pop-we Dinner Club Reviews Carrabba's Italian Grill

Looking for a little piece of Sicily? This month population-we™ Dinner Club foodie Kris picked Carrabba’s Italian Grill. Carrabba’s was founded in Houston, later acquired by Outback Steakhouse in 1995. There are currently more than 200 Carrabba locations nationwide. In the U.S., you can find a location near you or check out their menu at http://www.carrabbas.com/our-menu/.

Shrubs greet you at Carrabba's.

We went to the Omaha, NE location, 14520 West Maple Road. When you arrive at the location the front roof of the building is covered with shrubs and other greenery. We recently had a snowfall, so on this night, the shrubs looked like a holiday card. You walk inside there is a bar area to the left, which is lit with holiday lights; off to the right is the dim lit restaurant area decorated in a Tuscan style. Along the west wall is an open kitchen in which you can sit and watch the chef and cooks prepare each dish in Carrabba’s signature exhibition-style kitchen.

This night we had 11 in our party, they pushed two tables together but it was a little cramped for the number of people. This was the best they could do; since, Carrabba’s gets extremely busy especially on the weekends.

Worth noting, they have the best bread and olive oil spice appetizer. Free with every meal, it includes Carrabba’s herb mixture, olive oil and warm bread served at each table. The popularity of this dip could not go unnoticed when we uncovered our herb mixture was almost gone. For my main meal, I decided to have the Chicken Marsala with garlic mashed potatoes. The dish was very good; the chicken was tender, the marsala sauce with mushrooms was excellent. Other foodies commented: “Very good, great menu and the desert was good sized,” and another said, “the sirloin was great.”

After compiling the surveys from the other foodies the pop-we Dinner Club gives Carrabba’s Italian Grill: 4.03 star average on a scale of 1-5.

Atmosphere/Decor – 4.18

Cleanliness – 4.09

Wait Staff – 4.27

Menu – 4.09

Food Presentation – 4.27

Food Portions – 4.18

Food Taste – 4.45

Cost (was the cost worth meal?) – 3.73

Noise Level – 3

Overall Experience – 4

Fellow population-we™ readers, if you've been to the Carrabba’s Italian Grill leave us a comment and tell us what you thought?

Want to do this yourself? To review how to start your own dinner club, visit our January post about doing just that. Remember it is a template; tweak it to fit you and your friends’ tastes. pop-we Dinner Club: good food…good friends…good times.

-population-we™ blog post by Brian Brown
© 2011 population-we, LLC 
If you enjoyed this post, then make sure to leave a comment or 'Like' it.

pop-we Contributor Reviews Dr. Deborah Serani's Book on Living with Depression

Dr. Deborah Serani studies her opponent with as much tenacity as an FBI profiler, a prosecuting attorney, or a defensive coordinator in football. Her opponent is depression. Depression is a liar and robber. She knows that you can’t just snap your fingers and it will go away. But one need not worry because she knows its triggers and how to survive its attacks. In her book Living with Depression Why Biology and Biography Matter Along the Path to Hope and Healing, her passion for learning all she can about depression in order to learn how to overcome -- it is infectious. The book is a detailed overview of therapies, medications, and alternative treatments that have had positive results in treating unipolar and bipolar depression. She is very open-minded in her approach and is excited for the future research. She writes, “When I think about the future of mental-illness treatment, I brim with excitement.”

I have been following Dr. Deb’s blog since around 2005, so I was pleased to learn that she had a book published in 2011. I have gained a great deal of respect for her as a blogger who posts about important awareness days for mental health. When she tackles a subject a difficult subject such as cutting, sexual abuse, bullying or suicide; she does so with professionalism and compassion. Educating people in a way to help eliminate stigmas is common in both her blog and her book.

As much as I wanted to learn more about her insights on depression I was also curious to hear her story, which was seldom told and often only between the lines in her posts over several years until a few recent posts that were more revealing.

I think I first saw Dr. Deb in the comments of an online friend who blogs about her struggle with bipolar. Dr. Deb has frequently commented on her blog over the last six years during good times and bad times. Another online friend who suffered from depression also received steady comments from her until he stopped blogging some years back. I wondered why she was so thoughtful. After reading her blog for an extended time, I did receive hints that she had her own battle as she spoke of defying the odds in both her professional and personal life. In the book, she describes a time prior to technology that allows people to touch base easily when she felt isolated and desperate.

Dr. Deb’s story is woven in meaningful ways into this thorough book on depression. She shows how biology and her stressful life events made her at risk for major depressive disorder, which is a clinical mood disorder characterized by prolonged sadness and fatigue. I don’t want to give away all of her story as it really impacted me to read it as the story develops. I will say that she is one of the fortunate ones who was able to find a good therapist when her symptoms were at their most severe. Later, she had symptoms return and by that time Prozac was on the market. She shares what she discovered through taking this medication and makes a good case for responsible use of this medication for short term and long term use despite some side effects.

Dr. Deb believes that Talk Therapy can be an important part of the treatment plan for those with unipolar or bipolar depression. According to her if you don’t learn about your biology and biography that you are helpless in not knowing “who you are and what you need.” She believes awareness empowers you. A theme in the book is that depression while experienced universally it is very individual needing individualized treatment. She contends that you should not compare yourself to another person and how they are coming in their recovery. In addition, clients who have treatment resistant depression (TRD) can find alternative treatments that can help, and she has had success with these clients finding relief. Specializing in trauma, Dr. Deb knows what role trauma can play in depression, and also understands how important it is to treat trauma that is interfering with healthy living. According to evidence based research cited in the book, all traditional types of Talk Therapy can help reduce mild to moderate symptoms of depression. With Dr. Deb’s training as a psychologist, she has had a chance to explore different schools of theory and thought and received personal gains from each. Her personal practice comes from the field of psychotherapy integration, which uses curative features from other fields including behavior and cognitive therapy. Before using long explorative methods such as psychoanalysis, she recommends first having the depression stabilized.

