Women's Edition Omaha - March 2025

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Design

via an energetic photon infusion of the

Blood treated with the Hemealumen facilitates the following:

• Renders viruses and bacteria unable to replicate

• Increases capabilities for oxygenation into the tissues

• Enhances cell energy

• Stimulates lymphatic detoxification

• Activates NAD+ & immune cells. This activation aids in the destruction of various microorganisms, fungi, viruses, and bacteria.

• Dismantles nagalase, which is a protein produced principally by cancer, viruses and some bacteria.

Sarah A. Kracht, APRN, BC-FNP Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

Happy March, everyone!

Are you ready for St. Patrick’s Day? I don’t have an ounce of Irish blood in me, but I still like to celebrate this holiday. A couple of years ago, Manny bought us both GREEN St. Patrick’s Day t-shirts. Manny’s heritage is Mexican, but he can wear a St. Patrick’s Day shirt with the best of them.

That year, we decided to head to a local Irish bar. It was CRAZY! Even though we arrived at 4 pm, the food was all gone…all of it! We still had a great time. It was some of the best people-watching in Omaha I’ve ever had. It was like a great big party where you knew everyone. The reality was, we didn’t know a single soul!

March is also the beginning of Spring, which is probably my favorite time of year. I love seeing everything bouncing back to life. I was reflecting on a spring from decades ago, when my son, Adam, was about eight years old. (He’s 34 now.) We both love red bud trees when they begin to bloom. One day, when I picked him up from Loveland Elementary, we both were pointing out all the red bud trees in bloom. I suggested that we take a drive around the neighborhood and count how many red buds we could find. We counted over a hundred! It was a perfect spring day to have a spontaneous game with my son. We laughed together and created a memory that I hold very dear to my heart…decades later, it is still one of my fondest memories of springtime with Adam.

And now for an update on my broken femur: I’m still working through it. (By an inch, it’s a cinch; by a yard, it’s hard!) I am working from home, and it feels so great to be back at it. Roxy continues to knock it out of the park…she is truly amazing. Thank you again, Roxy!

Manny is taking great care of me at home, cooking fabulous meals and playing chauffeur when we go out. His patience is astounding.

Thank you, Manny.

I also want to wish Manny a very happy birthday. His birthday is March 8th. I have to come up with a VERY special gift this year to show him how much I appreciate everything he has done for me over these last few challenging months. He has gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Get ready—spring is coming your way! We’ll connect next month.

Points of Interest

The mission of Heartland Family Service is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities through advocacy, education, counseling, and support services. Heartland Family Service connected with nearly 120,000 individuals and families through direct services, advocacy, education, and outreach last year, from 20 locations in east central Nebraska and southwest Iowa.

Looking for a fun place to have a girls night out or team building event? Check out Fōwling Warehouse. This fun new mash up of bowling and football is becoming the new hot entertainment center. See their ad on page 8.

Mark your calendar to attend Junkin’ Market Days® on April 18th and 19th. See their ad on page 25 for details.

The Market powered by The Furniture Girl is moving to a new location mid-March. Follow her on Facebook for the exact date of the opening. Thinking about having an estate sale? The Furniture Girl specializes in organizing and holding the sale. She can even sell the property to make the whole process stress free. See her ads on pages 14 and 23 for details.

Mark your calendar to attend a special benefit for Aaron Bush, who has been diagnosed with ALS. His wife, Kate, is a special friend of Women’s Edition. The proceeds are to help with the mounting medical expenses. The benefit is February 23rd, 2 pm - 8 pm, at IBEW Union Hall, 13306 Stevens Street. For more information, go to b5brewco.com.

The photo credit for the February cover on page 2 was incorrect. The beautiful cover photo was provided by Charlie B. For more information: www.chariebcollection.com.

Janet Van deWalle, National Publisher

Positive Thought of the Month “Patience is the best remedy for every trouble.” —Plautus

Plastic surgery can mean different things to different people. It can be a restorative procedure, bringing part of the body back to its previous condition.

Cuddly Critters

Due

Taking care of your physical and mental wellness helps provide a better quality of life; estate planning provides peace of mind and protects your loved ones.

Shamrocks and Thoughts of Spring—Let’s Eat!

Buttermilk Pancakes and Fruit Topping

By Kate Beiting

For the pancakes: Whisk 1 cup of flour, 2 Tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. In another bowl, mix 3/4 cup of buttermilk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, 1 large egg, and 2 Tablespoons of melted butter—whisk well. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir lightly to combine. Scoop the batter onto a hot griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes. Flip when bubbles form.

For the fruit topping: Combine 1-2 cups of frozen berry mix, 1 Tablespoon of sugar, and 2 Tablespoons of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in microwave for 2-3 minutes, until saucy.

Baked Garlic Shrimp

Melt 1 stick of butter in a baking dish. Pour in 1 bag of thawed, uncooked shrimp. Add several garlic cloves, a few sprinkles of fresh basil, and Old Bay spice to taste. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, until the shrimp are pink. Serve with the juices over cooked rice, with lemon wedges and crusty bread.

Baked Fish Fillets

Butter a baking dish. Add 3 chopped green onions and 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms. Place several pieces of fish fillets (flounder, cod, or sole) in the dish. Season with salt and pepper and 1 teaspoon of marjoram. Blend 2 Tablespoons of dry white wine with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and pour the mixture over the fish. Top with 1/4 cup of grated Monterey Jack cheese and 1/4 cup of bread crumbs. Pour 1/2 cup of melted butter over everything. Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until the fish flakes.

3 Fish Sauces

Cocktail Sauce: Blend together 1/2 cup of ketchup, 1 Tablespoon of horseradish (jarred), 1/2 teaspoon of celery salt,

Perfect Weather

6 Tablespoons of lemon juice, several dashes of hot sauce, and 1/3 teaspoon of salt. Refrigerate until needed. Serve with shrimp or any cold fish.

Real-Deal Tartar Sauce: Blend 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 Tablespoon of minced pickles, 1 Tablespoon of minced green olives, 1 Tablespoon of minced onion, and 1 Tablespoon of minced parsley. Mix and chill.

Sweet/Hot Creole Fish Glaze: In a bowl, mix 2/3 cup of orange marmalade with 2 Tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of creamy horseradish, 2 teaspoons of hot sauce, and a dash each of salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Refrigerate until needed. Adjust seasonings as desired.

Stuffed Flounder

For the fish: Mix 6 ounces of crab meat (canned is fine), 1/2 cup of buttery snack-cracker crumbs (like Ritz), 2 Tablespoons of melted butter, and salt and pepper. Lay 1 pound of flounder fillets (or any white fish) flat, spread the mixture on top, and roll the fillets like a jelly roll. Place in a shallow baking dish and dot Tablespoons of butter all over the dish. Pour the white sauce (see below) over the fish. Cover and bake

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Andrew and Hannah Diediker Owners & Operators

at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

For the white sauce: Melt 2 Tablespoons of butter in a saucepan. When bubbly, whisk in 2 Tablespoons of flour. Stir for 2-3 minutes. Whisk in 1 cup of whole milk and stir until thickened. Season as you like—salt, pepper, paprika, a dash of dried mustard, garlic, or onion powder.

Gran’s Chicken and Dumplings

Stir together 1 and 1/2 cups of flour, 2 eggs, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 3/4 cup of buttermilk; set aside. (Or use a prepared biscuit mix for the dumplings.)

Cut 2 pounds of boneless chicken breasts or thighs into 1-inch chunks. Season with salt and pepper and coat with 1/2 cup of flour. Heat 2 Tablespoons of butter in a large stockpot. Sauté the chicken until browned (about 5-6 minutes). Remove to a plate.

Add another small amount of oil and 2 Tablespoons of butter to the pot. Stir in 2 peeled and diced carrots, 2 diced stalks of celery, and 1 medium diced onion. Cook for another 5 minutes. Add 4 cups of chicken broth and put the chicken back into the pot. Add a pinch of thyme and bring to a simmer. Cook for 20-30 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of frozen peas. Use a Tablespoon to drop the dumpling mixture into the simmering broth, cover, and let it simmer and reduce. Cook for 15 minutes, until the dumplings puff.

Corned Beef and Sautéed Cabbage

Following the directions on a package of corned beef, put the meat in a large stew pot of water along with the included seasoning packet. Simmer for 3-4 hours. About 20 minutes before serving, cut a small head of rinsed and trimmed cabbage into slices or chunks. Put the cabbage in a large skillet, along with 4 Tablespoons (or more) of butter and 2 Tablespoons of water. Stir occasionally and sauté until done.

Irish Soda Bread

Whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1/3 cup of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Add 3/4 cup of raisins (and an optional 1/2 teaspoon of caraway seed). In another bowl, mix 1 egg with 2/3 cup of buttermilk and 1 Tablespoon of melted butter. Stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix lightly. Turn out onto a flour-dusted counter and knead for a minute or two. Shape into a plump disc. Cut a cross on the top. Bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. It’s really good toasted!

Quick Sauerkraut Bread

Combine the contents of a box of hot roll mix with 1 teaspoon of caraway seed, 1 eight-ounce can of drained sauerkraut, 1 cup of hot water, 2 Tablespoons of soft butter, and 1 egg. Mix well, then turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead for 5 minutes, until smooth. Cover the dough and let it rest for 5 minutes. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it into a greased loaf pan. Brush with an egg wash. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Bake at 375 degrees for 35-45 minutes until golden brown. Cool and slice.

Sugar Shamrock Cookies

Combine 1 cup of room-temperature butter with 1 cup of sugar and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla—cream for 5-6 minutes on low. Add 1 egg, 1 Tablespoon of water, 3 cups of flour, 1 and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix well. Divide in half. Roll out now and chill, or chill and roll out later. Cut out with shamrock cookie cutters. Sprinkle with green and white sanding sugars (or bake now, frost, and then sprinkle). Bake at 375 degrees for 6-8 minutes, until lightly browned.

The Romance of Spring Lighten up for 2025!

By Holly Bell

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your style. As we enjoy the warm breezes, fashions return to romance. Light, romantic patterns and delicate embellishments are back to welcome us to spring 2025. This shift toward femininity is fashion’s reaction to the minimalism that has permeated the fashion world lately. If you have tired of a minimalist look and are ready to feel more feminine in your clothes, this spring’s fashion trends will feel like a breath of fresh spring air!

The top trending colors for this romantic aesthetic are softer, more organic shades alongside a mix of vibrant, bold shades that will take us into summer. For your romantic vibe, choose the top shade of baby pink. Butter yellow is also trending, along with minty green. These pastels are so refreshing and bring with them an airy feeling that is so welcome in the spring.

Last year, white made a robust comeback, and it is still an elegant option. This year, the Pantone Color Institute has proclaimed Mocha Mousse to be the color of 2025. This rich, warm, soft brown tone is reminiscent of coffee and cream. The lovely color is flattering on everyone and works well as a neutral to mix and match with the favorites in your closet.

Romantic spring style is all about comfort and ease. Today’s modern gal loves fashionable trends but still wants comfortable clothing with versatile, wearable options. Wide-leg trousers are still trending and are perfect for the airy feel of spring.

Finding the right wide-leg pant that works with your body can be a challenge for petite women. I find that a more modified wide leg works best on the petite form. Of course, the statuesque among us can wear any width of wide-leg pant that they please. Just remember to offset the volume with a fitted top. Even better, wear a belt to create an hourglass shape.

Jeans are always on the forefront for most women. In 2025, jeans are still an important part of our day-to-day dressing. However, the stretchy skinny jeans that many women would love to keep wearing have unfortunately become something of a dated look. A more on-trend alternative for the skinny jeans–lover would be the modern straight-leg tailored jean. Try this cut in white, off-white, or cream. This appears to be the number one color for denim this year, and it works for most women.

What is on trend to wear with jeans? Last year was all about the basics—the white tank top or the white tee was worn with everything. Basics are still important, but they are reaching new levels with interesting silhouettes, elevated fabrics, and sparkling embellishments. Bring a fresh perspective to your wardrobe essentials.

Another hot trend that would work well with jeans is the refined polo shirt or the throwback rugby shirt. Stripes of all kinds are going to be popular; stick with the narrow stripes if you are looking for a slimming look. If you are already slim, wear a wider stripe.

Boho looks are going to be fun to play with this season. Flowing skirts, ruffles, and fringe are all on trend. You can enjoy the boho fashion look without wearing it head to toe—try balancing a boho item with a more tailored piece. And don’t forget belts! Belts are important with the boho style, as they provide a bit of structure to contrast the flowing fabrics.

Try on sheer for a hot trend carrying over from 2024. One way to embrace it is to purchase something with a sheer sleeve or sheer overlay. You can still have a touch of the trend without going full into it. A hint of sheer fabric is feminine and sensuous while still being tasteful.

More feminine styles for 2025 will include ladylike jackets (instead of the boxy looks inspired by menswear). Jackets with shapely silhouettes and pearl buttons will be popular. These designs strike a balance between feminine and structured, making them perfect to pair with jeans, wide-leg pants, or boho skirts. Accessories will be important and have turned away from minimalism. Look for bold but refined jewelry pieces, like cuff bracelets, oversized earrings, and mixed metals.

The best part about fashion for 2025 is the focus on individuality. In the past, many women felt they needed to have a similar look to be stylish, but your individual style is the most important fashion rule. Whether you are a minimalist or a maximalist, you can do your own thing. Mixing aesthetics together is even better! Make 2025 your most fashionable year ever by being creative with your closet, adding a few new fun pieces, and mixing it up. Happy shopping!

Caroline & Holly Cimino

The Red Barn Chapel

We’re Going to The Chapel…

Finding the right venue for your wedding is a big deal. There are so many things to consider! A venue might hold personal significance to you or it can simply be a beautiful landscape that adheres to your taste. You want a personalized celebration that reflects your style and an atmosphere that creates lasting memories, but everything still needs to align with your level of formality and your budget. You want all your guests to feel welcomed, have a positive experience, and walk away with a good feeling about the celebration. And, if it’s not too much to ask, the venue should meet all those criteria but still provide an event that is easy and stress-free for you. Can such a place exist?

