Join the neighborhood-wide garage sale!  An ad will be placed in the Journal Star and social media sites. A map of participating addresses will be given to shoppers at Russ’s Market (17th & Washington). Please contact Greg Dorff by May 15, at greg.dorff@prglincoln.com or 402-415-3616, if you would like to add your address to the sale map. There is no charge to participate! 

The Lincoln Marathon route crosses Near South, and to show

neighborhood pride–and keep it clean--residents cheer on

marathoners from about 7-10 am at the corner of 16th and A Street.

Grab your coffee and cowbell and meet some neighbors while

cheering on the runners.

Find a variety of items for your garden. The event takes place on

Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Southview Christian

Church parking lot, at the corner of 22nd & South. The sale will

feature a wide variety of landscape perennials, as well as

houseplants, vegetable starts, lawn and garden tools, and

porch/patio items. You can expect to score great deals on some

wonderful plants to boost your home's curb appeal and beautify the

Near South--all while supporting your Neighborhood Association!

We are able to accept cash, cards, and Venmo.

Volunteers will be walking the streets and alleys collecting litter from

9 to 11:30 am. Dumpsters and recycling trucks will be located in the

Lincoln High School parking lot on Capitol Parkway, directly across

from McDonald's. Near South residents can drop off items between

10:00am and 3:00pm. For paid members of the Near South

Neighborhood Association (NSNA) there is no charge to drop off

large appliances, TVs, or up to four tires. Rims must be removed

from all tires. Tires are only accepted until the trailer is full. For

residents but non-members of the NSNA there will be a $10 charge

for each large appliance or TV and $6 per tire for up to four tires. All

fees must be paid in cash when the items are dropped off. For a

complete list of items accepted and not accepted, see

www.nearsouth.org.

GUEST SPEAKER BECKY MARTIN GIVES TIPS ON RESEARCHING THE HISTORY OF YOUR HOUSE

Anyone living in the one square mile that is the Near South Neighborhood is invited to attend. Meet your Near South neighbors at the Annual Meeting and Potluck, October 19, 2025 at First Plymouth Church, 2000 D Street, from 5:30 to 8 p.m..

Table service, tea, coffee and lemonade will be provided. Bring a dish to share.

Guest speaker Becky Martin will give tips and resources to find out the history of your house. Bring a dish or dessert to share and get ready to visit with your neighbors, hear all about what the NSNA is up to, and enjoy a delightful program.

Becky Martin is a life-long Lincoln resident, graduating from Prescott, Irving, Lincoln High, and UNL. She’s a retired educator, with a lifelong passion for genealogy and history. Becky is a member and past president of the Preservation Association of Lincoln, proudly receiving the Helen Boosalis Award. She was also past president of NeighborWorks. As a board member of Woods Park Neighborhood Association, she led the way to stabilizing the historic housing by down zoning in the area and in the creation of the Bungalow and the East Lincoln/Elm Park Historic Districts. For the Lincoln-Lancaster County Genealogical Society, she serves as vice-president for Programs/Education.

Near South will have an information booth and we're looking for volunteers. Join us for the annual Art Show & Sale at Lincoln's Sunken Gardens, September 20th, 10 am to 6 pm. Located at South 27th Street and Capitol Parkway, this year's theme is Enchanted Ocean. Join your neighbors to see artwork, live music, dancers, and food trucks. The annual event is sponsored by Clements Noyes Art Gallery.

This year, NSNA is teaming up with the Everett Neighborhood Association, which is the area between G to South Streets and 9th to 13th Streets. We will jointly promote individual garage sales in the neighborhoods through an interactive map available on social media, and a printed map that can be picked up at Russ’s Market at 17th Street at Washington Avenue. Participants are encouraged to do their own publicity and signage to direct customers to your sale. Please consider giving a percentage of profits to NSNA or ENA. Sign up by sending an email to cathy.wilken@nearsouth.org, or call 402-730-5058.

Experience the charm and history of Lincoln’s beloved Near South Neighborhood with the 2025 Tour of Homes, taking place on Mother’s Day weekend, May 10-11, 2025. This biannual tradition celebrates historic preservation, architectural beauty, and community pride, offering visitors a rare glimpse into some of the city’s most unique and storied residences.

EVENT DETAILS:

• VIP Tour: Saturday, May 10, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | $50 (limited tickets available)

• General Tour: Sunday, May 11, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | $20 (unlimited tickets)

• General Tour Starting Location: First Plymouth Church – South Parking Lot

• Tickets: Available online at www.nearsouth.org starting April 4, 2025. Limited VIP tickets available.

2025 THEME: "STORIED STREETS"

This year’s theme, "Storied Streets," showcases Lincoln’s history revealed through the stories of our beloved Near South homes. Featuring six distinguished properties, each with its own unique past, the tour will showcase homes that have played a significant role in shaping Lincoln’s neighborhoods.

Featured Homes:

• Proudfit House (2128 B St.) – A beautifully restored Prairie Box home originally built in 1909.

