VOL 84 NO 3 OMAHA, NEBRASKA The Omaha Star is Nebraska's oldest Black newspaper. by The Omaha Star

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Nebraska’s Only Black Owned Newspaper Vol. 84 - No. 3 Omaha, Nebraska

Friday, February 4, 2022

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2022 National DEI Champion

Family of the Week: The Burrells

Damita Byrd

Damita Byrd, Director of Culture, Diversity & Inclusion @ BCT, has been named a 2022 “DEI Champion” by the National Diversity & Leadership Conference. The DEI Champions Award honors professionals who are passionate about creating an impact in the field of diversity and inclusion. Diversity champions continue to put DiversityFIRST™ through visionary leadership and commitment to fostering change

for ages to come. Damita will be formally recognized at the 18th annual virtual conference, which will take place later this year on April 4-7, 2022 in Houston TX.

Starting My Dream Company From left to right: Jayden, Bobby C, Maria, Bobby, Francisca, and Kashya Bobby and Maria have been in Omaha since the late 90s, married for 27 years in April and have three children together: Kashya, Bobby C and Jayden. Kashya and Jayden are in Omaha while Bobby C is in Alaska. Francisca loves to garden and is definitely looking forward to the warmer weather. Bobby and Maria love to spend movie nights together. Jayden and Kashya love driving around town looking for the best ice ceam and sweet treat spots. The Burrell’s love to spend time together at dinner’s, (competitive) game nights, and occasionally a road trip.The Burrell’s are a rowdy bunch when they’re in a room, cracking jokes, making each other smile and most of all loving each other.

Congratulations to the 2022 Class of Firefighters

All baseball players eventually face the inevitable fact that their years of commitment to the game might be coming to an end. For Curt Smith, this question arose after the COVID-19 pandemic left the Lincoln Saltdog’s 2020 baseball season in shambles. Ultimately, Curt decided that the 2021 season would be his last, and in the spirit of Curtis Smith his final season, he planned to treat himself to a new high quality customized ball glove. He was shocked to find out how expensive and unreasonable the glove market had become. Curt decided to take matters into his own hands, and Dream Glove Co. was born. Dream Glove Co. is a local sporting goods company based right here in Lincoln, that is focused on providing athletes with quality baseball gloves that won’t break the bank. However, building a brand is no small feat. Curt quickly realized the benefits of social media tools and advertising and found success by shaping his business model around Facebook and Instagram. These tools help customers fully customize their equip-

Welcome these African American gentlemen to the firehouse.

Douglas County Assessor/ Register of Deeds Will Not Run for Reelection

Douglas County Assessor/Register of Deeds Diane Battiato announced today that she will retire, effective January 2023. Battiato, who has been in county government more than 25 years, would have been up for reelection this year. Battiato has 36 years as a real estate broker, as well as extensive government experience. Initially, she worked as an employee in the Douglas County Register of Deeds office since the early 1990s. She also served for five years as councilwoman for the city of Papillion. In 2004, she was elected as DougDiane Battiato las County’s first woman to hold the Register of Deeds office. Later in her career she was elected to consecutive terms as the leader of the then newly-combined Assessor/Register of Deeds office—again, the first woman to hold that office. Battiato said that her decision to retire was not an easy one. “Twentyfive years as a public servant is a long time, a huge commitment that I never took lightly. I love my job and what I do. That, combined with the confident, knowledgeable staff that supported me throughout the years, enabled us to achieve outstanding success together. I am pleased with my accomplishments during my time in office. But after some serious deliberation, I am convinced that it’s time to move on. I want to spend more time with my family and, eventually, pursue other interests and opportunities.” Battiato also thanked the community for the confidence it has shown in her ability to serve all of Douglas County’s property owners.

“Mistakes are a fact of life. It is the response to the error that counts.” ~Nikki Giovanni

Smith continued on page 2

Publisher’s Pen

By Terri D. Sanders

Welcome to February 2022! The COVID-19 Variant is still with us and seems to continue to mutate producing yet more opportunities to wear masks and the pharmaceutical companies to continue to produce Dotcom Studios additional vaccinations. This seems to be a cycle and the question is when will it end if ever? It is Black History Month…The shortest month of the year when we celebrate the LONG history of African Americans and our many contributions to the world. There continues to be disturbing acts by others in this world toward African Americans and our relatives. Bomb threats at HBCU institutions and students sheltering in place. Puts me in the mind of the awful 16th Street Baptist Church bombing on September 15, 1963, in Birmingham, Alabama. We do not need an incident of this magnitude to propel the movement of this generation forward. I am just going to say it DEI—Diversity, Equity and Inclusion—there needs to be concrete

actions behind these departments created corporately to see that equality is not a buzz word and inclusion is not a closed door without a window but just a sign that is hanging indicating support. I do not have all the answers, but I think there should be evidence that diversity is occurring, and that peoples are being included in a measurable way, and that there is equitable money being distributed in a fair system. A tall order but an impactful idea that we should see fleshed out before the sunset of our lives. I have seen changes in our lives to the positive, and there should be more to come. In order for this to work we must also work together as a community. All pulling in the same direction for changes and not looking to light a fire in a personal corner of the world that only warms you and yours. EQUALITY and JUSTICE for ALL. We have to think about more than our block, but it must begin on our block and spread. In the Bible, it says that every man is to build in front of his own house and at the end of the day the whole wall will be built. Get it right in your house first. I am referring to our own community. How are you insuring or promoting DEI within your world? Do you speak up or sit and murmur about situations? Do you acknowledge when right is going on and condemn that which is wrong just as loudly as you criticize the who? Do you sit idly by or do you stand for right? As Arsenio Hall used to say HMMMMMM.

Next Issue:

February 18, 2022 Information submission by February 11, 2022

Page Two

LOCAL NEWS

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Bacon Bill Honoring Petty Officer French To Be Considered In The House

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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 Barbara Reeves: 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 402346-4041.

