Volume 25 Number 10 Newsletter of the Benson Neighborhood Association October 2016

Benson Boo Bash by Kathy Buchanan Boo Bash is a local tradition that allows children to trick-or-treat at participating businesses in downtown Benson.

This year, Boo Bash is Saturday, October 29th from 10:30am to 1pm throughout downtown. Many families start out at the Community Center, but you can start anywhere.

New this year, the Benson branch of the Omaha Public li-brary will be handing out treats from their own location, a

Next Meeting: Monday, October 24, 2016

Location: Benson Baptist Church 64th & Maple

7:00 pm Park and enter on the south side

of the building

short distance from Maple St.

The Benson Community Center, decked out with new holiday decorations, will offer fun and games, includ-ing a bounce house in the gym for the little ones.

Outside the Community Center will be an area for pictures of your kids in costume. Representatives from Walgreens will be on hand to take photos. The Benson High School Band will also be downtown to make the occasion even more festive.

Plan on stopping at area churches, too. Immanuel Lutheran will be handing out treats at 2725 N 60th Ave. Bethany Lutheran Church (5151NW Radial), will also have activities from noon to 2pm and Benson Baptist Church from 3:30-5:30.

Because of Halloween, our October meeting is not

the last Monday of the month. We will meet on

Monday, October 24th instead.

Plan on coming to the meeting to learn about the

Douglas County bond issue that will be on the

November ballot.

Four common sense tips to keep your child safe this Halloween from St. Bernard Catho-lic School Remind them to use crosswalks and avoid crossing in the middle of the street. Or, to cross the street at street cor-

ners. Pay attention to lights and take note of any cars around. Have children use flashlights to see where they’re stepping and to prevent falls. Often times, sidewalks in estab-

lished neighborhoods like Benson can be uneven. Trick or treat in areas that are familiar to you and your children. Talk about what to do in an emergency and have a

“game plan.” Adults are never too old to trick or treat! Go with your children and have fun!

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Benson Magnet High School 5120 Maple St. 402-557-3000 www.ops.org/benson

Benson West Elementary School 6652 Maple St. 402-554-8633 www.ops.org/bensonwest

Holy Name School 2901 Fontenelle Blvd. 402-451-5403 www.holynameschoolomaha.org

Monroe Middle School 5105 Bedford Ave. 402-557-4605 www.ops.org/monroe

Montessori Co-op School 3713 N 52nd St 402-345-2001 mscomaha.org

Rose Hill Elementary School 5605 Corby St 402-554-6797 Rosehill.ops.org

St. Bernard’s Parochial School 3604 N 65 St. 402-553-4993 www.stbernardomaha.org

St. Pius X / St. Leo Grade School 6905 Blondo St. 402-551-6667 www.spsl.net

Benson School Members

School and Area Announcements

St. Pius X / St. Leo School News The annual fundraiser for St. Pius X / St. Leo School will be held at Creighton Prep High School on Saturday, October 22, 2016. To learn more about our diverse, academic- and service-centered school, call the school office at 402-551-6667 or visit our website at www.spsl.net. We have openings within our school (Pre-K through 8th grade).

Holy Name School How fast can you run? Holy Name Students used GPS systems this week to find out how fast they run in miles per hour. There are a lot of very fast runners in the middle school. Each group recorded their results to be graphed during their next STEM class. Pictured: Left to right: 6th graders: Nyakek Buop, Houston McKell and Luke Martinez.

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR and JOIN US for “A Salute To America” St. Bernard Annual Benefit Dinner Auction is Octo-ber 29! Do you have connections with Benson busi-nesses? St. Bernard is looking to create a “Salute to Benson” basket for the silent auction. We’re looking for restaurant gift certificates, local beers, etc. to fill the basket. If you’d like to help, please call Rose Flores at the parish rectory: (402) 551-0269.

BNA Board Elections in November Each year, the BNA holds board elections at our Novem-ber meeting. This year, we will be electing 5 board members. If you are interested in being on the board, please let us know. The only requirements we have to be on the ballot are that you must be a member of the BNA for 6 months and must be current on your dues.

