The Reader - El Perico Sept 2020

VOTE

in the GENERAL

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SE P T E M BE R 2020 | volU M E 27 | I SSUE 07

f e at u r e : W h o P o l i c e s t h e P o l i c e ? I n O m a h a , C i t i z e n s H av e L i t t l e S ay | F u n d T h e P e o p l e : D e f i n i n g w h at i t m e a n s t o d e f u n d t h e p o l i c e

402.496.0220 402.496.0220 402.496.0220 www.huberchevy.com www.huberchevy.com “Your “Your Way! Way!Under Underthe theExpressway!”

Expressway!”

11102 West Dodge Rd. • Omaha, NE 68154 “Your Way!Dodge UnderRd. the Expressway!”

11102 West • Omaha, NE 68154 11102 West Dodge Rd. • Omaha, NE 68154

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SEPTEMBER 2020

www.huberchevy.com

We are FNBO With more than 160 years’ experience meeting our customers’ financial needs, First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) has built a reputation for service few banks can match.

We have a history of doing what’s right for our customers, employees, shareholders and the communities in which we serve.

Our Operating Philosophy and independent ownership have guided our long-term investments in facilities, processing technologies and infrastructure, rather than managing from quarter to quarter to satisfy Wall Street. We’ve been independent and family owned since 1857, which has been our recipe for success for six generations.

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FNBO has been recognized at the highest levels. We are currently ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Retail Banking in the Midwest” by J.D. Power; named a MONEY “Best Bank in the Midwest;” THE B I G and ranked one of OF T Forbes “Best Banks in America.”

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At FNBO, we think of ourselves as the “great big, small bank,” large enough to provide the expertise and resources necessary to handle any financial need, yet small enough to know you personally. We are a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska, with nearly 5,000 employees and $23 billion in assets. With 98 retail banking locations in Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota and Texas, we help our customers and communities to succeed by focusing on building relationships at a local level.

Lines of Business include: Consumer Banking Business Banking SBA Lending Mortgage Services Commercial Lending Equipment Financing Investment Services Commercial Real Estate Wealth Management Business & Consumer Credit Cards Treasury Services

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JOBS: Nebraska Unemployment Process Leaves Many in the Gap

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feature: Who Polices the Police? In Omaha, Citizens Have Little Say

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feature: Fund the People: Defining What it Means to Defund the Police

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publisher/editor........... John Heaston john@thereader.com graphic designers........... Ken Guthrie Sebastian Molina news..........................Robyn Murray copy@thereader.com lead reporter............... Chris Bowling chris@thereader.com associate publisher.... Karlha Velasquez karlha@el-perico.com creative coordinator...... Lynn Sanchez lynn@pioneermedia.me

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

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COVER: Best Of The Big O! 2020’s Best Of Votes are In!

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MUSIC: Héctor Anchondo: Whatever Happens Will Be The Perfect Outcome

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DISH: Lend an ear to Omaha’s foodie podcasts 矩

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HOODOO: September Goings Ons

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FILM: The Best Stuff to Stream You (Maybe) Haven’t Seen | Review: She Dies Tomorrow

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Theater: Great Plains Theater Commons Tackles Inclusion, Socially Distanced Stages

healing...............Michael Braunstein info@heartlandhealing.com arts/visual.................... Mike Krainak mixedmedia@thereader.com dish................................ Sara Locke crumbs@thereader.com film.................................Ryan Syrek cuttingroom@thereader.com hoodoo................. B.J. Huchtemann bjhuchtemann@gmail.com music..................... Houston Wiltsey backbeat@thereader.com over the edge..............Tim McMahan tim.mcmahan@gmail.com theater.................... Beaufield Berry coldcream@thereader.com

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OVER THE EDGE: The Return of Bright Eyes

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OUR DIGITAL MARKETING SERVICES

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Distance Classes Dispel Fear Of Contagion In Omaha Public Schools

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COVID-19 Keeps South Omaha in “Red”

SEPTEMBER 2020

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Fotos Sociales // Social Photos Proud to be Carbon Neutral

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August 2020 Issue CORRECTIONS p. 15 (South Omaha CIty Sprouts Mural) Photo was incorrectly attributed to Andre Sessions. Photographer was Mike Machian

p. 21 (Mother and sons in garden) Photo was incorrectly attributed to Andre Sessions. Photographer was Mike Machian

SEPTEMBER 2020

5

GIS Specialist

Provides oversight & facilitates organizational Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) layers through our geospatial data & mapping clearinghouse. Develops & maintains spatial & tabular geodatabases using database design & interoperability mechanisms with Enterprise GIS mapping platform. Administers Enterprise GIS users, security models, configuration, service publishing, & software updates. Collaborates with GIS team developing GIS applications & on developing, correcting, & maintaining spatial data layers.

Conducts MS SQL queries, spatial analysis, topology, & geographic data interpretation & reporting through geo-processing & other scripting techniques. Analyzes design & implements geodatabase schemas.

Spatially enables & standardizes native MS SQL databases for data integration into Enterprise GIS platform.

Designs solutions for multi-table, multi-geodatabase, & complex processing needs for vector & raster data layers & data architecture & optimizes deployment practices. Defines standard data architectural objectives as relate to GIS-based systems development& associated guidance. Serves as resource to application development teams on design & implementation of GIS-based data. Provides guidance on structuring & preparing internal data sets for usage within GIS-based systems. Identifies& recommends public and/or commercial datasets. Identifies& champions improvements to database-related aspects of team projects.

Assists in integrating GIS-based technologies with custom-built internal applications & third-party solutions, including design & testing of GIS-based components&selection, correction, implementation, & maintenance of geospatial data sets. Participates in Agile project processing, project team creation of GIS-related documentation, & enterprise database initiatives.

Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or equiv in Geographic Information Systems, Geography, or a Geospatial Technology-related Computer Programming or Engineering field with 7yrs exp in a GIS role, including experience with ArcGIS Map/Pro & FME for data management; creating complex MS SQL queries; performing spatial analysis; server-side software (ArcGIS Enterprise, Portal for ArcGIS, ArcGIS Server); Enterprise GIS Administration, GIS Architecture & security; developing GIS Applications using WebApp Builder, ArcGIS REST API, JavaScript API, Source Control, Database Design, Field Data Collection - Survey123 & Collector for ArcGIS; GIS Automation using Python Scripting for data &service deployments, geo-processing, & admin tasks; monitoring & testing geodatabases; developing, documenting, & performing data capture, secure data sharing protocols, & geodatabase quality control procedures; managing & supporting multi-user features; attribute editing of GIS data; creating data for spatial analysis & report in desktop & web mapping applications; developing & utilizing geo-processing tools for spatial overlays & analyses, generate & analyze grids & surfaces, network & route analysis, &communication of data results; managing & validating address geocoding & integrating data through enterprise address standardization process; enhancing utilization of SDI & Enterprise GIS components through technical support, training, & communications; as well as preparing guidance for data workflows & interoperability for feature & map layers & cartographic maps using 2D & 3D visualization rendering techniques; publishing web feature & map service layers to Enterprise GIS platform; preparing & implementing cartographic, symbology, labeling & other layer representation guidance across various platforms; & the ability to work with developers & users to implement geodatabase & feature/map layer guidance& create & update automated data validation functions, data descriptions, & ISO metadata for SDI & other data layers.

Send resumes to Caylee Messersmith, Farm Credit Services of America, 5015 S. 118th Street, Omaha, NE 68137.

DOCS/2510871.1

ProKarma, Inc. Software Engineer #482792 ProKarma, Inc. has mult. openings for Software Engineer in Omaha, NE; travel and/or reloc to various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. is required. Responsible for designing, programming, coding, and analyzing new computer programs and data structures in accordance with specifications and user needs. Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced. Req. a Master’s Degree in Comp Sci, Engg (any), or any technical/analytical field + 2yrs of exp in an IT/Comp-related position.

To apply, email Resumes via email to postings@prokarma.com with Job Ref# 482792 in subject line.

6

September 2020

Nebraska

Unemployment Process Leaves Many in the Gap

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by CHRIS BOWLING

ince the pandemic struck, Jake Greve’s paychecks have been decimated. Even as business at Nite Owl where the 26 year old works as a bartender crept back from curbside to socially distanced dine in, his income is still only a third of what it was before.

That was fine when unemployment benefits were coming in.

Then the $600 per week federal program ended. Then the state disqualified him from receiving unemployment benefits.

In all he estimates he’s lost out on thousands of dollars. Add bills from rent, incoming car payments after a fallen tree branch totaled his Jeep and other necessities, Greve said he feels trapped and out of options.

“Essentially three out of four weeks in a month I’d have to not spend any money to make rent and that last paycheck would just be groceries throughout the four weeks,” Greve said.

Greve first lost his benefits in July when his weekly application was denied because he failed to show he’d applied for new jobs.

However, all his coworkers continued receiving benefits so he wondered why he was treated differently.

With little help from the Department of Labor, many, like Greve, have turned to state senators for help.

Senator Machaela Cavanaugh said hundreds have contacted her office in hopes that she or her aides can grease the wheels on the application processes. One person in particular still hasn’t received any unemployment, which they applied for back in March.

“[The application process] is terribly complicated,” Cavanaugh said. “The website has far more information on it than it ever should, which is really designed to make it harder to find what you really need.”

When Greve waited on the phone with the Department of Labor for five hours, he was told a supervisor would re-evaluate his case.

“I was trying to ask, ‘When can I expect to hear back from anybody?’” he said. “‘Do you have a timeline on that?’ And they just told me ‘No.’ They just said, ‘They’ll get back to you when they get to it. They have to work with what cases are presented to them in order.’ And so it’s been a month and a half and I haven’t heard back from them.”

Greve doesn’t have to look far to see the obvious solution to his problems. Many bars and restaurants in Blackstone are operating at full capacity and eschewing social distancing. They might need bartenders.

But the solution to his financial problems would require an ethical compromise of putting himself and patrons at increased risk of COVID-19 infection.

Greve likes to think it would never come to that. But his confidence is not rock solid.

“I don’t want to give up on my job, and I don’t think I will,” Greve said. “And I was doing very well before any of this happened, so I’d like to see it get back to that point. But as this keeps stretching out longer and longer because of the lack of measures other people are implementing, it makes it harder to be content with that decision.”

ProKarma Inc. has mult. openings for SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER in Test in Omaha, NE; travel and/or relocation to various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. is required.

ProKarma, Inc. Software Engineer # 386912

Ref#377766 in subject line.

ProKarma Inc. has mult. openings for Software Engineer in Omaha, NE; travel and/or relocation to various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. is required. Design, program, code and analyze new computer programs and data structures in accordance with specifications and user needs. Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.

Reqs: Master’s degree in Comp Sci, Engg (any), or related technical/analytical field + 2 yrs exp. In IT-Comp.-related position.

To apply, email Resumes via email to postings@prokarma.com with Job Ref# 386912 in subject line.

ProKarma, Inc.

ProKarma, Inc.

Responsible for designing and developing test automation framework and scripts which are suitable for agile/ scrum projects using Selenium web-driver with Core Java. Reqs: Master’s degree in Comp Sci, Engg (any), or related technical/analytical field + 1 yr exp. In IT-Comp. related position.

To apply, email Resumes via email to postings@prokarma.com with Job

Software Engineer # 483171

Software Engineer #502698

ProKarma, Inc. has mult. openings for Software Engineer in Omaha, NE; travel and/or reloc to various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. is required. Responsible for designing/ programming/coding/ & analyzing new comp. prgms. & data structures in accordance with specifications & user needs. Correct errors by making appropriate changes & rechecking the prgm. to ensure that the desired results are produced. Req. a MS degree in Comp.Sci, Engg (any), or any technical/analytical field that is closely related to the specialty, + 1 yr. of exp in an IT/Comp-related position.

ProKarma, Inc. has mult. openings for Software Engineer in Omaha, NE; travel and/or reloc to various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. is required. Responsible for designing, programming, coding, and analyzing new comp programs and data structures in accordance with specifications and user needs. Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced. Req. a Bachelor’s degree in Comp Sci, Engineering (any), or any technical/analytical field that is closely related to the specialty, plus 5 years of exp in an IT/Comp-related position.

To apply, email Resumes to

To apply, email Resumes to

postings@prokarma.com with Job Ref#483171 in subject line.

postings@prokarma.com with Job Ref#502698 in subject line.

September 2020

7

ProKarma, Inc. Software Development Engineer in Test # 377708

Software Development Engineer in Test #377888

ProKarma, Inc. has mult. openings for SDET in Omaha, NE; travel and/or reloc to various unanticipated loc. throughout the U.S. is req. Resp. for developing/ modifying & evaluating existing Automation & Performance scripts for apps based on bus. reqs. Reqs: improve performance, perform scrum testing.

Reqs: MS degree in Comp Sci, Engg (any), or related technical/analytical field + 2 yrs exp. In IT-Comp.-related position To apply, email Resumes to postings@prokarma.com with Job Ref# 377708 in subject line.

ProKarma, Inc. has mult. openings for SDET in Omaha, NE; travel &/or relocation to various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. is required. Responsible for designing & developing test automation framework & scripts which are suitable for agile/ scrum projects. Perform integration/ functional/regression/user acceptance testing/& end-to-end testing. Reqs: BS in Comp Sci, Engg (any), or any tech/ analytical field that is closely related to the specialty + five 5 yrs of exp in an IT/ Comp-related position. To apply, email resumes to postings@prokarma.com with Job Ref# 377888 in subject line.

ProKarma, Inc.

ProKarma, Inc.

Software Engineer#438642 ProKarma Inc. hasmult. openings for Software Engineer in Omaha, NE; travel and/or relocation to various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. is required.

Responsible for designing, programming, coding, and analyzing programs and data structures; correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program. Reqs: Master’s degree in Comp Sci, Engg (any), or related technical/analytical field + knowledge of NoSQL databases, Hadoop, Lex, Yacc, and LR(k) grammars.

To apply, email Resumes via email to postings@prokarma.com with Job Ref#438642 in subject line.

8

ProKarma, Inc.

September 2020

Software Engineer #409385 ProKarma Inc. has mult. openings for Software Engineer in Omaha, NE; travel and/or relocation to various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. is required.

Resp. for analyzing complex system reqs., existing bus. processes, info. Sys., and security. Code, test, debug docs and implement software apps. Reqs: MS in Comp Sci, Engg (any), or related tech./ analytical field + knowledge of registering operations, control of operations, and memory systems.

To apply, email Resumes to postings@prokarma.com with Job Ref#409385 in subject line.

ProKarma, Inc. Software Engineer #452202 ProKarma, Inc. has mult. openings for Software Engineer in Omaha, NE; travel and/ or reloc to various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. is req. Will be responsible for analyzing/designing/programming & implementing new comp. programs & data structures in accordance with user needs including Hadoop and Spark Solutions.

Req. a MS degree in Comp Sci, Engg (any) or any tech/analytical field + knowledge of JAVA/ Objective C/Graphical User Interface (GUI) Applications/mobile operating systems & development environments.

ProKarma, Inc.

Software Development Engineer in Test #470562 ProKarma, Inc. has mult. openings for SDET in Omaha, NE; travel and/or reloc to various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. is required. Resp. for developing & writing computer programs to store/locate & retrieve specific docs., data, & info. Create/modify & test the code/forms & script that allow computer apps. to run. Req. a MS degree in Comp. Sci., Engg (any), or any technical/analytical field that is closely related to the specialty + knowledge of TCP/UDP protocols /UNIX, C++/Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANS)/ & Access Control Lists (ACLs).

To apply, email Resumes to

To apply, email Resumes to postings@prokarma.com with Job Ref#452202 in subject line.

with Job Ref#470562 in subject line.

ProKarma, Inc.

ProKarma Inc.

has mult. openings for Software Developer in Omaha, NE; travel &/ or reloc to various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. is required.

postings@prokarma.com

has mult. openings for Software Engineer in Omaha, NE; travel and/or relocation to various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. is required.

Design/program/code & analyze new computer programs & data structures in accordance with specifications & user needs. Correct errors by making appropriate changes & rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced. Req. a BS degree in Comp Sci, Engg (any), or related tech/ analytical field + 5 yrs of exp in an IT/ Comp-related position.

Design high-level architecture to implement monitoring and alerting solutions for customer services on ICINGA server. Design serverless Node-JS applications. Reqs: Bachelor’s degree in Comp Sci, Engg (any), or related technical/analytical field + 5 yrs exp. (or Associates + 6 yrs.) in IT-Comp. -related position.

To apply, email Resumes to postings@prokarma.com with Job Re #362813 in subject line.

To apply, email Resumes via email to postings@prokarma.com with Job Ref# 428853 in subject line.

September 2020

9

ProKarma, Inc.

ProKarma, Inc.

Software Engineer #438681

Data Scientist #455550

ProKarma, Inc. has mult. openings for Software Engineer in Omaha, NE; travel and/or reloc to various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. is required. Responsible for designing, programming, coding, and analyzing new computer programs and data structures in accordance with specifications and user needs. Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced. Req. a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engg (any), or any technical/analytical field + 5yrs of exp in an IT/Comp-related position.

To apply, email Resumes via email to postings@prokarma.com with Job Ref# 438681 in subject line.

ProKarma, Inc. has mult. openings for Data Scientist in Omaha, NE; travel and/or reloc to various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. is required. Develop End-to-end machine learning & data mining framework built on top of Spark leveraging big data to simplify the lifecycle of building enterprise grade predictive models. Automate Feature engineering tasks to organization standards within framework includes numerical, categorical binning, low variance filter, feature reduction by backward selection & principal component analysis. Req. a Master’s Degree in Comp Sci, Engg (any), or any technical/analytical field + 1yr of exp in an IT/Comp-related position. To apply, email Resumes via email to postings@prokarma. com with Job Ref#455550 in subject line.

ProKarma, Inc.

ProKarma, Inc.

Software Engineer # 378154 ProKarma, Inc. has mult. openings for Software Engineer in Omaha, NE; travel and/or reloc to various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. is required.

Responsible for modifying existing software to correct errors, allowing it to adapt to new hardware or to improve its performance. Design, program, code, and analyze new computer programs and data structures in accordance with specifications and user needs. Req. a Master’s Degree in Comp Sci, Engg (any), CIS, or any technical/analytical field + 2yrs of exp in an IT/Comp-related position. To apply, email Resumes via email to postings@prokarma.com with Job Ref# 378154 in subject line.

10

September 2020

Solutions Architect #452251 ProKarma Inc. has mult. openings for Solutions Architectin Omaha, NE; travel and/or relocation to various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. is required.Design, program, code, and analyze comp. programs and data structures; Write, update, and maintain comp. programs.Reqs: MS in Comp Sci, Engg (any), or related tech./analytical field + 2 yrs. in IT/Computer-related field.

To apply, email Resumes to postings@prokarma.com with Job Ref#452251 in subject line.

ProKarma, Inc.

has mult. openings for Software Engineer in Omaha, NE; travel and/or reloc to various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. is required.

ProKarma, Inc.

has mult. openings for Quality Assurance Test Engineer in Omaha, NE; travel and/or relocation to various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. is required.

Responsible for developing and writing computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

Req. Master’s degree in Comp Sci, Engg (any), or technical/analytical field, + 2 yrs exp in IT/Comp-related position.

Responsible for developing structured agile based testing process and protocols for manual testing and test automation to optimize delivery. Reqs: Master’s degree in Comp Sci, Engg (any), or related technical/analytical field + 2 yrs exp. in IT-Comp.-related position.

To apply, email Resumes via email to postings@prokarma.com with Job Ref#377748 in subject line.

To apply, email Resumes via email to postings@prokarma.com with Job Ref# 458386 in subject line.

ProKarma, Inc.

ProKarma, Inc.

Software Engineer #455602-471486 ProKarma, Inc. has mult. openings for Software Engineer in Omaha, NE; travel and/or reloc to various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. is required.

Responsible for designing, programming, coding, and analyzing new computer programs and data structures in accordance with specifications and user needs.

Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced. Req. a Master’s Degree in Comp Sci, Engg (any), or any technical/analytical field + 1yr of exp in an IT/Comp-related position.

To apply, email Resumes via email to postings@prokarma.com with Job Ref#455602-471486 in subject line.

Software Engineer #454857

ProKarma Inc. has mult. openings for Software Engineer in Omaha, NE; travel and / or relocation to various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. is required. Design, program, code, and analyze comp. programs and data structures; Write, update, and maintain comp. programs. Reqs: BS in Sci, Comp Sci, Engg (any), or related tech. / analytical field + 5 yrs. in IT / Computerrelated field; or Associates in Sci, Comp.

