Happy Wednesday! I hope everyone had a great Halloween! It's crazy to say, but we're officially two months into Omaha Circle, and this is already issue number eight! I've had so much fun meeting so many cool people, hearing their stories, and getting to share all these experiences with you guys.
As I mentioned last week, I went to the symphony for the first time Friday, and wow. The music was absolutely beautiful, and I couldn't believe how talented the musicians were. It really does take you to another world. I included a picture of my grandma and me from the night!
Also, a quick trivia update! I definitely underestimated how much work goes into putting an event together. I haven't forgotten about it, though! Just working on getting everything sorted out. Now lets get into it!
The Vitals
Report |
|---|
Sunrise: 6:57am ↑ |
Sunset: 5:16pm ↓ |
Total Daylight: 10h and 19m |
Allergens: High Dust and Dander |
Air Quality: Good 13 AQI |
Rainfall This Month: 0.90 in. |
Missouri River Height: 15.30 ft. |
Omaha Weather Betrayal Count: 2 |
Well, we've officially fallen back an hour, and wow, the days already feel so much different. The sun's setting so early now, and we've had a pretty dreary couple of days. But for some reason, I don't feel all that betrayed by it. There's something kind of nice about this time of year, even if it means it's dark before dinner.
The People of Omaha
This week: Dianna McCormick, Certified Therapy Dog Volunteer
This is a section where I highlight a business owner or just someone I think is cool (or both)
A Little Love on Four Paws
The first thing Dianna McCormick said when we met wasn't about therapy dogs. It was that I had "really cold hands." I honestly wasn't expecting that one, but it made me laugh, and just like that, we were talking like we'd known each other for a while. Dianna is one of those people who makes you feel comfortable right away. She's incredibly kind, and after meeting her dog Lucy, I could see where all that warmth comes from.
Lucy was dressed up for the trunk-or-treat when I met her, and I don't think I've ever met a sweeter dog. I crouched down to pet her, and instead of wandering off, she moved even closer to me. She was so gentle, like she didn't have a mean bone in her body. Dianna adopted Lucy the day after Christmas in 2017. She'd actually been looking for a smaller dog, but Lucy reminded her of a dog she'd loved before, and she couldn't pass her up.
At first, Lucy was nervous in her new home. But as she settled in, her love for people started showing. One day at Petco, Lucy was making friends with just about everyone in line when an employee suggested she might make a good therapy dog. Dianna decided to have her evaluated, and Lucy passed with flying colors. Therapy dogs have to be comfortable around people and other animals, follow directions, and stay calm without jumping on anyone. For Lucy, it turned out to be a pretty natural fit.
For the past five years, Dianna and Lucy have been visiting people around Omaha, from kids at school to residents in senior living communities. Dianna told me some of her most meaningful moments have happened with people in memory care. Even when remembering everyday things can be difficult, seeing Lucy can bring back stories about dogs they grew up with or life on the farm. One resident, Annie, has been getting visits from them for a couple of years and loves talking about the dogs she's had. It's amazing how much of a positive impact a certified therapy dog can have, bringing comfort, happiness, and a sense of connection to people who might really need it.
What stuck with me most was that these visits aren't just about petting a cute dog, although Lucy certainly makes that part easy. They're about the smiles, conversations, and little moments of connection that come with it. Dianna told me she's always been a dog person, and you can tell how much she loves sharing Lucy with others. After meeting the two of them, I can see why those visits mean so much.
Dealer’s Choice
42.2 percent of you got last week’s trivia correct!
Another new puzzle this week: Can you find the missing number?
Think you've got it? Reply with your answer!
Around Omaha
Some things worth knowing around Omaha this week
01 - Eppley Is Getting an Upgrade!
If you're flying out of Omaha anytime soon, things might look a little different. The first renovated gates at Eppley Airfield open today, complete with more charging stations, better seating, and larger restrooms. It's the first big reveal in a $950 million transformation. And apparently, they're tripling the number of restroom fixtures throughout the terminal
02 - A New Home for Omaha Soccer
Union Omaha's future downtown home is getting closer! City Council approved the stadium redevelopment agreement and lease last week, moving plans for a new soccer stadium near 10th and Izard forward. The surrounding development would bring restaurants, housing, and retail, too. The target opening is 2028. As a soccer lover, this is pretty exciting.
A Little Good
A 6-year-old makes a discovery nobody has made in 55 years
Six-year-old Leo Youngdahl was exploring Schramm Park near Gretna when he decided to flip over a rock. And wouldn't you know it, he found something pretty incredible! It was a fossil of a conulariid, a jellyfish-like creature shaped like an upside-down pyramid, that hadn't been recorded in Nebraska in over 55 years! Instead of taking his discovery home, Leo left it at the park so other kids could learn about it, too. How cool is that?
From Your Camera Roll
Thanks to Mary for this absolutely awesome photo. It really fits the start of November.
If you’ve got a cool picture sitting somewhere in your camera roll, we’d love to see it! You can send it in below. Pictures are meant to be shared!
The peaceful night skies with brilliant stars
Overheard in Omaha
“I seriously don't check the weather anymore. I just keep four different jackets in my car.”
Worth Getting Out For
Thursday, Nov. 5th
11:00 AM | Autumn Festival – An Arts & Crafts Affair
Shop hundreds of handmade crafts, decorations, and gifts at Liberty First Credit Union Arena. More details
5:00 PM | 21st Annual Tree of Lights Family Festival
See a giant Christmas tree light up, meet Santa, and enjoy free treats and games. More details
7:00 PM | Marlon Wayans
Catch the actor and comedian performing stand-up at Omaha Funny Bone. Ages 21 and up. More details
7:30 PM | Open Mic @ DraftCade
Watch local comedians try new jokes at this free comedy night. Ages 18 and up. More details
Friday, Nov. 6th
3:00 PM | Furrrst Friday
Read books to shelter dogs at the Nebraska Humane Society with Omaha Public Library. More details
5:30 PM | The Art of KongFu Tea Ceremony + Premium Tea Tasting
Taste different Chinese teas and learn traditional brewing methods at the Omaha Mahjong Club. More details
6:00 PM | Teeny Tiny Zines
Make your own tiny, pocket-sized booklet at this free workshop in Benson. More details
Saturday, Nov. 7th
11:00 AM | Bison Fest at Botna Bend
See real bison, try wool spinning, throw an atlatl, and take a hayrack ride. More details
11:00 AM | No Bad Art – Youth Artist Market
Browse and buy original artwork made by young Omaha artists at Millwork Commons. More details
12:00 PM | 7th Annual Wassailing
Help bless the apple trees with hot cider, doughnuts, and chanting at Ditmars Orchard. More details
2:00 PM | Saturday Mahjong Lesson for Beginners
Learn to play mahjong from scratch with guided games and tea at Omaha Mahjong Club. More details
Sunday, Nov. 8th
11:00 AM | Fall Maker's Market
Shop handmade gifts, treats, and crafts from local makers at the Jewish Community Center. More details
2:00 PM | Carmina Burana
Hear the Omaha Symphony perform alongside a massive 350-person choir at the Holland Center. More details
4:00 PM | Crafts at the Carriage House: Paint Your Own Pottery
Paint your own plate or ornament inside Joslyn Castle's historic Carriage House. More details
If there’s an event you want to see on this list next week submit it here →
And that’s a wrap on week eight. If you made it all the way down here, thank you for spending a little bit of your Wednesday with me.
If you liked this issue, send it to someone you think would enjoy it too.
See you next Wednesday 😄
