Sept/Oct 08 - The Encounter Magazine

Old Market • Downtown • Riverfront

Faces:

Street Musicians

Condo Life:

Wabi-Sabi in The Paxton

Feature:

Lighting a Cig: Up in Smoke

Alexander Iggy www.oldmarket.com | September/October 2008

Omaha magazine • 5921 S. 118th CirCle • Omaha, ne 68137

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Art with Intensity and Scale

At the Old Market’s Front Door 10TH & HOWARD STREETS

Holiday décor you’ll adore!

Beyond Christmas, we celebrate the spirit of holidays year-round.

Come browse our seasonal décor for Halloween and other holidays throughout the year.

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Mickey Pumpkin Figurine

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1007 HOWARD ST. • (402) 345-9627

Handmade chocolates & fudge Our gourmet chocolates and fudge are handmade in our kitchen with the finest ingredients. Our tempting selection of sweet treats also includes: • Vermont Truffles • International Licorice • Nostalgia Candies • Sugar-Free Varieties • Jelly Bellies • Salt Water Taffy • Molded Candies for Weddings

1005 HOWARD ST. (402) 344-8846

The souvenir and traveler’s store Small in size but large on variety! Find essentials for travelers, Nebraska-made gifts, Heartland apparel, Husker items and souvenirs. We’ve been called “the hotel gift shop, without the hotel prices.”

1003 HOWARD ST. (402) 345-8198

The Old Market’s favorite spot for lunch & dinner.

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Award-winning food & wine list – open late 7 nights a week.

Call for reservations.

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the encounter | september/october 2008 3

Old Market Downtown • Riverfront

september/october 2008

P ublisher

Todd Lemke

e ditor

Sandra Lemke

A ssistAnt e ditor Linda Persigehl

A rt d irector / G rAPhic d esiGn

Live...in the City Experience the Luxury.

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Matt Jensen

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technicAl A dvisor Tyler Lemke

c ontributinG W riters Leo Adam Biga Molly Garriott Taylor Irish Tina King Heather Heier Lane Alicia Smith

A ccount e xecutives

Gwen Lemke • Steve Raglin • Vicki Voet Alicia Smith • Jessica Buckley

e ditoriAl A dvisors

Rick Carey • David Scott

M ArketinG i ntern Taylor Irish

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6 Feature: Go outside! ......................................................... 8 Faces: Old Market Seer ................................................. 11 Feature: Bella Vita “The Good Life” ............................. 13 Downtown Art: Iggy and Alexander ............................ 15 Faces: Street Musicians .................................................18 Feature: It’s like Ali Baba’s cave ................................... 20 Condo Life: Wabi-sabi downtown penthouse .............. 22 Old Market Map........................................................... 24 Calendar .......................................................................27 Downtown Scene: Farmers’ Market Snapshots ...............

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Feature

Hope he’s outside.

“

No one came around to tell anyone the ban started.

”

8 september/october 2008 | the encounter

Smoke ‘em If You Got ‘em… Outside

by Alicia Smith | photos by minorwhitestudios.com

I

n June 2006, the City of Omaha passed a partial smoking ban, which allowed exemptions for Horsemen’s Park, keno outlets and booze-only bars. The fact that these businesses were given until May 2011 to comply with the law caused controversy among Omaha bar owners. Lawsuits were filed. In March 2007, a district court ruled in favor of the city ban as it stood.

Michelle Hug, owner of the Marleybone Tavern, appealed the district court’s decision to the Nebraska State Supreme Court. Hug’s lawsuit stated that the ban did not protect the health of Omahans as it claimed. On May 30, 2008, the state court ruled the exemptions to the ban were unconstitutional, thereby extending the smoking ban to all Omaha businesses.

Adding further confusion, the Nebraska State Legislature in February approved a statewide smoking ban, which goes into effect in June 2009.

The state ban will override the city ordinance. Now, anger, frustration and questions are still buzzing over the ruling, the new rules and the manner in which it all happened.

“No one came around to tell anyone the ban started. The only way to find out was in the newspaper,” said Nate Noon, a bartender at J.D. Tuckers. “With as many times as the date changed, we had no idea it was to begin overnight.”

The short timeframe in which the law took effect caused confusion among bars across the city.

Businesses scrambled to enforce a law for which they didn’t know the parameters. “There was no way to know every part of the law,� said Frank Vance, owner of the Dubliner Pub. “We searched the Internet and called government officials. No one could give us a clear answer.�

Further, “They said there would be a grace period,� Noon said, “but there was no grace period. We had to enforce a law we knew nothing about.�

Suddenly, bartenders were expected to become cops in their own bars. If they don’t enforce the rules, not only the smoker but also the bar receives a fine.

But should bars be held responsible for the actions of individuals? “If I am busy at the bar, making drinks, taking money and changing kegs,� Noon said, “I can’t always look around and see the guy sneaking a cigarette in the corner. It’s too hard for us to police.�

In preparation for the smoking ban, makeshift patios popped up on sidewalks outside bars, and outdoor patios filled with people not yet ready to quit. “If you look inside, the bars are dead but the patios are packed,“ said Andrea Deegan, a downtown resident and a server at the Dubliner.

Bars with the largest patios are reaping the benefits, while bars with smaller patios, accommodating a small number of patrons, are seeing a loss of business.

With so many downtown tourist events, this loss of business is not occurring everywhere. However, tourists leave, and Omahans are here to stay — unless they stay home where they still have the liberty to smoke.

Downtown residences are set up to attract dwellers to the city lifestyle. Building owners pride themselves on their rooftops offering amenities like grills, pools and hot tubs. In recent weeks, residents have found it easier to hang out on the rooftops and “smoke ‘em if they got ‘em.� “Normally, we would walk to the bar around 9, but tonight we stayed on the roof,� Mike Petrovich, a resident of the Old Market Lofts, said on a recent Saturday night. “The group didn’t have to break up because half were outside smoking and the nonsmokers were inside.�

Businesses that were suddenly forced to make new rules overnight may develop some creative plans to keep from losing revenue from smokers. J.D. Tuckers has talked about building an awning to accommodate smokers on the patio. Omahans will notice that Old Market streets will be warmer this winter with an influx of outdoor heaters that will allow bars to keep their patios operating even in the cold months.

Meanwhile, Bellevue, not too far from downtown Omaha, will be clouded in smoke until the state ban takes effect. “The ban should be universal. It isn’t fair everyone is not included,� Noon said.

This call for fairness is echoed. “The ban was wrong from the beginning,� Vance said. “Each city spent millions to get individual bans passed. Iowa had it right — a state ban across the board. [Until July 2009] you can still smoke in Bellevue and west Omaha. Will I get my customers back after they go there?�

Vance’s question is only one in a long list asked by distraught Old Market business owners, workers and residents.

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DOwntOwn FaceS

Brockmann can speak to…The Dead.

“ D ” I thought

a Divining eye

by Leo Adam Biga | Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

I was

probably crazy.

ebra Brockmann said her psychic abilities first surfaced at age 7 in her hometown of Kennard, Neb., a small conservative town where she was made to feel her heightened intuitiveness was more an affliction than a gift. Hearing voices that seemingly no one else heard could only mean one thing, in her mind.

“I thought I was probably crazy,” she said.

Today, Brockmann’s sane enough to make a living as a professional medium and clairvoyant, conducting sessions from an Old Market Lofts condo that’s as light and airy as she is bright and cheery. The single mother of two said clients are often “surprised I am as young as I am” and devoid of exotic, mysterious, black magic trappings. No jewelry, no cats, no crystal ball or tarot cards, no dark inner sanctum. Just her warm smile, cozy surroundings and impressive view of The Durham Museum.

Reaching the contentment she now feels took time. “It was a long road,” she said. “When I was 18 I realized I could see and speak with people that weren’t physical.” The Dead. “It wasn’t until my mid-20s that I actually realized what it was and started using it and developing it,” she added. “It took me a long time to really accept and trust and hone what I believe, the encounter | september/october 2008 11

“I love the Old Market.

The energy here is incredible.”

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and to figure out it’s my spirit guides talking to me.”

She read all she could. But rural Nebraska was no place to find acceptance. It wasn’t until she moved to Omaha that she found a community of believers and fellow intuitives. Still, she said, it was an underground journey for many years.

“Developing it was really, frankly, difficult,” she said. “I did it in hiding, in quiet almost, because I didn’t know who to go to. It was very frustrating. There’s a lot more resources now if you’re intuitive, thank goodness. It’s appreciated and understood more. It’s a little less feared. I didn’t do medium readings for years. This just was a progression of things. I started doing it for friends, for fun. I never really thought I would ever do it professionally.”

She started with $10 palm readings at fairs. She grew bolder as she harnessed her abilities and refined her techniques. Healing became her focus.

“I personally ask for issues going on in people’s lives because they’re triggers for healing — how can we fix this? Other things come sometimes. I will do a future reading, but it’s more about, ‘This is the line you’re on, this is how you can change it if you’d like.’ I like to do the healing side of things. That’s how my personality is. I love to help people through difficult times. The solace they receive is fantastic.”

