Focusv2i12 by Focus Omaha

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 12 | MARCH 21 - MARCH 27 | 2018

YOUR FREE ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, PERSONAL FINANCE, MUSIC & CLASSIFIEDS NEWSWEEKLY

LOCAL Brad Hoshaw

LIVE Omaha SymphonyTribute to David Bowie

DINING Jerzees Bar & Grill

EVENTS Your Daily Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS

H 27 | 2018 | MARCH 21 - MARC CLASSIFIEDS NEWSWEEKLY VOLUME 2 ISSUE 12 FINANCE, MUSIC &

TAINMENT, PERSONAL YOUR FREE ARTS, ENTER

4 LOCAL

Brad Hoshaw Omaha Symphonyie Tribute to David Bow

THE ARTS

DINING

Jerzees Bar & Grill

LIVE

FOCUS ON THIS WEEK!

SPORTS

FAMILY

EVENTS

Mid March

LOCAL

The Bearded Bard of Benson: Catching Up With Brad Hoshaw By Jesse D Stanek

LIVE

Omaha Symphony- Tribute to David Bowie By Andy Roberts

10 ON TEN

13 THIS WEEKS FEATURE

Foundation One Bank will be sharing financial information relating to the markets, investments, financial news and other information.

15 REVIEW Rene’ Marie Review By Andy Roberts

HAPPY HOUR

16 EARTHWEEK

GETTING OUT

FINANCE

Diary of a Changing World By Steve Newman

18 SPORTS Basketball Ends By Focus Omaha

20 HEALTH Preventing Lead Poisoning in Nebraska Children Sponsored by New Dawn Nutrition

21 DINING Jerzes Bar & Grill By Andy Roberts

30 CLASSIFIEDS

Focus is your FREE Arts, Entertainment, Personal Finance, Music & Classifieds Newsweekly. We’ve brought all of these elements together for the first time, all in one weekly format. Our goal is to provide you, the customer, with the best possible publication to suit all of your needs. Focus 7914 W Dodge Rd. # 413 Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 208-6545 focusomaha@gmail.com www.focusomaha.com

Recurring weekly on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday Featuring six works from his 2008 series, Dark Star , this compact installation touches on the central themes of the artist’s practice, capturing John Divola’s interventions in a series of haunting images. ----------------------------------------------Through July 29 American Adventure Nizar and his wife Dr. Marsha Thursday, March 22 | 6p - 8p Mamdani will share experiences about Durham Museum, 801 S 10th Street ARTalk + Exhibition their innovative nonprofit organization Omaha, NE 68108 Opening Reception info@durhammuseum.org Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts First Sight - whose mission is to Do you have what it takes to survive? provide a sustainable system of 724 South 12th Street Take a step back into history to find eye-care to impoverished regions of Omaha, NE 68102 out. In 1607, settlers landed on the the world. Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts ----------------------------------------------- shores of Virginia and called it home, invites the public to the opening of creating the first permanent European two new exhibitions, beginning.break. Through March 31 settlement. Little did they know that rapid: Kenji Fujita & Barbara Takenaga Fragments by Sophie Newell: less than half of them would survive guest curated by Sheila Pepe and Sick 2nd Chance the year in this new wilderness. MiTime, Sleepy Time, Crip Time: Against The Little Benson Gallery notaur Mazes’ American Adventure Capitalism’s Temporal Bullying curated 5901 Maple St., Omaha takes visitors on an immersive, eduIf you haven’t had a chance to see by Taraneh Fazeli, 2018 Bemis Curacational role-play adventure that asks tor-in-Residence. Both exhibitions will Fragments by Sophie Newell, you’ve now got another month to do so. We’re people to conquer one great challenge: be on view through June 2, 2018. holding the show over through March survive the year as one of the original 31. Hours are Tuesday through Friday Jamestown colonists. Sound easy? 6–8 PM – Public Opening Reception from 3 to 6pm, Saturday from 10am to 1pm and by appointment. For more Think again. Only 38 of the 104 6:30 PM – ARTalk with Curators settlers survived. But don’t worry – information, call 402.681.1901. Taraneh Fazeli and Sheila Pepe ----------------------------------------------- you’re not tied to their destiny. You Free and open to the public. Free parking available. ----------------------------------------------Through March 28 Max Church Star Deli 6114 Military Ave, Omaha, 68104 Through April 27 Star Deli Gallery presents, Lisa Guevara: Max Church, a Lincoln based artist stretch here / relax here / cry that will be showing his paintings at Petshop, 2725 N 62nd St., Omaha Star Deli during the month of March. Petshop invites you to the opening reception for Lisa Guevara’s “stretch The exhibition is free and open to the here / relax here / cry” on March 2nd public. Please contact artist directly 7-10pm during Benson First Friday. for artwork sales. ----------------------------------------------- “stretch here / relax here / cry” is a re-self-discovery through continuous examination of old, personal valuables combined with an array of obsolete necessities such as packing materials and worn cloth. Impulse-driven paint marks create the trail from one thought to another, shaping a dialogue between the past and present. Exhibition thru April 27th Gallery hours Fridays 5-7pm and by March 29 | 7p - 8p appointment Great Minds Series with ----------------------------------------------First Sight’s Nizar Mamdani John Divola Exhibit KANEKO March 18 to May 6 1111 Jones St Omaha, 68102 Joslyn Art Museum The Great Minds Series presents a lecture with UNMC’s Nizar Mamdani. 2200 Dodge St Omaha, NE 68102

Focus | March 21 - March 27 | Volume 2 Issue 12

can beat the odds and determine your fate – it all depends on the choices you make…and a bit of luck. Blending historical accuracy and the complexities of real life and death decisions, American Adventure delivers a truly unique and effective learning experience. Visitors choose a unique identity of one the Jamestown colonists and track a series of life choices on an easy to use abacus representing “life points” for health, wealth, food, and morale. You have to maintain all of them to “survive” the exhibit. Visitors will encounter four content-rich “Season Galleries” and engage in hands-on activities that result in choices relevant to their character. Survival is based on visitor knowledge and ingenuity but also the abilities and priorities of chosen identity. The American Adventure experience quickly reveals the reality of what Jamestown’s settlers faced, but also how everyday decisions and interactions with the environment can be a matter of life and death. Even if you don’t survive, try again! There’s a new adventure every time you enter the exhibit!

1019 Howard St. Omaha, NE 68102 402-342-1737

Custom Jewelry  Pearls  Local Artists  Loose Gemstones  Watch Batteries  Jewelry Repair www.goldsmithsilversmith.com Focus | March 21 - March 27 | Volume 2 Issue 12 5

March 21 – March 25 | Times Vary Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach, Omaha Community Playhouse 6915 Cass St, Omaha, 68132 James and the Giant Peach is a brandnew musical guaranteed to mesmerize theatregoers of all ages. A compelling story by beloved author Roald Dahl (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda) and music composed by the award-winning team of Pasek & Paul (La La Land, A Christmas Story, television’s Smash), a young orphan named James accidentally drops magic crystals by an old peach tree. Strange things start to happen and James soon discovers a world of magic and adventure full of friendly insects and learns that love and family can be found in unexpected places. ----------------------------------------------Friday, March 23 | 6:30p - 8p ROAR (Reach Out and Read) for Military Families, Nebraska Medicine Bellevue 2500 Bellevue Medical Center Dr. Please join us for a Reach Out and Read open house fundraiser to benefit our local military families on March 23rd! Enjoy beverages, snacks, dessert and children’s storytime. ----------------------------------------------March 23 – March 25 | Times Vary WONDERLAND: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure, The Rose Theater 2001 Farnam St, Omaha, 68102 The Rose Theater takes you down a daringly different rock-n-roll rabbit hole in this enticing contemporary re-imagining of the Lewis Carroll classic. Join Alice as she encounters the familiar faces of Wonderland whirled together with a wild wide range of modern music styles, from glam rock glitter and pop-hook punk to jangly guitar grinds and stadium anthem swagger. All roads lead to the mysterious Jabberwock, whom Alice must confront in order to discover her own powerful voice. A uniquely electrifying extravaganza that will whisk you off to Wonderland in a whole new way! Runs through April 8, 2018 -----------------------------------------------

