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THE Style ISSUE S E P TE M B E R 2 02 6

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

A Letter from the Editor Hello Papillion, As we start to enter a new season, I hope this letter finds you inspired by the beauty around you. Welcome to the Style Issue. Style is such a creative part of life and it’s far more than the clothes we wear or the accessories we choose. Style is woven into every detail of our everyday lives. It’s the unique thread that creates the tapestry of who we are. And therefore, it deserves to be celebrated! What makes style so captivating is its deeply personal nature. It evolves alongside us as we explore new interests, embrace our quirks, and express what we value most. It’s a language without words, a powerful tool for connection that can bridge differences and spark shared understanding. I was recently reflecting on the unique style of each individual while speaking with our photographer, Joseph Saaid, about his trip to Egypt. He shared how people everywhere are far more alike than we are different. We all have struggles, desires, dreams, and our own personal styles. Photography gives us the chance to capture that shared human connection and celebrate those distinct styles. In this issue, we explore a local artist repurposing metal into stunning artwork, ways to design a kitchen that reflects your daily lifestyle, and fun ways to express your style at Arbor Day Farm, complete with the ultimate debate: apple cider donut or apple cider slushie? This month, I encourage you to embrace your personal style, the things that make you uniquely you, and be proud of them. The most beautiful style is one that reflects your passions, your story, and your individuality. No one else can replicate that. I hope this issue will inspire you to embrace the power of being the person you were created to be!

September 2026 PUBLISHER

Kyler Hendrickson kyler.hendrickson@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R

Amy Hendrickson amy.hendrickson@citylifestyle.com P U B L I S H E R AS S I STAN T

Amanda Mills | amanda.mills@citylifestyle.com C O PY E D I TO R

Kristen Muldoon CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Janette Calabro, Kathy Nickerson, Nichole Peringer, Vince Mancuso, Amy Hendrickson, Joseph Saaid, Matsumoto Mari C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Joseph Saaid, Herb Thompson, Arbor Day Farm, Janie Jones

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

Happy September,

Amy Hendrickson, Editor @ pa p i l l i o n c i t y l i f e s t y l e

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Papillion City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Papillion area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

Visit our Instagram C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / PA P I L L I O N

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Papillion City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

This Fall, Don’t Buy A New Wardrobe. Learn Yours. Every fall, closets fill with new sweaters, boots, and jackets. But before you buy another piece, ask yourself one question:

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inside the issue SE PTE M B E R 2 02 6 | STYL E

12 Featured

16 20

WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN PRESTIGE AND PLACEMENT?

Departments

Scrap Metal Becomes Art

Ian Ward Does His Best to Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle

Meet Under the Apple Trees

A Nostalgic Journey Through Arbor Day Farm, Historic Orchards, and AppleJack Festival Magic

Where Life Happens How Cabinet IQ is Creating Kitchens Designed for Connection and Lifelong Memories

On the Cover Ian's Metal Art Photography: Herb Thompson

Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Maker’s Studio ARTS + CULTURE

Must See TRAVEL

Home Update HOME + DESIGN

Travel Journal TRAVEL

Local Limelight AUTO + MARINE

Happy Hour FOOD + BEVERAGE

Events

With City Lifestyle’s co-branded print + digital packages, your business captures attention wherever our community is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page, and drive immediate action online. Ready to double your local reach? Contact your local publisher by scanning below.

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Your Hometown Orthodontist We’re more than just braces. We’re a team dedicated to creating confident smiles in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. At Papillion Orthodontics, personalized care and affordable treatment go hand in hand.

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SEPTEMBER 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

JOEY SEARS, CITY OF PAPILLION

5 PAPILLION CITY LIFESTYLE

PAPILLION LA VISTA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

JOEY SEARS, CITY OF PAPILLION

PAPILLION JUNIOR WOMEN’S CLUB

1: Kids crossed the finish line with smiles during the Papillion Kids Triathlon. 2: City Park welcomed the return of the Papillion Farmers Market for another vibrant summer season. 3: Sarpy County Bicycles celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting. Welcome to the community! 4: PLCS opened an exciting new chapter with the ribbon cutting for Lincoln View Elementary School. 5: The Papillion Library brought books, active learning, and community together during Storytime at the Farmer’s Market. 6: The Papillion Public Library welcomed magician Jeff Quinn for an unforgettable magic show. 7: The Papillion Junior Women’s Club combined sweet treats and community at the Papillion Farmers Market.

