Company retreats stoke teamwork and company loyalty.  Retreats provide staff with an opportunity to learn more about their co-workers than they would in the work environment, as well as the opportunity to learn something new about themselves in the process.  They also reenergize staff, providing more focus and productivity going forward.  The Strategic Air & Space Museum (SAC) is adding several new attractions this summer that will be permanent fixtures and ideal for company retreats, including a zip line, rock climbing wall and a large trampoline.  During the summer these attractions will be featured as the Summer Over The Planes exhibit, as you can zip, climb and jump over the planes showcased at the SAC Museum! In addition to these new attractions, they are extending their hours to stay open until 9 p.m. every Thursday evening starting from now until September 5th for Hops, Props & Wings.  They will have a different themed chicken wing to try each week, a different locally brewed beer each week and live music each Thursday evening.  The great line up of bands includes:

June 6 – WGO Orchestra  • June 13 – Rhythm Collective
June 20 – Fish Heads • June 27 – Cactus Hill July 4 – Cowboy Up
July 11 – High Heel • July 18 – The New Humans • July 25 – On the Fritz • Aug 1 – The Confidentials • Aug 8 – Kaitlyn Maria
Aug 15 – Fish Heads • Aug 22 – Cactus Hill • Aug 29 – Omaha Guitar Trio • Sept 5 – Mr. Hand

Angela Roeber of SAC Museum invites companies of any size to gather for a company retreat and visit the attractions and exhibits, or just plan to come out on a Thursday evening to enjoy a night of entertainment with the co-workers!  She adds that the mission of the SAC Museum is to ignite the thrill of innovation and discovery within each of their guests, including the young AND the young at heart, which is the perfect recipe for a company retreat!

Omaha Patio Ride offers a unique way to get out of the office together and experience destinations in Omaha as a team.  They are a very interactive party bus in the form of a sixteen passenger bike that rides to different venues in the Old Market area, and they can also work with you to create your own route and experience.  Omaha Patio Ride typically provides a two hour pub crawl but are not limited to that and can arrange private parties to your destinations of choice, beer/wine/food tastings or can incorporate other types of events, which would be perfect for a company retreat!  A.C. Clouthier of Omaha Patio Ride suggests that companies could book tours of the downtown area, lunch outings, end of the quarter or year retreats, business incentives, or just for a fun time with the co-workers.  You can visit www.omahapatioride.com or find them on Facebook or Twitter for more information.

If you are looking for a more private area to host your company retreat, White Deer Retreat is the perfect destination.  Located just 15 minutes from downtown Omaha, White Deer Retreat sits on nine acres of land with a panoramic view of the Missouri River Valley and Loess Hills, and provides a sanctuary to meet, relax, and connect. The natural splendor of its wooded setting with an amazing view allows for peace, serenity, and greater focus. White Deer Retreat is an intimate, casual facility and can comfortably accommodate up to 16 people for a business meeting or company retreat. There is a 40” “smart” TV with WIFI/HDML connection and Bose sound and several break-out areas including a screened porch, patio, and large shaded lawn area.  Meals can be provided by the retreat, catered, or served by the company and beverages are complimentary.  The possibilities for other supportive activities are as unlimited as your creativity!  Outdoor activities or nature walks at nearby Neale Woods can appeal to the need for natural stress relief. There are also two bedroom suites on-site which can accommodate up to eight men or women (if they don’t mind sleeping in the same area) for overnight retreats. There are six wellness practitioners available to provide different forms of mental, emotional, and spiritual support, and professional musicians are also available for entertainment and relaxation during your stay.

Owner Debra Cook notes, “We’ve all been to retreats that were either held in windowless, sterile halls or were just regular business meetings with a retreat title.  The best ones are creative, intimate, team enhancing, nurturing, and fun.  It is never a waste of resources to show employees that they are cared about in an environment which promotes their individuality and personal well-being.”  Cook adds, “No matter what the event, the beauty of this place is Mother Nature. You can’t help feeling the stress and worries disappear as you head north under the Mormon Bridge, and into an area that many people don’t even know exists so close to the city.”

The Lied Lodge & Conference Center, located on 260 acres of Arbor Day Farm, is another perfect venue to host a company retreat.  Their conference planners assist clients in determining what options are right for their group, as they offer a wide array of choices depending on the goal of the event and the personality of the group.  For example, you could choose to BBQ outdoors at the Historic Morton Barns after exploring the Tree Adventure attraction or doing a nature scavenger hunt.  For more competitive or athletic groups, you could play a round of golf at the Arnold Palmer designed ArborLinks Golf Course.  Denise Duvall of The Lied Lodge & Conference Center adds that tasting Arbor Day Farm wines and learning about the grapes has become a popular retreat event for most any type of organization.  Duvall says “The 260 acres of Arbor Day Farm allows companies and organizations to regroup, refocus, and revitalize their efforts.  In today’s fast world, those are three very important efforts in the success of organizations.  In addition, employees like to feel appreciated and going on a retreat gives individuals and teams the sense that they are worth it and my company cares about them.” For more information about Lied Lodge & Conference Center, you can visit their website at www.liedlodge.org.

The Archdiocesan Retreat & Conference Center is Omaha’s best kept secret and offers great spaces to host a retreat, as The Main Hall is 32’ x 37’ and the Grand Hall at 32’ x 54’and can meet the needs of all groups. Each room can be set up classroom style, boardroom style, open boardroom style, theater style, and with U shape or round tables.  Recognizing business can be conducted at all times, their wi-fi internet access facilitates any style of presentation and enables everyone to stay connected with their customers.  Each hall is equipped with an LED (overhead) projector, drop down screen, portable white boards and a podium which has microphone, laptop connections and DVD/VCR capabilities.  The ARCC also has an in-house laptop, so all you need to bring is a flash drive!  Deacon Charles Adams, Manager of The ARCC, notes that many meeting planners have found their facilities ideal for off-site meetings, conferences and retreats because of the central location near historic Benson and its close proximity to downtown Omaha and the interstate. He adds, “Team members that respect and work well with each other can exceed challenging business objectives. Getting all team members’ together, reviewing objectives, sharing ideas, building understanding through questions and dialogue is the best approach for achieving goal consensus and team success in exceeding them.  Many times, the only way to make that occur is to take the team away from the office, where distractions are at a minimum and communication at a maximum.”  The ARCC’s historic past, décor and architectural building features definitely offer a welcoming and comfortable place to host your retreat.

The Corky Canvas offers a variety of team building packages that allows companies to unwind and uncork their creativity! From working on better communication and cohesiveness to exploring their artistic side, a team building event at The Corky Canvas will provide companies with unique artwork as well as an exceptional bonding experience and memories. Angie Lewis, owner of The Corky Canvas, says that company retreats are an extremely important investment because harmony and happiness within a company leads to increased productivity and a more positive work atmosphere.  Employees that get along and actively work together have better communication and can problem solve more effectively as well as save everyone unnecessarily long hours and headaches. If employees don’t have that sense of community, they’re less likely to go to each other for help–be it brainstorming or delegating tasks. Lewis adds that something as simple as a few hours away from the office, while enjoying wine or beer with a paintbrush in hand, allows employees to not only get to know each other, but also discover a creative side of themselves that can be utilized within the company.  The Corky Canvas offers four varieties of team building activities at both Lincoln and Omaha locations, and they would be happy to discuss those options with your company or business!

Bryson Airboat Tours is another great idea to get your team active and out of the office.  Bryson delivers both adventurous and peacefully paced rides, can book up to 100 people with advanced notice, and offers several different package options for private three hour events including a 3 Hour Picnic package, 3 Hours of Fun package and “We Come to You” package.  If you are not comfortable on an actual airboat, the 3 Hour Picnic package lets your group take advantage of their riverfront property.  They can provide tables and chairs for a special event, and this area provides direct access to the water and scenic views of the Platte River, as well as space to play horseshoes or volleyball.  The 3 Hours of Fun package includes airboat rides and the same accommodations on the riverfront.  Bryson can bring the airboats to your location with the “We Come to You” package, which is perfect for businesses or communities located next to rivers!

An essential facet of planning a company retreat is having a goal. Without a goal there no point to conduct a retreat, as there is nothing that sparks a shift in momentum or gives it a significant purpose. Company retreats should motivate or inspire employees to achieve the goal framed by your retreat, whether it is to de-stress in order to have a better focus, to plan for an exciting project, strategize to attain a milestone, or to foster unity among co-workers.  All participants should feel welcome to collaborate, whether there are ten or a hundred employees involved.  You may want to consider the dynamics of the group, such as if you have more introverted or extroverted people, and choose an event or activity that best serves the interest of the group as well as the individuals that it is composed of.  Choose a time of the week when you know your employees will be able to focus and enjoy the time they are investing, instead of around a deadline or on Monday when they have thirty-six other things they need to do to start their business week.  Also, whether your business location is small or large, you should always host a company retreat off-site.  Retreats held on-site can appear like a cheesy office party, or are just another way to say “meeting.”  This should be a place with minimal distractions from the outside world for an acceptable amount of time to expect from your employees, unless it is within their regular working hours or they are being compensated for their time.  You are conducting a company retreat for positive growth, and it will certainly not be received well if it is imposed or has undesirable conditions.  However, since the retreat is an investment in the company and the well-being of employees, it is reasonable to expect that they will be focused on this event and not disengaged by using their phone or checking out the latest posts on Facebook or the Internet.  As an employee, it is important to respect what a company retreat aims to accomplish.  Look at it as a positive experience, with many short-term and long-term benefits, that helps you to understand your co-workers, boss, and maybe even your bosses’ boss.  What is good for them is good for you, and vice versa, so improving the existing structure of your operations or fine-tuning communication and teamwork is well worth the investment of time and resources.  When planned and utilized in the correct way, company retreats enhance many aspects of the work environment and are a contributing factor in cultivating the future of your company or business.

For the “handyman” in your life, woodworking provides an opportunity to be creative while enjoying the satisfaction of making something with your own hands that most likely also has a functional use or purpose.  Midwest Woodworkers can provide several different types of gift ideas that will make his day, including tools and gadgets, classes, and gift certificates.  It can be hard to choose tools, particularly if you are not familiar with woodworking.  You can ask him questions to gauge what would really make him happy, such as what projects he would like to do if he had spare time, what tools he could use if he had them, or pay attention to hints such as “If I just had a lathe, I could…” to get a good idea of the direction to pursue when choosing a gift.  The staff at Midwest Woodworkers can also use this information to help with gift suggestions that fit his style.  Another alternative is to give Dad a class.  Whether he’s a new woodworker or an accomplished craftsman, there is always something new to learn.  Gerry Phelan of Midwest Woodworkers notes that this isn’t a lecture in a classroom – in most classes he’ll make a project he can take home.  Classes are offered on a wide range of woodworking topics from carving to cabinet making.  You can go home with everything from a carved figurine, to a hand-made wooden pen to a small nightstand.  Even better, you can share the experience with your father and join him for a class to make projects and memories together!  If you can find something you enjoy together, he can pass along his knowledge while you both enjoy some quality time together as likely your time and attention is the best gift of all.  If you’re completely stumped on a gift for Dad, there is always the gift certificate option.  Nothing tells dad ‘It’s ok to spend time in your workshop’ like a gift certificate from Midwest Woodworkers.  They offer gift certificates by phone, on-line, or in-store.  The best part is that they can be purchased for any amount and they never expire or decline in value.   You can even get him a gift certificate for a class so he can try something new.

For all the fathers and grandfathers facing mobility issues, Laurie Dondelinger of Kohll’s Pharmacy & Homecare says the perfect gift is one that will promote their independence while ensuring their safety.  Kohll’s Pharmacy offers lift chairs that automatically help you get in and out of your chair safely, and a variety of other options that support mobility such as vehicle lifts, walkers and scooters.  There is even a new device called the ScooterTrailer that goes behind a vehicle to transport a wheelchair or scooter, and can be pulled by a vehicle as small as a Smart Car!  These items are not only great gifts themselves, but also provide the gift of freedom to enjoy activities outside of the home as well as the ability to continue living a happy, healthy and uninhibited life! Kohll’s is currently offering lift chairs for $200 off, vehicle lifts and stair gliders for $300 off, and walk-in tubs and showers for $500 off.  Kohll’s welcomes you to stop by and check out the largest mobility showroom in the nation, here in Omaha at 127th and Q Street!