St Bernards Catholic School

Be sure to visit the St. Bernard School table at Benson Boo Bash on October 29! We’ll be in the Benson Community Cen-ter handing out treats! Stop by and say hi…er, we mean, boo!

St. Bernard students are ready for Halloween!

Business/Organization Members

3N1 Salon………………………...…556-6511

402 Arts Collective…………………..913-1939

Angel Starks Nebraska Realty………553-5744

Atchley Ford……………………...….574-2600

Beard & Mane Barber Shop………...779-8314

Beercade………………………….…934-9633

Benson American Legion, Post 112......493-9990

Benson Brewery.………………….….250-2524

Benson Community Center…………...444-5184

Benson Farmers Market……………...571-1785

Benson First Friday…………………..203-5488

Benson Hair Design………….……….551-4005

Benson Little League………………....714-7787

Benson Plant Rescue…………………933-3867

Benson Podiatry……………………..558-8100

Blondo Service Center……………….553-9459

Ralph K Brown, Jr., Attorney………...553-3611

Burke’s Pub…………………………..558-1365

Cake By The Pound at Ruby’s Place....614-9948

Cavanaugh Law Firm………………..341-2020

Choice Custom Framing……………...505-6666

Dee-sign Landscaping & Garden Ctr.392-1444

Don’s TBA Services………….……….556-8811

Earl Bates Productions…………..…...451-7138

Edward Jones……………………….553-0198

Essential Pregnancy Services………..554-1000

First Edition Printing…………………558-2642

Fork N Farm.………………………...617-9678

Grama Judy’s Daycare…..…….........932-8801

Great Western Bank….…………….551-4310

Haney Shoes………………………...556-2022

Hartland BBQ……………………….397-5765

Holy Name Humble Jumble Shop…...451-5847

Jake’s Cigars and Spirits…….….…..934-9633

James J Regan, Regan Law Office….341-2020

Jane’s Health Market………………..558-8911

Jerry’s Bar…………….…………......553-3343

Jim’s Glass Service…………………..933-3355

Just Paint It…………………………..741-1031

Key Cleaners………………………..553-1543

Kremer Funeral Home……………….553-3155

Kris’ K-9 Klean-Up….…………….…558-0486

Lastime Roofing……………………..330-0911

Lot 2 Restaurant……………………..504-4200

Lulu’s Hair Design……………………551-7141

Maggie’s Farm ……………………...720-4964

Mantra Bar and Grille………………933-1666

Maple Crest Care Center…………....551-2110

Marion Tire Pros……………………..553-9393

Mark Goodall, Attorney……………..556-5010

Mary Kay-Joann Floyd…...…….…....490-6614

Megapiranha Media.…………(623)-810-1532

Metaphrases Solutions……………….451-8774

Metropolitan Bldg & Loan…………...553-3611

Michael Blackmon, Comm Real Estate..981-7337

Midwest Tae Kwon Do.………………932-2999

Mint Design Group…………………..330-2999

Mishmash…………………………….679-0959

Benson Neighborhood Association

P.O. BOX 4134 Omaha, NE 68104

Benson News is published through a voluntary, collaborative effort of Benson Neighborhood Association members. Copies are made by First Edition Printing in Benson. News and Ad Deadline The deadline is the15th of every month. E-mail bensonneighborhoodassociation@gmail.com to submit articles, advertisements and editorial. Please use ‘newsletter’ as the subject line in your e-mail. Mission Statement of the Benson Neighbor-hood Association To encourage participation in revitalization of Benson residential and business areas. To interact cooperatively with community, schools, churches and other organizations. To bring about positive change for residents in the Benson area. 2016 Board of Directors President Kathy Buchanan…………………..(402) 551-2884

Vice President Joe DiCostanzo…………………...(402) 547-6662

Secretary Chris Meza……………………….(402) 391-1323

Treasurer Mark Pflug……...……………..…..(402) 551-3156

2016 Board Members

Kylynn Hightower.……....……..…..(402) 708-3731 Vivian Ingraham……...………...…(402) 553-0152 Brian Fitzpatrick…………………..(402) 214-1299 Brian Hightower…………………..(402) 201-1154 Contact any board member at: bensonneighborhoodassociation@gmail.com

Benson Area Directory

The Benson Neighborhood Association is on facebook, twitter and wordpress.

