Strictly Business Lincoln - November 2022

Tillotson

ALLO Means Business

“Pioneer Heart Institute

to

4 years and is proud to

— Jenni Tillotson

Rest, Reflect, and Radiate Gratitude

Life is busy—between work and everything that makes up our personal lives, we often neglect to take time to rest and reflect. As someone who is always on the go and/ or faced with a long to-do list, I definitely struggle with this and I know I'm not alone. While "taking a break" is meant to be a time away from all of the noise and daily demands that drain our energy, it sometimes feels like another item on the list that is just clumped in with all of the other demands. It takes a bit of mental coaching to obtain a healthy outlook on slowing down enough to really rest—and with rest comes time to reflect.

While November and December are daunting months because of the holidays, there is an urge to reminisce that comes with the end of the year—the closing of one chapter and the opening of another. It's obviously great to look/plan ahead and focus on future goals, however, it's also important to look back and take account of what the past has taught you up until this point. What is something you have overcome in the past year? What have you accomplished this year? How have you grown? These are all great questions to ask yourself as you take time to reflect.

In addition, reflection goes hand-in-hand with gratitude. What have you been thankful for this year? With Veterans Day this month, I am especially thankful for the men and women who have served in the armed forces of this great country and dedicated their lives to protecting our freedoms. We take our freedom for granted every day because we don't know what it's like to not be free. Freedom is a beautiful thing, and we should never stop fighting for it—whether that is on a battle field or in a courtroom. I'm also thankful for the people in my life, whether that be family and friends, the women in my Bible study group, the folks at my

gym, or all of the amazing clients, readers, staff, and fellow business owners I've formed relationships with throughout the 30 years of running the magazine. Who are you thankful for in your life and, even more importantly, how do you show them you're thankful for them? It's easy to say out loud what and who we are thankful for, but real gratitude happens when it is put in action. As John F. Kennedy said:

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

An honorable way to express gratitude for the blessings in our lives is to give back to those who do not have the same fortune. Lincoln has so many amazing nonprofits that provide services and resources for people in need. From veterans to children, there are individuals in our community who need help and support.

Following Thanksgiving is #GivingTuesday, a global movement of generosity. I encourage you to give back on this day and be a part of inspiring hope in our community. In the same vein of supporting local nonprofits, I urge you to shop local as well—especially as you start to buy gifts for the holidays. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community. If we want to keep them here, we have to do business with them. Strictly Business features many of these wonderful local businesses month to month in the magazine. So flip through and take note of the names and faces you see.

I wish you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving, and I hope each of you takes time to rest, reflect, and show gratitude before the end of the year.

Business help you lock in your status as The experT in your industry, utilizing print, the internet, and social media. Find out how by contacting paige at (402) 466-3330.

"Who are you thankful for in your life and, even more importantly, how do you show them you're thankful for them?"

Farmers Union Midwest Agency

Today, Building Tomorrow

you

it

loss

a

one,

change in the blink of an eye.

Union Midwest Agency provides insurance and financial guidance to individuals, family farms, and business of all sizes.

their agents, they strive to build better communities by protecting where you work, where you live, what you own, and the ones you love. It is their individual and organizational goal to provide quality products and the highest level of customer service

not just meet their customer’s expectations, but to exceed them. The team at Farmers Union Midwest Agency is proud to serve clients not only in Lincoln and surrounding areas but additionally with their 70 agents throughout Nebraska and Kansas.

Jennifer Larabee and Kevin Harrington make up the Financial Services division, providing Life, Health, Disability, Medicare and Long Term Care solutions for Personal/Family Coverage and Employee/Group Benefits. When you experience a major health or life event, the insurance options that Kevin and Jennifer offer will help protect your loved ones which sometimes aren’t covered by your coverage through work. These insurance policies can help you pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses such as copays and deductibles when illness or an accident happens. Policies pay benefits directly to you to help with everyday expenses such as utility bills, groceries, and childcare. For a monthly premium less than what it might cost to take your family to the movies, these policies can help provide peace of mind when the unexpected occurs.

Lavell McFarland, Trista Williams, and Mark Kaven are the go-to agents for all things to do with property and casualty insurance. These services include home and auto insurance, farm insurance, business insurance, health insurance, umbrella insurance, motorcycle/ATV/RV/watercraft insurance, and crop insurance. This is only a portion of the insurance lines of business or coverages that can be purchased.

With multiple different policies and coverage options, FUMA is a company that customers can trust to protect their families and belongings they value the most. Their personalized approach provides individualized services from professional agents that can tailor a package to suit each customer’s needs.

Featured on the Cover (L-R): Lavelle McFarland, Jennifer Larabee, Trista Williams, Mark Kavan, Kevin Harrington

Under Par Golf Studio Adds Customizable Fine-Tuned Putters to Inventory

Under Par Golf Studio is excited to announce that they are adding Fine-Tuned Putters, a company based out of New Zealand, to their inventory offerings. While most custom-fit putters are modifying an existing putter to fit the golfer, FineTuned builds the putter from start to finish with the individual player in mind. Every aspect is fit directly to the individual. This is about bringing the touring golf-pro experience to the average golfer to help improve their putting.

Fine-Tuned Putters forensically looks at the dynamics of the players putting, tendency, consistency, launch, roll, and skid. The design allows Fine-Tuned to swap components of the putter to fit a player’s set-up, stroke, strike, and roll. The result garners over 30,000 variations of putter.

Under Par Golf Studio offers golf club fittings to get every golfer the best products for their game. They will make sure that everything is suitable for you. They have fittings for the basic clubs and equipment you need for every golf game. Fittings come at different price points depending on the equipment you want fitted, but every fitting is free if the golfer purchases clubs through Under Par.

Under Par Golf Studio’s mission is to bring the best teaching, fitting, practice, and club repair experience to golfers in the Lincoln area. Learn more at underpargolfstudio.com.

Exhibitor Contracts Open for HBAL Annual Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show

Exhibitor contracts are available for the 51st Annual Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show, sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL). The show will be held February 1012 at the Lancaster Event Center located at 84th & Havelock Ave. Show hours are Friday, 1 to 9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. With over 50 years of history in Lincoln, it’s a community favorite!

Even with today’s online presence, most homeowners believe face-to-face contact is the best source of home improvement information. The Home & Garden Show provides a great opportunity to have “face-time” with potential customers. With over 12,000 attendees, it is the largest show in the market.

Professionals who display their products and services include new home construction, remodeling, kitchens and bathrooms, pools and spas, heating and air conditioning, landscaping and water features, fencing, windows, roofing and siding, financial services, and professional services.

Exhibitor contracts are available online at hbal.org/buildershome-garden-show/exhibitors or by calling the HBAL office at (402) 423-4225.

The Home Builders Association of Lincoln is a visible, effective, and respected trade association which promotes home building through professional education, member communication, and civic participation, and which represents builders and associated professionals in community, government, and industry forums. HBAL has promoted the home building and remodeling industries in Lincoln since 1951. To learn more, go to hbal.org.

Vic’s Pizza Now Offering Lunch Buffet

If you’ve been curious about Vic’s Pizza but unsure about the wild combinations being offered, they have the perfect option for you. Try some of the most popular pizzas Vic’s has to offer at their new lunch buffet.

Vic’s weekday lunch buffet features two of their most in demand signature pizzas, The Stamp Collector and The One with Pineapple, along with several traditional pies including cheese, pepperoni, and sausage. They also provide Vic’s Sticks and another signature pizza of choice for that day.

There is also a fully loaded salad bar for vegan/vegetarian fans as well as the perfect excuse to eat more pizza! Who knew pizza could be so healthy?

Now you can give their signature pizzas a try without the risk of buying an entire pizza. The hardest part will be figuring out which one is your new favorite.

The buffet is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Prices range from $10.95-13.95 based on the food options you choose. You can also add a drink for $1 with the purchase of a buffet meal.

Vic’s Pizza is located at 8340 Glynoaks Dr., STE 100. They are open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. for dine-in, delivery, and carry-out. Visit www.pizzavics.com to see the full menu.

CyberbackerBridgesGapsThroughTechnology, IntegratesCobotsVirtualAssistants

Cyberbacker is using technology to bridge gaps and provide opportunities, which is why they are starting to integrate cobots virtual assistants for some businesses. Also known as collaborative robots or telepresence robots, cobots virtual assistants interact with humans within a shared space, such as an office or store. Cyberbacker is using the devices to integrate its Philippinebased virtual assistants directly into work settings in the United States.

“By being able to take someone who’s working remote and put them in front of a telepresence robot, they’re able to work and interact with the client. And it makes people feel like it’s a more traditional working arrangement,” says Craig Goodlife, CEO of Cyberbacker.

In a recent Robotics Business Review article, Ava Robotics Co-founder and Vice President of Product Marcio Macedo spoke about the impact cobots make in the workplace.

“Telepresence robots empower people to be more ‘present’ during virtual interactions,” says Marcio. “It’s no different than you and I speaking right now. Just because someone’s behind that telepresence monitor doesn’t make them any more or less intelligent.”

Cyberbacker Nebraska-Iowa is part of the global Cyberbacker franchise, the leading provider of world-class administrative support services from anywhere in the world to anyone in the world. They ensure you have the suitable partner of your choosing for your business. You can learn more by visiting their website at www.cyberbacker.com or contact them at nebraska-iowa@cyberbacker.com / (515) 217-6387.

Open Harvest Sets Plans to Move to Telegraph District by Fall 2023

Open Harvest co-op grocery store announced that it has signed a lease to occupy 10,000-square-feet in a building at 330 S 21st St. in the Telegraph District and expects to move by fall 2023. The building is home to ALLO Communications and The Mill Coffee & Tea. Open Harvest will take over the space currently being used by ALLO for storage.

The store has raised $520,000 to support the move through preferred shares from its members and donations made through a fund set up at the Lincoln Community Foundation. Additionally, Open Harvest received a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help defray the costs of getting the store up and running.

The current Open Harvest location has endured challenges such as limited parking and an inability to get a liquor license due to its proximity to a residential neighborhood.

“As a community-owned cooperative, we are driven by our owners and respond to their needs,” Jonathan Sands, marketing coordinator said. “Shoppers can look forward to frequently requested amenities such as beer and wine sales, increased parking space, and walking and biking accessibility.”

At Open Harvest, they’ve built a grocery store around the idea that great food and community go hand in hand. For more information, go to growthecoop.com.

Eschliman Commercial Real Estate Announces Opening of The Art Garden in College View

Ted and Robin Eschliman of Eschliman Commercial Real Estate (ECR) are proud to announce the opening of The Art Garden, a vibrant retail store for carefully crafted and re-purposed home décor furnishings at 3845 S 48th St., in College View. The shop is a show case of the efforts of individuals served by the Autism Center of Nebraska, Inc. (ACN).

ACN is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 2006 and opened its first Lincoln location in 2018. They provide residential and day services to individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Its mission is to support and enhance the quality of life of those served. This new innovative retail store offers arts, crafts, home accessories, and furniture uniquely produced by artisans of ACN, with the objective of teaching creativity and skills training while participants gain necessary employment skills.

Eschliman Commercial Real Estate was started by Robin Eschliman in the 1990s, providing site selection services for office, retail, warehouse, land, and commercial investment prospects, as well as listing and consulting services. Robin also produces an economic development show, “Grow Lincoln” on 1400 KLIN AM that covers businesses openings, closings, relocating, and expansion, as well as local guest interviews. Podcast links can be found klin.com/grow-lincoln. For more information about Eschliman Commercial Real Estate, visit their website at ecrproperty. com or contact them at (402) 420-3239 / info@ecrproperty.com.

Brokers Insurance Agency Celebrates 28 Years as Proud Veteran-Owned Business

Brokers Insurance Agency is celebrating 28 years as a proud, local, veteran-owned insurance agency. Veteran Ken Richards joined the Army in April 1988 and after basic training at Fort Benning, GA, he was stationed at The National Training Center at Fort Irwin, CA. Ken was 11H Infantry Tow Gunner with the 1st of the 52nd Infantry Regiment where they were part of the Opposition Force (OPFOR) 177th Armored Brigade.

Ken followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather who also served in the U.S. Army making him a third generation Veteran. All the generations of Richards served at different times in U.S. History, and each one was honored to serve our great nation.

"Friday, November 11, is Veterans Day and a wonderful opportunity to thank a veteran," said Ken. "As a business, we never take for granted the freedoms afforded to us by the brave men and women who have served the greatest country known to mankind. We are proud to be Americans, proud of our Armed Forces, and proud of each and every Veteran who served. So from all of us here at Brokers Insurance Agency—Cari, Nicole, Mickena, Chris, and myself—thank you, Veterans!"

Ken started his own insurance agency in 1994 selling life, health, and investments. In 2005, the Brokers Insurance Agency added property and casualty insurance in order to offer clients more complete layers of protection for both insurance and financial services. Ken's extensive knowledge and experience in the insurance industry allows the team to build long-lasting relationships with their clients in the community. Learn more at www.brokersinsuranceNE.com or call (402) 420-5353.

NEBRASKA AG EXPO

Yost Network Solutions Moves to New Office

Yost Network Solutions is settling in to their new office location at 350 SW 25th St., STE 1, which they moved into on October 1. Hours are still by appointment, but they welcome anyone to stop in and visit the new space.

The new office building provides Yost with more space for staging and set-up, and they will now have a small retail storefront for some displays and accessories. The new location has improved parking, and is in a more visible location to the public.

Yost is a one-stop shop for all of your IT needs. Whether it is home automation, surveillance cameras, or commercial construction, you can count on Yost to provide cutting-edge technology and a customer-focused approach to every project. They’re experts on new technology, so you’ll always be up to date on the latest updates.

Yost Network Solutions believes in a proactive support model and wants to reduce your system management and support costs by helping to prevent problems before they happen. Yost will build and keep your systems running at their optimum level to ensure you are free to do the things in life that matter most to you. Learn more at yostnetsolutions.com.

Maven Tile & Stone Launches Website with Beautiful Gallery and Snapshot of Services

Lincoln’s newest tile design studio, Maven Tile & Stone, has officially launched their website: maventileandstone.com. The site includes a project gallery featuring beautiful photos that capture their coastal-meets-farmhouse stylings that enhance the look of a home.

When visiting the website, you’ll find an overview of services, including residential interior and exterior projects and specific commercial work, and what to expect when you work with Maven Tile & Stone. Founder and Owner Lizett Nissenson has a long history of working with the trade which has earned her partnerships with a network of the top quality installers.

“We have the products and expertise needed for every aspect of your home design,” said Lizett. “We’re more than just a tile supplier—we’re here to help your house become a home.”

Maven Tile & Stone, located at 7011 Kentwell Ln. STE 300, is always eager to help new clients. Visit their store/showroom or call (531) 2495917 to schedule a consultation with their certified tile specialists. Go online to the brand new website at maventileandstone.com to learn more about the design process and turning your vision into a reality!

Berry Law’s “Reward a Veteran” Program Open for Nominations

Each year on Veterans Day, Berry Law recognizes a Veteran who continues to serve their fellow Nebraskans in the community. The winning Veteran for 2022 will receive a $500 prize to celebrate their hard work and help the Veteran achieve their future goals. The nomination window is now open and will remain open until November 9.

Berry Law welcomes any member of the public to nominate a Veteran who makes a positive impact on Nebraska and its people either through their occupation or through volunteer work. The winner will be selected based on the nomination’s description of the Veteran and the work they perform to help make Nebraska a great place. When submitting nominations, please include examples of the Veteran’s contributions to the community, their personal attributes, and how their military service has inspired them to keep serving. The nomination form is hosted at: jsberrylaw.com/2022-reward-aveteran-nomination. Berry Law will announce the winner on Veterans Day, Friday, November 11.

Berry Law is proud to serve Veterans as part of its mission, and to employ Veterans to help fulfill that mission. Veterans constitute more than 30% of Berry Law’s team members, and help the firm serve thousands of Veterans nationwide. To learn more about Berry Law, the Veterans on the team, and what they do, visit BerryLawFirm.com.

INEDA Announces New Innovation Hub at Nebraska Ag Expo December 6-8

Innovation Hub is the newest initiative by the Nebraska Ag Expo, put on by the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA), to bring the most cuttingedge technology in agriculture to the heart of the Midwest. The Expo is December 6-8 at the Lancaster Event Center in Lincoln. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday.

Tens of thousands of farmers and ranchers who visit the Nebraska Ag Expo each year now have a centralized location to discover the most innovative ag products on the market today. From autonomous equipment to robotics to regenerative ag and so much more, these companies are transforming agriculture as we knew it.

Innovation Hub will convert 27,000 square feet of Pavilion 3 of the Lancaster Event Center in Lincoln into a modern agricultural wonderland, highlighting the area with bright carpet, white drapery, expanded lighting, and exhibitor displays.

“Agriculture innovation and technology is moving at a tremendous speed,” said INEDA President and CEO Mark Hennessey. INEDA owns and manages the Nebraska Ag Expo. “We believe these companies deserve a big stage to showcase their products.”

This year’s Innovation Hub will showcase 57 exhibitors, including entrepreneurs, start-up companies, and major manufacturers who are all looking to gain traction and recognition for their ideas. A full list of participating companies and more information will be available online. Regular admission is $10 at the door. This year, visitors can register online at nebraskaagexpo.com and purchase tickets in advance to save $5 on admission. Student tickets are free with a valid student ID. Contact Cindy Feldman at (515) 508-1313 / cindyf@ineda.com with questions.

Years of financial experience

Morrow Collision Center Marks 20 Years of Growth and Excellent Service

Morrow Collision Center is celebrating 20 years in business this year! As a way to say thank you to the public, friends, family, and fellow business owners for their support over the years, Owner Dan Morrow and the Morrow Collision team hosted an open house on October 22. In addition, earlier that week on October 17, they were joined by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon-cutting event. These were wonderful times to reminisce and kick off the next 20 years!

Morrow Collision has grown from its original shop on 22nd and Cornhusker Hwy to three locations all around Lincoln with nearly 40 employees. The collision center is still locally owned and operated, I-CAR Gold Class certified, and Subaru, GM, and Ford certified.

“Growing up, everything I did was cars—my mom says I first started making car noises at six months,” said Dan. “I could name the make and model of every car I saw a few years later. My first job during college was at body shop in my hometown of Tekamah, NE. From there, I went on to work at another shop for two and a half years. Then finally in 2002, all the pieces came together, and we started Morrow Collision Center. Twenty years and six daughters later, I know we’ve built a body shop that puts customers first and provides quality repairs.”

Morrow Collision Center is a full service auto body repair and refinish center. They work with all auto insurance companies making the repair process simple for you. Learn more at www. morrowcollision.com or call (402) 477-2224.

Lutz Evolves Client Advisory Services

Lutz is excited to announce the growth of its Client Advisory Services (CAS) offering. This service will extend many of the same benefits from outsourced accounting, accounting software consulting, training, and support, along with a new technologyfocused package.

Scott Miller, consulting director, said, “The accounting function can be a heavy burden for small businesses to take on alone. Each organization is different, so we work to tailor our services to the client’s unique needs. We offer multiple packages from outsourcing a small piece of your day-to-day accounting operations, to fully managing your accounting practice and taking on the CFO role.”

Lutz is committed to providing value-add services to their clients, giving them the flexibility to focus on growing their business. With the new tech-focused model, companies can capitalize on their data and discover new opportunities to improve.

“Our goal with the new tech-forward service model is to help customers make informed business decisions, receive timely financial information, and remove the stress of managing an accounting team. Expanding the CAS service line will strengthen our position in the market and allow us to better serve our client base,” said Consulting Director Steve Nebbia. Lutz is the business solutions firm for people seeking a partner to help energize and heighten financial and organizational success. Born and raised in Nebraska, their experienced team simplifies complexities and provides accounting, wealth management, recruiting, M&A, and technology services. Learn more about Lutz’s Client Advisory Services at www.lutz.us/cas.

BBB Honors Nebraska Organizations with 2022 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving Nebraska, South Dakota, Kansas Plains, and Southwest Iowa annually honors businesses and nonprofit organizations for putting ethics into action at their Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for Ethics Luncheon. More than 10 businesses from Nebraska and Southwest Iowa were recently honored at the 2022 luncheon on September 21.

The Torch Award recipients from Lincoln and Greater Nebraska were:

• Forney Repair, LLC

• Custom Blinds & Design

• Epp Foundation Repair

The Torch Award recipients from Omaha and Southwest Iowa were:

• Outlook Enrichment

• Florence Home

• Mr. Car Shipper, LLC

• Custom Blinds & Design (silver)

• Hurrdat, LLC

• Nebraska Realty (silver)

• Burton A/C Heating Plumbing and More

• North End Teleservices

• PayPal

“These companies exemplify the highest standards of ethics,” said BBB President and CEO Jim Hegarty. “The Torch Awards for Ethics embodies BBB’s mission of advancing marketplace trust. Join us in celebrating these incredible organizations.”

Nearly 600 people attended the 25th anniversary of the luncheon. Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist John Carreyrou served as the event’s keynote speaker.

Businesses and charities in Nebraska, Southwest Iowa, the Kansas Plains, and South Dakota that have operated under the same ownership for three or more years and have an “A” rating with the BBB are eligible to apply. Independent panels of judges from the business, academic, and charitable arenas select the award recipients. Unlike other awards, the Torch Awards for Ethics focus on demonstrated ethical business practices, rather than a company’s growth, profitability, or popularity.

For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust. Learn more at BBB.org.

SP Group Supports Muscular Dystrophy Association at Omaha Golf Classic

SP Group, P.C. team members participated in the 5th Annual Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Omaha Golf Classic, presented by Meridian Clinical Research in September to show their support for MDA’s mission. The tournament raised a total of more than $256,000 to support future research and MDA Nebraska summer camp.

Tiburon Golf Club hosted more than 240 golfers in a four-person scramble format which included competitions for longest drive, longest putt, and closest to the pin. SP Group was a hole sponsor for the event, and their team included Managing Partner Dave Swan CPA, Ross Reynolds CPA, Bryce Tarletsky CPA, and Troy Stentz EA.

This year’s event held special meaning, celebrating Sam Osborn, who passed away on June 1 due to complications caused by congenital muscular dystrophy. Sam was the driving force behind this event, encouraging others to “Live a Great Story” by making memories with friends and family using the hashtag #SamsGreatStory.

SP Group, P.C. is a growing entrepreneurial accounting firm that serves growth-oriented companies and talented individuals in the Midwest. They value the relationships they have developed with their clients over the years. For more information, follow SP Group on Facebook (@SP Group, P.C.) and Twitter (@SPGroupPC), call them at (402) 420-7758, or visit spgrouppc.com.

Custom Blinds & Design Celebrates Remodel and 22-Year Anniversary

Custom Blinds & Design was delighted to celebrate their newly remodeled space and 22 years of business with a ribboncutting ceremony on September 22 in conjunction with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. Custom Blinds & Design did a floor-to-ceiling remodel at both their Lincoln and Omaha showrooms. They were one of the top handful of Hunter Douglas galleries to be selected for a complete remodel. At the event, Chairman and CFO Sherri Tafoya also revealed that Custom Blinds & Design was awarded first place in their category for the 2022 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics in Lincoln.

“This project has been year’s in the making, so it’s amazing to invite the community in to see what we have going on and all the products we offer,” said Sherri. “We’re just blessed to have a team who loves what they do and our clients sense that, so they rave about our service.”

Custom Blinds & Design is a local window fashions dealer that specializes in the full line of Hunter Douglas window treatments, including woven wood shades, roller shades, cellular honeycomb shades, roman shades, sheers and shadings, vertical blinds, horizontal blinds, plantation shutters, and motorized window coverings. The Lincoln showroom and office is located at 6101 S 56th St., STE 5. For more information, visit customblindsdesign. com or call (402) 730-2000.

partner for lasting growth. go-tnt.com

L-R: Dave Swan, Ross Reynolds, Bryce Tarletsky, and Troy Stentz

NebraskaHousingDevelopersAssociation RaisesOver$25KatAnnualFundraiser

The Nebraska Housing Developers Association held their annual meeting and fundraiser at Top Golf Omaha in September.

This was the most successful fundraiser in their history, raising over $25,000 to go towards championing affordable housing in Nebraska. The events major sponsors were American National Bank, Midwest Housing Development Fund, J-Development, National Equity Fund, Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka, and Union Bank & Trust.

At the event, the association also elected new board members and officers. The new board members are Seanna Collins of North Platte Housing Authority, Autumn Dillon of U.S. Bank, and Amanda Palmerton of Southeast Nebraska Community Action Partnership. Tina Engelbart of Northeast Nebraska Development District was named chairperson, Quelbin Izaguirre was named vice chairperson, Scott Jensen of First National Bank Omaha was named secretary, and Matthew Cavanaugh of Holy Name Housing Corporation was named Treasurer.

Established in 1996, the Nebraska Housing Developers Association has a membership base of more than 70 organizations working to strengthen the state’s economic vitality by making safe, affordable housing available to all Nebraskans. Contact Carol Bodeen, director of policy and outreach, at (402) 435-0315 or carol@housingdevelopers. org, or go to housingdevelopers.org for more information.