If you are considering sprucing up Dad’s wardrobe, Bel-Air Fashions has you covered.  Bel Air Fashions is known for their selection of quality fabrics and longevity of garments.  Their garments comprise the latest in technology for pack-n-go, year round and mix-n-match options, as well as fitting impeccably.  Dick Lerner, a third generation owner of Bel-Air Fashions, emphasizes that garments are a crucial aspect in defining their clients’ professional and personal image.  Bel-Air Fashions offers both classic and modern fit garments that are great quality, affordable, fit and most importantly look professional.  Depending on the type of gift you are looking for, they have extensive sizes available for off-the-rack, custom and full made-to-measure pieces.  You can certainly utilize the expertise of Lerner and his staff at Bel-Air Fashions when picking out a gift for Father’s Day.  Currently they are making room for an exciting new department in their store, so a selection of regular merchandise has been discounted—just in time to get a great gift for your dad at a great price!

Happy Father’s Day to all of you fantastic role models and hard-working gentlemen out there, enjoy your day!

Advocate Nurses, LLC offers patient advocacy services to seniors and their families. Their focus is providing a qualified Registered Nurse (RN) to be the advocate for clients and their families, in order to help them navigate the complex healthcare system.  Kelli Hansen RN, BSN, CMCN, LNC is the Chief Nursing Officer and founder of Advocate Nurses, LLC and has a diverse background in healthcare including acute care, home health care, long-term care insurance and utilization management along with 16 years of experience as a Registered Nurse.  Advocate Nurses, LLC was founded on the hope of helping more patients and families in need to improve communication among providers, improve client’s health, and ease the burden on families.  Hansen has completed a certificate course in Patient Advocacy to better serve her clients, and she remains very active with the Professional Patient Advocate Institute as a member.  Advocate Nurses provides referral assistance, Attending Care conferences, coordination of services to improve communication among providers, attendance with physician appointments to act as a nurse liaison, education of available community services, health coaching, safety/wellness checks in the home when family is away, hospital visits to act as a surrogate family member to oversee care, and assistance with long-term care insurance coordination. In addition, they assist attorneys with legal nurse consulting services.  Their services aim to ease the stress and burden on families when a loved one needs additional healthcare assistance and complex coordination.  Hansen says that as a part of their continuing expansion of services offered, Advocate Nurses, LLC is working with another company, ‘A Voice 4 U’, to offer medical I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency) cards to all clients in the very near future.

Reputation is a huge factor when it comes to selecting a retirement community.  The reputation of Elk Ridge Village speaks volumes, as they have won the Best of Omaha Award the past five years, the National Talk of the Town Award the past two years, the prestigious Better Business Integrity Award and various other distinctions.  Elk Ridge Village offers a continuum of care via Independent Living, Assisted Living and Alzheimer’s Care.  Elk Ridge Village Independent Living has several different programs and offerings.  Kristina Krumme of Elk Ridge Village says “Our most important offering is the availability of an onsite, full-time Methodist Health System Registered Nurse.  The Methodist Nurse Liaison provides support and guidance to residents and their family members that is not available at any other retirement community in the area.  The Nurse Liaison is available to answer questions daily, schedule physician appointments, visit with any health care professional about a resident condition, conduct periodic blood pressure monitoring and will even travel with a resident to a medically related appointment.  The Methodist Nurse also brings in resources and helpful presentations for Elk Ridge Village residents and conducts a fitness class three days weekly that gets a tremendous participation rate!”  In addition to these fitness classes, Elk Ridge Village offers a calendar full of social opportunities which is great for seniors!  Socialization helps seniors gain meaningful relationships and a sense of purpose.   Krumme notes it isn’t always about resident participation in their activities–rather, it is about their staff empowering and leading activities based upon our residents’ interests. Elk Ridge Village residents are very engaged and empowered to start things such as book clubs, resident led fitness classes, crafts, talent shows, etc.  Elk Ridge Village is also proud to host and provide periodic Alzheimer’s Support Group meetings.  The Assisted Living portion of their campus is renowned for their ability to work with each resident on a 1:1 basis.  With a Registered Nurse and two Licensed Practical Nurses onsite to manage the health care of all Assisted Living residents, family members can rest assured that their loved one is receiving all needed care and attention.

According to Krumme, earlier this year Elk Ridge Village initiated an all-employee training program that is unlike any other in the senior living industry.  She adds that the training program is provided by a nationally renowned vendor and is sure to lead to a much more pleasant experience for their residents.  This training focuses on every member of their team across all departments, and is free opportunity for the staff to further their education and abilities.  The residents have already been very complimentary of the changes they have witnessed!

At Comfort Keepers, their approach to in-home care is called Interactive Caregiving.  It is integral to how they care for seniors and other adults so they can live the highest possible quality of life in the comfort of their own homes. Rick Magill, owner of Comfort Keepers, notes that research indicates keeping seniors mentally, physically, emotionally and socially engaged helps them to enjoy a higher quality of life, retain better cognitive function, stay healthier and live independently longer.  Comfort Keepers is independently owned and operated, and provides in-home care that makes a difference in the lives of seniors and other adults. For over a decade, clients and their families have entrusted their care to Comfort Keepers in the Omaha and Council Bluffs communities. Whether it be companionship, personal care services or in-home safety solutions, they provide the support and services that improve lives and enable independent living at home.  Comfort Keepers was also recently awarded the ‘Operational Excellence’ award by CK Franchising, Inc. This was the first year for this prestigious award which recognizes operational excellence in quality of service delivery.  Omaha/Council Bluffs Comfort Keepers was selected as one of only 25 recipients of this award from over 650 Comfort Keepers franchises nationwide.  Criteria for the award included overall client satisfaction for quality service, caregiver satisfaction, and community involvement.  As a State Licensed Home Care Agency, Comfort Keepers prides itself on the level of care and services they provide, which includes bathing, grooming, transportation, light housekeeping, respite and much more.

New Cassel Retirement Home provides everything necessary for a gracious and independent lifestyle.  This includes delicious meals, a social calendar of activities, a la carte assisted services, transportation for medical appointments and shopping, daily mass and weekly interfaith services.  New Cassel is a licensed assisted living facility with 24 hour medical response, and will also be celebrating 40 years of caring for their residents and the Omaha community on June 1st!  Glenda Hallberg, Associate Administrator for New Cassel, invites anyone interested in seeing what they have to offer to attend their open house on June 23rd from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Advancing age can put us at risk for oral health problems. Examples include dry mouth, diminished sense of taste, root decay, dark colored teeth, gum disease, tooth loss, thrush and an uneven jawbone. Certain medical conditions, such as arthritis in the hands and fingers can make proper brushing and flossing very difficult for an older adult. Other conditions that affect teeth and gums are diabetes, poor diets, anemia, cancer and even taking some medications. Sometimes patients that wear dentures feel they don’t need to come as often, but that is not the case.  Daniel J. Beninato, DDS of Premier Dental encourages all patients, regardless of age and even if you wear dentures, to visit the dentist every six months. If there are changes occurring in your dental health, it’s much better to treat any issues sooner than later! Premier Dental sees patients of all ages in their practice, from children that are experiencing their first visit to the dentist to families, college students and gracefully aging seniors. Henry notes that many of their patients are older adults and simply want to improve their smile. These patients visit for regular dental exams and cleanings, implants, crowns, Invisalign, a smile makeover, or because they want no-shot dentistry/sedation dentistry. Premier Dental is a state of the art practice equipped with the latest technology for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Seniors often encounter ear-related challenges, such as balance disorders, tinnitus and/or hearing loss.  Hearing loss affects one out of ten adults with varying degrees.  One solution to hearing loss is the use of hearing aids.  Hearing aid technology has drastically changed to provide a cosmetic, clean-sounding solution.  ENT Specialists tailor this technology to be as simple and self-adjusting as each person desires.  Sometimes the most simplistic approach is the best solution. Technology has also given us more solutions for people who are suffering from tinnitus (ringing in the ears).  Ken Stallons, Audiologist, recommends people with hearing challenges to see an audiologist for a hearing consultation in order to find a customized solution for that person’s needs.  Ken Stallons, Board Certified Audiologist at ENT Specialists, has been in the hearing healthcare field since 1984.  He states “I’ve always taken the approach that if you treat everyone as if they are your own mother or father, grandparent or your own child, you’ll want to provide the best thing for them medically, whether it’s helping with their dizziness, tinnitus or just helping them hear better. I primarily want to provide the best medical care possible. This starts with listening to the patients. Sometimes the patient’s last complaint or symptom is just as important as the first one mentioned. Whether it’s the initial appointment or a follow-up, the patient’s input is valuable to helping us solve their troubles.”  ENT Specialists, PC, recommends a person with hearing concerns to schedule an appointment with a board-certified audiologist.  Audiologists are educated on the medical aspects of hearing and hearing loss as well as on auditory testing and diagnosis.  ENT Specialists, PC, currently employs three board certified audiologists, and a hearing evaluation can be made by calling 402-397-0670, option 4.

Pando Geriatrics offers mental health and grief counseling for the geriatric population and their family. Their services are covered by insurance policies and they accept most insurance carriers.  Pando can see each client in their facility, or in the clients’ home or office.  It is hard to experience dementia, as it is very scary and can be anxiety ridden to know what is going to happen to you as the days pass, let alone watch a loved one go through it.  Mindy Crouch of Pando Geriatrics says they have found that if the family members are more educated on the disease, they can better cope.  They have also found that grief comes in all forms.  While it’s common to grieve over loss of a loved one or pet, one can also grieve the loss of house, health, independence, the way they used to do things and much more.  This causes anxiety and depression and makes it harder to adjust to all of the changes that occur when getting older.  Mental health is often stigmatized, and Mindy emphasizes that using Pando as a resource does not mean that you are “crazy” or suicidal”.  This just means that you have the opportunity to talk to an objective person about issues that you might not be able to tell a family member or friend.  Pando serves as a support system to help the client and their family through a crisis in a healthy way.  Stress causes many problems in the body and talking about it tends to help. Additionally, most of Pando’s staff have experienced their own grief, loss, change and aging situations which gives them the ability to empathize with others.  They are very passionate about they do and don’t feel that you should be forgotten due to getting older–everyone needs someone to talk to!

David Latenser of Latenser & Johnson, P.C. says that they often deal with litigation as a result of fraud schemes, and seniors are especially targeted in these types of crimes.  Latenser says, “I received a call from a ‘telemarketer’ recently who asked me in the course of the telephone conversation what is my date of birth.   I was surprised that a caller actually would request for that particular piece of personal information from me.  This telephone call came in on my cell phone.  The caller ID displayed a toll free number.  The caller identified herself as a representative from an insurance company from whom I had purchased an insurance policy in the past six months.   The caller had my name, my cell phone number, and the name of my insurance company.  Initially, the call sounded legitimate.  The caller briefly described a new service of the insurance company.  The caller then stated in effect that before she could discuss any confidential matters with me I would have to ‘confirm my date of birth’.  I refused to give out that information.  The ‘telemarketer’ ended the call.  Had I disclosed my date of birth to a stranger over the telephone, I would have given an important piece of personal information that may have potentially enabled a stranger to access personal and confidential information.   I believe most people are aware of the risk of sharing personal information.  However, it is the senior citizens that are particularly vulnerable to fraud.”  The FBI has an extensive web site on Common Fraud Schemes, which can be found at www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud/seniors/seniors.   According to the FBI website, senior citizens are incredibly likely targets for fraud.  The web site points out that:  “Senior Citizens especially should be aware of fraud schemes . . .” and points out compelling reasons why this is so.  One of the reasons on the website states that “Senior citizens are likely to have a ‘nest egg’, own their home and/or have excellent credit – all of which make them attractive to con artists   Con artists exploit these traits, knowing that it is difficult or impossible for these individuals to say ‘no’ or just hang up the otherwise ‘polite’ caller.” Latenser adds “The telephone call I described above was an indicator of how at-risk we are to economic exposure by inadvertently sharing personal information with the wrong person. Telemarketing scams are a tip of the iceberg of fraud against senior citizens. It is crucial to sensitize yourself to Common Fraud Schemes such as described on the FBI website.”

