Omaha Magazine - September 2020 - Hotel Edition

THE ART OF JOE PANKOWSKI • PHOTOGRAPHING LIFE IN FLUX • AN OASIS OF FALAFEL • DANDELION MEAL PROJECT

S E P T E M B E R 2 02 0 |

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

RESPONDING TO THE NEEDS OF MANY

O m a ha N onpro fits P rovide E d u cat ion , F oo d , H o u s ing ,

T

he presidential election of 1920 saw Ohio Sen. Warren G. Harding win in a landslide over Ohio Gov. James M. Cox. The total vote for 1920 was roughly 26,750,000, an increase of 8 million from the 1916 election.

While that number cannot be attributed to any one thing, it was the first year that women were allowed to vote in the presidential election. The suffragists—including Amelia Bloomer, who lived in this area, and Carrie Chapman Catt of central Iowa—fought for the right to vote for nearly 70 years. Chapman Catt created a national organization in February 1920 that has become a nationwide civic group with more than half a million members—League of Women Voters. The story of Nebraska’s League of Women Voters is Omaha Magazine’s history story this month.

Also paralleling the early 20th century this year is a pandemic. When influenza struck the United States in 1918, the nonprofit American Red Cross, started in 1881 by Clara Harlowe Barton, was one of the first organizations to respond. In fact, when U.S. Surgeon General Rupert Blue decided on Oct. 1 that year the nationwide outbreak of severe influenza warranted a national response, he telegraphed the American Red Cross’ national headquarters in Washington, D.C. The organization recruited a total of 15,000 women to respond to the deadly outbreak by January of the next year.

Nonprofits today are still a significant part of educating voters, responding to the front lines of disasters, and more. When the COVID19 pandemic began to gain speed in March this year, the nonprofit community quickly banded together and began to figure out how to procure and distribute resources. A couple of months later, the popular virtual fundraiser Omaha Gives! successfully saw 23,000 individual donors contribute to the event, their highest count by about 5,000 donors.

Omaha is one of the most philanthropic cities in the nation. A July 1 article in the Los Angeles Times revealed comparisons of charitable giving between Omaha and Wichita, Kansas, home of billionaire Charles Koch. The data revealed that Omaha gave the arts $361 per capita compared to a national $125 per capita (and $49 per capita in Wichita); human services such as food insecurity and sports programs $984 per capita compared to a national $687 per capita (and $810 per capita in Wichita); and health services other than hospitals $860 per capita compared to $1,040 per capita (but $376 per capita in Wichita).

As much as the income itself, the people of Omaha who run charities, volunteer for charities, and sometimes need to use these charities, are what make Omaha special. I spoke with

an d

Fun

Scott Brown for our Adventure article. Brown retired from the military and could have taken a job in the civilian sector. Instead, Brown spends his time volunteering to feed others for the Salvation Army Omaha and felling downed trees with Team Rubicon in places such as Kansas and Puerto Rico.

August. These museums all require a scheduled visit to maintain social distancing, and visitors can schedule their time on their websites or call for more information.

Another article that intrigued me this month was that of Tara Maco-Guillen, a mother who was so appreciative of the time she spent at Ronald McDonald House a few years ago she committed to giving back to them. MacoGuillen arrives at RMH about once a month with a stack of pizzas that she provides to the residents simply because she understands the gift of a hot meal after a long day of visiting a hospital.

The Durham 402.444.5071 | durhammuseum.org

Omaha youth also play a big role in philanthropy. This spring, high school junior (now senior) Jackson Heller learned he won the Prudential Spirit of Community Certificate of Excellence, one of 450 students nationwide to be awarded this certificate, and the only person at his school, Mount Michael Benedictine. He won this award by serving hundreds of volunteer hours at Scatter Joy Acres, the animal rescue ranch in North Omaha near Forest Lawn Cemetery.

The Omaha Magazine team has a soft spot for animals—Zoom meetings frequently feature dogs and cats popping in and out of the video, and everyone on the creative team has at least one beloved pet. That’s why the subject of this month’s Obviously Omaha came easily to us: animal charities. There are so many great animal charities in this city, it was hard to pick six to spotlight.

Strike that last sentence.

With so many great charities in Omaha, it was hard to write only the stories we chose for this Giving Issue. It’s one of my favorite issues to work on throughout the year, and I hope it’s one you enjoy reading.

One last note: With all the great art, history, and culture Omaha offers, one activity I know I have missed is visiting museums. Many large local museums reopened in early SEPTEMBER

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2020

Bemis Center 402.341.7130 | bemiscenter.org

El Museo Latino 402.731.1137 | elmuseolatino.org Great Plains Black History Museum 402.932.7077 | gpblackhistorymuseum.org Joslyn Art Museum 402.342.3300 | joslyn.org Omaha Children’s Museum 402.342.6164 | ocm.org * Note: The hotel edition of Omaha Magazine has a different cover and does not include all of the editorial content included in the magazine’s full city edition. For more information on our city edition, visit OmahaMagazine.com.

TAB L E of CON T E N T S THE USUAL SUSPECTS 003 From the Editor

Responding to the Needs of Many

006 Between the Lines 008 Calendar of Events 121 Obviously Omaha

An Animal Lover’s Guide

140 Explore!

143 Instagram 144 Not Funny

Emotional Support

122

A R T S + C U LT U R E 014 Video

Joe Pankowski

018 Photography Life in Flux

DINING 122 Review

Oasis Falafel

126 Feature

Dandelion Pop-Up

130 Profile

Stephanie Strode

132 Dining Guide

014

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JULY/AUGUST 2020

018

162 trees have been reforested

due to the printing of our last round of publications.

Learn more at

.com

ALWAYS LOCA L , ALWAYS BE AUT IF UL .

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Between

THE LINES A LOOK AT FOUR OMAHA MAGAZINE TEAM MEMBERS KATIE ANDERSON—Freelance Photographer Anderson was born and raised in Omaha. During college she moved away for a few years only to come back when her husband found a job here. She started working at Omaha Magazine in 2010 as a publisher’s assistant before joining the art department as a graphic designer. She loves printed magazines and working “behind the scenes” to get the magazines to the printer. Anderson now spends her time working with local businesses, telling their stories through photographs. In 2019 she earned her certified professional photographer credential from the Professional Photographers of America.

KAMRIN BAKER—Contributing Writer Baker is a former Omaha Magazine-intern-turned-freelancer and former editor-in-chief of the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s newspaper The Gateway. She graduated in May 2020 after studying journalism and media communications, and women’s and gender studies.

When she’s not on the hunt for freelance work or reading feminist theory, Baker enjoys spending time with her shiba inu puppy Mirio, taking naps, practicing yoga, and going to therapy. She is an intern for a local digital communications company. Visit her at kamrinbaker.squarespace.com to learn more about her work—or just to swap dog pics.

KATRINA MARKEL—Contributing Writer Markel is a native of Glenwood, Iowa, and graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School In Council Bluffs. She has a BFA in theater and an M.A. in journalism from New York University.

Markel started her career in television news at ABC, CBS, and Channel One. A founding team member of the San Francisco-based blog site Lipstick & Politics, she has also been published on Buzzfeed and in Huffington Post, The Omaha World-Herald, and other regional publications.

Markel and her husband moved back to the Midwest in 2013 after living on both coasts and abroad. In addition to writing, she has a professional expertise in online marketing and enjoys volunteering with Urban Abbey and local arts organizations. She also enjoys outdoor activities and travel, and lives with two cats.

JAMES VNUK—Contributing Writer Vnuk is a full-time instructor at UNO, primarily teaching English composition to first-year students. He also has a specialty in teaching English as a second language and offers courses in ancient literature and science fiction. Aside from a small stint teaching English in Qingdao, China, Vnuk has lived in Omaha since 2007, and has written articles for Omaha Magazine since 2015. His favorite pastimes are cooking and tinkering with retro A/V equipment, but most of his time is spent doting on his three guinea pigs with his fiancée. This past year, Vnuk learned to play the didgeridoo, and is slowly working toward finishing his first novel.

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SEPTEMBER 2020

SEPTEMBER 2020 VOLUME 38 // ISSUE 4

EDITORIAL Managing Editor

DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN Senior Editor

TARA SPENCER Associate Editor

LINDA PERSIGEHL Contributing Writers

KAMRIN BAKER · LEO ADAM BIGA · RYAN BORCHERS TAMSEN BUTLER · JENNA GABRIAL GALLAGHER CHRIS HATCH · SARA LOCKE · KATRINA MARKEL SEAN ROBINSON · KARA SCHWEISS · JAMES VNUK BRYAN VOMACKA · SAMANTHA WEIDEMAN · SARAH WENGERT DOUGLAS “OTIS TWELVE” WESSELMANN

CREATIVE Creative Director

MATT WIECZOREK Senior Graphic Designer

DEREK JOY Graphic Designer II

MADY BESCH

Explore the groundbreaking work of Jim Henson—and his transformative impact on popular culture—this fall when The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited comes to The Durham Museum.

An exhibition organized by Museum of the Moving Image Photo: Jim Henson and his iconic creation Kermit the Frog, in front of a mural by Coulter Watt. Photo by John E. Barrett.

Kermit the Frog © Disney/Muppets.

Courtesy The Jim Henson Company/MoMI

Contributing Photographers

JUSTIN BARNES · KEITH BINDER · COLIN CONCES SCOTT DRICKEY · JOSHUA FOO · WILLIAM HESS · SARAH LEMKE

SALES Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing

GIL COHEN Director of Sales

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

ED COCHRAN Senior Branding Specialist

MARY HIATT Publisher’s Assistant & OmahaHome Contributing Editor

SANDY MATSON Senior Sales Coordinator

ALICIA HOLLINS Branding Specialists

DAWN DENNIS · GEORGE IDELMAN Digital Sales Manager

JILLIAN DUNN

OPERATIONS Operations Officer & Local Stubs Ticketing Representative

JOSHUA PETERSON Ad Traffic Manager

MIKE BREWER Accounting Associate

KENDRA HILL

EXECUTIVE Executive Publisher

TODD LEMKE Vice President

GREG BRUNS Associate Publisher

BILL SITZMANN For Advertising & Subscription Information:

402.884.2000 Omaha Magazine Vol 38 Issue III, publishes monthly except February, April, August, November, December, totaling 8 issues by Omaha Magazine, LTD, 5921 S. 118 Circle, Omaha, NE 68137. Periodical postage at Omaha, NE, and additional offices and additional mailing offices.

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

Whether it is day or night, inside or out, Joslyn has so much to offer.

FREE GENERAL ADMISSION

(paid ticketed admission for some exhibitions)

THURSDAYS: Open ‘til 8 pm!

SCULPTURE GARDENS Open and free – all day every day!

explore

NOW

AT

DAVID TROUBA Distribution Manager

Joslyn Art Museum features works from antiquity to the present with an emphasis on 19th- and 20th-century European and American art. A fun, educational, relaxing, and artful destination for all.

Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10 am–4 pm.

Just west of downtown Omaha.

Café, Museum shop, and free parking.

2200 Dodge St. | Omaha, NE | (402) 342-3300 | www.joslyn.org SEPTEMBER 2020

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» Exhibitions « PULITZER PRIZE PHOTOGRAPHS

Through Sept. 20 at The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. This exhibition features more than 80 framed photographs, enlarged so visitors can see the details, as well as interactive touchscreen kiosks to explore other Pulitzer Prize winners with hours of interviews and over 1000 images. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children (3-12), free for members and children 2 years and under. 402.444.5071.

—durhammuseum.org

BONNIE O’CONNELL RETROSPECTIVE

Through Sept. 24 at UNO Art Gallery, 6505 University Drive South. O’Connell, letterpress printer, book artist, and educator, has an extensive portfolio of books, prints and posters. Th is exhibit features fine press editions, letterpress prints, and more. Admission: free. 402.554.2796.

—unomaha.edu

DOLORES HUERTA: REVOLUTION IN THE FIELDS / REVOLUCIÓN EN LOS CAMPOS

Through Sept. 26 at El Museo Latino, 4701 S. 25th St. Th is exhibit explores Huerta’s public life as an activist and cofounder of the United Farm Workers Union (UFW), and what led her to become a Latina civil rights icon. In her life as a communicator, organizer, lobbyist, contract negotiator, teacher, and mother, her unparalleled leadership skills helped dramatically improve the lives of farm workers. Admission: 402.731.1137.

—elmuseolatino.org

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SEPTEMBER 2020

COMMUNITY GALLERY

Through Sept. 28 at Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd. This collection of pieces was created by members, staff, volunteers and neighbors of Fontenelle Forest. Admission: $11 adults, $10 seniors (62+), $8 children (2-17), free for members and children under 2. 402.731.3140.

—fontenelleforest.org

A LEAGUE OF OUR OWN: THE NEGRO BASEBALL LEAGUE

Through Sept. 30 at Great Plains Black History Museum, 2221 N. 24th St. Major League Baseball was founded in 1920, but their league did not allow African Americans to participate. Consequently, the Negro Baseball League was founded in that same year. This exhibit highlights artifacts from this league. Admission: 402.932.7077.

—gpblackhistorymuseum.org

FACT AND FICTION IN CONTEMPORARY PHOTOGRAPHY

Through Oct. 18 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. Photography in the 21st century is more ubiquitous than at any point in its history, yet fundamentally less believable. Images range from images exposed on film and printed in a darkroom to compositions constructed from multiple digital captures. The Joslyn’s permanent collection is also open to the public. Admission: free. 402.342.3300.

—joslyn.org

SPORTY WOMEN: THE DESIRE TO COMPETE

OMAHA EVENT GROUP HELLO@OMAHAEVENTGROUP.COM • 402.819.8792 • OMAHAEVENTGROUP.COM

Through Dec. 31 at The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. Levelling the playing field for women in sports is as pressing a topic today for women as it was 100 years ago. Explore the conflicting standards that allowed women to compete in sports, through images from The Durham Museum Photo Archive. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children (3-12), free for members and children 2 years and under. 402.444.5071.

—durhammuseum.org

220 - 600 GUESTS 1502 CUMING ST., OMAHA, NE

UPLIFT & ELEVATE

Through Dec. 31, 2020 at The Union for Contemporary Art, 2423 N 24th St. This new exhibition series will innovate the means by which art is experienced while also supporting the creative practices of local and regional Black artists of multiple disciplines by using their windows to display art. Through Sept. 10, The Union will showcase N8 DeVivo’s photography and Ikran Hamza’s poetry. Beginning Sept. 10, the gallery will present visual artist Kat Wiese and poet Kwame Dawes. Admission: free. 402.933.3161.

