Your wedding day should be unforgettable. And so should the place where it happens. At Arbor Day Farm, your celebration unfolds surrounded by the beauty and wonder of nature. All eight of our wedding venues are designed to be the perfect backdrop for a picture-perfect day.
And, for a limited time, save $500 on your reception venue rental for select dates.
To learn more and schedule a tour, visit arbordayfarm.org/weddings.
@arbordayfarm @arbordaywedding @arbordayfarm
2700 Sylvan Road | Nebraska City, Nebraska arbordayfarm.org
Letter from the Publisher
What is love?
If you are anything like me, you can't help thinking of the classic early 90’s song by Haddaway when you read these words. You may even be singing it to yourself by now, I know I am!
But when we pause to reflect, how do we define love? Love ignites passion and stirs deep feelings. It takes the form of strong affection, sincere admiration, or selfless care for others.
We love people, places, and items. Love is seen and felt. It is witnessed and expressed, bringing tears of joy and tears of sadness. When we truly ponder love, we find a surprising truth: everyone loves differently. We may cherish the same things, but we each do so in our own unique way.
So, is there anything consistent about love? I believe there is! What accompanies every ‘love’ is a choice. No matter how passionate or trivial or how big or small a ‘love’ might be, there is always a choice involved.
You can acknowledge a sunrise’s beauty and leave it at that. But loving it changes everything: the sunrise becomes a source of anticipation and joy—no longer just a brief moment, but a cherished ritual each morning.
This issue celebrates ‘Love Local.’ We highlight these businesses and individuals because they choose to love in their own beautiful ways. Whether they pour that love into their craft, community, or every client they serve, their dedication creates a profound impact. We hope you love reading their stories as much as we have loved telling them!
Here’s to hoping you have a February full of things you love, Papillion!
Joseph Saaid, Sammie Rodriguez, Bobbi Jo Beaver, Cassie Suppes
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
FEBRUARY 2026
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Holiday smiles and sweet treats filled Hy-Vee during Papillion Police Department’s Cookies with Cops event. 2: New firefighters officially joined the Papillion Fire Department with a ceremony at City Hall. 3: Holiday spirit shined as the 55+ Club hosted Cookies and Carols at Papillion Landing. 4: Papillion Police Department marked a proud moment welcoming new officers into service. 5: Puzzle champions “Pieces and Quiet” celebrated their winning finish at the library’s December contest. 6: Papillion Area Historical Society hosted a festive gingerbread house decorating event at the Eagles. 7: The 55+ Club rang in Noon Year’s Eve with fun and celebration at Papillion Landing.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
SHELBY JANKE BRODERSEN
Sandy Davis Real Estate: Sold on Making a Difference
Sandy Davis of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate blends concierge real estate services with a heartfelt commitment to clients. Davis believes a home should tell the story of who you are and be a collection of what you love. Her tailored concierge services include staging, drone and professional photography, a complimentary moving van and a one-year home warranty, making her a true one-stop shop to closing. Contact Davis today at 402.709.7920 or by emailing sandy.davis@bhhsamb.com.
Matt Ricchini –State Farm Insurance: Celebrating 20 Years of Service
Team Ricchini, led by State Farm Agent Matt Ricchini, is celebrating 20 years of service, helping clients through a comprehensive suite of insurance and financial services. The team provides personalized support and trusted guidance in auto, home, life and business insurance while remaining deeply committed to the community through local sponsorships and community participation, including their popular free snow cones at community events. Contact Team Ricchini at 402.292.1900 or visit teamricchini.com
Cabinet IQ of Omaha Opens Showroom in Papillion – La Vista
Cabinet IQ of Omaha has officially opened its doors in One Giles Place at the corner of 96th and Giles, bringing premium kitchen cabinets, countertops, and expert design services to the Papillion – La Vista Community. The new showroom invites homeowners to explore custom and stock cabinetry options, as well as meet with an experienced designer who will lead them through a signature 6-star service experience! Visit cabinetiq.com/Omaha or call 402.629.6475 to schedule your free consultation.
Photography by Miranda Heitmann Photography
Photography by A2i Photography
Photography by Cabinet IQ of Omaha
Ask Dr. Buss
How much toothpaste should I put on my child’s toothbrush?
For children under 3, a ricesized smear of toothpaste is just right. Kids 3 and older should use a pea-sized amount. We also recommend pressing the toothpaste into the toothbrush bristles. This helps it coat the teeth while reducing the urge to taste or swallow it.
