HUMMEL PARK HORRORS // NEBRASKA’S MISS USA // SONOMA WINE TOUR // THE BIG GIVE
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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TAB L E of CON T E N T S THE USUAL SUSPECTS 004 From the Editor 006 Between the Lines 009 Calendar of Events 145 Obviously Omaha
Omaha Pub Quiz Guide
169 Explore! 173 Instagram 174 Not Funny
What’s in a Name?
A R T S + C U LT U R E 020 Music
Lady Scientist
022 Art
Stephen Cornelius Roberts
026 Theater
Q. Smith
030 Venue
OutrSpaces
GIVING 122 Giving Gala
Aksarben Ball
124 Feature
034
F E AT U R E S
034 044 058 // 2 //
COVER FEATURE
Adam Devine Chugs the Big Red Kool-Aid
HISTORY
Urban Legends and Real-Life Horror at Hummel Park
ADVENTURE
A Beginner’s Guide to Wine Country in Sonoma, California
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
Charitable Giving after the Tax Overhaul
125 Giving Calendar PE O P L E 040 Gen O
Famous YouTube Fisherman Andrew Flair
048 Sports
UNO Goalie Brian Haaland in NASCAR
052 Profile
Miss USA Sarah Rose Summers
056 Essay
Brad Dickson: The Joke on American Democracy (and Newspapers)
THE 2018 GRE AT PL AINS J OUR N A LIS M AWA RDS
AUGMENTED REALITY
MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR 60PLUS IN OMAHA
On Your Digital Device
HUMMEL PARK HORRORS // NEBRASKA’S MISS USA // SONOMA WINE TOUR // THE BIG GIVE
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
129 60Plus Opener
Watch videos and view photo galleries of select stories from this issue of Omaha Magazine for FREE.
130 Active Living
College Golfer Don Byers
134 Curiosity
Macabre Collector Marc Delman
136 Feature
Kira Gale and the Assassination of Meriwether Lewis
142 Nostalgia
Whatever Happened to Hinky Dinky?
DINING 146 Review
Twisted Cork Bistro
152 Feature
Resurrection of The Diner Downtown
A B O U T T HE COV E R
Omaha Magazine caught up with comedian/actor/ writer Adam Devine—a die-hard Cornhuskers fan who grew up in Omaha—in March for the cover of the September/October issue. This fall, Devine plans to film a Netflix comedy special at the Orpheum Theater in his hometown. Shortly after the photo shoot in Los Angeles, Associate Publisher Bill Sitzmann headed north to California Wine County for a tour of Sonoma County vineyards for another article in this issue.
154 Profile
Gladys Harrison of Big Mama’s Kitchen
156 Dining Guide SPECIAL SECTIONS 069 City Market
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FROM THE EDITOR // LETTER BY DOUG MEIGS, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
#WEDONTCOAST 2019 Best of Omaha Winners WE DON'T COAST. That's the official slogan of Omaha.
Here at Omaha Magazine, we don’t coast so hard that we will announce the 2019 winners of the city’s definitive “Best Of” contest in November 2018. Although subscribers will receive the complete Best of Omaha book in January— with nearly 350 categories—you can catch a sneak peek of the winners list at the Best of Omaha Soirée on Thursday, Nov. 8 at the Omaha Design Center. It is going to be a fancy evening of celebrating the Best of Omaha. The dress code is businesschic. But everyone age 21 and older is invited to join the party. Purchase tickets at localstubs.com. From 7-9 p.m., everyone can enjoy food from Best of Omaha winners, a cash bar, musical performances, and other entertainers (to be announced at a later date). The evening will kick off at 6 p.m. with a special VIP networking hour. VIP tickets also come with swag bags and free-flowing liquor, wine, and beer. The Best of Omaha Soirée will take the place of the Best of Omaha Festival that we hosted for four years (2014-2017). We might bring the festival back again in later years. For now, however, we wanted to try a fresh approach to celebrating the Best of Omaha for 2019. After all, these businesses don’t coast. And neither do we. “We Don’t Coast” is not a rip on less landlocked locales, according to the brand explanation from the Greater Omaha
Chamber of Commerce (the impetus for the brand). We don’t begrudge those wayward Omahans who have found success away from Home-aha. Look no further than Adam Devine and Sarah Rose Summers. These superstars from Omaha have achieved international celebrity status. Devine is a big-shot comedian and actor returning to his hometown for a Netflix comedy special (to be filmed at the Orpheum this fall). Summers, aka Miss Nebraska, was crowned Miss USA in May. (She will be vying for the Miss Universe title in December.) Their stories—and much more—are featured in the full city edition of Omaha Magazine sold at local bookstores and mailed to subscribers.* This September/October issue, in fact, is full of stories about Omahans with coastal tendencies. Look no further than the Arts + Culture section; we profile Q. Smith (a North High School grad making waves on Broadway) and Omaha-based artist Stephen Cornelius Roberts (who has exhibited work on both coasts). All of these Omahans have made they city proud, and they don't coast when it comes to resting on their laurels. The “We Don’t Coast” slogan is wonderful for social media hashtags emphasizing what Omahans do great: #WeDontCoast #WeCreateOpportunitiesWhereverWeGo. To see how the slogan works so well, consider #WeDontCoast #WeImpact. The hashtag campaign was associated with the Omaha Chamber’s #24HoursOfImpact campaign on
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
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July 27, which Omaha Magazine staff joined. We bought school supplies and donated cash to the nonprofit Completely KIDS. This hashtag formula makes a great shareable gimmick for any campaign, i.e., #WeDontCoast #WeInsertVerbHere. But sometimes, I’ll admit, I do wish Omaha would lift its foot off the gas pedal and coast for a bit. Especially when it comes to our notorious “talent” in dealing with historic properties. City and civic leaders have a rich history of tearing down historic buildings: #WeDontCoast #WeBulldoze? Just consider the history of Jobber’s Canyon (the nation’s largest National Register of Historic Places district sacrificed to ConAgra), the Clarinda-Page Apartments (which remains an empty lot near Midtown Crossing), and more recent proposals from Douglas County to demolish a historic brick structure for a juvenile detention center, or the city’s plot to flatten the iconic Gene Leahy Mall and dump a philanthropy-backed fortune into a sprawling riverfront region that lacks fundamental infrastructure/road access. There is not a category in the Best of Omaha contest for “Best Historic Demolition,” but—this being Omaha—maybe we should consider adding it for the 2020 contest.
*Note: the hotel edition of Omaha Magazine has a different cover, and it does not include all of the editorial content included in the magazine’s full city edition.
SEPTEMBER // OCTOBER 2018 VOLUME 36 // ISSUE 4
EDITORIAL Executive Editor
DOUG MEIGS
Managing Editor
DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN Associate Editor
TARA SPENCER
ELEGANCE
Editorial Assistant
LINDSAY WILSON Editorial Interns
REIMAGINED
KAMRIN BAKER · ELIZABETH KOTTICH · MICHAEL McCURDY Contributing Writers
J.D. AVANT · LEO ADAM BIGA · BRAD DICKSON · GREG JERRETT JARED KENNEDY · JOSEFINA LOZA · LISA LUKECART PATRICK MAINELLI · SANDRA MARTIN · SEAN McCARTHY SHANE MONAGHAN · NIZ PROSKOCIL · OTIS TWELVE SARAH WENGERT · DAVID WILLIAMS
CREATIVE
SHOPPING HOURS Monday-Friday 10 am-8 pm | Saturday 10 am-7 pm | Sunday 12 pm-5 pm Individual store hours may vary
Creative Director
MATT WIECZOREK Senior Graphic Designer
DEREK JOY
Graphic Designer II
MADY BESCH
Graphic Designer I
KATIUSKA NUÑEZ Contributing Photographers
KEITH BINDER · COLIN CONCES · SCOTT DRICKEY WILLIAM HESS · KARISSA JOBMAN · SARAH LEMKE SALLY MONTANA Contributing Videographers
CHRISTOPHER MARSHALL · CAMERON McCLARTY MARK McGAUGH · JEREMY WADE RODMAN · JOE PANKOWSKI
STORES Ann Taylor | Anthropologie | Borsheims | Christian Nobel Furs Evereve | Francesca’s Collections | Garbo’s Salon & Spa Learning Express Toys | LOFT | Parsow’s Fashions
Pottery Barn | Pottery Barn Kids | Rhylan Lang | Tilly White House Black Market | Williams-Sonoma
DINING Bonefish Grill | Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Mode de Vie | Paradise Bakery & Café
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SALES DEPARTMENT Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing
GIL COHEN
Senior Branding Specialist
MARY HIATT
Senior Sales Executive & 60PLUS in Omaha Contributing Editor
GWEN LEMKE
Publisher’s Assistant & OmahaHome Contributing Editor
SANDY MATSON
Senior Sales Coordinator
ALICIA HOLLINS
Branding Specialist
GEORGE IDELMAN Local Stubs Ticketing Representative and Branding Specialist
JOSHUA PETERSON
Local Stubs Ticketing Associate
HOLLEY GARCIA-CRUZ Digital Sales Manager
JILLIAN DUNN Sales Assistants
DAWN DENNIS · SOPHIA GALARDI · WILL PATTERSON
OPERATIONS Distribution Manager
MIKE BREWER
EXECUTIVE
PAGLIACCI
Executive Publisher
Leoncavallo
Vice President
OCTOBER 19 & 21, 2018 | ORPHEUM THEATER | TICKETOMAHA.COM
TODD LEMKE
GREG BRUNS Associate Publisher
BILL SITZMANN Chief Operating Officer
TYLER LEMKE
PAGLIACCI THE ELIXIR OF LOVE LES ENFANTS TERRIBLES
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FAUST
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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Between A LOOK AT FOUR OMAHA MAGAZINE TEAM MEMBERS CAMERON MCCLARTY—Contributing Videographer Cameron McClarty is a young, driven, creative artist who rarely sleeps. His mind is always racing with new and different ideas on how his creativity can be shared with the widest audience. A native of Omaha, most of his education was spent in Catholic school, where discipline was taught to be second-nature. Earning a degree from Metropolitan Community College in video-audio communications art gave him the motivation to keep his vision alive and moving in a positive direction. McClarty continues to follow his passion as a videographer, photographer, graphic designer, editor, animator, and creative director. He recently began a full-time career at Kreative Element and is enjoying every minute of it.
KAMRIN BAKER—Editorial Intern Kamrin Baker is majoring in journalism and media communications and minoring in women’s and gender studies at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. This fall semester, she is the digital editor for the Gateway Newspaper, but in the past she has written for publications such as HuffPost, MTV News, and Gloria Steinem’s Women’s Media Center. When she is not buried in sources and stylebooks, Baker enjoys spending time with family and friends, practicing yoga, traveling, rewatching Parks and Recreation on Netflix, petting dogs, and taking naps. She is vocal about issues that affect her, such as gender equality and the destigmatization of mental illness, and works tirelessly to tell stories that matter. After graduation, she hopes to use her passions to amplify the voices of women (including her own) via creative storytelling and unique leadership.
ew
ood
PATRICK MAINELLI—Contributing Writer
Photo cre
a d it: D
na
Da
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Patrick Mainelli is a writer and photographer living in Omaha. He is a graduate of the UNO English Department and works as communications manager at The Union for Contemporary Art. His nonfiction, which often explores the natural and human landscapes of Omaha and surrounding areas, has appeared in the journals Fourth Genre, The New Territory, and New Ohio Review among others, and has been featured on the public radio program Living on Earth. He is currently at work on a photo and essay series on the home site of James Baldwin—“Hermit Jim”—in Bellevue’s Fontenelle Forest. His writing and photography can be found at patrickmainelli.com.
SOPHIA GALARDI—Sales Assistant Sophia Galardi was born and raised in Papillion with her two brothers and one sister. This animal lover grew up with a dog, five cats, horses, chickens, bees, canaries, and pigeons. Galardi is a senior at UNO, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies with concentrations in general administration, communications, and gerontology. She also works as a suite attendant at Baxter Arena. Galardi lives in an apartment with her 84-year-old grandma, and together, they enjoy laughing at silly things, getting pedicures, and eating watermelon. When she isn’t studying or spending time with Grandma, she can be found spending time with her boyfriend, thrift store shopping, working out, and watering her 30 plants. Galardi dreams of being a mom and owning a dog.
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
#432 Jen Go
MANAGER, THE AFTERNOON
For years, tourists have found unique treasures in this iconic Omaha gift shop. Manager Jen Go found a career she loves and the means to afford her first house. Not only does tourism bring revenue to Omaha, it also brings opportunities for Jen and others who work in the industry. This is what Omaha tourism looks like.
Omaha Tourism SUPPORTS 17,280 LOCAL JOBS SEE THE FACES. HEAR THE STORIES. GO BEHIND THE NUMBERS.
WHATTOURISMLOOKSLIKE.COM
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EVENTS
ART & MUSEUM EXHIBITS
KRISTINE ALLPHIN: TAKING ROOT
Through Sept. 16 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. This exhibit celebrates batik, an ancient decorative art used to embellish textiles, and the various forms of beauty found in the natural world. Admission: $10 adults, $5 children ages 6-12, free for children under 6 and members. 402-346-4002. —lauritzengardens.org
JEVON WOODS
Through Sept. 7 at Love’s Jazz & Arts Center 2510 N. 24th St. Woods’ work captures the essence of social and historical figures and explores the intricacies of Afrocentric everyday life. Admission: $10 adults, $7 students and seniors (ages 55+), $5 children ages 6-12, free for children age 5 and under. 402-502-5291. —ljac.org
DOTTIE SEYMOUR, VIRGINIA OCKEN, GLENDA MUSILEK, AND JUDY GREFF
Sept. 7-30 at the Artists’ Cooperative Gallery, 405 S. 11th St. Discover the paintings by these featured artists, which range from watercolor to acrylic, with subjects from horses to abstract images. Admission: free. 402-342-9617. —artistscoopomaha.com
WATIE WHITE AND BRENT HOUZENGA
Sept. 7-Oct. 26 at Petshop Gallery, 2725 N. 62nd St. Take part in the notable printmaking and portraiture of White and Houzenga at the gallery in Benson’s Petshop. Admission: free. 402-203-5488. —facebook.com/bensonpetshop
JAMES BOCKELMAN
Sept. 14-Oct. 5 at Project Project, 1818 Vinton St. This exhibit showcases James Bockelman’s modern works. Bockelman is an art professor at Concordia University. Admission: free. 402-680-6737. —projectprojectomaha.com
JOHN THEIN
Sept. 14-Oct. 12 at Lied Art Gallery, 2500 California Plaza. Take in new oil paint and watercolor pieces by Creighton professor Thein. Admission: free. 402-280-2509. —johnthein.com
Through Sept. 21 at Fred Simon Gallery, 1004 Farnam St. View the works of Kalk, a Creighton University design instructor inspired by the natural world. Admission: free. 402-595-2122. —artscouncil.nebraska.gov
Through Sept. 9 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. Take a look at 50 masterworks from one of the most private collections of British painting in the U.S. Tickets: $10 general public ($5 4-8 p.m. Thursdays), $5 colSept. lege students, free for Joslyn members and ages 17 and younger. 402-342-3300. —joslyn.org
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Through Sept. 15 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S. 12th St. This exhibit examines how Pepe often plays with feminist and craft traditions to counter patriarchal notions of art. Admission: free. 402-341-7130. —bemiscenter.org
Sept. 1 through Jan. 6, 2019 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. The Durham Museum hosts the world premiere of 40 of this acclaimed nature photographer’s works. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children (3-12), free for children under 2 and members. 402-444-5071. —durhammuseum.org
BETNI KALK
TREASURES OF BRITISH ART 14002000: THE BERGER COLLECTION
SHEILA PEPE: HOT MESS FORMALISM
THOMAS D. MANGELSEN: A LIFE IN THE WILD
REALITY
Through Sept. 26 at K ANEKO, 1111 Jones St. This exhibit investigates art, science, and technology that creates, alters, and ref lects upon the sense of what’s real. Admission: free. 402-341-3800. —thekaneko.org
MUSEUM OF NEBRASKA ART TRAVELING EXHIBITION
Sept. 7-Oct. 28 at Gallery 1516, 1516 Leavenworth St. Come see the works of artists from across the state at MONA’s traveling exhibition. MONA was developed in 1976 to create an art collective that celebrates Nebraska’s unique artistic heritage. Admission: free. 402-305-1510. —gallery1516.org
TODD MCCOLLISTER AND KATIE TEMPLE
Starting Sept. 28-Nov. 23 at Fred Simon Gallery, 1004 Farnam St. View McCollister’s long-grain furniture and woodwork and Temple’s architecture-inspired art. Admission: free. 402-595-2122. —artscouncil.nebraska.gov
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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OMAHA MAGAZINE MAGAZINE || CALENDAR CALENDAR OMAHA
KAY CHAPMAN: WEARABLE ART
Oct. 2-4 at Anderson O’Brien Art, 1108 Jackson St. Chapman uses natural fibers such as silk, cotton, linen, and wool to create clothing that is subtle and bold. See her work and understand the inspirations behind her designs. Admission: free. 402-884-0911. —aobfineart.com
JAPANESE AMBIENCE FESTIVAL
SUPER SPORTS: BUILDING STRENGTH, SPORTSMANSHIP, AND SMARTS
Oct. 6-7 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Participate in cultural events and celebrate Omaha’s special relationship with Japan. Hosted by the Omaha Sister Cities Association, the event will include a wide range of activities like Japanese calligraphy, origami, food tastings, martial arts demonstrations, and more. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: Most activities included with regular admission, $10 adults, $5 children (6-12), free for children under 6 and members. 402-346-4002. —lauritzengardens.org
Starting Oct. 13 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St. This special exhibit is a hands-on exploration of sports, with skill-building experiences through play. Admission: $13 children and adults, $12 seniors (age 60+), free for children 2 and younger and members. 402-342-6164. —ocm.org
Stage Performances
PATTERN AND PURPOSE: AMERICAN QUILTS FROM THE SHELBURNE MUSEUM
BAGELS & SOMETIMES BACH
Sundays starting Sept. 2, at Gallery 1516, 1516 Oct. 6 through Jan. 6, 2019, at Joslyn Art Museum, Leavenworth St. Partake in a community breakfast 2200 Dodge St. View 35 quilt designs by traditional with entertainment from musicians around Omaha, and contemporary makers inspired by everything from including the University of Nebraska-Omaha nature to geometric patterns. Tickets: $10 general Music Department, Opera Omaha, Omaha public, $5 college students, free for Joslyn memSept. Chamber Music Society, and more. Doors bers and ages 17 and younger. 402-342-3300. open 11 a.m. Admission: free. 402-305-1510. —joslyn.org —gallery1516.org
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SARAH HUMMEL JONES
Starting Oct. 12 at Project Project, 1818 Vinton St. Sarah Hummel Jones is an interdisciplinary artist who works with a variety of materials and teaches students across the nation. Admission: free. 402-680-6737. —projectprojectomaha.com
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CINDY MATHIASON, ELISA BENN, AND COURTNEY CHRISTIANSEN
Oct. 5 at the Artists’ Cooperative Gallery, 405 S. 11th St. Enjoy artwork by three featured artists during the month of October, with pieces ranging from oil and charcoal portraits to nature photography. Admission: free. 402-342-9617. —artistscoopomaha.com
Starting Oct. 13 at El Museo Latino, 4701 S. 25th St. Celebrate the Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead by viewing an exhibit and memorial ofrenda. Admission: $5 general admission, $4 college students with ID, $3.50 students K-12 and senior citizens (55+), free for members, active military with ID, and children under 5. 402-731-1137. —elmuseolatino.org
JUDY MOODY & STINK: THE MAD, MAD, MAD TREASURE HUNT
JOE PANKOWSKI
Sept. 7-23 at The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St. Bring the family to see this book-based production about two adventurous siblings with an appetite for the pirate’s life. 7 p.m. Fridays; 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: free for members, $20 for nonmembers. 402-345-4849. —rosetheater.org
Oct. 5-Nov. 30 at Petshop Gallery, 2725 N. 62nd St. This University of Nebraska-Omaha alum brings his sketches—turned paintings, films, gadgets, and more— to the local gallery. Admission: free. 402-203-5488. —facebook.com/bensonpetshop
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
Through Sept. 16 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. When Alison’s father dies unexpectedly, she explores her past to tell the story of their tumultuous relationship. Based on Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel. Times vary. Tickets: $42 and up. 402-553-0800. —omahaplayhouse.com
Sept. 7-8 at Funny Bone, 17305 Davenport St., No. 201. Known for her roles in Office Christmas Party and The Mindy Project, witness the comedic skill of Fortune Feimster. 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Friday; 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets: $25. Ages 21 and up. 402-493-8036. —omaha.funnybone.com
Oct. 5-Nov. 9 at Osborne Family Gallery in Criss Library, 6401 University Dr. N. Take in the works of a shared art community from Northwest Missouri State University. Admission: free. 402-554-2796. —unomaha.edu
Oct. 6-Nov. 16 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Discover a fascinating fabrication of flowers. Bold mums combine with vibrant and diverse colors, textures, and fabrics representative of Japanese culture. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $10 adults, $5 children (6-12), free for children under 6 and members. 402-346-4002. —lauritzengardens.org
FUN HOME
FORTUNE FEIMSTER
NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE FACULTY INVITATIONAL
FALL CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW
MARIA BAMFORD
Sept. 2 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. This Comedy Central-hailing comedian brings her realistic and revelatory stand-up to the Omaha stage. Bamford is best known for her semi-autobiographical Netflix series Lady Dynamite. 8 p.m. Tickets: $25 advance, $30 day of show. 402-345-7569. —theslowdown.com
BENEFIT ART AUCTION EXHIBITION
Oct. 13-26 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S. 12th St. This annual exhibition will feature more than 300 works from local, regional, and national artists. All proceeds will benefit artists and raise funds for Bemis Center programs. 402-341-7130. —bemiscenter.org
TJ MILLER
Sept. 13-15 at Funny Bone, 17305 Davenport St., No. 201. This improvisation and stand-up pro was featured in comedic superhero blockbuster Deadpool. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Friday, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets: $30. Ages 21 and up. 402-493-8036. —omaha.funnybone.com
OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR
SHREK THE MUSICAL
Sept. 14-Oct. 14 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Based on the 2001 DreamWork s A nimation f ilm, this musical tells the family-favorite stor y of classic fair y-ta le characters— and an unapologetic green ogre. 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $20 and up. 402-553-0800. — oma haplayhouse.com
RODNEY CARRINGTON
Sept. 20 at Ralston Arena, 7300 Q St. Carrington is best k nown for his A BC comedy, Rodney, and has released eight comedy albums. 8 p.m. Tickets: $30-$50. 402-934-9966. —ra lstonarena.com
GATSBY ON 16TH STREET
Sept. 22 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. Attend a throwback to the 1920s with an evening of glitz and glamour, including refreshments and hors d ’oeuvres, as well as performances by the Hot Tail Honeys, Doom Lagoon, and The Good Gurls. This event is for ages 21 and up. Cocktail hour at 6 p.m., main event at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $35 genera l, $140 V IP. 402-345-0606. —ticketoma ha.com
THE CLEARING
Sept. 26-29, Oct. 3-6 at UNO Theatre, Weber Fine Arts Building, 6001 Dodge St. L ea rn t he stor y of a communit y caught in the crossf ire of Oliver Cromwell ’s Irish genocide in the 17th centur y. A ll shows at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $16 genera l admission, free for students who present MavCard. 402-554-7529. —unoma ha.edu
GOOSEBUMPS: THE MUSICAL—THE PHANTOM OF THE AUDITORIUM
THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD
Oct. 12-Nov. 4 at The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St. Climb aboard for this classic production and learn the life lesson of persistence told by a group of ta lented actors. 7 p.m. Fridays; 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $12 nonmembers; $10 members. —rosetheater.org
Oct. 26- Nov. 11 at The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St. This musica l will leave audience members feeling silly—and perhaps with their hair on end. 7 p.m. Fridays; 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $20 for nonmembers, free for members. 402-345- 4849. —rosetheater.org
BERT ‘THE MACHINE’ KREISCHER
BLACK VIOLIN'S "CLASSICAL BOOM TOUR"
Oct. 18-20 at Funny Bone, 17305 Davenport St. Oct. 4 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 No. 201. A self-procla imed “perpetua l ma nDouglas St. Spend the evening listening to the child,” K reischer’s stand-up is sure to be full of st ylings of Kev Ma rcus on violin a nd Wil B laughs, college part y stories, and many shirtless on viola, performing their signature blend moments. 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 7:30 and 9:45 Oct. of popular and classica l music. 7:30 p.m. p.m. Friday; 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday. TickTickets: $20-$55. 402-345-0606. ets: $40-50. Ages 21 and up. 402-493-8036. —ticketoma ha.com — oma ha.funnybone.com
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ERIC SCHWARTZ
BILL ENGVALL
ILUMINATE
DORRANCE DANCE
SHE KILLS MONSTERS
LIVE @ THE BACKLINE
Oct. 4 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. This comedian will perform a show that highlights his talents as an actor, musician, voiceover artist and content creator. 8 p.m. Tickets: $15 advance, $18 day of show. 402-345-7569. —theslowdown.com
Oct. 6 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. This techno-dance group from America’s Got Talent is k nown for their electrif ied glow-in-the-dark suits that light up the stage with illusions and imagination. See them with the whole family. 7 p.m. Tickets: $22-$38. 402-345-0606. —ticketoma ha.com
Oct. 19 at Ralston Arena, 7300 Q St. K nown for his leading role in The Bill Engvall Show, Eng vall will show audiences a night of k nee-slapping comedy with a Southern t wang. 7 p.m. Tickets: $35-$60. 402-934- 6291. —ra lstonarena.com
O c t . 2 4 a t O r p h e u m T h e a t e r , 4 0 9 S . 16 t h S t . T h i s N YC -b a s e d t roup e i s k now n f or t he i r e l e c t r on i c t a p d a n c i n g , w h i c h a i m s t o h on or t he h i s t or y of d a nc e w h i le a l s o i nc or p or a t i n g a m o d e r n c ont e x t . 7: 3 0 p. m . T i c k e t s : $ 2 0 +. 4 0 2 -3 45 - 0 6 0 6 . —ticketoma ha.com
BILL MURRAY, JAN VOGLER & FRIENDS: NEW WORLDS
Sept. 30 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Master comedian and cellist have joined forces to develop a fa scinating one-ofa-k ind show celebrating t heir sha red love of music and literature. 7 p.m. Tickets: $49-$250. 402-345-0606. —ticketoma ha.com
Oct. 12-Nov. 4 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. A gnes Eva ns stumbles upon the Dungeons & Dragons notebook of her late sister and f inds herself on a comedic, fantastical adventure. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $18+. 402-553-0800. — oma haplayhouse.com.
Oct. 27 at The Backline Comedy Theatre, 1618 Harney St. In the spirit of Saturday Night Live, this show is back with a guest host and musica l performance, as well as new sketches written by Oma ha’s best comedians. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $12. 402-720-7670. —back linecomedy.com
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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OMAHA MAGAZINE MAGAZINE || CALENDAR CALENDAR OMAHA
THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG
Oct. 30-Nov. 4 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. This London-born play embraces comedic stor ytelling that is part Monty Python a nd pa r t Sherlock Holmes. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $87 and up. 402-345-0606. —ticketoma ha.com
WOVENHAND
Sept. 7 at Lookout Lounge, 320 S. 72nd St. Fronted and founded by Colorado native David Eugene Edwards, Wovenhand jumps between folk and gospel music, calling themselves alt-country.8 p.m. Tickets: $10 advance. 402-391-2554. —lookoutomaha.com
Sept.
PENTATONIX
HANDLED
Oct. 31-Nov. 4 at Creighton Lied Education Center for the Arts, 2500 California Plaza. This play by Chicago play wright Shayne Kennedy explores the concepts of menta l illness, the stigma that surrounds anxiety and depression, and the burden of presenting the “perfect self ” on socia l media. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $5 students, $15 seniors, $18 adults. 402-280-1448. — creighton.edu
CONCERTS SHAKEY GRAVES
Sept. 1 at Sokol Auditorium, 2234 S. 13th St. This Austin native crosses blues, folk, and rock ’n’ roll, and has been shaking up the music scene since 2007. 8 p.m. Tickets: $27 advance, $30 day of show. 402-346-9802. —sokolauditorium.com
DAVE ALVIN AND JIMMIE DALE GILMORE
Sept. 2 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. These two musicians will swap songs and tell stories in conjunction with rhythm and blues. 5 p.m. Tickets: $20 advance, $25 day of show. 402-884-5353. —waitingroomlounge.com
LAKE STREET DIVE
Sept. 4 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. This group mixes classic pop and swing-era jazz to promote self-empowerment with a dazzling performance. 8 p.m. Tickets: $29 advance, $32 day of show. 402-345-7569. —theslowdown.com
FOZZY
Sept. 6 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Their unique rock ’n’ roll sound that may include an ABBA cover. Adelitas Way, Stone Broken and The Stir will also perform. 7 p.m. Tickets: $18 advance, $20 day of show. 402-884-5353. —waitingroomlounge.com
THE TEMPTATIONS AND THE FOUR TOPS
Sept. 6 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. Sit and sway to two legendary Motown groups as they sing hits like “My Girl” and “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” that will put a happy-go-lucky rhythm in the auditorium. 7:30 p.m. $49.50-$89.50. 402-345-0606. —ticketomaha.com
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
Sept. 11 at Stir Cove, 1 Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluffs. This a cappella group originated on YouTube, and often perform covers of popular songs as well as their own original tunes. 8 p.m. Tickets: $71-$153. 712-329-6000. —caesars.com
MARBIN
Sept. 12 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. This Chicago-hailing jazz-rock band will grace Omaha with its progressive sound, playing from six studio albums. 8 p.m. Tickets: $12 advance, $15 day of show. 402-884-5707. —reverblounge.com
Sept. 12 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. This Native American group will present their latest work, which is inspired by faith, nature, and activism. Xiuhtezcatl will open the show. 9 p.m. Tickets: $23 advance, $25 day of show. 402-345-7569. —theslowdown.com
HED PE
Sept. 17 at Lookout Lounge, 320 S. 72nd St. Hed PE is a nu-metal band that has fused together punk-rock heritage with modern hip-hop beats. They will be joined by Murderhouse, Before I Burn, and Jonasty. 7 p.m. Tickets: $15 advance, $20 day of show. 402-391-2554. —lookoutomaha.com
ALAN JACKSON'S "THE HONKY TONK HIGHWAY TOUR"
Sept. 21 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. This award-winning country star will perform a show that will draw in longtime and new fans. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $39.99-$129.99. 402-341-1500. —chihealthcenteromaha.com
Sept. 21 at Stir Cove, 1 Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluf fs. These hard-rock veterans are teaming up. Deep Purple recently released their 20th studio album, while Judas Priest is on No. 18. 7 p.m. Ages 21 and up. Tickets: $68-$202. 712-329-6000. —caesars.com
Sept.
22
Sept. 13 at Stir Cove, 1 Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluffs. This California-based rock band has been on the front of the scene since 1991, performing hits such as “Mr. Jones and Me” and "Omaha." 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $66-$153. 712-329-6000. —caesars.com
HERE COME THE MUMMIES
Sept. 13 at Slowdown, 728 N. 14th St. This eightpiece Nashville funk-rock band is known for keeping their identities “under wraps” in their live performances dressed as mummies. 8 p.m. Tickets: $22 advance, $25 day of show. 402-345-7569. —theslowdown.com
COLT FORD
Sept. 14 at Bourbon Saloon, 311 S. 15th St. Once a pro-golfer, this musician combines country and EDM, as he aims to cultivate a universal musical message for listeners everywhere. 7 p.m. Tickets: $25. Ages 18 and up. 402-884-2259. —bourbonsaloonomaha.com
RED FANG
Sept. 16 at Vesper Concerts, 1517 S. 114th St. This string quartet will make an onstage appearance to perform their classical works. 3 p.m. Admission: free. 402-333-7466. —vesperconcerts.org
DEEP PURPLE AND JUDAS PRIEST
NAHKO & MEDICINE FOR THE PEOPLE
COUNTING CROWS
AMERNET STRING QUARTET
Sept. 14 at the Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. This Portland-based stoner metal band is ready to head-bang all night. Big Business and Dead Now will open the show. 9 p.m. Tickets: $20 advance, $22 day of show. 402-884-5353. —waitingroomlounge.com
MIDWEST MASQUERADE 2018
Sept. 22 at Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. This annual event aims to combine the elegant feel of a traditional masquerade ball with the upbeat and electric environment of a music festival. 8 p.m. Tickets: $12-$30. 402-884-6291. —waitingroomlounge.com
BAD BUNNY
Sept. 27 at Ralston Arena, 7300 Q St. This 24-year-old Puerto Rican pop star sings a combination of Latin trap and reggaeton tunes. 8 p.m. Tickets: $49-$149. 402-934-9966. —ralstonarena.com
GARY NUMAN
Sept. 27 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. This British new wave pioneer of synth-pop has produced 22 studio albums. 8 p.m. Tickets: $25 advance, $28 day of show. 402-345-7569. —theslowdown.com
THE BUTTERTONES
Oct. 1 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Formed in 2012, this alternative rock group draws from multitudes of rock genres like surf, garage, and post-punk. 8 p.m. Tickets: $12 advance, $14 day of show. 402-345-7569. —theslowdown.com
KNOW OF A BEAUTIFUL HOME IN OMAHA? LET US KNOW AT
SANDY@OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM
10666 Sapp Bros. Drive Omaha, NE 68138 402-896-9140 Between Exits 439 & 440 on I-80
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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Winner of five Tony Awards including Best Musical.
Everyone’s favorite green ogre on stage in a musical.
OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR
A coming-of-age story set in the world of D&D.
OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR
THE DECEMBERISTS
Oct. 1 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. This five-member indie-rock group just released their newest album, I’ ll Be Your Girl. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $40-$199. 402-345-0606. —ticketomaha.com
THE JULIAN LAGE TRIO
Oct. 2 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Known for his killer guitar work, Julian Lage’s music has been described as a mix of jazz, folk, classical, and country. 8 p.m. Tickets: $17 advance, $20 day of show. 402-884-5707. —reverblounge.com
BOB MOSES Aug. 17 – Sept. 16 On sale now!
Sept. 14 – Oct. 14 On sale now!
Oct. 12 – Nov. 4 On sale Sept. 4!
Oct. 2 at Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Bob Moses is a Vancouver-bred duo consisting of Tom Howie and Jimmy Vallance. Their electronic beats mesh with classic songwriting and lyricism to dominate the stage. Mansionair will also perform. 8 p.m. Tickets: $25. 402-884-5353. Oct. —waitingroomlounge.com
RYLEY WALKER 6915 Cass St. | (402) 553-0800 OmahaPlayhouse.com
2
Oct. 2 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. This folk artist is changing his sound to have a little more looseness and imagination than previous works. 8 p.m. Tickets: $12 advance, $15 day of show. 402-345-7569. —theslowdown.com
JEREMY ZUCKER
Oct. 3 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. This moody songwriter is known for biting lyrics and emotional singles. Carlie Hanson will open the show. 8 p.m. Tickets: $12 advance, $15 day of show. 402-345-7569. —theslowdown.com
LORD HURON
Oct. 3 at Sokol Auditorium, 2234 S. 13th St. This band, created by Ben Schneider, has played at well-established music festivals, such as the Capitol Hill Block Party and the Calgary Folk Music Festival. Expect to hear fan favorites like “The Night We Met,” as well as recent releases from their album Vide Noir. 8 p.m. Tickets: $29. 402-346-9802. —sokolauditorium.com
Whether it is day or night, inside or out, Joslyn has so much to offer. FREE GENERAL ADMISSION
(paid ticketed admission for some exhibitions)
THURSDAYS: Open ‘til 8 pm! ART WORKS: A Place for Curiosity Interactive space for all ages!
explore AT
NOW
Joslyn Art Museum features works from antiquity to the present with an emphasis on 19th- and 20th-century European and American art. A fun, relaxing, and artful destination for the whole family. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10 am–4 pm. Just west of downtown Omaha. Café, Museum shop, and free parking.
2200 Dodge St. | Omaha, NE | (402) 342-3300 | www.joslyn.org
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
SPAG HEDDY
Oct. 4 at Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. This group will bring their dubstep and electronic jams for a night of dance and upbeat performance. 9 p.m. Tickets: $15 advance, $18 day of show. 402-884-5353. —waitingroomlounge.com
MEG MYERS
Oct. 7 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. This singer-songwriter’s tunes will sweep the audience with emotion and empathy as she tells the details of her interesting backstory. 7 p.m. Tickets: $17 advance, $20 day of show. 402-345-7569. —theslowdown.com
OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR
NECK DEEP
Oct. 7 at Sokol Auditorium, 2234 S. 13th St. Spend your evening with fellow pop-punk fans. Stand Atlantic, WSTR, and Gardenside will open the show. 7 p.m. Tickets: $22 advance, $25 day of show, $82 VIP. 402-346-9802. —sokolauditorium.com
108th & Center | rockbrookvillage.com
THE ESSEX GREEN
Oct. 8 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. This three-piece indie-rock band just released their newest album Hardly Electronic. 8 p.m. Tickets: $10. 402-884-5707. —reverblounge.com
Why Helix is Better
THE WOMBATS
Oct. 9 at the Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. This rock band will play sing-along classics like “Let’s Dance to Joy Division” and “Tokyo,” as well as new, more mature pieces like “Lemon to a Knife Fight.” 8 p.m. Tickets: $20. 402-884-5353. —waitingroomlounge.com
Full Service
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DREAMERS
Oct. 13 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. This cosmic rock trio will take the stage to play their sophomore album Phenomena. Weathers and Rad Horror will open the show. 9 p.m. Tickets: $12 advance, $15 day of show. 402-345-7569. —theslowdown.com
LAUV FALL 2018 TOUR
Oct. 16 at Sokol Auditorium, 2234 S. 13th St. This 23-year-old sensation plays modern pop hits like "I Like Me Better" and "Chasing Fire." Charlotte Lawrence will open the show. 8 p.m. Tickets: $22 advance, $25 day of show. 402-346-9802. —sokolauditorium.com
AU T HEN T IC I TAL IAN GOURME T MARKE T
OK GO'S "THE LIVE VIDEO TOUR"
Oct. 19 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. This rock band will perform live and in sync with 20 of their fan-favorite videos, as well as host question and answer sessions with the audience. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $35-$50. 402-345-0606. —ticketomaha.com
OMAHA’S
BEST ITALIAN BEEF
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o m a h a m a g a z i n e . c o m
The most complete, real-time calendar of events in the Omaha area.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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OMAHA MAGAZINE MAGAZINE || CALENDAR CALENDAR OMAHA
GLADYS KNIGHT
38TH ANNUAL ZOO RUN
Oct. 20 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Relish in the live performance of the soulful and iconic R&B tunes of seven-time Grammy-winner Gladys Knight. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $35$119. 402-345-0606. —ticketomaha.com
Sept. 2 at Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium 3701 S. 10th St. Lace up your shoes or sharpen your claws to participate in this annual fun run. All participants will receive medals, bagels, bananas, and free zoo admission on the day of the five-mile run and two-mile run/walk. 6-9 a.m. Registration cost: $30 for members, $40 for nonmembers. Advanced registration available online. 402-738-2038. —omahazoo.com
DARWIN DEEZ
Oct. 22 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. This indie band will play songs from their new album, 10 Songs That Happened When You Left Me With My Stupid Heart.7 p.m. Tickets: $15 advance, $18 day of show. 402-345-7569. —theslowdown.com
MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL
Sept.