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SEPTEMBER 2026

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Celebrate National Sewing Month at Fabric Bash September is National Sewing Month and Fabric Bash is celebrating the creativity and satisfaction of making something with your own hands. Whether you are looking to browse quilt fabrics, learn a new skill or technique or find the perfect machine for your sewing style, the Fabric Bash team is ready to help. Already have a machine you love? Fabric Bash also provides machine maintenance and repair. Visit the store or explore classes, events and products at fabricbash.com!

Scan to read more Photography by Bobbi Jo Beaver

A New Book for Autumn by Papillion Author Kathy Nickerson Local author Kathy Nickerson is pleased to announce the release of her latest novel, A Girl Called Something. This is the story of a young woman who is orphaned and alone in the Midwest during WWI, left with nothing but her father’s tavern and her throwaway name. The future looks bleak unless one customer and one cup of coffee can change her story. Visit kathynick.com to learn more and discover all of Nickerson’s books.

Franker & Associates Celebrates 5-Year Anniversary Franker & Associates, American Family Insurance is proud to celebrate five years of service! With nearly two decades of experience helping individuals navigate their insurance needs, agency owner Jessica Franker and her team are committed to providing personalized guidance and trusted service for their clients. They extend a heartfelt thank you to their clients and community for their trust and support and look forward to serving the area for many years to come!

Scan to read more Photography by Joseph Saaid

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Scrap Metal Becomes Art Ian Ward Does His Best to Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle Most people look at a pile of scrap metal and see a disposal problem. Ian Ward looks at the problem and sees art. A self-educated metal artist, Ian finds inspiration in pieces and parts most people would toss. In his workshop, sprockets become turtles, ball bearings turn into eyeballs, and trunk springs grow into tall plants. Ian was born in England, where his father served in the Royal Air Force. The family lived on several bases around the world, eventually ending up at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha when he was a teenager. After Ian graduated from high school, he returned to England and discovered his U.S. diploma meant nothing. “I was working construction and missing my friends over here, so I came back to spend a summer. A good friend of mine invited me to his sister’s graduation party, and I’m married to her now. Forty-four years.” Ian works in a local car dealership, and he got tired of sending so much metal to the salvage yard. Instead, he began looking for ways to turn the scrap into sculptures. He started collecting, sorting, sanding, grinding, welding, painting, and dreaming up new ideas. His motto became: reduce, reuse, repurpose, recycle.

ARTICLE BY KATHY NICKERSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY HERB THOMPSON

M AK E R’S ST U D IO | ARTS + CU LT U RE

For twenty years, he worked on various projects, but the idea of a sea horse sculpture kept coming to mind. Finally, he spent several days experimenting in his garage until a discarded flywheel became the graceful body, and the sea horse emerged. He entered the piece in a 2021 recycled art fair contest. No one was more surprised than Ian when his sea horse won first place. He was even more surprised when someone asked to buy it. That experience gave him the confidence to continue making and selling art. Recently, Ian helped restore the butterfly benches that are scattered around Papillion. He removed rust, sanded, and prepped the benches before sending them to the Holly Carey Art studio for repainting.

In 2026, when the Papillion Arts Foundation wanted to thank Mayor Black for his many years of service to the city, they presented him with one of Ian’s metal butterflies. It was a fitting tribute. Ian has donated original pieces to family and friends, local police departments, cancer patients, and various charity and fund-raising events. His work has hung in Papillion City Hall and is on display in the Papillion Arts Foundation gallery at The Landing through September.

Ian continues to experiment with materials and designs, and he sells his work through his Facebook page – Ian’s Metal Art. He is always learning and says that even mistakes can turn into something interesting. When he accidentally ground a couple of holes into one of his large flower designs, Ian looked around the shop for a solution. He found a couple of bolts to stretch, twist, and paint. They turned into hungry green caterpillars who had chewed holes in the petals. Obviously, Ian sees the world a little differently than some of us, and that’s a great thing.