Why, yes, it can! You’ll find it on the outskirts of Blair, Nebraska, and it’s called The Red Barn Chapel. This venue is beautiful, private, stylish, and will make your special day truly special. The charm, character, and elegance of this beautifully renovated barn cannot be overstated. This is no ordinary barn! This glittering building is replete with exposed wooden beams, a giant stone fireplace, gorgeous chandeliers, and charming brick floors. When I say it exudes charm, I mean it. It is decorated so beautifully that you really don’t even need to add your own touches…but you can if you wish, of course.

The team here can cater weddings with up to 150 guests. They offer a woodland ceremony in the trees, an outdoor ceremony next to the pond, or an indoor ceremony in the barn. Your reception can be held in the barn, which opens onto a large covered patio for guests to mix and mingle. The venue offers a complete professional kitchen for caterers and all the amenities you would expect from such a splendid place.

By Linda Sutherland

Both of them thought it would be a fun project to develop the barn into an event venue. Dani had been an event planner in California, so she was a natural to jump into the project.

After the love and care they gave to their property, Ross and Dani went into the business of making lasting memories for bridal couples and their guests. They give so much care and thought to each wedding, working hard to bring each couple’s wedding dreams to life. “Every wedding has a special back story,” Dani says, “and Ross and I are always honored to be a part of their special day.” Each lovely couple who comes to the chapel falls immediately in love with the elegance and comfort that is The Red Barn Chapel.

The charm, character, and elegance of this beautifully renovated barn cannot be overstated.

When I asked Ross and Dani about the most influential people in their own lives, they each answered with no hesitation that it was their mother. Ross grew up with a single mom who developed a wedding venue in the 1970s. She had a sign on their refrigerator that read “If it’s going to be, it’s up to me.”

The owners of The Red Barn Chapel, Danielle and Ross Ridenoure, took great care in restoring this 1909 barn to the glorious showpiece it is today. Their style, energy, and panache are evident as soon as you open the doors to this engaging and exquisite piece of history. You are greeted instantly by the charm and well-crafted design of this magical place, and that’s just what your guests will see when they walk through the doors. The rustic wood, the twinkling of the lights, the gleaming chandeliers—it’s all here, on a small piece of paradise in Blair, Nebraska.

The journey for Ross and Dani started in California, but Ross really wanted to get back to his childhood roots in Nebraska. When they came across the property, it was surrounded by a beautiful landscape but the barn was quite dilapidated.

That proved to be the inspiration for Ross’ life. Dani’s mother also was her biggest influence, teaching her to never give up and to always think big. And think big they did!

“The barn and property are about the most romantic and endearing place any couple could choose to have their wedding,” Dani says. She and Ross are delighted to share it with the community! “After all the hard work to bring back this iconic Nebraska barn and homestead, it is so gratifying to see it as a symbol of the history and struggle that so many Nebraska farmers endured.”

The Red Barn Chapel is truly a masterpiece. Take a look at their online gallery at redbarnchapelhistory.com. Better yet, call 402-889-9327 for a tour! Don’t pass up the chance to hold your wedding, bridal or baby shower at this beautifully restored slice of Nebraska history.

Ross and Danielle Ridenoure, Owners

PISCES

(February 20 – March 21)

Get ready to embark on a new chapter of your life. Set clear intentions for financial growth, positive self-talk, and aligning your personal resources with your spiritual goals and values. Revisit past relationships to heal old wounds. Reassess work goals and take corrective action to achieve your dreams. Be open to unexpected chances for spiritual healing.

Aries (Mar. 22 – Apr. 19) This is a pivotal month for you. Open your heart to a deeper love and connection. At work, focus on discipline and long-term planning. Don’t be afraid to take on new challenges.

Taurus (Apr. 20 – May 20) This month, embrace solitude, introspection, and self-reflection. Set aside time for healing and forgiveness (for yourself and for others). The path to your true calling is just ahead.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun. 20) Your energy will catapult you into shifts in your life. You will feel driven to take on more aspirational work, using your creative ideas and innovative thinking. Take the time to share your ideas with others.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22) Reawakening is the word of the month! Use this fresh energy in all aspects of your life. Potential and opportunity will fill the air. Maintain sustainable health routines to help keep your energy high.

Leo (Jul. 23 – Aug. 22) It’s time to expand your horizons. Don’t be afraid to commit to a path of study or experience that takes you beyond your comfort zone. For more personal connection, team up with a partner on a joint venture.

Virgo (Aug. – Sep. 22) This month, you will find yourself focusing on the quality and integrity of your closest bonds. Trust in the power of vulnerability and enjoy honest conversations with a significant other.

Libra (Sep. 23 – Oct. 22) Concentrate on finding balance, harmony, and grace during transformation. It is a time of deep emotional connection. Set clear goals and break down big projects into manageable parts. Start saving for a rainy day.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) A powerful new chapter is about to begin in your life. You may need to take on new responsibilities and create personal structures to support your long-term goals. Open your heart to express your true feelings to loved ones.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) Don’t be afraid to take bold actions. Trust your instincts! Don’t accept limiting patterns that stifle. Embrace a more empowered, abundant mindset. You may find new sources of income and investment.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) Periods of growth can feel uncomfortable, but you have the resilience to make changes. Prioritize quality time with loved ones. At work, focus on expanding your skill sets and professional connections.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 19) You must open your heart to create the space for love to flourish. At work, trust your unique talents and abilities; they are assets to your workplace. This is a good time to grab an educational opportunity.

Famous Nebraska Women

Let’s Celebrate Them!

March is Women’s History Month…a time to remember and celebrate the important roles of women in history. Let’s take a look at some notable and influential women in Nebraska history.

The first name on our list is Willa Cather. This poet, novelist, and journalist wrote books that captured the pioneer experience on the Great Plains and redefined the American West. She authored 12 novels, including One of Ours , which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1922.

Cather moved to rural Webster County, Nebraska, when she was nine years old. The starkness of her new environment made a profound impression, and Cather spent much of her literary career capturing the harshness and beauty of the Nebraska prairie and the strong women who formed the foundation of the pioneer home. The National Willa Cather Center in downtown Red Cloud leads tours showcasing the places that inspired this author.

Nebraskans who don’t know Rose Blumkin’s name probably know the store she founded: Nebraska Furniture Mart. She immigrated to the United States from Russia in 1917, eventually settling with her husband in Omaha. In 1937, she borrowed $500 from her brother to open a furniture store. Her credo was “sell cheap and tell the truth.”

In the 1980s, Blumkin bought the historic Astro Theater in downtown Omaha, saving it from demolition. Today, that

By Deborah Daley

building holds the Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Center (The Rose Theater). By the end of her life, at age 104, she was one of the most successful businesswomen in America.

Sarah Joslyn was a philanthropist who, along with her husband, George, gave so generously to her adopted city that her influence can be felt behind nearly every cultural and civic institution in Omaha. Arriving in the 1890s, the Joslyns became the city’s first millionaires. The home they built is known today as Joslyn Castle.

Joslyn believed that “the possession of great wealth is a great trust and obligation,” and she gave generously. Upon her husband’s death, Sarah focused her efforts on creating his memorial: the Joslyn Art Museum. When it opened in 1931, it was the only art museum in Nebraska. The museum charged no entrance fee (a tradition that continues today), as Joslyn believed it should be accessible to all.

Nebraskan Mildred Brown founded The Omaha Star , the nation’s longest-running newspaper owned by a black woman. She was committed to showcasing positive news that instilled pride in her community. The paper’s motto still guides it today: “Dedicated to the service of the people, that no good

cause shall lack a champion, and that evil shall not thrive unopposed.” Its first issue was July 9, 1938.

Brown traveled extensively as a champion of civil rights. President Lyndon Johnson appointed Brown a goodwill ambassador to East Germany in the 1960s. The newspaper is still a staple in North Omaha; just next door is Mildred D. Brown Memorial Park, where a bust of Brown can be seen.

Native Nebraskan Grace Abbott was a social worker who spent her life fighting for the rights of immigrants and the well-being of children. Abbott began her career as a teacher but moved to Chicago to pursue a law degree. Her interest in social work grew, and she became a resident at Hull House, a haven for the poor and marginalized. In 1908, Abbott became director of the Immigrants’ Protective League, where she helped protect immigrants from exploitation.

In 1917, Abbott moved to Washington, DC, where she was instrumental in enforcing federal child labor laws. In 1921, she was appointed chief of the US Children’s Bureau and continued to fight for the social welfare of children. Abbott served on President Franklin Roosevelt’s council on economic security, where she helped draft the Social Security Act. She was the first woman to be nominated for a Presidential cabinet position.

I had the pleasure of meeting Cathy Hughes while working at Creighton University. From a housing project in Omaha, Nebraska, Hughes rose to become among the wealthiest African American women in America and one of the most powerful women in broadcasting.

In the 1970s, Hughes moved to Washington, DC, for a position at Howard University and was soon named general manager of the university’s radio station, WHUR-FM. There, she pioneered the Quiet Storm radio format, which aired on 480 stations and revolutionized urban radio.

In 1979, Hughes bought her own radio station after securing financing from the 33rd bank she approached. Over the next two decades, the station grew into the largest black entertainment company in the nation, Radio One. In 1999, Hughes became the first African American woman to lead a publicly traded company. In 2015, Hughes was the first black woman inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame, and she was inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame in 2019.

Aislinn Medical Spa

Dream. Believe. Achieve.

Aislinn Medical Spa offers the latest procedures in body sculpting as some of their many services. Nurse practitioner Stacey Shinaut notes that whether your goal is reducing inches, dropping pounds, or adding muscle tone, Aislinn’s sculpting procedures often complement each other. The benefits are rewarding!

“Body sculpting is a noninvasive way to enhance your body’s natural shape by reducing unwanted fat or even toning the muscles,” Stacey explains. “There’s minimal downtime—it really is perfect for patients who have a very busy schedule. Early spring is the perfect time to start CoolSculpting because it can take anywhere from 30 to 90 days to start seeing results. So, if you’re wanting to get summertime ready, now is the best time to begin.”

Stacey has been a nurse practitioner for 14 of her 20 years in the medical field. She studied infectious disease during the height of the pandemic but turned toward aesthetics because she found it less stressful and more fun. It’s a field that is evolving every day.

“It’s a total gearshift. One big draw to aesthetics is that patients are happy and healthy. My job is to empower them to feel confident and enhance their natural beauty,” Stacey says. “It’s quite an evolving field, which is exciting. Everyone’s going to age, but now we have a say in how we age.”

For weight loss management, Aislinn Medical Spa offers a comprehensive program designed for long-term health. Personalized plans include a consultation, a healthy diet and exercise regimen, and weekly semaglutide (GLP-1) injections. The injections pair nicely with CoolSculpting and CoolTone for a comprehensive approach to ideal body weight, fat reduction, and muscle toning. If a patient wants to drop inches and tone up, Stacey advocates for CoolSculpting, an FDAcleared procedure to freeze away fat, and CoolTone, which defines muscle tone with visible results.

“CoolSculpting is controlled cooling. It targets and freezes fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated by the body over time, leaving you with a slimmer figure,” Stacey says. “It’s great for areas like the abdomen, flanks, back, thighs, and even the back of the arms. And there’s no downtime! We have CoolTone, as well, which uses electromagnetic muscle stimulation to tone and strengthen muscles. It’s perfect for enhancing definition or even improving core strength for those who are already fit.”

Stacey says that the ever-popular CoolSculpting procedure starts with a consultation. An individualized treatment plan is designed after evaluating the patient’s body structure. The process works best when patients are close to their ideal body weight, taking off inches rather than pounds. “

With each session (often two to four sessions), you can lose up to 25 percent of fat cells in those areas.”

By Janette Calabro

“There’s not much pain during the procedure,” Stacey notes. “You’ll feel intense cold sensations before the area becomes numb. Patients generally read or turn the lights off if they want to take a nap. It’s pretty relaxing.”

The noninvasive CoolTone bypasses skin and fat to get right to the muscles. Stacey says that a CoolTone treatment feels like a series of strong muscle contractions, pushing results beyond a gym workout, but it is not painful. Sessions are short, about 30 minutes long, and sometimes result in a little muscle soreness afterward.

According to 55-year-old Tina, who is very impressed with CoolTone, the treatment is just what she needed to take herself to the next level. “I felt this was a great additional piece,” Tina says. “I work out regularly and I eat healthy for the most part. I work pretty hard at staying healthy, but I felt the CoolTone really defined and gave me the results that I wanted. I needed that third piece beyond diet and the gym.”

“It was extremely easy and Aislinn was very informative,” Tina continues. “They work with you to make sure you’re comfortable or dim the lights. I even got to the point where I could relax.” Tina started CoolTone with a base of six sessions and returns once per month for maintenance. “Once you get to your desired result, going back once a month for upkeep is well worth it!”

Whatever your plan, Stacey promotes taking small steps toward big goals. “Consistency is key,” Stacey advises. “Make small lifestyle changes that can be maintained in the long run rather than something big and drastic that is not sustainable. We’re here to help push the numbers a little bit if that’s what you need.”

If you’re ready for your pants to fit better, make an appointment for body sculpting at Aislinn Medical Spa. You can reach them online at aislinnmedspa.com or by phone at 402-397-2300. Aislinn Medical Spa is located at 818 Village Square, in Gretna.

Stacy Shinaut, MSN, APRN, FNP, BC

11/6/20 2:05 PM

“We have always enjoyed working with Women's Edition over the past 30 some years. Over the years, we have created many new customers, after they saw one of our ads or one of the write-ups on our shop. The articles they have written on the store and owner over the years are always well written, in depth, and continue to create buzz for our business. We love that they know us all by name and really strive for us to get the most out of our advertising. Women's Edition will always be a place we will happily advertise.”

— Dwaine Ferguson, Owner

Smooth Sailing to Sell Your Home!

Tips For Selling

Selling your home is a significant milestone, often filled with both excitement and stress.