She views what she does with clients as “very spiritual.” She believes the connections being made tap into “enlightenment” and show people pathways to find “more peace, more joy. It’s all taking you towards spirituality.” Many folks come to her seeking closure about some unresolved family issue. No incense or chimes are needed to break through, only the right energy.

“What we’re doing is reading shifts in energy,” said Brockmann.

Her communion with the living’s psyches and with the dead’s spirits, she said, is “an energy share. You’re feeling them.” Rather than see images, she hears words and feels sensations. A selfdescribed empathic, she said she can sense physical maladies.

To put people at ease she keeps the setting relaxed. “It’s very casual, very natural. We sit in very comfy chairs. We talk, information comes. I tell you and you tell me whether it’s right or not, and we go on from there,” she said. “Most of my new clients have never had a session before. They’re so nervous, but I’ve never had anyone leave more anxious than when they came in.”

If clients can’t come to her, she’ll do readings by phone or email. Fridays at 8 a.m. on radio station Q-98.5 the public can get live, on-air readings from Brockmann.

She prefers in-person sessions…More intimate. The Old Market’s vibe helps, too.

“I love the Old Market. The energy here is incredible,” she said.

Visit debbrockmann.com for more information.

departments

Feature

(L to R) Rosina, Sam, Frances, Roselyn (Procopio) Fisk

“

the greatest joy is to see you guys come in

”

here and

reminisce.

(L to R) Josephine, Louie, Rosina, Sam, Frances, Lucille Piccolo

Little Italy bella Vita: the Good Life.

by Maggie Tunning | photos courtesy of Little Italy

N

ebraska is “the good life.”

In Little Italy, life is arguably even better. “Bella Vita” describes a community in Omaha that has respected the values and tradition of a “beautiful life” for over a century.

Immigrants settled in Little Italy near the start of the 1900s. Omahan Roselyn Fisk said her grandfather came to Omaha from Ellis Island because “the streets were lined with gold.”

The “gold”, of course, referred to the jobs available at the Union Pacific and Burlington Railroads, and many Italians from Sicily and Calabria arrived with an entrepreneurial spirit.

They built buildings, bridges and roads, and they opened restaurants, grocery stores and bakeries. Along the way, they created community traditions that would last long after their children.

Fisk, formerly Roselyn Procopio, grew up in the Little Italy neighborhood, where she remembers the simple pleasures of hopscotch in the street and family meals at her grandmother’s on Sundays. When she and her husband, Mike, purchased the former Piccolo Grocery building in 2004, they were thrilled to renovate it, bridging the old with the new.

Joseph Piccolo built the building in 1925, and it was not only the family business, but also the home of the Piccolo family. After acquiring the building and transforming it into three “Bella Vita” apartments and their own stylish residence, the Fisks befriended its first inhabitants and continue to welcome them back home.

“The greatest joy is to see you guys come in here and reminisce,” Mike said to three of the Piccolo kids - Rosina Polyascko, Frances Peterson and Sam Piccolo - on a summer evening over Orsi’s pizza, salad with Caniglia’s dressing, and Italian wine.

The Piccolo kids grew up playing kick the can and softball, and had nothing to worry about except making it home as soon as their father blew his whistle. On Sundays, if the encounter | september/october 2008 13

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they had gone to church, they were allowed to pick one candy bar from the store to take on the walk to the movie theater.

Sam Piccolo worked delivering groceries from the store and recalled evidence of the area’s infamous bootlegging industry.

“You could hear them bottles blowing up in the basement,” he said.

Perhaps the most celebrated Little Italy tradition is the Santa Lucia Festival, which began in 1925 after Grazia Buonafede Caniglia’s efforts to acquire a statue of Santa Lucia from Sicily. Although Little Italy today misses hosting the parade route, which has moved to the Lewis & Clark Landing, and no one can replicate the recipe of Mary (Boncordo) Aliano’s celebrated “granita” Italian ice treat, the Santa Lucia Festival Committee continues to hold the annual festival with authentic Italian foods, music and history to help raise money to continue charitable contributions.

The community feeling of Little Italy has survived through the years as well. It’s a place where a quick walk to Orsi’s for bread turns into a two-hour outing visiting with neighbors along the way. Some people have lived in Little Italy their entire lives. Carl Inserra, for instance, said he feels lucky to have had one house, one parish, one job and one wife. He’s the type of neighbor who will be out working in his yard for hours, but will be glad to break for a chat. Inserra has a sharp wit and will probably offer up a few proverbs, but he’s careful not to disclose too much of his knowledge about the Italian wine being made in the basements during the Prohibition.

“It’s not what goes into your mouth, it’s what comes out of your mouth that gets you in trouble,” he said.

Around the corner, Charlie Aliano has maintained a pristine lawn at his original home. Even though he doesn’t have his mother’s granita recipe, he has a wealth of information about the history of Little Italy and the families that helped it grow. When he waves at passers-by, time slips away to the days when the smell of spaghetti sauce wafted down the streets.

“This is where it started for me,” Aliano said, “And this is where it will end.”

Across the street is the future of Little Italy. The Towns at 7th and Little Italy, a Bluestone Development project that brought townhomes to the area, replaced the Little Italy landmark restaurant Caniglia’s. The Caniglia family was sensitive to the neighborhood’s needs when determining the fate of what is now 7th and Caniglia Plaza.

“We had to judge whether this would be something our ancestors would be proud of, “ Chuck Caniglia said.

The respect for the neighborhood and emphasis on the community has made the project a success and restored the original residential feel of the area. New homeowners can enjoy a quiet evening on their front porches or profit from the proximity of a growing downtown Omaha. The Fisks hope the “bella vita” continues to outlast generations to come.

“It’s the best-kept secret down here,” Roselyn said.

Little Italy remains a treasure, now being shared with a new generation.

DOwntOwn art

Iggy Sumnik and Alex Comminos, in sit-u.

“

working with Jun Kaneko is a gig that will surely fatten their resumes.

”

artists First, Friends Forever Life is good when you love your work.

by Heather Heier Lane | photos by minorwhitestudios.com

S

ome people believe that artistic talent is born; others believe it is cultivated.

While the nature versus nurture concept is nothing new, two of Omaha artist Jun Kaneko’s apprentices prove that artistry is a gift. If given time and opportunity, it will grow regardless of location or lineage.

Iggy Sumnik is the son of attorneys who grew up in Detroit. Alexander Comminos is the son of artists who came to Omaha from Chicago where his parents still live and work. While Iggy grew up watching his parents with their yellow legal pads, Alexander was busy selling the encounter | september/october 2008 15

rocks he painted to his neighbors. One grew up surrounded by structure and law, the other surrounded by art and creativity. Yet regardless of their backgrounds, both moved to Omaha to work for a world-renowned artist. They both feel fortunate to have the opportunity to help a master bring his pieces to life, and at the same time hone their individual artistry.

Working with Jun Kaneko is a gig that will surely fatten their resumes. The surprise story here is that Iggy and Alexander ended up becoming true friends in the process. They seem more like brothers than co-workers. So it was a shock to learn that these two met at work and have only known each other for a couple of years. Their daily work is creative, exciting and intense—and by nature it can also be dangerous. Moving and installing pieces that weigh a ton, not a pound, and firing a kiln that is big enough to drive a small car into can be daunting. But these two are almost like twins, working in sync with each other and communicating so effectively that they never feel stressed or in harm’s way. This kind of camaraderie is exactly why, when the opportunity arises, they like to show their work together.

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ment outside the confines of their jobs when their work was shown at RNG Gallery, adjacent to Dixie Quicks at 1915 Leavenworth St. With varying styles  Iggy primarily works in clay, and Alexander is now creating more painted works  the pairing of their talents is a perfect match. While Alexander’s art hangs on the walls, Iggy’s art hangs from the ceiling or is displayed on the gallery floor. Iggy laughs and says that putting their work together is like a fish tank— Alexander’s being the tank and Iggy’s the fishes. They are talented guys who look forward to many more collaborations, and are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to introduce larger audiences to their craft. If you are interested in seeing their work up close and personal, you can get a glimpse of their wares when they both have pieces showcased at the 10th Annual Art Auction Preview Exhibition at the Bemis Center from September 19-November 22.

Omaha is lucky to be home to so much creative energy and artistic expression. As a city that is often considered conservative, it should be a source of pride that artists come from all over to live and work here. Just knowing that people like Alexander and Iggy are excited to be in Omaha is proof positive that this is one very cool place to live.

the encounter | september/october 2008 17

DOwntOwn FaceS

?

Drew Berry Kyle Toos

Benjamin Brockman

taylor on the Street

by Taylor Irish Photos by Taylor Irish

T

aylor Irish, Omaha Publications’ marketing intern, recently took to the streets of the Old Market on assignment. Irish talked to three of the ubiquitous solo music artists performing at random locations to find out their motivation, backgrounds and music tastes.

“ ” Taylor Irish

Omaha is one of the coolest cities in the country.

