Papillion, NE April 2024

A Letter From The Publisher

Investment is the act of devoting time, effort, energy, or finances to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result. We can invest in a lot of things such as our community, our relationships, our finances, and our health, with the hope that the effort will have a positive impact. We can invest in our community by supporting our local businesses, schools, and organizations. We can invest in our finances to help create wealth, meet long-term financial goals, and secure our retirement. On a personal level, we can invest in our families and enrich relationships by giving time and effort to the people in our lives that mean the most to us. It is this type of investment that has the most meaningful impact, not only for us, but for those around us as well.

As I reflect on this, I recall an investment in our family this past weekend, and all it cost was a little bit of our time. We took our kids out to Halleck Park to fly kites. The weather was beautiful, the wind was perfect, and despite having to rescue one of the kites at one point, the joy on the faces of our children made the experience one we will not soon forget.

Investing looks different from person to person, yet we put effort into specific areas of our lives in order to make positive impacts that yield results. In this issue, we highlight opportunities to ‘invest’ that may not typically be the first things that come to mind when you think of that word. Yet the positive impact cannot be denied. That positive impact might present itself through a sense of accomplishment, through smiles and laughter, or even through tears. In the end, investing in ourselves, our families, our spaces, and our community will leave a lasting impact for generations to come.

I encourage you to find one new way to invest this month, regardless of how big or small it might be.

Have a wonderful April!

Sammie Rodriguez, Joseph Saaid, Janie Jones April

Nebraska Weight Loss patients lost a total of 12,712* pounds last year!

We realize there are a lot of options when it comes to weight loss clinics, we would like to share a few things that set our program aside.

(*based

We

We offer all forms of medically supervised weight loss from oral options to injectables.

Graduation

Pre-Order Sale

Now through April 15,

2024, take 20% off all graduation pre-orders!

Celebrate your preschool, high school, or university graduate with custom cupcakes, cakes, cake pops, chocolate dipped pretzels, and more. SmallCakes can incorporate any school mascot, colors, or logo to match your event.

smallcakesomaha.com

402-934-3844 |

814 Tara Plaza, Papillion @smallcakesomaha

We offer close medical supervision including followups as well as nutrition and exercise counseling

NEBRASKA WEIGHT LOSS PAPILLION, NEBRASKA

We recognize obesity as a chronic disease and requires ongoing maintenance similar to other chronic disease states.

We encourage you to talk to our patients, they are our best testimony

Luxe Hound Special!

Luxe Hound is introducing a new line of add-ons! They are shampoos and conditioners meant to address the needs of specific coat types. The Luxe Hound Special will include a coat specific shampoo and conditioner, a leave-in conditioner to help prevent matting and help release excess undercoat in between grooms, a paw/nose lotion to help dry or cracked skin, and bows or bandanas. A $25 add-on to any full grooming service! Call or text us at (402) 990-2996 or book online @ www.luxehoundsalon.com

7326 Harrison St, La Vista, NE 68128

city scene

1: Papillion Arts Foundation held their inaugural Gala. 2: The Papillion & LaVista Senior Centers hosted their Annual Valentine’s Day Lunch at Papillion Landing. 3: Papillion Recreation held a Daddy Daughter Date Night at Papillion Landing. 4: Canvas Salon hosted a Galentine’s Day Event for customers to enjoy. 5: Cafe Diem hosted Coffee with a Cop for residents to meet and talk with officers. 6: The Teen Advisory Board sponsored ‘Share the Love Food Drive’. 7: Senior Brette Paul from PLSHS won the Powerlifting championship title in her weight class.

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business monthly

A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

Papillion Moms Launch Medically Guided Weight Loss Business

Introducing Nebraska Weight Loss, the go-to destination for medically guided weight loss solutions in Papillion. Founded by experienced weight loss providers and local moms Jenni Haan PA-C and Angela Vogel APRN, they offer comprehensive programs integrating nutrition and exercise counseling alongside oral medications and injectables like semaglutide and tirzepatide, all at competitive prices. Their commitment extends beyond treatment, providing unparalleled support to empower all patients to live healthier lives through care that listens and delivers.

