Omaha Star, Vol 85 Issue 3, January 20, 2023, Omaha, Nebraska by The Omaha Star

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Nebraska’s Only Black Owned Newspaper Vol. 85 - No. 3 Omaha, Nebraska

Friday, January 20, 2023

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FAMILY OF THE WEEK: The Farmers

Omaha 100, a nonprofit organization helping underserved Black, Indigenous and people of color access resources for homeownership and business development, has been selected as one of two entities to help administer $32 million in financing for small business loans in Nebraska as part of the federal State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). “We are honored to be selected to help minority small business owners who have previously lacked access to loans that could help sustain their business growth and grow our local economy. These funds are often the only thing standing between a dream and reality for so many underserved small business owners in the Omaha metropolitan area,” said Malinda Williams, President & CEO of Omaha 100 CDFI. Williams says Black, Hispanic and other minority populations still frequently encounter barriers to securing loans for homes and businesses. For example, according to The Kauffman Foundation’s Capital Access Report, Black entrepreneurs are three times less likely to have their loan requests approved than white entrepreneurs.

Farmer Family Pictured from left to right: John Jr., Jordan, John III (Tre), Monique, Aaliyah and John’s Grandmother Theresa. Congratulations to The Farmer Family! John Farmer, III, a graduate of the Omaha North High Class of 2020, successfully completed Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas Jan. 12. Farmer’s next step is to attend technical school at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he will learn the skills necessary to excel in his chosen career field. After completing technical school, John will return to Omaha to finish his bachelor’s degree at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. On behalf of the Omaha community, we extend our sincerest congratulations and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. Thank you for your service!

“Omaha 100 was formed more than 30 years ago to help build equality and equity in homeownership throughout our community. We have forged many positive relationships with nonprofit and financial partners to help thousands of first-time homebuyers achieve their dream of owning a home. Omaha 100 is eager to bring these relationships into the equation to help build more equality in small business lending as well.” The SSBCI funding allocated to Nebraska totals $64 million, with $32 million for business loan programs administered by Omaha 100 and the Nebraska Enterprise Fund, and $32 million for venture capital investments administered by the Invest Nebraska Corporation over the next 3 years. The funding will help business owners like Christi Ballard, owner of Status, a pre-loved luxury handbags and accessories boutique in Omaha. The store also houses products from other local

Publisher’s Pen Terri D. Sanders

entrepreneurs, including TelleResa, two sisters who make hand-poured soy wax candles, 86 West (https://www.facebook.com/official86west/), an oil-based fragrance company and Heriter Gems (https://www.heritergems.com/), a jewelry company. For Ballard, her dream of becoming a business owner has been met by numerous hurdles to capitalize and grow, leaving her to bootstrap the majority of the venture using personal savings and credit from the time she opened her store through present day. With a proof of concept that is profitable and positioned to grow, Ballard said a simple access to capital solution is beyond due for business owners of color. “I know firsthand how better access and equity in loan and investment funding is pivotal to the success of your business. Not to mention, more diverse businesses help the whole community to grow and establish more wealth equity for future generations. Omaha 100 has broken so many barriers for people, but we still have work to do,” said Ballard. Omaha 100 encourages Omaha and Council Bluffs small business owners seeking loan funding to contact them by phone at (402) 342-3773 to learn more about their business lending program and other resources. About Omaha 100 Omaha 100 (http://www.omaha100.org/) is a nonprofit community development financial institution (CDFI) based in Omaha, Neb., expanding financial equity and inclusion for people in the community seeking to achieve the “American Dream.” Omaha 100 helps make owning a home or starting a business accessible to all through financial advocacy and education, with four main lines of financialbased support—mortgage lending, debt consolidation loans, business lending and real estate development. Founded more than 30 years ago with a primary goal of building equity in homeownership, Omaha 100 has helped thousands upon thousands of low and moderate-income families secure homeownership opportunities, many of whom have been firsttime, first-generation homebuyers. •

Covid and variations of this deadly virus continues to haunt the WORLD. Some have had a second round of COVID. Some have what is called “long-haulers”. Which means that there are lingering symptoms of this nasty virus. I pray that we all remain WELL. Here at the Omaha Star we continue to join the world in keeping up with communicating effectively in the community. Be on the lookout for a new and improved website with the ability to share breaking news. If you are not a member of the Omaha Star Network, do join us. There is not another publication that publishes the information that is shared by the Omaha Star. WE have been doing it for the last 85 years! We are looking for families to be the family of the week. We are looking for community events to share. When Mildred Brown started on the journey to publish the good news of our community Omaha was a socially vibrant community. I do not believe that in 2023 we are any less vibrant, but our community activities are spread throughout the city. Help a sister out and share your good news. Call our office at 402-346-4041 or email: publisher@omahastarinc.com. •

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Terri D. Sanders - publisher@omahastarinc.com Business Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association Mildred D. Brown: Founder, July 9, 1938 Dr. Marguerita L. Washington: Publisher, 1989 - 2016 Phyllis Hicks: Publisher/Managing Editor, 2016 - 2019 Terri D. Sanders, Publisher Beryl Barnes: Administrator Calvin Lacy: Retail Distributor THE OMAHA STAR believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonism when it accords every man, regardless of race, color or creed, his human and legal rights. Hating no man, fearing no man in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as one is held back.

DISCLAIMER The United States provides opportunities for free expression of ideas. The Omaha Star has its views, but others may differ. Therefore the Omaha Star ownership reserves the right to publish views and opinions by syndicated and local columnists, professional writers and other writers whose opinions are solely their own. Those views do not necessarily reflect the policies and position of the staff and management of the Omaha Star newspaper. Readers are encouraged to email letters to the editor commenting on current events as well as what they would like to see included in the paper. Those emails should be sent to: publisher@omahastarinc.com and must include the writer’s name, address, email address and telephone number. The ownership has editorial rights and does not guarantee that all submissions will be published. Please be advised that the Omaha Star ownership does not employ staff writers who charge for preparing and submitting articles for the general public. Should you encounter such, please advise Terri D. Sanders at 402-346-4041.