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MEET UNDER THE APPLE TREES

When September arrives, the scent of fresh apples mingles with cinnamon, caramel, and warm apple cider doughnuts. Leaves transform into brilliant shades of gold and crimson. Families pull little wagons overflowing with apples, couples stroll together through the orchards, and children laugh beneath towering trees that have watched generations grow. For two unforgettable weekends, September 18-20 and September 25-27, Nebraska City’s beloved AppleJack Festival returns, drawing nearly 90,000 visitors to celebrate one of the Midwest’s most treasured autumn traditions. But this isn’t simply a festival. It’s an experience woven throughout the entire community, with Arbor Day Farm serving as its heart. If Senior Marketing Manager Rachel Hrabik could design the perfect day at Arbor Day Farm, she’d start before most people even hit the snooze button.

M UST SE E | TRAVEL

ARTICLE BY JANETTE CALABRO | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY ARBOR DAY FARM

A NOSTALGIC JOURNEY THROUGH ARBOR DAY FARM, HISTORIC ORCHARDS, AND APPLEJACK FESTIVAL MAGIC

“I think my favorite thing has become creating the ideal itinerary for guests coming to Arbor Day Farm,” Hrabik says. “For fall in particular, you can’t beat the sunrise from the Harris Prairie overlook. It’s really a great spot to see the entire property. You can see the top of Arbor Lodge Mansion peeking over the treetops, and you can get a little glimmer of some of the apple trees and orchards farther out.” Arbor Day Farm offers enough activities to fill an entire weekend. Spend the morning picking crisp apples straight from the orchard or snip a colorful bouquet from the farm’s “U-Pick” fields. Sample Nebraska wines and hard ciders at the Apple House Market before letting the kids burn off energy at Tree Adventure beneath the cool shade of the forest canopy. As evening approaches, settle in for dinner at Porter’s or Timbers. Just don’t forget to leave room in your wagon. Yes...bring a wagon. You’ll thank everyone later. “When you go over to the farm side, you’re instantly greeted by the smell of apples but also our flowers,” Hrabik says. “Especially during festival time, you’re going to smell funnel cake, apple

cider, and apple cider doughnuts. You’ll be blown away by the smell of fall. There’s a coziness in the air. You definitely can’t pass up the chance for a coolish walk, then maybe go back to your room (at Lied Lodge) to take a little rest before you catch your massage at the spa.” Executive Director of Nebraska City’s Tourism and Commerce, Amy Allgood agrees. “The air is crisp when you wake up, not cold, just clean,” she says. “Just hearing the wind in the leaves is really awesome.” Ask Allgood about the single smell that defines AppleJack, and she doesn’t hesitate. “Apple doughnuts,” she says immediately. “People will wait in line for the apple doughnuts.” The 260-acre Arbor Day Farm connects beautifully with nearby attractions. Expect a 15-minute walk from Lied Lodge to Arbor Lodge Mansion and roughly 10 minutes to the Apple House Market. And while you’re there? Order the famous apple cider slushie à la mode—with a scoop of ice cream—and drizzle caramel over the top. You’re welcome. Arbor Day Farm feels different from many attractions because its roots run deep. The farm began in 1972, the same year the Arbor Day Foundation was founded to plant trees. That timing carries special significance: the first Arbor Day observance in the United States was celebrated in 1872 after J. Sterling Morton proposed a day dedicated to tree planting. Today, that legacy continues through the farm’s Preservation Orchard where you can sample fruit from the original apple trees. Don’t miss a tour of Morton’s home at the historic Arbor Lodge, a 52-room neo-colonial mansion expanded in the late 1800s. And take time to experience the antique cider press where it all started with a hand crank. “When you leave Arbor Lodge, just stay on Second Avenue and drive those original cobblestone streets to our town,” Allgood says. “There are a lot of big, beautiful houses, and the trees are ginormous. Once the colors start changing, it’s a beautiful canopy over the streets.” CONTINUED >

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Downtown Nebraska City comes alive during AppleJack with boutique shopping, museums, colorful flower displays, local restaurants, a taphouse featuring Nebraska craft beers, and charming historic streets. For many families, AppleJack isn’t simply another weekend getaway; it’s a tradition measured in generations. “It’s become tradition for many,” Hrabik says. “It’s that sort of relax and rejuvenate, take a step back, and turn off your devices sort of thing. To unplug and relax in a world that feels so chaotic sometimes, coming back to normalcy or familiarity is comforting.” “Arbor Day Farm is an anchor to our community and AppleJack,” Allgood admits. “It’s so well put together. If we get people to Arbor Day Farm and AppleJack, they’re going to fall in love with our whole city. AppleJack is a

