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The Education Issue

Mahjong in the Metro

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OCTOBER 2026 VOLUME 44 // ISSUE 6

EDITORIAL Executive Editor

DOUG MEIGS Senior Editor

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LUCY MASON Editorial Interns

ALLISON KIBBY · RHETT ULEMAN Director of Omaha Content Studio

WENDY WISEMAN Contributing Writers

TAMSEN BUTLER · KYLE EUSTICE · DAWAUNE LAMONT HAYES DWAIN HEBDA · DAN HOPPEN · ROD HOWE · SARA LOCKE LISA LUKECART · HOLLY MCATEE · ISSAC NIELSEN VERONICA WORTMAN PLOETZ · KIM REINER · KARA SCHWEISS MIKE’L SEVERE · OTIS TWELVE · TIM TRUDELL

CREATIVE Creative Director

RACHEL BIRDSALL Senior Graphic Designers

RENEÉ LUDWICK · NICKIE ROBINSON Graphic Designer

JOEY WINTON Chief Photographer

SARAH LEMKE Contributing Photographer

JUSTIN BARNES

SALES Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing

GIL COHEN Branding & Digital Specialists

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ALICIA HOLLINS Sales Coordinators

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OPERATIONS Business Manager

KYLE FISHER

The Heart of

Omaha Magazine Omaha Magazine has existed in Omaha since 1890, according to publisher Todd Lemke. Lemke himself entered the Omaha publishing scene in March 1983 with the first issue of City Slicker. That newsprint publication was the precursor to his Omaha Magazine, which launched its first issue in 1989. Today, Omaha Magazine Ltd. is the parent company of Omaha Publications, which produces other community-focused magazines such as FACES of Omaha, B2B Magazine, Family Guide, and many custom publishing products.

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402.884.2000 Omaha Magazine Vol 44 Issue VI, publishes monthly except February, April, August, December, totaling 8 issues by Omaha Magazine, LTD, 5921 S. 118 Circle, Omaha, NE 68137. Periodical postage at Omaha, NE, and additional offices and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Omaha Magazine, 5921 S. 118 Circle, Omaha, NE 68137 © 2026 Omaha Magazine

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The magazines would not be possible without the people behind them—whether that's the people in between the covers or those behind the scenes. Lemke and his Omaha Publications staff take immense pride in presenting Omahans with the best stories in the city—and the company is always looking to improve its products. At its heart, the Omaha Magazine team is one that works hard for its community. If it's Omaha, it's in Omaha Magazine. Your city. Your culture. Your stories.

FROM THE EDITOR // LETTER BY DOUG MEIGS

THE EDUCATION ISSUE LEARNING EVERY DAY: OMAHA TO HONG KONG AND BACK

used to fall asleep to the clackety-clack of twittering mahjong tiles when I first moved to Hong Kong in 2008. The family who graciously hosted me included several spectacular players, and they regularly invited friends over for games that went late into the night. Although I regret not picking up the classic Chinese game at the time, there are increasing opportunities to learn it here in Omaha.

“The twittering of the sparrows” refers to the distinct sound of mahjong tiles being shuffled facedown at the center of a four-person table. Mahjong’s original Chinese name is máquè (麻雀), which translates literally to “sparrow.” In recent years, mahjong has boomed in popularity across the United States, with growing interest in both traditional and Americanized versions. Mary McBride and Silvia Conley teach an American version of the game in town, while Chen Huang teaches the traditional Chinese version. The cover story for this education-themed edition of Omaha Magazine highlights these three teachers’ stories paired with author Kim Reiner’s own journey to learn mahjong in Omaha. The education theme carries into our arts and culture section, with profiles of creative residents whose work spans classrooms and the community at large. Haruna Asanuma is an amazing ballerina and ballet instructor (whom my daughter was fortunate to study under at Adair Dance Academy), while musician Jacob Duncan has been described as one of the best music teachers around (according to my friend Aly Peeler, vice president of the Omaha Entertainment & Arts Awards). Dig into Dan Hoppen’s alphabetical tour of Omaha’s food scene with a fun A-Z guide to iconic Omaha dishes and eateries, or check out Mike’l Severe’s review of J. Gorat’s Deli & Market, which touches on lessons from the O.G. steakhouse.

Educate yourself on the dangers of lithium batteries—and how you can safely dispose of them. There’s also a profile of Dr. Luis R. Padilla, president and CEO of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, whose career took him from veterinary school to the Smithsonian and eventually Omaha, where he’s developing world-class animal hospital facilities at the zoo and safari park. And don’t miss the Adventure story about Omaha’s iconic Antiquarium bookstore, which is now a nonprofit in Brownville. Known as the Brownville Education Center for Arts & Humanities, it is located in a historic schoolhouse. Every issue of Omaha Magazine aspires to inspire—with entertaining and educational stories about our shared community and the people who call Omaha home. We hope you enjoy this issue, and be sure to subscribe to support our mission to provide quality community journalism online without a paywall. New subscription packages are now available at omahamagazine.com/subscribe. Although born and raised in Omaha, I’m still learning new things about our great city every day. And I’d love to learn more. Shoot me a note with story ideas. Thanks for reading! Doug Meigs Executive Editor doug@omahapublications.com

It’s not just real estate. It’s NP Dodge. Voted Omaha Magazine’s #1 Best Real Estate Company for six consecutive years, NP Dodge stands for timeless values, quality people and service, and an endless pursuit of possibility. al Re

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THE USUAL SUSPECTS 002 The Heart of Omaha Magazine

TAB L E of CON T E N T S

003 From the Editor The Education Issue

028 Giving Spotlight Great Plains Black History Museum

037 Obviously Omaha Translating Tech

038 History Creighton and UNO Mascots

046 Adventure The Antiquarium in Brownville

80 88

Calendars Not Funny

ARTS + CULTURE 006 A+C Dance Haruna Asanuma

010 A+C Music Jacob Duncan

014 A+C Visual Arts Elias Lemus

018 A+C Performing Arts Dr. Laureen Pickle

PEOPLE 022 60+ Active Living Gary Kastrick

024 Gen O Wesley Wildes

050 Sports Will Cooper

052 Profile Dr. Luis Padilla

030

Mahjong

030 BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED 042

MAHJONG IN THE METRO

How an Age-Old Game is Building Connections

Hazardous Waste Disposal

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056 Profile John Rosenow

DINING 060 Dining Feature Heirloom Fine Foods

064 Chef Profile Chase Grove QR

066 Review J. Gorat’s Deli & Market

070 Tasty Bites Omaha Food, A to Z

074 Let’s Eat, Omaha

Listen to the entire issue here. Open the camera on your smart device and hover over the QR code. Produced by Radio Talking Book

J. Gorat’s Deli & Market

066

COMMUNITY PILLARS

COMMUNITY LEADERS Wesley Wildes

BALLERINA HARUNA ASANUMA / LITHIUM BATTERY HOUSEHOLD HAZARDS / OMAHA FOOD, A-Z / BROWNELL TALBOT'S ROBOTICS STAR

OCTOBER 2026 | U.S. $6.95

The Education Issue

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Mahjong in the Metro

024

A B O U T T HE COV E R Silvia Conley teaches mahjong from her condo in downtown Omaha. Conley has a traditional table (photographed by Bill Sitzmann) and an automatic shuffling table. Other local mahjong teachers include Mary McBride and Chen Huang.

read current and previous issues online at omahamagazine.com

Backlund Plumbing Henry Doorly Zoo Catering Creations Children's Nebraska Cutchall Management Group FNBO Kiewit Luminarium Lauritzen Gardens M.U.D. Omaha Performing Arts Society Primo's Modern Mexican Restaurant Scott Conference Center The Dentists Valmont

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Love & Passion for Ballet egendary ballet dancer Misty Copeland started training as a dancer at age 13, which is generally considered to be a late start for dancers. That late start didn’t hinder her potential. Similarly, local dancer and instructor Haruna Asanuma started her dance career at age 14 while she was a freshman at Burke High School.

A+C Dance Story by Tamsen Butler Photography by Sarah Lemke Design by Renee Ludwick

For expanded content, open the camera on your smart device and hover over the QR code above. OCTOBER 2026 //

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It was witnessing her best friend train in ballet that compelled Asanuma to want to study ballet herself. “She was my first experience seeing up close what living a life with a dream looked like,” Asanuma said. She admired her passion, her work ethic, and how beautifully she could move. Her mom agreed to enroll her in ballet class, and Asanuma said that even before starting class, she knew she would spend the rest of her life dancing. Because of her age, Asanuma started with a beginning adult ballet class at Omaha Academy of Ballet. After only one class, however, she quickly realized that the adult class wasn’t going to give her the fundamentals she craved. “I knew I wanted to learn ballet properly from the ground up,” she recalled. “So, I asked to be able to take a children’s class instead.” The Academy made an exception for her and allowed her to enroll in the beginning children’s ballet class despite the age range for the class typically being ages 9 to 12. She was “desperate” to learn everything she could about ballet, and joining the children’s class taught her all the fundamentals she would have learned already had she started at an earlier age. By the time she was a senior in high school, she was enrolled in every ballet class available to her. Though she excelled, she always felt a little behind as a dancer when compared to other dancers her age. “I wanted very much to catch up to my peer group, although I can’t say I ever managed to really catch up during my four years at the Academy,” Asanuma admitted. “All of the dancers my age were much more experienced and talented than I was. All I knew was that I wanted to decode the mystery and language of ballet, which I believed, and still believe, is one of the most beautiful things the human body can do.” Though she was born and raised in Omaha, Asanuma has lived in various places around the globe while studying and performing ballet. She attended the Laban Conservatoire of Contemporary Dance in London for a year after high school and also spent time in

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Seoul, Scotland, and Minneapolis. Ultimately, her desire to be near her family brought her back to the Omaha area, where she now teaches ballet to young students. Her passion for teaching stems from her love of watching kids strive to reach their potential, she explained. “What I love most is seeing my love and passion for ballet start to become their own,” she said. “Nothing excites me more than potential, and young dancers have boatloads of it!” Asanuma’s mentor is another notable Omaha dancer, Julian Adair. Adair asked Asanuma to perform in her A Suite for Small Spaces, which brought Asanuma to the Omaha Fringe Festival in 2025 and 2026. After last year’s performance, Asanuma has encountered more opportunities to perform, much to her delight. As a talented dancer and passionate teacher, Asanuma has plenty of advice for aspiring dancers, no matter what age they are. She said to sign up for a class and give it a try because, “our life is only once!” She also urged students to be kind to themselves and enjoy the process of learning. “The first time we try anything, it will likely feel new and awkward, but it is a normal part of the process,” she added. “I often tell my students, both young and experienced, that the reason I am qualified to be a teacher is because I’ve made more mistakes for a longer amount of time than all of them.” Asanuma continues to learn and grow as a dancer. She envisions a future that includes training serious ballet students and hopes to “raise up beautiful ballerinas from the ground up.” She also intends to dance as long as her body will allow. “I hope to keep dancing still for a long, long time,” she said.

“All I knew was that I wanted to decode the mystery and language of ballet, which I believed, and still believe, is one of the most beautiful things the human body can do.” — Haruna Asanuma

Note By Note

Omaha Music Teacher Jacob Duncan Shreds A+C MUSIC // STORY BY KYLE EUSTICE // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY RACHEL BIRDSALL

OCTOBER

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acob Duncan will be the first to admit he took some time to be “weird, wild, and young” before establishing himself as an Omaha music educator. Like most Gen Xers who grew up in the 1990s, Duncan was experimenting—he had what he refers to as a “hippie” stage as he explored grunge and other forms of alternative rock, and that translated into some bumpy years.

“That got old,” he admitted, “so I went to school for music. Music’s always been a really important part of my life ever since I was little.” A South Omaha native and Gross High School alum, Duncan graduated from the University of NebraskaOmaha in 2013 with a degree in guitar performance, meaning he can really shred. But music education had always been in his back pocket. In 2009, Duncan dove into that sector of his burgeoning career. Now with more than 30 students, Duncan provides private instruction for guitar, bass, piano, banjo, ukulele, voice, mandolin, music theory, and composition for students of all ages and ability levels. He firmly believes his clean lifestyle (he’s been sober for nearly a decade) helped his business blossom. “When I got sober, all this stuff came to light and all of my priorities changed,” he said. “I feel like I became a better student, and I needed to do that. I wish I would have become a better student back when I was in college, but college pushed me in the right direction. Today I have a better grasp on who I am, where I’m going, and what I’m turning into. That’s really nice.” Duncan has come a long way since his days working as a bill collector, one of many side hustles creatives often have to do while establishing a sustainable career in their chosen field. “All the people there were very nice to me, but I do not like that work, and I don’t think that was the best place for me to be working,” he said. “But the people there were super supportive, and all my first students that I got were the kids of people that I worked with.” Back then, Duncan would drive to students’ homes in Blair and other surrounding areas to hone his skills. Eventually, he was able to quit his bill collector job and teach music full-time. “These days I’m hanging out in the living room, practicing guitar, and watching cartoons,” he said. “Then my students will show up and I’ll just start into teaching.”

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In addition to teaching, Duncan plays in multiple bands, including the rock-folk group Robo Dojo and rock outfit Peach Paw, and Album Party, where the band learns entire albums and plays them in their entirety. Selections include David Bowie’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense, Prince’s Purple Rain, and Velvet Underground’s Loaded. He begrudgingly learned Sports by Huey Lewis and The News for a 40th birthday party that never happened. “I’ve never had a bad time playing Huey Lewis and The News, because people in the crowd get into it so much,” he said. “It’s really easy to get into it, but I was very resentful and spiteful about the fact that I had to listen to that album so much and learn all of the lyrics,” he said with a laugh. Again, Duncan credits the bulk of his musical success to staying on the straight and narrow while consistently working on becoming the best version of himself. In turn, that makes him a better teacher and bandmate. “I definitely identify as a teacher of music and a student of music, too,” he explained. “Since that’s the case, I’m constantly on the lookout for things that are going to enrich my perspective so that when I’m with a student, I can detect and offer them what needs to be addressed immediately.” “When I’m in a band, I need to be able to have that same kind of awareness. It’s really nice to work with everybody who has helped me to be patient and give people their grace. I’m not perfect at that, but it’s way better than it used to be.” Duncan also finds solace in performing solo, whether that’s classical guitar or steel string. It takes him to a spiritual place that might not always be accessible playing with a band. “The other bands are very community-based and great, but playing solo guitar, I’m able to create a nice, elegant, and enchanting vibe with my guitar,” he says. “There’s something about playing solo guitar that gets into me a little deeper.” And Duncan makes it his mission to share that magic with his students. “There’s all this commercial pressure to be a really great artist or not do it at all, and I don’t buy into that,” he said. “Everybody should just make the art that they come up with. People that are artists in the entertainment industry that make millions of dollars, I don’t find their music, artistry, or humanity to be any more or less valuable than a 70-year-old lady who’s taking guitar lessons from me and playing ‘Cripple Creek.’ The arts are for everyone.” Visit guitarlessonsomaha.com for more information about Jacob Duncan’s guitar lessons.

There’s all this commercial pressure to be a really great artist or not do it at all, and I don’t buy into

Café SoCiety Art And SociAbility in PAriS, 1855–1914

that. Everybody should just

NOW OPEN! Exhibition organized by Ordrupgaard, Copenhagen, Dixon Gallery and Gardens, Memphis, and Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha.

make the art that they come up with. — Jacob Duncan

IMAGE: Fernand Lungren (American, 1857–1932), In the Café, 1882–84, oil on canvas, 17 5/8 × 26 1/2 in. (44.8 × 67.3 cm), Dixon Gallery and Gardens, Museum purchase with funds provided by the estate of Cecil Williams Marshall, 2018.2

From bistros and brasseries to cafés-concerts, dance halls, and cabarets, the cafés of Paris were important sites for artistic dialogue, expression, and experimentation. This exhibition considers the development of the French café and its impact on modern art in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. See paintings, drawings, and prints by Vincent van Gogh, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Édouard Manet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, James Tissot, Edgar Degas, and more. Presenting Sponsor

Contributing Annette & Paul Smith Sponsors Stacy S. Simon

Supporting Debbie & Brian Wood Sponsors

Joslyn Art Museum • 2200 Dodge St. • Omaha, NE • (402) 342-3300 • joslyn.org OCTOBER 2026 //

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A+C Visual Arts STORY Natalie Veloso PHOTOGRAPHY Sarah Lemke DESIGN Nickie Robinson

Lesson

Art

Elias Lemus Teaches Students to Keep Creating

lias Lemus was entrusted with a surprisingly large canvas at 18 years old: a roughly 30-foot-long wall at his high school in South Sioux City.

He doesn’t particularly like the mural anymore. He can see every place where his younger self could have done better, and all the things he’d do differently with the skills he’s developed since. What he values, though, is that his high school believed he was capable enough to let him try.

This school year marks his third year teaching at South High as the school’s drawing and painting teacher. His classes cover foundational drawing and painting skills, along with color theory, while his digital art courses have incorporated animation, digital painting, and Photoshop. This year, he’ll also teach AP art and senior art.

“Knowing that I was leaving my mark, it felt really cool,” he said.

Lemus places a strong emphasis on technical skill in his classroom, partly because he felt that aspect of his own education wasn’t emphasized enough. Creativity matters, he said, but an idea alone isn’t enough.

Lemus wants his own students to experience that same feeling of possibility. As an art teacher at Omaha South High School, much of his classroom “It might be a cool idea, but if I don’t have centers on helping students under- the foundational skills necessary to actually stand that making art is a skill that create it and make it believable, then it’s can be improved. just an idea,” he said.

