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VOLUME 3 ISSUE 43 | OCTOBER 23 - OCTOBER 29 | 2019 ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, HEALTH, PERSONAL FINANCE, & MUSIC NEWSWEEKLY

HEALTH

DHHS New Development

REVIEWS

M34N STR33T, “Don Quixote’s Lance”

FINANCE Retirement

REAL ESTATE Flipping Homes



TABLE OF CONTENTS

ER 23 - OCTOBER 29 | 2019

YOUR

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 43 | OCTOB E, & MUSIC NEWSWEEKLY HEALTH, PERSONAL FINANC FREE ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT,

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LIVE

Mr. E & the Stringless Kite

REVIEWS

Noir, Lookout Lounge

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THE ARTS

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BENSON

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FAMILY

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EVENTS

FOCUS ON THIS WEEK! 24

FINANCE

Employer Plans Can Offer the Foundation of a Comfortable Retirement By Michael Herek Sponsored By Blue Capitol Wealth

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Medicare Open Enrollmen

REAL ESTATE

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Home Improvement Proje

ON TEN

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REVIEWS

M34N STR33T, “Don Quixote’s Lance” By Tatiana Ballinger

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HAPPY HOUR

We gathered up some of the BEST Happy Hour spots in and around the Omaha metro!

This week’s top ten events you don’t want to miss! By Focus Omaha

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THIS WEEKS FEATURE

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REAL ESTATE

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HEALTH

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COUNCIL BLUFFS

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LINCOLN

Factors to Consider before flipping homes By Eric Cano Sponsored By Eric Cano/ Meraki Realty Group

Next-Generation Stent Graft in Development Thanks to $3 Million Grant Awarded to UNO/UNMC Researchers / HEALTH 2-DHHS Announces Development of Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center System

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SPORTS Huskers Fall to Jayhawks, 7-1 By Focus Omaha / SPORTS 2- Comments from Monday Press Conference By Focus Omaha

Focus is your FREE Arts, Entertainment, Health, Personal Finance, & Music Newsweekly. We’ve brought all of these elements together for the first time, all in one weekly format. Our goal is to provide you, the customer, with the best possible publication to suit all of your needs.

Focus 7914 W Dodge Rd. # 413 Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 208-6545 focusomaha@gmail.com www.focusomaha.com


SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 6PM - 8 PM CHANTAL PAVAGEAUX: ARTSHOW The Union for Contemporary Art 2423 North 24th St., Omaha, NE The artistic world of 2019 Inside/Outside Fellow Chantal Pavageaux is one of vibrant exuberance. Her one-night-only solo exhibition and performance ARTSHOW, presents just a taste of the visual and performance art she’s been at work on during her time with The Union. ARTSHOW is an interactive installation and participatory performance about art practice and process, messy middles, things betwixt and between, and getting there from here. People practice all kinds of things in addition to art—instruments, cooking, languages, religions, bad habits—and all of us are always in the process of something. ARTSHOW asks, “Where are you in your process? When does process become practice?” The installation will be similar to a festival or fair, with the equivalent of different interactive “booths.” Chantal notes: “ARTSHOW is a show about art and magic; a combination of installation, performance art, and party exploring artistic practice, process, and the tension between creativity and capitalism, served with glitter, sparkle and spectacle.” Come for the art, stay for the show! Doors at 6pm, performance at 7pm. THROUGH OCTOBER 25 PETSHOP, 2727 N 62nd St., Omaha Opening Reception: Dwight Edward Brown III + On Display: Unite Us One by BARBER. BARBER will be on display through October 25th. THROUGH OCTOBER 26 CARTÓN, THE LITTLE GALLERY BENSON 5901 Maple St., Omaha The little gallery is pleased to host CARTÓN by John D. Muñoz during the month of October. The little gallery is powered by Polecat Communications. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 3-6pm, Saturday from 10am to 1pm + by appointment. For more information, call 402.681.1901 or email info@ polecatcommunications.com. THROUGH OCTOBER 27 SHAWNEQUA LINDER, JILL RIZZO, AND JENNIFER SHANNON ART EXHIBIT Star Deli, 6114 Military Ave, Omaha Exhibition open during business hours and will run through October 27th. Please Contact artists directly for artwork sales. BIO - Shawnequa Linder Shawnequa Linder is a experimental visual artist based in Omaha, NE. With a background in Graphic Design, her work explores areas of moment, texture, color and how these

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disparate elements respond and react to one another. Her work has been exhibited at Omaha’s RNG Gallery, Hop Shops Art Center, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, MONA, among other venues. She also has been featured in The Reader and The Encounter Magazine. THROUGH OCTOBER 27 AVIAN INSPIRED BY FIBERWORKS Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St., Omaha Works is a a group of fiber artists from seven cities in eastern Nebraska working together to expand our knowledge and push our boundaries of creativity. We learn, inspire and support each other in our fiber art endeavors. THROUGH NOVEMBER 17 FALL CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St, Omaha 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Experience a fascinating fabrication of flowers at the garden’s annual fall chrysanthemum show. Bold mums combine with vibrant colors, diverse textures and other design elements that celebrate the 10th anniversary of the garden’s conservation program. Standard garden admission rates apply. Members are admitted free. THROUGH NOVEMBER 23 BAGELS AND SOMETIMES BACH Gallery 1516, 1516 Leavenworth St. Featuring a different musical performance every Sunday, this event offers complimentary bagels, fruit, coffee, and juice. Admission: free. Doors open at 11 a.m., performance begins at 11:30 a.m. THROUGH DECEMBER 6 | REAGAN PUFALL Fred Simon Gallery, 1004 Farnam St. The North Dakota native who currently lives in Omaha teaches art and design, and practices photography. He has received several awards and nominations, including an OEAA 2018 Best New Media Artist nomination. Admission: free. https://www.artscouncil.nebraska.gov THROUGH JANUARY, 5, 2020 RACE: ARE WE SO DIFFERENT? Durham Museum, 801 S 10th St. We all know people look different. Throughout history, those differences have been a source of strength, community and personal identity. They have also been the basis for discrimination and oppression. And while those differences are socially and culturally real, contemporary scientific understanding of race and human variation is complex and may challenge how we think about it. RACE: Are We So Different? helps visitors understand what race is and what it is

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not. It gives them the tools to recognize racial ideas and practices in contemporary American life. RACE encourages museum visitors to explore race and racism from three different perspectives: 1. Biology: Visitors will discover that human beings are more alike than any other living species, and no one gene or set of genes can support the idea of race. 2. History: Ideas about race have been around for hundreds of years, and they have changed over time. Throughout American history, economic interests, popular culture, science, politics and the struggle for power have played a role in shaping our understanding of race. 3. Everyday experience: Though race may not be a real biological concept, it certainly is real both socially and culturally. Visitors will explore the personal experiences of race in our schools, neighborhoods, health care systems, sports and entertainment industries and more.

Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. This exhibit explores how rock music has shaped cultural norms on topics such as civil rights, feminism, war, and more. Historical artifacts, photos, and videos show how the power of rock has influenced politics throughout American history. https://durhammuseum.org THROUGH FEBRUARY, 9, 2020 EVERYDAY PEOPLE: THE ART OF JAMES E. RANSOME Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St This exhibition includes picture book illustrations celebrating inspiring stories of unknown characters, as well as individuals who made history, like Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, and Louis Armstrong.

THROUGH MARCH 8, 2020 SOUND THE ALARM: THE MAKING OF THE OMAHA FIRE DEPARTMENT Durham Museum, 801 S 10th St. RACE: Are We So Different?, developed by the The Omaha Fire Department traces its roots to American Anthropological Association in 1860 when the city’s first firefighting company collaboration with the Science Museum of was founded. Called the Pioneer Hook and LadMinnesota, is the first national exhibition to tell der Company, these men battled fires through the stories of race from the biological, cultural muddy, unpaved streets, hand-carrying buckets and historical points of view. Combining these of water. In its 25 years of operation, the comperspectives offers an unprecedented look at pany evolved, added more stations, held annual race and racism in the United States. parades in honor of the firefighters, formed https://durhammuseum.org a Fireman’s Benevolent Association with neighboring towns and more. Using documents THROUGH JANUARY, 19, 2020 from the Byron Reed Collection this exhibit PAUL ANTHONY SMITH chronicles the Omaha Fire Department’s late Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. 19th century beginnings. Drawing on the art historical traditions of Pointilism and Geometric Abstraction, Paul THROUGH JUNE 21, 2020 Anthony Smith creates “picotages,” named for a TAKING IT TO THE STREETS: pattern printing technique that entails pressing GRADING DOWNTOWN OMAHA textured blocks onto fabric. Trained in ceramDurham Museum, 801 S 10th St. ics, Smith uses sharp, wooden tools to stipple To combat six major hills in downtown Omaha the surfaces of photographs he has taken in the city undertook extensive street projects to New York City and Jamaica that examine the lower inclines. This work was done throughout African and Caribbean diasporas. the 1880s–1920s with the largest of the projects being the grading of Dodge Street in 1920. THROUGH JANUARY, 19, 2020 In some locations, buildings were brought WORD AND IMAGE: down to a new level 18 feet lower than the THE SAINT JOHN’S BIBLE original foundation. Tempers ran high between Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. neighbors going mad with the constant noise, Featuring the first handwritten illuminated Bi- businesses and homes being literally uprooted ble commissioned by a Benedictine Monastery and some downtown residents even suing the since the fifteenth century, The Saint John’s city for damages and lack of sleep. In the end, Bible incorporates contemporary imagery and the grading of Dodge Street cost over one events to connect traditional medieval craftsmillion dollars and moved over 300,000 cubic manship with the twenty-first century. yards of dirt. Through this photography exhibit, https://www.joslyn.org see what all the fuss was about and how times have changed the streets of downtown Omaha. THROUGH FEBRUARY, 2, 2020 LOUDER THAN WORDS: WHAT’S YOUR FOCUS OMAHA? ROCK, POWER, AND POLITICS WWW.FOCUSOMAHA.COM


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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 7PM-10PM FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 7PM-11PM SATURDAY OCTOBER 26, 7PM-11PM SUNDAY OCTOBER 27, 7PM-10PM THROUGH OCTOBER 27 GHOULS & GLOW PRESENTED BY VERIDIAN CREDIT UNION Experience a brand new light-time adventure for the whole family this Halloween at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. This fun and not-so-frightening event is an illuminated spectacle for all ages and like nothing you’ve seen before! Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium will dawn about 400 larger-than-life lantern displays—creating the first experience of its kind in the country—as part of an all-new family friendly Halloween event, Ghouls & Glow presented by Veridian Credit Union, on September 27 – 29 and October 3 – 6, 10 – 13, 17 – 20 and 24 – 27. Lanterns, custom-made for the Zoo, will illuminate the Bay Family’s Children’s Adventure Trails. Visitors will encounter dancing skeletons, candy monsters, jack-o-lanterns, ghosts, witches, wizards, spider web arches, sugar skulls with elements of nature, an eerie house, a mummy band and other friendly ghouls. A number of bats, vultures, spiders and black cats will also light up the trails. http://www.omahazoo.com/

Westroads Mall retailers. LINE LOCATION - The line for the bags will form at the Flagship Commons entrance on the North West side, second level. *While supplies last. Children will then be invited to trick-ortreat inside the mall at the various participating retailers. Omaha Police Department mascots and officers will be on hand to help pass out candy and say hello to your kiddos Each bag will have various coupons from Westroads Mall retailers. Trick-or-Treating inside the mall is a great and safe alternative, lots of candy and easier walking for the little ones. So much fun and the kids get to show off their costumes!

ing the changes in flora and fauna in the forest during the autumn months. Dress for the weather, bring water, and apply sunscreen and insect repellant. This program is free for members or with daily admission for non-members.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 5PM - 8PM TRICK OR TREAT W/ MARVEL’S SPIDER-MAN Nebraska Furniture Mart 700 S 72nd LOCATION: In the Event Center

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26,10AM - 3PM FARNAM HILL’S TRUNK OR TREAT Zen Coffee Company, 230 S 25th St., Omaha Trick or Treat with a variety of Omaha’s Non Profits!Shop Local Vendors, Enjoy Many Specials and Games! Cake Walk, Games, Shopping, Costumes, Photo Booth, Food and more throughout our neighborhood!

Don’t forget your camera for selfies with your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man! Plus, Fun, Activities & Candy FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 5PM BASEBALLOWEEN Werner Park, 12356 Ballpark Way, Papillion Dress up and join us for our 8th Annual Baseballoween event at Werner Park! Activities for the whole family include Trick or Treating, a kids dance party, games, and a short movie on the videoboard.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 4PM-8PM HEALTHY TRICK-OR-TREAT NIGHT Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S 20th St. Put on your costumes and head to the museum for a night of indoor trick-or-treating from 4 to 8 p.m. (while supplies last). Once you’re done collecting your healthy or non-food goodies, play throughout the museum. The event is included with regular museum admission and is free for members.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 6PM - 8PM MONSTER MASH BASH AT OAK VIEW MALL Oak View Mall · Omaha, Nebraska Join us for the Monster Mash Bash! So much fun it’s scary! 6pm - FREE trick-or-treat bags for the first 500 kids!

Healthy Trick-Or-Treat Nights are part of the Friday Family Date Nights series. Spend a funfilled evening at the museum on Friday Family Date Nights! Friday Family Date nights are included with regular museum admission. Sponsored by Learning HQ. http://www.ocm.org

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 7:30PM FREE FRIDAY NIGHT MOVIES Orchard Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard 19475 225th St., Council Bluffs Bring your chairs and blankets and enjoy a free family movie every Friday night in October. (No orchard activities on movie nights.) This week: The Nightmare Before Christmas

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 6PM WESTROADS MALL TRICK-OR-TREAT Westroads Mall · Omaha, Nebraska Join in on the Halloween Fun at the Westroads Mall Spooktacular Trick-or-Treat Event! Friday, October 25 from 6pm-8pm at Westroads Mall will give away Free Trick-or-Treat bags* filled with goodies and coupons from

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Use the food court entrance to receive a treat bag.

