may/june 2015 omaha magazine

V I R T U A L T O U R S A N D M O R E AT N P D O D G E . C O M

809 N 190 Street, Elkhorn $725,000Stunning Cherry cabinetry, 6 crown, hearth and dinette overlooking fountain. Also, walk-in pantry, Sonos Sound System, IPAD charging stations, huge laundry. Lower level with large bar, TVs, 2 gaming areas/rec rm. 95% H/E furnace, 6 steel fence, in/outside security and custom blinds.

Gene Riehart 402.490.5233

710 Key Circle, Carter Lake, IA $590,000Truly unique custom home! Must see this lakefront home only 10 minutes from downtown Omaha! Only 2 years old with gourmet kitchen. 6 bedrooms, 4 baths, walkout, granite, hickory floors, tiled bathrooms, plantation shutters and the list goes on.

The Good Life Group 402.612.3833

5410 N 279 St, Valley $699,900 Archistructures one of a kind lake home. Enjoy the beauty and serenity of this private lake. This homeincludes a 5+ garage, two 4 seasons rooms with 10 retractable glass walls for the ultimate indoor/outdoor living space. 3 private bedroom suites, and 500 sq ft covered concrete deck for expansive lake views.

Mike Jenkins 402.707.6453

22101 Cedar Circle, Omaha $545,000Custom two story home with 4 bedrooms, 4 baths + bo-nus room built by TruVision Custom Homes. Open main level, hardwood floors, walk- in pantry, and stainless steel appliances. Quartz countertops throughout, large daylight windows in lower level, and covered patio.

Julie Arp 402.250.5850

12901 Lakeview Dr, Springfield $525,000Stunning .75 acre lot with huge shoreline! Pristine condition, open floor plan, with oversized windows overlooking stunning panoramic views. Gourmet kitchen with Thermador double ovens. Lower level kitchenette, Keystone sea wall, huge new deck w/2 pergolas, Geothermal.

Deb Ellis 402.706.1003

19817 Gertrude Street, Gretna $575,000 This home sits on a secluded lot and has no backyard neighbors! Custom built cooks kitchen with custom cabinetry and double ovens, also a full lower level kitchen. Stucco and stone exterior, 11+ foot basement ceilings, Geo Thermal heat and cooling system and so much more!

Johnathan OGorman 402.595.8857

16009 Cornish Rd., Springfield $740,000Beautiful home on 10 acres with 6 acres of old growth forest, creek, huge backyard with tree house. Fully remodeled with main floor master suite, large deck, walk out basement. Also, a professionally designed home theater with 93 screen and 7:1 surround, audio system. Heated 30x70 outbuilding.

Matt Rasmussen 402.657.1969

512 N Spruce Street, Valley $550,000This Victorian time capsule has been preserved with top quality products of today. As you encounter the character and exquisiteness you can almost feel the origin of awesome. Over 4,100 sq ft. with 5 bedrooms and 3 baths. Allow yourself to seize the opportunity of making this mansion your home!

Doug Schlegelmilch 402.706.2330

18107 Leavenworth St, Omaha $500,000Gorgeous 5 bedroom, 4 bath home with over 4,600 sq feet. Full daylight windows in basement, landscaping, gazebo and outside fireplace. 2 heating and cooling systems. Patio covered by gazebo with wood burning fireplace. Garage heated and hot & cold water outlets.

Mark Renner 402.690.1687

17737 Harney Street, Omaha $525,0005,375 finished sq feet! True 5 bedroom home with lots of space! Amazing kitchen/hearth room, 3 sea-son porch with views of golf course and in- ground pool with wrought iron fenced yard. Updates galore!

Hopkins Home Team 402.990.9658

7407 N 116 Ave. Cir., Omaha $649,900 Feel the entire experience of resort living in Deer Creek. Amazing home with tremendous views...on 6th tee, Arnold Palmers Signature Hole! Open Plan. Tall ceilings. Designer windows.

Denice Coenen 402.677.7538

1745 N Nye Avenue, Fremont $595,000 A refreshed, refurbished historical home. Newer granite, refinished wood floors, original leaded glass, beautiful library. Over 4,200 sq ft. with 5 bedrooms and 6 baths. Truly an exquisite home.

Kori Krause 402.679.0007

WHERE THE WALLS BECOMETHE WORLD AROUND

FONTENELLEFOREST.ORGVisit for complete camp listings.

Fontenelle Forest welcomes you to a summer of discovery and learning in a place where the quiet wild of nature offers an unparalleled opportunity for your child to learn. Nature Discovery Day Camps feature science based learning through play.

SUMMER ALL-DAY CAMPS

LUXURY, VALUE, AND BORSHEIMS

Borsheims has the diamond engagement rings that will knock her socks off. At prices that will knock off yours. Its a combination that has YES written all over it.

THE RING?ENVY STARTER.

The Style? Its a Charmer.

ONLINE BORSHEIMS.COM | BY PHONE (800) 642-GIFT | FLAGSHIP REGENCY COURT

The Adult CongenitalHeart Disease ProgramAT CHILDRENS HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTER

The regions only service devoted to Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) featuring a team of cardiologists trained in the care and treatment of adults with congenital heart disease from advanced imaging to cardiac surgery and pregnancy services.

in partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center

Compassionate, state-of-the-art care for adults who were born with heart disease.

Shane Tsai, M.D., ACHD Medical Director

Jonathan Cramer, M.D. Anji Yetman, M.D.

Three Board Certified Adult and Congenital Cardiothoracic Surgeons:

James M. Hammel, M.D. Kim F. Duncan, M.D. Ibrahim Abdullah, M.D.

Jeffrey W. Delaney, M.D. Christopher Erickson, M.D. Scott Fletcher, M.D. John Kugler, M.D.

Our Team of ACHD-Trained Specialists

Our Team of Interventional, Electrophysiologic and Surgical Support Specialists

ChildrensOmaha.org/ACHDFor more information or to schedule an appointment with an ACHD specialist, call: 1.800.833.3100

A feast for all ve senses Your table awaits at Ameristar Council Bluffs

From mouthwatering steak and fall-off-the-bone barbecue to freshly prepared seafood,Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs sets the table for a meal you and your senses will never forget.

Visit Ameristar.com or call 712.328.8888 for more information.

AMERISTAR CASINO HOTEL 2200 River Road, Council Bluffs, IA 51501 712.328.8888Must be at least 21 to enter casino. Terms subject to change. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-BETS OFF. 2015 Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.

The mechanical bull challenges you in the fun zone.

beer gardens live country music fun zonebeer gardens live country music fun zone

friedfoodfest.com

June 20, 2015 16 p.m. Free Admission Lewis & Clark Landing 345 riverfront dr.

presented by:

omaha magazine may/june 2015 9

Schedule and artist subject to change. Must be 21 or older to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF (In Iowa) or 1-800-522-4700 (National). 2015, Caesars License Company, LLC.

ALL SUMMER LONGTICKETS ON SALE NOW

All Ages Permitted. Tickets available at Stircove.com or by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

JUDAS PRIEST WITH SAXON MAY 20

GEORGE THOROGOOD AND THE DESTROYERS & BRIAN SETZERS ROCKABILLY RIOT JUN 13

LAST SUMMER ON EARTH: BARENAKED LADIES, THE VIOLENT FEMMES, AND COLIN HAY JUN 14

ROB THOMAS WITH PLAIN WHITE TS JUN 20 NEON TREES JUN 26DAVID GRAY WITH RACHAEL YAMAGATA JUN 30 WEIRD AL YANKOVIC JUL 2

THE AVETT BROTHERS JUL 8 LITTLE BIG TOWN WITH DAVID NAIL JUL 10THE ROOTS JUL 18 alt-J JUL 28 ALICE IN CHAINS JUL 30 HOZIER WITH DAWES JUL 31 ALABAMA SHAKES AUG 1

SLIGHTLY STOOPID WITH DIRTY HEADS AND THE EXPENDABLES AUG 29 BILLY IDOL SEP 10

10 omaha magazine may/june 2015

BETWEEN THE LINES

Make this Fathers Day weekend one to remember.

beer gardens live country music fun zone

friedfoodfest.com

June 20, 2015 16 p.m. Free Admission Lewis & Clark Landing 345 riverfront dr.

presented by:

Expanded Content On Your Digital Device

Download the AppBrowse the Apple App Store or shop Google Play for the LayAR app.

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Look for this icon Scan the page

Watch videos, and view photo galleries of select editorial from Omaha Magazine.

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visitors edition table of contents

food

175 Omaha Magazines Fried Food Festival Get Your Grease On

177 Dining Feature Chad Lebo Cure Cooking

178 Brave New Prairie Summer Millers New Prairie Kitchen showcases regional chefs, farmers, and artisans.

180 Mystery Review Plank Seafood Provisions

184 Dining Guide

omaha magazine visitors edition

35-170 These pages are not included in the visitors edition of Omaha Magazine. Articles online at OmahaMagazine.com. Purchase a subscription at OmahaMagazine.com/subscribe.

the usual suspects

16 Editors Letter

18 For Starters

21 Calendar of Events

34 Not Funny And Nothing But The Truth

the next generation

171 Gen O Bagpiper Luke Ashton

people

30 Faces Alexis Shorb Shark Feeder

32 Faces Magdalena Garcia El Museo Latino

172 Faces Crime Author Mark Langan

visitors edition may/june 2015CONTENTS

30

32

172

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The Omaha Storm Chasers

The back-to-back Triple-A champs are minor in name only.