Experience doesn’t eliminate mistakes, That doesn’t mean he expects every student Lemus tells his students. The problems to become a master artist. Lemus wants that frustrate a beginner artist don’t students to understand that artistic ability disappear once someone becomes a isn’t something reserved for people who are professional. A drawing can still have naturally gifted. crooked eyes or proportions that don’t feel right. “I truly believe anybody can learn how to draw and how to paint,” he said. “It’s just He remembers being encouraged simi- a skill. It’s just a different way of thinking.” larly by his own high school art teacher, whose career showed him what a life He works across several mediums these built around art could look like. “I just days, with drawing remaining an easy saw his life as a great life,” Lemus said. starting point and oil painting being his “He had the one job his whole career, favorite because of its versatility. Digital and now he spends his time hiking work allows him to practice quickly without and painting.” worrying about setup or cleanup, which gives him more opportunities to experiment. Lemus entered college planning to become an art teacher himself, but His work outside the classroom has also by graduation his enthusiasm for the given him opportunities to bring art into profession had faded. Instead, he took public spaces. Today, he’s working on his a job as a cook at a bar and grill. A fourth mural for a Council Bluffs fire few years after his student teaching station, where his projects have increasexperience, his former mentor teacher ingly connected art with the history of reached out. The timing gave Lemus the department. a reason to reconsider the career he’d once planned to pursue. His first two murals at the fire station depict the shields firefighters carry on their uni“I was like, ‘Well, it doesn’t hurt to forms and are located in stairwells primarily try,’” he said. “The boss was great, the used by the department. Another depicts coworkers were great, but I just felt a historically significant statue and sits in like my life wasn’t going anywhere. I the garage where the department’s trucks are parked. His latest mural recreates one thought, ‘Well, I’ll try this teaching of the city’s original fire stations. thing again, and if I like it, I’ll stay.’”

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“Even though not everyone might see it, I know the firemen will,” he said. “If it just kind of gives them a pause in their everyday life and makes them feel a little curious or happy, then that’s what makes me happy.” Once a month, Lemus also leads a paintand-sip at the Caffeinated Caterpillar, a tattoo studio that also hosts art exhibitions, and he teaches classes regularly at Painting with a Twist on 144th and West Maple. The classes follow an “I do, you do” format, with Lemus demonstrating each step before participants try it themselves. Everyone leaves with a finished painting, but the goal is giving people a chance to see what they can create. “I think it’s another way to get the everyday person to appreciate and enjoy art, and also see that they can do more than they think they can when it comes to art,” he said. Much of his own art education happened outside the classroom, too, namely through YouTube videos and online materials that matched the kind of art he wanted to make. He believes students can do the same now, using their resources to supplement what they learn at school and pursue areas that interest them. “Art is hard work. It’s not easy,” he said. “A lot of times, when someone is looking at an artist’s work, they think those skills must’ve come naturally. The only difference is that they’ve gotten enough experience to know how to manage issues.” The skills come with time, he added, but so does the confidence to use them. “The majority of what an artist creates, we don’t even show, because we don’t think it’s that good,” Lemus said. “I think it’s important for young people and students to hear that and know that. The only way to improve is through practice.”

The only way to improve

is through

practice.

- Elias Lemus

Visit eliaslemus.com for more information and to explore Lemus’ portfolio.

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A+C PERFORMING ARTS

STORY BY RHETT ULEMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN | DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK

The Trophy

is the

how

Laureen Pickle, a Doctor in the Director’s Chair

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here was a time in her early high school years when Laureen Pickle assumed her future was to follow a predictable career path, perhaps to become a doctor or lawyer, but those ideas quickly took a turn after she was cast in a musical theater production at her school. While her knack for choreography landed her the role, it was a small vocal solo that truly drove the realization home: Musical theater would become an integral part of her life going forward. That was back when Pickle was 17. Now, as a 62-year-old veteran with experience in performing, conducting, and directing, Pickle has accumulated an array of recognitions and accomplishments, including a Ph.D. in music from Arizona State University. After finishing her doctorate in 1997, Pickle moved to Omaha to pursue a one-year position as a music educator. Initially, her expectations were low. She hadn’t heard much about this town, let alone been there before. It was a city she moved to for a temporary career stage, but an affinity for Omaha’s arts and culture scene kept her around. Nearly three decades later, Pickle has never left, marking 29 years of steady commitment to education and the arts. “I moved here sight unseen,” Pickle said. “I thought ‘well, it can’t be that bad. They’ve got a symphony orchestra, they’ve got a ballet theater, they’ve got this Omaha Community Playhouse, which is apparently the biggest one in the nation…I mean, it can’t be that bad.’ I never left because the arts here are important, and you don’t always find a place where the arts are as important as they are in Omaha.” Upon discovering the strength of the local theater community, Pickle lent her talents to stages across the metro, including Bellevue Little Theatre, Chanticleer Theater, Shelterbelt Theatre, and Omaha Community Playhouse as a regional actor, winning awards along the way. But for Pickle, accolades are just a bonus. “The trophy is the show,” she said. In addition to musical theater, she also exercised her vocal skills performing with outfits like Opera Omaha, Heartland Opera, and the Omaha Symphony. Before her move to Omaha, Pickle recalled that most of her experience directing stage shows came during her time teaching high school music while working toward her doctorate. “The first time I had to direct, I was teaching high school, and there was no [theater] director. So it was either me or nobody. I asked my friend, ‘how do you do this?’ And he said, ‘just make pretty pictures,’” Pickle said. It was a new role that initially took some getting used to, but it wasn’t long until Pickle found that her experiences as an actor and vocalist gave her a unique, empathetic lens she uses to guide performers with tact. The skills built through leading those school productions would come with her to Omaha, where she applied them directing shows at community theaters in town.

“There are only so many roles for a woman my age now,” Pickle said. “And after you’ve been on one side of that relationship, it’s a lot easier to turn around and do the other side. Having been an actor with some really good directors in my lifetime, it’s a lot easier for me to understand actors as a director.” Directing was always a pursuit of her passion, not a paycheck. Productions at community theaters are acted and directed by volunteers, meaning that Pickle balanced her full-time jobs while developing her shows during off time. Over the years, she taught every grade level from kindergarten through college at public schools and universities like UNO and Creighton. But her most profound experience came from teaching at Uta Halee Girls Village, a North Omaha residential treatment facility that offered care and guidance for troubled young women. “It was the best job I ever had in my life, the most rewarding job,” Pickle said. “It was for girls with more issues than any three people ought to have, and being able to share with them music education as a way of finding something about themselves that was worth hanging on to, that’s the best job I ever had.” But when state budget cuts forced Uta Halee to close in December of 2011 (it would later reopen under new leadership in 2013), Pickle found herself in a predicament. Her 25 years of teaching experience and doctoral degree rendered her overqualified—and too expensive—for many educational positions. As a result, she transitioned into banking for her day job while teaching in after-school programs. It was around this time that Pickle became involved as the artistic director with Omaha’s MasterSingers community choir, a position she still holds 16 years later. Today, Pickle describes herself as “kind of, sort of retired.” She still occasionally substitute teaches, but primarily devotes herself to arranging music for MasterSingers and working on her upcoming community theater productions. Currently, her biggest projects are directing Cry-Baby at Bellevue Little Theater (running Sept. 1-Oct. 4) and Amahl and the Night Visitors at Chanticleer (Dec. 10-20). For a life-long educator like Pickle, bumps in the road and momentary setbacks won’t ever cause her to lose sight of what makes all the hard work worthwhile in the end. “There’s nothing more fulfilling than watching a person, whether it’s a young person who has some issues or an older person who’s always been too scared to do something… watching them find that magic…helping somebody else find the joy that I feel all the time as a musician, as a performer,” she said. “Helping somebody else find that, that’s magic.”

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60+ ACTIVE LIVING // STORY BY HOLLY MCATEE // PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE // DESIGN BY JOEY WINTON

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OCTOBER 2026

maha’s rich history, from the beginnings of the stockyards, the brothels, and gangster connections, and even the former baseball team called the Omaha Kidnappers, are just some of the stories of Omaha told by Gary Kastrick on his history tours. A retired history teacher, Kastrick has a wealth of knowledge on the background of South Omaha. He has spent much of his life lecturing around the country about Omaha and its evolution. He’s an expert on Omaha’s people, culture, and religions from 1854 to today. Kastrick’s interest in history came from his dad, he said. “My dad was a real bugaboo for history. He was a custodian at Robbins School for 52 years, and he told all of us we were going to college whether we liked it or not,” he recalled. “In our neighborhood, our family was the only one that went to college.” Kastrick went to UNO earning a B.S. in political science and UNL earning a M.A. in economics. His dad had a second job as a bartender. Kastrick would visit him at the bar to bring him dinner and listen to stories the guys told. “I got interested in these people and their stories,” Kastrick said. “You could see the quiet desperation. Many of them said they worked on the kill floor so their kids wouldn’t have to. That was such hard work.”

“Growing up in this area with many different types of people made us more cosmopolitan, even though we were working class. I call South Omaha the Ellis Island of Nebraska. It’s where the immigrants started. To this day, that’s where they come.” During the early 2000s, Kastrick did 50 tours for third graders walking on 24th Street up to Prospect Hill. “That was a lot of fun. I would convince the kids that I was 110 years old and that my best friend was a shovel,” Kastrick joked. Kastrick helped create the South Omaha Mural Project to celebrate the different ethnic groups in south Omaha. The murals became part of his history walks. He has also led history tours with the Durham Museum and Ollie the Trolley. “I’ve been a willing and able student and protégé of Gary,” said George Davis, co-owner of Ollie the Trolley. “He’s been a great influence on me as I incorporate a lot of his thoughts and perspectives on Omaha. He really engages his students with his talks.” “What I love about Gary is that he’s a walking, talking history book,” added Deb Skinner, the other co-owner of Ollie the Trolly. “He loves history so much.”

South Omaha’s Walking, Talking History Book

Kastrick had many family members in the packing business. His family came to the United States in 1896 from Kraków, Poland, and settled in Sheelytown, named after the Sheely Brothers packing house.

When Kastrick retired in 2010, he ended up taking the artifacts back to his house and to multiple storage units. Many of his artifacts have been displayed at the South Omaha Museum of Immigrant History at the Center Mall. In 2014, he got a grant to build a model of the Stockyards at the same museum.

Since 1975, Kastrick has been doing Omaha history tours. “What amazes me is how little people know,” he said. “Sometimes I say being an Omaha historian is like being a cattle rancher in a vegan village. Every time I take a tour group, people say they didn’t know this and that.

Kastrick’s full of lively stories about legends such as Bill Jones, who ran a three-card monte game syndicate out of Omaha; or stories about Bottles Capone, Al Capone’s brother who ran a stolen car ring out of Omaha.

“I taught at Bancroft Junior High. They asked us to do the history of the school. So, I took my students and we discovered all the Movers and Shakers. My seventh graders found Fred Astaire’s childhood house. They found others that had mansions. The history of this blighted area became more interesting to them when they could see all of this.”

Kastrick said he never considered his legacy while doing the tours and teaching.

At South High School, Kastrick created a local history class called Computerized History. In 1999, he got a Nebraska Lottery grant for $86,000 to start Project Omaha, which allowed him to gather oral histories and launch a museum in the basement of South High School. The goal was to create products for third graders to talk about Omaha history. They were designated as one of the top 10 projects by Apple Corporation, and Apple granted them $80,000 worth of equipment in the ’90s to make iMovies. “We interviewed 300 people,” Kastrick recalled. “My favorite part was taking my students out to the small towns. In Palmer, Nebraska, we interviewed people in the gymnasium who had brought cattle into the Stockyards. The kids couldn’t believe the area, because most of them had never been out of Omaha.

“It was always just fun,” he said. “I hope people appreciate the fact that local history is so vital. It’s more interesting than people realize.”

I call South Omaha the Ellis Island of Nebraska. It’s where the immigrants started. To this day, that’s where they come. – Gary Kastrick OCTOBER 2026 //

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Robotics World Champ Wesley Wildes GEN O // STORY BY LISA LUKECART // PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE // DESIGN BY JOEY WINTON

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The Dome. This arena at the 2026 VEX Robotics World Championship in St. Louis, Missouri, represented the pinnacle of achievement. Think of it like Wimbledon’s Centre Court, but with two alliances, each with two robots, battling it out.

“Pre-programmed poetry for the first 15 seconds of the match before we move on to 105 seconds of high-octane driver control,” the emcee yelled into the microphone. Wesley Wildes watched with some of his 1028A collaborators from team WASHED, and partners from 10B, Exothermic Burnout alliance from Washington, as their robots executed autonomous routines across the field in the Push Back challenge. Wesley wore a black T-shirt with gold letters proclaiming the team’s name, WASHED, contemporary slang for “washed up.” Wesley’s black baseball hat shadowed his brown eyes, giving him the look of a professional poker player. Once the autonomous round ended, he gripped the controller, steering the aluminum robot around the 12-by-12-foot field. “To me, I treated it as just another match,” Wesley, 17, recalled. “I thought about how this robot played way more scrimmage matches than it ever did real matches, which is a good thing, because with all that practice, you’re going to be much more comfortable.” Wesley started robotics in eighth grade after moving to Omaha from St. Louis, making a championship on his former home turf the cherry on top of his junior year at Brownell Talbot College Preparatory School. His parents couldn’t pick him up right away after school, so Wesley chose robotics over after-school care.

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OCTOBER 2026

“He would spend the entire drive to school talking about gear ratios and torque, and all these concepts of physics he was learning in the building of the robot,” Tanya said. “I was really excited for him to have something that would help ease the transition from the only home he’s previously known to our new home.” Across Wesley’s back, the team’s identification number represented Brownell Talbot, 1028A, splashed over his shoulders like a warning. A legacy. Math teacher and head robotics coach Carrie Rise started with just two teams in 2006. With assistant coach Meg Harms, the program has grown to about 60 students. “They are standing on the shoulders of giants, I tell my kids,” Rise said. “We learned by failing often, and we kept at it.” Wesley learned that lesson firsthand. After his first team disintegrated, Wesley joined 1028Z, which valued his talents as a driver and programmer. The team reached the division semifinals at Worlds, then advanced to division finals the following year. After seniors graduated, members from 1028Z and 1028A combined to form a seven-person unit. “Wes has the most total comprehension of the game of any student I have ever coached,” Rise said. “He’s cool as a cucumber.” The team arrived at the VEX Robotics World Championship after a successful season. In March, 1028A and alliance partner Millard North’s 5069Y Havoc team won the Nebraska State V5RC High School Robotics Championship. After finishing as a finalist at the 2026 CREATE U.S. Robotics Tournament, WASHED knew it needed to step up.

“I feel like our school is welcoming, especially finding extracurriculars,” Wesley said. “It may be a little intimidating, difficult jumping straight into that, and you see all the high schoolers that are better than you. Like how am I ever going to be that good? So, you feel the pressure.”

“The robot was too new, so we didn’t know all of its flaws yet,” Wesley explained.

Wesley’s mother, Tanya, a Nebraska Medicine hematologist-oncologist and professor of medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and his father, Troy, a Nebraska Medicine cardiothoracic anesthesiologist and professor with the UNMC Department of Anesthesiology, supported his growing interest. They even had a field built in the basement for their only child to practice.

The hours on the practice field paid off. Over 800 teams from more than 40 countries competed at the high school level. WASHED went undefeated through the Science division, winning all 12 qualification matches before advancing to the finals.

Two weeks before worlds, builder Cillian Rochling sent a text: “Guys ima be so fr we can win Worlds but we’re gonna have to work a lot harder than we currently are.”

1028A proved anything but “washed” when the buzzer sounded, winning 45-40 against allied China’s 9123C Shanghai RuiGuan team and Canada’s team, the 16610A Snacky Cakes in the first round of the finals. “For the most part, it’s all of us. That’s what I like about being part of a smaller team. You learn more,” Wesley said, crediting his crew. Then came the next round in the best-ofthree series. Teams erupted as the score of 42-19 appears on the screen. The emcee screamed, “1028A and 10B will win the championship.” The victory marked the first for a Nebraska high school team. WASHED also received the Science Division Think Award. When not preparing for robotics, Wesley played basketball until he broke his tibia. “My team said that’s probably why we won Worlds,” Wesley joked about his “lucky break,” since he had more time to devote to robotics. As an eighth grader, he looked up to the older students. Now, as a senior, he wants to inspire those following in his footsteps. “We want to try to be the best, and pass the knowledge on to the middle schoolers, on to the freshmen, on to kids that are joining robotics,” Wesley said. A longtime Badgers fan, Wesley leans toward a college in Wisconsin, or perhaps Purdue University. He wants to major in mechanical or aerospace engineering and may try Formula SAE, Baja SAE, or rocketry clubs. In the meantime, the title needs defending. Wesley has already started planning with two returning teammates for next season’s game, Override. “Oftentimes, the simplest robot, the simplest strategy, the simplest autons end up doing the best. And yeah, that’s also true in the real world,” Wesley said.

That’s what I like about being part of a smaller team. You learn more. – Wesley Wildes

GIVING SPOTLIGHT // STORY BY DAWAUNE LAMONT HAYES // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY RACHEL BIRDSALL

REVIVING WISDOM

Education, History, and the Future of Great Plains Black History Museum

ric Ewing, executive director of the Great Plains Black History Museum, is committed to sharing wisdom.

“For me, I think education is freedom,” Ewing said. “When you have an opportunity to get an education, or help someone get educated, it puts them in a better situation to make decisions in their life and not have to jump at the first opportunity.” The educator has been working in institutions of higher education around Omaha for more than 20 years. “I’m from Omaha, grew up in the North Omaha community, and have been fortunate enough to get a strong education,” Ewing said. Ewing has an associate degree, undergraduate, master’s, two post-graduate certificates, and is a dissertation away from a Ph.D. in post-secondary education.

His father had a junior high education and his own brilliance. His mother graduated high school and became a nursing assistant, working in health care most of her life. Eric followed in her footsteps, pursuing health work while in the U.S. Navy. After leaving the military, Ewing, brother to Omaha Mayor John Ewing, returned to share his expertise in healthcare management and began mentoring young people at 100 Black Men of Omaha. “To be able to have those accomplishments, I felt obligated to turn around and be able to work in an area of the city which I’m from, then give, hopefully, opportunity to someone else to have that level of success as well,” he said.

OCTOBER 2026

“For people to know that there is someone here, I believe that has made it more comfortable for people to be willing to donate personal family artifacts, while providing quality exhibits to educate us more about our heritage and the positive things we’ve been able to contribute to Omaha, Nebraska, and America,” Ewing said.

Black historian and activist Bertha Calloway founded the Great Plains Black History Museum in 1976. Her vision was to create a multipurpose social, cultural, and political action space for the community. By the ’90s, the museum began to decline in popularity and maintenance, and in 2009 the artifacts and archives were sent to the Nebraska State Historical Society for safekeeping. Calloway passed away in 2017. Today, Ewing and the museum continue to steward Calloway’s collection and legacy at their location in the Jewell Building at 2221 N. 24th St., with ambitious plans to expand.