Saturday, March 24 |10a - 2p Kids Nutrition Days Omaha Childrens Museum 500 S. 20th Street, Omaha, 68102 Visit Omaha Children’s Museum for an afternoon of fun in celebration of National Nutrition Month. Kids can meet the people who grow our food and learn about eating healthy. Some tables will have samples or hand out goodies (while supplies last). Included with museum admission. ----------------------------------------------Saturday, March 24 | 10a - 12p Annual Easter Egg Hunt Holy Cross Lutheran Church 4117 Terrace Drive, Omaha, 68134 There will be an Easter Egg Hunt, crafts, snacks, and more! ----------------------------------------------Hummel Hunt | 10a - 2p Hummel Nature Center 3033 Hummel Park Rd. Omaha, 68112 Head to Hummel Park to hike the trails and find Easter eggs! Make a craft, dye eggs, and have fun with your family! Please RSVP online! ----------------------------------------------Saturday, March 24 | 10:30a - 12p Eggstravaganza Saddlebrook Community Center 14850 Laurel Ave, Omaha, NE 68116 Hop on over to say hi and take pictures with the Easter Bunny! Don’t forget your camera! ----------------------------------------------Saturday, March 24 | 11a - 2p Easter Egg Drop Brookside Church, 11607 M Circle, Omaha, 68137 Enjoy inflatables, kids activities, photos with the Easter Bunny, and a helicopter egg drop. A fun family event not to miss! http://www.brookside.net/easter-eggdrop/ ----------------------------------------------Saturday, March 24 | 1p -3p L.P.O.A.’s 17th Annual Easter Hunt Spring Lake Park Spring Lake Drive & I Street All children ages 1-12 are welcome! Enjoy food, fun & rides! -----------------------------------------------

Focus | March 21 - March 27 | Volume 2 Issue 12

SUNDAY, MARCH 25 Easter Egg Hunt Manawa Faith Community, 2p MONDAY, MARCH 26 Dinner with the Easter Bunny Quaker Steak and Lube , 5p ----------------------------------------------The Office Trivia NIght The Buck Snort, 6p

EVENTS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21 Wine Club Wednesdays Cellar 19 Wine & Deli, 1p THURSDAY, MARCH 22 March Madness Happy Hour Barley Bar, 5p ----------------------------------------------Extreme Midget Wrestling The Mile Away Hall & Tavern, 7p ----------------------------------------------Thirsty Thursday Rodeo Saloon, 8p ----------------------------------------------DJ Lay-C & Wizdum CUBE Ultra Lounge, 9p FRIDAY, MARCH 23 Knockout Parties with DJ Jake The Mile Away Hall & Tavern, 7p

Lemon Fresh Day Amerisports, 8:30p ----------------------------------------------DJ Lay-C CUBE Ultra Lounge, 8p

TUESDAY, MARCH 27 Wine Tasting Cellar 19 Wine & Deli, 5:30p

SATURDAY, MARCH 24 Annual Fish Fry & Bike Blessing Heavenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Saints Midwest Chapter, 2p ----------------------------------------------N8 M Sic The Buck Snort, 6p ----------------------------------------------Nick Rucker Cellar 19 Wine & Deli, 7p ----------------------------------------------Lemon Fresh Day Amerisports, 8:30p ----------------------------------------------Chad Lee Band Whiskey Roadhouse, 9p

Focus | March 21 - March 27 | Volume 2 Issue 12 7

WEDNESDAY MARCH 21 Happy Hippy Hour with Carrie Jean & Dr. Webb Music The Down Under, 4:20p ----------------------------------------------Jam Session Vino Mas, 6p ----------------------------------------------The 70’s Band Ozone Lounge, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Couple Dance Lessons Bushwacker’s Saloon, 7p ----------------------------------------------Chris Duarte Group Lookout Lounge, 7p ----------------------------------------------Bill Sammon - Acoustic Music Omaha Marriott Regency, 7p ----------------------------------------------Ray’s Piano Party Mr. Toad’s, 7p ----------------------------------------------Carolyn Harrell & Michael Adams The Omaha Lounge, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Hatebreed, Crowbar, The Acacia Strain & Twitching Tongues Sokol Auditorium, 8p ----------------------------------------------Open Mic with Host Aly Peeler The Down Under, 8p ----------------------------------------------Gottberg Harney Street Tavern, 9p ----------------------------------------------Sucettes / Dilute Pageturners Lounge, 9p

THURSDAY MARCH 22 THORsday Movie Happy Hour The Down Under, 3p ----------------------------------------------The Bel-Airs Chrome Lounge, 6p ----------------------------------------------Daddy Mac & The Flak Ozone Lounge, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Kevin Killion Vino Mas, 6:30p

Line Dance Lessons Bushwacker’s Saloon, 7p ----------------------------------------------Karaoke The New Frontier Bar, 7p ----------------------------------------------Metro Comedy Showdown The Side Room, 7p ----------------------------------------------Within Reach and I Am Heir The Well, 7p ----------------------------------------------Mainstream Jazz Quintet Jambo Cat, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Rick Gutierrez Omaha Funny Bone, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Ty Hakeem, Ed Archibald & Michael Adams, The Omaha Lounge, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Chuck Mead Reverb Lounge, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Black Pussy w/ Rimjob, Black Velvet, Gallivant, Dr. Jack’s Drinkery, 8p ----------------------------------------------The Sheckies, The Shidiots & DSM-5 Lookout Lounge, 8p ----------------------------------------------Sweet Story Time (Improv) The Backline, 8p ----------------------------------------------Russian Circles with Pro-Magnum The Waiting Room, 8p ----------------------------------------------The Black Angels with Black Lips Slowdown, 8:30p ----------------------------------------------UnScene City Barley Street, 9p ----------------------------------------------Jonathan Parker Buck’s Bar & Grill, 9p ----------------------------------------------Room 100 Harney Street Tavern, 9p ----------------------------------------------Faded, Diego Danger and Other Brothers, The B. Bar, 9p ----------------------------------------------Instaprov (Improv) The Backline, 9p -----------------------------------------------

Focus | March 21 - March 27 | Volume 2 Issue 12

Mace Hathaway & Guests The Down Under Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Chris Shelton Dubliner Pub, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------Kickball Style Jam The Backline, 10p

