YOUR
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VOLUME 3 ISSUE 33 | AUGUST 14 - AUGUST 20 | 2019 ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, HEALTH, PERSONAL FINANCE, & MUSIC NEWSWEEKLY
Husker Men’s Baskatball
REVIEWS Psychic Mind
ENERGY
Climate Change
HEALTH
Back To School
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOCUS ON THIS WEEK!
| 2019 AUGUST 14 - AUGUST 20
YOUR
FREE
VOLUME 3 ISSUE 33 | E, & MUSIC NEWSWEEKLY HEALTH, PERSONAL FINANC ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT,
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SPORTS
Husker Men’s Baskatball
REVIEWS Psychic Mind
ENERGY
THE ARTS
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BENSON
Federal Reserve announces plan to develop a new round-the-clock real-time payment and settlement service to support faster payments By Michael Herek Sponsored By Blue Capitol Wealth
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FAMILY
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EVENTS
Keys to having a conversation about Climate Change By Toni Ptacek, Solar Heat and Electric
Climate Change
HEALTH
Back To School
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FINANCE
ON TEN
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RENEWABLE ENERGY
REVIEWS
Psychic Mind, “In Your Room” By Tatiana Ballinger
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THIS WEEKS FEATURE 29
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REAL ESTATE
HAPPY HOUR
We gathered up some of the BEST Happy Hour spots in and around the Omaha metro!
New Lissting By Eric Cano & When the Back to School Shopping List Includes a House
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HEALTH
Health Tips for Back to School By Focus Omaha
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COUNCIL BLUFFS
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LINCOLN
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Focus is your FREE Arts, Entertainment, Health, Personal Finance, & Music Newsweekly. We’ve brought all of these elements together for the first time, all in one weekly format. Our goal is to provide you, the customer, with the best possible publication to suit all of your needs.
Focus 7914 W Dodge Rd. # 413 Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 208-6545 focusomaha@gmail.com www.focusomaha.com
SPORTS Husker Basketball Goes 4-0 In Italy By Focus Omaha
The Rose To Host Auditions On August 27th and 28th, 2019 For Its Productions of “Elf The Musical” and “Howie D: Back In The Day” The Rose Theater will host an audition for youth roles in its 2019 production of “Elf The Musical” on Tuesday, August 27th at 4 PM. Auditions for adult roles in both “Elf The Musical” and “Howie D: Back In The Day” will be held August 28th at 6 PM. Callbacks for youth roles and adult roles in “Elf The Musical” will be held on Thursday, August 29th. Callbacks for adult actors for “Howie D: Back In The Day” will be held on Monday, September 9th. Actors between the ages 12-18 years old
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for lead roles. A limited number of adult roles in “Elf The Musical” are being filled by performers from The Rose’s 2018 production. All youth roles are available. “Elf The Musical” actors must be available for weeknight and weekend rehearsals and performances from October 28th through The audition will consist of a vocal audition December 22nd, 2019. There will be no of at least 16 bars of a contemporary musi- weekday matinee performances of “Elf The cal theater song. Auditionees should also be Musical”. prepared to participate in a dance audition “Howie D: Back In The Day” actors must be available for weekday rehearsals at these auditions. January 7th through January 31st and weekday and weekend performances An additional singing audition will be January 31st through February 16th. conducted as part of callbacks for “Elf The Musical” as well as readings from the script. This is a paid position for adult actors. Minority actors are highly encouraged to Actors who can tap and/or rollerblade will be asked to demonstrate those skills as part audition. Email auditions@rosetheater.org with any questions. of this callback. Casting Breakdown For Roles Available In Actors of all types are welcome to audition “Howie D: Back In The Day”: MRS. D: and must come to The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam Street. Minority actors are wanted late 30’s, Howie’s Puerto Rican mother. should sign up for an audition time at the following website: https://tinyurl.com/ Elfyouth Actors over age 18 should sign up for an audition time at the following website: https://tinyurl.com/Elf-Howie
Focus | August 14 - August 20 | Volume 3 Issue 33
Loud and loving. POLLYANNA: age 14, Howie’s older sister. The golden child. MR. D: Early 40’s, Howie’s father. Affection doesn’t come easily. TOMMY: age 12, Howie’s first friend at school. Nerdy and lovable. LUCY: Age 13, Howie’s second friend at school. Asian. Cynical and fiery. DESHAUN: Age 12, Howie’s third friend at school. African American. MRS. SCHAEFER: late 40’s-60’s, Howie’s homeroom teacher. Former dancer. JUSTIN: age 14, The head of the 4-H club and organizer of the alumni event to honor
Howie.
ENSEMBLE: Preps, Pollyanna’s Sidekicks.
PREP 1 (CHARLES): age 14, star football player, really dumb. His father is the principal of Lakeview Prep.