When you have an opportunity to get an education, or help someone get educated, it puts them in a better situation to make decisions in their life and not have to jump at the first opportunity. — Eric Ewing

“I was fortunate enough, but I wasn’t even supposed to graduate high school. I remember the school counselor telling my mom, ‘He’s good with his hands, maybe we can get him a career doing some type of manual labor or something,’” he recalled. “For me, that just wasn’t something I wanted to do.”

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While at 100 Black Men, the position for the directorship at Great Plains opened up, which aligned with his desire to be of greater service. Since joining the museum in February 2017, Ewing says he’s been able to grow the organization through one key tenet: consistency.

One of those major displays was about the history of historically Black colleges and universities. “I wanted to create that exhibit because I wasn’t as knowledgeable about the subject as I thought I should have been. If I didn’t know these things, I imagined our youth probably didn’t either,” he said. “There are over 100 institutions. It went on for 13 months, with a new exhibit each month focusing on eight to 10 institutions.” Two permanent installations at the museum are titled, “Hate” and “Hope,” which explore artifacts and documentation of violence and discrimination, such as police brutality and Klan materials, and inspiration and elevation, including famous Black Omahans and local civil rights activism.

They have launched a capital campaign to build a new 18,000-square-foot facility directly adjacent to the original site of the museum on 22nd and Lake streets. The first building, the historic Webster Telephone Exchange Building, is still standing yet in significant disrepair.

$15.2 million is the goal for the campaign, with about 40% raised so far and a desire to garner more commitments from large donors. Ewing said this move will benefit not only North Omaha, but the whole city and state.

“Last year, we had visitors from over 47 different states and 11 different countries,” Ewing said. “For four of those groups from other countries, we were actually on their itinerary of places to go while visiting Omaha. If we are having this type of impact where we are, we know that with the new facility, the impact will just grow.” The easiest way for a person to support the museum, Ewing said, is to visit. Every two to three months, there is a new exhibit, and visitor memberships are available at gpblackhistorymuseum.org. “While you’re in the area,” Ewing said, “visit the other organizations nearby. Have an overall North Omaha experience so you can share with friends and family to do the same.”

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Chen Huang

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OCTOBER 2026

FEATURE // STORY BY KIM REINER // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY RACHEL BIRDSALL

For expanded content, open the camera on your smart device and hover over the QR code above.

Game t d l O e g A How an Connections tha g is Buildinnscend the Tiles Tra

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ahjong is having a moment in Omaha. The distinct clacking of tiles and laughter are heard regularly now as the game is played in community centers, homes, country clubs, bars, and coffee shops. Word has spread on Instagram and TikTok. Clubs are forming. The metro even had its first three-day tournament this summer.

Omaha’s embrace of the game has been a slow but steady one, and it mirrors U.S. trends. The Wall Street Journal in April noted its popularity is growing across the U.S. According to Eventbrite, mahjong events increased nearly 200% from 2023 to 2024. On Yelp, U.S.-based searches for mahjong clubs rose by 4,467% from September 2024 to August 2025 compared to the previous 12 months. Searches for mahjong lessons were up more than ninefold. I’ve never been one to be on top of trends, so it’s somewhat of a surprise that I not only know what mahjong is, but I know how to play a couple of versions of it. I still consider myself a beginner with American mahjong (which I’ve just learned is often spelled “mah-jongg” when referring only to the American version). It’s the most popular version played in Omaha. To learn it, I took a five-hour boot camp at Mahjong With Mary, a four-year-old business run by retired teacher Mary McBride. In the most simplified explanation, mahjong is a tile game with Chinese symbols on them and is typically played with four people, involving matching groupings of tiles into sets. Game historians date it back to the 1800s in China, though others will tell you it’s centuries older. Over time, it has evolved into 40 different variations, mostly popularized in Asian countries. American mahjong has a firm hold on Omaha today,

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OCTOBER 2026

and it’s one of the most popular versions in the U.S., along with the Hong Kong version. That one mahjong scene in the film Crazy Rich Asians? That was Singaporean mahjong. American mahjong is not quite 100 years old. The game was popularized in the U.S. in the 1920s. The National Mah Jongg League was formed in 1937 in New York City by a group of Jewish women who wanted to standardize the game in the States. In addition to using jokers in its game play, it also has a tile exchange called the Charleston. There’s one other huge difference: the league publishes a playing card every year with 70 or so lines of new winning hands. In order to be able to play the game —whether with friends here in Omaha or with a new group you encounter on vacation—you need to have the official card for the year. Chinese mahjong’s rules haven’t changed since its beginnings, and when I attended a beginner lesson hosted by Chen Huang, founder of the Moon Club, I learned that much of the cultural significance connected to the game was lost when the American version was standardized. It arrived stateside during the Chinese Exclusion Act, so the Chinese symbolism was lost as the game spread from American household to American household. After a few months of play around Omaha, I now understand the appeal of the game. For one thing, it’s a social activity and players are welcoming. Many mahjong groups are beginner-friendly, and a relative newcomer can ease into play with a table full of strangers and leave with three new friends. A few places for beginners include open play at SET The Bar and Sips on 10th. For the truly uninitiated, social groups like Omah-Jong with Leticia and Club Mahj often have crash courses before open play.

“It’s a gathering place. They’re meeting friends in their 60s, and sometimes that is hard to do.” — Mary McBride

“I think that it is bringing people together in a way that if they want to socialize, they can,” McBride said. “And if they want to sit down and take their mind off things for a few hours, they can join a group and play. It gets people off of their phones. It gets people together.” Silvia Conley, who learned to play mahjong in 2017 and has taught more than 750 people to play, echoes the sentiment, adding that “a little part of it that’s not being said too much is that it doesn’t have to involve drinking. So many social activities require it, but you can not drink and still have a really fun time. I think some people are looking for relaxation that doesn’t have to be drinking all the time.”

Mary McBride OCTOBER

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Silvia Conley

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It’s also a pretty game. The American version is particularly popular, in part, because of all the cute stuff associated with it: intricately designed mats, colorful tiles you can buy for nearly any season or interest, and auxiliary merchandise, such as throw pillows and T-shirts. “It’s cute. And it’s being made cuter and cuter,” Conley said. “I could barely find a mat when I started. I had like three to choose from and they were ugly. Now, it’s night and day.” You can buy a basic set rather inexpensively at Costco or spend upward of $800 on a designer set at sites like Oh My Mahjong. Some players seek out unique vintage sets at estate sales. Dianne Severa, who runs a mahjong league on Mondays and Thursdays at Camelot Community Center, collects sets.

Silvia Conley

Mary McBride

If the mahjong tile bracelet or the T-shirt with an octopus holding tiles weren’t clues, the mat in front of Silvia Conley’s front door told me all I needed to know: “It’s Mahjong Time!” It’s been mahjong time for nearly a decade with Conley, ever since she learned the game with a small group of friends in 2017. Back then, Conley recalled, “no one knew anything about mahjong.”

Mary McBride’s name is so ubiquitous in the American mahjong scene of Omaha, I’ve considered drafting up a Six Degrees of Mahjong Mary game. If you’re playing American mahjong in Omaha, chances are good that at least one person learned from McBride or from the person who taught her.

A self-described “board game person,” she quickly learned the nuances of American mahjong, but had few people to play with. So, the natural thing was to start teaching it.

Leticia Nix, the founder of Omah-Jong with Leticia, plays partly to keep her mind sharp after learning of some concerning family medical history she wanted to stay ahead of. The other part is the friendships that the game has solidified.

Conley is a retired educator who has taught preschoolers up to high schoolers, and if there’s one thing she knows, it’s how to adapt material to the learner. In the beginning, she taught a new group of four only occasionally. People found out about her private lessons by word of mouth, and it spread. To meet the demand, she started the @Omajong Instagram account and built a website to help people check her availability.

“I’m so much closer to all the moms I learned with,” Nix said. “And I made so many friends through this.”

“I noticed a little increase [in customer requests] about two years ago,” Conley said. “But it has multiplied since then.”

My experience has been similar. I learned the game with three other women, and we started a text group to find times to meet up and play. We added a sister-in-law into the chat who was more knowledgeable and could help us learn the intricacies. Then, our little group went to Sips on 10th to a Mahjong Monday event hosted by Nix, and I ran into an old friend. After a brief chat with her table, four more names were added to our text group. Now, there’s a pool of potential players for any impromptu night of mahjong.

Today, she teaches the game daily. By the end of 2026, she anticipates teaching her 800th student. She sees the growth in mahjong’s popularity not just through her busy schedule, but in the marketing of the game. “You can see it in the amount of stuff,” she explained. “Now, you can spend a whole day online looking for a mahjong set you like,” she said. “It’s a crazy world now, compared to what it used to be before.”

This game has not only grown my social network, but it has also deepened bonds with friends. My friend, Heidi, taught me Siamese mahjong, a version that can be played with two players. While we usually hang out with our spouses and other couples, the lesson was a chance for just the two of us to chat over tiles at her kitchen table.

Conley emphasizes that mahjong is not just a women’s game, and she’d love to teach more men and children to play. On a mission to reach that latter group, she’s written a storybook to introduce children to American mahjong.

Somehow, in spite of my introverted nature, my social group has grown tremendously thanks to this game.

She means it in the best possible way. “It’s all awesome, but it’s different,” she said.

“I’ve taught over 2,000 at this point,” McBride said. Impressively, she said she learned the game herself just over four years ago. She didn’t love the game right away, but as many people have come to discover, there’s something about the tactile nature of the smooth tiles and the challenge of the game. She was hooked in a few months. The problem was, even just four years ago, there weren’t many people playing the game in Omaha. She started to teach her neighbors and friends, and after that, she volunteered to teach the game during a fundraiser. From there, things took off rather unintentionally. McBride is an experienced teacher, having taught elementary-aged students and worked as a reading specialist. She wasn’t, however, well-versed in teaching mahjong, so she enrolled in an online class with a well-known Dallas-based instructor named Molly Hardy. The plan was to learn how to teach the small group for the fundraiser and nothing more. “I didn’t realize the others in the class were going to start a business. It wasn’t on my radar,” she said. But the seed was planted. Soon, she had a small business teaching people around her kitchen table. With the help of word of mouth, McBride was soon teaching lessons twice a day in others’ homes. After a year of lugging the game sets around to others’ homes, McBride opened Mahjong With Mary, a small salon and shop, in January 2026. The demand has grown so much, she has hired three women to help teach. Like McBride, they’re all former teachers. People go there to learn or practice through open play. Colorful mats adorn the tables, and when someone wins a hand, they’re given a sash to wear until they are dethroned by another winner. It’s a snug space, and, after less than a year, McBride is ready to move on.

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“The game is helping build a community of culture and fun and real connection.” — Chen Huang Spurred by the growing popularity, McBride and two business partners, Melanie Wolff and Erica Moller, created a new business— The Social Sparrow, a larger mahjong studio space set to open in October in Bel Air Plaza. Inspired by The Bam Bam Room in Leawood, Kansas, McBride describes the concept as a space where people can drop in for open or league play, or just to shop. The intention of The Social Sparrow is to form a community for the people she’s met through teaching. “They’re new to town, recently retired, or they’re newly empty nesters and they are wanting to find friends,” McBride said. “They know that when they come to my events and my studio, and once my new place opens in October, they’ll have people they can meet every day. It’s a gathering place. They’re meeting friends in their 60s, and sometimes that is hard to do.”

Chen Huang Omaha didn’t make the best first impression on Chen Huang. She’d moved with her husband to his hometown in the winter in 2024, and, apparently, people had already hit hibernation mode. She’d spent her entire adult life in large cities like New York and Dubai, and she was dismayed by the experience of silent streets, even in the heart of the Old Market. She did not know where to meet new people. “Omaha is one of the most difficult cities to integrate into if you didn’t grow up here,” she said, likening it to a little bubble. She knew that if there wasn’t a place for new Omahans to meet, they’d feel isolated and they’d soon leave the city.

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The couple bought a home in the city’s Gold Coast neighborhood with the intention that it would become a place for her to build such a space. She founded the Moon Club in February 2025 with the dream of it being a safe place for women to socialize, to encourage growth in careers and personal life, and to share the cultural traditions and customs she experienced growing up in China. Huang’s Ph.D is in leadership studies, and the club married two of her passions. Members gather in her historic home’s ornate first floor rooms for various events, including a reading group and intimate concerts. Now, they come to play Chinese mahjong. It’s a game Huang learned when she was 9 years old so she could play with her grandparents. Once she settled in Omaha, she learned the American version with her junior league group. It was a five-hour boot camp at Mahjong With Mary. Huang’s impression—“It’s very complicated!” She saw potential, though. Perhaps through game play, she could find a way to integrate Asian culture into social gatherings. “Everybody loves games. Everybody loves board games,” she said. “This is the only thing I can do. I can open my door, open my private home…I need people to experience culture.” In May 2026, she created Omaha Mahjong Club to introduce the game not just to the Moon Club members, but to the larger population of Omaha. She hosts small gatherings in her home on Monday nights for mahjong, guests donning silk slippers as they enter the front parlor. Each session starts with a guided imported tea tasting before the games begin.

Earlier this summer, she began to offer introductory lessons before open play, moving the meet-up to The Mill in order to accommodate a larger group that now includes men, and at one table, a child with her mom. As I sat at one of the beginner tables, I listened to conversations around me. One woman shared a book recommendation, while at another table, Huang explained the meaning of a tile. “The game is helping build a community of culture and fun and real connection,” she said. Huang’s vision of building a community in Omaha is taking shape. Omaha Mahjong Club has more than 100 members, most of whom learned the game from Huang.

OBVIOUSLY OMAHA

Translating Tech Nontraditional Tech Education Resources From being one of the most important areas to the development of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, to its status as one of the first cities to be outfitted with a fiber-optic telecommunications cable system in 1992, Omaha has a rich legacy of technological early adoption. This community has historically welcomed new systems of American innovation and continues to be a place where advancements in the world of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are honored and embraced.

But advancements in the rapidly-moving STEM fields are only possible with strong, but flexible resources in tech education, and while it’s well-known that Omaha colleges like UNO and Creighton provide much of that kind of support to their students, the commitments of a college degree program is not ideal for everybody. It begs the question, what kinds of tech education resources exist for Omaha residents outside of a collegiate program? Well, it turns out that there are many options for someone looking to begin or continue their learning with AI, computer coding, and emerging technologies—so whether you’re a high school student looking to gain hands-on experience, or an adult professional aiming to integrate new tools into your workflow, these resources can help you achieve your goals.

AIM Institute

Founded in 1992, AIM is a local nonprofit dedicated to strengthening Omaha’s tech community by guiding K-12 students with youth programs, providing accredited coding boot camps and training programs for adults, and organizing events that bridge that gap between learners, educators, and employers. Through federally funded programs like TRIO, Talent Search, and Upward Bound, AIM is committed to empowering middle and high school students from lower-income areas and underserved communities with tangible, hands on learning that develops their skills with systems like Google Sites, HTML, CSS, 3D modeling, and robotics. The goal is to break down barriers so that students know that careers in tech are attainable to them, and accessible to everybody willing to learn.

Story by Rhett Uleman || Design by Rachel Birdsall

Metropolitan Community College

MCC has gained its reputation as an affordable and flexible hotspot of adult education offerings for good reason. Initiatives like their 30-day online “A.I Agility” certification program provide options for busy adult learners while bypassing typical barriers to entry like placement tests, fees, and semester-long class commitments. Additionally, MCC’s “Prototype Design Lab” on its Fort Omaha campus provides students and community members with access to a cutting-edge tech facility outfitted with 3D printers, laser, plasma, and vinyl cutters, soldering and welding equipment, a full woodshop, and more. The lab is staffed with knowledgeable attendants equipped with the skills and information to guide newer learners—assisting them with tools that may be unfamiliar. The lab is free to use for Metro students but non-students can purchase memberships for as little as $25 a month, so it’s worth checking out for anybody looking for a cheap way to get hands-on experience with expensive, cutting edge equipment.

Girl Scout Dream Lab

For something aimed more at creating fun, educational experiences for the K-5 student audience, the Girl Scout Dream Lab at 8601 West Dodge Road provides a place where all visitors—not just Girl Scouts—can discover, connect, and expand their ideas with others. Group events and workshops are held multiple times a week, where STEM topics like coding, robotics, engineering, chemistry, and more are taught through tactile, approachable projects involving common household items.

Do Space at Omaha Public Library

Located within the newly constructed Central Library on 72nd and Dodge, and the Milton R. Abrahams Branch on 90th, visitors can access a community maker space and technology library called the “Do Space.” These spaces are available to anybody with an Omaha Public Library card, and offer access to 3D printers, Cricut machines, laser cutters and engravers, sewing machines, and a robust podcasting and media studio. Library staff are available to answer questions and assist visitors, creating an experiential, low-pressure learning environment. In addition, frequent events are held for kids and adults that focus on STEM subjects like coding and engineering, while other group activities dive into the creative capabilities of the space with lessons in photography, design, and more.

OCTOBER 2026

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HISTORY // STORY BY DOUG MEIGS // DESIGN BY JOEY WINTON AND RENEE LUDWICK

FROM HILLTOPPERS TO BLUEJAYS, MAVERICKS OVER UNICORNS Creighton and UNO Mascots Reflect a Century of Changing Campus Identity

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OCTOBER 2026

game day in Omaha, two larger-than-life figures have become familiar sights: Creighton University’s bright-blue Billy Bluejay and the University of Nebraska-Omaha’s red-and-black Durango. Both serve much the same purpose today—rallying crowds, posing for photographs, and embodying school spirit—but the paths that brought them to the sidelines tell very different stories about the evolution of college mascots.

At Creighton, that story began without a mascot at all. Before the 1920s, Creighton athletic teams were commonly identified simply by the school colors, as the “White and Blue,” while the unofficial nickname “Hilltoppers” referenced the university’s elevated Omaha campus. The problem was that Hilltoppers was hardly distinctive: By 1923, at least a half-dozen other teams around the country were using the same nickname. Creighton’s Athletics Board and Alumni Association turned to the Omaha Bee, which organized a public contest to find something better. About 200 suggestions poured in, including Golden Rods, Shamrocks, Tigers, and Bears. The winning choice, officially adopted in 1924, was the Bluejays, an especially fitting selection because the bird matched Creighton’s blue-and-white colors.