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LOCAL NEWS Black Voter Summit

January 20, 2023

By Asia Nared

On February 4, 2023, the Black Political Summit will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Venue at the Highlander. This event was inspired by the voting rates in the North Omaha community. Also known as the “Voting Summit,” this event’s overall goal is to increase voting literacy and show how each vote matters in the voting system. This event will teach the community the different levels of voting and the amount of times voting occurs over the four year process after selecting a president. “We are going to try to get as much of our community in one room,” shares Preston Love Jr. “We want the people who live, work,

and are friends of ours in North Omaha. Our elected officials, churches, and our young people in one room] all together.” Karen Davis, Pastor Michael Williams, Krystal Fox, and Preston Love Jr. are all hosts for this event. The special guests include the co-founder of Black Votes Matter, Cliff Albright, and the 2022 Iowa candidate for Governor, Deidre DeJear. “This problem is unique to North Omaha and is also unique to several other black communities.” Stacey Abrams and their impact on Georgia’s voting system is an influence for this summit.

“We have not voted like we should and we are getting worse instead of better,” shared Love Jr. “In the recent 2022 election, the county voted at 54% and the North Omaha community voted at 44%, that is a 10% negative gap.” An overview of information will be handed out in a workshop handbook filled with statics and voter language definitions. “After working in voter participation for over 40 years, it is my observation and study that we are about to reap a period where the black vote in this area is going to quickly become irrelevant and we will lose the leverage of a solid voting block.” This is not something to

be taken lightly. When the state government and the running officials do not try to “get your vote,” it means that they will also not cater to the policies needed to keep our community thriving. We will be ignored. “The summit that I have called is to put a stake into the ground to stop, understand, fix the problem, move forward, and become what we should be.” This event will take place at The Venue at the Highlander, 2120 N 30th St Omaha, NE 68111. For more information and to register for the event, please go to https://bit.ly/BPS2023 and please remember that letter case matters when typing this link. •

Nebraska Department of Economic Development Awards $40 million for Affordable Housing in Omaha and Lincoln QCTs SPONSORED BY NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DED recently awarded $40 million in grants for affordable housing in Omaha and Lincoln through the QCT Affordable Housing Program. In total, 1,255 housing units will be created or preserved through the grants, 1,023 of which will be income restricted. The projects serve a variety of housing needs and populations within Qualified Census Tracts in both communities. In Lincoln, one of the fourteen selected projects features an innovative net-zero energy design, with housing units targeted at entrepreneurs, artists, and refugees who were impacted by the negative economic effects of the coronavirus public health emergency. The project features housing units in tandem with

an on-site entrepreneurship platform to foster microbusiness. Hoppe & Son, LLC, the developer, hopes the project will serve as a prototype for a new affordable housing typology that can be replicated throughout the Lincoln community and beyond. Another selected project in Lincoln provides permanent homes to chronically homeless individuals. The City of Lincoln is leveraging their HOME-ARP allocation from HUD to construct 24 dedicated

units with onsite supportive services to ensure residents have all the resources they need to successfully remain housed. In Omaha, Habitat for Humanity received funding for a portion of their 85-unit Bluestem development. Situated in North Omaha, the project will transform the former site of the Wintergreen Apartments, bringing together families of various income levels and 20 single-story “empty-nester” houses set aside for seniors.

In downtown Omaha, Youth Emergency Services received a grant to support a project to house homeless youth. The project’s location near transit lines and jobs will connect youth to employment opportunities, and onsite case management services will position residents for success. Each of the 25 awarded projects in Lincoln and Omaha will utilize local contractors and small businesses from within the QCTs, amplifying the economic impact of the grant funds. A full list of organizations receiving awards can be found at https:// opportunity.nebraska. gov/news •

Nebraska Methodist College Displays Black Studies Exhibit Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) is displaying the “Charting our Path: 50 Years of Black Studies (19712021)” exhibit on campus in January and February. The four-panel traveling exhibit from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Libraries’ Archives and Special Collections shares the history of one of the oldest Black Studies departments in the country. A collaboration between UNO Libraries and the UNO Department of Black Studies, the exhibit celebrates the 50th anniversary of UNO’s Black Studies Department. “As taught in our Educated Citizen curriculum, our students have a civic responsibility to understand the human experience for our Black community,” said Kiley Petersmith, director of the Center for Diversity and Community Engagement. “At NMC, we have a professional responsibility to teach future health professionals the importance of inclusive and holistic care. We hope students can use this exhibit as one of many ways to learn more about the history of Black culture and how that has shaped the culture of today.” The exhibit highlights important moments in the department’s history, including its origins, institutional conflict and triumphs of a thriving department. Through archival materials such as newspaper clippings, department documents and photographs, the exhibit chronicles the department’s struggle for survival and lasting support of Omaha’s Black community. The exhibit, which is open to the public, is located in NMC’s Clark Center dining area through Feb. 28. NMC’s Center for Diversity and Community Engagement (CDCE) brought the exhibit to campus as part of its effort to prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion. “This exhibit plays a vital role in our goal of creating a more inclusive campus,” said Allison Kinney-Walker, associate professor and chair of NMC’s Social Justice

and Inclusion Council. “Our students, faculty and staff are part of the Omaha community, and many share some of the same lived experiences that are represented in the exhibit. Hosting the exhibit is an opportunity for us to make all of the members of our community more visible, and for us to grow and learn together.” The CDCE works to create an inclusive environment where the NMC community can build a culture of belonging and engagement reflective of the greater population it serves. The Center coordinates meaningful and mutually beneficial community engagement experiences to address campus diversity and population needs, create positive social change towards equitable health and cultivate active citizen leaders. “Belonging builds community. When our students, faculty and staff can see themselves in our community, we are all better positioned to support and uplift one another,” Petersmith said. “Black history is important for our future health professionals to be aware of. Especially how it has shaped health disparities and how we can use the history, stories and lived experiences of past generations to do better in advancing health equity for current and future generations.” The exhibit is part of UNO Libraries’ traveling exhibits and panels funded, in part, by Humanities Nebraska and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment. UNO lends the exhibit to schools, libraries, archives, museums and other venues. •

LOCAL NEWS REACH Wearing Masks Forever?