Business/Organization Members

Nebraska Children’s Home Society….451-0787

NorthStar Foundation.……………….614-6360

Omaha Bicycle Co..…………….…...315-9900

Omaha Home for Boys ……………...457-7000

Omaha Public Library–Benson.….......444-4846

Pear Tree Performing Arts…………..960-8307

Pizza Shoppe…………….………….556-9090

Podany Promotions……………….....551-7505

Polecat Communications.………….....681-1901

Premier Therapy…………………….575-5700

Rainbow Recording Studios………….554-0123

repieced by Liz Moldenhauer….…....880-4664

S Bevingtons Mental Health Therapy..686-4122

Special Kneads, LLC………………...502-0154

St. Andrews Pub…………………...884-9047

State Farm-Andrea Maleki….……....991-0100

Studio of Dance Arts.………………..553-5005

Sublet Safety Services………………558-0737

Suzanne Luttig Photo……...….……...679-3801

Takoda Green Roofing………….…..978-3335

Ted & Wally’s Localmotive Express…551-4420

Teen Challenge……………………...551-2322

That Place in Benson.………………..504-4494

The Bike Pedlar………………..556-BIKE(2453)

Tip Top Thrift Store………………….551-1302

Uncommon Talents…………………...669-8186

Walgreens………………………......551-6151

Important phone numbers Code Enforcement (402) 444-5371 Street Repair (402) 444-4919 Animal Control (402) 444-7800 Mayor’s Hotline (402) 444-5555 Weeds over 18” (402) 444-5910 Councilman Pete Festersen (402) 444-5527 State Senator Burke Harr (402) 471-2722 Douglas Cty Comm. Mark Kraft (402) 444-7025

Welcome new business member:

402 Arts Collective

Benson Area Church Members

Benson Baptist Church 6319 Maple 402-551-1512 Services: Sunday @ 10:15 Sunday School 9:00

Bethany Lutheran Church 5151 NW Radial 402-558-6212 Service: Sunday @ 8:30 am Sunday school 10:00 am

Citylight Benson Church 5612 Corby St 402-551-0760 Services: Sunday @ 9 am & 11am Citylightbenson.org

Greater Beth-el Temple 1502 N. 52nd St Sunday School – 9:45a Sunday Morning Worship – 11:15a Sunday Evening Service – 7:00p Wednesday Evening Service – 7:00p Thursday Noon Service – 12:00p

Holy Name Catholic Church 2901 Fontenelle Blvd. 402-451-6622 Services: Mon -Fri @ 8:30am Saturday @8:30 am & 5pm Sunday 8am, 10:30am, 12:00pm (Spanish) Immanuel Lutheran Church 2725 N 60 Ave. 402-553-5061 Services: Sun. @ 8:15 & 10:40 am Christian Education: 9:40 am

St. Bernard’s Catholic Church 3604 N 65 St. 402-551-0269 Services: Monday – Friday @ 8:00 am Saturday @ 5:00 p.m. Sunday @ 8 & 10 am St. Paul United Methodist Church 5410 Corby 402-556-2433 Services: Saturday 5:00 pm (casual) Sunday 10:30am (traditional) 9:15 a.m. (contemporary)

St. Pius X Catholic Church 6905 Blondo St 402-558-8446 Services: Sunday 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 am Mon - Fri @ 7:00 a.m. & 5:30 pm Saturday @ 5:00 & 7:00 pm Reconciliation Sat 3:30-4:30 pm or by appointment.