A Stand Up Fundraiser for Megan Hunt, Reverb Lounge, 8p ----------------------------------------------Pennywise with Strung Out & The Shidiots, Sokol Auditorium, 8p ----------------------------------------------Femme Fatales of Comedy (Standup) The Backline, 8p ----------------------------------------------Tyi Hakeem, Ed Archibald & special FRIDAY MARCH 23 guest, The Omaha Lounge, 8:30p ----------------------------------------------Dan/Jon Acoustic Happy Hour An Evening with Floyd: Pink Floyd The Down Under Lounge, 5p Tribute, The Waiting Room, 8:30p ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------Evan Bartels Lucked Out, Darkwood, Djit, RVGER & Black Oak Grill, 6p Elusyve, Bar 415, 9p ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------Natalie Thomas Shaun Peace Band, Orion Walsh, Cantina Loredo, 6p Midwest Dilemma & Mace Hathaway ----------------------------------------------- Barley Street, 9p NCAA® Division I Men’s Basketball ----------------------------------------------Championship, CenturyLink Center, 6p BAD Dynamic / 24 Hour Cardlock / ----------------------------------------------- Walking Wounded Sam Swerzcek Dr. Jack’s Drinkery, 9p CRAVE, 6p --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3 Wheel Jack Gage Williams Firebarn Papillion, 9p Della Costa, 6p --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lucky Seven Peace, Love, Etc. Forte Music Hall, 9p Bogie’s West, 7p --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Skuddur Blackhawk Growler USA, 9p Bourbon Saloon, 7p --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mr. E and the Stringless Kite & Your Last Chance Resident Lime Lookout Lounge, 7p Harney Street Tavern, 9p ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------Double Treble ReCaptured: A Tribute To Journey Therapy Bar & Grill, 7p Slowdown, 9p ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------The Return of Flight Metaphor Bound + CJ Clydesdale Band The Well, 7p The B. Bar, 9p ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------Rick Gutierrez Jerry Pranksters Omaha Funny Bone, 7:30p The Down Under, 9p ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------Tiffany Haddish’s She Ready Tour Mr. Sinister Holland Center, 8p Chrome Lounge, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------Aaron Stroessner Quartet featuring Damien McCarthy Emily Bass Dubliner Pub, 9:30p Jambo Cat, 8p -----------------------------------------------

Still Kickin and The DooDads Live The New Frontier Bar, 8p ----------------------------------------------Bishops Bash 23rd Anniversary Party with The Bishops, Rhythm Collective, Linoma Mashers, The Toppings & DJ Stryker The Waiting Room, 8:30p ----------------------------------------------Jacked American Dream, 9p ----------------------------------------------Sasha S. welcomes Elevate Bar 415, 9p ----------------------------------------------Altura, Flux Amuck, The Long Awaited SATURDAY MARCH 24 Barley Street Tavern, 9p ----------------------------------------------The 70’s Band NCAA® Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, CenturyLink Center, 6p Carter Lake Improvement Club, 9p ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------Shaun Peace Band Johnny Winter Allstar Band Dr. Jack’s Drinkery, 9p Chrome Lounge, 6p ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------Sinners & Saints The Foresters Forte Music Hall, 9p (402) Arts Collective, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------The Electroliners Nick Rucker Growler USA, 9p Cellar 19 Wine & Deli, 7p ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------Cornerstone Dub Aubree Sweeney (Standup) Harney Street Tavern, 9p The Backline, 7p ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------Joystick America’s Pub Quiz Ozone Lounge, 9p Therapy Bar & Grill, 7p ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------Rock & Roll Suicide Janet Staley Duo Slowdown, 9p Vino Mas, 7p ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------DJ Shif-D “Karaoke” The Cove Lounge, 9p American Legion Post #1, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------Scott Severin’s Lincoln Invasion Rick Gutierrez The Down Under Lounge, 9p Omaha Funny Bone, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------Hi-Fi Hangover The Matt Amandus Jazz Trio Two Fine Irishmen, 9p Jambo Cat, 8p ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------Sharron and the Money Makers Smokin’ Dance Lessons Chrome Lounge, 9:30p Rednecks, 8p ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------Damien McCarthy Will Dougherty Loves Company Dubliner Pub, 9:30p The Backline, 8p ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------Rick Gutierrez Singles Night Party Omaha Funny Bone, 9:30p Therapy Bar & Grill, 8p ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------Awesome Costume, Sgt Leisure & The Clean & Easy Band Dead On Dust Wired Pub, 8p ----------------------------------------------- O’Leaver’s Pub, 10p ----------------------------------------------“The Jet Squad” Double Feature The Omaha Lounge, 8:30p ----------------------------------------------- The Backline, 10p Break the Cycle: A Benefit for MICAH ----------------------------------------------House, Reverb Lounge, 8p continued on page 11 Rick Gutierrez Omaha Funny Bone, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------Flippin’ Whiskey Two Fine Irishmen, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------Dumb Vision & Rusty Lord O’Leaver’s Pub, 10p ----------------------------------------------The Arena (Improv) The Backline, 10p ----------------------------------------------Interrogated (Improv) The Backline, 10p

Focus | March 21 - March 27 | Volume 2 Issue 12 9

Thursday March 22

Hatebreed The Black Angels SOKOL AUDITORIUM SLOWDOWN

Friday March 23

Jerry Pranksters DOWN UNDER

Saturday March 24

Bishops Bash 23rd Anniversary Party WAITING ROOM

Friday March 23

Pennywise Tiffany Haddish SOKOL AUDITORIUM ORPHEUM THEATER

Saturday March 24

Dr. Webb & Daniel and the Deliverance DOWN UNDER

Focus | March 21 - March 27 | Volume 2 Issue 12

Monday March 26

Olivia Jean REVERB LOUNGE

Friday March 23

NCAA® Division I Men’s Basketball Championship: Sweet 16

CENTURYLINK

Tuesday March 27

God of Nothing LOOKOUT LOUNGE

An Evening with Tyrone Storm The Sydney, 10p

SUNDAY MARCH 25 Gaming Guild The Down Under Lounge, 3p ----------------------------------------------Radney Foster The Waiting Room, 5p ----------------------------------------------ImPARables Holland Center, 6p ----------------------------------------------Bill Sammon Cedar Omaha, 7p ----------------------------------------------Rick Gutierrez Omaha Funny Bone, 7p ----------------------------------------------Rodney Foster Reverb Lounge, 7p ----------------------------------------------Christian Nights The Well, 7p ----------------------------------------------Booze Bingo The Down Under Lounge, 8p

MONDAY MARCH 26 Oberon Launch Party Omaha Tap House, 4p ----------------------------------------------Beginner Square Dance Party Mockingbird Hills Comm. Center, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Gooch & His Big Las Vegas Band Ozone Lounge, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Haunted Museum Flaghlight Tour Museum of Shadows, 7p ----------------------------------------------Michelle Eva Becker The Omaha Lounge, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Early Karaoke Forte Music Hall, 8p ----------------------------------------------Olivia Jean with David Nance Reverb Lounge, 8p ----------------------------------------------Candace / Son Ambulance Brothers Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------DJ Howie’s Karake Grant St. Bar, 9p ----------------------------------------------Open Mic and Molly’s Molly’s Pub, 9p

TUESDAY MARCH 27 Spontaneous Combustion Ozone Lounge, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------God Of Nothing Lookout Lounge, 7p ----------------------------------------------Open Mic & Jam NIght Therapy Bar & Grill, 7p ----------------------------------------------Mitch Towne Jazz Organ Trio - open jam session Jambo Cat, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Damorah Alexander & Michael Adams The Omaha Lounge, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Spencer’s WILD Bar Trivia The Down Under Lounge, 8p ----------------------------------------------Pro Wrestling Trivia: Road to Wrestlemania The Waiting Room, 8p ----------------------------------------------Turbo Tuesdays featuring DJ Vic Nasty Bar 415, 9p ----------------------------------------------Karaoke with DJ Farley Forte Music Hall, 9p ----------------------------------------------Karaoke with DynamicAir DJ’s Stoli’s Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Karaoke Night The B. Bar, 9p ----------------------------------------------Open Mic (Standup) The Backline, 9p ----------------------------------------------Karaoke The Down Under, 10p

Focus | March 21 - March 27 | Volume 2 Issue 12 11

Focus | March 21 - March 27 | Volume 2 Issue 12

Miller Park Elementary: Going the extra mile and achieving big results By Cheril Lee

parents when they were dropping off and picking up their kids. Additionally, Utterback made a commitment to help her staff in any way possible to achieve a 100% attendance rate for parent/guardian report card conferences, in both the first and third quarter of the school year. “I told my staff that I would be committed as an administrator to help in any way possible. I would pick up parents, cover classrooms for teachers, make phone calls, do whatever was necessary to meet parents where they were at and to make sure they felt welcome and made it to the school,” Utterback said. During her very first quarter as principal, the school achieved its goal of 100% attendance. Utterback credits the staff because they rallied together and had a sense of pride in wanting this to happen. She said it became a collective effort to ensure the school met its goals.

