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Nebraska’s Only Black Owned Newspaper Vol. 83 - No. 24 Omaha, Nebraska
Friday, November 26, 2021
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Family of the Week: Omaha Star Staff
UFSCOC Leadership Team (L-R): Tia Houston, Ernest White, Frances Hunter, Karnetta Rushing, Cathy Banks and Johnny Nesbit, Velma Scurlock (not pictured)
Minority Financial Professionals Group Looks to Launch Winning Strategy
Omaha Star Staff – Beryl Barnes, Amber Elliston, Terri D. Sanders and Jennifer Keys. Not pictured Barbara Reeves and Mike Rice The Omaha Star staff is hard at work making sure the paper comes to you with all the advertisements and community news. We are FAMILY. The paper is entering into its 84th year of on time publication. The Omaha Star Administrator is Beryl Barnes. She is responsible for subscriber accounts and billing. She is available to greet customers and assists with counter service. Amber Elliston is the Mildred D Brown Memorial Study Center Administrator and handles the servicing of the Study Center Board of Directors and Executive Director. Barbara Reeves is responsible for the city-wide distribution of the paper and Mike Rice is responsible for the mailing distribution of the paper. Terri Sanders is the Publisher of the Omaha Star and is the fifth Black female publisher of the newspaper. Terri also serves as the Executive Director of the Mildred D. Brown Memorial Study Center. Jennifer Keys is a member of the Mildred D Brown Memorial Study Center Board as serves as Vice President. Jennifer is the Archivist for the rich history of the newspaper. Everyone services the Printing Center and we look forward to the public utilizing what the print center has to offer. We are very proud to serve the Omaha community and welcome inquires about subscriptions, advertising and writing articles. Please call us at 402-346-4041 or email us at publisher@omahastarinc.com.
Speaking Freely Part II
By Audra Owens
I wrote this book during the pandemic. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing or hearing, but I could not ignore it either. So, I decided to write this book and let people explore the magnitude of this world and feel what I was feeling. I dedicate Speaking Freely Part II to my parents, Lee and Louise Stennis. They taught me not to hate anyone and to live life to the fullest. I want the world to descend into this book and take in what happens when someone is different. When I say different, I mean that in all aspects, in every way possible. This is my fourth book, and I wrote it with a heavy heart. I invite everyone to read and take all my words into your soul.
The Urban Financial Services Coalition Omaha Chapter (UFSCOC) formerly known as the Urban Bankers Forum of Nebraska is a non-profit organization of minority professionals with expertise and experience in the Financial Services Industry. The primary mission of the organization is to provide professional development opportunities for its members, support educational advancement for aspiring scholars and promote economic empowerment for minority communities at large through financial education. Since the establishment of this organization in 1988, UFSCOC members have remained highly committed to fulfilling these objectives. It is inevitable that the majority of individuals and small business entrepreneurs in lowmoderate income communities are compressed by the burden of poor credit and high fees. Borrowing options are limited and understanding how to build and maintain good credit is ambiguous. People that struggle with credit believe that they should avoid credit all together. Members of the Urban Financial Services Coalition Omaha Chapter (UFSCOC) will launch a credit campaign using unique strategies to raise awareness of the credit problem in North Omaha while providing learning opportunities of how to build and improve credit scores that will ultimately enhances the quality of life for low-moderate income families and small business owners in the community at large. To learn more about UFSCOC or to become a member/volunteer, please refer to our website at www.ufscomaha.org. Cathy Banks, Chapter President
UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communications Leads the Way in Experiential Learning By Luna Stephans The University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications held a ribbon cutting Oct. 29 to unveil the Agency, a new space that is part of the CoJMC’s Experience Lab. The event was planned and executed by UNL students in Jacht Agency, a full-service agency that is part of the Experience Lab. Through the event, Jacht students and other Experience Lab student leaders developed their skills related to event planning, public speaking and media relations. The Agency is located on the third floor of the Lincoln Children’s Museum at 1420 P St in Lincoln, right across from Andersen Hall. The new space was created with support from donors including Firespring, Swanson Russell, Pixel Bakery, Bailey Lauerman, Agent, Look East, The Nebraska Broadcasters’ Association, Maly Marketing, OBI, KidGlov and Revolution Wraps. The Experience Lab allows students to explore their industry of interest by communicating and working with real clients, sources, stories and content within the community. By leveraging this real-world setting and experience, students will develop their skills in content production, social and digital media, and emerging technologies. The Experience Lab programs include Buoy, a student-led advertising and public relations agency for nonprofits, Nebraska News Service, a statewide wire service, Nebraska Nightly, a recorded news show, 90M.3 KRNU, the campus radio station, Heartland Webzine, an online community magazine for Nebraska, UNLimited Sports, Nebraska sports reporting, and Jacht. Some of the programs are brand new, while others are much older than the Experience Lab itself. Each Experience Lab program has one or more students leads who are typically upperclassmen and help mentor the program’s younger students. Buoy student lead Kimball Brey, a senior ADPR major, said the new student-led agency is focused on getting students that first hands-on experience to kickstart their career.
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“The students that are in Buoy haven’t had the opportunity yet to have that hands-on experience with client work,” she said. “So, we really get to mentor them and guide them through that process in an agency setting.” KRNU 90.3 has been UNL’s campus radio station for over 50 years. Now, as part of the Experience Lab, students involved with KRNU said they are branching out into new forms of media. “We’re staying in the radio realm but also expanding into streaming,” KRNU student lead and senior broadcasting major Olivia Klein said. “We’re streaming podcasts, we’re streaming sports, we’re streaming music, and then we’re also expanding into more print.” Chancellor Ronnie Green and CoJMC Dean Shari Veil gave remarks at the event prior to the official ribbon cutting about the importance of experiential learning opportunities for students. “Our N 2025 plan that we’re now in the second year of implementing here at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has a very central focus … around co-creating the experience with our students and the experiential component of that being so critically important as we move forward,” Green said during UNL continued on page 3
Next Issue:
December 10, 2021 Information submission by December 3, 2021
Page Two
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LOCAL NEWS November 26, 2021 Christmas In My Heart: A Concert Featuring Camille Metoyer Moten
Christmas in My Heart: A Concert Featuring Camille Metoyer Moten will open on Friday, November 26th, 2021. The show will run in the Howard Drew Theatre through December 23rd. Performances will be held Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. and Wednesday, December 22nd at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now starting at $30 with prices varying by performance. Tickets may be purchased at the OCP Box Office, 6915 Cass St., Omaha, NE 68132, by phone at (402) 553-0800 or online at OmahaPlayhouse.com. OCP legend Camille Metoyer Moten makes her highly anticipated return to the stage for an intimate holiday affair. Christmas in My Heart is all the wonder and magic of the season in concert. Cozy up in our Howard Drew Theatre and let Camille’s soaring voice warm your heart with beloved holiday classics, contemporary Christmas melodies and everything in between!