Pick up your copy of the Omaha Star at these convenient locations: Baker’s Supermarket

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Cubby’s Old Market

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(photo credit reddit)

Petty Officer Charles French

BFF Omaha is eager to officially open its doors to its newly-established BFF Gallery today during BFF’s February First Friday. The gallery will be kicked off with an exhibition of photography from the last decade of BFF’s existence. Photos were collected from amateur and professional photographers alike, who captured the small and big moments of BFF’s rich history. Right in time for BFF’s ten-year anniversary of love and labor in June, BFF is getting a spot front and center on Maple Street. Although the opening of the BFF Gallery is the star of the show for this First Friday, there are plenty of other amazing activities happening across Benson today. The BFF Youth Engagement crew will be located at Ted & Wally’s on Friday! Stop by to grab a to-go art kit, complete with friendship bracelets, paper chain hearts, printables and more - just in time for Valentine’s Day. Don’t miss the artwork hung around Benson in our art walk! BFF is featuring artwork from local artists at Petshop, Jake’s Cigars, Star Deli, Burke’s Pub, St. Paul Benson, Citylights Art Project and more. You can find a full list of Benson businesses that will be hosting local artists, at https://www.bffomaha.org/. BFF Omaha hosts monthly First Fridays in Benson, Nebraska. BFF Omaha welcomes the general public to attend. For more information on the events, please contact Alex Jochim or visit bffomaha.org. BFF Omaha (BFF) is an Omaha-based 501(c) (3) nonprofit that builds community through arts engagement. BFF is comprised of 85 percent volunteers. We believe that everyone has the right to create, experience, and cultivate the arts in our communities.

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Seventh Annual Red Dress Event

The Omaha (NE) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated will present the seventh annual Red Dress event on Saturday, February 26, 2022,11 A.M. as a virtual event. The event is held annually to punctuate the message from the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women national campaign to bring awareness to heart disease, the #1 killer of women. Recognizing approximately 80% of cardiac events may be prevented with education and lifestyle changes, The Links chapter sponsors the event to help women understand their risks of heart disease and how to lower those risks. Special Guests Include: Keynote Speaker: Dr. Nichelle Horton-Brown Guest Chef: Leah Egwuatu @fitfoodiele, (Houston, TX) Mistress of Ceremony: Candice Price To register for this NO COST event go to: eventbrite. com Smith continued from page 1

ment by exchanging ideas on social media before reaching the final product. “The majority of our sales have come through Facebook Messenger, mainly because it allows us to engage in personable interactions with each customer,” said Curt. “I am able to make glove recommendations and give more details about our products.” The Dream Glove Co. story is a prime example of how social media platforms can turn your dream of owning a small business into a real-life success story.

F.Y.I.

2118 N 24th St

Family Fare Supermarket

Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) announced his bill H.R. 4168, will be considered on the House Floor. This legislation would name the U.S. Post Office in Omaha’s Benson area, 6223 Maple St., after Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French, a World War II hero with ties to Omaha, who rescued fifteen of his injured shipmates by swimming for hours through shark-infested waters off the coast of the Guadalcanal. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) introduced the same legislation in the Senate. Petty Officer French served as a mess attendant on the USS Gregory, when the military was racially segregated. However, this did not stop him from rescuing fifteen of his injured fellow sailors when their ship was attacked and sunk by Japanese gunfire. French helped his crew mates into a life raft and tied it to himself, swimming for nearly eight hours through nightfall and swarming sharks until they were finally identified and rescued. Despite his extraordinary display of valor, French and his family received little recognition that his service and sacrifice deserve. Honoring the legacy of an American hero like Charles Jackson French is long overdue. “Petty Officer French put his life on the line for his fellow sailors, despite the racial tensions and injustices at the time,” said Rep. Bacon. “As a veteran, I believe he should be honored for his bravery and sacrifice. Renaming a post office in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District is the least we can do. I urge my House colleagues to support this legislation.”

BFF Omaha Launches its new BFF Gallery at February’s First Friday

5124 N. 24th St.

Fair Deal Village Grocery Market

February 4, 2022

In order to be included in The Omaha Star, all articles and event calendar announcements must be typed in a Word document, using Times New Roman font, 10 pt, and must be received no later than two weeks in advance of the event. Articles must be e-mailed to: publisher@omahastarinc.com by 3:00 p.m. on Monday. Any submissions that are received the same week as the current publication will not be included in the current week’s edition. The distribution day for The Omaha Star are Fridays on a bi-weekly schedule. The Omaha Star is not responsible for unsolicited pictures or articles submitted for publication.

Omaha Star Publishing Dates 2022 Month FEBRUARY MARCH

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2/11/22 2/18/22 2/25/22 3/4/22 Women’s History Salute to Women of Omaha 3/11/22 3/18/22 APRIL 3/25/22 4/1/22 Personal Finance Who is Your Financial Consultant 4/8/22 4/15/22 4/22/22 4/29/22 MAY 5/6/22 5/13/22 Writers / Authors Nebraska Authors 5/20/22 5/27/22 JUNE 6/3/22 6/10/22 Graduates High School / College Graduate / Professionals 6/17/22 6/24/22 JULY 7/1/22 7/8/22 Stem Code Like a Queen / King 7/15/22 7/22/22 AUGUST 7/29/22 8/5/22 Native Omahan’s Welcome Home 8/12/22 8/19/22 SEPTEMBER 8/26/22 9/2/22 Education Back to School 9/9/22 9/16/22 OCTOBER 9/23/22 9/30/22 Harvest Time Canning and Freezing 10/7/22 10/14/22 10/21/22 10/28/22 NOVEMBER 11/4/22 11/11/22 Gratitude Being Thankful 11/18/22 11/25/22 DECEMBER 12/2/22 12/9/22 Self Care Caring For You 12/16/22 12/23/22 12/30/22 1/6/23 www.theomahastar.com 402-346-4041 PO Box 3393 Omaha, NE 68103 publisher@omahastarinc.com

LOCAL NEWS

February 4, 2022

THE OMAHA STAR

Modern Streetcar Advocates Mayor Jean Stothert announced that the City plans to move toward a new Total Mobility System, including a streetcar, is the moment that more than 1,200 Modern Streetcar Advocates have been waiting for since the group formed in 2017. The Modern Streetcar Advocates are a group of Omahans interested in supporting accurate, information-based conversations about a streetcar in Omaha. The group aims to show significant support for the project, and talked with transportation experts, city planners and others from Omaha to gather information in the hopes that a streetcar project could move forward in the city. Learn more about them at https://modernstreetcaradvocates.org/. Modern Streetcar Advocates believe that the streetcar supports the vision of an active, vibrant and sustainable downtown. It means we can accommodate more people working, living and visiting without having to build the same number of new parking spaces. We want to design a city around people and jobs instead of cars and parking. It also moves Omaha toward being a more walkable city — a place with active neighborhoods; successful businesses; and

a community that can access work, school and all of Omaha’s cultural and entertainment opportunities. “This has been the work of so many over a very long time, and I couldn’t be happier to see it become a reality. The streetcar will be a catalyst for more density, which will bring new jobs and housing back into the core,” said Jay Lund, who has been a strong streetcar advocate for years. “World class cities have world class transit systems and, most importantly, they are walkable. Midtown and downtown are the heart of Omaha and these neighborhoods will now

have yet another mode of transportation for people to choose.” While conversations about a modern streetcar in Omaha have taken many turns over the past decade, today is a day to celebrate. “A modern streetcar is a vehicle for much more than transportation,” said Scott Dobbe, Executive Director of Omaha by Design and a long-time streetcar advocate. “It just as importantly drives opportunity – fostering vibrant, walkable neighborhoods in which healthy lifestyles thrive, new businesses prosper, and residents enjoy greater access to jobs, education, and civic amenities.” Omaha by Design and Modern Streetcar Advocates recognize that people-centered urban design is essential to a thriving metro. Accordingly, the two organizations have teamed to deliver educational information relative to the streetcar, with OBD managing donated funds on behalf of MSA. Though separate in functions, they are aligned behind Omaha by Design’s vision of “a more vibrant, livable city – for all.” Find Modern Streetcar Advocates on Facebook, Instagram and on Twitter at @ StreetcarOmaha.