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 5p THRU SUNDAY, AUGUST 18 RIVERFEST COMMUNITY CELEBRATION AMERICAN HEROES PARK Bellevue’s largest celebration with bands from the region, carnival, Beer Garden, Car Show, Helicopter rides, food and craft vendors, fireworks, and more family entertainment. Festival Hours: Friday August 16th 5 PM-12:15 AM Saturday August 17th 10 AM-12:15 AM -----------------------------------------------------FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 6:30p PARTY ON PACIFIC, 1101 S 90TH ST, OMAHA Join us under the tent for a casual and fun back-to-school benefit for the students of Westside Community Schools! Hosted by the Westside Foundation, enjoy a convoy of Omaha food trucks and ice cold beverages dancing is strongly encouraged! -----------------------------------------------------SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 7a 2019 IAFF LOCAL 4906-MDALOESS HILLS HARLEY 3RD POKER RUN 57408 190TH ST, PACIFIC JUNCTION, IA Pancake Breakfast from 7a- 11a Registration from 10a-12a Last Card at 5p After Party Refreshments and Food- Ref’s Sports Bar 96th and Giles La Vista ALL profits go to Nebraska and Southwest Iowa MDA families. -----------------------------------------------------SATURDAY, AUGUST 17 COUNCIL BLUFFS ZOMBIE WALK 2019
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SQUIRREL CAGE JAIL OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY, IOWA, 226 PEARL ST. This is a Zombie Walk / Fund Raiser for the Historical and Preservation Society of Pottawattamie County. All funds go directly to the Historical Society. As usual, will will be accepting “Free Will” donations and a $5 donation for Basic Zombie Make-Up done by our volunteers on-site prior to the Walk. This is a “Family Friendly” Event. Please keep your Zombie Costume PG-13 and public friendly. -----------------------------------------------------SUNDAY, AUGUST 18, 8a-10a HEAD FOR THE CURE OMAHA 5K RACE ZORINSKY LAKE OMAHA, NE 68144 Help us defeat brain cancer step by step. Race Begins: 8:00am Kid’s Fun Run: 9:15am Keeping the Faith Awards: 9:30am 5K Race Awards: Immediately Following 5K Event Page or Tickets URL: http://events.headforthecure.org/site/TR/ Events/General?pg=entry&fr_id=1671 -----------------------------------------------------SUNDAY, AUGUST 18, 8a BACK TO SCHOOL CARNIVAL + FAMILY EXPERIENCE! REALITY CHURCH, 10695 PORTAL RD, LA VISTA They will be having a Back to School Carnival, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm! We encourage you to invite friends, family and neighbors. You can expect activities of all kinds for the whole family! We will be accepting donations of school supplies in lieu
Focus | August 14 - August 20 | Volume 3 Issue 33
of an entrance fee. Service times will be a Family Experience with music, games, skits, videos, and teaching moments to help the whole family understand what Reality Kids will be learning about all month! Reality Kids will only be open for babies through 3 year olds so families can enjoy the show and carnival together. -----------------------------------------------------SUNDAY, AUGUST 18, 7p WWE LIVE CHI HEALTH CENTER ARENA, OMAHA WWE Universe, the wait is over! Don’t miss the star-studded lineup and Double Main Events! See WWE Champion Kofi Kingston vs. Dolph Ziggler in a WWE Championship Match. Roman Reigns vs Drew McIntyre!
BRICKWAY BREWERY & DISTILLERY For the week beginning August 19th, bring in your old and tired beer for a fresh 6-pack of our beer, no questions asked. The spirit of Beer Amnesty week is to celebrate fresh beer. Then we take your old beer and do fun and sometimes dumb things with it. We will post videos of these shenanigans daily. Also, join us on Thursday, 8/22 for the Beer Amnesty Celebration Event. We will have Reverse Beer Jenga, Aleius Slushies, fun beer specials and tasty food to go along with it. Note: There is a $1 exchange fee (laws) and one per customer per day. ------------------------------------------------------
Plus, SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley, Charlotte Flair, Ali, Finn Bálor, Elias, and many more of your favorite superstars! -----------------------------------------------------MONDAY, AUGUST 19 4TH ANNUAL BEER AMNESTY WEEK AUG 19 - AUG 25
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WEDNESDAY AUGUST 14 Rockbrook Village Farmers Market,4 p Maha Pop-Up Event at Tiny House Bar, 5p Aaron Bressman Acoustic Wednesdays Jams Legacy, 5:30p
THURSDAY AUGUST 15
Open Acoustic Jam , Vino Mas, 6p The Brits, Ozone Lounge, 6:30p The Zooeys w/ Shiitake Sunday Duffy’s Tavern, 7p The Last Bandoleros Holland Center, 7p Daniel Christian, Miller Time Pub, 7p Why Don’t We, Pinnacle Bank, 7p Ladies Night, Rednecks, 7p Mr Sinister Rocks, Therapy Bar, 7p Ladies Night, Rednecks, 7p D&D Adventure League The Game Shoppe, 7p The Pilfers w/ Stop the Presses, Faded, DSM, Slowdown, 7:30p Beginner’s Swing Dancing Lessons Bogie’s West with Marty Hebert, 8p Judah & the Lion Concert Bourbon Theatre, 8p The Pilfers, The Slowdown, 8p
Omaha’s Original Greek Festival, 5p
Paw Patrol Live, Orpheum Theatre, 10a
Mace Hathaway, The Cove, 5p
Omaha’s Original Greek Festival, 11a
The Hug & Unplug Acoustic Happy Hour Jam, The Down Under Lounge, 4p
Acoustic Happy Hour The Down Under Lounge, 5p
Brews & Bees, Zipline Brewing Co., 2p
Dustin Arbuckle and the Damnations Featur, Chrome Lounge, 5:30p Throttle Thursday, Dillon Brothers, 6p Nate Bray, Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 6p Silent Planet, Lookout Lounge, 6:30p Sam Swerczek, Ozone Lounge, 6:30p
Comedy OPEN MIC , The Barley Street, 9p Aage Birch, The Zoo Bar, 9p
