha.com
OMAHA SYMPHONY—THE MUSIC OF STAR WARS
May 6 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Music from all seven episodes of Star Wars will be featured, conducted by Ernest Richardson. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $19-$89. 402-345-0606. —ticketomaha.com
THE FLORENTINE PLAYERS’ 53RD ANNUAL MELODRAMA
May 11-13 at Florence City Hall, 2864 State St. Written by Nebraska natives, this is a story of “Omaha’s only shipwreck” in 1965. 7 p.m. Tickets: $10 general admission; $8 seniors (65+), TAG members, or groups of 8 or more. 402-453-4280. —f lorencetheater.org
OMAHA SYMPHONY—SONGS OF RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN
May 13-14 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Conducted by Ted Sperling, a Broadway cast and the Omaha Symphony perform favorites from The Sound of Music, The King and I, Oklahoma!, and South Pacific. 7:30 p.m. May 13; 2 p.m. May 14. Tickets: $19-$79. 402-345-0606. —ticketomaha.com
JOEY ALEXANDER TRIO
May 19 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. One of today’s most talked-about jazz artists, this 12-year-old Indonesian piano prodigy and 2016 Grammy-nominee performs classic songs and original compositions. 8 p.m. Tickets: $20-$35. 402-345-0606. —ticketomaha.com
DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
May 26-June 25 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. The classic tale of Belle and the Beast is back with spectacular sets and costumes. Times vary. Tickets: $42 adults, $25 students Thursday-Sunday; $32 adults, $20 students Wednesday. 402-345-0606. —ticketomaha.com
OMAHA SYMPHONY–MAHLER’S NINTH SYMPHONY
June 2-3 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. The symphony performs this rich, emotional orchestration for the first time in more than 20 years. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $19-$70. 402-345-0606. —ticketomaha.com
PETER PAN
June 2-18 at The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St. This musical rendition features fabulous f lying effects and the iconic songs “I’m Flying,” “I Won’t Grow Up,” and “Never Never Land.” Times vary. Tickets: $22-$27 general admission, $15-$20 for members. 402-345-4869. —rosetheater.org
MAY
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RENT—20TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR
June 3-4 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. The Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-Winning musical from 1996 follows the lives of seven struggling artists trying to follow their dreams without selling out. Times vary. Tickets: $40-$105. 402-345-0606. —ticketomaha.com
GIRLS LIKE US
June 15-25 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. This show, based off the book by the same title, showcases the work of groundbreaking singer-songwriters Carole King, Carly Simon, and Joni Mitchell. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $40. 402-345-0606. —ticketomaha.com
SHAKESPEARE ON THE GREEN: KING LEAR
June 22-25 at Elmwood Park, 411-1/2 N. Elmwood Road. Pack a picnic and bring lawn chairs or blankets, as King Lear attempts to fight against impending mortality along with the inevitable loss of his kingdom and his crown. Times vary. Admission: free. —nebraskashakespeare.com
SHAKESPEARE ON THE GREEN: THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
June 29-July 1 at Elmwood Park, 411-1/2 N. Elmwood Road. Windsor is at a crossroads. All the elements that constitute the town—social strata, tradition, morality, religion, characters, the English language itself—are turned upside down. Don’t forget a picnic basket and seats. Times vary. Admission: free. —nebraskashakespeare.com
comedy JAMES JOHANN
May 4-7 at the Funny Bone, Village Pointe, Suite 201, 17305 Davenport St. Incorporating his high-energy style and self-deprecating sense of humor, this blue-collar comedian hits on the universal theme of failure, presenting a ref lection of life as he sees it. Times vary. Tickets: $10-$12. 402-493-8036. —omaha.funnybone.com
JERRY SEINFELD
May 11 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. Praised for his ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere, Seinfeld will perform his stand-up comedy for one night only. 7 p.m. Tickets: $50-$150. 402-345-0606. —ticketomaha.com
10666 Sapp Bros. Drive Omaha, NE 68138 402-896-9140 Between Exits 439 & 440 on I-80
DESIGNED AND PRODUCED BY
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MAY
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OMAHA MAGAZINE
CALENDAR
J.R. BROW
THE RETURN OF HAIRBALL
KANSAS
TIM HAWKINS
ACID MOTHERS TEMPLE / BABYLON
TIM KASHER WITH ALLISON WEISS
May 11-14 at Funny Bone, 17305 Davenport St., Suite 201. Brow draws from his wide-ranging collection of jokes, impressions, music, and characters to cover relationships, politics, religion, current events, and pop culture. Times vary. Tickets: $12 Thursday and Sunday; $15 Friday and Saturday. 402-493-8036. —omaha.funnybone.com
May 12 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. With more than 300 million video views online and over 100 sold-out concerts yearly, Hawkins hits on the dangers of marriage, homeschooling, and growing up in the Midwest. 7 p.m. Tickets: $19-$85. 402-345-0606. —ticketomaha.com
May 5 at Ralston Arena, 7300 Q St. High energy and big hair come back to Ralston Arena for this “Bombastic Celebration of Arena Rock.” 8 p.m. Tickets: $23 advance or $33 day of show for general admission; $30 advance or $40 day of show for club seats. 402-934-9966. —ralstonarena.com
May 12 at Ralston Arena, 7300 Q St. This staple of classic rock from Topeka, Kansas, has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide. The band released their 15th album in 2016: The Prelude Implicit. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $29-$89. 402-934-9966. —ralstonarena.com
May 12 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Omaha’s own Kasher has pushed musical boundaries with his bands Cursive and The Good Life, as well as through his solo work. He has produced 17 albums and EPs over the course of 20 years. His third solo album, No Resolution, released March 3. 9 p.m. Tickets: $12. 402-884-5353. —waitingroomlounge.com
May 5 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. A freak-out group for the 21st century, Acid Mothers Temple is a Japanese psychedelic rock band founded in 1995 and led by guitarist Kawabata Makoto. 9 p.m. Tickets: $12. 402-884-5707. —reverblounge.com
LAZERWOLFE
ELEVATE WITH DJS BEN JONES & LOWERCASE TRÉS
May 6 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. This cover band pays tribute to such artists as Dire Straits, Bruce Springsteen, Prince, Phish, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, The Band, Led Zeppelin, and more. 9 p.m. Tickets: $5. 402-884-5707. —reverblounge.com
May 12 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Bringing underground house music to Omaha by DJs who know how to rave, for real. 9 p.m. No cover. 402-884-5707. —reverblounge.com
SAM OUTLAW WITH MICHAELA ANNE
music CHARLY BLISS / SEE THROUGH DRESSES
May 1 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Brook lyn bubble-grunge four-piece Charly Bliss performs with Omaha’s See Through Dresses. 9 p.m. Tickets: $10. 402-884-5707. —reverblounge.com
BASTILLE
May 2 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. The Grammy-nominated, British indie-pop band is bringing their “Wild, Wild World Tour 2017” to Omaha in support of their new album, Wild World. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $35-$55. 402-345-0606. —ticketomaha.com
FLOGGING MOLLY
May 6 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. An acclaimed, modern country musician from Los Angeles, singer-songwriter Outlaw refers to his style as “SoCal country.” 8 p.m. Tickets: $10 advance, $12 day of show. 402-345-7569. —theslowdown.com
May 14 at Sokol Auditorium, 2234 S 13th St. Los Angeles-based Celtic punk band Flogging Molly comes to Omaha for one night only to promote their first record release in six years, Life is Good. 8 p.m. Tickets $33. 402-346-9802. —sokolunderground.com
MCCARTHY TRENCHING
May 6 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. An Omaha folk fixture and a staple of the city’s music community, Dan McCarthy has crafted five albums of easy acoustic melodies and lyrical craft. Teamed with bassist James Maakestad, the acoustic duo has made up McCarthy Trenching since 2010. 8 p.m. Tickets: $15. 402-345-0606. —ticketomaha.com
ODDISEE
May
THE BROTHERS COMATOSE
6
May 7 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Brothers Ben and Alex Morrison front this string band that promises a high-energy show. The brothers, on guitar and banjo, respectively, are joined by Gio Benedetti on bass, Philip Brezina on fiddle, and Ryan Avellone on mandolin. 8 p.m. Tickets: $10 advance, $12 day of show. 402-345-7569. —theslowdown.com
CHANCE THE RAPPER
SAY ANYTHING / BAYSIDE
May 17 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Oddisee is inf luenced by soul and rap. His “Beneath the Surface” Tour 2017 will also feature Good Company and Olivier St. Louis. 8 p.m. Tickets: $15 advance, $17 day of show. 402-345-7569. —theslowdown.com
May 10 at CenturyLink Center, 455 N. 10th St. Chance’s latest release, Coloring Book, was issued exclusively through Apple Music and was streamed 57.3 million times in its first week. He recently won three Grammys, including “Best New Artist” and “Best Rap Album.” 8 p.m. Tickets: $37.50-$77.50. 402-341-1500. —chanceraps.com
May 4 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Say Anything has been making unclassifiable indie rock music since the members were around 14 years old. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $20 advance, $24 day of show. 402-345-7569. —theslowdown.com
HOPE COUNTRY / WILL AND JANE
May 19 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. This folk singer/songwriter features heartfelt songs about life. 9 p.m. Tickets: $8 advance, $10 day of show. 402-884-5707. —reverblounge.com
THE SHINS
May 20 at Stir Concert Cove, 1 Harrah’s Boulevard in Council Bluffs. This indie-rock band comes to Council Bluffs to promote their new album Heartworms. Their 2007 album Wincing the Night Away peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and earned the group a Grammy nomination. 8 p.m. Tickets: $37-$98. 800-745-3000. —ticketmaster.com
THE DEAR HUNTER
May 20 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. The Dear Hunter will be showcasing their most recent album Act V: Hymns With the Devil in Confessional. 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $20 advance, $23 day of show. 402-345-7569. —theslowdown.com
BENSON SOUL SOCIETY
May 20 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Once a month, Andrew Monson, Eric “EZ” Ziegler, and Roger Lewis bring their all-vinyl soul dance party to Reverb. 9 p.m. No cover. 402-884-5707. —reverblounge.com
CHRIS MANN
May 5 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Known from his 2012 debut on The Voice, Mann sings music from the golden age of Broadway, The Great American Songbook, and more. 8 p.m. Tickets: $35. 402-345-0606. —ticketomaha.com MAY
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Omaha Magazine • Calendar of Events Sponsored by
Opens May 27
Opens May 27
It’s named The Outstanding Achievement Award. We call it giving our patients the care they deserve. 2016
Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center receives the Commission on Cancer’s Outstanding Achievement Award for the second time in a row. We’re honored to be one of only 22 cancer care providers in the country—and the only one
in the area—to have been given this accreditation. It means that our patients have the best of everything they need, during one of the most important challenges of their lives, including a team who continues to lead the way in the fight against cancer. bestcare.org ©2017 Methodist Hospital, an affiliate of Methodist Health System
MAY
// JUNE • 2017 / 17 / BESTOFOMAHA.COM
OMAHA MAGAZINE
CALENDAR
SOMO
May
May 24 at Sokol Auditorium, 2234 S. 13th St. SoMo, made famous for his wildly popular YouTube covers gaining him instant success, is touring the U.S. for a second time. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets: $22-$60. 402-346-9802. —sokolunderground.com
24
ROBBY WICKS BAND / TIME GIANT MAY 5– JUNE 4, 2017
MAY 26– JUNE 25, 2017
on sale now
JUNE 15– 25
on sale now
on sale now!
May 26 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Hailing from the Rocky Mountains, the Robby Wicks Band brings an array of talent, skill, and originality. 9 p.m. Tickets: $7. 402-884-5707. —reverblounge.com
MEMORIAL DAY MASSIVE BLOCK PARTY AFTER PARTY
May 27 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. After the outdoor concert concludes, Reverb will feature a dope local lineup of artists and the EZ B stage design. 11 p.m. No cover. 402-884-5707. —reverblounge.com
CENTERPIECE EP RELEASE / LONELY ESTATES / WINGMAN
sponsor: NP Dodge Company and Friend of the Playhouse media sponsor: The Reader
sponsor: Mutual of Omaha orchestra sponsor: HDR specialty sponsor: Children’s Hospital and Medical media sponsor: WOWT
June 3 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Indie-rock band with Will Conner, Paul Knapp, Jay Nesmith, Dave McInnis, and Jon Ochsnder. 9 p.m. Tickets: $7. 402-884-5707. —reverblounge.com Center
6915 CASS STREET | (402) 553-0800 | OMAHAPLAYHOUSE.COM
Whether it is day or night, inside or out, Joslyn has so much to offer. (paid ticketed admission for some exhibitions)
SCULPTURE GARDENS Open and free – all day every day!
explore AT
NOW
June 5 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. The nine-time Grammy-winner who has sold over 45 million albums worldwide will be supporting her newest album Not Too Late, on her “Day Breaks World Tour.” 8 p.m. Tickets: $57-$73. 402-345-0606. —ticketomaha.com
DANIEL O’DONNELL
FREE GENERAL ADMISSION THURSDAYS: Open ‘til 8 pm!
NORAH JONES
Joslyn Art Museum features works from antiquity to the present with an emphasis on 19th- and 20th-century European and American art. A fun, relaxing, and artful destination for the whole family. June 4–September 10, 2017 Bijoux Parisiens: French Jewelry from the Petit Palais, Paris
Café, Museum shop, and free parking. Open Tuesday – Sunday. Just west of downtown Omaha. 2200 Dodge St. | Omaha, NE | (402) 342-3300 | www.joslyn.org MAY
// JUNE • 2017 / 18 / OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM
June 7 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. O’Donnell’s music has been described as a mix between country and Irish folk. He made history this year by charting at least one new album every year since 1988. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $49.25-$69.25. 402-345-0606. —ticketomaha.com
BRANTLEY GILBERT
June 9 at Stir Concert Cove, One Harrah’s Boulevard in Council Bluf fs. Country music star Brantley Gilbert’s latest tour, “The Devil Don’t Sleep,” comes to Council Bluffs. Gilbert, winner of CMA’s 2013 Triple Play Award, has reached No. 1 on the U.S. country charts for the album of the same name. 8 p.m. Tickets: TBD. 800-745-3000. —ticketmaster.com
OMAHA MAGAZINE
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK WITH BOYS II MEN AND PAULA ABDUL
June 11 at CenturyLinkCenter, 455 N. 10th St. On the road for the first time since 2013— this “Total Package Tour” is the biggest lineup yet from these ’80s and ’90s hit-makers. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $29.95-$199.95. 800-745-3000. —ticketmaster.com
BRANDY CLARK AND CHARLIE WORSHAM
June 18 at The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St. Brandy Clark has received six Grammy nominations over the past four years for co-writing hits for Miranda Lambert and Kasey Musgraves. 8 p.m. Tickets: $20 advance, $25 day of show. 402-884-5353. —waitingroomlounge.com
ELECTRIC SIX
June 21 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Rock music infused with elements of garage, disco, punk, new wave, and metal. 9 p.m. Tickets: $15. 402-884-5707. —reverblounge.com
CALENDAR tournament, shopping at various stores associated with Berkshire Hathaway, and much more. —berkshirehathaway.com
CINCO DE MAYO PARADE
May 6 along 24th St. from D to L streets. This dazzling parade—one of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the Midwest—features f loats, marching bands, and more. Rain or shine. 9 a.m. Admission: free. info@cincodemayoomaha.com. —cincodemayoomaha.com
ROCKBROOK VILLAGE
HOME-GROWN, LOCALLY OWNED. 108th & Center | rockbrookvillage.com
RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL OF NEBRASKA
May 6-7, 13-14 at Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch, 11001 S. 48th St. Step back in time to the days of knights in shining armor with full contact sword play and equestrian jousting, six unique performance locations, 100+ costumed characters, and free makeand-take crafts for kids. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission: $13 adults, $8 children (12 and under). 402-331-5500. —renfestnebraska.com
BLUE OCTOBER
Why Helix is Better Most machines work front-to-back. Why Helix Istradition Better The Helix turns on its side— Why Helix Is Better literally. Withwork lateral (or side-to-side) Most machines front-to-
movement, you usetradition more muscles, which MostThe machines work front-toback. Helix turns on means you burn more fat than during back. The Helix turnsWith tradition its side— literally. lateralon a traditional workout—in the same its side-to-side) side— literally. With lateral ( or movement, you amount of time. ( or side-to-side) movement, you use more muscles, which means use which means youmore burn muscles, more fat than during a THANK YOU you burn more fat than during a traditional workout– in the same OMAHA! traditional workout– in the same amount of time. amount of time.
June 24 at The Waiting Room (outdoors), 6212 Maple St. Topping multiple charts and shattering many records is something Blue October is used to. With their eighth studio album Home now out, they plan to do it all over again. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $35. 402-884-5353. —waitingroomlounge.com
Family & More
Omaha’s First Brewing Company with Unique Jalapeño and Raspberry Beers.
FARMERS MARKETS
Gardening season is open in Omaha, and those desiring to eat fresh produce without digging in the dirt themselves will find plenty of options around the area. Along with produce, shoppers will find artisan cheeses, farm-raised meats, freshly baked breads, assorted treats, and even craft items. • Aksarben Village (67th and Center streets): 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays starting May 7. • Benson (4343 N. 52nd St.): 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays starting May 6. • Council Bluffs (Bayliss Park in Council Bluffs): 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Thursdays starting May 4. • Gifford Park (33rd and California streets): 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Fridays starting June 3. • Florence Mill (9102 N. 30th St.): 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays starting June 4. • Old Market (11th and Jackson streets): 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays starting May 6. • Papillion (Washington St. and Lincoln Road): 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Wednesdays starting May 31. • Village Pointe (168th and Dodge streets): 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays starting May 6.
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER’S WEEKEND
May 5-7 at CenturyLinkCenter, 455 N. 10th St. Shareholders in the company created by Oracle of Omaha Warren Buffett can learn about their year’s earnings at this annual meeting, which brings thousands of people to Omaha from around the world. The weekend events include the “Invest in Yourself ” 5K run on May 7, a bridge
SECOND ANNUAL FOOD TRUCK RODEO SPRING EDITION
May 20 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. The second annual Omaha Food Truck Rodeo will be held all day Saturday, giving attendees the entire day to sample the fine foods from local food trucks. There will be 15-20 food trucks, along with a DJ, beer garden, multiple outdoor bars, and outdoor seating on Military Avenue in Benson. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Free. 402-884-5707. —reverblounge.com
CELEBRATE CB
May 12-20 in Council Bluffs (various locations). Hop across the river for a full week of festivities. Opening night includes a free concert by Taxi Driver. The last day includes a parade followed by a day of music, kids’ activities, and a carnival. Friday’s big event, Barbecue in the Bluffs, has been chosen as one of 50 events for the Kansas City Barbeque Society’s Great American Cookout, which will inform and entertain people who enjoy learning more about barbecuing and grilling on all levels. 712-396-2494. —celebratecb.com
Thank You Omaha for Voting us the Best Indian Restaurant for 10 Years! Lunch: Thurs. & Fri. - 11am to 2pm Dinner: Sun. - Wed. - 5pm to 9:30pm Thurs. - Sat. - 4:30pm to 10pm
10922 Elm Street Omaha, NE 68144 402-392 7331 jaipurbrewhouse.com
VINTAGE MARKET DAYS OF OMAHA
May 12-14 at Chance Ridge Event Center, 506 Skyline Road. This upscale, vintage-inspired market hosts more than 100 vendors with original art, antiques, handmade treasures, jewelry, and clothing. The event also includes live music and food trucks. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday/Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $10 Friday (early buying event); $5 Saturday/Sunday; free for children 12 and under. Tickets good for re-entry all weekend. 918-955-6215. —omaha.vintagemarketdays.com
* By an independent food analysis.
MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 19
OMAHA MAGAZINE
CALENDAR
FLORENCE DAYS
May 13-14 in downtown Florence, 30th St. between State St. and I-680 N. This area, once its own town, was annexed by Omaha 100 years ago but still retains its own small-town feeling. Events held in conjuncMay tion with this festival include a parade, art displays, talks at the historic Florence Mill, a melodrama, and more. 402-451-4737. —historicf lorence.org
Four Old Market
13
AN EVENING WITH DR. NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON
Unique holiday décor, ornaments, collectibles and gifts for every season.
Chocolates and fudge made in our own kitchen, plus many other sweet temptations.
oTannenbaum.com • 402-345-9627
OldMarketCandy.com • 402-344-8846
May 15 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. During his lecture, the award-winning astrophysicist will answer questions from the audience and talk about topics in his new book, Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, which will also be given to each audience member. 7 p.m. Tickets: $65-$225. 402-345-0606. —ticketomaha.com
HELICOPTER DAY
May 27 at Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum, 28210 West Park Highway. Visitors can watch while helicopters f ly over the horizon and land right in front of them. Inside the museum, visitors can participate in a drone workshop and family-friendly activities. 10 a.m.2 p.m. Admission: $12 adults; $11 senior citizens, active/retired/veteran military; $6 children (4-12); free for children (3 and under). 402-944-3100. —sacmuseum.org
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
Travel essentials plus downtown’s largest selection of souvenirs and Nebraska-made gifts.
Authentic Italian desserts, coffee, and FlavorBurst TM soft serve ice cream.
OldMarketSundries.com • 402-345-7646
DolciOldMarket.com • 402-345-8198
All located at 10th & Howard
May 27-29 at Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, 3701 S. 10th St. The zoo will offer special entertainment, including bounce houses, airbrush tattoos, and animal presentations. The first 800 people to walk through the gates will receive a free patriotic gift. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $19.95 adults (ages 12 and older), $13.95 children (ages 3-11), free for members and children 2 and under. $1 discount for seniors (age 65 and older) or active military members and their children. 402-733-8400. —omahazoo.com
TASTE OF OMAHA
June 2-4 at the Omaha riverfront. Omaha’s annual outdoor summer food event showcases outstanding restaurants, live entertainment, and family fun. Activities will take place daily at the Heartland of America Park, Lewis & Clark Landing, and River’s Edge Park. Times vary. Admission: free, but tickets must be purchased for food and carnival rides. 402-346-5412. —showofficeonline.com
COUNTRYSIDE VILLAGE ART FAIR
June 3-4 at Countryside Village Shopping Center, 8722 Countryside Plaza. This fair showcases a mix of styles, perspectives, and media. The artwork selection inspires casual visitors to start art collections, and connoisseurs to add to existing collections. Established in 1969, the Countryside Village Art Fair is a cornerstone of the art world in Omaha. Admission: free. 402-391-2200. —countryside-village.com
Progressive & Inclusive
Sundays Worship 8:30 & 10:50 AM Education Hour 9:35 AM
ANNUAL VETERANS APPRECIATION RALLY
@FUMComaha . fumcomaha.org . 7020 Cass Street MAY
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June 4 at the North Omaha Airport, 11919 N. 72nd St. This family-friendly event features classic cars, motorcycles, and airplanes on display to honor veterans. Activities include raff les and skydiving shows. Airplanes begin f lying at noon, weather permitting. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: free, but a $5 donation is requested. 402-714-4269. —facebook.com/heroesoftheheartlandfoundation
OMAHA MAGAZINE
OMAHA’S NINTH ANNUAL LARGEST PIZZA REVIEW
June 6 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Pizza will be available from around 15 different restaurants for pizza lovers to sample and vote for their favorites. Judging will be conducted by Food & Spirits Magazine’s panel of judges, also featuring live music. A portion of proceeds go to scholarships for culinary students at the Institute for the Culinary Arts at Metro Community College. 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $15. 402-884-5707. —reverblounge.com
ST. LUCIA ITALIAN FESTIVAL
June 8-11 at Lewis & Clark Landing, 515 N. Riverfront Drive. Omaha’s Italian community celebrates Italian culture with this annual festival. Events include a bocce ball tournament, cannoli-eating contest, entertainment by the Santa Lucia festival band and others, and plenty of food. Admission: free, but tickets required for food and carnival rides. 5 p.m.-11 p.m. June 8, 5 p.m.-midnight June 9, noon-midnight June 10, and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. June 11. 402-342-6632 —santaluciafestival.com
CALENDAR
COLLEGE WORLD SERIES OPENING DAY
June 16 at TD Ameritrade Park, 1200 Mike Fahey St. Before the series starts, come to the park for a day full of events, including team autograph sessions, practices, Olympic-style opening ceremonies, a concert, and fireworks. Times vary. Admission: free. 402-554-4422 —cwsomaha.com
COLLEGE WORLD SERIES
June 17-27/28 at TD Ameritrade Park, 1200 Mike Fahey St. One of Omaha’s biggest traditions returns for the 67th time. Baseball fans of all ages can enjoy Fan Fest, a NCA A-sanctioned festival that includes giveaways, interactive games, and special appearances. Times and ticket prices vary. 402-554-4422 —cwsomaha.com
BANK OF THE WEST CELEBRATES AMERICA 2017
June 30 at Memorial Park, 6605 Underwood Ave. Bring blankets or chairs and relax in the park while celebrating with thousands of others at the 27th annual pre-Fourth of July tradition—featuring a concert and fireworks show. This year’s headlining act is Kool and the Gang. Admission: free. 6 p.m.-10 p.m. —celebratesamerica.com
Event times and details may change Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.
OMAHA BEER FEST
June 9-10 at Horsemen’s Park, 6303 Q St. Hundreds of American craft beers, 80 breweries, live music, a homebrewer expo, VIP lounge, food vendors, contests, and more. Rain or shine. 5 p.m.-9 p.m. June 9 and 2 p.m.-7 p.m. June 10. Admission: general admission $35 in advance, $45 at the door; VIP $55 in advance, $65 at the door. Designated drivers pay $10 at the door. 402-731-2900. —omahabeerfest.com
Realize Recognize Respond
JUNKSTOCK
June 9-11 at Sycamore Farms, 1150 River Road Dr. This three-day festival features vintage finds, unique antiques, and artisan food and goods. Help celebrate the fifth year of Junkstock, featuring more than 150 vendors and 15 food trucks, along with a variety of bands playing on the Junkstock Stage throughout the weekend. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $8 online, $10 at the gate, $20 for weekend pass, free for children (12 and under). 402-765-8651. —junkstock.com
Get education on sex trafficking by visiting our website. Then, start a conversation about this very real threat in your own backyard. Easy conversation? No. One that must be had? Yes.
OMAHA SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL
June 9-11 along Farnam St. from 10th to 15th streets. The festival features 135 of the nation’s finest visual artists, a stage with continuous musical performances, a hands-on children’s fair, and a wide variety of food vendors. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. June 9 and 10, and 11a.m.-5 p.m. June 11. Admission: free. 402-345-5401. —summerarts.org
SAND IN THE CITY
June 9-11 at Baxter Arena, 2425 S. 67th St. On Friday, 12 corporate teams will compete to build extravagant sand sculptures. On Saturday and Sunday, visitors can vote for their favorite sculpture, build their own sandcastle, play in the kids’ zone, and hear live entertainment. All proceeds benefit the Nebraska Children’s Home Society. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 9, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. June 10, and 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. June 11. Admission: free. 402-451-0787. —sandinthecityomaha.com
National Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888 NoTrafficking.org MAY
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OMAHA MAGAZINE
A+C // MUSIC
STORY BY JAMES VNUK // PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT DRICKEY // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
e s r HoPlay See Through Dresses on the ’80s, Mental Illness, Taco Bell, and a New Album MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 22 / OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM
OMAHA MAGAZINE
A+C // MUSIC
e r D h g u o r h T e Se
IT’S UNUSUAL FOR a band to provide its
live audiences with a complimentary Filipino buffet during a show, but on a Sunday in late February at O’Leaver’s Bar, Omaha natives See Through Dresses enlisted the aid of friends and family to do just that for the band’s “Sunday Social,” just before heading to Austin, Texas, for the South by Southwest Music Festival.
The four-piece ensemble, comprised of (vocalist and guitarist) Matt Carroll, (guitarist, keyboardist, and vocalist) Sara Bertuldo, (drummer) Nate Van Fleet, and (bassist) Alex Kirts, evolved from Carroll and Bertuldo’s previous band Honey and Darling in 2012. Carroll and Bertuldo share principal songwriting duties, but the dynamic between all four members fits the true definition of a band. “Alex and I kind of act like arrangers,” Van Fleet says. “Sara might come to us with a song that’s 70 percent complete, and we’re there to hash it out and turn it into something our band could play.” Van Fleet, who is also the drummer for Omaha locals Little Brazil, elaborated further on what makes playing with See Through Dresses fruitful for him: “I played with a lot of bands before. In fact, Matt and Sara found me in a bar the night my last band was breaking up, and it was like finding these people who were just as obsessed with doing the same things I wanted to. There are lots of bands out there where somebody’s character flaws or poor priorities keep them from reaching their potential. There’s never been that ‘intervention’ moment with this band.” They pride themselves on their work ethic, Van Fleet says. Since forming, they’ve played more than 200 shows.
Despite this commitment to craft, they are hardly pretentious. “I applied for band sponsorship from Taco Bell,” Bertuldo says, laughing. The revelation devolves into jokes: “What if somebody wrote See Through Dresses/Taco Bell fan-fiction?” Bertuldo asks. “I’m not saying I want to see it,” Van Fleet chimes in, “but I’m also not saying I don’t want to see it!” In fact, catching Bertuldo’s banter with the audience when she’s on stage is a major reason to see the band live. At their “Sunday Social,” for example, she sported a new short hairdo, along with some vocal regrets. “That last song was called ‘Haircut,’ but it’s not about my hair. It’s actually about Macaulay Culkin,” she cryptically explains to the audience. Bertuldo is the chief conduit for the band’s energy during shows—shredding and kicking her way through the heaviest songs, and even jumping off equipment and nearby furniture. This spring, See Through Dresses finally releases their second full-length album, after a self-titled debut in 2013 and 2015’s End of Days EP. The band describes the new release, The Horse of the Other World (written mostly while touring their previous EP), as their “synth” album, a love letter to the ’80s. “There’s always been a little ’80s influence in our music—that new wave, post-punk stuff we all love,” Carroll says, repeatedly citing The Cure, New Order, and Depeche Mode as primary influences. “Our EP was a little more rock-flavored, but this album sounds like a natural progression from our self-titled record.”
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“It’s a very indulgent record,” Van Fleet quips. “It satisfies a lot of the urges we had while we were touring the EP. The sound is a little harsher and more dissonant here, too.” The band describes this evolution as something akin to “dream punk,” combining the energy of classic punk rock with a polychromatic sound recalling sunny afternoon daydreams. Yet lurking deeper on The Horse of the Other World are more thoughtful ruminations on mental health and keeping control of one’s mind. Carroll, who is also a manager at Ted and Wally’s Ice Cream, explains the title comes from a surreal experience with an unknown vagrant last year. “It was this strange and beautiful moment of connecting with someone on their own terms,” Carroll says. He sat with the man in the store and listened to his story, and his allegations that the “Great Mother and Father” would soon visit us riding on “the horse of the other world.” The man grabbed a box of markers from his bag, and wrote down the phrase on a napkin for him in bright red. The event had a big influence on Carroll during the songwriting process, which was already circling around themes of addiction and hitting bottom. “A lot of these things converged that hit me hard. Both my own experiences and those of friends,” he explains. “The lyrics on our opening track speak to this and mean a lot to me: Sometimes you’re trying to reach out at people, but they can’t open up. I wanted to address that barrier and feeling of helplessness.”
