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Dear Readers and Clients,
I hope this letter finds you well. July 2024 marks the 31st anniversary at Strictly Business and our 31st year of promoting our exceptional clients with high-quality content as a free part of their overall marketing program with us.
As the President of Strictly Business magazine, I am excited to share three easy steps you can take to maximize your credibility and marketing power by simply sharing the free high-quality content we compose and provide to you, as our valued clients.
Here are 3 easy ways you can make the most of your valuable content:
1. Share on Social Media: Social media platforms are powerful tools for amplifying your message and reaching a broader audience. To effectively share the content provided by Strictly Business:
Post Regularly: Share the press releases, feature stories, Spotlights, Stars/River City Sixes and all other content we provide on your social media profiles, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Regular posting keeps your audience engaged and informed.
Use Engaging Captions: Craft compelling captions that highlight the key points of the content and encourage your followers to read more or visit your website.
Tag and Hashtag: Tag relevant people or organizations mentioned in the content and use appropriate hashtags to increase visibility and engagement.
2. Incorporate into Your Email Marketing: Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to communicate directly with your audience. Here’s how to utilize our content in your email campaigns:
Monthly Newsletters: Include the high-quality content we provide in
your monthly newsletters to offer valuable insights and updates to your customers and subscribers.
Special Announcements: Use the content to create special email announcements or updates that highlight relevant topics, news or achievements related to your industry.
Call-to-Action: Encourage your email recipients to visit your website, read the full articles, or engage with your content by including clear and compelling call-to-action buttons.
3. Feature on Your Website and Blog: Your website and blog are central to your online presence and credibility. To make the most of the content we provide:
Create a Press Section: Dedicate a “Press” section of your website to housing all the press we write up about you. This positions your site as a valuable resource hub for visitors and increases your power with the search engines.
Update Your Blog: Regularly update your blog with the high-quality content we provide. Fresh content helps improve your website’s SEO, attracts more visitors and keeps your audience engaged.
Highlight on Your Homepage: Feature key articles or pieces of new content on your homepage to draw attention and provide immediate value to your site visitors.
By following these three simple steps, you can significantly enhance your credibility, expand your reach and maximize your marketing power using the free, high-quality content from Strictly Business. Our goal is to support your success by providing you with the content and strategies you need to thrive in today’s competitive market.
If you have any questions or need further assistance in implementing these strategies, please feel free to reach out. We are here to help you every step of the way.
Thank you for being a valued client of Strictly Business. Together, let's achieve new heights of success.
President Robert F. Cruise, E.A., grew Cruise & Associates from a one-room office to seven locations across Nebraska. Robert started the company with goal of helping small to mid-size owners grow their business and take it to the next level. He opened his first location, Columbus, in 1991 then added Omaha in 2001, Albion in 2015, Lincoln in 2016, Grand Island in 2018, Wayne in 2019 and Norfolk in 2021.
Cruise & Associates specializes in working with individuals and businesses to handle their income tax, business and financial service’s needs. Robert believes the key to running a successful business is giving clients personal service. Clients are assigned an accountant to work with them year-round, so he or she gets to know their business.
Building client relationships help create an environment where owners can do what they do best, which is running their business. They do not need to be focusing on paying bills, tracking finances, paying employees or trying to figure out QuickBooks. Cruise & Associates accountants and bookkeepers can help take that stress away.
“We listen to a business owners’ needs and work one-on-one with them to develop a plan for their business,” Robert said. “We spend time to develop a custom strategy because what works for one person doesn’t work for everyone. We believe in educating and providing our clients with the tools needed to be successful.”
Each of the offices is staffed with an accountant who is available to answer questions year-round. In Lincoln, people will be working with Josiah Clements. Josiah graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in accounting and minors in finance and mathematics from the University of Nebraska Lincoln. He also earned his Master’s Degree in Professional Accountancy from UNL and is working on his CPA certification.
“I see myself as being on the grassroots level with many small business owners and try to be a partner in their success by building a good relationship and acting as an advisor, both from a tax and financial performance perspective,” Josiah said. “For clients with unique and unusual tax situations, I like to educate them with what is happening on their tax return along with reasons why. I enjoy building relationships with people and using my knowledge to provide the highest level of service.”
To learn more about Cruise & Associates, visit the website at cruise-associates.com.
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Director of Operations Kacey Russell – Kacey@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com
Art Director Jayda Lyon – Jayda@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com
Editorial Interns: Rowan Havranek and Avery Carl
TEAM: President/Sales Paige Zutavern – Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Publisher/Founder/Accounting Shayne Zutavern – SZutavern@Yahoo.com
Avery
Nebraska Public Media earned a regional Edward R. Murrow Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association.
The awards are among the most prestigious in broadcast and digital news and are given to honor outstanding achievements in electronic journalism.
“Working Fires: Volunteer Fire Departments in Crisis” received an award for television small market in the news documentary category.
The Nebraska Public Media news documentary explores recruiting and retaining volunteer firefighters in more than 450 Nebraska communities. Aging equipment, tight budgets and an increase in extreme weather create a crisis: fewer responders and increasing demand. The program can be viewed at NebraskaPublicMedia. org/workingfires.
The region includes Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and Iowa. This regional winner will now compete for the national Murrow Awards to be announced this summer.
The Radio Television Digital News Association has been honoring outstanding achievements in electronic journalism with the Edward R. Murrow Awards since 1971. Award recipients demonstrate the spirit of excellence that Murrow set as a standard for the profession of electronic journalism.
Drybar, the nationally known blowout hair salon, has now opened a store in SouthPointe Pavilions! They want to thank you for all your support, encouragement and kindness along the way. They couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the Lincoln community. They celebrated their opening day on June 14 and have been working hard ever since.
Drybar has taken the country by storm with a refreshingly simple concept: provide amazing blowouts in a fun and beautiful environment, all at a great price. Drybar is more than just beautiful hair in about 45 minutes, it’s the experience, the happiness and confidence women feel after a fresh dose of Drybar! Drybar isn’t a traditional hair salon, it’s the answer to the quest to look good and feel good. Their tagline says it best: No cuts. No color. Just blowouts. Drybar is a best-in-class franchise specializing in beauty and wellness concepts with nearly 1,000 locations. To learn more, visit drybarshops.com. To book an appointment at the new Lincoln store, call (531) 278-5199.
Four programs in Doane University’s College of Business received initial accreditation in mid-May from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), a global business education accrediting body. The accredited programs are Accounting, Agribusiness, Business Administration and Master of Business Administration.
“We closely referenced ACBSP’s best practices when the College of Business was founded five years ago, and those best practices are applied to all programs across the board,” said Dr. Jennifer Bossard, dean of the College of Business and professor of economics.
Accreditation brings several benefits to Doane as an institution and to its students and faculty. Employers are able to tell at a glance that graduates have received a rigorous education and skills and knowledge needed by contemporary businesses. For students, it helps set Doane apart among other institutions, and tuition reimbursement from employers may be more readily available for accredited programs.
“A major benefit of having accreditation through the ACBSP is the networking opportunities. We’re able to see how other faculty and institutions are addressing changes, challenges and opportunities,” said Tracy Corr, assistant professor of practice and co-chair of Doane’s Accounting Department. An example is determining the role of AI in business education.
Doane University is the oldest private, liberal arts institution in higher education in Nebraska. Programs in the university’s College of Business are offered in Crete, Lincoln and online. For more information about Doane’s College of Business and the accredited programs, visit doane.edu.
Woods Aitken LLP, the Lincoln Journal Star and the LincolnHR, founders of the Best Places to Work in Lincoln list, announced that HoriSun Hospice has been named to the 2024 list in the medium-company sized category.
The Best Places to Work in Lincoln program, which was started in 2013, recognizes local companies who, through a third party administered employee survey, rank their respective companies as being the best places to work. The areas surveyed are varied parts of employee life, including workplace environment, leadership direction, culture and management practices.
HoriSun Hospice was acknowledged for creating an enjoyable corporate culture and work environment that fosters personal and professional growth for its employees. “In 2024, our organization will be celebrating 20 years in business. We are proud of the immense growth and number of people we have impacted in our community throughout this time. A primary goal of ownership is to give great care to our employees, which has been positively reflected in retention and many changes to our organization over the years. In turn, these employees give wonderful care to the patients we serve” said Dr. Bob Bleicher, Medical and Executive Director of HoriSun Hospice. “We continually listen to our employees, recognize unique and individual needs of staff and work to be an organization within the healthcare industry that challenges the status quo,” said Susan Burkey, Retired RN and Program Coordinator of HoriSun Hospice.
HoriSun Hospice believes that hospice care affirms life. Our mission and promise to our community is simple – to provide the best care possible, 24 hours a day, seven days a week for all whose lives are affected by a life-limiting illness or condition. Comfort, compassion and caring are our guiding principles. For more information about HoriSun Hospice, visit horisunhospice.com, or call (402) 484-6444.
For complete details about the Best Places to Work in Lincoln, visit woodsaitken.com/bptw.
School bathrooms are becoming unsafe spaces.
Students are beginning to avoid using them because of the increase in bullying, property vandalization, illicit substance use, vaping and more. Some schools have closed or restricted bathroom access during school hours to curb these vices.
According a study done in 2020 titled “E-cigarette Devices Used on School Grounds," 75% of e-cigarette use occurred in school bathrooms.
Tobacco Free Lancaster County’s mirror cling campaign is an approach to address vaping and tobacco use within schools, especially in their bathrooms. The campaign develops and distributes mirror clings with eye-catching images, messages and facts about vaping throughout the community, including Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) middle and high schools. The campaign incorporates the keyword, 'GHOSTVAPE' to access a free and confidential text-based quit program by Truth Initiative – ‘This is Quitting.'
Here are steps you can talk to your student about doing as part of their back-to-school checklist and in advocating against vaping: Students in LPS Middle and High Schools can locate the mirror clings in their bathrooms and educate themselves on the dangers of vaping by reading the messaging and facts on them.
Sharing is caring. Students can share mirror cling messages and facts with friends and colleagues.
Students who currently vape can find the motivation to quit vaping. When ready to quit vaping, they can text 'GHOSTVAPE' to 88709.
Vaping is a risk to the user and to those exposed to secondhand aerosol, including in school bathrooms. Share with youth today about how to make school safer for themselves and others.
True North Technologies opened a new office at 7800 O St. STE 103. To celebrate, they held a ribbon cutting on June 20 followed by a guided tour of the new office, food and drinks.
Founded in 2019, True North began with website and mobile app development, but over the years, they’ve expanded to accommodate the ever-growing needs of their clients by including a text marketing platform. This innovative solution allows companies to reach their very own audience of loyal consumers.
True North Technologies also enjoys supporting the online efforts of local companies. They provide affordable marketing services such as custom website and mobile app development, branding, SEO and digital advertising. Visit go-tnt.com, or call (402) 420-5101 to learn more about them today.
Ameritas has announced an addition to its flexible retirement plan platform and pooled employer plan (PEP) offerings. The Ameritas 403(b) PEP is designed to support nonprofit organizations sponsoring ERISA 403(b) plans – an underserved part of the retirement plan market, and a pooled purchasing option more often available to large companies in the for-profit marketspace.
Sun Valley Lanes is excited to be hosting the Cornhusker State Games Bowling Events on July 13 - 14. Act quickly because registration will be closing on July 5, and some divisions are nearing capacity. The United States Bowling Congress (USBC) rules will apply. All bowlers must be a part of USBC or pay a tournament participation fee of $5. Multiple entries are permitted, though bowlers may enter only one event per squad time, which is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The awards are a Custom Cornhusker State gold, silver and bronze medal, which will be awarded to the top three finishers in each division. Match play and award presentations will follow each squad time.
Sun Valley Lanes is where fun meets competition. Discover the ultimate entertainment destination at Sun Valley Lanes and Games. With a multitude of exciting activities and amenities, they are proud to be Nebraska's premier spot for social gatherings, delicious dining and thrilling competitions
To learn more visit their website at sunvalleylanes.com and to register for the event, go to cornhuskerstategames.com/sports/bowling.
Pooled employer plans allow unrelated organizations to band together as “adopting employers” and share the retirement plan purchasing power that can be difficult for smaller entities to achieve on their own. From its extensive retirement plan platform, Ameritas now offers the Ameritas 401(k) PEP to for-profit businesses and the Ameritas 403(b) PEP to nonprofit organizations.
The Ameritas 403(b) PEP offers an integrated platform supporting compliance and fiduciary oversight, administrative recordkeeping and reporting, flexible investment strategies and automated engagement tools. That gives nonprofits another way to take care of their valued employees and another benefit to offer job applicants. Instead of having to choose between sponsoring their own plan, or offering no retirement plan, the PEP enables a nonprofit to become an adopting employer. And that option removes a lot of the complexity and distractions nonprofit executives hope to avoid when looking at retirement benefits for their teams.
“Ameritas has a long record of providing the retirement plans expertise, back-office services, and onboarding support that lean, hardworking organizations are looking for,” said Scott Holechek, vice president, institutional sales, retirement plans. “That’s one of our great strengths, doing the heavy lifting for people-focused organizations, which frees them to devote much more of their energy and resources to serving others.”
For more information about the Ameritas 403(b) PEP and other pooled employer plans offered by Ameritas, visit mypepconnection. com/ameritas403bpep.
Loyal Soulfull Concina foodies can now listen to Chef Chubb on 93.7 The Ticket on Saturdays from 3 to 4 p.m. starting July 13! The show is called "Choppin’ it up with Chubb, The SOULFULL Way.”
Located at 6105 Havelock Ave., Soulfull Cocina is a family-owned and operated restaurant with the finest food curated by Lincoln’s legendary Chef Chubb (Manuel Hurd)! Specializing in smoked meats, handmade sides and sauces, daily features and unique specials, Soulfull Cocina has distinguished itself as being committed to innovation. Dishes are prepared daily with fresh ingredients and seasoned to perfection.
“My passion is to use my love for culinary as an art to bring a smile to peoples’ faces. Ultimately, I want to share with and learn from my community to continue to grow in my culinary expertise!” said Owner Manuel Hurd.
For more information on Soulfull Concina’s food, drinks, events, specials and even catering, visit soulfullcocina.com. To say up to date with Chef Chubb, follow Soulfull Cocina on Facebook (facebook.com/ chubbdacheff). Food lovers can contact Soulfull Concina at (402) 730-3563 or Chubb@soulfullcocina.com.
Ray, who starting tattooing in Lincoln in 1983, is excited to celebrate a huge milestone.
Ray is proud to have been tattooing for the Lincoln community for the past 41 years. Over the years, Ray has seen the many changes in the industry, and he has stayed the same laidback guy that everyone knows and respects. He first opened his shop, Ray’s Tattoo, in 1988, and it’s now one of the oldest shops in Lincoln. Ray has been known for his honesty, professionalism and trustworthiness in the industry. He’s an old-school artist that has evolved with the every changing industry.
Some can attribute their start in the business to Ray. Some have even started businesses with him that have gone on to flourish. Ray’s Tattoo has always strived to engage with the times using the newest state-ofthe-art equipment and supplies to bring the best art to their clients.
Ray has also had the privilege of working with many artists over the years, and yes, Ray has probably tattooed your grandparents. Ray’s Tattoo would like to thank all their loyal clientele that have been tattooed over the years and looks forward to the new generation of clientele coming up. Whether this is your first tattoo or you’re a collector, welcome to your new obsession. Join Ray at Ray’s Tattoo as he goes into another year of tattooing.
To learn more about the business or to set up an appointment, visit raystattoo.com and fill out the form.
Tru-Built extends congratulations to the Capital Eye Care team on their brand new building, with its stunning finishes capped off by Tru-Built Construction company.
Capital Eye Care is now open at the southwest corner of 40th and Yankee Hill Road. With over 50 years of combined experience and cutting edge technology, Capital Eye Care confidently offers services including comprehensive eye exams, optos retinal imaging, myopia management, glaucoma care and monitoring and many more family-friendly solutions. Capital Eye Care is committed to being a community-focused and locally-owned, stress-free environment, offering its patients the big-city technology with small-town service. Capital Eye Care is home to two experienced professionals, excited to meet all of their patients’ needs, Dr. Todd Pfeil, OD and Dr. Scott Reins, OD. And, they are currently accepting new patients!
To book an appointment today, visit capitaleyelincoln.com, or call (402) 265-4442.
Better Business Bureau of the Midwest Plains (BBB) is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2024 Student of Integrity Scholarships. 15 high school students have been selected to receive $2,000 toward their post-secondary education–14 being first-generation students.
The BBB's Education Foundation invites students to participate in the program to share personal stories of ethical dilemma and integrity.
The 2024 scholarships have been awarded to students from five regions within the BBB Midwest Plains service area:
• Omaha & Southwest Iowa: Rory Madsen (Logan-Magnolia High School), Ryleigh Brodigan (East Mills High School), Lwe Kbaw Hser (Omaha Northwest High School)
• Lincoln & Greater Nebraska: Miya Carey (West Holt High School), Franchel Tennant (Cozad High School), Mateen Younis (Lincoln North Star High School)
• Kansas Plains: Kylynn Miller (Weskan High School), Adam Bosworth (Wichita High School North), Zariyana Cathey (Salina Central High School)
• Kansas City & Western Missouri: Haley Boydston (Smithville High School), Jehaan Munye (North Kansas High School), Destiny Summers (Raytown Senior High School)
• South Dakota: Chasety Christensen (Huron High School), Carmen Herrera (Redfield High School), Aiden Westcott (O'Gorman High School)
"Education has long been a priority of the BBB, and this scholarship program is part of that commitment," said Jim Hegarty, BBB Midwest Plains President and CEO. "We are especially proud to expand our reach, including our new service area in Kansas City and Western Missouri, offering more scholarships than ever before."
All recipients have been invited to be celebrated at the 2024 BBB Torch Awards Luncheon, held at A View West Shores on Tuesday, September 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., doors opening at 10:30 a.m. Secure tickets at bbb.org/omahatorch.
Imagine this; you’re enjoying your summer vacation–without your laptop. When you return, you discover that you have five new clients who went online, booked a session and paid a deposit–all done without you lifting a finger. Now, if only we could automate that laundry for you…
Alpha Zed Business Services is the customer relationship management superhero, supporting all things system related! Alpha Zed Business Services can’t wait to help clients strategize and execute their business plans, offering services to convenience clients in their customer relationships, bookings and schedules and sales. They do have one spot open in July and two in August for new businesses to join.
“Decades of working in administrative support and management roles have provided me with experience in process improvement, strategy, systems selection and implementation, organization, data and records management, forms design, spreadsheets and training. While I loved it all, I didn’t really enjoy working in a traditional “corporate” environment. Now, I share my love of spreadsheets technology, automation and process improvement with those who know they need systems in their business but don’t have the time or talent to set those systems up themselves,” says Owner Kim Hazelton.
Alpha Zed Business Services loves seeing its clients feel more confident about their business. They enjoy knowing that they are reaping the benefits of good systems, so they have more time for what’s immediately important to them.
For more information or to contact Kim directly, visit systemssuperhero. com, email kim@alphazedservices.com or call (531) 530-9390.
ALLO is thrilled to announce the launch of the ALLO Smart Business App, designed to reduce the IT management burden for small business owners. This comprehensive app empowers businesses to focus on growth and customer satisfaction by providing a fully managed Wi-Fi network solution.
Key Features of ALLO Smart Business App:
• Integrated Network Management: Seamlessly connect and manage wired and wireless systems to ensure all business and patron devices are reliably connected.
• Always On with Backup: Ensure continuous connectivity with cellular backup options, maintaining uptime and customer satisfaction.
• Advanced Cyber Security: Protect your business with builtin firewalls and proactive network security traffic monitoring, safeguarding against cyber threats.
• Customer Engagement Tools: Utilize guest Wi-Fi to gain valuable insights and promote your business through a branded, seamless interface.
ALLO Smart Business App is designed to free business owners from IT dilemmas, allowing them to prioritize their business and customers. This app is an all-in-one solution that simplifies network management and enhances business operations. Easily install the app and start protecting your business for $35 a month.
For more information, visit AlloBusiness.com/Smart, or contact your nearest ALLO office to learn more.
Join James Arthur Vineyards (JAV) on Saturdays at 2001 West Raymond Road, Raymond, Nebraska for live music on their outdoor stage, wine, cider, beer, spirits and delicious grilled food items. It is free to attend, 6 to 9 p.m. every Saturday!
Since James Arthur Vineyards’ establishment in 1996, it has hosted thousands of visitors from all over the world. Visitors are encouraged to sample JAV’s wide variety of wines, stroll the grounds or sit under the covered deck by the cascading waterfall. Visitors can also count on a warm, crackling fire in the tasting room during the cold winter days.
JAV is Nebraska’s largest winery, surrounded by nearly 20 acres of grapes and supplemented by local Nebraska grape growers. Located just north of Lincoln, JAV is an exceptional location for any special occasion, family gathering or private party. One can also stop by JAV’s tasting room in its From Nebraska Shop, located in the Huber Building at 8th and Q St. in the Haymarket.
JAV continues to produce award-winning wines right here in Nebraska. JAV is built on passion, dedication and old-fashioned, hard work, now involving its third generation in its winery endeavors!
To learn more about James Arthur Vineyards’ events, wines, ciders and much more, visit jamesarthurvineyards.com. Contact JAV at (402) 783-5255.
Legacy Retirement Communities of Lincoln was presented with the Assisted Living Week Programming Award at the Nebraska Nursing Facility Association-Nebraska Assisted Living Association Spring Convention on April 24. Legacy Retirement Communities Activity Director Tracy Haefele accepted the award on behalf of the entire Life Enrichment team.
National Assisted Living Week brings the community together to celebrate residents and services provided within assisted living communities. Nominees were evaluated on their incorporation of the 2023 National Assisted Living Week theme of “Season of Reflection” into their activity plans to engage residents, families, staff and volunteers.
Legacy’s Assisted Living Week activities included a fashion show from decades past, retro car rides, Music Bingo Through the Ages, yard games, root beer floats and more. The communities also displayed “then and now” photos in the dining room, and when the Life Enrichment team learned one resident had no photos of herself when she was young, they reverse-aged one for her, bringing tears of appreciation from the resident.
We are incredibly proud of our Life Enrichment team for the energy they put in to plan these fun activities for Legacy residents during Assisted Living Week. Each and every day our Legacy communities offer a new opportunity for engagement and unique experiences for residents, and they wouldn’t come together so effortlessly without the time and effort of our incredible staff.
For information on Legacy Retirement Communities or to schedule a tour, visit legacyretirement.com, or call (402) 436-3000).
In February, Cedarhurst Senior Living acquired two new communities specializing in memory care: Cedar Creek of Prairie Meadows (13208 Meredith Ave., Omaha, NE) and Cedar Creek of High Plains (5601 S 84th St.). These additions further enrich their family of communities, allowing them to extend their commitment to providing exceptional care and support.
Cedarhurst Senior Living has been conducting comprehensive training initiatives to seamlessly integrate the Crafted dining program, the Living True Life Enrichment program and other enriching activities.
"At Cedarhurst Senior Living, our mission is to create communities where each person feels loved, valued, supported and able to live their life to the fullest," said Almir Sajtovic, President at Cedarhurst Senior Living. "With the addition of Cedar Creek of Prairie Meadows and Cedar Creek of High Plains, we have the opportunity to carry out that mission even further."
Cedarhurst Senior Living is an experienced operator of Independent Living, Assisted Living, Personal Care and Memory Care communities under the Cedarhurst Senior Living, Cedar Creek and The Artisan brands. Cedarhurst is part of The Dover Companies, established in 2007 to develop, construct, own and operate high-quality senior housing. The senior living provider’s mission is to create communities where each person feels loved, valued, supported and able to live life to the fullest. To learn more about Cedarhurst, please visit cedarhurstliving.com. To learn more or schedule a tour, contact cedarcreekhighplains@cedarhurstliving.com.
Western National Bank extends huge congratulations to the 2024 Western National Bank Scholarship recipients and all area graduates!
2024 Western National Bank Scholarship Recipients include:
• Lucy Hayes, Auburn High School
• Kaylee Sandmann, Axtell High School
• Treven Trumler, Centura High School
• Katie Hadenfeldt, Centura High School
• Wyatt Ludemann, Johnson County Central High School
• Tristen Ray, Lewiston High School
• Ella Culver, Louisville High School
• Jaidyn Allington, Southern High School
• Jack Kreifels, Syracuse High School
• William Heitmann, Thayer Central High School
Western National Bank wishes these and all graduates all the best of luck in the future!
Western National Bank is family-owned and operated with 11 locations throughout Nebraska and Kansas and is happy to continue to serve the Lincoln community. See their website at mywnb.com, or contact them at (402) 324-5444 or bank@mywnb.com.
The United States Coast Guard Band, a 55-member ensemble based at the US Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, represents the United States Coast Guard and the United States Department of Homeland Security, and they are performing on the Lied Center’s main stage on Wednesday, July 3, at 6:30 p.m. In addition to performing concert tours such as this around the nation, the United States Coast Guard Band has also played in the former Soviet Union, Canada, England, Japan and Taiwan. Tickets are free, but those wishing to attend need to reserve a ticket, which can be done at tickets.liedcenter.org.
The Lied Center for Performing Arts’ mission is to educate, inspire and entertain the people of Nebraska through the performing arts, aiming to build artistic programs, increase student involvement and much more.