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Spike Nelson and The Nelson Brothers Blues, Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 6p
Adrian Arriola and Kajaam Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 6p Annual Luau, KoZe Lounge, 6p
The Mid Summer Throwdown featuring: Grever, The Notebooks, Yoga for Cats, Second String, Leo & the Lion’s Mane, The Silent Flame Within, Shiitake Sunday, What Is And The Whereabouts, OSOP (Other Side of Paradise) Five Mi nute Drive Sokol Auditorium, 6p
LOUD3: Mixed Genre, Lookout Lounge, 6p Heartland Boogie Band, Surfside Club, 6p The Dinner Detective at DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown, 6p
Chickenwire, Surfside Club, 6p
Dueling Pianos , Annie’s Irish Pub, 7p
Leisure McCorkle Kinkaider Lincoln, 7p
MIKE the MOST: LUAU Listening Party Dr. Jack’s Drinkery, 7P
Vibes Summer Concert w/ The Personics Vllage Pointe, 6:30p Maha Middle Show w/ Pinback The Waiting Room, 7p
Justin Symbol ft DJ Swamp, Angel Nightmare, Requiem Rust, + more Dr. Jack’s Drinkery, 9p
Hawaiian Saturdays Therapy Bar and Grill, 7p
Trivia at The Sociable Inn, 7:30p
Barebear Album Release Show O’Leaver’s Pub, 9p
Bearwithus // Ryan Nordstrom The Barley Street Tavern, 8p
The Prairie Gators The Down Under Lounge, 9:30p
TRANCENET(Future Classics) feat. A&A Project, Bar415, 9p
Back In The States Tour, Barley Street, 8p Ladies Night w Chad Lee Copacabana Lounge, 8p The Office Trivia The Cove Lounge and Grille, 8p R&B Thursday featuring Sherri MC The Omaha Lounge, 8:30p Stephen Chope, Harney Street Tavern, 9p Project X at Karma Nightclub, 9p KoZee Karaoke at the KoZee Lounge, 9p Chris Shelton, Dubliner Pub, 9:30p
Hieroglyphics, Del The Funky HomosapienDU Open Jam with Host Vince Swaney Waiting Room Lounge, 8p The Down Under Lounge, 9:30p Wednesday Night Karaoke : Jimmy Moe and Curly’s, 9p
Omaha Farmers Market - Old Market, 8a
Maha Music Festival Vegan Thursday Flagship Commons, 9a
JOTG: Darcy Malone and The Tangle The Bike Rack Ladies Wednesday Bike Ride Midtown Crossing, 5p at Flanagan Lake, 6p Bingo, Omaha Taproom, 6p
Indulge: Friday Nights, Champagne Bar, 5p
Latin Nite at Bar 415, 10p
FRIDAY AUGUST 16 Riverfest in Bellevue American Heroes Park, 5p
Focus | August 14 - August 20 | Volume 3 Issue 33
SATURDAY AUGUST 17 Diva Dash 5K & Lil Princess Fun Run at Lewis and Clark Landing, 8a
ReCaptured - A Tribute To Journey The Cottonwood Cove, 9p Dead Man’s Hand , Chrome Lounge, 9p
Patrick Flemming, Julio’s, 9p
Source, Sovereignty, The Long Awaited, Witherfang, Lookout Lounge, 7p
The Pursuaders, Ozone Lounge, 9p Swampboy Blues Band Rathskeller Bier Haus, 9P
Ozone Big Band: Julie Baker Ozone Lounge, 7p
Do or Die, The Royal Grove, 9p
Art Nite at DU The Down Under Lounge, 7p
FREAK SHOW HELLZAPOPPIN CIRCUS SIDESHOW The Waiting Room, 9p
Damien Jurado w/ Corrina Repp Slowdown, 8p
Avourneen, Dubliner Pub, 9:30p
Karaoke, Moe & Curly’s, 8p
Singer-Songwriter Night The Down Under Lounge, 9:30p
Service Industry NIGHT Addy’s Maple, 9p
Free Late Show: The Regulation O’Leaver’s Pub, 11p
SUNDAY AUGUST 18
TUESDAY AUGUST 20 Tempo Twilight Lauritzen Gardens, 6p
Omaha Farmers Market - Aksarben Village, 9a eNVy Acoustic, Lombardo’s, 6p World Fest, Omaha Children’s Museum, 11a Plan B, Ozone Lounge, 6:30p Picnic in the Park at Zorinsky Park, 12p
Open Jam, Barley Street Tavern, 7p
Ben Grillet, Kinkaider Lincoln, 4p
Acoustic Open Mic Night The New Frontier Bar, 7p
Michael Pujado & Tom Sena Lombardo’s, 4p
Open Mic & Jam Therapy Bar, 7p
Taxi Driver, Surfside, 5p WWE LIVE, Chi Health Center Arena, 7p
CJ Ramone w/ Dog Party & Avenues Lookout Lounge, 7:30p
The Rumours / Miss Taken / El Escapado / Second String / ttbg, Lookout Lounge, 7p
Tuesday Blues w/Héctor Anchondo The Omaha Lounge, 7:30p
TAPESTRIES: The Reflection The Omaha Lounge, 7:30p
JOSH RITTER & THE ROYAL CITY BAND Kait Berreckman, Slowdown, 8p
Wild Pink//Bailey Tamerius// Luna River Dr. Jack’s Drinkery, 7p
Spencer’s Trivia Dojo The Down Under Lounge, 8p
STEPHEN MARLEY, DJ Shacia Päyne Slowdown, 8p
Parks & Rec. Trivia, The Waiting Room, 8p Open Mic (Standup), The Backline, 9p
Booze Bingo The Down Under Lounge, 8p
Tuesday Night Karaoke, Moe and Curly’s, 9p
Karaoke Sundays, Parliament Pub West, 9p
Industry Night Parliament Pub West, 9p
Safari Room, The Sub-Vectors Reverb Lounge, 9p
Dylan’s Duets- A Karaoke Experience The Down Under Lounge, 10p
Karaoke, The Down Under Lounge, 10p Benson Soul Society, The Sydney, 10p
MONDAY AUGUST 19 Harry Potter Double Feature The Down Under Lounge, 3p Free Pool Billiards, Big John’s, 6p Comedy Open Mic Night, Duffy’s Tavern, 7p Kari Jobe X Cody Carnes, Lifegate Church, 7p
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BEN HARPER & THE INNOCENT CRIMINALS STIR COVE
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MAHA 2019 STINSON PARK
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PINBACK WAITING ROOM
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Denzel Curry BOURBON THEATRE
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WWE LIVE CHI HEALTH CENTER
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STEPHEN MARLEY SLOWDOWN
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JOSH RITTER & THE ROYAL CITY BAND SLOWDOWN
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Founded as Maha Music Festival in 2009, the event has grown steadily since its inaugural fest, which took place in front of a humble crowd at Lewis and Clark Landing on the Omaha riverfront. Since then, the music festival has grown from one day to two, moved to its home at Aksarben Village, and expanded a ton by incorporating a number of celebrated and creative community partnerships into the mix.
