Vol. 83 - No. 14 by The Omaha Star

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Nebraska’s Only Black Owned Newspaper Vol. 83 - No. 14 Omaha, Nebraska

Friday, July 9, 2021

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Omaha Downtown Rotary Inducts Aileen Warren as New President

Family of the Week:

The Keith Family Four Generations

Photo: Keith Family

Front Row Sitting: Percy Keith(son) (holding Ko’Nan Keith(Great Grandson), Maynard Keith(Patriarch), Doris Keith (Matriarch), Sylvia Wilson (Favorite Aunt) Back Row Standing: Kenton Keith (Grandson), Lauren Keith(wife of Kenton), Kaprice Keith (Grandson), Lisa Wooten(Cousin), Duane Wooten, Karen Keith Yapp( Daughter), Winston Yapp (Husband of Karen), Rashaan Yapp (Grandson), Charles Morris(Grandson -in-Love), Tabia Yapp(Granddaughter), Aisha Yapp(Granddaughter), Newton Ford (Aisha’s Friend), Saidah Mayo (Granddaughter), Elijah Mayo(Great Grandson), Andy Mayo(Grandson – in- Love) (holding Israel Mayo(Great Grandson)) Not Pictured: Kevin Keith (Son) who is pursuing a Ph.D. Combine a South Omaha family with a military background, one daughter and two sons, many granddaughters and grandsons, and a gaggle of great grands and you have the Keith Family. From a fitness instructor to a Real Estate Mogul to a dentist to students, to entrepreneurs to retirees, to football professionals that describes this family. When you see the word family in the dictionary, you see the Keiths. Photographed here on the estate of the elder statesman Mr. Maynard and Mrs. Doris (Dottie) Keith there is nothing but love and fun on these grounds. Mrs. Keith’s Sister is one of the elders and the legacy continues.

Aileen Warren, Associate Vice Chancellor and Director of Human Resources, has been chosen to lead the Omaha Downtown Rotary as it enters its 110th year. Aileen was installed on June 30th in a wonderful induction ceremony at the Omaha Field Club. Aileen, along with her amazing Aileen Warren leadership team, were sworn in by Allen Beerman, former Secretary of State. The Officers for next year include: President: Aileen Warren President-Elect: Sean Connolly President-Elect Designate: Lindy Hoyer Immediate Past President: John Sullivan Secretary: Lisa Tonjes Moritz Treasurer: James Stewart Board of Directors: Dan Ertz Dawn Gonzales Jeff Matuella Shane Sullivan Brett Frevert Shayne Fili Larry Guenther Gretchen Harvey Bev Carlson Bob Keefer Sandy Lempke Adam Leong Omaha Downtown Rotary is comprised of a group of dedicated people who share a passion for both community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian means Warren continued on page 3

Publisher’s Pen

By Terri D. Sanders

COVID-19 is still with us. In urban communities there are those who have abstained from taking the vaccination. For those who have taken the vaccination, awesome! For those who have not, that could be a deadly decision. Native Omaha Days is less David Turnbo Photography than 30 days away. Events have been planned and our community is looking forward to another biennial celebration. Seeing family and friends, oh what a time…There will be dances, strolls down memory lane, a parade and many events for “grown” folks. The founders of this event had in mind to celebrate community. The question has been lately what about the young people? Did you know that Bryant Center has the young people on the agenda and are actively providing programming and event opportunities? In the fall of 1966 Bryant Center was established at 2417 Grant Street. This is a program of St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Parish. History lesson: Moors (Black people) consisted of Berbers from Morocco and Western Algeria, sub-Saharan Africans from Mauritania, Northern Senegal, and Western Mali, Arab Bedouins and Arab elite mostly from Yemen and Syria. Yes St. Benedict was Black. If you are going down North 24th Street and see an area of basketball courts, THAT is Bryant Center. Below is a picture of Father Vitalis Anyanike former Priest at St. Benedict and Sundiata, caretaker for the Bryant Center and youth advocate. Sundiata believes that the young have been forgotten and strives to provide a safe and clean environment for recre-

Next Issue: July 23, 2021 Information due: July 26, 2021

ation in our community. The courts close at 9PM and remain locked when not open. You can find Creighton ballers on the courts, a female youth basketball team practices here, and anytime you can find a pickup game. Last weekend, BARNEY, the children’s purple dinosaur character made an appearance and entertained the kids and the young at heart. Yes, Barney was in the “hood” with his purple self. There are days when the community is served a free meal. This is wholistic care in our community. Many times you can find Sundiata giving words of wisdom to all who listen. While Father Vitalis is no longer at St. Benedict, his efforts in the community are ongoing. While this is a positive influence in our community, violence is ever present. On the fourth of July a 19-year old woman was killed in gang violence crossfire and three other people were injured. A community member asked me: What would Mrs. Brown have said…The Omaha Star was protected by the Black Panthers in Omaha during times of insurrection. In 2021 it is not insurrection it is straight up violence. I visited with the family of 19-year old Jazsmine Washington. She worked at Burger King and her Sister had picked her up from work on the morning of July 4, 2021. She had plans to attend cosmetology school in the fall. A graduate of Northwest High School. She was caught in the crossfire of two gangs. One group coming out of the alleyway across the street and the other in the parking lot where she was standing. SENSELESS killing of an innocent woman. Police tape everywhere on a Sunday morning. I saw a marker numbered 79. It has been said that there were more than 100 rounds of ammunition fired. Makes you think…WHY? When we meet again it will be Native Omaha Days weekend, be safe…

Native Omaha Days July 26, 2021 August 2, 2021

Central High School Principal Ellisa “Dionne” Kirksey

OPS announced in a letter to parents that Ellisa Kirksey, who is currently an assistant principal and the activities director at Central, will become Central High School principal of Central High School. She is known as Dionne to friends and colleagues. Kirksey will replace Principal Ed Bennett. Kirksey has more than 30 years of experience with OPS. In 1990, she started as a social studies teacher at King Science and Technology Magnet Center. In 1998, she moved to the OPS student and community services department. She began her current job at Central in 2000. According to the district, Kirksey holds an associate of arts degree in social studies from Coffeyville Community College, a bachelor’s degree from Emporia State University, a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a master’s degree in secondary counseling from Creighton University. Kirksey was selected after a review of her qualifications and a panel-style interview, which included central office administrators, a school board member, a staff member and a parent. Dionne is the daughter of Carolyn Kirksey, the sister of Braxton Kirksey, and the niece of Anniece Russell (Texas). She is a member of Salem Baptist Church.

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LOCAL NEWS

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Sunday, July 11, 2021, at 6PM the Black Votes Matter Tour will have a send-off rally at the Salem Baptist Church. The celebration will feature music, prayers, and cheers. Forty youth, chaperones and special guests will depart in a deluxe charter bus on a life changing journey. This tour is a program of the Black Votes Matter Institute of Community Engagement, headed by Preston Love, Jr.