Hillcrest Health Services offers the widest continuum of services for aging adults in the Omaha metro, including independent and assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, adult day services, certified and private duty home care, hospice, palliative care and telehealth services. Jim Janicki of Hillcrest Health Services says “When an aging adult chooses Hillcrest, they become part of our family and we seamlessly connect them to all the services and locations they may need. This seamless approach ensures continuity of care, meaning that there is consistency in their treatments and their experiences across our system. We currently serve more than 700 aging adults every day so we truly understand seniors’ needs.” Hillcrest is also very focused on innovation to meet the needs of seniors in their community. They opened Nebraska’s only household model long-term care cottages at Hillcrest Country Estates so residents could truly feel empowered and at home, unlike in a traditional nursing home.  Additionally, they opened Sarpy County’s first assisted living residence, Hillcrest Mable Rose, and also offer the county’s only adult day services program. Hillcrest Health & Rehab is the region’s only rehabilitation facility dedicated exclusively to short-term rehab, which means all 114 patients are focused on recovery and returning home. Today Hillcrest is focused on building the Grand Lodge in Papillion, with 101 Independent living apartments and a beautiful community center complete with indoor pool, fitness center, movie theater, restaurant, bistro, performing arts center and much more. The Grand Lodge will open in early 2015.

Interim HealthCare offers home healthcare, private duty care and staffing options in order to provide a variety of services for seniors. Nursing care, therapy, homemaker services and facility staffing have been this agency’s main focus of business. They provide care in assisted and independent living facilities, as well as in patients’ private homes.  Nurses provide case management, diagnostic testing and chronic disease management which results in increased independence and decreased re-hospitalizations for seniors.  In addition to registered nurses, Interim Healthcare provides certified home health and medication aides, LPN’s and LVN’s, medical social workers, occupational and physical therapists, and speech/language pathologists. Their Transitions and Life Enrichment programs support a better quality of life by offering individualized therapeutic activities. Founded in 1966, Interim HealthCare is the nation’s oldest proprietary national organization in healthcare staffing.  Interim HealthCare allows their clients to maintain continuity of care and mandated staffing levels, reduce staff burn out and overtime. Interim staffing helps control and tailor costs to census, and increase employee retention.  According to Christine Dumont of Interim HealthCare, their philosophy is to consistently provide quality services to their clients in accordance with the highest ethical, moral and legal standards.  She adds that they are unique in combining the commitment of being independently owned and part of the local community with support of a national organization that develops innovative programs and quality standards that improve the lives of thousands of people every day.  Interim HealthCare is a single source of care for clients, patients and their families.  Physicians, families, a wide range of health care facilities, and thus seniors, can all benefit from services offered by Interim HealthCare.

People in the U.S. are living longer than ever before, and many seniors live active and healthy lives.  However, there is no avoiding the fact that as we age, our bodies and minds change.  An important part of targeting discourse with your physician is gaining an understanding of what you should expect.  Some changes are likely a part of normal aging processes, while others can be a warning sign of a medical problem.  Knowing the difference can allow you to be proactive while maintaining peace of mind.  Some issues that start out as simple inconveniences can end up compounding into major medical problems.  For example, difficulty swallowing as a result of age-related physical changes, side-effects of medication, or certain other illnesses may lead to malnutrition.  As a result, malnutrition can lead to vital nutrient deficiencies, such as calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12, which can lead to other problems like weakness, bone damage or disorders and diabetes.  As you can see this snowballs quickly, so sometimes small concerns are just as important as larger medical issues for this reason.   Sometimes the simplest things are the ones we overlook, and even though drinking an adequate amount of water, moving around every 30 minutes and regulating medication properly sound like common sense, they often contribute to declining health if they are ignored. Being aware and educated about what your body needs as you age is vital to maintaining your health.  We live in a time where there are plenty of resources to help you age in a healthy and graceful way, as long as you take advantage of what each has to offer.  It is never too late to make healthier lifestyle choices, as those steps will help to ensure that you enjoy your golden years!

When you choose a builder for any project, it is important to have one that has experience—your business cannot afford to settle for anything less.  Lacy Construction is a design builder that can provide a complete construction package, including surveying of the existing building, work flow analysis, code and life safety analysis, structural surveying, additional planning and future casting your facility.  Future casting is the practice of trying to envision your company’s future.  While companies spend a lot of time predicting what sales will be like in the future, they spend surprisingly little time actually thinking about other factors that impact the future.  Jerry Lacy, owner of Lacy Construction, advises to consider what the organizational look to your company would be in 5 – 10 years and then allow your builder to plan the renovations to your facility for that future need.  All of the work does not have to be completed at once but in planning now for that time frame, you will reduce future building costs.  Besides the importance of future casting factors such as business dynamics, trajectory and evolution; you should consider with your builder what to expect during the construction process.  If you need absolute quiet and dust free conditions, you may want to move to a temporary location during the construction work.   Lacy notes that they schedule owner-occupied projects with the least amount of interference and interruption possible.   Nevertheless, there will be noise and dust created by the construction process and he stresses that it is wise to plan accordingly.

One area of most businesses that often gets overlooked is the parking lot.  By keeping your parking areas clean and well-maintained, your clients notice that your business pays attention to details.  Broomers, Inc. offers parking lot cleaning and sweeping services for exterior remodeling, landscaping projects and parking area improvements.  They provide these services to strip malls, shopping centers, apartment complexes, professional office buildings, and churches.  Additionally, they can provide dust controlled cleaning for environmentally sensitive businesses or areas and new construction projects.  Some of their recently completed sweeping projects include: Cimarron Terrace Apartment Homes, the Old Market Lofts commercial parking lot, and the Omaha Children’s Museum after parking lot improvements were completed.  Cindi Goff, owner of Broomers, Inc., recommends that you should contact a parking lot maintenance company when your remodeling project is within two weeks of completion to schedule a thorough cleaning of your parking areas and drives.  A professional parking lot sweeping company can give your facility a crisp clean look by cleaning up excess mulch, sand, and other debris from corners, around islands, drives and dock or dumpster areas.  You can also utilize these services if you are upgrading or renovating your parking lot as a part of your remodeling project.  Goff stresses it is especially important to have your parking lot swept thoroughly before doing any crack sealing, seal coating or paint striping.  Your attention to having sweeping completed prior to the other work will insure that the money you spend repairing your parking surfaces gives you a better and longer lasting product.  Additionally, you can prevent excess deterioration by cleaning sand and salt from your parking areas and drives every spring.  Goff adds that it is also important to keep sand, mulch and other debris from being washed down your curbside sewer inlets to prevent them from backing up which can lead to expensive correction procedures.

If you’re thinking of remodeling, updating or expanding you may want to begin by eliminating clutter and unused items to get a better perspective of your current space and what needs to be accomplished to create the environment you are looking for.  Sandy Hammers, President of Sparkling Klean Inc., says that from a cleaning perspective you should always consider the surfaces that will need to be maintained after the project is completed.  Many surfaces look attractive but are not conducive to high traffic areas.  Dark finishes (black, dark wood hues on doors or counter tops) as well as glass counter tops will readily show finger prints.  Most painted walls cannot be washed without damaging the paint and finish also.  Additionally, porous floors will hold and show dirt and need to be machine scrubbed to maintain a clean appearance.  High quality carpet squares are often less expensive in the long run because you can replace a stained or worn square(s) in highly trafficked areas without replacing all the carpet.  Hammers notes that 75-80% of dust in buildings is due to dirt brought in on shoes.  A maintenance schedule, depending on the amount of foot traffic, should always be used to prolong the longevity of carpet.  Any surface cleaned properly will retain beauty and longevity. Investing in quality walk-off mats outside and inside entry doors will help preserve finishes on hard surface floors.  Choosing high quality and low maintenance materials will keep your newly remodeled space looking new for a long time to come.  Hammers recommends consulting with a designer or builder that has experience completing jobs similar to yours, as they will be able to design a finished product with these considerations in mind that will be functional and welcoming.

Steril Manufacturing Co. has two divisions, Atlas Awning and Atlas Signs and Graphics, who produce a full line of awnings and interior/exterior signage.  According to Steril Manufacturing Co. owner Tom Zummach, signage options that are great additions to any commercial property include custom and readymade signs, electrical and neon cabinets, channel letters, LED features, monument signs as well as window displays.  They are also a full-service digital graphics company offering fleet graphics, banners and trades show displays as well as commercial company branding.  Additionally, Atlas Awning offers a complete line of commercial and residential awnings which include custom made canvas, vinyl, back-lit, retractable and architectural canopies just to name a few.  Steril Manufacturing Co. can also provide welding services, custom sewing, seasonal maintenance and exterior window shades.  As a diversified company, they have the experience and capability to effectively design, manufacture and install all of their products.  Zummach advises, “It is important to have clear goals and objectives when doing a commercial remodel.  An important part of that process is certainly signage and awnings, which are key in aesthetics and corporate branding.  What type of message does the company want to send at completion?  Who will be involved in the process and at what point?  How much time will it take to complete the project?  How much will this cost and what is the return?  These are all important questions that need to be addressed very early in the planning stage. There are a lot of moving parts and players during a commercial remodeling project, so there needs to be leadership, organization and communication to make it come together.”

Superior Lighting also offers many types of interior and exterior products and services.  Their exterior services include monument/pylon signs, illuminated channel letters, custom signs with an illumination option, and one or two panel systems.  Some great examples of their interior services that could be included in a commercial remodeling project include donor recognition displays and plaques, wall and free standing directories, ADA compliant signs, office identification signs, interior wayfinding signs, wall ceiling and projection mount signs, or any type of specialty interior signs.  Pat Weeks of Superior Lighting advises to work with an interior/exterior signage consultant in managing the complete signage development and delivery process.  She adds that it is in the best interest of the client that these types of discussions happen in the beginning stages so that everyone fully understands the overall scope of the project, as well as critical benchmarks.  Every environment is unique, and gathering critical information about goals for the project, including features and functions of the architecture, are key.  Hernandez notes that developing an efficient, integrated environment early in the process is essential for the success of the exterior and/or interior signage program.  Exterior and interior signage is designed to integrate with architectural finishes and the clients’ branding.  Corporate branding in regards to signage is often times not recognized until the later part of the project, and also at a time when the budget it running out, so it is a good idea to strategize right from the start.  Hernandez stresses that appropriate signage is extremely important for the success of a business, and it is the responsibility of the business to give their customers an enjoyable and stress free experience while approaching and navigating throughout the building.  Superior Lighting is honored to work with businesses to ensure this responsibility is met, and that this aspect of your commercial remodeling project is a success.

Another important aspect that should be considered during a commercial remodel is how the finished product is going to improve efficiency.  Mark Pechar of Concept Electric advises that being efficient in today’s business world could be the one thing that puts you ahead of your competition, and the place in which you physically operate from can have a lot to do with that.  Concept Electric is dedicated to setting the highest standards possible in offering their customers the best products available.  They take pride in knowing that once a project is complete, they have provided quality installation in a professional manner, ensuring throughout the construction process that the customer got exactly what they wanted.  Concept Electric provides professional installation of electrical equipment and systems, and they are a contractor that you can trust who will work with you personally to deliver a quality job on time.

What everyone agrees on is there are plenty of ways to promote and increase energy efficiency, especially during a commercial remodel, and with good reason.  A current trend of the general population is to make a concerted effort to seek out and implement greener options in their residences, and this translates into commercial spaces as well.  As individuals, we are all invested in leaving less of a carbon footprint and being environmentally responsible.  At the same time, we are also beginning to expect the same dedication to protecting our environment on the commercial front.  Not only are implementing greener options the environmentally responsible thing to do, they can save business and commercial property owners a significant amount of money after the initial investment.  Moreover, they can convey a great image for your property and thus, your company or business.  Some improvements are more costly or difficult than others, but several easy ways to consider the environment when commercially remodeling include:

• Updating light fixtures to more economical and energy efficient incandescent fixtures

• Updating heating and air conditioning units to energy efficient models

• When it’s time to repair or replace your roof, choose materials that are made from recycled products

• Update plumbing fixtures to those that conserve water and are made of environmentally friendly material

• Install motion responsive or daylight controlled lighting to cut back on use of electricity

• Install skylights or highlights.  The natural light makes for a pleasant work environment as well as conserving energy

• Install rooftop solar collectors as a supplemental energy source

• Improve your outdoor lighting, for areas such as parking lots, by using solar powered light fixtures

If you’re a business or commercial property owner, it is important for you to maintain a certain profit margin.  Investing in energy efficient equipment can cut your costs significantly, effectively paying for itself, and from that point will yield a return that you can allocate to other endeavors or improvements.