6-8:30pm - Trick or treat, games, & crafts 7-8:30pm - Costume Contest & Dance Off Competition!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 10AM FALL IN THE FOREST WALK Fontenelle Forest · Bellevue Come join us for a walk on the boardwalk, surrounded by the colorful leaves of fall. A naturalist will guide you on the walk, discuss-

Focus | October 23 - October 29 | Volume 3 Issue 43

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26,10AM-3PM TRICK OR TREAT KIDS EVENT! Hy-Vee · Omaha, Nebraska Hey kids! On Saturday October 26th, from 1pm-3pm, we’re having our annual Halloween kids event! Don’t forget to wear your costume! Lollipop ghosts, Popsicle stick crafts, Monster cookies and so much more!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 12PM-5PM SUNDAY OCTOBER 27, 12PM-5PM THE GREAT PUMPKIN CELEBRATION Cabela’s, 12703 Westport Pkwy, La Vista We are not full of a bunch of Hocus Pocus, just some Halloween Fun. Stop into Cabela’s for our Halloween Event October 19th-20th and 25th-31st. The first 75 kids each day will receive a Glow in the Dark Trick-Or-Treat Bag! SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 12PM HALLOWEEN EVENT Bass Pro Shops, 2901 Bass Pro Dr. Please join us for the Halloween Event..... Hours: Weekends are Noon - 5 PM Weekdays are 5-7 PM and Halloween 4-8 PM Activities: Come on in and get your free 4x6 photo with the Peanuts gang. Love your photo have the opportunity to purchase a Halloween photo package for only $5.00. The first 75 kids to get their photo taken on October 19-20, and October 25-30 will receive Family events continued onto the bottom half of page 7.


Family events continued from page 6. a free glow in the dark treat bag. The first 150 kids in on October 31st will receive a free squeezable Jack-o-lantern. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 12PM UNO MAV KIDS HALLOWEEN PARTY UNO Mavs, 6001 Dodge St, Omaha Carnival-style event with games for children 8 and younger. Free to attend however we will be collecting non-perishable food for the Omaha Food Bank and towels and blankets for local animal shelters. Wildlife Encounters will have a presentation at 2:30pm. Games, Prizes, Candy!!!!! H&K Building, main level gyms. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1PM TANGIER TRUNK OR TREAT 2019 Tangier Shrine, 2823 S 84th St, Omaha Free Event -- Open to the Public! Prizes given out for: • Best Costumes • Best Decorations SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2PM HARVEST CARNIVAL New Life Fellowship, Council Bluffs Family fun for kids of all ages, even moms and dads! Inflatables, carnival games, face painting, a cake walk, food, candy, prizes and cotton candy! A fun and safe environment for your kiddos. Make plans now to join in the fun!! SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1PM HALLOWEEN HOOPLA Shadow Lake Towne Center Papillion, Ne

Calling all ghosts & goblins! There’s something brewing at Shadow Lake October 27th! Join us for trick-or-treating and FREE hayrack rides! SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2PM - 4PM FAMILY ART DAY - HALLOWEEN FUN Apollon, 1801 Vinton St., Omaha Join us for a fun Halloween themed family art day. Many art activities will be available such as painting or decorating a pumpkin, creating a mask, decorating a sweet treat and more. You can even come dressed in a family friendly costume. This will be fun for the whole family. This is a free arts event. There is limited space and supplies, so we ask for families to register in advance. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 5PM TRUNK OR TREAT WITH FUMC First United Methodist Church Children of all ages are invited to join us We will have trunks outside and games inside! New this year - Costume Karaoke! Guests are invited to dress up in their favorite costume and sing their favorite song. Costumes are not required for participation. This event is free and we encourage you to bring your friends, family, and neighbors!

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WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 23

Golden Ticket, Bourbon Theatre, 10am Paul Anthony Smith, Joslyn Art Museum, 10am

Chrysanthemum ShowLauritzen Gardens, 9am

Word and Image: The Saint John’s Bible Everyday People: The Art of James E. Ransome Joslyn Art Museum, 10am Joslyn Art Museum, 10am Rein Vanderhill: Intimate Arrangements Anderson O’Brien10am Louder Than Words: Rock, Power & Politics Durham Museum, 10am Benefit Art Auction Exhibition Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 11am RACE: Are We So Different? Durham Museum, 10am D-Day: In the Eyes of America’s Post-War Diggin’ Dinos, Omaha Children’s Museum, 10am Generations University of Nebraska Omaha, 11:30am Golden Ticket, Bourbon Theatre, 10am 5th Annual Adult Pumpkin Carving Contest, Paul Anthony Smith, Joslyn Art Museum, 10am The Down Under Lounge, 3pm Word and Image: The Saint John’s Bible Joslyn Art Museum, 10am

YP Halloween Trivia Scriptown Brewing Company, 5:30pm

Rein Vanderhill: Intimate Arrangements Anderson O’Brien, 10am

History Mystery at The Durham Museum, 6pm

Hiking for Seniors, Fontenelle Forest, 10am Celebrate Diversity Job Fair, Urban League of Nebraska, 10am Art Auction, Bemis Center, 11am

Vanessa Collier, The Jewell, 6pm Ghouls & Glow Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, 7pm Pint & Paint Night at Barchen Beer, 7pm

Momo Wednedays, Himalayan Java, 11:30am

The Rocky Horror Show Omaha Community Playhouse, 7:30pm

Zombie Night, The Monster Club, 5pm

Moon Hooch, Slowdown, 8pm

Acoustic Jam, Vino Mas, 6pm

The Steel Wheels, Reverb Lounge, 8pm

Denim N Diamonds, Stocks and Bonds, 7pm

Berner - El Chivo Tour, Waiting Room, 8pm

Edem Soul Music, The Capital District, 7pm

Soul Tree Duo, Harney Street Tavern, 9pm

Adrian Legg, Reverb Lounge, 7:30pm

Thick Paint ~ InDreama ~ Rogue Moon O’Leaver’s, 9pm

Spafford “Fall Ito Place Tour” Waiting Room, 8pm

Zombie Night, The Monster Club, 5pm

Comedy Open Mic, Barley Street Tavern, 9pm

Improv Comedy, The Backline Theatre, 8pm

THURSDAY OCTOBER 24

Latin Night, Rehab Lounge, 9pm

FRIDAY OCTOBER 25 Chrysanthemum ShowLauritzen Gardens, 9am Everyday People: The Art of James E. Ransome Vintage Halloween, Black Squirrel Tattoo, 2pm Joslyn Art Museum, 10am Halloween Pawty, Cabela’s, 5pm Louder Than Words: Rock, Power & Politics LGBT Meeting, Omaha Hilton, 6pm Durham Museum, 10am RACE: Are We So Different? Durham Museum, 10am

Spooktacular Trick or Treat Night Westroads Mall, 6pm

Diggin’ Dinos, Omaha Children’s Museum, 10am Constellation Viewing, Neale Woods, 6pm