• McAfee House (1801 C St.) – Designed by Chicago architect Paul V. Hyland, this grand residence exudes elegance.

• Hedge House (1816 C St.) – A stunning example of the American Foursquare style, once owned by Lincoln’s mayor.

• Yost House (1900 S. 25th St.) – A Renaissance Revival home built in 1912, reflecting the success of its original owners.

• Sidles House (2110 A St.) – Once home to a pioneer in Lincoln’s automotive industry, featuring stunning architectural details.

• 2007 Pepper Ave – A hidden gem showcasing Near South’s diverse housing styles.

WHY ATTEND?

• Experience exclusive behind-the-scenes access to some of Lincoln’s most historic homes.

• Learn about the architectural styles and restoration efforts that preserve Lincoln’s character.

• Support NSNA’s community initiatives, including historic preservation, tree canopy restoration, and public parks.

• Enjoy a weekend filled with local history, beautiful homes, and community spirit.

VIP TOUR EXPERIENCE

For those looking for an enhanced experience, the VIP Tour on Saturday, May 10, offers small-group, guided tours through the homes with homeowners present to discuss their restoration journeys. Guests will enjoy a private reception with appetizers, and beverages, at an exclusive venue. VIP guests are welcome to return on Sunday for the general tour at no extra cost.

You are cordially invited to our monthly Board Meetings. 

Don't be shy. We are your neighbors. Stop by and see what we're all about. We currently have several board vacancies, and you might be a perfect fit.

After you visit a few times, and are interested in serving, you are voted on by the Board. You are asked to serve a minimum of two years.

You chose a section of the neighborhood to represent and help flyer houses for events. Great exercise.

Great community connections. Stop by a Board meeting and find out what's happening. All are welcome. Check out nearsouth.org. 

Spring is in the air--spring cleaning I mean! The annual Near South neighborhood clean-up day is Saturday, April 12th. Volunteers will be walking the streets and alleys collecting litter from 9:10am until 11:30am. Dumpsters, a recycling truck, and paper shredding containers will be placed in the Lincoln High School parking lot on Normal Blvd, directly across from McDonald's. You can drop off items between 10:00am and 3:00pm. There is no charge to you for any item you drop off for disposal, recycling, or shredding.

Items we CAN accept

• household trash (in bags) 

• tree limbs and brush 

• cardboard

• appliances, large and small

• TVs

• electronics

• mattresses

• furniture

• tires WITHOUT the rim

• building materials

• clothes (not good enough for thrift stores)

• glass bottles

• paint (if dried out)

Items we CANNOT accept

• leaves

• grass clippings

• hazardous waste

• medical waste

If you have items that you are unable to transport to the drop off site, you can arrange to have the items picked up. Please email deb.cosgrove@nearsouth.org to request a pickup. Please provide your name, address, phone number, and a brief description of the item(s) you would like picked up. You will need to have the items at the curb or easily accessible near your home or garage. Our volunteers are not able to enter your home to get items out.

If you would like to volunteer at this event, please email deb.cosgrove@nearsouth.organd leave your name and number. We need help at the drop off site and we need drivers with a pick up truck.

Hello Neighbors!

It’s that time of year again – our beloved annual tradition of lighting luminarias up Goodhue Blvd is just around the corner, and we’d love your help to make it as special as ever! We very much appreciate Grace Chapel for offering their facility to pre-assemble the luminarias, and the members of Grace Chapel who are helping at 7 pm on Dec 23. 

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious first-timer, there’s a little something for everyone to pitch in. It’s a great way to share the spirit of the season, catch up with familiar faces, and maybe even meet a few new ones!

Here are the details:

• Date: Tuesday, December 24th, 1 pm at Goodhue Blve [15th & A]  

• Time: 1 to 4 pm

• Location: Goodhue  Blvd [15th & A Sts] Start by entering Grace Chapel east door.

Feel free to bring your energy, creativity, or just your friendly smile. Let us know if you can join by emailing Marcie.Young@nearsouth.org, or simply swing by!

Items that would help are SUVs or pickup to transport luminarias from Grace Chapel to Goodhue Blvd, and long necked lighters.

Looking forward to keeping the tradition alive with all of you!

Warmly,
Marcie Young, Luminaria Chair, on behalf of the Near South Neighborhood Association

The City has marked 29 trees for removal and replacement between A street and G Street along Goodhue Boulevard. Come get more information, ask questions, provide feedback, and understand how you can continue to be involved in next steps.

Details

Join us at the Sunken Gardens, located at 27th & Capitol Parkway, for original art, live music, beautiful flowers, and more!

12th Annual Art Sale hosted by Clements Noyes Art Gallery.

Parking available throughout the neighborhood or across 27th street in the rose garden/zoo area. ADA parking available on 26th street by the garden entrance.

Free admission and parking.

Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, 5:30 - 8pm

• First-Plymouth Church, 20th & D St. Enter West Door - upstairs to Pilgrim Hall

• Bring a dish to share. Tableware & Drinks provided.