A chapter of the book is dedicated to preventing suicide. The book states that a majority of suicides are from those with mental illness with many of them suffering from mood disorders including depression. There are over one million deaths worldwide each year resulting from suicide. The chapter outlines both suicide risk factors and also suicide protective factors to help inoculate against suicide.

As people have shared their thought processes with me when suicidal, it is evident to me that they can have distorted thinking when suicidal. Rather than seeing the pain and suffering of those left behind, they may be deluded into thinking that loved ones will be better off without them. When they are lucid again, they recognize how distorted their thinking was. There is no shame in having suicidal or depressive thoughts. I think of suicidal thoughts in many cases as a symptom. It may be a symptom of depression or it may be a reaction to a medication that was prescribed by a doctor. Dr. Deb shows in a compassionate way how to choose life and have a life plan. In the event of an emergency, I would urge a person to seek medial help immediately. No matter how alone you feel, there are people who care and can help.

Advocate is the one word that I think best describes Dr. Deb. She fights for her patients to get services medication, and treatment. She also broadcasts the gaps in the Mental Health coverage in the U.S. and advocates for mental health to receive the same amount of coverage as physical health coverage. For some depression is a chronic condition such as diabetes and cannot be treated like an acute condition such as the common cold. According to research cited in the book, adults and children are less likely to have a relapse if they continue treatment until they reach a full remission. In addition, she calls for pharmaceutical companies to spend less money creating “me too drugs” that copy drugs already on the market and more money researching drugs that would help those unresponsive to the existing drugs on the market. She encourages patients to be equally informed on treatments and medications and to be their own advocate.

Dr. Deb knows the signs of depression. She also knows firsthand that you can transform into a positive person and live a successful life with depression. I can visualize Dr. Deb Reaching out her hand as she seeks to help readers learn how to beat depression. When you are in recovery from depression, one can honestly say, “Life is worth living!”
-population-we™ blog post by Barb Bohan
© 2011 population-we, LLC 
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Relive 19th Century Christmas Past at the General George Crook House Museum This Holiday Season

In 1879, the General Crook House (Quarters One) was built for Gen. George Crook at Fort Omaha. In these hallowed halls the General and his wife Mary entertained President Grant and Hayes as well as other dignitaries who came to Nebraska. More than 133 years later it is still a gathering place. On this occasion, my husband and I were there for a private holiday party, and guests were allowed to roam around the house freely. A Docent was on hand for tours as well, which Brian and I took full advantage of.

Tree in Gen. Crook's Bedroom

The Crook House Guild, with help from area design students and designers, help transform every room in the house to provide a glimpse of Christmas past every November until the end of December. If one likes Christmas trees now is the time to visit. Several trees are scattered throughout the palatial house. Not one tree is the same. My favorite tree greets visitors as you walk up the stairs to the second floor landing. It’s a Christmas tree full of hats. Various different dainty hats are scattered throughout the limbs. They aren’t just any hats – all so ornate and delicate – these vintage hats could’ve perhaps been worn by the Queen of England herself or reproduced for the recent royal wedding. No matter, the hat tree surely will bring a smile to others who happen upon it. The trees will remain up until the first of the year.

Fort Omaha where the house resides is a National Register District and the General Crook House Museum is on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1878, Gen. Crook was given $12,000 to build the residence and he came well under budget at $7,716. The laborers were all soldiers. The house is solid brick. Inside the walls it’s foot thick brick. Look for the area next to the powder room on the second floor that unveils a glimpse of the interior brick wall.

The General Crook House Museum is one of the few houses in the Omaha area still standing that represents Italianate style architecture. In 1976, The Douglas County Historical Society acquired the house from Metro Technical Community College and the restoration begun. The wallpaper is documented reproductions. When visitors enter into any room remember there was a lot of study to what authentic wallpaper appeared like in that period.

The furnishings are from the 1880 Victorian period. The furnishings are genuine antiques only one piece was owned by the Gen. Crook, a recently acquired ice chest. All the rest are representative of the period he lived in. A horse hair chase was the most unusual piece of furniture we encountered. A rope was draped across it preventing visitors from using it as a resting place. Made of horse hair, at the touch (I asked permission of course), it was soft and velvety supple. We were also told that it was stuffed with horse hair. All the wood work, door fixtures the knobs and hinges are all original to the house. The original wood floors still remain, too. Documented reproductions of the wallpaper, curtains, rugs make up the rest of the house. The writer in me loved the travel writing desk our Docent pointed out in the President’s Bedroom.

Tree in Presidential Bedroom.

Don’t forget there’s a game going on as you tour the residence. A game for the young and young at heart; Gen. Crook and Standing Bear paper dolls are secretly hidden in each room. Though a great "Indian fighter" for the military, Gen. Crook was also sympathetic to their plight. Visitors are encouraged to play along and spot the paper dolls in each room. The game is to see who can find them first in each room -- no surprise to me that Brian was good at this.

Hearing the backstories about Gen. Crook, his wife, Standing Bear and the restoration of the house really made us come to cherish that we have a landmark such as this in our hometown. The house is available for parties, organizations, businesses or private groups. Anyone may choose to rent out the whole house or meet in the Educational Level (basement), only area in the house that has been fully renovated. Those wanting to also stop by, museum visiting hours are: Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m. For more information, visit http://omahahistory.org/visit.html; call 402.455.9990; or email director@omahahistory.org.
- population-we™ blog post by Becky Bohan Brown
© 2011 population-we, LLC 
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Hospitality Never Goes Out of Style No Matter What Time of Year

Hospitality is not always about trying to host the perfect party. In my quest to learn more about different traditions and views regarding hospitality, I sent some questions to a friend, her friends and my sister. I was happy that the responses did not parrot ideas focused strictly on etiquette for etiquettes sake but were centered on people and their needs.