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Focus | October 23 - October 29 | Volume 3 Issue 43

Hops & Grapes Fall Festival, Hilton Cass Street, 7pm Norma Lausten, The Flower & Art Project, 7pm

Horror Movie Trivia, Red Lion Lounge, 7pm Learn and Travel Nebraska, Millard Branch 7pm

Deerhoof, Bemis Center, 7pm

1930s Maritime Interactive Murder Mystery, The B-Side of Benson, 7pm

A Wonka Halloween, Empire Room, 8p

Rocky Horror, Omaha Community Playhouse, 7:30pm

Fright Night 2K19 w/ Silence Is Madness, From This Day Forward and more Dark Sense, Apollon Art Space, 8pm Lookout Lounge, 8p Halloween Party, Lookout Lounge, 8pm Haunted Tour, The Monster Club, 8pm Halloween Spook-Tacular, Stocks & Bonds, 9pm Girls Night Out, Stocks and Bonds, 8pm Deerhoof, Slowdown, 8p JPEGMAFIA, The empire Room, 8p

SATURDAY OCTOBER 26 Fright Night, Sokol Auditorium, 6pm

SUNDAY OCTOBER 27 Chrysanthemum ShowLauritzen Gardens, 9am Everyday People: The Art of James E. Ransome Joslyn Art Museum, 10am Louder Than Words: Rock, Power & Politics Durham Museum, 10am


RACE: Are We So Different? Durham Museum, 10am

Halloween Magic Spectacular, Regency Court Omaha, 6pm

Diggin’ Dinos, Omaha Children’s Museum, 10am Feathers and Teeth, Omaha Community Playhouse, 6pm Golden Ticket, Bourbon Theatre, 10am Costume Party, Legends Patio Grill, 7pm Old Market Fall Festival, Old Market, 11am Beetlejuice Trivia, Stoli’s Lounge, 8pm Ghoulish Garden, Lauritzen Gardens, Noon Horror Movie Trivia, Waiting Room, 8pm Fall Clean-Up and Potluck, Morton Meadows Garden, Noon Open Mic, Barley Street, 9pm Picture with the Peanuts Gang, Bass Pro Shop Council Bluffs, Noon Weekly Car Cruise, West Omaha, 5pm Dale Thornton Soaring Wings Vineyar, 2pm Soaring Wings Fall Outing Soaring Wings Vineyard, 3pm

MONDAY OCTOBER 28 Chrysanthemum Show Lauritzen Gardens, 9am Everyday People: The Art of James E. Ransome Joslyn Art Museum, 10am Louder Than Words: Rock, Power & Politics Durham Museum, 10am RACE: Are We So Different? Durham Museum, 10am

TUESDAY OCTOBER 29 Chrysanthemum Show Lauritzen Gardens, 9am Everyday People: The Art of James E. Ransome Joslyn Art Museum, 10am Louder Than Words: Rock, Power & Politics Durham Museum, 10am RACE: Are We So Different? Durham Museum, 10am Golden Ticket, Bourbon Theatre, 10am Journalism Workshop, Omaha Press Club, 11am Documentary/Panel Discussion, Harper Auditorium @ Creighton University, 6:30 & 8:30pm Durham After Dark, Durham Museum, 5pm ADHD Help Without Drugs Workshop, 11223 Wright Circle, 7pm

Diggin’ Dinos, Omaha Children’s Museum, 10am Leftover Crack, Lookout Lounge, 8pm Golden Ticket, Bourbon Theatre, 10am

TIffany, The Waiting Room, 8pm

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WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 23 8PM SPAFFORD – FALL INTO PLACE TOUR

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WAITING ROOM 6212 MAPLE ST. OMAHA

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THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW OMAHA COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE

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FRIDAY OCTOBER 25 7PM SPOOKTACULAR TRICK OR TREAT

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WESTRADS MALL OMAHA

HOPS & GRAPES HILTON DOWNTOWN 1001 CASS

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SUNDAY OCTOBER 27 7PM

CHANCE THE RAPPER CHI HEALTH CENTER 455 N 10TH ST., OMAHA

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SUNDAY OCTOBER 27 8PM

GRYFFIN SLOWDOWN 729 NORTH 14TH ST

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FRIDAY OCTOBER 25 7PM

FRIGHT NIGHT 2K19

LOOKOUT LOUNGE 320 S 72ND

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AN EVENING WITH DAVID COOK WAITING ROOM 6212 MAPLE ST. OMAHA

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SATURDAY OCTOBER 26 8PM

BIANCA DEL RIO SLOWDOWN 729 NORTH 14TH ST

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TUESDAY OCTOBER 29 8PM

TIFFANY WAITING ROOM 6212 MAPLE ST. OMAHA


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On the heels of a highly successful multicity tour and run on Broadway, the world’s best-selling touring magic show, THE ILLUSIONISTS - LIVE FROM BROADWAY™ (www.theillusionistslive.com), will play at the Orpheum Theater on March 11, 2020 at 7:30 PM as part of its North American tour in 2020.

Creative Producer Simon Painter said, “We can’t wait to bring this electrifying show to Omaha for a truly entertaining experience for the whole family. THE ILLUSIONISTS is the most non-stop and powerful mix of outrageous and astonishing acts ever to be seen on the live stage.”

Tickets for THE ILLUSIONISTS will go on sale on November 21, 2019. Tickets, starting at $29, are available at TicketOmaha.com, in person at the Ticket Omaha* Box Office located inside the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas Street, or by calling (402) 345-0606.

The 2020 tour will feature the following cast members:

THE ILLUSIONISTS - LIVE FROM BROADWAY™ is produced by Simon Painter, Tim Lawson and MagicSpace Entertainment. Conceived by Simon Painter, the show’s creative team also includes executive producer Tim Lawson. Full of hilarious magic tricks, death-defying stunts and acts of breathtaking wonder, THE ILLUSIONISTS has shattered box office records worldwide and thrilled audiences of all ages with a mind-blowing spectacular showcasing the jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth.

The Trickster, David Williamson David’s irresistible mix of humor and skill has been a favorite with audiences around the world. He has consulted for illusionists David Copperfield’s and David Blaine’s TV specials. Most recently, David appeared on Masters Of Illusion and PAX TV’s World Magic Awards Special where he was awarded comedy magician of the year.

PHOTOS © JOAN MARCUS

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Focus | October 23 - October 29 | Volume 3 Issue 43

The Elusive, Valentin Azema With a French touch, a bit of humor and a limitless passion for the art of magic, you will share with Valentin a one-of-a-kind experience of wonder and mystery. The Daredevil, Jonathan Goodwin British born Daredevil and Escape Artist Jonathan is widely considered one of the most creative, skilled, and frankly crazy stunt performers in the world; and has been described as “The world’s greatest theatrical daredevil”. Goodwin has been hanged, buried alive, hung by his toes from helicopters, burned at the stake, attacked by sharks, and bitten by rattlesnakes dodged arrows and climbed under moving cars. The Mentalist, Chris Cox He’s a multi-award winning ‘mind reader who can’t read minds’ and the star of the BBC’s Chris Cox’s Mind Boggling Magic & Killer Magic. He’s performed in three London West End seasons, a sellout run at Sydney Opera House

and has been seen live by over 750,000 people. The UK’s Guardian Newspaper say he is “one of the most exciting entertainers in Britain”. Chris is far too modest to mention it though. The Manipulator, Hyun Joon Kim Hailing from Korea, Hyun Joon Kim is regarded as one of the most masterful sleight of hand artists in the world. He has mastered the art of manipulation with extreme discipline and highly skilled technique that leave both audiences and fellow magicians alike in awe.