PAGE 136

Excellence in Nursing omaha magazines

inaugural Awards PAGE 37

Flush Him Down the Toilet Cult leader michael Ryan is dying.

Good riddance, his son Says. PAGE 140

Brave New Prairie Summer Millers NEW PRAIRIE KITCHEN showcases

regional chefs, farmers, and artisans. PAGE 178


table of contents may/june 2015FEATURES


EDITORIALEXECUTIVE EDITOR

DAVID WILLIAMS

MANAGING EDITOR ROBERT NELSON

SENIOR ARTS CONTRIBUTOR KIM CARPENTER

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS LINDSEY ANNE BAKER

LEO ADAM BIGA RYAN BORCHERS

APRIL CHRISTENSON JUDY HORAN

JENNIFER LITTON SANDRA MARTIN SUSAN MEYERS ROBYN MURRAY

CAROL CRISSEY NIGRELLI OTIS XII

JAMES WALMSLEY SARAH WENGERT ANDY WILLIAMS

CREATIVE

CREATIVE DIRECTOR JOHN GAWLEY

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY & INTERACTIVE MEDIA BILL SITZMANN

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER KRISTEN HOFFMAN

GRAPHIC DESIGNER RACHEL JOY

ILLUSTRATION SECRET PENGUIN

JUSTIN STEUBE JASON MEYER DAVE NELSON

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHY LAURIE AND CHARLES PHOTOGRAPHS

KEITH BINDER COLIN CONCES SCOTT DRICKEY

SARAH LEMKE FALLS CITY JOURNAL

may/june 2015

402.330.0300 1350 South 119th Street WWW.BROTHERSEBASTIANS.COM

13013 West Center RoadMontclair On Center

402.558.1307 [email protected]

Handcrafted Custom Jewelry

Stop in today to view our selection

food

175 Omaha Magazines Fried Food Festival Get Your Grease On

177 Dining Feature Chad Lebo Cure Cooking

180 Mystery Review Plank Seafood Provisions

184 Dining Guide

art+culture

122 Video Music Video Editor Taylor Tracy

127 Visual Arts Sculptor Therman Statom

130 Music Recording Artist Orenda Fink

omaha magazine visitors edition

35-170 These pages are not included in the visitors edition of Omaha Magazine. Articles online at OmahaMagazine.com. Purchase a subscription at OmahaMagazine.com/subscribe.

the usual suspects

16 Editors Letter

18 For Starters

21 Calendar of Events

34 Not Funny And Nothing But The Truth

35 Between the Lines

61 History Cinema Under the Stars

64 Instagram Be Social

117 Obviously Omaha

199 Greater Nebraska Happenings

202 The Closer Nebraska in Black and White

the next generation

171 Gen O Bagpiper Luke Ashton

Omaha Home 65

60 PLus In Omaha 147

people

30 Faces Alexis Shorb Shark Feeder

32 Faces Magdalena Garcia El Museo Latino

118 Sports Lauren Sieckmann Lifes a Beach

120 Style Shot Hip Hop Dancer Joey Reed

124 Faces Stylist Omar Rodriguez

134 Faces KMTV Anchor Craig Nigrelli

172 Faces Crime Author Mark Langan

community

53 Giving Feature The Omaha Community Playhouse Turns 90

56 Giving Cookie Lady Carolyn Hess

58 Giving Calendar of Events


table of contents volume 32 issue 2DEPARTMENTS

32

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All versions of Omaha Magazine are published bimonthly by Omaha Magazine, LTD, P.O. Box 461208, Omaha NE 68046-1208. Telephone: (402) 884-2000; fax (402) 884-2001. Subscription rates: $19.95 for 6 issues (one year), $24.95 for 12 issues (two years). No whole or part of the contents herein may be reproduced without prior written permis-sion of Omaha Magazine, excepting individually copyrighted articlesand photographs. Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted, however noresponsibility will be assumed for such solicitations. Best of Omaha is a registered tradename of Omaha Magazine.

ACCOUNTSPUBLISHER

TODD LEMKE

PUBLISHERS ASSISTANT & OMAHA HOME CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

SANDY BESCH-MATSON

VICE PRESIDENT GREG BRUNS

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT SALES & MARKETING

GIL COHEN

SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE & 60PLUS IN OMAHA CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

GWEN LEMKE

BRANDING SPECIALIST KYLE FISHER ANGIE HALL

GEORGE IDELMAN

SALES ASSOCIATES JAMIE COLE

JESSICA CULLINANE DAWN DENNIS

ALICIA SMITH HOLLINS JUSTIN IDELMAN

JESSICA LINHART

OPERATIONSVICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS

TYLER LEMKE

EVENT DIRECTOR ERIN COX

ACCOUNTANT HOLLEY GARCIA-CRUZ

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER MIKE BREWER

FOR ADVERTISING & SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: 402.884.2000

volume 32 issue 2


2200 Dodge St. | Omaha, NE | (402) 342-3300 | joslyn.org

Between 1910 and 1960, the United States emerged as an international power, while also experiencing two world wars and the Great Depression. New technologies changed all aspects of life, while the art world witnessed dramatic transformations of its own. This exhibition explores the ways 40 American artists including Georgia OKeeffe, Marsden Hartley, Stuart Davis, Isabel Lydia Whitney, and NormanRockwell engaged the modern world.

American Moderns is a ticketed exhibition. Admission is FREE for Joslyn members. $10 for general public adults; youth ages 17 and younger and college students with ID are free. Special Thursday pricing (4-8 pm): $5 for general public adults.

Major SponSorS: Douglas County,

Contributing SponSorS: Rich and Fran Juro,

Supporting SponSor: Adah and Leon Millard Foundation

Additional support provided by Wiesman Development,Nebraska Arts Council and Nebraska Cultural Endowment

preSenting SponSor:

AMERICAN MODERNS1910 1960: From OKeeffe to RockwellOrganized by the Brooklyn MuseumFebruary 8May 17, 2015

IMAGE: Marsden Hartley (American, 1877-1943), Handsome Drinks, 1916, oil on composition board, 24 x 20 in., Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Milton Lowenthal, 72.3

6915 CASS STREET | (402) 553-0800 | WWW.OMAHAPLAYHOUSE.COM

MAY 8 JUNE 7 MAY 29 JUNE 28

sponsor: orchestra sponsor: media sponsor:sponsors: media sponsor:

The Pegasus Travel 2014 OCP London TourFriend of the Playhouse

The Giger Foundation

Q 98.5

It was the same week Squeaky Fromme tried to assassinate President Gerald R. Ford that I began my fresh-man year at a land grant college situated on an Iowa prairie. And it was there that I met Groovy Bob Gunderson, a decidedly eccen-tric character whose nickname was earned through a series of largely unprintable, Animal House-style antics.

Groovy Bob was studying landscape architecture and worked at a drafting table that gobbled up most of the space in the closet-sized room he shared with another, now long-forgotten frat brother. One of the tools of his trade was a mechanical pencilbut not just any mechanical pencil.

Groovy Bob wielded a Pentel P205.I, something of a frustrated, wanna-be

artist who had somehow instead decided to matriculate in the totally un-artsy realm of business, was swept away by his architectural renderings, especially the precision lettering

that labeled his rhapsodic rhododendrons and majestic maples. I quickly adopted not only that same blocky style of printing, but also began a 40-year love affair with the P205.

Besides being a handsome example of techie, industrial-themed design, the pencils diminutive 0.5-milimeter graphite nib allows me to write in a remarkably clear, miniature, almost mechanical hand. Its cleverly con-cealed eraser is housed under the removable end cap, the plunger that, when activated by a click-click-click of the thumb, feeds new lifenew wordsinto this magical little device. That same eraser ensures that the past is never immutable. Cataclysmic errors may be evaporated with a quick rub-a-dub-dub followed by the sweep of a hand in scattering the dormant ashes of dead words and aban-doned musings.

My admittedly geeky, decades-long obses-sion with the P205 makes me think of how we compile this magazine. After all, the Pentel

brand name, the company explains, is a union of the words pen and tell, as in telling a story. Many of our pieces are on the short-ish side in terms of word counts. The art of short sto-rytelling relies on writing that must be, just like my chunky, boxy, Pentel-fueled printing, remarkably clear in its presentationmetic-ulous but never mechanical.

I lost track of Groovy Bob sometime around 1977. He had gone east to practice his trade in Philadelphia. Last I heard at the time, this singularly enigmatic guy was acting out a role-play version of Dungeons and Dragons in the dank, crumbling sewers beneath the City of Brotherly Love.

Where have you gone, Groovy Bob? And how do I thank you for introducing me to the marvel that is the Pentel P205? OMAG

Comments? Send your thoughts to: [email protected]. Owned and managed by Omaha Magazine, LTD

The Legacy of Groovy Bob

ABOUT THE COVER

Jason Meyer, Justin Steube, and Dave Nelson (the team at Secret Penguin) knocked one out of the park on this issues cover design. Former baseball card collectors will know that the only thing missing is that unmistakable scent of stale, crumbly Bazooka bubble gum that awaited as you tore into every wax pack searching for a Mantle, Maris, or Mays.


david williamsFROM THE EDITOR

facebook.com/omahamagazine

@omahamagazine

@omahamagazine


S E A S O N T I C K E T S O N S A L E !