Lincoln Veterans Parade Set for November 13 with Honoring Women Veterans Theme

The Fourth Annual Lincoln Veterans Parade will be held on November 13 starting at 2 p.m. This year’s theme is Honoring Women Veterans to celebrate the woman veterans in Lincoln and surrounding communities. The route starts at Lincoln High School and travels K street to the Nebraska Capitol Building.

The presentation will be on the Capitol north steps with a parade of colors. The Grand Marshal is retired Army Brigadier General Roma Amundson, who served as Assistant Adjutant General for the Nebraska National Guard. She received her promotion in June 2009, becoming the first woman in the Nebraska National Guard to achieve that rank.

The guest speaker is Air Force veteran Teri Clark who is a business owner and strong veteran advocate. For several years, she has led the Nebraska Veteran and Family Task Force who are a network of veteran service organizations, nonprofit organizations, and businesses to help and support the veteran community.

Host sponsor for this event is Sandhills Global.

The Lincoln Veterans Parade Group is a 501(c)(3) organization with a mix of veterans and civilians working together to build a better community. The focus is to acknowledge and honor our veterans and to disseminate information about issues concerning our veterans and their family. In 2018, of the 15,395 veterans in Lancaster County, over 5,000 served in Vietnam, over 5,000 served in the Gulf War, over 1,000 served in Korea, 743 served in WWII, and almost 3,000 served between conflicts. Check out previous parade highlights and ways to participate in the Lincoln Veterans Parade by going to www.lincolnveteransparade.org.

news

Senior Insurance Advisors to Provide Services for Medicare Annual Enrollment Period

Senior Insurance Advisors (SIA) are providing services and support during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). The Medicare AEP runs from October 15 to December 7. During this time, anyone enrolled in Medicare are allowed to join, switch, or drop Medicare Prescription Drug or Medicare Advantage health plans effective January 1. Senior Insurance Advisors has the knowledge to help you make the most informed decisions about your Medicare needs.

In addition to Medicare AEP season, Owner and Founder Dana Dostal is gearing up to celebrate SIA’s two-year anniversary this April. Dana is a licensed and independent agent who helps beneficiaries with their Medicare transition and planning. She works with her clients on a continual and consistent basis to build a wall of protection around them. Dana truly values her clients and takes a great pride in providing quality information, creative solutions, and extraordinary personal service.

Senior Insurance Advisors works with people approaching Medicare age and with those already on Medicare. They specialize in the areas of Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. They will sit down with each client and explain the different parts of Medicare, the cost of Medicare, how to compare their current plan with Medicare, and find additional coverage options. They will also help them understand their needs, explain their choices, and make Medicare as simple as possible to understand. For more information, go to srinsadvisors.com.

Courtney Lockridge Personal Coaching Announces “The Relational Enneagram”

Life and Business Coach

Courtney Lockridge has announced the launch of “The Relational Enneagram” halfday workshop for teams and groups who want to invest in their individuals, as well as strengthen workplace communication and understanding. This is a great opportunity for corporate teams, small business teams, faith-based organizations, and nonprofits alike to build team unity through hands-on, relatable, fun, and practical group sessions customized to your company needs.

The workshop offering is tailored for: retreats, personal development focused training, end-of-the-year team building, and more. Facilitation time includes: enneagram personality assessment, interactive presentation, entertaining breakout sessions, and group facilitation which will leave your organization feeling better connected.

Courtney Lockridge Personal Coaching takes a holistic approach to personal goals, professional goals, and creating a life that’s intentionally designed by you. Courtney is a certified enneagram coach, entrepreneur, and cheerleader-at-heart on a mission to help you do life beautifully one intentional decision at a time. For more information about Courtney’s business or “The Relational Enneagram” workshop, go to courtneylockridge.com or contact her at (402) 450-4950 / hello@courtneylockridge.com.

Windstream Named on U.S. Veterans Magazine’s Diversity Programs List

Kinetic Business by Windstream (Windstream Holdings) was named on the U.S. Veterans Magazine’s Top Supplier Diversity Programs List for the second year in a row this year. In addition, Windstream Holdings secured a spot once again on the Best of the Best Top Veteran-Friendly Companies list issued by U.S. Veterans Magazine

Since 2017, Windstream has been recognized or received awards for the company’s efforts in supporting military veterans and their families across their 18-state footprint. Earlier this year, Windstream was named a VETS Indexes 5 Star Employer as part of the 2022 VETS Indexes Employer Awards. The award recognizes the organization’s commitment to recruiting, hiring, retaining, developing, and supporting veterans and the military-connected community.

“Windstream is proud to be recognized as a VETS Indexes 5 Star Employer,” said Mary Michaels, chief human resources officer at Windstream. “We honor the military service of our nation’s veterans, and we value the technical skills, leadership attributes and sterling character they bring to our workforce.”

Kinetic Business by Windstream has the right network solutions for businesses of all sizes, from fiber-fast Internet Connectivity, to the best collaboration, continuity, and cybersecurity tools. To learn more, visit kineticbusiness.com.

TFLC

Cessation

Tobacco Free Lancaster County (TFLC) connects businesses across the community to resources that support tobacco cessation during the Great American Smokeout (GASO) on November 17 (and all year long). GASO has been hosted by the American Cancer Society for more than 40 years on the third Thursday of November. The GASO event challenges people to stop smoking and promotes the many tools they can use to help them quit and stay quit.

TFLC understands that the Great American Smokeout focuses on quitting smoking, but the tobacco industry has expanded the market to other products that are also addictive. These products, such as e-cigarettes (vaping) and nicotine pouches, often come in fruity or minty flavors designed to attract youth and young adults. This is why TFLC partnered with the Truth Initiative to provide a cessation text line specifically for 13- to 24-year-olds. Simply text “GHOSTVAPE” to 88709 for free, confidential tips, resources, and support. Parents, guardians, and supportive adults can text “QUIT” to (202) 899-7550 to get free advice, tips, and inspiration to encourage someone struggling with vaping.

Visit tobaccofreelancastercounty.org/GASO to find your FREE resource guide for TFLC’s Great American Smokeout and to learn more about cessation options in Lincoln and Lancaster County.

Funding for Tobacco Free Lancaster County is provided by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services/Tobacco Free Nebraska Program as a result of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement. For more information, go to tobaccofreelancastercounty.org.

John Henry’s Installs Free HVAC System for Veterans Through Feel The Love Program

John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning has recently taken part in the Feel The Love program to give a deserving veteran a new HVAC system. Feel The Love is a campaign between Lennox Industries, a national outlet, and various local partner dealers. Since 2009, they’ve been installing furnaces across the country for those who need a little extra help, or can’t afford one. The campaign works by asking people to nominate someone they think could use a new HVAC system. Lennox supplies the equipment and companies like John Henry’s, which is in its first year of being in the program, supply the labor. One of the recipients of the Feel The Love campaign this year is Daniel Giles.

Daniel served in the Navy on the USS Independence, an aircraft carrier. He said he was a jack of all trades, performing tasks like deck maintenance and navigation.

After nine years, he left the Navy due to head and neck injuries he sustained on the ship. He still goes to regular doctor’s appointments and gets injections in his back and neck to ease the pain. Now, he works here in Lincoln at the university, but is limited in what he can do.

His mother nominated him to receive a free HVAC system and installation from John Henry’s, replacing his from the 90s. In her nomination letter, she said she knew he would appreciate some relief in his daily life.

To learn more about John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning, go to jhlincoln.com or call (402) 435-5555 with questions regarding the Feel The Love program.

Pittenger & Anderson Makes CNBC Financial Advisor Top 100 List

On October 4, Pittenger & Anderson (P&A) was named to the CNBC FA 100 list of top financial advisory firms in the U.S., coming in at number 13. This ranking covers the prior 12 months and represents the fourth year in a row P&A made the list.

The CNBC FA 100 recognizes advisory firms that help clients successfully navigate their financial lives. Rankings are based on data culled from an initial list of 39,818 advisory firms and provided by AccuPoint Solutions. Factors included in the rankings were disclosures, years in business, number of certified financial planners, total accounts under management, number of investment advisors, the ratio of investment advisors to total number of employees, average account size, discretionary assets under management, and total AUM. Each section was weighted according to specific criteria created by CNBC and AccuPoint.*

Learn more about the CNBC FA 100 at cnbc.com/top-ratedwealth-management-firms.

Pittenger & Anderson has guided individuals and families going through money-in-motion events (retirement, business sale, inheritance, seeking a new advisor) since 1995. P&A is a fee-only Registered Investment Advisor and a fiduciary providing investment management and financial planning to 800+ clients in more than 30 U.S. states. Learn more at pittand.com.

*CNBC does not charge advisors any type of fee to be listed in the annual ranking. To use the CNBC FA 100 logo online and in print, CNBC required P&A to sign a licensing agreement, however, licensing the logo was not a prerequisite to make the FA 100 list.

Center Sphere Announces New Nationwide Monthly Event

Center Sphere is excited to announce their new nationwide event Know YOUR Network. The first meeting will be held on November 1 on Zoom from 9 to 10 a.m. The new monthly gathering invites members and guests to join Director of Membership Ashley Hinze to discuss The Network, meet members across the nation, and build your sphere. Members can find information on the event calendar on the HUB, and guests can reach out to Ashley at Ashley@ CenterSphere.com to register.

Center Sphere hosts a wide array of networking events to help members expand their professional network and grow their businesses. Each month, the Lincoln chapter of Center Sphere hosts events such as Coffee & Connections and Social Hour events.

Center Sphere is an established network of business professionals whose mission is to share referrals, ideas, and resources through genuine relationships. For more information about Center Sphere or to inquire about attending a complimentary meeting or event, visit www.CenterSphere.com or call (402) 690-4434.

Invigorating Motion Physical Therapy, LLC Expands to New Location

Invigorating Motion Physical Therapy, LLC is pleased to announce that they are expanding their business to a new location at 345 Speedway Cir. Over the past two years of being in business, they have seen so much growth. This has allowed them to transition their practice to a hybrid model, between a mobile and physical location. Now they will be able to see more patients on the days where patients can come into the clinic. With travel being the most limiting factor in the past, they are now able take on a greater amount of new clients and offer stellar care to the Lincoln community.

Dr. Sarah Rainey, DPT, Cert DN is the owner and primary physical therapist on staff. She holds L2 certifications in the SFMA and FMS as well as certifications in TPI (golf specific), FCS, and YBT. She uses a whole body approach in diagnosis movement dysfunction and treatments. She loves teaching her patients about proper movement and function.

Invigorating Motion Physical Therapy, LLC primarily helps athletes and active individuals to reach optimal performance and pain free movement. They work throughout the rehab process and pride themselves in getting you back to 100%. They are a cash based clinic which allows them to focus on you as a whole person and not just a diagnosis. It also allows them to get you back to the sport or activity without the limitations from insurance. Not only do physical therapists care for you after an injury or surgery, they are movement experts that help prevent debilitating pain, season ending injury, or life altering surgery. For more information, visit www.invigoratingmotionpt.com, or call (402) 817-2455.

Eyemart Express Opens First Store in Lincoln

Lincoln residents can now see clearly faster with affordable prescription eyewear. Optical retailer Eyemart Express, known for providing quality prescription eyewear with free same-day service thanks to its local lens labs, is celebrating its first Lincoln store that opened on October 17. The new store at 5001 O St. marks the second Eyemart Express storefront in Nebraska. The company has been in business for more than 30 years, and expanded to the state with its Omaha location in 2020.

Approximately a dozen new jobs are created with the new Lincoln store, ranging from full- and part-time sales associates to lab technicians and opticians. Eyemart Express is still hiring for some positions. The optical retailer offers a variety of training and development programs to cultivate career paths in the optical industry along with a competitive benefits package for all associates.

The optical retailer makes it easier for locals to get new glasses with just one stop. Shoppers can get an exam from the independent eye doctor next door to the Eyemart Express store or they can simply send an updated prescription to the store. They have more than 2,000 frames for adults and kids from brands like Ray-Ban, Coach, Versace, and Paw Patrol. Eyemart Express has glasses for everyone and every budget. Glasses start at just $19. All frames come with a free one-year warranty, providing shoppers with additional value.

For more information about Eyemart Express, go to eyemartexpress. com, or contact the Lincoln store call (531) 484-3036.

Nebraska Knockerball Opens Indoor Space for Year-Round Events and Interactive Fun

Nebraska Knockerball has opened a physical location at 2350 Judson St., Unit 1 to offer event space with their fun, interactive games and activities all year round. Owner Manuel Walker celebrated the milestone with a soft opening on October 14. People can now rent the space and play Knockerball games in the winter when they would usually shut down for the off-season.

Knockerball is a single-chamber inflatable sphere with inner handles and adjustable shoulder straps. Knockerballs can be used singularly to perfect your rolls, flips, and wheels. Just imagine the sensation and mobility that a Knockerball allows you to experience without putting any stress on the body. With two or more Knockerballs, the experience is catapulted into rip-roaring laughter, exhilarating knocks, and rolls that will keep you coming back for more. They also offer other inflatable games such as basketball Connect Four, Footdarts, and human foosball, in addition to activities such as cornhole, giant jenga, yard pong, and more.

To have Nebraska Knockerball at your next event or host a party at the new indoor space, connect with Manuel at (402) 460-8724 / manuel@nebraskaknockerball.com. For pictures from past events that Nebraska Knockerball has done, visit their Facebook page (@NebraskaKnockerball) or learn more online at Nebraskaknockerball.com.

Jayson proudly respresents these fine Lincoln neighborhoords. Contact Jayson today to find out more!

“I used Jayson to sell my home and the experience was excel lent. Even when the buyer’s agent messed up, Jayson got us back on track and closed on the property. His attention to detail and professional manner is appreciated. We are using his skill on our current new build.” - Robert

Davis Design Completes Design Work for PCE, Inc.’s New Corporate Headquarters

The Davis Design team designed a new corporate headquarters for PCE, Inc. on the existing site of HTI Plastics, located in the Air Park neighborhood of Lincoln. The existing building had not seen much in the way of aesthetic improvements since its days as a missile assembly facility, but that drastically changed as the site transformed. This project was entirely about refreshing the corporate office space with new colors and styles, while also creating space for expected growth. The building received a new street-side facade, an addition wrapping around the south and west sides of the building, and a new plaza area.

“After selling the facility which housed our corporate headquarters as part of the sale of one of our four manufacturing divisions, we knew it made the most sense for us to relocate our headquarters in Air Park, on the same property as our two remaining Lincoln divisions,” said Sheli Carpenter, CFO of PCE, Inc. “Davis Design designed the addition we did to our HTI Plastics facility in 2010, so we were familiar with the team and their capabilities.”

The original concept Davis Design presented was the perfect combination of industrial and modern design, yet simple enough that PCE, Inc. was able to tie it in very nicely to the existing structure. They carried the same industrial look from the outside of the building to the inside of the building with the finishes and furniture that were selected to create a bright, open space.

Davis Design’s leadership spans more than 100 years. During that time, they have had the privilege of helping create some of Nebraska’s most iconic buildings. They are a full-service design firm hosting architecture, engineering, interior design, contract furnishings, and construction administration. To learn more, visit www.davisdesign.com.

Nebraska Innovation Campus Partners with UNL Dairy Store for Husker Pop-Up

Nebraska Innovation Campus is proud to partner with the UNL Dairy Store to host a pop-up event on Monday, November 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the link (first floor). The link is located between Innovation Commons-North and the NIC Conference Center. During the popup, the UNL Dairy Store will be selling Husker gift boxes featuring premium quality meats and cheeses. Cash, check, and credit cards will be accepted at the pop-up event. Husker gift boxes are also available at the East Campus Dairy Store and online.

Not able to make it to campus before the holidays? No worries! UNL Dairy Store Husker gift boxes can be ordered online. Gift boxes can be shipped anywhere around the country and will be shipped through December 23. Check out the selection at marketplace.unl.edu/dairystore/gift-boxes.

The UNL Dairy Store is proud to offer premium handmade dairy products as part of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln since 1917. Learn more about the UNL Dairy Store and Dairy Store products by visiting DAIRYSTORE.UNL.EDU.

Nebraska Innovation Campus is a campus designed to facilitate new and in-depth partnerships between the University of Nebraska and private sector businesses. NIC is adjacent to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and strategically provides organizations with access to needed research faculty, facilities, and students. For additional information about campus facilities, leasing opportunities, events, and a virtual campus tour, please visit INNOVATE.UNL.EDU.

Spectrum Donates $50K to Center for People in Need Through Community Initiative

Spectrum is pleased to announce that the Center for People in Need will receive $50,000 through Spectrum Community Center Assist. This five-year, $30 million philanthropic initiative’s goal is to revitalize local community centers and invest in job training programs in rural and urban underserved communities. Spectrum kicked off the partnership on Saturday, October 1 with a revitalization event where employees and community volunteers provided repairs and other physical improvements to the facility.

The Center for People in Need will use these funds to support its job training program. Additionally, Spectrum will offer its 1 Gig service, 50 new laptops, and one Smartboard at no charge for the life of the program. The Center for People in Need will also dedicate its updated training and technology room to the Spectrum name.

“Our mission is to meet the needs of low-income people. We do this by addressing basic needs and empowering growth through educational and upskilling opportunities to provide pathways to financial independence,” said Macala Carter, executive director of Center for People in Need. “We are incredibly grateful for the support of our partners at Spectrum for helping us better serve the community. The significance will be felt through our EduTech job training, our English Language Learner courses, and our workforce development programs, in addition to our organization as a whole.”

Spectrum launched Spectrum Community Center Assist in September 2021 to benefit local organizations providing critical community services and job training skills in underserved cities and towns across the company’s 41-state footprint. By 2025, Spectrum will invest $25 million plus $5 million of in-kind contributions to improve 100 community centers serving an estimated 50,000 local residents. More information about Spectrum Community Center Assist is available at corporate. charter.com/community-assist.

7 Brew to Open Its First Drive-Thru Coffee Location in Lincoln by November

7 Brew is excited to announce their first Lincoln location that is scheduled to open to the public this November, located at 5655 O St. The newest stand was delivered and placed on its designated lot on October 12 and the location will feature a double-lane drive-thru. The Lincoln location will be hiring over 40 brew crew members at its new stand in the coming months.

7 Brew is revolutionizing the coffee industry through its speed, quality products, genuine connection, and kindness. The community will be able to experience all that 7 Brew has to offer – from its fun and energetic staff to the wide array of coffee beverages, infused energy drinks, smoothies, teas, and more available every day.

“We know the local community will fall in love with the 7 Brew experience like we have – get ready Lincoln,” said Chase Oberg of High Plains Brew LLC.

In addition to its mission of cultivating kindness, 7 Brew is committed to the communities it serves. The brand boasts a oneof-a-kind drive-thru experience that will put a smile on customers’ faces, while giving them that morning or afternoon jolt of energy they crave. To learn more about 7 Brew and current opportunities, please visit www.7brew.com or contact Dominique Wiggins at 7BrewPR@icrinc.com.

CBD American Shaman of Lincoln Celebrates 4-Year Anniversary

CBD American Shaman celebrated their 4th year in Lincoln in October. The store has three locations in Lincoln, and invites you to stop by one of them for a free sample to celebrate. CBD American Shaman would like to thank the community of Lincoln and everyone who has supported and continues to support them.

Products at CBD American Shaman include a full line of CBD products for people and pets, along with Delta 8, Delta 9, and HHC products. All products are industrial hemp derived and Farm Bill 2018 compliant. American Shaman’s proprietary nanotechnology makes their products nine times more bio-available which gives consumers a 90-100% absorption rate compared to the 10-30% absorption rate of most other CBD companies.

Taking or using a CBD enriched product can enhance your body’s ability to maintain balance and manage occasional stress. It is also known to have many beneficial properties and is particularly effective for supporting focus and maintaining health and well-being.

CBD American Shaman is U.S. Hemp Authority certified. To learn more about what CBD American Shaman has to offer, email lincolnamshaman@ gmail.com or visit their website at www.CBDofLincoln.com.

at JetSplash.com.

THE HOLIDAYS ARE NEAR. SO ARE THE BEST DEALS OF THE YEAR.

NEW YEAR

O L D A Y S A L EJ A W - D R O P P I N G

by Kayla Northup Location Manager, MGA, Agent

What You Should Know About Your Renewal

the time of year when many

are gathering info and asking

about their employee benefits

With the fourth quarter comes making a decision on their plan for 2023.

local, trusted broker can be a game changer. They will help you to find

right plan for your company. The one that is flexible to meet all employee needs, simple to navigate, and mindful of controlling premium increases. Here are some important items you should know

your renewal:

Full network or smaller network? Insurance networks are groups of doctors, hospitals, etc. who you can visit to get the best benefits under your policy. Traditionally, networks were formed with the goal to have as many providers included as possible. Now there is a shift to smaller networks. Smaller networks mean that insurance companies can negotiate better discounts and hold providers to better quality of care. This translates to lower premiums for you, at times considerably lower premiums. To determine what network option would be best for your company, you can ask questions such as…Is there a premium difference for selecting an alternative network? Is the network limited to a certain geographical region? Can I offer both the full network and smaller network?

Ancillary benefits are a low-cost way to enhance your benefits package: Dental, vision, life and disability insurance can affordably beef up your employee benefits package. Employersponsored dental and vision plans can range from fully-employerpaid to fully-employee-paid. Either way, employees are looking for this coverage and by including them in your benefit plan, they get access to better benefits and premiums than if they were to get coverage on their own. Life and disability insurance give your employees peace of mind, knowing they have financial support in the event of unforeseen circumstances. The cost is relatively low while providing great protection.

m ental health coverage is more important than ever. There is a strong correlation between physical health and mental health and many people are accessing mental health care that they never had before. To better understand the mental health benefits of a policy, ask questions like the following. Do visits have a copay or are they subject to the deductible? Are there any limits on visits? Does the insurance company provide additional mental health support in the form of an app or other tools? A truly healthy work staff will be receiving care in all aspects of their health.

Can o pen e nrollment be simplified? Benefit administration and HR software can bring Open Enrollment and more, online. We love benefit administration software because it makes benefit and enrollment information accessible to your employees through the internet. For employers, benefit administration software makes it simple to set up and manage benefits, onboard new hires, stay compliant, and offer employees one destination for all their human resources information.

For more information, contact ComPro at (402) 488-5100 or visit comproins.com. We also offer insurance plans for individual, family, and Medicare. Located at 1040 N Cotner Blvd. in Lincoln.

Kass sTaR CITY sIX

Kass Mounce P ROMEDICA H OSPICE

Meet Kass Mounce - BS, MSM, CDP, CDSGF, CMDCP, the administrator at ProMedica Hospice.

Tell us a little about your business. - ProMedica Hospice services integrate holistic principles with palliative disease management, expert pain and symptom control, family education, and psycho-spiritual support for end-of-life care. We also provide the education, counseling, and other resources that can help with emotional needs. Care is culturally sensitive, respecting the traditions and heritage that are important to patients and their family members.

How did you get started in the business? - I have had the honor of working in senior care for almost 25 years. I became a certified nursing assistant when I was 16 years old and have experience in long term care facilities, memory care, and assisted living. I worked my way up from CNA to volunteer coordinator, provider relations manager to administration. My goal has always been focused on patient advocacy and I am fortunate to have been able to experience senior care and hospice care on many different levels. It has given me a greater understanding of the philosophy of care as well as insight into what is truly considered valuable in the senior care industry. Hospice care has been a natural calling for me since the beginning of my career.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? - I would have to say finishing graduate school. I took the long way around and there were many times I struggled to keep going, but completing the program and walking across that stage is one of my proudest moments. Tell us a little about your family. - I have two sons, Bennett (11) and Jacob (8), that keep me incredibly busy. They are really into sports so we spend a lot of time at practices/games, etc. When we aren’t at sports, we love camping, boating, and fishing. My partner and I have three dogs, including a mastiff named George.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Becoming a mother. You can read all of the books and listen to all of the advice, but once it actually happens to you it is unlike anything I have ever experienced. It changes every aspect of your life in many ways you didn’t even see coming. There is the obvious initial lack of sleep and whatnot, but I am talking about absolute unconditional love…and all of the high points and struggles that come with it.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “To live with compassion means to enter others' dark moments. It is to walk into places of pain, not to flinch, or look away when another agonizes. It means to stay where people suffer. Compassion understood in this way asks more from us than a mere stirring of pity or sympathetic word.” Henri Nouwen, Turn My Mourning into Dancing. Which talent would you most like to have? - I think it would be amazing to be able to draw or paint. I appreciate the works and talents of those who can. I feel like I have a very creative mind but zero ability to translate that onto a canvas.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - If I wasn’t in this field, I would almost certainly be working with animals. Horses, dogs, cows, birds…I am fascinated by them all. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Being Mortal by Atul Gawande. What is your favorite local restaurant? - The original Misty’s in Havelock. The atmosphere, the décor, the food…it’s like stepping back in time.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (844) 329-0950; Kassandra.mounce@promedica.org; promedicahospice.org/lincoln.

Ashley Hinze CENTER SPHERE

Meet Ashley Hinze, director of membership at Center Sphere.

Tell us a little about your business. - Center Sphere provides a network of local support for businesses through trusted, proven, and profitable relationship building! Center Sphere is all about the members. I work directly with business professionals and help them get connected to others in our community!

How did you get started in the business? - I have been a Center Sphere member for seven years with my personal health and wellness business, Arbonne! I helped start and run Center Sphere’s Network Navigator Program through which we helped independent members navigate The Network while not having to commit to a weekly chapter meeting!