Sci, Engg (any) or related tech. analytical + years in IT/Computer-related field.

To apply, email Resumes to postings@prokarma.com with Job Ref#454857 in subject line.

September 2020

11

ProKarma, Inc. Programmer Analyst #517916 ProKarma, Inc. has mult. openings for Programmer Analyst in Omaha, NE; travel and/ or reloc to various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. is required. Responsible for design, development, integration, & implementation of business & process automation solutions for the enterprise.

Analyze user requirements, procedures, & problems to automate or improve existing systems & review computer system capabilities, workflow, & scheduling limitations.

Req. a Master’s Degree in Comp Sci, Engg (any), or any technical/analytical field + 1yr of exp in an IT/Comp-related position.

has mult. openings for SyStemS AnAlySt in Omaha, ne; travel and/or reloc to various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. is required.

To apply, email Resumes via email to postings@prokarma.com with Job Ref#517916 in subject line.

Responsible for collecting info to analyze & evaluate existing or developed applications/systems. Analyzes the feasibility of & develops reqs. for new systems & enhancements to existing systems. Ensure system design fits the need of the users. Req. a BS degree in Comp Sci, Engg (any), or any technical/ analytical field that is closely related to the specialty, + 5 years of exp in an IT/Comprelated position.

To apply, email Resumes to postings@prokarma.com with Job Ref# 470563 in subject line.

ProKarma, Inc.

ProKarma, Inc.

Software Engineer #377944

Software Engineer #377753

ProKarma, Inc. has mult. openings for Software Engineer in Omaha, NE; travel and/or reloc to various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. is required. Responsible for designing, coding, and analyzing new computer programs and data structures in accordance with specifications and user needs. Req. Bachelor’s degree in Comp Sci, Engg (any), or technical/analytical field, + 5 yrs exp in IT/Comp-related position.

To apply, email Resumes to postings@prokarma.com with Job Ref#377944 in subject line.

12

ProKarma, Inc.

September 2020

ProKarma, Inc. has mult. openings for Software Engineer in Omaha, NE; travel and/or reloc to various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. is required. Responsible for designing, developing, and analyzing application code to meet feature request specifications. Req. Master’s degree in Comp Sci, Engg (any), or technical/analytical field.

To apply, email Resumes to postings@prokarma.com with Job Ref#377753 in subject line.

F E A T U R E

Photo by Upsplash

Who Polices

the Police?

In Omaha, Citizens Have Little Say

by CHRIS BOWLING

W

Reader in an interview. “I think that the worst thing that we could do would be to let a board of citizens that are not trained impose discipline. I believe that is absolutely the worst thing because it takes the power to run the department away from the chief.”

hile a small crowd chanted outside, the 50 or so people who filled Omaha’s legislative chambers sat silently, waiting their turn to speak.

As they stood behind the podium, some locked eyes defiantly on each Omaha City Councilmember. Others struck their words like a hammer to a nail. They stared down intently at their prepared remarks, explaining why the council should divest funds from the Omaha Police Department during public testimony about the city’s proposed budget on Aug. 12.

But for those calling for transparency and accountability, the city’s solution to civilian oversight in policing falls far short.

“Not only is it not transparent, it’s double-down secret,” said Spike Eickholt, a lobbyist and attorney with the ACLU of Nebraska.

“That’s problematic because I think in order for the public to have some sort of assurance that the Citizen Complaint Review Board is actually doing something they have to know what it does. They have to know if they file a complaint, is it going to be taken seriously?”

At the core of every speech, they questioned the community’s relationship to the 902 sworn officers who patrol their city’s streets.

They asked, “Who really holds the power?”

“Do you think the average citizen even knows that they can [file a complaint]?” Omaha resident Amanda Humes said. “Or the most vulnerable of our citizens, the ones that are most likely to have a negative experience with the police.

The act of making a complaint in Omaha is a privilege and a luxury.”

In Omaha, formal police oversight is minimal. The city’s Citizen Complaint Review Board, tasked with reviewing a portion of complaints against the department, saw only six cases in the last two years. Earlier records were unavailable, the city said through a public records request made by The Reader. Furthermore, the city provided no proof the board has held any public education meetings, which it is required to do quarterly through its bylaws.

“The CCRB is not a public body, and as a result, their meetings are

recent protests in omaha, photo by ANDRE SESSIONS not open to the public, nor are any records that may be generated by the board considered to be public records,” the city said in its response.

In the wake of recent protests against police brutality, on July 15 Mayor Jean Stothert amended her executive order, which established the board in 2014, to allow complaints to go directly to the board and require the body to produce an annual report.

However, its meetings, held in Omaha Police Department headquarters and attended by officials from the city and OPD are still held in private with all case matters and recommendations to the mayor held confidentially. If members break their confidentiality agreements, they face expulsion and possible legal action.

Critics say Omaha needs specific statutory language that gives its Citizen Complaint Review Board more power and independence.

In interviews with The Reader, several critics called for the mayor, city council and other local government officials to do away with the confidentiality and secrecy, to open up and give people a reason to believe that officers who abuse their power are being held accountable. That’s not what’s happening now, and if it doesn’t change, distrust will only fester, they said.

“You have police policing themselves,” said state Senator Justin Wayne from District 13 in North Omaha. “So if there’s a rabbit hole they don’t want to go down, what stops them from not going down it?”

“I still think the system that we have is the best system that there could be,” Stothert told The Charts: Chris Bowling • Source: The Omaha Police Department • Created with Datawrapper

September 2020

13

F E A T U R E ‘They Don’t Want People Watching What They Do’

complaints by Year

Cases can be ruled: Sustained — There is enough evidence to prove the allegation is true;

Stothert said that while anti-government, anti-police and anarchist sentiment has touched Omaha, she believes it makes up a very small minority. Despite hundreds being arrested in the months since protests started— enduring overcrowded jail cells and mistreatment by law enforcement—the values they’re demonstrating for do not represent most Omahans trust in its police force, she said.

That department has seen a reduction in the number of homicides in recent years, although it’s spiked this year. OPD has also expanded initiatives such as mental health co-responders, body-worn cameras and less lethal tasers.

Chief Todd Schmaderer has also highlighted community programs, such as P.A.C.E., which gets at-risk kids involved in organized sports.

Stothert said the department, which has been accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies since 2001, monitors its officers closely. An officer like Derek Chauvin, who reportedly had a history of 17 complaints against him before he killed George Floyd in May, would never have a job in Omaha, she said.

Data obtained from OPD through a public records request shows the Omaha Police Department sided with complainants

Not-Sustained — There is not enough evidence to prove or disprove the allegation; Exonerated — The incident occurred but was lawful and proper; Unfounded — The complaint or allegation is proven false;

about 18% of the time from 2013 to 2020.

In Omaha, only one police officer has been fired due to a citizen complaint. OPD has also sided with a citizen in a use of force complaint only once and never sided with a citizen who accused an officer of racial profiling.

OPD has disciplined its officers 214 times since 2013, and nearly 92% of those disciplinary actions were mandated counseling or verbal or written warnings. Seventeen officers have been suspended during that same time period, accounting for about 7% of all disciplinary action.

If citizens disagree with the chief’s ruling, they can request further review from the Citizen Complaint Review Board.

In Lincoln, the police department sided with complainants nearly 60% of the time last year, according to its annual reports.

Citizen complaint outcomes

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That rate included both citizen and internal complaints, the latter of which skews higher in other cities.

Other larger police departments such as in Chicago sided with 2.5% of citizen complaints between 1988 and 2018, according to watchdog group Citizens Police Data Project. In Fresno, California, which has a comparable population to Omaha, police sided with citizen complaints about 19% of the time from 2016 to 2018, according to the watchdog group Campaign Zero.

In Omaha, citizens can make complaints against the police online or in person at police precincts, police headquarters, any public library or the mayor’s office. That complaint then goes to OPD’s Internal Affairs Unit where officers review the case and present findings to the chief who issues judgements. Requests to interview members of the Internal Affairs Unit were not returned.

Policy Failure — The incident may or may not have occurred, but the investigation disclosed faulty practices, policies and/or procedures.

The board, which consists of six members and one alternate, all appointed by the mayor, meets in a room at OPD headquarters and by executive order members of OPD, the city’s legal team and the Human Rights and Relations office are present to answer questions. Board members also go on ride-alongs and attend training sessions about OPD’s policies.

Board members review OPD’s findings, typically over a two-hour period, one member said, and say whether they agree or disagree.

Stothert said the low number of cases seen by Omaha’s Citizen Complaint Review Board signals that citizens are happy with OPD’s work.

“My hope is that they’ll see even less [cases],” Stothert said of the board following changes she made this year.

Punitive Action Taken Against Officers

F E A T U R E his approval that stated Omaha police pulled over minorities at disproportionate rates.

Last year Omaha police pulled over Black people at rates twice their share of the population, according to data from the Nebraska Crime Commission. White drivers’ usually got tickets. Black drivers usually got arrested.

recent protests in omaha, photo by ANDRE SESSIONS Maybe OPD is doing a good job, critics said, but citizens will never know until the process is opened to the public.

Marshall Lux spent nearly 40 years leading Nebraska’s Ombudsman’s Office. He and a group of investigators reviewed thousands of complaints each year and investigated numerous state agencies.

“They’ll talk about those things and maybe even sincerely change things, it’s when you get to this external oversight piece that you’re going to run into a lot of resistance,” Lux said. “Because this is the line that the police and police unions don’t want to cross. They don’t want people watching what they do.”

No current or former members of Omaha’s Citizen Complaint Review Board contacted for this story wanted to speak about the board.

One member asked for their interview to be redacted after a city attorney reminded them of the confidentiality agreement board members sign.

“That should tell you everything you need to know about why there needs to be external oversight,” Lux said. “That’s how the system works. It builds these walls and tries to be impenetrable.”

Stothert said the reason for confidentiality and the low amount of accessible information on the board is precisely to maintain independence. But the lack of transparency has the opposite effect for some.

“It’s impossible to know the extent of the problem if the police are completely in control of that information and won’t release it,” said Justin Nix, an associate professor of criminology at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. “It goes back to trust.”

Accountability in Omaha At one time Omaha did have an independent oversight entity.

In 2000 Mayor Mike Fahey established a public safety auditor position. He fired her six years later after she released a report without

Following the creation of the Citizen Complaint Review Board in 2014, more than 150 people applied to be members. Two years later the entire board had quit, saying it saw too few cases and was effectively worthless. It had seen fewer than a dozen cases by April 2016, according to the Omaha World Herald. Samuel Walker, a UNO professor emeritus, called that number a “national joke” that would cause other boards around the country to “howl with laughter.”

After that Stothert amended her executive order so the board had its own P.O. Box where complaints could be sent.

Following protests this year, Stothert announced more changes, including that complaints can now also be sent directly to the board. But they’ll still be investigated first by the Internal Affairs Unit.

The move, which Stothert said is meant to further cement the board’s autonomy, doesn’t inspire trust in someone like ACLU lobbyist Eickholt.

“If you have a board that’s ostensibly supposed to have oversight over the police department that is literally housed in the police department and somehow works

under the authority of the police department, at least in appearance it is,” he said, “then that really doesn’t ensure the public that it’s an oversight entity at all.”

Who Gets to Police the Police?

While citizens having a strong voice in overseeing their police officers seems ideal, Stothert said police are most equipped to understand the nuances of complaints.

“You could never expect a group of untrained citizens to thoroughly understand the law, police policy, use of force policy, you just can’t expect that to happen,” she said.

State Senator Wayne doesn’t buy that.

“If that’s the situation then we probably shouldn’t have school boards overseeing schools,” he said.

Wayne proposed a bill this session in the Nebraska Legislature that would establish citizen oversight boards in cities across Nebraska. Those boards would ideally have staff, investigators and subpoena power to get more information.

Both Stothert and Schmaderer argued this would be a step in the wrong direction to the Legislature’s Urban Affairs Committee in Lincoln on July 31.

“My vision of accountability is to enhance the authority of the chief,” Stothert said later. “And turn the spotlight on the activities of the chief. The last thing anybody would want to do is to create a situation where some problems

The member said people need to understand the good work OPD does. They even saw officers punished for an incident involving Omaha police and a person in the board member’s family. Action was swift, the board member said, possibly in part because they have such a great relationship with the board.

The inability of board members to speak out, combined with a relatively low amount of information received through public records requests, sets off a red flag for someone like Lux.

Justin Wayne, Nebraska State Senator of District 13

Spike Eickholt, a lobbyist / lawyer with the ACLU of Nebraska.

Marshall Lux, investigated complaints against state agencies for nearly 40 years.

Mayor Jean Stothert speaking before the Omaha City Council on July 21, 2020.

September 2020

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F E A T U R E come up and the chief would have to say, ‘I can’t deal with that. You got to go to a citizen board and let them deal with it.’”

Several cities already have oversight bodies similar to what Wayne proposed. In Milwaukee the seven citizens and executive director who make up the Fire and Police Commission voted unanimously on Aug. 6 to demote the city’s police chief over his handling of protests.

That authority is not the norm.

Nix, the UNO professor, said police oversight boards across America often don’t have much teeth due to restrictions placed in city and police union contracts.

“The reason is quite simply because of a fear that citizens don’t understand the nuance of police use of force and how to evaluate them within legal standards,” Nix said.

But Wayne said it does more harm than good to shut citizens out.

“It isn’t just the problem of [bad policing] happening,” he said. “It’s the damage that it does to perception. So in order to build trust, sometimes you have to shine a light on it.”

While Wayne’s police oversight bill stalled in the final days of the session, he said conversations have started on reforming the state’s crime commission — focusing on decertifying fired officers (officers who are fired do not automatically lose their state certification, meaning they can move to another Nebraska city’s police department without any hurdles) and standardizing training statewide. The ACLU of Nebraska has also called for the Nebraska Legislature to convene a special session to discuss police reform.

pick and choose who my doctor is.

When I call 911, I don’t get to pick and choose which officer shows up. So just doing enough, clearly demonstrated by the protests going on in Omaha, is not enough.”

‘Bad Things Happen’ Public testimony about the Omaha city budget, and specifically the portion allocated toward police, lasted three hours.

Underlining all of it was dissatisfaction with the relationship between the public and the police.

And while only mentioned in name a few times, accountability underscored much of the anger. And it’s a deserved anger, some say.

However, he still believes the conversation around community oversight is not over.

“Most public bodies are open to the public,” Eickholt said. “[The public] pays for what it does, it deals with their police department that they pay for, and they ought at least have the opportunity, since they have the privilege of paying for it, of seeing what they do.”

“I get to pick and choose who my lawyer is,” Wayne said. “I get to

There are signs that people are listening. Omaha City Council Pres-

ident Chris Jerram requested to reduce the proposed police budget by $2 million and reallocate it toward employment and other community efforts. Chief Schmaderer made several changes to OPD policy and instituted training for policy changes such as forbidding “knee-to-neck” pins and requiring officers move detained people out of the prone (face-down) position.

They are all good steps forward. But critics say if there’s no way to measure accountability, they are all just words.

“The people who actually serve on that board, the citizens, are probably well-intended, civic-minded, good people,” said former ombudsman Lux. “They’re not the problem. The problem is they’re utterly dependent on the police, and unless they have real power it becomes something like a rubber stamp for what the police decide the answer should be.”

“It’s a nice try,” he continued, “but it’s not good enough.”

Fund The People Defining what it means to defund the police Story by Mark McGaugh | photos by Andre Sessions

America is burning.

The killing of George Floyd at the hands of four Minneapolis police officers on May 25 sparked a revolution that has now raged for more than 100 days. Since that afternoon, thousands of protesters have been brutalized while others have lost their lives to police officers, intensifying the call to defund police departments across the nation.

What that means or looks like is still evolving, but several municipalities have taken a crack at answering the call. In Omaha, the movement in city government died just as quickly as it appeared.

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Omaha City Council President Chris Jerram introduced a resolution on Aug. 13 aimed at addressing these concerns and re-allocating funds to mental health and workforce development.

On Aug. 18, City Council members shot down the proposed $2 million budget cut, a small offering compared to other cities around the country. Instead the funds for community programs would come from the city’s cash reserve. But even that was vetoed by Mayor Jean Stothert.

Still, protesters aren’t slowed in their mission. If anything it’s just another piece of a narrative that continues to affirm Omaha,

September 2020

and the country, needs alternative solutions to public safety.

“Build those people power institutions that are causing good trouble to this horrible system of exploitation,” said organizer Mark Vondrasek. “That’s the solution, once we get organized and we start to challenge the power of the state... if hundreds or thousands of people started engaging in that type of civil disobedience, we can change the world very quickly.”

While the movement is still nascent in Omaha, protesters in other cities have found greater success in their city governments.

The Minneapolis City Council voted in June to abolish its police department, going so far as to remove the requirement to maintain a police department from the city’s charter. Council members instead proposed to create a “Department of Community Safety and Violence Prevention” which includes a Division of Law Enforcement Services geared toward a “holistic, public health-oriented” approach. However, the move was blocked by the Minneapolis Charter Commission, effectively delaying the initiative to 2021.

Seattle, Washington played out the most extreme experiment in what completely defunding the

F E A T U R E that is... for three years we had no violence, no shootings on 24th Street. After COVID now we’ve had four shootings and two deaths on 24th street. It’s gotta stop.”

police would look like.

Hundreds of protesters commandeered Seattle Police Department’s East Precinct, setting up a six-block occupied area known as the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ) or Capital Hill Organized Protest (CHOP).

Seattle police completely abandoned the area creating an autonomous zone devoid of any public services such as fire or EMT, which lasted about a month. The CHAZ/ CHOP was shut down and cleared out by state and local authorities after several bouts of violence resulting in the deaths of three people, including 19-year-old Horace Lorenzo Anderson who was shot the day after he graduated from a high school equivalent program in the city.

However, Vondrasek, who has worked closely with ProBLAC on several protests in the last few months, believes the aggression displayed by OPD toward protesters is evidence that OPD does not have the community’s best interest at heart. tercation with four Omaha police officers in 2017.

According to Jerram, Omaha police see approximately 15,000 to 20,000 mental health related calls per year. Since Bearheels’ death, Omaha Police has attempted to better address this by adopting a mental health co-responder program, placing a mental health specialist in each police precinct. Still, Councilman Jerram and many other residents question if that is enough.

While many have interpreted the call to defund the police as a demand to get rid of police entirely, others have challenged that communities around the nation will always need some form of law enforcement.

To “Defund the police” means reallocating or redirecting funding away from the police department to other government agencies funded by the local municipality, according to Rashawn Ray, Associate Professor of Sociology and Executive Director of the Lab for Applied Social Science Research (LASSR) at the University of Maryland.

In Omaha, the police department accounts for almost 40% of the city’s budget, exceeding every other department’s funding combined, except for the fire department. According to the City’s 2020 Adopted Budget, the Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments have a combined appropriated budget of roughly $45 million. In comparison, Omaha Police—who just received a $2 million raise—has an allocated budget of $161 million.

Organizations like Omaha Abolition Research have called out this

disparity and point to purchases like $549,000 on armored vehicles or $689,000 on Mine-Resistant Vehicles as unnecessary expenses.

Meanwhile, July was one of the most violent months for Omaha in the last decade. Others have called for a mental health response program similar to CAHOOTS, a partnership between law enforcement and community service providers introduced in Eugene, Oregon.

ProBLAC, Progressive Black-Led Ally Coalition, which has been one of the most vocal proponents for diverting funds from the police, has demanded that the Omaha City Council “reinvest these monies into social programs designed to serve and uplift the people.”

The area of mental health, in particular, emerged as the leading concern following the death of Zachary Bearheels, a mentally ill man who was killed during an al-

“That raises the question that a lot of people were testifying to at the budget public hearing and in the emails,” Jerram said on Aug. 18. “Is this what we’re forcing our police officers into becoming, interventionists in mental health crises? Is this really what we want our police doing?”

Councilman Ben Gray, who has worked closely with Omaha police on several reforms and opposed Jerram’s resolution, believes OPD has gotten a “bad rap” and says the need for police is greater now more than ever due to the violence.

“You all read the paper and see the news, or at least I hope you do.

We’re in the midst of a gang war. I need all hands on deck including every police officer we can get.

We’ve got to stop this violence again,” Gray said on Aug. 18.