Dee Dee Bridgewater and Irvin Mayfield

with the New Orleans Jazz OrchestraMarch 12, 2016 | 8:00 PM

Gregory PorterFebruary 4, 2016 | 7:30 PM

Under the Streetlampformer cast members of Jersey Boys

May 19, 2016 | 7:30 PM

Jane Lynch: See Jane SingFebruary 28, 2016 | 7:00 PM

A Celtic Tenors ChristmasDecember 2, 2015 | 7:30 PM

Ramsey Lewis Electric Bandwith special guest vocalist

Philip Baileyof Earth, Wind and Fire

November 13, 2015 | 8:00 PM

402-345-0606OmahaPerformingArts.org/SeasonTickets

BROADWAY SERIES SHOWCASE SERIES JAZZ SERIES

S U B S C R I B E N O W A N D S A V E !

Tony AwArd

2012

BesT score

BesT choreogrAp

hy winner!

They DelivereD The papers, unTil They maDe The heaDlines...

February 16 - 21, 2016 March 15 - 20, 2016

YOULL HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE.YOULL HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE.

November 17 - 22, 2015October 20 - 25, 2015

April 20 - May 1, 2016

OF

A N D R E W L L O Y D W E B B E R S

CAMERON MACKINTOSHSSPECTACULAR NEW PRODUCTION

D

isne

y

ONCE Orpheum TheaterMay 13-17

Winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, Once is a truly original Broadway experience featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage. Based on the Academy Award-winning film, it tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician whos about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights, but their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance.

The Oscar-winning independent Irish film, Once, was made for $150,000. Shot in 17 days, it went on to gross $20M worldwide, becoming a critically acclaimed international smash. It stars Glen Hansard, from the popular Irish Rock band The Frames, and Markta Irglov. The duo won the 2007 Academy Award for Best Original Song with Falling Slowly, and the film won the Los Angeles Film Critics Award for Best Music. The soundtrack was also nominated for two Grammy Awards.

Orpheum Theater409 S. 16th St. TicketOmaha.comliedcenter.org

The College World SeriesTD Ameritrade Park OmahaJune 13-23/24

Call it Baseballs Burning Man. Theres just nothing like it in the world of college sports: One city inextricably linked to the national championship of a major sport. For more than 60 years, college base-ball players have had one goal each springto keep rolling down that Road to Omaha. For many its more a week-and-a-half-long vaca-tion, a chance to leave the real world behind at the rebirth of summer and immerse in the unique rhythms and peculiarities of Americas Pastime. For 10 days (or 11 days if the 3-game championship series goes to a third game), Omaha adopts the spirit of the game, a vibe built on colorful people, bizarre superstitions, and a freewheeling festival groove. Baseball fans are cool. Theyre laid back. Theyre friendly. Theyre master tailgaters. Theres a reason the series has stayed in Omaha all these years. Its just hard to imagine any place doing it better.

TD Ameritrade Park Omaha1200 Mike Fahey St.Tickets from $30.cwsomaha.com


this is omaha for startersCALENDAR

THIS IS OMAHA

Riitta Ikonen: PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS A YOUNG LEAF Through June 27Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts

Myth, memory, and mysticism. Finnish artist Riitta Ikonen ties together all three, and she does so through long-term, multi-disci-plinary projects that she creates alone or in conjunction with regular collaborators. Throughout her work, nature frequently acts as both content and context, with characters literally inhabiting the natural landscape or anthropomorphizing into it.

This is evident in several of the exhibitions featured projects, including Ikonens acclaimed Eyes as Big as Plates series, which she created through an on-going collaboration with photographer Karoline Hjorth. Inspired by Scandinavian folklore, the series documents older inhabitants clad in the artists wearable costumes in remote landscapes around the world. Within the solitude of these places, her subjects become one with their surroundings, subtly underscoring the age-old relationship between people and nature.

While each of Ikonens projects differ in breadth and scope, at their core they all emphasize the deep and abiding connection as well as the silent, dynamic potential that exists between people and nature, the spaces they inhabit, and the experiences they share.

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts724 S. 12th St.BemisCenter.org

Omaha Magazines Fried Food FestivalPresented by Storz BreweryLewis and Clark LandingJune 20

Partnering with Storz Trophy Room Grill & Brewery, Omaha Magazines Fried Food Festival promises lots of outdoor fun on Fathers Day weekend. Featuring everything for the fried food foodie, this festival will celebrate all things dipped and battered on the Lewis and Clark Landing from 1 to 6 p.m.

Bringing together street-style vendors, food trucks, and multiple beer gardens is a sure-fire way for dads to load up the calories and enjoy this special weekend. Sticking to a theme we think is only natural for a fried food festival, youll enjoy live country music while gobbling down such perfectif funkycombos as deep-fried pickles and squid.

Enjoy the view of the riverfront while learning a twangy two-step or a do-si-do from professional line dancers. If youre feeling a bit more adventurous, you can try your luck on the mechanical bull. If a little liquid courage is needed, relax in one of the many beer gardens featuring locally brewed Storz beer.

But dont forget to slather on the sunscreen and bring the kids to the fun zone featuring large inflatable obstacle courses. Admission is free, so bring dad, the kids, and yourself to Omahas only Fried Food Festival.

Lewis and Clark Landing 345 N. Riverfront Dr.FriedFoodFest.com


this is omaha for starters CALENDAR

FOR STARTERSFOUR


The 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix Final Roundis Coming to the United States

CENTURYLINK CENTER IN OMAHA

TICKET PRICES START AT:$20/Day or $75 All-Tourney

Visit TicketMaster.com to purchaseyour tickets or call 800.745.3000 today!

COME SEE THEWorld ChampionUS TeamIN ACTION!The 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix FinalWorld Grand Prix Final W Rouound

is Coming to the United States

CENTURYLINK CENTER IN OMAHA

TICKET PRICES STATAT RT ATATA :$20/Day or $75 All-TourneyTourneyT

Visit TicketMaster.r.r com to purchaseyour tickets or call 800.745.3000.745.3000. todayay!

COME SEE THECOME SEE THEWorld ChampionUS TeamIN ACTION!IN ACTION!

ART AND MUSEUM EXHIBITSTheresa and Harry Crook: Artwork from their Estate. Through May 2, Gallery 721806 Vinton St. Theresa and Harry Crook were very active supporters and collectors of visual artworks from local, regional, and national level artists. Harry died in March 2011, leaving a large collection of artwork, part of which is being presented for sale at this show. 5-9pm. 402-496-4797 - gallery72.com

Fascination: New Works by Mary K. Murphy. Through May 16, Gallery 721806 Vinton St. Mary K. Murphy has been described many times as as painters painter. Her new works, which includes paint-ings, drawings, and mixed media, move in and out of the boundary between representational figurative works and pure abstractions. 5-9pm. 402-496-4797- gallery72.com

American Moderns: From OKeeffe to Rockwell. Through May 17, Joslyn Art Museum2200 Dodge St. Between 1910 and 1960, the United States emerged as an international power, while also experiencing two world wars and the Great Depression. New technologies changed all aspects of life, while the art world witnessed dramatic transformations of its own. This exhibition explores the ways American artists, including Georgia OKeeffe, Marsden Hartley, Stuart Davis, Rock-well Kent, and Norman Rockwell engaged the modern world. This exhibition has a ticket fee. Free for members, youth ages 17 and younger, and college students with ID. 402-342-3300.joslyn.org

Andrew Borowiec. Through May 17, Joslyn Art Museum2200 Dodge St. Andrew Borowiec has been photographing the changing landscape of industrial America for more than 25 years. This Riley CAP Gallery installation features both black and white images from hisAlong the Ohioseries and color work from his recent project,Post-Industrial Rust Belt. Regular museum admis-sion. 402-342-3300 - joslyn.org

College of Saint Mary Student Art Exhibition. Through May 18, College of Saint Mary Hillmer Art Gallery 7000 Mercy Rd. View the many artworks of College of Saint Mary students. Free. 402-399-2400 - csm.edu

Animation from the AniMutts. May 22-June 13, Gallery 721806 Vinton St. This show explores animations viewed as art. These are computer and stop motion animations produced through collaboration of the artists Rebecca Hermann, Peggy Reinecke, and Tom Sain, who call themselves The AniMutts. 5-9pm. 402-496-4797 - gallery72.com

Emilie Baltz: Food Theater. Through May 23, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts724 S. 12th St. Emilie Baltz developed Food Theater as a platform to transform the everyday into the exceptional by bring-ing together local creators, ingredients, and community members to participate in immersive, multi-sensory spectacles that reimagine the role that food plays in our lives. 11am-5pm. Free. 402-341-7130 - bemiscenter.org

Lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets, Modern Science. May 23-September 6, Durham Museum801 S. 10th St. Step into the world of archaeologists, Egyptologists, and other researchers through multiple hands-on elements, immersive storytelling, and real mummies and artifacts. The exhibition challenges visitors to apply numerous methods to unveil hidden mysteries within the display. Children free, Adults $9. 402-444-5071 - durhammuseum.org

Brett Erickson & Patricia James Exhibits. Through May 29, Fred Simon Gal-lery1004 Farnam St. Nebraska photographers Brett Erickson and Patricia James showcase their latest works in this dual exhibit. 8-5pm. Free. 402-595-2142 - nebras-kaartscouncil.org

Michelle Daisley Moffitt & Ron Quick Exhibits. Through May 29, Fred Simon Gal-lery1004 Farnam St. Painter Michelle Daisley Moffitt and photographer Ron Quick exhibit their latest works. 8-5pm. Free. 402-595-2142 - nebraskaartscouncil.org