One of the many reasons for hiring experienced, local professionals also comes down to following building codes that change by legal jurisdiction.  Local building codes involve processes such as obtaining the appropriate permits, or having inspections conducted intermittently or once the project is finalized.  Finding out about infractions after work has been done makes it much more difficult and costly to correct, as it effectively means the same job will have to be done twice.  Commercial buildings are subject to many more government regulations than residential structures, and they are more likely to receive fines when they break those codes.   Being educated on city and state regulations is part of the reason why trades are specialized, and local professionals are well-versed in their area of work as well as being experienced in legal requirements.  In addition to increased regulations, the purpose of a commercial remodel is usually broader than a residential remodel.  Instead of simply aiming to please a single homeowner or family, the commercial design should appeal to the community and reflect the image of the business.  This is why it is necessary to consider what you are trying to achieve with the remodel.  Maybe your business is growing and you need a larger, better looking space to accommodate new customers or clients.  Or perhaps you want to utilize the space you already have more efficiently, or want to add some energy efficiency updates.   Planning and designing create a partnership, and so should you—with your project manager, contractor, the companies you have hired, and the businesses that will play a role in completing your newly remodeled place of business.

At Papillion Windows & Siding, they are not only able to offer a variety of products including windows, roofing, siding, gutters, and doors, but can also provide the personal attention to design and color selection of your items of choice.  Michelle Christensen, owner of Papillion Windows and Siding, emphasizes that their customers are not just a name and a product order.  They take the time to get to know you and create a long term working relationship that their customers can depend on.  She states, “We listen to each individual customer and cater to their requests, and we take extreme pride in our attention to all the details so the client doesn’t have to worry about the project being completed in a professional and timely manner.”  Additionally, in supporting local businesses you also support the local economy and job market.  Christensen notes that keeping dollars spent locally encourages small businesses like her own to grow, and in turn, hire more local employees and spend more in local market.  She adds that they have been quite busy after the recent hailstorm, and can handle nearly every aspect of a hailstorm damage project.

The latest hailstorm in April particularly highlights the importance as well as benefits of working with local building professionals, as they are able to act immediately to help repair damages and are available to survey these damages on-site.  Attic Solutions offers roofing, attic ventilation and insulation services, and are guaranteed to still be around for their clients when the dust settles.  They are the only company in roofing, attic ventilation or insulation that combines these trades into the complete HomeFIT system. This system has evolved as Attic Solutions has evolved, but the science of attic ventilation has always been their area of specialization and proprietary asset.  Larry Lunnin, of Attic Solutions, stresses the importance of supporting local businesses, as local business owners, their families and employees are the bedrock of the community.  Lunnin says, “We work, play, eat and sleep here and, at the end of the day, we’re extremely interested in, as Ghandi would say, being the change we wish to see in the community.”

Buying local also ensures that you know you are getting what you pay for, and that you have the support system behind the product you have purchased.  New Dawn Nutrition is a local business supporting the health and wellbeing of many Omaha area community members, and their New Dawn Nutraceuticals line is designed and developed personally by owner Brandon Stewart.  Stewart uses his customer experiences and feedback to continually develop and refine products that users here in Omaha want most.  In addition, he uses local companies for all of his printing, labeling and clothing products.  Since every product and service offered by New Dawn is a result of feedback by their users, New Dawn doesn’t try to compete with the online outlets that sell mass produced products at discounted prices. They sell highly researched and customized products that are of the best quality to help you meet your goals.  Stewart emphasizes that his team at New Dawn is highly educated in sports nutrition, health and supplementation–they won’t just sell you a product, they will educate you on what lifestyle changes you can make to get your best results and achieve your goals.  In addition, they are always available in person for questions and follow up.  New Dawn Nutrition looks forward to talking with you, learning about you and your goals and providing you with the right support to reach them!

Andy’s Appliance Repair, Inc. is another great example of a local business that truly cares about the community they work in.  The mission of Andy’s Appliance Repair is to provide quality customer service that restores order to their customer’s homes.  Andy’s also prides itself on providing a safe and stable work environment that their employees can be proud of, and have found success by upholding their reputation for being honest, trustworthy and dependable.  Tanner Andrews, owner of Andy’s Appliance Repair, emphasizes that keeping your business local ensures that you will have access to timely service, personal communication, additional resources and a guarantee that specifically covers all services performed.  Andrews says, “Our company utilizes technology that enables our technicians to be more efficient and better at their profession. Our technicians are electronically dispatched, which means they leave from their home and can get to their first call between 7:30-8:00 am.  This provides our customers with an early timeframe, which is more convenient for many people.  Our clients also receive their receipt via email, which saves paper and at the same time makes it easier to find if they need it later on.  Our website also provides the option to schedule online.  This isn’t just a request, you actually pick your day and timeframe and it is automatically in our schedule.  All of our technicians have laptops so they can access online resources to help diagnose and repair appliances, as well as hook the computer up to new appliances to diagnose them.  One of our biggest selling features is our one year part and labor warranty.  The local standard is 30-90 days, but we don’t feel that is adequate and we stand behind what we do, so we provide a full year.”

COMPLETE COMFORT HEATING and AIR has been serving the Omaha area from their convenient Mid Town location for over 15 years! Angie Timm of Complete Comfort says that a great deal of credit for their growth can be attributed to the countless word of mouth referrals from satisfied, local COMPLETE COMFORT customers.  She adds that many of the calls to COMPLETE COMFORT are service calls to extend the life of and save customers money on existing systems. Their services include regularly scheduled maintenance, performance inspections and routine adjustments along with competitively priced replacement equipment.  This equipment includes GEO THERMAL systems that serve as an upgrade to operating efficiency and are guaranteed to increase your personal comfort level.  Timm stresses that what really distinguishes COMPLETE COMFORT in the Omaha area is their reputation for not only high quality technical service, but a commitment to customer service excellence and satisfaction that is unrivaled.  Additionally, owner Jeff Ockinga (pronounced “aw-kin-gay”) reaffirms his commitment to COMPLETE COMFORT customer satisfaction by being personally available to address any questions or concerns you may have!

Max Muscle offers a diverse and innovative line of only the highest quality nutritional supplements on the market as well as customized meal planning. When you walk into your local Max Muscle store, you are dealing with an experienced nutritionist who will help guide you through living a healthy lifestyle to not only achieve your health and fitness goals, but maintain them as well. Max Muscle’s products are stringently tested to meet label claims as well has being tested for impurities that many companies skip on. Steve Lucchino of Max Muscle says that this ensures you, as the consumer, are getting exactly what they say is on the label as well as being made in FDA regulated factories that adhere to GMP (good manufacturing practices).  Max Muscle is concerned with your health and wellness, not a “pill pusher” that is just there to sell you the latest “solution in a bottle”. Their staff will help guide you through the necessary changes to make your lifestyle conducive to achieving and maintaining your goals. After all, if it’s not a lifestyle, it’s not for life! Max Muscle’s products are also designed and formulated by Dr. Phil Harvey, a leading expert in nutritional biochemistry/nutrigenomics and full-time professor for over 18 years, whose credentials also include: PhD, Registered Dietitian, CNS and Fellow of the American College of Nutrition.  Dr. Harvey has been the formulator of over 90 scientific and evidence-based sports nutrition, weight loss, and health/wellness products.  Additionally, Max Muscle store directors (Steve/Jason) have a combined 12+ years of experience in the health and nutrition field. Keeping your business local with Max Muscle ensures you are being guided by local professionals who are passionate about the nutrition field and care about you personally.  Stop into their store locations in West Omaha at 177th & West Center, or in Papillion at 84th & Tara Plaza to take advantage of their highly effective products and expertise!

Cherie Phelps, of C. Phelps Photography, is a local photographer who specializes in high school senior photography and has been trained by leading photographers on a national level.  Her products are the best in the industry and the C. Phelps Photography studio offers her clients variety, allowing them the exact sizing and product line needed to display their images perfectly.  Phelps notes that “ Because I am local, I am able to form strong relationships with my clients, not only professionally but also personally, through cheering them on at the local high school sporting events and extra-curricular activities, seeing them in the grocery store, or working side-by-side with them while volunteering for local community events.”  She adds, “In photography, buying local doesn’t only mean staying in your community, it also means using studios that aren’t found in big box retail outlets or are a chain that can be found throughout the U.S.  The reason for this is quite simple: training and experience.  Anyone can become a photographer at those locations because the equipment is set, backgrounds rarely move locations and the process is laid out step-by-step for the photographer.  There is no creativity, no individuality, and no relationship. Personally, I would rather pay a little more and get a few breath-taking, beautiful images of my child on my wall that commands attention and represents who they are, than 25 images that are average and cheap, but don’t capture their personality, inquisitiveness, and sweet expression.”

According to eLocal.com, if the people of an average-sized American city were to shift 10% of their spending from chains to local businesses, it would bring an additional $235 million dollars per year to the community’s economy! That is a significant amount of money that could be staying local to support the Omaha community.  We all play a part in whether our economy thrives by making conscious decisions about how we spend the money we work so hard to earn.  There are plenty of advantages to keeping your business local, and we encourage you to always consider ways to support your local economy!

Regardless if the buyers working budget is $150,000 or a million dollars, it’s important to work with someone they can trust. Making sure the builder understands what is important to the buyers, their lifestyle, and their budget allows for the builder to help with tough decisions on what to include in their dream home. Oakwood Homes is a local builder that works with buyers on everything from structural layout to design features to help meet their needs. Working to appeal to the buyers’ eye, mind, and pocketbook, building an Oakwood home provides homeowners with expert craftsmanship and luxurious details at a price that fit any buyers’ budget. The construction of the home is held to the highest standard with Oakwood leading the way in building technology that will save the homeowner money and improve comfort. Chad Herbolsheimer, Regional Vice President for Oakwood Homes stresses that it is wise to make an investment in a builder that is using top-of-the-line techniques and products because it will help lower ownership costs. As part of the Oakwood Energy Smart program, they are able to provide homeowners with savings and comfort, by constructing all homes with 2×6 exterior walls to allow for a larger amount of insulation space which achieves an even temperature throughout the house while using less energy. Oakwood Homes then uses air tight construction by sealing HVAC ductwork, plumbing and electrical fixture penetrations to avoid air leakage. All the homes then come with an HVAC system designed specifically for the home, energy efficient windows to keep the inside temperature comfortable, and extremely efficient water fixtures to help reduce utility bills. To ensure the home meets or exceeds national code, Oakwood Homes has a third party test the home before buyers move in, and they offer a guarantee on energy bills.  Beyond building homes that help buyers feel good about the quality, their design features are stunning and impress all home visitors. With high ceilings and open layout plans, guests can have luxury their way. All Oakwood homes have large eat-in kitchen islands with gourmet cooking stations, spa inspired master baths, and spacious walk in closets.  Buyers have the opportunity to visit Oakwood’s New Home Center where they can experience life-sized models of kitchens, baths and also test out design elements. Working with every budget, their design experts will help buyers choose the features that will be complimentary and suit their individual needs. Building a brand new home also gives you the ability to make all the important decisions so that your new home is uniquely yours. By asking homeowners to truly consider every detail they want in their dream home, Oakwood Homes works with those specifics to ensure that all buyers are fully satisfied. Herbolsheimer says that one tip they give homeowners when considering their needs is to think about what they wish they had in their current home.  Oakwood Homes also works with buyers who might have previously thought they could not buy a home. By providing free, personalized and confidential services that are designed to help buyers overcome financial obstacles, they always want to help make homeownership possible. This free service assists buyers through the, sometimes, complicated process.   Oakwood Homes provides luxury at every level, no matter the budget, building a new home is meant to be a unique and memorable experience.