Prairie. In 2018, Big Omaha permanently joined with Maha Music Festival and hosted the “10th and final” event of its kind. Now, the core of Big Omaha will live on at Maha: its celebratory spirit, infectious enthusiasm, and commitment to the future of our region. THURSDAY, AUGUST 15 The first-ever Maha Middle Show, featuring: Pinback (Indie Rock from San Diego) Nick Reinhart of Tera Melos (Indie Rock from Northern California) Bach Mai (Indie Pop Punk from Omaha)
Maha Discovery was established as the Big Omaha conference in 2009. Over the next decade, this unprecedented event hosted names like Gary Vaynerchuk and Marc Ecko, representing industries ranging from The Maha Middle Show is part of the the journalism to software development — all with the backdrop of the burgeoning Silicon 11th annual Maha Festival, a four-day
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Focus | August 14 - August 20 | Volume 3 Issue 33
hooray happening August 14-17, 2019 all Esencia Latina Band around Omaha! Get the full festival details 6:15 pm — including lineups, schedule, and all passes MAIN STAGE — at MahaFestival.com. Snail Mail Get your tickets now to save! Go to MahaF- 7:15 pm estival.com --> Buy Passes. BROADMOOR STAGE $15 - now until July 15 at noon CDT $20 - July 15 at noon CDT until day of show Courtney Barnett $25 - day of show 8:30 pm MAIN STAGE FRIDAY, AUGUST 16 MUSIC FESTIVAL Jenny Lewis SharkWeek 10:30 pm 5:00 pm MAIN STAGE BROADMOOR STAGE + Gates Open continued on page 13
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17 MUSIC FESTIVAL SharkWeek 1:00 pm BROADMOOR STAGE + Gates Open Domestic Blend 2:00 pm MAIN STAGE Muscle Cousins 2:45 pm BROADMOOR STAGE Omaha Girls Rock 3:15 pm BROADMOOR STAGE Beach Bunny 4:00 pm MAIN STAGE
• Wednesday, August 14: Opening Night Multiple local venues — including Amplify Arts, OutrSpaces, Tiny House, and more — will host a convergence of art, music, and other pop-up events around the South 13th Street/Little Bohemia neighborhood. More details will be announced in May. • Thursday, August 15: Maha Discovery (Innovation Conference) at Metropolitan Community College’s Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology, Fort Omaha Campus Featuring: Douglas Rushkoff Jewel Burks Solomon Martha Legg Miller Cat Noone Nawal Fakhoury Kaitlyn and Matt Hova
Matt Maeson 5:15 pm BROADMOOR STAGE
• Thursday, August 15: Middle Show at The Waiting Room Featuring Pinback with Bach Mai
Duckwrth 6:30 pm MAIN STAGE
• Friday, August 16 & Saturday, August 17: Maha Music Festival at Stinson Park in Aksarben Village Friday includes: Jenny Lewis Courtney Barnett Snail Mail Esencia Latina Band Sharkweek
Oh Sees 7:45 pm BROADMOOR STAGE Matt and Kim 9:00 pm MAIN STAGE Lizzo 10:30 pm MAIN STAGE MAHA MUSIC FESTIVAL GENERAL ADMISSION FRIDAY & SATURDAY Friday, August 16 from 5p - midnight & Saturday, August 17 from 1p- midnight in Aksarben Village. General Admission access, no refunds. Music Festival is rain or shine, and kids 10 and under get in free!