BLUEBARN THEATRE receives $10,000 Grant

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Terri D. Sanders - publisher@omahastarinc.com Business Hours: Monday – Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 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 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.

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BLUEBARN is proud to announce we have been approved for a $10,000 Grant for Arts Projects award that will directly support artist residencies for The Big Damn Door Festival. The festival will support 24 emerging artists in the development of new work for the American stage through three concurrent development processes that will culminate in the premiere of three world- premieres in the Fall of 2022. The Big Damn Door Festival is among the more than 1,100 projects across America totaling nearly $27 million that were selected during the second round of Grants for Arts Projects fiscal year 2021 funding. Re-Vision | Re-Imagine| Re-Invent New Work for the American Stage With our inaugural Big Damn Door Festival, BLUEBARN invites artists to join together in developing transformative work for the stage, while exploring new ways of collaborating and creating community among both artists and audiences. The Big Damn Door Festival will cultivate three artist-driven approaches to innovation in the creation of theatre, while centering projects that advance America’s progress toward equity, inclusivity, and social and economic justice. BLUEBARN will support four artists in each category in limited residencies while they co-create both process and project through a six-month Development Phase. Each team will then expand to include four more artists to bring the project to life in the Production Phase. Our Big Damn Doors are not just a primary feature of the architecture of the BLUEBARN, but a metaphor for the festival itself: wide-open doors and unbounded possibilities. BLUEBARN seeks emerging artists from the Omaha-Council Bluffs Metropolitan area whose work has the power to drive change in our community, and who’ve been most impacted from systemic biases in opportunity. Artists that identify as Global Majority (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), LGBTQIA2S+, neurodiverse, and artists with disabilities will be prioritized. Artists may apply individually or in groups of up to four in any of the following categories: • ReVision – A ‘Playwright-led’ Project culminating in the presentation of an original work by a primary author or authors supported by up to three artists collaborating in the capacities that best serve the piece. This category asks artists to re-envision how we support a playwright in the evolution of their work. A playwright may apply singly or with a proposed team in mind. Emerging dramaturgs, directors, choreographers, are also encouraged to apply. • ReImagine – An ‘Ensemble-led’ Devised or Generative Project, that may draw from literary or cultural source ‘texts’, or from the assembled artists engaging with the culture in whatever fashion they see fit in the co-creation of a new work for the theatre. The ReImagine project encourages team submissions. Actor/creators with a shared ensemble aesthetic and a promising adaptive or generative project will selected. Individuals also may apply who wish to connect with like-minded folks invested in ensemble-based performance. • ReInvent – A ‘Design-led’ Project that will re-interpret a ‘classic work’ through a new lens. The classic work that is the focus of the process may be a play, but it needn’t be. Designers, makers, and artists of any discipline (especially those disciplines not traditionally centered in the theatre) are encouraged to apply. Artists may apply individually or with proposed collaborators and will be selected based on their demonstration of the desire to ‘re-invent’ the theatre experience and the role of their craft within it. Artists will be selected through an open application process. The Call for Resident Artists of the Big Damn Door Festival have gone out and applications will be accepted through September 1st, 2021. More information about the submission/application process will be included in the call.

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Omaha Community Playhouse to Hosting Theatre Props Garage Sale

Omaha, Neb.–The Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP) will host a theatre props garage sale on Saturday, July 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at OCP, 6915 Cass St., Omaha, NE 68132. The garage sale is open to the public and will offer an extensive collection of miscellaneous theatre props that have been used in various productions at OCP over the last few decades, including: • Props that are very specific to a particular play or musical (for example, a large Frankenstein chair) • Generic props such as kitchen wear, luggage, telephones, candle sticks, etc. • Large pieces of furniture (chairs, tables, settees, couches, etc.) • Hand props and set dressing pieces • Miscellaneous larger items (for example, a phone booth) This is a wonderful opportunity for local theatres, regional theatres and high school theatres to stock up on props, as well as individuals looking for larger furniture items, home décor, and unique flea-market finds.

The Union for Contemporary Art to Present Interactive, Immersive Theatre Experience This summer, The Union for Contemporary Art will present Pursuing Legacy, an interactive theatre experience, beginning July 31, 2021, just in time for Native Omaha Days. The project, which is rooted in North Omaha history, experiments with storytelling in a unique way, and will invite audience participation similar to an escape room or scavenger hunt. The theatrical experience will live fully outside the walls of a traditional theatre space, inviting participants to explore and experience North Omaha history in person. Engagement will involve some light travel around North Omaha and engaging activities, including puzzle solving, in order to unlock new chapters of this expansive narrative. Pursuing Legacy will tell the story of a fictional character, Grace Thomas. Grace is an award-winning documentarian who has received a special Union Artist Fellowship, named in honor of Omaha Star founder Mildred D. Brown. As part of her Fellowship, Grace is on a mission to uncover the truth about her family and their connection to North Omaha. Each theatrical experience the audience participates in will highlight a historical location or artifact in the community. “The goal of this project is to invite our audience to see our neighborhood in a different light,” says Denise Chapman, Producing Artistic Director of Theater at The Union. “By solving the mystery of Grace’s family, we hope the audience can celebrate our shared community history.” While many participants might find their first gate to entry to the Pursuing Legacy world online, the theatrical narrative is multi-faceted, with many ways to engage. If you like breaking codes, solving riddles, binge watching Netflix shows, or taking your time to read a book over several weeks, this experience may be for you! For more information on Pursuing Legacy, please visit www.u-ca.org/performingarts.

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LOCAL NEWS

July 9, 2021

Our Community Minne Lusa Elementary Mural Project For an entire week, a group of Minne Lusa Elementary students had the opportunity to work with professional artists Watie White and Barber to generate artistic ideas that will be used in the school’s new mural series that the artists are producing. This project titled the Turnaround Beautification Project was funded by the Omaha Public School Foundation. Several local community members also joined in and shared many stories and historical facts about Minne Lusa Elementary and the Minne Lusa community. The theme for the week was Afrofuturism and the students spent time envisioning what the world might look like in the future. To kick off the week, Trumpeter Kafele Williams coordinated a group of jazz musicians to come and play to the students. Noni Williams also taught the kids how to make instruments that could be connected to a computer to make musical sounds. Students spent a lot of time listening to music or books being read while they worked on drawing out their ideas. The mural will consist of several large panels that will begin at the main entrance at Minne Lusa Elementary and make their way down the main hallway. The project is estimated to be finished Michelle Jack son-Triplett, P in October in which Omaha Public Schools plans resident off th MinneLusa N e Miller Park eighborhood to celebrate with an unveiling of the murals to the Association, ex Minne Lusa plaining how became a ne students, families, staff, and community. ighborhood an houses built. d types of Arturo, Patrick and DJ