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Carroll adds he doesn’t like to “dance around the subject and speak in hushed tones when we talk about mental health.” Together the band shared anecdotes about loved ones and friends losing their grip on reality, either through drugs, depression, or diseases like Alzheimer’s. Bertuldo’s contributions to the album face these issues, as well, using touch points like loneliness and bad relationships to explore them. “I think this is a big deal about what’s inspiring us: The great fear of your mind or your body turning on you,” Carroll says. “We’re not OK with people walking the streets dying of cancer. But when we encounter someone in public with serious mental health needs, it’s our impulse to flee. That’s upsetting.”
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As for the namesake’s creator, Carroll laments: “I wish I could track him down again.” Visit seethroughdresses.bandcamp.com for more information about The Horse of the Other World and the band’s previous releases.
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Art Farm CASSIA KITE BRINGS HOMESPUN ARTISTRY TO UNDER THE RADAR
MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 27 / BESTOFOMAHA.COM
OMAHA MAGAZINE
RTIST CASSIA KITE
has lived on the Gulf Coast of the Sunshine State for more than a decade, but her work remains rooted in the family farm near Auburn, Nebraska. “I’m just so thankful of my upbringing. I love Nebraska,” Kite says. “I love the farm life. That’s probably the one reason why I’m constantly creating about it. I’m just homesick. I miss home.” Her latest project, “Soundstitches,” captures the vibrant colors of her family farm in what Kite describes as an interdisciplinary, multimedia installation, and performance piece. Inspired by folk art, Kite created embroidered farm scenes. She then translated those images to music by assigning a musical note to each color, mapping out the music from left-toright and top-to-bottom. The work leaves vast room for interpretation for the artists who engage with it. This summer, Kite’s project will be featured at KANEKO as part of the fourth annual Under the Radar Festival (July 5-8). Her embroidery will be on display while the corresponding music is performed by professional musicians and a dancer. Festival director Amanda DeBoer Bartlett is excited to bring artists together to interpret Kite’s work, and she explains the piece will be presented in a way that is immersive so “the audience can walk around and experience the performance.” “Since her piece is so open and improvisation-based, there won’t be a huge rehearsal process,” Bartlett says.
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On its face, this project might seem a little outside Kite’s wheelhouse. She studied painting and sculpting in college and isn’t comfortable calling herself a folk artist, even though she loves folk art traditions. She took piano lessons for a short time as a child, and she played percussion instruments in a middle school band, but she doesn’t consider herself a musician. When it comes to “Soundstitches,” she says she’s more of a “translator” than a composer, converting colors into sound. “It makes me feel very vulnerable in a way, too, and I think that’s good for growth,” Kite says. “This is about as honest a form as I’ll ever get.” The project may be out of her comfort zone, but it’s also built on what she knows best—the rich hues and homespun imagery of Nebraska. “Everything I create is a personal narrative,” she says. Kite is an arts educator who teaches at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, but she returns to Nebraska during the summer months. Her work is on display at Anderson O’Brien Fine Art, and she’ll have a solo exhibition at the Schoolhouse Art Gallery in Brownville, Nebraska, starting in June. For Under the Radar, she’ll be one of several Nebraska-connected artists participating in the festival this summer. Bartlett explains that out of 30 to 40 acts each year, they try to reserve at least half of those spots for artists with ties to the state. Kite is excited to have her work presented at KANEKO, especially in collaboration with Under the Radar. “I could not think of a better platform for this to happen,” she says, “because it really unifies the whole subject of the work.”” Visit cassiakite.com for more information.
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“I’M JUST SO THANKFUL OF MY UPBRINGING. I LOVE NEBRASKA. I LOVE THE FARM LIFE. THAT’S PROBABLY THE ONE REASON WHY I’M CONSTANTLY CREATING ABOUT IT. I’M JUST HOMESICK. I MISS HOME.”-CASSIA KITE
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/ 29 / BESTOFOMAHA.COM
Wicked Omaha
MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 30 / OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM
OMAHA MAGAZINE
A+C // LITERATURE
STORY BY GREG JERRETT // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
RYAN ROENFELD MUSTY NEWSPAPERS, PHOTOS, archives, public records,
presentations, and endless hours of research. Sure, the life of a modern folk historian sounds glamorous, but it’s not all like Raiders of the Lost Ark. In many ways, history is an occupation reserved only for those obsessive truth-seekers disconnected from their place on the space-time continuum. Local historian, author, teacher, and Glenwood native Ryan Roenfeld has been making history entertaining for nigh on two decades. The 44-year-old nontraditional UNO student describes himself as a “hick-from-the-sticks.” A quasi-Luddite with a passion for the past, he doesn’t have a cell phone but he uses Facebook. “I don’t know how I got so interested in history,” Roenfeld says. “Most folks see history as dry and dull, but it’s not. It really is—good, bad, or indifferent—the story of why things are the way they are.” While decrying the modern age, Roenfeld helped popularize one of Omaha’s most frequented social media sites: Chuck Martens’ “Forgotten Omaha” Facebook page.
People like hearing stories of cowboy shootouts in the street. People think the Old West happened in Arizona, but this area was really the archetype for every Wild West trope.
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“I was surprised at the interest. Omahans didn’t know as much of their history as I thought,” says Roenfeld, who also teaches classes on Omaha history for Metropolitan Community College at Do Space. “History really is the story of us all, and I like telling people their stories.” A folksy populist with an encyclopedic knowledge of colorful locals and criminals, Roenfeld tells the lesser-known tales of underrepresented populations, colorful characters, and swept-under scandals. He has self-published a dozen books and contributed to many articles on topics ranging from old postcards, railroads, steamboating, and local 19th-century brewers. To date, his most popular book has been Tinhorn Gamblers and Dirty Prostitutes, a colorful history of vice in Council Bluffs, which offers a glimpse at the city’s exploitation of prostitutes in the late 19th century. “The highlights are always the lowlifes,” Roenfeld says. “People like hearing stories of cowboy shoot-outs in the street. People think the Old West happened in Arizona, but this area was really the archetype for every Wild West trope.” The popularity of Western depravity was also obvious to Roenfeld’s publisher, The History Press. Roenfeld’s latest book, Wicked Omaha (not to be confused with David Bristow’s book, Dirty, Wicked Town [Omaha], published by Caxton Press in 2000), looks closely at “Hell’s Half-Acre,” Omaha’s red-light district in the 1880s.
Hell’s Half-Acre stretched from the Missouri River to 16th Street and from Douglas to Cuming streets. The city portrayed in Roenfeld’s Wicked Omaha makes all the stereotypes of Deadwood seem trite. “People don’t realize that anything went in Hell’s Half-Acre,” Roenfeld says. “It was a different Omaha, when the saloons ran all night and strangers were victimized by every scheme going, all right downtown, nothing secret about it. Brothels were illegal, but ran in the open. There was drug addiction, suicide, and systematic exploitation. Prostitutes paid ‘fines’ monthly to keep operating. If they couldn’t pay, the city gave them a few weeks before they were hauled in front of a judge to either pay up or get shut up.” Wicked Omaha made its debut Thursday, March 9, at the UNO Criss Library’s Read Local Author Showcase. Roenfeld plans to present his book at Omaha’s W. Dale Clark library May 6. The book is sold at The Bookworm, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and elsewhere. Visit arcadiapublishing.com for more information.
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People don’t realize that anything went in Hell’s Half-Acre, It was a different Omaha, when the saloons ran all night and strangers were victimized by every scheme going, all right downtown, nothing secret about it.
As one of three administrators, Roenfeld has seen “Forgotten Omaha” grow to more than 45,000 likes over the last year.
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Disney Magic Comes to an Elementary School Near You STORY BY SARAH WENGERT // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
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The program is designed for sustainability, so Disney-trained, local teaching artists work with each school in its first year to develop school team members into music directors, choreographers, and stage managers, with the skills and confidence to continue the program when the teaching artists transition to the next batch of first-year schools.
But he’s not just another kid imagining himself to be Mowgli, the freewheeling man-cub searching for his place in the jungle. This year, Campbell became Mowgli.
“The great part about this program is it will continue for many years to come,” Lawler Hustead says, noting that after schools complete year one, they move to alumni status and continue to receive support and free or discounted materials in subsequent years. “We’ll add five new schools each year, with the eventual goal of nearly every elementary school in the Omaha area, and potentially beyond, having these sustainable musical theater programs.”
Seamus Campbell loves The Jungle Book. He’s one of countless children to be enchanted by the thought of boppin’ around the jungle with cool, scat-singing Baloo, relishing the “Bare Necessities” that can make life so grand.
Omaha Performing Arts’ Disney Musicals in Schools program, produced in collaboration with Disney Theatrical Group, let Campbell and some of his Harrison Elementary classmates take on the role of storyteller and perform in their own production of The Jungle Book.
“IT’S BEEN SO FUN. MOWGLI GETS A LOT OF LINES AND GETS TO MOVE AROUND A LOT. I LIKE THE DANCING, RUNNING AROUND, TALKING, GETTING TO PUT ON COSTUMES…IT’S FUN THAT WE ALL GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER BETTER.” - SEAMUS CAMPBELL
Campbell, who played the role of Mowgli, uses words like “proud” and “fun” a lot when describing his experience. “It’s been so fun,” Campbell says. “Mowgli gets a lot of lines and gets to move around a lot. I like the dancing, running around, talking, getting to put on costumes…It’s fun that we all get to know each other better.” Campbell’s love of The Jungle Book—particularly Disney’s 1967 animated movie version—was his original inspiration to participate. He describes Mowgli as “very stubborn,” but says his character learns “a whole lot, like trusting your friends and listening to others.” Kathleen Lawler Hustead, Omaha Performing Arts’ education manager, says her team kicked off the program for the 2016/2017 school year, letting third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade students from five OPS elementary schools explore musical theater from a new angle. Omaha Performing Arts is the 13th arts organization in the nation to implement the Disney Musicals in Schools program, which began in 2009. “Disney only selects performing arts organizations with strong education departments, so we were thrilled to be among the select few brought into the program,” Lawler Hustead says.
Participating elementary schools are chosen based on need and commitment to sustaining the program in coming years. In addition to Harrison performing The Jungle Book, Omaha’s other Disney Musicals in Schools pioneers were Crestridge, Kennedy, and Wilson Focus—each performing The Lion King—and Liberty performing Aladdin. After 17 weeks of preparation and rehearsal, Campbell and the other participating students performed the 30-minute shows at their schools. They also performed select songs at an all-school Student Share Celebration, produced by Omaha Performing Arts and held at the Holland Center.
While the team successfully conjured Disney magic, there was much more to it than a simple flick of Tinker Bell’s wand. The school team and students devoted many extra hours of hard work and practice. Campbell is quick to agree that being in a musical is part work and part play—so what made him want to devote extra time between busy school days and evening Boy Scouts meetings? “To make everyone like the play,” he says. “Since my parents and everyone are going to see it, I want to do a good job and make my family proud.” Campbell’s eyes light up when he describes seeing the set and costumes for the first time. “When the door opened, we saw there were vines, plants, and a rock—and it was raining glitter!” Campbell says. The Harrison team created a vibrant jungle atmosphere and costumed the cast into a believable band of panthers, monkeys, snakes, tigers, wolves, bears, and, of course, one “man-cub.” At the Student Share, the creative, colorful costumes on display from all the schools were second only to the students’ enthusiasm. “It’s been so inspiring to see what this program does for students and teachers, and to watch the students light up and grow over the process,” Lawler Hustead says. “Not only are they learning to sing, dance, and act, they’re learning critical thinking skills, problem-solving, communication, self-confidence, and how to be a team player.” Campbell, who also loves Star Wars, football, and Percy Jackson, says his experience taught him to be brave and, of course, that the show must always go on. “[If you mess up], you just redo the line or skip by that line,” he says confidently. Haynes says exposing young kids to the arts fosters an important self-reliance.
“I am so proud of our kids and staff,” Harrison Principal Andrea Haynes says. “It just shows you that kids have this capacity and latent talent, and it’s our job to give them opportunities to cultivate that.”
“It can plant the seed in them that they can do anything,” she says. “That sense of self-confidence is so important in this world, and will carry you through all kinds of obstacles.”
Teaching artists Kelsey Schwenker and Sarah Gibson coached the Harrison team, which consisted of (director) fourth grade teacher Callen Goodrich, (music director) first grade teacher Anna Rivedal, (choreographer) librarian Rachel Prieksat, (stage manager) parent Danielle Herzog, (costume and set designer) paraprofessional Elizabeth Newman, and (production assistant) school secretary Linda Davey.
Visit omahaperformingarts.org for more information.
MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 36 / OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM
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"HE’D SQUEEZE THROUGH THE DOOR, BECAUSE THE BROOMS WOULD BE OVER HIS BACK, AND HE’D SAY, 'MY FRIENDS!' HE’D ALWAYS COME IN WITH THAT PRESENCE. HE BECAME A PART OF THE FABRIC OF OMAHA." -Lance Criswell
CULPTOR JOHN LAJBA
has made a name for himself by documenting Omaha’s most iconic figures. His subjects range from joyous to somber. One of his bronzes, The Road To Omaha, is a familiar image broadcast during ESPN coverage of the College World Series. When police officer Kerrie Orozco was killed in 2015, hundreds of mourners left flowers and mementos at the foot of Lajba's fallen officer sculpture, just outside of Omaha police headquarters. Now, a group hopes another unforgettable figure will join the ranks of Lajba's definitive sculptural portraits of Omaha history.
Family and friends knew the bronze-to-be as the Rev. Livingston Wills. For the rest of the city, he was “The Broom Man,” a man born with only 5 percent of his vision who traversed the city on foot, for decades, selling his brooms. The Broom Man Project—formed in March 2016—is an effort by David Jensen, Jim Backens, Marc Kraft, and Lajba to memorialize Wills, who died in 2008 at the age of 91. Almost 10 years after his death, people still vividly recall Wills selling his brooms on routes that took him through North Omaha, Benson, and up through Countryside Village. The Broom Man Project launched a GoFundMe campaign last October to fund a sculpture in honor of Wills. Since its launch, the site has raised approximately $9,000 of its $150,000 goal. Downtown Omaha Inc. has almost matched that amount, bringing the total raised so far to about $15,000. “Our very first contribution was five dollars,” Jensen says. A Facebook page, dedicated to Wills, is filled with posts recounting memories of meeting him. One post called for people to post pictures of brooms purchased from Wills.
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While many fondly recall long conversations with Wills, at times, he could be very business-oriented: Get the sale. Move on to the next customer. Get another sale. Jane’s Health Market in Benson is situated at the location of one of his many regular stops. Owner Jane Beran says she bought several brooms from Wills. “I can’t remember him sticking around much. I would just buy a broom from him, and he’d be on his way,” Beran says. Wills was born in Brownsville, Tennessee, about 60 miles northeast of Memphis. In Brownsville, he began making brooms out of cornstalk. He eventually moved to Nebraska, where he studied English and history at Union College in Lincoln. He then moved to Omaha, where he was a pastor at the Tabernacle Church of Christ. For decades, to support his family, he would sell brooms, going door-to-door and to businesses. Toting brooms over his shoulder, and using a cane for support, he would use his whistle as a sort of a sonar to detect nearby obstacles. Lance Criswell, grandson of Wills, would see him when he was done with a typical workday.
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“I’d say, ‘What have you been doing, Rev.?’ and he’d say ‘scratchin,’” Criswell recalls. “‘Scratchin’—that means he’s been working.” In 2006, Barbara Atkins-Baldwin wrote a book based on her family’s experiences with Wills. The book, The Blind Broom Salesman, was reissued with a new cover last year. Atkins-Baldwin pledged to donate all of the profits from her book to The Broom Man Project. In November, Leavenworth Bar posted a check for more than $550 to go toward the sculpture on The Broom Man’s Facebook page.
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When it came time to choosing a location for the proposed statue, Lajba wanted the Douglas County Courthouse because of the building’s downtown location and its historical significance. When he first heard about making a sculpture in Wills’ honor, Lajba envisioned him in his usual routine: walking the streets of Omaha with his array of brooms.
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“I want him to be well dressed,” Lajba says. “I really want to show how he cared about himself.”
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Criswell says his grandfather had more than a hundred suits. “He’d always like to look professional when he was out selling his brooms,” Criswell says.
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Criswell sat with Jensen, Lajba, and Tom Hanus at Tourek Engraving to discuss his grandfather and his impact on the Omaha community. As they conversed, the temperature outside was a crisp 18 degrees, much as it would have been when Wills walked his routes in winter.
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Tourek Engraving has become sort of a centralized headquarters for the Broom Man Project, with copies of The Blind Broom Salesman stacked beside flyers that detail the Broom Man Project’s ambitions.
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“If he walked through this door right now, he’d squeeze through the door, because the brooms would be over his back, and he’d say, ‘My friends!’” Criswell says, pointing to the front door. “He’d always come in with that presence. He became a part of the fabric of Omaha.”
Th e go od life awai ts .
Visit gofundme.com/thebroomman and facebook.com/livingstonwills to learn more about The Broom Man Project.
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HE MOST NERVOUS
person on the field during David Gerber’s pitching debut for Creighton baseball in 2014 might have been his older brother, then senior outfielder Mike Gerber.
The Bluejays were down 6-2 late in a March game against Arkansas State. David was just a freshman, and the elder Gerber anxiously hoped his brother could start his college career off right. David hit the first batter he faced, but Mike snagged two fly outs to end the inning, leaving the Bluejays unscathed. It was a brief debut, but a moment neither brother will forget. “Not a lot of brothers have the opportunity to say that they got to be on the same field at the Division I level,” the pitcher says of his first time on the mound in a college game.
Tragedy struck the family when David was 14 years old. Their father, Michael (the elder brother's namesake), died of kidney cancer. The loss tested the family, forging a tighter bond between the brothers and their mother, Karen. “He doesn’t have Dad to call, so I try to be there for him in [rough] times,” Mike says, explaining his role as big brother. The fraternal relationship was an important reason why David followed Mike to Creighton, where the older Gerber was already well on his way to being drafted by the Detroit Tigers organization. “It was a family decision, along with the fact that I was comfortable with the coaching staff,” David says. “Mike and I were [going to be] in the same city, and our mom could take a trip up to see us.”
“Not a lot of brothers have the
“When I came in, it was a goal of mine to be a closer as a senior,” David says. “I don’t think coach ever expected me to be in that role as early as it happened. It is a tough situation. You are either the hero or the villain. There is no greater adrenaline rush than going out to close a game, and I can’t replicate how the mind works in that scenario, and how you go off into a different world, and your body takes over.” After racking up 20 saves during his sophomore and junior seasons, he retained the closer job to finish out his Creighton career. At the start of his senior season, David suddenly found himself in a role familiar to his older brother’s final year (in 2014). Both seasons featured overwhelmingly young rosters. Like Mike, David also had to play an essential leadership role. The 2017 squad had 16 freshmen, including those who red-shirted. “He has done a good job one-on-one trying to pull guys aside and talk them through some things that he experienced as a freshman,” Servais says.
It was also the beginning of David’s opportunity to say that they got career as one of the best relief pitchers in Creighton history. Now a senior, the to be on the same field at the Despite being separated, with Mike chasside-winding closer has played an importing major league dreams in spring training ant leadership role on the 2017 Bluejays Division I level.” David Gerber as David began his final year at Creighton, squad. He was named to the National the younger brother hopes to follow again College Baseball Writers Association 2017 in Mike’s footsteps. Stopper of the Year Preseason Watch List amid David didn’t see much action beyond his expectations that he would finish his career as debut at Arkansas State during freshman year. The brothers who enjoyed a rare chance to the all-time saves leader for Creighton. Performance-wise, he was not ready. During share the collegiate field together still root for that time, he focused on developing a rigorous each other and cherish their friendship. A strong family bond brought David to mental and physical routine that served as the Omaha, and a rare adaptability has set him bedrock of his current success. At the begin“We talk on the phone all the time,” Mike says. up to succeed in the high-pressure closer role. ning of his sophomore year, he also changed “He is always there if I need anything, and I his pitching delivery from the traditional overcan tell him anything. I would be a totally “His record speaks for itself,” says Creighton the-top style to the more irregular side-arm different person if he wasn’t around.” head coach Ed Servais of David. “He has taken submarine delivery. advantage of every opportunity.” Visit gocreighton.com for more information. “His velocity was probably around 84-85 The Gerber brothers’ father introduced them [mph], and there are not a lot of guys that to baseball. “We saw his love for the game throw like that from the traditional arm slot,” and adopted that,” David says. “It became the coach Servais says, explaining the pitching style culture of our family.” switch. “He is an unbelievably coachable player. Credit goes to him for being open-minded.” A 2 1/2-year age gap and mutual appreciation for baseball helped make the young The switch paid off. Following injuries to other Gerber boys inseparable. They maintained players and multiple successful outings, includan allegiance to their favorite team, the St. ing one at Kansas State, the Creighton coaches Louis Cardinals, even after moving from decided David was the best man to have at the Springfield, Missouri, to the Chicago suburb back end of their bullpen. of Naperville, Illinois.
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PITCHER DAVID GERBER EXTENDS FAMILY LEGACY WITH BLUEJAYS BASEBALL \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ MAY
// JUNE • 2017 / 43 / BESTOFOMAHA.COM
OMAHA MAGAZINE
ET’S RESPECT OUR inverted
pyramid and get this out of the way: 4925 Dodge St., née the Dundee Theater, will once again play movies at midnight. They will be regular affairs, maybe/maybe not weekly, and they will be appropriately subversive.
A+C // CINEMA
To a kid, the city felt cold and conservative and corporate, says Jon Tvrdik, an Omaha filmmaker. Midnight movies were a blinking neon XXX sign in a town of church marquees. Tvrdik and his friends basked in the oppositionality.
But they’re not going to attempt to recreate the showings that took place there every weekend from 2000 till 2013, when the theater “closed for renovations” (but everyone sort of understood that was that).
“It was a nod from the establishment— which was any business that didn’t sell records—almost as if to say, ‘We see you out there, weirdos of all stripes, and we have a home for you and your cinema obsessions at night,’” Tvrdik says.
It’s probably for the best.
After two months, the good outweighed the bad. Midnight movies stuck.
Because part of what made those midnight shows great, let’s admit, was that they took place in that time between cars and bars: when a generation of millennials learned the world was their oyster, when they were amenable to going anywhere, but piddling few places would let them in. Even now, most theaters’ “late” showings start before 11 p.m., the same time it becomes illegal to step foot in city parks. Come 11:30 p.m., unless there’s a concert somewhere, your options are a lone donut shop and a slew of diner chains, convenience stores, and Wal-Marts. It’s a bleak affair. There are even reports of teenagers gathering in parking lots, like those Polish wood ants that made a go of it in an abandoned nuclear bunker. With that backdrop, knowing the basics of supply and demand, it’s little wonder that midnight movies were such a success. Midnight movies had long been off-again/on-again during the life of the Dundee Theater. But their most recent incarnation began in 2000, when two employees approached owner Denny Moran with the idea. “An old theater like the Dundee just sort of screams MIDNIGHT MOVIES,” says former manager Matt Brown. Moran agreed, but only as an experiment, only for a couple months. The crowd shifted depending on the film. Fight Club brought the meatballs, Nightmare Before Christmas turned out the Hot Topic set. Sometimes parents would come with their kids. Then, there were the loner old guys clutching dog-eared sci-fi paperbacks.
Slowly, they evolved into more than just movies shown at a time when most people are hitting the hay. One night Brown was showing a new employee, Jon Sours, the theater’s collection of trailers. Inexplicably, there were several for Changing Lanes, that overwrought 2002 movie that premised a whole plot out of Samuel Jackson getting into a fender bender with Ben Affleck. As the movie trailer's narrator describes it: “An ambitious attorney. A desperate father. They had no reason to meet—until today.” Sours insisted that this was one of the better bad trailers, and made the case for playing it before each and every midnight movie. Brown upped the ante, suggesting they play it twice. And things sort of snowballed from there. Before long, they were playing it three or four times, upside down, in the wrong aspect ratio, backward. The audience ate it up. Soon, they were shouting out lines from the film by memory. “I felt like a proud father,” Sours says.
“Film,” by the way, means film. As in 35 mm. The Dundee Theater never went digital. The adherence to analog made for all sorts of charming hijinks. During Goodfellas, for example, the projector went haywire, so every scene became a weird game of Where’s Waldo? (Except with dangling microphones instead of a bespectacled guy in stripes). It also meant that every week brought new and exciting questions about just how badly things could go wrong. Film reels arrived to the theater scratched, spliced, and re-spliced. They were missing frames and wrapped thick with tape. And that was when they came at all. The delivery company lost a print of Jaws the day it was supposed to show, and staff had to scramble when the last remaining copy of Say Anything was destroyed; but sometimes the best ideas are borne of necessity—that night, they dug up a copy of Changing Lanes. “We needed something to show, and we had been playing that trailer in ridicule for months,” Brown recalls. “I think some of our regular clientele were jazzed to show up and see that we were actually playing the film and not just the trailer four times in a row.” For the most part, though, things were uneventful in the projection room. The real action was in the calamitous crowd. It was a party. A movie-watching party with a few hundred friends you didn’t know you had. Rocky Horror Picture Show drew the costumed freaks. Purple Rain became impromptu karaoke, with people running to the front of the theater to take the lead on their favorite song. The Princess Bride was an odd communal script reading. And every now and then, during any movie, someone would kick over a clandestine bottle of something, and you’d have to listen as it slow-slow-slowly rolled all the way down the theater floor before coming to its merciful stop.
ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW DREW THE COSTUMED FREAKS.
PURPLE RAIN BECAME IMPROMPTU KARAOKE, WITH PEOPLE
RUNNING TO THE FRONT OF THE THEATER TO TAKE THE LEAD ON THEIR FAVORITE SONG. THE PRINCESS BRIDE WAS AN ODD
COMMUNAL SCRIPT READING.
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OMAHA MAGAZINE
Maybe the end of the Dundee Theater was merciful, too. Film Streams was competition, technically. But the truth is it was never close, and they were running up the score. The Dundee had standing water in the basement and a heater rusting through. Film Streams had a brand new facility and a membership that paid to keep it shiny. The Dundee had day-glo photocopies. Film Streams had a marketing budget. The last midnight movie was The Room, widely considered one of the worst films ever made. It had been a regular in the repertoire. Only about 150 people showed up that night—not at all capacity, and not even close to a record for a midnight showing. But for Brown, who steered that ship for 13 years, it was the perfect payoff. “They were so appreciative that we were taking some time to do a final screening of this weird little freak show movie that they all came to love, and they all came to party,” Brown says, fondly recalling the cult classic's spoon-throwing ritual. “So many plastic spoons. It felt very communal. It was great.” Even today, people tell Brown how much those movies meant. Their whole idea of cinema, their platonic ideal of a moviegoing experience, is based on seeing, say, Clockwork Orange or Fight Club at midnight at an art deco, formerly vaudeville theater in midtown Omaha.
A+C // CINEMA
Since announcing the acquisition of the Dundee, people have peppered Film Streams founder Rachel Jacobsen with questions about a reboot. The first meeting with the Dundee neighborhood association was expected to be a dry to-do to discuss traffic flows and parking and other crushingly adult things. Instead, people showed up specifically to advocate for the return of midnight movies. Film Streams wants to pay respects to its predecessor, Jacobsen says, and midnight movies were a big part of what made the Dundee the Dundee. But she wants them to be different; she wants to dress up the basic concept in new clothes that are a little better fit for the new ownership. She talks about a movie that might be the perfect balance—a French film with feminist undertones and cannibalism. She could also open it up to “Members Select,” to let those dues-paying members pick the films they’d like to see. Midnight movies are a big part of the theater’s recent history, sure. But Jacobsen seems well aware that much of the passion she hears could be standard-issue nostalgia. “There's not too many places that a teenager can go after midnight, someone under 21,” she says. “Maybe part of it is the age group that was going; they think of it as real glory days. We're not going to try to recreate it. We couldn't. But we'll try to do our own version that honors the history.”
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That’s no surprise to Brown. “I seriously doubt they [Film Streams] are going to be laying out the red carpets for a bunch of 17-year-olds dressed like Frank N. Furter and Riff Raff with packs of hot dogs and bags of rice shoved down their pants to toss around,” Brown says. “I think that ship has sailed.” Maybe it is all schmaltz for being young and dumb and the places that let you get away with it. Tony Bonacci, a local film director, compares the midnight movies to that dive bar in stumbling distance from your front stoop. You know every nook and cranny and stain on the floor. You could pick the exact tone of green in the carpet off the Pantone color wheel. You nod to “Metaphorical Ed” who comes in after work and grabs his place at the bar, which is empty, because everyone else knows it belongs to “Ed,” too. You love this place. Then it goes under and is sold. Cheap draws give way to microbrews and craft cocktails. The new place is clean. There’s a great jukebox. The carpet is pried up and original hardwood restored. “Ed” found a new place to hone his alcoholism, and the new crowd is well-dressed and mannered. It’s a good bar. A great bar. You like it. Still, something nags.
“It’s just a totally different vibe,” Bonacci says. “It’s like, ‘Man, can’t we just have that back?’” Tvrdik, though, thinks the updated version will be, well, a lot like the rest of us—older and wiser. Still out to have a good time, it’s just what constitutes a good time has changed: less like you’re staying up past your bedtime to watch something scandalous and more like your favorite professor is playing your favorite film. “A more mature version of what it was,” Tvrdik says. Visit filmstreams.org for more information.
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Doug Meigs takes aim. Scan this page with the LayAR app to see video of the fishing trip.
OMAHA MAGAZINE
ADVENTURE
s i f hin w o g b
for
INVASIVE CARP MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 49 / BESTOFOMAHA.COM
OMAHA MAGAZINE
“ARE YOU READY to see some flying fish?”
asks Rich Porter, tournament director for the Bowfishers of Nebraska. Porter steers toward the river’s confluence, and we nock arrows on bowstrings. We are ready. Or so we think. Cruising the banks of the Missouri River, we are hunting for Asian carp— the invasive fish wreaking havoc across Midwestern waterways. As we glide into the mouth of the Little Sioux River, Porter revs the boat’s outboard motor. It’s as if he flipped a switch, sending an electrical current through the water. The noise startles hundreds of silver carp, suddenly airborne in an explosion of shimmering scales and bulging eyes. “Shoot them, shoot them!” Porter yells, laughing as he shields his face from floppy carp-missiles leaping in every direction. Carp launch themselves into the boat, crashing into our bodies, flip-flopping across our gear, bouncing over the steering wheel. Omaha Magazine creative director, Bill Sitzmann, lets a barb-tipped arrow fly from a specialized “lever” bow (rigged with fishing reel and 200-pound test line). But the wriggling wall of flying fish proves to be a more difficult target than isolated underwater carp, which we have been stealthily approaching all day along the riverbanks. Silver carp, grass carp, and bighead carp are three varieties of Asian carp that infiltrated the Mississippi and Missouri rivers and their tributaries. All three species are firmly established in Nebraska waters. They are different species than common carp, but they are all bad news. Why are they bad? Silver carp, in particular, are notorious for jumping when scared. Most weigh between 10 and 25 pounds (and grow
ADVENTURE
upwards of 50 pounds) and have been known to jump eight feet. Boats traveling at moderate speeds can suffer broken windows from collisions with the fish. Passengers on boats have reported cuts from fins, black eyes, broken bones, back injuries, and concussions.
year was pushing close to 30,000 pounds,” Porter says. “Bowfishing is a great method for selective harvest of non-game fish. We removed close to 15 tons of invasive species fish during Nebraska tournaments in 2016, and that was just five tournaments.”