M UST SE E | TRAVEL

community-wide event that our entire community has embraced. You get to experience Nebraska City as a whole, not just one festival.” That’s easy to believe when downtown boutiques offer festival specials, classic cars line the streets for the fall car show, carnival rides fill the air with laughter, and the beloved 10-block AppleJack Parade winds through town. As Hrabik puts it, “We’re not all trying to compete—we complement one another in a community-wide space.” And perhaps that’s the real magic of Arbor Day Farm and AppleJack. It’s not just about apples. It’s about slowing down, reconnecting with loved ones, honoring history, and creating the kind of memories that someday will inspire another generation to come back and do it all over again.

Where memories take root Discover 260 acres of trees, trails, and treetop adventures — where hands-on experiences and outdoor beauty come together. From orchard rides and wine tastings to flower picking and family-friendly fun, Arbor Day Farm offers unforgettable getaways for families, couples, and friends. Plan your visit for the AppleJack Festival (September 18-20 and 26-27), then return throughout the season to experience everything fall at the Farm has to offer. Visit arbordayfarm.org/fall. @arbordayfarm

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WHERE Life Happens How Cabinet IQ is Creating Kitchens Designed for Connection and Lifelong Memories ARTICLE BY NICHOLE PERINGER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPH SAAID

The coffee begins to brew in the early hours of the morning while the hum of the dishwasher brings to mind that all-too-familiar feeling: home. At the heart of it all is the place where memories are made, conversations unfold, and friends gather around the kitchen island to celebrate life’s joys and weather its heartbreaks. Our kitchens quietly become the backdrop for life’s most meaningful moments, and it’s here that Greg and Kali Allen have chosen to invest. Cabinet IQ is more than a kitchen remodeling company. It’s a vision to create spaces that support everyday life and become the setting for memories that last a lifetime. This is where the Allens decided to make their mark and build a legacy.

A DREAM 10 YEARS IN THE MAKING

For more than a decade, Greg and Kali Allen dreamed of owning a business, but nothing ever felt quite right. “We’ve always wanted to own our own business, and I don’t know that there’s ever a right or wrong time to do it. For us, it was all about timing,” Greg says. “I was kind of at my wits’ end with my job, so we took a leap and started seriously looking at franchise opportunities.” When they discovered Cabinet IQ , a franchise based in Austin, Texas, they knew they had found the right fit. “We knew we wanted to be in this field because we wanted to help our community and provide a service people could depend on, one rooted in reliability, integrity, and high standards,” Kali says. “We understood how hard it was to find trustworthy people to do work in your home, and we were excited to be the solution to that problem.”

H OM E U P DAT E | HO M E + D E SIGN

Kali and Greg Allen

Cabinet IQ aligned with their desire to deliver dependable service while creating beautiful, functional spaces where families could gather for years to come.

A BUSINESS BUILT AROUND FAMILY

Built around the dinner table, Greg and Kali Allen’s family has always understood the importance of sharing a meal. Living in Papillion with their two children and Bernese Mountain Dog, Martha, they lead a busy life filled with extracurricular activities. Still, they hold fast to one steadfast value: No matter how late it is, they gather in the kitchen, around the island or the dinner table, to share a meal together. CONTINUED >

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“Family dinners are always a must in our home,” Kali says. “Even now that our daughter has a job and we’re building the business, we still make dinner together a priority.” That same commitment shapes the way they serve their clients. They believe strong communities begin at home, and the kitchen is where those connections grow. “Most families congregate in the kitchen,” Greg says. “We want to make that place in your home as beautiful and functional as possible.”

DESIGNING AROUND PEOPLE

At Cabinet IQ , every kitchen begins with listening because no two families live the same way. “We want to know everything,” Greg says. “How we design a space is going to be different for every person, so it’s really important to us that we listen to their needs and figure out what they truly want and where their pain points are, so we can create solutions that fit the way they live.” Because a kitchen remodel may be the only one a family ever undertakes, Greg and Kali believe it’s essential to get every detail right. “We ask questions like, ‘Do you love to bake? Do you have pets? How often do you entertain? Do you have young children?’” Greg adds. “All of those details help us create a kitchen that truly meets their needs.”