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ALLO Fiber Internet, TV, and Phone is coming to Papillion

ALLO Fiber specializes in providing world-class communication and entertainment services by creating Gigabit communities. Construction of ALLO’s fiber-optic network in Papillion is underway. ALLO offers 100% fiber home internet, TV, and phone service options. Papillion residents and businesses can check if their address is ready for installation by going to AlloFiber.com/Papillion . The ALLO fiber difference is right around the corner.

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How Long Should a Roof Last?

Five years or 50 years? That depends on factors such as the type of product, quality of installation, typical weather changes and extreme weather. Thompson & Thompson 3rd Generation - Roofing, Siding, Gutters, Attic Insulation, recommends roofing products that are built to last, such as the all rubber Euroshield shingles that are impact resistant (hail) and high wind resistant. Made of recycled tires, Euroshield is extremely durable! Call 402-296-6051 or visit Thompson3rd.com to learn more.

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LEAVING A LEGACY

“He loved to serve his country.”

Barb Cahill

Battlefield Cross in Papillion's Veterans Park. A symbol of honor and respect to those who gave their lives in service to their country.

In August 2023, the Papillion-La Vista Community Schools Foundation hosted its annual Back to School Soirée. This event includes inducting new members into the Halls of Fame of Papillion-La Vista High School and Papillion-La Vista South High School.

When a group of men from the Monarch Class of 1989 were honored, the night unfolded into a tremendous show of honor and generosity with the launch and full funding of the Captain Joel Cahill Memorial Scholarship.

"I will say, I didn't go into the evening expecting to fund a scholarship," shares Lee Denker, Executive Director of the PLCS Foundation. "But I'm not surprised now that I think back on it."

The story begins in 1989 with six young men graduating as Monarchs. Many shared the commonality of being a part of the football team, the first Monarch team to go undefeated in its regular season.

After graduating, they each joined the military, and five became full colonels with Colonels Mike McClung, James Howard, Ryan Rogers, and Ron Stuewe of the U.S. Air Force and Col. David Haskell of the U.S. Army.

These five were to be inducted into the Monarch Hall of Fame as a unique group. Despite their initial excitement, Lee says the men shared a sobering reminder. "The colonels brought up that we would have had six."

The sixth they refer to is Army Capt. Joel Cahill, who tragically lost his life to a roadside bomb while serving his third stint in Iraq.

"All of us have worked hard serving the country over the years, and to have that many people make the rank of colonel in the same class is something to be heralded," says Colonel McClung. "But it comes a far third or second to someone who gave the ultimate sacrifice."

Such support empowers members of the U.S. armed forces to better answer the nation’s call.

McClung explains that when the foundation connected the five colonels, the group's first response was to find a way to honor Cahill and his family. After the colonels were honored at the event, they shifted the attention to Joel's story. The group presented Jerry and Barb Cahill, Joel's parents who were in attendance, a recreation of an autographed towel, “grass stains and all," that was signed by members of the varsity football team at the end of the '89 season. It was then announced that the Foundation would raise money to honor Joel with a scholarship named in his memory.

When asked about her son, Barb described Capt. Joel Cahill as honorable and humble. “He loved to serve his country,” she says. “He didn’t like it when I would brag about him.” Beyond his deep love for his family and the men and women he served alongside with, Barb says he also had a moral fortitude to always stand up for those in need. Despite this love for his country and others, she says the true testament of his character can be found in the stories of those his life has impacted—including future students.

Each new scholarship requires a $25,000 endowment, the earnings of which will provide enough for a scholarship indefinitely. With a head start donation from the Cobalt Credit Union,

Denker was still surprised at how quickly the scholarship was funded that evening. Tracking donations in real time, he says, the fundraiser only took about ten minutes, thanks to generous donations from nearly all attendees.

"By the time the event ended, we were able to tell his mom and dad that there would be a scholarship named after their son," says Denker.