“We just created a Business Improvement District on North 24th Street, part of the reason for doing

“I don’t think that ProBLAC would have been created if the Omaha Police had not absolutely brutalized people at 72nd & Dodge,” he said. “If they had allowed us to protest peacefully, I don’t think it would be a whole movement in Omaha right now, don’t think it would be a thing. They did that to themselves, we’re organizing in response to their behavior.”

Several other Omahans, like OPS teacher Holly Lukasiewicz, believe the council’s failure to pass Jerram’s resolution is evidence that their elected officials are missing the point or aren’t listening.

“Underfunding of public services paired with the overfunding of the police shows the city is not putting money towards resources to remedy the need for policing bodies,” said Lukasiewicz.

Omaha resident Chris Sacoman also shared his thoughts during recent public hearings on the issue.

“Mayor Stothert stated in June that she would not defund the police, or divest from them, but that she was listening,” Sacoman said.

“This budget increase for police officers suggests that she is not.”

Many Omahans have stated they don’t want or need more policing. Dozens of communications in support of defunding the police all point to the need for better public works, better libraries, better planning and a real investment in human rights and relations.

According to Vondrasek, the path forward is paved by the people and organizations like Tenants United and ProBLAC engaging in acts of civil disobedience.

September 2020

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Best Auto Glass Repair Shop

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Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Safelite AutoGlass

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This list represents what Omaha locals and Reader readers love — businesses that are the best at what they do. With deep thanks to everyone in the community that participated, we congratulate these amazing awardees!

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Reader’s Recommend: Facial Surgery Institute: Dr. Bruce S. Kuhn, MD, DGMD Medical

Reader’s Refer: Hoogeveen Chiropractic Wellness Center

Best Cosmetic Dental Office Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Shadow Ridge Dental Reader’s Choice: Premier Dental, Quality Dental Care, New Image Dentistry Reader’s Recommend: Brian Zuerlein Dental, Bolding Dentistry

Best Cosmetic Surgery Practice Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Popp Cosmetic Surgery PC Reader’s Choice: Aesthetic Surgical Images, Finkle Cosmetic Surgery Center, Dr. Joel Schlessinger Reader’s Recommend: Westfield Plastic Surgical Center

Best Counseling Clinic Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Arbor Family Counseling

Omaha’s Award Winning Personal Injury Attorneys FOCUSED ON HEALING, THEN RESULTS

6790 Grover Street, Suite 200 Omaha, NE 68106 | inserra.com

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September 2020

Readers’ Choice Reader’s Choice: Heartland Family Service; Psychiatric Services, PC Reader’s Recommend: Alliance Counseling Center LLP; Adult & Child Therapy Inc.; Associated Counseling Professionals Reader’s Refer: Renée Pigsley Counseling, LLC

Best Credit Union Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Centris Federal Credit Union Reader’s Choice: SAC Federal Credit Union, Cobalt Credit Union, Metro Federal Credit Union, Omaha Federal Credit Union, Veridian Credit Union Reader’s Refer: Creighton Federal Credit Union, Omaha Police Federal Credit Union

Best Dentist Office Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: The Dentists at Village Pointe Reader’s Choice: Regency Dental Omaha, Dr. Roger Curry Reader’s Recommend: Classic Dentistry, Aspen Dental Reader’s Refer: Bolding Dentistry, Papillion Dental Care, Today’s Dental - Millard, Horizon Dental Center, Premier Dental, Innovative Dental Care, Dr. Steven Maurstad, C & B Family Dentistry, Midtown Dental

Best Dermatology Clinic Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Dr. Joel Schlessinger Reader’s Choice: Braddock Finnegan Dermatology, PC; Midwest Dermatology Clinic PC

Reader’s Recommend: Advanced Dermatology Of The Midlands, PC Reader’s Refer: Dermatology Specialists of Omaha

Best Health Clinic Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Methodist Physicians Clinic (Methodist Health System) Reader’s Choice: Boys Town Pediatric, CHI Health Clinic, Strada Healthcare, Think Whole Person Healthcare, OneWorld Community Health Centers

Best Hospital Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Methodist Hospital Reader’s Choice: Nebraska Medicine-UNMC Medical Center, Methodist Women’s Hospital (Methodist Health System), CHI Bergan Mercy - Creighton University Medical Center Reader’s Recommend: CHI Mercy Hospital Council Bluffs

Best In-Home Health Care Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Hillcrest Health Services Reader’s Choice: Visiting Nurse Association, Fidelity Home Health Care, Comfort Keepers

Best Insurance Agency Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: State Farm: Greta Ritchie Reader’s Choice: Farmers Insurance - Lance Juett, Beau Iske State Farm, Edgar DeLeon State Farm Agency, Farm Bureau Financial

THANK YOU, OMAHA, FOR VOTING US THE BEST!

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We pride ourselves on providing the most advanced technology paralleled with seasoned customer service that goes beyond expectation.

Whether your needs are medical or cosmetic, Dr. Joel Schlessinger and the LovelySkin staff have the expertise to find a treatment plan for you. Visit Skin Specialists P.C., LovelySkin Spa or the LovelySkin retail store to achieve a more beautiful you!

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Skin Specialists and LovelySkin Spa are under the direction of Joel Schlessinger, M.D., Board-Certified Dermatologist and Cosmetic Surgeon.

September 2020

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The Readers’ Choice BEST OF THE BIG O! READERS CHOICE

Professional & Health Services CONTINUED Services - Joe Rickley Agency, Steve Grow American Family Insurance Reader’s Recommend: Matt Dougherty - State Farm Insurance Agent, New Frontier Insurance Agency

Best Law Firm - DUI Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Robb N. Gage Attorney at Law, Olsen Law Offices Reader’s Choice: Schaefer Shapiro, LLP, Petersen Law Office, Craig Martin Law Reader’s Recommend: Fowler & Kelly Law, L.L.P, Finley & Kahler Law Firm

Best Law Firm Personal Injury

Reader’s Choice: Methodist Physicians Clinic Women’s Center (Methodist Health Systems), Heartland OB/GYN, Mid-City OB/GYN Reader’s Recommend: Kolbeck Nabity Bossert & Simmons Ob-Gyn LLC, CHI Health Clinic Women’s Health

Best Optical Store Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Malbar Vision Center

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Hauptman O’Brien Wolf & Lathrop, P.C.

Reader’s Choice: Tiburon Family Eyecare, Target Optical, Advanced Family Eyecare, Millard Family Eyecare

Reader’s Choice: The Abboud Law Firm, Dyer Law, Ronald J. Palagi, The Law Office of David Riley

Reader’s Refer: Midwest Eye Care, Commercial Optical

Reader’s Recommend: Inserra l Kelley l Sewell, Injury Attorneys

Best Optometrist Practice

Reader’s Recommend: Midwest Eye Care, LasikPlus

Best Long Term Care Facility

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Millard Family Eyecare

Best Law Firm Bankruptcy

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Hillcrest Health Services

Reader’s Refer: Steve Skidmore State Farm Insurance Agent

Best Lasik Center Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Omaha Eye & Laser Institute

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Koenig | Dunne Reader’s Choice: Skrupa Law Office, LLC; John T. Turco & Associates, PC; Husker Law; The Abboud Law Firm; Sam Turco Law Offices

Reader’s Choice: Brookestone Village, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital-Omaha, Good Samaritan, Westgate Assisted Living Reader’s Recommend: CHI Immanuel Communities Reader’s Refer: Country House Council Bluffs

Best Law Firm Criminal Defense Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: The Abboud Law Firm

Best Massage Therapy Practice

Reader’s Choice: Schaefer Shapiro, LLP; James Martin Davis Law Office; Petersen Law Offices;, Stoler Hug Law; Finley & Kahler Law Firm

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Massage Envy

Reader’s Refer: Fowler & Kelly Law, LLP

Best Law Firm - Divorce Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Koenig Dunne Divorce Law Reader’s Choice: McGill Law, PC, LLO; Kinney Mason, PC, LLO Reader’s Recommend: Husker Law; The Law Office of David Riley Reader’s Refer: Fowler & Kelly Law, LLP

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Reader’s Choice: Old Market Massage, Intuitive Wellness with Makala Reader’s Recommend: Faces Spa, On The Spot Massage Therapy, Oasis Spa, Special Kneads, The Copper Pin Salon & Spa Reader’s Refer: Chante Massage, Big Open Hearts, Massages by Makala, Kelsey Poulsen, Skilled Touch Health & Healing, Theta Massage

Best OB/GYN Practice Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Olson Center for Women’s Health

September 2020

Reader’s Choice: Aksarben Eye Care, Malbar Vision Center, Advanced Family Eyecare Reader’s Recommend: Midwest Eye Care Reader’s Refer: Vision Specialists of Papillion

Best Orthodontist Office Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Hawley Orthodontics Reader’s Choice: Huerter Orthodontics, The Orthodontic Group, Igel Orthodontics, Dr. Kelly Conway, DDS Reader’s Recommend: Barnard & Jones

Best Pediatric Office Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Children’s Physicians Reader’s Choice: Boys Town Pediatric, Heartland Family First, Village Pointe Pediatrics

Best Pharmacy Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Walgreens Reader’s Choice: Kohll’s Pharmacy & Homecare, Baker’s, CVS Pharmacy, Hy-Vee

Reader’s Recommend: Walmart

Best Physical Therapy/ Occupational Therapy Practice Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: OrthoNebraska Reader’s Choice: Fyzical, Makovicka Physical Therapy, Excel Physical Therapy Reader’s Recommend: CHI Health Rehabilitation Care (Immanuel), Athlete’s Training Center, Healing Motion Physical Therapy

Best Veterinary Clinic Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Ralston Vet Reader’s Choice: Omaha Animal Medical Group, The Pet Clinic Reader’s Recommend: 24th Street Animal Clinic, Goodrich Veterinary Clinic, Harrison Street Animal Hospital, Millard Veterinary Clinics, Millard West Veterinary Clinic, Chance Ridge Event Center Reader’s Refer: Northwest Animal Hospital, Westgate Animal Clinic, Plattsmouth Animal Hospital, Fort Street Veterinarian

READERS CHOICE

LIVING & HOME SERVICES Best Electrician Company Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Miller Electric Co Reader’s Choice: Vaughn Electric, Advanced Electrical Services Reader’s Recommend: Vierregger Electric Co, Baxter-Kenworthy Electric

Toilets & Faucets | Showers, Sinks & Tubs | Septic Systems | Lines | Boilers | Sump Pumps | Garbage Disposals | Sewer or ter Lines | Water Heater Repairs | Water Heater Replacements | door or Outdoor Piping | Jetting | Cabling | Smoke bombin Hyrdo-excavating for |Camerainspection|Sewergasdetection|Vacuumtruck|E tric Furnaces | Gas Furnaces | High Efficiency | Heat Pumps | Duel Fuel | Geo T mal | Air Conditioners | Propane Furnaces | Ductless Solutions | Boiler Expe Radiator, pipe repair & replacements | Radiant In-Floor Heat | Snow Melt Syst F THE B

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ilets & Faucets | Showers, Sinks & Tubs | Septic Systems | Gas Lines | Boilers | Su umps | Garbage Disposals | Sewer or Water Lines | Water Heater Repairs | Wat eater Replacements | Indoor or Outdoor Piping | Jetting | Cabling | Smoke bombing yrdo-excavating | Camera inspection | Sewer gas detection | Vacuum truck | Electr rnaces | Gas Furnaces | High Efficiency | Heat Pumps | Duel Fuel | Geo Thermal r Conditioners |24/7/365 Propane Furnaces | Ductless Solutions | Boiler Experts | Rad Emergency Services r, pipe repair & replacements | Radiant In-Floor Heat | Snow Melt Systems | Toile Faucets | Showers, Sinks & Tubs | Septic Systems | Gas Lines | Boilers | Sump Pum Serving the or Omaha Metro area Heater since 1957 Garbage Disposals | Sewer Water Lines | Water Repairs | Water Hea Replacements | Indoor or Outdoor Piping | Jetting | Cabling | Smoke bombing yrdo-excavating | Camera inspection | SewerSeptember gas detection | 25Vacuu 2020 uck | Electric Furnaces | Gas Furnaces | High Efficiency | Heat Pumps

TrustEyman.com • 402-731-2727

Eyman Plumbing, Heating & Air Offers Clean Air Solutions For Your Home READERS’ CHOICE - SPONSORED STORY

n Nebraska, you experiI ence both types of weather extremes. During the hot summer

months, you want to make sure your air conditioning is working up to standards.

In the wintertime, you appreciate a nice, toasty home to return to after work.

When your air conditioning or heating malfunctions, you want to turn to the professionals to make it right. For over 60 years, Eyman Plumbing, Heating and Air has served as the HVAC service that Omahans can trust to offer fair prices and dependable maintenance of commercial, industrial and residential units.

Eyman brings peace of mind Your comfort is important to the Eyman team.

Whether you’re seeking an HVAC replacement or general maintenance, they have the tools to get the job done. When you trust Eyman with your HVAC needs, you receive same day and 24-hour emergency service on all makes and models of Eyman’s high-quality units.

Now more than ever, it’s vital to have a functioning air conditioning or heating unit to help you stay safe and healthy. To keep the air around you clean, Eyman offers custom air filtration and climate control systems that meet your specific needs. The professionals at Eyman can design, install and service units to ensure healthy air flow throughout your building or home.

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Whether you want to update or replace your HVAC unit, Eyman provides expert service and installation of air ducts, air handlers, exhaust and supply fans. The team also offers energy-efficient options.

When you turn to Eyman, you can rely on trained

September 2020

professionals to respect your needs, understand the latest HVAC technologies and provide the expertise to keep your household running smoothly.

lutants away from your air conditioning system, you can increase its lifespan and help keep your household healthy.

If you’re in need of HVAC repair or maintenance, you don’t have to worry about getting a raw deal.

The team offers the Eyman Guarantee on all services, from air filtration to heating repair. Your time is important, and the experts at Eyman always strive to keep the lines of communication clear and functioning, just like your HVAC unit. When you choose Eyman, you can always get the answers to your questions from knowledgeable, reliable staff.

■ Schedule regular HVAC maintenance.

Dirty air ducts will likely cause problems down the line if you don’t have a professional check them out.

Whether it’s your office or household, you want to keep the airflow pure of any toxins that cause odors in your environment. The professionals at Eyman have the expertise to replace any outdated systems and maintain air quality so you don’t have to worry about the health of your home.

Tips for HVAC Maintenance Modern air conditioners use 30 to 50 percent less energy to produce the same amount of cooling as air conditioners from the 1970s, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. If you’re looking to save energy, replace your old HVAC equipment or repair your existing one, Eyman has some tips to keep your unit clean and better filter the air around you: ■ Replace your air filter regularly. To maintain optimal air quality, you should change your filter every three months. By doing so, you can protect your HVAC unit from damage and clogging from contaminants such as dirt, dust and pet dander.

■ Clean the air ducts around your home.

Contaminants in your HVAC system re-circulate five to seven times a day, according to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). To prevent mold and other damage, NADCA suggests you clean your ducts every three to five years.

■ Make sure the area around your HVAC unit is clean. If your unit is outside, clear away any dirt, grass, leaves and other debris that could clog the equipment. By keeping pol-

Eyman clears the air No matter your HVAC needs, Eyman gets the job done with modern technology that can accurately assess your air filtration, energy usage and the cleanliness of your ducts. The commercial HVAC professionals at Eyman can repair and install any airflow system to keep the toxins out of your building, saving you time and money in the long run.

If your heating or air conditioning is outdated or in need of repair, Eyman will fix or replace your unit to ensure you have a proper air purification system. For the peace of mind, comfort and health of your household, you can depend on a team that will treat you like family while ensuring the safety of your loved ones.

As you troubleshoot your HVAC problems, look no further than Eyman to provide you with trustworthy, expert service. It’s no wonder Eyman has consistently earned top awards from the Omaha World-Herald, Omaha Magazine, The Reader and other publications. With Eyman, quality results from Omaha’s HVAC experts are only one call away.

Eyman Plumbing, Heating and Air Provides Superior Drain Cleaning Services W

hen your drains are problematic, call the Common causes of plumbing service you can trust to make clogged drains it right. Since 1957, Eyman Plumbing, Heating and Air has served the Omaha metropolitan area, The average household can experience leaks that guided by the principles of fair prices and reliable account for nearly 10,000 gallons of wasted water every year, and 10 percent of homes have leaks service. that waste 90 gallons or more per day, according to the United States EnvironMany leaks begin as mental Protection Agency (EPA). Many clogged drains leaks begin as clogged drains. They can be caused by the following:

Clean drains stop minor issues before they become major expenses

A tradition of service The team at Eyman has served generations of residential and commercial customers through plumbing and pipe cleaning services. Using video inspection technology, Eyman professionals can visualize your drainage problems and the debris that stands in the way of a clean, functioning pipe. Whether you have a major plumbing leak or a backed-up drain, Eyman has the team to get the problem fixed thoroughly and professionally.

From bathroom and kitchen sinks to tubs and showers, drainage lines should be clean and free of clogs that may cause pipes to back up and overflow. When pipes clog, leaks can result and cause water damage over time if left untreated. To avoid major plumbing issues, acquaint yourself with the everyday causes of dirty or backed-up drains in your home.

D i r t y, standing water in the sink or tub may be an issue you want to resolve yourself, but it is best left up to the professionals if you want a longterm solution. Eyman can clear your drain of odors and bacteria before leaks, mold and water damage set in.

Depending on the problem, the team at Eyman offers various drain cleaning services:

• Hair can get into your shower or sink drain and affect your pipes. If you notice • Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water jets to clear clogs without causing damage standing water in your shower, it is most to your pipes. This method works for larglikely due to a combination of hair and er drains and stubborn clogs. The professoap residue that can back up your drain. sionals at Eyman use up to 4,000 pounds • Hygiene products such as flushable per square inch of water pressure to break wipes and toilet paper can build up inthrough blockages and restore clean, funcside pipes and block your drain. This tioning drains. may mean that your toilet has low water • While hydro jetting is often a solution for pressure, which can lead to problems with restaurants or businesses, cable cleaning is flushing and overflowing. more common for general residential fixes.

• Non-flushable items can also back up Also known as “snaking,” cable cleaning toilet drains, such as paper towels, femiuses a spinning blade to break down food nine hygiene products and children’s toys. residue, tree roots and other blockages in small drains.

• Fat, oil and grease from cooking and food scraps can get stuck on the inside No matter the size of your plumbing issue, Eyof sink pipes. Over time, these substances man is committed to making sure the problem can build up and cause a blockage. goes away. For the past several years, Eyman’s

dedication to its customers has resulted in consistent awards from local publications, such as placements on The Reader’s “Best of the Big O!” list. The professionals at Eyman truly go above and beyond to fulfill customers’ needs, as evidenced by the company’s status as one • Tree roots can often grow into sewer lines and of the few providers of remote hot water service cause major blockages, especially in older on demand to Omaha restaurant and business homes with mature trees. owners.

If you experience any of these problems, call the Whether you’re experiencing a clogged drain or experts. Eyman provides quality plumbing and water damage, Eyman offers same-day service drain cleaning services that stop minor issues and free estimates on all repairs and maintebefore they become major expenses. nance. If it’s done by Eyman, it’s done right.

• Egg shells, coffee grinds, fibrous vegetables, popcorn and other types of food residue can become caught in garbage disposals when they don’t break down, resulting in clogs.

Eyman can help Backed-up showers, slow drains and clogged pipes are no match for Eyman’s trained professionals. With years of experience in drain cleaning and repair, the team at Eyman can help you tackle any plumbing issue.

September 2020

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New Pella of Omaha Showroom Brings Customers Modern, Visual Experience

After outgrowing its old facility, Pella built the space to offer consumers a modern design experience.

Since opening on June 22, the customizable showroom features multiple conference rooms, pull-out displays and the latest technological innovations to showcase the brand, said replacement sales manager Aaron Neuroth.

In these uncertain times, Neuroth said the technology helps the team communicate while staying safe.

“It’s been fantastic,” Neuroth said. “Now, we have the ability to walk into the showroom and display our cutting-edge innovations.”

Neuroth said the 2,700-square-foot showroom is an upgrade from Pella’s previous location, as it includes more parking, office and warehouse space. With the facility, the Pella team can display a wider range of products, showcasing current styles and innovations for homeowners to choose from.

In the past, Neuroth said Pella used to rely on pamphlets and laptop screens to illustrate the brand.

Now, sales representatives can use large monitors to help customers envision the products in their homes.