Note: This appearance by the United States Coast Guard Band is hosted by the Lied Center for Performing Arts as a public service. The United States Coast Guard does not necessarily endorse the views or opinions of the Lied Center for Performing Arts.
To view more events sponsored by the Lied Center for Performing Arts or for information on how one can support their vision, visit liedcenter.org.
Waterford Communities Assisted Living and Memory Care enjoyed watching the Lincoln Saltdogs play the Lake Country Dockhounds. Residents cheered as the Saltdogs won in the 10th inning by one point!
Waterford Communities Assisted Living and Memory Care has a motto made up of their “Three C’s.”
• Customer Service: provide unmatched service for residents and their families
• Commitment to Dignity: treat all residents with absolute respect, always
• Compassion: serve residents and their families empathetically and with an open heart
Waterford Assisted Living, Alzheimer’s and Memory Care Communities of Lincoln are locally owned and operated businesses committed to helping individuals and their families find the right assisted living community and make the process less overwhelming. Waterford Assisted Living, Alzheimer’s and Memory Care Communities’ team of professionals are passionate about using their strengths to serve the needs of their residents and the residents’ families.
Waterford Assisted Living, Alzheimer’s and Memory Care Communities serve the Lincoln area at three locations:
• Williamsburg Assisted Living, 3940 Pine Lake Road
• College View Assisted Living, 4848 South 48th Street
• Wilderness Hills Memory Care, 8939 Keystone Drive
To see more about Waterford Communities Assisted Living and Memory Care’s services, communities, resources, job opportunities or to schedule a tour, visit thewaterford.net. Contact them at (402) 480-6950 or home@thewaterford.net.
Duncan Aviation is excited to share its newest company-owned aircraft, a Pilatus PC-12 that its artisans brought to life with interior and exterior designs that represent the passion Duncan Aviation Board of Directors Chairman Todd Duncan has for fishing and the outdoors.
Duncan Aviation commissioned a one-of-a-kind design from worldrenowned artist Derek DeYoung. The interior has a Western Nebraska feel that is highlighted by natural colors and leathers, unique stitching, hydrographics, bold pops of color and an all-new Garmin flight deck.
At the request of Todd Duncan, Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions Sales Rep Leah Alexander acquired a 10-year-old Pilatus PC-12 early in 2023 and immediately added the aircraft to our flight department.
“With the understanding that any aircraft would also be placed in our fleet in support of the company's operations, I performed detailed mission and budget analyses based on our flight department's actual trips and compared a number of models,” said Alexander. “A Colorado-based dealer who knew we were seriously looking for a PC-12/47 with a great pedigree brought this one to our attention before it was going to be openly marketed for sale. This aircraft truly ticked all of the boxes and the transaction itself went incredibly smoothly in no small part because of the combined efforts of different teams across the company.”
The PC-12 was a well-used aircraft that had more than 4,000 hours total time, and desperately needed avionics modifications/upgrades, heavy maintenance, new paint, and a new interior.
For more information about any of Duncan Aviation’s services, visit DuncanAviation.aero/services.
Running every Wednesday evening, from 5 to 7 p.m., in May through September, the Hub Farmers Market attracts a crowd interested in purchasing locally-grown food, listening to live music and enjoying food from the Hub’s monthly Market Menu, featuring items sourced from the vendors themselves.
The summer produce is finally starting to ripen, so what better way to celebrate than by purchasing locally grown fresh food while listening to live music and enjoying good food and drinks on the patio with friends?
Hub Café has always been proudly locally sourced, farm-to-fork and made from scratch, so they are extending that support to you! Hub Farmers Market started in 2020 as a pick-up location for two area farmers to distribute their weekly CSA or vegetable subscriptions. Now, it’s grown to include additional farmers and producers who appreciate the opportunity of a mid-week market. There is ample free parking, and the market is located right on the Billy Wolff Trail in Union Plaza.
You can experience cool drinks, music and food all in the shade for the market. The music runs from 5 to 7 p.m. and Hub Café will serve food and drinks from 5 to 9 p.m. out of the Jayne Snyder Trails Center. Stop by the market welcome desk for information about the SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks Programs.
Hub Café has always been committed to sourcing ingredients from as many local growers and small farms as possible in the Lincoln area, and they will continue to drive their desire for cultivating a united community spirit through their unique farm-to-fork creations. For more information, visit the market pages at hubcafelincoln.com/hub-farmers-market, or find them on Facebook at facebook.com/hubfarmersmarket and on Instagram under HubFarmersMarket.
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The Lincoln Airport hit a milestone on Thursday, May 30 by hosting an open house and ribbon cutting with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the completion of the LNKNext Terminal Modernization
Project. The public event was held to capture the significance of the $56 million renovations that took nearly two years to complete. The new amenities at LNK include two new baggage claim belts, customer service desk, observation room, boardroom and office spaces.
To celebrate this accomplishment, the ribbon cutting event was filled with festivities that acknowledge the Lincoln community. Local businesses contributed with decorations, activities and music. Throughout the day, tours were given to anyone who wanted to see the new spaces, and special tours were given of the FAA Tower. The event featured raffle prizes, free LNK swag items, therapy dogs, food and drinks, live local music and a photo booth, making the experience even more memorable.
The official ribbon cutting was the highlight of the event. LNK Board Directors, Senior Staff and the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce cut the ribbon, marking the project's completion. Attendees gathered to honor the hard work of the entire LNK team, contractors and everyone involved in making the project a reality. With the newly completed amenities now open to the public, this signifies a new chapter of growth and commitment to the Lincoln community and the region as a whole.
To learn more about the LNK team or LNKNext Terminal Modernization Project, visit lincolnairport.com, or call (402) 458-2480.
Strictly Business recognizes this as the respected authorship of Kate Miller.
At Strictly Business, we strive to recognize local professionals for their significant awards, promotions, achievements and/or efforts in partnership with other organizations and the Lincoln community. If you know of someone who meets these criteria and wish to include their news in our publication, please call (402) 466-3330, email editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com or submit your news at strictly-business.com.
Cruise & Associates is hosting a 9-pin, notap, no-split bowling tournament Saturday, August 3, at Boulevard Lanes in Columbus, Nebraska (1819 Howard BLVD). Cruise & Associates’ Striking for Literacy event will start at 12 p.m. and will include raffle prizes, bowling prizes and much more fun!
It is $100 to enter a four-person team, and all profits will be donated to Columbus’ Platte Valley Literacy Program, which helps support individuals in GED preparation and testing, English as a Second Language, citizenship courses and computer and employment skills classes. The registration deadline is Monday, July 15! For questions or more information, contact Kelly Burge at (402) 480-0498 or kellyb@cruise-associates.com.
Cruise & Associates helps small to mid-sized owners grow their businesses to take them to the next level. Cruise & Associates is passionate about meeting its customers’ accounting needs and ensuring all finances are streamlined and efficient. Specializing in income taxes, tax planning, bookkeeping, payroll, business controls and wealth management, Cruise & Associates listens to every customer’s unique needs and works with each individual to develop the right plan for them and their business.
For more information on Cruise & Associates’ services or to schedule a free consultation, visit cruise-associates.com. Contact them at (800) 401-4284.
Our collaborative team provides innovative, project-specific solutions to any challenge they face. Let us help bring your buildings to life.
This month, Strictly Business is celebrating 31 years since the launch of the Lincoln publication! It’s yet another milestone reached thanks to the support of our clients and readers in the Lincoln community, for which we are tremendously grateful. It’s also a prized achievement of our talented team of professionals here at Strictly Business, and it wouldn’t be possible without the leadership and dedication of the founders of Strictly Business, President Paige Zutavern and Publisher Shayne Zutavern, and all those who have made significant contributions over the years.
We take great pride in promoting Lincoln and are happy to be a source of information for the community. Not only do we get to show our support for our amazing community, but we also make community members aware of the latest Lincoln news so that they can show their support as well. One great thing about Lincoln is that people are always consciously trying to support local businesses, something that hasn’t changed in our 30 years of businesses.
We are honored to be a part of the business community here in Lincoln and hope to continue the legacy we have built well into the future.
Congratulations JetSplash Car Wash for being an early nominee in the Best Car Wash category!
JetSplash Car Wash has been serving the Lincoln community since 2003 and helping the city shine with efficient, spotless car washes. JetSplash has grown to seven locations to further share the sudsy love across the Lincoln area—and will soon be opening up two more:
• JetSplash #8 — 851 West O Street
• JetSplash #9 — 27th & Vine
Number 8 is slated to open later this year, and number 9 soon after. JetSplash is a local business and is proud to locally employ over 150 individuals. The car wash takes pride in its community and is passionate about giving back to Lincoln through donations and fundraising opportunities. JetSplash even offers free car washes to select groups.
The JetSplash process is simple and to the point: hand-prep, wash and hand-dry.
1. Hand-prepping involves a quick power wash before heading into the wash tunnel.
2. Post-wash hand drying consists of JetSplash’s friendly staff hand drying every car to a spotless standard and inspecting for maximum cleanliness.
3. JetSplash’s free, self-serve vacuums, air and mat cleaners top of every car’s perfect wash experience.
JetSplash Car Wash prioritizes its goals of speed, sustainability and satisfaction. JetSplash understands that nobody likes waiting in line, so the JetSplash wash process takes only five minutes. All of JetSplash’s products are eco-friendly and 100% biodegradable. Their ongoing mission is to continually find ways to make JetSplash customers happier, hiring only the most friendly, professional staff.
For information on locations, washes, memberships and offers, visit JetSplash.com.
Head over to the Holmes Golf Course, 3701 S 70th St., to participate in the Remodelers Council’s Golf Tournament! It is taking place on Friday, August 16, with check-in being at 9 a.m. and a shotgun start at 10 a.m.
The cost is $70 a person and $280 per team which includes: golf, cart, food and prizes. Lunch will be hot dogs and hamburgers and will be served all day. The tournament is 18 holes long with the format being a four-person Texas scramble. The shotgun start is immediately after check-in. The tournament is limited to 30 foursomes, so make sure to register soon! This will be a handicapped event. Flights will be determined based on a ninehole score and randomly selected. Volunteer opportunities are also available. Please contact Michaela Schwarten at (402) 423-4225 or michaela@hbal.org if interested. If you would like to register for this event, call that same number or RSVP to info@hbal.org.
The Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL) has worked to promote the home building and remodeling industries in Lincoln, Nebraska. They provide numerous opportunities for its member to build their business through networking events, educational seminars and charitable activities. For more information, visit hbal.org.
Assemble Lincoln, Lancaster County’s standing committee tasked with developing a Downtown Lincoln Convention Center, sought input from the public at their open house and information session on June 18. Members of the community were encouraged to attend and participate in the important discussion.
The open house was held on Tuesday, June 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Lincoln High School, (2229 J St.). This event provided an opportunity for the public to learn more about the nine sites that are being evaluated as possible convention center locations, provide clarity on the site selection process and gather valuable input on the community’s priorities and concerns throughout the decision making process.
“We are excited to engage with the community and provide transparency on the site selection process for the Downtown Convention Center,” said Sen. Anna Wishart, Chair of the Public Engagement Committee of Assemble Lincoln.
“We believe that involving the community in the site selection process is essential for the success of the Downtown Convention Center,” added Fabio VazdeMelo Braz, Project Manager of Legends.
The evening’s agenda went as follows:
• 5 – 5:30 p.m. – Networking opportunity to connect with fellow community members and project stakeholders
• 5:30 – 6 p.m. – Presentation on the Site Selection Process Overview
• 6 – 7 p.m. – Community Interactive Session & Open House Discussion
For more information on the event’s success, visit the Assemble Lincoln website at assemblelincoln.com. Contact Chris Whitney, Communications Coordinator, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, and Visit Lincoln at (402) 436-2376 or cwhitney@lcoc.com.
On Saturday, August 3, from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Turbine Flats—Resonator (2124 Y St.), SCORE Lincoln is hosting their “What’s Involved in Starting a Small Business” Workshop. SCORE Lincoln’s workshop helps startups and small business owners get answers to essential questions necessary to starting or running a business. Get an overview of all the things you need to be planning for and thinking about to create your successful business. You will learn from experts and be able to ask questions specific to your business interests.
Topics Include:
• Business Plan.
• Practical Accounting and Tax Considerations.
• Financing your Business.
• Legal Structures for Small Business.
• Marketing—Traditional and Digital.
• Insurance Needs
Whether you are thinking of starting a new business or have been in business for a while and wondering what to do next, this workshop is for you. The full day costs $49 and includes lunch. The registration fee may be reimbursed by Community Development Resources at the workshop. Registration is now open at score.org/lincoln/event/whats-involved-starting-a-small-business-15.
At SCORE Lincoln, they offer free business advice, no-cost business training through webinars and workshops and numerous templates and tools to assist you in your journey to open your new business or grow your existing one. They believe that anyone can start and manage a successful small business. Learn more at score.org/lincoln.
Lincoln Children’s Zoo says adults can have fun at the zoo too! On July 13 and 27, from 6 to 11 p.m., adults 21 and over can enjoy a night of live music by local bands, visits from animal ambassadors and delicious craft beers from local breweries!
Tickets can be purchased at lincolnzoo.org/events/brews-at-the-zoo. html. A general ticket is $39 and includes after-hours access to the Zoo for the evening, live music at the FNBO Stage and three drink tickets! Additional drink tickets will be available for purchase. On Saturday, July 13, music will be AM/FM, and on Saturday, July 27, music will be provided by Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal.
Meal tickets can be purchased for $12, valid for a meal and drink of choice from the following foods and vendors:
• Burgers
• Brats
• Nachos
• Boneless Wings
• Code Beer Co.
• Empyrean Brewing Co.
• Glacial Till Vineyard
• Stone Hollow Brewing Co.
• Thunderhead Brewing Co.
• White Elm Brewing Co
• Zipline Brewing Co.
Follow the office Brews at the Zoo Facebook page for updates and more information about the event (facebook.com/BrewsAtTheZoo).
Frontier Harley-Davidson is hosting a Saturday Scoot on Saturday, July 15, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Participants will enjoy coffee and donuts followed by a quick little scoot around Lincoln!
Frontier Harley-Davidson’s Saturday Scoots are a great opportunity for new riders to practice group riding. The scoot is intended to be a short ride to kick off the weekend. Kickstands will go up at 9:30 a.m., so don’t be late!
Frontier Harley-Davidson provides a full range of genuine HarleyDavidson parts, accessories, MotorClothes merchandise, collectibles, factory-authorized services and naturally, motorcycles, offering the newest Harley-Davidson models.
Frontier Harley-Davidson helps its customers maintain their motorcycles and keep them healthy for years by offering diagnostics and repair services via its team of professional service technicians, sales members and financial experts.
For more information on Frontier Harley-Davidson’s sales, specials, services, events or to schedule a service appointment, visit frontierhd. com. Call (402) 466-9100 to talk Frontier Harley-Davidson’s superior selection with their reliable and experienced service team.
Savvy Seniors Empowerment Seminar is pleased to announce the topics for its upcoming monthly seminars designed to enrich and empower the senior community through education and support. The seminars, held every first Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. at Suite 111 in the Clocktower shopping area (70th and A St.), will focus on finding purpose in retirement and understanding the financial realities of retirement.
On July 3, the seminar will cover "Finding a Purpose After Retirement." This session aims to assist seniors in navigating the emotional and psychological transitions that accompany retirement. Attendees will learn about discovering new passions, engaging in meaningful activities and contributing to their communities. Expert speakers will share strategies for staying active, connected and fulfilled during this new phase of life.
On August 7, the seminar will address "The Truth About Paying for Retirement." This session will provide essential information on managing finances during retirement, including budgeting, investments and understanding retirement benefits. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how to effectively plan and manage their financial resources to ensure a secure and comfortable retirement. Participants can register for these informative sessions by visiting NESavvySeniors.com. Early registration is encouraged to secure a spot as these seminars are highly popular and spaces fill quickly.
The Savvy Seniors Empowerment Seminars are dedicated to providing seniors with the knowledge, resources and community support they need to lead fulfilling lives in retirement. By addressing relevant and timely topics, Nebraska Realty aims to empower seniors to make informed decisions and embrace the opportunities that retirement offers.
For further information, contact Alicia Chrastil at alicia@ nebraskarealty.com.
Road Sentinel, an AI computer vision company, announces the completion of their AI inspection prototype that quickly determines if a road safety barrier or guard rail structure is damaged or not operational. Using proprietary high resolution 3D imagery and computer vision, Road Sentinel greatly reduces the time to inspect and prioritize repairs and could save three lives per day.
Our vision is to become the worldwide leader in AI solutions, data collection and predictive analysis for the transportation industry by making road safety inspections safe, fast and cost effective.
It can take a long time to inspect our roadways manually, and in doing so, it puts employees in danger by forcing them to leave the vehicle to inspect. Also, because these inspections may only happen once every one to five years, it increases the odds that they may be slightly damaged over time and risks the lives of drivers every second.
After spending years designing and selling road safety products, Road Sentinel saw the horror of accidents involving faulty guardrail end-treatments and vowed to find a way to minimize these deaths and injuries in the future.
In March, the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development announced the expansion of its LaunchLNK Grant Program, awarding $20,000 non-dilutive grant to Road Sentinel, in addition to the $100,000 investment made by NMotion and Invest Nebraska.
The Museum of American Speed kicked off their 2024 Cars & Coffee season, presented by Lincoln Capital, on Saturday, June 29 from 8 a.m. to Noon at the Museum.
Cars & Coffee is a family friendly gathering of the local automotive community. Events will be held throughout the summer at 340 Victory Lane on July 27, August 24 and September 28.
“We’ve come a long way since the first Cars and Coffee event in 2017,” said Tim Matthews, Museum of American Speed Curator. “Our car show attendance record is over 700 cars. Bring your specialty car and enjoy unique rides, conversation as well as free coffee and donuts. Family, friends and kids are always welcome!”
Participants received two free vouchers to the Museum of American Speed for bringing a specialty vehicle. Spectators are also welcome. Admission to the Museum is $15 for adults with discounted rates for seniors, veterans, college students and children. The Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Speedway Motors retail store was also be open during Cars & Coffee events so customers could check out the latest new products or chat with a team member for help on their latest project.
For more information about Cars & Coffee or for a map of show or spectator parking, visit Museumofamericanspeed.org/carsandcoffee. html.
Honest Abe’s new gluten free nuggs are now available at all Honest Abe’s locations. These nuggs are perfect for dipping in Honest Abe’s fan favorite homemade sauces, like their Awesome sauce, Abe’s sauce or house barbeque and ranch! Customers can make it a whole meal with new sweet potato fries or freedom fries or tots.
Honest Abe’s nuggs are made with tender rib meat and have crispy seasoned breading! The nuggs are available in 6-piece, 10-piece or 4-piece kids meals, all of which come with a sauce of choice.
Honest Abe’s is committed to curating only the tastiest beef, soft buns and a whole lot of gloriously honest food. Honest Abe’s has four locations across the Lincoln area:
• Meadowlane, 840 North 70th Street
• Glynoaks, 8340 Glynoaks Drive
• Downtown, 126 North 14th Street
• Cornhusker, 2662 Cornhusker Hwy
To stay up to date with Honest Abe’s menu, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/eatabes, or visit honestabesburgers.com. Contact them at (402) 261-9860 or honestabes@grounduprestaurants.com.
Follow Custom Cooling & Heating’s summer checklist to ensure that the warmer weather doesn’t mean expensive utility prices.
Custom Cooling & Heating understands that summer is in full swing, which means most are using more energy to cool their homes than realized. So, between barbecues, belly flops into the pool and burning the midnight oil, don’t forget to make these simple adjustments around the house to lower summer cooling costs!
Turn off all unnecessary lighting and devices.
Keep thermostats at a constant, comfortable level when home. Health permitting, save money by setting the thermostat at 78 degrees. Consider installing a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the home's temperature when away or sleeping, which can save as much as 10% off annual electric bills.
Move furniture blocking ducts or fans. This will enable cooled air to circulate freely, making the home more comfortable.
About 40% of unwanted heat comes through windows. Simply closing blinds and curtains, which act as a layer of insulation, can reduce heat throughout the home.
Use ceiling fans or portable fans with the windows partially open to circulate fresh air throughout home.
Run appliances that produce heat (like clothes dryers and dishwashers) at night when it is cooler.
Custom Cooling & Heating is a family-owned business committed to providing quality customer experiences via its experienced technicians, offering a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all work, so customers can be confident that they are making the right choice.
To learn more about Custom Cooling & Heating’s services, finances or to meet the team, visit customcooling.net.
Jordyn Ready THE RESIDENCE AT GRAMERCY
Meet Jordyn Ready, Director of Sales and Marketing of at The Residence at Gramercy.
Tell us a little about your business. - The Residence at Gramercy opened in 1985 on 6 acres at 6800 A st. in Lincoln and is managed by 12 Oaks Senior Living. Residents are encouraged to be part of social activities and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle without the obligation to keep up with chores or burdensome household tasks. From simple housekeeping and nutritious meals to hygiene and healthcare, we strive to enable our residents to lead their own lives in a way that is happy and healthy. A move to Assisted or Independent Living at our community provides the opportunity to explore a new way of life; one that offers new beginnings of all kinds—engaging new friendships and enriching activities built around small group involvement. We’re here to make the transition from home to our community as easy and stress-free as possible.
How did you get started in the business? - I graduated with my Social Work degree in 2017 and fell in love with the medical field, geriatrics and helping those in need. I began my career in Social Work focusing on young adults suffering from brain injuries, then transitioned to skilled nursing and long- term care, and then, as the Social Worker for the CHI Health St. Elizabeth Inpatient Burn Center. I decided to venture into marketing to spend more time with my family and accepted a position as the Director of Sales and Marketing at The Residence at Gramercy, which has allowed me to continue to work with seniors in need.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?Working in the medical field during the pandemic.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? - Creating relationships with others who, like me, have a passion for senior care and helping others.
Tell us a little about your family. - My husband, Tanner, and I celebrate our four year anniversary this October. Tanner is my greatest supporter and my best friend. If we aren’t at home watching a good TV show, then we are traveling and trying new foods. We also have two cats, Zoey and Reese, who keep us on our toes and ultimately run our household.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Becoming an aunt because my nephews and niece bring so much joy to my life.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Enjoy the sun–whether that is sitting on my patio or vacationing at the beach.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I was in an apartment fire in 2018, which began when a lightning bolt struck the building. My husband and I lost most of our belongings and had to start over. It is what drew me to work in a burn center and with burn victims.
Who inspires you? - My mom, Joey, raised me to be an advocate for those in need, show kindness in all that I do and to practice empathy. She goes above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others and works to help medically under-served women in Nebraska. She loves living a simple life, being a grandma, camping and gardening. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” I had this quote hung up in my room as a little girl, and I ended up getting a tattoo of it as an adult.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - theresidenceatgramercy.com | LIN-Leasing@12oaks.net | (402) 483-1010
Cecilia Striller
WESTERN NATIONAL BANK
Meet Cecilia Striler, Marketing Specialist/ Community Relations Coordinator at Western National Bank.
Tell us a little about your business. - Western National Bank is a family-owned and operated community bank. Since opening its first branch in Summerfield, KS in 2009, we have expanded across Nebraska and Kansas, now featuring 11 full-service branches, with the latest one opening in Lincoln in April 2023. We offer a wide range of banking services—from commercial and agricultural loans to CDs, money markets, savings accounts and fee-free checking accounts. At Western National Bank we emphasize relationship-based banking and diverse financial solutions.
How did you get started in the business? - I joined the Western National Bank team a little over two years ago, after nearly eight years in the marketing department at K-State Athletics. As the bank expanded throughout southeast Nebraska and Kansas, marketing and community relations became crucial to our strategic plan. Transitioning from athletics to banking was quite a change, but the skills I developed working with fans and engaging with small-town Kansas communities were invaluable. These experiences helped me connect with our 11 communities and understand the banking products needed to help them achieve their financial goals.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? - Prior to joining Western National Bank, we did not have anyone on staff that solely oversaw marketing. I am proud that myself and my counterpart, Todd Calfee, have been able to build the WNB marketing department from the ground up. We have also had the opportunity to implement our school mascot debit card program. This is a program where we partner with our local school districts and give customers the opportunity to have a branded debit card with their preferred school mascot, and each time the customer uses their debit card, WNB donates money back to the school. This has been a great way for us to get involved in our communities and an easy way for us to raise money for the local school districts.
Tell us a little about your family. - My husband Mitch and I have been married for almost five years. I grew up in Lincoln and after high school I attended Kansas State University where we met. We moved back to Lincoln about two years ago and have loved making the capital city our home along with our cocker spaniel, Maizy.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I come from a big sports family. Much of my free time on days off is spent traveling to Manhattan, KS, to cheer on the Cats at K-State sporting events or watching the Cats, Chiefs or Royals on TV. On the rare weekends that don’t revolve around sports, we enjoy walking our dog around the neighborhood or spending time golfing at Hillcrest.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? - I would love to be able to teleport. I love to go on vacations with my family and I spend a lot of time in my car while traveling around to our 11 branches. So being able to teleport would save a lot of time and make travel days much more enjoyable.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Since joining the Western National bank staff and moving back to the capital city, I have started to get involved and volunteer with Junior Achievement. I love being able to get into classrooms and connect with the kids and teach them about banking and the importance of saving for their futures.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 413-2095 | cecilia@mywnb.com | mywnb.com
Nate
Pierce-Panowicz MOSAIC IN SOUTHEAST NEBRASKA
Meet Nate Pierce-Panowicz, Executive Director at Mosaic.
