Omaha Magazine - October 2019 - Hotel Edition

THESPIAN RAYDELL CORDELL // DRUMMER EDEN CORBITT // EATING ON THE CHEAP // SOCIETY 1854

OCTOBER 2019

Hotel Edition

PattiLaBelle @ O R P H E U M T H E AT E R

in conjunction with THE

OMAHA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

FROM THE EDITOR // LETTER BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN, MANAGING EDITOR

AN EDUCATED OCTOBER

O

ctober is one of my favorite months of the year. It’s the month I tackle gothic literature—from Wilkie Collins’ Woman in White to Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre—and curl up on the couch with movies ranging from the Harry Potter series to Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Each of these books (all of which I can call favorites) are often taught in schools, and this issue is all about schools, and education.

Our cover story is about rocket scientist Scott Macklin, who interned at Elon Musk’s SpaceX while attending University of Southern California and has since worked at Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic. He tells Omaha Magazine his story of working in a STEM-related field.

STEM is a hot topic for many parents and students, as it can lead to a high-paid career.

In the case of Emma Carlson, an interest in STEM is leading to a career most may never have heard of: bioinformatics.

I Love Public Schools’ is the topic of another feature. This initiative, underwritten by the Sherwood Foundation, has produced amazing videos such as The Mind Inside, an in-depth look at teenage depression. They started by working on smaller videos such as teacher spotlights, and have advanced as the project has grown. This great story tells how powerful storytelling can be.

We also bring you a great feature on Westside’s Sparkles Cheerleading team. This special cheerleading team is a part of the Sparkle Effect, an organization created to bring inclusiveness to a sport that many young people dream of participating in.

This is a big year for America—it is the 50th anniversary of Woodstock, the moon landing, and many other Baby Boomer icons. It is also the 50th anniversary of KIOS-FM, Omaha’s local National Public Radio station. In fact, KIOS-FM was a charter member of NPR, which incorporated in 1970. I grew up listening to NPR, and these days, I frequently listen to KIOS in my car.

In keeping with the education theme, we have profiles of two educators. Gross Catholic assistant principal and athletic director was named Archdiocese Educator

of the Year on Sept. 12. My friend Dr. Michael Ashton, superintendent at Archdiocese Schools, speaks glowingly of Dempsey, and we learn why in this issue.

Joseph Baker is an auto collision instructor at Metropolitan Community College, which he says is one of the top collision schools in the United States. Baker started working with cars at age 15 and hasn’t stopped since.

Two noted Omaha men are working hard to educate kids about their passions. MMA fighter Houston Alexander has created the Houston Alexander Foundation to teach kids about hip-hop culture, while community activist Preston Love Jr. has founded Black Votes Matter, an initiative to teach students, especially those in his native North Omaha, about the power, and responsibility, of voting.

This issue isn’t all about kids, however. Our Sixty-Plus section features UNO Professor Chris Allen, who travels with his students to places such as England and Oman. Chris and I have been friends for several years, and I enjoy hearing about his travels to such exotic locals as Pakistan and Oman, because it is such a passion for him.

Do Space in midtown Omaha is a favorite place for a particular group of seniors to gather each week. They are called Cyberseniors, and while this seems like a group of bionic people (or perhaps I have been watching too much Star Trek), it is actually a group of volunteers who meet each week to help other seniors with technical problems.

Reading, you may realize, is a favorite hobby of mine, and the library is a favorite place.

It is also a favorite place of Polly and Joe Goecke, who volunteer with Friends of the Public Library. They help with the organization’s book sales, and Joe, especially, helps generate money for the library by selling books online.

With fall comes illness, and this issue brings you information about a terrible illness called shingles. Contributing editor Gwen Lemke tells you her sister’s story with this disease in her letter, and we bring you an article about the shingles vaccination.

OCTOBER

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2019

Our arts also revolve around education. Raydell Cordell is the site director at the after-school program at Loveland Elementary. Emily Brush is the project director for Making Invisible Histories Visible. And drummer Eden Corbitt is involved with Omaha Girls Rock as well as Girls Make Noise at Love’s Jazz and Art Center Then there’s the food. Three former interns from three separate colleges here in Omaha tell the magazine their favorite places to eat cheaply in the area. These kids know how to eat dishes other than ramen—sushi and Thai food showed up on at least two lists.

At Westside Schools, nutrition director Erin Vik is dedicated to providing healthy food to students, and he has expanded Westside’s food program to reflect this dedication.

I myself learned a lot about the origins of food in the article I wrote. Jenny Nguyen hails from California, and grew up riding horses and kayaking. Her husband Rick Wheatley grew up in California but traveled to Nebraska frequently as his family lived here. These days, the couple are passionate about a sport that is less traditional in California—hunting. They have even written a cookbook about their adventures in cooking wild game.

Did I mention that October is one of my favorite months? Yes, I love reading books and watching gothic-inspired movies, but there are other reasons why I love this month—one of them being October 31. We could not let this October issue go to press without talking about this beloved holiday.

Our Obviously Omaha this month brings you the best places to trick-or-treat.

Whether reading a Bronte novel for the 10th time or eating piles of candy, there is one book quote that sums up this month for me: “I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables.

TAB L E of CON T E N T S THE USUAL SUSPECTS 001 From the Editor

An Educated October

004 Between the Lines 006 Calendar of Events 014 History

KIOS-FM’s 50th Anniversary

089 Obviously Omaha

Best Neighborhoods for Trick or Treating

100 Adventure

Getting Wild with Food

113 Explore!

119 Instagram 120 Not Funny

One Thing I Know

A R T S + C U LT U R E 018 Performance

Raydell Cordell

022 Multimedia Emily Brush

024 Music

Preston Love Jr.

040 F E AT U R E S

026 034 040 // 2 //

SCHOOL COLORS SHINING THROUGH Sparkles Cheerleading Instills Confidence

GIVING 063 Calendar 068 Giving Feature

2019 Aksarben Pages

PE O P L E 030 Profile

Joseph Baker

038 Gen O

Emma Carlson

INSIDE THE MIND BEHIND

046 Profile

HOMETOWN ROCKET SCIENTIST

048 Sports

Nebraska Loves Public Schools

Fremont Native Lands at Virgin Orbit

OCTOBER 2019

Mike Dempsey Houston Alexander

THE 2018 GRE AT PL AINS J OUR N A LIS M AWA RDS

MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR 60PLUS IN OMAHA

DISCOVER VIDEOS AND ONLINE EXTRAS

THE EDUCATION ISSUE // TRICK OR TREATING NEIGHBORHOODS // TOP DENTISTS // NEBRASKA LOVES PUBLIC SCHOOLS

077 Opener 078 Active Living

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U.S.

$4.95

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080 Feature

for select content in this issue.

O C T O B E R 2019

Omaha to Oman Cyber Seniors

084 Profile

Shingles Vaccinations

oc

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086 Health

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Joe and Polly Goecke

a Ket m

DINING 090 Profile

Erin Vik

092 Review

Society 1854

096 Feature

College Students’ Picks

103 Dining Guide SPECIAL SECTIONS 052 Venus Vein Clinic Sponsored Content

056 The Education Issue Sponsored Content

070 Top Dentists

Sponsored Content

A B O U T T HE COV E R

Food Issue

Omaha Magazine Associate Publisher Bill Sitzmann and Creative Director Matt Wieczorek traveled 3,000 miles over three days, encountering wildfires and sleeping in rest stops and parking lots, to shoot this cover at Virgin Orbit headquarters in Long Beach California.

676 trees have been reforested

due to the printing of our last round of publications.

Learn more at printreleaf.com

Step

LOCATE A QR CODE PRINTED IN THIS ISSUE.

Make sure you have internet access.

Step

OPEN THE CAMERA APP IN YOUR SMART DEVICE.

Newer smartphones/tablets come with capability to scan QR codes.

Step POINT AT THE QR CODE. A link will appear. Click on it.

048

Step ENJOY YOUR EXPERIENCE. Watch, click, shop, explore!

read online at omahamagazine.com

Between A LOOK AT FOUR OMAHA MAGAZINE TEAM MEMBERS J.D. AVANT—Contributing Writer J.D. Avant’s writing pilgrimage has been highlighted by his debating/writing about local luminaries in hip-hop culture and philanthropists in the North Omaha community. He utilizes freelance work and YA novel production to help quench his insatiable thirst for writing. Relaxing evenings and weekends are spent playing with his “ferocious” floppy-eared Dobie, Gigi, (she’s a good-girl!) and white-knuckle driving across the cliff edges at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Visit his website for insightful blogs and information regarding future projects at jdavant.com.

JOSEFINA LOZA WELLS—Contributing Writer Omaha freelancer Josefina Loza Wells writes people profiles and entertainment pieces. She is a journalism graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha who is expected to complete her master’s degree this fall in communication studies. She currently serves as The Gateway’s manager of student publications, working with a talented group of creatives. She is a longtime journalist and nightlife columnist who has worked as a newspaper reporter and online editor. She loves small talk with strangers at swanky cocktail lounges. She appreciates loud laughs and awkward people. Get social with her: @lozafina

LINDA PERSIGEHL—Associate Editor After six years away spent freelance writing, volunteering with her kids’ Bennington schools, and obsessively researching her family’s genealogy, former managing editor Linda Persigehl has returned to the Omaha Magazine fold. A lover of all things home decor, she gets her fix working a couple shifts a week at Pier 1 Imports (where she spends her entire paycheck). She and her husband of 27 years, Steve, are brand-new empty nesters who love to explore new cities (most recently, Philly!) and attend Creighton Bluejay hoops together. When she’s not pining away for her two “awesome” college kids, you’ll often find Linda walking her two adopted mutts, watching The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel or The Queen, or enjoying a martini at Charlie’s on the Lake with friends.

BRYAN VOMACKA—Editorial Intern Bryan Vomacka is a senior at the University of Nebraska at Omaha who has spent quite a bit of time on his undergraduate degree. During a few rocky years of college, he explored business, emergency management, and psychology. Deciding to focus on journalism gave Vomacka a fresh start. He considers himself a writer, but getting involved in broadcast news taught him how important it is to get outside your comfort zone. Outside of school, he enjoys going to movie theaters and has never been known to turn down a trip to get ice cream.

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OCTOBER 2019

OCTOBER 2019 VOLUME 37 // ISSUE 6

EDITORIAL Managing Editor

DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN Senior Editor

TARA SPENCER Associate Editor

LINDA PERSIGEHL Editorial Interns

JANE GLAZER · BRYAN VOMACKA · REBECCA WEIS Contributing Writers

J.D. AVANT · CHRIS BOWLING · TAMSEN BUTLER VIRGINIA KATHRYN GALLNER · GREG JERRETT · PUMULO KASAJI JEFF LACEY · LISA LUKECART · PATRICK MAINELLI KATRINA MARKEL · NIZ PROSKOCIL · KARA SCHWEISS KATE SMITH · SCOTT STEWART · TIM TRUDELL · JAMES VNUK SAMANTHA WEIDEMAN · JOSEFINA LOZA WELLS DOUG “OTIS TWELVE” WESSELMANN · JUSTINE YOUNG

CREATIVE Creative Director

Oct. 4 – Nov. 10

Sept. 13 – Oct. 13

On sale now!

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Series Sponsor:

Presenting Sponsor:

MATT WIECZOREK Senior Graphic Designer

DEREK JOY

Graphic Designer II

MADY BESCH

Contributing Photographers

KEITH BINDER · COLIN CONCES · SCOTT DRICKEY WILLIAM HESS · MIKE McCOLGAN · SARAH LEMKE Contributing Videographers

CHRISTOPHER MARSHALL · JEREMY WADE RODMAN JOE PANKOWSKI

SALES Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing

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Senior Branding Specialist

MARY HIATT

Senior Sales Executive & 60PLUS in Omaha Contributing Editor

EXHIBIT OPENS OCTOBER 12, 2019 From the moment rock and roll hit the airwaves, it has played a crucial role in politics and social movements around the world. See artifacts from Bono, Dylan, Madonna and more while you explore our history through the power of rock music.

GWEN LEMKE

Publisher’s Assistant & OmahaHome Contributing Editor

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Senior Sales Coordinator

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Branding Specialists

DAWN DENNIS · GEORGE IDELMAN Digital Sales Manager

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OPERATIONS Operations Officer & Local Stubs Ticketing Representative

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BILL SITZMANN For Advertising & Subscription Information:

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Omaha Magazine Vol 37 Issue 5, publishes monthly except February, April, August, November, December, totaling 8 issues by Omaha Magazine, LTD, 5921 S. 118 Circle, Omaha, NE 68137. Periodical postage at Omaha, NE, and additional offices and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Omaha Magazine, 5921 S. 118 Circle, Omaha, NE 68137

402-444-5071 | 801 S. 10TH ST, OMAHA

DURHAMMUSEUM.ORG OCTOBER 2019

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REAGAN PUFALL

Starting Oct. 11 at 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. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 402.595.2122.

—artscouncil.nebraska.gov

LOUDER THAN WORDS: ROCK, POWER, AND POLITICS

Starting Oct. 12 through Feb. 2 at 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. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children (3-12), free for members and children under 2. 402.444.5071.

—durhammuseum.org

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EVENTS

» Exhibitions « PRODUCE, CONSUME, DISCARD

Through Oct. 4 at Fred Simon Gallery, 1004 Farnam St. Fiber artist Sarah Kolar uses deconstructed T-shirt remnants to represent the process involved in knitting a shirt and encourages viewers to contemplate the laborious efforts that go into making their personal belongings. Admission: free.

8 a.m.-5 p.m. 402.595.2122.

—artscouncil.nebraska.gov

FROM NEBRASKA: KINGMAN—DUNBIER—GILDER

Through Oct. 13 at Gallery 1516, 1516 Leavenworth St. This exhibit will showcase landscape art by three 20th century Nebraskan artists. Admission: free. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. or by appointment. 402.305.1510.

—gallery1516.org

BAGELS AND SOMETIMES BACH

Through Nov. 23 at 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. 402.305.1510.

—gallery1516.org

RACE: ARE WE SO DIFFERENT?

Through Jan. 5 at Durham Museum, 801 S 10th St. This exhibit combines perspectives to tell stories of race from biological, cultural, and historical points of view. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children (3-12), free for members and children under 2. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 402.444.5071.

—durhammuseum.org

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OCTOBER 2019

EVERYDAY PEOPLE: THE ART OF JAMES E. RANSOME

Through Jan. 19 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. The work of James E. Ransome displayed in this exhibit highlights the simple, joyful moments of life. Features historic figures such as Sojourner Truth and Frederick Douglass.

Admission: free. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 402.342.3300.

—joslyn.org

MONA2OMAHA: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHER JOEL SARTORE — PHOTOARK

Starting Oct. 25 at Gallery 1516, 1516 Leavenworth St. Joel Sartore captures photographs of species in an effort to document and create awareness of the animal before it’s too late. Admission: free. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. or by appointment.

402.305.1510.

—gallery1516.org

» Concerts « THE DOOBIE BROTHERS

Oct. 1 at Orpheum Theatre, 409 S. 16th St. The fourtime Grammy Award-winning band has sold more than 48 million albums. Tickets: $78-$706. 8 p.m. 402.661.8501.

—omahaperformingarts.org

AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD- ALL THAT YOU LOVE WORLD TOUR 2019

NEBRASKA’S FIRST WHISKEY FEST

Oct. 3 at Stir Concert Cove-Harrah’s Council Bluffs Casino & Hotel, One Harrah’s Blvd. The group has sold over 4 million tickets for concerts that have taken place in over 30 countries. Tickets: $39.99+. 8 p.m. 712.329.6000 —aussiefloyd.com

PLAGUE VENDOR

Oct. 3 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14 St. Singer Brandon Blaine and the rest of the band are known for making nothing into something. Come see them live. Tickets: $12-$15.

