Volume 40 • Number 8 • September 2011

Lauritzen Next ‘Face’ on Sept. 29Bruce Lauritzen, chair-

man of First National ofNebraska, Inc. and FirstNational Bank of Omaha,will be the next “Face onthe Barroom Floor” onThursday, Sept. 29.

The Press Club is ob-serving its 40th anniversaryatop the First NationalCenter and the 40th yearof the “Face.” That is whythe selection of Lauritzen istimely. The Press Club res-taurant most likely would not have opened in 1971 with-out the work and support of his father, John Lauritzen, anduncle, John Davis.

The “Face” is a salute to newsmakers. And BruceLauritzen is, without a doubt, a newsmaker. While GreaterOmaha Chamber of Commerce chairman, he worked tocreate Heartland of America Park and was part of the city’sleadership that helped restore 113 acres along the riverfront.

Lauritzen led First National’s efforts to preserve down-town Omaha. The 14 square blocks of improvement in-clude two sculpture parks, two parking garages, the FirstNational Technology Center, a child development centerand the 40-story First National Tower. His leadership en-couraged other companies to invest in the downtown area.

Lauritzen, his late wife, Kimball, and his mother, Eliza-beth, supported the founding of Lauritzen Gardens. In 1976,he led efforts to save the General Crook House when hewas chairman of the Douglas County Historical Society.He helped with the merger of Clarkson and University hos-pitals in 1997 to create The Nebraska Medical Center.

Roasters scheduled at this time are Woody Bradford,Bradford & Coenen law firm, and Mogens Bay, CEO ofValmont Industries.

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with an hors d’oeuvresreception, followed by the roast and dinner. The menu forhors d’oeuvres and dinner can be found on page 4.

For reservations, call (402) 345-8008.

Bruce Lauritzen

World-Herald Husker Writer toQuarterback Sept. 15 Noon ForumBy Henry Cordes

You don’t have to read much ofSam McKewon’s stuff or listen tohim very long before you can see it:this guy knows football.

The World-Herald’s McKewonbrings a sharp eye for detail, ana-lytical mind and knowledge of theX’s and O’s to his daily duties as thelead Nebraska football beat writer.There’s a reason he’s introduced during his weekly appearanceson an Omaha sports radio station as “the smartest guy on theshow.”

Read Sam, for example, and you’ll see why the Husker of-fense broke down at critical points last year, who will be the keyplayer as Nebraska goes into the Big Ten this season and whyconsensus pre-season No. 1 Oklahoma won’t win the nationalchampionship.

“He’s a sponge who soaks up information all the time,” saidWorld-Herald sports editor Thad Livingston. “He’s always think-ing. He doesn’t rest.’”

And this guy is prolific. Besides his stories and columns,just try to keep up with all his Husker-related reporting andmusings on Omaha.com in the World-Herald’s Big Red blog.

In addition to all his writing and radio commentary, OmahaPress Club members will have a chance to hear McKewon inperson on Thursday, Sept. 15. He will break down the Huskers’first season in their new conference as the featured speaker inthe latest noon forum at the club.

Cost is $15 per person and includes lunch. The forum be-gins at noon and ends promptly at 1 p.m. You’re encouraged tocall ahead early for reservations as this one could well fill up.

Nonmembers are welcome. Validated parking is availablein the DoubleTree Hotel garage. To save your spot, call (402)345-8008 or email jeaniec@opc.omhcoxmail.com. Reservationsmust be accompanied by OPC member number or credit card(for nonmembers).

A 24-hour cancellation policy is in effect.

Sam McKewon

Fellowship • Scholarship • EducationAnd the Best View in Town

2011-12 OPC Officers

Chris Allen...................................................... PresidentUniversity of Nebraska at Omaha

Susan Eustice ......................................... President-ElectThe Salvation Army

J.J. Bartlett ...................................................... TreasurerFirst National Bank of Omaha

Don Summerside ............................................ SecretaryOmaha World-Herald (retired)

Wendy Townley ...................................... Past PresidentUniversity of Nebraska at Omaha

Board of DirectorsAllen Beermann (2011-13) ................... Nebraska Press AssociationTom Becka (2011-13) ........................................................... KFABBridget Brooks (2010-12) .......... Image Building CommunicationsAl Carl (2010-12) ....................................... KMTV Action 3 NewsDeborah Daley (2011-13) .............................. Creighton UniversityJohn Heaston (2011-13) ............................................... The ReaderLiz Hruska (2010-12) ................. Nebraska Legislative Fiscal OfficeDaisy Hutzell-Rodman (2010-12) ................. Omaha World-HeraldNicole Lindquist (2010-12) ............................................... UNMCTodd Murphy (2011-13) ................ Universal Information Services