Bigheads don’t jump, and grass carp seldom jump, Porter says. Both grow much larger than silver carp (Nebraska’s state bowfishing records for bighead and grass carp each weighed about 80 pounds). But all carp varieties have proven themselves disastrous for the North American ecosystem.
On May 13, the Bowfishers of Nebraska will host the 30th annual Carp-o-Rama. The tournament is open to the entire Missouri River Valley system (which includes the Missouri River itself and nearby lakes). Weigh-in takes place at Cottonwood Cove Marina in Blair at 5 p.m.
They are prolific breeders; a single carp is capable of laying millions of eggs each year, and they disrupt food chains by crowding out native fish. “The biggest problem with silver and bighead carp is that they are filter-feeders. They eat the plankton and zooplankton that all other fish fry [i.e., baby fish] rely on,” Porter says. Grass carp, on the other hand, feed on aquatic plants.
“Last year we had more than 60 teams, and this year we’re expecting 75-100 teams,” he says.
Common carp—also known as German carp—were introduced to North America in the 1800s. They are also considered a pest (and a target for bowfishers nationwide). Their bottom-sucking omnivorous feeding disrupts aquatic habitat, increases water siltation, and contributes to algal blooms. Silver and bighead carp arrived in the United States around the 1960s. Aquaculture farmers in Arkansas introduced them into catfish ponds. After floodwaters breached the fish farms, Asian carp escaped and proliferated in the Arkansas and Mississippi rivers. “The first bighead and silver carp that I remember being shot was at Gavins Point Dam in 1993,” Porter says, adding that fisheries management officials worldwide have introduced grass carp in lakes to control aquatic vegetation. But he says grass carp have become a nuisance in rivers, too. Major Mississippi River floods during the 1990s helped Asian carp migrate upstream to Nebraska. When they arrived, Porter was ready. “I’ve been shooting carp for 30 years. Invasive carp are a national problem, really,” he says, noting that he got started with common carp.
The months of May Porter makes a weighty contribution with his and June, bow and arrow. “Last year I probably shot 20,000 pounds of fish, and my very best Porter says, are the best time of the year for bowfishing carp, when warming water temperatures drive carp to spawn and feed.
MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 50 / OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM
The months of May and June, Porter says, are the best time of the year for bowfishing carp, when warming water temperatures drive carp to spawn and feed. But we set out late in the season, on an overcast day in mid-August. We meet Porter at a gas station in Tekamah, Nebraska (roughly an hour north of Omaha). Following him to the nearest Missouri River access ramp, we board his flat-bottom boat and embark on our mission to save the environment (and slaughter as many Asian carp as we can manage). Porter’s camouflage-painted boat is the perfect seek-and-destroy attack vehicle in the war against invasive carp. It’s a 20-footer outfitted with an elevated platform for bowfishing anglers to scan the water for invasive prey. The Missouri River’s water looks like chocolate milk. Recent rains have disrupted visibility, making it difficult to identify carp hovering underwater. Polarized sunglasses help cut glare from the sky’s reflection. Luckily, the river’s surface remains relatively calm. Porter says conditions are not optimal, but he is confident we will have plenty of action. We start with some instructional target practice. The first carp we come across is a silver. Scared by the approaching boat, it jumps onboard with us. We don’t have a chance to shoot. Porter offers a quick tutorial. “Look for shadows or backs sticking out of the water, or fish jumping,” he says. Upon identifying a shadowy form, Porter shows how it’s done. He draws fast and releases. He pulls in a large silver carp. Then, he effortlessly snipes a few more. I miss over and over again. But, soon enough, we are all landing fish. Turning off of the Missouri River, Porter steers his boat into an intersecting canal lined with homes and docks.
Rich Porter holds up a grass carp caught by bow.
OMAHA MAGAZINE
A local resident waves from her canal-facing porch. From her deck chair, she yells a greeting: “Shooting Asian carp?” Porter responds in a friendly drawl, “Yup.” She shouts back, “Great! Shoot ’em all!” as we float down the canal. Ripples have begun forming about six feet ahead of the boat, like the wake of a hidden submarine. “Can you tell where the carp are?” Porter asks. We are herding them like a fish stampede. At the end of the canal, the carp scatter in all directions. We retrace our route, hunting back to the canal’s entrance. Over the course of the day, the three of us fill the boat’s cooler with silver carp, grass carp, and gar. Gar are another species of rough fish popular with bowfishing anglers. Although native to Nebraska (not invasive), they are fun to catch with bow and arrow. But their armor-plated exterior makes their meat difficult to access. In Nebraska, there is no particular season for bowfishing carp or other unprotected “rough fish” (any fish that is not game fish, such as carp or gar), though there are some practical limitations. First and foremost, a valid fishing license is required to bowfish in Nebraska waters. In shallow bays during the spring, spawning common carp boil to the surface in massive piles that bowfishers target from shore or boat (this can be found statewide in waters). The most popular destination for shooting Asian carp, however, is Gavins Point Dam on Nebraska’s border with South Dakota (about three hours north of Omaha, where the Missouri River curves west). Nebraska regulations prohibit bowfishing of game fish (e.g., trout, panfish, bass, pike, etc.) until after July 1, when bowfishing gear can be used to target both rough and sport fish. Using a bow and arrow makes catchand-release impossible, so bowfishermen are responsible for being able to identify the fish species they target.
“If you stick an arrow in a 20-poundplus river carp, you
FEATURE
An often-discussed threat of environmental and economic catastrophe involves Asian carp reaching the Great Lakes via Chicago canals that connect Lake Michigan to the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been sunk already into research, electrical gates, and various safeguards protecting the Great Lakes’ $7 billion commercial and sport fisheries. It has been said: “If you can’t beat it, eat it.” Asian carp demonstrate the axiom with mouth-watering results. Unfortunately, carp have a bad reputation with many American diners due to the large quantity of bones in their flesh.
fish is cooked at such a high temperature that the bones dissolve. The carp is harvested fresh from lakes in Iowa. “In Illinois, the government has started up a fish processing center for Asian carp, and on a national level, there is already one state that is trying to utilize a surplus of edible fish,” Porter says. “My understanding is that fishermen will bring them in, and they are selling them back to Asia or to the Asian markets.” Aside from winning taste buds, Porter says hooking youths on the sport of bowfishing is the next best means of controlling the invasive species.
Porter has a secret recipe (and, no, it doesn’t involve baking carp on a wood shingle for 10 hours, then discarding the fish, and eating the shingle, as the jocular folk recipe suggests). He uses a dishwashing machine to poach fillets:
Carp-o-Rama’s family festival atmosphere offers one method of attracting future carp-hunters. The Nebraska Bow Fishing Mentor Program, established by volunteer organizer Nick Tramp, is another lure.
“Take a fillet of Asian carp, wrap it in aluminum foil with your favorite seasonings and butter, place it on the top rack of an empty dishwasher—believe it or not, I’ve told people this recipe, and they’ve tried it while doing dishes—run a full cycle, and when you remove it, the meat flakes off the bone and can be used in fish tacos, fried for fish sandwiches, or used in crab cakes. Once you poach it, you can use the meat for any recipe that calls for fish. Blackened fish tacos are my favorite.”
The mentorship program is entering its fourth year. In 2017, Tramp (based out of Allen, Nebraska) will take students of all ages to Ponca State Park and Gavins Point in July. Meanwhile, Zac Hickle of Elkhorn will focus on Omaha youths with trips to DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge in May and June.
On a successful early summer day of bowfishing on the Missouri, Porter says he might take home 500-1,000 pounds of carp. Since he usually has more than enough at home, he donates the meat to the community. Whenever he finds himself with a literal boatload of carp, he makes a call to a friend in the North Omaha neighborhood where he grew up. He pulls up to the house, and a crowd gathers around his boat trailer. Porter climbs up and hauls carp from the cooler until everyone is satisfied or the cooler is empty—whichever comes first. “The guys I’m giving fish to know, but the general population does not realize how good these Asian carp taste,” Porter says. “It’s the association with the common carp. People don’t realize they are two different species.” One of the best known Omaha establishments to serve carp is Joe Tess Place (5424 S. 24th St.), famous for its deep-fried carp, where the
better sit down and hold on, because it’s going to strip your reel; you’re going to have a strong fish that has grown up fighting the current, They are going to pull you right around the river.” -Nick Tramp MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 52 / OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM
“We’re just doing it to get kids off the couch and away from video games and teach them some life skills,” Tramp says, adding the program starts with a bow tutorial. All the gear will be provided, and Bowfishers of Nebraska volunteer as instructors. Youths under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license in Nebraska. Carp is not considered a “sport” fish, but the fight is comparable to many larger game fish in faraway locations expensive to reach from Omaha. “If you stick an arrow in a 20-pound-plus river carp, you better sit down and hold on, because it’s going to strip your reel; you’re going to have a strong fish that has grown up fighting the current,” Tramp says. “They are going to pull you right around the river.” Porter demonstrates the fight when he lands the biggest catch of Omaha Magazine’s bowfishing trip. He sinks an arrow into a massive carp. The fish runs. Ten minutes later, Porter lands the 25-pound grass carp. By the end of the day, my arms are sore from shooting fish and hauling carp into the boat. I head back to Omaha content, with a pile of Asian carp fillets ready to deep-fry at home (or poach in my dishwasher, if I’m brave enough to follow Porter’s advice). Visit carp-o-rama.com for more information about Carp-o-Rama. More information about the Nebraska Bow Fishing Mentor Program is available on the group’s Facebook page.
DishwasherPoached Fish Rich Porter’s Favorite Recipe for Asian Carp »» Take a fillet of Asian carp. »» Wrap it in aluminum foil with preferred seasonings and butter. »» Place it on the top rack of an empty dishwashing machine.
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»» When the dishwasher turns off, the fish is poached in the aluminum foil packet. »» The poached meat flakes off the bone and can be used any recipe that calls for fish. »» Rich Porter’s favorite: blackened Asian carp tacos.
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MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 54 / OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM
OMAHA MAGAZINE
COVER FEATURE
Nebraska’s World War II Veterans WHEN I FIRST saw him, I had no plans to
write a book about Nebraska’s World War II veterans. It was just a few days after Veterans Day in November 2015. I was in a writing slump and sitting in a Fremont restaurant. When I stood to get a second cup of coffee, his cap caught my attention: “World War II—Korea—Vietnam Veteran.” When I approached him and thanked him for his service, his immediate response was to thank me for thanking him. I remember thinking that man has a story to tell. Writing one story about a three-war veteran soon expanded into interviews with 21 World War II veterans for a book titled Forever Heroes: A Collection of World War II Stories from Nebraska Veterans. My veterans include 19 men and two women. Seven were drafted between the ages of 17 and 24, the remainder enlisted between 1941 and 1945. Now, their ages range from 90 to 96. During my research last year, the following statement from the U.S. Veterans Administration proved that a book on World War II veterans can’t be written fast enough: “Approximately every three minutes a memory of World War II—its sights and sounds, its terrors and triumphs—disappears. Yielding to the inalterable process of aging, the men and women who fought and won the great conflict are now mostly in their 90s. They are dying quickly—at the rate of approximately 430 a day.” A recent check revealed that rate of attrition has increased to 492 a day. Four of my veterans have recently added to that statistic. This is why it’s imperative to preserve the stories from these men and women. However, it isn’t just World War II experiences that need to be shared.
The United States Congress created the Veterans History Project in 2000 as part of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. Its website states, “VHP’s mission is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.” Visiting the website loc.gov/vets explains how people can get involved with the project. A printable “Field Kit” includes interview questions. A story doesn’t have to be submitted for inclusion in the Veterans History Project. Its resource materials can be accessed even if an individual just wants to preserve—written or oral—a veteran’s story for familial records. It’s simply important that veterans’ stories are not left untold. Not everyone is comfortable with the process of interviewing veterans, but no one should dismiss the opportunity to thank veterans for their service. It’s a simple gesture that’s simply appreciated. It was my privilege to have 21 World War II veterans share their stories with me. Enjoy the following three summarized stories of those veterans who are “Forever Heroes.”
SURVIVING WORLD WAR II VETERANS ARE
DYING AT THE RATE OF APPROXIMATELY 492 A DAY.
STORY BY JOYCE H. WINFIELD, PH.D. PHOTO OF NORMANDY AMERICAN CEMETERY AT OMAHA BEACH BY BEN DRICKEY PHOTOS OF VETERANS BY DEAN JACOBS // ARCHIVAL PHOTOS PROVIDED DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 55 / BESTOFOMAHA.COM
Juan, a U.S. freighter/troopship, when it was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine about 300 miles south of Fiji. It was Nov. 11, 1943, and about 5:30 in the morning. “The torpedo knocked the engine room out and the ship was leaning to one side,” Fischer says. “Oil [from the ship’s engines] was floating around and we were given orders to abandon ship.” He swam toward a smaller six-man life raft. The raft was framed with wood and covered with wood decking. Barrels, which Fischer estimated to be about the size of 30-gallon drums, circled the perimeter. When he first climbed into the raft, Fischer sat on a barrel with both legs inside. As more men climbed aboard, everyone sitting on barrels switched positions. “We straddled the barrel with one foot in the water and one foot inside the raft,” he says. “We could get more in that way. We were just as close as we could make it.” More men were crouched on the floor. With 33 men on the raft, Fischer recalls that it was “so full that we couldn’t get another person on.” He adds, “The barrels didn’t hold us up floating anymore. Our life jackets kept us floating.”
“One man went blind, and three or four were sent home because of eye problems. I was lucky,” he says. The San Juan was carrying 1,464 men that included Fischer’s unit, the 1st Fighter Control Squadron. Of the 117 men who died, Fischer says 13 were from his squadron. The San Juan stayed partially afloat for another two days after the attack, sinking on Nov. 13. Fischer, and other men in the 1st Fighter Control Squadron, received the Purple Heart. After about three months in Australia, Fischer’s Army Air Corps squadron began island hopping around the Philippines. As an operations board tracker, Fischer’s responsibility was to determine if planes were friend or foe. Two different times during the island hopping, Fischer’s ships escaped encounters with a Japanese kamikaze (suicide pilot). While on one of the islands, he received announcement of the war’s end on Sept. 2, 1945. Upon arrival in San Francisco on Nov. 5, 1945, Fischer says he was content to make his way back to Nebraska without boarding another ship. Ben Fischer died at age 97 on Feb. 20, 2017.
The next day, Fischer was still stranded in the Pacific Ocean. Then, he saw a seaplane in the air. It was picking up men who were floating in their lifejackets. He stresses it was right to rescue those men first. “I saw it up in the air, but we were too far away [for the pilot] to see us,” he says, noting that he never saw any sharks in the water and believes the crude oil from the sinking ship probably kept them away. Ships in the area headed toward the sinking SS Cape San Juan. Men on a destroyer rescued Fischer and the other 32 men after they had been on the raft for 30 hours. The destroyer took the rescued men to the Fiji Islands. In the hospital for 10 days, Fischer’s eyes were treated because of reactions to the crude oil.
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army air corps
WAS SLEEPING ABOARD the SS Cape San
OMAHA MAGAZINE
COVER FEATURE
AFTER ABOUT THREE MONTHS IN AUSTRALIA, FISCHER’S ARMY AIR CORPS SQUADRON BEGAN ISLAND HOPPING AROUND THE PHILIPPINES...
TWO DIFFERENT TIMES DURING THE ISLAND HOPPING,
FISCHER’S SHIPS ESCAPED ENCOUNTERS WITH A JAPANESE KAMIKAZE
(SUICIDE PILOT).
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OMAHA MAGAZINE
COVER FEATURE
EVERY TIME WE MADE A REVOLUTION, “ I COULD SEE THE SKY, AND THEN THE GROUND,
THEN THE SKY, THEN THE GROUND, AND IT ISN’T VERY FAR AWAY.
YOU THINK ABOUT EVERYTHING YOU DID WHEN A LITTLE KID. IT’S NOT GOING TO HURT ME; IT’S GOING TO HURT THE PEOPLE BACK HOME.” MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 58 / OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM
100th bombar
ON MAY 28, 1944, Ray Mitchell’s 10-man
crew in the 100th Bombardment Group of the Eighth Air Force left base in eastern England. Their destination was an oil refinery in Magdeburg, Germany. Each bombing mission included Mitchell’s squadron of 21 B-17s. “As we approached the target, about 20 ME 109s [Germany’s principle fighter planes] attacked us. We suffered heavy damage and the airplane was on fire,” he says. The crew was ordered to bail out. Mitchell, a waist gunner, was behind the bomb bay near the middle of the plane. He explains how pulling a cable attached to the escape hatch released it. “You have super strength at a time like this,” he says. “I pulled apparently at too much of an angle and broke it. This is almost an impossible situation now because you can’t bail out if the escape hatch isn’t gone.” Finally able to get the escape hatch to release, Mitchell was ready to jump when the B-17 went into a spin. “It slammed me down on the floor. My radio operator landed on my back.” Estimating the aircraft was at an altitude of about 15,000 feet, Mitchell was beginning to see trees and fenceposts and Germans. “Every time we made a revolution, I could see the sky, and then the ground, then the sky, then the ground, and it isn’t very far away,” he says. “You think about everything you did when a little kid. It’s not going to hurt me; it’s going to hurt the people back home.”
Then the plane broke in half and Mitchell was pulled outside. He managed to attach his chest-type parachute and pull the rip cord. “It was a relief to see 28 feet of silk up there. It was just 700 feet—not 7,000—before I hit the ground. It wasn’t long until the Germans showed up.” Of the original 21 B-17s in the squadron, only one aircraft was shot down on May 28. “That was us.” He explains, “You’re not supposed to weaken and talk, so it was a lot of Staff Sgt. Raymond J. Mitchell, 39460300, USA” The eight-digit number was his serial number. “You say that over and over and over. They ask you what group you’re from, what kind of airplane you were flying, what altitude were you when you came across the Channel, things like that. Then you just repeat your name, rank, and serial number.” Mitchell was a prisoner of war at Stalag VII A, located just north of Moosburg in southern Bavaria. He says the thought of freedom “goes through your mind all the time. It was never any doubt in our minds who was going to win the war, but whether you were going to be around when it was over.” On April 29, 1945, around 9 a.m., gunfire was heard. Then, at 10 minutes after 12 in the afternoon, an American flag was raised. It wasn’t long before Sherman tanks crashed through the fence that surrounded the POW camp. “Literally, thousands of prisoners bolted out of there,” Mitchell says. On May 1, Gen. George S. Patton, Jr., commander of the Third Army, arrived at Moosburg “in his jeep with his dog, and a pistol on each hip.” It was two days after liberation and Mitchell was still in the camp. “I was a POW about 11 months and a few days, but before I finally got out, another 10 days had elapsed because I was one of the last to leave.” Now at age 94 and 72 years after his service in the Army Air Corps, including just over 11 months as a prisoner of war, Staff Sgt. Raymond J. Mitchell, 39460300, U.S.A., answers his own question: “Was I proud to serve? You bet.”
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would have been proud to have his son enlist in the Army during World War II. But what happens when the son wants to enlist in the Marine Corps? Mel Schwanke knows from experience. He says his father hollered in resistance. And since a 17-year-old enlistee would need parental permission, the paper would not be signed. “So, I talked my mom into signing my papers.” As an infantry rifleman, Schwanke was trained on firing the Browning Automatic Rifle. The .30-caliber rifle was an air-cooled, gas-operated, magazine-fed weapon. On Easter Sunday, April 1, 1945, the naval ship carrying Schwanke’s platoon arrived at Okinawa. The Battle of Okinawa became the largest amphibious assault, the last major battle in the Pacific Theater, and the bloodiest campaign in the Pacific. There were more than 250,000 total casualties. Together with Schwanke’s 1st Marine Division, the 6th Marine Division, and five divisions of the 10th Army, a total of 183,000 troops fought on Okinawa. Excessive rain meant slow movement through mud on the island. High temperatures, together with the rain, resulted in high humidity. Also, the Japanese were occupying numerous caves. They had constructed an estimated 60 miles of interconnected passages in tunnels, which Schwanke says made combat difficult. Seven days before Okinawa was secured, on June 12, 1945, Schwanke had his most life-changing experience of the war. Of his original platoon of 63, he was one of only five men who survived the island.
“I went to reach for the sucker and it went off right in my face.” He explains the grenades were made of scrap metal, so metal pieces shot in all directions when they exploded. “One piece severed my watch band, one went in right next to my eye and my hearing was affected. Lots of pieces lodged in my stomach, in my leg and arms, and a big one by my spine.” Schwanke lost most of the sight in his left eye, which still won’t rotate in its socket. “I have to turn my head to see,” he says. Pieces of shrapnel too close to his spine could not be removed. For 11 months, he was at the U.S. Naval Hospital in San Diego, California. He endured multiple surgeries to remove shrapnel pieces and extensive physical therapy to renew his strength. He was presented the Purple Heart while recuperating. Reflecting on his almost two years of service during World War II, Schwanke, 91, says, “I was absolutely proud to serve and have no regrets about joining the Marine Corps.” Schwanke adds that, at the end of the war, his father was also proud. “My dad was OK by then that I was a Marine.”
For more information, pick up a copy of Forever Heroes: A Collection of World War II Stories from Nebraska Veterans. The book is sold at The Bookworm, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and elsewhere.
“We had some Japanese trapped in a cave under us and we were lobbing hand grenades down at them, and they were throwing hand grenades up at us. Sometimes we would catch them and throw them back down and they would explode immediately.” Because he was on a walkie-talkie to call for a flamethrower tank as reinforcement to help get control of the cave, Schwanke was distracted. Suddenly, a buddy yelled, “Mel, get rid of that thing at your feet.” It was a Japanese hand grenade.
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U.S. Marine Corps.
AN ARMY OFFICER in World War I probably
OMAHA MAGAZINE
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“WE HAD SOME JAPANESE TRAPPED IN A CAVE UNDER US AND
WE WERE LOBBING HAND GRENADES DOWN AT THEM, AND THEY WERE THROWING HAND GRENADES UP AT US. SOMETIMES WE WOULD CATCH THEM AND THROW THEM BACK DOWN AND THEY WOULD EXPLODE IMMEDIATELY.” MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 61 / BESTOFOMAHA.COM
THE ORIGINS OF THE NEBRASKA NATIONAL GUARD
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OMAHA MAGAZINE
HISTORY
STORY BY ANNE WALSH // PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY NEBRASKA NATIONAL GUARD // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
Soldiers from the Nebraska National Guard's 134th Infantry Regiment conduct a patrol into devastated St. Lo, France, in July 1944. The regiment played an integral part in the liberation of the strategic French city. MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 63 / BESTOFOMAHA.COM
OMAHA MAGAZINE
W
ANDERINGS OF A lame cow set
in motion forces that led to the establishment of the Nebraska National Guard.
“It started when President Franklin Pierce signed the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854, creating the Nebraska Territory and opening the frontier to settlers. That summer, an ill-fated bovine wandered from a Utah-bound Mormon wagon train into a large Sioux camp southeast of Fort Laramie (at the time located within Nebraska Territory, now Wyoming), where it was subsequently killed and eaten by young tribesmen. Demanding the arrest of those responsible, the Mormons reported the incident to Lt. John Grattan, the inexperienced leader of Fort Laramie’s U.S. infantry regiment. Chief Conquering Bear (Brulé Lakota) refused to surrender the young men who had killed the cow, explaining they had done nothing wrong; the cow had voluntarily entered their camp, and, besides, the supposedly guilty men were visitors belonging to another band of Lakota, the Miniconjou. Grattan’s regiment opened fire and mortally wounded Conquering Bear; however, the infantry proved no match for the Brulé warriors, who completely annihilated the military detachment, killing Grattan and his 29 men. Author Douglas Hartman explains the anecdote in his book, Nebraska’s Militia: The History of the Army and Air National Guard. The “Grattan Massacre” (aka “the Mormon Cow War”)—and the federal government’s failure to fulfill treaty promises— incited bands of Sioux to continue terrorizing settlers on the Mormon and Oregon trails. To augment federal troops, on Dec. 23, 1854, Acting Gov. Thomas Cuming issued a proclamation creating the Nebraska Territorial Militia, which later became the National Guard.
HISTORY
The proclamation recommended “the citizens of the territory organize, in their respective neighborhoods, into volunteer companies,” which were grouped into two regiments: one north of the Platte River and one south. Cuming further instructed, “Companies are not to use force in invading or pursuing hostile tribes, but only in self-defense, and then no longer than necessary.” Funding did not exist, however, so the early militiamen were expected to provide their own arms and equipment. By spring 1855, the state’s first organized units were formed: the Fontanelle Rifles in the town of Fontanelle, some 40 miles north of Omaha, and the Otoe Rifles in Nebraska City. Nebraska Gov. Mark Izard ordered the Rifles to protect Fontanelle, Elkhorn City, and Tekamah after “the Sioux” killed two area settlers. The Indians were nowhere to be found when the militia arrived, so troops spent the summer catching large-channel catfish from the Elkhorn River while “protecting” settlers. This became known as the “Catfish War,” writes Hartman. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Nebraska militias became more involved in fighting against tribes, since most of the nation’s federal military was consumed by the war, says Jerry Meyer, historian for the Nebraska National Guard. Additionally, two Nebraska volunteer militia units fought for the Union in the Southeast. When Nebraska achieved statehood March 1, 1867, it joined a nation in transition. With the war over, potential recruits had little interest in joining formal militia units, which the new state couldn’t afford to equip anyway. Nebraska relied on loosely organized, independent militias until 1881, when legislation reorganized them into the Nebraska National Guard, increasing its role as a peacekeeper during times of civil unrest, settling conflicts with Native American tribes, and deploying the first Nebraska troops internationally for the Spanish-American War.
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The Nebraska Militia of 1854-1867 wrote the opening chapters of an ongoing legacy of service to the nation, state, and communities. The tradition continues with today’s modern Nebraska Army and Air National Guard, says Lt. Col. Kevin Hynes, spokesman for the Guard’s Public Affairs office. Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, more than 10,000 Nebraska National guardsmen and airmen have supported missions overseas and within the United States. When not on federal active duty, the service members remain in Nebraska, available to local authorities during emergency situations. The Guard was instrumental in protecting Omaha and other Nebraska communities, for example, during the 2011 Missouri River flood, which threatened Eppley Airfield and OPPD power plants. The summer-long flood closed numerous traffic bridges, making it impossible to cross the river for more than 100 miles between Sioux City and Omaha, and between Omaha and Kansas City. Hynes says guardsmen provided surveillance and bolstered levees, and they also provided security for evacuated homeowners. Currently, the Nebraska Army National Guard is undergoing its largest force restructuring in 20 years. Affecting about 1,100 Nebraska soldiers–or roughly one in three–the changes are bringing in new military occupational specialties, such as engineering and military police. The realignment will provide current soldiers and those interested in joining with better opportunities for personal and professional growth, from the time they enlist until the time they retire, without having to travel extensively from their hometown communities. The Nebraska National Guard Museum, located in Seward, Nebraska, is a prime resource for National Guard history, research, and local entertainment. Visit nengm.org for more information about the museum. Visit ne.ng.mil to learn more about the Nebraska National Guard.
FAMOUS OMAHA GUARDSMEN Warren Buffett
Long before becoming the “Oracle of Omaha,” he was simply Corporal Buffett, enlisting with the Nebraska Army National Guard in 1951 after graduating from Columbia University. The future Berkshire Hathaway founder served six years as a pay specialist, telling the Prairie Soldier newspaper that his financial background probably had something to do with the assignment. One of about 70 members of the Omaha-based 34th Infantry Division Headquarters Company, Buffett told the newspaper of the Nebraska Army and Air National Guard that his fellow guardsmen were “as good of a group of guys that you could’ve found.”
Andrew Jackson Higgins
Expelled his senior year from Omaha’s Creighton Prep for brawling in the early 1900s, Higgins later was praised by President Dwight Eisenhower as the man who won World War II. He designed and built the “Higgins Boat,” a landing craft that unloaded troops across open beaches instead of at heavily guarded ports. This Allied attack strategy was pivotal to the D-Day invasion of Normandy. Higgins served in the Nebraska Army National Guard, attaining the rank of first lieutenant, and learned about boat building and moving troops over water during militia maneuvers on the Platte River. A historical marker honors him in Columbus, Nebraska.
Turn to page 132 and page 134 for more stories about local World War II documentary efforts. MAY
// JUNE • 2017 / 65 / BESTOFOMAHA.COM
OMAHA MAGAZINE
FEATURE
STORY BY J.D. AVANT // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
K
ELLY HILL STANDS on the
corner of 30th and Lake streets admiring Salem Baptist Church’s towering cross, which looms over the landscape. A member of the church for more than 15 years, Kelly grew up in the now-demolished Logan Fontenelle Housing Projects not far from the area. He can remember a time before Salem sat atop the hill, when the Hilltop Homes housing projects occupied the area. “I left Omaha to join the military in 1975, and I didn’t return until 1995. I missed all of the gangs and bad stuff in Hilltop,” Hill remembers. “When I was a kid, it wasn’t a bad area at all. Me and my sister would play around there all the time.” Within those 20 years, Hill was fortunate to have missed Hilltop’s downfall, as it would eventually become one of Omaha’s most notorious housing projects. A major blight on North Omaha’s image in the 1980s to mid-1990s, Hilltop Homes would eventually be the second major housing project demolished in the metro area after Logan Fontenelle. Before Hilltop Home’s razing in 1995—which had the unfortunate consequence of displacing many lower-income minority residents—the plague of drugs, murders, and gang activity had turned the area’s housing projects into a localized war zone. It was a far cry from their humble beginnings as proud housing tenements for Omaha’s burgeoning minority population that exploded in the 1940s.
Built around Omaha’s oldest pioneer resting place, the neighborhood takes its name from Prospect Hill Cemetery on 32nd and Parker streets. Prospect Place was repurposed by the U.S. government to house a large influx of minority and low-income residents, mostly African-Americans, who migrated to Omaha seeking opportunities outside the oppressive South during the mid-20th century. Some 700 units of public housing emerged across the city in the 1940s, including Hilltop Homes and the nearby Pleasantview Apartments. The projects were conveniently situated. Hilltop’s 225 units were positioned in a centralized location along 30th and Lake streets, near the factory and meatpacking plants on 16th Street to the east, with Omaha Technical High School to the south (the largest high school west of Chicago at the time). Multiple generations of families would come to call Hilltop and Pleasantview their first homes; however, the collapse of the job structure on the north side of Omaha in the late 1960s would be a major catalyst in Prospect Place’s eventual downfall. Successful factories and stores that kept the area afloat—such as The Storz Brewery and Safeway Grocery Store—closed their doors. At the same time, new civil rights laws prohibiting job discrimination were being passed. Some believe that fear of change, and fear of civil rights era legislations, motivated major employers in the community to move from northeast Omaha westward. A disappointing trend of joblessness and poverty would eventually devolve the community into a powder keg ready to blow. Multiple riots at the tail end of the 1960s would take an additional toll on North Omaha. Four instances of civil unrest would erupt from 1966 to 1969, decimating the community.