By Janette Calabro

The keys to earning more with less drama are planning and preparation. It’s true! Let’s walk a down a stress-free path toward selling quickly for a great price. How? By taking steps to get your home ready. Read on for tips to increase your home’s value, create curb appeal, and choose the right professional who can help you sell. You’ll encounter many important considerations along your selling journey.

The first thing to do is take time to research market conditions in your local real estate market. You’ll gain a better understanding for a buyer’s market vs. a seller’s market—the relationship between supply and demand for homes determines who has the edge, and that influences pricing and timing to sell. Hint: A seller’s market often means there are more buyers than homes available!

Get competitive, but keep an open mind. Set a realistic pricing strategy based on comparable homes in your area. (These “comps” are what an appraiser uses to determine home value.) Overpricing can turn borrowers away, and underpricing might mean smaller proceeds at closing. Negotiate!

Something that might not be top of mind when getting ready to sell is that you need to prepare for how much it costs to sell a home. You’ll have to deal with expenses like real estate agent commissions, repairs, staging costs, and moving fees, along with the possibility that your buyers may ask for help with their closing costs (seller concessions).

Paying a buyer’s costs is optional to the seller, but you might use it to sweeten the deal while negotiating. The seller can contribute three to six percent of the sales price, depending on the buyer’s loan type. Depending on your state, the seller typically pays fees like title insurance, transfer taxes, recording fees, and prorated property taxes. This may sound like a lot, but don’t forget that the buyer carries a considerably higher amount for their own closing costs.

Do you have a plan for your next home? Whether you plan to buy another home, rent, or relocate, be sure that your timelines for buying and selling align. That usually means that the home you sell should close on the same day or before you close on a new property. If you’re not counting on proceeds from the sale for your new purchase, you’ll have more wiggle room.

When you’re planning to sell your home, a real estate agent is your best source for advice. Realtors provide expert knowledge on everything, from setting an accurate listing price to marketing to potential buyers. They manage advertising and showing the property—that removes substantial stress for the seller! Agents know how to write a purchase agreement, evaluate offers, and negotiate the best terms for the seller while not scaring away the buyers. They are your guide for all the legal aspects throughout the selling process. Your agent is aware of disclosure requirements, too. For example, issues like water damage, structural challenges, or termites in the past require disclosure.

Remember that real estate agents have completed stringent education requirements to gain all the knowledge they pass on to you. A state licensing exam must be passed to gain their credentials, and the exams aren’t easy. There’s no harm in interviewing a few agents to get a feel for who you connect with best. Ask friends and family for referrals, check to make sure the agents you’re most interested in are licensed, and always read online reviews to confirm a good track record. Ask agents about their experience and market knowledge, and note how well they answer your questions. Are they patient? What is their commission? Commissions vary, but generally the seller pays five to six percent of the list price.

Most of the time, achieving the best possible price for your home takes strategic effort. Consider staging your home with a professional real estate agent. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), staging a home increases perceived value. This often leads to a higher selling price, and staged homes often sell faster.

What exactly does “staging” mean? It’s not just an industry buzzword. Staging a home for sale is a marketing strategy in preparation to show a house in favor of the buyer’s perspective. It’s basically preparation for an open house, creating a first impression that might capture a buyer’s heart. It also enhances your professional photography and virtual tours, both of which are essential in today’s online market. Staging has the potential to make the darkest space feel bright and airy. Let’s take a look at some specific staging strategies!

Enhancing curb appeal is a great start. The exterior of your home creates a first impression to potential buyers. Professional landscaping creates a great visual from the street, creating a well-maintained, aesthetically pleasing look at kickoff. If the weather permits, plant lush greenery and colorful flowers for an inviting look. Regardless of season, make sure pathways are well-defined.

A well-lit entryway and tasteful lighting can increase a home’s value by 10 percent! But that’s not all. Illuminating steps, walkways, or uneven surfaces improves safety from falls and deters would-be thieves…and it looks pretty! Try highlighting architecture or uplighting features you’re proud of, like that gorgeous front yard tree, a water feature, or a stone facade. Repaint or touch up the front door and replace outdated fixtures like address numbers or mailboxes. Create a warm ambiance so that your house stands out from the rest.

Before you invite potential buyers inside, ask your realtor or staging professional for advice on how to stage the inside

of your home for a fresh, inviting welcome. They’ll have loads of ideas. Decluttering and depersonalizing will likely be at the top of the list. Clutter distracts from your home’s best features! Minimizing furniture creates a roomier layout. Removing family photos and keepsakes helps potential buyers imagine the space as their own.

Use neutral colors whenever possible so that potential buyers can envision their own ideas for paint and décor. Your agent may suggest little pops of color like throw pillows, plants, or accents that create the tone but are not overwhelming. Deep cleaning is a must! If this all sounds like too much work, consider hiring a maid service, interior decorator, painter, or other contractors to help you get the best bang for your buck and still be done in time for showings.

Consider repairs and updates that may increase the value of your home before you sell. Kitchen remodeling, bathroom upgrades, and finishing a basement or attic are a few ideas. Just go easy on the personality so that buyers can customize to their own taste. Energy efficiencies are always appealing to buyers. Make sure that heating and cooling systems are up to date and that plumbing and electricity are functional. How old is your roof? Home insurance agencies may not provide insurance coverage if the roof is too old. Your real estate agent can guide you toward the improvements that will bring you the greatest return on investment.

Real estate website Zillow says the best time to sell a house for maximum profit is early June. That’s when school

is on summer break and the largest number of buyers are shopping for homes. “The best month to sell a house has historically been May or early spring around March,” says Zillow. “According to the most recent analysis of annual sales from 2023, the best month to sell a home has moved up to June. It’s important to remember that local market circumstances also influence the best time to list your home. Those conditions include job growth, mortgage rates, and tax incentives.”

Speaking of tax incentives, call your financial advisor to understand the tax implications of selling your home and what your next steps might be financially. The IRS says that taxpayers who are selling their home may qualify to exclude all or part of any gain from their income when filing their tax return. There are other rules. For example, selling a house within one year of purchase could result in short-term capital gains and may be taxed as ordinary income. Check with your tax consultant to understand your tax considerations.

Preparing your home for sale is a process, but the journey doesn’t have to be undertaken alone. Choose the right pros to be in your corner! They’ll help you gain value, make strategic renovations, manage the showing, and navigate the negotiation and legal processes. The result may surprise you: a successful and stress-free home sale!

Sources for this article included: bankrate.com, nerdwallet. com, and zillow.com.

Dunning Acupuncture and Massage

We strive to provide individualized, whole-person treatments in a comfortable, professional setting. Classic Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) diagnosis and treatment gives the best treatment available for each person.

This month, we are featuring the Covid Kit, which includes the high-quality Chinese herbal formula “Jade Wind Screen.”This formula has been used for centuries to strengthen the protective capacity of the immune system against cold and flu. Also included is the “Cold Killer” formula, which is used for the early onset (days 1-3) of cold/flu symptoms. Detailed instructions included. Kit cost is $100. Call today: 402-650-7715

Cake Expressions,

Inc.

Creating happy memories...that is what Cake Expressions is all about! Let us make your special event, wedding, graduation, birthday, anniversary, or neighborhood get-together the best ever. We create extraordinary and delicious cakes, 3-D cakes, cupcake pull-a-parts, delightful pies, and cookies. Follow us on Facebook to see our delicious creations. Whatever you’re planning, make sure to call Debbie at Cake Expressions 402-933-4158. Located at 3503 Samson Way, Suite 100, in Bellevue.

VENUS VEIN CLINIC

Vein disease isn’t about appearance as much as it is about your health. Do you suffer from leg pain, swelling, restlessness, and skin discoloration? These are very common symptoms of vein disease. Left untreated, it can cause serious health issues. At VENUS, you may be surprised at how easily and comfortably you can improve your daily life. There is no downtime to recover, there’s no sedation or heavy medicines needed, and treatments are covered by medical insurance. You can go right back to work or exercise, and you will feel better and look better, too.

VENUS Vein Clinic—Your Go-To Vein Clinic. Don’t wait a day longer, call today at 402-979-VEIN (8346) or visit VenusVeinClinic.com.

Mayer Wellness & Myofascial Release

As your local myofascial release experts, we offer both appointments and workshops to help you take charge of your healing. Our hands-on, guided workshops teach gentle yet effective myofascial self-treatment techniques to reduce pain, release tension, and increase resiliency using soft tools, which you get to take home! Join us to learn how to gently release fascial restrictions, improving your quality of life. Great for ages 12 and up.

Use code WOMEN10% for 10% off your first workshop.

Visit www.MayerWellness.com and click WORKSHOPS to learn more.

Kristin Nolan and Ryan Welch, Insurance Advisors

The amount of information that comes to individuals regarding Medicare is overwhelming. We enjoy working alongside clients to discuss their health insurance needs, while reviewing plan expenses to be anticipated. We walk clients through the entire Medicare process and help throughout the year as questions arise.

As independent and local agents, Kristin and Ryan enjoy working with individuals to help navigate Medicare, Group Health Insurance, and Life Insurance. Our services are at no cost to you. Give us a call: Kristin (402-630-0033) and Ryan (402-960-6632). Let us help you find the ideal insurance to fit your needs.

The Market powered by The Furniture Girl

A fun and unique place to explore! You will be simply amazed at all the treasures you will find at The Market! Great home furnishings from new to vintage, fresh florals, original artwork by local artisans, jewelry, and gifts. We are moving to 2019 Harry Langdon Blvd. mid-March. For the exact date of our opening, follow us on Facebook.

The Furniture Girl will operate and organize all aspects of selling an estate. If you need to sell or buy a property, Patti Wiggins (owner) is an experienced Realtor with NP Dodge. Call 712-256-2057. Come see us regularly; our merchandise changes daily!

Venus Vein Clinic

A Passion for Healthy Veins

Healthy veins are a big part of looking good and feeling good, for men and women alike. As owner of Venus Vein Clinic, Dr. Kelly Schroeder is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of vein and lymphatic disorders, and she is committed to helping her patients live healthy, active lives. If your legs are feeling achy and sluggish or your bulging veins keep you from wearing shorts, it’s time to visit Dr. Schroeder to learn about regaining healthy veins.

“Your heart pumps blood out, and your veins take all of that blood back uphill,” explains Dr. Schroeder. “So, when we’re sitting or standing all day, gravity counteracts what the veins are trying to do. Veins have these cool one-way valves that keep blood going in the right direction.” When these valves stop working properly, blood backs up and veins can start twisting and bulging.

Vein disease is generally a genetic issue, though something like an injury or carrying extra weight can exacerbate vein disease. Those swollen, twisted ropes that bulge from your legs are damaged vein walls. They hinder the circulatory system and may cause other medical conditions.

Vein disease is very common, Dr. Schroeder notes, occurring in almost half of adults. “A lot of people think that heavy, aching legs or swelling ankles are a normal part of aging,” says Dr. Schroeder. “That is not true. Legs are not supposed to feel tired and achy or wake you up at night. Your legs should feel as good as the rest of your body throughout the day.”

By Janette Calabro

heat source. It is allowed to work for 3 to 5 minutes in the affected vein, then your body metabolizes the medication. The foam isn’t left behind.”

Dr. Schroeder offers different types of treatments for vein disease because not every patient is the same and not every vein is the same. “There are clear instances when each modality is a better fit,” she notes. “Varithena is great because I can get into all the varicosities, and the lumps and bumps that people don’t like.”

“I love working with patients who come back in after we do what we needed to do to make their legs feel great.”

Dr. Schroeder offers several state-of-the-art treatment options. (Most procedures are covered by health insurance.) Radiofrequency ablation heats up the vein walls with a small catheter, causing the vein to break down and seal itself off. There’s also VenaSeal, which consists of a medical-grade adhesive that is administered via a small catheter into the affected vein, causing it to close. Both of these treatments are tried and true, as well as minimally invasive, but they do require numbing before the procedure.

Varithena is one of the newest ways to treat varicose veins. This safe and effective procedure uses a very small injection of microfoam to break down the vein’s inner lining. This collapses the problem vein for immediate relief. The procedure is completed with no surgery or anesthesia required!

“Varithena is a similar medication to that which has been used to treat spider veins.,” says Dr. Schroeder. “The new formula presents as a foam, allowing us to treat larger diameter veins. The medication is not painful, because it doesn’t use a

One of the first things patients notice after treatment is that they’re sleeping better, Dr. Schroeder shares. “After treatment, your circulation is already rerouted. Quality of life is better. Now your legs aren’t controlling your life. Generally, you start feeling better pretty quickly. You can go back to work that day, go shopping, go to lunch.”You can even exercise, though she notes that you should not exercise excessively for the first few days after vein treatment.

Dr. Schroeder loves to follow up with cosmetic issues, too. “I love working with patients who come back in after we do what we needed to do to make their legs feel great. Now they’re sleeping, they’re active, and they don’t have to go right home after work and sit with their feet up. We can also make legs look good when they already feel good…it’s like completing the circle. We should feel comfortable with what we want to wear. It’s part of emotional health!”

“Your legs shouldn’t make you have to sit down, or have to elevate, or make you nervous about a long car ride,” Dr. Schroeder concludes. “If your legs are limiting your life in any way, just come in and have us take a look.”Venus Vein Clinic is located at 9202 West Dodge Road, Suite 303. To make an appointment, please call 402-922-VEIN (8346) or visit them online at venusveinclinic.com.

Kelly Schroeder, MD

Remake Yourself

Plastic Surgery Options

By Loretta McCollum

Plastic surgery can mean different things to different people. It can be a restorative procedure, bringing part of the body back to its previous condition. It can bring balance and proportion to your features, boosting your self-confidence and self-esteem. This boost in self-esteem can spill over into other areas of your life, helping to bring about other positive changes in your health. Face lifts, rhinoplasty (nose surgery), eyelid lifts, breast reduction or augmentation, and neck lifts are common plastic surgery procedures performed in the United States.

Any licensed physician can perform cosmetic surgery, but it’s important to compare training, experience, and the physician’s track record for the type of procedure performed. You should seek out a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. In addition to completing a threeto-five-year residency, board-certified plastic surgeons must complete a one-year fellowship.