41st Annual Omaha Summer Arts Fes-tival. June 5-7, Summer Arts Festival10th-15th Sts. and Farnam St. Join us for one of the citys premier events for exceptional art, atmosphere, and entertain-ment, featuring 135 of the nations finest visual artists, three stages of continuous entertainment, food, special events, and artist demonstrations. Friday & Saturday: 11am-11pm, Sunday: 11am-5pm. Free. 402-345-5401 - summerarts.org

Jennifer Homan. June 2-27, Modern Arts Mid-town3625 Dodge St. Traveling the highways and coun-try roads that outline the fields and farms of Nebraska and Eastern Colorado, Jennifer Homan captures the open fields, wide skies, clean white farm houses, and red barns of a disappearing landscape. 402-502-8737. - modernartsmidtown.com

Art Seen: Exhibition of Artists from Omaha to Lincoln. June 21-October 11, Joslyn Art Museum 2200 Dodge St. Selected by an all-star jury, Art Seen uncovers the most compelling and challenging creative impulses driving working artists in the Omaha and Lincoln areas. Adults $10, free for members and students. 402-342-3300 - joslyn.org

MARSDEN HARTLEYS HANDSOME DRINKS IN

AMERICAN MODERNS AT THE JOSLYN ART MUSEUM

JENNIFER HOMAN TUMULTUOUS SKIES

JOSLYN ART SEEN

JESS BENJAMIN


may/june 2015 CALENDAR

CALENDAR OF EVENTS


14406 Harrison St. Omaha, NE 68138 402.403.5735 www.OmahaDentists.netHarrison St.

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Union Station: Built to Last Exhibit. Through January 3, 2016, Durham Museum801 S. 10th St. Take a look back at what makes Union Station unique. Every facet, from the imposing terracotta exterior to the yummiest of treats in the soda fountain, will be explored in this interactive exhibit featuring artifacts, images, and hands-on components. Children free, Adults $9. 402-444-5071 - durhammuseum.org

CONCERTSThe Music of Queen. May 2, Holland Per-forming Arts Center1200 Douglas St. Hear a lushly orchestrated tribute to Queen, including timeless clas-sics Crazy Little Thing Called Love, We Will Rock You, Another One Bites the Dust, and Bohemian Rhapsody. 7:30pm. Tickets start at $22. 402-345-0606 - omahasymphony.org

Tech N9ne Special Effects Tour. May 5, Sokol Underground2234 S. 13th St. Featuring Tech N9ne, Chris Webbie, Murs, Krizz Kaliko, King 810, Zuse. 7pm. $30. 402-346-9802 - sokolunderground.com

Terence Blanchard: Jazz Trumpet Concert. May 7, Holland Performing Arts Center1200 Douglas St. You dont want to miss Grammy-win-ning jazz trumpeter Terence Blanchard, along with his accomplished quintet, perform their modern twist on post-bop jazz. Blanchard has made a name for himself as a renowned trumpeter, composer, arranger, and band-leader, winning five Grammys along the way. 7:30pm. 402-345-0606 - ticketomaha.com

Garth Brooks, with Trisha Year-wood. May 7-10 CenturyLink Center Omaha 455 N. 10th St. With 69.6 million albums sold, Garth Brooks is the biggest-selling artist since the advent of SoundScan, Nielsens music tracking system that launched in 1991. Brooks has won two Grammy Awards and 22 Academy of Country Music Awards. Nineteen of his songs have hit No. 1 on Billboards country music chart. 7:00pm. $74.98. 402-341-1500 - centurylinkcenteromaha.com

Masterworks Concert: Handels MESSIAH. May 8, Grace University Masterworks Chorus840 Pine St. A performance by Grace University Masterworks Chorus and Orchestra. 7:30pm. $5. 402-449-2800 - graceu.edu

The English Beat. May 9, Slowdown729 N. 14t St. Celebrate the first anniversary of NorthStar changing the lives of boys in North Omaha with a special performance by the legendary ska-reggae-punk rockers, The English Beat. VIP Patron Party ticket $100. General admission $40. - theslowdown.com

Vivaldis Four Seasons. May 10, Joslyn Art Museum 2200 Dodge St. The orchestras con-certmaster leads Vivaldis beloved evocation of nature and country life, plus Berios restoration of Schuberts sketches for his 10th Symphony. 2pm. $36. 402-345-0606. - omahasymphony.org

Rock Legends with Billy McGuigan May 15, Holland Performing Arts Center1200 Douglas St. In this unique rock and roll revue created by Billy McGuigan, audiences are given the opportunity to vote, through the power of their applause, for the songs they want to hear. During the concert, audience members may enjoy hors doeuvres and cocktails served right to their candle-lit table. 8pm. $22 and up. 402-345-0606. - ticketomaha.com

Fresh Ink with John Corigliano May 16, 2015, KANEKO1111 Jones St. Pulitzer and Oscar- winning composer John Corigliano curates a program of his own music and the premieres of works by emerging composers. Experience the music in the KANEKOs intimate and casual setting, with refreshments at your seat. 7:30pm. $28. 402-345-0606 - omahasymphony.org

Don Williams May 20, Holland Performing Arts Center1200 Douglas St. Real emotions. Real songs. Real moments in peoples lives. Williams songs of straightforward simplicity and heartfelt messages dom-inated the country charts for decades, including Good Ole Boys Like Me, Till the Rivers All Run Dry, It Must Be Love, Im Just a Country Boy, Amanda, and I Believe in You. You wont want to miss this American classic. 7:30pm. Tickets start at $39. 402-345-0606. - omahaperformingarts.com

CASABLANCA May 23, Holland Performing Arts Center1200 Douglas St. Heres looking at you. Expe-rience Bogie and Bergman as never before when the Omaha Symphony performs Max Steiners score live while the 1943 Best Picture Oscar winner is screened in its entirety. 7:30pm. Tickets start at $22. 402-345-0606. - omahasymphony.org

Sounds of Summer Concert Series May 29-August 21 (every Friday), Shadow Towne Lake Center7775 Olson Dr, Papillion, NE. Live bands include a mix of jazz, blues, classic rock, country, and funk. Various merchant prizes, free face painting, balloon art and other giveaways for kids will be available. Outdoor seating is available. 6:30-8:30pm. Free. 402-537-0046 - shadowlakeshopping.com

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GARTH BROOKS


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Bernadette Peters May 30-31, Holland Per-forming Arts Center1200 Douglas St. Broadways brightest star joins the Omaha Symphony for a glamorous evening of song, including favorites by Rodgers & Ham-merstein, Stephen Sondheim, and other Broadway hits. Sat-urday 7:30pm, Sunday 2pm. $22 and up. 402-345-0606. - ticketomaha.com

Glass Animals May 31, The Waiting Room Lounge6212 Maple St. Glass Animals vocalist and songwriter David Bayley draws influence for both music and artwork from his involvement in the world of medi-cine and neuroscience (at just 22 years old, he has studied both) creating a sound with its roots spread between the electronic and live instrumentation. The result is the warm, narcotic space between a downbeat, slow-burn-ing groove and electro-pop catchiness. 8pm. $15. 402-884-5353 - waitingroomlounge.com

Beethoven & Brahms June 5-6, Holland Per-forming Arts Center1200 Douglas St. The sunniest and most exuberant of Brahms symphonies caps a pro-gram featuring Beethovens groundbreaking and brilliant concerto performed by one of the worlds leading concert pianists. 7:30pm. Tickets start at $19. 402-345-0606. - omahasymphony.org

Imagine Dragons June 10, CenturyLink Center Omaha 455 N. 10th St. Grammy Award-winning rock band, Imagine Dragons, are set to bring their electrifying live shows back on the road in 2015 with the Smoke + Mir-rors Tour in support of their new album, Smoke + Mirrors. Alternative rock band, Metric, will be special guests on the Smoke + Mirrors Tour. Also joining the tour line-up will be Astralwerks recording artist, Halsey. 7:30pm. $30-$60. 402-341-1500 - centurylinkcenteromaha.com

Celtic Women June 14, Lied Center for Perform-ing Arts, 301 N. 12th St, Lincoln, NE. Global music sensation Celtic Woman brings its 10th Anniversary Celebration to the Lied Center for Performing Arts. This enchanting musical experience features Celtic Woman performing a treasure chest of traditional Irish standards, classical favorites, and contemporary pop songs, in the groups distinctive signature style. 3pm. Starting at $43-$63. 402-472-4700 - liedcenter.org

River City Mixed Chorus June 27, Hol-land Performing Arts Center1200 Douglas St. Come see the River City Mixed Chorus, Omahas GLBTA chorus, as they perform hits from the Golden Age of Broadway, featuring selections from favorite musicals by Gershwin, Rodgers, Porter, and more. With dancing and a full jazz combo, its the perfect evening of enter-tainment. 7:05pm. Tickets start at $35. 402-345-0606 - omahaperformingarts.com

Nebraska Wind City Concert June 28, Stinson Park, Aksarben Village67th and Center. The Nebraska Wind Symphony, Omahas community concert band, will perform a free concert at Stinson Park on Sunday, June 28th. The Swingtones, the Wind Sym-phonys big band jazz group, will open the concert at 6PM performing dance standards from the 1940s and

50s. Following the Swingtones, the full Nebraska Wind Symphony will take the stage to perform a variety of music, including several patriotic selections and a tribute to our nations armed forces. 6-8:30pm. 402-850-6776 - aksarbenvillage.com

Weird Al Yankovic July 2, Harrahs Stir Con-cert Cove1 Harrahs Blvd. Since his first-aired comedy song in 1976, he has sold more than 12 million albums, recorded more than 150 parody and original songs, and performed more than 1,000 live shows. His works have earned him four Grammy Awards and 11 nominations, four gold records, and six platinum records. 800-745-3000 - harrahscouncilbluffs.com.