Learning Community Invitation Letter RFP: Marketing and Communications Services
The Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties (the “Learning Community”) is seeking a new marketing and communication agency and is requesting proposals through the request for proposal process (“RFP”) described in the attachments to this letter. The Learning Community hereby invites proposals (“Proposals”) from organizations interested in providing marketing and communication services. Please carefully review this letter and all attachments. Proposals must be addressed to Bradley Ekwerekwu and submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. (Central Time) on December 31, 2021, via the following email address:
OPS Continues Proactive Front Porch Investments Launches New Model to Fill Communication With five new schools preparing to open and improvements happening at schools across our district, this is an exciting time in the Omaha Public Schools community. Throughout the 2018 bond program, the Student Assignment Plan committee has been planning for these changes and proactively communicating to ensure all Omaha Public Schools families and staff are aware of how they may be impacted. “It has been a huge undertaking and one we take very seriously,” said Casey Hughes, Omaha Public Schools director of data and analytics and team lead of the Student Assignment Plan committee. “We have spent years working to make these updates as efficient and equitable as possible for all of our students.” The Omaha Public Schools Board of Education approved the Elementary and Middle School Student Assignment Plan in October 2019. These boundary changes will take place at the elementary level in fall 2022 as Forest Station Elementary and Pine Elementary open, and at the middle level in fall 2023 as Bluestem Middle opens. In March 2021, the Board of Education approved the updated High School Student Assignment Plan. These changes will go into effect in fall 2022 as Westview High and Buena Vista High open. These schools will initially open with 9th and 10th grades, adding 11th grade in 2023 and 12th grade in 2024. This month, impacted families will receive direct letters via USPS mail from our district outlining how their students will be impacted by changes in the coming years. This includes boundary changes, grade level configuration and transportation eligibility. Families will receive communication based on their current primary address. Families who move may have additional impacts. “Our focus is to make sure all impacted families have the information they need to feel comfortable as these changes take place these next few years,” said Anne MacFarland Ed.D., executive director of student and community services and team lead of the Student Assignment Plan committee. In addition to opening five new schools, improvements have been taking place at schools across our district thanks to the 2018 bond program. For more information on the 2018 bond program or the upcoming boundary changes, visit ops.org/SAP.
The Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA) will host a live virtual public meeting for the Highway 75 Corridor & Freight Strategy study on December 14, 2021 at 6 p.m. Interested individuals can register for the meeting at: mapacog.org/highway75 The Highway 75 Corridor & Freight Strategy study will identify feasible, planning-level concepts that meet study mobility, safety, and community goals. The live virtual public meeting will provide an overview of the study and process, followed by an opportunity to ask questions of the study team via a live question and answer session. The live public meeting will then adjourn to a variety of self-guided activities, which will be available at mapacog.org/highway75 starting December 14 through December 28. Through these activities, participants will be asked to provide input on the overall transportation and neighborhood vision and goals of the Highway 75 study area, identify constraints for pedestrians, bicyclists, vehicles, public transit, and freight, and define community strengths and opportunities. Feedback, ideas, and perspectives from the public
Local housing experts announced the creation of a new effort this week to fill the 100,000-unit gap identified in a recent study on housing affordability in Omaha. The organization, Front Porch Investments, has created a collaborative model to bring funders together with community stakeholders, impacted residents, housingsupportive nonprofits, and developers to meet the city’s urgent housing needs. “We envision a community where all of us have access to safe, high-quality affordable housing across the city. That’s the future we want for Omaha, and we’re ready to make bold, innovative moves to get there,” said Meridith Dillon, Executive Director at FPI. The group will launch impact-driven funds to provide a simplified investment model for funders and a one-stop shop for developers and nonprofits working toward filling the housing gap. Funding will prioritize the preservation and development of affordable housing, homelessness prevention, and the creation of a “greenlining” initiative to promote homeownership in areas of historical disinvestment. Support will be available through a rolling application process in the form of gap financing, capacity-building grants, affordable capital, and other resources. “We are ready to serve as a convener and coordinator of the many excellent organizations that are advancing housing stability in Omaha. It’s going to take an ‘allin’ approach to address the urgent need we are seeing across the metro area,” said Naomi Hattaway, Director of Operations for FPI. Front Porch Investments will also prioritize equity and inclusion in housing by seeking the input of stakeholders who have been historically excluded from these processes in the past. An advisory board will center these voices in grantmaking decisions to ensure that funded projects are meeting community needs. Front Porch Investments is currently housed at the Omaha Community Foundation. More information on FPI is available at the Omaha Community Foundation’s website and through an email newsletter. FPI is currently seeking investment partners and will be announcing more information on funding opportunities in the coming months.
are critical to guiding the study team through the study process. Everyone is encouraged to participate. If you are unable to attend the live virtual public meeting, you are still encouraged to participate in the self-guided activities. A recording of the meeting will be posted on MAPA’s website at mapacog.org/highway75. If someone you know does not have internet access, call 408-418-9388 at the meeting time to access it by phone. When prompted, enter this access code: 2484 164 6298. The study aims to develop viable concepts for the Highway 75 corridor and study area that will meet both transportation and neighborhood goals. Any representative, feasible concepts that emerge from this study will require additional development and engineering in later project development phases. This study will provide a unique opportunity for residents, businesses, and the wider Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area to identify transportation alternatives that meet a variety of needs, including mobility, safety, accessibility, freight movement, economics, and neighborhood livability. For more information, visit mapacog.org/highway75.
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bekwerekwu@learningcommunityds.org The Learning Community will conduct a questionand-answer session and tour on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at 10AM CST as described below. This is the only time questions will be answered regarding the RFP and Proposals, so applicants are strongly encouraged to attend. Questions received at the above email address prior to 4:00 p.m. (Central Time) on Monday, November 29, 2021 will be compiled and answered during the teleconference. It is anticipated that a contract could be awarded as early as February 17, 2022.
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DECEMBER 12/3/21 12/10/21 Self Care Caring For You 12/15/21 12/24/21 www.theomahastar.com 402-346-4041 PO Box 3393 Omaha, NE 68103 publisher@omahastarinc.com
November 26, 2021
LOCAL/RELIGIOUS NEWS THE OMAHA STAR Page Three Land of the free and home of the brave Publisher’s Pen By Dr. Billy Holland
By Terri D. Sanders I feel as though I am a broken record, but COVID-19 numbers are on the rise as the public moves indoors for colder weather. Many have had vaccinations and even boosters. The crush is on to see family for the holidays since 2020 we were on lockdown and only necessary travel was not frowned upon. More people have died in 2021 than in 2020 and the year is not over. We cannot forget about the masks! We are encouraged to wear masks, even though we may have had all three of the “shots.” Dotcom Studios Since Omaha opened the theaters are active: Hamilton, CATS, A Christmas Carol…On November 28, 2021, at the Orpheum Theater “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” will be premiering. Remember Kurtis Blow? “The Breaks”? I can still hear that song in my head…This is his latest production. Who said there is nothing to do in Omaha? A mural has been painted at 24th and Sahler in memory of the Stolen/Lost Queens of our community. The art represents 45 females of color that have gone missing from our community and their cases remain to date unsolved. I had the opportunity to speak with Vicki Clark whose sister Marialice Clark (see advertisement in this issue) went missing in August 1972. This young lady would be about my age now and I cannot imagine leaving home at 14 years sold, and never returning…vanishing without a trace. There are always rumors and whisperings, but what REALLY happened to Marialice Clark? The family would like to have some answers. Her mother passed away never knowing what happened or where her baby girl is. This mural reminds us that loved ones are not here and families are still grieving a loss that has no answers. “Cold cases” and broken hearts are the results of these women missing. As the holidays approach, cherish the moments in your life. Once moments happen, they never return, that moment is a memory. In 2020 and 2021 we have experienced how fleeting life can be. In this season we acknowledge that we here at the Omaha Star are thankful for EVERY reader, ADVERTISER, and WELL WISHER of our paper. For 83 years the Omaha Star has faithfully reported the good news and you have been faithful to engage with us. We do not take your support for granted, Thank you. Remember the reason for the season!