Aging skin loses elasticity and volume, which is when those pesky crow’s feet, furrowed brows, and jowls start to appear. A face lift tackles these issues. It lifts and firms sagging tissue, smooths deep creases and folds, and tightens facial tissue. It addresses the entire face and neck. The surgeon makes small incisions behind the hairline, repositions deep tissue beneath the skin, and removes excess skin, smoothing out wrinkles and restoring shape. General anesthesia is used, and the recovery period is about two weeks.

The nose is not only critical for breathing and our sense of

smell; it has long been a defining beauty feature. Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is one of the most popular types of cosmetic surgery. Rhinoplasty changes the shape or size of the nose. This is done to improve and balance facial appearance, to address breathing issues, or to correct a deviated septum or a broken nose. Results are noticeable as early as one week following the procedure. Swelling is common for several weeks, and results are permanent.

Eyes may be the window to the soul, but bags, sags, and droopy lids can cloud that window. An upper eyelid lift removes fat and extra skin that has lost its shape, reopening the window. A lower lid lift removes and repositions fatty tissue and also tightens muscles, smoothing wrinkles and decreasing under-eye bags and puffiness. Incisions are made in natural eye creases, making them virtually invisible.

Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, enhances the size and shape of the breasts and is one of

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— Sonja Skadberg, 3 Day Kitchen & Bath Authorized Dealer

March 1 ......................... National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day

March 3 .........................National I Want You to be Happy Day

March 4 .......................................................... Marching Music Day

March 5 .......................... National Employee Appreciation Day

March 6 ..............................................................National Dress Day

March 8 ..............................................National Proofreading Day

March 10 .................................... National Pack Your Lunch Day

March 11 .......................... National Oatmeal Nut Waffles Day

March 12 ................................................. National Girl Scout Day

March 13 .................................................... National Earmuff Day

March 14 .................... National Learn About Butterflies Day

March 17 ................................................................. St. Patrick’s Day

March 18 ........................... National Awkward Moments Day

March 19 ............................................... National Let’s Laugh Day

March 21 ................................ National Common Courtesy Day

March 22 .................................................... National Goof Off Day

March 23 .......................................................... National Puppy Day

March 27 ..................................................... National Scribble Day

March 31 ....................................................... National Crayon Day

Brighten Month YOUR March!

the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries. Women choose this surgery not only for increasing breast dimensions, but also to correct uneven breasts or decrease age-related sagging and volume loss. This can improve body image and self-esteem. The procedure may involve breast implants, breast fat transfer, or a breast lift.

Saline breast implants contain sterile salt water. Should a leak occur, the saline is absorbed and naturally expelled by the body. This type of implant provides uniform shape and firmness. Structured saline implants contain an inner shell, making the implant feel more natural. Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel, which feels more like natural breast tissue. Implants are available in a multitude of shapes and dimensions. Your surgeon will help you select the right size and composition for your needs.

The other side of the spectrum is breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammaplasty. This procedure removes excess fat and skin from the breasts. Women choose this surgery for both medical and psychological reasons. Having overly large breasts may cause chronic back and neck pain, nerve pain, and emotional distress, especially in teenagers, who often face relentless scrutiny and peer pressure. Breast reduction can also make it easier to participate in physical activities.

A graceful neckline is something we may take for granted. Then, one day we’re putting on our favorite necklace, and we suddenly realize that we have the dreaded turkey neck. The thin, mostly hairless skin on the neck shows prominent signs of aging, especially since it probably hasn’t gotten the anti-aging attention we give to our facial skin. A neck lift can correct this issue. The procedure can be minimally invasive (with liposuction alone). A full neck lift procedure, however, involves incisions under the chin and behind the ears. The muscles are tightened, excess skin and fat are removed, and tissue and skin are repositioned.

It’s important to consider insurance coverage when evaluating the cost of plastic surgery. If the surgery is considered elective, it is not likely to be covered. If the procedure is deemed to improve the health of the patient, it may be covered.

Whatever procedure you’re considering, select a qualified surgeon and have realistic expectations. A trusted, experienced surgeon can explain the results you should expect and lead you to a satisfactory conclusion.

Sources for this article included: webmd. com, abplasticsurgery.org, and health.clevelandclinic.org.

This

—Jeanie Jacobson

Steve Sheridan, Owner

From Dingy to Dazzling

The Magic of Tile and Stone Restoration

By Robyn V. Powell

If you’re lucky enough to have natural stone flooring or countertops in your home, you’ve got one of the most sophisticated and sought-after surfaces on the market today. Natural stones such as marble, travertine, and limestone are not just timeless and durable; when properly cared for, these surfaces can have a life span of over 100 years! The best way to maintain your stone and tiled surfaces and ensure longevity is through tile and stone restoration. If your surfaces have lost their luster, it’s time to bring them back to life with professional stone restoration.

The good news is that there are proven products and practices you can trust to do the heavy lifting. These processes restore and rejuvenate flooring, countertops, or shower walls to their original beauty and functionality. Stone restoration doesn’t just repair minor damage—it also adds a protective layer to increase the life span of stone and tile.

The process begins with hiring a professional to inspect your stone, assess its condition, and identify any areas that require cleaning, polishing, or repair. Understanding the type of stone or tile is vital when choosing restoration methods, so it’s best to get professional service.

During the deep cleaning phase, specialized products are used to remove staining and any buildup of dirt and grime. If a surface has deep scratches or appears uneven, diamond

Simply put, tile and stone restoration is the process of revitalizing the surface to enhance and maintain its natural beauty. Tile and stone restoration goes beyond regular cleaning to remove scratches, stains, and even etching. It involves deep cleaning, polishing, and repairing damage to restore its appearance. Whether it’s flooring, countertops, or shower walls being restored, the restoration process returns stone and tile to its original beauty. It can also change the finish from high polish to satin (or vice versa), totally transforming the look of your stone! Even the toughest and most highly durable surfaces suffer the effects of wear and tear. Over time, natural stone, ceramic, and porcelain surfaces in your home are subject to a range of common hazards that diminish their appearance and impact their durability. Foot traffic, pets, and spills can cause scratching and staining, leaving these once-lustrous surfaces dull and worn. Moving heavy furniture across floors can cause chips and cracks; if left unaddressed, these can affect the integrity of the floor.

from the initial meeting with this group to the end of installation process.

Heather, Tim & Kevin

2,109

Need Sleep Better.

All children deserve a safe, comfortable place to lay their heads. Across the US, too many boys and girls go without a bed—or even a pillow—to sleep on. These children end up sleeping on couches, blankets, and even floors. This can affect their happiness and health. That’s where Sleep in Heavenly Peace comes in. We’re a group of volunteers dedicated to building, assembling, and delivering handbuilt bunk beds to children and families in need.

You Can Make a Difference

2,109 Beds Needed KIDS STILL WAITING FOR BEDS… (WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP TO MEET THIS NEED)

3,379 Beds Delivered THE NUMBER OF BEDS WE’VE DELIVERED TO KIDS IN OUR TOWN.

7,236 Hours Volunteered HEARTFELT HOURS MAKING AN IMMEDIATE IMPACT.

New Kitchen

abrasives are used to grind and hone the stone. This removes the damaged outer layer of the stone and creates a smooth, uniform surface. The stone is then polished to restore its natural glossy shine. Damaged areas and cracks are treated with fillers to blend in with the surrounding stone and create a seamless finish.

In the final step, your restoration pro will apply a high-quality sealer. This sealer will protect the surface and provide a glossy finish for years to come. Following restoration, regular cleaning and sealing will help extend the time until the next restoration is needed.

Grout maintenance is another important component of protecting tiled surfaces. Properly caring for grout extends the life span of tile, preserving the long-term integrity and aesthetics of tiled surfaces. Maintaining grout prevents unsightly discoloration, mold growth, and leakage. Keeping grout lines clean and properly sealed also prevents the accumulation of dirt and bacteria, which can result in health concerns.

If grout lines are thinning or cracked, it’s important to have them inspected and repaired. Professional grout cleaning will make grout look brand new and can be accomplished for a fraction of the cost, time, and effort of grout replacement.

Stone restoration and grout maintenance are game changers for anyone who wants to restore the beauty of these natural surfaces and extend their longevity. The transformation is remarkable, enhancing the look of your space and protecting your investment in your home. If your floors or countertops look dull, scratched, or chipped, it’s time to consider professional restoration.

Hiring the right professionals is key to achieving great results. Professionals understand the unique properties of different types of stone and tile and will tailor your restoration program accordingly. With their expertise and the use of professional grade equipment, a restoration pro will produce a flawless finish without damaging your stone. They will also complete the process quickly and efficiently, with minimal disruption to your household and routine.

When hiring a professional, always check online reviews to get a feel for how others rate their service and professionalism. Ask for quotes from more than one contractor so you have an accurate idea of the cost, and make sure the contractor you select has experience with your type of stone or tile.

Sources for this article included: businessinsider.com, hgtv.com, and houzz.com.

Allison Bring, Event Experience and Sales Manager

The Body’s MVPs

Shining a Light on Your Amazing Kidneys

By Leslie Bryne

What bean-shaped organs work 24/7 but rarely get the credit they deserve? Your kidneys! These quiet powerhouses keep your body balanced and functioning smoothly, often unnoticed—until something goes wrong. During National Kidney Awareness Month, let’s shine a light on these underappreciated organs. From filtering toxins to balancing essential nutrients, your kidneys play a starring role in your health. This month, discover why your kidneys deserve your attention and learn how to keep them healthy!

You can think of your kidneys as your body’s filtration system, like the ones on many kitchen appliances for drinking water. They remove waste and extra fluids from your blood. These small but mighty organs process about 50 gallons of blood daily. Without them, your body would quickly become overwhelmed by toxins, leading to severe health issues.

Kidneys perform several other essential functions to keep your body in balance, including blood pressure regulation, electrolyte balancing, and the support of red blood cells and bones. They release vital hormones that help control blood pressure levels. They also keep your electrolytes balanced by maintaining the right levels of potassium, sodium, and other minerals. They produce erythropoietin, which helps with red blood cell production and activates vitamin D for healthy bones.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects about 15 percent of adults in the United States—a concerning statistic, given how preventable it often is.

Conditions that can cause chronic kidney disease include high blood pressure, recurring kidney infections or inflammation, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Other risk factors can include smoking, family history of the disease, and abnormal kidney structure. Chronic kidney disease is more common in people with black, Native American, or Asian American heritage.

One of the biggest challenges of chronic kidney disease is that it can sneak up on you. Symptoms of kidney disease can include fatigue, changes in urination frequency or appearance, difficulty concentrating, persistent high blood pressure, or swelling in the ankles, feet, or hands. Many of these symptoms are not specific to kidney disease, so they could have other causes that need medical attention. If you notice these or other troubling symptoms, consult a healthcare provider for evaluation.

Chronic kidney disease can be treated, and the treatment of choice depends on the severity of the disease. Treatments can include lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet, increasing physical activity, and quitting smoking. Medication

Health disparities continue to plague the most underserved populations. The National Kidney Foundation is committed to improving outcomes for ALL kidney patients, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual identity, and socio-economic status.

can help control high blood pressure and can help manage diabetes and anemia.

People with advanced kidney failure are often treated by dialysis, a process that removes waste and excess fluids from the body when kidneys can no longer perform this function. In severe cases, a kidney transplant may be the best option. Like so many other diseases, prevention is better than treatment! It’s important to have regular checkups with your doctor, especially if you have risk factors for kidney disease.

To help keep your kidneys healthy, drink plenty of water. It’s easier for the kidneys to flush out toxins when the body is well hydrated. Eat a balanced diet, limiting salt, processed foods, and sugary drinks. Exercise regularly to manage your weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.

We all know that smoking is unhealthy, but it is particularly damaging in kidney failure because it reduces blood flow to the kidneys and accelerates damage. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are metabolized in the kidneys, and overuse can harm kidney function.

A nephrologist is a doctor who specializes in kidney health. These specialists diagnose and treat kidney-related conditions, working closely with other healthcare providers to manage overall health. If you have or are at risk for chronic kidney disease, seeking a nephrologist’s expertise is essential.

Kidney health is assessed with tests that measure creatinine levels and estimate your glomerular filtration rate (GFR), an indicator of kidney function. Checking for protein or blood in the urine can reveal early signs of kidney damage. Your physician will also monitor your blood pressure.

Kidney transplants are a lifesaving option for those with end-stage kidney disease. According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), over 23,000 kidney transplants were performed in the United States in 2022. However, the demand far exceeds the supply, with thousands still waiting for a donor.

Caring for your kidneys is an act of self-love. By understanding the crucial role these organs play and taking steps to protect them, you’re investing in your longterm health. Whether it’s sipping an extra glass of water, getting fitness advice from a personal trainer, or scheduling an overdue checkup, every small step makes a difference. During National Kidney Awareness Month, let’s commit to giving our kidneys the care they deserve!

CHRONIC LOWER BACK PAIN?

Stephanie Simon NP Oksana Lukashonak PA-C Shelley VanHoozer APRN-NP

Multi-Generational Trips

Six Steps to Keep Everyone Happy

One of the hardest things to do is to get your loved ones all together in one place for a family vacation. Excuses range from“I have something scheduled already that weekend,”to“We can’t afford it.”You will get everyone else’s opinion on where to go…and when…and why. The truth is: whoever does the work gets to choose. If you’re the planner, that is you! So, where do you want to go?

Depending on the size of your group and the ages of the people in it, something as simple as a home or houseboat rental at a specific locale can be a great choice. If your group is too big for a single rental, consider a cruise or a particular hotel or resort with options all around you—that way, each family unit can have their own living space. Consider budgets and ease of travel. Are you near a major airport or cruise terminal? Will you be driving to your vacation spot via car or RV caravan? That information, and the help of your travel agent, will help you to determine what will work for everyone.

In my experience, everybody wants to spend some time together, but we also need some alone time when we can relax and do what we want to, especially if that is doing nothing. Try not to plan too much. That will definitely help with your stress level, and everyone will thank you for the freedom to relax.