Hozier July 31, Harrahs Stir Concert Cove1 Harrahs Blvd. Andrew Hozier-Byrne (aka Hozier) is an Irish musician and singer-songwriter from Bray, County Wicklow. In 2013, he released his debut EP, featuring the hit single Take Me to Church, and his second EP From Eden in 2014. His debut studio album, Hozier, was released in Ireland in September 2014 and globally in October 2014. 800-745-3000 - harrahscouncilbluffs.com.

Nickelback July 28, CenturyLink Center Omaha 455 N. 10th St. Since first landing on the scene in 1996, Nickelback has cemented themselves as one of the most commercially viable and important acts of the past two decades. The groups worldwide sales exceed 50 million units, solidifying their status as 11th best-selling music act and second best-selling foreign act in the U.S. of the 21st centurybehind only The Beatles. 7:30pm. $25-$80. 402-341-1500 - centurylinkcenteromaha.com

FAMILY & MOREHairball: Arena Rock Live May 1, Ralston Arena7300 Q St. Hairball, the bombastic celebra-tion of arena rock, returns for a rock n roll experience fans wont soon forget. Listen as they perform classic hits from Van Halen, Kiss, Motley Crew, Queen, Jour-ney, Prince, and Aerosmith. 8-10pm. Tickets $20-$25. 402-934-9966 - ralstonarena.com

Rockbrook Village Spring Fever Craft Show May 2, Rockbrook Village Shopping Center108th & W. Center Rd. This juried craft show, now in its 27th year, offers the finest in regional crafts. Shoppers will delight in the variety and quality of crafts. 10am-5pm. Free. - rockbrookvillage.com

The Renaissance Festival of Nebraska May 2-10, The Bellevue Berry Farm11001 S. 48th St, Papillion, NE. Join us for merry-mak-ing and feasting. The all-female jousting troupe, The Knights of The Rose, will visit the first weekend; the heavy-hitting jousting troupe The New Riders of the Golden Age will make an appearance the second week-end. 11am-6pm. Children $7, adults $12. 402-331-5500 - bellevueberryfarm.com

Songwriting Workshop with Kait Berreckman May 9, Omaha Creative Insti-tute1516 Cuming St. Dive into the craft of songwriting with inspiring writing exercises, informative song analysis, and constructive personal critique. 10am-12pm. $35. 651-373-6662 - omahacreativeinstitute.org

IMAGINE DRAGONS


CALENDAR OF EVENTSmay/june 2015 CALENDAR

CHARLOTTES WEB Through May 10, The Rose Theater2001 Farnam St. Wilbur the pig doesnt appear to have a very bright future when Fern begs her father not to dispose of the runt of the litter. But surrounded by supportive barnyard friends on her Uncle Zuckermans farmand befriended by a very gifted spiderWilbur becomes some terrific, radiant pig. Revisit the timeless magic of a story thats touched the hearts of generations of families with its universal themes of friend-ship and sacrifice. Starting at $10. 402-345-4849 - rosetheater.org

Saving Places, A Preservation Cel-ebration May 14, Scottish Rite Temple202 S. 20th St. The citys 50 top preser-vation projects over the last 50 years will be announced by Restoration Exchange Omaha in Saving Places, A Preserva-tion Celebration awards ceremony. Out-standing residential and commercial resto-rations, plus the individuals and craftsmen will be honored. Visit the website for ticketing information. - restorationexchange.org

NEW PRAIRIE KITCHEN Chef Dinner and Author Event May 18, Dante Ristorante Pizzeria16901 Wright Plaza. Join New Prairie Kitchen author Summer Miller and four of Omahas most prominent chefs; Paul Kulik, Nick Strawhecker, Bryce Coulton, and Clayton Chapman, for a four-course meal with wine pairings. Each course will feature a recipe from Millers new book and the evening also features a book-signing. Reservations are for seatings between 5-9 pm. Tickets available by calling Dante at 402-932-3078 - dantepizzeria.com

Blacksmithing Workshop with Elmo Diaz May 23, Omaha Creative Institute1516 Cuming St. Learn how to hammer steel into a com-monly used item such as a coat hook or keychain. Youll leave the course with your own small project or gift for a friend. Please wear cotton or simple non-synthetic fabrics and closed-toe shoes. 10am-12pm. $65. 651-373-6662 - omahacreativeinstitute.org

Childrens Parade May 23, Omaha Childrens Museum500 S.

20th St. Kick off summer and the opening of LEGO: Travel Adven-

ture with the fifth annual childrens parade. Dress up in costume, dec-

orate a float or come as you are. Dont just watch a parade, BE the parade. 9-10am. $9, free admission for kids under

2. 402-930-2352 - ocm.org

Fairytale Land May 23-August 9, Omaha Chil-

drens Museum500 S. 20th St. The museum

princesses are back in an enchant-ing exhibit. Enjoy sing-

alongs, danc-ing knights, and

acting out old fairytales. In this wonderful world where books and stories come to life, youll

never know what adventure youre in for. $9, free admission for kids under 2.

402-930-2352 - ocm.org

LEGO: Travel Adventure May 23-September 6, Omaha Childrens Museum

500 S. 20th St. What will you build in the new exhibit LEGO Travel Adventure? This exhibit invites children and their families to use LEGO bricks to create their own imaginary dream machines. What will you build? Where will you go? $9, free admission for kids under 2. 402-930-2352 - ocm.org

Memorial Day Run May 25, Boys Town Campus122 Heroes Blvd. The Memorial Day Run has become a community staple. Stay and enjoy music, food, face painting, clowns, karate, and dance demonstra-tions, childrens stretching activities, awards, and more. 8am. $20-$25. 402-498-6662 - memorialdayrun.com


may/june 2015

CALENDAR OF EVENTSCALENDAR

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DIXIES TUPPERWARE PARTY May 28-30, Hol-land Performing Arts Center1200 Douglas St. Dixie Longate, the fast-talking Tupperware Lady, packed up her catalogues, left her children in an Alabama trailer park and took Off-Broadway by storm. Now, join Dixie as she travels the country throwing good olfashioned Tupperware Parties filled with outrageously funny tales, heartfelt accounts, free giveaways, audience participation and the most fabulous assortment of Tupperware ever sold on a theater stage. 7:30pm. Tickets start at $35. 402-345-0606 - omahaperformingarts.com

Glow N Go May 29, Stinson Park, Aksarben Vil-lage67th and Center. Join us in

Stinson Park for the Glow N Go 5K Run for St. Vin-

cent de Paul. This is a fun run to raise money for all of the

programs that they operate throughout the year. There will be

music and activ-ities for all ages. You

will want to stick around for the after party. 7-10pm. 402-850-6776

- aksarbenvillage.com

18th Annual Taste of Omaha May 29-May 31, Taste of Omaha800 Douglas St. Omahas larg-est outdoor festival on the riverfront showcases over 50 area restaurants with exciting national live entertain-ment and activities on five different stages. Eat, watch cooking demos, browse displays, and enjoy music, amusement rides, and much more. Friday & Saturday: 11am-11pm, Sunday: 11am-8pm. Free. 402-346-8003 - tasteofomaha.info

MONDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES June 1, Turner Park at Midtown Crossing. Every Monday is a family friendly movie night in Turner Park. Grab your blanket, enjoy some popcorn, sit back, and relax as we laugh, cry, and have fun all summer long in the glow of the silver screen. - midtowncrossing.com


calendar may/june 2015

CALENDAR OF EVENTSS I M P LY D I S T I N C T I V E

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Omaha Beer Fest June 5-6, Omaha Beer FestStinson Park, Aksarben Village. Featuring hundreds of American craft beers from 50 participating breweries, hourly Beer Academy sessions, live music, a Homebrewer Expo, VIP Lounge, food vendors, contests, and more. Visit website for VIP and Weekend Pass info. Friday: 5-9pm, Saturday: 1-6pm. $35-$45. 402-850-6776 - omahabeerfest.com

Omaha Summer Arts Festival June 5-7 Gene Leahy Mall 1203 Farnam St. The Omaha Summer Arts Festival celebrates its 41st year. The festival is Oma-has premier destination for arts and entertainment fea-turing 135 of the nations finest visual artists, a stage of continuous musical performances and a hands-on Childrens Fair. - summerarts.org

Nebraska Childrens Home Societys Sand in the City June 5-8, Century Link Center Parking Lot B North 10 and Mike Fahey streets. Kick off your summer by attending the areas ultimate beach party. Over 375 tons of sand will transform the middle of downtown Omaha into a beach. Corporate and com-munity group teams will compete to build their best 15-ton sand sculpture. Great music, food, and fun for all. Free. Sat/10 am-8 pm; Sun/11 am-5 pm. 402-451-0787 - sandinthecityomaha.com.