As a chaplain for a Veterans health care facility and an honor guard that recognizes military personnel, I’m devoted to respecting those who were willing to give their lives for our freedom and it’s truly a privilege to spend quality time with the many fine men and women of our nation’s armed forces. In this month of remembrance, I believe it’s important to not only record and preserve their amazing accomplishments in battle but to also appreciate who they are as individuals. I remember visiting a man named Edward Hicks who willingly stepped forward when his country needed him the most. He was only 22-years-old and had just married his lovely bride, Mary Lou, four months earlier. He received the call to join the front-line and bravely responded to what would be known around the world as “Operation Overlord.” In 1918, at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, a ceasefire was declared as the signing of the Armistice ended World War One. A year later, President Wilson declared Armistice Day as the soldiers who survived marched in hometown parades. In 1938 Armistice Day became a national holiday and then in 1971 under president Nixon it was established as Veterans Day, honoring all veterans. Though I did not serve in the military, I’m very proud of my son, who is a marine and served with the Department of Homeland Security. He is now a police officer at a Veterans Hospital. Neither my father nor
Heart Ministry Center Staff Updates
Mark Dahir
Linda Alsharif
Heart Ministry Center provides food, healthcare, and a way forward to people severely affected by poverty in the Omaha area. The organization’s core values are compassion, community, accountability, and excellence, and it offers dignity for all. Learn more at HeartMinistryCenter.org. Mark Dahir was named the chief executive officer of the Heart Ministry Center in December 2020. He leads a team of 35 employees and has helped grow the organization’s operating budget to $3 million. During his eightyear tenure at the Center, he has participated in roles including volunteer, relationship manager, operations director, Fresh Start director, associate executive director, and chief operations officer. Mark was previously a commercial banker of 15 years. Linda Alsharif has been named the director of A Way Forward at Heart Ministry Center. She directs the case management services since starting at the Center in August 2018. Linda holds a business degree and a law degree from University du Quebec a Montreal. She spent 15 years at home raising her two children then returned to school at Creighton University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in social
Kye Chumley work. Kye Chumley has been named the food distribution director and Fresh Start director at Heart Ministry Center. Kye oversees food sourcing and distribution and also directs the Fresh Start program which has had more than 90 graduates. He joined the Center in April 2021 and has experience as a behavioral health professional and trauma-informed coach and mentor in Omaha after growing up in South-Central Los Angeles. Angie Grote has been named the director of development and communications at Heart Ministry Center. She joined the organization in May 2021 and comes with 16 years of fundraising and communications experience. Angie holds
a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications from Creighton University and a master’s degree in communications from University of Nebraska at Omaha. Stephanie Heimann has been named the healthcare director at Heart Ministry Center. Stephanie oversees the healthcare services provided by the Monen Healthcare Clinic. She started in August 2020 and comes to the Center with 15 years of experience working in healthcare. Stephanie holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Methodist College. Markus D. Hines has been named the director of strategic partnerships and business development at Heart Ministry Center. Markus stewards relationships with community partners. He joined the Center in September 2020 as the food distribution director with over 20 years of management experience. Markus holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Bellevue University and associates degrees in general studies and in arts from South Mountain Community College. Paul Weishapl has been named laundromat director and marketing manager at Heart Ministry Center. Paul directs the operations of the Fresh Start Laundromat and also manages the social media channels and does graphic design. He has an associate’s degree in graphic arts from the Creative Center and graduated from Heart Ministry Center’s Fresh Start Program in May 2020.
Marialice Clark missing since 8/20/1972 Have you seen her? Her family needs answers
Angie Grote
Stephanie Heimann
Markus D. Hines
my grandfather served but on my mother’s side of the family, it’s quite a different story. My maternal grandfather Alvin fought in WWI and was in France. He was injured in the war and according to my mother; he was never the same. They had seven children, three boys, and four girls, and my mother was the baby. Like many families, all three sons eventually enlisted into the military. However, I thought it was even more unique how my grandfather and each of my uncles served in a different war. The father was in World War I, his oldest son, was in Japan during WWII, the second son was killed in Korea in 1950, and the youngest son served in the Vietnam era. I vaguely remember two of these uncles and now realize they both suffered terribly from PTSD. My mom was very close to her brother who died in Korea. His nickname was Kenny and after he graduated High School, he worked a little part-time job before he was drafted. She remembers that he would give her ten cents every Saturday to buy some candy, which she looked forward to. He would also buy his mother flowers every week and she would set them on the kitchen table. My mom recalls the terrible day when military representatives knocked on their door and told her mother that they were sorry to inform her that her son had been killed. He was only 20-years-old. Her mother ran through the house wailing and screaming, “No God, please no.” Everyone was devastated as her mother went to bed and See Holland continued on page 11
Sheri Thomas Class 41 Receives Award
Congratulations to the recipient of the 2021 Lynda Shafer Leadership Omaha Distinguished Alumni Award, Capt. Sherie Thomas from Class 41! From an early age Sherie had a mindset of helping the community, often volunteering for youth programs at Salem Baptist Church. Thomas Wanting to continue her commitment to servant leadership in her adult life, she joined the Omaha Police Department (OPD) in 1999. While she has served in many positions within OPD, she feels her time as a School Resource Officer had the most direct impact. To the students, Sherie was a counselor, teacher, role model, and, at times, a de facto mother. Currently, she is assigned to the Executive Bureau of OPD, ensuring all under her command are performing to set standards. During the recent civil unrest, tensions were running high. Certain segments were calling for increased accountability in law enforcement and for defunding of departments. At the height of the protests, Sherie was singled out to lead a unity walk, during which she delivered a speech, “Let’s be better. Let’s do better.” Her message stressed the importance of unity through active engagement and helped reduce those tensions between citizens and law enforcement personnel. She continues to faithfully serve through leadership roles in several organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Special Olympics of Nebraska, Northwest High Magnet School Career Advisory Board, Omaha Police Officer’s Association, Black Police Officer’s Association, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives.
UNL continued from page 1
Paul Weishapl
his remarks. “The College of Journalism and Mass Communications is leading the way and we’re very proud of that.” The Experience Lab and The Agency reflect the CoJMC’s new “do from day one” philosophy, Veil said. “We decided on our vision for the future of the college to be on becoming a leader in experiential journalism and mass communications education,” Veil said during her remarks. “And that was what launched this Experience Lab.”
Apply for a job that makes a difference. Join our team as a ReStore Retail Sales Associate or a Donations Driver. Apply at habitatomaha.org/about-us/careers
Page Four THE OMAHA STAR
PRAISE, WORSHIP, DEVOTION, OBITUARIES & INSPIRATION
Deaths & Funerals Sharon Toney
Passed away on November 10, 2021, after a long, welllived life. Born to parents Robert (Bob) and Betty Rodgers, she grew up the oldest of three children. She grew up in Omaha, and graduated from Tech High School and earned her Bachelor’s degree from UNO. Preceded in death by parents, Robert (Bob) and Betty Rodgers; brother, Bob Rodgers Jr.; daughter, Sydelle Toney. Survived by husband, Tommie; son, Pernell (PJ); daughter-in-law, Nairi (Kasparian); sister, Sheila Walker; brother-in-law, Marvin Walker; grandchildren: Bella, Alex and Lilly. Visitation: Friday November 19th, 5-7 p.m. at Roeder Mortuary, 4932 Ames Ave. Funeral Service: 9 a.m. Saturday, November 20th, at the Roeder Mortuary Funeral Home. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery, 7602 Military Ave, Omaha. To view a broadcast of the service, go to Roeder 50th Ames facebook page.