Waypoint Church 1313 N 48th St 402-884-4453 Services: Sunday at 9:00 and 11:00 am info@waypointomaha.com

Welcome to our new church member:

Greater Beth-el Temple

Benson Baptist Church 6319 Maple St October 21 - Vendor Setup, 1:30-3:30 p.m. October 22 - Craft and Vendor Fair, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. October 24 - Benson Neighborhood Assoc. Meeting, 7pm October 24 - Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m. October 25 - Bible Study, 10:00 a.m. October 29 - Food Pantry, 9:00 a.m. - Noon October 29 - Trunk or Treat, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Nov 7 - Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer, 10am Nov 12 - Holidays w/ the Merrills at Camp Moses Merrill Nov 13 - Movie Night & Chili/Soup Potluck, 4:00 p.m. November 19 - Food Pantry, 9:00 a.m. November 24-25 - Office Closed, Thanksgiving Holiday November 28 - Arts for All Recital December 10 - ABW Gathering, 10:00 a.m. December 17 - Food Pantry, 9:00 a.m. December 26 - Office Closed

Church News

Immanuel Lutheran Church 2725 N. 60th Ave. Mark your calendar! Reformation Sunday is celebrated on October 30th, at 8:15 and 10:40 a.m. services. The liturgy is done to Polka Music. So if you want to enjoy a toe tap-ping service please join us for this special Service. A Brat and Sauerkraut Dinner is served at 12:00 p.m.. a Free Will Offering is requested. Please join us for a day of worship, music, and a meal with our church family.

The Youth Group of Immanuel Lutheran Church will be holding a fundraiser on Sunday, November 13th. Enjoy four different kinds of soup with all the fixin’s for a Free Will offering. The money raised will help pay for summer church camps and any church trips that happen through-out the year. Soup will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at Immanuel Lutheran Church.

On Saturday, November 21st we will have our Advent

St Paul United Methodist Church Haunted House for Youth St. Paul United Methodist Church Youth Group is spon-soring a Haunted House & Scavenger Hunt for youth ag-es 12-18 on Saturday, October 29, from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at St. Paul UMC, 5410 Corby Street. Admis-sion is free with your donation of items for Youth Emer-gency Services (Y.E.S.) Suggested items: personal hy-giene, hair brush/ties, socks, underwear, etc. For more information contact Marta at 402-306-9499 or (cont.)

Bethany Lutheran Trunk or Treat Set for October 29 Bethany's annual TRUNK OR TREAT, a gift to the families of the Benson community, will be held on Saturday Oc-tober 29 from NOON until 2:00 PM. All are invited for games and a variety of activities and a food counter. Complimentary Bibles and Arch books will be available. Come in Halloween costume and enjoy a fun time.

It's a SOUPER SUPPER! Come and taste all kinds of homemade soups along with all the trimmings! Admission? To benefit the Food Bank: a can of soup or fruit or vegetables per person. Join us in Bethany's fellowship Hall at 5151 Northwest Radial Highway. Soup will be served from 4:30 - 6:30 PM

Fair. All are invited to make Christmas gifts. The fair is from 11:a.m.to 2:00 p.m. Lunch is available with a free will offering. This a fun way for children and adults to make ornaments & gifts for the Christmas season.

Immanuel Lutheran Church will hold its annual Thanks-giving Eve service on Wednesday Nov 23. You are invit-ed to worship at 7:00 pm. Thanksgiving Day turkey is prepared for all who would like to share a meal with us.

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Library News Benson Family Storytime Thursday 11/3, 11/10, 11/17— 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Saturday 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26—10:00 - 10:30 AM Join us for stories, creative movement, music and more. Interaction and participation are welcome. We will ex-plore the early literacy skills of singing, playing, reading, talking and writing in each storytime. Children of all ages are welcome; storytimes will be tailored for the age of the children present. Childcare groups, please call in ad-vance. Teen Manga Club 11/26/2016 –2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Meeting Room If you love all things manga and anime related, you should definitely join us the 4th Saturday of each month to have fun talking about manga and watching anime with other teens. Ages 12-18 are welcome. Teen Poetry Workshop feat. Louder than a Bomb Artists 11/12/2016– 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Meeting Room Registration begins 10/13/2016 at 8:00 AM Bring your creativity and interest in slam poetry! Join Ne-braska Writers Collective's Louder Than a Bomb coaches and visiting artists to learn from the experts. These work-shops will build to a friendly competition sponsored by Omaha Public Library, the Teen Poetry Bash, with your original pieces performed in front of a live audience. Book and Bagels Book Club 11/3/2016–10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Large Meeting Room Group discussion of adult fiction and non-fiction books.