Tell us a little about your business. - Mosaic is an international organization empowering people to live their best lives. We support each person holistically to live the life they choose to live. We support over 400 people with varying needs across Nebraska. Mosaic was formed when Bethphage and Martin Luther Homes merged in 2003, our two legacy organizations started in 1913 and 1925 respectively. Today we support people in 13 different states with partnerships in Tanzania.
How did you get started in the business? - I was actually living in the basement of my sister's home after graduating from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln and wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. I started as a Direct Support Supervisor for a residential group home in 2011 unsure if I was the right person for the role and if this work was for me. Over 12 years later and various roles within Mosaic, I still find joy in the work I do.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?COVID was the largest challenge I have faced in my career. We needed to keep the people we support and those who work at Mosaic safe. The coordination of PPE was so important and we had so many wonderful people assisting us to get what we needed. It was a long battle with quick moving pieces for our work. However, looking back I think I learned a lot about myself but more importantly how our team can work together when things are challenging.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I actually grew up on a small acreage just outside of Kearney. We had a few head of cattle consistently, even goats. I remember a brief moment we had chickens.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? - This is always a challenging question, but flying would be my dream. I love to travel and experience new things so being able to fly there quickly. Also to have a birds eye view over various landmarks, niagara falls, big cities, Las Vegas lights.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Nursing. On occasion there are times when something arises that I wish I understood better, and feel having a nursing background would be beneficial. Luckily I get to work with many great nurses and rely on their expertise.
What is your favorite TV show? - This is always a toss up, right now it’s between The Crown and Bridgerton. I have always enjoyed historical periods where life was much different than it is today. Almost any historical piece will get my attention for hours. The Crown is full of great stories and talented actors which keeps me captivated. What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? - Lazlo’s. When I went to UNL I used to park just a few blocks away downtown. Every afternoon I would smell Lazlo’s and immediately be craving the food, especially the creamy garlic sauce. Yum!
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Queen Elizabeth II- I love history and there were so many events that occurred during her life. Also being able to learn from her about leadership and the many wonderful charitable organizations she supported would be fascinating. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?Office: (402) 466-3330 | Cell: (402)477-2101 | Nate.Panowicz@ mosaicinfo.org | Mosaicinfo.org
Kelsey Meyer LINCOLN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Meet Kelsey Meyer, Assistant
Director of Sales
at Visit Lincoln
Tell us a little about your business. - Visit Lincoln is the destination marketing organization for Lincoln and Lancaster County. Our office works to promote the county as a leisure tourism destination as well as a meetings and sporting event destination. We love to showcase all the wonderful businesses, attractions, parks and people that make Lincoln special!
How did you get started in the business? - I worked as an intern for Visit Lincoln during the summer months between my junior and senior years of college. I kept in touch with my manager leading up to graduation and it just worked out that a position opened right before I graduated. I’ve been with the team ever since!
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - The COVID pandemic was an extremely challenging period as we are in the business of bringing groups of people together. For about two years, in-person meetings were non-existent!
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
- Recruiting city-wide events! I love knowing every part of the city will see an impact from a group I helped bring to town. Tell us a little about your family. - I got married to my loving husband, Hayden, in July of 2017 and we are parents to two rambunctious boys, Myles (5) and Graham (3). My family is my world!
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Becoming a mom gave me a new take on life. I learned to appreciate the simple things more than ever.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love to spend my days recharging. A perfect day would consist of morning coffee outside, exercising, reading and spending quality time with my family. I can be somewhat of a homebody.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I grew up on a farm outside of South Sioux City, Nebraska and rode horses competitively.
Who inspires you? - Where do I start? My children, parents, husband and friends. I am blessed to have many inspirational people in my life.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Kindness always wins.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Authentic
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? - I would love to have a magic wand like Cinderella!
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - The last book I read was Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
What is your favorite movie? - “You’re killing me Smalls!” The Sandlot. Influenced by my boys. It’s on repeat in our house.
What is your favorite TV show? - Grey’s Anatomy
What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? - The Oven
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Jesus!
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?(402) 436-2310, kmeyer@lincoln.org, or you can find me on LinkedIn!
Meet Terry Howell, the General Manager at Merritt Concrete.
Tell us a little about your business. - We are a concrete and aggregate provider that has served Lincoln businesses, homeowners and utility infrastructure companies for over 125 years. We have a fleet of state-of-the-art volumetric mixing trucks that will mix and measure your concrete on site and a flatwork team that will finish the job for you. We also provide concrete trailers for DIY projects.
How did you get started in the business? - I started in construction right out of high school, and about 26 years ago, I got involved in the concrete production and delivery side of the business.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - The biggest challenge is remembering that everyone has bad days and to let things slide.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? - My most significant professional achievement is earning the respect of concrete contractors in the area.
Tell us a little about your family. - I am married to my amazing wife, Paula. Between us, we have seven children and 14 Grandchildren, with two more on the way in August.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Meeting my wife was one of my life's most significant turning points.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - My favorite thing to do on my day off is ride my motorcycle.
Who inspires you? - Several people have been in the concrete industry for a long time, and all inspire me.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - If it isn't broken, don't fix it.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Honest.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Better Than I Used to Be” – Tim McGraw.
Which talent would you most like to have? - More patience.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Ranching.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?Anything by William W. Johnstone.
What is your favorite movie? - The Cowboys with John Wayne.
What is your favorite TV show? - Gunsmoke
What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? - The Press Box.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - John Wayne.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 435-3213, merrittlincoln.com.
Mya Wragge
CHOICES TREATMENT CENTER
Tell us a little about your business. - I am a substance abuse counselor for Choices Treatment Center in our Lincoln office. Choices is an outpatient treatment and recovery facility committed to helping individuals overcome problems related to gambling, substance abuse and mental health, through a holistic approach so all co-occurring issues may be addressed. We have offices in Lincoln and Columbus, as well as a 24-hour helpline which is always answered by trained staff.
How did you get started in the business? - I have always wanted to help people and seeing how big of an issue addiction is, and my mom being a counselor as well, it made me want to follow the same path. Tell us a little about your family. - My family lives in Grand Island, which is where I grew up. They are one of my biggest supporters and I visit them frequently. My fiancé, Devon Knuth, and his family have also been a great support. I have built a great relationship with them and I am fortunate to have them close now that I live farther from my family in Grand Island.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - I see my biggest turning point being finishing my education and graduating with my masters in mental health counseling. I, myself have struggled with mental health and have always wanted to help others overcome their struggles.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - As a first-time homeowner, on my days off my favorite thing to do is work outside and begin new projects with my fiancé. I love warm weather so I try to get outside as much as possible.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I have been doing my own tattoos since I was 18.
Who inspires you? - The person who inspires me, without a doubt, is my mom. She has always been my rock and I know that I can count on her to help me with and through anything. She has worked so hard to get to where she is today, and I wouldn’t be who I am if I didn’t have her to look up to.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Empathetic.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Teleportation so that I can travel the world at no expense.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Esthetician.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - The last book that I read was Theme Music by T. Marie Vandelly. I LOVE murder mystery.
What is your favorite movie? - Bridesmaids.
What is your favorite TV show? - Grey’s Anatomy- yes, I have seen all 20 seasons, TWICE.
What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? - The Isles Pub & Pizza.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 476-2300 | choicestreatmentcenter.net
I'veknownTomforalongtime!Always courteousandprofessional.Ournew treeslookgreat!!!!-ScottMausbach
is the oldest Tattoo Studio in Lincoln, with two generations of tattooists, father, and son, since 2013. Ray started his career in Lincoln in June 1983 and opened his first shop on South 10th Street in 1985. He has over 40 years of experience and a desire to produce artwork that has lasted a lifetime. The studio is situated in a small strip mall at the intersection of 13th and Arapaho, making it easily accessible with lots of parking. Ray has built an exceptional reputation in the community and has a helpful, clean, and stylish environment that provides their clients with an encounter to remember. Besides Ray and his son Dillon, Ray’s also boasts a super talented artist Rippy of Rippy’s Tattoos. With his many years of tattooing and fun personality it is a one of a kind experience to get tattooed in his office. Ray’s offers tattoos in different styles such as old school, new school, black and gray, color, watercolor and tribal.
Thank you for working with us!
HoriSun Hospice, Inc. in Lincoln is pleased to announce the addition of Marissa Weston, LPN as an On-Call Nurse to its team.
Weston graduated from Southeast Community College-Lincoln in 2015. She has worked for nine years as a Licensed Practical Nurse, the most recent two years in hospice. Weston enjoys helping families and patients on their end of life journey and can’t imagine doing anything else.
HoriSun Hospice believes that hospice care affirms life. Their mission and promise to their community is simple–to provide the best care possible, 24 hours a day, seven days a week for all whose lives are affected by a life limiting illness or condition. Comfort, compassion and caring are their guiding principles. Their vision is to be the most respected, compassionate and utilized hospice care provider, serving all people. HoriSun's purpose is to ensure the delivery of quality, safe and cost-effective hospice services to patients and their families.
For more information about HoriSun Hospice, visit www.horisunhospice. com, or call ( 402) 484-6444.
Ashley Wade, Intake Specialist, is a recent graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology. Her educational background provides a strong foundation in both the practical and human aspects of her work. At McGill Law, Ashley excels in client intake, ensuring each client's experience begins with professionalism and care. Her empathy and efficiency make her an invaluable asset to the team.
Outside of work, Ashley enjoys traveling, spending time with her friends and four daughters and immersing herself in crime shows.
Merri Johnson, Receptionist and Office Assistant, serves as the receptionist for both McGill Law offices and runs the front desk in Omaha, where she also serves as an office assistant. Born and raised in Blair, Nebraska, Merri pursued hairstyling at Stewarts School of Hairstyling and built a successful career in the salon industry, including two decades at Peels Salon Services. Her versatility and dedication make her an asset to McGill Law. Outside of work, Merri enjoys shopping, spending time with friends and family and indulging in reality TV.
McGill Law is delighted to have Ashley and Merri on its team, Their expertise and dedication will contribute to continued success. Visit McGill Law’s website at mcgilllawyers.com, or give them a call at (402) 548-5418.
Independent Living Assisted Living Short-term Respite
No one life is the same. We understand that here at Wyuka. We are here to serve your family.
Here at Wyuka, it is an honor to care and a privilege to serve. We’re Wyuka Funeral Home and Cemetery, a place of rest.
Lincoln’s HoriSun Hospice is pleased to announce the addition of Megan Burkey, RN, BSN, as a Visiting Nurse to its team!
Burkey has been a nurse since 2005, beginning in hospice as well as acute care. As she continued in the hospital setting, Burkey continued to value the role of hospice. Throughout her profession, she has had the opportunity to provide individualized care. Returning to hospice continues to allow Burkey to focus care on individual patients and provide meaningful support.
HoriSun Hospice believes that hospice care affirms life. Their mission and promise to their community is simple—to provide the best care possible, 24 hours a day, seven days a week for all whose lives are affected by a limiting illness or condition. Comfort, compassion and care are their guiding principles. For more information about Horisun Hospice, visit horisunhospice.com, or call (402) 484-6444.
Filament Essential Services is thrilled to announce the appointment of Randy Hawthorne as their new Director of Nonprofit Innovation and Education. Hawthorne brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the nonprofit sector, promising to be a transformative addition to their team.
Hawthorne joins from his recent role at Nelnet, but he is best known for his impactful contributions to the nonprofit community. As the Executive Director at Nonprofit Hub, he built a dynamic culture and curated speakers for Cause Camp, a nationally acclaimed conference attracting over 600 in-person attendees and many more virtually. Under his leadership, Nonprofit Hub emerged as a vital resource for educating and connecting nonprofit professionals across the country. In his new role, Hawthorne will spearhead the development of innovative programs and services tailored specifically for nonprofit organizations. His expertise will be instrumental in expanding Filament Essential Services’ reach and enhancing the support they provide to nonprofits.
“Having Randy join the team reinforces our passionate commitment to the nonprofit sector,” said Paul Durban, Assistant Vice President of Nonprofit Services. “With his leadership, we are in a great position to innovate and expand our offerings, ensuring that nonprofits have the essential tools and support they need to thrive in a challenging environment”
Filament Essential Services is dedicated to providing comprehensive support and innovative solutions to nonprofit organizations. Their mission is to empower nonprofits to achieve their goals through tailored programs, expert guidance and collaborative opportunities. To learn more contact Paul Durban at pauld@filamentservices.org or call at (402) 497-6663.
The Bridge Behavioral Health is thrilled to welcome Doug Headlee to the board of directors. Headlee currently serves as the Mental Health Response Coordinator with the Lincoln Police Department. As a lifelong Lincoln resident, Headlee looks forward to joining The Bridge’s Board of Directors and serving its clients, employees and fellow board members.
As he joins this dynamic group, Mario Rancicot ends his three-year term and Chris Jackson is ending her six-year term as a board member. Jackson also served as board president and secretary during her time. Both of their expertise will be greatly missed.
“Chris and Mario have dedicated several years of service to The Bridge Behavioral Health, and we are grateful for their steadfast leadership as the organization has evolved,” said Cathy Kottwitz, current board president at The Bridge. “Chris’s breadth of knowledge and commitment to continuous improvement have been valuable over the years. We appreciate both of their support and wish them the best,” she went on to say.
The Bridge Behavioral Health is open 24/7, 365 days a year. Their mission is to provide hope and a strong foundation for recovery through substance use and behavioral health intervention. Programs include detox and medically monitored withdrawal, respite, residential treatment, outpatient counseling and substance use evaluations. For more information, visit thebridgenebraska.org.
Strictly Business is delighted to welcome Rowan Havranek to the team as one of the magazine’s new Editorial Interns. As an Editorial Intern, Rowan will be responsible for proofing, writing copy and researching businesses loyal to Strictly Business.
Rowan is from small-town Ravenna, Nebraska and is an undergraduate student at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a major in English. On campus, she is highly involved in the University Honors Program and College of Arts and Sciences. She is also a copy editor for the campus newspaper, The Daily Nebraskan. In her free time, Rowan enjoys baking, reading, running, crocheting and spending time with friends and family. She loves to try new foods and watch new movies or television shows.
“I am excited to learn and grow my abilities with Strictly Business. I look forward practicing skills relevant to my major and future aspirations through the Editorial Intern position.”
Please help Strictly Business welcome Rowan Havranek! Rowan can be reached at the office at (402) 466-3330 or by email at office@ strictlybusinessomaha.com. To view monthly articles and stories on Lincoln businesses and other local professionals, go online to strictlybusiness.com.
Neemann & Sons, Inc. is excited to welcome Nicky Wood to the Neemann Team! As Neemann & Sons’ new Administrative Coordinator, Nicky will handle phone calls, insurance claims, greet customers and support Neemann’s sales and project teams. Neemann & Sons, Inc. is excited to have her skills!
Neemann & Sons, Inc. is a family-owned business specializing in roofing and exterior projects. Neemann & Sons, Inc. offers only the best quality projects and is committed to delivering the highest level of customer satisfaction on every project, which is why they are confident in offering customers its Five-Year Workmanship Warranty.
Neemann & Sons’ mission is to strive to build a better community one roof at a time. Neemann & Sons is passionate about helping local families, homeowners and businesses touch up, upgrade and redesign their homes and properties to meet their unique wants, styles and needs.
To learn more about Neemann & Sons’ quality services, visit neemannandsons.com. To contact Neemann & Sons, Inc., call (402) 423-4853, or email info@neemannandsons.com.
The Sandhills Global Youth Complex has announced the hiring of its inaugural complex director, Joe Fagler, and a 10-year agreement with the University of Nebraska for a practice field for NU baseball and softball.
In his position, Fagler oversees all complex operations including facility scheduling of local, regional and national tournaments, local youth programming and complex marketing. Fagler began his new role as complex director for the Sandhills Global Youth Complex on July 17.
“Joe was selected from an extensive pool of very qualified candidates. His lifelong love and engagement with baseball began with his involvement with the Babe Ruth Baseball League in 1992 here in Lincoln,” says Charlie Colon, Board Chair for the Sandhills Global Youth Complex.
“He graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University after being a four-year member of the NWU baseball team and has held numerous youth coaching positions throughout the city. We couldn’t be more excited to have Joe as our complex director,” Colon adds.
The non-profit Sandhill’s Global Youth Complex is a seven field all turfed complex that will host local, regional and national baseball and softball tournaments; home to Nebraska Wesleyan University’s baseball and softball teams; provide local youth baseball and softball instruction and programming; and be home to Homer’s Heroes a division of Lincoln Youth Baseball for boys and girls with physical or intellectual disabilities. To learn more, visit lincolnyouthcomplex.com.
Strictly Business is excited to announce Avery Carl to the team as one of the magazine’s new Editorial Interns. As an Editorial Intern, Avery will be responsible for proofing, writing and researching for the magazine.
Avery grew up in Omaha, Nebraska where she graduated from Westside High School. She is currently an English Major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with minors in both business and communication. She is involved in the university’s student runjournal, Laurus, where she is an editor and is consistently helping out in the school’s Emerging Media Arts program where she models and acts. In her free time, Avery enjoys hanging out at the library closest to her apartment and going to whatever concert she can. She can rarely be seen without a cup of coffee in her hand and is always looking for another book to read.
Please help Strictly Business welcome Avery Carl! Avery can be reached at the office at (402) 466-3330 or by email at office@ strictlybusinessomaha.com. To view monthly stories on Lincoln businesses and other local professionals, go online to strictly-business.com.
In May, Justin Sumpter joined Farris Engineering, Inc. as the newest electrical engineer in their Colorado Springs, CO office. A seasoned engineer, Justin holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and is a registered Professional Engineer (PE) and Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD).
He boasts a wealth of expertise, encompassing testing in high-voltage and high-current scenarios, controls, relaying, battery systems, VFDs, soft starters and breakers. With adept leadership skills, he has guided teams of technicians and engineers through the installation and commissioning of systems, prioritizing efficient outage management. His proficiency extends to NETA ATS and MTS, with a background spanning the data center and utility sectors.
Justin also brings a track record of success in industrial automation. Proficient in Allen-Bradley, electrical wiring, Modbus, power distribution and GE-Fanuc technologies, he has spearheaded teams comprising technicians, operators, electricians and pipefitters for oil and gas processing installations, commissioning and operations.
With a comprehensive understanding of NFPA, NEC, UFC and Icodes, Justin’s expertise in design is evident. He will collaborate closely with clients, utilities, vendors and contractors, facilitating the development and execution of various projects while ensuring an adherence to best practices and codes.
Farris Engineering is an industry leader in mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering with additional expertise in fire protection engineering, lighting design, building commissioning services, technology systems design and life safety systems engineering. To learn more, visit farris-usa.com.
Today, NE Chamber President Bryan Slone welcomed Hunter Traynor to the NE Chamber team. Traynor will serve as Government Affairs Manager and Associate General Counsel, providing policy research and analysis along with state and federal government affairs and internal legal work.
“Hunter’s experience in business and government law will serve as a strong asset for our research and advocacy efforts at the Chamber,” Slone said. “His dedication and focus will be invaluable in advancing Nebraska as the best place to own, operate and grow a business.”
A native of Elkhorn, Hunter most recently practiced law at Rembolt Ludtke LLP in Lincoln where his practice areas included business services, estate planning and administration, real estate and government.
Traynor earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln before graduating with highest distinction from the University Of Nebraska College Of Law.
The NE Chamber is the largest, statewide business association, proudly serving as the voice of Nebraska’s business community since 1912. The organization promotes and protects Nebraska’s free enterprise system by ensuring a competitive business climate, economic growth and greater prosperity for all Nebraskans. Learn more at nechamber.com.
This spring, Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) celebrated the retirement of Jim Gustafson, who served as the Director of Advancement and Gift Planning for many years before his most recent role as Gift Planning Advisor.
Gustafson joined NCF on a full-time basis in 2005. Prior to that, he worked with NCF as a consultant beginning in 1998. Gustafson’s work continues to have an incredible impact on the future of many Nebraska hometowns. Ogallala, McCook, Ord, Norfolk, Albion, Kimball, Ainsworth, Stuart, Bertrand, Byron, Imperial, Deshler, Seward, Pender, Burwell, Shickley, Nebraska City, Spencer, Diller, Lewiston, Columbus, Laurel, Ralston, Wallace and Hebron are just some of the dozens of communities where he has helped donors fulfill their dreams of building and sustaining stronger, more prosperous Nebraska hometowns. He has connected countless generous Nebraskans with the causes that matter to them most – from children’s dental health to community facilities, youth engagement, capitalizing community unrestricted endowments and much more.
“On behalf of all ambitious Nebraskans who belong to the NCF network, we thank Jim for his tireless efforts, patience, kindness, curiosity and passion for helping Nebraska be a place where our hometowns are achieving their dreams,” said Jeff Yost, NCF president and CEO. “Thousands of miles and thousands of conversations later, Jim leaves an indelible legacy with both our organization and his fellow Nebraskans for generations to come.”
Nebraska Community Foundation unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska. Headquartered in Lincoln, the Foundation serves communities, donors and organizations by providing financial management, strategic development, education and training to a statewide network of 1,500 volunteers serving more than 270 communities. Since 1994, Nebraska Community Foundation has reinvested $517 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For more information, visit NebraskaHometown.org.
Madonna Proactive is excited to announce Nurse Practitioners
Janelle Larsen and Sara LinderHittle have joined Madonna’s team. They are providing on-site emergency coverage for the program, meeting with patients and furthering patient education opportunities. Janelle and Sara will enhance the individualized patient experience that differentiates Madonna’s cardiac rehab program from others in Lincoln.
Janelle and Sara joined the team in Spring 2024, and after them one more will being joining the team! Madonna ProActive couldn’t be more excited to welcome them to their ever-growing team.
Madonna ProActive’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, an outpatient service of Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals, was developed as a holistic model, combining all aspects of a person’s wellbeing including social, emotional, spiritual and intellectual health, as well as physical health. Individuals will receive medical expertise in a supportive environment provided by a team who will work together to help them succeed. It’s an individual program designed to support patients are a heart related event, surgery, stent placement or possibly prevent the need for heart surgery for others. The Cardiac Rehabilitation program at Madonna ProActive has met the strict standards set by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation to promote health and prevent disease through AACVPR Program Certification. To learn more about the amazing things they do, or to join the team, visit proactive.madonna. org/additional-services/cardiac-rehabilitation.
Concrete Craft of Lincoln has performed a new initiative for not only their employees, but their customers and partners as well. As a team, they take safety precautions very seriously. This ensures that they are exceeding expectations for everyone who is a part of the project.
Their field operators, Gage and Alex, have completed the ten-hour OSHA training for the construction industry. The ten-hour OSHA training exercise is expected to be completed by all their field operators, while management completes the 30-hour
At Concrete Craft of Lincoln, they invest in their people. Safety is the most essential factor for their employees. As a team, they complete many residential projects, along with commercial projects throughout the year. Having that experience and knowledge allows them to go above and beyond for every project big or small. Safety isn’t just within commercial projects; they use the same training factors for all residential jobs. This allows them to broaden their expertise and push themselves to give every customer the best experience possible.
Concrete Craft is dedicated to giving the best product and service for the fairest price. Their goal is to become a household name in the decorative concrete category. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, visit their website at concretecraft.com.
Christian Record Services for the Blind (CRS) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Tandi Perkins as the new Director of Development. Dr. Perkins brings with her a wealth of experience in the non-profit sector, having served with distinction for over five years as the Director of Development for the Alaska Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Dr. Perkins’ expertise in major gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation grants will be invaluable as CRS continues to expand its outreach and services. Her passion for philanthropy and her commitment to service align perfectly with the organization's mission to empower individuals with visual impairments.
"We are delighted to welcome Dr. Perkins," said Diane Thurber, president at Christian Record Services. "Her excellent communication and analytical skills are tremendous strengths to help advance our mission."
Perkins expressed her enthusiasm about joining Christian Record Services, stating, "I am passionate about this mission and will strive to build strong, new relationships with new and existing CRS supporters."
For more information about Christian Record Services and its programs, visit www.christianrecord.org, or contact the office at (402) 488-0981 or info@christianrecord.org.
Christian Record Services, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with visual impairments through various services, programs and publications.
Join True North Technologies in congratulating its Head of Web Development, Dylan Kirk, who has been with True North Technologies since the beginning! Kirk’s dedication, creativity and hard work have been instrumental in True North Technologies’ success. Thank you for being an invaluable part of our journey. Here's to many more years of innovation and excellence together!
True North Technologies’ purpose is to cultivate people, businesses and communities, helping any client create a buzz around their business with a clear and compelling message. True North Technologies is very knowledgeable in the industry, so there is no challenge too big or too small. True North Technologies’ team dedicates itself to every project.
“True North is your fixed point in a spinning world that helps you stay on track and stay true to who you are,” says Founder and CEO Renee Sobotka. “It’s derived from your most deeply held beliefs, values, and principles. It is your internal compass, unique to you, representing who you are at your deepest level.”
To see True North Technologies’ solutions to websites, branding, search engine optimization, social media management, mobile app development and much more, visit go-tnt.com. For further personalized support, contact True North Technologies at hello@ go-tnt.com or (402) 420-5101.
Speedway Motors, a manufacturer, retailer and distributor of highquality automotive parts and racing products, announced today their sponsorship of Loni Unser for the 2024 race season.