COLONY HOUSE
Oct. 27 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. This American indie-rock quartet is a self-described cross between the Beach Boys and Vampire Weekend. 9 p.m. Tickets: $16 advance, $18 day of show. 402-345-7569. —theslowdown.com
Family & More LA FESTA ITALIANA
Through Sept. 2 at American Italian Heritage Society, 5110 N. 132nd St. This 34th annual festival features authentic Italian food, wine, beer, fireworks, games, dancing, and more. 6 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday; 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; noon-11 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $5.50 in advance, $7 at the door, free for children under 12 with an adult. 402-493-8888. —omahaitaly.com
SEPTEMBERFEST
Through Sept. 3 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. Omaha’s annual salute to labor includes live music, a carnival, arts and crafts, food, and more. In addition, the festival ends with Omaha’s largest parade on Labor Day. 5 p.m.-midnight Friday; noon to midnight Saturday-Monday; 10 a.m. Labor Day parade. Admission: $7 per person ages 6 and up, per day, free for children under 5. —septemberfestomaha.org
MIDWEST PARANORMAL HISTORY/GHOST TOURS
Through Oct. 19 at various locations. Explore the sinister past of Omaha and learn about the spooky legends and lore. Hear the stories and reports of paranormal activity and go on a ghost hunt. Various types of tours are available. Time is based on sunset. Admission: $10-$20 per person, reserve by phone. 402-953-9670. —mphtours.com
CENTERED: LET US FACE THE REALITY OF OUR TIME WITHOUT PANIC
Sept. 1 at K ANEKO, 1111 Jones St. Participate in learning about the healing arts through meditation, artistic practices, laughter, humor, and more. Find guidance from professionals in the f ield and leave refreshed and calm. 6-8 p.m. Tickets: $24. 402-341-3800. —thekaneko.org
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
6
Sept. 6 at Joslyn Art Museum Witherspoon Concert Hall, 2200 Dodge St. Attend a viewing of the 1975 British classic. A cash bar will also compliment the feature f ilm. 5 p.m. cash bar, 6:30 p.m. movie. Admission: $5 Joslyn members, $10 general public. 402-661-3862. —joslyn.org
GERDA’S OKTOBERFEST
Sept. 7-8 at Gerda’s Restaurant and Bakery, 5180 Leavenworth St. Attend this annual Oktoberfest, which will consist of plenty of food, beer, and bands. 5 p.m. Admission: free. 402-553-6774. —gerdasgermanrestaurant.com
JAMBORAMA: OMAHA SWING DANCE FESTIVAL
THIRD ANNUAL OMAHA FOOD TRUCK RODEO
Sept. 14 outside Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Taste a variety of dishes from 15 food trucks, listen to a DJ, visit beer gardens and outdoor bars; seating throughout Benson. 4-11 p.m. Admission: free. 402-884-5707. —reverblounge.com
27TH ANNUAL FORT OMAHA INTERTRIBAL POWWOW
Sept. 15 at Metropolitan Community College’s Fort Omaha Campus, 5300 N. 30th St. This celebration of Native American culture honors the traditional dance, music, artistry, oral history, and foods of various tribes across Nebraska and the surrounding region. 1-7:30 p.m. Admission: free. 531-622-2253. —mccneb.edu
FALL FESTIVAL ON THE FARM
Sept. 15-16 at Gifford Farm Education Center, 700 Camp Gifford Road, Bellevue. Take part in animal visits, educationa l sessions, raff les, scavenger hunts, concessions, pony rides, and more at this fun seasonal event. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: $5 for ages 2 and older, $2.50 for military personnel with ID. Pony rides are $5 extra. 402-332-5771. —esu3.org
Sept. 7-9 at Eagles Ballroom, 201 S. 24th St. Take part in the 16th year of swing dance workshops, contests, and live music. 6 p.m. Registration: $15 Saturday late night pass-$200 full weekend pass. 402-208-3006. —jitterbugs.org
OMAHA MARATHON & HALF MARATHON
47TH ANNUAL ART FAIR
LAURITZEN GARDENS ANTIQUES SHOW
ALL-EUROPEAN SHOW AND SHINE
HUBER HAUS OKTOBERFEST
Sept. 8-9 at Rockbrook Village, 108th and Center Streets. More than 150 national, regional, and local artists will display and sell their one-of-akind works of art. Spend the day browsing quality art and meeting talented creators. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission: free. 402-390-0890. —rockbrookvillageartfair.com
Sept. 9 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Spend your afternoon strolling through the gardens, marveling at European cars and motorcycles on display. Models will include Porsche, Ferrari, Jaguar, and more. A narrated tram tour will also be available. Noon-3 p.m. Admission: $10 adults, $5 children (6-12), free for children under 6 and members; $3 tram rides. Includes entrance to the gardens. 402-346-4002. —lauritzengardens.org
OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION
Sept. 14-15 at 3717 S. 120th St. Take part in the classic Oktoberfest event with traditional German food and entertainment. 5 p.m.-midnight Friday; noon-midnight Saturday. Admission: $5 adults, free for children under 12 and active militar y members. 402-333-6615. —germanamericansociety.org
Sept. 16 starting at TD Ameritrade Park, 1200 Mike Fahey St. Register to run either 13.1 or 26.2 miles and attempt to beat your personal best. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. $15-95. 402-341-1500. —omahamarathon.com
Sept. 20-23 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Attend one of the community’s most beloved traditions. Listen to lectures, attend luncheons, and walk through design and antique exhibits throughout the garden. Times vary. Tickets: $10$150. 402-346-4002. —omahaantiqueshow.org
Sept. 21-22 at Huber Haus, 3578 Farnam St. Take part in the 17th annual Oktoberfest celebration, which includes live polka music, German food,and lots of beer. 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday; noon-2 a.m. Saturday. Admission: $5 ages 21 and up. 402-345-1708. —beercornerusa.com
WHO ARE YOU? AN IDENTITY WORKSHOP
Sept. 22 at Omaha Public Library, Florence Branch, 2920 Bondesson St. Omaha Little Girls Rock offers this free Saturday session for girls age 4-9. Little rockers will explore themes of identity through music-based programming. 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. (ages 4-6), 1:30-3:30 p.m. (ages 7-9). Admission: free. 402-321-2252. —omahagirlsrock.org
OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR
OPEN NOH8 PHOTO SHOOT
MARVEL VS. DC NIGHT
HOLIDAY MEATS COOKING CLASS
JUNKSTOCK: HARVEST EDITION
MARKET TO MARKET RELAY
SO YOU WANNA USE YOUR VOICE? A CHANGE-MAKING WORKSHOP
Sept . 22 at Metropolitan Communit y Church, 819 S . 22nd St . Become a part of the NOH8 (No Hate) Ca mpa ign, a photography project dedicated to promoting human rights. Come in NOH8’s signature look—a clean white T-shirt— a nd be prepa red to have a tempora r y tattoo applied to your sk in. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Prices: $40 single photos; $25 per person in group or couples photos. 402-345-2563. —noh8campaign.org
Sept . 28 -30 at Sycamore Far ms, 1150 River Road Drive, Waterloo. Savor the festive fa ll adventure that is Junk stock, a sea sona l event t hat brings a ntique a nd cra f t vendors, food, live music, and plent y of photo opportunities. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $10+. 402-765-8651. —junkstock.com
OMAHA’S RIVER CITY RODEO
Sept. 28-29 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St . A fter a t wo-year hiatus, the rodeo is back with seven events, including steer wrestling, team roping, and bull riding. World-champion cattle handlers will compete for entr y into the Nationa l Fina ls Rodeo. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $17$42. 402-341-1500. — chihea lthcenteroma ha.com
TURNER PARK NIGHT MARKET
Sept . 28 at Tur ner Park in Midtown Crossing , 3110 Far nam St . Oma ha Farmer’s Market teams up with Turner Park to feature loca l artisans, vendors, activities, food, and more. Loca l nonprof its will a lso engage in the festivities to showcase their ser vice opportunities. 6 -10 p.m. Admission: free. 402-557- 6006. —midtowncrossing.com
Oct . 5 at Omaha Children’s Museum , 500 S . 20th St . Enjoy a superhero theme for the Children’s Museum’s First Friday Family Date Night. This month ’s theme is epic, where attendees can meet characters, tr y themed activities and enjoy a late night of play at the museum. 5-8 p.m. Admission: $13 children and adults, $12 seniors, free for children 2 and younger and members. 402-342- 6164. — ocm.org
Oct . 6 beg inning in Aksarben Village, 2285 S . 67th St . Participate in Nebraska’s Market to Market Relay, the largest day-long relay in the nation. With 19 exchange points spanning over 76 miles from Oma ha to Lincoln, participants follow tra ils, paved streets, a nd gravel roads through a scenic slice of Nebraska. Limited to 60 0 tea ms. 3 a.m.-noon. Registration: $550 $1040 per team. Advanced registration available online. 402-937-8518. —markettomarketrelay.com
SPORTS CARD SHOW
Oct . 7 at Hilton Garde n Inn O maha Ea st , 2702 Mid America Dr., Council Bluf fs. A hit for sports lovers and collectors from the Midwest, the Card Shop will host this show to a llow fans to pick up some cards for their collections and mingle with other fans. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission: free. 402-807-5220. —thecardshopoma ha.com
MONSTER JAM
Oct . 12-14 at Mid America Center, 1 Arena Way, Council Bluf f s. The u ltimate monster truck s will compete against each other in this fan-favorite showca se of mecha nica l bea sts. 7 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $15-$45. 712-323-0536. — caesars.com
NEBR ASK A REPTILE BREEDERS EXPO
Sept. 30 at Scott Conference Center, 6450 Pine BUBBLE RUN St . Explore the sca ly and slimy by visiting 55 Oct. 13 at Werner Park, 12356 Ballpark Way, tables of vendors, a ll showcasing thousands of Papillion . Ta ke part in a 5K run where particsna kes, lizards, turtles, and a mphibians. Puripants get to run through foam and bubbles at chase supplies or books, learn about conser vaeach k ilometer. Colorful foams, DJ jams, and tion efforts, or even go home with a new free swag will be included in registration. pet. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: $5 adults, 8 a.m.-noon. Registration: $50- 65; chilOct. $3 children ages 6 -12, free for children dren 4 and under run for free with paid under 6. 402-778- 6313. adult registration. Advanced registration —nebherp.org available online. 402-738-5100. —bubblerun.com
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OMAHA BABY FAIR
Sept . 30 at Ba xter Arena , 2425 S . 67th St . A ll parents, whether expecting or already on the job, are encouraged to ta ke part in this event. The event includes over 50 vendors, free safety classes and activities, maternit y photos, swag bags, and more.10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tickets: $8 advance, $12 at t he door, free for children 12 a nd under. 402-320-2879. — oma hababy fair.com
41ST ANNUAL WITCHES TEA
Oct . 13 at Mangel sen’s, 3457 S . 84th St . With Ha lloween cra f ts a nd ga mes, bounce houses, treats, prizes, and a costume contest, attendees will be full of festive spirit at one of Oma ha’s longest-running Ha lloween events. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission: free. 402-391- 6225. —mangelsens.com
Oct . 18 at Fireplace Stone & Patio of Omaha , 13709 Indust rial Road . Learn how to prepare mea ls for t he upcoming holiday sea son. Pa rticipants will sample food and understand the cook ing process or turkey, beef tenderloin, and prime rib. Refreshments and goodie bags will be provided. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Admission: $60 -$75. 402-807-2684. —f ireplacestonepatio.com
O ct . 2 0 at O m a ha Pu bl ic Libra r y Sou th Branch, 2808 Q St . This Oma ha Little Girls Rock Saturday session will use music to empower Omaha’s smallest superstars to speak up for what they believe. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. (ages 4- 6), 1 p.m-3 p.m. (ages 7-9). Admission: free 402-321-2252. — oma hagirlsrock.org
MONSTER’S BALL
Oct . 20 at Omaha Children’s Museum , 500 S . 20th St . Dance the monster mash at this family-friendly ba ll. Meet characters, dance, and eat spook y, festive food. 6 -9 p.m. Tickets: $10 per person for members, $25 per person for nonmembers. 402-342- 6164. — ocm.org
SECOND ANNUAL MIDWEST COFFEE AND TEA FESTIVAL
Oct . 21 at Mid America Center, 1 Arena Way, Council Bluf fs. Taste and buy samples of coffee and tea from local vendors, plus attend seminars. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Tickets: $5 adults, free for children 12 and under. 402-302-1752. —midwestcoffeeandteaexpo.com
HEALTHY TRICK-OR-TREAT NIGHTS
Oct . 23 and 30 at Omaha Children’s Museum , 500 S. 20th St. Dress up in a Halloween costume a nd get ready to trick-or-treat indoors at the museum. Trick-or-treaters will get healthy treats and the chance to play in the museum. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Admission: $13 children and adults, $12 seniors, free for children under 2 and members. 402-342- 6164. — ocm.org
GHOULISH GARDEN ADVENTURE
Oct . 28 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancrof t St . Dress up in costume for this specia l event. Explore the visitor and education centers, visit the gardens, and trick-or-treat at different activity stations. Noon-4 p.m. Admission: $10 adults, $5 children (6 -12), free for children under 6 and members. Includes regula r ga rden admission. 402-346 - 4002. —lauritzengardens.org
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
// 17 //
OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR
HAUNTED HOUSES
Omaha’s haunted houses deliver an array of thrills from the maze-like Mystery Manor, to the Haunted Hollow Theme Park, which is located on a seven-acre farm. Camp Fear is one of the most immersive and horrifying attractions in Nebraska, where organizers encourage only the bravest souls to camp overnight. Enter if you dare…
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• Camp Fear (Riverwest Park, 23301 West Maple Road, Elkhorn) Opens Sept. 14: Fridays and Saturdays; October, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Camp check-in begins at 4 p.m. and all attractions begin at dark. —campfearomaha.com • Carnival of Terror (1209 Jackson St.) Opens Sept. 28: Dusk-10 p.m. weekdays, dusk-midnight weekends. —"Carnival of Terror" on Facebook • Haunted Hollow Theme Park (12501 Giles Road) Opens Sept. 28. 7-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 7 p.m.-12 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. —hauntedhollowomaha.com • Mystery Manor (716 N. 18th St.) Opens Sept. 14. September times vary; October, dusk-10 p.m. weekdays, and dusk-midnight weekends. —mysterymanoromaha.org • Ranch of Terror (11001 S. 48th St.) Opens Sept. 28. 7:30-11:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 7:30-10 p.m. Sundays. —bellevueberryfarm.com • Scary Acres (17272 Giles Road) Opens Sept. 14: 7 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Sundays in September; 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays in October.
PUMPKIN PATCHES AND MORE Travel essentials plus downtown’s largest selection of souvenirs and Nebraska-made gifts.
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OldMarketSundries.com • 402-345-7646
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All located at 10th & Howard OMAHA MAGAZ INE’S
FamilyGuide
Fall isn’t complete without a visit to at least one of the area’s many pumpkin patches. Most locations offer attractions from hayrack rides and corn mazes to bonfires, spooky trails, delicious seasonal treats, and more. • Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Ranch (11001 S. 48th St.) Opens Sept. 21. 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m.5:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. —bellevueberryfarm.com • Harvest Moon Farm (1410 US-77, Oakland, Neb.) Opens Sept. 17. Noon-6 p.m. Fridays; Noon-8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. —harvestmoonoakland.com • Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch (3935 NE-133, Blair) Opens Sept. 9. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays. —skinnybonespumpkinpatch.com • Wenninghoff ’s Farm Pumpkin Patch (6707 Wenninghoff Road) Opens Oct. 1. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. —wenninghoff.com • Vala’s Pumpkin Patch (12102 S. 180th St.) Opens Sept. 14. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. —valaspumpkinpatch.com
Event times and details may change.
Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.
// 18 //
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
A+C MUSIC // STORY BY JOSEFINA LOZA PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
Ç
RISTINA BERTULDO CAUGHT herself singing—and lowered her voice to a slight hum.
“Sometimes, I’m very selfish with my gift,” she explains. “So many of my friends ask why I don’t sing as often.” She’s a sensitive soul, that Bertuldo, always looking for the good in others even after she’s been burnt. She’s an Omaha singer-songwriter who battles depression and anxiety. Bertuldo has the unique ability of conveying the passion and pain in songs yet somehow maintaining a playful mood. She preaches from her scars. The local 101.3 FM radio personality, yoga instructor, photographer, and mentor uses music as a healing force.
—
"I just wấnt ỏ eo ỏ le to know thất they ấ ren’t ấ lone ấnd not to be ấfrấid to reấch out."
“I just want people to know that they aren’t alone and not to be afraid to reach out,” she says. “If I could preach one t h ing…be kind because you have no idea what another person is going through.”
Ber t u ldo, now known as Lady Scientist, is (by all appearances) a welladjusted woman whose voice dances with delight as she recalls a favorite anecdote or takes stock of her good fortune. In college, however, Bertuldo encountered her f irst bout with depression after her best friend’s parents died in a car accident. Overwhelmed by emotion, she returned home early from college. She turned to music, which soothed her soul. Shortly after that brief stint in college, Bertuldo attended a Nikka Costa concert at the Music Box, a now-closed Omaha venue, and met producer Printz Board, who put her in touch with musicians to sing backup.
// 20 //
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
In 2006, Bertuldo sang onstage with Allan “apl.de.ap” Pineda Lindo of the Black Eyed Peas at a Council Bluffs concert. She met Lindo when recording in the same studio as the Black Eyed Peas. He was on the video shoot of “Don’t Lie,” when Bertuldo approached him and threw her spiel about her talent. He asked her to freestyle. She did. They linked up, and Bertuldo moved to LA, but the pressures of the music business, and the big city, brought back demons. “I was dealing with depression and anxiety on top of that,” she says. “When you’re caught up in that…you can’t grow.” In 2008, she moved back to her Nebraska home to heal. By way of random and not-so-random connections, she was occasionally booked as an opening singer at area concerts and music venues. Her sultry yet soulful voice kept her on stage. In 2011, she won an Omaha Hip Hop Award for Best Female R&B singer. “Whenever I tried to push music out of the way,” she explains. “It always fell in my lap.” Right now, she prefers to be behind the scenes helping others. She helped a friend broaden her reach in fashion design with pop-up boutiques. She began consulting another friend through the use of her photography. And she began mentoring Chikadibia Ebirim, a local self-produced musician whom she assisted with music promotion. “I wasn’t trying to heal myself,” she says. “But I was healing myself by helping other people.” Life has been a roller coaster, she adds. “I’ve hit rock bottom several times. [Because] I deal with dark thoughts, I think people who are capable of so much light have this darkness they also battle.” Follow @ladyscientist on Facebook for more information.
LảDụ SÇẻENTẻST MẻXES MớSẻÇ Tị HEảL HEồSELF ảND ịTHERS
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
// 21 //
A+C ART // STORY BY KAMRIN BAKER // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
Omaha’s Own
Da Vinci
Stephen Corn elius Roberts’ Lifetime of Painting Humanity
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
// 22 //
2018
“We need to get people out of the secular view and into the idea that this is simple humanity,” Roberts says. “It is the beauty of a form, the beauty of imperfection. People who can’t appreciate that have an eighth-grade attitude. It’s not lewd or crude, just nude.” // 24 //
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
I
// A+C ART //
T IS HARD to squeeze through
the doorway; enormous canvases painted with human beings block the entryway of the cozy home near Memorial Park. The art forces one to stop and realign, and not just because of its placement in the hallway. A draft of a painting, “The Narcissist’s Sister,” aims to depict a culture of self obsession, even before the invention of the selfie. And, leaning against the narrow hallway, it makes it impossible for everyone to fit. Upon entering the home, a small crowd has formed: There’s Omaha’s Leonardo da Vinci (or Stephen Cornelius Roberts, as he is more commonly known), his wife, Anne—and the naked woman on the wall. Moving into the living room, stacks of books detailing the lives of Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and other masters act as vertebrae to the home veiled in classic art. Beside the fireplace is a landscape painting by Roberts himself, and a pristine bust of the Greek god Mercury. Roberts’ artwork also covers the walls of adjoining hallways and rooms. His estate is half-home, half-studio, and it smells just like the Joslyn Museum. Roberts says he needs to paint his large-scale portraits horizontally so everything fits in and out of his home. But in his ornate wooden chair, he remains vertical, his lean physique acting to balance the lines of the books towering behind him. “Every individual is worthy of portraiture,” Roberts says. “The Greeks had a focus on idealism, but no human is a Greek sculpture.” He’s not interested in that. “What I paint is a likeness of someone,” he says. “If they have a mark on their cheek in a photo, they will have a mark on their cheek in the painting. The most valuable thing is that they’re real and alive, they have spirit.” Roberts is best known in Nebraska for his murals in the State Capitol Building. The eight massive paintings reside in the Memorial Chamber and depict the heroism of Nebraska’s public servants. The murals feature more than 100 individual portraits of real Nebraskan people—none figments of Roberts’ imagination—installed at the capitol in 1996.
the state. Some include portraits of important donors and chancellors whose headshots adorn buildings at the UNO, UNMC, and UNL campuses. Two landscapes hang in Methodist Health West, and other commissioned pieces reside in Norfolk Veterans Home, Lakeside Hospital, The Buffett Cancer Center, and even a local YMCA. While the figures in Roberts’ capitol murals are dressed in appropriate attire—firemen, townspeople, doctors, and more—he also endeavors to celebrate human beings through nude figure painting. Many of his non-commissioned works are executed in a way that, in his words, displays the “purest form of the human being,” although he will admit that the concept requires a deep maturity. “We need to get people out of the secular view and into the idea that this is simple humanity,” Roberts says. “It is the beauty of a form, the beauty of imperfection. People who can’t appreciate that have an eighth-grade attitude. It’s not lewd or crude, just nude.” Roberts also goes on to say that those who pose for nude figure paintings are conscious of what they’re doing. “It’s not a keyhole nude,” he says. “They know you are looking at them, and they are well aware that you are in front of them. It’s about what people reveal.” The Roberts kids, Adam (27) and Meredith (24), are also well aware of their surroundings, raised in a home filled with nude oil paintings created by their dad. To many kids, that might have been embarrassing. But for Adam and Meredith, the exposure was inspirational. “Growing up with my dad as an artist has put me in a place where I am always looking at art,” Adam says. “I don’t really think of the nudes as anything because it’s just classic art. I got a partial art history degree because of my dad, and I know that I’m able to do what I want to do because he did what he wanted to do.” Continuing to be driven by a familial zeal for creativity, Adam and Meredith produce artwork and music, the latter a close second on Roberts’ list of passions. In fact, he pursued a music career before venturing into art, but now finds himself playing drums or guitar with friends only two or three times a week. Still, Anne says he could pick up drumsticks to back Paul McCartney tomorrow.
“The Nebraska Capitol was my most rewarding project because it is a show that goes up and never comes down,” Roberts says. “It will be there when I am long gone.”
“Music is a very important part of my craft,” Roberts says. “I was as much interested in being a musician as I was an artist. I still write and record music for myself.”
Other notable paintings signed and sealed with Roberts’ name can be found all across
His fondness and savvy for appealing to the senses has taken Roberts across the country
with his art. A partnership with the Allan Stone Gallery in New York gave him an East Coast presence and allowed for extended shows in cities like Miami and San Francisco. With his name on the tongues of big city elites and other esteemed artists, it leaves one to wonder: Why Omaha? Why Nebraska, of all places? Roberts says: “I like the lifestyle here. People are more important to me than anything else, so my family and friends were really in front of career. If you want to get the biggest thing and have the most connections, you live in New York.” He wasn’t willing to do that. “And I like it in this house,” he says. “I tell people I’d like to be carried out feet first.” Roberts’ current project is a reflection of his local affection, as he has been a visiting artist for the past few years at UNO. The project—a portrait of a woman sitting on the floor, directly staring into the eyes of the viewer—is his first foray into lithography. While Roberts works on creating the lithograph by freehand, students often drop in to watch his process. He says it has become a forum for them to observe a professional and discuss the art industry in general. A culminating gallery exhibition of the printed work is scheduled for this fall at UNO, and Roberts says student participation and attendance will be a component of the show. A former Benson Bunny and UNO Maverick, Roberts is proud of his roots—and proud of the family tree he’s grown. Anne takes half the credit, though, as she has worked as his public relations agent and life partner for 38 years. “I love being along for the ride,” Anne says. “I love him. He’s everything in my life. I just want to support him in what he does best, and I think we make a pretty good team.” “Yes,” Roberts says. “And if we don’t sell [the artwork], I’d have to get a desk job. And I don’t want to get another job. I like to sleep until noon.” They smile at each other, a small laugh rippling through the room. The couple is aglow in the life they’ve built together, and it seems, in that moment, in some corner of the world, all the people behind the paintings are smiling, too. Visit stephencor neliusroberts.com for more information.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
// 25 //
A+C THEATER // STORY BY KATRINA MARKEL // PHOTOGRAPHY BY SALLY MONTANA // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
From Omaha to Broadway Q. SMITH COMES FROM AWAY
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
// 26 //
2018
// A+C THEATER //
I
T MIGHT BE an unlikely topic for an
award-winning Broadway musical, but Come From Away tells the story of a tiny town in Newfoundland that welcomed thousands of stranded airline passengers on September 11, 2001.
“It’s pretty special. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done in my entire career,” says Q. Smith, an Omaha native who is currently starring in the production—in her adopted home of New York City, at a theater located only a few miles from where terrorists crashed passenger planes into the twin towers of the former World Trade Center. “You know, it’s rare to do a show [about an event] you lived through,” says Smith, who was living in Queens on 9/11. She was heading to a callback audition when her roommate stopped her from getting on the subway. Seventeen years later, she’s on Broadway telling a different story from that day about Hannah, another woman who lives in Queens. In 2001, Smith, whose given name is Quiana, had already traveled a long way from the days of performing with her family at Salem Baptist Church in Omaha. She discovered musical theater when two other African-American girls—a detail she says is important—at Omaha North High School introduced her to show tunes. “Hey, what kind of music is this?” she remembers asking.
It was the first Broadway show she experienced at the Orpheum. After seeing it, she was hooked on musical theater. “I don’t remember the show. I just remember the feeling,” Smith says. In 2006 she was cast as a “swing,” an understudy who covers several roles, in a revival of Les Misérables. The first Broadway touring show she saw became her first Broadway role as a performer. The road to that milestone wasn’t a direct or easy journey, but she was persistent and eager to learn. “I have strong faith, and everything happens for a reason,” Smith says, ref lecting on her path to success.
The summer before her senior year of high school, Smith was angling to get a car. Her parents insisted she work for it. Pat Metoyer, the owner of Simple Simon’s Preschool and Daycare, knew her from church and asked if Smith would be interested in teaching drama to the pre-K students at the daycare. Smith says she didn’t exactly feel qualified for the job, but she also really wanted that car.
The girls gave cassette tapes of Broadway soundtracks to Smith, and she discovered Les Misérables. She says her family got tired of hearing her sing “I Dreamed a Dream” over and over again. “I found out [Les Misérables] was coming on tour to Omaha, and I freaked out,” Smith says. “I remember thinking, ‘This is the best day of my life!’”
The daycare serves children from a range of socio-economic backgrounds, but seeing growth in some of the underprivileged students was life-changing for Smith.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
It was the genesis of another aspect of her career: teaching and art therapy. Nowadays, Smith not only teaches master classes and workshops for theater students, she also conducts programs in comprehensive and restorative art therapy. Inspired by her late brother, who struggled with alcohol and drug abuse, Smith dreams of providing an alternative to the traditional juvenile justice system—one that engages and heals troubled youth through the power of the arts.
“You know, it’s rare to do a show [about an event] you lived through,” says Smith, who was living in Queens on 9/11. She was heading to a callback audition when her roommate stopped her from getting on the subway. Seventeen years later, she’s on Broadway telling a different story from that day about Hannah, another woman who lives in Queens.
Teaching the children dance, drama, poetry, and sign language proved to be an empowering experience for her and for her students. It’s also where she got her stage name. The 4- and 5-year-olds couldn’t pronounce “Quiana.” They shortened her name to “Miss Q.,” and it stuck.
// 28 //
“Let me do anything I can to save them with this power of art,” Smith thought to herself following an encounter with a grateful mother.
Following high school, Smith continued her education in the theater department at the University of Nebraska-Omaha and participated in the local theater scene. Originally, she auditioned for some of the most selective theater programs around the country, but says she wasn’t experienced enough to compete with teens who were already seasoned performers. “UNO actually has a great theater program,” Smith says. “I was introduced to Professor Doug Paterson, one of my favorite professors. He was always about social justice and social justice theater.” She says that UNO made her world a little bigger and furthered her ambition to make the world a better place, but she still wanted more specific training. Smith auditioned again for some of the country’s most prestigious theater programs. Ultimately, Ithaca College in Upstate New York was the only theater school to offer her a spot.
Q. Smith at home in New York City
“It was perfect for me. For my personality and my learning,” Smith says, noting that she and another young woman were the first black female students to graduate from the college’s musical theater program. A few years later, Smith broke another casting barrier.
“It’s lovely. I love it. It’s really been a great challenge,” Smith says. “Something that you lived through, that you went through…it’s something else because you have to bring a full heart and mind to it instead of your jazz hands.”
Following roles in regional theater, national tours, and that dream job in Les Miz, Smith became the first African-American actress cast as a lead character in Mary Poppins. She says the supporting role of the antagonist, Miss Andrew, is now regularly played by curvy women of color with natural hair.
Smith was performing in Arkansas when she received a call to audition for Come From Away. The musical was opening at the La Jolla Playhouse in California, often a first stop before shows head to Broadway. It took two years of regional performances, gaps in work, and lean contracts before that Broadway production finally happened.
These days Broadway audiences can see her in Come From Away playing Hannah, a character based on an older Irish woman who lives in Queens. Smith plays the character as a black woman, but she says she was able to spend time with the real-life Hannah, who has seen the show and given it her seal of approval. Playing a living person comes with a level of responsibility that doesn’t exist with a fictional character.
“This has been the best year of my life,” says Smith, who also got married this summer. “I wake up in the morning and I’m just so grateful.”
“To remember that there were these people in Newfoundland who took in complete strangers,” Smith says as she explains the significance of the story of the small Canadian town of Gander that welcomed 7,000 stranded airline passengers. “To be able to tell this story at this time means a lot to people.” Visit comef romaway.com for more information about the Broadway musical featuring Q. Smith. A touring production of Come From Away will play in Omaha at the Orpheum Theater on March 27-31, 2019. Visit omahaperformingarts.org for more information about the Omaha performance.
Gratitude and humility are evident when Smith speaks about the opportunities she’s had, particularly when she ref lects on the impact of her current production.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
// 29 //
A+C VENUE // STORY BY JARED KENNEDY // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
From left: Hannah Mayer, Grace Manley, and Philip Kolbo
// 30 //
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
Nurturing Creatives in a co-working space for artists
// A+C VENUE //
I
N FALL 2017, panels of local arts
experts held a lecture series that explored the personal and societal benefits of all forms of art, from opera to painting. The panelists used buzzwords like “golden age” to describe the current status of the arts in Omaha. Indeed, these are years of great prosperity for large legacy organizations, but many artists are not fortunate enough to be a part of those organizations.
Enter Philip Kolbo, Grace Manley, and Hannah Mayer—three artists who founded OutrSpaces. These three saw a need in Omaha for a more inclusive space that offered rehearsal facilities, developmental opportunities for artists’ careers, a performance space, and an outlet for engaging the surrounding community.
“
For Omaha to have a robust nightlife and arts scene, we really need to start financially supporting our local arts community.
”
-Philip Kolbo
Kolbo graduated from the University of Nebraska-Omaha in 2016 with a degree in percussion performance. He quickly found that, out of academia, it is difficult for performing artists to find professional facilities in which to practice. “I am a percussionist—we have a lot of gear, we make a lot of noise, and we take up a lot of space,” Kolbo says. “You could find a few places here and there that could work for a specific performer, but nothing that really fit needs exactly.” He began working with other artists to form a co-op space with a shared lease so he could have the practice resources he needed, and that’s when a lightbulb went on for Kolbo. “All the work that was going into that seemed like so much for it not to be a sustainable idea,” Kolbo says. “So that’s when it really took off as a project that’s a sustainable resource for artists in this city long into the future.” OutrSpaces is a membership-based rehearsal and performance space. Members can pay $100 per month for unlimited access. Kolbo says the organization primarily hosts performances by any community member who wishes to use the facility, and artists are always paid. “[Outside of contract musicians] there are very few people in this community who perform 100 percent as a form of income and make a living wage off of that,” Kolbo says. “For Omaha to have a robust nightlife and arts scene, we really need to start financially supporting our local arts community.” Manley says at the core, helping artists earn a living wage is what OutrSpaces is about.
“Everything really goes back to it,” Manley says. “How are you supposed to have a product without a place to create that product?” Mayer says there is also an element of social justice to the OutrSpaces mission. Growing up as a self-described white, middle-class child, she says there were things she had to overcome studying music that would have been even harder as someone with less privilege. “I am passionate about breaking down these barriers that keep poor people, people of color, and other minorities from participating in something that has so beautifully shaped my life like classical music,” Mayer says. Bach Mai is a musician who got involved with OutrSpaces early in its creation. Mai even used resources from the organization to start OutrSpaces’ Conspire Music and Art Festival. The event formed groups from 14 musicians, then gave the groups a week to create new music they performed at OutrSpaces on June 16. He says Omaha needs people like Kolbo, Manley, and Mayer. “They’ve spent countless hours building the walls that house the many practice rooms and workspaces they offer to creatives,” Mai says. “I like to think of their space as something similar to a co-working space. A place where artists can go and work regular hours and separate their home from work.” OutrSpaces closed its first location on 24th Street earlier this year when the lease expired and moved to a new space on South 13th Street. Happily settled into their new location, it seems the OutrSpaces crew is commencing countdown, and blasting off on an unremitting mission to explore strange new worlds, seek out new life for performing artists in Omaha, and—for this place—go where no one has gone before. Visit outrspaces.org for more information.
// 32 //
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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// 33 //
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
// 35 //
FEATURE // ADAM DEVINE
HERE IS AN all-out prank war
T
in the office. After one of three slacker telemarketer friends/ roommates got a big promotion, the other two conspired to humble his inflated ego (by stealing the car keys and clamping a bike lock around his neck before an important client meeting).
While pretending to be busy as their distraught bud arrives late to the office, Adam Devine—playing his character Adam DeMamp in the Comedy Central series Workaholics—makes a passing reference to his home state over the phone: “I’m gonna go ahead and get two dozen throwing stars out to your residence in Bellevue, Nebraska. You’re gonna enjoy that, Mr. Johnson. Thank you, OK, I love you, too.” he says before hanging up. Then the on-screen office pranking escalates further. The throwing stars reference was merely a small personal touch to the ridiculous storyline of “The Promotion,” the fourth episode in season one of a series dedicated to zany office antics and often-intoxicated misadventures of three cubicle-mates (played by Devine and his real-life friends, roommates, and co-creators of the show). Name-dropping Bellevue was a subtlety to the script from Devine that connects his breakout role in the show back to his roots in The Good Life. “It’s just specificity,” Devine says. “In comedy, it really helps—instead of just saying some generic town or being vague—to use an exact place. I know a lot of Nebraska town names, and they’re always at the tip of my tongue. It’s always fun to rep Nebraska when you get a chance, too. Why not? Go Big Red!” Devine’s fans in Nebraska can delight from the occasional references to Nebraska littered throughout his creative works. Meanwhile, any media-consuming Nebraskans who are unaware that the actor grew up in Omaha are likely familiar with his characters in Workaholics, the Pitch Perfect franchise, or other notable roles. Workaholics concluded its run after seven seasons in March 2017, as Devine and his partners decided it was time to move on to other projects. A cursory look at his TV and film credits, however, shows that Devine truly is a “workaholic.” Between 2013 and 2018, he appeared regularly on the ABC sitcom Modern Family as “Andy.” He starred in and co-wrote Adam Devine’s House Party on Comedy Central between 2013 and 2016 (a stand-up comedy show that he co-directed and co-created with fellow “Workaholic” Kyle Newacheck), starred in Pitch Perfect 1 and 2 as the egotistical leader of an all-male a
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cappella group (2012 and 2015), starred opposite Zac Efron in Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates (2016), voiced a mammoth in the animated film Ice Age: Collision Course (2016), voiced the Flash in The Lego Batman Movie (2017), and hosted the 2017 MTV Movie & TV Awards. But that’s only naming a few of the projects from his young yet jam-packed filmography.
“It was 1994, and we [Nebraska football] were just dominant at that time,” he says. “I remember watching the Orange Bowl with my dad and a bunch of his friends and just a bunch of people from the neighborhood, and just being in awe of how much people loved the Huskers and how much it meant for people and how exciting it was to put on all the gear [red-and-white shirts with the team’s logo] and watch the Huskers play.”
Recently, online streaming platforms have become an important avenue for finding his latest projects. Not only can viewers binge all seven seasons of Workaholics on Hulu, Netflix also released two films in 2018 that
If the Huskers had sucked, Devine admits, he might not have been such an enthusiastic convert. But it was like watching Michael Jordan play for the Chicago Bulls. “It was fun to watch because we won absolutely every time, and you know, that solidified it for me,” he says. “And now I still watch every game. I’m waiting for us to regain our glory because I already drank the Big Red Kool-Aid. Once you drink it, there’s no going back.”
—
Devine was a sponge for the sublime awesomeness of Nebraska football in its 1990s heyday. Tom Osborne’s Huskers squads helped sustain his soul. showcase his writing, producing, and directing in addition to his starring on the screen: the rom-com When We First Met (February) and the raunchy action-comedy Game Over, Man! (March). In August, after this edition of Omaha Magazine went to press, Netflix also planned to debut The Package, a film that Devine co-produced with Anders Holm, Blake Anderson, and Newacheck of Workaholics. The movie tells the story of teenagers on a camping trip that devolves into a mission to save their friend’s “most prized [anatomical] possession.” Of course, Devine was not always such a big-shot comedian/actor. In fact, he wasn’t even originally from Nebraska—though he considers Omaha his hometown (a fact that Omaha Magazine heartily endorses). He was born in Waterloo, Iowa, and moved to Millard when he was about 10 years old.
When he first moved to Omaha, he was just a kid trying to fit in. Mom-dictated fashion choices didn’t help. He had previously attended a Catholic elementary school in eastern Iowa where uniforms were mandatory—navy blue pants with a shirt tucked in—and that’s what she made him wear for his first day of class at Millard Public Schools. “After that, I was like, ‘I’ve got to do anything I can to fit in,’” he recalls. “I noticed Husker gear was a very popular thing to wear, so I was like, ‘I have to get decked out, Mom, and she was like, ‘You’re not even a Husker fan. We’re from Iowa,’ and I’m like, ‘I don’t care, we’re buying the gear. I’m not wearing the turtleneck again.’” The ’94 Orange Bowl came a few months after his family’s relocation. Devine made friends and settled into the start of a stereotypical suburban Omaha childhood. Until one summer day, a collision with destiny changed his life. Destiny, in this case, was a 42-ton truck that ran him over as he crossed the street to catch up with a friend going to buy candy at a neighborhood gas station. Devine’s world went black. He woke up two weeks later. “They told me that I probably would have died if I didn’t have my bike on the right-hand side of my body,” he says, adding that the local news coverage of the accident showed a gnarly scene with the bike crumpled like a pretzel. “I kind of fell underneath it and got spit out, as opposed to taking the full hit myself.” Physical recovery was many years in the making. Although disabled in the aftermath of the accident, Devine was a sponge for the sublime awesomeness of Nebraska football in its 1990s heyday. Tom Osborne’s Huskers squads helped sustain his soul. Bedridden and incapacitated during the ’95 national championship, he was limping around on crutches
by the time the Huskers clinched another national championship in ’97. Thousands of fans once again gathered in the city’s major intersections to pump their fists and shout the “Go Big Red” call and response ad infinitum. Devine was there, and he loved it.
In his roles in Workaholics and Pitch Perfect, Devine played characters oozing with overconfidence. These performances were shaped by his own youthful experiences deflecting hostility from occasional bullies. Humor, he found, was the great defensive strategy.
“It was the most mayhem I’d ever seen,” he says. “What I love about Omaha—and what I love about Nebraska and the Midwest in general—is that it was mayhem, and everyone was having a great time, but everyone was so cool and so polite and really open and giving. Here I am, a little boy on crutches, and I’m crutching around out there, and no one stole my crutches to use them as timber to start a fire [laughing], which I feel in most other cities it would have been, ‘Hey kid, give me that, I gotta bash in this window and quickly steal this TV as we start this liquor store on fire.’”
“The thing about bullies that always made me laugh is they’re usually the dumbest guy in the room; they’re never the smartest,” he says. “It’s funny, when playing a character like that, to have this braggadocio, that confidence, when you’re really an idiot masking all your insecurities. That’s what bullies are. They’re insecure about something, and that’s why they’re lashing out. Because they don’t want everyone to think they’re not cool, or to acknowledge whatever they’re insecure about. So they mask it by bullying someone else. I played that role a lot with Adam DeMamp on Workaholics. I created the character, and I loved playing it because he was so confident. But with his friends, he would cry in front of them and be super sad and be like, ‘No one likes me!’ because that’s what he’s really thinking. But when he goes out, he tries to act like the most confident, coolest guy, which usually backfires—which is what it does for most people when they try to act like something they’re not.”
His role with Workaholics and Adam Devine’s House Party on Comedy Central would eventually make partying a visible part of his on-screen persona. But the mass of Huskers fans celebrating a national championship was his first epic party (or at least, his first big party that did not involve rollerblades, bowling, and a lot of pizza). Women were flashing boobs in jubilation. He and his friends had sneaked beer from the cooler at home and felt buzzed for the first time. He was having the time of his life. “I was such a little kid,” he says. “I didn’t really know where I was. If I wasn’t on Millard Avenue, I was probably thinking, ‘Oh my, we are MILES from home. I’m in the big city!’” Unfortunately, he never had a chance to explore his own athletic prowess in Omaha. The cement truck of destiny smashed Devine’s dreams of advancing from peewee football to the Blackshirts of UNL. Nevertheless, he kept his athletic ambition alive by lowering the rim of his driveway basketball hoop and pretending he was Michael Jordan. Then, every year of high school, he would try out for the Millard South basketball team. “I really just wanted to make the team, and I tried really hard,” he says. “But our team was pretty good throughout my high school life, and I ran like a 17-minute mile at that point because I was just relearning how to walk. So there was no way that I was going to make the cut. But I tried out every year...For whatever reason, players had to buy the shoes before you actually knew if you made the team or not, so I always bought the shoes. Finally, my senior year during tryouts, the coach yelled over to me like ‘Devine!’ and I was thinking, ‘Uh oh, he’s calling me up! He’s gonna say I’m the sixth man! I’m coming off the bench, here I go!’ and he’s like, ‘You don’t need to buy the shoes.’ I’m sure my mom appreciated the brutal honesty because she did not want to buy those shoes. I still think I did, though, I still think I got that last pair.”
Making gag phone calls to a now-defunct Omaha radio station, KDGE-FM 101.9 “The Edge,” gave Devine his earliest exposure to comedic performance for the general public. He was just having fun, not thinking of it as any sort of career development. But it was. “After I had my accident, I couldn’t walk. I couldn’t do anything,” he says. “So I would call into The Edge every day and do different voices and impressions. The DJs liked it, so I kept calling back. I would be writing bits at school in class and run home, well, not ‘run’ but aggressively crutch home or have someone push me up a hill in a wheelchair home, and then do my bits on the radio. I remember they were like, ‘Hey, you’re calling every day, we want you to be a color commentary guy on the radio station. We’ll think of bits for you to do every day and we’ll pay you. This could be your job, you call in every day anyway.’ And I was like, ‘This is great!’ so I went down to The Edge headquarters in the Old Market. My mom had to drive me all the way down there, I was 12 or 13 years old at this point and in a wheelchair. My mom pushes me in, and the guys are like, ‘What, we thought you were an adult!’ Because I never talked with them out of character, I would just be in character 100 percent of the time, and they were like, ‘Well, we can’t hire you, but what we can do is give you free concert tickets and free CDs to any events we throw.’ For the next couple of years, I got dozens and dozens of free concert tickets, which, at that age—13 and 14 years old—is better than any amount of money that they could have given. I would roll to Rockfest, Edgefest, and all the local
rock shows put on by The Edge with 15 to 20 people. Which was a good way to have kids not make fun of you or punk you, since I was just getting over being crippled.” Doing the bits on the radio gave him ammunition to negate the would-be meanness of monstrous middle schoolers. After all, the only thing these kids wanted more than making fun of someone else was getting to go to a concert for free. He had the power, like Devine intervention. Three different telemarketing jobs during high school, likewise, gave him more unexpected fodder for his eventual foray into mainstream comedy and his role on Workaholics. But when he was working in his cubicle, he was just trying to pass the time. For Professional Research Consultants, he conducted surveys over the phone for health care companies. “It was pretty straight forward,” he says. “You just had to have a polite voice on the phone, and people for the most part were like, ‘Yeah, my hospital stay was good,’ and you could take it from there. That being said, I would definitely change my voice for which part of the country I was calling. If I was calling the South, I would have a Southern accent [he says with a Southern drawl], and then if I was calling New York [he says with a Bronx accent], I would use more of a East Coast thing, and I would change my name to sound more New York. I remember my boss took me in and was like, ‘You’re doing great, just don’t change your name and your voice. You should not do that. Use your regular voice everywhere that we’re calling.’” Selling meat for Omaha Steaks was more difficult. “Because as much as steaks are delicious and everyone likes steak, and Omaha Steaks is a great name brand, if you’re not hungry for steak, you’re not thinking, ‘Oh, I should buy $500 in steaks right now,’” Devine says. “So it was a lot of me taking a piece of paper and wiggling it in front of the phone and going, ‘What’s this?’ and then acting like I’m talking to someone else and going like, ‘Wow, I cannot believe this. The boss just brought this to me from upstairs’—there were no upstairs; it was a one-story building—‘and we are going to give you this amazing discount.’ It was the exact same discount we were going to give everybody else. But this was my sales technique, and it worked.” The third of his telemarketing jobs was the worst. It was a company that sold everything from knives to Time-Life Books over the phone. “That was the worst phone job because, have you ever wanted to buy a Time-Life Book in your life? No. No one has,” he says imagining the poor souls who got stuck receiving the books month after month and having to scatter them around the house everytime Grandma came to visit. Grandparents, it seems, were a solid target for sales. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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FEATURE // ADAM DEVINE
There were classes that helped his comedy and acting career along the way, too. He enrolled in the theater arts program at Millard South during his freshman year. But it wasn’t until his junior year that he began to take the school’s theater program more seriously.
during my senior year, when I was telling my parents that I wanted to move to L.A. and try to give acting and comedy a real go, she told them that she thought that I had the chops to make it. And that gave my parents the confidence to allow me to go.”
“My drama teacher at Millard South High School, Robin Baker, was just awesome,” Devine says. “She was cool, and she knew people that were actually working actors in Hollywood and people who were producers and writers and people that were actually doing it—not just on the small level, but actually making careers out of it.”
Off to California he went. Devine applied to UCLA and was accepted, but didn’t have enough money to cover tuition. He ended up studying at Orange Coast Community College, thinking he might transfer the credits to another California university afterward. Soon after enrolling at the community college, Devine met Blake Anderson and Kyle Newacheck (two of the four core members of Workaholics).
Baker helped him to believe that he could do it, too. She saw that Devine enjoyed making videos, and she encouraged him by showing the videos during classes or at rehearsals. He had focused only on comedy in his first three years of high school. But, at her urging, he began to branch out from comedy to dramatic roles in his senior year. “OK, this is what I want to do,” he realized. “My legs aren’t going to suddenly super-heal, and I’m not going to be the freak athlete that I once thought I was, so I should do something else.” So, Devine took parts in five plays his senior year.
— His stand-up
push is fodder for his next goal for his comedy career—a Netflix special, which Devine will be shooting this fall at the Orpheum Theater in Omaha. “She was like, ‘For comedians, the reason they’re usually funny is they have a depth of emotion that they can easily tap into, and that lends itself to being a good dramatic actor,’” Devine says of his high school drama teacher. “She gave me a shot at doing some more dramatic stuff, so I ran with it. She gave me the confidence to move out to Hollywood and pursue a real career. And to her credit,
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“On day one of improv class at the community college, I just kind of clicked with them,” Devine says. “Blake, as you know from Workaholics, ends up having these long, beautiful, luscious locks that the ladies just adore. But at that time he had the cutest little afro, very Justin Guarini-esque, and he was super funny, so I kind of latched on to him and we started writing comedy together. After a couple years, I realized that I didn’t want to go to school. I wanted to do comedy fulltime. Kyle, who plays Carl the drug dealer on Workaholics, who directed many of the episodes for us on Workaholics, he moved up [to L.A. from Orange County] to go to film school, and at that time I was like, ‘I’m going to move up as well and really start to take my comedy/acting career seriously.’” Devine never graduated from Orange Coast Community College, though he speaks highly of the school. He didn’t want to take the math and science credits needed to complete a degree. He only took improv, creative writing, screenwriting, and the classes that he thought would make him better at the job he actually wanted to do. That strategy doesn’t work out for everyone, he admits: “I wouldn’t recommend it for everyone. But I really put my nose down. I was determined that this is what I’m gonna do, and I’m gonna do it full-steam ahead. Luckily things kind of clicked into place for me.” Devine intervention strikes again. Two years after moving to Orange County, the 20-year-old aspiring comedian took a job at the Hollywood Improv Comedy Club in L.A. He was just answering phones and working the door. Nevertheless, he considers it to be his first break. “Even though it’s not like a true Hollywood break, I got to see comics like Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Fortune Feimster, Daniel Tosh, and all these guys from all different walks of life at the top of their game, these A-list comedians,” he says. “Second City, at that time, was connected to the Improv. It
was right next door. If you worked at the Improv, you got half off of classes at Second City. So I was like, ‘This is perfect!’ I took as many classes over there as I possibly could.” In the Second City musical improv class, Devine met Anders Holm, the fourth member of the yet-to-assemble Workaholics squad. A troupe associated with the class was planning to go on tour and do corporate gigs. Singing musical improv at the Mead Paper Corp. turned out to be Devine’s first paying comedy gig. Devine found Holm to be like the yin to his yang, or vice versa. “He actually was the first person I met who was a writer that was serious about writing,” Devine says. “He was more serious about writing than performing, and I was kind of the other way. I was performing so often and doing stand-up every night. I think he wanted to be more of a performer, and I wanted to be more of a writer, and we sort of helped each other. We started writing together, and then he joined my class, and we started to perform together.” YouTube was still a new phenomenon on the internet, and Devine saw an opportunity for his comedian friends to assemble like Voltron. “So I call my old friends Blake Anderson and Kyle Newacheck. I was living with Kyle at the time,” Devine says. “I was like, ‘We need to start making videos,’” as the only comedy-focused videos he was seeing on YouTube were from Andy Samberg’s Lonely Island crew. “I think we came out with about 80 videos in about two years,” Devine says, “That’s when we started to get the attention of Comedy Central, because we were putting out so much stuff, and at the same time, I was doing stand-up and I started to catch the attention of Comedy Central. They had me on Live at Gotham, which was the new faces show before Adam Devine’s House Party. So that was my first TV stand-up show.” The Comedy Central execs started watching all of their material on YouTube—which remains available under their group’s channel, Mail Order Comedy—then Devine says they were approached: “‘Oh, you guys can actually create something. Do you have any ideas for shows?’ And we were like, ‘We sure do.’” Gangster-rapping wizards were going to be the next big thing in comedy. Almost. “We went through a weird period where we created an entire album of us as gangster-rapping wizards from another realm,” he says. “I mean, you can buy the album, it’s called Purple Magic, I believe it’s on iTunes still. We thought it was awesome, and we were getting great feedback, and those were our first videos that went really viral. That was right around the same time Comedy Central asked about show ideas.”