January 20, 2023

THE OMAHA STAR

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Racial and ethical approaches to community health (REACH) is a periodic column focused on reducing health disparities in the African American community. It includes topics submitted by Creighton University Health Sciences Multicultural and Community Affairs (HS-MACA) department. By Richard L. Brown, Ph.D., FACHE In December, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that it was shortening the recommended isolation period for those with covid-19 to five days. Getting exposed to the virus no longer meant that people needed to quarantine, as long as they were fully vaccinated and wore a mask. It was a sign of relief for many, but it occurred just as the Omicron variant was surging. Mindy Thompson Fullilove, a professor of Urban Policy and Health at the New School, was livid, as was I. In an article by Emma Green, a staff writer at the New Yorker, wrote about a little heard of group called The Peoples C.D.C. Fullilove, who is Black, has spent her career studying epidemics: first aids, then crack, then multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. She has seen how disease can ravage cities, especially in Black and working-class communities. From the beginning, Fullilove was skeptical of how the federal government handled the coronavirus pandemic. But these new recommendations from the C.D.C., she said, were “flying in the face of the science.” Bottom of Form Fullilove is a founding member of the People’s C.D.C.: a ragtag coalition of academics, doctors, activists, and artists who believe that the government has left them to fend for themselves against covid-19. As governments, schools, and businesses have scaled back their covid precautions, the members of the People’s C.D.C. have made it their mission to distribute information about the pandemic—what they see

as real information, as opposed to what’s circulated by the actual C.D.C. They believe the C.D.C.’s data and guidelines have been distorted by powerful forces with vested interests in keeping people at work and keeping anxieties about the pandemic down. “The public has a right to a sound reading of the data that’s not influenced by politics and big business,” Fullilove said. The organization has nearly twenty thousand followers on Instagram, and it prides itself as a resource for various groups, including people who are immunocompromised and want to find a way to protect themselves and activists who are trying to lobby their local government for more covid restrictions. Their goal is to provide the public with an alternative source of information. Gonsalves, a Yale epidemiologist and activist, maintains that many believe that we must get back to normal. “Normal for whom, and who’s getting left behind? I think that’s where the People’s C.D.C. and others are trying to stake a claim and trying valiantly to make an impact.” The White House has relaxed covid policies, even as more than three hundred people, on average, die from the virus each day, Gonsalves said. “There’s a struggle going on right now for the soul of public health.” The People’s C.D.C. believes that the C.D.C. downplays the risk of long covid, a post-viral syndrome that can follow the initial infection. They report that getting covid more than once increases your risk of death and hospitalization, and of developing chronic conditions affecting your lungs, heart, brain, and other organs. No amount of covid is safe, and no number of shots can protect you: “We want to say plainly that you can have a mild infection and still get Long COVID,” the organization wrote, in a Weather Report in June. “Vaccinated people can also get Long COVID.” They frequently cite the figure that one in five cases may

lead to long-covid symptoms, based on a C.D.C. study. All of this is an argument against treating covid like any other inevitable seasonal yuck, the People’s C.D.C. argues—instead, we should think about it as a “massdisabling event.” The People’s C.D.C. strongly supports mask mandates, and they have called on federal, state, and local governments to put them back in place. We know that wearing face masks work against spreading disease. The group has noted that resistance to masks is most common among white people: Lucky Tran, who organizes the coalition’s media team, recently tweeted a YouGov survey supporting this, and wrote that “a lot of anti-mask sentiment is deeply embedded in white supremacy.” The first goal at the beginning of the pandemic was to get as close as possible to zero covid deaths. The second goal was to eradicate and eliminate the virus. Now, we know that this is an unrealistic goal given the influence of U.S. politics, big business, vaccine deniers, racism and miss information. The pandemic has exposed the flaws in our health-care system and have failed America and people individually. Whether we acknowledge it or not, we are all dependent on each other for our health. Both the pandemic and the damage to the earth’s environment has clearly proven this fact. In much of America, the pandemic has seemed over for a long time. In red states, politicians have consistently downplayed the pandemic. America is heading into its third covid winter, this time paired with high rates of flu and other respiratory illnesses. So, will we wear face masks forever? Perhaps “Stay Active, Healthy, and Wealthy” •

Retirement Plans and Rollover Choices By Michael Green

If you’re planning to change employers or retire now or in the near future, you have several choices with your 401(k) or 403(b) plan account. If you’re going to a new job, you can roll it into your new employer’s plan if that is allowed (and most do), you can leave it with your old employer. Another choice is to roll it into your own individual retirement account or IRA. Taking a cash payout is the last thing you want to do; you may have a big tax bill along with penalties if you’re under 59 ½. With an IRA you will normally have many more investment choices than you will have in a company sponsored retirement plan. Most 401(k) and 403(b) generally don’t allow trading strategies such as options and that one may

use to manage your risk and returns. Trading may be limited in your company plan but not in and IRA. There are some investments that aren’t available in company plans but are in IRA accounts.

over how to accept the payout and therefore they may incur significant taxes. With an IRA, they’ll be able to use a beneficiary IRA to manage how to take distributions within regulations.

After you leave your employer, you probably won’t have the services and information available to when you were employed. If you use the services of an independent advisor, you’ll be able to communicate with her/him for advice and service much easier.

Another consideration in favor of 401(k) and 403(b) plans is the level of contributions you can make. For 2021the max contribution is $19,500, plus another $6,500 if you’re over age 50 for a total of $26,000. When you combine this with a company match, savings can be significant.