Loni Unser’s first racing career win was in 2018 at the WRL sevenand-eight-hour endurance race followed but wins in 2020 where she secured the Eastern Championship at World Racing League. In 2021 she became the first female to finish in the top 10 in back-to-back races at St. Petersburg in the Mazda MX-5 Cup. In 2022, Unser secured the National Championship in the World Racing League.
“Loni Unser hails from one of the most storied families in automotive and racing history,” said Carson Smith of Speedway Motors family ownership team and Director of the Museum of American Speed. “Dozens of members of the Unser family have raced on Pikes Peak dating back to their first run in 1926, followed by their first win in 1934. We’ve had racing partnerships with members of the Unser family for over 38 years and are excited to sponsor Loni for her 2024 race season.”
Speedway Motors has a long history of partnering with the Unser family and racing history at Pikes Peak. Carson Smith designed the “Winged Wonder,” which Robby Unser piloted in the PPIHC winning in 1992 and ’94. Next, Smith designed a Chevrolet Motorsportsbacked S-10 pickup, which won the PPIHC truck class in 1995 and ’96 running for the Herzog’s. After Chevrolet introduced an all-new Corvette, Smith created a 1998 version of the Pikes Peak Corvette pace car which ran in the unlimited class.
For more information visit MuseumofAmericanSpeed. org or SpeedwayMotors.com.
Operations Manager Connor Paul of Lincoln Demolition & Excavation (LDE) received his State of Nebraska certification as Journeyman Installer for Septic and Lagoon systems. This is now the second person within the company to receive their septic license, following Owner Jake Metz of who obtained his Master’s license.
This license allows Lincoln Demolition & Excavation to have two septic crews installing at the same time, allowing LDE to take on more septic and lagoon projects, while still being able to perform all the required inspection, percolation testing, designing, installation, repair and coordination that is needed to install a septic or lagoon system per state statute.
LDE is prepared and excited to be the solution to all septic and lagoon maintenance, repair, installation and replacements. If one is in need of LDE’s services, let them know today to begin the worry-free process of ensuring every system is operating efficiently, so there aren’t any catastrophes backing up a home or business!
To see a full list of LDE’s services or to request an estimate, visit lincolndemoandex.com, or call (402) 867-6152.
In its more than 30 years of service, Fresh Start has helped over 1,900 women. In 1991, Joyce Burgess helped start Fresh Start, an organization that helps women experiencing homelessness. She’s quoted as saying “It began when I opened my doors to a young woman needing help. Then, it just grew from there. I’m so happy to hear how many women have been helped since”
Now, she is celebrating her 99th birthday at the Residence at Gramercy surrounded by friends and family. One of the best ways one can celebrate your birthday.
Find the best long-term care solutions for an aging family member at The Residence at Gramercy. They help your loved one thrive within a loving community providing exceptional care so you can go back to living your own life without worry. A move to Assisted Living at the community provides the opportunity to explore a new way of life; one that offers new beginnings of all kinds—engaging new friendships and enriching activities built around small group involvement. They are here to make the transition from home to their community as easy and stress-free as possible.
The Residence at Gramercy is focused on delivering excellence in all they do. They are dedicated to helping everyone achieve better health by offering an ideal combination of clinical and therapeutic outcomes and personal wellness goals. Lean more at theresidenceatgramercy.com or call (402) 483-1010.
Nebraska Health Care Association (NHCA) announced that Chris Ulven of Rose Blumkin Jewish Home in Omaha, Neb., has been selected by American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) as a future leader in long-term and post-acute care. Ulven will participate in AHCA/NCAL’s Future Leaders program, which provides year-long training and mentorship for professionals in long-term and post-acute care.
As executive director of Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, Ulven directs the 105-bed skilled nursing facility’s day-to-day operations. Ulven is a licensed nursing home administrator with 20 years of experience in senior living and has been with Rose Blumkin Jewish Home for more than 12 years.
Nebraska Health Care Association is the parent to Nebraska Nursing Facility Association (NNFA) and Nebraska Assisted Living Association (NALA), as well as an accredited college and a charitable foundation. NNFA and NALA collectively represent 400 nonprofit and proprietary nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Nebraska. Learn more about Nebraska Health Care Association at nehca.org.
Husker Rehab (huskerrehab. com) is excited to congratulate these student physical therapy technicians! As valued team members, they have helped to provide excellent customer service and will continue on to do great work in the medical community as they move on. Husker Rehab is proud to have played a small part in the lives of these students and looks forward to seeing what the students’ futures hold.
Elizabeth (Liz) Stacey graduated from UNL with a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition Health Sciences and will be attending UNMC/Omaha this fall in the Doctorate of Occupational Therapy Program.
Ruby Kulowitz graduated from UNL with a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition Health Sciences and will be attending UNMC/Omaha campus this fall in the Doctorate of Occupational Therapy Program.
Riley Masten graduated from UNL with a bachelor’s degree in Education and Human Sciences. Riley will continue her education at UNL while she completes her eligibility, competing on the UNL Women’s Track and Field team in high jump and short sprints.
Claire Walls graduated from UNL with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences. Claire will be attending the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program at University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, Dallas, Texas.
Joseph Dickmeyer graduated from UNL with a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition Health Sciences.
Hunter Hoatson graduated from UNL with a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Health Sciences. Hunter will be attending UNMC/ Kearney campus this fall in the Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program.
Husker Rehab proudly offers therapy services in five clinics in four different Nebraska cities, serving physicians and their patients with unique, highly-intensive, highly-customized rehabilitation, wellness and preventative care therapies that make a difference in people’s lives. They listen to every patient’s needs and desires, analyze the problem and figure out ways to get people moving again. For more information about Husker Rehab and their services, visit huskerrehab.com.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Lincoln is proud to announce and welcome Amber C. Nore as the new Director of Community Engagement.
Amber will serve as lead strategist for fund development, working to create a multiyear plan for increasing voluntary revenue and community and corporate engagement with the agency to inform and support plans for growth and sustainability at the BBBS Lincoln agency.
“Amber's appointment as our new Director of Community Engagement marks a pivotal moment for Big Brothers Big Sisters. With her passion for empowering youth and her proven track record in fostering meaningful connections within our communities, we anticipate a transformative impact under her leadership. Her dedication to our mission will undoubtedly strengthen our reach, ensuring that more young lives are positively impacted and empowered for a brighter future," said Nichole Turgeon, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands.
Amber brings more than 20 years of experience in management to the new role. Most recently, she was a Top 5 Finalist for “Excellence in Non Profit” in the Lincoln Inspire Awards.
Amber says, “It is an honor to join a team that has such a positive impact on our community! I am delighted to bring my excitement for making connections and building engagement to serve the youth and mentors we support!”
To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters Lincoln, please visit www.BBBSLincoln.org.
At McGill Law, we are a female-focused law firm that understands the unique challenges women face during divorce. Recognizing that this is often the most difficult time in a woman’s life, we are here to provide support. We have built a team of the best divorce attorneys to serve families in Nebraska and Western Iowa, focusing not only on their legal issues but also on their relationships and future.
McGill Law guides you through your law matters with care, experience, and compassion. Our goal is to achieve the best and most peaceful outcome for you and your family. With McGill Law on your side, you will be supported by knowledgeable and understanding attorneys dedicated to your needs. We specialize in respectful, empowered divorces and adoptions and also provide juvenile and estate law services. Every client is treated with dignity and respect, ensuring effective representation.
Our expertise and integrity have earned us a reputation as one of the best family law firms in Nebraska and Iowa. We maintain a consistent track record of uncompromising ethics, instilling confidence and trust in our clients.
At McGill Law, we do things differently.
Our focus is on collaborative divorce and law, collaborative mediation, and divorce mediation—out-of-court methods that keep decisions in the hands of the individuals involved. These approaches to divorce are often quicker, easier, and less costly than traditional litigation. They minimize conflict between the divorcing parties and focus on the well-being of the children. Our techniques lessen the impact of divorce on the families involved, often leading to continued strong family relationships post-divorce. We also help parents learn to co- parent effectively with specialized communication techniques.
We are constantly inspired by the resilience and strength of the women and families that we serve and work with. With our guidance, you will feel more empowered than ever.
We have your back.
(402) 458-5418 • mcgilllawyers.com •info@McGillLawyers.com
More than 11,000 Nebraskans will be diagnosed with cancer this year. The Heartland Cancer Foundation’s mission is to provide practical and immediate financial assistance to eligible cancer patients in the community, so they can focus on what matters most, healing.
If YOU are passionate about supporting local cancer patients who are struggling with both a cancer diagnosis and financial hardship, YOU can get involved by sponsoring one of HCF’s signature events or by becoming an Impact Partner, having a presence at events year-round.
Help fulfill HCF’s strategic mission to expand into the Omaha area to help even more patients.
Other ways to show support include volunteering, joining the Impact Guild, setting up a recurring gift or including HCF as a beneficiary in your legacy plans.
Chances are, cancer has had an impact on your life. Learn more and reach out at heartlandcancerfoundation.org.
S²age Living opened its doors to the public to introduce a new era of community at its Grand Open House and ribbon cutting event.
The first-of-its-kind-in-the-nation complex—an intentional and accessible home for seniors (55+) and college of health sciences students—had a ribbon cutting event featuring Tabitha speakers and local leaders integral to the creation of S²age: Aubrey Paulsen, Director of S²age; Brian Shanks, Tabitha President & CEO; Dr. Alethea Stovall, Dean of Students at Bryan College of Health Sciences; and Jason Ball, President at the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce.
“Who and what you choose to surround yourself with truly matters. Today, you will all see firsthand what makes S²age such a special, unique place to call home,” said Paulsen, before sharing a poem lovingly titled “The Heart of Connection.” Written by Orville Jank, one of the first S²age residents, one of the lines reads “Oh, I’ll never exchange my new home at the S²age, ‘til the Earth and all the stars disappear.”
The gathering area, “Circle in the Square” was aglow with connection, and after the ribbon was cut, local folk band Little Thunder set the tone with live music. Visitors explored S²age and indulged in various activities, including several hors d’oeuvres and refreshment stations from The Venue, wellness tips and giveaways in the fitness center, and self-guided tours through three apartment floorplans.
“Miraculous things are happening at S²age as we speak,” said Shanks. “With the collaboration of the steering committee, generous donors and Bryan Health, Tabitha has introduced a solution to the loneliness epidemic that both seniors and college students face. We cannot wait to see the results of the research and studies we’ll conduct on this new model of living, as well as the meaningful intergenerational relationships that will be born because of it.”
Limited space is available. To learn more, view floorplans and take a digital tour, visit Tabitha.org/LiveAtSage.
Diving into July with temperatures rising, Fresh Start is excited to announce a special treat for their residents, a refreshing pool party! It's the perfect opportunity for residents to beat the heat and continue bonding with each other, their family and friends. To make this event even more special, Fresh Start is seeking donations of bottled drinking water, snacks, new and gently used swimsuits in various sizes (sizes 8-4XL), beach towels and sunscreen. Any and all support makes all the difference, so Fresh Start hopes to make a splash together!
Fresh Start is passionate about championing women experiencing homelessness. Their mission is to be the women’s trusty sidekicks on the adventure to self-sufficiency. For more information or how one can get involved with the pool party or in other ways, visit freshstarthome.org, or contact LaCresha Brooks, Development Coordinator, at (402) 475-7777 or Lacreshab@freshstarthome.org.
The 13th annual Give to Lincoln Day on May 30 raised more than $8.5 million for 463
local nonprofits – the highest amount raised in the event’s history. The funds are designated to help support charitable organizations that serve Lincoln and Lancaster County. All participating nonprofits will receive a proportional share of a record $650,000 match fund based upon the organization’s percentage of the total dollars raised, provided by LCF and sponsors including Presenting Sponsor, West Gate Bank.
“Give to Lincoln Day is about inspiring our community to give, and Lincoln gave in a big way,” said Alec Gorynski, LCF President/CEO. “This incredible display of generosity for our local nonprofits means more meals, more access, more help and more hope. While setting a new record is to be applauded, it’s the many ways in which our community shows up and lends their support that matter.”
More than 25,000 donations were received for the 13th annual Give to Lincoln Day. The event has raised more than $65.5 million for local nonprofits in its 12-year history.
For more information and to see gifts received for each nonprofit, visit GiveToLincoln.com.
Match Sponsors include: West Gate Bank (Presenting Sponsor), ABC Electric, ALLO Fiber, Assurity Life Foundation, Rich Bailey, Jan & John Blumer, D.A. Davidson & Co., Davis Design, Frontier Bank, Jeff & Judy Greenwald, HBE LLP, The Hsin & Chao Families, Kile & Cuz Johnson, Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., Kubly Family Foundation, Lutz, Mail Management Services, Inc., JoAnn & Derrel Martin Charitable Fund, Jim McKee and Linda Hillegass, The Family of J. Gates & Daisy Minnick, Olsson, Pepsi Cola of Lincoln, Pinnacle Bank, Runza National, William J. Mueller & Kim M. Robak, Sampson Construction Company, Inc., Joe W. & Ruth K. Seacrest Foundation Fund, Tom & Lisa Smith, Dr. Gene & Kristen Stohs, Ronald & Camilla Svoboda, Talent Plus Inc, Mark H. Tallman, Bill & Mae Whitmer Family Fund and WRK Family Foundation.
The Lincoln Community Foundation, established in 1955, strives to continually enrich the Lincoln community by promoting and achieving perpetual philanthropic support. The Foundation has distributed more than $238 million in grants to nonprofit organizations that have improved the lives of thousands of residents.
Every child deserves hope.
CASA for Lancaster County is seeking volunteers. A training session for new volunteers is set to begin on August 6. This is a six-week training course held on Tuesday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. All training sessions will be held at CASA for Lancaster County, 1141 H St., STE C on the third floor.
CASA volunteers are trained community advocates who are assigned to abused/ neglected children who are in Juvenile Court through no fault of their own. CASA volunteers have a court order that gives them access to the child and to all their records so that the CASA volunteer can gather information and determine the needs of the child. This is done by interviewing all interested and concerned parties to determine the facts and reviewing all records and documents.
CASA volunteers get to know the child and they communicate the child’s needs and wishes to the judge. CASA volunteers are required to attend approximately 30 hours of pre-service training and 12 hours of in-service (continuing education) annually and are supervised by a CASA staff person.
Last year, 123 CASA volunteers advocated for the best interests of 316 children, they trained 32 new volunteers and 126 children had their case closed. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer or about CASA for Lancaster County, go to casa4lancaster.org/what_you_can_do/volunteer.html.
Vision Maker Media and The Ross Media Arts Center
Native American Film Series 2024 celebrates comedian Charlie Hill’s birthday with screenings of Harold of Orange and On and Off the Res’ w/Charlie Hill. In Harold of Orange, poet Gerald Vizenor’s screenplay draws on trickster myths common to many Native Nations to create a contemporary satire which dispels many Hollywood stereotypes. On and Off the Res documents the art of stand-up comedy and Native humor through the experiences of Charlie Hill.
The screening takes place Monday, July 8, at 7:10 p.m. at The Ross Media Arts Center. Admission is free and open to the public. For all shows and times, visit theross.org or the Ross hot line at (402) 4725353.
The Native American Film Series features artist profiles, musical performances, family stories and documentaries on historical figures and traditions. Screenings in this monthly series will take place the second Monday of each month in 2024.
The Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center brings independent, documentary, international and classic films to Lincoln and the University community. Located at 13th and R St., The Ross shows movies seven days a week and hosts events including visiting filmmaker talks, post-show discussions, theatre and opera broadcasts and film festivals. Vision Maker Media envisions a world changed and healed by understanding Native stories and the public conversations they generate. For more information, visit visionmakermedia.org.
Clinic With a Heart (CWH) is celebrating 20 years of providing free health care to the citizens of Lancaster County and surrounding areas. They believe “everyone's health matters”. They serve patients who are under-insured or have no insurance. In 2023, CWH completed 1,577 medical exams, almost 900 dental exams and extractions and nearly 400 free school physicals for students who enrolled for the next academic year.
Our current list of services includes: medical, dental, mental health, chiropractic, vision, pain management, hypertension, physical therapy, dermatology and podiatry. CWH earned its third national gold star award for excellence for exemplary medical care awarded by the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics. CWH is located at 1701 South 17th. Patients must call (402) 421-2924 to make an appointment. Nancy Johner is the executive director and Tonya Maloy is the director of clinic operations.
Clinic With a Heart serves people who are uninsured and uninsured through a ministry of healthcare. They provide free healthcare with hospitality, dignity and grace. They serve as a gateway to other human service agencies helping them in finding an appropriate healthcare home. To learn more about Clinic With a Heart’s mission visit clinicwithaheart.org.
In collaboration with the Downtown Lincoln Association, the YMCA of Lincoln is excited to announce the return of the 8th Annual Railyard Rims on August 2-3. This 3-on-3 basketball tournament will once again transform the streets of the Railyard into a lively arena, where players will compete for more than just hardware.
Tournament proceeds will directly benefit the YMCA of Lincoln’s Annual Fundraising Campaign, a vital initiative that powers critical programs and activities that keep kids safe, people healthy and families strong. In 2023, the Lincoln Y provided over $750,000 in financial assistance to over 1,200 families so they could experience programs ranging from basketball and preschool to swim lessons and senior activities.
The tournament promises an unmatched experience for participants and spectators alike. On Friday night, August 2, the Adult Cup will showcase teams from varying skill levels, while the Youth Cup will take center stage on Saturday, August 3. Each team is guaranteed four games, with a maximum of 24 teams in the Adult Cup and 32 teams in the Youth Cup.
“The opportunity to host this event not only activates downtown, but it raises awareness for the Y so they can continue introducing life changing programs to youth, families, and seniors in our community,” shared Todd Ogden, president & CEO of the Downtown Lincoln Association.
Team registration is now open at RailyardRims.com.
One of Lincoln’s largest nonprofit organizations focusing on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA of Lincoln has served the community for over 150 years—promoting positive values through programs that build spirit, mind, and body for all. For more information, visit YMCALincoln.org.
On June 7, over 100 golfers were brought together at Hidden Valley Golf Course to participate in Junior Achievement of Lincoln’s (JA) annual golf event. Participants enjoyed a sunny day filled with friendly competition, networking and fun, all while supporting JA's mission to inspire and prepare young people for economic success. Thanks to the generous support of JA’s sponsors and participants, JA raised significant funds to support their educational programs, ensuring a brighter future for their youth.
Looking ahead to the fall season, JA is excited to announce the JA Hall of Fame Dinner and Auction, scheduled for Friday, September 27 at the Cornhusker Hotel! This annual event is set to be a highlight of the year, featuring JA’s first class of Hall of Fame laureates, exciting live and silent auctions and inspiring stories from Junior Achievement students who have benefited from JA’s programs. The funds raised from the event will directly support JA’s efforts to provide critical financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship education to students across Lincoln.
Tickets, tables and sponsorships are now available for purchase. Join the mission to empower the next generation to achieve their dreams. Any and all support is greatly appreciated!
Click the link for more information: lincoln.ja.org/events/juniorachievement-hall-of-fame-dinner-and-auction.
Learning to drive is a significant milestone in a teenager's life. It brings a sense of freedom and independence but also a tremendous level of responsibility. Ensuring that teen drivers receive proper education and training is crucial for their safety and the safety of others on the road. Studies show that participation in a driver education course leads to fewer crashes and violations.
The primary goal of driver education is to teach teens the rules of the road and safe driving practices. A structured driver education program provides a supportive environment where teens can gain confidence behind the wheel. The Nebraska Safety Council (NESC) is dedicated to the safety of all Nebraskans and provides a discount for members and their families to make driver education affordable.
“Our organization was founded to help keep Nebraskans safe on the road. Our driver education training program is a first step in developing the habits to be a safe, courteous and defensive driver,” says Executive Director, John Lefler, Jr.
Lefler encourages those wishing to participate in NESC Driver Training programs to visit the driving page at nesafetycouncil.org to learn more about member discounts and scholarships. To learn more and register, visit nesafetycouncil.org.
The Nebraska Safety Council is a 501 (c)(3). Their mission is to provide education and leadership to empower Nebraskans to live safely and healthily. They offer comprehensive programs, training courses, events and services that are designed to improve employee care at a desk, on the production floor, behind the wheel and on the job. To learn more or to sign up for a membership today, visit nesafetycouncil.org, call (402) 483-2511 or email info@nesafetycouncil.org.
Mosaic will celebrate its 111th birthday on July 1. They will be hosting a celebration at Van Dorn Park at S 9th St and Van Dorn St. After over a hundred years in service, Linda Timmons, Mosaic’s President and CEO is quoted saying, “Mosaic is no longer a place you go, but instead is something you are a part of.”
Mosaic started helping people in the late 70s, those who chose to move from campus settings and get out of state-run institutions could move into community settings along with the help of Bethphage and Martin Luther Home. In the 80s, both organizations started offering a new model, which today is commonly known as Shared Living or Host Homes. Today, Mosaic calls it Mosaic at home, and it has become their largest 24-hour residential service.
Now, Mosaic serves more than 1,700 people through Mosaic at Home shared living, and they continue to change the lives of hundreds of people through their work and dedication. The stories you hear about Mosaic continue to encourage, affirm and brighten the hearts of their workforce. They keep finding more ways to increase people’s choices and independence. They’re working hard to give people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the same opportunities that anyone would expect in life.
Each person is made better because of it. Learn more about Mosaic and their mission at mosaicinfo.org.
Every June, Lincoln TeamMates hosts a celebratory breakfast to honor the dedicated mentors of graduating senior students. These remarkable mentors have journeyed alongside their mentees, often from as early as 3rd or 4th grade, all the way through high school graduation.
The Graduate Lincoln/Single Barrel was the key to making the celebration special. The Single Barrel provided delicious breakfast foods that brought great compliments from the honored Mentors. Jaime Johnson, catering manager, expressed her excitement about the event, “Single Barrel and Graduate Lincoln are proud to provide breakfast for the Teammates Mentoring Program of Lincoln for the End of the Year Celebration.”
As people ate fabulous food, mentors received great kudos. Graduated mentees, school facilitators and TeamMates staff all praised the mentors for their years of dedication to their mentor/ mentee relationship.
Johnson who personally delivered the breakfast concluded, “We know that organizations like the Teammates Mentoring Program help make Lincoln the great community it is. We are happy to play a small part in recognizing these volunteers by providing breakfast for their dedication to Lincoln's youth.”
TeamMates would love to partner with other hospitality/food-based businesses. Lincoln TeamMates Coordinator, Jim Bennett, would be happy to talk about the possibilities. Please contact him at jbennett@ lps.org or (402) 436-1990. For more information about TeamMates and becoming a mentor, please visit LincolnTeammates.org.
CenterPointe is hosting a back-toschool bash on July 10. Join them for a FREE family-friendly event to learn more about CenterPointe’s youth healthcare services, including back to school physicals. There will be a performance by The String Beans, and food available for purchase by the Marshall Dogs Hot Dog Cart and Kona Ice. There will also be booths hosted by CenterPointe, Tobacco Free Lancaster County, Family Service Lincoln, Lincoln Public Library and Lincoln Pediatric Dentistry and Cedars. It’s located in the WellBeing Garden at the CenterPointe Campus for Health and WellBeing at 11th and South Streets.
CenterPointe has grown to include over forty programs including mental health and substance use, primary care services, rehabilitation, medication management, 24-hour crisis response and housing. CenterPointe serves all ages and offers a sliding fee scale for income eligible participants. To learn more about CenterPointe and the Backto-School Bash, visit centerpointe.org or call at (402) 475-5161.
Branched Oak Observatory is an astronomy park located southeast of the Branched Oak Recreation Area, 20 miles outside of Lincoln. Not only is this a short, convenient trip outside the city, but it is also far enough away to enjoy the natural, dark beauty of the sky. The Observatory's Mission is to progressively grow into a top-notch astronomy education facility.
Once or twice a month, the Branched Oak Observatory is open to the general public and students of Astronomy. Thanks to the help and assistance of local astronomers, Branched Oak Observatory sets up a variety of telescopes to explore and enjoy the magic of the night sky. Public events are always free of charge! Astronomy enthusiasts are always invited to join in on the fun for any advertised public star party. One can set up his/her/their own equipment and share expertise!
Branched Oak Observatory is excited to announce new summertime hours on Friday and Saturday nights from 7 to 11 p.m. and “SUN”day nights from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., effective Friday, May 31 through Sunday, August 18.
To check out all of Branched Oak Observatory’s events or become a volunteer, visit www.theboo.org. Follow them on Facebook (facebook. com/branchedoakobservatory/).
Nebraska Diaper Bank is excited to announce volunteer opportunities for groups in Lincoln. Business and community groups can schedule a volunteer wrap session and make a difference by preparing babyready diaper bundles at Nebraska Diaper Bank’s Lincoln location. Volunteers will open diaper boxes, count and wrap diapers to make Nebraska Diaper Bank’s monthly diaper supplements. Nebraska Diaper Bank serves 800 babies a month in Lincoln, so all wrapped diapers make a direct impact for local families. Nebraska Diaper Bank also hosts mobile wraps. Businesses or clients sponsor the diapers, donate their time and Nebraska Diaper Bank comes to any location! If one isn’t able to volunteer, one can still get involved by hosting a diaper drive. Gather coworkers, friends or family to collect diapers and raise awareness. Download the toolkit on Nebraska Diaper Bank’s website at nebraskadiaperbank.org.