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Coming from corporate sports medicine and then starting my own business. I have been blessed with a variety of entrepreneurship opportunities, including Center Sphere. I feel that for myself, it has been a good challenge, one that I truly love. I always wanted more for myself; to continue to challenge my skill set but also be able to stay home with my girls, be able to volunteer at their school, and coach their sports teams. With my businesses, I am able to do both and I am so grateful to have met such amazing people along the way who support both work and life.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?The most exciting thing about my role is I get to see so many businesses and business owners thrive. I know what Center Sphere has done for me personally and professionally and to see others reap so many benefits of the relationships and connections is such a rewarding experience.

Tell us a little about your family. - I am married to my husband, Eric, who is also an entrepreneur and chiropractor. He owns Hinze Chiropractic & Acupuncture. I am a mom to two daughters, Kinley (11) and Kaia (8). If we are not on the sports field or court, we are enjoying time at our lake home in Okoboji.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I was the “bat girl” for the Kansas City Royals when I was 6 years old. I grew up around the baseball stadium, being introduced to the sport when I was just four days old! My dad was a professional baseball pitcher for 13 years! George Brett actually helped me with my kindergarten homework while we were on a train heading to a game in Detroit!

Who inspires you? - My mom. She has been through more than most in her life, yet she is there for anyone whenever they need it. I am so blessed to be able to learn many things from her including tremendous work ethic and parenting skills, etc.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow, so today is the right day to love, believe, do, and mostly live.” – Dalai Lama XIV

What is your favorite Tv show? - The only TV show I watch is Yellowstone. We even named our new puppy, a yellow lab, “Rip”, after one of the main characters.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Bison Witches! Every time I go to Lincoln I try to eat there because it brings back so many great memories from college.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?(402) 690-4434; ashley@centersphere.com; centersphere.com.

TRamesha sTaR CITY sIX

Tramesha Cruse

L ILA M AE ' S S OUTHERN K ITCHEN & LOUNGE

Tramesha Cruse is the co-owner and operator at Lila Mae’s Southern Kitchen & Lounge.

Tell us a little about your business. - Lila Mae’s is a southernstyle restaurant that specializes in southern comforts. We offer a fun energetic environment that is both welcoming and warm. How did you get started in the business? - I have been in the food service business for over 20 years. I have done everything from hosting, serving, bartending, prepping, managing, and catering. It just seemed like the next step was opening my own venue.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - The biggest challenge that I have faced is finding enough time. There are so many things that need to be taken care of and it seems like there is not enough time in the week to take care of it all.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? - The most important achievement professionally for us would be the response that we have received from our guests and our patrons. We appreciate the support.

Tell us a little about your family. - We decided on the name Lila Mae’s after my great-grandmother. Her life reads like a novel, and I am grateful that she was the matriarch of our family. She worked in kitchens most of her life. My granny taught my mother how to cook, who then taught me and my brothers how to. My family members have owned food trucks, restaurants, and done catering for as long as I can remember.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Since we are still in the beginning stages of being business owners, we do not get a lot of time off. Once we are at a point where we can go back to traveling, we will.

Who inspires you? - My daughter. She is beautiful, outspoken, and smart. She drives me to work harder and be better.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - My favorite quote and the best advice I have ever received was “Let go and Let God.” I have lived by that saying since I was 14. It hasn’t let me down yet.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Unpredictable.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - I am a decent writer and poet.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Growing up, I always wanted to be a writer. I have two poems published.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - My favorite book is The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. The last good book I read was Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. I have read both numerous times.

What is your favorite movie? - The Color Purple .

What is your favorite T v show? - I really don’t watch a lot of TV. When I do have the opportunity to, it's usually something foreign. What is your favorite local restaurant? - I have way too many favorites to name just one.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - They can always message me on our Lila Mae’s Southern Kitchen & Lounge Facebook page or email me at Tramesha@purpleplatehospitality.com.

Nic Batterton M OSAIC

Tell us a little about your business. - Mosaic offers services to empower people with disabilities, mental and behavioral health needs, and autism, as well as aging adults to live their best life. We are the changing face of health care, passionate about serving the whole person and partnering for quality outcomes. We see people as unique, beloved and important. We listen to what matters to you and help you lead a meaningful, healthy life on your terms. We meet you where you are because we’ve been there. We are passionate about services and partnerships that create meaningful lives in caring communities, giving a voice to people’s needs. Our team harnesses data, processes and technology to provide high-quality services to as many people in need as we can.

How did you get started in the business? - I started working in human services by universal circumstance. I needed a job to help pay for college expenses. I started working as a direct support professional in a group home.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?Accepting that as a leader I have flaws, and that working constantly and consistently on myself is the only way to lead others effectively. One of the biggest mistakes I see leaders make over and over is never looking within to see one's part in a situation. Through my experience I have learned that knowing, owning, and learning from my part not only makes me a better leader, but makes my team and whole organization better. Tell us a little about your family. - I am married to a wonderful man, Aaron. We have two dogs named Bella and Zeppelin, and two cats named Nala and Dolce. We love spending time traveling to new places, and experiencing all life has to offer.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Getting sober when I was 28-years-old. To date this has been the best decision of my life. It has changed me in ways that I didn't know were possible.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Spending time with my husband outside in our yard making memories and improving our landscaping.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I am a thrill seeker. I love riding motorcycles and skydiving to name a few go-to things.

Who inspires you? - My mother-in-law Cathy. She is so strong in her faith, and her dedication to her family is something that I admire dearly. When she talks of her life’s work, and when I watch her gracefully enter any situation I feel a deep sense of gratitude to be in her life.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Courageous.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - The last book I read was Educated by Tara Westover. This book really was intense for me. To hear of someone's existence was so challenging, and see how no matter where we come from, or what our upbringing is, we can break free and be our true authentic self.

What is your favorite movie? - Anything Disney! What is your favorite local restaurant? - LeadBelly. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Oprah Winfrey.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?(402) 710-3688; Nic.batterton@mosaicinfo.org; mosaicinfo.org.

Nic Batterton is the executive director at Mosaic in Omaha and southeast Nebraska

sTaR CITY sIX shane

Shane Patrick HYDRODOG MOBILE DOG GROOMING

Meet Shane Patrick, the owner and operator of HydroDog Mobile Dog Grooming.

Tell us a little about your business. - Basically, we are a mobile service that provides bathing and grooming services for dogs at homes or businesses. Services include brushing, ear cleaning, nail clipping, anal glands for smaller dogs, blow dry, paw pad cleanup, and sani-trim. We also offer de-shedding, de-matting, and flea or tick control. If you see a giant blue dog driving around town—that's us!

How did you get started in the business? - I always wanted to own my own business and I love dogs, so bringing a HydroDog business to Lincoln was the perfect opportunity. I have 33 years of motion picture experience and a lifetime of experience with dogs. Dogs have always been a huge part of my life growing up and into adulthood. There was Max, Bonnie I, Sandy, Runt, Clancy, Chloe, and Bonnie II. Then there was Billie, the red heeler who accompanied me to work daily for 14 years while I worked in the motion picture industry. She knew her place on the set and within my family, and was always well behaved. Billie was a favorite of cast and crew alike and always had a smile. Since I truly believe pets are a part of the family, it's my goal to treat all dogs I bath and groom with the best possible care as if they were my own. Our clients know that their pups are not only being showered with safe, top-of-the-line products, but also with love.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?Being in my first year of business and offering a unique service, I would say the biggest challenge is getting the HydroDog name out there so people know about what we do.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - When I said to my wife and daughter for the umpteenth time, “I’m gonna go to the corner store and grab some beer,” my 10-year-old daughter stepped in front of me and looked me in the eye and said, “I’m not proud to be your daughter when you drink.” That wonderful person is now a junior in college, and this thankful dad has been sober ever since.

What is your favorite thing to do on your day off? - The only day I take off from work is Tuesday which also happens to be cheap matinee movie day at the theater. Since my previous career was in the motion picture industry, I still love to observe the craft and process of filmmaking.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Compassionate.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Time travel, both forward and backward! Of course I wouldn’t be able to change what has happened or what will happen, but I can be a nonpartisan participant. Observation only!

What is your favorite movie? - I’m a huge Jack Nicholson fan, so my favorite movie is One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Classic Jack!

What is your favorite local restaurant? - The Green Gateau. Excellent food, great service, and wonderful atmosphere.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Abraham Lincoln. He successfully led this country through its darkest hour, the Civil War.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?(531) 229-8039; Oswald@HydroDog.com; Hydrodog.com/Oswald.

VIRGInIa

Virginia Cole CARING FRIENDS IN HOME CARE

Meet Virginia Cole, the chief operations officer at Caring Friends In Home Care.

Tell us a little about your business. - Caring Friends In Home Care is a cost-effective, non-medical, in-home care company. With Caring Friends collaborative caregiving, our goal is to develop a relationship with our clients to help keep them physically and mentally active. We believe in-home care is more than just completing tasks on a list. We offer personalized care that helps clients enjoy time and improve their quality of life. We have no minimum timeframe for visits. We will do as little as one hour, and we do not charge mileage to allow every client to access care within their budget allowing them to continue to live life on their terms in their home.

How did you get started in the business? - I have worked in senior care for over 30 years. My passion and heart is to be able to meet the clients where they are today, to help them meet their goals for staying at home which helps them to be successful and remain as independent for as long as they are able.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced professionally? - Leading employees and organizations through the daily challenges of the COVID pandemic. This has helped me have a greater understanding of why our clients are so determined to stay in their home surrounded by the things and people they love and to provide support and work with community partners when it is time to transition to another level of caring.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? - I have been blessed to work with many great organizations through many challenges, but I value most the professional and personal relationships that I have gained over the years which have helped me lead many organizations to be successful.

Tell us a little about your family. - My husband is an IT professional in senior care as well. I have four adult children and many grandchildren. My grandchildren are in college, working, getting married, and a couple are still in elementary and high school. I have a big family and they are my entire world.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Growing up I had two strong, committed, and intelligent women who nurtured and mentored me. They made me determined to grow to become a strong woman who would give back to others the way they had invested in me. Now my goal is to continue to pay this forward to others.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Play my piano or guitar, read, write, and spend time with my children or grandchildren. I also enjoy motorcycle riding!

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Famous Dave's. What is your favorite movie? - Dead Poets Society .

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 207-1050; caringfriendsinhomecare.com.

HoNorING ALL WHo ServeD

History of veterans Day: World War I—known at the time as “The Great War”—officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars."

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. (Source: www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp)

At Strictly Business, we believe it is not only important to honor the military men and women who have given their life to defend our country, but also the veterans who were able to walk away after fulfilling their duties, making many sacrifices of their own. This Veterans Day, take the time to say thank you to the vet in your life, whether they're a family member, friend, co-worker, neighbor, or even a stranger. If it weren't for their service, the United States wouldn't be the great, free nation that it is today.

businesses listed here make it a priority to support the veterans

discounts for veterans. Many of these businesses are owned and/or run by

themselves. Join

in supporting the local businesses that support our veterans!

Nebraska LTC Pharmacy’s Shannon Schultz Receives Inspire Healthcare Award

Nebraska LTC Pharmacy is congratulating one of their pharmacists, Shannon Schultz, for receiving the Excellence in Healthcare Award at The Inspire – Celebrating Women Leadership awards banquet.

Shannon was nominated for the award, which was then narrowed down to five finalists by the Inspire advisory board. She has been a top five finalist for the award for the last two years before winning this year. As a very dedicated pharmacist and business owner, Shannon is a deserving recipient.

The Inspire – Celebrating Women Leadership awards were created to honor influential and deserving women in the community serving in various fields. It’s a chance to recognize women that have huge positive impacts on Lincoln who are paving the way for future leaders.

Nebraska LTC Pharmacy was created to fill a need in the community for a pharmacy that did more than just count pills and slap labels. Their goal is to continue to offer the “small town” level of customer service while providing the highest level of care for their patients. There are no automated systems or punching in prescription numbers—just great personal care. Nebraska LTC Pharmacy wants to help you with your medications and preserve your independence. To learn more, visit www.neltcpharmacy.com or call the Lincoln office at (402) 328-0231.

Halie Hollowell Joins Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate Team as Marketing Director

Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate is excited to welcome Halie Hollowell to their team as the new marketing director. Halie began working for Greenleaf at the beginning of October.

Halie is responsible for managing social media accounts, maintaining and publishing monthly inventory, creating flyers, press releases, signs and banners, and print advertising. She is also responsible for maintaining Greenleaf’s presence on various digital multiple listing services. Before joining Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate, Halie lived in Las Vegas, working as an accountant and owning her own marketing company. She also has lived in Salt Lake City, Jackson Hole, and Paris, TX. She spends her free time painting, watching movies, roller skating, and taking care of her cat, Cage. Halie is an avid traveler and has experience visiting over six countries.

Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate is a full-service commercial real estate company offering professional asset management services and brokerage services including leasing, sales, acquisitions, consulting, and development. They believe in building relationships and strive to understand each client’s objectives and develop a strategy to meet their specific needs. Whatever your commercial real estate needs might be, Greenleaf’s team of professionals is here to help you succeed. For more information on Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate, call (402) 467-2525 or check out the website at www.greenleafcommercial.com.

HoriSun Hospice Welcomes Sara Yates

HoriSun Hospice is pleased to announce the addition of Sara Yates as bereavement coordinator to its team. Yates was trained as a death doula with certificates from the University of Vermont (UVM) and the International End of Life Doula Association in (INELDA). Additionally, Sara volunteers as a grief facilitator at Mourning Hope Grief Center, facilitating caregiver groups so individuals may learn valuable tools in how to companion their child(ren) in their grief journey. She is a native Nebraskan, and a trained chef who enjoys teaching culinary classes.

HoriSun Hospice believes that hospice care affirms life. Their mission and promise to the 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. To learn more, visit www.horisunhospice.com or call (402) 484-6444.

Marian Malone Receives Community Action at Work Award

Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties is pleased to announce the most recent recipient of the Community Action at Work Award: longtime volunteer Marian Malone. Marian has been a Community Action volunteer for over 10 years and has given over 1,500 hours of volunteer service to the agency.

Any time there is a need at Community Action, Marian steps up to fill it. She has helped in the Community Action store, done data entry for Tenant Support Services, scanned documents for the fiscal department, and helped cover the front desk. That’s all in just the last six months!

Lincoln

Seven Winners of Young Lincoln Leader Awards

Lincoln

Professionals

is

the outstanding contributions to the Lincoln community. The award ceremony was held on September 29 at Robber’s Cave during YP Week, an annual celebration of young professionals in Lincoln.

Individuals between the ages of 21 and 40 were nominated for a YLLA in six categories and organizations were nominated in one category to comprise this year’s list of seven winners.

The 2022 YLLA honorees are:

• Young Professional of the Year

Mike Smith, Rabble Mill/The Bay

• Young Citizen of the Year – Jazari Kual, Kualdom Creations

• Young Entrepreneur of the Year – Angela Garbacz, Goldenrod Pastries

• Young Nonprofit Professional of the Year – Katie Patrick, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska

• Emerging Leader of the Year – Tut Kailech, NeighborWorks Lincoln

• Diversity and Inclusive Excellence – Nathan Hé, Nebraska Alumni Association

• Next Generation Workplace – Lutz

An external nominating committee of seven leaders in business, nonprofits, public service, and education assembled to evaluate and select the finalists and winners in the seven categories. D-Wayne (Dewayne Taylor) continued his excellent work as master of ceremonies, which he has done for all three years of the YLLAs.

Other YP Week events included inspiring speakers, discussion panels, workshops, and networking opportunities to celebrate the talent, insight, and energy of YPs in Lincoln.

The Lincoln Young Professionals Group is dedicated to empowering young professionals with educational, leadership, and networking opportunities. With more than 1,500 members, the Lincoln Young Professionals group is one of the largest in the country. To learn more or join, visit LincolnYPG.com.

“Marian has been an outstanding volunteer in the Community Action store. Whether she is helping with laundry, cleaning, donations, toy distribution, or participants, she does it all with a cheerful and positive attitude. Marian loves everything about kids, and she does a fantastic job keeping the baby clothes organized. Thank you, Marian, for the wonderful work you have done all these years for the store,” said Beth Donahue, Community Action store coordinator.

Community Action’s mission is to empower people living in poverty to reach economic stability. Its programs and services address the causes and conditions of poverty in four impact areas: early childhood education, homelessness prevention, financial and family well-being, and hunger relief and healthy food access. For more information, please visit www.communityactionatwork.org.

Miriah Zajic and Josie Tidball of Giving Realty Receive Recognitions

Giving Realty is pleased to announce that two of their employees have recently received awards for their work. Broker Miriah Zajic won the Inspire Women’s 2022 Excellence in Entrepreneurship, and Realtor Josie Tidball won the Real Producer’s Wildest Real Estate Story. Miriah and Josie are both owners and founders of Giving Realty. Miriah won the Excellence in Entrepreneurship for Giving Realty’s innovative business model of donating 10% of all commissions to a local nonprofit organization of the client’s choice. Josie’s story about having to clean a big mess from a client was not only entertaining, but is also a direct reflection of how hard she works for her clients and Giving Realty’s willingness to go above and beyond.

Giving Realty is a locally owned brokerage focused on serving real estate buyers and sellers. As a boutique realty company, they aim to leverage their profession as a vehicle to make an impact in the community beyond just the buyer or seller. They believe that a successful business should be held to a higher standard than just profitability. Get in touch with Giving Realty at hello@giving-realty.com or (402) 802-7779, or go to giving-realty.com for more information.

Grace Ralston Joins Cruise & Associates as Accountant

Cruise & Associates has hired a new accountant, Grace Ralston, in their Lincoln office. Prior to joining Cruise & Associates, she worked for a property management company in Lincoln.

Grace grew up just outside of Crete, so she is also familiar with the surrounding areas. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family. She also likes staying fit. For the fifth time, Grace ran the Good Life Halfsy, a half-marathon, this year.

As an accountant, Grace is excited to be helping clients run their businesses more efficiently. Contact Grace by emailing gracer@ cruise-assocaites.com or calling (402) 466-1969. Cruise & Associates is excited to welcome Grace and her knowledge and kindness to the team. She has been a valuable member of the Lincoln office since this summer.

Cruise & Associates provides income tax, payroll, and accounting services. They have offices in Albion, Columbus, Grand Island, Lincoln, Norfolk, Omaha, and Wayne. Robert Cruise started the company in 1991 to help small to mid-size businesses grow their business and take it to the next level. The staff listens to business owners to help develop a plan that makes their businesses more efficient and profitable. To learn more about Cruise & Associates, visit cruise-associates.com.

Miriah Zajic

Josie Tidball

SoutheastCommunityCollegePresidentDr.Paul Illich Named District 5 Pacesetter of the Year

Southeast Community College President Dr. Paul Illich was recently honored as the District 5 2022 Pacesetter of the Year by the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR). This award recognizes a community college president who demonstrated special leadership and support in college communications and marketing over the past year.

understand the value of an organization such as NCMPR and the importance of funding and supporting marketing, communications, public relations, and everything within those functions,” Illich said.

Since he first came to SCC eight years ago, the College has undergone multiple transformative initiatives. These include; the conversion from a quarter to semester calendar, adding six learning centers throughout the 15-county service area, and adding 26 new programs, among other things.

The Pacesetter award was presented at the NCMPR’s Annual District 5 Conference in Sioux City, IA last month. Illich is now in the running for the National Pacesetter Award, which will be announced next spring at the national conference in Orlando, FL.

SCC plays a vital role for our communities in southeast Nebraska by bridging the higher education affordability gap and filling a need for a qualified workforce in Nebraska. Find more information about Southeast Community College at www.southeast.edu.

Immanuel Announces John Croghan as Vice President of Community Operations

Immanuel, a regional not-for-profit leader of retirement living and senior care and services, is pleased to announce John Croghan as vice president of community operations. Croghan has served in the senior living Industry for over 20 years. He is currently the Lincoln regional director of operations for Immanuel and executive director at The Landing, an Immanuel signature community. Croghan has served on the Government Relations Committee with the Nebraska Health Care Association and the state-wide advisory board for the Alzheimer’s Association and is a past president of the Seniors Foundation in Lincoln. He currently serves as the Nebraska Assisted Living Association (NALA) director at large, a nonprofit organization of the Nebraska Health Care Association.

In his new role, Croghan will provide executive leadership for Immanuel’s community operations at all 11 campuses throughout Omaha and Lincoln and Council Bluffs and Des Moines, IA. He will ensure community operations operate in a manner consistent with the mission of Immanuel, following federal and state laws and governing principles set forth by the board or regulatory entities.

Since 1887, Immanuel has been providing Christ-centered service to seniors, each other, and the community. As a serving arm of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America), Immanuel’s house of brands includes Immanuel Classic Courtyards, Lifestyle Villages, Signature, and Care Communities, Lakeside Lofts, Immanuel Pathways, Immanuel Community Foundation, and The Immanuel Vision Foundation. Learn more at Immanuel.com.

This year, Leadership Harbor will be celebrating the one-year anniversary of providing veteran coaching services. Patrick Morehead started providing coaching for veterans and their families last year, and has been a crucial part of the Leadership Harbor family ever since.

Patrick also provides suicide prevention training through the CALM Prevention Program. He proudly served his country for 10 years in the United States Marine Corps. Patrick has received the presidential volunteer service award several times for his dedication to helping the community.

He has experienced the reality of trying to deal with PTSD in the civilian world first-hand and is dedicated to helping others overcome this and succeed in life. His goal is to help struggling veterans and their families transition from the military lifestyle to the civilian world, and to ensure the suicide rate of 22 veterans a day decreases. Because this work is so important, Leadership Harbor wants to provide it at a minimal cost to veterans. If you are aware of a grant program or would like to make a contribution toward helping veterans in the community, please reach out to Patrick at patrick@leadershipharbor.com.

In addition to his coaching, Patrick is a professional speaker. He has done speeches on bullying and suicide prevention, as well as topics relating to life after the military and adjusting to the civilian world again.

At Leadership Harbor, they help people develop the skills to be more relational and influential in their personal, business, and faith lives. To learn more information, visit leadershipharbor.com.

Jodie McGill of McGill Law Named 2022 Great Plains Super Lawyer

Jodie McGill, owner of McGill Law, has been named a Great Plains Super Lawyer for 2022. Super Lawyers is an attorney rating service for outstanding attorneys who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The honor is reserved for those lawyers who exhibit excellence in their practice. Only 5% of attorneys in the Great Plains region receive this distinction.

Jodie was recognized by Super Lawyers in the past, receiving the ‘Rising Star’ distinction in 2020. Super Lawyers selects attorneys by evaluating independent research along with peer nominations and evaluations.

In addition to Jodie’s recognition, McGill Law was voted as one of the 2022 Omaha Reader’s Choice for Best Law Firm – Divorce. This is McGill Law’s eighth time being recognized as one of the Omaha Readers’ Choice top firms for Divorce.

“It’s wonderful to be recognized for the work we’ve done as a firm, but this acknowledgment truly belongs to the individuals and families with whom we’ve been fortunate to assist over the years,” said Jodie.

Jodie McGill created McGill Law in 2011 to serve families in a more holistic way than only focusing on their legal issues. McGill Law’s focus is on their clients’ well-being and their family’s future successes. McGill Law concentrates on respectful, empowered divorces and adoptions. To learn more, visit www.mcgilllawyers.com, call (402) 548-5418, or email info@mcgilllawyers.com.

LuxuryLandscapeRecruitsJesseStewartas Crew Chief

Luxury Landscape has hired Jesse Stewart from Labelle, MO as a crew chief on their team. The hiring process was a little more difficult than Luxury Landscape anticipated which brought them to the decision to open the search for amazing talent outside of Nebraska, which is how they found Jesse.

Jesse had the respect, maturity, and personality Luxury was looking for, not to mention his exceptional landscaping experience. He passed the phone interview, several Zoom interviews, and the face-to-face interview with flying colors.

Jesse, along with his wife, Brianna, and two young children, made the move to Lincoln in early October. Jesse builds retaining walls and paver patios and installs beautiful landscapes.

“I’m motivated to wake up and come to work because I get to change what people see when they look out their window,” said Jesse. “One thing most people don’t know about me is that I tend to be a perfectionist when it comes to landscaping!”

Luxury Landscape offers an array of services when it comes to outdoor spaces, with their most popular being installation, design and consultation, landscape maintenance, and residential snow removal. The company began with Ken and Jackie Svoboda’s passion for creating unique and creative landscapes, using their 40+ years of landscape experience and offering it to their clients. For more information about Luxury Landscape and the services they provide, visit luxurylandscape-llc.com.

Marcee Metzger Announces Retirement After 34 Years at Voices of Hope

Marcee Metzger has announced her retirement after 34 years as Voices of Hope’s only executive director and after 47 years of service in the field. From the very start, Marcee has been on the front lines, helping to ensure that confidential services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, incest, stalking, and related forms of abuse continue to be provided to the community at no cost.

Voices of Hope’s Board of Directors is currently in the process of hiring a new director to start before Marcee retires at the end of December. As the agency looks towards to the future, they also look back at everything that Metzger, and so many others, have accomplished over the years.