They also had done a Mail Order Comedy web series that Devine says “was basically Workaholics before Workaholics,” and the executives had expressed interest in that concept of the guys living together and working together and getting into hijinks, “and we’re like, ‘Yeah, that’s a good idea, but what’s a better idea is us as gangster-rapping wizards from another realm that come to this realm to take over the rap game.’ And they’re like, ‘What? No. That’s a horrible idea. We do not want that.’ But we kept pitching it anyway. We pitched the lower level execs; they were like, ‘Great, don’t pitch that when you go to the vice president.’ So we’re like, ‘OK,’ and then we pitch it to the vice president, and they’re like, ‘Great, you’re going to pitch the president next week, do not pitch the wizard rap,’ So then we go there and we pitch Workaholics; she’s loving it, she’s like, ‘This is a really great idea. We’re excited about this.’ Then we pull the rug out from under ourselves, and we’re like, ‘Well, it’s great you’re excited about that, but what we really wanna do is…’ and pitch her the wizards. And she’s like, ‘No, we’re not doing that.’ Well, thank God the execs at Comedy Central were nice enough to just not go, ‘OK, you know what, just leave. Don’t come back. We’re trying to give you your shot, but you won’t shut up about wizards.’” Whether or not the gangster-rapping wizards concept ever magically resurrects itself, Devine has remained plenty busy with other projects—minus his wand and Gandalf beard. “I’m coming off a whirlwind,” he says. “Last year I shot three movies and did a stand-up tour, a huge tour, and then I just promoted a bunch of those movies and was all over the country promoting, and went on a USO tour with my dad this last Christmas to Iraq and Afghanistan, and then went on a stand-up tour to Japan and Australia for about a month, and then here I am. This is like the first gasp of air these last couple weeks.” Back in his regular routine, he’s still on the grind. He describes a regular day as, “Waking up, then I usually have an interview or two, then some meetings with someone, and then I chug coffee and go do shows. I usually try to do a couple shows a night still.” His stand-up push is fodder for his next goal for his comedy career—a Netflix special, which Devine will be shooting this fall at the Orpheum Theater in Omaha. The discussion with Netflix was still under negotiation over the summer when Devine spoke with Omaha Magazine for this article. His desire to film the potential comedy special back in his Homaha once again demonstrates his genuine love of Nebraska. But that’s not all on the horizon for him. With an anticipated 2019 release on Disney’s new streaming platform, Devine stars in the upcoming family-friendly Disney film Magic Camp, where he plays a banker returning to the magic camp of his youth.
Meanwhile, in July, HBO announced plans for a pilot for a new comedy series titled The Righteous Gemstones about a conflicted televangelist family by the name of Gemstone. Devine is signed on for the role of the family patriarch’s hardcore fundamentalist son bent on destroying Satan. Devine says he has several other undisclosed projects percolating, and he doesn’t see the term “workaholic” as a negative in his personal circumstances: “It’s not like I’m working so hard that I’m ignoring my family and not making it to a birthday dinner for someone I love, like ‘Sorry, he’s too busy working,’ while I’m just in the other room aggressively writing dick and fart jokes. Like, ‘I can’t make your birthday dinner! I must finish this perfect dick analogy!’ But no, I do work very hard, and that comes from being from the Midwest and having that mentality.” He attributes his work ethic to Midwestern parents and upbringing: “Seeing how hard my parents worked to take care of me and my sister, I knew in order to get this career up off the ground, I needed to work as hard as I possibly could. It really just comes down
to, surround yourself with people that you think are smarter and more talented than you are, and then try to outwork anyone that you know. If you do that, even if you’re not the smartest or most talented, but you’re willing to work harder than anyone else you know, you can get smarter and you can get more talented. As long as you’re willing to put in the extra work. A lot of people aren’t. I used to work with some people who I thought, ‘These are the funniest people I’ve met in my life!’ and now they’re not even in the business because they weren’t willing to do the 15 shows a week and stay out until 4 a.m. driving around the country doing shows and staying up late to finish that script.” He has worked as a comedian, writer, actor, voice actor, producer, and director for various projects over the years. But how would he like to be seen? “The thing is, I like doing all of it. I wouldn’t want to do just one thing,” he says. “I have friends that only do stand-up, that’s all they do. To me, I would get bored if I didn’t have other avenues to go down. I love acting. I love playing different roles. I would love to play some more dramatic roles, and do like Robin continued on pg. 68 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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GEN O // STORY BY PATRICK MAINELLI // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
R
I A WITH FL
Andrew flair hooks an audience of millions SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
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2018
// GEN O //
ANDREW FLAIR UPLOADED his first video to
YouTube at age 15. As video productions go, there wasn’t much to it: four rough-cut minutes of Flair— then a freshman at Millard North—standing on the shore of a pond in suburban Omaha, fishing for bass. Flair, who turned 21 this year, has been fishing the waters in and around Omaha nearly his entire life. “As soon as I could hold a reel I was fishing,” he remembers. A love for the sport was passed down from his father, and the first videos Flair uploaded to his YouTube channel, Fishing with Flair, were made primarily for an audience of family and friends. “Just sharing tips,” he says. “Not much more than videos of me catching fish then tossing them back.” Quickly, though, Flair was posting fishing videos at a rate of two to three a week. While these early clips left much to be desired in terms of entertainment value, those formative years were, if nothing else, a full-immersion education in video editing and ease before a camera. The six years that have passed since Flair’s first upload are, in internet time, an eternity. As of this writing, Fishing with Flair is gaining new subscribers at a rate of roughly 25 to 30 thousand a month. What’s drawing them? Flair, mainly. After starring in more than 800 episodes, Flair’s natural charm and enthusiasm have a way of gluing your eyes to the screen. The content is fun, too. There are the “Barbie Rod Challenge” clips, the big-catch excursions to Mexico, and more. One episode finds Flair in full swamp camo, lying in the reeds of a golf course pond, trying to catch whatever he can while avoiding the eye of the fairway police carting overhead. As viewership rose over the years, Flair found himself bringing in a modest but regular income from ads placed before his videos. The moment of truth came the summer after graduation. Flair remembers, “I had just finished high school, was working at Scheels, and was enrolled to start college in the fall. I’d just bought a new truck but didn’t really have any other expenses since I still lived with my parents. It was all or nothing, so I just went for it.” Flair dropped out of the University of Nebraska-Omaha and has been fishing for a living ever since. To say that Flair is a professional YouTuber is an oversimplification. More accurately, he is a documentarian, brand manager, fisherman, duck hunter, and burgeoning media mogul with his hand in at least a half dozen business ventures, all of which are connected by a long spool of monofilament line to that original clip of a high school freshman casting for bass one day after school. While the “work” of regularly passing your days with a line in the water from sunrise to sunset may sound enviable to some, there are a whole host of other labors that are inherent to YouTube fame.
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For one, there’s the editing, reducing several hours of footage into one digestible 15-minute clip. There is also the attendant Instagramming, Snapchatting, Tweeting, and across-the-board brand sustenance required for life as a professional internet personality. All of which, by the way, must occur on a daily (at minimum) basis for fear of losing follower interest. One can imagine that a less ambitious 21-year-old might stop here. For Flair, though, YouTube fame is only the launching pad to what has quickly become a multi-armed media machine. In fall 2016, Flair partnered with four other YouTube fishing personalities from across the country—each of them charismatic 20-somethings in their own right, producing fun and informative fishing content. The collective dubbed themselves The Googan Squad— “googan” being a pejorative term for the lowest of lowlife fishermen, an epithet often lobbed at the loud-talking, bank-sitting, fresh-water anglers that more seasoned sportsmen hope to avoid. The name solidified the young entrepreneurs’ image as a band of rogues, while also allowing them to court sponsors with greater clout. “Once we’d joined together under one name, we could approach advertisers and say honestly that we had access to 3.5 million viewers between the five of us,” Flair says. Today, the Googan Squad collectively owns a home in Dallas, Texas, that serves both as corporate office and crash pad for fishing excursions throughout the state. For Flair, what started as a hobby now includes a signature gear collection, a clothing line, a printing company, a mobile fishing app, and a private coffee label. On July 3, Flair and his teammates unveiled their biggest endeavor yet, their own line of patented bait and lures, Googan Baits. After heavy cross-platform promotion (the Googan Baits Instagram account boasted over 50 thousand followers before even making a single post) the first run of product sold out in 25 minutes. With so much momentum at his back, what awaits Flair in the murky waters of the future? “None of this has been done before, so it’s tough to tell,” he says. “I want to ride this out as long as I can. It will definitely come to an end. All celebrity comes to an end. I’d be fairly shocked if this lasts more than five years.” For now, as long as the fish and followers are biting, Flair will keep baiting the hook. Find Flair’s latest videos on his YouTube channel with the simple handle “Flair,” or catch him on Snapchat (aflair430), Facebook (Fishing with Flair), Instagram (Fishing_with_Flair), or Twitter (@fishinwithflair).
AS OF THIS WRITING, FISHING WITH FLAIR IS GAINING NEW SUBSCRIBERS AT A RATE OF ROUGHLY 25 TO 30 THOUSAND A MONTH.
HISTORY // STORY BY LISA LUKECART // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK // ILLUSTRATION BY DEREK JOY
Seeking Darkness in the Woods
touring Hummel Park with Midwest Paranormal History Tours JAMIE NESTROYL WALKS up the short stone steps in the
middle of the “Devil’s Punchbowl” at Hummel Park. The wind rips through the bowl one way, then rapidly switches directions. It feels like someone is watching, somewhere off in the covert corners of the woods. Tree roots sever the worn path, reaching skeletal fingers across the dirt. The hushed silence of the dense foliage seems an eerie reminder of rumored satanic rituals. The thick, humid air suffocates Nestroyl as the sun descends into twilight. Along with friend Kacie Ransome, they step from the stairs onto a road curving off into sinister shadows. “Ohhhhhh…that’s scary. Take a picture of it,” Nestroyl says. She is dressed comfortably for the hike in a white Midwest Paranormal History Tours t-shirt, blue jeans, and tennis shoes. As Ransome takes out her phone, Nestroyl turns around. Her blue eyes widen…widen…widen…as the primordial urge to flee tickles her spine.
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Someone, no, something is standing in the middle of the road. It appears human in form with legs, arms, and a torso. Her boyfriend is 6 foot, 4 inches tall, but this thing is at least eight feet and more massive than any mortal man. Sure, it could be a tall person…but not with yellow glowing eyes. Oh no, it definitely wasn’t human. The creature stares at them. The shadowy figure reveals no other discernible details. No clothes, no face, no hair. It reminds her of a grainy old photograph. And yet, the fading sunlight doesn’t penetrate its bleak blackness. It’s darker than the dark, Nestroyl realizes. Nestroyl’s limbs freeze and her chest feels heavy, as if weighed down by a cinder block. She swats at Ransome. When her friend turns around and catches a glimpse of those crazy gleaming eyes, Ransome bolts, screaming as she retreats. Nestroyl doesn’t stick around, either. She follows her hysterical companion, sneakers slapping down the stairs.
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// HISTORY //
A dozen fellow hikers in their group rush over to discover the cause of commotion. The ghost hunt was on, but Nestroyl (the founder of Midwest Paranormal History Tour) knows the “Shadow Man” is gone. For now. This isn’t Nestroyl’s first brush with the unknown. She has seen full apparitions and really alarming things since she was a child. Now, as a side job, Nestroyl takes folks on supernatural tours to cemeteries, forts, and hikes all around Omaha for an apt-priced $13. Hummel Park is one of her destinations. Hummel has a wicked history of freaking people out. Hell, even the entrance sign looks like a gravestone. The old pavilion, since torn down, once issued a written warning to “abandon hope all who enter.” Reports of inverted pentagrams, swastikas, and other graffiti have littered the walls. The Devil’s Punchbowl was rumored to be a place of satanic rituals, including animal sacrifices in a smoky fire pit. Most are unsubstantiated rumors, but the urban legends and myths have blackened the beauty of the unmanicured wild pathways. Several are rooted in evil reality while others are just tales told around campfires. The legends are tangled and distorted since most have been passed down by word of mouth. One of the urban legends suggests that cannibalistic albino people live in the trees at Hummel, ready to sink their sharp teeth into exposed flesh. Another version of the story claims that they perform the satanic rituals and live in a remote cabin somewhere in the woods. Some people claim to have seen the ghost of Jacob Clatanoff, an actual German immigrant who once lived there in the 1900s. His wife supposedly murdered him and then ran off with her lover. Or take the old hermit. He’s missing a nose in some cases, fingers in another. Either way, he’s out to get wanderers. Or try the Devil’s Staircase (also called the Staircase to Hell, or Morphing Stairs). Count the steps up. Then down. Get the same number? Probably not. The stairs are cracked and broken so getting the correct answer isn’t likely. Oh, if the count is the same, feel free to ask the devil for a wish. The price? Your soul. People have allegedly killed themselves in Hummel Park, plunging to their demise on the steep eastern side of a natural cliff called the Devil’s Slide. The Omaha Police Department reports most suicides are initially documented as simply a death report, which makes it difficult to search for an exact number at Hummel.
It has been said that the trees bend and bow in terror because of all the lynchings during the Red Summer of 1919. Even though many of these crimes went unreported or undocumented, it is highly unlikely any happened at Hummel, and there is no historical evidence to support the theory. After witnessing the shadowy figure on the road, Nestroyl still insists that “there is no way these 202 acres aren’t cursed.” Lisa Reda, who has been a member of the UNO Paranormal Society since 2014 and has her own group, Paranormal Energy, has not seen any evidence of supernatural activity in the park. After a meeting four years ago, members decided to do a short investigation of Hummel on a bright sunny afternoon. Spirits have no concept of day and night. Most of the infrared and ultraviolet equipment, though, is optimal after the sun has set. And nighttime provides less noise contamination. Most of what the group found could be explained. For example, any meter readings probably came from power lines. “Just because we didn’t get any evidence, doesn’t mean nothing is there. Anytime there is a slightest natural explanation, you have to go with the natural explanation first,” Reda explains. “But if you were going to kill someone and ditch a body, this is the place to do it. Paranormal aside, it is just a creepy place.” Aside from the urban legends, Hummel Park also has a long and unfortunate history of real-life horror: petty crimes, stolen vehicles, assaults, rape, and murder. Nevertheless, teenagers continue to sneak in for spine-tingling fun, attempting to call up spirits with Ouija boards and violating the park curfew in the process. Two years ago Greg Sokolik III, along with four friends, went to Hummel near midnight (it closes at 9 p.m., earlier than most parks) for just that kind of an adventure. The 20-year-old says he left right after he was approached by a woman in a tight mini-skirt and tube top who asked if he wanted a “missus for the night.” “Pick up a prostitute. Dump a dead body. That’s Hummel Park,” says Sokolik, referring to the infamous murder of Laura LaPointe. The victimized sex worker’s nude and bloody body was left in a ditch near the park. An empty brandy bottle and a six-foot-long tree limb were close by her corpse. Four other prostitutes beat her to death for money, a sum of $25 in total.
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Victims of crimes at Hummel have included innocent children. The heavily wooded area made headlines again with the tragic murder of 12-year-old Amber Harris. She was found in a shallow grave at the park in 2006, nearly six months after her disappearance. A cross necklace clung to her remains. Roy Ellis was convicted of killing her and sentenced to death. Ellis allegedly liked to intimidate women, and his former girlfriend told investigators that Ellis drove her to Hummel, dug a grave, and threatened to put her in it. Ransome lived a block and a half from Harris at the time of her murder. “It’s more real to me now than just high school ghost stories,” Ransome recalls. Tracy Stratman, the recreation manager for the City of Omaha Parks, has been fighting Hummel’s gory reputation for years. Hummel has been cleaned up to make it a positive experience for visitors. The day camp is focused on nature-rich activities such as hiking, camp games, and even a chicken coop. Camp counselors no longer tell ghost stories or urban legends. “We see Hummel as a hidden gem for the city of Omaha,” Stratman says. “Our goal is not to scare participants off, but to have an experience they love and to embrace the park.” And yet, people are still drawn in by the macabre. Nestroyl, along with a few others on her tour, claim to have seen the shadowy figure two other times. As the tour concludes, 37-year-old Dustin Sims, his girlfriend, and daughter are counting the steps. He is here for the legends. Once, Sims recalls, he visited the outskirts of the park on a late wintry night. He could hear a young child violently screaming inside. Did he help or call the police? “No!” Sims responds, incredulous. Why not? “Because it’s Hummel Park,” he says. Visit mphtours.com for more information or to book a tour with Midwest Paranormal History Tours.
THE HISTORY AND MYSTERY OF HUMMEL PARK STORY BY RYAN ROENFELD
HUMMEL PARK’S MURKY forest conceals
tales of dark lore in the loess hills, rising from the Missouri River floodplain on the northern outskirts of Omaha. Behind the dense foliage, there is Satan’s slide and stairs that supposedly change steps with every climb. There are also groves of old oaks, a disc golf course, and folklore aplenty. The family of N.P. Dodge donated the 202-acre park to the city in 1930. Hummel Park took its name from the amiable Joe Hummel, Omaha’s long-time city park commissioner from 1912-1939 (excepting two terms). It was Hummel, a reliable cog in Tom Dennison’s political machine, who was lauded as “father of Omaha Parks” upon his death at age 79 in 1942.
beaver hats drove much of the area’s exploration and economic exploitation. From 1812 until 1823, Fort Lisa was considered the “most important post on the Missouri River” by historian Hiram Chittenden. This was where expeditions north and west were outfitted and launched into the mountains and where the Omaha, Pawnee, and Ioway traded furs for goods. From 1814 until his 1817 resignation, Lisa served as the government Indian Agent as the fur trade and American policy then went hand-in-hand. After Lisa’s 1820 death, the post was taken over by Joshua Pilcher, who abandoned Fort Lisa for Bellevue. The exact location of Fort Lisa has been lost to time, unlike Cabanne’s Post (also located in the neighborhood and overseen by Jean Pierre Cabanne) established by Bernard Pratte’s “French Company” in 1823. It was from this post that 116 men left in 1824 for Taos (still part of Mexico at the time). By 1825, Cabanne’s Post had become part of the Western Department of Astor’s sprawling American Fur Company, which set about establishing a monopoly on the Missouri.
Hummel Park. It would not be the last. Like Fort Lisa, in 1833, Cabanne’s Post was abandoned in favor of Bellevue. A monument to both posts was dedicated by the Daughters of the American Revolution in October 1928. It was rededicated in 2008 and then, within a week, “pretty well demolished” by vandals. Vandalism would plague the park, as would the dumping of trash. In April 2006, volunteers picked up 200 bags of garbage there, including tires, boards, barrels, and furniture, and they discovered the remains of a “1956 or 1957 Chevy” abandoned in a ravine. One of Hummel Park’s oldest legends—that it was the site of a colony of albinos—may be explained by the 1934 organization of a 250acre camp adjacent to the park by Nebraska nudists. All those pale bodies must have looked awfully white, but that history seems to have been covered up.
Cabanne’s Post was where Peter Sarpy first apprenticed into life along the river, and in 1831, “Ioway Jim” killed a member of the Omaha Nation near Cabanne’s Post, the first recorded murder in an area known today for
Hummel Park history is filled with picnics, egg hunts, nature hikes, and a beloved summer day camp dating from 1949. There is also a very real history of sexual assault, death, and murder. Some incidents took place in the park itself. Others occurred in the rural area nearby but close enough to leave a lingering reputation.
November 1970: 15-year-old Lori Jones was found dead, shot three times, after her companions claimed they’d left her sleeping inside a car at Hummel Park.
June 1992: Central High School sophomore Jeremy Drake was killed at the park over stolen car stereo speakers. Drake’s body was discovered by a woman walking her dog.
December 1933: 19-year-old Rose Engel was killed in the park when the car she was riding in overturned on a curve.
April 1973: A 20-year-old woman was carjacked in Omaha and forced to drive to Hummel Park, where she was raped and then driven back to the city where her assailant fled.
October 1947: A 19-year-old admitted to drinking heavily before his car smashed into a hayrack filled with University of Omaha students at the park; 20-year-old Freddie Freelin was killed.
April 1983: The brutal softball-bat murder of 18-year-old prostitute Laura LaPointe happened southwest of the park. Her body was discovered “nude in a ditch” and four other prostitutes were later convicted.
December 1999: Scott Addison was lured to Hummel Park to sell a stereo where he was beaten and stabbed. His two assailants left him for dead and Addison wrote their names in his own blood on the trunk of his car before he walked a quarter mile to find help.
January 1949: Two motorcyclists discovered George Rux’s frozen corpse on the outskirts of the park.
May 1984: Two men were arrested for sexually assaulting a 25-year-old woman at knife-point in Hummel Park.
October 1950: Two men armed with a hatchet and hammer attacked two soldiers and their dates at the park and then forced the two women, one 15 and the other 21, to leave with them. Both were reportedly raped and then released on a random Omaha street corner.
July 1984: Police had no suspects in the death of 21-year-old Michelle Lamere, who was intentionally run over and left to die north of the park.
August 1954: A reported sexual assault of three women at Hummel Park.
June 1986: A 34-year-old man was charged with the sexual assault of a 17-year-old Omaha woman at the park.
A few centuries earlier, almost 220 years ago, Manuel Lisa first established the furtrade post (dubbed Fort Lisa near the park). European demand for furs and fashionable
A Timeline of Dark History at Hummel Park Disturbing Crimes Reported by Local Media
February 1960: The “frozen body” of a woman was discovered near the park.
September 1985: A 36-year-old woman reported she was sexually assaulted at Hummel Park.
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June 2005: Jose Lucio survived being shot in the back in the park by a member of the notorious Mara Salvatrucha 13 (MS-13) gang. May 2006: Someone “ghost hunting” in Hummel Park discovered the shallow grave of 12-year-old Amber Harris. Roy Ellis was convicted of rape and murder and was sentenced to death. February 2008: 16-year-old David Murillo lost control of his Honda in the park and died after he was ejected when his car went into a ravine. December 2013: Washington County deputies found the body of an unknown man north of the park whose death was considered “suspicious.”
BRIAN HAALAND GOES FROM MAVS TO
NASCAR
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// SPORTS // STORY BY SHANE MONAGHAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
in the crease,
COVERED in
GREASE
// SPORTS //
i
N 2007, DURING a race
at Pocono Raceway in Pen n s ylva n ia , Bria n Haaland stood up after drilling multiple lug nuts into one of the right tires on Jeff Green’s race car. As Green pulled away and Haaland came to his feet in the middle of a hectic pit row, he quickly glimpsed the hood of Kasey Kahne’s stock car just before it plowed right through him. Haaland would surprisingly (and luckily) walk away from the incident almost completely unscathed. But the mishap drove home advice he got from his coaches a few years earlier: Despite what he may think about the straightforward nature of hitting lug nuts into a race car, it would take him at least three years to see everything he might possibly experience as a pit crew member in the wild world of racing. Eleven years later, it is now Haaland’s job to impart such wisdom as a pit crew coach for Team Penske. His journey toward becoming one of the best coaches in NASCAR began long before he met the front end of Kasey Kahne’s car, though. It took root during his time playing goalie for the University of Nebraska-Omaha hockey team in the early 2000s. Around that time, his burgeoning interest in racing—and a fortuitous relationship with the Mavericks’ team psychologist—would eventually lead him to trade his professional goalie ambitions for a full-time job changing tires. Haaland grew up playing hockey in Minot, North Dakota. After progressing through the youth ranks and graduating high school, Haaland played for multiple teams in the United States Hockey League, the country’s premier junior hockey league.
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
UNO would eventually ask him to join their squad beginning with the 1999 season. Haaland redshirted his freshman year and played behind eventual NHL star Dan Ellis for much of his career with the Mavericks. “My claim to fame in my college hockey career was that on a few occasions coach thought we had a better chance of winning with me in the net, instead of Dan,” Haaland says. Despite the sparse playing time, one of the most consequential relationships in Haaland’s life developed while at UNO. Jack Stark—a longtime performance psychologist for many Nebraska-area teams, including the Nebraska football program and Creighton basketball—served in a similar capacity for the Mavericks at the time. Stark immediately noticed something special in Haaland. “I was impressed with how hard he worked and his ability to control his emotions while playing the mentally exhausting goalie position,” Stark says. “I also always thought he was just the nicest kid.”
Other than Haaland’s good nature, the pair also bonded over Stark’s new project—serving as a psychologist for NASCAR drivers and the pit crew teams at Hendrick Motorsports. Haaland saw his first NASCAR race while visiting his older brother Blair in California during the summer of 2001. “I thought this is loud, and it was actually kind of boring just watching the cars go round and round,” says the former Maverick goalie. “But I saw the cars go down pit road, the athletes jump over the wall and change the tires so quickly, and I thought that part was awesome.” Stark would make sure that Haaland got to see just how awesome being a pit crew member could be. Shortly after Haaland’s graduation, Stark—thinking the f lexibility and mental toughness that made Haaland a good goalie would translate to changing tires—helped get him get a tryout with the Hendrick Motorsports team. Haaland would make the team as a tire changer in 2004, but he worked mostly in a backup role for the racing behemoth’s most notable cars.
HIS BURGEONING INTEREST IN RACING—AND A FORTUITOUS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE MAVERICKS’ TEAM PSYCHOLOGIST—WOULD EVENTUALLY LEAD HIM TO TRADE HIS PROFESSIONAL GOALIE AMBITIONS FOR A FULL-TIME JOB CHANGING TIRES.
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He did, however, come to see that there are few more intense settings in sports than pit road at a NASCAR race. Amidst roaring engines and zooming cars, a missed lug nut or a slow fueling job could cost a car 10 to 20 spots as pit crews battle to beat other teams by just hundredths of a second.
SEPT. 7-8th
Out of a desire to perfect the razor-thin margin associated with pit stops and to hopefully have a long career in the sport, Haaland eventually accepted the job as a pit crew coach for Team Penske. “He’s become one of the best coaches in the sport,” Stark says. “He could go to any team he wants. Penske is lucky to have him.” Hockey is still a part of Haaland’s life as well. For the past 10 years, he has been a goalie coach in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area. He sees 30 to 35 goalies a week and some of them come from as far as Augusta, Georgia.
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But whether he is mentoring former Division I athletes trying to make NASCAR pit crews or young goalies, he constantly draws on advice from the litany of incredible coaches he learned from during his time in Omaha—including Stark, who remains one his closest confidants. Haaland owns and operates Old School Goal School, a goalie camp in Charlotte, North Carolina. Visit oldschoolgoalschool.com for more information.
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PROFILE // WRITTEN BY SARAH WENGERT // PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY THE MISS UNIVERSE ORGANIZATION // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
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Sarah Rose Summers in NYC, SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
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// PROFILE //
W
WHEN 12-YEAR-OLD SARAH Rose
Summers asked her parents if she could compete in the National American Miss pageant, they gave her a major side eye. “I was one of the shyest girls,” says Summers, now 23. “I was the one who latched onto my mom’s leg and bawled my eyes out when she tried to drop me at dance class. I wouldn’t make eye contact with strangers or speak in the classroom.” Summers’ parents said yes, thinking she’d forget about the whole thing, but her interest persisted. Little did her family know that this was merely the first chapter in a storybook journey that would end with Summers being crowned Miss USA in May 2018—becoming the first woman from Nebraska to win the crown. (Summers had previously won the National American Miss Junior Teen title in 2010; she was also the first Nebraskan to win that honor.) “I was the first to win from Nebraska then and now,” Summers says. “My goal after [National American Miss Junior Teen] was always to [represent] Nebraska on the Miss USA stage.” Regarding her history-making Miss USA win, Summers is proud to have made her mark and hopes it will inspire Nebraska girls to reach for their own dreams. “I’m so honored to have the opportunity to encourage them, that even if their dreams don’t seem attainable, they should chase them anyway—because here I am,” Summers says. Summers, whose Miss USA win precipitated an immediate move to New York City, was born and raised in Papillion, surrounded by a tight-knit extended family.
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“My whole family lives within 30 minutes from our house—meaning my grandparents, cousins, second cousins…I was very fortunate to be raised so close to family,” Summers says. “Being in Nebraska, you always have your feet firmly on the ground. You know your roots, you know your neighbors’ names, and it’s not that way everywhere. I’m grateful for growing up in Nebraska where you can form those relationships with everyone you see.” In what sounds vaguely like a scene from the Netflix series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Summers shares a story of her first time jogging through Central Park, greeting everyone she passed, just as she would back in Nebraska. “I got a lot of crazy looks when I was smiling and waving at strangers in Central Park, but I got a few smiles back, so I’m just going to keep that up and bring that Nebraska joy to the city,” she says. In the moments before being named in the top 15, Summers says she had butterflies in her stomach, but pride in her performance and proximity to good friends put her at ease.
“We connected on a lot of levels, like being goal-driven women and having a strong faith. It was like a children’s book, the two of us being up there,” Summers says. “It was a whirlwind of emotions. I remember it up to that point, but then when they said ‘Nebraska’ I had to watch it back to really understand it all. I don’t remember crying. I remember falling to the ground and then Kára [McCullough], last year’s Miss USA, leaned down and said, ‘Can I crown you now?’ and I said, ‘Yes, of course, please do.’” Summers’ entire family traveled to Shreveport, Louisana, for the Miss USA pageant, including her brother, Scott, who later texted: “I’ve been to about 15 pageants for you but I was not mentally prepared for five eliminations in 90 minutes. That was stressful. It’s usually a top 15, top 5, and then announcement of places. That was just brutal on your brother.” While Summers and her family will have to prepare for another nail-biter when she competes in the Miss Universe pageant in late 2018, right now she’s focused on her newfound opportunity to impact others on a larger scale.
“BEING IN NEBRASKA, YOU ALWAYS HAVE YOUR FEET FIRMLY ON THE GROUND. YOU KNOW YOUR ROOTS, YOU KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS’ NAMES, AND IT’S NOT THAT WAY EVERYWHERE. I’M GRATEFUL FOR GROWING UP IN NEBRASKA WHERE YOU CAN FORM THOSE RELATIONSHIPS WITH EVERYONE YOU SEE.” “I knew that I had 110 percent been myself and felt strong in my performance. I was hoping to hear my name, but, if not, I was content and knew where to walk offstage,” Summers says. “I was really at peace and just soaking it up. Then I was called right after my friend, Miss New Jersey [Alexa Noone], so that was pretty amazing. I got to run down and hug her.” Summers then advanced to the top 10— still hopeful, but at peace with any outcome. She maintained this feeling through the top two, which came down to her and one of her best Miss USA friends, Caelynn Miller-Keyes of North Carolina.
“I made a difference in Nebraska as Miss Nebraska USA and was already making a difference as Sarah Rose Summers, but this opportunity plunges me forward to be able to speak on topics I’m passionate about and to affect others and causes that I feel called to. To work with the Miss Universe Organization and have the opportunity to travel, meet people, and make connections is amazing,” Summers says. Project Sunshine is one partner organization she’s excited to work with. They organize volunteers to comfort pediatric patients and their families in various medical settings—a cause near and dear to Summers personally and professionally.
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“I connect deeply to [the Project Sunshine mission] because I was hospitalized at Children’s in Omaha when I was younger with something called ITP,” Summers says. “I was only there for a short time, thank goodness, but I remember how scary it was for my family and me.”
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The experience propelled Summers to volunteer at hospitals in Omaha and Fort Worth, where she attended Texas Christian University and discovered her calling to become a certified child life specialist. After completing her schooling and clinical rotations, she sat for her certification exam in April 2018. Summers’ advice for others who seek to reach their goals is to write them down, a practice she learned working part-time for Lululemon. “Write your goals down, first and foremost. Then, if you’re bold enough, share them with others so they can help hold you accountable, and help drive you to that goal, and maybe even form strategies around how to make it happen,” Summers says. While she earned her title as one of the world’s most beautiful women, Summers defines beauty holistically. She hopes to set a realistic, attainable, healthy example for girls and women of all ages. “The Miss Universe mantra—‘confidently beautiful’—is about more than your figure, size, height, face structure, skin, or hair color. It’s being confident in who you are, from your looks to your beliefs, and knowing that you’re happy with who you are, proud of your accomplishments, and confident in your aspirations,” Summers says. “Beauty is so much deeper than physical attributes.”
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To Summers, pageants are also about so much more than beauty. “[The pageant] is an opportunity for likeminded, encouraging women to come together, get to know each other, share their stories, and become friends,” Summers says. “It’s just another outlet for us as women to empower each other.” Visit missuniverse.com/missusa to learn more.
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FEATURE // ESSAY BY BRAD DICKSON // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
A CHANGING
LANDSCAPE FOR
NEWSPAPERS
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The Joke on American Democracy “YOU’VE BEEN REDUCED” said the voice on
the other end of the phone. It was an editor from The Omaha World-Herald—where I wrote a humor column called “Breaking Brad” for eight years, as well as a Sunday sports column, “Upon Further Review”—calling to tell me I was one of about a dozen layoffs at the paper on Feb. 20. While a phone call may not seem like the best way of informing a colleague that their job has ended, considering the sometimes icy impersonality of The World-Herald, I was lucky the editor didn’t fax me. My termination felt like a prisoner of war experience. I was summoned to Human Resources where I had to sign a series of propaganda-type documents while a platoon of HR reps, none of whom lost their jobs, sat watching a Diagnosis Murder rerun on MeTV. This was actually my second time being terminated by the newspaper. The first was when I was a kid carrier. I recall it had something to do with drawing devil horns on several U.S. Supreme Court justices on a front page photo and some uptight customer complaining. The newspaper I delivered back in 1970-something was different from the paper today. It was quite a bit heavier and thicker than the 2018 version, the Monday and Tuesday editions of which increasingly resemble a discarded doily lying in your neighbor’s driveway. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. When the internet arrived, the conventional wisdom was that we will always need newspapers. Newspapers still always serve a vital function in the community, we all understood. Of course this was before Americans realized they preferred getting their news in targeted online blurbs blasted across social media by Russian troll farms. It’s not really news if you can’t forward it to all your friends, right? Our idea of news today is an Internet headline reading “SENATOR TOBACCO SHOP SEX RING” or “PARDONED WHITE HOUSE THANKSGIVING TURKEYS WERE NORTH KOREAN SPIES” that are blatantly false, but hey, the main thing is they were fun to share on social media. Perhaps even more significant than newspaper subscribers going away, advertisers have migrated online. The double whammy of lost subscribers and declining ad revenue are taking a serious toll. The Denver Post newsroom has gone from 184 employees in 2012 to about 70 today. Alongside an editorial lambasting the publication’s “vulture capitalist” ownership
(the newspaper is part of Digital First Media’s chain of newspapers, owned by New York City hedge fund Alden Global Capital), The Denver Post ran a photo illustration showing the gutted newsroom team that won a Pulitzer for breaking news coverage of the Aurora theater shooting. The 2018 Pulitzer Prize for breaking news photography went to an ex-journalist for an image—a man driving through a crowd of counter-protesters at a white nationalist rally—captured on his last shift at The Daily Progress, the sole daily newspaper of Charlottesville, Virginia. He received the Pulitzer after leaving the journalism profession for a job at a Virginia brewery. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of people employed in the newspaper publishing industry fell by almost 60 percent between 1990 and 2016. In his book The Vanishing Newspaper, author Philip Meyer writes that newspaper leaders who realize they’re in a losing battle often engage in something called “harvesting market position”—business jargon for raising prices and lowering quality to squeeze your most loyal customers as they die off. In a template that will sound familiar to World-Herald subscribers, this usually calls for reducing content, laying off staff, shrinking page size and jacking up rates. The goal is to soak your remaining subscribers for all the revenue you can get from a diminished product. Let’s go back to that Tuesday in February when I was reduced. I didn’t feel awful. I’d backed into journalism. I was a TV comedy writer who went to work for NBC and penned monologue material for The Tonight Show With Jay Leno from 1992-2006. Writing jokes about Monica Lewinsky and Happy Meals paid more than journalism. I told the mid-level editor breaking my bad news that I’d stay on for a reduced salary, roughly the same as I got to deliver the paper as a kid. I loved my job and my readers. The editor thought that was a terrific idea. My fans, a passionate lot, weighed in on social media. They didn’t understand my “reduction.” A December 2015 World-Herald survey indicated my column was one of the paper’s more popular features. All the mid-level editor could muster was that my reduction probably had something to do with my poorly promoted online column not receiving enough clicks. On Twitter, one reader posted a photo of his last newspaper—still in the plastic bag—before canceling his subscription. Hundreds, maybe thousands, of others lashed out. They emailed, wrote
to and called editors. This was approaching a reader revolt. Surely the paper didn’t want to alienate all these subscribers. I thought I might be invited back. I thought wrong. But I’m not alone. Newspapers were caught flat-footed by the internet thing, and the initial response—which pretty much consisted of an editor waving a rally monkey in the office and hoping for the best—was sorely lacking. Now papers are playing catch up and adapting to a swiftly changing landscape that demands severe belt-tightening and digital revenue strategies. Studies have shown people are less likely to read an entire online article and thus are less educated on current events. This tilt toward digital could mean there won’t be any more checks and balances for local elected officials who may begin pillaging and looting their communities sans fear of reputational reprisal. Marauding local politicians will be stampeding like escaped zoo animals swallowing whole anything of value that isn’t tied down. Bereft of newspapers, Americans will eventually get all their news from a single emoticon: sad face indicating a bad news day, happy face meaning all is well. In June, it was announced that Berkshire Hathaway hired Lee Enterprises to manage The World-Herald and Berkshire’s 29 other newspapers. The goal may center on significant cost-cutting. I cannot confirm whether the World-Herald office stapler is now coin-operated. Cuts and innovation may indeed prove to be the answer for print. Some very bright people are optimistic about the future. Even Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook team in Europe publishes a quarterly print magazine, Grow (available in the United Kingdom and Northern Europe). There are certainly big success stories in print media’s dystopian “Brave New World.” The New York Times and Washington Post are integrating print with digital channels to thrive. The Times has set a goal of $900 million in digital revenue by 2020 after pulling in nearly $600 million in 2017. It turns out readers are willing to pay for online content when they enjoy the product enough. Of course, not everyone will make a go of it. But those newspapers that are fast on their feet and can adjust to a new world order in journalism have a good chance to succeed. If not, the joke’s on all of us. Follow Brad Dickson on Twitter at @brad_dickson.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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ADVENTURE // STORY BY DOUG MEIGS // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
Escape on Wine Road
A beginner’s guide to wine country in sonoma, california
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
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2018
Iron Horse Vineyards in mid-March
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D
RIVING INTO THE heart of wine country
in Northern California, our chauffeur has to point out where last year’s devastation ravaged the landscape of Sonoma County. At first glance, we only see lush green hillsides. Upon closer inspection from the passing vehicle, the brownish limbs of damaged evergreens indicate where flames once danced over the freeway in October 2017. Occasional construction sites and empty lots reveal the former site of gas stations, fast food joints, and hotels consumed by wildfires. “After the recent rains, everything turned so green,” says the driver, Hugo, a resident of Santa Rosa (the largest city in Sonoma County). His neighborhood was almost entirely destroyed, and his home was among the few that survived. “It burned so fast that, as soon as the firefighters got there, everything was gone. The heat was so intense that it was melting aluminum from the wheels on cars.” Luckily, “vineyards are a natural firebreak,” Hugo says. Hundreds of fires across Northern California destroyed some 8,900 buildings, causing upwards of $9.4 million in damage close to the time of harvest season. But most of Sonoma’s grapes had been picked by then. Although some late-harvest yields could carry a smoky flavor, we can only speculate (as that vintage had yet to begin pouring during our visit in May). Wine production—the vineyards acting as a firebreak—didn’t merely slow the devastation; the industry and its associated tourism remain a critical part of the region’s economic recovery. As we drive deeper into the grape-producing hills of Sonoma County, evidence of the previous year’s inferno fades from view and memory. We are getting thirsty. Bring on the wine! Our trip began with a direct flight from Omaha to San Francisco on the morning of Saturday, May 5. Joined by my family, wife Michele and 8-month-old Faye-Marie, it was our first foray into California’s wine country. Neither my wife nor I had much knowledge of fine wines (let alone Sonoma wines), but we eagerly welcomed the opportunity to drink, uh, I mean, “to learn.” Yes, this was an educational trip. After some light weekend sightseeing in San Francisco—and gaining firsthand appreciation for the apocryphal Mark Twain quote “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco”—Hugo’s sparkling Chevy Suburban from Pure Luxury Transportation arrived at our hotel. We left the foggy city and drove north through the Golden Gate Bridge, stopped for selfies, and (after another hour or so) were transported to the laid-back hillsides of Sonoma County to find perfect weather. It was all blue skies and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. The day before in San Francisco was about 20 degrees cooler (a common temperature differential between the two Northern California locales).
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We were, literally, traveling the Wine Road. The association of wineries and lodgings in northern Sonoma County, known as Wine Road, had invited us on the trip and arranged our travel itinerary and accommodations. Wine Road even took into account a schedule that accommodated all our interests and limitations (i.e., maximum wining/dining for us with minimal whining from the baby). Omaha Magazine’s publisher and associate publisher traveled to Sonoma a month earlier for photos, but they encountered rainy weather that left the hillsides nice and green for our subsequent reporting trip. Our timing, a few weeks before the Memorial Day tourist rush, seemed ideal. June through October is widely noted to be the best time to visit Sonoma, but tourism is also more packed during those five months heading into the grape-harvest season. Nine Sonoma wineries together established Wine Road in 1976. It now includes about 200 winery members (close to half of the vineyards in Sonoma) and roughly 50 associate lodging members. The Wine Road website describes its coalition as “a spirited constellation of nearly 200 wineries and 54 lodgings” that provides a resource to guide visitors and locals alike. Member vineyards range from modern and state-of-the-art to smaller boutique operations located throughout northern Sonoma’s Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River valleys. Sonoma is home to roughly 425 vineyards in total, including farmers who simply grow grapes for sale to larger companies, along with members-only vineyards where it can take years of being waitlisted before a would-be customer could even purchase a bottle, and everything in between. Day 1: Arrival in Sonoma County The wine country of Sonoma also offers the delicious paradox of mountain town atmosphere, rural farming interspersed with high luxury, and close proximity to expansive ocean shorelines. Just to the east is the neighboring, landlocked wine region of Napa County. Sonoma’s wine-producing regions cover roughly 65,000 acres, which is 25,000 more than neighboring Napa. Varied soil types and mild temperatures help make Sonoma a winegrower’s paradise. The county may be best known for its pinot noir and zinfandels, but it also produces a host of other varietals: chardonnay, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc, shiraz, and petite sirah. Each subregion of Sonoma is known for particular grapes, and the Russian River Valley is widely considered to produce some of the world’s best pinot noir—the preferred varietal of the Paul Giamatti’s character in the 2004 film Sideways by Omaha director Alexander Payne. (Although the film was not shot in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, for the sake of the film’s protagonist, it probably should have been; the on-screen character’s obsession for pinot noir was associated with a spike in demand and price for pinot around the time of the film’s release.) The Russian River Valley is also notable for its chardonnay production.
Driving along River Road, we cross a bridge high over the Russian River. Happy kayakers float on the gentle river below (possibly with wine stashed in their vessels). Veering off the road, a steep driveway takes us up to our lodging nestled behind a wall of trees and dense foliage. We discover Sonoma Orchid Inn Bed and Breakfast—a cluster of cozy yellow cottages—to be a rustic, sun-soaked dream. Hummingbirds flit past multi-colored roses, and one of the property’s co-owners, Dana Murphy, welcomes us in the driveway. Murphy offers a quick tour of the three-level main cottage. In addition to smaller standalone cottages outside, the main building features rooms for a range of price points. There is artwork and antique furniture throughout; a family-style dining room and living room on the main level with a library, fireplace, couches, floor-to-ceiling windows, and piano; and two kitchens, one for staff, one for guests. The nearby Russian River is a short walk from the lodging along Odd Fellows Park Road. The river takes its name from Russian explorers who established forts and planted apples in the area at the dawn of the 19th century. Then came Spanish missionaries, who introduced grapes to the Russian River Valley for personal consumption (making it the oldest wine-producing region of California). Formal annexation of California by the U.S. came in 1848, followed by the gold rush, logging and destruction of expansive redwood forests, Prohibition (which put local viticulture on hold), the rise and fall of hop farming, and eventual removal of apple orchards in recent decades. Sonoma’s history is fascinating, and the B&B site was originally the homestead of a prune/plumb/hops farmer who came out for the gold rush but missed the action. But I struggle to keep my focus from the mountain of chewy double-chocolate (gluten-free) cookies that Murphy—also the resident chef—had piled under a covered platter in the guest kitchen. The refrigerator is stocked with favorite wines from Sonoma, of course. To my surprise, the fridge is also packed with an ample selection of local craft beer and hard cider. Before becoming synonymous with wine country, Sonoma was famous for its production of Gravenstein apples and the hops necessary for beer. The high value of grapes in recent decades prompted growers to cultivate grapevines in place of orchards and hop farms.