Lisa Utterback, Executive Director of Community Schools and Family Engagement for OPS, says when she started as principal at Miller Park Elementary, she knew there was low parental engagement. So, one of the first things she did was start working with staff, students, parents and the community to try to get everyone involved in helping students achieve positive outcomes. “I realized early on that there were a lot of people who were invested in doing the right thing for their children, but at some point, they were made to feel unwelcome or like they weren’t invited to the table,” Utterback said. “I knew that needed to change.” She made it a notion every day that every stakeholder should feel valued and know they are somebody to someone. Utterback explained that effort began with high staff visibility, such as being in the foyer and being outside to greet

“We had a mother that was in a correctional facility day program where she was allowed to leave during the day for work. She had two kids in the school. And teachers made a point to meet with her at break time between her shifts. She wanted to be connected to her kids but wasn’t able to meet in the evening due to her circumstances,” Utterback stated. Ultimately, the teachers worked together and decided to bring her lunch and meet with her at the same time. She said sharing these stories created a sense of pride. Everyone could see the importance in what they were doing. “We also had staff members visit a parent who was in the hospital. Another time, I remember driving and picking up a family and bringing them to the school and covering the class of the teacher so she could come down and do the conference. It really impressed upon the parents how important this was,” Utterback recalled. Each success was celebrated in the building. Whenever a teacher hit 100%, that teacher’s name would be announced on the PA system. Staff put posters on the door of each classroom to congratulate students for making

sure parents knew about this. Students also felt the impact of this effort. Utterback said it set the tone for the kids because they knew staff valued their parents no matter where they were. She said the process removed biases and stereotypes and welcomed everyone. Utterback described the conferences as almost student led, “The students were at the conferences. We wanted the student to actively share where they were in their progress.”

ing their sporting events, making home visits to parents, staying after school to tutor kids or meeting and working with students over a lunch period if they are falling behind. “There was a family in crisis this fall and I reached out to staff to ask for their help. The entire school stepped up to assist that family. We provided a lot of things for them. Our staff cares about the kids,” Rath emphasized. The feeling appears to be mutual. She said many former students come back and volunteer at Miller Park during summer school. There’s a real sense of family at the school.

Her first hint that things were working was when she started seeing parents come in with a change in their attitude. “I know our families are loyal and they They started feeling like they were a believe in us. Some move out of the valued member of the team. area and then do everything they can to get their kids here,” Rath said. “When you remove preconceived notions and people truly feel welcome, “Coming to family events and conferences shows they care about great things begin to happen,” she their kids and the community and they stated. want Miller Park to be successful.” There was a huge learning curve for She’s aware that other schools are staff but some of this was overcome when teachers began to make visits to trying some of the same things. When students’ homes. Utterback explained something works, everyone gives it a try and tries to replicate the results. seeing how a child and family is living makes it easier to understand the In addition to making extra efforts world through their perspective and to include parents in conferences, helps teachers build better relationstaff tries to do the right thing for its ships with those students. students and helps them make positive “Poverty brings lots of challenges but it choices by building positive incentives doesn’t equivocate to a lack of parental into their school day. involvement or intelligence,” she said. They recognize students each Friday Carrie Rath is in her fourth year as for the successes they’ve achieved principal at Miller Park Elementary. during the week for things like being good role models or having exemplary She came in right behind Utterback attendance. and said she is so thrilled that the school is now going into its ninth year “The entire staff works as one unit and with its 100% attendance rate intact. they’re phenomenal in any situation. When she replaced Utterback, Rath’s biggest concern was how she would fit We all help and support each other and so the morale is good here too,” into the role and make it her school. Rath said. “Miller Park has become an amazing place and things are going great,” Rath She also attributes Miller Park’s stated. “We do everything we can to go success to their many partnerships out and support families with whatev- with outside community resources, from the after-school program er they need.” sponsored by Kids Can to the goal Those extra efforts are netting big div- setting and goal buddies provided by Partnership 4 Kids. Rath is proud of idends. Rath said this year the school the fact that people drop by the school received a Gold Achievement Award for the district for increasing their test all the time to volunteer. scores in all areas. In her new role, Utterback leads and She said her staff interact with students beyond the classroom by attendcontinued on page 14

Focus | March 21 - March 27 | Volume 2 Issue 12 13

supports 21 schools. She said they all get together and share good practices with others. There are many schools that go above and beyond to meet parents where they’re at and she said the district has had several schools reach or get close to 100% attendance at parent/guardian report card conferences. Utterback said when it becomes an expectation, anything can be accomplished.

“It starts with a shift in the mindset. You have to think beyond the way conferences used to happen. This is not a sit and get situation. It should be a dialogue between the family, student and staff member. “They should all be talking about the glows and grows of the work of the student . . . also, talking about what can be done as a team to move forward and support the student,” she said.

Focus | March 21 - March 27 | Volume 2 Issue 12

of the power of the human spirit. “We’re open to many, many ideas,” she stated, pointing out her band members ethnic backgrounds range from Black to Jewish to Korean. “It’s fun,” she emphasized. “It’s a beautiful thing . . . it’s very intense.”

René Marie: A Review

country, performed last Thursday night at the 1200 Club in the Holland Performing Arts Center’s Scott Recital Hall.

By Andy Roberts

The show, that ranged from jazz to moments of spoken word performances – another of her specialties – was stunning and intimate.

Rene’ Marie had a confession to make. Not that there will be a lot of penance involved in this one, so call it an admission. Twice nominated for a Grammy in the jazz category, she admitted, that was the one musical genre she didn’t listen to while growing up. Oh well, guess you can call her a quick study. “Everything but,” Marie answered when asked if her youthful listening habits included jazz. The introduction came around the age of 17 and added to an already rich musical stew. The award-winning singer, whose signature sound today incorporates elements of folk, R&B, classical and

Marie was “born and raised” in Virginia, and moved to Atlanta in her 40s. She hasn’t been at music professionally for too long.

Thursday night’s show was eclectic as promised because: “My tastes run that way.” She compared the job of a musician to a chef who creates surprised dishes.

She has referred to her style as “musical grazing” and her material comes from a large musical palette. In concert she was backed by Quentin Baxter on drums, Elias Bailey on bass, and John Chin on keyboards, her regular band.

“It’s our job to play something and say ‘How do you like it?’”

When her career started, Marie often would work with a house band booked by the venue where she was performing. That changed after a bad experience, due in part to the players’ lack of familiarity with her mostly original song list.

“I promise you you’ll be moved,” she predicted, and then delivered.

That’s exactly what she did during the show that more than lived up what Rene said could be expected in her performance.

For more on Rene’ Marie www.renemarie.com

“We were all over the place,” she recalled, and a critical panning resulted. “I said ‘that’s it!’” Marie’s return to Omaha was much anticipated, having last played a jazz festival here. She recalled: “We had a great time.”