Another crucial component that should be carefully considered when building your new dream home is the role of your roof and attic space.  Larry Lunnin of Attic Solutions, notes that the science behind decisions and products incorporated in the building process is continually evolving. Homes today are constructed under the “envelope” method, which means conditioned living spaces are tightly sealed with vapor barriers. This has dramatically increased home efficiency, however the down side is that your home will not “breathe” like older homes.  As a result, Lunnin and his team often see problems with trapped heat and moisture in attics.  Over time, this leads to condensation, frost and sometimes mold in the attic as well as excessive heat in the summer and ice dams in the winter.   This can also reduce the R-Value for your insulation, which is the measure of an insulation sample’s ability to reduce the rate of heat flow and how this changes under different test conditions.  Attic Solutions designs systems to help your home manage this heat and moisture, making it even more efficient, comfortable and less susceptible to premature wear and tear on things like air conditioners, asphalt shingles, roof decking, and many other parts of the home.  Additionally, Attic Solutions employs home scientists who consult with both homeowners and contractors to ensure these critical components are properly tied in with the rest of your home.  They will work with your builder during construction to oversee the process and ensure that everything from the eaves and above is fully integrated and balanced.  They have found success by specializing in attic ventilation, roofing and insulation, not only because of their knowledge and experience in this area, but also because the attic is often a crossroads for contractors. During construction, almost all roads lead to the attic, which opens up possibilities both for chaotic interaction as well as synergistic harmony.  In other words, your attic can be your home’s best friend or worst nightmare.  Lunnin says they retrofit existing homes to solve problems that occur as a result of this fragile attic ecosystem being out of tune most often, but their services are the most cost effective during the new build process.  Their most complete treatment is the fully integrated thermodynamic system, appropriately named the HomeFIT system, for which Attic Solutions combines concepts from roofing, insulating and ventilating to supercharge your attic, enabling your home to effectively manage the heat and moisture that, when trapped, causes many of our home problems here in the Midwest.    Lunnin adds that they are not in business to sell roofs, vents or insulation, they are problem solvers who love to help people and remain successful because homeowners need help preventing and managing heat and moisture problems. This specialized focus has enabled them to identify the root cause of many common, preventable problems and to perfect practical solutions that work before, or even after, you build your home. The attic has been neglected for too long. Unfortunately, attic space is an “out of sight, out of mind” area for most of us, so we rarely notice the shortcuts that should or shouldn’t be utilized, or invest in these things from the beginning.  Attic Solutions an advocate for the homeowner, not the builder or architect. As a result, they have to understand theory like an architect, have practical, real-world experience like a builder and, most importantly, offer the homeowner the knowledge and tools to make decisions on what is truly the best value, and are one of the most valuable assets a homeowner can bring into the equation.

Building your dream home is undeniably one of the most exciting and challenging events of your lifetime!  There are so many decisions and choices from skylights and light fixtures to carpeting, wood floors, and bathroom fixtures that sometimes the outside of your home becomes an afterthought and literally the last piece of the puzzle.  At Exterior Designs, their role is working directly with you, the customer, to envision and plan your dream landscape when building your dream home.  Susan Fetters of Exterior Designs stresses the importance of including landscape designs into your original building plans to avoid costly landscape rework after construction is completed (e.g. reconfiguring sprinkler systems or tearing out sod for landscape beds).  Exterior Designs can help with the selection of trees, shrubs, and perennials to give your landscape all season interest.  They also offer popular alternatives to standard rectangular concrete patios, such as semi-circular paver patios.  A great feature to consider is having a fire pit and privacy screening included with your patio.  If you are incorporating a play area for your children, using athletic turf instead of grass is a great option, while eliminating the cost of sprinklers and sod in that area of the property.  They also look for potential drainage issues and offer practical solutions, such as block and boulder walls, ponds, waterfalls, water features, walkways, and specialty garden areas.  Fetters notes that these features should be installed during the construction of your home, in order to avoid costly tear-outs later.  As landscape professionals, the staff at Exterior Designs assures their clients’ satisfaction by working directly with them through the entire process to completion. If you’re considering building a dream home, be sure to contact your landscape contractor, or Exterior Designs, to help you in the initial planning phases of your new home.  Advanced planning is necessary as the work plan for landscaping needs to be coordinated with the builder’s timeline.  Also, if you are in the midst of building your dream home, consider coordinating a meeting between your builder and landscape contractor to ensure all visions are aligned.

Another great option to consider when building your new home is including protective laminate products on your windows.  MSL of Omaha has partnered with the 3M Corporation to offer their customers the highest quality technologies in security and solar films.  Joe Sevening, owner of MSL, says that using laminate products on your windows can provide an array of protective and decorative solutions.  Once installed with advanced adhesives, 3M security films bond to glass. When glass breaks, the shards are held together by the film to help reduce the chance of injury, also causing a barrier for potential intruders attempting to break in, most likely sending them on their way and protecting you and your home. These security films have been tested with an array of flying objects from golf balls and baseball bats to bomb blasts and hurricanes. There are four levels of security lamination:  Level 4, which offers protection from objects such as golf balls, baseballs, and severe weather such as hail; Level 3, which offers protection from “criminal acts” or smash and grabs with objects such as baseball bats and crow bars; Level 2, which offers protection from high winds such as tornadoes and hurricanes and is also optimal for high violence areas; and Level 1, which offers protection against explosives, bullet resistance, and bombs.  MSL’s solar films offer the highest level of sun protection available.  The film can block up to 99.9% of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays which will in turn, dramatically slows the process of fading and will extend the life of your treasured interior possessions.  Solar films also offer superior heat rejection through the day, rejecting up to 97% of sun’s infrared light. Other brands of films generally only provide heat rejection when the sun is perpendicular to a window, but MSL’s line of Prestige films have been tested and proved to perform best when the sun is at its hottest part of the day. For you, that translates into substantial savings on your energy costs as this will keep your rooms at a more even and moderate temperature and will keep your heating and air conditioning systems working more efficiently. Case studies conducted by 3M have shown a homeowner can save up to 15% on energy costs with the added benefit of increased comfort.  In addition to energy savings and protecting your furnishings, MSL’s solar films are the only films that won’t compromise your view by providing less interior reflectivity than glass, so your view remains as crisp and clear as before film.  For those attempting to look in, the film provides for privacy from the exterior while displaying a beautiful finish.  If you are looking for comprehensive protection, MSL’s Prestige line of window films provides the benefit of both security and solar films.  Additionally, you can include decorative features that can be used to create a more private atmosphere or dynamic aesthetic.  Decorative films can provide a smooth, etched-glass appearance, but without the same expensive cost of etching.  These films are perfectly suited for interior glass partitions or the inside surface of windows and are available in several textures which can be die-cut for highly customizable designs.   Backed by 3M’s warranty and decades of window film experience and research, you can be assured MSL’s film solutions will provide peace of mind and protect your family and belongings. The results are so immediate and so significant that the amount of money you save on energy costs could pay for the film products and installation in less than five years. If energy prices go even higher, the payback period will be shorter. This is another great example of an initial investment during the building process that will provide a return immediately and into the future.

Jon McCormick of Dynasty Homes says that building your “Dream Home” can conjure up many different ideas of what that might be or involve and are unique to each individual homeowner.  The “Dream Home” concept can manifest in economics and longevity of a home, cost per square foot, or just focusing on room sizes and layout.  At Dynasty Homes their goal is to have prospective homeowners not only enjoy the building process, but also never feel like they have to compromise any detail in their new home.  They strive to be innovative, cost effective, apply their skills in value engineering and to make sure every homeowner gets what they desire–but also isn’t forced to overpay in order to have something custom in their dream home.  Dynasty Homes is a new construction residential custom home builder that focuses on Certified High Performance Homes (CHPH).  Their homes exceed the current Energy Building code by more than 30% efficiency, as well as exceeding the proposed 2012 Energy Code.  This translates into an energy savings dollar amount of approximately $1000 that homeowners can expect annually.  The homeowners also receive a certificate that their home has been third party verified to meet the standards of a CHPH.  Dynasty Homes builds custom homes that have the amenities of a “Street of Dreams” home, in an affordable and livable situation, right in the neighborhood that you can afford.  Another option they offer is to simply start with your idea, put pencil to paper and make it happen.  Another aspect of the “Dream Home” is the attention to detail and having things thought through.  Dynasty Homes has over 30 years of experience in providing new homes for families and are able to pull from that experience to make ideas become reality.  It is important, in a custom home situation, to make sure the attention to detail on the front end is what actually happens in the home in order to ensure that your vision comes to fruition.

Since we are talking about dream homes, it is important to note we are not talking about just simply building a home.  Some companies that build homes offer limited options for upgrades or changes.  This is important to note because these companies do several things to help people achieve the dream of owning a home, but not help homeowners build a quality dream home.  With this in mind, Eric Madej of Madej Enterprises offers the several suggestions.  First, make sure to get quality windows in your home, not cheap vinyl windows and sliding doors.  Second, make sure to get a larger water heater than is originally specified.  If your basement is unfinished or your family is growing, it will not take long for you to need a larger water heater.  Third, make sure to get a furnace/AC that is also larger than originally specified.  Again, this will allow for growth and change.  For a little more money upfront, you will save thousands of dollars if and/or when you need to replace them.

Madej Enterprises has built several homes and also been the general contractor for several homes.  Madej says, “When building a dream home, many people want to be the general contractor for their own home.  By all means, it is your choice and I wish you good luck.  All I can tell you, is I have not met a homeowner that said, “I can’t wait to do that again!”  My experience is that it was one of the most stressful times of their lives and their dream home has now become their burden.  Once the home is all done, the excitement is not there and they are moving in like the person barely making it to the finish line.  This is your dream home and you should be able to enjoy it and enjoy the process.  Even if you want to tackle this on your own, you should be able to hire a general contractor to be there as an advisor through the process.  It will make your life less stressful and your dream home something to look forward to and truly a dream come true.”

He adds, “People are trained and conditioned to get several bids.  I also endorse this.  It is always good to get multiple bids for all phases of the project.  My only advice is this:  just because you get several bids doesn’t mean you should always go with the lowest bid.  This is a mistake that many people make.  Trust your intuition.  It is more important that you work with someone you feel you can work with, who will take care of your dream home, and will be sensitive to your needs not just focus on the paycheck.  The best work is not always done by the guy who is the cheapest.”

Madej Enterprises also offers services such as quality tile installation, kitchen/bath cabinet installation, and installation of doors, trim, and painting.  When building a dream home, Madej recommends considering several features and services.   Lighting is crucial, and both indoor and outdoor lighting is something you will be glad you did during the construction phase rather than trying to add on later.  You will save money in the interior with under counter lights, pendant lights and sconces.  These are all items people want added during remodels, and could easily be incorporated in the first place.  For outdoors, the accent lighting, landscaping lighting and more plugs than you think you will need should all be considered.  Even if you don’t do the landscape lighting or accent lighting right away, plan for it in the beginning and it will save you money in the long run by not having to run new lines.  Tiling is also incredibly important.  Madej stresses that it is amazing what a good tile installer or interior designer can do with the same tile.  You don’t need to spend a lot of extra money on the tile, but the right tile pattern or the right access pieces in an area can enhance the look of a room or a shower.  On the same note, Madej highly recommends investing in an interior designer.  He adds, “Building a dream home can be overwhelming and it is important to make sure everything looks good in the end.  Many homeowners think they have an eye for design, but there is a reason interior designers are around.  Many people think it is super expensive, but don’t understand that you can either higher the designer to control the whole project or you can hire them by the hour.  If you feel you have that eye for design, why not pick out your samples and hire a designer to come in and give you their professional input.  I have had several customers who have never been disappointed by doing this.  Interior designers will also have other helpful hints you may not have considered.”

Angie Timm of Complete Comfort Heating and Cooling recommends installing a geothermal system for heating and cooling in your new dream home.  This feature is by far the most affordable way to heat and cool your home.  Additionally, geothermal systems qualify for a 30% no cap tax credit.  Since you will be installing a new system for heating and cooling as you are building a new home, Timm stresses that you should always consider energy efficiency when making decisions on what type of system to purchase.  Not only are newer systems more energy efficient, there are several options of equipment available that can make any space in your home comfortable, regardless of the temperature outside or other factors such as exposed walls or the amount and size of windows.  Both geothermal and traditional heating and cooling equipment offers variable speed options and two-stage equipment that will provide the maximum comfort level by controlling temperature as well as humidity levels.

It is beneficial to do business with local experts whenever you can, and this can include larger companies as long as they have operations set up in the Omaha area.  There are plenty of highly capable, talented professionals that have made home building in Omaha their main area of expertise.  They will be there for you before and during your building process, but also down the line to help you answer any new questions or assist with problems that may arise.  You will be much happier having local access instead of following the communication trail to track someone down in a year.

The more time and effort spent up-front in programming, planning, designing, and understanding, as well as in establishing specifics of the project, the better the chance for a smoother construction period and a satisfactory result.  Building your dream home is an exciting undertaking full of options and decisions, and can be a great experience if you put together a great team of professionals to help you each step of the way.