Both Denker and McClung reflect on how this scholarship and the speed at which it was funded speaks to the Papillion-La Vista area's continued support of students and families, including those in the military. “It’s a reflection of the great support that the Papillion-La Vista community gives to its military families,” McClung says. “It’s important to military families because it helps us survive.” He explains that such support empowers members of the U.S. armed forces to better answer the nation’s call, knowing his or her family is being taken care of by the community.

Support like this, he says, has always been found in the Papillion-La Vista Community Schools. “I think honoring us is just continuing that support that’s been around forever.”

Donations to the Captain Joel Cahill Memorial Scholarship are still being accepted by the PLCS Foundation. Call Lee Denker at (402) 829-1343 or visit plcsfoundation.org to make an online contribution.

Putting Out the Welcome Mat

““One of my favorite things is making a positive impact on people’s lives.”

Home ownership – it’s the American dream. The dream first began to come true at the end of World War II, when millions of soldiers marched home to find newly-funded programs that made owning their own home an actual reality. Over the years those programs have come and gone and reappeared in different forms, but the dream remains the same for many Americans, including friends and neighbors here in the heartland.

A special group of people, Debbie Lebbert, Liliana Marquez, Georgia Vaughan, and Joe Drollinger, serve as mortgage loan officers for Core Bank in Papillion and enjoy front row seats as they watch the splendor of home ownership come true for their clients. Marquez recalls the day a client unexpectedly left the room in the middle of signing papers for her new home, only to text a few minutes later that she just needed a few minutes. “She was crying and couldn’t believe she was going to have her dream home,” Marquez said.

Getting to signing day is a process, and mortgage loan officers are trained to guide and assist their clients along the way. Lebbert said establishing and maintaining a good credit score is the key to financing. She recalls one couple who always paid cash for everything and were now hoping to purchase a home. Unfortunately, with no payment history there was nothing on which to base their credit score. Lebbert said together they developed a plan, credit was established, and eight months later “we were able to get them in the home they wanted.”

Drollinger has been in the business for a long time and loves every aspect of the process from working with non-profit housing agencies and speaking at their workshops, to sharing best practices with colleagues and advocating for borrowers in search of the best financing option. Ultimately, “I love it when the borrower invites me to their house warming,” he said.

“I’m super proud of our team,” said Brian Dryak, Vice-President of Mortgage for Core Bank. “They are honest, hard-working people who have created a great atmosphere and sense of community for our customers. They’ve created this synergy that not only attracts customers, but realtors love working with our group too.”

So, whether it’s your first home, the larger home where you’ll raise your family, or the one you’ll downsize to someday, each one is a dream home here in Papillion. Tapping into the right team makes the home-buying process a dream come true.

“One of my favorite things is making a positive impact on people’s lives,” Drollinger said.

Core Bank is a full-service community bank with a comprehensive menu of products and expertise, including personal, business, real estate, and wealth services. Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, Core Bank has six Midwest locations in the Omaha and Kansas City metros, along with a Loan Production Office in Mesa, Arizona.

Member FDIC  |  Equal Housing Lender

INDOOR PLANT GUIDE

Investing in indoor plants can not only spruce up your living space, but also bring numerous health and well-being benefits

Bringing the outdoors in with the use of house plants is a great way to add color and dimension to your space. We sat down with Jesse Nelson at Family Tree Nursery, based in Kansas, and discussed the benefits of incorporating plant life into your home. “There are plenty of studies on the health benefits of plants, and the evidence suggests that being around plants and caring for plant life increases overall wellness,” explains Nelson. “Anytime you bring a plant into a home or work environment, it’s going to make you feel better. It is going to beautify the space in a way that art cannot, and they also have the added benefit of  purifying the air.” There are a wide variety of indoor plants that work for any space and light situation that you may have. Regardless if you have a green thumb or a black thumb, there are plant varieties that fit your lifestyle. Here are a few of our favorite indoor plants to incorporate into your home.