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Factors to Consider Before Flipping Homes By Eric Cano

Remodeling is risky and it’s not as easy as it sounds. Most rookie and some novice investors choose homes based on a low purchase price and the amount to spend on improvements. Their ideology is “What’s the least I can spend on this.” Other investors look for houses that the public wants by basing it on the location of home, design, or the “What is the most I can get for it” method. Location is very important, and there are a few guidelines to stay within. Even in a great area, you do not want to be adjacent to a busy street, and you never want to be the most expensive

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house in the area. Chances are that if you are, buyers will be looking elsewhere for that price range. The investment property should match price range of area. What makes a property more valuable is added square footage. Generally, the bigger the home the more expensive it is. The valuable square footage is above grade, or, above basement square feet. Basements bring in little value per square footage compared to above-grade. The addition has to flow with the design of the property and not leave people scratching heads wondering why that room makes sense.

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Sometimes attics are finished, but access to the attic has to be a standard staircase and not too narrow or steep, and the height of ceilings has to be similar to the main floor. This makes attics difficult to be valuable. The investment property should match the area in size. Amenities are also important. How many: garage spaces, bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms does the property have? Does it have: a dining room, a fence, a shed, storage, too many steps? You should also ask if the surrounding homes have more amenities than the subject home. The investment property should match the area in amenities. Finishes of the home are also important and have to be general in nature to suit many buy-

ers, not specific to the investor’s liking. Current trends such as: flooring, light fixtures, kitchen, bathrooms, closets, patios/decks, landscaping, basement features, colors, etc should be researched before property is purchased and determined a potential deal. The investment property should match the area in its condition. Picking the wrong house or doing the wrong work can be costly and can leave you with an unsellable house, but doing it correctly can be rewarding. If you do not have the experience in flipping homes, contact a knowledgable agent like myself for a general and/or specific consultation.


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DHHS Announces Development of Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center System By Focus Omaha that serves diverse needs

Next-Generation Stent Graft in Development Thanks to $3 Million Grant Awarded to UNO/UNMC Researchers By Focus Omaha

A $3 million grant to researchers at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) will fund research and development behind a new generation of stent-graft device that could help prevent issues later in life for patients with aortic disease and trauma. Anastasia Desyatova, Ph.D., assistant professor within UNO’s Department of Biomechanics (pictured), received a Research Project Grant (R01) from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for the project. R01s are the largest individual grants awarded by the NIH to fund individual research projects.

have a substantial impact on the long-term well-being of patients living with an injured or diseased aorta.” The research will be conducted at UNO’s Biomechanics Research Building and in the Department of Surgery at UNMC. The Biomechanics Research Building is home to cutting-edge Center for Research in Human Movement Variability (MOVCENTR), the Center for Biomechanics Research in Nebraska, and the Nebraska Biomechanics Core Facility.

Significant portions of the project will be performed by Jason MacTaggart, M.D., a vascular surgeon-scientist at UNMC who is Desyatova collaborates with Jason MacTaga long-term collaborator of Desyatova. “We gart, M.D., associate professor in UNMC’s greatly appreciate the support of the DepartDepartment of Surgery; Alexey Kamenskiy, Ph.D., professor within UNO’s Department of ment of Surgery at UNMC”, says Desyatova. “It is critical to have partnering clinicians Biomechanics; and Kaspars Maleckis, Ph.D., because they have first-hand knowledge of assistant professor within UNO’s Departthe device requirements.” ment of Biomechanics. The goal of Desyatova’s research team is to study the effectiveness of a new generation of stent-graft devices that they developed. These experimental devices are made of an elastic material flexible enough to closely mimic the mechanics of a healthy aorta.

Desyatova’s team also partners with Live On Nebraska who helps them understand the mechanical characteristics of young human aortas that guide device design.

“Without the support of tissue donors and their families, this work would not have been Traditional stent-grafts are generally thought possible,” said Desyatova. “Studying human arteries is the only way to understand how to work well in the aorta but are stiff and do we need to design the device. We cannot not distend and recoil like the aorta itself. thank them enough for their generous donaThis rigidity can impose additional stress on tion that would help millions of patients with the heart which, over time, can lead to its thickening and stiffening. These long-term ef- aortic disease.” fects are important in young trauma patients Research reported in this news release is treated with stent-grafts because of their supported by the National Heart, Lung, and long life expectancies, but they may be even Blood Institute of the National Institutes of more important in older patients with other Health under Award Number R01HL147128. aortic pathologies and diminished baseline The content is solely the responsibility of the cardiac function. authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of “By constructing a stent-graft device that Health. functions similarly to a young healthy aorta, our research aims to reduce or mitigate the Three locations will create continuum of care negative side effects that conventional stiff stent-grafts have on the heart and the aorta,” Desyatova said. “This new device could

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Lincoln – The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announces the next steps to strengthen services and programming at its Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Centers (YRTCs). The YRTCs serve juvenile offenders 14 through 18 years old who are placed there by the courts.

into adulthood,” said Dannette R. Smith, Chief Executive Officer of DHHS. “The development of the YRTC System creates a continuum of care that serves their diverse needs.” The system is based on a three-pronged approach that includes three campuses – YRTC-Kearney, YRTC-Lincoln and YRTC-Geneva.

YRTC-Kearney The system includes current services provided at the Kearney campus. YRTC-Kearney is the hub for the YRTC System and will provide intake, assessment and programming for the core group of youth. Programming is based on the Phase model, which assesses youth behavior from admission through discharge. The Phase model is an incentive-based program in which youth are scored daily on their compliance with the program, interactions with their peers and their interactions with staff. A youth’s scores dictate their movement through the program and identifies which incentives they are eligible “We are committed to ensuring an environment to receive. that is safe, supportive and gives the youth we serve an opportunity to thrive as they move continued on page 19 DHHS is developing a YRTC System. The goals of the system are to: -Provide the appropriate level of care for youth and security for all as they progress in their treatment. -Implement targeted interventions to high-acuity, at-risk youth separate from the core group of youth who are positively responding to programming. -Develop population-specific programming (gender, acuity, culture, linguistics and race) and programming based on a youth’s progress and needs for transitioning back to the community.