Jessica Remington (http://www.geauxremingtons.blogspot.com/) who hosts play dates in her home said that you should strive to make a person feel welcome in your home even if you never met them before. The first time we met in person outside my home, I made a peculiar request that may make me seem as a hypocrite in writing this post, but Jessica understood my challenges and kindly complied. An important part of the role in hosting is to start conversation to make people feel at ease according to her. I would add that it is important in starting conversations to be mindful of people who have difficulty with small talk and may prefer to listen rather than participate. Elaborating on her thoughts on hospitality, she expressed, “I think hospitality is not just about being kind in your home, though I did focus on that. I think hospitality is in all parts of your life, whether you are helping someone feel like they are a part of a group and BELONG or whether you are hosting a party for 100. It's all about helping others feel special, just as you yourself have the confidence to know you are!”

Candace Wood who puts hospitality into practice also feels that consideration for guests and hostesses and their comfort is the key to entertaining. “Cooking comfort foods, serving fun beverages, playing fun music, making sure there is laughter, having warm blankets to cuddle up when needed, and starting interesting conversations,” are some of the suggestions Candace gives for putting others at ease. When visiting others homes, she shows respect by bringing gifts such as flowers or wine, possibly bringing a side dish or dessert, offering to help make beds or with the cleanup. She likes the tradition that her grandma has of giving candles or arrangements to hosts.

Jeni Mari Caillouet is very concerned about making the comfort of her guests a reality upon their departure. She inquires about favorite dishes or food allergies ahead of time. She avoids hot topics that might make a guest uneasy such as religion and politics. If her guests leave “full, fat and happy…but mostly happy” she feels like she has done her job.

Katie E. (http://wheremychristiansat.blogspot.com/) was gracious enough to fill me in on some of the nuances of the art that is Southern hospitality. Having never been to the South other than a quick dash over the Mason Dixon Line in Maryland, I have been curious about what this entails as I heard it referenced by more than one Southern transplant to the Midwest including Jessica. She explained rules of timing a visit to not impose on a host during the dinner time so they didn’t feel obligated to feed you and not out staying your welcome on a visit. If people drop by unexpectedly, you do an inventory of the food on hand that you can feed them. The elderly will insist upon feeding their guests and this is regardless of whether people have just eaten, which may be a custom from the Depression Era when food was rarer. The first ritual of a Southern host is to ask if someone would want to drink coffee, tea, or another beverage. It seems to be very important to also be sure to drink the beverage offered. She adds that while there may be an obsession with this rule the number one rule of Southern Hospitality is to make the guest feel comfortable. In Southern Society, it is important to leave before it is time to bathe children and put them to bed. Many of the customs she outlined were very much like the ones for us reared in the Midwest. Making people feel comfortable really is the key wherever you call home.

Katie E. describes someone we should all try to emulate. The person who is the epitome of southern hospitality for me, is my Aunt T. She is one of those “honorary aunts” southern children acquire as they grow up. She and my mother have been close friends for years, helped each other plan their daughters’ weddings, and baby showers. Anytime you come over you get a hug and a kiss, a cup of coffee and a seat at the table. You are loved on and asked about your day. Kids, jobs, love lives are all discussed, as are most of your relations. Aunt T’s house is where you go if you need to know something. If you need a sympathetic shoulder to lean on, or someone to give you a little bit of a nudge in the right direction, Aunt T’s is where you could get that as well. I really think she must have fed half of the teenagers in the area. She and her husband would cook for an army instead of their family of four, and usually had no leftovers due to the stray teens who would show up for supper. I still enjoy dropping in whenever I am in the area to have myself a cup of coffee and a bit to eat. Her house really is everyone’s home, and that is southern hospitality to me.”

Kids at Becky's B-day party.

My sister, Becky Bohan Brown, shares her ideas on hospitality. Anyone who knows my sister and brother-in-law Brian Brown (http://population-we.blogspot.com/) know they both love to entertain. Their La Casa is the place for entertaining friends and family whether: a movie night with girlfriends; poker night with the guys; a stop for pop-we dinner club after an outing and celebrating numerous family birthdays and holiday gatherings. "Most important memories are born from each of these gatherings which we hold dear to our hearts and hope our guests do, too," is the true meaning of hospitality according to my sister and her husband. Becky celebrated a significant birthday this year and decided to entertain big. Our youngest niece, Bridget, woke up one morning and asked her parents, "Is it Aunt Becky's birthday yet?" "Thanks to a dear friend Elizabeth my birthday was epic. We combined our decorations and a Tiki Birthday Party was born." On this occasion, Brian and Becky decided to also surprise guests with a "Walking Taco Bar." Guests came dressed in Hawaiian attire and were presented with a Leigh at the door. Each floor had a different theme. The main floor was strictly Tiki with totem poles and a cutout for picture taking. The basement was decorated with flamingos. "No matter the guest list, what is most important to Brian & I that everyone feels welcome -- especially the little ones." The margarita machine they rented also had cherry flavored slushies for the kids. "For every occasion, we have extra kid-friendly seating in the kitchen and a bedroom that we let all the kids play and run rampant in." The kids room was the site for a Parrot Party with parrots and decorations everywhere this birthday.

As these interviews highlight, I do think that there can be something special of entering in one another’s homes as there is no place that is more of a reflection of you than the space you live. Potentially you can be more down to earth in this setting and feel more intimacy with friends. Making the right setting can involve nice table arrangements, decorations, fancy appetizers but that’s up to you. I don’t think there is a one size fits all. I hope none of these suggestions are set in stone so that we would judge another person if they don’t follow a rule. I think the real key is being thoughtful. I recall visiting homes where the family made a larger feast than they normally enjoyed for themselves or another time when a man informed us of the pound cake that he had made for our visit.

While hospitality does have application in the virtual world, there is no substitute for face-to-face contact and making time to get together. It’s not about wearing red while everyone else is wearing grey. It’s about getting to know people better and letting them know that they matter to you. Entering each other’s homes can bring a friendship to the next level of intimacy.

-population-we™ blog post by Barb Bohan
© 2011 population-we, LLC 
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pop-we Dinner Club Reviews Agave

Agave in Dundee

Agave: a broad-leafed succulent plant found in warm, dry regions of the tropics; there are some 300 varieties of this plant, but it is from only a few that Tequila or Mescal is produced. This month pop-we dinner club member and author of this post -- chose for us to dine at Agave.

