Invest in the Beat
 
Benson Mural Project

bmp_janes_4.jpgThe Benson Mural Project has invested in the Beat. Led by a group of volunteers affiliated with Leadership Omaha Class 31, the project is creating a series of murals in the alleys of downtown Benson. Professional artist Watie White and Benson High School student Andrew Forsman have completed the alley mural behind The Pizza Shoppe Collective at 6056 Maple St. Professional artist Renee Ledesma Hoover and Benson High School student Jasmine Ruch have completed the alley mural at Jane's Health Market & Deli, 6103 Maple St.

pdf The Maple Street Corridor Project

pdf Conceptual Streetscape Plans

pdf Market Analysis

  		 
     
 
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News and Notes

Blue Pom Party
The Blue Pomegranate Gallery, 6570 Maple St., will host a First Friday event Feb. 5 from 5:00 to 8:00pm. The evening will include new art, door prizes, sweet treats and a sweetheart sale - 20 percent off storewide through February. Gallery fans can also sign up for the Blue Pom's new "wish list" gift registry. The gallery - which represents more than 30 local and regional artists who work in glass, metal, paint, wood, fabric, jewelry and more - is open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 5:00pm and Saturday from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Call 402.502.9901 for more info.

King of Facebook
Benson may be in the running for the title of "Facebook Capital of the World." Two new Facebook pages opened up shop in recent days - Benson Business Owners and Advocates, and Found In Benson, a weekly underground newspaper that's currently seeking content. The pair joins a lengthy list of other organizational pages with a connection to Benson - Benson Rocks!, Benson Mural Project, Benson Farmers Market, Benson-Ames Alliance, Benson High School Rain Garden, Benson History and Welcome Center, Benson Bicycle Club and the granddaddy of them all - Benson, Nebraska.

Mark Your Calendar
The Benson Neighborhood Association (BNA) Unity Parade is set for Saturday, Sept. 18, from 10:30am to noon on Maple Street. Mark your calendar and plan on attending or getting involved. For more info, contact Liz Moldenhauer, president of the BNA, at mold_e@yahoo.com.

Theology Pub Discussion
Do you like to share your point of view? Attend the next Theology Pub Tuesday, Feb. 9, at Jake's Cigars & Spirits from 7:00 to 9:00pm. The event, hosted by City Church, will include a discussion of violence, war and capitol punishment. All are welcome.

Eat in Benson
KETV Channel 7 reports that Joe's Cafe, 6564 Maple St., has been sold to "longtime restaurateur Arturo Resendiz and chef Cynthia Zych." Stay tuned as the new owners map out their strategy.

Benson Gets Ink
Sam Swanson, dubbed Benson's "digital historian" by writer Kurt Goetzinger, is featured in the current issue of Neighborhood News - the Peony edition. If you have ideas for other Benson features, send them Kurt's way at bensonnebraska@gmail.com. The time for your 15 minutes of fame may have finally arrived.


Don't forget to check out the new "Rent the Beat," "Buy the Beat" and "Park the Beat" sections of The Beat. If you've got commercial or residential property for sale or rent in Benson, you can post your listings free of charge. Just click on the icons at the top of www.bensonbeat.com for more info.