—u-ca.org

1 - 220 GUESTS 1510 CUMING ST., OMAHA, NE

500 COCKTAIL-STYLE, 350 SEATED 200 S. 31ST AVE., STE 4107, OMAHA, NE

400 GUESTS 5110 N. 132ND ST., OMAHA, NE

FIBER ARTS SHOW

Sept. 1-27 at Hot Shops, 1301 Nicholas St. Several member artists will display their fiber work, including fabric art, weaving, quilts, basketry, and wearables.

Admission: free. 402.342.6452.

—hotshopsartscenter.co

RICHARD MARKOFF, MARY KOLAR, AND DAX STERNER

Sept. 3-27 at Artists Cooperative Gallery, 405 S. 11th St. Painter Richard Markoff, mixed-media artist Mary Kolar, and painter Dax Sterner will show their works in the co-op’s September exhibition. Note: Due to COVID-19, there will be no opening reception. Admission: free. 402-342-9617.

—artistscoopomaha.com

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OLD MARKET FIRST FRIDAY

Sept. 4, online and at The Passageway Gallery, 417 S. 11th St. Gaze at the colorful, whimsical, thickly painted canvases of featured artist Sarah McWilliams.

Admission: free.

—passagewaygallery.com

CHRISTIAN GAUTHIER

Sept. 11-Oct. 2 at Project Project, 1818 Vinton St. Gauthier is a young artist currently working out of Lincoln. His primary mediums are oil paint, charcoal, and oil pastel. Christian’s primary focus in recent years has been the human figure. Admission: free. 402.680.6737.

—projectprojectomaha.com SEPTEMBER 2020

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OMAHA MAGAZINE | EVENTS CALENDAR

Four Old Market

» Stage Performances « PENGUIN PROBLEMS

Sept. 11 through Oct. 18 at The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St. Many believe penguins have no problems.

Mortimer the penguin disagrees. Tickets and show times TBA. 402.345.4849.

—rosetheater.org

oTannenbaum.com • 402-345-9627

MICHIGAN RATTLERS

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS

JEREMY MCCOMB

Sept. 25 through Oct. 18 at Hawks Mainstage Theatre, 6915 Cass St. Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but by the morning it is one passenger fewer. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed a dozen times, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, detective Hercule Poirot must identify the murderer—in case he or she decides to strike again.

Tickets and showtimes: TBA

» Concerts « Fresh chocolates and fudge made in our own kitchen.

OldMarketCandy.com • 402-344-8846

DEVIN THE DUDE

Sept. 2 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Rapping since 1992, Devin the Dude brings classic R&B sounds with songs such as “What a Job,” and “Acoustic Levitation.” Tickets: $20 advanced, $25 day of show, $50 meet and greet. 8 p.m. 402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

DANIEL & THE DELIVERANCE Travel essentials plus souvenirs and Nebraska-made gifts.

OldMarketSundries.com • 402-345-7646

Sept. 4 at Harney Street Tavern, 1215 Harney St. Th is -year-old Omaha-based bluegrass group performs, churning out cheerful, upbeat covers and original songs.

No cover charge. 9:30 p.m. 402.933.5657.

—harneystreettavern.com

DARKWOOD

Sept. 4 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Associated with acts such as Glitch Mob and Manic Focus, Darkwood produces dark electronic and bass music. Tickets: $9 advanced, $12 day of show. 8 p.m.

402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

Authentic Italian desserts, coffee, and FlavorBurst TMice cream.

DolciOldMarket.com • 402-345-8198

All located at 10th & Howard // 10 //

SEPTEMBER 2020

Sept. 8 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Paa Kow’s Afro-Fusion Orchestra is equal parts rhythm, jazz, and African roots. He and his band take the stage to perform instrument-heavy songs such as “Black and White” and “The Way I Feel.” Tickets: $15 advanced, $20 day of show. 8 p.m. 402.884.5707.

—reverblounge.com

CLYBOURNE PARK

Through Sept. 20 at Howard Drew Theatre, 6915 Cass St. Th is spin-off to “A Raisin in the Sun” portrays racial issues through the demise and rebirth of Clybourne Park after the Youngers move into the neighborhood. Tickets and showtimes: TBA.

Unique décor, ornaments and collectibles for every season.

PAA KOA

TREVOR HALL

Sept. 6 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Hall’s music includes a mix of acoustic rock, reggae, and Sanskrit chanting, inspired by his spirituality and his time in a traditional Hindu ashram in Southern California.

7:45 p.m. Tickets: $30-$130. 402.345.7569.

—theslowdown.com

Sept. 10 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Inspired by acts such as AC/DC, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bob Seger, and more, this midwestern group brings small town sounding folk rock to Omaha. Tickets: $10 advanced, $12 day of show. 9 p.m. 402.345.7569.

—theslowdown.com

Sept. 11 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Best known for “Wagon Wheel,” McComb performs country songs and conducts a raw live experience to make an authentic connection with his audiences. Tickets: $12 advanced, $15 day of show. 9 p.m.

402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

SATSANG

Sept. 11 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Satsang serenades audiences with a fusion of folk-rock and reggae instrumentals and poetic lyrics delivered in melodic hip hop style. Tickets: $16 early bird, $18 advanced, $20 day of show. 9 p.m. 402.884.5707.

—reverblounge.com

THE SAMPLES

Sept. 12 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Active since the late 80s, this relaxed pop group continues to evolve their sound. The Samples bring hits such as “Could it be Another Change” and “Feel us Shaking” to Omaha. Tickets: $30. 8 p.m. 402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

THE LAO TIZER BAND

Sept. 17 at The Jewell, 1030 Capitol Ave. Encompassing musicians Eric Marienthal, Ric Fierabracci and others, the Lao Tizer Band plays punchy, jazzy, jam-styled selections such as “Metropolis” and “16th Heaven.” Tickets: $25, students (with I.D.) receive a $10 credit. 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. 402.505.8468.

—jewellomaha.com

THE REVEREND HORTON HEAT

Sept 17 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Punk-infused rockabilly meets revelator gone sinner in this high-octane show. High-speed guitar runs, gravelly crooning, and driving drums fuse to create Horton Heat’s best-known songs include “Psychobilly Freakout” and “Galazy 500.” Tickets: $20. 8 p.m. 402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

OMAHA MAGAZINE | EVENTS CALENDAR

THE UNLIKELY CANDIDATES

Sept. 18 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. This Fort Worth, Texas-based band takes its audience on a musical journey through bluesy grunge, rock-pop, acoustic rock, and more, with songs such as “Novocaine” and “Call My Name.” Tickets: $15 advanced, $18 day of show. 8 p.m. 402.345.7569.

—theslowdown.com

NIGHT MOVES

Sept. 19 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. The group that brought “Only to Live in your Memories” to the music scene performs warm and summery tracks, infused with synths, indie vocals and twangy, 70s-inspired guitar riff s. Tickets: $13. 9 p.m. 402.884.5707.

—reverblounge.com

R&B LOVE FEST

Sept. 19 at Baxter Arena, 2425 S. 67th St. Jagged Edge, Dru Hill, Sisqo, Ginuwine, and Jon B. perform.

Tickets: $29-$109. 7 p.m. 402.554.6200.

—baxterarena.com

THE MERCURYS

Sept. 19 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Th is Omaha-based, roots and rockabilly group performs. Tickets: $10. 9 p.m. 402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

MATT WILSON & HIS ORCHESTRA

Sept. 25 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Minnesota-based Wilson’s soft and catchy voice is complimented by an unusual “orchestra,” consisting of a harp, banjo, electric bass, guitar, piano, and the occasional harmonica. Tickets: $15. 9 p.m. 402.884.5707.

—reverblounge.com

HYBRID THEORY

Sept. 26 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Th is 5-piece tribute band pays homage to Linkin Park’s best hits, such as “In the End” and “Numb.”

Tickets: $35. 8 p.m. 402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

KOLBY COOPER

Sept. 26 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Cooper layers relatable lyrics about breakups and loss, delivered with ‘ragged velvet vocals,’ over a twangy guitar in this country music show. Tickets: $10 advanced, $12 day of show. 8 p.m. 402.345.7569.

—theslowdown.com

CRASH TEST DUMMIES

Sept. 28 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. The Crash Test Dummies, responsible for “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” and mostly popular with college students in the mid-90s, perform soft rock songs, many with peculiar lyrics. Tickets: $35. 8 p.m. 402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

» Family & More « FARMER’S MARKETS

Most, if not all, of these farmers’ markets have reserved the first hour for expectant mothers, senior citizens, and those with underlying health conditions. Masks are highly encouraged. Pets, unless service animals, should stay at home.

• Aksarben Village (67th and Center streets)— 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 11.

• Bellevue (Washington Park)— 8 a.m.noon Saturdays through Oct. 3.

• Council Bluff s (Bayliss Park)—4:30-7:30p.m.

Thursdays through Sept. 24.

• Gifford Park (33rd and California streets)— 5-8 p.m. Fridays through Sept. 25.

• Old Market (10th and Jackson streets)— 8 a.m.- 12:30 Saturdays through Oct. 10.

• Village Pointe (168th and Dodge streets)— 8:30-12:30 Saturdays through Oct. 3

GARDEN YOGA

Sundays at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. These yoga sessions in the Peter Kiewit Foundation Sculpture Garden are guided by an instructor from YOGA NOW. Participants are encouraged to adhere to social distancing guidelines. In case of inclement weather, participants can join via Zoom. $5 suggested donation. 10:30-11:30 a.m. 402.342.3300.

—joslyn.org

END OF SUMMER CELEBRATION

Sept. 4 at Rockbrook Village, 2800 S. 110th Court.

Bozak and Morrissey perform classic rock music from 7-8:30 p.m. A fireworks show will take place after the music. Free admission. 7-9 p.m. 402.390.0890.

—rockbrookvillage.com

LA FESTA ITALIANA

Sept. 4-6 at American Italian Heritage Society, 5110 N. 132nd St. Manga! Manga! Manga! Guests are encouraged to come hungry to this festival, at which they can pick up authentic Italian food. Tickets: TBA. 402.493.8888.

—omahaitaly.com

SEPTEMBERFEST 2020

Sept. 4-7 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. This year’s salute to labor includes a carnival, amusement rides, a car show, and more. Admission: $7 general, free for children under 5. Military families and retirees admitted for free Friday and Saturday. 5 p.m.- midnight Friday; noon-midnight Saturday-Sunday; noon-10 p.m.

Monday. 402.278.2951.

—septemberfestomaha.org

OMAHA FREEDOM FESTIVAL

Sept. 5 at Malcolm X Memorial Foundation, 3448 Evans St. A celebration of community education and awareness of African American culture, at which attendees can see presentations from community resource providers, browse artwork at the Youth Arts Festival, eat cuisine from local vendors, hear performances from local stage acts, and more. Admission: $45 VIP, free general admission.

Noon-midnight. 402.819.7773.

—freedomtainment.com SEPTEMBER 2020

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OMAHA MAGAZINE | EVENTS CALENDAR

HARVEST ON ARBOR

Sept. 20 on Arbor Street, 8302 Arbor St. The Arbor street neighborhood event offers homemade goods and supports local small businesses such as Chevron Chic Crafts, DogGurt, The Jam Shack and more. Attendees can grab a bite to eat from Pasta-Tively Delicious Food Truck. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

—Facebook.com/Chevronchiccrafts

HAUNTICON OMAHA 2020

Garden Yoga Sundays at Joslyn Art Museum

Sept. 26 at Sokol Auditorium and Underground, 2234 S. 13th St. Fans of the paranormal (cryptids, ghosts, aliens, and other anomalies) can expect appearances from representatives of haunted locations in the Midwest and mainstream paranormal personalities.

Attendees can see presentations from paranormal teams to learn about investigation, debunking, and ghost hunting equipment, and browse multiple vendors. No children under 8 are allowed to attend. Tickets: $30.

11 a.m.-7 p.m. 402.346.9802.

—haunticonomaha.com

KENTUCKY DERBY 2020

49TH ANNUAL ART FAIR

136TH GERMAN DAY AND OKTOBERFEST

OMAHA KAIJU CON

CINCO DE MAYO

MIDWEST WINDS KITE FLIERS FALL FESTIVAL

Sept. 5 at Horsemen’s Park, 6303 Q St. Horse race lovers can watch, wager, and win on Derby Day. Attendees can also enter to compete in the annual hat contest with $3,000 in prize money. Admission: free.

402-731-2900.

—horsemenspark.com

Sept. 5-6 at EVEN Hotel, 2220 Farnam St. Kaiju refers to giant science fiction and fantasy creatures often seen in the Japanese fi lm genre of the same name. Th is convention showcases kaiju, from tabletop games and video games to cosplayers and movies. Tickets: $20 weekend pass, $15 Saturday or Sunday only, $25 weekend (at door), and free for children 10 and under with a paid adult. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

—omahakaijucon.com

Sept. 12-13 at Rockbrook Village, 2800 S. 110th Court. The Rockbrook Village Art Fair features paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, wood carvings, and more from local artists. Free admission. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 402.390.0890.

—rockbrookvillageartfair.com

Sept. 11-13 along South 24th Street in Omaha.

The leaves may be turning brown instead of green, but it is the 100th year of Omaha’s Cinco de Mayo, so the Mariachi bands will play and the cerveza will flow. Th is event is a reschedule from the spring.

—cincodemayoomaha.com

OMAHA POETRY SLAM AND OPEN MIC

Sept. 7 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. Superstars such as Randy Orton, Drew McIntyre, Rey Mysterio and more perform at this high-energy show. Tickets: $23-$118. 6:30 p.m. 402.341.1500.

—chihealthcenteromaha.com

Sept. 12 at Outrspaces, 1258 S. 13th St. Anyone can perform during the open mic segment or to spectate (or judge!) the poetry slam. Open mic performers should prepare up to five minutes of material. Poets in the slam have the opportunity to perform 1-3 original poems, each lasting three minutes in length. $10 suggested donation. 7-10 p.m. 402.403.9454.

—outrspaces.org

TACOBERFEST

MIDWEST CONJUREFEST

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW

Sept. 11-12 at Scriptown Brewing Co., 3922 Farnam St. Listen to music from Sheely Town, Barry Boyce Band, Mariachi rey Azteca, and the Ken Janak Orchestra will perform while guests munch on tacos and pretzels and sip on German-style beer, margaritas, and more. 5 p.m.-12 a.m. 402.991.0506.

—scriptownbrewing.com

29TH ANNUAL FORT OMAHA POWWOW (VIRTUAL)

Sept. 12 online. The Fort Omaha Intertribal Pow Wow honors traditional dance and music at this powwow, and will be held virtually this year. 1-5 p.m. Admission: free. 531.622.2253.