Fundraising is ongoing to sustain the agency and to ensure that they can keep providing services to the public. “A Legacy of Hope” luncheon is scheduled for November 15, where Voices of Hope will celebrate 47 years of service and honor Marcee Metzger.

The public can visit www.voicesofhopelincoln.org to purchase individual tickets and table sponsorships or make a donation through November 7.

Voices of Hope provides free and confidential services for victims of domestic violence and other related forms of abuse. Last year, the organization answered more than 8,000 calls from individuals needing help or information related to domestic violence and sexual assault. If you have any questions, please contact Resource Development Coordinator Yaquelin Lizarraga at (402) 476-2110.

West Gate Bank Promotes Kay Bartek to Senior Vice President, Retail Banking

West Gate Bank has announced the promotion of Kay Bartek to senior vice president, retail banking. She will be taking over for Doug Carey who is retiring at the end of the year after a 45-year career in the banking industry, including the past 20 years at West Gate Bank where he led the retail banking team.

Bartek joined West Gate Bank in 2017 as the branch manager of the West Gate Bank Center location. In 2020, she was named senior vice president, Lincoln retail market manager. In her new role, Bartek will oversee the retail banking teams in Lincoln and Omaha, as well as the solutions center team. Her responsibilities will include coaching and mentoring the branch managers and their teams, growing core deposits, staffing decisions for the branches, and managing the solutions center.

A native of West Point, Nebraska and a graduate of the University of Nebraska Lincoln, Bartek brings over 30 years of banking experience to her new role at West Gate Bank.

Kay Bartek is located at West Gate Bank Center at 6003 Old Cheney Rd., and can be reached at (402) 323-8970 or kbartek@ westgate.bank.

West Gate Bank ® is a family-owned community bank with 11 locations in Lincoln and Omaha. The newest West Gate Bank branch is now open at 177th and W Maple Rd. in Omaha. Visit westgate.bank for more information.

AndersOlsonReturnstoNebraskaCommunity FoundationasDirectorof PeerLearning

Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) welcomes Anders Olson to its talented team of professionals committed to building stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska.

Olson joins NCF as director of peer learning, a role in which he will train, coach, mentor, and support volunteers and staff to implement educational content throughout NCF’s network of more than 270 communities.

Anders previously worked for NCF as an affiliated fund development coordinator for communities in northeast and north central Nebraska. He has been an active member (and currently serves as co-chair) of Connecting Young Nebraskans, an affiliated fund of Nebraska Community Foundation. His enthusiasm for NCF’s mission made him an ideal fit for the position. “The NCF environment was the perfect training ground for me to become a skilled facilitator, learn how to develop training sessions for a wide range of audiences and form a network of personal and professional contacts across the state,” Anders said. “Even during my time away from the organization, I consistently draw from my rich NCF experiences when faced with new situations to this day.”

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. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org.

personneL news

TELCOR Announces Promotions of Donner, Gibson, Krauss, Russell, and Williams

TELCOR is excited to announce the promotions of Jacqui Donner, QA manager, Point of Care; Amber Gibson, claims resolution specialist, Revenue Cycle Services (RCS); Kris Krauss, revenue cycle supervisor, RCS; Casey Russell, remittance specialist, RCS; and April Williams, remittance specialist, RCS.

Donner started at TELCOR in 2014. In her new role, she will manage the testing and documentation of quality assurance projects.

Gibson started her work at TELCOR in 2020. In her new role, Gibson will continue to be an essential asset for the claims resolution team and their customers.

In 2021, Krauss joined TELCOR as a BCBS payer lead. In her new role, she will continue to be a knowledge resource for payer requirements and drive efficiencies for RCS teams.

Russell joined TELCOR in July 2021, where she has been a talented resource. In her new role, she will continue to improve workflow efficiencies and drive RCS customer satisfaction.

Williams has become a dependable team member since starting in April 2021. In her new role, she will be a reliable point of contact for associates on the team and continue making a great impact on new projects assigned to her.

Learn more about TELCOR and their services at telcor.com.

AHA Appoints Lincoln Heart & Stroke Ball Co-chairs, Miller and Froehlich

American Heart Association (AHA) has appointed the co-chairs of this year's Lincoln Heart & Stroke Ball: Keith Miller, Md, PhD, FACC of Bryan Heart and Monte Froehlich, SEC, SIOR, CCIM, CEO of real estate firm, U.S. Property.

The annual campaign culminates at the February 17, 2023 event. Dr. Miller and Froehlich will help lead the annual campaign, supporting the achievements of the AHA’s mission to build longer, stronger lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke through the oversight of local revenue and health impact activities via the annual Heart Ball. The AHA is the world’s leading voluntary health organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular disease.

“Our understanding of cardiovascular disease has progressed so much that it’s measurably changed outcomes for those diagnosed with heart disease,” said Dr. Miller. “Each dollar raised will impact the lives of Nebraskans impacted by cardiovascular disease now and in the future.”

To learn more about the Heart Ball, visit www. heart.org/lincolnheartball.

American Heart Association believes every person deserves the opportunity for a full, healthy life. As champions for health equity, the American Heart Association will advance cardiovascular health for all, including identifying and removing barriers to health care access and quality. To achieve this, they work by driving equitable health impact in our communities. For more information, visit www.heart.org.

Dr. Keith Miller

Monte Froehlich

news

Caring Friends In Home Care Welcomes Jill Strouf as Case Manager

Caring Friends In Home Care is excited to announce the addition of Jill Strouf, LPN in the position of case manager for Lancaster and surrounding counties. Jill brings with her several years of experience in the health care field from clinical settings to assisted living director. Jill is married and has two daughters. Her compassion and caring nature is going to be a great asset for Caring Friends.

As a case manager, Jill will help clients and their families walk through the process of receiving in-home care services that are tailored to meet their individual needs. With Caring Friends collaborative caregiving, their goal is to develop a relationship with their clients to help keep them physically and mentally active. They believe in-home care is more than just completing tasks on a list. They offer personalized care that helps clients enjoy time and improve their quality of life.

With over 20 years of experience within the healthcare field, Caring Friends In Home Care strives to go above and beyond. Your care will be directed by you and your own individualized choices. Give them a call and make a plan that will allow you your independence in the comforts of your own home. For more information, visit caringfriendsinhomecare.com, call (402) 2071050 or email amy.augustin@caringfriendsinhomecare.com.

Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln Hires New Additions

Haack

Jodi Gates

Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln is excited to welcome Avery Haack and Jodi Gates to the team. Avery Haack joins the staff at Habitat as construction site superintendent, and Jodi Gates joins as administrative coordinator.

an additional construction site superintendent will allow Habitat’s volunteers to be able to work on two job sites at the same time. This can lead to them building more homes for local families.

brings his expertise as an interior construction specialist to help families who need a safe place to live in Lancaster and Seward counties.

“I was working for people who had money, building something they wanted,” said Avery. “Now I’m looking forward to working for people who might not have money, building something they need.

Jodi Gates joined the team in August. She has experience in the construction industry and will be instrumental in helping the bookkeeping and bill departments organized. For fun, Jodi likes to ride motorcycles with her husband, spend time with her family, and create quilt works of art.

Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln was established in 1988 and has built or repaired 184 homes in Lancaster and Seward counties. They look forward to continuing the mission to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope. To learn more, contact Director of Development Deanna Walz at (402) 310-7884 / dwalz@ lincolnhabitat.org or visit lincolnhabitat.org.

Kiki Haakenstad Joins Daring Minds Therapy Team as Mental Health Practitioner

Daring Minds Therapy is excited to welcome Kiki Haakenstad to their team as a mental health practitioner. Kiki has worked in the mental health field for 25 years. She is level two certified for eating disorders. In addition, she treats ADHD, bipolar depression, anxiety, trauma, and schizoaffective disorder. She sees clients from the ages of 10 to 99, and also enjoys working with families, couples, and small groups.

Kiki has been married for 34 years and has four children. She attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She spends her free time with her family or learning Greek, which she can speak at a third grade level!

At Daring Minds Therapy, LLC in Lincoln, their experience enables them to offer effective treatment to a variety of populations. They treat mental health disorders, substance use disorders, trauma, and life problems. Daring Minds’ practitioners are trained to work with children, adolescents, and adults. They use a variety of evidencebased practiced including: cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, solution-focused therapy, person-centered therapy, trauma-focused CBT, child-parent psychotherapy, and more.

Daring Minds Therapy was founded in 2018 by Sarah Worley, Erica Schroeder, and Maureen DeRyke. If you or someone you know could use the support of Daring Minds Therapy, get more information, or book an appointment at daringmindstherapy.com, call (531) 289-1005, or email info@daringmindstherapy.com.

Avery Haack

Jodi Gates

The Waterford Communities Welcomes Melissa Vandeloo as Administrative Director

The Waterford Communities is excited to introduce their new College View Administrative Director Melissa Vandeloo. She has many gifts and abilities to connect and serve College View residents, their families, and the team.

Born and raised in Nebraska, Melissa has had the privilege of working in the local healthcare community for over 15 years. Throughout her career, Melissa has held both administrative and clinical positions in senior living, home healthcare, and hospital systems.

She has a passion for providing the absolute highest quality of care and dignity for the elderly, along with striving for the most gratifying and fulfilling work experience for every team member. Melissa holds a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration and has nearly completed a master’s degree in healthcare administration.

Melissa and her husband Ryan have four children. Outside of work, she loves coaching her girls’ softball team, being outdoors, camping, and going to every Husker football game.

For more information about The Waterford Communities, visit www.thewaterford.net.

SP Group, P.C. Welcomes Abbie Jenkins and Amanda Largis to the Team

SP Group, P.C. is excited to announce the addition of Abbie Jenkins and Amanda Largis to their team.

As the new director of first impressions, Abbie is the warm and caring first contact clients are greeted by when they step through the SP Group doors or call the office. Her infectious smile and laugh will welcome anyone who meets her, as well as her unwavering desire to make every client feel truly cared for. A Lincoln native and graduate of Lincoln Southwest High School, Abbie received an associate’s degree in early childhood education from Southeast Community College. She pursued her love for children as a preschool teacher for the last 10 years and her exuberant teaching style continues in her side gig teaching spin and kickboxing classes.

Amanda joins the team with a specialty in client service. She was born in Grand Forks, ND; grew up in Columbus, NE; and now calls Lincoln home. She received her bachelor’s degree in theater with an endorsement in elementary education from Wayne State College. Upon graduation, Amanda moved to Orlando, FL where she worked for seven years at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. She returned to Lincoln to continue her interest in theater and cheerleading by coaching cheer at Pius X High School. With her varied background, she brings a unique perspective on customer service that will be a benefit to the team’s relationships with clients.

SP Group, P.C. serves growth-oriented companies and talented individuals in the Midwest, with the goal of making sure that their clients have the support they need to feel confident about their financial future. For complete bios on the SP Group team, visit spgrouppc.com/meet-theteam, or follow SP Group on Facebook (@SPGroup,P.C.) and Twitter (@SPGroupPC) or call (402) 420-7758 to learn more.

Morgan Shaw Parker Announced as Speaker at Lincoln Chamber Women in Business 2022

The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Business are proud to present Women in Business 2022. Join them for an afternoon of impactful conversations with influential women as they welcome President and COO of the Atlanta Dream Morgan Shaw Parker as the keynote speaker. This exciting event will also include an engaging panel discussion featuring the RISE Lincoln professional coaches and a networking cocktail reception at the conclusion of the day. Registration is $65 and seats are limited - reserve yours today at lcoc.com/events.

Keynote speaker Morgan Shaw Parker graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in business administration. She has previously worked for companies such as Arthur M. Blank Sports & Entertainment, Nike, and the Kansas City Chiefs. She was named one of Adweek’s “Most Powerful Women in Sports” in 2019, and currently sits on the board for Atlanta-based Rising Media Stars founded by LaChina Robinson. The organization empowers the next generation of Black women in sports media. Morgan currently resides in John’s Creek, GA.

The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce is Lincoln’s leading business organization, providing advocacy and connections to help businesses grow and thrive in Lincoln. They are committed to being a five-star accredited collaborative partner in Lincoln’s success as a place of endless opportunities and work closely with their partner organizations. Learn more at www.lcoc.com.

Renee Sobotka Selected as NMotion Venture Studio Founder

Renee Sobotka, founder and CEO of True North Technologies, was selected as a 2022 NMotion Venture Studio founder.

NMotion powered by gener8tor is Lincoln’s premier mentor-driven and education-focused startup accelerator. They bring together capital, connections, and community resources to support the diverse efforts of local entrepreneurs. NMotion’s Venture Studio is an intensive, 16-week program where founders collaborate to design, build, and launch brand-new startups from scratch.

NMotion’s application process is rigorous, and Renee is honored to be selected for the 2022 cohort. Recognized for her entrepreneurial spirit and proven track record with True North Technologies, she is one of only seven founders chosen among nearly 100 applicants. Over the next four months, Renee will work closely with NMotion’s partners, gener8tor’s national network, and other local founders to envision business concepts, pitch to investors, and execute brand-new products and services.

Renee will also remain CEO of True North Technologies, and her independent team encourages her to pursue her passion of continuous growth and development. Renee is eager to apply her newfound knowledge to True North Technologies in the near future.

True North Technologies makes digital marketing simple. With everything from custom website and mobile app development to branding, SEO, and digital advertising, they can help jumpstart your company’s online presence. Visit www.go-tnt.com or call (402) 420-5101 for more information today.

Abbie Jenkins

Amanda Largis

How to Prepare Your Heating and Cooling System for Winter

Custom Cooling & Heating, INC has been in business since 1982. With over 50 years of experience, we have the professional skills to help you will all of your heating and cooling needs.

With winter coming soon, it’s time to start preparing your heating and cooling system to best protect your home against the cold weather. Custom Cooling & Heating has the services and products to update your home –and they also have some advice to offer.

Schedule a Furnace Check

Your furnace does the heavy lifting in the winter, so it’s important to make sure that it has stayed in top-notch shape while taking a breather in the summer months. A maintenance check can help resolve minor performance issues that cause more expensive operation. Furnaces and boilers should be serviced once every year.

Prep Your Humidifier

The winter air is notoriously dry, so using a humidifier is crucial to replenishing the moisture in your home. If the humidifier malfunctions, your home may not receive adequate moisture, or receive too much moisture, leading to high humidity problems such as mold growth and water damage.

Replace Air Filters

Air filters protect forced air HVAC systems from dirt, dust, and debris that cause inefficient performance and damage to delicate internal components. Heating systems are in heavy use in the winter, so filters tend to fill up faster and require replacement more often. Get a head start on the heating season and change your filter now.

Re-Program your Thermostat

Changing your programmed temperature settings is an important step of switching between heating and cooling settings. Household temperature preferences will differ for heating and cooling, and schedules may change seasonally.

Change Ceiling Fan Direction

Air purification equipment and maintenance of those products is important all year long but especially during the winter months as you spend more time indoors breathing the air inside your home. Some air purification products are low maintenance and some use a UV light bulb that requires replacement in 1-3 years. How long has it been since your system has been “tuned” by a HVAC technician?

news

YMCA of Lincoln to Host 14th Annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day

The YMCA of Lincoln Turkey Trot is returning for its 14th year! The Turkey Trot will be held on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, at Lincoln Memorial Park, located at 6800 S 14th St. This year’s familyfriendly race will feature the option to participate in person or virtually (Trot at Home) in either a 1-Mile Fun Run or a 5K Race. Advanced registration is available online at YMCALincoln.org/turkeytrot22 through November 20, however turkey trotters can register as late as Thanksgiving morning on-site.

“This race is about so much more than burning calories before a big meal,” shared Karla Hudson, Turkey Trot coordinator and associate executive director for the Cooper YMCA. “It’s an opportunity to bring the community together, to give thanks, and to help raise funds so those in need can experience the Y.”

Proceeds from the Turkey Trot will go towards the YMCA annual fundraising campaign – Strong Kids, which offers reduced rates for YMCA memberships, programs, sports, and camp fees to youth and families who otherwise would not be able to participate due to financial limitations.

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.

Tabitha in Crete Honored with National Achievement in Quality Award

Tabitha in Crete has become one of only two living communities in Nebraska to receive the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living’s (AHCA/NCAL) Silver Achievement in Quality Award in 2022.

“The Silver Quality Award is the result of hard work by a very dedicated, compassionate team that’s laser-focused on delivering customer-centric care,” said Sherri Due, administrator for Tabitha in Crete. “I am both proud and grateful for these exceptional Tabitha Residences to receive this recognition. It is our goal to learn what matters most to the residents and their families, and to provide quality-based solutions to meet and exceed their expectations.”

This recognition is a result of Tabitha’s outstanding commitment to quality care. Focused on delivering long-term skilled nursing, the two residential-style Tabitha in Crete houses also hold perfect, five star overall quality ratings from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Tabitha was the second in the nation to introduce these types of innovative homes and continuously strives to meet the ever-growing needs of seniors.

As the state’s quality award-winning senior care expert, nonprofit Tabitha empowers people to live joyfully, age gratefully. Supporting families since 1886 across Nebraska, Tabitha offers a range of services, from results-driven rehabilitation, accessible at-home health care, innovative living communities, resourceful serious illness support, and compassionate hospice services. Learn more at tabitha.org.

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Nonprofit Association of the Midlands Releases December Event Lineup

Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) has an exciting lineup of events coming in December.

On Thursday, December 1, they will host their annual holiday celebration from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at NAM’s office, 1111 N 13th St., STE 213. The holiday celebration, sponsored by FNIC, is free, but registration is required. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be provided. Come network with other nonprofit leaders in the community and celebrate the holiday season!

On Tuesday, December 6, from noon to 1 p.m., NAM’s annual member meeting will be held via Zoom. They will announce the 2023 Board of Directors and officers in addition to honoring its outgoing board members. The NAM Board of Directors is responsible for providing overall leadership and strategic direction to ensure NAM continues to strengthen the collective voice, leadership, and capacity of nonprofits to enrich the quality of community life throughout Nebraska and Western Iowa. Nonprofit Association of the Midlands CEO Anne Hindery will also provide a 2022 year in review update.

Visit nonprofitam.org/events to register for these events.

Nonprofit Association of the Midlands is a state association that represents more than 750 nonprofit organizations in Nebraska and southwest Iowa. Contact abby@nonprofitam.org or call (402) 5575800 for more information.

Malone Community Center to Host Annual Holiday Food Giveaway with Visionary Youth

Malone Community Center is excited to partner with local organization Visionary Youth to host their third annual Community Outreach Holiday Food Giveaway. The giveaway will take place on Sunday, November 20 from 1-4 p.m. at Saint Paul United Methodist Church located on 1144 M. St.

For the past two years they have had the honor of supplying around 900 holiday meals to families in our community. The meals include a turkey, macaroni and cheese, cake mix, pies, green beans, and more. In addition to the meals, they have been able to provide winter coats, hats, gloves, and more.

Those interested in supporting the Malone Center this holiday season can make a donation of $50 to provide turkey and fixings to a family of five, or bring food and donations to one of these locations:

• Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Oasis Barber Shops, 4230 S. 33rd St., STE 105.

• Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Malone Community Center, 2032 U St.

For sponsorship or booth set up, contact KB Mensah at (402) 318-4340.

Malone Community Center is working to eliminate multigenerational poverty in Lincoln. Since 1955, Malone has served families, youth, seniors, and the Lincoln community with inclusive, social, cultural, educational, employment, and welfare services. They believe that through enhanced understanding between all groups of people, we can create a better community. For more information contact Christiana Vermeline at (402) 474-1110, Christiana.Vermeline@Malonecenter. org, or visit www.malonecenter.org.

RISE’s Reentry Organization Receive iPads from Bellevue Papillion Rotary Club

The RISE reentry organization is thankful to receive iPads from the Bellevue Papillion Rotary Club as a means of case management support. The portability is essential to reentry specialists working one-on-one with program participants navigating their reentry post-incarceration.

The Bellevue Papillion Rotary Club is one of thousands worldwide striving to serve communities. That effort has taken many shapes from eradicating polio in the world to more local projects.

Rotary Club President Joe Mangiamelli said, “We felt the mission of RISE to be in line with our core of ‘Service above Self’ and we wanted to find a way to assist in the mission. Our Club board thought an updated ability to track clients might be helpful and suggested the purchase of the tablets for the client case managers.”

“Thank you to Rotary International and the Bellevue Papillion Rotary Club for their financial donation to RISE. The donation allowed RISE to purchase six iPads for our reentry specialists and case,” says Jeremy Bouman, RISE executive director.

RISE is the largest nonprofit in Nebraska focused on habilitative programming in prisons and reentry support. At RISE, transformation starts pre-release, continuing post-release. With an inside/out model bridging incarceration to the community, RISE has served 590 incarcerated individuals, returning citizens, and families impacted by the criminal justice system. RISE’s mission is to break generational cycles of incarceration with tough love, withness, entrepreneurial mindset, grit, and rebuilding. For more information, visit seeurise.org.

A Local Collective to Host Holiday Modern Market to Support Angels Among Us Mission

Angels Among Us is excited to be partnering with A Local Collective to host Holiday Modern Market on Sunday, November 20 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Omaha Palazzo located at 5110 N. 132nd St. Enjoy over 45 small Nebraska shops to help you kick off your holiday shopping. There will be food, snacks, a hot cocoa bar, adult beverages, Stories Coffee, and more. This family friendly event is perfect for the entire family. Bring the kids and get pictures with Santa by professional photographer Barbara Bles Photography. A portion of ticket sales and proceeds from the Kids Fun Area will go directly to Angels Among Us to help provide financial and emotional support to families who have a child battling pediatric cancer. Tickets are $6 in advance or $10 at the door. Kids ages 12 and under are free.

tickets are available now online at www.alocalcollectivene. com/event-fees/p/tickets.

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 620 families have been supported with over $3.6 million in support. For more information about ways to make an impact and get involved in Angels Among Us’ mission, please contact Aly Theilen at alyssa@myangelsamongus.org or visit www.myangelsamongus.org.

TeamMates Mentoring Begins Fall PostSecondary Planning with High School Seniors

TeamMates Mentoring provides students in grades 3 through 12 with a one-to-one caring adult mentor from the community. While not an academic program, the nonprofit strives to provide the support and encouragement needed to help all youth mentees graduate from high school and achieve their post-secondary goals.

Each fall, Lincoln TeamMates staff engages in individualized postsecondary planning with every TeamMates senior to review scholarship opportunities, financial aid resources, and career planning. TeamMates continuously fundraises in order to provide scholarships to all students pursuing further education. The Lincoln chapter takes great pride in offering all eligible mentees a scholarship to help launch their postsecondary education.

“Given the high proportion of students living in low-income households, TeamMates scholarships make pursuing higher education more feasible,” said Jim Bennett, coordinator of Lincoln TeamMates.

The majority of TeamMates who pursue a post-secondary education are first-generation college students. Last spring, 27 seniors received a scholarship sponsored by local community partners. In collaboration with universities across Nebraska and surrounding states, the TeamMates national office is able to offer a number of scholarships to qualifying mentees as well.

If you would like to donate funds for a scholarship, please contact the TeamMates office at (402) 436-1990 or LincolnTeamMates@lps.org.

Experts in Building Control

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is to provide customers with products and services to create efficient, safe and comfortable building environments.

Controls offers complete turn key control solutions including construction, retrofit, service and maintenance for facilities of all types and sizes.

Offices in Omaha and Lincoln, NE.

Creative Collabs’ Holiday Event to Benefit

Social Services

Support a great cause and get into the holiday spirit on Sunday, November 6 at Creative Collabs’ (Patina Joe Boutique + 555 Boutique) ‘Tis the Season Holiday Event & Fundraiser. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Scottish Rite Temple at 332 Centennial Mall South. Admission is $2 for adults, while children 12 and under are free. All admission fees will go to support the work of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. Come and enjoy:

• Local vendors to get your Christmas started!

• Free photos with Santa!

• Cookie decorating for kids!

• High school choir carolers!

• Cash bar!

Vendors confirmed for the event include Little Movements, B.E. Rosie, Decoy Candle Co., Backroad District, Kristina Cole Designs, and 3 Sons Baking Co. The event will also feature a food truck from Baconazing LLC from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for delicious and kid-friendly lunch options.

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 mission is to perform the Works of Mercy in response to the call of God. The goal of serving people is to serve them with dignity, to love people as best they can, and to meet their needs to the fullest. Connect, donate, or volunteer at csshope.org.

The Epilepsy Foundation Shines Light on National Epilepsy Awareness Month

The Epilepsy Foundation is striving to further awareness of the challenging neurological condition that is epilepsy. November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month, so it is especially important to educate the community about how epilepsy could be affecting those around them.

Epilepsy affects more than just physical health. Along with the uncertainty of seizures, medication, and treatment side effects, epilepsy can affect a person’s mental health in many ways. The power of community can bring hope to those experiencing the challenges of epilepsy.

For National Epilepsy Awareness Month, learn a little bit about epilepsy with these facts from The Epilepsy Foundation:

• 1 in 10 people will have a seizure and 1 in 26 will develop epilepsy during their lifetime. Learning seizure CPR can save a life.

• There are 470,000 children in the U.S. living with epilepsy.

• Epilepsy receives 10 times less funding than other brain disorders. Awareness is needed to raise funds for care, advocacy, research, and education.

More information on epilepsy can be found at epilepsy.org.