MARY POPPINS June 5-28, The Rose Theater2001 Farnam St. Featuring the irresistible story and unforget-table songs from one of the most popular Disney films of all time, plus brand-new breathtaking dance numbers and spectacular stagecraft, Mary Poppins is everything you could ever want in a hit musical for the whole family. Written by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, this promises to be an unforgettable time at The Rose. Get swept up in the fun of this high-flying tale. We think you will agree, it is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Starting at $10. 402-345-4849 - rosetheater.org

Florence Mill Farmers Market June 2 and every Sunday through September9102 N 30th St. Its farmers market season, and one of our faves can be found at the historic Florence Mill, which was built by Mormon pioneers in 1846. The Florence Mill

features a robust slate of veggies, art, crafts, music, pony rides, and all-around family fun all through the season. - florencemill.org

Junkstock June 12-14 315 S 192nd St. Just as Woodstock rocked the fields of an old dairy farm in Bethel, NY in the summer of 69, Junkstock will rock the fields of an old West Omaha dairy farm with three days of peace, love, music, and junk. Its a weekend filled with juried junk vendors from 10 different states bringing vintage finds, unique antiques, and one-of-a-kind re-pur-posed goodsall backed by bands rocking the barns, market, and fields. - junkstockomaha.com

PERFORMING ARTSBallet Nebraska Presents: MOMEN-TUM May 1, Joslyn Art Museum2200 Dodge St. Join us for an evening of brilliant dance masterworks including the dazzling ballets Paquita (Petipa) and Valse-Fantaisie (Balanchine), plus the modern dance classic On My Moth-ers Side (Weidman). 7:30-9:30pm. Tickets $19-$45. 402-342-3300 - joslyn.org

OUR TOWN by Thornton Wilder May 7-June 7, Blue Barn Theatre 614 S. 11th St. Join us as the Stage Manager guides us through this elegant portrait of the ordinary but remarkable joys and sorrows that define our lives. Our Town is the best American play celebrating the magic that makes a community. Thursday-Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday 6pm. $25-$30. 402-345-1576 - bluebarn.org

Its All Greek to Me May 8-30, Apol-lon1801 Vinton St. You may have noticed that we have a funny Greek name, taken from a funny Greek god. We noticed, too, and decided to bring our artists together to recreate one of the largest and most cele-brated Greek festivals of the ancient world. Classics and mythology geeks, this is the month for you. At this themed performance, food, and art event well recre-ate the kinds of feasts, games, competitions, cultural events, and even sacrifices that marked the age of our namesake, Apollo. Doors 7pm, Event 7:30. Tickets $30. 402-884-0315apollonomaha.com

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MAY 23 SEPTEMBER 6, 2015EXHIBIT ON DISPLAY

DURHAMMUSEUM.ORG

Unearth the mysteries of Egypt in a

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WHOS AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? May 8-June 7, Omaha Community Playhouse6915 Cass St. The Tony Award-winning drama, Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is one of the greatest theatrical masterpieces of all time. As George and Marthas marriage falls apart, their new friends, Nick and Honey, become pawns in their cruel mind games. A war of words and exercises of wits drive Edward Albees revolutionary play. 402-553-0800 - omahaplayhouse.com

I HATE HAMLET Through May 10, Omaha Com-munity Playhouse6915 Cass St. Andrew, an aspiring actor, has landed the role of a lifetime as Hamlet. There is just one problemhe hates Hamlet. As fate would have it, Andrews new Manhattan residence is the former apartment of the brilliant actor John Barrymore, whose portrayal of Hamlet was legendary. When Barrymores ghost appears to Andrew, he mentors Andrew on all the tricks of the trade. Will Andrews debut be a triumph or a tragedy? Find out in this fast-paced, fencing-packed and funny play. 402-553-0800. - omahaplayhouse.com

SPAMALOT May 29-June 28, Omaha Community Playhouse6915 Cass St. Tony-award winner for Best Musical, Spamalot is the uproarious comedy lovingly ripped off from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Off-the-wall humor fills King Arthur and his companions quest for the Holy Grail. Their journey is side-split-tingly interrupted by the Knights who say Ni, Harold the Shrubber, The Black Knight, and countless other iconic characters. Whether you are a die-hard Monty Python fan or as you read this, you wonder, What is a Monty Python? you will no doubt love the hilarity of Spamalot. 402-553-0800 - omahaplayhouse.com

Holy Black Widow, Batman!: DC v. Marvel June 12-27, Apollon 1801 Vinton St. Lets settle this once and for all. Do you need to get to the bat signal or is spidey sense going to bring your hero running? Is Captain America too square for you? Is the Flash more your speed? Then lets see you flex your inner (or not so inner) comic geek. If you know your stuff and can handle a trivia challenge to determine the superior universe once and for all, then prepare to get beaten down by someone who can handle it faster, louder, or with lasers shooting out of their...uh...whats that thing on Magnetos face...? At this themed performance, food, and art event well finally answer the ultimate question: whose superheros are the superest superheros? Join us for an evening of Marvel vs DC. Doors 7pm, Event 7:30. Tickets $35. 402-884-0315 - apollonomaha.com


CALENDAR OF EVENTScalendar may/june 2015

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You could almost call her the mother of the aquarium. She nourishes the animals. She cleans up after their messes. She keeps them safe, all the while with eyes in the back of her head.

Lead aquarium keeper Alexis Shorb of the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquariums Scott Aquarium graduated from Coastal Carolina University with a degree in marine science. She cares primarily for the sharks and stingrays, a duty close to her heart.

I like animals that could potentially hurt me, I guess, Shorb quips. I remem-ber when I was a kid and I was first allowed to watch Jaws. It actually made me want to


by jennifer litton photography by bill sitzmannFACES

Alexis Shorb Every Week is Shark Week

go to the ocean. I guess I was one of those weird children.

Originally from Fairfax, Virginia, Shorb grew up spending summers at the shore. She began working in landlocked Omaha more than three years ago at the beginning of the aquariums $6.5 million renovation. She helped built the eel tank from the ground up. Being part of the renovation and wearing that hard hat has been another lesson that I never thought I was going to be able to do.

Her past jobs, which include Disneys Epcot Center and SeaWorld, have led her to hand-feed leopard sharks, bonnetheads, and stingrays. And yes, she did get bit.

When youre feeding anything with a mouth, its only natural that sometimes they will get you. She dismisses the experience as a glorified paper cut.

Twice a week at feeding time, Shorb and crew raise the side curtains in the shark reef. It makes a physical cue for the animals that they are about to get fed, she says. The sharks politely line up in conveyer belt fashion to enjoy a selection of blue runner, bonito, mack-erel, salmon, or squid.

We use long tongs to hand-feed, Shorb explains. Were actually able to distinguish which shark is which by individual birth-marks, which allows the zoo to monitor keep accurate records on food intake.

For reasons other than what one might expect, she loves tank-cleaning time. My favorite part is just being in the water and having a zebra shark swim by me and having the kids just watch with those big eyes. I like showing people that sharks arent man-eaters.

Shorbs broad duties include being respon-sible for one million gallons of fresh sea water (mixed on site) and over 1,000 sea creatures. Pipes break. Floods happen. Nothing like getting a radio call saying theres water drip-ping into the gift shop, she says.

She also plays Cupid with a pair of tasseled wobbegongs, a species of carpet shark. Im kind of like Match.com. I want to put him in with her and hopefully well have some babies.

Shorb finds early mornings at the aquar-ium magical. Everythings peaceful and all of the lights are just coming on. All of the animals are waking up and are just starting to get active.

Just like a mother relishes her cup of coffee before the kids awaken, Shorb begins another day with her beloved sharks and stingrays. OMAG


faces alexis shorb

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Magdalena Garcia Putting the Art in Heart

As executive director of El Museo Latino, Magdalena Garcia pours her heart into the museum she founded. She cant help it; art isnt just her work, its her life.

Its always about the art, she says. This isnt something I just go do for eight hours, its a way of life.

Garcias family moved to Omaha when she was nine, but returned to visit her artist aunt and grandmother each summer in Mexico City, providing her lots of cultural inspiration.

Art was always part of our lives, she says. Wed go to the museum, ballet, theaterI remember grandmother cleaning on Saturday mornings with opera music blasting. None of it was ever foreign to me. Thats why I believe its so important to expose children to different art forms.

by sarah wengert photography by bill sitzmannFACES


Garcia frequents the symphony, opera, and museums in Omaha, and when she trav-els shes always investigating local museums and culture.

I love research. I love to learn new things, and one thing takes you 50 other places and then you come back around, says Garcia, motioning in a circle.

Skeptical she could make a living as an artist, Garcia pursued related interests to sit-uate herself in the museum field. She volun-teered at the Joslyn Art Museum while earn-ing an art history degree from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and working full time in human resources for Northern Natural Gas. She relocated to Houston when the companys headquarters moved there and later used severance pay as a springboard for graduate school.

I liked what I was doing, Garcia says, but over time I realized I just really wanted to work in a museum. It could be human resourcesbut in a museum.

While seeking an internship, Garcia noted there were only three Latino museums in the country. Despite that early 90s stat, she found a common, burgeoning interest in serv-ing a growing Latino demographic.

Why not Omaha? she asked herself. And with that, the seed was planted for El Museo Latino, which Garcia opened in 1993 on a shoestring budget anchored by her own elbow grease.

Today El Museo Latino is one of 12 U.S. Latino museums, including one in Puerto Rico.

None of us really know when that last moment of our lives will come, but I didnt want to wonder: Could I have tried it? Should I have tried it? says Garcia.

Garcia did traditional Mexican folk danc-ing for years, and continues to teach it at the museum. She also enjoys gastronomy, with a love for Italian, Chinese, Thai, and Mexican cuisines, and says she loves to cook, exper-iment, taste.

My other love is tennis, she says. Garcia also adores swimming, and has been play-ing racquetball and weightliftingjust for variety.