8 p.m. 402.345.7569.

—plaguevendor.com

BOWLING FOR SOUP AND LESS THAN JAKE

Oct. 4 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14 St. The Good Vibes and High Fives Tour. Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door. 8 p.m. 402-345-7569.

—theslowdown.com

MAC DEMARCO

Oct. 4 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14 St. The Canadian singer-songwriter has released six studio albums, with his newest release being Here Comes the Cowboy. Tickets: $41.49$43.99. 8 p.m. 402.345.7569.

—theslowdown.com

FEBRUARY 8, 2020 EMBASSY SUITES DOWNTOWN OMAHAWHISKEYFEST.COM

MEDIA SPONSOR

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OCTOBER 2019

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OMAHA MAGAZINE | EVENTS CALENDAR

BLUE OCTOBER

Oct. 12 at Reverb Lounge, 6212 Maple St. The group describes their latest record as emotional. The band has found themselves in a positive mindset spiritually and physically.

Tickets: $35. 7:30 p.m. 402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

CIGARETTES AFTER SEX

Oct 12 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14 St. The American pop band is known for their “ethereal” musical style. Tickets: $25. 9 p.m. 402.345.7569.

—theslowdown.com

SCOTTY SIRE

Oct. 13 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14 St. The former “Viner” is now a YouTube celebrity. In October of 2018, he released his first full length album- Ruin Your Party. Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 day of show. 8 p.m. 402.345.7569.

—theslowdown.com

KANSAS

Oct. 5 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. The band will be performing hits, such as “Carry On Wayward Son,” during this special concert series. Tickets: $63$650. 7:30 p.m. 402-444-4750.

—kansasband.com

HOODIE ALLEN: WHATEVER USA TOUR

LUCY DACUS

YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND

DIRT MONKEY

Oct. 8 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14 St. This American singer and rapper will perform. Tickets: $30. 8 p.m. 402.345.7569 —theslowdown.com

Oct. 14 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14 St. The indie rock singer-songwriter has two critically acclaimed albums. Tickets: $15 in advance, $18 day of show. 8 p.m. 402-345-7569.

—theslowdown.com

NO SHELTER

Oct. 5 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14 St. The Omaha band is a Rage Against The Machine tribute band. Tickets: $10 advanced, $15 day of show. 8 p.m.

—theslowdown.com

THE FUNK NATION TOUR 2019 LEWIS AND CLARK FUNBRELLA

Oct. 5 at Lewis & Clark Landing, 345 Riverfront Dr. See the national recording artist live. Tickets: $20.

6 p.m. 402.444.5900.

—jc-the-new-king-of-funk.ticketleap.com

Oct.

8

CEREBRAL ROT, FETID, CARNOGRAPHER, CBN, ODOUR OF SANCITY

Oct. 6 at Lookout Lounge, 320 S. 72nd St. Four performers. Tickets: $10 advanced, $12 day of show. 8 p.m.

402.391.2554.

—lookoutomaha.com

SENSES FAIL

Oct. 6 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. The New Jersey band has released seven albums. 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $20. 402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

SINKANE

Oct. 6 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14 St. The politically active and aware singer-songwriter invites guests to sing, dance, and converse. Tickets: $15-$18. 8 p.m. 402.345.7569.

—theslowdown.com

Oct. 10 at the Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. The band has pushed boundaries in the bluegrass genre of music, with edgy and unique sounds. Tickets: $25. 8 p.m.

402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

DELTA RAE

PHIL COLLINS STILL NOT DEAD YET, LIVE!

Oct. 8 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. The independent band has six members, and is currently working on its third and fourth albums. Tickets: $16. 8 p.m. 402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

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OCTOBER 2019

Oct. 11 at CHI Health Center, 455 N. 10th St. One of the world’s most famous hitmakers is making a stop in Omaha.

Collins has over 100 million record sales. Tickets: $50+. 8 p.m. 402.341.1500.

—chihealthcenteromaha.com

Oct. 17 at the Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Patrick Megeath is an up-and-coming IDM artist, who has performed at established venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheater, and collaborated with a wide-range of artists.

Tickets: $15. 8 p.m. 402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

NELLY

Oct. 17 at Baxter Arena, 2425 S. 67th St. The Midwest native is a rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, investor, and entrepreneur. Tickets: $39-$89. 7 p.m. 402.554.2800.

—unomaha.edu

OPENS OCTOBER 12 dig and build alongside our very own dinosaurs! take on engineering challenges and imagine yourself as an architect, paleontologist, construction worker, and more.

Presented by:

A CHIC SPACE FOR CREATIVE EVENTS...

Full-service Venue • Event Concierge Team Weddings • Special Events

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• 402) 819-8792 • INFO@OMAHADESIGNCENTER.COM

10th and Williams Street

OCTOBER 2019

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OMAHA MAGAZINE | EVENTS CALENDAR

REVEREND RAVEN AND THE CHAIN SMOKING ALTAR BOYS

INCUBUS

Oct. 17 at Chrome Lounge, 8552 Park Drive. The band plays traditional blues music, and is sure to excite the crowd.

Tickets: $10. 6 p.m. 402.339.8660.

—chromeloungeomaha.com

Oct. 19 at Orpheum Theatre, 1200 Douglas St. The American rock band is celebrating its 20 year anniversary with a tour, and is making a stop in Omaha. Tickets: $87.

8 p.m. 402.345.0606.

—ticketomaha.com

NOTHING, NOWHERE.

WHITNEY

Oct. 19 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14 St. Their second album, Forever Turned Around, has ten songs about friendship and love. Tickets: $25. 8 p.m. 402.345.7569.

—theslowdown.com

Oct. 18 at Lookout Lounge, 320 S. 72nd St. Joseph Edward “Joe” Mulherin is an American rapper. Tickets: $17. 7 p.m. 402.391.2554.

—lookoutomaha.com

PATTI LABELLE

Oct. 18 at the Orpheum Theater, 12th and Douglas St. The Grammy-award winning singer brings attitude and power to her R&B and pop hits. Tickets: $148. 7:30 p.m. 402.345.0606.

—ticketomaha.com

Oct.

19

THE LACS AND BLACK STONE CHERRY

Oct. 19 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. The duo blends together different styles of music—from country to rap—to create a unique, authentic sound. Tickets: $30. 9 p.m.

402.884.5353 —waitingroomlounge.com

MIKE DOUGHTY

Oct. 20 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6216 Maple St. With plans to adjust each performance to a “real-time remix of the record at each show,” the band is excited to share their record in an authentic way. Tickets: $20. 8 p.m.

402.884.5353 —waitingroomlounge.com

JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE

Oct. 22 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6216 Maple St. This country singer’s latest album takes listeners through emotional and personal stories. Tickets: $25. 8 p.m.

402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

SMOOTH HOUND SMITH

Oct 22. at O’Leavers Pub, 1322 Saddle Creek Rd. The Nashville-based group is an American roots and rock band.

Tickets: $27-$183. 9 p.m. 402.556.1238.

—oleavers.com

SPAFFORD

Oct. 23 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6216 Maple St. “Strong vocals, tight harmonies, catchy tunes” can be used to describe the Arizona group. Tickets: $20. 8 p.m.

402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

MOON HOOCH

Oct. 24 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. The trio features two saxophonists and a drummer. Tickets: $15 advanced, $18 day of show. 8 p.m. 402.345.7569.

—theslowdown.com

THROUGH THE STONE EP RELEASE SHOW

Oct. 25 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Avenue. The heavy-rock band from Omaha shares “powerful” vocals and “unwavering” guitar playing. Admission: $10. 9 p.m.

402.884.5707.

—reverblounge.com

BIANCA DEL RIO

Oct. 26 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14 St. The American drag queen won season six of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Admission: $49.75. 8 p.m. 402.345.7569.

—theslowdown.com

DAVID COOK

Oct. 27 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6216 Maple St. See the winner of the seventh season of American Idol live.

8 p.m. Tickets: $25, $100 VIP. 402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

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OCTOBER 2019

OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR

GRYFFIN

Oct. 27 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14 St. This is the Gravity II Tour, with each song leaving an emotional impact. Admission: $25-$30. 8 p.m. 402.345.7569.

—theslowdown.com

ZOSO—THE ULTIMATE LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE

Oct. 30 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14 St. The group, formed in 1995, is about touching a golden era in music. They attempt to take viewers back to the atmosphere Led Zeppelin created. 8 p.m. 402.345.7569 —theslowdown.com

» Stage Performances «

Through Oct. 20 at BlueBarn Theatre, 1106 S. 10 St. “History is not a burden on the memory but an illumination of the soul.” This show commemorates the centenary of the Omaha race riots of 1919 through the story of 40 year old factory worker, William Brown. Tickets: $35. Times vary.

402.345.1576.

—bluebarn.org

NEBRASKA SHAKESPEARE “OTHELLO”

Oct. 15 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. The 14th annual season of Shakespeare On Tour is performing the complex tragedy of Othello. Tickets: $10 for non-members, free to members. 6 p.m. 402.346.4002.

—lauritzengardens.org

CHOPIN AND SWAN LAKE

ANNIE

Through Oct. 13 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. The red-headed orphan navigates several detours to hopefully reunite with her parents. The classic story is entertaining for all ages. Tickets $133-$593. 7:30 p.m. 402.553.0800.

—omahaplayhouse.com

THE CAT IN THE HAT

RED SUMMER

Through Oct. 13 at the Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St. The rhyming, classic tale has been around for generations.

Tickets: $20. 7 p.m. 402.345.4849.

—rosetheater.org

Oct. 18-19 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Charlie Albright—on piano—has been titled “among the most gifted musicians of his generation” by The Washington Post. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets: $149-$560.

402.345.0606.

—omahasymphony.org

SYMPHONY SPOOKTACULAR: THE HAUNTED HALL

Oct. 20 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. This spooky show invites you to come in costume and help solve the mystery. Tickets: $35. 2 p.m.

402.345.0606.

—ticketomaha.com

“CHILDREN OF METROPOLIS”

BY SCRAP ARTS MUSIC

Oct. 25 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 12th and Douglas St. Interesting sounds and stunning visuals come to life with metal, artillery shells, accordion parts, and more. Tickets: available as an add-on to season tickets.

7 p.m. 402.345.0606.

—ticketomaha.com

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW

Starting Oct. 4 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. This classic show is full of eccentric music, dancing, costumes, and more. Tickets: $42. Times vary.

402.553.0800.

—omahaplayhouse.com

» Family & More « VILLAGE POINTE FARMERS MARKET

Through Oct. 5 at Village Pointe Shopping Center, 168th and West Dodge Rd. Enjoy Saturday mornings by supporting locally grown fresh food. Admission: free. 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 402.505.9773.

—reddevelopment.com

OMAHA FARMERS MARKET

Through Oct. 12 at the Old Market. Healthy, fresh food is plentiful. Support local farmers. Admission: free. 8 p.m.12:30 p.m. 402-345-5401.

—omahafarmersmarket.com

Sept.

29

OCTOBER 2019

// 11 //

OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR

OMAHA MONSTER JAM

OMAHA FARMERS MARKET

GHOULS AND GHOSTS

OMAHA GEM AND MINERAL SHOW

Through Oct. 25 at Henry Doorly Zoo, 3701 S. 10th St. The zoo is illuminated for all ages to see and enjoy. Admission: $18.95 for ages 12+. $17.95 for seniors, and $12.95 for ages 3 to 11. 402.733.8400.

—omahazoo.com

Through Oct. 29 at the Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Open to all ages and all fitness levels, the outdoor environment is a scenic and visually stimulating place to walk every Tuesday morning. Admission: $10 for adults, $5 for children six to 12, free for children under age 6 and garden members. 8:30 a.m. 402.354.4002.

—lauritzengardens.org

3RD ANNUAL PORCHFEST OMA

GOATZ 50K TRAIL RUN

7

GET FIT IN THE PARK

JAPANESE AMBIENCE FESTIVAL

Oct. 5-6 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. In celebration of fall and Japanese culture, a variety of activities such as Japanese calligraphy and food tasting will be taking place at the gardens. Admission: $10 for adults, $5 for children 6 to 12, free for children under age 6 and garden members. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 402.346.4002.

—lauritzengardens.org // 12 // OCTOBER 2019

Oct. 19 at Gifford Farm, 700 Camp Gifford Rd. A special day filled with chickens, pigs, goats, farm games, and trick or treating. Admission: $5. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 402.597.4920.

—esu3.org

LIVING LOESS TOUR

Oct. 6 in Gifford Park Neighborhood Market. A free music festival for the community of Omaha. 1-6 p.m.

Through Nov. 9 at Nebraska Crossing Outlets, 21209 402.597.4920.

Nebraska Crossing Dr. Visit Nebraska Crossing Oct. —porchfestoma.tumblr.com Outlets on select Saturdays for entertainment such as stilt walkers, magicians, treats, and face painting.

Admission: free. Times vary. 402.332.5650.

LEASHES AT LAURITZEN —nexoutlets.com Oct. 7 and Oct. 14 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Water and treats will be offered throughout the area, as canines are invited to explore the garden with their families.

OCTOBER WINERY SPOTLIGHT- PETROLO Admission: $10 per person, $5 per dog, free for garden Oct. 2 at WineStyles Tasting Station, 1006 S. 74th Plaza. members. 5-8 p.m. 402.346.4002 Petrolo is considered a “top tier super Tuscan wine estate.”

—lauritzengardens.org The company, which was established in the 1980s, produces wine based on Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Admission: $20. 6-9 p.m. 402.884.6696.

FLAMIN’ PUMPKIN FEST PART DEUX —winestyles.com Oct. 12 at Squirrel Cage Jail, 226 Pearl St. The second annual Pumpkin Fest will offer a class on paranormal investigating, as well as tricks and treats. Admission: $25. 6 p.m.-1 AN EVENING WITH LISA SCOTTOLINE a.m. 712.323.2509.

Oct. 3 at Council Bluffs Public Library, 400 Willow. The —thehistoricalsociety.org No.1 Bestselling Author, weekly column writer, New York Times bestselling author, and writer of 32 Edgar award-winning novels will be making an appearance in Council Bluffs.

CALLAHAN PROMOTIONS Admission: free. 7 p.m. 712.323.7553.

ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR —scottoline.com Oct. 12-13 at Mid America Center, 1 Arena Way, Council Bluffs. Iowa’s largest arts and crafts show. Times vary.

Admission: $5 adults, free to children JUNKSTOCK: HARVEST EDITION 10 and younger. 563.357.1986.

Oct. 4-6 at Sycamore Farms, 1150 River Road Dr., —ceasers.com/mid-america-center Waterloo. Food trucks, antiques, clothing vendors, and more are all seen at this outdoor event. Times vary. Admission: $10-$30.

Oct. 5 at Village Pointe Farmers Market, 168th and Dodge streets. A fall celebration featuring hayrack rides, face painting, pumpkin decorating, and more. Admission: free. 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 402.505.9773.

—www.reddevelopment.com/village-pointe

19

TRICK OR TREAT WITH THE ANIMALS

OCTOBER HARVEST SPOON TOUR

Oct. 5 at Hitchcock Nature Center, 27792 Ski Hill Loop.

A celebration of food and culture with unique experiences throughout the day. Admission: $3 per vehicle. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 712.545-3283.

—mycountyparks.com

KIDS JAMBOREE SATURDAYS

Oct. 19 at Zorinsky Lake Park, 3808 S. 154 St. A half marathon, 10k, 5k, and Kid’s Dash are all offered for participants to run in their favorite costume. Admission: $32-$45.

7:30 a.m. 816.524.7733.

—bodiesracecompany.com

Oct.