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
// ADVENTURE //
In recent years, however, the booming demand for craft beer and hard cider has led to resurgent use of these historic Sonoma agricultural products. Although the grapes remain more profitable per acre, the cyclical pattern of history in Sonoma agriculture feels poetic. But we are late for dinner (and I can only eat so many cookies before seeming like a rude guest). Another driver picks us up, and we head into the quaint town of Guerneville. The small-town feel of the main drag belies the culinary delights waiting in the bars and restaurants. We stop at an uber-hip bistro, Boon Eat+Drink, to feast on roasted Brussels sprouts, a burger with truffle fries, and baked cod from a seasonally rotating menu (paired with Sonoma wine, of course, and a local Sonoma beer). Next door, we pop into the Guerneville Bank Club—a collective retail and art space in a restored historic bank—for a slice of spicy green chile apple pie with a scoop of lavender honeycomb ice cream. There is still sunlight, so we head over to the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve for a walk. Giant redwoods tower overhead, and we meander through the trees on a flat trail with occasional interpretive signs that explain how the patch of old-growth forest narrowly escaped loggers’ axes. We take the “Discovery Loop” trail to pay respects to Colonel Armstrong (a redwood tree that is more than 1,400 years old) and Parson Jones (the forest’s tallest tree at 310 feet). Back at our lodging, our host explains that we made the right decision to skip Muir Woods National Monument on the way to Sonoma. Although Muir Woods is easily accessible north of San Francisco, the forest has become so crowded with tourists that reservations are needed to visit. We just showed up at Armstrong Redwoods, and we only encountered a few other couples and families hiking (there were no crowds and no reservations required). Day 2: Adventure and Gluttony Experiencing local wineries fills the remainder of our trip. We have multiple chauffeurs during our tour, and I ask each driver to suggest the perfect number of wineries to visit on a trip to Sonoma. The answer varies. One middle-aged driver says that two or three at max is ideal per day. He sees too many visitors get sloshed early in the day and miss their dinner reservations to five-star restaurants. He’s been driving guests for many years, and his advice is solid. In contrast, another driver (in his 20s) insists that five wineries is the perfect number in a day. With youthful energy and/or high tolerance for alcohol, this could also work out well—so long as wine consumption is moderated at every stop, or there are no fancy dinner reservations in the evening that could be spoiled. There are vessels for spitting out wine at every winery. And staffers always assure us that this is perfectly normal. But I find it difficult to not swallow/guzzle great wine, so a less-ambitious winery tour is better for my waste-not attitude. Then again, I also want to sample as much as I can. Luckily, we experience a bit of both scheduling philosophies on our trip.
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
We begin with a leisurely drinking day. But first, some adventure. My first full day in Sonoma begins at Sonoma Canopy Tours. Michele and the baby stay at the B&B as I head deep into the redwood forest. To check in, I must step on a scale to make sure I’m not over 250 pounds. A nearby television screen displays footage of helmeted humans screaming through the treetops hundreds of feet above the earth. Minutes later, I’m geared up and flying between the redwoods. My group’s lead guide, Bryan Hart, is a true comedian. Every stop on a platform high in the trees is master’s course in tree-related puns, i.e., Q: Why is this tree so healthy? A: Because of the antibodies (he points to the ants all over the tree). Hart’s assistant can’t help but roll his eyes at the constant barrage of puns (that he has no doubt heard a million times) about pirates, animals, wine, and celebri-trees. But I love it. Meanwhile, Michele is enjoying breakfast with travelers from as far away as Latvia and across the U.S. (including local Californians). Some are passing through on self-directed wine tours, others make the lodge a recurring destination for family trips. The co-owners, Murphy and Brian Siewert, are experts on Sonoma wineries, festivals, and activities. What’s more, they share their knowledge with a typical laidback California fashion, absent of condescension (which we experienced all throughout Sonoma). They were helpful and informative without making us feel stupid about wine, which in all fairness, we were. In an idyllic sun-soaked scene that could have been ripped from a Thomas Kinkade painting, I find Michele and the baby playing in the yard. Then we are off to our first winery, Korbel Champagne Cellars, which boasts of being the only producer of real champagne outside of France. Korbel’s operation in Sonoma was founded by three Czech brothers in 1882, a history that exempts it from a later international treaty that legally restricts use of the term “champagne” to sparkling wine produced in Champagne, France. Korbel provided the champagne for Ronald Reagan’s presidential inauguration. Of course a Californian would use “California Champagne,” and he set a tradition that has continued with the drink of choice in all subsequent U.S. presidential inaugurations. President Barack Obama received angry feedback from French wine lobbyists for his serving Korbel to no avail. His inauguration organizers more or less told the lobbyists to “put a cork in it.” We visit the cellars, learn the company history, witness the stages of production, and linger in the tasting room until we’ve tried every variety (including several limited editions). Buzzed and late, we stop in the cafe for some fancy sandwiches to eat in the car. Had we not spent so much time in the tasting room, we would have taken our sandwiches to Armstrong Redwoods for a picnic. Never mind. We are off to our next destination, Iron Horse Vineyards.
Th e go od life awai ts . Iron Horse Vineyards’ tasting room consists of a cozy bar overlooking a sweeping vista of grapevines rolling downhill and out to the horizon. Iron Horse, like Korbel, was also a crucial drink for the Reagan administration. Iron Horse’s sparkling wine was served at his Perestroika meetings with the Soviet Union’s Mikhail Gorbachev that ended the Cold War. Although famous for its sparkling wine (and we sample the 2013 Russian Cuvee that commemorates the Reagan-Gorbachev meeting), the vineyard produces much more—including some delightful chardonnay and pinot noir. We close out the bar in the late afternoon, and we head to Forestville (another of Sonoma’s quaint little towns) for dinner reservations at Backyard. Backyard is a farmto-table restaurant. Chef and owner Daniel Kedan brings out a spectacular charcuterie board with ingredients sourced from his own garden along with local organic farms. Live music is playing, and we order several other dishes—pizza, pasta, and fried chicken—that are all wonderful.
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Beware. Travelers in wine country must be careful of overeating as well as overdrinking. By the time we leave Backyard, I am so full that I have to walk up and down the little main street a few times before I can comfortably sit down in the vehicle. Day 3: Novelty and Heavy Drinking Our first full day was a crash course in sparkling wine. Our second full day will introduce the broader spectrum of Sonoma wines from chardonnay to pinot to zinfandel (and more). Wine tours, we are told, should start with lighter-bodied wines—sparkling or chardonnay—and move into the heavier-bodied wines. Pinot is a very light-bodied red wine. Cabernet sauvignon, on the other hand, is robust and dominates one’s palate). After a family-style breakfast at the B&B, I take a lesson from the previous day and remind myself not to overdo it. Today is our big day of drinking with four vineyards and a brewery all on the itinerary. We start with a stop at Sonoma-Cutrer in the Russian River Valley.
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While the baby is sleeping in the stroller under the shade of our table’s umbrella, we sample three refreshing chardonnays and a pinot while munching on a local cheese spread. Each chardonnay exhibits a different f lavor characteristic: one is more fruit forward on the tongue, another carries stronger oaky hints from the barrel, and the third has a stronger mineral taste. The pinot, without any cross-reference, I’d simply describe as delightful (a descriptor that applies to each chardonnay, too). Our table overlooks two croquet courts. Two elderly couples smack at balls on one court, and our server offers a quick tutorial. We play a few rounds as the baby sleeps nearby. Swinging the mallet between planted feet takes some getting used to, but it’s a fun way to putter around the grass while enjoying more wine.
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Next, we swing over to Healdsburg for lunch at Bear Republic Brewing Co. We order a Big Bear Black Stout and the barrel-aged f light set. For Sonoma’s historical integrity, the hoppy flight would have been another good choice, but we are trying to pace ourselves. We order garlic fries and a beet salad. Then we’re off to FerrariCarano Vineyards and Winery in the Dry Creek Valley.
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Ferrari-Carano’s palatial estate features sprawling gardens that are a tourist attraction independent of the winery, which employs a dozen or so full-time gardeners to care for f lowers and hedgerows surrounding the mansion. There is even a special hotline (707-433-5349) for the public to inquire about the status of the tulips. The estate’s roughly 10,000 tulips and daffodils bloom in the spring. Owner Rhonda Carano designed all the gardens, and every year she chooses the colors of the tulips to surprise visitors. Roses are also found throughout the property (and in other Sonoma vineyards). Traditionally, roses served a purpose in vineyards by indicating to growers if pests were threatening the vines (the f lowers were the first targets, though they now primarily serve an aesthetic role). The vineyard has two tasting rooms: one on the main level, and one past the cellars downstairs. We start with tasting upstairs. Then, we head downstairs to experience a private sensory tasting where
a sommelier has different canisters spread across a table in a dimly lit room. Each canister holds a different item: from fruits and herbs to spices and chocolate, paired with lighter wines first, followed by a succession of heavier-bodied wines. The exercise is meant to help strengthen one’s ability to articulate the sensory experience of the wine, as each person may experience a wine differently with different mental associations. By this point in the day, I’m thankful we have a driver. Our next stop is Fritz Underground. Founder Arthur Fritz started building the facility in the heat of the 1970s’ energy crisis. The production facility, cellar, and tasting room were all buried into a hillside in the Dry Creek Valley. By the time construction had completed, the energy crisis was over; however, the vineyard continues to yield the benefit of low utility bills and is ready in the event that America again faces an energy shortage. Touring the vineyard feels like descending into a futuristic bomb shelter, but the top-level tasting room feels like sitting in a church with the serving sommelier as the high priest. It’s Tuesday, and every Tuesday evening is the A Tavola dinner at Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville. We head over for the meal featuring actors serving dinner and drinks in a theatrical performance that comes directly to the table. Driving into the grounds, we keep an eye out for the red Tesla that the famous director and vineyard owner supposedly drives. We don’t see it. So we proceed to walk through the lavish grounds, past the expansive swimming pool area, toward the restaurant. Waiting for our dinner reservation, we have time to peruse an expansive collection of memorabilia in the two-level Movie Gallery museum. There’s Don Corleone’s desk from the Godfather movies and vampire garb from Bram Stoker’s Dracula, along with other unforgettable props from Coppola films. There’s even a short-story dispenser that prints out short stories in three lengths (with a button for estimated reading time of one, three, or five minutes) from Zoetrope: All-Story, Coppola’s magazine of short stories and art.
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A very pregnant-looking hostess/actress takes us to our seat. There is a family patriarch in wife beater chastising waiters or running from his wife. Waiter-actors deliver multiple courses of pasta, pizza, and other Italian foods to our table (along with accompanying Coppola brand wines, of course). An accordion player sits at one end of the spacious room filled with tables of guests, and at different points of the evening, he is joined by other musicians.
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At some point, the family patriarch chases another man around the room with a knife. They run around outdoors and around the building. Then the antics resume indoors. By this point, it’s getting late and the baby starts to cry. The patriarch comes over and, still remaining in character, apologetically asks if the knife chase was too much. Not at all. But it has been a long day. We finish our meal and depart for much-needed slumber. Day 4: Bitten by the Wine Bug Feeling quite accomplished to wake up without a hangover, we enjoy one last breakfast with our host B&B and head to the final winery of our trip—DeLoach Vineyards in the Russian River Valley. Acquired by the Boisset Family of vineyards in 2003, the 25-acre vineyard continues the original DeLoach philosophy of sustainable winemaking. It is one of several Boisset vineyards in France, California, Italy, and Canada As we approach DeLoach, our driver explains that this road is home to many “old vine” grape-bearing vines (35 to 40 years old, or older), discernible by the vines’ gnarled appearance and absence of modern trellis technology. When we sit down at the vineyard’s outdoor patio area, we have the opportunity to enjoy a range of DeLoach wines that includes both newgrowth and old-growth vines produced by the property (and supplemented by neighboring vineyards). A staffer gives us a tour of the grounds, the “biodynamic” eco-friendly garden that is home to various f lowers, vegetable
gardens, and animals (Faye-Marie is especially impressed with the goats and chickens). We also explore owner Jean-Charles Boisset’s party room—a James Bondthemed bar area with costumes, wigs, and sensory emitters (like what we had at Ferrari-Carano, but in squeezable perfume sprayers) decorating the walls. Our guide explains that each Boisset vineyard has a special party room with a different theme. Our time in Sonoma is drawing to a close. We down our last glasses of DeLoach’s delicious old-vine wine, bid farewell to Sonoma, and our driver takes us back to San Francisco for an afternoon f light. Time to return to reality. The day after returning to Omaha, I can’t help but feel something is missing. I’m eating my lunch as I normally do, and it hits me: where’s my wine? Three and a half days of drinking some of the nation’s best wine can be habit-forming. And lunch is just not the same without it. Later that night, after shutting down the office, I head to the Costco near Omaha Magazine’s suburban office to pick up some groceries—and to see if I can find any of the wines we had tasted on our vineyard tour. Happily, I find a Sonoma Coast Chardonnay from Sonoma-Cutrer.
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The bottle is above the price point I would normally spend. But the purchase is worth it. After putting the baby to bed, we slice some cheese and uncork the bottle. Two glasses of the crisp and refreshing chardonnay later, we are transported back to the frivolous, sun-drenched morning of snacking and croquet while our baby sleeps peacefully. Wine, it seems, truly has the power to teleport the sensory experiences of one memorable moment to the present. Would I like to travel back to Sonoma? Most definitely. Until the opportunity arises, the occasional Sonoma wine will do just fine. Visit wineroad.com for more information.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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COVER FEATURE // ADAM DEVINE
continued from pg. 39
Williams did toward the end of his career. But then I also love producing, I love taking other people’s projects and ideas and using my connections that I’ve made through the years and helping them find money for the projects and actually helping get them made. I also would like to direct movies and have control over making a creative vision come to life. I love writing and coming up with this little nugget of an idea, this little morsel, and seeing it become a full-fledged movie or a TV show that has a life of its own. That is really gratifying, a very cool experience.” While experimenting in all aspects of creative production appeals to Devine, he also doesn’t mind letting it all hang out. Literally. As evidenced by his dropping his pants and jumping buck naked from a closet to surprise the armed mercenaries in Game Over, Man!, the Netflix film that Devine and all of his fellow Workaholics co-creators put together as a team. The concept for Game Over, Man! evolved from their writing “Office Campout,” their third episode of Workaholics, which first aired seven years ago on Comedy Central. The episode featured an attempted defense of their cubicle maze from nighttime invaders—inspired by the film Die Hard with psychedelic mushrooms. The plot of the Netflix film drives home the Die Hard inspiration even harder (with the trio working as hotel janitorial staff rather than telemarketers) with action combat scenes, mercenaries with automatic weapons, and a big boss, plus illicit substances. Did he get any grief from his parents over his family jewels flashing? “No,” he says. “I love my parents. They’re the best, they’re so supportive. My mom was sitting by me at the premiere. I was sitting in front of her actually. I didn’t want to sit right next to her. Then, as it’s happening [as his penis is bouncing on the screen], she’s going ‘Aww’ [in an affectionate motherly way], and then she kept going, ‘Well, this is funny. This is funny,’ which I think is her nervous way of not being like, ‘Ew, gross, why is my son’s dick out?’”
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Around the time that Game Over, Man! debuted on Netflix in spring 2018, the HBO series Westworld started its second season. One of the male actors in Westworld, Simon Quarterman, dropped his pants in the first episode for a full-frontal nude scene. Quarterman told New York Magazine’s Vulture that the experience was liberating and he urged other actors to try it. Well, Devine is all over that trend like a dog humping a leg. “We don’t coast,” as Omaha’s official slogan insists. We’re ahead of the curve.
— Like any true
Nebraskan, Devine remains a Husker fan in spite of the program’s struggles in recent years. He even had an opportunity to come and work out with the Huskers in 2016 while promoting the film Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates.
“Yeah, yeah we are,” he says with a laugh. “I’m not afraid to let it all hang out.” No one in the audience of the premiere was cheering “Go Big Red!” but it would have been a cute way to welcome the actor’s manicured manparts on the big screen. Like any true Nebraskan, Devine remains a Husker fan in spite of the program’s struggles in recent years. He even had an opportunity to come and work out with the Huskers in 2016 while promoting the film Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates. “I love going to Nebraska to promote movies,” he says. “It’s just fun for me, especially when I get to do cool stuff like going on the field and retrieving some punts— which was really much harder than it looks. Turns out, those guys are freak athletes. They gave me a jersey with my name on it, I got to run up and down the field, I got to take the passes, retrieve some punts, and I also got to go in the gym and get my swole on with the weight-training staff. Big shoutout to them, and thanks for the free gym membership. We were doing push-ups, stuff with the medicine ball, and they told me I could come back any time. I have yet to take them up on it, but I kind of want to go back for just a month and really abuse my privileges [laughing] make them be like, ‘You gotta go. We’re trying to work out here.’” During that promo visit, he had a chance to talk one-on-one with then-Coach Mike Riley. The coach sat the actor down in his office for the recruitment talk. It was likely the closest Devine will ever comes to realizing his dream of playing for the Cornhuskers. “He’s a super nice guy,” he says of Riley. “You know, it’s sad because I don’t like it when people lose their jobs—they’ve got family they’re supporting, so that’s never a good thing—but at the same time, it just wasn’t clicking. It wasn’t working out... Coming off of Scott Frost’s [undefeated 2017] season at Central Florida, I think this was the right time to make the move.”
SPONSORED
A die-hard fan, Devine can’t conceal his excitement about coach Frost’s shakeup of the storied football program, even if it’s merely for the morale of the fans. “Who knows what’s going to happen, especially the first couple seasons,” he says. “I think we have to give him time to adjust, but just as far as excitement about the team, thinking we have a shot, that goes a long way. We’re the Huskers, baby. You can’t count us out. It’s a Frost Warning!” He’s not alone in his outlook on the 2018 season. Devine has witnessed the excitement from fellow roving residents of the Husker Nation all around the country, even overseas. He received a reminder in his adopted home in Southern California. “This is going to sound like I’m a fancy asshole, but I have a beach house and have a Husker flag at the end of my dock,” he says, “and just the other day, this guy kept driving past and screaming something. I didn’t know what he was screaming. Finally, after he passed the fourth time, I hear him shout, ‘GOHHHHHHHHH BIHHHHHHG REHHHHHHHD,’ and then me and all my friends—I keep a real tight Nebraska/Omaha crew—we all hollered back with the classic call and response: Go Big Red!” Follow Adam Devine on Instagram (@andybovine) and Twitter (@adamdevine).
In this highly shoppable section, the City Market, you are guaranteed to discover that one unique service or special gift.
Mad Hatter Muffler
Delivering award-wining customer service and work for 38 years. A Best of Omaha 2018 winner—servicing daily drivers, hybrid & electric, hot rods, and anything in between.
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Bunglaow/8 Hairdressing Omaha’s premier boutique salon offering expert technical and creative hairdressing and eyebrow shaping services. Over 125 years of combined experience in addition to thousands of hours of continued education from nationally acclaimed leaders in fashion and beauty.
402.934.8727 Bungalow8omaha.com
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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SPONSORED | ARTIST PROFILE
MAIN STREET STUDIOS
Tyler Curnes was on the fast track to a career
beads—which is called lampworking. After
His financial savvy, coupled with his artistic
in finance, poised to join his family’s financial
time I wanted to make bigger and bigger
talents and willingness to serve the community,
company, Curnes Financial Group, after
things; there’s only so big beads can get.”
creates a successful studio. Main Street Studios
completing his financial degree program at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Though he felt as though his plan to enter a career in finance was, by his own admission, “good enough,” a backpacking trip through Europe in his sophomore year changed his plans unexpectedly and led to his eventual role as a gallery owner and kiln-formed glass artist. It was in Venice that he stumbled upon a glassblower and his son who were willing to allow him some time to get his hands on the glass and see how it’s done. This was his first time blowing glass. He spent around four or five hours with the artists and it changed his life. “It’s a unique skillset,” Curnes says. “I liked that anyone could pick up how glass is made, but it takes an artistic flair to put together the colors and the shapes.” Upon returning home from his European trip, Curnes set up a space in his parents’ garage. “I came home and purchased a small kiln and a small torch to start making
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
He obtained a larger kiln and larger burners and moved on to making small, blown glasses and ornaments. “There are so many unique ways to manipulate the glass. I loved that aspect,” Curnes says. “I never got bored.” When he realized he was spending at least 20 hours a week working on commissioned work from his garage studio, he made the decision to seek out studio space to bring his work—and the work of other local artists—to the Elkhorn area. He left his office job in finance to pursue his artistic career full-time and didn’t look back. His background in finance has proven beneficial to his role as an artist and studio owner. “There are plenty of starving artists out there,” he says. “It’s not all about the art; 80 percent of my day is dealing with my financials. There’s a lot to running the gallery.”
frequently hosts school groups for tours to familiarize young students with unusual art forms. “Our public schools are phenomenal, but there’s just not enough money to get a kiln-formed glass artist, silversmith, and bronze sculptor in the schools,” Curnes says. He loves conducting these tours, explaining, “Maybe you don’t affect every kid, but maybe somebody walks out with a new appreciation of art.” Curnes says that new projects are on display every day throughout the gallery. Visitors will not see the same thing with each visit. Resident artists are always available to conduct tours and answer questions. “Come in once a week, or twice a month; our artists are all learning and doing new things—myself included.” 2610 NORTH MAIN ST. ELKHORN, NE 68022 402-452-3088 MAINSTREETSTUDIOS2610.COM
Lei has been with Streck for nearly 25 years.
streck.com
Developing products that support over 13,000 labs in more than 60 countries. Millions worldwide depend on us for fast and accurate lab testing. That’s what makes it rewarding for Lei, to work at one of the world’s most trusted companies in diagnostics. Right here. In Omaha, Nebraska.
Looking out for the lab. sm
Lei Research & Development
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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SPONSORED SECTION
TH nnual 11 A
Big Give 2 0168
Presented by Omaha Magazine
O
MAHA MAGAZINE’S “BIG GIVE” is our annual directory of charitable causes. We are proud
to help connect volunteers and philanthropists to the many area nonprofits. Each page in this sponsored special section is devoted to a different organization. Read on to learn more about their mission statements, organizational backgrounds, points of pride, upcoming events, and ways that you can make a difference.
73
Aksarben Foundation
74
American Heart Association
75
American Midwest Ballet
76 77
American Red Cross Assistance League of Omaha
78
Avenue Scholars
79
Bethlehem House
80
Boys Town
81
CASA
82
Completely KIDS
83
Cross Training Center
84
CUES School System
85
Do Space
86
First Responders Foundation
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
87
Gesu Housing, Inc.
88
Grief’s Journey
89
Habitat for Humanity of Omaha
90
Heartland Family Service
91
Immigrant Legal Center
92
Merrymakers
93
Metropolitan Community College Foundation
94
The Nature Conservancy
99
Omaha Healthy Kids
100 Omaha Home for Boys
101 Omaha Outward Bound School
102 Omaha Public Library Foundation
103 Omaha Public Schools Foundation
104 Open Door Mission
105 Opera Omaha 106 Parkinson’s Nebraska
95
Nebraska Humane Society
107 Prairie STEM
96
New Visions
108 Release
97
Omaha Children’s Museum
109 The Salvation
98
Omaha Equestrian Foundation
Ministries Army
110 Sammy’s
Superheroes
111 Santa Monica House
112 Siena/Francis
House Homeless Shelter
113 Society of St.
Vincent de Paul
114 Stephen Center 115 Whispering Roots
116 Wounded
Warriors Family Support
117 YES 118 YMCA of Greater Omaha
119 Big Event: CASA 119 Big Event: Omaha Equestrian Foundation
119 Big Event: Youth
Care and Beyond
OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
The Aksarben Foundation is a network of business and community leaders that seeks to influence change in Heartland communities for the betterment of education, agriculture, and growth of the economy.
Support of the Aksarben Foundation initiatives, which will help further betterment of the Heartland in areas of education, community, and workforce development. By working together and with the support of Nebraska and western Iowa residents, Aksarben Foundation can continue to improve the condition of the Heartland economy and strengthen communities for a better, more prosperous tomorrow.
UPCOMING EVENTS Aksarben Stock Show Sept. 27-30, 2018
BACKGROUND
For nearly 75 years, the Aksarben Foundation has been awarding Established in 1895, the Aksarben scholarships to Nebraska youth Foundation networks with premier so that they can realize their employers to influence change for dreams and ultimately give back the betterment of youth, economy, to the Heartland. Currently and Heartland communities. The Aksarben awards over $1 million Aksarben Foundation recognizes in scholarships annually. Aksarben and celebrates philanthropic has long been known for the efforts of Heartland families, funds Aksarben Ball and the Aksarben scholarships and community grants Stock Show. These events throughout Nebraska and western recognize, promote, and celebrate Iowa, and celebrates milestones volunteerism, philanthropy, and and community involvement community pride, while helping efforts with awards such as the to raise funds for the scholarships Pioneer and Heritage Farm Family Aksarben awards. awards–recognizing Nebraska families who have maintained PAY IT FORWARD family ownership of their farmland for 100 or 150 years, respectively– Supporters of the Aksarben and the Good Neighbor Award. Foundation make programs such as these possible: BRAG LINES » Aksarben | Horatio Alger State Scholarships—These The Aksarben Foundation focuses scholarships are for students on the betterment of the state of attending four-year colleges and Nebraska and western Iowa. universities. Aksarben awards
50 new scholarships each year, bringing the total number of Aksarben State Scholarships awarded annually to 200. » Aksarben Career Scholarships— working directly with Metropolitan Community College, the Aksarben Foundation annually awards 100 new career scholarships valued at $2,000 each to students attending MCC. » Ag Leaders Scholarships, which are awarded to 4-H student exhibitors during the Aksarben Stock Show. » Aksarben Community Grants, which help communities throughout Nebraska and western Iowa with their community needs.
Aksarben Purple Ribbon Auction Sept. 30, 2018 Aksarben Ball Oct. 13, 2018
AKSARBEN FOUNDATION 7101 Mercy Road Suite 320 Omaha, NE 68106 402-554-9600 aksarben.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association’s mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.
» Sponsors and volunteers for upcoming events » Financial contributions to support research » Gift cards » Auction items » Survivor stories » Chairs for events » Heart Walk teams » Red yarn for the Little Hats, Big Hearts project
UPCOMING EVENTS Go Red for Women Expo Sept. 25, 2018 Omaha Heart Ball Feb. 9, 2019 Workplace Health Symposium Feb. 20, 2019
BACKGROUND
BRAG LINES
PAY IT FORWARD
The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease. Founded by six cardiologists in 1924, the organization now includes more than 22.5 million volunteers and supporters. They fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide critical tools and information to save and improve lives.
In Nebraska in the last five years alone, the AHA has funded over $4 million in new research. Nationwide, AHA invests almost $128.5 million a year ($3.5 billion since 1949) in heart research that has led to recent breakthroughs such as clot-busting drugs and drugeluting stents. Health care providers learn about medical advances and new treatment guidelines though journals, conferences, and online courses. In the 11-state Midwest affiliate, AHA is currently supporting 402 multi-year studies at a cost of $70,327,574.
The American Heart Association wants everyone to know that cardiovascular diseases are largely preventable. Risks can be lowered by adhering to what they call Life’s Simple 7: not smoking, being physically active, maintaining a healthy body weight, eating a healthy diet, controlling blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, and controlling blood sugar. People can assess their cardiovascular health by visiting MyLifeCheck.org and answering a few questions.
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
Omaha-Council Bluffs Heart Walk May 2019
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION 9900 Nicholas St. Suite 200 Omaha, NE 68114 402-810-6870 heart.org
OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
Now in its ninth professional season, American Midwest Ballet inspires Nebraska and Iowa audiences with high-quality dance performances and community engagement programs.
» Season sponsorships » Production sponsorships » Education and outreach sponsorships » Artist, costume, and scenic sponsorships » Individual donations » In-kind donations » Guild volunteers
UPCOMING EVENTS Momentum: Rhapsody in Blue Oct. 19 and 21, 2018 The Nutcracker Nov. 18, and Dec. 8 and 9, 2018 The Wizard of Oz May 4, 2019
BACKGROUND
BRAG LINES
AMB’s talented professional dancers hail from around the nation and abroad, making the Midwest their home to share the excitement of dance with others. Through the company’s expressive performing artists, acclaimed choreographers, and skilled teachers, AMB plays a key role in the cultural vitality of the region.
» Founded by visionary artistic director Erika Overturff » As the region’s professional dance company, AMB’s work is beyond words » Reaching over 30,000 public audiences, students, and people who would not otherwise have access » AMB uses dance to uplift, inspire, and make people think » Mixed-repertory performances of award-winning Momentum » Opulent holiday favorite The Nutcracker » World premiere of The Wizard of Oz » Outreach to over 7,500 students and 1,000 underserved
» Partnerships with over 20 social service agencies » Proud to collaborate with other leading organizations
PAY IT FORWARD AMB is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. » Become a season subscriber » Donate as an individual or corporation » Become a sponsor » Join the AMB Guild » Attend a performance » Partner with the company to bring dance to your audience » Follow AMB on social media for updates and news
AMERICAN MIDWEST BALLET P.O. Box 6413 Omaha, NE 68106 402-541-6946 amballet.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
» Volunteers » Blood and platelet donors » Financial support
UPCOMING EVENTS Heroes in the Heartland March 7, 2019
BACKGROUND
BRAG LINES
PAY IT FORWARD
American Red Cross, serving the Omaha Council Bluffs Metro area turns compassion into action through its strong network of volunteers, donors, and partners in times of need. They ensure that all members of the armed forces and their families find support and comfort when needed, and that in an emergency there are trained individuals nearby ready to use Red Cross skills to save lives. Red Cross also ensures that people have access to lifesaving blood and blood products.
American Red Cross provides about 40 percent of the U.S. blood supply, making them the single largest supplier of blood in the nation. Last year, Red Cross volunteers in the Omaha metro area responded to 160 disasters, mostly home fires, providing help, hope, and comfort to individuals and families affected. Area Red Cross volunteers assisted with the devastating hurricane disasters of 2017, helping provide more food, relief supplies, and shelter stays than in all of the previous four years combined.
» Become a volunteer. Help us provide relief and hope to those affected by disasters. Go to the website and click on “Volunteer.” » Donate blood. Each blood donation can save up to three lives. To make an appointment visit the website and click on “Give Blood.” » Make a donation. An average of 91 cents of each dollar is invested in humanitarian services and programs. Go to the website and click on “Donate.” To make a $10 donation text REDCROSS to 90999.
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
AMERICAN RED CROSS 2912 S. 80th Ave. Omaha, NE 68124 402-343-7700 redcross.org
OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
Assistance League volunteers transforming the lives of children and adults through community programs.
» Monetary donations » Volunteers » Tax deductible donations of housewares, adult clothing, and accessories to the Thrift Shop » Books for young children » Printing services
UPCOMING EVENTS Operation School Bell Oct. 9-21, 2018 Christmas Caravan Preview Party Nov. 7, 2018 Christmas Caravan Nov. 8, 2018 Style Show April 10, 2019
BACKGROUND
BRAG LINES
PAY IT FORWARD
Assistance League of Omaha is an all-volunteer organization serving Omaha since 1974. The organization returns 100 percent of proceeds (after expenses) to the community through its philanthropic programs.
The organization has achieved Platinum level in GuideStar. ALO received a 2017 Top-Rated Award by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews about nonprofit organizations. Their signature programs include: » Operation School Bell® » Operation Recovery » ACT/PSAT Review Sessions » Assault Survivor Kits® » Operation Teen Parent » Operation Bear Hug » Operation Literacy
There are many ways you can support Assistance League’s work: » Become a member and use your time and talent to support ALO’s philanthropic programs » Provide a monetary donation—$85 clothes one schoolchild » Attend the Christmas Caravan and Preview Party » Support the Assistance League Thrift Shop with your donations and patronage
ASSISTANCE LEAGUE® OF OMAHA 3569 Leavenworth St. Omaha, NE 68105-1907 402-342-4288 alomaha.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
The mission of Avenue Scholars Foundation (ASF) is to ensure careers for committed students of hope and need through education/training and supportive relationships.
» Business partners to participate in careerbuilding opportunities for ASF students, such as career exploration events, mock interviews, job fairs, career consultations, job shadowing, internships, and apprenticeships. Part-time and fulltime employment opportunities are greatly appreciated. » Financial contributions
UPCOMING EVENTS Avenue Scholars Foundation Wine Tasting and Vintner Dinner Nov. 15, 2018 Avenue Scholars Foundation Celebration Luncheon Late April/Early May 2019
BACKGROUND
BRAG LINES
PAY IT FORWARD
ASF provides comprehensive, individualized support and resources to help students from low-income families identify, persist toward, and enter financially sustaining careers. Students are selected based on financial need (eligibility for free or reduced-priced school lunches, or a federal Pell grant) and interest in pursuing a career requiring an associate degree or less in one of the following high-demand industry sectors: 1) health care, 2) information technology, 3) automotive technology/ transportation, 4) trades/ manufacturing/builders, and 5) business/office processes.
ASF has supported the career development of 2,106 students since its inception in 2008. Thanks to the generosity of the Suzanne and Walter Scott Foundation, and the ongoing support of Metropolitan Community College, ASF recently added direct scholarship assistance to the relationshipbased support services provided by its dedicated staff. Beginning this past spring, all students who successfully complete ASF’s high school program will receive an $8,000 scholarship to continue their education/training at MCC.
Businesses are encouraged to join ASF’s effort by providing career development and employment opportunities for Avenue Scholars students. Please contact ASF to discuss how a business can work with the foundation to support opportunities for Avenue Scholars while helping identify and develop the talent needed to grow Omaha businesses.
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
AVENUE SCHOLARS FOUNDATION 7101 Mercy Road Suite 240 Omaha, NE 68106 402-916-9777 avescholars.org
OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
Bethlehem House meets the needs of families facing economic insecurity and crisis pregnancy by providing residential housing and long-term pathways to quality health care, parenting skills, and economic security through education and employment.
Mentors, mentors, mentors: call or email for details Program funding provides: » Family life: housing and skill building » Aftercare: healthy independency » Merit scholarships » Financial literacy Volunteers » Support Bethlehem House financially by visiting the donate page on the website » Diapers: especially newborn sizes and Pull-ups » Gas cards: $10 denominations
UPCOMING EVENTS
BACKGROUND
BRAG LINES
PAY IT FORWARD
Founded in 2005, Bethlehem House provides emergency housing for women, infants, and youth. It is a communityfunded, faith-based, nonprofit organization providing social services, at no cost, to families. Structured programming and case management by traumainformed staff members helps women develop life skills, build accountability, gain financial literacy, and set goals through a 12-course family life program.
» Thanks to Bethlehem House, more than 250 mothers have received shelter and love, allowing them to choose life and a healthy redirection. » During 2017, 87 percent of graduates went on to maintain stable, independent living. » The Humble Lily Boutique directly supports the mission of Bethlehem House, serving as the hub for volunteers and donations. In 2017, more than 27,000 shoppers experienced the store’s eclectic blend of high-end women’s fashions. » The new store is located at 10730 Pacific St.
» Mentor MoMMs. Foster relationships and help strengthen family support systems. » Donate. In-kind donations provide material items for the women and babies they serve. Current needs include: baby wipes, baby monitors, and gift cards for grocery stores and gas stations. » Monetary gifts. Monetary donations fund critical programing for expecting moms. » Shop. Visit the Humble Lily, Bethlehem House’s high-end women’s clothing boutique, where all proceeds support women and children.
Bethlehem House Annual Fall Fundraiser Oct. 19, 2018 Giving Tuesday Nov. 27, 2018 Schedule a campus tour by calling.
BETHLEHEM HOUSE 2301 S. 15th St. Omaha, NE 68108 402-502-9224
bethlehemhouseomaha.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
Changing the way America cares for children and families.
» Monetary donations » National Hotline support (suicide prevention) » Career readiness (vocational training) » School supplies
UPCOMING EVENTS Boys Town National Research Hospital: Pure Inspiration Art Exhibit & Food-Wine Pairing Event Sept. 27, 2018 Boys Town National Hotline: Fine Wine and Hors D’oeuvres Fundraiser Oct. 4, 2018 Youth Athletic Program: Booster Banquet April 30, 2019
BACKGROUND
BRAG LINES
PAY IT FORWARD
Since 1917, Boys Town has given thousands of at-risk girls and boys the love, support, and education they need to succeed. Every day, abused and neglected children, and broken and struggling families, find help at Boys Town. The care Boys Town provides is uniquely effective because it is driven by the unwavering belief that every child and every family has the potential to succeed, regardless of their circumstances. When Boys Town saves a child, the positive effects ripple through the community, contributing to greater progress for society as a whole.
» Boys Town is celebrating over 100 years as a leader in child and family care. » In 2017, Boys Town served 522,000 children across the country. » Crisis Counselors at the Boys Town National Hotline (800448-3000) prevented more than 430 active suicide attempts last year. » Boys Town programs and services touch the lives of more than 2 million people nationwide every year. » Boys Town conducts applied research that focuses on understanding the problems children and families face in today’s world and identifying the most effective ways to help them.
Help a child break free from the cycle of abuse and neglect and enter adulthood prepared to succeed. Get involved and help spread the word—Boys Town kids and families are everywhere. They are teachers, parents, engineers, and artists. Given a second chance, they have triumphed. Boys Town needs support to continue the amazing work the organization does every day—and has been doing for over 100 years.
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
BOYS TOWN 14100 Crawford St., Mod 1 Boys Town, NE 68010 402-498-1490 boystown.org
OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
Training, empowering, and inspiring volunteer advocates to improve the livesof abused and neglected children.
» Hygiene products » Ethnic hair products » Socks » Undergarments » Pajamas » College dorm room items » Winter coats, hats, gloves
UPCOMING EVENTS Unsung Heroes— CASA’s 20th anniversary celebration Sept. 13, 2018 CASA Coffee First Friday of each month
BACKGROUND
BRAG LINES
PAY IT FORWARD
CASA for Douglas County advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children who fall under the jurisdiction of the Douglas County Juvenile Court and the foster care systems. This is accomplished using trained citizen volunteers. Volunteers provide an individualized voice and advocate for interventions and services to ensure children are placed in appropriate, safe, and nurturing environments to expedite the finding of forever families so they are not lingering in foster care unnecessarily.
» CASA volunteers monitor a single case at a time and remain for the life of the case until a permanent home is found. » CASA volunteers are the only non-paid people in the courtrooms. » 452 children were served by 186 CASA volunteers during fiscal year 2017-2018.
» Kid’s activity fund—Provide children in foster care the opportunity to participate in normal activities. » CASA Children’s Holiday Party—Provide a gift for a child in foster care during the holiday season » CASA Closet—Supply new hygiene and personal care items that will help children transition to/from foster homes, schools, and independent living. » CASA Volunteer—Become the voice for a child in foster care. » CASA Service League—Support CASA by joining this auxiliary organization targeted at fundraising and event planning.
CASA Cocktails Third Thursday of each month 5K Superhero Run for CASA July 13, 2019
CASA FOR DOUGLAS COUNTY 2412 St. Mary’s Ave. Omaha, NE 68105 402-932-5683 casaomaha.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
Completely KIDS educates and empowers kids and families to create a safe, healthy,successful, and connected community.
New school supplies: » Backpacks » Pencils (No. 2) » Colored pencils » Lined paper » Glue sticks/bottles of school glue » Erasers » Scissors New swimsuits and beach towels: » Youth boy and girl sizes 6-12 Always in need: » Volunteer support » Weekend food items » Grocery store gift cards » New board games/puzzles/ sports equipment
BACKGROUND When we think about our community, we imagine one that is safe, healthy, successful, and connected. That’s why Completely KIDS has a mission to empower kids and families with the skills necessary to break the cycle of poverty and overcome barriers to their success. Each year, Completely KIDS serve more than 2,000 Omaha-area kids, primarily between the ages of 4 and 14, and their families in working toward this mission. The organization’s work takes place after the school day and during the summer with kids. Completely KIDS provides a safe, academically supportive, and enriching environment via partnerships with area schools, homeless shelters, and other local agencies. Additionally, Completely KIDS provides
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expanded services to the families of kids in the form of literacy, educational support, mental health services, and referrals to other agencies as needed.
BRAG LINES Completely KIDS was the first Omaha nonprofit to provide after-school services for children in homeless shelters, and a weekend food program. Last year, they served more kids than ever through weekend and after-school food programs, enhanced services for families, and employed additional teen alumni. Perhaps the latest excitement comes from the current renovation and expansion taking place at Complete KIDS’ headquarters. Once complete, services will increase, allowing them to make a greater impact on kids and families in Omaha.
PAY IT FORWARD Completely KIDS offers many ways to get involved through time or financial contributions, including: » Working directly with children » Weekend food program » Fundraising and supply drives There are always more kids and families in Omaha who need Completely KIDS’ help. The organization can’t do it without the backing of donors and volunteers—people just like you. Please contact them to find out more information about giving opportunities.
»Toiletries Please call or visit the website for a full list.
UPCOMING EVENTS Night in the Neighborhood Sept. 13, 2018 Author Luncheon April 10, 2019 Pinot, Pigs & Poets May 16, 2019
COMPLETELY KIDS 2566 St. Mary’s Ave. Omaha, NE 68105 402-397-5809 completelykids.org
OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
To equip disadvantaged and undereducated adults through vocational training and job experience so they can attain employment and become financially successful.
» Corporate partnerships » Monetary donations » Volunteers » Community speaking engagements » Collection drives for needed items
UPCOMING EVENTS Invite CTC to speak about solutions to poverty at a civic, church, or workplace event.
BACKGROUND
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PAY IT FORWARD
Cross Training Center provides vocational training and job experience for those who are not able to attain a job due to challenging backgrounds and circumstances. CTC empowers and equips those who have been incarcerated or homeless, involved in gangs or substance abuse, have mental or emotional disorders, have been a victim of human trafficking or domestic violence, or live in poverty for numerous reasons. They receive life-changing training and experiences in order to gain employment on a career path that breaks the cycle of poverty for generations to come.
» Students receive work experience while providing valuable services and products that benefit our community. » Cross Electronic Recycling kept over 300,000 pounds of electronics out of the landfills last year. » Redeemed Computers and Electronics refurbished over 500 computers, laptops, and appliances. » Cross Automotive provided 58 donated vehicles to those in need last year. » Cross Social Hall hosted over 40 events while helping students learn hospitality services.
» Donate automobiles, electronics, and other out-of-service equipment. Everything collected is used to provide vocational training and job experience. » Utilize CTC’s services when a need arises. Find out more online. » Financial contributions are needed to build a recycling warehouse and a commercial kitchen, and to meet the annual operating budget. » People are encouraged to hold collection drives at workplaces, churches, or civic groups.
CROSS TRAINING CENTER 5030 N. 72nd St. Omaha, NE 68134 402-590-2100 crosstc.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
The CUES School System consists of three urban schools: Sacred Heart, All Saints, and Holy Name. CUES-supported schools provide academic excellence, blended learning, and support for students and families beyond the classroom. The CUES Fund raises money through private donations to fully support the schools.
» Donations to support the tuition assistance fund
UPCOMING EVENTS CUES-A-PALOOZA Sept. 28, 2018 Holy Name Harvest Oct. 5, 2018 The Priests Concert Nov. 20, 2018 The Gathering March 30, 2019
BACKGROUND
BRAG LINES
PAY IT FORWARD
Founded in 1975, CUES began by providing financial support and operational guidance to Sacred Heart School. In 2012, CUES expanded its mission to welcome two additional schools–All Saints and Holy Name. The CUES School System was created in 2017, a first of its kind in the region. The CUES School System is fully funded through The CUES Fund. The CUES Fund ensures all three schools are fully supported through private donations. The CUES School System is governed by a board of academic experts who ensure that each school is following a standard of excellence that will best support the student.
CUES School System provides quality education, innovative programming, strategic partnerships, and support services for students and families beyond the classroom. They served 497 urban students in the 2017-18 school year. The CUES School System is overseen by a Board of Governors made up of a team of academic experts that ensure that the school system is adhering to the new initiatives to better serve the whole student: » Blended Learning » Student and family support services » Community partnerships
The CUES Fund is a nonreligious, nonprofit organization that secures financial support through private donations to fully fund The CUES School System. How can you help? » Sponsor a student » Individual donations » Corporate donations » Foundation support Join one of CUES volunteer groups: » Hearts of CUES » The CUES Young Professional Group Please visit the website for more information.
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CUES SCHOOL SYSTEM 2207 Wirt St. Omaha, NE 68110 402-451-5755 cuesschools.org
OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
To empower the Omaha community through access to technology and innovative learning experiences.
» Program and equipment sponsorships » Monetary donations » Volunteers
UPCOMING EVENTS Littles Lab Tuesdays and Saturdays Tech Help Tuesdays Tuesdays Cyber Seniors Wednesdays Do Space offers between 50-60 tech programs and events every month. Register for free on the website.
BACKGROUND
BRAG LINES
PAY IT FORWARD
Do Space is a technology space, a digital workshop, and an innovation playground. It was designed to tackle the digital divide in Omaha, as well as to boost digital skills and drive innovation, creativity, and invention in the region. Free to the public, Do Space is a place where community members can interact with cutting-edge technology and receive assistance and instruction in its use. It’s more than just a building—it’s a community technology movement.
» Located at 72nd and Dodge Streets » Open 90 hours a week » Average of 465 visits per day » Over 60,000 members » Membership, programs, and services are free
Every day, Do Space works with hundreds of Omahans to help them achieve their technology education goals. With help from the community, Do Space hopes to host over 700 free programs and events this year, welcoming 15,000 new members to the space. A decade from now, thanks to supporters, the organization is confident that its young members will enter the workforce with a passion for technology. Help make Omaha future-ready with a gift today.
At Do Space, Omahans have access to powerful fiber Wi-Fi internet, high-end computer stations and devices, 3D printers, and technology-focused learning opportunities. Do Space has a little something for everyone, but aims to make a significant impact on two key groups: underconnected, low-income individuals; and entrepreneurs, inventors, and creators.
DO SPACE 7205 Dodge St. Omaha, NE 68114 402-819-4022 dospace.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
As Omaha’s only local foundation focused on all first responders, First Responders Foundation partners directly with the region’s police and fire chiefs to serve and honor first responders and their families, build appreciation and respect for their work, and enhance public safety.