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“It helps us paint a better picture for the customer,” Neuroth said. “It’s a massive technology upgrade for us.”

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Enhanced Communication Neuroth said the showroom has also been beneficial for internal communication. With more training rooms for sales representatives and contractors, the building allows employees to do their jobs more efficiently.

Complete with webcams that can wirelessly project onto any monitor, the open-concept building provides customers a full-scale look at Pella’s energy-efficient windows and patio doors.

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“It’s a more comfortable setting,” he said, “being able to have a designated space and the right technology to really be able to visualize the project.”

With the new Pella showroom at the intersection of 144th Street and Highway 370, Omaha homeowners can get a visual display of their favorite window and door brands.

A Technically Precise Space

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Neuroth said this update helps buyers make design decisions.

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“It’s built-up and you just can’t miss it,” Neuroth said.

“We’ve had so many people who see our building as they’re driving by, and they want to come in to take a look.”

In the previous building, Neuroth said many homeowners didn’t have the experience the contemporary showroom provides. With the Omaha location, consumers now have the opportunity to get an interactive look at Pella’s customizable design options.

Neuroth said the feedback on the new space has been largely positive.

“Especially with COVID,” he said, “having nice webcams to project from multiple conference rooms and buildings has been really great for us.”

“For the most part, people have just been blown away by the style,” he said. “When they come in, they’re usually pretty impressed by the clean lines, style and the fact that we’re well-staffed. We are head and shoulders above any other facility in the area.”

A New Level of Innovation

Looking to the Future

In terms of efficiency, Neuroth said Pella’s modern showroom is an improvement for its installation teams. While the old location had only two ground-level dock doors at the disposal of the subcontractors, the new warehouse has five loading docks to decrease traffic as teams drive in and out.

Serving the Omaha and Lincoln areas for 50 years, Pella recognizes the importance of growing with its surroundings. For that reason, Neuroth said the team wanted to build a facility to better serve homeowners and trade customers.

Before the warehouse was built, Neuroth said the old two-door model had its limitations, with only one side for loading and one for unloading. Since its opening, the 45,000-square-foot space allows crews to load and unload equipment faster in order to reach customers’ houses on time.

“We have the five dock doors and the space in our warehouse to have everything ready for them,” Neuroth said. “That’s been a huge improvement for us.”

Advancing the Pella Brand The Pella showroom is also helping increase the company’s brand recognition. Despite the large sign out front, Neuroth said many people didn’t know about Pella’s previous site because it wasn’t in a prime area. Located at a popular intersection, the new showroom is bringing many people into its doors.

Since most people will buy windows every 10-20 years, Neuroth said Pella is dedicated to providing quality products for builders and clients. From that standpoint, the response has also been favorable.

“The builders are thrilled with the fact that they can send their customers in to see so much more product,” Neuroth said. “It has made their lives easier for them, and that builder’s feedback has been fantastic.”

As the area around Pella continues to develop, Neuroth said the location provides the company a key opportunity to enhance its brand.

“We’re known for being one of the premier brands, period,” he said. “When you’re a premier brand, you should have a facility that matches that. We didn’t get that feel with our old building, but we really do now.”

OMAHA, WE DON’T COAST ON COMFORT.

Window & Door Replacement

We make it easy to stay comfortable through all of Omaha’s most unpredictable weather. That’s because our energy-efficient windows and patio doors are crafted with the highest quality materials and expertly installed to seal in comfort in your home, for years to come.

Claim your special limited time offer at PellaOmaha.com, or call 402-493-1350.

VISIT OUR NEW EXPERIENCE CENTER.

14478 Crest Rd, Omaha, NE 68138 NW Corner of Hwy 370 & 144th Street

September 2020

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The Readers’ Choice BEST OF THE BIG O! READERS CHOICE

LIVING & HOME SERVICES

Best Home Window Company Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Pella Windows Reader’s Choice: Omaha Door & Window, Window World of Omaha, Renewal by Andersen

CONTINUED Best Furniture Store Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Nebraska Furniture Mart Reader’s Choice: Posh Peacock Consignment Furniture, HomeGoods Reader’s Recommend: 7 Day Furniture, At Home Reader’s Refer: hutch

Best Garden Center/ Nursery Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Mulhall’s Reader’s Choice: Benson Plant Rescue, Canoyer Garden Center Reader’s Recommend: Lanoha Nurseries, Indian Creek Nursery Reader’s Refer: Earl May Garden Center

Best Hardware Store Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Westlake Ace Hardware Reader’s Choice: Menards, Home Depot, Lowe’s Home Improvement Reader’s Recommend: Builders Supply Co Inc.

Best Hotel Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Magnolia Hotel Reader’s Choice: Embassy Suites

by Hilton Omaha La Vista Hotel & Conference Center, Element Omaha Midtown Crossing, Hotel Deco

Reader’s Recommend: Tritz Plumbing Inc, Red D Plumbing

Reader’s Choice: Lady Jane’s Haircuts for Men, Supercuts, Papillion Barbers

Reader’s Refer: Drain MD

Best Realty Company

Reader’s Recommend: CBSHome Real Estate

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: COIT

Best Roofing Company Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: McCoy Roofing

Best Interiors Store

Reader’s Choice: Pyramid Roofing, ABC Seamless, Apple Roofing, Takoda Green Roofing

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: HomeGoods

Reader’s Recommend: C & S Roofing Inc

Reader’s Choice: At Home, Tuesday Morning*, Pottery Barn

Reader’s Refer: America’s Best Choice Omaha, McKinnis Inc

Reader’s Choice: Bed Bath & Beyond, HomeGoods, Tuesday Morning*, The Afternoon*

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Williams and Sonoma

Reader’s Recommend: Kitchen Store Outlet

Reader’s Choice: R Mechanical Heating & Air, Eccles Heating & Air Conditioning Inc

Reader’s Refer: Big Lots

Reader’s Recommend: SOS Heating & Cooling, A-1 United Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Ultimate Painting

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Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: The Beard & Mane

Best House Cleaning Service

Best Heating & A/C Company

*Closed after voting :(

Best Barbershop

Reader’s Choice: Nebraska Realty, NP Dodge, RE/MAX Results, Keller Williams

Reader’s Recommend: Real Deals On Home Decor, hutch, The Afternoon*

Best Painting Company Reader’s Choice: Ryan Marshall Painting, The Painting Company Reader’s Recommend: Hank Eby & Sons Painting, Wyman Painting, Midlands Painting Co

September 2020

Personal Shopping & Services

Reader’s Choice: Burton, Backlund Plumbing

Reader’s Refer: Best Western Plus Kelly Inn

Reader’s Choice: Merry Maids, Zerorez

READERS CHOICE

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Eyman Plumbing Heating & Air

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

Best Kitchenware Store

Reader’s Refer: Standard Heating & Air Conditioning, Parker Heating & Cooling

Best Plumbing Company

Reader’s Recommend: Residence Inn Omaha Downtown/Old Market Area

Reader’s Refer: Center Hardware, Petersen & Michelsen Hardware, Ideal Hardware & Paint Center

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Eyman Plumbing Heating & Air

Reader’s Refer: Brush & Roll Painting

Best Storage Facility Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Dino’s Storage Reader’s Choice: Milt’s Mini Storage, Armor Storage

Reader’s Recommend: Rockbrook Village Barber Shop Reader’s Refer: Parlour 1887, Red Hot Barber Shop

Best Beauty Salon Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Curb Appeal Salon & Spa Reader’s Choice: Salon INK Reader’s Recommend: Garbo’s Salon and Spa, The Salty Blonde Salon Downtown, Avant Salon & Day Spa Reader’s Refer: Sola Salon Studios, Salon Z Studios, The Hair Market Salon, Bella & Co, Creative Hair Design Salon & Spa, Bombshell Beauty

Best Bookstore Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: The Bookworm Reader’s Choice: Half Price Books Omaha, Jackson Street Booksellers, Hearthside Candles & Curios Reader’s Recommend: Next Millennium

Reader’s Recommend: South Pacific Storage

Best Cell Phone Provider/Carrier

Best Tree Service

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Verizon Wireless

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Terry Hughes Tree Service

Reader’s Choice: U.S. Cellular, Cricket Wireless, Sprint, AT&T

Reader’s Choice: Arbor Aesthetics, ABS Tree Care, Cut and Grind Tree Care

Reader’s Recommend: T-Mobile

Reader’s Refer: Litke Tree Service

Best Church Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, Lifegate Church Reader’s Choice: St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Glow Church, St. Gerald Catholic

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Your vote is our reward Thank you for voting us the best electrical service in the Big O — again. We’re proud to serve you with the highest level of expertise, skill and do-it-right-the-first time philosophy. It’s the Miller way.

402.341.6479

millerelect.com

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Thank you for your votes Omaha!

All types of Roofing, Guttering, Siding & Windows • Hail Damage Specialists Locally Owned & Operated Since 1993 • Insurance Claims are Our Specialty

FREE ESTIMATES! ential Roofin sid g Re

Voted Best 9 Years in a Row

Voted Best 7 Years in a Row

5532 CENTER STREET, OMAHA NE 68106 (402) 502-9300 WWW.PYRAMIDROOF.COM September 2020

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READERS’ CHOICE - SPONSORED STORY may be harder to spot. If you suspect that subtle damage may be present, an inspection by a roofing professional is always a good idea.

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ccording to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Nebraska is among the five states with the most wind power in America. That means plenty of potential for harnessing that energy, but it also equals a high likelihood of damage to structures and foliage. The roof of your home is one area where wind can be problematic. With frequent thunderstorms, derechos, and even tornadoes, Nebraska homeowners should learn to spot wind damage, as well as leaning on professionals, like those at McCoy Roofing, to assist in assessing the potential trouble spots caused by wind.

WHEN WIND CAUSES DAMAGE Wind is the bulk movement of air, usually from areas of high atmospheric pressure to those of lower pressure. If wind is moving fast enough, it may cause damage to structures and surrounding foliage, creating conditions that lead to damaged roofs.

According to the National Weather Service, there are three bands of damaging wind speeds.

45-55 mph

At this speed, larger branches and weakened limbs may begin to break. Loose or compromised shingles may be torn away, causing damage to underlying structures.

55-65 mph

In this wind speed range, moderate structural and tree damage may occur. Large limbs may fail and larger swatches of roof shingles may be damaged or lost entirely.

65+ mph

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When wind speeds top 65 mph, severe damage to structures is possible. Trees may topple over completely and roof damage could be extreme, with total loss a possibility.

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While tornadoes can cause catastrophic damage, most wind damage results from straight-line winds, such as those from derechos. Storms in this category may produce

September 2020

CHOOSE YOUR ROOFING COMPANY WISELY

straight-line winds in excess of 100 mph. In these cases, damage to structures is almost assured.

If storms that produce high winds hit your area, the team at McCoy Roofing will be able to expertly identify damage and prescribe the proper course of action. But, there are things you can do to spot damage right away.

HOW TO SPOT DAMAGE CAUSED BY WIND The first step in assessing a wind-damaged roof is to identify whether winds have reached speeds where damage may occur. Check local weather reports for wind speeds in excess of 45 mph. If high winds have been present in your area, it’s a good idea to do a preliminary check to find the signs of damage.

The easiest troubles to spot on the exterior are loose or missing shingles. If your roof has shingles that are sitting at improper angles, or are curled and peeling, the roof has suffered wind damage. Shingles near the edges of the roof are most prone to curling during a wind event. Inspect those closely to ensure their stability. Soffits or fascia may also show exterior damage. Look these over for signs of bending, warping, and breakage. If any large limbs have fallen on the roof, it’s safest to assume that some level of damage to the roof structure has occurred.

Inside the house, in cases of more severe damage, leaks may already be forming. Inspect your ceilings for wet spots and drips. If these signs are present, get in touch with the professionals at McCoy Roofing as soon as possible.

There may be other signs that aren’t as easy to identify. Shingle granules, the sandpaper-like exterior of the shingle, may come off during periods of high winds. Shingles may show bare spots or loosened granules may be present in gutters. These signs

In some cases, even high winds like those from a derecho won’t cause structural damage. This makes it important to choose a roofing company with a proven track record of honesty and integrity to perform vital inspections. Many roofing companies, most which are not locally-operated, chase storms around the region hoping to garner more business.

Experiences with these companies may vary. Some may produce satisfactory results, while others may take shortcuts to increase profits. It doesn’t make sense to gamble on your roof.

Owner Adam McCoy lays out the McCoy Roofing promise. “We’re totally straight with you – honest and transparent,” Adam says. “Homeowners depend on us to help them make qualified decisions.

It can mean a lot of money out of their own pockets.”

For more than 10 years, McCoy Roofing has serviced the Omaha area with integrity and expertise.

Whether small residential projects or large-scale commercial facilities, McCoy has the experience and technical knowledge to do the job right the first time.

McCoy Roofing prides itself on providing the highest level of customer service by hand selecting highly trained service representatives and assigning them to care for homes and businesses. Dedicated project managers ensure on-time completion and total customer satisfaction.

McCoy Roofing uses a simple, five-step process to ensure customers get the right product every time.

 A solution that works with your budget  Suggestions for a color and style to give your home or business curb appeal

 Assistance in talking with your insurance company

 A time frame to complete the job  A no-obligation estimate Simplicity, honesty, and customer service are hallmarks of McCoy Roofing. It’s easy to see why they’ve won awards, such as Omaha Magazine’s Best of Omaha prize in 2018 for residential roofing.

September 2020

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The Readers’ Choice BEST OF THE BIG O! READERS CHOICE

Personal Shopping & Services

Reader’s Recommend: Tide Dry Cleaners

Reader’s Choice: Goldsmith Silversmith, Erwin’s Jewelers Co.

Reader’s Refer: G I Cleaners

Reader’s Recommend: Perspective Jewelry Design Studio

Best Fitness Center

CONTINUED Church, First United Methodist Church Reader’s Recommend: Trinity Lutheran Church Reader’s Refer: Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church

Best College or University Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: University of Nebraska at Omaha Reader’s Choice: Creighton University, Metropolitan Community College, Bellevue University Reader’s Refer: Iowa Western Community College

Best Day Spa Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Faces Day Spa Reader’s Choice: Vibe Salon and Day Spa Reader’s Recommend: LovelySkin Spa, Garbo’s Salon & Spa, Victor Victoria Salon & Spa Reader’s Refer: The Copper Pin Salon & Spa, Bella Dea Day Spa, Bella & Co, Curb Appeal Salon and Spa, Bellagio Nails & Spa, Seven Salon

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Planet Fitness, Genesis Health Clubs Reader’s Choice: YMCA, Orangetheory Fitness Reader’s Recommend: Prairie Life Fitness Center, Crunch Fitness Reader’s Refer: Kosama Omaha West, Blue Moon Fitness, Pinnacle Fitness Club

Best Florist Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Flower Basket Reader’s Choice: Hy-Vee; Flowerama; Piccolo’s Florist; Taylor’s Flower Shop & Greenhouse, Inc.; Janousek Florist & Greenhouse Reader’s Recommend: Blooms, EverBloom Floral and Gift

Best Grocery Store Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Hy-Vee Reader’s Choice: Super Saver Omaha, Natural Grocers, ALDI Reader’s Recommend: Fareway Grocery, Family Fare Supermarket Reader’s Refer: Wohlner’s Neighborhood Grocery & Deli, Target, Baker’s, Fresh Thyme Farmers Market

Best Dry Cleaner Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Camelot Cleaners Reader’s Choice: Fashion Cleaners, Max I. Walker, Nu Trend Dry Cleaners

Old Market

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Borsheims Fine Jewelry

Originals

Unique holiday decorations, ornaments, collectibles and gifts for every season. oTannenbaum.com • 402-345-9627

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September 2020

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Sol’s Jewelry & Loan Reader’s Choice: Mid-City Jewelry & Loan, AAA Ultimate Pawn

Best Martial Arts Studio

Best Pet Store

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Heartland Family Karate Omaha, Omaha Blue Waves

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Long Dog Fat Cat Reader’s Choice: The Green Spot, Wag, Woof & Whiskers

Reader’s Choice: Mick Doyle’s Kickboxing and Fitness Center, Kicking Tigers Taekwondo

Reader’s Recommend: PetSmart, Pet Supplies Plus, Petco

Reader’s Recommend: Steiner Academy of Martial Arts

Best Shoe Store

Best Men’s Clothing Store

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Haney Shoes Reader’s Choice: DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, Famous Footwear

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Lindley Clothing Reader’s Choice: Parsow’s, Jerry Ryan Clothing & Sportswear

Reader’s Recommend: Von Maur

Reader’s Recommend: Men’s Wearhouse

Best Sporting Goods Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Scheels

Best Nail Salon Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Vibe Salon and Day Spa

Reader’s Choice: DICK’S Sporting Goods, Play It Again Sports

Reader’s Choice: Martini Nails & Spa, Bellagio Nails & Spa

Reader’s Refer: Select Sail & Sports, LLC

Reader’s Recommend: Virgo Nail Studio, Faces Spa, Loveland Nails & Spa, Top Nails, Minabella Beauty Resort

Best Store for Engagement Rings

Reader’s Refer: Artisan Nails Spa, Legacy Nails & Spa

Best Organic Grocery Store Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Natural Grocers

Best Jewelry Store

Best Pawn Shop

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Borsheims Fine Jewelry Reader’s Choice: Zales, Kay Jewelers Reader’s Recommend: Nebraska Diamond, Riddle’s Jewelry Reader’s Refer: 14 Karat, Goldsmith Silversmith

Reader’s Choice: Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s Reader’s Recommend: Hy-Vee, Fresh Thyme Farmers Market

Discover these three purveyors of unique and tasteful goods, found only in Omaha’s historic Old Market.

Chocolates and fudge made in our own kitchen, plus many other sweet temptations.

OldMarketCandy.com • 402-344-8846

Thanks for Voting for Us Omaha!

All located at 10th & Howard

Authentic Italian desserts, espresso and coffee drinks, featuring premium soft serve ice cream with 16 choices of tasty flavors and crunchy mix-ins.

DolciOldMarket.com • 402-345-8198

The Readers’ Choice BEST OF THE BIG O! Best Store for Unique Gifts Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: The Afternoon* Reader’s Choice: Tannenbaum Christmas Shop, Tuesday Morning*, Hearthside Candles & Curios Reader’s Refer: Real Deals On Home Decor

Best Tattoo Shop Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Big Brain Reader’s Choice: Black Squirrel Tattoo, Eye Candy Tattoo, Grinn & Barrett Tattoo

READERS CHOICE

BEST DINING Best Bakery Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Pettit’s Pastry Reader’s Choice: Nothing Bundt Cakes, Omaha Bakery, Cake Specialist Reader’s Recommend: Great Harvest Bread Co., SmallCakes, Sweet Magnolias Bake Shop, Olsen Bake Shop Reader’s Refer: Uptown Bakery

Reader’s Recommend: Strategic Tattoo, Rawhide Tattoo

Best BBQ Restaurant

Best Thrift Store

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Thrift World Reader’s Choice: Goodwill, New Life Thrift Store, Tip Top Thrift Shop Inc Reader’s Recommend: ReJenerations, Hand Me-Ups

Best Women’s Clothing Store Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: beyourself boutique Reader’s Choice: Von Maur, Torrid, Kajoma’s Fashion Boutique, Esther’s Reader’s Refer: Dress Barn, Hello Holiday*, Scout Dry Goods & Trade, T.J. Maxx

Best Yoga Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Lotus House of Yoga Reader’s Choice: Legacy Pilates, Yoga & More, YOGA NOW Reader’s Recommend: Lighthouse Yoga, One Tree Yoga Reader’s Refer: Red Lotus Yoga, Pranam Yoga Shala, Sound Method Yoga

Reader’s Choice: Cubby’s Convenience Stores BBQ, Tired Texan BBQ Reader’s Recommend: Porky Butts BBQ, Papio Pit BBQ Reader’s Refer: Hartland Bar-B-Que, Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q, Dickeys Barbecue Pit, Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ

Reader’s Choice: Catering Creations, Mangia Italiana, Attitude on Food

Reader’s Recommend: Bronco’s, Louie M’s Burger Lust

Reader’s Recommend: Amigos/ Kings Classic

Reader’s Refer: Charred Burger + Bar, Five Guys, Angus Burgers and Shakes, Blatt Beer & Table, Catfish Lake Restaurant and Lounge, Omaha Tap House, Danny’s Bar & Grill

Reader’s Refer: Eddie’s Catering

Best Cafe/Diner Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: 11-Worth Cafe*

Best Chinese Restaurant Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Taste of China Reader’s Choice: Ming’s, Hunan Palace, Three Happiness Express

Reader’s Choice: Shirley’s Diner, The Sojourn Cafe, Lisa’s Radial Cafe

Reader’s Recommend: Rice Bowl, Blue & Fly Asian Kitchen, New Gold Mountain Restaurant, Imperial Palace Express

Reader’s Recommend: WheatFields Eatery & Bakery, Saddle Creek Breakfast Club, Jimbo’s Diner

Reader’s Refer: JC Mandarin, China Palace Restaurant, Golden Bowl Chinese Restaurant, China Bistro

Reader’s Refer: Le Peep Omaha, Old Fashioned Garden Cafe

Best Coffeeshop Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Scooter’s Coffeehouse

Best Catering Company

Reader’s Choice: The Beanery

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Abraham Catering

Reader’s Recommend: Zen Coffee Company, Archetype Coffee,

Best Brewpub Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Upstream Brewing Company Reader’s Choice: Nebraska Brewing Company, The Benson Brewery Reader’s Recommend: Infusion Brewing Company, Scriptown Brewing Company Reader’s Refer: Pint Nine Brewing Company

Dare to be Different If you can dream it, we can make it

Best Buffet Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: HuHot Mongolian Grill Reader’s Choice: Pizza Ranch, China Buffet, Ameristar Heritage Buffet Reader’s Recommend: Valentino’s, Curri Fine Indian Cuisine Reader’s Refer: Golden Corral Buffet and Grill

Best Burger Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Dinker’s Bar and Grill *Closed after voting :(

Reader’s Choice: Stella’s Bar and Grill, Block 16, Sinful Burger Sports Grill

Thanks for voting for us Omaha!