Schedule your child’s first appointment today!
ARTICLE BY VINCE MANCUSO PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPH SAAID
MATT DeBoer: ROOTED
Papillion native shapes global transportation design
The year ahead marks a pivotal chapter for Papillion native Matt DeBoer. A 2002 Papillion-La Vista High School graduate, DeBoer is stepping into a new global role as HDR’s Global Director for Transportation Architecture—overseeing the design of transit hubs and airport terminals for one of the world’s largest employee-owned design firms.
HDR, founded in 1917 and 100 percent employee-owned, is recognized internationally for its work in healthcare, transportation, and infrastructure. For DeBoer, the scope is enormous, but the mindset remains grounded.
“A lot of the places I go, New York, for example, couldn’t be further from what Papillion is, so it’s really neat to go there,” Matt says. “But I’m still Matt DeBoer from Papillion. I’m still a Nebraskan at heart. Papillion—the nature of who we are as people, that Midwest sensibility and kindness—it’s well received wherever I go.”
That sensibility was formed early. Matt’s family moved to Papillion when he was a toddler, settling in the Hickory Hill neighborhood. Aside from his years studying architecture at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Papillion has always been home.
Matt credits his parents, John and Gail, as early examples of leadership and perseverance. His father spent 35 years at OPPD, while his mother worked her way through many roles to become CEO of what is now Cobalt Credit Union. Still, architecture wasn’t always the plan.
“I wouldn’t say I knew I was going to be an architect from a young age,” Matt says. “I knew I was going to be a Husker before I knew I was going to be an architect.”
The path became clear at PLHS, where art and woodworking classes bridged creativity and precision.
“That’s where the creative side met the technical side,” he says. “Architecture is both how we shape the world and how we keep people safe. Those two worlds collide, and it was a natural fit.”
After earning his bachelor’s degree in 2007 and his master’s degree in 2009, Matt returned to Papillion, married his wife Leslie—a 2003 Monarch graduate—and built a life centered on family.
“We have three awesome kids: twin 13-year-olds, Hayden and Olivia, and the youngest, Sarah, who is six,” he says. “They really are the foundation of everything I do. They are the rock in my life.”
For Matt, global reach never required leaving Papillion behind. It required carrying Papillion with him.
After a time at Leo A Daly, another Omaha-based firm, Matt joined HDR in 2014. One of his most visible and meaningful early projects stands right in Sarpy County: the Cobalt Credit Union headquarters at 72nd Street and Highway 370.
“That project launched my design career in many ways,” he says. “It’s such a big statement right there on that intersection.”
In 2015, Matt became managing principal of HDR’s Omaha architecture practice, later helping establish the firm’s Kansas City office and leading national community-focused work across cities like Phoenix, Vancouver, Raleigh, Chicago, and Denver.
Now, as Global Director for Transportation Architecture, Matt will work alongside HDR’s transportation teams in major cities including New York, Boston, Toronto, Denver, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
Matt also gives back locally, serving on the United Way and Aksarben Foundation boards and helping lead projects like the new Food Bank for the Heartland headquarters and the renovation of Memorial Stadium—his “dream-come-true kind of project.”
With the travel and around-the-clock nature of his role, Matt says Papillion remains the anchor. In addition to his own parents, his in-laws, Ron and Cindy Racine, live just minutes away, keeping family close.
“It’s not a 9-to-5 job—it’s when you wake up to when you go to bed. You’re always on it… There’s a comfort here that makes this possible,” he says. “The quality of life in Papillion, the ease of getting around, life here is easier. That helps manage the chaos of taking on the world of architecture.”
For Matt, global reach never required leaving Papillion behind. It required carrying Papillion with him.
“I’m still a Nebraskan at heart. Papillion—the nature of who we are as people, that Midwest sensibility and kindness—it’s well received wherever I go.”
-Matt DeBoer
Kira McGahan Owner
Having a Bash with Fabric
How Fabric Bash brings family, fabric, and community together under one roof
ARTICLE BY KATHY NICKERSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BOBBI JO BEAVER
Cathy Thayer was partly joking when she mentioned a partnership to her son-in-law, Jacob Whalen. As a military wife and mother of eight, she operated a quilting business out of her basement. She named it Fabric Bash because working with fabric feels like a party. She was doing longarm quilting, which required a specialized machine, and she wanted to expand her business.