“I started getting paid for it when I was about 42,” she recalled, which, going by Internet bios, makes it about 20 years. Marie previously had been a customer service trainer for a bank. The lessons came fast when she started singing for an audience. As she grew up listening to almost everything but jazz. Her mostly original repertoire has no particular stylistic allegiance, and she pointed to her two Grammy nominations as career highlights. What makes a great song, to her, varies from genre to genre. “It depends,” Marie emphasized. “If it’s a folk tune it going to be the lyrics.” If it’s R& B: “Got to have the funk in there.” During a relatively short career span, that includes an impressive 11 albums, Marie has developed a solid reputation as a singer, composer, arranger, theatrical performer, and teacher. As her bio says, the body of Marie’s work is, first and foremost, musical, but also explores the dark corners of the human experience and provides an affirmation

Focus | March 21 - March 27 | Volume 2 Issue 12 15

Diary of a Changing World

By Steve Newman Moose Migrants

A changing ecological landscape in western Canada is allowing some moose to lumber from their traditional forest and Rocky Mountain habitats into prairie farmland, where they have hardly been seen before in significant numbers. Declining private homesteads on the prairie in recent decades, and the disappearance of predators such as grizzlies and wolves, appear to be convincing the antlered grazers that it’s safe to scavenge grain spilled during the harvest. The moose even sometimes wander into the suburbs of cities such as Calgary. “For an animal that is used to eating splintered wood most of the winter, all this spilled grain and canola is … a great banquet for them,” said wildlife biologist and author Chris Fisher.

Seabed Rumblings

Ships sailing through the southeastern Caribbean have been warned to steer clear of the only active underwater volcano in the region.

3.1 3.4

While Kick ’em Jenny has shown signs of unrest near Grenada, geologists say it probably isn’t capable of ejecting enough material to affect maritime navigation.

+112° Matam, Senegal

But volcanic gases bubbling up could reduce the buoyancy of ships, possibly causing them to sink.

for a decade in parts of Australia’s Queensland state created massive inland seas that swamped pastureland and cut off outback towns.

Earthquakes

Shaking from a sharp magnitude 5.2 temblor in far northern Borneo prompted officials to halt all climbing and hiking activity on Mount Kinabalu.

5.2

Linda

4.4

peak, according to researchers. The Finnish Meteorological Institute revealed the late-winter expanse as it premiered a new graphic that it says more accurately depicts ice and snow cover.

“There’s water as far as the eye can see,” James Wyld told Reuters by While the average amount of snow phone from the bar of the Julia Creek Hotel in western Queensland’s grazing in the Northern Hemisphere has declined and melted earlier in spring country. for more than 30 years, this year has • Earth movements were also felt in Floodwaters also allowed crocodiles to been an exception. central New Zealand, the Germanyswim through some communities. Switzerland border region and in Some climate researchers say this Southern California’s Coachella Valley. Southern Cyclone winter’s brutal cold and heavy snow could be a direct result of record Tropical storm-force Cyclone Winged Contagion Arctic warming in recent years. Linda formed briefly over the Bird lovers are being warned open waters of the Coral Sea. that their garden feeders could They say the trend is weakening the jet contribute to the spread of serious stream, allowing cold Arctic blasts to Cryospheric Max disease among wild birds unless they plunge southward into areas that had There is an extraordinary are cleaned regularly. been experiencing milder winters on amount of snow cover in the average so far this century. Northern Hemisphere at the A new British study found that time of year it typically reaches its contaminated feeders could be causing rare bird illnesses to become epidemics. Experts recommend using feed from accredited suppliers and leaving it out in moderation so the feeders are emptied every day or two, allowing them to be cleaned more often. They also suggest rotating the feeding sites to avoid accumulation of waste food and bird droppings that could carry disease.

Emboldened moose are more frequently wandering into the Canadian Prairies from their usual habitats. Photo: Calgary Australian Inundation Some of the heaviest rainfall Transit Authority

Focus | March 21 - March 27 | Volume 2 Issue 12

A main street in Ingram, Queensland, was one of many roadways in the Australian state to be washed out. Video still: Kieran Volpe/Facebook

Focus | March 21 - March 27 | Volume 2 Issue 12 17

Basketball Ends By Focus Omaha Nebraska Basketball

Enough has been said about the disappointing end to the Huskersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; basketball season. After the team was given a five seed in the Not Invited Tournament, or (NIT) they lost 66-59 to a team they beat in their first exhibition game back in November. Just days after the season ended, shooting guard Jack McVeigh announced he was exiting the program. While this may have been considered a loss two years ago, when he was averaging 22.9 minutes a game,

that is not so much the case this year as he averaged only 7.5 minutes with zero starts. Are there more to come? Hopefully not, as the Huskers have built a good foundation. If Jordy Tshimanga remains and he improves his game, he and Isaiah Roby could be just the two-headed beast NU needs up front

Focus | March 21 - March 27 | Volume 2 Issue 12

while James Palmer Jr., Isaac Copeland and the rest of the squad have the potential to lead the Huskers to new heights and records next year.

Creighton Bluejays

A season that started with modest expectations, soared into the national rankings and then slid into frustration came to a disappointing end Friday in the South Region of the NCAA Tournament. Creighton (21-12) fell 69-59 to Kansas State. The Jays never lead and starter Marcus Foster was held to a season low 5 points by his former team. The loss stings even more after Maryland Baltimore County upset No. 1 seed Virginia, leaving a clear path to the Sweet Sixteen, which Kansas State grabbed.

Plenty of good players return for next season, but there always seem to be unexpected changes with any team these days. Creighton does host the Midwest Regionals in Omaha, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not where the team and school wanted to focus.

Focus | March 21 - March 27 | Volume 2 Issue 12 19

Preventing Lead Poisoning in Nebraska Children

DHHS Receives Grant to Strengthen Statewide Prevention Efforts

because their bodies are rapidly developing. “There is no safe blood lead level in children, and unfortunately damage from lead poisoning cannot be reversed.” said Dr. Tom Safranek, State Epidemiologist for DHHS. “Prevention of lead exposure before a child is harmed is key.”

DHHS will address childhood lead poisoning through a collaborative approach and partner with 18 local health departments across the state. Childhood lead poisoning is considered The focus will be on key prevention strategies, including strengthening the most preventable environmental blood lead testing, surveillance and disease among young children and detection, prevention, and processes the Nebraska Department of Health to identify lead-exposed children and and Human Services is strengthening connect them with services. its prevention work through a grant of $391,795 a year for three years A common source of lead exposure awarded by the Centers for Disease for children is lead in paint or paint Control and Prevention. dust in houses built before 1978. Children can also be exposed to lead The funding will support enhanced by family members who work with Nebraska Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program efforts to reduce or have hobbies that involve contact with lead such as target shooting, auto lead exposure and lead poisoning for repair, welding, construction, and home Nebraska children under 6 years old. renovation. Other sources of lead can include contaminated soil, jewelry, “Early lead screening and testing to toys, glazed pottery and folk medicine identify and prevent lead exposure helps ensure the healthy development made in foreign countries. of Nebraska children, said Dr. Tom Lead poisoning is entirely preventable. Williams, Chief Medical Officer and Being aware of the sources of lead and Director of Public Health for DHHS. “This new funding will allow DHHS and taking precautions can help protect young children from the serious effects our partners to identify lead-exposed of lead poisoning. Families can ask children and link their families with services to find and remove the source their doctor to test their child for lead. Families living in homes built before of lead.” 1978 should keep children’s play areas free of paint chips and dust and take More than 34,000 children under 6 extra precaution when doing home years old in Nebraska were tested for lead in 2016, 411 of them had elevated renovation to prevent the spread of lead dust. Family members who work blood lead levels. with lead are advised to keep work clothes and shoes away from children. Exposure to lead can seriously harm a child’s health, including brain and More information can be found at nervous system damage, delayed growth and development, learning and the DHHS Childhood Lead Poisoning behavior disturbances, and hearing and Prevention website at www.dhhs. ne.gov/lead or follow DHHS on speech impediments. Young children are most vulnerable to lead exposures Facebook and Twitter.