Oct. 5-6 at Westside Middle School, 8601 Arbor St. Featuring many activities such as rock paintings, arrowhead making, and wire wrap custom jewelry.

Admission: free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 402.873.6515.

—nerockgem.org

LAURITZEN GARDENS WALKING CLUB

HARVEST FEST

SPOOKY SPRINT OMAHA

Oct. 5-6 at CHI Health Center, 455 N. 10 St. This event showcases trained, world-class athletes and their skills with flipping, racing, and flying two and four wheelers. 1 p.m.

Tickets: $48-$168. 402.599.6916 —monsterjam.com

Through Oct. 13 at Aksarben Village, 67th & Center St. Locally grown, healthy, fresh foods are available here.

Admission: free. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 402.345.5401.

—omahafarmersmarket.com

Oct. 13 at Stinson Park, 2285 S. 67th St. This event features different workouts such as yoga, Zumba, and body combat. Admission: free. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. 402.496.1616.

—aksarbenvillage.com

Oct. 19 at Hitchcock Nature Center, 27792 Ski Hill Loop. The Nature Center offers prairies and woodlands for more than 1,200 acres. This tour teaches how the hills were made. Admission: $3 per car. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 712.545.3283.

—livingloess.com

Oct. 20 at Lake Cunningham Campground, 8152 Rainwood Road. From 5 miles to 50K, this run around Glenn Cunningham Lake has distance for everyone. Admission: $35-$90. 1-6 p.m. 402.444.4628.

—irunwithgoats.org

OMAHA ODDITIES AND ART EXPO

Oct. 26 at Hilton Omaha Downtown, 1616 Dodge St. Vendors, guests, and performers are gathering for this special Halloween event. Admission: $8-$13 for adults, $3-$5 for children 7 and up, free for children 6 and under. $1 discount with non-perishable food donation (Food Band for the Heartland). 402.819.9618. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

—voodoosoddshop.com

ROCKBROOK VILLAGE CARS AND CAFFEINE

Oct. 26 at Rockbrook Village, 2800 S 110 Ct. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the car show. Admission: free. 8-10 a.m. 402.390.0890.

—rockbrookvillage.com

GHOULISH GARDEN ADVENTURE

Oct. 27 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Educational activities will make for a fun Halloween experience, with entertainment such as a Spooky Spider’s Lair and Haunted Hallow Candy Stations. 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Admission: $10 per person. 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Free for garden members.

OLD MARKET FALL FESTIVAL

Oct. 27 at the Old Market, 1100 Howard St. Games, drinks, and treats are plentiful at this celebration of fall in Omaha’s historic district. Admission: free. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

402.346.4445.

—oldmarket.com

23RD ANNUAL SCHOOLHOUSE FIDDLING BEE

Oct. 13 at The Old Avoca Schoolhouse, 504 Garfield St. This event offers something for fiddlers of all types, from a hoedown to a waltz. There is a Fiddler’s Contest, as well as a light snack. Admission: $10 for adults, $5 for students, $1 for children. 2:30 p.m. 402.275.3221.

—greenblattandseay.com

Event times and details may change.

Visist omahamagazine.com for complete listings.

Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.

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// 13 //

HISTORY // STORY BY JAMES VNUK // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY DEREK JOY

OCTOBER 2019

// 15 //

the 50th anniversary of KIOS-FM, and development director Michael Lyon has a lot to be excited about. “It is a triumph in itself that we’ve been here for 50 years,” he says, “but also that we’re in a position to keep going another 50, better than ever.”

Lyon joined KIOS in 2006 as a local anchor of “Morning Edition,” and took over as development director in 2017. To him and the other radio employees, the anniversary is a moment of celebration and rebirth for the station: KIOS held a celebratory open house in September bringing in guest speaker Susan Stamberg—the first woman to anchor the nightly news nationwide—and the station is also adopting new branding, material, and avenues for broadcast.

KIOS would not be possible without support, and that support started with the government. Public radio fell under the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967, in which Congress declared “It is in the public interest to encourage the growth and development of public radio and television broadcasting, including the use of such media for instructional, educational, and cultural purposes.”

Following this act, public radio stations opened across the nation, including KIOS, thanks to two founding fathers—Craig Fullerton, Ed.D., then-assistant superintendent at Omaha Public Schools; and broadcaster Jim Price. “Jim Price was a journeyman broadcaster, a traveler, and a live musician,” explains program director Todd Hatton. “This is why you could tune in and hear either Dmitri Shostakovich or Grand Funk Railroad, depending on the time of day.” Together the founders envisioned a station devoted to educational broadcasting for students and the public welfare of Omaha—a mission born out of a shared love for education and the medium of radio itself, Hatton says. The station came to life at 10 a.m. on Sept. 15, 1969, from the basement of Central High. Its first message for the city was a humble, anti-smoking PSA.

Joining together, 90 public radio stations, including KIOS, were the founding, charter members of NPR, first incorporated in 1970. As a charter member, KIOS enjoys some historical distinction and notoriety, but operates no differently from other stations in the NPR tent. “It wasn't that we were picked,” Hatton explains. “It was the vision of the people who founded KIOS, working in concert with like-minded radio broadcasters throughout America, that created NPR.” Five decades later, NPR now boasts around 900 member stations, taking nationwide that mission of educational and public broadcasting held by Price, Fullerton, and their contemporaries.

That mission continues in full force today.

“We exist to bring the world to local listeners,” Lyon says, “and what’s good about the anniversary is the opportunity for new ideas at the table that coincide with advancements in technology.” He says that industry experts are all in agreement: radio is as strong as ever. “We’re very conscious as a team of industry trends, and a lot of our upgrades have been looking for ways to keep up, like the huge demand for on-demand radio…we are a voice bringing things to the community, but we also want to give a voice to the community.”

The opportunities to create new programming and rethink distribution have dovetailed nicely into the station’s commitment to community, and Hatton is particularly excited about the developments. “It represents a shift in philosophy: it used to be that curating radio content was top-down—now, it’s the other way around.” KIOS has worked closely with local nonprofits and individuals, giving time to their stories and reinforcing that connection, and the programming under Hatton’s helm has delved into expanding features and reporting on the community.

Recent features—including one focused on the young Methodists who refused confirmation in protest of the church’s LGBTQ positions and another detailing JP Lord School’s extraordinary and innovative program for special needs students—resonated deeply with listeners.

“These are sound-rich stories with a real sense of place and atmosphere that’s only possible on radio,” Hatton says. “You can take your time, let the story tell itself; by shifting to feature pieces like these, we can use our resources very strategically.”

“NPR calls stories like these ‘driveway moments,’” adds station manager Ken Dudzik, “because people don’t want to leave their cars until they’re finished.”

Changes to the station programming must be weighed carefully, though, and the team is careful to mind this. “Our listeners trust our schedule to be reliable; you want to hear the program you want to hear when you know it’s going to be on,” Hatton says. “But in order to make room for new programing and to create a tent big enough for new audiences, you do have to tweak and adjust a little… big events like the 50th anniversary are a good time to do that,” The airwaves will see some shifts, but the biggest new developments will be online. The station is hoping to launch several on-demand streams by the end of the year, including curated playlists for jazz/blues and adult album alternative listening. “We live in a city with a rich musical tradition,” Hatton says, “and our station is just 10 blocks away from Saddle Creek Records…with streaming, we can find a home for that programming.”

When asked about challenges the station has faced over the years, Dudzik is frank: “the challenge is the same as it always is: maintaining ongoing membership.” Dudzik is clear that member support is absolutely vital to the health and viability of KIOS—support that he is extremely grateful for. “It’s a lot of work to ask for money, but when we go on the air and ask for pledges, we want everyone to know this is your station.” The challenges of the moment involve finding ways to sustain funding, but also to grow membership—something Dudzik hopes the station’s new efforts to attract new audiences will help accomplish.

Lyon agrees. “A part of our future will be ways to collaborate with other nonprofits in the community. Having Susan Stamberg at the Joslyn has been extremely rewarding, and we are in a place to become a more relevant and viable resource for the community.” All three are confident that the future is bright, as Hatton puts it succinctly: “KIOS has had a rich history, and it will have a rich future.”

Visit kios.org for more information.

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2019

// 17 13 //

// A+C PERFORMANCE // STORY BY KATRINA MARKEL // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY DEREK JOY

// 18 //

OCTOBER 2019

// A+C PERFORMANCE //

MAHA THEATER PATRONS

might recognize Raydell Cordell from his numerous seasons performing with Nebraska Shakespeare, or his award-winning performances at Omaha Community Playhouse and Blue Barn Theatre. What audiences may not realize is that he is also a dedicated educator who takes great joy in nurturing young talent.

A product of Omaha Public Schools and a graduate of the theater program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Cordell is currently the site director of the afterschool program at Loveland Elementary in District 66. Due to their large special-needs program, the school qualified for a grant from Omaha Performing Arts. The grant allows Cordell to direct student productions of Disney shows through a program known as “Disney Musicals in Schools.”

In one instance, Cordell recalls enlisting the help of the tech team at the Playhouse to create an elephant puppet adapted for a student who uses a wheelchair, so the child could fully participate in a production of The Lion King.

“My fifth grade year was my magical year because three specific things happened,” Cordell says.

While a student at King Science & Technology Magnet Center, he was required to give a presentation on a famous African American scientist during Black History Month. Cordell chose Garrett Morgan, inventor of the traffic signal.

“I drew my traffic lights and I wore a suit that my dad had. I specifically remember Miss Moriarity tell me after my presentation…‘Hey you should really look into theater, like when you get older. Just remember that.’ And I was like, ‘Theater, what is that?’” Cordell says, chuckling.

That same year, his brother was in a production of Grease at Omaha North.

“I remember instantly falling in love,” says Cordell of the high-school musical.

He loved the ’50s music and was tickled that the name of the fictional high school, “Rydell,” was similar to his first name.

Then his class visited Morrill Hall on a field trip to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he became fascinated with the statue

to pursue his interest in theater. He says his older siblings were athletes, but sports didn’t hold his interest. His parents were supportive, encouraging their children to do well in school and be involved in something and Cordell says he is grateful for that.

During a summer program at The Rose Theater, arts educators Kevin Barratt and Brian Priesman introduced Cordell to Shakespeare through a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He says that Priesman continued to be one of his theater mentors for many years.

“He’s the one who really got me attached to the world of theater and I’m very thankful [for] him,” says Cordell.

“Now, here I am 31 years old, and I just did Midsummer for my sixth time.

It’s my favorite show, hands-down.”

Thanks to opportunities at The Rose, Cordell also discovered that he had a flair for teaching.

“My senior year I was a high-school intern and that’s when I started getting into theater education,” he says.

He also credits other arts educators such as Kate Ross Wiig at Omaha North, and UNO professors Cindy Melby Phaneuf and D. Scott Glasser.

“All of the professors there were just so giving and wanted to make sure their students are successful and do well in the world,” says Cordell.

Certainly, their work has paid off, as Cordell is teaching lifelong skills to the next generation of Omahans, regardless of where life takes them.

“We’ve really created a loving theater culture there, which is phenomenal,” Cordell says.

In addition to his work with the afterschool program, Cordell has been an educational assistant in elementary school classrooms and teaches at Camp Shakespeare during the summer as part of Nebraska Shakespeare. He says that among the most important outcomes of theater education is that it teaches empathy, communication skills, and self-confidence.

He says it gives “youth an opportunity to fully express themselves and that’s what’s important.”

Cordell, who graduated from Omaha North in 2005, credits his own teachers and mentors with helping him find his passion.

of Archie the mammoth, based on the University of Nebraska State Museum’s Columbian mammoth fossil display (also named Archie). Inspired by Jurassic Park, he wrote a play about the prehistoric creature.

This fall, Cordell will appear in Red Summer at Blue Barn Theatre. The play addresses a dark chapter in Omaha history, the 1919 lynching of Willie Brown in the Douglas County Courthouse.

The plot? “Archie got brought back to life and is like, tearing through Omaha.

And my teacher was so into it and she let me do this, so I wrote the script and I cast my classmates and we had an assembly where we did it for the school,” Cordell says. “I had this gumption as a kid. And that summer I enrolled in my first theater class at The Rose, which was [performing] The Jungle Book.”

Cordell says, “This is a rare opportunity where predominantly the cast is African American. Here in Omaha you don’t see that and to be part of that, I’m ecstatic.

And it’s Omaha history.”

In middle school, Cordell continued

OCTOBER 2019

// 21 //

A+C MULTIMEDIA // STORY BY PATRICK MAINELLI // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN WIECZOREK SECTIONBY// MATT NAMES

LearninG Who tells the story of a place? Who plots the points of history— chooses the moments and names that inhabit the official portrait of the past?

“In a textbook, a significant historical event can get boiled down to a single sentence,” explains Emily Brush, project director for the Omaha Public Schools program Making Invisible Histories Visible. “This means a lot of opportunity for contextualization, for learning, is lost.”

Between Brush has seen a lot of opportunity realized through MIHV. With an academic background in art history and American studies, and a resume that includes time as a practicing lawyer, she was the first MIHV hire in 2010 and has remained at the helm ever since.

THE

“I jumped at the chance,” she recalls.

MIHV is an immersive, multi-week curriculum that invites high school students to ask hard questions about Omaha’s rich, diverse cultural history. Students examine primary source documents, meet with local historians and leaders, and take guided tours of Omaha’s historically significant locations.

LINES

The program began in 2010 when Harris Payne, then the director of social studies for OPS, aspired to present students with a more robust and complete picture of Omaha’s history.

Today, MIHV hosts more than three dozen OPS students each summer, guiding them through deep dives into the overlooked cultural histories of Omaha. Among the many fruits of their labor are multiple e-books, documentary films, and a sprawling, interactive map, precisely charting the homes and biographies of nearly all Omaha-area African American jazz musicians from 1940 to 1960.

When sleuthing in the realms of the cultural past, a single artifact can be the key that opens many doors. For the Omaha jazz project, an accounting ledger from the Local 558, Omaha’s black musicians’ union, was just the relic students needed to peer into an entire arts scene. “If you were a musician playing professionally in town, you had to be in the union, it wasn’t optional,” Brush explains. “Any time

// 22 //

OCTOBER 2019

Emily Brush Guides Students Through Omaha’s Hidden History anyone played a gig, they had to pay a small royalty to the union, so what we had in our hands was a line by line record of almost every working African American musician in Omaha, including their name, instrument, address, and where they were playing.”

From this dry accountant’s ledger, students were tasked with finding the life between the lines, sussing out biographies and whole artistic communities from pages and pages of names and figures.

After investigating a total of 200 names from the ledger, students worked to build interactive GIS maps, situating the lives of the artists within their particular geographies.

“It was really fascinating to the students,” Brush explains, “when they mapped all the names and saw how close people were living, and then

imagined the impact that would have on collaboration and creativity.”

Omaha’s music communities have been the subject of a number of student-powered projects for MIHV, including histories of the pivotal women in Omaha’s indie rock community, the growth of mariachi music in South Omaha, and the heydays of Omaha’s funk and polka scenes.

Brush has remained at the helm of MIVH. In the program’s 10-year history, she has been integral to shaping the course of study, ensuring that the work and research of prior students has laid the foundation for future young scholars.

“It was important to me that kids and teachers approached local, underrepresented history through interviews with community members, historic objects, and artifacts,” Brush says. “I wanted students to have the opportunity to ‘think like a historian’ and draw their own conclusions about what they were finding.”

In the summer of 2019, students investigated specific neighborhood nodes, with particular focus on architectural features.

This work of exploring history at the street level can conjure some hard realities: “Learning about the heyday of a neighborhood, what made it thrive, inevitably leads to questions about abandoned buildings and empty blocks. Tracing that path of diminished economic vitality is a tough thing to learn. The Redlining conversations were especially hard.”