Anthurium has gorgeous, colorful flowers and is the easiest indoor flowering plant to care for. It comes in a variety of colors including red, white, orange and purple. Anthurium likes to be dry, so let it go bone dry before watering. Fertilize every so often, especially when blooming. These plants do not like direct sunlight and can be repotted every three to five years.

This cascading plant is gaining popularity due to its succulent-like leaves and also because it is fairly easy to care for. The Hope Peperomia likes medium to bright direct sunlight. It does well as a tabletop plant or a hanging plant. Watering is only needed one time a month regardless of plant size.

“Anytime you bring a plant into a home or work environment, it’s going to make you feel better. It is going to beautify the space in a way that art cannot, and they also have the added benefit of  purifying the air.”

This is a slow-growing variety that is architectural and compact. This plant is a great statement piece and looks great in an entryway or by a chair. There are a lot of varieties and colors of the Dracaena. They are very resilient in low light and are great for an office space with little or no light. They like to stay on the dry side, so they like to be watered when they are about ½ to ¾ of the way dry. When watering, give it a good soak. Pro tip: A moisture meter can be purchased and used to determine how dry your plant is to help determine when it is time to water again.

UNITED EXCHANGE DENTAL ASSISTING SCHOOL EMPOWERS STUDENTS THROUGH AN INNOVATIVE EDUCATION AND DEDICATION TO SUCCESS

Maximizing

Potential

UEDAS students displaying their knowledge on how to correctly position a patient for large volume radiographs such as panoramic and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scanning.

WHAT IS UNITED EXCHANGE DENTAL ASSISTING SCHOOL?

United Exchange is a premier Dental Assisting School dedicated to creating star dental assistants by empowering them to maximize their potential through uniquely designed evidence-based education.  Our journey began in 2022 when partners Kanoe Sakamoto (CEO), Rosa Dionicio (Clinical Director, Instructor), Dr. Takanari Miyamoto, DDS, PhD, CAGS, MSD, MBA (School Advisor), and Dr. Varsha Kadyan BDS, MDS (Instructor) envisioned a school that not only provides top-notch education but also fosters growth, embraces new technology, and offers unwavering support for students.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE PAPILLION-LAVISTA COMMUNITY?

We wanted to bring innovative dental education to this growing community. Our school is revolutionizing education by incorporating microlearning, bite-sized focused lessons that cater to the modern learner, into our curriculum. This unique approach enhances retention, engagement, and flexibility for our students. We are also fortunate to partner with top-notch dental offices in this community to support our students during their externship program.

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By establishing ourselves here, we aim to contribute to the local community's access to excellent dental professionals and create fulfilling career opportunities for aspiring students.

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE FOR DENTAL ASSISTANTS TODAY?

A dental assistant enters a field with immense potential for career growth, with many of our students aspiring to be dental lab technicians, dental hygienists, and even dentists! Also, Dentists across the United States are experiencing a lack of skilled dental assistants in their practices. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the dental assistant role is projected to grow more than the average job occupation for the foreseeable future, making it a great career to invest in.

HOW LONG IS THE DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM?

Approved by the Nebraska Private Post Secondary Schools, this is an eight-week program and externship, that includes lecture hours, clinical hours, and externship. Students will also experience the day-today responsibilities of a dental assistant and observe efficient practice and patient management. Our school makes it convenient for young professionals, moms, recent high school graduates, or anyone looking for a new career, to be trained as qualified dental assistants for our community.

WHAT MAKES UNITED EXCHANGE STAND OUT?

We are more than just a school; we are a community dedicated to students’ success. We understand that entering a new career may come with challenges. We offer comprehensive support, personalized guidance during classes, and hands-on training with the latest dental technologies, to ensure our students are confident and ready for their careers. In fact, ninety percent of our students looking for full-time jobs have gotten hired and started working the week after graduating from our program. On top of that, our commitment to helping our students grow does not stop in the classroom. We offer further education, networking opportunities, access to the latest industry advancements, and a supportive alumni network.