—mccneb.edu

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SEPTEMBER 2020

Sept. 13 at The Conjure Shop, 809 S. 75th St. Th is event will have tarot, palm, or bone readings, and food from local eateries along with live music. Attendees may also peruse vendors, selling everything from jewelry and tapestries to essential oils and voodoo dolls. Tickets: free. Noon-6 p.m. 402.884.5680.

—theconjureshop.com

A LONG-EXPECTED PARTY: THE 2020 HOBBIT BALL

Sept. 18 at Scatter Joy Acres, 4966 Newport Ave. Th is dashing outdoor ball commemorated Bilbo Baggins’ birthday. Costumes are encouraged. Admission: $5. 6-9:30 p.m. 402.709.9401.

—scatterjoyacres.org

Sept. 18-19 at German-American Society, 3717 S. 120th St. Th is is an authentic Oktoberfest experience, with live polka music and dancing, German food ranging from soft pretzels with mustard to schnitzel, and lots of beer. Admission free, but charges apply for food and beer. 402.333.6615 —germanamericansociety.org

Sept. 19 at Ditmar’s Orchard, 19475 225th St. in Council Bluff s. Kites of all shapes and sizes will coloring the sky at this special event at the orchard. Activities at the orchard include bumper balls and hayrack rides, along with picking the fresh produce. 712.256.7053.

—ditmarsorchard.com

9TH ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST

Sept. 25-26 at Crescent Moon and Huber-Haus, 3578 Farnam St. Th is Oktoberfest, while newer than the one at German-American Society, is also family-friendly and features German food such as brats and chicken, and lots of beer. Admission: $5 ages 21+.

402.345.1708.

—beercornerusa.com

» Pumpkin Patches « Pumpkins and other in-season fruits and vegetables are ripe and ready to be picked. The following pumpkin patches, berry farms, and orchards plan to be open this season.

BELLEVUE BERRY AND PUMPKIN RANCH

(11001 S. 48th St.) Opens Sept. 12. Children can play in the barn, zipline, or ride on a train. Along with various fun activities, admission includes a hayrack ride to the ranch’s acres of pumpkins. 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

Mondays-Thursdays; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays.

—bellevueberryfarm.com

A LWA Y S HARVEST MOON PUMPKIN PATCH

(1410 US-77, Oakland, Nebraska) Opens Sept.

19. Navigate corn mazes, explore the scarecrow forest, hop onto a zipline, or relax by the fire at this farm. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays; noon-8 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays; closed Mondays.

—harvestmoonoakland.com

SKINNY BONES PUMPKIN PATCH

(3935 NE-133, Blair) Opens Sept. 11. Th is farm includes a tornado simulator, corn mazes, pumpkin shooters, pedal karts, and more. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursdays; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays.

—skinnybonespumpkinpatch.com

VALA’S PUMPKIN PATCH

(12102 S. 180th St.) Opens Sept. 18. One of the largest pumpkin patches in Omaha includes rides, photo opportunities, walk-throughs, and plenty of play areas for children. Visitors can add “extras” onto their visit, such as pony rides and apple blasters, for a small fee. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays; 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

Fridays-Saturdays.

—valaspumpkinpatch.com

Event times and details are correct as of presstime,

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IMAGINE • INSPIRE • INNOVATE

but are subject to change. Due to the COVID19 pandemic, many events are canceling and/ or changing dates/time/places as needed. Most venues base these decisions on direction by the Douglas County Health Department and Nebraska’s publication of guidance on canceling events and limiting the number of people in public gatherings.

Omaha Magazine encourages readers to visit venues' websites and/or calling ahead before attending an event or visiting a museum.

Just off I-80 at Exit 426

www.SACMuseum.org

SEPTEMBER 2020

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"I'VE ALWAYS LIKED DRAWING A L O T. I T 'S J U S T A WAY TO KEEP M E B U S Y." -J o e Pa n ko ws ki

eacher w t e ho h VIDEO // T STORY//BYA+CTARA SPENCER

Place Ma t s Po r t f o l i o s n

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN DESIGN BY DEREK JOY

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stops lear SEPTEMBER

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RTISTS COME TO ART

in a variety of ways. For Joe Pankowski, it seems to have started on restaurant place mats.

“I’ve always liked drawing a lot. It’s just a way to keep me busy,” he said. When he was younger, his parents kept the paper place mats he’d draw on at restaurants. He said many were car drawings, with “lots of swirly smoke coming out the back.”

While his parents cherished those earlier works, Pankowski said, “They didn’t know what an art kid was supposed to do.” Fortunately, his art teacher at Bryan High School, Karen Drickey, did. “She saw that I was interested in it and wanted me to do more about it.”

Regular readers will know Otis Twelve (aka Douglas Wesselman), who writes the “Not Funny” column for Omaha Magazine. However, they may not be as familiar with Pankowski’s work creating animated videos illustrating Wesselman’s words. He created these shorts for the magazine for just over two years, and they remain on Omaha Magazine’s YouTube and Vimeo channels.

“What was nice about the Otis Twelve stuff was I had this written down thing, and I could just…fi gure out how to make it animated.” A low-profi le guy who is rather quiet and unassuming, Pankowski’s quirky animation was a perfect fit for the often absurdist tone of Wesselman’s column.

While every video opened the same, with Wesselman stating the title of the column in his deeply resonant voice, each one was unique, taking their cues from the text. However there were often unexpected twists, such as in one video on barbecue that opens with a red heart pumping on a black background.

Pankowski said his interest in creating videos didn’t manifest until later in life, when he attended University of Nebraska at Omaha to get his bachelor’s degree. He credits former teachers Russ Nordman and Jody Boyer with inspiring him in that area, and for pushing him to do more, adding that Boyer still sends him messages suggesting places to submit his work.

Boyer, who is currently an adjunct instructor in art and art history at UNO, said helping people is a part of her personality. However, she added, “He’s a pretty special person and he has an enormous amount of talent…I send him things to push him, because he’s also not someone to toot his own horn, so to speak.”

Fortunately, he has people in his life who are willing to do that for him.

Nordman, a professor of media arts at UNO (and Boyer’s husband), also believes there is something unique about Pankowski.

“With some students you see this sort of progression, as far as the concepts behind the art that they make, and you see this development of skill,” he said. But with Pankowski, “He was always at sort of an advanced stage…It’s like he came to us already thinking like a mature artist.”

While his conceptual side of creating has always been strong, the tools he’s used have varied. However, Nordman added, he is zeroing in on certain techniques and ways of doing things.

Video is one area he may be honing in on. Though he is no longer making videos for this magazine, Pankowski is still interested in pursuing that avenue.

He said ideally he’d love to create more animation videos. “Right now I’m trying to get a song from somebody and make like, a music video or animation for that.”

"I like mentoring because I was once a young person who had great supportive parents, but who knew little about how to be an artist or even understood how artists make a living."

-Joe Pankowski

The 37-year-old hasn’t been without a sketchbook since high school, where drawing helped him concentrate in class.

“It just kind of focuses me,” he said. “It’s kind of a meditation.”

Th at focus paid off. The Omaha native went on to get his master’s degree in fi ne arts from the University of Illinois and now teaches art at UNO, Metropolitan Community College, and Creighton University.

Pankowski added working at Joslyn Art Museum’s Kent Bellows Mentoring Program to his schedule in January. He said he is new to mentoring in an official capacity, though he added that he believes he has helped guide his students through his experience as an artist.

Boyer would agree with this. She said she thinks his students are responsive to him “because he doesn’t have a lot of artifice.”

“He teaches to the strengths of studio artists,” she said. “And he’s prolific—he makes a lot of stuff.”

Pankowski said Katie B. Temple, whom he knew from an Artist INC. fellowship through Amplify Arts, reached out to ask him about becoming a mentor at Kent Bellows. He said he was available at the time, and thought it would be a great way to be out in the arts community, something he isn’t always good about.

“I wish I was more active [in Omaha’s art scene], and it’s been tough,” he said, admitting that while it’s been more difficult after having two children, he may also be using that as an excuse. “I know I need to get out more and interact with people. It’s not that hard, and when I do it feels better—just to go to art shows and talk to people.”

Pankowski said he likes helping other artists. “I like mentoring because I was once a young person who had great supportive parents, but who knew little about how to be an artist or even understood how artists make a living,” he said.

“I had art teachers and college advisers that I learned from that directed me to where I [am] today. Without them I don’t know what I would be doing.”

Now he has experiences he can share with people who are on similar paths. “It is reciprocal as well. Mentees become artists that I have a connection with now, and that leads to more opportunities.”

Visit joepankowski.com for more information.

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"With some students you see this sort o f p r o g r e s s i o n , a s fa r a s t h e c o n c e p t s behind the art that they make, and you see this development of skill. He was always at sort of an advanced stage.

It's like he came to us already thinking like a mature artist."

-Russ Nordman

SEPTEMBER 2020

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P h oto by J u st i n L i moges

SEPTEMBER 2020

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Photo by E r ic F ra nci s

SEPTEMBER 2020

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A

s quarantine forced schools to close, nonessential employees to work from home or fi le unemployment, and public accommodations to shutter last spring, independent photography projects launched to document the tumult. During the pandemic, photographers took to chronicling another seismic change—the justice movement.

The impulse to capture life amid a health scare and social upheaval is expressed in four distinct Omaha projects whose creatives share an urgency to record history.

Each endeavor employs the added value of marrying a subject’s own words with the photographer’s images to produce intimate vignettes.

Collectively, the hundreds of photos and stories from diverse walks of life represent a city mosaic unlike any other.

With social distance, isolation, anxiety, and adaptation to new norms as context, subjects are pictured at home, their place of business, or in public spaces. The portraits show individuals, couples, and families enduring, alone yet together, afraid yet expectant, in this unsettled time.

(( A+C PHOTOGRAPHY ))

Francis also asked participants to turn on their porch lights, no matter the time of day, to symbolize a beacon of promise. “I always try to frame people within a frame. Their living space is just as important to the composition as the people themselves,” he said. “It may not be their forever home, but in the history of their lives, it’s the place where they rode this out.”

Fujifi lm sent him a medium format digital camera to use. “It makes a really detailed image. I thought if this ever winds up as a gallery show or book I want to make the pictures big so all the details get noticed.”

His stark black-and-white renderings give added weight to the compositions and captions.

Lasha Goodwin—PORCHtraiture: Connection in Quarantine P.J. Morgan Real Estate agent Lasha Goodwin has been taking photos since childhood. Combining land use economics expertise with her passion for historical preservation and her legacy Black family background, her project documents how North Omaha residents are “coping with the pandemic” minus normal socialization.

“We very much so live in consequence of one another,” she said, “so the fact that because of COVID we’re apart, there’s suffering. An essential life component is missing. But with technology, we can still get information and connect.

“We’re living in a very imperfect circumstance.

Our hashtag, well-researched, data-based society has been stumped by nature, and it’s been a minute. There’s a certain authenticity about that.” -Lasha Goodwin

Eric Francis—Isolation in the 402 Photojournalist Eric Francis saw a blank slate on his professional calendar after COVID-19 hit. He informally began shooting pictures of friends posed in their lived environments. Th is took on new meaning when he cultivated their stories and expanded the effort beyond his social circle.

“It felt important—with a story and a narrative revealing itself,” he says. “It just felt like a moment in time that needed to be marked and this being a good way of doing it.”

Francis said he asked people to share how they were feeling in as few or as many words as they wanted, though he did ask that they “stay away from politics.”

“A common theme is gratitude and hope that things are going to be better,” he added. “Th at’s encouraging. I didn’t expect to have that much of it.”

He also implements motifs throughout, such as being sure to include house numbers.

“I’ve always been drawn to black-andwhite. It’s simple, it’s clean, it cuts out some of the distractions color can provide. The composition and connection to the subject have to be strong. There’s no allowance for a weak image.”

Should new outbreaks trigger mass quarantine, Francis said, “I will probably pick this thing up full force and roll with it again because there’s going to be a whole other set of images to be made.”

Over Memorial Day weekend, Francis also covered the Black Lives Matter protests that saw masses of people ignore quarantine to demand justice.

His portraits of protest fold neatly into his project.

“I think it’s going to go down as a really important weekend in the history of Omaha that was part of the change.”

Isolation in the 402 may be the start of a new direction in his career. “It seems like the perfect time to explore new ideas.”

View his project on Instagram: @Efphotopix and @Isolation402

“We’re living in a very imperfect circumstance. Our hashtag, well-researched, data-based society has been stumped by nature, and it’s been a minute. There’s a certain authenticity about that.”

Goodwin’s portraits depicting folks standing their ground at home or at unity gatherings brim with color and life.

She tries catching informal details that reveal people’s resiliency or fragility.

“There’s nothing like the real thing of the moment you experience something.

I’m trying to convey what did it feel like when I interviewed them. Many are grateful for the change of pace and the availability for other things like family dinners or hobbies. There are also themes of fear and how weird this time is.”

She devised her project after coming to terms with her own trauma.

“I was in a Zoom wellness committee meeting at work and everyone began to share what we’re experiencing during [the] pandemic—emotional highs and lows. And it was in that moment I realized I was actually struggling, and I wanted to know how other people were coping.” › SEPTEMBER 2020

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P h oto by Las ha G ood w i n

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Gathering the images and stories continued to remind her of the real threat of illness and the vital need for justice. It’s also helped her face her own insecurities and strengths.

“Prior to this project, I was taking pictures of things, not people,” she said.

“When it comes to capturing people, I had this genuine fear. But communication [has] never been a challenge for me.

I’m a talker. I love people. I love conversing with people.”

Before, she mostly took pictures with a cell phone. Now she’s using a DSLR camera. She’s still learning, but likes the results.

“I’m a perfectionist. I feel proud of myself that I’ve stepped beyond my fear of imperfection.”

Goodwin submitted a selection of her pandemic-related photography to The Durham Museum’s permanent collection, some of which was featured on their social media. She is also considering an exhibition.

“It’s important to cultivate stories of people who have experience with places and spaces,” she said. “I’m always looking for moments to capture in consideration for the future. I know as a collector of experiences, I will always make room for taking pictures.”

View her project on Instagram: @lifeisgoodwin (#PORCHtraiture: Connection in Quarantine).

“It started with photo essays I posted on my personal Instagram account,” Foo said. “Lauren joined doing video work. I think we did close to 70 interviews in one month, capturing a lot of stories, going with the flow of whatever was happening—from the pandemic to the protests.