Redlining: the New Deal-era home lending practice that identified predominantly African American and immigrant communities as “hazardous,” drawing literal red lines around nonwhite communities on over 200 city maps across the country. What followed, in Omaha and elsewhere, was a legacy of disinvestment, ghettoizing, and urban decay.

“It was a painful discussion,” Brush says.

“The kids listened very carefully to what was presented. This was a case of students hearing new information that, for them, illuminated work that their peers before them had done. It was no coincidence that all those African American musicians were living in the same neighborhoods.”

This fall, Brush is sharing her broad knowledge of Omaha’s cultural past in a new capacity, serving on the community advisory committee for The Union for

Contemporary Art’s Undesign the Redline project. Along with 20 other educators, historians, and community leaders Brush is helping guide public programming and community outreach for the exhibit. Once again, it’s an opportunity to explore her dual passion for the intersection of history and culture.

Brigitte McQueen-Shew, executive director at The Union, notes “The committee is an incredible snapshot of the rich diversity that exists in our city. It’s been a pleasure being able to work with Emily in her role as a committee member. From day one, she was all in—completely committed to the work and helping us to resource stories and information to add to the timeline. I have long admired the work done through Making Invisible Histories Visible—to have her stand with us as we shine a light on these often overlooked, painful moments of our shared history has been incredible.”

“It’s a difficult conversation to have whether you’re in eighth grade or an adult,” Brush says. “But these harder realities can’t be separated from the history of culture–how it’s created and transmitted, the world it’s responding to.”

If the forces that have shaped your community for generations remain obscured, plotting a path forward can feel less like an act of will than a matter of circumstance.

“We tell the students, ‘You’re hearing this, but that doesn’t mean that it’s over.’”

Brush contends. “In all these stories, we can always point to someone who wasn’t passively sitting by. There’s always power in the community.”

Ultimately, for Brush, the joy and impact of her work can be traced back to her early interest in material culture—the architecture, songs, and ephemera that illuminate the lived experiences of the past more clearly than any line in a textbook could.

“The young people we are educating in OPS will one day become Omaha’s civic and business leaders; our young people need to know what happened in Omaha’s past, and understand its impact on the present, before they can grow up to help shape a strong, inclusive future for our city.”

For more information on Making Invisible Histories Visible, visit invisiblehistory.ops.org.

For more on Undesign the Redline, visit u-ca.org/redline.

OCTOBER 2019

// 23 //

“YOUR MUSIC REALLY CAN TAKE YOU AS FAR AS YOU WANT TO GO, IF YOU’RE PERSISTENT, IT WILL COME.” — EDEN CORBITT

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

// A+C MUSIC // STORY BY VIRGINIA KATHRYN GALLNER

drums speak volumes

A N D

T H E Y

s

D E M A N D

R E S P E C T

URROUNDED BY THE SOUNDS OF AFTERNOON JAZZ, EDEN CORBITT LEANS BACK AGAINST A PARK BENCH AND OFFERS SOME WISDOM.

“Your music really can take you as far as you want to go,” she says. “If you’re persistent, it will come.”

These words come from experience. Corbitt started playing music at age 10. As a child, she was constantly making rhythms and beating pencils against her desk. (“Every drummer knows the sound of their favorite pencil,” she later says.)

A dare from her mom spurred her to jump on the drum set during a church service—and that’s where it all began.

With both parents being ministers, Corbitt listened to a lot of gospel music growing up. In junior high, she expanded to alternative rock, and eventually, rhythm and blues, and hiphop. She has played in as many as six bands at one time, but now she focuses on R&B. As the first media chairperson for the Omaha NAACP, under the leadership of President Vickie Young, Corbitt acts as a bridge between the organization and the public. She aims to present a different narrative of what black culture looks like in the city.

Omaha NAACP hosts their monthly meetings in Love’s Jazz and Art Center at 2510 N. 24th St. The building was named for jazz saxophonist and bandleader Preston Love Sr., who was born in Omaha in 1921.

“Black culture, especially music, is not well represented here [in Omaha],” Corbitt says. She implores the public to visit Love’s Jazz & Art Center. “If you want to know about history and culture, especially in the black community, visit 24th and Lake streets.”

When asked what kinds of challenges she has faced as a femme musician—especially as a drummer—Corbitt laughs.

“Let’s open that can, shall we?” she says.

She started seeing the negativity when she decided to pursue music as a profession. Sexism and racism, subtle at first, have affected her bands. “They’ll pay more for an all-male band than for femme-led groups. We’re not going to accept anything less than what we deserve. We’ve set our own tone, and the right people started recognizing that. [It’s about] being respected as a musician and as a woman.”

Fortunately, she is able to help others demand that respect at an early age. Her involvement with Omaha Girls Rock allows her to intertwine a passion for multicultural education with her love of music. Corbitt started as a volunteer with OGR in summer 2018, and was honored as “Volunteer of the Year” at their annual fundraiser that same year. She has since become the program assistant.

“Eden brought such a dedicated, talented, and empowering spirit to OGR camp,” says Kat Ludwick, program director for Omaha Girls Rock. “[She] embodies so much of what we value in the organization.”

OGR partnered with Love’s Jazz in a program called Girls Make Noise, an educational workshop introducing OGR to the North Omaha community. “Bridges like that come naturally once you see and understand the beauty of the neighborhood,” says Corbitt.

Coming from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Corbitt appreciates the diversity and growth in Omaha music, especially for the next generation.

“My godmother used to tell me, if you’re not growing, you’re dying. Every day should be a learning experience.”

Currently, Corbitt is playing with Enjoli & Timeless and Dominique Morgan & The Experience. Enjoli & Timeless will be hosting their annual Black Friday show at Love’s this winter, which will also mark the release of a new album.

In 2020, Corbitt sees great things in store for music and the community. She hopes to establish an organization to facilitate drum lessons for young girls.

“When I don’t have a voice, my drums speak for me. Young girls deserve to have a voice. I love being able to help foster that.”

Visit naacp.org or facebook.com/enjoliandtimeless for more information.

OCTOBER 2019

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FEATURE // STORY BY JOSEFINA LOZA WELLS

School Colors

Sparkles_cheerleading[

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OCTOBER 2019

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

Shining Through [instills_confidence

OCTOBER 2019

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// FEATURE //

C

HLOE MCCLELLAN HAS ALWAYS BEEN TIMID. SHE’S A QUIET 17-YEAR-OLD WHO LIKES TO BE ALONE AND PREFERS TO OBSERVE ACTIVITIES. SO JOINING THE SPARKLES CHEERLEADING SQUAD AT WESTSIDE HIGH SCHOOL WAS A BIT OUT OF CHARACTER— BUT IN A GOOD WAY, MOM KATHY MCCLELLAN SAID. GETTING IN FRONT OF A CROWD OF PEOPLE AND PERFORMING STRIKES FEAR IN MANY PEOPLE’S HEARTS, BUT CHLOE SAYS CHEERING IN FRONT OF OTHERS IS ONE OF THE BEST FEELINGS SHE’S EVER FELT IN HER LIFE.

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OCTOBER 2019

“I love shaking the pom-poms,” she says in a soft voice that is almost whisper.

Chloe has Down syndrome, a genetic disorder associated with intellectual and physical delay, and low muscle tone.

Being apart of the Sparkles, Kathy says, “helps her.”

The Sparkles squad, in its ninth year at Westside High School, is part of a nationwide program. The first Sparkles squad formed in 2008 in Bettendorf, Iowa, to include cheerleaders who were “differently abled.” The next year, the nonprofit Sparkle Effect was formed to further give students with disabilities an opportunity to cheer on inclusive teams.

There are more than 150 inclusive cheer and dance teams in 30 states.

Westside is among others in Omaha, such as Millard North and Burke, who have hosted such programs.

A Sparkles squad, according to The Sparkle Effect’s regulations, must have a minimum of four students with disabilities and a minimum of six students without disabilities, and all students must be equal team members.

Once a school expresses interest in having a Sparkles squad, the Sparkle Effect sends a trainer to work with the team, and selects two captains to lead the squad.

Now that Chloe is a junior and one of the oldest Sparkle members, she’s excited to help others learn the ropes and expectations within the cheer team, even though she is not a captain this year.

“She puts on her Sparkles uniform with great pride,” Kathy says. “She was extremely nervous at first but now she understands how much of a big deal it is.”

According to the Sparkle Effect’s website, more than 5 million students with disabilities attend public schools in the United States.

“It’s just that the exposure and inclusiveness is so important,” Kathy says.

Kathy remembers the systemic exclusion of students with disabilities from activities and access to classrooms in her years at middle and high school. These classmates weren’t so much bullied as they were ignored, she explains.

“Of course, these students at the same high school should be able to experience what everyone else experiences,” Kathy says.

“They should be able to have the same opportunities.”

The word “inclusive” appears often in conversations at Westside, Millard, and Burke, and rightfully so. A Sparkles squad is a team that purposely mixes kids of all abilities and talents. All members of the squad cheer on the sidelines during football games. During games played in the gym, the Sparkles members sit and cheer in the stands and come together with the other squad members to perform a halftime dance routine. (Regulations restrict the number of cheerleaders on the sidelines in a gymnasium.)

The Sparkles cheer team opens the idea to have students with disabilities in drama club and choir, on the newspaper staff, and participating in other school activities. It’s a visible display of acceptance.

Chloe lights up when other Sparkles cheerleaders greet her in the school hallways.

“It makes her feel so special,” mom said, “It makes her day.”

The squad practices during the school day as any squad would. The Sparkles have a peer-to-peer partnership system, which means each girl has a partner on the cheer team. “They keep each other accountable and striving to be better not just in cheer, but in life,” says Katie Healey, the school’s Sparkles director.

There are more than 150 inclusive cheer and dance teams in 30 states. Westside is among others in Omaha, such as Millard North and Burke, who have hosted such programs.

Donna Sommerer’s daughter Regan, who graduated from Westside in spring 2019, was also a Sparkles cheerleader through all four years of high school.

“The program’s mentors are what keeps the program thriving,” Donna explains. “The cheer and dance mentors are great during practices and games.”

Katie Healey, Westside Community Schools Sparkles Coach

Each year, the program has improved and gotten more organized Donna says. She anticipates that with active involvement by parents, mentors, and sponsors, the program will continue to grow.

One of the team’s biggest highlights is when the Sparkles cheer with the Nebraska Cornhusker cheerleaders at the spring game in April.

“Our daughter enjoyed cheering at the games,” Donna says. “I think future Sparkles will really enjoy their time being involved in football, volleyball, and basketball games, and pep rallies. It’s not about making these few stand out, it’s about just letting them be involved with their high school, and have fun creating and cherishing moments like their peers.”

Kathy McClellan echoed those sentiments.

“I realized Chloe is becoming more independent,” she said. “She doesn’t need me at her side for assurance. She’s come out of her shell. I just can’t begin to tell you what it’s like to see your daughter…the one you had doubts about...on the track with other girls shaking pom-poms at a Westside football game.”

Nervous. Shy. Timid.

Nonetheless, there Chloe stands in her red, white, and blue Sparkles uniform ready to shake her pom-poms and showcase her dance routine.

“Even though they’re all watching,” she says. “It makes me feel special.”

Visit thesparkleeffect.org for more information.

OCTOBER 2019

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Profile STORY BY GREG JERRETT

Having An

AUTO BODY E X P ERIENCE It’s more than just

FIXING DENTS

Joseph Baker with the 1933 Ford hot rod restored by students at Metropolitan Community College. // 30 //

OCTOBER 2019

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

OCTOBER 2019

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Profile

NOT EVERY WORK OF ART HANGS ON A WALL IN THE LOUVRE, INSIDE A GLASS CASE AT JOSLYN ART MUSEUM, OR EVEN OVER THE LIVING ROOM COUCH. SOME WORKS OF ART CAN BEEN SEEN AT WEEKEND PARKING LOT AUTO SHOWS, OR DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 90 MPH.

B

eauty is in the eye of the beholder—just ask anyone who’s ever beheld a fully restored Model T, or a tricked-out, metallic green 1933 Ford hot rod.

They get it.

A talented auto body technician has the potential to make some serious cash.

According to a recent Collision Repair Education Foundation Survey, the national, average annual income of an automotive collision technician was $53,857 in 2016. At the upper end, an experienced technician can make over $100,000 a year.

Make no mistake, auto body work takes artistic skills. Taking a wrecked vehicle and restoring its exterior to nearly brand-new condition requires an eye for detail. After all, this artwork has to be roadworthy—beautiful whether parked or flying aerodynamically down highway and byways without shaking apart.

Joseph Baker, Auto Collision instructor at Metropolitan Community College, has been teaching at MCC for 13 years and is also a graduate of the program. He started teaching night classes part-time while working in the field, and for the past three years has been working full time to create the next generation of auto body artists.

“My father was a diesel mechanic all his life and I grew up in the automotive industry. I enjoyed spending time with him wrenching in the driveway or helping friends work on their cars,” says Baker, who bought his first hot rod when he turned 15. “It was a rusty 1977 Camaro shell that was just rotting away in a neighbor’s driveway with a ‘for sale’ sign on its cracked windshield.”

Before he bought it, he had his dad take a look. “After about 30 seconds of inspection, my dad insisted that I shouldn’t buy the car due to the amount of rust and body work it needed.

Later the next day, I drained my bank account and purchased the car. Dad wasn’t too happy when he got home.”

Baker and his dad towed the car uphill from their neighbor’s house with their truck rope.

After removing a few parts that night, Baker discovered exactly how bad it was.

“We pulled the carpet up and found old house shingles caulked together holding the nonexistent floor in place,” he says. “From that point on, the 1977 Chevy Camaro sucked every penny and extra minute of my life into—what I would now call—an amateur restoration at the age of 15.”

It took Baker two years with limited funds to move that bombed-out Camaro from less than zero to a win, aided by his father and an uncle with his own garage. That hard-earned success left an indelible, but positive, imprint on the future instructor. Baker has gone on to make a difference in the lives of many students.

Kyle Ray is one of those students. At 24, Ray is the lead paint and body technician at CAL Automotive Creations. His job is rebuilding and restoring high-end street rods and show cars. Ray studied mechanical engineering and auto body at MCC, earning a career certificate as an entry-level auto collision technician as well as an Associate of Applied Science in auto collision technology.

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OCTOBER 2019

“I am what they call a “first generation” body man because I didn’t get into it following my dad or grandpa or anyone else. I got into it purely out of my own interest and curiosity,” Ray said, adding that “a bit of necessity” was also a motivation.

“I started taking auto body classes at Metro to fix a car that needed body work. From there it grew into a passion and became the foundation for how I earn a living.”

Baker, Ray, and other technicians take pride in the fact that no two jobs are identical.

Skill and creativity go together in a way the average person might overlook.

“Body work is more than just fixing dents in a fender,” Ray says. “It’s making the light lines flow and the gaps look seamless.

It’s taking a rendering or a drawing and making it a reality. The art of restoration is its own world of shaping and coercing the sheet metal into exactly the right shape, and making cars look cleaner and crisper than they would have ever come from the factory.”

The MCC Auto Collision Program has become one of the top 17 collision schools in the United States over the past three years, according to Baker. The program holds an ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) and I-CAR (Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair) accreditation. Students gain I-CAR certifications while attending classes, making them more employable not only after graduation, but often while still in college or high school through MCC’S Career Academy program.

“It takes a serious skill set and a sharp eye to get it right, as well as a lifetime of learning and experience to perfect,” Ray says. “And the pay potential is insane. I have classmates starting at $60-$70k with little to no student debt.”

In winter 2020, MCC will cut the ribbon on a brand-new 100,000 square foot facility at its South Omaha campus to house its automotive and auto collision programs.

The massive, two-story building will have classrooms, labs, and the latest in modern automotive technology to help keep Metro students in high demand.