Communications CommitteeHenry Cordes ....................................................... (402) 444-1130Susan Eustice, co-chair .......................................... (402) 898-5908Judy Horan, co-chair ............................................. (402) 397-6155Daisy Hutzell-Rodman ......................................... (402) 444-1328Kay Kriss .............................................................. (402) 689-7108Cartia Mazzoni ..................................................... (402) 321-2337Howard K. Marcus ............................................... (402) 444-1397John Prescott ........................................................ (402) 344-3894Don Summerside .................................................. (402) 556-5547Gary Willis ........................................................... (402) 493-1373Bridget (Weide) Brooks ......................................... (402) 393-4600Special thanks to Tom O’Connor, Carol Schrader and Sean P. Weide forassisting the committee in proofreading the newsletter.

July Noon Forum: Missouri River Flood ControlThe Missouri River flood has been front-page news for much

of the summer, and the July 21 OPC Noon Forum gave thepublic the opportunity to learn more about the causes of theflooding from representatives of the Army Corps of Engineers.

“At the current rate of release, we are replacing the water inthe Gavins Point reservoir every day and a half,” said Jody Farhat,chief of the Missouri River Water Management Office. “Thiswill be a record runoff event.”

Farhat said water extremes are not unusual in the MissouriRiver basin, noting that from 2000 to 2007 the area experi-enced the most severe drought since the reservoir system wasestablished.

That was evident by the problems that occurred in forecast-ing this year’s runoff from the plains and mountain snowpack.Heavy rainfall in May — especially in Montana — resulted in300-400 percent higher water totals than normal. The heavyrains continued in June in Montana and throughout the Dako-tas, making June the wettest single month, dating back to the1800s.

“We got almost a whole year’s worth of runoff in twomonths,” Farhat said. The basin was saturated, and there wasno room for the additional water generated by the melting snow-pack. The Corps had no choice but to start releasing large vol-umes of water.

As the water levels began to fall recently, the Corps nextturned to how to begin tapering releases. They had two choices:

to continue releasing water at a high volume and take time torepair the levees, or slow the release of water through Decem-ber, but that would not provide sufficient time to fix and repairproblems. If the water flow is reduced too quickly, it can createerosion. At the time of the forum, the Corps was still evaluatingits strategy, with the goal of beginning to “step down” releases inAugust. The biggest problem now, she noted, is the lack of fund-ing for making repairs. “We don’t have the money at hand.”

Farhat responded to more than a dozen questions from theaudience, including how decisions were made early in the sea-son about water releases. She noted that “all release decisionsthis year were considered for flood control,” although water re-leases also affect seven other “authorized purposes,” which in-clude water supply, navigation and hydropower utilization. Floodcontrol, she noted, takes away service for other purposes.

She noted that the Corps will do a post-flood analysis andassess their response as it relates to the government’s “mastermanual” for the dam system. They will determine if it is neces-sary to build more storage into the system.

“It’s a lengthy process to change,” Farhat said, and will be apublic process.

Corps employees are aware of the damage inflicted by thewater.

“This is a historic flood event,” Farhat said. “We extend ourregrets to those whose lives and livelihoods are affected by thisflood event.”

OMAHA PRESS CLUB

COMMITTEE

CHAIRS

Communications Co-ChairsSusan Eustice, Judy Horan

EducationGary Kerr

Excellence in JournalismAwardsNicole Lindquist

Executive CommitteeChris Allen, J.J. Bartlett, SusanEustice, Don Summerside andWendy Townley

“Face on the Barroom Floor”Tom O’Connor

Hall of FameJudy Horan

Marketing/MembershipBridget (Weide) Brooks

Professional DevelopmentChris Allen, Al Carl

Dave OgdenPresident

Rose Ann ShannonVice President

Anne WalshSecretary

Larry WeberTreasurer

John PrescottImmediate Past President

Trustees:Chris ChristenHenry CordesDave Hamer

Howard K. MarcusEileen Wirth, Ph.D.

Visit:www.opcshow.org

Omaha Press ClubFoundation Officers

A Note from the Executive DirectorBy Steve Villamonte CEC, BS

After a good cleaning ofthe Press Club, and annual em-ployee vacations, we are nowheaded fast into our fall season— in other words, our busyseason.