We’ve done some interviews since the protests. The movement’s affected the community, mostly in a positive way.

People are talking about it because it’s on their mind.

When commercial photography assignments disappeared with the advent of COVID-19, Justin Limoges knew he wasn’t alone in seeing his work vanish and his life revolve around home. So he started visiting friends to check in and snap a quick pic. Those simple drive-by reconnections proved more than he bargained for.

They are also following the way restaurants are adapting and places reopening.

Foo added, “I think it’s something that just all blends together. We just want to be conduits for everyone’s voices to be heard.”

“There was such good feedback from so many people that I decided to make an Instagram account to share it,” he said.

“And it really struck a chord. The way it grew happened organically. It just took on its own life.”

“Th is is kind of a little window into what people in the industry are going through,” Abell said. “We’ve had several people mention that it’s kind of a therapy session for them. It is for us, too.”

Word of his project spread through a six-degrees-of-separation grapevine. “It’s amazing how in isolation so many of us were connected even though we were apart.”

Abell said people are optimistic that on the other side of this pandemic, the community will be stronger. “Hearing people talk about hope for the future reminded me there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.”

He pushed to keep up with the fluid environment. “Everything was changing so quickly with the whole situation.”

New stories have continued to emerge, and this pair of collaborators—he’s the extrovert, she’s the introvert—have expanded their vision beyond food to other fields. The project could birth several series.

“I think it will continue to evolve even beyond COVID,” Foo said.

“I think it’s something that just all blends together. We just want to be conduits for everyone’s voices to be heard.” -Joshua Foo Joshua Foo and Lauren Abell—Right Here, Right Now Joshua Foo and Lauren Abell fi x the subjects of their project in stills and videos, respectively. They often profi le restaurateurs, chefs, waiters, and kitchen purveyors because Foo is a food photographer with deep industry ties to folks adversely impacted by the pandemic.

He and Abell intentionally captured the poignancy of once-bustling eateries turned empty, quiet spaces. The resulting textured images and confessional reveals feel immediate and intimate. // 24 //

SEPTEMBER 2020

Making time for the project may get challenging as these freelancers pick up more paid gigs. “But the project is still our top priority,” he said.

The team includes producer Jesse Hassler and line producer Sam Foo (Joshua’s brother).

The project has attracted attention from the James Beard Foundation, and a local library wants to archive it. Foo and Abell said they hope to adapt it into a documentary. A gallery show and book are also on the table.

View their project at righthererightnowproject.com.

Justin Limoges—Stay Home, Wave Hi

Though COVID-19 has meant uncertainty, he said, it has also meant “a silver lining of spending more time together and having more intentional conversations with friends and family.”

He is intent on being true to people’s lived reality without adornment, though he does ask subjects to wave and smile as a kind of hello from the homefront signature for his Stay Home, Wave Hi project.

“It’s like a slice of life. I’m seeing everybody through the same lens to just capture what they’re doing and where they’re at right now.”

Asked by the Refugee Empowerment Center to take photos of local refugee communities, he’s integrated those images, along with pictures of social justice activism, into the project.

“It’s personally gratifying to be able to do work that I love,” Limoges said.

It’s even better when it resonates with others.

He said he intends to share his work in a gallery show.

Visit stayhomewavehi.com for more information.

60 OMAHA s u l p

September 2020

Phil Perrone SEPTEMBER 2020 • 60 PLUS

// 109 //

60+ ACTIVE LIVING // STORY BY RYAN BORCHERS // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY DEREK JOY

s d l o r a e y 3 1 w o n k “I didn't

t ’ n e r we osed p p su run." to Iron Phil’s 4,378 miles and counting

P

hil Perrone

ran his first marathon at age 13, completing the event in Falls City, Nebraska, with his dad in under four hours.

“In those days, [running a marathon at that age] was kind of unheard of,” he said. “I didn’t know you weren’t supposed to. I mean, my dad just said, ‘Let’s do it,’ and we did it.

“I guess I didn’t know 13-year-olds weren’t supposed to run.”

An Omaha native and graduate of Westside High School, Perrone, who turns 60 in early 2021, has always been athletic, but he had a special reason to take up running at such a young age.

“I wanted to spend time with my dad,” he said.

Perrone and his father, Frank, continued running marathons together, of which their “most recent” was in 2001.

Frank took up running around the age of 35 and has run nearly 45 marathons.

Perrone, though, has participated in 167 marathons, which equals a little over 4,378 miles. That’s a bit longer than the driving distance from Juneau, Alaska, to West Palm Beach, Florida. Although he has not run that literal route, he has run through all manner of temperatures and terrains.

One memorable marathon was held in Kansas City on Oct. 25, 1997.

“It started out 40 degrees and freezing rain and ended up a blizzard,” he said. “It was so cold I didn’t want to walk, so I just kept running and I did a real fast time.”

Across the Midwest, a snowstorm that day created havoc.

In Omaha, the memorable storm dumped 9.2 inches of snow on Omaha and caused widespread power outages.

Perrone also ran a marathon in Las Vegas, aptly called “Run with the Devil,” where the temperature was 93 degrees at the beginning of the race and 112 at the end.

“As far as a marathon goes, every one you finish, to me, is the best.”

-Phil Perrone

SEPTEMBER 2020 • 60 PLUS

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// 60+ ACTIVE LIVING //

P

errone

served with the Army National guard in Nebraska for 36 years and ran for the military marathon team for approximately 15 years. Running helped him stay healthy and avoid bad habits.

Other memorable runs include completing three marathons in three days around Lake Tahoe—which he has done on two separate occasions—and a 1983 marathon from Minneapolis to St. Paul, Minnesota, in which he ran his personal best time of 2 hours, 58 minutes.

“It was 6,000 runners out there, and the problem with that is…there’s so many runners, nobody that I knew could be there to appreciate it with me,” he said.

“You couldn’t communicate with your family, so you were kind of finishing on your own.”

Participating in marathons, Perrone said, has been good for his life. He did not let a 2017 knee replacement stop him from his preferred form of exercise. He has been told he’s a “bad quitter.”

“For probably the first 38 or 40 years of my running, I almost never was injured,” Perrone said. “But through the years of the military, and all the training that I did and all the activity I did, my knee just…wore out.

“That was a tough time,” he said. “I knew that my running was over.”

Running had been a way for Perrone to relax. It was good for his physical health, but more importantly, it was good for his mental health. It helped him escape from all the stress he experienced in the military.

“There are a lot of people who have a goal of running a marathon, and if they are uncertain about whether they’re going to be able to make the cutoff, yeah, we do get probably one or two of those kinds of requests each year,” Eickman said.

Less common, though, is encountering someone in Perrone’s position.

“He wanted to know if it would be OK if he went over the time limit,” Eickman said, which is about six and a half hours before the course has to start opening up again. “Anybody…who wants to do a marathon after full knee replacement surgery deserves our respect, our humble respect.”

Many people, Eickman said, include running a marathon on their bucket lists.

They may finish one, maybe a few others.

But completing 167 marathons, especially at Perrone’s age, is a rare feat.

“That was a tough time.

I knew that my running was over.”

-Phil Perrone

Perrone, though, isn’t one to let something like that make the experience any less special.

“As far as a marathon goes, every one you finish, to me, is the best,” he said.

At age 16, Perrone, Frank, and Perrone’s two brothers ran the 1977 Omaha Marathon together and were the subjects of an article that appeared in the Omaha Sun. A young girl by the name of Lisa saw his picture in the paper, after which they were set up on a blind date.

Lisa eventually married Perrone, and, during a half-marathon they walked in Las Vegas in September 2019, the couple renewed their wedding vows on the course.

“It’s called a Run-Thru Wedding,” he said.

“About four miles into the race you get in there with 250 of your closest friends in about a 30-square foot area and they marry you.”

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This development was not a complete surprise. One of Perrone’s brothers had a knee replacement earlier, even though he didn’t run to the same extent Perrone did, and his mother had two knee replacements. However, Perrone’s doctor told him he could one day walk in a marathon.

“You just have to re-evaluate and readjust your goals,” he said. “My running’s over, but I can still be out there on the course.”

He walks 20-25 miles a week, often at his favorite spot, Lake Zorinsky.

Perrone has walked two marathons, and he plans on walking the Omaha Marathon this month.

Walking large portions of a marathon isn’t unheard of, said John Eickman, vice president of HITS Endurance, which organizes the Omaha Marathon and works with the Omaha nonprofit Partnership 4 Kids, which helps at-risk kids finish high school and set life goals.

HITS Endurance makes sure to accommodate people who are determined to complete the race and think they may finish after the race officially ends.

“I’m not aware of too many people that have done as many marathons as Phil,” Eickman said. “He’s top percentile in my mind.”

Perrone insists he isn’t a superman.

He’s just a hard worker, someone who can hopefully inspire others to work hard, too.

“For me...it’s a self-confidence builder,” he said. “Every time I finish a race, I mean I just feel that much stronger and determined to go on with life and to move forward.”

Visit omahamarathon.com for more information about the Omaha Marathon, hitsendurance.com for HITS Endurance and p4k.org for Partnership 4 Kids. To see a list of all the marathons Perrone has run, visit marathonmaniacs.com/Maniacs/ MyRaces/1396.

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SEPTEMBER 2020 • 60 PLUS

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W

60+ Nostalgia | story by James Vnuk | design & illustration by Derek Joy

hen it comes to traveling these days, it’s a wonder anybody can tolerate flying. Between the endless delays, transfers, itineraries that range from unbearably long layovers to impossibly short windows to change gates, and spending hours navigating security, flying has become as exciting as a root canal for most people. How did such a miracle like this, the ability to soar through the air to anywhere in the world, become so dull and burdensome?

There was a time when flying still carried a luster that befitted the experience.

The “golden age” of commercial flight between the 1950s and 1960s, though still largely the domain of the elite and privileged, opened to the average person and offered them a taste of glamour and luxury. However, the memory of that time has begun to fade, and knowledge that survives often comes from film, television, and literature of dubious accuracy. Flight in the golden age was exquisite, exclusive, and expensive.

To me, the appeal is strong, and when I think about the ordeal of flying today, starting with flight attendants funneling passengers through the jetway like a hose of sardines fired into a tin can, my imagination abounds: can I blunt the vagaries of modern flight with a daydream back to the golden age? Could we, just today, imagine it’s 1960 again? Let’s take a step into the past and the air.

I envision leaving the jetway into a vintage Boeing 707. I pass rows of gentlemen in smart, starched suits and ties (just a single Windsor; we’re flying casual, after all). A whole rainbow of gray patterns: herringbone, madras, pinstripe, and more. Right away I regret my choice of ratty sweatpants and a cheap T-shirt. Nobody else seems to mind, though, and once I’m situated deep into coach I do my best to ignore the punches to the back of my seat reclined back a full inch.

We begin to taxi. There’s no announcement to put away our cell phones and set them to airplane mode, because in the 1960s nobody’s heard of either. A stewardess in a pink lemonade skirt and blazer, sporting a smashing beehive updo, addresses the cabin. In the event of cabin depressurization, the liquor cart will arrive promptly for another round.

The plane lifts off and, I imagine, the lighters come out. For a moment, the spell is broken, and I think about rummaging through my carry-on bag for some kind of diversion. I resist their temptations, and pull myself back to the mystique of the golden age, trying my best to envision a cabin hazy with cigarette smoke (I was also never a smoker, so it’s an approximation somewhere between being back at parties in college and hanging out after rock concerts). I decide to blame it for the mild headache I’ve started to run.

I take a moment to consider the ethics of this imaginative exercise and the merits of the present. Flying in the 1950s and 1960s was considerably more dangerous than today—a bit of turbulence could cause whiplash or worse. Travelers were probably smarter to avoid using the lavatories mid-flight. And, the excesses and exclusivity of travel-by-air had a dark side, too—one which reflected the prejudices of the era. Further, while I lamented the need to bake an extra hour into my trip to deal with the vagaries of security, I was grateful they existed and that I was asked to present an ID at all. At this point I observe the tiniest hint of drool emerging from my slumbering neighbor’s lip, and I immediately put my imagination to work creating an era-appropriate alternative scenario.

“Do you want pretzels or trail mix?”

The daydream bursts.

Nonetheless, the atmosphere feels glamourous. The attendants move elegantly through the spacious cabin passing out heated towels and crystal snifters, bantering with passengers and wearing coquettish smirks. The PA announces that the in-flight meal will include sous vide prime rib with your choice of Burgundy or Moselle.

Momentarily I feel like a spy in the house of the idle rich, rubbing shoulders with men of mystery, wandering dowagers, captains of industry, and the intelligentsia of days gone by. The tinkle of ice on glass flits through the hazy air.

There was a time, though, when flying still carried a luster that befitted the experience.

“Do you want pretzels or trail mix?” The daydream bursts. I clumsily choose the pretzels, and briefly consider if a dram of tomato juice tossed with bottom shelf vodka is worth the $15 the airline is asking for it. I settle on a ginger ale. The attendant tries to get the attention of the man sitting next to me, passed out against the window, and decides not to interrupt his snoring. The pretzels are a disappointment, and I debate flagging the attendant back down for the overpriced bloody Mary.

Instead, he’s puffing away at a pipe carved from fine mahogany, with the Saturday Evening Post in the other hand. “Hell of a way the nation’s going,” he says to me world-wearily. He puts down the paper to take a swig of neat bourbon. We talk, and he makes conspiratorial remarks about communists in the government and plots abroad, as if he has encountered them all firsthand. I consider making an airline food joke but pull back, reminding myself we’re supposed to be in a pre-Seinfeld world.

After a bit, he orders a second drink for me, and we toast to nothing in particular. I can sense the cabin beginning to spin when the stewardess from before approaches us with a rotary phone on a silver, glimmering platter. “Sir, it’s urgent,” she says, and I mistakenly assume she means me while he reaches across and picks up the receiver. He nods and says yes, Mr. Kennedy, he’ll meet him at the terminal. He passes the receiver to me, asks if I want to say hello to Mr. Kennedy. I take the receiver. I have no idea what to say.

The seatbelt sign flashes, and the tone for a PA announcement snaps me out of the haze.

We’re landing. It’s a rainy, dreary day when we hit the strip.

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D ottie Deines

has kept remarkably busy since retiring from a 42-year teaching career in 2013. She’s in a book club; she participates in educator organization Alpha Delta Kappa; she’s active with First United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women; and she’s volunteered for organizations such as Food Bank for the Heartland, Siena Francis House, and the historic Prospect Hill Cemetery. She’s even done some traveling and golfing.