Saturday includes: Lizzo Matt and Kim Oh Sees Duckwrth Matt Maeson Beach Bunny Muscle Cousins Domestic Blend Sharkweek
WHAT’S YOUR FOCUS? WWW.FOCUSOMAHA.COM
Focus | August 14 - August 20 | Volume 3 Issue 33 13
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Focus | August 14 - August 20 | Volume 3 Issue 33
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Maintenance free living on great location with view of golf course and walking distance to Lake Manawa. Close to interstates. MLS #21916818 Status ACTIVE Class RESIDENTIAL Listing Price $128,000 Property Type Residential Address 48 LAKESHORE COURT Council Bluffs, IA 51501 Tot Fnshd SF: 1,688 Total Bedrooms: 3 Total Bathrooms: 2 Area: Area 10 Parcel No.: 7444 12 378 048 Elementary School: Lewis Central Jr. High: Lewis Central High School: Lewis Central School District: Lewis Central Subdivision: Lakeshore Est Current REIDS N Association Fee Y/N: Y Association Fee: 200 Association Fee Freq: Monthly Public Remarks: Maintenance free living on great location with view of golf course and
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Focus | August 14 - August 20 | Volume 3 Issue 33
walking distance to Lake Manawa. Close to interstates. Legal: 12-74-44 Lakeshore Estates Unit 48 and 1/48th in common and limited common elements Miscellaneous Info: Gross Taxes: will have later; Net Taxes: will have later; Tax Year: 2018 Construction: Frame Roof: Composition Basement: None Air Conditioning: Electric Central Heating: Gas Forced Air Hot Water Heater: Gas Laundry: Main Floor Fireplace: Yes; Family Room; Gas Log; Main Floor Kitchen Features: Dishwasher; Electric Range; Microwave; Refrigerator Dining Facilities: Formal Dining Main Level: Baths; Dining; Family Room; Kitchen; Living Room; Other Bedrooms Lower/Tri Level: None Second Level: Master Bedroom Interior Amenities: Cathedral Ceiling; Ceiling Fans Exterior Amenities: Covered Patio Site Amenities: Blacktop Road; Off Street Parking
Services: Association Fees; Cable; City Sewer; City Water; Electrical; Gas; Public Sidewalks Terms: Cash; Conventional Possession: Closing Showing Instructions: Appointment Only; Call Agent Flood Ins: Not Required Garage: Garage Door Opener Outbuildings: Garage
Provided as a courtesy of Eric Cano, Meraki Realty Group BHHS Ambassador Real Estate 331 Village Pointe Plaza Omaha, NE 68118 Office - (402) 659-9549 eric.cano@bhhsamb.com http://https://www.merakirg.com Please call or text Eric Cano for showings at 402-659-9549. 2 hour notice requested but not required. All offers can be submitted to Eric.cano@merkairg.com
continued on page 17
sort, trying to house hunt while simultaneously raising a family,” said NAR President John Smaby, a second-generation Realtor® from Edina, Minnesota and broker at Edina Realty. “Tech-savvy Realtors® recognize this predicament and are meeting clients’ needs by contacting them via smartphone and text message.”
When the Back to School Shopping List Includes a House The act of moving into a new home or selling a home can be a hectic period for both home buyers and sellers. So it is not surprising to learn that changing residences with children in tow adds another level of chaos to the process. That is according to a new report1 from the National Association of Realtors®, 2019 Moving With Kids, (https://www.nar. realtor/reports/moving-with-kids), which explores the various home-buying habits and seller preferences of those who have children under the age of 18 years old2 living in the home. The report found that those homebuyers who still have children living in their homes were likely to be drawn to specific neighborhood characteristics. For example, 53% of buyers with children considered a neighborhood based on the quality of the school districts within that neighborhood. Fifty percent of buyers with children selected a neighborhood based on its convenience to schools.
Yun, NAR’s chief economist. “Of course, affordability is a part of the decision, but we have seen buyers with kids willing to spend a little more in order to land a home in a better school zone or district.”
In terms of making the final selection on exactly which home to purchase, buyers with children and those without shared some common ground. More than half of all buyers, regardless of children, said that finding the right property was the most difficult stage in the process. During that phase, among the home buyers with children living in the household, 86% purchased their home with the help of a real estate agent. Similarly, 87% of home buyers without children enlisted the services of a real estate agent when making their home purchase.
Of those polled who had no children, only 10% chose a neighborhood because of the quality of its school district. Merely 6% of those buyers with no kids said “convenience to schools” factored into their choice when they selected their home and neighborhood.
While both buyers with children and those without utilized an agent, NAR found that the preferences regarding agent interaction were different. For example, of those buyers without children who were shopping for a home – 74% said they wanted their agent to phone directly when relaying information about new real estate activity. However, 67% of buyers with children preferred that their agent make contact about properties via text message.
“Parents inherently make sacrifices for their children and family, and that is no different when shopping for a home,” said Lawrence
“The report’s findings showed that both buyers and sellers, especially those with kids, are often dealing with a time crunch of some
Polling confirmed that buyers with children ultimately purchased larger sized homes and properties. As a whole, they opted to buy homes that measured at 2,110 square feet in size with four bedrooms and two full bathrooms. This is versus those without children in the household; on average, they bought 1,800 square feet in size with three bedrooms and two full bathrooms.
One notable difference between the two groups is that 46% of those with children in the home said they had to sell somewhat urgently, while just under half of those with no children in the household said they were able to wait for the right offer. “When buying or selling a home, exercising patience is beneficial, but in some cases – such as facing an upcoming school year or the outgrowing of a home – sellers find themselves rushed and forced to accept a less than an ideal offer,” said Yun.
Twenty-five percent of those sellers with children said they sold because their previous home was too small. Nineteen percent said a job relocation caused them to sell, and 13% said a change in their family situation However, 26% of buyers with children had to spurred the sale. Only 7% of those without postpone their home buying process because kids said they felt as if their home was too of childcare expenses. Although some buyers small. were able to still make a purchase, even with childcare costs in play, some of those buyers had to ultimately make compromises and concessions on the properties. Thirty-one percent said they compromised on the condition of the home, while another 31% said they compromised on the size of the home. Twenty-four percent reported having compromised on the price of the home.
Home Selling Trends
Twenty-three percent of sellers with children reported that they sold their home “very urgently.” Only 14% of buyers with no children said they had to sell their home quickly.
Focus | August 14 - August 20 | Volume 3 Issue 33 17
Health Tips for Back to School By Focus Omaha
To have a great school year, kids need to stay healthy. Healthy students are better learners. CDC has tips and resources for parents and schools to help children and teens get fit and stay healthy whether they’re just starting kindergarten or heading off to high school. “As a parent and grandparent, I know that back-to-school time is a busy time. Yet, I encourage parents and students to be mindful of some health essentials to add to your to-do lists,” said CDC Director Robert R. Redfield, M.D. “Getting a flu shot this fall, frequent hand-washing, and staying active all contribute to a healthier and more productive academic year.” Wash your hands Germs are everywhere. Touch a surface where germs are lurking, then touch your face, and you can get sick. It doesn’t have to be that way. Handwashing with soap and water is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick and prevent the spread of colds, flu, and other diseases to others.