Melvin Roosevelt Dortch, Jr.
Born in Mississippi on September 16, 1939 to the parents of Mary Elizabeth (Dorse) Dortch and Melvin R. Dortch Sr. Melvin was the baby of four boys born to this union. On October 3, 2021 Melvin’s journey on earth was completed. He grew up in Arkansas and moved to Chicago, Illinois where he was employed as a Chicago Police Officer. Melvin met married Arma Jean Curtis and to this union five children were born: Nettie Curtis, Mary R. Dortch, Pamela Dortch, Phyllis Dortch and “Little” Melvin Dortch III. Melvin also has one other daughter (name unknown). Melvin leaves to cherish his memories to his children, Pamela, Phyllis and Melvin III, his 17 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws: Lillie Elliot, Thelma Dortch, Roosevelt (Sonny) Curtis, home healthcare provider–Cerese Moss and friends. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents Mary (Dorse) Scott and Melvin Dortch Sr; grandparents, John and Mary Shelton (Dorse) Dortch, brothers: John H. Dortch, Marvin Dortch Sr., O.V. Dortch, Sr., ex-wife Arma Dortch, daughters: Mary Renee Dortch, Nettie Curtis, in-laws: Oralee Dortch, Odell Dortch & Mary Livingston (Dortch), Alma Ivy, Rose L. Williams, and grandson Milton Markque Dortch. Visitation: 5:00 to 7:00 PM Monday, October 11, 2021 Roeder Mortuary, 4932 Ames Ave. Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 12, 2021 also at the mortuary. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery, 7602 Military Ave.
November 26, 2021
More than a Crowd By Velma J. Sanders From the earliest days of His public ministry, there was certainly no shortage of people gathered around Jesus. Matthew says, “Great multitudes followed Him— from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.” This was a proper and reasonable response to the One that sincerely loved and cared for the people and He communicated this both in words and in deeds. Not one time did Jesus take advantage of anyone nor did He seek to manipulate and use people for any selfish gain. Fame was a result of His teaching and preaching. The officers said of Him, “No man ever spoke like this.” And then, there were the miracles and healings. With all of this, we can easily understand why so many crowds were continually present. Luke 14:25-27 says, “Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.” And then Jesus went on to say, “And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” These are, without question, startling and radical
words. But words of truth, nonetheless. Jesus states it clearly that to be His disciple requires full allegiance, total commitment and a love for Him that supersedes the love of anyone else; including our own self. When Jesus used the word “hate,” He is not teaching disrespect and dishonor of anyone. He is the same God that said, “Honor your father and your mother.” But, in relation to Him, our love must be so much greater that if it comes to a choice, there is no question who or what we would choose. Jesus was headed to Jerusalem to be crucified. The people that surrounded Him did not recognize who He really was; where He was headed and what the Father had sent Him to accomplish. Furthermore, they did not realize what it meant to connect and associate with Him in a lasting way. And that is how it is with multitudes of people today that are “with” Jesus, but not really knowing what it means to be a disciple. To be a true disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, then and now, requires more than a mental assent and mere belief in Him. He is not interested in acquiring large numbers of people around just to have a crowd. A call to follow Him is a call to commitment. Jesus was headed to the cross. And, He commands of all of them that follow Him to take up their cross, as well. A true disciple follows Christ to the cross by a denial of self, through growth in grace. Discipleship is not a singular event. It is an ongoing living relationship with the Savior, for now, and through His resurrection, forevermore. Jesus is not looking for a crowd, He wants disciples.
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Welcomes New Dean: The Reverend Vanessa E. B. Clark
Since March of 2020, the congregation of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral at 18th and Capitol has been in a search for our next leader. We are thrilled to announce that The Reverend Vanessa E. B. Clark has answered the call to be the next Dean of Trinity Cathedral. Her leadership experience, spiritual gifts, and passion for outreach are Dean Clark exactly what our cathedral congregation has been looking for. Dean Vanessa Clark comes to Omaha from Painesville, Ohio, and has been ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church for 14 years. She attended Bexley Hall Seminary in Columbus where she earned her Master of Divinity in 2007. Dean Clark is committed to outreach, both in service to those in need and community spiritual development. She served on the board of the only LGBTQ+ organization in her Ohio county. She and her former parish, St. James, received the Robert H. Fountain NAACP Award for Public Safety and Public Service. Named after the Omaha-born community leader, the Robert H. Fountain Award was given to St. James in recognition for decades of care for their neighborhood – feeding ministry, emergency winter shelter, and the Family PRIDE event. With an extensive background in ecumenical ministry, Dean Clark served as the Vice President for the Ohio Council
of Churches and Ohio representative to the Episcopal Diocesan Ecumenical and Interreligious Officers. Dean Clark brings enlivened leadership to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral’s ministries: Downtown Episcopal Outreach, Friends of Tamar, and partnerships with Magdalene Omaha and the Tri-Faith initiative. We look forward to expanding and growing upon our work in Omaha. Trinity’s parishioners, lay leaders, and clergy have worked tirelessly to continue the ministries of the church during our transition and the pandemic. There is an abounding joy amongst our people as we welcome our new leader. “I am honored to accept the invitation of Bishop Barker and the Cathedral Chapter to become the next Dean of Trinity Cathedral,” says Dean Clark, “This is an astonishing threshold moment in the life of our Cathedral, with welldeveloped resources and an open door. I am eager to begin working collaboratively with our congregation’s leaders to achieve a vision for abundant mission and mutual spiritual care.” Senior Warden Char Dewitt expressed joy in her letter to the congregation, “We end this process with confidence and gratitude, thankful to the work of the Spirit, for the patience and fidelity of our congregation, and for the gift of Vanessa and her family. May we rise to meet her as she strives to serve God and all people as the new Dean of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral!” Dean Clark can be reached at our office, (402) 342-7010 or at vclark@trinityepiscopal.org.
Thanksgiving quandary: roast turkey or lame duck By Dr. James L. Snyder My father used to tell me anything worth doing was worth doing right the first time. If you have time to do it the second time, you have time to do it right the first time. The reason I have been thinking about this is I’m sitting here indulging in the delicate aroma floating in from the kitchen where the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage has begun her ritual of roasting the Thanksgiving turkey. In our home, it begins about the middle of October when my wife says rather pensively, “Let’s see. Thanksgiving is about five weeks away. Should we have a turkey this year?” I can never tell if this is a real question, a rhetorical question or if she is trying to set me up for something. Believe me; I’ve been set up so many times I have a hard time lying down. You can do so many things with turkey. There is roast turkey, sliced turkey sandwiches, turkey salad and turkey soup just to name a few.