Five years ago, friend Sherry Houston told Deines of an opportunity to return to teaching. Instead of children as her pupils, however, she’d be teaching other seniors. Instead of elementary-level language arts, she’d be teaching English as a Second Language classes at the nonprofit Intercultural Senior Center.

Deines was determined to find room in her schedule.

“I thought it sounded very interesting, so I decided ‘let’s go for it.’ And we’ve been a team for five years,” Deines said. Not only does she welcome the “exciting new challenge,” she added, “I wanted to help our immigrant seniors feel welcome in the United States and know that they are valued individuals.”

ISC was founded in 2009 by Carolina Padilla to serve elderly immigrants in the community. ISC’s clientele has branched out from primarily Latino seniors to seniors from many other countries including Sudan, Somalia, Bhutan, Nepal, and Burma. It also is open to native English speakers. With bilingual staff members and interpreters, and door-to-door van transportation available, ISC helps individuals overcome barriers to participating in its classes and activities. And while ISC primarily functions as a community center, the organization also assists struggling seniors with support services like a food pantry and meal delivery.

“Here they have a safe place to meet people, eat, exercise, dance, and learn new skills. I really do believe that does bring joy and a purpose to their lives… they have so much to offer and they have years of experience to share,” Deines said.

“I really think being together expands their horizons outside of their home and family, and I think they’re happier and healthier when they’re interacting with their peers. I have seen all of this while I’ve been here, and it makes me happy to be a part of all of this.”

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Back to School

60+ PROFILE STORY BY KARA SCHWEISS PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN DESIGN BY DEREK JOY

Former Elementary Teacher Now Educates Other Seniors

Padilla praised Deines’ enthusiasm and commitment as a volunteer ESL teacher, calling her a “very creative communicator.” She’s seen Deines’ students grow from knowing no English words to being able to have basic conversations.

“Our seniors love her. Her interactions with them have enabled them to have more confidence in their English,” Padilla said. “I think this makes learning a positive experience for our seniors, who come from different backgrounds. Dottie has accomplished a lot, and we’re so lucky to have her.”

Deines said she respects the life experience and perspective of her students, which enhances their ability to learn new skills at any age. “They’re willing to take risks that will surprise us.”

“Everybody is able to learn,” Padilla said in agreement. Because they’re not rushed or pushed through curriculum, she explained, the senior ESL students at ISC learn at a pace that’s comfortable for them. Student feedback reports that not only does Deines make class fun, “She teaches in a way that everybody ‘gets it’…

People are paying attention and appreciate what she does.”

Her decades of teaching elementary school have served Deines well in teaching adult learners, certainly in engaging students in group instruction, but also in such tasks as developing lesson plans and creating teaching aids.

“And it did instill in me a love of helping others,” she said. “An added bonus is getting the hugs.”

The volunteer work is rewarding, Deines said, because she knows she’s “making a positive impact” on the lives of her students. Plus, as a senior herself, she and her pupils can relate to each other.

“I think seniors like myself should volunteer because we all have gifts and talents to share. There is no better feeling than knowing you are helping someone else and contributing in positive ways,” she said, adding that her students teach her in return. “Learning about customs and cultural difference reminds me how much I can learn from them.”

With seniors being a population particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, the pandemic has necessitated the temporary suspension of most of ISC’s center-based services, although some have been converted to virtual platforms. Padilla said clients miss the in-person social interaction—so do staff and volunteers—and the recent separation has emphasized the importance of ISC to the community.

Deines, who has reached out to students with lovingly handmade greeting cards, said she’s eager to return to her classes and the students who have become her friends.

“I do think, although these times are difficult, that we’ll all be back together,” she said. “We’ll get through it.”

Visit interculturalseniorcenter.org, for more information on Intercultural Senior Center.

"Our seniors love her. Deines' interactions with them have enabled them to have more confidence in their English."

-Carolina Padilla

Dottie Deines

“i was down in the dumps, so i adopted a red miniature dachshund named schotzie. i took him to a puppy class where i met a woman who said schotzie would be a good therapy dog and told me to contact nancy.�

-pam egger

From left: Nancy Ethington and Pam Egger

60+ feature // story by Tamsen Butler

FourLegged Therapy

Dogs Help Young Humans At Children's Hospital & Medical Center

pam egger

hesitated to guess the number of hours she has volunteered at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center’s pet therapy program. “I don’t suppose it’s up to a thousand hours yet,” she demured.

The actual number surpassed her wildest dreams. Angela Loyd, who oversees Volunteer Services at the hospital, said Egger has volunteered 2,163 hours. After a shocked pause, Egger quickly mentioned that others in the program have volunteered far more hours than she has.

She started serving as a pet therapy volunteer more than 20 years ago. Her husband passed away in 1998, which was then followed by a back surgery for her.

“I was down in the dumps, so I adopted a red miniature dachshund named Schotzie,” Egger said. “I took him to a puppy class where I met a woman who said Schotzie would be a good therapy dog and told me to contact Nancy.”

photography by Bill Sitzmann // design by Derek Joy Nancy Ethington is one of the pioneers of the pet therapy program in Omaha. She began her journey in 1994. “I was sitting at home watching the news on TV and a story came on about dogs going to facilities to provide comfort, and there’s my golden retriever Zoe with her head on my lap. I decided I wanted to share her with others, so I reached out to the lady featured in the news story. In the beginning we were only in senior care facilities, but when we started at the hospital they were thrilled. Initially there were only three of us. We coordinated with the volunteer office to develop the program initially—this was when Children’s was floors five and six at Methodist Hospital. The staff used to take us around to the shared rooms that were two patients to a room.

We used our own dogs. The dogs earned certification through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs in Cheyenne, Wyoming, which improved the credibility of the dogs and the program.”

Therapy dog certification is a requirement for all dogs participating in the pet therapy program who are examined annually by veterinarians to meet strict guidelines. “There’s a difference between our dogs and service dogs,” Ethington explained. “Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks to ease the handler’s disabilities. Therapy dogs are easygoing and love to have people pet them, bringing smiles to everyone they encounter.” Ethington said it’s a common misunderstanding that the dogs in the program are service dogs, but the furry friends in this program are therapy dogs.

»

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// 60+ feature //

" Our purpose is to benefit the

kids. We're there to assist this is not a dog show."

-nancy ethington

A lot has changed

since the program’s inception in the 1990s. “I love how it’s grown,” Ethington said. “Initially there was pushback because pet therapy was in its infancy.

The veterinarians had to assure the physicians and staff that nothing bad can be transferred from the dogs to the kids.

One doctor in particular was doubtful and didn’t understand the benefits of the dogs, so I went in with him to a room where the patient was screaming, but once the little boy saw the dog he stopped screaming and just wanted to pet the dog. That doctor became one of our biggest advocates.”

“We don’t really experience pushback anymore,” Ethington added.

Ethington explained a typical therapy dog visit to a patient’s room: “Typically I’ll walk into a room and I always ask the patient, ‘Do you want to see my dog?’ and the patient will smile; it’s the best ‘thank-you.’ The dog will then go and put their head on the bed. The kid will usually say, ‘He likes me!’.

“Our purpose is to benefit the kids. We’re there to assist—this is not a dog show,” Ethington said.

Therapy dogs need a specific temperament, one reason why there are only five in the program. “The dogs have to be mindful of the hospital environment without impacting medical treatments,” said Nikki Walker, supervisor of Child Life Services. Dogs that are startled or distracted easily aren’t the best choice for the program.

The program is not suitable for all volunteers. Therapy dog handlers sometimes find themselves in sensitive situations and must learn to face patients who are nearing death. “I think the dogs can sometimes tell when we enter the room of an end-of-life patient,” Egger said. “I think they sense, ‘something’s not right here’. It’s tough at times, but parents will sometimes later say of the child, ‘They sure did love seeing the dogs’.”

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60 PLUS • SEPTEMBER 2020

“We see kids in a variety of situations that vary greatly,” Ethington said. “Accidents, cancer—the unconditional love and acceptance of the dogs helps in every situation. Sometimes I’ll go into a patient’s room and the patient’s unresponsive. The child’s not moving, but the parents will put the child’s hand onto the dog’s head and the child will smile or open their eyes.”

Egger’s therapy dog Roxie, a black and tan dachshund, was a bit of a celebrity at Children’s during her working years of 2006-2019. “Roxie was one of the best pet therapy dogs I ever had,” Egger said. “She was very dressy. I painted her toenails. She had tutus, Husker clothes, holiday outfits—and her nails always matched her outfits. She was better looking than I am.”

“Roxie was the best-dressed dog,” Loyd said. “Staff and family all wanted to see what she was wearing every day.”

Walker describes Ethington as “dedicated, compassionate, and empathetic” and Egger as “outgoing, empathetic, and sweet.” “They really are a part of our team,” Walker added. “If they’re on vacation, everyone asks where they are.

Without Nancy and Pam’s passion for the program’s plan, it wouldn’t be what it is.”

Egger’s third therapy dog was named Dollie, a rescue from the Humane Society. “She was an older dog and was missing a leg. She couldn’t walk so I bought her a little umbrella stroller that I would decorate with feather boas. I put a sign on the stroller to let everyone know Dollie wasn’t lazy or spoiled—she just couldn’t walk.”

“They’re always willing to do something outside of the box. There was a request by an end-of-life patient to see a dog outside of normal hours. It meant a lot to the kid and their family that they did the visit.”

“Just bringing a pet in can make such a difference,” Ethington said. “I love that I’m given the opportunity to share the love. The dogs know why they’re there.

It’s not about tooting our own horns, and that’s why it’s been so successful.”

Loyd agreed. “When college volunteers wanted someone to come to their class to talk about the dogs and the program, Nancy and Pam went outside their normal hours.”

Ethington, Egger, and their dogs are loved by not only the patients, but staff and families as well. “Some of the staff look for them in the lobby and on their floors,” said Kristen Beat, marketing coordinator at Children’s. Loyd added, “The dogs can be a stress reliever for the medical students as well.”

“The patients are all so special,” Egger said. “They all know that when Thursday comes around we’re going to be there.

The nurses tell us the kids get so excited.

Even the parents, doctors, and nurses look forward to our visits.”

Ethington said that although the dogs are trained, they’re still dogs. “We always have to move stuffed animals from the patients’ beds because my golden retrievers have always loved stuffed animals.

Once someone was pushing a bin full of stuffed animals down the hall for the patients and I had to drag my dog Gracie away—she wanted those toys. Someone grabbed a stuffed owl from the bin and gave it to Gracie and she was happy and stopped trying to get to the bins.”

She continued, “The commitment and dedication the pet therapy volunteers have creates a long lasting, highly respected program. We visit these children and families to, hopefully, provide a distraction, relieve stress and bring a smile to their faces.”

RN Sarah Chantry said it’s the normalcy of visiting with a dog that’s beneficial for the young patients. “There is something about petting the dogs that takes the stress out of hospital life. It just makes the day better, and the smiles from the kids are priceless. Their overall mood is lifted and it spreads to their family and even to the staff.”

“It’s such a great feeling,” Egger said.

“They’re so glad we came. Volunteering just makes me feel really good. I’m glad I can do this for people.”

Ethington and Egger don’t seem to mind the anonymity that comes with playing second fiddle to a furry volunteer. “They all know the dogs—they don’t know us,” Egger said. “And that’s fine.”

Visit childrensomaha.org for more information.

OBVIOUSLY OMAHA // STORY BY KAMRIN BAKER // PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED

AN ANIMAL LOVER’S GUIDE TO NEBRASKA’S WILD SIDE

01

We have seen the sad commercials.

The ones with tear-inducing tunes that trigger that animal instinct in people to change the channel immediately. There’s good news and bad news. The bad news: there are plenty of animals in the world that need help. The good news: You don’t need to see their sad little faces to meet the organizations that take care of them. The Nebraska Humane Society is particularly good at spreading their message of animal welfare, with active (and often hilarious) social media channels that bring smiles and hope to the faces of animal lovers everywhere.

02

They are not the only one in the area. These six other local animal rescue and rehab organizations will send animal lovers searching for a pen to fill out the adoption papers.

01. HEARTS UNITED FOR ANIMALS 73418 638 AVE., AUBURN, NE 68305 402.274.3679 | HUA.ORG

Hearts United for Animals is a no-kill sanctuary and animal welfare center with a variety of programs that bring dogs and cats to safety—or to fur-ever homes. HUA has rescued over 10,000 dogs from puppy mills and provided over 13,000 low-cost spay and neuter services, according to their website. In addition to the standard shelter and adoption procedures, HUA also provides temporary housing for animals of families fleeing domestic violence and assists with vet expenses. Helping animals and the people who care for them, HUA works tirelessly to unleash love.

02. HERON HAVEN

11809 OLD MAPLE ROAD, OMAHA, NE 68164 402.493.4303 | HERONHAVEN.ORG

Snuggled behind the buzzing intersection of 120th Street and West Maple Road, Heron Haven is a spring-fed wetland sanctuary for birds and wildlife within Omaha city limits. With community programs like a camera club and a wetland program, and spacious education center, Heron Haven invites the community to study native species of plants, birds, and aquatic animals under the mission of conservation and natural history. Folks can also flock to a small nature museum and reference library curated by the Friends of Heron Haven.

03. NEBRASKA WILDLIFE REHAB INC.

16215 NE-50, LOUISVILLE, NE 68037 402.234.2473 | NEBRASKAWILDLIFEREHAB.ORG

While most people are used to domesticated pets like kittens and hamsters, the call of the wild echoes throughout Nebraska. Nebraska Wildlife Rehab works to rehabilitate native Nebraska wildlife and migratory birds for return to the wild, while preserving native habitats and executing educational efforts to inspire people to become leaders in environmental conservation, according to the NWRI website. With projects like Bats Over Omaha and the Prairie Dog Relocation Project, college internships and high school science academies, NWRI completes specialized projects with opportunity for public education.

04. SCATTER JOY ACRES

4966 NEWPORT AVE., OMAHA, NE 402.709.9401 | SCATTERJOYACRES.ORG Scatter Joy Acres provides a peaceful inner-city sanctuary for humans and animals with therapy programs specialized for developmentally disabled and autistic children, seniors, veterans, and at-risk youth.

Owner Joy Bartling rescues and cares for over 100 animals, including alpacas, sheep, rabbits, dogs, goats, horses, cows, pigs, and a variety of fowl. In addition to animalassisted therapy, SJA is also an ideal location for events, with ample area for fun and games, including hayrack rides and bonfires.