You may get a cost saving using an IRA. Investments inside a company plan are more costly than what you can get independently. Though some plans are beginning to use offering like ETFs, generally they use higher costs mutual funds and have other administrative costs. While your IRA will have costs, you have much more control over all of the choices with investments costs and strategies. You have advantages when estate planning with an IRA also. With a company plan your heirs have no control

When thinking about what choice to make when changing employers, consider both the new and the old employer plans, choices and benefits, costs, and most of all your needs and control. You can roll over your old plan assets into an IRA and contribute to the new employer plan and have the best of both. “You’ve worked hard for your money, make it work for you.” •

Omaha Star 2023 Publishing Dates Information due the week before publication date on Friday by 4PM Send articles / information to: publisher@omahastarinc.com

FEBRUARY 7-12, 2023 • ORPHEUM THEATER Get tickets at TicketOmaha.com

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THE OMAHA STAR

January 20, 2023

2023 Nebraska Business Hall of Fame 2023 Hall of Fame Banquet presented by The Nebraska Chamber is February 2, 2023, at The Lincoln Cornhusker Marriott, 333 South 13th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska. 5:30PM Social Hour; 6:30PM Banquet

HONOREES Mildred D. Brown was the owner, publisher and editor of the Omaha Star, the nation’s longest-operating blackowned newspaper run by a woman. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Mildred attended Miles Memorial Teachers College and taught grade school. She married Dr. S. Edward Gilbert and the couple moved to Chicago, Des Moines and then to Sioux City, Iowa. It was in Sioux City that Mildred began her career in journalism when she founded the Silent Messenger. In 1937, the couple moved to Omaha and Mrs. Brown was hired to sell advertising for the Omaha Guide. After 18 months, she started her own newspaper and adopted the motto: “Dedicated to the service of the people that no good cause shall lack a champion and that evil shall not go unopposed.” Dr. Gilbert and Mildred were divorced in 1943. Mrs. Brown continued to steer the Omaha Star through racial segregation, the civil rights movement in the 1960s and racial unrest in Omaha in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. She provided the community with news and commentary for more than 50 years. For decades, Mrs. Brown – who always wore a fresh corsage – ran the paper from the historic Omaha Star building in the Near North Side neighborhood. Today, the Omaha Star is the only remaining African American newspaper in Omaha and the only one still printed in Nebraska. The Star featured positive news about the black community, celebrating family stories, role models and accomplishments. The Star won national respect by reporting the community’s perspectives on local and national news. Readers were encouraged to vote and run for office. As publisher, Brown used pressure to persuade advertisers to accept blacks in more positions. Her coverage of civil rights and riots in the 1960s earned her commendations from President Lyndon Johnson. Mildred Brown died in 1989. Her niece, Dr. Marguerita Washington took over leadership until her own death in 2016. In 2019, the newspaper assets were purchased by the Mildred D. Brown Memorial Study Center. The paper continues today as a biweekly print and digital subscription publication with a circulation of approximately 30,000 and is distributed to 48 states. Jim Clifton is the chairman of Gallup, a global analytics and advice firm. Mr. Clifton served as the organization’s CEO from 1988 until 2022. Under his leadership as CEO, Gallup expanded from a predominantly U.S.based company to a worldwide organization with 30 offices in 20 countries and regions. Mr. Clifton is the creator of The Gallup Path, a metricbased economic model that establishes the linkages among human nature in the workplace, customer engagement and business outcomes. This model is used in performance management systems in more than 500 companies worldwide. Another of his innovations, the Gallup World Poll, gives the world’s 7 billion citizens a voice on virtually all key global issues. In June 2015, the Clifton Foundation and Gallup announced a $30 million gift to the University of Nebraska to establish the Don Clifton Strengths Institute. The gift supports the early identification and accelerated development of thousands of gifted entrepreneurs and future business builders. Mr. Clifton is the author of Wall Street Journal bestseller Wellbeing at Work, released in 2021, a book that explores how to build resilient and thriving teams in organizations. He is also author of the No. 1 Wall Street Journal bestseller It’s the Manager, the bestseller Born to Build, and The Coming Jobs War, as well as many articles on global leadership. His blog appears regularly in the Influencer section of LinkedIn and on Gallup.com’s Chairman’s Blog. Mr. Clifton serves on several boards, including the U.S. Council on Competitiveness, is Chairman Emeritus of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and Chairman of the Dr. N. Joyce Payne Center for Social Justice. He has received honorary degrees from Medgar Evers, Jackson State and Bellevue Universities. He is also a Distinguished Visiting Professor at UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University. Mr. Clifton lives and works in Washington, D.C.

Jane Miller is the retired president and chief operating officer of Gallup. In her role, she oversaw worldwide operations, ensuring all systems, resources and – most importantly – people were in place and aligned to achieve the goals of the organization across all client servicing and market direct functions. Jane is committed to creating strong communities that begin with strong businesses and workplaces. Her community leadership includes the following director and trustee roles: the Peter Kiewit Foundation, the TeamMates Mentoring board of directors, the Kiewit Luminarium board of directors, the Omaha Zoological Society, the Board of Directors Nebraska Medicine and the University of Nebraska Foundation. Jane is the recipient of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce Women in Leadership Award and has been inducted into the Omaha Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame. Past community leadership positions have included the following roles: Commercial Federal Bank board of directors and compensation chair, Creighton University board of directors, Children’s Hospital board of directors and board vice-chair, Business Ethics Alliance board of directors and board chair, and the Knights of Aksarben board of directors and board chair. Ralph Holzfaster was born in North Platte in 1930. He received his private pilot’s license and driver’s license on the same day at the age of 16. After graduation from Paxton High School, he attended Regis University in Denver, Colorado before entering the service as an Air Force pilot in 1951. He served in the Air Force until 1954 during the Korean War and later was appointed as a Missile Launch Officer at Cape Canaveral, Florida. He returned home in 1956 to the homestead eleven miles south of Paxton which was established by his parents, Frank and Clara Holzfaster. In a matter of months, he met a Paxton school teacher, Beverly Long. They married in 1959 and had five children, Timothy, Patrick, Francis Jon, Michael and Amy. Ralph’s early ag career included a seven-year stint of custom harvesting throughout the Midwest and proving new stubble mulch practices on dry land wheat. This led to farming with Morrison-Quirk in British Columbia, Canada. In 1969, Ralph embraced the center pivot irrigation technology with a successful Lindsay Manufacturing dealership in Ogallala, NE. His commitment to agriculture, economic development and the promotion of ethanol, included an appointment to serve on the Nebraska Ethanol Authority & Development Board, liaison member to the Omaha Chamber Ag Committee and elected board member for the Nebraska Public Power District from 1980-2004. He served on the Keith County Economic Development Board and foundation, board member for Mid Plains Community College Foundation, and was a trustee for the Nature Conservancy and the Platte River Advisory Committee. Ralph currently serves on the board of the Mid America Bio Energy Corporation and MAAP Wheatland Ethanol LLC. He also worked with Natural Fibers Corporation to promote alternative crop production. In 2013, Ralph, Beverly and family co-hosted the Cattleman’s Ball charity event to raise funds to support the UNMC/Eppley Cancer Center. Their children continue the family’s commitment to agriculture and economic development through housing development and tourism in Paxton with Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse & Lounge, managing the center pivot operation in Ogallala and serving on the Dry Bean Commission, Nebraska Corn Board and the National Corn Growers while supporting the farming operations. Ralph has received numerous awards including the Aksarben Court of Honor, Nebraska Land Foundation’s Wagon Master Award and the UNL College of Business Alumni Association Business Leadership Award. Anthony “Tony” Messineo is a graduate of Pius X High School and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in Business Administration. In 1963 he married his wife, Carmen. Together they raised three children, Debbie, Michael and Anthony. They are the proud grandparents of seven grandchildren.