Jacob’s background in electronics provided a natural path toward business ownership, but it was a question from Cathy that set everything in motion. When she asked if he would handle repairs for her own quilt shop, he didn’t hesitate.
That conversation transformed a shared vision into a successful family business. In 2019, they acquired an existing store and relocated to their current location on Portal Road in 2021. This year, they opened a second store in Rapid City, South Dakota. It’s a true family business, with several members working in the stores or behind the scenes.
Jacob is more than a repairman, of course. He and the Thayer’s son, Greg, are both general managers for the company.
“I’m the creative and the chaos,” Cathy says. Driven by a passion for the texture and artistry of quilting, she finds her greatest reward in helping others.
Cathy describes the quilting community in Papillion as generous. “You rarely hear anyone say they are making a quilt for themselves. It’s always for someone else.”
When tornadoes hit Elkhorn a couple of years ago, the quilters gathered 300 quilts and donated them to families who had suffered loss.
“You rarely hear anyone say they are making a quilt for themselves. It’s always for someone else.” - Cathy Thayer describing the Papillion Quilting Community
Quilters and sewers are also a diverse group. One retired Navy veteran began quilting at age 78. Now, at 83, he quilts at Fabric Bash so often he sometimes wears a tee-shirt that says, “Employee of the Month.”
He isn’t the only gentleman quilter. Several husbands sign up for the rental program and use the longarm machines to finish backing after their wives have pieced a quilt.
As the business grows, it is bringing jobs, customers, and opportunities to the Papillion community. Fabric Bash offers machines for sale or rent, as well as fabric, notions, and classes such as Beginner Bootcamp. A giant map on the wall shows customers from all fifty states and around the world.
Cathy isn’t in a basement anymore, either. Beyond her work at the shop, she hosts the Quilting Center podcast and serves as a national educator specializing in longarm quilting.
When the Thayers moved to Nebraska, they expected Papillion to be one stop in a military career. Instead, it became home. They are now an integral part of the community’s fabric and design, just like the quilts they help create.
Mark Thayer (Video Editor), Cathy Thayer (Owner/CEO), Jacob Whalen (Owner), Maggie Thayer (Longarmer)
Outdoor Living Starts Here
YOUR 2026 PROJECT STARTS HERE
Start the new year with a kitchen you love. Premier Countertops carries granite, marble, solid surface, and 300+ quartz options—all backed by expert guidance and fast, free measurements.
Visit our showroom and start your refresh today.
premiercountertops.com | 402.991.7258 8720 L St, Omaha, NE 68127
LIVING WITH MEMORY LOSS
MILES MEMORY CARE: WHERE PASSION AND LOVE MEET EXCEPTIONAL CARE
ARTICLE BY DEB GRAYSON REINARD PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMMIE RODRIGUEZ
Memories are precious. They link us to our past and to the people we hold dear. But for some of us those memories begin to fade and eventually even those people and places we love most can become unfamiliar or forgotten. Dementia affects more than 55 million people around the world, with almost 10 million new cases diagnosed annually. In the United States alone, more than six million people are suffering from dementia. There are more than 100 types of dementia, with Alzheimer’s as the most common.
According to AARP, some dementia-related behaviors include repeating the same question; wandering, especially later in the day; resistance to bathing; incontinence; insomnia; delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia; loss of appetite. Most often, we think of the more common symptoms, such as short-term memory loss, struggling to find the right word, mood swings, and irritability.
Becky Miles is no stranger to the devastating impact of dementia. Not only has she personally experienced it in her own family, but she also has over two decades of nursing experience with a background in behavioral dementia and psychology. Mix that with a vision to help families in need and a passion to love those suffering from memory loss, and Miles Memory Care in Papillion was born.
“We’re not a big, fancy place,” Miles says. “Our people need a comfortable place that’s small and homelike. They need to know they are loved, they are safe, and they are cared for.”
Miles Memory Care is comprised of two one-story home-like structures sitting adjacent to each other on Grandview Avenue in Papillion. Each building features four private rooms and six companion rooms.
“Studies have shown that memory care patients do better in companion rooms,” Miles says.
The buildings also include large, open spaces for comfortable gatherings of residents and families, dining areas, and activity spaces. According to Miles, life here happens in the common areas, where residents spend 99% of their days. Families can rest easy knowing this social environment is paired with rigorous security, including around-the-clock monitoring and controlled-access doors.