BUILDING MORE THAN KITCHENS

Beautiful kitchens may be the finished product, but for Greg and Kali, they’re never the end goal. Every remodel is designed to create a place where families gather, traditions take root, and everyday moments become lifelong memories. Success isn’t measured in countertops, cabinetry, or square footage. It’s found in the life that unfolds after the remodel is complete. For the Allens, that’s always been the point. 402.625.4018 | cabinetiq.com/omaha

Small Details, Big Impact The best kitchen features are often ones homeowners don’t think about until they start using them. Greg and Kali Allen enjoy helping clients discover thoughtful details that make everyday life easier. • Quartz backsplashes: Beautiful, durable, and easy to maintain. • Smart storage: Appliance pullouts keep mixers and everyday essentials organized and within reach. • Hidden pantries: A client favorite that maximizes storage while blending seamlessly into the design. • Thoughtful lighting: Toe-kick and undercabinet lighting add warmth while improving visibility. Working with Cabinet IQ , homeowners create kitchens that reflect their style and the way they live.

H OM E U P DAT E | HO M E + D E SIGN

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Capturing the Return of a Lifetime A PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY OF EGYPT THROUGH THE LENS OF A SON CAPTIVATED BY A FATHER'S RETURN TO HIS HOMELAND ARTICLE BY AMY HENDRICKSON WITH JOSEPH SAAID | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPH SAAID For Papillion City Lifestyle photographer Joseph Saaid, a camera is more than a professional tool; it’s a device to look deeper, shatter limiting beliefs, and record the world as it truly is. Raised in Sudan, Saaid received his first camera from his father at age 10, turning photography into a hobby just as his family immigrated to the United States. Today, that hobby has evolved into his full-time career. Saaid having coffee on the side of the road with friends in Alexandria near the Mediterranean Sea

“There are so many misconceived notions about other cultures, especially places halfway across the world. The media rarely does them justice. Through Still, Egypt, I want to spark curiosity and challenge those assumptions. Strip away the stereotypes, and you find that our human struggles, desires, and values are deeply shared. Travel expands your horizons- it gives you an extra connection to humanity. I hope that these photos show that we are far more alike than we are different.”

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TRAV E L

Saaid recently journeyed back to Egypt alongside his father, who had just won a difficult battle with cancer. Decades after leaving his homeland to build a new life in the States, Saaid’s father returned to the land of his youth, this time with his son behind the lens. “I was just along for the ride,” Saaid shares. “This was mainly my dad’s trip, but it’s second nature for me to capture what’s around me.” What began as a personal homecoming quickly transformed into Still, Egypt, a celebrated photo exhibit displayed in Omaha is Spring 2026, standing as an intimate, visually striking tribute to resilience, heritage, and the quiet dignity of a place often misunderstood. Here, Saaid takes us behind the lens to share the life, atmosphere, and stories from this unforgettable journey.

“This photo was in Alexandria, which is right by the Mediterranean. I have such strong nostalgia for this coastal town from visiting family as a child. While hanging out on the hotel rooftop, I stumbled across the laundry room. It had so much character! I was drawn to it because it’s a glimpse into a different way of life.”

Saaid’s dad seeing seeing a friend for the first time in 16+ years

“Growing up, you see your dad through a kid’s eyes. But when we returned to Egypt together as adults, I saw him in a completely new light. Watching him reunite with family and old friends, I realized just how much he sacrificed to move our family to the States, leaving behind a whole lifetime of deep community roots. Seeing him greeted like a local celebrity, held in such high respect and love, was deeply moving. In that moment, I wasn’t just taking photos; I was honoring his legacy.”

“We were walking out from the pyramids, and I saw this camel handler sitting there. I didn’t want to break the moment, so I kept my camera down at hip level and shot completely blind as I walked past. Later, when I checked my frame, I couldn’t believe it, the focus, the composition, the light, it all clicked. That kind of pure luck is what makes street photography so thrilling.”

“Walking through one of the oldest markets in the world in Cairo, this vendor immediately caught my eye. He was dressed in traditional attire, including a classic Turkish-style tarboosh, setting him apart from everyone else. He welcomed my request for a photo and we struck up a conversation. Afterwards, I bought a cup of his fresh fruit juice, which was delicious.” CONTINUED >

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“I originally just wanted a shot of the light coming through the stairwell window on my way up to the rooftop, but then a happy accident happened, this man walked right into my frame with his morning coffee, completely lost in thought. You can’t stage moments like that; you just have to be observing- be in the right place at the right time, and be ready when it happens. That’s what I love about travel and street photography. It’s as much a science of anticipation as it is an art of capturing emotion. I love how dark, moody, and contemplative it turned out. It captured perfectly.”

