Fellowship • Scholarship • Education And the Best View in Town

VOLUME 43 • NUMBER 10 OCTOBER 2014 SEE PAGE 2 SEE PAGE 3 The Omaha Press Club Education Series presents 2nd District Congressional Debate Between Republican and Democrat Brad Ashford

NOON EDUCATIONAL FORUM DEBATE BETWEEN LEE TERRY AND BRAD ASHFORD THURSDAY, OCT. 16 Noon to 1 p.m. Forum begins promptly at noon $15 per person includes lunch, which begins at 11:30 a.m. Lee Terry Brad Ashford CALL 402-345-8008 FOR RESERVATIONS he Press Club, the League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha and Cox Communications are sponsoring the or email [email protected] TOct. 16 debate at the Press Club between Lee Terry and Reservations must be accompanied Brad Ashford. Cox Communications will record the debate and make it available to its subscribers on demand. by OPC member number or credit card. Republican Lee Terry is seeking his ninth term as a con- 24-hour cancellation policy or no refund gressman from the Omaha area’s 2nd Congressional District. An attorney, he served for seven years on the Omaha City NON-PRESS CLUB MEMBERS WELCOME Council before being elected to U.S. House of Representatives Validated parking in the Doubletree Hotel garage. for the first time in 1998. Bring your ticket. Democrat Brad Ashford, also an attorney, has served twice The Omaha Press Club — 22nd floor in the Legislature, two terms beginning in 1986 and another two terms beginning in 2006. First National Center, 1620 Dodge St. Join us to hear them debate the issues.

Debates important part of political process A note from Gary Kerr Octoberfest 2014 OPC Committee Chair FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 @6PM e told you in the last newsletter that a gubernatorial debate was HORS D’ OEUVRES Wtentatively scheduled. But my attempts to schedule a debate in Oc- Beer Cheese dip with Pretzels tober at the Press Club between Republican Pete Ricketts and Democrat Miniature Potato Pancakes with Herring and Horseradish Cream SOUP Chuck Hassebrook appear to be unsuccessful. Borscht Soup served with Braised Duck and Roasted Beets Details of a proposed debate for Oct. 23 sponsored by the Press Club, SALAD the League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha and WOWT Channel 6 Field Greens with Black Forest Blue Cheese, roasted Onions, spicy Walnuts with Reuben Dressing were sent to the Hassebrook and Ricketts campaigns on July 21. ENTRÉES The Hassebrook campaign accepted the proposal. But Ricketts’ cam- Pan-Fired Walleye Pike with braised Cabbage, Pork Belly and Riesling reduction paign manager, Matt Miltenberger, responded on Sept. 9 that “our sched- Sauerbraten Slow cooked marinated Beef Loin, roasted Garden Vegetables, Caramelized Onions ule has not opened up to allow a date for the event.” served with Spaetzle, candied Brussels Sprouts, Chives, Sour Cream and Golden Raisins WOWT planned to record the hourlong noon debate and air it that DESSERT night during prime time. This would have been a wonderful opportunity Kirshwasser Parfait with Ivory Chocolate Bavarian Sauce and Fresh Berries for Omaha-area voters to see and hear the candidates discuss the issues in a FOR RESERVATIONS, CALL 402-345-8008 debate format as well as participate at the Press Club. Johanns event brings out stars By Don Summerside Copy Editor