The only problem at our house is, the turkey rarely survives the first day, which is a tribute, not so much to our consumption as a family as to the genius of the family chef. This expertise in the direction of the Thanksgiving roast turkey did not come without cost. It took years for my wife to master the art of roasting a turkey. Unfortunately, much of this practice was on Yours Truly. She has been roasting me for years and still complains that I’m not quite done yet. That really burns me up. Only last week she complained I was a little hard on the outside and rather soft on the inside. I was tempted to shift the blame on her but when it comes to this area; I am more of a lame duck than a finely roasted turkey. While I was enjoying the aroma of the turkey roasting in the kitchen, I came up with several suggestions along these lines. First, I need to find things that are worth doing in the first place. How much time I have wasted on things not really worth my time or effort is beyond my computation. Like my wife, I need to be a little more picky about the things I
choose to do. Not everything is worth my time. Second, those things worth doing certainly deserve my best efforts. If I have to redo something, it means I’m not putting my best effort into the project. And at my age, I don’t have time to waste on things that are not worth my best effort. Third, there is no finer satisfaction than a job well done. I never understood that until recently. In the middle of our Thanksgiving dinner when everybody is enjoying the food and complementing the chef, my wife is sitting in her chair smiling. I never really knew why until now. This must be how our heavenly Father felt with Jesus at his baptism. “And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:22). The best way to celebrate Thanksgiving is to recognize the wonderful work God has done for our salvation, which did not come without the ultimate cost, the sacrifice of His Son. This was done once and for all.
Kids Talk About God: How Can You Give Thanks in Everything? By Carey Kinsolving and Friends “Let us be thankful for the fools,” wrote Mark Twain. “But for them the rest of us could not succeed.” Is there more to thankfulness than this rather cynical view
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expressed by one of America’s most beloved humorists? Yes, say a cadre of kids with some rather remarkable ways to apply the apostle’s mandate to give thanks in everything. “When I broke my jaw, I am glad I didn’t die,” says Jordan, age 9. “When my friend broke his leg, I am glad he didn’t break three bones instead of two. When I burst open my head, I am glad I didn’t break my head.” Jordan, I hope you and your friends don’t break the cash reserves of your health insurance company. Another Jordan, 8, has found a way to be grateful for asthma: “I don’t have it all the time.” Jordan is also thankful for her sister. “She is annoying, but I love her.” Don’t wait for something spectacular to express gratitude, says Dorothy, 8: “I give thanks that I’m here today. I can give thanks that I’m able to be there to help my mom in her time of need.” Dorothy, I think your mom is grateful for your helpful spirit. “You can also thank God before you eat,” says Justin. “Give us this day our daily bread” is a prayer Jesus taught his disciples. Some kids may think it’s hard to give thanks for certain meals. However, Stephen, 7, says, “If you have some spinach or some food you don’t like, just think of all the people who would like to have that food.” Believe it or not, a third Jordan, 8, has found reasons to give thanks: “You can give thanks for everything by looking at the best of everything, by praying and by singing his praises.”
Stick with the three P’s of providence, prayer and praise, and you’ll never allow bitterness to take root in your heart. An attitude of gratitude sees even adverse circumstances as part of God’s greater plan for character development. If you’ve trusted the Lord Jesus as your savior, be grateful that the God who created this universe has accepted you into his glorious kingdom. Hold up the shield of faith to quench the fiery darts of ingratitude, doubt and anger that can ruin the peace to which God has called you. Leah, 10, explains how providence and praise work together: “You should be thankful in the good times that God has given you something good to praise him about. You should be thankful in the bad times because he has given you a chance to trust him.” Praise is a form of thanksgiving, but just how do you praise? “We can sing everywhere we go and just praise the Lord for what he has done,” says Rachel, 8. I have a friend in Ventura, California, who taught me how to praise. As a senior citizen past retirement age, Fran Rigoli is no longer a youngster, but he sings like one. Walking on the beach, eating breakfast or driving to the grocery store, it doesn’t matter. Fran sings his way through life. And why shouldn’t he? Point to ponder: Give thanks in all things because God loves you unconditionally. Scripture to remember: “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive” (John 7:38-39).
November 26, 2021
P4K Mural
LOCAL
On November 23rd at 10:30 a.m., a commemorative ceremony took place at The Peregrine Hotel, 203 South 18th Street, celebrating the finished mural, “Student Voices for Social Justice”, which was created by students of Omaha youth organization, Partnership 4 Kids, and community artist, David Koenig earlier this fall, thanks to support of The Nebraska Arts Council and The Nebraska Cultural Endowment. Project partners The Peregrine Hotel, Partnership 4 Kids and lead artist, David Koenig came together to create this one-of-a-kind piece with the intention to spread their shared passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the community. This impressive mural features twenty unique artistic interpretations of equity, inclusion and diversity, individually crafted by Partnership 4 Kids students, which cohesively fuse together to form a larger image of the mighty peregrine falcon, the fastest animal on earth and the hotel’s talisman. It is a powerful representation of the strength and beauty that results from embracing diverse perspectives. For Partnership 4 Kids student artist, Cincere Cooper-Stevenson, participating in the creation of the mural, was a great reminder that we can still come together in our differences and create something cohesive and beautiful. “I am grateful I was given the opportunity to be a part of something bigger,” Cooper-Stevenson said. “Everyone from different backgrounds was able to come together to make a symbol of diversity and inclusion.” The Peregrine Hotel General Manager, David Scott is proud to have the hotel be the exhibition site for such a meaningful piece. “It is an honor for The Peregrine Omaha to connect with the students from Partnership 4 Kids to elevate their voices for social justice through the medium of visual art, Scott said. “We have witnessed the positive impact this project has from Entry-Level to Leadership Roles had on the students, hotel guests and team members and hope to continue our Full-time Benefits | Paid Time Off | Flexible Work Hours collaboration.” The mural can be seen EOE on display at the entrance of the hotel lobby as an artistic illustration of the hotel’s core values of equity and inclusion.
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LOCAL NEWS November 26, 2021 NOMA presents JR Robinson Master Class
Page Six THE OMAHA STAR
NAVIGATING HEALTH INSURANCE IS HARD ENOUGH WITHOUT A PANDEMIC.
LET US HELP.
The North Omaha Music Academy, 2510 North 24th Street (former Love Jazz Center) presents legendary drummer, JR Robinson Friday, December 3, 6 p.m. While this presentation is directed at young persons, all are welcome. This Master Class is free.
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Live Nativity scene with animals including a donkey, camel & other Cartoon Characters Free Drawing for Flat Screen TV Holiday Balloon Decorations Exhibits at the Union & GPBHM Fire Truck Simulator Elf Yourself & Children’s Activities Live Outdoor Holiday Music Gospel & Jazz Artists Kathy Tyree, Millicent Crawford, Chad Stoner, Big Wade, Doriette & Eric Jordan, The Arvies, Gus McNair Nelson Mandela Children’s Choir Pear Tree Performing Arts
• Holiday Shopping in the Village • Fair Deal Village Marketplace • Revive Center Market • Styles of Evolution • Ital Vital Living • LeFlore’s New Look Fashions • Free Hot Cocoa & Hot Cider • Still Poppin Gourmet Popcorn • Food Trucks Community Sponsors and Partners…
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Where: DoSpace 7205 Dodge St. Omaha, NE 68114
Do oing Business with th the City of Omaha Introduction to procurement basics and opportunities with several of the City of Omaha’s departments such as Public Works, Planning, Parks, and Human Rights and Relations. Come join us for refreshments and networking with these departments and other General Contractors of the industry.