First Responders Foundation seeks financial assistance to continue supporting its many community initiatives. » PTSD Program for first responder job-related stress and trauma » Youth Athletic Program for low-income, at-risk children » Home Safety Program to install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at low-income and seniors’ homes » Initiatives to support animal members of the police force: K-9 Unit Campaign, Alley the Arson Dog Campaign, and Mounted Patrol Campaign » Tri-County Fire Corps Exploring Program for youths to learn skills necessary for a firefighting career » Awards of Excellence Program to recognize outstanding high school seniors who are children of first responders
UPCOMING EVENTS Scout Day Oct. 27, 2018
BACKGROUND
BRAG LINES
PAY IT FORWARD
Stronger Together Nov. 10, 2018
The First Responders Foundation is rooted in 9/11 remembrance, and was conceived during a discussion between founders Ray Somberg and Jerry Hoberman in 2008 when they reflected on how first responders are often taken for granted until tragedy strikes. They decided to create a nonprofit organization focused on police and firefighter appreciation and support.
Donations to the First Responders Foundation support key programs and provide additional funds for other initiatives for the police and fire departments. They work directly with police and fire departments to fulfill wish lists and prioritize resources so donations go where they are needed most. To date, FRF has donated over $850,000 to Omaha Police, and over $625,000 to Omaha Fire.
The Omaha Police Department’s K-9 Unit has a dog that is a bit of an escape artist—the officers have even taken to calling him “Houdini.” In July 2018, FRF purchased and donated a special high-anxiety dog crate for his handler to use at home to keep the police service dog safe. “It is definitely escape proof! Thank you so much for FRF purchasing this and making it happen so quickly,” says K-9 Unit Commander Sgt. Steve Worley.
Guns ’N’ Hoses April 26, 2019
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Community Safety Expo April 27, 2019
FIRST RESPONDERS FOUNDATION 2800 S. 110th Court Omaha, NE 68144 402-218-1234
contact@ firstrespondersomaha.org
OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
Gesu Housing, Inc. Non-Profit Affordable Housing
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
The mission of Gesu Housing Inc. is to provide economical, energy-efficient housing to North Omaha families. Our hope is that building these homes will continue the efforts of other non-profit organizations that seek to stabilize and restore neighborhoods throughout the city.
» Financial donations can easily be made online on our website or Facebook
Gesu Housing, Inc. • 5008½ Dodge Street, Suite B • Omaha, NE 68132-2920 Office Phone: 402.614.4776 • Fax: 402.614.4178 • www.gesuhousing.com
UPCOMING EVENTS Help Build a House at Champions Run Golf Event July 29, 2019
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
BACKGROUND
BRAG LINES
PAY IT FORWARD
Since 2002, Gesu Housing, founded by the Rev. Mike Wilmot, S.J., and directed by Dale Barr Jr., has built 52 Energy Star 3.0-certified homes in the Clifton Hills South/Girls Inc. neighborhood of North Omaha. The area is racially diverse and economically challenged. The goal of Gesu Housing is to address the issues of poverty and neighborhood decline in North Omaha by turning renters into first-time homebuyers with affordable mortgage payments as well is filling vacant lots with new three-bedroom homes.
Gesu Housing was given the 2016 Community Excellence Award from the State of Nebraska as well as from the City of Omaha. Studies have shown that the best way to stabilize a neighborhood is to provide families with quality, energy-efficient homes in a neighborhood that is racially and economically diverse. Removing vacant lots and blighted houses and replacing them with new homes impacts the stabilization of neighborhoods with permanent residents.
The need for these services is great—and Gesu Housing needs help to make sure they can continue to help worthy families within our communities. While other initiatives regarding community redevelopment and jobs are beginning to successfully take hold in North Omaha, affordable housing is the foundation without which other North Omaha economic recovery projects cannot succeed.
GESU HOUSING, INC 5008 Dodge St., Suite B Omaha, NE 68132 402-614-4773 gesuhousing.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
Grief’s Journey provides excellent and compassionate FREE grief support services as well as professional education and training so that no one has to walk their grief journey alone.
» Sturdy paper plates bowls, and cups » Trash bags (large and x-large) » TP, Kleenex, and paper towels » Coffee and creamer » Copy paper » Snack and entree preparation/provisions for family support groups *Please call for details.
UPCOMING EVENTS Comfort Food Classic Oct. 14, 2018 Grief Awareness Conference Nov. 15, 2018 Remembrance Walk August 2019
BACKGROUND
BRAG LINES
PAY IT FORWARD
As the region’s cornerstone for grief support, Grief’s Journey (formerly Ted E. Bear Hollow) provides free peer support programs as well as training, education, and consultation in the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro area, rural southeast Nebraska, and rural southwest Iowa. Research indicates that healthy coping leads to long-term successes for children, families, and communities. Our programs are designed to increase resilience and develop healthy coping skills in children, teens, and adults.
» Program participants report significant improvement in affect and behavior, increased hope, and perception of support and resilience. » We served over 1,900 program participants in 2017. » All of our grief support programs are offered at no charge. » People can come as often as they like, and we provide food as well as transportation and language assistance.
Grief’s Journey does not receive any federal or state support. We rely on private donations, special events, and volunteerism. In 2017, we used more than 300 volunteers. Most of them served as support group facilitators. Others helped with special events and prep for our programs. Please consider giving us a gift of your time or resources. You’re providing compassion and hope for grieving children and families when you make a donation of any size. Memorials, honorariums, and sponsorships are fantastic opportunities to show support and leave a positive legacy.
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GRIEF’S JOURNEY 7811 Farnam Drive Omaha, NE 68114 402-502-2773 griefsjourney.org
OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.
» Monetary donations » Corporate partnerships » Construction volunteers (no experience needed) » Office volunteers » In-kind donations of building materials, skilled labor, and professional services » Membership for the Habitat Young Professionals and Friends groups » Donations of furniture, cabinets, building materials, etc. to Habitat ReStore » Advocates for Habitat’s mission— subscribe, follow, share and engage
UPCOMING EVENTS Band Build: an Omaha Habitat Young Professionals Benefit April 2019
BACKGROUND
BRAG LINES
PAY IT FORWARD
To address the need for decent shelter in the Omaha area, Habitat Omaha works in many ways: building and renovating homes, repairing existing houses, taking down blighted structures, advocating for better laws and systems, and more. They work with families to help them acquire the access, skills, and financial education needed to be successful homeowners. By partnering with Habitat Omaha, families seize the opportunity and possibility that quality, affordable housing represents.
Since 1984, Habitat Omaha has partnered with more than 1,400 families in the community to help address their housing issues through homeownership, home repairs, and community building activities. Thousands of donors and volunteers have worked together with future Habitat Omaha homeowners to make these services a reality, building stronger neighborhoods and creating measurable change in the community.
Habitat Omaha builds because they believe that everyone, everywhere, should have a decent place to live. With an affordable, stable home, families can build long-term financial security and have more to spend on food, medicine, child care, education, and other essentials. Community support will help transform the lives of Omaha families, allowing them to achieve the strength and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves and their children.
Women’s Power Luncheon May 2019 Brew Haha: a Beer and Food Tasting Event September 2019 Fall Framing Frenzy September-October 2019
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF OMAHA 1701 N. 24th St. Omaha, NE 68110 402-457-5657 habitatomaha.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
Heartland Family Service’s mission is to strengthen individuals and families in the community through education, counseling, and support services. They serve more than 52,000 people annually from more than 15 locations in east central Nebraska and southwest Iowa.
» Casual and career clothing » New underwear and socks » Scarves, gloves, winter hats » Diapers, formula, baby items » Suitcases and duffle bags » Toiletries » Blankets » New pillows » Bottled water/ sports drinks » Non-perishable food » Single-serving snacks » Craft supplies » Bus passes » Gift cards » Tickets to events and activities
UPCOMING EVENTS 25th Anniversary Safe Haven Golf Tournament Sept. 10, 2018
BACKGROUND
BRAG LINES
PAY IT FORWARD
Since 1875, Heartland Family Service has been creating the path to a better tomorrow for children and families. They continue that legacy today at more than 15 locations throughout east central Nebraska and southwest Iowa by providing essential services to individuals and families of all ages. This includes infants in their Family Works program to seniors in their Generations Center. The agency’s more than 50 programs fall into the following focus areas: Child & Family Well-Being, Counseling & Prevention, and Housing, Safety & Financial Stability.
80 percent of Heartland Family Service’s clients have annual incomes of $20,000 or less. Their staff believe in, and practice, trauma-informed care. They ask, “What has happened to you?” and not, “What is wrong with you?” to each and every client that walks through their doors. Their expert staff members and licensed therapists work with individuals and their families to help break damaging intergenerational cycles in order to become more self-sufficient.
Help improve the lives of children and families through the gift of time, in-kind donations, or financial support: » Join volunteer groups: To learn more about volunteering, email volunteer@ heartlandfamilyservice.org or call 402-552-7418 » Purchase holiday gifts for the Adopt-a-Family program » Attend the monthly Good Works 101 Lunch and Learn sessions » Follow them on their social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn » Attend annual events
Salute to Families Nov. 15, 2018 “Carnival of Love” Gala Feb. 9, 2019 Strengthen Our Survivors April 2019 Strike a Chord June 14, 2019
HEARTLAND FAMILY SERVICE 2101 S. 42nd St. Omaha, NE 68105 402-552-7400
heartlandfamilyservice.org
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OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
The mission of Immigrant Legal Center (ILC) is to welcome immigrants into local communities by providing high-quality legal services, education, and advocacy.
» Host a Friend-raiser » Language interpreters and translators » Legal clinic volunteers in various locations » Monetary donations » Pro-bono attorneys for the Attorney of the Day program » Sponsor a client case for a year
UPCOMING EVENTS Food Truck World Tour 2018 Sept. 26, 2018 ILC Open House Spring 2019
BACKGROUND
BRAG LINES
PAY IT FORWARD
Immigrant Legal Center was established as Justice For Our Neighbors–Nebraska in 1999. Legal clinics were held in Nebraska and Iowa with JFON attorneys from Washington, D.C., flying in monthly to advise clients. Today, Immigrant Legal Center enjoys a solid reputation as a leader and resource for our region’s immigration legal profession.
Big changes are happening for this growing, nonprofit immigration law firm. In 2018, Justice For Our Neighbors–Nebraska became Immigrant Legal Center, to better describe their services. The new location makes it easier for clients to find them. After building renovations are complete, staff will move to the first floor in fall 2018. Even with these changes, ILC’s culture, values, and mission remain the same: to serve low-income immigrants of all faiths, races, abilities, and ages.
Legal representation for an immigrant frequently means the difference between staying in the U.S. and being deported. In 2017, ILC’s legal team handled 3,410 cases for individuals from 47 countries and the need is only growing. Individuals can help make sure immigrants are welcomed by offering time, talent, and monetary donations. The U.S. is a country that prospers from immigrant contributions. It is everyone’s duty to value and honor one another as human beings.
IMMIGRANT LEGAL CENTER 4223 Center St. Omaha, NE 68105 402-898-1349 immigrantlc.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
Merrymakers improves the quality of life for seniors by encouraging active participation, increasing social interaction, and sparking memories through professional musical entertainment.
» Monetary donations of any size » Volunteers to serve on event planning committees
UPCOMING EVENTS Toast to Stephanie and Jack Koraleski Nov. 1, 2018 Omaha Gives! May 22, 2019 GIVE65.org July 9-11, 2019
BACKGROUND
BRAG LINES
PAY IT FORWARD
The Merrymakers Association consists of 20 professional musicians who serve more than 50,000 seniors each year, traveling to 142 nursing homes, hospice houses, veteran homes and other senior communities each month. Merrymakers: » play music geared to the seniors’ age group, sparking fond memories » create a comfortable environment where expression is encouraged » provide an opportunity for socialization » offer a genuine personal connection » Executive Director Sandy Lemke is supported by an enthusiastic and dedicated board of directors, along with Friends Group president Joy Moore.
Merrymakers consistently achieves a high level of success with its programs. Its results are quantified through annual surveys of partner facility activity directors. These surveys show that Merrymakers music: » improves quality of life, » decreases feelings of anxiety and/ or depression, » decreases feelings of loneliness and/or isolation, » gives an overall increase of enjoyment and happiness, » gives a chance to express feelings, and » gives an opportunity for social engagement.
Individuals can serve on event planning committees throughout the year or make monetary donations of any size. A contribution to Merrymakers is a meaningful way to support culture and socialization for senior citizens. Merrymakers has a waiting list of facilities who would like to receive our services. Merrymakers can’t achieve its mission without the support of donors and volunteers. Please contact them to find out more information about ways to help!
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
MERRYMAKERS ASSOCIATION 12020 Shamrock Plaza Suite 200 Omaha, NE 68154 402-697-0205 merrymakers.org
OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT The Metropolitan Community College Foundation advances the college’s mission by creating community awareness, building and nurturing meaningful relationships, and connecting community partners with giving opportunities that fulfill their philanthropic objectives.
BACKGROUND
BRAG LINES
PAY IT FORWARD
Metropolitan Community College has nine locations in the surrounding four-county area that provide students the chance to earn high-demand technical skills, industry credentials, and credits to help them reach their academic goals. Others use MCC to engage in lifelong learning through English-language instruction, GED or college prep courses, career training, and continuing education. The foundation connects students with scholarships, helps fund new facilities, and supports programs and initiatives through partnerships with generous community donors.
In the 2017-18 academic year, the Career and Academic Skills Center, the Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology, and the Construction Education Center on MCC’s Fort Omaha Campus opened their doors to students. These new facilities share a commitment to collaboration, innovation, and learning that was reimagined and would not have been possible without the $90 million investment shared by MCC and generous community donors.
People can help MCC through the foundation by giving to what aligns with their philanthropic goals, such as: » Giving to an educational program, which helps with advisory groups, equipment donations, and student support » Establishing professional development funds that help to keep faculty abreast of technology and curricular advances in their fields » Creating or contributing to an existing scholarship fund of your choice to help fulfill the college’s mission by bridging financial gaps for students
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE 531-MCC-2346 mccneb.edu/foundation SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.
» Corporate partnerships » Monetary donations » Volunteers » Five gallon buckets » Binoculars » Sharp scissors or hand pruners » Large carabiners
UPCOMING EVENTS
BACKGROUND
BRAG LINES
PAY IT FORWARD
The Nature Conservancy's vision is a world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives. Action is rooted in good science. Staff biologists develop and champion new ideas and innovations—and execute time-tested conservation practices—across Nebraska. TNC partners with farmers, ranchers, landowners, businesses, federal and state governments, and other nonprofits to pursue pragmatic solutions.
The Nature Conservancy has been working in Nebraska since 1971. In that time, TNC has directly invested in 113,179 acres of ecologically precious habitat, home to sandhill cranes, otters, bison, and many threatened or endangered species. Outreach programs provide opportunities for hundreds of students, researchers, and visitors to learn about and enjoy Nebraska landscapes each year. A recent irrigation technology partnership with farmers saved more than a billion gallons of water on the Platte River.
The Nature Conservancy’s efforts to meet the critical challenges facing nature today depend on the support of members. Those joining TNC are welcomed into a family of dedicated individuals committed to protecting Nebraska’s lands and waters. TNC hosts regular volunteer workdays on their prairies, where native seed is collected that later becomes habitat. TNC’s website provides ideas on combatting climate change, conserving water, growing native plans, and more.
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Get outside! The Nature Conservancy has nature trails at the Platte River Prairies and their Niobrara Valley Preserve. The Platte River Prairies has a great diversity of plants and a host of animal species. TNC’s Niobrara Valley Preserve encompasses 56,000 acres of canyons, grasslands, and a 25-mile stretch of the Niobrara River. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the preserve year-round, and of special interest is the bison herd grazing in the vast open prairie.
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY IN NEBRASKA 1007 Leavenworth St. Omaha, NE 68102 402-342-0282 nature.org/nebraska
OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
The Nebraska Humane Society protects, enriches, and saves the lives of animals in the communities we serve.
» Blankets » Towels » Canned cat food » Vienna sausages » Canned chicken » Canned Tuna » Soft dog treats » Kong Toys » Peanut Butter » Kitty Wand Toys
UPCOMING EVENTS Walk for the Animals and 5K Run Sept. 30, 2018 Come “Wine” With Us Dec. 1, 2018
BACKGROUND
BRAG LINES
PAY IT FORWARD
The Nebraska Humane Society is a world class facility offering safety and care for animals in our community who need our help. NHS also provides animal control services to Omaha and all of Sarpy County, upholding the laws enacted for the protection of people and animals. As an open entry shelter, we don’t turn anyone away who needs a place to go. Ever. We provide education, encourage adoptions, and promote responsible pet care for our community.
In 2016 NHS: » Adopted out 11,097 pets » Spayed/neutered 6,414 dogs and cats » Performed 1,549 specialized surgeries » Fostered 2,068 animals in 241 foster homes » Provided behavior help to 3,197 callers NHS also returned nearly 3,000 pets to their owners; offered low-cost training classes, spays, and neuters; offered a free pet food pantry; was a safe haven for animals of domestic violence; and provided pet safety and animal care presentations to schools across the metro.
NHS is a private nonprofit corporation. Animal Control is funded through the cities who contract for those services, but all shelter programs including rehabilitating and rehoming of animals are funded through private donations. Our volunteers donate time and talent to walk dogs, enrich cats, counsel for adoptions, help market pets, and foster those needing TLC in their homes! Your help becomes hope when you donate: » In honor or memory » Monthly » Planned giving » Corporate sponsorships Details at nehumanesociety.org
Dining with Dogs April 29, 2019
NEBRASKA HUMANE SOCIETY 8929 Fort St. Omaha, NE 68134 402-444-7800 nehumanesociety.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
Feed the hungry, heal the hurting, and touch the lives of those in need.
» Cleaning supplies » Diapers » Disinfectant cleaners » Hamburger » Hygiene supplies » Household goods » Laundry soap » MAT bus tickets » Monetary donations » Paper towels » Razors » Salt, pepper, and other seasonings » Socks and underwear » Toilet paper » Towels » Turkeys » Washcloths » Household goods
UPCOMING EVENTS BACKGROUND
BRAG LINES
PAY IT FORWARD
New Visions Homeless Services was founded in 1995 in Council Bluffs as MOHM’S Place to provide meals to the hungry. In September 2008, the New Visions Complex in Council Bluffs was built. This facility houses southwest Iowa’s only emergency men’s shelter, community meal site, and permanent supportive housing. In 2012, New Visions Omaha Campus was built to address the specific needs of veterans that are experiencing homelessness. These services include 40 fully furnished apartments to street-level veterans, transportation, daily meals, and access to on-site mental health and substance abuse therapists.
In 2017, New Visions provided 42,340 nights of shelter to 805 men; served over 100,000 meals to 2,500 hungry men, women, and children; provided 14,600 nights of housing to 32 chronically homeless men and women; and provided 9,490 nights of safe housing to 62 veterans that were experiencing homelessness on the streets of the Omaha metro. All New Visions services are related to addressing basic needs and helping to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness in our community.
New Visions depends upon the community’s generosity and are grateful for all who pay it forward, and invest in those who are experiencing homelessness and hunger. People can partner with New Visions to provide over 100,000 meals a year to the hungry; hope to over 800 seeking a safe place of refuge from the harsh conditions of the streets; a home to 94 men, women, and veterans who found safe housing in one of New Visions’ apartments, and Christmas gifts to over 2,000 children in the Metro Area.
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New Visions Community Wide Christmas Celebration Dec. 18, 2018
NEW VISIONS HOMELESS SERVICES 1435 N. 15th St. Council Bluffs, IA 51501 newvisions.cc
OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
To engage the imagination and create excitement about learning.
Omaha Children’s Museum greatly appreciates donations that enhance and support our exhibits and programming throughout the year.
UPCOMING EVENTS Great Friends To Kids Luncheon Sept. 17, 2018 Monster’s Ball Oct. 20, 2018 For The Kids Benefit May 4, 2019 Fairytale Ball July 27, 2019
BACKGROUND
BRAG LINES
One of the great things about Omaha Children’s Museum is its ability to create change. Whether inside the museum walls or out in the community, OCM truly believes they can impact the youth in the metro area and beyond through fun and educational family programming that stimulates growth and development. The talented and creative staff members, combined with generous support from the Omaha community, is what makes Omaha Children’s Museum a unique place to visit for young children.
In 2017, Omaha Children’s Museum had a record-breaking year with nearly 325,000 visitors to the museum, making OCM the most-visited museum in Nebraska. The museum served nearly 800 summer campers and nearly 40,000 students through outreach programs and field trips. In summer 2016, the museum began a three-year partnership with the Nebraska State Fair to bring an educational and fun exhibit to the fair each year. OCM staff served as consultants for the Nebraska 150 Celebration’s Mobile Children’s Museum, which launched its six-month, statewide tour from the museum in April 2017. In October 2017,
the museum launched its first national tour, Forever Forest. This will tour for 10 years, stopping at science centers, children’s museums, and other venues.
PAY IT FORWARD The best way to support Omaha Children’s Museum is by walking through the doors and seeing the many ways that children can learn through play. Other ways to support the museum are through the purchase of an annual membership, volunteering, or making a financial contribution. Donations can also be made to the Welcome Fund, a donorfunded subsidized membership for families who otherwise could not afford to visit the museum.
OMAHA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 500 S. 20th St. Omaha, NE 68102 402-342-6164 ocm.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
The Omaha Equestrian Foundation produces international caliber equestrian events with the goal of developing Omaha as a hub of the sport horse industry, while fostering educational and economic development opportunities for the community.
» Donations and sponsorships to support the educational expo, free field trips for area school children, underwriting for the Salute to the Military, Veterans, and First Responders, and scholarships. » Volunteers » Become a Flag Horse Club member » Office supplies or gift cards » Visit: Make plans to attend the International Omaha and bring along some friends
UPCOMING EVENTS International Omaha April 4-7, 2019
BACKGROUND
BRAG LINES
PAY IT FORWARD
The Omaha Equestrian Foundation, founded in 2010, hosts jumping and dressage competitions that attract riders, horses, and businesses of excellent caliber to the Midwest while providing educational opportunities in the Omaha area and surrounding communities. OEF’s premier competition, the International Omaha, is a world-class equestrian show jumping and dressage experience, combining high-level, intense competition with educational activities designed to engage and entertain the whole family.
» April 2012: Host of the first U.S. five-star jumping competition in the region, the International Omaha » April 2013: The Second Annual International Omaha becomes first international competition in the Midwest Region » March 2017: Hosted the FEI World Cup in jumping and dressage » April 2018: The International Omaha expands to four days and adds two unique competitions—the Init2Winit Speed Jumping Challenge and Dressage Team Challenge
Not only about the competition and sport, the OEF is dedicated to giving community members a chance to learn about opportunities in the horse industry. Donations and sponsorships will help OEF expand the educational expo, the Horse Discovery Zone, which is one of the largest and most unique expos at any horse event. The “Zone” includes information about the science of horses, the history of horses in Nebraska, and various jobs within the horse industry. The OEF’s free field trip program is a fun day for over 3,200 students across the metro to learn about an amazing animal and everything horses have to offer.
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OMAHA EQUESTRIAN FOUNDATION 1004 Farnam St. Omaha, NE 68102 402-930-3079 omahaequestrian.com
OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
The mission of Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance (OHKA) is to improve children’s health through Healthy Homes.
» Green cleaning supplies » Buckets » Swiffer mops and cloths » LED lights » Paper towels » Carbon monoxide detectors » Gift cards for home improvement stores » New sheets for children’s beds » Rubber gloves
UPCOMING EVENTS “What’s Lead Got To Do With It?” luncheon fundraiser Oct. 22, 2018 Lead Poisoning Prevention Week Oct. 22-26, 2018
BACKGROUND
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PAY IT FORWARD
OHKA’s Healthy Homes program works to create a healthy home for every child. Their main goal is to bring awareness and education to families in the city about environmental hazards, green and healthy homes, and lead poisoning. They hope to create a local infrastructure to support safe and healthy housing, to measure cost savings through proactive interventions, and to provide construction repairs for families. To learn more about lead, please visit the Omaha Lead Registry at omahalead.org.
OHKA Healthy Homes specialists conduct in-home assessments, including lead-risk assessments, lead dust clearance, and radon testing. They conduct allergen sampling; investigate mold, moisture, and gas levels; and measure energy efficiency. OHKA works with the city and a group of housing service providers to maximize resources. OHKA outreach efforts focus on the most disadvantaged populations in Omaha. Programs include the Asthma In-home Response (AIR), the Lead Education Action Program (LEAP), and Championing Healthy Energy Efficient Rehab (CHEER).
Donations are always welcome, and volunteers are needed to assist families or to be trained as Healthy Homes assistants. OHKA has an internship program for students interested in hands-on learning about healthy homes in Omaha. OHKA representatives can come to an event and speak. Anyone can host a “Healthy Home House Party” at home, where OHKA staff can speak about their work in the community and help raise funds for a specific family.
OMAHA HEALTHY KIDS ALLIANCE 5006 Underwood Ave. Omaha, NE 68132 402-934-9700 omahahealthykids.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
The mission of Omaha Home for Boys is to support and strengthen youth, young adults, and families through services that inspire and equip them to lead independent and productive lives.
» Books for the high school library » New or gently used furniture and household items » Gift cards for clothes, shoes, backpacks, or school supplies » Ticket donations for youth to attend various sporting events, concerts, or theaters in the community » Nonperishable household items, such as hygiene products, cleaning supplies, or kitchenwares » New mattresses » Household essentials, such as vacuums, bedding, and towels
BACKGROUND
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PAY IT FORWARD
Omaha Home for Boys has served as a pillar of hope for at-risk youth across the state for over nine decades. The lives of more than 300 young men and women are changed and saved every year through their residential, transitional living, and independent living programs. Omaha Home for Boys empowers young adults with the confidence and skills needed to transition from a state of crisis to those of safety and growth. As Omaha Home for Boys approaches its 100th anniversary in 2020, it will continue to adapt, collaborate and innovate to best meet the needs of youth and families across Nebraska.
The youth who seek the guidance of Omaha Home for Boys come from a myriad of troubled backgrounds, but thanks to supporters like you, they find brighter futures through the Home. » Zack increased his reading level from that of an eighth grader to a high school senior. » Mahalia feels like her life is moving forward, not backward, for the first time. » Gabe graduated from high school and is applying for college. » Renan secured stable, affordable housing and full-time employment.
Help shape the lives of at-risk youth through your funds, friendship, voice, and volunteerism. Funds—A tax-deductible gift to Omaha Home for Boys will help them continue to save the lives of at-risk youth. Friendship—Become a friend of Omaha Home for Boys by attending or sponsoring an event. Voice—Share the reasons why you love to support Omaha Home for Boys and ask others to join you in giving. Volunteerism—Give back through one of the many volunteer opportunities.
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» Clothes for young adults ages 14 to 24 » Essentials for children ages newborn to 5
UPCOMING EVENTS Imagine Our Youth Fundraising Celebration featuring J.R. Martinez Sept. 6, 2018 T.P. the Prez Dec. 3-7, 2018 2019 OHB Golf Classic June 2019
OMAHA HOME FOR BOYS 4343 N. 52nd St. Omaha, NE 68104 402-457-7000 omahahomeforboys.org
OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
OMAHA
OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
The mission of the Omaha Outward Bound School is to change lives through challenge and discovery.
Sponsorships for the 2018 Climb Higher Event
UPCOMING EVENTS 2018 Climb Higher Patron Party Oct. 17, 2018 2018 Climb Higher Luncheon Oct. 18, 2018
BACKGROUND
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PAY IT FORWARD
In 2007, NorthStar was created to focus on the needs of North Omaha’s young men, with the goal of helping them grow into healthy, educated, employed contributors to the community. For over 50 years, Outward Bound has been a premier provider of experience-based outdoor leadership programs. As part of its mission to engage youth in North Omaha, NorthStar established the Omaha Outward Bound School in 2009 to provide challenge and discovery courses for local students.
The 2018 Climb Higher Event is an annual fundraiser supporting outdoor experiential opportunities for North Omaha students in need. This year’s Climb Higher Luncheon will feature keynote speaker Conrad Anker, a renowned rock climber, mountaineer, and author. Conrad has summited Mount Everest three times, and his team was the first to reach the top of the Shark’s Fin on Mount Meru, one of the most difficult mountain peaks in the world.
Become a Climb Higher Event sponsor or purchase tickets to the patron party and Climb Higher Luncheon by visiting outwardboundomaha.org/luncheon. Donations can also be made to support NorthStar and Omaha Outward Bound School participants by visiting northstar360.org
OMAHA OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL 4242 N. 49th Ave. Omaha, NE 68104 402-614-6360 x204 outwardboundomaha.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
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WISH LIST
The Omaha Public Library Foundation raises funds and advocates for Omaha Public Library.
An unrestricted gift to the Omaha Public Library Foundation is the best way to demonstrate your support. The Omaha Public Library Foundation accepts cash donations, bequests, memorials, stock transfers, and planned gifts. For more information , please call the Omaha Public Library Foundation.
UPCOMING EVENTS Omaha Reads featuring "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas Sept. 1-30, 2018 Between the Lines with Chef and Author Amy Thielen at the Institute for the Culinary Arts Sept. 26, 2018
BACKGROUND Since 1985, the Omaha Public Library Foundation (OPLF) has provided significant private funding totaling nearly $10 million for one purpose: enhancing Omaha Public Library. The Omaha Public Library Foundation believes a healthy and vibrant public library system contributes to the betterment of our community, aids in economic development, provides public gathering spaces, and creates a sense of community pride.
BRAG LINES The Omaha Public Library Foundation reads between the lines. The foundation supports Omaha Public Library by increasing community access to lifelong
learning and literacy. Omaha Public Library is the only public library that serves all of Douglas County. Its 12 library branches are among the most frequently visited destinations in Nebraska, with more than 2 million visits last year alone. Nearly 60 percent of Greater Omaha residents have a library card. And those library patrons borrowed more than 3 million items from Omaha Public Library in 2017. Statistics like these prove that public libraries continue to serve as diverse and educational community destinations for children and families of all backgrounds.
PAY IT FORWARD As an organization wholly separate from Omaha Public Library and the City of Omaha, OPLF seeks private support for
improvements and enhancements which cannot be provided through local government funding. Designations are always welcome, but a gift given wherever most needed provides Omaha Public Library the flexibility to respond to critical needs or special opportunities that arise. OPLF provides funds for remarkable programs and projects thanks to general or unrestricted donations. Giving categories include: » Childhood literacy, programming, and services » Teen literacy, programming, and services » Adult literacy, programming, and services » Technology » Community outreach » Summer Reading Program » Genealogy
1877 Society Hosts Animus: Film vs. Book at Aksarben Cinema Oct. 25, 2018
OMAHA PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION 215 S. 15th St. Omaha, NE 68102 402-444-4589
omahalibraryfoundation.org
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OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
Omaha Public Schools Foundation enriches students’ lives by funding learning experiences that inspire hope, open doors, and help students to achieve their dreams.
Funding for OPS Capital Campaigns: » Bryan High Urban Ag Career Academy » Benson High Career Academies » South High addition for visual and performing arts » Burke High stadium renovations and facilities upgrade » District Career Center Funding for Programs: » Early childhood education programs » Kids Club » Classroom field trips » Student transportation Grants and Scholarships: » Teacher classroom grants » Educator scholarships » Individual scholarships » Honors and memorials
BACKGROUND
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PAY IT FORWARD
Omaha Public Schools Foundation is dedicated to serving the students, families, and teachers of the Omaha Public Schools District. By raising funds from individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations as well as through parent-paid programs, OPSF is able to invest resources back into the district that encourage the development and success of all students. The funds they administer have no associated fees so every dollar goes directly to the teachers and students served.
OPSF Kids Club is in 42 schools and serves approximately 5000 OPS elementary students, K-6, per year. OPSF funded $192,000 in teacher classroom and community grants this past year. OPSF awarded over $400,000 in scholarships to OPS high school seniors. They provide parent-paid early childhood classrooms in select OPS elementary schools throughout the district. OPSF offers a unique fundraising platform for principals and teachers within the district called “Invest in Success,” connecting educators with interested donors to fund classroom projects.
Through secure online donation forms, donors can contribute to memorials, scholarships, classroom grants, and teacher requests. Donations can be made directly by contacting Executive Director Toba Cohen-Dunning. Follow OPSF through their social media channels on Facebook and Twitter to learn about opportunities to give, and sign up for their newsletter at the OPSF website on the “Contact Us” page.
» Student MAT Bus Tickets » Assistance for student lunches
UPCOMING EVENTS vinNEBRASKA Wine Event March 29-30, 2019
OMAHA PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION 3861 Farnam St. Omaha, NE 68131 531-299-9600 opsfpossible.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
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Open Door Mission is a Gospel rescue mission that meets the basic needs of individuals and families while inspiring HOPE for lasting change.
» Board games » Men’s socks and underwear » Hair dryers and curling irons » Make-up sets » Canned vegetables » Canned fruit » Instant potatoes » Canned meat » Boxed meals
UPCOMING EVENTS Auction & Dinner Sept. 27, 2018 Graduation Oct. 10, 2018
BACKGROUND
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PAY IT FORWARD
Open Door Mission is a Gospel rescue mission that meets the basic needs of individuals and families while inspiring HOPE for lasting change. Our desire is to be a bridge for people trying to reclaim the basic necessities of life, restore their God-given dignity and hope, and rejoin the community as full and active participants. Candace L. Gregory, president/CEO, is a national advocate for the homeless. She uses her extensive experience in community prevention programs to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty. She longs to build a bridge of hope to others and develop innovative ways to make it happen through partnerships and collaborations.
Each day, Open Door Mission’s campus offers 816 safe shelter beds to homeless men, women, and children, serves over 2,100 hot, nutritious meals, and provides homelessness prevention measures to over 1,000 people living in poverty. Every month, Open Door Mission partners with an average of 1,185 volunteers logging over 6,000 volunteer hours, making a vital difference right here in their community. Please visit our website and click on the volunteer button to see how you can have a life-changing volunteer experience today.
From September through November, Open Door Mission expects to provide more than 213,100 hot, nutritious meals to the Heartland’s hungry -- and an additional 72,000 meals in December. We invite you, your family, church, or business to get on board to help supply canned vegetables, canned fruit, instant potatoes, canned meat, and boxed meals so we can stock our warehouse for the holidays and winter months. To help provide food, shelter, and care for the homeless and poverty-stricken in our community, please visit our website.
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OPEN DOOR MISSION 2828 N. 23rd St. East Omaha, NE 68110 402-422-1111 opendoormission.org
OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
Opera Omaha’s mission is to enrich the quality of life in our community by creating professional opera and music theater, which uniquely combine the visual and performing arts to express humanity’s deepest emotions and highest aspirations.
The whole community benefits from donations to Opera Omaha. Your Gifts are vital to ensuring Opera Omaha’s continued interaction with tens of thousands of adults, students, and children each year. Through performances and numerous engagement activities, Opera Omaha enriches lives and helps to create a vibrant, engaged, and culturally rich city.
UPCOMING EVENTS Pagliacci Oct. 19 and 21, 2018 The Elixir of Love Feb. 15 and 17, 2019 ONE Festival, featuring Les Enfants Terribles and Faust April 2019
BACKGROUND
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PAY IT FORWARD
As the only professional opera company in the state of Nebraska, Opera Omaha produces shows from the earliest operas to those composed by the current generation of artists. In addition to a season of compelling mainstage productions presented at the Orpheum Theater, the inaugural ONE Festival launched in 2018, exemplifying opera’s innovation and power. The company is internationally known for its productions of eight world premieres and four American premieres. It is also highly regarded for an extensive community engagement program.
The Holland Community Opera Fellowship offers the opportunity to expand Opera Omaha’s education and community engagement work by bringing opera to new environments, illustrating and promoting the value of creativity in the arts and non-arts sectors. In collaboration with community partners, Opera Omaha is able to identify and address partner needs with collaborative programming and engagement. Last season, Opera Omaha partnered with 55 community organizations, engaging over 17,000 participants across the city and metro area.
Supporting Opera Omaha brings many rewards. Whether purchasing a ticket to a performance, becoming a community sponsor, or giving a monetary gift, every dollar given helps deliver excellent art and implement exciting new initiatives, such as the Holland Community Opera Fellowship and the ONE Festival. These transformational programs are helping give people of all backgrounds and ages exposure to the arts.
OPERA OMAHA 1850 Farnam St. Omaha, NE 68102 402-346-OPERA operaomaha.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
Parkinson’s Nebraska, formerly Parkinson’s Health Development (PHD), aims to be Nebraska’s primary resource for information, education, and outreach. To achieve this goal, Parkinson’s Nebraska embraces collaboration to organize events, promote awareness, and raise funds for local Parkinson’s services and research.
» Referrals—Please help get the word out! Parkinson’s Nebraska is here to help patients and caregivers alike. » Charitable donations, or financial tributes to those affected by Parkinson’s disease » Like Parkinson’s Nebraska on Facebook (facebook.com/ parkinsonsnebraska) and follow them on Twitter (@ParkinsonsNE) » Volunteers for events and office help » Intern to assist with tech support and administrative tasks
UPCOMING EVENTS Parkinson’s Nebraska presents: “Delay the Disease” Instructor Training Symposium— Grand Island Sept. 7-8, 2018
BACKGROUND
BRAG LINES
PAY IT FORWARD
Parkinson’s Nebraska is dedicated to responding to the changing needs of the Parkinson’s community in Nebraska. What began with one courageous woman’s goal of increasing access to specialized exercise classes for people with Parkinson’s in Omaha has evolved into the broader vision of empowering individuals with Parkinson’s and strengthening a community statewide. Nebraska has an exceptionally high rate of Parkinson’s Disease. Parkinson’s Nebraska’s motto, “A Journey Shared,” embodies its secret to success: a collaborative approach.
Parkinson’s Nebraska relies on research and the generosity of donors to respond to local needs. Because exercise is essential for symptom management, Parkinson’s Nebraska has always worked to increase accessible options, and has proudly sponsored over 1,000 specialized classes since opening their doors in 2016. Nebraska’s greatest resource is its kind-hearted people, and Parkinson’s Nebraska provides tools and training to professionals in rural communities so that others are empowered to meet the need in their hometowns.
Parkinson’s Nebraska is driven by the unwavering spirit of the local Parkinson’s community. Just as each person’s journey with Parkinson’s is unique, Parkinson’s Nebraska thrives because of the variety of contributions it receives from volunteers, local talent, and generous donors. Despite being a small organization with much ground to cover, Parkinson’s Nebraska is able to be a resource to all Nebraskans living with Parkinson’s thanks to the tremendous support of the local community.
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Walk & Run the Park for Parkinson’s—Featuring the First Annual Shakea-Leg 5K Sept. 30, 2018 #Giving Tuesday (Home Instead Senior Care Foundation) Nov. 27, 2018 UNMC’s Skate-a-Thon for Parkinson’s Jan. 25-26, 2019
PARKINSON’S NEBRASKA 16811 Burdette St. Suite No. 1 Omaha, NE 68116 402-715-4707 parkinsonsnebraska.org
OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
Prairie STEM is an educationbased 501(c)3 non-profit focused on improving critical thinking and creativity using robotics and technology to engage, stimulate, and expose students and teachers to their version of STEAM—soft skills, traditional academics, entrepreneurial mindset, articulation, and meaning.
» Volunteers » Donations for fundraising campaigns » Champions of STEAM in school districts » Technology donations (computers, tablets, peripheral devices) » 3D printers » Drones » Media equipment » Laptops » Gift cards as awards for innovation challenges in schools » Tools (both power and manual tools for kids to build things with)
UPCOMING EVENTS MCC: Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) innovation classes (ages 11-15), Robotics competition challenge—Engineering and Coding (ages 9-11) September/October 2018
BACKGROUND
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PAY IT FORWARD
Prairie STEM connects education and industry to provide opportunity and access for every student who participates. High-frequency interactions, in-school curriculum, and afterschool events allow students to experience real-world, relevant learning by collaborating with vetted partners whose mission includes helping students recognize their greatest asset is themselves and that failure is a necessary component of success.
Prairie STEM has worked with over 7000 Omaha-metro area students, teaching kids, starting as early as kindergarten, how to control, build, and program robots and peripheral devices including 3D-printing, drones, and biomechanics. They have provided whole-school, customized solutions for K-12 students in hands-on, problembased learning to improve hard and soft skills. Their students learn lessons of grit, determination, and perseverance as fundamental core values built into the curriculum.
Prairie STEM is undergoing a rapid growth-and-development phase where the demand for programming is far outpacing their resources. They are actively recruiting new teachers and volunteers as well as looking to partner with foundations and corporate sponsors willing to champion the future of the regional economy through workforce development at the earliest levels. Sponsorship can be made in several ways— from financial support to mentoring opportunities.
Phi Delta Kappa Omaha Chapter conference Nov. 14, 2018 STEM Camp Jan. 19, 2019 Nebraska Robotics Expo—Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum (SACAM) Feb. 16, 2018
PRAIRIE STEM 7101 Mercy Road Omaha, NE 68106 402-991-5595 prairiestem.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
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WISH LIST
Release Ministries is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization seeking to affect at-risk youth and their families with the lifechanging love of Jesus Christ, releasing them to be all God intends them to be— together, safe, healthy, and free.
» Foster care parents » Volunteer mentors » Monetary donations » Banquet participants
UPCOMING EVENTS 25-Year Celebration March 30, 2019 21st Annual Bill Ellett Memorial Golf Classic Summer 2019
BACKGROUND
BRAG LINES
PAY IT FORWARD
Twenty-five years ago, two men went to the Douglas County Youth Center (DCYC) with a Bible and a boom box to help the youth incarcerated there find a better way. Today, not only is Release Ministries still there, but the ministry is active throughout the city, seeing youth, their families, and future generations being transformed through a relationship with God and safe, intentional, and loving adults.
Although Release Ministries has never forgotten its roots, the organization has grown into a multi-pronged movement, serving marginalized youth and children from the time clients are removed from homes until the time they can be reunited with families. In the last year, Release assisted over 1100 youth and children who were at risk of removal or had already been removed from homes, and worked with over 250 families, enabling them to become safe and healthier places to live and receive their children back home.
There are many ways to support Release: » Come check out the 25-Year Celebration » Be a foster parent » Be a foster parent supporter » Be a mentor » Join the staff
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Make a monthly donation: » $10 monthly supports Bible study incentive program for two youth » $20 monthly trains and matches one mentor with a youth for a year
RELEASE MINISTRIES 3223 N. 45th St. Omaha, NE 68104 402-455-0808 releaseministries.org
OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
» Gift cards for groceries and gas » Cleaning products » New school supplies (K-12) » Board games » Non-perishable food » Summer fans » Bottled water
UPCOMING EVENTS Tree of Lights Kickoff Nov. 8, 2018 (Thursday) Adopt A Family Radiothon Nov. 29 and 30, 2018 D.J.’s Hero Awards Luncheon May 7, 2019
BACKGROUND
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PAY IT FORWARD
The Salvation Army is a faithbased nonprofit organization that provides social services and meets human needs without discrimination. The OmahaCouncil Bluffs Salvation Army serves more than 100,000 people annually through seven social service initiatives: food, housing, youth development, material assistance, older adult and behavioral health services, and anti-human trafficking.
For 130 years, The Salvation Army has offered programs for the most vulnerable in our community. In Omaha, 88 cents of every dollar is spent on program services. The Salvation Army has nine primary locations in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro including the Kroc Center, a community resource center, and Heritage Place, a new social service facility on 36th and Cuming streets. Last year 32,380 volunteers donated nearly 83,000 hours of time through bell ringing and other volunteer opportunities.
They have many volunteer opportunities through various programs and services. To learn more about volunteering, contact Kay at 402-898-6000. The Salvation Army encourages donations of new school supplies, backpacks, non-perishable food, summer fans and bottled water. Donations are always appreciated and accepted year-round. Donate online at salarmyomaha.org
THE SALVATION ARMY Western Divisional Headquarters 10755 Burt St. Omaha, NE 68114 402-898-7700 salarmyomaha.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
To support child-specific research that will lead to life-saving, modern treatments for all types of childhood cancer, paving the road to a cure.
» Corporate partnerships » Monetary donations » Volunteers » Program ambassadors » Silent auction items » Services donations for events » Thoughts prayers
UPCOMING EVENTS Glow Gold Omaha Sept. 9, 2018 Glow Gold Honors Night Sept. 23, 2018 Havoc 5K Run in Columbus Oct. 20, 2018
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PAY IT FORWARD
Sammy’s Superheroes was founded after then-4-year-old Sammy was diagnosed with cancer and wasn’t responding to protocol treatment. The family dealt with much fear and stress looking for clinical trials, and didn’t want any other families to go through such a horrible ordeal. They started Sammy’s Superheroes to help fund research and to seek out innovative programs that will make a difference for kids with cancer of any type, all over the world.
Sammy’s Superheroes has given away over $300,000 to research. For 2017, the organization will be giving away $130,000 to projects that show promise. Sammy’s has pledged $400,000 to Dr. Sue Cohn’s Pediatric Cancer Data Commons project that will allow researchers from all over the world to share research in the hopes to find a cure. Along with research, Sammy’s has outreach and resource programs to comfort families in the hardest times of their lives.
Giving to Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation means giving thousands of sick kids a chance to not only beat cancer, but also have a more normal post-treatment life. A majority of the treatments that kids with cancer are subjected to were developed as far back as the 1950s and were designed for adults. Sammy’s Superheroes not only wants a cure, but treatments that won’t affect the development of these little fighters.
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SAMMY’S SUPERHEROES FOUNDATION 14465 Sprague Court Suite No. 204 Omaha, NE 68116 402-560-1578 sammyssuperheroes.org
OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
To provide long term residential treatment to women with co-occurring disorders, to empower them to live productively drug and alcohol free.
