February 10, 2010
BFM Vendors Wanted
Are you a local farmer, artist or craftsperson looking for a place to sell your goods and services? Look no further than downtown Benson this spring, summer and early fall.
The 2010 Benson Farmers Market, which kicks off May 1 and runs through Sept. 25, is currently seeking vendors. The market will set up shop each Saturday on Military Avenue between Maple and Binney from 8:00am to noon. To sign up or for more information, email bensonfm@cox.net or call Janelle Grieco at 763.8995 or Mary Pat Johnson at 390.9650.
Green Garden Workshops
Is there a better way to manage your yard?
The City of Omaha is offering a series of workshops on how to create and maintain rain gardens and other sustainable landscapes in March. Participants will learn the ins and outs from experts in the fields of landscape horticulture, soil science and landscape design.
The cost is $20 per person, which includes a take-home rain garden manual developed by the City of Omaha through a grant from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality. The workshop dates, times and locations are as follows:
Saturday, March 20
9:00am to noon
Metropolitan Community College, Fort Omaha Campus, Building 7
30th and Fort streets
Thursday, March 25
6:30 to 9:30pm
Douglas County Extension Office
8015 W. Center Road
Saturday, March 27
9:00am to noon
Douglas County Extension Office
8015 W. Center Road
To register, email greengardens@lovgren.com or call Nancy at 397.7158.
Social Impact Forum
The first annual Social Impact Forum Omaha will be held Friday, Feb. 26, at Creighton University’s Harper Center. The conference is designed to engage, empower and energize hundreds of local leaders and change makers to address the increasingly complex and connected challenges facing the community. The cost is $50 or $35 for nonprofit attendees and $20 for students.
To register online or to view the complete forum schedule, visit www.socialimpactomaha.org. For more information about the event or sponsorship opportunities, contact Taylor Keen at 402.960.5689 or taylorkeen@creighton.edu.
Students Going Green
The Green Omaha Coalition’s Green Schools Program has announced its second annual Students Going Green competition. It’s an opportunity for younger Omahans to get involved and help reduce the impact of their schools on the environment. Details are available at http://www.greenomahacoalition.org/index.cfm?Page=grassroots. The winners will be awarded and recognized during 2010 Earth Day celebrations.
New Parks Director
Melinda Pearson
Melinda Pearson has been hired as the city’s parks director. She will begin her new duties Feb. 16. Pearson brings 30 years of architectural experience and 15 years of experience managing her own business to the city. She currently serves as executive director of the State Board of Engineers and Architects. Pearson was instrumental in developing the Alexa Check initiative, a statewide public inspection process and public education campaign to improve the structural safety of park buildings statewide.
A news release issued by the mayor’s office said Pearson will also play a key role in establishing an Omaha Parks Foundation.