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Summer Concert Memorial Park

The popular summer concert at Memorial Park is scheduled to take place this year on Friday, July 22. The laterthan-usual date for the City of Omaha Celebrates America event is to accommodate the yet-to-beannounced national headliner. “We are excited to push the concert back into the prime of Summer,” said Mayor Jean Stothert. “We know this year’s celebration will be one to remember, and we want to make sure everyone can put it on their calendar and start making plans now.” After being cancelled in 2020, the City of Omaha Celebrates America concert was pushed to a late-August date in 2021 because of the continued pandemic. Last year’s event featured national opener Wyclef Jean and headliner Elvis Costello and The Layabouts. This year, the closing fireworks show, one of the largest in the region, is already booked and being planned by J&M Displays of Yarmouth, Iowa. As in years past, the concert will be free to the public and family-friendly. Music will kick off

Apply for a job that makes a difference. early evening with fireworks starting at approximately 10 p.m. The 2022 event will also feature videos of local bands and musicians. This new addition to the show, launched last year, provides local musicians with an opportunity to submit music videos or apply for studio time to create videos. Selected videos will then be featured on video screens throughout the day and between sets. KPAO Omaha’s Public Access Television will package the videos and provide support for community musicians. The event is sponsored by the Omaha Parks Foundation and will be professionally managed by Vic Gutman & Associates. For more information as the date approaches, visit www. MemorialParkConcert.com and follow the event on Facebook by searching “Memorial Park Concert.”

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Page Four THE OMAHA STAR

PRAISE, WORSHIP, DEVOTION, OBITUARIES & INSPIRATION

Determined to be on the same page with God By Rev. Billy Holland Last year was challenging for many, and as we move ahead in 2022, may we dedicate our minds and hearts to continue drawing as near to God as we can. Psalm 24:7 promises, “The angel of the Lord encamps round about them that fear Him, and He delivers them.” This is referring to the reverential fear that many Christians have become too busy to think about. Let us not become distracted or discouraged as the enemy is trying to weaken and scatter God’s people. Pray for spiritual sensitivity so that you will not allow the intensity of the Holy Spirit’s fire within you to dwindle to a lukewarm ember. Where are the living sacrifices, and where is the boldness and desperation to walk with God? Guard your heart and never lose your fervency to obey God or the constant longing for His presence. Jesus is waiting for His warriors to awaken and prepare for His return, but many do not see the urgency. You see, the Lord has a general will which is His written word, and a unique and specific will that includes unwritten detailed instructions for all of us. God’s promises are the last will and testament of Jesus Christ which means that Biblical truth is eternally enforced and activated. This means we are called to confess these instructions and receive these blessings by faith. He is the testator and we are His heirs according to His covenant as His word is true and never fails! He rose from the dead which confirms every statement He spoke is alive and active and our obedience to the Holy Spirit who works through us, empowers us to walk in God’s authority for His glory. My brand new book, “Receiving our Healing - Going to war on our knees” has just been released, and it’s about understanding this covenant relationship with God and how together with His truth and our faith, we can receive healing and live victoriously in this life. His specific will is based on His sovereign desires and plans, but this does not mean we cannot know what they are. Since Christ and the Holy Spirit dwell within God’s people, it’s possible to become so close to Him that we can hear His voice and know His will. Those who seek will find and the ones who knock the doors shall be opened to them. Having the mind of Christ is rarely taught and much of this is because the religious masses are not interested in sacrificing or surrendering the control of the flesh. Only those who are passionate to yield their will can enter into the higher levels of understanding. We want Jesus as our Savior, but accepting Him as our Lord means that He manages our thoughts, words, and actions. This is the narrow way that God intended for His people, and according to this required dedication, the authority of the Almighty will be manifested in a remnant of devoted believers. Romans 11:5 says, “Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.” If you needed to speak with a remnant overcomer about God and your soul who would you trust? I am grateful to the Lord Jesus for His mercy and grace. By faith I anticipate Him pouring out His Spirit upon us and giving discernment and the awareness of His authority to those who desire His glorious presence. As we move closer to the end of the age, we know He is not returning for a church that is weak, confused and distracted. He is coming for a glorious bride whose garments are without spot and wrinkle and have overcome the carnality of their flesh and temptations from the evil one. Seek the Lord while He may be found and fast and pray until you are filled with the holy fire of His Spirit. Pray and seek Him for a burden for the lost as this is the result of spiritual love. We will never care about souls until we love people enough to pray for them. Having an obsession to walk with God does not fall out of the air, but rather the mind and heart must be trained and renewed to desire what He desires. Overcomers are recognized as the true church which the gates of hell will never prevail against. Peace and hope to you, and may the Lord continue to give you His wisdom and understanding. Learn more about his new book and the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com

Free Ed Poindexter Information Write/email: Nebraska Pardons Board PO Box 95007 Lincoln, NE 68509 ne.pardonsboard@nebraska.gov Call: Governor Pete Ricketts 402-471-2244 Attorney General Doug Peterson 402-471-2683 Secretary of State Robert Evnen 402-471-2554

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February 4, 2022

An On-Time God - Luke 8:40-56 By Velma J. Sanders Having been rejected with shouts of “Leave us alone! Go away!” by the people in the surrounding region of the Gadarenes, Jesus and the disciples return to Capernaum. On the seashore, there are crowds of people waiting for Him and anticipating His arrival. Gladly they welcome Jesus as He steps out of the boat. Luke tells us, “And behold, there came a man named Jairus.” A man of prestige and dignity. He has a look of determination and with stamina of purpose he stands out from the crowd as he fixes his gaze upon Jesus. Most of the religious leaders and men of nobility of that day had nothing but contempt for Jesus, but not all of them. There was Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Council; the Roman centurion who came to Jesus on behalf of his servant. And now, here comes Jairus, a ruler of the Jews. As he moves and maneuvers through the crowd, you can visualize the people parting to give way and make room for this highly respected man. And then, maybe it was not so much because of his position, but because of the serious look on his face and his gait of determination to get to Jesus. Jairus was a man moving with purpose.