» Feminine hygiene products » Razors » Cleaning products » Deodorant » Clothing/shoes » Household items for the apartments
UPCOMING EVENTS Luncheon & Auction April 2019 Omaha Gives! May 2019
BACKGROUND Santa Monica provides a holistic treatment experience that utilizes proven practices to improve women’s mental, physical, and spiritual health. They use multiple therapeutic strategies to improve clients’ cognitive behavioral patterns and to address clients’ physical and psychological traumas. They help women develop a sense of personal accountability with structured programming that focuses on practical life skills, 12-step participation, and employment. Santa Monica’s halfway house program can last from six to nine months; the length of stay for each woman is individualized based on her needs and her progress in treatment. And a step-down level of care, the three-fourths-way house provides supported transition back into the community through a
three-to-six-month therapeutic community living environment. Santa Monica also provides a transitional living apartment opportunity, especially for mothers with children. This program is another stepdown level that requires a oneyear commitment.
BRAG LINES Santa Monica was first accredited by CARF for residential treatment of alcohol and other drugs in April 2015. Santa Monica expanded services in 2016 to include not only the halfway house program but also the three-quarter-way house. Santa Monica expanded services again in 2018 to include a transitional living apartment opportunity that will focus on reunification of women with children. The addition of these programs provides the women a longer step-down process to help them transition into the community successfully.
PAY IT FORWARD Santa Monica has provided quality service to the community for 45 years. This was possible in part due to the generosity of the community through donations. Support is important now more than ever due to the strain on funding sources in the state. There are several ways to lend a helping hand to Santa Monica, whether it is monetary, clothing, toiletries or in kind service, they welcome your support.
SANTA MONICA HOUSE 401 S. 39th St. Omaha, NE 68131 402-558-7088 santamonicahouse.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT The Siena/Francis House welcomes, shelters and empowers individuals experiencing homelessness to navigate their own path to safe and appropriate housing.
BACKGROUND The Siena/Francis House Homeless Shelter, with six facilities at 17th and Nicholas Streets, is the region’s largest provider of emergency housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. The Siena/Francis House is a community-based, non-denominational, 501 (c)(3), charitable organization, and is not affiliated with any national or “parent” organization.
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BRAG LINES » The Siena/Francis House has two model emergency shelter facilities which provide safe, clean, and secure housing for its guests. » It is the case that–each and every day of the year–the Siena/Francis House serves more meals and provides more nights of shelter to people experiencing homelessness than // 112 //
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all other shelter in the Omaha metropolitan area. The Siena/Francis House operates Nebraska’s largest residential mental health/ chemical addictions treatment program, administered by licensed professionals. The Siena/Francis House’s Rehousing and Reintegration Services program is administered by licensed mental health and addictions specialists. The Siena/Francis House Rehousing and Reintegration Services team helps over 100 individuals each month with veterans benefits, Social Security assistance, education assistance, domestic violence matters, transportation, and obtaining identification. The Siena/Francis House has developed a vast network of suppliers who donate the food to enable them to provide over 420,000 meals in 2018.
PAY IT FORWARD The Siena/Francis House provides basic human services of emergency shelter, food and clothing at no cost to homeless individuals requesting assistance. As such, Siena/Francis House relies primarily on the generosity of the community for operational expenses. Having sufficient supplies is crucial. For example, each month they need 2,600 rolls of toilet paper and enough soap for 5,760 loads of laundry.
WISH LIST » Canned fruits » Canned vegetables » Cold-weather clothing (used) » Individually wrapped, pre-packaged food items (for sack lunches) » Toilet paper » Powdered laundry detergent » Cooking oil » Tennis shoes (for men, all sizes) » Tennis shoes (for women, sizes 5 to 8) » Salad dressing (all flavors) » Razors (for men and women) » Shaving cream » Bar soap » Disinfectant cleaners (e.g. Pine Sol) » Styrofoam cups » Paper towels » Zip-Lock bags (all sizes) » Pain relievers » Hair brushes » Socks (for men) » Underwear for men (sizes 28, 30 and 32) » Underwear for women (sizes 5 and 6) » Work boots (for men)
SIENA/FRANCIS HOUSE HOMELESS SHELTER 1702 Nicholas St. Omaha, NE 68102 402-341-1821 sienafrancis.org
OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is dedicated to bringing volunteers together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person services to the community’s most vulnerable neighbors in need, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or age.
» Pantry and garden volunteers » Event volunteers » Event sponsors » Non-perishable, nonexpired pantry items » New or gently used thrift store items » Winter coats, all sizes » $25 monthly, Disciple of Charity memberships » $100 monthly, Apostle of Charity memberships » A $200 donation covers one month’s utilities » A $500 donation provides one month’s rent to avoid a family eviction » Monetary donations of any size supports the mission
BACKGROUND
BRAG LINES
PAY IT FORWARD
Since 1869, the Omaha Society has served with dignity and respect, linking non-profit international grassroots to the mission of the Society’s patron, St. Vincent de Paul. Over 700 Vincentian volunteers, belonging to 34 parish-based conferences, meet face-to-face during home visits to help the struggling avoid eviction and utility shut-off. The Society also operates four thrift stores and a client-choice food pantry.
Responding to need. Sharing in hope. In 2017: » 16,428 people received emergency aid of rent or utilities totaling $849,684 » $15,332 impacted 38 households with emergency relief through Ozanam Outreach, a program for non-conferences areas » 24 years in operation, the SVdP Choice Pantry through 133 volunteers served 11,971 households » 1,473 individuals received free sets of clothing » 2,355 men, women and children accepted free winter coats and accessories across the metro
Respond to the call to serve the most vulnerable.Visit the website for volunteer opportunities: » Helpline responder » Ozanam Outreach worker » Special events » Food pantry team » Garden Angels » Thrift store or warehouse sorters Support the mission and programs financially. The Society of SVdP is a 501(c)(3) organization, relying entirely on financial donations to respond to the increasing community needs. Shop SVdP Thrift Stores. Visit the website for store locations and hours. Spread the needs of the community. Follow facebook.com/svdpomaha
UPCOMING EVENTS Fourth Annual Glow ’N’ Go 5K Run|Walk Sept. 29, 2018 14th Annual Free Coat Giveaway November 2018 WOWT Holiday Food Drive for SVdP Pantry December 2018 10th Annual Strawberry Brunch June 2019
SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL OMAHA P.O. Box 241201 Omaha NE 68124-5201 402-779-8499 svdpomaha.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
Stephen Center partners with the community, families and individuals to overcome homelessness, addiction and poverty.
» Bottled water » Pillows/blankets (gently used or new) » Razors (shaving) » Deodorant » Toothpaste/ toothbrushes » Toilet paper » Paper towels » Volunteers » Monetary donations
UPCOMING EVENTS Gobble 4 Good Turkey Drive Nov. 1, 2018 Cruise Away 2019 Fundraiser March 2019 Heroes for the Homeless Golf Benefit August 2019
BACKGROUND Stephen Center has served homeless and low-income individuals in Omaha since 1984. The organization was founded by Sharon and Dick McNeil, who recognized a distinct need to assist those living in poverty in south Omaha. In partnership with the McNeil family, the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Omaha’s Holy Ghost Church purchased a 103-year-old building on Q Street for $10,000. From those humble beginnings in a rundown former pool hall and bar, Stephen Center has grown to include a multi-facility campus designed to // 114 //
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
support vulnerable men, women, and children as they seek to overcome homelessness, addiction, and poverty.
BRAG LINES Stephen Center is the only substance-free homeless shelter in the metro, providing a safe environment for individuals and families. Meals are available three times per day/seven days a week. Clients meet with a case manager within 72 hours of arrival to define barriers and set goals. The center runs a background check on all residents who request shelter. Residents shop at NO
COST at their thrift store, located at 24th and Q streets. Stephen Center is grateful to receive over 33,000 volunteer hours annually. Administrative costs are 7.5 percent of operating budget.
PAY IT FORWARD Whether it’s serving meals, working the front desk, or even lending marketing talents to the agency, Stephen Center can always use more help and volunteers. They believe that together we can end homelessness, addiction, and poverty one parent, one child, one person at a time. Like Stephen Center on Facebook to stay in the loop on all the ways to help.
STEPHEN CENTER, INC. 2723 Q St. Omaha, NE 68107 402-715-5471 stephencenter.org
OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
To provide locally grown healthy food, STEM education, and economic development for socially and economically disadvantaged communities.
» Monetary donations to purchase materials for client sites » Volunteers » Corporate partners » Cargo van
UPCOMING EVENTS Growing Lab Open House Oct. 25, 2018 Santee Greenhouse Ground Breaking January 2019
BACKGROUND
BRAG LINES
PAY IT FORWARD
With a focus on growing food, minds and communities, Whispering Roots was created to address the health, education, and economic disparities experienced by children and adults living in poverty. Whispering Roots’ approach is to use agriculture and hands-on experiential learning both in the classroom and other settings to help break the neverending cycle. They are firm believers that solid roots form the foundation of any strong plant or any strong community.
The work that Whispering Roots completes in Omaha has touched the lives of children living in urban and rural communities, on reservations, in different states, and has now reached as far as Haiti and Madagascar. Hundreds of pounds of produce have been grown in schools, thousands of pounds of fish have been consumed, and an organization record of 60,000 baby Tilapia are happily swimming in Whispering Roots’ new hatchery site. Even their kindergarten young farmers were able to complete a full seed-to-table meal cycle in their classroom next generation growing system.
Donating to Whispering Roots means helping to give their clients communities a hand up, not a hand out. Donors provide a means for these clients to learn how to become self-sufficient. These patrons are truly growing food, minds, and communities.
WHISPERING ROOTS 4104 S. 90th St. Omaha , NE 68127 402-614-9492 whisperingroots.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
BACKGROUND
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
Our mission is to provide support to the families of those who have been wounded, injured, or killed during combat operations. The families of our casualties suffer in many ways: some financially, some psychologically.
» Monetary donations
» Family Programs that give wounded veterans a chance to Wounded Warriors Family Support heal and reconnect with their is an Omaha-based nonprofit loved ones in a peaceful, stresswhose mission is to improve the free environment, strengthening quality of life for the families of our the bonds of their families and combat wounded. Our organization making lasting memories. supports combat-wounded veterans » Veterans Training, in partnership and their families, even after with UAW-Ford, to give military physical needs are met, to help veterans opportunities to train for them heal, recover, and reconnect. and pursue careers in welding. Wounded Warriors Family Support » Mobility is Freedom, a program provides the following services, that provides grants to qualified locally and nationally, free of charge combat-wounded veterans for the to combat-wounded veterans and purchase of Ford vehicles adapted their families: to suit their unique needs. » Caregiver Respite Services to ensure that family members BRAG LINES who are thrust into caregiver roles are provided with the Wounded Warriors Family Support support they need to keep their has earned CharityNavigator.org’s families intact while keeping highest four-star rating. Serving themselves healthy. combat-wounded veterans in
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
Nebraska and across the country, Wounded Warriors Family Support has blossomed into a national organization from humble beginnings as a simple pass-the-hat campaign benefitting U.S. soldiers at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, the first stop for wounded military personnel from Iraq and Afghanistan before returning home.
PAY IT FORWARD There are many ways you can help Wounded Warriors Family Support positively impact the families of combat-wounded soldiers in Nebraska and across the nation, including donating to our organization, hosting an event benefitting our cause, or becoming a volunteer and contributing your unique skills to our mission.
WOUNDED WARRIORS FAMILY SUPPORT 11218 John Galt Blvd, Suite 103 Omaha, NE 68137 402-991-0857 woundedwarriors familysupport.org
OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
To serve homeless and at-risk youth by providing critically needed resources which empower them to become self-sufficient.
» Visit YES’ Amazon wish list » Metro bus passes » Target/Walmart/ grocery store gift cards » New or gently used clothing » Hygiene items
UPCOMING EVENTS The Homeless Youth Experience Nov. 8, 2018 YES Golf Outing presented by Union Pacific May 6, 2018
BACKGROUND
BRAG LINE
PAY IT FORWARD
YES is the only organization in Omaha focused on meeting the needs of homeless youth in the community. Founded 43 years ago, YES offers a full continuum of care for homeless and at-risk youth ages 12-21. Many of these youth have been physically, emotionally, or sexually abused, making it unsafe for them to return home. Without YES, these vulnerable young people cannot succeed independently.
YES meets these youth where they are and helps them meet their basic needs for food, shelter, and safety before moving on to the next steps. YES services ensure that all youth receive the specialized support they need, whatever their situation. This includes a Street Outreach Center, Emergency Shelter, Transitional Living Program and Maternity Home. Throughout these programs, they offer case management, job readiness classes, group activities, support for the LGBTQ+ community, and specialized services for trafficked victims.
In 2016-2017, YES served a record number of 3,376 young people throughout their programs. Financial contributions enable YES to keep youth off the streets and to ensure they have the resources needed to succeed. YES serves approximately 50 youth per day at the Street Outreach Center. Meal volunteers are always needed. Donate items, shop, or volunteer at Tip Top Thrift Shop in the heart of Benson. All proceeds benefit YES.
YOUTH EMERGENCY SERVICES 2679 Farnam St. Suite 205 Omaha, NE 68131 402-345-5187 yesomaha.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE
MISSION STATEMENT
WISH LIST
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
The YMCA of Greater Omaha is always looking for volunteers to help strengthen the community, with a focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Additionally, the Y’s annual Strong Communities Campaign is the perfect time to donate to a local YMCA.
UPCOMING EVENTS Free Community Day The first of every month Twin Rivers YMCA Freedom Run Sept. 9, 2018 Sarpy YMCA Turkey Trot Nov. 22, 2018
BACKGROUND
BRAG LINES
PAY IT FORWARD
The YMCA of Greater Omaha’s cause is strengthening community. Every day, they work side-by-side with community residents to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The Y believes lasting social change can only come about when people work together to invest in their kids, their health, and their neighbors. The Y is for a better community.
Last year, more than 4,100 households in the Omaha area received $1.7 million in financial assistance from the YMCA of Greater Omaha. In the Omaha metro, 28,000 children came to the Y to learn how to swim, play sports, and advance their education in STEM camps and Early Learning Centers. There are nine Ys strengthening community in the Omaha metro. Last year, 65,000 Omaha-area adults and children made 1.4 million visits to improve their health.
The success of the Y is thanks to a passionate group of volunteers. There are many different ways to get involved with a local Y. People can make an impact in many ways, whether that is by coaching a youth sports team or serving as a local YMCA board member. To learn more about how to help strengthen the community, reach out to Cara Wiese at cwiese@ metroymca.org.
Healthy Kids Day at Stinson Park April 28, 2019
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA 430 S. 20th St. Omaha, NE 68102 402-977-4357 metroymca.org
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
MISSION STATEMENT
MISSION STATEMENT
MISSION STATEMENT
Training, empowering, and inspiring volunteer advocates to improve the lives of abused and neglected children.
The Omaha Equestrian Foundation is a non-profit organization that strives to raise the level of horse sport in the midwest, create positive economic impact in the area, and provide a unique educational experience.
Transforming lives of teens and adults with intellectual disabilities by teaching social and life skills in the community.
FEATURED EVENT International Omaha
Color Me Camille: Camille Metoyer Moten performs the music of Barbra Streisand
DATE
DATE
April 4-7, 2019
Nov. 13, 2018
EVENT DESCRIPTION/THEME
EVENT DESCRIPTION/THEME Cocktails, heavy hors-d’oeuvres, and a show
LOCATION
International Omaha is a worldclass equestrian show jumping and dressage experience combining high-level, intense competition with educational activities.
TBA
LOCATION
TIME
CHI Health Center Omaha
8:00 a.m. 5K Run/Walk 9:00 a.m. 1K Kids Run
TIME
FEATURED EVENT 5K Superhero Run for CASA
DATE July 13, 2019
EVENT DESCRIPTION/THEME CASA will host the Ninth Annual 5K Superhero Run to raise awareness about youth in foster care and how CASA is the VOICE for abused and neglected children using citizen volunteers to advocate for them.
FEATURED EVENT
LOCATION The Omar 4383 Nicholas St. Omaha, NE 68131
TIME 6 p.m.
Times vary, please visit internationalomaha.com for more info
TICKET PRICING
$35 Individual 5K $15 Kids 1K Teams of 5 or more $30 per person (5K only)
TICKET PRICING
$75
Starting at $12.50-$30.00 VIP tickets $150 and up
ATTIRE
ATTIRE
ATTIRE
Participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero—there will be a costume contest for adults and children.
Casual or riding gear
CONTACT INFO
1004 Farnam St. Omaha, NE 68102 402-930-3079 omahaequestrian.com
TICKET PRICING
2412 St. Mary’s Avenue Omaha, NE 68130 402-932-5683 casainfo@casaomaha.org
CONTACT INFO
Business casual
CONTACT INFO 2819 S. 125th Ave., No. 276 Omaha, NE 68144 402-991-9709 ycbinc.org/colormecamille
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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CELEBRATE THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF
The 2019 Best of Omaha Winners
FEATURING
music, performances, networking hors-d’oeuvres and beverages provided VIP swag bags business chic attire requested
21+
only
THURSDAY NOV. 8, 2019 @OMAHA DESIGN CENTER VIP Entry at 6 p.m., General Admission 7-10 p.m. VISIT OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM/SOIREE FOR MORE INFO SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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// GIVING GALA //
AKSARBEN BALL 2018
T
HE AKSARBEN BALL is a fundraiser held each fall to assist the organization’s college scholarship programs. The Aksarben Ball helps raise funds to support the Aksarben Horatio Alger State Scholarships, the Aksarben Ag Leaders and Purple Ribbon Scholarships, and the Aksarben Career Scholars. The ball recognizes families who make significant contributions to the community. Pictured here are the pages, all second- and third-grade students, who were selected based their parents’ volunteer involvement throughout the metro. The 122nd Aksarben Ball is scheduled for Oct. 13 at CHI Health Center Omaha.
Molly A nn A ddison
M arley Quinn Atlas
daughter of Megan and Tim Addison
daughter of Stacey and Brett Atlas
A ndrew Thomas Blair
Olivia A nne Bryant
son of Abby and Mark Blair
Charlotte Grace Dugger
daughter of Emily and Steven Dugger
// 122 //
daughter of Erica and Aaron Bryant
Olivia Claire E nenbach
daughter of Dr. Laura and Matthew Enenbach
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
P eter George Ayoub son of Nancy Falk and Dr. Joseph Ayoub
Aven R enee Buda
C arson Nicholas Bartelt
A nna M arie Bartholomew
E lizabeth A nne Benson
Cloie A nn Clark
C ollin M ichael Degan
L ouise E lizabeth Dietrich
son of Jennifer and Duane Bartelt
daughter of Jennifer and Tony Buda
daughter of Kerry and Timothy Clark
E milia A nn E spejo
M aura M arsh Fay
daughter of Laura and Tony Espejo
daughter of Adrienne and Patrick Fay
daughter of Jennie and Carl Bartholomew
daughter of Jennifer Patten Benson and Timothy Benson
H arper Grace Bickford
daughter of Allison and Davin Bickford
Grant M ichael
Dombrowski
son of Jaime and Michael Degan
daughter of Jill and Dr. Mark Dietrich
son of Shannon and James Dombrowski
Jacob M ichael Feilmeier
Soren Charles Frahm
L auren E lizabeth H agstrom
son of Jessica and Dr. Michael Feilmeier
son of Lexie and Shane Frahm
daughter of Lisa Frey Hagstrom and Michael Hagstrom
Graham Floyd H arry
L ily A nn H efflinger
Charlotte Rose H egarty
son of Kellie and William Harry
daughter of Kim and Joe Hefflinger
Charles R amsay Jeffreys
K atharine Grace K arnes
son of Kelly and Jason Jeffreys
H enry L aughlin Jeffreys
son of Kelly and Jason Jeffreys
E lla Claire Mc M ahon
Charles Bixby Oakes
C aroline E lizabeth P etsick
daughter of Ashley and Dr. Matthew McMahon
Davis Edward Schulte son of Christine and Dr. Thomas Schulte
Beau McCulloch Walker
son of Haley and Jamie Walker
son of Dr. Meghan and Thomas Oakes
C amden Phillip Siner
son of Colette and Quinn Siner
Evelynne Rose Ward
daughter of Janelle and Dr. Brian Ward
daughter of Melissa and Doug Hegarty
daughter of Kristine and Senator David Karnes
daughter of Adrienne and Joe Petsick
G avin Donald Siner
Duncan Graham H enning
Molly A dare Horgan
daughter of Ashley and Clark Horgan
Nicholas A ndrew K rehbiel
A nthony James L a P uzza
Chase Nelson L ewis
Charles M ichael Potthoff
R eese M argaret R edding
son of Paige Duncan and Dr. Jonathan Henning
son of Kara and Dr. Kyle Krehbiel
son of Amanda and Mark LaPuzza
son of Dr. Meghan and Mike Potthoff
daughter of Brittni and Chad Redding
Clara Jean Stalnaker
Taylor M arcus Tauber
son of Colette and Quinn Siner
daughter Debra and John Stalnaker
Cicely Nadine Willis
A lexander L awrence Yale
daughter of Kristie and Sherman Willis
H arrison Wesley Hite
son of Shannon and Dr. Joshua Hite
son of Sarah and Adam Yale
son of Kari and Brandon Tauber
son of Kristin and Charles Lewis
Charlotte K ay R egan
Barrett Sophia Houghton
daughter of Kelly and Dan Houghton
William John M arshall
son of Andrea and John Marshall III
Thomas JohnL ewis Rogers
daughter of Melissa and Patrick Regan
son of Jill Thomsen and Michael Rogers
Joseph M aximillian Vasko
Charles A lexander Walenz
son of Jennifer and Joseph Vasko
son of Dr. Elizabeth and Steven Walenz
Sidney Lynn Z iemba
daughter of Jamie and Jeff Ziemba
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
// 123 //
GIVING FEATURE // STORY BY MAGGIE O’BRIEN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
Charitable
Giving
“‘Tis impossible to be sure of anything but Death and Taxes” - Christopher Bullock (1716)
>> Tax Overhaul after Trump’s
THE NEW TAX law’s impact on charita-
ble giving remains to be seen, but Omaha nonprofits expect the holidays will reveal whether the changes will discourage philanthropists from stepping up during the most popular time of the year to donate. “Until we see the numbers, we won’t know for sure,” says Matt Darling, vice president of donor services for the Omaha Community Foundation, which connects donors with causes they want to support. “Nothing can be proven yet.” The new law took effect Jan. 1, with the most significant change affecting the standard tax deduction, which is a fixed amount that benefits everyone who pays federal taxes. The 2018 single filer’s standard deduction is $12,000—nearly double the previous deduction of $6,350. For taxpayers who are married and filing jointly, the 2018 standard deduction is $24,000—up from $12,700. Darling says most people donate as the holidays approach in October, November, and December, with the largest gifts going to charities between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. Some people donate because they view the holidays as an emotional time of year and want to help those less fortunate; others see the season as a natural deadline or incentive for tax planning purposes before Jan. 1. But the fear among nonprofit organizations all over the country—organizations reliant on charitable contributions to fund their causes, pay their employees, and have a positive impact on their communities—is that under the new law, taxpayers who don’t itemize their tax returns will stop donating as much money as they had in the past.
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
There are options for filers who want to give and receive a positive tax benefit, Darling says, if they use a strategy called “bunching.” Under bunching, taxpayers would give the same amount they would over a two-year period in only one year. Bunching in one year allows them to itemize dedications where they otherwise could not. “I’m hearing a lot of conversations about it, just tweaking the individual amounts,” Darling says. The Omaha Community Foundation has helped facilitate donor contributions of more than $906 million since it was created in 1982. Recipients have included more than 3,000 charitable organizations in Omaha and southwest Iowa, including nonprofits, initiatives, and funds. The foundation is made up of more than 1,200 donors. The city is nationally ranked fourth in per capita giving, according to its website. Despite the worries over the new tax law, Darling is confident that Omahans will donate as they always have. That’s how people are here, he says. “Nationally, I think there will be an effect,” Darling says. “But not every community is like ours. I have no reason to believe that Omaha will see a contraction of charitable giving.” He continues: “It’s our hope and the charitable community’s hope that we are going to continue down this track. We are a giving town.” For more information on the new tax law, visit irs.gov.
GIVING
Sept. 8 (9-11 a.m.)
CALENDAR SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2 0 1 8
Featured Fundraiser:
JOURNEY THROUGH TIME: A GAL A CELEBRATING 20 YEARS AT THE SAC AEROSPACE MUSEUM Oct. 19 (6 -10 p.m.) Location: SAC Aerospace Museum —sacmuseum .org
A summary of U.S . military history would not be complete without mentioning Strategic Air Command , headquartered at Of futt Air Force Base during the Cold War. Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, which seeks “ to preserve the history of Strategic Air Command ” and aerospace memorabilia , is hosting a gala to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Contact 402-944-310 0 or events@ sacmuseum.org for information.
Sept. 2 (6-9 a.m.)
38TH ANNUAL ZOO RUN
Benefiting: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Location: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium —omahazoo.com
Sept. 2 (8 a.m.)
2018 BINGO OPEN GOLF FUNDRAISER FOR THE KIDS Benefiting: NWA Kids Fishing Clinics, “Fishing is Fun!” Location: Grandpa’s Woods Golf Course, Elmwood, NE —nebraskawalleye.com
Sept. 2 (noon-4 p.m.)
PACKER CAR SHOW
24TH ANNUAL SIENA/FRANCIS HOUSE 5K WALK/RUN Benefiting: Siena/Francis House Location: Stinson Park in Aksarben Village
Sept.
08
Sept. 6 (5:30-9 p.m.)
—sienafrancis.org
Sept. 8 (11 a.m.-6 p.m.)
SEPTEMBER LATINO FESTIVAL
Benefiting: Centro Latino Council Bluffs Location: Bayliss Park
—sucentrolatino.com
2018 IMAGINE OUR YOUTH FUNDRAISING CELEBRATION
Sept. 9 (7:30 a.m.)
—omahahomeforboys.org
Benefiting: YMCA Location: Twin Rivers YMCA
Benefiting: Omaha Home for Boys Location: Marriott—Capitol District
FREEDOM RUN
Sept. 7 (11 a.m.)
—boystown.org
SIXTH ANNUAL AEROTEK CHARITY GOLF EVENT
Sept. 9 (8-11:30 a.m.)
FIGHT FOR AIR CORPORATE CUP
Benefiting: Wishing Well Foundation Location: Tiburon Golf Course
Benefiting: American Lung Association Location: Aksarben Village
—childrensfoundationomaha.org
—action.lung.org
Sept. 7 (6:30-11 p.m.)
Sept. 9 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.)
Benefiting: Team Offutt Home Away from Home Location: Tiburon Golf Club
Benefiting: Holy Cross Parish Location: Holy Cross Catholic Church
Benefiting: Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center Location: Methodist Health System parking lot
Sept. 6 (5-9 p.m.)
WINGS & WHEELS
Benefiting: Omaha South High School Alumni Association Location: Collin Stadium Parking Lot —omahasouthalumni.com
Sept. 6 (10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.)
2018 SAC FOUNDATION GOLF OUTING
—sacfoundation.net
BREW HAHA: A BEER AND FOOD TASTING EVENT
Benefiting: Habitat for Humanity Location: Stinson Park at Aksarben Village
HOLY CROSS PARISH FESTIVAL CONCERT —holycrossomaha.org
Sept. 7 (7-9:30 p.m.) Benefiting: Ronald McDonald House Charities Omaha Location: Signature Flight Support —rmhcomaha.org
EIGHTH ANNUAL CRUISIN’ FOR A CURE OMAHA
—cruisinforacureomaha.com
Sept. 9 (noon-6 p.m.)
HOLY CROSS PARISH FESTIVAL
Benefiting: Holy Cross Parish Location: Holy Cross Catholic Church —holycrossomaha.org
—habitatomaha.org
INNOVATION AND COMPASSION FOR YOUR CANCER FIGHT At Methodist, you’ll find a nationally accredited team of experts focused on the prevention, early detection and treatment of cancer. Our comprehensive approach to oncology care means we have everything you and your family need, including the latest research, screenings, clinical trials, advanced radiation therapy and survivorship services. That’s the kind of care you deserve, and it’s what you can expect from those of us who wear the Methodist badge. bestcare.org
©2018 Methodist Health System
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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// GIVING CALENDAR // Sept. 9 (11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.)
14TH ANNUAL OMAHA OUT OF THE DARKNESS WALK
Benefiting: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Location: Lewis & Clark Landing —afsp.donordrive.com
Sept. 9 (3-6 p.m.)
Sept. 14 (6-10 p.m.)
QLI’S AN EVENING AT THE FAIR —teamqli.com
Sept. 15 (6-10 p.m.)
—sammyssuperheroes.org
—chihealth.com
Sept. 10 (11 a.m.-6 p.m.)
Sept. 16 (11 a.m.-6 p.m.)
28TH ANNUAL DRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE GOLF FEST
Benefiting: Mercy High School’s Negotiated Tuition Program Location: Players Club at Deer Creek —mercyhigh.org
Sept. 10 (noon-6 p.m.)
25TH ANNIVERSARY SAFE HAVEN GOLF TOURNAMENT Benefiting: Heartland Family Service Location: Oak Hills Country Club —heartlandfamilyservice.org
Sept. 13 (11:30 a.m.)
17TH ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC
Benefiting: Ralston Schools Foundation Location: Eagle Hills Golf Course —ralstonschoolsfoundation.org
Sept. 13 (5:30-8:30 p.m.)
FOURTH ANNUAL REJUVENATING WOMEN’S RESTORED WINGS BANQUET Benefiting: Rejuvenating Women Location: Embassy Suites-La Vista Conference Center —rejuvenatingwomen.com
Sept. 13 (5:30-9 p.m.)
NIGHT IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD 2018 Benefiting: Completely KIDS Location: Founders One Nine —completelykids.org
Sept. 13 (6-9:30 p.m.)
—mountmichael.com
Sept. 17 (10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.)
MID-AMERICA COUNCIL’S 48TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
Benefiting: Boy Scouts of America, MidAmerica Council Location: Shadow Ridge Country Club —macnewsroom.org
Sept. 17 (11 a.m.-7 p.m.)
COUGAR CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT
—outrspaces.org
Sept. 14-23
OMAHA RESTAURANT WEEK
Benefiting: Food Bank for the Heartland Location: Varies —visitomaha.com/restaurantweek
Sept. 14 (11 a.m.-5 p.m.)
23RD ANNUAL JAILHOUSE SCRAMBLE
Benefiting: UNO School of Criminology and Criminal Justice Student Scholarships Location: Tiburon Golf Course —unomaha.edu
Sept. 14 (6-9 p.m.)
CLOSER TO THE CURE: SIXTH ANNUAL FUNDRAISER FOR CANCER ALLIANCE OF NEBRASKA Benefiting: Cancer Alliance of Nebraska Location: Omaha Country Club —cancerallianceofnebraska.org
Sept. 22 (8:30-9:30 a.m.)
SECOND ANNUAL 5K RACE
Sept.
22
Benefiting: Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation Location: Elkhorn High School Football Stadium
—elkhornfoundation.org
Sept. 22 (9-11 a.m.)
2018 WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S— COUNCIL BLUFFS
Benefiting: Alzheimer’s Association Location: Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park —act.alz.org
Sept. 22 (5:30-8:30 p.m.)
LIGHT THE NIGHT WALK
2018 LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR GALA
Benefiting: Open Door Mission Location: Embassy Suites-La Vista Conference Center —opendoormission.org
Sept. 27 (6-9 p.m.)
PURE INSPIRATION: AN EVENING OF ARTISTIC & CULINARY EXPRESSIONS Benefiting: Center for Childhood Deafness, Language & Learning Location: Lied Learning and Technology Center —boystownhospital.org
Sept. 28 (6-9 p.m.)
2018 SPOTLIGHT GALA
Benefiting: Voices for Children Nebraska Location: Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District —voicesforchildren.com
Sept. 23 (9 a.m.-noon)
Sept. 29 (10 a.m.-10 p.m.)
Sept. 20 (6 p.m.)
Benefiting: Alzheimer’s Association Location: Stinson Park at Aksarben Village
Benefiting: Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Location: Skutt Student Center
Sept. 17 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.)
GREAT FRIENDS TO KIDS LUNCHEON —ocm.org
2018 ARCHBISHOP’S DINNER FOR EDUCATION
Benefiting: Archdiocese of Omaha Scholarships Location: Embassy Suites-La Vista Conference Center —archomaha.org
Benefiting: Lauritzen Gardens Location: Lauritzen Gardens
Benefiting: OutrSpaces Location: OutrSpaces
—projectharmony.com
Sept. 27 (5-9 p.m.)
Benefiting: Omaha Children’s Museum Location: Omaha Children’s Museum
—grosscatholic.org
—durhammuseum.org
OUTRSPACES LIFT-OFF
Benefiting: Project Harmony Location: Champions Run Golf Course
—omahalibraryfoundation.org
Sept. 28 (6-9 p.m.)
Sept. 20 (4:30-9 p.m.)
Sept. 14 (7:30 p.m.-midnight)
2018 HALFWAY TO ST. PATRICK’S DAY
BETWEEN THE LINES WITH AMY THIELEN
Benefiting: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Location: Stinson Park at Aksarben Village
Benefiting: Gross Catholic High School Location: Eagle Hills Golf Club
DECADES IN DECO 2018: MEET ME AT THE EXPO Benefiting: The Durham Museum Location: The Durham Museum
Benefiting: Omaha Public Library Location: Institute for the Culinary Arts, Metropolitan Community College
Sept. 21 (6-10 p.m.)
63RD ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL
Benefiting: Mount Michael Benedictine School Location: Mount Michael Abbey
Benefiting: Angels Among Us Location: A View on State —myangelsamongus.org
JEWELS OF AUTUMN
Benefiting: Sammy’s Superheroes Location: Village Pointe Toyota-Scion
GLOW GOLD RALLY OMAHA
Sept. 26 (6:30-8:30 p.m.)
2018 ANGELS AMONG US GALA: NO PLACE LIKE HOME
Benefiting: QLI Location: Baxter Arena
Benefiting: CHI Health Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program Location: CHI Health Lakeside Hospital
Sept. 21 (5:30-11 p.m.)
COLLECTOR’S CIRCLE CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION AND PREVIEW PARTY —omahaantiqueshow.org
Sept. 21-23 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
LAURITZEN GARDENS ANTIQUE & GARDEN SHOW: CELEBRATING 15 YEARS Benefiting: Lauritzen Gardens Location: Lauritzen Gardens —omahaantiqueshow.org
Sept. 21 (11 a.m.-7:30 p.m.)
THE CAMP CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT ASHLAND
Benefiting: Carol Joy Holling Camp Location: Ashland Golf Club —cjhcenter.org
Sept. 21 (3-7 p.m.)
HETRA PARTICIPANT HORSE SHOW AND AWARDS PARTY
Benefiting: Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy (HETRA) Location: HETRA Barn, Gretna —hetra.org
—lls.org/nebraska
2018 WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S— OMAHA
—act.alz.org
FIFTH ANNUAL OPEN SPACE SOIREE Benefiting: KANEKO Location: KANEKO —thekaneko.org
CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY DANCE MARATHON
—creighton.edu
Sept. 23 (noon-4 p.m.)
Sept. 29 (6-10 p.m.)
Benefiting: Heart Heroes Location: Werner Park
Benefiting: Iowa Western Pottawattamie Promise Scholarship Fund Location: Iowa Western Kanesville Arena
SIXTH ANNUAL SUPERHERO HEART RUN OMAHA —superheroheartrun.com
Sept. 23 (noon-9 p.m.)
OUR LADY OF LOURDES FALL FESTIVAL
Benefiting: Our Lady of Lourdes Church and school Location: Our Lady of Lourdes Church —ollomaha.com
Sept. 24 (11:30 a.m.-6 p.m.)
15TH ANNUAL MBCF-MBA SCHOLARSHIP SCRAMBLE
20TH ANNUAL BLACK TIE HARVEST FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
—iwcc.edu
Sept. 29 (6-9 p.m.)
NEBRASKA ATAXIA ENGAGEMENT PARTY
Benefiting: Nebraska Ataxia Location: Creighton Prep High School —nebraskaataxia.org
Sept. 29 (8-10 p.m.)
GLOW ’N’ GO 5K RUN/WALK
Benefiting: Millard Business Community Foundation Scholarship Fund Location: Oak Hills Country Club
Benefiting: Society of St. Vincent de Paul Location: Aksarben Village
Sept. 25 (4:30-8:30 p.m.)
WALK & RUN THE PARK FOR PARKINSON’S
—millardbcf.org
2018 OMAHA GO RED FOR WOMEN EXPO
Benefiting: American Heart Association Location: Embassy Suites-La Vista Conference Center —heart.org
Sept. 26 (5:30-9 p.m.)
FOURTH ANNUAL FOOD TRUCK WORLD TOUR Benefiting: Immigrant Legal Center Location: Metropolitan Community College, Fort Omaha Campus —immigrantlc.org
—svdpomaha.com
Sept. 30 (9-11 a.m.)
Benefiting: Parkinson’s Nebraska Location: Elmwood Park —parkinsonsnebraska.org
Sept. 30 (11 a.m.-2 p.m.)
2018 MARGRE DURHAM WALK FOR THE ANIMALS Benefiting: Nebraska Humane Society Location: Nebraska Humane Society —nehumanesociety.org
Sept. 30 (1-7 p.m.)
ST. MARGARET MARY PARISH FESTIVAL Benefiting: St. Margaret Mary Catholic Parish & School Location: St. Margaret Mary Catholic Parish —smmomaha.org
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JULY/AUGUST 2018
Oct. 1 (12:30 p.m.)
2018 MEN FOR OTHERS GOLF CLASSIC
Benefiting: Creighton Prep School Location: Shadow Ridge Country Club —creightonprep.creighton.edu
Oct. 2 (5:30 p.m.)
27TH ANNUAL CREIGHTON PREP SPORTS NIGHT Benefiting: Creighton Prep School Location: The Heider Center at Creighton Prep —creightonprep.creighton.edu
Oct. 4 (5-7 p.m.)
SURVIVORS RISING FRIENDRAISER Benefiting: Survivors Rising Location: Highlander Accelerator —survivorsrising.org
“ We are strong, resilient and growing in many different ways. There is always room for improvement and only together will we make a difference.”
Oct. 4 (5:30-9:30 p.m.)
SIGNATURE CHEFS AUCTION
Benefiting: March of Dimes Location: SAC Aerospace Museum —signaturechefs.marchofdimes.org
“Let’s stop seeing us as south, west, and north Omaha. We are a single city that has its virtues, but also flaws that we ourselves can solve.”
Oct. 4 (6-9 p.m.)
BOYS TOWN NATIONAL HOTLINE: FINE WINE & HORS D’OEUVRES FUNDRAISER Benefiting: Boys Town Location: A View on State —boystown.org
Oct. 4 (6-9:30 p.m.)
Check out the new Community Listening Report: TheLandscapeOmaha.org
20TH ANNUAL CHS HALL OF FAME
Benefiting: Central High School Foundation Location: Central High School —chsfomaha.org
Oct. 4 (6-9:30 p.m.)
45TH WOMAN OF THE YEAR GALA
Benefiting: Arthritis Foundation Location: Omaha Marriott-Regency
OmahaFoundation.org
—arthritis.org/nebraska
Oct. 5 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.)
PASSING PERIODS: CHS ALUMNI LUNCHEON Benefiting: Central High School Foundation Location: Field Club of Omaha —chsfomaha.org
Oct. 5 (6-9 p.m.)
THE HOPE CENTER FOR KIDS 20TH BIRTHDAY GALA Benefiting: The Hope Center for Kids Location: CHI Health Center Omaha —hopecenterforkids.com
Oct. 5 (5:30-8:30 p.m.)
CHARIOTS4HOPE’S THIRD ANNUAL GALA: UNDER THE HOOD
Benefiting: Chariots4Hope Location: Embassy Suites-La Vista Conference Center —chariots4hope.org
Oct. 6 (10 a.m.-noon)
OMAHA SOUTH ALUMNI HALL OF FAME BRUNCH Benefiting: Omaha South High School Alumni Association Location: Stockyard Exchange Building —omahasouthalumni.com
Oct. 6 (5-9 p.m.)
MOBILE FIRST & AMP
THE ULTIMATE MOBILE EXPERIENCE LOADS IN 1-2 SECONDS
JOSLYN CASTLE UNLOCKED
Benefiting: Joslyn Castle Trust Location: Joslyn Castle —joslyncastle.presencehost.net
Oct. 6 (5-9 p.m.)
GET YOUR ADVANCED ONLINE MARKETING AUDIT!
VINTAGE AFFAIRE GALA
Benefiting: Autism Action Partnership Location: Embassy Suites-La Vista Conference Center —autismaction.org
Oct. 7 (7-10 a.m.)
25TH ANNUAL KOMEN NEBRASKA RACE FOR THE CURE Benefiting: Susan G. Komen Great Plains Location: Baxter Arena —komengreatplains.org
VOTED BEST AD AGENCY 5 YEARS IN A ROW
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// 127 //
// GIVING CALENDAR // Oct. 11 (5-9 p.m.)
Oct. 14 (4:30-8 p.m.)
HOMEGROWN
12TH ANNUAL COMFORT FOOD CLASSIC
Benefiting: Nebraska Children’s Home Society Location: Kros Strain Brewing
Benefiting: Grief’s Journey Location: Hotel RL
—nchs.org
—griefsjourney.org
Oct. 11 (6-9 p.m.)
Oct.
GOOD APPLE AWARDS
16
Benefiting: Nebraska Appleseed Location: Livestock Exchange Building Ballroom —neappleseed.org
Oct. 16 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.)
A TIME FOR HOPE & HEALING LUNCHEON
Benefiting: The Kim Foundation Location: Embassy Suites-La Vista Conference Center —thekimfoundation.org
Oct. 13 (9 a.m.-2 p.m.)
Oct. 17 (6-8 p.m.)
2018 STEP UP FOR DOWN SYNDROME WALK AND FAMILY FESTIVAL
TASTE THE SEASON: THE NEBRASKA WAY PATRON PARTY Benefiting: Food Bank for the Heartland Location: Omaha World-Herald John Gottschalk Freedom Center
Benefiting: Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands Location: Stinson Park at Aksarben Village
—foodbankheartland.org
—dsamidlands.org
Oct. 18 (11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.)
Oct. 13 (3-8 p.m.)
FOURTH ANNUAL HEALS TO THE PAVEMENT FOR PREGNANCY & INFANT LOSS Benefiting: HEALing Embrace Location: Lake Zorinsky
TASTE THE SEASON: THE NEBRASKA WAY LUNCHEON AND MARKETPLACE Benefiting: Food Bank for the Heartland Location: The Marriott at Regency —foodbankheartland.org
—healingembrace.org
Oct. 18 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.)
Oct. 13 (5:30 p.m.-midnight)
122ND AKSARBEN BALL
Benefiting: Aksarben Foundation Location: CHI Health Center Omaha —aksarben.org
EIGHTH ANNUAL CLIMB HIGHER LUNCHEON Benefiting: Omaha Outward Bound School Location: Metropolitan Community College Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology, Fort Omaha Campus —outwardboundomaha.org
Oct. 18 (11 a.m.-1 p.m.)
Oct. 24 (5:30-10 p.m.)
Benefiting: Child Saving Institute Location: Hilton Omaha
Benefiting: Omaha South High School Alumni Association Location: Anthony’s Steakhouse
PURSEONALITIES 2018 —childsaving.org
Oct. 18 (6 p.m.)
2018 ANNUAL GO WILD FOR CONSERVATION BEER TASTING & AUCTION
PACKER SPORTS GREATS BANQUET —omahasouthalumni.com
Oct. 24 (6 p.m.)
LOYOLA DINNER OF HONOR AND DISTINCTION
Benefiting: Creighton Prep School Location: Henry J. Sullivan, S.J., Campus Center
Benefiting: Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation Location: Mid-America Center, Council Bluffs
—creightonprep.creighton.edu
Oct. 19 (5-10 p.m.)
—omahawomensfund.org
—pottawattamieconservationfoundation.com
Oct. 25 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.)
2018 ANNUAL LEAD THE CHANGE CELEBRATION Benefiting: Women’s Fund of Omaha Location: CHI Health Center Omaha
2018 BETHLEHEM HOUSE FALL FUNDRAISER
Oct. 25 (6 p.m.)
—bethlehemhouseomaha.org
—omahalibraryfoundation.org
Benefiting: Bethlehem House Location: Marriott Courtyard
1877 SOCIETY HOSTS ANIMUS: FILM VS. BOOK Benefiting: Omaha Public Library Foundation Location: Aksarben Cinema
Oct. 19 (6-10 p.m.)
Oct. 26 (5:30-9:30 p.m.)
Benefiting: Women on a Mission for Change Location: DC Centre
Benefiting: Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts Location: Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts
LEGACY GALA 2018
—womenonamissionomaha.org
Oct. 19 (6-9:30 p.m.)
NINTH ANNUAL TGIF!
Benefiting: Women’s Center for Advancement Location: View on State —wcaomaha.org
Oct. 23 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.)
CHANGEMAKERS 2018
Benefiting: Nebraska Children and Families Foundation Location: Embassy Suites-La Vista Conference Center —nebraskachildren.org
BENEFIT ART AUCTION —bemiscenter.org
Oct. 26 (7-10 p.m.)
HOPS & GRAPES FALL FESTIVAL Benefiting: Partnership 4 Kids Location: Hilton Downtown —p4k.org
Oct. 26-28 (8 a.m.-3 p.m.)
KIDS & CLAYS SPORTING CLAYS TOURNAMENT
Benefiting: Ronald McDonald House Charities Omaha Location: Oak Creek Sporting Club —rmhcomaha.org
Oct. 27 (7-11 p.m.)
MASQUERADE AT THE CASTLE Benefiting: Joslyn Castle Trust Location: Joslyn Castle —joslyncastle.com
Oct. 27 (5:30-11 p.m.)
2018 ANGEL FLIGHT: MASQUERADE GALA Benefiting: Skutt Catholic High School Location: Skutt Catholic High School —skuttcatholic.com
Oct. 27 (5-9 p.m.)