18 september/october 2008 | the encounter

Kyle Toos, 25 “Omaha is one of the coolest cities in the country,” says Toos. Why? “It’s one out of five states you can sit and play your guitar next to a cop without them telling you that you can’t be there and have to leave.”

Toos says he makes better money traveling and playing music than any other job -- he claims it’s possible to make $70/hr in San Francisco. In San Diego, sometimes $100/hr because people are more loose with their money and have more of it.

Toos’ favorite music is soul and blues. He writes his own music. His favorite performers: The Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, The Doors, Pink Floyd, Janis Joplin, Killer Williams, Spirit Head, and Sublime.

His aspirations: to go back to school and get a degree in business and open up his own organic coffee shop down in the Old Market. Toos would also like to author a book and set up a fall rave music festival.

Benjamin BrocKman, 23 A cello player from Council Bluffs with no family in Omaha, Brockman is in a band called Carl’s. He jams on the corner with TJ until 4pm then goes to band practice. Says Brockman of his adopted neighborhood: “I love downtown Omaha. Upstream Brewing Company has

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Lisa Christensen LMT 402.850.6651 a great happy hour.” Brockman also recommends the music at Myth, T. Henery’s, and Downtown Blues. He likes the club/ bar atmosphere at Bar 415, and the beer at Billy Frogg’s and the Stadium Club.

The strangest thing he has seen downtown? “Mennonites and Mormon people standing on roundabouts singing awkward music on Friday and Saturday nights.

It is hard to stay in key and concentrate when this is going on.”

Brockman’s daily take varies, depending on the crowd. “The best time to work is in the afternoon. It is easier to stay in key when other people are not playing at the same time.” He made $13 in 20 minutes on this particular day.

Drew Berry, 29 Self-taught musician Drew Berry doesn’t play for money. He plays to simply be heard. Certainly the Old Market is the place to be heard. Still, on this particular day, he made $35. “I usually spend the money on booze and food.”

At 29, Berry has lived in 18 cities in 18 years. He “loves the Midwest because people are so nice.” When it comes to downtown, he’s hooked. “The atmosphere and diversity are fun. I enjoyed seeing a Georgia fan with his body painted…the cops in the Old Market let the musicians play freely. I was chased out of Village Pointe one time.”

Berry’s fave downtown activities/places are Goofy Foot, Myth, DT Blues, Farmers’ Market, Gondola rides and taking his daughter on the “famous” Gene Leahy Mall slides.

His favorite music includes: Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan and the Fliche Brothers.

Berry doesn’t always fly solo. He plays in a band called No Direction, presently recording now Barley St. You can see them at R&R Bar on open mic night.

www.oldmarketmassage.com

relaxation, deep tissue, ashiatsu,trigger point spa therapies

Nebraska’s raska’s Fin Finest Italian Restaurant

Tara Thompson LMT 402.706.7389 www.downtownmassage.net

relaxation, deep tissue, myofacial release, hot stone, cupping

Pasta • Chicken • Veal • Seafood Full Bar • Great Wine List

Vincenzo’s Italian Ristorante

Lunch – M-Sat Dinner – 7 Nights Old Market • 1207 Harney 342-4010 1818 N 144th • 498-3889

Joyce Linbrunner LMT 402.740.0366 www.divinemothermassage.com

relaxation, deep tissue, ayurvedic therapies, reiki OMaha Healing Arts Center 1216 Howard St. Old Market www.omahahealingarts.com

1913 FARNAM ST • 342-8766 12033 BLONDO ST • 493-8001

on level 1 tanning, minute pakages only, good for 6-months from date of purchase

GIFT AND REWARD CARDS AVAILABLE • WWW.EWBODYWORKS.COM the encounter | september/october 2008 19

DOwntOwn Feature

“ P ” I’ve always been a

cornerstone Gem and Bead company

by Molly Garriott | photography by minorwhitestudios.com

big jewelry buff.

20 september/october 2008 | the encounter

am Bates followed her bliss and established a thriving Old Market business as a result. Three years ago, she opened her custom jewelry story, Cornerstone Gem and Bead Company, formerly Eyebeads and Gemstones, on 13th Street between Jackson and Howard streets. It was the culmination of what Bates describes as a “hobby gone wild.”

“I’ve always been a big jewelry buff,” concedes Bates. But a casual shopping excursion turned her passion for unique jewelry into her livelihood. Bates and her daughter-in-law were browsing in a bead store while on a weekend getaway. The array of unusual beads fascinated her. Inspired, she inquired about jewelry making lessons. She worked in an impromptu lesson before returning home, and the seed, which would eventually bloom into her own business, was sown.

At first, Bates simply designed jewelry to coordinate with her own wardrobe. But when an owner of a boutique commented on a piece she was wearing, she knew she could channel her creativity into a moneymaking venture. She began with designing jewelry for the boutique’s spring line. She then sold her designs to other stores, started attending art

departments

fairs as a vendor, and eventually established a small studio in her home. Business exploded. Pam and her husband Kenton decided to give up doing shows full time and opened a store.

Walking into Cornerstone Gem and Bead Company is like slipping into a modern woman’s Ali Baba cave. It’s a treasure trove of natural stones, ceramic beads, crystals, shells, and even bone.

String upon string of beads of every size and shape line the walls, offering a kaleidoscope of color that makes even the most blasé jewelry shopper’s heartbeat quicken. There are strings of turquoise ranging from robin egg blue to deep, sea green swirled with veins of midnight. Nearly one entire wall displays an astonishingly diverse array of freshwater pearls that would make salt water oysters weep envious tears. There are soft pinks, rich browns, subtle greens, and of course, shimmering white in rectangular planes, diminutive balls, and chunky ovals.

Along an opposite wall, coral keeps company with carnelian agates, and Russian amazonite hobnobs with African jade.

Most of Bates’ stock comes from Brazil and Africa, but her collection also includes domestic samples, like rose quartz and amethysts, as well as finds from Europe, Asia and the South Pacific. New to her inventory are Kazuri beads. These are brightly hued ceramic beads made by women of the Kikuyu Tribe in Kenya. They are fair trade beads; the women are paid four times the Kenyan national average salary. Bates likes the idea of helping fellow women establish themselves as breadwinners. The world seems a little less vast, a bit more intimate in her shop as a result.

Pick a strand, and you can either string it yourself, then let Bates finish it off with a clasp, or commission Bates to create a unique piece blending various strands and filler beads. The only limit is your own imagination. Bates elevates jewelry design to an artistic level, surpassing simple stringing. Pick out a cluster of beads, and she can fashion a one-of-a-kind piece using wire.

With wire sculpting, Bates sets stones in an intricate weave of wire so each stone is actually encased in a wire “cage.” Wire sculpting is done by hand without the help of soldering.

Bates’ creativity extends beyond simple stringing, however.

She also does script writing with gold or silver wire. Name bracelets are common examples. Script writing is a very old craft, and she learned the technique from a master craftsman in Mississippi. Another time-honored craft Bates performs is creating chainmaille. Essentially, she works with tiny silver or copper rings, fashioning them into bracelets or necklaces. “They are very popular at Renaissance fairs,” says Bates. Not surprising, since this form of wire working is an ancient art. Its utilitarian side, chainmaille vests, provided knights with protective outerwear.

Bates offers classes ranging from fundamental courses in beginning jewel making to more specialized practices as chain-

maille. She also hosts guest instructors to give lessons in their area of expertise. One such class taught the craft of PMC, or precious metal clay. Precious metal clay is actually fine silver in a soft, malleable form. You can shape and mold it as desired.

Once it is dried and fired, it becomes a very fine silver.

After hour parties, held after the store closes at 6:00 p.m., are popular. Groups of five or more can visit Cornerstone Gem and Bead Company for private jewelry making gatherings. But perhaps the favorite aspect of Bates’ job is updating or copying existing pieces of jewelry. She recalls a customer whose mother had recently passed away. She commissioned Bates to divide her mother’s necklace to create new jewelry keepsakes for all of the granddaughters. “I love doing that because it means so much to the customer,” Bates acknowledges.

Some women can’t live without their Jimmy Choos. Then there are those who mark the change in season with the latest “It” bag. Still others prefer baubles and beads to heels and hobo bags. Marilyn Monroe may have cooed about diamonds being a girl’s best friend, but after visiting Cornerstone Gem and Bead Company, she just may have added lapis lazuli, ostrich shells, and smoky quartz to that list.

Hours of operation are 11-6, Monday through Saturday. The store is closed on Sundays.

Cubby’s Old Market Grocery 601 S. 13th St.

the encounter | september/october 2008 21

cOnDO LIFe

No more bats in the belfry: the Hahn’s condo features galleryworthy artwork throughout.

“

condo Living

Even the gourmet kitchen features sculpture and handmade touches.

we had looked all Carol and Howard Hahn’s Condo Wows

by Tina King | photography by minorwhitestudios.com over and he Paxton penthouse condo transformation took more than a year to plan and we thought execute, and visitors can tell the time was well spent. Every architectural element and design touch help create a home full of wow factors. this was There is the custom-built, Murphy-style guest bed. Wow. There are the stainless steel baseboards with artful soldering lines. Wow again. Then there is the hidden room. Super wow.