In the presence now of Jesus, he gives no order or command. He does not say, “Hey, you see who I am.” No, he does not try to gain special privilege or use as a bargaining tool his title. Jairus instead falls down, in humility, at the feet of Jesus and begs Him to come to his house. It is with pain and grief that he says, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” A dying twelve-year old daughter, his only daughter, has Jairus totally crushed and heartbroken. Nothing but agony is upon his face and a burdensome weight of emotional pain. It is a very sad scene. We can all be sympathetic to this man. Jairus, broken, kneeling at Jesus’ feet. In response, Jesus does not shun or push Jairus away. He goes with him to his house. But, as they move, the crowd follows, pushing and pressing. The crowd is not malicious in any way and they did not protest. But we know that Jairus, out of his desperate need wants the crowd to get out of the way. Jairus wants Jesus to get to his daughter without delay. And then to top it all, Jesus stops to address and converse with a woman in need. What must Jairus have been thinking? What would you have been thinking? But praise be to God, Jesus arrives at Jairus’ house; heals the daughter and heals Jairus’ broken heart! The Lord may not come when we want Him to, but He is always on time. We have an “On-time God!” Vsanders875@centurylink.net

Kids Talk About God:

How Big Is The Love Of God? By Carey Kinsolving and Friends “God’s love is so big, almost nobody can explain it,” says Jamie, age 8. “It’s bigger than 999,999,999 gallons of chocolate milk. No one really knows how big his love is, but all I know is that he loves us no matter what.” We’re so used to conditional love that it’s difficult even to imagine a God who loves us unconditionally. Human love is often evoked by appealing or beautiful qualities in people. But what about loving people who repulse, despise or even hate us? That’s a different kind of love. “God’s love is bigger than people’s love, dogs’ love and everyone’s love,” says Catherine, 8. I’ve noticed a consistent pattern of children wanting their dogs in heaven. These amazing animals seem to be equipped with an unconditional-love button for their masters. No matter how many times you come home, your dog is always excited. Your cat may wake up, meow and go back to sleep. “Sometimes, I call my sister a bad name. When I get in trouble, God helps me stop crying,” says Spencer, age unknown. God’s love is bigger than the pain of our failure and sin. Emotional pain can drive us to bitterness and hardness, or to healing and restored fellowship with God. The evil one would keep us in bondage by having us dwell on our past sins. To be sure, there are always people who want to manipulate us by bringing up past sins. The reality of God’s love must become bigger than past failures. If your spouse has an elephant’s memory, I recommend a bulldog faith that seizes forgiveness of sin through Jesus’ cross and refuses to let go. Determine to live in the light

of God’s opinion of you as his beloved child instead of the guilt and condemnation of your past failures. Until God’s love affects the way we view ourselves and others, it has minimal impact on the way we live. The Apostle John wrote, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9). Jesus offers salvation from the penalty of sin, the power of sin and the presence of sin. When Christians confess their sins to God, they experience forgiveness, restoration to fellowship with God and freedom from sin’s power. Sin’s penalty of being separated from God forever can’t touch those who have trusted the Lord Jesus as Savior. Confession to God allows believers to agree with God regarding sin and to experience his love afresh as they walk in the light of his will. “God’s love will never end,” says Kasey, 8. It’s bigger than a hundred trillion, billion elephants! If I compare God’s love to anything, God’s love would be bigger.” Think about this: When we’re filled with God’s love, there’s no room for fear, guilt, hatred, bitterness, envy or the past failures that torment us. When we realize that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is greater than any sin we can commit, we start to live free. God’s unconditional love has the power to transform us into agents of grace. It’s the greatest motivation for holy living. Fear may modify one’s behavior, but it can never transform a heart. Memorize this truth: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment” (I John 4:18). Ask this question: Will you allow the bigness of God’s love to give you eternal life as a free gift and to fill you with the abundant life God desires for you?

Mr. Cold, Please Go Away By Dr. James L. Snyder The older I get, the more allergic I am to cold. So whenever the temperature dips below my age number, that is too cold for me. I know some people relish the cold; that person is not me. Being cold is not something I enjoy. The older I get, the less I can tolerate cold weather. I believe it should be illegal for any cold weather to penetrate the sunshine state of Florida. One of the friendly little arguments that we have in the parsonage is, “Will there be snow in heaven?” She has this long argument proving that there will be snow in heaven because God created snow. “To me,” she will argue, “snowflakes look like angels.” I can’t argue against that because I don’t know what angels look like. Then she will tell me about those “snow angels” that she and her siblings used to do when it snowed. So I can’t argue against that. I hate to admit it again, but she won that argument. Then she threw a curveball at me and said, “Don’t you know that the other place than heaven is hot?” Okay. She got me; what else can I do or say? I still am not too friendly with cold, and I want to do everything I can to invite Mr. Cold to go back to his home, wherever that might be. I know there is nothing I can do about the cold weather. But that does not mean I don’t try. Every morning, during this cold season, I get up, go outside, shake my fist in the air and say as hot as I can,

“Mr. Cold, go home and don’t come back.” Then I give him my infamous grimace and stick out my tongue. So far, it hasn’t worked, but it does give me the satisfaction that at least I’m trying to do something to get rid of all of this cold. One morning when I came back into the house after growling at Mr. Cold, I came face-to-face with the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. “What,” she said with both hands on her hip, “do you think you are doing?” “I’m getting rid of Mr. Cold,” I said. “Have you lost all your marbles, or are you hiding one?” I did not know how to answer that question because I couldn’t think of any marble I had left. “Don’t you know that there is nothing you can do about the cold?” She said, looking at me with one of those sarcastic stares that she’s famous for. “Yes,” I said with a dreary look on my face. “But I gotta do something even if it’s not the right thing to do to get rid of this, Mr. Cold.” There are many things in life that I try to control that I don’t like, but I have no success in doing it. For some reason, there is a feeling of satisfaction in knowing that at least you’re doing something even if it doesn’t work. There is a better plan. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Who knows, maybe someday somebody will figure out how to send Mr. Cold back to his home.

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LOCAL NEWS THE OMAHA STAR Page Five Great Plains Theatre Commons to Receive $100,000 Grant from National Endowment for the Arts as part of American Rescue Plan

February 4, 2022

Great Plains Theatre Commons (GPTC) is pleased to announce they have been approved to receive an American Rescue Plan grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to help the arts and cultural sector recover from the pandemic. GPTC is recommended to receive $100,000 to employ local and national theatre artists over the next two years. In total, the NEA will award grants totaling $57,750,000 to 567 arts organizations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington, DC. GPTC’s was one of four grants awarded in the state of Nebraska. “Our nation’s arts sector has been among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Endowment for the Arts’ American Rescue Plan funding will help arts organizations, such as Great Plains Theatre Commons, rebuild and reopen,” said Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson, chair of the NEA. “The arts are crucial in helping America’s communities heal, unite, and inspire, as well as essential to our nation’s economic recovery.”