tars filled the Press Club on Sept. 19. Not the outdoor variety that were vis- Sible through the 22nd-floor windows on a cloudless night. The indoor luminaries were Nebraska’s leading Republicans who gathered to roast and toast Mike and Stephanie Johanns. Mike and Stephanie share the newest Face on the Barroom Floor. And they share an impres- sive political accomplishment — never defeat- ed in their bids for public office. Mike, a seven-time election winner since entering politics in the early 1980s, is a former Lancaster County commissioner, Lincoln City Council member, Lincoln mayor, Nebraska governor, U.S. secretary of agriculture and U.S. senator. He is retiring from Congress in January. PHOTOS BY GARY WILLIS GARY BY PHOTOS l to r: Mary Maxwell, Sen. , Jim McClurg, Stephanie Johanns, Sen. Mike Johanns, Lori McClurg, Allen Beermann Stephanie is also a former Lancaster County gest laughs of the evening when he described as “not an edgy life.” In a search for announced that “the next lieutenant Johanns tattletales, the best McClurg could dig governor of Nebraska is Mike Jo- up was: “I remember one weekend they didn’t hanns,” a position recently in the make it to Mass.” headlines after being vacated for the Lori McClurg, director of operations and second time. student affairs at UNL’s Raikes School of Com- Mike’s mild-mannered image puter Science, did nail Mike for one controver- and Mr. Clean reputation pro- sy: As mayor, he stirred the wrath of Lincoln’s vided much of the fodder for the youngsters when he cancelled Halloween cel- roasters. ebrations because of a snowstorm. Emcee Maxwell said Stephanie Artist Jim Horan’s Face on the Floor depicts has been smiling ever since Mike Mike at the end of a yellow brick road lead- announced his retirement from the ing from Lincoln to the U.S. Capitol. In the Senate. “Apparently she really likes background are the Iowa farm boy’s agricultural the idea of spending more time to- heritage and the Creighton Bluejay of his law gether. Go figure!” school alma mater. Sen. Fischer revealed that one of Stephanie is depicted at the wheel of a race commissioner and later was a Nebraska state Mike’s “vices” is an addiction to “The Bachelor” car (she has competed in midget races) while senator. She is presently a senior vice president TV show. She said he managed to find time to getting a phone call from her Verizon employer. with Verizon. watch eight episodes in a month. “Is it any won- Purple prairie flowers in the foreground of the Roasters and speakers for Face No. 142 in- der that we don’t get anything done in the Sen- caricature represent the plant officially named cluded Gov. and U.S. Sen. Deb ate?” she joked. after Stephanie. Fischer. Among the prominent Republicans in Beermann, executive director of the Nebras- In concluding remarks, Mike thanked all in the audience were Omaha Mayor , ka Press Association and a former Nebraska sec- attendance and told them: “You will never be U.S. Rep. Lee Terry, governor candidate Pete retary of state, poked fun at what he said was a able to imagine how much fun I have had the Ricketts and Senate candidate -- plus dull Johanns lifestyle. For example, he said, one last 30 years campaigning across this great state several current and former state senators. Fill- night the State Patrol caught a peeping Tom with Steph.” ing out the roaster roster were longtime Johanns at the governor’s mansion outside Mike and Stephanie added: “In all those years of cam- friends Jim and Lori McClurg, Allen Beermann Stephanie’s bedroom window. “And the peep- paigning together and serving in office, I would and emcee Mary Maxwell. ing Tom was asleep!” not change one single thing that we have done. Heineman made a special presentation, pro- Jim McClurg, president of Technological And I can’t imagine having done it with anyone claiming “Mike and Stephanie Johanns Day” in Development Resources Co. and a former NU else but my husband. But after all these years of Nebraska. And the governor got one of the big- regent, said the Johannses lead what could be public service, Mike, thank you for my life back.”

Page 2 OCTOBER 2014 Anderson led early Press Club By Don Summerside there, and attended Creighton University. She Copy Editor began a 42-year career with Union Pacific Rail- road in Salt Lake City, where she was associated he Omaha Press Club with the railroad’s Sun Valley Resort and Utah lost one of its pioneers Parks Co. operations. Twith the death of Mary In 1956, Anderson moved to Omaha and Lou Anderson. Mary Lou was joined the public relations department. She OPC president when construc- also joined the Press Club, which had officially tion of the club facilities began formed just a year earlier, and served on the in 1970 atop the First National board of directors and on various committees. Center, and she had held OPC Her numerous other civic activities included membership No. 1001 ever Parents Without Partners, and she was hon- Mary Lou in 2012 Mary Lou circa 1970 since. She died at her Omaha ored as the Omaha Single Parent of the Year in home on Sept. 2 at age 88. ha World-Herald wearing hard 1971. She also was a polio Son Pat Anderson said his mother was one hats and sipping champagne on survivor and donated her of the signers of the Press Club’s original lease the cold, drafty floor of the fu- remains to the Creighton with the bank, and she took part in a topping- ture restaurant. University Medical Center. out ceremony in late 1970 on the 22nd floor The Press club opened a year Anderson is survived by of the new building. Pat said it was a “freez- later in November 1971, and two sons and their wives, ing, snowy day” when Mary Lou and the others son Pat said he was one of the Pat and Cynthia of Salt rode a construction elevator to the top of the restaurant’s first waiters while he Lake City and Jim and Oak unfinished structure. Club members may have attended college. Non of Omaha, brother seen the photograph in the OPC hallway of Mary Lou Keefe Anderson was Bill Keefe of Surprise, Ariz., Mary Lou, John Davis of First National, and a native of North Platte, graduat- five grandchildren and nine John Savage and Robert McMorris of the Oma- ing from St. Patrick High School great-grandchildren. New room with a view The ribbon cutting for the renovated Agnew room was Sept. 25. Now available for meetings and special events.