The approximately 3,000-square-foot space made an entirely different sort of impression a unique when homeowners Carol and Howard Hahn first saw it two years ago. The couple had to climb 12 flights of stairs to see the top floor of what was once one of downtown Omaha’s grandest space, it art deco hotels. After decades of alternative uses and a few years of vacancy, the 1929 building was about to be turned into condominiums. was a toThe basement had some water. The top floor had some bats. The Hahns and developer Mike Moylan, principal of Shamrock Development Inc., could see past those troublesome facts, and envision the luxurious possibilities. tally raw “We had looked all over and we thought this was a unique space,” Carol Hahn says. “It was a totally raw space.” space.

The Hahns called in architects from RDG Planning and Design to help them make it a com-

”

22 september/october 2008 | the encounter

T

pletely unique space. Architects Brian Spencer and Jeff Dolezal approached it with the Japanese concept of Wabi-sabi, or the art of imperfect beauty.

The concrete ceiling is visible in part behind suspended ceiling panels. Structural concrete pillars remain but endured sandblasting touchups. The conduits for the entire building are hidden inside a striking and artful stainless steel kitchen column. A butler’s pantry tucked behind the kitchen keeps food storage and laundry equipment out of sight.

“The condo is designed to allow simple downtown living,” Spencer says.

Included is a library off the main entry. A floor-to-ceiling dark wood bookcase houses Carol’s art collection of well-loved baseball gloves, as well as the couple’s favorite tomes. The entire

departments

Floor-to-ceiling moving bookcase.

Bamboo floors add a “green” touch.

case slides aside to reveal a hidden office, perfect for keeping work out of sight.

The craftsmen at Zongkers Custom Furniture designed the case, as well as the hidden Murphy-style guest bed of quartered maple across the room. The Omaha company also designed all of the home’s cabinetry.

The condo’s floor plan allows the couple to display a gallery-worthy art collection of colorful paintings, sculpture and glass that includes works by Dale Chihuly and Jun Kaneko. Omaha metal artist Paul Konchagulian made the couple a swirling rebar dining table base and designed the artfully soldered dark stainless steel powder room sink and wall baseboards.

Carol Hahn describes the couple’s style as “fairly contemporary with classic furniture — but not starkly modern.”

To add some “green” touches, the Hahns chose bamboo floors and fluorescent lighting, which gains warmth when hidden behind soffits. One master switch turns off every light in the home when the couple goes out.

Unobtrusive wooden pocket doors provide privacy to the two bedrooms. The master bedroom stays cozy with help from a microwave-size fireplace and a deck. Two enviable “his and hers” walk-in closets flank a massive steam shower.

One design challenge was minimizing the linear feel of the unit. A wooden panel curves above the kitchen and living room to soften the space.

PROUDLY PRESENTS THE NEW The bathroom has a massive steam shower.

The Hahns entertain frequently, and the condo was designed with that in mind.

The kitchen features a wine cooler and two ovens, and the living room deck invites visitors to enjoy the downtown view. The building also offers private wine cellars, a roof deck, a theater and a ballroom.

Downstairs, the Paxton Chop House beckons with offerings of oysters and prime rib. In the lobby, guests enjoy the original terrazzo floors and black and crème marble walls. The style of the original recessed ceiling panels was recreated.

Once-stolen art windows — eventually discovered in an Arizona antique shop — found their way back home.

Paxton neighbors often gather at organized monthly “meet and greet” parties.

Neighbors include Hollywood director and Omaha native Alexander Payne, as well as many business people from Union Pacific and First National Bank.

The location is close to work for Howard Hahn, a partner at the Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP law firm. Carol Hahn travels a bit further west to work as executive director of United Cerebral Palsy of Nebraska.

The couple enjoys downtown concerts, Saturday morning farmers markets and the proximity of the airport.

“Living here has been even better than we thought it would be,” she says. “It’s just great because there are so many restaurants here and there are so many exciting things happening downtown.”

“This is the easiest place to live.”

DOWNTOWN BALLROOM • Beautifully appointed space for up to 700 • Four new hotels within walking distance

1502 Cuming St. • (402) 334-5446 www.brandeiscatering.com

Designer Frames Affordable Prices Convenient Hours Eye Exams

Early Morning Appointments Available

513 So. 13th Street Between Howard and Jackson

(402) 344-0219 the encounter | september/october 2008 23

10TH To 14TH STreeTS BeTween LeavenworTH & Farnam, omaHa

www.OldMarket.com

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24 september/october 2008 | the encounter

Merchants Attractions Old MArket / dOwntOwn / riverfrOnt

Antiques

Antiques & Fine Art...(16th St). ......... 341.9942 Fairmont Antique Mall...H4 .............. 345.1778 Joe’s Collectibles...H5 ..................... 612.1543 Retro Recycle...E5 ............................ 341.1969 Second Chance...G5 ........................ 346.4930

Book stores

Jackson Street Booksellers...H5 .....341.2664 New Realities Books & Gifts...E7 ..... 342.1863 Soul Desires Books & Coffee...G7 ...898.7600

Clothing & ACCessories

Lotus ...F4 .........................................346.8080 Namaste...E7 .................................... 341.7069 Nebraska Clothing Co...E8............... 346.6114 Nouvelle Eve...E6 .............................. 345.4811 Overland Outfitters...E8 ................... 345.2900 Paper Dolls...E7 (Passageway) ........ 763.8812 Retro Recycle ...E5 ........................... 341.1969 The Souq Ltd...E7 ............................. 342.2972 Trocadéro...E4 ..................................934.8389

Downtown hotels

Courtyard by Marriott...(10th & Douglas) .......

346.2200 DoubleTree Hotel...(16th & Dodge)...346.7600 Embassy Suites Hotel...F9 ...............346.9000 Hilton Convention Center Hotel .......998.3400 Hilton Garden Inn...(10th & Dodge) .. 341.4400 Redick Plaza Hotel...(15th & Harney) ..............

342.1500 Magnolia Hotel...(16th & Howard) ... 342.2222

home Furnishings

Crawdad’s...E5 ................................. 341.3930 Kraft DC ...(16th & Leavenworth)......342.2790 Niche ...F6 ......................................... 344.4399 Room...E7 ......................................... 342.7666 Zongkers Custom Woods ................ 344.7784

gAlleries

1301 Gallery...(13th & Nicholas) .......342.6452 Artists’ Cooperative Gallery...D7 ..... 342.9617 Bella’s Place Gallery...E4 ................. 342.4242 Bemis Ctr. for Contemporary Arts...K4 ..........

341.7130 Sirens at the Loft...F6 .......................933.3333 Everything Them...F6 ....................... 341.1156 Garden Of The Zodiac...E7 .............. 341.1877 Hot Shops...13th & Nicholas ...........................

342.6452 ...........................Images of Nature...

D5 341.8460 Jackson Artworks...G6 ..................... 341.1832 Nebraska Showcase Gallery...A8 .... 595.2122 Omaha ClayWorks...H5 ....................346.0560 Passageway Gallery...E7 .................. 341.1910 White Crane Gallery...E7 .................. 345.1066

heAlth serviCes

Acupuncture Libba Harmon, LAc .......................... 214.6265 Massage Therapy Sandy Aquila LMT...E3 .....................345.5078 Lisa Christensen LMT...E3 ............... 850.6651 Barb Rost LMT (19th & Douglas)...... 345.7500 Medical Dr. John Bartholet, DC...E3 .............. 342.2216 Downtown Chiropractic (2111 Douglas) .........

345.7500

Derek Fender, DDS...D4 ...................342.3901 Dr. Mark Goodman, MD...L1 ............280.5500 Dr. Stephen Peterson MD...L1..........280.5500 Dr. James Polerecky DDS (19th & Farnam) ....

341.7576 Dr. Ritch Miller DC (2111 Douglas) ... 345.7500 Heartland Pathology (310 S. 16th) ... 346.0195 Physical Therapy East & West Physical Therapy...E3 ..345.5078 Psychotherapy, EMDR, Hypnotherapy Jannette Davis, MS, CST .................341.2230 Cynthia Duggin, MSW, LCSW ..........345.5078 Jeff Stormberg, PhD (Psychotherapist).........

393.0642 Tim Swisher, MHR, LMHP, LADC ....341.2230 Pharmacy Depot Drug (1416 Dodge) ................. 544.DRUG

museums & AttrACtions

Omaha Children’s Museum...(500 S. 20th) ..........

342.6164 The Durham...J9 ...............................444.5071 InPlay...(16th & Cuming) ...................991.7400 Joslyn Art Museum...(24th & Dodge) ..............

342.3300 . Lauritzen Gardens...(100 Bancroft) 346.4002 Henry Doorly Zoo...(3701 So 10th St) .............