Tony’s career began as General Manager of his uncle’s restaurant – Tony & Luigi’s. In 1971, he was approached by Val and Zena Weiler about purchasing a pizza business that they had started near UNL’s East Campus. Tony and his brother Ron trained with them and in 1972 purchased Valentino’s. A year later, Tony’s cousin Mike Alesio joined the partnership. The original Valentino’s location only seated sixty, but the take-out pizza business boomed. They soon opened a second location at 70th and Van Dorn. The first franchise store opened in 1976 and a new location in Omaha opened in 1978. In the mid-80’s, Valentino’s introduced buffet dining and entered into more franchise agreements to expand the concept. Next came carryout and delivery, express lunch and family value packs. In 1994 Valentino’s entered into an agreement with UNL to be the official pizza of the Huskers where they now sell over 22,000 pizza slices during a single game. Premier Catering offers catering service in the skyboxes. Valentino’s currently employs more than 500 people at 40 locations across the state. They ship frozen pizza nationally and internationally and offer bottled sauces and frozen pizza in grocery stores across the state. Tony is an active philanthropist contributing his time and talents to charities including Cedar’s Home for Children, Catholic Social Services, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Lincoln Public Schools’ High Five program, TeamMates, Rotary International and more. He has served on the Wesleyan Board of Governors, Malone Center board and Nebraska Restaurant Association. He was Vice President of the Lincoln/ Lancaster County Board of Health and Chaired the Pius X Endowment Drive. He has been named Restauranteur of the Year (twice), Rotarian of the Year, and Nebraskan of the Year by Rotary International. He has also been recognized with the Benemerenti Award from Pope Benedict XVI and the Board of Health-Regional Directors Award, in addition to being inducted into the Omaha Hospitality Hall of Fame. Wilfred H. “Dick” Tegtmeier was born in 1938 in Odell, Nebraska, and graduated from Hollenberg High School in Hollenberg, Kansas. He moved to Beatrice in 1961. Dick was a pioneer in the lawn mower industry, turning sketches drawn in his basement into two successful businesses. Because of his entrepreneurship, Beatrice became known as the unofficial “Lawnmower Capital of the World”, employing more than 600 Nebraskans in three separate manufacturing facilities. He started working with Kees Manufacturing in Beatrice in the 1970’s, where he designed a line of lawn mowers. He left Kees in 1983 and, along with partners, started Exmark Manufacturing. Exmark began with sketches in the founder’s homes before a prototype was made and displayed at trade shows. Exmark became one of the first businesses to locate in Beatrice’s Industrial Park. Known for making bold business decisions, Dick left Exmark in 1988 when he formed a new mower company, Encore Manufacturing. The Beatrice Daily Sun quoted Dick Tegtmeier saying, “When we started Exmark, people said, ‘You’re crazy’. When we started Encore, they said, ‘you have to be a complete idiot.’” At the time that Dick made that comment, Encore’s business had grown 640% since its first year, and the building needed expansion in 1993. Encore employed 42 people at its peak, but after 23 years, a harsh economy took its toll on the business. Dick sold Encore Manufacturing to the China-based World Lawn Power Equipment, on the condition that the factory continue operating in Beatrice. Exmark is now a division of the Toro Company and continues to serve as a strong driver to Beatrice’s economy. Tegtmeier was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Beatrice Optimists, Gage County Economic Development and the Nebraska Diplomats. He participated in trade missions promoting Nebraska, along with elected representatives and Nebraska industry leaders. Dick was married to Rosalie. They had a son, Douglas, and daughter, Julie. Tegtmeier died in 2013 in Beatrice. •