1019 Howard St. in the Old Market September 2020

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The Readers’ Choice BEST OF THE BIG O! Aromas Coffeehouse, Black Sheep Coffee House, Dunkin’ Donuts

Reader’s Recommend: The Taj Kabob & Curry*, Tanduri Fusion Omaha*

Reader’s Refer: Karma Koffee, Muglife Coffee

Best Italian Restaurant

Best Doughnut Shop

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Roma Italian Restaurant

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Pettit’s Pastry Reader’s Choice: Dunkin’ Donuts, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Hurts Donut Co. Reader’s Recommend: Sweet Magnolias Bake Shop, Uptown Bakery, Lamar’s Donuts and Coffee, Donut Professor Reader’s Refer: Bob’s Donuts

Best Greek Restaurant Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Greek Islands Reader’s Choice: John’s Grecian Delight, Grecian Gyros Reader’s Recommend: Feta’s Greek Restaurant, Jim & Jennie’s Greek Village

Best Ice Cream Shop Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Ted & Wally’s Ultra-Premium Ice Cream Reader’s Choice: Coneflower Creamery, Graley’s Creamery & Confections Reader’s Recommend: Dairy Queen Grill & Chill Reader’s Refer: Cold Stone Creamery, eCreamery, Dairy Twist

Best Indian Restaurant Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: The Jaipur

Reader’s Choice: Lo Sole Mio Ristorante, Mangia Italiana, Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Reader’s Recommend: Spezia, Pasta Amore, Lombardo’s Bistro and Bar, Avoli Osteria Reader’s Refer: Luigi’s Italian Restaurant, Malara’s Italian Restaurant, Vincenzo’s Italian Ristorante, Nicola’s Italian Wine & Faire

Reader’s Recommend: Wohlner’s Neighborhood Grocery & Deli, B.I.G. Meats

Reader’s Recommend: Hector’s

Reader’s Refer: Baker’s

Reader’s Refer: Lina’s Mexican Restaurant, Mar Cafe*, OJ’s Cafe, Cilantro’s Mexican Bar & Grill

Best Retail Produce Selection

Best New Restaurant

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Hy-Vee

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: High Peak Asian Restaurant*

Reader’s Choice: Fresh Thyme, Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s

Reader’s Choice: The Hunger Block, Olive & Ash Pizza, IkaSan*

Reader’s Recommend: Baker’s

Reader’s Recommend: Rizin Japanese Ramen

Best Retail Wine Selection

Best Nouveau Cuisine Restaurant

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Spirit World, Hy-Vee

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Modern Love*

Reader’s Choice: Whole Foods Market, La Buvette Wine & Grocery

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Blue Sushi Sake Grill

Reader’s Choice: Salt 88, Boiler Room Restaurant, Le Bouillon

Reader’s Recommend: Corkscrew Wine & Cheese

Reader’s Choice: Kobe Steakhouse of Japan, Hiro 88, Genji Japanese Steakhouse, Yoshitomo

Reader’s Refer: Brushi European American Cuisine

Reader’s Refer: WineStyles of Omaha

Reader’s Refer: Sakura Bana, Ponzu Sushi & Grill, Umami, Okinawa Sushi Bar & Grill

Best Pizza Parlor

Best Steak House

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Mama’s Pizza, Copps Pizza

Best Local FoodServing Restaurant

Reader’s Choice: Johnny Sortino’s Pizza Parlor, Pitch Pizzeria West Omaha

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Brother Sebastian’s Steakhouse

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Block 16

Reader’s Recommend: Brick Oven Pizzeria, La Casa Pizzaria, Godfather’s Pizza, Mangia Italiana

Best Japanese Restaurant

Reader’s Choice: Quick Bites Soul Food Reader’s Recommend: Modern Love, Benson Brewery, Railcar Modern American Kitchen, Catfish Lake Restaurant and Lounge, The Grey Plume, Kitchen Table, LOCAL Beer, Patio and Kitchen

Reader’s Choice: Curri Fine Indian Cuisine, Himalayas

Best Mexican Restaurant

*Closed after voting :(

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: La Mesa Mexican Restaurant

OPA OMAHA!

THANKS FOR VOTING US BEST GREEK RESTAURANT

382 3 8 2 1 C E N T E R S TREET TR EET • (402) 346-1528 W W W. G R E E K IS L AND S OMAHA.COM KIS ANDS

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Reader’s Choice: Mula, Nettie’s Fine Mexican Food, Abelardo’s, Rivera’s Mexican Food

September 2020

Reader’s Refer: Noli’s Pizzeria, Lansky’s Pizza, Pasta & Philly Steaks, Dante Pizzeria Napoletana, Marco’s Pizza

Best Retail Meat Counter Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Just Good Meat Reader’s Choice: Stoysich House of Sausage, Fareway Grocery, Hy-Vee

Reader’s Choice: The Drover, Round the Bend Steakhouse, Anthony’s Steakhouse Reader’s Recommend: Charleston’s Restaurant, Johnny’s Cafe South Omaha, Pink Poodle Restaurant Reader’s Refer: Kobe Steakhouse of Japan, LongHorn Steakhouse, Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse Village Pointe, Catfish Lake Restaurant and Lounge

Best Sweets Shop Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Old Market Candy Shop Reader’s Choice: The Cordial Cherry, Eileen’s Colossal Cookies, Hollywood Candy

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Thanks Omaha For Voting Us Best Indian Food

Omaha’s Original Indian Restaurant & Brewing Company

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#1 for 17 years in a Row

Family owned and operated. Jaipur has something for all ages.

10922 Elm Street Omaha, NE 68144. • Tel.(402) 392 7331

NOW HIRING An Omaha Tradition Since 1975.

Celebrating Over 30 Years Of Making Ice Cream Th e Old Fashioned Way

Two Omaha Locations:

Old Market

Downtown • 1120 Jackston 402.341.5827

Benson

6023 Maple 402.551.4420

tedandwallys.com

Home of America’s Most Premium Ice Cream Ted & Wally’s Ultra-Premium 20% Butterfat Made from Scratch with Rock Salt & Ice

La Vista

Mid-town

West ‘0’

8146 S. 96th St La Vista, NE 68128

715 N Saddle Creek Rd Omaha, NE 68132

15615 Pacific St Omaha, NE 68118

402-614-5545

402-553-9270

402-933-5090

September 2020

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The Readers’ Choice BEST OF THE BIG O! Reader’s Recommend: Graley’s Creamery & Confections, Uptown Bakery Reader’s Refer: Candy Wrappers, Cupcake Island, Chocolat Abeille

Reader’s Choice: LOCAL Beer, Patio and Kitchen, Omaha Tap House, Blatt Beer & Table, Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom Reader’s Recommend: Krug Park

Best Tex-Mex

Reader’s Refer: California Bar, Barchen Beer Garden

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Maria’s Mexican Restaurant, Stokes Grill & Bar

Best Bar for Conversation

Reader’s Choice: Roja, Julio’s Restaurant, El’ Bee’s, Lil Burro Mexican Restaurant

Best Thai Restaurant Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Thai Orchids Restaurant Reader’s Choice: Thai Pepper, Mai Thai Restaurant, Salween Thai Restaurant Reader’s Recommend: Laos Thai, Bangkok Kitchen Reader’s Refer: Pan Asian Terrace

Best Vegetarian Restaurant

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Mr. Toad’s Pub Reader’s Choice: Office West Lounge, Pageturners Lounge, Flixx, Homy Inn, 1912 Reader’s Recommend: The Caddy Shack Sports Bar & Grill, Jerry’s Bar Reader’s Refer: Mercury

Best Bar for Craft Cocktails Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Wicked Rabbit Reader’s Choice: Herbe Sainte, Mercury, Nite Owl

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Modern Love

Reader’s Recommend: The Berry & Rye, Jerry’s Bar

Reader’s Choice: Oasis Falafel, Kitchen Table

Best Bar for Hiding Out

Reader’s Recommend: Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Brothers Lounge

Reader’s Refer: Persis Indian Grill

READERS CHOICE

Best Nightlife & Play

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Beercade Reader’s Choice: Ozone Lounge, Liv Lounge Reader’s Refer: Bushwacker’s Saloon & Dance Hall, Jerry’s Bar

Best Happy Hour Bar

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Horseshoe Council Bluffs, Ameristar

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Barrett’s Barleycorn Pub & Grill

Reader’s Choice: Prairie Flower Casino

Reader’s Choice: Lighthouse Bar & Grill, Kona Grill, Red Lion Lounge

Reader’s Recommend: Harrah’s

Reader’s Recommend: Jimi D’s, WestEnd Cocktails and Appetizers, California Bar, Jerry’s Bar

Best Cigar Bar Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Jake’s Cigars & Spirits

Reader’s Refer: The Village Bar

Reader’s Choice: Havana Garage, Safari Cigars and Lounge, Copacabana Cocktail Lounge

Best Karaoke Bar

Best Concert Venue

Reader’s Choice: Reno’s Karaoke, California Bar, Alderman’s Bar, Cove Lounge & Grille

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Stir Cove Reader’s Choice: Sokol Auditorium, The Slowdown Reader’s Recommend: The Jewell Reader’s Refer: The Lookout Lounge

Best Dance Club Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: The Max Reader’s Choice: Ozone Lounge

Best Movie Theater Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Marcus Majestic Cinema Omaha Reader’s Choice: Marcus Twin Creek, AMC Oakview Plaza 24, Aksarben Cinema, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema La Vista, Film Streams’ Dundee Theater

Reader’s Choice: California Bar

Best DJ Service

Reader’s Recommend: Bud Olson’s Bar*, Jerry’s Bar, Rick’s Drift Inn

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Jack’s Entertainment

Best Neighborhood Tavern

Reader’s Refer: Bushwacker’s Saloon & Dance Hall, Village Bar

Reader’s Choice: Bryan Hill Entertainment Inc.

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Dundee Dell* Reader’s Choice: Library Pub, Herbe Sainte, Proof Reader’s Recommend: Grane*

Best Bar with Live Music

Reader’s Recommend: Gman Entertainment, A Lasting Impression DJ Reader’s Refer: Supafly Promotions - Omaha DJ Services, Complete Weddings + Events

Best Golf Course Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Tiburon Golf Club Reader’s Choice: Quarry Oaks Golf Club, Indian Creek Reader’s Recommend: Lavista Falls, Bent Tree Golf Club

Best Bar for Beer Selection

Reader’s Choice: Ozone Lounge, Buck’s Bar and Grill

Reader’s Refer: Johnny Goodman Golf Course

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Crescent Moon

Reader’s Refer: The Down Under Lounge, Harney Street Tavern, Bushwacker’s Saloon & Dance Hall, The B-Bar

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Reader’s Refer: Crossbones Bar

Reader’s Recommend: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Midtown

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: The Waiting Room Lounge

*Closed after voting :(

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Moe & Curly’s Pub

Reader’s Recommend: Bar 415, Bushwacker’s Saloon & Dance Hall

Best Bar for Spirits Selection

Best Bar for an Internet Date

Best Casino

September 2020

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Homy Inn Reader’s Choice: Elbow Room, The Village Bar Ralston Reader’s Recommend: California Bar, Jerry’s Bar, Tanner’s Bar & Grill Reader’s Refer: WestEnd Cocktails and Appetizers, South Omaha’s Finest Tequila Garage

Best Patio at a Bar Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Mr. Toad’s Pub Reader’s Choice: O’Leaver’s Pub, California Bar, Barrett’s Barleycorn Pub & Grill Reader’s Recommend: Ref’s Sports Bar & Grill, WestEnd Cocktails and Appetizers, Crossbones Bar, Jerry’s Bar Reader’s Refer: Barchen Beer Garden

Readers’ Choice Best Sand Volleyball Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Winchester Bar & Grill Reader’s Choice: Big Red Keno, O’Leaver’s Pub Reader’s Recommend: Barrett’s Barleycorn Pub & Grill Reader’s Refer: The MARK

Best Shopping District/ Mall Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Nebraska Crossing Outlets, Old Market Reader’s Choice: Westroads Mall, Downtown Ralston Reader’s Recommend: Village Pointe Reader’s Refer: Shadow Lake Towne Center, Rockbrook Village

Reader’s Choice: Tanner’s Bar & Grill, Icehouse Sports Bar, Varsity Sports Cafe & Roman Coin Pizza Reader’s Recommend: The Caddy Shack Sports Bar & Grill, Phoenix Food & Spirits Reader’s Refer: Ref’s Sports Bar & Grill

Best Tourist Attractions Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Reader’s Choice: The Old Market, Lauritzen Gardens Reader’s Recommend: Omaha Summer Arts Festival

Thanks Thanks for for your your

vote vote Omaha!

Omaha!

Best Law Firm -- DUI Best Law Firm Best Law Firm - DUI DUI

Best Wine Shop Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: Twisted Vine

Best Sports Bar

Reader’s Choice: Spirit World, La Buvette Wine & Grocery

Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: DJ’s Dugout Sports Bar

Reader’s Recommend: Vino Mas, Corkscrew Wine & Cheese

YOU DESERVE FAIR TREATMENT YOU DESERVE FAIR TREATMENT YOU DESERVE FAIR TREATMENT YOU DESERVE FAIRPEACE TREATMENT II FIGHT TO GIVE YOU OF MIND FIGHT TO GIVE YOU PEACE OF MIND II FIGHT TO GIVE YOU PEACE OF MIND FIGHT TO GIVE YOU PEACE OF MIND DUI, CRIMINAL & PERSONAL DUI, CRIMINAL & PERSONAL DUI, & PERSONAL DUI, CRIMINAL CRIMINAL & PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY INJURY ATTORNEY INJURY ATTORNEY INJURY ATTORNEY

Thanks for Voting Us One of the Best Cafe/Diners in Omaha!

Serving Breakfast & Lunch 7 Days A Week 817 N 40th St | (402) 551-2176

(402) 498-2777 (402) 498-2777 (402) 498-2777 th (402) th498-2777 319 S 17 th ST, 319 S 17 ST, STE STE 700 700 319 S 17 th ST, STE 700 319 S 17 ST, STE 700 Across from the Courthouse Across from the Courthouse Across from the Courthouse Across from the Courthouse www.rnglaw.com www.rnglaw.com www.rnglaw.com www.rnglaw.com September 2020

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D I S H

Invasion of the Pod People With Omaha’s current separation from the chefs we crave, these podcasts aim to bridge the gap

by Sara Locke

O

maha’s dining culture has only grown as rich and vibrant as it has in the last decade because of the relationships the chefs, cooks, front of house staff and owners have managed to build with local diners. While every effort is being made to safely bring these elements back together, many are looking for new ways to hear from the other side.

Serving as a medium, podcasts are becoming increasingly common, and cover a variety of perspectives. This month, The Reader is highlighting three of our favorite local Pod People. If you have a local podcast you think we should check out, email Sara@ TheReader.com for a mention on our Instagram.

For the Discerning Diner Restaurant Hoppen

Dan Hoppen actively refers to himself as “not a food critic”, and it would be fair to agree with him. Rather than criticizing the work, staff, style and service of any particular restaurant, Hoppen uses his platform to boost the signals of those getting it right.

You’ll find superlative lists naming his official “best of” in a number of categories, as well as interviews with the teams bringing you Omaha’s favorite dishes.

While his website has been active since 2015, his podcast is a relative newcomer to the scene.

That doesn’t mean he’s shy on content. At the time of publication, Dan already had 70 episodes for his followers to peruse.

Hoppen said the venture started as a way to talk about Omaha’s food scene. Over time it evolved into a way to talk with the chefs and understand their personal ex-

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periences and the stories behind the food.

“When you can relate and say ‘I really liked that chef’ and you know where they stand, it humanizes them,” he said. “I like to pull back the curtain, show the back of the house. It helps people gain perspective and to truly respect what’s going on to bring food to their table. What goes on to create their experience.”

Dan’s passion for finding the best in the industry has made him a trusted ally to the food (and food-adjacent) community.

Listen to the Restaurant Hoppen podcast at restauranthoppen. com/podcast/

For the Hungry Heart The Open Kitchen

Between his own experience in international kitchens, and his position as chef/instructor and mentor in Metro’s Culinary Arts Program, Chef Brian O’Malley has taken a sharp look at the dangers of living on the culinary cutting edge.

“There is this emotional terrorism in the kitchen,” he said.

“People running kitchens who were really hazed and abused when they were on their way up.

They continued to operate under this assumption that you really do need to ride your team that hard.

It sickens me a little bit that while we’re praising people for their craftsmanship, we forget that ‘chef’ means ‘chief.’ We should be judging them as much on how they lead their crew as how their plates are presented.”

O’Malley never shies away from acknowledging that the aggressive nature of the kitchen

September 2020

comes not only from caricatured names like Gordon Ramsay, but by the systems in place that actively reward those who drive their staff to the breaking point.

“James Beard doesn’t come in and interview your staff to see if they’re being taken care of,” he said. “They don’t see the back, the gristmill that runs and chews up personnel. We need to be better at leadership, and we’re not yet. It was time to start having really honest conversations about where we’ve screwed up, and how we can walk it back.”

While O’Malley side-steps the calling out of any local names in an official capacity, the soothing vibe of his podcast slips easily in and out of admiration for past students and team members who have created kitchens where a team has the capacity to thrive.

O’Malley’s passion for seeing the next generation of kitchen craftsmen leading a better lifestyle is more than lip-service, and became part of the culinary curriculum under his tutelage.

In the latest edition of The Open Kitchen, O’Malley and Kevin Shinn discussed the shared nurture culture that restaurant staff generally feel for their clients.

Without those experiences, chefs and diners are missing out on the rich love affair they’d been enjoying with Omaha’s wildly talented and deeply caring cooks.

“That’s the goal of this is to get into places and listen to (kitchen staff) tell those stories of how they entrust and empower and believe in their crew, in order to find a way to be successful,” he said.

Listen to The Open Kitchen at directory.libsyn.com/shows/ view/id/theopenkitchenpodcast

Killer Cravings Faturday Omaha

The guys behind Faturday Omaha on PodBean are pure spoken food porn.

Sam, Dave and TJ use their cast to talk about food they like, food Omaha likes, food the chefs who make the food Omaha likes… like. They talk about what’s best, what’s biggest, what’s the most fun thing to eat. Listening is either a whole lot of fun, or a whole lot of frustration, depending on your hunger level at the time you’ve wandered into their episode about Umami.

With sixty episodes currently available to choose from, you’ll find something to sink your teeth into. Listen to Faturday Omaha at faturdayomaha.podbean.com.

Humor & Insight Restaurant Tales

If this isn’t enough to satisfy your cast craving, be sure to check out Restaurant Tales at www. restauranttalespodcast.com.

This team has served in every capacity a kitchen offers, and are bringing their perspective straight to your ears. This pod is as fun as it is enlightening. Confessions of a Server has made me literally laugh out loud, and not just breathe a little more forcefully out of my nose like I usually do when I say “lol.”