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LOCAL NEWS
November 26, 2021
THE OMAHA STAR
Page Seven
Omaha NAACP Charts New Course
The Omaha Chapter of the NAACP will install a newly elected president and officers on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, at 11:30 a.m. Betty C. Andrews, president of the IowaNebraska NAACP State Area Conferences of Branches, and Rev. Dr. Ralph B. Lassiter will officiate the installation service at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, 2602 No. 24th St. Newly elected president, Rev. T. Michael Williams, thanks outgoing president, Vickie Young, who held the office for 11 years. He stated, “We appreciate the work Vickie has done for the good of the minority community. The Omaha NAACP has over a century of civil and voting rights involvement and leadership in our community. While focusing on the chapter’s tradition of commitment and service, it is my goal, to strengthen the work of bringing equality to our community. I am excited to collaborate with our new team of officers and executive committee members. There is work to be done, and the significance of the Omaha NAACP is just as essential today as it was at its inception in 1914.” Along with Rev. Williams, the following new officers and executive committee members will be installed on Saturday: First Vice President, Preston Love Jr.; Second Vice President, Chris Carithers; Secretary, Deb Shaw; Assistant Secretary, Krystal Fox; Treasurer, Ellery Hogan; and Assistant Treasurer, Tamara Bailey. Executive committee: Gwen Breakfield, Victoria Corbin, Marita Franklin, Steve Jackson, Sean McGhee, Alberta Nelson, Eddie Nelson, Arnitria Smith, and Barry Thomas.
The Branch will conduct a membership drive beginning in December through early 2022. Numerous community events and contests will be held throughout the drive. The North Omaha community faces great challenges in the areas of voting rights, political engagement, education, fair housing, veterans’ affairs, and more. The Branch is recruiting committed residents who will help to create positive change in every area critical to equality in Omaha. Meetings are the third Saturday of each month at 11:30 a.m., at 2514 N. 24th St. Persons interested in joining the Omaha Branch, should email omahanaacp.org. The Left to Right: Chris Carithers, 2nd VP, Pastor T. Michael Williams, annual membership fee is $30. President, Betty Andrews, President, Iowa/Nebraska NAACP, Preston Lifetime membership is $750. Love Jr. 1st VP, Ellery Hogan, Treasurer Those purchasing the lifetime membership have up to 10 years to complete payment. You can start by attending the installation service at Mt. The Omaha Branch of the NAACP hopes the community Moriah Baptist Church, 2602 N. 24th St., on Saturday at will share in their efforts to advance equality in the city. 11:30 a.m.
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Joy to the World
Unwrap the holiday lineup at ticketomaha.com Hip Hop Nutcracker
Joyful Noise: A Gospel Christmas
Nov. 28 | 2:00 PM Orpheum Theater
Dec. 4 | 7:30 PM Dec. 5 | 4:00 PM Holland Center
“Holiday Stomp” with The Hot Sardines Dec. 10 | 7:30 PM Holland Center
David Benoit Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown Dec. 11 | 7:30 PM Holland Center
Page Eight THE OMAHA STAR
Ge t
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November 26, 2021
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
Rev. Jacqueline Ford
Sunday School...........................9:00 a.m. Sunday Praise & Worship.....10:00 a.m. Thursday Bible Study..............8:00 p.m. via teleconference, dial-in number 563-999-2090 and access code 576989
“Where Life is for Everyone”
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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
SUNDAYS 10:00 AM
awcchurch.org 402-341-1866 5417 N. 103rd St. Omaha, NE
SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH Fr. Dave Korth
2207 Wirt Street Omaha, NE 68110 Phone: 402-451-5755
Drs. Martin & Lynnell Williams Founders & Lead Pastors
MORNING STAR BAPTIST CHURCH Fr. Dave Korth
2019 Burdette Street Omaha, NE 68110 Ph: 402-342-0018
BETHEL MISSIONARAY BAPTIST CHURCH Rev. Dr. Lorenzo S.L. Fincher Senior Pastor 5318 South 30th Street Omaha, NE 68107 Phone: (402) 731-1840
Worship Service .............10:00 a.m. Sunday School .................8:45 a.m. Excluding First Sunday Tuesday Evening Service.........7:00 p.m.
Saturday - 5:00 pm Sunday - 8:15 am and 10:30 am
SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH
Serving God and One Another in the Spirit of Excellence Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus Senior Pastor
MOUNT CALVARY COMMUNITY 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.
“Jesus is the Light of the World” Bishop Kevin Chambers, Senior Pastor www.m3comaha.org
Biblically Based, Family Oriented, Dynamic Fellowship
5112 Ames Avenue Omaha, NE 68104 (402) 457-4216 Church Phone (402) 453-4084 Pastor’s Office
CLAIR MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Thursday - School Mass 8:10 am in Church
Live Streaming Sunday Service-10:00am on Morning Star Baptist Church-Omaha Facebook Page
“Large enough to serve you, Small enough to know you”
Rev. Dr. Lorenzo S.L. Fincher Senior Pastor
Mass Schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday - 8:00 am in Rectory (2218 Binney)
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.
“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
TABERNACLE OF FAITH CHURCH Pastor Barbara Mitchell 2404 Fort Street, Omaha, NE 68111 402-455-1800 Church 402-455-3390 Fax
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.
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
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. Morita Truman, Lead Pastor Services on Sundays at 8:30 am & 10:50 am
Please call for Prayer and Transformation Group Bible Study Schedule
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
Rev. Morita Truman
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
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. 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
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
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 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
Dr. Stan Rone - Senior Pastor 2021 N. 24th Street • Omaha, NE 68110 (402) 341-4297
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
Page Ten
THE OMAHA STAR
LOCAL NEWS/HEALTH/NATIONAL
‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’ Racial and ethical approaches to community health (REACH) is a periodic column featuring articles that focus on reducing health disparities in the African American community. It will include topics submitted by Creighton University Health Sciences Multicultural and Community Affairs (HS-MACA) department By Dr. Richard Brown REACH* Some of you may remember the song from back in the day, with the repeated lyrics of “Baby it’s cold outside.” Another popular song contained the words “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.” The future weeks in Omaha will soon exhibited both of these conditions. But these are no reasons to stop exercising during winter months. There are many activities to participate in, when it is cold outside. However, it is very important to wear correct and protective clothing when being active outdoors. Although quite obvious, you must wear gloves, hat, warm socks and boots. Clothing must be layered so that if you sweat, you can remove layers. As a child, I would put on a lot of clothes when going outside in the cold, but did not account for the sweating that it caused, due to the tight fit that I created. This was very uncomfortable and made the cold worse. The layers must be loose fitting and breathable so you can immediately dry the sweat instead
of it chilling the body. Also, the risk of hypothermia and frostbite can occur at the level of 18 degrees Fahrenheit. Frostbite can take place within 40 minutes or less after exposure. So, check the temperature and take extra care when participating in physical activity out doors in the winter. Angela Smith, MD. an orthopedic surgeon and U.S. Masters Figure Skating Champion, provides a warning as well. Dr. Smith reports that people with asthma, which is exacerbated by cold, dry air, and those with Raynaud’s syndrome, heart disease, or other cold affected conditions, should take particular care and avoid cold temperatures. The following are fun outdoor winter activities: • Ice skating • Sledding • Rent shoes and go snow shoeing • Build a snow man • Throw snow balls at a safe target • Snow boarding • Create snow angels • Walk or run around the block • Walk around the mall • Add food coloring to water in a spray bottle, make snow paint and paint your yard. (My favorite) Also, let us not forget that we are still in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are not the time to relax on the safty precautions that we have all learned during the past year. Omaha Nebraska is not fully vaccinated. We have not achieved heard immunity. So, take the vaccine and the booster, if eligible. Wash your hands often, wear your mask indoors and avoid large indoor crowds with people who are not vaccinated. Happy holidays! “Get Healthy, Wealthy and Happy”