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Page Three

Interim CEO of the Urban League of Nebraska

A native of Omaha, Wayne Brown joined the Army after graduating from Benson High School. After nine years of service, he graduated Magna Cum Laude from East Tennessee State University. Wayne Brown In 2009, he graduated from Creighton University Law School. He’s served the Omaha community in a variety of non-profit capacities, from Chief Career Officer of the Avenue Scholars Foundation to the Vice President of the Omaha Community Foundation. He is the husband of Nichelle Horton-Brown, MD, Internal Medicine and the father of two daughters. Warren continued from page 1

connecting with a diverse group of professionals who share a drive to give back. Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and talent to tackle the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members from more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work impacts lives at both the local and international levels. If you are interested in learning more about Rotary, please visit our website https://portal. clubrunner.ca/5609/. If you would like to become a member, please email director@omaharotary. org

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MOVING? Barber, Creator. Perla & and Autumn in Background

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Page Four THE OMAHA STAR

July 9, 2021

Renovations Planned for Historic 24th Street Building for Theater and Community Space By Patrick Mainelli A new space for community gathering, fellowship, and storytelling is coming to North 24th Street. On Thursday, July 15 The Union for Contemporary Art is hosting a public meeting (from 6 to 7PM) to share details of plans for their new “Studio Theater” project which will occupy the currently vacant F.J. Carey Block building at 2401 North 24th Street. Preservation of this historic brick structure will provide expanded opportunities for The Union’s Performing Arts program and breathe new life into a building which has served the North Omaha community for generations. Included in the building renovation plans are spaces for a 90-seat theater, lobby and ticketing area, set-design workshop, and an open-format rehearsal/gathering space. Designs for the renovation of the building – currently being drafted by Omaha architecture firm Alley Poyner Macchietto – will carefully work to maintain the original character and facade of the historically-significant building which was built around 1914. The Union for Contemporary Art’s Performing Arts program has been producing live theatre in North Omaha since 2016. Following the nonprofit’s move to the historic Blue Lion building (2423 North 24th St.) in 2017, the theatre program has been staging productions in a small, 50-seat capacity space within that building. Denise Chapman, Producing Artistic Director of Theatre at The Union, notes: “The move to this new space will give us a chance to tell stories on a whole new scale and welcome even more people into space to experience and share these stories together.” The Union’s Performing Arts program describes its mission as being “dedicated to the development of professional theatre artists and thought-provoking productions that reflect authentic and diverse narratives about experiences within the African diaspora.” To date, these narratives have included several powerful retellings of pivotal moments in North Omaha history. Two examples from the 2019 season include The Blues of Knowing Why which memorialized the traumatic police killing of Vivian Strong and its riotous aftermath in 1969, and Chapman’s own play, More than Neighbors which dramatized the immediate and lingering impact of Highway 75’s clear-cutting of North Omaha. The renovation of the F.J. Carey Block building will keep this rich history at heart. The building, which is now 107 years old and in need of significant repairs to prevent further deterioration, was recognized in 2016 by the National Park Service as one of 28 historically-significant buildings contributing to the North 24th and Lake Streets Historic District. For the first several decades of the building’s life it housed multiple laundry businesses including the original Carey Cleaners (the building’s front brick facade still bears

the Carey name) and the long-running Standard Laundry Company. During the 1950s and 60s, multiple automotive body shops occupied the space. The most recent tenant of the building was the Simple Simon Day Care. The initial stages of the building’s preservation will begin in late summer 2021. Of primary concern will be securing the building’s historic architecture and structural integrity from further decline. Meanwhile, The Union for Contemporary Art will work to secure funding for the full renovation, with the hopes of beginning construction in early 2022. Omaha construction firm LundRoss will take the lead in the project build out. As part of its mission of supporting the creativity and livelihoods of local artists and theatre practitioners, The Union’s Performing Arts program has employed dozens of emerging local talents including actors and actresses, musicians, tradespeople, and more. In total, the economic impact of The Union’s work since moving to the Blue Lion building in 2017 has been significant. The nonprofit has invested over $3.3 million in job creation and payments to artists. The Union’s founder and Executive Director Brigitte McQueen notes: “The Union’s mission is rooted in creating positive change for our community, and I believe that financial equity plays a key role in making that possible. The Union is honored to be able to provide this level of support to Black actors, playwrights, and crew members. Assisting with the economic redevelopment of North 24th Street is central to our work, and it is our hope that this theater will add to the vibrancy of our neighborhood and provide further support to small businesses along the corridor.” With the investment in the new building project,

The Union anticipates financial support paid to theatre professionals and other partners to total $75-100 thousand annually in the first few years of operation. The Union for Contemporary Art invites all community members interested in learning more about the Studio Theater project to attend a public information session on Thursday, July 15th from 6 to 7PM inside The Union for Contemporary Art (2423 North 24th Street). (To help maintain the health of our community, masks will be required.) Any community members unable to join the meeting on the 15th, can find information about The Union’s Performing Arts program and the new theater at u-ca. org/performing arts. Any questions about the project can always be sent directly to The Union via email at info@uca.org or by calling (402) 933-3161.

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LIFE & STYLE/COMMENTARY THE OMAHA STAR Page Five Summer Learning WE CELEBRATE THE OMAHA 54

July 9, 2021

Loss is Real

By Preston Love Jr

By Linda Williams Now that Summer is here, students are spending more time with media. Screen time can double or even triple during these months. That means it is time to pay extra attention to what your children view and do on those screens. Summer learning loss is a reality. Every Summer, children can lose two to three months of what they learned during the school year without some intervention. With the off-again, on-again, learn-at-home-on-your-own year we had during the pandemic, some children may have profound deficits. Media Literacy is a way to combat summer learning loss and help your students get back on track. Children in the United States spend more time interacting with media than any other activity. That includes school time and sleeping. Knowing your children’s media habits is vital to their health and safety. What they consume can shape who they become. Be Media Literate Media literacy is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media in a variety of forms. In short, it is taking a second look at the media you consume, and most important--talking about it. There is more time in the Summer for this kind of interaction. Play a video game with your children, so you know what they are consuming. Know their passwords and be aware of their Internet history. Discuss what is on television or YouTube. Ask how else a show or video could have been presented. How would they have produced? What about an alternate ending? Suggest that they pick a subject and create their own video. Allow teens to choose a show that you can watch, enjoy, and talk about together. Nurture their intellectual curiosity. Challenge students to be critical thinkers. It can teach them to analyze programs, commercials, and other media messages. Troubling images abound in popular culture: violence, sex, stereotypes, and heroes who lack a moral compass - all in the guise of entertainment. Young children and teens now have access to more material than they have the years or sophistication to comprehend. Media are powerful tools and always teaching, always presenting value messages. And as technology advances, more sources of media become readily available. Media literacy provides an alternative to censorship, and it is an integral part of 21st-century education. You would not allow a stranger to come into your home, teach your children how to think, who to like, and how to feel about themselves. Yet television and other forms of media do this everyday and in several rooms of your house - usually unsupervised. As responsible adults, we cannot dismiss the impact media (not just television) have on our society, especially our children. The earlier we educate them, the more able they are to be critical thinkers, unfazed by the lure of media hype. Media is the predominant language of young people today. Parents and schools can use media as a teaching tool. Replace mystery with knowledge by embracing media and giving students the power to create media themselves. Critical and flexible thinkers are more likely to get better grades and less likely to be influenced by negative peer behavior. That is not only the kind of child you want, it is also the kind of person you want to send out into the world, in charge of our future.