The Bluejay initially looked like an actual bird. That changed in 1941, when Creighton alumnus Joseph P. Murphy created “Battlin’ Bill Bluejay,” an anthropomorphic character with a human stance and a decidedly more combative personality. Over the decades, the character’s name shifted through variations including Billie Bluejay and Billy the Bluejay before settling on Billy Bluejay. Billy’s appearance proved considerably less settled. Creighton experimented with numerous illustrations and, by the 1970s, costumed versions of the bird. One incarnation featured an enormous papier-mâché head; another arrived with thick feathers and a perpetually startled expression. Even the illustrated logo took unusual turns—including a version with teeth that drew complaints from alumni. Creighton eventually returned to the classic 1941 design before unveiling a redesigned Billy as part of an athletics rebranding in 2013. Across town, UNO’s mascot history involved a more consequential transformation. The university cycled through numerous athletic identities during its early decades: the Shetlands or Ponies, Crimson and Black, Maroons, and Cardinals. In 1939, the Municipal University of Omaha adopted the “Indians” nickname, accompanied by Native American imagery and caricatures typical of an era when such mascots were widespread in American sports.

As mainstream society was becoming more aware of the harm caused by stereotypical Native caricatures, UNO abolished its Indians name and associated imagery in May 1971. The university today explicitly recognizes those earlier representations as offensive and describes their removal as a positive step in its history. Students then faced an unusual ballot to determine what came next: Demons, Roadrunners, Unicorns, or Mavericks. Mavericks won—but barely. In the 1971 student vote, Mavericks received 566 votes, edging Unicorns by just 51. Roadrunners received 397 votes and Demons 346. The new identity was announced around that fall’s homecoming festivities. UNO initially took its Maverick identity literally. Victor E. Maverick, a live steer, became the university’s mascot and ran onto the football field with the team. The spectacle proved difficult to sustain. Caring for and handling a live steer was considerably more complicated than maintaining a costume, and Victor eventually disappeared from the sidelines. He was succeeded several years later by the costumed Durango, the horned Maverick who remains UNO’s mascot today. Together, the histories of Billy and Durango illustrate how mascots have evolved from simple athletic nicknames into carefully managed university identities. Creighton’s Bluejay has endured for more than a century while repeatedly changing its appearance. UNO made a more fundamental change, abandoning a culturally offensive identity and allowing students to select something new. Today, Billy Bluejay and Durango may primarily be sources of game-day fun. Behind the oversized heads and exaggerated expressions, however, each carries a piece of Omaha history—and a record of how the institutions they represent have changed along with the city around them. For more information about the next crosstown face-offs featuring Creighton’s Billy Bluejay and UNO’s Durango on Omaha sports sidelines, visit gocreighton.com and omavs.com.

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OCTOBER 2026

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OCTOBER 2026

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Kent Holm

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OCTOBER 2026

FEATURE // STORY BY DWAIN HEBDA // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY RACHEL BIRDSALL

BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED

(IN REGULAR TRASH) Facilities and Legislation Help Avoid Catastrophe Through Proper Disposal OCTOBER

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2026

he good news: use of lithium-ion batteries has exploded with Americans’ demand for wireless products that can be recharged.

The bad news: lithium-ion batteries themselves are exploding— or at least catching fire—due to improper disposal, including recent high-profile fires in the Omaha metro. In 2023, an Omaha recycling plant caught fire, suspected to have been caused by a ruptured battery, as did a trash truck in Gretna in 2024, to name just two. Omaha and Nebraska are hardly unique in these incidents. According to the Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority in Connecticut, there were only two major lithium battery fires recorded in the U.S. in 2013, but since 2017, there have been double-digit fires almost every year. UL Solutions reported 3,880 incidents involving lithium-ion batteries in 2024 alone, with 199 fatalities and 340 injuries, and some statistics show much higher numbers, depending on the reporting agency. Lithium-ion batteries provide two complications that make them particularly hazardous. First, as HRRA reports, these batteries burn at temperatures over 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit, can generate their own oxygen to feed fires, and often emit toxic gases in the process, making fires particularly difficult to extinguish. Second,

unlike their alkaline cousins, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are often embedded in products in sealed compartments, making it easy for the consumer to overlook the hazards of simply throwing them away. Local officials say with the proliferation of wireless devices using such batteries, from electric toothbrushes to garden trimmers, to more obscure uses such as musical greeting cards and vape pens, it is more important than ever for people to understand how to properly dispose of them, as well as household chemicals and other things that should not go out with regular trash. “Even though most of these batteries are going to be perfectly safe when they are intact, when you put them in your curbside recycling or in the trash, what’s typically going to happen is that your trash or recycling is going to get dumped into a truck,” said Kent Holm, director of Douglas County Environmental Services. “Part of that truck mechanism is to compact the contents. If that battery gets pierced or compromised in some way, then you have some kind of thermal event happening. “You’re probably going to get actual fire, and as that’s sitting in the middle of garbage in a truck or in a recycle truck where you’ve got lots of plastics and paper and cardboard, what’s going to happen? Other stuff’s going to catch on fire, and all of a sudden you’ve got a truck that’s on fire and you’re in the middle of a neighborhood or wherever.” Holm said when that happens, drivers generally have two options: Dump the entire trash load where it sits or watch an expensive piece of equipment—the truck itself—go up in flames, which for a small hauler can effectively put them out of business. “Now you’ve got a truckload of garbage burning itself out essentially in the middle of a street or a parking lot,” he said. “We have to dispatch, at taxpayer expense, the fire department and hazmat crews to contain the fire. You’ve got to clean everything up, probably by city public works, again at taxpayer expense. If it’s an asphalt street, you have created an issue with the actual pavement.”

Fortunately, Omaha has several options for safely disposing of such batteries, starting with the cityowned and -operated Under the Sink, a collection center located at 4001 S. 120th St. Opened in 2005, the 5,600-square-foot facility on 5 acres not only takes in lithium-ion batteries, but a whole host of chemicals found in virtually any household or residential garage. “I feel like overall, people are pretty aware of the need to properly dispose of their household hazardous waste,” said Jennifer Proescholdt, general manager. “The issue is often people don’t know that we exist, where we’re located, and the things that they can or can’t bring in.” To Proescholdt’s point, once people are aware of the facility, what it accepts and other restrictions—details of which can be found on its website underthesink. org—they are generally more than happy to utilize it. Last year alone, Under the Sink handled more than 16,133 drop-offs, she said, bringing in 839,000 pounds of materials made up entirely of residential waste from Douglas and Sarpy counties. “We have three days a week that we are wide open, no appointment needed, on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. People can just drive on up,” she said. “On Saturdays, we are appointment-only for people who can’t make it in during the week.”

“One of the big benefits of the legislation is the fact that it puts responsibility for endof-life management of these batteries on the manufacturers that produce them.” — Kent Holm

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OCTOBER 2026

“If something is in an unlabeled container, just take a Sharpie and write ‘gas’ or ‘oil’ or whatever,” she said. “People just drive up under our overhang and we unload their items. They don’t even have to get out of their car. We try to make it pretty quick and easy.” In addition to Under the Sink, Holm said lithium-ion batteries can sometimes be dropped off at select bigbox retailers or other locations. He advised consulting batterynetwork.org/locator to find a participating collection site. He also noted that a new state law promises to bring an even more formal collection system to communities statewide. Last May, Gov. Jim Pillen signed LB36, enacting the Safe Battery Collection and Recycling Act, a measure to establish a statewide stewardship program for portable and medium-format batteries. The law, championed by state Sen. Jana Hughes of District 24, provides a mechanism for coordinated collection and safe disposal of the batteries. Under the new statute, the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment will review plans, typically to cover the entire state, submitted by nonprofit entities. From these submissions, the department will name a stewardship organization, which will be the group responsible for setting up permanent collection sites, periodic collection events in more sparsely populated areas, and managing various backend functions. “The stewardship organization has a responsibility for all of the battery collection and recycling and so on,” Holm said. “They report directly to the state, so the state is in an oversight role but they don’t have to do a lot of the heavy lifting. That minimizes the amount of administrative stuff that the state has to do.” Hailed by proponents as a major milestone for environmental protection and public safety, the new law is slated to go into effect in 2028. In so doing, Nebraska joins a mere handful of other states with similar statutes on the books. In fact, in creating the new law, Nebraska legislators drew on best practices from existing programs, including in California, Illinois, Vermont, Washington, and Washington, D.C. “One of the big benefits of the legislation is the fact that it puts responsibility for end-of-life management of these batteries on the manufacturers that produce them,” Holm said. “That’s a really important factor, because you have a stewardship organization that charges fees to producers and that’s what pays for the collection of the batteries. Those fees are usually in direct proportion to how recyclable the batteries are. “So, a lot of things really come into play to make this [law] a really good thing economically, environmentally, and really good for public safety and protecting our first responders. It incentivizes the producers to produce a better, safer product.” Visit underthesink.org for more information on Omaha’s safe-disposal collection center.

Jennifer Proescholdt

Proescholdt said there is no charge to drop off, save a modest per-container charge for paint. There’s also no special packaging required of homeowners, save for identifying what’s in a generic container.

n v i l o l r B Book Towne, A

How a Little Nebraska Village Welcomed Omaha’s Antiquarium

ADVENTURE // STORY BY TIM TRUDELL // PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE // DESIGN BY RACHEL BIRDSALL

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OCTOBER 2026

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Boxes of her books sit inside the Antiquarium, itching to be released and shared with other enthusiasts. Along with Rudloff’s collection, they add to Brownville’s story as an educational and cultural mecca, Groff said. The town was home to Brownville College at one time, as well as a medical college for a year. Public libraries didn’t exist to serve people’s needs, Groff said. rownville was the island in the sea for Tom Rudloff. It was the perfect landing spot for his collection of books. When he had had enough of city life, the little town in southeast Nebraska embraced him and the Antiquarium, the book store he owned in Omaha’s Old Market.

Jane Smith dreamed of turning Brownville into a Book Town—a designation for rural communities that have several used book stores or antiquarians. So, when Rudloff was ready to pack up truckloads of books to move 75 miles south, Smith ensured the village embraced the bibliophile.

After four decades, Rudloff moved the Antiquarium—a beloved spot for wordsmiths and those who love reading, or just talking about reading—to Brownville’s abandoned school building.

“Carnegie’s libraries didn’t come along until the 1900s, and there were private libraries, so Brownville’s compared to Omaha and Lincoln’s law libraries,” she said. “It’s hallowed educational ground that we sit on, because it’s where the Nebraska Teachers Association was formed. There’s a lot of history. There are a lot of ghosts in Brownville.” BECAH members hesitate to hazard a guess for how many books exist between the Antiquarium and Lyceum’s collections. They’ve had to sell some of them to help pay monthly bills and finance projects, said Sara Holahan, a BECAH representative. While supporters can’t use each of the six rooms yet—the gymnasium is the main one of interest right now—they plan to renovate the others.

Turning the school’s gymnasium into a carbon copy of the world-famous library at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, the Antiquarium began its new life in 2008. Years of neglect and lack of upkeep took their toll on the historic building and the book collection. Rudloff died in 2019 following an illness. His love for books carried on, however, thanks to a group of local residents who created the Brownville Education Center for Arts and Humanities. Its mission is simple: using the Antiquarium to host workshops supporting the arts and humanities. “It was meant to be used for community, and people would gather and discuss, and it would be something that would focus on some of those elements,” said Peggy Groff, BECAH’s vice president. “It is a school, and so it is education, and then the arts and humanities, of course, carry on a lot of what Tom’s vision for it might have been.” Open two Saturday afternoons a month during April through October, the Antiquarium is a book lover’s nirvana. It’s easy to spend hours browsing the collection, finding a classic to peruse. Then another. And another. Smith, who died in 2024, previously owned the Brownville Lyceum book gallery, and donated her book collection to BECAH. She even obtained four shipping containers of books from a collector in Wales.

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OCTOBER 2026

It’s hallowed educational ground that we sit on, because it’s where the Nebraska Teachers Association was formed. There’s a lot of history. There are a lot of ghosts in Brownville. — Peggy Groff

They envision rehabilitating the former art room into an alumni section, where BECAH can showcase some of the works by Omaha artist Bill Farmer, as well as honoring Brownville’s history, Groff said. Rudloff kept Farmer’s art at the Antiquarium. Since the building’s renovation is expensive and ongoing, BECAH was reluctant to host talks and workshops at the Antiquarium until this year. Instead, they were primarily conducted at the Schoolhouse Gallery, about a five-minute walk from the Antiquarium. An exhibit about baseball has been the primary exhibit this year, along with at least one monthly workshop, ranging from a writers workshop to basket weaving. If someone is interested in visiting the Antiquarium during off-hours, they can reach out to a BECAH member and see if a visit can be arranged. Morgan Handley, who joined the board about a year ago, said she understands its appeal, “The thing for me that’s always interesting with people is their interest about the space is for different reasons,” she said. “You have individuals who remember the nostalgia of the school. Then there’s the group of people who remember the Antiquarium as it was in Omaha. “You have people like myself, who don’t have a tie to either. But they just come to this space and they’re in awe of it. I think that what’s unique about the space, it really brings in a lot of different people for different reasons.” Groff believes they’re honoring Rudloff’s legacy. “I think Tom would be happy,” Groff said. Learn more about Brownville Education Center for Arts & Humanities at becah.org

OCTOBER 2026

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SPORTS

STORY Isaac Nielsen PHOTOGRAPHY Bill Sitzmann DESIGN Nickie Robinson

Homegrown

HUSKER Will Cooper’s Long Road Back to Nebraska

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OCTOBER 2026

efore Will Cooper ever suited up for Nebraska, he already knew Pinnacle Bank Arena well.

was cool to have him in my ear and just know that something good is going to come out of [my redshirt year].”

He watched Husker games there growing up in Omaha. He attended Tim Miles basketball camps there. He remembers watching Shavon Shields and imagining what it would be like to play on that floor himself. But the path to Nebraska turned out to be longer than he expected.

Cooper played an important role on the scout team while Nebraska tried to win its first-ever NCAA Tournament game. While the pressure rose, the program stayed cool.

Cooper wasn't one of the state's most heavily recruited prospects coming out of Millard South High School, where injuries limited much of his final two seasons. He signed with Air Force and averaged 5.3 points while shooting 38% from 3-point range as a true freshman. After one season, he entered the transfer portal. When it came time to choose his next school, Nebraska wasn't recruiting a stranger. “A lot of it was my relationship with Nate,” Cooper said of associate head coach Nate Loenser. “I wasn’t one of the bigger names in the state, and not the biggest recruit out of high school, but Nate just kept the relationship going from high school on. He was always texting me, keeping up with me. He always stayed in my corner and that was pretty cool. That went a long way when it was time for me to go in the portal.”

“There was a lot of outside pressure that went along with the journey into March Madness,” Cooper said. “The pressure that came along with the program’s history and trying to get that first win. What made us successful was the ability to not really have internal pressure and treat it as another game. Obviously there was a lot at stake, but having our approach be the same when it came to March and April was huge for us.”

“I take a lot of pride in wearing ‘Nebraska’ on the chest and it means the world to me. Seeing how this season went and how much support we had from the fans, it would’ve been really hard to step away from the program.”

By the time the offseason arrived, Cooper had another decision to make. The transfer portal was as active as ever, and players around the country were once again looking for new opportunities. After spending a year developing behind the scenes, Cooper decided he didn't need one.

“It was a pretty easy decision,” Cooper said. “I take a lot of pride in wearing ‘Nebraska’ on the chest and it means Returning to his home the world to me. Seeing — Will Cooper state didn't immediately how this season went put Cooper on the court. and how much support Nebraska planned for him to redshirt, giving we had from the fans, it would’ve been really him a full season to develop while the Huskers hard to step away from the program. made history. He watched from the scout team as Nebraska won its first NCAA Tournament game, “The amount of resources that you have here, then beat Vanderbilt to reach the Sweet 16 and the amount of support that you get from the cap the best season in program history. coaches, and the relationships that I’ve been able to build over the past year are really “You learn by observing during a redshirt year,” going to be huge in the steps that I can take Cooper said. “In a lot of cases, you’re a fly on the in my career.” wall, whether it’s film, on the road, scout team, whatever it is. Watching the guys who are playing, Now entering his second season in Lincoln, especially the older guys who have a lot of experiCooper believes the year he spent redshirting ence, how they go through their preparation, film has already changed him as a player. sessions, warmups. “Physically I’ve been able to take a big jump, “There were obviously a lot of ups and downs with and that comes with the redshirt season, being the understanding and acceptance of my role on able to stay in the weight room,” Cooper said. scout team. That was a big maturity process for “I think I’m a better rebounder than I was at me, understanding my role. I learned to take each Air Force, and I’ve been [getting] my shot off day for what it is.” a bit faster.” The experience wasn't always easy, but Cooper said he never had to go through it alone. Sam Hoiberg, who redshirted before carving out a role for the Huskers and becoming a fan favorite, became someone Cooper leaned on throughout the year.

The opportunity won't come automatically. Nebraska returns plenty of experience from last year's Sweet 16 team and added six new players this offseason, creating plenty of competition for minutes.

“I roomed with him on the road,” Cooper said of Hoiberg. “He redshirted before, too. Having his perspective of earning his way onto the court, it

Cooper has already shown he’s willing to be patient. Now, he’s hoping that patience pays off with a chance to contribute to the program he grew up watching.