CU studies financial intervention as diabetes prevention An Omaha foundation and Creighton University health care researchers are teaming up to study whether a team-based financial education and lifestyle medicine intervention can both be good for the pocketbook and have measurable health benefits. The Diabetes Education Center, established in 1984 and later renamed the Diabetes Care Foundation, founded by former Board of Trustees member and Creighton alum Jim Greisch, and Tim Wahl, MD, will invest $2.3 million in the investigation, with Creighton contributing funding, as well. “With Diabetes Care Foundation grants like this, we are able to scale our efforts and realize our dream of helping people with this disease,” said Joan Heiser, executive director of the Diabetes Care Foundation and long-time director of the former Diabetes Education Center of the Midlands. The interdisciplinary effort unites the Financial Hope Collaborative, housed in Creighton’s Heider College of Business, with professors in the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions and the School of Medicine as well as the clinical team at CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center’s University Campus. Julie Kalkowski, founder and executive director of the Financial Hope Collaborative, has seen more than 900 graduates of the Collaborative’s Financial Success Program achieve outcomes such as qualifying for better jobs, earning promotions, and saving regularly. She also has seen program participants become healthier as their financial stress decreases. Estimates say 85% of health is determined by unmet social needs, or the social determinants of health. Economic stability is a well-documented social determinant that can impact as much as 40% of a person’s health. People under chronic financial stress are at risk for developing chronic conditions, particularly type 2 diabetes, which may lead to heart disease. The new study asks if an evidence-based intervention to improve economic stability improves the health of individuals with type 2 diabetes and prevents cardiovascular disease in low-income populations. “No other chronic disease requires more patient input and education than diabetes,” Wahl said. “The patient needs to be in charge, and to be in charge you have to be knowledgeable about what your goals are and how to attain them. If you have things interfering—such as finances—it’s going to impede the ability to meet those goals.” The three-pronged intervention begins with financial education and coaching and includes access to a food pharmacy and intensive lifestyle coaching. A financial social worker and a lifestyle medicine specialist also will work with the 300 study participants. “Finances are first,” said Katie Packard, professor of pharmacy and co-principal investigator of the study.
By Josefina Loza
“People who are stressed dealing with their finances and worrying about paying bills cannot integrate an exercise or healthy eating intervention.” Health status will be assessed before the intervention, at 12 months following a financial education and coaching component and again at 18 months after a lifestyle medicine intervention. “We were looking for value-centered mechanisms and solutions that were sustainable for the future,” Greisch said. “Innovations and sustainability are, sometimes, at odds with one another. Our view is we have to find mechanisms that enable us to achieve both, and the things that Creighton has brought to the table are a unique combination of sustainability and innovation that we think propels the dialogue forward.” Co-principal investigator Nicole White, associate professor of pharmacy, said the study will benefit from having a funder who understands diabetes. “The people at the Diabetes Care Foundation can connect the dots between financial education and health,” she said. “So much of traditional health care focuses on medications or procedures—reactively treating disease rather than proactively preventing illness. This initiative is exciting because we’re addressing root causes. Why do we see more chronic disease in people with lower incomes?” Mark Huber, chairman of the Diabetes Care Foundation and also a former Creighton Board of Trustees member and business and law alum, said the project bridges undergraduate education with the professional schools, as well as business with health sciences. “I think Creighton is uniquely suited to combine those disciplines to create new solutions,” he said. “When we approached the University and said, ‘We’d like to talk to you about making an investment in trying to change the standard of care for diabetes in Nebraska,’ we really were focused on medicine. “It became apparent rather quickly that the Financial Hope Collaborative was demonstrating ways to help people get past the inertia—the struggles that are real, in order to be compliant with their medication—and to change their lives and improve the quality of their lives. Which means, you get a better job, which means you make better money, which generally means you make better decisions. It just all goes together,” Huber said. The research project takes place directly across the street from Creighton’s campus at University Campus clinic. White said with so many students filtering through the clinic, Creighton’s health sciences graduates will receive training to approach their patients with a different mindset. “They will see that addressing non-medical problems can improve health in the long run, or prevent disease in the first place,” she said.
November 26, 2021
Medicare ‘Scam Season’ By Michael L. Green The annual Medicare renewal season is upon us and so is all of the promotion that goes with it. While most of the advertising we see on TV and other media is legitimate and may be worth listening to, there are still many fraudsters out there looking to take advantage of you. So,
Beware. According to AARP magazine, senior citizens are the most preyed upon group when it comes to scams using government agencies. The reason is this group has the highest trust of our government agencies and institutions. The most common tricks involve victims receiving calls from someone pretending to be from a federal agency and asking for personal information and or money. Here are some of the more common scams according to The AARP Fraud Network. Medicare-Someone calls claiming to be from Medicare and they are sending out new cards due to the spread of Covid-19. The caller claimed that Medicare is verifying the victim’s number before mailing the new card and wanted the person to give her/his Medicare number. Medicare already has your number so don’t give it out. Social Security-The caller tells the victim that their Social Security card has been stolen and used to purchase something; merchandise, service or has been involved in a crime which has caused the victim’s social security and bank accounts to be jeopardized. The bank accounts were supposedly frozen. They were told to transfer cash in the victim’s accounts to Bitcoin and deposit it in a secure account that had already been set up. The victim lost almost $10,000. FBI-A person claiming to be from the FBI called and told this victim they had won a nearly $2,000,000 in the lottery but the person had to pay fees and taxes on the winnings so the money could be released. The victim eventually sent $110,000 to some place he understood to the FBI consumer affairs division. The money was never recovered. Government Grants- The scammer, pretending to be a Facebook friend, convinced the victim they had been awarded a grant of $180,000. They were tricked into sending $65,000, thinking they would get a grant for 3 times that amount. The real Facebook friend’s account had been hacked. They lost the money. Student Loans-This victim was almost “taken to school” by a person claiming to represent a government agency handling the student loan debt forgiveness program signed into law by President Biden. The perpetrator claimed to be completing an application and asked the victim for their social security and bank account numbers. The victim got suspicious after giving the information and called his bank and avoided any losses. In each case above the scammer was pretending to be a representative of a government agency. As I pointed out, people have a high level of trust for the government so they may be vulnerable to a call like these. But don’t be fooled. Here is what you should know if you get one of these suspicious calls: • The Federal Government already has your social security and Medicare numbers; thus, they will not call you and ask you for it. • If the government wants to communicate with you, they will do it by US mail. • Grants have to be applied for; and for a specified purpose. They are not awarded without an application. You will not be asked to make a payment before receiving a grant or refund of a payment from the government. • You cannot pay the government with Bitcoin or any other crypto currency or gift cards. • The government does not use Facebook or any other social media to contact or communicate with you. “You’ve worked hard for your money, make it work for you”
FLERI, Inc. to join Techstars Toronto Accelerator