Omaha wasn’'t a place people would have thought the gangs of Los Angeles, California, would make a strong showing. Quite the contrary, gang members from the West Coast would eventually discover Omaha's smaller urban landscape to be an untouched and lucrative territory. MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 66 / OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM
The last North Omaha riot would happen a day after Vivian Strong was shot and killed by Omaha police in the Logan Fontenelle Housing Projects not far from Prospect Place. Rioters would go on to fire-bomb and destroy a multitude of businesses and storefronts in the neighborhood. The local chapter of the Omaha Black Panthers would stand guard outside of black-owned businesses like the Omaha Star building at 24th and Lake streets in order to prevent its destruction. Many businesses would never recover from the millions of dollars in damages caused by the riots. These disturbances would mark an important time-frame for Hilltop and Pleasantview’s gradual downfall. The turbulence within the community, spearheaded by systematic racism and poverty would take its toll on the area. The Prospect Place projects would devolve into a dilapidated ghetto, with even harsher times awaiting the neighborhood as gangs and crack-cocaine would hit the city hard in the 1980s. Omaha wasn’t a place people would have thought the gangs of Los Angeles, California, would make a strong showing. Quite the contrary, gang members from the West Coast would eventually discover Omaha's smaller urban landscape to be an untouched and lucrative territory. Ex-gang member Edwin Benson can remember the switch taking hold in his later teenage years. “The Crips came first, I’d say around the midto-late 1980s. They took over areas like 40th Avenue and Hilltop,” Benson says. “The Bloods’ territory was further east, big in the Logan Fontenelle projects and up and down 16th Street. So, gang-banging kind of took over the city for a long while.” The isolated, maze-like structure of Hilltop and Pleasantview, along with the high-rise apartments added in the 1960s by the Omaha Housing Authority, would make them ideal locations for the burgeoning Hilltop Crips and other smaller street gangs.
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" Too many kids were getting shot, killed, it was pretty bad in Hilltop. Once
the projects were gone, I think the Hilltop Crips just kind of faded out. We would joke and call them the ‘Scatter-site Crips’ since everyone was being moved to the scatter-site housing out west! If you hear someone claiming Hilltop these days they are living in the past." -Edwin Benson
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OMAHA MAGAZINE
“I can remember kids from Hilltop coming over to Pleasantview and starting trouble.” Benson recalls. “We would fight about who had the better projects! We fought with our fists, rocks, sticks…whatever was close you got hit with!” A refuge for illicit activity had sprung to life within Prospect Place in the 1980s. Members of the community, as well as police officers, grew hesitant to venture into the area. Hilltop became a forgotten segment of the city, lost to the surrounding metro’s progress, marred by a decade of violent crime and drug offenses. Hilltop would see an unfortunate trend of senseless homicides and gun violence that would peak in the early ’90s. In 1990, two young men from Sioux City were shot outside of Hilltop when they stopped to ask for directions to the Omaha Civic Auditorium on their way to an MC Hammer concert. In 1991, a 14-year-old boy was arrested for stabbing a 13-year-old boy during a fight. That same year, a local Crip gang member was gunned down at the 7-Eleven on 30th and Lake across the street from Hilltop. In 1993, the pointless murder of another teenager may have finally spelled Hilltop’s doom. 14-year-old Charezetta Swiney—known as “Chucky” to friends and family—was shot in the head from point-blank range over a parking space dispute on Oct. 22. A sad occasion at the beginning of the school year, Benson High School was gracious enough to host the high school freshman’s funeral with more than 700 people in attendance. She was the 31st person slain in Omaha that year. Jay W. Green, 27, would eventually be found guilty of Swiney's homicide, charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm to commit a felony in the summer of 1994. At the end of that same year, Omaha’s City Council would begin laying the groundwork for Hilltop Homes’ eventual razing in 1995. Benson, the former gang member, believes Swiney's murder and the rampant gang activity within Prospect Place were the main reasons for Hilltop Homes’ demolition. “Too many kids were getting shot, killed, it was pretty bad in Hilltop.” Benson says. “Once the projects were gone, I think the Hilltop Crips just kind of faded out. We would joke and call them the ‘Scatter-site Crips’ since everyone was being moved to the scatter-site housing out west! If you hear someone claiming Hilltop these days they are living in the past.” The demolition would leave a desolate space in its wake. Fortunately, the barren eyesore
FEATURE
would not last long, as Salem Baptist Church would make their ambitious proposal for the site in 1996. “I can remember me and my sister marching from the old church grounds on 3336 Lake St. to the new site on the hilltop,” Hill says, reminiscing with vivid recollection of April 19, 1998, the church's groundbreaking. It was a glorious Sunday for church members, led by then-senior pastor Maurice Watson, a culmination of Salem’s proposed “Vision to Victory.” Salem’s groundbreaking ceremony was heralded, marking the once-troubled land of Prospect Place as an “oasis of hope.” The community witnessed the progress as the newly razed 18 acres of land transformed from a vestige of poverty into a church sanctuary seating 1,300 people, in addition to classrooms, a multi-purpose fellowship hall, a nursery, and ample parking. Prospect Place was undergoing a new renaissance which would continue well into the new millennium. Othello Meadows is the newest pioneer at the head of changing the image of Prospect Place. Having grown up on Omaha’s north side, Meadows remembers the projects as “a place not to linger if you weren’t from there.” After years away from his hometown, seeing the remnants of Hilltop Homes and Pleasantview Apartments was eye-opening. “When I came back to Omaha, I was surprised by the disinvestment in the area after the projects were gone,” he says. “It went from housing thousands of people, to a sense of abandonment; like, only two houses were occupied on the entire block.”
of early February 2017], including a community enrichment center called the Accelerator that is 65,000 square feet, a very beautiful building. By late April to early May 2017 we should have some apartments up, and we already have people putting down deposits and signing leases. People are excited to be moving into the neighborhood.” When asked about the targeted clientele for the new apartments and retail space, Meadows provides a broad answer: “The motto that we follow is—trying to create a mixed-income community. We’re not trying to recreate the projects, of course, but we also don’t want to create a neighborhood where longtime residents can’t afford to live. We have to balance the prospects of affordability and aspirational thinking.” Indeed, when looking at the seventyfivenorth. org website, the ambitious vision for the Highlander Apartments is a far cry from the projects. Photo galleries and floor plans envision a renewed community akin to Midtown Crossing and Aksarben Village. The images are cheerful, depicting people riding bikes and walking dogs, even an imagined coffee shop. In a way, the renewed development, optimism, and potential for economic growth in the Highlander area can trace its roots back to the members of Salem and their desire to build a signal of hope where it once was lost. But Hill (the former Logan Fontenelle Housing Projects resident who left Omaha in 1975 and returned in 1995) doesn’t think the church is given adequate recognition for its contributions.
Meadows’ words ring true. Other than Salem’s deal with Walgreens, which acquired acres of land for around $450,000, no additional development had taken place for years within Prospect Place. Fortunately, Meadows and the 75 North Revitalization Corp. are looking to reinvigorate the area.
“If a person didn’t know this place’s history of violence and poverty before Salem was built, they would only see the progress in this area as simple land development,” Hill says. “Salem doesn’t tend to broadcast the things they do for the area other than to its members, so those on the outside don’t necessarily recognize its lasting influence.”
As the executive director of 75 North, Meadows refers to Prospect Place as the “Highlander” area, which helps to separate the land from its troubled past. His goal is to bring life back to the area.
It’s undeniable that the soaring church spire on the hill is a spectacle to behold on a bright, sunny day. It stands as a symbol of hope and belief. Benson still looks at the former site of Prospect Place with a hint of longing.
The development company now owns the land where the Pleasantview apartments resided before being demolished in 2008. A plan for a new neighborhood with continued growth is the main focus for the area, and he expects tangible progress in the coming months.
“I know it might sound crazy, but I was a little sad when Hilltop was torn down.” he admits. “A lot of good memories were made in those projects. But I love seeing the church up there. I hope whatever comes next is good for the community.”
“If you drive down 30th Street between Parker and Blondo, you’ll see real work happening and real things going on.” Meadows says. “We have about 12 buildings under construction that are 50-70 percent complete [as
Visit salembc.org for more information about Salem Baptist Church. Visit seventyfivenorth.org for more information about 75 North.
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OMAHA MAGAZINE
PROFILE
STORY BY SEAN ROBINSON // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
and
King
Queen O F T H E B LACK S M I T H S
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OMAHA MAGAZINE
T
HESE DAYS, MANY couples find each other via dating websites or apps. John and Trena Thompson literally found each other at a meat market.
He was just a guy working in Hy-Vee’s meat department, and she was a gal in the deli who sometimes needed said guy to help take out the trash. “When he asked me out, he took me to a Renaissance festival and spent the whole time looking at swords,” Trena says. “I can't say it was the best date in the world.” Three decades later, Trena and John are happily married (despite their one-of-a-kind first date) with a home filled with more swords, knives, spears, and axes than she could have ever imagined. For the past 25 years, the two have worked as professional blacksmiths in the Renaissance festival circuit. He's the muscle—the artisan who carefully crafts each Camelot-worthy weapon—and she's the brains behind each sale. Together they have sold out stock at fairs from Texas to Kansas, and they annually dazzle local folks at myriad events around Omaha. “What makes our product so unique is everything is 100 percent handcrafted by just one person,” Trena says. “John even makes his own pins to connect the handle and blade.” It was due to a fair amount of scheming on Trena's part that John got his first taste of blacksmithing. What she told him was a trip to visit family in Colorado was actually a secret vacation to stay in Albuquerque with an award-winning knife-maker. In Albuquerque, John learned to make his first knife from start to finish. In a pre-Braveheart, pre-Game of Thrones, pre-internet world, John scavenged what little literature there was on knife-making to hone his craft. And in 1996, for John's 30th birthday, Trena submitted her husband’s resignation at Hy-Vee so he could focus solely on blacksmithing.
PROFILE
“There were a lot of days spent in the shop messing up a lot of steel,” John says. “It's surreal because now we're the experts. People come up to us at festivals to ask how it's done.” And after 25 years of participating in festivals, it makes sense that John has become a master blacksmith. In addition to running the couple's business, Dwarf Mountain Knives, John teaches classes at the Blacksmith Shop of Omaha. Annually, the couple spend about 16 weekends a year at festivals, including the Nebraska Renaissance Faire (held at RiverWest Park for the first time in 2017), which is about half the number they used to attend before having two boys. Kyle, who is 25 years old, helps to polish and prep finished blades. Their youngest son, 10-year-old Zayne, is already sketching designs for Dad. In this trade, it takes the whole family to keep the Thompson reputation sharp. Through it all, Trena says, John has proven to be her knight in shining armor. After all, the two have slashed and conquered obstacles to their business and family like the mightiest of sword-wielding dragon slayers. “Working Renaissance festivals is the hardest job I've ever had,” Trena says, “but it's easier and way more fun knowing we have each other’s backs.” The metro area’s longest-running medieval-themed festival, the Nebraska Renaissance Faire, relocated to RiverWest Park on April 29-30, 2017. It was previously held at the Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Ranch, which now hosts its own Renaissance Festival of Nebraska during the subsequent two weekends in May (May 6- 7 and May 13-14). Visit blacksmithomaha.wordpress.com for more information about learning the blacksmith trade in Omaha. Visit dwarfmountainknives.com for more on the Thompsons’ company.
“WHEN HE ASKED ME OUT, HE TOOK ME TO A RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL AND SPENT THE WHOLE TIME LOOKING AT SWORDS. I CAN'T SAY IT WAS THE BEST DATE IN THE WORLD.” -Trena Thompson MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 72 / OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM
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// JUNE • 2017 / 73 / BESTOFOMAHA.COM
OMAHA MAGAZINE
GIVING PROFILE
STORY BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
THE OMAHA COMMUNITY Foundation was
designed to pool donations into a coordinated investment and grant-making facility dedicated to Omaha’s social improvement. Learning and/or knowing the people of the community to help improve Omaha’s social services is an especially vital skill for OCF’s vice president of donor services, Matt Darling. Darling’s job is multi-faceted; ultimately, he is responsible for helping donors achieve their desired level of giving. When people determine they want to give money, no matter how big or how small, Omaha Community Foundation starts an account for that donor. The money itself is held at Wells Fargo, and the OCF executive staff works with their board of directors to manage the assets. Donors opening accounts of at least $25,000 then have a donor advised fund. That fund is exposed to market trends, meaning it could go up or down with the stock market. The donor services work involves collaborating with Omaha’s community of financial advisers to help bring funds into the foundation, often answering questions about where is the best place to use funds. Each account is individualized, so donors are able to manage their own money. Some donors want OCF to keep track of how their account is doing, while others know exactly where they want their dollars to be spent. It involves creating relationships with each donor and figuring out what they want, a skill in which others say Darling excels. “Matt doesn’t need to have the right idea in the room, but he’ll find the right idea,” says Kevin Welsh, senior vice president of the Welsh Friesen Group at Morgan Stanley. “He wants to get it right. There’s no alternative motive with him other than what’s right for the situation.” That desire to get it right comes from the desire to work for the community. It’s a switch from his previous job as co-owner of Paramount Parking. In 2013, with a fiancée and a desire to start a family, Darling began considering the idea of working at a nonprofit. He reached out to Sara Boyd, OCF executive director, for a lunch meeting—one that turned out to have longtime implications. “The first lunch we went to, I knew he was the right fit [for OCF],” Boyd says. “He is smart and business-savvy, as well as kind, artistic, and analytical.” Although she did not have a job opening at the time, she hired him as director of donor services later that year.
MATT DARLING
Assessing Community Assets A larger part of this work is building relationships with the 1,500 OCF donors, whether they are giving $100 or $1 million.
“It’s very satisfying,” Darling says. “We’ve been working with some families now for two, three generations.”
“Matt’s really thoughtful,” Welsh says. “You can talk to him, or someone with $5-6 billion can talk to him, and they are the same to him.”
Navigating the wishes of multiple generations can be tricky. The first generation’s idea of the perfect nonprofit may not be the same as the second generation’s idea, and the second generation sometimes sits back and feels ignored.
It’s a necessary skill for the job that requires a unique quality, as the donor services department works with people from all walks of life. Darling takes it in stride. “When you think of philanthropy, you think of a wealthy man in a suit. That’s not necessarily the case,” Darling says. Using OCF to discover where to give means engaging in a network of like-minded philanthropists and philanthropic organizations. The donor relations team researches specific nonprofits to provide donors (and potential donors) with in-depth details about nonprofit programs, leadership, target populations, goals, and uses of funds. They also research issues and causes that donors and potential donors identify with and let people know what organizations would work well for them. While the donor relations team works with individuals and corporations, Darling particularly enjoys working with families in the areas of family giving and succession planning, in which one family will choose a specific charity to give to throughout various family members’ lifetimes.
MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 74 / OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM
Darling refuses to let that happen. “Matt is excellent at bringing people to the table and asking what is meaningful to the individuals and taking something that will be meaningful to people on all sides of that conversation,” Boyd says. He already had a bachelor’s degree in business and studio art from Hastings College. But to learn more about nonprofit funding, Darling enrolled in American College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. He earned a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation, learning about family wealth dynamics and nonprofits. He didn’t stop there; he now helps to facilitate CAP study groups with SilverStone Group’s Mark Weber. The facilitator role keeps him connected with the local financial advising community.
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Darling brings people together for the common good of trying to strengthen the amount of giving in the community. He uses his knowledge to work with his OCF team, which includes CFO Melisa Sunde and vice president of community relations Kali Baker, among many others. Through the team effort, the organization has enabled more than $1 billion to be donated throughout Omaha since its inception in 1982. That means the city that is 42nd in size in America is the 17th highest for charitable dollars. “I’ve never worked in a place where the entire staff is so focused on doing good,” Darling says. “The team is second to none.” He, along with his team, takes a great pride in making this community a better place for everyone. “I live an incredibly fortunate life,” Darling says. Visit omahafoundation.org for more information.
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OMAHA MAGAZINE
GIVING CALENDAR
GIVING
CALENDAR MAY / J U N E 2 0 1 7
May 1 (10 a.m.-7 p.m.)
YOUTH EMERGENCY SERVICES' GOLF OUTING Benefitting: Youth Emergency Services Location: The Players Club at Deer Creek
May 5 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.)
May 11 (6-9 p.m.)
Benefitting: Creighton University’s female student-athletes Location: Ryan Athletic Center
Benefitting: CHI Health Midlands Location: CHI Health Midlands Hospital
LEADERS FOR LIFE LUNCHEON
—gocreighton.com
EVENING WITH FRIENDS
—mychihealth.com/foundation
May 12 (6-9:30 p.m.)
—yesomaha.org
AN EVENING IN THE GARDEN
Benefitting: Brownell Talbot School Location: Brownell Talbot Campus —brownell.edu/giving/gala
May 12 (6-10 p.m.)
MAN & WOMAN OF THE YEAR GRAND FINALE GALA Benefitting: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Location: Embassy Suites, La Vista —mwoy.org/ne
May 12 (5:30 p.m.-midnight) May 2 (5:30-9 p.m.)
50TH ANNUAL BOYS TOWN BOOSTER BANQUET
Benefitting: Boys Town sports Location: Embassy Suites, La Vista —boystown.org/boosters
May 5 (5:30-9 p.m.)
RUN FOR THE WET NOSES: TALK DERBY TO ME Benefitting: Midlands Humane Society Location: Mid-America Center, Council Bluffs —midlandshumanesociety.org
ON THE ROAD TO THE BIG EASY 2017
Benefitting: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands Location: Omaha Design Center —bgcomaha.org/bigeasy
May 13 (6-9:30 p.m.)
CABARET
Benefitting: The Child Saving Institute Location: Hilton Omaha —childsaving.org
May 13 (7 a.m.-2 p.m.)
May 15 (noon)
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE IN OMAHA GOLF TOURNAMENT Benefitting: Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha Location: The Players Club at Deer Creek —rmhcomaha.org
May 15 (11 a.m.)
CHIP IN FOR CHILDREN GOLF TOURNAMENT
Benefitting: Children’s Square USA Location: Council Bluffs Country Club —childrenssquare.org
May 18 (5:30-9 p.m.)
SAVE PROGRAM GRADUATION DINNER Benefitting: SAVE Location: Champion’s Run —saveprogram.org
May 18 (6:30-7:30 p.m.)
BREATHE AND BREW SPRING YOGA SERIES
Benefitting: American Lung Association Location: Lucky Bucket Brewery —lung.org
May 19 (noon-6 p.m.)
GOLF SCRAMBLE
Benefitting: Senior Health Foundation Location: Shoreline Golf Course —seniorhealthfoundation.org
14TH ANNUAL WEAR YELLOW RIDE, FUN RUN & WALK
May 20 (9:30 a.m.-noon)
—supportwyn.org/WYR
—fightcf.cff.org
Benefitting: Wear Yellow Nebraska Location: Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
GREAT STRIDES
Benefitting: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Location: Stinson Park
May 2 (5:30-9:30 p.m.)
COUNTDOWN TO CINCO DE MAYO
Benefitting: OneWorld Community Health Location: Livestock Exchange Building —oneworldomaha.org
May 3 (11 a.m.-1 p.m.)
MEMORIES FOR KIDS 2017 GUILD LUNCHEON Benefitting: Memories for Kids Location: Champions Run —memoriesforkids.org
May 4 (6-7 p.m.)
HEARTLAND HEROES, A CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Benefitting: American Red Cross Location: CenturyLink Center —redcross.org/neia
May 6 (5-9:30 p.m.)
FOR THE KIDS BENEFIT: A DAY AT THE RACES, A NIGHT ON THE TOWN Benefitting: Omaha Children’s Museum Location: Omaha Children’s Museum —ocm.org
May 9 (11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m.)
D.J.’S HERO AWARDS LUNCHEON Benefitting: Salvation Army Location: CenturyLink Center Omaha —salarmyomaha.org
May 13 (8 a.m.)
2017 OMAHA HEART WALK
Benefitting: American Heart Association Location: Miller’s Landing —heartwalk.org
May 22 (11 a.m.-5 p.m.)
CHILDREN’S CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC
Benefitting: Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Foundation Location: Champions Run —childrensclassic.com
MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 76 / OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM
May 24 (midnight-11:59 p.m.)
OMAHA GIVES!
Benefitting: more than 1,000 Omaha nonprofits Location: online —omahagives24.org
May 25 (10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.)
BLAND CARES ANGELS AMONG US GOLF OUTING Benefitting: Angels Among Us Location: Tiburon Golf Club —blandcares.org
May 27 (9-11 a.m.)
19TH ANNUAL REMEMBRANCE WALK
Benefitting: Grief ’s Journey Location: Miller’s Landing/Pedestrian Bridge —griefsjourney.org
This community loves to give big. Let’s turn up the volume (again!) this year.
June 1 (6-10 p.m.)
PINOT, PIGS & POETS
Benefitting: Completely KIDS Location: Happy Hollow Club —pinotandpigs.org
June 2 (6:30-11 p.m.)
GRAND SLAM!
Benefitting: Methodist Hospital Location: Werner Park —methodisthospitalfoundation.org
June 2 (7-8:30 p.m.)
RUN FOR THE YOUNG
Benefitting: Children’s Square USA Location: Peak Performance —childrenssquare.org
June 3 (6:30-11 p.m.)
ANNUAL GALA
Benefitting: Joslyn Art Museum Association Location: Joslyn Art Museum —joslyn.org
June 3 (6:30-10 p.m.)
OLLIE’S DREAM GALA 2017
Benefitting: Ollie Webb Center Location: Hilton Omaha —olliewebbinc.org
MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 77 / BESTOFOMAHA.COM
OMAHA MAGAZINE
Do You Suffer from Dry Eye?
GIVING CALENDAR
June 5 (7:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m.)
CENTRAL HIGH FOUNDATION GOLF OUTING Benefitting: Central High School Location: Field Club of Omaha —chsfomaha.org
June 5 (10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.)
CHI HEALTH GOLF OUTING
Benefitting: CHI Health Foundation Location: The Players Club at Deer Creek —chihealth.com/foundation
June 7 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.)
CHANCE LUNCHEON
Benefitting: Children’s Scholarship Fund of Omaha Location: CenturyLink Center —csfomaha.org
DRY EYE DISEASE AFFECTS
100 MILLION PEOPLE WORLDWIDE. YOU’RE NOT ALONE.
Do you experience any of these Dry Eye Symptoms: Gritty, Burning, Scratchy Irritated Eyes, Light Sensitivity, Redness and Itching, Blurred and Fluctuating Vision, Discomfort with Wind and Air Conditioning, Constant Watering Eyes?
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June 8 (10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.)
TEE IT UP FORE SIGHT ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT Benefitting: Outlook Nebraska, Inc. Location: Indian Creek Golf Course —outlooknebraska.org
June 9 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.)
SAND IN THE CITY
Benefitting: Nebraska Children’s Home Society Location: Baxter Arena —nchs.org
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June 10 (7:30 p.m.)
CHILD SAVING INSTITUTE KIDS 4 KIDS Benefitting: The Child Saving Institute Location: Sumter Amphitheater —childsaving.org
June 10 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
VETS & PETS BLACKJACK RUN
14607 W. Center Road | OmahaEyeCare.com Dr. Marsha Kubica, Dr. Corey Langford & Dr. Kristen Johnson MAY
// JUNE • 2017 / 78 / OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM
Benefitting: Midlands Humane Society Location: American Legion —midlandshumanesociety.org
June 10 (7-9 p.m.)
CENTENNIAL GALA
Benefitting: American Red Cross Location: CenturyLink Center —redcross.org/local/nebraska
June 11 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
MONROE-MEYER GUILD GARDEN WALK
Benefitting: Munroe-Meyer Institute Location: 150th Street and West Dodge Road to 168th and Harrison streets —events.unmc.edu
June 12 (10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.)
15TH ANNUAL HOPE CENTER FOR KIDS GOLF CLASSIC Benefitting: Hope Center for Kids Location: Champions Run Golf Course —hopecenterforkids.org
LIVE BET TER. LIVE BROADMOOR.
June 12 (11 a.m.-6 p.m.)
THIRD ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
downsize stress, upsize life
Benefitting: First Responders Foundation Location: Oak Hills Country Club —firstrespondersomaha.org/events
June 12 (11:30 a.m.-7 p.m.)
HIT THE LINKS AND DRIVE AGAINST DISABILITIES GOLF TOURNAMENT
resort syle amenities
Benefitting: United Cerebral Palsy of Nebraska Location: The Player’s Club at Deer Creek —ucpnebraska.org
effortless living & endless entertainment
worry free maintenance
June 13 (11 a.m.-6 p.m.)
PROJECT HARMONY GOLF INVITATIONAL Benefitting: Project Harmony Location: Indian Creek Golf Course —projectharmony.com
June 13 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.)
WCA TRIBUTE TO WOMEN
Benefitting: Women’s Center for Advancement Location: Hilton Omaha
stop by for a hassle free tour and experience
BROADMOOR AT AKSARBEN VILLAGE 2225 S 64th Plaza, Omaha, NE 68106 | p: 402.885.8555
www.broadmoor.cc
—wcaomaha.org
June 14 (5:30-8:30 p.m.)
HOPS FOR HARMONY
Benefitting: Project Harmony Location: Werner Park —projectharmony.com
June 16 (6-9 p.m.)
STRIKE A CHORD
Benefitting: Heartland Family Service Location: Mid-America Center —heartlandfamilyservice.org/events
June 19 (11 a.m.-6 p.m.)
GOLF FORE KIDS
Benefitting: Child Saving Institute Location: The Players Club at Deer Creek —childsaving.org
June 21 (all day)
BEST AUTO BODY REPAIR
THE LONGEST DAY, AN INDIVIDUALIZED FUNDRAISER Benefitting: Alzheimer’s Association Location: Donor’s choice —alz.org/thelongestday
June 24 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Four Locations Don & Ron’s CARSTAR 72nd & Q 402.331.0520 Northwest CARSTAR 120th & Maple 402.498.9400
WHEELS OF COURAGE
Benefitting: the Jennie Edmundson Foundation Location: Quaker Steak & Lube, Council Bluffs June 30 (11 a.m.-8 p.m.)
Silver Hammer CARSTAR 90th & Fort 402.571.5348
Benefitting: ALS in the Heartland Location: Tiburon Golf Club
Glenn’s CARSTAR 21st & K - Lincoln 402.475.8441
—jehfoundation.org
ALS IN THE HEARTLAND’S 2017 GOLF CLASSIC —alsintheheartland.org
OUR CUSTOMERS ARE #1 TO US! NEBRASKACARSTAR.COM MAY
// JUNE • 2017 / 79 / BESTOFOMAHA.COM
OMAHA HOME opener Sandy Matson Contributing Editor, OmahaHome
ALWAYS LOCAL, ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL
I
HAVE WRITTEN FREQUENTLY about growing up in small-town Iowa. My father farmed for 30 years, and his parents farmed. I have always felt the nostalgia of this lifestyle, and I knew a rural setting was exactly what I wanted to show my early spring project.
Driving the highway outside of Papillion, I often went past this beautiful farm, now up for sale, which has lots of rustic charm. Sadly, many of these old earthy buildings are falling into disrepair, but they always have their own story. This one was no exception. I stepped out of the car and walked along the gravel driveway, past what resembled overgrown peonies and lilac bushes, toward a massive 100-year-old barn. Hints of white paint still remained in spots. The barn had the sort of time-worn character that is impossible to recreate. Hal Timm, I came to learn, is the great-grandson of the original owners. His great-grandmother purchased this farm in 1912 with the intent to expand the family homestead and keep the adult children close by. With his blessing, we shot my May/June DIY project here. As Mr. Timm was packing some of the final belongings from the house, we were finishing up the photos. He thanked me for coming and said that he imagined his grandfather and grandmother may have danced on the farm as newlyweds when it became theirs in the early 1900s. He also stated that seeing our photo shoot seemed like an appropriate bookend for the era—he said it made him smile watching us. Speaking of legacies, this issue features Chiodo Palace near 25th and Leavenworth streets, built in 1922 by Vincenzo Pietro Chiodo. Current homeowners Barry Burt and Michael Heaton have worked diligently to preserve the legacy of this unique, storied home. But if your taste happens to be the look and feel of sunny California, take a peek at Marian Holden’s Transformations. This local ASID interior designer used a palette of soft sand colors and soothing blues and greens in this stunning makeover. The McCreas wanted to bring a bit of Palm Springs to the Midwest. I hope you enjoy the issue!
Sandy SANDY’S DIY
Spring Salvage
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CREATIVE Creative Director BILL SITZMANN Art Director MATTHEW WIECZOREK Senior Graphic Designer DEREK JOY Graphic Designer MADY BESCH Contributing Photographers CHUCK AMOURA • KEITH BINDER
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May/June 2017 omahamagazine.com
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DIY story by Sandy Matson // photography by bill sitzmann // design by matt wieczorek
ITEMS NEEDED:
Spring Salvag e
• Reclaimed wood boards (I used six pieces of wood, three per wall vase on each side of the window) • Scrap pieces of wood (for the back side, to hold the wooden boards together) • Nail gun (or hammer and nails) • Two screws per wall vase and screwdriver • Hanging wire • Paint (any color, I used white) • Paint brush • A wall-mounted vase (a light fixture or sconce could be used instead) to be mounted on the reclaimed wood
MAKING RUSTIC WALL VASES
U
SI NG R EC L A I M E D WO OD
is a hot trend in home décor. Unfortunately, not everyone has old wood lying around. You can search for old, discarded wood or reclaim it yourself from local structures, such as dilapidated barns (with permission from owners, of course), or purchase reclaimed wood from wholesale suppliers. I made several projects from reclaimed wood using our old dock wood pulled from the lake a few years ago. Alternatively, wooden pallets are an easily accessible option for those just starting out with the medium. Pallet wood can be stained to produce an aged look. Reclaimed wood adds wonderful texture. Textures are important to provide depth and interest to any space, especially when the room is dominated by one particular color. For my ongoing room makeover series, I wanted to do something that would emphasize the window as the focal point of the space.
I wanted the interior accent to resemble a design element typically seen on the outside. So, instead of shutters, I developed reclaimed wood wall vases to frame the interior side of the window. The reclaimed wood would serve as the backdrop for wall-mounted glass vases. They would take advantage of the texture from the weathered wood, while the glass vases would layer another design element over the wood itself—adding even more depth and interest to the entire wall. With wall vases, you are also able to change up the mood for seasonal decorations, holidays, or simply for a different look. The beauty of this is you don’t have to spend a lot to make a statement! Look for wood you already have around your house. OmahaHome
DIRECTIONS:
• Cut each board the same length. • I painted each board individually with a brush. I wanted the character of the reclaimed wood to come through, so I used very little white paint and lightly went over each piece (none of the boards were painted exactly the same). • Let dry overnight. • Arrange boards painted/or pretty side down into the desired pattern. I staggered the middle piece. • Nail the boards together using the scrap pieces as connectors. • Drive two screws into the back of each set of connected boards and attach the wire so each rustic wall vase balances evenly when suspended. • I then attached my wall-mounted vases to the front of each set of boards and decorated the vases accordingly. • Make sure the wall and materials you have chosen can hold the weight of the completed project. • I used spring flowers in each vase, but you can swap them out for any occasion or season.