“Their days are filled with delicious meals, fun activities, and good friends,” Miles says. “Bingo is big here, and we also offer bowling, music, pet therapy, golf, and one-on-one activities. We want all our residents to relax, have fun, and know there is no wrong way to do an activity.”
Miles says it is important to help residents at Miles Memory Care maintain their dignity, and for many, that means feeling needed, wanted, and useful.
“We never want them to lose their self-worth, so you may see someone helping with the dishes or helping around the facility in other ways,” she says.
Miles says she empathizes with the challenges and emotional toll facing families of dementia patients and her goal is to always keep family members involved. Oftentimes, these family members have been caregivers for quite some time and now are able to return to their role as daughters or sons knowing that Miles Memory Care is a place where their family members will be comfortable and cared for in a setting that feels like home.
402.593.5496 | milesmemorycare.net
Owner Becky Miles
PERMISSION to be
cheesy
VALENTINE’S DAY CHEESECAKE
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSIE SUPPES
Valentine’s Day is all about showing your loved one just how much you care. Rather than opting for the predictable chocolates and flowers, why not showcase your culinary prowess and create a one-of-a-kind cheesecake? Not only will this delectable treat demonstrate your affection, but it will also add a personal and luxurious touch to the holiday celebration. Make this Valentine’s Day truly memorable by going above and beyond with a heartfelt, homemade gift. Cheesecake is the perfect dessert for two because it’s both rich and indulgent, but not too heavy. Plus, it can be easily customized to fit your own personal taste and it’s much easier than you think!
TO MAKE THE PERFECT CHEESECAKE, YOU’LL NEED:
• 1 pound cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 prepared graham cracker crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Next, add in the sour cream and heavy cream and mix until everything is well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the cheesecake is set. Let cool completely before serving. For this recipe, we decided to add berries and honey to the top of our cheesecake. Take the time to make yours special to your relationship. With toppings such as chocolate, jelly, whipped cream, berries, fruit, or whatever your partner’s favorite is, you’re sure to make them smile. Make things colorful by adding food coloring to the mix, it can even be made in their favorite color. You can also change things up by making your own crust with Oreos or cinnamon crackers.
To elevate this recipe to the next level, consider using high-quality ingredients such as grass-fed cream cheese and locally sourced honey. For added luxury, try using a blend of different types of berries, or even substituting the graham cracker crust with a crust made of crushed pistachios or hazelnuts.
In addition to adding a variety of toppings, you can also get creative with the presentation. For example, try using a springform pan to create a heart-shaped cheesecake, or using cookie cutters to create fun shapes out of the cheesecake slices. You can also garnish the cheesecake with edible flowers or a sprinkle of edible gold dust for a truly indulgent experience.
*Main Line Drain Cleaning*
Floor Drain | Kitchen Sink | Bathroom Sink
Tub/Shower | Utility Sink
FEBRUARY 2026
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
EVERY TUESDAY
Helping Hands
Quilting at Mangelsen’s
Mangelsen’s, Omaha | 10:30 AM
Join the Omaha Quilters’ Guild Helping Hands committee for a weekly quilting volunteer event running from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM every Tuesday. Help cut, piece, machine quilt, and bind quilts created for warmth, comfort, healing, and fundraising. Fabric and batting are provided. All skill levels welcome to lend a hand and make a difference.
FEBRUARY 8TH
Romance Readers High Tea
Papillion Public Library | 2:00 PM
Make a date with your favorite Galentine for an afternoon of tea, pastries, and romance! Enjoy a guided stroll through the romance genre, explore popular subgenres, and discover 20 new titles to add to your TBR list. Registration is required at papillionpubliclibrary.org
FEBRUARY 13TH
Family Battle Zone
Papillion Landing | 6:30 PM
Families are invited to test their skills at Family Battle Zone! Participants ages 8 and up will compete in Nerf and dodgeball-style games like capture the flag and free-for-all. Bring your own unmodified, non-battery-powered Nerf gun; extra darts and a meal are provided. Registration required by February 6. Visit papillion.org/calendar to register.