January 20, 2023

Grand Opening with Dr. V

OUT AND ABOUT

THE OMAHA STAR

Senator Justin Wayne

Florist Grand Opening

MLK MCC Honorees

Poetry by Jewell Rodgers

President Randy Schmailzl and Mrs. Patricia Brown

President Randy Schmailzl and Racquel Henderson

Willie Hamilton and Sentor McKinney

Celeste Butler and President Randy Schmailzl

Page Five

Page Six

NEWS YOU CAN USE

THE OMAHA STAR

January 20, 2023

CITY OF OMAHA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING and PUBLIC COMMENT HOME-ARP Substantial Amendment & Section 108 Funding Application On Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 5:30 pm, the Planning Department will conduct a Public Hearing. The purpose of this hearing is to obtain the views of citizens, public agencies, and other interested parties on a substantial amendment to the 2021 Annual Action Plan, to include the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan, as well as the City of Omaha’s funding application to the Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program. The meeting will consist of a presentation about both topics followed by time to ask questions and provide comments. The meeting will be held at the South Omaha Library, located at 2808 Q Street, in meeting room A. A virtual meeting will also be offered on February 9, 2023, at 10:00 am. Please register for the virtual meeting at bit.ly/feb9pubmeeting. The virtual meeting will also be offered through Facebook Live and posted on youtube.com/@omahaplanningdeptCD after the meeting. The HOME-ARP Allocation Plan describes the selected activities for utilizing $8,186,068 in HOME-ARP funds, including the development or rehabilitation of new housing units, supportive services, and the development of noncongregate shelter. These funds are intended to provide assistance primarily to individuals and families exiting homelessness. The Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program provides communities with a source of low-cost, long-term financing for economic and community development projects. The City of Omaha plans to use Section 108 program as an affordable housing loan poll to support the development and preservation of affordable housing located within its Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Areas (NRSAs). Relevant documents are available at the Planning Department Website at: https://planninghcd.cityofomaha.org/2019-2023-consolidated-planningmaterials The meeting will provide interpretation services in Spanish and American Sign Language. Individuals requiring alternative accommodations, please contact Grant Daily at the City of Omaha Planning Department, 402-444-5150 ext. 2012, prior to Monday, January 16, 2023. The Omaha Planning Department will receive comments about the information presented at the meeting from January 25, 2023 until February 24, 2023. Comments should be sent to hcdcomments@cityofomaha.org or by mail: City of Omaha Planning Department ℅ Grant Daily Omaha/Douglas Civic Center 1819 Farnam Street, Room 1111 Omaha, Nebraska 68183

The Lit Family (Lit meaning Literacy) By D. M. Whitaker

Author | Speaker | Owner, Water Rocks Publishing, LLC I have always been an avid reader. As a child, reading was one of my favorite activities. From The Babysitters Club to the Goosebumps series, I read constantly and with pure joy! As I got older that love for reading only grew. So when I got the opportunity to become a reading teacher and share my love for reading, I was overjoyed! I filled my classroom with tons of books. But to my sur-

prise, my middle schoolers weren’t as happy about reading as I was. That was until I started pulling books out of my shelves and displaying them so my students could see the covers. Or finding a book on my shelf that I thought a student may like and sitting it on their desk before class started. Or leaving a couple of fun ones I found perusing the shelves and laying them

in the reading corner for my students to check out during their reading time. It was then that I realized that any kid can love to read! As long as they find the right book that sparks their interest. As parents and caregivers, it’s our responsibility to make that happen in the most unique and intentional way possible. For your children who are good and great readers,

it’s finding books that are about topics that peak their interest. For new readers, it’s finding audiobooks that they can listen to and following along as they learn to read. And for all readers, it’s us as parents and caregivers taking time to make reading a priority for our children. Whether that’s reading sight words on a car ride, labels in the grocery store

or books while you wait to see your doctor or for your food at a restaurant, reading is and should be done everywhere. So I challenge you to make time for reading in your household. Whether it’s 30 minutes before bed, or your child reading their favorite book to you while you cook dinner, make that time special for your family. Be consistent and intentional as you model the importance of reading

and how beneficial it is to their intelligence, imagination, and social life! Which book will you pick up with your child this week? Can you commit to 15 minutes of daily reading with your family? #WeReadOverHere Reading Challenge: Make or order a snack that’s described in a book you’re currently reading. •

Written by August Wilson Director Denise Chapman Associate Director TammyRa’

Jan. 20 – Feb. 12

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January 20, 2023

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Rev. Jacqueline Ford, Pastor 2842 Monroe Street Omaha, NE 68107 Off: (402) 734-3399 Email: admin@allenchapelomaha.org

Rev. Jacqueline Ford

Sunday School...........................9:00 a.m. Sunday Praise & Worship.....10:00 a.m. Thursday Bible Study..............8:00 p.m. via teleconference, dial-in number 563-999-2090 and access code 576989

THE OMAHA STAR

ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH 2423 Grant St. Omaha, NE 68111 Ph: 402-348-0631 • Fax 402-342-4451 Sunday Mass: 9:00 a.m. Reconciliation: Sunday after Mass or by appointment

3202 Evans Street Omaha, NE 68111 Ph: 402-455-0358 Fax: 402-455-0801

Pastor Albert Jonathan Wagstaff

kingsolomonbaptist@yahoo.com kingsolomonomaha.org

Sunday School......8:45 a.m. Sunday Morning......10:00 a.m. Bible Study, Tuesdays......6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Prayer Service, Wednesdays......12 noon Journey to Tomorrow, Our Next Step Judges 18:4-6

Page Seven

Rev. Michael Voithofer

ABLAZE HOUSE OF PRAYER

11501 Fairview Road, Springfield, NE 68059 Ph: 402-451-6622 • Fax 402-457-6901 Contact Ablaze: email: ablazeworshipministry@gmail.com Pastor: Rev. Michael Voithofer

SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH Fr. Dave Korth

2207 Wirt Street Omaha, NE 68110 Phone: 402-451-5755

MORNING STAR BAPTIST CHURCH BETHEL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

Rev. Dr. Lorenzo S.L. Fincher Senior Pastor 5318 South 30th Street Omaha, NE 68107 Phone: (402) 731-1840 “Large enough to serve you, Small enough to know you”

Rev. Dr. Lorenzo S.L. Fincher Senior Pastor

Sunday School .............................................. 9:30 a.m. Worship Services .............................................. 10:45 a.m. Wednesday Prayer Services ..........................................6:30 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study.....................7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Biblically Based, Family Oriented, Dynamic Fellowship

Fr. Dave Korth

2019 Burdette Street Omaha, NE 68110 Ph: 402-342-0018 Worship Service .............10:00 a.m. Sunday School .................8:45 a.m. Excluding First Sunday Tuesday Evening Service.........7:00 p.m.