PHOTO BY GARY WILLIS

OCTOBER 2014 Page 3 Next sports discussion slated for Oct. 21 First Shatel lunch draws nice turnout By Tom O’Connor He said that Nebraska “shouldn’t be a starter sity of Nebraska at Omaha dropping football a Committee Chair job for a head coach.” couple years ago, Shatel said, “Omaha has be- “This is big-boy football,” Shatel said. “The come a different city over the last 10 years. It all he third year of the Shatel Lunch Series staff is no longer young. Maybe this is the year started with that building over there (gesturing is off to a great start. it clicks. We’ll see.” to the CenturyLink Center). UNO football be- T Nearly 30 people turned out for the Other nuggets from the lunch included: came Ross’ Steakhouse. Does anyone miss it?” fall kickoff of the lunch series, and – as always • The poor performance of the Big 10 thus The next Shatel Lunch Series will be held – Omaha World-Herald Sports Columnist Tom far led him to say, “It’s depressing what I have at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 21. He will work on Shatel was in good form. to watch the rest of the year.” finding a guest speaker for that day. Although the Nebraska Cornhuskers were off to • The Big 10 reminds Shatel of Nebraska’s The Shatel Sports Series lunch costs $12 and a 3-0 start at the time of Shatel’s appearance, Tom old days in the Big 8 Conference. “The Big 8 is open to the public. To RSVP, call 402-345- feels the team needs to define itself on offense. was bad and nobody complained,” he said. 8008 or email [email protected]. Reserva- He said he’s not impressed with the “dreaded • The Huskers should be 5-0 going to tions must be accompanied by an OPC mem- multiple offense” of Husker Offensive Coordi- Michigan State on Oct. 4. ber number or credit card for nonmembers. A nator Tim Beck. “He likes to pass more than • In a season with few marquee opponents 24-hour cancellation policy applies. run,” Shatel said. “They’re not physical enough.” coming to Lincoln, the Rutgers game on Oct. “It’s funny. I used to complain about Tom 25 shapes up to be one Osborne running the ball too much; now I’m of the Huskers’ most complaining that we’re not running enough. difficult tests. THE NEXT FACE: Running the ball is a commitment.” • Nebraska’s 2015 Connie Spellman, community leader (The Huskers followed the Shatel formula recruiting class is con- and founding director of Omaha By a few days after Tom’s talk, using the ground sidered to be a top 15 Design, will be roasted and toasted as game to punish Miami.) class. “Our skill posi- the next “Face on the Barroom Floor” The Huskers’ modest success during the sev- tions are good,” he said. on Fri., Nov. 14, with a 5:30 p.m. recep- en years of Bo Pelini as head coach has led to “a “We need better offen- tion, 6:30 p.m. dinner and 7:30 p.m. malaise” among fans, he said. sive and defensive line- roast and unveiling. $50 for members “The interest level has been down a little,” men.” and $60 for nonmembers. RSVP to Shatel said. “It’s year seven and people are fall- • When asked about 402-345-8008. ing asleep.” fallout from the Univer-

Terms run Feb. 1 to Jan. 31 Board of Directors for years listed Committee Chairs Chris Allen (2013-2015) University of Nebraska at Omaha Communications Co-Chairs Susan Eustice, Judy Horan Tom Becka (2014-2016) NRG Media Education Gary Kerr Allen Beermann (2013-2015) Nebraska Press Association Excellence in Journalism Awards Chris Allen Deb Daley (2013-2015) Mercy High School Executive Committee Daisy Hutzell-Rodman, Todd Murphy, Harland Fogle (2014-2016) U.S. Air Force (retired) J.J. Bartlett, Sean McGuire, Bridget Brooks Willie Garrett (2014-2016) Journal Broadcast Group “F ace on the Barroom Floor” Tom O’Connor