Im always inventing new stuff to do, but making time for the things I love is import-ant, she says. I think you have to find some-thing that you really enjoy. When it comes to being active, I just want to get out there and have some fun. I want to go play. OMAG


faces magdalena garcia

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And nothing but... the truth...

things you should never lie about; love, din-nertime, and taxes. Though he also offered an addendum, Pay your accountant to lie about the taxes.

Lying is everywhere.And the media, well the airwaves and lies

go together like chemicals and life. One is not possible without the other. Brian Williams is a liar. Thats what Ive been told. He lied about his helicopter being shot down in Iraq. NBC suspended him without pay for six months. So, hes out about $5 million, not counting the side money he made as my stand-in for my L.L. Bean catalogue modeling assignments.

Bill OReilly is a liar, though there isnt enough space here to enumerate all of the falsehoods hes likely guilty of spreading. Whats Bill-Os punishment? Higher rat-ings. Proving once again that venue is more important that veracity.

Of course, we were all outraged by their lies. We all called talk radio shows to con-demn Bill and/or Brian. Who we were most mad at depended on whom we most agreed with. We were so mad some of us posted something on Facebook about how scandal-ized we wereright under our Photoshopped profile pics.

The irony always escapes us.So, back to my bio, was I actually Paul

Newmans bodyguard?You be the judge. In 1968 during the

Nebraska Presidential Primary campaign, the movie star himself came to town to speak on behalf of Clean Gene McCarthy. The organizers needed security, so they recruited some tall college students to show up and form a protective ring around the diminutive star. When the predicable surge of hysterical female fans rushed us, and the station wagon tailgate that Paul stood on so as to be seen, I was terrified. I was petrified. No, I was worse that thatI was shy. Despite the fact that I was touched, grabbed, and groped in ways I had never been before (or since) as I stood between the mob and their prey, our adoles-cent phalanx held. Paul, who remained true to form cool, spoke. No one laid a hand on himand I could write in my bio:

I was once Paul Newmans bodyguard.Go ahead suspend me. OMAG

It says right there in an old bio I sent out years ago, I was once Paul Newmans bodyguard.Okay, I lied.Or, did I?Sometimes its hard to tell. I mean we start

out lying at such an early age. Ive seen studies where scientists have discovered that spread-ing deliberate falsehoods is in our DNA.

Or did they?Maybe Im exaggerating what they discov-

ered. Maybe I just saw it on Facebookwhere I also discovered yesterday that President Obama binge watches Overhaulin originally from The Learning Channel.

Which brings up a salient pointif TLC and The Learning Channel run shows like 19 Kids and Counting, Sister Wives, and Love, Lust, or Run, then is it a lie to call themselves The Learning Channel? Maybe theyre truthful. Maybe I should learn from them, even if the lessons taught are at times contra-dictory and always impractical.

Do we lie because its in our nature, or is it nurture? My mom used to tell us kids that if we ate the crusts of our PB&J sandwiches wed be able to whistle. Now, since I was the only one of my siblings who could ever whis-tle, did my mom lie to the brother and sisters? They turned out to be bigger liars than I did. Maybe it was the way they were brought up.

I learned to be honest at my fathers knee. My dad once told me, There are only three


by otis xiiNOT FUNNY


BETWEEN THE LINEScontributors

between

THE LINESCOLIN CONCES is an old soul, an unplugged see-er, a moment soaker-upper. He grew up

in Omaha and constantly balances a touch of wanderlust with his deeply rooted sense of home.

To him, that word home is also defined by his beautiful wife and daughter, and two dogs

with a whole lot of cooking and garden-tending thrown into the mix. Colin earned a degree

in journalism from Creighton University with an emphasis on visual communications and

photojournalism. Since then he has continually honed his skills through countless hours of

shooting. He has taught at the University of Nebraska-Omaha and Creighton. As a professional

image-maker, he focuses on capturing people, places, and spaces in real moments, in real time.

KYLE FISHER has had his career take him on a full-circle adventure. Almost 30 years ago,

his sports management career started with the Omaha Royals. Luckily, wife Phyllis was a

military brat, so it was a (relative) piece of cake for her to do seven sports gigs in seven cities

in sevens years before coming to Omahaagain with the Royals. Teen-aged son, Travis, was

lucky enough to have grown up here after the couples return. Memorable moments along the

way included such oddities as a stadium bomb threat, an exploding field sprinkler providing

an unexpected pregame shower right before the first pitch, and an unforgettable dinner date

with Hall of Famer George Brett and Warren Buffet.

Otis XII has been a fixture in Omaha radio for 35 years. Currently he spins Vivaldi and Mozart

discs on KVNO Classical 90.7 in the mornings. You can find him with the other fixtures in

aisle 18 at Menards. Hes won awards for his short stories and his novels, but none of these

awards are the Nobel or the Pulitzer. His real name is Douglas Vincent Wesselmann and

his forthcoming novel Tales of the Master: The Book of Stone will have that name on the cover.

A look at three Omaha Magazine team members

colin conces photographer

kyle fisher branding specialist

Otis XII not funny columnist


by photography by bill sitzmannRESTAURANT REVIEW

www.methodistcollege.edu

Whether youre pursuing a degree in Nursing or Allied Health, Nebraska Methodist College provides a fully accredited, life-changing education that ranks among the highest in graduation rates year after year.

Congratulations to Jillian Sisson, nominated for Omaha Magazines first ever Excellence in Nursing Awards due to her exceptional work in professional education at Nebraska Methodist College.


For the inaugural Excellence in Nursing Awards, Omaha Magazine received more than 150 nominations from patients, physicians, and professional colleagues who wished to recognize the extraordinary contributions nurses make on a daily basis. Those nomi-nating a nurse were asked to detail how each professionals actions made an important difference in the lives of those they serve. A prestigious national panel reviewed each submission and selected both the finalists and winners in each category. Finally, Omaha Magazine spoke with the resulting 19 winners to give readers a glimpse into what makes them so special. OMAG

by susan meyers photography by sarah lemke

sponsored by:

Cardiovascular

Bridget Boeckman RN, BSN, Staff Nurse, Cardiac Progressive Care Unit and Nebraska Biocontainment Unit Nebraska Medicine

How do you handle stress and

the emotional toll nursing

can have on your life?

I have some wonderful coworkers who are always supportive, comforting, and kind. Because we have had the opportunity to get to know each other well, we know just what each of us needs to get us through the tough daysbe it a hug, some dark humor, tough love, or a break from our phone to eat lunch without interruption. We also hold each other accountable for caring for ourselves and celebrate each others lives outside of work. We have a Facebook group of nurses and care techs from our floor, which is a great forum for inviting each other to dinner after work, running in the park, or a day at the zoo. It is a great way to share parts of our lives outside of work through pictures and news posts. These are just a few ways I handle the stress of my job.

Tell me about the importance

of working as a team?

I am glad to work on two units where teamwork is essential to our collective success and also ingrained in our culture. Often, it would be difficult to provide excellent care to our patients without the help of other staff members on our floor who assist with tasks large and small. OMAG

Cheryl Bohacek


Oncology

Cheryl Bohacek RN, MSN, OCN, Oncology Nurse Methodist Hospital

Cheryl Bohacek remembers early on in her nursing career caring for a young woman with cancer who was dying. A group of the patients closest friends came to her room, opened a bottle of wine, reminisced, laughed, and cried with her. Then her husband came, laid down beside her and spent his final moments with his wife. It became a life-altering experience for Bohacek.

I realized that I was not just passing medications, but I was a part of peoples lives, she says. I was caring for them during their most vulnerable moments, and I got to help them and their families get through it.

Something touched Bohaceks spirit that day, and she has never wanted to care for another type of patient population since.

You become deeply vested in their outcomes, whether its by helping them through recovery, helping them deal with something theyll have to live with for the rest of their lives, or helping them cope with end of life, says Bohacek, who finds her profession very rewarding.

She balances the good days with the bad by always trying to start each day with a positive attitude.

Even if you dont feel good inside, if you keep smiling and have a positive outlook it presents a different feeling on the outsideand pretty soon, it becomes reality, she says.

And it appears to be working. Cheryl is our constant rock, says one of her colleagues. While many of my colleagues have burned out in oncology, Cheryl is always shining. She is the heart and soul of our oncology unit. She always greets people with a warm smile, and her presence is a calming reassurance to both patients and staff. OMAG

Omaha Magazines 2015

Management/Nurse Executive

Tracy Doebelin RN, BSN, Director of Womens and Childrens Services CHI Health Bergan Mercy

How do you handle stress and

the emotional toll nursing

can have on your life?

I have some wonderful coworkers who are always supportive, comforting, and kind. Because we have had the opportunity to get to know each other well, we know just what each of us needs to get us through the tough daysbe it a hug, some dark humor, tough love, or a break from our phone to eat lunch without interruption. We also hold each other accountable for caring for ourselves and celebrate each others lives outside of work. We have a Facebook group of nurses and care techs from our floor, which is a great forum for inviting each other to dinner after work, running in the park, or a day at the zoo. It is a great way to share parts of our lives outside of work through pictures and news posts. These are just a few ways I handle the stress of my job.

Tell me about the importance

of working as a team?

I am glad to work on two units where teamwork is essential to our collective success and also ingrained in our culture. Often, it would be difficult to provide excellent care to our patients without the help of other staff members on our floor who assist with tasks large and small. OMAG

Ira Combs


Community Care/Ambulatory Care

Ira Combs RN, MSN UNMC College of Public Health Center for Reducing Health Disparities

Giving back to the community. Its something Ira Combs does well. Hes the community liaison/nurse coordinator for the University of Nebraska Medical Centers College (UNMC) of Public Health Center for Reducing Health Disparities. Combs job is to connect with the community by performing health fairs, screenings, and providing public education.