Clean, dry diapers are necessary to the health and well being of growing babies, yet many families struggle to provide enough diapers for their child’s needs. Diapers are not covered by any federal program such as SNAP, WIC or Medicaid. For families who stretch every dollar, the extra burden of $80 plus for diapers every month can be the breaking point. Diapers reduce family stress and help parents go to work. Last year, Nebraska Diaper Bank distributed over 2.8 million diapers to 10,784 babies, and they are on track to distribute 3.5 million diapers in 2024.
Call (402) 557-8205 or email mikaela@nebraskadiaperbank. org to schedule a diaper wrap volunteer session or a mobile wrap. Lincoln wraps will be held at Center for People, 3901 N 27th Street.
Learn more about Nebraska Diaper Bank as a nonprofit at nebraskadiaperbank.org.
The Arc of Lincoln is busy in July. July 10 is their Journey of Hope Celebration, where Fraternity Brothers of Pi Kappa Phi and The Ability Experience, an organization who support people with disabilities and develop the men of Pi Kappa Phi, will be biking across America! They will stop in Lincoln on July 10, and The Arc of Lincoln wants to line up along West O St. to welcome them as they ride into town. To learn more visit abilityexperience.org.
Also on July 10, The Arc of Lincoln is hosting the Journey of Hope Dance at the Eastridge Presbyterian Church from 6 to 8 p.m. The dance is a fun opportunity for bikers to celebrate with Arc of Lincoln’s self-advocates. The event’s beats is provided by Complete Music, and a light supper can be purchased for just five dollars.
Then on July 26, they are also hosting a Disability Empowerment Night at The Saltdogs. They are planning a Family Fun Night supporting all persons with disabilities and their families and honoring the memory of Damian Olander, a huge fan of baseball and fireworks. There are FREE VIP tickets for those with disabilities and family member guests. There are a limited number of tickets available! Reserve your seat today! To have your ticket purchase counted towards the fundraiser; go to saltdogs.com/ARCLS to reserve your seats today! Enter promo code “ARCLS” at checkout to receive two dollars off per ticket
If you can help sponsor these events and help cover the costs of the tickets to just allow families to have fun and not worry about finances, please email Jennifer at director@arcoflincoln.org if you can help sponsor some families.
Goodwill Industries Serving Southeast Nebraska, Inc. partnered with three universities for their annual Campus Move-Out Drive, helping students declutter during and after spring semester finals. This year, students from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Concordia University and Nebraska Wesleyan University donated a total of 15,173 pounds of items to Goodwill!
When students donate to Goodwill, they help change lives through the power of work. The revenue from Goodwill’s thrift stores in Lincoln and York helps fund local programs that assist job seekers as they overcome barriers to employment. In 2023 alone, Goodwill served over 5,000 individuals with employment-related services, such as job skills training, mentorship, mock interviews and more. Thanks to community donors, Goodwill also diverted over 1.4 million pounds of materials from the local landfill. Goodwill is grateful for support from organizations like UNL, Concordia and Wesleyan that make this impact possible. For 92 years, Goodwill Industries Serving Southeast Nebraska, Inc. has been strengthening the Lincoln community by providing services for individuals who face barriers to employment and by offering residents a year-round outlet for donating clothing, electronics, and household items. To learn more about Goodwill, follow them on Facebook (@LincolnGoodwill) or visit www. lincolngoodwill.org.
Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach is hosting the 28th annual Huskers Helping the Homeless event the weekend of September 20, and they need more volunteers on their team! This event raises awareness and critical funding for the organization’s hunger relief and homelessprevention services, which are offered 365 days a year.
Volunteers are needed to accept monetary donations downtown on Friday, September 20, before Nebraska’s football game against the Fighting Illini, as well as at stores throughout Lincoln from Thursday, September 19 to Saturday, September 21. There are many half-hour shifts available throughout the three-day event at a variety of locations. Groups can also volunteer at their pre-game or tailgate celebrations. Volunteers are provided donation buckets, signs, t-shirts and online donation and Venmo codes.
To volunteer, visit mtko.org/events, or contact Jenn Boettcher at (402) 817-0615 or jenn.boettcher@mtko.org. Go Big Red!
The mission of Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach is to relieve hunger, overcome homelessness, address addiction and provide outreach and advocacy. Last year, Matt Talbot provided over 250,000 meals and 50,000 homeless-prevention services such as housing, drug and alcohol evaluations, life skills classes and help with obtaining vital identification documents. Learn more at mtko.org.
The American Red Cross critically needs blood and platelet donors now following a concerning decrease in donations as the country has experience an increase in severe weather systems and historical travel. Over the past month, about 20,000 fewer donations were collected than needed to maintain the Red Cross national blood supply.
With the dramatic increase in travel comes an increase in autorelated accidents and your donation could mean that hospitals have life-saving blood products on hand for all the trauma and accident victims who count on transfusions when there is no time to waste.
“Emergencies take many forms – some arising in a hospital and others arising as relentless and devastating storms,” said Jill Orton, regional executive of the Red Cross Nebraska-Iowa Region. “Unfortunately, our community has been no stranger to emergencies these past several weeks, but when I witness our communities come together – at a blood drive or after a disaster – I see us growing stronger. Together, we can provide help and hope that is very much needed right now.”
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood and teaches skills that save lives. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross. org or CruzRojaAmericana.org.
On August 3, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the People’s City Mission Help Center, People’s City Mission will be handing out backpacks full of school supplies for children, youth and families in need (6800 P Street). This drive-thru event is open to the public, but to participate, shoppers must have a Clarity card. These cards can be acquired at the Help Center on Tuesdays from 9 to 11 a.m.
Christ Place Church will also be hosting a private event just for shelter guests only; this includes backpacks and school supplies, as well as new shoes and free haircuts. People’s City Mission wants all its kids to be well prepared for their first day of school.
People’s City Mission is grateful to Christ Place for many years of helping its kids and families feel special!
To help prepare a child or youth for the new school year, drop off new or gently used backpacks and school supplies to either of People’s City Mission locations during the month of July. New or gently used adult backpacks are always in need as well.
If one is in need of school supplies, visit People’s City Mission’s website calendar for details about distribution at the Help Center (pcmlincoln. org). For donation information, visit pcmlincoln.org/donate.
On Monday, August 5, Hillcrest Country Club of Lincoln will host the 28th annual Catholic Social Services Memorial Golf Classic and Cookout, a major fundraiser for the programs of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS).
This year's event is in memory of Bill Seiler, a longtime friend of CSS. Last year, 276 golfers participated in the tournament. Through the generosity of golfers, donors and sponsors, last year’s event raised a net amount of over $108,000 for the programs and services of CSS. For information on the numerous sponsorship opportunities for the 28th annual Catholic Social Services Memorial Golf Class and Cookout, visit csshope.org or call (402) 430-5626.
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska is the charitable arm of the Diocese of Lincoln, serving all people regardless of faith in the southern third of Nebraska. Their services cover 24,000 square miles, offering charitable assistance through the food market and meal services, emergency services, refugee resettlement and immigration help, Gift & Thrift stores, family and individual counseling services, St. Gianna Women’s Homes and emergency housing.
The American Heart Association (AHA) is hosting their annual Heart Walk on Saturday, August 24. The Heart Walk has always been a great way to get moving while socializing with friends, family and coworkers leading up to and on the day of the event. The event takes place in Antelope Park, 1630 Memorial Drive, and has both a 1 and 3-mile option. Check-in beings at 7:30 a.m. and the walk being at 9 a.m. and they would love to see you there!
When you sign up to participate in the Heart Walk, you are contributing to, witnessing and progressing life-saving science all while having an amazing experience. Join the millions of walkers today! Nothing brings a team together like doing a good deed. Signing up for the Heart Walk is all about coming together, getting hearts pumping, honoring survivors, raising lifesaving funds and having fun along the way. Register now at Heart.org/LincolnHeartWalk or email them at Ella.Salem@heart.org.
The American Heart Association has been around for almost 100 years, it’s the largest and oldest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. They are committed to protecting the hearts you love. Together, they are saving lives in your community and across the nation.
You read that right. Hickman Hay Days Car Show is being hosted by the volunteers of the Husker Fans Salute the Troops Foundation. All proceeds from the car show will be going to support the 2024 Husker Salute weekend, where up to 100 veterans and military families are treated to a morale-boosting weekend of fun, free, family-oriented activates with the goal to combat PTSD and to help with suicide prevention.
The Hickman Hay Days Husker Salute Car Show is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 23 in downtown Hickman, NE on 2nd and Locust St. Registration is only $20 per show car! To register, go to charity.pledgeit.org/carshow, email HuskerSalute@gmail.com or call Kelli at (402) 416-2004.
At the Car Show, be sure to check out the Husker Salute merchandise tent where you can get the exclusive Husker Fans Salute the Troops brass challenge coins for only $15 each.
Husker Salute has been around for almost 17 years, and each of those years has been dedicated to salute, serve and support veterans and active military personnel to ensure that every person with military ties in Nebraska and surrounding communities feels respected and appreciated for their service and feel hopeful for the future. More information about Husker Fans Salute the Troops is available at HuskerSalute.org, including how you can help or volunteer.
Keep Nebraska Beautiful’s annual Golf for the Environment Tournament will be on Thursday, September 12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Woodland Hills Golf Course in Eagle, Nebraska. Check-in starts at 7:45 a.m.!
The Keep Nebraska Beautiful Golf for the Environment Tournament is back for its 28th year, and this year is going to be the best yet! The day includes breakfast, lunch, beverages, raffle and live auction items and an award ceremony after the round.
The overall winning team of the tournament will receive the prestigious Governor’s Cup, with four additional Division trophies being awarded, as well as numerous hole prizes.
This is Keep Nebraska Beautiful’s largest fundraiser of the year, and all its proceeds go toward furthering their mission to enhance, preserve and beatify Nebraska by developing and managing programs and partnerships with statewide affiliates, private industry leaders and citizens who share a passion for the environment. The Golf for the Environment Tournament will fund Keep Nebraska Beautiful’s programs to complete their vision, where every community is a clean, green, beautiful place to live.
For information on the Golf for the Environment Tournament and registration, visit knb.org/knb-events/golf-tournament.
Contact Keep Nebraska Beautiful at knb.org or (402) 486-4562.
The Combine is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated lineup for the third annual AgTech Connect conference, set to take place in the heartland of agriculture, Lincoln, Nebraska on July 17 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Innovation Campus.
The conference will feature an agenda filled with expert-led discussions, innovative startup demonstrations and insightful panels. It will kick off with a deep dive into the current trends of the AgTech landscape featuring industry experts Matt Foley of FMC Ventures, Ben Williamson of Invest Nebraska, and Micheal Jung of Grit Road Partners. In addition to this, there will be live demonstrations from ALA Engineering and Barn Owl Precision Agriculture showing off new developments in the industry.
There will be an AG Producer Panel and keynote speakers Mark Theurkauf and Alex Russomagno of AGCO Ventures who will share their unique perspectives on the future of AgTech. Then, the day will conclude with Happy Hour & Networking event.
“The AgTech Connect Conference is not just another event. It's a crucial platform for those interested in the next generation of the world and the sustainability of agriculture. It's a place where ideas are exchanged, collaborations are formed, and ways to work together are found. This is the place to be,” said Josh DeMers, Program Manager of The Combine, emphasizing the conference's role in inspiring and driving the future of AgTech.
To learn more or to register go to agtechconnect.co.
Childhood cancer families from across the state gathered at Lied Lodge in Nebraska City at the end of May for a family overnight experience. Families received a free overnight stay at the Lied Lodge, free admission to all the attractions at Arbor Day Farm and had several opportunities throughout the weekend to mingle with each other and build community with other families experiencing childhood cancer.
“This event is a great opportunity for families to get away from the everyday stresses that come with a childhood cancer diagnosis. The kids got to just be kids for a while and parents were able to connect with other parents who have walked a similar path as them. It was great to see so many smiles and community being built throughout the entire weekend,” said Brittany Friesen, Director of Family Programs at Angels Among Us. This event was made possible by generous support from The Kelley Group, Hausmann Construction and an anonymous friend of Angels Among Us. Angels Among Us is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide financial and emotional support to any family whose child is battling pediatric cancer living in or being treated in the state of Nebraska. Since 2006, over 700 families have been supported with over $5 million in financial support. If you are interested in getting involved or learning more, please contact Aly Goedeken at alyssa@myangelsamongus.org or by calling (402) 934-0999.
Temperatures in Nebraska from June to early September can rise into the upper 90's and can even reach into the 100's. As temperatures rise, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) reminds Nebraskans to stay informed of upcoming weather forecasts and prepare for extreme heat.
“Our great state has many wonderful outdoor activities to enjoy during the summer months such as visiting parks, camping, horseback riding, fishing or a trip to the zoo with friends and family," said Dr. Timothy Tesmer, Chief Medical Officer at DHHS. “It is important to remember to stay safe in the heat by staying cool, staying hydrated, and staying informed."
Extreme heat can be dangerous. When the temperature and humidity rise, our bodies have a more difficult time regulating our internal temperatures, which can lead to heat-related illnesses, such as sunburn, heat rash, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Heat-related illnesses can be prevented with a few simple actions: staying cool, staying hydrated and staying informed.
“While anyone can get a heat-related illness, groups at a higher risk include people over the age of 65, infants and children, people who have chronic health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, people who work or exercise outdoors, people who are overweight or obese, and people without access to air conditioning," Dr. Tesmer said. “Please be mindful of our community members who may need to take extra precautions when the temperature and humidity rise."
Learn more about extreme heat and how to protect yourself and your loved ones this summer at cdc.gov/extreme-heat/about/index.html.
Join Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska (DSAF) in supporting local families in Nebraska by participating in DSAF's largest fundraiser, the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk on Saturday, October 5. The proceeds from this event go towards providing educational support groups for parents, enrichment activities for individuals with Down syndrome and crucial information for new and expectant parents. Their goal is to raise $100,000 to continue supporting over 200 families in the Lincoln community who receive assistance from the Down Syndrome Association for Families. This walk is not only a premier Down syndrome awareness and education event, but also a celebration of the important role individuals with Down syndrome play in the community. Over 1,200 attendees show their support each year, rain or shine. Your participation or donation can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by Down syndrome. Let's work together to make a positive impact! Learn more at ds-stride.org/dsafstepup.
DSAF provides networking opportunities, educational events and up-to-date information about Down syndrome. The organization hosts the Capital City Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk to raise awareness and funds locally. DSAF’s health equity initiatives prioritize healthy living for individuals with Down syndrome and aim to reduce health disparities and increase social inclusion. DSAF is committed to providing networking opportunities, educational events and current information about Down syndrome to the community. They offer various programs and services, with a specific emphasis on addressing the unique needs of individuals with Down syndrome. Learn more at dsafnebraska.org.
In partnership with Coach Ron Brown, Kingdom Sports, and University of NebraskaLincoln athletes, City Impact is excited to offer a unique blend of faith, fellowship and athletic activities to create lasting memories and deepen your child’s spiritual journey through Kingdom Sports Pass It On Camp. The camp will be held Monday, July 15 and 16 at 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at City Impact, 1035 N 33rd St. The camp is free for third through eighth graders. All parents are encouraged to attend. Enroll your child today. Football is open to third to eighth grade boys. Volleyball is open to second to eighth grade girls and boys. Learn more at cityimpact.org/ci-sports.
For more than 25 years, City Impact programs have been making a difference for under-served Lincoln families. Through a Christcentered biblical worldview, City Impact empowers and equips kids and families to rise above vulnerable circumstances, radically transforming into who God created them to be. City Impacts provides children with comprehensive and enriching programs that combine excellence, community support, activities, interactive workshops, character development and teamwork. To learn more about their mission and goals, visit cityimpact.org.
Each year, St. Monica’s hosts a fundraiser bringing together dedicated organizations, competitors, volunteers, friends and family members for a fast-paced scavenger hunt across Lincoln with wacky challenges at every stop. Teams must complete individual and group challenges and solve clues to find the location of the next activity. The “chase” starts well before the actual event itself. Team of four—made up of a Belly, a Brain, a Beauty and a Brawn—collect funds to support St. Monica’s programs through creative fundraising which “position” them ahead of other “chasers” for better start times.
This special event is a reminder that the road to recovery from drugs and alcohol isn’t easy or straight. There are twists, turns and even obstacles from time to time, but recover IS possible.
“St Monica’s is ‘60’ and Still Grooving” Amazing Chase will take place Saturday, August 17, and will begin near their newest facility on the VA Campus on Victory Park Dr. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. and the first team will take off at 9 a.m. on the dot.
If you are interested in participating in this year’s Amazing Chase, please reach out to the Director of Development, C. Leigh Hellbusch at c.leigh.hellbusch@stmonicas.com or call (402) 411-3768 ext. 300. You can also register your team or sponsorship level by going to secure.qgiv.com/event/gdj99f. Are you ready?
LUX, in cooperation with Constellation Studios, is pleased to present the third biennial "Surface Impressions" an ambitious international juried exhibition focusing on hand-produced relief prints from woodblock, linoleum cut, wood engraving and mixed media relief prints. This exhibition will have an opening reception on Friday, June 21, at 5-8 p.m., and will run in the West Gallery through August 31. 73 prints have been selected by visiting guest juror Valpuri Remling, Master Printmaker at the Tamarind Institute. Fifty prints will be on display at the LUX Center for the Arts, and 23 will be on display at Constellation Studios. Cash prizes for the top three winners. One print will be selected for acquisition by the Sheldon Museum of Art in Lincoln. For more information, please visit luxcenter.org/events/ surface-impressions-2024 or contact LUX Exhibition Specialist, Emily Palmer at Emily@luxcenter.org or (402) 466-8692.
LUX Center for the Arts is dedicated to transforming lives through art. They are a community of art lovers providing education through art classes, artist in residency programs, gallery exhibitions and community outreach. We believe the LUX can help people make meaningful connections to art regardless of who they are. For more information about the LUX Center for the Arts and its programs, visit www.luxcenter.org.
The American Heart Association (AHA) is elated to celebrate 100 years of powerful impact, reflecting on the decadeslong contributions made by so many for a variety of circumstances and catastrophes.
From 2020 to 2024
American Heart Association took swift, comprehensive measures to respond quickly to the COVID-19 pandemic–empowering scientists, health care professionals and people in lockdown around the globe. AHA established a $2.5 million rapid-research fund to expedite scientific research focused on understanding how the virus affected the heart and brain, addressing critical health implications and their uncertain consequences. AHA created a Cardiovascular Disease Registry, which allowed hospitals to track and improve the quality of care for those patients with underlying cardiovascular conditions. AHA also collaborated with the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to delve into intensive research regarding vaccines and therapies.
As AHA continues to work on developing digital health solutions to assist people at home, emphasizing the importance and education of remote health care and monitoring, they continue to strive for intentional commitment to evidence-based and proactive research and solutions. Now, AHA is studying the role of cardiovascular kidneymetabolic health in overall well-being. AHA is also committed to the Food is Medicine Initiative, which encourages health care providers to prescribe healthy food to prevent and manage chronic diseases.
From the laboratory to the grocery store and beyond, AHA hopes to advance the health and hope of everyone. Guided by science, AHA looks forward to serving its many communities for another 100 innovative years. For more on AHA, visit heart.org.
Disrupting Traffick is hosting their Glimmer of Hope Gala on September 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Seven Willows Wedding and Events, 7600 Panama Rd., Hickman, NE with Tim Ballard as the special guest speaker. Tim Ballard spent over a decade as a Special Agent for the Department of Homeland Security where he was assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force as an undercover operative helping to dismantle trafficking rings in the U.S. and abroad. He realized that private NGO’s working hand in hand with the government allowed anti-trafficking efforts to be taken to a whole new level and started Operation Underground Railroad to continue his work. Tim is best known recently from the movie Sound of Freedom where Jim Caviezel played the role of Tim Ballard and follows the story of when he dismantled a trafficking ring in Colombia. The film was one of the most successful independent films in history. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities can be found at disruptingtraffick. org/events. For any questions, email admin@disruptingtraffick.org.
Disrupting Traffick is a 502(c)(3) organization that believes in helping people who have experienced trafficking. Many people are surprised to learn that trafficking happens where we live. They have spent time learning how to meet the specific needs of women in the state. Learn more at disruptingtraffick.org.
Volunteerism in Lincoln has a new hub. United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County is proud of the launch of volunteerLNK.org, a dynamic online platform designed to connect organizations with eager volunteers throughout Lincoln and Lancaster County.
VolunteerLNK.org is a centralized site where individuals looking to make a difference in their community can easily find opportunities to volunteer their time and talents. The platform simplifies the process of finding meaningful volunteer opportunities, and is tailored to each user’s unique interests, skills and availability.
VolunteerLNK.org is currently active, with more organizations signing up and adding opportunities each week. Some opportunities are for a specific day and time, while others are ongoing, such as being a tutor for Lincoln Literacy or a CASA volunteer advocate. The goal is to help volunteers and organizations find each other through common skills and interests.
Volunteer opportunities can be filled by individuals, families, church groups, high school and college students and retirees. The site also offers options for companies to get involved together.
“VolunteerLNK.org is going to be an invaluable resource for our community,” says Susan Hoover, Enterprise Business Analyst with Nelnet. Susan coordinates many volunteer outings and team-building opportunities for Nelnet’s associates locally. “The site helps easily coordinate volunteerism for our associates and helps me track our volunteer hours throughout the year.”
Individuals may visit volunteerLNK.org to explore opportunities, sign up for projects and be part of the collective effort to create positive change our community.
Did you know Voices of Hope started off as a crisis line and support services for victims of sexual assault? You can be a part of it too! Voices of Hope answered 8,000 crisis line calls last year. Staff and Volunteers answered a 24-hour crisis line for victims of relationship violence, sexual assault and abuse. If you would like to volunteer your time and support survivors, contact the Voices of Hope volunteer coordinator, Lizeth Cuandón, for more information or visit their website to sign up voicesofhopelincoln.org/get-involved.html.
Voices of Hope’s mission are to provide services to victims and their significant others who are faced with the traumatic aftermath of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, human trafficking, incest and child abuse. They are also here to provide information about these crimes for the purposes of citizen awareness, prevention and to enhance the sensitivity and professional understanding of those who may work with individuals with these problems. To learn more, visit voicesofhopelincoln.org.
The Durham Museum is teaming up with Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom to showcase the history behind the television show that pioneered nature and wildlife programming, as well as the all-new television series, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, that continues to highlight stories of conservation success.
From gear and original scripts to new technology and artifacts used in filming, the exhibit gives visitors a glimpse into Wild Kingdom and its origins. Also featured are behind-the-scenes stories and highlights of the work currently happening to inspire the next generation of conservationists.
Since its network television premiere in 1963, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom has been one of the most loved and respected wildlife programs in television history. The show took viewers to the far corners of the world and studied wild animals in their natural habitats. Hosts Marlin Perkins, Jim Fowler and Peter Gros wrestled anacondas, swam with sharks and were chased by a herd of elephants. They provided a look at an often-unseen animal world and emphasized the importance of conservation while creating family-friendly entertainment.
Gros has recently returned to co-host Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild alongside Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, now airing Saturday mornings on NBC. In this series, the duo travels the nation to highlight conservation successes. As shown in the exhibit, the methods of interacting with wildlife have evolved with new technology offering more opportunities, but the message has remained the same—to protect, educate and take action to ensure the wild kingdom remains for future generations.
The exhibition is included with general museum admission. Nonmember admission, tax not included, is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and military/veterans and $8 for children ages 3-12. Admission is free for museum members and children ages two and under.
For museum hours and more about the Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom exhibition, please visit DurhamMuseum.org.
Families are invited to enjoy the Fourth of July weekend with the 12th Annual YMCA Youth Sports Adventure Run on Saturday, July 6. Hosted at YMCA Wright Park, this event promises to deliver excitement for kids and adults alike, all in the name of a good cause – the YMCA Annual Fundraising Campaign.
Throughout a two-mile span, participants will navigate through a series of obstacles including net crawls and mazes, along with a football toss and giant slip ‘n slide. Race proceeds benefit the YMCA’s Annual Fundraising Campaign, ensuring that every child, family and senior has access to life-changing programs at the Lincoln Y, including Youth Sports.
“We invite families to come out and join us for a morning of healthy, fun activities,” shared Todd Johnson, Executive Director of YMCA Youth Sports. “By participating, not only are families embracing wellness together, but they are making a meaningful difference in our community by empowering access to vital YMCA programs such as swim lessons, baseball leagues, and day camps.”
Wave start times will begin at 9:00am, 9:45am and 10:30am, with a cap of 100 participants per time slot. Registration is open online at YMCALincoln.org and includes a commemorative t-shirt with the race fee of $18. Registrations will be accepted after the June 21 deadline, however availability of t-shirts on the day of race are not guaranteed.
North Risk Partners (northriskpartners.com) specializes in strategic insurance solutions for businesses and individuals. North Risk Partners is one of the largest, privately-owned independent insurance brokerages in the Midwest, which allows them to offer large-firm resources delivered with the personalized service of a local agency.
North Risk Partners’ core capabilities are: property and casualty, including commercial, home, auto, farm and more; and benefits, including health and life plans for employer sponsored programs as well as individuals and families. They also have a significant surety bonds practice.
Advisors at North Risk are committed to helping clients face risk head-on with right-fit insurance coverage with attention to opportunities for preventing avoidable losses.