Agave is a Mexican restaurant located in the heart of Dundee at 5013 Underwood St. in Omaha, NE. The Dundee-Memorial Park neighborhood, where the restaurant resides, recently was named to the American Planning Association 2011 Great Places in America: Neighborhoods. Agave is tucked back off the street a little bit so there is some parking in front. However, most in our party found parking in the adjoining neighborhoods, where we got a glimpse of the old school architecture that helped earn Dundee its recent top ranking. At Agave, there is ample seating: an area outside and inside where there are three sitting areas. The bar area is near when you walk in. When you name a place after the plant from which Tequila is made you would expect Tequila, they claim to have over 100 different labels.

Agave plant

When you order from the Joe’s favorites section of the menu you receive complimentary chips and salsa. The salsa is red tomato-based and has a nice bite, but it is not hot enough for my taste. Something unique to Agave, they provide complimentary hot sauces at each table. They are jalapeno and habanero pepper-based sauces. The waitress showed us a trick to screw off the top of the decanters for better pouring. I preferred the habanero, which most at our table did, too. It had a nice heat and rich aftertaste flavor. For my main meal, I tried the smothered chicken burrito plate on this occasion. It was a large burrito that came with rice and beans...the portion size was big. I enjoyed the dish; the chicken was fresh (not out of a can) and plentiful, nice flavor, rice and beans were good. To get a glimpse at some more of their Mexican cuisine, population-we™ readers can check out Agave's complete menu at http://www.agaveomaha.com/wp content/uploads/2011/07/agave_online_menu_1.pdf.

After compiling the surveys from the other foodies the pop-we Dinner Club gives Agave: 4.1 star average on a scale of 1-5.

Atmosphere/Decor – 4.33

Cleanliness – 4.22

Wait Staff – 3.88

Menu – 3.77

Food Presentation – 3.66

Food Portions – 4

Food Taste – 4.11

Cost (was the cost worth meal?) – 4

Noise Level – 4.11

Overall Experience – 4.11

Fellow population-we™ readers, if you've been to the Agave leave us a comment and tell us what you thought?

Want to do this yourself? To review how to start your own dinner club, visit our January post about doing just that. Remember it is a template; tweak it to fit you and your friends’ tastes. pop-we Dinner Club: good food…good friends…good times.

-population-we™ blog post by Brian Brown
© 2011 population-we, LLC 

If you enjoyed this post, then make sure to leave a comment or 'Like' it.

Home Instead Senior Care and HyVee Spread Holiday Cheer with 'Be a Santa to a Senior' Program

As we approach the season of giving, we sometimes begin to think about those less fortunate; however, most holiday giving and drives revolve around children and families. Home Instead Senior Care and local HyVee stores are trying to alleviate that problem by offering a program called "Be a Santa to a Senior."

Based off a "Secret Santa" concept, the holiday event matches up participants via a Christmas tree. Each Christmas tree is covered with paper ornaments, each bearing a senior's name and gift request. Secret Santa's choose an ornament and return the unwrapped gift under the tree by Tuesday, Dec. 6. Visit here to watch a video on how the program works: http://www.beasantatoasenior.com/.

This tree of giving starts with a paper ornament.

For the second year in a row UNO's Department of Gerontology also sponsored a tree. This is the tree where population-we™ Secret Santa's got matched up with their seniors. Other Christmas trees are located in Omaha HyVee stores scattered throughout town.

"We originally got involved with the effort as transportation elves," said Marietta Sewell, president of UNO's Sigma Phi Omega, a national gerontology honor society. "Gerontology students helped deliver the gifts to the Omaha Home Instead headquarters and to other various social agencies."

Each population-we™ staff member has committed to being a Secret Santa for a senior. The following "Be a Santa to a Senior" participants will receive a holiday gift from each pop-we contributor:

Name: Marge
Senior: Stationary set, stamps

Name: Linda
Wish: Stuffed teddy bear, lotion

Name: Catherine
Wish: Caffeine free diet coke

Name: Ben
Wish: Nebraska shirts or sweatshirts and sweatpants

Name: Wallace
Wish: Husker sports book

Name: Mary
Wish: Book about Omaha Gold Coast area

Social workers identified the needy seniors to event sponsor -- Home Instead Senior Care -- who compiled the list.

"You can tell the quality of life some of these seniors are living by their requests," Sewell said.  "One lady only requested a box of mints."

Again this year, students will pick up gifts from UNO and HyVee stores to help wrap them before social services drops them off to seniors. All gift donations go to seniors in the Omaha community.

Adopting a senior is open to the public, so tell your friends and family, and begin the season of giving off right, by helping elderly in your very own community. To volunteer or to donate a gift in your area, visit Home Instead at http://www.beasantatoasenior.com/.
- population-we™ blog post by Becky Bohan Brown
© 2011 population-we, LLC 
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Thanksgiving Homemade Pies Offer a Taste of Home in Omaha & to Deployed U.S. Troops from a Texas Café

Grandma Estelle's four homemade pumpkin pies from Thanksgiving 2010 

Thanksgiving in America just isn’t Thanksgiving dinner without pie. Depending on the region, pie tastes vary. Here in the Midwest pumpkin pie still reigns supreme. For 22 plus years I've gotten to enjoy homemade pumpkin pie courtesy of my husband's Grandma Estelle. She will celebrate her 89th birthday this December and her homemade pumpkin pies are still center stage at all our Thanksgiving gatherings.

However, down south in Texas pecan pie is the choice. A small town café in Round Top, Texas, is making sure U.S. troops are getting that little piece of Americana shipped to them wherever they may be stationed in the world this holiday season. The owner is Bud “The Pieman” Royer.