Judy Horan (2014-2016) Horan Communications Hall of Fame Judy Horan and Todd Murphy Sara Ammon (402) 957-0795 2013-14 O cers Marketing/Membership Bridget (Weide) Brooks Liz Hruska (2014-2016) Nebraska Legislative Fiscal O•ce Professional Development Chris Allen Daisy Hutzell-Rodman...... President Nicole Lindquist (2014-2016) UNMC Willie Garrett’s phone number within the committee listings: Gary Sadlemyer (2013-2015) KFAB Radio Omaha World-Herald OPC Foundation 402-953-7427 Communications Committee Todd Murphy...... President Elect Henry Cordes Trustees Universal Information Services Tamsen Butler 402-871-9872 President Chris Christen Henry Cordes 402-444-1130 Galen Lillethorup J.J. Bartlett ...... Treasurer Steve Jordon Susan Eustice, Co-Chair 402-898-5908 Vice President Howard K. Marcus First National Bank Willie Garrett 402-953-7427 Julie Prescott Burgess Eileen Wirth, Ph.D. Judy Horan, Co-Chair 402-397-6155 Joe Weber Secretary Sean McGuire ...... Secretary Daisy Hutzell-Rodman 402-444-1328 Dave Ogden, Ph.D. E.D. Bellis Healthcare Consultants Howard K. Ma rcus 402-444-1397 Larry Weber Don Summerside 402-556-5547 Treasurer Bridget (Weide) Brooks ... Past President Gary Willis 402-493-1373 Scott Darling Image Building Communications Nicole Lindquist 402-559-9149 Past President

Page 4 OCTOBER 2014 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S NOTE

t’s time to schedule your holiday gather- Brewer, OPC chef representative for the ings at your club. If you are planning a event. This was the OPC entry: party for 15 to 35 people, our newly Savory: renovated Agnew Room is the place Savory Bacon Tart Lyonnaise with a Ifor you. It’s getting lots of attention, so Chateau Greysac Gastrique get your reservations to Christine ASAP. Complemented with Maytag Bleu, The new Omaha Press Club website Spicy Julienne Bacon Topped is sleek, easier to navigate and gives Thunderbird Micro Greens a better impression of the club. We Sweet: have a few volunteers who will be Peanut Butter Belgium Chocolate managing updates and posting to Truffle, Rolled in a Candied the site to better keep our members Bacon Crust informed on club events and hap- Presented with a Strawberry penings. With all the holiday events Orange Coulis and gatherings at the club over the Every year I talk about an event next few months, the website is the I think is the finest annual event we best place to stay informed, make plans do at the club. The Ron Sailors Cu- and RSVP. linary Extravaganza is a feast hosted by the The Face on the Barroom Floor event for culinary students at Metro Community Mike and Stephanie Johanns was a rous- Susan Eustice, OPC committee chair and college. The same students receive scholar- ing success. As Nebraska secretary of state former board president, is the divisional di- ship money from this event. Ron Sailors and executive director of the Nebraska Press rector of public relations and communica- was a long-time employee of OPC and Association, Allen Beermann has attended tions for the Salvation Army. She inquired passed away suddenly after working as the many a social event. So Christine and I whether OPC could host a booth for the head chef for the annual Press Club show. wanted to share this note from our OPC BaconFest fundraiser for the army. The club Since then, and for the past 13 years, we board member: “What a tremendous even- does not participate in fundraisers because have held this event and contributed more ing. Both of you, the staff and the servers, we are a nonprofit and the expense of the than 100K toward culinary scholarships in please accept our thanks and appreciation. product and labor would not be acceptable. his name. The club looked beautiful, the food was su- In this case the food was donated, and the Thank you all and I look forward to see- perb, the service cordial and timely. You all chefs wanted the experience and challenge. ing you at the club, are the best.” On behalf of the club staff and OPC took second place with pretty stiff Steve Villamonte CEC, BS all the volunteers who help produce the Face competition from the chefs and restaurants Executive Director events, thank you, Allen! represented. Congrats to Sous Chef Barry Omaha Press Club A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT By Daisy Hutzell-Rodman socializing. A cash bar is avail- recent years, and each president ber Jeremy Lipschultz. OPC President able. Every year has brought something great to This session provided public ctober is one there is one dish the organization. I always look relations and journalism pro- of my favorite that I come away forward to socializing with my fessionals with information on Omonths of the talking about for peers at this event. measuring social media use and year, featuring my fa- an entire year. Last Continuing the club’s 2014 helped us understand when and vorite holiday – Hal- HOWARD MARCUS K. November it was theme of pressing forward, the when not to use it. With use and loween. It also means a plate of crepes, OPC hosted a joint professional practices changing nearly at the another of my favorite stuffed with porta- development session with PRSA speed of light, the committee OPC events, the Ron DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN bella mushrooms Nebraska on Sept. 13, titled may well decide to host another Sailors Culinary Ex- and finished with a “Social Media Best Practices.” social media session next year. travaganza, is right around the spicy cream sauce. About 35 people attended, The committee is also working corner on Nov. 7 November also brings us the which featured a presentation on a spring 2015 professional If you have never been to Ron past presidents’ dinner on the by Jared Troutman of Universal development session, hopefully Sailors, I encourage you to join 20th. This is always an intimate Information Services, followed for April. us. It is an evening of eating evening of presidents from the by a panel of speakers, including Meanwhile, come see us at the chef-made hors d’oeuvres and first years of the club to the most UNO professor and OPC mem- club during these cool fall days.