For businesses, they offer programming and compliance support in the areas of HR, safety and more. BUSINESSES
Employee Benefits
Whether your organization is small, large, or growing, North Risk’s team has the knowledge and resources to support you in nearly all aspects of your employee benefits program. They offer multi-line and multi-plan programs, online enrollment, HR compliance and more.
Commercial Insurance
Your business faces many threats—from natural disasters and data breaches to other risks specific to your industry or company. North Risk Partners’ mission is to make their clients aware of coverage that every business needs. Additionally, North Risk offers claims administration, workers’ comp analysis and bonding.
Surety Bonds
North Risk Partners takes a flexible, common-sense approach to bond underwriting. They offer a wide variety of surety markets, including Small Business Administration and have a strong referral network of construction CPAs and banks. North Risk is licensed in all 50 states and is a member of the National Association of Surety Bond Producers.
Value-Added Services
North Risk Partners is committed to facing risk head-on by offering value-added services that help businesses prevent avoidable losses. North Risk clients receive complimentary support in the areas of:
• Human Resources & Employment Law
• Safety & Loss Control
• Legal & Contract Review
• Training, Education, Benchmarking, and More!
INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES
North Risk Partners’ vision is to make sure your insurance matches your life. They make sure you’re aware of the coverage you need based on your property and lifestyle. North Risk offers Home, Auto, Health, Life or Farm insurance, and their large network of carrier partners allows them to match you with the optimal coverage for your situation.
(402) 592-7777 | northriskpartners.com
CareerPathway.com is a network that brings Businesses, Students, Job Seekers and Educators together for the purpose of showing Students and Job Seekers what each profession does and giving them advice on how to get there.
Businesses sign up to promote themselves through video and photo content. Students in the network are introduced to industry specific content straight from the professionals, and from there are shown the opportunities for moving into that career. This means CareerPathway.com is an easy way to teach potential hires about what you do.
Educators can use CareerPathway.com in the classroom as a tool to help Students in their career exploration journey. While Students are exploring the amazing opportunities the world has to offer, they are building their resume and portfolio to be shared with industry professionals.
Students want to be successful! With the freedom to privately search any career they choose, it’s important to show them what they need to know to get started in your industry. CareerPathway.com makes it easy for them to reach out when the time is right for them to take the next step. Have your opportunities ready.
Position your business in front of the emerging workforce by joining today at CareerPathway.com
- Businesses recruit employees
- Students explore careers
- Job seekers find opportunities
- Educators guide students
- Colleges fill classrooms
- Community career connections
If you need someone to help grow your small business (under 100 employees), look no further than Panology Tech Solutions.
Panology’s Service Agreements are a fixed monthly cost, enabling small businesses to control their own budget. Panology matches what their clients need to achieve their small-business growth goals, maximizing the value for each client. Additionally, service calls are always included.
As a small business themselves, they understand the struggles that small businesses face. They are passionate about small businesses and their invaluable contributions they make to the community. Their objective is to help give you the most amount of value for your technology dollar. They accomplish this by focusing on the needs and goal of your business, while remaining very mindful of your budget. They see it as their responsibility to help you make informed decisions about the purchase you are making with them. It’s your business and your money, so how you spend it is all up to you.
They offer affordable IT services and support, providing the expertise needed to solve your most challenging computer, network and cloud technology problems, as well as assist with routine operations. Their focus is entirely on IT service and support. They value customer satisfaction, quality of service and loyalty to customers. As they say, a business is only as strong as its relationship to its customers.
With over 20 years of experience in many different technological areas, from computers to networks and IT systems to cloud technology and nationwide service delivery platforms, it’s no wonder they excel at helping you assess your technology needs and find opportunities to improve your operations all while growing your business efficiently.
If you need immediate assistance call them at (402) 937-9137 or for more information contact them at info@panologyinc.com. You can also visit their website for more information at panologyinc.com.
We want to extend a MASSIVE thank you to everyone who helped celebrate during our Friends4Drinks at Tipsy Tina’s Taco Cantina. We enjoyed their signature chips and salsa and the most divine margaritas! Tina’s Margarita was a hit for many. With just the right amount of agave nectar, it was MMM delicious! Tipsy Tina’s also has copious outdoor seating, so it is perfect for any celebrations or casual meals this summer. They offer online ordering and will even cater events. Check out Tipsy Tina’s Taco Cantina at 800 Q St.
Our networking events are always an opportunity to connect with other Lincoln business while also having some relaxing social time. Find more information on our Facebook page (@ StrictlyBusinessMagazine), so you can join in on all the fun next month!
These events are free, so why not take the opportunity to make connections–you only pay for what you eat or drink! We adore the energy and good vibes at these events, you never fail to make us smile! We’re excited to see you and your friends at our next Friends4Drinks. If you have any questions, message kacey@ strictlybusinessomahaa.com, or call (402) 466-3330.
The summer weather is in full swing now, and everyone wants to enjoy being outside with friends, family and pets. We understand the busyness and excitement summertime can bring, so Strictly Business is taking a break from our usual Friends4Lunch schedule, wishing everyone a refreshing start to their summers! If you need ideas on where to get great food for all your summer plans, check out these Strictly-Business-approved restaurants:
• Piedmont Bistro by Venue, 1265 S Cotner Blvd. STE 38
• McKinney’s Irish Pub, 151 N 8th St.
• Tipsy Tina’s Taco Cantina, 800 Q St.
• The Copper Kettle Mule Bar & Eatery, 2230 N 12th St. STE 1
• SoulFULL Cocina, 6105 Havelock Ave.
• Vic’s Pizza, 8340 Glynoaks Dr. STE 100
• The Hub Cafe, 250 N 21st St. #3
• Honest Abe’s locations:
• Meadowlane, 840 N 70th St.
• North, 2662 Cornhusker Hwy
• Glynoaks, 8340 Glynoaks Dr.
• Downtown, 126 N 14th St.
Even with the fast-paced summer days, your networking doesn’t have to stop. You never know who you might meet at a new restaurant; so, take your friends or family, and check them out!
RSVP is encouraged for these events. Please let the Strictly Business team know if you plan to attend by calling (402) 466-3330, emailing office@strictlybusinessomaha.com or marking yourself as “Going” on the Facebook event pages.
JULY 5 GenLNK | LIBA
JULY 9 AI - How HR Can Use it as a Tool | LincolnHR How to Scale Your Business - 5 Steps to Business Growth | SCORE Lincoln
JULY 10
MyTern Trivia Battle Royale | Lincoln Chamber of Commerce
JULY 11
RISE & Connect with NEBCO | Lincoln Chamber of Commerce BizNet | LIBA
JULY 16 Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Business | SCORE Lincoln
JULY 23
Coffee and Contacts | LIBA
JULY 25 MyTern Summer Sip Sendoff | Lincoln Chamber of Commerce
Lincoln Coin & Bullion is expanding and renovating their space! The new features include multiple double-door entryways, adding three more trader, client and collection desks, updated and enhanced security measures, separate display case room, displaying new logos and overall improved look and feel.
Along with this new upgrade and dazzling new look, established customers are welcome to call in to reserve items or lock spot prices on sales over the phone. Lincoln Coin & Bullion believes in a high quality and impressive experiences in precious metals and historic currency, excellence and customer peace-of-mind. It’s not your typical online precious metals and historical currency place. They always aim to provide each of their clients with a tailored informative, educational, valuable and memorable experience. They are happy to answer as many question you may have as well as offer up education and knowledge, and with their new website in the works, it makes everything they pride themselves on even more accessible. They offer line-item quotes and appraisal for large collections or estates for both bullion and historic currency.
All their appointments are a secure, private and in-person experience. No one needs to know. They are worth a day’s drive with their high quality customer service expertise; they guarantee 5-star service and satisfaction. Experience their concise, first-rate inventory with simple, predominant, prevalent, well-known established and desirable items you can’t get anywhere else. Their staff is always transparent and informing. Whether you’re purchasing or selling they will disclose the 2.5% and 5% typical fee. They always use non-photoshopped photos. They never use “sale-techniques” other than encouraging customers to pick up and hold bullion.
Since their beginning in 2006, Lincoln Coin & Bullion has grown into a full-scale Precious Metal and Bullion Dealer that serves those purchasing and selling three to seven figures of gold, silver, platinum and palladium. They deal in historic currency collections, including providing quotes and paid appraisals.
For more information or to set up an appointment today, visit their website at lincolncoinandbullion.com or call at (402) 327-2853.
by Jason Ball President
Each summer, our team at the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce adapts to the season by adjusting our regular programming. And, while we pause our monthly forums and Face the Chamber events to accommodate the busy summer travel plans and family time of our members, our work to serve the Lincoln business community continues. Collectively, your Lincoln Chamber of Commerce team remains actively engaged on important projects and initiatives throughout the summer months.
One of our major summer initiatives is to provide interns and college age workers with valuable experiences and networking opportunities that will aid in their professional development and integration into the Lincoln community. This is accomplished through our engaging MyTern program, which was created as a platform for the hundreds of summer interns in Lincoln throughout the summer. This year, MyTern will offer a series of networking and professional development events scattered throughout June and July, which are free to attend thanks to the generous support of our program sponsors, Duncan Aviation and Lincoln Electric System. I encourage all business leaders with summer interns and college-aged workers to learn more about this impactful program by visiting myternklnk.com.
I have been thrilled to see the significant progress that is being made on the construction of the Sandhills Global Youth Complex. This facility is on track to be a premier venue for baseball and softball games beginning in 2025, reflecting our commitment to fostering youth sports and community engagement. The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce continues to support this project and looks forward to the opportunities it will bring to Lincoln for years to come.
Important steps are also being made by Assemble Lincoln on plans for a downtown Lincoln Convention Center. A key pillar of the Vitality Lincoln Strategic Plan, this project is crucial to enhancing Lincoln’s capacity to host events and conferences to boost our economic growth and development. The Lincoln Chamber and Visit Lincoln will continue to play an active role in this process throughout the summer and beyond, recognizing its significant need and economic impact.
In July, the Lincoln Chamber will host nearly 50 business and community members for an intercity visit to Boise, Idaho. This first ever, two-city intercity visit in collaboration with the Greater Topeka Partnership, aims to foster valuable professional relationships, share best practices and explore opportunities for initiatives that will significantly impact our community. I am eager to share the key takeaways with the Lincoln business community in the months ahead.
After wrapping up our three-part Congressional Forum events in June with our federal representatives, we are preparing to host the entire Nebraska delegation at our annual Federal Legislative Summit in August. This popular event, hosted in partnership with the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, will also feature a keynote address from Phil Wegmann of RealClear Politics. Registration information will be available soon.
We are excited to resume our normal program schedule in the fall and look forward to sharing our progress and achievements with you. The dedication and leadership of our members and the Lincoln business community is what drives our success, and we wish each of you an enjoyable summer season.
TDK Lawn Care is here for all of your lawn care needs. They provide the services you need to make sure your lawn is up to standard. Now, they can provide you with a step by step instruction on how to create a healthy green lawn.
Have you ever noticed how green the golf courses are? Have you ever wondered why yours can’t look like that? What they have found is by using these 5 steps, your lawn becomes a healthy lawn. This leads to fewer weeds and a stronger root system that can overcome our climate here in Nebraska.
There are 5 steps you can take in creating a healthy green lawn.
1. Water at the correct times, with the correct amount of water for your grass type. (Blue grass requires ¼” every other day. Tall fine fescue requires 1” per week.)
2. Varying the heights of the mower for the variety of climates here in Nebraska. (During the warmest months, the mower height should be between 3” – 3 3/4”.)
3. Aerating your lawn once to twice per year. (Aerating is usually done in the fall and spring when the grass is growing rapidly, and repairs itself easily. We also recommend at this time that you over seed with a turf tall fescue).
4. Over-seeding should be done with drought and fungus resistant seed. Tall fescue works well for this. This is usually done in the spring or mid to late September.
5. Having the correct fertilizing schedule, usually includes a 6 step program for an average lawn. Using pre-emergent, weed and grub control along with a Winterizer.
TDK Lawn Care has been open since 2002, and throughout that time they have been focused on making sure healthy lawns are up to standards. Their mission is to create an annual lawn care program that focuses on your corporate or individual needs. They offer several different options giving you the lawn care you deserve at the price you can afford.
For more information or to get a FREE quote, visit their website at tdkinc.com
by Todd Ogden, President
(402) 434-6900 • downtownlincoln.org
Standing where Scoops used to be, The Waffle Cone opened its doors at the beginning of the year. Sandwiched between 3 Daughters Boutique and Forever Faithful Boutique, The Waffle Cone brings bright colors and flavorful ice cream to North 8th Street.
Cinthya Espinosa and her husband decided to start a business to celebrate their love of ice cream.
“My husband is a chef,” Espinosa said. “My husband really wanted to start a business, and I love ice cream.”
And thus The Waffle Cone concept was born.
“We have ice cream from Ashby’s,” Espinosa said. “It is premium ice cream and we have 24 flavors in the display, but we change flavors once a month.”
The Waffle Cone doesn’t make its ice cream in-house, but instead outsources their cold sweets from Ashby’s Sterling Ice Cream. Ashby’s Sterling is famous for their creamy and award-winning ice cream.
The Waffle Cone does change their unique flavors monthly, but keeps the classics like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry stocked at all times.
Bring home a pint or a quart of ice cream home today. Only $7 for a pint and $10 for a quart of the premium frozen dessert. Look for the Ice Cream Nachos: three scoops of ice cream of your choice, waffle cone chips, topped with any toppings they offer. The perfect item to order when the options are overwhelming.
“Our [ice cream] nachos are pretty popular,” Espinosa said. “You can always combine the flavors, the one I really like is banana combined with strawberry, it’s also a popular flavor.”
The Waffle Cone sells Topper Popper Popcorn, a locally owned popcorn company on 66th and Holdrege. Grab an ice cream shake or root beer float for the road when an ice cream cone is too messy.
For the Dole Whip fanatics, The Waffle Cone offers Dole Whip that is vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
During the winter, The Waffle Cone plans on selling other sweet treats in hopes of expanding their menu in the slower months.
“We just want to invite customers to come and check [The Waffle Cone] out,” Espinosa said.
The Waffle Cone is open Sunday through Friday from 12 to 10 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Proceeds from this event will go towards supporting the mission of Domesti-PUPS, a local nonprofit that provides therapy dogs, service dogs for persons with disabilities, and trained rescue dogs.
E S I D E N T I A L R E M O D E L I N G AND HOME IMPROVEMENT
Summer is here! Having a functional and visually appealing home for all of summer’s fun activities is crucial. It’s the prime time to update air conditioning units, lighting, flooring, paint and outdoor spaces such as decks and patios to brave its host/hostess’s summer events. It’s amazing how much of a difference even the tiniest remodeling or home improvement project can make!
Buying a new home is expensive. Not only is it stressful to purchase the home itself, but home inspections, realtor costs and moving companies are far from cheap. Imagine going through all this trouble to settle for a house that has almost everything desired. A costeffective solution to remedy this unneeded anxiety is residential remodeling and home improvement, where one can learn to fall in love with their home all over again.
Residential remodeling and home improvement are unique to the homeowner’s specific wants and needs and allows the homeowner to live out more home memories. Not to mention, remodeling and home improvement will increase the value of the home for profit in the future! To maximize the homeowner experience and its unavoidable ups and downs, consider the following reasons why residential remodeling and home improvement are primary factors in homeowner happiness:
Take the opportunity to fix a safety issue. Some renovation projects simply shouldn’t be put off, especially if the problems must be addressed to keep the household safe or prevent catastrophe. Electrical problems, leaking roofs or foundation cracks are cause for concern and present the opportunity to start that long-dreamed-of remodel.
Increase the home’s efficiency. Efficiency remodeling can decrease energy costs and pay for themselves over time. Not to mention, new
windows, heating pumps and added insulation are attractive to buyers as they know costs will be lower on an energy-efficient home in the long run.
Upgrade house function to better suit individual needs. Mornings can be stressful without bumping into family members. Remodeling is sometimes necessary for convenience and time, so remodeling allows for that extra bathroom when getting ready during busy mornings, that extra space in the kitchen for preparing meals or that extra closet for wet and muddy coats and boots. It’s amazing how much a little more convenience can make a whole day run smoother!
Make it a place of peace. Remodeling should also be about comfort and enjoyment. It’s called a “home” for a reason. After a long day of work, it’s important to return to a place that fulfills the body’s nature desire for rest and relaxation.
Increase the home’s resale value. If listing the house on the market is in the near or even far future, remodeling should be used to create a space on which the owner can capitalize on the return. Projects that have the best immediate return include opening up the main living space, replacing the front door and updating the kitchen or bathroom.
It can be hard to know where to start or to know when one’s DIY capabilities have reached their max. Thankfully, Lincoln is home to some of the best professionals, ready, qualified and experienced to turn any homeowner’s dream into a reality. If residential remodeling or home improvement still don’t seem as appealing as buying a brand new home, Lincoln’s professionals will prove that remodeling and home improvement are possible in any case at any budget.
Yankee Hill Brick collaborates with local contractors to supply highquality brick in an assortment of colors and styles. Brick is a durable material for siding and is perfect for a sturdy retaining wall or landscape outline. Its classic aesthetic is perfect for any remodeling look that maybe leans historical, yet is also suitable for any remodel with the goal to charm. Brick is a material of such variety that anyone can turn to it to reliably spruce up the exterior of every home.
Established in 1881, Yankee Hill curates its own naturally sustainable bricks with raw ingredients from its own on-site mine. The manufacturing produces little to no waste since the rejected bricks are recycled into the new. Yankee Hill therefore creates its own clay mixes via its own high-temperature firing kiln, which allows for the production of any and all brickwork looks. Even better, Yankee Hill’s products are Certified LEED green products by the U.S. Green Building Council, displaying their dedication to sustainable building practices. They also import selections of bricks from other manufacturers with the goal to support and complement local Nebraska businesses.
Yankee Hill Brick prides itself on offering the best brick products, reliability and dependability being something on which contractors have learned to rely. Many award-winning projects have even specified the use of Yankee Hill brick. Yankee Hill is a competitive choice for architects looking to construct high-quality, flawless designs. Luckily, residential remodeling requires no architectural knowledge, so visit Yankee Hill Brick for the best sustainable brick to highlight any home’s exterior character.
A garage door might not be the first thing one thinks about or wants to which one wants to designate money during a residential remodel. But, when you think about it, garage doors can actually take up a large portion of the front of a home, either boosting or limiting a house’s curb appeal. Luckily, Overhead Door of Lincoln offers a
multitude of garage-door options for residential properties. Who knew there were so many gorgeous garage doors from which to choose? Here are some options:
• Modern Aluminum—Sleek and sophisticated, Overhead Door’s Aluminum and Glass Garage Doors offer a unique look for contemporary homes.
• Courtyard Collection—Designed with the beauty of traditional carriage house doors, these insulated steel doors enhance the look of any home.
• Signature® Carriage—Featuring expert Amish craftsmanship, these detailed carriage house doors feature the look of the swing-open doors with the functionality of sectional garage doors
• Carriage House Collection—With high-design, thermal performance and the durability you need, these doors combine elegance and strength.
The top struggle for homeowners is figuring out whom to hire to remodel their house. Everyone has heard the common advice “Get three free estimates.” Unfortunately, this advice can set up homeowners for a nightmare experience.
Consider this real scenario. A homeowner wants a large deck replaced. They receive “three free estimates” at $20k, $45k and $70k. How could the prices be so different? Was the $20k estimate a set up or the $70k estimate taking advantage of them? It is easy to assume the safest choice is the middle option of $45k. This homeowner hired them and was left with a deck that had bumps in the floor boards, fasteners falling out on the ground below and framing that would not pass code.
Homeowners should focus on researching, interviewing and comparing the service that each company provides. Don’t assume that every remodeling company is the same.
Willet Construction has made a checklist of 23 questions that are imperative to ask before signing any contract or agreement. Here are 5 questions to help get started.
1. Do they provide a detailed, scope-of-work document as part of the construction contract so all the construction tasks are contractual and cannot be changed?
2. Do they provide a job calendar so you know what is happening each day along with your starting and ending dates?
3. Are they a design/build company who provides architectural, design and construction services?
4. Do they provide elevations and 3D renderings so you can visualize the project before construction starts?
5. The home was built before 1978, what does federal law say about hiring an EPA Lead Certified Company?
See them at willetconstruction.com, or call (402) 971-7838.
Merritt Concrete stands out with its unique range of products that can transform any outdoor space into a personal sanctuary. While it’s easy to overlook the exterior of a property, Merritt’s offerings, including ready-mix concrete, landscaping rock, and mulch, can play a crucial role in ensuring that the outside of every home mirrors its interior.
As the summer approaches, Merritt experiences a surge in business, with popular projects including patio extensions, new driveways, and the installation of outdoor fireplaces or fire pits. Merritt Concrete is a start-to-finish ready-mix concrete solution that offers volumetric concrete trucks to deliver your concrete and an expert flatwork team to finish it. Our products are designed to make all your projects less
daunting and more DIY-friendly. For those looking to spruce up their outdoor spaces, Merritt’s ready-mix concrete is a perfect choice for patio additions or walkway construction. River rock, another essential landscaping element, can create an aesthetically pleasing exterior. But Merritt’s offerings don’t end there. Customers can also use their high-quality sand to enhance backyard entertainment elements, such as above-ground pools, hot tubs, or sandboxes.
“The best thing a person can do when starting any project or remodel is to have an open mind,” says General Manager Terry Howell. “It is easy to be overwhelmed by all the options and tools, so Merritt’s mission is to help guide and inform customers so they might find exactly what they want. More than anything, it’s important to enjoy the process and to watch your longdeveloped vision come to life!”
Being open-minded and patient while discovering what a space can become is important to a successful residential remodeling strategy. Allow Merritt Concrete to set the foundation for your dream remodel.
Hunt Irrigation Inc., the Water Smart Company, has the best advice when it comes to saving water. July is Smart Irrigation Month across the United States, so take an active role in celebrating by hearing what Hunt Irrigation Inc. has to say!
First and foremost, consider upgrading old irrigation controllers with a more reliable WiFi controller, which controls the irrigation system’s output based on what the controller finds after reading the base watering program and the local weather conditions. It then adjusts accordingly for a perfect irrigation every time, improving water savings by as much as 35%!
Rain sensors are also another great water conservation tool. They’re simple, affordable and reliable in detecting rainfall, which then communicates to the irrigation controller that the irrigation system needs to halt during a weather event with precipitation.
Likewise, pressure-regulated sprinklers reduce water consumption by regulating water pressures to the most efficient levels, between 30 and 65psi. This is important and should not be overlooked because some Lincoln neighborhoods have water pressure as high as 100psi, which disrupts the functioning of irrigation systems.
To prevent water spotting around windows, brick and siding, drip zones are an efficient and discreet way to slow the growth of weeds. Drip zones only water plants, not the entire landscape bed, which makes pulling weeds less of a hassle.
“Water-smart irrigation systems not only benefit customers’ wallets, but also the unreliable summer climate, and Hunt Irrigation’s services tune in to the needs, wants and expectations of every client,” says Owner Jeremy Hunt.
Hunt irrigation Inc. can provide these expert services for anyone wishing to take on irrigation during their residential remodeling. Hit up Hunt Irrigation to upgrade old irrigation systems or to install a new system entirely!
Powerful Impressions with Paint
Paint has the power to completely change the look of a room or house. A fresh coat of paint is invaluable and is sometimes all it takes to make a house look like new again, no matter if it is the inside or the outside. Walter’s Paint Inc. is a local business that can make those transformations come to life. Walter’s Painting offers efficient and reliable service and is especially helpful to those with a busy schedule, minimally disrupting the client’s daily routine. Painting
projects don’t have to be expensive or take up valuable time, and Walter’s Painting can ensure that is the reality!
Walter’s Painting offers free estimates and high-caliber prep work, and to guarantee the painting job is satisfactory to the client, consultation is available after the first coat of paint.
“Painting can take up precious time that could be spent elsewhere when remodelers attempt to do the tedious painting work themselves,” says Jeff Walters , owner. “Today’s fast paced lifestyle means most people simply don’t have the time for improvements such as painting or plastering, especially the prep work that naturally comes with the process. For that reason, we strive to make the process stress and
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worry-free, so remodelers have one less thing to keep them up at night. Our goal is to provide premium quality products and services that produce the most outstanding results.”
Walter’s Painting is willing to go the extra mile. Their mission is to make certain that all clients love their finished product and are completely satisfied with the results.
Amplifying curb appeal is a sure-fire solution to increasing the resale value of any home undergoing a residential remodel. Spicing up the exterior of the home by updating siding, roofing or decking can do wonders for the home’s overall impression. As everyone knows, first impressions are everything!
Sawyer Exteriors is a local business that specializes in renovation and new home builds. Sawyer Exteriors has been in increased demand for their expertise in fiber cement siding. Fiber cement siding is not only aesthetically attractive, but it also does a great job of protecting the interior of the home. Fiber cement is comprised of a combination of cement, cellulose or wood fibers, sand and water, which makes it durable, low maintenance, versatile, energy efficient and sustainable as a siding option.
“We specialize in a wide variety of materials to ensure the satisfaction of our customers, materials such as aluminum, vinyl, Lp and of course, fiber cement. Given our dedication to staying knowledgeable in the field, we can provide whatever the homeowner desires, no matter the budget! It is fulfilling to know that we are able to help customers acquire their dream exterior without having caused them any financial stress,” explains Owner Uriah Sawyer.