Focus | March 21 - March 27 | Volume 2 Issue 12

east side of Jerzes, it was the work of a Las Vegas designer, meets state specs for ventilation, and is, in his words: “The best in the state.” He calls that just one of the steps he has taken to meet the market he serves.

made from scratch. Steaks are aged 30 days and hand cut. “Huge difference,” he stated, and pointed to steak house quality at sports bar prices.

The Keno operation also created a different approach. “We had a little bit more of a Las Vegas mindset,” he “We kind of do it in sections,” he said acknowledged. That translates to of Jerzes floor plan. There is a basic providing a great product at an outsports bar on one end, then a room It is an atmosphere that is welcoming and based on having fun. The wait staff with more TVs but a focus on table ser- standing price. He said Jerzes makes it a point to “comp” Keno players in the vice and dining, plus the Keno parlor. is dressed in the uniforms of popular lounge where he is approaching some sport teams and the food is good with The smoke room is off to one side. lofty sales goals. the best part being that it’s served in Bellino started this operation in 1980 generous portions. Multiple rooms and multiple entertainwhen he built Bull Feathers on the ment options. north side of Highway 370. Seven Jerzes is popular for families, sports fans, or couples out for a quality dinner years later the current location was Or, as he puts it: “We have something built south of the highway with the in a more casual setting. On one visit for everybody, really.” name remaining in use until the late Focus witnessed a political campaign 1990s for the smaller venue. This place is built for fun and built kick-off. for everyone. Jerzes Sports Bar and “We were only about 30 percent as big Grill on Highway 370 just east of 84th As befits a sports bar - wings, pizza, Street in Papillion, is just one of the burgers and salads are among the fea- as we are today,” Bellino recalled. He businesses run by Don Bellino, with tures. Taco Wednesday features great stayed away from direct involvement in the operation for about a decade as able assistance from his wife, Valerie. authentic Mexican dining. Then there he focused on other business inter are the steak and prime rib specials A member of the Sarpy County offered at a price point that makes you ests. Fireworks may well be the most visible of those with 240 retail outlets Business Hall of Fame, Bellino’s name smile. across the Midwest. may be associated with real estate, his time as a sports booster, and in a big Jerzes recently added a number of When he returned to Jerzes, he had way with fireworks. menu items, including lighter dishes, some serious ideas for growth. “We like wraps and more salads, for the got the Keno contract for Papillion,” he The focus now is on Jerzes, the place growing number of health conscious stated. The club went from 3,000 to for beef and a lot more. Where else customers. 10,500 square feet with satellite Keno can you get a well-cooked, aged New locations. York Strip for under $10? That’s just “This thing’s amazing,” Bellino said as one of the many specials offered at this he pointed to the aptly named Amaz“The whole project was $1.2 million,” restaurant-bar-casino parlor. ing House Salad on his menu. he recalled. The most obvious “something” may be Bellino pointed to a smoking room Some of the biggest changes came on the 80 HD TVs that line the walls. You where people can enjoy a smoke, a the restaurant end of the operation won’t miss a game at Jerzes. drink and play Keno. Located on the where almost everything is

Jerzes

By Andy Roberts

Focus | March 21 - March 27 | Volume 2 Issue 12 21

The Bearded Bard of Benson: Catching Up With Brad Hoshaw

Hoshaw is legitimately the real deal: the rare songwriter/performer who is able to comfortably transcend tired metaphors and illustrate the uncomfortable in-betweens of life with a deft rhythm and a candy sweet voice.

Hoshaw has made a name for himself playing any and every stage that would have him over the last 13 or so years. Mostly you’ll catch him performing by himself, just a man, his guitar and a gift for engaging the listener. His compositions lend themselves easily to this stripped down rendering but make no mistakes, his songs are just as organic when presented in full band mode with his musical cohorts The Seven DeadIf you see Brad Hoshaw out on the lies. Consisting of local journeymen street corner, perhaps taking a minute Matt Whipkey on electric guitar and to speak with one of the many who pull harmonica, Vern Fergesen on bass and him aside from time to time to combacking vocals, J Scott Gaeta on drums ment on his singing and songwriting, and backing vocals and of course you’d recognize his solid frame from Hoshaw on acoustic guitar and lead a block away. Mainly because of the vocals, this river-city band of musical hair adorning most of his head. That’s merrymakers has two releases under right he’s a long hair with a beard and their belt: 2009’s self titled effort and a guitar. Not exactly unheard of but 2014’s Funeral Guns. Both records are in Hoshaw’s case not a tired hipster full, not lacking in instrumentation or cliche either. This is how he’s always in depth of songwriting, the perfect rolled. This hairy, soft-singing man vehicle for flushing out Hoshaw’s often is one of Omaha’s best songwriters introspective compositions. Whipkey’s and his smile seems to come from an electric chops manage to cut deep, yet effortless place deep within, the same sting just a little, at times reminiscent place his razor-eyed observations and of Neil Young’s Crazy Horse at their poignant turns of phrase come from. most cinematic.

By Jesse D Stanek

Focus | March 21 - March 27 | Volume 2 Issue 12

Hoshaw’s songs are full of good buddy barkeeps, cold cans of suds, missed connections, pleasant mornings after, spiteful tattoos and the kind of characters you know you’ve met but just can’t put your finger on where or when. His lyrics are worth the price of admission alone but it’s his preternatural knack for hummable melodies and his ability to arrange individual musical parts into a cohesive whole setting Hoshaw apart from the hordes of six-string songsmiths littering the bar stages and open mics across Douglas County. His songs belong in movies and film. Hoshaw himself belongs on bigger stages. While born in the area, Hoshaw spent time in Minneapolis’ vibrant musical community before returning back to home in order to fine tune his craft. “I chose Minneapolis because I made an impulsive decision to drive up there for a Pedro The Lion concert and met some wonderful people while waiting in line,” Hoshaw wrote in a recent email exchange. “We kept in touch after that until one of them offered me the opportunity to live in their apartment while I searched for a job. It felt like there was a sort of supernatural breeze pushing me north. Living in Minneapolis was a huge growing experience for me and it opened up the door for my first tour. I returned to Omaha for a brief visit in 2005, which ended up being a permanent stay after I realized that I was writing many more songs in Omaha and I knew I had to

stay as long as the songs kept coming.” Hoshaw’s genuine love for his craft has led him to try and help others with their songwriting. In a profession with spotted pitfalls and shady characters out for a quick buck, having someone whose work is tried and tested offering pointers can be a godsend. “My main focus lately has been on nurturing the Omaha songwriter community,” he wrote. “I’m continuing to run the Benson Songwriter Exchange (BSE), a songwriter support and accountability group that I started in 2014. The BSE’s focus is on creating community, boosting morale, sharing resources and pooling important information among songwriters. The BSE meets every two weeks and hosts occasional weekend retreats, live showcases and workshops throughout the year.” He added that in addition to the BSE’s slate of activities, he is busy with leading songwriting workshops for the Omaha Blues-Ed program on May 12th, the Fine Lines Summer Creative Writing Camp on July 16th and at The Omaha Public Library on July 24th. Hoshaw has also been busy volunteering at the Omaha Correctional Center as part of the Nebraska Writer’s Collective “Writers Block” program, offering encouragement to inmates who “want to express their thoughts and experiences through songwriting.”