733.8401 Qwest Center Omaha (10th & Capitol)............

341.1500

olD mArket ProPerties

Brandeis Building .............................934.1224 Farnam 1600 Building ......................342.1616 Grubb/Ellis Pacific Realty ................345.5866 The Lofts at Soma...K5..................... 895.7662 Old Market Lofts...J7 ........................345.8000 Riverfront Place ................................397.4837 Shamrock Development/Paxton Building ......

934.7711 Skinner Macaroni Apartments...H1 .346.2346 The Greenhouse Apts...A9 ...............342.3100 TipTop Building...(16th & Cuming)....345.8000

PuBs & tAverns

Bar 415...E3 .......................................346.7455 Barry O’s ...E8 ..................................341.8032 Billy Frogg’s Grille & Bar...E5 ...........341.4427 Dubliner Pub...D4 .............................342.5887 J.D. Tucker’s Bar...E8 .......................934.5190 Julio’s...F2 .........................................345.6921 La Buvette Wine & Grocery...F7.......344.8627 M’s Pub...E6 ......................................342.2550 Mr. Toad’s...E8 ..................................345.4488 Myth Lounge...F6..............................884.6985 Nomad Lounge...(J8) ........................884-1231 O’Connor’s Irish Pub...F3 .................934.9790 Old Market Tavern...F8 .....................341.0191 The Stadium Club Sports Bar & Grill...E8.......

359.1290 T Henery’s Pub...C6 .........................345.3651 The Underground...F7 ......................341.3547 Upstream Brewing Co...G6 .............344.0200 Urban Wine Company...J7 ...............934.0005 Waters Edge Lounge @ Embassy Suites...F9 .....

346.9000

restAurAnts

Farrells Bar...(902 Dodge) ................884.9947

the encounter | september/october 2008 25

Merchants Attractions Old MArket / dOwntOwn / riverfrOnt

Cornerstone

Mansion Inn

Ahmad’s...E8.....................................341.9616 Billy Frogg’s Grille & Bar...E5 ...........341.4427 Delice European Bakery...E4 ...........342.2276 Falling Water Grille @ Embassy Suites...F9 ........

346.9000 Famous Dave’s...D6 .........................614.9333 Flatiron Café...(17th & Howard) ........344.3040 House of Lee...F4 .............................991.9330 Indian Oven...E7 ...............................342.4856 Joe Banana’s ....................................346.7227 Julio’s...F3 .........................................345.6921 La Buvette Wine & Grocery...F7.......344.8627 Liberty Tavern (10th & Davenport) ...998.4321 Little King...H21 ................................344.2264 Lucky’s 10-0-One (10th & Pacific) ...991.1001 M’s Pub...E6 ......................................342.2550 Matsu Sushi...B8 ..............................346.3988 Michael’s at the Market...C6 ............346.1205 Nicola’s...G3 .....................................345.8466 O Dining...A8..................................... 502.7888 Old Chicago...D6 ..............................341.1616 Omaha Prime...E7.............................341.7040 Passport Restaurant...H6 ................344.3200 Rick’s Cafe Boatyard........................345.4545 Sam & Louie’s Pizza...H6 .................884.5757 Spaghetti Works...F6 ........................422.0770 Stokes Bar & Grill...(E5) ................... 408-9000 Subway...E4 ......................................341.8814 Sullivan’s Steakhouse (222 S. 15th St.) ..........

342.4432 The Diner...D5 ...................................341.9870 The French Café...F7 ........................341.3547 The Paxton Chop House...B1 ..........341.1222 Trini’s...E7..........................................346.8400 Twisted Fork...E7 ..............................932.9600 Upstream Brewing Co....G6 .............344.0200 V. Mertz...E7......................................345.8980 Vincenzo’s Ristorante...D4 ...............342.4010 Vivace...E6 ........................................342.2050 Zio’s Pizzeria...F4 .............................344.2222

sPeCiAlty FooDs & CoFFee

Omaha’s only historic inn & event facility.

Business travelers welcome. Corporate rates available.

Fireplaces • Clawfoot tubs King and queen beds • Private baths • Satellite TV Free Wi Fi • Gourmet weekend breakfast When you need to get away without going away, call The Cornerstone Mansion.

140 N. 39th Street, Omaha

402-558-7600

www.CornerstoneMansion.com 26 september/october 2008 | the encounter

13th Street Coffee C0....G3 ..............345.2883 Aromas...I8........................................614.7009 Cubby’s Old Market Grocery...H3 ...341.2900 Delice European Bakery...E4 ...........342.2276 Hollywood Candy...F3 ......................884.7688 La Buvette Wine & Grocery...F7.......344.8627 Maggie Moo’s Ice Cream...H21 .......933.5280 MJ Java...B3 & F7 .............................342.5282 Old Market Candy Shop...F8 ...........344.8846 Patrick’s Market...(E1).......................884-1600 Soul Desires Books & Coffee...G7 ...898.7600 Ted & Wally’s Ice Cream...G5 ........... 341.5827

sPeCiAlty shoPs

Anarchy Comics & Games...E4 ........493.4955 Ashley Collectibles...E3....................934.3100 Big Brain Productions...H5 ..............342.2885 Chameleon...E7 ................................342.4444 Cibola of Omaha...F7 (509 S 11th) ...342.1200 City Limits...E3..................................345.3570 Cornerstone Gem & Bead Co....G3 . 346.4367 Drastic Plastic...F4 ........................... 346.8843 DSR Power Sports...E3 ....................991.1383 Etc. Gifts...F7 ....................................342.2846 Garden Flowers...F7 ......................... 614.5661 Garden Of The Zodiac...E7 .............. 341.1877

Goldsmith Silversmith...F7 ...............342.1737 Homer’s Records...E5 ......................346.0264 Iron Decor & More...G5 ....................346.6123 Jay Welter Cigars...(18th & Jackson)345.1965 Kessler’s...H5 (1125 Jackson) ..........715.5888 Mairzy Doatz...F6.............................. 934.4815 Namaste...E7 .................................... 341.7069 New Realities Books & Gifts...E7 ..... 342.1863 Niche...F6 .......................................... 344.4399 Old Market Habitat Floral...E6 ......... 342.0044 Old Market Sundries...F8 ................. 345.8198 OM Gifts & Imports...E3 ................... 345.5078 Overland Outfitters...F8 ................... 345.2972 Perspective Jewelry...D4.................. 934.4416 Red Square...E7................................ 342.8878 SG Roi Tobacconist...F7 .................. 341.9264 Souq Ltd...E7 .................................... 342.2972 Tannenbaum Christmas Shop...F8 .. 345.9627 The Toy Chest...E7 (Passageway).... 341.0774 Trocadéro...E4 ................................. 934-8389

serviCes

At the Loft Spa...F6...........................505.4100 Michael Boyle, Attorney...E7 ............359.1000 Centris Federal Credit Union...C3 ...334.2000 Commercial Optical...G3 .................. 344.0219 Dietz United Methodist Church ....... 346.9115 Don Fiedler Law Offices...F7 ........... 346.6263 First National Bank...(F5) ..................885-2574 Fringes Salon & Spa...G8 ................. 345.0404 Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce...D2 346.5000 Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau...B8 ....

444.4660 Hair Market Salon...E7 ..................... 345.3692 J P Cooke Rubber Stamps...F2 ....... 342.7175 Klein Law Offices...H3 ...................... 391.1871 Magical Journeys Carriage Service...E7 ........

453.6745 Movers Not Shakers ......................... 614.9770 Old Market Car Wash...J2 ................ 393.2819 Old Market Encounter ......................884.2000 Old Market Mini Storage .................. 342.0022 Old Market Web Site .....www.oldmarket.com Omaha Healing Arts Center...E4 ......345.5078 Omaha Public Library...(15th & Farnam) .........

444.4800 Omaha Yoga School...E7 .................346.7813 Pinnacle Bank...(10th & Douglas) ..... 346.9180 Security National Bank...(11th & Howard) ..........

344.7300 Sirens...F6 ......................................... 933.9333 Stinson, Morrison, Hecker LLP...C3 342.1700 Urbane Salon & Spa...B8 .................934.2909 Susie’s Baskets...D4......................... 341.4650 Sutera Law Offices...E6.................... 342.3100 Visions Framing Studio...K4 .............342.0020

theAtres & entertAinment

Blue Barn Theater...G6 ..................... 345.1576 FilmStreams...(14th & Webster) ........ 933-0259 Holland Performing Arts Center...(12th & Douglas) .............................................345.0606 Omaha Symphony...(16th & Howard)..............

342.3836 Opera Omaha...(17th & Farnam)....... 346.4398 Orpheum Theater...(16th & Farnam).345.0606 The Rose...(20th & Farnam) .............. 345.4849

Downtown and Council Bluffs through 9/14: the little engine that Could at the rose. Powered by its well-known refrain “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can,” Watty Piper’s The Little Engine That Could is one of the greatest tales of motivation ever told. In this well-loved classic featuring songs, dance and dazzling costumes, the Little Engine overcomes seemingly impossible odds to carry a train full of toys over an imposing mountain. Recommended for ages 4-9. Times: Fridays at 7 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam Street.