“Cairo is a city that truly never sleeps. People are just getting ready to head out at two or three in the morning. The streets are always alive with endless honking, bustling energy, and a vibrant cafe culture where neighbors gather along the sidewalk over tea and coffee. Coming back after all these years, that constant buzz didn’t overwhelm me, oddly enough it felt peaceful and nostalgic. It was a refreshing reminder of how deeply communal life is over there. To me, Cairo is incredibly cozy. Even in the heart of a massive city, you find these warm pockets of community: neighbors playing dominoes or cards, sharing tea, and talking at street-side cafes. Egyptian culture is rooted in a level of hospitality and connection that is so different from life in the States. That’s what I love about travel: it invites you to step into a completely different kind of human warmth.”

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TRAV E L

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ARTICLE BY VINCE MANCUSO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAPILLION CITY LIFESTYLE

Cruising Through History The Story Behind Papillion’s Iconic D.A.R.E. Car and the Community That Keeps It Rolling

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | AUTO + MARIN E

Before stepping inside the Papillion Police Department, visitors are greeted by an unexpected piece of local history: a gleaming 1957 Chevrolet dressed in vintage police colors. The vehicle has never patrolled city streets or pulled anyone over, but for nearly 30 years, the classic cruiser has quietly become one of the department’s most recognizable ambassadors. “It was in 1997 that the Classic Car Club of Omaha found a ‘57 Chevy on a farm in South Dakota,” says Officer Phillip Tackett. The car wasn’t much to look at then. Club members hauled it back to Nebraska and spent countless hours restoring it, tracking down authentic parts and bringing the forgotten Chevrolet back to life. “They worked on it in their garage in Mr. Fricke’s barn,” Tackett says. “Gosh, I can’t tell you how many hours.” The club had a vision.

“It was never actually a police car, but they wanted to make it a project for the police department,” Tackett says. They finished the restoration in Papillion Police colors and donated it to the department, where it quickly found an important role. “It was kind of their public relations car for D.A.R.E.,” Tackett says. Since arriving in Papillion in the late 1990s, the Chevy has become a familiar sight at community events. It has appeared in countless parades, local festivals, car shows and even traveled to the D.A.R.E. National Conference in Nashville, proudly representing the department wherever it goes. Few people know the car better than Tackett himself. Hired by the department in 1999, he was almost immediately entrusted with helping care for it alongside another

officer. Twenty-six years later, he’s still the one carefully guiding the classic Chevrolet out of its display whenever duty calls. “It’s a bear for me to get it out of that showcase,” Tackett says with a laugh. “But we get it out.” One appearance is non-negotiable. “It will be in the Papillion Days Parade until I’m gone,” he says. “I don’t work on it or anything,” Tackett says. “If there’s anything to be done, the car club does it.” The partnership has lasted nearly three decades. “We just have a really good working relationship with the car club,” Tackett says. “Give them props for doing this for the community, which has benefitted for so long.” Like any vehicle with decades of memories, the Chevy has accumulated a few stories of its own. Years ago, while the car was stored in a garage unit, an officer misjudged the height of the overhead door. “The cherry on top—ripped that off,” Tackett says, laughing as he recalls the decorative red beacon being knocked loose. “So, I’m very cautious when I’m taking it out of garages.” Another officer learned that driving a 1957 Chevrolet is a little different. While stopping for gas, he spent nearly 15 minutes searching for the gas cap before an older gentleman pulled alongside. “’Whatcha doin’, young man?’” Tackett remembers him asking. The answer? The gas cap was cleverly hidden inside the car’s tail fin. Those little moments happen all the time because the Chevy bridges generations in ways few vehicles can. “There are no buttons,” Tackett says. “The windows roll down with a handle.” Children climb inside and puzzle over the manual window cranks and door locks, while older visitors light up the moment they see it. “It’s comical in a way, because kids get in there and they’re befuddled,” Tackett says. “I get more mileage out of the older

generation, the boomers, because they want their picture taken. They remember these cars.” Following the department’s remodel, the D.A.R.E. ‘57 Chevy finally found its permanent home in the front showcase, with a decorated history of trophies and plaques from car shows over the years. Even the department’s collectible trading card features the iconic vehicle. “In a roundabout way, it finally ended up in the showcase, and I’m glad it did,” Tackett says. “It’s unique to the department, and it has a history. It’s the D.A.R.E. ‘57 Chevy.” Whether it’s leading the Papillion Days Parade, drawing crowds at National Night Out or simply greeting visitors at its permanent display, the Chevrolet continues to do exactly what the Classic Car Club of Omaha hoped it would nearly 30 years ago: bringing the community together, one conversation at a time.