For the fashionable woman in your family, or to treat and spruce up a mother who may be too busy with their family and work obligations to enjoy shopping for themselves, you can find many great items at Nouvelle Eve boutique.  Nouvelle Eve is well-known for their fabulous, classy pieces as well as fun, edgy contemporary pieces.  They can accommodate and compliment just about any style you are looking for, and have new merchandise arriving daily.  If you are looking for a simple gift where fit isn’t an issue, Nouvelle Eve also offers a gorgeous selection of spring scarves and jewelry that are perfect for Mother’s Day.  Nouvelle Eve is also excited to introduce B.U., a line of jewelry that is now available for purchase in their boutique.  B.U. stands for “Be You”, a beautiful reminder to “Be Yourself”.  Mary Steratore, the creator and designer, started B.U. as an extension of her sculpting. Her designs are hand sculpted in wax, and casts are then made in Rome using the best artisans who practice a method that has been used in Italy since ancient times.  Each sentimental and inspirational piece is designed in Italy and the charms are hand caste in sterling silver and precious stones, each with a personal symbolic meaning that is detailed in the gift box that comes with it. These petite handmade pieces are lovely gifts, and have arrived just in time for Mother’s Day!

The goal of Nouvelle Eve’s friendly, knowledgeable staff is to make every customer feel special and comfortable so they can enjoy the shopping experience.  Susie Keuck, owner of Nouvelle Eve, advises that when shopping for Mother’s Day their staff is readily available to help you, but remember that you know your mother best and what she truly wants is probably not an item that can be wrapped in a box.  If you keep this in mind, it takes the pressure off of finding that perfect gift and can shift your focus more towards finding something fun or pretty that you think she will enjoy without stressing too much about it. Additionally, Keuck and her staff wish all the mothers out there a Happy Mother’s Day filled with love and happiness and look forward to helping you find a wonderful gift!

If you are racking your brain about what your mother would absolutely love, flowers never get old (even if you think they do, again, they REALLY don’t!).  There are many different colors and varieties, they are fresh and smell great, and they simply brighten up wherever they are displayed while reminding your mother of her wonderful child.  Additionally, you can buy her a plant, as the process of caring for a living thing is an instinct that typically stays with moms long after their children have grown up and out of her house.  Most plants last many years and you can also choose a pretty pot or flowering version that will fit in with her existing home decor.  Danielle Waschkowski of Estate Landscape Nursery says that they always offer a large variety of locally grown hand-planted annuals, perennials, vegetables, bedding plants, and hanging baskets or pre-planted pots that are gift-ready–in addition to their acre of flowers grown under glass greenhouses.  Estate Landscape Nursery takes pride in offering the best genetics and plant brand names in the industry, and they are currently in middle of their Spring/Summer growing season which means they are able to offer a wide variety of high quality plants that are perfect for the current weather conditions.  They are offering a special sale that will run on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Mother’s Day weekend so you can even take your mother out shopping to celebrate her special day while spending quality time together.  Estate Landscape Nursery, located at 3501 N. 72nd street, is Omaha’s largest indoor grower and Danielle welcomes you to stop in and see all of the beautiful plants and flowers they have to offer as there are too many to list and pictures do not do them justice!

Edible Arrangements has their own Mother’s Day gift collection that offers truly unique and thoughtful gifts every mom will love!  The collection includes fruit arrangements with favorites like pineapple hearts and daisies, gourmet chocolate-dipped strawberries, and you can even include a “berry” special teddy bear and custom balloon bundle to make your gift extra sweet and wonderful.  Ali Henrichs, co-owner of Edible Arrangements store locations in Lincoln and Omaha, says that their stores will carry many new and exciting products uniquely designed for Mother’s Day gift giving.  The Mother’s Day Bouquet is traditionally a part of their Very Lovely Celebration collection, and is offered in a beautiful ceramic keepsake pitcher that is specially decorated for Mother’s Day.  This is a special berry trio with half-dipped strawberries and a new add-on of eight different “swizzle berries.”  This option is only available for orders placed and fulfilled by Thursday, May 9th.  The Sweet Like Her Bouquet is their existing Sweetheart Bouquet designed in a new Sweetheart/Heart Mug.  Another great idea is Lovely Indulgence Strawberries, a completely new item that comes in a pretty box and features strawberries dipped in miniature chocolate morsels, micro drops and lovely sprinkles!  Finally, the Brighten Their Day Bouquet includes their regular Delicious Fruit Design with all pineapple daisies being replaced with bright pineapple stars, and also includes fresh strawberries, cantaloupe, honeydew and grapes.  To order you can visit the local Edible Arrangement website, give them a call, or stop by and see what they have to offer in person!

Chocolaterie Stam offers the ultimate traditional Mother’s Day gift idea – chocolate!  Their pure Belgian chocolate has no wax or preservatives and 99% of it is gluten free. Suzi Bonnett, co-owner of Chocolaterie Stam, says that when selecting food items such as chocolates, it is helpful to know both your mothers’ favorites and also the flavors to avoid, especially if food allergies are involved.  There is a comprehensive allergens list at Chocolaterie Stam to help with the selection process. For a really unique gift, you can hand-select several different sized gift boxes of their famous Belgian bonbons.  The gorgeous two-layer jewel box is loaded with up to 32 pieces of Stam’s Belgium Chocolate Bonbons…that’s one a day for over a month!  Also, for the Mother’s Day holiday they offer a not-so-traditional (but still wonderful!) gift idea of a dozen chocolate dipped strawberries.  They dip beautiful, large, long-stemmed berries in decadent dark or milk chocolate for an extra special treat.  In 1913 Amsterdam, Jacobus Stam created Chocolaterie Stam, and 100 years later owners Suzi and Chad Bonnett invite you to enjoy the atmosphere of this unique European style chocolate shop which features pure, Belgian chocolates, European licorice, coffee drinks, and real Italian gelato made with ingredients from Italy and a local dairy.  Whether looking for that perfect gift for the hard to buy for person or craving a nice treat in a relaxed setting, Chocolaterie Stam is the ideal place to visit.  The ambiance of the store strives to bring an elegant, old world feel to their guests, which makes it a perfect stop to treat your mother on her day while you are spending time together.

Another gift that seems impersonal but can really have a great purpose is a gift card.  This isn’t the type of gift that is always recommended, but in the case of moms who spend the majority of their time shopping for others, receiving a gift card to their favorite shop may retire their selflessness for a couple of hours while they shop for themselves.  So really, the gift is more of offering this type of opportunity as opposed to the monetary value.  Furthermore, have you ever visited your mother’s house and been bothered by an old throw rug or well-used household items?  Go out and purchase her a new version, and make sure it is amazing so that she won’t think twice about replacing the old items with the new gift she has received (or your ulterior motives)!  This will also remind her that you pay attention and care that she is always cared for; even in small, everyday ways.  Keep in mind that even if you find the perfect gift for Mother’s Day, there is no excuse to neglect your mother the other 364 days of the year! However, showing her that you care the best way you know how on Mother’s Day certainly doesn’t hurt.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of you amazing ladies out there, enjoy your day!

There are going to be plenty of opportunities and activities to involve you kids in this summer, and Angie Lewis of Corky Canvas advises that since there are so many options and each class or camp is different you should make sure to choose wisely.  Try to pick a few with activities that your kids love, instead of overloading them with many activities that they may not necessarily be interested in.  While being exposed to new things is always beneficial, your child will most likely already have a good idea of what appeals to them and what does not.  Corky Canvas is offering Camp Color Splash from June 17-19, which offers a different art project every day!  Lewis says that if your kids love arts and crafts, they will LOVE this camp.  The cost is $85 per painter for all three days, and the camp is a collective experience so there are no partial date sign-ups offered.  There will be two age groups, the Red Group which is K-3rd graders and the Blue Group which is 4th-8th graders.  The fee includes materials such as canvas, paint and smocks.  Once they receive your reservation, Corky Canvas will also send a confirmation email with a questionnaire to gather more information about your child in order to offer them an amazing experience that highlights and fosters their individual talents and interests.  For more information, check out the Kids Tab on their website at www.corkycanvas.com.

If you are in the mood to take a mini road trip with the whole family or want to get your child involved in a great and highly educational summer program, you should plan to visit the Strategic Air & Space Museum, located off of I-80 near Ashland and Mahoney State Park.  The Strategic Air & Space Museum (SAC) is committed to providing guests with engaging experiences that will inspire the young – and the young at heart – as they explore the worlds of aviation, history, science, and technological innovation.  The Strategic Air & Space Museum takes great pride in their unique aircraft restoration program, and are one of the few museums nationwide to have an on-site restoration facility which provides museum guests the opportunity to watch first-hand as SAC’s collection of historically significant aircrafts are brought back to their original glory.

Igniting the thrill of innovation and discovery begins with exciting educational and outreach programs.  Each year, the Strategic Air & Space Museum serves thousands of school children through variety of field trips, overnight programs, and school and community presentations given throughout the region and the state. SAC also strives to present interactive exhibits throughout the summer, and over the course of the year, that enhance focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. These temporary exhibits keep the museum experience fresh every time you return. Examples of these special exhibits in the past have included “Robots: The Interactive Exhibition” and “Suited for Space”.  If your summer is already full of activities, you can still plan to attend the upcoming MathAlive! exhibit opening September 21st.  Along with the exhibits, when you visit SAC be sure to stop by their Simulator and MAT (Multi-Axis Trainer) rides and all ages will enjoy the variety of space-themed programs offered in their Planetarium.  SAC also has a different activity every month in their Science Zone and feature one aircraft per month that the public can climb inside and experience history come to life.  Both of these experiences are included in the price of admission – at no additional cost.  The museum hosts annual events as well, such as Helicopter Day & Wings Under the Wings on May 18th and the Family Fun Carnival on August 3rd.  Wings Under the Wings is a high-octane BBQ wing-tasting event under the wings of historical aircraft.  You can start the day with the One-Day ONLY Helicopter Day exhibit, and then fill your afternoon and your stomach with wings from some of the tastiest places in the area.

The Strategic Air & Space Museum’s Education Department is committed to fueling the curiosity of children across the Midwest and educating them with special emphasis in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). SAC believes that STEM is a direction of great significance for our youth and the future of our country and world, so they strive for excellence in all of their STEM-centered educational programs.  You can find more information or sign your kids up for one of the many super science summer camps by visiting their website at www.sasmuseum.com.

Tiger Rock Martial Arts Academy offers two summer sessions or a combined “train all summer” option for kids and adults to train over the summer break.  These sessions begin June 14th and July 15th.  Registration is open until June 8th for the first session and until July 10th for the second session.  However, each year this program quickly fills to capacity.

Jeff Dousharm, owner of Tiger Rock, says in his experience working with families there are three critical areas that great parents use to evaluate summer program options for kids:

Is it safe?–Not just the activity, but the people facilitating it.  Is it just a bunch of 16 year olds hired to stand around?  Are the staff trained, certified or qualified in whatever they are teaching or leading?  Are they first aid and CPR qualified?  These are all factors that go into making sure that your child will be safe.  There are many stories of kids being hurt because of poor planning and unqualified program leaders, so parents should do their research and not just assume everything will be fine.

Will my child LEARN something or really improve an area of their life?–There are tons of activities out there.  The question is, what gives you the best return on your investment of dollars AND time.  Kids can have fun AND learn or develop at the same time.  Activities that help build skill sets such as focus and confidence can really give them the edge when they go back to school.

Will my child have FUN?–Besides learning, kids need to have fun!  Why?  Because if it’s not fun they won’t want to go and will get burned out.  You will be dragging them to the activity or worse yet, settling for them quitting.   And if they quit, not only are you out the money, but you also start the trend of telling your child that quitting is ok—not a good lesson in life.

With over 18 years in Lincoln, Tiger Rock Martial Arts has become a very popular option for summer activities for kids and families.  University studies prove the impact that Tiger Rock has on kids.  From confidence and reduced fear of failure to focus and listening skills, Tiger Rock delivers in a very fun and safe environment.  Multiple locations in Lincoln and Omaha make it easy for families to be a part of it all.

Gerry Phelan of Midwest Woodworkers recommends woodworking as a great hobby for children because it teaches life-long skills.  Beyond providing the ability to be self-reliant in building or repairing things, it teaches valuable lessons in other areas like planning, math and geometry skills, accuracy, patience, and attention to detail.  Woodworking engages the senses; particularly touch, sight and smell.  And above all, it’s fun!  Very young children enjoy watching adults and imitating what they do.  You can start preschoolers out by just giving them some wood scraps, glue and paint and letting them ‘build’ their own designs.  Then have them tell you what they made and praise them for their creativity.  It is better to let them use their own imagination than to try and follow plans or copy a model.  That way they don’t become frustrated because their project doesn’t match the ideal. From grade school to middle school ages, you can begin to slowly introduce tools and more complex projects–using good judgment on what your child is ready to handle.  Many woodworking tools involve sharp edges, so careful instruction and close supervision is needed when they use them.  You can build most projects with hand tools like saws, planes, etc. but if a power tool is necessary, have them watch while you do it and explain the care you are taking to be safe.  The projects can be anything from toy airplanes to birdhouses to Pinewood Derby cars – it doesn’t matter as long as they are engaged.  Woodworking is a great way to learn, enjoy shared experiences and gain useful manual skills.  Phelan always emphasizes the safety first policy.   Even a simple tool like a screwdriver or a hammer came be dangerous and destructive.  Always explain how tools are properly used and monitor that they are used safely.  Additionally, offer opportunities for kids to try woodworking on their own terms.  By encouraging kids to build things that interest them you can show them how the skills they are learning will help to make their next project even better.  Phelan also emphasizes to praise and reward their success and above all, do it with them.  Even if you don’t feel you are an accomplished woodworker yourself, you will find that what matters is that you spending time and building together.