Sandy’s yearlong DIY remodeling series began with an introduction to the room in the January/February issue. The first of five projects, a coffee filter lamp, debuted in the March/April issue. Stay tuned for the next installment. Visit readonlinenow.com to review back issues.
Sandy Matson and her husband are celebrating a wedding anniversary in June, hence the wine bottles on the bistro table. January/February May/June2017 2017 • omahamagazine.com
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Spaces story by Matt Williams photography by Bill Sitzmann / design by matt wieczorek
IC K W I T T M A N N HAS always enjoyed
video arcades. Ever since he was a kid, he loved their bright f lashing lights, their cacophony of bells, crashes, and digital explosions. Pinball machines, in particular, were his favorite. When he moved back to Omaha during the winter of 2009, after a few years in St. Louis, he moved into a West Omaha townhouse. When it came time to decorate the basement, he wasn’t quite sure what to do. He grew up with a pool table and poker table in his parents’ house, and he thought he might like to continue that tradition. The finished part of his approximate 700-square-foot basement, however, was not big enough to fit a pool table.
He started thinking back to his favorite part of the arcade, the pinball machines. He started his basement remodel with a 1981 Gottlieb pinball machine called Black Hole. Wittmann remembers “I got it because it was the first multiple-level playfield,” which refers to an upper level and lower level of play. “You buy one, you’re not going to end with just one,” Wittmann recalls being warned before he bought this machine. The warning became prophetic. Within a year he obtained his second pinball machine, another Gottlieb game called Dragon.
Fast forward to 2017. Wittmann's finished basement is now home to four pinball machines, and a driving arcade game, Rush 2049 (on the basement’s north wall). A bar-top touch screen trivia machine rests on the bar. There's also a Nintendo Vs. System, which contains several classic games, including Super Mario Brothers and ExciteBike. On the south side of the room, a 65-inch home theater, Neo Geo game system, and standing Pac Man machines add to the home-arcade atmosphere. To complete the arcade basement, he has a fully stocked bar with coin-operated candy dispensers filled with Peanut M&Ms. >
May/June 2017 • omahamagazine.com
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Spaces
< During special occasions, Wittmann will bring out his popcorn maker.
Wittmann’s basement, however, is a gathering space to replace staring down at hand-held screens.
“I wanted to create something for everybody,” Wittmann says about the variety of games in his basement. “I always liked the driving games, shooter games. But my favorite has always been pinball machines.” This philosophy has guided the cultivation of his growing collection.
His basement arcade is not only a haven for his generational nostalgia, it is a gathering place. The collection allows Wittmann to relive part of his youth, and he only has to walk down a flight of stairs for the experience. OmahaHome
At a time when Gen Xers and millennials have begun to revisit their childhood hobbies, places like Benson’s Beercade (6104 Maple St.) have gained popularity. While kids growing up in the 1980s dreamt of having their own personal arcades, contemporary youths are spoiled with gaming options so easily accessible on smartphones.
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OmahaHome May/June 2017
“I wanted to create something for everybody. I always liked the driving games, shooter games, but my favorite has always been pinball machines.” — Nick Wittmann
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NEIGHBORHOODs
THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF OMAHA ANNEXING FLORENCE
Diane Hayes wears magnifying glasses while working on some art projects. / H90 /
OmahaHome May/June 2017
Story by Linda Persigehl / Photography provided by Douglas County Historical Society / Design by Matt Wieczorek
James C. Mitchell, the founder of Florence, lived at 8314 N. 31st St. The house no longer stands, but it was easily recognizable due to the tree sticking through the balcony.
May/June 2017 omahamagazine.com
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HIS YE AR M ARKS the 100th anniversary of
Omaha’s annexation of Florence—the historic and scenic riverfront community on the far northeast reaches of our city. The milestone warrants a look back at this contentious time in Florence’s history, when its rapidly rising southern neighbor unapologetically gobbled up the settlement despite the objections of many residents.
Why Annex Florence? It helps to understand a bit of the community’s history. Best known as the site of Winter Quarters, the settlement for thousands of Mormon pioneers making their way West during the 1840s, Florence became a “city” in 1855 when Iowa businessman James C. Mitchell and his surveying team platted the land and officially incorporated.
With the Merger Bill of 1915, the State of Nebraska passed a controversial law allowing Omaha to annex neighboring communities unilaterally, providing these areas lie adjacent to current city boundaries, are situated within Douglas County, and have fewer than 10,000 residents.
Florence Kilbourn was the namesake of Florence, though her lineage is unclear. She has been referred to as the adopted niece of Mitchell’s wife or the granddaughter of Mitchell’s wife (depending on the historical account).
A legal battle followed, with representatives from Dundee and South Omaha opposing the decision. Omaha was poised to annex Florence, but lawsuits to the Nebraska Supreme Court left the possibility in limbo.
Mitchell recognized the busy frontier town’s big potential due to its convenient proximity to the Missouri River and frequent ferry service. The river’s narrow profile—at just 300 yards—and its solid-rock bottom just east of Florence also made it the most natural place to build a future bridge.
Some in Florence, fearing taxation without representation, were convinced to join the pro-annexation cause after being assured they would have a Florence representative in city government. The Omaha Commercial Club appointed a committee to explore annexation further, then held a public meeting in January 1916. According to newspaper accounts, 76 in attendance voted in favor, while only nine voted against it. Although the club had hoped to complete annexation by the May 1916 election, it took more than a year longer for it to come to fruition.
In the 1860s and ’70s, Florence grew into a bustling, young city. Early industry included a flour mill, brick manufacturing plant, lumber sawmill, and blacksmith shop, to name a few. Its population swelled well above 3,000, and its economy boomed. Ana Somers, research specialist at the Douglas County Historical Society, says pressure for Omaha to annex surrounding municipalities really began in 1910 with the Greater Omaha Proclamation. “This was a direct response to the growth crises of 1910 that created a need to annex neighboring towns and villages,” Somers says. But by early 1915, despite high tax levies, Florence began finding it fiscally difficult to meet community needs.
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Business leaders in Florence began fearing for the financial solvency of the city moving forward. At the same time, Omaha was building a strong reputation as a Midwestern hub of business and industry. Most members of the Omaha Commercial Club, an organization of area business owners and leaders, became proponents of Florence’s annexation for the “great savings to the taxpayers” it would provide through reduced redundancies in government, and they claimed such action would “provide residents with more benefits, not fewer.”
OmahaHome March/April 2017
Even train cars full of anti-annexation protestors from Florence, Benson, South Omaha and elsewhere flooding the state capitol in Lincoln during hearings could not kill the law. The fight dragged on for two years, until Feb. 14, 1917, when the Nebraska Supreme Court finally dismissed a lawsuit on behalf of the once-independent Dundee. Confirmation of the new law was a welcome development to then-mayor of Omaha James Dahlman, or “Cowboy Jim,” as he was called, who saw it as a prime opportunity for his administration to grow the city quickly and gain tax revenue. The law allowed for the huge expansion of Omaha later that year with the annexation of Florence and Benson on June 6, 1917, while sealing the fate of South Omaha and Dundee.
NEIGHBORHOODs
According to an article in the Omaha World-Herald dated June 10, 1917, city officials reported the annexation of Florence and Benson expanded the city to 38 square miles. For reference, the present-day City of Omaha occupies roughly 127 square miles (according to the U.S. Census in 2010). Boundaries of the former City of Florence had been Read Street, 40th Street, Florence Heights Boulevard, and the Missouri River.
Years later, it became the mission of the Florence Historical Foundation to keep its historic sites alive and maintain community pride—a mission the foundation has found great success with, preserving many historic landmarks, including the Fire Barn, Keirle House, Depot Museum, Bank of Florence, and Mormon Bridge Toll House. The foundation coordinates the annual Florence Days every May as well as other entertainment and holiday events.
During subsequent years, the annexation law has been nicknamed “Omaha’s secret weapon,” allowing for continual expansion of its city limits, year after year.
The independently restored Florence Mill and another community group, Florence Futures, also collaborate on community and heritage initiatives. The neighborhood on North 30th Street has witnessed an uptick in activity in recent years, thanks in part to a lively restaurant scene. Blooming flowers (planted by the Northern Lights Garden Club) accent the booming streetscape.
The Dissenters Not all of Florence was convinced annexation was the best option. Among those in opposition: Florence’s mayor, Freeman Tucker, was concerned for the “political integrity of the village.” He vowed to take his fight against annexation all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court (though he never did). Another dissenter was Dr. Carr, a prominent local dentist and investor who feared that annexation would reduce the likelihood that Florence would be the site of a promised river bridge, says Rosemary Allen, a longtime member of the Florence Historical Foundation. “There were concerns about a lot of promises [made by the city] not being delivered on, including security and safety services, such as a rescue squad. And, in fact, a lot was promised but never materialized,” Allen says. “As I recall, the citizens of Florence didn’t end up having much to say about it all. It was just sort of pushed through. It was a very contentious thing,” she explains. “I do know there were a lot of residents who weren’t happy about it one bit, with some public meetings almost erupting into fist fights. And even years later, there were those that remained bitter about it.”
The North Omaha Commercial Club—no relation to the historic Omaha Commercial Club that advocated for Florence's annexation—is one of Omaha's oldest civic groups, where Florence business owners meet regularly to discuss ways to keep the corridor alive and thriving. All celebrate the small-town and family-friendly feel of this unique river city community. Despite being in the shadow of the Big O for nearly a century, Florence maintains an identity and appeal all its own. OmahaHome Florence Days takes place on the second full weekend of May, with a parade Saturday. Visit historicflorence.org for more information. Archival resources provided by the Omaha Public Library archives of the Omaha World-Herald (omahalibrary.org) and the Douglas County Historical Society (douglascohistory.org).
Allen says residents of Florence were also fearful that annexation would mean the loss of the community’s identity and important history. And in fact, through the years, many of the historic structures from its pioneer town days fell to ruin from neglect, fire, or normal decay.
May/June 2017 omahamagazine.com
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THE HOUSE ON THE CORNER NEIGHBORHOOD NEWCOMERS RESTORE A DUNDEE GEM
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AT HOME story by Carol Crissey Nigrelli / photography by KEITH BINDER / design by matt wieczorek
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ELCOMING. WARM. UNPRETENTIOUS.
Good vibes emanate from the stately beige stucco house on the corner of 52nd and Jackson streets in Omaha’s historic Dundee neighborhood. Inside the three-story structure, the main reasons for the comfortable, lived-in atmosphere scamper about on four legs. Three Labradors—Buddy, Beaumont, and puppy Jackson (named in honor of the street that runs along the south side of the property)—form the center of attention and affection within the happy household. Homeowners Marj Plumb and wife Tracy Weitz refer to them simply as “the boys.” A lifestyle where they would be walking dogs through a vibrant neighborhood and living in a jewel of a house never registered a blip on the couple’s radar until four years ago when the academics, working and teaching in the San Francisco Bay Area for decades, took a leap of faith. >
“We knew when we bought it that we were going to put in probably twice what we paid for it. But we had to do right by the house, because it’s so unique.” — Marj Plumb
May/June 2017 • omahamagazine.com
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AT HOME
From left: Tracy Weitz and Marj Plumb relax at home with their dogs. < “I’m originally from Illinois, and I wanted to get back to the Midwest,” says Plumb, who holds a doctorate in public health from Berkeley and owns a consulting business. When Weitz, a medical sociologist, received a director-level job offer with the Susan T. Buffett Foundation in late 2013, they got their destination. When they toured the area around the University of Nebraska-Omaha, they found their neighborhood. And when they saw the house on the corner, “It was exactly what we wanted,” Plumb says. “We love to entertain, and it’s an expansive house. Just an amazing find.” Purchasing the five-bedroom, three-and-ahalf-bath house won them instant equity with their neighbors. The property had sat empty for three years and had deteriorated badly. A general contractor bought it and did some renovations, including an overhaul of the kitchen, before flipping it. But much work remained.
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“The first year involved replacing the sewer line, which backed up, replacing the main furnace, plus the furnace in the basement and third floor,” Plumb recalls. “We replaced the [central] air conditioners, fixed the roof, replaced the gutters, upgraded the electrical, and replaced all the windows, which leaked badly. Oh, and the yard was in bad shape.” Selling their Berkeley bungalow provided the necessary funds. “We knew when we bought it that we were going to put in probably twice what we paid for it [$387,000],” she says. “But we had to do right by the house, because it’s so unique.” Built in 1925, the house stands out because of its Beaux-Arts design, an architectural rarity in Omaha, though widely known on the East Coast.
A distinctive feature of Beaux-Arts includes a flat roof on top, and a roof pitch that comes almost straight down along the sides of the house. A decorative wrought-iron trim rims the edges of the roof. Plumb and Weitz added a similar trim along the garage roof for continuity. Two round, sculpted, and painted emblems of a dog and squirrel hang on the front of the house. In another original enrichment, decorative pavers form an arch over the front door. “What strikes me about this house is that it sits in the midst of all this brick in the neighborhood. It’s such a treasure,” says Trish Barmettler, the couple’s interior designer. “And you can’t tell from the outside how big it really is.” >
â&#x20AC;&#x153;The first year involved replacing the sewer line, which backed up, replacing the main furnace plus the furnace in the basement and third floor. We replaced the [central] air conditioners, fixed the roof, replaced the gutters, upgraded the electrical, and replaced all the windows, which leaked badly. Oh, and the yard was in bad shape." â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Marj Plumb
May/June 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ omahamagazine.com
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AT HOME
< The house boasts a bright sunroom off the kitchen; formal dining room with a door that leads to a deck and patio; a large, dark-oak bar in the living room, fully stocked with spirits; carpeted basement filled with gym equipment and a large 3D-TV on the wall; and a newly built greenhouse behind the garage. The biggest renovation project transformed the south side of the second floor into a master bedroom suite. Contractors stripped drywall to expose an original brick wall between the bedroom and the bath. The bath area contains sinks, a vanity, a two-person shower, two walkin closets, a vertical washer/dryer combo, and a heated floor. The couple’s contractor, Bill Bolte of Bolte Construction, also figured out a way to build a deck off the bathroom, where the couple can luxuriate in their hot tub and enjoy the outdoor view from a higher perch. / H98 /
OmahaHome May/June 2017
Two tenants, a graduate student and her boyfriend, occupy the finished third floor. They serve as house managers and dog caretakers when Plumb and Weitz go out of town on frequent business trips. “I still remember the want ad. ‘Live Free in Dundee,’” says the vivacious young woman, who prefers to remain anonymous. “I thought, ‘Hell yeah, that’s for me!’” Their digs include a furnished bedroom with a big-screen TV, a sitting room with another television, walk-in closets, and a surprisingly spacious bathroom with shower and tub. The tenants have kitchen privileges but buy their own food. A compatible bunch, the four often eat together.
The good will that flows between Plumb, Weitz, and their neighbors feeds off the courtesy the couple shows regarding “the boys.” A second, shorter wrought-iron fence around the property prevents the dogs from getting too close to, and barking at, dog walkers and passersby. On the street corner, they also installed a pet waste station that contains a trash can and plastic bags for dog poop. “The neighbors love it. Somebody bought replacement bags and wrote, ‘To Our Favorite Neighbors,’” Plumb recounts with a big smile. “We’ve had nothing but incredible fortune here.” OmahaHome
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FEATURE
SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY
RESTORING THE CHIODO PALACE TO GRANDEUR story by Sarah Wengert / photography by Bill Sitzmann design by matt wieczorek
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May/June 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ omahamagazine.com
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FEATURE
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“The outside is very Craftsman. There’s some Italianate detail ICH AEL HE ATON H AD
a royal curiosity, which he ultimately satisfied by buying a palace. Eleven years ago, Heaton and partner Barry Burt happily occupied an adorable English Tudor home in Florence, which they had lovingly remodeled. That’s when the Chiodo Palace came calling. “I never thought we’d leave [the Florence house], but my friend Christy, who’d just started with NP Dodge, said ‘Michael, you've got to come look at this amazing house with me,’” Heaton says. “So, we came to look four times and would just sit on the floor fantasizing about living here…then we just went for it. I’ve never regretted it. It’s been an adventure.” The Chiodo Palace, near 25th and Leavenworth, was built in 1922 by Vincenzo Pietro Chiodo. Burt and Heaton, together nearly 20 years, have worked diligently to preserve the legacy of one of one of Omaha’s more unique, storied homes since purchasing it in 2006. / H102 /
OmahaHome May/June 2017
with the dentil molding around the tops of the eaves. The stained-glass windows are a mix: Some [feature] traditional designs, but in the dining room there’s a very Frank Lloyd Wright Mission-style design. So, there are unexpected elements here and there.” — Michael Heaton
Chiodo immigrated from Southern Italy to the United States in 1885 at age 16. He studied in Chicago before settling in Omaha, where he operated a tailor shop, then found his fortune in real estate. “He owned 50 homes in the area,” Heaton says. “This was one of many he built, and his primary residence.” According to the Nebraska State Historical Society, Chiodo wasn’t so much an architect or builder himself, but he had ample vision and funds to support the proliferation of his real estate empire.
“He was billed the first Italian millionaire in Omaha and was also very politically active,” Heaton says. In fact, Chiodo was an Elk and a fourth-degree Knight of Columbus. His titles included Italian Vice Consul of Omaha, State Supreme Deputy of the Sons of Italy, Knight of the House of Savoy, and Cavalier of the Order of St. Gregory.
Vincenzo Pietro Chiodo was billed the first Italian millionaire in Omaha and was also very politically active.
Heaton lights up when sharing stories of days gone by in his abode, many of which were relayed by longtime neighbor Angelo Bonacci, now deceased, who worked at the Chiodo Palace as a young man when it functioned as the consulate. “Chiodo was very popular, and described as an elegant man,” Heaton says. “He could be seen walking the neighborhood and his domain wearing a long, white fur coat. When the Santa Lucia Festival parade made its way through the neighborhood, they always stopped in front of the Chiodo Palace and saluted Vincenzo, who’d be sitting up on his veranda. You can just picture him up there with the crowds passing by.”
“‘Chiodo Palace’ is what Angelo said they called it,” says Heaton, who believes the moniker comes from “palazzo”—Italian for a large, palatial building. Chiodo passed away in 1949 at age 80, but his grand domicile lived on to weather years of general dirt and disrepair, water damage, and updates like ill-placed drop ceilings and gaudy, yellow wallpaper that spoiled or obscured the home’s unique character and verve. Heaton and Burt, who are members of Restoration Exchange Omaha, purchased the house to preserve its history. >
May/June 2017 omahamagazine.com
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FEATURE < “We knew it had been an important house in the past and, seeing the sad condition, we thought we could have some fun, restore its appeal, and get the history back as much as possible,” Heaton says. For Heaton, who owns and operates Legacy Art & Frame in Dundee, preserving historical homes and objects is a longtime interest. “The house is a mix of styles,” he says. “The outside is very Craftsman. There’s some Italianate detail with the dentil molding around the tops of the eaves. The stained-glass windows are a mix: Some [feature] traditional designs, but in the dining room there’s a very Frank Lloyd Wright Mission-style design. So, there are unexpected elements here and there.” The interior swims with stunning, rich mahogany woodwork, accented by a striking fireplace constructed of rough-hewn, imported Burmese stone. Colorful, original tile surrounds the floor of the fireplace, featuring a horseshoe that’s open into the room and closed toward the hearth. “That was to deter unwanted spirits from entering the home through the fireplace,” Heaton says. In the sunroom above another fireplace, a large painting in memoriam to Chiodo’s wife and daughter, both named Caroline, remains molded right onto the wall. Ornate, hand-painted, original murals on linen grace the tops of walls throughout the main floor. “Each of these murals depicts different aspects of Italian culture and Roman life,” Heaton says of the incredible illustrations of accolades, life phases, arts, animals, and plants. “I love these dragons,” Heaton says, zeroing in on a mural. “They’re griffins, protectors of the empire, and their protection allows wealth and prosperity to extend from them, so they turn into these leaves. I’m just so glad no one ever ruined them.” Part of one dining room mural suffered water damage prior to his ownership, so Heaton completely—and 100 percent convincingly— reconstructed it.
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OmahaHome May/June 2017
“I rebuilt the wall, put linen on the top, created a stencil off another wall, transferred it, and then, over about four weeks, hand-painted it,” he says. With the scope of work Heaton puts into his home and a handful of rental properties, you’d think he had extensive training, but no. He says just the occasional HGTV show or YouTube video help him complete home projects. “My grandfather was a real hands-on kind of guy, so I learned lots about working with wood, building, and fixing from watching him,” Heaton says. “He could do it all, so I just kind of hung out with him a lot.” Like Heaton and Burt, Chiodo himself preserved Omaha history.
“Chiodo was a preservationist way ahead of his time,” Heaton says. “He got the salvage rights to the original county jail and courthouse, and used all of the marble, stones, cobblestones, and other materials he harvested from that in several of his other properties.” We’ll never know whether Chiodo was a sentimental preservationist, simply a cunning businessman, or perhaps both. As for Heaton, that case is closed. “I’m painfully sentimental,” he says. “That’s my inspiration.” OmahaHome Visit Legacy Art & Frame on Facebook for more information about the homeowners’ business.
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A COTTAGE IN THE WOODS BALANCING COZY AND FUNCTIONAL
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ARCHITECTURE story by Will Patterson / photography Tom Kessler design by matt wieczorek
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HEN THE MARSHALL family approached archi-
tect Jared Gerber about designing their home, he met them at the future construction site just outside the city limits of Louisville, Nebraska. “When I met with them, we immediately connected,” Gerber says. “They were looking for something very homey and comfortable.” The property is 11 acres with varying terrain features. Open spaces coupled with the surrounding wooded areas gave an ideal opportunity for a secluded paradise. Gerber doesn’t typically design homes for acreages. He normally works in a city setting, and city lots confine an architect to design within a limited area. The expanse of the Marshalls’ land granted a variety of options for positioning the home and integrating the structure into the landscape. “We really wanted to have a modern interpretation of a classic farmhouse,” says homeowner K.B. Marshall. “But we also wanted a house that complemented the land it was going to be built on.” The product of the Marshalls’ vision and Gerber’s expertise was a house set far enough back on the property to be isolated by trees with a design that conjured the idea of a modern-day cottage. >
“We really wanted to have a modern interpretation of a classic farmhouse. But we also wanted a house that complemented the land it was going to be built on.” — K.B. Marshall
May/June 2017 omahamagazine.com
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ARCHITECTURE
“Everyone likes to plug all the different styles into a particular category, and I think a lot of times houses don’t fit truly into each category.” — Jared Gerber
< “We recognized the house is maybe a little bit out of character for the local area,” Marshall says. “We didn’t want to have something that was an eyesore or really stood out.” Built on the edge of town, the house is hidden on a forested plot. A gravel road winds back behind the dense foliage. Drive down the path through the trees, and the spectacular residence emerges. “It’s kind of a journey. You get little glimpses, little pieces of it as you're driving through there,” Gerber says. “It’s a nice approach to the house. It’s what I’ve always kind of liked about it.” The front of the house is framed by its rural setting. Visitors’ eyes are immediately drawn to the red door, which stands out against the exterior’s softer white and blue colors.
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Gerber wanted to keep the functionality of the home while maintaining its coziness. Striking this balance motivated Gerber’s architectural design, which led to some changes in the Marshalls’ original requests. One feature the Marshalls wanted was a fourcar garage attached to the house. But Gerber believed this would infringe on the coziness they were seeking. He feared that such a large garage would produce a strange, lopsided appearance. He didn’t want the gargantuan garage to dominate the presence of the house, which he wanted to be the focal point. “What I ended up doing was breaking it [apart],” Gerber says. “So we had a two-car garage attached to the house, and then another two-car garage that was a detached garage.” These two garages mirror each other as they stand face to face. In the space between, Gerber designed a paved area that connected to the driveway. The new style preserved the welcoming domestic appearance, while retaining the desired garage space. >
May/June 2017 omahamagazine.com
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ARCHITECTURE
< The home’s interior continues to uphold a cozy and functional balance first introduced with the exterior design. Gerber strived to create a living space that would serve the needs of the Marshalls and their two sons. “What I like to call this is 'cottagey'—which technically is not really a style,” Gerber says. “Cottagey is more of a feeling or a concept of what a house conveys.” The living room showcases a cathedral ceiling and large fireplace. The feeling emulated by the home’s primary living space is one of versatility. Ideally, one can feel comfortable spending time alone in the spacious area or hosting a group of guests. The staircase tower connecting each level of the house was a favorite design feature for both Gerber and Marshall. The tower holds a wide, open-style staircase that winds from the basement to the main level to the second story. Windows on all sides of the tower showcase the surrounding natural splendor. The kitchen-dining area was designed to be a hub of family activity, where they could gather for meals and kids could work on homework during the academic year. A mix of light fixtures and a series of enormous windows illuminates the space. Throughout the house, lighting was a major emphasis of Gerber’s design. The house also has a secret. A hidden room behind a “Scooby-Doo” door, as Marshall described it, quickly became a favorite feature for his children. The entrance to the room is concealed by a bookshelf, making it unnoticeable to visitors when it is closed. It is no secret that the house does not fit any single textbook architectural style. But that’s also part of its charm. “Everyone likes to plug all the different styles into a particular category, and I think a lot of times houses don’t fit truly into each category,” Gerber says. OmahaHome Visit gerberarchitecture.com for more information.
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OmahaHome May/June 2017
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HARVEST story by Patrick McGee / photography by Bill Sitzmann design by matt wieczorek
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OmahaHome May/June 2017
ANGLING FOR SAFE-TOEAT FISH A GUIDE TO LOCAL CONTAMINATION ADVISORIES
E
ATING WILD-CAUGHT FISH from
rivers, streams, and dam sites is almost as fun as catching them. But consuming too much of certain fish species is not advised. Mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls, and other pollutants can bioaccumulate inside some fish swimming in local waterways.
That doesn’t mean folks shouldn’t eat wildcaught fish—it just means that consumers should know what, how much, and how often they’re eating fish with potential trace amounts of contaminants. A list of contaminated waters is maintained on the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality’s website. The department warns against long-term consumption of more than “eight ounces per week” of designated species of fish. Mercury is a natural element in the environment, but it is often released into the air through industrial pollution. Mercury that finds its way into local bodies of water can be transformed into methylmercury, which can then be absorbed by the aquatic life living there. Mercury exposure affects nervous system and brain development. Developing fetuses and small children are the most affected, so parents and pregnant women should be cautious of mercury. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), on the other hand, are carcinogenic. > Left: A fisherman targets bass from a kayak at Prairie Queen Recreation Area.
HARVEST
< TESTING FOR POLLUTANTS
BEWARE OF PREDATORY FISH
Greg Michl says the benefits of eating wild-caught fish outweigh the cons of mercury contamination, so long as one exercises proper precautions.
Sue Dempsey says there is “no solution at this time” to methylmercury contamination in local waters. For 25 years she has been a risk assessor and toxicologist for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services in the Public Health division.
Michl has worked for the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality for almost 27 years. As coordinator of the Nebraska Fish Tissue Program, he conducts investigations into surface water quality issues. Methylmercury and PCB contamination in fish tissues are his primary concern. Michl says it’s easier to analyze bioconcentrations of these contaminants in fish tissues than it is to analyze in the water itself. “We use fish as a surrogate,” says Michl, who is responsible for collecting tissue samples. He uses electrofishing equipment to stun the fish before taking tissue samples—small biopsy plugs from near the dorsal spine—before returning the fish safely to the water. An Environmental Protection Agency lab then tests the samples, Michl assesses the data, and he reports his findings. Methylmercury and PCB contamination appear to be under control in Nebraska. PCBs were first produced and marketed in the United States beginning in 1929. PCBs gained widespread use as coolants and lubricants because of their remarkable insulating capacities and flame-retardant nature. Unfortunately, PCBs are extremely persistent in the environment and “bioconcentrate” within the food chain. As with methylymercury, fish absorb PCBs as they feed in contaminated waterbodies. Fortunately, Michl reports that PCB concentrations in fish tissue are on the decline and only a few locations are still under advisory. EPA regulations banned the manufacture and use of PCBs in the late 1970s. Michl expects to see many PCB contamination sites fall off the radar in time. As for mercury, “The U.S. has a pretty good system in place for regulating what goes into the air,” Michl says, “but eradicating contamination would have to be a worldwide effort. The U.S. can’t do it alone.” Michl says methylmercury has been detected almost everywhere across the state of Nebraska “primarily in reservoirs and lakes,” and “we see it in some riverine systems’ fish.” / H116 /
OmahaHome May/June 2017
Her job, in part, is to help protect Nebraska citizens from contaminants in fisheries. “We monitor the fish and issue guidelines for fish consumption and ingestion,” she says. “We advise people on which species to choose.” On methylmercury, she says bioaccumulation is a concern: “Big fish eat little fish, and it goes up the food chain.” She also warns that regional contaminants, such as pesticides, are a pollution concern for fisheries. Nevertheless, she fishes, eats fish, and recommends others do the same while taking proper precautions. Dempsey’s advice on selecting and portioning fish to avoid contamination can be found in her “Eat Safe Fish in Nebraska” brochure, which she encourages the public to read. Regarding wild-caught Nebraska fish, Dempsey says, “I’m big on moderation.” Her brochure advises that bluegill, crappie, perch, and rainbow trout have the lowest concentrations of methylmercury contamination. Catfish are acceptable, walleye and pike should be limited, and bass are not recommended. Michl advises anglers to watch out for predator catfish such as the flathead, as they have higher concentrations of methylmercury than do channel catfish, which scavenge for food. But that does not mean avoid them entirely. Dempsey says PCBs store in fat tissue of fish. “PCBs can be removed easily by removing portions and by baking,” she says. Baking allows the fat to drip away from the fish. Mercury appears throughout the entire fish. So, the next time you’ve got a big Missouri River flathead on the line, and you have to decide whether to catch or release, consider the risk of contaminants when making your choice. I always advise catchand-release of big catfish anyway. OmahaHome
So, the next time you’ve got a big Missouri River flathead on the line, and you have to decide whether to catch or release, consider the risk of contaminants when making your choice.
FISH SPECIES AND POLLUTANTS OF CONCERN IN LOCAL WATERS A 2015 report from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality warns of pollutants in 142 bodies of water across the state. Ten of the waterbodies are located in Douglas and Sarpy counties. The department’s list does not “ban eating fish” from the contaminated waters. Instead, the advisory urges consumers to limit long-term intake of specified fish species from the identified waterbodies “to eight ounces per week (for adults).”
LOCATION—SPECIES—POLLUTANT Douglas County • Carter Lake—Largemouth Bass—PCBs • Prairie View Lake—Largemouth Bass—Mercury • Standing Bear Lake—Largemouth Bass—Mercury • Two Rivers Lake No. 1— Largemouth Bass—Mercury • Zorinsky Lake—Largemouth Bass—Mercury Sarpy County • Halleck Park Lake—Largemouth Bass—Mercury, Selenium • Offutt Lake—Channel Cat—PCBs • Walnut Creek Lake—Largemouth Bass—Mercury • Wehrspann Lake—Largemouth Bass—Mercury • West Papillion Creek—Carp—PCBs, Mercury For more information, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health produced the brochures “Eat Safe Fish in Nebraska” (dhhs.ne.gov/publichealth/ documents/fishbrochureenglish.pdf) and “Environmental Risk Assessment Fish Consumption Advisories 2016” (dhhs. ne.gov/publichealth/pages/puh_enh_environmentalriskassessment_fishtissue.aspx), while the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality has published 2015 results of its Regional Ambient Fish Tissue Program (deq.ne.gov/publica. nsf/pages/wat239). May/June 2017 omahamagazine.com
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OmahaHome May/June 2017
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Transformations story by
Marian Holden, ASID, Designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Touch photography by
Chuck Amoura, Amoura Productions
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OmahaHome May/June 2017
MEET THE DESIGNER
Marian Holden
Transformations is a regular feature of Omaha Home that spotlights a recent project by a local ASID interior designer. Text and photos are provided by the designer.