continued from page 18 YRTC- Lincoln Services will be established at Lancaster County Youth Services Center, which has the capacity of 20 individual rooms divided between two separate pods, a day room with a separate secure outdoor recreational space. This location will be known as YRTC-Lincoln. Youth who will be relocated to YRTC-Lincoln have unique needs and require targeted behavioral programming specific to these needs. This location will provide intensive programming for youth who are not responding to treatment at Kearney. New programming will be developed to serve both male and female youth with high behavioral acuity and will include intensive behavioral modification programming, family treatment and family support. This will establish a model for the successful transition for youth back to YRTC-Kearney where they can continue core programming or integrate back to the community. The facility provides the appropriate physical structure and security required to serve high-acuity youth. Once the youths’ behaviors have stabilized and they are responding to programming, they will return to the main campus at Kearney for the continuation of the treatment program. Operations will be phased into this location starting in January 2020 to allow for appropriate adjustment for both youth and staff development. YRTC-Geneva The system also includes re-establishing services at the YRTC-Geneva campus. The primary purpose will be working with female youth who will be transitioning back into the community. This program will serve 3-6 females who will live in the recently repaired LaFlesche Cottage. Youth who will be transitioning back to the community have different needs from those that are within the core population. The youth will need to be in an environment that is less restrictive and mimics a home environment. Programming will include family treatment and enhancing personal life skills. The final 60 days of a youth’s treatment will include 30 days of preparation and the final 30 days of skills application. The YRTC team will continue to

collaborate with the Department of Labor and Vocational Rehabilitation to offer opportunities to youth to obtain needed job certifications to facilitate successful re-entry. The YRTC-Geneva program will follow the same Phase model offered at the Kearney campus with an emphasis on life skills, increased responsibilities, community involvement and independent living. Some female youth will transition to YRTC-Geneva starting in January 2020. On August 19, 2019 female youth from YRTC-Geneva were relocated to the YRTC-Kearney after conditions on the Geneva campus were deemed insufficient. Vandalism incidents at the cottage in early August, coupled with existing programming and staffing issues created a critical situation. The move to Kearney was needed to ensure the safety and well-being of the youth. Relocating these youth to Kearney provided an opportunity for DHHS to offer more consistent programming to the female youth as the Department assessed their needs for specific programming and clinical supports. It also allowed the Department of Administrative Services to repair damage and make upgrades to the LaFlesche Cottage on the Geneva campus to better serve the program’s needs. Current photos of LaFlesche Cottage can be found here – http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/LaFlesche-Cottage-at-the-Youth-Rehabilitation-and-Treatment-Center-in-Geneva.aspx. “Moving forward and establishing the YRTC System is the first step to reforming Nebraska’s youth services. The three-pronged approach addresses immediate needs while ensuring the safety and well-being of the youth we serve. It also allows for long-range strategic planning done in collaboration with key stakeholders,” said Smith.

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injured “Obviously we miss the reps with the guys that aren’t able to practice, but you know, the flip-side of that is there’s some young guys that got a lot of run last week in some of those practices, and those guys need to continue to improve and get reps so they can be more physical, play with better technique and do all the little things right.”

Comments from Monday Press Conference By Focus Omaha Scott Frost Nebraska Head Coach

thing was the vision and a little bit of patience in running in our kind of scheme. It’s not so downhill and hit right now. You saw how natural On Maurice Washington not being on the he was when we lined him upright behind the depth chart “I think it’s still to be determined. center and gave it to him. He’s learning how to He won’t play this week. We don’t see him being run in our scheme a little better, and I think he’s a part of our plans in the immediate future, and been getting better every week, so he’ll continthe farther out future, we’ll have to determine ue to improve.” that based on some circumstances.” On how much emphasis was placed on the On Washington’s status with the team “He’s running game in practice last week “A bunch. not a part of the team right now going into this Overall I think we need to be more physical, week.” particularly on offense. We worked the heck out of that last week. A lot of fundamentals, a On the decision lot of simple things, and hopefully it’ll make a “There are certain standards that we ask our players to uphold. When those standards aren’t difference.” upheld, it doesn’t matter who it is, they’re not On place-kicker Barret Pickering being listed going to be a part of our plans that week or second on the depth chart, and whether that potentially longer.” means he is close to returning “As far as I know On whether it is an “indefinite suspension” he is. We’ve got a whole army of kickers down “No, those are your words, not mine. We just there, and some of them are healthy and some expect all of our players to conduct themselves of them aren’t, and I can’t really keep track anyin a certain manner, and there’s certain things more. Hope to get him back as soon as we can. I that are non-negotiable, and they have to live up think from what I hear, he’s getting pretty close.” to those standards.” On his overall feeling about the offense with On whether Washington is still enrolled in the weapons the Huskers have available on classes “As far as I know.” Saturday “We’ll see. We’re practicing whoever is healthy and up and ready to go, and we’ll see On whether Washington’s status is related to who’s ready and who’s not come Saturday.” his legal matter “No.” On whether Washington practiced last week “He hasn’t practiced last week, didn’t practice today. But let’s move on to football here.” On Nebraska’s depth at running back “Depth is getting a little sparse there, but the guys have been practicing hard. Obviously, Dedrick Mills is doing a good job. Wyatt Mazour should be back this week. He had a minor concussion and was out. He’s back and healthy and good to go. Rahmir Johnson still has a couple of games to play in. Brody Belt, some other guys are there, and they’re all getting reps this week.”

On Adrian Martinez’s recovery “Adrian has been working hard to get back, and he’s doing really well, working hard. It helps to have a bye week. It helps to have fall break here where he can spend a little more time rehabbing, so he’s going to do whatever he can to get back.” On whether he is optimistic about Martinez’s return this week “Hard to say.”

On the progress the team made during the bye week “I was pleased with the bye week. I think there were a lot of fundamental things that we needed to clean up. Sometimes you get in the heat of the season and some of those things On Rahmir Johnson’s status changing potentially from a four-game season to a full year, if can deteriorate a little bit. I saw some of those things operate at a pretty high level and really needed “I think it could change if circumstances change. improve throughout last week. Again, hopefully some of that back to the basics and fundamental We’d like to try to save the year if we can, depending on how the last half of the season goes.” stuff will provide a little spark for us and make us a little better at some of the things we need On Dedrick Mills making adjustments and to be good at to be consistent.” progressing in Nebraska’s system “He’s getting On cleaning up details when several guys are better at it all the time. I think probably the big

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including Piper, Benhart and some other guys.”