03

05. TAKE FLIGHT FARMS

1004 FARNAM ST., SUITE 400 402.930.3037 | TAKEFLIGHTFARMS.ORG

Therapy dogs and cats have seemingly become commonplace in apartments and airplanes, but Take Flight Farms works to help clients through equine-assisted psychotherapy. Specializing in ground activities involving horses, each of Take Flight Farms’ programs is facilitated by a team of licensed mental health professionals, certified equine specialists, and horses who have passed intensive training, allowing individuals, families, and groups suffering from mental health conditions to gallop towards a brighter future.

04 05

06. TOWN & COUNTRY HUMANE SOCIETY 14110 S. 84TH ST., PAPILLION, NE 68046 402.339.5355 TOWNANDCOUNTRYHUMANESOCIETY.ORG

This nonprofit, no-time-limit shelter run entirely by volunteers serves eastern Nebraska and beyond. The best part is that it is not far from the city limits, down 84th Street near Platteview Road.

The shelter frequently houses dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and rabbits. In addition to rescuing and rehoming animals, this shelter also offers boarding and grooming services to the community, and money raised from those services help continue the organization’s mission.

06 SEPTEMBER

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2020

Oasis’ quarantine soup and salad kit includes a Greek salad with balsamic dressing, pita bread, and hummus.

DINING REVIEW

AN OASiS OF CHiCKPEAS // 122 //

SEPTEMBER 2020

V E G E TA R I A N S , VEGANS, M E AT - E AT E R S R E J O I C E S T O R Y B Y D A I S Y H U T Z E L L- R O D M A N

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN D E S I G N B Y M AT T W I E C Z O R E K

SEPTEMBER 2020

// 123 //

DINING REVIEW

I

n the early 2010s, walking on N. Linn Street toward childhood favorite “the ’Burg” in Iowa City, I became distracted by a scent of garlic-eggplant-olive oil-parsley that had nothing to do with the veggie burger and home fries that I was planning for dinner that night. Instead, it came from the restaurant two doors south, and it smelled so good I returned the next day for lunch.

That restaurant was Oasis Falafel, and a lovely respite it was. The falafel was crunchy and the pita was soft and warm, but the hummus should actually have been called heaven. I ate every last gram of the serving, finishing the garbanzo-bean dip with a spoon after running out of pita.

A couple of years ago, I opened the staff fridge at Omaha Magazine and my heart nearly stopped. Chilling out like it was no big deal was a tub of hummus bearing a label on it that read “Oasis” in a familiar font. It turned out, a young couple named Mike and Kellie Osler enjoyed eating at Oasis as college students at the University of Iowa, and a few years after graduating, they made the decision to return home to the Omaha metro to raise their family. They brought a taste of the Hawkeye state with them, partnering with Oasis Iowa City owners Naftaly Stramer and Ofer Sivan to create Oasis Omaha.

The restaurant originally opened in summer 2018 for the downtown lunch crowd.

Saturday, then evening, hours followed as the restaurant became busier. However, it seems one has to know the hours of the restaurant, situated at 16th and Harney streets next to comedy club The Backline, as the restaurant is not prominent from the street.

Tomato-cilantro soup is included in the kit. // 124 //

SEPTEMBER 2020

THE CHICKPEA F L AV O R D O M I N AT E S AND ALLOWS FOR A DINER TO ENHANCE IT WITH ANY OF THE SAUCES AND CONDIMENTS OFFERED ON THE CONDIMENT B A R : TA H I N I , MANGO CURRY SAUCE, JALAPEÑO RELISH, PEPPERONCINI, AND RED C A B B A G E S L AW.

The team at Oasis Falafel has this year helped hospital workers who have been toiling around the clock to combat COVID-19. They began by donating food weekly to a variety of hospitals and doctors' offices.

When policies changed in July, banning outside food and drink at hospitals, they changed tactics. At presstime, the restaurant was looking into ways of creating free meals for people on the front lines.

The restaurant caters to vegetarians and vegans, but also has kebabs and gyros to satisfy meat eaters. Vegetarian and gluten-free items are clearly marked on the menu, a difference from the Iowa City menu for which Kellie advocated.

Those who eat gluten-free can take note that they have a dedicated fryer for the falafel that is gluten-free. If they are not busy, they might be able to cook fries in it for a gluten-free option, but always check with them as that fryer is used for falafel all day.

I first ate there in person in December 2019, chomping down an order of falafel as a sandwich, made into a combo with a side of za’atar fries and a drink, a side of Moroccan eggplant, and hummus.

The falafel is served as small fried balls, which are easier to eat than a big burgershaped patty, and comes with tomatocucumber salad and hummus—stuffed in the pita if you order it as a sandwich, served on the side if you order a plate.

The falafel itself is traditional, with fewer herbs than Omahans may be used to. The chickpea flavor dominates and allows for a diner to enhance it with any of the sauces and condiments offered on the condiment bar: tahini, mango curry sauce, jalapeño relish, pepperoncini, and red cabbage slaw. The za’atar fries are thick-cut and served sprinkled with za’atar, a spice blend made of oregano or thyme, cumin, coriander, and sumac. The za’atar tasted pleasingly of citrus from the sumac and the fries were crisp. The Moroccan eggplant is a side dish of eggplant that has been fried with seasoned onions, tomatoes, and cilantro and served cold.

The shining star, however, is that hummus. I have eaten a lot of hummus since I was introduced to it as a teenager, and I have never eaten anything like this. Sometimes hummus can be grainy or used to ward off vampires. This hummus is smooth as silk, garlicky without being overpowering, and topped with a liberal sprinkle of paprika.

In mid-June I ate Oasis Falafel again, this time ordering pickup as the restaurant was closed to dining in. I ordered a Quarantine Cuddle Kit containing hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, and house-made pita crisps, and a soup and salad pack containing Greek salad, tomato-cilantro soup, hummus, and a six-pack of pita.

Sauces and sides are available.

Visit oasisomaha.com for more information.

The Greek salad was outstanding.

Other restaurants serve iceberg lettuce, a tomato wedge, a couple of cucumbers, a ring of onion, a hunk of feta cheese, and an olive. Oasis gave us a pile of varied salad greens, several slices of tomato and cucumber, sufficient red onion, what appeared to be an entire 8-oz. package of feta cheese, and a pile of kalamata olives.

The dressing tasted of oregano, olive oil, and quality balsamic vinegar, thick enough to coat the salad without being syrupy.

Oasis Omaha is what its name purports, a peaceful area in the midst of busy downtown Omaha and a healthy haven for all food lovers.

OASIS FALAFEL

1620 HARNEY ST. | 402.504.3102

FOOD SERVICE AMBIANCE PRICE OVERALL

$ 5 STARS POSSIBLE

The soup tasted like tomatoes and cilantro. As my husband said, “we could reduce this and put it over pasta.” Because I was at home, I sprinkled in a bit of salt, pepper, oregano, and a 1/4 teaspoon of garlic after a couple of bites.

SEPTEMBER 2020

// 125 //

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

Elizabeth Wallace

Bringing Food and Hope to Omahans in Need

Dining Feature

Story by Sarah Wengert

SOMETIMES A LITTLE MAGIC HAPPENS

W H E N Y O U N E E D I T M O S T.

Elizabeth Wallace, general manager at 801 Chophouse, said that’s what occurred when Dandelion Pop-up and Over Easy proprietor Nick Bartholomew had a little idea that ended up making a big impact.

In March 2020, as the nation quickly shuttered restaurants, schools, and offices, leaving many Omahans unemployed and quarantined, Bartholomew and others in the local restaurant industry moved quickly to coordinate an effort to avoid food waste and feed folks in need.

SEPTEMBER

// 127 //

2020

“This could not have worked without them at all. The way these people came together is special. These strangers just showed up and we all meshed together perfectly. It was one of those magical moments in time.�

-Elizabeth Wallace

// 128 //

SEPTEMBER 2020

Dining Feature

A

fter 801 Chophouse closed on March 16, Wallace spoke with Bartholomew, who was in an early stage of the yet-to-be-defined effort. Wallace offered kitchen space at 801 Chophouse, and food that would otherwise have gone unused. The next thing she knew, other helpers dispatched by Bartholomew came knocking on her door. Together, over the course of 12 weeks, they formulated meal plans, prepped, cooked, created an ordering system, and distributed approximately 4,000 meals plus additional groceries to individuals and organizations.

“A few strangers just showed up one day and we didn’t quite know what we were doing at first,” Wallace said. “It was kind of like an episode of Chopped and Survivor all at once, except it wasn’t a competition and nobody got booted off.”

While Wallace noted that the effort “had a lot of different hands involved at different points,” she said the core culinary group behind the effort included herself, chef Bryce Coulton (formerly of The French Bulldog), 801’s executive chef Ivan Dondiego, Spencer’s executive chef Glenn Wheeler, and two Metro Community College culinary students, Emma Osentoski and Witney Stanley.

“This could not have worked without them at all,” Wallace said. “The way these people came together is special. These strangers just showed up and we all meshed together perfectly. It was one of those magical moments in time.”

Wallace said the effort was never officially named, but volunteers dubbed it the Dandelion Meal Project, to distinguish it from Dandelion Pop-Up’s regular model of rotating notable chefs each week in warmer months. The team quickly got in a groove of gathering supplies on Thursdays, planning and prepping meals on Fridays, and distributing on Saturdays. Wheeler also provided space at Spencer’s to help with social distancing, but the majority of planning, prep, and packing occurred at 801 Chophouse.

“We had plenty of space at 801, so we could properly social distance while prepping,” Wallace said. “Once we established our crew, we just kind of created this little restaurant out of nothing.”

In addition to Bartholomew and the rest of the core group, Wallace was quick to thank the many supplementary volunteers, donors, and distributors, including Kristina Lee, Katy Jo Rose, Nick Holloway, Deven Rieck, Michael Anderson, Sarah Xiong, Ryan Gillespie, Brandy Rettele, Kane Adkisson, Lindy Pearson, Sara Cerasoli, Julia Tatten, Omaha Steaks, Sysco, Reinhart, Karlsberger, Morgan Ranch, Culprit Cafe, Farine + Four, individual donors, and many others.

“This couldn’t have worked without every single piece of the machine and it’s really cool how it all came together,” Wallace said.

After a couple weeks distributing meals at the Dandelion Pop-up “shack,” as Wallace affectionately called the kiosk at 1300 Howard St., distribution moved to Archetype Coffee’s Little Bohemia location and Montessori Children’s Room. As supplies and monetary donations continued to come in, the team also had bandwidth to give meals and groceries to local organizations such as Child Saving Institute, Victory Apartments (military veteran housing), Table Grace Cafe, and Santa Monica House (a women’s recovery home).

The team also did ingredient swaps with neighboring restaurant Kitchen Table, and Wallace said nothing went to waste.

“Sometimes our math skills weren’t totally accurate. Each week we tried to get better at portioning and buying supplies with donation money, but it was almost like a loaves and fishes situation, where you always ended up with more so you had more to give somewhere else,” she said.

Although the project began by doling out grocery bags, it quickly moved to prepared meals such as lasagna, meatloaf, dirty rice, Wagyu beef and mushroom stroganoff, egg and veggie frittatas with overnight oats, gnocchi with roasted veggies and herb-pesto sauce, smoked pork chops, and more. Bread pudding was a common dessert item. The goal was to have a main dish, salad, and a vegetable side or something sweet. Fresh fruit and snacks were also incorporated.

Wallace said the project originally focused on suddenly out-of-work restaurant workers, with “kind of a family meal vibe.”

She explained the family meal tradition in restaurants where, prior to service, front and back of house employees sit down and eat together before opening their doors to customers. She noted they wanted to “make everybody who was displaced feel like they were still part of the family.” Quickly, the effort transitioned to include families of any kind who were out of work, kids who depended on school for hot meals, and others.

Wallace, who said the project gave her purpose during her furlough from 801 Chophouse, was deeply touched by meal recipients’ gratitude.

“It was very emotional to see all this gratitude come in. I had moments where it overwhelmed me a bit,” Wallace said. “I felt

very lucky to happen upon this opportunity and then to see this incredible impact…I feel honored to have been a part of this small thing we did that had such an impact.”

Indeed, while volunteers worked to give to their fellow Omahans, their lives were also enriched through their involvement.

Coulton said the effort helped keep him healthy and allowed him to get out of the house and use his skills for the greater good.

“I’m grateful beyond words to have participated in this with this specific group of people,” Coulton said. “It’s an especially unique person who shows up every week in the way they all did to work towards this singular goal of feeding others. That was it. No egos, no hierarchy, just an inherent understanding to do what we could to provide the most out of what we had at hand.”

Osentoski, who’s midway through MCC’s culinary program, got involved to keep busy and get back in the kitchen.

“This was different for me because I’m not used to preparing food in bulk. In my first week we made about 300 meals, so it was different seeing what goes into making that much food as opposed to preparing one meal at a time for a person at a table,” Osentoski said. “Towards the end, Witney and I went with Elizabeth and Bryce to hand out food and it was really nice to see the people we were helping and connect faces with all the thank-yous and comments they entered when they requested bags.”

Even though the Dandelion Meal Project started off as the culinary equivalent of a jazz ensemble playing it by ear, the group became well practiced. The project came to a close in early June as many of its contributors were called back to their everyday posts.

“Honestly, part of me wishes that we could still do it, but everybody had to go their separate ways because restaurants were reopening,” Wallace said. “But I feel like if we ever needed to assemble again, we’d be ready to go—we’re like The Avengers.”

Visit 801chophouse.com, dandelionpopup.com, and spencersomaha.com for more information.

— DINING PROFILE // STORY BY SARA LOCKE —

ENSURING NO ONE FAC E S H U N G E R A L O N E

T

ogether Omaha is a haven for those struggling to find equal footing within our community. From at-risk families to those experiencing homelessness, the organization often serves as the human touch that keeps people holding on.

“One of the first pantries I ever used as a single mom was Together," Strode said.

"They showed me so much respect, and that’s how I want to make clients feel.”

Stephanie Strode, former client and current operations manager for Together Omaha, knows what it takes to pull yourself up when life gets hard; a community that cares. That’s exactly what she found at Together and why she opted to become part of the solution.

“Our primary focus year-round is ending and preventing homelessness. We are a 100 percent choice pantry. Our clients can walk in and walk through, choosing exactly what they want for their families,” she said. “We see a lot of food allergies, vegetarians, families avoiding pork or processed foods, and we are so happy to accommodate.”

Strode thinks it is just as important to see that families are met with dignity as it is to end their immediate hunger.

“There is this fear among those who find themselves in need that they will take what they’re given. That’s not how we operate,” she said. “When someone starts to make progress and they show up in their car with [in-transit] tags still on, there’s almost this shame about continuing to accept help. We want them to know that they deserve this assistance and we’re happy providing it.