CALIFORNIA DREAMING IN OMAHA
M
ARY ANNE AND Jerry McCrea had to make
a decision when they got transferred to Palm Springs, California. Should they sell their 1990s timecapsule of a home during the market downturn of 2010? Or, should they hold on to their familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longtime residence and update it when they move back to Omaha for retirement? >
May/June 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ omahamagazine.com
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"It was bitter cold in Nebraska when they hired me. So, I wanted to give them a taste of sunny California in Omaha." - Marian Holden
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OmahaHome May/June 2017
< They decided to take a chance and held on to the beloved property where they had lived for so many years. Fast forward to 2016. My task was to remodel the entire home. The home needed to function for large family gatherings. I needed to come up with a f loor plan that had a better f low (to accommodate a large crowd of kids and grandkids), was easy to maintain, and (of course) was aesthetically pleasing.
It was bitter cold in Nebraska when they hired me. So, I wanted to give them a taste of sunny California in Omaha. To accomplish this more temperate mood, I chose a light and airy palette of soft sand and soothing blues and greens. In the kitchen, I changed the layout to open the space to an adjacent family room. All of the golden oak cabinetry was replaced with a crisp white Shaker-style cabinet. White quartz with a splash of warm tan lightened and brightened the space. The blue-gray glass subway tile added a beautiful reflective quality to the kitchen. Sleek stainless steel and massive glass pendant lights added contemporary flair. The dated tile that covered much of the main floor was replaced with gorgeous 4-inch plank hickory. The floors were finished with tongue oil rather than polyurethane to give them a durable low-maintenance matte finish. >
Transformations
May/June 2017 omahamagazine.com
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One major transformation happened in the master bath. Although the footprint of the space was large, it felt very dark and small.
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OmahaHome May/June 2017
Transformations
Your Complete Design Specialist Custom Draperies & Blinds | Furniture & Accessories | Color Consultation Remodeling & Rearrangement | Commercial & Residential Design
< One major transformation happened in the master bath. Although the footprint of the space was large, it felt very dark and small. The f loor was covered in dark cobalt-blue ceramic tile. The tub was 8 feet long and took up a large area of the room, yet was never used. The shower—which was used every day—was shoved in the toilet area in the back of the room. First and foremost, I reworked the layout to allow for a very large walk-in shower. The space where the old shower was became the perfect spot for beautiful custom cabinetry. Clever use of niches, grab bars, and no curb made this zero-entry shower totally accessible for the couple to age in place with a luxurious master bath.
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The McCreas couldn’t be happier with what feels like a brand-new home. I couldn’t be happier that I was able to give them a little taste of California they can enjoy during the long Nebraska winters. OmahaHome Visit designerstouchomaha.com to see more of the designer’s work. Brent
Clockwise from left: The renovated master bath and the kitchen before renovation
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OmahaHome May/June 2017
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60PLUS opener
MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE
M
emorial Day is a federal holiday—a day of remembrance for those who have died while serving in our country’s armed forces. The May/June issue of Omaha Magazine features the stories of several Nebraska veterans and their war experiences. My husband, Raymond Lemke, was drafted to serve in the Korean War. He was somewhat reluctant to talk about his experiences, but he wrote about his service in a memoir. I’ll share some of those experiences here. Raymond Lemke His basic training was in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, which had been closed since World War II. When he first got there, it wasn’t even completely open. Today, it remains open and is known by the nickname “Fort Lost In The Woods”
ACTIVE LIVING A Professor in Motion, Stays in Motion
He trained in engineering—which consisted mainly of building Bailey bridges—and also trained with dynamite, TNT, and other explosives to blow up bridges. After training, he was sent straight to Korea. He was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division’s M114 155 Howitzers, which had nothing to do with his basic training. He said that Korea was very difficult for him, and he felt that it was a controlled war. He said they would take a hill, back off, then take it again the next day. The loss of life was tremendous. The winter weather in North Korea was nearly identical to the winter in Nebraska. Growing up dirt poor in rural Nebraska provided the right experience for dealing with Korean winters. By layering newspapers inside his clothes, he was able to stay warmer while so many U.S. troops froze to death. On top of the constant cold, he was always hungry. He fondly remembered taking a big jar of peanut butter from a resupply group. After 11 months in the service, he became a staff sergeant. He believed the promotion was because he was still standing. The American and North Korean forces would shell each other continuously until one knocked the other out. They never thought about ear protection, and the battery fire took its toll. Despite suffering tinnitus since the war, he didn’t complain. “I’m the lucky one—I am still here,” he said. He was discharged on Nov. 6, 1953. Later, living in Papillion, he was on the Papillion Draft Board. As a protest against the escalation of the Vietnam War, he resigned from the board, refusing to send more boys there. I am proud of my husband’s service, and I have deep respect for all who have served and sacrificed for our great country— they are truly heroes!
Gwen
Gwen Lemke, Contributing Editor
Scan this page with the LayAR app to view video from Ben Drickeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trip to Germany with his grandfather.
BEN DRICKEY REVISITS WORLD WAR II EXPERIENCES ON FOOT AND FILM
60PLUS
PROFILE
STORY BY LEO ADAM BIGA // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MADY BESCH lifelong fascination with history turned personal in 2001. That's when he documented his grandfather's return to Germany, revisiting the sites where the U.S. Army Air Corps serviceman crashed and was captured during World War II. ILMMAKER BEN DRICKEY'S
Drickey's video of the emotional trip has only been seen by family, but the project inspired him to make video production his career after years working with still photography and politics. Today, he creates documentaries and branded film content through his studio, Torchwerks. Growing up, Drickey was spellbound by family patriarch Wendell Fetters' stories of being a tail-gunner on a B-26 Marauder flying with the 9th Air Force, 391st bomb group. On an ill-fated daylight bombing run during the Battle of the Bulge on Dec. 23, 1944, his plane crossed the English Channel and delivered its payload over the Ahrweiler bridge. Enemy artillery and fighter flak killed the left engine, igniting a fire, but the crew bailed out before the plane went down. Fetters' chute pitched him into a tree. The impact broke an ankle, but he cut himself down. Alone, injured, and afraid, the 20-yearold Iowa native took a sun reading and hobbled west behind enemy lines in sub-zero cold and snow. Two days later, militia captured him. A family housed him over Christmas, and he spent the next four months in a POW camp before the war in Europe ended. After a stayover in England, he came home to resume his life. He worked, married, and raised a family. Fast forward nearly six decades. Drickey was attending a family reunion, where he learned of his grandfather’s plans for returning to Germany to visit the plane's crash site. German amateur historian Hermann Josef Stolz found its debris and used a piece stamped with identifying information to trace the plane's manufacturer, bomber group, and crew. He invited Fetters to come pick through remnants.
“I had no formal experience creating a moving image. I borrowed a friend's camera and pirated a copy of Final Cut Pro. But I just knew I had to go do it,” he says.
She explained that the uniformed men in the photos were her brothers, and the pictures still hung in the same spot. She invited Fetters to see for himself. He refused.
With Stolz as guide, the Americans traveled to the site, where a cross memorializes the remains of the pilot, Jack Haynes, who died in the crash.
“My grandfather said, 'No, no, no, let's go,'” Drickey says. “He went to the car and wouldn't come out. He was visibly shaken. We didn't know what to do, but we were standing there in awe reliving this history with him.”
Even all this time later, Drickey says, “pieces of fiberglass, aluminum, and rubber” are strewn about. “I was picking up things to take home.” He displays one piece on his desk in the Mastercraft Building. He says his “ecstatic” grandfather “was like a little kid being reunited with something from his past.” The Americans next went to the nearby twostory wood and stucco farmhouse of Josef Hayer, the man who—at age 14—first arrived on the scene of the 1944 crash. Hayer had salvaged things from the smoldering debris. Among his finds was a tailpiece with a yellow triangle on a canvas peak. “It was the first time on our trip where my grandfather was presented with the past in such a dramatic way,” Drickey says. “You could see on his face the memories just flooding back.” Fetters then wanted to return to Eisenschmitt, the village his captors paraded him through to the home he was billeted in. He recalled a tannenbaum atop a table and framed photos of two German Army conscripts hanging on a wall. He was fed dinner and slept in the barn, then he was taken to the rail depot for transport to the POW camp. After nearly giving up the search for the home all those years later, Fetters noticed a familiar landmark. Sure enough, just beyond the hill sat the house. Through translation, the elderly woman occupant said she remembered that war-torn Christmas when an American airman was brought to the house. She was 9 years old then. She recognized Fetters standing before her 56 years later.
“The rest of us were totally intrigued and we quickly realized this is a once-ina-lifetime opportunity,” says Drickey, who, along with his mother, two aunts, and an uncle, joined his grandparents on the summer 2001 trip. Drickey went as a video documentarian even though he was strictly working as a still photographer at the time.
As the visitors drove off, the woman hurried behind clutching oranges as a gesture of friendship. She handed them to Fetters. A family meeting ensued. Fetters held firm. Drickey explained he'd come too far not to go back, so he did. “In my business, I would rather beg for forgiveness than ask for permission most of the time,” Drickey says. He filmed inside the house and interviewed the woman, one of many interviews he conducted for the project. The experience gave him a career path and archived a precious family legacy. “I'm so glad I did it. It was such a learning experience for me about myself, my eye, and my ability to capture an image,” he says. “So many things happened on this trip,” and Drickey says he can only appreciate them all by re-watching the footage. His grandfather lived to see the video. “He thanked me for taking the time to do it,” Drickey says. “He was very pleased it will live on past him.” Drickey has gone on to produce slick corporate videos, commercials, and short films. He also worked as cinematographer on the feature film It Snows All the Time, but nothing compares to that first personal project. His grandfather—the airman who also served in the Korean War— passed away July 31, 2015.
Visit torchwerks.com for more information. MAY // JUNE • 2017
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THE GREATEST GENERATION ON WORLD WAR II
Greatest Generation tell their own stories in a locally produced documentary, 48 Stars. The in-progress film features personal testimonies from World War II veterans. EMBERS OF THE
War buff Shawn Schmidt conceived the project. His co-director is Jill Anderson. The Omaha filmmakers are unlikely collaborators. He's a holistic health care provider and former race car owner-driver. She's a singeractress. He's unabashedly patriotic. She's not. But they're both committed to telling authentic stories of resilience. They met while she was a patient under his care. After sharing CDs of her Celtic music, he was taken by her rendition of “Fare Thee Well.”
“It was not just the music, but Jill's voice. That song fits everything this film has to say about that generation,” Schmidt says. “They're disappearing, and the interviews we did are like their final swan song. It gave them a final chance to have their say about their country, their life, where America is today, where America is going.” Originally hired as music director, Anderson's role expanded. Filmmaker Aaron Zavitz joined the team as editor and creative consultant. Forty-plus interviews were captured nationwide, mostly with veterans ranging across different military branches and racial-ethnic backgrounds. Some saw combat. Some didn't. Civilians were also interviewed about their contributions and sacrifices, including women MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 134 / OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM
who lost spouses in the war. Even stories of conscientious objectors were cultivated. Subjects shared stories not only of the war, but of surviving the Great Depression that preceded World War II. With principal photography completed, editing the many hours of footage is underway. The filmmakers are still seeking funding to finish the post-production process. The film’s title refers to the number of stars—representing states—displayed on the American flag during World War II. Each interviewee is framed with or near a particular 48-starred flag that inspired the project. Schmidt rescued it from a junk store. On a visit to Pearl Harbor's war memorials, he had the flag raised on the USS Arizona and USS Missouri.
60PLUS
PROFILE
STORY BY LEO ADAM BIGA // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MADY BESCH
He grew up respecting veterans like his late father, Richard W. Schmidt—a Navy Seabee in the Pacific theater. His father died without telling his story for posterity. “It dawned on me I could interview other veterans and have them hold this flag, almost like a testimonial to what this piece of fabric is about,” Schmidt says. He added that combat veterans' accounts of warfare teem with emotion. “There's a distinct difference in energy, pain, and identification with their country and flag from the ones who did not have to kill. The ones who did kill are still hurting, and they'll hurt till the day they die,” he says.
Whatever their job during the war, Anderson says, “There were discoveries with every new person we talked to. It's humbling that people trust you with some of their most soulful experiences and memories.” Schmidt says, “They opened up with stories sometimes they'd never shared with their family. I think, for a lot of them, it's a catharsis.” There are tales of love and loss, heroism and hate, improbable meetings, close calls, intersections with infamy, history, and fate. Not all the attitudes expressed are sunny. Some folks became anti-war activists. Others returned home to endure Jim Crow bigotry.
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Anderson says the film intentionally depoliticizes the flag: “It can't be about God and country or honoring glory because that doesn't match with the testimony.” Schmidt feels an urgency to finish the project. “The generation that has the most to teach us is leaving,” he says. He won't rush it though. “It's a serious responsibility,” Schmidt says. “[The film] needs to honor these individuals who gave their time, and it'll be done when it's exactly right.” Visit 48stars.org for more information.
A VETERAN
Make a Difference (in Both of Your Lives)
60PLUS
FEATURE
STORY BY LEAH MEYER, DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF MILITARY AND VETERAN SERVICES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-OMAHA PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
HE
LIBR A RY
OF
Congress’ Veterans History Project of the A merica n Folk life Center collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. In the summer of 2015, while pursuing a master's degree in public administration, I had the privilege of interviewing 14 veterans from World War II and the Vietnam War as part of an internship with Rep. Brad Ashford’s office. The experience opened my eyes to a different generation of soldiers (I work primarily with Iraq and Afghanistan veterans at UNO's Office of Military and Veteran Services). My first interview was with Darrald Harsh, a pilot who served in Europe and was captured by the Germans after parachuting from his plane. Harsh talked about his time in the POW camp, which was liberated by Gen. George Patton’s army. Each interview followed a basic formula, starting with an overview of their lives before enlistment. Helen Shadle, an Army nurse who served in Japan during World War II, discussed growing up as the youngest sibling in a large family, living on a farm, hitchhiking to school, and enlisting in the Army the first chance she got. She said the military offered her the opportunity to advance in an era when such opportunities for people like her were few and far between.
Many of the veterans held back the worst details of their war experiences. For some, mundane details were among their most cherished memories of deployment.
The Veterans History Project offers an excellent way to give back to your community. Contributing interviewers have ranged from Eagle Scouts to nursing-home volunteers.
Jack Hetterich, who served in Europe, described the harrowing conditions of the march from France to Germany in the middle of winter. He recalled how his favorite care packages were filled with hand-knitted socks and treats that could be shared with fellow soldiers.
Each interview takes 60 to 90 minutes, and the experience can be life changing. To get started, visit the Library of Congress website. If you are interested in helping, reach out to your local places of worship and retirement homes. Connect with your senators and representatives for assistance in recording these interviews with the Library of Congress.
Bob Alden, who served in the Navy during World War II, said if you have the opportunity, enlist. “You learn a lot about other places and other people—what their lives are like,” he said, adding, “You survive if you make the right decisions.” According to George Ostermiller, who served in Japan and assisted with the post-atomic bomb cleanup of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, “There’s nothing good about a war. It made me realize how fortunate we were at the time.”
Visit loc.gov/vets for more information and to download an interview packet.
Ostermiller said the military taught him about “patience, honesty, and integrity.” A feeling shared by many of the veterans, including Alden. “You’re responsible for all your decisions, every day,” Alden said. “All through military life, you have decisions you have to make on your own.” All the interviews ended with the same question: “What would you like future generations to know about your experiences?” Harsh and many of the veterans expressed a similar response to that question: “Love your country, stay good. Do what they tell you, and don't hold a grudge,” he said.
“There’s nothing good about a war. It made me realize how fortunate we were at the time.” —George Ostermiller “You survive if you make the right decisions.” —Bob Alden
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60PLUS
HEALTH
STORY BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN // DESIGN & COLORINGS BY MADY BESCH
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EMEMBER GETTING AN unopened
box of crayons—for school, for a birthday, just for fun? Remember the smell of the wax? The new, sharp points? Choosing your favorite color? Most people would answer “Yes.” Coloring, whether as a kindergarten assignment or a rainy-day project, brings about happy memories for most people. It is those pleasant memories that have triggered a surge of popularity in adult coloring books. Coloring was often a way for kids to stay entertained for hours, focused on filling in the lines on a piece of paper. That is one reason why therapists are now turning to coloring books for people with dementia. “In my experience, the most helpful reason is because it is a focusing tool,” says Maggie Hock, a licensed mental health practitioner and owner of Bellevue Psychological. Actually, the concept of coloring as an exercise to focus and relax is not new. Psychologist Carl Jung had his patients color mandalas, or geometric patterns, used to express the universe in Hindu and Buddhist symbolism. In these traditions, the creation of a mandala helps with meditation. Intricate circular patterns might be too complicated for dementia patients, depending on the stage of the dementia. Coloring books can be found online or at bookstores, and subjects range from World War II warships to classic movie posters and more. Those with historical subjects may be the best for dementia patients. “Commonly in Alzheimer’s, older memories are intact,” says Dr. Daniel L. Murman, director of the behavioral and geriatric neurology program at UNMC. Merman says memories of doing things as a child often remain while memories of five to 10 years ago fade away. “Memories from childhood are stored in a different part of the brain,” Murman says, noting that the act of coloring taps “into an area of strength, where people would potentially have fond memories of coloring and be able to participate in and enjoy the activity.”
“MEMORIES FROM CHILDHOOD ARE STORED IN A DIFFERENT PART OF THE BRAIN, [AND THE ACT OF COLORING TAPS] INTO AN AREA OF STRENGTH, WHERE PEOPLE WOULD POTENTIALLY HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF COLORING.” —DR. DANIEL L. MURMAN
Hock says people with dementia have difficulty focusing because the world around them is confusing and distracting. Handing a person with dementia a coloring book and coloring utensils gives them a purpose and takes them out of the confusion for a while. Murman adds that even if they are not experiencing dementia, keeping active mentally and physically will help older people. And if someone does, in fact, have dementia, staying active can help preserve neural connections, which stimulates the brain and may help slow down the progression of the disorder.
While solving crossword or Sudoku puzzles may produce the same focus in people in less advanced stages, coloring has the added benefit of chromotherapy, or color therapy. Colors have different meanings for us as individuals. Someone who was forced to wear brown clothes as a child and hated them may still feel a strong dislike for the color brown. Someone who received a set of primary-colored blocks as a birthday gift might color only in primary colors. Hock says letting someone with dementia color certainly won’t do harm, no matter how advanced the stage. “It’s always worth a try,” Hock says, “to see what would engage them.”
60PLUS
NOSTALGIA
STORY BY MAX SPARBER // DESIGN BY MADY BESCH
55
A BRIEF HISTORY OF NEBRASKA SPEED LIMITS have a little pinback button with a red flag emblazoned with the words “Safety First.” It was produced in 1915 by the Nebraska Safety League, which seems to have been one of a number of grassroots efforts to improve public safety. This was in response to the nationwide development of a group called the National Council for Industrial Safety, which initially focused on workplace safety, but expanded its scope in the next few years to include traffic and home concerns (changing its name to the National Safety Council). About that time, Omaha’s city commissioner, John J. Ryder, visited New York and discovered something called the “American Museum of Safety,” which functioned, in part, to instruct school children about street safety. He was enamored with this idea and advocated for a local version. Both recommendations came at the end of an era of almost unbridled carnage in the streets. To read the newspapers of the era, crossing the street sometimes sounded like a game of Frogger,
with pedestrians dodging carriages, streetcars, automobiles, and runaway horses. Auto fatalities had skyrocketed—a total of 54 people had died in crashes in 1900, but by 1915 nearly 7,000 Americans had been killed on the roads. The first talk of speed limits in Omaha seems to have occurred as far back as 1903, when an automobile ordinance was proposed. There weren’t many car owners in town, and they tended to be wealthy, and tended to get their way as a result. When the ordinance suggested a low speed limit of six-to-eight miles per hour, the car owners rebelled. Included among them was Gurdon Wattles, who made his fortune in transportation. He complained that cars only went two speeds, slow and fast, and slow was too slow to be much good, and fast was too fast for the speed limit. He suggested 12 miles per hour would be satisfactory. They got their way, but almost immediately advances in auto technology rendered this limit moot. By 1905, cars were speeding around Omaha at 40 miles per hour, and police were complaining it was nearly impossible to enforce the limit—to tell a car’s speed, police had to
“GONNA WRITE ME UP A 125, POST MY FACE WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE, TAKE MY LICENSE, ALL THAT JIVE, I CAN'T DRIVE 55! OH NO!” —SAMMY HAGAR, “I CAN’T DRIVE 55”
watch a car travel from one area to the next and count seconds, and then do some quick math. In 1909, there was even a proposal to reduce
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the speed limit again, back down to six miles per hour, to discourage cars driving at dangerous speeds. Instead, the speed limit crept upward. By 1911, it was 15 miles per hour. By the 1920s, with the advent of highways built specifically for automobiles, the maximum speed jumped to 25 miles per hour. By 1935, it was 35. And in 1969, speeds on the highways leapt to 60 miles per hour. So it has been ever since, but for a brief period in the 1970s when, in response to spiking oil prices, there was a national maximum speed limit off 55 miles per hour, which proved unpopular enough for Sammy Hagar to enjoy chart success with a song titled “I Can’t Drive 55.”
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The federal limits were repealed in 1995. Currently, the maximum speed limit in Nebraska is 75 miles per hour, a speed that Gurdon Wattles probably would have enjoyed.
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60PLUS
ACTIVE LIVING
STORY BY LISA LUKECART // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MADY BESCH
penetrated the narrows of the canyon. Kris Berg, Ph.D., scrambled over dusty red rock, carefully avoiding the steep cliffs that plunged down 50 yards on either side of him. History and geology combined with each footprint he left behind. HE SUN BARELY
While most come to Las Vegas to roll the dice, Berg would rather hike with his wife in the outdoors, taking in the natural beauties of the world (which he accomplished during a recent winter trip). Berg is a self-described exercise nut. The physical fitness bug struck him at a young age. When Berg was just 12 years old, he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Rather than a healthy boy, people saw him as fragile and sick. In high school, Berg’s coach even kicked him off the football team. “I’ll show you. I’ll be so healthy that no one would do that again,” Berg thought. After his family moved, a new doctor told Berg to experiment. So Berg lived his life, not letting diabetes limit his physical abilities. “Exercise is such a powerful thing,” he says. “People are always looking for a magic pill. It’s right in front of us.” He played multiple sports in high school and college. The science behind it all stimulated and fascinated him. With a doctorate in exercise physiology from the University of Missouri in hand, Berg began teaching at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. “Top to bottom, front to back, he is enthusiastic,” former student Robert Buresh says.
UNO had no laboratory at the time so Berg developed one with the backing of the dean. Berg, a prolific researcher, made ties with the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He developed an exercise physiology lab geared toward an investigative-driven program which would look at the human body from a scientific angle. He soon started a special exercise program for Type 1 and 2 diabetes. His own brother had passed away from the disease at 32. Berg spent years of his career dedicated to informing the public on the positives of exercise to help regulate blood sugar.
Berg still finds time to visit with graduate students who need his help on papers, and he spends two hours or so a day researching.
Berg’s interest never wavered. He tackled osteoporosis next. The Strong Bones Program was born, helping the elderly build up confidence and mobility to avoid falls.
Long and lean at the age of 73, Berg follows a diverse workout plan. He smacks the ball around on the tennis court four or five days a week. The physical and mental “chess match” keeps him sharp. He also still shovels snow, pulls weeds, and hikes.
“We were very fortunate Berg initiated this program,” Berg’s former colleague Josie MetalCorbin says. Although a dancer and yoga enthusiast, 65-year-old Metal-Corbin took the class for the added strength training and sense of community. The classes soon combined into the Adult Fitness Program. After four books, more than 200 articles, and 45 years at UNO, Berg hung up his tennis shoes last May and retired. However, retirement didn’t stop him from doing what he loves.
I’LL SHOW YOU. I’LL BE SO HEALTHY THAT NO ONE WOULD DO THAT AGAIN.” —KRIS BERG, PH.D. (ON BEING KICKED OFF HIS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM)
“I wanted to go on being physically active regardless of age,” Berg explains.
“I have a tremendous enjoyment of exercise. I never get bored,” Berg says. At the gym, Berg avoids the machines, preferring resistance training (similar to his classes). He stresses the importance of maintaining coordination and mobility. His goal—for himself and for others—is to prevent age from becoming an obstacle to living life.
The Adult Fitness Program is open to members of the general public age 50 and older. The supervised fitness class takes place twice a week at UNO’s Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) Building. The program costs $36 for three months; parking costs $54 for three months. Contact the UNO Exercise Physiology Lab at 402-554-3221 or exphyslab@unomaha.edu to enroll. Visit unomaha.edu for more information.
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OBVIOUSLY OMAHA
A Foodie’s Cheat Sheet to Summer Festivals and Events STORY BY WILL PATTERSON // PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
FOOD AND DRINK are an important part of summertime festivals and cultural events. Celebrations
across Omaha’s diverse communities ensure a wide selection of new and interesting things to try. Here are a few options to explore. 01. CINCO DE MAYO May 5-7 South 24th Street, from D to L streets Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico’s victory at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1962, during the Franco-Mexican War. But in the United States, the holiday has become a general celebration of Mexican culture. Chalupas— small tortillas lightly fried and topped with salsa, onion, and shredded chicken or beef—are a common dish in Puebla. During the festivities in South Omaha, there will also be plenty of tacos, tortas, and other treats (Mexican ice cream, horchata, and specialty drinks). —cincodemayoomaha.com
04. COLLEGE WORLD SERIES June 16-27/28 TD Ameritrade Park Each year brings new treats to Omaha’s favorite baseball event. Last year’s lineup of concession offerings at CWS included foot-long taquitos for $18; “mangia fries,” french fries coated in Italian seasoning and topped with cheese sauce, pepperoni, banana peppers, and diced tomatoes; and the “Reuben sausage,” a tubular version of Omaha’s favorite deli meat topped with sauerkraut and dressing served in a pumpernickel bun. Starting in 2016, the NCAA allowed beer and wine sales at the event. Cheers! —cwsomaha.com
02. TASTE OF OMAHA June 2-4 Heartland of America Park and Lewis & Clark Landing Taste of Omaha is a must-try on the city’s culinary calendar. The threeday food and entertainment extravaganza celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2017. Taste’s smorgasbord gives people a chance to try foods from India, various parts of Africa, Japan, Mexico, and elsewhere, along with several local farm-to-fork options. Taste of Omaha’s signature alcoholic drink, “River Breeze,” is made from coconut-flavored vodka mixed with cranberry and pineapple juices.
05. SHAKESPEARE ON THE GREEN June 22-July 9 (weekends) Elmwood Park Nebraska Shakespeare is putting on dinner and a show with its annual Shakespeare on the Green. Several local food trucks will dish up their fare at this free event. In true Shakespeare fashion, pizza vendors will have a variety of cleverly named dishes relating to the night’s performance. This event allows spectators to pack their own picnics, including beer or wine if desired. —nebraskashakespeare.com
03. OMAHA SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL June 9-11 Farnam Street, 10th to 15th streets Gator on a stick, anyone? In addition to traditional festival favorites—cotton candy, funnel cakes, and freshsqueezed lemonade—the Summer Arts Festival also boasts seafood dishes, noodle bowls, and other foods to satisfy artistically inspired hunger. Snow cones help kids cool down, while adults can enjoy watermelon/grapefruit shandy, vanilla cream ale, black cherry hard soda, or a hard sparkling water. —summerarts.org
06. SANTA LUCIA FESTIVAL June 8-11 Lewis & Clark Landing Founded in 1925 by Grazia Bonafede Caniglia, this festival emulates the traditions of the Santa Lucia Festival in Carlentini, Sicily. Italian food is one of the festival’s highlights. Favorites include sausage or meatball sandwiches and Sicilian-style pizza by the Pizza Boys of Santa Lucia. Pasta lovers can carb-load on fried ravioli, mostaccioli, and much more. —santaluciafestival.com
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ARTIST MIKE GIRON CAPTURES
THE HEART OF SOUTH OMAHA MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 146 / OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM
OMAHA MAGAZINE
A+C // PAINTING
STORY BY LEO ADAM BIGA // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK & MADY BESCH
VISUAL ARTIST MIKE Giron's creative life spans studio practice, teaching, and working with A Midsummer's Mural and South Omaha Mural Project teams.
“In my studio work, I have no idea what's going to happen—I just go. I'm not forcing or insisting on anything. The work creates itself in some crazy way,” Giron says. “When it comes to murals, it's a lot more deliberate. You have to propose a design before you begin. So, I live in these two different worlds, and I think it's keeping me balanced.” The New Orleans native came to Omaha in the early 1990s by way of Colorado, where he met his ex-wife, an Omaha native. After her father died, the couple moved here with the intent of restoring her family home, selling it, and returning to Colorado. But Omaha proved a good place to raise their two children, so they stayed. Giron, 45, taught art at Bellevue University and ran the campus gallery. Today, he's a Metropolitan Community College adjunct instructor. Without knowing it, he prepared to be a muralist through his experience painting Mardi Gras floats in New Orleans. Walls are not so different from float structures—they're big and imperfect. And just as he used cut-out panels on floats, he does the same with murals. “The Polish mural is the clearest example,” he says. “There was a downspout, a chimney, and a fence around an air conditioning unit, and we used cutouts to hide those things. It gave a 3D pop-up look effect. It also breaks the frame to extend beyond the box of the building.” Patience is a virtue for a muralist. “Murals take a long time—maybe two months,” he says. “Unless you really practice your Zen, you've got to make it enjoyable to keep on doing it every day.” The social contract of public art and the collaborative nature of murals means you'd better like people. He does. You'd better like working big, too. “Once you experience large-scale production, it's hard to go back to small paintings,” he says. “Although I still consider myself a studio painter, there's
also something about doing large work. You can't help but see a wall and go, ‘Oh, that would be perfect for this statement.’ And then the physicality of the work feels good. You're carrying stuff all the time; you're up and down ladders. The brush strokes are not just a flick of the wrist.” But Giron says the real reason he and his fellow muralists do it is because “we're channeling the voices of people who can't do this, and we take pride in that.” He says, “We feel good about delivering something that people feel does express them.” The process for the South Omaha murals involves deep community immersion. “The more you immerse and personally connect with the people on a street level, the more you're going to be trusted by that community, and the more they'll open up and allow you in,” he says. The Sout h O mura ls feature diverse looks. “Some fall into naturalism, and others go into some other place,” he says, “That's interesting to me because it's not the same. Rather than a signature style, I would prefer they look like they were done by different people.” They are. Giron works with Richard Harrison, Rebecca Van Orman, and Hugo Zamorano. Neighbors contribute stories and ideas at community meetings. Residents and students participate in paint days and attend unveiling celebrations. The works are an extension of the new South Omaha Museum, whose director, historian Gary Kastrick, conceived the murals project. Giron serves on the museum board. He enjoys digging through Kastrick’s artifact collection and preparing exhibits, including a replica of an Omaha Stockyards pen. The idea is for the museum, the murals, and Kastrick’s history tours to spark a South O renaissance keying off the district's rich heritage and culture. Muralists like Giron share a bigger goal to “make Omaha a destination for public art.” He says murals are a great way to enhance the city’s visual aesthetic and to engage the community. Besides, he says, murals “demonstrate
“IF YOU ARE REALLY FREE AS AN ARTIST, THEN YOU JUST FOLLOW WHATEVER'S INTERESTING TO YOU.” -MIKE GIRON to the public there is an arts community here” in a visible way galleries cannot. Giron is impressed by the Omaha arts explosion. “There's so much going on and so many young artists hitting the scene making a big impact,” he says. Meanwhile, he continues to create studio art. His series On the Brighter Side of Post-Apocalyptic Minimalism employed fire-singed materials to make their satirical marks. “With the process-oriented stuff I'm doing now, there's a huge amount of variety, even though I'm just using grids,” he says, explaining that his personal artworks have moved away from rules of perspective and representational dictates of realism. “When you don't use any of that, all you have is the process and the visual reality of things—line, shape, value, color, texture, and space,” he says. “When you start playing in that area, where there's no limits in terms of defining what things should be or should look like, you find it's actually inexhaustible.” He intends to follow “the course of my curiosity,” adding, “If you are really free as an artist, then you just follow whatever's interesting to you.” New murals keep beckoning, though. “I get pulled into all this work. You set yourself up for a fall, but the fall is where all the good stuff happens,” he says. Having completed Czech, Lithuanian, Polish, Mexican, Metropolitan Community College, and Magic City murals for the South O project, Giron and company are now working on a Croatian mural. Irish, Italian, African-American, and Stockyards murals are still to come. Visit amidsummersmural.com for more information.
