🔨 20 new homes: Habitat Omaha kicks off Pope Leo Village

The Graduation Gift They Will Replay Forever: A Custom Song Written for Your Senior

Graduation only happens once, and it deserves something more than a gift card. Songs for Your Story takes your senior's name, memories, and inside jokes and crafts them into a fully custom, professionally produced song. Play it at the party, drop it behind the slideshow, or just send it to them on the big day. Give them something nobody else will think to give.

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Before you decide, go to songsforyourstory.com/graduation and hit play on any song. Just 30 seconds. You will be blown away.

Starting at $79. Graduation season only.

Thank you to our sponsors who help keep this newsletter free for the community. 🙏

💡 Utilities team up for Community Resource Fair

The Gist: OPPD and M.U.D. are hosting a Community Resource Fair on Tuesday, May 5th, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Abide Omaha on North 45th St. Staff will be on hand to help with utility bill assistance, energy-saving tips, and home weatherization. The event brings together several local non-profits and advocacy partners to provide a one-stop shop for financial and wellness support.

Why It Matters: Having all these experts in one room at Abide Omaha makes getting help much easier. It’s a neighborly way to ensure everyone in our community stays warm, healthy, and financially on track. Head over to 3223 North 45th St. on Tuesday, May 5th, any time between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. to get the help you need.

🔨 Habitat Omaha breaks ground on Pope Leo Village

The Gist: Habitat for Humanity of Omaha kicked off its Pope Leo Village build last weekend, with more than 50 volunteers, staff, homeowners, and supporters starting construction on the first of 20 homes planned for the Bluestem Prairie neighborhood near 52nd and Sorensen Parkway. The two-year build is part of a national initiative funded by an anonymous donor, with affiliates participating in 16 cities across the country.

Why It Matters: The Pope Leo project is designed specifically to bring younger volunteers into the work. The campaign aims to recruit 600 new volunteers locally over the build. Volunteer signups are open at habitatomaha.org for individuals, faith groups, and youth groups age 16 and up.

🌮 Food sizzles, mezcal flows, Blackstone hums

There is a reason the group text for a night out eventually lands in Mula Mexican Kitchen & Tequileria. They have defined the Blackstone District for over a decade, balancing a sophisticated agave program with effortless warmth.

The room smells of citrus and toasted chilies, while the kitchen turns out birria tacos with rich consommé and charred elote that pairs perfectly with a flight of tequila.

As the season turns, the energy shifts to the back lot for the annual block party on May 2: a local tradition of margarita gardens, turkey legs, and dancing that makes the arrival of summer feel official.

🕯️ Crafting a candle that is entirely yours

The shelves at Dundee Candle Co. hold more than 90 individual scents, but the real magic happens when you start mixing them.

Instead of simply browsing, you spend about half an hour working with the staff to narrow down a custom blend of three hand-poured soy oils. It is a thoughtful way to spend a May afternoon, especially with Mother's Day approaching.

While your creation sets, you can easily wander through Underwood for a coffee!

🐾 12-week-old Cookie Crisp is a spunky Shetland Sheepdog mix

She is just beginning to discover the world around her! This outgoing brown and white pup weighs only 4 pounds and brings plenty of youthful curiosity to our local community.

Her friendly nature makes her a wonderful candidate for an active home willing to guide her. Cookie Crisp is expected to get along well with other pets and children after proper introductions. Her adoption fee is $425.00 at the NHS.

To learn more about this adorable girl,

🥕 Old Market Farmers Market Opening Day | 11th & Jackson Streets | Omaha | 05/02 | More 
The ritual returns with 100+ vendors, live music, and rhubarb season in full swing.

🎨 Art-tastic Saturday | Joslyn Art Museum | Omaha | 05/02 | More 
Photo booths, art, and free exhibition entry the whole family can roam through.

🌺 Aloha Omaha | Trucks & Taps | Omaha | 05/02 | More 
Vibrant festival featuring island-themed vendors, food trucks, and tropical vibes.

💡 The Budding Artist | Lauritzen Gardens | Omaha | 05/02-05/03 | More 
Creative nature-inspired crafting for all ages within the scenic garden grounds.

🎭 The Great Race | The Rose Theater | Omaha | until 05/03 | More 
Whimsical stage performance perfect for a family afternoon out.

✨ Mother's Day Party | The Beautique | Omaha | 05/07 | More 
Pampering evening with permanent jewelry, mimosas, and relaxing wellness rituals.

🎸 Phoneboy with Heart Attack Man | The Slowdown | Omaha | 05/01 | More
Hook-driven indie rock with that midwest-emo undercurrent. $25 advance.

🎤 Katt Williams: The Golden Age Tour | Baxter Arena | Omaha | 05/01 | More
Sharp-witted, high-energy stand-up comedy from a legendary performer.

🕺 Stayin' Alive: The Bee Gees & Beyond with the Omaha Symphony | Holland Performing Arts Center | Omaha | 05/01 | More 
Sequins, falsettos, and disco-era anthems built for dancing in your seat.

🎨 Benson First Friday | Benson Creative District | Omaha | 05/01 | More 
The summer artist market returns with 75+ vendors and the Petshop backlot lit up.

💫 Bob the Drag Queen | Funny Bone Comedy Club | Omaha | 05/01–05/02 | More
The RuPaul's Drag Race winner brings sharp wit and zero filter, four shows total.

💐 Build A Bouquet Shopping Day | Rockbrook Village | Omaha | 05/02 | More
Sips, snacks, and floral fun while browsing boutique flash sales.

🏃 Brooks Invest in Yourself 5K | Lewis & Clark Landing | Omaha | 05/03 | More 
A 5K through the heart of Berkshire weekend, no shareholder pass required.

🎭 Mamma Mia! | Orpheum Theater | Omaha | until 05/03 | More 
ABBA hits, a Greek island wedding, and dancing in the aisles for the whole crew.

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