PROFILE STORY BY KARA SCHWEISS PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN DESIGN BY JOEY WINTON

EDUCATION, CONSERVATION, INNOVATION Dr. Luis Padilla Leads Omaha Zoo’s Evolution

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OCTOBER 2026

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a veterinary student at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, and even during his animal medicine and surgery internships and residency training, Luis Padilla envisioned a future zoo career of carrying out treatment, determining ongoing medical care, and performing surgery for a variety of animal patients. “I thought I would be a veterinarian in a zoo, taking care of the animals every day,” he said. “At the core, that’s still what I do today, but how I do it is so different…I spend a lot more time in meeting rooms and boardrooms than in surgical operating rooms.” Now Dr. Padilla, he’s been the president and CEO of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium since November 2022. In this role, he provides executive oversight of all aspects of operations at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium as well as the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park in Ashland. Instead of providing direct care to animals, Padilla supports the efforts of the animal care teams and medical staff who do. “I’m enabling our team members to do that, which is potentially more impactful,” he said. Nevertheless, Padilla remains a veterinarian at heart. He continues to maintain an active veterinary license and stays up to date on the latest in animal medicine. He is well-versed in the activities of the zoo’s veterinary staff, but makes a point to not micromanage them. “I want them to be able to do things without me hovering. But it always piques my interest: What are they doing? How are they working this out?” he said. “The general veterinarians can treat, diagnose, run tests on any species. But when you get in to be a zoo veterinary specialist, it’s really knowing how to recognize the commonalities in disease processes and animal health, and then applying it to every species, anything from insects that don’t even have blood in the traditional ‘blood’ sense to elephants or marine mammals. And it was a wonderful part of my career that now is still a very significant academic interest; it’s just not the field that I get to evolve and contribute to directly anymore.” Prior to joining Omaha’s zoo, Padilla served as the vice president of animal collections at the Saint Louis Zoo, another organization consistently ranked among the top five best zoos in the country. There, he oversaw the care and well-being of the zoo’s animals and managed the animal care teams.

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OCTOBER 2026

The work that’s happening here in Omaha—that we are key to restoring some of the most fragile and yet important ecosystems in the oceans—we don’t get to tell that story often enough. – Luis Padilla

He joked that the extent of practicing veterinary medicine these days is limited to looking after his cat and two dogs at home, but also said the knowledge he gained in his veterinary training and in prior roles has been indispensable in his current leadership position. Learning is ongoing, Padilla said, adding that, “I wouldn’t change any bit of it.” “It was very deep, what I knew on animals and physiology and pharmacology and anesthesia and all the medical things that came with being a really good veterinarian,” he said. “What I have been able to do is expand the breadth of things that I never even knew in vet school that I would have to have some working competence in. That’s been fun and challenging, to just pick up new fields pretty much all the time that you are gaining working depth in.” Padilla had an early connection to animals. He was born and raised in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, enjoying a close relationship with a grandfather who raised chickens and taught him animal care through example. He enjoyed observing the area’s birds, lizards, and other wildlife, and recalled a fascination with learning all about the animals at his local zoo. After attending college and veterinary school in New York, he accepted a residency at the St. Louis zoo, where he met his now-wife Elaine, who worked in IT. Over a decade, Padilla served as a vet at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden and Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute before returning to his wife’s hometown of St. Louis in 2011 to begin a new phase of his career. The Omaha zoo reached out to him in 2022. “I was very happy and comfortable as a senior vice president on that executive team, and when the recruiter called, at first it was sort of an exploration. I did know the Omaha zoo very well, because it’s one of the most respected zoos in the zoo community,” he said. “As I went through the process, [I realized] how impactful this zoo is in our community, not just from economic impact—we know that every year it’s at least $200 million of economic impact to the state—but how magical it is to the community to have a zoo that is number one and amongst the top in the world.

“It was really the recognition of ‘This is something truly special,’ where if I want to have a larger impact for the world, for animals, for people, this is the organization that made sense to lead. And not just at the local Omaha impact level, but all the things we’re doing for animals throughout the world, for oceans around the world; this really was the right opportunity for that. It’s also a wonderfully complex organization full of very exciting challenges and opportunities, and I love the complexity of being the person that can solve problems for the greater good. It was clear that this was a really good fit for me.” His mission, Padilla said, is not to make sweeping modifications, but to advance the ongoing evolution of Omaha’s zoo. “The zoo is and has been a fantastic place that didn’t need a lot of changing. It was more steering and figuring out to what extent the zoo continues to pivot and advance and adapt to the changing societal needs and interests,” he said. “The first big project that I jumped in on when I started was the new veterinary hospital…prioritizing the veterinary hospital was really a way to elevate how we care for our animals, and how we tell the public that that assumption that the animals here are receiving the best care period is supported by the physical facilities that go alongside doing just that. We have this amazing state-of-the-art veterinary hospital that is now fully operational. When people come in, it really is second to none, and I would even say it’s second to no medical care facility for people or animals.” The facility’s features include allocated surgery rooms, patient recovery rooms, a CT scanner, complex air handling system, and more. Viewing rooms foster the education of the next generation of veterinary professionals. “It’s a way that we are taking our mission to inspire and excite people about animals to the next level,” Padilla said. “And it’s embracing transparency in everything that we do.” Padilla also shared his excitement of advancing animal well-being and welfare practices. He’s exploring ways to improve the Safari Park experience. Another area of influence is his cultivation of a new professional development program for the humans at the zoo. “We want to make sure that people thrive, that people know how to be professionals, how they’re supported as leaders, that they’re supported in their leadership growth,” he said. As much as a zoo visit is a fascinating experience, Padilla added, there are equally amazing stories beyond the exhibits and visitor hours, from breeding thousands of frogs to be reintroduced into the wild, to propagating coral in an effort to restore ecosystems and landscapes around the world. “You are seeing animals and you are enjoying other things like riding the train or the Skyfari, experiencing amazing family amenities that elevate your overall experience. But it’s harder to tell the story of all the conservation work that happens behind the scenes,” he said. “The work that’s happening here in Omaha—that we are key to restoring some of the most fragile and yet important ecosystems in the oceans—we don’t get to tell that story often enough. “And there are many stories like that I know we will integrate a little bit more into the overall experience, so that when people walk out of here, they realize that their visit today was something immediately exciting, but it’s also a part of a much bigger way of making the world a better place.”

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Profile Story by Holly McAtee Photography by Sarah Lemke Design by Renee Ludwick

A CAREER IN CONSERVATION John Rosenow’s Commitment to Environmental Education

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ducation and the environment. These pillars have intertwined throughout John Rosenow’s life, giving him the drive to enrich the lives of nature enthusiasts, young and old, throughout the country and the world.

Rosenow, a 1971 University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate with a degree in agricultural engineering, grew up on a farm near Elmwood, Nebraska. His parents were obvious influences in his future career decisions—his father, the farmer, and his mother, an elementary school teacher. During his senior year of college, each senior was put in charge of organizing a week of summer camp activities based on a theme of their choice. “I was focused on environmental solutions, so that was my theme for the week,” Rosenow said. “The first Earth Day happened while I was in college. That was an impressionable experience for me at the time. I developed a high interest in environmental issues.” With that interest piqued, Rosenow had intended to get a master’s degree in regional planning before he got a call from Stan Matzke Jr., the director of the Department of Economic Development. An assistant to Matzke at the time, Rosenow was named Nebraska’s first state tourism director, the youngest in the nation at age 21. Early in his eight-year tenure as tourism director, Rosenow collaborated with Matzke and advertising director J. Greg Smith to create the “Nebraska: the Good Life” slogan. “I’m proud of the theme’s enduring value to the state of Nebraska,” Rosenow said. “It continues to relate to people.” With Matzke’s encouragement and the support of Gov. Jim Exon, Rosenow organized the Arbor Day Foundation. He soon relinquished his tourism director position to become the CEO of the Arbor Day Foundation, for which he served the next 40 years. Through his leadership, the Foundation grew to a million members, the nation’s largest membership for an environmental nonprofit. During his service, the Arbor Day Foundation was responsible for planting 250 million trees globally. “Having a nonprofit of national and international impact that has reached so many people who have planted so many trees all over the country and all over the world is very rewarding,” Rosenow said.

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Rosenow created the Tree City USA community forestry program—a joint endeavor combining the resources of the Arbor Day Foundation, the National Association of State Foresters, and the U.S. Forest Service—which now engages 3,600 communities across America. “Tree City USA really transformed the tree care programs all over the country,” Rosenow said. “It used to be that having a comprehensive forestry program was an exception. Now it’s an expectation.” Upon his retirement as Arbor Day Foundation CEO in 2014, Rosenow became development director at Dimensions Educational Research Foundation, supporting the creation of Nature Explore outdoor classrooms for children across America, including at Los Angeles Unified School District’s 90-plus childcare centers. Rosenow notes that Nature Explore had been in existence for several years before his retirement, and he became interested in working with the organization after meeting Nature Explore personnel at various conferences. “It’s an intense nationwide effort to use common experiences to infuse nature into the hearts of kids at a very young age,” Rosenow said. “The idea was to create nature-based classrooms focused on the environment. The classrooms have fostered improved behavior, better grades, and increased skills development.” The Nature Explore program works collaboratively with early childhood programs, elementary schools, large school districts, Head Start programs, early childhood programs, nature centers, national forests, parks and wildlife refuges, zoos, arboretums, libraries, faith-based programs, and children’s museums. Today, there are over 600 certified Nature Explore classrooms globally, established across hundreds of schools, early childhood centers, nature centers, and other facilities, alongside an estimated 800 broader nature preschools operating across the United States.

“I was a small part of helping Nature Explore classrooms become outdoor spaces for children, so they have nature in their lives every day in a positive way. Good things will happen in the long term as those young children grow to be conservationists and environmentalist tree planters,” Rosenow said. Another enduring legacy for Rosenow is the Lied Lodge & Conference Center, which he conceptualized and established at the historic Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City. Lied Lodge hosts conservation conferences hosted by national and international organizations and agencies. “The lodge has become an inspiring venue for groups working on conservation issues all over the country and beyond,” Rosenow said. While Rosenow today is enjoying full retirement, he likes to stay involved in environmental causes. His latest interest is renewable energy. Upon his departure from this interview session at the Charging Station coffee shop in Lincoln, he was heading to a meeting promoting the development of solar energy fields. Rosenow’s honors include being named a University of Nebraska-Lincoln Masters Week honoree, receiving the Wagonmaster Award from the Nebraskaland Foundation, and the Henry Fonda Award from the Nebraska Tourism Commission. In 2010, he was inducted into the UNL Department of Biological Systems Engineering Hall of Fame.

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DINING FEATURE // STORY BY VERONICA WORTMAN PLOETZ // PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE // DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK

Confidence

in the Kitchen Heirloom Fine Foods Makes Cooking Approachable

ome meals stay with you long after the plates are cleared— not because the food was extravagant, but because, for a few hours, everything else fell away. You were fully present. You learned something new, and shared a table with people who arrived as strangers and left feeling like familiar company. OCTOBER 2026

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After attending a couple of Heirloom Fine Foods cooking classes, I understood why so many people return again and again. Yes, we cooked. Yes, we ate well. But somewhere between the chopping and stirring, it became clear that Shelley Elson-Roza had built something more meaningful than a culinary program. She’s cultivating an elevated way of living. Offering cooking classes was always part of their original business plan. “We want to encourage everyone to enjoy being in the kitchen with family and friends, to cook whole meals together and enjoy long, languid dinners together,” owner and executive chef Elson-Roza said. Tucked inside an unassuming building on North 72nd Street, Heirloom Fine Foods feels more like a friend’s home than a commercial kitchen or event venue. The open-concept space unfolds into an inviting sitting room, a formal dining room, and a chef ’s catering kitchen. Midcentury modern influences, vintage finds, and custom furnishings crafted by local artisans create a space that feels nostalgic and deeply personal. It invites guests to ask questions and savor the experience as much as the meal. At an Heirloom cooking class, no one expects you to know the difference between chiffonade and julienne or to have mastered the perfect sear. Accomplished home cooks and takeout frequent fliers are equally welcome to roll up their sleeves and participate. It’s easy to think of cooking classes as entertainment—something to do on date night or with friends. Heirloom certainly delivers on that front. But after spending time there, I left with something more lasting: the confidence to recreate the experience in my own home. Perhaps that’s why I found myself looking into their Summer Cooking School, a series of ambitious, hands-on workshops covering chicken and beef butchery, shopping the farmers market with a chef before transforming the day’s harvest into dinner, and learning the art of oyster shucking and steaming.

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A year ago, I might have admired those classes from a distance. They seemed like experiences reserved for people who already knew what they were doing. Now, I understand they’re about far more than cooking. They’re about building confidence. And confidence has to start somewhere. Elson-Roza understands that transformation better than most. Her answer when asked about the most rewarding moments she experiences as an instructor isn’t about mastering a recipe or perfecting a technique. “When you see people relax their shoulders, overcome their fears, and start to enjoy cooking, that kind of success can’t be measured,” she said. Summer Cooking School represents the next evolution of that philosophy. Designed for curious home cooks ready to level up, the workshops invite participants to become more confident in the kitchen and more adventurous around the table. For Elson-Roza, creating those experiences is an ongoing practice. Every season, she revisits each class, refining recipes, introducing new techniques, and finding new ways to make the experience even better. “That is the joy of cooking,” she said. “There is always more to learn and improvements to be made. I don’t see it as my job; it’s my daily practice.” The newest iterations of Elson-Roza’s imagination are available in winter cooking classes and workshops, as well as private classes for families, friends, and even work colleagues. That mindset extends far beyond the food. “It’s a high,” she said of teaching, especially for families and private groups. “Our team gets a lot of joy from seeing people connect and hearing it’s one of their core memories as a group.” Heirloom’s cooking classes and workshops are not simply about perfect grill marks, mastering butchery, or learning to shuck oysters. Perhaps the greatest recipe Elson-Roza created isn’t written in a cookbook at all. It’s the confidence to gather your favorite people around the table, try something new, and savor the conversations that linger after the meal is over. Visit heirloomff.com for more information. OCTOBER 2026

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ip T A of the Toque Chef Profile

STORY BY SARA LOCKE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE | DESIGN BY NICKIE ROBINSON

hen Chef Chase Grove puts on his white coat day after day, it has only his own name embroidered on it. But when he walks into the Culinary World Cup in Luxembourg in November, he’ll be representing Team USA and the generations of chefs, educators, students, and family who supported and inspired him along the way. When you ask Grove how he got here, he doesn’t tell a story about his efforts, but of a community. “I started the culinary program in 2009. All of my teen angst and rebellion—it all somehow clicked here,” Grove recalled. “It wasn’t until my second quarter that I met Brian O’Malley. He wasn’t teaching first-years at the time, but he was going around asking the faculty who would be a good candidate for the Youth Olympic team. My instructor at the time, Clayton Chapman, introduced me. It really sparked everything just then. It was such a pure moment. I’m so glad I took that chance.” Little did Grove know at the time what an impact the now-famous pair of educators would have not only on his own future, but on the burgeoning culinary culture in Omaha. While he didn’t make the youth team until 2010, he competed throughout the regional circuit before capturing a national individual championship—the first Nebraskan to do so in that division. “Breaking through that glass ceiling we felt like we kept hitting felt really important,” he said, and winning a national title forced Grove to ask himself what came next. “I kept working with O’Malley until I realized I was really stalling. I was trying to squeeze everything out of the MCC experience I could, taking as many classes for as long as possible.

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“I moved on and apprenticed at Spencer’s Steaks and Chops, then headed up the kitchen at The Corner Creperie before getting back into fine dining,” he added. “I spent five years at The Grey Plume, seeing that through Provisions. I started as a prep cook and worked my way up. I took a sous chef position for a period of time with John Engler.” And in a full-circle move, Grove is now a culinary instructor with MCC while preparing for the Culinary World Cup. For two years, Grove has trained with other chefs representing Team USA. The commitment requires daily planning, practice, and focus, in addition to monthly travel to allow the team to co-locate for intense in-person strategy, communication, and execution sessions. “These are strictly training sessions,” Grove added. “Zero free time to explore one another’s cities. It’s what we need to achieve this monumental goal we share. “Part of forming a team is stress-testing, really identifying everyone’s greatest strengths. We’re fulfilling different roles at different times, deciding how we are going to communicate, how we will approach problems,” he said. “Early on, I think my role as educator really gave me the perspective to see when we were struggling to turn a corner. I got up and went right to the whiteboard to play teacher, to organize the communication and get us back on track.” This became a defining moment for Grove. “How I teach is how I got here,” he said. “And how I became a teacher was through being able to perform for chefs of such an excellent caliber. To not be discouraged, to grow from it. The last five years teaching restaurant operations at MCC allowed me to hone in on the tiniest details, making me more prepared to lead, to guide, and to compete myself.” Grove was eager to bring his team to Omaha, not just to explore the extensive dining options, but to see just what the future holds.

“

How I teach is how I got here. And how I became a teacher was through being able to perform for chefs of such an excellent caliber.

“

Chase Grove’s Love Letter to the City That Raised Him

— Chase Grove

“I’ve brought students with me as I travel, and the one thing everyone always asks me is, ‘What’s in the water in Omaha? Why are these students so intuitive and capable and creative?’ That’s what I was excited to share with the rest of the team, how proud I am of the future we’re building at Metro.” Grove calls Luxembourg a “checkpoint” for the real prize, the Culinary Olympics in 2028. “This is our proving ground,” he said. “This is where the pieces fall into place and we learn if it’s time to regroup, to change our tactics. We have incredibly ambitious goals.” And while he works as hard as he can, it’s only in part for the country he represents. “I absolutely love being a dad,” he said. “It is the hardest, most important endeavor of my life. It’s also the motivation that drives me to make my time on Team USA indelible. I will leave a lasting mark because my time away from Ezra, Freya, and Rachel is irreplaceable, so I make every minute matter. For my family, my students, and the future of the industry I love so much.”

Familiar Name,

New Approach Dining at J. Gorat’s Deli

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DINING REVIEW // STORY BY MIKE’L SEVERE // PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE // DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK OCTOBER 2026

ver the last 20 years, the restaurant scene in Omaha has grown at a pace that probably only trails new car washes and dental offices. Even with that growth, there has been a hole in the market, particularly in West Omaha, for local mom-andpop places. Much like a former Nebraska I-back, Jeff Gorat recognized that gap in the defense and decided to fill it last September with J. Gorat’s Deli & Market.