On Wednesday, July 28, 2021, the Department of Black Studies at UNO will launch a year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of the department. The first event will pay tribute to 54 students, who staged a sit-in on November 10, 1969, in UNO president Kirk Naylor’s offices, that led to their arrests for unlawful assembly under a recently enacted anti-riot law in Nebraska. “We are celebrating the Omaha 54,” said Dr. Cynthia Robinson, current chair of the department, “The 54 Black students who went to jail in November 1969, which eventually led to the establishment of the Department of Black Studies in 1971.” The community is invited to the Pep Bowl— a grassy field in back of Eppley Administration Building, west of Arts and Sciences Hall— from 4 - 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 28th. Parking is close-by, in the East Parking Garage on University Drive. For more details on parking and fees, call 402-554-PARK or email unoparking@unomaha.edu. Attendees are requested to RSVP on the UNO Black Studies webpage or by calling 402-554-2412. In the fall of 1969, an organization called BLAC, (Black Liberators for Action on Campus), presented the UNO administration with a list of six demands to improve the experience of Black students. One request was a “voice in the Black Studies curriculum,” which at that time consisted of a single class. A press conference was called for November 10th. Privately, President Naylor read a response to the students’ demands, essentially dismissing them. When the media assembled for the press conference, the student leader explained that they would not leave the conference rooms until “the president gives a positive response” to their proposals. Instead, he called the police. Reports of the sit-in described it as orderly, and in typical Nebraska fashion, polite. All the students were arrested and removed within two hours. Some sang “We Shall Overcome” on their way to the paddy wagons. After the trial of the Omaha 54 in 1970, the university supported the establishment of a Black Studies Department, which was accomplished less than two years after the sitin. But, its history has been marked by wavering support from the University, and fierce support from Omaha’s Black community. For the 35th anniversary, a reenactment of the sit-in was staged. The Reader published a sweeping overview, by Leo Adam Biga, of the trials the department faced up to that time, called “Coloring History: A Long, Hard Road for UNO Black Studies.” Dr. Robinson commented, by email, on the fifteen years since that assessment. According to Dr. Robinson, “It is absolutely clear to me, that were it not for the strong support of Black Omaha, the Department of Black Studies would not exist. So students getting jailed, was the foundation of the Department, and community support sustained the Department. “I think a significant change in the Department was when we

changed the major from B.A. to B.S., which took place in 2017.” This increased majors, because the Bachelor of Science does not require two years of foreign language, as does the Bachelor of Arts. What has not changed, is that students are STILL DISSUADED from majoring, minoring, or even taking Black Studies courses. But it is getting better, and is certainly better than when I was an undergraduate 91-95.” Omaha 54 participants, or their representatives, will be in attendance at the event on July 28th. Dr. Robinson said it was not possible to reach many of them, but all of the 54 students will be acknowledged. Again, the UNO Black Studies Department will be relying on Omaha’s Black Community to assist in contacting, and inviting, all of the 54, so they can be recognized for their sacrifices to this historic achievement in Omaha’s history. Author’s Note: I would like to thank Kietryn Zyzhal for the research and assistance in creating this article.

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s isn’t easy. Reaching us is.

Free Ed Poindexter Information Write/email: Nebraska Pardons Board PO Box 95007 Lincoln, NE 68509 ne.pardonsboard@nebraska.gov

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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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Page Six

LOCAL NEWS

THE OMAHA STAR

Starting your Own Business Post-Pandemic

By Bill Anderson Simple Cash Daily

Bill Anderson knows that millions of Americans have seized the opportunity to start new businesses post-pandemic, according to government data. Why The Pandemic Should Motivate You to Start a Company: New research from Babson College and Baruch College published in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) shows that the rate of entrepreneurship in America is on the rise. Twenty-seven million working-age Americans start or run new businesses, which is nearly 14% of all working-age Americans. Simple Cash Daily says that things look even more promising to the country’s youngest entrepreneurs. With Millennials and Generation Z now occupying 51% of the working population, entrepreneurship is of great interest as a potential career option. But is it realistic to believe this is an excellent time to start a new business? The answer is, it all depends on you. Some great companies came out of The Great Recession. Just think of Uber, Slack, Square, WhatsApp, and Instagram. But, unfortunately, some see the crisis as a reason to give up their dreams, while others use one as fuel to drive their creative engines. If you have an idea for a business, don’t let the fear of the COVID-19 pandemic stop you, Bill from Simple Cash Daily explains! With so many companies being created from the last recession, I’m sure there will be plenty of opportunities to get your ideas off the drawing board and making money in the real world. Identify What is Holding you Back from Seizing this Opportunity: There are several reasons you may not be more entrepreneurial. But don’t worry because most are invalid! Some reasons people give for not starting a business during this time of COVID-19 and economic uncertainty are: Afraid to Fail: Starting a business can be risky, but so is thinking that you’ll have a company that will take care of you for the rest of your life. With the right amount of performance and skill, you could make it to the top! Lack of Resources to Start a Business: Starting a business can seem like an impossible task, but the lack of capital is not your only problem. Luckily, there are ways you can get the financing you need to start your business! Along with the trials of the pandemic, there has been an explosion of online financial resources, like Simple Cash Daily to supplement what you need to get started. Security of a Regular Paycheck: Suppose the last year proved that security is an illusion. But the good thing is you don’t need to work for the government to have a stable job. All you need is a great idea and the determination to succeed. There are plenty of companies out there started by people who have been laid off. Here’s a chance to put your destiny in your own hands.