Doodle Cakes have been teaching kids decorating classes for over eight years in the Millard area. Kim Gagne, owner of Doodle Cakes, has been honored with various awards such as Professional of the Year and Citizen of the Year plus has been recognized in the Millard Public School system and Girl Scouts for her work with children. The Doodle Cakes team is professional and works in education so they know how to make a camp day fun, productive and safe.  Due to the popularity of their camps, they have added more camp dates for 2013! There will be three Doodle Cake Camps available this summer, and camps include daily pastry decorating projects, games, crafts, and a kitchen and dining etiquette class which even offers your child an opportunity to properly set the table! Everything is included in the camp so there are no extras to purchase.  Doodle Cakes’ camps sells out every year so be sure to register early!  Gagne adds that you should always make sure your child is getting a good night of rest before each session so they can really enjoy all of the activities.  Summer camps are a great way for students to meet other children from other schools, and an opportunity to make new friends!

Rock Paradise Omaha is also owned by Kim Gagne, and provides a camp to teach kids teamwork that is a true bonding experience! During camp the kids will learn dances to popular pop songs, and create their own talent act to perform in the Rockin’ The Summer Show for parents and guests at the end of the week that showcases what they have learned, and what they created in the process. They will also play games and do daily crafts! Rock Paradise has a full stage and light show including an LED backdrop screen for extra excitement. They definitely have the WOW factor that kids will take with them as a memory forever!  Gagne also suggests that kids always wear comfortable shoes so they can keep up with all the camp activities throughout the day.

If you are hosting your own summer gatherings, HoppyKidz has tons of options to entertain kids of all ages (and adults!).  They have many different themed inflatable bouncers that are great for backyard barbecues, birthday parties, and block or neighborhood parties.  Summertime is always a great time to plan a gathering of family, friends and neighbors—especially for a luau! HoppyKidz has a Big Island Bouncer that will blend in with any tropical or summer theme.  HoppyKidz provides delivery and set-up services for all units, which takes the worry and hassle out of technical issues so you can focus on entertaining and enjoying your company.  If you want to serve treats, or do not want to hassle with preparing snacks for your gathering, they also offer a hot dog machine, cotton candy machine, candy party art, popcorn machine, and other small appliances that are perfect for parties.  Their pony hops are always a fun activity.  Both kids and adults can ride or race them for fun and entertainment.  HoppyKidz also has smaller ponies and hopper balls that the little ones absolutely love!  Another popular event during the spring and summer are company picnics, and these events are way more fun with activities to keep the kids busy while the adults have some leisure time.  A bouncer and a few games are all you need to accomplish this.  Shawna Miller of HoppyKidz stresses that you should ALWAYS supervise your children, or make sure there is a designated, responsible person who will be supervising any activity.  Activities are only as safe as the parents/adults that are supervising them.  It’s much better to avoid an accident rather than try to deal with an accident after it happens.  Miller also advises to keep plenty of liquids on hand to prevent your child from becoming dehydrated, as there is so much going on that they may not want to stop or realize they don’t feel well unless they take a break every so often.  Additionally, make sure that children are dressed appropriately for the weather and activities they will participate in, make sure they know the rules of each activity before they begin, and always keep a first aid kit handy!

Summer activities give your child the opportunity to spend their time engaged in creative projects that offer educational undertones while emphasizing fun and making friends.  This promotes physical and mental activity, and also encourages creative thinking as an approach to life.  In this way, you are preparing your child to be willing to take risks as they learn new skills, and creative thinkers also have the ability to understand that problems have many solutions—so when they encounter an obstacle, they are able to find a way around it rather than giving up.  Summer activities will give your child an opportunity to learn and practice these skills, as well as experiencing what the outside world has to offer firsthand.  For example, even if they follow a project guide exactly, they will still have to make decisions about the shades of colors they prefer, where to place items, or how to correct technical mistakes they have made.  Additionally, since repetition is one of the ways we retain information, once they have been exposed to one type of project they will learn the editing process.  In becoming more comfortable with the skill they are trying, they will also become more creative with the choices they make and more comfortable with exploring their imagination.  Summer activities also encourage children to find the resources to make what they want in order to solve their own problems.  If a tool is already in use, they will be negotiating with their peers and scheduling their place in line for it, as well as exercising patience during the waiting period, all while allocating their time to other aspects of the project.  These lessons are all being presented in a working manner, without your children being distracted from the excitement of their new experience.  You can take an active role in this process by attending a summer activity with your child, or reviewing what they did during the day in order to reinforce what they have learned, thus facilitating their emotional growth and understanding as to why each activity you both have chosen is great for them instead of simply something to pass the time.  Kids absorb everything, so why not position them in the best atmosphere to absorb positive ideas and influences.  Summertime is a great opportunity for your child to enjoy the world outside of the classroom and try something new, so make sure to take advantage of the many wonderful options available in our community!

For most women, healthy and flawless skin is at the top of the list when it comes to appearance.  BodyBrite offers services for all women (and men too!), regardless of age or skin type—which are all factors that contribute to their treatment approach.  Their innovative treatments and professional staff of certified clinical technicians will replenish and renew your whole being, and you won’t need to spend thousands of dollars to do it.  Micki Malone, owner of the West Omaha BodyBrite location, says that all services are available to both men and women; however, women are usually more interested in their hair removal and skin rejuvenation services.  More specifically, a very popular service among women is their oxygen facials because they experience the similar benefits of Botox with a non-invasive alternative that is 100% safe.  Additionally, all services are offered at a low flat rate that are high-quality yet affordable.  This ensures that all women, regardless of economic standing, have access to services that enhance their health and beauty.  One example is that BodyBrite makes hair removal services with permanent results an affordable service with easily obtainable results, where previously it was considered a  procedure that required investing a lot of time and money with no guaranteed results.  Now there is no need to continue making those painful waxing appointments month after month!  Also, their Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology is more versatile in treating a broad range of skin types and hair colors, delivering more effective, long-term and painless results on all body areas.  You can check out BodyBrite on Facebook or their website at www.bodybriteusa.com to learn more about their monthly specials including the Grand Opening Special, where the first 100 customers will receive 50% off their first hair removal or skin rejuvenation session on one zone!

Osteoporosis has been affecting women far before it was on the radar of medical professionals.  Frailty, hunched over progression, or back pain historically were not considered symptoms of bone deterioration, but were things that older women had to accept as their aging process.  We are now living in a time where women and girls can take steps to easily avoid such ailments, as osteoporosis is largely preventable.  The National Osteoporosis Foundation reports that osteoporosis threatens 44 million Americans, and 68% of those affected are women.  It is never too late to keep bones strong, and research suggests the earlier in life the better.  Our bodies are building up most of our bone mass until we are approximately 30 years old, and then new bone stops forming and our bodies focus on maintenance of the existing bone structure that has been built up until that time.  This means that your body will do what it can to repair any bone damage suffered, but you have to provide the tools.  Two of the most successful tools are adequate calcium consumption and weight-bearing physical activity.  Many women are apprehensive about weight training in their fitness routine because they want to maintain their figure and like to be toned, not ripped.  Simply incorporating any type of resistance training once or twice a week can reduce your risk for osteoporosis.  Risk factors for osteoporosis, other than being female, include increasing age, smaller or thin-boned frame, ethnicity, family history, anorexia, diets that are low in calcium and vitamin D, use of certain medications, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Comfort Keepers of Omaha/Council Bluffs offers in-home services to help seniors and others remain safe and independent at home.  In the United States, the majority of family and friend caregivers are women.  As a State Licensed Home care Agency, Comfort Keepers closely mirrors this reality.   Their 120+ caregivers, comprised primarily of Companions and Certified Nursing Assistants, provide services including bathing, grooming, transportation, light housekeeping, respite and more.  Because Comfort Keeper’s caregivers are mostly women (our male Comfort Keepers are wonderful, too!), the Comfort Keepers business model is designed specifically to meet women’s needs.  Following hands-on training and orientation, their caregivers receive additional coaching and continuing education in the comfort of their own homes.  Comfort Keepers has a proprietary tutorial with literally hundreds of modules on dementia, medical ethics, disease processes, aging and end-of-life care.  Schedules and agency updates are also online.  There are no shortcuts when it comes to helping seniors in their own homes.  For our caregivers, the ease and ability to stay informed and learn state-of-the-art techniques online preserves both time and resources.  Our Registered Nurses are always there to supervise and mentor, so Comfort Keepers is a win-win for all.  Rick and Denise Magill, owners of Comfort Keepers since 2002, have uniquely designed systems and schedules that create flexible and family-friendly options for all of our caregivers. The result is a staff of individuals who have a voice; including when, where and how often they work.  Unlike traditional jobs, our caregivers have the option to say “yes” or “no” as the schedule is created.   Rick and Denise know the importance of providing quality care for seniors, and happy caregivers are the key.  Our caregivers often become “like family” to the seniors we serve.  Again, everyone wins!  If you are interested being a Comfort Keeper, or if you are in need of a Comfort Keeper, give us a call.  Someone will answer the phone 24 hours of the day, and chances are good that it will be a woman on the other end asking “How can we help?”

It is very important for women to take a pro-active role in their own health as well as our society supporting the collective health issues that impact all women.  Awareness is vitally important, and the more we know the more we can share with others in order to influence better outcomes against many of these health issues.  Though it may not always be the solution, preventative care measures should always be your first method of defense.  Know your risk factors, and do what you can to minimize them.  Staying active and eating healthier are two ways that you can reduce your risk factors for most any condition.  In the morning, try to expose yourself to sunlight as soon as you wake up.  This helps jumpstart your production of Seratonin, a brain chemical that tells your body all is well.  Sunlight is also a great natural source of Vitamin D.  Also, drink plenty of water and add in some fresh fruit to infuse your water with a great flavor with the added nutrient benefits.  It may sound too simple, but staying positive is important for maintaining good health.  Negative emotions are also physically damaging to your body and trigger the production of Cortisol, which is a chemical that depresses the immune system, attacks lean muscle tissue and negatively affects blood sugar levels.  Use whatever method works to eliminate negativity, whether it is deep breathing, laughter, listening to music that you like, or visualizing something that makes you happy.  Getting enough sleep can not only help you live longer, but also sharpens your memory, lowers your stress, and reduces food cravings during the day.  Sometimes after a long day at the office, it feels like you have no time to unwind and in turn you stay up later doing things that you think will nourish this lack of relaxation.  Lack of sleep and an inconsistent bedtime really do put a strain on your system, so set a time to go to bed and stick to it as often as possible.

Women’s health is an important topic, and we can all benefit from a greater understanding of issues and diseases that are gender specific in nature.  Women often assume the role of caretaker for others, while neglecting themselves and their own health and wellness for the benefit of those around them, or to live up to society’s pressures.  Additionally, we are learning more every day about how we are alike and different based simply on gender; while women have many of the same diseases as men their symptoms and treatments may not always be the same.  A woman’s health relies on her total well-being, and is not determined solely by biological factors and reproduction, but also by the effects of other factors such as work load, nutrition, stress, and activity level.  Basic health care, family planning, obstetric and counseling services are essential, and should be available, to all women.  Maintaining a healthy lifestyle isn’t always easy; but it IS a fundamental part of leading a happy, productive and long life.

Dental Care Professional

There are many times throughout your life or your family’s life that a dental care professional is needed. “Patients come to our practice for their family’s dental care and more,” says Dr. Dan Beninato of Premier Dental. “A visit can also be prompted by a life changing event such as an upcoming wedding, renewing of vows, family reunion, class reunion, graduation, a new job opportunity, job promotion or new position in a company. We also see people come in because their children are grown and now it’s time to focus on their dental health.”