This year, I took my fam-ily (which also included my 15-year-old niece fromAmsterdam) to ColoradoSprings. I had not been formany years but rememberedthe good times when I was achild on our annual vacation.

Christine and the kids hadnever been to Manitou. Thetrip included the Cave of theWinds, Pikes Peak’s NorthPole, Garden Of The Gods,Cliff Dwellings and The RoyalGorge. All in all, the area is ahuge tourist attraction, with aconstant run of people from allover the world enjoying the at-tractions.

One thing I was focusedon the entire time was the hos-pitality. It becomes easy to beless hospitable when dealingwith large numbers of peopleand everything becomes re-dundant. That is, unless youlove what you are doing. Itseems my lesson from this ad-venture was: the elderly have abetter sense or skill of how to

Ray and Kathy Bundy enjoy the July 22 Winemaker’s Dinner while Terri Greenedescribes the wines they’re enjoying. Photo by Gary Willis

be hospitable and seem to en-joy what they are doing. I couldanalyze and break it down indetail, but that’s another story.

The main thing I take toheart is the importance of hos-pitality. I continue to believethat if we pick the right peopleand work with them, we cancontinue to serve our guestswith the highest levels of hos-pitality.

We had a great vacationand had a great bonding expe-rience with our niece.

Upcoming EventsOPC has lots to offer this

time of year. Our club has beenin its current location for 40years, thanks in large part to

t h eL a u r i t z e nfamily.

As atribute toour good for-tune, we willbe celebrat-ing a special“Face on theB a r r o o mFloor” to

kick off our celebrations forour 40th anniversary.

Those who attend theSept. 29 “Face” event willreceive a commemorative gift.The evening will include horsd’oeuvres as well as thetraditional “sit-down dinner.”The menu for the event can beviewed on page 4 of this issueof Beyond -30-.

Other events coming upinclude “Smooth Jazz with EdArchibald” on Sept. 17, theOct. 28 Oktoberfest gourmetdinner, our annual Past Presi-dents Dinner on Thursday,Nov. 10 (attendees at thatevent will also receive a com-memorative 40th anniversarygift) and our next “Face on theBarroom Floor” on Nov. 17.

Check out our web pagedaily for the latest happeningsat the club.

See you at the club!

Email us:• Steve Villamontevilla@opc.omhcoxmail.com• Jeanie Campbelljeaniec@opc.omhcoxmail.com• Christine Joneschristine1@opc.omhcoxmail.comFourth of July fireworks, as viewed from the OPC. Photo by Tom Subject

130TH FACE ON THE BARROOM FLOOR

BRUCE LAURITZEN

Hors d’oeuvresCrab Profiteroles

Roast Beef & Arugula Crostiniwith Red Pepper & Olive Relish

Fresh Fruit & Signature Cheese DisplayAntipasto Platter

Sliced Stuffed Chicken ApricotCalifornia Rolls

Dinner MenuSalad

OPC’s Famous Thunderbird Salad

Dual EntréeClassic Beef Wellington

Presented with Mofongo Shrimp & Saffron Broth,Sweet Basil Duchess Potato and Asparagus Citron

DessertCrêpes Nutella e Fragole,

Presented with a Bailey’s Chocolate Truffle

Thursday, Sept. 29, 20115:30 p.m. Hosted Reception with

Hors d’oeuvres6:30 p.m. Roast

7:30 p.m. Dinner

Hors d’oeuvres only: $15Dinner: Members $40 • Nonmembers: $50

To RSVP, Call (402) 345-8008

Awards Committee Donates$1,000 to OPC Foundation

Next Awards Dinner Set for June 9, 2012

The OPC Foundation isthe recipient of a $1,000 dona-tion from the OPC Excellencein Journalism Awards commit-tee, according to the chair,Daisy Hutzell-Rodman. Schol-arships from the foundation willproduce the next generation ofaward-winning journalists.

Hutzell-Rodman also announced she is stepping aside aschair and will be replaced in the competition’s ninth year byNicole Lindquist. Also taking a well-earned break is Bridget(Weide) Brooks, who has served on the committee since its in-ception.

OPC’s Excellence in Journalism Awards competition startsin January. The competition drew about 100 entries in 2011.The contest recognizes excellent writing and photography intelevision, radio, magazine, print, photography and public rela-tions categories. Winners from the 2011 contest were honoredat a banquet at the Omaha Press Club in June.

The combined 2012 awards banquet and OPC Journalistsof Excellence Hall of Fame induction will be held on June 9,2012. Judy Horan is chair of the Hall of Fame.

Celebrating 40 yearsin the First National Center:

A commemorativegift will be given toall in attendance.