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High School Principal Worked Overnight At Walmart To Help Students In Need CHARLESTON, S.C. — As principal of North Charleston High School in South Carolina, an area where 20 percent of residents live in poverty, Henry Darby was used to seeing students in need. “There were some kids who, when I went to their homes, their mother wouldn’t let me in, but I could see that the home was dark — they had no electricity. Or you could see that they were sleeping on mattresses on the floor. … There was one student sleeping under a bridge.” As someone who grew up in extreme poverty himself, Darby has a soft spot for such students. “I found myself dipping into my emergency funds, and I didn’t want to do that but at the same time, I didn’t want to say ‘no’ to anyone,” he said. So Darby, a member of the Charleston County Council, took an extra step to help out: He got a part-time job at Walmart to earn extra money to help his students. North Charleston High School principal Henry Darby (center) accepts a check for $50,000 on behalf of his school from Walmart, where he worked the graveyard shift to help raise money for needy students. (Charleston County School District) Stacking shelves on the overnight shift was not an easy job for Darby, who at 66 years old has lingering neck injuries from being hit by a car. After getting off work at 7 a.m., he had to rush to get to his main job at the high School— which enrolls about 600 students — by 7:45 a.m. “I never grew tired until I left my job at the end of the day,” he said. “And I would sleep on Saturdays. I slept like a log.” When he started the Walmart job in August 2020, Darby worked five nights a week. He eventually asked for his days to be cut to three. He quit in April, but only because his doctor told him that the nature of the work — constantly looking up as he stocked shelves — was aggravating his neck injury. Darby tried to keep his retail job a secret, but it didn’t take long for word to get out. “The very first night, one of my students saw me,” he recalled. “He said, ‘Mr. Darby, you work at Walmart?’ I said to myself, ‘Oh gosh, now everyone is going to know.’” In January, Charleston’s Post and Courier newspaper wrote about Darby and his third job. That story, in turn, led to widespread publicity, including national television appearances on “The Today Show” and CNN. A month later, Gov. Henry McMaster presented Darby with the Order of the Palmetto. The award recognizes that “the success of the State of South Carolina, the strength of its communities, and the vitality

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of our society as a whole depend, in great measure, upon the dedication, passion, and sacrifice of individuals like Henry E. Darby who use their many talents Henry Darby and resources to serve and to inspire others.” Though he didn’t seek recognition, the widespread attention Darby’s story garnered reaped some huge benefits: Donations have poured in for his students. Wal-Mart gave $50,000 to the school. A local real estate company donated $185,000. Altogether, including crowdfunding efforts, the school has raised more than $300,000 in donations, in addition to donations of clothes, shoes, food and other items. Being able to bring his students so much help has been especially gratifying for Darby, who grew up in poor in South Carolina, raised by a single mother, a seamstress, after his father died when he was 3. His mother was a hard worker who instilled in him resourcefulness and pride despite their circumstances. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (with mic) at a ceremony bestowing the state’s Order of the Palmetto on North Charleston High School principal Henry Darby (seated). (Charleston County School District) “She didn’t have hang-ups about going to the dumpster and going through the trash,” Darby said. He recalled his mother finding an old, filthy cloth that she cleaned and made into a shirt for him. Students greatly appreciate Darby’s generosity, according to comments in a write-up on his school’s website. “He will do whatever he has to do to give back to his community and his high school,” said Kalik Dickson. Kharin Simmons said, “Mr. Darby is a kind, caring person. He treats all of his students like his own and does all he can do to take care of us.” Now Darby plans to ask his doctor if he can resume working at Walmart. “I enjoy helping others,” he said. Beyond that, Darby said, the work helps teach students a valuable lesson, particularly to those who think that stocking shelves at Walmart is “beneath them,” he said. “It’s an example to the kids,” he said. “They are saying, ‘My principal works at Wal-Mart, so I can do it too.”

July 9, 2021

PRAISE, WORSHIP, DEVOTION, OBITUARIES & INSPIRATION

Thomas Howard Crawford, Jr. April 21, 1959 – June 10, 2021

Page Seven

An Out of Court Settlement By Velma J. Sanders

Preceded in death by Grandparents, Willie C and Ethel Mae Crawford, Sr., Father, Thomas H Crawford, Sr., Mother Ethel Lee Crawford, Sister Carol Jean Crawford Montgomery. Survived by children, DeMurris (Amber) McMillan, Knoxville, TN; Johnathan Howard Crawford, Madison Crawford and Brooke Crawford, Atlanta, GA. Sisters, Maryann Woodard, Marilyn Crawford Omaha NE, Vickie Crawford, Mesquite, TX. Special Friend Margie Jack, Omaha NE. Grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of friends and relatives Memorial Service, Saturday, July 10, 2021 5PM at Donald Trimble Mortuary Final arrangements entrusted to Donald Trimble Mortuary, Inc., 1876 2nd Ave. Decatur, GA 30032

THE OMAHA STAR

It is one thing to watch a legal trial on TV and quite another thing to be actually on trial yourself; especially if there are mountains of evidence of guilt. If the very words, thoughts and actions of a lifetime, stand as a witness against us; shouting “Sinner! Guilty! Lawbreaker!” There is a court date of final judgment that is in the future of each of us and it is of utmost urgency that before that date a way is found for a guilty sinner to be declared righteous before a holy God. Let us look at Luke 12:58, 59, “When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort along the way to settle with him, lest he drag you to the judge, the judge deliver you to the officer and the officer throw you into prison. I tell you, you shall not depart from there till you have paid the very last mite.” Notice first of all the words “When you go … along the way” represents our day-to-day living. But we notice also two other things: First, as we are going along the way, that we are on our way to the magistrate, and then secondly, that we are not alone. There is an adversary who accompanies us. Normally, when we hear the word “adversary” we

think of the devil. But we know that the adversary of Luke 12 cannot possibly be him because we are never told to settle with him. The adversary here represents the law of God that accompanies us and that God in His righteousness demands be kept. The law that stands as an adversary against us; not because it is bad, but because we are unable to keep it. In our two verses, there is an urgent plea to “make every effort along the way to settle with him” before we are brought into the courtroom of God; an out of court settlement, as it were. Peace must be made and our sin debt settled, before final judgment or else the alternative will be to be brought before God clothed in sin and to face His eternal wrath and damnation. So how can a sinful person get an out-of-court settlement with God? How can their sins be forgiven and the sinner declared righteous? First, there must be a recognition of guilt; and then, there must be a turning away by faith to Jesus Christ as the one who bore our sins and paid our debt in full on Calvary’s Cross. Romans 5:6-9, “ For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. Vsanders875@centurylink.net