If our help made it so that you were able to get that last bit together to buy a car, that means it’s working. Now you’re able to take those next steps, and before long we’ll be saying goodbye and missing you.”

Helping create a level playing field and seeing the relief Together brings to the community keeps the nonprofit’s employees and volunteers motivated and excited to provide for their neighbors every day. Since COVID-19 officially hit Omaha, however, Together has had to change their approach.

“We’ve had to cut back on how many people we can have on hand to help, so right away we lost all of our volunteers.

And we can’t allow people to come in and make their own selections, so we started pre-packing boxes and delivering them to cars,” Strode said.

And while the pandemic continues to deal blow after blow, the team at Together has become adept at rolling with the punches.

“The need for services like ours has been great in Omaha, but these last few months have been completely new,” Strode said. “There was a lot of the community right on the bubble, just making it. Then there were families who wouldn’t have ever imagined they would need to ask for assistance. And then overnight, so many people lost their income, their free school lunches, their access to a lot of programs that were keeping them on their feet.”

According to Tina Murray, Together Omaha’s crisis engagement program manager, the organization helped more families between March and June than in all of 2019.

“A N D T H E N O V E R N I G H T, S O M A N Y PEOPLE LOST THEIR INCOME, THEIR FREE SCHOOL LUNCHES, THEIR ACCESS T O A L O T O F P RO G R A M S T H AT W E R E K E E P I N G T H E M O N T H E I R F E E T. ” // 130 //

SEPTEMBER 2020

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

As the line of cars curls around the neighborhood and police arrive to manage and direct traffic, Strode reminds herself that these aren’t cars, but families. She isn’t helping the 150 people waiting in the heat, mask on and more than a little afraid the food will run out. She’s helping the family in the car in front of her. As she catches the eye of the sleepy, hot, cranky child in the back seat of this car, she smiles behind her mask. She knows the child can’t see her smile, but the eyes are a giveaway. She disappears to fetch the pantry items and is sure to throw in any extra treat she can find to thank the little one for their bravery.

Together, s d e e c c u S a ah Om

Stephanie Strode

And as the car pulls away, she meets the next with renewed purpose.

It’s easy to view Strode, and every member of the Together team, as heroic.

They’re quick to demure and redirect credit to the supporting organizations that keep them moving.

were spending hours trying to pull these together. Now, we have these amazing 25-pound boxes of meat, produce, just everything. Each one makes a difference, and that’s all we can focus on right now.

We have the short game covered, so these families have a chance to put together a plan for the future.”

“We are completely backed by the Food Bank for the Heartland. We wouldn’t know what to do without them,” Strode said. “The National Guard has been boxing our food...which has taken off so much of the load for us. Without our volunteers and without being able to let families pack their own bags, we

Volunteer turned Inclusive Community Health Vista Touki Phommakhanh echoed this sentiment. “Everyone works together,” she said. “They come out and interact directly with each person coming through the line. I’m so grateful for being present for this work, learning names, hearing their stories and seeing

those smiles. We have this common goal of removing whatever burden we can, and for each family we see, we know we are taking away one of their most pressing needs.”

As we each find our way to the other side of this crisis, Strode, Phommakhanh, and the team want Omahans to know they don’t have to do it alone. We all succeed better, together.

Visit togetheromaha.org to learn more, donate, or volunteer.

SEPTEMBER 2020

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- Sponsored Content -

Omaha

DINING GUIDE AMERICAN CHARLESTON’S - $$$

140th and Dodge streets - 402.431.0023 76th and Dodge streets - 402.991.0055 Charleston’s is a casual, upbeat restaurant with a menu filled with dishes prepared from scratch daily. We focus on providing our guests with excellent prices and selecting the highest quality ingredients. Whether you are new to Charleston’s or a long-standing guest, we look forward to seeing you soon!

—charlestons.com/locations

DJ’S DUGOUT - $

636 N. 114th St. - 402.498.8855 1003 Capitol Ave. - 402.763.9974 10308 S. 23rd St. - 402.292.9096 2102 S. 67th St. - 402.933.3533 180th and Q streets - 402.292.9096 192nd & West Maple St. - 402.315.1985 HWY 75 & Oak Hill Road - 402.298.4166 Catch all the action at DJ Dugout Sports Bar’s seven Omaha-area locations. DJ’s Dugout features delicious wings, burgers, wraps, salads, appetizers, and an impressive drink menu. Plus, DJ’s Dugout Sports Bar has huge media walls full of HD TVs and projectors. Dig In at the Dugout!

—djsdugout.com

JAMS- $$

7814 Dodge St. - 402.399.8300 17070 Wright Plz, Ste. 100 - 402.810.9600 1101 Harney St. in the OldMarket - 402.614.9333

Jams is an Omaha restaurant legacy, an “American Grill” that offers a melting pot of different styles and varieties. The dishes are made with high-quality ingredients that pair well with award-winning wines or creative cocktails.

—jamseats.com

LE PEEP - $

69th & Pacific - 402.933.2776 177th and Center streets - 402.934.9914 156th Street & W. Dodge Road - 402.408.1728 120th and Blondo streets - 402.991.8222 Le Peep puts a wholesome perspective on your favorite neighborhood breakfast and lunch spot. Fresh. Simple. Elegant. Inviting. We put the emphasis on people, both patrons and staff.

We focus on providing each of our guests the fresh food and friendly service that they have come to expect. Open daily 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

—lepeepomaha.coms

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SEPTEMBER 2020

LISA’S RADIAL CAFE - $

817 N. 40th St. - 402-551-2176

American. Cafe. Diner. Vegetarian-friendly.

Gluten-free options. This old-school diner serves hearty portions of American comfort classics for breakfast and lunch. Family-owned and operated. This business is a must if you’re in the area. People rave about our chickenfried steak, stuffed French toast, coffee, and friendly staff. Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m.-2 p.m

OLD MATTRESS FACTORY - $ 501 N 13th St. - 402.346.9116

Keepin' it real in a renovated mattress factory built in 1883, remodeled in 2007 within walking distance to Omaha's major entertainment venues. Three private dining rooms for your own events, or stop in before or after any downtown Omaha event. Open daily at 11am-1am.

—themattomaha.com

STELLA’S - $

106 S. Galvin Road, Bellevue 402.291.6088 Since 1936, we’ve been making our worldfamous Stella’s hamburgers the same way.

The family secrets have been handed down to each owner, ensuring that your burger is the same as the one you fell in love with the first time you tried Stella’s. And if it’s your first time, we know you’ll be back! MondaySaturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., closed Sunday.

—stellasbarandgrill.com

TED AND WALLY’S - $

1120 Jackson St. - 402.341.5827 Come experience the true taste of homemade ice cream in the Old Market. Since 1986, we’ve created gourmet ice cream flavors in small batches using rock salt and ice. We offer your favorites, plus unique flavors like margarita, green tea, Guinness, and French toast. Special orders available.

Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.- Sat. 11 a.m.11 p.m., Sunday. Noon-10 p.m., —tedandwallys.com

ek Dining Gre

Greek Islands Restaurant Omaha, NE

Family Owned Since 1983 CATERING / PARTY ROOM AVAILABLE HOMEMADE, FRESH FOOD, ALWAYS.

3821 Center St. / 402.346.1528 GreekIslandsOmaha.com

• Private Parties & Events, Full & Partial Venue Buyout • Serving Burgers, Beers, Salads & Cocktails

402.502.9902 6209 MAPLE ST. • BENSON GM@BARCHENBEER.COM BARCHEN BEER.COM

BEER GARDEN & BEER HALL

Omaha

DINING GUIDE

I TA L I A N LA CASA PIZZARIA - $$

Get a Little Saucy. CHANGE WOOD FIRE STEAKS & SEAFOOD INNOVATIVE PASTA—RISOTTO—GNOCCHI FRESH SALMON DAILY

Open 7 Days a Week for Lunch & Dinner

Catering

Patio Dining, Take Out, & Curbside Pickup Available!

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

(Easy access off I-80, take 72nd Street Exit)

402.391.2950 . Call today to make your reservation Sports Bar

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

—lacasapizzaria.ne

LO SOLE MIO RISTORANTE ITALIANO - $$

3001 S. 32nd Ave. - 402.345.5656

SPEZIA SPECIALTIES

NO CASH VALUE. EXPIRES 9/30/2020 Not Valid with Happy Hour or Any Other Promotions.

One Per Check.

45th and Leavenworth streets 402.556.6464

Sports Bar

2016 First Place KETV 7 • Baxter Arena

OMAHA’S #1 SPORTS BAR!

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

—losolemio.com

PASTA AMORE - $$

11027 Prairie Brook Road - 402.391.2585 Pastas are made fresh daily, including tortellini, fettuccine, and capellini. Daily specials and menu items include a variety of fresh seafood and regional Italian dishes, such as linguini amore and calamari steak, penne Florentine, gnocchi, spaghetti puttanesca, and osso buco. Filet mignon is also offered for those who appreciate nationally renowned Nebraska beef. To complement your dining experience, the restaurant offers a full bar and extensive wine list. Be sure to leave room for homemade desserts, like the tiramisu and cannoli. Monday-Thursday 9 p.m. and FridaySaturday 10 p.m. Reservations recommended.

—pastaamore.com

DJSDUGOUT.COM

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

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

SEPTEMBER 2020

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J

R ot d d a ust

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nd twist loaf a s k c i t s d a lla bre

rotellasbakery.com

Omaha

DINING GUIDE Breakfast

SPEZIA - $$$

3125 S. 72nd St. - 402.391.2950

156th & Dodge • 408-1728 177th & Center • 934-9914 120th & Blondo • 991-8222 69th & Pacific • 933-2776

Thanks for Voting Us # BREAKFAST YEARS in a Row!

12

1

Drive-Thru Open (Center St. Only) Open Daily 6:30am-2:00pm Serving Breakfast & Lunch All Day!

LEPEEPOMAHA.COM | @LEPEEPOMAHA

Choose Spezia for lunch or dinner, where you’ll find a casual elegance that’s perfect for business guests, get-togethers, or any special occasion. Exceptional food, wine, and service, with a delectable menu: fresh seafood, certified Angus steaks, innovative pasta, risotto, gnocchi, cioppino, lamb, entrée salads, Mediterranean chicken, flatbreads, and fresh salmon daily. Enjoy a full bar, Italian and California wines, Anniversary/Lovers’ Booth (call to reserve), private dining rooms, and wood-fired grill. Open Monday-Sunday.

Cocktail hour 4-6 p.m., when all cocktails, glasses of wine, and beers are half price.

Evening reservations recommended.

—speziarestaurant.com

MEXICAN FERNANDO’S - $

7555 Pacific St. - 402.339.8006.

380 N. 114th St. - 402.330.5707 Featuring Sonoran -st yle cooking made fresh daily. C atering and par t y rooms also available. M onday-Thursday 11 a . m .-1 0 p. m ., Friday-Saturday 11 a . m .-11 p. m . , Sunday 4 -9 p. m . —fernandosomaha .com

LA MESA - $$

158th St. and W. Maple Road - 402.557.6130 156th and Q streets - 402.763.2555 110th St. and W. Maple Road - 402.496.1101 Fort Crook Road and Hwy 370 - 402.733.8754 84th Street and Tara Plaza - 402.593.0983 Lake Manawa Exit - 712.256.2762 Enjoy awesome enchiladas, fabulous fajitas, seafood specialties, mouth-watering margaritas, and more at La Mesa. Come see why La Mesa has been voted Omaha’s No. 1 Mexican restaurant 16 years in a row. SundayThursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. —lamesaomaha.com

ROMEO’S MEXICAN FOOD AND PIZZA - $

90th and Blondo streets - 402.391.8870 146th St. and W. Center Road - 402.330.4160 96th and L streets - 402.331.5656 Galvin and Avery roads - 402.292.2028 29th and Farnam streets - 4402.346.1110

@OmahaMagazine

Romeo’s is your friendly, family Mexican food and pizza restaurant.We take real pride in serving our guests generous portions of the freshest, most flavorful dishes made with the finest ingredients available. Zesty seasonings and the freshest ingredients combine to ensure the ultimate in flavor. Our savory taco meat is prepared every morning at each location. Make sure to try our chimichangas; they’re the best in town. —romeosomaha.com

SEPTEMBER 2020

// 135 //

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

1620 S. 10th Street

402-345-8313

www.casciossteakhouse.com

Bringing Italy to Omaha Since 1919

Take a Taste of Italy Home Today!

HAPPY HOUR:

Tues–Sat 3-6pm & All Day Sunday

Tues-Thurs: 8:30am-8pm Friday: 8:30am-8:30pm Saturday: 7:30am-8pm Sunday: 7:30am-6pm

REVERSE HAPPY HOUR:

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An Omaha favorite for over 100 years (1919-2019)

402.345.3438 621 Pacific St, Omaha NE orsibakery.com

WALKING DISTANCE TO

CHI HEALTH CENTER OMAHA & TD AMERITRADE PARK CLEAR BAG POLICY IS IN EFFECT. 402.346.9116 | 501 N. 13th Street | theMattOmaha.com /the old mattress factory omaha

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Seafood - Mexican - Sushi

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

h Steak ouse

FAMOUS WHISKEY STEAK

@The Drover Restaurant & Lounge | Gift Cards Available 2121 S. 73 St. | (402) 391-7440 | DroverRestaurant.com Open Monday - Friday 11am - 2pm | Dinner nightly from 5pm

// 136 //

SEPTEMBER 2020

Omaha’s Riverfront Entertainment Venue

Omaha

DINING GUIDE

SPECIAL DINING

JAMS OLD MARKET • 1101 Harney St • Happy Hour M-F 3pm-6pm

BÄRCHEN BEER GARDEN - $

6209 Maple St. - 402.502.9902

JAMS MIDTOWN • 7814 West Dodge Road • Sunday Brunch 10am-2pm

JAMS LEGACY • 17070 Wright Plaza • Party Rooms & Patios • jamseats.com

BOOK NOW!

151 FREEDOM PARK ROAD OMAHA www.rivercitystar.com

Located in Benson, Bärchen is a modern American beer garden and beer hall influenced by German communal drinking culture. Indoor seating for approximately 125 people and outdoor seating in our beer garden for approximately 125-150 people.