Little REVIEW BY NIZ PROSKOCIL // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
OMAHA MAGAZINE
DINING // REVIEW
AKING ADVANTAGE OF
an unseasonably warm, 70-degree day in late February, I settled into an outdoor table at Little España to enjoy the sunshine, sip sangria, and savor the f lavors of Spain. The Rockbrook Village restaurant is one of Omaha’s many great ethnic spots where diners can transport their taste buds—no passport or plane ticket needed. Talented chefs, careful technique, and fresh ingredients result in f lavorful, beautifully plated dishes that celebrate Spanish cuisine. Omahan Carlos Mendez opened Little España in December 2014 as a sister restaurant to the original España, a fixture of the Benson neighborhood for 13 years. Mendez, a Benson España employee, purchased the business from owner Bill Graves in 2009 and operated it until it closed last fall. In its former spot at 60th and Maple streets is Au Courant Regional Kitchen, also run by Mendez and Omaha chef Benjamin Maides. Fans of the original España will find all their favorites at the Rockbrook Village location. The Spanish restaurant specializes in tapas (small, shareable plates) and paella (a rice-based dish with a variety of seafood, vegetables, and meat). For our visit, we focused on tapas. There are dozens of cold and hot tapas, divided into vegetarian, seafood, and meat. Only a few tapas are listed at more than $10 on the menu.
SMALL PLATES,
BIG FLAVOR Left: Paella Above: Croquettes
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Serrano ham-wrapped fried dates Sharing is part of the fun of small-plates dining, and a good rule of thumb is two or three tapas per person, depending on one’s appetite. My dining partner and I chose five tapas to share, selecting a mix of hot and cold, hearty and light. Our favorites included serrano ham and chicken croquettes—crispy on the outside and pillowy on the inside. Another popular tapas, the serrano ham platter, features thinly sliced dry-cured Spanish ham served with pickled vegetables and garlic confit, accompanied by slices of warm, crusty bread. A fresh mozzarella plate had a nice balance of f lavors and textures, with its firm, mild mozzarella balls, basil, olive oil, and zesty sun-dried tomato puree. Those with a taste for meat and potatoes may want to try the solomillo fries—crispy diced potatoes topped with shaved steak, melted cheese, spicy aioli, and pickled onions to cut through the richness. Serrano hamwrapped fried dates stuffed with blue cheese and marcona almonds satisfied, but we wished the bite-size morsels were more savory-salty than sweet. The dish could easily pass for dessert.
All the tapas we tried worked well with a fruity, refreshing glass of house sangria— red or white wine infused with orange, lemon, lime, and apple. One quibble with the drink: None of the fruit made it into the glass. The restaurant’s cozy, inviting dining room features decorative ceiling tiles, Spanish music, wood and brick details, and Spanish-inspired artwork. Diners can catch a glimpse of the chefs working in the semi-open kitchen. For food lovers who are into sharing and trying new dishes, enjoying tapas at Little España is a fun, delicious experience. The hard part is narrowing down the choices. After our meal, we left stuffed, happy, and ready for a siesta. Visit espanaomaha.com for more information.
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Fresh mozzarella plate
OMAHA MAGAZINE
DINING // REVIEW
LITTLE ESPAÑA 11036 ELM ST. 402.557.6738 FOOD SERVICE AMBIANCE PRICE $$ OVERALL 5 STARS POSSIBLE
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Omaha's Korean Connection A CRASH COURSE
IN LOCAL
KOREAN FOOD
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STORY BY MICHELE FAN // PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSH FOO // STYLED BY ALEX MUSHASHI APARO // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
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DINING // FEATURE OMAHA MAGAZINE
OMAHA MAGAZINE
KOREAN RESTAURANTS IN Omaha have strong ties to the military community.
While many Offutt Air Force Base staffers developed penchants for Korean cuisine during Air Force deployments to South Korea, there are also many military spouses who relocated to Omaha from Korea. Some of these spouses have opened local restaurants. The Korean Grill is a prime example. Its owner, Henim Stimson, used to operate a restaurant in Seoul. Her husband, Air Force veteran Scott Stimson, now helps her in the kitchen at 1408 Harlan Drive in Bellevue. They often serve couples with similar U.S. military and Korean backgrounds. While eating dinner recently at the Korean Grill, Cody Scott (an active-duty Air Force veteran) and his wife, Gi (who is originally from Tongyeong, South Korea), share their suggestions for finding authentic Korean food in the greater Omaha metro. Cody grew up in Tennessee, and he studied Korean in California. The couple met after Cody relocated to Omaha. “We met at Maru Sushi and Korean Grill. Gi was working there as a waitress,” Cody says. They married in 2013 and reside in Bellevue. The Scotts listed the Korean Grill as their favorite in Omaha. The restaurant’s lunch combo meals and to-go boxes attract a lot of military personnel and many Chinese students from nearby Bellevue University.
Eating L ike a Korean Korean meals are typically served with a variety of “banchan" (side dishes) in small portions. All banchan is communal. Featuring a wide range of seasonal vegetables, roots, tofu, or small seafood, banchan can be fermented, pickled, lightly seasoned, or braised in sauce. Kimchi, fermented napa cabbage, is the most common type of banchan. While many associate Korean food with Korean barbecue—thinly sliced meat dishes (both marinated and unmarinated) and vegetables cooked on a built-in table grill or a portable grill—rice, noodles, soup, and stew remain staples of Korean cuisine.
OMAHA MAGAZINE DINING // FEATURE
One of the most iconic offerings in Korean cuisine, “budae-jjigae” (army stew), is a spicy soup with Spam meat, hot dogs (or other scraps of meat), tofu, instant noodles, mixed vegetables, and sometimes a piece of Kraft cheese. The Scotts order budae-jjigae and several of their other favorites while speaking with Omaha Magazine. The stew comes in a huge portion, best suited for two to share. “Army stew" is an invention of South Koreans after the Korean War. As food shortages persisted, locals scrambled up surplus processed meats from the U.S. military and cooked them in a spicy soup with kimchi. Its standard ingredient—Spam meat—is beloved in South Korea. During Lunar New Year, the pork product is often packaged in a fancy box and given away as a gift. “Gimbap" (Korean sushi) is another of the Scotts’ favorites. Gi explains the dish is akin to Korean takeout food; they would eat it on the go or at picnics. Unlike its Japanese cousin, the rice in gimbap is not seasoned with vinegar but salt and sesame oil. It does not require dipping in soy sauce or wasabi. To prevent leftover gimbap from drying out overnight, Gi suggests leaving the sushi rolls on the counter instead of in the refrigerator. "Japchae" (a sweet potato starch noodle stirfry) is another beloved Korean dish. Although usually served as a side dish, japchae can also be a stand-alone dish eaten with rice.
Korean Restaurants Around Town First-timers to Korean food should take a quick crash course at Korean Grill. You will find a selection of assorted dishes displayed in a foodwarmer cabinet; the owner readily offers honest advice and a generous portion to guarantee a good dining experience. Cody recommends ordering “galbitang”—a clear soup with beef short ribs—and “doenjang-jjigae”—a spicy (if made traditionally), fermented soybean paste stew. Korean Grill offers three other famous dishes—“sundae,” a Korean-style blood sausage; “kkori gomtang,” an oxtail soup; and “jokbal,” a steamed pig feet dish. Those items are “hidden from the menu,” so diners must order in advance for such delicacies. MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 154 / OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM
DINING // FEATURE
Gi’s top three picks for Korean eateries are Korean Grill, Korea King, and Maru. Rather than ordering soup, her go-to dishes usually contain some seafood, such as octopus. Korea King offers communal family-style Korean food. The chef there used to work at Maru. “Their ‘ojingeo-bokkeum’ [spicy stirfried squid], ‘kkori gomtang’ [oxtail soup] and ‘chicken bulgogi’ [bulgogi is a grilled meat dish] are good,” Gi says. “Maru, on the other hand, serves personal-size dishes. I like their chicken bulgogi, ‘jjamppong' [Korean spicy seafood noodle soup], and ‘jajangmyeon’ [Korean black bean sauce noodles].” “Go to Korean Grill for soup; go to Korean House Restaurant for grilled meat,” Cody advises. Korean House Restaurant is located right outside of Offutt Air Force Base and is known for its great prices. Cody recommends its grilled beef. You can also find Korean street food “tteok-bokki” (spicy Korean rice cake stir-fry) there. The restaurant is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and between 5 and 8 p.m. Suji’s Korean Grill has recently reinvented its entire menu and introduced Korean built-in table grills to the Aksarben area. Cody says he has not been to the restaurant since its updates, but he used to enjoy the “Chipotlestyle” Korean food Suji’s offered. The 2.0 version of Suji’s is booming with business. On any given weeknight, a steady stream of diners awaits to feast on its $35-per-person endless Korean barbecue, which begins with a platter of high-quality fresh meats, including rib-eye, chicken breast, pork belly, flank steak, pork jowl, and brisket; complemented with a steamed egg dish, banchan, and bowls of rice. A picture of the meal on social media will guarantee meat envy. In Ralston, you will find authentic Korean food at Korea Garden. Its banchan is all housemade and tastes delicious. Although the Scotts had not tried Korea Garden at the time of our interview, I highly recommend an order of the “nakji bokkeum” (stir-fried baby octopus) at Korea Garden.
Local Korean Eats Korean Grill 1408 Harlan Drive Bellevue, NE 68005 402-933-5150 Korean House Restaurant 2413 Lincoln Road Bellevue, NE 68005 402-291-3900 Korea King 4719 S. 96th St. Omaha, NE 68127 402-593-6568 Korea Garden Restaurant 5352 S. 72nd St. Ralston, NE 68127 402-505-4089 Maru Korean & Sushi Restaurant 5032 S. 108th St. Omaha, NE 68137 402-593-0717 Sujiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Korean Grill 1303 S. 72nd St., No. 101 Omaha, NE 68124 402-884-7500
M
Y JOSEPH R A 'S
Fortunate Events SERIE S OF
FROM THE
ASK MARY JOSEPH, owner of Tasty Pizza
(formerly Tasty Pastry), how she wound up running a restaurant in Omaha, and be prepared for a story of fortunate coincidences. She has a knack for being in the right place at the right time.
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CARIBBE AN TO OMAHA
Born in Jamaica and raised in Costa Rica, Joseph attended college in Massachusetts to study pre-med and international relations before moving back to Costa Rica to finish her degree. After a chance conversation struck up with a fellow passenger on a plane trip in 1997, she would eventually marry that fellow passenger—a man who just so happened to be from Omaha.
STORY BY TAMSEN BUTLER // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 156 / OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM
After moving to Nebraska, she attended a neighborhood party and met Dario Schicke and his wife Amy. The two women became friends. In a conversation about hobbies, Joseph mentioned she liked to bake and eventually baked a chocolate cake for the Schickes. When Dario later opened his restaurant—Dario’s Brasserie in Dundee—he asked Joseph to bring in her chocolate cakes for his customers.
OMAHA MAGAZINE
HAPPY HOURS
DINING // PROFILE
NOT AFRAID OF TRYING NEW THINGS, JOSEPH AND HER STAFF PLAYED AROUND WITH A FEW DIFFERENT IDEAS FOR A NEW MENU FOCUS. ONCE PIZZA APPEARED ON THE MENU, JOSEPH WAS SOLD ON THE IDEA. Thus began her foray into cooking and baking as an occupation. “Dario was a huge inspiration—both him and his wife, Amy,” Joseph says. Tasty Pizza, located at 5423 Leavenworth St., has been open for “about four years off and on,” Joseph says. It didn’t take her long to realize a pastry shop just wasn’t her cup of tea. “I knew the very first day,” she says, explaining that soup was quickly brought into the mix because being open lunch hours meant customers typically wanted lunch. “Soup was a hit,” she says, “but cooking good soup isn’t just about following recipes. It’s about food technology.” Soup proved too frantic a menu item to feature, with intricate preparation and last-minute adjustments making things stressful. Not afraid of trying new things, Joseph and her staff played around with a few different ideas for a new focus. Once pizza appeared on the menu, Joseph was sold on the idea. She liked the predictability and organization of running a pizza line. Patrons enjoyed the ability to customize their toppings or choose from artisanal pizzas that the staff created. Hence, Tasty Pastry evolved into Tasty Pizza. Joseph attributes some of her success to other local restaurants near her that are willing to work as a community and share knowledge and advice. She also cites her staff as helpful and inspirational. “I’m lucky, I have to say,” she admits. “I love to cook,” Joseph says, adding “I love Omaha.” Tasty Pizza, which she opened as something to do while her kids were at school, continues to thrive. She won’t predict what the future will hold, as she prefers to live in the moment. Joseph is doing what she loves (in a place she loves) while enjoying the reciprocal love her customers give Tasty Pizza. It’s a story many years—and twists of fate—in the making. Visit tastypizzaomaha.com for more information.
HAPPY HOURS • Over 1200 Whiskeys • Midwest’s Largest Whiskey Collection • 40 Rotating Beers On Tap • Private Whiskey Tastings
Where the Smart People Drink!
5142 North 90th Street, Omaha, NE 68134
www.LibraryPubOmaha.com
(402) 571-6262
9443UBCB2BAd_fnl.pdf
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12/1/14
5:08 PM
Happy Hour Daily: 4P-6P Late Night: TUES-THUR 9P-10P & FRI-SAT 10P-11P All Night Monday
402.884.8966 16920 Wright Plz. Omaha, NE louieswinedive.com
WELCOME TO OMAHA’S BASEBALL VILLAGE
WINE THERAPY THURSDAYS 6PM TASTINGS AND $10 BOTTLES OF WINE
HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS M-F 3PM-6PM /beyondgolf for more information Walking Distance to CenturyLink Center & TD Ameritrade Park
402.346.9116 | 501 N. 13 Street | theMattOmaha.com th
/the old mattress factory omaha
@Matt_factory
402.916.4PAR (4727)
120th & Giles | beyondgolfomaha.com
OMAHA MAGAZINE
DINING // GUIDE
AMERICAN 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 six Omaha-area 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 - $$
- Sponsored Content -
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. theflatironcafe.com
JAMS- $$
7814 Dodge St.(402-399-8300) 1101 Harney St. 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.
Get a Little Saucy.
LE PEEP - $
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 and lunch spot. Fresh. Simple. Elegant. Inviting. We put the emphasis on people, both patrons and staff. We focus on providing each of our guests the fresh food and friendly service that they have come to expect. Open daily 6:30am-2pm.
LOUIE’S WINE DIVE - $ MC, V
402-884-8966 16820 Wright Plz. Creative gourmet comfort food, and a funky, fun atmosphere. Great wines, many of which come from small vineyards, at a great value. Gourmet comfort food is made fresh, using eco-friendly and local ingredients whenever possible. Mon. 4-10pm, Tue.-Thu. 11am-10pm, Fri./Sat. 11am-11pm, and 10am-8 pm.
SPEZIA SPECIALTIES FRESH SEAFOOD • ANGUS BEEF INNOVATIVE PASTA • RISOTTO
LO-LO’S CHICKEN & WAFFLES - $
402-991-9400 7051 Ames Ave. 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.
GNOCCHI • FRESH SALMON DAILY
SATURDAY [11am–4 pm] OPEN 7 LUNCH DAYS A WEEK
$10
MILLARD ROADHOUSE - $ MC, V
COCKTAIL HOUR
COCKTAIL HOUR MONDAY – SATURDAY
OFF ANY TICKET OVER $25 NO CASH VALUE. EXPIRES 06/30/2017 NO CASH VALUE. EXPIRES 12/31/16 NO VALUE. EXPIRES 12/31/2011 NotCASH Valid With Happy Hour or Any Other Promotions. One Per Check.
EVERY 4 – 6DAY PM FROM 4-6PM ALL DRINKS ARE 1/2GL PRICE ALL COCK TAILS, ASS WINE AND BEERS ARE HALF SUNDAY BRUNCHPRICE
CALL FOR RESERVATIONS • 402-391-2950 CENTRAL LOCATION • 3125 SOUTH 72ND STREET • EASY ACCESS OFF I-80 • 72ND STREET EXIT
MARCH // APRIL • 2017 / 158 / OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM
402-891-9292 13325 Millard Ave. The all-American neighborhood grill Millard Roadhouse is perfect for the whole family, with huge portions, great service and even better food. From roasted chicken to fried green tomatoes, there's something for every taste, and trust us, you're not going to leave hungry. Also serving Sunday brunch and the best happy hour in the area. Mon.-Wed. 11-9pm, Thu.-Sat. 11am-10pm, Sun. 10am-9pm.
DINING GUIDE LEGEND
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f o B t r a k A ing e T
rotellasbakery.com MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 159 / BESTOFOMAHA.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.
OMAHA MAGAZINE
DINING // GUIDE
MY PIE - $$
402-763-4900 2085 N. 120th St. Got six people with six different tastes in pizza, including red sauce vs. garlic sauce? My Pie creates custom pizzas from the sauce up, so everyone can eat what they want. Their house-made pies come in every variety from Pear-fect (pear and gorgonzola) to Very Vegan (vegan cheese and vegetables). Craving a New York ‘Roni? My Pie has that, too. pizzayourway.com
STELLA’S - $ MC, V, AE, DC
402-291-6088 106 S. Galvin Rd., 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. 11am–9pm., Sun. closed. stellasbarandgrill.com
TIMBER WOOD FIRE BISTRO - $
501 N. 13th Street | 402.346.9116 theMattOmaha.com /the old mattress factory omaha
@Matt_factory
402-964-2227 8702 Pacific St. Omaha, NE 68114 Delicious wood-fire cuisine, with a roaring hearth and warm atmosphere you’ll feel at home the moment you walk in. Enjoy our wood oven-baked sour dough bread service with herbed California olive oil or locally whipped butter or try one of our pissaladière—French style pizzas— wood fired to perfection. Select from one of our fresh-from-the-fire entrees including our housemade rigatoni with roasted vegetables, herb crusted bistro steak and cedar planked steelhead salmon. All of our meals are made-from-scratch. Mon.–Thu. 11am–9:30pm., Fri. 11am–11pm, Sat. 9am–11pm, Sun. 9am–9pm. timberomaha.com
UPSTREAM BREWING COMPANY - $$
514 S. 11th St. (402-344-0200) 17070 Wright Plz. (402-778-0100) Upstream features an extensive menu of new American pub fare including appetizers, thin-crust pizzas, superb steaks featuring Omaha Steaks, fresh fish, pasta, salads, sandwiches, and a great children’s menu. Fresh, handcrafted beer and root beer on tap. Extensive wine list. Call ahead for group reservations or to be placed on our waiting list. Visit our classic, upscale poolroom located on the second level.
ICE CREAM TED AND WALLY’S - $ MC, V
11th & Harney
78th & Dodge
402-341-5827 1120 Jackson St. Come experience the true taste of homemade ice cream in the Old Market. Since 1986, we’ve created gourmet ice cream flavors in small batches using rock salt and ice. We offer your favorites plus unique flavors like margarita, green tea, Guinness, and French toast. Special orders available.
ITALIAN DON CARMELO'S PIZZERIA - $
402-933-3190 10821 Prairie Brook Rd. Omaha's first and finest New York-style pizza, stromboli, calzones, oven-toasted hoagies, Philly cheesesteaks, pasta, salads, beer, and wine. We also feature take-out and delivery and can cater your special event, large or small. Tue.-Thu., 11am-9pm Fri. & Sat., 11am-10pm, Sun., Noon-8pm.
LA CASA PIZZARIA - $$ MC, V
402-556-6464 45th & Leavenworth St. La Casa Pizzaria has been serving Omaha its legendary Neapolitan-style pizza and pasta for 60 years now. We offer dine in, carry-out, party facilities, catering, and now pizza shipments to the 48 contiguous states. Open Tues.- Sat. at 11am and Sun. at 4:30pm. lacasapizzaria.net
DINING GUIDE LEGEND
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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 Omaha’s Only
Authentic German Restaurant
Locally Owned Since 1976
THE ORIGINAL
Whiskey Steak
Thanks for Voting Us
#1 BREAKFAST 9 YEARS in a Row!
German Strudel, Sauerkraut, Schnitzel, and Beer. Specializing in wedding and graduation cakes. Full bakery, fresh bread, donuts, and cakes!
10 min from downtown Omaha
5180 Leavenworth
402-553-6774
www.gerdasgermanrestaurant.com
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 11am-2pm Cocktail Hour: 3pm-5pm Dinner nightly from 5pm Reservations Accepted Gift Cards Available
Thank you for your support for over 40 years!
2121 South 73rd Street. 402-391-7440 | DroverRestaurant.com MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 161 / BESTOFOMAHA.COM
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!
BRUNCH STARTS AT10AM
OMAHA MAGAZINE
PIZZA & BOT TLE SPECIAL
saturday & sunday
DINING // GUIDE
LO SOLE MIO RISTORANTE ITALIANO - $$
402-345-5656 3001 S. 32nd Ave. Located in the middle of a neighborhood, surrounded by charming homes. Everyone is greeted with homemade bread, a bowl of fresh tomatoes and basil, a bowl of oven-roasted garlic cloves, specialseasoned olive oil, and at night, a jug of Chianti! The menu includes a large variety of pasta, chicken, veal, seafood, and even a delicious New York steak. Traditional dishes such as lasagna, tortellini, and eggplant parmigiana are also available. Lunch also offers panini, salads, and one of the best pizzas in town. Patio seating, full bar, and a great wine list complete the atmosphere. No reservations, except for private rooms.
monday & tuesday
PASTA AMORE - $$ MC, V, AE
402-391-2585 11027 Prairie Brook Rd. Pastas are made fresh daily, including tortellini, fettuccine, and capellini. Daily specials and menu items include a variety of fresh seafood and regional Italian dishes, such as linguini amore and calamari steak, penne Florentine, gnocchi, spaghetti puttanesca, and ossobuco. Filet mignon is also offered for those who appreciate nationally renowned Nebraska beef. To complement your dining experience, the restaurant offers a full bar and extensive wine list. Be sure to leave room for homemade desserts, like the tiramisu and cannoli. Lunch: 11am-2pm Dinner: 4:30pm Reservations recommended.
PITCH - $$ MC, V, AE, DC
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5021 Underwood Ave 4 02- 5 9 0 -2 625 | 17808 Burke St 4 02-2 8 9 -4 0 9 6 Sat-Sun 10 A M - C l o s e | Mon-Fri 11 A M - C l o s e
MONDAY - THURSDAY 11:00AM - 9:30PM FRIDAY 11:00AM - CLOSE
SATURDAY 9:00AM - CLOSE SUNDAY 9:00AM - CLOSE BRUNCH: 9:00AM - 2PM
WEEKLY SPECIALS SAT & S
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>>>TWO PARTY ROOMS AVAILABLE TO BOOK LUNCH: MON-FRI 11AM-4PM<<< >>>OPEN DAILY FOR DINNER WITH NIGHTLY SPECIALS SENIOR DISCOUNT MON-FRI LUNCH BY REQUEST<<<
8702 Pacific Street—Countryside Village Omaha, NE 68114
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402- 590-2625 5021 Underwood Ave. OpenTable Diners' Choice 2014 HotSpot Restaurants in America. Keeping up with the traditional way the first pizzas in Italy were made, our pizzas are cooked in a coal-fired oven. The menu also features seafood, hand-cut steak, housemade pastas, and a burger full of flavor! Our goal is to provide you with local, housemade, and imported ingredients. We offer a happy hour menu through the week. And our bar provides an array of in-house concoctions as well as your traditional libation. Our wine selection is well-thought and most impressive. You will enjoy Pitch! Mon. 3pm-10pm Tue.-Thu. 11am-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 11am-11pm, Sun. 3-10pm. pitchpizzeria.com
SPEZIA - $$$ 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: 4-6pm, when all cocktails, glass wine, and beers are half price. Evening reservations recommended.
ZIO’S PIZZERIA - $$ MC, V
7834 Dodge St. (402-391-1881) 12997 W. Center Rd. (402-330-1444) 1109 Howard St. (402-344-2222) Delivery, dine in, and carry out. Serving New York style pizza by the slice or whole pies, calzones, hoagies, pastas, salads, and garlic breads. Our pies are hand-stretched and baked in old-world ovens. We offer 35 of the freshest toppings; taste the freshest pizza at Zio’s! Family dining, open seven days a week. Lunch specials and beer and wine available.
MEXICAN FERNANDO’S - $ MC, V, AE
7555 Pacific St. (402-339-8006) 380 N. 114th St. (402-330-5707) Featuring Sonoran-style cooking made fresh daily. Catering and party rooms also available. Mon.-Thu., 11am-10pm; Fri.-Sat., 11am-11pm; Sun., 4-9pm.
DINING GUIDE LEGEND
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SIGN UP ! EA ON FOO RN 10% BACK D& PURCHA DRINK SES!
SPORTS FOOD
FUN! EST. 1993
www.romeosOMAHA.com
6 OMAHA METRO AREA LOCATIONS DOWNTOWN 10th & Capitol | 402-763-9974
MILLARD 180th & Q | 402-933-8844
AKSARBEN VILLAGE 67th & Center | 402-933-3533
BELLEVUE 23rd & Cornhusker | 402-292-9096
MIRACLE HILLS 114th & Dodge | 402-498-8855
PLATTSMOUTH Hwy 75 & Oak Hill | 402-298-4166
DJSDUGOUT.COM 11578_DJ'sBestOf_MarchHalfV2.2.indd 1
3/21/17 4:25 PM
Also, the filet is amazing!!
Tradition Meats Deliciousness • Locally owned • Reservation accepted • Private Parties 11732 W Dodge Rd, Omaha, NE 68154 402· 496·0222 | jericosomaha.com
lunch Tues-Fri: 11AM-2PM Dinner Tues-Sat: 4:30PM-Close Meals to order prepared by Chef And owner Lillo Fascianella from Sicily. Specializing in seafood and pasta dishes.
MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 163 / BESTOFOMAHA.COM
(and don’t forget the cannolis!!!!)
Rockbrook Village (108th & Center) 402.391.2585 www.pastaamore.com
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THANK YOU OMAHA FOR VOTING US BEST PIZZA 25 STRAIGHT YEARS!
DINING // GUIDE
LA MESA - $$ MC, V
158th & W. Maple Rd. 156th & Q Sts.(402-763-2555) 110th St. & W. Maple Rd.(402-496-1101) Ft. Crook Rd. & Hwy 370 in Bellevue (402-733-8754) 84th St. & Tara Plaza in Papillion (402-593-0983) Lake Manawa Exit in Council Bluffs (712-256-2762) Enjoy awesome enchiladas, fabulous fajitas, seafood specialties, mouth-watering margaritas, and more at La Mesa! Come see why La Mesa has been voted Omaha’s #1 Mexican restaurant 13 years in a row! Sun.-Thu. 11am-10pm, Fri. & Sat. 11am-10:30pm. lamesaomaha.com
Hand-stretched New York style pizza
MARGARITA'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT - $
2505 S. 132nd St. (402-991-3555) 4915 S. 72nd St. (402-393-7515) Margarita's is a business with more than seven years in the food world. We offer authentic food at two nice locations in Omaha where you can enjoy a nice moment with your family.
391-1881
SEAFOOD
7834 Dodge St.
CALZONES · PASTA · SALADS LUNCH SPECIALS · APPETIZERS
330-1444
BEER · WINE · MARGARITAS
344-2222
12997 W. Center Rd. 1109 Howard St. (Old Market)
HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY FROM 4PM-6PM
ZIOSPIZZERIA.COM
CHARLIE’S ON THE LAKE - $$
402-894-9411 4150 S. 144th St. Charlie’s is the only fresh-fish-daily seafood restaurant in Omaha. Features a relaxed yet contemporary atmosphere that is fun for all ages. Besides fresh seafood, Charlie’s is the home of the James Bond-style martini (shaken, not stirred) in over 20 varieties in addition to over 60 wines. Mon.-Thu., 11am-10pm; Fri. 11am-11pm Sat., 4:30pm-11pm.
SHUCKS FISH HOUSE & OYSTER BAR - $$
402-827-4376 1218 S 119th St. Award winning, locally owned and operated. Very casual, but very good food, and reasonably priced. Featuring Po’ Boys, Poke Bowls, Fried Clam Strips, Shrimp and Calamari (thinnest breading in town). Plus Crab Cakes, house made soups like Clam Chowda and Gumbo, and a wide selection of Salads and daily FRESH FISH specials. Mon.-Thu., 11am-9pm; Fri.-Sat 11am-10pm Sun., 12pm-8pm.
SPECIAL DINING CRESCENT MOON ALE HOUSE - $
307 N.114th St. Omaha 402.933.9425
8650 S. 71st Plaza, SuiteF, Papillion 402-933-2220
Which Wich do you want?
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., 11am-2am. Kitchen hours: Mon.-Wed., 11am-1pm; Thu.-Sat. 11am-midnight. Closed Sun. beercornerusa.com
Omaha’s Premier Indoor Golf Facility, Bar + Kitchen SERVING DAILY SPECIALS INCLUDING:
Thank You
For Voting Us
#1
GYROS 3 Omaha locations 1 Lincoln location kingkongfastfood.com
• Moscow Mule Monday • Tuesday Smoked Chicken Wings • Taco & Margarita Wednesday • Therapy Thursday Featuring $10 Bottles Of Select Wines
• Friday Gourmet Four Cheese Mac
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
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., 11am-9pm; Fri.-Sat., 11am-10pm; Sun., 11am-8pm.