Benson Mystery Book Club 11/8/2016– 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Join us for a group discussion about adult mystery novels. Veterans Day - All locations closed except South Omaha Library 11/11/2016 All Day Thanksgiving - All locations closed 11/24/2016 – 11/25/2016 All Day

(St. Paul...continued from page 5) mwheeler@stpaulomaha.org.

Holiday Shopping Fair Saturday, November 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Saint Paul United Methodist Church, 5410 Corby Street, I in Fellowship Hall. Amazing shopping and all day conces-sions. Enter at the northeast entrance under the green awning. If you are interested in being a vendor or have any other questions, email Katy Smith (ksmith@stpaulomaha.org) or call her at 402-556-3885. Special Service on Sunday, November 6 There will be one worship service at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 5410 Corby Street, at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 6. St. Paul UMC would like to invite everyone to join us for worship that Sunday. A Service of Unity With the election cycle nearly over, regardless of party affiliation healing needs to take place to move our coun-try forward. Sunday, November 13, at 4:00 p.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 5410 Corby Street, a spe-cial Evensong will take place with service music provided by the combined choirs of All Saints & St. Paul Churches. Join the faith community in a time of prayerful reconcilia-tion and healing.

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In the Neighborhood Conference By Kathy Buchanan I recently attended the In the Neighborhood Conference, which was intended for neighborhood associations and other organizations who have a vested interest in what happens in our neighborhoods. We had opportunities to attend various workshops and to meet with other lead-ers to discuss issues in our neighborhoods.

Vacant housing was an issue in a number of North Oma-ha neighborhoods. Councilman Gray, who led a breakout session for some N Omaha neighborhoods, suggested that it is possible for residents to take control of the problem, one residence at a time by pooling resources, purchasing and rehabilitating properties when possible. He gave the example of the Minne Lusa neighborhood which rehabbed a home, which is now a community gathering spot, known as Minne Lusa House.

The conference was considered a dry run for the nation-al Neighborhoods USA (NUSA) conference which will be held in Omaha next May 27th & 28th.

This conference will offer workshops and tours of various Omaha neighborhoods to visitors from all over the coun-try. The Benson Neighborhood Association would like to put together a tour of Benson, with a focus on our vital downtown area. If you have ideas or would like to partic-ipate, please contact us at: bensonneighborhoodassociation@gmail.com.

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Oktoberfest at the Benson Community Garden The Benson Community Garden celebrated the end of the season with their Oktoberfest event on Friday September 30th. Over 300 people attended and were able to enjoy great food , great beer and great entertainment.

Realities in Housing Conference This free event, sponsored by the City of Omaha Mayor’s Fair Housing Adviso-ry Group is set for Thursday, November 17th from 8am-12pm at the Scott Conference Center. The conference is geared towards all housing providers, including homeless shelters, public housing staff, property management, government officials, realtors and all landlords (big and small). Topics include the following: HUD’s Memo on Renting to Those With a Criminal History Responsibilities of Housing Providers to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing (AFFH) These topics have been approved by the NE Real Estate Commission; with CEUs offered to realtors in attendance. Go to the following link for registration information. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/realities-of-housing-conference-tickets-28555825242

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Omaha Bicycle Company Upcoming Events Oct. 27 Pedal Happy Potluck - 7:00pm Oct. 29 4th Birthday Costume Party & Silent Auction 7:00 to 10:00pm (suggested $10 donation at the door gets you sweet stuff: beverages, cake, snacks AND immediate entry to win a prize in our raffle) Halloween Costume Party Silent Auction & Door Prizes OBC Calendar Pre-Sale (what?!?) OBC Zine Release New Seasonal Merch Spooky Birthday Snacks Live Music by Faiere Tones Oct. 31 Critical Mask Ride - Elmwood Park & Leavenworth 5:00pm Free Coffee Friday It's back! Stop in every Friday during the month of Octo-ber and receive a free, 8-ounce drip coffee. Who loves, ya, baby! Cold Weather Merch There's no need to garage your bike when the weather cools - all you need is the right gear! We'll be introducing our new cold weather merch and a few TUNE UP SPECIALS throughout the month. Stop in and see what's new. We have a feeling there will be some items you just can't live without.