With a middle name like "The Pieman" it probably doesn't come to population-we™ readers surprise that Bud's Royers Round Top Café's nickname to most is called the "Pie Palace." This all began in 1987 when Bud started using Grandma Long's pie crust recipe and sold a couple of pies a week. More than 25 years later, Bud The Pieman, has gone into the mail-order pie business. To date, the town's population is 50 and Royers' sells about 10,000 pies a year. Among those loyal customers are U.S. troops.

"I've got chocolate chip like a big thick chocolate chip cookie," he said. "I've got butterscotch chip. I've got cherry. I have peach. I've got blueberry with granola topping, and I have apple, strawberry rhubarb. I have buttermilk, which is chess pie. Buttermilk with chocolate chips and coconut in it, I got a coconut chess, and I have the pumpkin."

The Café ships thousands of pies across the nation during the holidays. Though pecan pie is the region's favorite, because pecans are grown native in Texas, the chocolate chip pie is Royers' best seller. It is also the anchor in "Operation Desert Pie" -- Royers Round Top Café's very own military recognition/appreciation pie program.

Here's words from Royers' website where the Café offers a call-to-action to customers for Operation Desert Pie:

Royers' slice of chocolate chip pie

"Many of yawl want to be a part of this OPERATION but do not have any names of soldiers to send a pie too…we are compiling a list of soldiers who’d love to have some Royers’ pie …. ‘tis “THE ULTIMATE SLICE OF HOME!” from back home!!!"

Royers' goal is to ship 5,000 pies to military personnel deployed throughout the world this holiday. Orders for Thanksgiving ended Nov. 7; however, Christmas order's for "Operation Desert Pie" continue until Dec. 5. To order, visit this link.

"OUR OBJECTIVE: To ship 5,000 Royers’ pies, 'THE ULTIMATE SLICE OF HOME' to our fighting troops for T'Day & Christmas!"

With order of two pies through the Operation Desert Pie program, Royers makes a $5 donation to the Fisher House Foundation. The foundation offers free or low cost lodging to veterans and military families receiving treatment at military medical centers. Watch Royers Round Top Café  3-minute video of U.S. troops getting pies here.

The Bohan and Brown households will give thanks again this year for being able to enjoy the delights of Grandma Estelle's homemade pumpkin pies. Thanks to the generosity of others thousands of troops will get the taste of home this Turkey Day, too.  So, give thanks for our freedom this holiday and consider sending a pie to U.S. troops.
- population-we™ blog post by Becky Bohan Brown
© 2011 population-we, LLC 
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11.11.11 UNO DET 470 & NET Television Salutes Our Nation’s Veterans with Special Programs

U.S. flags will not be flown at half-staff across the nation this Friday, Nov. 11, to commemorate Veteran's Day. Instead, this is a day to honor our nations veterans. It is not a day of mourning, but a day of celebration and honor. population-we™ staffers would like to take this time to thank all the veterans in our families and extended U.S. family for their service to our country.

11.11.11

A dear friend of many of our staff had a husband who was Missing in Action (MIA) and a Prisoner of War (POW) during World War II. While interviewing Florence for a book, which I’m writing on Florence and her life-long friend Estelle, she shared with me a phone call. It was a long-distance phone call from her husband after Howard had been rescued. She was pregnant when he had gone missing. Tears flowed as she heard his lost voice from the other end of the phone. Howard first asked if she had the baby? She replied, “yes…we had a son!” He responded, “what did you name him?” “Jerry,” she replied. Howard answered, “...are you kidding -- you named him 'Jerry' -- that’s what we’ve been trying to kill over here!” She immediately responded that they could change his name. Jerry was now 2 years old. So, Howard responded: “No!” He had been missing and considered dead for those two years. During that time, Howard was tortured and imprisoned in Germany. He earned a Purple Heart for his WWII service and sacrifice. Besides Howard's son being named after his wartime enemy and being a Purple Heart veteran; he also walked with a limp the rest of his life -- all reminders of being a POW/MIA veteran.

This story came flooding back to me when I heard about a POW/MIA remembrance planned at the University of Nebraska at Omaha this week. UNO Air Force ROTC, Detachment 470, will be hosting a POW/MIA vigil on campus Tuesday, Nov. 8, at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome to join, DET 470 as they conducts a candlelight vigil in honor of American Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action. The Nov. 8 vigil will conclude a 24-hour guard at a bamboo cage on the UNO Pep Bowl. The bamboo cage, will be filled with an empty uniform in remembrance of all past and present POW/MIA. For more event information, contact Col. Major Gregory P. Reis (Arnold Air Society, Earl S. Hoag Squadron) at greis470@gmail.com/712.520.7007 or visit http://unoalumni.org/rotcalumni.

In honor of Veteran’s Day, Nebraska Educational Telecommunications (NET) Television will also air three special programs the night before to salute our nation’s veterans and explore the history of war.

Airing Thursday, Nov. 10, on NET1 and NET-HD are “Vietnam War Stories” at 7 p.m., “POV: Where Soldiers Come From” at 8 p.m. and “STRATCOM 9/11: A Different Doomsday” at 9:30 p.m. All times are CT.

“Vietnam War Stories” shares just a fraction of the personal memories of the three million Americans who served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. Veterans from all branches of military service share moving stories of triumph and loss on the field of duty, of sacrificing nearly everything on the battlefield and of the strong bonds of brotherhood and companionship in the ranks. Along with the veterans’ stories, archival video, historical photography and maps evoke stark imagery of the conflict.

“POV: Where Soldiers Come From” follows the journey of childhood friends from a small town in Michigan who join the National Guard after high school graduation and end up in the Afghanistan mountains. Over four years, the program chronicles the young men’s transformation from restless teenagers to soldiers looking for roadside bombs to 23-year-old combat veterans trying to start their lives again. The film offers an intimate look at the young Americans who fight our wars, the families and towns they come from  -- and the way a faraway conflict changes everything.

The 30-minute documentary “STRATCOM 9/11: A Different Doomsday” tells the story of the critical role Omaha’s STRATCOM played in supporting air defenses, gathering intelligence and supplying a safe haven for the President of the United States during some of the most uncertain hours in the nation’s history after the 2001 September 11 terrorist attacks.