For more information on MCC’s autobody programs visit mccneb.edu/Auto-Collision-Technology.

OBVIOUSLY OMAHA // STORY BY JUSTINE YOUNG // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

Best Neighborhoods for

Trick-or-Treating October is a month of fang-tastic fun for those who enjoy wearing creepy costumes, exploring haunted houses, and participating in old-fashioned trick-or-treating. With Halloween right around the corner, many parents have the tricky task of choosing a location for the 31st. Those interested in finding the best treats while wearing eerie ensembles should check out this list of some of Omaha’s best neighborhoods for snagging sweets on Halloween night.

01. DUNDEE AND HAPPY HOLLOW

HISTORIC DISTRICT

Situated near Memorial Park and Dundee, this neighborhood is well-known by locals as a trick-or-treat treasure. Peruse the festive decor along lamp-lit streets, ring a few doorbells, and fill a Halloween bag with enough creepy candies to last the rest of the year.

02. MORTON MEADOWS Morton Meadows, located in Midtown, is a spooktacular spot for trick-or-treaters. This friendly neighborhood’s walkable streets and prime location regularly draws a large crowd of costumed characters looking for a place to spend Halloween evening.

03.

COUNTRY CLUB DISTRICT Historic-style street lamps and curving streets offer the perfect lighting and ambiance for trickor-treating in this neighborhood.

Located south of Gallagher Park past Northwest Radial Highway, Country Club’s family-friendly community of residents is sure to stock up plenty of candy in time for visitors.

04. HILLSBOROUGH Omaha’s Hillsborough neighborhood kicks off the haunted holiday on Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with their annual Hills“BOO”rough Spooktacular, with hayrack rides, games, and lots of fun.

Return to this well-lit, walkable community in Northwest Omaha on Halloween night for even more trick-or-treating fun.

OCTOBER

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2019

05. MINNE-LUSA’S “TRICK OR TREAT

ON THE BOOLEVARD”

South of Florence in North Omaha, Minne-Lusa’s residents take Halloween seriously. Their annual “Trick or Treat on the Boolevard” event includes themed street islands, free food, and plenty of sweets for everyone. With an active community of event organizers and volunteers, MinneLusa offers no shortage of deckedout displays on Halloween night.

06. 192ND STREET IN WEST OMAHA Travel south from 192nd and Pacific streets in West Omaha and discover plenty of subdivisions that are perfect for trick-ortreaters to explore. Spooky scenes and homes stocked full of candy can be found in many of this neighborhood’s residential areas. With well-lit streets and ample sidewalks, 192nd Street makes a great choice for a Halloween celebration.

DINING PROFILE // STORY BY TIM TRUDELL // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN

Downtown to Westside Erin Vik brings it all to the table

A

experience outside of education and that has translated very well to providing nutritious, sustainable meals for our students.”

Vik says he enjoys receiving feedback from people, because it helps in managing the 80-plus employees he oversees, which is no small feat.

Beginning his career in the food and beverage industry at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Omaha, he appreciated that the hotel was owned by the city at the time. Later, during a stint at Metropolitan Community College, he managed the catering and horticulture programs, where he had a hands-on approach to supporting the school’s culinary program.

Vik relishes the sense of community that Westside has in working with local organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands and Food Bank for the Heartland. The district uses a contract kitchen to cater meals for these organizations, as well as other schools outside the district, and elementary schools and select meals (i.e. gluten-free) within the district.

According to Lucas, the department serves about 5,000 student meals a day within the district, and an additional 6,200-plus meals outside the Westside district. “So Erin is overseeing over 11,000 meals a day,” Lucas says. “He’s very organized.”

sense of community drives Erin Vik. In choosing where to live or work, he looks for a specific feel to drive his decision.

“He has wonderful experience outside of education and that has translated very well to providing nutritious, sustainable meals for our students.”

-Mike Lucas, Westside Superintendent

While at Metro, Vik became acquainted with his predecessor at Westside, Diane Zipay. Little did he know—as they discussed working together on projects—a year later he’d be replacing her as she headed into retirement.

Today, in his fifth year as the director of Westside Schools’ nutrition program, he has expanded the program’s emphasis on providing healthier food options for students. Vik says that each move has been guided by that feel of community.

“I’m not a politician,” Vik says.

“But I want to be involved with things around me.”

His dedication and interest is evident to those who work with him. Westside Superintendent Mike Lucas says he is a huge fan of what Vik does.

“Erin has a tremendous passion for food service,” Lucas says. “He has wonderful

“I find it enriching, what we do in the city,” Vik says.

At home, the self-professed foodie is a little looser when it comes to planning meals. Vik says he enjoys creating dishes, but neither he nor Jennifer have a favorite meal, so they enjoy experimenting in the kitchen.

“I’m like, ‘What do you feel like having tonight?’” he says. And they go from there.

Vik and his wife, Jennifer, have been married for 11 years and have an 8-yearold daughter, Isabel. Though they knew they wanted to be involved with their child’s school, when the Viks bought their house in the Westside district they had no idea he’d end up running the nutrition department. So, their move ended up being doubly positive for the whole family.

Vik’s foodie style does make its way into the office. While Westside previously offered fresh salads, Vik has expanded the Westside district’s program to encourage more diverse healthy dining options for students. This includes working with local farmers and distributors to provide locally sourced fruits and vegetables, as well as creating dishes such as pasta and lasagna from scratch. He encourages chefs and cooks to be creative with meal planning.

Living in the school district where he works, Vik says he expects neighbors to discuss concerns with him, adding that neighborhood kids are quick to let him know when they like the menu and when they don’t.

“We started a ramen bar,” Vik says. “I was a little scared. Some of the folks in the kitchen realized it was a new concept. They visited [ramen places] and saw what the products looked like in the restaurants. And they did a really good job.”

“He’s a parent in our school district, and he’s very accessible, very open-minded,” Lucas says. “[He] does a great job of communicating with staff, parents, and community.”

Visit westside66.com for more information.

OCTOBER 2019

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Variety

of Society REGIONALLY INSPIRED DISHES IN A RELAXED, STYLISH SETTING S O C I ET Y

1 8 54

DINING REVIEW // NIZ PROSKOCIL PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK OCTOBER

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2019

The cantaloupe soup includes cantaloupe served three ways on the plate—compressed, as sorbet, and as a relish.

The dish is seasoned with black pepper and micro basil.

Blue Va

lley Tro ut is s w i t h a e r ve d w i t h t o m creme f raiche s atoes, daikon auce an r d anise adishes, and snap pe hyssop. as

SOCIETY 1854

222 N. 10TH ST. | 531.444.4049 FOOD SERVICE AMBIANCE PRICE OVERALL

$$$ 5 STARS POSSIBLE

// DINING REVIEW //

otel restaurants often get a bad rap. Some people see them as a last resort, a place with high prices and uninspired food. But hotel chains across the country are upping their culinary game and creating onsite, full-service eateries that boast creative menus, modern and inviting surroundings, and talented chefs running the kitchens.

H

On a dinner visit in late August, my dining partner and I were pleasantly surprised by some of the food at Society 1854, the in-house restaurant at the Omaha Marriott Downtown in the Capitol District at 10th Street and Capitol Avenue. Opened in 2017 and named for the year Omaha was founded, Society 1854 offers approachable, regionally inspired fare with fine dining touches and attention to details.

The menu changes seasonally, but maintains several staples. There’s a decisive focus on using what’s fresh and local, says Wil Witters, assistant restaurant manager. The kitchen sources ingredients from area farms and suppliers, including Imperial Wagyu Beef, Truebridge Foods, Plum Creek Farms, TD Niche Pork, and Squeaky Green Organics, among others.

The kitchen sources ingredients from area farms and suppliers, including Imperial Wagyu Beef, Truebridge Foods, Plum Creek Farms, TD Niche Pork, and Squeaky Green Organics, among others.

Steak, chicken, pasta, and seafood are also on the menu. My dining partner liked his Faroe Island salmon entree but thought it was a tad too salty. Served with roasted fennel, radish, and spaetzle, the salmon was flaky and moist, but the dish needed a sauce to tie everything together.

A starter of fried Brussels sprouts—the outer leaves pleasingly charred and the insides crisp-tender—had robust flavors and textural variety thanks to sweet, crunchy bits of cashew praline, and a drizzle of creamy mayo flavored with fish sauce, a southeast Asian condiment.

The concise but varied menu is divided into snacks, shared plates, salads and soups, and main plates. There are vegetarian options as well as comfort food dishes such as fried chicken sandwiches, burgers, and wings.

Hush puppies made with lump crab are enhanced by the addition of pickled ramps and served with Old Bay aioli. Each hot and crispy hush puppy featured a golden brown exterior and pillowy middle, but we didn’t get much crab flavor from the deepfried fritters.

The restaurant’s burger features a hefty patty crafted with domestic Wagyu beef that’s tender and flavorful. Served with French fries and a pickle spear, it’s topped with bacon jam, iceberg lettuce, pickled onion, and melted cheese on a brioche bun. Although I’m not a fan of iceberg, it was crisp and added a crunchy element to the dish, which arrived perfectly cooked to medium as ordered.

Of the items we tried, our favorite was the chilled cantaloupe soup, a seasonal offering that put the sweet, summery melon front and center. Poured tableside for an elegant presentation, the colorful soup featured compressed cantaloupe, sorbet, fresh basil, and just a hint of black pepper. Light, refreshing, and not too sweet, the luscious soup was a wonderful balance of fruity, tangy, and herbal flavors.

OCTOBER

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2019

The well-edited beverage list features an array of fine wines, local brews, and craft cocktails prepared by the adjacent bar, Burdock + Bitters. The restaurant’s culinary team includes chef de cuisine John Engler, whose fine dining background includes the Grey Plume, and sous chef Chris Furse. Despite some awkward service and mistimed food, our server was friendly and helpful with recommendations.

Society 1854 not only draws hotel guests but nonguests, as well. “We’re very quickly building up local followers,” Witters says. The restaurant’s proximity to several entertainment venues, including the CHI Health Center and Holland Performing Arts Center, makes it a popular spot for dinner and drinks before or after a show.

Visitors can also enjoy private dinners, tasting menus for groups, wine pairings, special holiday menus, and more.

Guests staying at the Omaha Marriott Downtown can choose from dozens of delicious dining options within easy walking distance, including the one right downstairs from their hotel room.

Visit society1854.com for more information.

from left: Samantha Weideman and Pumulo Kasaji

DINING FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

DI N I NG OU T

W H I L E D I V I NG I N A COLLEGIATE PERSPECTIVE ON WHERE TO EAT IN OMAHA

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OCTOBER 2019

Whether starting as a freshman or getting ready for senior year, heading to college is all about routine—which classes are needed, where they’re located, and how to get there. Once the hectic pace of settling in settles down, there’s still one all-important question that needs answered: where to eat?

Omaha Magazine asked three of its seasoned, former interns where they and their classmates like to frequent and why. Each writer represents their respective institutions and takes both cost and location into account, though taste and variety still seem to hold sway over all else.

COLLEGE OF ST. MARY

BY PUMULO KASAJI

As (often broke) college students, it can be difficult to find affordable places to eat with friends that will please all. Fortunately, Omaha is a diverse area that caters to many palates. Between classes, jobs, extracurricular activities, and spatial concerns, it’s not often easy to cook a whole meal. But with the College of Saint Mary campus located near 72nd Street and West Center Road, it’s easy to find places to hang out, grab some food, and have a good time.

Place: Mai Thai Price: $10-$20 Distance: 0.4 miles Favorite Item: Mango Beef Fried Rice One of the benefits of being in this area is having Aksarben Village close to campus. Finding an eating establishment that’s within walking distance isn’t difficult, and Mai Thai is the place to go when students want to try something new (and relatively healthy) without breaking the bank. They have everything from fried rice, to pad thai, to pho, though they are known for their signature Chicken Mango dish.

Place: Wing Stop Price: $8-$15 Distance: 0.5 miles Favorite Item: Traditional Lemon Pepper wings with a side of corn Everyone knows wings aren’t just for game days, and Wing Stop makes it easy to get your favorites to go. With a variety of flavors and several decadent sides to choose from, Wing Stop is a go-to destination for a late-night food session. The wait time for an order is usually 20-30 minutes, so it’s a good idea to call ahead when ordering takeout.

Place: Ponzu Sushi Price: $6-$10/roll, entrees up to $22 Distance: 0.3 miles Favorite Item: Maui Wowie/Loco Coco Ponzu Sushi is the perfect place for a night out with friends or a date with a significant other. Its location makes it a good spot to hit up before or after a movie at Aksarben Cinema. Though Ponzu is known for its sushi, their menu features much more. Items include traditional sushi rolls, sandwiches, salads, a variety of entrees, and desserts. Ponzu is a reasonably priced restaurant for college students on a budget looking for fine dining. Bonus: they have a regular happy hour Sunday through Saturday and a reverse happy hour on Friday and Saturday nights.

Place: The Churro Truck Price: $9 for 4 tacos Distance: call 402.213.1522 for location Favorite Item: Carne Asada tacos This place is a little unconventional, as it is a food truck rather than a brick-and-mortar store. While they don’t have a permanent location (yet—fingers crossed!), this truck can be found at most major events around town. One can find the daily location of the truck with a phone call. The Churro Truck sells not only churros, but tacos, horchata, elotes, and other authentic Mexican food. This might sound dramatic, but these are the best tacos I have ever eaten (and I’m from California). A hunt for these tacos is definitely worth it!

OCTOBER 2019

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// DINING FEATURE //

CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY

BY KATE SMITH

For Creighton students who often spend every day of their first two years eating from the campus cafeteria, excursions to local restaurants are a welcome change. Student favorites Salween Thai, California Tacos & More, and Amsterdam Falafel offer different options for alwayshungry students without putting much strain on their pockets.

And they have one other thing in common: a meal students can’t find in the dining hall.

Place: Salween Thai Price: $10-$12 Distance: 2.5 miles Favorite dish: Pad Thai At Creighton, a freshman’s first visit to the Salween Thai on Northwest Radial Highway is a rite of passage. With cozy booths, low lighting, and quick service, it’s the perfect place for a weeknight study break or a weekend excursion from campus. On any given night, there will likely be as many as five tables of Creighton students grabbing a bite. Their menu offers a wide range of dishes that are tailored to order, with a chili spice level ranging from one to 10. Start low until you have a good gauge of their spice levels. Crowd favorites include Pad Thai, Drunken Noodle, Fried Woon Sen, Broccoli Beef, and Red Curry.

Place: California Taco Distance: 1.5 miles Price: $6-$10 Favorite dish: Cali Taco Named for the street shared by this restaurant and Creighton University, California Tacos & More serves the most filling taco you will find for $7. Made with a deep-fried shell and packed full with beef, chicken, fish, or bean and cheese, and topped with lettuce, cheese, and add-ins from the condiment bar, the “Cali Taco” is what keeps students coming back. (And what got it noticed by the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.) Students who dine in can sit in a lively, open space filled with Southwestern sculptures, signs, and wall hangings. You can also get your Cali Taco to go—it will be just as good by the time you make it home.

Place: Amsterdam Falafel Distance: 3 miles Price: $6.25-$7.50 Favorite dish: Falafel plate with curry fries ($8.25) With a menu based on the concept of a popular European street food, Amsterdam Falafel & Kabob in Dundee is a small restaurant with big flavors. Take your pick of falafel or kebab (chicken or beef and lamb)—and try out their sauces—on a pita, salad, or plate with hummus. A side of curry fries completes the meal, and is served with ketchup, mayonnaise, and a mini fork to keep your hands clean. Students are attracted to Amsterdam’s homey charm, fresh ingredients, and vegetarian or vegan options for a low price (and eCreamery is right next door).