Tickets are $16 each or free with membership. www. rosetheater.org through 9/14: Doubt at the Shelterbelt.

Snap! Productions at the Shelterbelt Theatre, 3225 California Street. Cost is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, students and military. Visit www.snapproductions.com or call 402-341-2757 for more information. through 9/15: the Sea Beneath Our Feet at the Durham. Learn the story of the Ogallala Aquifer, formed millions of years ago beneath the Midwest. The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. Visit www.durhammuseum.org for more information. through 10/5: Uncreated light: Steve Joy Paintings, 1980-2008.

The richly constructed, abstract but accessible paintings of British contemporary artist Steve Joy are the focus of Uncreated Light. Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. Visit www.joslyn.org or call 342-3300 for more information.

through 10/5: Kidstructure exhibit. Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha’s Botanical Center, will host an outdoor exhibit of playscapes customdesigned by area architects and contractors. KidStructure stretches the definition of traditional “playhouse” design. These unique and adventurous structures will encourage interactive learning, excitement and, most importantly, PLAY! 100 Bancroft Street. Visit www. omahabotanicalgardens.org for more information. through 1/4/09: Omaha Children’s museum DinO!saurs: a Prehistoric expedition.

DinO!saurs brings a whole new herd of creatures sure to entertain and educate young and old alike. This exhibit features 13 spectacularroboticdinosaurs, including a massive, 22-footlong Tyrannosaurus rex - plus other favorites including Triceratops and Stegosaurus.

There’s even a dinosaur nest Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th Street, Call 402930-2352 or visit www.ocm. org for more information. sepTemBer evenTs 9/2: magic City tour at the Durham museum.

South Omaha was founded in 1884 with the creation of the Union Stockyards. By 1890, South Omaha was the fastest growing community in the United States, thus earning the nickname “The Magic City.” Immigrants poured in to the area to work in the packinghouses, breweries, smelting plants and other businesses. This created a melting pot of diverse cultures that are still evident today.

Come learn more about this exciting time in Omaha! Take the Magic City Tour, open at 6 p.m. The Durham Museum, 801 South 10th Street. Visit www.durhammuseum.org for more information.

September/October Calendar of Events

9/3 - 9/7: independent music Festival. RiverCity Productions, LLC, will produce the first-ever independent music festival to be held in Omaha.

The Mid-American Music Festival will strengthen the regional image of Omaha’s independent music industry by recruiting musicians from a five-state region around Nebraska to come to Omaha and perform. The MAMF, as musicians have nicknamed it, will take place in multiple live music venues in Benson. Similar in design to the upcoming SXSW music festival in Austin Texas, the MAMF will include educational seminars, guest speakers, networking opportunities, industry panelists and more. Visit w w w.MidAmericanMusicFestival.com for more information.

9/6-9/7: zoolympics at Omaha’s zoo. Test your physical skills against the residents at the Zoo! Can you hop like a frog or run as fast as a cheetah? This year, see a special guest…

Flumpa! Kids will learn about science during a high-energy musical science stage show – complete with upbeat music and non-stop audience action. Zoolympics is free with admission. Visit www. omahazoo.com or call 7338401 for more information.

9/8 through 9/27: artists Show.

An art show showcasing the works of four female artists - Tricia Hollins, Jaime Hackbart, Luann Matthies, and Peggy Reinecke – will be held at Jackson Artworks. A reception for the artists and special guests is planned for Sept. 13th. Jackson Artworks, 1108 Jackson St. Contact Tricia Hollins at PHollins@ mccneb.edu or call 402-3411832 for more information.

9/9: hitch hike at hitchcock nature Center. Join us for the conclusion of this summer series at Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek, IA. This hike is a challenging one that includes exploring parts of more remote areas of the preserve and Loess Hills up close. We will walk through Hidden Valley out west to reach our destination- a scenic overlook of the Missouri River Valley. Cost: $2.00 per person and includes on-trail refreshments. 6:00 p.m.

Call 712-545-3283 for more information.

9/12-9/13: Opera Omaha’s the Blizzard Voices. Opera Omahaís season begins with an important new work.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on 9/12 at the Holland Center, Kiewit Concert Hall, 13th and Douglas streets, and on 9/13 at Iowa Western CC Art Center, 2700 College Rd., Council Bluffs. For more information, visit www. operaomaha.org or www. omahaperformingarts.org.

9/13: Playing With Fire Free Blues Concert Series.

Bostons’s “Queen of Blues” Toni Lynn Washington will perform with special guest, guitarist Junior Watson.

Other artists include: Italianborn electric guitarist Gaetano Pellio, performing Hendrix-like rock; the Blues Society of Omaha All-stars; and BluesEd Kids Band, All Else Fails. Lewis & Clark Landing, Riverfront Drive in downtown Omaha. Park and ride for free at the Gallup Campus. For more information, visit www. playingwithfireomaha.com

omaha’s smoking Ban Since mid-2006, it has been illegal to smoke or carry lit smoking materials in most public places. Below is a summary of the ordinance for your handy reference: • No smoking in public gathering places.

• No smoking at work.

• No smoking at childcare, adult daycare or healthcare facilities.

• No smoking in auditoriums, classrooms, conference and meeting rooms, reception areas, private offices, elevators, hallways, cafeterias, employee lounges, stairs, restrooms and all other enclosed areas.

• No smoking on the bus.

So, where can you smoke?

• Hotel and motel rooms designated as smoking rooms.

• Private and semiprivate rooms in nursing and long-term care facilities designated as smoking rooms • Work areas outdoors.

Don that smoking jacket at home.

Unless you run a daycare, it ís your personal fiefdom.

If in doubt, refer to the actual ordinance at: http://www.ci.omaha.ne.us/ Smoking%20Ban%20Ordinance.pdf.

Failure to follow the rules carries a maximum fine of $500.

the encounter | september/october 2008 27

Downtown and Council Bluffs

Venues

Ameristar Casino

Images of Nature

2200 River Road, Council Bluffs, Iowa.

(712) 328-8888, Ameristar.com

1115 Harney St. (402) 341-8460, mangelsen.com

John Beasley Theater & Workshop Artists’ Cooperative Gallery 405 S. 11th Street, Old Market, (402) 342-9617, www.artistco-opgallery.com. Regular hours & admission: Wed&Thur, 11am-5pm; Fri&Sat, 11am10pm, Sun, noon-5pm, free.

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts & bemisUNDERGROUND 724 S. 12th St., (402) 341-7130, bemiscenter.org.

Regular hours & admission: Tue-Sat, 11am-5pm, free.

3010 Q St. (402) 444-3446. JohnBeasleyTheater.org

Joslyn Art Museum 2200 Dodge Street, (402) 342-3300, joslyn.org.

Tues-Sat/10am-4pm; Sun/noon-4pm. $7 adults; $5 seniors & college students; $4 ages 5-17; free age 4 and younger; free to general public Sat/10am-noon.

Lewis & Clark Landing/Riverfront 515 N. Riverfront Dr. on the banks of the Missouri River between the new Qwest Arena and the river.

Blue Barn Theatre 614 S. 11th St., (402) 345-1576, www.bluebarn.org

Mid-America Center One Arena Way, Council Bluffs, Iowa, (712) 323-0536.

Civic Auditorium & Music Hall 18th & Capitol streets, (402) 422-1212

Millennium Theatre

ConAgra Foods Campus 10th & Farnam Streets

Nebraska Showcase Gallery, Nebraska Council for the Arts, Burlington Building, 1004 Farnam St., (402) 595-2122, midamericacenter.com.

The Durham Museum

Old Market

801 S. 10th St., (402) 444-5071, durhammuseum.org.

Regular hours & admission: Tues-Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun 1-5pm. $6 adults, $5 seniors, $4 ages 3-12, free 2 & under.

Area of 10th to 13th streets, and Leavenworth to Harney streets.

Omaha Children’s Museum El Museo Latino 4701 S 25th St., (402) 731-1137. www.elmuseolatino.org.

Regular hours & admission: Mon, Wed&Fri/10am-5pm; Tues/1-7pm; Thurs/1-5pm; Sat/10am-2pm. $5 adults; $3.50 students & seniors; $4 college students.

500 S. 20th St., (402) 342-6164, www.ocm.org.

Regular hours & admission: Tues, Wed, Fri&Sat, 10am5pm; Thurs, 10am-8pm; Sun, 1-5pm. $5.50 adults & ages 2-15; $4.50, seniors 60+ & children under 2.

Opera Omaha General Crook House 30th and Fort streets, (402) 455-9990.

1625 Farnam, (402) 346-4398, ext. 111. www.operaomaha.org

Harrah’s Casino

Orpheum Theater

2701 23rd Ave, Council Bluffs, Iowa. (712) 323-2500, harrahs.com

16th & Harney streets. Ticket box used only for day-of or night-of performance only. See Ticket Omaha for pre-event ticket information.