Praiseworthy Plumbing
Plumbers handle the part of the house most homeowners pray never breaks or causes catastrophe. Likewise, a plumbing project is neither for amateurs nor something one wants to mess up. So, choosing the right plumber to handle the intimates of one’s house can be a stressful decision.
Thankfully, ICON Plumbing has trained, licensed team members to solve any plumbing problem. ICON Plumbing prides itself on its commitment to its customers. They want to make a life-long connection and serve each and every one of their clients to full satisfaction.
ICON Plumbing prioritizes its customers at every step in their residential remodeling process. ICON Plumbing ensures that its clients’ plumbing is running as smooth as possible and dedicates its time to the efficiency and functionality of the overall home. They pay attention to the minute details, always communicating pricing upfront in a clear, digestible manner.
“ICON Plumbing understands the stress that comes with residential remodels, especially when it comes to plumbing, so we strive to provide plumbers that customers feel safe and confident welcoming into their home,” says Owner Gunther Baker.
Summer means longer days and shorter nights, but what about the other seasons of the year? ABC Electric is there to make every residential remodel a sustainable, year-round addition.
According to the EPA, roughly 670 million fluorescent light bulbs are thrown away annually in the United States, dumping mercury into the environment. The LED lighting industry strives to continuously evolve to help conserve energy and waste and save customers money. Lighting is also an art, creating the aesthetic and atmosphere of a room or space. ABC Electric is excited to see these two growing trends come
together, energy-efficient LED lighting and various styles and designs of lighting control packages combining to complement each other.
“We do all kinds of LED lighting and controls in kitchens, other family spaces and more,” comments Service Manager Bob Codr. “Bluetooth technology is now incorporated into the LED lighting, and LED lighting now has the capability to display adjustable lumen outputs, or brightness. Color-change is now an integral part of fixtures as well, proving that this faction of the industry is ever evolving.”
ABC Electric has been in the game for 90 years in the Lincoln business and residential community and is proud to have gained the experience and knowledge that it has. ABC Electric is more than well enough equipped to hand any application and is a leader in LED lighting and controls. Look to ABC Electric for sustainable and energy efficient designs to make any residential remodeling space a unique and welcoming environment.
Captivating Concrete
Concrete Craft of Lincoln understands that curb appeal is important and can be a big factor for those looking to buy a home. Residential remodeling is the perfect opportunity to add that WOW factor, and with Concrete Craft of Lincoln, that factor can also have practical use!
No matter the project, Concrete Craft has the tools and vision to help customers metamorphose any outdoor space without paying an arm or a leg. Their concrete solutions for patios, driveways, walkways, pool decks and more bring life to any space, at-the-read for hosting events and get-togethers. Concrete Craft’s designs range from exquisite to classic, but to be sure, the space will always be unique. Get rid of the boring, gray concrete walkways and liven the property with stamped concrete in patterns, designs and a variety of colors, like the most adorable sidewalk chalk… but permanent!
Stamped, resurfaced or stained concrete driveways are the most impressive “red carpets” to meet and greet any guest. Who doesn’t want to feel like a celebrity when entering a home? Concrete Craft has a wide assortment of stamp patterns and coloring processes, which allows them to replicate expensive-looking materials such as brick, cobblestone and even natural slate.
“When working with a potential client who isn’t sure where to start, we suggest they make a list of ‘must haves’ and encourage them to find images online,” says President Matt Firestone. “With this information, we can begin recommending solutions that provide a picture-perfect look to fulfill our customers’ needs.”
Walking into the backyard and slipping into some cool water on a hot day is the summer dream. Strawberry Springs Pool can help make that summer dream a reality. Strawberry Springs is proud to serve the Lincoln area, providing unmatched attention to detail, complete customer satisfaction and reliable service. They specialize in designing and building in-ground pools and Aspen Spas and are excited to help customers envision the perfect aquatic addition. Strawberry Springs is authorized and trained as spa technicians for most brands and are therefore more than excited to help with any pool maintenance needs. With reliable efficiency and professionalism, Strawberry Springs can repair any hot tub or pool, so no one has to miss a day in water. The following four facts expose the physical and mental benefits of swimming, revealing why installing a pool is a great idea for any family and any age:
Swimming is a whole body workout. It engages almost every major muscle group: arms, legs, torso and even the stomach.
Swimming builds cardiovascular strength. Swimming is scientifically proven to strengthen the heart, lungs and circulatory systems, while also lowering blood pressure.
Swimming is excellent for all ages and levels of fitness. This means
swimming is ideal for those with arthritis or those unable to bear much weight on their joints, benefitting those with injuries, disabilities and even pregnancy.
Aerobic exercise releases endorphins, elevating or stabilizing mood to reduce overall tension. Scientific studies have also hinted that swimming can reduce stress-induced depression, improving a person’s sleep as well.
The power of paint is truly invaluable. Residential remodeling doesn’t have to look like a complete tear down and rebuild. A fresh coat of paint can help give any room a whole new look and feel and even buy some time before the funds for a total remodel to accrue. Remy Refinishing offers interior painting services and specializes in cabinet painting, a daunting task for any homeowner.
Interior paint does last a long time, but with natural light, burning candles and cooking, paint will eventually become dirty, get scuffed up from the wear and tear of life and need a refresh. A house can be clean enough to lick the floors but look dull and grimy due to old paint. Like everything else, paint has evolved to better meet and convenience everyday needs. Many companies now sell innovative products that are scuff resistant, antibacterial or zero VOC.
“Inviting people into your home can be stressful enough as it is; you want to put your best food forward,” Owner Jeremy Day says. “Paint is a high-impact, realistic way to make your space look beautiful and inviting to any guest, friends or family.”
Ask knowledgeable painters questions about the many kinds of paint on the market. They have valuable input as to what might benefit the look, feel or functionality of a home, a business or office. Most painters use the same old products that have been around for forever, never exploring the newest painting technologies that can help the customer have the most successful residential remodel.
Remy Refinishing is committed to evolving with the times, growing with the market to provide its clients with a space that works for them and of which they can be proud. Look no further than Remy Refinishing for top-notch paint jobs and top-of-the-line customer service for a reasonable price!
Neemann & Sons, Inc. is a family-owned business offering only the best quality products and is committed to delivering the highest level of customer satisfaction on every residential remodel.
In 1981, Terry and Chris Neemann established a roofing company focused on building a stronger, better community, and Neemann & Sons, Inc. has since rapidly grown due to that hard work and commitment to the community. As the family business expanded, Terry Neemann Roofing was renamed Neemann & Sons, Inc. as Terry’s three sons continued the company’s dedication to quality exterior services under a name that would encompass the full extent of their talents.
For those looking to start their next or first residential remodel, consider working with Neemann & Sons due to the following standards on which their business is built:
• Honesty. As a family-friendly service, Neemann & Sons, Inc. focuses on establishing trust by reviewing customers specific needs, concerns and expectations.
• Hard Work. Neemann & Sons, Inc. will work with any budget and schedule to provide each customer with quality finishes at
the best value on every project.
• 100% Satisfaction. Neemann & Sons, Inc. ensures that every project goes above and beyond the customer’s expectations, offering a five-year Workmanship Warranty to fix any concerns that might arise.
Neemann & Sons, Inc. services range from residential and commercial roofing, siding, seamless gutters, soffit and fascia and replacement windows to insulation, inspections and repairs. So, check them out for any residential remodel needs!
Selecting the perfect tile for any area of a home can have a significant impact on the cohesiveness and harmony of a home. Whether it’s the kitchen’s backsplash, dining room flooring or shower walls, choosing the right material can make or break a space, pulling it all together or completely throwing off the design.
Maven Tile & Home Design is highly adept at this stage in the residential remodeling process. Maven Tile & Home Design offers a wide scope of services, not just their expertise in tile, and is dedicated to providing comprehensive home designs.
“We offer full in-house design services, specializing in complete home projects. We create cohesive designs across both interior and exterior spaces and have experience with new builds, remodels and renovations,” notes Senior Designer Linette Bradley . “Every space we curate is unique, reflecting how proud we are to create one-of-akind homes that stand out from traditional designs. We work with customers to make each design satisfactory to the customer’s own personal design style, needs and expectations. Your design should be unique to you and your family!”
Maven Tile & Home Design is not only dedicated to developing unique spaces, but also spaces that will be timelessly gorgeous for generations to come. Their strategy has established them as highly competitive in the tile and home decor industry, and they are more than excited to help with any residential remodeling project!
Dependable Demolition and Excavation
The first thing someone should do when looking to remodel is research designs they like. This gives the contractor an idea of how to proceed with the bidding process. Unfortunately, not every design on the internet or in a magazine will fit or work within the area one is looking to remodel. It is important to have clear communication with the contractor and talk through options, remembering that their expertise gives them insight into why a certain product may not be possible in the project.
Lincoln Demolition and Excavation diligently thinks through each step and accounts for all possibilities. They take the time to check city and state codes and procedures to ensure all the required setbacks, compaction rates, inspections and disposal requirements are met. This saves the customer from very costly repairs needed down the road. If these steps are skipped, it can lead to foundation failure, drywall moving and cracking, siding popping loose, windows and doors not opening or closing properly and many other issues.
“By not comparing the estimates, just choosing the lowest price, you run a high risk of the project being completed improperly, the newly remodeled area being not up to code and very expensive repairs in the near future,” states Owner Jake Metz.
Lincoln Demolition and Excavation offers peace of mind that all steps have been accounted for, all codes and requirements
are met to the highest standard and all are receiving the highest return on any investment.
Lively Luminescence
Lighting is one of the best upgrades to consider with any residential remodeling project. For example, if one is already investing thousands of dollars into updating a kitchen, why not invest a little more to install under cabinet lights to showcase that new kitchen? Same with bathrooms, one can install new lighting over the shower or bath area, or one could even experiment with directional lighting to enhance art work or photography hanging on the walls. Furthermore, Oak Electric’s expertise is prepared to offer only the best lighting solutions.
Currently, the most popular trend in lighting is to replace old overhead light fixtures with strategically placed can lights. However, before one starts any remodel project–new appliances, hot tubs, a new addition, etc.–have a licensed electrician evaluate the home’s electrical panel to ensure it can safely handle any and all upgrades.
Lastly, lighting is equally important on the exterior of your home. “Outside lighting provides safety after dark. It provides functionality to use your patio and/or deck later into the evening. It also gives the home greater curb appeal,” notes Master Electrician Matt Collins.
For a comprehensive list of Oak Electric’s services, visit oakelectriccompany.com. Contact Oak Electric at oakelectriccompany@gmail. com or (402) 440-5969, or follow them on Facebook (facebook.com/oakelectricinc/). Oak Electric’s small and dedicated team is ready to ensure quality control with the utmost focus on safety throughout any residential remodeling project!
Fierce Furniture Flips
“Let us create something beautiful for you!” says Co-Owner of Larkspur Upholstery Studio, Amy Ainsley.
Larkspur Upholstery Studio specializes in reupholstering, refinishing and repairing furniture back to its former glory, giving furniture a new life and new potential. Reviving furniture can add a great deal to any home improvement or residential remodeling project, and better yet, the history and memories remain!
Amy entered the upholstery industry with over 10 years of experience refinishing furniture, then trained for three years under master upholsters at Pechous Upholstering Company. This is where Amy developed an eye for perfection for both residential and commercial projects.
Amy reupholsters clients’ pieces to a state even more beautiful than when the pieces came brand new with the help of her Larkspur Upholstery partner Bre Reiss. Bre has been a serious sewist for over twenty years, graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a master’s degree in Textiles, Apparel Design and Merchandising. Together, they deliver high-quality, polished and professional finished products every time whether repairing, refinishing, reupholstering or creating new custom furniture.
Customers can simply send an image of the piece of furniture to be refinished/reupholstered with a description of what needs to be done. Amy and Bre will then respond with an estimate within a week. It’s as simple as that!
Black Label Built is where excellence meets experience, and every project is a masterpiece in the making. As the proud owner, Lance Roach is thrilled to share Black Label Built’s commitment to delivering the absolute best in everything it does.
“At Black
meticulously designed website or in person, you’ll sense our dedication to perfection,” says Roach. “Our team of experts is not only highly skilled but also passionately driven to exceed expectations.”
What sets Black Label Built apart is its unwavering focus on craftsmanship and quality. Black Label Built meticulously handpicks materials of the finest caliber and employs cutting-edge techniques to ensure each project is not just completed but elevated to a work of art. Whether it’s constructing a new deck, patio cover or garage; revitalizing your current outdoor space or building an entirely new space, Black Label Built brings creativity, design and precision to every detail.
“Our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in fostering strong relationships built on trust, transparency, and clear communication,” notes Roach. “We listen attentively to your vision and collaborate closely throughout the entire process, ensuring your aspirations are not only met but exceeded.”
Beyond Black Label Built’s commitment to excellence in construction, it prioritizes sustainability and innovation. Embracing eco-friendly practices and staying at the forefront of industry trends allows Black Label Built to deliver forward-thinking solutions that are both environmentally conscious and future-proof.
“When you choose Black Label Built, you’re not just selecting a contractor; you’re partnering with a team dedicated to turning your dreams into reality,” assures Roach. “Our track record speaks for itself, with a portfolio of successful projects and satisfied clients who attest to our unmatched expertise and professionalism.”
Join Black Label Built in celebrating the artistry of construction and experience firsthand why Black Label Built is synonymous with unparalleled quality and exceptional service. Discover how Black Label Built can transform customers’ visions into living masterpieces that stand the test of time.
Welcome to a new standard of excellence. Welcome to Black Label Built.
Customized and Capable Concrete
Curb appeal is the main factor when increasing a home’s value, so why not start that residential remodeling project by improving curb appeal in a literal sense? Consider concrete curbing!
Liberty Edge Curbing specializes in visually appealing concrete curbs to enhance the value of any home or business. Offering a variety of curbing styles, patterns and colors, Liberty Edge Curbing not only creates eyecatching interest in landscaping, but it also caters to the unique wants and styles of each of its clients, putting the cherry on top of clients’ visions.
Unlike plastic or brick pavers that constantly crack and shift, concrete curbing and edging promises a sustainable, durable, one-piece solution to the hassle that can be trimming back weeds and difficult landscaping. Concrete curbing is a timeless option and the perfect addition to keep all landscaping exactly where it belongs. There is no landscape design concrete curbing can’t enhance. Maximize concrete borders’ efficiency by defining outdoor walkways, flowerbeds and even tree rings.
“Decorative concrete curbing is surprisingly affordable,” notes Liberty Edge Curbing Team Member Jeremiah Morehead. “Not only does our concrete curbing accommodate the client’s every whim, but it is also the most costeffective solution for the long-term style and functionality of the outdoor space as customers can rely on the product’s composition and endurance. Our clients get the best of both worlds, a structurally sound landscape barrier that is completely customizable and will add to the home’s curb appeal for generations.”
As an added bonus, Liberty Edge Curbing doesn’t disrupt its clients’ lives. They install and seal in the same day, so landscape intrusiveness is at a minimum.
Confidence is key during any home improvement project, and with Liberty Edge Curbing, one can be confident that landscape barriers will remain strong and stylish from year to year.
In many cases, any home can be a dream home with the right renovations. Here are five reasons why remodeling is better than buying a brand new home, especially given how expensive the housing market is right now.
1) You don’t have to move! – Moving is expensive; that’s the reality. Expenses like realtor fees, moving companies, rental units and short-term housing add up. All that money needed to sell could be redirected to start a remodeling budget!
2) You can use your home’s equity to finance your remodel! – Residential remodeling doesn’t have to mean financial stress. Many homeowners are able to use their home’s equity to finance their renovation plans. Given the current market, this is a better option than saving up for a down payment.
3) You can increase your home’s value! –Residential remodeling kills two birds with one stone. It’s the perfect opportunity to create your dream home, and at the very least, your dream remodel will then increase your home’s appeal to future buyers.
4) You can stay where your heart is! – Your neighborhood, neighbors, school district and local amenities are important elements to what constitutes a dream home. Continue to make memories where your heart is. You shouldn’t have to compromise what you already love!
5) You can get exactly what YOU want! –What is the likelihood that there will be a house on the market that is perfect to the last detail, and at what cost? With residential remodeling, you can get exactly what you want, exactly how you want it!
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At Strictly Business, we believe it is so important to support our local nonprofits. Our commitment to supporting local nonprofits stems from recognizing their pivotal role in addressing the pressing needs of our community’s most vulnerable segments. Nonprofit organizations understand the needs of those who are vulnerable in our community and work to help support causes many of us connect to.
These organizations not only champion causes that resonate deeply with us, but also play a significant role in job creation, providing invaluable opportunities for individuals – be they workers, volunteers or donors – to contribute meaningfully to causes larger than themselves. When we pitch in to help nonprofits, we’re helping our communities and neighbors, keeping a culture of humanity, art and philanthropy alive.
Since 1978, Friendship Home has helped survivors of domestic violence find physical and emotional safety by offering possibilities to help change their lives when things are at their worst. Friendship Home’s current facilities have expanded shelter options including transitional housing and single-family shelters and a variety of different crisis services.
Friendship Home offers emergency shelter in a communal shelter setting, apartments for families and transitional living for families who need more time to rebuild their lives – free from violence. Friendship Home continues to empower everyone who comes through their doors to achieve safety, independence and freedom from domestic violence.
Friendship Home is Lancaster County’s only safe, confidential emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence and their children. Services include emergency and transitional shelter, as well as supportive services, through safety planning, crisis intervention, support groups and mental health counseling. To access safe shelter and services, call (402) 437-9302. Learn more about Friendship Home online at friendshiphome.org.
Angels Among Us provides financial and emotional support to families whose children are battling pediatric cancer. Any family living in or being treated in Nebraska is eligible to apply. Once approved, families are provided with $500 or $825 a month, depending on household income levels, for the length of their entire treatment plan, up to three years, to help them stay financially stable during treatment. Funds are paid directly to the creditor, which ensures that funds are used for their intended purpose.
In addition to financial support, Angels Among Us launched 11 emotional support programs to provide wrap-around services for all members of the pediatric cancer family. Programs for teens, kids, siblings and caregivers; events for the family to attend together; and bereavement support services are now offered. These emotional support programs allow Angels Among Us to better fulfill its mission of BOTH financial and emotional support.
Angels Among Us recently moved into its new space, The Harper Hope Center. This space allows Angels Among Us to conduct programmatic events and support groups for the pediatric cancer families they serve, on site, for the first time. We are now located on 89th and Indian Hills Drive at 220 N 89th St. STE 101 in Omaha.
Since 2006, Angels Among Us has assisted over 700 families with over $5 million in support. Gifts of any amount are welcome and encouraged. For more information, contact Angels Among Us at (402) 934-0999 or visit the website at www.myangelsamongus.org.
The mission of the American Red Cross is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Our mission is more than words. We always aim to prevent and relieve suffering with every action. The Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to people affected by disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, is always there in times of need. Red Cross supporters provide a beacon of hope. From helping during disasters and ensuring access to lifesaving blood, to providing training to save lives and supporting military communities, the Red Cross is there when help can’t wait. To learn more, visit redcross.org.
For over 60 years, Keep Nebraska Beautiful (KNB) has worked for the betterment of Nebraska through waste reduction, recycling and community beautification. KNB’s mission is to enhance, preserve and beautify Nebraska by developing and managing programs and partnerships with statewide affiliates, private industry leaders and citizens who share a passion for the environment. As a state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful (KAB), KNB coordinates KAB events in the state of Nebraska and is a statewide resource for its 20 local community affiliates and all Nebraska residents.
The largest programs offered through KNB are the Nebraska School Chemical Cleanout Campaign, Materials Exchange Program, Used Oil Collection Program, Food Waste Reduction Program and Household Hazardous Waste Program. These initiatives focus on promoting environmental sustainability and public health. Contact KNB at (402) 486-4562 or visit knb.org for more information.
Voices of Hope provides 24-hour services to all genders who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, or related forms of abuse. They have provided free and confidential services to individuals of these crimes in Lincoln/Lancaster County for 48 years. Their services include a 24-hour crisis line (402) 475-7273, victim advocacy courts/hospitals, support groups, crisis counseling, safety planning, assistance with protection orders, basic needs and campus advocacy. They answer more than 8,000 crisis line calls a year and provide face-to-face services to approximately 2,500 unduplicated survivors. Voices of Hope is in need of financial donations, gift cards, gas cards, and donations of basic need items such as personal hygiene items, household items, and security cameras. To learn more visit voicesofhopelincoln .org.
St. Monica’s Home (STM) provides licensed substance abuse and mental health treatment for 250+ women each year, offering a holistic recovery program for adult women and mothers along with their children. Our purpose is to provide recovery within a homelike environment to help empower women combating various problems intertwined with substance abuse. We have provided gender-specific behavioral health treatment in Lincoln since 1964.
STM's substance abuse treatment programs are trauma-informed, treating not only the addiction but the underlying circumstances. Our continuum of care extends through several levels of treatment and continuing case management after treatment. Each woman's individual treatment plan addresses substance use disorder, as well as co-occurring mental health disorders in addition to trauma. STM programs include Short-Term Residential, Therapeutic Community, Project Mother Child (PMC), Women are Sacred (a Native Specific program for women and children), Step-Down Housing and increased outpatient therapy options.
Clinic With a Heart is a faith-inspired organization that helps people who are uninsured and underinsured through a ministry of healthcare.
It started because of a week in Reynosa, Mexico in 2002, when Dr. Rob Rhodes was providing free healthcare to a disadvantaged population. After they ended their medical mission in Reynosa, Mexico, they related it to home asking the question, “If we can provide free healthcare in Mexico, why wouldn’t we provide free healthcare in our own backyard?” Then, after verifying the need, the inspired and motivated team started their journey to provide free healthcare in Lincoln, Nebraska. Clinic With a Heart was officially sanctioned as a nonprofit organization and opened its first free healthcare clinic in May, 2003.
Today, each clinic night is sponsored by a mission team. The team provides the coordination of service and funding. Mission team sponsors include seven different churches, a temple, two hospitals, and one education institution.
All service provided at Clinic With a Heart is free of charge for the patient. For more information, visit clinicwithaheart.org.
Junior Achievement of Lincoln is one of over 100 local JA Areas across the nation. We are the nation's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their futures, and make smart academic and economic choices. We at Junior Achievement of Lincoln provide several ways to get involved whether you are looking to volunteer, or part of a business to help us expand the reach of our mission. Our mission is to empower young people by equipping them with the knowledge and skills to take control of their futures, make good financial decisions, be career-oriented, and have an entrepreneurial spirit. Junior Achievement volunteers empower K-12 students through financial education, professional development, and soft skills such as critical thinking and teamwork to prepare them for ownership over their futures and careers.
One of Lincoln’s largest nonprofit organizations focusing on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility is the YMCA of Lincoln. The YMCA has served the community for over 150 years – promoting positive values through programs that build spirit, mind and body for all. Today, the YMCA serves the community with facilities in all quadrants of Lincoln through programs including swim lessons, YMCA Youth Sports, YMCA Camp Kitaki, after school programs, health and wellness offerings and more. While the names and program offerings have changed over the past 150 years, the cause remains the same – strengthening the community. As one of the country’s most storied nonprofits, the YMCA knows that lasting personal and social change comes about when everyone works together. Every day, the YMCA works side-by-side with their neighbors to make sure everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. For more information on the YMCA of Lincoln, visit YMCALincoln.org.
Through a growing grassroots network of volunteers who hail from every corner or the state, Nebraska Community Foundation unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving, and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska. This year, NCF celebrates 30 years of progress toward its vision to make Nebraska a place where our hometowns are achieving their dreams.
Headquartered in Lincoln, the Foundation serves communities, donors and organizations by providing financial management, strategic development, education and training to a statewide network of 1,500 volunteers serving more than 270 communities. In the last five years, 45,993 contributions have been made to Nebraska Community Foundation and its affiliated funds. Since 1994, Nebraska Community Foundation has reinvested $517 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org.
Nebraska Diaper Bank (NDB) operates a growing diaper distribution program, working collaboratively with other social service agencies to serve the community since 2014. Clean, dry diapers are necessary for the health and well-being of growing babies, yet many families struggle to provide enough diapers for their child’s needs. Diapers are not covered by any federal program such as SNAP, WIC, or Medicaid. For families who stretch every dollar, the extra burden of $80+ for diapers every month can be the breaking point. NDB focuses on filling this gap for low-income families in Nebraska. As the only organization in the state partnered with the National Diaper Bank Network, NDB has access to bulk buying programs. Diapers reduce family stress and help parents go to work. Last year NDB distributed over 2.8 million diapers to 10,784 babies, and they are on track to distribute 3.5 million diapers in 2024.
The mission of the Apace Foundation , previously Region V Foundation, is to support and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities in Nebraska. Apace helps provide services that may not be available through usual funding methods, including day services, transportation, housing, job coaching and other programs and experiences. Apace has been serving the Lincoln area and Southeast Nebraska for over 45 years. We strive for a community where those who experience disabilities are included. By providing tools and resources, we educate the public and connect members of the community.
To learn more, please visit GoApace.com or call (402) 471-6400.