Mass Schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday - 8:00 am in Rectory (2218 Binney) Thursday - School Mass 8:10 am in Church Saturday - 5:00 pm Sunday - 8:15 am and 10:30 am

Live Streaming Sunday Service-10:00am on Morning Star Baptist Church-Omaha Facebook Page

SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH

Serving God and One Another in the Spirit of Excellence Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus Senior Pastor

MOUNT CALVARY COMMUNITY CHURCH

“Jesus is the Light of the World” Bishop Kevin Chambers, Senior Pastor www.m3comaha.org 5112 Ames Avenue Omaha, NE 68104 (402) 457-4216 Church Phone (402) 453-4084 Pastor’s Office

3131 Lake Street Omaha, NE 68111 402-455-1000 www.salembc.org

Bishop Kevin Chambers

Services: Sunday School .................................................... 9:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship Experience ......... 11:00 a.m. Word On Wednesday (WOW) ........................ 7:00 p.m.

Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus

Weekly Services Sunday Morning Worship Service .....................8:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. Children’s Church (2nd & 4th Sunday) ................8:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. Life Development (Sunday School) .........................................10:15 a.m. Wednesday Word and Worship (WWW) ................................ 6:30 p.m.

TABERNACLE OF FAITH CHURCH Pastor Barbara Mitchell 2404 Fort Street, Omaha, NE 68111 402-455-1800 Church 402-455-3390 Fax

CLAIR MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

“Come Get Your Hilltop Experience” Rev. Portia A. Cavitt, Pastor 5544 Ames Avenue, Omaha, NE 68104 Telephone: 402-451-8322 Website: www.cmumc.net Email: clairumc@cumc.omhcoxmail.com Rev. Portia A. Cavitt, Pastor

Sunday School………………………8:45 a.m. Sunday Worship Experience………...10:00 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study….…….…….6:00 p.m.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Pastor Barbara Mitchell Rev. T. Michael Williams

Dr. Ralph B. Lassiter

Elder Howard Dixon

MT. MORIAH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

“Transformed People Everywhere” 2602 N. 24th St. - PO Box 11593 www.mtmoriahomaha.net Off: (402) 451-8800 Sunday Worship ..........................................10:45 a.m. Live Stream: Facebook.com/mtmoriahomaha Please call for Prayer and Transformation Group Bible Study Schedule

Rev. Morita Truman, Lead Pastor Services on Sundays at 8:30 am & 10:50 am 7020 Cass Street, Omaha, NE 68132 402.556.6262 www.fumcomaha.org First United Methodist Church is a welcoming and inclusive community, inspired to grow with and in God.

Sundays:

In Person Service 11:30 am and LIVE on Facebook

Wednesday Night LIVE on Facebook 6:30 pm Friday Night LIVE on Facebook 7:00 pm

ZION BAPTIST CHURCH Rev. Kenneth A. Allen, Pastor 2215 Grant Street Omaha, NE 68110 Ph: 402-346-1502 Fax: 402-344-2720

MT. NEBO MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH “The Church Where Fellowship is Real”

Rev. Morita Truman

Pastor Terry L. Arvie 5501 N. 50th Street Ph: 402-451-4245 Fx: 402-451-2130 office@mtneboomaha.org www.mtneboomaha.org

Pastor Kenneth A. Allen

Pastor Terry L. Arvie

Sunday Morning Worship ...................................9:00 a.m. Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting .....................7:00 p.m. Wednesday Night Church School ......................7:30 p.m. Youth/Children Ministry Focus (Wed.) ............7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY Sunday Morning Worship……………10:00 A.M. Sunday School……………………….. 9:00 A.M. WEDNESDAY 11:00 A.M. ~ Hour of Power Bible Study Wednesday is Family Night! 6:00 P.M. ~ Prayer & Praise Service 6:30 P.M. ~ Feast & Fellowship (Light Meal) 7:15 P.M. ~ Discipleship Academy (Classes for ages 5 & up)

Charles Galloway - President, Rev John Deang - Pastor, Dr John Beasley - Elder

HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH

Missouri Synod 2721 N. 30th Street 402-453-1583 Sunday School................................10:00 a.m. Church Service...............................11:00 a.m. YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME

THE WORSHIP CENTER

“Where CHRIST is Preeminent and the Word Prevails!”

North 24th Street Church of God “Presenting the Never-Changing GOD to an ever-changing World!”

Pastor Brian Page 5555 Larimore Avenue Church: 402-346-8427 www.pleasantgreenomaha.org

Dr. Stan Rone - Senior Pastor 2021 N. 24th Street Omaha, NE 68110 (402) 341-4297

Pastor Brian Page

JOY OF LIFE MINISTRIES COGIC

Wednesday: Prayer Power Hour ......................................12:00 p.m

Pastors Eric and Cynthia Butler

Thursday: Youth For Christ ............................................6:00 p.m Prayer & Bible Study ....................................6:30 p.m

6401 N. 56th Street Omaha, NE 68104 Ph: 402-399-9628 E-Mail: Jolpastor@aol.com Sunday Morning Worship.....10:00 a.m. Sunday Evening Worship.......5:00 p.m. Wednesday Academy .............7:00 p.m. Bible Study and Youth Ministries

PLEASANT GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH

Sunday: Sunday School.................................................9:00 a.m. Morning Worship..........................................10:15 a.m. Pastor Eric Butler and Co-Pastor Cynthia Butler

Televised Broadcast Sunday @ 10pm on KPAO Cox Communication channel 22 & Century Link channel 89

Dr. Stan Rone Senior Pastor

Sunday Kingdom Academy 9:00 a.m. Worship Celebration 10:15 a.m. Tuesday Prayer Hour 7:00 a.m. & 12:00 noon Wednesday Power Hour (Prayer/Bible Study) 6:30 p.m. Youth and Children 6:30 p.m. www.theworshipcenter24cog.org

BUSINESS BUSINESS CONNECTION CONNECTION

Page Eight THE OMAHA OMAHA STAR Eight THE STAR

January 20, December 16, 2023 2022

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January 20, 2023

THE CULTURE THE OMAHA STAR Biggest Fish In The Pond?

Page Nine

By HABERDASH O.N.E.