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OCTOBER 2019

UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT OMAHA

BY SAMANTHA WEIDEMAN University of Nebraska at Omaha’s students are diverse, so it’s no surprise that their taste in food is as well. One thing the Mavericks have in common, however, is that they prefer it classy and cheap. The spots on this list—Coneflower Creamery, M’s Pub, Ika Ramen and Izakaya, and Lighthouse Pizza— are affordable and in some of the best locations in the city. It doesn’t hurt that they’re relatively close to campus.

Place: Coneflower Creamery Distance: 1.8 miles Price: $3-$8 Favorite dish: Blackstone Butterbrickle There’s always a line out the door at Coneflower Creamery (yes, even in the snow), and the seating runs out quickly. This shop, located in the heart of the Blackstone District, has a rotating selection of seasonal and funky flavors, in addition to classic vanilla, chocolate, and Blackstone Butterbrickle (a Blacktone must). Coneflower also has vegan ice creams and freshly made gluten-free sugar cones. The record selection—which usually includes classic blues—that plays in the shop is a huge plus. Coneflower also believes in supporting other local businesses—they sell Scriptown Brewery’s sodas in-store—and, in true farm-to-cone fashion, using ingredients from local farms and bakeries in their creations.

Place: M’s Pub Distance: 4.1 miles Price: $10-$18 Favorite dish: Thai Lahvosh M’s Pub looks—and tastes—upscale, yet is still affordable for most. It’s perfect for a delicious meal after spending a day downtown. Many of their entrees are the price of a steakhouse appetizer and filling to boot; M’s Famous Lahvosh, an Armenian cracker with Havarti cheese, is the size of a large dinner plate. The menu includes several variations of the dish, but the Thai Lahvosh ($12.95) is the standout. M’s Pub doesn’t use a fryer, so your side options are a small salad (with their famous poppy seed vinaigrette) or their soup of the day, which never disappoints. If you’re visiting on the weekend, it’s best to call ahead and make a reservation.

Place: Ika Ramen and Izakaya Distance: 2.2 miles Price: $9-$15 Favorite dish: Pork belly steam buns Those who enter Ika Ramen and Izakaya are greeted with hip-hop music, graffiti on the walls, and anime playing behind the bar. Ika’s intimate seating is ideal for a daytime visit, or late at night after a concert (or a long night of studying) with convenient hours of 11-2 a.m. on the weekends. The best time to go is during their reverse happy hour (10 p.m. to 12 a.m. Fridays), for the two-for-$4 pork belly steam buns and $2 off ramen. Bonus: If you’re trying to impress your friends or a date after dinner, Kaitei, the speakeasy downstairs, is the perfect spot to do so.

Place: Lighthouse Pizza Distance: 1.6 miles Price: $5-$10 Favorite dish: Ed & Sal Lighthouse Pizza, located in the same strip center as PepperJax Grill off Pacific Street, hosts a menu of 9-inch pizza slices (or whole pizzas, if you’re into that sort of thing), all with the option of unique toppings and a side of Lighthouse Sauce. If the pizza doesn’t fill you up, Lighthouse offers side salads, garlic bread, and fries. The Ed & Sal slice ($6.35), topped with bacon and parmesan fries and drizzled with their signature sauce, is perfect for leftovers. The best part? If you’re short on time between classes, they also have a drive-thru.

This is by no means a complete list of all the places college students frequent. However, it does offer a glimpse into Omaha’s food scene and is proof that they know what’s good.

OCTOBER 2019

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aLL IS THE PERFECT SEASON

for Jenny Nguyen and her husband, Rick Wheatley. They stand or sit quietly in their camouflage outfits, weapons at the ready. At the end of the day, they might come home with a pheasant, a deer, or even a turtle. The pheasant won’t necessarily have the most brilliant feathers, the deer won’t have the biggest rack, and the turtle…well, it’s a turtle. And for Nguyen and Wheatley, that’s OK.

The couple are the authors of the book Hunting for Food: Guide to Harvesting, Field Dressing and Cooking Wild Game.

They are also former Californians… and Nebraska sure isn’t Anaheim.

The couple met at a horse stable in Anaheim in 2009. They had a passion for the outdoors, and fell in love through their shared love of horses. Wheatley knew a place where there was more land than people.

“I was always talking about Nebraska,” says Wheatley, whose grandparents lived in Nebraska when he was a child. “I told Jenny about hunting and fishing. She mentioned one time that she didn’t know people did that.”

Two years later, Wheatley gave Nguyen the gift every girls wants—a shotgun.

They returned to Nebraska that year for Wheatley’s annual tradition of camping and hunting with his cousins during opening weekend of rifle season. Unbeknownst to Nguyen, it would be a life-changing trip.

Wheatley and his cousins invited their wives to join the pre-hunting campout—a first for the family. While the rest of the ladies left for the comfort of their own beds, Nguyen stayed with the guys and joined the hunt the next day.

She killed a deer that day and learned how her nightly meal comes to be.

“People today don’t realize where their food comes from,” Wheatley says. “That was a big thing for her.”

Nguyen, whose outdoor adventures include climbing to the top of Mount Whitney at age 16 and kayaking 62 miles in the Kenai Fjords, also has a passion for cooking, writing, and photography. She cooked venison steaks with balsamic-boysenberry sauce, then created a blog and posted the recipe, including wine suggestions, along with appealing photography.

OCTOBER

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2019

The blog acquired some followers, and she began posting more wild food recipes: mushrooms stuffed with venison and onions caramelized in wine; deer, mushroom, and barley soup; and others. They returned to California, and continued writing about sandwiches made with California wild snow geese and white bass steamed in grape leaves. They gained 100 hits on the blog, and over time, 1,000 hits.

“It slowly grew, and grew, and grew,” Nguyen says. “It’s been exciting to see how it grows, and how multimedia can affect you so much.”

The couple continued to hunt, and cook, creating recipes such as Cast Iron Bison-Leek Pie with orange zest, cinnamon, and cauliflower; or Malaysian Spiced Fish Grilled in Banana Leaves.

“It was the food aspect,” Nguyen says of her foray into hunting for her own dinner. “I don’t get a kick out of killing something. The whole process of learning how food gets to your table intrigues me.”

SECTION // NAMES

Nguyen graduated with a degree in American literature and culture from UCLA in 2012, a time when Nebraska Game and Parks happened to have an opening for a Northeast Regional Public Information Officer, whose duties included writing and photographing for Nebraskaland Magazine. She applied, but didn’t think she would be considered.

“I was familiar with the magazine, because Rick had been a subscriber for so long,” Nguyen says. “I remember before I even applied for the job thinking ‘it would be awesome to work for this magazine.’”

Not only was she considered, she got the job, and the couple moved to the Midwest in January 2013.

Nguyen said goodbye to everything she knew to begin a life in an area of the country she had fallen in love with. Her new interest as a sportsman was quickly becoming a passion. On the blog, she wrote of their first day on the road: “We entered the Kaibab National Forest, where Rick saw a dead cow elk on the side of the road. What a terrible waste of good meat.”

Not as much of a passion was the weather and the lack of city services.

“It was cold,” Nguyen remembers. “The transition was difficult, it [Norfolk] was a tiny city.”

Wheatley was pleased to be in his family’s home state, where he could spend days on end in open spaces if he wanted. They continued hunting and fishing year round. // 102 //

OCTOBER 2019

“No species has gone extinct because of hunting here in North America,” Wheatley says. “A lot of people don’t realize that hunting is conservation. All the fees for hunters go back to conservation funds.”

They continued to hunt, blog, and write, with articles appearing in Cooking Wild Magazine and on the website Wide Open Spaces, among others. The blog surpassed 50,000 hits and gained sponsorships. And Nguyen continued to learn about the outdoors as she worked for Game and Parks for the next two years.

Then, the couple received an email from Living Ready publishing, a part of F+W Media, Inc.

The book also offered the couple chances to hunt for new game, such as snapping turtles. Hunting for Food does offer recipes such as Thai-Style Turtle and Potato Curry, but more importantly, it offers information on the snapping turtle itself— its biology, habitat, impact on fish and waterfowl populations, and other advice.

“We enjoyed doing it,” Wheatley says.

“This gave us a chance to hunt some other animals we hadn’t gotten before.”

The book has given the couple new opportunities. They also forage, and they have expanded their knowledge of wild edibles. They look for wild morels and berries and have grown to like unique plants such as nettles.

“It was kind of a shock,” Nguyen says. “We both secretly thought about writing a book, but we thought it would be years down the line.”

“You wouldn’t think that something as slimy or spiky as nettles would taste good,” Nguyen says.

The publisher had been following the couple’s blog and thought a book of their recipes would be a great addition to the company’s other books, which include The Mountain Man Cookbook and The Sporting Chef’s Better Venison Cookbook.

As the book was published, the blog grew in popularity, and the couple now boast nearly a million and a half hits on their humble site. They have been doing commissioned work for World Fishing Network and Game & Fish Magazine.

The offer took the couple from hunting for their dinner to hunting for literature.

These days, they live in Omaha. Wheatley works at Menards. Nguyen works for Nebraskaland Magazine as their associate editor and regularly contributes to magazines for Outdoor Sportsman Group. In her spare time, she rides horses with North Hills Hunt Club.

“It was quite a process,” Nguyen says. “We’d never hunted for a deadline before.”

The animals didn’t always stick to the deadline.

“All of a sudden, when we went out to find it, it didn’t come around anymore,” Nguyen continues.

Visit foodforhunters.blogspot.comfor more information, including recipes.

They can also be found on Instagram at @foodforhunters.

- Sponsored Content AMERICAN

CHARLESTON’S - $$$

140th and Dodge streets (402-431-0023) 76th and Dodge streets (402-991-0055) Charleston’s is a casual, upbeat restaurant with a menu filled with dishes prepared from scratch daily. We focus on providing our guests with excellent prices and selecting the highest quality ingredients. Whether you are new to Charleston’s or a long-standing guest, we look forward to seeing you soon!

—charlestons.com/locations

Get a Little Saucy.

DJ’S DUGOUT - $

SPEZIA SPECIALTIES WOOD FIRE STEAKS & SEAFOOD INNOVATIVE PASTA—RISOTTO—GNOCCHI FRESH SALMON DAILY

Saturday Lunch 11 am - 4 pm

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. Private Party Rooms . Walk-Ins Welcome 3125 South 72 nd Street

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402.391.2950 . Call today to make your reservation

OMAHA’S ORIGINAL STEAKHOUSE

• Proudly serving visitor & locals for 90 years.

• Featured on CNN.com Best Meat Cities in America • Serving hand cut steaks, aged on premise and slow roasted prime rib with pride.

402.731.4774 johnnyscafe.com 27th & ‘L’ St., Kennedy Frwy, ‘L’ St. Exit 8 Minutes from Downtown Omaha.

636 N. 114th St. (402-498-8855) 1003 Capitol Ave. (402-763-9974) 10308 S. 23rd St. (402-292-9096) 2102 S. 67th St. (402-933-3533) 180th and Q streets (402-292-9096) 192nd and West Maple St. Highway 75 and Oak Hill Road (402-298-4166) Catch all of the action at six Omaha-area locations. DJ's Dugout features burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, appetizers, and an impressive drink menu along with HD TVs and projectors. Home to Blazin’ Pianos, Omaha’s only dueling piano concept.

—djsdugout.com

JAMS- $$

7814 Dodge St. (402-399-8300) 17070 Wright Plz, Ste. 100 (402-810-9600) 1101 Harney St. in the OldMarket (402-614-9333) Jams is an Omaha restaurant legacy, an “American Grill” that offers a melting pot of different styles and varieties.

The dishes are made with high-quality ingredients that pair well with award-winning wines or creative cocktails.

—jamseats.com

LE PEEP - $

69th & Pacific (402-933-2776) 177th and Center streets (402-934-9914) 156th Street and W. Dodge Road (402-408-1728) 120th and Blondo streets (402-991-8222) Le Peep puts a wholesome perspective on your favorite neighborhood breakfast and lunch spot. Fresh. Simple.

Elegant. Inviting. We put the emphasis on people, both patrons and staff. We focus on providing each of our guests the fresh food and friendly service that they have come to expect. Open daily 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

—lepeepomaha.com

Best Of Omaha 13 Years Running

WHERE WHERE GOOD GOOD FOOD FOOD AND AND GOOD GOOD SERVICE NEVER GO OUT SERVICE NEVER GO OUT OF OF STYLE. STYLE.

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+ OCTOBER 2019

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SECTION // NAMES

Baking high quality products begins with the finest “ingredients, integrated carefully with old world skills passed on from generation to generation. �

// 104 //

OCTOBER 2019

LISA'S RADIAL CAFE - $

402-551-2176 817 N. 40th St. American. Cafe. Diner. Vegetarian-friendly. Gluten-free options. This old-school diner serves hearty portions of American comfort classics for breakfast and lunch.

Family-owned and operated. This business is a must if you’re in the area. People rave about our chicken-fried steak, stuffed French toast, coffee, and friendly staff.

Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

Stella’s Bar and Grill Thanks to our customers for voting us the “Best Burger in Omaha”

STELLA’S - $

“Serving World Famous Hamburgers since 1936” 106 Galvin Rd • Bellevue, NE • 402-291-6088 • Open Monday-Saturday, 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

ELKHORN NOW OPEN! 192nd & Maple

DOWNTOWN - 10th & Capitol MIRACLE HILLS - 114th & Dodge MILLARD - 180th & Q AKSARBEN VILLAGE - 67th & Center BELLEVUE - 23rd & Cornhusker PLATTSMOUTH - Hwy 75 & Oak Hill

402-291-6088 106 S. Galvin Road, Bellevue Since 1936, we’ve been making our world-famous Stella’s hamburgers the same way. The family secrets have been handed down to each owner, ensuring that your burger is the same as the one you fell in love with the first time you tried Stella’s. And if it’s your first time, we know you’ll be back! Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., closed Sunday.

—stellasbarandgrill.com

SMITTY GARAGE - $

402-614-4949 7610 Dodge St. Tasty burgers, ice-cold beer, fresh-cut fries, scrumptious tacos, mouth-watering appetizers and more. What else could you want? Besides the delicious food, each location also offers a full bar with an extensive craft beer list and a one-of-a-kind environment with arcade games and plenty of TV’s.

Download our new rewards app, Smitty’s Garage, in the app store to start earning free grub!

—eatatthegarage.com

ICE CREAM

TED AND WALLY’S - $

402-341-5827 1120 Jackson St. Come experience the true taste of homemade ice cream in the Old Market. Since 1986, we’ve created gourmet ice cream flavors in small batches using rock salt and ice. We offer your favorites, plus unique flavors like margarita, green tea, Guinness, and French toast. Special orders available.

—tedandwallys.com

ITALIAN

LA CASA PIZZARIA - $$

402-556-6464 45th and Leavenworth streets La Casa Pizzaria has been serving Omaha its legendary Neapolitan-style pizza and pasta for 60 years. We offer dine-in, carry-out, party facilities, catering, and now pizza shipments to the 48 contiguous states. Open Tuesday-Saturday at 11 a.m. and Sunday at 4:30 p.m.

—lacasapizzaria.net

DJSDUGOUT.COM

THANK YOU FOR VOTING OUR PASTA

NUMBER #1

LOMBARDO'S BISTRO & BAR - $$

Rockbrook Village (108th & Center) 402.391.2585 www.pastaamore.com We can accommodate parties of 30 or more, by reservation only Catering Available

DINNER HOURS // Mon-Thur: 4:30-9PM, Fri & Sat: 4:30-10PM

// 105 //

OCTOBER 2019

Like Us on Facebook

402-884-9800 13110 Birch Drive We are a locally owned and operated neighborhood eatery with an Italian flare. We offer a full, made-from-scratch menu along with extensive wine, craft cocktail, and craft beer lists. Casual is the best way to describe the warm and friendly service you will come to enjoy when choosing us. We offer dine-in, carry-out, catering, a daily happy hour (3-6:30 p.m. and all-day Sundays), live music Tuesdays and Sundays, and half-price bottles of wine on Wine Down Wednesdays.