We hope you have found a way to feel more connected to the things, people, hobbies and places that you love during quarantine. Thank you for always sticking with The Reader. If we didn’t have you to talk to, we may well have gone insane by now.

Celebrate Local Food Systems!

October 5-11, 2020

Saturd 8

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September 2020

41

T H E A T E R

Great Plains Theatre Commons Committed to Uncommon Representation

CUT TING A NEW PATH

BY LEO ADAM BIGA

A

merican theater finds itself in flux due to pandemic restrictions and renewed commitments to diversity. The Omaha-based playwriting hub formerly known as Great Plains Theatre Conference, now called Great Plains Theatre Commons (GPTC), is at the nexus of the arts responding to health concerns and inclusion.

As a newly constituted, independent 501c3, GPTC is expanding on its signature, week-long spring Conference and PlayFest to year-round prog ram m i n g. Th e Gre a t Plains Theatre Conference has traditionally brought together participants who could have their work seen by a host of national theatre professionals and scholars. PlayFest is a community performance festival held

going,” said GPTC Community Connector Ellen Struve.

Lawler said with such drastic changes in communities locally and nationally, the need to gather, even in groups online, is still profound.

A PARTICIPANT TAKING NOTES AT THE GPTC on selected evenings during the Conference in various locations across Omaha.

The move to year-round programming predates COVID-19 and activates a goal to increase offerings. Since the pandemic forced cancellation of the 2020 conference, the nonprofit’s moved to online platforms.

The Conference and PlayFest are anchor points of the organization’s history, said Producing Artistic Director Kevin Lawler. But changing programming as well as launching a new iteration of the organization is a challenge, especially at a time of health scares and social upheavals.

KEVIN LAWLER

42

“It’s been like jumping off solid land into a hurricane,” he said.

SEPTEMBER 2020

Despite the uncertainty, the 15-year-old organization is accelerating its already well-established focus on serving marginalized voices. They’re sharing those stories through “vast and interconnected” community-based theater, said board member Susie Baer Collins.

GPTC programming now mixes several new elements with its established offerings: “Connect,” “Commoners,” “First First Draft,” and “Young Dramatists.”

Commoners is a new twoyear playwriting residency open to individuals within a 75-mile radius of Omaha.

Participants will be part of a cohort that receives collegial support. The hope is that Commoners (the application process of which closes Sept.

5) will comprise a diverse coalition of backgrounds and experiences.

“Writers will have the opportunity to stretch themselves and also to lean on one another,” Struve said. “The program will provide focused time and attention to feed that growth. This is an investment in the writer that nurtures the career arc of the writer, not the product the writer can create.”

Within Commoners, Commissions also continues a com-

Connect, a monthly Zoom forum inviting viewers to watch theater works and discuss trending theater issues, debuted in July.

“Connect offers a different way to think about programming and gives us the flexibility we are normally not afforded in the theater to see what’s happening, what’s exciting and where the conversations are

SUSIE BAER COLLINS

T H E A T E R a Nebraska premier of Lindsey Ferrentino’s Ugly Lies the Bone and the annual conference happens in person or virtually.

Struve said leaders are trying to be as responsive as possible in this moment when everything is changing so quickly. The exciting thing about the new Commons model is exactly its capacity for reinvention, though.

ELLEN STRUVE mitment to bringing work by local playwrights about local communities to the stage.

The Young Dramatists Fellowship program allows high school-age playwrights an opportunity to experience the professional theatre world by participating in workshops, going to readings, learning critical response to plays in progress, meeting like-minded peers and showcasing their work at PlaySlam.

And First First Draft is a new group for first-time playwrights committed to writing a full-length play. The cohort will work together with a facilitator.

“With everyone keeping in contact digitally,” Struve said, “we’re freed from the old theatrical model of planning, which required you devise a season ahead of time, followed by weeks of casting and rehearsals and then the production run.

So now is the time to experiment with really being responsive because there’s so much content out there.”

It’s also an apt time to reflect and recommit to representing diverse talent and expanding access to theater to the community, especially as it relates to social justice and inclusion.

As a playwright herself, Struve knows colleagues can “help get through the sticky places” that rear their head in the writing process. Crafting a play is a long, lonely road and having encouragement can make the difference between completing a project or abandoning it, she said.

“Any sort of systemic oppression lives and breathes by not allowing people to speak, not allowing stories to be shared,” Lawler said. “Working toward hearing, strengthening and supporting diverse stories is the mission, so we’re looking to support stories from every aspect of society and every group of people in the many communities within our community.”

Moving forward in the uncharted territory of COVID and remote programming also poses other challenges and opportunities. One decision still being weighed is whether

It’s not a new mission for the group which since 2010, has moved from theater’s exclusive, elitist model to a more democratic, accessible ideal.

Lawler said some groups have

said they share that mission, but fall short when it comes to actualizing it.

GPTC’s goal is 50% BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) representation among staff, production cast-crew and programs by 2025.

It already has 50% BIPOC board representation.

“Our collective commitment is real. We’ve had great discussions about what that looks like and what our responsibility is,” said board member Kathy Tyree, “I think the year-round programming is going to give us an opportunity to be more inclusive in reaching out to communities that don’t regularly get a reach.”

Acting in service of and as a mirror to community is the ultimate goal, Struve said. As times change, the organization has adapted to see how it can fit the needs of the community. Part of that means building partnerships with organizations that variously serve the Black, Mayan, LGBTQ+ and homeless communities.

“The programs up and running right now sort of came out of needs for the artistic community,” she said. “But we’re also working on developing more programming in response to needs outside the artistic community, and to connect all those things.”

A big help in programming continues to be Metropolitan Community College, which inaugurated and hosts the Conference. Lawler said none of this would exist without the college’s support, which has housed the organization for the past 15 years, allowing it to develop 500-plus works in intensive play labs that involve

KATHY TYREE readings, workshops and responses.

“That extraordinary support allowed the Conference to develop as much as it did and become as strong as it has become,” he said. “We will continue to do the Conference at the college, which is great, because there’s so many things that work well for an event of that size there.”

To keep abreast of how theater is adapting nationally, Lawler said he and Struve actively follow what’s succeeding and failing around the country while also tapping into the community.

“At the Commons we are trying to cut a new path,” he said. “Therefore, we’re leaning towards getting ideas and examples of what’s possible from groups that are also trying to find a new way to do things as the world grows and changes so rapidly.”

Visit gptcplays.com or fb.com/GreatPlainsTheatreConference.

SEPTEMBER 2020

43

H O O D O O

Whatever Happens Will Be The Perfect Outcome

Héctor Anchondo’s International Blues Challenge Solo/ Duo Win Was Just The Start Of An Unanticipated Year

by B.J. Huchtemann

F

or Héctor Anchondo, 2020 has been an unprecedented year of rewards and challeng-

es.

On Feb. 1, 2020, Anchondo hit the high point of his career, performing with seven other finalists and winning the International Blues Challenge solo/duo category. It was his third time representing the Blues Society of Omaha (BSO) in the International Blues Challenge (IBC) and his second time in the finals. In 2016, his band made the IBC band finals, propelling him literally and figuratively onto a higher-profile stage.

The IBC, held each winter in Memphis by the Blues Foundation, is a career-making event where artists perform for and network with blues label owners, booking agents, publicists and club owners. Making it to the final eight performers in either category from a field of over 200 artists is an important achievement. But winning marks a rising star. It’s an accomplishment that sets an artist up to land prestigious festivals and better-paying gigs at clubs.

“The entire IBC week is such a joy and celebration of the blues,” Anchondo said. “Even going there is a huge honor. From the start, it felt like I was supposed to be there.

It was one of those times where everything felt like it was synchronizing.”

On the day of the finals, Anchondo drew the first performance slot, arguably the toughest because judges may hesitate to give their highest marks to the very first act. But Anchondo was ready.

In the BSO’s Omaha competition and during the week at the IBC, Anchondo often had the first performance time.

44

back to back “I felt and I was like, what finished.” a luck of the draw Ta m m y to have Hespen Trago first so han, owner many times and talent throughout booker for this entire F r e m o n t ’s adventure,” C o r n e r Anchondo Bar, was said. “Going among the first can be O m a h a - a rchallenging, ea blues but for me it community felt like I was members at an adin Memvantage bephis for the cause I can event. easily psych “ H i s myself out Héctor Anchondo poses with the heart and by hearing Memphis Cigar Box Guitar he won soul were all the great players be- along with winning first place in aligned just for fore I play. the IBC solo/duo category (PHOTO right this. When courtesy Héctor Anchondo) This time I he took a could play deep breath and do my and looked up, I believe he was thing without my mind having a chance to get the better of me. I truly blessed by the music gods, because he gave it his all,” Trakept telling myself, stay calm, stay han said. “It was by far the best focused, you will have a great set, whatever happens will be the per- performance I’ve ever seen from fect outcome, you got this. Win- him. And at that moment, I knew it ning is not important, winning is was his! At the end, when they announced the winners and his name not the goal. was said, the whole place lit up.”

“I went out on stage and start“They announced that I was ed hearing folks wishing me luck the first place winner,” Anchondo and shouting across the Orpheum, that helped me feel not alone up said. “I was awestruck and felt unworthy to win such an honor. The on that giant stage,” he said. “I sat and looked up and thought about audience was cheering, I could how blessed I was to be there. hear some familiar voices yelling I was truly thankful to be there but couldn’t make out any one of again. I said to myself, no matter them. I couldn’t believe I actually the outcome, you’re leaving it all won. I’ve been doing this for almost 25 years and this was by far on stage and walking away proud of what you’ve done. Then it was my biggest achievement. All these emotions were running through time. I felt like my first strum of my guitar and the last strum were me as I accepted the award. I stood

SEPTEMBER 2020

there for a moment, probably a moment longer then I should have, but I wanted to remember how that felt and I wanted to remember it forever. That moment was why I had never given up. That moment was my crowning achievement to my career.”

Anchondo’s wife Jessica Steele Anchondo and their two toddler-age children were with him in Memphis. Little Héctor is threeand-a-half years old and their daughter Hendrix is 19 months old.

“Little Héctor cheered daddy on from the crowd,” Steele Anchondo said. “When he finished his set, before any other competitors played, he yelled ‘Yay! Daddy won!’

“When he really DID win, I was so emotional. I hugged the kids so tight, said ‘Oh my gosh, daddy won’ with tears down my face,” she said. “I was filled with memories of how hard he has worked and what it took for him to get there and just felt so proud of him.”

Anchondo was also honored with the Memphis Cigar Box Guitar Award for best guitarist in the solo/duo category. Anchondo left Memphis on a high, heading into a Southern tour.

“I had a very warm welcome [on] every stop...It was an amazing tour,” Anchondo said. “When I got home, my band and I played some celebratory shows. It felt great to bring home the wins to the Blues Society of Omaha and to all the folks that helped me get there. I was getting a flood of gig offers from all over the country and Canada. My agent said that I had hundreds of emails to go through that had come in just for me.

H O O D O O “I was wowed, ‘It is finally happening for me after all these years.’ Finally, after years of couch crashing, finally after always being broke, finally after so many tours of sleeping in the van, finally after all the sacrificing, finally after missing countless family events to keep the dream alive. It was happening.”

Then COVID-19’s impact in the United States became clear.

“Things started shutting down and I knew the momentum was decimated. I did not for a second feel sorry for myself,” Anchondo said. “I’ve spent my career fighting and I still have a lot of fight left in me. I was only worried about everyone out there that I know and love and hoped they’d be okay, That was and still is my only worry.

My career will be fine, but the lives lost will not be fine and that is what makes me so sad and has my full concern.”

Like many artists, he’s taken to Facebook Live and YouTube with

virtual concerts. More recently, he’s also been able to play a few socially-distanced, outdoor shows with his band.

“All the wonderful folks that have supported my career and the new folks that have come into my life have been generous during my livestreams,” he said. “I have so much to be thankful for. It has felt great being on stage and seeing friends’ and family’s faces. I have missed it so and love making folks happy, it makes me happy to make the audience happy.”

In June, the Council Bluffs artists’ loft complex the Anchondos lived in flooded during a heavy rainstorm. The Anchondo’s unit was one of many left with standing, contaminated water that had backed up from the nearby sewer.

Many belongings and the children’s toys were ruined and had to be thrown out. A Go Fund Me and donations from friends helped them get by. They bought a used RV.

WORSHIP ON THE LAWN with FUMC Omaha and Urban Abbey

Sunday, September 20th at 5:30 PM Join Urban Abbey and FUMC for communion... tailgate style!

It’s BYO Everything!

Bring your own chair, bread, umbrella, blanket, bug spray, and worship guide.

Everyone must wear a mask and be at least six feet apart on the vast green lawn of FUMC Omaha.

We will pray together, hum a hymn together, bless and break communion bread together and we will see each other facemask to facemask and know there are smiles by the hope in our eyes.

“We’ve had so much fun moving into the RV,” Steele Anchondo said. “The hardest part has really been downsizing our belongings and figuring out how everything in the RV works. The kids love living in the ‘house car.’ We get to spend a lot more time outdoors and going on adventures. We’re really excited for this journey. I’ve wanted to do this for a long time and with our home flooding and COVID, it really was the perfect time to make this transition.”

Héctor Anchondo stays positive and hopeful.

“My family keeps me positive,” Anchondo said. “In order to be the best husband and father I can be I need to remain optimistic and positive. I don’t want my kids to have long-term suffering from what we’re all going through and I don’t want my marriage to suffer by living in a negative state. I want this to bring us closer together and make us stronger then we’ve ever been. It already has. ”

They are also engaged with the renewed quest for equality for people of color that has arisen this summer. Anchondo knows what it’s like to experience hate based on race.

“I also want to use this time to teach my children to care for our fellow humans and to reach out a helping hand,” he said. “Not to hate, not to pass judgment, not to belittle, be understanding, and to love with their entire heart.”

He knows the journey back to playing music for live audiences is going to take a while, but Anchondo is ready for that too.

“It’s hazy, but I know it’s good on the other side with rediscovered appreciations and more respect for one another, It is going to take some time but it’s there waiting for all of us. We are in this together,” he said. “Let’s huddle close. We are a flower waiting to bloom.”

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SEPTEMBER 2020

45

H O O D O O

September Sounds Rockabilly, blues, soul, rootsrock and jazz are all on tap

by B.J. Huchtemann

O

utdoor shows seem to be preferred right now by many for the ability to socially distance and have plenty of fresh air. The Blues Society of Omaha (BSO) series is on the move, taking its Thursday series to the outdoor bar space on The River City Star landing, called The Dam Grill & Bar. The BSO teams up with the River City Star and Oklahoma Joe’s for a “Bikes, Blues & BBQ” series, every Thursday, 6-9 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 3, catch the Kurt Allen Band, Thursday, Sept. 10 the Coyote Bill Boogie Band is up. Thursday, Sept. 17, the Nick Schnebelen Band plugs in and Thursday, Sept. 24, Chicago’s Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials take the stage. There is an admission charge. Food and beverages are available for sale.

Check the BSO’s website at omahablues.com and facebook. com/bluessocietyofomaha for updates and check the BSO’s web page for a curated calendar listing of additional area shows.

Find out more abut other live music happening at The Dam Grill & Bar at rivercitystar.com.

Zoo Bar Update At Lincoln’s historic Zoo Bar, the stage is largely still dark, but the bar is open most days at 3 p.m. into the evening. They recently got a fresh supply of T-shirts, if you want to pick some up to support the venue. Omaha’s Terry O’Halloran, a longtime blues promoter and a BSO officer, hosted a benefit concert to help the Zoo with accruing expenses. O’Halloran reported that the event, held at Falconwood Park, “was a tremendous success both as a fundraiser and a

46

spirit-lifter for musicians and fans alike, while still maintaining social distancing in the spacious Falconwood Park.”

Zoo Bar co-owner Pete Watters said the bar will host Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials Friday, Sept.

25 for two shows, details to be announced. The band is a long-running mainstay of Chicago’s blues scene. Find the final details and any other venue news at zoobar.com and facebook.com/zoobarblues.

Fremont’s Corner Bar The Corner Bar celebrated its 39th anniversary during the pandemic with a special, socially distanced show in August. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 4 and 5, 8 p.m., Florida blues-rock trio Shaw Davis & The Black Ties play the outdoor stage, with reduced-capacity seating. The Saturday show is sponsored by the BSO. Local musicians staged a Facebook Live event earlier this summer to benefit the venue while it had to be closed due to COVID-19.

Owner Tammy Hespen Trahan said, “I also owe a huge amount to the loyal customers we have.

If not for them I’d definitely be struggling. Generations of people coming through those doors, it’s amazing to me. I didn’t have the usual huge bash like we normally do. Gone through a lot in my years at The Corner Bar but the pandemic most definitely takes the top place!” Follow the venue at fb.com/cornerbarfremontne.

Local Sounds Lincoln’s hard-charging rockabilly band Mezcal Brothers have a

SEPTEMBER 2020

Lincoln’s high-energy rockabilly

new CD in the works, their heroes the Mezcal Brothers have first in over a decade. The several local shows on their band plans a CD release schedule along with the release of party at The Boat House their first new CD in years (PHOTO Bar & Grill at Branched facebook.com/mezcalbro) Oak Lake Saturday, Sept.

12, 4-7 p.m. Find details the free, outdoor Hub & Soul Muand information on other live sic Series. Find out more about the music events at the venue at faceseries and other artists performing book.com/boathousebar.n.grill at hubandsoul.com. Follow Lager’s including Josh Hoyer & Soul Coshow dates at krislagerband.com. lossal Saturday, Sept. 6, 5-8 p.m.

Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal, Mezcal Brothers and Levi William perform an outdoor show at Roca Tavern, just south of Lincoln, Saturday, Sept. 26, 5-10 p.m. The show was postponed from an originally planned August date. Food will be available for sale from The Parthenon. Advance tickets and group tables for the socially-distanced event are available at 402423-9874. Check out the bar at fb.com/rocatavern.

Héctor Anchondo, the reigning 2020 International Blues Challenge solo/duo winner, has several area solo shows on the calendar.

Catch him at Lux Lounge, 5018 Underwood Ave. in Dundee, Thursday, Sept. 10, 7 p.m., and Thursday, Sept. 17, 7 p.m., at The Stave in Papillion. Sunday, Sept.

13, at noon, Anchondo is up at Conjurefest at The Conjure Shop.

See theconjureshop.com for details. Keep up with the latest on Anchondo including any virtual shows for September at fb.com/ thehectoranchondo and also at hectoranchondo.com.

Kris Lager has a solo gig at Bellevue Berry Farm Thursday, Sept.

17, 6-8:45 p.m. You can also catch Lager at Lincoln’s Union Plaza Amphitheatre, 21st and P St., Thursday, Oct. 1, 5:30 p.m., as part of

Blue House with the Rent to Own Horns is one of Omaha’s longest-running blues bands. The popular group has continued to perform around town this summer. Find out what they are up to in September at bluehouseblues. com.

Matt Cox reported on Facebook that he was spending time writing and recording, working on new music for a new record. The Matt Cox Band is scheduled to play Junkstock Saturday, Oct. 3. See all the music scheduled for Junkstock at junkstock.com. Follow Cox at fb.com/mattcoxmusicomaha.

Hot Notes The Jewell has also been back in business with reduced-capacity, socially distanced shows.

Sept 17 there is a special show with Grammy winner Eric Marienthal. Find the details and the rest of the schedule at jewellomaha. com.

Popular Texas rockabilly band Reverend Horton Heat plugs in at Waiting Room Thursday, Sept. 17, 8 p.m. See waitingroomlounge.com.

Check thereader.com for expanded Hoodoo content.

F I L M

The Best Stuff to Stream You (Maybe) Haven’t Seen

15 Things to Watch When You Run Outta Things to Watch

by Ryan Syrek

B

ack in late March, which was at least a century ago in COVID time, the idea of staying home with Netflix and riding out this pandemic seemed quaint. Now, those of us who understand that hitting the bar could legit kill someone’s grandma are getting desperate for new at-home entertainment.

he did a movie about how we should be nice to animals that features Jake Gyllenhaal playing a character that is basically Steve Irwin if he huffed paint thinner?

Oh, and Tilda Swinton is heavily involved. Somehow, everybody missed this quintessential JoonHo jam. Remedy that.