Happy Hour Specials $1 Off All Beers And $3 Well Cocktails
402.916.4PAR(4727) beyondgolfomaha.com 120TH & GILES | OMAHA, NE MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 164 / OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM
DINING GUIDE LEGEND
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OMAHA MAGAZINE SECTION OMAHA’S ORIGINAL
OMAHA’S ORIGINAL STEAKHOUSE
DINING // GUIDE
• 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.
O’Connor’s Irish Pub 1217 Howard St. • Omaha, NE 68102 402-934-9790 • oconnorsomaha.com 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
402-731-4774 www.johnnyscafe.com 27th & ‘L’ St., Kennedy Frwy, ‘L’ St. Exit 8 Minutes from Downtown Omaha.
Best Of Omaha 11 Years Running
WHERE WHERE GOOD GOOD FOOD FOOD AND AND GOOD GOOD SERVICE SERVICE NEVER NEVER GO GO OUT OUT OF OF STYLE. STYLE.
Thanks to our customers for voting us the “Best Burger in Omaha”
UBC-omahamag-third square_fnl.pdf 12/2/16 9:26 AM Monday-Saturday, 11:00 am - 9:00 pm Stella’s Bar 9748-2016 and Grill “Serving World Famous Hamburgers since 1936” 106 Galvin Rd •1Bellevue, NE • 402-291-6088 • Open
Best Greek
Family Owned Since 1983
Catering ~ Party Room Available Homemade, Fresh Food ~ Always 3821 Center St. 402/346-1528
GreekIslandsOmaha.com
Mandarin • Hunan Szechuan • Cantonese Shanghai 4040 N 132nd St (132 & Maple) 402.493.277 | GoldenPalaceNE.com MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 165 / BESTOFOMAHA.COM
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DINING // GUIDE
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., 5pm-8pm. Tuesdays are 25-cent wings from 3-8pm, Wednesdays are Steak Night after 5pm, Thursdays are 75-cent tacos and $1.75 margaritas after 5pm, and Fridays are Prime Rib Dinner after 5pm. Daily specials seven days a week. Open at 10am. horsemenspark.com
Old Market
Benson
1120 Jackson Street • 402.341.5827 6023 Maple Street • 402.551.4420 tedandwallys.com
JAIPUR INDIAN RESTAURANT AND BREWERY - $$$ 10 Years In A Row
J.COCO - $$$
Fernando’s Cafe and Cantina
Bringing Italy to Omaha Since 1919
Sonoran Style Cooking Made Fresh Daily.
Catering and Party Rooms Also Available.
380 N. 114th St. Omaha, NE 68154 402.330.5707
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: Thu. and Fri., 11am-2pm Dinner: Sun.-Thu., 5pm-9:30pm; Fri and Sat., 5pm-10:30pm.
7555 Pacific St. 1600 Washington St. Omaha, NE 68114 Blair, NE 68008 402.339.8006 402.533.4450
fernandosomaha.com
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, showcase our natural ingredients. Local, organic, and sustainable when available. We feature craft bar tending, housemade desserts, and pastas. We celebrate traditional…with a modern twist. Lunch (Mon.-Fri. 11am-2pm). Dinner (Mon.-Sat. 5pm-close). jcocoomaha.com
LIBRARY PUB - $
402.571.6262 5142 N 90th St. Omaha’s pre-eminent whisky pub! This bar boasts the Midwest’s largest whisky collection, spanning the globe and also features 40 rotating beers on tap. Their selection can satisfy any palate. They also offer private whisky tastings. thelibrarypubomaha.com.
MARRAKECH GOURMET - $$
Take a Taste of Italy Home Today!
Try Omaha’s Favorite Reuben!
Tues-Thurs: 8:30am-8pm Friday: 8:30am-8:30pm Saturday: 7:30am-8pm Sunday: 7:30am-6pm
402-502-0739 504 N. 33rd St Sit back and prepare for an authentic Moroccan dining experience. Choose from a savory array of traditional entrees such as chicken, lamb, and vegetarian dishes influenced by a variety of Mediterranean flavors. We invite you to relax and enjoy an evening of fine food and extraordinary hospitality. Visit today! Sun.-Sat. 11am-10pm. marrakechgourmetomaha.com
O’CONNOR’S IRISH PUB - $
Omaha’s largest selection of craft beers.
402.345.3438 621 Pacific St, Omaha NE orsibakery.com
3578 Farnam St • 402-345-1708 www.beercornerusa.com
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD PIZZERIA Fresh ingredients & Traditional family recipes Personalized just for you
NY AUTHENTIC PIZZA BAKED IN 2 MINS @ 800° Gluten Free & Vegan options
402-763-4900 2085 N. 120th St (120th & Blondo) PIZZAYOURWAY.COM/LOCATIONS/NORTH-PARK MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 166 / OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM
402-934-9790 1217 Howard St. Comfortable, relaxing atmosphere. Great before and after games. We offer pub style food—burgers, reubens, daily specials, and homemade soups—as well as all the traditional Irish favorite libations: Guinness, Harp, and Irish whiskey. Grill hours: Mon.-Thu., 11am-10pm; Fri.-Sat., 11am-10pm.
SALT 88 - $$
402-991-9088 3623 N. 129th St. Brought to you by the owners of Hiro 88, Salt is a New American adventure in cuisine. It's 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
OMAHA MAGAZINE
DINING // GUIDE
STEAKHOUSES BROTHER SEBASTIAN'S - $$$
402-330-0300 1350 S. 119th St Relax in the cozy Old World comfort of an early California monastery with friendly “monks” that pamper you in subdued, romantic surroundings, and savor the fresh, full flavors of USDA Choice Nebraska Angus Beef seared over an open flame. Brother Sebastian’s Steak House and Winery is locally owned and has been recognized as one of Omaha’s best restaurants for a delicious, romantic dining experience. Join us with your party of two or 50 and we’ll help make your special occasion enjoyable and memorable. Reservations accepted. Lunch: Mon.-Fri. 11am-2pm. Dinner: Mon-Thu. 5-9pm, Fri.-Sat. 5-10pm, Sun. 4-9pm.
STEAKS • CHOPS • SEAFOOD ITALIAN SPECIALTIES 7 private party rooms Seating up to 400 Lots of parking
1620 S. 10th Street
402-345-8313
www.casciossteakhouse.com
CASCIO'S - $$
402-345-8313 1620 S. 10th St. Cascio's is Omaha's No. 1 steakhouse. We have been serving Omaha for 69 years. We feature steaks, chops, seafood, and Italian specialties. We have seven private party rooms, seating for up to 400 people, and plenty of parking.
THE DROVER RESTAURANT & LOUNGE - $$$
402-391-7440 2121 S. 73rd St. Famous for the original Whiskey Steak. Truly a one-of-a-kind Midwestern experience. Excellent food, wine, service, and value. Rare...and very well done. Lunch: Mon.–Fri. 11am– 2pm Cocktail Hour: 3-6pm. Dinner: nightly at 5pm. Reservations accepted.
JERICO’S RESTAURANT - $$
402-496-0222 11732 W Dodge Rd. Welcome to a local Omaha steakhouse consistently voted Best of Omaha for best prime rib. Since it opened in 1978, Jerico’s has been serving the finest hand cut steaks, choice chicken, and fresh seafood in town. Known for it’s classic decor and old school manners, Jerico’s is not to be missed if you are looking for a true Nebraska steak experience. Private party room available and reservations are accepted. jericosomaha.com
5203 Leavenworth st. Omaha, NE 68106
www.jcocoomaha.com
JOHNNY'S CAFÉ - $$$ MC, V, AE
402-731-4774 4702 S. 27th St. Years of quality dining and hospitality make Johnny's Café a restaurant to remember. We serve only the finest beef the Midwest has to offer. Aged steaks and prime rib are the specialties, with homemade bread and pies to complete a meal. An excellent wine list adds to the enjoyment at one of Omaha's original restaurants. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 11am-2pm and 5pm-9:30pm.
Lunch Mon-Fri 11-2 Dinner Mon-Sat 5-10
Offering an
ENOURMOUS selection of Scotch and Beer
Stop in for a pint at
DINING GUIDE LEGEND
$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$+$30+ MC=Master Card • V=Visa AE=American Express • DC=Discover Card
MARCH // APRIL • 2017 / 167 / BESTOFOMAHA.COM
SARPY COUNTY
BELLEVUE | GRETNA | LA VISTA | PAPILLION | SPRINGFIELD | OFFUTT AFB | OMAHA METRO
plore, Come ex discover & unwind. Located just a few minutes south of Omaha, Sarpy County awaits with a wonderful mix of fun things to see and do. Tour a museum or gallery. Dine in an elegant restaurant. Spend a day at a family fun center. From great hotels, brewpubs and wineries to malls, specialty shops, and theatres, Sarpy County is the perfect destination for your next getaway!
402-332-5771 â&#x20AC;¢ GOSARPY.COM
STATE OF NEBRASKA BUDDY GUY.
May 4 at Lied Center for Performing Arts, Lincoln. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and six-time Grammy Award winner Buddy Guy will showcase his highly acclaimed guitar talent and vocals. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $20-$55. 402-472-4747 —liedcenter.org
MO T HERL ES S
DAUGH T ERS
RE T RE AT. 60TH ANNUAL SPRING FLEA MARKET. May
May 13 at Red Road Herbs Retreat & Learning Center, Stanton. This retreat is to support and encourage women of all ages who have lost their mothers. Women will share memories through storytelling, photos, poetry, and prose. 1-5 p.m. Registration: $40. 402-640-0744 —redroadherbs.com
MAY
13
FREE PARK DAY. May 20 at all Nebraska
27-28 in Brownville. This village-wide flea market is full of antiques, art, collectibles, plants, food vendors, and community fun. Expect to find lots of treasures, from 19th-century books to 1960s car parts. 402-825-6841 —brownville-ne.com
OGALL AL A INVITATIONAL DROVER GOLF TOURNAMENT. June 3-4 at West
state parks and recreation areas. Free entry and fishing in all Nebraska state parks, state recreation areas, and state historical parks. Individual parks and recreation areas will hold special events. Regular park hours apply. 402-471-0641 —outdoornebraska.gov
Wind Fold Course and Bayside Golf Course, Ogallala. The 13th annual Ogallala Invitational Drover Golf Tournament has an entry fee of $125 per person for two days of golf, golf carts, range balls, and two meals. 9 a.m. 308-284-4487 —visitogallala.com
DEF LEPPARD, POISON, AND TESLA. May
ARCHIE’S LATE NIGHT PARTY.
24 at Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln. Hard rock fans will enjoy this show, which promotes Def Leppard’s new album, And There Will Be a Next Time. Poison fans will see all four members of the original band reunited for the first time in more than five years. 7 p.m. Tickets: $29-$122. 402-904-4444 —pinnaclebankarena.com
June 8 at The University of Nebraska State Museum, Lincoln. This all ages event invites families to stay up late at Morrill Hall. Guests will learn about natural history and science through hands-on activities. 6-10 p.m. 402-472-2642 —museum.unl.edu
MOVE—BEYOND.
May 24 at Lied Center for Performing Arts, Lincoln. Dancing with the Stars performers Julianne and Derek Hough will bring fans on a journey of dance and music, taking inspiration from the four elements—earth, wind, fire, and water—as an exploration of the human relationship with nature. 7 p.m. Tickets: $59-$649. 402-472-4747 —liedcenter.org
TIM MCGRAW AND FAITH HILL. May
12 at Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln. Country music’s famous married couple are touring the U.S. together for the first time in a decade on their “Soul2Soul World Tour 2017.” 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $86.50-$217. 402-904-4444 —pinnaclebankarena.com
SPEND THE DAY outside in Sarpy County.
Bike the Papio Trail in the morning, take in an afternoon baseball game at Werner Park, and end with dinner at Springfield Days (June 9-10). Or hike Prairie Queen Recreation Area, have lunch at Shadow Lake, and finish with the tractor pulls at Papillion Days (June 14-18). Explore more possibilities at www.gosarpy.com.
MIGRATORY BIRD DAY. May 13 at Arbor Day
Farm, Nebraska City. Learn about the impressive journey some birds take through migration each year. This event will feature crafts and games. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission: $8 adults, $6 children (3-12), free to children 2 and under. 402-873-8717 —arbordayfarm.org MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 169 / BESTOFOMAHA.COM
OMAHA MAGAZINE
EXPLORE
GET OUTDOORS DAY. June 10 at Arbor Day
Farm, Nebraska City. In celebration of National Get Outdoors Day, Arbor Day Farm will hold numerous outdoor events including a scavenger hunt, agility activities, and crafts. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission: $8 adults, $6 children (3-12), free to children 2 and under. 402-873-8717 —arbordayfarm.org
THE SWEDISH FESTIVAL. June
16-18 in Stromsburg. The annual festival, in the “Swede Capital of Nebraska,” will include Swedish food, costumes, dancing, free entertainment, sports tournaments, a carnival, parade, car show, and more. 1-8 p.m. Friday; 7 a.m.-midnight Saturday; 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Admission: free. 402-764-5265 —theswedishfestival.com
INTERNATIONAL MUD DAY June 24 at Arbor
Day Farm, Nebraska City. Arbor Day Farm celebrates International Mud Day with educational opportunities and a chance for kids to make mud paintings and sculptures. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission: $8 adults, $6 children (3-12), free to children 2 and under. 402-873-8717 —arbordayfarm.org
IOWA MAIFEST.
May 6-7 in the Amana Colonies. Witness dancing around the Maypole and lots of music while dining on, or sampling, German food and wine in this quaint series of villages. See free demonstrations at the furniture shop, woolen mill, and other areas. Admission: free. —festivalsinamana.com
TULIP FESTIVAL. May
LINCOLN IS HOSTING the 2017
FORMULA SAE Collegiate Student Design Competition June 21-24 at Lincoln Airpark. Nine countries and over 35 states will be represented. These cars are judged in a series of static and dynamic events, including technical, cost, presentation, engineering design, solo performance, and high performance endurance. Free and open to the public.
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18-20 in downtown Orange City. Thousands of tulips will be in bloom during this festival. This ethnic festival features music and dancing by children and adults in authentic costumes, two daily parades, a nightly musical theater, a carnival midway, Dutch delicacies and other food, and an art fair. 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday. Admission: free. 712-707-4510 —octulipfestival.com
RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS. May 23 at Wells
Fargo Arena, Des Moines. This Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy Award-winning group are touring to promote their most recent album, The Getaway. Irontom and Jack Irons will perform as special guests. 8 p.m. Tickets: $50-$100. 515-564-8000 —iowaeventscenter.com
STEEL MAGNOLIAS. June
2-18 at the Des Moines Community Playhouse, Des Moines. This story is about six unlikely friends in the South who entertain with lighthearted conversations until tragedy strikes and brings them face-to-face with their mortality. Tickets: $25-$36. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. 515-277-6261 —dmplayhouse.com
TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS. June
5 at Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines. Commemorating the 40th anniversary of their selftitled debut album, the band is touring in addition to releasing two companion vinyl box sets featuring their entire studio album collection. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $39.50-$129.50. 515-564-8000 —iowaeventscenter.com
35TH ANNUAL ANTIQUE SHOW. June
16-18 throughout the city of Walnut. Stroll along the 17 blocks of dealers outside, through two indoor halls, the Catholic Church yard, and the many shops downtown. Bring a hauling vehicle and plan to stay for the weekend—this event brings more than 300 dealers and approximately 30,000 attendees. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Admission: free. 712-784-3443 —walnutiowa.org
WURST FESTIVAL. June
17 in the Amana Colonies. Celebrate one of Germany’s favorite foods. Sample more than 40 different sausages, drink cold beverages, play yard games, and listen to live music. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: free. —festivalsinamana.com
DES MOINES ARTS FESTIVAL. June
23-25 at Western Gateway Park, Des Moines. The festival features visual, performing, and interactive arts, along with music and film, from both professional artists and emerging local artists. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: free. 515-286-4950 —desmoinesartsfestival.org
TREK FEST XXXIII.
June 23-24 in downtown Riverside. Klingons driving tractors? Riverside’s annual tribute to its most famous citizen, the future Capt. James T. Kirk, includes a parade, costume contest, dog show, and bingo. This year’s theme is “30 Years of Next Generation.” 3 p.m.-midnight Friday; 7 a.m.midnight Saturday. Admission: free. 319-631-9181 —trekfest.org
CHAINSMOKERS.
THE BIG PARADE AND MARDI GRAS FESTIVALE 2017. June 29 in downtown Sioux City. Those
KC JAZZ FESTIVAL. May 25-28 at 18th and
who didn’t make it to “N’awlins” on the Tuesday before Lent started can experience a similar festival in June with a big parade down Fourth Street. Following the parade will be an authentic Cajun dinner, Zydeco music, fireworks, and a display of handmade Mardi Gras costumes direct from Louisiana. 6-10 p.m. Admission: free, but tickets must be purchased for the food. 712-279-4800 —visitsiouxcity.org
MISSOURI BBQ COOKOFF AND 93RD ANNUAL APPLE BLOSSOM PARADE. May 5-7 at Civic Center Park, St. Joseph. Come to St. Joseph's annual rite of spring. This citywide event includes a grand parade, a contest sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, live music, and other activities. A people’s choice tasting and contest is a highlight of Friday evening. Admission: free, but tickets must be bought for the food. 816-271-4393 —appleblossomparade.com
May 17 at Sprint Center, Kan sas Cit y. Gra m my-nominated a r t ist / producer duo Drew Taggart and Alex Pall are most known for their song “#Self ie,” which went viral in 2015. The group has announced that their debut album will launch later this year. 7 p.m. Tickets: $41-$75.50. 816-949-7100 —sprintcenter.com Vine District, Kansas City. This festival, held in Charlie Parker’s birth town, is a multi-day showcase of national and local artists highlighting Kansas City's role in the development of mid-20th century jazz. Headliners include Brandy, John Scofield, Regina Carter, and the Hot Sardines. Times vary by location. Tickets: $15-$125 for a single-day pass, $150-$350 for a four-day pass. 816-474-8463 —kcjazzfest.com
FESTA ITALIANA. June
2-4 at Zona Rosa, Kansas City. This annual festival celebrates Italian-American culture through an assortment of Italian food favorites, an Italian car show, food eating contests, vendors, and more. 5-10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Admission: free. 816-587-8180 —zonarosa.com
May
6
GARTH BROOKS. May
6 at Sprint Center, Kansas City. One of country music’s most beloved stars is coming back to Kansas City. Brooks released his latest single, “Ask Me How I Know,” at the SXSW Festival in Austin, a month after selling his 5 millionth ticket on this tour. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $75 and up. 816-949-7100 —sprintcenter.com
WESTON WINE FESTIVAL.
May 13 in downtown Weston. Live music and wine tasting is the focus of this festival, situated in a historic small town. Taste wines from eight different wineries from around the area. Noon-7 p.m. Tickets $25. 816-640-2909 —westonmo.com
MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 171 / BESTOFOMAHA.COM
FUTURE.
June 7 at Sprint Center, Kansas City. Future achieved three back-to-back No. 1 albums in 2015. His songs “Low Life” (featuring The Weeknd), and “Where Ya At” (featuring Drake), both went double-platinum. 7 p.m. Tickets: $27.50-$97.50. 816 -949-7100 —sprintcenter.com
OMAHA MAGAZINE
EXPLORE
G & L ORY S T U G
POLISH POTTERY FESTIVAL 2017.
June 10 in downtown Weston. Celebrate all things Polish and Eastern European with food, music, dance, pottery, artisans, and cultural booths. The public library will read Polish children’s stories at selected times, and photos can be taken in the Polish Pottery Road Trip car. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: free. 816-640-2909 —westonmo.com
A Parasite Story
Now open at the University of Nebraska State Museum’s
Morrill Hall Discover the complexities of being a parasite! On display through December 2017. 14th & Vine St | UNL City Campus | Lincoln, Nebraska museum.unl.edu
FIESTA K ANSAS CITY. June 16-18 at Crown
Center Square, Kansas City. For the 16th year, this Latino-style celebration presented by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater K ansas Cit y will provide a fun-f illed weekend for guests. Festivities will include many vendors, entertainment, food, beverages, and more. 5-11 p.m. Friday; noon-11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission: free. 816-476-6767 —fiestakansascity.com
BIG SLICK. June 23 at Kauffman Stadium,
Kansas City. Kansas City-raised celebrities Rob Riggle, Eric Stonestreet, Paul Rudd, Jason Sudeikis, and David Koechner will take the field in a charity softball game before the Royals play the Toronto Blue Jays. A fireworks show follows the games. 5 p.m. Tickets: $25-$40. 816-921-8000 —kansascity.royals.mlb.com
Event times and details may change
Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.
UNL does not discriminate based upon any protected status. Please see go.unl.edu/nondiscrimination.
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// JUNE • 2017 / 172 / OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM
OMAHA MAGAZINE
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NOT FUNNY
IF I WERE KING… Rules for the Kingdom COLUMN BY OTIS TWELVE PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
I
HAVE DIFFICULTY FALLING asleep
because I obsess about one thing or another that happened during the day— like the lobby door at the dentist’s office that lacks a “push/pull” label, or the person ahead of me at the checkout line who was just staring at the card reader in amazement while the cashier and I twiddled our thumbs, or the local news anchor’s nightly grammatical error. While I am ruminating over these signs of the apocalypse, waiting for Morpheus to bless me, I play a little game in my head to distract my worried mind. If I were King: I would decree that everyone get more stickers. Everybody loves stickers. I feel great when I get my “I Voted” sticker. My granddaughter likes smiley-face stickers, and my grandson is hooked on Ninjago (don’t ask; he lives in Japan). The point is, we humans love stickers. Our woolly ancestors, after bringing down a mastodon, would stick bits of its liver to their chests as a sign of their hunting prowess. I’m sure I read that somewhere. More stickers! We should get stickers like “I opened the door for somebody with an armful of packages,” or “I didn’t lose my temper with the kid at the drive-thru who forgot the ranch dip,” or “I parked inside the lines,” or “My hair looks good today.” If I were King:
If I were King: FedEx guys would just leave the package on the porch and not ring the doorbell. It upsets the dog. ’Nuff said. If I were King: Naps would be required. Every day, all places of business, offices, factories, and telemarketers, would be required to close from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. As in, closed. Shut down. Not open. Everybody would have to take a nap. Why? Because, naps are good, and the King likes naps. I think the “Grouchy People Index” would drop. We’d all be happier. And after a few years’ practice, we’d be good enough nappers to send a team to the International Siesta Competition in Madrid. Snoozers are judged on sleeping position, loudest snore, and original costume. America needs to win this competition. Besides, I nap every day between 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., and I like a little quiet. After all, I am the King. Now back to sleep. Wait…Can’t sleep…I’m worrying about my costume. Otis Twelve hosts the radio program, Early Morning Classics with Otis Twelve, on 90.7 KVNO, weekday mornings from 5 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. Visit kvno.org for more information.
Cell phones would have to be converted to rotary dialing. Think about it: Texting would become impossible, distracted driving reduced, frustration with butt calls ended, and our memories would be improved because we’d have to remember numbers again. If you don’t remember somebody’s number, they’re not important to you anyway. There may even be health benefits as we strengthen our finger muscles. Think of it—a nation of healthier fingers. An added benefit: It would really make it hard to play irritating game apps. I hate you, Candy Crush.
Scan this page with the LayAR app to hear Otis Twelve read. MAY // JUNE • 2017 / 174 / OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM
COMING IN JULY
THE FOOD ISSUE
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OMAHA MAGAZINE
WELCOME TO OMAHA
HOURS O F O PERATIO N: MON-THURS: 3-10PM FRIDAY: 3-11PM SATURDAY: NOON-11PM SUNDAY: NOON-CLOSE
Perfect for small groups as well as events with over 100 people. Bring in your own food, we have the perfect beer at atmosphere to accompany it.
Featuring the finest craft beers from Kearney, Nebraska, brewed since 1999
Along with an amazing outdoor space our taproom is located in the old orchard building on 133rd and west center
Follow us on: Untapp'd app: Thunderhead Taproom | ThunderheadOma | MAY
Thunderhead Taproom-Omaha ThunderheadBrewingOmaha
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mamaspizzaomaha.com
402-763-2375 14220 FORT ST PIZZERIADAVLO.COM
OPEN 4PM DAILY OPEN 11AM SAT. CLOSED SUN.
LOcal, FamiLY Owned & Operated | Serving the best pizza in omaha | chicago style pizza done right
BlackstoneDistrict.com
Experience West Omaha, Circa 1915. Renown Dining • Unique Shopping • Family Friendly Award-Winning Craft Brews & Cocktails • Barber, Salon & More
Farnam Street 36th to 42nd
OMAHA MAGAZINE
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VISIT US TODAY! Hours: Mon-Thu 10-6, Fri-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4 12965 W. Center Rd 402.778.0650 House-of-J
blissboutiqueomaha@yahoo.com
1310 Mike Fahey St, Omaha, NE 68102
True Blue Goods and Gifts is located in the heart of North Downtown Omaha, a gift shop boutique carrying over 40 regional makers and artisans as well as a curated selection of goods unique to Omaha!
t ru e blu eg o o d sa n d g i f t s.co m
40 2.933.0 9 8 6
STORIES OF
402.991.3595
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OMAHA MAGAZINE
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Doughnuts and coffee Since 1937 Fund Raising Available OUR MISSION: To touch and enhance lives through the joy that is Krispy Kreme. OUR VISION: To be the worldwide leader in Sharing Delicious tastes and creating joyful memories.
2420 West Broadway (712) 352-0296 Council Bluffs, IA
707 South 72nd (402) 932-5581 Omaha, NE
So good, you just can’t help yourself.
140TH & DODGE 13851 FNB Pkwy Omaha, NE 68154 402.431.0023
84th & Harrison 6905 S. 84 St., La Vista
2715 South 120th St. (402) 334-9000 Omaha, NE
76TH & DODGE 7540 Dodge St Omaha, NE 68114 402.991.0055
Monday-Friday 9:30-9 Saturday 9-6 Closed Sunday to honor God
402.592.4866 divinetruthchristian.com
Visit Our Website for a $5 in-store Coupon Books • Bibles • Music • Movies • T-shirts • Jewelry • Gifts • Church Supplies
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OMAHA’S #1 DELI
“A SOLID JEWISH DELI EXPERIENCE” —The Jewish Press
“SERVING RELIABLE VERSIONS OF THE CL ASSICS.” —Sarah Baker Hansen, Omaha World-Herald
O P E N M O N - F R I 7 A M - 7 P M | S AT & S U N 8 A M - 3 P M 8 7 1 8 P A C I F I C S T R E E T, O M A H A , N E 6 8 1 1 4 4 0 2 . 9 0 5 . 2 7 9 2 SWARTZDELI.COM | FIND US ON: MAY
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HOURS: Mon-Sat: 10am - 8pm Closed on Sunday
L O C A L LY O W N E D & O P E R AT E D 3 51 N 7 8 th S t , O m a h a N E , 6 81 14
|
foodiesomaha.com
|
402.884.2880
Escape Rooms Open Now! Book your adventure at:
www.CrackTheCodeEscapeRooms.com
402. 391. 6225 Mangelsens.com
3457 S 84th St Omaha, NE 68124
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S H O P
TM
oldmarket.com MARCH // APRIL • 2017 / 9 / BESTOFOMAHA.COM
P L A Y
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A+C // MUSIC
402.391.1880 • SHOPSHELA.COM 1150 STERLING RIDGE DR. S TE 104 ( 129 T H & PA C I FI C ) • OM A H A , N E 68144
HUGE GAME ARCADE WITH ACTION PACKED AND FUN GAMES FOR EVERYONE!
OMAHA’S NEWEST FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER WITH COSMIC BOWLING & BUMPERS
(402) 255-3225
ALLEYVOMAHA.COM OPERATED BY THE SEMPECK FAMILY —OMAHA’S BOWLING AND FUN FAMILY SINCE 1987—
• Awesome Laser Tag and Atomic Rush Agility Game—fun for kids & adults • Great Bistro & Pub style food menu with something for everyone! • Full lounge and over 40 giant TV’s to enjoy your favorite sport while you eat and play
• 20 Ultra Cool Super Modern Bowling Lanes—Upscale service complete with bumper bowling for families— and Cosmic Bowling with great music. • Omaha’s one stop place for bowling, games, fun, great food, and drinks in one convenient location. NO Rain outs or snow outs here!
3375 OAK VIEW DR, OMAHA, NE 68144
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PRIME STEAK FINE WINE
premium service
1 3 6 6 5 C A L I F O R N I A S T R E E T | O M A H A | 4 0 2 .4 45 .43 8 0 MAHOGANYPRIMESTEAKHOUSE.COM
CRAFT BEER MARKET HUNDREDS OF BEERS
• 30 Beers on tap • Omaha’s Largest Mix Six Selection
Mention this ad for $1 off your first beer!
8718 COUNTRYSIDE PLAZA, OMAHA NE 68114
402.919.7468
MARCH // APRIL • 2017 / 15 / BESTOFOMAHA.COM
COMING IN JULY
THE FOOD ISSUE
Great Food, Awesome Service, And You — Make us Special! We are a traditional American Restaurant with Comfort Food, great prices, and a Family Atmosphere. I am a Veteran of the US Navy
HOURS: Mon | Closed Tues-Fri | 11AM - 8 PM Sat & Sun | 8 AM - 2 PM
EXPLORE THE HISTORIC
303 Fort Crook Rd. N. Bellevue, NE. 68005
(402) 884-0441
Nebraska’s Only Castle and Located in the Heart of Omaha!
Go back in time to the grand residence of America’s first media moguls and Nebraska’s first millionaires George and Sarah Josyln. Their stunning mansion was the epicenter of early Omaha’s cultural and charitable landscape at the turn of the Century. The Castle is open for tours and the grounds are open to the public! Visit www.joslyncastle.com or call 402.595.1415 to book
Receive $1.00 off the ticket price with promo code: JOSYLN10!
3902 Davenport Street, Omaha, NE 68131
Clean, Affordable Natural Gas Comfort in your home. Did you know? • You can dry two loads of laundry with a gas dryer vs. one load with an electric dryer. • Your clothes have fewer wrinkles with no static cling. • Your dryer’s operating costs are 73 percent lower annually.
We offer a $300 rebate with the purchase of a new natural gas dryer! Visit our website to download the rebate. mudomaha.com
Your BEST Summer Body! Target unwanted fat and stubborn cellulite in time for summer! CoolSculpting, SmartLipo and Kybella work to eliminate fat in targeted areas, while Cellfina minimizes the appearance of cellulite for lasting results after just one treatment.
Free $100 Gift Certificate to LovelySkin Retail Store with any treatment over $500* *Limit one per customer. Offer expires June 30, 2017.
Board-certified dermatologist & cosmetic surgeon Dr. Joel Schlessinger has the experience & expertise to help find the best treatment for you.
Stop by or call for a consultation. 402-334-7546 | 2802 Oak View Drive www.LovelySkin.com/Cosmetics
Best of Omaha Winner 2017 Six Different Categories
Skin Specialists and LovelySkin Spa are under the direction of Joel Schlessinger, M.D., Board-Certified Dermatologist and Cosmetic Surgeon. Copyright Š 2017, Skin Specialists, P.C. *Limited time offer. One per person. Valid in the LovelySkin retail store and spa.