The Epilepsy Foundation is a national voluntary health agency dedicated solely to the welfare of the nearly 3.4 million people living with epilepsy in the U.S. and their families. The Foundation works to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences and to promote research for a cure. To contact The Epilepsy Foundation in Nebraska, email Nebraska@efa.org or call (800) 332-1000. For more information, go to epilepsy.com.

HopeSpoke After-School Mental Health Program Seeks Help for Thanksgiving Meal

HopeSpoke is preparing to serve a Thanksgiving meal to children in the Extended Day Treatment Program (EDT), and you can help!

EDT is HopeSpoke’s after-school program for children ages 5-11 with emotional and/or behavioral challenges. Services are trauma-informed and help young people strengthen their coping and regulation skills, develop genuine relationships with others, and improve social functioning.

EDT staff will prepare and serve a Thanksgiving meal this month for all 20 children in the program, as well as their families. Your gift of $25 or more can help purchase all the fixings: turkeys, potatoes, vegetables, desserts, and more.

“Sharing a festive group meal with friends and family is a meaningful way for these young children to practice the skills they are learning in Extended Day Treatment and further meaningful relationships,” says Katie McLeese Stephenson, MSW, executive director of HopeSpoke.

To make a gift online, please visit hopespoke.org/donate. You may also mail your gift to HopeSpoke at 2444 O St., or contact Becki Roberts, development director, at broberts@hopespoke.org.

HopeSpoke inspires healthy futures for children and their families through comprehensive behavioral and mental health services. For more information, visit hopespoke.org or call (402) 475-7666.

People’s City Mission to Serve Free Thanksgiving Meal

People’s City Mission (PCM) will once again be serving a full Thanksgiving meal to not only the homeless in Lincoln, but to anyone who would otherwise be alone on Thanksgiving and could use a meal. Meals will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. PCM expects to serve 700 meals.

PCM’s Help Center will also be giving away 500 Thanksgiving meal baskets to those in need. Giveaway will take place on Thursday, November 17, from 9 a.m. - noon, or until supplies run out.

If you would like to help, PCM is accepting donations of frozen turkeys, pies, and ingredients for side dishes (no prepared sides, please). Donations can be dropped off at the Shelter at 110 Q St. or at the Help Center at 6800 P St., preferably by Friday, November 11.

One more way to help is to buy just one meal for a homeless person. A meal only costs PCM $2.77. You can go to their website at pcmlincoln. org and click “DONATE” to purchase a meal.

People’s City Mission was started in 1907 by local churches, offering food and shelter for transient and impoverished men, women, and children. Today, the People’s City Mission is Lincoln’s primary homeless shelter housing 350 people on an average day. They greatly appreciate your continued support of Lincoln’s most vulnerable. For more information, please call (402) 475-1303 or visit www.peoplecitymission.org.

FriendshipHomeRaises$85,715for Survivors of Domestic Violence

Friendship Home is proud to announce their 20th annual Safe Quarters was a huge success! Safe Quarters is a one-day, communitywide effort to raise funds and awareness of domestic violence in Lincoln and Lancaster County. Funds collected provide a safe, confidential shelter, crisis services, and ongoing support for families who are rebuilding their lives free from violence. Safe Quarters is vital to Friendship Home’s doors remaining open to those in need.

During Safe Quarters, which took place on October 9, Friendship Home had teams of dedicated volunteers going door-to-door collecting financial contributions from houses in the Lincoln and neighboring communities. Volunteers were equipped with collection buckets and informational materials about Friendship Home and domestic violence.

This year’s event raised $85,715. Thanks to the dedication of many volunteers and sponsors. Safe Quarters is truly a community-wide effort, and the results show how generous our community is in helping to empower freedom from domestic violence.

Friendship Home provides crisis services, emergency shelter, and transitional housing to victims of domestic violence and their children.

If you, or someone you know, is experience domestic violence, please call Friendship Home’s 24/7 crisis line at (402) 437-9302. To learn more, visit www.friendshiphome.org.

Bridge Behavioral Health to Host 13th Annual Tailgate Safe Event

On November 19, The Bridge Behavioral Health will host its 13th annual Tailgate Safe. This alcohol-free event is open to the community. Bring your family and friends for food, games, face painting, and more. Tailgate Safe begins two hours before kickoff at The Bridge, 721 K St. in Lincoln. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be located in The Loft. The Bridge is looking forward to bringing the community together for a safe and fun tailgate before Nebraska takes on Wisconsin. For more information about Tailgate Safe, contact Taylor at tbrethouwer@thebridgenebraska.org or visit tailgatesafe.org.

The Bridge Behavioral Health’s mission is to provide hope and a strong foundation for recovery through substance use treatment and behavioral health intervention. Since 1984, they have provided support and treatment to people struggling with substance use and mental health disorders. The Bridge offers medically monitored withdrawal, substance use and mental health respite, residential treatment, and outpatient services.

CBMC Lincoln to Host t-factor Summit: A Livestream Experience on December 8

CBMC Lincoln will be hosting an inperson, livestreamming experience at their Lincoln office for the t-factor Summit on Thursday, December 8, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This virtual instructional initiative is designed for CEOs, leaders, and influencers who have an interest in transforming their organization to a purpose-driven and faith-friendly workplace.

Frank Harrison, chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola Consolidated, will be sharing the company's story of transformation and how Coca-Cola Consolidated became a company that honors God, serves others, pursues excellence, and is driven to grow profitably. The purpose of t-factor is “to transform workplace cultures around the world for good, for God, for growth.”

The Summit agenda is both informative and inspirational and features a line-up of experienced speakers. Topics include steps to transform your workplace, the legalities of faith-based programs, corporate chaplaincy, and charitable giving. A testimony of personal transformation will be shared by Mark Whitacre, executive director of t-factor. Participants will have an opportunity to interact with speakers virtually. Resources to help transform your organization to a faithfriendly and servant-oriented workplace will be provided.

There is no cost to attend but space is limited. Information about the t-factor event can be found at Lincoln.cbmc.com/events. Contact Larry at Lmiddendorf@cbmc.com for further information and registration.

CBMC Lincoln is part of a global ministry that encourages men toward spiritual development, personal integrity, principled leadership, and a desire to impact others. For further information about CBMC Lincoln, connect with them on Facebook (@cbmclincolnne), visit Lincoln.cbmc. com, or call (402) 204-1997.

Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska Moves Locations to Further Its Services

To improve amenities for the people it serves with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska is moving its administrative offices to the same site where its day program exists.

“Not only is this more convenient for the people we support and their families, this new site provides people we serve with more amenities than they had before,” said Nic Batterton, executive director for Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska and Mosaic in Omaha. “They now have a gaming area, a kitchen, more restrooms, and a place to pursue their individual goals and skill building.”

During day services, people can also receive a range of supports and a variety of therapeutic services to promote physical and social health.

The combined Lincoln day program and administrative office will open on Wednesday, November 2 and will be located at 5631 S 48th St., STE 280. The phone number will remain the same, (402) 477-2101.

Mosaic is a whole-person healthcare organization reaching across 13 states in more than 700 communities and providing supports to nearly 4,900 people. Services empower people with disabilities, mental and behavioral needs, and autism, as well as aging adults to live their best life. Mosaic is an affiliated social ministry organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and a member of Lutheran Services in America. Mosaic is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit mosaicinfo.org.

Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska to Sponsor STARS Hockey Night

On Saturday, December 10, Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska (DSAF) will be sponsoring Down Syndrome Awareness Night at the STARS Hockey Event. Bring your friends, family, and fellow hockey fans to join DSAF at The Ice Box as the STARS take on the Tri-City Storm for a game of ice hockey and a photo shoot with the players. There will be a jersey auction for the Stars’ worn jerseys on the North Zone stage following the game.

The Ice Box is located on 1880 Transformation Dr. The doors will open at 5 p.m. and the puck drops at 6:05 p.m. You can purchase your tickets at www.etix.com/ticket/p/5866727/20222023lincoln-stars-vs-tricity-storm-lincoln-the-ice-box-lincoln-starshockey. Pricing depends on where you choose to sit in the rink.

Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska recognizes that every person with Down syndrome is an individual who has a unique purpose and set of abilities. It is their mission to provide support and a positive vision for the future for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, friends, educators, and professionals who share in their lives. For more information about the organization, visit dsafnebraska.org or call (403) 421-1338.

City Impact in Need of Volunteers for Gifts of Love Event in December

Impact is in need of volunteers for their annual Gifts of Love Event beginning Monday, December 12 through Saturday, December 17. There are many dates, times, and jobs to choose from. You can be a bike/gift card tracker, cashier, decorator, gift wrapper, greeter, hauler/ parking lot attendant, interpreter, or shopper assistant. You can also help with hospitality, shopper check-in/ check-out, store set-up, or store breakdown. You can sign up to be a volunteer by completing the registration form at cityimpact.org/volunteer-for-gifts-of-love-2022. You will be able to choose the jobs, dates, and times that work best for you.

Impact is a nonprofit whose mission is to transform vulnerable communities through holistic youth, family, and neighborhood development. As an organization, they mentor, teach, and empower kids to overcome their vulnerable circumstances and to transform their lives and neighborhoods from the inside out. Learn more online at cityimpact.org.

JCMF to Hold Dancing Within the Star City Benefit, Announces Celebrity Couples

On Saturday, November 12, the

Collingsworth Memorial Foundation (JCMF) will hold their first annual Dancing Within the Star City benefit at the Scottish Rite Ballroom, 332 Centennial Mall South. Doors will open for cocktail hour at 6 p.m. and the program will begin at 7:15 p.m. Individual tickets start at $150 for general admission and $200 for VIP individual tickets. In addition to the dancing, the event will feature drinks, appetizers, and a live auction (register at bidpal.net/danceforjosh).

Inspired by the TV show, Dancing with the Stars, Dancing Within the Star City will feature eight celebrity couples competing to win the mirror ball by performing one to two dances for the audience and guest judges. Celebrity couples include NU Regent and Partner in Rembolt Ludke LLP Tim Clare with his wife Amy; Senator Suzanne Geist and her husband Mark; University of Nebraska Head Basketball coach Fred Hoiberg and his wife Carol; Venue Restaurant & Lounge Partner Scott Ritter and his wife Alison; Dr. Matt Byington and his wife Amberly; Lexus of Lincoln Manager Greg Dorff and Heather Callam; Managing Loan Officer of City Bank & Trust Co. Jason Peters and his wife Jamie; and JCMF-Josh The Otter and Float 4 Life Founders Blake and Kathy Collingsworth.

Each celebrity couple has agreed to dedicate their time and talents to taking a few dance lessons and generating sponsors for the event. Each dollar raised equals one vote for your team and all votes will count toward one of the awards. Four trophies will be presented on the evening of the event: People’s Choice Award (Fundraising Champion), Judge’s Choice (combining all of their scores), Fan Favorite (scores from all the attendees voting that night), and Dance Company Champion (given to the studio that trained the winning couple).

Proceeds from the event will go towards furthering Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation’s mission to prevent childhood drowning through early education with their “Josh The Otter” and “Float 4 Life” programming. To purchase a ticket, inquire about a sponsorship, or learn more about the event, contact Kathy Collingsworth at Kathy@ joshuamemorial.org / (402) 730-3232. To learn more about the nonprofit by visiting www.joshtheotter.org.

play your life away.

Wear Yellow Nebraska Seeks Support for Cab Ride Program

This year, Wear Yellow Nebraska will be participating in Giving Tuesday on November 29. They will be fundraising to support the growth of the Wear Yellow Cab Ride Program to provide transportation to and from treatment for cancer survivors.

In addition, donations to Wear Yellow Nebraska have the opportunity to be matched. Whether you donate $5 or $500, every bit helps towards their $5,000 goal.

As a cancer survivor, co-founder and past president Mike Buckley had the idea to start funding cab rides for cancer patients who were without access to transportation, a need he discovered during his own treatment journey. Access to rides to and from treatment are essential because patients are in a weakened state and often times left unable to drive themselves, which also leaves them vulnerable to lapses in vital medical care. Even if patients do have family and friends who can help, they aren’t always available. Since launching the free cab ride program in 2012, Wear Yellow Nebraska has provided more than 13,500 cab rides to Nebraska cancer patients in need.

Wear Yellow Nebraska is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a clear focus on niche initiatives that offer cancer survivors support in ways that were not being addressed and for people who would otherwise fall through the cracks, truly caring for an individual’s special circumstances. To learn more about the event or the organization, go to www.wearyellownebraska.org or contact them at contactus@ wearyellownebraska.org / (402) 965-1699.

Lincoln Children’s Museum to Offer Black Friday Sale

With the holidays right around the corner, gift-giving is on the minds of many. If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift for employees and their families, the Lincoln Children’s Museum is offering memberships at 50% off for one day only on November 25.

Lincoln Children’s Museum memberships offer a unique experience-based gift option that employers can give to show gratitude to their employees and their families that lasts all year. Memberships purchased on November 25 are immediately activated and available for use.

Memberships include discounts on museum toy store purchases along with camps, birthday parties, private event rentals, and more. Members also receive discounts on events like Make Believe Midnight, a popular kid-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration at the Lincoln Children’s Museum. Personal memberships can be purchased and renewed during the sale as well, including early renewal. Any early renewals will have the additional time added to the total length of the active membership. Memberships will be available for purchase online at www. lincolnchildrensmuseum.org/membership or at the museum, day of.

The Lincoln Children’s Museum invites children to create, discover, and learn through the power of play. Every visit, membership, donation, or in-museum purchase helps to support their mission. To learn more, visit www.lincolnchildrensmuseum.org.

Thomas W. Kubert, MAI

nonprofit news

Branched Oak Observatory to Wrap Up Year with End of Season Star Party

Branched Oak Observatory is hosting an End of Season Star Party on Saturday, November 19 from 8 to 11 p.m. to wrap up this year’s observing season. The party will be on their grounds at 14300 NW 98th St. in Raymond, NE (just outside of Branched Oak Lake and State Recreation Area). It will be an amazing night of celestial wonders, as guests will have the opportunity to see the Andromeda Galaxy, The Great Orion Nebula, The Seven Sisters Star Cluster, and so much more.

Bring your family and friends, bundle up warm, and join them over the weekend for the last public star party of the year!

Branched Oak Observatory is open to the general public and students of astronomy. With the help of local astronomers and amazing volunteers, they set-up a variety of telescopes and explored the night sky. Learn more by visiting the website at branchedoakobservatory. com or keep up with new events and opportunities on the Facebook page (@branchedoakobservatory).

NESC Requests Donations on November 29 to Aid Expansion Efforts

Join the Nebraska Safety Council (NESC) on Tuesday, November 29 for Giving Tuesday. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity. NESC needs sponsors and community stakeholders to help expand their driver’s education program for teens and adults and launch a new podcast series. With your help, NESC will:

1. Expand the driver education program for teens and adults to a year-round program.

• Driver Education Program—To serve the Nebraska community, NESC needs five additional vehicles to add to their fleet. To offer quality driver education, they need to upgrade their current IT equipment. They are in need of five new iPads for each vehicle.

• Motorcycle Program—To expand the program, they need three new motorcycles to add to the fleet of bikes.

2. Launch Connections Podcast Series:

• NESC needs in-kind sponsors and donations to help cover the expense of a new connections podcast series they plan to launch in 2023. This series will be offered as a member-benefit and will include informational and educational topics.

You can change lives by taking a few minutes to contribute to NESC. Without you, they are limited on how many individuals they can keep safe and healthy. Visit nesafetycouncil.org/index.php/ about/giving-tuesday to give!

To learn more about the Nebraska Safety Council or to sign up for a membership, visit nesafetycouncil.org, call (402) 483-2511, or email nesc@nesafetycouncil.org.

Christie Anita

ConnorSam

JDRF to Host No Limits® Speaker Series about Sports, Exercise, and Glucose Control

JDRF is excited to announce that they will be hosting the No Limits® Speaker Series about balancing sports, exercise, and glucose control. The series will take place virtually on Tuesday, November 15 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. This series is designed exclusively for newly diagnosed individuals, their parents, and caregivers. Join JDRF to hear more about the impact exercise and athletic sports have on glucose control for people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and learn strategies for managing blood sugar during all levels of exercise, from general daily activity to heavy competition. To register for this free and virtual event, please fill out the form found at jdrf.org/nolimits.

JDRF invites anyone in the community to join in commemorating National Diabetes Awareness Month throughout November and World Diabetes Day on November 14. The goal is to raise awareness of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and the urgent need to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its associated complications. Go Blue with JDRF on November 14 to help raise awareness of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes by wearing blue, taking a photo of yourself, and sharing it on social media using #GoBlueforJDRF!

JDRF hopes that you will be able to join this important conversation. Their mission is to improve lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its complications. For more information, please visit jdrf.org/nebraskaiowa.

Immigrant Legal Center Merged with Refugee Empowerment Center on October 1

On October 1, Immigrant Legal Center (ILC) officially merged with Refugee Empowerment Center (REC) under ILC leadership solidifying services and support for immigrants in our community. Through this merger, they will bring together a wealth of expertise, experience, and resources that allow the staff to provide a holistic blend of high-quality services to their newest friends and neighbors in Nebraska and southwest Iowa. Clients and partners will continue to experience the high-quality immigration legal services and refugee resettlement services they have come to expect from ILC and REC, and their services and processes will remain unchanged.

Erik Omar, executive director of Immigrant Legal Center stated, “Our passion is to help our clients in the entirety of their needs, to set them up for success and a life without fear. With the merger, we are building a unified organizational culture as the only agency of its kind that serves the legal and transitional support needs of immigrants in the Heartland.”

Immigrant Legal Center is Nebraska’s largest nonprofit legal immigration services provider, they serve an irreplaceable role in the communities they serve. ILC’s work helps the community reach its full potential and makes our cities stronger and healthier by empowering immigrants to obtain access to education, healthcare, and work opportunities that allow them to live and work with confidence and free from fear. To learn more, visit www.immigrantlc.org.

Willard Community Center to Host Events in November for Under-Served Communities

Willard Community Center is hosting two events during the month of November to help keep the underserved community warm and fed during this upcoming winter season. The first event will take place on Tuesday, November 15 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in partnership with the Food Bank of Lincoln’s Lincoln Fresh Food Truck. Lincoln Fresh will be using their food truck to hand out healthy free fruits and vegetables to those in need.

In addition, Willard Community Center’s Winter Coat Drive will be held on the following day on Wednesday, November 16, with distribution from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for any community member in need. The donation deadline is Monday, November 14. The goal is to serve the West A community and the youth involved with Schroder Park Wellness Campus. Willard’s donation bin is in the vestibule of the front doors for collection. Ring the doorbell to the left of the door, and a Willard staff member will be with you shortly to take your donation. Please consider donating gloves, mittens, hats, scarves, sweatshirts, hoodies, coats, snow pants, or anything warm.

Willard Community Center focuses on youth development and education and presents programs across the age spectrum, including senior adults. Willard offers early childhood education preschool and Pre-K, before and after school programs for elementary schools, and social/educational opportunities for adults. Willard’s children attend Roper or Lakeview Elementary Schools; each serves a high percentage of free and reduced lunch participants. Learn more at willardcommunitycenter.org.

CenterPointe Proud to Be First in Nebraska to Use a “Housing First” Model

The year 2023 will mark CenterPointe’s 50th year of providing services to Nebraska. They are grateful for another successful year and look forward to the new beginning that 2023 will bring.

This year, CenterPointe has served 4,418 people, housed 472, and received 2,779 calls on their crisis hotline. The call for more mental health, substance use, and primary care services has never been greater and CenterPointe has responded to that call.

As their mission and services have continued to grow, there was a lack of space to serve everyone who needs it. In 2019, CenterPointe discovered the solution to providing more and better services to the community at 11th and South St. and purchased the historic Trabert Hall. Since that time, they have been planning an extensive renovation. CenterPointe initiated a $13 million capital campaign to fund the new Campus for Health and Wellbeing, which they will be moving to in March of 2023.

CenterPointe helps the people they serve get better, sooner, for longer. To learn more about CenterPointe, contact Bailey Wood at (402) 4758717, Ext. 133 / bwood@centerpointe.org or visit centerpointe.org.

Christian Record Services Produces Full-Vision Books for Young Readers Who Are Blind

Christian Record Services is committed to encouraging literacy for young individuals who are blind.

According to Seedlings, an organization dedicated to increasing the opportunity for literacy for children who are blind, less than 20% of the 50,000 blind children in the United States are proficient in braille.

Christian Record Services addresses this reality by producing Full-Vision Books™. These books incorporate full-color photos or illustrations, large print text, and braille, so everyone can participate in an immersive reading experience.

“I would love to give every family the bonding experience that my family had with these Full-Vision Books,” said Dexter, a board member of Christian Record and parent. “There just isn’t anything else out there that allows me to share my love of books with my child.”

Full-Vision Book resources include The Beginner’s Bible, and over 50 books from the Zonderkidz series. This helps ensure that the entire family can participate in the joy of reading!

Christian Record Services, Inc. is an international ministry to people who are blind. The nonprofit was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in Lincoln. To learn more about Full-Vision Books and the many other services they provide, visit www.ChristianRecord.org or call (402) 488-0981, option 4.

Lutheran Family Services Opens Smith Diversity Scholarship Applications

Lutheran Family Services has announced that the Smith Diversity Scholarship applications for the graduating class of 2023 are now open. The deadline to apply is February 28.

Lutheran Family Services established the Coyner and Donna Smith Diversity Scholarship Fund to provide a college education for graduating high school seniors from low-income, minority families who are residents of Nebraska. Annual scholarships of $25,000 are awarded to support each recipient’s college education, regardless of where they want to attend. Annual scholarships of $12,500 are also available for recipients wishing to attend trade school.

To be eligible, students must:

• Be graduating from a Nebraska high school or obtain GED in the current academic year and plan to begin their freshmen year of post-secondary the following academic year.

• Be a resident of Nebraska at the time of graduation.

• Show financial need, a defined as a low-income family whose adjusted gross family income is $65,000 or lower annually.

The scholarship is renewable for up to eight semesters at a four-year university, and up to four semesters for trade schools. The scholarship does not have any test score or GPA requirements, but scholarship recipients must maintain a minimum 3.4 GPA to be eligible for renewal. Established in 1892, Lutheran Family Services is a faith-based, not-forprofit, multi-service human care agency. The LFS mission is to provide human care services that build and strengthen individual, family and community life. As a multi-service organization, LFS demonstrates its mission through three broad service areas. To learn more, visit onelfs. org or lfsneb.org.

Strictly Business is thrilled to announce that their 10th annual Party in the Garden Fundraiser, which was held on September 9, raised $20,375 for Domesti-PUPS!

event was a great success— attendance hit a record high and there were many amazing local businesses that showed their support through sponsorships, donations, and volunteering. Highlights of the event included food and beverages provided by local vendors, a live and silent auction, live music by Mike Semrad and Friends sponsored by Gary Tharnish with HOME Real Estate, chair massages from Erin McLenon with 5 Elements Massage & Spa, a dunk tank provided by Lincoln Inflatables, foot darts and yard pong from Nebraska Knockerball, and the emceeing talents of Gary Tharnish.

Domesti-PUPS is a local nonprofit that mainly trains and provides service dogs for persons with disabilities, especially children suffering from seizures. They also train rescue dogs. The costs to acquire, maintain, and place these highly skilled canines is quite high—veterinary costs alone are over $2,500 a month as DomestiPUPS has over 40 dogs in their care at any given time. These dogs receive quality care and require extensive testing to ensure they are healthy enough to do their future jobs.

The money raised at Party in the Garden this year will help DomestiPUPS continue to change and save lives, which would not have been possible without the hard work of committee members and volunteers, in addition to the following partnerships.

All-night beverages were made possible by Ben Bleicher’s PRG of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices team as the Vodka Bar Sponsor, Kinkaider Brewing Co. and Sideshow Spirits provided beer and cider, and local wines were served from James Arthur Vineyards and Whispering Winds Winery. Water bottles were donated by Culligan and ice was donated by The Tam Restaurant & Pub.

Food sponsors included Noodles & Co., Doorstep Diner Catering, Goodcents, Hog Wild Pit BBQ, Buzzard Billy’s, Rodizio Grill, Epicure, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Sunflower House Cookies, A Warm Cookie, Maize Popcorn. Pizza Ranch and Rosie’s Sports Bar & Grill also donated food for volunteers.

Strictly Business would also like to thank the following event and table sponsors for their committed support: Chelsea Hutchison Foundation, Guiderock Realty, INSTINCT, New Generation Construction, JDM Insurance, Alpha Wealth Advisors, Gary Tharnish with HOME Real Estate, Union Bank & Trust, ALLO, Morrow Collision, Cornhusker Family Dental, Barnwood & Leather, inSOURCE Financial Advisors, U-neek Events, and Eagle Printing.

Party in the Garden Fundraiser, hosted by Strictly Business , has continued to grow and make a meaningful impact in the community. Strictly Business is committed to bringing local businesses and people together, whether it’s through the magazine or the many events they organize throughout the year. To learn more about Strictly Business , visit strictly-business.com. Please call (402) 4663330 if you have any interest in being involved in next year’s Party in the Garden Fundraiser!