When it comes to coordinating meeting places, sending “pins” from Google maps via text message will give the recipient directions to whatever location you send. If you’re not familiar with doing that already, take the time to sort it out before your trip.

I recently planned a three-day multi-generation trip for my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary. It worked out so well that everyone said we should have stayed another night! I started with a budget (my own and what my family would be willing to spend) and an idea. My travel agent, Ravyn Howard, and I narrowed it down to a location that was drivable. We booked with Marriott Shadow Ridge in Palm Desert, California, which had a variety of rooms available so everyone was able to choose and pay for what they preferred, from a typical hotel room all the way up to a two-bedroom suite with full kitchen and living room. Calling the property ahead of time enabled them to put all of our rooms close to each other.

One important choice I would recommend is to book a separate space for everyone to congregate in, like a separate suite or meeting room wherever you are staying. We used this room to start each day with coffee and pastries and to enjoy desserts, drinks, and games at night. No one was bothered by having to get up earlier or stay up later than they wanted to, and people could come and go as they pleased.

By Jackie Williams

Another tip is to type up a list of activities in the area, tours available, and places to eat so everyone has ideas of what they can do as a group or on their own. (Then print this list for everyone and send it by email.) Your travel agent can set up tours ahead of time and the family can sign up for what they want to do. This actually builds excitement for the trip and no one is clueless about what will take place. On our trip, the only thing anyone had to commit to was whether they would attend any of the daily lunches and dinners planned at certain restaurants. We asked everyone to RSVP for those in advance. The key is to minimize obligations. Make things easy-going and everyone will enjoy it.

To recap on how to plan an enjoyable multi-generational trip with family and friends:

1. Work with your travel agent to find a destination and property and have everyone book through the agent.

2. Give everyone plenty of notice. A year is ideal, but three to six months may work, if schedules are relatively flexible.

3. Book at least one large suite as a gathering spot so you don’t have to gather in anyone’s private space.

4. If you haven’t already, learn to pin and share locations on Google maps.

5. Email and print the schedule, activities, and dining options.

6. Remember to schedule some downtime—everyone needs to be alone sometimes to recharge or simply do what they please.

My last tip? Plan one more day than you expect to stay. No one really wants to go home on the last day!

Sources for this article included: montecitovillagetravel. com, marriott.com, and travelawaits.com.

Editor’s Note: Jackie has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her work has appeared in publications including Colorado Golf, Desert Golf, and Canadian Architecture & Design. Her blogs can be found at BoardandRide.com and the luxury and adventure travel website, ArtofTripping.com.

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Retirement 101 Facts You Need to Know

By Linda Barnes

When you retire, life gets easier. Right? Sure, if you made a good financial plan and stuck to it. You’ve paid into a retirement plan, participated in Social Security, and saved a little besides. Should be a breeze. Or so one couple thought, until they outlived their life expectancy and interest rates fell off a cliff. Inflation happened. The income they thought would be sufficient now falls short every month.

The future is hard to predict, but planning early and getting good advice can go a long way toward achieving financial freedom for the golden years you’ve always imagined. However, retirement involves more than just financial planning. Planning for retirement often starts with visualizing what you want retirement to look like. Where will you live? Will you keep your family home or downsize? Will you continue to work part time? Is a vacation home part of the dream? One car or two? Will you travel? How often will you travel? Your plan should not be set in stone. It needs enough flexibility to adjust to changing circumstances but enough strength to guide your decisions. Financial planning may include investments to help you reach your goals, but they are not the whole story.

Planning retirement income can be complex. You may have paid into an employer retirement plan. Whether it was a private plan or a 401(k), rules will apply, such as when you must begin withdrawals, their tax status, and the penalties if required distributions are not met.

For example: A man paid into his employer’s private re -

tirement plan. He had to decide how much his wife would be entitled to after he dies (the same monthly payment they received during his retirement or half of that monthly payment). If he chooses the former, the monthly payment will be smaller, both before and after his death. If he chooses the latter, the payment during his life would be larger but his widow would get less after his death. Try doing the math on that!

As part of their retirement plan, some people pay into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) in one of several forms. Rules apply, such as how much one can contribute and whether contributions are taxed before contribution or after distribution. What happens upon one’s death may also differ based on the account rules.

There are also decisions to be made with Social Security, such as when to begin receiving a monthly payment. The earlier you begin to collect it, the smaller the benefit. If you continue to work after retirement, you may end up paying more taxes on your Social Security income than if you do not. Another factor to consider is that there is a limit to how much other income you can earn before full retirement age (66-67

years) without your Social Security benefits being reduced.

You should also establish a tax withholding plan at retirement. You do not want the surprise of a large tax bill on April 15th, including penalties if you have not planned adequate withholding or made sufficient estimated payments.

Obviously, multiple factors play into retirement income planning. It is worth finding a reputable professional to help. Attorneys, financial planners, and CPAs can guide you. Consider the peace of mind knowing that you are avoiding costly mistakes with your retirement finances.

A comprehensive plan should include your expected expenses and an income stream to cover them. During your working years, your income stream may be mostly from employment earnings. A retirement income stream might be from a pension, Social Security, part-time work, retirement accounts, or investments. A financial planner, CPA, or attorney can offer valuable advice.

With a financial plan established, don’t forget about healthcare needs. These will surely increase with aging. Medicare is a boon for retirees, but its various plans and supplemental insurance are undeniably complicated. Medicare.gov is a useful resource for understanding benefits, or you can engage the services of a Medicare Advisor.

Long-term care insurance may be invaluable down the road, as Medicare typically provides very limited coverage for nursing home costs and none for non-medical assisted living expenses. The sooner one buys long-term care insurance, the lower the premiums. An independent agent can guide you.

Establishing an emergency fund is always wise, whether you’re working or retired. Automatic savings plans utilizing payroll deductions are ideal. Advisors counsel against tapping into savings, if possible. Retirees are also reminded to check credit scores to see if someone opens an account in their name.

An attorney can help with the legal aspects of estate planning such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or advance directives. With these and a solid retirement plan, the future looks bright!

Sources for this article included: money.usnews.com, usa.gov, businessinsider.com, and irs.gov.

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National Pet Poison Prevention Month

Keep Your Pets Safe at Home

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA),

100,000 cases of dog poisonings are reported in the United States every year. Substances poisonous to your dog are numerous. Let’s take a look at what to avoid or remove.

By Jackie Byers

Due diligence in poison-proofing your home when you decide to get a pet is an excellent approach. With information from your vet, you can eliminate many dangers before you bring your pet home.

Your dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 times stronger than yours, and their olfactory bulb is much larger than yours. Dogs inhale separately with each nostril. More than 10 percent of each inhale goes directly to the olfactory bulb. The bottom line is that sniffing everything and tasting almost everything is how dogs learn about their environment—that can’t be changed.

Many families do not restrict pets from any areas of the home; they consider them members of the family. However, keep in mind that if your dog is in a room with potential poisoning danger, certain items must be kept out of reach.

In the kitchen, keep the pantry door closed and potentially dangerous foods up high. Such foods include grapes, chocolate, macadamia nuts, rhubarb, mushrooms, garlic, and onion. Xylitol is a sugar substitute used in many human diet foods. Read the label on anything you plan to feed your pup and change your plan if you find this ingredient.

The ASPCA lists over 400 house plants that have negative systemic effects on dogs. These effects permanently damage a dog’s vital organs and are often fatal. Such plants include ivy, philodendron, asparagus fern, jade plant, pothos, mums, snake plant, and lily. That’s just a smattering of the full list, which you can find at aspca.com.

You also want to avoid toxic plants in the garden. If you choose plants that might be hazardous to your dog (or your neighbor’s), plant them in a spot your dog cannot access or put up a fence around the garden. One creative source admitted having a beautifully planted, manicured, and dog-dangerous front yard. His neighbors love it. His dogs only have access to the back yard, which is invisible to the neighbors. The dogs love it.

Others outdoor dangers for your dog include chemical lawn treatments. Experts recommend keeping dogs and children away from chemically treated areas. Another source explained that he uses only safe, organic treatments for his grass—no treatments that might be dangerous for his dogs. You do have options! Making pet safety a top priority on your property doesn’t mean that you have to go without a lovely yard.

In the yard, in the garage, and in the house, chemicals are a danger to pets. Chemicals that are hazardous to ingest have many uses, but they need to be stored in a closet, on a high shelf, completely out of reach for pets (and kids). Under the sink is a common place to store chemicals, but that location is too easily accessed by a dog.

Car wax, grease, car cleaning products, and leftover paints and solvents, are all likely to be stored in the garage. Be sure to place them up high, in a well-ventilated area.

One of the biggest poison dangers for dogs is anti-freeze. Its main ingredient, ethylene glycol, is highly toxic but has a tempting sweet taste. It is also toxic in very small amounts, so a dog that simply steps in a puddle of anti-freeze on the garage floor and then licks their paw is at high risk of poisoning. Keep the garage floor clean and don’t let your dog roam there unsupervised!

Like all chemicals, human medications should be stored where your pet cannot get at them. Never give a dog medicine designed for a human.

If you suspect or know that your pet has ingested something toxic, have someone call your veterinarian while you’re on the way to the nearest emergency veterinary service. You can also call the Animal Poison Control hotline at 888-426-4435. Symptoms of poisoning can include vomiting or diarrhea, lethargy, staggering, and increased thirst.

Do not induce vomiting in your dog. This can cause a choking hazard and may not do any good, depending on how long ago the toxin was ingested. If the vet decides to induce vomiting, they can do it in a controlled situation. If the best treatment is pumping the stomach, that is not possible if the dog is vomiting.

When we bring pets into our home, they become our faithful companions. We can show our devotion to our dogs by protecting them from the dangers that fill our shared home.

Sources for this article included: digester.com, aspca. org, webmd.com, and fda.gov.

Where Does a 900-Pound Gorilla Sit?

On Top of Conventional Market

Wisdom

By George Morgan

For the past two years, the stock market has been exceptionally kind to investors. At some point in the future, though, Mr. Market’s generous mood is bound to turn sour. (This is not a prediction, only an observation.) Now seems like an opportune time to discuss the 900-pound gorilla in the room: the bond market. From the time that Moses was a pup, stock brokers have been advising their clients that when times get tough, they should move their assets from the stock market to the safety of the bond market.

On a macro level, the notion that bonds are safter than stocks has merit. For example: If you purchase a 10-year US Treasury bond, there is a high probability that you will receive a quarterly check at the bond’s stated interest rate. There is also a high probability that at the end of 10 years, you will receive your principal back. What is not guaranteed is that the purchasing power of your principal will be equal to what it was when you purchased the bond.

New, let’s turn to a slightly different scenario. Suppose that instead of holding the bond to its 10-year maturity, you need to reallocate your principal after only five years. Your best option is to go to the bond market and find someone interested in buying what is now a five-year bond.

When you purchased the bond, let’s say it had an 8 percent yield. But in the intervening years, interest rates have fallen, and your bond is now paying a higher rate than what is being offered on newly issued bonds. This means that it makes economic sense for someone to pay a higher price for your bond than its face value.

The reverse scenario applies when interest rates rise and your bond is now paying a lower rate than what is being offered on newly issued bonds. Either way, the prospect of selling a bond before it matures changes its risk profile.

More than 60 million American investors have their retirement accounts managed by a financial advisor. For over five decades, the standard practice of the financial services industry has been to place these accounts in an asset allocation format. This is a mix of stocks and bonds. As the owner ages, the stock portion decreases and the bond portion increases. For a variety of reasons, individual investors don’t have the luxury of owning individual bonds. The only alternative they have is an actively managed bond fund.

An actively managed mutual fund is manufactured by a for-profit investment company. They gather together money from various sources and construct an initial bond portfolio. Then, on a regular basis, money comes into the fund from new investors. At the same time, dollars are leaving the fund as investors’ situations change. This forces the fund managers to buy and sell the fund’s bond holdings in a constantly changing interest environment.

The performance of actively managed bonds funds resembles the scenario described above, in which bonds are not held to maturity. This is both the good news and the bad news. During periods when interest rates are falling, actively managed bonds funds tend to perform well. When interest rates are rising, the supposedly safe bond investments tend to lose money.

Another critical element involving actively managed bond funds is the constant trading as investors come and go. Active trading comes with expenses that are passed on to the funds’ owners and can dramatically reduce their returns.

From approximately 1985 to about 2022, interest rates (in general) were declining. And in a declining market, the total return, which is the increase in principal value along with the dividends paid to the actively managed bond mutual funds, was rising.

However, post-pandemic, we have seen a rise in interest rates due to increasing inflation. As a result, many of the supposedly safe actively managed bond funds lost money. Because the conventional asset allocation model dictates that the older you get, the higher the percentage of bonds in your portfolio, the people closest to retirement age—those least able to recover from a financial downturn—were the hardest hit.

The size of a bond’s interest payment is a reflection of the stability of the bond’s issuer. The bonds issued by the US government are considered to be the gold standard of safety and, as such, tend to carry a lower coupon rate than the bonds issued by corporations and foreign governments. Investors need to be cautious when they see bond yields that are significantly higher than normal. When bond returns seem too good to be true, they are.

My mission is not to convince you to take a specific course of action. My goal is to inform you about your options. It’s your money. You care more about it than anybody else.

Editor’s Note: George Morgan has five decades’ experience in all phases of the investment process. He is currently the Founder and Principal of Morgan Investor Education. His website is morganinvestoreducation.com.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing.

Unsung Heroes

The Importance of Bats in Our World

By Linda Sutherland

I bet that when some of you read that headline, you thought, “Bats? Eww!” But if you are a gardener, a potential gardener, or just a human on the planet Earth, you need to know how vital the 1,300 species of bats are to our ecosystems. Scientists have estimated that insect-eating bats may save American farmers around $23 billion each year by reducing crop damage and limiting the need for pesticides. Average bats can eat up to half of their body weight in insects, while pregnant and nursing mothers will consume up to 100 percent of their body weight each night in insects. That is a lot of bugs!