Most children consume almost half of their calories at school. That makes school a great place to learn and practice healthy eating – a gift that keeps on giving for a lifetime. Did you know that being physically active can help reduce anxiety and even help with a child’s focus in school? The time kids spend watching TV, playing video games, and surfing the web is the time they could be physically active. Experts recommend children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day—before, during, and after school; running, walking, and playing sports all count! Limit sugary drinks While calories in drinks are not exactly hidden (they’re listed right on the Nutrition Facts label), many people don’t realize just how many calories are in the beverages they drink. Here’s the good news: Water is a great, no-calorie, low-cost substitute for sugary drinks. Drinking plenty of water every day is a great habit to establish for a lifetime.
Don’t use E-cigarettes E-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. youth. In Parents, teachers, and informed students can 2018 more than 3.6 million young people – teach proper handwashing so people don’t including 1 in 5 high-school students and 1 in pass germs or illnesses to others. At school, 20 middle-school students – currently used it’s important for students to wash their (in the past 30 days) e-cigarettes. hands before eating; after using the toilet; and after blowing their nose, coughing, or The nicotine in e-cigarettes can harm the sneezing. Handwashing also helps keep developing adolescent brain – specifically students, their families, and school staff the areas of the brain that are responsible healthy so they don’t miss school or work. for learning, memory, and attention. Eat well and be active Maintaining a healthy weight is especially important for children. Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. children have obesity, putting them at risk for asthma, sleep apnea, bone, and joint problems, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. Children with obesity also are more likely to suffer from social isolation, depression, and lower self-esteem.
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To prevent e-cigarette use by young people, parents and teachers can talk to their children and students about why e-cigarettes are harmful to them and walk the talk by being tobacco-free. Stay cool Schools are opening, but it’s still hot out there. Learn how to recognize, prevent, and treat heat-related illness. Remember these tips while participating in outdoor activities:
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- Schedule workouts and practices earlier or later in the day when the temperature is cooler. - Limit outdoor activity, especially during the middle of the day when the sun is hottest. -- Pace activity. Start activities slow and pick up the pace gradually. - Wear and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package. - Drink more water than usual, and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more. Muscle cramping may be an early sign of heatrelated illness. - Pair up: you monitor a teammate’s condition and have someone do the same for you. - Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Stay safe Heads up! Any child can fall, knock his/her head, or get a concussion in any number of school settings ranging from school sports activities to the hallway, the playground, the
cafeteria and beyond. Being able to identify and respond to concussions early can help save a life. Visit CDC Heads Up for information on responding to concussions and supporting students when they return to school after a concussion. Plan for emergencies Plan ahead! As children head back to school, it’s important to have a written emergency care plan and to practice that plan as often as needed. The plan should include any medicines your child needs to take or any assistive devices used by your children, such as a motorized wheelchair or assistive communication device. Having conversations now with your child’s teacher about being prepared in an emergency can help reduce your concerns if an emergency does happen. continued on page 19
Connect with kids at school and home “Adolescent connectedness” refers to children’s sense of belonging, of being cared for and supported by parents, teachers, and other important people. How connected children feel to school and family can have a strong influence on their lives that continues well into adulthood. Teens with higher levels of connectedness are less likely to experience adverse health outcomes in adulthood, including: -Getting a sexually transmitted disease. -Misusing prescription drugs or engaging in illicit drug use. -Having been the victim of physical violence. Visit CDC’s website to learn more about what schools, parents, and providers can do to promote adolescent connectedness, prevent suicide, and youth violence to reduce negative health outcomes. Get vaccinated From newborns to college students, getting vaccinated can help protect children and teens as they grow into adulthood. Making sure their children get vaccinated is one of the most important things parents can do to protect the health of their child. Vaccinations also protect a child’s classmates, friends, relatives, and others in the community. On-time vaccination protects kids before they are exposed to highly contagious and life-threatening diseases like measles, whooping cough, and
chickenpox.
One of the newest vaccines available can prevent cancer. Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, is a common virus that is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact and can lead to certain types of cancer later in life. Making sure your 11- to 12- year-old child gets two doses of the HPV vaccine can prevent these cancers. CDC has online resources and tools to help parents keep their kids up to date on recommended vaccinations. Additionally, states may require children to get vaccinated against certain diseases before their first day of school. Visit the Immunization Action Coalition’s State Informationexternal icon for more information. And if your child has missed any vaccinations, a healthcare provider can use the catch-up immunization schedule to get them back on track. Make sure your kids get their vaccinations before the back-to-school rush! The bottom line: Student health is linked to academic achievement. Visit the Parents for Healthy Schools website for more information about how parents can play a powerful role in supporting their children’s learning and encouraging a healthy lifestyle for years to come.
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Husker Basketball Goes 4-0 In Italy By Focus Omaha
It’s hard to tell how the Huskers are progressing based solely on Italian Select competition, but it’s definitely good to hear that Charlie Easley’s 15 points led five Huskers in double figures, as Nebraska wrapped up its tour of Italy with an 84-62 win over Italian Select Monday evening.
Italian Select was within 35-30 in the final minutes of the second quarter, but Nebraska closed the half with seven straight points to take a 12-point lead and opened the third quarter with nine unanswered points to build a 53-32 cushion with 7:29 left in the third quarter.
Easley, a walk-on from Lincoln, came off the bench to ignite a 10-3 Husker run late in the first quarter with consecutive 3-pointers after NU trailed 15-12. His second trifecta put NU ahead for good, as the Huskers stretched the lead after a slow start.
Nebraska learned its lesson from Thursday’s game with Silute BC, finished the third quarter strong. The Huskers scored six of the final eight points of the quarter to push the lead to 66-42 after Easley’s basket in the closing seconds of the quarter.