OUR LADY OF LOURDES
CHURCH 2100 South 32 nd Ave. Omaha, NE 68105
PLV SCHOOLS FOUNDATION GALA 2018
Benefiting: Papillion-La Vista Schools Location: Embassy Suites-La Vista Conference Center —plvschoolsfoundation.org
Oct. 27 (5:30-10 p.m.)
BPS FOUNDATION PURPLE APPLE GALA
Benefiting: Bellevue Public Schools Foundation Location: Beardmore Events Center —bellevuepublicschoolsfoundation.org
Oct. 27 (5:30 p.m.-midnight)
OUR LADY OF LOURDES ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL
Sunday, September 24th from 12:00 – 9:00 p.m.
SCARE AWAY CANCER
Benefiting: Scare Away Cancer Location: Anthony’s Steakhouse —scareawaycancer.org
Silent auction, raffle, live music all day including Polka Joy and The George Heaston Experience, beer gardens, Stoysich sausages, tacquitos & enchiladas, games, rides, and much more.
DON’T MISS THIS TRADITIONAL OMAHA FESTIVAL – IT’S FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.
Oct. 28 (5-8 p.m.)
2018 TEAMMATES TAILGATE GALA
Benefiting: TeamMates Mentoring Program Location: Embassy Suites-La Vista Conference Center —teammates.org
Event times and details may change. Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.
// 128 //
JULY/AUGUST 2018
60PLUS // OPENER
F
ALL IS MY favorite time of the year. Temperatures
are comfortable, and everything looks dazzling with the brilliant foliage of jewel-like green, yellow, orange, red, amber, and gold. It’s a great time for guests to visit Nebraska. This fall is also special for the Lemke family. My oldest grandson, William Lemke, and his fiancée, Susannah Kosty, are getting married. The wedding will be at the beautiful St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church in downtown Omaha (with a reception at The Durham Museum) on Sept. 29. I’m looking forward to the event, celebrating with family and friends, and welcoming Susannah into our family. From the Omaha Magazine family to yours, we hope you enjoy the season.
Contributing Editor
Marc Delman
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 • 60PLUS
// 129 //
ACTIVE LIVING // STORY BY DAVID WILLIAMS // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY DEREK JOY
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 • 60PLUS
// 131 //
// ACTIVE LIVING //
Golfer Don Byers is one of the oldest athletes in college sports history.
D
on the Bellevue University golf team saw the notion of shooting your age—one of the rarest feats in the sport—as a canard of the wildest conceit. ON BYERS’ TEAMMATES
But the athlete who played for one semester with the Bruins came within a mere stroke of doing just that last year during a golf vacation in Arizona. That’s because Byers, who is 61 (and shot a 62 on a Par 62 course that day in the desert), had a four-decade advantage over most of his collegiate competitors. This most unlikely of feel-good sports stories began with a chance meeting on the first tee of his home course, Champions Run, when he was introduced to Rob Brown, the school’s head golf coach and a friend of one of Byers’ golfing buddies. There was nothing senescent about Byers’ swing that day. He was crushing it—with drives of nearly 300 yards and playing well under par. Brown came to learn that Byers was a former pitcher who had blown out his arm before ever taking the mound for the University of Nebraska-Omaha baseball team back when Gerald R. Ford was in the White House. The coach playfully inquired as to whether Byers had any remaining college athletics eligibility. But Brown, it turned out, wasn’t joking, and he discovered that Byers could play for Bellevue University because the Bruins play in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. While the NCAA restricts student-athletes to playing within five years of graduating from high school, there is no such limit in the NAIA. So the longtime insurance agent, who lives in Elkhorn with his wife, Debra, enrolled at the university with an undeclared major and green goals. Byers encountered several challenges in joining a team of students who could be his grandkids, the first being that he was no longer the lean, lanky, 6-foot-4-inch fire-baller of his youth. When uniforms were issued, the father of three and grandfather of four explained, “Coach handed me a pair of 38-inch-waist pants, the largest size they come, and I just kind of stared at them. I hadn’t worn a 38 in, well, quite a while.”
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60PLUS • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
The team’s winter training regimen incorporates CrossFit, and Byers’ return to college athletics led to him shedding 50 pounds the hard way. “The whole floor around me was soaked at the end of our first workout,” he says, “but the other guys hadn’t even begun to break a sweat.” And it wasn’t the end of the workout, one of his teammates explained. “That was just the warm-up!” Byers recalls, “I could barely walk the next day.” As he came back into fighting weight—and shape— he looked forward to contributing on the course. He played in three rounds in the spring 2018 semester: shooting 21 strokes over par in two rounds at the March 30-31 TPC Deere Run Invitational in Silvis, Illinois, then finishing seven strokes over par at the April 17 Midland University Spring Invitational. Records on the subject are sketchy, but Byers is among the oldest players in any sport in the history of college athletics, and his back-to-school story was featured in Sports Illustrated, the Golf Channel, Golf Digest, ESPN’s website, and USA Today. Although he only pursued collegiate golf for five months, Byers insists his quest was anything but quixotic. “I’ve always been competitive,” Byers says, “and this [was] no lark. My goal was to make the team and then make the starting five” on the squad of seven golfers. “I was treated like everyone else. I earned my place.” Visit bubruins.com for more information.
“I’ve always been competitive,” Byers says, “and this [was] no lark. My goal was to make the team and then make the starting five” on the squad of seven golfers. “I was treated like everyone else. I earned my place.”
CURIOSITY // STORY BY GREG JERRETT // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY DEREK JOY
Marc Del man ' s Macabre Memorabilia
O
NE DAY WITH attorney Marc Delman would barely scratch the surface of his mammoth collection of cultural artifacts. Objects from whimsical pop culture to evidence of man’s inhumanity are stashed in storage and displays at his home.
Autographs from all the Beatles (including John Lennon) and the Marx Brothers (including Zeppo) reside near a clown painting by rapist and serial killer John Wayne Gacy, an autographed poem by cult leader and mass murderer Charles Manson, and a box full of World Trade Center slag.
“I began to collect every dinosaur item I could find,” Delman says, adding that this fateful vacation jump-started his interest in the macabre. “A trip to the sideshow at Coney Island brought me to the world of freaks—the tattooed woman, the pinhead, the fat woman, the little person, the beating heart, the pickled baby in a jar.” Some of Delman’s evidentiary collection of racial intolerance includes a 100-year-old Ku Klux Klan hood, slave shackles, antisemitic literature from the Third Reich, and racist American pulp magazines. Among the most chilling of these items is a set of eyeglasses from the Warsaw Ghetto, taken from a man en route to a concentration camp.
"I've gone out of my
way to collect these
Delman’s home, office, and storage space contain more than $250,000 worth of rock ’n’ roll/film memorabilia, medical oddities, “freak show” photos, coffins, funeral photos, medical equipment, and bones (dinosaur, mammoth, and human), along with artifacts from the Civil War, evidence from the Holocaust, American racial intolerance, and other crimes against humanity.
things. The reason I
save them is because
“I’ve gone out of my way to collect these things,” he says. “The reason I save them is because they are history. If I didn’t save them, they could be lost forever. These things won’t be sold. They are all going to museums.”
they are history."
Delman’s fascination with the gory, ghastly, and gruesome started when he was only a kindergartner. “My interest started at 5 when my parents took me to see The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad. The movie exposed me to the world of dragons, cyclops, magicians, and a sword-wielding human skeleton,” Delman says. “From that point on, my whole world expanded. I dragged my parents to every museum, exhibition, and horror movie I could find.” Although overwhelming now, the collection began humbly when, at just 6 years old, the future Omaha curator of curios spent two days marveling at dinosaur exhibits in New York City.
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60PLUS • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
The collection is priceless to Delman, who says his family thinks it might be time to unload some things, but he admits that his search continues. He is still looking for two items: lost “Spider Pit” footage from 1933’s King Kong and a genuine “pickled punk,” a deformed fetus in a jar of formaldehyde used in old carnival sideshows. “For me, the search is the best part of collecting,” Delman says. “My interests lie in the realm of wonderment and a quest for knowledge. I like to collect the macabre because of its oddness, the deformities, the textures of different items. What most people fear I find interesting and want to examine why.”
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 • 60PLUS
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FEATURE // STORY BY LEO ADAM BIGA & DOUG MEIGS // PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARISSA JOBMAN // ILLUSTRATION & DESIGN BY DEREK JOY
Kira Gale’s Historical Passion and Her Nontraditional Life
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 • 60PLUS
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K
// FEATURE //
IRA GALE UPSET the historical
establishment when she argued that the death of Meriwether Lewis was the result of assassination, not suicide. Research into the explorers Lewis and (William) Clark consumed her life, up until the very end. She died in Omaha on May 13 at age 76. On her deathbed, she finished the final page of her last book. Gale, 76, had written and self-published four books related to the early American explorers on her River Junction Press. She advocated an assassination theory in Meriwether Lewis: A Historic Crime Scene Investigation (coauthored with James E. Starrs), published in 2009 and reissued in 2012 with new evidence.
Two gunshot wounds took Meriwether Lewis’ life. Was it a botched robbery and murder? Did he pull the trigger himself? Or was there a darker plot?
Her faith in the conspiracy was rooted in research. Gale studied coroner reports, exhumation findings, and private letters. She was drawn to the story of Lewis—and his suspicious death—and she devoted years to pursuing the elusive truth. The Conspiracy Theory
Lewis was a dashing Virginian who displayed gifts as an outdoorsman, naturalist, and leader. He served with the Virginia Militia, then joined the U.S. Army, where he rose to the rank of captain in 1800. During his military service, he met Clark—one of his commanding officers. The ambitious Lewis was eventually appointed as an aide by then-President Thomas Jefferson. As the United States nearly doubled its territory with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, Jefferson commissioned an expedition to the nation’s new holdings and western reaches. He turned to Lewis to lead the 1804-1806 trek. Lewis then named Clark his second in command. Lewis was 29 years old when he took command of this epic journey, and he would be dead less than three years after its completion. The circumstances of his death were still in dispute more than 200 years later when Gale—a selftaught historian who never finished college (she was one year shy of an English degree)—threw herself in the middle of the debate. // 138 //
The basic facts of this still-unsolved mystery are that he died of two gunshot wounds on Oct. 11, 1809, in the Grinder’s Stand tavern on the Natchez Trace (a historic trail) near Hohenwald, Tennessee. The area was known to be a hazardous way-stop where robbers preyed on unsuspecting travelers. Conversely, there were reports that Lewis was under great strain and in serious debt.
60PLUS • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
The mainstream consensus among historians is that he attempted to take his own life en route to his final destination. Or was it a botched robbery and murder? Or maybe there was a darker plot?
Lewis was buried on the property of the tavern, and his death was never investigated by law enforcement authorities. Roughly 40 years after the explorer’s death, the Tennessee State Commission authorized a gravesite monument in Lewis’ honor and exhumed his remains. The long-delayed medical examination was the only one that his corpse received. The commission’s final report concluded, “It seems to be more probable that he died at the hands of an assassin.” In the 1990s, descendants of the explorer petitioned the government to exhume his body again from the national monument site now covering the property of Grinder’s Stand. The Department of Interior granted approval for opening his grave in 2008. But after an administrative change, the federal government reversed course and ruled against any future disruption of Lewis’ remains. Wading into Controversy After examining the available records, Gale eventually rejected robbery/murder or suicide as possible causes of death. Although Lewis had a history of previous suicide attempts, was prone to depression, and—before embarking on his final trip through Tennessee—granted friends permission to distribute his property in the event of his death, Gale argued that Lewis was killed on the orders of General James Wilkinson. The motive? Greed.
She wrote: “I propose the motive for Lewis’ assassination was to prevent him from bringing information to Washington regarding crooked land deals involving Wilkinson and John Smith T, a mine operator in the lead mine district south of St. Louis. Wilkinson had been the first governor of Upper Louisiana in 1805-06. Lewis was bringing lead mine records to Washington. After his death, his papers were inventoried and bundled and entrusted to the care of Thomas Freeman, a Wilkinson associate. They arrived in Washington in total disorder.” Gale assembled historical accounts and contemporary expert opinions that called into question the character of Wilkinson and Smith. The documents, she believed, pointed to foul play, forgery, and conspiracy. “Wilkinson had a history of assassinating, or attempting to assassinate, people who were his rivals and possessed incriminating information that could jeopardize his career,” Gale wrote. “[Lewis] deserves to be remembered
“[Meriwether Lewis] was truly a man of ‘courage undaunted,’ as Thomas Jefferson described him. I admire him very much, and consider my time well spent in researching and writing about his life and death.” —Kira Gale
for his many accomplishments and for his true character. He was truly a man of ‘courage undaunted,’ as Thomas Jefferson described him. I admire him very much, and consider my time well spent in researching and writing about his life and death. He is one of the great American heroes.” She went on C-SPAN and the History Channel asserting what to some was heresy. Nevertheless, she stuck to her guns in the face of skeptics, insisting that she had exposed Wilkinson—the man with the means and the motive to eliminate Lewis. “She was pooh-poohed a lot in the Lewis and Clark world because of her, at the time, radical approach to Lewis’ death,” says friend and fellow Lewis and Clark “nerd” Shirley Enos. Enos admired her tenaciousness: “She just never quit. She said, ‘To my dying day I will not believe this man committed suicide.’ She never gave up on it.”
“That was part of her basic character—very much so,” says Henry Gale, her husband of 58 years. “When she grabbed onto something, she didn’t let go. That applied to everything.” Together, they twice made cross-country drives in their Saturn sedan to trace Lewis and Clark’s expedition via highways. The result was Lewis and Clark Road Trips: Exploring the Trail Across America (published in 2006), featuring hundreds of handmade maps and tidbits about travel destinations. Granddaughter Christy Jobman recalls the book as an effort involving the whole family: “My grandmother [Gale] employed my mom [Beth Jobman] to help her with the maps. She’d bring my preschool-aged sister and me over as they grappled with Adobe Illustrator. The knowledge of these two explorers is basically embedded into my DNA.”
An Unconventional Life Henry and Kira Gale met as students at the University of Illinois at Navy Pier in Chicago. He was from the western suburbs; she was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Chicago’s Hyde Park. She was an informal student of liberal arts. He was fresh from the U.S. Army. She had graduated high school early, the only child of a social worker mother and union executive father (who was also the town historian of Rochester, New York). The couple married in 1960 and soon moved from Chicago to Omaha, where Henry taught physiology at Creighton University School of Medicine.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 • 60PLUS
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SECTION // NAMES
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12739 Q Street • 402.408.1990 www.KohllsModSquad.com
// FEATURE //
They relocated with daughter, Beth, and son, Bill, in tow. In middle school, Beth acquired her mother’s old bicycle (which Gale had lugged across Chicago, balancing two babies plus groceries on trips to and from the store). Growing up, Bill remembers their Omaha home featured “a pinball machine in the dining room, sculptures, film gear, and people over all the time discussing avant-garde, leading-edge stuff.” She essentially turned the family living room into a production studio and theater. In the 1960s and ’70s, Kira and Henry Gale were Vietnam War draft counselors for conscientious objectors. She became an experimental filmmaker and produced farout light and film shows for rock bands. She organized film series. She taught filmmaking in Omaha Public Schools as a Nebraska Arts Council visiting artist. She studied under noted sculptor Lee Lubbers and was a board member of his international SCOLA satellite education network. She became an Old Market counter-culture fixture. All the while, she kept an abundant garden and prepared amazing home-cooked meals for the family. In the ’80s, she photographed Mari Sandoz’s Sandhills homestead, and the images toured the state as a Nebraska Humanities exhibition. Enamored with iconic Nebraska authors, Gale also organized the first Nebraska Book Festival in 1991 (now in its 25th year after missing a few years over the decades). Gale’s daughter, Beth, says her mother always had a new project in the works. “She was a museum-quality painter, and she was developing apps to go with books before I’d ever heard of an application for a smartphone,” Beth says, adding that her own six children benefited from their grandmother’s eclecticism. “For years she took them on outings every Saturday,” Beth says. “They would go to powwows, museums, libraries, bookstores, parks. She loved cooking for them at her house.” On top of her dedication to family and personal writing projects, Gale was an entrepreneur and cheerleader for fellow creatives. She published several other local writers, including The Erotica Book Club for Nice Ladies (fiction by Connie Spittler), Kids Around the Globe (a children’s series by Mary Duda), as well as the updated edition of Alexander Payne: His Journey in Film (by Leo Adam Biga, reissued in 2013). But the Lewis assassination theory—and the documents supporting it—is what most drove her.
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Undaunted Courage “She’d get so excited about some new twist she discovered in her proof,” Enos recalls. “She would call me about it, and I would question what she was saying. It helped her clear her thinking.” Enos was happy to help. “She always had something you could do,” she says. “That got to be a joke among our mutual friends. But it was such an affectionate thing. That was just Kira.” Gale could be blunt when speaking her mind. She could monopolize a conversation when sharing her enthusiasms. But she could also be sweet, generous, and encouraging. “She was never a person who sat still. She was always finding something new,” her husband, Henry, says. “Even when she got interested in history and looked backward in time, she found new things in old things.” Cancer came as a surprise to the whole family. Her daughter was visiting from Texas in March, and she saw her mother busy as ever. Then, over the phone, Gale said she wasn’t feeling well—something about her liver. Beth came back to Omaha again in April when her mother was going to the hospital. She went in and checked herself out after a day, but was readmitted the following day. Then the doctors ran tests. The diagnosis: terminal colon cancer. It had spread to her liver, too. “My mother was extremely optimistic in her outlook in life, even when undergoing tests at Methodist Hospital,” Bill says. “There was a day in the hospital when a look crossed her face—a realization that she wasn’t going to beat this. It took about 30 seconds for her to process this, and then she started with, ‘OK, I’ve got this, this, and this I need to accomplish.’ She didn’t wallow in any pity for herself. She didn’t bemoan her situation.” The doctors gave her two weeks. “The doctor said it was past the point of treatment,” Beth recalls. Over the phone, she broke the news of her illness to friends and associates while still at Methodist Hospital. Her calls went something like: “I’m dying…I’m in the hospital…many things to do… important business to take care of.”
“At hospice, every day she was losing a little bit more of herself,” Bill Gale says of his mother, Kira. “She requested, ‘Set me in the chair and give me my computer’ to write the final portion of her book. She had very little strength left. It was sheer will. She typed every period, she crossed every ‘t,’ she dotted every ‘i.’”
very little strength left. It was sheer will. She typed every period, she crossed every ‘t,’ she dotted every ‘i.’ I had never seen anything like that in my life. When she got done with it, she said, ‘Do not change a word of this, do not change the margins, this is the way it goes out.’ She basically gave it everything she had. It was absolutely incredible the concentration she put together to achieve it.” In hospice, visitors were limited not for medical reasons, but because her workdays were limited. And she had a book to finish. Although diminished by the late stages of cancer, Henry saw his wife’s determination in classic form: “She had a goal in mind—she wanted to finish the book and she did, which was just like her.” After a week in hospice, she closed her eyes for the last time. One Last Book Before dying, Gale requested her friend Paul Ehrenberger—who she had mentored over five decades as he experimented with rock music and filmmaking before finding his calling as a social justice minister—to organize and preside over a June 10 memorial service at River’s Edge Park in Council Bluffs. Along the Missouri River was a fitting location for the celebration of her life. After all, it was the route for Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery Expedition, and the explorers had met with local tribes in the bluffs nearby. She specified two songs be played at the service: the gospel hymn “It’s a Highway to Heaven” and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s version of “Will The Circle Be Unbroken.’” At the service, the music played; family and friends shared their fond memories. Beth says the family hopes to publish Gale’s final book (completed in hospice), Fifty Documents Related to the Assassination of Meriwether Lewis. “I think she’s up in heaven wanting the truth to be known about Lewis’ assassination, and she would like some closure on that,” Beth says. “Her mission was bigger than her book and herself. It’s not just about her. Whoever brings the truth to light, she would be happy that it is known.” Visit lewisassassination.com for more information.
She went into hospice after about four weeks. “At hospice, every day she was losing a little bit more of herself,” Bill says. “She requested, ‘Set me in the chair and give me my computer’ to write the final portion of her book. She had SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 • 60PLUS
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NOSTALGIA // STORY BY SANDRA MARTIN // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN SECTION // DESIGN // NAMES BY DEREK JOY
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of Nebraska Medical Center expands in midtown Omaha, it digs up memories for residents who have seen the city change from a big small town to a metropolitan area. Such was the case when UNMC announced in October 2016 that it had bought a lot on 42nd and Leavenworth streets on which stands an Omaha icon. To many, that building is “Charlie Graham Auto Body,” but to others, the building is synonymous with Hinky Dinky grocery stores. S THE UNIVERSITY
The name Hinky Dinky brings a smile of recognition to many longtime Omahans. Although it sounds like part of a nursery rhyme, the name came from the World War I soldier’s song “Mademoiselle from Armentières,” which contained the chorus “hinky dinky parlez-vous.” The stores were Omaha landmarks, beginning with the first one, which opened in 1925 at 24th and Vinton streets. They were eventually sprinkled throughout the city. The company was founded by the Newman family, longtime owners of grocery stores, starting in the 19th century with Baruch “Bernard” Neumann, who ran a general store in his small Hungarian village. His daughter, Fanny Neumann, came to the U.S. in the 1880s, where she met and married Moritz Newman. The couple ran M. Newman grocery store in Sioux City. Fanny and Moritz had four children: Jules, Henry, Albert, and Sally. After World War I, Jules opened a grocery store with a partner named Wohlner, eventually buying him out. Jules, along with his brothers and cousin Ben Silver, then started the HinkyDinky chain. That first store on Vinton Street was soon followed by others. As the company expanded during the mid-1920s, the owners rented their first warehouse at Ninth and Dodge streets. When they outgrew that warehouse, they bought a larger one at 11th and Jones streets. This one bordered Union Pacific railroad on one side, allowing them easy access to shippedin supplies. In the 1930s, the chain faced several challenges. Soon after the 1929 stock market crash, Piggly Wiggly, a national chain with over 2,500 stores at that time, sued Hinky Dinky, claiming the name was too similar. The courts ruled this to be a weak argument and Hinky Dinky’s name remained. Hinky Dinky was also caught in an Omaha price war battle,
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in which Safeway began drastically slashing prices to drive other stores out of business. Yet another challenge was the house labels of the emerging supermarkets. These labels could far undersell the nationally advertised brands. In retaliation, Hinky Dinky, along with several other regional chains, developed their own private label called Topco. As the country was working its way out of the Depression, Hinky Dinky’s profits were increasing. The stores were able to offer nearly all their items in both private-label and advertised brands. And they operated the type of cash-and-carry grocery store people know today, as opposed to credit-and-delivery stores common at that time. At credit and delivery stores, clerks would take phone orders or lists, complete the order, and send the groceries out with employees to be delivered to customers at home. The stores were pioneers in their markets. They were the first to offer customers wheeled shopping carts, wider aisles, and automated checkout counters. They also introduced frozen foods in open “coffin-style” sales cases, self-service meats from refrigerated cases, and automatic entrance doors. As early as the mid-1930s, Hinky Dinky’s share of the Omaha retail grocery market was at least 30 percent. The family-run grocery store continued to expand as Jules’ children reached adulthood. Jules’ second son, E.R. “Bob” Newman, began working for Hinky Dinky when he was 14 and rode the streetcar to the warehouse to sort ration stamps. It was the beginning of a career for him, as he joined the business full-time after serving in the Korean War. “It was wonderful working with my dad and brothers; we all shared the responsibilities,” Bob says. In 1956, Jules realized that it was time for the next generation to take over. Oldest son C.M. “Nick” Newman became president, Bob became executive vice president, and youngest son Murray Newman began learning the buying end of the business. This dominance in the Omaha grocery market continued until the mid-1960s. At its peak, Hinky Dinky had 18 stores in Omaha, three in Lincoln, four in Des Moines, and about 15 in smaller towns.
The name still makes many smile and also stirs fond memories. In fact, the Facebook page Forgotten Omaha has many loyal Hinky Dinky fans who swap stories, post photos, and compare sightings of former store buildings with a passionate, almost cult-like obsession.
In 1972, Hinky Dinky was sold to the Cullum Company of Dallas, Texas. “It was sad, especially for my dad, but it was time,” Bob says. After the change in ownership, the stores began losing money. Many were small and outdated, and funds that were promised to improve them never materialized. It also became increasingly difficult to compete against nonunion competition. New stores were opening throughout Omaha, and Baker’s gradually became the dominant chain in town. Cullum closed the chain’s last remaining 25 stores in 1985, just before Hinky Dinky’s 60th anniversary.
Bruce McCorkindale, whose family shopped at the store on 84th Street and West Center Road, was 11 years old in 1971 when his mother won a Winnebago in a Hinky Dinky contest. And Amy Bielewicz, who started working at the 72nd and Dodge streets store in 1976, formed a friendship with Tom, a co-worker. Romance blossomed in the produce aisle and the couple have now been married over 20 years. The continued sentiments about the stores make Bob happy. “I’m a little surprised, but pleased,” he says. “I guess it means we must have done some things right.” Although that former Hinky Dinky store on 42nd and Leavenworth streets best known for its glazed tiled front will not be around forever, previous Charlie Graham Auto Body owner Jim Champion says the neighborhood surrounding the area is part of what kept him in that old building.
“The area has always been very diverse,” Champion says, “which is one of the main reasons I liked having my business there. People from all walks of life were our customers.” Charlie Graham Auto Body, which is now Great Plains Auto Body, is moving to the southeast corner of 42nd and Leavenworth streets, taking with it the iconic neon sign that Charlie Graham had installed on the art-deco building after he bought it in the late 1960s. Local devotees, including Champion, are excited that the much-loved Charlie Graham sign will be moved to the new building. “As for the future, seeing the building go away will be sad,” Champion says, “but it has served the area well since 1942. It housed Charlie Graham Body and Service longer than it did Hinky Dinky, but it will always be known as ‘The old Hinky Dinky store.’ And rightfully so.”
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 • 60PLUS
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14325 Eagle Run Drive / Omaha, NE 68164 Inquiries: 402.249.6050 / Main: 402.498.9554 www.parsonshouseoneaglerun.com
OBVIOUSLY OMAHA // STORY BY KAMRIN BAKER // DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION BY MATT WIECZOREK
A Smartypants’ Guide to Omaha Pub Quizzes WHETHER IT’S THE Game Show Network, Trivial Pursuit, or a simple spat among friends trying to decide who won the House Cup in Harry Potter, know-it-alls pervade our popular culture—and local bars know how to capitalize on them.
Pub quizzes have become a beloved form of social drinking as patrons snag friends with similar interests to join a team (and hopefully win a few prizes). Some quizzes are represented by America’s Pub Quiz—a nationwide entertainment company dedicated to scheduling such events—while others allow patrons to delight in the local touches of Omaha-owned businesses running the show. Prepare your buzzers, order a pitcher, and get your game face on at the following establishments.
01. LIQUID SUNSHINE
12750 Westport Parkway, La Vista 402-905-2050 liquidsunshinetaproom.com Enjoy a trivia showdown before or after a movie (at the attached Alamo Drafthouse). For every general trivia night, Liquid Sunshine hosts many more that are dedicated to fan favorites like Game of Thrones, Parks and Recreation, The Office, or Star Wars. The pub quiz schedule varies—usually Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays once a month at 8 p.m. Find updated quiz times on Liquid Sunshine's Facebook page.
02. SPIELBOUND
3229 Harney St. 402-763-444 spielbound.com Every night is Trivia Mafia if you grab Trivial Pursuit off the shelf at Spielbound, but the real deal is hosted each Wednesday at 8 p.m. The rules are easy: teams of one to six, entry is the cost of a day pass (or free for members), and the taps are flowing. While Spielbound has a stock of esteemed beers, non-alcoholic drinks are also available for the younger crowd. Prizes such as free day passes, gift cards, free drinks, and the honor of choosing the playlist for the next week’s event are awarded to the top two teams.
03. 5168 TAPROOM
05. PAGETURNERS LOUNGE
3201 Farnam St. 402-934-5168 5168brewing.com
5004 Dodge St. 402-933-3973 Facebook: @pageturnerslounge
New to the Midtown Crossing scene, 5168 is a hop, skip, and a drink away from Spielbound. Trivia is on the calendar for 6 p.m. every Sunday, with general and random questions. Prizes are given to the top three winning teams: first place gets a $20 gift card, second place gets a $10 gift card, and third place gets a free growler of beer to take home. 04. TWO FINE IRISHMEN
06. THE DOWN UNDER LOUNGE
18101 R Plaza 402-933-3990 twofineirishmenomaha.com
3530 Leavenworth St. 402-933-3927 thedownunderlounge.com
Two Fine Irishmen might just be Omaha’s pub quiz four-leaf clover, with two trivia nights every week. Wednesday games start at 7:30 p.m. with $1 tacos, as well as discounted beers and shots all night, while Sunday games begin at 7 p.m. with nacho and drink specials. First place takes home a $40 gift card, second place snags a $20 gift card, and third place gets a $10 gift card. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
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In honor of the former bookstore’s namesake, pub quizzes at Pageturners Lounge focus on literary topics. Whether you’ve read all the classics, want to test your reading comprehension, or think you can nail down the Dewey Decimal System, this one is for you. Attend on the first Wednesday of every month at 8 p.m. Winners receive gift cards from various local businesses around Omaha.
2018
Complete with homemade tacos and queso dip, the Down Under Lounge holds a homegrown trivia night every Tuesday at 8 p.m., hosted by the oneand-only “Captain o’ Fun,” Spencer Barak. The kicker? The last trivia night of each month is specially themed, and every Tuesday evening leads directly to group karaoke in the lounge. Teams: six members max. First place prize: a $50 bar tab. Competition: friendly.
DINING REVIEW // STORY BY NIZ PROSKOCIL // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
Midwest Northwest meets
Twisted Cork Bistro captures the spirit of seasonal Midwestern ingredients and the bounty of the Pacific Northwest.
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Darrell and Laura Auld opened Twisted Cork Bistro in 2008, the cozy restaurant near 107th and Pacific streets accommodated just a couple of dozen guests and was open only at lunch. The owners have since added dinner service and Sunday brunch, made changes to the kitchen staff, and expanded the space. What hasn’t changed, however, is Twisted Cork’s commitment to showcasing the bounty of what the Midwest and Pacific Northwest have to offer. The motto on its website states, “Always natural, always wild,” and that’s still a big part of the bistro’s appeal a decade later. Open daily, the restaurant focuses on natural, locally sourced food. The menu emphasizes fresh produce from area growers, handmade cheeses, and locally raised meat from Nebraska and Iowa farmers and ranchers. The eatery also embraces ingredients from the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, including fresh seafood and a lengthy list of wines exclusively from Washington and Oregon.
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The paper menu, which folds like a map, boasts several salads, soups, sandwiches, small plates, and larger entrees. Burger fans may want to try Twisted Cork’s beef-and-pork-based burger, which Food Network Magazine listed in its “50 States 50 Burgers” in 2009. For our weekend dinner visit, my dining partner and I took our taste buds on a culinary trip that started in Nebraska with a selection of locally produced cheeses and ended in British Columbia with a chocolatey dessert based on a classic Canadian treat. Perfect for sharing, the bistro’s cheese board features a trio of artisanal cheeses from Branched Oak Farm in Raymond, Nebraska, along with sliced baguette, sesame crackers, and a variety of accompaniments. Visually appealing and full of textural variety, the cheese plate is arranged with thinly sliced pears, honey, fig spread, mixed nuts, and a cluster of grapes.
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[we] took our taste buds on a culinary trip that started in nebraska with a selection of locally produced cheeses and ended in british columbia with a chocolatey dessert based on a classic canadian treat..
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wild alaskan sockeye salmon
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Other scrumptious bites can be found among the small plates, like the Whidbey Island Shrimp—four perfectly cooked jumbo shrimp served with sliced avocado, grapefruit segments, and a drizzle of sauce similar to Thousand Island dressing. Falling into the would-order-again category, a scallop entree featured three plump sea scallops that arrived beautifully seared, tender, and moist. Accompanied by lemon beurre blanc and sriracha, the sweet, buttery scallops were topped with a zesty gremolata—a condiment made with fresh herbs, citrus, and nuts—that cut through the richness of the seafood. A side of charred Brussels sprouts and a scoop of jasmine rice, both excellent, accompanied the scallops. Cooked in vegetable stock, the rice was so good I could have eaten a bowl of it. Don’t let it go untouched. We also sampled a Piedmontese rib-eye from Lincoln. The grass-fed, pasture-raised beef is leaner than its grain-fed counterpart due to
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less marbling, but it’s still flavorful. Perfectly cooked to the specified medium rare, the hand-cut, 14-ounce steak is seasoned with a house rub and served with roasted potatoes and asparagus. Diners who save room for dessert can choose from several decadent sweets, all made inhouse. With its smooth, luscious filling, a slice of caramel pistachio cheesecake was rich but not heavy. Chocolate lovers will want to try a Nanaimo bar, a quintessential Canadian treat named after the city of Nanaimo, British Columbia, just north of Washington. The bistro’s version of the three-layered bar features a nut and wafer base, a middle layer of creamy custard, plus chocolate ganache on top. It’s super-rich, fudgy, and gluten-free.
TWISTED CORK BISTRO 10730 PACIFIC ST. | 402-932-1300 FOOD SERVICE AMBIANCE PRICE OVERALL
$$ 5 STARS POSSIBLE
Twisted Cork’s combination of talented chefs, eclectic fare, and warm, welcoming service make for an inviting dining experience that highlights the best of land and sea. Visit twistedcorkbistro.com for more information. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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The Last
BREAKFAST
(and Resurrection) of Downtown’s Iconic Diner
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DINING FEATURE // STORY BY SEAN MCCARTHY // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
IT'S THE WEEKEND BEFORE THE FOURTH OF JULY, and The Diner is doing its final breakfast service at the corner of 12th and Harney streets. Business is brisk, but not frenzied. There’s still a seat or two at the bar, but if you want a booth, there’s no line. Contrast that to the week before, when the College World Series was happening: the line was out the door, and patrons hoping to get a final taste of The Diner’s ’ 50s-style ambiance were told to expect an hour wait. One reason for The Diner’s relatively unassuming final weekend was because it was only closed for about three days (the typical duration for your standard resurrection). You see, The Diner is already up and running in its new location at Billy Frogg’s. Owners Ken Schroeder and Rick Daly planned to serve breakfast there on July 4. “Oddly enough, the Fourth of July is a huge breakfast day,” Schroeder says. Even though The Diner lives on, Schroeder, Daly, and its patrons lamented on the loss of the institution that has been around since 1983. A few diners on its last weekend didn’t even know The Diner was going away. Other longtime regulars followed Daly and Schroeder’s saga closely. Connie MacNabb brought her grandchildren for one final breakfast. As her grandkids teased one another and bounced on the booth, MacNabb looked over the menu. Connie and her late husband, James, began going to The Diner in 1980s. The place reminded her of Lake Okoboji. “It’s terrible we always get rid of all of our landmarks,” MacNabb says. Roy House has been a daily Diner eater for years. His go-to is the No. 4: two eggs, hash browns, toast, and a choice of meat (his being the oven-cooked bacon). For House, it’s the best bacon he’s ever tasted. And while he’s happy to see The Diner live on, he’d rather have it at the (now) old location.
“I think it sucks. This is really the only oldstyle diner we have around here,” House says.
Finally, John Feddin, owner of Billy Frogg’s, reached out to Schroeder and Daly.
There are still traditional diners around Omaha, among them Lisa’s Radial Cafe, Harold’s Koffee House, and Leo’s Diner. But the loss of The Diner was especially bitter to some because of how its closing played out.
“I heard they were leaving, and I felt so bad,” Feddin says.
Schroeder and Daly were shocked when they first heard they were going to lose their restaurant this past February. Daly received a text from a KETV reporter, asking about The Diner’s fate. Daly says he didn’t know what the reporter was talking about. He then learned about how Michael Henery, who owned the plot of land where The Diner sat, sold it for $1.5 million (he bought it in 2006 for $650,000). Daly was then told of a planning meeting about a Marriott that was going to be constructed. Daly’s first thoughts were panic-inducing. “We’re going to be jobless and homeless,” Daly says, recalling his initial fears. Schroeder says he harbors no bitterness toward Henery. Though their business relationship was sometimes contentious, Schroeder says they eventually became friends. “[Henery] got a reputation of being crusty and harsh, and he lived up to that,” Schroeder says. “You can be mad at him for a lot of reasons, but you can't be mad at him for selling the diner. He's in his 80s. He wants to liquidate his assets.” For the first few weeks after hearing the news, Schroeder says The Diner’s fate changed almost daily. At first, he was told they had to be out by April 15. Then, July 1. Eventually, they were allowed to stay through the College World Series. Throughout the spring, Schroeder and Daly weighed their options. Physically moving the building to a new location wasn’t an option. Nor was setting up The Diner inside the new Marriott (Schroeder says the company wanted their own eating establishment). They considered moving The Diner into the old Dixie Quicks location in Council Bluffs, but the building’s owners were looking for a “white tablecloth-style restaurant,” Schroeder says.
Feddin proposed that Daly and Schroeder could expand Billy Frogg’s menu. In addition, they could also take over the old Tea Smith location (which is next to Billy Frogg’s). Daly purchased an espresso machine, and christened the new coffee shop “The Diner Guy’s…Java Daddies.” Schroeder says one reason they chose to continue at Billy Frogg’s was to keep The Diner family intact. He didn’t want any employment gap for their existing employees. For Schroeder, The Diner is literally a family affair. It’s where he proposed to Daly. In August 2016, Schroeder closed The Diner early, and set Daly off to run some errands. While Daly was gone, Schroeder turned The Diner into what looked like the set of ABC’s The Bachelor—complete with candles and roses. Daly says about 250 people came to their wedding; half were regulars of the Diner. On its last weekend, even the radio seemed to be playing on people’s emotions. Dave Mason’s “We Just Disagree” played over the PA, summing up the feeling of resignation for many: “There ain’t no good guy, there ain’t no bad guy. There’s only you and me, and we just disagree.” In the kitchen, Florencio Salgado was finishing an omelet and tending to another batch of hash browns. Salgado has worked at The Diner for almost 30 years. Salgado says he spends more time at The Diner than he does at home. He says the new digs are going to be a tighter fit than his old workstation. Still, he says he is looking forward to The Diner’s next chapter. “What we have is really beautiful,” Salgado says. Visit @omahacoffeetruck on Facebook for the latest manifestation of The Diner, aka “The Diner Guy’s…Java Daddies.”
There are still traditional diners around Omaha, among them Lisa’s Radial Cafe, Harold’s Koffee House, and Leo’s Diner. But the loss of The Diner was especially bitter to some because of how its closing played out.
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2018
DINING PROFILE // STORY BY J.D. AVANT // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
PATRICIA BARRON’S DAUGHTER STEERS FAMILY RESTAURANT ON COURSE
I
T TAKES A FAMILY to fill Big
Mama's shoes.Daughter No. 4, Gladys Harrison (general manager of Big Mama’s Kitchen and Catering), knows this all too well. She even keeps a pair of her mother’s footwear close to remind her. “I had planned to take a pair of my mother’s size 12 shoes to her funeral,” Harrison says. “I wanted to give a big speech about how big her shoes were figuratively, literally, and that it would be impossible for one person to fill them. Unfortunately, none of that happened.” That opportunity may have passed, but Harrison continues to live by the sentiment. Providing delicious, quality soul-food to hungry customers had always been her mother’s dream, and Harrison has been involved since the beginning. “As children, my sisters and I helped my mother sell dinners out of the family home on weekends, until my father told us to get that mess out of his house,” Harrison recalls. After opening in 2007, Big Mama’s Kitchen received a huge boost when they were featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives less than a year later. While Harrison’s initial duties included creating fliers, setting up the website, and snagging their unique phone number (402-455-MAMA), her responsibilities grew at a fast pace until she found herself at a crossroads. “For two years I worked 24/7, heading directly to the restaurant in the morning after working night shifts at Qwest Communications,” Harrison says. “My children were growing up without me, and I could feel the restaurant moving toward that next level. I wanted to be there 100 percent, so I said a prayer and asked God to give me a sign so I could quit my job and give my full time to Big Mama.” She would eventually get that sign and leave Qwest Communications after a voluntary separation. Assuming the role of general manager gave Harrison a chance to showcase her abilities and spend lots of time with her mother. Their fun relationship was captured on a television pilot they shot for the Food Network back in 2013.
“They liked us because my mother and I were always arguing,” Harrison says with a smile. “She would say that I became general manager because I can’t cook, but don’t believe everything she says. I have always dreamed of being in charge! I was even elected as the state president of the Future Business Leaders of America at Marian High School.” Harrison credits her giving nature, strong customer service background, and duties as an instructor and facilitator for quality improvement at Qwest Communications for her success.
“WE’LL BE OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK, AND OUR OVEN-FRIEDCHICKEN WILL STILL TASTE THE SAME. I WANTED MORE DISHES FOR OUR MORE SELECTIVE EATERS, AND MY MOTTO IS ANYTHING WITH SOUL HAS TO HAVE COLLARD-GREENS INVOLVED.” “I can’t tell this story without shouting out Tim Clark and Marilyn Simms,” Harrison adds. “They gave me an opportunity years ago to manage the volunteer committee for their annual jazz and blues concert at The Durham Museum. Doing that for three to four years gave me the experience I needed to manage.” Anticipation was palpable in the air at Big Mama’s over the summer, with the team ready to move into their new location in the Accelerator Building at 30th and Parker streets. While the neighborhood may change, the inner-working of Big Mama’s Kitchen will remain a family affair, with Harrison delegating duties amongst her relatives.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
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Sister No. 3, Delena, makes the jams and jellies that are sold at the restaurant and local farmers markets, while sister No. 1, Donna, comes in on the weekends to talk to customers like their mother used to. Debbie is daughter No. 2 and their silent cheerleader, but Harrison’s most important asset is her oldest niece and Big Mama’s understudy, Diondria. “Diondria is the new ‘queen of the kitchen,’” Harrison says with a devilish grin. “We call her D…well, her nickname is really something else, but don’t print that! I just love seeing her grow, and now she walks around looking and sounding just like her grandmother in that kitchen.” While traditional favorites will remain on the menu, Harrison is excited to try out new ideas. “We’ll be open seven days a week, and our oven-fried-chicken will still taste the same,” she says. “I wanted more dishes for our more selective eaters, and my motto is anything with soul has to have collard-greens involved. Our new Soul-Food Fried Rice was a hit at this year’s Taste of Omaha, and our Lazy May’s Vegan French Fries are new additions to the menu. I also think our classic cranberryiced tea would be good with a shot of vodka.” Some things, like Big Mama’s gluten/ sugar-free sweet potato pies required some innovation. Unable to recreate the original recipe to their liking, Harrison and her niece made a special gluten/sugar-free pineapple upside-down cake for a diabetic customer. The impressed patron called later to thank Harrison’s niece, telling her that Big Mama must have come down from heaven and cooked it for her. “We really try our best to make sure everyone’s experience here is a good one,” Harrison says. “My goal is to franchise her name, because almost everything I am is because of my mother. Can’t you see Big Mama’s Kitchens in stadiums and international airports?” Visit bigmamaskitchen.com for more information.
GLADYS HARRISON: CAPTAIN OF
i tchen Big Mama' s K
- Sponsored Content DINING GUIDE LEGEND
$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+
Get aGet Little a Little Saucy. Saucy.
AMERICAN CHARLESTON’S - $$$
140th and Dodge streets (402-431-0023) 76th and Dodge streets (402-991-0055)
Charleston’s is a casual, upbeat restaurant with a menu filled with dishes prepared from scratch daily. We focus on providing our guests with excellent prices and selecting the highest quality ingredients. Whether you are new to Charleston’s or a long-standing guest, we look forward to seeing you soon! —charlestons.com/locations
DJ’S DUGOUT - $
SPEZIA SPECIALS SPEZIA SPECIALTIES
636 N. 114th St. (402-498-8855) 1003 Capitol Ave. (402-763-9974) 10308 S. 23rd St. (402-292-9096) 2102 S. 67th St. (402-933-3533) 180th and Q streets (402-292-9096) Highway 75 and Oak Hill Road (402-298-4166)
FRESH SEAFOOD . ANGUS . FRESH SEAFOOD • ANGUS BEEF INNOVATIVE PASTA . RISOTTO INNOVATIVE PASTA • RISOTTO . FRESH GNOCCHI SALMON DAILY GNOCCHI • FRESH SALMON DAILY
SATURDAYLUNCH LUNCH [11am-4pm] SATURDAY [11am–4 pm]
1/2 Price Cocktails pm
$10
COCKTAIL HOUR Daily 4-6
OFF ANY TICKET OVER $25 NO EXPIRES 12/31/2011 10/31/18 NO CASH CASH VALUE. VALUE. EXPIRES
.
MONDAY – SATURDAY Sunday Brunch 11-2 4 – 6 PM Bottomless Mimosas and ALL COCK TAILS, GL ASS WINE AND BEERSBloody ARE HALF Marys PRICE
.
Catering CALL Private Party Rooms Walk-Ins Welcome FOR RESERVATIONS • 402-391-2950
3125 South 72
Street
ndOFF I-80 • 72ND STREET EXIT CENTRAL LOCATION • 3125 SOUTH 72ND STREET • EASY ACCESS
(Easy access off I-80, take 72nd Street Exit)
402.391.2950 . Call today to make your reservation Omaha’s Only
Authentic German Restaurant
Homemade bakery items include strudel, donuts & cakes 10 mins from Downtown Omaha 5180 Leavenworth 402.553.6774
gerdasgermanrestaurant.com
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JAMS- $$
7814 Dodge St. (402-399-8300) 1101 Harney St. in the Old Market (402-614-9333)
Jams is an Omaha restaurant legacy, an "American Grill" that offers a melting pot of different styles and varieties. The dishes are made with high-quality ingredients that pair well with award-winning wines or creative cocktails. —jamseats.com
KITH & KIN - $$
402-991-1552 5018 Underwood Ave.