As pollinators go, bats are real winners. Their role as pollinators is critical for a wide variety of plants. They accomplish this feat by drinking the sweet nectar inside flowers, picking up a dusting of pollen, and moving it along to other flowers as they feed. If bats were not busy “doing their thing,” we could all say good-bye to more than 300 species of fruit. That includes mangoes, bananas, and avocados, just to name a few. Giant cacti and agave (think tequila) would not thrive without bats to pollinate them. Next time you order a margarita, maybe you should raise your glass to a bat? Just saying….

As seed dispersers, bats are hard-working and mighty. More of the world’s rainforests are cleared yearly for logging, agriculture, and ranching. Fruit-eating bats are key play -

ers in restoring those vital forests to working order. Many fruit-eating animals drop seeds back into the ground, but this typically occurs in close proximity to the area in which the animal lives. However, night-foraging fruit bats can cover large distances each night, spreading plant seeds far and wide. Seeds dropped by bats can actually account for up to 95 percent of the first new growth in a clearing. This dropping of seeds is a crucial component to re-planting our dwindling rainforests, and I think we all know how important that is. It is estimated that nearly 80 medicines come from plants that rely on bats for their survival, and research on bats has led to advances in vaccines.

Bats come in a wide variety of sizes. For instance, the

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smallest bat is the Bumblebee Bat; it is only one to three inches in size. The largest species of bat is the Giant Golden-crowned Flying Fox; it has a wingspan of up to six feet! Bats are capable of flying at great speeds. The Mexican Free-tailed Bat, for example, can fly in short bursts of speeds up to 100 miles per hour. In fact, bats are the only mammals capable of true flight.

Many people fear bats because of folklore, movies, and rabies. This is perhaps unjust. First of all, bats do not turn into vampires. As far as disease goes, bats can indeed contract the rabies virus, just like other mammals, but the vast majority of them never do.

Why would you want to put up a bat house in your yard? To provide a safe roosting site for bats who will help naturally control pests in your yard. You’ll be supporting a species facing habitat loss due to human activities. You can buy a bat house premade or you can make a very nice one yourself for about 20 bucks.

To attract bats to your bat house, place it near a water source, such as a pond, lake, river, or even a birdbath, fountain, or small pond of your own making. According to experts, bat houses are best located in open areas where they can receive good solar exposure up high. You should not place a bat house in a tree, and you should keep them away from outdoor lights, overhead wires, and encroaching vegetation. Bats will choose roosting sites where they feel safe and comfortable, so choose the bat house location wisely.

We are all familiar with the saying, “blind as a bat.” Guess what? Bats have good eyesight, especially in low-light conditions such as dawn and dusk. Their vision is not as good as human vision, but it is sufficient for them to navigate, find food, and look out for predators. Bats use echolocation to find food in the dark. Echolocation means that the bats emit calls that bounce off objects. They then listen to the echoes to determine the distance, shape, and location of the objects. I’m not exactly sure where the phrase “blind as a bat” came from. Maybe it’s an interpretation of their rapid, erratic flight patterns or an observation that they often fly very close to objects. I suppose we’d prefer they keep their distance from our heads, but bats are awesome heroes!

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Roofing & Gutters

Celebrating Sports Moms

My New Super Heroes

Though I am not a mother myself, I have great appreciation for mothers. They play priceless and inexhaustible roles in a family, from nurturer, to homemaker, to breadwinner. One particular role I have come to admire and respect is that of the sports mother. I have seen my sister, sister-in-law, nieces, and friends play this part with dedication and perseverance. Quite simply, sports moms are my new super heroes.

Nationally, the sports mom role is praised at every award ceremony and trophy presentation, from the Heisman to the ESPYS. This makes the sports mom great fodder for storytelling. Have you seen the movie The Blind Side , featuring Sandra Bullock? Her character, based on real sports mom Leigh Anne Tuohy, adopts a homeless teenager and becomes his sports mom, helping him all the way to the NFL. The actress received an Academy Award for playing a sports mom.

The sports landscape, especially in the Midwest, is a cultural phenomenon. Today, children are playing at all ages. You can see preschoolers out on a soccer field or a kindergartner playing T-ball. For me, the sports mom is commitment personified—a child’s athletic journey can last for more than a decade!

Motherhood is already a tough job, and a child’s sports life can make it even more complicated. It’s normal for parents to be excited and proud of their kids and their activities. For sports moms, supporting their kids in sports means a new level of commitment to the game itself. Sports moms will teach themselves the ins and outs of the sport, have conversations with the coaches, read about the game, and even attend seminars or seek outside advice. These enthusiasts want their young ones to do well and will commit body, soul, energy, time, and whatever else is needed to see their children succeed.

By Deborah Daley

Some of the loudest voices you hear at games and matches are sports moms cheering on their kids. If their child faces a loss, moms have to stay positive, reminding their son or daughter that the result might be different next time. They are experts at hugs, encouragement, and can-do attitudes.

Hundreds of miles are put on vehicles taking athletes to workouts, practices, and games…and sports moms do most of that driving. If more than one family member plays, double the mileage. Often, the car or SUV will also smell like a locker room as it serves as the dinner table or as a place for a quick nap. Flexibility is the name of the game when it comes to transportation.

I marvel at the skills and commitment of sports moms. The next time you’re at a match or a game, give a nod to the sports moms in the crowd.

Sports can be very expensive when you factor in the equipment, uniforms, tournament fees, and more. Teams often have fundraisers, and team members are asked to sell candy or baked goods. Usually, it comes down to the sports mom to make sure the sales quota is met. Ensuring that sports funds are at the ready can mean giving up a new workout outfit or a pair of shoes. There are costs to being a sports mom, and these heroes gladly pay them.

Sports moms are the great organizers. Their skill at scheduling—school, work, personal lives, meals, practices, games, rides, other responsibilities—is unparalleled. I’ve seen my family members create complex charts worthy of corporate accolades in their efforts to outline intricate family calendars and make sure schedules are followed.

One role that sometimes goes unnoticed is the sports mom as healthcare provider. She takes care of all the bumps and bruises, pulling anything she might need from her bag, while not hovering or embarrassing her child. It is an art to remain calm when you are panicking inside! Some sports can be rough—in soccer, a player often ends up on the ground. Moms have to keep calm while they watch their child get bruised and battered in the name of fun.

The majority of sports are held during the school year, when kids still have to do their homework and do well in school. Often, a mom becomes the school monitor, teaching children to manage their time and making sure school work gets done. Many nights, sports moms stay up late, helping kids review for a test. Properly balancing sports, school, and sleep takes special skill.

Even if you are a sports mom, the home has to be managed. Laundry has to be done, meals made, the house cleaned, dogs walked, appointments made and kept, and much more. Somehow, these special women get everything done.

I marvel at the skills and commitment of sports moms. The next time you’re at a match or a game, give a nod to the sports moms in the crowd. Where would sports be without them?

Curt Hofer & Associates

Your Custom Home Revealed

When

you think about your dream home, what does it look like?

A sense of flow between rooms has become a must for many people, which might mean spacious rooms, large living areas, and an open floor plan. Another important design element for those wishing to improve their living space is plenty of natural light and great views. Most people want a well-designed kitchen with a functional layout that includes high quality appliances and ample counter space. (Personally, I would also want a walk-in pantry.)

A master suite with a luxurious bathroom and walkin closets is also high on the list of home design favorites. Don’t forget the outdoor living space! It would be designed for relaxing and entertaining, and it would include thoughtful landscaping and creative but functional details. And last, but certainly not least, people want energy-efficient, eco-friendly features that will reduce utility bills and support environmental sustainability.

No matter what you want your dream home to look like, the most important choice you can make is selecting the right homebuilder. If you are looking for quality and craftsmanship from a company that will put your wants and needs first, look no further than Curt Hofer & Associates.

Their first step in the process of building your dream home is to sit down with you and get to know you. They want to know what your lifestyle is like so they can design and build a home that will work for your family through many stages of life.

The Curt Hofer team will start by asking you how you like to use your home. What do you spend time doing when you are at home? Do you have hobbies that need specific rooms, like gaming, music, or even a home theater? If you like to entertain guests, do you prefer to host formal gatherings or casual ones? Do you like to entertain outside? Do your guests frequently stay overnight? How do you use your kitchen? Is it mostly for cooking or is it also a gathering place? When you cook, do you work as a team, or do you prefer only one chef in the kitchen? It will seem like a lot of questions, but all of this information is used to plan a home that will work best for you.

According to Steve Huber, President of Curt Hofer & Associates, “building a new home can be overwhelming and a lot to navigate, but you will be in the best of hands from our first meeting until the final walk-through. Our company is a ‘family’ of employees who have been with us for a great deal of time. Their contributions and loyalty have made this company able to provide a perfectly balanced creative process from beginning to end.”

By Linda Sutherland

Steve started his career at Millard Lumber in Omaha and supplied materials to Curt Hofer. Steve was very impressed with the high standards of Curt’s company and the acclaim that the company received. In 1995, Steve joined the Curt Hofer team. Craig Linnenbrink is now Steve’s co-owner and partner. They both strive to maintain the high standards that were set from the beginning of the company.

The leadership team at Curt Hofer & Associates is constantly evolving and creating new areas for development. A new development called The Haven is a lake community on 550 acres. It includes walking trails, a lake, views and a “country” feel. The Cottages at Sanctuary Ridge is a private enclave that offers a balance between nature and the city with unique lots that are designed for single-story, one-anda-half story, or two-story homes. These lots are nestled next to the Elkhorn River, and the high-end quality is evident throughout.

One of the most outstanding qualities of Curt Hofer & Associates is the talent for planning ahead, anticipating what their clients will want now and in the future. Whether it is building a house for your parents on the grounds or planning for that swimming pool your family has always wanted, this team will almost seem to read your mind.

You may think that homebuilders don’t have a lot of repeat customers, but Curt Hofer & Associates have actually built two or three homes for some of their repeat clients. That says a lot about loyalty, satisfaction, and the high quality of the work that is done. According to Steve, “Curt Hofer & Associates is able to maintain longstanding relationships with clients by treating people fairly and always respecting the learning process of each and every project.”

We’ll learn more in the coming months about new developments from Curt Hofer & Associates in the Omaha area. To get your custom build started, call Steve Huber at 402758-0440 or visit curthofer.com.

Steve Huber, President

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Nebraska History Museum

Many thousands of people lived their lives in Nebraska. They left no written records, and we don’t know their names or stories. But they left clues.

Archeologists are like detectives, finding clues that tell a meaningful and compelling story. “Piecing Together the Past” will take you on an incredible journey through Nebraska’s history, highlighting the clues discovered over decades of searching.

The exhibit will also introduce you to the archeologists who have dedicated their careers to exploring the unknown and have helped to tell our state’s unique story.

Visit us at 131 Centennial Mall N, in Lincoln or our website history.nebraska. gov.

Midwest Urgent Care

“If you need to have an amazing experience while you’re not feeling amazing, you need to visit Midwest Urgent Care. The staff made me feel very welcome and everybody was just phenomenal. They take the time to get to the bottom of your health issues and make sure you are 100% taken care of. I encourage you to visit Midwest Urgent Care, if you need to be taken care of. Thank you Midwest Urgent Care for taking such good care of me and my family!” —Megan

At 120th & Dodge: Open M-F, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

At 167th & Maple: Open M-F, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Why Be Normal?

Embrace Your Superpower

“The things that make us different, those are our superpowers.” —Lena Waithe

When I first read this quote, I stopped dead in my tracks. What a wonderful concept. Our differences from other people on our planet are what give us our superpowers.

“So you’re a little weird? Work it! A little different? OWN it! Better to be a nerd than one of the herd!” —Mandy Hale

I remember the first time I realized that I wanted to be “just like everyone else.” Sixth grade. I had transferred to a new school district. I didn’t know anyone. These kids, by the way, were really different from the kids I had gone to school with my whole life. First problem? I was the tallest one in the class…including all the boys. Second problem? Most of them had been in the same school together their whole lives! It was the first time in my life that I felt like I didn’t fit in.

What to do? Well, first I went crying home to Mom. After all, my parents had brought this upon me! My dear mother listened and consoled me. She then looked me in the eyes and told me that I was strong enough to be myself. That I was strong enough not to change who I was just to fit in. That I was a good person with a heart of gold. She suggested that I open my eyes, get

By Janet Van deWalle

out of my own self-pity, and see if there was someone else who looked like me…LOST!

“Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves.” —Henry David Thoreau

The next day at school, I took a deep breath and walked up to a girl who looked even more scared than I did. She was in the same situation I was in, but she had moved from a whole other state. My heart of gold kicked in and we became best buddies. She was a little odd. I was a little odd. But guess what? When I got out of my own drama, listened to my mom, and dug down to my own superpower, things changed.

“You make everyone around you feel seen. That is your superpower.”—Unknown

This was really a turning point. I realized that I may not be like everyone else, but that I do have a superpower…just like everyone else. What is your superpower?

“While the rest of the world is trying to be ‘normal,’ break out, hold out, and delight them with the unique gift of you.”— Sam Akbar

Women’s Edition has been a great tool for our business. With their guidance on graphics and wording, we are getting calls and emails from great fitting customers, so the message is clear in regard to the problem we solve. We have been able to reach new customers on an individual basis. We are so happy to have formed this relationship. It helps us help our customers transition into senior living with a lot less stress!

—Hannah Diediker, CSA

Colorectal Cancer

Get Educated and Screened Today

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in men and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in women. The organization estimates that more than 107,000 new cases of colon cancer and nearly 47,000 new cases of rectal cancer will be diagnosed in 2025. Overall, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for women. That’s the bad news. The good news is that the incidence of colorectal cancer is dropping, thanks to education and screening.

Colorectal cancer, variously known as bowel cancer, colon cancer, or rectal cancer, is a disease that occurs when cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control. The colon and rectum are part of the large intestine and digestive system. Colon cancer typically affects older adults, though it can occur at any age.

It usually begins as small clumps of cells called polyps that form inside the colon. Polyps generally aren’t cancerous, but some can turn into colon cancers over time. Polyps often don’t cause symptoms. For this reason, doctors recommend regular screening tests to look for polyps in the colon. Finding and removing polyps helps prevent colon cancer.