Had the honor of sitting down with Lincoln Nebraska native JeVon Woods. Jevon allowed me into his artistic sanctum and eclectic loft space where he manifests inspired thought. I was immediately transported into his very personally interpreted workshop adorned with plant life, paintings, pieces of art, a bit of seating, and even a few pair grails (rare sneakers) tucked off just in case I suppose. His personal aura fills the space and you feel chaperoned into the digs for a curated and intentional experience indeed! We “conversated” for over an hour and a half and spoke about art sparsely. Our conversation primarily consisted of speaking on all things culture from being from the birthplace of Malcom and all of its suppositions, the social economic climate of black America and America at large, our familial histories and current constructs, sports, travel, fashion, and of course art a little bit too LOL. I was am still am amazed that such an eclectic, stylish, and thorough brotha is actually from Lincoln NE and not NYC, Philly, or D.C. as I supposed…I’m still in denial lol. Not even Omaha…LINCOLN…(respectfully) LOL JeVon is “modestly” a National level talent but I’d say more than even! His art springs out of his being moved

by everyday life. What he sees, hears, thinks, feels, and witnesses at times inspires an artistic response from him that is articulated through his paints and brushes and then onto his canvases. For instance, he’s now putting finishing touches on a Kyrie Irving painting that is his version of an opinion piece inspired by the recent public headlines bearing the name of the same. JeVon has works on display in galleries and installations constantly and his works are now on display at the Loft Gallery in the East Campus Union at UNL and at the Omaha Hillmer Gallery on the main level of Walsh Hall at the end of this January 2023. It’s advisable to purchase original works and prints from JeVon now while they’re even financially accessible to most audiences because his artistic star is rising and you know what that mean$. He’s an incredible homegrown artist as skilled and talented as any. Check his art out on Instagram at @Jewoods and online at www.jevonwoods.com. Hey JeVon…proud of you Sir and congratulations and your amazing rise and success! Thank you for sharing your gift with us! •

WORD SEARCH

Page Ten

THE OMAHA STAR

YOUTH/EDUCATION NEWS

January 20, 2023

KIDS TALK ABOUT GOD BY CAREY KINSOLVING AND FRIENDS

What Can We Learn From How Jesus Treated Judas At The Last Supper? “Be a peace maker and not a mean maker,” says Kaira, 10. Words that come too quickly out of our mouths are the main way most people become “mean makers.” “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit,” (Proverbs 18:21). The words we speak can have life and death consequences. The Bible says we should be quick to hear and slow to speak (James 1:19).

Jesus was well aware of this prophecy. “Jesus was probably not mad, but sad at Judas,” says Sophia, 11. “He knew already that Judas was going to betray him, but he still let it happen.” Knowing Judas would betray him, didn’t make it easy for Jesus. The prophet Isaiah describes the Messiah as “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief,” (Isaiah 53:3).

“Jesus who is the Savior of the world, accepted Judas’ betrayal because it was God’s will,” says Anais, 12. “It was written in Scripture. Jesus acted calmly and patiently toward Judas.”

For a practical application of what we can learn from the gracious way Jesus treated his betrayer on the night before his crucifixion, we look again to Anais, 12: “When a friend is gossiping about you, you should stop and think, ‘What would Jesus do?’ He would pray for them and let God take over. God is in control of everything and his will is always best for us.”

Amazingly, the prophet Zechariah wrote in the 6th century before Christ’s birth that he would be betrayed for the price of 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12-13). Furthermore, that same price was to be paid if your ox got loose and gored your neighbor’s slave, according to the Mosaic Law (Exodus 21:32).

It’s great to ask “What would Jesus do?” but I prefer “What is Jesus doing?” The risen savior is on his heavenly throne and at the same time indwelling his people through the Holy Spirit. Jesus is far more than our example. His indwelling presence allows us to live beyond our paltry means.

Do I have the power to treat a betrayer or gossiper graciously? No. My natural impulse is to deliver a swift kick to their gossiping mouth. Jesus possesses all the grace I need to deal with a gossip, but how to I draw upon his grace? All who believe in Jesus as savior have received the gift of eternal life. Their future is secure. However, Jesus wants Christians to experience his abundant life now. Just because you’re destined to live in God’s kingdom forever doesn’t mean you’re experiencing the love, joy and peace that Jesus has for you now. One promise Jesus made is rarely ever quoted in Sunday sermons: “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world,” (John 16:33b). Think about this: This world is full of trouble. It’s reassuring to know that Jesus has overcome this world, which includes all the unfaithful people who have betrayed you. This scenario reminds me of what Winston Churchill said after his daring escape as a prisoner during the Boer War: “Nothing in

life is so exhilarating as to be shot at without result.” Memorize this truth: “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world,” (I John 4:4). Ask this question: Will you draw upon God’s grace and power to forgive those who have betrayed you? • __________________________________ Kids Talk About God is designed for families to study the Bible together. Research shows that parents who study the Bible with their children give their character, faith and spiritual life a powerful boost. To receive Kids Talk About God three times a week in a free, email subscription, visit www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org/email. COPYRIGHT 2023 CAREY KINSOLVING

Mandela Celebrates MLK Day at the Durham Museum As part of an ongoing partnership with the Durham Museum, Nelson Mandela scholars were invited to perform for the Community Free Day at the museum on Martin Luther King Day. Violin teacher, Jessica Davis, led second and fifth grade scholars through the performance. The performance featured several vocalists accompanied by their peers and the orchestra. Makhai Hill (5th grade) sang “Mr. Telephone Man” by New Edition with the orchestra. “Be Alive” by Beyoncé was performed

by Jayde Dorsey (5th grade) on vocals and Tayah Starks (5th grade) and Mrs. Davis, and second grader Za’Mirra Lewis was joined by her teacher, Ashari Johnson, to sing “Lift Me Up” by Rhianna with the orchestra. The entire ensemble also played “Boil Them Cabbage Down”, a folk song that originates from enslaved people from Africa. The day was a beautiful celebration of music and history.

a part of the events of the day, Mandela scholars also got to enjoy a free day exploring the museum with their families. The school looks forward to more events at the museum in the future.

Community members who attended the event said, “the scholars are so talented. They did such a good job!” As

Scholars are excited to perform again at the end of the month in their winter violin concert. •

Check out https://www.facebook.com/ TheDurhamMuseum for more photos from the day.

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