Kith & Kin comes from a southern term that means "Friends & Family." Our goal was to create a family-friendly restaurant in a beautiful space with scratch-made food at a reasonable price. Southern hospitality is our main objective. Located in the heart of Dundee. Welcome to the family. —kith-kin.us
LE PEEP - $
Locally Owned Since 1976
Homemade German Goulash with Spaetzle
Catch all of the action at six Omaha-area locations. Featuring burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, appetizers, and an impressive drink menu along with HD TVs and projectors. Home to Blazin’ Pianos, Omaha’s only dueling piano concept. —djsdugout.com
177th and Center streets (402-934-9914) 156th Street and W. Dodge Road (402-408-1728) 120th and Blondo streets (402-991-8222)
An Omaha Tradition since 1981
O M A H A’S B E S T P U B G RUB Burgers, Rubens & Hand Cut Fries NOW OPE N FOR LU NCH E V E R Y D A Y A T 11 A M
See you at the Nail! 402.933.9753 / 14210 Pierce Plaza
Le Peep puts a wholesome perspective on your favorite neighborhood breakfast and lunch spot. Fresh. Simple. Elegant. Inviting. We put the emphasis on people, both patrons and staff. We focus on providing each of our guests the fresh food and friendly service that they have come to expect. Open daily 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m. —lepeepomaha.com
FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1921
The Art OF BAKING Since 1921
A Legacy That Lives On
Pictured is Louis Rotella Sr., Louis took great pride in providing customers with excellent quality and service at a fair price. To this day, his legacy lives on. Nearly 100 years in the bakery business, Rotella’s is now recognized as one of the premier bakery’s in the industry.
Thank You Omaha! RotellasBakery.com
Also, the filet is amazing!!
(and don’t forget the cannolis!!!!)
LISA'S RADIAL CAFE - $ 402-551-2176 817 N. 40th St.
American. Cafe. Diner. Vegetarian-friendly. Gluten-free options. This old-school diner serves hearty portions of American comfort classics for breakfast and lunch. Family owned and operated. This business is a must if you’re in the area. People talk about best chicken-fried steak, stuffed French toast, great coffee, and very friendly staff. MondayFriday 6 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
LUNCH Tues-Fri: 11AM-2PM DINNER Tues-Sat: 4:30PM-Close
Rockbrook Village (108th & Center) 402.391.2585 www.pastaamore.com
PATIO IS OPEN! Meals to order prepared by Chef And owner Lillo Fascianella from Sicily. Specializing in seafood and pasta dishes.
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OLD MATTRESS FACTORY - $ 402-346-9116 501 N. 13th St.
Keepin' it real in a renovated mattress factory built in 1883, remodeled in 2007 within walking distance to Omaha's major entertainment venues. Three private dining rooms for your own events, or stop in before or after any downtown Omaha event. Open daily from 11 a.m.-1 a.m. —themattomaha.com
RUSTY NAIL PUB - $
402-933-9753 144th and Pacific streets
The Rusty Nail Pub has been a local West Omaha favorite since 1981. Serving up cold drinks and hot food daily. Our specialties include juicy burgers, hand-cut fries, smoked-in-house pulled pork, and traditional Mexican dishes. Daily food and drink specials.
STELLA’S - $
WALKING DISTANCE
TO CENTURYLINK CENTER & TD AMERITRADE PARK Please be aware of the clear bag policy at TD Ameritrade Park and CenturyLink Center
YOUR PRE-GAME HE AD QUARTE RS FOR LUNCH, DINNE R OR YOUR NE XT EVE NT!
402-291-6088 106 S. Galvin Road, Bellevue
Since 1936, we’ve been making our world-famous Stella’s hamburgers the same way. The family secrets have been handed down to each owner, ensuring that your burger is the same as the one you fell in love with the first time you tried Stella’s. And if it’s your first time, we know you’ll be back! Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., closed Sunday. —stellasbarandgrill.com
STIRNELLA - $$$ 402-932-0444 3814 Farnam St.
Stirnella is a refined gastro-pub in the historic Blackstone District, located on 38th and Farnam streets. Featuring local produce, proteins, beer, and spirits. The menu is influenced by local ingredients with dishes from all over the world. The bar program features bottled/canned beer, local beers on tap, craft cocktails, and wine. —stirnella.com
UPSTREAM BREWING COMPANY - $$ 402-344-0200 514 S. 11th St.
501 N. 13 TH ST • 402.346.9116 • THEMATTOMAHA.COM / theoldmattresfactoryomaha
@Matt_factory
Omaha’s most unique
Upstream features an extensive menu of new American pub fare including appetizers, thin-crust pizzas, superb steaks featuring Omaha Steaks, fresh fish, pasta, salads, sandwiches, and a great children’s menu. Fresh, handcrafted beer and root beer on tap. Extensive wine list. Call ahead for group reservations or to be placed on our waiting list. Visit our classic, upscale poolroom located on the second level. —upstreambrewing.com
BARBEQUE
I TA L I A N D I N I N G E X P E R I E N C E
FAMOUS DAVE'S - $ 402-779-8600 13315 Birch Dr.
Our Famous Dave's restaurant serves award-winning barbecue ribs, hickory-smoked meats, and mouth-watering sides in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. For the “best barbecue” in the Midwest, dine in, take out, or have us cater your next event! We'll help make your next catered event in the Omaha area "Famous!" —famousdaves.com/eagle-run 654 N. 114TH ST. OMAHA, NE 68154 402.933.1445 / 402.238.4317 TAJOFOMAHA.COM
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402.884.9800
13110 BIRCH DR, OMAHA, NE | LOMBARDOSOMAHA.COM
TIRED TEXAN BBQ - $$ 402-991-9994 4702 S. 108th St.
Barbecue. Desserts. Traditional American. Family-owned and operated in Omaha. You'll be able to taste the freshness of barbecue straight from the smoker, sliced or pulled to order. We strive to offer the finest ingredients, with the utmost freshness, in a comfortable environment. You’re family around here, and if something’s not right, be sure to let us know. Since all of our smoked products come right off the smoker, we may even sell out! Don’t worry, we won’t let you leave hungry. Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., or until we're sold out of meat. —tiredtexanbbq.com
ICE CREAM ECREAMERY - $
402-934-3888 5001 Underwood Ave.
eCreamery has been serving delicious ice cream, gelato, and sorbet since 2007 at our parlor, located at 50th Street and Underwood Option A Avenue in historic Dundee. You can choose from 16 best-selling flavors that rotate daily. Each flavor is hand-churned fresh with the finest ingredients by our ice cream artists. We also ship gifts nationwide. —ecreamery.com
Left Chest 100% Options 7-31-13
7984-2017 UpstreamAd-OmahaMagHH-2.375x2.37
TED AND WALLY’S - $ 402-341-5827 1120 Jackson St.
Come experience the true taste of homemade ice cream in the Old Market. Since 1986, we’ve created gourmet ice cream flavors in small batches using rock salt and ice. We offer your favorites, plus unique flavors like margarita, green tea, Guinness, and French toast. Special orders available. —tedandwallys.com
ITALIAN LA CASA PIZZARIA - $$
402-556-6464 45th and Leavenworth streets
La Casa Pizzaria has been serving Omaha its legendary Neapolitan-style pizza and pasta for 60 years. We Option B offer dine-in, carry-out, party facilities, catering, and now pizza shipments to the 48 contiguous states. Open Tuesday-Saturday at 11 a.m. and Sunday at 4:30 p.m. —lacasapizzaria.net
Walking Distance to CenturyLink Center & TD Ameritrade Park, CLEAR BAG POLICY IS IN EFFECT.
402.346.9116 | 501 N. 13th Street | theMattOmaha.com
Option C
/the old mattress factory omaha
@Matt_factory
LOMBARDOS BISTRO & BAR - $$ 402-884-9800 13110 Birch Drive
We are a locally owned and operated neighborhood eatery with an Italian flare. We offer a full, made-from-scratch menu along with extensive wine, craft cocktail, and craft beer lists. Casual is the best way to describe the warm and friendly service you will come to enjoy when choosing us. We offer dine-in, carry-out, catering, a daily happy hour 3-6:30 p.m. and all day Sundays, live music Tuesdays and Sundays, and half-price bottles of wine on Wine Down Wednesdays. —lombardosomaha.com
LO SOLE MIO RISTORANTE ITALIANO - $$ 402-345-5656 3001 S. 32nd Ave.
Located in the middle of a neighborhood, surrounded by charming homes. Everyone is greeted with homemade bread, a bowl of fresh tomatoes and basil, a bowl of oven-roasted garlic cloves, specially seasoned olive oil, and at night, a jug of Chianti! The menu includes a large variety of pasta, chicken, veal, seafood, and even a delicious New York steak. Traditional dishes such as lasagna, tortellini, and eggplant parmigiana are also available. Lunch offerings include panini, salads, and one of the best pizzas in town. Patio seating, full bar, and a great wine list complete the atmosphere. No reservations, except for private rooms. —losolemio.com
An Omaha Tradition since 1981
H A PP Y HOU R E V E RY DAY • Food & Drink Specials Daily • 38 Big Screen TV’s • Great Food & Customer Service 18 0
& Pacific / 202 & Maple Thegoodlifeomaha.com
th
nd
$1.00 OFF ALL DRINKS
HAPPY HOUR FOOD SPECIALS
See you at the Nail! 402.933.9753 / 14210 Pierce Plaza
DINING GUIDE LEGEND
$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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PASTA AMORE - $$
402-391-2585 11027 Prairie Brook Road
Pastas are made fresh daily, including tortellini, fettuccine, and capellini. Daily specials and menu items include a variety of fresh seafood and regional Italian dishes, such as linguini amore and calamari steak, penne Florentine, gnocchi, spaghetti puttanesca, and ossobuco. Filet mignon is also offered for those who appreciate nationally renowned Nebraska beef. To complement your dining experience, the restaurant offers a full bar and extensive wine list. Be sure to leave room for homemade desserts, like the tiramisu and cannoli. Lunch is 11 a.m.-2 p.m., dinner starts at 4:30 p.m. Reservations recommended. —pastaamore.com
Thank You, Thank You,
Thank You
For Continually Voting For Us!
th
9201 N 30 (next to the Mormon Bridge) Omaha, NE
Serving Lunch & Dinner Mon-Sat 3001 S. 32nd Ave / Omaha, NE 402.345.5656
402.451.3266 / 11-2 reopen 4-9 Tues-Fri Winter hours: 11-2 lunch / Tues-Sat 4-8 / CLOSED Sun & Mon
EST. 1986
Now Serving Farm to Table Street Food at our Benson Location
PITCH - $$
402-590-2625 5021 Underwood Ave.
An OpenTable's Diners' Choice for 2014 HotSpot Restaurant in America. Keeping up with the traditional way the first pizzas in Italy were made, our pizzas are cooked in a coal-fired oven. The menu also features seafood, hand-cut steak, housemade pastas, and a burger full of flavor. Our goal is to provide you with local, housemade, and imported ingredients. We offer a happy hour menu through the week. Our bar provides an array of in-house concoctions as well as your traditional libations. Our wine selection is well-thought-out and most impressive. You will enjoy Pitch. Monday 3 p.m.-10 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 3-10 p.m. —pitchpizzeria.com
SPEZIA - $$$
402-391-2950 3125 S. 72nd St.
Old Market: 1120 Jackson Street • (402) 341-5827 Benson: 6023 Maple Street
tedandwallys.com 11 Years In A Row
Choose Spezia for lunch or dinner, where you'll find a casual elegance that's perfect for business guests, get-togethers, or any special occasion. Exceptional food, wine, and service, with a delectable menu: fresh seafood, certified Angus steaks, innovative pasta, risotto, gnocchi, cioppino, lamb, entrée salads, Mediterranean chicken, flatbreads, and fresh salmon daily. Enjoy a full bar, Italian and California wines, Anniversary/Lovers' Booth (call to reserve), private dining rooms, and wood-fired grill. Open Monday-Sunday. Cocktail hour 4-6 p.m., when all cocktails, glasses of wine, and beers are half price. Evening reservations recommended. —speziarestaurant.com
MEXICAN FERNANDO’S - $
Where Every Night is Date Night. Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM Dinner: Mon-Sat 5:00pm - Close 402.964.2212 2317 Maple St. Omaha, NE 68164 D O LC E O M A H A .CO M
7555 Pacific St. (402-339-8006) 380 N. 114th St. (402-330-5707)
Featuring Sonoran-style cooking made fresh daily. Catering and party rooms also available. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 4-9 p.m. —fernandosomaha.com
JULIO’S - $
402-330-2110 2820 S. 123rd Court
Locally owned since 1977, Julio’s prides themselves on serving the finest Tex-Mex cuisine and offering top-notch customer service. Our loyal customers are the reason we have been around for nearly 40 years. We have an extensive menu that has both classic and innovative dishes—giving everyone the opportunity to find something they love. Salivating for Southwestern fare? We have tacos, tostadas, a dozen different enchiladas, and classic fajitas. And, of course, nachos!
—julios.com
DINING GUIDE LEGEND
$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+
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Thanks for Voting Us
#1 BREAKFAST 10 YEARS in a Row!
177th & Center • 934-9914 156th & Dodge • 408-1728 120th & Blondo • 991-8222 Drive-Thru Open (Center St. Only) Open Daily 6:30am-2:00pm Serving Breakfast & Lunch All Day!
The Original Whiskey Steak
Voted Best of Omaha 6 years in a row
2121 S. 73rd St.
DroverRestaurant.com
402.391.7440 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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LA MESA - $$
158th Street and W. Maple Road 156th and Q streets (402-763-2555) 110th St. and W. Maple Road (402-496-1101) Fort Crook Road and Highway 370, Bellevue (402-7338754) 84th Street and Tara Plaza, Papillion (402-593-0983) Lake Manawa Exit, Council Bluffs (712-256-2762)
Enjoy awesome enchiladas, fabulous fajitas, seafood specialties, mouth-watering margaritas, and more at La Mesa. Come see why La Mesa has been voted Omaha’s No. 1 Mexican restaurant 13 years in a row. Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. —lamesaomaha.com
OJ'S CAFE - $$
402-451-3266 9201 N. 30th St. Next to the Mormon Bridge
Family-owned for 41 years. All homemade food, including our signature enchilada dish, homemade salsa, and some of Omaha's best margaritas! Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m.-9 p.m., Closed Sunday and Monday. —ojscafe.com
MARGARITA'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT - $ 402-393-7515 4915 S. 72nd St.
Margarita's is a business with more than seven years in the food world. We offer authentic Mexican food where you can enjoy a nice moment with your family. —margaritasmenu.com
ROMEO'S MEXICAN FOOD AND PIZZA - $
90th and Blondo streets (402-391-8870) 146th Street and W. Center Road (402-330-4160) 96th and L streets (402-331-5656) Galvin and Avery roads, Bellevue (402-292-2028) 29th and Farnam streets (402-346-1110)
Romeo's is your friendly, family Mexican food and pizza restaurant. We take real pride in serving our guests generous portions of the freshest, most flavorful dishes made with the finest ingredients available. Zesty seasonings and the freshest ingredients combine to ensure the ultimate in flavor. Our savory taco meat is prepared every morning at each location. Make sure to try our chimichangas, they're the best in town. —romeosomaha.com
Try Omaha’s Favorite Reuben! Omaha’s largest selection of craft beers.
3578 Farnam St • 402-345-1708 www.beercornerusa.com
SPECIAL DINING CRESCENT MOON ALE HOUSE - $ 402-345-1708 3578 Farnam St.
Founded in 1996, we’ve grown into Beer Corner USA with the additions of The Huber Haus German Beer Hall, Max and Joe’s Belgian Beer Tavern, and Beertopia—Omaha’s Ultimate Beer Store. With more than 60 beers on tap and Omaha’s best Reuben sandwich, we are a midtown beer lover’s destination. Hours: MondaySaturday 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Kitchen hours: Monday-Wednesday 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m.-midnight. Closed Sunday. —beercornerusa.com
FIRST WATCH - $
1222 S. 71st St. (402-932-5691) 2855 S. 168th St. (402-330-3444) 3605 N. 147th St. (402-965-3444) 304 Olson Drive., Papillion (402-965-3444) 2015 Pratt Ave., Bellevue (402-991-3448)
We begin each morning at the crack of dawn, slicing fresh fruits and vegetables, baking muffins, and whipping up our French toast batter from scratch. Everything is made to-order here at First Watch. We use only the finest ingredients possible for the freshest taste around. —firstwatch.com
www.romeosOMAHA.com
DINING GUIDE LEGEND
$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
// SPONSORED //
FLEMING'S
PRIME STEAKHOUSE Locally Inspired Dishes & WINE BAR by Chef Doug Case WHETHER A PERSON is entertaining cli-
ents or having a special gathering for friends and family, Fleming’s Private Dining provides a unique and memorable venue for entertaining six-to-200 guests. Experience a multi-course tasting prepared by Fleming’s renowned chef, Doug Case, paired with exceptionalJOIN wines and USserved ONby a team of professional wait staff. Fleming’s private FOR can dining MONDAY’S director, Mara Taylor-Mejstrik, also create a customized menu for any group $50 FILET & LOBSTER and any budget.
DOWNTOWN 10th & Capitol
MIRACLE HILLS 114th & Dodge
MILLARD 180th & Q
AKSARBEN VILLAGE 67th & Center
BELLEVUE
23rd & Cornhusker
Private dining space available PRIVATE DINING OPTIONS INCLUDE for parties up to 200 guests for • All-day meeting, breakfast, lunch, or breakfast, lunch and dinner. dinner experiences
PLATTSMOUTH Hwy 75 & Oak Hill
6 OMAHA AREA LOCATIONS
• An intimate reception hour with hors d’euvres, champagne, wines, or any cocktail from our full bar
DJSDUGOUT.COM | 11839_DJ'sOmahaMag_Aug2018HalfV6.indd 1
JOSH ORSINI
7/19/18 3:27 PM
Best Greek fernandosomaha.com
Partner • A custom,Operating special, five-to-seven course menu, with wine pairings carefully selected 402.393.0811 by our sommelier 140 REGENCY PKWY / OMAHA, NE 68114
Contact Mara directly at 402-405-5839 FLEMINGSSTEAKHOUSE.COM or pdomaha@flemingssteakhouse.com
Your table is waiting,
380 N 114th St 402.330.5707 7555 Pacific St 402.339.8006
Family Owned Since 1983 Family Owned Since 1983 Catering ~ Party Room Available CATERING / PARTY ROOM AVAILABLE Homemade, Fresh Food ~ Always HOMEMADE, FRESH FOOD, ALWAYS.
Josh Orsini–Operating Partner 402-393-0811 140 Regency Parkway Omaha, NE 68114 flemingssteakhouse.com
3821 Center St. 402/346-1528
3821 Center St / 402.346.1528
GreekIslandsOmaha.com GreekIslandsOmaha.com
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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GERDA’S GERMAN RESTAURANT & BAKERY - $ 402-553-6774 5180 Leavenworth St.
Omaha’s only authentic German restaurant, a little piece of Germany in the metro. Gerda herself makes homemade spaetzle, schnitzels, and rouladen. Fresh-made soups, red cabbage, sauerkraut, and dumplings are a few other treats. Stay for a dessert of Black Forest cake or grab a fresh bakery item for breakfast on your way out. Check hours online. —gerdasgermanrestaurant.com
GREEK ISLANDS - $ 402-346-1528 3821 Center St.
Greek cuisine with specials every day at reasonable prices. We are well-known for our gyro sandwiches and salads. We cater and can accommodate a party for 65 guests. Carryout and delivery available. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. —greekislandsomaha.com
J.COCO - $$$
402-884-2626 5203 Leavenworth St.
The building that once housed a beloved neighborhood grocery has a new future. Built as a grocery back in 1925, it is now home to J. Coco. Our seasonal menus, rooted in tradition, showcase our natural ingredients. Local, organic, and sustainable when available. We feature craft bartending, housemade desserts, and pastas. We celebrate the traditional with a modern twist. Lunch, Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner, Monday-Saturday 5 p.m.-close. —jcocoomaha.com
KOREA GARDEN AUTHENTIC ASIAN CUISINE AND SUSHI - $$ 402-505-4089 5352 S. 72nd St.
&
Lunch specials served Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., featuring signature Korean dishes like bulgogi, doenjang jjigae, and grilled mackerel. Menu includes appetizers, traditional specialties, rice, noodles, soup, and beverages. —koreangardenomaha.com
O’CONNOR’S IRISH PUB - $ 402-934-9790 1217 Howard St.
TWO WORLDS... GR E AT H A P PY H O U R SP E C I A L S!
Comfortable, relaxing atmosphere. Great before and after games. We offer pub-style food—burgers, Reubens, daily specials, and homemade soups—as well as all the traditional, favorite Irish libations: Guinness, Harp, and Irish whiskey. Grill hours: MondayThursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. —oconnorsomaha.com
PARADISE BAKERY - $
17305 Davenport St. (402-934-5757) 120 Regency Parkway (402-991-3000)
Paradise Bakery offers freshly prepared baked goods made from scratch every morning with the finest ingredients available. Offering a variety of meals including soups, salads, and sandwiches. Our associates are extremely proud of the reputation Paradise has earned for providing exceptional service and producing the finest-quality products. —paradisebakery.com
TAJ KABOB AND CURRY - $ 402-933-1445/402-238-4317 654 N. 114th St.
One Amazing Experience 12221 MARY PLAZA • 402-541-7963 RGCATERINGEVENTS.COM/RYANS-FOOD-SPIRITS // 164 //
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
Taj of Omaha shares its love of traditional Indian cuisine with friends and family in the Omaha area. The owners invite you to come enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and new menu. Taj offers both lunch and dinner specials, delivery and catering services, and a free party room. —tajofomaha.com
DINING GUIDE LEGEND
$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+
Thanks to our customers for voting us the “Best Burger in Omaha” Stella’s Bar and Grill
“Serving World Famous Hamburgers since 1936” 106 Galvin Rd • Bellevue, NE • 402-291-6088 • Open Monday-Saturday, 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
O’Connor’s Irish Pub 1217 Howard St. • Omaha, NE 68102 402-934-9790 • oconnorsomaha.com
Lunch Specials
With Free Glass of House Wine HAPPY HOUR M-F / SAT & SUN BRUNCH
LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED
11th & Harney
16920 Wright Plz, #118 / Omaha, NE 68130 On the corner of 168th & West Center St.
78th & Dodge
402.884.8966
OMAHA’S ORIGINAL STEAKHOUSE
• Proudly serving visitor & locals for 90 years. • Featured on CNN.com Best Meat Cities in America • Serving hand cut steaks, aged on premise and slow roasted prime rib with pride. 402.731.4774 www.johnnyscafe.com 27th & ‘L’ St., Kennedy Frwy, ‘L’ St. Exit 8 Minutes from Downtown Omaha.
Best Of Omaha 12 Years Running
WHERE GOOD FOOD AND GOOD SERVICE NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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STEAKHOUSES CASCIO'S - $$ 402-345-8313 1620 S. 10th St.
STEAKS • CHOPS • SEAFOOD ITALIAN SPECIALTIES
Cascio's is Omaha's No. 1 steakhouse. We have been serving Omaha for 69 years. We feature steaks, chops, seafood, and Italian specialties. We have seven private party rooms, seating for up to 400 people, and plenty of parking. —casciossteakhouse.com
7 private party rooms Seating up to 400 Lots of parking
THE DROVER RESTAURANT & LOUNGE - $$$ 402-391-7440 2121 S. 73rd St. 1620 S. 10th Street
402-345-8313
www.casciossteakhouse.com
Famous for the original Whiskey Steak. Truly a one-ofa-kind Midwestern experience. Excellent food, wine, service, and value. Rare...and very well done. Lunch Monday - Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., cocktail hour 3-6 p.m., dinner nightly 5 p.m. Reservations accepted. —droverrestaurant.com
FLEMING'S PRIME STEAKHOUSE - $$$$ 402-393-0811 140 Regency Parkway
At Fleming’s, a steak is never just a steak. It’s the culmination of a meticulous process of selection, preparation, and service that ensures it reaches your table at its very best. We obsess over every detail so that you’ll savor every bite. This is why we offer the finest USDA Prime beef, available both wet- and dry-aged and broiled at 1,600 degrees or iron-crusted. You can elevate your selection even more with our indulgent steak companions, including truffle-poached lobster, diablo shrimp, and lump crabmeat. Each dish is crafted from scratch by our culinary team and served by our skillful staff. Reservations recommended. —flemingssteakhouse.com
JOHNNY'S CAFÉ - $$$ 402-731-4774 4702 S. 27th St.
Years of quality dining and hospitality make Johnny's Café a restaurant to remember. We serve only the finest beef the Midwest has to offer. Aged steaks and prime rib are the specialties, with homemade bread and pies to complete a meal. An excellent wine list adds to the enjoyment at one of Omaha's original restaurants. Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m. —johnnyscafe.com
STEAK & GRAPES - $
402-884-8966 16920 Wright Plaza, Suite No. 118
We are obsessed with really, really good grapes; creative, gourmet comfort food; and a funky, fun atmosphere in which to share them. We search all over the world to find you great wines. Many wines come from our relationships with smaller, undiscovered vineyards, which offer a great value to our guests. Wine is supposed to be fun. We pour heavy and will open any bottle for our guests to try by the glass. When you taste a new varietal at Steak & Grapes, let us know how it changed your concept of what wine is supposed to be. Our gourmet comfort food is made fresh, using eco-friendly and local ingredients. As for the fun, we instigate it, but count on you to see it to fruition (literally through the fruit). Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.11 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (Join us for Saturday and Sunday brunch.) —steakandgrapesomaha.com
DINING GUIDE LEGEND
$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
Sept. 13 Sept. 13 Sept. 15
Oct. 6 Oct. 19
FALL EXECUTIVE BREAKFAST PRESENTED BY CREIGHTON BUSINESS ETHICS ALLIANCE Holland Performing Arts Center 7:30 a.m.
FALL ETHICS LUNCHEON PRESENTED BY CREIGHTON BUSINESS ETHICS ALLIANCE Scott Conference Center at UNO 11:30 a.m.
BELLEVUE BONFIRE PRESENTED BY MIDWEST PARANORMAL AND HISTORY TOURS/HAUNTICON Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Ranch 6 p.m.
A VAMPIRE MASQUERADE PRESENTS BY THE OMAHA WITCHES BALL The Pella at Blackstone 7 p.m.
THE FRIENDS OF THE SCOTTISH RITE DINNER AND AUCTION PRESENTED BY THE SCOTTISH RITE FOUNDATION OF NEBRASKA The Scottish Rite Masonic Center 5:30 p.m.
sept. & Oct.
MIDWEST PARANORMAL HISTORY TOURS
sept. & Oct.
BELLEVUE BERRY AND PUMPKIN RANCH
Times, dates, and starting locations vary • Cemetery Ghost Tours • Haunted Hummel • Fort Omaha Haunted Tour
Tickets available from Sept. 21 to Oct. 31 • Campfire rentals • Advance tickets for the Haunted Hayride • Advance tickets for the Ranch of Terror • Advance tickets discounted combo tickets for the Haunted Hayride and the Ranch of Terror
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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// EXPLORE CALNENDAR //
STAY & PLAY IN SARPY COUNTY! Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, 2 Donut & Cider Slushy
Sarpy County awaits with a wonderful mix of fun things to see and do. Check out Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, Bellevue Berry Farm, Scary Acres or Haunted Hollow for some great fall fun. Spend the evening at one of our many local breweries, distilleries and winery. And with over 2,300 affordable rooms, free parking and no minimum night requirements, Sarpy County is the perfect place to stay during football season. Kick off your adventure today at
GoSarpy.com!
BELLEVUE • GRETNA • LA VISTA • PAPILLION • SPRINGFIELD • OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE • OMAHA METRO
Lucky Bucket Brewing Co. Soaring Wings Vineyard & Brewing
Shadowlake Towne Center
// EXPLORE CALENDAR //
NEBRASKA THE MUSEUM BUILDERS: A STORY OF FOSSILS AND FRIENDSHIP Through summer 2019 at the University of Nebraska State Museum in Morrill Hall, 645 N. 14th St. Visitors can learn about the history of paleontology and the origins of the State Museum and Morrill Hall. The exhibit also previews new exhibits that are under construction, linking the past to the future. 402-472-2642. —museum.unl.edu
METALLICA Sept. 6 at Pinnacle Bank Arena, 400 Pinnacle Arena Dr. This heavy-metal band is known for their hits “Until It Sleeps” and “Enter Sandman.” The event includes a pre-show party with a DJ, comedy show, fan interaction, and giveaways. 402-904-4444. —pinnaclebankarena.com
APPLEJACK FESTIVAL Sept. 21-23, various locations,
Nebraska City. Annually drawing in 60,000-80,000 people, this festival prides itself on being a USA Today Top 10 Fall Harvest Festival by celebrating apple harvest season with everything apple: apple pie, apple cider, candy apples, caramel apples, and apple fritters. 402-873-8757. —gonebraskacity.comfestival
NORFOLK OKTOBERFEST FAMILY FESTIVAL
Sept. 21-22 in downtown Norfolk. In its seventh year, this year’s festival will include two days of live music, German food, inflatables, a Husker tailgate, bucket pong tournament, stein holding competition, and a beer garden. Included is free transportation from all hotels and free cab rides home at the end of the night. 402-371-4862. —norfolkareachamber.com
PLATTSMOUTH HARVEST FESTIVAL
Sept. 6-9, various locations, Plattsmouth. Once heralded as a corn festival in the 1930s, this four-day festival has evolved over time into a multi-faceted extravaganza that includes carnival rides, parades, a talent show, tractor pull, and firework show. 402-516-4914. —plattsmouthharvestfestival.com
LINCOLN CALLING
Sept. 17-22, various locations. This emerging and affordable music festival put on by Hear Nebraska demonstrates an array of rising artists across multiple venues in downtown Lincoln. This year’s talent includes Parquet Courts, Waxahatchee, and Lion Babe. 402-429-2642. —lincolncalling.com
KEVIN FARLEY WITH SPECIAL GUEST RICHARD REESE Sept. 20-22 at The Comedy Loft, 701
P St., No. 205. This alumnus of Second City in Chicago, and brother of the late Chris Farley, has appeared in films such as The Waterboy and TV shows such as Drunk History. 402-438-5638. —comedyloft.club
ANNUAL OGALLALA INDIAN SUMMER RENDEZVOUS
Sept. 20-22 at Rendezvous Square, Ogallala. For over 30 years, the Ogallala community has united in its tradition of celebrating their colorful past with live music featuring an Eagles’ cover band, a chili cook-off, a car and bike show, and much more fun. 308-284-4066. —ogallalaindiansummerrendezvous.com
Oct. 5 at Lied Center for Performing Arts, 301 N. 12th St. This Tony-Award-winning actor is known for his portrayal of Aaron Burr in the original Broadway production of Hamilton. 402-474-2131. —humanitiesnebraska.org
GREAT PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
Oct. 7 along Main Street, Crete. Come to Crete for some autumn family fun, including hayrack rides, carnival games, a farmers’ market, a petting zoo, and the highly anticipated Great Pumpkin giveaway. —cretepumpkinfest.com
GOVERNOR’S LECTURE IN THE HUMANITIES 2018
Oct. 9 at Lied Center for the Performing Arts, 301 N. 12th St. This annual event was established to demonstrate the importance of the humanities. This year’s lecture, Tumult, Tragedy, and Hope: America in 1968 from a Half-Century’s Perspective, will be presented by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham. 402-474-2131. —humanitiesnebraska.org
PRAIRIE LIGHTS FILM FESTIVAL
Oct. 12-14 at The Grand Theatre, Grand Island. In an effort to promote growth and networking opportunities for Nebraska filmmakers, this three-day festival features the state’s best talent with guests including Unemployed writer Jeremy Lubash. 308-381-2667. —prairielightsfilmfest.com
LEGACY OF THE PLAINS HARVEST FESTIVAL Sept.
15-16 at Legacy of the Plains Museum, Gering. Antique farm machinery is the attraction at this festival, which features parades of horse-drawn equipment, hay baling, corn shelling, and kids activities. 308-436-1989. —legacyoftheplains.org
AN EVENING WITH LESLIE ODOM JR.
WAKEFIELD HOT AIR BALLOON AND CRAFT FESTIVAL Sept. 21-23 along Fourth and Main
streets, Wakefield. This annual fall festival celebrates the seasonal change with a focus on the sky and barbecue, as people gather to send hot air balloons out into the horizon to go along with other fun activities such as a parade, fun run, car show, and a vendor fair. 402-369-2165. —wakefieldballoonfestival.com
LINCOLN ARTS FESTIVAL Sept. 22-23 at SouthPointe
Pavilions, 27th and Pine Lake Road. 88+ artists from across the nation will be showing and selling a variety of original art pieces in styles and prices to suit all tastes and budgets. Live music from Lincoln Calling bands, plus food, beverages and free art activities for kids are also featured at this community event. 402-434-2787. —artscene.org
THOMAS RHETT WITH BRETT YOUNG AND MIDLAND Oct. 13 at Pinnacle Bank Arena, 400
Pinnacle Arena Dr. Rhett has produced 10 No. 1 hit singles on the country music charts, including "Marry Me," which peaked in March 2018. Young is known for his single “Mercy,” and Midland was nominated for two Grammy Awards for their song, “Drinkin’ Problem.” 402-904-4444. —pinnaclebankarena.com
HARVEST MOON FALL FESTIVAL
Oct. 13 in Hemingford. Contests for goat roping, punkin’ chunkin’, home-brewed beer, and homemade wine are a few of the events that can be found at this annual event, which celebrates all things fall. —hemingfordharvestmoonfallfestival.com
BOO AT THE ZOO Oct. 26-30 at Lincoln Children’s
Zoo, 1222 S. 27th St. Culminating over 40 trickor-treat booths with a reputation of being Lincoln’s largest Halloween event, this familyfriendly spook donates all of its proceeds to the benefit of the animals in the zoo. 402-475-6741. —lincolnzoo.org
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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MORRILL HAL L & MUELLER PLANETARIUM
E XPLORE
N ATURAL H ISTORY
museum.unl.edu | (402) 472-2642 14th & Vine Streets | UNL City Campus | Lincoln, NE
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based upon any protected status. Please see go.unl.edu/nondiscrimination.
// 170 //
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
SUPER HEROES DAY
Oct. 27 at Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum, Ashland. Guests are encouraged to come in costume and trick-or-treat at various stations while learning about different modes of transportation. The event will include muscle cars, aircraft, and trains. 402-944-3100. —sacmuseum.org
IOWA WALNUT ANTIQUE FALL FESTIVAL
Sept. 15-16 in downtown Walnut. Antique lovers and dealers from far and wide will converge in this Iowa town for one weekend. Special antiques to look out for include Red Wing Pottery. 641-862-3239. —walnutiowa.org
WORLD FOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL
Sept. 15-17 in downtown Des Moines. Entering its 14th year, this festival centers around showcasing international cuisine, craft beer, live music, and performances. 515-286-4950. —dsmpartnership.com
// EXPLORE CALENDAR //
SOMETHING ROTTEN!
Sept. 22 at Adler Theatre, Davenport. This obnoxiously hilarious Broadway musical set in 1595 tells the story of two struggling playwrights trying to make a name for themselves in an era dominated by William Shakespeare. 563-326-8500. —adlertheatre.com
SCENIC DRIVE FESTIVAL
Oct. 12-14 in towns in Van Buren County. This festival encompasses one of Iowa’s largest flea markets in a three-day event sprawling throughout rural towns of Southeastern Iowa. 319-293-7111. —villagesofvanburen.com
HALLOWEENAPALOOZA
COCA-COLA DAYS Sept. 28-29 in Atlantic, Iowa. This
convention is a celebration of all things Coca-Cola. View memorabilia and taste the real thing. 712-243-3017. —atlanticiowa.com
Oct. 12-13 at Hotel Ottumwa, Ottumwa. Centered around Ottumwa’s ancient, haunted hotel, this two-day festival showcases a wide collection of independent horror films, costume contests, and a zombie walk in a fun, communal environment. 641-799-9770 —halloweenapalooza.wixsite.com
OKTOBERFEST
MADISON COUNTY COVERED BRIDGE FESTIVAL Oct.
Oct. 5-7 at the Amana Colonies, Amana. The celebration kicks off with an official keg-tapping ceremony that leads into live German folk music, brat-eating contests, rigorous rugby matches, and a parade encapsulating the entire celebration. 319-622-7622. —festivalsinamana.com
PUMPKINFEST
Oct. 6-7 on Main St., Anamosa. Celebrate the fall foliage in the pumpkin capital of Iowa, as Anamosa hosts its annual street festival full of games for all ages, food vendors, a parade, and the Ryan Norlin Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off. 319-462-4879. —anamosachamber.org
13-14 in Winterset. This year’s festival celebrates scientist George Washington Carver, who lived in Winterset 150 years ago. Actor Paxton Williams will impersonate Carver throughout the weekend, and activities will focus on Carver and his works. The covered bridges, which were made famous in the book and movie titled Bridges of Madison County, will be open through the weekend. 515-462-1185. —madisoncounty.com/covered-bridge-festival
THE CAPITOL STEPS
Oct. 16 at Englert Theatre, Iowa City. Combining satire and current events, come and brush up on your politics by watching Capitol Steps imitate Washington’s most popular political personalities. 319-688-2653. —englert.org
OSBORNE HERITAGE DAYS Oct. 12-14 in Osborne’s
Pioneer Village, near Elkader. Participate in a weekend full of historic fun such as cricket games, buffalo chip throws, a chili cook-off, and a pioneer church service. 563-245-1516. —claytoncountyconservation.org
844.271.6909 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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// EXPLORE CALENDAR //
KANSAS DANCEFESTOPIA
Sep. 6-9 at Emerald City, La Cygne. Mirroring the EDM, DJ frenzy of Chicago’s Spring Awakening festival, this fourday event secludes listeners out in the wilderness for a wild dance party of electronic acts like Adventure Club, Zed’s Dead, and Flux Pavilion. —dancefestopia.com
SANTACALIGON DAYS FESTIVAL
Sept. 1-3 on Independence Square, Independence. This annual Labor Day festival commemorates the origins of Santa Fe and California, and the pioneers who ventured west on the Oregon Trail with a downtown mirroring the 19th century Great Plains, along with live entertainment, numerous vendors, and an authentic blacksmith. 816-974-7333. —santacaligon.com
HARVEST HOOTENANNY Sept. 21-22 at Mark Twain
Cave Complex, Hannibal. This festival celebrates the town’s unique scenery and rich history with a family-friendly, two-day event that includes a petting zoo, a scenic 1K kids dash through the campground, wine from the local Cave Hollow West Winery, and numerous craft beer vendors. —visithannibal.com
OVERLAND PARK FALL FESTIVAL
Sept. 29 at Santa Fe Commons Park, Overland Park. With a strong sense of community pride, this festival features an acclaimed farmers’ market, downtown parade, an arts-and-crafts show, and three stages of live entertainment. 913-344-8656. —opkansas.org
DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE
Sept. 7-16 at Kansas State Fairgrounds, Hutchinson. This statewide celebration promotes and showcases Kansas culture with 10 days of events including live entertainment from acclaimed artists like Trace Adkins and revered bands like the Beach Boys. 620-669-3600. —kansasstatefair.com
HARRY POTTER IN CONCERT
WALNUT VALLEY FESTIVAL Sept. 12-16 at Winfield
TAYLOR SWIFT
KANSAS STATE FAIR
Fairgrounds, Winfield. Evolving from a two-day event to a five-day event, this festival celebrates music with family-friendly entertainment on four main stages while showcasing a large artsand-crafts fair. The big attraction, however, is the 30 musical acts, who can compete in eight different contests. 620-221-3250. —wvfest.com
CIDERFEST
Sept. 29-30, and Oct. 6-7, at the Louisburg Cider Mill, Louisburg. This annual fall festival is celebrating its 40th year with a set of unique activities for the family—from cider and doughnut-making to pony riding to exploring a corn maze and pumpkin patch. 913-837-5202. —louisburgcidermill.com
MISSOURI IRISH FEST
Aug. 31- Sept. 2 at Crown Center, Kansas City. Noted as one of the top Irish festivals in the nation, this Celtic celebration showcases over 40 traditional Irish bands on seven stages and over 20 Irish heritage workshops and exhibits. —kcirishfest.com
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
Sept. 5-7, 9 at the Kauffman Center, Kansas City. Transport to the wizarding world of Harry Potter to relive J.K. Rowling’s epic tale in cinematic form (with a live symphony performing John Williams’ score). 816-471-0400. —kcsymphony.org Sept. 8 at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City. Hot off her polarizing, unconventional album, Reputation, Swift is touring throughout North America building a new reputation, one that distances from a past full of catchy love songs. 816-920-4849. —chiefs.com
MIDWEST TEA FESTIVAL
Sept. 8-9 at Ararat Shrine Temple, Kansas City. Come for an entire day dedicated to tea. From a multitude of tastings and vendors, to culture and history, to preparation— this festival will teach participants everything they want to know about tea. 816-923-1995. —midwestteafest.com
Oct. 2 at Arvest Bank Theater at The Midland, Kansas City. With a new album in the works, this 2000s indie gem is best known for their emotive songwriting and cross-genre discography. 816-283-9900. —arvestbanktheatre.com
GREATER KANSAS CITY JAPAN FESTIVAL
Oct. 6 at Johnson County Community College, Overland Park. This 21st annual festival brings multiple ethnic groups together to learn all about Japanese culture with social, cultural, and educational exchanges. —kcjapanfestival.org
WESTON
APPLEFEST Oct. 6-7, various locations downtown, Weston. Celebrating its 30-year reputation as one of Missouri’s best fall festivals, this weekend in Weston is home to a downtown parade, over 80 arts-and-crafts booths, apple-butter churning demonstrations, and lots of apple-based pastries. 816-640-2909. —westonmo.com FOO FIGHTERS
Oct. 12 at the Sprint Center, Kansas City. Lead singer Dave Grohl and company pack a thunderous, face-melting punch as the rock group returns to North America from their European tour. 816-949-7100. —sprintcenter.com
KAMASI WASHINGTON Oct. 29 at The Truman,
Kansas City. Best known for his tenor sax playing, this rising jazz master composes an ensemble of progressive and spontaneous music in a multitude of songs (including work on Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly). 816-205-8560. —thetrumankc.com
Event times and details may change. Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.
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NOT FUNNY // COLUMN BY OTIS TWELVE // PHOTOGRAPH BY BILL SITZMANN
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
I
N ROMEO AND Juliet, Shakespeare
wrote: “What's in a name? That which we call a rose. By any other name would smell as sweet." Gertrude Stein continued, "A rose is a rose is a rose” in her poem “Sacred Emily.” NBC’s Craig Calcaterra concluded, “Pete Rose is a cheater.” In my opinion, it is important what we name things. Take the “rose” in the above statements. Change “rose” to “salamander.” Juliet’s take on the scent of a salamander would not be quite so romantic. Stein’s poetic reflection on identity would lose its meter. And Pete Salamander would be in the Hall of Fame. Names are important. When I was a precocious toddler on the verge of verbal proficiency, my family went to the beach. My young eyes took in all the new, heretofore unimagined, sights around me. The surf rushed in around my knees when suddenly, I saw it, and, in a flash, I knew what to say: “Clam!” I pointed at the new thing. I was naming the unnamed. The human need to understand drives us to categorize things in order to organize the universe in our minds. Naming things is an essential part of that process. “Clam!” I said again. “It’s a seagull,” said my father patiently. “Sea-gull.”
“Clam!” I liked the sound of my word better. What did I know? I was only a 1-year-old. I was transfixed as I watched the clam spread its wings and take to the sky, heading out over the waves towards the far horizon. What I’m trying to say is, it is good to name things, but it is also a good idea to do it correctly. When I was a somewhat older kid, I fell in love with baseball. I would take every opportunity to head down Brooklyn Avenue in Kansas City to watch my beloved Athletics at Municipal Stadium. Yes, the field was called “municipal” because it was a municipal building, that is, it was owned by the city. Cleveland had a Municipal Stadium, too. No one was confused. The name made sense. Here in Omaha the baseball park was named after Johnny Rosenblatt. That made sense because Johnny was a good guy and there would not ever have been such a stadium had it not been for his efforts. The Bears play at Soldier Field. The Bills used to play at War Memorial. The Yankees played at Yankee Stadium—where else? Now some fields had names like Wrigley, but that was because Mr. Wrigley actually owned the stadium. He built it with his own money. Wrigley Field as a name makes sense. But…here comes the old codger part…now we have this thing called “naming rights.” Companies pay money to have their logos stamped above the entrances and scoreboards. It’s getting ridiculous.
For expanded content, return to the Table of Contents page and scan with your layAR app. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
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2018
If not for “naming rights,” whoever would have thought of Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Talking Stick Arena in Phoenix, or the Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento? And the latest worst and most terrible, stupid, regrettable stadium name of all time is… wait for it… ENRON Field in Houston. Ouch. The perils of selling naming rights. Here in Omaha we have a beautiful downtown venue. It was called the Qwest Center, then the CenturyLink Center, and now it is tagged as the CHI Health Center. We could have done worse, I guess, but I still wonder, when I hear the name, should I take an Uber to the concert or an ambulance? I hope to hit a Powerball someday. I’ll buy the naming rights and proudly watch the letters go up on…wait for it…Municipal Arena. Wouldn’t that be nice? Otis Twelve hosts the radio program Early Morning Classics with Otis Twelve on 90.7 KVNO, weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Visit kvno.org for more information.
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