On the first step moving forward for the offensive line “We’ve just got to be a little bit more consistent. We need to get on guys and move them instead of just occupying. There haven’t been a lot of mental breakdowns, it’s just been technique related, finishing blocks, maybe being a little more physical and nasty up front so that On Noah Vedral’s week of practice “I thought, we can count on the holes being there a little all things considered, Noah played pretty well more often. Obviously pass pro has to get a little at Minnesota. A couple mistakes and one or bit better. There’s been times we’ve had good two plays here and there, but it’s hard to find a time to throw and other times when I wouldn’t quarterback who plays a perfect game. I thought want to be quarterback back there. We went he came in and did a really good job. Guys did back to work on all those things this week, and good things around him, just not often enough, I’m excited about the progress they made.” not consistent enough, and we feel really good On teaching or recruiting physical and nasty about Noah and where he is and his ability to offensive line play “You can teach it some. I run our offense.” think Lou Holtz said it, if a dog won’t bite when On whether freshmen offensive linemen Bryce it’s a pup, it probably won’t bite when it’s grown, Benhart and Ethan Piper are close to being and there’s some truth to that, too. And I think ready “You guys keep asking me. We’re going to as a team, it’s got to be the culture. It’s just got play guys when they’re ready. All those young to be what’s expected. It’s got to be a standard guys keep improving. One thing you learn about that’s non-negotiable. We’re working toward this league pretty quick is this is a grown-man’s that, but it doesn’t happen overnight.” league, and guys have to be ready. It’s hard to -it’s probably hard to win in this league, particu- On the players being mentally refreshed larly in the trenches, with 18- and 19-year-olds. “Practice looked a little faster today, a little crisper. Guys were running without hobbles and We’re expecting help out of those guys. I think limps, and it’s good to see. It is a long stretch. I they’re really close to helping us. But they’re know it’s college kids and they should recover also first-year guys, and when you throw them faster than some of us old guys, but it still takes in, you can expect some first-game mistakes a toll on you, particularly when you don’t have a and first-year mistakes. We’ve got to be smart lot of depth in some areas. I thought everybody as a football team when we use them, but I’ve been pleased with the progress of several guys, had a little more pep in their step today.”


On playing with the right tempo on offense “We think about that every week, honestly. We’re still not playing at the tempo I want, but I think a lot of that is by choice, for a lot of reasons, and some of it is by choice, some of it isn’t, but I think that’ll continue to improve, too.”

On whether there is anything different Coach Frost would do in handling Maurice Washington’s situation over the last two seasons “No, I wouldn’t do anything different. I wish things would be a little different. Listen, Coach Osborne was this way. He wasn’t quick to crumble kids up and throw them away. Some of the kids On his impressions of Indiana “I’ve watched that are in some of those situations, if they’re them more on D than O so far. I think they’re big gone out of this program, that road doesn’t lead and physical up front, have some corners that to very many good places. As long as I’m here, can cover. They play a lot of press quarters and I’m going to try to help these young men as some man, mix in some pressures. They really much as I can. That’s the promise I make to their run to the ball, play hard, tackle well, cover well parents when I sit in their living room and tell on the outside, and they’re pretty hard to move them we’re going to try to help them no matter in their front seven. I’ve said this a bunch, but what. There’s certain things that they know if there’s a lot of good teams in this league, and they do, I’m not going to help them and they’re you’d better show up ready to play every week, on their own. But I want what’s best for all these or you’re going to be in trouble.” guys, so we’re going to try to continue to help On alternate jerseys this week “We’re going to them as long as they can be helped, and there wear the alternate jersey this week, so I told the comes a point where you have to throw your hands up and say, we tried. But until then, we team this morning if we’re going to wear them, they’d better show up and play with an attitude want to do what’s right by them because I think that’s the right thing to do. We certainly tried that makes the Blackshirt alumni proud.” to do everything we can for Mo, and hopefully it On if there was a reason he picked this game works out well. to wear the alternate jersey “No, not really. We just -- we’re running out of home games.”

Huskers Fall to Jayhawks, 7-1 By Focus Omaha

” Lincoln, Neb. – The Nebraska baseball team took an early 1-0 lead, but allowed seven runs in the last five innings to fall to Kansas, 7-1, in a 12-inning exhibition game at Hawks Field on Saturday afternoon. Spencer Schwellenbach put the Huskers on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first when he blasted a solo home run to left-center field. It was one of eight hits for the Big Red on the day. Starting pitcher Colby Gomes tossed 2.0 no-hit scoreless innings as one of 11 Husker pitchers to make an appearance against the Jayhawks. The two teams held each other scoreless during innings 2 through 7, as Cade Povich, Max Schreiber, Caleb Feekin, Sayer Diederich and Trey Kissack each threw 1.0 scoreless frame.

gan Watson hit a one-out single up the middle before advancing to second on a groundout. He made it to third on a wild pitch, but remained stranded. The Jayhawks plated one run in the top of the 10th to extend their lead to 4-1. In the bottom of the 10th, Leighton Banjoff and Luke Roskam managed back-to-back singles to open the frame. However, three consecutive outs kept the Big Red from scoring. Kansas added three runs on three hits in the top of the 12th to extend their lead to 7-1.

Kansas took its first lead of the game in the top of the eighth with a pair of runs. NU allowed three hits, including a home run, during the frame. In the bottom of the eighth, Drew Gilin laced a leadoff double and advanced to third on a wild pitch. But he remained stranded, as each of the next three Husker batters produced outs. KU tacked on one run in the top of the ninth on a solo home run. Seeking to trim the deficit, Kee-

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Employer Plans Can Offer the Foundation of a Comfortable Retirement By Mike Herek

October 20 to 26, 2019, is National Retirement Security Week, a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the importance of saving for retirement. Established by Congress in 2006, National Retirement Security Week is designed to elevate public knowledge about retirement savings and to encourage employees to save and participate in their employer-sponsored retirement plans. What better time to review the benefits of your retirement plan and determine if you’re making the most of them?

A withdrawal from a Roth account is qualified if it’s made after a five-year holding period (which starts on January 1 of the year you make your first contribution) and one of the following conditions applies: • You reach age 59½ (55 if separated from service; 50 for qualified public safety employees)

You become disabled You die, and your heirs receive the distribution So should you contribute to a traditional account, a Roth account, or both? The answer depends on your personal situation. If you think you’ll be in a similar or higher tax Tax advantages bracket when you retire, you may find a Roth Whether you have a 401(k), 403(b), or account appealing for its tax-free retirement governmental 457(b) plan, contributing helps benefit your tax situation. If you make income advantages. On the other hand, if you think you’ll be in a lower tax bracket in traditional (i.e., non-Roth) contributions to retirement, then a traditional account may your plan, they are deducted from your pay before federal (and most state) income taxes be more appropriate to help reduce your tax bill now. Of course, you could also divide are calculated. This reduces the amount of income tax you pay now. Moreover, you don’t your contributions between the two types of accounts to strive for both benefits, provided pay income taxes on those contributions — or any returns you earn on them — until you you don’t exceed the annual maximum conwithdraw money from the plan, ideally when tribution amount allowed ($19,000 in 2019; $25,000 if you’re age 50 or older).1 you are retired and possibly in a lower tax bracket. Keep in mind that employer plans were created specifically to help Americans save for If your plan offers a Roth account and you take advantage of this opportunity, you don’t retirement. For that reason, rules were also receive an immediate tax benefit for partic- established to discourage participants from taking money out early. With certain excepipation, but you could receive a significant tax advantage down the road. That’s because tions, withdrawals from traditional (nonRoth) accounts and nonqualified withdrawals qualified withdrawals from a Roth account are tax-free at the federal and, in many cases, from Roth accounts prior to reaching age 59½ are subject to regular income taxes and state level. a 10% penalty tax.