The current issueof the Omaha Press Clubnewsletter, Beyond -30-,

is available on theOmaha Press Club website:www.omahapressclub.org

PLEASE MAKE RESERVATIONS

24 HOURS IN ADVANCE, IF POSSIBLE.

Please notify us if your contact information changes.

OPC Past Presidents DinnerCelebrating Our 40th Anniversary in the First National BuildingThe dinner honoring past presidents is open to all OPC members.

Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011 • 6:30 p.m.$23 inclusive

Hors d’oeuvresCapicola and Lemon Caper Aioli Canapés

Spinach Artichoke Dip with Homemade Tortilla Chips

SaladOPC’s Famous Thunderbird Salad

Dual EntréeBreast of Chicken Parmesan

Crab and Shrimp-Stuffed TilapiaServed on a Bed of Fresh Herb Risotto with

Asparagus Bundle and a Citrus Butter Rum Sauce

DessertWhite and Dark Chocolate Mousse Napoleon

with a Bailey’s Chocolate Truffle

Everyone in attendance will receive a gift to commemorate theclub’s 40th anniversary in the First National Center.

To RSVP, Call (402) 345-8008

Guest Cartoonist: Jim Horan’s “Face on the Barroom Floor” caricatures gracethe walls of the Omaha Press Club and his cartoons have been featured innumerous publications. He is a freelance illustrator with HoranCommunications in Omaha.

Member News: Congratulations, JasmineFormer Omaha Press Club Communications

Committee member Jasmine Maharisi was namedcommunications coordinator for the State of Nebraska inJune. Jasmine graduated from the University of Nebraskaat Omaha with her degree in journalism. She also served aseditor-in-chief of The Gateway.

Because her new job is in Lincoln, she resigned fromthe Communications Committee.

UNO student Cartia Mazzoni has joined thecommittee and will contribute articles and photos toupcoming issues of Beyond -30-.

OPC Upgrading Email CommunicationsOver the next few months, the Omaha Press Club will be

integrating the Constant Contact email system for notifyingmembers when the Beyond -30- newsletter is available for down-load as well as communicating information about upcomingOPC events, such as noon forums, “Face on the Barroom Floor”events and holiday brunches.

Individuals who have opted-in to the existing OPC emailcommunication system will be asked to opt-in to ConstantContact and choose which type of notifications they want toreceive. The new system will have multiple “lists” for specificinterests. Currently, members receive all types of emails.

The new system also will allow nonmembers to opt-in toreceive emails about OPC events.

Advertisers will have the opportunity to sponsor emails ona monthly basis. The cost is $20 per month.

The effort is being spearheaded by the Press Club’s Market-ing and Membership Committee. If you have questions aboutthe new email system, or you wish to sponsor a month, pleasecontact Bridget (Weide) Brooks at opceditor@gmail.com.

Smooth Jazz with Ed Archibald

Saturday, Sept. 177 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Member Price: $15(Includes Southern Buffet)

MenuSouthern Fried Chicken

Whipped Potatoes & GravyBaked Beans

Cole SlawPotato Salad

To RSVP, Call (402) 345-8008

10th Annual Ron Sailors Jr.Culinary Scholarship Extravaganza

Friday, Nov. 4, 20116 p.m. – 10 p.m. • $45 per person

(This is just a sampling of the amazing displayof food featured at this event)

PARTIAL MENU:Chicken Chipotle QuesadillasSmoked Salmon Chaud-Froid

Capicola Ham and Lemon Caper Aioli BruschettaContinental Fruit & Cheese Display

with Sweet Cherry Baked Brie En CroûteAntipasto Display

Lasagna Villamonte

Carving StationSlowly Roasted Prime Rib

Caribbean Stuffed Pork Loin with a Mango Chutney

Pasta StationChoice of Linguine or Penne Pasta

Accompanied by Italian Sausage, Capicola,Artichoke Hearts and Portabella Mushrooms,

Accented by Feta, Mozzarella,Provolone and Romano CheesesFinished with a Pesto Mornay

Thunderbird StationOPC’s Famous Thunderbird Salad Sauté

with Chicken, Shrimp or Scallops

DessertsChocolate Truffles, Pastry Swans,

Raspberry Crème Brûlée, Mocha Pave,White and Dark Chocolate Mousse Napoleon,

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, Harlequin Torteand Mini Raspberry Chocolate Ganache Tortes

RSVP to (402) 345-8008on or before 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31 to save your spot

(Cancellations require 24 hours notice)

Parties • Weddings • Catered LunchesCall Christine at (402) 345-8008 for detailsor visit www.omahapressclub.com for menus

www.twitter.com/omahapressclub

OPC Cancellation Policy: It is the Omaha Press Club policythat cancellations be made 48 hours in advance of thescheduled event. Individuals cancelling with fewer than 48hours notice will incur a food cost charge.

www.facebook.com/omahapressclub

BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY TODAY!Enjoy the best view in town!