The name Gorat has been synonymous with food and fine dining in Omaha since the 1940s, when Jeff’s grandparents opened Gorat’s Steakhouse on Center Street. Jeff got his start in the business at age 14, working several different jobs at his grandparents’ place. Jeff said it was quite the adventure, from watching the butchers work in the basement to meeting the then-richest person in the United States, Warren Buffett. Jeff did not bring over any of the dishes from Gorat’s to this new location, but he made sure to bring the mindset of quality and genuine customer service. You’re not a number when you come into J. Gorat’s—Jeff wants to get to know you and remember your name. Growing up in New Orleans, we would frequent a place called Martin’s Wine Cellar, where you could get everything from rare bottles of wine to chocolate-covered ants and great, freshly made sandwiches in the back. That variety is what makes it extremely popular to visit. J. Gorat’s is similar: the sandwiches are the front door for the restaurant, but everything on the shelves adds to the visit. The tables, racks, and freezers offer a quick trip around eastern Nebraska. Wahoo Meat Locker fills the freezer with goods, such as ground beef, pork, steaks, and different flavors of meat sticks. There’s even a full rack of dog treats from Wahoo Meat Locker.

Grinder sandwich

Bakery items, such as cookies and cinnamon bread, come from Sweet Earth Delights, and there is wine by the glass from Josh Cellars. More tables and shelves feature items ranging from cheese cutters and Timbo’s Spices to Calabrian peppers (something I’ve been looking for in this market for a long time) and 50-plus varieties of potato chips, including some cooked in beef tallow.

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J. GORAT'S DELI & MARKET

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FOOD SERVICE AM BIANCE OVERALL 5 STARS POSSI B LE

Jeff said chips go great with sandwiches, so he just keeps adding more as long as he has space.In fact, while we were on the phone, a new type was delivered to the store. When it comes to sandwiches, the list of styles and options can be overwhelming. Jeff’s goal is to keep a focused menu of around six sandwiches and another four or so deli items. His philosophy? Make a few things really well while offering a quality variety of different meats and styles. As we waited to order from the list of freshpressed sandwiches, I really just wanted to say, “Give us one of each.” We visited on a Friday night and only had about a 10-minute wait to get our sandwiches. My wife chose the chicken cutlet and I ordered that day’s special: a pizza sub. Along with sandwiches, the deli case includes freshly made items including potato salad, macaroni salad, and deviled eggs. The macaroni salad was much better than most I’ve had anywhere in the city. The issue I usually find with Midwest deli salads is a lack of flavor paired with a heavy hand of mayo, but that was not the case here. Ten out of 10, we would order it again. The same is true for the four-pack of deviled eggs. In our family, Aunt Judy’s deviled egg recipe is legendary, so I rarely pass up a chance to see if a restaurant can top hers. J. Gorat’s version is prepared with candied peppered bacon and chives, featuring a very well-seasoned yolk mix. Jeff says flavor is a huge deal for both him and his chef, Chelsea, across everything they offer. I’ve always thought the key to deviled eggs is ensuring the yolk mix is well-seasoned without being too salty, especially when paired with bacon. If deviled eggs are your thing, do not pass these up. When we arrived, we didn’t quite know what to expect in terms of ordering or where to sit. The main counter is off to your right as you enter, which is where you place your order with Jeff. There is an enclosed patio adjacent

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to the main area where your food is delivered. Jeff mentioned it was important to him to keep the dining area separate so customers don’t have people constantly walking past their tables while they eat. We loved the large windows and natural light, which perfectly highlighted the sunset that evening. My pizza sub reminded me a lot of a calzone. The bread reaches just the right thickness after being pressed on a flattop grill with a weight to create the ideal serving size. It’s stuffed with pepperoni, sausage, sautéed onions, peppers, mozzarella, and marinara. You can taste the layers of flavor in each bite. I thought some of the crust edges could have used a little more filling, but with a calzone, that is bound to happen. My wife felt the same about her chicken cutlet sandwich, which came packed with a thick piece of golden-fried chicken, layers of provolone, roasted peppers, and fresh greens. We would definitely order it again—the only improvement we could think of was a side of marinara for dipping would make it even better. e most popular sandwich is the grinder, Th a New York-style sandwich layered with pepperoni, salami, ham, giardiniera, fresh greens, provolone cheese, and house vinaigrette. I can’t wait to return to try it. Jeff mentioned he recently rotated out a couple of sandwiches to keep the menu fresh, something he plans to do every few months. When I spoke with him, the restaurant had only been open for seven months. However, even in that short window, it feels clear that his mission of doing a few things exceptionally well while giving West Omaha a vibrant local spot is already a success. Call it an old-school approach in a newschool part of town.

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OMAHA FOOD, A-Z An Alphabetical Guide to Omaha’s Culinary Scene TASTY BITES // STORY BY DAN HOPPEN // PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE // DESIGN BY JOEY WINTON

Omaha’s restaurant scene is as wonderful and diverse as the alphabet. And to celebrate our city’s culinary landscape, we’re using the alphabet itself! The following is a compilation of chefs, standout dishes, restaurants, and under-the-radar gems that make our dining scene so special.

A: Aviles Latin Market

D: Dairy Chef

G: Gyros

Located at the back of a strip mall, Aviles Latin Market is a perfect example of all the hidden gems sprinkled across Omaha. This humble market sells a variety of goods from Mexico and Latin America, but it’s the deli counter’s tacos, tamales, quesabirria, and Cubano (in my opinion, it’s Omaha’s finest) that have developed a cult following.

Visit this Elkhorn institution on any summer night and you’re going to find a packed patio and long lines—don’t worry, they move fast. Dairy Chef’s soft serve is smooth and creamy, and the portion sizes are comically large. When you think of a classic, wholesome ice cream shop with a true sense of community, Dairy Chef is the shining example.

At first glance, one might not peg Omaha as a hub for Greek food, but there are some fantastic options for gyros around the city. Zaytuna, Jim & Jennie’s Greek Village, Greek Islands, Gyro Kings, El Basha, Legacy Gyros, Feta’s, and John’s Grecian Delight have all carved out a significant space in the Omaha scene.

B: Burgers

E: Education

Nebraska is known for beef, and Omaha’s restaurants live up to the hype with their burgers. Old standbys like Stella’s and Dinker’s have thrilled Omahans for decades, while newcomers such as All-American Burger and Block 16 have brought their modern flair to the scene. Even restaurants not known for burgers—like Dirty Birds, known for their fried chicken, J’s Smokehouse for barbecue, and Ooh De Lally for elevated comfort food— serve incredible burgers.

The culinary program at Metropolitan Community College has helped develop some incredible Omaha chefs that have taken Omaha’s food scene up a level. The school operates Sage Student Bistro, a restaurant run mostly by culinary students that’s open to the public. Not a culinary professional, but want to get better at cooking? Metro also offers cooking classes and seminars open to the public.

C: Coneflower Creamery This ice cream shop’s farm-to-cone philosophy ensures your ice cream is made with real ingredients during peak seasons. And it’s not just Omaha that realizes how special Coneflower is—it’s ranked in the top 5 of USA Today’s 10 best ice cream shops in the nation for the past four years, including the No. 1 ranking in 2026.

F: Flagship Restaurant Group What started with one Blue Sushi Sake Grill in 2002 has grown into a massive restaurant group with 13 concepts and 46 restaurants across the U.S.—Blue Sushi Sake Grill, Anthem, Clio, Roja, Blatt Beer & Table, Ghost Donkey, Cham Pang Lanes, Memoir, and Flagship Commons represent Flagship in Omaha.

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2026

H: Hollywood Candy At its core, this downtown Omaha institution is all about candy, with thousands of varieties ranging from classic treats to modern sweets. But there’s so much more to explore in this nostalgia bomb, including a 1950s-era diner, retro arcade, vinyl collection, and even a “Dungeon of the Damned” haunted house during Halloween season. Since opening in 2007, Hollywood Candy has been transporting Omahans back to a simpler, happier time. I: Inner Rail Food Hall Have a group of friends or family who all want something different for dinner? The Inner Rail Food Hall in Aksarben is the perfect solution. With nine concepts under one roof, guests can order dumplings, burgers, tacos, cold cut sandwiches, sushi, and more, all in one place. Food halls are becoming an American staple, and the Inner Rail, which opened in 2019, is Omaha’s most successful model.

J: Jenny Coco The James Beard Awards are the Grammys or Emmys of the food world, and Omaha chefs and restaurants have earned 29 nominations. Jenny Coco was the first to earn this national honor, garnering nominations at The Flatiron Cafe each year from 2008 to 2011. She went on to open J. Coco, a beloved restaurant that closed in 2021, and is now the chef at The Linden House. K: Kitchen Table Kitchen Table doesn’t do premade. The restaurant crafts its ketchup and mustard, bakes its bread, mixes its hot sauces, forms its burger patties…if you order it, someone at Kitchen Table has made it themselves. That dedication to the craft earned a visit from Guy Fieri and Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives in 2023, when the celebrity chef described their signature meatloaf sandwich this way: “It’s very cerebral. What seems simple is really a meticulously thought-out, maybe genius thing.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves, Guy. L: La Casa This Italian restaurant burst onto the scene in 1953 and now has three locations and a food truck. Its thin, crispy, biscuit-like crust is unlike any in Omaha, and its hamburger pizza, with seasoned beef covering every centimeter, is a local legend. Don’t sleep on the Cudduruni, a massive double-crust pizza, or the beloved onion rings. Coneflower Creamery, Millwork Commons

Dinker’s, Haystack Burger

M: Markets Looking for local produce, meats, and goods? Omaha has several farmers markets with dozens of vendors, each perfect for wandering all morning. The Old Market (Saturday morning) and Aksarben (Sunday morning) markets are the biggest and most well-known, but there are markets in nearby Bennington and Gretna (both on Saturday morning), and at North Omaha's Florence Mill (Sundays) that are great for shopping, too. The smallest but possibly most unique is Beats and Bites, a Friday evening market with live music, yard games, and food trucks at Heartwood Preserve. N: Nicholson Tim Nicholson is one of the most talented chefs not only in Omaha, but throughout the Midwest. He heads the kitchen at The Boiler Room, constantly changing the menu with seasonal ingredients and fascinating flavor combinations. He’s been nominated for five James Beard Awards and reached the semifinalist stage in 2024. O: Ooh De Lally If all you cared about was the food, Ooh De Lally would be worth the visit. From the lobster roll to the smoked chicken lasagna and legendary mac and cheese, this Dundee restaurant serves hit after hit. But the mission is even better than the food, as Ooh De Lally partners with Metro CC’s 180 Re-entry Assistance Program to give formerly incarcerated individuals jobs and professional training to help them incorporate back into society. P: Poutine Burrito This crazy concoction sums up why Block 16 is one of Omaha’s favorite restaurants. It transforms poutine, the beloved Canadian dish, into burrito form by stuffing a griddled tortilla with chuck roast, cheese curds, tater tots, and gravy. The result is a wild, mind-boggling delicious dish that’s become one of Omaha’s signature food items and a wonderful introduction to Block 16’s glorious menu.

Q: QS Grill Steak Did you know you can get Salvadoran and Nicaraguan cuisine in Omaha? QS Grill Steak brings the fantastic flavors of Central America to Omaha, delivering pupusas, fried plantains, and fried cheese to our city. It’s an example of Omaha’s incredible culinary diversity; we have restaurants offering authentic cuisine from Africa, Japan, Puerto Rico, Greece, Thailand, Armenia, Jamaica, Nepal, Colombia, Vietnam, and many more. The Omaha food scene offers diners a chance to travel all over the globe. R: Reuben Don’t listen to New Yorkers; the Reuben was invented right here in Omaha! The beloved sandwich—a combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, and rye bread—originated at the Blackstone Hotel, now the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel. The hotel still serves (in this writer’s opinion) the best Reuben in Omaha, but you’ll find excellent examples all over town, including those at Barrett’s Barleycorn Pub & Grill, Lemon Tree Cafe, and A Catered Affair. S: Steakhouses Nebraska’s nickname is “The Beef State” for good reason. The Drover, an Omaha staple since 1977, is a nationally recognized restaurant that College World Series visitors and locals alike can’t get enough of. Spencer’s for Steaks & Chops, Brother Sebastian’s, Johnny’s Cafe, and Gorat’s have delighted guests for generations, while the Committee Chophouse and Pivot Prime provide modern takes on steakhouse fare. T: Taco Trucks Of all the food truck options in Omaha, tacos are the most popular, especially in South Omaha. Excellent tacos, burritos, tortas, and more are sold at Alley Taco 402, The Churro Spot, La Gaviota, Taqueria El Rey, and so many more. The vampiro tacos have helped make Ma’ Mona one of Omaha’s most beloved food trucks, period. U: Umami Asian Cuisine Bellevue’s restaurant scene is quite strong, and Umami is the shining example. Chef Keen Zheng spent more than a decade working in New York’s most renowned sushi spots before bringing his craft to Bellevue, and his experience shines through every plate. Just get the Sushi Lover platter, which highlights the cuts of fish most exciting to chef at that moment, and you’ll see what I mean. V: Virtuoso Pizzeria Pizza lovers, this is your spot. David and Brenda Losole have been blessing the Benson neighborhood with Omaha’s best New York-style pizza for over a decade. The giant slices here sell out almost every weekend, but don’t sleep on Virtuoso’s excellent Italian beef sandwich. W: Women’s Sports Bar There are fewer than 30 sports bars in America dedicated to women’s sports, and Omaha’s SET The Bar is proudly one of them. The bar’s TVs are mostly dedicated to women’s sports, especially those at Nebraska and Creighton, and the food is far from an afterthought. The smash burger is among Omaha’s better options, and SET serves a wonderful brunch on the weekends.

Aviles Latin Market, Cuban sandwich X: Xmas Pop-Up Bars I normally refrain from referring to Christmas as Xmas, but it’s the letter X! Cut me a little slack, huh? Many Omaha bars transform into a winter wonderland in December, highlighted by Mercury, which resets its menu and decor to highlight Christmas. But others such as the Cottonwood Hotel, which transforms its pool bar into a winter wonderland, and Blackstone Social with its Grinch’s Lair, are excellent places to celebrate the holidays in style. Y: Yoshitomo It’s mind-boggling that one of America’s best sushi restaurants is located in the middle of the country, but Yoshitomo is the real deal. Chef David Utterback, a four-time Beard Award nominee and threetime finalist, is recognized as one of the top sushi chefs in the world, and his playful approach and dedication to serving the freshest fish make Yoshitomo an undeniably great restaurant. Z: Zio’s Zio’s was one of Omaha’s first introductions to New York-style pizza, as its flagship Dodge Street location opened in 1985. Four decades and three more locations later, Zio’s is still beloved for its giant slices, calzones, and hoagies. --------------------------------------------------Ultimately, Omaha’s dining scene can be summed up in one letter: A. It’s already top tier, and while there’s still room for improvement, this is a list any parent would be happy to hang on the refrigerator.

OCTOBER 2026

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LISA’S RADIAL CAFE - $ 817 N. 40th St. - 402-551-2176 American. Cafe. Diner. Vegetarian-friendly. Gluten-free options. This old-school diner serves hearty portions of American comfort classics for breakfast and lunch. Family-owned and operated, this business is a must if you’re in the area. People rave about our chicken-fried steak, stuffed French toast, coffee, and friendly staff. Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

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RED DOOR WOODFIRED GRILL - $$ 6680 Center St. - 402.915.4980 Red Door Woodfired Grill serves scratch-made favorites, woodfired specialties, craft cocktails, and weekend brunch in a welcoming atmosphere. From burgers and tacos to fresh salads, steaks, and whiskeysoaked prime rib, every visit offers bold flavors, genuine hospitality, and a reason to get in here. —reddoorgrill.com

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Open Monday - Saturday Closed Sundays and major holidays 1201 S 157th Street Omaha, NE 402-884-2272

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Large Menu - Party Room - Catering - Salsa Bar - Tortillas made in-house!

RIB SHACK SMOKEHOUSE - $$ 10841 Q St. - 402.502.6695 At Rib Shack SmokeHouse, every meal is slow-smoked, full of flavor, and cooked with love. From our fall-off-the-bone ribs to our homemade sides, every plate is prepared with passion, tradition, and Southern hospitality. Whether you’re dining in, grabbing takeout, or catering your next event, we’re ready to serve the BBQ you’ve been craving. —ribshacksmokehouse.com

UNITY SEAFOOD CAJUN GRILL - $$$

ROTELLA

7605 Cass St. - 402.502.7888 Seafood and so much more! Unity Seafood Cajun Grill & Bar serves fresh seafood boils, crab legs, cajun food and sandwiches! Great prices, generous portions, delicious sauces, all provided by a friendly and attentive staff. —unityseafoodomaha.com

Historical Facts

Pledging Allegiance Alessandro and Maria Rotella, founders of Rotella’s Italian Bakery in 1921. They became new citizens of the United States in 1939 and 1940. They loved America and the opportunity it affords. Alessandro is known to say: “Italy is like my mother becaused I was raised there, but America is my father because it supports me.” Bakery

2026 First Place

SMITTY'S GARAGE - $ Maria-1939

7610 Dodge St. - 402-614-4949 Tasty burgers, ice-cold beer, fresh-cut fries, scrumptious tacos, mouthwatering appetizers and more. What else could you want? Besides the delicious food, each location also offers a full bar with an extensive craft beer list and a one-of-a-kind environment with arcade games and plenty of TV’s. Download our new rewards app, Smitty’s Garage, in the app store to start earning free grub! —eatatthegarage.com

Alessandro-1940

TED AND WALLY’S - $ 1120 Jackson St. - 402.341.5827 6023 Maple St. - 402.551.4420

Come experience the true taste of homemade ice cream in the Old Market. Since 1986, we’ve created gourmet ice cream flavors in small batches using rock salt and ice. We offer your favorites, plus unique flavors like margarita, green tea, Guinness, and French toast. Special orders available. Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.- Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday. Noon-10 p.m. —tedandwallys.com

Celebrating over 100 Years of Baking Excellence! rotellasbakery.com

OCTOBER 2026

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VARSITY SPORTS CAFE - $$

Ice Cream

Ralston - 9735 Q St. - 402.339.1944 Bellevue - 3504 Samson Way - 402.932.1944 Millard - 14529 F St. - 402.505.6660

Ralston, Bellevue and Millard. We are truly grateful to have been welcomed into each of these communities and welcome you in for good food, a cold drink and a comfy seat to enjoy the sport of your choosing! Determined to bring only the freshest ingredients, homemade dough and our specialty sauces to the table, we have worked hard to perfect our craft for you. Our goal is to bring the best food service to the area and show the best sports events that you want to see. Pick up and Delivery available. Please check website for hours of operation. —varsityromancoinpizza.com

I TA L I A N

2026 First Place

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

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LA CASA PIZZARIA - $$

45th and Leavenworth St. - 402.556.6464

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

PITCH - $$

5021 Underwood Ave. - 402.590.2625 West - 17808 Burke Street. - 402.289.4096 An OpenTable’s Diners’ Choice for 2014 HotSpot Restaurant in America. Keeping up with the traditional way the first pizzas in Italy were made, our pizzas are cooked in a coal-fired oven. The menu also features seafood, hand-cut steak, housemade pastas, and burgers full of flavor. Our goal is to provide you with local, housemade, and imported ingredients. We offer a happy hour menu, and our bar provides an array of in-house concoctions as well as your traditional libations. Our wine selection is well-thought-out and most impressive. You will enjoy Pitch. Monday & Tuesday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Wednesday-Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. —pitchpizzeria.com

SPEZIA - $$$ 3125 S. 72nd St. - 402.391.2950 Choose Spezia for lunch or dinner, where you’ll find a casual elegance that’s perfect for business guests, get-togethers, or any special occasion. Exceptional food, wine, and service, with a delectable menu: fresh seafood, certified Angus steaks, innovative pasta, risotto, gnocchi, cioppino, lamb, entrée salads, Mediterranean chicken, flatbreads, and fresh salmon daily. Enjoy a full bar, Italian and California wines, Anniversary/Lovers’ Booth (call to reserve), private dining rooms, and wood-fired grill. Open Monday-Sunday. Cocktail hour 4-6 p.m., when all cocktails, glasses of wine, and beers are half price. Evening reservations recommended. —speziarestaurant.com

C AT E R I N G CATERING CREATIONS 402.558.3202

From intimate gatherings to amazing events, our team has the expertise and passion to bring your vision to life. We bring industry-recognized catering services to every event. With our delicious culinary creations, impeccable service, and dedication to sustainability, we’ve set a new standard for catering in Omaha. —cateringcreations.com

MEXICAN FERNANDO’S - $

7555 Pacific St. - 402.339.8006* 380 N. 114th St. - 402.330.5707

Featuring Sonoran-style cooking made fresh daily. Catering and party rooms also available. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 4-9 p.m. —fernandosomaha.com

Voted Omaha’s Best Breakfast 19 years in a row!