Fleri Inc., a personal finance company for immigrants known widely for the FleriHealth product which enables immigrants to buy affordable healthcare plans for their loved ones back home, will join the Techstars Toronto Accelerator Program this October. Techstars is a seed accelerator that runs an intensive mentorship-driven program for founders and earlystage startups and entrepreneurs. Fleri will join 10 other startups in the Techstars Toronto 2021 cohort as it sets its sights on global expansion. The Techstars Toronto Accelerator Program is designed to provide mentorship, funding, and access to its network, beginning with a Demo Day at the end of the guided program. When selected, startups will be able to pitch to a carefully curated group of investors. Since it launched in 2020, Fleri, which was founded by Ghanaian-born entrepreneur Samuel Baddoo who now resides in Columbus, Ohio, has kept the immigrant experience at the forefront of its mission. The company focuses on providing solutions and products that uniquely empower immigrants to take control of their financial lives. Knowing that 83% of the time, immigrants will send money to cover a health emergency faced by a dependent relative back home, Fleri released its first product: FleriHealth. Fleri founder Samuel Baddoo recently shared details about his fintech startup in Omaha during the Midlands African Chamber’s Pitch Black business competition in August. He was one of the opening speakers who won
several national pitch competitions for his work on Fleri. FleriHealth enables immigrants, beginning with those from Africa, to directly sponsor healthcare plans for their loved ones and families back home rather than sending traditional money transfers. In their pilot year, FleriHealth has enabled more than 220 family members to access quality healthcare in Ghana and Nigeria. Fleri partnered with five health insurance companies and other healthcare providers in its pilot markets giving the beneficiaries of immigrants access to healthcare benefits such as traditional health insurance coverage and more personalized care options. The company also provides a concierge care service powered by 400 nurses for families of immigrants from Nigeria. According to Baddoo, Fleri enhances peace of mind for immigrants, given the knowledge that their loved ones have healthcare coverage around the clock and by eliminating most of the fees and transaction costs paid through traditional money transfer services. Fleri’s digital platform
enables immigrant users to protect their loved ones back home without sacrificing their own financial wellness. Fleri customers and beneficiaries also receive health alerts and wellness reports to track the care given underscoring the platform’s ability to enhance access to life-saving information. Fleri, which means “to Flourish” in Haitian Creole, was born out of Baddoo’s own experiences as an immigrant in the United States. After losing his grandmother last year due to the challenges within the healthcare system in his country of birth, Ghana, he set out to create a solution that will help fellow migrants avoid the same pain—one that immigrants in Canada know so well. “Toronto is regarded as the most immigrant-concentrated city in the world, with 52 percent of our population being foreign-born,” says Sunil Sharma, Managing Director of Techstars Toronto. “When we met the team at Fleri, it became clear to us that they are solving such a fundamental problem in the minds of immigrants, how to ensure the health of their loved ones back home, no matter where they live. Although Fleri’s first focus is in providing healthcare coverage for families of migrants living in the diaspora, Sharma acknowledges that Fleri’s potential goes beyond healthcare. “Fleri has a massive opportunity to grow its products beyond funding healthcare via remittances into full empowerment of immigrants to take control of their financial lives,” says Sharma. “Immigrants in Toronto See FLERI continued on page 11
November 26, 2021
BUSINESS BITES/CLASSIFIEDS Holland continued from page 3
FLERI continued from page 10 constantly think about their loved ones back home and always want to do more to support them. Fleri finally allows them to take action and make an immediate difference in their lives.” As for expanding its operations, Baddoo says, “Fleri’s focus on empowering immigrants to flourish financially will be matched in turn by Toronto’s vibrant diversity and Canada’s reputation for being immigrant-friendly. This combination will create the perfect catalyst for Fleri’s growth, enabling us to develop relevant financial products with which immigrants will support their loved ones back home and enhance their own financial wellness.”
stayed there for weeks. The 24-note melancholy bugle call known as “Taps” is played at military funerals and memorial services to accompany the lowering of the flag and to signal the lights out command at day’s end. Here is a portion of the lyrics, “Day is done, gone the sun, from the lake, from the hill, from the sky. All is well, safely rest, God is nigh. Put out the lights, go to sleep, go to sleep.” We live only a few miles from Camp Nelson National Cemetery and from the highway you can see rows of the over twelve thousand perfectly lined white marble tombstones. When I drive past this sacred ground, I think how each of these individuals at one time or another accepted the call of duty. And what is that call? To fight against human injustice and the evil governments and philosophies of tyrannical dictators. Patrick Henry is quoted as saying, “I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.” The heart’s cry of a soldier is to defend and protect our freedom whatever the cost. Howard Osterkamp is quoted as saying, “All gave some – but some gave all” as we will never forget not only those who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice but especially for the ones who did.
THE OMAHA STAR
Page Eleven
Dates for Shipping Packages to arrive by Christmas
If you need to make sure your packages arrive before December 25th, here’s the highlights: • USPS First Class Package: Ship by December 17th. • USPS Priority Mail: Ship by December 18th. • UPS Ground: Delivery times vary, • UPS 2nd Day Air: Ship by December 22nd. • USPS Priority Mail Express and UPS Next Day Air: Ship by December 23rd. • USPS First Class Package International, and USPS Priority Mail International: Ship by November 29th for Africa, Central America, and South America – and by December 6th for the rest of the world. Keep in mind these are all estimates by the carriers, not guarantees. We recommend shipping your packages as early as possible to make sure they get there in the St. Nick of time.
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Page Twelve THE OMAHA STAR
YOUTH/EDUCATION NEWS
Meet the Mandela Team – Second Grade
November 26, 2021
Ryan Margheim was born in Nebraska but grew up in but moved to Omaha when she was a kid. After graduating Schools where she taught 4th grade. She has been teaching South Dakota. He graduated from Elon University with from Northwest High School, she worked as a toddler at Nelson Mandela Elementary since 2019. When she’s not a degree in technical theater and Guildford College with teacher for two years before taking some time off when teaching, she enjoys spending time with her two daughters. a degree in elementary education. Ryan is passionate she had her daughter. Shortly after, she started working for Shiree Bonner graduated from Omaha North High about urban education and bridging achievement gaps. He the YMCA at different locations with toddlers, elementary, School. She grew up in a military family, and she lived believes that all children can learn, and that they deserve to & middle school students. After leaving the YMCA, she in many places, including the east and west coasts. Ms. be held to high expectations and celebrated. worked at Northwest High School as an ACP para and part Bonner has always had a passion for kids, between caring JoLynn Sullins was born in Minnesota but grew up time at Nelson Mandela Kids Can. Now, she is a full time for her own daughters and working in various places with in Alabama. She graduated High school in 2003 from paraeducator at Mandela. kids of all ages. Ms. Bonner’s main passion is working with Mount Saint Scholastica Academy in Kansas. She attended Bianca Sherman graduated from University Nebraska- kids; she says, “It’s an incredible reward and joy when a Virginia College in Alabama. She has two sons, one attends Omaha with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary scholar amazes you in what they do. I am very thankful to Roncalli Catholic High School and one who attends Saint Education. Her teaching career began with Omaha Public be a part of such an awesome team.” Phillip Neri. She has been a Para-educator for 5 years. Kia Montgomery was born and raised in Omaha, NE, and is a mother of one. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Inclusive (PreK-3rd grade) from Wayne State College and her master’s degree in Special Education from UNO. Throughout her teaching experience, she has taught second grade and worked as a special educator. Her goal as an educator is to build independent, proactive thinkers and leaders, provide a fun, yet structured learning environment where scholars feel safe, and help learners reach their highest potential. Tishara Collins was born in Chicago, IL, Ryan Margheim and JoLynn Sullins Kia Montgomery and Bianca Sherman Tishara Collins and Shiree Bonner