In October, our group got together at Dammi Dammi for our monthly Friends4Lunch networking event. We didn’t realize it at the time, but this would be our last time dinning at this wonderful, family owned establishment as they had to make the tough decision to close their doors. It’s with heavy hearts we share this news because Dammi Dammi was truly a special place that served a delicious Mediterranean-inspired menu. We wish all the best for father-son duo, Pat and Andy Lane, and hope to see their love for bringing top-notch cuisine to Lincoln continue. In addition to Friends4Lunch, we also had a little fiesta of our own at Tipsy Tina’s for Friends4Drinks. We enjoyed their yummy drink menu and wide variety of tequila choices. Thank you to everyone who joined us for these events!

Friends4Lunch at Carmela’s bistro on November 9, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Please join us at Carmela’s Bistro & Wine Bar on Wednesday, November 9, from 11:30 a.m. to about 1 p.m. for Friends4Lunch this month! This will be the first time Strictly Business has hosted an event at Carmela’s, and we couldn’t be more excited. This locally owned restaurant creates chef-inspired American cuisine. Located at 4141 Pioneer Woods Dr., Carmela’s is known for their cozy and sophisticated ambiance and mouthwatering menu, in addition to their vast selection of wine. Make sure you put this one on your calendar!

Friends4Drinks at Copper Kettle on November 18, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Copper Kettle Mule Bar & Eatery is a fan-favorite destination for cocktails and nibbles downtown, so we’re thrilled to be gathering their again this month on Friday, November 18, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. for our monthly Friends4Drinks afterhour networking event. Not only Copper Kettle have a delicious range of Moscow mules and other cocktails, they also have an impressive bites menu. You’ll have to wash down a few tacos while you’re there, or maybe some Kettle Nachos. You won’t be disappointed (but we will be if you don’t join us!). As always, these events are free and open to anyone in the Lincoln business community—you just pay for what you order.

r SV p is encouraged for these events. p lease let the Strictly Business team know if you plan to attend by calling (402) 466-3330, emailing editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com, or marking yourself as “Going” on the Facebook event pages.

How Regenerative Medicine Can Treat Your Pain

Regenerative medicine is a scientific field pioneering the natural ability of the body to use its own healing properties to restore function of injured or damaged areas of the body.

It’s proof of how amazing the human body is. Regenerative medicine focuses on developing and applying new treatments to heal tissues and organs and restore function lost due to aging, disease, damage or defects.

Regenerative therapy is showing great promise with relieving pain when it comes to musculoskeletal issues.

At QC Kinetix, they use the latest in natural, regenerative therapies that have been proven to be effective for countless patients suffering from joint inflammation, chronic pain, or a lack of mobility. The regenerative therapies provide effective, non-surgical treatments of musculoskeletal conditions. Scientific research shows that regenerative therapy prompts the body to enact a self-healing response. For many patients, regenerative therapy is welcome treatment for both recent injuries or lifelong degenerative and disabling conditions.

What this means to you is that these medical advancements are creating solutions to improve your wellness and quality of life.

Benefits of Regenerative Medicine

Restorative function – Perhaps the biggest benefit of regenerative medicine is that it replaces or restores areas of the body that are damaged. It’s not about clinically treating symptoms or putting a band-aid on a chronic issue. It is about restoring damaged cells and tissues.

Less medication – For many patients who have been told surgery is their next move, regenerative therapies can be a game-changer. You can use your body’s natural ability to heal to ease your pain. This could also mean reducing or eliminating the need for pain meds.

No surgery - At QC Kinetix, procedures are minimally invasive. Much lower risk than, for example, a joint replacement surgery. You are treated in the clinics with a customized plan, designed to care for your specific issue whether that’s pain, discomfort, or lack of mobility.

Quality of life – Most people don’t experience any major issues with regenerative medicine therapies, allowing you to go back to your daily routine with no downtime full results are expected within six to nine months. The goal of every QC Kinetix clinic is to help patients get back to enjoying life.

Conditions Treated at

QC

QC

QC

QC

QC

Kinetix:

by Jason Ball president

(402) 436-2350 www.lcoc.com

Election Season and Looking to 2023

Anticipation for elections at the federal, state, and local levels has dominated the political landscape over the past few weeks. There are many important proposals that will impact Lincoln, and some that can help shape Lincoln’s business community.

The Lincoln Chamber, following longstanding policy, does not endorse candidates or contribute to candidate campaigns. Rather, we work with whomever the voters send to office to build the economy and make our community one that is attractive to people and businesses. At all levels of government, we ensure the business community has a voice on policy issues that impact our future growth.

While we don’t engage in candidate campaigns, the Chamber is very involved in supporting issues that are on the ballot which support economic growth. This year, Amendment 1 is a top priority. If passed by voters, Amendment 1 would allow airports to use their existing revenues to develop and expand commercial air travel in the state. The state constitution currently prohibits airports and political subdivisions from using revenues to attract and ensure commercial air service. Passing Amendment 1 would allow airports to use revenue responsibly to attract new air service to increase the number of flights and destination options.

State Senator Eliot Bostar led the effort to pass LR283CA, the bill seeking to add Amendment 1 to the statewide ballot for the general election. It sailed to passage in the Unicameral during the 2022 legislative session with overwhelming support.

A bipartisan coalition of business leaders and elected officials have come together to promote a ‘YES’ vote on Amendment 1, with Senator Bostar, State Senator Lou Ann Linehan and 1st District Congressman Mike Flood appearing across the state to promote voting in favor of the measure. The Chamber was a strong advocate for the passage of LR283CA, and we now encourage voters to pass Amendment 1 on November 8.

The Chamber has supported air service expansion in other ways. Recently, the Lincoln Airport announced the addition of nonstop flights to Houston. In support of this effort, the Chamber established the Greater Lincoln Air Service Support fund and contributed $250,000 for a revenue guarantee to secure that flight, along with a matching commitment from UNL, and a federal grant program. We applaud the work of the Airport Authority for their efforts to recruit service to Houston.

We are already looking ahead to the 2023 Legislative session on a diverse set of issues, including: tax reform, talent development, career and technical education, affordable housing and school funding. Additionally, the legislature appropriated $1 billion of federal ARPA projects in the 2022 session. Now, a year later, the business community will provide oversight to the use ARPA resources and propose changes where appropriate.

We are looking past the election to the work ahead with excitement and optimism. Economically vibrant communities all have supportive business climates that have a foundation of good public policy. Our Chamber policy team, led by Bruce Bohrer and Todd Wiltgen, is always ready to assist our businesses, our community and our state. Working together, we are shaping a bright future for Lincoln.

The Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to improve the lives of Lincoln residents by providing increased economic opportunity and can only be accomplished together. For more information, contact Derek Feyerherm atdfeyerherm@lincoln.org.

McCOMBS REALTY

Expanding Services to Meet Your Needs

McCombs Realty offers full-service commercial brokerage and property management, and homeowner association management. They also offer commercial and residential real estate sales/leasing, lease administration, first-year warranty services for builders, and handyman services. This year, McCombs Realty expanded their services to benefit those building, selling, or investing in real estate. The new services include:

First Year Warranty Services

With this service, McCombs Commercial Realty becomes the first point of contact for homeowners who have issues within their home that arise and are within the First Year Warranty time-frame. They provide new homeowners training on how to properly submit any concerns and coordinate with the respective sub-contractor to schedule the work to be completed.

Residential Property Management

McCombs Commercial Realty will manage and lease your investment property so that you don’t have to. They take the stress away from the day-to-day tasks and maintenance, so you can sit back and have ease of mind. With over 20 years of experience in the real estate industry, McCombs Commercial Realty uses their knowledge and marketing approach to find you new tenants in the most cost effective and efficient way possible. They will also work to provide a plan for proactive maintenance to your property, and can even be on call to repair any emergent necessities.

Residential Sales

McCombs also has five residential realtors ready and waiting to help list your home or find you that dream home. They have over 30 years’ experience in selling homes. Combined with their in-depth knowledge of market statistics, they market your property correctly so that your listing sells when you want for the price you deserve. McCombs Realty takes care of all of the detailed processes, making home buying or selling super easy. From the best tools and technology to transparency throughout the entire process, they are among the top choices for buyers and sellers.   Whether you are looking for a place to live, develop, buy, sell or lease, McCombs Realty will provide the highest quality sales and leasing service.

Testimonials

“Working with McCombs Realty has been a pleasure! Anytime I’ve had questions or concerns it has been very easy to reach someone for answers. Their professionalism is top notch and their team is very kind and courteous. I highly recommend McCombs Realty!” – Paul T.

“The staff at McCombs Commercial Realty does a great job handling our year warranty on our townhomes. It takes a lot of time managing numerous properties with the emails and phone calls regarding repairs and warranty checks throughout the year. We couldn’t do it without them and appreciate all their hard work.” – Becky B.

by Todd Ogden, president

CanopyStreet'sLimbLab ProvidesaUniqueExperience

One of Haymarket’s prized companies isn’t quite so hidden anymore. With the brightly colored display of prosthetics and orthotics, many people enjoy peering into Limb Lab’s windows while walking by.

Based out of Minnesota, Limb Lab is a chain of prosthetics and orthotics that has been welcomed in the downtown community for almost three years.

At Limb Lab, they thrive on personal connections, artistry, and innovation. “We either are embracing a part of the body or artificially creating something for a part that is missing,” Jason Dean, certified prosthetist and orthotist said.

A prosthetist is a healthcare professional who makes and fits artificial limbs whereas an orthotist is a healthcare professional who makes and fits braces and splints for those who need extra support with a specific body part.

Next door to Canopy Street Market, Limb Lab strives to create personalized experiences and prosthetics for amputees.

Walking past the business front and seeing all the equipment meant to aid clientele helps promote the company as well as spark a conversation on what Limb Lab does for the community.

“We love having people walk past and ask us questions,” Jason Dean said. “We get people going to basketball games with their families and say ‘hey, what is this?’ and we get to explain it to their kids what we’re making here.”

For a typical client at Limb Lab the first step is always an initial consultation and fitting.

"Once they’ve healed after surgery, we begin that initial prototype or diagnostic stage and we will then cast, create the image of their limb,” Dean said. “We figure out the socket that’s going to fit their limb, and at the same time we’re working with insurance to get authorization for the devices because they’re very expensive.”

Limb Lab offers physical therapy to help the individual get used to their new piece of equipment. Limb Lab offers a unique experience of creating the prosthetic or orthotic and assuring that it is the right fit for you. This spot is a one-stop shop for prostheses.

“We work hand in hand so once we do our fitting, our therapist is working on [the client] and we kind of create this relationship from day one,” Dean said. “We’re working on everything from mechanics to how to use it, how to balance on it, how it fits.”

After that is complete, the next step is fabricating the machinery. Limb Lab does it all with a crew of just eight people.

“We make everything we do,”

Jason Dean said.

Limb Lab is an independentlyowned

-operated prosthetic and orthotic company that provides personal, creative, and

to the

challenges of limb loss and injury. For more information, go to limblab.com.

Make Your Company Cars Shine at JetSplash

Your company vehicles are rolling billboards for your brand. Ensure those billboards are as clean and shiny as possible with a business fleet membership from JetSplash.

CAR WASH BUSINESS FLEET PROGRAM

BULK PRICING – Get discounted pricing on all washes, no matter which plan you go with. (Plus, get even more savings on Unlimited Wash Plans by paying annually.)

NO MORE PAPERWORK – Your business will be billed under one account, so no more tracking employee receipts or fielding expense reports.

CONVENIENCE – There are 7 JetSplash locations scattered around Lincoln. No matter where you’re at in town, there’s a location close by.

DURABILITY – By keeping your company cars clean, you’ll improve the long-term value of your fleet.

FREE VACS/AIR – Get the inside of your fleet clean too with the do-it-yourself after care area.

UNLIMITED WASH PLANS

Have at least five cars in your fleet? Keep em’ all clean with the Unlimited Wash Plans. Each vehicle will have its own membership, but they will all be billed under your business account. Your drivers can swing by any JetSplash location any (or every) day of the month, plus they’ll enjoy other membership perks too.

BUNDLE WASH PLANS

With the Bundle Wash Plan, get a 50 or 100 pack of washes to use on your fleet. All washes will be loaded onto your business account, and you can authorize who has access to it by providing the license plate numbers of your fleet. Each time one of your drivers stops in, a wash will be deducted from the running total. Washes never expire, so use them whenever!

THE JETSPLASH STORY

JetSplash was born in 2003, right here in Lincoln. And since then, they’ve been helping the city shine with speedy, spotless car washes.

Over the years, they’ve grown to 7 locations, allowing them to serve all of the Lincoln area. JetSplash is a local business—not franchised. They proudly employ over 200 people.

THE JETSPLASH PROCESS

The process is simple: hand-prep, wash, hand-dry. The entire wash will save you time, and JetSplash members can even use their own fastpass lane. Hand-prepping consists of a quick power wash before heading into the wash tunnel. Post-wash, their friendly staff will hand-dry your car and inspect for cleanliness to ensure it meets JetSplash’s high standards. After the wash, take advantage of the free selfserve vacuums, air, and mat cleaners to cap off your car’s cleanliness.

by Bud Synhorst, president

(402) 466-3419 • www.liba.org

WhyLocalElectionsMatter

Last month, I had several opportunities to speak at The Career Academy having a conversation with students about the intersection of government and business as part of their curriculum on government and business. Our discussion centered around why it matters to pay attention to the regulations which impact business daily. I was energized by the conversations with these students on why it is so important to be aware of the laws, ordinances, regulations, and other forces of government which impact us locally. These students at TCA inspire me for their commitment to their pathway, their focus on their future, and the education they are receiving at TCA which helps grow a talented, skilled workforce in our community.

As business owners and leaders in our community, it is our obligation to pay attention to these local elections. From my time working in politics, the phrase “all politics is local” holds true for the business community. Yes, there are things happening in the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate which have an impact on our lives. Yet, the real impact on our daily lives happens with the local political subdivisions whose decisions have an impact on our lives every day.

Think of all the local elections we have in front of us this month. Looking at our ballot in Lincoln and Lancaster County, we have one federal race for the House of Representatives. We have the five state constitutional offices on the ballot – Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Attorney General, and State Auditor. There are five different districts in the Nebraska Legislature which represent part of Lancaster County on the ballot.

Locally we have two of five county commissioner districts on the ballot. Additional county offices include: County Clerk, Assessor/Register of Deeds, Sheriff, County Treasurer, County Attorney, Public Defender, Clerk of the District Court, and County Engineer. Further, we will be voting on members of the State Board of Education, Southeast Community College Board of Governors, and Natural Resources Districts. Plus, there are judges on the ballot for retention. Finally, we will be voting on three Constitutional Amendments. As you can see, in this election, all politics are local. The impact of these local races has a wide range of impacts on our daily lives. The local bodies we elect will directly impact our day to day lives here in Lincoln and Lancaster County. These political subdivisions will impact the taxes we pay – wheel taxes, sales taxes, income taxes, and property taxes, just to name a few. These elections will matter on our roads funding and repair throughout the county. Our LIBA priority of the East Beltway will be in the hands of those we elect. The public safety in our county will be impacted by this election. The service we receive as constituents will be impacted by those who are elected.

I realize the national news talks about what is happening in Washington, D.C. I hope you will take time to review the local elections and make sure to you are making an informed decision with your vote on all these local races which will have a lasting day-to-day impact. You can go to the Secretary of State’s website, www.sos.ne.gov, and under elections and voter information you can look up your precinct which will also have a sample ballot you can download and do your research and make an informed voting decision. Be sure to tell your friends, relatives, and co-workers to get out and vote and share the information with them so they can be prepared to vote when they vote on November 8th.

Remember, decisions are made by those who show up!

LIBAstudiesandpromotesthesetypesofissuesthatareimportanttobusinesses and our community. If you have an interest in joining, please call LIBA at (402)466-3419.LIBAmembershipisnotrestrictedtojustbusinesses.We alsohave“individual”membershipsforthosewhowanttohelpinfluenceour localgovernmentdecisions.

The year is coming to a close quickly, which means it’s almost time to start thinking about taxes. The next two months are crucial for businesses to decide how they are going to enter the next year. Looking ahead and predicting your business’s spending and needs for 2023 can seem daunting, but there are specialists in the area to help you make the best possible decision for your business.

There is not a singular year-end tax strategy for every business. There are numerous puzzle pieces that have to come together to make the perfect plan for you and your business. See the full picture with help and advice from these knowledgeable sources!

Knowing When and When Not to Spend

Sometimes it feels like as soon as the previous tax season is over, it becomes time to think about the next one. As much as we want to forget about taxes come May, a business can benefit greatly from getting things planned early.

Lutz is the largest locally-owned firm of its kind in Nebraska. Their tax team will work closely with you to help identify tax strategies that are critical to your continued success. They have the capacity to handle any level of complexity for entities ranging from corporations to partnerships to individuals and a variety of industries.

Lutz will meet with clients throughout the year, but especially in November and December to project business income and how that flows to the owner’s personal returns. The goal of these meetings is to understand how the year went and prepare both parties for any March or April tax payments.

One of the most common ways to mitigate those tax payments is to purchase equipment or prepay known expenses. Lutz creates projections outlining what the tax liability will look like if the business proceeds with spending or if they decide against it. They strive to provide their clients with all the information they need to make their own decision on whether or not end-of-year spending is the correct decision for them.

“I always emphasize to business owners that factors other than reducing tax are just as important when considering end-of-year spending. Many businesses are so focused on reducing their tax liability that they put themselves in a bind somewhere else, usually in terms of cash flow,” said Lutz Tax Manager

Tom Docter. “It may make sense tax-wise to purchase a piece of equipment a year in advance of when it is actually needed for operations, but many times it may not make sense from a cash flow perspective.”

The most common scenario is when the business takes out a loan to purchase the equipment. The business will receive a deduction for the amount spent in that first year. However, the loan will be serviced over the next few years. In those later years, the business will be using cash to pay off the loan, but they will not receive a tax deduction because they already took it in the first year. This can easily lead to cash flow problems where businesses are paying off the loan and paying taxes in the same year.

Every year comes with its own challenges and changes to tax law that many people are unaware of. These small changes going unnoticed could completely change how your business focuses their efforts at the end of the year.

TODAY.

Three words our clients love to see.

it time you start seeing them?

Tom Docter Lutz

“As of now, 2022 is the final year where businesses can utilize 100% bonus depreciation on many capital expenditures outside of land and buildings to immediately depreciate the equipment. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted this provision in 2017, and it has been a terrific tool in year-end planning,” explained Tom. “Starting in 2023 the bonus depreciation begins to phase-out to 80% depreciation, then 60% in 2024, 40% in 2025, 20% in 2026, and finally 0% in 2027. Businesses will still have the ability to claim Section 179 expense on similar purchases, but the limitations around Section 179 expense are more stringent than bonus depreciation is.”

Tom’s biggest piece of advice is to plan ahead and be proactive. Meet with your CPA firm throughout the year so both sides are knowledgeable on how the year went financially and can brainstorm opportunities to reduce tax exposure in March and April. Many industries are still seeing significant supply chain shortages and will continue to for the foreseeable future. Those shortages may have a significant impact on end-of-year spending, so the earlier those discussions can be had, the more flexibility businesses have to make the best overall decision on end-of-year spending.

Let the Professionals Take Care of You

Many business owners put pressure on themselves to do it all themselves, often for the sake of saving some money in the process. However, when it comes to taxes and other accounting processes, you’re more than likely going to be better off having a professional take care of it. Since they know what they are doing and have the time (time you don’t have) to keep up with all the changing codes and policies, a tax professional will actually end up saving you more money.

At Cruise & Associates, they work for people who work. Their goal is to meet your accounting needs and ensure your finances are streamlined and efficient. Cruise & Associates specializes in income taxes, tax planning, bookkeeping, payroll, business controls, and wealth management. They want to increase your income and reduce your tax liability.

Cruise & Associates provides consultations with business owners, so they know exactly where they are financially. With their help, you can create a plan that is unique to your business and help you determine what should be done before the end of the year in terms of spending. They listen to your needs and work one-on-one with you to develop the right plan for you and your business.

“No matter if your business is having a good or bad year, year-end planning is extremely important,” said President and Founder rob Cruise. “If you are having a good year, the planning can help you know what needs to be done to help reduce your tax liability. If your year is not going as well as you hoped, the planning will help you determine some changes that need to be made to help make next year more profitable.”

With the current economy, Rob suggests business owners evaluate their fees and prices and take a more cautious approach on spending. They should also shop around for the best interest rates between the different banks and credit sources.

Cruise & Associates believes in educating their clients and giving them the best service to provide them with the tools they need to be successful. With offices across eastern Nebraska, they are close by if you need a consultation.

Looking at the big Picture to maximize Savings

At SP Group, P.C. , they can help you stay ahead of the game with their proactive year-end tax planning processes, which help you manage and plan for your tax liabilities. As a business owner, the end of the year is a pivotal time that can easily be overlooked. It is vital to have a trusted advisor who can help you make the right decisions when it comes to when and where to spend your money before year-end.

Reduce your tax liability

Cruise & Associates

Rob Cruise Cruise & Associates

“You will need to look at the big picture and see if it makes sense to maximize your tax savings this year or possibly move some of those expenses to the next year. Every situation is unique, and while working together, we can help you make the best decision for your business,” said mark Nave, CPA. “For example, if you had a lower income year and are going to be paying taxes at a lower rate, it may make sense to delay spending some of those end-of-year dollars until next year when you expect income to be higher, offsetting the tax at a higher rate. An advisor who understands you, your business, and your goals will ultimately guide you to make the correct and most effective decision as the year comes to an end.”

As Mark noted, paying ahead for certain expenses can certainly have its benefits. If there are certain supplies, equipment, or other expenditures that you can reasonably foresee your business needing in the coming year, it may make sense to purchase those before the end of the year to maximize your tax benefit and get those savings now.

“Another form of paying ahead of time could include paying bonuses to your valued employees, which creates both a tax deduction for you and is a benefit for your employees,” Mark suggested.

Ultimately, SP Group wants to keep you and your business staying ahead by being prepared. They use their core values of the power of teamwork, life/work balance, competitiveness, and relationships to help you get the most out of your end-of-year spending. These combined allow SP Group to provide the extra insight necessary to maximize the benefits of year-end planning for you and your business.

moving in to the New Year

The cost of renting a space such as an office, storefront, or any type of facility is fully tax deductible. If a company anticipates expanding or relocating to a bigger space, investing in commercial real estate is considered when creating a tax strategy. Greenleaf Commercial real estate is a firm that has been serving businesses throughout the Lincoln area for decades.

The real estate market has been experiencing its challenges in the last few years, but with the help of a trusted professional, you and your business will be in great hands at Greenleaf. Their real estate experts can help work with current and prospective property owners on risk management, lease and purchase analysis, lease audits, and strategic planning. Whether your company is a start-up looking for a new home or an existing company needing to expand, relocate, open an additional location, or enter into a lease renewal, Greenleaf Commercial has the market knowledge and industry experience to ensure that all your needs and requirements are satisfied. They can assist with site selection, site tours, cost of occupancy analysis, space planning, lease and terms negotiations, tenant improvements, comparative lease analysis, and letters of intent. This type of support can save your business money and time during your businesses transition into a new space.

“Most businesses find it challenging to find the perfect space,” shared President and Director of Asset Management John Linscott. “An essential element of finding that location is building relationships. At Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate, we strive to understand each client’s unique circumstances and objectives to tailor a strategy designed to accomplish your goals. Throughout the process, we emphasize communication and accountability to earn each client’s trust and confidence. Our experienced group of professionals is here to help you reach your goals for your business and community.”

Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate can also help your business through every phase of project development for new construction and the

redevelopment of existing facilities. This can be a lengthy process with lots of small details and processes that are hard to understand. Greenleaf is committed to making the journey less stressful and more profitable for your business by providing services such as TIF financing, pre-leasing, construction management, capitalization, and soliciting estimates and proposals.

Find the right Home for Your business

For smaller businesses looking into moving or finding an office space, an affordable, convenient option is renting a space from oneTeQ Office Suites. OneTEQ gives you the leverage you need to pursue new opportunities without committing to a long-term lease. You don’t need to purchase expensive equipment or hire a full-time staff. Their offices are available by the hour, day, month, or year.

Moving comes with a lot of expenses that can be eliminated by renting through OneTEQ. If this is your business's first space, it may be wise to cut costs in the early stages. The expenses of a new building or vacant space can add up quickly, and going into the New Year, you want to be sure you have the funds to keep advancing the business and needs of your company, rather than the needs of the building.

Each office space comes with a variety of amenities such as common area copiers and color printers, reception and kitchen areas, wireless internet, cleaning service, IT assistance, and free parking. The spaces also come fully furnished.

OneTEQ makes it easy to find and book offices on terms that fit your budget and schedule. The 10 offices and 15 cubicles available at their downtown location provide productive environments for small teams or individuals needing something that a traditional office lease can provide.

“We have business owners who have been utilizing our office suites for over eight years

Grants and donations to the Foundation allow us to provide programs and Coaching to Veterans at reduced or no-cost.

Help us serve this important population as they seek to transition from service to civilian life and help us reduce the 22 veteran suicides a day. Visit our website to learn more!

www.leadershipharbor.com/foundation

Mark Nave SP Group, P.C.