Douglas County Achievements (The following article was originally submitted in August) Douglas County has received the prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, Douglas County Clerk/Comptroller Dan Esch announced.

This award is presented to governments that meet the best practice standards for financial reporting. This is the 12th consecutive year that Douglas County has received this award. Douglas County also received the Award for Outstand-ing Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting from the GFOA for the County’s Popular Annual Financial Re-port (PAFR) for the same fiscal year end.

"There were several staff members of the Clerk/Comptroller's office who put a lot of time and effort into these reports, so I'm very happy to see their hard work get the recognition it deserves," Esch said. Esch also recognized the contribu-tions of Douglas County's external auditors, Hayes & Associates, LLC and Seim Johnson, LLP, as well as the contribu-tions of all Douglas County departments." The cooperation the Clerk/Comptroller's office receives from the external auditors and from the other County depart-ments is a big reason why these reports are successful," Esch said. Douglas County’s award-winning CAFR and PAFR can be viewed by going to the Clerk/Comptroller’s website, www.douglascountyclerk.org.

The Douglas County Clerk/Comptroller is the official record keeper for the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, maintains financial accounting records for Douglas County, and issues marriage licenses, locksmith licenses, and liquor and tobacco licenses for establishments in unincorporated Douglas County.

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49th and Caldwell Area Sewer Separation Project Update Construction UPDATE – October 7, 2016 To help you navigate the neighborhood as easily as possible, the following provides information about street closings and project progress. All efforts are pending weather. Current Construction Stage • Sod is being placed along 49 Street, south of Happy Hollow Boulevard • Paving and sidewalk work is being completed along 49th Street from Happy Hollow Blvd to Decatur Street and along Decatur Street • Sewer work continues northward along 49th Street toward Blondo Street Next Construction Stage • Removals and sewer work will continue into the intersection of 49th Street and Blondo Streets and extend westward along Blondo Street to 49th Avenue • This work is expected to begin in late October Traffic will be detoured around these areas while construction is taking place. For questions contact: Gabe Astorino (402) 206-3205 Jesse Walz (402) 861-1721

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Memberships for the BNA run July - June of each year. To join or renew, fill out the form and return it with your membership dues to: Benson Neighborhood Association PO Box 4134, Omaha NE 68104.

Benson First Friday

If you have not already done so, please renew today!

The next Benson First Friday (BFF) is Friday, November 4th. The follow-ing events are planned:

@ Alleyway just South of Maple Street Final Unveilings of ALL completed murals for the BFF Tiny Mural Project! Check out all the completed murals from: Ransom Bennet (Benson Brewery), Jonathan Riggle (Petshop), Autumn Armstrong (Barley Street), Christopher Vaughn Couse (Lover Luxuries), Magnolia Blossoms (Lover Luxuries), Sarah Craw (Citylight Benson), Joe Nicholson (Zombie Glass), Barrett Ryker (Omaha Bicycle Co.) & Maggie Weber (Ted & Wally’s/Localmotive) ** The BFF Tiny Mural Project was recently nomi-nated for an Omaha Entertainment & Arts Award in the category of Best Public Art!! @ Petshop TJ Templeton :: "Youthful Commodities" & on display: Sarah Hummel Jones :: "hiding in the dark" @ Edward Jones Artist Molly Ohm @ CHOICE Custom Framing "Mythical Beasts III" Showcasing original Art depicting both creatures of saccharine seed & hellish proportion. Work by artists from around the country and local talent. @ The Little Gallery FLOCK : Installation from our friends at Min l Day.

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Benson Neighborhood Association PO BOX 4134 Omaha, NE 68104

Cops and Bobbers 2016