“Although GPTC has been around since 2006, we became an independent arts nonprofit at the start of the pandemic—it’s been challenging, to say the least,” said GPTC Artistic/Administrative Coordinator Kevin Lawler. “100% of this funding will provide direct payments to the local and national theatre artists we hire to participate in our annual New Play Conference and PlayFest, our season of free, contemporary theatre.” “We are extremely grateful for NEA’s investment in helping Omaha’s theatre arts community recover from the on-going pandemic,” said GPTC Board President Carolyn Anderson. “As we look forward, this funding will have a big impact both for our organization and local theatre artists.” The American Rescue Plan was signed into law in March 2021 when the NEA was provided $135 million for the arts sector. The funding for organizations is the third installment providing more than $57.7 million for arts organizations. In April 2021, the NEA announced $52 million (40 percent) in ARP funding would be allocated to 62 state, jurisdictional, and regional arts organizations for regranting through their respective programs. The second installment in November 2021 allocated $20.2 million to 66 local arts agencies for subgranting to local artists and

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art organizations. To learn more about GPTC’s programs like the New Play Conference and PlayFest, please visit gptcplays. com. Check out our Facebook for upcoming workshops and performances, and like and follow us on Instagram at gptcplays. For more information on the NEA’s American Rescue Plan grants, including the full list of arts organizations funded in this announcement, visit www.arts.gov/COVID19/the-american-rescue-plan.

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LOCAL NEWS February 4, 2022 Omaha Performing Arts Partners Nebraska to Kick Off 2022 with Live Nation as Exclusive Girl Scout Cookie Season Promoter for Steelhouse Omaha Girl Scouts will be selling the new brownie-inspired Adventurefuls™

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cookie; each purchase powers amazing adventures for girls. Girl Scouts will soon kick off the 2022 Girl Scout Cookie Program in Nebraska, giving consumers the opportunity to support local girl entrepreneurs by purchasing their favorite varieties and the new Adventurefuls™ cookie. The adventure begins Feb. 11 when Girl Scout Cookies go on sale across the state. The new Adventurefuls are crunchy, brownie-inspired cookies with caramel-flavored crème and a delectable taste of adventure in every bite. The remainder of the 2022 Girl Scout Cookie lineup includes Thin Mints, Caramel deLites, Peanut Butter Patties, Peanut Butter Sandwich, Toast-Yay!, Lemonades, Shortbread and gluten-free Caramel Chocolate Chip cookies. All varieties are $5 per package. Cookies will be on sale through March 20. Every Girl Scout Cookie purchase is an investment in that cookie lover’s local community and in Nebraska girls—100% of the net revenue stays in the state. The cookie program powers amazing adventures for Girl Scouts as they use their cookie earnings to better their communities, explore new things in STEM and the outdoors, plan exciting travel adventures, enjoy fun experiences with their friends and so much more. Nebraska Girl Scouts also donate cookies to first responders and local charities through the Gift of Sharing program. This season, girls will sell cookies in creative, socially distant and contact-free ways to keep themselves and their customers safe during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Many Girl Scouts will offer outdoor cookie booths, drive-through booths, curbside pickup and online sales that ship cookies directly to customers’ homes. Some Girl Scouts also will participate in traditional, in-person sales. Cookie booths open Feb. 18. To find Girl Scouts selling cookies, visit GirlScoutsNebraska.org or use the official Girl Scout Cookie Finder app, free on iOS and Android devices. Cookie lovers can enter their ZIP code to find nearby booths or purchase cookies online from a local troop.

Omaha Performing Arts (O-pa) announced today that Live Nation, the world’s leading live entertainment company, will be the exclusive promoter for its new live music venue Steelhouse Omaha. Located at 12th and Dodge Streets, Steelhouse Omaha is scheduled to open in mid2023. “We are pleased to be entering into this partnership with Live Nation to bring their world-class expertise to our new venue,” said Joan Squires, President of O-pa. “Our relationship will also ensure that we are able to take advantage of the performing artists and entertainers they work with and bring them to fans in Omaha.” “We know this is a growing live music market, and Steelhouse Omaha will be a spectacular new venue for artists to play in Nebraska,“ said Jason Wright, President of Live Nation Midwest. “There is a lot of opportunity to bring more concerts to the city, and we really value the partnership with Omaha Performing Arts.”

Omaha Performing Arts will be responsible for the management and staffing of Steelhouse Omaha. “In addition to the live events and performances that Live Nation will promote in the new building, there will also be opportunities for community organizations to utilize Steelhouse Omaha,“ Squires added. Steelhouse Omaha is part of the planned expansion of O-pa’s arts and entertainment campus near the Holland Performing Arts Center. It will provide flexible space to accommodate audiences of 1,500 to 3,000. The $104.1M venue has been funded with private support and $1.1M from the City of Omaha. When it opens in 2023, Steelhouse is expected to have a transformational impact on the regional music scene, as well as the ongoing redevelopment of the city’s urban core and riverfront. Project partners include Kiewit Building Group, Ennead Architects of New York City, and Holland Basham Architects of Omaha.

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LOCAL NEWS Habitat for Humanity of Omaha Follow us on Social Media Names 2022 Board of Directors and Executive Committee

February 4, 2022

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Habitat for Humanity of Omaha is pleased to announce its Board of Directors for 2022, including Levi Scheppers as the new chair of the board. Scheppers is Chief Executive Officer of OrthoNebraska. He is joined on Habitat Omaha’s Executive Committee by Past Chair George Achola, Vice President & Legal Counsel, Burlington Capital; Vice-Chair Caren Woodruff, Founder and Coach, QuarterLife Coaching; Secretary Javier Fernandez, President & CEO, OPPD and Rollie Johns, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, CSG. Habitat Omaha is also excited to welcome Julian Young and Rahul Jalali to its Board of Directors. Young is the co-founder of Julian Young Business Advisors. Jalali is Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer at Union Pacific Railroad. Returning board members include:

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Jon Costello, Bellevue Public Schools Foundation; Bob Dalrymple, Bank of the West; Dr. Cynthia Gooch-Grayson, Metropolitan Community College; Jeff Gordman, Jeff Gordman Advisory LLC; Marcos Hernandez, U.S. Bank; Dan Houghton, Buildertrend; Ryan Iwansky, D.A. Davidson & Companies; Keith Jankuski, CHI Health; Teri Mercer, McCarthy Capital; Brian Miles, Bridges Trust; Laura Nelson, First National Bank of Omaha; Gustavo Oberto, Lindsay Corporation; Dan Patterson, Cobalt Credit Union; Mark Rodgers, Core Bank; Jaison Samuel, Thrivent Financial; Connie Ryan, Streck Inc.; Angel Starks, Nebraska Realty and Lucas Weatherly, Olsson. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, visit habitatomaha. org or call (402) 457-5657.