Kids Talk About God

Why Did Jesus Heal on the Sabbath? By Carey Kinsolving and Friends “Jesus healed on the Sabbath because God the Father works every day,” says Marissa, 10. “Since Jesus is his son, he works every day, too. Just think what would happen if God just took a day off!” Apart from Jesus claiming to be the Messiah, the issue of Sabbath observance produced more conflict with religious leaders than anything else. Why all the fuss? Perhaps a little background on the Sabbath would be helpful. Although not mentioned by name in the Genesis record of creation, the idea of the Sabbath is presented. After God created the heavens and the Earth, he rested on the seventh day (Saturday). The fourth of the Ten Commandments says to refrain from work on the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-11). During the time of Israel’s wanderings in the desert, God supplied them with manna from heaven to eat. On day six of every week, he gave them enough manna for two days so they wouldn’t have to work to gather it on the seventh day. God instituted the Sabbath in Israel to give his people

a day of rest in which they could focus on him. Religious leaders had too much time on their hands and started making rules about what constituted work. Don’t think this is ancient history. I’ve been in modern Israel and seen an orthodox Jew dressed in black shake his finger at me because I rode in a taxi on Saturday. My Jewish taxi driver wasn’t impressed with the fingerwagging man in black. When religious leaders accused Jesus of breaking the Sabbath because his disciples plucked some grain and ate it as they walked through a field, he said: “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:2728).By creating many laws that defined work, religious leaders made the Sabbath a burden instead of a blessing. As Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus healed a man who had been unable to walk for 38 years (John 5:1-18). Jesus told the lame man to pick up his bed and walk. The Sabbath rule enforcers were waiting to pounce. Sabbath enforcers didn’t care that a man who had been crippled for 38 years had been healed. Their focus on rules blinded them to Jesus’ miracle. They wanted to know who

Any Pie à la Mode Is My Kind of Pie By Dr. James L. Snyder Choices are a very important part of our everyday life. I am what I am today because of choices I made yesterday. I would like to blame someone else, but the truth of the matter is, I am what I am because of my choices. I must say that the best choice that I’ve ever made in my life was marrying the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. I’m really not sure it was my choice, but I will take credit for it. While we were dating, we were once traveling with a group of people, and as we were sitting together, she said something like, “Wouldn’t it be nice to get married?” I thought it was a rhetorical question; how was I to know it was an unofficial proposal. In my naivety, I said, “It sure would be nice.” Well, in that regard, that was a choice I made. In August of this year, the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage and her husband will celebrate 50 years of marital bliss. I can’t believe it’s that long; I must’ve been very young when it took place. I must say that during these 50 years of marital bliss, we have had very few arguments. Our one argument is the Broccoli/Apple Fritter controversy. Up to this point, neither of us has budged either way. She once suggested that we switch, and for one week, I eat broccoli every day, and she will eat an Apple fritter every day. I tried to consider that but only for one half of a second. So if we did that, I would be the great loser, and she would get to enjoy an Apple Fritter everyday for a week. That didn’t sound fair to me. Just because there are some things that we don’t agree on

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told the healed man to break one of their rules. “It made them especially mad when Jesus told them that he was God’s son, and since God worked on the Sabbath, he could, too,” says Margo, 10. Jesus purposely called God “my Father,” instead of “our Father.” He sent a strong message to his critics, and they got it. They were furious. They wanted to kill Jesus because he broke the Sabbath by breaking one of their rules and made himself equal with God (John 5:18). For the Christian, Jesus is our rest or Sabbath. They rest in Christ and his finished work on the cross for their salvation. To see this argument in full, read Hebrews 4. Think about this: Let Jesus become your Sabbath. Trust in him alone and his work on the cross as the final payment for your sins. Memorize this truth: “For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His” (Hebrews 4:10). Ask these questions: Have you ceased trying to work your way into God’s favor? Have you trusted or rested in Jesus’ final payment for your sins on the cross?

doesn’t mean there are not some things that we actually do agree on. For example, this past week, we decided to go out for supper at a local restaurant. It’s been a long week and many things were happening that you just can’t prepare for, so we deserved a little bit of a break. As we got to the end of our meal, the waitress came by to see if we wanted dessert, and of course, we did. Almost simultaneously, we said, “I’ll have an apple pie à la mode,” which was the featured dessert on the menu. We looked at each other and broke out laughing. The waitress laughed with us, and then she went to get the dessert. We’ve known each other for about 50 years, and I just realized the one thing that we do have in common. So we talked about it for a few moments, and the topic was, “What was your favorite pie à la mode?” For me, it’s tough to pick out my favorite pie. But, if there’s a bad pie, I’ve never encountered it. Finally, I brought it all together by saying, “Any pie à la mode is my kind of pie.” Later on, I was reminded of one of my favorite verses in the Bible. “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3). Walking together for 50 years has been a great blessing. We don’t focus on our disagreements but rather on those things that we agree on. As the years have gone by, what we agree on has become more important. Dr. James L. Snyder is pastor of the Family of God Fellowship, 1471 Pine Road, Ocala, FL 34472. He lives with his wife in Silver Springs Shores. Call him at 352-216-3025 or e-mail jamessnyder2@att.net. The church web site is www.whatafellowship.com.

OEDC Farmer’s Market

Every Thursday until October there is a farmer’s market in the OEDC parking lot (2221 North 24th Street). This is a pay-what-you-want market from 5pm-7pm. In partnership with local farmers the market provides our community with access to healthy, locally grown produce where the food you buy at the Farmers Market is fresh from the farm reflecting the truest flavors. For more information contact Cyndi Hume 402-504-1842.

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Page Eight THE OMAHA STAR

PRAISE & WORSHIP DIRECTORY

July 9, 2021

ALLEN CHAPEL A.M.E.

SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH

Rev. Willie Morris, Pastor 2842 Monroe Street Omaha, NE 68107 Off: (402) 5734-3399 Email: admin@allenchapelomaha.org

Rev. Willie Morris

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

Fr. Dave Korth

MORNING STAR BAPTIST CHURCH 2019 Burdette Street Omaha, NE 68110 Ph: 402-342-0018

Fr. Dave Korth

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

“Where Life is for Everyone”

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

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

SUNDAYS 10:00 AM

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

SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH

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

MOUNT CALVARY COMMUNITY CHURCH

Drs. Martin & Lynnell Williams Founders & Lead Pastors

“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

BETHEL MISSIONARAY BAPTIST CHURCH Rev. Dr. Lorenzo S.L. Fincher Senior Pastor 5318 South 30th Street Omaha, NE 68107 Phone: (402) 731-1840

Bishop Kevin Chambers

Dr. Ralph B. Lassiter, Pastor 2602 N. 24th St. Off: (402) 451-8800 Fax: (402) 451-8522 mtmoriahomaha.net pastorlassiter@gmail.com

Rev. Ralph Lassiter, Sr.

Wednesday Bible-Prayer Service 11:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m

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.

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

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

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

Pastor Kenneth A. Allen

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.