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Omaha Symphony– Tribute to David Bowie By Andy Roberts

Take a 50-piece orchestra, a California-based band of rockers and a San Francisco cabaret leader and what do you have? You have, the Omaha Symphony’s Tribute to David Bowie on Saturday night at the Holland Center. Principal Pops Conductor Ernest Richardson will direct the orchestra during the tribute to the legendary rocker who created one of popular music’s most compelling and eclectic careers as he constantly reinvented himself. The orchestra will be joined by the tribute band that includes Dan Kalisher on guitar; Mark McKee on keys; bassist Kurtis Keber; and Kiel Feher on drums. Kat Robichaud and Michael Carney have the challenge of tackling five decades of Bowie’s styles and personalities. Robichaud, who is part of Misfit Cabaret in San Francisco, spoke to Focus about the upcoming show.

Robichaud, a 2013 contestant on The Voice, said she is a “really big fan” of David Bowie and his music and is extremely excited about doing the show with a 50-piece orchestra. “In the music industry, these are the kind of moments you strive for,” she said. “It makes it worth all of the sacrifice. “Being able to pay homage to him in such a large a beautiful setting . . . it’s just a great feeling. It’s really rewarding.” A North Carolina native, Robichaud said she has been singing “forever” and started performing in a cover band when she was 21. That gig lasted for seven years. She then went on The Voice before moving to California where she now runs her own chaud sticks to vocals for the show, cabaret, with Bowie shows booked as which will be her first Omaha visit. the opportunities become available. “We do these one-offs,” she said. “We perform about two to four times a year.” Keber, the bassist in her cover band, helped her get the job in the Bowie band. She recalls he simply called her up and asked if she wanted to do Bowie songs with a 50-piece orchestra. Robichaud’s response? “Yes I do. That sounds amazing.” This is not her only interaction with the music of David Bowie. She is in a Bowie Worship band as she called it, in which drag performers act out songs. It is called The First Church of the Sacred Silversexual. “We pretty much perform just on his birthday now,” she stated. While she plays guitar and keyboards, Robi-

Focus | March 21 - March 27 | Volume 2 Issue 12

“I’m excited to visit the city,” she said. She’s even more excited to be performing Bowie’s music with the orchestra, and recently released a video or her composition “Song for David Bowie” which was inspired, in title only, by Bowie’s “Song for Bob Dylan.” It was Robichaud who picked the songs for the show. “The things about Bowie is he had a lot of different versions of his songs,” she emphasized. “I actually put the song list together and then we had sheet music made for it.” She managed to pick a version of “Heroes” that was different from the version the band was rehearsing, but that didn’t seem to matter. “It’s not hard. It’s a really, really fun and rewarding experience.” One does not have to be a Bowie fanatic to enjoy the show, as the artist’s reach was quite large.

“The songs that I picked are the ones Bowie fans will really love,” Robichaud stated. “Chances are you’ve heard the songs on the radio at some point.” There is little doubt about her favorite moment in the show. “Five Years,” “I really love singing ‘Five Years,’” Robichaud stated. “It’s one of those songs where I really have an out-of-body experience.” It will, she promised, make for a memorable evening. “You can expect incredible music. Really fun and Bowie-esque costumes,” she said. “And you’ll be dancing in your seats.” For more on Kat Robichaud: Song for David Bowie https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=oXtFyK9777U Tickets to Tribute to David Bowie can be purchased by visiting www.omahasymphony.org or calling Ticket Omaha at 402.345.0606.

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CONCERT SERIES 7PM FREE EVENT Focus | March 21 - March 27 | Volume 2 Issue 12 25

Commercial Lending By Timmothy Donnelly

1.10 :1, and generally want to be larger than 1.25:1 or higher. 2) When looking at collateral, Loan to Value is very important. Generally, the maximum loan to value for commercial real estate is 75% and residential rental properties can vary from 80 to 85%. Business assets such as inventory, equipment, A/R and vehicles can all vary depending on the specific items/loan term etc.

How simple is the commercial mortgage application process?

The process can be simple if you have a strong borrower with good cash flow, credit & collateral. However, the project becomes more complex with multiple borrowing entities, multiple properties, types of properties, construction, SBA, etc.

Timothy Donnelly Vice President-Lending NMLS: 1151935 4141 N. 156 St., Suite 101 Omaha, NE 68116 P: 402-502-5558 F: 402-884-5726

tdonnelly@foundationonebank.com

www.foundationonebank.com

How can Foundation One serve my commercial lending needs? We provide all types of commercial loans from short-term revolving lines of credit for working capital to longterm loans for equipment, commercial real estate and SBA loans.

What valuation metrics would you consider to be the most important when evaluating a company?

Correction Time: The Market Takes A Hit By Michael Herek

After reaching all-time highs on January 26, 2018, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 went into a two-week slide that saw both stock indexes drop by more than 10%, a decline that is typically considered a market correction.1

Couple of the main valuation areas we will consider would be: 1) In regards to a business’s cash flow, you would definitely want the Debt Service Coverage Ratio to exceed Analysts have been saying for several years that the long, booming bull

Focus | March 21 - March 27 | Volume 2 Issue 12

market was overvalued and due for a correction, so the drop was not a surprise in the big picture.2 And even after the 10% plunge, the Dow was up 19% over the previous 12 months, and the S&P 500 was up 12.5%.3

likely to move assets out of risky stocks and into more stable bonds as fixed-income yields become more attractive. Higher rates not only mean increased yields on new bonds but also on existing bonds, as prices are pushed downward to make yields competitive. It’s natural to be concerned about this In addition, the prospect of inflation kind of shift, but more important to tends to push bond prices lower and maintain perspective and focus on your yields higher, because inflation erodes long-term goals. It may be helpful to the purchasing power of fixed-income consider some of the reasons behind payments. the surge of market volatility. One reason for the initial reaction to the January jobs report expanding Too Much of a Good Thing? into a full-blown correction is that The initial trigger for the downturn bond yields were already rising due to was a better-than-expected jobs other factors. The yield on the 10-year report on February 2, that helped Treasury note — a bedrock of global drive the Dow down more than 2.5%, financial markets — has been rising a significant decline considering the unusually low volatility in 2017 and the since tax legislation was proposed in beginning of 2018. The economy added the fall of 2017, and the yield reached a four-year high of 2.85% the day the 200,000 jobs in January, marking the jobs report was released.6-7 Although 88th straight month of job creation, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was the longest such run in U.S. history. Wages rose by 2.9% over the previous generally welcomed on Wall Street, bond traders have been concerned that January, the highest year-over-year increase since the end of the recession increased Treasury sales to pay for the $1.5 trillion tax cuts will erode bond in June 2009. And the unemployment rate held steady at 4.1% for the fourth prices. This concern was exacerbated by the bipartisan budget deal that straight month, the lowest level in 17 further increased deficit spending.8 years.4 Although the report was great news for U.S. workers, on Wall Street the rosy jobs picture generated fears of higher inflation that might drive the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates more quickly than anticipated. At its December 2017 meeting, the Federal Open Market Committee signaled its intention to raise the benchmark federal funds rate three times in 2018, bringing it up to a range of 2.0% to 2.25%. Theoretically, these changes have been priced into the market, but the strong jobs report made it more likely that the Fed will follow through on its projection and possibly execute further increases if inflation heats up.5