—lombardosomaha.com OCTOBER 2019

// 105 //

LO SOLE MIO RISTORANTE ITALIANO - $$

402-345-5656 3001 S. 32nd Ave. The restaurant is located in a residential neighborhood, surrounded by charming homes. Everyone is greeted with homemade bread, a bowl of fresh tomatoes and basil, a bowl of oven-roasted garlic cloves, specially seasoned olive oil, and (at night) a jug of Chianti! The menu includes a large variety of pasta, chicken, veal, seafood, and even a delicious New York steak. Traditional dishes such as lasagna, tortellini, and eggplant parmigiana are also available. Lunch offerings include panini, salads, and one of the best pizzas in town. Patio seating, full bar, and a great wine list complete the atmosphere. No reservations, except for private rooms.

—losolemio.com

E U R O P E A N A M E R I C A N C U I S I N E

PASTA AMORE - $$

One of Omaha’s Best Happy Hours!

Mon. – Fri. 3—6 PM Fri. & Sat. After 9 PM julios.com/cateringmenu 123rd & Center | 402-330-2110

402-391-2585 11027 Prairie Brook Road Pastas are made fresh daily, including tortellini, fettuccine, and capellini. Daily specials and menu items include a variety of fresh seafood and regional Italian dishes, such as linguini amore and calamari steak, penne Florentine, gnocchi, spaghetti puttanesca, and osso buco. Filet mignon is also offered for those who appreciate nationally renowned Nebraska beef. To complement your dining experience, the restaurant offers a full bar and extensive wine list. Be sure to leave room for homemade desserts, like the tiramisu and cannoli.

Lunch is 11 a.m.-2 p.m., dinner starts at 4:30 p.m.

Reservations recommended.

—pastaamore.com

7 21 N . 13 2 N D S T R E E T O M A H A , N E 6 815 4 4 0 2 . 8 8 4 . 6 8 7 8 B R U S H I O M A H A . C O M

VOTED #1 16 YEARS Walking Distance to CHI Health Center Omaha & TD Ameritrade Park CLEAR BAG POLICY IS IN EFFECT

402.346.9116 | 501 N. 13th Street | theMattOmaha.com /the old mattress factory omaha

@Matt_factory

IN A ROW OMAHA – 158TH & MAPLE (402) 557-6130 BELLEVUE – FT. CROOK RD & 370 (402) 733-8754

// 106 //

OCTOBER 2019

OMAHA – 110TH & MAPLE (402) 496-1101 PAPILLION – 84TH & TARA PLZ (402) 593-0983

OMAHA – 156TH & Q (402) 763-2555 COUNCIL BLUFFS – LAKE MANAWA EXIT (712) 256-2762

PITCH - $$

402-590-2625 5021 Underwood Ave. An OpenTable's Diners' Choice for 2014 HotSpot Restaurant in America. Keeping up with the traditional way the first pizzas in Italy were made, our pizzas are cooked in a coal-fired oven. The menu also features seafood, hand-cut steak, housemade pastas, and burgers full of flavor. Our goal is to provide you with local, housemade, and imported ingredients. We offer a happy hour menu through the week. Our bar provides an array of in-house concoctions as well as your traditional libations. Our wine selection is well-thought-out and most impressive. You will enjoy Pitch. Monday 3 p.m.-10 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 3-10 p.m.

—pitchpizzeria.com

ICE CREAM ● EST 1986 ●

Home -Made in Omaha

SPEZIA - $$$

402-391-2950 3125 S. 72nd St. Choose Spezia for lunch or dinner, where you'll find a casual elegance that's perfect for business guests, get-togethers, or any special occasion. Exceptional food, wine, and service, with a delectable menu: fresh seafood, certified Angus steaks, innovative pasta, risotto, gnocchi, cioppino, lamb, entrée salads, Mediterranean chicken, flatbreads, and fresh salmon daily. Enjoy a full bar, Italian and California wines, Anniversary/Lovers' Booth (call to reserve), private dining rooms, and woodfired grill. Open Monday-Sunday. Cocktail hour 4-6 p.m., when all cocktails, glasses of wine, and beers are half price. Evening reservations recommended.

—speziarestaurant.com

MEXICAN

FERNANDO’S - $

7555 Pacific St. (402-339-8006) 380 N. 114th St. (402-330-5707) Featuring Sonoran-style cooking made fresh daily.

Catering and party rooms also available. MondayThursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 4-9 p.m.

—fernandosomaha.com

JULIO’S - $

Thanks for Voting Us # BREAKFAST YEARS in a Row!

11

1

NOW OPEN 69th & Pacific • 933-2776 177th & Center • 934-9914 156th & Dodge • 408-1728 120th & Blondo • 991-8222 Drive-Thru Open (Center St. Only) | Open Daily 6:30am-2:00pm Serving Breakfast & Lunch All Day!

LEPEEP.COM

402-330-2110 2820 S. 123rd Court Locally owned since 1977, Julio’s prides themselves on serving the finest Tex-Mex cuisine and offering top-notch customer service. Our loyal customers are the reason we have been around for nearly 40 years. We have an extensive menu that has both classic and innovative dishes—giving everyone the opportunity to find something they love. Salivating for Southwestern fare? We have tacos, tostadas, a dozen different enchiladas, and classic fajitas. And, of course, nachos!

—julios.com

LA MESA - $$

158th Street and W. Maple Road (402-557-6130) 156th and Q streets (402-763-2555) 110th St. and W. Maple Road (402-496-1101) Fort Crook Road and Hwy 370, Bellevue (402-733-8754) 84th Street and Tara Plaza, Papillion (402-593-0983) Lake Manawa Exit, Council Bluffs (712-256-2762) Enjoy awesome enchiladas, fabulous fajitas, seafood specialties, mouth-watering margaritas, and more

at La Mesa. Come see why La Mesa has been voted Omaha’s No. 1 Mexican restaurant 16 years in a row.

Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

—lamesaomaha.com

MARGARITA'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT - $

402-393-7515 4915 S. 72nd St. Margarita's is a business with more than seven years in the food world. We offer authentic Mexican food where you can enjoy a nice moment with your family.

—margaritasmenu.com

ROMEO'S MEXICAN FOOD AND PIZZA - $

90th and Blondo streets (402-391-8870) 146th Street and W. Center Road (402-330-4160) 96th and L streets (402-331-5656) Galvin and Avery roads, Bellevue (402-292-2028) 29th and Farnam streets (402-346-1110) Romeo's is your friendly, family Mexican food and pizza restaurant.We take real pride in serving our guests generous portions of the freshest, most flavorful dishes made with the finest ingredients available.

Zesty seasonings and the freshest ingredients combine to ensure the ultimate in flavor. Our savory taco meat is prepared every morning at each location. Make sure to try our chimichangas; they're the best in town.

—romeosomaha.com

SPECIAL DINING

BÄRCHEN BEER GARDEN - $

402-502-9902 6209 Maple St. Located in Benson, Bärchen is a modern American beer garden and beer hall influenced by German communal drinking culture. Indoor seating for approximately 125 people and outdoor seating in our beer garden for approximately 125-150 people. The laid-back atmosphere pairs well with our 30 rotating taps, international beer list, unique sausage & sandwich menu, and locally made pretzels. We are family and dog friendly—all are welcome. Hours: Tues-Thurs 3 p.m.-11 p.m.; Fri & Sat 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m. For more information or to host an event, please email gm@barchenbeer.com —barchenbeer.com

BRUSHI BISTRO+BAR - $$

402-884-6878 721 N. 132nd St. Swiss-trained chef Paul Braunschweiler combines the best of Europe’s epicurean delights with an American flair. Brushi’s casual and open atmosphere combine to create a true bistro experience. Fresh ingredients highlight the menu. Happy Hours and nightly specials. Private dining available. Patio seating weather permitting.

—brushiomaha.com

CRESCENT MOON ALE HOUSE - $

402-345-1708 3578 Farnam St. Founded in 1996, we’ve grown into Beer Corner USA with the additions of The Huber Haus German Beer Hall, Max and Joe’s Belgian Beer Tavern, and Beertopia—Omaha’s Ultimate Beer Store. With more than 60 beers on tap and Omaha’s best Reuben sandwich, we are a Midtown beerlover’s destination. Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Kitchen hours: Monday-Wednesday 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m.-midnight. Closed Sunday.

—beercornerusa.com OCTOBER 2019

// 107 //

FIRST WATCH - $

1222 S. 71st St. (402-932-5691) 2855 S. 168th St. (402-330-3444) 3605 N. 147th St. (402-965-3444) 304 Olson Drive., Papillion (402-965-3444) 2015 Pratt Ave., Bellevue (402-991-3448) We begin each morning at the crack of dawn, slicing fresh fruits and vegetables, baking muffins, and whipping up our French toast batter from scratch. Everything is made toorder here at First Watch. We use only the finest ingredients possible for the freshest taste around.

—firstwatch.com

GREEK ISLANDS - $

402-346-1528 3821 Center St. Greek cuisine with specials every day at reasonable prices.

We are well-known for our gyro sandwiches and salads. We cater and can accommodate a party for 65 guests. Carryout and delivery available. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

—greekislandsomaha.com

WALKING DISTANCE

TO CHI HEALTH CENTER OMAHA & TD AMERITRADE PARK YOUR PRE-GAME HE AD QUARTE RS FOR LUNCH, DINNE R OR YOUR NE XT EVE NT!

J.COCO - $$$

402-884-2626 5203 Leavenworth St. The building that once housed a beloved neighborhood grocery has a new future. Built as a grocery back in 1925, it is now home to J. Coco. Our seasonal menus, rooted in tradition, showcase our natural ingredients. Local, organic, and sustainable when available. We feature craft bartending, housemade desserts, and pastas. We celebrate the traditional with a modern twist. Lunch: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Dinner: Monday-Saturday 5 p.m.-close.

—jcocoomaha.com

501 N. 13TH ST • 402.346.9116 • THEMATTOMAHA.COM / theoldmattresfactoryomaha

@Matt_factory

KOREA GARDEN AUTHENTIC ASIAN CUISINE AND SUSHI - $$

402-505-4089 5352 S. 72nd St. Lunch specials served Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., featuring signature Korean dishes like bulgogi, doenjang jjigae, and grilled mackerel. Menu includes appetizers, traditional specialties, rice, noodles, soup, and beverages.

—koreangardenomaha.com

STEAKS • CHOPS • SEAFOOD ITALIAN SPECIALTIES 7 private party rooms Seating up to 400 Lots of parking

PARADISE BAKERY - $

17305 Davenport St. (402-934-5757) 120 Regency Parkway (402-991-3000) Paradise Bakery offers freshly prepared baked goods made from scratch every morning with the finest ingredients available. Offering a variety of meals including soups, salads, and sandwiches.

Our associates are extremely proud of the reputation Paradise has earned for providing exceptional service and producing the finest-quality products.

—paradisebakery.com

1620 S. 10th Street

402-345-8313

www.casciossteakhouse.com

Bringing Italy to Omaha Since 1919

Take a Taste of Italy Home Today!

TAJ KABOB AND CURRY - $

402-933-1445/402-238-4317 654 N. 114th St. Taj of Omaha shares its love of traditional Indian cuisine with friends and family in the Omaha area.

The owners invite you to come enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and new menu. Taj offers both lunch and dinner specials, delivery and catering services, and a free party room.

—tajofomaha.com

// 108 //

OCTOBER 2019

Tues-Thurs: 8:30am-8pm Friday: 8:30am-8:30pm Saturday: 7:30am-8pm Sunday: 7:30am-6pm An Omaha favorite for over 100 years (1919-2019)

402.345.3438 621 Pacific St, Omaha NE orsibakery.com

Try Omaha’s Favorite Reuben!

Omaha’s largest selection of craft beers.

3578 Farnam St • 402-345-1708 www.beercornerusa.com

Thank You, Thank You,

Thank You

For Continually Voting For Us!

Serving Lunch & Dinner Mon-Sat 3001 S. 32nd Ave / Omaha, NE 402.345.5656

Best Greek

Family Owned Since 1983 Family Owned Since 1983 Catering ~ Party Room Available CATERING / PARTY ROOM AVAILABLE Homemade, Fresh Food ~ Always HOMEMADE, FRESH FOOD, ALWAYS.

www.romeosOMAHA.com

3821 Center St. 402/346-1528

3821 Center St / 402.346.1528

GreekIslandsOmaha.com GreekIslandsOmaha.com OCTOBER 2019

// 109 //

STEAKHOUSES

CASCIO'S - $$

Seafood - Mexican - Sushi

5101 S 36 th St, Omaha, NE 68107 - 402-213-5723 - Daily Food & Drink Specials

402-345-8313 1620 S. 10th St. Cascio's is Omaha's No. 1 steakhouse. We have been serving Omaha for 69 years. We feature steaks, chops, seafood, and Italian specialties. We have seven private party rooms, seating for up to 400 people, and plenty of parking.

—casciossteakhouse.com

THE DROVER RESTAURANT & LOUNGE - $$$

402-391-7440 2121 S. 73rd St. Famous for the original Whiskey Steak. Truly a one-of-a-kind Midwestern experience. Excellent food, wine, service, and value. Rare...and very well done. Lunch Monday­- Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., cocktail hour 3-6 p.m., dinner nightly 5 p.m.

—droverrestaurant.com

FLEMING'S PRIME STEAKHOUSE - $$$$

402-393-0811 140 Regency Parkway At Fleming’s, a steak is never just a steak. It’s the culmination of a meticulous process of selection, preparation, and service that ensures it reaches your table at its very best. We obsess over every detail so that you’ll savor every bite.

This is why we offer the finest USDA Prime beef, available both wet- and dry-aged and broiled at 1,600 degrees or iron-crusted. You can elevate your selection even more with our indulgent steak companions, including truffle-poached lobster, diablo shrimp, and lump crabmeat. Each dish is crafted from scratch by our culinary team and served by our skillful staff. Reservations recommended.

—flemingssteakhouse.com

JOHNNY'S CAFÉ - $$$

Food Features • Restaurant Reviews Chef Profiles • Dining Guides • In Every Issue

402-731-4774 4702 S. 27th St. Years of quality dining and hospitality make Johnny's Café a restaurant to remember. We serve only the finest beef the Midwest has to offer. Aged steaks and prime rib are the specialties, with homemade bread and pies to complete a meal. An excellent wine list adds to the enjoyment at one of Omaha's original restaurants. Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

—johnnyscafe.com

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+

// 110 //

OCTOBER 2019

FOR LOCAL EVENTS.

// EXPLORE CALNENDAR //

STAY & PLAY IN SARPY COUNTY! Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, Gretna. Open daily through October.

Sarpy County awaits with a wonderful mix of fun things to see and do. Check out Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch, Scary Acres or Haunted Hollow for some great fall fun you won’t find anywhere else. Sample the offerings at one of our many local breweries, distilleries and winery. And with over 2,300 affordable rooms, free parking and no minimum night requirements, Sarpy County is the perfect place to stay during football season. Kick off your adventure today at GoSarpy.com!

BELLEVUE • GRETNA • LA VISTA • PAPILLION • SPRINGFIELD • OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE • OMAHA METRO Tree Rush Adventures at Fontenelle Forest

Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Farm, Bellevue

Embassy Suites, La Vista

Holy Family Shrine, near Gretna

Scary Acres

// EXPLORE CALENDAR //

OLD TIME AUTUMN Oct. 13-14 in

NEBRASK A

44TH NATIONAL OLD TIME MUSIC FESTIVAL

Brownville. This weekend celebration, taking place where it all began for Nebraska, focuses on historic sights and sounds, with activities such as carriage rides and a river cruise. 402.825.6001.