OCTOBER 2014 Page 5 MEMBER NEWS: Social media was the topic on Sept. 14 at The Bookworm when UNO Professor Jeremy Harris Lipschultz signed copies of his newly released book, “Social Media Communication: Concepts, Practices, Data, Law and Ethics.” OPC President Elect Todd Murphy also moderated a conversation about social media with Lipschultz for those attending.

MEMBER NEWS: Paintings by OPC member Jim Horan are part of “History Takes Flight,“ an exhibit of aviation art at the Strategic Air & Space Do you want to read your Museum near Ashland. The exhibit continues through Nov. 16. Horan is the art- ist who creates the OPC’s “Face on the Barroom Floor.” Paintings by Mike Hagel, newsletter on the go? Read it at: brother of U.S. Secretary of Defense , also are part of the exhibit. We knew him as U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel when saluted by the OPC as a “Face on the omahapressclub.org Barroom Floor” in 2003. Click on OPC Newsletter at the top of the home page. For Reservations, Call 402-345-8008

OMAHA PRESS CLUB OFFICE STAFF

Executive Director...... Steve Villamonte Email ...... [email protected] Planning & Event Coordinator ...... Christine Villamonte Email ...... [email protected] Administrative Manager ...... Jeanie Campbell Oct. 13 Email ...... [email protected] Hours of Operation OPC closed observance of Columbus Day (federal holiday) Lunch Oct. 16 ...... 402-345-8587 Monday – Friday ...... 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Congressional Debate (see page 1) Fax ...... 402-345-0114 Oct. 17 Bar Octoberfest (The Winemaker’s Dinner) Restaurant ...... 402-345-8008 Tuesday – Saturday...... 4:30 p.m. to Close (see page 1) Website ...... www.omahapressclub.org Oct. 21 Dinner Shatel Lunch (see page 4) Thursday – Saturday...... 5:30 p.m. to Close Nov. 7 The Ron Sailors Jr. 13th Annual NEWSLETTER Gourmet Extravaganza Tamsen Butler ...... Editor Nov. 14 Face on the Barroom Floor Don Summerside ...... Copy Editor Connie Spellman (see page 4) ...... 402-345-8587 Nov. 20 Past presidents’ dinner Fax ...... 402-345-0114 Dec. 14 Santa’s brunch April 24 Submissions for the February issue are due on or before Jan. 20. OPC scholarship Submissions for the NOVEMBER CANCELLATION POLICY: issue are due on or before Oct. 6. All reservations must be cancelled 48 HOURS in advance.

Page 6 OCTOBER 2014

Reminder! e current minimum quarter ends March 31, 2013.