“STRATCOM 9/11: A Different Doomsday” is a production of NET News for broadcast on NET1 and NET-HD. NET1, NET2 and NET-HD are part of NET Television, a service of NET. For a complete television program schedule, visit NET’s website (netNebraska.org/television).

We dedicate this post to the sacrifice and accomplishments made on our behalf by all of the U.S. military men and women. Remember to stop by UNO this Tuesday; tune into NET's Veteran's Day programming this Thursday; or fly your U.S. or POW/MIA flag at your home or business this Friday. But most importantly, thank a veteran if you come across one this week.
- population-we™ blog post by Becky Bohan Brown
© 2011 population-we, LLC 
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pop-we Dinner Club Reviews Shucks Fish House Oyster Bar

169th Wright Plaza Location

Aw Shucks!! This month population-we™ Dinner Club member Michelle decided we should cast off at Shucks, which has two locations around Omaha: 16901 Wright Plaza and 1218 South 119th St.

Shucks is owned by Absolutely Fresh Seafood, so it is not only a restaurant but also a sea food market. We went to the 16901 Wright Plaza location. It is a small eatery but they sure do pack the people in. You notice when you walk in a long bar along the wall with a huge seafood display. Other fishing decor is also scattered throughout the restaurant. Since 1979, Absolutely Fresh Seafood Market has been trucking and flying in multiple shipments of fresh fish every day of the week.

Oyster platter

I ordered up their Louisiana gumbo to which I was disappointed. The gumbo was good but even for $4.25 it was extremely small...again tasted good but very small. I also ordered a crab cake, which was served with french fries. The breading on the crab cake is not over powering so you can taste the crab, it was well prepared and tasted great. In the past I have tried oysters and did not enjoy them at all. A few members talked me into giving them another try with a little Tabasco and lemon. I was skeptical but I have to say they were actually quite good.

After compiling the surveys from the other foodies the pop-we Dinner Club gives Shucks: 4.08 star average on a scale of 1-5.

Atmosphere/Decor – 3.8

Cleanliness – 4

Wait Staff – 4.4

Menu – 4.2

Food Presentation – 4.1

Food Portions – 4

Food Taste – 4.6

Cost (was the cost worth meal?) – 3.9

Noise Level – 3.5

Overall Experience – 4.3

Fellow population-we™ readers, if you’ve been to the Shucks leave us a comment and tell us what you thought?

Want to do this yourself? To review how to start your own dinner club, visit our January post about doing just that. Remember it is a template; tweak it to fit you and your friends’ tastes. pop-we Dinner Club: good food…good friends…good times.

- population-we™ blog post by Brian Brown
© 2011 population-we, LLC 
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Giving Back Hope in the North Omaha Community with Help from the Hope Center for Kids

Some say location is everything -- enter the Hope Center for Kids -- located at 2200 N. 20th Street in Omaha, NE. For 11 years, the Hope Center for Kids has been fulfilling its mission by changing the tide of "hopelessness" for Omaha’s inner-city youth. For these at-risk youth, the center offers a safe place after school, a daily hot meal program and a weekend skate adventure. Most importantly, staff and volunteers also provide educational support, mentoring, social skills training, Bible studies, job creation and economic development.

Whether it’s helping pack weekend “To-Go Totes” or staffing a hole at the annual golf tournament, the Hope Center for Kids could not function without its volunteers.

“We have community members who volunteer more than 300 hours a week to help fight our daily battle to end the life condition of ‘hopelessness’ in the North Omaha community,” said Ty Schenzel, executive director for Hope Center for Kids.

Breaking the cycle of “hopelessness” and providing refuge for Omaha’s inner-city youth and children through faith, education, employment and collaboration are the mission of the center, which has been in business for over a decade.

Stats from Hope Center for Kids:

• Provides services to more than 1,000 youth ages five-19 years old;

• Hope Skate offers a safe, fun place for 400 kids every weekend;

• Serves more than 30,000 hot meals to children;

• 92 percent of high school seniors graduated compared to the statewide average of 47 percent for African-American youth; and

• 69 percent of high school graduates went on to college.

“We also have made huge strides in collaborating with area schools, similar after-school organizations and various mentoring programs to become an even more prominent presence in the lives of our youth and children,” said Deb Johnson, program director for Hope.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Service-Learning Academy along with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the Mutual of Omaha Foundation have partnered with Hope. Kids and teens from the center now volunteer along side UNO students for service projects in the community.

Hope Skate offers a safe, fun place to skate

Besides helping with the Hope Center’s curriculum, UNO has partnered with the Hope Center on different service projects. “We’ve used their facility, done a couple different service events while partnering with their students for volunteer projects like the MLK Day one year and clean up during our fall Three Days of Service, ” said Dr. Kathe Oleson Lyons, assistant director of UNO's Service Learning Academy.

In 2008, the “Hearts for Hope Guild” was formed to be a volunteer arm for Hope. It focuses on assisting Hope with special events and increasing awareness of the center’s mission.

“Our Guild members jumped in with both feet and got right to work,” said Leah Parodi, president of Hope Center for Kids Guild.

All of these programs and initiatives below are volunteered supported.

• Friday “snack pack” program
  Each Friday kids are sent home with a “To-Go Tote” filled with nonperishable food items to nourish the kids and their families throughout the weekend.
  
  

• Hope Learning Academy
  Children and youth receive homework help and participate in educational enrichment activities after school and during the summer months to provide them with support with the goal of high school graduation.
  
  

• Annual Hope Center for Kids' Golf Tournament
  Funds raised during this annual tournament help offset program costs. 
  
  
• Summer Kids Across America Camp 
  Last summer 43 kids got to experience camp for the first time.
  
  

• Annual “Hip Hope Fest”
  A night of Hip Hop music & entertainment with proceeds going towards Hope.

“Thanks to the Guild's involvement! They found many businesses to sponsor, individuals to participate and others to help volunteer at this year’s golf tournament,” said Brenda Block, development director for Hope. “The Guild's commitment to the event was one of the very reasons it was our highest grossing golf event in Hope history.”