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Honoring leaders giving back to their communities During Black History Month, AARP recognizes leaders taking action to give back and help build up their communities. Hope Harley, Cofounder and President of the Board of Directors at the Bronx Children’s Museum, educates children in the area on the borough’s notable places, cultures, and history through dance, art, literature and science. AARP believes the efforts of one person can truly make an impact. But when our efforts drive change for the greater good, we thrive together.

Hope Harley,

President of the Board Bronx Children’s Museum Bronx, NY To learn more about this community leader and their journey, visit aarp.org/blackcommunity

LIFE & STYLE February 4, 2022 Children’s Museum celebrates Boys Town Publishes Book Lunar New Year Written By Local Author

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THE OMAHA STAR

Lunar New Year will be celebrated around the world starting Feb. 1, including here in Omaha. Festivities welcoming the new year typically last for 15 days in most countries with a large Asian community. At Omaha Children’s Museum, the festivities will run from Feb. 1-5. Omaha Sister Cities Association, the Nebraska Chinese Association and the Linh Quang Lion and Dragon Dance Troupe are collaborating with the museum for the festivities. “We’re excited to have the involvement of community organizations like Omaha Sister Cities Association and the Nebraska Chinese Association in creating the Lunar New Year programs,” said Kim Reiner, Director of Marketing and Public Relations. “Their input has helped shape a wonderful week of activities that will be fun for children as well an educational catalyst to learn more about traditions around the world.” Omaha Children’s Museum has several programs for Lunar New Year that are designed to be educational through play and hands-on activities. These include: • During the museum’s Kitchen ABCs program, families will make Crab Rangoon together. A volunteer from Omaha Sister Cities Association will lead the program on Feb. 1 at 9:15 and 10:15 a.m. A museum programmer will lead the program at those times on Feb. 2-4. • Children will have the opportunity to make rattle drums in the Tinker Factory each day. The double-sided drum is popular toy in China. There will also be Chinese zodiac sheets at the Tinker Tables outside

of the Tinker Factory. 2022 is the year of the Tiger. • There will be a daily story time at 1:30 p.m. featuring the book “Lunar New Year: Celebrate the World” by Hannah Elliot and a red envelope craft activity. In Chinese culture, red is a symbol of luck. Red is used in most Lunar New Year decorations and gifts since the customs are intended to bring good fortune and happiness in the new year. • Festivities expand on Saturday, Feb. 5, to include a performance by Linh Quang Lion and Dragon Dance Troupe at 2 p.m., a Chinese calligraphy artist from Omaha Sister Cities Association who will write guests’ names from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and there will be an activity by Nebraska Chinese Association volunteers in the afternoon, time TBD. Other activities that have been held all week will also occur, including the 1:30 p.m. story time and the rattle drum tinkering activity. Lunar New Year programming is included with regular museum admission. Since it is a tradition to give gifts of money or small tokens during Lunar New Year celebrations, children attending Kitchen ABCs and the story time will be given surprise red envelopes with a free ticket to ride the museum carousel or train.

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Boys Town is pleased to announce the publication of Butterflies in Me: An Anthology Bringing Awareness to Mental Health written by Omaha local Denisha Seals on January 25th, 2022. After graduating from the University of Nebraska-Omaha, Denisha became an artist, filmmaker, and author who uses the power of her pen to lift the voices of the marginalized and victimized. Butterflies in Me is an original children’s illustrated book. The book was written and created for children from diverse backgrounds who have been diagnosed with mental illness. Equally as important, it is a support resource for those who love, work with, Denisha Seals and care for these children. The book seeks to open a path of communication between all components of the “support village.” The book is designed to create open discussion and facilitate critical thinking among interested parties concerning the mental health challenges children from minority and marginalized communities face, which are often ignored. ”The stories in Butterflies in Me resonate for so many of us because we have either been these children at some point, known them as friends, classmates and/or charges,” said Rev. Dr. Nikitah Okembe-RA Imani, Professor at the University of NebraskaOmaha. “This book is one of those books we needed ‘yesterday.’ I highly recommend it for parents and children, teachers and students, social workers, counselors, law enforcement officials, psychologist, and all who work with multicultural youth”. Denisha, as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and trauma, advocates for more awareness and understanding of the emotional toll abuse victims experience, particularly of color. Her uplifting stories inspire readers to be strong, fearless, and full of hope. Not only does this book attempt to normalize distress among minority populations, it demonstrates powerful, inspiring stories of perseverance and hope for children who feel alienated, out of place or overwhelmed. About Boys Town For 100 years, Boys Town has been a beacon of hope for America’s children and families through its life-changing youth care and health care programs. In 2020, almost 500,000 children and families across the United States were impacted by Boys Town programs. This includes those who received services from Boys Town’s residential programs as well as those served by the many varied programs that comprise the Boys Town Continuum of Child and Family Services, including In-Home Family Services, health care services provided by Boys Town National Research Hospital and the Boys Town National Hotline. You can find more information about Boys Town online at www.Boystown.org.

PRAISE & WORSHIP DIRECTORY

February 4, 2022

ALLEN CHAPEL A.M.E.

KING SOLOMON MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

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

Rev. Jacqueline Ford

“Where Life is for Everyone” SUNDAYS 10:00 AM

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, Out Next Step Judges 18:4-6

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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

awcchurch.org 402-341-1866 5417 N. 103rd St. Omaha, NE

SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH Fr. Dave Korth

Drs. Martin & Lynnell Williams Founders & Lead Pastors

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

MORNING STAR BAPTIST CHURCH BETHEL MISSIONARAY 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

Church of the Living God “A great place to call home.” Pastor Overseer Dr. Claude White 2029 Binney Street Omaha, Nebraska 68110 402-451-4742

Worship Service .............10:00 a.m. Sunday School .................8:45 a.m. Excluding First Sunday Tuesday Evening Service.........7:00 p.m.

Come and hang out with us on our corner

Weekly Services

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

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Overseer Dr. Claude White

Fr. Dave Korth

2019 Burdette Street Omaha, NE 68110 Ph: 402-342-0018

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.

Sunday School ———————- 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship —————— 10:45 a.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.