John Linscott

Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate

Kevin Knudson

OneTEQ Office Suites

now,” said Kevin Knudson, owner. “OneTEQ is a desirable office environment for short-or-long-term small business owners.”

Their leasing options include short-term month-to-month rentals, long term leases for 6-24 months, short-term office rental for day or week rentals, day-of move in with one hour notice, and conference room rental for non-leasing businesses at an hourly rate. The flexibility these leasing options provide is unmatched in the Lincoln real estate market. Make your business’s dreams come true for a fraction of the cost with OneTEQ Office Suites!

Invest in Your Team

One of the best decisions your business can make with its money is investing it back into your team. If you are looking for something to spend on before the New Year, consider looking into the team strengthening resources from Leadership Harbor

The most effective way to improve your company’s results is to develop your team’s ability to work cohesively. Helping individual members of your team understand how to contribute their unique talents toward the overall goal of teamwork and collaboration will bring out the best in them, increase their productivity, and boost their morale.

“Once team members learn about their communication style and how to recognize and work with the styles of others, they increase their ability to deliver great results,” said Leadership Coach Kris Peterson. “Business leaders are often sidetracked mediating employee disagreements, and the enterprise is impacted by the lack of focus on results. Understanding communication styles can also help leaders motivate and reward team members for higher productivity and loyalty.”

The Leadership Games from Leadership Harbor are amazing tools for Team Development. They are an innovative way to

engage your team in communication and leadership. Contact Leadership Harbor coaches to set up a time for your team to play. You won't find a resource like this anywhere else!

The Leadership Games are based on the teachings of John C. Maxwell. The games help organizations improve their leadership intelligence and increase their effectiveness.

Leadership Harbor also provides individual coaching in areas such as personal development and communication. Providing your employees with access to these services could be a great way to improve the work being done at your business, but also help your employees better themselves and feel more confident in what they are bringing to the team. Consider offering coaching services as part of an end-of-year bonus or holiday gift to your employees. The skills they learn will be invaluable in their professional journey.

There’s an App for That! Technology is changing the way people interact with their favorite brands. Websites, mobile apps, and social media networks offer consumers new ways to engage, discover deals, and buy products online. Since most people already use their smartphones every day, meeting them online can give your company a true advantage.

True North Technologies provides digital marketing services that can elevate your company’s online presence. They offer custom website design, search engine optimization (SEO), social media management, branding and logo design, text marketing, and mobile app development.

A custom mobile app has the potential to vastly improve your company’s customer engagement. It can simplify scheduling, streamline communication, and even support 24/7 online shopping. True North Technologies designs mobile apps according to their clients’ unique needs, and they create content that meets specific goals and appeals to diverse audiences. Their mobile apps are also secure, user-friendly, and optimized across both Apple iOS and Android devices.

“Mobile applications bridge the gap between seller and seeker,” said renee Sobotka, founder and CEO. “We help companies capitalize on the tremendous potential of this innovative technology.”

Making your company’s online presence truly shine has never been easier. A mobile app can seamlessly integrate YouTube channels, music, podcasts, industry news, photo galleries, business websites, and ecommerce platforms into a single, user-friendly design.

By working with True North, you’ll get access to the Google Font library, over 1,000 unique icons, countless features, and readymade templates perfect for your industry.

True North Technologies also offers specialized app builds for distinct purposes. For instance, they can include a golf course feature, which allows you to build out a golf course and encourage users to score games right on their smartphones. Other features include a fan wall, loyalty programs, real estate listings, an online menu, food ordering integrations, and a merchandise marketplace.

True North doesn’t simply develop mobile apps—they can help optimize them, too. They will empower you to make your own updates, track online transactions, send out custom notifications, and measure analytics to deliver the best possible user experience over time.

Launch your company into the 21st century by using digital marketing your advantage. Whether you’re a retailer, restauranteur, or service provider, a custom website, or mobile app developed by True North Technologies can boost sales, increase brand awareness, and nurture customer relationships for years to come.

Avoid the stress of the looming tax season by preparing how your business will tackle spending going into the New Year. Meet with a professional to discuss your options for yearend spending that has your business’s best interests in mind.

Kris Peterson Leadership Harbor

Renee Sobotka

True North Technologies

is important all-year

but this time of year really highlights how much there is to be thankful for. The holidays allow us to spend time with our friends and family, and show them how much we appreciate them with gift giving and creating memories together. For some, it can be difficult to get into the holiday spirit, but there are methods to help jumpstart

businesses in Lincoln start the celebrating early with holiday décor, sales, and events, but the employees are the real experts on everything holidays. We spoke to employees from businesses around Lincoln to get their insight on how to embrace this time of year.

Sprinkle In Some Holiday Cheer

Seeing the grocery store shelves fill with red and green packaging and holiday versions of your favorite candies can be one of the first signs that we are heading into the holiday season, but another way to spark that special feeling is with a homemade dessert.

Things by m arcy is a home-based bakery in Lincoln that has a vibrant menu of sweet treats that can highlight any holiday event. During the holidays, they offer a variety of desserts for office gatherings, families, and even individuals.

“This year we plan to offer whole and half cakes, as well as the miniature bundt cakes in select flavors,” shared m arcy Haas , owner. “The half cakes will be new for us this year. We had a customer that asked if we could do half German Chocolate and half Kentucky Butter last year and decided that it may be nice to offer during the holidays.”

When she’s not busy baking up a storm, Marcy likes to give back to community. The real joy of the holidays can be buried underneath the superficial things like gifts and parties, but doing something fulfilling like volunteering at a local nonprofit can help us center ourselves back to what the season is really about.

Marcy has been ready for the holidays since October, sharing with us that the Tempations’ Christmas Card album has already been playing in her home. She specifically recommends their rendition of “Silent Night.” She understands that it can be difficult for others

to get into the spirit, especially those who may be spending the holidays alone this year.

“For someone spending the holidays alone, I recommend going to a church or visiting a neighbor’s home for dinner,” Marcy said. “Our first year in Lincoln, my sons and I went to Lincoln Berean for dinner.”

The holidays are a huge opportunity to support local small businesses like Sweet Things by Marcy. It is these businesses that you can trust to care about you and the community. Shopping, planning, or scheduling – they’ll make sure every aspect of your holiday season feels personalized and close to home.

Sipping and Singing

One way to express your holiday cheer is through music. If you enjoy the classic holiday tunes and want to find some live music, James Arthur vineyards is the place to go.

Live music accompanies the numerous holiday events at the vineyard. In November, the holiday wine release will feature music from Spock’s Foster Sister in the evening. Shop for the new Christmas wines and relish in the cheerful atmosphere the music provides. Later in the month, the holiday open house will host Chris Sayre along with ornamentmaking, cookies, hot mulled wine, and gift shop specials.

In December, the holiday cheer just keeps on growing. The month starts with a series of holiday cabarets from Judy Anderson and Dave Claus. They will perform holiday favorites and Christmas carols that everyone can enjoy. Beware; it may be hard to stop yourself from singing along!

Marcy Haas

Sweet Things by Marcy

Jim Ballard

James Arthur Vineyards

Holiday cheer won’t be hard to come by at James Arthur, but that seems to be the norm for Owner Jim b allard and his family.

“It doesn’t take much for our family to get into the holiday spirit as we truly enjoy the Christmas season. We especially love to take a couple of evenings and drive around Lincoln as a family, listening to Christmas music and enjoying all the wonderful light displays that people have put up,” said Jim.

The events at James Arthur Vineyards are only half of the story. The vineyard also has the capability to host small, intimate holiday parties. If you’re in the market for holiday gifts, get two things knocked off your to-do list and pick up a few bottles of wine or hard cider at the vineyard while enjoying the company of your friends and family. A bottle of wine is a great stocking stuffer, and James Arthur’s own Curveball Cider can complete the perfect holiday gift basket. James Arthur Vineyards have a plethora of wines and ciders to satisfy any beverage lover in your life.

And Your Little Dog Too!

Waking up on Christmas morning to a tree overflowing with gifts is an experience that holds a dear place in many people’s memories. With all the hustle and bustle leading up to the big day, you may find you forgot a gift for one very special member of the family...the dog!

HydroDog m obile Dog Grooming drives their Big Blue Dog mobile directly to your preferred location. They provide fullservice washing and grooming, as well as treatment for fleas and ticks. Everything your dog needs to be a clean, happy, and healthy canine companion.

Shane Patrick , owner of HydroDog in Lincoln, can make your dog feel like the bell of the ball this holiday season. Nothing makes a dog feel better than a little pampering.

Of course, your dog may not be able to thank you for the gift of grooming, but a dog’s owner might! A service someone might not think of asking for can be a wonderful gift, especially if it helps eliminate something on their to-do list, like getting their dog to the groomer.

HydroDog is a new addition to Lincoln. Services started in October.

“I look forward to meeting your fur babies and giving them the special attention and calming influence only a Big Blue Dog can provide,” said Shane. “Oswald and I plan to be up and running in early October, and I can’t wait for the opportunity to work with you and our furry friends!”

The holidays are also a time for giving back to your community, and HydroDog is committed to doing just that. The team at HydroDog hosts Bathe to Save events where they wash shelter dogs just before adoption into their new homes. The shelter dogs are often being saved from being euthanized, and the events promote the importance of adopting dogs from rescue shelters.

Shooting For the Perfect Gift

Having an outdoors lover in your life to shop for can be a blessing and a curse. There is so much stuff out there to buy for someone who enjoys hunting, camping, fishing, or anything in between, and new products and technologies are being released every day. However, how do you know what they already have? What’s the difference between a bowie knife blade and a wharncliffe knife blade? These are things you can’t exactly ask your loved one without them getting a clue on what you’re planning on putting under the tree for them.

Luckily, the employees at D e GUNS can help you find the best gifts that will impress all of your family members on the 25th.

Shane Patrick HydroDog Mobile Dog Grooming

DEGUNS

an online and retail dealer

distribution center.

have over 1,000 guns on display and over 10,000 in stock.

addition, their inventory includes clothing, hunting gear, ammo, body armor, sporting goods, knives, safes, tools, and more. The knowledgeable staff will help you find exactly what you don’t know you’re looking for.

If you aren’t looking for a physical gift, DEGUNS in Lincoln boasts an impressive gun range on their property. They offer experiences like a self-defense demo range where you can try out guns without committing to a purchase. There are also occasional classes focusing on different types of guns and how to operate and store them safely.

The 110,000-square-foot store and its vast variety of offerings can be overwhelming, and you can always count on a trusty gift card from DEGUNS to get the job done!

Golfing Fun for Everyone

Some of the best gifts aren’t found under the tree. Helping a loved one improve on a skill or go out and do one of their favorite hobbies is an intangible gift that can lead to a lifetime of memories. A popular pastime for many is hitting the golf course. Whether your loved one is a pro player or just a beginner, Under Par Golf Studio LLC has everything you need to give the best present.

Under Par has a plethora of services to help your golfer improve their skills. Golf lessons are taught by PGA Professional Derek Jensen , and use the best of the best golf technology.

“Lessons will utilize Swing Catalyst swing analysis software, where students can access their videos on-the-go by downloading the Swing Catalyst app on their phone. GCQuad launch monitor technology is also used during lessons to get accurate club and ball data,” said Derek. “Putting lessons are also available using Quintic Putting launch monitor technology to make sure your stroke, as well as your putter fits with what you are currently trying to do on the putting greens.”

Lessons are available for adults, kids, and groups. In person lessons will be conducted at Under Par Golf Studio, but on course lessons can be arranged at certain Lincoln area courses with enough notice.

Under Par also offers a Golf Simulator that golfers can rent to play a round of simulator golf. The hitting bay has options ranging from mini games to a full 18-hole round. A monthly membership to the golf simulator would be a great gift for an avid golfer in the winter time.

If you’re loved one is starting to become more invested in golfing, another service available is golf club fitting. This will not only be a great experience for them to learn more about each club and how to best suit their game play, but can also save them money in the long run by avoiding buying clubs that don’t fit them. At Under Par, club fittings are free if you purchase clubs through them, but purchasing the fitting will give your loved one the opportunity to research and find the clubs that provide exactly what they want.

If you still want the satisfaction of watching someone open a gift, Under Par can also repair golf clubs. A golfer may never give you the opportunity to sneakily steal their clubs, but if they’ve put them away for the off-season, they’ll be shocked to see them under the tree!

Of course, a gift card to Under Par will always do the trick if you can’t decide between all of these options. The thought and intention behind a gift is always more important than the gift itself.

A Gift for the Whole Family

The gift giving side of the holidays is all about making those around you happy, but why can’t you enjoy the gift too? Home Innovations Spa offers the perfect gift for you and your family— a hot tub!

Sinking into a relaxing hot tub in your own home is the perfect end to a stressful day. Equipped with therapeutic water jets, soothing sound systems, tranquil lighting systems, and noise reduction systems, Home Innovation Spa’s variety of hot tubs are specially made to help you take back your time and provide the peak of relaxation.

In addition to hot tubs, Home Innovation Spa also offers spas and swim spas. Swim spas are normally twice or three times the size of a hot tub, to allow room for low-impact aerobic exercising. Public pools and fitness centers may be too crowded for your training and therapy needs, so a swim spa may be the perfect, private space for swim training.

Home Innovation Spa does it all. They will deliver your new hot tub or swim spa and install it themselves. They even have their own maintenance service to help keep your relaxation space in tip top shape.

Feel no shame in getting a gift for your family that you can benefit from. Just tell them it was from Santa!

Jingle All the Way...Down the Street!

The holidays only come around once a year, and everyone wants their own special celebration. Stand out from the crowd of dinners and office parties with a party on wheels! Tailored Dreams Party buses has multiple party buses available that can fit anywhere from 26 to 45 passengers. These buses can take you to a destination of your choice while jamming to music that gets everyone dancing and

Under Par Golf Studio

Derek Jensen

having a good time. Buses are equipped with a Bluetooth sound system, thumping speakers, heating and A/C, and LED lights! Even more, they are the only party bus company in the area that has handicap accessible buses in their fleet.

“Having your party on wheels is a fun alternative to other venues,” suggested DeeDee Loomis, owner. “There have been so many groups that have had the time of their lives with us on our party buses! Our team takes pride and joy in making every occasion perfect. The holiday reservations fill up fast, so book now!”

A night out with Tailored Dreams Party Buses is a night to be remembered for months after. Your guests will remember the unique atmosphere and fun vibe that DeeDee and her husband bring to every ride. Take your holiday cheer to the streets and party all the way!

Have a (Knocker) b all!

For a family-friendly celebration, Nebraska Knockerball has everything you need to keep guests of all ages engaged and entertained throughout the event.

Now offering event and game rentals year-round in their new indoor space, Nebraska Knockerball is ready to kick your holiday party into the next gear.

“What makes us especially unique is that we are the only company providing these services in Nebraska,” m anuel Walker ,

owner said. “This is all new to the local market. We are so excited to be here and remind people what it’s like to have fun again. We would love to be a part of your upcoming holiday planning!”

Nebraska Knockerball’s lineup of activities includes Giant Jenga; Giant Connect Four; yard pong; cornhole; yard dice; tug-of-war; human foosball; and foot darts, in which you kick Velcro soccer balls at a 12-foot-tall inflatable dart board. This is all in addition to the knockerballs themselves, which are single chamber inflatable spheres with inner handles and adjustable shoulder straps, allowing individuals to take part in activities such as bubble soccer. Nebraska Knockerball’s newest addition is Basketball Connect Four, which is just as fun as it sounds: it’s a giant blow-up Connect Four grid that is designed to stir up fun and competition at your next event.

These types of activities are not only fun, but they also utilize teamwork and communication skills that make an employee holiday gathering a team building exercise in disguise. Interact in ways that you don’t encounter on a regular work day, and grow deeper connections between you and your employees.

Perfect Holiday Décor

When the holiday season rolls around, you may start thinking about hosting a holiday party at your home. Finding décor that makes your home look put together and classy is a task made easy at Paisley Lynn b outique .

Owners Cherie Anderson and Heather Chloupek have backgrounds in staging and ambiance and can help you find the perfect items to make your home a winter wonderland. They offer trendy and unique pieces that none of your guests will have seen before, all at affordable prices.

“We love the holidays! Whether it’s pictures, gnomes, snowmen, trees, or garlands, it all adds an amazing and memorable touch to your home,” said Cherie. “Need help decorating that fireplace mantel or the wall above your couch? We love designing and creating options for spaces that have always seemed daunting every holiday season.”

The benefit of decorating your home for the holidays or for a holiday party is wasting less money on cheap decorations that you throw away once the season is over. The quality products at Paisley Lynn are meant to be used year after year, and some may be useful year round!

Don’t feel like hosting? No problem! Paisley Lynn Boutique offers private parties at the boutique for shopping with friends and family. Hosts and their guests save money with special deals only available at the event, and you can get holiday shopping and socializing done at one time!

“We do the cleaning, dusting, and cooking. We provide light appetizers and drinks while you socialize and shop throughout the boutique,” explained Cherie. “Plus, you and your guests are supporting a small business. Owning my own business has emphasized the importance of supporting local Lincoln families who are doing their best to keep the doors open.”

On top of the holiday décor, the inventory at Paisley Lynn would make any home shine. A gift card or special item would be the perfect gift. Adding a piece of décor from a loved one to your home can serve as a constant reminder of your love for that person and will be a special memento of your relationship.

Taking the Party Downtown

Wherever you decide to have your holiday event, it’s up to you to make it a party! That’s Talon room owner m atthew rogge ’s

DeeDee Loomis

Tailored Dreams Party Buses

Manuel Walker

Nebraska Knockerball

Cherie Anderson Paisley Lynn Boutique

philosophy, anyway. At Talon Room, leave the planning to them and focus on getting your guests ready to have the time of their life.

“Partnered with many local vendors, our ‘Talon-ted’ staff will plan and execute the event of your dreams,” said Matthew. “Event coordination, full-service catering and bar, and decorating services sets the Talon Room apart from the rest. We will meet all of your event needs and go above and beyond to create an event that will leave a mark.”

Talon Room can seat between 50-250 guests. Talon Catering is available, whether your party is at Talon Room or at a separate location, and can serve your guests gourmet appetizers and entrees with options that can meet any budget and time of day. Bar services can also be brought to your party, and Talon Room has a full-service in-house bar that can mix together delicious drinks for your guests.

The Talon Room is also next door to Copper Kettle Mule Bar & Eatery. Copper Kettle, Talon Room’s sister business, is another great venue for a holiday event. They offer a wide selection of over 30 craft mules, all of which include freshly squeezed lime juice and are served in 100% copper mugs to give you the highest quality cocktail they can offer.

If you can’t decide between these two venues, don’t worry. They make it easy to party at Talon Room and swing over to Copper Kettle for a fresh mule. It’s a two-for-one special!

Dress to Impress

Attending a holiday party but have nothing to wear? Look no further than Charm boutique & bar . Charm offers a unique shopping experience that can make finding the perfect outfit a breeze.

At Charm, you can “sip ‘n’ shop” by browsing their selection of clothes, accessories, shoes, and more with a signature drink, mimosa, beer, or other cocktails in hand.

The best part is, you can have the whole place to yourself! Sometimes all you need is a few friends by your side to find the pieces that look best on you. Charm offers a private party rental space to shop till you drop. You can even bring your own food to snack on during your shopping, and Charm will provide the drinks, the music, and the perfect atmosphere for a party!

“We will always have clothes and accessories, but we also offer a few more gift options like candles, slippers, and drinkware. We have added independent, local vendors to our store, which allow us to bring even more unique items in as well,” shared Owner Lindsey Tederman. “This is also a great opportunity to give the gift of a gift card, and treat a close friend or family member to a shopping spree and relaxation time complete with drinks.”

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or finding a gift for a loved one, Charm Boutique & Bar is sure to add some sparkle to your holiday season.

Creating the perfect holiday atmosphere means something different for everyone, but with the help of these local businesses, you can be sure to find something that is perfect for you and your celebrations. remember to take time to be present with your loved ones and reflect on the memories and good times from the past year. Holiday cheer is extra special when it’s shared with those around you!

Matthew Rogge

Talon Room

Lindsey Tederman Charm Boutique & Bar

Seeing an older loved one experience the challenges of memory loss comes with a lot of emotions. If you’re their primary caregiver, it can be difficult to handle without proper training and education. Getting extra help in the home or fully transferring to a senior care facility are two great options for those finding themselves struggling to keep up with their loved one’s care.

Memory loss is a scary and uncomfortable condition to experience, both as the individual and as the caregiver. It takes a lot of research and trust to find the perfect place for your loved one and their needs, but there are many wonderful places and services available for every level of care.

The First Step

o asis Senior Advisors can make finding the right memory care facility simple. Oasis examines your options and can help you determine the best solution for your loved one and your family as a whole.

Owner b eth Friesen is an RN and has devoted the last decade to becoming a dementia expert. She has written a book titled I Love Someone with Dementia… So Why Am I Losing My Mind? Beth has also appeared on The Doctor’s TV Show, as well as Lifetime Television’s Balancing Act to speak on the subject.

Beth Friesen Oasis Senior Advisors

“While we work with all aspects of the aging process and the need for care, this is where our heart lives,” Beth shared. “Those who love someone with dementia have such an immense need for support, knowledge, and to be cared for themselves. We connect families with various community agencies to assist them with everything form Veterans Benefits and Elder Law, to in-home care and transitioning to assisted living or memory care. When people work with us, we become advocates for the entire family.”

Beth explained that the biggest challenges for seniors with dementia is that often, they are unaware they have deficits at all. This can make them reluctant to receive help from others and can put them in a very unsafe situation, leading to great stress for family members who have concern for their loved one. In addition to this, a well spouse who is caring for someone with memory loss is often under significant stress. Combined with the

well spouse’s own physical challenges of aging, statistics show that often times the well spouse will become ill or even pass away before the individual with dementia, due to the intense amount of stress caused.

“Once you have a diagnosis of dementia, we should be your very next call,” Beth said. “We can even come in before that and help you access the necessary medical personnel in order to get an accurate diagnosis. At that point, we can come alongside you and help you make a plan for what lies ahead. When there is a diagnosis of dementia, the three main things we focus on are safety, dignity, and quality of life.”

The Oasis process to find the right place for your loved one starts with a no-obligation consultation that will tell you what to expect and how Oasis will help you. Oasis will then hold an in-depth discussion to identify lifestyle preferences, care needs, location, and financial considerations. They can also help you look into available funding options such as Veterans Aid and reverse mortgages. They will provide a personalized list of the local housing options that will best meet your specific needs, and schedule tours at each community you or your loved one selects. An Oasis senior advisor will even attend the tours with you to mitigate any confusing questions or conversations and make you feel confident in your final choice.

A variety of Care

When people begin suffering from memory loss we must understand that the senior is going through something unimaginable, but with support, an older adult in this position is still able to rediscover their purpose to relive joyful memories otherwise locked away by developing memory loss. For seniors without nearby family, finding resources isn’t easy, especially if they are left to their own devices in a time that is so confusing and foggy. Tabitha has many different types of care to meet the needs of you or your loved ones.

symptoms begin presenting themselves more often, seeking expert guidance and having difficult conversations with the older adult may be necessary to lessen future stress and guarantee affairs are in order while the older adult still feels present in their decisions.

Specialized In-Home Care

If you are looking for in-home care options, v isiting Angels offers specialized dementia and Alzheimer’s care. They strive to help you or your loved one maintain your independence while remaining in your home.

“Visiting Angels focuses on meeting the client where they are,” explained Client Care Coordinator Julie Day. “We educate our caregivers on their client’s needs and develop an individual plan for each client. Quality of life for some clients may be a very busy day with activities and goals for the day. For other clients it may be important to be a friend and companion while providing assistance with basic needs and reminiscing with them. Again, we rely on good communication with clients and their families while we accompany each of them on their journey.”

Julie recommends giving Visiting Angels a call as soon as you are considering looking into home care. It is beneficial to have a familiar caring team in place ahead of time. When the needs go from occasional visits, transportation, or companionship to more necessary things such as personal care assistance, you will already have a resource and caregivers that you know and trust available to you. These caregivers can also keep an eye on your loved ones memory health, which can sometimes go unnoticed to a family member only checking in every so often.

Megan Novell Tabitha

“Tabitha exists to fill in the gaps and direct our clients and their families to the right people, places, or services that their current situation requires,” said m egan Novell , administrator at GracePointe by Tabitha. “Memory loss can be debilitating, both to seniors and their loved ones, so senior care experts at Tabitha know a compassionate and collaborative plan of action is essential. We are here for you every step of the way in your aging journey.”

Tabitha offers a full range of memory care services that are completely personalized to the individual. If the person benefits by remaining at home, Tabitha Home Health Care can help by providing compassionate medical assistance that may involve medication management, bathing, or rehabilitation services. Additionally, Tabitha Meals on Wheels can be utilized to lessen the stress of preparing food; this lifeline Lincoln service provides a hot meal and safety and wellness checks 365 days a year, rain or shine.

If assisted living is a consideration, GracePointe by Tabitha, Assisted Living & Memory Care Suites offers older adults a safe and reliable environment. The same is guaranteed for seniors with dementia-related memory loss or Alzheimer’s disease. Leadingedge technology and countless enrichment activities are offered to residents at GracePointe to ensure that seniors in their care continue living joyfully.