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2025 First Place

Breakfast Staff & Servi ce ait W

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Locally owned and operated since 2001! Open 7 days a week • 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 156th & Dodge | 402-408-1728 • 177th & Center | 402-934-9914 120th & Blondo | 402-991-8222 • 69th & Pacific | 402-933-2776 LePeepOmaha.com •

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day Brunch Sun

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HECTOR’S RESTAURANT - $$ 1201 S. 157th St. - 402.884.2272 Hector’s Restaurant has been serving fresh, authentic Baja-style Mexican cuisine in Omaha since 1997. Known for flavorful dishes made daily—from salsa and guacamole to beans and rice—Hector’s also offers a wide selection of margaritas, domestic, and imported beers. Guests can enjoy a familyfriendly atmosphere perfect for casual dinners, celebrations, or events. As the only Baja-style Mexican restaurant in the region, Hector’s stands out for its fresh ingredients, lively vibe, and dedication to superior service. —hectorsomaha.com

MARGARITA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT - $ 4915 S. 72nd St. - 402.393.7515 Margarita’s is a business with more than seven years in the food world. We offer authentic Mexican food where you can enjoy a nice moment with your family. —margaritasmenu.com

Hamburger

EL MUCHACHO ALEGRE - $$

6222 N. 72nd St. - 402.359.1309 10177 S. 168th Ave. - 531.999.8361

Three years ago, we opened our doors with a mission: to serve Omaha the best Mexican food. Since day one, El Muchacho Alegre remains the favorite, offering Molcajete Alegre, California burritos, and exclusive Boba margaritas.

2026 First Place

SPECIAL DINING GREEK ISLANDS - $ 3821 Center St. - 402.346.1528

“Serving World Famous Hamburgers Since 1936” 106 GALVIN RD., BELLEVUE, NE • 402-291-6088 • OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY, 11 AM - 9 PM

Greek cuisine with specials every day at reasonable prices. We are wellknown for our gyro sandwiches and salads. We cater and can accommodate a party for 65 guests. Carry-out and delivery available. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. —greekislandsomaha.com

STOYSICH HOUSE OF SAUSAGE - $$

2532 S 24th St, Omaha, NE. 68108 Offering a variety of over 140 sausages in natural casings. Wide choice of aged steaks and roasts as well as deli lunch meats and salads. We offer wild game processing. —stoysich.com

STEAKHOUSES THE DROVER RESTAURANT & LOUNGE - $$$ 2121 S. 73rd St. - 402-391-7440

Prime S T E A K , Fine W I N E , Premium s e r v i c e

Famous for the original Whiskey Steak, The Drover is truly a one-of-a-kind Midwestern experience. Excellent food, wine, service, and value. Rare...and very well done. LUNCH: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., DINNER: Monday-Friday 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 4:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m., Sunday 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m., LOUNGE: Monday-Friday Cocktails only 2 p.m.-5 p.m. —droverrestaurant.com

MAHOGANY PRIME STEAKHOUSE - $$$$ 225 N. 145th St. - 402.445.4380 In a town known for its great steaks, Mahogany stands above the rest. Conveniently located in the new Heartwood Preserve Center at 145th and Dodge, our Omaha location provides an intimate and classic fine dining atmosphere. Voted Best in Omaha. Dinner: Monday - Saturday | 5pm - 10pm, Sunday | 5pm - 9pm. –mahoganyprimesteakhouse.com

Reserve your table today for an unforgettable dining experience. OCTOBER 2026

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WEST END LOUNGE - $$ 1529 South 203rd St. - 402.502.1884 WestEnd Lounge is THE place to be! From gourmet appetizers to beautiful cocktails, the best service, and the most stunning atmosphere! We listened to what people wanted in west Omaha and brought it to life. WestEnd is an intimate setting where couples can enjoy a bottle of wine, a place for the boys to throw back a beer for happy hour, with music in the evening for the perfect girl's night out. Our state-of-the-art technology has the ability to change our atmosphere to cater to our patron's needs. —thewestendomaha.com

Make it Memorable

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// 78 //

OCTOBER 2026

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CALENDARS COMPILED BY RHETT ULEMAN

EVENTS | GIVING | EXPLORE Calendars include EVENTS (Omaha-area visual arts, concerts, stage performances, family & more), GIVING (local philanthropic events), and EXPLORE (regional road trips and excursion ideas). Event times and details may change.

6 2 0 2

Visit omahamagazine.com for updated information.

Visual Arts

ARTELATINX: AQUÍ ESTAMOS Y NO NOS VAMOS

Through Oct.16 at El Museo Latino, 4701 S. 25th St. This biennial art exhibition organized by UNO’s Office of Latino/Latin American Studies highlights artists from across the Midwest to showcase the creative lens of Latinx art and experience. 402.731.1137 elmuseolatino.org

ÉIRINN GO BRÁCH PHOTO EXHIBIT

Through Jan. 17 at The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. Dive into the lesser-known history of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, one of America’s oldest Irish Fraternal Organizations and the impacts that Omaha’s Irish community has played in developing the city into what it is today with this photo archive at Durham Museum. 402.444.5071 durhammuseum.org

The fun never ends at Heartwood Preserve Mark your calendars for Friday evening Farmers Market, Fall Festival, Kite Fest and Winterland Skating starts October 31 For full calendar: heartwoodomaha.com/events HeartwoodOmaha heartwood_omaha // 80 //

OCTOBER 2026

CAFÉ SOCIETY: ART AND SOCIABILITY SADIE BARNETTE

Through Jan. 3 at The Joslyn, 2200 Dodge St. Barnette utilizes her exhibition to bring viewers into a moment in time captured by a doorbell security camera. Featuring her father—a founding member of the Black Panthers in Compton, California—in an innocent, yet evocative moment. 402.342.3300 joslyn.org

IN PARIS, 1855–1914

Through Jan. 17 at The Joslyn, 2200 Dodge St. Paintings and prints from Vincent van Gogh, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Édouard Manet, and more capture the spirit of early French cafe culture. Exploring its impact on artists of the time. 402.342.3300 joslyn.org

JENNIFER HOMAN WITH CHRISTINA NARWICZ, GRACEANN WARN AND CATHY PALMER

Oct. 1-31 at Modern Arts Midtown, 3615 Dodge St. Jennifer Homan is an experienced painter known for her breathtaking pieces depicting sweeping Midwestern landscapes, naturalistic skylines, and beautiful textured clouds floating above the horizons of the great plains. During this exhibition, she is supported by the artistic talents of Christina Narwicz, Graceann Warn, and Cathy Palmer. 402.502.8737 modernartsmidtown.com

HANDMADE PARADE

Oct. 2 at Benson Creative District, 2725 N. 62nd St. Artists, individuals, families, classrooms, clubs, and schools are all welcomed to walk in this intentionally non-traditional parade, showcasing giant handmade puppets, banners, mobile sculptures, costumes, performers, and the creations that make Benson and BFF a destination for arts and culture in Omaha. bffomaha.org

POST-IT SHOW

Opening Oct. 2 at Radial Arts Center, 5915 Maple St. This unique art exhibition features original works of art created on 3-by-3 inch sticky notes. The surface area may be limited, but the creativity sure isn’t. All Post-it notes are priced at $25, so its never been more affordable to own a one-of-a-kind piece of local art. 402.405.6898 radialartscenter.org

OCTOBER FIRST FRIDAY AT THE PASSAGEWAY GALLERY

Oct. 2 at Passageway Gallery, 417 S. 11th St. Observe and explore featured artwork while enjoying drinks, snacking on hors d’oeuvres, and visiting with the artists who created the pieces on display in the vibrant atmosphere of the Passageway Gallery. 402.341.1910 | passagewaygallery.com

JACOLBY SCATTERWHITE: COUNTRY BALL 1989-2012

Oct. 3 through March 12 at The Joslyn, 2200 Dodge St. Inspired by the ’80s LGBTQIA+ ballroom scene, artist Jacolby Scatterwhite uses digital video, 3D graphics, and animation to create an immersive, dreamlike experience. 402.342.3300 joslyn.org

REGIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY BIENNIAL

Oct. 8 through Dec. 20 at Gallery 1516, 1516 Leavenworth St. This annual event and exhibition celebrates the works of fine arts photographers from across the Midwest. Artists receive 100% of their artwork sales and $19,000 in various awards are offered, including $10,000 for the best in show photograph. 531.375.6643 gallery1516.org

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BEMIS CENTER BENEFIT ART AUCTION

Oct. 30 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S. 12th Street. Engage with a vibrant community of artists, collectors, and creatives, as more than 300 selected works are auctioned off to support Bemis Center art programs. 402.341.7130 bemiscenter.org

Concerts

EDITH MÁRQUEZ

Oct. 1 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. The powerful voice and emotionally-laced performances of Edith Márquez have solidified her status as a beloved performer inside and outside of Mexico. On the first day of October, she brings her blend of pop, ballad, and traditional Mexican musical styles to Omaha. 402.345.0202 o-pa.org

MY HERO ACADEMIA IN CONCERT

Oct. 1 at The Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. Experience the cinematic soundtrack of the popular anime My Hero Academia in a whole new way as a 15-piece live band performs the memorable score originally composed by Yuki Hayashi. 402.345.0202 o-pa.org

CHANCE THE RAPPER

Oct. 2 at Stir Cove, 1 Harrah’s Blvd, Council Bluffs. Grammy award-winning hip-hop artist, singer-songwriter, and producer Chance The Rapper celebrates the 10-year anniversary of his 2016 Coloring Book album with a tour that brings him to the main stage at Stir Cove. 712.329.6000 caesars.com/harrahs-council-bluffs/shows

BECK

Oct. 3 at Steelhouse, 1100 Dodge St. The innovative American singer-songwriter and producer known for his genre-blending style, musical range and alternative hits like “Loser,” “Where It’s At,” and “E-Pro,” performs at Steelhouse to start the month off strong. 402.345.0606 steelhouseomaha.com

THE AWARD-WINNING MUSIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS

Oct. 3-4 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Omaha Symphony resident conductor Ernest Richardson guides audiences along on an epic symphonic experience of one of Hollywood’s most iconic and accomplished film score composers, John Williams. 402.345.0202 o-pa.org

BIG HEAD TODD AND THE MONSTERS

Oct. 8 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Formed in 1986, this Colorado rock band went platinum with their major label debut Sister Sweetly in 1993 and developed a sizable following in the mountain states. The group has toured in major venues for decades. 402.345.7569 theslowdown.com

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OCTOBER 2026

FAILURE

Oct. 8 at Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Failure formed in 1990, an alternative rock band from Los Angeles known for critical success in the late-’90s post-grunge era. Their tour in promotion of their 2026 album Location Lost brings them to Omaha’s Waiting Room Lounge. 402.884.5353 waitingroomlounge.com

EARL SWEATSHIRT AND MIKE

Oct. 9 at The Admiral Theater, 2234 S. 13th St. Innovative Los Angeles-based hip-hop artist Earl Sweatshirt and eclectic rapper-producer MIKE pair up, stopping in Omaha as part of their tour in support of the duo’s recent collaborative album, POMPEII // UTILITY. admiralomaha.com

LABYRINTH: IN CONCERT

Oct. 9 at The Astro, 8302 City Centre Drive. Get swept into a world of fantasy, magic, and nostalgia as a powerful live band performs the full soundtrack of the classic Jim Henson film while the movie plays in-sync on a projector screen to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the film. 531.283.5212 theastrotheater.com

SNARKY PUPPY

Oct. 14 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. The five-time Grammy Award-winning band known for their distinct sound containing the influences of jazz, funk, fusion, soul, R&B, and more, bring their one-of-a-kind groove to the Big O. 402.345.0202 o-pa.org

HORSE LORDS

Oct. 15 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S. 12th St. This experimental Baltimore rock group is hard to pin to a singular genre. Their forward-thinking musical explorations will bring a unique show to Bemis Center as they tour behind their most recent album, Demand to Be Taken to Heaven Alive! 402.341.7130 bemiscenter.org

SKILLET

Oct. 18 at Steelhouse, 100 Dodge St. American Christian rock band Skillet was formed in Memphis, Tennessee, back in 1996. This October the group brings their mix of rock, metal, and post-grunge to Omaha. 402.345.0606 steelhouseomaha.com

THOMAS RHETT: THE SOUNDTRACK TO LIFE TOUR

Oct. 24 at CHI Health Center, 455 N. 10th St. Country music sensation Thomas Rhett headlines the arena stage at CHI, joined by Zach John King and Emily Ann Roberts for his Soundtrack to Life Tour across the country. 402.341.1500 chihealthcenteromaha.com

OMAHA SYMPHONY: TIM BURTON’S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Oct. 24-25 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Witness Omaha’s own talented symphony perform the iconic Danny Elfman film score for Tim Burton’s stop-motion holiday classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas while the film is projected on a giant viewing screen. 402.345.0202 o-pa.org

Stage Performances

EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL

Oct. 2- Nov. 8 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Experience a tale of survival, screams, and the supernatural in this bloody, ridiculous, and wickedly fun musical theater performance starring George Reinblatt, Frank Cipolla, Melissa Morris, and Christopher Bond. 402.553.0800 omahaplayhouse.com

JORDAN JENSEN

Oct. 7 at The Admiral Theater, 2234 S. 13th St. Comedian and actor Jordan Jensen combines raw storytelling with fearless honesty in her stand-up act, which has earned her a featured spot on the likes of The Late Late Show with James Corden and her own Netflix special Take Me With You. admiralomaha.com

COME FROM AWAY

Through Oct. 11 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. This unique musical explores the true story of what happened when a group of 7,000 airline passengers found themselves stranded in the Newfoundland town of Gander, highlighting themes of compassion, perseverance, and community. 402.553.0800 omahaplayhouse.com

WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME

Through Oct. 12 at Bluebarn Theater, 1106 S. 10th St. This thought-provoking play combines sharp wit with honest observation to explore how the United States Constitution has historically been slow to include women, immigrants, and marginalized groups. 402.345.4849 bluebarn.org

BECKY ROBINSON

Oct. 16 at The Admiral Theater, 2234 S. 13th St. LA-based comedian, actor, and social media personality Becky Robinson brings her brand of relatable comedy and expressive character antics to the Admiral Theater as part of her The Beasts In Me tour. admiralomaha.com

ARSENIC AND OLD LACE

Oct. 16-18, & Oct. 22-25 at Lofte Community Theatre, 5841 Manley Rd. Witness talented community performers in this classic dark comedy play, originally written by Joseph Kesselring in 1939, about the undercover deeds of a pair of seemingly sweet elderly sisters living in Brooklyn, New York. 402.234.2553 lofte.org

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OCTOBER 2026

BUNNICULA

Oct. 16 through Nov. 1 at The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St. In this children’s theater adaptation of the book by Charles Busch, Chester the cat and Harold the dog investigate the newest pet to be added to their family, a floppy-eared bunny whom they suspect to be hiding an evil secret. 402.345.4849 rosetheater.org

BRAD WILLIAMS

Oct. 17 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Veteran comedian Brad Willams has been a touring act since his teenage years, appearing on mainstream programs like The Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live. This October, Willams bring his sharp wit to Omaha’s Holland Performing Arts stage. 402.345.0202 o-pa.org

NURSE JOHN

Oct. 17 at Steelhouse, 100 Dodge St. John Dela Cruz, known on the internet as “Nurse John,” is a former healthcare worker who became a viral sensation for his witty, humorous, and relatable skits about working in the healthcare industry. His Against Medical Advice tour brings his brand of cathartic comedy to Omaha. 402.345.0606 steelhouseomaha.com

MILO ROSSI

Oct. 21 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. An archeology educator, environmental scientist, and creator of the largest independent archeology YouTube channel, Milo Rossi visits Omaha’s Holland Center for a night of immersive storytelling, myth busting, and down-to-earth commentary. 402.345.0202 o-pa.org