Combs is founder of a free clinic called North Omaha Area Health (NOAH), an indepen-dent, non-profit organization which provides free blood pressure tests, sugar and cholesterol screenings, and screenings for STDs. He also volunteers with the staff at the Charles Drew Health Center, the Lighthouse Wellness and Community Center, and Open Door Mission. He regularly speaks to students about reducing health disparities and exploring health-related careers. Combs can be seen at schools, grocery stores, churches, librarieswherever people conveneto deliver his message of living healthy in mind, body, and spirit.

Building relationships is just as important as giving medical advice, says Combs. Before you can help people, you have to get out there and meet them and develop a trust.

Combs says he tried to empower people with knowledge so that they can take control of their health. Its not brain surgery or rocket science. You can talk about small things that can have a big impact on a persons health.

Combs recently traveled to the White House, where he was one of eight selected for President Barack Obamas Champion of Change award in prevention and public health.

I like what I do because I feel its making a difference, says Combs. Its all about giving back to the community. OMAG

Excellence in Nursing Winner Profiles

Lindsey Gross-Rhode

School

Lindsey Gross-Rhode RN, BSN, Healthcare Coordinator, Head Start Plattsmouth School District Early Childhood Center

Lindsey Gross-Rhode wears many hats at the Plattsmouth Early Childhood Center, where she is the health and nutrition manager. She also serves as the school nurse and participates on the Head Start Policy Council and the Cass County Health Advisory Board.

Gross-Rhode goes over and above the call of duty, say her colleagues. She makes home visits to ensure children have healthy living conditions. She provides food, clothing, and personal care supplies to low-income families. She coordinates with other agencies to intervene when a childs living conditions are dangerous. And she finds healthcare for those that cant afford it. In the classroom, she teaches these young, impressionable children healthy eating habits, the importance of exercise, good hygiene, and preventive health habits. She also promotes healthy living in her workplace by coaching her co-workers on diet and exercise.

Every day I am trying to break that cycle of poverty and help these children get the best start pos-sible, says Gross-Rhode, who recently obtained a masters in health promotion to support her new multi-dimensional roles.

Over the past two years, she has worked to better the Cass County Head Start health and nutrition program to ensure continued funding from state and federal resources. Working in this setting is a very different type of nursing than the hospital, she says. I realize how important it is for students to be healthy in order to learn and grow. What I am doing now will have an impact on them for the rest of their lives. OMAG

ER

Mary Jane Egan RN, BSN, Flight Nurse, Charge Nurse, Emergency Department LifeNet, Nebraska Medicine

What attracted you to trauma nursing?

I never imagined being a trauma nurse until I spent six hours in Creightons emer-gency department while in nursing school. A critically ill trauma patient arrived with a head injury. I was eager to help and was able to witness life-saving procedures right in front of me. I was amazed at the vast knowledge base the nurses and physicians had to care for in a wide range of ages and acuity. I was drawn to the fast-paced, adrenaline-filled atmosphere where you can perform a procedure to literally save someones life.

What is the most rewarding

part of your job?

The most rewarding part of emergency nursing is witnessing life after a traumatic event. Seeing a patient making steps towards recovery and being successful is extremely rewarding. My patients are experiencing pos-sibly the worst day of their life and they look to my partner and I for hope. The ultimate reward is providing a second chance to others and watching them overcome the challenges they are facing.

What is the greatest challenge

you face in your job?

The greatest challenge I face is witness-ing the end of someones life. In emergency nursing, I see violence, fear, but also acts of love. It is humbling, emotionally tolling. Nurses are instantly a support for the family and friends of those who may be having the worst days of their lives. I have learned that simple acts of kindness can mean the world to others. I leave work finding myself thinking of those I have cared for, but also realize how thankful I am to have life. OMAG


Omaha Magazines 2015 Excellence in Nursing Winner Profiles

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Anisa Hoie

Pediatrics: Non-Neonatal

Anisa Hoie RN, Oncology Nurse Childrens Hospital & Medical Center

Sometimes there are things worse in life than death. Those powerful words were spoken to Anisa Hoie by a physician colleague early in her nursing career. They were words that helped inspire her and cultivate a love for working with children and cancer.

When I was in nursing school, one of the areas that I knew I didnt want to work in was cancer, she recalls. Im a cup half full sort of person and I thought this area would just be too depressing.

But as Hoie became more exposed to this group of patients with her work on the medical/surgery floor, she soon learned that this was where her heart was. These kids were living life and loving it, she says. They didnt know they were supposed to be sick. These kids were going to be sick whether I was there to help them or not, so I decided that if I could be a part of their journey and make it a little bit better, then that would make it all worthwhile.

Additionally, approximately 80 percent of these children will be long-term survivors whom Hoie says she gets to watch grow up and share in their life accomplishments.

Today, more than 30 years later, Hoie has become known by her patients, their families, and her colleagues on the cancer floor at Childrens Hospital as one that puts her heart and soul into every patient she encounters.

I believe theres a mission involved with nursing, says Hoie. You can make a difference in peoples lives, and sometimes that means it needs to be more than a job. OMAG

Hospice/Home Health

Jennifer Kaluza MSN, APRN, ANP-BC, Vascular Services Nebraska medicine

What advice would you offer to patients?

Ask a lot of questions and never settle for an easy answer. Always ask if there are alter-natives to the treatment plan to make it more acceptable to your own goals and wishes. If a patient is active in decision-making and planning, they are more involved and more likely to follow the advice of their providers.

What is your greatest challenge?

Trying to balance my personal and work life. I am a lifelong learner and am always drawn to learning new things and working on new projects. As healthcare gets more complex and patients get sicker, it seems that every year we are asked to do more with less resources. I love the patients and families I work with, but it is very easy to work a lot of hours and not be fully present at home. I went to grad school when my children were just babies so that I would be able to be in a position to work standard day-shift hours and be able to spend quality time with them and my husband. As part of being a professional, Ive had to learn how to stand up for myself. I found I was in a position that was too demanding and my personal life was suffering. I had to make a change and find a position that stim-ulates me mentally and allows me to be a wife and mom. OMAG


Omaha Magazines 2015

Medical-Surgical Nursing

Erin Merrill RN, BSN, Lead Staff Nurse Orthopedics/Medical-Surgical Unit Nebraska Medicine

What advice would you

offer to other nurses?

I would tell nurses to remember why they became a nurse: We are there to help people in need. There will be good days and there will be bad days. There will be easy patients and there will be tough patientsbut we need to remember that we came into the nursing profession to help people. The field of nursing is one of the most trusted professions, and we get a chance every day to impact peoples lives.

What are the rewards of being a leader?

The most rewarding part of being a leader is seeing those around you achieve their goals. When I am working with a new graduate or a staff nurse trying to improve on skills, it is rewarding to see them achieve that goal. They get a boost in self-confidence. They improve in their nursing ability, and they gain in their ability to teach others.

What is the most rewarding

part of your job?

Watching my patients improve and get to go home after a stay in the hospital is always a great way to end the day. However, there are times when difficult decisions have to be made and the outcomes are not always happy. Those tough times are when I can be there to support a patient and family. I can offer support, both medically and emotionally. That is also very rewarding. OMAG

Jodeena Kempnich


Acute Care/Family Practice

Jodeena Kempnich MSN, RN, CNML, Advanced Nurse Administrator CHI Health

Jodeena Jody Kempnich likes to think of herself as a change agent. She loves the nursing profession and is dedicated to helping the profession grow through education, research, and mentorship.

As a nurse administrator and member of the Research Council at CHI Health, Kempnich has had a significant impact in promoting research and the use of evidence-based practices by helping other nurses develop and strengthen their research skills. When I was in nursing school, practicing nursing was often trial and error, she explains. That is not the case any-more. Through research, we can implement better nursing practices at the bedside by using evidence-based practices.

Kempnich was recently awarded the Nursing Mentor Award by the Nebraska Organization of Nurse Leaders, an honor she is very proud to have. I really enjoy mentoring other nurses and sharing my knowledge, she says. The nursing profession has a strong need to get younger nurses involved in leadership positions, and this is just another way I can have an impact on the profession.

Kempnich helps facilitate change on a national level as an active member of the American Nurses Association (ANA), the American Association of Nurse Executives (AONE), and the HealthLeaders Media Council. She stays active locally with the Nebraska Organization of Nurse Leaders (NONL), Nebraska Nurses Association (NNA), and Nebraska Action CoalitionFuture of Nursing (NAC).

In nursing, we have to hold that bar high, she says. If I can play a role in that, then Ive done my job. OMAG

Excellence in Nursing Winner Profiles

Teresa Kenney


A tender hand for women and new life are areas of care that have become Teresa Kenneys passion. Her desire to help other women as well as her strong Catholic faith led her to Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction.

The institute is internationally recognized for its achievements in the field of natural fertility regulation and reproductive medicine. It treats women from all over the country and the world, says Kenney, who specializes in a new womens health science called NaProTechnology. The focus here is on using natural fertility cycles to help women deal with such common womens health issues as premenstrual syndrome, ovarian cysts, irregular cycles, painful periods, poly-cystic ovaries, premenopausal symptoms, infertility, and repeat miscarriage.

I am extremely passionate about what I do because everything I offer my patients

may/june 2015 omaha magazine

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