Stocks, Bonds, and U.S. Debt

Higher interest rates rattle the stock market because investors are more

The Treasury is working to finance higher debt at the same time the Federal Reserve is unwinding its recession-era bond-buying program. With the Fed reducing its bond portfolio, the Treasury must sell more bonds to the public to cover growing deficits. The Treasury recently announced the first increase in bond sales since 2009.9 The question is who will buy these bonds and what are they willing to pay for them? A weak dollar has made Treasuries less appealing to foreign governments, which hold more than 44% of U.S. government debt. With the Treasury market depending more on U.S. investors, supply may be outpacing demand — illustrated by a tepid Treasury auction on February 7.10

The Long View

Although mounting government debt is a serious concern, the stock and bond markets are both driven in the long term by the economy, and the United States looks to be hitting its stride after a long, slow recovery. The global economy, which has been even slower to recover, is coming back as well. A correction may be disturbing, but it can strengthen the market in the long term by returning equity values to levels that are more in line with corporate earnings and less dependent on investor exuberance. A corrected market may also be less vulnerable to overreaction. On February 14, the Dow and the S&P 500 closed up more than 1.2%, despite a consumer report that showed higher-than-expected inflation. Even with higher prices in January, core inflation (which excludes food and energy prices) is running at only 1.8%, still below the Fedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2% target rate.11 Of course, no one can predict the future, and you might see volatility for some time. The wisest course may be to remain patient and avoid making portfolio decisions based on emotion.

The return and principal value of stocks and bonds fluctuate with changes in market conditions. Shares, when sold, and bonds redeemed prior to maturity may be worth more or less than their original cost. U.S. Treasury securities are guaranteed by the federal government as to the timely payment of principal and interest. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged group of securities that is considered representative of the U.S. stock market in general. The performance of an unmanaged index is not indicative of the performance of any specific investment. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Actual results will vary. 1, 3) Yahoo! Finance, 2018, Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 index for the period 2/8/2017 to 2/8/2018 2) Bloomberg, February 6, 2018 4-5) The Wall Street Journal, February 2, 2018 6) CNBC, January 11, 2018 7) CNNMoney, February 2, 2018 8) MarketWatch, February 12, 2018 9) Bloomberg, January 31, 2018 10) Bloomberg, February 7, 2018 11) MarketWatch, February 14, 2018

Focus | March 21 - March 27 | Volume 2 Issue 12 27

Focus | March 21 - March 27 | Volume 2 Issue 12

BARRETT’S BARLEYCORN 4322 Leavenworth St. M-F 4P-6P $2.25 Domestic Bottles $3.00 Well Drinks BUSHWOOD LOUNGE 711 N 14th St. $1 Off Everything 3p-7p REverse Happy Hour Monday-Thursday 8p-2a CADDYSHACK 2076 N 117th Ave & 7007 S 181st St M-F 2P-6P $1 Off Beer, Wine & Wells TUES- HAPPY HOUR All Day DANNY’S BAR & GRILL 2007 N 72nd St. M-F 3P - 6P $3.00 16 oz. Tall Boys & 1/2 Price Appetizers Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials CHARLESTON’S 13851 FNB Pkwy & 7540 Dodge St. M-F 3P-6P 1/2 price apps, $5 Wine and Margs, $1 off all drinks JAIPUR BREWING CO. 10922 Elm St., Omaha, NE 68144 THURS, FRI, SAT 4P - 6P $3.45 16oz Hand Crafted Beers, Jalapeno Ale, Wheat, IPA, Raspberry Wheat. $5.95 House Wines by the Glass. $23 Bottle House Wines. $4.95 House Liquors. $5.95 Cocktails. Happy Hour Appetizers and Breads from $1.25 – $4.75 JAZZ, A LOUISIANA KITCHEN 1421 Farnam St $2.99 - $10.99 select appetizers $1.50 domestic drinks; $2 well drinks; $3.75 rum drinks, margaritas

JULIO’S 123rd & Center M-F 3P – 6P & FRI & SAT AFTER 9M $1 off all Tap Beer, $3 House Margaritas, $5 Pitchers of Bud Light & Miller Light

PARLIAMENT OLD MARKET 1212 Harney St. MANIC MONDAYS with D.J. Travis $2 draws, $3.50 wells, $4.50 calls THURSDAY-LADIES NIGHT $2 Domestic Drafts

KOZEE LOUNGE 5813 N 60th St. Daily Drink Specials!

PARLIAMENT WEST 16939 Wright Plz EVERYDAY 3P - 7P 1/2 Price Martini’s, $2 Domestic Pints, $1 Off Other Drinks

LEAVENWORTH BAR 4556 Leavenworth St. M-F 12P-7P LOOKOUT LOUNGE 320 S 72nd St. EVERY DAY 4-7, MIDNIGHT - 2 AM $2 PBR, $2.50 Domestic Bottles , $3 Wells, $3 Fireball MARYLEBONE TAVERN 3710 Leavenworth St. M-F 4:30-6:30P MEATLOAF MONDAY- 6-9P 50¢ Wings WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY Prime Rib Special THURSDAY-New York Strip, Fajita, and Taco Night NOSH WINE LOUNGE 1006 Dodge St. Everyday 4P- 6P Reverse HH 10P -12A $3 domestic beers and wells, $2 off Glasses of Wine, $4 House Wine MALONEY’S IRISH PUB 1830 N 72nd St. M-F 3P-7P $1.00 off any beer

JERRY’S BAR 6301 Military Ave Happy Hour Prices ALL Day!

O’CONNORS IRISH PUB 1217 Howard St. M-TH- 4P-6P & FRI 2P-7P $1.00 off all Draft, Premium, and Domestic Wells

JERZES 501 Olson Dr, Papillion, NE 68046 Daily Specials!

PADDY’S McGOWN’S PUB & GRILL 4503 Center St. Happy Hour Specials from 3-6pm

PERRY’S PLACE 9652 Mockingbird Dr. Monday – Friday 4P – 7P $2.50 Domestic Pints, $6.50 Pitchers $2.75 Domestic Bottles & $3.50 Wells

THERAPY BAR & GRILL 5059 S 108th St Monday-Friday 3-6pm $.50 cents off Bottles, Drafts, & Wells THE SOCIABLE INN 4917 S 136TH ST M-F 2P-7P $2.50 Pints, $2.50 Domestic Bottles TIGER TOM’S 7103 Military Ave M-F 5P-7P $12 Domestic Buckets UNDERWOOD BAR 4918 Underwood Ave M-F 4:30-6P $2 Bud and Bud Light

PITCH PIZZERIA 5021 Underwood Ave./ 17808 Burke M-F 3P-6P $5 off any appetizer $5 off any pizza PLANK SEAFOOD & PROVISIONS 1205 Howard St. Monday-Saturday 3-6:30 pm & Sunday Noon-8 pm OMAHA TAP HOUSE 1401 Farnam St. & 579 N 155th Plz M-F 3P - 6P & ALL DAY SUNDAY $1 Off All TapBeers $4 Svedka, $4 Windsor, $4 Sauza Silver, $4 Cruzan Rum RAILCAR MODERN AMERICAN KITCHEN 1814 N 144th St. M-F 3:30-6:30P $4 Well Drinks $3 Off Signature Cocktails SCRIPTOWN 3922 Farnam M-F 4P - 6P $1 Off Beers & $1 Off Well Drinks THE DOWN UNDER 3530 Leavenworth St. MON-TUES 4P-7P WED-FRI 3P-7P SUNDAY-ALLDAY

Focus | March 21 - March 27 | Volume 2 Issue 12 29

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Focus | March 21 - March 27 | Volume 2 Issue 12

Focus | March 21 - March 27 | Volume 2 Issue 12 31

We were there on St. Patâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Where were you?