Many people with colon cancer don’t have symptoms at first. When symptoms appear, they likely depend on the cancer’s size and where it is located in the large intestine. The most common symptoms can include a change in bowel habits (such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation), rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, ongoing discomfort in the belly area (like cramps, gas, or pain), a feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty all the way during a bowel movement, weakness or tiredness, and losing weight without trying.

Like all types of cancer, colon cancer happens when cells grow and divide uncontrollably. All the cells in your body are constantly growing, dividing and dying. That’s how your body remains healthy and working as it should. With colon cancer, the cells lining your colon and rectum keep growing and dividing even when they’re supposed to die. These cancerous cells may come from polyps in your colon.

Medical researchers aren’t sure why some people develop precancerous colon polyps that become colon cancer. They do know that certain risk factors increase people’s chances of developing precancerous polyps and colon cancer.

Having one or more risk factors for colon cancer doesn’t mean you will necessarily develop the condition; it means you are more likely to develop it. Risk factors include certain medical conditions, including inherited conditions, as well as lifestyle choices. Medical conditions that can increase the risk include inflammatory bowel disease, a family history of

By Deborah Daley

cancer or polyps, and a tendency to have polyps. Some of the lifestyle choices that are risk factors include smoking, excessive alcohol use, obesity, and lack of exercise. A diet high in red and processed meat can also increase your risk.

Screening tests can help find colorectal cancer before symptoms develop. The recommended age for colon cancer screening varies depending on individual risk factors, but individuals at average risk should begin screening at age 45 and continue regularly until age 75. If your screening test shows abnormalities, your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests.

The most common screening test is a colonoscopy. I personally began having these when I turned 45 and have them every couple of years. There are also blood tests, fecal DNA and chemical tests, a sigmoidoscope review (a scope that is inserted into your colon), and virtual colonoscopy via x-ray. In 2024, there was a breakthrough in medical testing that now allows for colorectal cancer screening with just a simple blood test. Called Shield, it can accurately detect tumors in the colon or rectum about 87 percent of the time when the cancer is in treatable early stages.

If colon cancer develops, many treatments can help control it. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, and medicines such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

Some pills that are used to treat colorectal cancer include capecitabine (Xeloda), irinotecan (Camptosar), oxaliplatin (Eloxatin), and trifluridine and tipiracil (Lonsurf), a combination drug. There are numerous clinical trials testing vaccines for colorectal cancer, and many look promising, but there are currently no vaccines approved for the disease.

This month, schedule a colorectal cancer screening. This is a cancer that can literally be treated during screening! Put it on your health checkup list. You will be glad you did.

Sources for this article included: mayoclinic.org, cancer.org, and my.clevelandclinic.org.

Spring Cleaning?

Things to Keep

It’s nearly March! The weather should be getting more pleasant. It’s time to think about spring cleaning, opening windows to let in the fresh air, clearing the yard of winter debris, and sorting through stuff that accumulated over the winter.

I don’t mind cleaning outside. It’s refreshing to spend time outdoors in the nice weather. Planted areas need to be reclaimed or replanted. The edges of the driveway and sidewalks need to be redefined. Bulbs need to be dug up, moved, or replaced. Each of us has different ideas about yard and garden management. Start planning now so you’re ready when the weather warms.

Cleaning inside the house is a different matter. Professionals in decluttering suggest forming piles: Keep, Toss, Recycle, and Donate. Clothes you haven’t worn for a while, according to the experts, are to be donated if they’ve been gently worn or no longer fit and tossed if they’re worn out. This is difficult for me. Too often, it happens that I get rid of something and then decide I want to wear it. Donating is easy if something absolutely doesn’t fit. Donating items which invoke memories present a different problem.

I often write about going through boxes from storage. The most difficult part of sorting through the contents of those boxes is the memories that are recalled. Letters my parents exchanged during WWII are historical records for the time as well as the family. The same is true about letters written by

By Marge Shoemaker

my in-laws. The men were in different theaters: Dad in the South Pacific with the Navy; Claude in France with the Army. Letters and papers from those days are primary sources when considering family history.

It’s the same thing with photographs. Generations of family members from both sides tell a story. I remember sitting with the adults as they went through photo albums, identifying long-gone family members and recalling stories from their youth. Some of the photos resurrect memories of family trips, friends from when we were young, and other people, places, and events I’ve only heard stories about.

Because I’m a reader, I find it especially interesting to go through boxes of books. I’ve found volumes my dad was given as a child, with inscriptions like, “To Walter from Mother. Christmas 1919.” Dad was born in 1909. These are the books he read when he was a kid. Others are old copies of classics that also make fascinating reading.

One box held vinyl recordings from the ’30s and ’40s kept by my father-in-law. Another held artwork gathered from various travels…international as well as national. One contained awards recognizing special events and personal records from school and job searches.

Pictures. Stories. Music. Photos. Letters. All things that invoke memories. Parting with them is impossible. For me, spring cleaning really means preserving memories for the future. How about you?

Vehicle Insurance Comprehensive Considerations

Shopping around for vehicle insurance is not my idea of a good time…nor anyone else’s, I would venture to say. It is complicated and time-consuming. But there’s no denying that vehicle insurance is a must-have (to some extent, it’s required by law). Perhaps the best way forward is to speak with an independent insurance agent who knows the ins and outs, what you need, and where to find the best deals. A conversation like that will go much better if you know what you’re talking about, at least a little. Let’s break it down.

Of course, the first thing you need to make sure of is that you have enough coverage. Nothing stings quite as sharply as not having enough coverage on your vehicle when you need it the most. Coverage requirements can vary from state to state, but there are certain coverages that all states require. The first on that list is liability insurance coverage.

Liability coverage on a vehicle translates to protecting you financially if you are at fault in an accident and are legally responsible for someone else’s injuries or damage to their property. Liability insurance can help cover the medical bills of anyone injured, can help cover the cost of repairing the other party’s vehicle, and can help cover legal expenses if the other party files a lawsuit against you.

You can purchase additional liability coverage through a personal umbrella policy. This policy will kick in if you reach your auto policy’s liability limits and there are still covered costs remaining. In order to legally register and drive your vehicle, you need to maintain your state’s minimum level of liability insurance.

Collision coverage is not legally required, but it’s a good investment. Collision coverage pays for damage that your vehicle sustains in an accident, including repairing your car or replacing it. Collision coverage covers damage from any accident, even if it didn’t include another vehicle. That means it covers roll-over accidents and collisions with objects like guardrails and telephone poles. It also covers damage sustained in a hit-and-run.

Comprehensive insurance is another optional coverage. It protects your car from non-accident damage, such as storm damage or theft. If you regularly park your car in a part of the country where storms tend to topple trees, comprehensive coverage is a smart buy. You may have heard the term “full coverage” insurance. This includes both comprehensive and collision insurance, along with your own state’s minimum liability requirements.

Another excellent type of coverage to consider is uninsured motorist coverage. This is to protect yourself from people who are driving illegally without insurance or who do

By Linda Sutherland

have insurance but do not have enough coverage to handle the accident you were in. This particular type of coverage will pay for car repairs and possible medical bills with no worries. You may have heard of “no-fault” insurance. This is personal injury protection, commonly known as PIP insurance. This type of insurance covers medical expenses incurred in an accident regardless of who is at fault.

If you thought that was a lot of information, just wait until you hear what you need to gather to get started on an insurance quote! To give you an accurate quote, your agent will need your personal information as well as information about your vehicle, such as mileage, date of purchase, and the VIN number. You will also be required to provide a driving history, which should include any completed driving courses, violations, and any tickets issued over the last five years.

When shopping for insurance coverage for your vehicle, be sure to ask about discounts. These could include multi-car discounts, safe driver discounts, low-mileage discounts, senior citizen discounts, and good student discounts. You need to be aware of discounts in case the company you are talking to does not volunteer that information. When shopping for insurance coverage, knowledge is your friend.

Insurance is based on the replacement cost of the vehicle, so sometimes a used car is cheaper to insure than a new car (unless it’s a classic car!). Other factors the insurance company will consider include which coverages you want, the car’s make and model, and the area in which you usually park it. If you drive a car that you’re still paying for, you may want to consider guaranteed auto protection insurance. This means the insurance company will pay the dollar amount of the “gap” between the balance of financing and what your vehicle is actually worth at the time of an accident.

Vehicle insurance is complicated and can seem expensive, but the peace of mind is priceless. If it’s been a while since you’ve shopped around, call an agent and get started.

Sources for this article included: iii.org, caranddriver.com, and matic.com

Outdoor Kitchen & Patio

Outdoor Living Space Made Perfect!

Spring is just around the corner, and Outdoor Kitchen & Patio has been helping customers for over 45 years to create their ideal outdoor living space. Are you considering an outdoor kitchen that will need outfitting with appliances and seating? Are you planning to put in a pool that will need deck chairs, loungers, and umbrellas? If you want to add to your outdoor living space, Outdoor Kitchen & Patio can help.

In the fall of 2020, Kelly Walters and his wife Kara were ready to take on a new business challenge. The owners of Outdoor Kitchen, Dan and Mary Gould, were ready to sell their longtime family business, and the fit was perfect. This specialty store caters to those who believe that outdoor living spaces are as important as indoor living spaces. Outdoor pieces need to be stylish, colorful, and solid—Nebraskans don’t need products that fade or fall apart after one season or a quick hailstorm. You will find a variety of furniture and outdoor cooking equipment at competitive prices. The staff prides themselves on exceptional sales work, exemplary installation and service, and solid relationships with vendors. The staff will install and service many items that others can -

not or will not. “We deliver, assemble, and service our products within a 50-mile radius of our store,” Kelly shares.

By Deborah Daley

Walking into the store, you will see one of the area’s largest selections of year-round casual furniture, grills, smokers, fire pits—and experienced staff members who can guide you to the products that best fit your style of outdoor living. More than half of the spacious showroom is devoted to patio and

Kelly Walters, Co-Owner

pool furniture. Outdoor Kitchen & Patio displays furniture from names like Homecrest, Tropitone, Castelle, Ebel, and Gensun. These pieces have many fabric choices and styles that would look good around a new pool, garden, or porch.

Among the best-selling brands of late are the polywood pieces from Berlin Gardens, the “take life outdoors” company. These pieces are made of recycled composite materials and are safe to leave out in the cold all winter. Included in the Berlin Gardens selections are tables, chairs, gliders, bar furniture, and Adirondack style chairs or rockers in any design and bold colors you may desire. There are numerous styles, colors, and designs of umbrellas and bases for patio sets.

If you live with someone who loves to grill and is now wandering off into “smoker” land or pizza ovens, you’ll appreciate how Outdoor Kitchen & Patio takes pride in providing grillers with the best equipment from well-known manufacturers. Brands include Delta Heat, Pitts & Spitts smokers and grills, Weber, Green Egg, AOG portable grills, Broil King, and Alfa Pizza Ovens. Grills range in size and price, so there’s something for everybody, whether you’re looking to design an outdoor kitchen or just do some occasional patio grilling.

Specialists on staff can help you choose a grill and accessories, and they will deliver, install, set up, and consult before you throw your first shrimp on the barbie. If you need interesting spices, rubs or sauces, cookware, grilling tools—this is the place that has it all. Their specialists offer in-store demonstrations on grills and smokers, so you can enjoy a hands-on experience and learn how to use what you’re buying.

Customer J. Johnson shares, “We stopped in to look at a variety of grill brands offered here at Outdoor Kitchen & Patio. Aaron was very knowledgeable, and gave us his honest experience in dealing with them all, which we truly appreciated. We haven’t purchased a grill yet, but we did buy a real nice patio table and chairs set by Berlin Gardens. Highly recommend giving this business a look.”

“Service after the sale is an important piece of this business,” Kelly asserts. “Of course, we will deliver and install your furniture or equipment, but we’re also available if there are issues after the fact.” Other services include grill cleaning and maintenance, replacing chair slings, and repairing gas fireplaces. You won’t get this type of attention or selection at big box stores!

Kelly believes that outdoor products will continue to be as diverse as the people who buy them. The good news is that the manufacturers he works with keep up with evolving trends. All the furniture comes with warranties offered by the manufacturers, and Kelly’s team assists with claims processing. Customer service continues to be their top priority.

“When people come into our shop, they know they will be treated by family, served by staff who value an established family-owned business, be listened to and heard, and be given a product that will not break the bank,” he concludes.

During the winter months, the showroom at 12100 West Center Road, Suite 707, in Bel Air Plaza is open Monday through Saturday. In the spring, hours expand to every day of the week. To learn more about Outdoor Kitchen & Patio, visit them online at outdoorkitchen.com or call 402-333-2282.

Janet Van deWalle, National Publisher

Estate Planning

Protect Your Assets and Loved Ones

While many people understand the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet, exercise, and overall wellness, they may overlook the essential lifestyle component of estate planning. Taking care of your physical and mental wellness helps provide a better quality of life; estate planning provides peace of mind and protects your loved ones.

When you hear the term “estate planning,” a will or trust may come to mind. These documents are integral to an estate plan, but a comprehensive estate plan considers financial, medical, and legal matters to fulfill your wishes. Key components include things like a will or trust, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, tax planning, and beneficiary designations.

An estate includes things of value that you own, such as homes, real estate, cars, bank accounts, investments, and personal belongings. An estate plan distributes your assets according to your wishes. If you die without a will, state law dictates what happens to your assets and how they are distributed, which can be a costly and lengthy process.

The main purpose of a will is to determine how property and assets are distributed after death. A will may also specify who becomes a guardian for children or other dependents. An executor is often named to oversee this process. A trust names a trustee to hold and manage assets for beneficiaries. A trust is helpful when minor children are beneficiaries who are too young to manage an inheritance.

Some types of property are not covered by wills because they have named beneficiaries. These include retirement accounts and insurance policies. It is important to review your estate plan every few years or in the event of a significant life change to ensure it remains consistent with your wishes.