The laid-back atmosphere pairs well with our 30 rotating taps, international beer list, unique sausage & sandwich menu, and locally made pretzels. We are family and dog friendly—all are welcome. Hours: TuesThurs 3 p.m.-11 p.m.; Fri & Sat 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m. For more information or to host an event, please email gm@barchenbeer.com —barchenbeer.com

CRESCENT MOON ALE HOUSE - $

3578 Farnam St. - 402.345.1708

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

—beercornerusa.com

FIRST WATCH - $

1222 S. 71st St. - 402.932.5691 2855 S. 168th St. - 402.330.3444 3605 N. 147th St. - 402.965.3444 304 Olson Drive - 402.965.3444 18101 Chicago St. - 402.916.4109 2015 Pratt Ave., Bellevue - 402.991.3448 We begin each morning at the crack of dawn, slicing fresh fruits and vegetables, baking muffins, and whipping up our French toast batter from scratch. Everything is made to-order here at First Watch. We use only the finest ingredients possible for the freshest taste around.

—firstwatch.com

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

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

SEPTEMBER 2020

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Omaha

DINING GUIDE GREEK ISLANDS - $

3821 Center St. - 402.346.1528 Greek cuisine with specials every day at reasonable prices. We are well-known for our gyro sandwiches and salads. We cater and can accommodate a party for 65 guests.

Carry-out and delivery available. MondayThursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.

—greekislandsomaha.com

STEAKHOUSES Thank You, Thank You,

CASCIO’S - $$

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

—casciossteakhouse.com

Thank You

an Dining Itali

For Continually Voting For Us!

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

n Sandwi ube ch Re

PARADISE BAKERY - $

17305 Davenport St. - 402.934.5757 120 Regency Parkway - 402.991.3000 Paradise Bakery offers freshly prepared baked goods made from scratch every morning with the finest ingredients available. Offering a variety of meals including soups, salads, and sandwiches.

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

—paradisebakery.com

THE DROVER RESTAURANT & LOUNGE - $$$

Try Omaha’s Favorite Reuben!

2121 S. 73rd St. - 402-391-7440

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

—droverrestaurant.com

Omaha’s largest selection of craft beers.

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

Dine-in / TakeouT / CurbsiDe / ouTsiDe available Pasta

xican Dining Me

Rockbrook Village (108th & Center) 402.391.2585 www.pastaamore.com

THANK YOU FOR VOTING OUR PASTA #1

We can accommodate parties of 30 or more, by reservation only

Mon.-Thurs.: 4:30-9 PM // Fri.-Sat.: 4:30-10 PM // Closed Sunday

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Hamburger

Catering Available

thanks to our customers for voting us the “BEST BURGER

IN OMAHA www.romeosOMAHA.com

// 138 //

SEPTEMBER 2020

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

Reopening

August 15!

500 S. 20th Street

402-342-6164

is proud to recognize many black-owned restaurants in Omaha.

Visit OmahaMagazine.com to see our list.

Did we miss anyone? Email

editor@omahapublications.com and let us know.

SEPTEMBER 2020

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// EXPLORE CALENDAR //

LEGACY OF THE PL AINS HARVES T FES TIVA L Sept. 19-20 at Legacy of the

NEBRASK A

20 TH ANNUA L POLISHFES T Sept. 13 at Polish Heritage Center Museum and St. Francis Community Hall, Ashton. This event will feature the music of Sheelytown, tours of the museum, pre-sales of pierogi, and soups—sauerkraut and sausage, chicken noodle, and czarnina—a silent auction, quilt and money raffle, and a Polish mass. 308.750.6439.

— facebook.com/Polish-Heritage-Center-Inc ANNUA L S TEELE CIT Y FLE A M ARK E T AND ANTIQUE FARM M ACHINERY SHOW Sept. 19-20 in Steele City. With

Plains Museum, Gering. For the 23rd year, the annual Harvest Festival attracts thousands of visitors for food vendors and activities such as a corn maze, livestock viewing, and more. 308.436.1989.

—legacyoftheplains.org

RICHARDSON COUNT Y FREE FAIR Sept. 19 at

Richardson County Ag Society, Humboldt. Starting off each morning with a parade, the entertainment this year will be limited to one day. There will still be vendors, concessions, and live music from High Heel. Other activities include exhibits and animal shows. 402.245.4324.

—facebook.com/richardsoncountyfair

HARVES T FAIR Sept. 13 at Stuhr Museum, Grand Island. This popular fall event celebrates harvest time with live music, pumpkin activities, and a medicine show. 308.385 .5316.

—stuhrmuseum.org

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SEPTEMBER 2020

25-26

OGA LL A L A INDIAN SUMMER RENDEZ VOUS Sept. 17-19 at

food, demonstrations, an antique tractor show, and spaces for vendors selling everything from crafts to antiques, this event attracts many. 402.729.5131.

— fairbury.com/events/steele-city-flea-market

NORFOLK OK TOBERFES T Sept. 25-26 in downtown Norfolk. During this two-day festival, Northeast Nebraska celebrates the area’s German heritage and fall harvest with a beer garden, SEPT. live music, German food, and family entertainment. Attendees can also count on a Husker tailgate, teen dance, and free rides home anywhere in Norfolk from 12:30-2 a.m. 402.371.4862.

—norfolkareachamber.com

Rendezvous Square, Ogallala. Going on their 35th year, downtown Ogallala offers a celebration of their past with bands, entertainment, dancing, and local talent. Food will also be available, including a chili cook-off and bloody Mary competition 308.284.4066.

—ogallalaindiansummerrendezvous.com

APPLE JACK FES TIVA L Sept. 18-20

various locations, Nebraska City. To kick off the apple harvest, this historic festival—with a turnout of 60,000 to 80,000 people—consists of apple pie, apple cider, caramel apples, and all other things apple. The weekend has over six craft fairs, a car show, live music, and has been named a USA Today Top 10 Fall Harvest Festival. 402.873.6654.

—gonebraskacity.com

SEPT.

19

HARVES T FES TIVA L Sept. 17-20 in Gothenburg. The three-day event is the town’s 105th annual festival, full of ar ts and crafts as well as a large parade. 308 .537.3505 .

—gothenburgdelivers.com

LINCOLN ART S FES TIVA L WEEK END Sept. 21-22 in downtown

Lincoln. Moving to downtown Lincoln for its 20th year, this festival will feature artists from across the country.

The event offers activities such as the Creative Zone, as well as live music from Lincoln’s largest music festival, Lincoln Calling. 402. 434 .2787.

—artscene.org

WA K EFIELD BA LLOONS DAYS Sept.

25-26 in Wakefield. For the 16th year, Wakefield will host hot air pilots, a Legion steak feed, and the BBQ Bash.

The event will also offer a color run, omelet feed, craft and food vendors, a classic rock and countr y band, and more. 402 .287.2080.

—visitdixoncounty.org PUMPKIN PATCH AND VINTAGE M ARK E TPL ACE Sept. 19-Oct. 31, Bloom

Where You’re Planted Farm, Avoca. The pumpkin patch season calls for a visit to the Avoca farm. Locally grown pumpkins of all shapes and colors are for sale, and guests can find activities such as hay rides on the farm. 402.267.4104.

—bloompumpkinpatch.com

// EXPLORE CALENDAR //

SEPTEMBER 2020

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// EXPLORE CALENDAR //

IOWA

ARTAPA LOOZ A Sept. 12 at Cedar

Falls Community Main Street, Cedar Falls. Children and adults can participate in hands-on art activities, and view work from over 40 participating artists.

319.277.0213.

—communitymainstreet.org

WORLD FOOD & MUSIC FES TIVA L Sept. 18-20 in downtown

K ANSAS

DANCEFES TOPIA Sept. 10-13 at Emerald City, La Cygne. These four days pair a w ild dance par t y w ith outdoor activ ities . This year features per for mers Freddy Todd , Blanke, Paz , and many more. 87 7.9 87.6 4 87.

— dancefestopia .com

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SEPTEMBER 2020

L AURIE HILLBILLY FAIR Sept. 11-12 at 269 Fairgrounds Drive, Laurie. Craf ts , food , music, and car nival r ides make for an enjoyable weekend in Laur ie.

573 .374 . 87 76 .

— cit yof laur ie.com S TATE OF THE OZ ARK FES TIVA L Sept.

12 at Historic Downing Street, Hollister. A var iet y of activ ities are offered at this festival, including dancing, shopping, yoga sessions , street actors , and craf ts . 417.335 .1371 .

— explorebranson .com

17-19 in downtown Branson. This free event features live music, homemade craf ts , and a sidewalk sale.

417.33 4 .15 4 8 .

— explorebranson .com

HARVES T HOOTENANNY Sept. 18-19 at Mark Twain Cave, Hannibal. Featur ing many activ ities for kids and adults , the t wo-day event celebrates the tow n’s histor y and scener y. Pony r ides , pumpkin painting, and wall climbing are just some of the activ ities offered . 573 . 221 . 2 47 7.

—v isithannibal.com

SEPT.

25-27

FA LL FES TIVA L OF ART S AND CR AF T S Sept. 25-27 at Main

BLUEGR AS S BAT T LES HUNGER Sept. 25-26 at

Coleman Hawkins Park, St. Joseph. Proceeds from this concer t go toward suppor ting hunger relief effor ts through Second Har vest Communit y Food Bank . Guests can look for ward to food-tr uck cuisine and vendor wares .

Email info@bluegrassbattleshunger. com for more infor mation .

—bluegrassbattleshunger.com

25-26

ANNUA L AUTUMN DA ZE ART S, CR AF T S, AND MUSIC FES TIVA L Sept.

at Kansas State Fairgrounds, Hutchinson. In the spir it of tradition , the K ansas State Fair w ill host special edition livestock shows star ting Labor Day weekend . They w ill have 4-H and FFA youth livestock competitions , plus open class livestock ex hibitions in September. 620.669 .3 60 0.

—kansasstatefair.com

2020 VIRTUA L L AFES TIVA L Sept, 1-30 at KS Avenue of Murals, Kansas City. This event prov ides an oppor tunit y for local Latino ar tists to showcase their work to the communit y. The ar tists w ill show pieces that inf luence, infor m , and celebrate Latino culture. 913 .9 40. 413 6 . — latinoar tsfoundationkc.com

SEPT.

MISSOURI

Des Moines. Named “Best Food and Beverage Program” by the International Festivals and Events Association, this weekend offers international food, live music, dancing, cooking, wine and craft beers, and an exciting atmosphere. 515 .286. 4915 .

—dsmpartnership.com

K ANSAS S TATE FAIR LIVES TOCK SHOW Sept. 3-20, weekends only

CIDERFES T Sept. 26-27 and Oct. 3-4 at the Louisburg Cider Mill, Louisburg. Activ ities such as pony r ides and donutmaking can be found at this annual fall festival. Visitors can also count on live music and a ten-acre cor n maze. 913 . 837.5202 .

—louisburgcider mill.com

Street, Washington. The histor ic tow n attracts many ar tists to sell their unique products . Live music and a food cour t also come w ith the event. 63 6 . 239 .174 3 .

—v isitmo.com

OVERL AND PARK FA LL FES TIVA L Sept. 26 at Santa Fe

Commons Park, Overland Park. This communit y-or iented celebration features high school bands , local businesses , dance troupes , and a parade through dow ntow n O verland Park . 913 .3 4 4 . 8656 .

— opkansas .org

Event times and details may change.

Visit omahamagazine.com for complete listings.

Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.

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SEPTEMBER 2020

// 143 //

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

EMOT IO NAL SUPPO RT

P

eople say that when times get tough, the tough get going.

My high school coach used to say that all the time, but then he retired mid-season.

I guess he just “got going.”

Nowadays, times are really tough, and even the tough have a tough time going anywhere, so many people have begun to use emotional support animals to help them on their way.

Now, I like dogs, and I do get a lot of emotional support from them, but I’ve had a hard time really accepting the whole “emotional support animal thing.” I try to be empathic, but…

In 2014, a woman brought along her 80-pound “emotional support pig” on a Delta Airways flight. She got kicked off the plane when the pig, instead of being supportive became scatologically disruptive. Soon the news channels were all ridiculing the idea of pork-flavored support animals. Leaping to the defense of pigs on planes, the American Mini Pig Association joined the controversy by arguing that the woman had simply chosen the wrong breed of pig, and that there were many appropriately sized porcine companions more suitable for air travel. This surprised me, not because I didn’t know about small pigs, but because I would have never guessed that there was an American Mini Pig Association. In fact, they have an online store, and FYI, they sell T-shirts, hats, and tote bags. They do not sell mini pigs.

There was more trouble on the tarmac when a Frontier Airlines flight was greeted by police at Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport after a passenger’s “emotional support marmoset” got loose during the trip from Columbus, Ohio. Even after an exhaustive search the police and airline staff were unable to find the little primate and it apparently…you guessed it… stayed in Las Vegas. I love it when advertising slogans come true.

People even bring horses on board airplanes. Miniature horses were specifically given the green light to keep flying the friendly skies. Which makes me wonder if the owners have to bring along “emotional support” shovels and buckets.

OK, people love horses, I get that…As for goats? Not so much…“emotional support goats” had become so common that Alaska Airlines banned them from coming aboard their planes.

Common? Were people smuggling goats into Alaska? Or were goats attempting to escape?

I haven’t solved that mystery.

A Colorado State University student studying clinical/counseling psychology had an “emotional support” sugar glider. I don’t know if that’s good or not. I have no idea what a sugar glider is. It could have talons and a thirty-foot wingspan, or it could fit into your fanny pack. I don’t know.

Some people have even traveled with “emotional support” goldfish—I assume on short flights.

I have seen stories about monkeys as support animals, though vets advise against this. One article on Yahoo! read, ”As non-domesticated animals, monkeys may be nice as babies but once they reach maturity, they usually become aggressive and very difficult to keep. They also have a tendency to bite, scratch, and throw feces.” That certainly, is not emotionally supportive behavior, at least not when traveling. And, please, don’t get me started about “emotional support tarantulas.”

I know, I sound cynical, but after examining the entire concept, I have finally come around. I now have my own “emotional support,” though it’s not an animal. I find great comfort, and stability in my choice. I look forward to years of stability…Yes, I now have an “Emotional Support Athlete.” He is really good. My team will always win. And I will be OK. Yes, my mental health, in fact the sanity of this senior citizen, rests entirely on a 24-year-old kid from Texas.

Much better than a sugar glider or a marmoset, my emotional support athlete: Patrick Mahomes. I’d take him on an airplane, but he’s already in first class.

Editor’s Note: A sugar glider is a nocturnal gliding possum with a taste for sweet foods.

Otis Twelve hosts the radio program Early Morning Classics with Otis Twelve on 90.7 KVNO, weekday mornings from 6-10 a.m. Visit kvno.org for more information.

SEPTEMBER

// 144 //

2020

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