8:30 am Early Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 - 10:15 am Sunday Morning Breakfast 10:15 - 11:15 am Sunday School 11:30 am Sunday Morning Worship 6:30 pm Wednesday Bible Study 8:00 pm Friday Night Service Noon day prayer Thursday - Saturday

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 School..........................9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship......................10:30 a.m. Sunday Evening Worship.......6:00 p.m. Wednesday Night ....................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

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

February 4, 2022

Covid Vaccination Pro and Con

Mark Darby NOAH Clinic

In North Omaha, Covid 19 vaccination rates, according to Douglas County Health Department, hover around 50 to 60% which is lower than the rest of the County. Why are some still hesitating? At North Omaha Area Health Free Clinic (NOAH), I hear several reasons. Let’s look at some of them. The vaccine was rushed. Not quite true. The vaccine research was not rushed but the manufacturing process was. Typically, vaccines are researched and then approved as safe and effective by the CDC. Only then are factories built to manufacture the vaccine. While Covid vaccines were being researched companies were ramping up production facilities so that Covid vaccines could be shipped out on the first day of approval. This process saved years. Covid is not that bad: There have been over 450 Covid deaths in Douglas County for each year of the pandemic. We would not tolerate that number of homicides in Omaha. Why would we tolerate that many Covid deaths? There are also numerous other negative effects such as long-term cognitive changes, damage to heart and lungs and lost time from work. Trust me Covid is bad. Where were they when we just had high blood pressure or diabetes? Good question. North Omaha has had extremely high rates of high blood pressure and diabetes for years and yet little was done to address that pandemic. The chronic lack of attention to North Omaha meant that when the vaccines rolled out there were few places, especially few trusted convenient places, North Omaha residents could receive the vaccine. You don’t get the vaccine when it is not convenient or safe. What happens when you provide safe, trusted convenient access to vaccines? People get vaccinated. In the last year there has been a tremendous upsurge in access to vaccines in North Omaha. While lower than other parts of the County, the current Covid Vaccination rate is high. If we achieved a 60% vaccination rate for the annual flu vaccine, we would consider that a tremendous success. This vaccination level was achieved because there are more free convenient vaccination sites in North Omaha than any other health care service. What will it take to increase vaccination rates in North Omaha? A sustained and concerted effort to maintain and expand vaccine availability. The solution to vaccination rates is not that complicated. It is access not neglect that North Omaha needs to expand vaccination rates.

“Apart” examines the impact of American’s war on drugs through three mothers attempting to rebuild lives derailed by drugs and prison.

Virtual Film Screening Offers Intimate Portrait of Incarcerated Mothers in America A free online screening and live discussion of the film “Apart,” at 7 p.m. CT, Tuesday, Feb. 15, will examine the impact of America’s war on drugs through three mothers attempting to rebuild lives derailed by drugs and prison. The virtual event is part of the Indie Lens Pop-Up series presented by ITVS, “Independent Lens” and Nebraska Public Media in partnership with RISE. To register for this free online event, visitNebraskaPublicMedia.org/engage. As Tomika, Lydia and Amanda prepare to rejoin their families after years of incarceration, they enter an innovative prison program in Cleveland, Ohio, where they lean on each other and mentors who have also been in prison. With the hope of redemption on the horizon, the women work to regain the trust of their children and combat stigmas associated with people who have been

New history videos from Mr. K’s Clubhouse February 1st, 2022, through February 11th, 2022, Mister K’s Clubhouse will have all new, Black History Month programming shorts airing on YouTube! These are mini episodes about different people of color who have helped to shape the world we live in. These are great videos to watch with your child(ren) and begin to have conversations - because Black History is OUR History!

FNBO Names Spencer Danner VP, Community Development, Corporate Philanthropy and Social Responsibility First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) has named Spencer Danner Vice President, Community Development, Corporate Philanthropy, and Social Responsibility, announced Katrina Wells, Senior Vice President, Corporate Marketing Officer. He had previously served as Director, Corporate Compliance, at FNBO. In Spencer Danner his new role, Danner will have responsibility for developing and managing the bank’s comprehensive philanthropic and community investment strategy. “Spencer has more than 15 years’ experience leading Community and Social Responsibility programs within public, private and government entities,” Wells said. “His passion for helping institutions operate through a community impact lens will guide and strengthen FNBO’s Community and Corporate Social Responsibility strategy to address our communities’ most pressing needs. Before joining FNBO, Danner served as Human Rights and Economic Inclusion Director and Deputy Chief, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, both for the City of Omaha; Vice President, Economic and Community Development, Fifth Third Bank, in Atlanta; and as Vice President, CRA Officer and President, Community Development Corporation, Mutual of Omaha Bank, in Omaha.

incarcerated. After the screening, join panelists Alana Alexander, youth & family program associate, RISE Prison Reentry Program; Leah Butler, assistant professor, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Nebraska Omaha; and Chantal Randall, volunteer relations manager, RISE Prison Reentry Program. Panelists will discuss the documentary and the importance of prison rehabilitation programs. Indie Lens Pop-Up and Nebraska Public Media aim to spark enlightening conversations that shed light on these issues. “Apart,” by Jennifer Redfearn and Tim Metzger, will air on Nebraska Public Media at 12:30 a.m., CT, Tuesday, Feb. 22 and on World at 6:30 p.m. CT, Wednesday, Feb. 23. The film will also be available to watch at pbs.org/apart and on the PBS Video App after Feb. 21.

Creighton University accounting student volunteers offer free online tax preparation clinics The 2021 tax year introduced new elements to this year’s income tax filing season due to economic relief efforts resulting from the pandemic, including economic impact payments, the child tax credit and student loan relief. Through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, Creighton University accounting student volunteers are available to provide their expertise and offer free tax preparation services in February and March to qualifying individuals and students. VITA clinics are an IRS initiative in which Creighton has participated in the Omaha community for more than 40 years. Starting Feb. 5 and continuing through March 26, students will offer six, in-person Saturday clinics from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Mike & Josie Harper Center on the Creighton campus. Virtual meetings via Zoom will also be offered in tandem at the following events: February 5: Harper Center – Rooms 2075, 2077 and 2079 February 12: Harper Center – Rooms 2075, 2077 and 2079 February 19: Harper Center Ballroom February 26: Harper Center Ballroom March 19: Harper Center – Rooms 2075, 2077 and 2079 March 26: Harper Center Ballroom Masks are required on the Creighton campus. The clinics are available to individuals who have annual income less than $58,000 and need help preparing their federal and state tax returns. Students, in addition to individuals with disabilities or who speak limited English, also are invited to use this free service. “The program is mutually beneficial as it gives our accounting students the opportunity to apply lessons learned in the