Henry Doorly Zoo 3701 S 10th St., (402) 733-8401

Qwest Center Omaha Hitchcock Nature Center

455 N. 10th St., (402) 422-1212, qwestcenteromaha.com.

Honey Creek, Iowa, I-29 exit #61A, (712) 545-3283

Rose Theater Holland Performing Arts Center 13th & Douglas Streets, ground level, TicketOmaha.org, (402) 345-0606, or (402) 341-1811 (TTY).

2201 Farnam Street, (402) 345-4849, rosetheater.org Ticketmaster 402-422-1212 (402-475-1212) or online at ticketmaster.com

Horseshoe Casino

Rosenblatt Stadium

2701 23rd Ave., (712) 323-2500, horseshoe.com

1202 Bert Murphy Ave., 738-5100.

Hot Shops Art Gallery

Ticket Omaha

1301 Nicholas St., (402) 342-6452, hotshopsartcenter.com

13th & Douglas Streets inside the Holland Performing Arts Center, (402) 345-0606, TicketOmaha.org

28 september/october 2008 | the encounter

Sponsored by Pinnacle Bank 9/13 through 1/11/09: Fantasy Uncoiled: Prints

by CoBra artists at Joslyn art museum. This print gallery exhibition celebrates three important suites of lithographs acquired by Joslyn in 2007. CoBrA, an acronym for the members’ cities of origin, Copenhagen, Brussels, and Amsterdam, is one of the great abstract expressionistic movements of the 20th century. Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. Visit www.joslyn.org or call 342-3300 for more information.

9/14: all-european Show and Shine at lauritzen gardens. Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha’s Botanical Center, welcomes the All-European Show and Shine from 12 - 4 p.m. See fine European cars and motorcycles on display.

Models of Jaguar, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Ducati, BMW, Ferrari, Pantera, Alfa Romeo, Austin Healey and others will be surrounded by the beauty of the garden.

Guests may walk the 100 acres of gardens or may take a narrated tram tour for $2 per person, which includes a stop at Kenefick Park.

The café will be open from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. for lunch and snacks. Admission to the car show is free with paid garden admission.

Adults are $7, Children 6-12 are $3. Garden members and children under six are admitted free. If you have a fine old or new European car you would like to exhibit in the garden, please contact Joe Chickenelli at 402-212-6038 for details.

Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street. Visit www. omahabotanicalgardens.org for more information.

9/15: gowns and glitter luncheon at the Durham.

The Durham Museum will host a luncheon celebrating Ak-Sar-Ben fashion history, showcasing Ak-Sar-Ben Queen, Princess and Countess gowns dating from the early 1900s. A style show will feature models from Agency 89. The theme “Gowns and Glitter: Celebrating AkSar-Ben through Fashion” complements the Durham’s first annual temporary exhibit featuring Ak-SarBen. This exhibit opened August 30th, and features memorabilia and artifacts highlighting Ak-Sar-Ben’s early history. Viewing of exhibit and gown display, 10:30 a.m.; Luncheon & style show, 12 p.m.

The Ak-Sar-Ben Queens, 1895-2007, will serve as Honorary Chairmen. Mary McDermott Maxwell will be the featured speaker. Pricing:

$65, Individual tickets: Table of 8: $520; Table of 10: $650; Patron tickets: $100; Patron table of 8: $800; Patron table of 10: $1,000.

The Durham Museum, 801 South 10th Street, Omaha.

For more information, visit w w w.durhammuseum. org, or contact General CoChairmen Phyllis Choat, 330-6219, pdchoat@cox.net Nancy Hanson, 331-4230, nancyhanson@aol.com.

9/16: gritty City tour at the Durham. Take a trip back in time and see why an 1869 issue of Harper’s magazine encouraged travelers not to visit Omaha!

Saloons, gambling dens and other establishments provided opportunity (and demise) for many early adventurers.

Hear the story of the infamous Anna Wilson and Dan Allen and their influence on the city’s reputation. Tour the old third ward and see how political boss Tom Dennison ran Omaha. Visit past locations of illegal stills during prohibition and other shady enterprises. Learn about Omaha’s not-so-squeakyclean past on this 6 p.m. tour.

The Durham Museum, 801 South 10th Street, Omaha.

For more information, visit www.durhammuseum.org 9/18: millionaires and mansions tour at the Durham.

Hop on Ollie the Trolley and visit the west Omaha of the early 1900’s! See where many of Omaha’s most influential early residents built beautiful homes in the Gold Coast and midtown neighborhoods.

Hear stories about how these founding families lived and their contributions to the growth of the city. Among the 20 homes, included on the tour are the Joslyn Castle, the Mercer mansion and the magnificent mansions built by Gottlieb Storz – one for himself and one for his daughter as a wedding present! Learn about Omaha’s rich and famous of old on this 11 a.m. tour. The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St., Omaha Visit www.durhammuseum.org for more information.

9/20: Critter ride at Omaha’s zoo. Bring your bike and pedal through the Zoo in the 2008 Friends of Omaha Zoo (FOOZ) Critter Ride. This family fun event is perfect for riders of all ages and skill level. Participants will receive goodies and breakfast.

Reservations required.

Visit www. omahazoo.com or call 73308401 for more information.

9/20 through 1/11/09: the mastercraftsmen of Palekh miniatures at Joslyn art museum. The first American exhibition to examine the tradition of hand-painted. lacquered, papier-mâché boxes from the Russian village of Palekh (pronounced poleck). The village about 125 miles northeast of Moscow, was known before the Russian Revolution as a center for icon painting, but after the advent of official atheism, the craftsman moved away from religious images to a rich and acceptable genre of tourist boxes decorated with Russian folk tales, among other subjects.

The exhibition examines the entire range of Palekh artistic production, in sizes ranging from a 1 x1 ½ inch box for beads to a 23 x 17inch jewelry box decorated to honor Stalin. The display also includes icons, other boxes, and decorative objects such as Easter Eggs.

Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. Visit www.joslyn. org or call 342-3300 for more information.

9/25-9/27: river City roundup, Douglas County Fair & Prorodeo Playoff three. Four-day western festival featuring fair, livestock show and rodeo with concerts. Heritage Parade, Trail Rides, GiddyUp Gulch and Cooking Stage provide hours of excitement and activities.

Fair and Roundup are free events; Rodeo tickets are $15-$52.

Qwest Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. Visit www.rivercityroundup.org or call 554-9610 for more information.

9/26-9/28: antique and garden Show at lauritzen gardens.

Top dealers from around the country bring their finest pieces to sell in elegant display room vignettes. Lectures, antique appraisal clinics and show tours and thousands of antiques, including rare books, jewelry, rugs, tapestries, silver and furniture. Cost is $10 per person. Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. From 9 a.m.5 p.m. Call 346-4002 or visit www.lauritzengardens.org for more information.

9/29-10/1: the national archives teacher Workshops. Led by the education staff from the National Archives, this sixhour workshop will focus on the traveling exhibition, Eyewitness: American Originals from the National Archives. Lunch provided.

9/29 – Omaha Public Schools Curriculum Day; Tuesday, 9/30– 8:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.

10/1 – 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. To register, call 402-444-5027.

9/30: millionaires and mansions tour at the Durham. Hop on Ollie the Trolley and visit the west Omaha of the early 1900’s!

See where many of Omaha’s most influential early residents built beautiful homes in the Gold Coast and midtown neighborhoods.

Hear stories about how these founding families lived and their contributions to the growth of the city. Among the 20 homes, included on the tour are the Joslyn Castle, the Mercer mansion and the magnificent mansions built by Gottlieb Storz – one for himself and one for his daughter as a wedding present! Learn about Omaha’s rich and famous of old on this 6 p.m. tour. The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St., Omaha Visit www.durhammuseum.org for more information.

10/3: Poncho Sanchez latin Jazz Band at the holland. The most popular Latin jazz group in the world today, this seasoned ensemble pays homage to the glories of a half-century tradition that was born when Afro-Cuban rhythms merged with bebop. 8 p.m., Holland Performing Arts Center, 13th & Douglas streets, Omaha. Visit www. omahaperformingarts. org for more information.

10/3 through 11/23: Fall Chrysanthemum Show.

The indoor floral display hall is festooned in autumn colors during this Japaneseinspired show, featuring unique chrysanthemums, Japanese maples and water features, bamboo, Zen garden influences and multidimensional tiered displays.

Cost is $7 for adults, $5 for children 6-12. Lauritzen Gardens – Omaha’s Botanical Center, 100 Bancroft Street.

Visit www.lauritzengardens. org, or call 346-4002 for more information.

10/4 through 1/4/09: eyewitness: american Originals from the national archives. Chronicles some of the most dramatic moments in history: the storming of Bastille in Paris, the explosion of the Hindenburg, and assassination of President Kennedy. Cost is $7 adults, $6 age 62+, $5 ages 3-12, free 2 and under. Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St., Omaha. Visit www.durhammuseum.org or call 444-5071 for more information.

10/4-10/5: Japanese ambience Festival. Held in conjunction with Autumn Ambience, this event includes origami, calligraphy, a martial arts demonstration, sake tasting and taiko drumming. The event also celebrates the anniversary of the Japanese Sunpu Castle Gate. Open daily 9 a.m. -5 p.m. Cost is $7 adults, $3

children 6-12. Lauritzen Gardens – Omaha’s Botanical Center, 100 Bancroft Street.