For more than 50 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters Lincoln (BBBSL ) has operated under the belief that inherent in every young person has the ability to succeed and thrive in life. BBBS Lincoln is under the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands’ (BBBSM) umbrella and part of the largest donor-and-volunteer-supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. The Big Brothers Big Sisters' vision is for all youth to achieve their full potential. To fulfill that vision, the mission of BBBS is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. As an organization, BBBSM is committed to defending the potential of youth in the Lincoln and Omaha/Council Bluffs metro areas, spanning across nine counties in Nebraska and Iowa. Through the support of nearly 150 mentoring relationships this year, BBBSL strives to provide a solid foundation for personal growth, academic achievement and positive development. To volunteer, donate or acquire further information about our initiatives, please visit bbbslincoln.org or contact us at (402) 330-2449. Stay connected and informed by following Big Brothers Big Sisters Lincoln (@bbbslincoln) on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
City Impact , a faith-based nonprofit, urgently seeks volunteers and donations to empower and equip kids and families to rise above vulnerable circumstances, transforming into who God created them to be.
City Impact offers FREE community programs, mental health and fitness workshops, sports camps, STEAM Summer Learning, and faith and literacy programs, all aimed at helping kids and parents thrive. Rooted in faith and compassion, we believe every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential.
Needs: Our volunteers and donors are essential to our success, allowing us to offer FREE crucial services and create positive change in our community. With increasing demand for our programs, we need more volunteers and financial contributions. Whether you can volunteer a few hours a week or become a monthly donor, your support is invaluable.
To get involved, visit our website at cityimpact.org or contact us at (402) 477-8080.
The Down Syndrome Association for Families (DSAF) provides networking opportunities, educational events and up-to-date information about Down syndrome. DSAF was established in 1995 to support parents of children with Down syndrome and became a 501(c)3 organization in 2002. The organization hosts the Capital City Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk to raise awareness and funds locally. DSAF's health equity initiatives prioritize healthy living for individuals with Down syndrome and aim to reduce health disparities and increase social inclusion. The Down Syndrome Association for Families is committed to providing networking opportunities, educational events and current information about Down syndrome to the community. DSAF focuses on promoting awareness, support and healthy living for individuals with Down syndrome. It offers various programs and services, with a specific emphasis on addressing the unique needs of individuals with Down syndrome. To learn more, visit dsafnebraska.org.
Theatre Arts For Kids (TAFK) is a non profit children’s theatre company serving Lincoln and surrounding areas. TAFK provides quality performance opportunities for kids of all ages and abilities. This inclusive program provides opportunities for all children despite any physical, emotional or financial challenges etc. Through singing, acting and dancing, TAFK also teaches leadership, team work, philanthropy and humanity. With emphasis on professionalism, shows at TAFK are not like any other children’s theatre. Theatre Arts For Kids has been in Lincoln for eleven years and is currently in the throngs of an exciting capital campaign for their forever home. For more information about TAFK, visit TAFK.org.
Since 2008, the Husker Fans Salute the Troops organization has hosted a Husker Salute weekend for up to 100 Veterans, active military personnel and their families, with the mission to Salute, Serve and Support them for their sacrifices, and to help ensure that every person with Military ties in Nebraska and surrounding communities feels respected and appreciated for their service and are hopeful for the future. 2024 Husker Salute Weekend is being planned for this fall (tent. Sept 28-29), with an inspirational keynote speaker, FUN – FREE – FAMILY oriented activities, hotel accommodations, complimentary meals, a gamewatch tailgate, and a tour of Memorial Stadium.
Husker fans and businesses from across Nebraska and the USA help support Husker Salute with donations of funds, services, materials, food and drink. You too can join the support team! See HuskerSalute. org, on Facebook at Husker Salute, or email HuskerSalute@gmail. com. Please help this Big Red cause!
For over 20 years, DomestiPUPS has been supporting people in our local, regional and national communities through the assistance of animals. From therapy dogs in the classroom motivating children to pet therapy visitations in nursing homes, hospitals and assisted living centers, Domesti-PUPS pet therapy teams bring a bit of brightness through their furry encounters. The organization’s service dog teams provide increased independence when paired with a disabled partner. These highly-skilled canines can turn on lights, provide balance and mobility, retrieve dropped items, bring a bottle of water from a refrigerator, respond to medical emergencies such as a seizure or a diabetic high or low and open doors both literally and figuratively. Some even provide lifesaving measures for their disabled partners. Learn more online at domesti-pups.org.
The Foundry Community exists to support, educate, and develop the Nebraska purposedriven community. We design resources to provide talent, capacity, programs, and spaces tailored to nonprofits. By joining our community, organizations can accelerate their impact pathway through fiscal sponsorships, and benefit from reliable services through our partnerships with University of Nebraska-Lincoln Honors program (Intern Foundry) and AmeriCorp (BASE CAMP.) We also offer meeting rooms, event spaces, and a specialized coworking environment. We deeply value our members and work to provide infrastructure that sets up Nebraska-based nonprofits, purpose-driven businesses, and public sector organizations up for success. We enable small organizations to focus on their core missions, empowering them to make a direct and positive impact on the world. Join us to become part of a collaborative network that fosters growth, community, and success. To become a member, visit thefoundry.co.
Through partnerships and collaboration, Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF) facilitates positive change for the common good. LCF’s mission is to inspire our community to give, act and lead.
Since 1955, LCF has been privileged to be part of many wonderful legacies by connecting donor generosity to local needs. The organization serves as a faithful steward for many types of philanthropic gifts and helps donors create lasting legacies of giving. With gifts of all sizes from thousands of donors over the years, the assets of LCF have grown to more than $232 million. LCF has distributed more than $237 million in grants to nonprofit organizations that have improved the lives of our residents.
The success of Lincoln Community Foundation is measured by the quality of life achieved for people today and generations to come. Find out more online at www.lcf.org or by calling (402) 474-2345.
The mission of the Nebraska Safety Council is simple: For more than 60 years, they have provided education and leadership to empower people to live safe and healthy lives. The Nebraska Safety Council’s comprehensive programs, training courses, events and services are designed to improve employee care at a desk, on the production floor, behind the wheel and off the job. Their unique Worker 360° approach provides integrated risk management to improve overall worker quality of life and positively impact an organization’s bottom line. Members of the Nebraska Safety Council include organizations throughout Nebraska and surrounding areas, across a variety of industries. There is no onesize-fits-all option. Each company’s safety and wellbeing program is customized for their needs and size. Demonstrate your commitment to employee safety and health by becoming a member of the Nebraska Safety Council. You will receive access to training, guidance and resources to establish or enhance your safety and wellness programs and policies. The Nebraska Safety Council provides leadership and resources for a safe and healthy workplace and community. To reach their team, call (402) 483-2511 or visit nesafetycouncil. org to learn more.
For 92 years, Goodwill Industries Serving Southeast Nebraska, Inc. has been strengthening the Lincoln community by providing services for individuals who face barriers to employment and by offering residents an outlet for recycling unused household items and clothing. The sale of donated items in Goodwill’s retail stores remains the largest source of funding for its programs and services.
Goodwill recognizes that services provided by peer agencies prepare people served by Goodwill to better succeed in Goodwill’s employment programs. It is with this understanding that Goodwill provides funding to colleague agencies to help with their own programs that align with Goodwill’s mission of keeping willing workers employed and community resources maximized. To learn more, visit lincolngoodwill.org.
Founded in 1932, Catholic Social Services (CSS) of Southern Nebraska is the charitable arm of the Diocese of Lincoln, serving all individuals regardless of faith in the southern third of Nebraska. Their services cover 24,000 square miles and touch the lives of nearly 30,000 people annually. Catholic Social Services provides food market and meal services, family support services – which include rent and utility assistance, disaster relief, refugee, immigration services and St. Gianna Program (a program for women and their children escaping violence and domestic abuse). Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska has offices and Gift & Thrift stores in Lincoln, Auburn, Hastings and Imperial. To connect, donate or volunteer with CSS in bringing Hope in the Good Life, visit www.csshope.org or call (402) 474-1600.
A Time to Heal Cancer Foundation is a local organization started in Omaha, Nebraska. They offer FREE support, education and empowerment for cancer survivors and caregivers. Our programs are a blend of emotional support groups and education available online from anywhere or in-person at their new office at 220 N 89th St. Suite 201.
They provide many different programs including: Survivorship 101, a nine-week, 90-minute per week class offering researched-based guidance on nutrition, exercise, anxiety and intimacy after cancer; Navigating Brain Fog, a unique 6-week, 90-minute per week class helping cancer and COVID-19 survivors improve memory and cognitive function; Advanced/Chronic Cancer Support, monthly session for those with ongoing cancer, providing connections, help and support.
Their programs are free and facilitated by trained healthcare professionals. Generous donations make this life-changing support possible for over 800 survivors each year! For more information or to support survivors, contact A Time to Heal at (402) 401-6083 or visit atth.org.
Over the past 50 years, CenterPointe has grown to include over forty programs including mental health and substance use treatment, primary care services, rehabilitation, medication management, 24-hour crisis response, and housing. Most of those served experience severe and persistent mental illness, addiction, and health issues. Nearly all are low or no income.
Last year, CenterPointe served over 4,500 individuals, half making less than $1,000 a year. This year, they have already surpassed that number; the need for comprehensive, whole health services has never been greater.
CenterPointe builds stronger communities by helping people get better, sooner, for longer. To learn more, visit centerpointe.org.
Based in Lincoln, nonprofit Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska
is part of a wholeperson healthcare organization across 13 states in more than 700 communities serving people with intellectual and developmental needs. Mosaic’s purpose is to “love and serve” and its mission is to “embrace God’s call to relentlessly pursue opportunities to empower people.” The values woven through Mosaic’s work are belonging, connection, faithfulness and grit.
At Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska, “to empower” means providing truly personalized services to those it supports to achieve their best or most meaningful life, working with them and their families to create closer ties to the community in order to open up volunteer and employment opportunities and Mosaic standing alongside them to advocate with and for them to bring awareness to issues that affect their lives and promote public policy that positively impacts them. This empowerment of people ranges from helping someone communicate for the first time to helping another gain enough independence to secure a job and live in their own home. If you would like to learn more about Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska’s services, to donate, volunteer or inquire about employment, please go to mosaicinfo.org/southeastnebraska.
The Branched Oak Observatory (BOO) is a unique astronomical park located conveniently just 20 minutes from downtown Lincoln near Branched Oak Lake Recreation Area. Established in 2015, they offer a unique viewing experience and learning opportunity for young and old alike. Whether viewing the sun, the moon or deep-space star clusters and nebulae, the Observatory’s staff of volunteers –amateur and professional astronomers alike – help to “Bring the Night Sky Down to Earth.”
The Observatory has a radio telescope to view the electronic spectrum of the universe, a SATCOM array for communications with the International Space Station and other satellites, a Cosmic Ray Detector and an Earth Moon Earth EME array that will allow them to bounce radio signals off the surface of the moon and back to Earth! Please follow the Branched Oak Observatory on Facebook (@ BranchedOakObservatory). Their new summertime hours are 7 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for safe solar viewing on “SUN”days. If you would like more information, visit theboo.org or contact Matt Anderson at matthew@ branchedoakobservatory.com / (402) 480-5515. Branched Oak Observatory is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Since 1952, The Arc of Lincoln has been a resource for parents, schools, agencies and individuals who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities. The mission is to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to promote and protect their rights and interests, while enriching the quality of their lives. They believe that all people deserve opportunities and to be contributors and influencers in their communities. Questions can be directed to Jennifer Stuhmer, Executive Director, at (402) 421-8866 / director@ arclincoln.org. Visit www.arclincoln.org for more information.
The mission of Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach is to relieve hunger, overcome homelessness, address addiction and provide outreach and advocacy in Lincoln. Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week, Matt Talbot is a hunger relief and outreach center dedicated to helping the homeless and near-homeless find possibilities when things seem impossible. Each year over 250,000 meals are provided through onsite prepared meals, emergency food pantries and the distribution of donated highquality food and over 50,000 outreach and homeless prevention services are provided including housing, case management, drug and alcohol evaluations, education classes, homeless diversion and help with obtaining vital identification documents. Matt Talbot has maintained a four-star Charity Navigator ranking for ten consecutive years, received the 2023 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics, and is recognized for transparency with a Gold Seal GuideStar Nonprofit Profile.
Learn more at mtko.org.
HopeSpoke inspires healthy futures for children and families through comprehensive behavioral and mental health services. Emotional issues and trauma are hard for anyone to overcome, especially for kids. When things feel hopeless, HopeSpoke can help.
HopeSpoke provides mental health services for individuals and families across the lifespan, including:
• Outpatient counseling
• School-based therapy
• Extended day treatment
• Crisis and residential services
Outpatient counseling is available in-person or via telehealth to best fit each individual’s needs. Caring for children’s mental health since 1949, HopeSpoke continues to provide expert, innovative services to grow a community of happy, hopeful, healthy families. For more information about HopeSpoke’s programs, or to make a gift to support mental health for children and families, please visit hopespoke.org or call (402) 475-7666.
The Pregnancy Center of Lincoln is a nonprofit, faith-based organization located in the heart of Lincoln, just off O Street. Every day women in our community visit the Pregnancy Center for answers. These women desperately need love and support, and many of them are afraid and feel like they have no options. The Pregnancy Center provides comprehensive information about every option available to women facing an unintended pregnancy. The center also provides confidential counsel, pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, materials support, parenting and birth classes all at no cost to their clients or taxpayers.
Fresh Start has provided a new beginning for over 1,800 women striving to enhance their lives. Serving as a nonprofit transitional housing program dedicated to women, Fresh Start offers more than just a secure living environment. It operates as a goal-oriented initiative that empowers women to transform their lives by identifying and overcoming obstacles to self-sufficiency. Through Fresh Start, women aged 19 and above facing homelessness for various reasons can reside in a secure and supportive setting for up to a year. This extended period allows them to concentrate on their long-term objectives, address challenges and effect positive changes.
Donations of essential items such as dish soap, toilet bowl cleaner and disinfectant cleaning supplies are greatly appreciated at this time.
To donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities, please visit their website at freshstarthome.org. Contact LaCresha Brooks at (402) 475-7777 or lacreshab@freshstarthome.org.
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives – devoted to saving people from two of the nation’s top killers: heart disease and stroke.
Powered by millions of volunteers, global and local collaborators, their goal is equitably increase worldwide healthy life expectancy from 64 to at least 67 years by 2030.
Through events right here in Nebraska, like the Heart Walk, Go Red for Women and Heart Ball, the American Heart Association is making an impact. For more information, visit heart.org/nebraska.
More than 11,000 Nebraskans will be diagnosed with cancer this year. The Heartland Cancer Foundation’s (HCF) mission is to provide practical and immediate financial assistance to eligible cancer patients in our community so they can focus on what matters most: healing.
If YOU are passionate about supporting local cancer patients who are struggling with both a cancer diagnosis and financial hardship, YOU can get involved by sponsoring one of HCF’s signature events like the Mardi Gras Gala, Oncology Symposium or Heartland Golf Classic, or by becoming an Impact Partner and having a presence at all events year-round.
Other ways YOU can show your support include volunteering, joining the Impact Guild, setting up a recurring gift or including HCF as a beneficiary in your legacy plans.
Chances are, cancer has had an impact on your life. If you’re ready to provide hope, learn more and reach out at heartlandcancerfoundation.org.
Established in 1992, The Mediation Center fills a unique and important niche in our community. With staff possessing expertise in conflict resolution and consensus building strategies, along with the commitment of nearly 100 extensively trained mediators, over the years thousands of mediations have benefited thousands of individuals. The Center operates on a sliding fee scale and is dedicated to providing anyone in our community access to professional mediation services regardless of their ability to pay.
Mediation is a non-adversarial process for resolving disputes guided by a neutral third party mediator. The Mediation Center is proud of the quality and breadth of their programming and works relentlessly towards achieving a future for our community where mediation is the first option considered to resolve conflict and preserve relationships.
Call The Mediation Center at (402) 441-5740 or go to the website at themediationcenter.org for more information or to request services.
Lincoln Medical Education Partnership (LMEP) is a leader in healthcare education, patient care and behavioral health services through a variety of programs designed to meet community needs. These include the training of Family Medicine resident physicians and the delivery of exemplary patient care through the Lincoln Family Medicine Residency Program and the Lincoln Family Medicine Center, exposure to integrative medicine through Lincoln Medical Acupuncture, outpatient mental health and substance use counseling services for adults through Stepping Stones, and the provision of training and technical assistance to help schools identify and assist students with behavioral health issues through School Community Intervention & Prevention (SCIP). To learn more about Lincoln Medical Education Partnership, visit www.lmep.com or call (402) 483-4581.
The Bridge Behavioral Health is a nationally accredited substance use treatment center. Their mission is to provide hope and a strong foundation for recovery through substance use treatment and behavioral health intervention.
Since 1984, The Bridge has served as an essential part of the community’s safety net, providing compassionate support and treatment to people struggling with substance use and related mental health disorders. The Bridge offers a continuum of services including medically-monitored withdrawal, substance use and mental health respite, residential treatment and outpatient counseling.
For more information, contact Brianna Georgeson at development@ thebridgenebraska.org or visit thebridgenebraska.org.
Christian Businessmen’s Connection (CBMC Lincoln) is part of a global network of men in the marketplace who want to develop personally, professionally and spiritually. These are men who aspire to honor God in their businesses and work. CBMC encourages men to connect with Christ and with others who are growing and discovering how to represent Christ in life and work.
CBMC offers one-on-one mentoring, challenging growth groups, leadership development, networking and events throughout the year. They also serve business owners and leaders through Peer Advisory Groups geared to equip members to lead lives and businesses which honor Christ and serve the community. Young Professionals (YP) groups offer opportunities for men from all areas of the workplace to engage with other YP’s as well as learn from senior leaders and business owners. When men connect with CBMC, they become part of a trusted band of brothers who are there to provide encouragement and accountability and share wisdom.
To learn how CBMC Lincoln can serve you, please contact CBMC Lincoln at (402) 204-1997, connect with them on Facebook (@ cbmclincolnne) or visit lincoln.cbmc.com.
Hundreds of children and youth in Lancaster County are victims of abuse and neglect. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Lancaster County is a local nonprofit that recruits, trains and supports community volunteers who advocate on behalf of abused, neglected, truant or ungovernable children in Juvenile Court. CASA volunteers get to know the children and the circumstances and issues surrounding the family. They gather information and report their findings and recommendations directly to the judge. CASA volunteer advocates provide a voice for children in court, expedite permanency, share with the judge the needs and wishes of the children and ensure that children have safe, permanent homes. Help us “Change a Child’s Story™” by becoming a CASA volunteer or by donating today!
To volunteer, donate or for more information, please contact CASA for Lancaster County at (402) 474-5161 or visit www.casa4lancaster. org / Facebook @CASA4LancasterCo.
People’s City Mission (PCM) was started in 1907 by local churches, offering food and shelter for transient and impoverished men, women and children. In 1987, PCM moved to their current location and now houses on average 350 men, women and children nightly in their emergency shelters and the Curtis Center permanent supportive housing program. The Help Center offers free clothing, housewares and food to Lincoln’s needy, to aid in preventing homelessness. The Free Clinic offers quality dental and other services to the uninsured. As Lincoln’s homeless shelter, People’s City Mission’s work is more than 97% funded by community donations. When you give a little, you can change a lot.
Contact info@pcmlincoln.org or call (402) 475-1303 for more information. You can also visit www.pcmlincoln.org or @pcmlincoln on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more information.
The Nebraska Chapter of Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) is part of the world’s largest and oldest children’s youth ministry. Established in 1937, the global ministry has reached over 350 million children with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are unique in that they focus specifically on elementary children ages five to 12. CEF of Nebraska’s Good News Club is an after-school Bible club during the school year that primarily meets in local public elementary schools. During the summer, their Summer Good News Club (formerly the Five-Day Club) goes where the children are – neighborhoods, homes and parks.
CEF of Nebraska brings the gospel of Jesus Christ to children for an opportunity in which to make a life-changing decision for Christ in a safe and loving environment. If you would like to know more, please contact Matt Anderson at matta@cefnebraska.org / (402) 480-5515.
Lincoln TeamMates matches an adult volunteer with a student in grades three-12 to help them realize their strengths, grow hope for their future and to simply be heard. Matches share common interests and/ or lived experience. Mentor’s may choose the school and/or grade level that fits best for them. Visits last one class period, once each week and take place at school. TeamMates began in 1991, thanks to Dr. Tom and Nancy Osborne. In 32 years, program outcomes have confirmed their belief that caring adults help students – especially those with multiple life challenges – stay engaged in school, graduate high school and make post-secondary plans. Mentors help students expand their aspirations, develop visions for their futures and realize their full potential. To discuss the benefits of mentoring for associates in your business or to offer donations of food for trainings, reach out by calling (402) 436-1990. You can learn more at lincolnteammates.org.
Filament Essential Services is a nonprofit dedicated to enabling other nonprofits to make a greater impact by easing the burdens of administrative tasks. Our fractional business services will free you up to concentrate on what truly matters –fulfilling your mission and changing the world.
Improve Organization Visibility by defining your brand identity, upgrading communications materials, producing captivating videos and creating targeted campaigns.
Ensure Financial Stability with our meticulous bookkeeping, payroll processing, financial reporting and compliance guidance.
Safeguard Donor Information following our certified vCISO and CISSP support that establishes compliance with industry standards.
Resolve Technology Issues by subscribing to our Managed Services Program to support your software and hardware infrastructure.
For more information about Filament Essential Services, visit filamentservices.org or call (402) 219-9600.
Since 1965, Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties has been partnering with its community in fearless pursuit of anti-poverty solutions so all have the opportunity to live well.
Community Action provides programs and services in four impact areas: Early Childhood Education, Homelessness Prevention, Financial and Family Well-Being and Hunger Relief and Healthy Food Access. Just some programs include Head Start, which gives children and families the education and supports for success in kindergarten and beyond; Emergency Services, which provides rent, utility, and deposit assistance to those at-risk of and experiencing homelessness; and the Gathering Place, which provides free hot, nutritious meals to anyone experiencing hunger in Lincoln.
In 2023, Community Action provided over 109,000 anti-poverty services to over 17,000 individuals. To connect, call (402) 471-4515 or visit communityactionatwork.org.
Aiding Angels is a local, 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization providing FREE, professional house cleaning to the cancer heroes in our community during one of the most stressful times of their lives. A clean home and environment contributes to the welfare and recovery of patients.
Brenda Schwery, local business owner of Maid to Please, has provided free home cleaning services for years through another foundation where women with cancer are the only recipients. In response to an overwhelming number of requests from not only women, but also men and children, Brenda founded Aiding Angels. Now, the void is filled and the much-needed help is extended to everyone – men, women and children regardless of financial status – going through cancer treatment or hospice due to cancer.
For more information on Aiding Angels, please visit aidingangels. com or contact Brenda at (402) 434-2472.
Vision Maker Media envisions a world changed and healed by understanding Native stories and the public conversations they generate. What began as a film archive to conserve and document Native American stories, transformed into the nation’s leader in content by and about Indigenous people. Since 1976, VMM has helped develop, produce, and distribute programs to educate and engage audiences. Through programs like iNative Shorts for Kids, Native Youth Media Project, Creative Shorts Fellowship, Public Media Fund and SHOP Films, VMM provides mentorship, training and funding to nurture the next generation of filmmakers, and has a catalog of films available for purchase to use in the classroom and other educational spaces. Vision Maker Media shines a long-overdue light on the foundation of American history with Native American perspectives, while empowering and engaging the next generation of Native filmmakers to share their stories. For more information, visit visionmakermedia.org.
The Combine AgTech Incubator supports agriculture technology founders with the individualized support they need to lead in agriculture innovation. At The Combine, we know that founding a startup can be intimidating, but founders truly want to build a successful company and lead ag innovation. The problem is many founders don't know the right steps to build an AgTech startup which makes them feel a lack of confidence in themselves as a founder.
The Combine believes founders shouldn't have to figure it out alone. We understand it can be overwhelming, which is why we've created a proven method that has helped 29 startups that have raised over 16 million in capital. Founders benefit by getting individualized support, gaining access to a network of farmers, and being immersed into the Nebraska AgTech Ecosystem. For more information, visit nebraskacombine.com.
Christian Record Services, Inc., located in Lincoln, is a ministry that serves children and adults who are blind.
As the state’s quality award-winning expert for older adults, nonprofit Tabitha empowers people to live joyfully and age gratefully. Supporting families across Nebraska since 1886, Tabitha offers a range of services: from results-driven rehabilitation, accessible at-home health care, innovative living communities, compassionate hospice services and Tabitha Meals on Wheels (Lincoln). For all Senior Care needs, “Tabitha is the answer.”
Each year, Tabitha must fundraise to supplement the cost of Seniors’ care. Medicaid and Medicare do not come close to fully reimbursing Tabitha to cover costs.
Connect with the Tabitha Foundation to make a donation to support Seniors TODAY. Call (402) 486-8520 or go to Tabitha.org/Give.
This year, the organization is celebrating 125 years of service to the Lincoln community and beyond with nearly 18,000 members throughout the United States and in countries around the world.
Christian Record Services offers an array of services and programs, including Bible study lessons, books, magazines and Bibles in audio, braille and large print from a library of more than 2,000 titles. Members also can deepen social, educational, and spiritual connections through PhoneFaith, scholarships for higher education, and National Camps for Blind Children. These services and programs are free of charge to people who are legally blind, regardless of spiritual beliefs or faith background. For more information, visit christianrecord.org, call (402) 488-0981, or email info@christianrecord.org.
