Omaha.net - Local Writing from the Heartland

Gary Wasdin

Site Administrator — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:32:35 +0000

Gary Wasdin, Executive Director of the Omaha Public Library

Interview Date:

February 23, 2010

3 Things to Dig:

Diversity of Restaurants

Proximity to Whole Foods Market

That People Care About What's Here

3 Things to Change:

Better Marketing of the City (We're Trying!)

Change Image of What a Library Is

Less Snow/Potholes

Gary Wasdin ushered in 2010 with a new job: Executive Director of the Omaha Public Library system. A one time Floridian, Gary received his BA in Georgia, a pair of Master’s degrees (library sciences, instructional technology) in Connecticut, and spent more than a decade working in New York for the Fogelman Libary at The New School and the New York Public Library. Gary likes libraries. A lot.

He recently completed a stint as the Assistant Dean at the University of Alabama.

He also likes restaurants (Dixie Quicks, Sakura Bana), Film Streams, and, like any big kid, the Children’s Museum.

Introducing Interfaith

Beth Katz — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:57:40 +0000

An introduction to interfaith, starting with 3 common myths

Welcome to the first in a string of columns that I’ll be posting on Omaha.net exploring topics related to belief, religion, identity, culture, interfaith-relations, and everything in between.

Top 5 Vegetarian Restaurants in Omaha

Jordy Clements — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 06:07:20 +0000

Vegetarian/vegan options that go beyond a plate of greens

Vegetarians and vegans expect more than a plate of greens and a smile these days—they get hungry, too!

Whether it’s traditionally healthy ethnic cuisine, or restaurants that cater specifically to a veggie clientele, diners demand affordable vegetarian meals that are meat free from beginning to end, not ones with a hole where the beef used to be.

These Omaha vegetarian restaurants will fill you up affordably so you don’t feel like you missed your meal.

Criteria: Taste, ingredient quality, unique atmosphere, menu variety, affordability

Pet Overpopulation and You - Let's Start With You

Shawn Finch — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:52:21 +0000

Your decision may solve pet overpopulation.

Should you adopt a kitten or a cat, a puppy or a dog, a mixed breed or a purebreed?

NO!

Should you adopt from a high quality breeder, a shelter or a rescue group?

NO!

Should you have your pet spayed or neutered?

NO!

Wait, I mean YES! Of course, yes.

4 Ways to Network for a Job

Vickie Seitner — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 02:32:44 +0000

When to change careers? How to use your alma mater?

Our career counselor is back, answering more of your job related questions.

Read her previous mail bag to learn about finding the right career path, explaining gaps in your resume, and rejoining the workforce after the birth of a child.

Want to ask something specific? Write to Vickie here, and maybe your question will appear in the next mail bag!

Theresa Jehlik

Site Administrator — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 02:41:28 +0000

Theresa Jehlik - Benson Branch Manager, Omaha Public Library

Interview Date:

February 15, 2010

3 Things to Dig:

Central location in the country

Small town feel

Affordable place to live

3 Things to Change:

Less retail

Stabilize city funding

“I just have two!”

Theresa Jehlik is the Branch Manager of the Benson Branch of the Omaha Public Library. She moved to Omaha from Western Canada in 1980 when her husband took a “one year job” at Creighton University. The Jehlik’s have been here ever since.

Two Honk Morning

Ann Troe — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:58:36 +0000

Turning two honking drivers into a moment for reflection

It was snowing that morning. Just enough to cover the drive and freshen everything up. After dropping my daughter off at school, I went to go exercise at the gym.

Manya Shorr

Site Administrator — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:29:37 +0000

Manya Shorr - Swanson Branson Manager - Omaha Public Library

Interview Date:

February 19, 2010

3 Things to Dig:

Vibrant art/music scene

Low cost of living

People are charming

3 Things to Change:

People should drive more respectfully

More love of the city from locals

More support for the library

Manya Shorr is the Branch Manager of the Swanson Branson of the Omaha Public Library. She worked in her university library and eventually landed in the Portland Public Library before moving to Omaha site unseen. Every year, she helps host the Mayhem in the Midlands conference, which focuses on mystery and crime fiction. Her personal passion is trying to use the library to provide a social outlet for an under-served part of the community: people like her!

Top 5 Coffee Shops in Omaha

Jordy Clements — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:57:59 +0000

Java Joust of Omaha's best coffee, which cups make the cut?

A Java Joust of the best coffee houses in Omaha, will your cup make the cut?

Criteria: Good coffee, fair prices, unique atmosphere, quality of food offerings, location, extras

5 Ways to Beat Canine Cabin Fever

Jessica Kamish — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:37:28 +0000

Tips for keeping you and your dog active in the winter.

Winter in Omaha often times is too cold for us to go out for our daily doggie walks. Short, bitterly cold days in Nebraska make our daily walks with our canine companions not very enjoyable. And when a dog is used to being walked daily the other three seasons, winter can bring out some not so desirable behaviors. This is especially true for dogs that are high-energy and that require a lot of exercise.

Not only do we humans suffer from being trapped inside all winter long (aka Cabin Fever), our canine companions are as affected being trapped in, causing problems like unusual barking, chewing up furniture or objects, and even things like unrolling a roll of toilet paper throughout the whole house.