When it comes to progressive memory loss diseases, early detection and education is crucial. Family members and caregivers should familiarize themselves with the 10 warning signs and symptoms from the Alzheimer’s Association to best prepare and watch for symptoms of cognitive decline. If these signs and

Julie Day

Visiting Angels

“Sometimes the family is the last to recognize changes in their loved one because those changes are so gradual,” said Julie. “Your loved one is also very good at hiding the fact that they are not taking their medications regularly, eating good meals, or

Asking them if they are doing these things is not sufficient – you have to check on them and observe their surroundings. Look for medications that haven’t been taken or get misplaced. If your loved one is not changing their clothes, it might be an indication they’re not showering. Check their refrigerator for food that has expired; they may be eating expired food because they don’t know any better.”

A common challenge for seniors with memory loss, Julie explained, is taking medications regularly and on-time and eating nutritious meals. Visiting Angels’ caregivers are able to keep clients on track with medications and regular meals, and can offer companionship throughout it all.

m eeting You Where You’re At

Some of the biggest challenges family members and friends can face when their loved one has memory loss, Alzheimer’s, or dementia are resources for help and asking for help. There are many different paths that dementia can take and to be better prepared is to utilize available resources and educate family members. Hospice is for end of life care, however many do not realize that this is an option for those experiencing memory loss as well through Pro m edica Hospice .

“Our Hospice Team attends required dementia training on hire and annually. Our hospice team will meet the individual ‘where they are at’,” said ProMedica nurse m elinda Pike . “The additional support our team provides with education, spiritual, and emotional support is an important factor as well. We all work together to meet the needs that are appropriate for this individual.”

As the days become shorter and colder, it is a good reminder to keep your loved one on their daily routine. We all thrive on routine, especially those with memory loss, and this time of year can be challenging. Holidays and family gatherings may be overwhelming as well. Remember not to seclude yourself, the caregiver, from your family and friends. Ask your care team and support system to stay with your loved one while you visit outside of the home with family, run errands, or if you need assistance with household duties.

“Each person is unique in their own journey, especially with memory loss. Follow that journey with them to ensure they are safe, cared for, loved, and respected. Even if they don’t remember your name, they will remember the love and compassion,” Melinda said.

Getting Ready for Difficult Seasons

Most people will become caregivers, or need one, at some point in their lives. We know that cognitive and memory impairments can change how a person thinks, acts, and feels. These changes often present special challenges for families and caregivers. They may need help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, assistance with dressing, transferring from bed to a chair or wheelchair, toileting, or other personal care. This is where extra care or support is needed. If family doesn’t live close then they may need to hire outside services to come in and assist with care and companionship.

At Caring Friends In Home Care , they are there to help assist with daily needs. Their caregivers encourage participation and engagement as much as possible. This is what they call collaborative caregiving. The goal is to develop a relationship with clients and help keep them physically and mentally active.

Melinda Pike ProMedica Hospice

believes in-home care is more than just completing tasks on a list — they offer personalized care that helps clients

their time and improve their quality of life. By focusing on collaborative caregiving, Caring Friends can elevate the quality of clients and their families’ lives.

Caring Friends In Home Care

the fast-approaching holiday season upon us, we know that this time of year is all about spending a great time with family and friends, enjoying great food, and creating memories,” said Jill Strouf , LPN, Caring Friends case manager. “Although the season can be joyous for most of us, many seniors may find the holiday season confusing, hectic, and even depressing based on their health conditions. The season tends to carry several changes to daily routines and these shifts can make seniors stressed out too.”

The good news is that we can help and support our loved ones in overcoming these conditions by following some helpful tips from Jill like including your family member in the holiday event or meal planning, making some of their favorite meals using their recipes, guiding a life review by looking at family photo albums, reviving old family traditions, and keeping your loved one involved.

Never m iss a m edication

Finding the right care for you or your loved one is important, but treatment and health care for older adults often also requires medication, which can be a difficult thing for a person experiencing memory loss to keep track of. Nebraska LTC Pharmacy has services in place to help customers with a vast majority of needs stick to their important medicine regimes.

“From a pharmacy perspective, people struggle to remember to take their meds. This can obviously be very detrimental to managing their health care, which can then further lead to not being allowed to remain in their home,” shared Shannon Schultz , owner of Nebraska LTC Pharmacy. “Many seniors are lucky enough to have close family members that serve as the person in charge of medications, and can help with medication set up. Some people aren't as fortunate, and don't have anyone to help with this. This is where I can come in!”

Nebraska LTC Pharmacy provides free weekly blister packaging and delivery. The packaging helps people remember to take their medications because it is a visual reminder that they can look at throughout the day. They provide this service to those in their homes, as well as those who are in independent living communities. Providing a week of medication at a time is also much more manageable for someone who may be forgetting or feeling overwhelmed with many prescription bottles sitting around. They don't have to worry about which ones they need to take at which times of day as that is all in the blister packs. This also removes the possibility of double dosing, or taking meds they aren't supposed to be taking anymore.

“We typically see people forgetting a dose here or there. This often triggers a cascade of forgetfulness when it comes to taking meds. Family members should look at the bottles to see when they were last filled at the pharmacy,” said Shannon. “Should there be that many pills left in the bottle in correlation with when they were picked up from the pharmacy? Does their health seem to be slipping from not taking their medications? Are they falling more than they had been previously?”

one life is the same.

understand that here at Wyuka.

are here to serve your family.

at Wyuka, it is an honor to care and a privilege to serve. We’re Wyuka

Home and Cemetery, a place of rest.

Jill Strouf

Shannon Schultz

Nebraska LTC Pharmacy

Nebraska LTC Pharmacy offers a delivery service which can be crucial for seniors unable to drive or safely leave their home alone. They will call your doctor when you or your loved one’s medications are running low, and will communicate for you while being your advocate. They provide a high level of care that is much more detailed than the typical retail pharmacy, and will remove every stressor so family members can rest assured their loved ones are in good hands.

You can trust Nebraska LTC Pharmacy to get you or your loved one the medications you need, when you need them. Eliminate the added stress that organizing medications can bring, and focus on the comfort and happiness of your family during this new stage of life.

m aintaining Independence with e xtra Support

Coming to terms with the fact that you or your loved one is experiencing memory loss is a huge step in the right direction. Those around someone going through this uncertain time have a responsibility to show up for them, even when it is difficult. They are losing memories and skills that have always come naturally to them, which can be extremely confusing and disheartening when they feel they can’t be independent anymore.

The goals at The Waterford Communities are to maintain the independence, safety, and dignity of their elders. The experienced team provides empathetic, individualized care as well as activities tailored to the cognitive needs of those with memory loss.

“The biggest challenge I’ve noticed for seniors suffering from memory loss is gradually losing the ability to complete activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, eating nutritious meals, and taking their medications correctly,” said Jura m ichael , administrative director.

“They eventually become unable to remember how to drive to familiar locations, resulting in the loss of their driving privileges.”

This loss of freedom is not only hard for the senior; it’s a hard decision for a lot of families to come to. With the health of the matriarch or patriarch of the family slowly failing, families often feel helpless and conflicted when it comes to making the best decision for their loved one. Memory loss may cause loved ones to behave uncharacteristically— emotional outbursts, inappropriate behavior, and day and nighttime wandering are some behaviors to watch for.

Some pieces of advice from Jura as we head into the winter months include ensuring that your loved ones have had their flu shots and COVID-19 booster; making sure your loved one has an ample food supply, including non-perishables; keeping their sidewalks and driveways maintained to avoid falls; and most importantly, checking in with your loved one frequently, whether it be by phone or dropping by for a visit. This can be an isolating time for those who have trouble leaving their home on their own, so even getting to speak to a loved one over the phone can make a huge difference in their day.

Preparing for the Next Step

Pre-planning funeral arrangements is an important step to take when you or a loved one is diagnosed with dementia. Though it might be a difficult or even awkward subject to discuss, preplanning will allow you to be prepared when your loved one’s time on Earth ends, giving you more time to enjoy with them before that day comes. As a senior, you can also rest assured that your final wishes will be known and that your family will not have to make end-of-life decisions in a rush while grieving. Wyuka Funeral Home & Cemetery are here to help you and your loved ones prepare.

The passing of a loved one is one of the most stressful situations people may find themselves in. Handling your arrangements beforehand makes sense for three basic reasons. First, it will help relieve some of the emotional burden from those you love. Making decisions in advance allows them to concentrate on supporting each other rather than making stressful decisions in a matter of hours. Second, it ensures that your wishes are honored. Preplanning removes any doubt and makes one of the worst days of someone’s life just a little easier. Finally, it will take the financial worry and burden from those you love because plans were made and funded prior to the day of need.

Know When to Ask for Help

Many seniors that live alone require daily care and support, often coming from a loved one or family member. Deciding to hand the reins to a professional can be a hard decision and it helps to know that your loved one will not be alone. Home Care Partners has memory support Caregivers available to provide peace of mind knowing a loved one is not alone. Caregiving services combined with Care Management services and oversight can have a profoundly positive effect on the physical and emotional health of informal caregivers who might otherwise encounter burnout or compassion fatigue.

Compassion fatigue has been described as ‘running on empty’ and happens when informal caregivers focus on meeting the physical and emotional needs of their loved ones at the expense of their own. It is important for these informal caregivers to recognize ‘when it all becomes too much’ and it is time to reach out for help. Tolerating it or bottling up their feelings can have dire consequences on their health and well-being, and that of their loved one.

“Caring day in and day out for loved ones can make you vulnerable to compassion fatigue, which is the emotional, physical,

© 2022 ProMedica Health System, Inc., or its affiliates

Caregiving services with improved health outcomes & care coordination

Jura Michael

The Waterford Communities

and spiritual apathy that results from the constant demands of caring for others,” said Home Care Partners Certified Dementia Practitioner Karla Frese .

In many cultures, children and younger members of the family are often morally obligated to be the ones taking care of their elders. This can create an unhealthy cycle of exhaustion, depression, and even physical symptoms such as appetite disturbances and nausea.

“Placing your needs last can cause an imbalance between activities that nourish you and those that deplete your strength,” said Karla. “Lifebalance can be found with the support of a team, and our Care Management. It is important that if you recognize the signs of compassion fatigue, you reach out for help. Making your own health and well-being a priority enables you to continue caring and embrace your role as a wife, husband, daughter, son, friend, etc. with compassion and empathy.”

b uilding relationships The Legacy Way

Legacy retirement Communities have been distinguished as leaders in the senior living industry and have earned numerous local and national awards for their elegant assisted and independent living retirement communities. Legacy has four assisted-living communities, one of which is devoted exclusively to memory care. Legacy Arbors is a state-of-the-art memory care community that honors the lifetime of experiences and interests their residents have.

“We provide memory care ‘The Legacy Way,’” shared Activity Director of Legacy Arbors m ichele Carlson . “We have all of the same amenities as our other three retirement communities in a safe, secure environment. Our social programming is geared

towards each individual’s needs. We want each resident to have quality of life and that can be different for each person. We use their life story, which allows us to know their individual needs and to connect with them in order to become friends, because a friend knows your story.”

At Legacy Arbors, they encourage residents to use current abilities, interests, and creativity while building relationships with other members of the community. Daily exercises help residents maintain physical health and innovative yoga classes help both mind and body. Card and table games, movies, and old-time TV shows are popular activities as well.

“Our goal is for each resident to be happy and enjoy each day to the fullest,” shared Michele. “Our staff is CDP trained, and that means each member of the staff understands dementia and the process, and what is happening with our residents. Understanding the process of dementia allows us to help the resident navigate some of challenges and difficulties they may face.”

If a memory care facility may be in your loved one’s future, it’s best to begin planning now. Many memory care communities have a wait list, so Michele suggests being proactive and taking tours now to find out what is available and what your options are. She wants to remind those who are looking that memory care communities are designed to meet the needs of your loved ones and help alleviate the stress of caregiving. The luxury of taking time to be thorough and find the best course of action for you and your loved one is something that can only be done with a clear timeline and plan in advance.

Karla Frese Home Care Partners

Michele Carlson Legacy Retirement Communities

Maybe your loved one isn’t ready to be in assisted living, and you’d like to keep them in the familiar place that they know and recognize. Being the sole caregiver of a loved one with memory loss can be difficult and overwhelming. If you find yourself looking for extra help, CCA Home Care ’s Nurse Registry can match you with the right caregiver to help you look after your loved one.

The Nurse Registry screens and refers caregivers who work for families. The care is client-directed, ensuring that you make the decisions regarding your care for that of your loved one. This unique service has proven time and again to be of superior quality as evidenced by CCA’s reputation for providing valuable care.

“Clients that we begin services with are typically just starting to notice the difficulties of living independently in their own homes and are starting to need assistance with their daily activities,” said Kyle Johnson , president. “We are the largest Home Care Registry in Nebraska, and our model is different than any other home care provider available to clients. All of our caregivers are licensed CNAs and work as independent contractors for their clients. Before any caregiver is allowed to work with a client, they are run through all background checks, criminal history reports, work authorization in the United States, CPR certified, must carry their own professional liability insurance, and are bonded through our company.”

Sometimes your loved one just needs a check-in and some companion care at the moment, but it could transition into daily needs, such as bathing, feeding, medication administration, and bathroom assistance. Family members caring for a loved one often still have to work full-time while also taking care of children or grandchildren, or family may even live out of town and caring for their loved one may not be an option. CCA can provide for daily needs and report to the family directly after a visit. This way, you know your loved one with memory loss is being cared for and has help right there with them.

Improving Daily Life with Special Programs

Seniors facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias need a safe, nurturing environment. At Sumner Place Skilled Nursing & rehabilitation , they specialize in individualized programs designed to reduce feelings of confusion, fear, and agitation and offer meaningful, enjoyable activities that stimulate the mind and body. Their services focus on the resident’s wide range of abilities.

“Dementia can be a long and unforgiving journey for all who are involved,” said Sumner Place Admissions and Public Relations Coordinator m egan Herter “It is impossible to truly understand the fear, confusion, and emotions that those who suffer from dementia struggle with on a daily basis. Dementia does not just affect memory loss, but also the ability to communicate and understand what is going on in the world around them. At Sumner Place, we educate our team members on effective communication skills so that the resident can be successful in their daily lives.”

One example of these programs is Buddies Forever, a comprehensive dementia program. It employs techniques and skills such as getting down below eye level, using simple statements, and endorphin boosts to create a foundation for person-centered care.

Sumner Place focuses on the strengths of each resident by using their historical and personal interests as a method of minimizing the difficulties associated with dementia related symptoms. This could be something as simple as giving a former painter a paint brush. Sumner Place is also certified in Music & Memory, which taps into the long-term memory, an area of the brain unharmed by dementia. Selecting the appropriate music for each resident triggers pleasurable emotions from their past.

“We work closely with residents’ families to figure out not just the genre of music they listened to during their peak years, but the specific songs,” Megan explained. “The purpose is to give those who suffer from cognitive and physical challenges a more meaningful connection. Researchers have observed team members and family participants report observations of participants having an elevated mood, higher levels of engagement, and note positive environmental and facility culture changes. This is just one of the many ways we support our memory care residents.”

Unique programs like Music & Memory are the kinds of things that give Sumner Place their reputation of being a high quality option for memory care and skilled nursing. When looking for a facility, make sure to see if they have any programs that pique you or your loved ones interest. Having something that you love to do can keep you connected to the living community and have something to look forward to each week.

As much as we want to be there for our older loved ones all the time, there is no shame in needing some extra help, or deciding they need more care than their current living situation can provide them. Taking these burdens off of your shoulders can ensure that you will be there for your loved one all the time, only now all you have to worry about is soaking up the time you get to spend with them. There are many options throughout the community, so it won’t be hard to find the perfect match for you and your loved ones.

Kyle Johnson

CCA Home Care

Megan Herter Sumner Place Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation

Employing Lincoln

Every month, Strictly Business celebrates the accomplishments of local businesses and highlights the excellent products and services they provide in their fields. Our quarterly Employing Lincoln feature is an opportunity for these businesses and organizations to also promote themselves as a great place to work and share with our readers what positions they are hiring for.

Having a good employer brand is so important. Recruiting.com backs this up in a recent blog post, stating that “With national unemployment rates below 4%, the war for talent is fierce and to get the right candidates in the right positions, your recruiting strategy can no longer be passive. To stay ahead of your competition, your organization needs to invest in building an authentic and compelling employer brand.”

To promote your employment brand, you first have to define it. According to Recruiting.com, your employment brand incorporates several different components—from company culture to employee engagement! So there are a wide variety of topics to choose from when deciding what to share when you invest in recruitment marketing. Here are a few great subjects to cover:

Recruiting.com advices businesses to, “Focus on sharing information that will resonate most with your target candidates and differentiate you from your competitors. If you aren’t sure which information that is, take some time to research your target candidates. Ask your current employees what they enjoy most about working at your company, and find out what aspects of your employment brand most resonated with recent hires.”

At Strictly Business , we truly believe that Lincoln is a wonderful place to live, WORK, and play. We are honored to partner with so many amazing employers, and we are proud to tell you a little bit about a few of them in this feature. Whether you have recently found yourself “between jobs” or you’re curious about pursuing a new passion, we encourage you to read through the following write-ups to learn about employment opportunities at some amazing local companies. In addition, if you are currently with a company that is looking to add people to your team, please reach out to Strictly Business about participating in our next employment feature!

“With national unemployment rates below 4%, the war for talent is fierce...”

Sun Valley Lanes & Games is a world-renowned Family Entertainment Center, located one mile west of downtown. Built in 1977, the facility recently completed a $4.5 million expansion and renovation project that includes a large arcade, laser tag arena, Lucky Putt indoor minigolf course, sand volleyball courts with a new satellite bar, expanded bar and lounge area, and an outdoor beer garden with a covered patio, fire pits, and a 3,600-square-foot artificial turf field that is used for cornhole and other yard games. Along with 32 modern bowling lanes, all equipped with HyperBowling, Sun Valley Lanes & Games really is Lincoln’s best place to “Meet, Eat, and Compete!”

With the expanded services, business is booming. Help us keep up! We are searching for bartenders with night and weekend availability. With our bartenders averaging over $30/hour, this position makes for a great part-time second job!

Applications can be submitted at www.sunvalleylanes.com/careers.

Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest was voted one of Lincoln’s Best Places to Work in 2022! As a leading electrical and low voltage contractor in the Midwest and Southwest, we are constantly striving to exceed the needs and expectations of our customers. We complete some of the largest and most complex projects in the industry, all while fostering a fun work environment where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and advance their careers.

From field technicians to administrative staff, our people are our greatest asset here at Commonwealth Electric. Since the company’s inception in 1987, we have grown to employ over 1,000 individuals across our nine branch locations and are continuing to grow! Commonwealth Electric is always looking for individuals to join our team who are empowered, customer-focused, have strong character, and practice masterful work in their field. To see our open positions, please visit commonwealthelectric.com/careers.

We are proud to be 100% employee-owned company through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan. This plan has translated into higher levels of productivity, marketplace success, employee retention, and at its core, pride in being an owner.

Yankee Hill Brick is a trusted, local manufacturer of fine clay bricks. Our products are specified on many award-winning projects. The combination of quality, color, and pristine finish makes Yankee Hill Brick an attractive choice for architects and design-build firms throughout the United States and even internationally.

We have a rich history of building the community up—literally brick by brick—since the company was founded in 1881. Though, our roots go even deeper than that, dating back to the first settlers who found themselves southwest of present-day Lincoln where we are still operating today.

As Yankee Hill Brick continues to grow, we are excited to invite more people to be a part of our legacy. Positions we are currently hiring for include:

Forklift Driver—Responsible for moving goods around warehouses or other industrial sites by using a forklift to unload deliveries from trucks and stack material for storage purposes throughout a warehouse and other industrial property.

Robot Operator—Responsible for overseeing the integral transition from wet brick to set brick by making sure that robots stack the individual bricks correctly.

Packaging Machine Operator—Responsible for keeping the packing line moving smoothly. Qualified candidates will run equipment including strappers, cable haulages, and monorails in a safe manner while ensuring needed supplies are loaded.

Burner Watchperson—Responsible for monitoring all functions of the kiln, drier, and transfer cars to ensure proper operation. Work schedules comprise a 10-hour shift, including night shift, with weekend availability and overtime opportunities. Benefits include health/dental/vision/life insurance, paid time off, 401(k) and 401(k) matching, flexible schedule, tuition reimbursement, flexible spending account, and a health savings account. To learn more about a possible career with Yankee Hill Brick, visit www. yankeehillbrick.com/careers or call (402) 477-6663.

As the state’s quality awardwinning senior care expert, nonprofit Tabitha empowers people to live joyfully, age gratefully. Supporting Nebraskans since 1886, Tabitha employs nearly 1,000 team members, offering results-driven rehabilitation, accessible athome home health care, innovative living communities, resourceful serious illness support and compassionate hospice services.

Tabitha’s newest senior living community, Tabitha at Prairie Commons in Grand Island, is opening in late 2022 and seeks a dedicated team to exhibit Tabitha’s Core Values of Care, Connection and Collaboration. Additionally, weekend employees are needed at Tabitha Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Lincoln as part of the just-introduced Weekend Only program. Premium wages and sign-on bonuses are offered to qualifying Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Med Aide candidates.

A top finalist in the 2022 Lincoln’s Choice Awards for “Best Work Environment,” Tabitha offers a wide range of rewarding careers in compassion and opportunities for advancement and growth. A career at Tabitha includes variety, flexibility, competitive benefits, and—most importantly—work with a purpose. Learn more and view current job listings at tabitha.org/careers.

"If your actions create a legacy thatinspires others to dream more, learnmore, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader."

~ Dolly Parton

Your money has above and beyond people — Union Bank & Trust is not only recognized locally for this catchy (and truthful) campaign that resonates with its customers and employees, but is also nationally recognized for both its customer service and great culture. With a family-first culture, community focus, and genuine interest in the well-being of its employees, UBT is comprised of authentic, talented people who really care. From salaries and benefits to time off and wellness initiatives, our work environment keeps our employees engaged, challenged, and rewarded. Are you ready to join the UBT family and see for yourself that you belong here? Visit the Careers page at www.ubt.com/careers or email careers@ ubt.com. Equal Opportunity Employer. Member FDIC.

ServiceMaster Professional Building Maintenance (ServiceMaster PBM) employs professional cleaners, floor technicians, and certified sanitation technicians who are trained, certified, screened, and tested to ensure top-quality service for our customers. As ServiceMaster is growing and expanding our services, we are always looking to add to our team! We have full-time and parttime day and evening shifts available.

ServiceMaster PBM now offers new and updated pay rates for all positions. We are a locally owned and managed company that offers great perks and benefits such as flexible scheduling, onsite training, employee bonuses, hiring bonuses, employee incentives, recognition, referral programs, and opportunities for tremendous growth. We are one of the few in the industry to offer paid time off! All ServiceMaster employees are eligible for bonuses, PTO, and paid holidays. Please call (402) 4762194 or visit www.smpbm.com for more information on current employment opportunities available or for a free quote on janitorial services for your office.

Besides offering the best fence and netting design and installation services in town, Empire Netting and Fence is an amazing place to work. Matt Warner, owner of Empire, is committed to making the work experience an environment where each person can use their God-given talents and strengths to contribute to the team. Developing culture begins with building a strong company purpose, in which each member of the team is valued and not limited to how far they move up within the company.

Empire Netting and Fence is always looking for individuals who are highly motivated. Currently, they are hiring for all positions—entry-level field positions, project management, residential and commercial fence installers, equipment operators, and welders—and these are for both local and travel crews. The installation team is the “front line” of Empire’s mission to provide quality fence and netting installations and build relationships that last a lifetime. The main requirements are a positive attitude and the ability to work well in a team environment. Offering competitive compensation plans including 401K, health, dental, and life insurance, Empire has an entrepreneurial environment where hard work and ambition are rewarded with promotion and opportunities.

Empire Netting and Fence has grown nationwide as a go-to company for sports netting and field construction. Whether it is baseball, softball, soccer, or golf; indoor or outdoor; little league or major league; Empire is the company for you! Empire services the Lincoln, Omaha, and surrounding areas in residential and commercial fence installations. Also servicing nationwide for commercial fencing and netting. For questions about career opportunities, call (402) 682-7658 or email them at info@ empire-fence.com. For more information about the company, visit empire-fence.com.

Wireless World is your local Verizon Authorized Retailer located at 1535 N. 86th Street, across from HyVee. Our mission is to improve guest lives while striving to be your #1 wireless retailer. Wireless World truly loves interacting with and finding solutions for our customers. For consumers and businesses, we have become highly sought after and are grateful for the positive (and negative) feedback. We are a family, and we learn, grow, and develop together!

Wireless World offers benefits for you and your family with our employee medical, vision, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance options plus flex reimbursement accounts. We provide Paid Time Off and a 401K to prepare you for the unknown future. Friendly competitions create fun and keep our team focused on the goal. Text “MYWORLD” to (605) 800-3703 to start your application today. Learn more at wirelessworld.com.

DON’T MISS OUT!

This is an excellent opportunity for your business or organization to promote yourself as a great place to work!

The next Employing Lincoln feature will be in the February 2023 issue.

Please call (402) 466-3330 or email editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com if you are interested in participating!

“Find out what you like doing best,and get someone to pay you for it.”

- Katharine Whitehorn