Anyone interested in being a part of the Guild or other volunteer opportunities should contact Hope Center for Kids at getmoreinfo@hopecenterforkids.com or call 402.341.HOPE (extension 1003).

For upcoming events or for donations, visit www.hopecenterforkids.com. 
- population-we™ blog post by Becky Bohan Brown
© 2011 population-we, LLC 
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Halloween Haunts in the Metro that Give Back More Than a Fright

When one thinks of Halloween they usually don't equate it to giving. In the Omaha and Lincoln metropolitan area many attractions this year have partnered with local charities. Some Halloween haunts are collecting items for their local food banks and others are donating a portion of their proceeds to a designated charity. Some area nonprofits are even getting into the Halloween spirit by offering spooky attractions. Still looking for that perfect pumpkin? A few area churches are also selling pumpkins this year for what organizers are calling "Pumpkins for a Cause." Proceeds go to missionary work and operating costs for these area churches.

Join area nonprofits and churches for "Pumpkins for a Cause."  

Here's a list of what a couple population-we™ staffers are calling Halloween with a Heart:

Now through Halloween (Oct. 31)
- Big Red Barn and Pumpkin Farm, 132nd Street and Bennington Road, Bennington, NE

Pumpkin patch, pony rides, face-painting, music, hayrides, petting zoo, apple cider and food. 

Details: Admission $7 per person. Children ages 2 and younger are free. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 31. Bring a canned food item to donate to the Omaha Food Bank and receive 50 cents off admission. 

More info: 402.238.2696.

- Cobweb Castle: The Omaha Children's Museum, 500 S. 20th St., Omaha, NE 

Cobweb Castle,  Omaha Children's Museum G-Rated Haunted House, offers a maze of the Ghostly Graveyard, creepy trees in the Find-Your-Way Forest and the castle's Vampire's Batty Bedroom, Pirates Parlor, Kooky Kitchen and Casper's Closet. 

Details: Admission is free with regular museum admission. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.
More info: www.ocm.org.

- Mystery Manor, 716 N 18th St., Omaha, NE
Mystery Manor, Omaha's oldest haunted house. Built in 1887, it has been widely rumored that the ghost of William Hall still wanders these halls every October waiting for strangers to come so that he might resume his terrible vengeance upon any soul who enters Hall Manor. To this day, the murder of John Martin remains a mystery – hence the name "Mystery Manor." Supports Matt's Dream Foundation.

Details: General admission is $10 and Fast Manor Pass is $20. Dates and times vary check website.

More info: www.mysterymanoromaha.org

- Nightmare on Q Street: Fun-Plex Amusement Park, 7003 Q St., Omaha, NE
A Nightmare on Q Street, is part of the Fun-Plex Amusement Park, and is Omaha's newest professional haunted house and scream park. The amusement park has been transformed to allow for a true haunted, hectic and insidious event. Twisted encounters and thrills of a lifetime will meet you as demons and horror movie villains scare you throughout the park as you hop from ride to ride. Proud supporters of the Ronald McDonald House.
Details: Admission is $10. Open dusk until 10:30 p.m./12:30 p.m. check website for dates.
More info: www.anightmareonqstreet.com

- Pumpkin Patch on the Hill: Elkhorn Hills United Methodist Church, 20227 Veterans Drive, Elkhorn, NE

Select a pumpkin to buy from the giant  jack-o'-lantern carved in the side of the hill.

Details: Free admission. 10 a.m. until dusk through Oct. 31. 

More info: 402. 289.4764.

Oct. 21
- A Sudden Chill Ghost Ballads Tour: Nebraska History Museum, 15th and P Streets, Lincoln, NE 

During this night's tour, Judy Cook of Laurel, Md., sings ghost ballads to patrons. 

Details: Admission is free. Donations of nonperishable food items are welcome for the Lincoln Food Bank. 7 p.m.
More info: www.nebraskahistory.org or 402.471.4754.

Oct. 23, 24 and 30
- Haunted Safari: Wildlife Safari, Exit 426 off Interstate 80 (just past the Platte River)

Haunted hike, fireside dinner and spooky ride. Wear costumes, but be advised to dress warm. 

Details: $15 a person and children must be accompanied by an adult. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
More info: Reservations required at 402.738.2092.

Oct. 24
- Annual Growl-O-Ween: Three Dog Bakery, Village Pointe Shopping Center, 17151 Davenport St., Omaha, NE

Fury trick-or-treaters are welcome. Costumed dogs and their human companions can join in on games and a costume contest. During the evening, canines and their companions are also invited to trick-or-treat at participating Village Pointe stores. Each store will be identified with signs on the door. The Nebraska Humane Society PAW Mobile will be present. 

Details:  A $10 donation per dog will benefit the Nebraska Humane Society. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
More info: R.S.V.P. by calling 402.614.3647. 

- Annual Safe Night Out - Everyday Hero Costume Contest: Northeast Police Precinct, 30th and Taylor Streets, Omaha, NE 

Come as an everyday hero. It's someone who helps people as part of his or her job: a police officer, a doctor, a teacher, a firefighter or a construction worker. There will be will be a SWAT truck, a firetruck, Campus Crime Stoppers, candy and face-painting available.

Details: The costume party is free and open to the public from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.  

-Spook-O-Rama: Papillion-La Vista High School DECA Club, Tara Hills Park, Papillion, NE

Families are invited to take a haunted walk through the Tara Hills Park where areas along the path will be decorated as childhood fears and nightmares. 

Details: Admission: $5. 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. All proceeds benefit Heartland Family Services.

Oct. 25
- Spooktacular: Henry Doorly Zoo, 3701 S. 10th St., Omaha, NE

Trick-or-treating, spooky train ride on the Terror Train and 1 p.m. costume parade. 

Details: Free with zoo admission. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
More info: www.omahazoo.com.