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Employer contributions Employers are not required to contribute to employee accounts, but many do through matching or discretionary contributions. With a matching contribution, your employer can match your traditional pre-tax contributions, your after-tax Roth contributions, or both (however, all matching contributions will go into your traditional, tax-deferred account). Most match programs are based on a certain formula — for example, 50% of the first 6% of your salary that you contribute. If your plan offers a matching program, be sure to contribute enough to take maximum advantage of it. Neglecting to contribute the required amount is essentially turning down free money. Your employer may also offer discretionary contributions, which often take the form of profit-sharing contributions. These amounts generally go into your traditional account once per year, and typically vary from year to year.

Employer contributions are often subject to a vesting schedule. That means you earn the right to those contributions (and the earnings on them) over a period of time. Keep in mind that you are always fully vested in your own contributions and the earnings on them. Review your strategy now While most people understand that their employer-sponsored retirement plan is a key to preparing adequately for the day when the regular paychecks stop, they may not take the time to review their plan’s benefits and ensure they’re taking maximum advantage of them. National Retirement Security Week provides a perfect opportunity to review your plan materials, understand its features, and determine if any changes may be warranted. 1Special catch-up rules may apply to certain participants in 403(b) or 457(b) plans.


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M34N STR33T, “Don Quixote’s Lance” By Tatiana Ballinger Acts of solidarity resonated from hellish stage projections, warm with Halloween colors filtered over wet flickering eyeballs. The visuals were projected onto the small stage at the Slowdown October 18, 2019, representing distressed normality and physical manifestations of the status quo present-day America produces in its complicit populace. Samaritans of Omaha M34N STR33T, Rosalita, and Deathgod, came out as modern-day soap boxers.

to beckon innate pagan attention to a dancing human fly, the Haunted Gauntlet.

Memorable musings fueling social justice and self-love were translated through meme rap, trap, and indie hip hop music to a small yet diverse audience of supportive seers. Rotating away from the fractal epicenter of our midwest bubble, widely unpopular political issues running against the grain of Trump’s temporary legacy, like aspects of decriminalization, were relayed from behind a last-minute robber-from-Home-Alone-costume. Conny Franko of Omaha was the shadowed Kewpie who alludes subtle messages of insurrection. Respectfully, the floor was shared with a dramatic club-kid argument for the introduction. The drum riser, adorned in candle-lit hollowed gourds lining a reversed triangle

Preceding the last opener was Rosalita, two brothers Ramon and Jaime Martinez from hardcore band Loud Minority. Beats-making on the side has now moved to the center of production in cross-genre exploration. “Keep supporting what you like,” said Ramon from behind a metal gate after a euphoric performance of bursting heavy sighs, eyes open wide, and sweaty pogo dancing.

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An attempt to legalize Omaha rap music is the promotion of M34N STR33T’s latest release, “Don Quixote’s Lance.” The album is available for purchase via Bandcamp and comes with a timelessly illustrated storybook appearing in the guise of pre-copyright propaganda, color blocks of earthy black and red, a CD, and digital download.

These groups at times may seem outwardly leftist as they embrace an undying optimism of anti-capitalist morality you can find enshrined in murals on 24th Street, South Omaha brick buildings. Conscious rap and spoken word poetry revolve around specifically depicted social issues. Radical language is used to demonstrate the catharsis of justice across these three groups. Objective morality stands strong for M34N STR33T. Familiarize yourself with their material and focus on their paths of performance, intrigued Omaha, and support a niche local art.

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BARRETT’S BARLEYCORN 4322 Leavenworth St. M-F 4P-6P $2.25 Domestic Bottles $3.00 Well Drinks BROKEDOWN PALACE 8805 Maple St. Happy Hour 12P-6P $4 28 oz Domestic Frozen Mugs $5 28 oz Nebraska Brewing Cardinal Pale Ale Frozen Mug CADDYSHACK 2076 N 117th Ave & 7007 S 181st St M-F 2P-6P $1 Off Beer, Wine & Wells TUES- HAPPY HOUR All Day COHEN & KELLY’S LOUNGE 13075 W Center Rd M-F 4:30P - 6:30P Drink Specials DUBLINER PUB 1205 Harney St. Nightly Drink Specials &

Happy Hour 1P - 7P Everyday !! $1.00 off Pints and Bottles JERRY’S BAR 6301 Military Ave Happy Hour Prices ALL Day EVERYDAY! JULIO’S 123rd & Center M-F 3P – 6P & FRI & SAT AFTER 9M $1 off all Tap Beer, $3 House Margaritas, $8 Pitchers of Bud Light & Miller Light, $2 Tacos & $8 Nachos KOZEE LOUNGE 5813 N 60th St. Daily Drink Specials! LEAVENWORTH BAR 4556 Leavenworth St. M-F 12P-7P LOOKOUT LOUNGE 320 S 72nd St. EVERY DAY 4-7, MIDNIGHT - 2 AM

$2 PBR, $2.50 Domestic Bottles , $3 Wells, $3 Fireball NOSH WINE LOUNGE 1006 Dodge St. Everyday 4P- 6P Reverse HH 10P -12A $3 domestic beers and wells, $2 off Glasses of Wine, $4 House Wine PADDY’S McGOWN’S PUB & GRILL 4503 Center St. Happy Hour Specials from 3-6pm

PITCH PIZZERIA 5021 Underwood Ave. 17808 Burke M-F 3P-6P $5 off any appetizer $5 off any pizza OMAHA TAP HOUSE 1401 Farnam St. & 579 N 155th Plz M-F 3P - 6P & ALL DAY SUNDAY $1 Off All TapBeers $4 Svedka, $4 Windsor, $4 Sauza Silver, $4 Cruzan Rum

PARLIAMENT PUB DOWNTOWN 1212 Harney Street T-SUN 3P-7P Drink Specials

RAILCAR MODERN AMERICAN KITCHEN 1814 N 144th St. M-F 3:30-6:30P $4 Well Drinks $3 Off Signature Cocktails

PARLIAMENT PUB WEST 16939 Wright Plaza M-F 3-7PM ALL DAY SUNDAY! $2 Domestic Pints, $5 Vodka Red Bulls, $5 Shots & Bombs, 1/2 price Martini’s & Wines

RATHSKELLER BIER GARDEN 4524 Farnam St. Monday to Saturday – 3P to 6P | 10P-Close Sunday – All Day BOSO – Buy one second one for $.25

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SCRIPTOWN 3922 Farnam M-F 4P - 6P $1 Off Beers & $1 Off Well Drinks SMITTY’S GARAGE 7610 Dodge St. Everyday 3P - 6P & 9P - CLOSE $2.50 Domestics THURSDAYS $1 OFF Local Beer Draws THE CASUAL PINT 8718 Countryside Plaza M, W, TH 4P-6P TUES All Day $1 Off All Draft Beers. Friday – 1/2 Price Growler Refills Sunday – Ladies Day. $1 Off All Pints THE DOWN UNDER 3530 Leavenworth St. MON-SAT 3P-7P SUNDAY-All Day THERAPY BAR & GRILL 5059 S 108th St Monday-Friday 3-6pm $.50 cents off Bottles, Drafts, & Wells THE SOCIABLE INN 4917 S 136TH ST M-F 2P-7P

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