See You Yesterday

This is the Best of Omaha issue, so allow me to tell you about the best movies and TV you can stream in Omaha (or anywhere) that you probably haven’t gotten around to just yet.

I’m going to divvy this up by streaming service, to make it easier on you to find stuff, because I anticipate your needs.

Oh, you’ll note I chose not to include Disney+. That’s because I assume every last one of you is already watching Muppets Now. The Swedish Chef’s Økėÿ Døkęÿ Køøkïñ is arguably the only thing bringing joy into this broken, stupid world. All of the other content they have is either The Mandalorian—which you’ve legally had to watch at least twice by now—or, you know, a Disney movie, which really doesn’t need hype.

What to Watch on

Shudder

What’s Shudder? It’s more than just the reaction you have literally every time you turn on the news. It’s a horror-specific

48

streaming service that is chocka-block with shock-and-schlock!

They have a 7-day free trial, which is worth it to at least watch the following:

Host At less than an hour, this pandemicky take on found footage horror follows a group of friends doing a séance via Zoom.

Sounds lame, right? It is not. It is not lame. It is terrifying. It’s basically The Blair Witch Project with COVID-19.

One Cut of the Dead This Japanese flick gets better the less you know about it.

I will confirm there are zombies and that the idea of a “one-take” film is a central component of the plot. If you love weird, totally original flicks and are willing to read subtitles because you can fly twice as high as LeVar Burton’s butterflies, this will delight the shit out of you.

September 2020

Tigers Are Not Afraid One of the best films I saw last year, this is basically a Disney fairy tale about El Chapo told with the language of Gabriel García Márquez and Frida Kahlo’s visuals. Writer/director Issa López obliterates genre boundaries to tell a story about the globally ignored collateral damage of cartel violence: orphaned children. Escapism? No. Beautiful and important? Hell yes.

What to Watch on

Netflix

What’s Netflix? I kid. You know what Netflix is. You’re 90% Netflix at this point. Every bathroom trip is now technically considered a “streaming exclusive” for the company.

Okja Remember how Bong JoonHo won an Oscar for Parasite a few months ago (237 years in COVID time)? What if I told you

I admit, the ending to this one doesn’t quite “spike the football in the end zone” or “solve the cold case with new forensics evidence” for you nonsports fans. Still, this inspired slice of young adult cinema scifi tackles police violence against Black youth with a Back to the Future conceit. Director Stefon Bristol got great performances out of a young cast, and it has only grown more timely since its largely ignored release last year.

Little Evil What if The Omen but funny? An always-game Adam Scott and an always-beloved-by-me Evangeline Lilly give us a horror comedy, which is right there at the top of my favorite, neglected subgenres (along with “Erotic Cyborg Western” and “Animated Pagan Ritual”). I find that, since the world is now seemingly entirely devoid of humor, even passable comedies feel like pure genius.

What to Watch on

Quibi

F I L M Oh man, are some of you watching Quibi? On purpose?

Quibi is the Betamax of streaming services! It’s the Pet Rock of 2020. They spent hundreds of millions of dollars and came up with “What if we found a way to make movies and TV more upsetting to watch? Anyway, I just wanted to laugh at dumb rich people for a moment. Feels good, right?

What to Watch on

Hulu

Palm Springs The safest recommendation I make to people right now is the latest Andy Samberg movie. One of the more refreshing films to ever blatantly steal from Groundhog Day, it is hard to actively dislike this one. I think my favorite part is that it lowers the bar on the moral of the story from “you won’t find love until you become a better person” to “give a shit about others maybe?” Let’s be honest, that’s a message we very badly need right now.

The Great If you liked The Favourite and basically wanted 10 or so hours of something with that exact same feel, has Hulu got a show for you! Featuring Elle Fanning as Catherine the not-yet-great, the show follows her marriage to Peter III of Russia, played by an upsettingly funny Nicholas Hoult.

Wickedly clever, it made me realize that I can handle cheeky costume dramas if there is enough obscenity involved. Just a damn delight!

Future Man I have been singing the praises of this raunchy sci-fi comedy since its debut. Three time traveling idiots keep saving and breaking the world, but it is really all about Wolf, played by Derek Wilson, who is in my top five characters all time from anything ever. The show completed a three-year run satisfyingly, but if

they want to give Wolf a spinoff, I will dedicate my life to its honor.

What to Watch on

Amazon Prime Patriot

Another show I have been trumpeting for years, Patriot is a twisty-turny spy series that has simply haunted me. The tone is somehow both really sad and really, really funny. The plot is somehow super simple—a secret agent spectacularly screws up a simple money exchange—and yet exceedingly intricate. It features a near-silent, super-long game of Rochambeau that is the tensest thing I’ve ever seen on TV. You gotta watch it!

Suspiria Obviously, all of us love horror movies set in the 1970s that combine interpretive dance, unfathomable gore, and Tilda Swinton. Yet somehow, the most recent version of Suspiria did not get the love it deserved!

This stunningly meticulous film is “beautifully ugly,” which is a very hard thing to pull off. Its exploration of cold war themes, gender conventions, and artistic brutality makes it one of the more brilliant remakes to ever remake.

The Expanse For a few years, I held out, as everyone told me The Expanse was the new Battlestar Galactica.

Was that because Battlestar Galactica’s ending hurt me? Yes. But I learned to love again. The Expanse features intense explorations of colonization and citizenship, bonkers interactions with aliens, and Thomas Jane in a really dumb hat. Do you need more than that?

If you have suggestions for hidden gems on streaming services, hit me up on Twitter @thereaderfilm, as lord knows this madness ain’t gonna end anytime soon.

If 2020 Was a Horror Movie…

She Dies Tomorrow Is as Timely as It Is Brilliant

I

by Ryan Syrek

f there’s one thing we could all use right now, it’s more worry about death and an increased fear of other people, right?

Writer/director Amy Seimetz didn’t create COVID-19. Probably… But her new film, She Dies Tomorrow, is so impossibly well-timed that a conspiracy theory with her at its center would be far more believable than at least a third of what’s on Twitter.

The hallucinatory, often humorous, indie horror film is destined to piss off about half of all the people who watch it. Quiet, absurd and intentionally vague, She Dies Tomorrow is a big bucket of fucking brilliant. Whether or not this steaming brew of genius is your particular cup of tea depends entirely on whether or not you prefer decaf or an extra shot of existential dread.

Unlike elected officials, She Dies Tomorrow’s title is not lying to you. Amy (Kate Lyn Sheil) suddenly becomes convinced she’s going to kick it with the grim reaper mañana. That’s fine.

People have bad ideas all the time, just look at people going to bars right now. What’s weird is that when Amy tells Jane (Jane Adams) about her impending doom, Jane “catches” that same idea.

That’s right, this is a film about dangerous thoughts about death that are contagious, leading people to do selfish, awful things. Sound familiar at all?

It is, in some ways, the most sincerely perfect concept for a horror flick ever dreamed up.

If you’re expecting answers about how the paranoia pandemic got started or the logistics of what it means on a large scale, you’re gonna loathe this

shit. If you’re on board for a trippy meditation about mortality and the thinly veiled ugliness that hides inside of so many people, buckle up buttercup.

She Dies Tomorrow is everything people said (and lied) It Follows was.

Tight, thrilling, and unafraid to wade into weird waters, the film is frequently and purposefully laugh-out-loud funny. Things that are terrifying in a legitimately profound way skitter a tightrope between panic and parody.

Isn’t that right, Ari Aster? In only her second feature-length film, Seimetz shows the abject fearlessness needed to bravely walk that line.

Seimetz’s cinematic sleight of hand encourages viewers to fill in giant, gaping holes in the narrative. It never feels confusing, even if so much of it is suggestion and speculation rather than explicit storytelling. What it invites audiences to think about spastically flips between ugly and beautiful, making it the most authentic reflection on death in ages.

Thinking about dying in the middle of a pandemic is every bit as upsetting as it is inevitable. She Dies Tomorrow offers a new way into those inescapable thoughts. In a weird way, it offers as much comfort as distress, with an abstract final scene that will haunt fans and possibly induce eye-roll-related injuries in others. That’s good art right there.

She Dies Tomorrow is a perfect film, not just for the moment, but full fucking stop.

Grade = A+

September 2020

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H E A R T L A N D

H E A L I N G

Vince Gironda, the Iron Guru

by Michael Braunstein

L

ong, long ago in a galaxy far, far away… — OK, it was the 1980s and it was Los Angeles — I met a man whose fame was embodied in his nickname: the Iron Guru. His real name was famous enough, too: Vince Gironda.

Vince’s history is that of a well-traveled life in Hollywood.

He was a gypsy, a hoofer in the movies. But he found his niche in the 1940s when he realized his true talent was developing a muscular, finely sculpted physique.

Vince was one of a handful of true geniuses I have met in my time. And when I say, “handful,” I mean five or fewer.

Vince told me he opened his gym on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City sometime in the ‘40s.

It was one of the most unique places you could imagine.

Once you pulled the 20-pound dumbbell that served as a handle on the heavy wooden front door, you entered a single shotgun room with a small desk and counter area to the right. The walls were paneled in pine though mostly covered with plate glass mirrors. The dark red carpet was fairly threadbare when I arrived in the mid-80s.

There was a large skylight in the middle of the room with an ancient six-blade exhaust fan that Vince would begrudgingly turn on when the room got steamy.

There was no air conditioner.

There were no fancy machines.

Only heavy wooden benches, some declined, others inclined and all upholstered in rich, Corinthian leather.

There were a couple pulley devices that Vince had invented and a sadistic contraption known as a “hack slide,” but out-

50

side of that it was the land of free weights. At the back wall was a lineup of barbells, stacked across like rifles and beyond that wall, a “shower room” and lockers added to the building as an afterthought; more like a tiki shed than an actual room.

“No pool. No chrome.

No Music. Just Iron.”

The gym’s motto was ironclad. If a member talked too much on the floor, went to the water fountain in the back too often, even came near the place with one of those new-fangled “Walkman” cassette players or basically offended Vince’s sensibilities in any of a multitude of fashions, they would (usually) get their membership money thrown back at them.

Vince was so sought-after as a trainer and sculptor of the human form that his gym was the first place a young Arnold Schwarzenegger stopped when he landed in LA. Vince took a look at him, declared him “fat,” and told him to come back when he learned some discipline. He eventually did. Arnold would be just another name on the long list of A-List people Vince trained.

The most likely and unlikely came to Vince’s. It was the bodybuilder’s version of Rick’s Casablanca Café. All of the movie “muscle men” of the early eras trained there. World Champions like Mohamed Makkawy, Kay Baxter and the aforementioned Arnold would often spot (in the weight room sense) celebrities like Dudley Moore, Clint Eastwood, Sean Penn, Steve McQueen or David Lee Roth or regular guys like me. When Vince finally opened membership to women in the 1970s, Cher, Ra-

September 2020

quel and Bo Derek were regulars. The men at the gym treated the girls just like any other serious gym rat and not eye candy in Spandex.

When I showed up at Vince’s, we happened to hit it off. I could tell he liked me because he gave me a lot of grief, but every now and then he peppered in a rare and highly prized compliment.

As long as I brought him a triple espresso when I came in around 6 a.m., I was gold.

The “guru” part.

Vince knew more useful information about nutrition, energy, health and the human body than any medical doctor I’ve encountered. I have no idea how or where he learned so much. And even more remarkable, I have yet to encounter a nugget of wisdom Vince imparted that was anything other than pure gold.

In the 1980s, when eggs were vilified as a diabolical dietary disaster delivering deadly cholesterol to the human body, Vince scoffed.

“Eggs are nearly the perfect food,” he would say. “Along with raw liver.”

That would turn a lot of heads then and quite a few now, too.

But Vince was specific. His breakfast recommendation for me was, “Two raw scratch eggs, two ounces of raw heavy cream in a blender. Followed by six desiccated liver pills.”

“Scratch eggs” was Vince’s term for “free range” or “pastured” eggs; meaning the eggs were laid by hens able to be outside and “scratch” around the farmyard for insects, grass and nature’s harvest. And “raw” milk

was unpasteurized and unhomogenized, meaning the longchain fatty acids remained whole as they were intended.

Since the 1980s we have indeed learned more about eggs.

They are not devil’s food. And we have also seen research that the nutritional profile and omega fatty acid balance in eggs is notably better in eggs that are harvested from hens who can range outside and eat a real diet as nature intended.

We also have admitted that for those who lean toward omnivorous diets, organ meat such as liver is the most nutrient dense we can devour. The caveat, as in all areas of diet, is that the source of the organ meat and the “scratch” eggs must be known, high-quality and vetted.

Organ meat especially should be acquired only from grass-fed animals and from a local farmer who is acquainted with the ranching skills needed to provide a healthy animal to the processor.

Vince Gironda, who died in 1997, earned his moniker. His wisdom is timeless and much of it still lives on the internet even though the gym is long since gone. Long live the Iron Guru.

Be well.

Heartland Healing is a metaphysically based polemic describing alternatives to conventional methods of healing the body, mind and planet. It is provided as information and entertainment, certainly not medical advice. Important to remember and pass on to others: for a weekly dose of Heartland Healing, visit HeartlandHealing.com.

C O M I C S Doonesbury by Garry Trudeau

which deaths matter? by Jen Sorensen

TED RALL

SEPTEMBER 2020

51

c r o s s w o r d just can’t say what’s happening

Censor-y Overload

by Matt Jones

Across

31 Laundry piles 33 Kindling-making tools

1 “Groovy” relative 4 Bitter-tasting

34 Paris’s Rue de la ___

9 With celerity

35 Barber’s cut

13 Citrus beverage suffix

37 No longer worried

14 “Awesomesauce”

38 Villainous sort

15 Set of principles

39 Name of anonymity

17 Censored hearty meat entree?

40 Melville sailor Billy

19 Clue options

41 Litter

20 Heavy metal’s Motley ___

44 Lined up 45 British singer-songwriter Chris

21 Censored mugful for Harry Potter?

47 Defensive specialist in volleyball

23 Prepare for a sale, maybe

48 Cyclops feature

25 Domain of a bunch of Ottos, for short

49 Did some videoconferencing, maybe

26 Tango requirement?

52 Passing remarks?

27 Hundreds of wks.

54 Hold up

28 Brief calm

56 Operatic solo

32 Biblical peak 34 Outdoor eating areas 36 They precede Xennials 37 Poker player’s censored post-hand challenge?

57 “Shepherd Moons” Grammy winner 43 Medicine show bottleful 46 Went 9-Across 47 Start of many California city names

41 Protagonist of Net- 50 “The Family flix’s “Never Have I Circus” cartoonist Ever” (or a Hindu Keane goddess) 51 Classical opening 42 Detestable 53 Potable, so to speak AnswerS in next next month’s issue or online at TheReader.com

52

55 Clearly inflamed, but censored?

60 Toe the line

SEPTEMBER 2020

61 Soap that’s evidently 0.56% impure

Down

62 Unable to escape censorship?

2 Passionate fan

64 Receive at the door 65 Boxer Fury 66 Pastrami sandwich bread 67 Filmdom’s suave bloodsucker, for short 68 Introduce yourself 69 Brit. reference work

1 Pale imitation 3 Fine specimens 4 Teensy invader 5 Salad with bacon and egg 6 Waltz violinist Andre with PBS specials 7 “Colors” rapper 8 Profoundness 9 Oscar winner for playing Cyrano de Bergerac in 1950

10 Basic travel path 11 Closet-organizing device 12 Dance in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”

58 Online crafts marketplace 59 Christopher Robin’s “silly old bear” 63 Ending for pepper

16 $100 bills, slangily 18 It has a bed and a floor 22 Period of importance 24 Garbage bag brand 29 Pac-12 athlete 30 Long ride to the dance

AnsweR to last month’s “R-ationing” D R A G S O B E M I R O I D Y O D E O R G W E E K L O D I C P I C K A R O S P O R T A N N A L I E N C A D

G A M E R A L A M O M A G E S Y M R S R A Y A A F N D W A R D I E G O U R I E A N I D L E M E N E S I X D T A P E R O M E G A P I L O T I L L B E

K O I

B E E F A R O N I

U M P I R E

S T I L E S

O P D V E O E S B O R O I S C E C O D A M E R E N

S C E N T E S P N E X T

C R O S S W O R D

Double Negatives

it’s one way to double up

by Matt Jones

Across

35 Enormously 36 One who believes that one hand makes light work?

1 Maker of Musk cologne and perfume

38 “___ Mad At Cha” (Tupac Shakur song)

6 1990 World Series MVP Jose 10 Ruler of Iran, once

39 Little piggies, perhaps

14 “Legend of a Cowgirl” singer Coppola

43 Recovering 44 Hawk

15 No longer a fan of

45 Goes ballistic

16 Sagacious

46 Deflect

17 Subject of library censorship

47 Peach ___ (Escoffier creation)

19 Like many vaccines

48 Appointer of Justice Kagan

20 Before, to Byron 21 ___ terrier (Toto’s breed)

49 “Ready ___, here I come!”

22 Fantasy sports option

50 Thanks, to J¸rgen 51 “Where’s the ___?”

23 Bandleader known as “The King of Swing”

54 Stock option?

55 Lawnmower brand that means “bull” in Spanish

25 Orchard measures 28 Basis of the game Ticket to Ride, for short 29 “Dawn” author Wiesel 30 Awards show hosts 34 Twaddle 37 In fine order 40 Multi-vol. reference set 41 Lets pass 42 Fridge problem 43 Life story 44 Basil and pine nut topping 45 Cheap bowlful, maybe 52 “Magpie and the Dandelion” band The ___ Brothers

56 BlackBerries and Palm Pilots, e.g.

53 Prepare for baking, as challah dough 54 “The Racer’s Edge” 57 Coin-shaped Hanukkah candy 58 Pet owner’s alternative to kibble 60 Kathryn of “Law & Order: Criminal Intent”

65 Canadian ballplayers, once

Down 1 Agree (with) 2 Epps of “House M.D.” 3 Barn attachment

61 One way to run

4 “Barbara ___” (Beach Boys hit)

62 Actress Dreyfuss of “Dear Evan Hansen”

5 Family tree members 6 Batman’s sidekick

63 Yelp rating unit

7 Soap that floats, per old slogans

64 Past the due date

8 “The Masked Singer” panelist Ken 9 1978-82 sitcom planet 10 Suit in a tarot deck 11 U.S. Grant’s original first name 12 Carne ___ fries 13 “Hobbs & Shaw” actress Mirren 18 Rather prominent on the internet these days 22 Many a museum marble 23 Served as

24 108-year-old cookies that thankfully have a bunch of varieties to keep things fresh 25 Prefix with plane or dynamics

58 Schenkel who designed many Zappa album covers 59 Not-entirely-secure method of sending documents

26 You’re reading it 27 What a tangelo is tangled up in?

30 ___ a high note

AnsweR to last month’s “MUSCLES”

31 “2001” studio 32 CBS show with many spinoffs 33 911 responder 34 High degrees

SEPTEMBER 2020

53

O V E R

T H E

E D G E

The Return of Bright Eyes Conor Oberst talks about the new record, COVID-19, and the good ol’ days.

by Tim McMahan

C

onor, where are you? Are you here?

of COVID-19. The themes (critics say) revolve around his divorce and the death of Oberst’s brother, Matt, in 2016.

“Yeah, I’m here.”

“Here” is Omaha, where singer/songwriter and Bright Eyes frontman Conor Oberst has been holed up in his midtown home since July to ride out the COVID-19 pandemic, surrounded (though no doubt socially distanced) by friends, family and the two dogs he shares joint custody of with his “best friend” exwife Corina Figueroa Escamilla.

Pitchfork, the online music magazine and arguably the most important arbiter of indie rock, gave the album a respectable 7.4 rating, with critic Marc Hogan summing it up with: “Running over the same old ground, Bright Eyes have found the same old fears.” Whatever that means.

My two cents after a few listenings: The density of the album’s ideas and arrangements make Down in the Weeds… one of the most overall satisfying — if not exhausting — Bright Eyes albums in the project’s oeuvre.

Over the past 22 years I’ve checked in with Oberst from time to time, usually upon the release of a new album.

For this occasion, it’s Down in the Weeds, Where the World Once Was, the 10th studio album and the first Bright Eyes release since 2011’s The People’s Key. While some thought the band broke up, faithful readers of this column know I’ve always said the Bright Eyes’ triumvirate of Oberst, Mike Mogis and Nate Walcott would ride together again one day; after all, there was never a reason why they shouldn’t.