What are some differences between a will and trust? A will takes effect after someone dies, so assets are not managed while they are alive. A trust may come into effect when it is created, funded, and signed. This means assets in trust may be managed and distributed during someone’s life or after they die.

A will goes through probate, a public legal process in which the court validates the will, pays off debts, and distributes assets. A trust bypasses probate, so the assets are distributed privately, meaning the details and beneficiaries remain confidential. A will does not provide protection against creditors or lawsuits, while some trusts can protect assets from creditors and can minimize estate taxes.

You may also have heard that a trust can be “revocable” or “irrevocable.” A revocable trust, also known as a living trust, allows a person to remain in control of the trust and make changes during their lifetime. Assets may be added or removed, beneficiaries changed, or the trust revoked. The trust owner, or grantor, can be the trustee or they can name

By Angella Arndt

someone else to serve in this capacity. It is important to note that assets in a revocable trust may be subject to estate taxes and are not protected against creditors or lawsuits.

An irrevocable living trust transfers ownership of assets to a trust. The creator gives up control, and a third party must serve as trustee. This type of trust cannot be revoked after it is created. It may only be changed in rare circumstances, which must be agreed to by all beneficiaries. Assets in this type of trust are generally tax-exempt and protected against creditors.

A Power of Attorney is a legal document in which you name someone as your agent or attorney-in-fact to act on your behalf. The document details what authority you are giving the attorney-in-fact. It can provide broad or limited authority, depending upon your wishes. Several types of Powers of Attorney include General, Limited, Durable Power, and Medical.

A General Power of Attorney provides broad authority over financial and legal affairs. A Limited Power of Attorney is usually temporary and provides limited authority to handle specific items like paying bills or selling a home. A Durable Power of Attorney may provide broad or limited authority, and the agent remains in control if you are mentally or physically incapacitated. A Medical Power of Attorney designates someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot make them yourself.

Although many do-it-yourself tools exist, working with experienced professionals for estate planning can save you time and money in the long run. State laws and tax regulations vary widely. Professionals like attorneys and financial planners can help you create a personalized estate plan tailored to your specific situation. Your estate will be managed according to your wishes, giving you and your family peace of mind for the future.

Sources for this article included: aarp.org, forbes.com, investopedia.com, money.usnews.com, and ncoa.org.

New Windows

When and Why to Replace Old Windows

By Anne Yankus

As every homeowner quickly learns, nothing lasts forever. Windows are no exception! The trick is knowing when they truly need to be replaced…and then to make sure your replacements will last as long as possible.

The first sign that you may need new windows is if your current windows are leaking. There are a couple of ways to find window leaks. The most obvious is when you can feel a draft. You can also spot leaks by seeing if you can rattle the window inside its frame or if you see sunlight peeking through where it shouldn’t. Caulking or weather-stripping can provide a stop-gap solution, but your best bet is to replace leaky windows with newer, high-performance windows.

Windows have an average lifespan, just like your appliances and HVAC system. When windows are around 15 to 20 years old, their seals start to weaken and fail. So, if you have 17-year-old windows but aren’t seeing any leaks, you may want to start shopping anyway…it’s only a matter of time.

Once you’ve established that it’s time to replace your windows, the next step is creating a budget. Consider whether you need to replace all the windows in your home at the same time. Perhaps you can stagger them, replacing windows room by room over the course of a few years. Keep in mind that window companies will want as much of your business as they can get, so they often offer volume discounts that can lower the price per window if you do more of them at once.

Outdoor Living

Replacement window cost can vary a lot, depending on the size of the windows and what framing material you’ve chosen. Vinyl windows can cost as low as $450 for a double-hung window or as high as $10k for a large bay window. Wood windows are more durable and resistant to warping, but you’ll be paying for the better quality with a range of $800 to $12,500. Find balance between what you need to replace and what you can budget for a single installation.

Vinyl and wood frames are popular, but they’re not the only window frame materials on the market. You can also choose aluminum (great for custom sizes but subpar on energy efficiency), fiberglass (energy-efficient and noise-resistant but limited in design and color), wood-clad (has the aesthetic of wood without the maintenance but is high in cost), composite (similar to wood-clad), and steel (modern-looking and highly resistant to break-ins but is the most expensive option).

When choosing new windows, you should take into consideration the energy efficiency ratings. All new windows are rated by U-value and R-value. The U-value identifies heat loss (how much heat will transfer out of your home

StruXure Pergolas—These feature a fully-automated, watertight louvered roof with all-aluminum construction.  The structure, design, and functionality of these are unmatched in the industry.

Progressive Screens—Powered on a self-tensioning magnetic track, they will protect from sun, wind, and insects. A variety of transparency levels are available to offer visibility or privacy.

Outdoor Kitchens—Entertain your guests and prepare a meal at the same time. We will work with you to design a layout that fits your entertaining needs, complete with Blaze and Fire Magic appliances. Amenities & Upgrades—Get the most out of your outdoor oasis by upgrading and adding amenities from our endless list of options, including speakers, heaters, fans, TVs, and lighting.

Theresa & Chad Nelson Owners of Garage Living Omaha

through the window). R-values tell you about heat resistance (how much heat the window will retain). To get the most energy-efficient window, you will want to find one with a low U-value and a high R-value.

You’ll also hear a lot about window glazing and UV protection while you’re window shopping. Window glazing is defined by how many panes of glass are laminated together in your window. Most modern windows are double-glazed, which means they are made of two panes of glass that are laminated together, often with a layer of plastic between them. Double-glazed windows are generally very good at blocking 90 percent or more of UV rays. Aftermarket UV-blocking films can be applied to your windows for additional protection from color fading and sun damage.

Last, but not least, let’s talk about window warranties. Like all warranties, window warranties will vary from one manufacturer or installer to the next, so it’s important to make sure you know exactly what kind of coverage you’re getting. Glass coverage will usually cover things like cracks, chips, film or coating failures, and often seal failure. Accidental glass breakage can be covered, but there are usually exclusions involved, so read any accidental coverage carefully. Most standard window warranties also cover all hardware and moving parts of a window, such as locks, balance systems, sashes, and frames. Hardware coverage is usually shorter-term than glass coverage.

There are also a few different types of window warranties. Lifetime warranties will cover whatever the manufacturer determines is the typical lifespan of their product, usually somewhere between five and 20 years. Pro-rated warranties are designed to give you more coverage right away when the windows are newly installed and lessen the coverage over time.

There’s no denying that window replacement can be a big-ticket project. Get the most for your money with the right knowledge and professional help. Your home’s windows can be at their peak aesthetic and efficiency this year!

Sources for this article included: energy.gov, todayshomeowner.com, and thisoldhouse.com.

Custom Colors and Remodeling

This Team Does It All!

I’m so tired of the gray, lifeless, melt-in-the-background scenery… oh, did you think I meant the weather? No, I’m talking about paint colors. Are you ready to make a visual change in your home or business? Is it time to bring in the experts to jazz up what you see every day—inside or out? How about a new front door, a three-season porch, a brand-new kitchen, or a new color scheme in the family room?

Many home improvement ideas start out with just a little paint, and then you start thinking, “I might as well….” If you find yourself dreaming a little bigger than new paint on an accent wall, Scott Kornahrens and his team at Custom Colors and Remodeling can help. This company will plan with you, whether your project is interior or exterior, whether it’s at your home or your business. They are skilled, reliable, and ready to deliver the results you want for your projects.

Scott has been in business since 1998. He is originally from Charleston, South Carolina. Scott explained how he ended up in Omaha, “I was asked to bring my construction expertise to Omaha for a customer that I had taken care of her beach house in Charleston.” He continued, “I came here to do one house during the COVID epidemic. My customer had a very large renovation she wanted me to do and she didn’t trust anybody but me so I stayed and hired people that I needed to accomplish the jobs. Once the job was finished, the neighbors noticed and before long I had seven new home renovations. I had plenty of work and I haven’t stopped since.”

The mission of Scott’s company is simple: They work closely with their clients to create the spaces of their dreams. Scott and his team are committed to delivering high quality, custom home remodeling and construction services, enhancing your space and, by extension, your community. The company’s core values center around Scott’s vision of what a remodeling company should embrace—integrity, collaboration, and excellence in your craft. Scott knows that when you employ a contractor, you want them to be honest and skilled, and you want them to get the job done.

Projects can be overwhelming, and the idea of completing them alone stops many of us cold when we could be expanding a project idea into a thing of beauty. No matter how big or small your project is, working with a team of professionals is a good idea. The team will ensure that your ideas turn into reality, sharing their guidance and skills every step of the way. If you are ready to elevate your home or business, Scott and his team of passionate professionals can help you achieve your goals.

Who is the man behind Custom Colors and Remodeling? Scott was born and raised in South Carolina (on an exotic animal farm—he really does know how to herd cats!). While working in multiple skilled trades, he found a need for highly skilled tradesmen to help remodel and improve properties. He moved to Papillion and established the family-owned

By Kate Beiting

enterprise Custom Colors and Remodeling in 1998. Scott and his team take great pride in providing home restoration services for clients who have great ideas but may not have what is needed to tackle those projects successfully.

There are many reasons to reach out to a home remodeling professional. We might have fantastic ideas, and even well-crafted plans, for doing projects in our homes. Before you embark on a project near and dear to your heart, ask yourself, “Can I really do that?”You may not have the equipment, or the time, or the skills. By partnering with a local company that has those skills and equipment, your project can be imagined, planned, and finished on time.

What projects are you imagining for your home or business? Do you want a shower installed, an expanded bathroom, or another bathroom altogether? Is it time to bump out that kitchen wall for more space, or do you want to replace your dated countertops and backsplash? After a long, messy winter of muck, sludge, and winter mix , you may have decided to epoxy that garage floor after all. No project is too big or too small for Custom Colors and Remodeling.

When you’re selecting a remodeling company, you want to choose a team that can show you success. Scott and his team will meet with you to evaluate your property and your project. Scott’s patience and focus will assure you that your vision of the project will come to fruition. “Rewards in my work come in all ways,” says Scott. “We enjoy sharing the client’s vision and watching the transformation before our eyes. We love seeing the client happy!” In his many years of experience as a skilled tradesman, Scott has learned that precise pre-planning, budget-conscious work, and keen communication lead to results that are rewarding for everyone. “Listening carefully to what our clients say helps us create a win-win.”

To schedule a free consultation and estimate, call Scott Kornahrens at 402-657-7318. Custom Colors and Remodeling is insured, bonded, and BBB-accredited. They are located at 7202 Giles Road, #4 (in La Vista Crossing). To peruse photos of completed projects and testimonials from satisfied clients, visit them online at customcolorandremodeling.com or find them on Facebook.

Scott Kornahrens, Owner

At Home Innovations, we have chosen a wide variety of brands that will offer anything you want in an in-home luxury swim spa or hot tub, and our experts will help you find the spa or hot tub that fits your lifestyle. Our delivery and set up service allows you to relax and enjoy your new spa or hot tub, making this experience easy and hassle-free for you and your family.

Hot Tubs • Swim Spas • Saunas Cold Tubs • Delivery • Service

“The team at Home Innovations Spa did a fantastic job leading us through the selection, purchase, installation, and the training for our new Master Swim Spa. Our Spa has been used every day for the last 30 days including some 0 degree mornings! We are so glad we chose Home Innovations and we recommend them and Master Spa completely!”—D. Buchanan

Our team of passionate professionals is ready to design, renovate, or repair your Residential or Commercial project.

“Scott has done multiple projects for my spouse and me and has always been personable and highly ethical and professional. He was excellent about updating us concerning progress and any potential problems and he kept the projects on schedule. His work and that of his subcontractors has been stellar. I highly recommend Custom Colors and Remodeling.”— Susan McAdam

Scott Kornahrens, Owner

Give Yourself a Smile

Just One Day!

Would you like to have a good day…today? Do you want to make a difference in your life…today? Do you want to feel better…today? It’s easy. Simply SMILE.

“Just for today, smile a little more.” —

James A. Murphy

Smiling is truly a universal language. It connects people from all cultures and civilizations. Think about that for a minute. When any of us is offered a genuine smile, we don’t just see it, we feel it. A smile lifts our spirits, whether it is coming from a loved one or a total stranger. The best strangers? Babies! They are so pure and spontaneous. You can tell immediately if you’ve connected with them!

“You know what the great thing about babies is? They are like little bundles of hope. Like the future in a basket.”

— Lish McBride

Now, as we are all aware, smiles can be genuine or fake. (I sometimes call it Facebook fake.) So many of us think we have mastered the fake “I’m fine” smile. Let’s face it—when someone is faking a smile, we know.

What do I do if I don’t feel like smiling? If I’m having a lousy day at home, or work, or life! Should I offer a fake smile?

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By Janet Van deWalle

“Smiling is free therapy.” — Douglas Horton

The amazing thing about this free therapy is that it doesn’t take much to nudge yourself into actually feeling happier. Look in the mirror. Talk to yourself. Do something that makes you happy. Smile at yourself. Make goofy faces at yourself. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself wearing a genuine smile that you can take with you when you start your day.

Still not there? Play music that brings you joy. Can’t think of any? Go to Spotify and search for Happy Music. Try playing it before you even get out of bed.

I realize that many of us have so much on our to-do lists that this suggestion may almost sound ridiculous. But guess what? If you try this for one day—just one day—you will discover that your day is better. It is lighter, it is more connected.

“Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” — Mother Teresa

When we share love, it comes back to us. We find that our step is lighter, that we are kinder…and that means we will attract kinder, gentler people in our lives. It works! Give it a try and let me know how it goes for you. Just one day!

“Whoever is happy will make others happy too.” —Anne Frank

Turning your drafty fireplace into a high efficiency heater will add value and comfort to your home. Whether you are thinking of redesigning or refacing the look of your current fireplace or adding a fireplace to any room of your home, Claxton Fireplace Center can assist you with all your needs. We offer In-House design and complete installation services.

FEATURING REGENCY HEARTH PRODUCTS FOR 35 YEARS WITH A STYLE FOR EVERY HOME DÉCOR. Add a Fireplace to ANY ROOM in Your Home!