Visit www.lauritzengardens. org or call 346-4002 for more information.

10/4-10/5: autumn ambience Festival.

Enjoy antique tractors on display, hearty food, handson children’s activities including scarecrow making, jack-o-lantern painting, live music, cozy garden strolls and other comforting autumn activities. A hayrack ride in the garden tops off this harvest festival! Open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Cost is $7 for adults; $3 for children 6-12. Lauritzen Gardens – Omaha’s Botanical Center, 100 Bancroft Street. Visit www.lauritzengardens.org or call 346-4002 for more information.

10/4 through 12/28: the many Faces of David Diaz at Joslyn art museum.

Caldecott Award-winning illustrator David Diaz uses bold, dynamic styles to create rich and striking illustrations for expressive children’s books. Inspired by the innovation of Viennese Secessionists such as Gustave Klimt and Egon Schiele, Diaz aims to break away from any constriction and develop his own way of telling stories through art. The exhibition includes 54 original artworks from 15 children’s and young adult books including Smoky Night, Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman, Going Home, December and The Pot That Juan Built. This exhibition was organized by the The National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature (Abilene, TX).

Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. Visit www.joslyn. org or call 342-3300 for more information.

715 N. Saddle Creek Road • 553-9672 • 553-9270 www.mamaspizzaomaha.com Omaha’s Best Pizza!

Close to Downtown!

J.P. COOKE COMPANY

RUBBER STAMPS PRE-INKED STAMPS INTERIOR SIGNS DESK NAME PLATES NAME BADGES EMBOSSING SEALS

“OLD MARKET”

1311 HOWARD OMAHA, NE 68102 (402) 342-7175 FAX: 402-342-9426

The Original Old Market Irish B ar Nightly Specials Live Irish Music Weekends Open 11a.m.

Game Room for the kids Homemade Onion Rings and House Specials An Omaha favorite for over 25 years!

1205 H arney St. 342-5887

dublinerpubomaha.com Kitchen: Sun-Thurs 11 am– 10:30 pm • Fri & Sat11 am– Midnight the encounter | september/october 2008 29

»Get Moving! at the Downtown Family YMCA

Join the YMCA - No Contracts Steam Room/Sauna • Pilates • Yoga • All-Day Child Care Off-Site Corporate Services • Personal Trainers Separate Men’s and Women’s Workout Areas

430 S 20TH ST• OMAHA • 402-341-1600 • METROYMCA.ORG

Sponsored by Pinnacle Bank 10/10 through 10/26: the giver at the rose. Imagine a perfect world with no poverty, no crime, no sickness, no unemployment and no unhappiness. What would you be willing to give up to live in this idyllic society?

Lois Lowry’s Newberry Medal-winning book, The Giver, examines the idea that people might freely choose to give up their humanity in order to create a more stable civilization. In this compelling drama, 12-yearold Jonas learns just how costly this ordered and painfree society can be and boldly decides he cannot pay the price. Best for ages 9-12. 60 minutes. Tickets are $16 each or free with membership. The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam Street. For performance times and information, visit www.rosetheater.org 10/10: ricky Skaggs and Bruce hornsby at the holland. Omaha Performing Arts will host Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby at The Holland Center as part of the First National Bank Popular Entertainers Series.

Holland Performing Arts Center, 13th and Douglas streets, Omaha. Visit www. omahaperformingarts.org for more information.

10/10: teachers’ night at the Durham. Being a teacher is hard work! Do something easy! Join us for the area’s largest free resource expo for educators. Meet with more than 80 community exhibitors, performers and presenters who provide resources and tools to help you in the Participate in classroom. teaching demonstrations with scholars from the Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies. Enjoy a complimentary appetizer and cocktail reception. Sit back and relax to some live music.

Enter to win door prizes from the area’s best restaurants and entertainment venues. Take a guided tour of the museum’s permanent collections and the traveling exhibition Eyewitness: American Originals from the National Archives. From 5-9 p.m. The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St., Omaha. Visit www. durhammuseum.org for more information. Register by calling 402-444-5027.

30 september/october 2008 | the encounter

10/12: zoo run at Omaha’s zoo. Lace up your shoes for the 28th annual FOOZ Zoo Run! Whether you’re an avid racer or if you prefer to stroll, Zoo Run will feature something for everyone with your choice of a one or fivemile course. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, 3701 S. 10th St., Visit www.omahazoo.com or call 733-8401 for more information.

10/17-10/19: 20th annual Fall home & garden expo.

The best place to find innovative ideas and the latest improvements for your home. Fri. 5-10 p.m.; Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost is $7 adults, $3.50 children 5-12.

Qwest Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. For more information, visit www.Showofficeonline. com/FallHGEStart.html, or call 346-8003.

10/13: market to market relay. Designed for runners of all abilities, the 86-mile Market-To-Market relay race is now accepting applications.

The endurance race will take up to 150 teams of six to eight persons from the Old Market in Omaha to the Haymarket in Lincoln and through small towns, rural farms, downtown brick roads, state parks, over rivers and streams and across the plains.

The race will be followed by a celebration in the Haymarket from 3:30 to 11:30 p.m. with live music, radio remotes, food and drinks. The race will be limited to 150 teams. Team registration is available at www.markettomarketrelay. com

10/21: k.d. lang at the holland. This GRAMMY® award-winning singer and songwriter presents works from her new album “Watershed.” 7: 30 p.m., Holland Performing Arts Center, 13th and Douglas streets, Omaha. Visit www. omahaperformingarts. org for more information.

10/15-10/19: Opera Omaha’s Pirates of Penzance. Not all the pirates are from the Caribbean! When a Pirate King and his band of noble men gone wrong match wits with a fast-talking Major General, it takes an army of dancing Bobbies and the determination of young lovers to set all to right. Gilbert and Sullivan at their hilarious best!

Performances on 10/15, 10/17 and 10/19 at the Orpheum Theatre, Slosburg Hall, 409 S. 16th St. For more information, visit www.operaomaha.org.

10/17-10/26: Confetti 2008 at the rose. Join us in the intimate Hitchcock Theater at The Rose as we present this year’s edition of a perennial audience favorite: a new collection of sparkling choreography in contrasting styles, created by our own dancers and artistic staff.

This festive mix of Best for ages 6-adult. 100 minutes.

Members save $6 per ticket.

The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam Street. For performance times and information, visit www.rosetheater.org.

10/23: Capitol Steps Productions at the holland Center. An NPR favorite, this talented troupe transforms familiar tunes into hilarious political parodies. Omaha Performing Arts presents Capital Steps Productions at The Holland Center. 7:30 p.m. at the Orpheum Theater, 4096 S. 16th St., Omaha. Visit www.omahaperformingarts. org or call 345-0202 for more information.

10/25 through 1/18/09: Diego rivera exhibit at Joslyn art museum. Drawn from the collection of the Museum of Art of the State of Veracruz in Orizaba, Mexico, the approximately 35 works in this exhibition survey the entire career of Diego Rivera, including his earliest work in Mexico and his period of study in Paris, where his paintings took on the influence of Impressionism, and later, as a colleague of Picasso, Cubism.

Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. Visit www.joslyn. org or call 342-3300 for more information.

10/26: Spooktacular at Omaha’s zoo. Put on your best costume and head to Omaha’s Zoo for its terrorific Halloween celebration. This event is a fun-filled, yummy time for characters of all ages.

Visit more than 15 sponsored treat stations with candy and goodies, or take a chilling ride on the terror train (children in costume are free with a paying adult). Cost is free with zoo admission. From 10a.m. – 3 p.m. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, 3701 S. 10th St. Visit www.omahazoo. com or call 733-8401 for more information.

(Formerly Eyebeads & Gemstones)

Same location, Same owners, NEW NAME! Ready-to-wear pieces, or we’ll help you create your own.

515 S. 13th • Old Market 402-346-4367

Steak... Martinis... & Jazz...

OMAHA

222 S ou th 15th St

402.342.0077

Dinner well done.

Or medium rare if you prefer.

At Upstream Brewing Company, we proudly serve hand-cut Omaha Steaks™ – filets, rib-eyes, New York strips. Are you getting hungry? We’re a city famous for steak so of course we serve the beef that bears our name. Our new American pub fare menu also includes delicious favorites, hearty sandwiches and burgers and a wide variety of appetizers and thin-crust pizzas. And with generous portions, scrumptious sides and a dessert menu second to none, we promise you’ll never leave hungry.

Old Market 11th & Jackson

402.344.0200

West Omaha

171st & W. Center Rd.

402.778.0100

We’re not called Upstream Brewing Company because of our iced tea.

Our award-winning, hand-crafted beers are brewed fresh on-site in a variety of styles – from our bitter Firehouse ESB to our sweet Honey Raspberry Ale. Stop in today, and find one to call your favorite.

Happy hour specials, hours of operation, full food, beer and wine menus. Find all this and more at UpstreamBrewing.com