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INGREDIENTS • 1 1/2 oz- Cucumber & dragon fruit gin • 3/4oz- Toasted black sesame Velvet Falernum • 1/2oz- Lime juice • Topped with ginger beer • Hawaiian black lava salt & black sesame

GARNISH • Small paint brush • Simple syrup • Hawaiian black lava salt mixed with a pinch of black sesame

INSTRUCTIONS Infused Gin: Infuse 1 whole peeled and cut cucumber in gin for a week. Strain the cucumbers out. Add 1 tablespoon of organic dragonfruit powder and mix very well with a whisk. To make the syrup, toast 1/2 cup of black sesame at 350 for 10 minutes. Take it out and let it cool. In a mortar and pestle, grind the toasted black sesame, but not too fine. Add the sesame into one bottle of John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum. Let that set for about 2 to 3 days and use cheese cloth to strain out the fine bits of sesame. Juice one fresh lime and strain to remove the pulp.

Cocktail: Paint a strip of simple syrup down a Collins glass. Take a spoon full of Hawaiian black lava salt mixed with black sesame and layer that down where the painted simple syrup was placed. In a shaker tin combine: 1 1/2oz cucumber dragon fruit gin, 3/4oz toasted black sesame Velvet Falernum, and 1/2oz lime juice and shake that up! Fill the painted glass with ice (I use crushed ice) and strain over the ice. Top with your favorite ginger beer (my choice is Fever Tree ginger beer).

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SEPTEMBER 2026

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Adults 50 and older are invited to the Fall Health Fair, held from 9 AM–12 PM. Explore wellness exhibits, receive free health screenings, discover local resources, and enjoy interactive activities focused on healthy, active aging. It’s a great opportunity to connect with community organizations and prioritize your well-being. SEPTEMBER 16TH

Free Senior Concert Series SumTur Amphitheater, Papillion | 10:00 AM Enjoy a morning of live music at the Free Senior Concert Series, sponsored by Hillcrest Health & Living. The concert begins at 10 AM and offers a wonderful opportunity to gather with friends, enjoy great entertainment, and celebrate community in the beautiful setting of SumTur Amphitheater. SEPTEMBER 17TH

Naturalization Ceremony Portal Schoolhouse, Papillion Historical Society | 12:30 PM Witness a meaningful milestone as new U.S. citizens are welcomed during a Naturalization Ceremony in historic downtown Papillion. The ceremony begins at 12:30 PM and is free and open to the public. Community members are encouraged to attend and celebrate this special occasion.

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SEPTEMBER 18TH - 20 TH & 26TH - 27TH

AppleJack Festival Arbor Day Farm, Nebraska City | 10:00 AM Celebrate fall at the AppleJack Festival! The festival runs 10 AM–6 PM each day and features apple pies, donuts, slushies, sparkling cider, U-pick apples, live entertainment, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly fun. Advance ticket purchases are recommended for this annual autumn tradition and can be purchased at arbordayfarm.org/tickets. SEPTEMBER 26TH

Fall for the Arts Festival First Street Plaza | 11:00 AM Celebrate creativity at Fall for the Arts, a family-friendly festival hosted by the Papillion Arts Foundation! Running from 11 AM-6 PM, this one-day event features original artwork, handmade goods, live music and performances, and a dedicated children’s area. Connect with local artists and discover new talent in a vibrant community celebration suitable for art lovers of all ages. SEPTEMBER 26TH

Oktoberfest at La Vista City Centre La Vista City Centre | 2:00 PM

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Celebrate Oktoberfest from 2–10 PM with live music, a beer garden, food trucks, a best dressed contest, beer stein holding competition, cornhole, and festival games for all ages. Enjoy performances by Evans & Moore, Kenny Janak Orchestra, and Charm School Dropouts. Free admission; food and beverages available for purchase.

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