Visit www.uedas.org to learn more about upcoming classes, scheduling a tour, or applying for the program.

Let Imaginations RUN WILD

This adorable outdoor play space is not only easy and inexpensive to build, but it is full of charm and the perfect spot for the kids to play and lounge. The A-frame structure is easily customizable to any style and color scheme desired. Leave the wood bare, or add flare with paint or stain. An outdoor clubhouse provides a space that allows kids to make it their own and to let their imaginations run wild spending time outdoors.

1. Start with 8x10 pressure treated decking so there is no need to cut down any boards.

2. Dig four holes 18 inches deep for the footers and cut a 4x4x8 treated post into two-foot lengths.

3. Pour quick set concrete in the holes. Add water, set the posts in, and let it dry.

4. Using lag screws, attach 2x10’s to the corner posts to form a base. Then attach 2x6’s for the deck joists with metal hangers. Now you can attach the decking boards to the base and joists using exterior wood screws.

5. For the A frame you need a 60-degree angle at the top of the A, and a 30-degree angle at the bottom. You can run a 4x4

along the decking to attach the A frame to which adds a bit of height so adults can stand in it as well. Use heavy duty exterior screws to attach the A frame 2x4’s to the structure and each other at the peak. Then attach 2x4’s between A frames as a brace.

6. For the roofing, screw 8-foot corrugated clear panels into the A frame for a weather protecting cover.  We left three feet uncovered so a chair and some pots with herbs and flowers could be added to the entrance. Decorate with outdoor pillows, a children’s table, outdoor rug and hanging flower pots to make it feel like a special place for kids to go. If entertaining friends, a few simple charcuterie boards are always a hit.

APRIL 13TH

Community Baby Shower

Sump Memorial Library | 10:00 AM

New and expecting parents and caregivers, stop by Sump Memorial Library anytime between 10am12pm to learn more about what the community has to offer you and your loved ones. Community partners will give out resources to expecting and new parents. Toys and crafts will be available in the Youth Area.

APRIL 26TH

LaVista Arbor Day Celebration

Val Verde Park | 1:00 PM

Come learn about planting and caring for trees while honoring Arbor Day, a national holiday that originated in Nebraska. Enjoy a story followed by a special introduction and tree planting near the parking lot. Afterwards, take home free saplings and special gifts for children while supplies last.

APRIL 27TH

May Day Baskets

Historic Portal Schoolhouse | 1:00 PM

Papillion Area Historical Society will be hosting a May Day Baskets event April 27 from 1-3pm in the Historic Portal Schoolhouse. Join PAHS as we explore the history of May Day Baskets along with creating your own to pass out on May 1st. All ages are welcome.

GET IT DONE RIGHT WITH PLUMBRITE!

events

APRIL 27TH

Spring in Bloom Brunch and Style Show

Trinity Church in Papillion | 9:00 AM GFWC Papillion Junior Woman’s Club will be hosting “Spring in Bloom” Brunch and Style Show. Doors open at 9:00 am, brunch served at 10:30 am. Style show presented by Kajoma’s Boutique to follow. Tickets on sale for $20 at Kajoma’s. Proceeds go to worthy causes in the Papillion Community.

MAY 2ND - 5TH

Papillion LaVista South Presents Beauty and the Beast

Papillion LaVista South High School Theatre

Papillion LaVista South Theatre Department presents Beauty and the Beast. Showdates are May 2nd, 3rd and 4th at 7 pm and May 5th at 2 pm. Tickets are available for purchase at the door or at  showtix4u.com/ event-details/81589 starting April 8th. (Tickets are $10; students $5)

MAY 5TH

Spring Kite Festival

LaVista Soccer Complex | 11:00 AM Let’s go fly a kite! Families are invited to join us for a free afternoon of kite-flying fun from 11am-4pm. You will see some of the world’s largest and most creative kites. Bring your own kites to fly and a bag to collect candy from the kite candy drops, which take place throughout the event.

Purchasing

Let’s walk through the process step-by-step together so you can be confident you are making the right decision for you and your family.