In addition to Easley’s 15, Dachon Burke added 12 for the Huskers while Shamiel Stevenson (11), Thorir Thorbjarnarson (11) and Kevin Cross (10) all finished in double figures. With the win, Nebraska went 4-0 on the trip over the last week.
In the final quarter, Nebraska led by as much as 30 points with 6:08 remaining before cruising to a 22-point win. The Huskers will return to Lincoln on Tuesday evening and will have some time off before the fall semester on Aug. 26.
Nebraska led 22-21 early in the second quarter before the Huskers ran off six straight points, including four from Stevenson, to push the lead to 28-21. Photo: Huskers.com
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Federal Reserve announces plan to develop a new roundthe-clock real-time payment and settlement service to support faster payments By Michael Herek The Federal Reserve Board announced that the Federal Reserve Banks will develop a new round-the-clock real-time payment and settlement service, called the FedNow Service, to support faster payments in the United States. The rapid evolution of technology presents a pivotal opportunity for the Federal Reserve and the payment industry to modernize the nation’s payment system and establish a safe and efficient foundation for the future. The Federal Reserve believes faster payment services, which enable the near-instantaneous transfer of funds day and night, weekend and weekdays, have the potential to become widely used and to yield economic benefits for individuals and businesses by providing them with more flexibility to manage their money and make time-sensitive payments.
Since its founding more than a century ago, the Federal Reserve has provided payment and settlement services, alongside and in cooperation with the private sector, as part of its core function of promoting an accessible, safe, and efficient U.S. payment system. The Federal Reserve has established over its history a broad reach as a provider of payment and settlement services to the more than 10,000 financial institutions across the country. That reach will help the FedNow Service support a nationwide infrastructure on which the financial services industry may develop innovative faster payment services for the benefit of all Americans. “Everyone deserves the same ability to make and receive payments immediately and securely, and every bank deserves the same
opportunity to offer that service to its community,” said Federal Reserve Board Governor Lael Brainard. “FedNow will permit banks of every size in every community across the country to provide real-time payments to their customers.” In 2018, the Board requested public comment on potential services that could be developed by the Federal Reserve to support faster payments. Of the more than 350 comments that took a position on whether the Federal Reserve should develop a new service for faster payments, over 90 percent supported the Federal Reserve operating around-the-clock real-time payment and settlement service alongside services provided by the private sector. The Board is now requesting comment on how the new service might be designed to most effectively support the full set of payment system stakeholders and the function-
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ing of the broader U.S. payment system. The Board anticipates the FedNow Service will be available in 2023 or 2024. In addition, the Board is announcing its intention to explore the expansion of Fedwire Funds Service and National Settlement Service hours, up to 24x7x365, to facilitate liquidity management in private-sector real-time gross settlement services for faster payments and to support a wide range of payment activities, beyond those related to faster payments.
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Keys to having a conversation about Climate Change By Toni Ptacek, Solar Heat and Electric It is harder and harder to keep track of the news today because of the constant negativity and extreme polarization of the two political parties in the United States. Despite the fact that 97% of published scientists agree that climate change is indeed happening, there are still a good deal of people who believe in some kind of contractarian science or some other explanation that justifies our current actions and ignores the dramatic changes that are happening around the world. In fact, comparative studies have shown that U.S. newspapers are more likely to portray climate science as “uncertain” than are those in other developed nations and that the American public is less knowledgeable about the causes of climate change and less supportive of the Kyoto Protocol than its European counterparts. Why is this? 97% is a pretty condemning number that should logically convince anyone about the realities of climate change. However, there are institutions and administrations who have put time, money, blood, sweat, and tears into their effort of keeping “climate change” a muddy issue. One of the ways this has been done
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is simply through language. Some say that making climate change synonymous with “Global warming” may be one of the most detrimental things we could have done to its validity. The argument is brought up all of the time, “Well, how can climate change be happening if it’s so cold in the winter, etc…” How can we address this argument on an issue that has become so muddled and confusing for us to talk about without bringing in vicious politics and policy options? Step 1: Be considerate and open-minded. There is nothing worse than trying to talk to someone about something you care about and instantly getting yelled at or having some idea that isn’t your own shoved back down your own throat. Chances are, we will have something in common with whoever we are talking to. It is crucial that we take the time to find some common ground before leading a head-on assault into a political ideology. Step 2: A second approach would be to have the person consider that just because the atmosphere is warming, doesn’t mean
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continued on page 27
that we will cease to have winters, it means that we should expect more sporadic and violent weather patterns that we may or may not be able to predict in the near future. Droughts, floods, heatwaves, and cold streaks are all to be expected in some way shape or form in the next few decades and the poorest places will see the most extreme consequences first.
transportation and a myriad of other things that have begun to pick up popularity over the last few years. Community gardens are also on the rise, know your neighbors, care about each other, and care about the Earth. It is easy to get involved in some way to make a difference in the community and ultimately the world, you just have to reach out, make an effort and say hello.