Principles of Taxation class on tax rules, applicable tax credits and deductions to make a difference in the lives of people in their community,” said Tom Purcell, PhD, CPA, professor of Accounting in the Creighton University Department of Accounting and Business Intelligence and Analytics. VITA clinics will not require an appointment. Participants can join the Zoom meeting at a time that is most convenient during any of the six Saturday clinics after having uploaded tax documentation through their personal Google drive folder. Information to access Google Drive can be found online at https://www.creighton.edu/sites/ default/files/2022-01/Public-VITA-Flyer-2021-22.pdf. Tax preparation services will be provided to virtual attendees in the order they are received. Tax documentation will need to be uploaded by participants prior to joining the Zoom meeting. Instructions for securely uploading tax documentation to a personal Google Drive folder and filing instructions are available online at https://www.creighton.edu/business/ vita. Volunteers will be able to assist those who encounter difficulties with the Google approach or who may not have access to the internet. People who would like to participate in the program this but did not file their taxes through VITA last year should have their 2020 income tax return available. About Creighton University: Creighton University, founded in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1878, is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. The Omaha campus has more than 8,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students among nine schools and colleges. No other university its size offers students such a comprehensive academic environment with personal attention from faculty-mentors. The new health sciences campus in Phoenix, which will accommodate more than 900 students, is the largest expansion outside of Omaha in Creighton’s history and positions the University as the largest Catholic educator of health professionals in the country. Creighton is ranked in the top third of National Universities by U.S. News & World Report.

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BUSINESS BITES/CLASSIFIEDS THE OMAHA STAR Page Eleven Your New Year’s Resolution – Revolutionary or Evolutionary?

February 4, 2022

By Michael L. Green “I’m going to start saving for retirement.” “I’m going to lose X pounds this year.” “I’m going to cut back on spending and make a budget this year.” Yes it’s that time of the year again; time for the annual New Year’s resolution. That time when we make a grand personal commitment to do something; do something better than we did it last year; or stop doing something. We’re going to change our behavior; break those old habits; start new ones. Make the big change/move. The challenge with New Year’s resolutions is that they usually come without a plan. I once heard Herm Edwards, the head coach of Arizona St, and former ESPN sports analyst and former NFL player and coach say; “a goal

without a plan is just a dream.” Unfortunately, that kinda’ describes most people’s New Year’s resolutions. We make them with the best intentions of achieving them. The problem is we don’t spend time thinking about what and how we’re going to do it. What does it actually take to achieve what you’re resolving to do? What are the steps; the daily habits and behaviors you’re going to change…. and how? Like Herm says, a PLAN. The most successful changes or improvements in behavior come from making small, incremental changes in what we’re already doing. Not big sudden changes or attempting to do something you’ve never done before. Like the chain smoker whose going to quit cold turkey. It’s possible, but unlikely. Small changes are less disruptive, easier to manage, and stick to. They are evolutionary. Big changes take far more energy and are more stressful and difficult to pull off. They are-revolutionary. These same observations can be applied to managing your finances, no matter what your goals are. What kind of

saving or spending habits do you have now? Would setting and achieving your financial goals involve evolutionary or revolutionary changes to them? Above all do you even have a plan to begin with? You’ll have a higher probability of success if you do have one. One with some practical ways to improve upon or make changes to what you’re doing now. Even though setting goals is useful and productive, achieving your financial success is not an event, it’s a process. One you’ll be doing for the rest of your life. It’s much easier if your New Year’s resolution is to make modest incremental improvements to existing good habits, rather than trying annually to make big changes or to break old ones. Start good habits now, and this time next year, you’ll only have to make minor adjustments to your success. Success is what we do daily rather than one big result. Happy New Year! “You’ve worked hard for your money, make it work for you.”

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YOUTH/EDUCATION NEWS February 4, 2022 Making Meaningful Music Black College & at Nelson Mandela Elementary Cultural Enrichment Mandela scholars found a way to honor Martin The film Harriet tells the story of Harriet Tubman’s escape Luther King Jr and Black History Month by recording a from slavery and journey to becoming an abolitionist and Tour Final Meeting performance of “Stand Up” by Cynthia Erivo from the her efforts as a part of the underground railroad, and the Page Twelve THE OMAHA STAR

film Harriet Violin teacher Jessica Davis worked with her 4th grade violin classes and 5th grade orchestra scholars on the instrumentals, and choir directors Alisa Moore and Bajah Pittman worked with the Meerkat Melodies choir, featuring soloist Jayde Dorsey, on the vocals. All the scholars involved spent many months practicing and preparing this performance.

song “Stand Up” is an expression of the hope and courage that it took for Tubman to overcome the obstacles placed in her pathway. As the pandemic continues to surge through our nation, the message of hope and courage cannot be understated. The video performance is available on Mandela’s website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel.

The Black College & Cultural Enrichment Tour will once again embark on providing an educational opportunity for high school freshman, sophomore, juniors, and seniors. The dates of the tour are March 13-18, 2022. We feel that the Black College Tour is a wonderful opportunity for youth to be exposed to various institutions of higher learning. The final meeting will be Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at Omaha North Magnet School, 4410 North 36th Street at 6:00 pm. Tentative schools to be visited and cultural enrichment activities are the Black Wall Street, Greenwood Rising Museum (Tulsa, OK); Jackson State University (Jackson, MS); Mississippi Civil Rights Museum (Jackson, MS); Alabama A&M University (Huntsville, AL); Alabama State University (Montgomery, AL); Legacy Museum & National Memorial for Peace & Justice (Montgomery, AL); Edmund Pettis Bridge (Selma, AL); Grambling State University (Grambling Louisiana); Paul Quinn (Dallas, Texas) and Tennessee State University (Nashville, Tennessee). Parents are encouraged to attend with their youth. For additional information, please feel free to contact Rachelle Tucker at 402-210-1568 or Kathy J. Trotter at 402-658-1259.

Thoughts to ponder throughout the year: • Focus on what matters and let go of what doesn’t • If you don’t believe in yourself, no one will do it for you. • Do not define your world in Black and White because there is so much hiding amongst the greys. • Broken crayons still color. • “History has shown that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life for its own.” ~Michele Obama • I don’t stop when I’m tired, I stop when I’m done • Throw kindess around like confetti. • Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. • Falling down is an accident. Staying down is a choice. • Life is like a camera, just focus on what is important,

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capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things don’t work out take another shot. • “One of the hardest things in life to learn are which bridges to cross and which bridges to burn.” ~Oprah Winfrey • “A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything.” ~Malcolm X • “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” ~Muhammad Ali • “We have to talk about liberating minds as well as liberating society.” ~ Angela Davis • “Before I could remember wanting to do anything else, I knew that I wanted to be in charge.” ~Nicki Minaj • “Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more that it injures the hated.” ~Coretta Scott King

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