• Renew your Membership. Purchase NS Merchandise including new Walking the Near South books. Meet new neighbors. Renew old Friendships.

Special Speaker:  Barry Jurgensen, Midwest Regional Manager/Historian for the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Mr. Jurgensen will discuss the journey and recognition of the John M. Thayer house (in the Near South neighborhood) and Governor Thayer's involvement in the freeing of slaves during the Civil War. 

Time to sign up to be on the neighborhood map and increase your sales! Russ’s Market (17 th & Washington) will have maps available in Customer Service.

Ads appear in the Journal Star & social media - free to participants.

Contact: Cathy Wilken, cwilken@nearsouth.org 402-730-5058 to have your address on the map (deadline May 24).

Give to Lincoln Day is a 24-hour event in which every donation gets a proportional share of a $500,000 matching fund made possible by Lincoln Community Foundation and generous sponsors.

Gifts made between May 1 and May 24 count toward the match. Your G2LD gift will help NSNA secure a portion of these matching funds and help support our Peach Park renovation. Please consider donating  $50 to honor the 50th Anniversary of the Near South Neighborhood Association and help make the Near South a healthier and more beautiful place to live, work and play.

Donate at GiveToLincoln.com. 

Not a Member of the Near South Neighborhood Association?
Becoming a member is a great way to be involved in our community, keep up on happenings in the neighborhood, and have a voice by casting a vote on issues and elections at our annual meetings. Members receive a quarterly newsletter with news of the neighborhood and information about the activities and projects of the association. Join today by visiting nearsouth.org/membership 

Tickets go on sale April 24.

Sunday’s traditional event is May 14, 1–5pm (online tickets $20 or in person at First-Plymouth Church east parking lot day of tour. )

May 14th check-in for receipt of “pre-sale” admission bracelets and tour books, as well as day-of-event ticket sales, takes place at First-Plymouth Church (East parking lot, 21st and “D” St). 

No tickets will be available for purchase at the home sites. 

Cost:  $20 for adults; children under 10 FREE; $50 per person for the May 13 VIP Tour.  Questions concerning the event may be directed to the event chair, Cathy Wilken. Click here to email questions to Cathy.

Don’t miss this bi-annual Near South Event!

Featured homes are:

• 1937 F St. – Clark-Leonard House (1887)

• 1721 Garfield St.– The Mother Griggs House (1893)

• 1930 F St. – Foster House (1896) 

• 1106 S. 20 th  St. – William & Helen FitzGerald House (1902-1903) Restoration in progress

•  1448 B St.--Joseph S. Brown House (Est. 1908)

• 1862 Harwood St.--Emma & Charles Warton House (1910)

• 1743 S. 24 th  St.--Margaretha & Ernest Rokahr House (1912)

• 1845 Pepper Ave. – Grace & E. Roy Deputy House (1914)

NSNA is celebrating our Golden (50 th ) Anniversary so we’re showcasing eight Golden homes you can tour during our Special VIP Event, Sat. May 13, 4–7pm. VIP tickets are only available for pre-sale online with a limited inventory of 80 tickets. Tickets go on sale April 24.

This is an exclusive tour with homeowners present to greet you and answer questions, followed by a Reception featuring food, beverages, and delightful music.

Homes featured are:

• 1937 F St. – Clark-Leonard House (1887)

• 1721 Garfield St.– The Mother Griggs House (1893)

• 1930 F St. – Foster House (1896) 

• 1106 S. 20 th  St. – William & Helen FitzGerald House (1902-1903) Restoration in progress

•  1448 B St.--Joseph S. Brown House (Est. 1908)

• 1862 Harwood St.--Emma & Charles Warton House (1910)

• 1743 S. 24 th  St.--Margaretha & Ernest Rokahr House (1912)

• 1845 Pepper Ave. – Grace & E. Roy Deputy House (1914)

Get ready for spring planting and support the Near South Neighborhood Association.

• Southview Christian Church parking lot, 22 nd & South St.

• We accept Credit Card, Venmo, Cash.

• We broke our record in sales last year. Let’s do it again!

Contact Leah Albers at  to donate plants, garden supplies, outdoor items, or if you would like to volunteer. 

Join us for the 2023 Spring Cleanup:

Meet in the NW Parking Lot of Lincoln High School, directly across from McDonald’s on Capitol Parkway. (view the event flier)

• Roll-off dumpsters available to accept gargabe and household trash.

• Separate dumpsters to accept yard brush. We can *NOT* accept leaves or grass clippings - only tree limbs.

• Tires will only be accepted until 2:00 pm no hazardous waste materials!

• Neighbors who aren't able to transport their trash and recyclables to the event can request a pickup! We will send volunteers with a truck to your address during the hours of the event.

• No appliances or oversized items please.

• To request a pickup, email Deb Cosgrove at Deb.cosgrove@nearsouth.org before 4/10/23.

Contact the Spring Clean-Up organizer