Entertainment

One Million Lights

The glowing tradition of Papillion's holiday season Article by Vince Mancuso | Photography by City of Papillion For over a decade, residents, neighbors, and tourists have witnessed the moment the spirit of autumn departs and the winter holidays begin with the City of Papillion's Winter Wonderland and the annual Christmas displays, offering more light in the dark winter months. In reality, it's hundreds of thousands of lights. "I think with this year, with the extra things, if you counted all...

Local Services

Angels Among Us

Local non-profit organization helps pediatric cancer patients and their families while they face the unimaginable Article by Deb Grayson Reinard | Photography by Provided They could be the person next to you at the stop light. Or the man in front of you at the grocery store. Or possibly the woman serving you at the restaurant. They are everywhere, sight unseen yet such a gift they are here. Who, you ask? They are angels among us. They are the donors, the volunteers, the staff, the prayer...

Professional Services

Purposed to Give

How Matt Ricchini and his team deliver an exceptional experience Article by Vince Mancuso | Photography by A2i Photography For Matt Ricchini, an agency owner of State Farm Insurance in Sarpy County, the goal to give customers a great experience is not a business decision but a lifestyle. "One of my sole purposes is to choose to give. That's the way I was brought up,” Ricchini says. This value permeates everything he and his team does, from interacting with customers to their involvement in...

Arts + Culture

Capturing a Moment of Holiday Magic

Sammie R. Studios transforms into the North Pole to create a magical experience and unforgettable moments for the whole family Article by Deb Grayson Reinard | Photography by Sammie Rodriguez It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas Everywhere you go Take a look at the five and ten, it’s glistening once again With candy canes and silver lanes that glow.   While we love the thought of the five and ten all aglow this time of year, we can capture that same spirit by visiting Sammie R...

Beauty

Hand-Painted Spray Tans: Pre and Post Care for The Best Tan Ever

Article originally published on Canvas Salon and Day SpaWhile spray tans are undeniably the safest and easiest way to achieve golden, tanned skin year-round, they often get a bad rap. Many of us who have used self-tanning lotions or visited a generic spray tan booth in the past have experienced our fair share of patchy, orange-looking skin…I, personally, have the 2013 prom pictures to prove it. Thankfully, the tanning industry moves at the speed of light and spray tans are more customizable and...

Entertainment

Lighting Up Omaha

The Kiewit Luminarium explores science and ignites imagination Article by Vince Mancuso | Photography by Provided by Kiewit Luminarium A bright addition to the Omaha Metro launched in April 2023 when the Kiewit Luminarium opened its doors. Since then, more than 380,000 visitors from near and far have enjoyed the new science center as they have learned in this fun and interactive environment. “Kiewit Luminarium is a space of learning and wonder for everyone, where visitors of all ages and...

Education

Adding to Success

How Mathnasium helps students increase their math skills and take the next step in their educational journey Article by Deb Grayson Reinard | Photography by A2i Photography What do you get when you add a talented, passionate staff of instructors to a group of eager, dedicated kids? You get Mathnasium! Situated among the shops in Midlands Place is a hot spot for learning, locally owned and operated by Michelle Koester. “There is a pretty magical energy in this room,” Koester said. Mathnasium...

Real Estate

Commitment to Serve Bridges Generations

Debbie Meyer's passion is helping military families find perfect homes Article by Vince Mancuso | Photography by Joseph Saaid Finding a home is not just about the house; it's about making the right investment. For military personnel, this choice often comes with limited information and time. Enter Debbie Meyer, a realtor and military relocation professional with Berkshire Hathaway, who assists service members relocating to Sarpy County and the Omaha Metro. "They're relying on me to be boots...

Life + Culture

Remembering Nebraska's Vietnam Heroes

Honoring the past while educating future generations at the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial Article by Vince Mancuso | Photography by Amy Hendrickson Less than a mile south of 108th and Highway 370, a powerful tribute to Nebraska’s Vietnam veterans is a testament to memory and a signpost to learning. “The vision is to remember and to educate,” says Ron Elwell, Executive Director of the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation. Opening this past June, The Nebraska Vietnam Veterans...

Home Services

John Henry's: Where Home Services Meet Family Values

John Henry's helps customers feel like a part of the family by providing trusted, customer-focused plumbing, heating, and electrical services Article by Vince Mancuso | Photography by Vanessa Mitera John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, Air, and Electrical has offered customers in Lincoln nearly three decades of service and trust with a family-focused commitment to excellence. This same level of service and commitment is what drives their team in Omaha since opening a new location here last fall. ...