Rev. Kent H. Little, Lead Pastor

Pastor Barbara Mitchell

2215 Grant Street Omaha, NE 68110 Ph: 402-346-1502 Fax: 402-344-2720

Pastor Terry L. Arvie

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

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

ZION BAPTIST CHURCH Rev. Kenneth A. Allen, Pastor

“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

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.

MT. MORIAH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

Sunday School .............................................. 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship ..........................................10:45 a.m. Overcomers in Christ......................Sunday 7:00 p.m.

CLAIR MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

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)

PLEASANT GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH

Rev. Michael Chamberlain

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

Wednesday: Prayer Power Hour ......................................12:00 p.m Thursday: Youth For Christ ............................................6:00 p.m Prayer & Bible Study ....................................6:30 p.m Sunday: Sunday School.................................................9:00 a.m. Morning Worship..........................................10:15 a.m. Charles Galloway - President, Rev John Deang - Pastor, Dr John Beasley - Elder

HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH

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

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

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

JOY OF LIFE MINISTRIES COGIC

Pastors Eric and Cynthia Butler

Rev. Vitalis Anyanike

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

HOLY NAME CATHOLIC CHURCH

Pastor Eric Butler and Co-Pastor Cynthia Butler

Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus

TABERNACLE OF FAITH CHURCH

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

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

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

“Large enough to serve you, Small enough to know you”

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

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

2901 Fontenelle Blvd. 68104 Ph: 402-451-6622 • Fax 402-457-6901 Mass Schedule: Mon. - Fri. 8:30 a.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m. & 5:00 p.m. Sun. 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. & Noon (Spanish) Reconciliation: Sat. 4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. or by appointment Pastor: Rev. Vitalis Anyanike

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 BITES/CLASSIFIEDS

July 9, 2021

Managing Your RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions) By Michael L. Green Depending how much of your RMDs you actually need to live on, the required withdrawals from your retirement accounts can be a pain to manage. Recent developments in the rules have given retirees somewhat of a break. The required age has been raised to 72 from 70 ½, if you haven’t started taking them yet, and there is also discussion about legislation to raise the age to 75 eventually. RMDs were waived in 2020 for covid. But they are back now and you should really make a plan for how to take them. Most people just use a default strategy of waiting until the beginning or end of the year to take a lump sum. Both ways can have advantages and disadvantages depending on whether the market is up or down at the time you make the withdrawal. If the market is up at the time you choose to sell, you’re benefitting by selling when you’ve made profits. Conversely if you have to sell when the market is down, you could wind up selling at a loss. The obvious challenge is you can’t know what’s going to happen; you only know what has happened. So, what do you do? First realize that you can take RMDs anytime during the year with Dec. 31 as the annual deadline. If it is your first time you have until Apr 1 following the year in which you turn 72. A RMD for the current year is determined by taking the account balance at Dec 31 of the previous year divided by your life expectancy. Your life expectancy number can be found in the IRS Uniform Lifetime Tables (IRS Pub 590B) Another thing to realize is as you get older your RMD will get larger. As your account decreases the percentage gets larger. This is the way it was designed so that uncle Sam can recoup all of the taxes deferred all of the prior years. The system is designed for you to deplete the account should you live long enough. So, what should you do to get the best out is this situation? Consider making a plan to make periodic withdrawals rather than lump sums at one time or another. Most people are accustomed to budgeting around their pay day. If you set up your RMD withdrawals as if it were a paycheck and manage your income and expenses accordingly it might be easier and have some other distinct advantages over the lump sum practice. First of all, consider setting up a cash account which covers at least one year of normal expenses. Most recommend 2-3 years of expenses. Then set up periodic withdrawals to replenish your cash account. This has the advantage similar to making periodic deposits

THE OMAHA STAR

Page Nine

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

Now Hiring Apply Today! Habitat for Humanity of Omaha is a grassroots organization that builds and improves houses, forges community partnerships and breaks down barriers. Our vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. We’re looking for people who... • Have a passion for helping others • Enjoy building genuine connections • Want to be part of a mission-focused environment

See our current openings and apply at habitatomaha.org/about-us/careers. Habitat for Humanity of Omaha is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ and assign the best qualified people for all of our positions. We are committed to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Green continued on page 10

Arborist

B & E Tree Service

Tree Trimming, Tree Removal, Stump Removal and Haul Away

Eric Neal

Licensed Arborist Fully insured and bonded @betreeservice on Facebook

402-753-5891 ericneal18@cox.net

Auto Service Ron Devers owner 402.641.6220 6005 Sorenson Pkwy Omaha, NE 68152

Ron's Auto Center

Construction TAYLORD SPACES.COM New Home Construction Additions & Remodels Also build homes in East Omaha Swimming pool installation

Attorney

Auto Service Home Team Auto Sales

Timothy Ashford Attorney at Law 1603 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102 (402) 660-5544 attorneytimothyashford@gmail.com

Barber Shop

Candle Boutique

A CUT ABOVE DOWN NORTH Meet your new barber: ~ For over 8 years Polo has been an elite barber in the Omaha metropolitan area. ~ 2x Barber of the Year nominee for UNLYP ~ Cuts have been featured on ESPN, MTV, CNN, Nickelodeon, and various news outlets.

For an appointment www.polobland.com

Fitness Training

Smells So Good! Owners: Theresa White Chantelle Green

Our Signature candles are all natural and made with soy wax. These candles are sure to light up any room with pure joy!

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Grocery Store

Coach Percy Keith Performance Training

Carry Out Food

Information

Call to Carry out

Handy Services

(402) 359-3296

For information on performances 402-201-1776

Real Estate 100% Female Owned Company

3932 N 90th Street Omaha, Nebraska 68134 SR-22, Auto, Home, Life, Health, Commercial, Annuities

Residential Services

Mobile Document Destruction

Development and Project Owners Representation

• Residential Services • Discounts for Seniors

Construction

Mike Paulson, President 10630 Chandler Rd. Bay #3 LaVista, NE 68128

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Insurance

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Phone: 402-933-0737 www.noahclinic.org

Home Improvement Housing 55 & older

Independent Seniors 55 & Over Call Seven Oaks at Notre Dame HOME! Call for a Tour Today! 3439 State Street Omaha, Nebraska 68112 402.451.4477 www.sevenoaksnd.org

Insurance

Mobile Food

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John Lord, LUTCF, RHU® Agent

New York Life Insurance Company One Valmont Plaza, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68154 Bus. 402.496.6429 Cell 402.510.4186 Fax 402.496.6458 jlord@ft.nyl.com Authorized to Offer

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ǁǁǁ͘ĞǀĞƌŐƌĞĞŶĐĂƉŝƚĂůŽŵĂŚĂ͘ĐŽŵ ZĞŐŝƐƚĞƌĞĚ /ŶǀĞƐƚŵĞŶƚ ĚǀŝƐŽƌ ;ϳͬϮϬϮϬͿ