Step 3: It’s not too late. There are always ways we can get involved in the battle against climate change. We have seen an increase in renewable energy, efficiency,
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Psychic Mind, “In Your Room” By Tatiana Ballinger
Chill hard to heavy keyboard shoegaze, “heavy chill vibe” with seemingly infinite backgrounds. Follow the musical paths of the members of Psychic Mind as they share their couch collaborations on sound design. Tame Impala interpreters Psychic Mind of San Francisco, California, have an unreleased, unnamed, 2019 full-length album to follow their first two releases. January’s “In Your Room” and a self-title stand to stream. “We wanted to expand our sound a bit... branch out of the typical 3 piece sounding group and feature songs with lots of layers,” states Ron Dore of Ventura, California, on the bass and vocal harmony. “We all use pedals.” Along with original Midwesterner Stein Brothers, the trio permeates professional music endeavors. This mature music enshrines experimental sound engineering. Find Psychic Mind at psychicmind.bandcamp. com. According to Dore, Nick Stein recorded all of the music you will “enjoy best through headphones because there is a lot going on if you want to hear all the details,” as Ron concluded on the phone with me quickly. Knowledgeable about the industry himself, Dore explains that Nick Stein, lead drummer, “is the brains behind this one,” transposing Nick’s musings on the keys to a buttery bass. After graduating from SAE Expressions Col-
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lege in Emeryville, California, home to Pixar, and across the bridge from Craig’s List, Nick has learned in a DIY hub to fool beginners with a vintage sound. Lead singer Matt Stein improvises his live performances compared to the record where he blends his voice with guitar effects. Through a golden chamber slide guitar contrasts distorted support. Two to three-minute theories yet to be released diminish snug next to sordid sounding poems and lead guitar about American infancy, all written by Matt Stein. Psychic Mind has been invited to perform for The San Francisco Great Society: Summer of Love Series #1 on August 31, 2019, for $15 at 7 PM at Public Works in San Francisco. Hear an old track by Psychic Mind accompanying the online flyer to the festival found on Facebook. The new Psychic Mind untitled release is available to stream on YouTube if you can do yourself a little research. The band has six releases listed online and two for sale on their Facebook and Band Camp. Experience the foray of intuition.
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BARRETT’S BARLEYCORN 4322 Leavenworth St. M-F 4P-6P $2.25 Domestic Bottles $3.00 Well Drinks BROKEDOWN PALACE 8805 Maple St. Happy Hour 12P-6P $4 28 oz Domestic Frozen Mugs $5 28 oz Nebraska Brewing Cardinal Pale Ale Frozen Mug CADDYSHACK 2076 N 117th Ave & 7007 S 181st St M-F 2P-6P $1 Off Beer, Wine & Wells TUES- HAPPY HOUR All Day
NOSH WINE LOUNGE 1006 Dodge St. Everyday 4P- 6P Reverse HH 10P -12A $3 domestic beers and wells, $2 off Glasses of Wine, $4 House Wine PADDY’S McGOWN’S PUB & GRILL 4503 Center St. Happy Hour Specials from 3-6pm PARLIAMENT PUB DOWNTOWN 1212 Harney Street T-SUN 3P-7P Drink Specials
COHEN & KELLY’S LOUNGE 13075 W Center Rd M-F 4:30P - 6:30P Drink Specials
PARLIAMENT PUB WEST 16939 Wright Plaza M-F 3-7PM ALL DAY SUNDAY! $2 Domestic Pints, $5 Vodka Red Bulls, $5 Shots & Bombs, 1/2 price Martini’s & Wines
DUBLINER PUB 1205 Harney St. Nightly Drink Specials & Happy Hour 1P - 7P Everyday !! $1.00 off Pints and Bottles
PITCH PIZZERIA 5021 Underwood Ave. 17808 Burke M-F 3P-6P $5 off any appetizer $5 off any pizza
GETAWAY LOUNGE 4745 S 96th St M-F 2P - 6P $2 Busch Lite Bottles $2.25 Busch Lite Tall Boys $3 Fireballs $3 Apple Pie Shots
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
JERRY’S BAR 6301 Military Ave Happy Hour Prices ALL Day EVERYDAY! JULIO’S 123rd & Center M-F 3P – 6P & FRI & SAT AFTER 9M $1 off all Tap Beer, $3 House Margaritas, $8 Pitchers of Bud Light & Miller Light, $2 Tacos & $8 Nachos KOZEE LOUNGE 5813 N 60th St. Daily Drink Specials! LEAVENWORTH BAR 4556 Leavenworth St. M-F 12P-7P LOOKOUT LOUNGE 320 S 72nd St. EVERY DAY 4-7, MIDNIGHT - 2 AM $2 PBR, $2.50 Domestic Bottles , $3 Wells, $3 Fireball MALONEY’S IRISH PUB 1830 N 72nd St. M-F 3P-7P $1.00 off any beer
RAILCAR MODERN AMERICAN KITCHEN 1814 N 144th St. M-F 3:30-6:30P $4 Well Drinks $3 Off Signature Cocktails RATHSKELLER BIER GARDEN 4524 Farnam St. Monday to Saturday – 3P to 6P | 10P-Close Sunday – All Day BOSO – Buy one second one for $.25 SCRIPTOWN 3922 Farnam M-F 4P - 6P $1 Off Beers & $1 Off Well Drinks SMITTY’S GARAGE 7610 Dodge St. Everyday 3P - 6P & 9P - CLOSE $2.50 Domestics THURSDAYS $1 OFF Local Beer Draws THE CASUAL PINT 8718 Countryside Plaza M, W, TH 4P-6P TUES All Day $1 Off All Draft Beers. Friday – 1/2 Price Growler Refills Sunday – Ladies Day. $1 Off All Pints for
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THE DOWN UNDER 3530 Leavenworth St. MON-SAT 3P-7P SUNDAY-All Day THERAPY BAR & GRILL 5059 S 108th St Monday-Friday 3-6pm $.50 cents off Bottles, Drafts, & Wells THE SOCIABLE INN 4917 S 136TH ST M-F 2P-7P $2.50 Pints, $2.50 Domestic Bottles TIGER TOM’S 7103 Military Ave M-F 4P-6P $12 Domestic Buckets TIMBER WOOD FIRE BISTRO 8702 Pacific St – Countryside Village M-F Patio Only 11A-7P M-SAT 2P- 6:30P & SUN 2P-10P $2 Off Local and Craft Drafts,
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