FEBRUARY 14TH
Valentine’s Day Tea at Arbor Lodge Mansion
Arbor Day Farm | 10:00 AM
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a charming tea at Arbor Lodge Mansion. Enjoy sweet treats, music, local history, and special exhibits in a beautiful historic setting. A lovely way to spend the day with friends or loved ones at Arbor Day Farm. Choose between a 10:00 AM or a 2:00 PM start time. Purchase your tickets at arbordayfarm. org/events/valentines-day-tea
FEBRUARY 26TH
Bags & Swags Fundraiser
Papillion Landing | 5:30 PM
Join the Housing Foundation for Sarpy County for a lively evening reflecting on 100 years of progress in housing. This Roaring 20’s–themed celebration features a classic pencil-and-paper silent auction and vintage flair. An evening of fun, reflection, and community connection you won’t want to miss.
MARCH 12TH
Family Glow Dance
Papillion Landing Chrysalis Event Center | 6:15 pm
Enjoy a fun-filled family evening with disco hits, dancing, and glowing fun! Activities include a disco dance-off, trivia, and a costume contest, plus refreshments. All participants must register by February 28. Cost is $25 for adults and $15 for children 16 and under. Visit papillion.org/calendar to register.
Want to be featured?
Valentine’s Day
Final Date to Place Orders is February 9th | Pickup on February 13th Pickup Location 12011 Longshore Ave. Papillion
“WE’RE SO IN LOVE WE SHARE EVERYTHING” BOX $20
This box contains one of each of the following items: Chocolate Covered Strawberry, Red Velvet Whoopie Pie, Strawberry Cheesecake Tart, Vintage Cherry Chip Sandwich Cookie, Almond Raspberry Cupcake
“WE’VE BEEN TOGETHER SO LONG, WE DON’T SHARE ANYTHING” BOX $38
This box contains two of each of the following items: Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Red Velvet Whoopie Pies, Strawberry Cheesecake Tarts, Vintage Cherry Chip Sandwich Cookies, Almond Raspberry Cupcakes
Place Your Order Today! Call/Text 301.785.7726 or message B BusyBeeBakingCompany All payments are due at pickup, and we accept cash, check, or Venmo.
HOW TO DESIGN A RELAXING SPACE
ARTICLE BY EMILY FOSTER INTERIORS
INVESTING IN HOME DESIGN CAN GIVE YOU A PEACEFUL SANCTUARY WHERE YOU CAN ESCAPE FROM THE STRESSES OF DAILY LIFE. SO GO AHEAD, TAKE THE PLUNGE AND REVAMP YOUR LIVING SPACES – IT’S WORTH EVERY PENNY!
invest inyour living space
There are many things that can help a room feel relaxing, but let’s keep it simple and focus on my top three. I would say that one must incorporate good lighting, great textures, and a decluttered space to truly get the cozy vibes. Let’s tackle each.
GOOD LIGHTING
It’s imperative that there are multiple sources of light in a space. Rooms need a soft warm light, so I always like to use a light bulb between 2,700k and 3,000k. Also, all lights should have the same temperature light bulb to avoid clashing. It’s not enough to just have recessed or pendant lighting. I add a table or floor lamp to a space to truly have ambient light. Candles are a must for me. They can be scented candles (an extra way to add relaxation) or I like to use remote control tapered candles, so I don’t have to worry about cleaning up wax later.
GREAT TEXTURES
Textures are seen in toss pillows, rugs, draperies, throw blankets and furniture upholstery. Textures add color, pattern and visual interest. I like to use at least three different textures to help a room feel lived-in and welcoming.
DECLUTTERING
So many times, a person thinks that every nook and cranny and every wall need to have something, and this is not the case. A decluttered space is actually more relaxing because overcrowding of items doesn’t quiet the mind. Decluttering a space can be overwhelming, I get it, so just do it in stages. You’ll love the outcome when the room is tidy, organized and you are only surrounded with what brings you joy.
20205 Park Road, Elkhorn, NE 68022 | 402-504-2751
www.forsmansfinest.com | V forsmans_finest | B forsmansfinest
Finely Built. Forsman’s Finest.
Forsman’s Finest Decks designs and builds custom decks, patio covers, and outdoor living spaces across the Omaha area. From the design to the final touches, their team handles every step with professionalism and attention to detail. Known for high-quality craftsmanship, clear communication, and clean job sites, they take pride in creating beautiful, long-lasting outdoor spaces that bring families together and enhance the way you enjoy your home. Saving marriages, one deck at a time...
Excellence in every board, pride in every project.