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We are offering very LOW Rates! Auto • Home • Life • Health • Dental • Vision ALSO AVAILABLE Commercial Insurance

Kim Robinson, M.B.A. 1913 Military Avenue Omaha, NE 68104 402-999-8357 (office) 402-502-0253 (fax) robinsoninsurance@omhcoxmail.com

Security LION'S GATE SECURITY INC FULL SERVICE SECURITY FIRM

Sherman P. Willis, Agent 4915 N 120th St Ste 107 Omaha, NE 68164 Bus: 402-493-1000 sherman@shermanpwillis.com Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evenings and Sat by appt. 24/7 Good Neighbor Service

1211999

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Tyrone Hayes (Owner) 1822 N. 33rd St. Omaha, NE 68111

402.215.3822

Tyrone@Tennashupalace.com

Mike 239-292-6647

Andrew: 239-994-0319

candntrans41@yahoo.com

Page Ten THE OMAHA STAR

YOUTH/EDUCATION NEWS Classroom Spotlight:

Special Music Projects at Mandela Scholars in Ms. Alisa Moore’s fourth grade class worked hard to learn and record their own version of “Glory” by John Legend and Common on violin, featuring their classmate Courtney Jackson and their teacher, Ms. Moore as vocalists. All scholars at Mandela play violin through the Omaha Conservatory of Music’s String Sprouts Program, and these fourth graders are at the last level of their curriculum. Their teacher, Mrs. Jessica Davis, presented the song to the scholars as a challenge. After writing an accompaniment for violin, Mrs. Davis and the scholars worked on the piece during their class time. Once they perfected it, the scholars were able to record the piece and share it with the school and community. Mrs. Davis said, “It was a great opportunity to inspire the kiddos, talk

July 9, 2021

Rice Salad

about Black history, celebrate Juneteenth, and teach the students about the recording and editing process.” Visit facebook.com/NelsonMandelaElementary to view the video.

Ingredients 1 Tbsp Vinegar 1/3 cup Diced Green Onion 2/3 cup Undiluted Evaporated Milk 3/4 cup Chopped Celery 1/2 cup Mayonnaise 2 Tbsp Chopped Pimento 1 Envelop (6-8 ounces) Italian Salad Dressing Mix 2 Tbsp Minced Parsley, fresh or 1/4 tsp dried Parsley 1/8 tsp Paprika 2 Diced Hard Cooked Eggs 1/ 4 tsp Pepper 4 cups Cold, Cooked Rice 4 Slices Crisp Crumbled Bacon Stir vinegar into evaporated milk until thickens. Add mayonnaise, Italian salad dressing mix, paprika; mix well. Chill. Add remaining ingredients to cold cooked rice. Add salad dressing, toss gently until well mixed. Chill until ready to serve.

Free Ed Poindexter Information

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when you were funding your retirement account. Then you were neither buying at the high or low with a lump sum but averaging your cost of investing. The same goes for making withdrawals; you may be selling when the market is up and when it’s down, but you’ll be averaging out. Also, you’ll be able to set a budget around a set withdrawal like a paycheck or other monthly payments like social security. What if you don’t need your RMD’s? You can reinvest them in a taxable account and continue to grow your assets. By investing monthly you’ll be doing the same thing as when you were putting money in your 401(k), 403(b), or IRA. So, averaging out and reinvesting can be the mirror strategy minus the tax affect on the distributions. You’ll have to sell more shares of your investments if the market is down but will be able to buy more when you reinvest the withdrawn funds. But keep in mind if you don’t reinvest, you’ll lose the opportunity to recapture some of the profits you lost when you sold in a down market. So, to repeat, have a plan. This is an excellent strategy for extending the life of your retirement savings especially if you don’t need them in the early part of the RMD years. “You’ve worked hard for your money, make it work for you.”

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

July 26 to August 2 2021 Major Native Omaha Days Events

presented by the Native Omaha Days Organizing Committee Native Omaha Days Gospel Fest Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Location: Morning Star Baptist Church at 7:00 PM 2019 Burdette Street. Featuring Millicent Crawford, Kathy Tyree,

Dani Cleveland, Chad Stoner, TaRae Peoples, The Chosen Few, Jarron Taylor and CBN and others! Hosted by: MC Pastor Jon Lucas Presented by: Native Omaha Days Organizing Committee, Native Omahan Club, Empowerment Network and Revive Center.

Stroll Down Memory Lane

24th and Burdette to 24th and Ohio

Path Forward KNOCK OUT YOUR GEN-EDS EARLY

CollegeNOW! this summer at no cost.

Friday, July 30, 2021

Location: 24th and Lake from 4 pm to 8 pm

Come join in the fun and reminisce about the “Good Old Days and talk about the exciting future.” Listen to live music in Dreamland Park, visit art exhibits at Great Plains Black History Museum and, shop at Fair Deal Village MarketPlace and Revive Center Market. Visit a variety of vendors selling handmade jewelry, Native Omaha Days Festival Merchandise and more at the Village Festival Square Market located on the corner of 24th & Burdette. The Village Festival Square at 24th & Lake is another location that will host a variety of Mobile Food Trucks and food vendors offering delicious and mouthwatering food. Hope on the Ollie the Trolley and enjoy the North Omaha Village Historic and Revitalization Tour!

Native Omaha Days Parade Saturday, July 31, 2021

Location: 30th and Lake to 30th and Sprague 10 am to Noon

The largest celebration of the week! 20,000 strong will line the streets and nearly 3,000 will march in the parade. Come early to get your spot! Get registered to participate in the parade at nativeomahadays.org

Southern Blues Concert Saturday, July 31, 2021

New Location: Omaha By Design Center 1502 Cuming 7 pm to 11 pm

Featuring Pokey Bear, Big Robb and Other Special Guests Ticket $25 (General Admission)/$50 (VIP) Available at LeFlore’s Fashion, Fair Deal Grocery Store and Eventbrite Gates Open @ 6:30 pm

For more complete listing or to buy tickets, go to

NATIVEOMAHADAYS.ORG

Nebraska high school students can get a jump on college gen-eds or prerequisites at MCC and pay nothing for tuition and books. Use your credits toward a degree at MCC, or transfer them to a college of your choice. Second session of summer classes begins July 13. Get started today at mccneb.edu/CollegeNow. Note: Valid only to Nebraska high school students or recent graduates for the summer 2021 quarter. Students considering college courses for the first time should visit with a high school counselor before enrolling.

Metropolitan Community College affirms a policy of equal education, employment opportunities and nondiscrimination in providing services to the public. To read our full policy statement, visit mccneb.edu/nondiscrimination.