“We’ve obviously been friends the whole time,” Oberst said in a froggy afternoon drawl over the phone.

“Both Nate and Mike have worked on all my various solo projects, and (they’ve) worked on their film and

54

Over the course of the half-hour phone interview, Oberst talked very little about the album. Instead, we chatted mostly about how he’s riding out the pandemic. Oberst said he spent the first five months bunkered up with his girlfriend at his home in Los Angeles before driving back to Omaha in July.

TV score stuff. I feel like we jumped right back in.”

It’s always fun during the weeks leading up to and following the release of a Bright Eyes album to see critics try

September 2020

to decipher its meaning.

The consensus: Down in the Weeds… is Bright Eyes’ midlife crisis / end-of-the-world album, though in fact it was written well before the onset

“Los Angeles County was like the first place to really lock it down,” he said. “And then you get out here and it’s almost like it’s not happening, you know what I mean?

You drive through Blackstone and people are going to bars and stuff. It’s a little different

O V E R experience, but I guess we’re all kind of going through it in a different way.”

Like a lot of people, Oberst thinks he already contracted COVID-19, though he never got tested for it.

“Me and Phoebe (Bridgers, Oberst’s partner in folk-rock project Better Oblivion Community Center) went to New York and when we came back to LA, we were both so completely sick, and I had this weird respiratory thing that lasted like two months,” he said. “I don’t know if that means I had it; I don’t know if that means I won’t get it again.”

So Oberst has been sticking close to his Fair Acres compound where he lives with a few roommates and his dogs, with Mike Mogis “just up the hill” sharing in his social bubble. You’d think he would see this as a great opportunity to work on music, but instead, Oberst sounded lost.

“I sort of feel like there’s two camps in the COVID world,” he said. “(There’s) the people taking time to self-improve and be productive and all that stuff. I’m definitely in the other camp.

I look at my guitars, I look at my piano, I don’t really touch it. I have sort of, like, no motivation.”

That could be because Oberst has watched powerless while all plans for Bright Eyes’ musical world domination went up in a cloud of virus spores.

“The next potential show on the books that we could possibly do is next July, a year away,” he said. “It’s just very

T H E

disappointing because we had this whole two-year plan laid out. We had a new label and everyone was stoked.

We were going to play Forest Hills in New York and had already sold over 10,000 tickets, which for us is a lot. Maybe next summer we can do the shows, but who the fuck knows?”

It is here that Oberst recognized the complaints of a rock star, and went on a rant.

“I was a little bit ‘Woe is me’ sad at first, but if you just get over yourself and step out for a second you realize, ‘Hey, I’ve got a roof over my head, I got food in the fridge.’

There’s so many people that have nothing, that have no jobs, that are on unemploy-

“...‘Jesus Christ, what are we even living through?’ It’s true insanity.” ment that’s running out, that are getting evicted from their apartment. When you pan out the camera a little bit to see how much suffering there is, not to mention that, like, 160,000 people have died. It’s fucking insane.

“And like (there’s) zero leadership. I fucking hate our fucking governor, he’s the worst. And of course I fucking hate Trump. There’s just no leadership from anywhere, and people don’t believe in science, and people

E D G E

are fucking crazy, so it’s just a nightmare.

Bloomington, Indiana’s Dead Oceans Records, the same label that released the Better Oblivion Community Center debut last year.

“And then you have George Floyd and Black Lives Matter and this social unrest, which is well-deserved. I feel like everything coming together at this moment is unprec- “[Saddle Creek] is not a part edented. I’ve never of it anymore, but as far as seen it in my lifetime.” the community of bands, and

Oberst wasn’t our love and mutual respect in Omaha when the protests began for each other, our support in early July, but he was here later for each other’s music is still that month when completely intact.” protesters were trapped and arrested on the Farnam Street overpass. “I “I still love everybody and saw that on the news and I we still have a community,” was like, ‘Jesus Christ, what Oberst said. “The label is not are we even living through?’ a part of it anymore, but as far It’s true insanity,” he said. as the community of bands, Oberst said he took part and our love and mutual rein the very early days of pro- spect for each other, our suptests in Los Angeles, but from port for each other’s music is a distance. “I’m no stranger still completely intact. We all to protests,” he said, but he’s love each other. never been gassed.

“That never changed and At this point, Oberst’s is never going to change. I publicist chimed in to say get excited every time there’s my time was up, but Conor a new Cursive record or a said he had time for a couple new Faint record or a new more questions, so I had to Maria (Taylor) or Orenda ask if he still feels connected (Fink) record. Those are all to the old days of the Oma- my best friends. I love them ha music scene. Bright Eyes, all.”

The Faint and Cursive were the crown jewels of Saddle Creek Records in the early 2000s when Omaha was Over The Edge is a monthrecognized oh so briefly as ly column by Reader senior the center of the indie music contributing writer Tim McMaworld. han focused on culture, society, Now two decades later, music, the media and the arts. all three bands no longer are Email Tim at tim.mcmahan@ on Saddle Creek. Bright Eyes’ gmail.com. new album was released on

September 2020

55

LAS CLASES A DISTANCIA DISIPAN EL MIEDO por contagio en las Escuelas Públicas de Omaha POR KARLHA VEL ÁSQUEZ RIVAS

J

osefina Ángeles se hizo muchas preguntas antes que el periodo escolar ¿Cómo van a hacer las clases de sus hijos de 11 y 6 años? – se responde que el de 11 se las puede arreglar ya que pasó a 6to grado, pero el de 6 años, que aun está en kínder necesita más atención. Ángeles trabaja en una empresa de limpieza y su marido también trabaja en otra área por lo que las escuelas le permitían hacer sus labores.

“Cuando empezó esto de la pandemia, estábamos asustado. Tantas noticias que mirábamos que nos hicieron mantener dentro de la casa. No queríamos contagiarnos”, dijo.

Ella, como otras madres se enteraron del caso de los casi 300 niños y jóvenes contagiados escuelas estadounidenses. Por lo que el miedo a que sus hijos regresaran a las escuelas estaba latente.

a manejar los asuntos familiares y además, ha tomado clases de inglés para así apoyar más a sus hijos. Las clases en las escuelas de Omaha mayormente se dictan en inglés por lo que para los padres inmigrantes latinos representa un nuevo reto ayudar a sus hijos.

Emociones encontradas ahora las clases serán de forma remota. Pero Ángeles tuvo que pedir un permiso largo en su trabajo para dedicarse ahora a atender a sus hijos y apoyarlos en lo que pueda con las clases, sobre todo al menor que aun está aprendiendo a usar los dispositivos digitales.

Sus dos hijos asisten a las Escuelas Públicas de Omaha (OPS) cuya junta directiva había acordado a comienzos de agosto que las clases del nuevo periodo escolar fuesen 100% remotas a través de las tabletas digitales.

“Afortunadamente tengo una buena patrona que es comprensiva y puedo ausentarme por un tiempo y también tengo a alguien que me apoya económicamente.

Aunque los ingresos económicos disminuyan nosotros estamos bien. Mi prioridad son mis hijos y que tengan una educación bien”, comentó.

“Fue un alivio. ¡qué bueno que tomaron esa decisión!”, dijo cuando se enteró que

Ángeles ha tomado clases de liderazgo y de padres las cuales, asegura, les ha ayudado

1

ARTICULO DESTACADO // FEATURE ARTICLE

Las clases en las OPS iniciaron el 18 de agosto y con el mismo currículo según los grados.

Durante el mes de agosto El Perico le preguntó a 50 niños de habla hispana, entre 9 y 12 años y que viven en diferentes zonas de Omaha si preferían o no las clases remotas.

El 60% había contestado que están consciente de que es necesaria las clases remotas aunque no son sus preferidas.

Mientras que el 40% de estos contestaron que prefieren las clases presenciales, conocer a

sus profesores, tener recreos y jugar con sus amigos.

“No sé cómo vamos a hacer con educación física”, dijo Ángeles. El mayor de los hijos de Ángeles no sabía explicar si le gustaría más las clases remota o presenciales. Se acostumbró a la tableta y al sistema de clases virtuales a través de ITeam.

Por ahora el sistema escolar de las OPS se hará así hasta finales de año, según comentó Ángeles, cuando los niños podrán retornar en grupos divididos a las escuelas.

“Ahora debo aprender lo de mis hijos”

Con nociones básico del inglés ahora Ángeles se transforma en “una alumna” de las OPS.

SEPTEMBER 2020

Aunque terminó su bachillerato deberá comenzar “sus estudios” desde kínder a través de su hijo de 6 años.

Ella acondicionó un espacio del sótano de su casa para que sea exclusivamente un sitio de estudio para sus hijos. En ese lugar tiene un cuadro de metas para que sus hijos puedan ir escribiendo qué quieren hacer en los próximos días y lo que ya se ha hecho o cumplido.

“Yo no sé cómo voy a hacer.

Ahora debo estar recibiendo clases con mis hijos para guiarlos y estar pendientes de que lo que estén diciendo yo se los pueda explicar mejor”, dijo.

Esta misma situación también la tienen otras madres que fueron entrevistadas pero prefirieron mantenerse en anonimato. “Yo tengo miedo

independiente”, comentó Luisa, nombre ficticio.

Educación garantizada La educación a distancia no ha sido nada nuevo. En el siglo XVIII algunas universidades estadounidenses llevaron a cabo este sistema y se dependía del sistema posta. Luego México y Colombia fueron los pioneros en implementarlo en español, reseña una página web.

La situación de evitar los contagios dentro de las escuelas obligó a que que las autoridades educativas implementaran en la educación básica y diversificada un tipo

también con preocupación las nuevas circunstancias en la que se enfrentarán los niños ante

nuevos modelos de enseñanza, entre ellos la remota.

Agregó que los maestros e s t u v i e r o n formándose en verano y han participado en la creación de materiales didácticos para que el aprendizaje sea más efectivo y eficiente. “Las OPS repartieron 54 000 tabletas con sistema de internet integrado, por lo que no es un problema el tema del internet porque cada estudiante puede acceder al sistema educativo a través de ese equipo”, comentó.

Los hijos de Ángeles también tienen sendas tabletas Ipads.

Si algún estudiante no ha recibido este dispositivo, podrá ir a la dirección de la escuela para solicitarla.

de que mis hijos regresen a clases porque no quiero que se enfermen, pero soy madre soltera y no puedo pagar un daycare así que trabajo ahora a destajo de forma

SEPTEMBER 2020

de enseñanza remota, que abarque todas las necesidades de los niños, claro, con ayuda de los padres como supervisores.

Kiara Snipe miembro de la junta de Educación tomó

el nuevo “modo” educativo.

Contó en una entrevista que muchísimo antes de la pandemia se viene trabajando con el programa STEM ecosystem, un sistema en el que se estudian constantemente los

Programas de educación y apoyo para salud mental Ángeles cuenta que ha sido de mucha ayuda para ella y continuada en la página 3 y

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y continuada de la página 2

otros padres los programas de alimentación. “Hay padres que dependen mucho de lo que las escuelas les ofrecen.

Yo por mi parte debo quedarme en casa y atender la alimentación y educación de mis hijos. Es un reto. Mi hijo de 6 años necesita más atención y me las tengo que arreglar”, comentó.

Ante esto Snipe aseguró que las OPS seguirán con el programa de alimentación de desayuno y almuerzo para los estudiantes de esas instituciones.

“Están garantizada la entregas de comida para los niños.

Con la doctora Logan (superintendente de las OPS) hemos evaluados todos los detallles y necesidades del sistema educativo, incluso la salud mental”, comentó.

Agregó que las OPS, con apoyo de OneWorld, desarrollaron un programa para ayudar a los maestros y a la comunidad de forma espiritual para lidiar con el nuevo sistema educativo y aclarar las dudas sobre el COVID-19 y los efectos psicológicos que acarrea el encerramiento y la falta de contacto en los niños y familias.

Aun falta por terminar el periodo escolar, todos esperan que en algún punto del periodo escolar los niños podrán reencontrarse en los planteles, tomando siempre las medidas para evitar más contagios.

TE GUIAREMOS A CASA HIPOTECA fnbo.com/español Los productos y servicios se realizaran en inglés.

Visite fnbo.com/español para obtener más información.

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Reyna Gonzalez

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SEPTEMBER 2020

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EL COVID-19 sigue manteniendo en rojo el Sur de Omaha

POR KARLHA VEL ASQUEZ RIVAS

E

l área del código postal 68107 permanece en rojo. El mapa que muestra el conteo de los casos de COVID-19 en el Condado de Douglas señala que ahí es donde se concentran la mayoría las personas que fueron afectadas por el coronavirus en la ciudad de Omaha.

El sur es conocido por su aire hispano y, se podría decir que la mayoría de la población latina habita en esa zona. Pero ¿por qué las cifras más altas de los casos positivos de nuevo coronavirus están allí?

Para quien vive en Omaha la respuesta parecería “obvia”: los principales mataderos y empacadoras de carne están ubicado en el sur de Omaha son los culpables.

El presidente de la Junta de Salud del Condado de Douglas, Chris Rodgers, señala que no solo son las plantas procesadoras de carne sino a los trabajos que implican aglomeración.

“La zona que observamos en rojo, la zona 68 107 se debe a lo que llamamos clústeres (grupos concentrados) de trabajos. La construcción (como trabajo) es uno de ellos. Las empacadoras de carne son también clústeres”, dijo Rodges mientras explicaba las cifras en el mapa en una entrevista a El Perico por Zoom.

La mayoría de los trabajadores de la construcción y las empacadoras son hispanos, entre otro grupo de inmigrantes y muchos de ellos no solo viven en el sur de Omaha, sino

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también en las áreas satélites de la ciudad como Council Bluff y Bellevue.

trabajadores entrevistados para ese entonces afirmaron que algunas medidas se tomaron y las consecuencias se vieron reflejadas en el aumento de precio de la carne en el sur de Omaha y la escasez de esa proteína en otros sectores de la ciudad.

Más allá de las empacadoras A comienzos de abril se conoció el escándalo de los 237 casos positivos de COVID-19 en las empacadoras de carne en Grand Island, otra ciudad al norte de Nebraska. Las alarmas en Omaha se encendieron y con ella las preocupaciones entre la población latina que en buena parte fue afectada por el virus.

Para ese sindicatos y

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entonces los la comunidad

insistieron en que se protegiera a los que consideraron trabajadores esenciales y tomar medidas como disminuir la velocidad en la línea de producción, instalar separadores y en otras instancias cerrarlas. Algunos

A pesar de los casos positivos dentro de la comunidad del sur, las empacadoras no se detuvieron. Algunos trabajadores con suerte pudieron acceder a permisos remunerados si mostraban un reporte médico en el que se decía la causa de su “reposo”: COVID-19. Otros corrieron no tuvieron otra alternativa que seguir trabajando con o sin síntomas. continuada en la página 7 y

SEPTEMBER 2020

FOTOS COMUNITARIAS

COMMUNITY PHOTOS

ELITE STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY El consulado de México en Omaha planea realizar un evento virtual a propósito del aniversario de la independencia de México.

DIVA MEJIA, presidenta de la Cámara de Comercio Hispano de Nebraska celebra un año más de vida. ¡Felicidades!

MERCEDES REYES, locataria del Sur de Omaha, hace un llamado para continuar apoyando a los micronegocios locales afectados por la pandemia del COVID-19. “Antes de buscar tiendas grandes, mejor acérquense a las pequeñas y locales”, dijo.

El Mayor TODD THIELKE, Senior Kroc Center Officer, junto a su esposa la Mayor CATHERINE THIELKE, celebra 10 años de haber sido asignado al Centro Comunitario del Ejercito de Salvación en Omaha.

SEPTEMBER 2020

LUIS MARCOS, director ejecutivo de la organización Comunidad Maya Pixan Ixim, celebra haber recibido el reconocimiento Transparencia Platino 2020 por parte de Guidestar. ¡Enhorabuena!

Parques y jardines públicos de Omaha siguen alentando a padres de familia a mantener el uso de cubrebocas en dichos espacios, además de la distancia física pertinente para evitar la propagación del COVID-19.

En este regreso a clases las escuelas públicas de Omaha implementan el “aprendizaje remoto” manteniendo el mismo calendario escolar.

También anuncian que todos los viajes patrocinados por la escuela están suspendidos hasta diciembre de 2020.

FOTOS COMUNITARIAS

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tomando medidas para “proteger a sus trabajadores, buscando orientación de expertos en enfermedades infecciosas del Centro Médico de la Universidad de Nebraska sobre cómo operar de manera segura”, publicó AP. Además, otros senadores argumentaron que los funcionarios de las empresas han manifestado que los contagios se dieron fuera del trabajo y además acuñan que se debe a que algunos trabajadores viven en “hogares abarrotados”. y continuada de la página 5

Ante este panorama Rodgers atribuye también el color rojo del 68 107 a los “contactos”, es decir, en los que una persona infectada afecta a otras según los lugares que visite, incluyendo a la familia. Según el mapa 59% de los casos que se conocen se debe a esta razón.

El también comisionado del condado de Douglas agregó

que hace unos meses las zonas 68 104 y 68 111, al norte de Omaha, también estaban en rojo. Ahora está en anaranjado, eso quiere decir que los casos positivos han disminuidos.

Intención fracasada A finales del mes de julio el senador Tony Vargas llevó a la Legislatura de Nebraska un

proyecto de ley en el que se establecieran medidas más seguras para proteger a los trabajadores de las plantas procesadoras de carne. La propuesta fue rechazada.

El argumento de la legislatura fue que dicha propuesta no estaba bien sustentada y que un nuevo proyecto de ley no era necesario ya que las plantas procesadoras de carne de Nebraska ya estaban

En la audiencia otros senadores mostraron escepticismo, pero estuvieron abiertos a discutirlo dada la situación de pandemia, agrega el rotativo.

La reacción en la comunidad hispana de Omaha fue devastadora.

“Pensar que nos dicen esenciales cuando demuestran otra cosa, es triste”, dijo en una entrevista a El Perico una trabajadora que prefirió mantenerse en anonimato.

Adelanta

hacia empleo a tiempo completo.

Encuentra un nuevo x.

Asegura tus $1,100 para comenzar.

Si tu empleo ha sido impactado por el COVID-19, puedes ser elegible para recibir la beca MCC Cares.

Una cantidad de un solo uso de $1,100 que puedes usar para matricularte en programas de entrenamiento a corto plazo o aplicar hacia un grado asociado en más de 60 programas elegibles.

Para ver si calificas y completar una solicitud, visita mccneb.edu/CaresScholarship antes del 1 de octubre.

PARA MÁS INFORMACIÓN Llama al 531-622-2400 o escríbenos a MCCCaresScholarship@mccneb.edu.

Metropolitan Community College afirma una póliza de igualdad en la educación, oportunidades de empleo y libre de descriminación al ofrecer servicios al público. Para leer nuestra póliza en su totalidad, visita mccneb.edu/nondiscrimination.

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ARTICULO DESTACADO // FEATURE ARTICLE

SEPTEMBER 2020

“No hay una vacuna” Desde el mes de mayo el porcentaje de contagiados era de 52% y ahora se ubica en 37,3%, ha disminuido, pero ¿cómo podemos bajar más esa cifra?

“No hay una vacuna. La única manera de disminuir es manteniendo la distancia social y usar un cubrebocas. Al comienzo de la pandemia no usábamos mucho el cubrebocas ya que fueron destinados a los trabajadores de la salud.

Tampoco sabíamos que existía la posibilidad de no presentar síntomas y portar el virus ya que se conocía solo si tenías fiebre entre otros síntomas”, comentó el comisionado Rodgers.

Recordemos que el COVID-19 se transmite por las vías respiratorias y además, las mucosas son principales receptoras. Es por ello que Rodger recalca que es necesario el uso de los cubrebocas para protegernos mutuamente.

La manera en que una persona puede reaccionar ante un contagio del virus puede variar depende del sistema inmunológico de cada individuo. Así, de los 1 963 casos registrados en el sur de Omaha, 1 658 se recuperaron del virus. Algunos están en proceso de recuperación, pero otros han dejado un vacío en los corazones de sus familias.

Las autoridades reiteran el llamado a la comunidad a tomar en serio las medidas de seguridad establecidas.

No en vano se decretó que es obligatorio usar los cubrebocas en todas las áreas cerradas y edificios en Omaha.

Además, se abrió la página web TestNebraska.com para dar facilidades a hacerse las pruebas del COVID-19 y así seguir evaluar los casos.

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