- A Children's Ministry - Not-so-scary Halloween: St. Luke United Methodist Church, 120th Street and West Dodge Road, Omaha, NE

Open house with games, prizes and food are planned.

Details: Good will donations. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

- Annual Enchanted Forest: Hitchcock Nature Center, 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, Iowa.

Costumes welcome. Meet one of your favorite “Alice in Wonderland” characters in the forest. After the hike, visitors can enjoy refreshments, apple bobbing, pumpkin painting and carving (while supplies last). 

Details: For admission, meet at the Trailhead, near the Loess Hills Lodge. All ages welcome. Admission: $5 per family. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
More info: call Tina Popson at 712.545.3283.

Oct. 26-30
- Boo at the Zoo: Lincoln Children's Zoo, 1222 S. 27th St., Lincoln, NE 

Annual fundraiser for the zoo, offers kid-friendly trick-or-treating.

Details: Admission is $6 (free for children under 2); $3 extra if you wish to collect treats and $2 for a train ride. 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
More info: Buy tickets in at advance at www.lincolnzoo.org or 402.475.6741.

Oct. 29
- Family-Friendly Halloween Party: UNO Campus Recreation, Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Building on the UNO campus, 6001 Dodge Streets, Omaha, NE
There will be a haunted house, carnival games, candy, prizes and much more! Activities are aimed for children ages 12 and younger. Also, attendees can register to win one of four children’s costumes provided by www.HalloweenCostumes.com.
Details: The party is open to all ages and is free for everyone to attend. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

More info: http://www.unomaha.edu/wwwocr/youth/halloween.php

Oct. 31

- 2011 Halloween Safe Night and Fall Festival: Papillion-La Vista South High School, 10799 Nebraska 370, Papillion, NE

The event is sponsored by local organizations that want to insure that kids have a safe environment to participate in Halloween activities. Children and families can partake in games, bounce houses, a costume contest and classroom-to-classroom trick-or-treating. Kids will have the opportunity to win prizes, refreshments, candy and more.  

Details: Free and open to the public with a canned food or nonperishable food donation. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. R.S.V.P. is not required except for the costume contest. Pre-registration for that begins at 6 p.m.
More info: 402.597.2041.

*If we missed your organization we apologize. population-we™ staffers plan to make this an annual list, contact either of the Bloggers below this time next year.

Mystery Manor partners with Matt's Dream to fight against Of Age Drinking and Driving.

So, this Halloween pint size ghouls and goblins wont be the only one's receiving gifts this Halloween season. The gift of giving has infiltrated this hauntingly fun time of the year, which is definitely population-we™ news worth reporting about. Whether you're looking for that perfect pumpkin to carve, a place for date night or to take the kids--why not patronize one of these "Halloween with a Heart" haunts.
- population-we™ blog post by *Becky Bohan Brown and *Brian Brown 
© 2011 population-we, LLC 
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Takes Time to Reflect on the 150th Anniversary of U.S. Civil War

Our nation went to war against itself 150 years ago. Many in the South felt they could no longer tolerate policies enacted by the federal government they perceived to violate their rights as states protected in the Constitution. Many in the North felt the South had been acting like a spoiled child that only asked for more.  Many of the federal policies enacted were put in place as a compromise, meant to keep a balance between the slave holding South and the free North. Everything came to a head with the Presidential Election of 1860.  Several Southern states followed through on their promise to leave the Union if Abraham Lincoln was elected and war shortly followed.

Civil War Map courtesy of www.sdpd.org

The United States has cautiously approached the 150^th Anniversary of the Civil War. Several newspapers and websites have created special Civil War sections. Federal and state governments have struggled with how to remember the Civil War.  The specter of slavery and racism casts a shadow that is still felt today. In this age of political correctness some are afraid to speak about the war for fear of offending another’s sensitivities. Others state slavery had nothing to do with the war.  Having the extreme opposites in opinion dictate to the majority can lead to trouble. 

The reality is that the American Civil War should be remembered for what it was. Next to the American Revolution, it is the most important event in our history. Before the war many Americans saw themselves as citizens of states first, especially in the South. The war eradicated slavery, helped open the country to more industrialization and transportation with the growth of railroads and helped unite people into being Americans first. Six future presidents served with Union armies during the Civil War. The American Civil War also gave us our greatest president, Abraham Lincoln.

It is important to remember the war and the impact it had on our nation. Thousands of books have been written and numerous websites are dedicated to the subject if you don’t want to leave the comforts of home.  For those that enjoy travel, there are museums and battlefields across the country. Those opportunities are closer than you think if you live in Nebraska. Battlefields can be experienced as close as Kansas and Missouri. Museums have or will have sections dedicated to the war and its impact. Across the river in Council Bluffs, Iowa, is the Dodge House, former home of Grenville Dodge. Dodge is most famous for his work with the railroads. He served in the in what was known as the Western Theater of the Civil War. The Durham Museum in Omaha had an Abraham Lincoln collection last winter.

When you break everything down, the people, the decisions they made and the impact they had on our nation are fascinating. Abraham Lincoln became our greatest president yet for was born in poverty. He worked hard to improve himself, learned from his mistakes and treated people fairly. He also suffered from depression throughout his life, saw two sons die and hundreds of thousands were killed as a direct result of his election.  Robert E. Lee was the commander of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia from 1862-1865. History remembers him as one of America’s greatest battlefield generals. He was a member of one of the first families of Virginia. His father accumulated a crushing debt and forced Robert and his family out of their plantation home. Both his mother and wife were sickly people. He loved cats. Everyday people are perhaps the most fascinating. What compelled a poor cotton farmer from Georgia to join the fight for slavery and States rights?  Why would Ely Parker, a member of the Seneca Tribe, choose to serve with the Union Army and how did he come to play a role at the Confederate surrender at Appomattox?  It is the people, the decisions they made and the impact they had on our country that make remembering the Civil War so important.  Please take the time to learn a little about Civil War during the 150^th Anniversary.
– population-we™ blog post by Ron Wiley

© 2011 population-we, LLC 

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