“There are also times when a patient’s medical health has affected their dental health and they want to restore their smile,” Dr. Beninato continues. “At Premier Dental, we can take care of all those needs. We provide services for the entire family and use the latest dental technology in our state-of-the-art practice to make your visit comfortable and pleasant. Our services include family dentistry, sedation dentistry, neuromuscular dentistry, (TMJ), snoring and sleep apnea treatment, breath treatments, custom athletic mouthguards, restorative and cosmetic dentistry; including Invisalign®, teeth bonding, porcelain crowns using Cerec® technology, implants, teeth whitening-professional home kits or in office Zoom!Whitening, and complete smile makeovers! Cerec® technology uses computer imaging that is far more precise and more pleasant of an experience than taking impressions. We are able to create a dental crown that is perfectly matched to the color and shape of you tooth as well as meets up with your other teeth. “

Hobby Professionals

There are many times in life when we find we have more free time and we’re not really sure how to handle it. This often comes with life changes such as kids going to school or leaving home or semi/full retirement. While these are not necessarily negative changes, they can leave a person with a sense of purposelessness that can lead to unhappiness or even depression. Finding a new hobby is a great way to fill this extra time and give you something new to be interested in and excited about. If you’ve always lived a packed life full of family and work obligations, deciding on something ‘leisurely’ to do can be a challenge! Here are a few ideas:

Dancing

Have you ever watched Dancing with the Stars and wished you could learn to dance like those people do? Taking ballroom dancing lessons is a great way to learn something new, get in or keep in shape and also helps you bond with your partner if they are willing to take them with you. “People look to dancing lessons when they want to improve themselves,” explains Elizabeth Edwards with Omaha Ballroom. “People find dancing as an outlet to lose weight, meet people and make themselves feel more accomplished. I suggest you start lessons as soon as you can. I started when I was 18 and it was the best thing I could have done at that age. It made me more confident and gave me a healthy hobby. I hear from people all the time that they wish they would have started sooner so they wouldn’t have to sit out at weddings or not be able to get up and dance when a live band is playing. It is a hobby that never has and never will go out of style.”

If you’re nervous about taking lessons for the first time, Elizabeth encourages you not to be. “Honestly, it’s easy,” she says. “The hardest thing is just walking in the door. After that, you get to learn the steps and take advantage of all the benefits. The steps are just like anything else: you learn them once, practice them and then they are yours forever.”

Woodworking

Woodworking is another great hobby that gives you something to do with your hands as well as gives you something tangible to keep or give as a gift when you’re finished. Gerry Phelan with Midwest Woodworkers says, “We’ve been seeing folks of all ages getting started in woodworking, but most of them are baby boomers approaching retirement. In some cases, they took woodworking back in high school or dabbled in it, but they never had time to get really involved. It’s great when we get to help them get started.”

“I think woodworking is a perfect creative outlet,” he continues. “It stimulates your creativity and lets you make projects you can use and display for years to come.  Woodworking is not as difficult or mysterious as you might think and there are so many possibilities, you are bound to find a discipline that interests you.  Whether it’s tackling a new skill, making something you need or creating a gift, it’s hard to beat the satisfaction that comes from making something with your own hands.  Our mission is to bring out the best woodworker in every customer.  We offer classes specifically aimed at helping people get started in woodworking.  Our classes are small, 3-5 people at most and are very ‘hands-on’.  We start with safety and make sure everyone understands the equipment and the techniques.  Most of our classes involve making a project you can take home with you.  Everyone on our staff is a long-time woodworker.  In fact, we average over 30 years of woodworking experience.  We can help with questions and can show folks how to get started.”

Hair Removal and Facial Specialists

If you’re preparing for a big day that often comes with a life change, you certainly want to look your best for it. Micki Malone with BodyBrite Omaha, which opens in April, says, “A wedding would be a great time to try both our hair removal services and our DermaOxy Oxygen Facials. The DermaOxy Oxygen Facials will help any bride put their best face forward for that big day and add to that wedded bliss shine! And as a bride, who has time to shave? After just one treatment for hair removal, they will begin to see the benefits of our Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology. Our services will not only help them save time, but will also give them confidence and self-esteem for their big day.”
“Another time to try our services at BodyBrite Omaha would be after having a baby,” adds Micki. “Not only can this be an enjoyable time with everything that is new, it can also be a stressful time. A new mother could help relieve some of that stress by focusing just a little on themselves. A hair removal session or an oxygen facial, which can last anywhere from 15 – 60 minutes, is a great way to pamper yourself before focusing again on your new addition to the family.”

Lactation Consultants

If you (or your significant other) are expecting a baby, this is a very joyful time in your life. However, it can also be very stressful as you try to plan and do what’s best for your soon to be new addition. Ashlie Bergren with Elite Lactation Professionals says, “Most childbirth classes are 8-12 hours long and cover what will happen during a few days of her life. It is recommended that all babies breastfeed for at least one year, yet few people prepare. In general, many think that breastfeeding will be natural, and it is, just like labor and birth are natural, but it is not always easy. Learning what to expect and what is normal is very important. Our culture has many misconceptions regarding how newborns feed. It is important to remember that biologically our bodies are expecting to breastfeed and our babies are expecting everything that comes from being breastfed.”

Her advice for expectant moms who are nervous about breastfeeding is “Don’t panic and don’t wait. Most mothers are nervous because they are unsure if the baby will get enough milk or they are worried breastfeeding will be painful. She needs to be ready to ask for help because most likely she will need it. Breasts really do make milk. If it’s painful, it’s not right. It’s important for things to get off to a good start right from the beginning. Know your resources and seek help. Realize having a baby is a major life change and many things about it will be scary and unpredictable. It’s OK to feel unsure and awkward, but it is not OK to feel alone. Our culture does not do a good job of supporting new mothers. We isolate them and leave them alone for weeks with a crying baby. New mothers need other new mothers! ELITE Lactation Professionals, LLC offers access to private practice Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC). Families who access our services, are provided with prenatal education and postpartum breastfeeding support, available in individual and group consultations. We will work with families to develop a Custom Individual Lactation Program to make the breastfeeding journey easier.”

Estate Planning Specialists

Estate planning is one of those tasks in life that EVERYONE needs to do. However, many people wait until it’s too late, which causes a number of problems for themselves and for their families. Sometimes life changes are what you need to prompt yourself to meet with an estate planning specialist and get your affairs in order. “Different life changes cause different people to make the decision about their estate plans,” explains Charles Dorwart with LifePlan Nebraska. “For some younger folks, it starts even at age 18 when they realize that they need to name someone to handle their medical and financial decisions in the event of a traumatic event. Many people realize that when they first get married, they should put their financial and estate planning matters in order. Often times, it is when the younger couple is expecting the first child that causes them to realize they need to name someone to take care of that minor child in the event that something happens to them. The younger couple with minor children then tend to forget further planning until all of the children have moved out of the home. Once the next is empty, the middle-aged couple might revisit their estate plan. Unfortunately, it is often the family that has a sudden unexpected death that finally realizes now is the time.”

So when is the right time to begin estate planning? “Planning should begin at age 18 and should include powers of attorney for health care and finances,” says Charles. “A basic plan for the young family or young single person should have a simple will and a living will as well. If a young single person does not choose to plan at 18 or shortly thereafter, they certainly should contemplate at the very least a will-based plan when they get married and start a family. It is our belief that everyone should have their estate plan reviewed and updated at least every two to three years. Life situations change constantly. The laws change constantly. The financial institutions, doctors and hospitals may not accept power of attorney documents that are more than two to three years old.”

Getting an estate plan in place is probably easier than you think as well. “With the Three Step Process, it is our goal to be lifelong counselors for our estate planning clients,” states Charles. We want to get to know the families we are working with not just one a one and done basis but through a lifelong relationship. Our goal is to help the family understand the estate planning design process, whether it be for a will-based or trust-based plan. The next step is to help educate the family as to what to expect when their loved ones are disabled or they die. It is our goal to be there for the final step when the family member does die to be able to help the family through the probate process or the trust administration process.”

Hearing Specialists

Although hearing loss is never ‘planned’, it can be a part of the aging process or can occur due to trauma or genetics. “Since today’s technology is so advanced, we are finding the people are making the decision to improve their hearing at an earlier age,” Ken Stallons of ENT Specialists, PC, explains. “As a result, we are performing many hearing evaluations on people who are in their 30s, 40s and 50s. Hearing loss can be caused by a number of factors, including heredity, viruses, certain medications and a history of middle ear problems. Noisy environments can also cause hearing loss at any age. The audiologists at ENT Specialists recommend the use of ear plugs to prevent hearing loss. Custom plugs offer a comfortable fit and are available here.”

If it is determined that your hearing loss needs treatment, there are many options available. “Treatment is based on your type of hearing loss and your lifestyle demands and priorities,” explains Stallons. “Sometimes hearing can be improved through a procedure or medication. Other times, a hearing aid is needed. New technology has improved hearing aids so they are small, comfortable and cosmetic.”

Coaching, Consulting and Counseling Specialists

Even though many of the changes you plan throughout life are happy and exciting ones, there can still be an adjustment period that many people have some difficulty with. This where some professional help from a coach, consult or counselor (or all three!) can come in very helpful.

Focus C3 offers all three of these services in one. Amanda Hebner with Focus C3 can help her clients on all three fronts and finds that many of her clients often need more than just one of their services. “There are a number of planned life changes ranging from marriage to retirement that people needs help adjusting to. One may decide on a change in career or job status including going back to school, starting a business, growing a business, changing location of a job, going back to work or retiring. One may also plan to get married, move or have children. These can affect both our daily lives and our future.”

“We can provide services that deal with mental health issues that may be holding people back or creating road blocks from moving forward with a life change that they want or need to make,” she continues. “We can also help with issues such as depression or anxiety that may have resulted from a planned life change. Our coaching services can help those who want to make a change but do not know where to start or those who may not know what change they need to make. We can help them to not only decide what that change could be but also create a plan and help them work through the details of that change. Our consulting services provide a specific support from knowledgeable, experienced consultants who can help them make informed decisions to move through those changes and create success in specific areas.”

Many people are hesitant to get help when they need it and Amanda explains why by saying, “Some are afraid of what others will think if they seek help or they think these services are too expensive and unaffordable for them. Others think they can do it on their own or are unsure of what services they really need. The great part about our company is that they do not have to know what they need because we provide all three and can help them navigate through any or all of the services according to their needs and desires. “

Fitness Specialists

Becoming more physically fit is important in any stage of life, but can be especially beneficial when you are going through life changes. Kayla Shafer with TITLE Boxing says, “Our classes are aimed to accommodate all fitness levels from age 8 to 80 and all levels of boxing experience. We offer a full body workout including cardio and strength training. This workout is fantastic for anyone going through a stressful time in their life (new baby, bad job, divorce, marathon training and weight gain). We can boost confidence and coordination, improve energy and attitude and help manage stress and weight. It’s you and a 100 pound heavy bag—the possibilities are endless! Our trainers mix up the boxing and kickboxing combinations every 30-60 seconds, making you prepared to think on your feet and be ready for anything in a high intensity setting.”

“No matter how much you prepare for a life change, it can be hard to predict,” Kayla concludes. “If you have high self-confidence, self-esteem and energy, you can take on anything. Everyone goes through adversity in their lives. It’s how you handle that adversity—that’s what makes you the kind of person you are. You can look at it two different ways: the first is to let it get you down and hang your head or you could use it to motivate yourself to become a better person. If you have a positive attitude throughout your life change, your life may change for the better.”

Realty Specialists

As we go through life changes, we often find we need a different place to live to accommodate a new career, expanding family, downsizing due to kids going to college or relocation. Working with a realty specialist is the best way to ensure that your new home fits your new lifestyle. There are so many way to look at potential homes these days that it’s easy to get overwhelmed and spend weeks upon weeks doing nothing but looking at homes that you might be interested in. When you work with a realtor, they can do all the work for you and narrow your options down to just the ones that should truly be on your ‘hot list’. That way, you can spend your time doing the things that are really important, like spending time with your family and focusing on your career instead of looking at home after home that is not right for you.

In addition, a realtor is invaluable if you currently have a home that needs sold so you can buy your new home. Don’t try to do it on your own! In the long run, working with a realtor will save you time, energy and probably quite a bit of money!

Life is full of changes. Even when we plan for a major change and even if it’s a positive one, we can still go through an adjustment period that can sometimes be difficult. By working with the right specialists and professionals, you can incorporate the changes smoothly and be well on your way to enjoying the new direction your life is taking!