—brownvillehistoricalsociety.org

Oct. 3-6 at Christiansen Field House, Fremont. Three stages, four days, and endless entertainers. Goers can expect to see over 250 country performers from around the world. There is plenty of classic festival food to choose from while enjoying various genres of country music from OCT. bluegrass to mountain. 712-762-4363.

—music-savers.com

HARVEST MOON FALL FESTIVAL Oct.

12 in Hemingford. Featuring a goat roping contest, lip sync battle, haunted maze, home-brewed beer contest. and a 5K run/walk, this festival offers something for everyone. 308.487.3562.

—hemingfordharvestmoonfallfestival.com

4-6

GREAT PUMPKIN FESTIVAL Oct. 4-6

along Main Street, Crete. There is fun for the entire family at this event. A zip-line down Main Street, Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest, and the Great Pumpkin Competition are a few of this year’s listed activities. 402.826.2136.

—cretepumpkinfest.com

HARVEST FAIR AND MARKET Oct. 5 at The Pumpkin Patch at BE Farm, Bayard.

Featuring the “Paint and Cider” event with artist Kelly Bhenke, this event also offers pumpkin picking, arts and crafts vendors, and food trucks. 308.641.5336.

—bepumpkinpatch.com

GUNS 'N' ROSES Oct. 15 at Pinnacle Bank

Arena, Lincoln. The American hard rock band will be stopping in Lincoln during their “Not In This Lifetime” tour. 402.904.4444.

—gunsnroses.com

NEBRASKA COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL Oct.

18-19 at Lincoln County Fairgrounds, North Platte. Music, dancing, and entertainment will be plentiful, and this year’s theme is “Nebraska Country Stars.” 308.390.1804.

—necmf.net

BERTRAND FALL CRAFT SHOW

PRAIRIE LIGHTS FILM FESTIVAL Oct.

CITIZENS’ CLIM ATE LOBBY ENVIRONMENTAL FILM PART Y Oct.

11-13 at Grand Theatre in Grand Island.

Held at the historic Grand Theatre, films made by Nebraskans are promoted and showcased during this weekend in an attempt to encourage growth and support for local films and filmmakers. 308.381.2667.

—prairielightsfilmfest.com

Children’s Zoo. Nearly 40 trick-or-treat booths giving out candy, coupons, and more can be found at Lincoln’s largest trick-ortreat event. All proceeds directly support the zoo and care for animals. 402.475.6741.

—lincolnzoo.org

SUPERHERO SPOOKTACULAR Oct. 26 at

Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum, Ashland. Arrive in costume and trick or treat around various stations, take photos with superheroes, and expect to see games and prizes throughout the event. New in 2019 is four superherothemed escape rooms. 402 .94 4 .3100.

—sacmuseum.org

IOWA

OKTOBERFEST Oct. 4-6 at Amana Festhalle Barn, Amana. Beginning with the official keg-tapping ceremony, this festival featuring special food, events, and music—all with a German flare—has been celebrated in the Amana Colonies since 1965. 319.622.7622.

—amanacolonies.com

OCT.

ELYRIA PUMPKIN FESTIVAL Oct. 6, Elyria.

Enjoy a free slice of pumpkin pie at the 27th annual event, and be sure to check out the pumpkins for sale. There are many activities for children, as well as vendors and a tractor display. 308.728.7875 .

— ordnebraska.com

BOO AT THE ZOO Oct. 26-30 at Lincoln

PUMPKINFEST Oct. 5-6 on Main

Street, Anamosa. Titled the “ Pumpkin Capital of Iowa,” thousands will come to Anamosa for this festival that features giant pumpkins, dozens of food and craft vendors, games for kids, and one of the largest parades in Iowa. 319.462.4879.

—anamosachamber.org

5-6

Oct. 19 at Bertrand Community Building, Bertrand. Arts, crafts, beverages, and pastries are offered at this event featuring crafters and vendors from across Nebraska. 308. 472 .5029.

—holdregechamber.com

22 at Bean Broker Coffeehouse and Pub, Chadron. This climate-solution centered group invites other concerned citizens to watch an environmental film and discuss afterwards. 308. 432. 4401.

—chadron.com

SPOOKY STORIES AND S’MORES Oct. 9 at

Bloomsbury Farm, Atkins. After the sun goes down, Wheezy the Friendly Witch will tell spooky stories while guests enjoy a s’more and a cup of hot chocolate. Until then, attendees can enjoy a hayrack ride, corn palace, fairy tale trail, and other activities. 319.446.7667.

—bloomsburyfarm.com OCTOBER 2019

// 113 //

// EXPLORE CALENDAR //

SCENIC DRIVE FESTIVAL Oct. 11-13 in

towns in Van Buren County. Thousands will travel to Southeastern Iowa for this three-day event. This festival is home to one of Iowa’s largest flea markets, and has many different opportunities for food and activities. 319.293 .7111.

—villagesofvanburen.com

SPIRIT IN THE GARDENS Oct. 19-20 at

GREATER KANSAS CITY JAPAN FESTIVAL

K ANSAS

MID AMERICA FLEA MARKET Oct. 6 at

Reiman Gardens, Ames. Dressing in costume will allow kids and families to participate in trick-or-treating, storytelling, and a Jack-O-Lantern Walk, with view 650 lit Jack-O-Lanterns. 515 .294 .2710.

—reimangardens.com

Oct. 5 at Johnson County Community College, Overland Park. With music, remarks by distinguished guests, the ritual of Kagamiwari, and a toast to open the 2019 Festival, this day brings multiple ethnic groups together to learn about Japanese culture.

—kcjapanfestival.org

HALLOWEENAPALOOZA Oct. 11-12 in

Ottumwa. With special guests Alex Vincent and Chucky, this festival held at the historic and haunted Hotel Ottumwa was created by horror filmmakers for horror fans. The weekend will consist of independent horror films, costume contests, and a zombie walk. 641.799.9770.

—halloweenpalooza.wixsite.com/home

MADISON COUNTY COVERED BRIDGE FESTIVAL Oct. 12-13, Winterset. Priding

itself on its uniqueness, this festival encourages visitors to participate in oldtime entertainments such as square dancing and marble shooting. The festival also has other activities, including a farmers market, parade, hot air balloon rides, and the annual horseshoe tournament. 515.462.1185.

—madisoncounty.com

OCT.

OSBORNE HERITAGE DAYS

Oct. 12-13 in Osborne. Heritage Days began in 1975 and has become one of Northeast Iowa’s most popular fall festivals.

Thousands of visitors can expect to see demonstrations such as basketry, candle making, and quilting; contests including chili cooking and pumpkin decorating; and foods like caramel apples, pie, and buffalo stew. 563 . 245 .1516.

—claytoncountyconservation.org

12-13

AMES ARTISTS’ STUDIO TOUR Oct. 12-13

at various art studios, Ames. Children and adults are invited to a “behind the scenes” look at the life of an artist. These self-guided tours through participating studios in the area will allow viewers to learn more about artistry. 515.259.0494.

—amesart.org

ARB'BOO' WEEN

Oct. 19 at Iowa Arboretum, Ames. Decorated pumpkins, hayrides, and a hay maze are some of the activities families can expect to see at this costume-friendly event. 515.795.3216.

—iowaarboretum.org

// 114 //

OCTOBER 2019

ICT BLOKTOBERFEST Oct. 4-5 at WaterWalk,

Wichita. Combining Oktoberfest with a Wichita Block Party, plenty of food and brews will be available at this local, kidand-dog-friendly event. 316. 285 .9227.

—ictbloktoberfest.com

WOOFSTOCK 2019 Oct. 5 at Sedgwick County Park, Wichita. “Falls Fluffiest Festival” has become one of the largest events of its kind in the midwest. This community-building event gives attendees the chance to create a difference for homeless pets while including fun activities such as doggy musical chairs. 316.524.9196.

—support.kshumane.org

Kansas State Fairgrounds, Hutchinson.

A $1 admission fee will allow shoppers to v iew and purchase a w ide var iet y of merchandise, i nc lud i ng a nt iq u e s a nd pr i m itives . 62 0 . 6 63 . 5 62 6 .

OCT. —m id a mer ica f lea m a rket s . com

11-13

COL UMBU S DAY FE S T I VA L AND HOT AIR BA LLOON REGAT TA

Oct. 11-13 at various locations in Columbus. One of the fastest-growing festivals in southeast K ansas , the main attraction is hot air balloons, but the event also includes ar t exhibits, a car show, and more. 620. 429 .1492 .

—columbusdayballoons.com

HOME TO THE largest public

collection of quilts in the world, it only makes sense that Lincoln’s International Quilt Museum attracts visitors from all over the globe! Located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus, the International Quilt Museum hosts exhibits yearround. Come and celebrate the cultural and artistic collections! www.lincoln.org/omahamag

// EXPLORE CALENDAR //

BOTANICAL BREWFEST Oct. 12 at Botanical

Brewfest Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Overland Park.

Adults can taste over 90 craft beers from around 40 breweries, enjoy food, music, dancing, and more. All funds raised benefit the Arboretum. 913 .322 .6467.

—artsandrec-op.org

PIONEER HARVEST FESTIVAL Oct. 18-20

at Bourbon County Fairgrounds, Fort Scott. This weekend features one of the largest flea markets in the region and has educational and historic activities for all ages. Rock crushing and corn shucking demonstrations are two of many events happening at the festival. 620.670.2750.

OCT. —visitfortscott.com

18-20

NASCAR PL AYOFF RACES

Oct. 19-20 at Kansas Speedway, Kansas City. The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Elimination race is an action-packed weekend with excitement for everyone. 866.460.7223.

—kansasspeedway.com

OCTOBER 2019

// 115 //

// EXPLORE CALENDAR //

MAPLE LEAF FESTIVAL Oct. 19-20 at

Lumberyard Arts Center, Baldwin. This traditional weekend has over 300 craft exhibits, quilt shows and displays, performing arts, music, food, and more. The festival is the biggest fall family event in the area, and provides the opportunity for local nonprofit organizations to raise money. 785.594.7564.

—mapleleaffestival.com

MISSOURI

GREAT NORTH AMERICAN Oktoberfest Oct. 4-6

at location TBA, St. Louis. Featuring awardwinning brewers of German-style beer, friends and family come together to celebrate German food and culture. The festival also includes games and rides for all ages. 314.622.4550.

—americanoktoberfest.com

REPUBLIC PUMPKIN DAZE Oct. 6 in

Republic. Since 1992 , many gather to celebrate pumpkin season with activ ities and vendors selling ar ts and craf ts . 417.732 . 6210.

OCT. —republicpumpkindaze.com

K ANSAS CITY GRILLED CHEESE FESTIVAL Oct. 5 at Ilus W. Davis Park,

OCTOBER 2019

MISSOURI DAY FESTIVAL Oct. 18-21 at

Weston. Come to Missouri’s “Best Small Town” for one of Missouri’s best fall festivals.

This weekend offers a downtown parade, apple dumplings and apple pie, arts and crafts booths, and much more. 816.640.2909.

—westonmo.com

Trenton High School, Trenton. The largest festival of the year in Trenton, around 10,000 people are drawn to the area for this familyfriendly event. Vendors and many events, such as a marching band competition, make for an exciting weekend. 600.359.4606.

—trentonmochamber.com

SUMMIT ART FESTIVAL Oct. 11-13 at Downtown Lee’s Summit, Missouri. With over 100 artists from around the countr y, art, music, and food is plentiful at this 12th annual festival. 800.600.5932.

— summitartfest.org

OCT.

SPOOKY SATURDAY Oct. 26 at St.

Louis Zoo, St. Louis. Parents and kids are invited for a day of educational activities throughout the zoo, with Halloween themes and surprises along the way. Costumed characters hope to see attendees in their costumes. 314.781.0900.

—stlzoo.org

26

GAMING ARTS MEDIA EXPO Oct. 11-13 at Springfield Expo, Springfield. Featuring artists, game masters, and a costume contest, this three-day event includes many activities for gamers. 417.616.3101.

—springfieldgame.com

APPLE BUTTER MAKIN’ DAYS Oct. 11-13

on the courthouse square, Mount Vernon. Apple butter is cooked using century-old methods, and games and entertainment are available for all ages. This festival is one of Missouri’s most popular. 417.466.7654.

—mtvchamber.com

11-13

Kansas City. The second annual festival shows off grilled cheese from local Kansas City restaurants and food trucks. The day will also include live music, games, bounce houses, and face painting. 816.812.1829.

—kccrew.com

// 116 //

WESTON APPLEFEST Oct. 5-6 at downtown

Event times and details may change.

Visist omahamagazine.com for complete listings.

Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.

CELEBRATE THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF

The 2020 Best of Omaha Winners

FEATURING

music, performances, networking hors-d’oeuvres & beverages provided business chic attire requested

21+

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NOT FUNNY // COLUMN BY OTIS TWELVE // PHOTOGRAPH BY BILL SITZMANN

ONE THING I KNOW

C

ur pullum ad transire via? (Why did the chicken cross the road?)

Not easy to answer, don’t you agree? It’s a simple question on its face, but with so many deep implications. Not a concept to be approached lightly; to be left in the hands of dilettantes or the unqualified. It’s a complex world.

My background in Latin has made me at ease in social situations involving professors from Oxford, or conferences celebrating Horace, Virgil, Plutarch, or The Gallic Wars. I know what “Carpe Diem” means, even if the teenager wearing the T-shirt thinks it’s a reference to a fish. I know what “Caveat Emptor” means. That’s why I never buy clothes online.

Our society faces many, evermore complicated challenges as the planet warms, the global economy cools, the price of avocados goes up while my credit score goes down. Many tough questions need to be answered. We need educated people to find the solutions to these and other similar problems.

My knowledge of Latin also means I can pick up a newspaper in Rome and completely misunderstand what the headlines say, while acting quite sure of myself as I share with my fellow travelers the news that today is the day the priests will be painting stray cats in the Coliseum. I’m pretty sure that was the correct translation.

I am extremely well educated.

A background in classical Greek comes in handy as well. Since I know some Greek, I can usually suss out what my doctor intends to do to me.

Especially if it involves some “ectomy” or another.

And don’t get me started about necrosis, psychosis, or the apocalypse.

Don’t get me wrong, I am also frequently wrong about what I think I know. Or, maybe a better way to put it, I am frequently surprised by all the bothersome facts that fill in the blanks between my knowledge and reality. The first measure of an educated person is, after all, a realization of their limitations. Being “educated” is not synonymous with being “right.”

But, I am well educated.

I was taught Latin and classic Greek by monks.

Really, I kid you not, and, no, I am not a side character from an episode of Outlander, season one. I was educated, at least partially, in a monastery, where we got up really early, sang really old chants, and read really old books. Some of the books were so old, there were no audio versions available in iTunes—imagine that. Us monks wore sandals a lot, too. I still like sandals.

Education is critical to human progress. Even when most of the people we educate seem to keep cranking out strange new apps for our way-toosmart phones, we still need to invest in quality education for our children. One or two of them might turn out to be smart enough to get the human race out of the pickle we’re in now. They are our only hope. As an educated person, I know enough to realize that saving humanity is beyond me, and I know…

Cur pullum ad transire via?

You know the answer: Voluit ad alteram.

For expanded content, scan this QR code with your smart device.

OCTOBER

// 118 //

2019

#OMAHAMAGAZINE SHARE YOUR PHOTOS OF OMAHA TO BE FEATURED HERE.

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instagram.com/omahamagazine

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OCTOBER

// 119 //

2019

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