COMPLEXIONS CONTEMPORARY BALLET

Oct. 23 at The Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. Founded in 1994 by Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, Complexions Contemporary Ballet blends classical and contemporary styles of dance with a multicultural presentation for a wholeheartedly unique performing arts experience. 402.345.0202 o-pa.org

JOE GATTO

Oct. 23-24 at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 710 N. 114th St. The larger-than-life comedian known for his run as one-fourth of the Impractical Jokers crew on the hit TruTV show of the same name, headlines with his bold stand-up comedy act at the Funny Bone. The show is an 18+ event with valid I.D. 402.493.8036 omaha.funnybone.com

DEATH BECOMES HER

Oct. 27 - Nov. 1 at The Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. Fans of the classic 1992 movie starring Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn are bound for a hilarious time to die for at this Tony Award-winning live stage performance adaptation of Death Becomes Her. 402.345.0202 o-pa.org

Family, Festivals, and More

MIDWEST CHINGONA FEST

WICKED PLANTS

Oct. 10 at Stinson Park, 2232 S. 67th St. Formed in 2022, this women-led Latina festival showcases and celebrates the women shaping our communities. With representation of over 60 vendors, food trucks, businesses, and a lineup of all-women performers, this is a festival worth the visit. 402.496.1616 aksarbenvillage.com/stinson

VOODOO’S ODD EXPO

Oct. 11 at MCC Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology, 5300 N. 30th St. This annual convention combines gaming, comic, and nerd media with a celebration of diversity, inclusion, and Black culture with cosplay competitions, gaming tournaments, and community focused discussions. 531.622.2114 mccneb.edu

Oct. 3 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. While some plants sustain life and nurture the environment, this exhibit teaches how other plants have abilities that allow them to poison, puncture, or paralyze in order to defend themselves in the unforgiving world of the animal kingdom. 402.346.4002 lauritzengardens.org Oct. 3 at The Admiral Theater, 2234 S. 13th St. Voodoo’s Odd Shop hosts this one-of-a-kind expo showcasing all things weird. From the taboo to the macabre, niche art pieces to antiques, if you’re looking for something odd, it’s probably here. admiralomaha.com

TACOS AND TEQUILA FESTIVAL

Oct. 3 at Heartland of America Park at the Riverfront, 800 Douglas St. This outdoor festival brings tasty food, beverages, arts and entertainment—along with a star-studded line up of live hip-hop performers including Fat Joe, Xzibit, Paul Wall, Pretty Ricky, and more. Tacos and Tequila is a 21+ event. 402.599.6565 theriverfrontomaha.com

NUKE-CON

Oct. 2-4 at Mid-America Center, 1 Arena Way, Council Bluffs. Bring your own board games, card games, or role-playing games and get lost in the world of your tabletop as you roll dice, shuffle cards, and play with other enthusiasts at this Midwest gaming convention. 712.323.0536 caesars.com/mid-america-center

OMAHA FARMERS MARKET

Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 11 in Old Market, 11th and Jackson St. & Aksarben, 67th St. and Mercy Rd. The historic Old Market is transformed into a dynamic local destination to shop and support local artists, farmers, and vendors on Saturday mornings, with the marketplace continuing on Sunday mornings in Aksarben. 402.444.5071 omahafarmersmarket.com

PORCHFEST

Oct. 4 at Gifford Park Community Farmers Market, 520 N. 33rd St. This annual community music festival showcases a diverse lineup of live music, art, comedy, and more in the Gifford Park Neighborhood market. Thanks to support form sponsors and donors, the event is free entry. porchfestoma.tumblr.com

AFROCON

ANIME NEBRASKON

Oct. 16-18 at Mid-America Center, 1 Arena Way, Council Bluffs. Explore the style and beauty of Japanese animation and pop culture at Omaha’s growing premier anime convention. The event serves as a prime opportunity to meet artists, celebrity guests, and fellow anime fans, while engaging with unique activities and cosplay competitions. 712.323.0536 caesars.com/mid-america-center

BOO BASH TALENT SHOW

Oct. 24 at Fowling Warehouse Omaha, 5585 N. 90th St. This festive Halloween event promises fun for all ages with food vendors, a live DJ, costume contest, and a talent show for up to $500 in cash prizes. 531.999.8581 fowlingomaha.com

HEROES AND VILLAINS: THE ART OF THE DISNEY COSTUME

Through Oct. 25 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. Get up close and personal and experience the iconic looks of fan-favorite Disney characters in a showcase exhibit featuring nearly 70 costume design ensembles. 402.444.5071 durhammuseum.org

IN SEARCH OF THE SIGNERS

Through Jan. 10 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. This exhibit explores perhaps the most foundational moment of American history, showcasing a preserved collection of 49 authentic signatures and historical relics from the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. 402.444.5071 durhammuseum.org

BLACKSTONE FARNAM FEST

Oct. 10 at Blackstone District, 4007 Farnam St. The second Saturday of October brings Blackstone’s largest annual event back to populate the district with live music, food trucks, local vendors, and an outdoor bar. Admission is free. blackstonedistrict.com

OCTOBER 2026

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Giving Calendar

IMAGINE…

FOODIES AND NEW FRIENDS: OMAHA ENTREPRENEURS GIVING BACK EDITION

WHISKERS AND GIVING GALA

Oct. 17. Benefits: Town and Country Animal Rescue

Oct. 9. Benefits: GoFundMe campaigns

Oct. 1. Benefits: Omaha Home for Boys

Location: Restaurant of the Week

Location: Aloft Omaha Aksarben

BREAD FOR LIFE

FRIENDS OF RITECARE DINNER AND AUCTION

Oct. 20. Benefits: NorthStar Foundation

Location: Scottish Rite Masonic Center

ANNUAL WOMAN OF THE YEAR GALA

Location: The Barn at the Ackerhurst Dairy Farm

Oct. 1. Benefits: Project Hope

Oct. 9. Benefits: RiteCare Clinics

Location: The Palazzo

TOPGOLF FUNDRAISER

Oct. 1. Benefits: Keep Omaha Beautiful

Location: Topgolf

AN EVENING AMONG ANGELS: MOMENTS IN TIME Oct. 2. Benefits: Angels Among Us

Location: A View West Shores

PURSEONALITIES

Oct. 2. Benefits: Child Saving Institute

Location: Embassy Suites Omaha

PUMPKINS WITH A PURPOSE

Oct. 3. Benefits: Omaha Children’s Museum Welcome Fund Program

Location: Omaha Children’s Museum

WALK-N-ROLL

Oct. 3. Benefits: Cure SMA

Location: Inclusive Playground at Lake Zorinsky

BREAKTHROUGH T1D WALK

Oct. 4. Benefits: Breakthrough T1D Nebraska

Location: Union Bank & Trust at Heartwood Preserve

EVENING OF GRATITUDE

Oct. 4. Benefits: Ignatian Volunteer Corps

Location: St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Elkhorn

RISE UP GALA

HOPE GALA

Oct. 9. Benefits: Nebraska Cancer Specialists Hope Foundation

Location: Omaha Marriott Downtown, Capitol District

BOUTIQUE CRAFT FAIR

Oct. 10. Benefits: St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church

Location: St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church

SUPERHERO HEART RUN

Oct. 11. Benefits: Heart Heroes

Location: Werner Park

MY SISTER’S KEEPER 26TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION

Oct. 11. Benefits: My Sisters Keeper

Location: Scott Conference Center

WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S

Oct. 11. Benefits: Alzheimer’s Association

Location: College of Saint Mary, Flames Fieldhouse, Lied Fitness Center

REMIX—ROARING ’20S

Oct. 16. Benefits: Women’s Center for Advancement

Location: Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement

GIRLS WITH DREAMS OMAHAINAUGURAL GALA

Oct. 17. Benefits: Cancer Awareness

CLIMB HIGHER LUNCHEON

Location: CHI Health Center

Oct. 22. Benefits: Arthritis Foundation

Location: Omaha Mariott Regency

CHAMPIONS FOR CHANGE AWARDS LUNCHEON

Oct. 22. Benefits: RADIUS Omaha

Location: The Farnam, Autograph Collection

FUTURE FOR ALL

Oct. 22. Benefits: Omaha Womens Fund

Location: CHI Health Center

LEGACY GALA

Oct. 22. Benefits: Teen Center

Location: Scott Conference Center

ANNUAL DINNER

Oct. 23. Benefits: Abide Omaha

Location: Better Together Campus

DANCE FOR A CHANCE

Oct. 23. Benefits: Youth Emergency Services

Location: The Astro

GIFT OF HOPE GALA

Oct. 23. Benefits: Heartland Hope Mission

Location: Capitol District Marriott

HOT CIDER HUSTLE

Oct. 25. Benefits: Wounded Warriors Family Support

Location: Zorinsky Lake Park

Location: DC Centre Event Venue

Oct. 8. Benefits: Innocence Freed

Location: Relevant Center

// 86 //

OCTOBER 2026

Explore Nebraska

BETNI KALK

Through Oct. 30 at Nebraska Governor’s Residence, 1425 H St., Lincoln. Betni Kalk, a Creigh-

ton art professor, artist, designer, muralist, and community advocate will showcase her vibrant, expressive works in the prestigious Governor’s Residence Gallery. 402.471.3466 artscouncil.nebraska.gov

JUNKSTOCK

Oct. 2-4 and Oct. 9-11 at Sycamore Farms, 1150 River Rd. Dr., Waterloo. Shop for repurposed

items, unique vintage pieces, and one-of-a-kind antiques at this locally owned festival known for it’s fun-filled blend of live music, food, art, and vintage vendors. 402.765.8651 junkstock.com

CRETE’S GREAT PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

Oct. 3-4 in Downtown Crete, 243 E. 13th St., Crete.

Spend the first weekend of October in Crete for a festival full of family activities, live entertainment, craft and vendor markets, giant pumpkin contests, and the famous great pumpkin giveaway. 402.826.2136 cretepumpkinfest.org

HAUNTED HOLLOW

Oct. 9, 10, 17 & 24 at Indian Cave State Park, 65296 720 Rd., Shubert. Get into the Halloween spirit

with multiple weekends of trick-or-treating, hay rack rides, pumpkin rolls, and the annual pink pumpkin walk in support of a local cancer organization as campsites across Indian Cave State Park are decorated into spooky sights to behold. 402.883.2575 outdoornebraska.gov/location/indian-cave/

JEKYLL AND HYDE

Oct. 16 at Nebraska Communities Playhouse, 217 Locust St., Hickman. Become entranced with the

iconic battle between good and evil and explore dramatic themes of duality and desire in this musical stage play adaptation of the iconic tale by Robert Louis Stevenson. 402.792.8882 neplayhouse.com

MARKET TO MARKET RELAY

Oct. 17 starting in Omaha and ending in Lincoln.

Sign up to join a team of fellow runners to follow scenic trails, paved streets, and gravel roads in a relay race starting in Omaha and finishing in downtown Lincoln. As the largest day-long relay in the nation, this is a challenge that won’t be easily forgotten. markettomarketrelay.com

WINE AND STARGAZING

Oct. 24 at James Arthur Vineyards, 2001 W. Raymond Rd., Raymond. Peer through the lenses of

high-powered telescopes and explore the lights of the beautiful night sky while sipping James Arthur Vineyard wines and snacking on tasty appetizers. 402.783.5255 jamesarthurvineyards.com

Explore Iowa

WITCHES WALK

Oct. 8 In Downtown Ames, 304 Main St., Ames.

This adult-aimed event encourages grown-ups to dress-up and sport their costumes to downtown Ames businesses which will be open late with a variety of snack and sips. downtownames.org

HALLOWEENAPALOOZA

Oct. 9-10 at Bridge View Center, 102 Church St., Ottumwa. Take part in this weekend of spooky

celebration featuring an annual zombie walk, costume contest, and an internationally recognized short horror film festival offering awards and prizes like “Audience Choice” and “Best Kill.” 641.684.7000 halloweenapalooza.com

AMERICA’S HARVEST FESTIVAL

Oct. 24 at Iowa Capitol Complex, Iowa State Capitol, 1007 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines. This national fes-

tival will commemorate America’s 250th birthday by transforming Iowa’s capital grounds into an immersive celebration of the people, traditions, and ideas that have built Iowa and our country. americasharvestfest.com

Explore Kansas

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD AND THE MARSHALL TUCKER BAND

Oct. 2 at Capitol Federal Amphitheater, 1607 E. Central Ave., Andover. Two powerhouses of Amer-

ican rock ’n’ roll join forces to co-headline the Capitol Federal Amphitheater for a night of hard-hitting musicianship and recognizable sing-along tunes. 316.260.2180 capitolfederalamphitheater.com

SALT & SOUND: A CANDLELIT HALLOWEEN EXPERIENCE

Oct. 24 at Strataca Underground Salt Museum, 3650 E. Ave G, Hutchinson. Experience a musical

performance by the Salt City Orchestra within a historic underground chamber as the flames of candle light provide the only illumination. It’s bound to be a beautiful evening of music and mystery. 602.662.1425 underkansas.org

SHAWNEE INDIAN MISSION 40TH FALL FESTIVAL

Oct. 10 at Shawnee Indian Mission State Historic Site, 3403 W. 53rd St., Fairway. Celebrate the rich

history of living cultures connected to the Shawnee Indian Mission at this fall festival featuring native artists, performers, historians, and more. 913.262.0867 kansashistory.gov/shawnee_indian

Explore Missouri

DOJA CAT

Oct. 6 at T-Mobile Center, 1407 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City. Doja Cat is a singer, rapper,

songwriter, and Grammy award-winning artist, known for her versatility across genres, contagiously energetic live performances, unapologetic confidence, and charming personality. 816.949.7100 t-mobilecenter.com

THRILLER ON C-STREET: MACABRE PROMENADE

Oct. 17 on Historic C-Street, 299 E. Commercial St., Spring field. This annual Halloween parade

features a small army of monsters, zombies, and creepy creatures marching down Springfield’s historic Commercial Street, occasionally stopping to dance and perform to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” 417.869.6789 dancewithme.us/thriller-c-street/

ROUTE 66 CUBA FEST

Oct. 17-18 at Recklein Auditorium, 304 N. Smith St., Cuba. Commemorate the 100th anniversary of

Route 66 in the heart of historic Cuba, Missouri, with a family festival featuring rows of craft vendors and artisans, food trucks, trolley tours, live entertainment, and more. 573.885.7432 visitmo.com/events/route-66-cubafest

GALAXYCON

Oct. 23-25 at America’s Center Convention Complex, 701 Convention Plaza, St. Louis. This three-day

event is more than a comic convention, it’s a festival of pop culture and fandom where celebrities, artists, writers, entertainers, and fans alike come together to connect and immerse themselves in the franchises they love. 954.231.0574 galaxycon.com/pages/galaxycon-st-louis

Explore South Dakota

DEADWOOD OKTOBERFEST

Oct. 2-3 across Deadwood. It’s Oktoberfest in the

Wild West as scavenger hunts, cook-offs, games, live music, food, and the famous Weiner dog races take place around the landmark town of Deadwood in this two-day event. 605.578.1876 deadwood.com/event/oktoberfest/

ROBERT PLANT WITH SAVING GRACE AND SUZI DIAN

Oct. 11 at Fine Arts Theatre at The Monument, 444 Mt. Rushmore Rd., Rapid City. Led Zeppelin’s

former frontman brings his unique take on folk, roots, and rock music with a live performance supported by Saving Grace, Plant’s touring band since 2019, and vocalist Suzi Dian. 605.394.4115 themonument.live/plan-your-visit

EVENT TIMES AND DETAILS MAY CHANGE. Visit omahamagazine.com for complete listings. Check with venue or event organizer to confirm. OCTOBER 2026

// 87 //

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

STAY IN SCHOOL

number of years ago—more than 20—I wrote a novel. That is not really unusual. Nowadays, a lot of people write novels. Excuse me…I should say, a lot of people start novels. That’s the easy part—starting. It’s actually wise for most folks who do start, to not try to finish the darn thing. If you finish the book, you’ll just have to figure out what to do with it.

If you print it out, you’ll have two piles of paper in your den. One pile of the 455-page manuscript of part one of your Ayn Randian trilogy about objectivism and magic unicorns, and another big pile of receipts from Office Depot for printing services, paper, and that $1,100 ergonomic desk chair you bought because your lumbar spine gave out while you were writing Appendix 7 for chapter 85. If you decide to submit it to someone, you’ll have to make sure you’re using a good word processing program. Hint: don’t ever use Word Perfect unless you’re writing an appeal for the Eighth Circuit court. One should also avoid including drawings, especially if they were done by your estranged spouse before the divorce. If you do use the drawings without a written release, you’re just asking for a lawsuit over royalties and an eventual appeal to the Eighth Circuit. So, save that copy of Word Perfect after all. If you decide to self-publish, my only advice is to make sure you have a big garage or a storage unit where you can keep those boxes full of books you ordered. Also, use proper lifting techniques. Books are heavy and your lumbar spine region is in rough shape, remember? What does all this have to do with education? This is the education issue, isn’t it? Well, I actually finished my novel. Note: There’s no paper version…I’m not sending it to any publishers (they have me blocked still). I didn’t self-publish, because I couldn’t think of a clever name for my fake publishing company to use on the copyright page. The book, titled On the Albino Farm, is still in a file folder on my home computer and saved on a few 5-inch floppy discs in a box at the back of my office closet. The opening paragraph is autobiographical, and, appropriate to this issue, sums up my formal education nicely. To wit: “I’m a really smart guy. I got my high school diploma from a half-seminary, half rich-kids-in-trouble boarding school, run by Benedictine monks who liked fist fights as much as Gregorian chants. I went to college. One semester, I signed up for 19 credit hours. Then, I proceeded straight to the airport, flew to San Francisco, drank, smoked, dropped, made love not war, and sold oregano in sandwich bags to tourists for airfare home. I took my finals and got a 3.4 GPA without ever attending an actual class. Got into law school without a degree, because I killed the entrance exam. Lost interest. Quit after six weeks. I’m a really smart guy, but I always lose interest.” So, in conclusion: don’t write a novel…and…stay in school!

OCTOBER // 88 // 2026

02 Dinner two of ten

You don’t know where you’re going. You don’t know who’s cooking. October 31.

Location drops the day of the event. The chef stays secret until you sit down. SCAN FOR TICKETS

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