The “How to Wrap a Gift” event was held on December 6, 2017, at the Junior League of Omaha Headquarters.  Professional gift-wrappers Jessica Covi, Cari Harris and Beth Broderick shared great ideas and techniques to the more than 20 League members in attendance to perfectly wrap packages and tie amazing bows to really impress.

The gift wrappers also presented creative ideas for wrapping odd-shaped objects and quick-and-easy ideas for wrapping packages that would look great under the tree. They also shared tips and tricks for best types of wrapping paper, great gift tags and staying organized so that attendees could optimize their enjoyment of the holiday season. The event was a great success, and was an excellent way to celebrate and prepare for the holidays.

Active Member Kayla Peterson attended the event and found the event to be both fun and educational.  “We learned how to make bows for our packages and they even taught us helpful hints and tricks for how to wrap uniquely shaped items. They were also able to teach us about how to wrap a package without any seams. To be honest I didn’t event know that was a thing,” she said. In addition, Peterson enjoyed the collegiality. “It was a really fun event and a great way to learn a new hobby while getting to socialize with and meet new league members,” she shared.

Moreover, Peterson gained skills at the training that she was able to immediately teach others. “The gift wrappers did such a great job teaching the class that my office asked me to do a demonstration at our holiday luncheon to show them what I learned. I was also able to put what I learned to work this Christmas and my family noticed the step up in my wrapping skills and handmade bows!”

Active Member Chinh Doan also found the training to be worthwhile. “The gift wrapping training was one of my favorite JLO trainings! It was fun and helpful, especially for the holidays, but the insight and tips will be helpful for years to come. I immediately showed off my beautifully-wrapped present that night on SnapChat and Facebook and everyone was very impressed by not only my skills but the opportunities JLO offers for practical and helpful training! I also gave that gift (the most glamorous-looking box I’ve ever wrapped!) to my father, who said he didn’t want to open it because it was so fancy! I later went to a gift exchange in which another JLO member was also in attendance and she wrapped the gift with the pom-pom she made from getting ideas at the training. So clearly, we all learned a lot and were excited to take on the world with our new gift wrapping expertise!” she said.

How to Play Bridge

The Training Committee partnered with Omaha Bridge Studio to teach League members and their guests how to play bridge. The three trainings were held on February 3, 4, and 10, 2018, at Omaha Bridge Studio. Each event consisted of two hours of instruction, followed by one hour of simplified play. The training events were open to Sustainers and all League members were welcome to bring a non-member friend. More than 51 attendees participated in the bridge trainings across the three dates.

Gritty City Omaha Tour Bus and Mixology Course

The JLO Training Committee is excited to present the Durham’s Gritty City guided bus tour with mixology course. The Gritty City tours take you through downtown, the old and the new, including the Paxton Hotel, Orpheum Theater, and the former sites of many intriguing events in Omaha history. We will begin the tour at Wilson & Washburn. W&W currently occupies a restored 19th century building on the outskirts of Omaha’s notorious Sporting District. The building was long known for houses of ill repute & dens of iniquity and is named after the city’s infamous madams. There the bartenders will demonstrate how make classic cocktails and you will be provided one free drink ticket to enjoy a beverage before the bus departs. Space is limited. Register on the members section of jlo.org.

Location: Wilson and Washburn (1407 Harney St, Omaha, NE 68102)

Please arrive at W&W by 2:45pm. The Mixology Class will run from 3:00pm – 4:00pm and the Gritty City Tour will depart from W&W at 4:00pm and arrive back at 5:30pm

The event is ONLY $20 per registrant. This includes the mixology course, one free drink at Wilson and Washburn, and a guided tour by bus.

Capacity: 42 people. JLO members are allowed to register one guest at additional cost.