Changing times challenge us to keep in touch with as many Witherbee residents as possible. Avenues of communications change and newsletters, web sites, flyers and newspapers are not touching everybody any more. Online social networks have come quickly into the picture as a means to keep each other informed. That is why Witherbee has chosen to include Facebook pages as a communication tool to keep residents, young and old, up-to-date.

Please join Witherbee as a fan on Facebook and you will find pictures of events from cleanups, pool parties, block parties, lighting contests and much more. You will be informed of activities and events from the neighborhood in real time. You will be able to comment on posts, participate in discussions and communicate with each other.

If you already have a Facebook account just log in and search for Witherbee Neighborhood or go to www.witherbeena.org and click on our Facebook link. If you don’t have a Facebook account, go to www.facebook.com and sign up. It is simple and easy.

We are working hard to stay in touch with all residents, please help us to stay in touch with you to keep you informed!

WNA has invited John Chapo from the Lincoln Children’s Zoo to present some glimpses of the upcoming season for the Children’s Zoo located at 1222 S 27th Street in Lincoln. John will share some of the rich history, high standards, community outreach, conservation work and a glimpse into what is new for 2010. The Children’s Zoo offers wonderful programs where city kids can learn fi rsthand about critters that are cared for at the Zoo. The experience teaches them about volunteering in their communities as well as the care of the wild things we may only see in movies and television. Not all the animals are exotic, but the Zoo presents them in a way that is sure to entertain all ages. The Zoo’s motto is “To enrich lives through fi rsthand interaction with living things.”

John has been President and CEO since April of 1986. He previously was with the Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend, Indiana where he began as a volunteer in 1972 and worked his way to the position of director. He has degrees in Business Management & Administration and Public & Environmental Affairs as well as a Certifi cate in Wildlife Conservation & Captive Mgt. & Propagation from Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust, Channel Islands, Great Britain. John volunteers extensively in local and national associations that deal with zoos as well as community organizations. When John asks for volunteers, he is asking from a well seasoned experience of his own. Many youngsters have had their first working experience at the zoo. There are many opportunites for adult volunteers at the Children’s Zoo. Our own Jim Ihrie (510 S 39th St.) spends lots of hours helping at the zoo on a regular basis when he is not helping WNA with newsletter distribution.

The Lincoln Children’s Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The AZA is America’s leading accrediting organization that sets rigorous, professional standards for zoos and aquariums. The AZA is building North America’s largest wildlife conservation movement by engaging and inspiring the 143 million annual visitors to its member institutions and their communities to care about and take action to help protect wildlife. Visit the Children’s Zoo in person soon or check out their website at www.lincolnzoo.org.Check out their “CritterCam” and view animals featured in real time and many other features.

Click here to see pictures of homes with lights.

Click here for PDF version of list to print out.

Various Awards

· 611 S 34th – Norman Rockwell award (4)
· 3450 J St – Reach for the Star award (5)
· 3401 J St – Gingerbread House award (6)
· 3600 J St – Traditional Nativity award (7)
· 420 S 38th – Creative Whimsy award (8)
· 3400 Woods Ave (9) and 3330 Woods Ave (10) – Best Use of Wreaths award
· 3415 M St – Shooting Star award (11)
· 3425 N St – Simply Elegant award (12)
· 3348 N St – Black Forrest Cottage award (13)
· 4200 Randolph (14), 5101 M St and 4300 Witherbee (15) – Maximum Use of Property award
· 4306 L St – Little Bit of Everything award (16)
· 380 S 44th – Happy Snowman award (17)
· 623 S 46th – Most Creative Nativity award (19)
· 5041 L St – LES Loves You award (LOTS of lights) (22)
· 5511 L – Celebrate the Season award (24)
· 700 S 53rd – Spirit of the Season award (25)

Don’t miss these homes:

· 3769 H St (1)
· 710 S 37th (2)
· 3414 Randolph (3)
· 325 S 54th (23)

Streets worth driving by:

· Piazza Ter
· 49th and J Streets (21)
· Alles Ct – Good Neighbors award (all homes on the street with a common lighting theme)
· 34th to 35th and J Streets

Membership Meeting 

Thursday, February 4th -- 7 p.m.

at Tabitha's Lifequest Center 48th & J.
Enter the door under the big blue sign.

Agenda

• 7:00 PM Welcome
• Program: John Chapo from Lincoln Children’s Zoo (see story above)
• Holiday Lighting Contest results and prizes
• Business meeting:
• ongoing project reports
  -- tax-exempt status
  -- The Big Event: Mulching trees at Woods Park April 10th
  -- Hawthorne School/Bryan Community High School update
  -- Neighborhood Cleanup May 2010
  -- set goals for 2010
  -- 2010 Membership drive
  -- newsletter/communication committee
  -- other topics to be determined

  Any other business to come before the membership.