Entertain your friends, family, clients oremployees with a special get-together at the

Omaha Press Club during the holidays!

Book your date today —call Christine at (402) 345-8008

for more information.

Reminder!The current

minimum quarter endsFriday, Sept. 30.

Contact UsOMAHA PRESS CLUB OFFICE STAFF

Executive Director ................................. Steve VillamontePlanning & Event Coordinator .................Christine JonesAdministrative Manager .......................... Jeanie CampbellEmail ................................... jeaniec@opc.omhcoxmail.com

Office ...................................................... (402) 345-8587Fax ........................................................... (402) 345-0114Restaurant ................................................ (402) 345-8008Website ..................................... www.omahapressclub.org

NEWSLETTER

Bridget (Weide) Brooks .......................................... EditorOffice ...................................................... (402) 393-4600Fax ........................................................... (402) 393-4603Email ................................................opceditor@gmail.com

Submissions for the October 2011 issue are due by Sept. 12.

PLEASE MAKE RESERVATIONS

24 HOURS IN ADVANCE, IF POSSIBLE.

Omaha Press Club Hours of OperationLunch ....................... Monday – Friday .................. 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bar ........................... Tuesday – Saturday ............. 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Dinner ..................... Thursday – Saturday ............ 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Visit the OPC Online

Visit the Omaha Press Club’s award-winning website for more information aboutOPC membership, upcoming events, the “Face on the Barroom Floor” honorees andmore. Check it out at www.omahapressclub.com.

“Rally ‘Round the Flag:A Musical Tribute to Veteran’s Day”

Starring: Frank De George, Phyllis Noble, Keith Allerton,Sue Perkins and Mitch Fuller

Hors d’oeuvresClassic Bruschetta

SaladOPC’s Famous Thunderbird Salad

EntréeCoq Au Vin

Parmesan Polenta

DessertWalnut Cake with Date Ice Cream

and Brandied Pears

To RSVP, Call (402) 345-8008

Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011$35 per person6:30 p.m. • Cocktails

7:00 p.m. • Dinner8:00 p.m. • Show

Omaha Press Club1620 Dodge Street22nd FloorOmaha, NE 68102-1561

EVENTS LISTING

Thursday, Sept. 15 • NoonOPC Noon Forum:Omaha World-Herald HuskerWriter Sam McKewon

Saturday, Sept. 17 • 7-10 p.m.Smooth Jazz with Ed Archibald

Thursday, Sept. 29Omaha Press Club 130th“Face on the Barroom Floor” –Bruce Lauritzen

Friday, Sept. 30Minimum quarter ends

Friday, Oct. 28Oktoberfest at the Press Club

Friday, Nov. 4Ron Sailors Jr. AnnualCulinary Extravaganza

Thursday, Nov. 10OPC Past Presidents Dinner

Saturday, Nov. 12“Rally ‘Round the Flag: MusicalTribute to Veteran’s Day”

Thursday, Nov. 17“Face on the Barroom Floor”:John and Kate Cavanaugh

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDOmaha, NE

Permit No. 1114

Omaha Press Club Biermaker’s Dinner (Oktoberfest)

Hors d’oeuvresEuropean Cheese Display with Pâté

Bierocks Sausage-Filled Pastries (Originating in Eastern Europe)Jarlsberg, Caramelized Onion and Apple Canapés

AppetizerRueben Rolls: Tasty Bits of Corned Beef, Cabbage and Swiss Cheese,

Wrapped In Spring Dough, Served with Fresh Fried Spinach and a German Mustard Sauce

SaladOPC Famous Thunderbird Salad served in a Caraway Parmesan Crisp

SorbetRiesling Sorbet

EntréeBraised Pork Shank with an Apple Demi-Glaze,

Served with Sweet and Sour Cabbage and German Dumplings

DessertSchwarzwälder Kirschtorte

German Black Forest Torte with a Bavarian Mousse and German Chocolate Truffle

Friday, Oct. 28 • 6 p.m. • $40 members; $60 nonmembers

Call (402) 345-8008 to RSVP

at 1620 Dodge Street(1971-2011)